bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex Additives for Concrete Based on Substances of Organic and Mineral Nature
Authors: Smirnov I. R.
Published: February 2022

The production of concretes with a hard hardening rate is not feasible without the use of modifying additives. The development of the chemical industry has led to the emergence of a large number of additives with different properties. Some increase the frost and corrosion resistance, the strength of building materials, while others affect the setting of concrete and the water-cement ratio. Of greatest interest is the joint work of the additives in the composition of the cement stone. The paper analyzes and determines the effect of various combinations of chemical additives (sodium carbonate Na2CO3, sodium chloride NaCl and sodium nitrate NaNO3) on the structure formation and properties of cement stone as part of a complex additive using the simplex-lattice experiment planning method. In the course of the research, to obtain cement stone, Portland cement M500 D0 has been used with the addition of Na2CO3, NaCl and NaNO3 in the established proportions. As a result of tests, it has been found that the following proportions of the components in the composition of the complex additive are optimal: NaNO3 – 12–38 %; NaCl – 34–54 %; Na2CO3 – 26–42 %. With the introduction of this complex into the composition of the concrete mixture, positive dynamics have been observed in neutralizing the corrosion effect on reinforcement in concrete, as well as an accelerated set of concrete hardness. The results obtained can be used at specialized enterprises of the chemical industry, as well as in further research in the development of modifying additives.
Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia dalam Meningkatkan Citra Lembaga di Lembaga Pendidikan Islam
Authors: Mukhlison Effendi
Published: February 2022

Abstrak

Pengembangan SDM pada intinya diarahkan dalam rangka meningkatkan kualitasnya, yang pada gilirannya akan dapat meningkatkan produktivitas. Hasil berbagai studi menunjukkan, bahwa kualitas SDM merupakan faktor penentu produktivitas, baik secara makro maupun mikro. Sumber Daya Manusia (SDM) secara makro adalah warga negara suatu bangsa khususnya yang telah memasuki usia angkatan kerja yg memiliki potensi untuk berperilaku produktif (dengan atau tanpa pendidikan formal) yang mampu memenuhi kebutuhan hidup sendiri dan keluarganya yang berpengaruh pada tingkat kesejahteraan masyarakat di lingkungan bangsa atau negaranya.Pembinaan dan pengembangan pengajaryang dilakukan di Ma’had yaitu melakukan pengajaran untuk meningkatkan kompetensi para pengajar Al-Qur’an yang mana dalam pembagian kelasnya berdasarkan nilai tes masuk yaitu terdiri dari kelas ula,wustho dan ulya. Program pengajaran untuk guru Qur’an diharapkan mampu mengembangkan pengetahuan dan pengalaman bagi guru. Yang mana dalam teori disebutkan bahwa Pegawai sebagai manusia, juga membutuhkan peningkatan dan perbaikan pada dirinya termasuk dalam tugasnya. Sehubungan dengan itu, fungsi pembinaan dan pengembangan pegawai merupakan fungsi pengelolaan personil yang mutlak perlu, untuk memperbaiki, menjaga dan meningkatkan kinerja pegawai.

 

Kata kunci: SDM, citra Lembaga, Ta’limul Qur’an
Utilizing Fog computing and Explainable Deep Learning techniques for Gestational Diabetes prediction
Authors: Rashidy Nora El , ElSayed Nesma E. , El-Ghamry Amir , Talaat Fatma M.
Published: February 2022

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the pregnancy complications that poses a significant risk on mothers and babies as well. GDM usually diagnosed at 22- 26 of gestation. However, the early prediction is desirable as it may contribute to decrease the risk. The continuous monitoring for mother’s vital signs helps in predicting any deterioration during pregnancy. The originality of this paper is to provide comprehensive framework for pregnancy women monitoring. The proposed Data Replacement and Prediction Framework (DRPF) consists of three layers which are: (i) IoT Layer, (ii) Fog Layer, and (iii) Cloud Layer. The first layer used IOT sensors to aggregate vital sings from pregnancies using invasive and non- invasive sensors. Then the vital signs transmitted to fog nodes to processed and finally stored in the cloud layer. The main contribution in this paper is located in the fog layer producing GDM module to implement two influential tasks which are: (i) Data Finding Methodology (DFM), and (ii) Explainable Prediction Algorithm (EPM) using DNN. First, the DFM is used to replace the unused data to free the cache space for the new incoming data items. The cache replacement is very important in the case of healthcare system as the incoming vital signs are frequent and must be replaced continuously. Second, the EPM is used to predict the incidence of GDM that may occur in the second trimester of the pregnancy. To evaluate our model, we extract data of 16,354 pregnancy women from medical information mart for intensive care (MIMIC III) benchmark dataset. For each woman, vital signs, demographic data and lab tests was aggregated. The results of the prediction model superior the state of the art (ACC=0.957, AUC=0.942). Regarding to explainability, we utilized Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) framework to provide local and global explanation for the developed models. Overall, the proposed framework is medically intuitive, allow the early prediction of GDM with cost effective solution.
Effect of Processed Quinoa on Performance Traits, Small Intestine Morphology, and Blood Parameters of Ross Broiler Chickens
Authors: Zeyghami Negin , Jafari Mohammad Ali , Irani Mehrdad
Published: February 2022

