bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Energetic and Exergetic Analysis of an Ejector Expansion Refrigeration Cycle Using R22 and R410A
Authors: Al-Chlaihawi Kadhim K. Idan , Al-Farhany Khaled
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the performance characteristics of an ejector-expansion refrigeration cycle (EERC) using R410A are investigated in comparison with that using R22 based on first- and second-law perspectives. For this purpose, a numerical model of constant mixing pressure is developed and a parametric study of the effective design parameters is implemented. The results show that at evaporation temperature ([Formula: see text]) and condensing temperature ([Formula: see text]) equal to [Formula: see text]C and [Formula: see text]C, respectively, the coefficient of performance (COP), exergy efficiency and volumetric cooling capacity (VCC) of the R410A EERC is improved by 12.91%, 12.89%, and 10.8%, respectively. Compared with the conventional refrigeration cycle, the EERC is more beneficial at lower evaporation temperature and higher condensing temperature. The COP of R410A EERC, exergy efficiency and VCC improvements over the regular refrigeration cycle are also greater than that of R22 by about 34.7%, 32.3% and 31%, respectively. Exergy analysis shows that applying an ejector in lieu of a throttle valve improved the energetic efficiency by 7.793–15.42% and by 10.59–22.79% for R22 and R410A, respectively, for the given range of evaporating and condensing temperature. In addition, the effects of the suction nozzle pressure drop, area ratio and the component efficiencies of the ejector on the EERC performance are analyzed.
Pyroxenite-hosted chalcopyrites from Sung Valley, Meghalaya, NE India: implications for the formation of both high- and low-temperature sulfides in plume-derived magma
Authors: Choudhary Shubham , Sen Koushik , Kumar Santosh
Published: May 2021

Sulfides play a crucial role in the distribution of chalcophile elements in the Earth's mantle. In this work, combined petrography and mineral chemistry of sulfide and diopside in a pyroxenite from an ultramafic–alkaline–carbonatite complex of NE India, related to the Kerguelen plume, was carried out and a considerably high sulfur concentration in the parental melt of the pyroxenite was obtained. Two types of sulfide, with similar compositions, were detected in pyroxenite: Type A are multifaceted polygons, elliptical and spherical in shape, occurring as poikilitic inclusions in diopside; and Type B are intergranular sulfides of irregular shapes in silicate grains. These sulfides are often partially replaced by magnetite. Mineral chemistry suggests that both types of sulfide are products of re-equilibration of high-temperature monosulfide solid solution and represent a low-temperature (
c.
400°C) mineral phase of the Cu–Fe–S system. Petrographical features suggest that the sulfides were separated as immiscible melt droplets at the time of sulfur saturation and fractionation of diopside in the coexisting silicate magma. Our study implicates that both high- and low-temperature sulfides can form in the plume-associated ultramafic rocks.
Mineral systems and their putative link with mantle plumes
Authors: Pirajno Franco
Published: May 2021

In this contribution, I discuss the putative link of mantle plumes with selected categories of mineral systems. Continental rifting and break-ups can be induced by the upwelling of mantle plumes, also resulting in the generation of a wide range of mineral deposits. These include magma-associated ores, anorogenic igneous events responsible for iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG) deposits, carbonatites and hydrothermal-induced mineralization, as well as hydrocarbons, salt domes, petroleum and gas, and several mineral systems in continental passive margins. Amongst the magma-associated mineral systems, the Ni–Cu–platinum group element (PGE), Fe–Ti–V and Cr deposits are the economically most important, such as those of the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa. Anorogenic magmas are generally alkaline and associated with IOCG mineral systems, as exemplified by the giant Olympic Dam and similar deposits in South America. Carbonatites are considered as a distal effect of hotspot mantle plumes, as shown by Mount Weld in Australia, which may be related to the Bushveld Superplume. Plume-related thermal anomalies are the principal factor for the inception of hydrothermal circulation and the genesis of a wide range of hydrothermal mineral systems in rift-related tectonic settings. These include large-scale sedimentary-rock-hosted metalliferous ores, such as sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) deposits. A modern example of is provided by the Red Sea brine pools. Some key examples are presented in this paper.
Microarcsecond Astrometry: Science Highlights from Gaia
Authors: Brown Anthony G.A.
Published: May 2021

Access to microarcsecond astrometry is now routine in the radio, infrared (IR), and optical domains. In particular, the publication of the second data release ( Gaia DR2) from the Gaia mission made it possible for every astronomer to work with easily accessible, high-precision astrometry for 1.7 billion sources to twenty-first magnitude over the full sky. ▪  Gaia provides splendid astrometry, but at the limits of the data small systematic errors are present. A good understanding of the Hipparcos– Gaia astrometry concept, and of the data collection and processing, provides insights into the origins of the systematic errors and how to mitigate their effects. ▪  A selected set of results from Gaia highlight the breadth of exciting science and unexpected results, from the Solar System to the distant Universe, to creative uses of the data. ▪  Gaia data release 2 provides, for the first time, a dense sampling of Galactic phase space with high-precision astrometry, photometry, and radial velocities, allowing researchers to uncover subtle features in phase space and the observational Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. ▪  In the coming decade, we can look forward to more accurate and richer Gaia data releases, and new photometric and spectroscopic surveys coming online that will provide essential complementary data. ▪  The longer term promises exciting new opportunities for microarcsecond astrometry and beyond, including the plans for an IR version of Gaia that would offer the dense sampling of phase space deep into the Milky Way's nuclear regions.
Gender Inequalities in Markets
Authors: Kricheli-Katz Tamar
Published: May 2021

