bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrothermal sulfonation of palm empty fruit bunch carbon as solid acid catalyst and its hydrolysis catalytic activity
Authors: Nata Iryanti F. , Irawan Chairul , Putra Meilana D. , Lee Cheng-Kang
Published: August 2020

The sulfonated carbon solid acid catalyst (C-SO3H) was successfully generated from palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) carbon via hydrothermal sulfonation by addition of hydroxyethylsulfonic acid and citric acid. The C-SO3H was identified contain of 1.75 mmol/g of acidity and 40.2% of sulphur. The surface morphology of C-SO3H showed pores with diameters of 3-6 µm and crystalline index (CrI) of material was decreased to 63.8% due to changed structure become carbon. The surface area of carbon was increased significantly from 11.5 to 239.65 m2 g- 1 after hydrothermal treatment. The identification of functional groups of -SO3H, COOH and -OH were detected by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR). The optimum catalytic activity of C-SO3H was achieved via hydrolysis reaction with 60.4% of total reducing sugar (TRS) yield. The both concentrations of C-SO3H and cassava peel starch are 5% (w v- 1) at 100 oC for 1 h. Stability of C-SO3H showed good performance for 4th repeated used; it showed insignificant of activity that decreased only of 6%. Thus, the C-SO3H is a candidate for green and potential sulfonated solid acid catalyst for wide range applications.
Bioretention As A Control To Urban Drainage System With An Ecohydrological Base: GIS As A Tool On Decision Making
Authors: Rosa Altair , Procopiuck Mario , Macedo Marina Batalini de , Lago César Ambrogi Ferreira do , Sample David , Souza Vladimir Caramori de , Mendiondo Mario Eduardo
Published: August 2020

The occupation and use of increasingly impermeable urban land have made it difficult to infiltrate water and, consequently, increase the volume of runoff in different cities, which has required the development of bioretention techniques in the field of hydrology. The aim of this article is to define and apply criteria for the identification of areas for the construction of Bioretention systems for evaluations based on Geographic Information System indicators, considering the aspects of quantity and quality in urban drainage . The developed method allows to verify and compare changes in the surface of urban areas and their interference in the local environment , the mapping of land use and occupation to simplify procedures to define and prioritize areas for the construction of Bioretention systems, the use of resources from georeferenced bases to resolve eco-hydrological issues. The study develops technical bases for the use of a georeferencing tool to analyze areas with speed and consistency as a basis for decisions on the implementation of Bioretention systems
Family Functioning Affected by Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in China: a Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Huang Yue , Li Tao , Yuan Wangshu , Wang Hai , Shen Jianxiong
Published: August 2020

Backgrounds: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS) is a common chronic disease in youths, presenting with spinal deformity. Previous studies reported that family functioning of family members will be affected after a child is diagnosed with a chronic health condition. ﻿Family functioning would be evaluated in AIS patients and their parents in this study.﻿Methods: ﻿54 AIS patients (age=14.9±1.9 years old; F:M=51:3) who underwent conservative or surgical treatments in our hospital from April 2017 to March 2018, and their parents (age=43.0±4.1 years old; F:M=40:14) were enrolled in this study. Family functioning of both the patients and their parents was evaluated using McMaster family assessment device (FAD). The relationship of family functioning between the patients and their parents was first accessed using paired-samples t-test. Family functioning was defined to be “Unhealthy” if the family FAD scores (the mean scores of the patients and their parents) were above the cut-off. The potential risk factors of the unhealthiest subscales ﻿were analyzed using the chi-squared test or the independent t-test. Then, ﻿the effects of independent risk factors were analyzed using the logistic regression model if more than two risk factors were identified.﻿Results: There is no significant difference between the AIS patients (1.90±0.42~2.23±0.32) and their parents (1.92±0.35~2.21±0.29) in all seven subscales (p≥0.05). The scores of the parents were moderately/strongly correlated with those of the AIS patients in all seven subscales (𝛄=0.456~0.696, p<0.05). 20.4% to 87.0% of the families experienced unhealthy family functioning, and affective involvement (57.4%), and behavior control (87.0%) were the unhealthiest subscales with the mean scores above the cut-off. Coronal imbalance (p=0.041, Odds ratio [OR]=3.685) was the independent risk factor of unhealthy affective involvement.﻿Conclusions: 20.4%~ 87.0% families reported unhealthy family functioning, especially for affective involvement and behavior control. Coronal imbalance (body image) was an independent risk factor of unhealthy affective involvement. These facts suggest a potential need of the family for assistance with establishing and maintaining near-normal daily routines after a child is diagnosed with AIS. Medical workers should provide some practical suggestions for AIS families to improve their family functioning.
Application of accelerated rehabilitation surgery concept in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy cancer for patients aged ≥70 years
Authors: Ma Jun , Shao Hongliang , Wang Yanzhong , Chen Yirui , Mou Yiping
Published: August 2020

