bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding The Mechanism of Mutant HIV-1 Protease Resistance Against Darunavir Using Molecular Dynamic Study
Authors: Shabanpour Yaser , Behmard Esmaeil , Abdolmaleki Parviz , Keihan Amir Homayoun , Sajjadi Sharareh
Published: April 2021

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease (HIV-1 PR) is an important enzyme in life cycle of the HIV virus. It cleaves inactive pre-proteins of the virus and changes them into active proteins. Darunavir suppresses the wild type HIV-1 PR (WT-Pr) activity, but can’t inhibit the mutant resistant forms (MUT-Pr). Increasing knowledge about the resistance mechanism can be helpful for designing of more effective inhibitors. In this study, the mechanism of resistance of Ile47val and Ile54Met MUT-Pr strain against Darunavir was investigated. For this purpose, complexes of Darunavir with WT-Pr (WT-Pr-D) and MUT-Pr (MUT-Pr-D) were simulated for 200 ns and structure, dynamic and energetic properties of both simulations were investigated based on essential dynamics (principal component analysis (PCA)), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), radial distribution function (RDF), molecular mechanics/Poisson Boltzman surface area (MM/PBSA) energies and etc. Our data revealed that mutations increased the flap tips flexibility and increased the active-site space, probably due to the reduction in hydrophobic forces. So, the protease’s conformation changed from closed state to semi-open state. Formation of semi open structure along with a reduction in van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds with Darunavir facilitates disjunction of Darunavir from the active-site in MUT-Pr-D.
Assessment on awareness towards preventive measures of COVID-19 in Sheka, Southwestern Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gelaw Assaye Belay , Andargie Solomon Abebaw
Published: April 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and it is the most important of public health problem worldwide. A critical element in tackling the COVID-19 crisis is personal behavioral change; however, there is a paucity of evidence about peoples’ awareness towards COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the aim of this was to assess the community’s awareness status towards COVID-19 in Sheka, Southwestern Ethiopia.Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted 10th to 21th April 2020. Four hundred-nineteen individuals participated during the study. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify significant factors of awareness status, and variables with p-value<0.05 indicated it significantly influences the awareness status of the individuals towards COVID-19.Results: According to the study’s results, nearly half (49.4 %) of the participants had awareness about COVID-19 pandemic. Factors such being female equal (AOR: 0.476, 95%CI: 0.293, 0.772),education being secondary and above(AOR:2.178,95%CI:1.323,3.586),and prevention methods being fully used (AOR,8.127,95%CI: 1.273, 51.871)were significantly influencing the awareness status of the community towards COVID-19 pandemic than their counterparts.Conclusion: The study showed that there is a low awareness status among people towards COVID-19.Hence, programs to improve awareness towards COVID-19 pandemic is essential to prevent and control the pandemic.
Development of a Prognostic Signature Based on Hypoxia-related Genes for Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Zhang HongYang , Li Sijia , Li Wei
Published: April 2021

Background. We aimed to establish a model to predict the prognosis of patients with thyroid cancer based on differentially expressed hypoxia-related genes.Methods. By comparing the genes in TCGA database and hypoxiaDB database, we obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to hypoxia in thyroid cancer. Gene function enrichment analysis was performed, and a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database. Univariate Cox regression were used to screen hypoxia-related genes with prognostic value. Subsequently, multivariate Cox analysis was used to determine prognostic markers based on thyroid cancer, a prognosis model based on these genes was established. The Kaplan-Meier analysis, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and The Harrell’s concordance indexes in the training set and the validation set were used to evaluate the performance of the model. Finally, we conducted univariate analyses of the prognostic value of clinical data (including risk scores) of thyroid cancer patients.Results. 326 hypoxia-related thyroid cancer genes were found. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated they were mainly involved in regulating biological functions. 23 genes have been proved to be associated with the prognosis of thyroid cancer with univariate Cox regression, among them, 11 marker genes were used to construct a new prognosis model by multivariate Cox analysis. Accordingly, the system of risk scores was constructed, patients with high-risk scores (P <0.005) had shorter overall survival than those with low-risk scores. The ROC curve indicated good performance of the eleven-gene signature at predicting overall survival. The Harrell’s concordance indexes in the internally validated for the 11-gene prognostic signature was 0.881. Moreover, univariate analysis showed that the risk score and age were significantly associated with patient overall survival. The model we created was significantly associated with patient overall survival.Conclusions. The model we established had excellent performance in the prognosis of thyroid cancer.
Locality Sensitive Hardware Signature Variants for Hardware Transactional Memory
Authors: r sangeetha , Vollala Satyanarayana , N Ramasubramanian
Published: April 2021

