bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expert System To Identify Insomnia Problems In Adults Using Forward Chaining Method
Authors: Ningsih Ayu Dwi Ratna , Eviyanti Ade
Published: August 2021

Insomnia is a symptom that is often experienced by adults of productive age, such as having difficulty starting to sleep, often waking up at night. With the development of technology, most of the jobs have involved technology. Expert systems are artificial intelligence that is growing rapidly in the world of technology. With an expert system, a person can be helped according to their needs when it is difficult to meet directly with the expert. The purpose of this study was to make it easier for researchers to identify insomnia problems based on the symptoms experienced by the adults around them. The research method used is the forward chaining method. while the data collection technique is quantitative data technique. The desired result of this study is the reduction of a person affected by insomnia problems and the Expert System can provide solutions to reduce Insomnia Problems such as relaxation music before consulting a doctor.
Comparison of Natural Dyes from Telang Flower Extracts (Clitoria ternatea L) as a Substitute for Methylen Blue in Diff Quik Painting
Authors: Azka Elsa Nurita , Mandasari Andita Ayu , Santoso Setyo Dwi
Published: August 2021

Telang flower (Clitorea ternatea L) is a type of vine that grows wild in rice fields and has been widely used as food coloring. Telang flowers contain several active compounds, which is anthocyanin gives a blue color. This research was conducted with the aim of knowing the telang flower extract as a natural dye to substitute methylenen blue in diff quik painting. The analysis samples used were oral mucosal ephithelial cells which were taken by scraping the oral mucosa using cytobrush. Dried and mashed telang flower was then dissolved with distilled water (1:5) to make an extracts before the trial process of the samples. The results showed that the epithelial cells stained with methylene blue were better than telang flower extract. The immersion time of 15 minutes gave different colors to the cell nucleus and cytoplasm compared to 2 minutes and 5 minutes of immersion.
Optimization of Imam Santri Scheduling at the Griya Tilawah Islamic Boarding School in the Areas Around Malang Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Aqromi Nur Lailatul , Abidin Zainal , Afiyah Siti Nurul
Published: August 2021

Every holy month of Ramadhan, the students will be placed in certain mosques around Malang to become imams. While every year there are always additional students, and the ability of each student is different. Therefore, every year the priest must re-schedule. One method that can be used to solve these problems is to use genetic algorithms. After forming the initial population, the individuals will be selected whether they are in accordance with what is expected or not. From the results of the selection will form a new population that is better. So it is expected that the resulting schedule is optimal.
The Design of the Puruk Cahu City Health Office Filing Information System
Authors: Fajar Hanafi , Silmina Esi Putri
Published: August 2021

The advancement of computerized-based information technology which is able to play an important role as a tool in archiving documents such as incoming and outgoing mail, data processing, and can help solve small problems to very complex problems or even in decision support. At the Puruk Cahu City Health Office, the archiving of incoming and outgoing letters is still manual with notes in the agenda book which makes it difficult to search for letter files. This aims to create a system for collecting incoming and outgoing mail to make it easier for mail archiving and mail search. The research method used is the method of observation, interviews, and literature study. With the integrated design of the archiving information system at the Puruk Cahu City Health Service Office, it will be able to help the performance of the Puruk Cahu City Health Office employees.
Video Conference Application with File Attachment
Authors: Prabayanti Dini Yocta , Eviyanti Ade
Published: August 2021

Communication today is a human need as a social creature. In accordance with technological advances, communication can be in the form of instant messages such as WhatsApp, telegram and video converence, video converence services can communicate face- to-face with other users. Video converence in the most popular appstore and playstore, namely zoom meetings. Zoom meting makes it easy for users to create and schedule online meetings. the application is not equipped with file sharing services. In this case, users find it difficult to send files to other users who join the online meeting. The video converence application with a file attachment makes it easy in the morning for online meeting users to create, schedule and share files into online meetings. It is hoped that with this application users can easily share files in online meetings. This system is made with a simple interface design that is easy to understand for using the application. The purpose of this research is to make it easier for people to conduct online meetings. The method used is the waterfal method, while the data collection technique is quantitative data technique. The desired result of the research is to make it easier for people to conduct online meetings and send data through this application without having to open another application.
Improving the Quality of Crackers by Integrating the Taguchi Method and Failure Modes and Effects Analyze (Fmea) in Cv. Nobility
Authors: Setiawan Anda Bagus , Sulistyowati Wiwik
Published: August 2021