Restrictions on access to important components of poultry rations such as corn and soybean meal are among the biggest issues in the poultry feed industry. Quinoa with a very high nutritional value can be a good alternative. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of processed quinoa seeds on performance, small intestine morphology, and blood parameters of Ross broiler chickens. The present experiment was performed with 5 treatments, 4 repeats, and 15 chickens per pen in a completely randomized design. Hydrothermal, extrusion, and expansion methods were used to process quinoa seeds. Except for the control ration, 15% of quinoa seeds were included in the other treatments. Traits of performance, small intestine morphology, and blood parameters were recorded. Duncan test in SAS software was used to compare the means of treatments. The quinoa processing methods were caused the bodyweight increase, feed conversion ratio improvement, blood metabolites concentration decrease such as cholesterol, and characteristics improvement of small intestine morphology such as increasing the villi height (P<0.01). Quinoa processing improved its nutritional properties. In general, extrusion and expansion processing methods were more effective than the hydrothermal method in improving the quality of quinoa.
Delirium Risk Factors in Hospitalized Patient: a Comprehensive Evaluation of Underlying Diseases and Medications in Different Wards of a Large Urban Hospital Center in Iran
Authors: Arbabi Mohammad , Ziaei Elham , Amini Behnam , Ghadimi Hamidreza , Radishi Fatemeh , Shohanizad Narges , Moradi Soroush , Beikmarzehei Alireza , Hasanzadeh Alireza , Parsaei Amirhossein
Published: February 2022

Background: Delirium is a neurobehavioral syndrome, which is characterized by fluctuation of mental status, disorientation, confusion and inappropriate behavior and it is prevalent among hospitalized patients. Recognizing modifiable risk factors of delirium is the key point for improving our preventive strategies and restraining its devastating consequences. The present study investigated a wide range of possible predisposing factors of delirium, mainly focused on underlying diseases and mediations, of hospitalized patients in the different wards of a general hospital.Method: In a prospective, observational trial, we investigated 220 patients who had been admitted to the internal, emergency, surgery and hematology-oncology departments. We employed the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) questionnaire, The Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS), the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG), demographic questionnaire, patient interviews and medical records. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze predictive value of medications and underlying diseases for daily transition to delirium.; demographics were analyzed using univariate analysis to identify those independently associated with delirium.Results: 220 patients were enrolled; the emergency department had the most incident delirium (%31.3) and the surgery section had the least (%2.4); delirium was significantly correlated with older ages and sleep disturbance. Among multiple underlying diseases and the medications evaluated in this study, we found that history of dementia, neurological diseases and malignancies increase the odds of transition to delirium and the use of anticoagulants decreases the incident delirium.Conclusion: Approximately, 1 out of 10 overall patients developed delirium; Considering underlying diseases and the medications as the predisposing factors of delirium would help to better predict those at risk.
Pregnancy and Sexual Related Problems Among Women Living on the Street at Dire Dawa City, Ethiopia 2021
Authors: Tadesse Daniel , Girma Meklit , Hailu Mickiale , Abera Legesse
Published: February 2022

Background: The problem of women and youths living on the street is a global phenomenon. It has created countless problems while they lived on the street. Women living on the streets are exposed to unwanted pregnancies and sexual-related problems as they are exposed to sexual exploitation, rape, and prostitution. It is a frequent observation to see women begging on the streets of major cities in Ethiopia having one or two babies by their sides. Besides they are less likely to benefit from basic reproductive health services as living in the poorest segment, delivering and caring for their children on the streets life. Little is known about the overall pregnancy and childbearing scenarios of street women and related health problems. This study will give a better in-depth understanding of the distressing and highly challenging problem among women on the street regarding pregnancy and related problems. Objective: To explore pregnancy and sexual-related problems among women living on the street of Dire Dawa administration, Eastern Ethiopia 2021.Methods: a community-based phenomenological qualitative study was conducted at Dire Dawa city. Data was collected from homeless women through focus group discussion and in-depth interviews using a semi-structured tool that has been translated into the local language, aided by a voice recorder. Then the collected data were translated and transcribed. Codes and themes were derived from the transcribed data using ATLAS to version 7. The final report was developed using a thematic narrative analysis methodResult: Women living on the street are more likely to experience physical abuse, sexual harassment, STI/HIV, unsafe sexual intercourse and unwanted pregnancy. As a result, the fate of this pregnancy is abortion which makes adolescents at high risk of getting health complications as most abortions are made in illegal and unsafe ways. Conclusion: Unwanted pregnancy, STI, HIV, rape and unsafe abortion are the major concerns as it accompanied by their homelessness situation and abusive lifestyles. The regional health bureau needs to understand the extent of the problem and plan to organize an awareness creation program on STI/HIV, risk of pregnancy and SRH services.
Application of DPSIR Model to Identify the Drivers and Impacts of Land Use and Land Cover Changes and Climate Change on Land, Water and Livelihoods in the L. Kyoga Basin: Implications for Sustainable Management
Authors: Obubu John Peter , Odong Robinson , Alamirew Tena , Fetahi Tadesse , Mengistou Seyoum
Published: February 2022