Objective: To explore the application effect of accelerated rehabilitation surgery on laparoscopic radical gastrectomy cancer for patients aged ≥70 years.Methods: Retrospective analysis of 120 aged ≥70 patients’ clinical data undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2018, which were divided into accelerated rehabilitation group (n = 73) and control group (n = 47). By comparing the postoperative clinical data of the two groups, we explored the application effect of accelerated rehabilitation surgery on laparoscopic radical gastrectomy cancer for patients aged ≥70 years.Results: Compared with the control group, the first time to get out of bed (2.1 ± 0.9 days vs 3.8 ± 1.5 days, P<0.01), the first exhaust time (3.2 ± 0.8 days vs 3.9 ± 1.2 days, P<0.01) and the first time to eat liquid food after surgery (1.8 ± 0.9 days vs 3.2 ± 1.3 days, P<0.01), and postoperative hospital stay (12.7 ± 4.3 days vs 15.8 ± 6.4 days, P<0.01) in the rehabilitation group were significantly lower. There was no significant difference in the overall postoperative complications between the two groups (P<0.05), however, the complications of pulmonary infection in the accelerated rehabilitation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.4% vs 10.6%, P = 0.03). Conclusions: The application of accelerated rehabilitation surgery concepts and measures after surgery in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy cancer for patients aged ≥70 years can promote early postoperative rehabilitation, reduce postoperative hospital stay, and reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary infection complications.
Ethylene Oxide for the Mass Deacidification of Paper Relics
Authors: Qi Yunpeng , Jia Zhihui , Wang Yong , Zhao Guangtao , Chao Xiaolian , Zhou Yajun , Li Yuhu
Published: August 2020

In order to solve the international problem of deacidification protection at scale for the whole book and archives, this paper designs the equipment and technology of bulk deacidification treatment with ethylene oxide gas phase. the procedure is simple and the investment is small. In this process, a mixture of ethylene oxide and argon gas is added with the aid of medium vacuum, and the large-scale deacidification of acidification books and archives can be realized by controlling temperature and humidity. This technology does not need to screen acidic and alkaline paper. After the overall treatment, the paper pH value remains at 7.0 to 9.5, which has no effect on handwriting, no discoloration, and has a certain strengthening effect on the paper. The accelerated aging test shows that the pH value remains stable after deacidification and the durability is enhanced. It is a new deacidification technology of paper cultural relics with high efficiency, safety, good compatibility and scale.
Diagnostic value of the Hs-cTnT/CysC ratio in patients with stage ≥3 CKD and acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Yang Lihua , Cai Cudan , Lin Hanfei , Peng Jianwei , Peng Yanqiang , Wu Kefei
Published: August 2020

Background: We investigated the diagnostic value of the ratio of high sensitivity troponin to cystatin C in CKD patients with stage ≥ 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute myocardial infarction. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 401 patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent coronary angiography in the chest pain center at our hospital during 2013–2019. Among the 196 patients studied, 113 were placed in an AMI group and 83 in a non-AMI group. Results: There were no significant differences in age, sex, or the presence of hypertension, diabetes, gout/hyperuricemia, stroke, tumor, or epidermal growth factor receptors between the two groups (P > 0.05). A correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between CysC and Cr, with a correlation coefficient of 0.872 (P < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve for the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT)/CysC ratio showed an area under the curve value of 0.925 (P < 0.001), with sensitivity of 78.4% and specificity of 94.0%. Conclusion: The hs-TnT/CysC ratio can thus be used as an index to predict AMI in patients with stage≥ 3 CKD.
Study on Qualification for Cold Mass Support of ITER FEEDER CFT
Authors: Tang Xiaoshi , Liu Chen , Lu Kun , Chen Fuxing , Ni Xiaojun , Farek Jaromir , Su Man , Zeng Tianjun , Zhou Wei
Published: August 2020

Cold Mass Support (CMS) is a very important internal component of ITER Cryostat feedthrough (CFT), which acts as structure support who bears shear loads and sliding, as well as where heat load transfer from room temperature to 4.2K component. Base on the special functional requirements and importance, the design of CMS should be qualified before the real production used on ITER Feeder system. In this paper, the qualification process of CMS was studied, three kinds of qualification tests were done on CMS mockup and prototype, include structural mechanical strength test, sliding pad qualification tests, and thermal conductance test. Every testing process was introduced in detail, such as the load distribution of mechanical test, the setup of test platform, special test equipment and methods, etc. Some important performance parameters were obtained, such as the maximum deformation under mechanical load, the friction coefficient and some key performances of the Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating, temperature gradient of CMS during cryogenic test, and so on. All these testing results could prove that the design of the CMS was satisfactory, and the qualification was successful.
miR8181 is Involved in the Cell Growth and Development Regulation of Saccharina Japonica
Authors: Yang Xiaoqi , Wang Xiu liang , Yao Jian ting , Li Wei , Duan Delin
Published: August 2020

