bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Photoelectrochemical Performance of WO3-TiO2 Nanorod Photoanodes in Water Splitting
Authors: Hariri Armin , Gilani Neda , Vahabzadeh Pasikhani Javad
Published: March 2021

TiO2 nanorod as a superior nanostructure has attracted a lot of attention to exert in the photocatalytic and photoelectrocatlytic applications in recent years. Nevertheless, its practical usage is restricted by a number of limitations such as the large band gap energy, the low rate of photo-induced carriers generation and the high rate of charge carriers recombination. Therefore in this study, incorporation of TiO2 nanorod with WO3 is proposed as a suitable approach to overcome these defects. In this regard, WO3-TiO2 nanorod was constructed by a facile one pot hydrothermal method in two incessant steps and was then employed as a potent photoanode for photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation. The morphology, elemental compositions and optical properties were characterized by the FESEM, EDS and DRS analysis, respectively. Furthermore, voltammetry analyses were performed to assay the photoelectrochemical features of WO3-TiO2 nanorod. The results confirmed that the incorporation of TiO2 nanorod with WO3 not only significantly made the band gap energy narrower (from 3eV to 2eV), but also dramatically intensified the photocurrent density and photoconversion efficiency from 1mA.cm-2 to 1.8mA.cm-2 and from 0.3% to 0.45%, respectively. As a consequence of improving optical properties and photoelectrochemical features, WO3-TiO2 nanorod could generate 2.43 mmol H2 during 100 min under UV irradiation, which was 1.71 times more than hydrogen generated over pure TiO2 nanorod
Effects of Modifications on the Immunosuppressive Properties of Cyclolinopeptide A and its Analogs in Animal Experimental Models
Authors: Zimecki Michał , Kaczmarek Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

The consequences of manipulations in structure and amino acid composition of native cyclolinopeptide A (CLA) from linen seeds and its linear precursor on their biological activities and mechanisms of action are reviewed. The modifications included truncation of the peptide chain, replacement of amino acid residues with proteinogenic or non-proteinogenic ones, modifications of peptide bond, and others. The studies revealed changes in the immunosuppressive potency of these analogs investigated in a number of in vitro and in vivo experimental models, predominantly in rodents, as well as differences in their postulated mechanism of action. The modified peptides were compared with cyclosporine A and parent CLA. Some of the synthesized and investigated peptides show potential therapeutic usefulness.
The Clubhouse Phenomenon: Do We Need Another Social Network?
Authors: Strielkowski Wadim
Published: March 2021

Being a combination of the conference call, talkback radio, audio podcast, and an online video chat, Clubhouse is a new social networking app that gained over 10 million users and over $100 in valuation in just 8 months. Unlike other social networks, it offers a real-time streaming audio chat that does not ask users to share any unnecessary information like exchanging text messages, conducting video calls, or sharing photos. Instead, Clubhouse users can listen to real-time conversations, contribute to these conversations and create their own conversations for the others to listen and to interact with. Often nicknamed a “Silicon Valley’s hottest start-up”, Clubhouse positions itself as an “exclusive” and “alternative” social network that attracts various celebrities and people who just want to talk to each other. Launched in March 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with its social distancing and lockdowns, Clubhouse offered its users a space for the digital group psychotherapy where people could solve their problems by talking them through with strangers. However, it is unclear what is going to happen to this new social network in the post-pandemic world after all of its hype eventually evaporates. This paper discusses the possible underlying motives for the Clubhouse creation and its real purposes. Moreover, it looks at the three possible scenarios of its further development.
Hidden Targets in RAF Signalling Pathways to Block Oncogenic RAS Signalling
Authors: Nolan Aoife A. , Aboud Nourhan K. , Kolch Walter , Matallanas David
Published: March 2021

Abstract: Oncogenic RAS mutations drive more than half of human cancers, and RAS inhibition is the holy grail of oncology. Thirty years of relentless efforts and harsh disappointments have taught us about the intricacies of oncogenic RAS signalling that allow us to now get a pharmacological grip on this elusive protein. The inhibition of effector pathways, such as the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway, has largely proven disappointing. So far, most of these efforts were aimed at blocking the activation of ERK. Here, we discuss RAF dependent pathways that are regulated through RAF functions independent of catalytic activity and their potential role as targets to block oncogenic RAS signalling. We focus on the now well documented roles of RAF kinase independent functions in apoptosis, cell cycle progression and cell migration.
Automatic Voice Query Service for Multi-Accented Mandarin Speech
Authors: Xiao Kejing , Qian Zhaopeng
Published: March 2021

Automatic Voice Query Service can extremely reduce the artificial cost, which could improve the response efficiency for users. The automatic speech recognition (ASR) is one of the important component in AVQS. However, many dialect areas in China make the AVQS have to response the multi-accented Mandarin users by single acoustic model in ASR. This problem severely limits the accuracy of ASR for multi-accented speech in the AVQS. In this paper, a new framework for AVQS is proposed to improve the accuracy of response. Firstly, the fusion feature including iVector and filterbank acoustic features is used to train the Transformer-CTC model. Secondly, the transformer-CTC model is used to construct the end-to-end ASR. Finally, key words matching algorithm for AVQS based on fuzzy mathematic theory is proposed to further improve the accuracy of response. The results show that the final accuracy in our proposed framework for AVQS arrives at 91.5%. The proposed framework for AVQS can satisfy the service requirement of different areas in mainland of China. This research has a great significance for exploring the application value of artificial intelligence in the real scene.
The Nanopore-Tweezing-Based, Targeted Detection of Nucleobases on Short Functionalized Peptide-Nucleic Acid Sequences
Authors: Dragomir Isabela , Asandei Alina , Schiopu Irina , Bucataru Ioana , Mereuta Loredana , Luchian Tudor
Published: March 2021