CV Budi Luhur is a company that produces onion crackers as their main product. In addition, CV Budi Luhur also produces shrimp juice crackers. The company located in Tulangan Sidoarjo is not missed also with the name of failure. For example, in onion cracker products there are problems with taste and crispness so that there is a decrease in sales. Data processing begins by disseminating questionnaires to consumers, then identifying problems using FMEA methods and conducting interviews with companies so as to provide alternatives to determine the best composition for experiments and take the best level at each pre experiment aimed at consumers to be processed in the minitab19 application and draft proposals to compare consumer interest in old compositions and new compositions.From the results of data processing by using Taguchi in the results of the mean 2 population test conducted showed an increase in taste response and humility response where the taste response got interest by 53% from the initial 18% and the humility response got an interest of 58% from the initial 23%. This shows the similarity of the draft proposal is preferred by consumers in terms of taste and humility.
Crevice corrosion and environmentally assisted cracking of high-strength duplex stainless steels in simulated concrete pore solutions
Authors: Moser Robert , Singh Preet , Kahn Lawrence , Kurtis Kimberly , Niño David González , McClelland Zackery
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a study of crevice corrosion and environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) mechanisms in UNS S32205 and S32304 which were cold drawn to tensile strengths of approximately 1300 MPa. The study utilized a combination of electrochemical methods and slow strain rate testing to evaluate EAC susceptibility. UNS S32205 was not susceptible to crevice corrosion in stranded geometries at Cl⁻ concentrations up to 1.0 M in alkaline and carbonated simulated concrete pore solutions. UNS S32304 did exhibit a reduction in corrosion resistance when tested in a stranded geometry. UNS S32205 and S32304 were not susceptible to stress corrosion cracking at Cl⁻ concentrations up to 0.5 M in alkaline and carbonated solutions but were susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement with cathodic overprotection.
Clinical features and possible prognostic factors in patients with Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Retrospective analysis from two centers
Authors: Akyol Pınar , Yıldız Abdulkerim , Albayrak Murat , Yıldırım Murat , Tığlıoğlu Mesut , Sağlam Buğra , Maral Senem , Öztürk Hacer Berna Afacan , Aylı Meltem , Şahin Osman
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Marginal zone lymphoma accounts 5%-17% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas and has an indolent clinical course. The parameters that predict prognosis and the need for treatment are still unclear. The aim of the current study was to examine the impact of parameters on the course of disease and the need for treatment in marginal zone lymphoma.
Methods

A retrospective study was conducted with marginal zone lymphoma patients in the two centres between 2010 and 2018. The demographic and disease characteristics, and also hematological and biochemical parameters at the time of diagnosis were examined. The effect of the parameters on overall survival and need for treatment were analyzed.
Results

During the follow-up, 25 patients required treatment and 15 patiens were followed up without treatment. Overall survival was significantly higher in patients with nodal marginal zone lymphoma than in extranodal and splenic marginal zone lymphoma patients. overall survival of patients who required treatment was 92.9 months while untreated patients was 58.4 months and there was no significant difference among the groups. The platelet count of untreated patients at the time of diagnosis were significantly higher than patients who received treatment. No significant relationship was found between any parameter and overall survival.
Conclusions

We demonstrated platelet count at the time of diagnosis as a predictive factor for future treatment need. It is an objective and simple blood test that may be helpful to predict the course of the disease although further studies are warranted.
Operando Investigation of the Locally Enhanced Electric Field Treatment (LEEFT) Harnessing Lightning-Rod Effect for Rapid Bacteria Inactivation
Authors: Wang Ting , Brown Devin k. , Xie Xing
Published: August 2021

The growth of undesired bacteria causes numerous problems. Here, we show that locally enhanced electric field treatment (LEEFT) can cause rapid bacteria inactivation by electroporation without any side reactions. The bacteria inactivation is studied in situ at the single-cell level on a lab-on-a-chip that has nanowedge-decorated electrodes. Rapid bacteria inactivation occurs specifically at nanowedge tips where the electric field is enhanced due to the lightning-rod effect. The mechanism study shows that the bacteria inactivation is caused by electroporation induced by the locally enhanced electric field. The bacteria inactivation performance depends on the strength of the enhanced electric field instead of the applied voltage, and no ROS generation is detected when >90% bacteria inactivation is achieved. Quick membrane pore closure under moderate LEEFT indicates that electroporation is the predominant mechanism. LEEFT only requires facile treatment to achieve bacteria inactivation, which is safe for treating delicate samples and energy-efficient for large scale applications. The findings in this work can provide strong supports for the future applications of LEEFT.
Analytical Prediction for Quasi-TE mode in Silicon Nanowire Optical Rectangular Waveguide
Authors: SINGH RITU RAJ , Priye Vishnu
Published: August 2021

Theoretical and numerical mode estimation performed on Silicon Nanowire Optical Rectangular Waveguide (SNORW) is presented for on-chip communication in photonic integrated circuits. The propagation behavior of electric and magnetic fields is investigated, where zeroth order mode is found dominating inside the nanoslot region of SNORW for the circularly symmetric quasi-TE mode to propagate. This SNORW structure supports hybrid mode, which derives its behavioral root from the rectangular waveguide and functional root from the slot waveguide. In periodic silicon nanowire-based waveguide, it is found that the envelope of mode field intensity closely matches with rectangular waveguide and the guiding properties closely matches with slot waveguide. The type of mode is analyzed by full vectorial Finite Element Method (FEM) and the analytical expression is derived using Effective Index Method (EIM). Analytical expressions are used to express Quasi-TE mode in term of material profile and waveguide physical parameters. The results obtained for SNORW in S, C and L wavelength bands are compared with the earlier reported work on slot waveguide, and the field intensity obtained with the theoretical equations is also compared with that of FEM results.
Efficient in-depth analysis and optimum design parameter estimation of MEMS capacitive pressure sensor utilizing analytical approach for square diaphragm
Authors: JINDAL SUMIT KUMAR , PATEL ISHAN , SETHI KRISH , KAUL SIMRIT , K SREEKANTH P , Kumar Ajay
Published: August 2021

