bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug Repurposing Strategies in the Discovery of Antifungal Agents
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Fangyan , Zeng Meng , Xin Caiyan , Zhang Jinping , Mao Yingyu , Song Zhangyong
Published: February 2021

The morbidity and mortality caused by invasive fungal infections is increasing across the globe due to developments in transplant surgery, the use of immunosuppressive agents, and the emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains, which has led to a challenge in terms of treatment due to the limitations of three classes of drugs. Hence, it is imperative to establish effective strategies to identify and design new antifungal drugs. Drug repurposing is an effective way of expanding the application of existing drugs. In the last years, various existing drugs have been shown to be useful in the prevention and treatment of the invasive fungi. In this review, we summarize the currently used antifungal agents. In addition, the most up to date information on the effectiveness of existing drugs with antifungal activity is discussed. Moreover, the antifungal mechanisms of existing drugs are highlighted. These data will provide valuable knowledge to stimulate further investigation and clinical application in this field.
A Modified High-Throughput Screening Protocol to Isolate Bacteriophages from Environmental Samples
Authors: Abdelsattar Abdallah , El-Shibiny Ayman
Published: February 2021

In the post antimicrobial era, increasing attention is paid towards using bacteriophage (phage in short) therapy to control antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The first step in phage therapy applications is isolating highly efficient lytic phages or phage cocktails from various sources. When a double-layer- agar with around 0.7% agar in top agar is employed, it results in a low number of phage isolation with a poor resolution, and in many cases, you miss the phage. To address this problem, a low concentration of agar in top agar is examined for better phage isolation. Here, our results proved the efficiency of isolating phage upon formulating a double-layer agar with 0.3% agar in top agar. A sewage sample was collected then phages were isolated, purified, and spotted on a top layer agar with 0.3% agar. The results showed the possibility of isolating a higher number of phages on 0.3% top agar than 0.7%. The finding advocates using 0.3% top agar for the double-layer agar, as it will provide fast, better, and easy phage screening and isolation.
Design and analysis of a continuous and non-invasive multi-wavelength optical sensor for measurement of dermal water content
Authors: Mamouei Mohammd , Chatterjee Subhasri , Razban Meysam , Qassem Meha , Kyriacou Panayiotis A.
Published: February 2021

Dermal water content is an important biophysical parameter in preserving skin integrity and preventing skin damage. Traditional electrical-based and open-chamber evaporimeters have several well-known limitations. In particular, such devices are costly, sizeable, and only provide arbitrary outputs. They also do not permit continuous and non-invasive monitoring of dermal water content, which can be beneficial for various consumer, clinical and cosmetic purposes. We report here on the design and development of a digital multi-wavelength optical sensor that performs continuous and non-invasive measurement of dermal water content. In-silico investigation on porcine skin was carried out using the Monte Carlo modelling strategy to evaluate the feasibility and characterise the sensor. Subsequently, an in-vitro experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance of the sensor and benchmark its accuracy against a high-end, broad band spectrophotometer. Reference measurements were made against gravimetric analysis. The results demonstrate that the developed sensor can deliver accurate, continuous, and non-invasive measurement of skin hydration through measurement of dermal water content. Remarkably, the novel design of the sensor exceeded the performance of the high-end spectrophotometer due to the important denoising effects of temporal averaging. The authors believe, in addition to wellbeing and skin health monitoring, the designed sensor can particularly facilitate disease management in patients presenting diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, malnutrition, and atopic dermatitis.
RGD Collagen for Engineering a Contractile Tissue and Cell Therapy after Myocardial Infarct
Authors: schussler Olivier , falcoz pierre-emmanuel , Chachques Juan-Carlos , Alifano Marco , lecarpentier Yves
Published: February 2021

Currently, the clinical impact of cell therapy after a myocardial infarction (MI) is limited by low cell engraftment due to significant cell death, including apoptosis, in an infarcted, inflammatory, poor angiogenic environment, low cell retention and secondary migration. Cells interact with their environment through integrin mechanoreceptors that control their survival/apoptosis/differentiation/migration/proliferation. Optimizing these interactions may be a way of improving outcomes. The association of free cells with a 3D-scaffold may be a way to target their integrins. Collagen is the most abundant structural component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the best contractility levels are achieved with cellular preparations containing collagen, fibrin, or Matrigel (i.e. tumor extract). In the interactions between cells and ECM, 3 main proteins are recognised: collagen, laminin and RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptide. The RGD plays a key role in heart development, after MI, and on cardiac cells. Cardiomyocytes secrete their own laminin on collagen. The collagen has a non-functional cryptic RGD and is thus suboptimal for interactions with associated cells. The use of a collagen functionalized with RGD may help to improve collagen biofunctionality. It may help in the delivery of paracrine cells, whether or not they are contractile, and in assisting tissue engineering a safe contractile tissue.
The Calculation Process of the Limit Cycle for Lorenz System
Authors: Dong Hao , Zhong Bin
Published: February 2021