Quantum leaps advances in the single-molecule investigative science have been made possible over the past decades through the implication of nanopores, as versatile components on dedicated biosensors. Here, we employed the nanopore-tweezing technique to capture amino acid-functionalized, peptide-nucleic acids (PNA) with -hemolysin-based nanopores, and correlate the ensuing stochastic fluctuations of the ionic current through the nanopore with the composition and order of bases in the PNAs primary structure. We demonstrate that while the system enables detection of distinct bases on homopolymeric PNA or triplet bases on heteropolymeric strands, it also reveals rich insights into the conformational dynamics of the entrapped PNA within the nanopore, relevant for perfecting the recognition capability single-molecule sequencing.
Stability of Imprinting and Differentiation Capacity in Naïve Human Cells Induced by Chemical Inhibition of CDK8 and CDK19
Authors: Bernad Raquel , Lynch Cian J , Urdinguio Rocio G , Stephan-Otto Attolini Camille , Fraga Mario F , Serrano Manuel
Published: March 2021

Keywords: pluripotency; naïve; stem; imprinting; primordial germ cells; trophoblast; CDK8; Mediator; enhancers.
Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Human Commensal Neisseria Species
Authors: Goytia Maira , Thompson Symone T , Jordan Skylar VL , King Kacey A
Published: March 2021

Pathogenic Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes the sexually-transmitted infection gonorrhea. N. gonorrhoeae has evolved high levels of antimicrobial resistance (AR) leading to therapeutic failures even in dual-therapy treatment with azithromycin and ceftriaxone. AR mechanisms can be acquired by genetic transfer from closely related species, such as naturally-competent commensal Neisseria species. At present, little is known about the antimicrobial resistance profiles of commensal Neisseria. Here, we characterized the phenotypic resistance profile of four commensal Neisseria species (N. lactamica, N. cinerea, N. mucosa, and N. elongata) against 10 commonly used antibiotics, and compared their profiles to 4 N. gonorrhoeae strains, using disk diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration assays. Overall, we observed that 3 of the 4 commensals were more resistant to several antibiotics than pathogenic N. gonorrhoeae strains. Next, we compared the penicillin-binding-protein 2 (PBP2) sequences between commensal and N. gonorrhoeae strains. We found mutations in PBP2 known to confer resistance in N. gonorrhoeae also present in commensal Neisseria sequences. Our results suggest that commensal Neisseria have unexplored antibiotic resistance gene pools that may be exchanged with pathogenic N. gonorrhoeae, possibly impairing drug development and clinical treatment.
Help Seeking and Engagement for Young Men aged 18 to 30 years in Suicidal Crisis: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Saini Pooja , Chopra Jennifer , Hanlon Claire A , Boland Jane
Published: March 2021

Due to the continuing high suicide rates among young men, there is a need to understand help-seeking behaviour and engagement with tailored suicide prevention interventions. The aim of this study was to explore help-seeking behaviour and engagement for young men aged 18 to 30 years who attended a therapeutic centre for men in a suicidal crisis. In this prospective cohort study, data were collected from 546 men who were referred into a community-based therapeutic service in North West England. Of the 546 men, 337 (52%) received therapy; 161 (48%) were aged between 18 and 30 years (mean age 24 years, SD=3.4). One third (n=54; 34%) of the men were seen within 48 hours of their referral. Analyses included baseline differences, symptom trajectories for the CORE-34 Clinical Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) and engagement with the therapy. For the CORE 34 there was a clinically significant reduction in mean scores between assessment and discharge (p<0.001), with all outcomes demonstrating a large effect size. Future research needs to assess the long-term effects of help-seeking using a brief psychological intervention for young men in order to understand whether the effects of the therapy are sustainable over a period of time following discharge from the service.
„Skywatcher” System for Daylight Measurements
Authors: Kusznier Jacek , Zajkowski Maciej , Budzynski Lukasz , Sielachowska Magdalena , Tyniecki Damian
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this work is to determine the possibility of using an automated SkyWatcher Virtuoso system to analyze distribution of sky luminance. The article presents the procedure for measuring the sky luminance distribution defined according to CIE using a manual luminance meter cooperating with the SkyWatcher system. The use of matrix luminance meter was also analyzed.
A Novel Method for Analyzing 100% Renewable and Sector-coupled Sub-national Energy Systems–Case Study of Schleswig-Holstein
Authors: Maruf Md. Nasimul Islam
Published: March 2021