Lock based techniques have its own limitations like priority inversion, convoying, and deadlock. Lock free techniques overcome those mentioned limitations. Transactional memory (TM) is one leading lock free technique used in recent multi core processors like Intel Haswell and IBM BlueGene/Q. TM has to do data versioning and conflict detection. For conflict detection probabilistic data structure called Bloom Filters are used. Bloom filter based hardware signatures are used in TM. In TM shared memory conflicts like RAW, WAR, and WAW hazards are handled by Bloom Filter (BF). Hardware signatures store memory addresses in hashed form on Bloom filters. Bloom filters are easy to use, performance efficient data structures lead to false positive but never support false negative. Locality sensitive hardware signatures reduce filter occupancy by sharing bits for the contiguous memory addresses, in turn reduces the false positive rate. This paper implements existing H3 – HS and LS – HS proposed by Ricardo Quislant et al. [13]. Also this paper proposes RS – HS, CS – HS, and RO – HS. RO – HS equally spreads addresses among bloom filters thereby reduces filter occupancy. In turn reduced filter occupancy leads to better False Positive Rate.
Distribution analysis and dose assessment of radon emitted from monazite-containing mattresses in general residential spaces using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Lee ChoongWie , Kim Hee Reyoung
Published: April 2021

Radon-releasing mattresses were found to be manufactured using radium or thorium containing monazite, and a survey by the Korean Nuclear Safety and Security Commission found that some of these products exceeded radiation safety standards. Therefore, this study evaluates the radon distribution resulting from the radon released by such mattresses. For this purpose, Ansys Fluent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes were used to analyze the radon distribution in a general living space and to assess the radon exposure of residents. Drawings from the Korea Land and Housing Corporation were analyzed to determine the layout and geometry of a general residential space. The CFD simulation results were used to analyze the radon distribution in this space in terms of the ventilation direction and the distance from the source. The dose was evaluated to determine its radiation safety, and it was found to be less than 0.101 mSv/year; this value is below the International Commission on Radiological Protection’s recommendation of 10 mSv/year and the dose limit of 1 mSv/year for processed products in South Korea. The proposed method could be used to evaluate radon exposure in different environments to improve the safety of residents.
Frictional Sliding of Rough Surfaces Using a Quasi-static Approach to the Maxwell-slip Model
Authors: Amireghbali Aydin , Coker Demirkan
Published: April 2021

