bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antitumor Effects of Lactate Transport Inhibition on Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Cells.
Authors: Chueca Eduardo , Grasa Laura , Arechavaleta Samantha , García-González María Asunción , Sáenz María Angeles , Lanas Angel , Piazuelo Elena
Published: July 2021

Background: As a consequence of altered glucose metabolism, cancer cells intake is increased, producing large amounts of lactate which is pumped out the cytosol by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs).MCTs are frequently overexpressed in tumors, MCT1 in the well oxygenated areas and MCT4 in hypoxic regions, and recent evidence has reported that MCT inhibition can exert antineoplastic effects, but this aspect has not been investigated in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) yet. In the present study, MCT1 and MCT4 levels were assessed in EAC cells and the effects of MCT-1 selective inhibitor AZD3965, hypoxia and a glucose overload were evaluated in vitro .Methods: Two EAC cell lines (OE33 and OACM5.1C) were treated with different concentrations of AZD3965 (10-100nM) in the presence or absence of a glucose overload under normoxic or hypoxic conditions and parameters of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, intracellular pH (pHi) and lactate levels were evaluated.Results: MCT1 was present in both cell lines whereas MCT4 was expressed in OE33 cells and only in a small population of the metastatic cells.Glucose addition did not have any effect on apoptosis nor cell proliferation.AZD3965 increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation of OACM5.1C cells, effects which were abrogated when cells were growing in hypoxia.MCT1 inhibition increased intracellular lactate levels in all the cells evaluated, but this increase was higher in cells expressing only MCT1 and did not affect oxidative stress.AZD3965 induced a decrease in pHi of cells displaying low levels of MCT4, and also increased NHE-1 expression on these cells. Conclusion: These data provide in vitro evidence supporting the potential of MCT inhibitors as novel antineoplastic drugs for EAC and highlight the importance of achieving a complete MCT inhibition.
Assessment of the Level of Some Selected Heavy Metals and Physicochemical in Abzana Water Samples, Kibet Woreda, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Tolesa , Tesfau Haregot , Balcha Adigi , Hassen Muktar
Published: July 2021

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the contamination level of Abzana water in Asano district. A total of five water samples were collected from different point of Abzana water. Some parameters of water were analyzed like temperature, pH, electrical conductance and total dissolved solids (TDS) and four heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Cr, and Mn) concentration using standard procedures and the results were compared with WHO guideline values. Result: The results of the present study have shown the temperatures of all sampling station range between 18.9 and 19.2°c. The pH was found to be of range from 6.54 to 7.11 whereas, the electrical conductance was 174.5 to 206(µS/cm). In addition, the lowest value of TDS was 131.4 and the highest was 140.1 ppm. In contrast, heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr and Mn) were analyzed and compared with standards of drinking water. The results indicate that the mean concentration of Cd (0.00664mg/l) exceeded the standards, although the mean concentration of Mn, Pb and Cr were found within the standard limit at 0.076082, 0.00810 and 0.035442 mg/l respectively. Conclusion: The concentrations of the investigated metal (Cr, Pb and Mn) and all physico-chemical result of Abzana water from Asano kebele were found below the guidelines for drinking water given by the World Health Organization. But the concentration of Cd in Abzana water sample was found above the permissible limit of WHO standards. Therefore, it was not safe for drinking and health effect according metals what we have studied here.
Protective Effect of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides on Anti-Tuberculosis Drug-Induced Injury to Human Hepatocytes and Its Mechanism
Authors: Wei Jianteng , Li Yongsheng , Wang Han , Pei Dong , Wang Ningli , Di Duolong , Liu Yewei
Published: July 2021

Studies have shown that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) have a protective effect on liver injury, but the mechanism is not fully understood. In this work, the effect of LBPs on L-02 cells exposed to anti-tuberculosis drug was investigated and the potential molecular mechanism was explored. Results showed that LBPs significantly prevented anti-tuberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by cell viability and diagnostic indicators of liver injury. The anti-tuberculosis drug promoted the production of reactive oxygen species and enhanced the oxidative stress, as evidenced by an increase in the malondialdehyde level and a decrease in the antioxidant enzyme levels in the liver. These effects were suppressed by treatment with LBPs. Furthermore, exploration of the underlying mechanism of LBPs revealed that the caspase-3 activity was markedly inhibited by the treatment with LBPs in the liver of anti-tuberculosis drug-treated mice. LBPs increased the expression level of Nrf2, thereby inactivating proapoptotic signaling events and restoring the balance between proapoptotic Bax and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in the cell of anti-tuberculosis drug-treated mice. In conclusion, LBPs inhibited anti-tuberculosis drug-induced apoptosis partly due to its antioxidant and antiapoptosis activities via the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Mitochondrial Transplantation Ameliorates The Development and Progression of Osteoarthritis.
Authors: Lee A Ram , Woo Jin Seok , Lee Seon-Yeong , Na Hyun Sik , Cho Keun-Hyung , Lee Yeon Su , Lee Jeong Su , Kim Seon Ae , Park Sung-Hwan , Kim Seok Jung , Cho Mi-La
Published: July 2021