Capacitive pressure sensors have become more popular as compared to piezoresistive pressure sensors as they yield superior sensitivity and lesser non-linearity. Efficient analysis for modelling capacitive pressure sensors is thus increasingly becoming more important due to their innumerable use cases. The higher sensitivity of square diaphragm for the same side length in comparison to circular diaphragm makes it ideal for sensor design. In this work, a complete formulation for analysis of capacitive pressure sensor with the square diaphragm in normal and touch mode operation has been presented as these two modes are established operating modes for these sensors. A comprehensive study of sensor parameters like capacitance, diaphragm deflection, capacitive and mechanical sensitivity has been formulated to aid the choice of sensor characteristics. This work also focuses on the method to determine core design parameters for optimal operation. Computationally complex methods have been used in the past for analysis of square diaphragms. In contrast to the finite element system, the analytical technique proposed in this study is less complex and computationally efficient (FEM). The results were computed and simulated using MATLAB.
Introducing an Efficient Socio-Economically Oriented Data Envelopment Analysis Method for Selecting the Optimum Groundwater Dam Site Location
Authors: Maghsoudy Soroush , Fathianpour Nader
Published: August 2021

Groundwater dams are commonly constructed in arid and semiarid regions for subsurface storage of water. In this study, an attempt is made to present a new efficiency-based site selection methodology for constructing groundwater dams based on socio-economic approaches. The site selection process was conducted in a semiarid region in Central Iran. A total of 13 different criteria in four major classes of climate, geology, hydrology, and socio-economy were defined. Nine multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods were used for site selection, followed by integrating the results by Borda and Copeland algorithms. The data envelopment analysis (DEA) was employed for selecting the optimum groundwater dam site from the same choices. The DEA method is based on efficiency and it is capable for evaluating the performance of each alternative. Four different scenarios, including the CCR-Input, CCR-Output, BCC-Input, BCC-Output, were used to implement the DEA approach. In addition, the socio-economic-based optimization equation was solved by considering three socio-economic criteria as the output of the DEA model. The results show that the CCR method provides the best results for groundwater dam site selection by maximizing the outputs. Two algorithms, namely the Potential Improvement and Input/output contribution, were used to evaluate the performance of each alternative. These algorithms show the amount of improvement for each selected option. The application of the DEA method, as a new approach for groundwater dam site selection, can increase the performance of the selected option and facilitate dam maintenance throughout its operation time.
Oxidative Stress Induced by Exposure of Microplastics in Labeo Rohita
Authors: Jandu Rajinder Singh , Vashishat Nisha
Published: August 2021

The present study revealed the oxidative stress induced by the exposure of low density polyethylene microplastics (LDPE MPs) in Labeo rohita. Fingerlings were divided into four (control, T1, T2 and T3) groups. Fingerlings of T1, T2 and T3 groups were exposed respectively to 2, 20 and 200 mg/L of LDPE MPs for 45 days. A control was also maintained during experiment to which no MPs were added. Oxidative stress studies revealed a decrease in the activity of hepatic antioxidative enzymes i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) in all treated groups in dose and time dependent manner. In gills, an increase in the activities of SOD, CAT and GPx but decrease in the activities of GR and GST was found in T1 group after 30 days of exposure. However, decrease in activities of these enzymes was observed in all treated groups in dose dependent manner after 45 days of exposure. Moreover, the activities of antioxidative enzymes were found to be decreased in time dependent manner. In kidneys, increase in the activities of antioxidative enzymes was observed in T1 group followed by their decrease in T2 and T3 groups in dose and time dependent manner. However, Lipid peroxidation was found to be increased in vital organs of all treated groups in dose and time dependent manner indicating MPs induced oxidative stress in these organs due to increased production of reactive oxygen species.
Identification and Characterization of Circular RNAs in Brassica rapa in Response to Plasmodiophora brassicae
Authors: Liu Huishan , Nwafor Chinedu Charles , Piao Yinglan , Li Xiaonan , Zhan Zongxiang , Piao Zhongyun
Published: August 2021