The energy transition requires integration of different energy carriers, including electricity, heat, and transport sectors. Energy modeling methods and tools are essential to provide a clear insight into the energy transition. However, the methodologies often overlook the details of small-scale energy systems. The study states an innovative approach to facilitate sub-national energy systems with 100% renewable penetration and sectoral integration. An optimization model, OSeEM-SN, is developed under the Oemof framework. The model is validated using the case study of Schleswig-Holstein. The study assumes three scenarios representing 25%, 50%, and 100% of the total available biomass potentials. OSeEM-SN reaches feasible solutions without additional offshore wind investment, indicating that they can be reserved for supplying other states’ energy demand. The annual investment cost varies between 1.02 bn – 1.44 bn €/yr for the three scenarios. The electricity generation decreases by 17%, indicating that with high biomass-based combined heat and power plants, the curtailment from other renewable plants can be decreased. Ground source heat pumps dominate the heat mix; however, their installation decreases by 28% as the biomass penetrates fully into the energy mix. The validation confirms OSeEM-SN as a beneficial tool to examine different scenarios for sub-national energy systems.
Formulation Of Quantum Mechanics On Poincare Disks
Authors: Tozzi Arturo
Published: March 2021

The unexploited unification of general relativity and quantum mechanics (QM) prevents the proper understanding of the micro- and macroscopic world. Here we put forward a mathematical approach that introduces the problem in terms of negative curvature manifolds. We suggest that the oscillatory dynamics described by wave functions might take place on hyperbolic continuous manifolds, standing for the counterpart of QM’s Hilbert spaces. We describe how the tenets of QM, such as the observable A, the autostates ψa and the Schrodinger equation for the temporal evolution of states, might work very well on a Poincaré disk equipped with rotational groups. This curvature-based approach to QM, combined with the noncommutativity formulated in the language of gyrovectors, leads to a mathematical framework that might be useful in the investigation of relativity/QM relationships. Furthermore, we introduce a topological theorem, termed the punctured balloon theorem (PBT), which states that an orientable genus-1 surface cannot encompass disjoint points. PBT suggests that hyperbolic QM manifolds must be of genus ≥ 1 before measuring and genus zero after measuring. We discuss the implications of PBT in gauge theories and in the physics of the black holes.
The Structure of n Harmonic Points and Generalizations of Desargues’ Theorems
Authors: Thaqi Xhevdet , (Alimi) Ekrem Aljimi
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we consider the relation of more than four harmonic points in a line. For this purpose, starting from the dependence of the harmonic points, Desargues’ theorems, and perspectivity, we note that it is necessary to conduct a generalization of the Desargues’ theorems for projective complete n-points, which are used to implement the definition of the generalization of harmonic points. We present new findings regarding the uniquely determined and constructed sets of H-points and their structure. The well-known fourth harmonic points represent the special case (n=4) of the sets of H-points of rank 2, which is indicated by P42.
Sensor Validation and Diagnostic Potential of Smartwatches in Movement Disorders
Authors: Varghese Julian , Alen Catharina Marie van , Fujarski Michael , Warnecke Tobias , Thomas Christine
Published: March 2021

Smartwatches provide technology-based assessments in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We present results for sensor validation and disease classification via Machine Learning (ML). A comparison setup was designed with two different series of Apple smartwatches, one Nanometrics seismometer and a high-precision shaker to measure tremor-like amplitudes and frequencies. Clinical smartwatch measurements were acquired from a prospective study including 450 participants with PD, differential diagnoses (DD) and healthy participants. All participants wore two smartwatches and within a 15-min examination. Symptoms and medical history were captured on the paired smartphone. A broad range of different ML classifiers were cross-validated. Amplitude and frequency differences between smartwatches and the seismometer were under the level of clinical significance. The most advanced task of distinguishing PD vs DD was evaluated with 74,1% balanced accuracy, 86,5% precision and 90,5% recall by Multilayer Perceptrons. Deep Learning architectures significantly underperformed in all classification tasks. Smartwatches are capable of capturing subtle-tremor signs with low noise. This study provided the largest PD sample size of two-hand smartwatch measurements and our preliminary ML-evaluation shows that such a system provides powerful means for diagnosis classification and new digital biomarkers but it remains challenging for distinguishing similar disorders.
Unveiling the Fundamental Mechanisms of Graphene Oxide Selectivity on the Ascorbic Acid, Dopamine, and Uric Acid by Density Functional Theory Calculations and Charge Population Analysis
Authors: Prasert Kittiya , Sutthibutpong Thana
Published: March 2021

The selectivity of electrochemical sensors to ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), and uric acid (UA) remains an open challenge in the field of biosensing. In this study, the selective mechanisms for detecting AA, DA, and UA molecules on the graphene and graphene oxide substrates were illustrated through the charge population analysis from the DFT calculation results. Our substrate models contained the 1:10 oxygen per carbon ratio of reduced graphene oxide, and the functionalized configurations were selected according to the formation energy. Geometry optimizations were performed for the adsorption of AA, DA, and UA on the pristine graphene, epoxy-functionalized graphene, and hydroxyl-functionalized graphene at the DFT level with vdW-DF2 corrections. From the calculations, AA was bound to both epoxy and hydroxyl-functionalized GO with relatively low adsorption energy, while DA was adsorbed stronger to the electronegative epoxy groups. The strongest adsorption of UA to both types of functional groups corresponded to the largest amount of electron transfer through the pi orbitals of UA. Local electron loss created local electric fields that opposed the electron transfer during an oxidation reaction. Our analysis agreed with the results from previous experimental studies and provide insight into other electrode modifications for electrochemical sensing.
Novel Diagnostic Markers for Endometriosis
Authors: Kimber-Trojnar Żaneta , Pilszyk Aleksandra , Niebrzydowska Magdalena , Pilszyk Zuzanna , Ruszała Monika , Leszczyńska-Gorzelak Bożena
Published: March 2021