The Maxwell-slip model consists of independent mass-spring units that are slipped by a driver over a rigid, flat, fixed substrate. In the present study, the model is interpreted as a multi-asperity model and is used to study both the friction force and the mechanisms involved in the sliding of a rough elastic surface. Coulomb friction law is assumed at the single mass-spring level. A beta probability distribution function is used to generate the initial block positions randomly. The standard deviation of the initial lateral position of the blocks is interpreted as the surface roughness. The results show that when the surface is rough enough, the sequential slip of the blocks induces a steady friction force. On the other hand, when the surface is smooth enough, the collective slip of the blocks induces stick-slip. The border between the two regimes of sliding is sharply delineated by a specific roughness value. A tribological implication is that a sufficiently rough surface may bring about steady sliding. A geophysical implication is that a geological fault segment that undergoes aseismic creep may have a rougher surface compared to its locked counterpart.
WITHDRAWN: Serum allergen spectrum and prevalence of allergic disease in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Li Min , Zheng Rui , Wang Enyun , Xiong Dan , Sun Baoqinq , Dou Xiaowen , Zhang Xiuming
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Allergen sensitization are common allergic diseases worldwide, with widely varying estimates of prevalence in the population. The characteristics and prevalence of allergens and diseases in Shenzhen. Patients and methods: Allergen-specific IgE results were investigated among 20483 subjects from January 2016 to June 2020 based on by Western blotting, and statistical analysis was performed on sIgE and related diseases in patients with different ages, genders, months, mixed allergens and grade. Results: Among 20483 subjects, 13149 (64.19%) were clinically positive for at least single allergen. Single allergen positive rate (35.42%), double allergen positive rate (23.96%), triple allergen positive rate (16.04%). The positive rate of sIgE in male was higher than that in female (69.15% and 60. 02% respectively, P<0.01). Allergen detection rate varies with age (P<0.05). The cumulative positive results were 35083, grade 1: 16705 items, 47.61%; grade 2: 8003 items, 22.81%; grade 5: 3840 items, 10.94%. The positive rate of sIgE in March was the highest (82.20%), which was statistically significant compared with other months (P<0.05). The probability of cockroach allergen causing atopic dermatitis/urticaria was 67%, and asthma in just 4%. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that the positive rate of allergens was high in Shenzhen. Dust mite was the main allergen. There were differences in age, gender and month, and the probability of allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis/urticaria aznd rhinitis/sinusitis is high.
The Value of Gut Microbiota to Predict Feed Efficiency and Growth of Rabbits Under Different Feeding Regimes
Authors: Velasco-Galilea María , Piles Miriam , Ramayo-Caldas Yuliaxis , Sánchez Juan P.
Published: April 2021

Background: Feed efficiency is a paramount concept for the environmental and economical sustainability of rabbit production. In this sense, identifying all the components involved in its determinism is highly desirable. Microbial communities inhabiting the intestinal tract play an important role in nutrient absorption and could also impact rabbit growth and feed efficiency. This study aims at investigating such impact by evaluating the value added by microbial information for predicting individual and cage phenotypes related to growth and feed efficiency.Results: Cecal microbiota was assessed in 425 meat rabbits raised under two feeding regimes (ad libitum or restricted). The dataset under study comprised individual average daily gain, and cage-average daily feed intake, and feed efficiency records from these kits and their cage mates. The consideration of pedigree relationships in different mixed models allowed to accomplish the study of cage-average traits even though cecal microbiota was not measured in all the animals within a cage. When microbial information was fitted into certain mixed animal models, their predictive ability increased up to 20% for cage-average feed efficiency traits and up to 46% for individual growth traits. These gains in the predictive ability of the models were associated with large microbiability estimates and with reductions, with respect to those from the models not fitting the microbial effect, on the heritability estimates. However, large microbiabililty estimates were also obtained with certain models but without any improvement in their predictive ability of the studied traits. A large proportion of OTUs seems to be responsible for the prediction improvement in growth and FE traits, although specific OTUs have a higher weight.Conclusions: Rabbit growth and feed efficiency are influenced by host cecal microbiota and considering microbial information in models improve the prediction of these complex phenotypes. Nonetheless, the prior assumptions for the microbial effects and the method used condition the quality of the predictions.
Interdecadal change in the genesis activity of the first tropical cyclone of each year over the western North Pacific
Authors: Cha Yumi , Choi JaeWon , Ahn Joong-Bae
Published: April 2021