BackgroundPlasmodiophora brassicae is a soil-borne pathogen that attacks the roots of cruciferous plants, causing clubroot disease. CircRNAs are non-coding RNAs widely exist in plant and animal species which can acting as “microRNA (miRNA) sponges” and “competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs)”. Knowledge of circRNAs has been updated continuously and rapidly. However, the information about circRNAs in the regulation of clubroot-disease resistance is limited in Brassica rapa. ResultsHere, the Chinese cabbage (BJN 222) containing clubroot resistance gene (CRa) resistant to the Pb4 was susceptible to the PbE of P. brassicae. To investigate the mechanism of cicRNAs responsible for clubroot-disease resistance in Brassica rapa, the circRNA-seq was performed roots of BJN 222 at 0 d, 8 d, and 23 d after inoculated with Pb4 and PbE. A total of 1636 circRNAs were detected distributed on 10 chromosomes. Furthermore, total 231 differentially expressed circRNAs between groups were screened. Parental genes of circRNAs functions analysis results indicated that the expression of circRNAs was affected not only by inoculation time but also by the pathogenicity of P. brassicae. However, the “Phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis” pathway was significant enriched between the two pathotypes at different inoculation times. All the expression of target genes annotated with “receptor-like protein kinase,” “zinc finger protein,” “LRR-repeat protein,” and “hormone-related” identified from the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network were analyzed. 5 target genes were consistent with the expression pattern of novel_circ_000495 at 8 dpi, but only Bra026508 was significantly up-regulated. ConclusionThe up-regulated novel_circ_000495 might suppressed the expression of miR5656-y, leading to the up-regulation of Bra026508. Our results provided new insights to clubroot resistance mechanisms of B.rapa and laid a foundation for further research on the function of circRNAs responsible for the pathogen infection.
Segmental Strain for Scar Detection in Acute Myocardial Infarcts and in Follow-up Exams using Non-Contrast CMR Cine Sequences
Authors: Polacin Malgorzata , Karolyi Mihaly , Eberhard Matthias , Matziris Ioannis , Alkadhi Hatem , Kozerke Sebastian , Manka Robert
Published: August 2021

Background The purpose of the study was to investigate feasibility of infarct detection in segmental strain derived from non-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) cine sequences in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and in follow-up (FU) exams.Methods57 patients with AMI (mean age 61 ± 12 years, CMR 2.8 ± 2 days after infarction) were retrospectively included, FU exams were available in 32 patients (35 ± 14 days after first CMR). 28 patients with normal CMR (47 ± 8 years) served as controls. Dedicated software (Segment CMR, Medviso) was used to calculate global and segmental strain derived from cine sequences. Cine short axis stacks and segmental circumferential strain calculations of every patient and control were presented to two blinded readers in random order, who were advised to identify potentially infarcted segments, blinded to LGE and clinical information. Results Impaired global strain was measured in AMI patients compared to controls (global peak circumferential strain [GPCS] p= 0.01; global peak longitudinal strain [GPLS] p= 0.04; global peak radial strain [GPRS] p= 0.01). In both imaging time points, mean segmental peak circumferential strain [SPCS] was impaired in infarcted tissue compared to remote segments (AMI: p=0.03, FU: p=0.02). SPCS values in infarcted segments were similar between AMI and FU (p=0.8), remote segments were marginally more impaired in AMI than in FU (p= 0.07). In SPCS calculations, 141 from 189 acutely infarcted segments were accurately detected (74.6%), visual evaluation of correlating cine images detected 44.4% infarcts. In FU, 81.5 % infarcted segments (93/114 segments) were detected in SPCS and 51.8% by visual evaluation of correlating short axis cine images (p=0.01).ConclusionSegmental circumferential strain derived from routinely acquired native cine sequences detects nearly 75 % of acute infarcts and about 80% of infarcts in subacute follow-up CMR, significantly more than visual evaluation of correlating cine images alone. Acute infarcts may display only subtle impairment of wall motion and no obvious wall thinning, thus SPCS calculation might be helpful for scar detection in patients with acute infarcts, when only cine images are available.
Level of Hypertension Treatment Adherence During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Petkova Valentina , Andreevska Kalina , Hristov Emil , Grekova Daniela , Todorova Anna , Tsvetkova Antoaneta , Dimitrov Milen
Published: August 2021

Background:Arterial hypertension is prevalent and remains one of the most significant causes of mortality worldwide. Over 1.7 million Bulgarians (24%) have a blood pressure (BP) value equal to or higher than 140/90 mmHg and therefore are at increased risk of complications. Adherence to antihypertensive medications is the cornerstone for achieving hypertension control. Methods:The aim of this study was to assess whether the patients of both sexes with hypertension exhibit equal adherence to medication during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore how the pandemic has affected the adherence of patients with high BP to prescribed antihypertensive drugs. This multicentre observational study utilized self-completed questionnaires among patients visiting several healthcare centres, including the cardiology outpatient clinic of a university hospital, a private cardiology practice, general practice offices, and a pharmacy between June and November 2020. Results:Overall, 442 patients were included in the study. The likelihood of adherence was assessed using the 5‐item version of the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5©Professor Rob Horne). The average MARS score of the sample was 16.81, the median was 4.162, and the most common value was 3 (24.5% of respondents).Conclusions:Overall, 18.1% had a high degree of adherence to the prescribed therapy, and almost 1/3 of the respondents (30.7%) had a low degree of adherence to the prescribed therapy. In the present study, approximately one-third of the participants complied with pharmacological treatment. The study suggests that several sociodemographic factors but not the COVID pandemic play a role in treatment adherence.
De-ubiquitination of SAMHD1 by USP7 overcomes oncogenic stress and contributes to chemotherapy insensitivity
Authors: Liu Jingwei , Zhou Tingting , dong xiang , Guo Qiqiang , Zheng Lixia , Wang Xiaoxun , Zhang Naijin , Danni Li , Ren Ling , Yi Fei , Zhang Ying , Li Zi-wei , Wang Xi-wen , deng chengsi , Li Chunlu , Xu Hongde , Guan Yi , Li Xiaoman , Yu Yang , Guo Wendong , Wang Zhuo , Jiang Bo , Wu Xuan , Bai Ning , Feng Yanling , Ma Mengtao , Kong Qingquan , Wei Jiayi , Wang Zhenshuang , Li Hao , Song Xiaoyu , Xing Chengzhong , Cao Liu
Published: August 2021