Various forms of inequality, such as the gender, race, and class systems of inequality, operate and intersect in societies and markets. In this review, I discuss specifically the gender system of inequality. I focus on market interactions, conceptualizing them as the building blocks for gender inequalities in markets. My objective is to give an account of the complex interplay between the unequal distributions of resources, stereotypes and cultural beliefs about gender, and the law. I start by describing the persistence of gender inequality in markets. Building on studies in social psychology, I then identify the ways in which stereotypes and cultural beliefs about gender constantly, and unconsciously, frame our market interactions. Lastly, I discuss the limits of the law in altering the ways in which we interact in markets and the potential of the law to bring about lasting change.
Interkingdom Signaling Interference: The Effect of Plant-Derived Small Molecules on Quorum Sensing in Plant-Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Joshi Janak Raj , Khazanov Netaly , Charkowski Amy , Faigenboim Adi , Senderowitz Hanoch , Yedidia Iris
Published: May 2021

In the battle between bacteria and plants, bacteria often use a population density–dependent regulatory system known as quorum sensing (QS) to coordinate virulence gene expression. In response, plants use innate and induced defense mechanisms that include low-molecular-weight compounds, some of which serve as antivirulence agents by interfering with the QS machinery. The best-characterized QS system is driven by the autoinducer N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL), which is produced by AHL synthases (LuxI homologs) and perceived by response regulators (LuxR homologs). Several plant compounds have been shown to directly inhibit LuxI or LuxR. Gaining atomic-level insight into their mode of action and how they interfere with QS enzymes supports the identification and design of novel QS inhibitors.Such information can be gained by combining experimental work with molecular modeling and docking simulations. The summary of these findings shows that plant-derived compounds act as interkingdom cues and that these allomones specifically target bacterial communication systems.
New Destinations and the Changing Geography of Immigrant Incorporation
Authors: Flippen Chenoa A. , Farrell-Bryan Dylan
Published: May 2021

While nearly three decades of new immigrant destination research has vastly enriched our understanding of diversity in contexts of reception within the United States, there is a striking lack of consensus as to the implications of geographic dispersion for immigrant incorporation. We review the literature on new destinations as they relate to ongoing debates regarding spatial assimilation and segmented assimilation; the influence of coethnic communities on immigrant incorporation; and the extent to which growth in immigrant populations stimulates perceived threat, nativism, and reactive ethnicity. In each of these areas, the sheer diversity of new destinations undermines consensus about their impact. Coupled with the continuous evolution in immigrant destinations over time, most dramatically but not limited to the impact of the Great Recession, we argue for the need to move beyond the general concept of new destinations and focus more directly on identifying the precise mechanisms through which the local context of reception shapes immigrant incorporation, where the historical presence of coethnic communities is but one of many dimensions considered, together with other labor, housing, and educational structures.
The effect of estrogen in coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Ma Qing , Hao Zhuo-Wen , Wang Yan-Feng
Published: May 2021

The outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vary between men and women. Some statistical reports have shown that men have a higher risk of developing COVID-19 and suffer from worse outcomes than females. Although there are many factors that can explain the high prevalence of COVID-19 in men, such as lifestyle habits and the different profile of comorbidities among sexes, the distinctions between male and female immune systems cannot be ignored. It has been sufficiently shown that sex differences have a critical influence on the shaping of immune response, which then leads to different pathogenesis in infectious diseases. Compared with males, females typically have a more effective innate and adaptive immune response to viral infections in COVID-19. What’s more, there is a growing body of evidence showing that estrogen exerts an effect on the regulation of immune response. This article examines the effect and mechanism of estrogen on COVID-19.
p55PIK deficiency and its NH2-terminal derivative inhibit inflammation and emphysema in COPD mouse model
Authors: Wang Ting , Du Xiaohui , Wang Zhihua , Gu Yiya , Huang Qian , Wu Jixing , Zhan Yuan , Chen Jinkun , Xiao Chengfeng , Xie Jungang
Published: May 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is composed of chronic airway inflammation and emphysema. Recent studies show that Class IA phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) play an important role in the regulation of inflammation and emphysema. However, there are few studies on their regulatory subunits. p55PIK is a regulatory subunit of Class IA PI3Ks, and its unique NH2-terminal gives it special functions. p55PIK expression in the lungs of nonsmokers, smokers, and patients with COPD was examined. We established a fusion protein TAT-N15 from the NH2-terminal effector sequence of p55PIK and TAT (the transduction domain of HIV transactivator protein) and investigated the effects of silencing p55PIK or adding TAT-N15 on cigarette smoke exposure at the cellular and animal level. p55PIK expression was increased in patients with COPD. p55PIK deficiency and TAT-N15 significantly inhibited the cigarette smoke extract-induced IL-6, IL-8, and activation of the Akt and the NF-κB pathway in BEAS-2B. p55PIK deficiency and TAT-N15 intranasal administration prevented emphysema and the lung function decline in mice exposed to smoke for 6 mo. p55PIK deficiency and TAT-N15 significantly inhibited lung inflammatory infiltration, reduced levels of IL-6 and KC in mice lung homogenate, and inhibited activation of the Akt and the NF-κB signaling in COPD mice lungs. Our studies indicate that p55PIK is involved in the pathogenesis of COPD, and its NH2-terminal derivative TAT-N15 could be an effective drug in the treatment of COPD by inhibiting the activation of the Akt and the NF-κB pathway.
Exogenous insulin-like growth factor 1 attenuates sevoflurane anesthesia-induced cognitive dysfunction in aged rats
Authors: Xie Li , Fang Qianjin , Wei Xin , Zhou Ling , Wang Sheng
Published: May 2021