This study analyzed time series of the genesis latitude, longitude, and date of the first tropical cyclone (TC) each year over the 38 years between 1979 and 2016. Statistical change-point analysis applied to these three variables showed that a shift in climate regime occurred around 1998. More specifically, recent TCs have shown a strong tendency to occur more northwest in the western North Pacific (WNP), and day of TC genesis tend to be delayed. Also, we compared differences between the periods 1998 to 2016 (post-1998) and 1979–1997 (pre-1998) in terms of outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), total cloud cover, precipitable water, precipitation, vertical wind shear, 850 hPa relative vorticity, and sea surface temperature (SST). Our results showed that a favorable environment for TC genesis was formed near the South China Sea (SCS) and the Philippines and an unfavorable environment for TC genesis was formed in the southeastern part of the WNP. Analysis of stream flow showed that an anomalous cyclonic circulation at 850 hPa was formed in the SCS and an anomalous large anticyclonic circulation was formed in the North Pacific. From these circulations, a ridge extended to the east sea of the Philippines, and consequently, anomalous trade winds were strengthened in the equatorial Pacific. Such anomalous atmospheric circulation seems to be associated with the cold Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) phase. At 200 hPa, the anomalous anticyclonic circulation was strengthened in the SCS, and an anomalous cyclonic circulation formed in the east sea of the Philippines, which strengthened anomalous westerlies in the equatorial Pacific. Furthermore, this circulation pattern is found to be related with a strengthening of Walker circulation. Therefore, during the post-1998, when trade winds were strengthened by the development of Walker circulation, the cold PDO phase was strengthened, the location of TC genesis moved toward the northwestern WNP, and TC genesis day tended to be delayed.
Circulating Tumor Cell is a Clinical Indicator of Pretransplant Radiofrequency Ablation for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zhitao , Wang tielong , Chen Chuanbao , Hong Xitao , Yu Jia , Ma Yihao , Guo Yiwen , Huang Changjun , He Xiaoshun , Ju Weiqiang , Chen Maogen
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

It is of great significance to confirm reliable indicators for the guidance of pretransplant radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aim to investigate whether circulating tumor cell (CTC) status is clinical indicator for RFA before liver transplantation (LT) in HCC patients.
Method:

79 HCC patients with pretransplant CTC analysis were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical outcomes including recurrence and survival were compared and analyzed between patients with and without pretransplant RFA.
Result

Forty-two patients were detected as CTC- positive and 18 patients received pretransplant RFA. Recurrence was correlated with CTC count (P = 0.024), tumor number (P = 0.035), liver cirrhosis (P = 0.001), Milan criteria (P = 0.003) and University of California San Francisco (UCSF) criteria (P = 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with CTC-positive had higher recurrence rate (P = 0.0257). For CTC-positive patients, the recurrence rate of pretransplant RFA group were significantly lower than non- pretransplant RFA group (0 vs. 46.7%, P = 0.0236). For CTC-negative patients, both recurrence rate and OS rate were similar and without significantly differences. In multivariate analysis, pretransplant RFA was the independent factor for recurrence (P = 0.025).
Conclusion

Pretransplant CTC status can guide the administration of pretransplant RFA in HCC patients which can reduce recurrence in CTC-positive HCC patients.
The Transformation Brought by Soft Computing
Authors: Liang Yun , He Tian-Ping
Published: April 2021

As a new theory of computer science and technology, soft computing has brought about a comprehensive change from technology to theory to thinking. Based on the perspective of historicism, this paper investigates and examines the specific changes brought by soft computing in the historical process of the development of science and philosophy, and deeply explores the transformative significance of soft computing.
Linking strike directions to invariant TE and TM impedances of the magnetotelluric impedance tensor
Authors: Arellano-Castro Rocio Fabiola , Gómez-Treviño Enrique
Published: April 2021