Oncogenic stress induces DNA damage response (DDR) that guards against genetic instability during the evolution of cancer. SAMHD1, a dNTPase protecting cells from viral infections, has been recently found to participate in DNA damage repair process. However, its role in tumorigenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we show that SAMHD1 is up-regulated in early-stage human carcinoma tissues and cell lines under oxidative stress or genotoxic insults. We further demonstrate that de-ubiquitinating enzyme USP7 interacts with SAMHD1 and de-ubiquitinates it at lysine 421, thus stabilizing SAMHD1 protein expression, and promotes tumor cell survival under genotoxic stress. Furthermore, SAMHD1 levels positively correlates with USP7 in various human carcinomas, and is associated with an unfavorable survival outcome in patients who underwent chemotherapy. Moreover, USP7 inhibitor sensitizes tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents by decreasing SAMHD1 in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that targeting USP7 may help overcome chemoresistance, thus necessitating further investigation in the pursuit of precision medicine.
T1T2 Mapping and Texture Analysis of Cine and T2-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Detect Myocardial Tissue Changes Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Amano Yasuo , Omori Yuko , Amano Maki , Ando Chisato , Shinoda Naoki , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Matsumoto Naoya
Published: August 2021

Myocardial tissue changes associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may lead to heart failure, serious ventricular arrhythmia, and sudden cardiac death. Here, we sought to determine usefulness of T1T2 mapping and texture analysis of T2-weighted short inversion time inversion recovery (STIR) and cine imaging to detect myocardial changes associated with CKD. We examined 34 patients with CKD and 10 controls using a 1.5 T system. T1 and T2 values of the septal myocardium were significantly greater in patients than in controls (P = 0.021 for T1 and P < 0.01 for T2). The open-access texture analysis software, including features reduction methods, selected one particular feature for T2-weighted STIR and another for cine imaging: vertical fraction for STIR and horizontal short-run emphasis for cine imaging, which were significantly lower in the patients with CKD than in the controls (P < 0.01 for both). Texture analysis was not significantly better than T1T2 mapping in detecting the myocardial tissue changes, whereas STIR suffered from image artifacts in 9 patients. In conclusion, additional T1T2 mapping or postprocessing texture analysis may be feasible for detection of myocardial tissue changes associated with CKD.
Investigation into a Homogenous Rock Slope Response Under Wide Frequency Seismic Loads Using a Large-Scale Shaking Table
Authors: He Jianxian , Zhan Zhifa , Qi Shengwen , Li Chunlei , Zheng Bowen , Yang Guoxiang , Guo Songfeng , Huang Xiaolin , Zou Yu , Liang Ning
Published: August 2021

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of input earthquake characteristics on the seismic response of a homogenous step-like rock slope. A sequence of shaking table tests was performed in a large-scale physical model with a size of 3.50 m, 0.68 m and 1.20 m in length, width and height, respectively. Results showed that the absolute peak ground acceleration motion amplification factor in horizontal direction (AAF-X) of upper part of the slope was amplified comparison with that at the slope toe while the absolute peak ground acceleration motion amplification factor (AAF-Z) acquired maximum value at the lower position of the slope. With the increasing of the excitation frequencies, the AAF-X around the slope crest increased firstly and then deceased, while the AAF-Z increased continuously. Seismic response of the slope showed strongest amplification when the normalized height of the slope H/λ (ratio of slope height to wavelength) was around 0.2 and AAF-X exhibited a decrease trend when H/λ was larger than 0.2. The AAF showed nonlinear tendency with the increases of the input amplitudes, especially near the shoulder of the slope. This phenomenon can be revealed by the relationship between the calculated resonance frequency or damping ratio of the slope and the amplitude of the input motion. The excitation amplitude has a “double-effect” on the seismic response of a step-like homogeneous rock slope. That is on the one hand, the larger the excitation amplitude, the stronger the acceleration intensity, the greater deterioration of rock slope structure or material and the larger damping ratio of the slope; on the other hand, more energy will be dissipated due to plastic deformation or particle friction of high damping ratio and weaker slope structure. These results could attribute to reveal the dynamic instability mechanism of the homogeneous slope.
Sudden Onset Oligohydramnios in Asymptomatic Covid-19 Disease: Case Reports
Authors: Mishra Rajesh Kumar , Kumar Sangeet , Mohapatra Sushin
Published: August 2021

The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 disease has adverse effects on both pregnant women and their fetuses. However the literature about the effects of this disease on placenta and its clinical implication is limited. Here we report two cases of severe oligohydramnios detected in asymptomatic patients with covid infection. In both of our patients, severe oligohydramnios was detected during routine antenatal check up in third trimester of pregnancy. Both the patients underwent cesarean delivery and delivered healthy neonates. The onset of oligohydramnios was noticed to be very fast and not associated with severity of symptoms of Covid-19 infection. It is recommended for increase in number of ultrasound examination in pregnant women positive for covid-19 infection in view of our findings.
Usefulness of Grayscale Values of Hypoechoic Lesions Matched with Target Lesions Observed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Prediction of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kim Dong Gyun , Yoo Jeong Woo , Koo Kyo Chul , Chung Byung Ha , Lee Kwang Suk
Published: August 2021

