bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Modelling Studies of Water Sorption Properties of Cellulosic Derivative Fibers.
Authors: SIMON MATHILDE , FULCHIRON RENE , GOUANVE FABRICE
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to understand the chemical modification impact on interactions between water and cellulosic fiber. In that respect, cotton (C), flax (F), viscose (V) and cellulose acetate (CA) were analyzed by using a dynamic vapor sorption analysis. The sorption and desorption isotherms and kinetic curves were modelled using the Park model and the “Parallel Exponential Kinetics” (PEK) model-which allowed an accurate fitting on the whole range of water activity. The obtained sorption properties were correlated to the accessibility and the amount of sorption sites and also to the crystallinity level of the fibers. It was found that V exhibited the highest water sorption capacity due to a higher hydroxyl groups accessibility and a high amorphous fraction, followed up by F, C and CA. In contrast, higher kinetic sorption rate was obtained for CA due to a decrease of the hydroxyl groups within the fibers. Regardless the fiber, the determination of characteristic times showed that the kinetic rate was higher for sorption than desorption.
Restoring Force Model For A New Type of Bolted Prefabricated Beam-To-Column Joint
Authors: Haotian Jiang , Hailin Miao , Chenhua Jin , Qingning LI , Lei Yan
Published: June 2021

The wet prefabricated beam-to-column joint (PBCJ) has a densely reinforced panel zone and is difficult to construct, leading to poor connection reliability. To address this problem, we propose a dry PBCJ, where the concrete column is encased with steel plates at the connection and the beams and the column are connected by high-strength bolts. The method for constructing the joint is described herein. A total of six full-scale PBCJs were designed and subjected to quasi-static loading tests with different stirrup ratios, reinforcement strengths, and joint strengthening methods. Based on the test loading process, the joint failure mode is summarised, and a trilinear backbone curve model is proposed. According to the characteristics of the hysteresis curve and the backbone curve, the stiffness degradation law and hysteresis rule are analysed; then, the restoring force model for the new type of PBCJ is established, and the model results are compared with the test results. The data show that the new bolted PBCJ undergoes the cracking, yielding, ultimate, and failure stages; the trilinear backbone curve, which is composed of an elastic section, an elastoplastic section, and a plastic section, well describes the load-carrying characteristics of the joint. The backbone curve calculated by the established restoring force model is consistent with that obtained from the tests, indicating that the model can accurately describe the energy dissipation performance of the new PBCJ and thus provide a theoretical basis for the seismic performance analysis of this type of joint.
WITHDRAWN: Prognostic Nomograms based on Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Associated Factors for Predicting the Overall Survival of Colorectal Cancer Patients with Distant Metastases
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Shan Xuefeng , zhang min , Qian Kun , Zhou Weiying
Published: June 2021

Background: To identify the heterogeneous and homogeneous prognostic factors associated with distant metastases in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and then construct nomograms to predict prognosis.Methods: CRC patients registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2016 were included. Cox regression was used to analyse homogeneous and heterogeneous prognostic factors, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate overall survival (OS). Predictive nomograms were constructed, and their performance was evaluated with C-indexes and calibration curves.Results: A total of 34933 patients with distant metastases were included. The median survival time of patients with liver metastases, lung metastases, bone metastases, and brain metastases were 12.00 months (95% CI: 11.71-12.29 months), 10.00 months (95% CI: 9.57-10.43 months), 5.00 months (95% CI: 4.47-5.53 months), and 3.00 months (95% CI: 2.31-3.70 months), respectively. Older age and no surgery were identified as homogeneous prognostic factors of the four types of metastases. Male sex, black race, unmarried status, uninsured status, primary CRC site, poor differentiation/grade, advanced N stage, T stage, high carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level and metastatic organ were heterogeneously associated with the prognosis of patients with distant metastases. The calibration curves and C-indexes exhibited good performance for predicting the OS of patients with distant metastases.Conclusion: CRC patients with distant metastases exhibited homogeneous and heterogeneous prognostic factors, all of which were associated with poor survival. The nomograms showed good accuracy and can be used as tools for clinicians to predict the prognosis of CRC patients with distant metastases.
Interrogating the Haemodynamic Effects of Haemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula on Cardiac Structure and Function
Authors: Stoumpos Sokratis , Rankin Alastair , Barrientos Pauline Hall , Mangion Kenneth , McGregor Ellon , Thomson Peter C , Stevenson Karen , Welsh Paul , Kasthuri Ram , Kingsmore David B , Roditi Giles , Mark Patrick B
Published: June 2021