Background: Aureochrome, a blue-light receptor found in photosynthetic stramenopiles, plays an important role in brown algal growth and development. Aureochrome preserves the reversed effector-sensor domain for blue light reception and acts as the candidate optogenetic tool for light induced post-transcriptional regulation, but the inner rapid regulation of aureochrome remains to be studied. MicroRNA (miRNAs) of plant can cleavage the specific base-pairing site of mRNA by RNA interference mechanism, and such post-transcriptional regulation of miRNAs to photoreceptor has received attention due to the flexible regulation pathway. However, the targeting relationship between aureochrome and miRNA is unclear.Results: In this study, the potential regulatory network between miRNAs and aureochrome were explored by transcriptome and sRNA sequencing in Saccharina japonica. Our results found that 18 miRNAs perfectly paired with aureochrome. Among the screened miRNAs, miR8181-x was negatively correlated with aureochrome5 with high credibility and exhibited tissue-specific expression in S. japonica. Degradome sequencing detected the exact cleavage site of miR8181-x on aureochrome5, confirming their targeting regulation relationship. Among the 54 target genes of miR8181-x, nine genes of ABC transporters, E3 ubiquitin-protein protein ligase, Hsp90, Mx1, PetC, EF2, GSA, HAD-superfamily hydrolase and SET2 that exhibited similar expression with aureochrome5 competed with the same binding site, thus constructing the competing endogenous RNA network. Functional analysis of miR8181-x target genes revealed that regulation of cell differentiation and development was enriched, indicating the potential role of miR8181-x in the regulation of growth and development.Conclusion: Our study found that miR8181-x negatively regulated the expression of aureochrome5. The exact cleavage site in aureochrome5 were verified by degradome sequencing, confirming the targeting relationships. Functional enrichment of miR8181-x target genes revealed that miR8181-x involved in the cell growth and development regulation of S. japonica.
IGFBP-1 Promotes RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis via the ROS-Mediated Apoptotic Pathway
Authors: Zhu Xiaolin , Yang Nailong
Published: August 2020

Background: Osteoporosis acts as a type of metabolic disease which deteriorates osteopenia and bone microstructure. Osteoclasts serve as the major effector cells which have the function of degrading the bone matrix, and the abnormal function of osteoclasts cause the occurrence of osteoporosis. It has been identified that hepatokine insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) could promote receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Meanwhile, IGFBP-1 is an BAK-binding regulator of apoptosis in hepatocytes and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may trigger apoptosis via many apoptotic signaling pathways. So we speculated that IGFBP-1 may affect osteoclastogenesis, at least in part, via the ROS- mediated apoptosis pathway.Methods: RAW264.7 (mouse macrophage cells) were stimulated with IGFBP-1 with or without RANKL. Osteoclastogenesis was detected by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then flow cytometry (FCM) was adopted to measure the apoptotic rate presented by the TRAP-positive multinucleated osteoclasts. Meanwhile the expression of different proteins related to apoptosis and the ROS levels was detected in RAW264.7 cells of different groups. Results: IGFBP-1 could promote RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro and obviously attenuate the accumulation of ROS. In addition, IGFBP-1 treatment could inhibit the cell apoptosis and devitalize caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in the process of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis.Conclusions: IGFBP-1 could promote the bone loss induced by RANKL via apoptosis inhibition of osteoclasts by down-regulating the accumulation of ROS and the apoptosis pathway dependent on mitochondria. Hence, IGFBP-1 could be a novel therapeutic candidate for osteoporosis treatment.
Association of apolipoprotein C3 polymorphisms with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Chang Yu-Kang , Hsueh Kuan-Chun , Liu Chia-Hung , Lo Yen-Li , Lin Yang-Sheng , Wang Yuan-Hung
Published: August 2020

Background

The relationships between gene polymorphisms of apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been investigated, however, their findings were inconclusive. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effects of APOC3 promoter region polymorphisms (-455T/C and − 482C/T) on the susceptibility to NAFLD.
Methods

A comprehensive literature search was carried out with electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify eligible studies up to June 2019. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the combined effect sizes. The level of heterogeneity, sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias analyses were subsequently conducted.
Results

This meta-analysis included seven studies, containing 1,318 NAFLD cases and 1,691 controls fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The pooled analysis showed significant associations between APOC3 -455T/C polymorphism and risk of NAFLD in allelic model (OR = 1.33) and recessive model (OR = 1.67), but not in the dominant model. When stratified by ethnicity, the polymorphism − 455T/C was found to be significantly associated with risk of NAFLD in the Caucasian population, but not in the Asian population. No association was evident between the polymorphism − 482C/T and risk of NAFLD.
Conclusions