This work focuses on the bifurcation behavior before chaos phenomenon happens. Traditional numerical method is unable to solve the unstable limit cycle of nonlinear system. One algorithm is introduced to solve the unstable one, which is based one of the continuation method is called DEPAR approach. Combined with analytic and numerical method, the two stable and symmetrical equilibrium solutions exist through Fork bifurcation and the unstable and symmetrical limit cycles exist through Hopf bifurcation of Lorenz system. With the continuation algorithm, the bifurcation behavior and its phase diagram is solved. The results demonstrate the unstable periodical solution is around the equilibrium solution, besides the trajectory into the unstable area cannot escape but only converge to the equilibrium solution.
Analysis of Difficulty Level on The Topic Line and Angle
Authors: Kleden Maria Agustina , Lobo Maria , Lapenangga Ganesha , Sugi Yosep
Published: February 2021

A study on the level of difficulty of the mathematics subject has been carried out in
the Junior High Schools Aroun the City of Kupang. The samples were taken purposively among year 8 students and their mathematics teachers in the second semester from 8 public schools and 5 private schools. The number of samples was 659 students and 33 teachers. The analysis was conducted on the topics of Comparison, Aritmatic, Lines and Angles and Triangles and Quadrilateral Shapes. The study shows that the most challenging mathematic topics for the year 8 students in the City of Kupang is Lines and Angles followed by the calculation of area of irregular plane shapes particularly on pentagon forms
An Error Analysis: Problem Solving of The Maximum and Minimum Derivative Values With Newman’s Error Analysis
Authors: Anugrah Terri Murizki , Kusmayadi Tri Atmojo
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to describe the errors made by students in solving of maximum and minimum derivative values problem-solving test. The research method used is the descriptive qualitative method. The subjects consisted of five twelfth grade students of senior high school in Puding Besar who were selected by purposive sampling. The instrument used in this study are derivative problem-solving test and interviews. The results of student answers were analyzed using the Newman’s error analysis. Based on the results of the analysis, the most common error made by students were errors in the comprehension errors. The most students do not understand the concept of solving the problems of maximum and minimum derivative values. Students only work on algebraic questions without using concepts of maximum and minimum derivative values
Congratulations! Journal of Robotics and Mechatronics Best Paper Award 2020
Authors:   Editorial Office
Published: February 2021

Navigation Based on Metric Route Information in Places Where the Mobile Robot Visits for the First Time

We are pleased to announce that the 13th Journal of Robotics and Mechatronics Best Paper Award (JRM Best Paper Award 2020) has been decided by the JRM editorial committee. The following paper won the JRM Best Paper Award 2020, severely selected from among all 77 papers published in Vol.31 (2019). The Best Paper Award ceremony was held in Gakushi-Kaikan, Tokyo, Japan, on December 23, 2020 (both on-site and online), attended by the authors and JRM editorial committee members who took part in the selection process. The award winner will also be announced on the JRM website and was given a certificate and a nearly US$1,000 honorarium. We congratulate the winners and sincerely wish them success in the future.

Asahi Handa, Azumi Suzuki, Hisashi Date, Ryohsuke Mitsudome, Takashi Tsubouchi, and Akihisa Ohya

J. Robot. Mechatron., Vol.31, No.2, pp. 180-193, April 2019

doi: 10.20965/jrm.2019.p0180
The Role of North Aceh Government for Building Women's Capacity Based on Islamic Values in Vocational Village
Authors: Malahayati Malahayati , M Rasyid Laila
Published: February 2021

Women have potential contributions to engage in productive activities and can help the family economy. A vocational village is a village setting a model for developing its local resources to improve inhabitants' quality of life, especially women in the village in North Aceh District, without leaving their Islamic values. This article described the role of government in enhancing women's capacity and local potentials in the vocational village with Islamic values using the empirical methodology. Data is obtained based on field research through purposive sampling collected by interviews with informants using qualitative analysis data. This study found that several training initiatives had been carried out to increase women's capacity, for example training in embroidery, handicrafts, and others. However, these initiatives were not based on the potential components that live in the village. Furthermore, Islamic values in the community in encouraging women in North Aceh have experienced a shift in Pande Village. This study recommends the need for more efforts to increase women's potential by promoting and exhibiting local products for empowering women in villages based on existing prospects without leaving Islamic values.Perempuan memiliki potensi untuk terlibat dalam kegiatan produktif dan dapat membantu perekonomian keluarga. Desa kejuruan adalah desa yang menjadi model pengembangan sumber daya lokalnya untuk meningkatkan kualitas hidup penduduk, khususnya perempuan di desa di Kabupaten Aceh Utara tanpa meninggalkan nilai-nilai keislamannya. Artikel ini memaparkan peran pemerintah dalam meningkatkan kapasitas perempuan dan potensi lokal di desa vokasi yang bernuansa Islami dengan menggunakan metodologi empiris. Data diperoleh berdasarkan penelitian lapangan melalui purposive sampling yang dikumpulkan melalui wawancara dengan informan dengan menggunakan data analisis kualitatif. Studi ini menemukan bahwa beberapa inisiatif pelatihan telah dilakukan untuk meningkatkan kapasitas perempuan, misalnya pelatihan membordir, kerajinan tangan, dan lain-lain. Namun inisiatif tersebut tidak didasarkan pada potensi komponen yang ada di desa. Selanjutnya nilai-nilai Islam yang ada di masyarakat dalam mendorong proses pemberdayaan perempuan di Aceh Utara mengalami pergeseran di Desa Pande. Kajian ini merekomendasikan perlunya lebih banyak upaya untuk meningkatkan potensi perempuan dengan cara mempromosikan dan memamerkan produk-produk lokal untuk pemberdayaan perempuan di desa berdasarkan potensi yang ada tanpa meninggalkan nilai-nilai keislaman.
Liner Hanger Installation in Challenging Offshore Well Conditions
Authors: Luna David , Elizalde Roberto , Diwaku Wantuadi
Published: February 2021