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred type of vascular access for maintenance haemodialysis but it may contribute to maladaptive cardiovascular remodelling. We studied the effect of AVF creation on cardiac structure and function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this prospective cohort study patients with CKD listed for first AVF creation underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging at baseline and at 6 weeks. All participants had ultrasound measurements of fistula blood flow at 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in left ventricular (LV) mass. Secondary outcomes included changes in LV volumes, LV ejection fraction, cardiac output, LV global longitudinal strain and N-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). A total of 55 participants were enrolled, of whom 40 (mean age 59 years) had AVF creation and completed both scans. On the second CMR scan, a mean increase of 7.4g (95%CI, 1.1–13.7, p=0.02) was observed in LV mass. Significant increases in LV end-diastolic volumes (p=0.04) and cardiac output (p=0.02) were also seen after AVF creation. No significant changes were observed in LV end-systolic volumes, LV ejection fraction, NT-proBNP and LV global longitudinal strain. In participants with fistula blood flows ≥600mL/min (n=22) the mean increase in LV mass was 15.5g (95%CI, 7.3–23.8) compared with a small decrease of 2.5g (95%CI, −10.6 to 5.6) in participants with blood flows <600mL/min (n=18). Creation of AVF for haemodialysis resulted in a significant increase of LV myocardial mass within weeks after surgery, which was proportional to the fistula flow.
The F- Topology on Space of Zero Dimensional rings
Authors: Mouadi Hassan , Karim Driss
Published: June 2021

Let R be a subring of a ring T, and let F be a non-principal ultrafilter on the natural numbers IN. We consider properties and applications of a countably compact, Hausdorff topology called the "F-topology" defined on space of all zero-dimensional subring of T that contains a fixed subring R. We show that the F-topology is strictly finer than the Zariski topology. We extend results regarding distinguished spectral topologies on the space of zero-dimensional subring.
Waste disposal systems of Addis Ababa City, the African Capital, Ethiopia
Authors: Shiferaw Hailu , Shoamare Fantu , Legesse Seifu
Published: June 2021

Industries have played vital roles for economic development that enable people to create new and better livelihoods, more income, and modern life systems. However, Ethiopia has little benefited from industry sector due to limited number of industries with less advanced technologies. This study was conducted in Addis Ababa, the Capital City of Africa. Datasets were collected from 2,204 institutions through structured interview, field observation and GPS points. Datasets were entered, cleaned and analyzed using a relational database system in Visual Basic and MS-access database environment. Spatial distribution of industries indicates that only 18% of industries were found in industry zones, while 82% are outside industry zones and of which 78% of them are found in residential areas. Industrial wastes are disposed either to nearest river or open field. The findings indicate that only 10% of industries treated and disposed their wastes whereas 90% didn’t treat industrial wastes but disposed to the environment. The major observed impacts were on: affecting human and animals’ health, pollute surface and groundwater, pollute soil and air, trigger firing, damage ditches, block canals and cause over floods, among others. It requires concerted efforts to minimize and avoid improper waste disposal systems so as to realize economically active, environmental suitable and socially conduce capital city for its residents, tourist and business people.
Global Pandemic Trends of COVID-19 in 2020
Authors: Chen Hai-Zhen , Cai Bo , Chen Jian-Guo
Published: June 2021

Background: The novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) has been global threaten to public health. This paper provides perspective to the decision-making for public health control of the pandemic or the spread of epidemic.Methods: According to the WHO global reported database, we developed and used the number of cumulative cases, and the number of cumulative deaths to calculate and analyze rates of incidence, mortality, and fatality by country, with respect to the 30 highest outbreak (Top 30) countries.Results： As of December 31, 2020, of the global population of 7.585 billion, the cumulative number of reported cases was 81,475,053, and the cumulative number of deaths was 1,798,050. The incidence rate of COVID-19 was 1074.13 per 100,000 population, the mortality rate was 23.70 per 100,000, and the case fatality rate was 2.21%. Among the Top 30 countries, the five countries with the highest number of reported cumulative cases were, in rank, the United States (19,346,790 cases), India (10,266,674), Brazil (7,563,551), Russia (3,159,297) and France (2,556,708), and the five countries with the highest number of cumulative deaths were the United States (335,789 cases), Brazil (192,681), India (148,738), Mexico (123,845) and Italy (73,604). Globally, the countries with the highest incidence rate were, in rank, Andorra, Luxembourg, Montenegro, San Marino, and Czechia; the countries with the highest mortality rate were, in rank, San Marino, Belgium, Slovenia, Italy, and North Macedonia. The highest fatality rate was found in Yemen, Mexico, Montserrat, Isle of Man, and Ecuador, respectively. In China, 96,673 cases of COVID-19 and 4788 deaths were reported in 2020, ranking the 78th and the 43rd, respectively, in the world. The incidence rate and mortality rate were 6.90/105 and 0.34/105, respectively, ranking 207th and 188th in the world. The case fatality rate was 4.95%, ranking 11th in the world.Conclusions： The COVID-19 prevalence is still on the rise, and the turning points of incidence and mortality are not yet forecasted. Personal protection, anti-epidemic measures and efforts from public health personnel, medical professionals, biotechnology R&D personnel, effectiveness of the vaccination programs and the governments, are the important factors to determine the future prevalence of this coronavirus disease.
Optimal Concentrations of Silicon Enhance the Growth of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Cultivars by Improving Nodulation, Root System Architecture, and Soil Biological Properties
Authors: Shamshiripour Mahdieh , Motesharezadeh Babak , Rahmani Hadi Asadi , Alikhani Hossein Ali , Etesami Hassan
Published: June 2021