Sevoflurane anesthesia is correlated with the generation of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has important function in the nervous system development. Intravenously injected IGF-1 is reported to successfully pass the blood-brain barrier and perform neuroprotection effect in the brain. Memory and learning abilities were analyzed through Morris water maze task. Relative levels of protein were examined through Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Relative mRNA levels were shown through quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). IGF-1 expression in the plasma and hippocampus was downregulated in sevoflurane anesthesia-induced rats and rescued by intravenous IGF-1 injection. In aged rats, intravenous injection of IGF-1 alleviated sevoflurane-caused cognitive injuries and elevated TNF‐⍺, IL‐1β and IL‐6 levels in the plasma and hippocampus and rescued sevoflurane-depressed Akt phosphorylation. In conclusion, the administration of IGF-1 through intravenous injection alleviates sevoflurane anesthesia-mediated neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in rats. The effects of IGF-1 in this process may depend on its function in regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Obesity cardiomyopathy: evidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications
Authors: Ren Jun , Wu Ne N. , Wang Shuyi , Sowers James R. , Zhang Yingmei
Published: May 2021

The prevalence of heart failure is on the rise and imposes a major health threat, in part, due to the rapidly increased prevalence of overweight and obesity. To this point, epidemiological, clinical, and experimental evidence supports the existence of a unique disease entity termed “obesity cardiomyopathy,” which develops independent of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and other heart diseases. Our contemporary review evaluates the evidence for this pathological condition, examines putative responsible mechanisms, and discusses therapeutic options for this disorder. Clinical findings have consolidated the presence of left ventricular dysfunction in obesity. Experimental investigations have uncovered pathophysiological changes in myocardial structure and function in genetically predisposed and diet-induced obesity. Indeed, contemporary evidence consolidates a wide array of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the etiology of obesity cardiomyopathy including adipose tissue dysfunction, systemic inflammation, metabolic disturbances (insulin resistance, abnormal glucose transport, spillover of free fatty acids, lipotoxicity, and amino acid derangement), altered intracellular especially mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis, oxidative stress, autophagy/mitophagy defect, myocardial fibrosis, dampened coronary flow reserve, coronary microvascular disease (microangiopathy), and endothelial impairment. Given the important role of obesity in the increased risk of heart failure, especially that with preserved systolic function and the recent rises in COVID-19-associated cardiovascular mortality, this review should provide compelling evidence for the presence of obesity cardiomyopathy, independent of various comorbid conditions, underlying mechanisms, and offer new insights into potential therapeutic approaches (pharmacological and lifestyle modification) for the clinical management of obesity cardiomyopathy.
A Review Leveraging a Rare and Unusual Case of Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Prostate
Authors: He Lin , Metter Christopher , Margulis Vitaly , Kapur Payal
Published: May 2021

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a rare nonacinar variant of prostatic carcinoma. In spite of prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma being one of the most common carcinomas in prostate, <100 prostatic BCC cases have been reported to date. Adenoid cystic/cribriform histology has been described in varying proportions to occur in prostatic BCC and is reported to be associated with aggressive behavior and high risk of metastasis. Herein, we present a case of prostatic BCC with adenoid cystic morphology, comprehensively describe its immunohistochemical and MYB/MYBL1 gene rearrangement findings, discuss its differential diagnosis, and review the literature of this rare entity.
Diversification of Pakistani Amelogenin-Y-Null Male Haplotypes
Authors: Siddique Nasir , Shahid Ahmad Ali , Sughra Kalsoom
Published: May 2021