INTRODUCTION:

To analyze grayscale values for hypoechoic lesions matched with target lesions evaluated using prebiopsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
METHODS

We collected data on 420 target lesions in patients who underwent MRI/transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsies. Images of hypoechoic lesions that matched the target lesions on MRI were stored in a picture archiving and communication system, and their grayscale values were estimated using the red/green/blue scoring method through an embedded function. We analyzed imaging data using grayscale values.
RESULTS

Of the 420 lesions, 261 (62.1%) were prostate cancer lesions. Grayscale ranges (42.6–91.8) were significant predictors of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPC) in multivariable logistic regression analyses. Area under the curve for detecting csPC using grayscale values along with conventional variables was 0.839, which was significantly higher than that for detecting csPC using only conventional variables (0.828; p = 0.036). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant difference for PI-RADS 3 lesions between grayscale values for benign and cancerous lesions (p = 0.008). Grayscale values were the only significant predictive factor (p = 0.005) for csPC.
CONCLUSIONS

Distribution of grayscale values according to PI-RAD 3 scores was useful, and the grayscale range (42.6–91.8) was an important factor for csPC diagnosis.
Hierarchical Porous Aero-Cryogels for Wind Energy Enhanced Solar Vapor Generation
Authors: Li Shuai , Yang Xiaochun , He Yingying , Wang Yanan , Liao Daogui , Chen Yunhua , Xie Huihong , Liu Hongxia , Zhou Li
Published: August 2021

An integrated aero-cryogel (A-CG) monolith with hierarchical porous structure was developed by inter-crosslinking of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposite aerogel and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) cryogel. The photothermal nanoparticles-enriched CMC cryogel phase served as a sunlight absorbing layer, exhibiting a broadband sunlight absorption of 98%. Due to the large amount of weakly bounded water molecules, the swelled CMC cryogel possessed a lower evaporation enthalpy than that of pure water, which facilitates water evaporation, while the nanocomposite aerogel phase acted as an excellent thermal insulator and afforded highly efficient water transport channels. Thus, the developed A-CG monolith supported by insulated polystyrene foam to protrude above the water surface, could reach an evaporation rate of 2.16 kg m-2 h-1 under an irradiation of 1 Sun (100 mw/cm2) with an efficiency of 93.6%. More remarkably, when the wind energy was imparted, an evaporation rate of 5.67 kg m-2 h-1 was achieved at a wind speed of 3 m s-1. The high-efficiency purification outcomes of various raw water demonstrate the great potentials of A-CG material in solar vapor generation.
Assessment of Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Thinking Among Dental Students
Authors: Keshmiri Fatemeh , Owlia Fatemeh , Kazemipoor Maryam , Meybodi Fahimeh Rashidi
Published: August 2021

Aim and background:

Diagnostic thinking is the ultimate goal of educational system and the basis for clinical reasoning. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical reasoning and diagnostic thinking ability of dental students by key features test and Diagnostic thinking inventory (DTI) questionnaire.
Materials and methods

The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The participants consisted of 61 senior dental students. Clinical reasoning and diagnostic thinking were assessed by key feature test and DTI questionnaire, respectively. To design the KF test questions, the blueprint of exam was first designed in expert panel based on dental curriculum. The questions developed based on common cases in oral and maxillofacial diseases by the group of oral and maxillofacial specialists. The DTI was developed by Bourdieu et al. in France and consists of 41 questions on a 6-point Likert scale, of which 21 are memory structure category and 20 are in flexibility in thinking category. Satisfaction of student assessed through a 10-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 by descriptive tests (mean, SD, percentage) and student independent T-test and Pearson test. Significance level was determined p < 0.05.
Results

The mean scores of the key features test of students were 56.55 ± 7.80. No significant difference was reported between clinical reasoning scores of key features test by students' gender (p-value = 0.19). There was no significant difference between the scores of diagnostic thinking between men and women (p-value = 0.11). The difference in students' scores in the domain of flexibility in thinking was significantly higher among male students than female students. (P-value = 0.04). There was no significant correlation between students' diagnostic thinking scores and their clinical reasoning scores in the key features test.
Conclusion

Based on the present results, the clinical reasoning and diagnostic thinking skills of participants were reported in the low level. This issue emphasizes the need for training to enhance diagnostic thinking and clinical reasoning in dental education. Formative evaluation and reform the educational programs of this course should be considered.
Phytolith Content In Larix Gmelinii Forest Soils And Its Relations With Soil Properties
Authors: Wang Bing , Meng Meng , Zhang Qiuliang
Published: August 2021

Aims

Phytolith occluded carbon (PhytOC) has become one of the important mechanisms of long-term carbon sequestration in soil. Ecosystems with higher latitude in the northern hemisphere are expected to face the largest loss of soil carbon due to global warming. The contributions of phytoliths storage in soil layers of cold temperate forest need to be studied in depth.
Methods