ERD wells are commonly associated with major challenges for installation of casing and liner strings. These wells typically present high torque and drag parameters that jeopardize getting strings to total depth.

In an attempt to optimize production, a major oil company in Angola decided to re-enter the study well in early 2016. A sidetrack was opened in the 9 5/8-in. casing, and drilling continued in the 8 ½-in. hole and penetrated the target zone in the highest location. Then a 7-in. production liner was run.

To reach the target zone, 5,583 ft of 8 ½-in. hole was drilled and deviations varied from 45° to 87°. This trajectory was a challenge for subsequent running of 7-in. liner. Torque and drag (T&D) models showed liner rotation at total depth (TD) was not possible, and a surge model indicated likelihood of mud losses while running the liner.

Liner hanger technologies became a very important phase of well construction, and service companies developed advanced liner hangers to overcome hostile well environments. In this case study, the short time available from the planning to execution phases and the current oil market conditions made it imperative that the right equipment, service, and technology were available in country. To achieve the ideal working parameters and get the liner to bottom, a thorough assessment needed to be performed to ensure risk mitigation.

This paper presents summarizes steps considered during planning for the 7-in. liner run including a detailed engineering analysis that enabled the operator to make the best decisions based on the available resources. The paper will also discuss lessons learned and best practices captured during the job that will be used for subsequent liners in similar wells.
Petroleum Potential of Rift Basins in Northern Somalia – A Fresh Look
Authors: Witte Jan , Trümpy Daniel , Meßner Jürgen , Babies Hans Georg
Published: February 2021

Several wells have encountered good oil shows in the rift basins of northern Somalia, however, without finding commercial hydrocarbons to date. It is widely accepted that these basins have a similar tectonic evolution and a comparable sedimentary fill as the highly productive rift basins in Yemen from which they have been separated by the opening of the Gulf of Aden (fully established in Mid Oligocene). We present new regional tectonic maps, new basement outcrop maps, a new structural transect and new play maps, specifically for the Odewayne, Nogal, Daroor and Socotra Basins.

Digital terrain data, satellite images, surface geology maps (varying scales), oil seep/slick maps, potential data (gravity), well data from ~50 wells and data from scientific publications were compiled into a regional GIS-database, so that different data categories could be spatially analyzed.

To set the tectonic framework, the outlines of the basins under investigation were re-mapped, paying particular attention to crystalline basement outcrops. A set of play maps was established. We recognize at least three source rocks, five reservoirs and at least three regional seals to be present in the area (not all continuously present). Numerous oil seeps are documented, particularly in the Nogal and Odewayne Basins, indicative of ongoing migration or re-migration. Data from exploration wells seem to further support the presence of active petroleum systems, especially in the central Nogal, western Nogal and central Daroor Basins.

Our GIS-based data integration confirms that significant hydrocarbon potential remains in the established rift basins, such as the Nogal and Daroor Basins. Additionally, there are a number of less known satellite basins (on and offshore) which can be mapped out and that remain completely undrilled. All of these basins have to be considered frontier basins, due to their poorly understood geology, remoteness, marketing issues and missing oil infrastructure, making the economic risks significant. However, we believe that through acquisition of new seismic data, geochemical analysis, basin modelling and, ultimately, exploration drilling these risks can be mitigated to a point where the economic risks become acceptable.

We encourage explorers to conduct regional basin analysis, data integration, a GIS-based approach and modern structural geology concepts to tackle key issues, such as trap architecture, structural timing, migration pathways and breaching risks.
Source Rocks of Somalia – A Regional Assessment
Authors: Trümpy Daniel , Witte Jan , Weber Immanuel , Da Ponte Souza João P.
Published: February 2021

In total, some 60 wells have been drilled onshore and less than 10 offshore Somalia*, none of which in deep water. Several prospective basins remain undrilled, such as the offshore Jubba and Mid Somali High basins and the onshore Odewayne basin. In view of the gas discoveries offshore Mozambique and Tanzania, and also of encouraging results offshore Kenya (sub-commercial oil discovery Sunbird-1) and in Madagascar, the Somalian offshore and onshore basins were re-evaluated.