Amelogenin is a common sex typing marker encountered in forensic case work. Phenotypically normal males have been reported in the literature who exhibit anomalous amelogenin allele. These males express only a single amelogenin peak representing AMEL-X and are called as AMEL-Y-null males. Gender misclassification of such individuals is an obvious consequence of this mutation, as a male sample would falsely appear to be a female sample. This study was aimed to attribute the AMEL-Y-null male DNA profiles encountered in forensic casework in the Pakistani population to appropriate phylogenetic clade based on shared ancestry. A total of 18 null AMEL-Y males were screened out of the sample pool of 5000 male individuals, reflecting mutational frequency of 0.36%. A common phylogenetic ancestor is suggested for 17 individuals, based on computational analysis of the Y-STR haplotypes, shown to be belonging to the J haplogroup while only one sample belonged to the R group. The samples in J groups showed homology with subclades J2b2a M241 and J2b2a PH1648, while R group individual showed 100% homology with R1a. Data are reported after haplotype network development of AMEL-Y-null Pakistani males using Network 10.0 for the study of evolutionary distances and emergence of nodes.
The Zygomatic Buttress as an Efficient Intraoral Donor Site for Limited Maxillary Reconstructions: A Case Series and Brief Literature Review
Authors: Bassil Joseph , Abi Sleiman Alain , Mrad Stephanie , Noujeim Ziad
Published: May 2021

Limited maxillary defects are commonly grafted with bone blocks harvested from the symphysis or the ramus; harvesting a second surgical site in the mandible increases both operative time and patient’s postoperative morbidity. To overcome these disadvantages, the zygomatic buttress (ZB) was suggested as an alternative maxillary source of autogenous bone. This intraoral donor site has a natural convex shape and can be accessed along with the recipient site through the same flap design. We report a case series describing this uncommon technique of bone harvesting from the zygomatic buttress to reconstruct limited alveolar defects in the maxilla.
Selective Consecutive Determination of Desloratadine and Montelukast Sodium in Their Pure and Binary Dosage Form Based on Pencil Graphite Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Sakur Amir Alhaj , Nashed Dania , Noureldin Imad
Published: May 2021

In this study, we present a new, green electrochemical method for potentiometric estimation of desloratadine and montelukast sodium in their pure and binary dosage form. For that, three pencil graphite sensors were fabricated; the first one was prepared to analyse desloratadine drug (DES) by coating the graphite bar with the coating membrane, which comprises the ion pair of desloratadine and ammonium reineckate reagent (RNK), the polymer poly vinyl chloride (PVC), and the plasticizers dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The second one, which was used to analyse montelukast (MON), was constructed by using the ion pair of cadmium chloride reagent (Cd.) with montelukast and the same earlier named polymer and plasticizer. As a trial to analyse both of the drugs by the same sensor consecutively, we have constructed a combined pencil graphite electrode, which contains the two earlier suggested ion pairs, that is, we can use this electrode to selectively analyse for each drug. The proposed electrodes were effectively used for analysis of DES and MON as a single dosage form and as combined pharmaceutical preparation, without any need for prior separation that was performed depending on the difference in the efficient pH range for each sensor. The proposed sensors exhibited a Nernstian equation slopes of −30.11, 27.70, (−29.16, 29.79) mv. decade−1 in the linearity range 5.00 × 10−5−1.00 × 10−2 and 1.00 × 10−5 − 1.00 × 10−2 M, respectively. The sensors exhibit high sensitivity according to LOD values ((0.036–0.018) − (0.025-0.026) µM), respectively, and important selectivity toward the studied drugs in presence of interfering ions and excipients. The optimum circumstances were studied, and the method was validated by application of ICH rules. Finally, the method was compared with a documented method, and the required statistical values were calculated.
PPARγ Attenuates Interleukin‐1β‐Induced Cell Apoptosis by Inhibiting NOX2/ROS/p38MAPK Activation in Osteoarthritis Chondrocytes
Authors: Ni Su , Li Dong , Wei Hui , Miao Kai-Song , Zhuang Chao
Published: May 2021

Introduction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by extracellular cytokines trigger the expression of inflammatory mediators in osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocyte. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) exerts an anti‐inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of PPARγ in interleukin‐1β‐ (IL‐1β‐) induced cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) expression through ROS generation in OA chondrocytes. Methods. IL‐1β‐induced ROS generation and chondrocyte apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Contents of NADPH oxidase (NOX), caspase‐3, and caspase‐9 were evaluated by biochemical detection. The involvement of NOX2 and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in IL‐1β‐induced COX‐2 and PGE2 expression was investigated using pharmacologic inhibitors and further analyzed by western blotting. Activation of PPARγ was performed by using a pharmacologic agonist and was analyzed by western blotting. Results. IL‐1β‐induced COX‐2 and PGE2 expression was mediated through NOX2 activation/ROS production, which could be attenuated by N‐acetylcysteine (NAC; a scavenger of ROS), GW1929 (PPARγ agonist), DPI (diphenyleneiodonium chloride, NOX2 inhibitor), SB203580 (p38MAPK inhibitor), PD98059 (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, ERK inhibitor), and SP600125 (c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, JNK inhibitor). ROS activated p38MAPK to enter the nucleus, which was attenuated by PPARγ. Conclusion. In OA chondrocytes, IL‐1β induced COX‐2 and PGE2 expression via activation of NOX2, which led to ROS production and MAPK activation. The activation of PPARγ exerted protective roles in the pathogenesis of OA.
Resilient City: A Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization
Authors: Yang Qiaoyun , Yang Dan , Li Peng , Liang Shilu , Zhang Zhenghu
Published: May 2021