Background

Land use, land cover, and climate change impacts are current global challenges that are affecting many sectors, like agricultural production, socioeconomic development, water quality, and causing land fragmentation. In developing countries like Uganda, rural areas with high populations that are dependent on agriculture, are the most affected. The development of sustainable management measures requires proper identification of drivers and impacts on the environment and livelihoods of the affected communities. This study applied drivers, pressure, state, impact, and response model in the L. Kyoga basin to determine the drivers and impacts of land use, land cover, and climate change on livelihoods and the environment. The objective of this study was to determine the drivers and impacts of land use, land cover, and climate changes on the environment and livelihoods in the L. Kyoga basin, and suggest sustainable mitigation measures. Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, field observations, and literature reviews were used to collect data.
Results

Population increase and climate change were the leading drivers, while agriculture and urbanization were the primary pressures, leading to degraded land, wetlands, and forests; loss of soil fertility, hunger, poverty, poor water quality, which are getting worse. The local communities, government, and non-government institutions had responses to impacts, which included the use of agrochemicals, restoration, and conservation approaches. Most responses had promising results, although they were at a small/pilot scale level. It was also found that the application of policies and regulations to manage impacts was weak.
Conclusion

Land use, land cover changes, and climate change are taking place in the L. Kyoga basin with major impacts on land, water, and community livelihoods. With the observed increase in climate change and population growth, there is a potential of drivers and impacts getting worse. It is therefore important to expand interventions, provide relief, review policies and regulations, and enforce them. The findings are useful for decisions and policymakers to design appropriate management options.
Performance of Model-Based vs. Permutation Tests in the HEALing (Helping to End Addiction Long-TermSM) Communities Study, a Covariate Constrained Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Tang Xiaoyu , Heeren Timothy , Westgate Philip M , Feaster Daniel J. , Fernandez Soledad A. , Vandergrift Nathan , Cheng Debbie M.
Published: February 2022

Background

The HEALing (Helping to End Addiction Long-termSM) Communities Study (HCS) is a multi-site parallel group cluster randomized wait-list comparison trial designed to evaluate the effect of the Communities That Heal (CTH) intervention compared to usual care on opioid overdose deaths. Covariate constrained randomization (CCR) was applied to balance the community-level baseline covariates in the HCS. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the performance of model-based tests and permutation tests in the HCS setting. We conducted a simulation study to evaluate Type I error rates and power for model-based and permutation tests for the multi-site HCS as well as for a subgroup analysis of a single state (Massachusetts). We also investigated whether the maximum degree of imbalance in the CCR design has an impact on the performance of the tests.
Methods

The primary outcome, number of opioid overdose deaths, is count data assessed at the community-level that will be analyzed using a negative binomial regression model. We conducted a simulation study to evaluate the Type I error rates and power for 3 tests: 1) Wald-type t-test with small-sample corrected empirical standard error estimates; 2) Wald-type z-test with model-based standard error estimates; and 3) permutation test with test statistics calculated by the difference in average residuals for the two groups.
Results

Our simulation results demonstrated that Wald-type t-tests with small-sample corrected empirical standard error estimates from the negative binomial regression model maintained proper Type I error. Wald-type z-tests with model-based standard error estimates were anti-conservative. Permutation tests preserved Type I error rates if the constrained space was not too small. For all tests, power was high to detect the hypothesized 40% reduction in opioid overdose deaths for the intervention vs. comparison group both for the overall HCS and the subgroup analysis of Massachusetts (MA).
Conclusions

Based on the results of our simulation study, the Wald-type t-test with small-sample corrected empirical standard error estimates from a negative binomial regression model is a valid and appropriate approach for analyzing cluster-level count data from the HEALing Communities Study.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Identifier: NCT04111939
Machine learning-based Time Series Models for Effective CO2 Emission prediction in India
Authors: Singh Sunil Kumar , Kumari Surbhi
Published: February 2022

As per the report of datacommons.org, CO2 emission in India is 1.80 metric tons per capita, which is very harmful for living beings. So, this paper presents India's detrimental CO2 emission effect with the prediction of CO2 emission for the next ten years based on univariate time series data. We used three statistical models i.e., AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model, Seasonal AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average with eXogenous factors (SARIMAX) model, and Holt-Winter model, two machine learning models, i.e., Linear Regression and Random Forest model and one deep learning model, i.e. Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) model. The performance analysis shows that LSTM, SARIMAX, and Holt-Winter methods are accurate models and have the Least Mean Squared Error(MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Median Absolute Error (MedAE) for this kind of univariate data distribution.
The effectiveness of immunotherapies for patients with repeated implantation failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Mengqi , Yuan Yuan , Qiao Yan , Sui Xi , Tang Yuzhu , Yin Ping , Yang Dongzi
Published: February 2022