Today, the beneficial role of silicon (Si) in increasing the growth and yield of monocotyledons has been proven. But the effect of this useful element on dicotyledonous plants such as legumes has been less studied. In addition, the effect of Si on the development of roots and on nodulation in soybeans is still an unexplored research area. In this study, the effect of different levels of Si (0, 100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg Si kg-1 soil) from potassium silicate source on some soil biological properties, root morphological characteristics and nutritional responses of four soybean cultivars (cv., Katool, Sari, Saland and Saman with specific growth groups and identity cards) was studied under greenhouse conditions. The results showed that Si application in all cultivars caused a significant increase in shoot dry weight, root length and increased Si and nitrogen uptake in soybean shoots. Also, the application of Si increased nodulation in four soybean cultivars compared to the control treatment. The observed different responses to Si addition were cultivar-specific, probably related with the various Si efficiency strategies developed by these four soybean cultivars. The responses of soybeans to the application of Si levels were finally positive up to the level of 600 mg Si kg-1 and at higher levels there were no any increase (or an inhibitory effect) in nutritional responses and other growth characteristics compared to control. Silicon also caused a significant increase in total bacterial population, silicate-solubilizing bacteria population, microbial biomass, and microbial respiration rate of the soil under cultivation of different soybean cultivars. In this study, the improved growth (shoot dry weight) of soybean cultivars associated with Si treatment was highly correlated with nodulation, root morphological traits, and soil biological properties. In general, our findings suggest that optimal concentrations of Si can be a promising way to improve the production of soybean cultivars.
An Example of Mild Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn Caused by Anti-Cob
Authors: Steffey Nancy B. , Lieb Mary A.
Published: June 2021

A woman whose serum contained multiple alloanti-bodies delivered a full-term infant with mild hemolytic disease of the newborn. The direct antiglobulin test performed on the cord cells was positive with monospecific anti-IgG. An acid elution performed on the cord cells yielded anti-Cob. These findings were consistent with the presence of anti-Cob in the maternal serum. Neonatal clinical findings showed a mildly affected infant who demonstrated a moderate rise in total bilirubin and slight jaundice. The infant experienced no further complications and was discharged.
Peranan Mufti dalam Pentadbiran Ekonomi dan Sosial Negeri Johor, 1885–1941
Authors: Ismail Noorilham
Published: June 2021

Artikel ini mengkaji peranan yang dimainkan oleh mufti kerajaan Johor dalam mendepani imperialisme British dari tahun 1885 hingga 1941. Tumpuan diberi kepada peranan mufti dalam urusan berkaitan ekonomi dan sosial kerajaan Johor bagi memastikan kedudukan agama Islam terus dipertahankan di negeri tersebut. Berdasarkan sumber-sumber yang diperoleh daripada Arkib Negara Malaysia Cawangan Johor dan sumber sekunder, makalah ini membincangkan pentadbiran empat orang mufti, terdiri daripada Dato’ Syed Salim Abdullah al-Attas, Dato’ Abdullah Musa, Syed ‘Abd Qadir Muhsin al-Attas dan Syed Alwi Tahir al-Haddad. Menerusi peranan yang dimainkan oleh keempat-empat mufti berkenaan, kajian ini menilai aspek ekonomi dan social dalam kerajaan Johor yang mencakupi perkara-perkara yang berkaitan dengan hukum hakam muamalat dan aspek pendidikan. Kajian ini mendapati bahawa mufti kerajaan Johor dalam era tersebut memainkan peranan dalam aspek ekonomi dan sosial menerusi hujahan yang informatif dan autoritatif.
Kesusasteraan Melayu dan “Novel Persuratan”: Satu Pengamatan Kritis Tentang Sambutan Terhadap Pujangga Melayu
Authors: Halis Azhan Nudra Shafini , Abdul Rani Mohd Zariat , Noor Muhammad Salmah Jan
Published: June 2021

Kajian ini merungkai permasalahan dalam soal pemeragaan novel Pujangga Melayu karya Mohd Affandi Hassan. Dalam penerbitan edisi kedua pada tahun 2017, Pujangga Melayu secara konsisten dan eksplisit diperagakan sebagai “novel persuratan” pada kulit depan dan rangsang sari novel. Novel persuratan ditakrifkan sebagai novel yang menjadikan pemikiran/wacana sebagai isian utama. Istilah novel persuratan tidak digunakan dalam pemeragaan novel tersebut sebelum edisi keduanya. Hakikat ini menarik perhatian terhadap kecenderungan kajian-kajian ilmiah sebelum tahun 2017 dalam merumuskan kekuatan karya berkenaan. Sehubungan itu, kajian ini menggariskan dua objektif iaitu untuk menganalisis kajian-kajian ilmiah terhadap Pujangga Melayu sebelum tahun 2017 dan untuk merumuskan kekuatan novel yang sama berdasarkan hasil dapatan kajian-kajian ilmiah sebelum tahun 2017. Hasil analisis mendapati bahawa kajiankajian ilmiah sebelum tahun 2017 cenderung memperagakan Pujangga Melayu dengan beberapa label, antaranya “novel wacana”, “novel ilmu” dan “karya persuratan”. Meskipun menggunakan istilah-istilah berlainan, namun rata-rata kajian mengenal pasti pemikiran/wacana sebagai pengisian utama novel tersebut. Cerita dalam novel berkenaan pula lebih berfungsi sebagai wadah dalam mengutarakan pemikiran/wacana.
Linguistic Features Differences in Arabic Textbooks Used at Islamic Schools in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Ghani Kamarulzaman , Noh Ahmad Sabri , Ahmad Bukhari Nurul Iman
Published: June 2021