Resilient city has attracted global attentions as a new concept for cities to deal with risks and challenges in recent years. Numerous researchers have successively conducted in-depth studies on the resilient city from different perspectives. To acquire an overview of resilient city and grasp the current research hotspots, a bibliometric analysis and visualization of the past decade of research on the resilient city was made. The data were collected from 1249 articles published in the Web of Science database from 2010 to 2019. As the widely used bibliometric analysis tools, CiteSpace and VOSviewer were adopted in this study. The temporal distribution of resilient city research, including annual publication outputs and high-cited papers, was symmetrically analyzed. Then, the spatial distribution of resilient city research, including countries, categories, institutions, co-citation journals, author collaboration network, and author co-citation network, was investigated. Hot topics and evolution trends of resilient city were revealed. The results show that the research of resilient city experienced three periods, namely, germination, rapid diffusion, and reflection and innovation periods. Current research focuses on four aspects, including psychological resilience at the microcommunity and group levels, assessment of urban disaster resilience, multiple theoretical frameworks of urban resilience, and urban resilience promotion strategy. Therefore, this study helps scholars and practitioners to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current research progress and evolution trends of the resilient city field.
Assessment of the Vanillin Anti-Inflammatory and Regenerative Potentials in Inflamed Primary Human Gingival Fibroblast
Authors: Costantini Erica , Sinjari Bruna , Falasca Katia , Reale Marcella , Caputi Sergio , Jagarlapodii Srinivas , Murmura Giovanna
Published: May 2021

Background. Inflammatory responses have been associated with delayed oral mucosal wound healing and the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease. The invasion of microbes into the tissues and the establishment of a chronic infection may be due to impaired healing. The protracted inflammatory phase may delay wound healing and probably support tissue fibrosis and reduce tissue regeneration. Vanillin is a well-known natural compound with potential anti-inflammatory capacity. Hence, we hypothesized that Vanillin could accelerate wound healing reducing inflammation and especially cytokine production making the oral tissue repair process easier. Methods. Our hypothesis was tested using primary human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cell pretreated with Vanillin and primed with IL-1β, as inductor of proinflammatory environment. After 24 hours of treatments, the gene expression and production of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, COX-2, iNOS, and nitric oxide (NO) generation and the wound healing rate were determined. Results. In IL-1β-primed cells, preincubation with Vanillin reduced IL-6, IL-8, COX-2, and iNOS expression and NO release, compared to IL-1β-primed cells. Moreover, Vanillin determines the increased gene expression of nAChRα7, leading us to hypothesize a role of Vanillin in the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Furthermore, in presence of mechanical injury, the Vanillin preincubation, wound closure may be reducing the expression and release of IL-6 and TNF-α and upregulation of COX-2 and IL-8. Conclusion. Together, the results of this study highlight the anti-inflammatory and tissue repair ability of Vanillin in IL-1β-primed HGF. Therefore, Vanillin shows a potential therapeutic interest as an inflammatory modulator molecule with novel application in periodontal regeneration and oral health.
Ecological Treatment and Resource Utilization of Wastewater from a Chicken Transfer Station
Authors: Xiong Rongwei , Gao Xiufang , Huang Jinquan , Mao Yilin , Jiang Peihua , Jiang Li
Published: May 2021

Research was conducted at a chicken transfer station to assess ecological treatment and resource utilization. The study examined three aspects: wastewater ecological treatment, resource utilization maximization, and process optimization. Process design and operation monitoring were carried out to treat and reuse wastewater from a chicken feeder station over two periods. The first period was operated in 2014, adopting the mode of pretreatment plus a constructed wetland. Results show that the relevant indicators basically meet the regulatory requirements at that time. The second period carried out in 2017 improved upon the results obtained during the first period. On the basis of strengthening the pretreatment and constructed wetland functions, full recycling of tailwater and zero discharge of wastewater was achieved. The aquatic plant water celery used for wetland wastewater purification function also reached the standard of safe vegetable consumption, producing systematic ecological and economic benefits. The second phase of the project has high promotion and application value in the wastewater treatment of the chicken transfer station. This study demonstrates an improved approach to poultry production wastewater treatment by transforming wastewater into an agricultural product while achieving wastewater reuse and environmental pollution control.
Cardiac Myxoma: Typical Presentation but Unusual Histology
Authors: AlAhmadi Hassan H. , Alsafwani Noor Said , Shawarby Mohamed A. , Ahmed Fayez
Published: May 2021