Background: This study compared clinical pregnancy outcomes of repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients treated with immunotherapies using a network meta-analysis.Methods: Publications are determined by searching the Pubmed, Embase and web of science databases. The search date is from the establishment of the database till August 2021. The outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR) and implantation rate (IR). The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was applied to evaluate the quality of the study, and Stata 14.0 was used for the network meta-analysis.Results: A total of 16 RCTs including 2008 participants were included. The network meta-analysis results show that PBMC, PRP and SC-GCSF can significantly improve CPR compared with LMWH (PBMC: OR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.21-3.83; PRP: OR = 2.38; 95% CI, 1.08-5.24; SC-GCSF: OR = 2.46; 95% CI, 1.05-5.72). The LBR of PRP was significantly higher than IU-GCSF (OR = 3.81; 95% CI, 1.22-11.86), LMWH (OR = 4.38; 95% CI, 1.50-12.90) and Intralipid (OR = 3.85; 95% CI, 1.03-14.29), and the LBR of PBMC was also significantly better than that of LMWH (OR = 2.35; 95% CI, 1.14-4.85). Furthermore, PRP treatment significantly improved IR compared with LMWH treatment (OR = 2.81; 95% CI, 1.07-7.4).Discussion: Based on the limited evidence from existing RCTs, PBMC and PRP seem to be the best therapeutic options for RIF patients. However, due to research quantity restrictions, more top-quality researches are required in the future to obtain additional high-level evidence.
Production of nutrient-enriched vermicompost from aquatic macrophytes supplemented with egg shell, bone meal, banana peel, and tea waste: Assessment of nutrient changes, phytotoxicity, and earthworm biodynamics
Authors: Yatoo Ali , Zaheen Zarka , Ali Md. Niamat , Baba Zahoor Ahmad , Bhat Sartaj Ahmad
Published: February 2022

Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer rich in nutrients, beneficial microbes, and plant growth hormones that not only enhances the growth of crops but also contributes to the improvement of the physicochemical and biological properties of the soil. However, its lower nutrient content makes it less preferable among farmers and limits its applicability. The present study, evidently the first of its kind, was investigated to enrich the nutrient content of vermicompost by supplementing the macrophyte biomass with cow manure and organic nutrient supplements (egg shell, bone meal, banana peel, and tea waste). Results showed an enhanced TKN (2.87%), TP (0.86%), TK (3.74%) and other nutrients in vermicompost amended with cow manure and nutrient supplements. Highest biomass gain (710-782 mg), growth rate (11.83-13.04 mg), and reproduction rate (3.34-3.75 cocoons per worm) was also observed in T2 and T3, indicating that amending bulking agent and nutrient supplements not only enhance the nutrient content of the final product but also improve overall earthworm activity. The stability and maturity of vermicompost, as indicated by C/N (< 20) and GI (> 80), indicates that vermicompost obtained is suitable for agricultural applications. It is concluded that amendment of cow manure and organic nutrient supplements results in producing mature and nutrient enriched vermicompost suitable for sustainable agricultural production.
Global drivers of historical true fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) invasions
Authors: Trombik Jiří , Ward Samuel , Norrbom Allen L. , Liebhold Andrew M.
Published: February 2022

Given the high costs associated with fruit fly (Tephritidae) invasions, there is a need to better understand and predict the risks of future invasions. We assembled a global database of historical Tephritidae invasions with the objective to identify the biological and socioeconomic drivers that explain these invasions. We investigate the tendencies of certain species to invade and the characteristics of regions that make them more prone to invasions.
We used various published sources and online databases to assemble a database documenting the occurrence (presence/absence) and status (native/non-native) of individual species for each country in the world. Values of several socio-economic and environmental variables were also assembled and considered as explanatory variables. A generalized linear mixed-effects model framework was used to evaluate the utility of these variables for predicting the country-level occurrence of each species outside of its native range.
A total 44 species were identified as having been accidentally introduced in the world. Most species of invading Tephritidae have established in only five or fewer countries. The number of invasions has rapidly increased since the 1950s. Climatic similarity between native and invaded countries, gross domestic product of the invaded country and distance from the native range are significant predictors of tephritid invasions.
Our analysis revealed that both economic and biological factors explain patterns of historical Tephritid invasions. Despite the rising efforts to prevent new invasions, additional species may continue to invade, and many currently established species will likely continue to expand their ranges into new areas.
The Correlation between Childhood Hydrocephalus and Bridging Cortical Vein Cross-sectional Area: Is there an Underlying Impedance Pump Malfunction in Hydrocephalus?
Authors: Bateman Grant Alexander , Bateman Alexander Robert , Subramanian Gopinath Musuwadi
Published: February 2022