Our findings suggest that APOC3 promoter region polymorphism − 455T/C may associate with risk of NAFLD in Caucasian population. Further studies with other functional polymorphisms are helpful to discover the effects of APOC3 gene on the development of NAFLD.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy on the Effect of PCSK9 Inhibitor on Lipoprotein Particles in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes(ACS)
Authors: li tingting , Cong Hongliang , zhang yingyi
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor (evolocumab) on blood lipid level, lipoprotein particles, and their subfractions with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in patients with acute coronary syndromes(ACS). MethodsA total of 99 consecutive patients with ACS and poor lipid control were enrolled and assigned to either the experimental group (n = 54) or the control group (n = 45). The combination therapy of PCSK9 inhibitor (Repatha®, 140mg, q2w) and moderate statin (rosuvastatin, 10 mg, qn) was administered in the experimental group, with moderate statin therapy (rosuvastatin, 10 mg, qn) alone in the control group. The therapeutic effects on blood lipid levels and lipoprotein particle subfractions were assessed with NMR spectroscopy after eight weeks of treatment, and the achievement of LDL-C treatment target in both groups was analyzed. ResultsIn the experimental group, after eight weeks of evolocumab and moderate statin combination therapy, the level of blood lipids (TC, LDL-C and its subfractions [LDL-1 to 6], VLDL-C and its subfractions [VLDL-1 to 5], IDL-C, and HDL-C), lipoprotein particles, and their subfractions (VLDL-P, IDL-P, LDL-P, and its subfractions [LDL-P1 to 6], apoB, and LP(a)) demonstrated therapeutic benefits with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Lowered level of LDL-P was attributed to the significant decrease of small LDL-P (LDL-P5+6), which was significantly more prominent than the decrease in medium LDL-P (LDL-P3+4) and large LDL-P (LDL-P1+2) (P < 0.001). According to lipid control target recommended by the latest China Cholesterol Education Program (CCEP) Expert Consensus in 2019, the percentage of patients reaching the treatment target differed significantly between the experimental group and the control group (96.3% and 13.3%, respectively, P < 0.001). ConclusionsPCSK9 inhibitor treatment for 8 weeks could significantly improve the plasma lipid profiles in ACS patients with poor lipid control, and significantly decrease the concentration of lipoprotein particles which could result in atherosclerosis.
Designing Evacuation Routes and Assembly Point in Schools for Students With Disabilities: A Case Study of YPAB School in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Pamungkas Adjie , Sianturi Riswan Septriayadi , Putri Retno Indro , Ferrajuanie Arna , Elysiyah Ita
Published: August 2020

Assembly points and evacuations can be a tremendous support for students with dis-abilities (SWDs) during disaster events. This paper presents a method for designing assembly points and evacuation routes in areas prone to earthquakes. As a case study, it uses a school for students with disabilities in Surabaya. The study employs a range of participatory methods, i.e., in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and field observations. The paper uses five key variables to determine the location of suitable assembly points: minimum area, safety from falling trees, safety from other hazards, access to the assembly point, and surface conditions. The study found two suitable assembly points that must be modified to ensure a minimum area of 21 m2 to accommodate the school population. Evacuation routes to the two assembly points are defined using the nearest distance variable from 22 locations of origin. The routes vary in length from 4 to 58 meters. Lastly, the paper presents some strategies to in-crease the suitability and accessibility of evacuation routes and assembly points for SWDs. Four strategies are to familiarize SWDs with the assembly point locations, playing unique sounds at the assembly points, placing guiding blocks along the routes, and using a variety of bright colors to mark the assembly points, evacuation routes, and other relevant facilities.
Angiotensin-(1-7), Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Mas Receptor in Rat Polycystic Ovaries
Authors: Pereira Virginia M. , Reis Fernando M. , Casalechi Maíra , Reis Adelina M.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Hyperandrogenism is a pivotal mediator in the pathogenesis of the polycystic
ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the mechanisms of androgen excess in this condition are not
fully understood. Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) is an active peptide of the renin-angiotensin system
(RAS) that stimulates ovarian follicular growth and testosterone release in vitro.

Objective:

To investigate whether Ang-(1-7), its receptor Mas and angiotensin-converting enzyme
2 (ACE2), the enzyme that converts Ang II into Ang-(1-7), are expressed in rat polycystic ovaries
(PCO) and thus if this peptide system might be associated with excess androgen production in
PCO.

Methods:

A rat model that shares some features of PCOS such as disruption of folliculogenesis
and multiple ovarian cyst formation was used in the study.