Endometriosis is a disease that affects women of reproductive age and has a significant impact on their well-being. The main symptoms are dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain and infertility. The diagnostic process in many cases is very long and can take up to 8-12 years. Laparoscopy, which is an invasive method, is still necessary to confirm final identification. Therefore, the development of diagnostic markers seems to be crucial for the diagnosis and proper treatment of women affected by endometriosis as soon as possible. Still the most frequently studied and used marker is Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125). Other glycoproteins, growth factors and immune markers seem to play an important role. However, the search for the ideal endometriosis marker is still ongoing. Developing researches on endometriosis pathogenesis help to identify potential biomarkers or sets of biomarkers in order to improve and speed up the diagnostic process in a non-invasive way.
Alcoholism as a Risk Factor for COVID-19: Boosting Inflammatory Response
Authors: Akram Muhammad , Iqbal Mehwish , Altable Marcos , de la Serna Juan Moises
Published: March 2021

Alcoholism is a condition associated with psychiatric and psychiatric problems, where the respiratory system is damaged through the mucociliary ladder mechanism and alveolar macrophage dysfunction. In the time COVID-19 has been observed a dramatic increase in alcohol consumption mediated by levels of anxiety and situations of confinement. In this work we analyze the relationship between alcoholism and SARS, especially with SARS-CoV-2, explained by a degradation of the host defenses of the respiratory epithelium by changing the barrier function, the discharge of cytokines and the functions of the cilia. All of them involved in the defense mechanism. of the lungs. This leads to a worse prognosis for patients precisely because of alcohol consumption. Based on this approach, alcoholism will exacerbate the consequences of COVID-19.
Graphene Oxide Topical Administration: Skin Permeability Studies
Authors: Silva Filipa A. L. S. , Costa-Almeida Raquel , Timochenco Licínia , Amaral Sara I. , Pinto Soraia , Gonçalves Inês C. , Fernandes José R. , Magalhães Fernão D. , Sarmento Bruno , Pinto Artur M.
Published: March 2021

Nanostructured carriers have been widely used in pharmaceutical formulations for dermatological treatment. They offer targeted drug delivery, sustained release, improved biostability, and low toxicity, usually presenting advantages over conventional formulations. Due to its large surface area, small size and photothermal properties, graphene oxide (GO) has the potential to be used for such applications. Nanographene oxide (GOn) presented average sizes of 197.6 ± 11.8 nm, and a surface charge of -39.4 ± 1.8 mV, being stable in water for over 6 months. 55.5 % of the mass of GOn dispersion (at a concentration of 1 mg mL-1) permeated the skin after 6 h of exposure. GOn dispersions have been shown to absorb near-infrared radiation, reaching temperatures up to 45.7 °C, within mild photothermal therapy temperature range. Furthermore, GOn in amounts superior to those which could permeate the skin were shown not to affect human skin fibroblasts (HFF-1) morphology or viability, after 24 h of incubation. Due to its large size, no skin permeation was observed for graphite particles in aqueous dispersions stabilized with Pluronic P-123 (Gt-P-123). Altogether, for the first time, GOn potential as a topic administration agent and for delivery of photothermal therapy has been demonstrated.
Human Pleural Fluid and Human Serum Albumin Modulate the Behavior of a Hypervirulent and Multidrug-Resistant (Mdr) Acinetobacter baumannii Representative Strain
Authors: Pimentel Camila , Le Casin , Tuttobene Marisel R. , Subils Tomas , Martinez Jasmine , Sieira Rodrigo , Papp-Wallace Krisztina M. , Keppetipola Niroshika , Bonomo Robert , Actis Luis A. , Tolmasky Marcelo E. , Ramirez Maria Soledad
Published: March 2021

Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomial pathogen capable of causing serious infections associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Due to its antimicrobial drug resistance profile, A. baumannii is categorized as an urgent priority pathogen by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States and priority group 1 critical microorganism by the World Health Organization. Understanding how A. baumannii adapts to different host environments may provide critical insights into strategically targeting this pathogen with novel antimicrobial and biological therapeutics. Exposure to human fluids was previously shown to alter the gene expression profile of a highly drug susceptible A. baumannii strain A118 leading to persistence and survival of this pathogen. Herein, we explore the impact of human pleural fluid (HPF) and human serum albumin (HSA) on the gene expression profile of a highly multi-drug resistant strain of A. baumannii AB5075. Differential expression was observed for ~30 genes, whose products are involved in quorum sensing, quorum quenching, iron acquisition, fatty acid metabolism, biofilm formation, secretion systems and type IV pilus formation. Phenotypic and further transcriptomic analysis using quantitative RT-PCR confirmed RNA-seq data and pointed out a distinctive role of HSA as the molecule involved in A. baumannii response.
Türkiye’de Sepet Kur Volatilitesinin GARCH Modellemesi: Asimetri Etkisi Yaklaşımı
Authors: SÜMER Ayşegül Ladin
Published: March 2021