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease characterized by breakdown of joint cartilage. Mitochondrial dysfunction of the chondrocyte is a risk factor for OA progression. We examined the therapeutic potential of mitochondrial transplantation for OA.Methods: Mitochondria were injected into the knee joint of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rats. Chondrocytes from OA rats or patients with OA were cultured to examine mitochondrial function in cellular pathophysiology.Results: Pain, cartilage destruction, and bone loss were improved in mitochondrial transplanted-OA rats. The transcript levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in cartilage were markedly decreased by mitochondrial transplantation. Mitochondrial function, as indicated by membrane potential and oxygen consumption rate, in chondrocytes from OA rats was improved by mitochondrial transplantation. Likewise, the mitochondrial function of chondrocytes from OA patients was improved by coculture with mitochondria. Furthermore, inflammatory cell death was significantly decreased by coculture with mitochondria.Conclusion: Mitochondrial transplantation ameliorated OA progression, which is caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of mitochondrial transplantation for OA.
Time-Optimal Trajectory Optimization of Serial Robotic Manipulator With Kinematic and Dynamic Limits Based On Improved Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Yang Yu , Xu Hongze , Li Shaohua , Zhang Lingling , Yao Xiuming
Published: July 2021

Effective motion control can achieve accurate and fast positioning and movement of industrial robotics and improve industrial productivity significantly. Time-optimal trajectory optimization (TO) is a great concern in the motion control of robotics and can improve motion efficiency by providing high-speed and reasonable motion references to the motion controller. In this study, a new time-optimal TO strategy, polynomial interpolation function (PIF) combined with improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) considering kinematic and dynamic limits, successfully optimizes the movement time of the PUMA 560 serial manipulator along a randomly assigned path. The 4-3-4 PIF is first used to generate the smooth and 3-order continuous movement trajectories of six joints in joint space. The PSO with cosine decreasing weight (CDW-PSO) algorithm further reduces the trajectories movement time considering the limits of the angular displacement, angular velocity, angular acceleration, angular jerk, and joint torque. Experimental results show that the CDW-PSO algorithm achieves a better convergence rate of 23 and a better fitness value of 2.46 compared with the PSO with constant weight and linearly decreasing weight algorithms. The CDW-PSO optimized movement time is reduced by 83.6% compared to the manually setting movement time value of 15. The proposed time-optimal TO strategy can be conducted easily and directly search for global optimal solutions without approximation of the limits. The optimized trajectories could be incorporated in the motion controller of the actual manipulators due to considering the kinematic and dynamic limits.
Number of Doses of Measles-Mumps-Rubeola Vaccine Applied in Brazil Before and During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Silva Tércia Moreira Ribeiro da , de Sá Ana Carolina Micheletti Gomide Nogueira , Vieira Ed Wilson Rodrigues , Prates Elton Junio Sady , Beinner Mark Anthony , Matozinhos Fernanda Penido
Published: July 2021

Background

Due to the social isolation measures adopted in an attempt to mitigate the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, there has been a reduction in vaccination coverage of children and adolescents in several countries and regions of the world.
Objective

Analyze the number of doses of vaccine against Measles-Mumps-Rubeola (MMR) applied before and after the beginning of mitigation measures due to COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.
Methods

Ecological study, with data from the National Immunization Program. The Mann-Whitney test evaluated differences between the median number of MMR vaccine doses applied in Brazilian regions, states and municipalities during April/2019 to March/2020 (before the beginning of mitigation measures) and April/2020 to September/2020 (after the start of mitigation measures). Spatial analysis identified clusters with a high percentage of reduction in the median of applied doses, and interpreted according to the Global Moran’s Index (I). All analyzes considered the significance level of 5%.
Results

There was a reduction in the median of doses applied in the Regions: North (-33.03%), Northeast (-43.49%) and South (-39.01%). In States: Acre (-48.46%), Amazonas (-28.96%), Roraima (-61.91%), Paraíba (-41.58%), Sergipe (-47.52%), Rio de Janeiro (-59.31%) and Santa Catarina (-49.32) (p < 0.05). High-high type spatial clusters (reduction between 34.00 to 90.00%) were formed in the five regions of Brazil (Moran’s I = 0.055; p = 0.01).
Conclusion

A reduction in the number of MMR vaccine doses was evidenced as a possible effect by the restrictive actions of COVID-19 in Brazil.
Recurrence Models based on Extreme Value Theory : Impacts on Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessments and Comparison with the Standard Approach
Authors: Dutfoy Anne , Senfaute Gloria
Published: July 2021

Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analyses (PSHA) require that at least the mean activity rate be known, as well as the distribution of magnitudes. Within the Gutenberg-Richter assumption, the magnitudes follow an exponential distribution which is upperly truncated to a maximum possible magnitude denoted mmax. This parameter is often fixed from expert judgement under tectonics considerations, due to a lack of universal method.In this paper, we present two alternatives to the exponential distribution of the magnitudes, based on the extreme value theory and that don't require to fix a priori the value of mmax: the first model is based on a generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) to model the tail distribution of the magnitudes; the second model, the Randomized Gutenberg-Richter model, is a variation on the usual exponential distribution where mmax is randomized and follows a distribution defined from an extreme value analysis.We use the maximum likelihood estimates taking into account the time varying level of completeness of the catalog and the uncertainty in the magnitude value itself. We apply both modelizations to the Alps region. Then, we integrate the resulting magnitude-frequency relations into a probabilistic seismic hazard calculation to evaluate their impacts on the seismic hazard levels. These extreme-value-based recurrence models introduce a reduction of the seismic hazard level compared to the common Gutenberg-Richter model conventionally used for PSHA calculations. This decrease is significant mainly for long periods.
A Non-ergodic Spectral Acceleration Ground Motion Model for California Developed with Random Vibration Theory
Authors: Lavrentiadis Grigorios , Abrahamson Norman A.
Published: July 2021