Results:

We found reduced levels of Ang-(1-7) and Mas receptor in PCO compared to normal
ovaries. Also, ACE2 mRNA expression was reduced in PCO compared to ovaries of control rats (p
< 0.05). PCO had high levels of estrogen and testosterone and increased mRNA for upstream enzymes
of the steroidogenic cascade, but not of P450 aromatase.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that the ovarian ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis is inhibited
and therefore may not be a co-factor of excess testosterone production in rat PCO.
Elevated Urinary and Blood Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 as Potential Biomarkers for Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Xia Yuan-Rui , Mao Yan-Mei , Wang Jun-Ping , Li Qing-Ru , Fan Yin-Guang , Pan Hai-Feng , Ye Dong-Qing
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Due to the inconsistent results of current studies on the association between urinary and
blood vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity, we
conducted this study and analyzed its influencing factors.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Data
were extracted from eligible studies to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence
intervals (CI). Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics were used to examine heterogeneity. The sources of heterogeneity
were assessed through sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots
and Egger's test.

Results:

A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 473 active SLE patients and 674 inactive SLE
patients. The random effects model was used for data analysis. In both urine and blood samples, VCAM- 1 level
in active SLE patients was significantly higher than those in inactive SLE patients (urine: SMD: 0.769; 95% CI:
0.260-1.278; blood: SMD=0.655, 95% CI: 0.084-1.226). No publication bias was found in this study.

Conclusion:

Compared with inactive SLE patients, patients with active SLE have higher levels of VCAM-1 in
both urine and blood. VCAM-1 may be a potential indicator of SLE disease activity.
Flavonoids as Potential Therapeutic Agents for the Management of Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Sood Ankita , Kumar Bimlesh , Singh Sachin Kumar , Prashar Pankaj , Gautam Anamika , Gulati Monica , Pandey Narendra Kumar , Melkani Indu , Awasthi Ankit , Saraf Subhini A , Vidari Giovani , Ozdemir Mehmet , Hussain Faiq Hama Saeed , Anwar Esra Tariq , Ameen Muath Sheet Mohammed , Gupta Saurabh , Porwal Omji
Published: August 2020

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites that are widely distributed in plants. These phenolic compounds
are classified into various subgroups based on their structures: flavones, flavonols, isoflavones, flavanones, and
anthocyanins. They are known to perform various pharmacological actions like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and antiallergic, etc. Diabetes is a chronic progressive metabolic disorder
that affects several biochemical pathways and leads to secondary complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy,
nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy. Among them, the management of diabetic neuropathy is one of the major
challenges for physicians as well as the pharmaceutical industries. Naturally occurring flavonoids are extensively
used for the treatment of diabetes and its related complications due to their antioxidant properties. Moreover,
flavonoids inhibit various pathways that are involved in the progression of diabetic neuropathy like the reduction
of oxidative stress, decrease in glycogenolysis, increase glucose utilization, decrease in the formation of advanced
glycation end products, and inhibition of the α-glucosidase enzyme. This review entails current updates on the
therapeutic perspectives of flavonoids in the treatment of neuropathic pain. This manuscript explains the pathological
aspects of neuropathic pain, the chemistry of flavonoids, and their application in amelioration of neuropathic
pain through preclinical studies either alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Evaluation of Thiouracil Derivatives Containing 1,2,4-Triazolo[1,5-a]Pyrimidine
Authors: Cui Penglei , Zhang Di , Guo Xiumin , Ji Shujing , Jiang Qingmei
Published: August 2020

A series of new thiouracil compounds containing 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine were designed
and synthesized. The in vitro antibacterial activities of the new compounds against Bacillus amyloliquefaciens,
Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were tested. The results showed that some
of the new compounds had strong inhibitory activities against the tested bacteria. At the concentration
of 50 μg/mL, the compound 12d had broad and the highest inhibitory activity with the 100% inhibition
against the three tested strains, the same as norfloxacin which was used as the control.
Risk-Based Decision Making Method for Selecting Slope Stabilization System in an Abandoned Open-Pit Mine
Authors: Gharehdaghi Mahnoush , S. Tehrani Hesam , Fakher Ali
Published: August 2020

Background:

The construction and stabilization of deep excavations are associated with several uncertainties due to heterogeneous geological conditions. Therefore, the conventional methods of slope stability analysis do not provide reasonable results.

Aim:

Hence, it is logical to perform reliability analysis and also risk assessment to make a wiser decision under uncertainty for choosing the proper stabilization method of slopes.

Methods:

In this regard, a real case study, a 50-meter-deep abandoned open-pit mine, is considered. In the past, the studied deep excavation was located in a rural area, away from the important structures. However, due to the development of the city, the open-pit mine is now located in the city. Furthermore, the Kan River is located on the eastern side of the excavation. Deterministic analysis showed that that Factor of Safety is not sufficient for permanent condition; thus, the deep excavation may have destructive impacts on the adjacent structures and infrastructures by putting them in danger in the case of failure.