We examined soil phytolith contents and other soil physicochemical properties of Larix gmelinii forest soils in Daxing’anling. ANOVA was employed to analyze differences in the quantitative characteristics of phytoliths. Bivariate correlation, regression analysis, principal component analysis and redundancy analysis were employed to analyze the relations between soil phytolith and soil properties.
Results

The phytolith in Larix gmelinii forest soil was mainly in elongate shape with a mean content of 19.1 g kg− 1. The phytolith had a stronger correlation with phosphorus rather than potassium and nitrogen and had no correlation with soil water content, and the dominant factors were Na, Mg and K content. Soil phytolith storage in the cold temperate zone (41.0 t ha− 1) was significantly higher than that in the tropical and subtropical zone.
Conclusions

Phytolith is an important way for long-term sequestration of soil organic carbon. Soil phytolith storage is affected by soil physicochemical properties and climate. However, the acid-base level of soil is more important for phytolith preservation. The effects of hydrothermal conditions on the yield and stability of phytoliths on a large spatial scale need to be studied in future.
Comparison of Accuracy for HKA by X-ray and Knee Motion Analysis System and the Relationships between HKA and Gait Posture
Authors: Zhang Hui , Chen Yanan , Jiang Huiquan , Yan Wenqing , Ouyang Yuanming , Wang Wei , Liu Yaru , Zhou Ying , Gu Shiyi , Wan Hong , He Axiang , Mao Yanjie , Liu Wanjun
Published: August 2021

This study is aimed at obtaining the accuracy of the lower limb mechanical axis (Hip-Knee-Ankle, HKA) by the six degrees of freedom (6DOF) of the knee and ground gait data and analyzing the correlation between the lower limb mechanical axis and 6DOF. We analyzed 3D knee kinematics during ground gait of 99 patients with KOA and 80 patients 6 months after the operations with the vivo infrared navigation 3D portable knee joint movement analysis system (Opti-Knee®, Innomotion Inc, Shanghai, China). Significant correlations with low coefficients (r = -0.19, p = 0.01) between HKA value and anterior-posterior displacement for the whole cohort were found. There were significant correlations with moderate to high coefficients (r = 0.784 to 0.976) between the comparisons of HKA measured on the full-length alignment radiographs and 3D knee joint movement analysis system (Opti-Knee). The further linear correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between the values of HKA measured by X-ray and movement analysis system(R2 = 0.90, p < 0.01). Data with equivalent results as HKA could be provided by knee joint movement analysis system comparing with the conventional X-rays. Nonetheless, there was low significance between the HKA and ground gait data .
Prostate Biopsy in Young Patients with Hematospermia Without an Indication for Biopsy Contributed to the Early Diagnosis of Prostate Sarcoma: A Case Report
Authors: Yu Zhuoyuan , Yang Mei , Liu Xiaoyan , Xie Li , Tan Jiang , Wang Chunyu , Gao Fei
Published: August 2021

Background: Prostate sarcoma is a rare group of prostate primary malignant tumors with a poor prognosis, and its early diagnosis is challenging. Here we report a case of early diagnosis of prostate sarcoma and summarize the clinical characteristics of this group of patients. Case presentation: We present a case of a 40-year-old male patient with prostate leiomyosarcoma having hematospermia as the initial symptom. His prostate-specific antigen was 2.97 ng/ml, magnetic resonance imaging showed a prostate nodule with possible bleeding at the lesion margins with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) category 2. According to the guidelines, prostate biopsy was not recommended, but we learned from our previous experience and still recommended him for prostate biopsy. With his consent, a combined prostate biopsy was performed, and he received an early diagnosis of prostate leiomyosarcoma 19 days after the initial symptom of hematospermia. Reviewing previous cases of prostate sarcoma patients at our medical center, we found that the best time for diagnosis and treatment were generally missed. Conclusions: Combination with magnetic resonance imaging is contributive to the early diagnoses of prostate sarcoma. Therefore, when young patients present with repeated hematospermia, even if they have normal prostate-specific antigen, it is important to be alert to the possibility of prostate sarcoma, and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging rather than ultrasound is recommended, and if MRI reveals prostate lesions, it is recommended to be biopsied regardless of PI-RADS categories, and a combined biopsy is recommended.
Smart Pooling: AI-Powered COVID-19 Informative Group Testing
Authors: Escobar Maria , Jeanneret Guillaume , Bravo-Sánchez Laura , Castillo Angela , Gómez Catalina , Valderrama Diego , Roa Mafe , Martínez Julián , Madrid-Wolff Jorge , Cepeda Martha , Guevara-Suarez Marcela , Sarmiento Olga L. , Medaglia Andrés L. , Forero-Shelton Manu , Velasco Mauricio , Pedraza-Leal Juan Manuel , Laajaj Rachid , Restrepo Silvia , Arbelaez Pablo
Published: August 2021