Dogs with a naturally occurring form of hydrocephalus have an elevated transmural venous pressure leading to cortical vein dilatation. The purpose of this study is to discover if there is vein dilatation in childhood hydrocephalus and to estimate the pressure required to maintain any enlargement found. Children with hydrocephalus between the ages of 4 and 15 years were compared with a control group. Magnetic resonance venography (MRV) and flow quantification were performed. The arterial inflow, sagittal sinus and straight sinus venous outflow were measured and the outflow percentages compared to the inflow were calculated. The cross-sectional area of the veins were measured. There were a total of 18 children with hydrocephalus, compared to 72 age and sex matched control MRV’s and 22 control flow quantification studies. In hydrocephalus, the sagittal sinus venous return was reduced by 12.9%, but the straight sinus flow was not significantly different. The superficial territory veins were 22% larger than the controls but the vein of Galen was unchanged. There is evidence of a significant increase in the superficial vein transmural pressure in childhood hydrocephalus estimated to be approximately 4 mmHg. An impedance pump model is suggested to explain these findings.
Inhibition of TGFβ-induced Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Transition by Conditioned Medium From Human Rhinovirus-infected Airway Epithelial Cells is Mediated by Prostaglandin E2
Authors: Pham Diana , Kooi Cora , Proud David , Leigh Richard
Published: February 2022

Background
Airway remodeling, including increased deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, is a hallmark of asthma. Myofibroblasts, derived via fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT), play an important role in this increased deposition of matrix proteins. Expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is increased in asthmatic airways and is known to induce FMT, as assessed by increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Because human rhinovirus (HRV) infections of airway epithelial cells have been linked to the generation of mediators involved in airway remodeling, we tested the hypothesis that conditioned medium from HRV-infected human airway epithelial cells from healthy normal subjects would enhance FMT, either alone or in combination with TGFβ1.
Methods
FMT was assessed by measuring α-SMA expression in human airway fibroblasts, both by western blotting and by immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Holm-Sidak or Bonferonni post hoc tests.
Results
Our data showed that conditioned medium from HRV infected epithelial cells significantly inhibited TGFβ1-induced expression of α-SMA in fibroblasts when compared to conditioned medium from uninfected epithelial cells. Treatment of epithelial cells with the nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor, diclofenac, during HRV infection significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of conditioned medium on TGFβ1-induced expression of α-SMA. This led us to hypothesize that HRV-infected epithelial cells release PGE2 that acts on EP receptors to suppress TGFβ1-induced expression of α-SMA in fibroblasts. We confirmed that HRV-infection of airway epithelial cells upregulated PGE2 release, and that exposure of fibroblasts to PGE2 significantly inhibited TGFβ1-induced expression of α-SMA in fibroblasts. Finally, studies using selective agonists and antagonists demonstrated that PGE2 inhibited TGFβ1-induced expression of α-SMA in fibroblasts via effects at the EP2 receptor.
Conclusions
Thus, using cells derived from healthy normal subjects we demonstrate that HRV infection of airway epithelial cells induces release of PGE2 that acts on EP2 receptors on fibroblasts to suppress TGFβ1-induced FMT. Additional studies are needed to determine if a different pattern of response is seen using cells from asthmatic subjects to determine if the inhibitory role of PGE2 on FMT in normal cells helps prevent airway remodeling in normal subjects.
TRX1 mediates melatonin-induced osteogenic differentiation and the inhibition of osteoporosis
Authors: Teng Zhaowei , Yu Xiaochao , Zhang Shaoxiong , Sun Shuo , Zhao Dake , Jiang Lihong , Reiter Russel
Published: February 2022

Osteoporosis is a common systemic bone disorder characterized by bone loss and an increased risk of fracture. Melatonin has powerful antioxidant and anti-aging functions and has been proposed as a treatment for osteoporosis; however, the therapeutic effect of this agent needs further validation and the mechanisms remain to be explored. In this study, we observed that melatonin markedly stimulated osteogenic differentiation in vitro and alleviated osteoporosis symptoms in mice. After melatonin treatment, thioredoxin1 (TRX1) was upregulated under both in vivo and in vitro conditions, while its expression notably decreased in osteoporotic mice, thereby suggesting this gene possibly mediated the therapeutic effect of melatonin on osteoporosis. Moreover, the following overexpression or silencing of TRX1 proved its ability to induce osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Furthermore, osteogenic differentiation and osteoporosis after melatonin pretreatment was attenuated both in BMSCs and in mice with TRX1 knockdown. These findings confirm that TRX1 is potentially associated with the beneficial effects of melatonin and that the use of melatonin may reduce osteoporosis. Overall, melatonin treatment induced expression of TRX1, and the up-regulated gene enhanced osteogenic differentiation and eventually reduced bone loss in osteoporosis. The results indicate that TRX1 may be a target of osteoporosis therapy.
Exercise Before and After­ Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Inhibits Inflammation and Reduces Apoptosis in the Hippocampus in Rats
Authors: Dehqanizadeh Behzad , Mohammadi Ziya Fallah , Mohammadi Mohammad Fallah
Published: February 2022