As to the Somali onshore basins, the extension of the Yemeni Jurassic and Cretaceous rifts into Somalia highlights their prospectivity. Seeps abound (Odewayne and Nogal basins) and some wells encountered good shows. Late Jurassic and Upper Cretaceous marine shales are source rock candidates. Gas in the area of Mogadishu may be associated with the Early Triassic Bokh Fm. source rock. Seeps in western Somalia are rare, and may result either from long-distance migration out of the Calub Graben or from locally mature Lower Cretaceous or Upper Jurassic.

We establish an inventory of proven and possible source rock occurences in Somalia by integrating publicly available data on slicks and seeps, geological and gravity maps, literature data, well data and geological information from adjoining basins. Our data indicate that in the Somali part of the Gulf of Aden, high heat-flow may critically affect the Late Jurassic source rock. However, Late Cretaceous or even Eocene sources may be locally oil-mature.

The presence of source rocks on the Somali Indian Ocean margin remains presently speculative. Abundance of slicks in the area south of Mogadishu may not relate to hydrocarbons. Of more interest are reported isolated slicks further to the north, in deeper waters of the Mogadishu and Mid-Somalia High Basins. These slicks may be related to Lower/Mid-Jurassic, Late Jurassic, Late Cretaceous or Eocene sources.

Analysis of onshore seeps in northern Somalia (Nogal, Daroor, Odewayne basins), integrated with seismic data, will allow to determine the origin of these oils and an assessment of the size of prospective kitchen areas. In the offshore, 3D-Basin-modelling will be required to determine which areas are prospective for gas or, especially, for oil.
Lessons Learned: How to Produce More Hydrocarbons from Blowout Wells
Authors: Tang Xueqing , Dou Lirong , Wang Ruifeng
Published: February 2021

Deep formation damage caused by killing fluid frequently occurs in blowout wells and clean-up operations may result in early water breakthrough and less hydrocarbon recovery. This paper presents three innovative practices applied in oil and gas wells that suffered blowout accidents for more hydrocarbon recovery. i.e.: For a blowout oil well, N2 huff and puff process can be applied for clean-up around the wellbore. During the first several cycles, the well got clean-up and output and wellhead pressure increased.For a blowout gas well in a massive gas pool, controllable drawdown pressure is recommended due to its updip location. The drawdown pressure should be met for both clean-up and minimum water coning. When water breakthrough appears, then neighboring wells at lower locations produce at larger drawdown pressure than that of blown-out well to minimize the impact of water influx on production of blowout well.For a blowout gas well in a faulted, naturally fractured reservoir, drawdown pressure should be maintained at the level of no liquid-loading in the wellbore. Gas and water co-production should be kept stable. Any shut-in of the well must be avoided.

These methods have been successfully utilized in more than 40 wells for over 50 years. The three typical field examples are illustrated. One of them is an oil well in sandstone reservoir, with double oil rate as the nearby wells. The rest are a gas well in massive carbonate pool with bottom water, with the most prolific gas production in the field, and a gas well in a naturally fractured reservoir, with Gp of over 180 BCF.
A Dual-Model of Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth in a Community Sample of Female Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Survivors from Bosnia & Herzegovina
Authors: Anderson Kimberley , Komproe Ivan , Delić Amra , Avdibegović Esmina , Ee Elisa van , Glaesmer Heide
Published: February 2021

Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are increasingly acknowledged as psychological outcomes that can co-occur in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Less clear however, is how these outcomes interact – particularly for female survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) – and to what extent intermediary factors such as coping play a role in this relationship.Methods In a sample of 192 survivors of the 1990s conflict in Bosnia & Herzegovina; of whom 104 experienced CRSV, and 88 who did not, a structural equation model was tested using LISREL 8.8 that included CRSV as a traumatic event, ‘positive reinterpretation’ (as a strategy of approach coping) and ‘behavioural disengagement’ (as a strategy of avoidance coping), and PTSD and PTG as psychosocial outcomes. It was hypothesised that there would be differences in the mechanisms by which PTG and PTSD interact in the two subgroups, given the differences in the nature of the trauma they experienced.Results Through multiple indirect relationships, results showed that CRSV survivors respond to their trauma with both PTSD and PTG, substantiating a dual PTSD-PTG mechanism, as opposed to a single spectrum with these outcomes at the poles. With regard to coping strategies, positive reinterpretation predicted greater PTG, and behavioural disengagement predicted greater PTSD. In the sample of non-sexual violence survivors, positive reinterpretation also remained a significant predictor of PTG.Conclusions Findings suggest that positive reinterpretation as a coping strategy appears to be a stable characteristic that independently predicts PTG, irrespective of trauma type. Mental health care professionals should take into account this specific mechanism when addressing the needs of CRSV survivors, but also war survivors more generally. Reframing traumatic events and post-trauma sequalae during treatment could lead to greater PTG and enhance recovery.
Significantly decreased islet β cell function and increased fasting plasma glucose in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Dafeng , Zhou Lingyun , Zhag Xinyi , Zeng Yilan , Bai Lang , Wu Dongbo , Tang Hong
Published: February 2021