The dearth of studies that assess linguistic differences in Arabic textbooks is the motivation for the present study, which identified significant differences in the use of linguistic features in textbooks for different secondary school levels. The study analysed 315 samples of 100-word texts, randomly selected from 105 Arabic textbooks used at Islamic secondary schools in Malaysia. Seven linguistic features were analysed using descriptive and inferential analyses through one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The analysis showed a moderate use of simple sentences, complex sentences and noun sentences. However, the use of complex sentences was higher than that of simple sentences. There were a high number of common and frequent words used, but the use of abstract words was low. Conjunctions and discourse markers were used at moderate levels. ANOVA analysis showed significant differences in the use of complex sentences, common and frequent words, conjunctions and discourse markers, and sentence length averages. The study also found that long sentences are higher in frequency in Form 3 textbooks compared to those in Forms 4 and 5 textbooks. The current study suggests that the frequency of linguistic features should correspond to students’ needs by taking into their school level, Arabic language proficiency and subject content.
Antu Language in the Sangin Oral Narrative of the Sihans in Sarawak
Authors: Mohamed Noriah , Mohamad Jamilah Bebe , Hasrah Mohd Tarmizi
Published: June 2021

This article discusses the Sihan community and one of their traditional oral narratives, known as sangin. Sihan is an indigenous ethnic group residing in Belaga, Sarawak, Malaysia, and sangin is an activity that can be considered a folklore, narrative in manner, and performed for entertainment and native remedy. Data on the community in this study was obtained through interviews with 71 Sihan informants in Belaga, Sarawak, Malaysia. The sangin by one of its practitioners was recorded during the community’s leisure activities. The recorded sangin song, delivered in the style of storytelling, narrated for entertainment, not for remedy purposes. The description of the sangin indicates that the language in the oral tradition, called antu language (language of the spirit) is very different from the modern, every day Sihan language used by its speakers. In terms of usage, sangin can be considered extinct because of the reduced number of Sihan speakers (only 218 left) and lessening number of sangin practitioners (only three remain). Sangin as a native remedy no longer has a place in the community with the availability of modern medical treatment, the mass migration of the Sihans from their original area, and the change in the Sihans’ life style, from nomadic to community life.
INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA (ALL) IN KASHMIRI POPULACE (NORTH INDIA)
Authors:   Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India., Mohammad Fozia ,   School of Life Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jaipur-302017 Rajasthan, India., A. Pandith Arshad ,   Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India., Kumar Mithilesh ,   School of Life Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jaipur-302017 Rajasthan, India., Koul Aabid ,   Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India., Guru Faisal ,   Department of Medical Oncology (Paediatric unit)SKIMS, J&K-India., Qasim Iqbal ,   Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K-India., Rasool Javid ,   Department of Hematology, SKIMS, J&K-India., Geelani Sajad ,   Department of Hematology, SKIMS, J&K-India., Shah Saqib ,   Department of Medical Oncology (Paediatric unit)SKIMS, J&K-India., Rifayi Mohammad ,   Department of Medical Oncology (Paediatric unit)SKIMS, J&K-India.
Published: June 2021

Background: The most frequent cancer of the childhood is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). It is the blood and bone marrow cancer affecting white blood cells. It is caused by errors in the DNA in the bone marrow cells. Our goal was to evaluate the prevalence of ALL in Kashmiri populace. Methods: The study in the hindsight was initiated for ALL patients registered between early 2018up to late 2019 to investigate its frequency and prevalence. Results: Overall from 74 ALL patients, based on gender, 44 (59%) were males and 30 (41%) were females. Based on age, 53 (72%) were in the age group of ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â‰Ã‚Â¤18 years while 21 (28%) were in the age group of >18. Based on immunophenotypes 69 (93%) were of Pre B-cell phenotype, 3 (4%) belonged to T-cell phenotype while 2 (3%) were of mixed phenotype. Based on demography, 10 (14%) were from urban areas while as 64 (86%) were from rural areas of Kashmir region. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of ALL in this region is very high, but gender has no significance while age and dwelling has significance on its overall frequency and significance.
Prognostic factors of functional results of surgery for idiopathic (primary) epimacular membranes: morphology of outer and inner layers of the macula. Part 3
Authors: Toropygin S. G. , Nazarova S. V. , Dawarah H. , Maslov A. N.
Published: June 2021