A new approach for creating a non-ergodic PSA ground-motion model (GMM) is presented which account for the magnitude dependence of the non-ergodic effects. In this approach, the average PSA scaling is controlled by an ergodic PSA GMM, and the non-ergodic effects are captured with non-ergodic PSA factors, which are the adjustment that needs to be applied to an ergodic PSA GMM to incorporate the non-ergodic effects. The non-ergodic PSA factors are based on EAS non-ergodic effects and are converted to PSA through Random Vibration Theory (RVT). The advantage of this approach is that it better captures the non-ergodic source, path, and site effects through the small magnitude earthquakes. Due to the linear properties of Fourier Transform, the EAS non-ergodic effects of the small events can be applied directly to the large magnitude events. This is not the case for PSA, as response spectrum is controlled by a range of frequencies, making PSA non-ergodic effects depended on the spectral shape which is magnitude dependent. Two PSA non-ergodic GMMs are derived using the ASK14 (Abrahamson et al., 2014) and CY14 (Chiou and Youngs, 2014) GMMs as backbone models, respectively. The non-ergodic EAS effects are estimated with the LAK21 (Lavrentiadis et al., In press) GMM. The RVT calculations are performed with the V75 (Vanmarcke, 1975) peak factor model, the Da0.05−0.85 estimate of AS96 (Abrahamson and Silva, 1996) for the ground-motion duration, and BT15 (Boore and Thompson, 2015) oscillator-duration model. The California subset of the NGAWest2 database (Ancheta et al., 2014) is used for both models. The total aleatory standard deviation of the two non-ergodic PSA GMMs is approximately 30 to 35% smaller than the total aleatory standard deviation of the corresponding ergodic PSA GMMs. This reduction has a significant impact on hazard calculations at large return periods. In remote areas, far from stations and past events, the reduction of aleatory variability is accompanied by an increase of epistemic uncertainty.
Evaporative Flux Method of Leaf Hydraulic Conductance Estimation: Sources of Uncertainty and Reporting Format Recommendation
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhao Jinfang , Huang Jianliang , Peng Shaobing , Xiong Dongliang
Published: July 2021

The accurate estimation of leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) is important for revealing leaf physiology characteristics and function. However, there are some uncertain influencing factors in Kleaf measurement by using evaporation flux method (EFM), a widely used method. In this study, we investigated the potential impacts of plant sampling method, measurement setup, environmental factors, recording instrument, and transpiration steady status identification on Kleaf estimation. Our results indicated that the sampling and rehydration time, the small gravity pressure on leaf, and degassing treatment had limited effects on Kleaf values. Transpiration rate (E) was significantly affected by multiple environmental factors including airflow around leaf, light intensity, and leaf temperature. Kleaf values decreased by 40% from 1000 to 500 µmol m-2 s-1 light intensities and by 15.1% from 27 to 37 oC. In addition, the accurate flow rate (F) steady state identification and the leaf water potential measurement were important for Kleaf estimation. Based on the analysis of influencing factors, we provided a format for reporting the details of the EFM-based Kleaf measurement methods and metadata that future studies could interpret the results in method issue.
Erosive Effect of Acidic Beverages On Dental Filling Materials Surface (In Vitro Study)
Authors: Morozova Yuliya , Novotná Barbora , Holík Pavel , Voborná Iva , Zapletalová Jana
Published: July 2021

Erosive tooth wear, that is characterized like irreversible loss of hard dental tissues due to influence of external and internal acids of nonbacterial origin, is one of the most common damage of a tooth surface. Erosive factors also affect the surface of dental reconstruction materials that ideally should be resistant against them. Dental filling materials designed for this purpose must be able to withstand these effects in a comparable or even better way than enamel. In our in vitro study we investigated using the nanoindentation the hardness of currently available dental filling materials (dental composite resin, self curing and dual cures glassionomer cement, dental amalgam) before and after erosive attacks (exposure to Coca Cola for 5 min and 14 days) and consequently compare it with them of human dental enamel. Furtermore we analised the surface topography of the samples before and after acidic exposure by confocal laser scanning microscope. In our experiments the filling materials were affected by the acidic environment only minimally in comparison with hard dental tissues. We confirmed the fact that dental amalgam is still the most mechanically and chemically resistant filling material. Both GIC materials showed the worst resistance against acidic conditions and higher surface roughness even before exposure. We also declared excellent withstanding of resin composite materials against acidic conditions that was even better than natural enamel. Furthermore by CLSM was detected almost unaltered surface of these filling materials. This fact as well as adhesive properties of resin composites allow to assume that this material could be the most suitable material for dental erosion reconstruction.
A Resource Flow Based Branch-and-bound Algorithm to Solve Fuzzy Stochastic Resource-constrained Project Scheduling Problem
Authors: Alipouri Yaghoub
Published: July 2021