Background: The contributing factors of abnormal glucose metabolism and the characteristics of the homeostasis model assessment of β cell function (HOMA-β) value in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients are unclear and worth studying.Method: This cross-sectional study recruited 110 CHB patients (CHB group) and 110 patients without hepatitis B virus (non-HBV group); the groups were matched according to sex, age, and body mass index. The contributing factors of abnormal glucose metabolism and the characteristics and differences in glucose metabolism parameters between the two groups were analyzed. Results: The abnormal glucose metabolism rate was higher in CHB patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and patients with hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) (-) status. In addition, under the same glucose metabolism conditions, the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels of the CHB group was higher than that of the non-HBV group, especially in those with LC that had higher FPG levels (all p=0.000), while the HOMA-β values was significantly lower in the CHB group than in the non-HBV group, especially under normal glucose tolerance conditions (all p=0.000). Further analyses revealed that the main contributing factors of abnormal glucose metabolism were HBeAg (-) status and hepatitis B envelope antibody levels, but HBV serological and virological indicators had no direct effect on the HOMA-β value.Conclusion: These findings provide a reference that will allow clinicians to monitor abnormal glucose metabolism in CHB patients, especially those with LC or HBeAg (-) status, focus on the protection of islet β-cell function, and avoid the application of insulin secretagogues in CHB patients with abnormal glucose metabolism.
Statistically bias-corrected and downscaled climate models underestimate the severity of U.S. maize yield shocks
Authors: Lafferty David , Sri Ryan , Haqiqi Iman , Hertel Thomas , Keller Klaus , Nicholas Robert
Published: February 2021

Efforts to understand and quantify how a changing climate can impact agriculture often rely on bias-corrected and downscaled climate information, making it important to quantify potential biases of this approach. Previous studies typically focus their uncertainty analyses on climatic variables and are silent on how these uncertainties propagate into human systems through their subsequent incorporation into econometric models. Here, we use a multi-model ensemble of statistically downscaled and bias-corrected climate models, as well as the corresponding CMIP5 parent models, to analyze uncertainty surrounding annual maize yield variability in the United States. We find that the CMIP5 models considerably overestimate historical yield variability while the bias-corrected and downscaled versions underestimate the largest historically observed yield shocks. We also find large differences in projected yields and other decision-relevant metrics throughout this century, leaving stakeholders with modeling choices that require navigating trade-offs in resolution, historical accuracy, and projection confidence.
Using ferric sulfate, sodium hydroxide, and chitosan to harvest marine microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and recycling the culture medium
Authors: Cai Jinling , Wang Yu , Feng Chenchen , Zhang Xinzhi
Published: February 2021

Microalgae are widely used in biofuels, medicine, food, and feed industries. However, harvesting microalgal biomass is a major difficulty that hinders their industrial application. In this study, three flocculants (ferric sulfate, sodium hydroxide, and chitosan) were used to harvest the marine microalga Chlorella vulgaris, and floc characteristics including flocculation efficiency, concentration factor, and flocs morphology were studied. The results showed that the tested flocculants can efficiently harvest C. vulgaris. The flocculation efficiencies of ferric sulfate (0.9 g/L), sodium hydroxide (0.6 g/L), and chitosan (30 mg/L) were 93.4% ± 0.8%, 96.5% ± 0.6%, and 98.8% ± 1.3% within 70, 100, and 12 min, respectively. The total carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids contents in C. vulgaris were not influenced by the test flocculants after harvesting. When compared with fresh f/2 medium, the recycled medium could also efficiently support C. vulgaris growth. Among the three flocculants tested, chitosan was ideal owing to its high efficiency, low dosage requirement, short harvesting time, and reutilization of culture medium.
Joining thin-walled structures without protuberance by two-strokes flattening clinching process
Authors: Peng Hao , Chen Chao , Li Haijun , Gao Xiaolei
Published: February 2021

Clinching technologies have better performance in joining different sheet materials. However, the protuberance and mechanical behaviors of clinched joints have always been needed to be improved. In this paper, a new clinching method, named two-strokes flattening clinching (TFC) process, was proposed to improve the mechanical behaviors of joints and flatten the protuberance. Mechanical testing including tension shearing tests were employed under quasi-static conditions to evaluate the different mechanical behaviors between TFC and conventional clinched joints. The influences of the different forming forces on mechanical response of these joints were studied. The static strength, energy absorption, material flow and failure modes of TFC and conventional clinched joints were investigated comparatively. The experimental results demonstrated that the tension-shear strength of TFC clinched joints was increased by 30.3% compared with conventional clinched joints at the forming force of 30 kN. Furthermore, the material flow analysis showed that the thickness and interlock of TFC clinched joints were increased by 79% and 45.9%, respectively. The energy absorption of TFC clinched joint was increased by 82%. In addition, the TFC process did not change the failure mode of clinched joints, and the failure mode of all clinched joints was neck fracture.
Comparison between Heat Pipes based condenser and Conventional condenser of Power Plant
Authors: Tarla Mallikharjuna Rao
Published: February 2021