Cardiac myxoma, a benign heart tumor, is the most common primary tumor of the heart. Glandular differentiation within these tumors is rare, occurring in approximately 3% of all cardiac myxomas. Its presence can complicate the diagnostic process. A 43-year-old Saudi male was referred with a two-month history of progressively increasing shortness of breath. Cardiovascular examination demonstrated a soft first heart sound with a plopping sound in the mitral area and a mid-diastolic murmur. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a large mass attached to the interatrial septum. A diagnosis of cardiac myxoma was made, and the patient underwent en bloc resection of the mass. Microscopic evaluation of the resected mass showed a neoplastic lesion with two components: first, a typical myxoma consisting of stellate and spindle cells in a myxomatous/hemorrhagic background; second, a glandular component consisting of separate, fused, and cribriform acini embedded within the myxomatous component. The acini were lined by a single row of columnar epithelial cells with basal nuclei and apical mucin. Occasional goblet cells were also identified. The postoperative period was uneventful, and on his recent follow-up in the clinic (nine months after the surgery), the patient is doing well with no complications. Herein, we emphasize the importance of accurately diagnosing such an entity, as it can be easily confused for a metastatic adenocarcinoma, especially in patients with a history of malignancy.
Genetic Diversity Assessment of MPOB‐Senegal Oil Palm Germplasm Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Myint Khin Aye , Yaakub Zulkifli , Rafii Mohd Y. , Oladosu Yusuff , Samad Mohd Yusoff Abd , Ramlee Shairul Izan , Mustaffa Suzana , Arolu Fatai , Abdullah Norziha , Marjuni Marhalil , Amiruddin Mohd Din
Published: May 2021

Molecular characterization of oil palm germplasm is crucial in utilizing and conserving germplasm with promising traits. This study was conducted to evaluate the genetic diversity structures and relationships among 26 families of MPOB‐Senegal oil palm germplasm using thirty‐five microsatellite markers. High level of polymorphism (P = 96.26%), number of effective allele (Ne = 2.653), observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.584), expected heterozygosity (He = 0.550), total heterozygosity (HT = 0.666), and rare alleles (54) were observed which indicates that MPOB‐Senegal germplasm has a broad genetic variation. Among the SSR markers, sMo00053 and sMg00133 were the most informative markers for discrimination among the MPOB‐Senegal oil palm germplasm for having the highest private alleles and the rare alleles. For selection and conservation, oil palm populations with high rare alleles and Nei’s gene diversity index should be considered as these populations may possess unique genes for further exploitation.
Explosive Performance Assessment of Buried Steel Pipeline
Authors: Seyed-Kolbadi Seyed-Mohammad , Safi Mohammad , Keshmiri Ayoub , Kolbadi S. Mahdi S. , Mirtaheri Masoud
Published: May 2021

It is so important to consider the passive defense problem in any places there have been attacks by varies kinds of military threats and terrorists. It is certain that social security is related to overcoming on these perils and protection from country. Vital facilities are one of examples that should be protected. Vital facilities include roads, bridges, transmission lines, and telecom and media network. With attention to the intense dependent to export and transmit of oil and gas and with consideration of this point that many places are full of gas and oil resource, the protection of these lines is very important. In recent years, occurrence of varies kinds of terrorist accidents in relation to important structures in all the world causes that the explosion loads have special attention. Explosion can generate much damage with vibration in vast soil media. Thus, it is important to predict the dynamic impact load and its treatment response. With attention to regardable development of numerical methods in recent decades, it is possible to investigate the explosion effects on surface and underground structures. In this research, the newest applied method modeling of the explosion phenomenon has been investigated and comprehensive information has been earned. In this investigation, problem of explosion wave’s propagation effects on buried pipes simulated by ABAQUS/CAE 6.10‐1 was studied based on the finite element method. Surface explosion effects on gas buried pipe lines and their dynamic response have been investigated depending on properties and their characteristics. The variation of buried pipe depth effects and variation effects in soil properties around pipe in different cases has been considered, and the results are here. The results showed that in buried pipes under surface explosions, displacements, major stresses, and strains decrease in clay, dense, and loose sands with increase of buried depth. These results obtain that because of increase of closuring of pipes in soil when internal friction angle increases for a kind of soil, the stress on pipe rim will decrease also. It was also observed that the pipe performance in clay and loose sands is better than that in compacted sand, respectively.
Evaluating the Mechanical Properties of Zinc-Coated Stainless Steel Orthodontic Wires Using Physical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Karandish Maryam , Pakshir Mahmoud , Moghimi Milad , Jafarpour Dana
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of stainless steel (SS) orthodontic wires coated with zinc (Zn), using a Physical Vapored Deposition (PVD) machine. A total of 100 straight SS orthodontic wires were cut into pieces of 5 centimeters in length and were divided into two groups. Half of the wires were coated with Zn using a PVD machine, and the others remained uncoated. Tensile strength (n = 15), three-point bending (n = 15), and frictional resistance at 0° (n = 10) and 10° (n = 10) were measured to compare the mechanical properties of the Zn-coated and uncoated orthodontic wires using the universal testing machine. The surface of the coated wires was observed by SEM and AFM. An independent t-test, multivariate ANOVA, and measurement ANOVA were used for data analysis. SEM and AFM showed a homogenous Zn layer of 0.28 ± 0.006 µm on the SS wires. The tensile strength and three-point bending strength significantly increased after Zn coating of wires with the PVD method (P<0.05). The friction resistance significantly reduced at both angulations following the coating procedure. The angle between the wire and bracket had no significant effect on the frictional resistance (P>0.05). Coating with Zn improved the tensile and load-bending strength of SS orthodontic wires and reduced their frictional resistance which might be advantageous in terms of reducing the risk of root resorption during the orthodontic treatment.
Research on the Seismic Performance of Straw Panel‐Infilled Concrete Frame by Shaking Table Test
Authors: Zhu Jia , Bian Yuling , Zhou Aiping
Published: May 2021