Results:

These circumstances resulted in using reliability analysis and risk assessment using non-deterministic approach. Random Set Finite Element Method (RS-FEM), a non-probabilistic method, is used in determining how much the slope is reliable. The upper and lower bounds of probability of excessive displacement and probability of failure are obtained using RS-FEM by Plaxis2D software. Afterward, HAZUS is successfully used to quantify the economic risk of different stabilization alternatives by defining various scenarios in order to consider the consequences of excavation failure on adjacent utilities and infrastructures.

Conclusion:

The best alternative is defined as the stabilization method with the lowest economic risk. As a result, it is noticeable that this paper provides a comprehensive methodology for decision making, based on reliability analysis and risk assessment, in stabilizing slopes.
A Comparative Analysis of Methods for Titering Reovirus
Authors: Yang Yi-Chen , Wang Xian-Yao , An Yuan-Yuan , Liao Chun-Xiang , Wang Nian-Xue , Xing-Zhao  , He Zhi-Xu
Published: August 2020

Background:

A key challenge in the process of virus amplification is the need
for a simple and convenient method for measuring virus titers.

Objective:

Real-time unlabeled cell analysis (RTCA) was used to establish a standard
curve of correlation between half-cell index time (CIT50) and virus titer. At the same time,
the virus titer from tunable resistance pulse detection (TRPS) technology was compared
with the traditional median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) method to evaluate the
feasibility and application value of the RTCA technique and TRPS technology.

Methods:

: Cell index (CI) values for L929 cells under different culture conditions were detected,
and the appropriate initial cell inoculation density was screened. The half-cell index
(CI50) values of reovirus infected L929 cells with TCID50 titers were analyzed by RTCA,
the CI50-TCID50 standard curve was created, and a regression equation was developed.
RTCA, TCID50, and TRPS methods were used to detect the reovirus titer obtained by the
amplification, and the sensitivity and feasibility of the CIT50-TCID50 standard curve method
were analyzed. The virus titer was detected by TRPS technology and the TCID50 method.

Results:

L929 cells were best propagated at an initial density of 6 × 103 cells/well. After
infecting L929 cells with different titers of reference reovirus, the linear correlation of
CIT50 and TCID50 was y = -2.1806x + 71.023 (R2 = 0.9742). The titer resulting from the
RTCA assay was 7×109.6821 pfu/mL, from the TRPS assay was 4.52×1010 pfu/mL, and
from the TCID50 assay was 7×109.467 pfu/mL.

Conclusion:

The CIT50-TCID50 standard curve method established by the RTCA technique
can be used to quantitatively detect reovirus titer with L929 cells. Compared with the
TCID50 method, it takes a relatively short time and has high sensitivity and accuracy. The
TRPS technology requires even less time to quantify the virus, but its precision is lower
than that of the TCID50 method and RTCA technology. This study provides new technical
methods for assessing the virulence of infectious live reovirus particles.

Lay Summary:

After amplification of the virus, we need to detect the virus titers (the virulence
of the virus). The traditional method is to use the virus to infect cells, and then the virus
titers can be calculated by 50% of the cells infected. However, this traditional method
is time consuming. The ways of RTCA (a real-time cell analysis technique) and TRPS (a
nano-bioparticle analysis technique) help us to detect viral titers. The consistency of these
three methods determines their feasibility and accuracy. If they are feasible, then these two
simple technologies will provide new ideas for detecting viral titers.
Изучение процессов структурообразования керамических покрытий кинетическим методом Монте-Карло
Authors: Черногор А.В. , Блинков И.В. , Демиров А.П.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we studied the processes of structure formation of TiCrN coatings by computer simulation methods. A new approach to determining the geometric space for determining the position of atoms relative to the formed dimmers and molecules is proposed. The structure parameters were calculated and the effect of the bias potential on the structure formation processes was studied.
Влияние на аномальную интенсификацию отрывного турбулентного течения угла наклона однорядных овально-траншейных лунок на стабилизированном гидродинамическом участке узкого канала
Authors: Исаев С.А. , Мазо А.Б , Никущенко Д.В. , Попов И.А. , Судаков А.Г.
Published: August 2020

The slope of the oval-trench dimple in the corridor package on the hydrodynamic stabilized section of the narrow channel has a dramatic effect on the anomalous intensification of returned and swirling flows in the dimple, leading to a 3–4-fold decrease in relative negative friction in the range of angles from 40° to 60°, an increase in the highest speed return and secondary flows up to 0.8 and 1.18 with respect to the mass-average flow velocity in the channel.
Мобильные диссипативные бризеры в цепочке нелинейных осцилляторов
Authors: Сергеев К.С. , Елизаров Е.М. , Четвериков А.П.
Published: August 2020