The third part of the review (for the first part, see ROJ 2020; 13 (2): 99–104, for the second part — ROJ 2020; 13 (4): 105–110) discusses the structure of the outer and inner layers of normal macula in optical coherence tomography, their pathomorphology as well as its impact on the state of visual functions in epimacular membranes (EMM).
Trend analysis of selected hydro-meteorological variables for the Rietspruit sub-basin, South Africa
Authors: Banda Vincent Dzulani , Dzwairo Rimuka Bloodless , Singh Sudhir Kumar , Kanyerere Thokozani
Published: June 2021

Identifying hydro-meteorological trends is critical for assessing climate change and variability both at a basin and regional level. This study examined the long- and short-term trends from stream discharge, temperature, and rainfall data around the Rietspruit sub-basin in South Africa. The data were subjected to homogeneity testing before performing the trend tests. Inhomogeneity was widely detected in discharge data, hence no further analyses were performed on such data. Temperature and rainfall trends and their magnitudes at yearly, seasonal, and monthly time steps were identified after applying the non-parametric Mann-Kendall and Sen's slope estimator. The possible starting point of a trend was determined by performing the sequential Mann-Kendall test. This study revealed a combination of upward and downward trends in both temperature and rainfall data for the time steps under observation. For rainfall on an annual basis, there were no statistically significant monotonic trends detected, although non-significant downward trends were dominant. However, significant decreasing rainfall trends were observed in dry and low rainfall months, which were April, August, September, and November. In contrast, significant upward temperature trends were detected at the Vereeniging climate station at an annual scale and in October, November, spring, and winter. The findings are critical for climate risk management and reduction decisions for both near- and long-term timescales.
MALAT1 Promotes Tumorigenesis and Increases Cellular Sensitivity to Herceptin in HER2-positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Yang Chuansheng , Zhu Hongbo , Tan Yeru , Zhu Renjie , Wu Xiaoping , Li Yuehua , Wang Cunchuan
Published: June 2021

Background:

The function of MALAT1, a long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), in HER2-
positive breast cancer remains largely unexplored.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of MALAT1 on tumor development in
HER2-positive breast cancer.

Methods:

We detected MALAT1 expression in HER2-positive breast cancer cells and tissues, and
analyzed the effects of MALAT1 on cell proliferation in HER2-positive breast cancer cells lines
(BT-474 and SKBR3). A mouse xenograft model was established for detecting the function of
MALAT1 in HER2-positive breast cancer.

Results & Discussion:

As a result, MALAT1 was remarkably up-regulated in HER2-positive
breast cancer both in cells and tissues. In addition, the silencing of MALAT1 inhibited the proliferation
of HER2-positive breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, knockdown of
MALAT1 by shRNA down-regulated DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b, while up-regulated BRCA1
and PTEN in HER2-positive breast cancer both in cell lines and mouse xenograft models.

Conclusion:

In short, MALAT1 might be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HER2-
positive breast cancer therapy.
Understanding the Role of Histone Deacetylase and their Inhibitors in
Neurodegenerative Disorders: Current Targets and Future Perspective
Authors: Kumar Vishal , Kundu Satyabrata , Singh Arti , Singh Shamsher
Published: June 2021

:

Neurodegenerative diseases are the group of pathological conditions that cause motor inc-ordination (jerking movements), cognitive and memory impairments result due to degeneration of neurons in a specific area of the brain. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, neurochemical imbalance and histone deacetylase enzymes (HDAC) are known to play a crucial role in neurodegeneration. HDAC is classified into four categories (class I, II, III and class IV) depending upon their location and functions. HDAC1 and 2 are involved in neurodegeneration while HDAC3-11 and class III HDACs are beneficial as neuroprotective. HDACs are localized in different parts of the brain- HDAC1 (hippocampus and cortex), HDAC2 (nucleus), HDAC3, 4, 5, 7 and 9 (nucleus and cytoplasm), HDAC6 & HDAC7 (cytoplasm) and HDAC11 (Nucleus, Cornus ammonis 1 and spinal cord). In pathological conditions, HDAC up-regulates glutamate, phosphorylation of tau, and glial fibrillary acidic proteins while down-regulates BDNF, Heat shock protein 70, Gelsolin. Class III HDACs are divided into seven sub-classes (SIRT1-SIRT7). Sirtuins are localized in the different parts of the brain and neuron -Sirt1 (nucleus), Sirt2 (cortex, striatum, hippocampus and spinal cord), Sirt3 (mitochondria and cytoplasm), Sirt4, Sirt5 & Sirt6 (mitochondria), Sirt7 (nucleus) and Sirt8 (nucleolus). SIRTs (1, 3, 4, and 6) are involved in neuronal survival, proliferation and modulating stress response, and SIRT2 is associated with Parkinsonism, Huntington disease and Alzheimer’s disease, whereas, SIRT6 is only associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In this critical review, we have discussed the mechanisms and therapeutic targets of HDACs would be beneficial for the management of neurodegenerative disorders.
Comparison of Conventional and Microwave Synthesis of Phenyl-1H-pyrazoles and Phenyl-1H-pyrazoles-4-carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Machado Antônio S. , de Carvalho Flávio S. , Mouraa Rayssa B.P. , Chaves Lorrayne S. , Lião Luciano M. , Sanz Germãn , Vaz Boniek G. , Rodrigues Marcella F. , Romão Wanderson , Menegatti Ricardo , Silva Gloria N.S.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Privileged scaffolds are of high importance for molecules containing the pyrazole subunit
due to their broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. For this reason, a method that is more efficient
needs to be developed for the preparation of pyrazole derivatives.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was the optimisation of the conventional synthesis of the pyrazole ring and
the oxidation of phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde to phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid through Microwave-
Assisted Organic Synthesis (MAOS).