In this paper a resource flow based branch-and-bound procedure is designed to solve the well-known resource constrained project scheduling problem under the mixed uncertainty of fuzziness and randomness (FS-RCPSP). The objective is to minimize the expected makespan of the project subject to precedence and resource constraints. The proposed branch-and-bound can be employed to obtain optimal solutions and also can be truncated in order to find promising near optimal solutions. The depth-first strategy is utilized for constructing the search tree and earliest start time (EST) concept is adopted for selecting a node for further branching while traversing the tree down to the leaves. The performance of developed branch-and-bound is benchmarked against CPLEX and SADESP across an extensive set of 960 problems. The results returned by the proposed algorithm show experimentally its effectiveness to solve the FS-RCPSP.
Binge Eating Among Older Women: Prevalence Rates and Health Correlates Across Three Independent Samples
Authors: Wilfred Salome Adelia , Becker Carolyn Black , Kanzler Kathryn E , Musi Nicolas , Espinoza Sara E , Kilpela Lisa Smith
Published: July 2021

BackgroundEmerging research indicates that older women struggle with binge eating (BE; consuming unusually large amounts of food in one siting while feeling a loss of control) more frequently than once thought. Yet, health correlates of BE in older adult populations are poorly understood. The original goal of the study was to investigate BE prevalence, frequency, and health correlates in a sample of older adult women. Following surprising findings in this first study, we then aimed to replicate findings in two additional samples of older adult women. MethodUsing self-reported frequencies of BE from three separate samples of older women with very different demographics, we compared BE prevalence, frequency, and health correlates among older women. Study 1 (N = 185) includes data collected online (86% White; 59% overweight/obese status). Study 2 (N = 64) was conducted in person at a local food pantry (65% Hispanic; 47% household income < $10,000/year). Study 3 (N = 100) comprises data collected online (72% White; 50% Masters/Doctoral Degree). ResultsPer DSM-5 frequency criterion of BE at least weekly, we found prevalence rates ranging from 19%-26% across the three samples. Correlates of BE frequency included elevated negative mood, worry, BMI, and less nutritious food consumption. ConclusionsAcross three very different samples in terms of race/ethnicity, education, food security status, measurements, and sampling methodology, we found fairly consistent rates of self-reported BE at least weekly (19-26%). BE is related to negative outcomes among older women, supporting the need for more research in this population.
The New SUMPOT to Predict Postoperative Complications Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Chelazzi Cosimo , Villa Gianluca , Manno Andrea , Ranfagni Viola , Gemmi Eleonora , Romagnoli Stefano
Published: July 2021

An accurate assessment of preoperative risk may improve use of hospital resources and reduce morbidity and mortality inhigh-risk surgical patients. This study aims at implementing an automated surgical risk calculator based on Artificial NeuralNetwork technology to identify patients at risk for postoperative complications. We developed the new SUMPOT based on risk factors previously used in other scoring systems and tested it in a cohortof 560 surgical patients undergoing elective or emergency procedures and subsequently admitted to intensive care units,high-dependency units or standard wards. The whole dataset was divided into a training set, to train the predictive model, anda testing set, to assess generalization performance. The effectiveness of the Artificial Neural Network is a measure of theaccuracy in detecting those patients who will develop postoperative complications.A total of 560 surgical patients entered the analysis. Among them, 77 patients (13.7%) suffered from one or more postoperativecomplications (PoCs), while 483 patients (86.3%) did not. The trained Artificial Neural Network returned an average classificationaccuracy of 90% in the testing set. Specifically, classification accuracy was 90.2% in the control group (46 patients out of 51were correctly classified) and 88.9% in the PoC group (8 patients out of 9 were correctly classified).The Artificial Neural Network showed good performance in predicting presence/absence of postoperative complications,suggesting its potential value for perioperative management of surgical patients. Further clinical studies are required to confirmits applicability in routine clinical practice.
Isolation and Molecular Charcteristic of a Recombinant Feline Calicivirus from Qingdao, China
Authors: Liu Yongxiang , Hu Xiaoliang , Qin Lide
Published: July 2021

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious pathogen that can cause seriously upper respiratory tract and oral disease in feline. Despite widespread vaccination, the prevalence of FCV remains high. In this study, the FCV qd/2019/china was isolated from domestic feline oropharyngeal swab which was collected in qingdao, China. The virus was purified with plaque assay and identified with PCR and IFA method. the capsid amino acid ,VP1, of qd/2019/china [1] showed sequence identity with other isolate ranging from 83.9% (ym3/2001/jp) to 91.1% (CH-JL4) .Sequence analysis of the capsid amino acid revealed that qd/2019/china was closely related to CH-JL4 and clustered with CH-JL4 in the phylogenetic tree. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that complete genome of qd/2019/china and CH-JL4 was also classified into the same cluster. While the recombination analysis with Simplot indicate that the qd/2019/china originated from the recombination of CH-JL4 and HRB-SS, and the region 3821–5301 nt originated from HRB-SS. Further, the region 3821–5301 nt belong to protease -polymerase (PP) of HRB-SS. Here we isolate a new FCV qd/2019/china, which may be a recombinant virus, These results were beneficial for understanding the evolution of FCV.
Golgi apparatus-targeted AIEgens for effective photodynamic therapy through the crosstalk of Golgi apparatus and mitochondria
Authors: Liu Minglun , Chen Yuncong , Guo Yan , Yuan Hao , Yao Shankun , Jin Suxing , Fan Huanhuan , Wang Chengjun , He Weijiang , Guo Zijian
Published: July 2021