Massive molecular testing for COVID-19 has been pointed out as fundamental to moderate the spread of the pandemic. Pooling methods can enhance testing efficiency, but they are viable only at low incidences of the disease. We propose Smart Pooling, a machine learning method that uses clinical and sociodemographic data from patients to increase the efficiency of informed Dorfman testing for COVID-19 by arranging samples into all-negative pools. To do this, we ran an automated method to train numerous machine learning models on a retrospective dataset from more than 8,000 patients tested for SARS-CoV-2 from April to July 2020 in Bogotá, Colombia. We estimated the efficiency gains of using the predictor to support Dorfman testing by simulating the outcome of tests. We also computed the attainable efficiency gains of non-adaptive pooling schemes mathematically. Moreover, we measured the false-negative error rates in detecting the ORF1ab and N genes of the virus in RT-qPCR dilutions. Finally, we presented the efficiency gains of using our proposed pooling scheme on proof-of-concept pooled tests. We believe Smart Pooling will be efficient for optimizing massive testing of SARS-CoV-2.
Erythropoietin-Mediated Secretion of Transforming Growth Factor β1 by Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells is Negatively Regulated by Granulocytes via Secretion of Erythropoietin Receptors in the Milieu.
Authors: Kale Vaijayanti Prakash
Published: August 2021

In our previous study, we demonstrated that bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BM MNCs) secrete copious amounts of Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGFβ1) in response to erythropoietin (EPO). In this study, we investigated the principal cell type involved in the process. We found that a large percentage of various marrow cells, but not their mature counterparts present in the peripheral blood, express EPO-R. Cell depletion experiments showed that removing Glycophorin positive erythroblasts and CD41+ megakaryocytes – the prime suspects – did not affect the EPO-mediated TGFβ1 secretion by the BM MNCs. However, individual depletion of CD2+ T lymphocytes, CD14+ monocyte/macrophages, and CD19+ B cells affected the TGFβ1 secretion by EPO-primed MNCs: depletion of CD2+ cells had the most striking effect. Unexpectedly, and most interestingly, depletion of CD15+ granulocytes led to a significant increase in the TGFβ1 secretion by both naïve and EPO-primed BM MNCs, suggesting that these cells negatively regulate the process. Mechanistically, we show that the CD15+ cells exert this regulatory effect via secretion of both full-length and soluble EPO-R in the milieu. Overall our results, for the first time, unravel an in-built regulatory mechanism prevailing in the BM microenvironment that regulates the secretion of TGFβ1 by controlling EPO-EPO-R interaction. Our data could be relevant in understanding the pathophysiology of several conditions associated with deregulated production of TGFβ1 in the marrow compartment.
Clinical Characteristics of Geriatric Patients With Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Sakai Yoshihito , Wakao Norimitsu , Matsui Hiroki , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Iida Hiroki , Watanabe Ken
Published: August 2021

Although the prevalence and the associated burden of LBP increase with age, research on LBP has primarily focused on young people and adults, and little attention has been given to the elderly population. Chronic inflammation is well-known as senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which produces numerous proinflammatory cytokines leading to age-related inflammation. We enrolled 203 patients with an average age of 79.0 years, with non-specific CLBP; the patients were compared with age- and sex-matched controls without CLBP using a propensity score-matched analysis. We performed laboratory analysis, radiographic evaluations for global spinal parameter and lumbar degeneration assessment, and body composition analysis using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We observed a higher red blood cell distribution width (RDW), as well as a lower skeletal muscle mass index and a higher fat mass in patients with CLBP. Moreover, patients with geriatric CLBP had significantly lower lumbar lordosis, and higher sagittal vertical axis was correlated with lower muscle mass in the extremities and trunk, independent of lumbar degeneration. Geriatric CLBP is associated with senescence. RDW, which is an index of aging, was high among elderly patients with CLBP. Furthermore, geriatric patients with CLBP often have age-related skeletal muscle mass reduction and spinal sagittal malalignment.
Ononin alleviates Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ER stress through activation of SIRT3
Authors: Sun Shimin , Weng Jingfan , Yang Qi , Huang Xingxiao , Sun Zhenzhu , Lu Wenqiang , Chi Jufang , Guo Hangyuan
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a powerful anthracycline antineoplastic drug, but the clinical application of DOX is seriously limited by its dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Ononin is a natural isoflavone glycoside and plays a key role in modulating apoptosis related signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to assess the possible cardioprotective effects of Ononin in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Materials and methods

Wistar rats were treated with normal saline, DOX with or without Ononin. After the last administration, cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Rats were then sacrificed for histological and TUNEL analyses, with immunological detection for β-actinin, Bax, Bcl-2, GRP78, CHOP and SIRT3. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to assess the myocardial injury markers. H9C2 cells were treated with vehicle, DOX with or without Ononin. Then, 3-TYP was used to find out the relationship between ER stress and SIRT3.
Results

Ononin treatment ameliorated DOX-induced myocardial injury as demonstrated by echocardiography. Ononin partially restored DOX-induced cardiac dysfunction, both LVEF and LVFS were increased under the cotreatment of Ononin. Ononin also inhibited DOX-induced ER stress and apoptosis in rat cardiomyocytes and H9C2 cells. DOX group had a higher Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, GRP78 and CHOP expression then control group, but Ononin treatment improved these results. This effect was associated with SIRT3 activity, moreover, selective inhibition of SIRT3 blocked the protective effects of Ononin.
Conclusion

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that Ononin may protect against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy through ER stress both in vitro and in vivo. Ononin is able to protect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ER stress and apoptosis, this effect may via stimulation of the SIRT3 pathway.