Amaç: Volatilite, farklı makroekonomik değişkenler üzerindeki olası bir risk ölçüsü iken, finansal küreselleşmeden sonra döviz kuru volatilitesi için özel bir analiz süreci haline gelmiştir. Bu araştırmanın amacı, Türkiye’nin dış borç ve ticaretinde baskın olan dolar ve euro kurlarından oluşturulan sepet kur volatilitesinin incelenmesidir.
Tasarım/Yöntem: Sepet kur volatilitesi, 2001:M1-2020:M6 döneminde normal ve Student-t dağılımları altında GARCH, EGARCH, TGARCH ve PARCH modelleriyle analiz edilmiştir.
Bulgular: Söz konusu modellerin tahmin sonuçlarının karşılaştırmasına göre, sepet kur volatilitesinin belirlenmesinde en iyi model Student-t dağılımı altında PARCH(1,1)’dir. Öngörü performansı da yüksek olan Student-t dağlılımı altındaki PARCH(1,1) modelinin, sepet kur serisinin geleceğe yönelik projeksiyonlarında başarılı olacağı düşünülmektedir.
Sınırlılıklar: Sepet kur bileşeni olarak sadece dolar ve euronun değerlendirilmesi bu araştırmanın sınırlılığıdır.
Özgünlük/Değer: Sepet kur volatilitesinin modellenmesine ilişkin mevcut tek çalışmaya alternatif olarak literatüre katkı sağlaması araştırmanın özgünlüğünü oluşturmaktadır.
Surgical Reconstruction of Isolated Upper Trunk Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries in the Presence of an Avulsed C5 or C6 Nerve Root
Authors: Davidge Kristen M. , Ho Emily S. , Curtis Christine G. , Clarke Howard M.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Avulsion of either the C5 or C6 root with intact middle and lower trunks in brachial plexus birth injury is rare. In these cases, only 1 proximal root is available for intraplexal reconstruction. The purpose of the present study was to determine the outcomes of these patients when single-root reconstruction was balanced across the anterior and posterior elements of the upper trunk.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data for patients with brachial plexus birth injury who underwent primary nerve reconstruction between 1993 and 2014. Patients were included who had isolated upper-trunk injuries with intact middle and lower trunks. The study group had avulsion of either the C5 or C6 root. The control group had neuroma-in-continuity or ruptures of the upper trunk. Outcomes were assessed with use of the Active Movement Scale and the Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was utilized to evaluate changes across treatment.

Results:

Ten patients with brachial plexus birth injury were included in the avulsion cohort. Surgical reconstruction entailed neuroma resection and nerve grafting from the single available root balanced across all distal targets with or without spinal accessory-to-suprascapular nerve transfer. Significant improvements were observed across treatment for both the avulsion and control groups in terms of shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, external rotation, elbow flexion, and supination. At a mean follow-up of 54.5 ± 8.8 months, patients in the avulsion group achieved Active Movement Scale scores of 6.8 ± 0.4 for elbow flexion and 6.5 ± 0.9 for shoulder flexion and abduction, with lesser recovery observed in external rotation (3.3 ± 2.8). All patients available for Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure assessments demonstrated functional movement.

Conclusions:

In the setting of avulsion of 1 upper-trunk root, nerve reconstruction by grafting of the upper trunk from the other upper-trunk root provides improved movement, high Active Movement Scale scores, and satisfactory function according to the Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure. These data provide support for a strategy that ensures the entire upper trunk is adequately reconstructed in the setting of upper-trunk lesions.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Arthroscopic Simulation: The Future of Surgical Training
Authors: Lakhani Saad , Selim Omar A. , Saeed Muhammad Zahid
Published: March 2021

Background:

Arthroscopic simulation has rapidly evolved recently with the introduction of higher-fidelity simulation models, such as virtual reality simulators, which provide trainees an environment to practice skills without causing undue harm to patients. Simulation training also offers a uniform approach to learn surgical skills with immediate feedback. The aim of this article is to review the recent research investigating the use of arthroscopy simulators in training and the teaching of surgical skills.

Methods:

A systematic review of the Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases for English-language articles published before December 2019 was conducted. The search terms included arthroscopy or arthroscopic in combination with simulation or simulator.

Results:

We identified a total of 44 relevant studies involving benchtop or virtually simulated ankle, knee, shoulder, and hip arthroscopy environments. The majority of these studies demonstrated construct and transfer validity; considerably fewer studies demonstrated content and face validity.

Conclusions:

Our review indicates that there is a considerable evidence base regarding the use of arthroscopy simulators for training purposes. Further work should focus on the development of a more uniform simulator training course that can be compared with current intraoperative training in large-scale trials with long-term follow-up at tertiary centers.
Lahroud, a Paleo-Tethys Remnant in Northwestern Iran: Implications for Geochemistry, Radioisotope Geochronology, and Tectonic Setting
Authors: Hassanpour S.
Published: March 2021