This paper explores the feasibility of using heat pipes for steam condensation and heat pipe based condenser. The concept of heat pipes for steam condensation is newly proposed and studied herewith. . CFD analysis and Experimental studies carried on the single heat pipe for steam condensation. Experimental setup and results of heat pipes based steam condenser presented. Properties like Effectiveness, heat transfer surface area, exergy analysis for the conventional condenser made of simple copper tubes and heat pipe based condenser are compared
Prescribing antibiotics: Factors associated with C-reactive protein testing in general practice. A register-based study
Authors: Sydenham Rikke Vognbjerg , Hansen Malene Plejdrup , Justesen Ulrik Stenz , Pedersen Line Bjørnskov , Aabenhus Rune Munck , Wehberg Sonja , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg
Published: February 2021

Background The use of C-reactive protein (CRP) tests is shown to safely reduce antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs). The aim of this study was to explore patient and clinical factors associated with the use of CRP testing when prescribing antibiotics recommended for RTIs. Methods A nation-wide retrospective cross-sectional register-based study based on first redeemed antibiotic prescriptions issued to adults in Danish general practice between July 2015 and June 2017. Only antibiotics recommended for treatment of RTIs were included in the analysis (penicillin-V, amoxicillin, co-amoxicillin or roxithromycin/clarithromycin). Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios for patient-related and clinical factors on performing a CRP test in relation to antibiotic prescribing. Results A total of 984,149 patients redeemed at least one antibiotic prescription during the two-year period. Of these, 487,939 (49.6%) were labelled with the clinical indication RTI. Patients aged 75 years and above, with a Charlson Comorbidity Index of more than one, unemployed or on disability pension, living alone, and immigrants or descendants of immigrants had lower odds of having a CRP test performed in relation to an antibiotic prescription. Being followed in practice for a chronic condition and having CRP tests performed in the previous year were associated with higher odds of CRP testing in relation to antibiotic prescribing. Conclusions Differences were observed in the use of CRP tests among subgroups of patients indicating that both sociodemographic factors and comorbidity influence the decision to use a CRP test in general practice. Potentially, this means that CRP tests are not used to an optimal extent for all groups of patients. This leaves room for improved use of CRP tests to increase diagnostic certainty and further promote rational prescribing of antibiotics.
Fixed Prosthetic Restorations With Sandblasted Surface Implants: Long-term Results of a Clinical Study
Authors: Velasco-Ortega Eugenio , Jimenez-Guerra Alvaro , Ortiz-Garcia Ivan , Moreno-Muñoz Jesus , Nuñez-Marquez Enrique , Nicolas-Silvente Ana I. , Lopez-Lopez Jose , Monsalve-Guil Loreto
Published: February 2021

Sandblasting is a standard procedure used for treating the implant surface to enhance the osseointegration with known clinical success. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of sandblasted implants. Two hundred fifty-five MG Osseous screw implants were placed in 81 patients using a two-stage surgical technique and conventional loading protocol (three-months). Implant and prosthetic clinical findings were evaluated during a 15-years follow-up. Four implants were lost during the healing period, and 103 fixed prostheses were placed over the 251 implants left: 58 single-crowns, 31 partially fixed bridges, and 14 full-arch fixed restorations. Fourteen implants were lost during the follow-up period. Clinical results indicated an implant survival rate of 92.9%. 11.8% of implants showed peri-implantitis as the primary biological complication. The mean marginal bone loss was 1.76 ± 0.38 mm, ranging from 0.9 to 2.8 mm. The most frequent complication was mechanical prosthodontic complications (20.9%). Sandblasted surface implants inserted in both maxillary and mandibular areas produce favorable outcomes and stable tissue conditions when a delayed loading protocol is followed.
Cd8αα+T Cells Exert a Pro-inflammatory Role in Patients With Psoriasis 
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Lin Yiting , Wang Lei , Sun Xiuwen , Dang Erle , Xue Ke , Zhang Weigang , Zhang Qian , Li Junqin , Zhang Kaiming , Wang Gang , Li Bing
Published: February 2021