Infill wall‐frame interaction‐induced damage and failure have been found in many previous earthquakes due to the inappropriate estimation of the stiffness of infill walls. It is a common knowledge of design philosophy that properly lowering the lateral stiffness of infill wall may significantly improve the seismic performances of concrete frames. Fabricated straw wall, a sandwich‐type structure with tenon and groove, is proposed as a new type of lightweight and environment‐friendly infill wall. The lateral stiffness is much lower than that of masonry infill wall. Shaking table tests were carried out for a concrete frame structure with fabricated straw wall, as well as for a frame with masonry infill wall for comparison. Results show that failure modes of them are different. Plastic hinges took place at the ends of beams in the frame with fabricated straw infill wall, different from the frame with masonry infill wall where the plastic hinges emerged at the ends of columns. Numerical analysis was conducted to verify and illustrate the failure mechanism. It indicates that the straw panel‐infilled concrete frame well matches the design philosophy and presents better seismic performance.
Decomposition Analysis of Green Technology Innovation from Green Patents in China
Authors: Chen Aiping , Chen Huiying
Published: May 2021

Green technology innovation is essential to promoting not only the construction of ecological civilization but also the fundamental means of achieving sustainable development. Taking research and development (R&D) investment, CO2 emissions, and other related factors into account, this study constructed an extended logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) decomposition model for the change in the number of green technology patent applications to quantify the contribution of each driving factor based on green patent applications data in China from 2000 to 2017. The results indicated that economic scale, R&D efficiency, R&D reaction, and green patent share play positive roles in promoting green patent applications in China, among which R&D efficiency is the most significant contributor. By contrast, carbon intensity plays a dampening role. The conclusions of this study could provide a theoretical foundation for China to formulate targeted green technology innovation management policies, promotion measures, and related R&D strategies.
A Study to Decipher the Potential Effects of Butylphthalide against Central Nervous System Diseases Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Integration Strategy
Authors: Zhao Qinqin , Zheng Bei , Feng Pinpin , Li Xiang
Published: May 2021

Background. Butylphthalide (NBP), approved by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS), showed pleiotropic potentials against central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including neuroprotection and cognitive deficits improvement. However, the effects and corresponding modes of action were not fully explored. This study was designed to investigate the potential of NBP against IS-associated CNS diseases based on network pharmacology (NP) and molecular docking (MD). Methods. IS was inputted as the index disease to retrieve the “associated diseases” in DisGeNET. Three-database-based IS genes were obtained and integrated (DisGeNET, Malacards, and OMIM). Then, IS-associated genes were identified by combining these genes. Meanwhile, PubMed references and online databases were applied to identify NBP target genes. The IS-related disease-disease association (DDA) network and NBP-disease regulation network were constructed and analyzed in Cytoscape. In silico MD and references were used to validate the binding affinity of NBP with critical targets and the potential of NBP against certain IS-related CNS disease regulation. Results. 175 NBP target genes were obtained, while 312 IS-related disease genes were identified. 36 NBP target genes were predicted to be associated with IS-related CNS diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), epilepsy, major depressive disorder (MDD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and dementia. Six target genes (i.e., GRIN1, PTGIS, PTGES, ADRA1A, CDK5, and SULT1E1) indicating disease specificity index (DSI) >0.5 showed certain to good degree binding affinity with NBP, ranging from −9.2 to −6.7 kcal/mol. And the binding modes may be mainly related to hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic “bonds.” Further literature validations inferred that these critical NBP targets had a tight association with AD, epilepsy, ALS, and depression. Conclusions. Our study proposed a drug-target-disease integrated method to predict the drug repurposing potentials to associated diseases by application of NP and MD, which could be an attractive alternative to facilitate the development of CNS disease therapies. NBP may be promising and showed potentials to be repurposed for treatments for AD, epilepsy, ALS, and depression, and further investigations are warranted to be carefully designed and conducted.
Assessment of Immune Status in Dynamics for Patients with Cancer Undergoing Immunotherapy
Authors: Xenia Elena Bacinschi , Nicoleta Gales Laurentia , Florina Zgura Anca , Iliescu Laura , Maricela Anghel Rodica , Haineala Bogdan
Published: May 2021

Immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment, and many types of cancer show a response rate of 20–40% and a significant increase in five-year survival. However, immunotherapy is expensive and may cause serious adverse events. Therefore, a predictive method allowing identification of responding patients before starting the treatment would be very useful. In this study, we aimed to identify and implement other individual prognosis factors, factors that could lead to an improved clinical decision made in regard to the patient to establish an individualized treatment. Materials and Methods. All patients recruited from October 2018 to July 2019 were treated in OncoFort Hospital, Bucharest, with nivolumab or pembrolizumab. We investigated T lymphocyte CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4/CD8 cells by flow cytometry in patients before and after receiving treatment with anti-PD-1 agents. Results. We found that the responder group showed higher expression on CD4+ cells than the nonresponder group after the first cycle of immunotherapy. The prediction of the immunotherapeutic effect revealed that the elevation of T lymphocytes CD8+ and CD4+ after the first cycle of immunotherapy was followed by a decrease in their expression after the second cycle and was followed by a return almost to that one after the first administration. Conclusion. Our work indicates that the evaluation of the cells of the immune system in relation to the tumor and immunotherapy may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and the identification of prognostic and predictive factors that will more effectively model the therapeutic approach.
Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Design against Fructose Bisphosphate Aldolase of Candida glabrata: An Immunoinformatics Approach
Authors: Elamin Elhasan Lina Mohamed , Hassan Mohamed B. , Elhassan Reham M. , Abdelrhman Fatima A. , Salih Essam A. , Ibrahim H Asma , Mohamed Amna A. , Osman Hozaifa S. , Khalil Marwa Saad M. , Alsafi Athar A. , Idris Abeer Babiker , Hassan Mohamed A.
Published: May 2021

Background. Candida glabrata is a human opportunistic pathogen that can cause life-threatening systemic infections. Although there are multiple effective vaccines against fungal infections and some of these vaccines are engaged in different stages of clinical trials, none of them have yet been approved by the FDA. Aim. Using immunoinformatics approach to predict the most conserved and immunogenic B- and T-cell epitopes from the fructose bisphosphate aldolase (Fba1) protein of C. glabrata. Material and Method. 13 C. glabrata fructose bisphosphate aldolase protein sequences (361 amino acids) were retrieved from NCBI and presented in several tools on the IEDB server for prediction of the most promising epitopes. Homology modeling and molecular docking were performed. Result. The promising B-cell epitopes were AYFKEH, VDKESLYTK, and HVDKESLYTK, while the promising peptides which have high affinity to MHC I binding were AVHEALAPI, KYFKRMAAM, QTSNGGAAY, RMAAMNQWL, and YFKEHGEPL. Two peptides, LFSSHMLDL and YIRSIAPAY, were noted to have the highest affinity to MHC class II that interact with 9 alleles. The molecular docking revealed that the epitopes QTSNGGAAY and LFSSHMLDL have the lowest binding energy to MHC molecules. Conclusion. The epitope-based vaccines predicted by using immunoinformatics tools have remarkable advantages over the conventional vaccines in that they are more specific, less time consuming, safe, less allergic, and more antigenic. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments are needed to prove the effectiveness of the best candidate’s epitopes (QTSNGGAAY and LFSSHMLDL). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that has predicted B- and T-cell epitopes from the Fba1 protein by using in silico tools in order to design an effective epitope-based vaccine against C. glabrata.
Mutation Profile Assessed by Next‐Generation Sequencing (NGS) of Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) in Chinese Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients: Analysis of Real‐World Data
Authors: Zhao Songchen , Cong Xiaofeng , Liu Ziling
Published: May 2021

Background. Genomic testing gives guidance to the treatment options in lung adenocarcinoma patients, but some patients are unable to obtain tissue samples due to lesion location or intolerance. Cell‐free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) tested in plasma or pleural effusion is an advanced access to solve the problem. Our study descriptively identified the genetic variations of advanced Chinese lung adenocarcinoma patients and analyzed the overall survival of patients with EGFR mutations. Methods. A total of 152 patients’ plasma samples were included, and gene mutations were detected by NGS using an Illumina Miseq tabletop sequencer. Results. Frequencies of altered were EGFR 46.05%, ALK 7.24%, KRAS 6.58%, PIK3CA 6.58%, PTEN 2.63%, HER2 1.97%, MET 1.97%, BRAF 1.32%, NF1 1.32%, and ROS1 0.66%. We identified 48 cases with double or triple driver gene mutations. Multiple mutations were more frequently observed in EGFR and PIK3CA genes. Patients harboring coexistent mutations with an EGFR mutation tended to have a shorter overall survival than those with exclusively EGFR mutations. Conclusion. EGFR, ALK, and KRAS were common driver gene in Chinese patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma. Multiple mutations were detected in the ctDNA samples and involve more EGFR and PIK3CA mutations. The existence of coexisting gene mutations may have adverse effects on the prognosis of patients with EGFR mutation. The unknown mutations discovered by NGS may provide new targets for gene targeting therapy, and ctDNA test by NGS is an effective method for making appropriate treatment choices.