—The Lahroud Ophiolite in northwestern Iran contains extensive zones of Paleozoic ophiolite as remnants of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic crust. The principal rock units are gabbro overlain by pillow basalt, which is intruded by granites and interbedded with pelagic sedimentary units including radiolarian cherts. Geochemistry and radioisotope studies, supported by Nd, Sm, Sr, and Pb isotope data, indicate that the Lahroud Ophiolite originates from a within-plate basaltic mantle source. The isotope studies show that the basalts are derived from Indian-type oceanic mantle sources. The radiogenic data indicate the involvement of subduction-related terrigenous materials in the source magma. All the rocks are geochemically cogenetic and were generated by fractionation of a melt with a composition of average E-MORB with a calc-alkaline signature. Two 40Ar/39Ar ages, 343 ± 3 Ma for muscovite minerals and 187.7 ± 7.7 Ma for glasses, suggest that metamorphic and basaltic rocks formed during the Late Paleozoic to Early Jurassic, respectively. Microfossil studies show the presence of Paleozoic biostratigraphy. The crystallization process and rifting into the oceanic crust in the Lahroud Ophiolite probably began in the Carboniferous, with volcanic activity continuing during the Late Triassic.
Desenvolvimento e Análise do Desempenho de um Sistema Automatizado Baseado na Plataforma Arduino para Manejo da Irrigação
Authors: Maia Coelho Rigles , Barroca de Almeida Neto Onofre , Dos Reis e Castro Ilhêus Nicolau , Cirino Grossi Reis Marine , Melo Resende Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

Realizou-se um trabalho com objetivo de desenvolver e analisar o desempenho de um sistema com software e hardware baseado na plataforma Arduino, para monitoramento e execução do processo de irrigação. Comparou-se o sistema desenvolvido com a metodologia balanço hídrico, buscando avaliar sua eficiência em termos de lâmina de água aplicada (LAA) e produção de matéria seca (PMS). O experimento foi conduzido através do delineamento em blocos casualizados, com dois tratamentos e quatro repetições, sendo eles, sistema automatizado e balanço hídrico. O período de avaliações em campo ocorreu durante apenas um ciclo do cultivar implantado na área experimental (12/02/2019 a 04/03/2019). Os tratamentos apresentaram diferença significativa (5% de significância) em relação a LAA (p = 0,00306), já em termo de PMS não houve diferença significativa (p = 0,37991). A relação entre valor analógico e potencial matricial, apresentou comportamento linear (r² = 0,9159). Os valores de potencial matricial adquiridos através do tensiômetro de punção e os valores vindos da curva de retenção, quando comparados, apresentaram r² = 0,95.
Projeto de Máquinas Síncronas de Relutância em Aplicações Veiculares
Authors: Silva e Silva P. H. A. , Santos Jr. J. A. , Arantes de Freitas Marcos Antônio , Viajante G. P. , Oliveira M. E. , Chaves E. N.
Published: March 2021

A crescente demanda por motores elétricos capazes de operar em altas velocidades, com boa produção de conjugado, tem tornado os motores de relutância síncronos competitivos e bastante empregados em aplicações veiculares, indústrias têxteis e em sistemas de bombeamento e ventilação. Em função disso, este artigo apresenta as características de projeto, modelo matemático do motor e do controle de velocidade, empregando a técnica de controle de campo orientado indireto (IFOC). Os resultados, por fim, são analisados a partir de simulação computacional.
CURSO DE EXTENSÃO EM PREVENÇÃO DE ACIDENTES E PRIMEIROS SOCORROS PARA EDUCADORES EXTENSION COURSE IN PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS AND FIRST AID FOR EDUCATORS
Authors: Paulo Leão  , Alessandra Malheiro  , Flávia De Souza Fernandes
Published: March 2021

Trata-se de curso de extensão oferecido pelo Instituto Federal Catarinense (IFC) Campus Camboriú para trabalhadores da educação. O curso teve como objetivo geral realizar formação em prevenção de acidentes e primeiros socorros para educadores e ocorreu entre março e abril de 2018 no Laboratório de Primeiros Socorros do referido campus. Foram realizadas cinco oficinas práticas, ministradas por aluno do curso Técnico de Segurança do Trabalho, com supervisão dos professores, totalizando 20 horas. A atividade foi de extrema importância pois os educadores envolvidos puderam adquirir conhecimentos necessários para atuar em situações do cotidiano que requerem atendimentos de primeiros socorros, e identificação de situações de risco de acidentes na escol a, a fim de poder evitá los.
Unraveling the neuroprotective effect of Tinospora cordifolia in Parkinsonian mouse model through proteomics Approach.
Authors: Birla Hareram , Keswani Chetan , Singh Saumitra Sen , Zahra Walia , Dilnashin Hagera , Rathore Aaina Singh , Singh Richa , Rajput Monika , Singh Surya Pratap
Published: March 2021

Stress-induced dopaminergic (DAergic) neuronal death in the midbrain region is the primary cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD). From the discovery of L-dopa, multiple drugs were discovered to improve lifestyle of PD patients, but they failed due to their multiple side effects. Tinospora cordifolia (Tc), a medicinal herb has been used in traditional medicines to treat neurodegenerative diseases. In our previous study, the neuroprotective role of Tc against MPTP intoxicated Parkinsonian mice was reported. Here, we further explore the neuroprotective molecular mechanisms of Tc in Rotenone (ROT) intoxicated mouse model through proteomics approach. Mice were pretreated with Tc extract by oral administration, followed by ROT-intoxication. Behavioral tests were performed to check motor functions of mice. Protein was isolated, and label free quantification (LFQ) was carried out to identify differentially expressed protein (DEPs) in control vs. PD and PD vs. treatment group. In this study, we report 800 DEPs in control vs. PD and 133 in PD vs. Treatment group. In silico tools clearly demonstrate significant enrichment of biochemical and molecular pathways with DEPs which are known to be important for PD progression including mitochondrial gene expression, PD pathways, TGF-β signaling, Alzheimer’s disease etc. This results were further validated by qRT-PCR and found that the expression of target gene were identical to the proteomics data. This study provides a novel insight for the disease progression as well new therapeutic tagets. More importantly, it demonstrates that Tc exerts the therapeutic effects through the regulation of multiple pathways to protect DAergic neurons.
Estimation of the interaction between groundwater and surface water based on the flow routing using an improved nonlinear Muskingum-Cunge method
Authors: Lu Chengpeng , Ji Keyan , Wang Wanjie , Zhang Yong , Ealotswe Tema Koketso , Qin Wei , Lu Jiayun , Liu Bo , Shu Longcang
Published: March 2021