Background: Cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) causes severe damage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise before or/and after I/R on inflammation and apoptosis in the CA1 region of hippocampus in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were assigned to six groups (sham, exercise, ischemia, exercise+ischemia, ischemia+exercise, exercise+ischemia+exercise). Rats in the exercise groups received progressive treadmill training for 8 weeks, 5 days a week prior or/and after ischemic stroke. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of both common carotid arteries for 45 min. Cell apoptosis were detected by TUNEL staining. Caspase-3, NF-kB and TNF-α were determined by immunohistochemistry, and motor function was evaluated by ladder test.Results: The cerebral ischemia caused neuronal loss through apoptosis in the hippocampus and reduced sensorimotor functions in lesion animals. The results of TUNEL and immunohistochemistry methods showed that rats in exercise+ischemia+exercise group had more significant decrease in the number of apoptotic cells and inhibited the expression of caspase-3, NF-κB and TNF-α compared to other groups (p < .05). Also, the results of Ladder test at the end of the eighth week showed significant improvements compared to 2 and 24 hours (p < .05). Conclusion: This study showed that performing treadmill exercise, whether as a preconditioning or following cerebral ischemic event, could promote neuronal and motor recovery. However, such a protocol imposes more significant effect if conducted both pre and early after ischemia compared to each one alone.
Adaptive Responsivity: A Youth-Driven Model for Thriving in Foster Care
Authors: Shdaimah Corey , Zhao Lucy
Published: February 2022

With notable and growing exceptions, there is a dearth of research on mechanisms by which youth in foster care build resilience and achieve positive outcomes. We report on data from an interview study with young adults exiting or recently exited foster care in Maryland (N=15) designed to understand what facilitates their engagement with courts. Our findings indicate that despite challenges of “being in foster care”, youth found ways to pursue their goals and make their voices heard through developing stable relationships with supportive adults (including judges, caseworkers, or lawyers) and demanding that child welfare professionals “speak to me not at me.” Youth indicated that their needs, capabilities, and goals changed as they matured and as their circumstances changed. Such changes helped them find their voices but also created tensions within their child-welfare system interactions. This led us to develop the theory of adaptive responsivity, according to which child welfare stakeholders should respond appropriately to developmental and circumstantial changes to help child-welfare involved youth face difficult circumstances and thrive. Such responses include providing developmentally and situationally appropriate information and decision-making power to youth in their own cases as well as opportunities to weigh in on systems change.
Cytotoxic T cells specific for alpha-myosin drive immunotherapy related myocarditis
Authors: Balko Justin , Axelrod Margaret , Meijers Wouter , Screever Elles , Carroll Mary Grace , Sun Xiaopeng , Tannous Elie , Qin Juan , Zhang Yueli , Sugiura Ayaka , Wright Jordan , Wei Spencer , Opalenik Susan , Toren Abigail , Rathmell Jeffrey , Ferrell P , Phillips Elizabeth , Mallal Simon , Johnson Douglas , Allison James , Moslehi Javid
Published: February 2022

Immune-related adverse events, particularly severe toxicities such as myocarditis, are major challenges to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) utility in anti-cancer therapy1. The pathogenesis of ICI-myocarditis is poorly understood. Pdcd1-/-Ctla4+/- mice recapitulate clinicopathologic features of ICI-myocarditis, including myocardial T cell infiltration2. Single cell RNA/T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing on the cardiac immune infiltrate of Pdcd1-/-Ctla4+/- mice identified activated, clonal CD8+ T cells as the dominant cell population. Treatment with anti-CD8, but not anti-CD4, depleting antibodies rescued survival of Pdcd1-/-Ctla4+/- mice. Adoptive transfer of immune cells from mice with myocarditis induced fatal myocarditis in recipients which required CD8+ T cells. Alpha-myosin, a cardiac specific protein absent from the thymus3,4, was identified as the cognate antigen source for three MHC-I restricted TCRs derived from mice with fulminant myocarditis. Peripheral blood T cells from two patients with ICI-myocarditis were expanded by alpha-myosin peptides, and these alpha-myosin expanded T cells shared TCR clonotypes with diseased heart and skeletal muscles, indicating that alpha-myosin may be a clinically important autoantigen in ICI-myocarditis. These studies underscore the critical role for cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, are the first to identify a candidate autoantigen in ICI-myocarditis and yield new insights into ICI toxicity pathogenesis.
Understanding Homeowner Proactive Actions for Managing Wildfire Risks
Authors: Lee Ji Yun , Ma Fangjiao , Li Yue
Published: February 2022