Golgi apparatus (GA) oxidative stress induced by in situ reactive oxygen species (ROS) could severely damage the morphology and function of GA, which may open up a new avenue for effective photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, due to the lack of effective design strategy, photosensitizers (PSs) with specific GA targeting ability have not been reported. Herein, we report aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) based PSs that can effectively target to GA with Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) up to 0.98 and singlet oxygen generation rate up to 77.8%. GA fragmentation and cleavage of GA proteins (p115/GM130) were observed upon light irradiation. Meanwhile, the apoptotic pathway was activated through a crosstalk between GA oxidative stress and mitochondria in HeLa cells. Finally, TPE-PyT-CPS can effectively inhibited tumour growth in vivo with negligible adverse effect. This work provided a promising design strategy for the development of PSs with specific GA targeting ability, which is of great importance for precise and effective PDT.
Mapping and Spatial Pattern Analysis of COVID -19 in Central Iran Using the Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA)
Authors: Jesri Nahid , Saghafipour Abedin , Koopaei Alireza , Farzinnia Babak , Jooshin Moharram Karami , Abolkheirian Samaneh , Sarvi Mahsa
Published: July 2021

Background: Using geographical analysis to identify geographical factors affecting the prevalence of COVID-19 infection can effect on public health policies to control of the virus. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial analysis of COVID-19 regions in Qom Province, using the local indicators of spatial association (LISA). In a descriptive-analytical study, the total number of individuals infected with COVID-19 in Qom Province, from February 19, to September 2020, were included in the study. The spatial distribution in urban areas was determined using the Moran coefficient in GIS. in addition, the spatial autocorrelation of the coronavirus in the different urban districts of the province was calculated using LISA method. Results: The prevalence of COVID -19 in Qom province was estimated to be 356.75 per 100,000 populations. The pattern of spatial distribution of the prevalence of COVID -19 in Qom was clustered. The District 3 (Imam Khomeini St.), and District 6 (Imamzadeh Ebrahim St.), were set in HH category of LISA as two foci of COVID-19 in Qom province. Conclusions: Based on LISA, District 1 (Bajak) of urban districts was set in LH category. It means this district is located in a low value area surrounded by high values. One of the most important geographical factors affecting the incidence of coronavirus is based on spatial distribution model, distance and spatial proximity. So, health policy makers, should impose more restrictions on the observance of health protocols to control of the coronavirus.
Simple PDMS/AIN emitter as a passive daytime radiative cooling design
Authors: Mabchour  , mourad benlattar
Published: July 2021

Radiative cooling is a passive cooling purpose where a surface naturally cools by radiating the mid-infrared heat radiation to the cold outer space through the atmospheric window . Daytime passive radiative cooling technologies can be simply provided by using a multi-layer design that emits strongly in the transparency atmospheric window, while presents high reflectance in the solar spectrum . In this study, we propose a polydimethylsiloxane foil ) coated aluminum nitride (AIN) deposed onto silver (Ag) coated glass as a radiative cooler for enhancing both daytime and nighttime radiative cooling performances. The spectral selectivity of the proposed device was obtained using matrix method. Numerical results show that our proposed design can reflect more than 96 % in the solar spectrum, while its average emissivity in the atmospheric window can reach more than 90 %.In the absence of wind speed, the proposed device can achieve a net cooling power of under direct sunlight, cooling to a below the ambient air temperature. At nighttime, the proposed device temperature can drop by below the ambient, leading to a net cooling power of . Therefore, the proposed radiative design can fundamentally enable new methods for exploiting solar energy harvesting and energy conservation.
Engaging People with Long-Term Health Conditions in a Community-Based Physical Activity Initiative: a Qualitative Follow-Up Study Evaluating the Parkrun PROVE Project
Authors: Quirk Helen , Haake Steve
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe “parkrun: Running or Volunteering for Everyone” (PROVE) project was an example of a community-based physical activity and volunteering initiative for people living with long-term health conditions in England. The 3 year project involved appointing volunteer Outreach Ambassadors whose role was to promote parkrun to people living with long-term health conditions through various outreach activities. This qualitative study aimed to understand the experience of delivering the project from the perspective of volunteer Outreach Ambassadors and the PROVE Project Manager. MethodsThe PROVE Project Manager and ten PROVE Outreach Ambassadors across nine health condition groups were interviewed by the researcher (asthma, blood pressure, deaf and hard of hearing, dementia, diabetes, endometriosis, heart conditions, learning disabilities and/or autism, and obesity). Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis which created four themes and nine sub-themes. ResultsThe participants highlighted challenges in measuring the project’s success and bringing about meaningful and lasting change, and reflected on the value of the project as a learning opportunity. Despite some successes, it was thought that the project had limited reach outside of the existing parkrun community. The Outreach Ambassadors reflected on their experiences in the role and the skills required, finding it rewarding and highlighting the importance of networking and forming connections with key stakeholders. The findings are discussed in comparison to interviews conducted with the Outreach Ambassadors 12 months earlier. Conclusions This study provides evidence to support the public health potential of parkrun though targeted initiatives such as the PROVE project and provides a critical reflection on what worked and what did not work when delivering the project. The findings have relevance for organisations wishing to implement similar outreach initiatives using a volunteer workforce, including recommendations for resource management, communication, leadership, fostering volunteer autonomy and defining and capturing success.
Effect of Water Level and Salinity on the Growth of Annona Glabra L. Seedlings
Authors: Sánchez-García Edgar Abel , López-Rosas Hugo , Sosa Vinicio J. , Lindig-Cisneros Roberto , Moreno-Casasola Patricia
Published: July 2021