Methods:

We performed a comparison between conventional synthesis and conventional synthesis with microwave
heating using the synthesis method of pyrazole ring described by Finar and Godfrey and for the oxidation
of phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde, the method described by Shriner and Kleiderer was used.

Results:

: MAOS reduces the reaction time to obtain all compounds compared to conventional heating. At a temperature
of 60°C, 5 minutes of reaction time, and power of 50 W, the yield of phenyl-1H-pyrazoles (3a-m) compounds
was in the range of 91 - 98% using MAOS, which is better than conventional heating (72 - 90%, 75ºC, 2
hours). An improvement in the yield for the oxidation reaction was also achieved with MAOS. The compounds
(5a-m) were obtained with yields ranging from 62 - 92% (80ºC, 2 minutes, 150 W), while the yields with conventional
heating were in the range of 48 - 85% (80ºC, 1 hour). The 26 compounds were achieved through an
easy work-up procedure with no chromatographic separation. The pure products were characterised by the spectral
data obtained from IR, MS, 1H and 13C NMR or HSQC/HMBC techniques.

Conclusion:

The advantages of MAOS include short reaction time and increased yield, due to which it is an attractive
option for pyrazole compounds synthesis.
Preparation of Graphene/N-doped Carbon Nanohybrids and Their Application in Supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Biao , Annamalai Kundrakudi , Chen Tianlu , Chen Yueqiu , Tao Yousheng
Published: June 2021

Background:

Nanocarbon hybrids have been a topic of interest in recent
years because of their important role in energy storage and conversion device
fabrication.

Objective:

To get low-cost graphene/N-doped carbon composites (G-NC) for supercapacitor
applications.

Method:

G-NC samples were prepared with a two-step hydrothermal method and characterized
with field emission scanning electron microscopy, 77K nitrogen adsorption, and
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of samples was investigated
with cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge measurements in threeelectrode
configurations.

Results:

Samples showed a sheet-type morphology and nanoporous structure. The nanohybrids
had a specific surface area of 350 m2g-1, delivered maximum specific capacitance
of 103 F g-1 at 0.5A g-1 in 6 M KOH with good cycle stability.

Conclusion:

Low-cost G-NC nanohybrids with good electrochemical performance are
promising for supercapacitor applications.
Exploratory Outlier Detection for Acceleromyographic Neuromuscular Monitoring: Machine Learning Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Verdonck Michaël , Carvalho Hugo , Berghmans Johan , Forget Patrice , Poelaert Jan
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Because of their kinetic nature, artifactual recordings of acceleromyography-based neuromuscular monitoring devices are not unusual. These generate a great deal of cynicism among anesthesiologists, constituting an obstacle toward their widespread adoption. Through outlier analysis techniques, monitoring devices can learn to detect and flag signal abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to engineer a set of features that enable the detection of outliers in the form of erroneous train-of-four (TOF) measurements from an acceleromyographic-based device. These features are tested for their potential in the detection of erroneous TOF measurements by developing an outlier detection algorithm.

METHODS

A data set encompassing 533 high-sensitivity TOF measurements from 35 patients was created based on a multicentric open label trial of a purpose-built accelero- and gyroscopic-based neuromuscular monitoring app. A basic set of features was extracted based on raw data while a second set of features was purpose engineered based on TOF pattern characteristics. Two cost-sensitive logistic regression (CSLR) models were deployed to evaluate the performance of these features. The final output of the developed models was a binary classification, indicating if a TOF measurement was an outlier or not.

RESULTS

A total of 7 basic features were extracted based on raw data, while another 8 features were engineered based on TOF pattern characteristics. The model training and testing were based on separate data sets: one with 319 measurements (18 outliers) and a second with 214 measurements (12 outliers). The F1 score (95% CI) was 0.86 (0.48-0.97) for the CSLR model with engineered features, significantly larger than the CSLR model with the basic features (0.29 [0.17-0.53]; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The set of engineered features and their corresponding incorporation in an outlier detection algorithm have the potential to increase overall neuromuscular monitoring data consistency. Integrating outlier flagging algorithms within neuromuscular monitors could potentially reduce overall acceleromyography-based reliability issues.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03605225; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03605225
App-Tailoring Requirements to Increase Stress Management Competencies Within Families: Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bischoff Laura Luise , Baumann Hannes , Meixner Charlotte , Nixon Patricia , Wollesen Bettina
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Families experiencing high levels of psychological distress are considered a particularly vulnerable population for adverse effects on mental and physical health. Moreover, highly stressed individuals engage less in mental health promoting activities and show low stress management competencies. App-based stress interventions seem promising for the treatment and prevention of stress outcomes and might be a low-threshold solution.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the requirements for a tailored app to reduce stress in a cohort of highly stressed families that have low stress management skills.