The traditional transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) impedances of the magnetotelluric tensor can be decoupled from the strike direction with significant implications when dealing with galvanic distortions. Distortion-free impedances are obtainable combining a quadratic equation with the phase tensor. In the terminology of Groom-Bailey, the quadratic equation provides amplitudes and phases that are immune to twist and the phase tensor provides phases immune to both, twist and shear. On the other hand, distortion-free strike directions can be obtained using Bahr’s approach or the formula provided by the phase tensor. In principle, this is all that is needed to proceed to a two-dimensional (2D) interpretation. However, the resulting impedances are strike-ignorant because they are invariant under rotation and, if they are to be related to a geological strike they must be linked to a particular direction. This is an extra ambiguity beside the classical of 90 degrees which must be resolved independently. In this work we use the distortion model of Groom-Bailey to resolve the ambiguity by bringing back the coupling between impedances and strike in the presence of galvanic distortions. Considering that most quantities are already known, fitting the responses of the model to the data requires minimizations only over the single variable of twist, instead of the original approach of having to minimize not only twist, shear and strike, but also the impedances themselves. Our approach is a hybrid between existing numerical and analytical approaches that reduces the problem to a binary decision. The fusion of the two approaches is illustrated using synthetic and field data.
Development of the NHS Job Evaluation Tool: A Quantitative Study of Nurses in China
Authors: Gong Jing , Yang Fei , He Runjun , Zhang Dan
Published: April 2021

Aim: Based on the National Health Service job evaluation scheme, we aimed to construct a quality indicator for Chinese nurses.Background: Because most nurses’ low job satisfaction has led to a high turnover rate, establishing a job evaluation system that truly reflects nurses' values has become the core of Chinese nursing work reform.Methods: Based on the literature review and Delphi method, a questionnaire containing 30 items was designed. By stratified sampling, nurses from six tertiary public hospitals in Beijing were selected. We collected 701 valid questionnaires. SPSS 24.0 was used to extract factors and analyze the questionnaire’s reliability and structural validity.Results: We retained 26 factors and divided them into four dimensions: Knowledge and Skills, Responsibility, Work/Environment, and Task Characteristics according to principal component analysis. The Cronbach’s α of four dimensions ranged from 0.890 to 0.923, indicating high reliability. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value was 0.960, demonstrating good structural validity. Conclusions: The improved job evaluation system has strong reliability and validity and reflects the nurse’s job characteristics scientifically. Implications for Nursing Management: Nursing managers can apply this job evaluation model to formulate nurses' performance evaluation standards to improve their comprehensive ability.
Glutamate Signaling, Associated With Satellite Glial Cells That Envelop Small Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons Is Highly Involved in the Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Cho Yi Sul , Ko Hyoung-Gon , Mah Won , Kim Yu Shin , Bae Jin Young , Youn Dong Ho , Ahn Dong Kuk , Bae Yong Chul
Published: April 2021

Recent studies implicate glutamate release from satellite glial cells (SGCs) surrounding the primary sensory neurons in the mechanisms of pathologic pain. However, little is known about the population of SGCs in the trigeminal ganglion that is involved in glutamate signaling associated with craniofacial neuropathic pain. To address this issue, we used quantitative analysis of electron microscopic immunogold labeling to investigate the changes in glutamate levels in trigeminal neurons and their enveloping SGCs in a rat model of craniofacial neuropathic pain, chronic constriction injury of inferior alveolar nerve (CCI-ION). The density of immunogold, a measure for glutamate concentration, in the neuronal cell bodies of all sizes, and in the SGCs surrounding them, was significantly higher in rats with CCI-ION than in sham-operated rats. This effect was more pronounced for the small neurons (2.2 times higher) and their SGCs (1.8 times higher) than for the medium and the large neurons and their SGCs, respectively. These findings suggest that each populations of SGCs and their surrounding trigeminal neurons of different type are involved in the glutamate signaling associated with neuropathic pain at a different level.
A Simple Technique for Descemet Membrane Exposure in Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Using the Transconjunctival Single-plane Sclerocorneal Incision
Authors: Hayashi Takahiko , Yamagami Satoru
Published: April 2021