During the last century the mean sea level has been increasing at a rate of 0.2 to 0.4 mm·year -1 , and that rate is expected to accelerate during this century. Coastal wetland ecosystems are sensitive to the potential changes and impacts of resulting from a rise in sea level. In the coastal region of the Gulf of Mexico, freshwater swamps are wetlands located further inland than mangroves, and while influenced by the tides maintain freshwater conditions. Due to their location, the rise in sea level could increase the levels of flooding and salinity in these ecosystems. The objective of this study was to evaluate, under greenhouse conditions, the effect of nine flood and salinity treatments on the survival, growth and increase in the biomass of Annona glabra (pond apple) seedlings. The treatments combined two factors: water level (saturation, flood, flood-drought) and salinity (0, 5 and 15 ‰). Germinated seedlings were used (average height: 18.6 ± 1.61 cm). Seedling survival was greater under freshwater conditions. Increase in height and diameter, as well as leaf and biomass gain, were greater under saturation and freshwater conditions. Based on our results, we conclude that under a scenario of rising sea level, increased flood levels and salinity will negatively affect the natural establishment of Annona glabra seedlings in freshwater swamps.
Normalized Power Variance: A New Field Orthogonal to Power in EEG Analysis
Authors: Aoki Yasunori , Kazui Hiroaki , Pascual-Marqui Roberto D. , Bruña Ricardo , Yoshiyama Kenji , Wada Tamiki , Kanemoto Hideki , Suzuki Yukiko , Suehiro Takashi , Satake Yuto , Yamakawa Maki , Hata Masahiro , Canuet Leonides , Ishii Ryouhei , Iwase Masao , Ikeda Manabu
Published: July 2021

To date, electroencephalogram (EEG) has been used in the diagnosis of epilepsy, dementia, and disturbance of consciousness via the inspection of EEG waves. In addition, EEG power analysis combined with a source estimation method like exact-low-resolution-brain-electromagnetic-tomography (eLORETA), which calculates the power of cortical electrical activity from EEG data, has been widely used to investigate cortical electrical activity in both healthy individuals and neuropsychiatric patients. However, the recently developed field of mathematics “information geometry” indicates that EEG has another dimension orthogonal to power dimension — that of normalized power variance (NPV). By also introducing the idea of information geometry, a significantly faster convergent estimator of NPV was obtained. In this study, we applied this NPV analysis of eLORETA to idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients prior to a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt operation, where traditional power analysis could not detect any difference associated with CSF shunt operation outcome. NPV analysis detected significantly higher NPV values at the high convexity area in the beta frequency band between 17 shunt responders and 19 non-responders. Our findings demonstrated that EEG has another dimension — that of NPV, which contains a great deal of information about cortical electrical activity that can be useful in clinical practice.
THE IMPACT OF DURATION OF MENOPAUSE ON BONE METABOLISM IN DETECTING AND PREVENTING OSTEOPOROTIC FRACTURES
Authors: Rai Tirthal , Hegde Rishabh M , Rai Mayur , Dsa Janice , Rai Srinidhi
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
Background: Menopause accelerates bone loss after 10 years of cessation of the menstrual cycle causing osteoporosis. Hip fractures among postmenopausal women escalate morbidity and mortality in these women.
Objective: The study was done to evaluate the effect of duration of menopause on BTMs so that it could detect post-menopausal osteoporosis at the earliest and predict the fracture risk
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Mangalore on 100 postmenopausal women. The duration of menopause was divided into quartiles. Evaluation and correlation of serum osteocalcin, urinary hydroxyproline, BMI, calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase was done on the duration of menopause. The subjects comprised 50 osteoporotic and 50 non-osteoporotic post-menopausal women. Continuous variables were represented as median and interquartile ranges. Comparison between two groups was done using the Mann Whitney U test. Comparison between more than two groups was done using the Kruskal Wallis test. The correlation was done using spearman’s correlation test. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05.
Results: Serum osteocalcin levels significantly declined and urinary hydroxyproline levels elevated between quartiles of duration of menopause in the entire study group and in osteoporotic women. (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in osteocalcin and hydroxyproline levels between the quartiles in the fracture group. 82% of the osteoporotic had >15 YSM.
Conclusion: Osteocalcin levels plateaued after 8years of menopause and started decreasing after 15 YSM. Osteoporotic fractures were higher in more than 15 YSM and the osteocalcin level was 2.47 ng/ml in this quartile. There is no significant difference in osteocalcin levels in those with fractures, indicating no significance of screening for serum osteocalcin levels once the fractures have occurred. Hence concluding that the duration of menopause is the key indicator for osteoporosis and serum osteocalcin is a potent biomarker for detection of the risk of fracture. Monitoring of serum osteocalcin levels(<2.55ng/ml) after 8 years of menopause is very essential for early prophylactic treatment in order to prevent osteoporotic fractures and the burden associated with it.
KEYWORDS: Duration of menopause, osteocalcin, quartiles, urinary hydroxyproline, osteoporotic fractures
A novel ferronucleoside that targets DNA replication in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Rana Marium , Perotti Alessio , Bisset Lucy , Smith James , Lamben Emma , Khan Zahra , Ismail Media , Ellis Katherine , Armstrong Katie , Hodder Samantha , Bertoli Cosetta , Meneguello Leticia , de Bruin Robertus , Morris Joanna , Romero-Canelon Isolda , Tucker James , Hodges Nikolas
Published: July 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a disease that remains largely refractory to existing treatments including the nucleoside analogue gemcitabine. In the current study we demonstrate that the ferronucleoside 1-(S,Rp) is cytotoxic in a panel of PDAC cell lines including gemcitabine resistant MIAPaCa2, with IC50 values comparable to cisplatin. Biochemical studies show that the mechanism of action is inhibition of DNA-replication, S-phase cell cycle arrest and stalling of DNA-replication forks which were directly observed at single molecule resolution by DNA-fibre fluorography. In agreement with this, transcriptional changes following treatment with 1-(S,Rp) include activation of three of the four genes (HUS1, RAD1, RAD17) of the 9-1-1 check point complex clamp and two of the three genes (MRE11, NBN) that form the MRN complex as well as activation of multiple downstream targets. Furthermore, there was evidence of phosphorylation of checkpoint kinases 1 and 2 as well as RPA1 and gamma H2AX, all of which are considered biochemical markers of replication stress. Studies in p53 deficient cell lines showed activation of CDKN1A (p21) and GADD45A by 1-(S,Rp) was at least partially independent of p53. In conclusion, because of its potency and activity in gemcitabine resistant cells, 1-(S,Rp) is a promising candidate molecule for development of new treatments for PDAC.
Afetlere Müdahale Eden Yardım Personelini Güçlendirme
Authors: IŞIKHAN Vedat
Published: July 2021