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory disease caused by excessive activation of CD4+T cells, including Th17, Th1, and Th22. The role of CD8+T cells in psoriasis pathogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify the phenotype of CD8+T cells in patients with psoriasis and to investigate its role in the formation of lesions. First of all, we identify CD8αα+T cell as a main subset of CD8+T cells infiltrated in lesions of patients with psoriasis. Furthermore, we found that epidermal CD8αα+T cells exhibited tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) phenotypes and dermal CD8αα+T cells exhibited effector memory (TEM) phenotypes in psoriatic lesions. Thereafter, by coculturing CD8αα+T cells with autogenous CD4+T cells to investigate the function of CD8αα+T cells, we found that CD8αα+T cells from patients with psoriasis could promote the proliferation of CD4+T effector cells; while CD8αα+T cells from healthy controls exerted immunosuppressive function. Finally, we demonstrate that CD8αα+T cells from patients with psoriasis did not express the markers of regulatory T cells, and produce IL-17 and IFN-γ. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that CD8αα+T cells contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis by producing pro-inflammatory factors.
Medicinal Plants from the Ankaratra Mountain In Madagascar: Diversity and Uses
Authors: Andrianarivelo Miora Henintsoa , Rakotondrafara Andriamalala , Rakotosaona Rianasoambolanoro , Rakotoarimanana Vonjison , Rakotonirina Christian Marius , Ratasiarivelo Jeannine , Rakotoarisoa Falitiana Marrino , Rasamison Vincent Emile , Richard RAKOTONANDRASANA Stéphan
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe Ankaratra Mountain, the third summit of Madagascar, is covered in a large part by herbaceous vegetations. It is among regions where ethnobotanical works have not been done yet. Besides, there have not been so far any surveys of medicinal plants conducted in savannah vegetation from Madagascar. The objective of the present communication was to study the diversity of medicinal species encountered in this mountain, the most used species in traditional medicine and the most important species used to treat diseases with medicinal plants.MethodsThe voucher specimens of surveyed species in the Ankaratra Mountain were shown individually to 26 local traditional healers. Semi-structured interview was employed and dealt with the main questions such as: do you know this plan? Do you know the uses of this species in traditional medicine? Do you know the method of preparation?ResultsOf the two hundred and three species (203) of medicinal plants inventoried in the Ankaratra Mountain, 139 (73.9%) are endemic and 69 (33.9%) are new to the ethnopharmacopea. The savannah vegetation hosts the highest number of species (35.5%). They are also more cited than the forestry species. Endemic species are the most used (FC=77.8%) and the most important (FL=71.6%). The most diversified and the most used genera are dominated by the best-represented ones in endemic species. The most cited diseases are those which require particular knowledge and those frequently encountered in Madagascar.ConclusionThis work provides the first information on the ethnobotany of plant species in the Ankaratra Mountain. These data can be considered as a valuable tool to support any actions directed to the conservation of the flora from the massif. The ecological study of the most cited endemic species and the most important in the treatment of diseases as well as their chemical and pharmacological investigations are among our perspectives of research.
Determinants of Non-Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice During the First 6 Months After an Elective Caesarean Birth: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mohamad Noraini , Saddki Norkhafizah , Johar Nazirah , Sulaiman Zaharah , Ismail Tengku Alina Tengku
Published: February 2021

Background: Caesarean birth is associated with higher rate of non-exclusive breastfeeding (NEBF) than vaginal birth. NEBF refers to the provision of food or fluid besides breast milk, excluding drugs and vitamins, to infants before 6 months of age. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with NEBF practice during the first 6 months after an elective caesarean birth.Methods: This prospective cohort study recruited 171 mothers who underwent an elective caesarean birth at two tertiary hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia. Face-to-face interviews were conducted 2 days after the caesarean birth to obtain information on the variables of interest. Follow-up phone calls were made at 1, 3 and 6 months after birth to determine the prevalence of NEBF. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were used for data analysis.Results: The prevalence of NEBF was 19.9%, 40.4% and 57.9% at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Factors found to be associated with NEBF practice at 1 month were age of the last child, last child breastfeeding practice, and confidence with adequacy of breast milk. Last child breastfeeding practice was also found to be associated with NEBF practice at 3 months, as well as perception of insufficient of breast milk supply. At 6 months, perception of insufficient breast milk supply remains as one of factors associated with NEBF practice, together with experience of breast pain as baby suckled.Conclusion: The prevalence of NEBF increased as the child grew older. Perceived breast milk insufficiency was the only factor associated with NEBF at all months.
Identification of appropriate reference genes for gene expression studies in mice left ventricles from different developmental stages
Authors: Ren Jie , Zhang Ningning , Li Xiangjie , Sun Xiaogang , Song Jiangping
Published: February 2021

Aims: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the standard assay used for revealing the gene expression characteristics. However, the RT-qPCR studies all need reference genes for normalization to make the results comparable, which should hold a high expression stability during all experimental datasets. So far, there was no optimal set of reference genes identified in mice left ventricles (LV) across embryonic and postnatal stages. The objective of our research was to identify the appropriate reference genes in mice LV from different developmental stages.Methods and Results: we investigated the gene expressions of common 21 candidate housekeeping genes in mice LV from 7 different developmental stages, almost throughout the whole period of the mouse lifespan. The expression of some candidate reference genes, such as 18S and Actb, apparently fluctuated. The stability of potential reference genes was evaluated by a number of methods, such as GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, Delta-Ct and RefFinder method. we identified a set of optimal reference genes that can be reliably used for normalization of RT-qPCR experiments in different developmental stages of mice LV. Our results showed that following genes should not be used as reference genes in mice LV development studies: 18S, Hmbs, Ubc, Psmb4, Tfrc and Actb. And the Rplp0 appeared to represent a good choice. Conclusions: Our study provides the expression stability of the commonly used reference genes in process of LV development and maturation. We also identified a set of optimal reference genes under different conditions. Our findings may be helpful in future studies to investigate the gene expression patterns and mechanism of mammalian heart development.
An integrated analysis of the competing endogenous RNA network associated of prognosis of stage I lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Yuan , Lin Guofu , Liu Yifei , Lin Xianbin , Lin Hai , Guo Zhifeng , Xu Yingxuan , Lin Qinhui , Chen Shaohua , Yang Jiansheng , Zeng Yiming
Published: February 2021

Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involving in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of lung cancer. The aim of the study is to systematically characterize the lncRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and identify key lncRNAs in the development of stage I lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods: Totally, 1,955 DEmRNAs, 165 DEmiRNAs and 1,107 DElncRNAs were obtained in 10 paired normal and LUAD tissues. And a total of 8,912 paired lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed. Using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, the module of ME turquoise was revealed to be most relevant to the progression of LUAD though Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Results: Of the lncRNAs identified, LINC00639, RP4-676L2.1 and FENDRR were in ceRNA network established by our RNA-sequencing dataset. Using univariate Cox regression analysis, FENDRR was a risk factor of progression free survival (PFS) of stage I LUAD patients (HRs=1.69, 95%CI 1.07-2.68, P< .050). Subsequently, differential expression of FENDRR in paired normal and LUAD tissues was detected significant by real-time quantitative (qRT-PCR) (P <0.001). Conclusions: This study, for the first time, deciphered the regulatory role of FENDRR/miR-6815-5p axis in the progression of early-stage LUAD, which is needed to be established in vitro and in vivo.
Femoral Neck Width Predict Low Bone Mass in Patients with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
Authors: Matsumoto Kazu , Ogawa Hiroyasu , Nozawa Satoshi , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: February 2021

Background: Recent report revealed multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) patients showed the osteoporosis. This study aimed to determine if proximal femur deformities can indicate low bone mass in MHE patients and to investigate the correlation between Z-score or T-score and hip geometry parameters. Patients and Methods: Twenty MHE patients from unrelated families were included in this study. Bone mineral density (BMD) of both femoral neck (n = 40) was examined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. We examined femoral neck axis length (FNAL), femoral head diameter (FHD), femoral neck width (FNW), femoral shaft width (FSW), and femoral neck angle (FNA) and calculated the femoral head-neck ratio (FHNR=FHD/FNW). We examined the correlation between these parameters and Z-score or T-score using linear regression analysis followed by Spearman rank correlation coefficient.Results: Of the patients, 91.7% (22 of 24) male and 100% (16 of 16) female had a Z-score <0 in the femoral neck area. Results also showed that the femoral neck area of 62.5% (15 of 24) male and 56.3% (9 of 16) female patients are within the range for osteopenia. The femoral neck are of seven patients (17.5%) were found to be within the range for osteoporosis. These results suggest that MHE patients tend to have low bone mass. We found a significant correlation between FNW and Z-score (r = -0.3924, P = 0.0123), but there was no significant difference between Z-score and FNAL, FHD, FSW, NSA, and FHNR. We also found that there were significant differences between T-score and FNW and T-score and FHNR (r = -0.4787, P = 0.0018 and r = 0.3636, P = 0.0211, respectively). There was no significant difference between T-score and the other parameters.Conclusions: We found that the femoral neck width significantly correlates with Z-score or T-score. These results suggest that the femoral neck width may be a reliable predicting factor of bone mineral density.
Environmental Complexity, but Not Stocking Density, Positively Impacts Affective States of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Anderson M.G. , Campbell A.M. , Crump A. , Arnott G. , Jacobs L.
Published: February 2021

Affective state can bias an animal’s judgement. Animals in positive affective states can interpret ambiguous cues more positively (“optimistically”) than animals in negative affective states. Thus, judgement bias tests can determine an animal’s affective state through their responses to ambiguous cues. We tested the effects of environmental complexity and stocking density on affective states of broiler chickens through a multimodal judgement bias test. Broilers were trained to approach reinforced locations signaled by one color and not to approach unreinforced locations signaled by a different color. Trained birds were tested for latencies to approach three ambiguous cues of intermediate color and location. Broilers discriminated between cues, with shorter latencies to approach ambiguous cues closest to the reinforced cue than cues closest to the unreinforced cue, validating the use of the test in this context. Broilers housed in high-complexity pens approached ambiguous cues faster than birds in low-complexity pens­–an optimistic judgement bias, suggesting the former were in a more positive affective state. Broilers from high-density pens tended to approach all cues faster than birds from low-density pens, possibly because resource competition in their home pen increased food motivation. Overall, our study suggests that environmental complexity improves broilers’ affective states, implying animal welfare benefits of environmental enrichment.