METHODS

Parents (n=1008; age: mean 47.7 years, SD 6.1; female: 599/1008, 59.7%) completed an extensive web-based survey and were subdivided into a target (stressed individuals with low stress competency) and nontarget group according to their reported stress level and stress management competencies. Group differences were analyzed using analysis of variance. In principal component analysis with Kaiser varimax rotation, personally defined stress management goals were grouped into components. Linear regression models were also calculated.

RESULTS

A 3-factor solution cumulatively explained 56% of the variance in personally defined goals of interest for stress management with (1) active strategies (25.61% explained variance), (2) general competency (17.95% explained variance) and (3) passive strategies (12.45% explained variance). The groups differed in age (F1,978=27.67, P<.001), health index (F1,958=246.14, P<.001), personally defined general-competency goal (F1,958=94.16 P<.001), as well as “information acquisition” (F1,971=14.75, P<.001) and “need for stimulation” (F1,981=54.49, P<.001) personality traits. A regression model showed that for the active strategies goals of interest, only app feature information or instructional videos had a significant effect (P=.02). The general competency factor showed none, and the passive strategies factor showed significant effects for 2 app features—suggestions for planning possible activities with the family (P=.01) and diaries for documentation and development of strategies (P=.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this survey study highlight the need to develop an app to increase stress management competencies that takes into consideration perceived stress level, stress management skills, personality, and personally defined goals of the user. The content of the app should be tailored to previously detected personality traits, especially selective information acquisition and low need for stimulation. Furthermore, personally defined stress management goals seem to affect interest in some features.
Rehabilitation Program for individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain: Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Junkes-Cunha Maíra , Sieczkowska Sofia , Vilarino Guilherme Torres , Bevilacqua Guilherme Guimarães , Andrade Alexandro
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Physical exercise as a treatment is beneficial for the improvement quality of life (QOL) in these patients and it widely accepted as well.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a protocol for a feasibility study designed to compare the effectiveness of different interventions in reducing pain, functional, and psychosocial factors in patients with chronic LBP after 8 weeks of randomization.

METHODS

This is a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial that consists of individuals with chronic LBP aged between 18 and 65 years. Subjects will be allocated through block randomization in one of the following groups: Motor Control Exercises (MCE), Pain Education, MCE + Pain Education, and Usual Care. The primary outcome will be pain intensity, and secondary outcomes will be pressure pain threshold measured through digital algometer, LBP-related disability, fears and beliefs, fear of movement, QOL, mood states, levels of depression and anxiety.

RESULTS

This trial was funded in 2018 and it was approved by Human Research Ethic Committee in September 2018. We are starting the patient’s recruitment, as it involves patients on a public service waiting list and needs the health manager's permission to start the data collection considering the current health scenario. Results are expected to be achieved by April 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial will provide preliminary data regarding the feasibility and safety of MCE and Pain Education in patients with low back pain. It will also provide preliminary outcome data used to identify the intervention more efficient and what level of health care should be implemented in public health services.

CLINICALTRIAL

RBR-2xx2r2
The Effects of Oral Energy-Dense Supplements on Nutritional Status in Nondiabetic Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Yang Yaya , Qin Xianhui , Chen Junzhi , Wang Qi , Kong Yaozhong , Wan Qijun , Tao Huiqin , Liu Aiqun , Li Youbao , Lin Zizhen , Huang Yan , He Yanhuan , Lei Zihan , Liang Min
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives

Fat-based energy-dense nutritional supplements may offer benefits over protein- or carbohydrate-dense supplements for patients receiving dialysis because of the adverse metabolic consequences of the latter. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of the short-term use of a fat-based nutritional supplement on various measures of nutritional status in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis who have low dietary energy intake.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We enrolled nondiabetic patients receiving hemodialysis for >3 months who had inadequate dietary energy intake (<30 kcal/kg per day). The participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive an oral fat-based energy-dense supplement (300 kcal daily) or routine care for 12 weeks (n=120 per group). The primary outcome was the change in phase angle measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, a marker of cell integrity and body cell mass, from the baseline to week 12. The secondary outcomes were changes in quality of life. Other outcomes included laboratory nutritional indicators and physical examinations.

Results

The average age of the total population was 47 (SD: 12) years, and 55% were men. The median of dialysis vintage was 43.4 (22.5–76.3) months; 240 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=120) or control group (n=120). In total, 228 (95%) participants completed the trial. The change in phase angle did not differ significantly between the intervention and control groups (estimate, 0.0; 95% confidence interval, −0.1 to 0.1 versus estimate, 0.0; 95% confidence interval, −0.1 to 0.1; estimated difference, 0.0; 95% confidence interval −0.2 to 0.2; P=0.99). None of the 19 domains of quality of life differed between the groups. Adverse events were reported in 23 (19%) participants in the control group and 40 (33%) participants in the intervention group.