Tüm dünyada afetlerin yaratmış olduğu olumsuz sonuçlar gün geçtikçe artış göstermektedir. Afetler her yıl küresel düzeyde milyonlarca insanı etkilerken ne yazık ki toplumda yaşanan eşitsizliği ve adaletsizliği de hızlandırmaktadır. Afetlerin sıklığı ve insanlar üzerine etkisi, iklimsel değişmeler ve artan nüfus yoğunluğu sebebiyle artmış durumdadır. Günümüzde deprem, sel, kuraklık, yangınlar, volkanik ve nükleer patlamalar, terörist saldırılar adeta sıradan olaylara dönüşmüştür. Bu doğrultuda doğal veya insan kaynaklı afetlerin kazazede ve toplumlar üzerindeki etkileriyle ilgili literatür oldukça fazladır. Afet ruh sağlığı literatüründen elde ettiğimiz bulgular, ilk müdahaleyi yapan kurtarma ekibinin, afetlere müdahale ettikten sonra travmatik deneyimlere doğrudan ve sürekli maruz kaldıklarından olumsuz psikolojik sonuçlar için bir risk taşıdıklarını bildirmektedir. Afetlere anında müdahale eden ve mağdurlara yardımcı olan yardım personeli (arama kurtarma ekibi, itfaiyeci, destek grupları vb.), afet sonrasında çeşitli sorunlarla karşı karşıya kalabilmektedir. Ancak literatürde yaşanan afetlerin bu yardım personeli üzerindeki etkileri ile ilgili çalışmaların sınırlı olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bu çalışmada, afet literatürü, afet ruh sağlığı ilişkisi, afetlerin genel sonuçları, afetlerin yardım personeli üzerindeki psiko-sosyal, fiziksel ve davranışsal etkileri, bunların semptomları ve bu personele nasıl yardım edilebileceği ve güçlendirileceği tartışılmaktadır.
Multidimensional scaling for divergence analysis in pepper
Authors: Mesquita Júlio Carlos Polimeni de , Rêgo Elizanilda Ramalho do , Pessoa Angela Maria dos Santos , Silva Anderson Rodrigo da , Neto João José da Silva , Rêgo Maílson Monteiro do
Published: July 2021