Wildfires have become increasing threats to residents, built environments, and ecosystems in the United States. Individual responsibility plays a significant role in reducing structure-level ignitability, and in turn, overall community vulnerability. Moreover, homeowners insurance can serve as the second line of defense by allowing homeowners to avoid substantial financial burden from repair/reconstruction costs induced by wildfire. To understand homeowner decisions on wildfire-related proactive actions and the effects of such decisions on the housing recovery, this study conducted an online survey of homeowners living in high to extreme risk of wildfire in the Western United States and collected data related to two types of proactive actions, i.e., individual-level risk reduction actions and homeowners insurance. First, a regression model for each proactive action was estimated to identify key characteristics of homeowners and house/property that had the greatest impact on these actions. The results indicated that homeowner age and household income were the two common factors affecting their decisions about home hardening and insurance policies, while the only statistically significant factor in homeowner decisions about defensible space was satisfaction with the surrounding environment. Moreover, the effects of each proactive action on the housing recovery process were evaluated. The results showed that home hardening was a more effective action in reducing wildfire damage to a house than defensible space was, which was consistent with homeowner perception. The survey results also indicated that homeowners with insurance were less likely to experience post-wildfire financial hardship, and subsequently were more likely to repair their damaged houses.
An Innovative Training Program for Community Health Workers to Support Engagement of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in Genomics Research and Clinical Programs: a Protocol for the Development of the PREFER (PaRtnEring to build understanding oF gEnomics Responsibly) Training Program
Authors: Allen Caitlin G.
Published: February 2022

Community health workers (CHWs) are trusted members of communities who have well-established relationships with individuals and families, especially among underserved populations. Prior research highlights interest among CHWs in learning about complex topics related to genetics, especially as public awareness is being raised about hereditary conditions. However, to date, there have been limited efforts to train CHWs on these topics of systematically involve this workforce in research related to genetics and genomics applications. To overcome this gap in training opportunities, we will develop a training specifically designed for CHWs to build competencies in genomics, hereditary conditions, and precision health approaches. The PREFER (PaRtnEring to build understanding oF gEnomics Responsibly) training will follow a Delphi process to gather expert feedback and use social cognitive theory and adult learning theory to guide the course content. In this protocol, we outline the planned approach for the development of the PREFER training program components, evaluation outcomes, and delivery plans.
Cross-platform validation of a mouse blood gene signature for quantitative reconstruction of radiation dose
Authors: Ghandhi Shanaz A. , Shuryak Igor , Ponnaiya Brian , Wu Xuefeng , Garty Guy , Morton Shad R. , Kaur Salan P. , Amundson Sally A.
Published: February 2022

In the search for biological markers after a large-scale exposure of the human population to radiation, gene expression is a sensitive endpoint easily translatable to in-field high throughput applications. Primarily, the ex-vivo irradiated healthy human blood model has been used to generate available gene expression datasets. This model has limitations i.e., lack of signaling from other irradiated tissues and deterioration of blood cells cultures over time. In vivo models are needed; therefore, we present our novel approach to define a gene signature in mouse blood cells that quantitatively correlates with radiation dose (at 1 Gy/min). Starting with available microarray datasets, we selected 30 radiation-responsive genes and performed cross-validation/training-testing data splits to downselect 16 radiation-responsive genes. We then tested these genes in an independent cohort of irradiated adult C57BL/6 mice (50:50 both sexes) and measured mRNA by quantitative RT-PCR in whole blood at 24h. Dose reconstruction using net Signal (difference between geometric means of top 3 positively correlated and top 4 negatively correlated genes with dose), was highly improved over the microarrays, with a root mean square error of ±1.04 Gy in male and female mice combined. There were no significant sex-specific differences in mRNA or cell counts after irradiation.
Breast Cancer Cell Secretome Analysis to Decipher miRNA Tumor Biology and Discover Potential Biomarkers
Authors: Feser Riley , Opperman Reid , Nault Braydon , Maiti Sujit , Chen Vincent , Majumder Mousumi
Published: February 2022

MicroRNA (miRNA/miR) miR526b and miR655 overexpressed tumor cell free secretions promote breast cancer phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the mechanisms of miRNA regulating TME have never been investigated. With mass spectrometry analysis of MCF7-miRNA-overexpressed versus miRNA-low MCF7-Mock tumor cell secretomes we identified 34 novel secretory proteins coded by eight genes YWHAB, TXNDC12, MYL6B, SFN, FN1, PSMB6, PRDX4, and PEA15 differentially regulated. We performed bioinformatic analysis and used systems biology approaches to identify these markers’ role in breast cancer. Gene ontology analysis showed that the top functions are related to apoptosis, oxidative stress, membrane transport, and motility, supporting miRNA-induced phenotypes. In breast tumors these secretory markers expression is high and a strong positive correlation exists between upregulated markers’ mRNA expressions with miRNA cluster expression in luminal A breast tumors. Gene expression of secretome markers are higher in tumor tissues compared to normal samples, and immunohistochemistry data supported gene expression data. Moreover, both up and downregulated marker expressions are associated with breast cancer patient survival. miRNA regulates these marker protein expressions by targeting transcription factors of these genes. Premature miRNA (pri-miR526b and pri-miR655) are established breast cancer blood biomarkers. Here we report novel secretory markers upregulated by miR526b and miR655 (YWHAB, MYL6B, PSMB6, and PEA15) are significantly upregulated in breast cancer patients’ plasma, and are potential breast cancer biomarkers.
The Zariski topology on the graded second spectrum of a graded module
Authors: Salam Saif , Al-Zoubi Khaldoun
Published: February 2022