In a numerical experiment, it was found that in a chain of Raleigh oscillators with a nonlinear connection between them, at least three localized stationary breathers modes may exist: non-mobile, "slow" and "fast" dissipative breathers. The dynamics of the chain elements depends on the ratio of characteristic time scales of the system which determined by the frequency of oscillators and the rigidity of the connection between them. Considered system is multistable.
Селективный рост методом молекулярно-пучковой эпитаксии массивов нитевидных нанокристаллов GaN на процессированных SiO-=SUB=-x-=/SUB=-/Si-подложках
Authors: Гридчин В.О. , Котляр К.П. , Резник Р.Р. , Дворецкая Л.Н. , Парфеньева А.В. , Мухин И.С. , Цырлин Г.Э
Published: August 2020

We present the results on the selective-area growth of GaN nanowires using a molecular beam epitaxy technique on patterned SiOx/Si substrates without any seed layers. The patterned SiOx/Si substrates were prepared by the simple microlens photolithography method. The influence of the substrate temperature on the morphological properties of GaN nanowires was investigated. The optimal growth parameters for the selective-area growth of GaN nanowires were experimentally determined.
Evaluation Of Integrated Management Implementation In Hospital In The Health Center Of Sleman D.I Yogyakarta District
Authors: Casnuri Casnuri , Rahayu Puspito Panggih
Published: August 2020

Integrated Management of Sick Toddler (MTBS) is an integrated approach whose governance is carried out on sick toddlers with outpatient facilities. MTBS is used as a service standard for sick infants and toddlers as well as a guideline for nursing staff (midwives and nurses) especially in primary health care facilities. In 2006 the MTBS program socialization and training for puskesmas staff were conducted, where each puskesmas was represented by 1 medical staff and 2 paramedics. MTBS aims to reduce morbidity and mortality due to diarrhea, pneumonia, DHF and infections. IMR in Sleman Regency is better than the national target. In 2015 there were 14,134 live births and 51 (3.61%) stillbirths. This tends to decrease from 2014 when the number of live births was 14,406 with 67 infant deaths (4.65%). The death was caused by diarrhea, pneumonia, DHF and infections. This shows that there is still a need to increase the role of cross-program and cross-sectoral efforts to reduce infant mortality, which is to evaluate the implementation of IMCI or MTBM in the Sleman D.I Yogyakarta Public Health Center.

Research Purpose investigate the factors in the implementation of IMCI at the Sleman D.I Yogyakarta Public Health Center.

Research Methods is descriptive qualitative. The main Informantts were 25 MTBS officers, 25 Puskesmas heads, and 1 Kasie Kesga District Health Office, Sleman D.I Yogyakarta with in-depth interviews.

Research result: All puskesmas in Sleman Regency have implemented MTBS services according to service procedures with different achievements in each puskesmas. This is due to the disorderly officers in conducting data recapitulation. The achievement of the MTBS program in Sleman Regency was 65.39%.

Conclusion: The MTBS program at the Sleman district health center has been implemented well due to several factors, namely Human Resources, both the number of trained health workers and the quality of the competencies of health workers, leadership support in the form of facilities and infrastructure, as well as funding support in increasing competence.

 

 
Text Detection on Images using Region-based Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: D. Majeed Hamsa
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a new text detection algorithm that accurately locates picture text with complex backgrounds in natural images is applied. The approach is based primarily on the region-based convolutional neural network anchor system, which takes into account the unique features of the text area, compares it to other object detection tasks, and turns the text area detection task into an object sensing task. Thus, the proposed text to be observed directly in the neural network’s convolutional characteristic map, and it can simultaneously predict the text/non-text score of the proposal and the coordinates of each proposal in the image. Then, we proposed an algorithm for the construction of the text line, to increase the text detection model accuracy and consistency. We found that our text detection operates accurately, even in multiple language detection functions. We also discovered that it meets the 2012 and 2014 International Conference on Document Analysis and Recognition thresholds of 0.86 F-measure and 0.78 F-measure, which clearly shows the consistency of our model. Our approach has been programmed and implemented using Python programming language 3.8.3 for Windows.
Review Study on Sciencedirect Library Based on Coronavirus Covid-19
Authors: Al-Ani Muzhir Shaban , Al-Ani Dimah Mezher
Published: August 2020