Background: To describe a simple technique for Descemet membrane exposure during deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).Methods: As a prospective interventional case series, consecutive patients who underwent DALK were enrolled. The technique involved the separation of the Descemet membrane by injecting air and ophthalmic viscosurgical devices from the point where transconjunctival single-plane sclerocorneal incision with the slit knife is terminated prior to perforation using a mirror image. Descemet membrane exposure success rates and the incidence of intra- and postoperative complications were analyzed. Outcomes of successful DALK procedures, which were not converted to penetrating keratoplasty, were analyzed by evaluating best corrected visual acuity (BCVA; converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) and graft survival.Results: We included 11 eyes from 11 patients (seven males and four females; 53.6 ± 16.1 years; mean follow-up duration, 26.1 weeks [6–51 weeks]). Ten surgeries were successful in Descemet membrane exposure without rupture, eight were successful in big-bubble formation, and two were finally successful in Descemet membrane exposure after a failed big-bubble. The DALK procedure for only one eye was converted to a penetrating keratoplasty owing to a tear in the Descemet membrane. BCVA improved from 0.83 ± 0.38 logMAR preoperatively to 0.24 ± 0.12 logMAR postoperatively (n=10, p < 0.001). There was no primary graft failure.Conclusion: This simple technique of transconjunctival single-plane sclerocorneal incision could be very useful for exposing the Descemet membrane during DALK.
Cytokine and Interleukin Profile in Patients With Headache and Covid-19: a Pilot, Case-control, Study on 104 Patients
Authors: Trigo-López Javier , GARCÍA-AZORÍN DAVID , SIERRA-MENCÍA ÁLVARO , TAMAYO ÁLVARO , MARTÍNEZ-PAZ PEDRO , TAMAYO EDUARDO , GUERRERO ANGEL LUIS , GONZALO-BENITO HUGO
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The presence of headache during the acute phase of COVID-19 could be associated with the innate response and the cytokine release. We aim to compare the cytokine and interleukin profile by the time they were hospitalized in COVID-19 patients with and without headache during the course of the disease.Methods: An observational analytic study with a case control design was performed. Hospitalized patients from a tertiary hospital with confirmed COVID-19 disease were included. Patients were classified into the headache or the control group depending on whether they presented headache not better accounted for by another headache disorder other than acute headache attributed to systemic viral infection. Several demographic and clinical variables were studies in both groups. We determined the plasmatic levels of 45 different cytokines and interleukins from the first hospitalization plasma extraction in both groups. Results: One hundred and four patients were included in the study, aged 67.4 (12.8), 43.3% female. Among them, 29 (27.9%) had headache. Patients with headache were younger (61.8 vs. 69.5 years, p=0.005) and had higher frequency of fever (96.6 vs. 78.7%, p=0.036) and anosmia (48.3% vs. 22.7%, p=0.016). In the comparison of the crude median values of cytokines, many cytokines were different between both groups. In the comparison of the central and dispersion parameters between the two groups, GROa, IL-10, IL1RA, IL-21, IL-22 remained statistically significant. After adjusting the values for age, sex, baseline situation and COVID-19 severity, IL-10 remained statistically significant (3.3 vs. 2.2 ng/dL, p=0.042), with a trend towards signification in IL-23 (11.9 vs. 8.6 ng/dL, p=0.082) and PIGF1 (1621.8 vs. 110.6 ng/dL, p=0.071). Conclusion: The higher levels of IL-10-an anti-inflammatory cytokines- found in our sample in patients with headache may be explained as a counteract of cytokine release, reflecting a more efficient immune response in these patients
The Efficacy of Different Sealer Removal Protocols on the Microtensile Bond Strength of Adhesives to a Bioceramic Sealer-Contaminated Dentin
Authors: Kürklü Zeliha Gonca Bek , Yoldaş Oğuz
Published: April 2021