The interaction of groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW) not only sustains the runoff in dry seasons, but also plays an important role in regulating aquatic ecosystems. Hydrological engineers proposed the idea of modeling flood routing using the Muskingum-Cunge method. This study proposes an improved nonlinear Muskingum-Cunge flood routing model considering lateral inflow, which is denoted as NMCL1 and NMCL2 that can simulate the flood routing and calculate GW-SW exchange. In addition, both the linear and nonlinear lateral inflow (with the channel inflow) are discussed, and both the stable lateral inflow due to GW-SW exchange and the lateral inflow changing with the river inflow are considered for the first time. Sensitivity analysis has shown that different parameters have different effects on the simulation results. Three different flood cases documented in literature with one measured from Zhongtian River, China, were selected to compare the classical and the updated Muskingum-Cunge methods. Two different floods of the River Wye are selected to verify the accuracy of the calibrated model. Comparison has shown that, for several cases, the proposed method is capable of obtaining the optimal simulation results. The proposed method can estimate the GW-SW interaction and lateral inflow reliably, and inherits the ability of Maskingum-Cunge in flood routing. Moreover, the new Muskingum-Cunge method can quantify GW-SW exchange, and the estimation has reliably owned to the nonlinearity and sign flexibility of the calculated exchange process.
A Comparative Assessment of Multi-criteria Decision Analysis for Flood Susceptibility Modeling 
Authors: Tabarestani Ehsan Shahiri , Afzalimehr Hossein
Published: March 2021

Floods are one of the most damaging natural disasters throughout the world. The purpose of this study is to develop a reliable model for identification of flood susceptible areas. Three Multi-criteria decision-making techniques, namely Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC) methods combined with weight of evidence (WOE) were used in Mazandaran Province, Iran. MABAC method is applied to determine the flood susceptibility in this study, for the first time. At first, 160 flood locations were identified in the study area, of which 112 (70%) locations were selected randomly for modeling, and the remaining 48 (30%) locations were used for validation. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) with eight conditioning factors including rainfall, distance from rivers, slope, soil, geology, elevation, drainage density, and land use, the flood susceptibility maps were prepared. The results showed that the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the test data of AHP-WOE, TOPSIS-WOE-AHP, and MABAC-WOE-AHP methods were 75.3%, 91.6%, and 86.1%, respectively, which indicate the reasonable accuracy of models. High accuracy of the proposed new model (MABAC) clarifies its applicability for preventive measures.
Spectral beam combining of discrete quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Gu Zenghui , Zhang Jinchuan , Zhai Shenqiang , Zhuo Ning , Liu Shuman , Liu Junqi , Wang Lijun , Liu Fengqi , Wang Zhanguo
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we report a spectral beam combining technique based on discrete quantum cascade lasers at l~ 4.8 mm. Good beam qualities of M 2 < 1.3 for both fast and slow axes are obtained. The entire spectrum span is approximately 29.1 cm -1 , which is consistent with the theoretical results of grating equation. Maximum beam combining efficiency of 58.9% with output power exceeding 1 W is demonstrated under continuous wave operation at room temperature. The limit of beam combining efficiency is theoretically investigated. The independent temperature control for the discrete lasers circumvented the issue of thermal crosstalk between the lasers on an array and pave the way to high power and high efficiency laser spectral beam combining.
RAMS11 promotes CRC through mTOR-dependent inhibition of autophagy, suppression of apoptosis, and promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: KHAN Md Zahirul ISLAM , LAW Helen Ka-Wai
Published: March 2021

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) associated with diverse biological processes of cells. Over the past decades, cumulating research evidences revealed that abnormal expressions of lncRNAs are associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapies. Moreover, their usefulness as candidate biomarkers for CRC diagnosis and prognosis are well evident throughout previous literature. In the current study, we examined the role and molecular mechanisms of newly identified lncRNA named RNA associated with metastasis-11 (RAMS11) in CRC development.

Methods

The expression of RAMS11 in CRC cell lines DLD-1, HT-29, HCT-116, and SW480 and colon normal cells CCD-112-CoN were evaluated by quantitative RT-qPCR. The results showed that the RAMS11 is significantly upregulated in CRC cell lines compared to the normal cells. The CCK-8 proliferation assay, colony formation assay, and migration assay were performed to evaluate the biological and physiological functions of RAMS11 in vitro . To decipher the molecular mechanisms of RAMS11 medicated CRC progression, we further performed western blot analysis of the key pathway proteins (e.g., AMPK, AKT, and mTOR).

Results

Our results revealed that higher expression of RAMS11 is associated with increased CRC proliferation, migration, and development of metastasis. Knockdown of RAMS11 induced autophagy, apoptosis along with reduction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) suggesting that RAMS11 is involved in CRC progression. The molecular mechanisms of RAMS11 indicated that knockdown of RAMS11 significantly inhibited CRC carcinogenesis through mTOR-dependent autophagy induction.