Pepper plants of the genus Capsicum present wide genetic variability for phenotypical characters. The joint analysis of quantitative and qualitative characters is a more complete indicator to identify the existing variability in populations of plants. This work aimed to evaluate the genetic divergence within F3 populations of Capsicum annuum L. through the multidimensional scaling based on the joint analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. The work was developed in at the Center of Agrarian Sciences of the Federal University of Paraíba, state of Paraíba, Brazil. Eight populations of an F3 generation were employed, performing the characterization of 36 qualitative and quantitative characteristics. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with eight treatments and 50 replications. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) was performed based on Gower’s dissimilarity matrixes. Dispersion diagrams were built to present the nMDS solutions in the bidimensional space. The nMDS mapping was efficient on estimating divergence within populations with Kruskal’s Stress below 20%. The internal uniformity presented by populations P-4, P-5, P-6, P-7, and P-8 is an indicator that the genotypes of these populations are suitable to be used in future genetic breeding programs of ornamental peppers. Conversely, populations P-1, P-2, and P-3 presented the greatest dispersion, characterizing phenotypical variability. The multidimensional scaling was efficient to estimate the genetic divergence among and within F3 populations of ornamental pepper
Structural and functional stability of photosystem-II in Moringa oleifera under salt stress
Authors: Bashir Sadia , Amir Misbah , Bashir Faiza , Javed Muhammad , Hussain Adnan , Fatima Saba , Parveen Rabia , Shahzadi Aneela Kanwal , Afzal Shehrooz , Raza Shumaila , Horain Tooba , Iqbal Ayesha , Pervaiz Ayesha , Rehman Atiq-ur- , Ayyaz Ahsan , Zafar Zafar Ullah , Athar Habib-ur-Rehman
Published: July 2021

The photosynthetic efficiency in plants is affected by salinity. Focus of this study was to observe the consequences of salinity on the rate of photosynthesis in Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) plants. Experiment was conducted under field conditions with 3 replicates and data of treated and non-treated plants was collected accordingly. Photosynthetic rate was affected by different levels of salt stress. The change in photosynthetic was attributes were determined by OJIP and light response curve calculations by using Fluor Pen [FP 100-PS (Photon system, Czech Republic)] and DUAL-PAM-100 (Walz, Germany). Salinity stress decreased chlorophyll a fluorescence characteristic. The significant quantity of electron transport (φEo), quantum yield of primary photochemistry (φPo), proficiency per trapped excitation (Ψo) and performance index of photosystem II (PSII). Performance index (PIABS) was also declined with salinity in M. oleifera. Our results showed that electron transport rate and photosynthetic rate were inhibited by salinity in M. oleifera. However, in M. oleifera electron transport pathway of PSII was repressed and found varied in plants which are salt resistant. It was concluded that Y(I), ETR(I), Y(II), ETR(II), and Y(NA) were decreased by increasing salinity while NPQ, Y(ND), Y(NO) and Y(NPQ) increased in plants having resistance to salt stress
Fermentation profile and nutritive value of maize silage with Brachiaria species
Authors: Teixeira Daniel Augusto Alves , Costa Kátia Aparecida de Pinho , Souza Wender Ferreira de , Severiano Eduardo da Costa , Guimarães Kátia Cylene , Silva Jessika Torres da , Oliveira Suelen Soares , Dias Mariana Borges de Castro
Published: July 2021

The production of mixed silages is a technique that has emerged as a viable alternative for supplying nutrients during food-shortage periods in the dry season, in addition to guaranteeing the highest ensiled mass production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fermentation profile and nutritional value of maize silage with Brachiaria species. The experiment was carried out under a completely randomized experimental design with four replications. The treatments comprised the following types of silage: maize; Congo grass; Xaraes palisadegrass; Paiaguas palisadegrass; maize + 30% Congo grass; maize + 30% Xaraes palisadegrass; and maize + 30% Paiaguas palisadegrass. For ensilage, maize and grasses were harvested in a 105-day cycle at a depth of 20 cm from the soil surface. According to the results, the maize silage and mixed silages presented an adequate fermentation profile and improved nutritional value. Among the investigated Brachiaria species, Paiaguas palisadegrass emerged because of its protein increase and low ADF content; therefore, this species is recommended for use in mixed silage production. Thus, mixed silage can be used as an alternative for animal feed supplementation
Junk Securities: Cheese in the Mouse-Trap or Uncut Diamond
Authors: Balashova I. V. , Tereshchenko T. A.
Published: July 2021

The article shows that junk securities never demonstrate a smooth trend to rate growth and any jump or drop usually happen by sharp change in the trend. The investor making deals on OTC call-boards should realize that 95% of dark market shares cannot pass analysis and the majority of investors who deal with dark market shares would lose money. Sometimes after good results shares on dark market can go ‘darker' and are not reported for a long time. It resembles ‘leaving on a high pitch'. But occasionally figures can become worse, therefore the company would not like to acknowledge the fact. Junk shares always imply high risk, as in the majority of cases there is no reliable information about the organization issuing shares and securities themselves. The authors point out that in case of placement at outside markets external audit is not carried out and real quotation could differ from those presented. At the same time it is rather difficult to analyze junk shares because of low exchange purchase, as few investors buy securities with low rating.
Land Tenure Planning in Order to Develop Territories of Traditional Natural Resource Use: Experience of Canada
Authors: Novikov A. V.
Published: July 2021

The article studies issues of land tenure planning for implementation of projects aimed at industrial development of the Arctic. Using the example of Northern provinces of Canada it shows evolution of land tenure strategic planning, analyzes its role in social and economic development of the territory. It is shown that involvement of aboriginal people of the North in the process of planning the use of land, forest and other natural resources can lower conflicts among land users, mining companies and the local population, protect territories of traditional land tenure in places of residence and traditional natural resource use of aborigine people and create necessary conditions for the development of traditional types of activity and sustainable space development of the Arctic. Canadian experience of land tenure planning in development of Arctic territories in the area of aboriginal people residence can be used in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation to balance interests of concerned parties, i.e. local bodies of power, business and aboriginal people of the North.