Several years ago, China and the United States of America began experimenting with the coronavirus, which lives in the bat. It is not known until now how the virus spread and how it extended to all countries of the world. However, it is certain that this virus first appeared and spread was at the end of 2019 and in the Chinese city of Wuhan, especially in markets close to laboratories that are working on this virus. At the beginning of the year 2020, this virus began to spread very widely all over the world and began killing thousands of people every day. The world economy was destroyed until the World Health Organization considered it a pandemic. As for the research aspect, the researchers started the research work on this pandemic from many aspects, including medical, statistical, managerial, healthcare, and others. A statistical analysis depends many key factors that have been studied. This study was conducted on April 11, 2020, where a large number of research papers were downloaded using the keywords coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, which were applied in the Sciencedirect library that was examined on 100 research papers only. The obtained results indicated that most of the research papers that worked on the subject of COVID-19 confirmed that this virus infects the human respiratory system, which in turn leads to shortness of breath and death. Here, it must be noted that the human immune system has a major role in the process of overcoming this virus and gradual recovery. The obtained analysis indicated that the main fields of coronavirus are: Medicine 42%, statistics 21%, healthcare 19%, and management 18%. Through this study, it became clear that China is the first country in terms of the number of researchers and also in terms of the number of research papers related to the COVID-19.
Improving Retention in Care and Promoting Adherence to HIV Treatment: Protocol for a Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial of Mobile Phone Text Messaging (Preprint)
Authors: Tanue Elvis Asangbeng , Nsagha Dickson Shey , Theophile Nana Njamen , Assob Jules Clement Nguedia
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization has prioritized the use of new technologies to assist in health care delivery in resource-limited settings. Findings suggest that the use of SMS on mobile phones is an advantageous application in health care delivery, especially in communities with an increasing use of this device.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this trial is to assess whether sending weekly motivational text messages (SMS) through mobile phones versus no text messaging will improve retention in care and promote adherence to treatment and health outcomes among patients receiving HIV treatment in Fako Division of Cameroon.

METHODS

This is a multisite randomized controlled single-blinded trial. Computer-generated random block sizes shall be used to produce a randomization list. Participants shall be randomly allocated into the intervention and control groups determined by serially numbered sealed opaque envelopes. The 156 participants will either receive the mobile phone text message or usual standard of care. We hypothesize that sending weekly motivational SMS reminders will produce a change in behavior to enhance retention; treatment adherence; and, hence, health outcomes. Participants shall be evaluated and data collected at baseline and then at 2, 4, and 6 months after the launch of the intervention. Text messages shall be sent out, and the delivery will be recorded. Primary outcome measures are retention in care and adherence to treatment. Secondary outcomes are clinical (weight, body mass index), biological (virologic suppression, tuberculosis coinfection), quality of life, treatment discontinuation, and mortality. The analysis shall be by intention-to-treat. Analysis of covariates shall be performed to determine factors influencing outcomes.

RESULTS

Recruitment and random allocation are complete; 160 participants were allocated into 3 groups (52 in the single SMS, 55 in the double SMS, and 53 in the control). Data collection and analysis are ongoing, and statistical results will be available by the end of August 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

The interventions will contribute to an improved understanding of which intervention types can be feasible in improving retention in care and promoting adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

CLINICALTRIAL

Pan African Clinical Trial Registry in South Africa PACTR201802003035922; https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=3035

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/15680
Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Intimate Partner Violence Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Populations: Protocol for a Linear Three-Phase Study (Project Empower) (Preprint)
Authors: Stephenson Rob , Todd Kieran , Gamarel Kristi E , Peitzmeier Sarah
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is approximately twice as prevalent among transgender and gender diverse individuals (those whose current gender identity does not match their sex assigned at birth) than among cisgender individuals (those whose gender aligns with their sex assigned at birth). However, most existing scales measuring IPV are not validated among transgender and gender diverse populations and do not consider the unique forms of IPV experienced by transgender and gender diverse individuals.

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the protocol for Project Empower, a study that seeks to develop and validate a new scale to measure IPV as experienced by transgender and gender diverse adults. A new scale is necessary to improve the accuracy of IPV measurement among transgender and gender diverse populations and may inform the current tools used to screen and link to services for transgender and gender diverse adults who experience or perpetrate IPV.

METHODS

The proposed new scale will be developed by a linear three-phase process. In Phase I, we will recruit a maximum of 110 transgender and gender diverse participants to participate in in-depth interviews and focus groups. Phase I will collect qualitative data on the experiences of IPV among transgender and gender individuals. After generating scale items from the qualitative data in Phase I, Phase II will conduct up to 10 cognitive interviews to examine understanding of scale items and refine wording. Phase III will then conduct a survey with an online recruited sample of 700 transgender and gender diverse individuals to validate the scale using factor analysis and examine the prevalence, antecedents, and linked health outcomes of IPV. This study will generate the first comprehensive IPV scale including trans-specific IPV tactics that has undergone robust mixed-methods validation for use in transgender and gender diverse populations, regardless of sex assigned at birth.

RESULTS

Project Empower launched in August 2019, with Phases I and II expected to be complete by late 2020. Phase III (survey of 700 transgender individuals) is expected to be launched in January 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

A scale that more accurately captures the forms of IPV experienced by transgender and gender diverse people not only has the potential to lead to more accurate measurements of prevalence but also can identify unique forms of violence that may form the basis of IPV prevention interventions. Additionally, identifying the forms of IPV experienced by transgender and gender diverse people has the potential to lead to the refinement of clinical screening tools used to identify and refer those who experience and perpetrate violence in clinical settings.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/23819