Conclusions

In nondiabetic patients on maintenance hemodialysis, short-term administration of fat-based energy-dense nutritional supplement has no clinically significant effect on nutritional status as measured by phase angle.

Podcast

This article contains a podcast at https://https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2021_08_03_CJN16821020.mp3
Audio Visual Reception of American Sign Language for Blind, Deaf and Dumb People
Authors: Gomathi T.
Published: June 2021

The computer recognition of sign language is an important process for enabling communication with the visually and hearing impaired people. This proposed project introduces an efficient way of computer recognition of sign languageby using a simplified method by the use of an accelerometer sensor which is a three axis sensor and a voice IC. The main objective of our project is to convert the sign language into a voice format and display the corresponding message on the LCD screen. The basic idea of this project is to have accelerometer sensors attached to the gloves worn by the impaired person. When the person flexes his/her hand for the pre-coded commands, the accelerometer sensors senses the change due to the angular movement of fingers and produces a corresponding output voltage. The sensed analog signal is converted to digital signal by ADC and transmits it to the voice IC via a microcontroller. The objective of the microcontroller is to perform the matching of the obtained hex-code with its corresponding pre-coded commands using Keil software. Once the code is matched with its pre-coded commands the output is delivered through a speaker via a voice IC and the command is also displayed in a LCD screen.
Low Power and Fast Full Adder by Exploring New XOR and XNOR Gates
Authors: Meghana Madabhushi Sai
Published: June 2021

In this project, novel circuits for FULL ADDER are proposed using new XOR or XNOR gates. The conventional design of XOR or XNOR gates shows that the not gate in the schematic has drawbacks. So by investigating advanced XOR or XNOR gates we proposed the schematic design. The proposed schematics are optimized in terms of speed, delay, power and power delay product. We developed six novel hybrid full adder schematics based on exploring new XOR or XNOR gates. Each designed schematics have their specifications of energy consumption, delay, power delay product. To simulate the performance of the proposed designs, we use mentor graphics, tanner tool. The simulation yields a 45-nm CMOS innovation model that focuses on the proposed plans having best speed and power other than the plan of any full adder. The proposed Full Adders has 2-28% increment in consumption of energy and power delay product compared to other design schematics. The proposed hybrid full adders are investigated with voltage 1.8V, speed ,size of transistors, area, power consumption and delay.
A Chat Powered Workplace with Hybrid Interface
Authors: Singh Sameer
Published: June 2021

This hybrid chat application with an AI based technical assistant will come handy while searching for an answer to a technical query. Whenever a user faces a technical problem, that user will search that problem on various forums. This application will be user friendly in which users can ask their queries to the Chabot and if the Chabot is unable to answer the query they can ask another user who is proficient in that particular skill. After the problem is solved by another user we will analyze the chat conversation of the users. The Chabot will learn through the analyzed conversation and next time it will be able to give a solution to that problem.
Driver Drowsiness Detection using Machine Learning with Visual Behaviour
Authors: Phulari Shivanand
Published: June 2021

A person while driving a vehicle - if does not have proper sleep or rest, is more inclined to fall asleep which may cause a traffic accident. This is why a system is required which will detect the drowsiness of the driver. Recently, in research and development, machine learning methods have been used to predict a driver's conditions. Those conditions can be used as information that will improve road safety. A driver's condition can be estimated by basic characteristics age, gender and driving experience. Also, driver's driving behaviours, facial expressions, bio-signals can prove helpful in the estimation. Machine Learning has brought progression in video processing which enables images to be analysed with accuracy. In this paper, we proposed a method for detecting drowsiness by using convolution neural network model over position of eyes and extracting detailed features of the mouth using OpenCV and Dlib to count the yawning.
Solar Irrigation System, Auto Fencing, Monitoring and Control using IOT
Authors: . Saida
Published: June 2021

Agricultural strategies are changing quickly as a result of late advances in sustainable power innovation. The new headways in environmentally friendly power can be adequately utilized in the agribusiness area to decrease reliance on regular harvests water system procedures and petroleum derivatives. The Solar-Powered Smart Irrigation System intends to give an IoT arrangement in computerizing the watering interaction utilizing an Arduino-based microcontroller and sensors. It is an energy proficient and eco-accommodating framework that produces power from the photovoltaic cells to supply water to the plants from the water siphons. The watering cycle is driven by the dampness substance of the dirt utilizing sensors. Edge limit are set for soil dampness sensor to guarantee productive and viable utilization of water asset. The fundamental microcontroller unit controls the framework at whatever point the sensor is across limit esteem. Likewise, the framework has implicit temperature and dampness sensors to screen the environment condition on the particular climate. Another sensor is carried out to gauge the water tank level which fills in as capacity limit that provisions the water to the framework. With the incorporation of IoT, mechanized water system can be effectively access and distantly checked over the versatile application through a remote specialized gadget. With these shrewd water system procedures, it replaces the customary water system framework that helps decline the manual intercession and mix-ups