Let R be a G-graded ring and M be a G-graded R-module. The graded second spectrum of M, denoted by SpecssG(M), is the set of all graded second submodules of M. In this paper, we define a topology on SpecssG(M) which is analogous to that for SpecG(R), and investigate several topological properties of this topology.
The Cell-Free mMIMO Network based on IRSs: Mathematical Analysis and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Shalaby Mohamed Saeid , Lamie Mina Wagih , Shokair Mona Mohamed Sabry
Published: February 2022

The massive multiple input multiple output mMIMO technology can improve the cellular system performance especially the cell edge users. Thanks to the large number of implemented antennas at both transmitters and receivers, the mMIMO technology is qualified to satisfy the requirements of the 5G networks and beyond. The Cell-Free network, wherein large spatially distributed antennas are implemented, can improve the performance of shadowed users and indoor ones. In this paper, there is a trial to improve the cell-Free mMIMO network performance by implementation of Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces IRSs. The Cell-Free mMIMO network based on IRSs is mathematically analyzed and simulated. The signals to interference plus noise ratio SINR as well as spectral efficiency SE are derived in closed form formula. It can be concluded that implementation of IRSs in Cell-Free mMIMO networks can increase the SE and EE performance for all cooperation levels.
Procuring Covid-19 Vaccine and the Contemporary Geopolitical Paradigm for Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Kazi Md Fahim
Published: February 2022

Covid-19 has brought unexpected social, political, and economic interruptions to the world, causing endless suffering to people’s lives. As of 19 December 2021, Covid-19 has taken away more than 5 million lives and infected more than 274 million people worldwide. Although many medicines are tested, there is barely any reliable and effective treatment found. The only hope to get out of this pandemic remains concentrated on “Vaccines”. As the nations develop and distribute the Covid-19 vaccines, a potential threat becomes the utilization of vaccine distribution as a soft power tool. So, the major challenge this pandemic has brought is securing vaccine procurement worldwide. Bangladesh, the south Asian developing country, faced a vaccine shortage too. It had to go through various geopolitical struggles and diplomacies to procure vaccines. The fundamental purpose of this study is to review the vaccine procurement opportunities and their relation to the contemporary geopolitical paradigm of Bangladesh. Relevant works of literature consist of journal articles, government statements from multiple countries are reviewed throughout the case. From the beginning to the end of the case, it has been observed that there was a geopolitical power demonstration between India and China regarding the Covid-19 vaccine distribution in Bangladesh. The strong political relation with China, effective diplomacy with the US Biden administration, and a successful diplomatic effort in Japan finally helped Bangladesh to procure a sufficient vaccine for the moment. The research is significant because it connects the pandemic and geopolitics. Although the Covid-19 pandemic is stated as a humanitarian crisis by the great nations, it is clear that it has become an opportunity for many to influence the geopolitical paradigm. If the pandemic has to end, it is vital to distribute vaccines equally throughout the world. The research finds a relation of geopolitical influence with vaccine procurement which destroys equality and reduces the chance of ending the pandemic. This research will bring attention to this important issue in front of the world. In addition, based on this study, other in-depth research could be formed to reduce this global problem.
The Impact of Contingency Factors on the Balanced Scorecard Adoption: Evidence from Algeria
Authors: Bouchetara Mehdi , Amrani Sara Aicha , Zerouti Messaoud , Bouchenak Khelladi Sidi Mohammed , Mehddeb Nabil
Published: February 2022

This article aims to analyse the existence of significant relationships between some contingency factors and the degree of adoption of the balanced scorecard. A quantitative study, based on a survey, is conducted among 186 individuals, belonging to different Algerian enterprises, from different sectors. Only 57 responses were obtained, that 43 were complete and usable. Otherwise, we obtained a response rate of 23.12%. The results indicate that only three contingency factors (age, differentiation strategy and competition intensity) are found to be significantly associated with the degree of use of the balanced scorecard indicators. Thus, we conclude that the adoption of the balanced scorecard increases with the rivalry of firms in the markets, with the degree of diversity of their products/services and that older and more mature firm are more likely to use this tool. Despite this study’s limitations, the main findings have potential implications for future research, particularly for researchers wishing to test the diversity in the use of the balanced scorecard across different industries and to explore its advantages and disadvantages. Our model is limited by its exclusion of the effects of other important contingency factors, such as organisational culture, corporate social responsibility, industry, computerisation and others. However, limiting ourselves to a one country allows us to control for the effects of local management practices. We provide evidence of associations rather than drawing conclusions about causality. Another limitation is due to the low representativeness of the sample which may generate a risk of bias.