Conclusions

In sum, our results suggested that RAMS11 is an important oncogene in CRC pathogenesis. Targeting RAMS11 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC management.
Source and pattern identification of ground deformation based on the framework of Blind Source Separation--Nonnegative Matrix Factorization: a case study in a long-term GPS monitoring mine
Authors: Gu hongyu , Ma fengshan , Lin Liangjun , wang donghui , Tie yongbo , Chen weichang
Published: March 2021

Ground deformation caused by mining affects the safety of underground mining and buildings. High-resolution characterization of ground deformation respond to latent sources is a first step toward improved hazard forecasting. We rely on long-term GPS displacement data and an improved NMF algorithm of BSS to identify the sources driving ground deformation. The NMF identifies three sources (S1, S2, and S3) with distinct spatial and temporal surface deformation patterns and quantitatively reveals the contribution of each source to ground deformation. S1 captures horizontal Y-displacement related to horizontal tectonic stress \({{\sigma }}_{1}\). S2 dominates vertical Z-displacement with a widespread isotropous deformation driven by self-weight body force. S3 controls horizontal X-displacement related to horizontal tectonic stress \({{\sigma }}_{2}\). Besides, we find that independent contributions of these three sources can be resolved from the GPS data. The results show that the sharp change of source contribution and even transformation of dominate source are highly related to the severe deformation belt. This phenomenon is time independent, and helps us to select sites and find the potential risk area at its early stage.
Pig genome functional annotation enhances biological interpretations of complex traits and comparative epigenomics
Authors: Zhou Huaijun , Pan Zhangyuan , Yao Yuelin , Ying Hongwei , Cai Zexi , Wang Ying , Bai Lijing , Kern Colin , Halstead Michelle , Chanthavixay Kelly , Trakooljul Nares , Wimmers Klaus , Sahana Goutam , Su Guosheng , Lund Mogens Sandø , Fredholm Merete , Karlskov-Mortensen Peter , Ernst Catherine , Ross Pablo , Tuggle Christopher , Fang Lingzhao
Published: March 2021

The functional annotation of livestock genomes is crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin complex traits of economic importance, adaptive evolution and comparative genomics. Here, we provide the most comprehensive catalogue to date of regulatory elements in the pig (Sus scrofa) by integrating 223 epigenomic and transcriptomic data sets, representing 14 biologically important tissues. We systematically describe the dynamic epigenetic landscape across tissues by functionally annotating 15 different chromatin states and defining their tissue-specific regulatory activities. We demonstrate that genomic variants associated with complex traits and adaptive evolution in pig are significantly enriched in active promoters and enhancers. Furthermore, we reveal distinct tissue-specific regulatory selection between Asian and European pig domestication processes. Compared with human and mouse epigenomes, we show that porcine regulatory elements are more conserved in DNA sequence, under both rapid and slow evolution, than those under neutral evolution across pig, mouse, and human. Finally, we provide novel biological insights on tissue-specific regulatory conservation and demonstrate that, depending on the traits, mouse or pig might be more appropriate biomedical models for different complex traits and diseases in humans through integrating comparative epigenomes with 47 human genome-wide association studies.
Differences between genetic dilated cardiomyopathy and myocarditis in children presenting with severe cardiac dysfunction.
Authors: Gran Ferran , Fidalgo Andrea , Dolader Paola , Garrido Marta , Navarro Alexandra , Izquierdo-Blasco Jaume , Balcells Joan , Codina-Sola Marta , Fernandez-Alvarez Paula , Sabaté-Rotés Anna , Betrián Pedro , Fernández-Doblas Joaquín , Abella Raúl , Roses-Noguer Ferran
Published: March 2021

Background Acute myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium, and it can present as severe heart failure in children. Differential diagnosis with genetic cardiomyopathy can be difficult. The objective of this study is to identify patterns of clinical presentation and to assess invasive and non-invasive measures to differentiate patients with acute myocarditis from patients with dilated genetic cardiomyopathy. Material and Methods We performed a retrospective descriptive study of all paediatric patients (0-16 years old) that presented with new-onset heart failure with left ventricle ejection fraction <35% in whom we performed an endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) during the period from April 2007 to December 2020. Results The patients were classified into two groups: Group 1 included 17 patients with myocarditis. Group 2 included 9 patients with genetic cardiomyopathy. Findings favouring a diagnosis of myocarditis included a fulminant or acute presentation (77.8% vs 33.3%, p=0.01), higher degree of cardiac enzyme elevation (p=0.011), lower left ventricular dimension z-score (2.2 vs. 5.4, p = 0.03) increase of ventricular wall thickness (88.8% vs 33.3%, p=0.03), and oedema in the endomyocardial biopsy. Seven (77.8%) patients with genetic cardiomyopathy had inflammation in the endomyocardial biopsy, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of inflammatory cardiomyopathy. Conclusions Differentiate patients with a myocarditis from those with genetic cardiomyopathy can be challenging, even performing an EMB. Some patients with genetic cardiomyopathy fulfil the diagnostic criteria of inflammatory cardiomyopathy. Using invasive and non-invasive measures may be useful to develop a predictive model to differentiate myocarditis from genetic cardiomyopathy.