Background: The optimal bonding of adhesives to dentin requires the sealer to be completely removed from dentinal walls. This study compared the efficacy of different sealer removal protocols on the microtensile bond strengths (MTBS) of single step adhesives to a calcium silicate-based bioceramic root canal sealer contaminated dentin. Methods: Standardized box-shaped Class I cavities were prepared in human lower third molars (N=50). All cavities were contaminated with a bioceramic root canal sealer (Endosequence BC Sealer, Brasseler, Savannah, USA), except the control group cavities. For the experimental groups, dentin surfaces were wiped with dry cotton pellets, cotton pellets saturated with water or rinsed with an air water syringe for 5 seconds, or applied aqueous ultrasonic scaler for 5 seconds prior to restoration procedure. All the cavity surface was restored with a one-bottle universal adhesive and composite resin. All the specimens were subjected to both thermocycling and mechanical loading. The restored specimens were sectioned into resin-dentin beams for mictotensile bond strength (Mtbs) evaluation. Additional specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examination of dentin-adhesive interface (N=10).Results: The Mtbs for the 5 groups, the control, dry cotton, wet cotton, water rinse, and ultrasonic rinse group, were 13.42 ± 4.68, 11.96 ± 5.26, 13.03±6.07, 12.73±3.68, and 14.39±4.22 MPa, respectively. No significant difference was found between the mean bond strengths of the groups (p=0.725). In SEM examination no residual sealer was found in any group. Conclusions: Calcium silicate-based bioceramic sealer was removed from the dentin surface with all removal protocols when evaluated with Mtbs after thermal and mechanical cycle tests.
Substitution and carbon storage impacts of harvested wood products - Effects of increased cascading with different market responses
Authors: Kunttu Janni , Hurmekoski Elias , Myllyviita Tanja , Kilpeläinen Antti
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThe climate impacts of wood-based products can be measured by substitution impacts and changes in product carbon stocks. Cascade use of wood aims to increase resource efficiency and minimize the impact on the environment and climate, but it may lead to changes in the product portfolios of industries. Thus, measuring the overall impact is challenging. This study analyses the impact of wood cascading on the climate under varying market responses. Cascade use here refers to discarded sawnwood product utilisation in panel and wood-based composite production. The study utilises explorative scenarios where Finnish wood-based flows are modelled in an Excel-based material flow model, and discarded sawnwood flows are shifted from energy use to material use in the end-of-life stage. The Reference case represents the situation where discarded wood-based products are only used for energy. The scenarios portray plausible market responses to cascading, with cascade production either leading to additional wood-based panel and composite production, or substituting primary sawnwood products thus leading to lower overall harvest levels. ResultsThe results show that the cascading can result in 1.6%-5.4% more avoided C emissions compared to reference when considering the substitution impacts, the carbon stock changes in wood products, and the avoided carbon loss from roundwood harvest. Besides the market response, the results vary depending on the time-period selected for the estimation of the average annual carbon stock change of wood products and the emission profile of non-wood products. ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that cascading can contribute to climate change mitigation regardless of the market response, but it depends on the market response whether the reduction potential origins from wood-based products or indirect changes in the harvest levels. There are less avoided C emission gains in the technosystem, if cascading production substitutes primary production and therefore reduces the wood harvest. However, the opposite holds, if the average substitution impacts are significantly reduced in the future due to decarbonization of non-wood sectors. Thus, in the long-term, extending the carbon residence in the technosystem or in the ecosystem may provide a larger climate change mitigation potential than increasing the substitution impacts. Keywords: carbon stock change, cascading, forest industries, greenhouse gas emissions, harvested wood products, substitution, substitution impact
Norepinephrine and dobutamine improve cardiac index equally by supporting opposite sides of the heart in an experimental model of chronic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Hyldebrandt Janus Adler , Bøgh Nikolaj , Christensen Camilla Omann , Agger Peter
Published: April 2021

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is a significant risk factor in patients undergoing surgery. The combined effects of general anaesthesia and positive pressure ventilation can aggravate this condition and cause increased pulmonary blood pressures, reduced systemic blood pressures and ventricular contractility. Although perioperative use of inotropic support or vasopressors is almost mandatory for these patients, preference is disputed. In this study, we investigated the effects of norepinephrine and dobutamine and their ability to improve the arterio-ventricular relationship and haemodynamics in pigs suffering from chronic pulmonary hypertension.Method: Pulmonary hypertension was induced in five pigs by banding the pulmonary artery at 2–3 weeks of age. Six pigs served as controls. After 16 weeks of pulmonary artery banding, the animals were re-examined under general anaesthesia using biventricular conductance catheters and a pulmonary artery catheter. After baseline measurements, the animals were exposed to both norepinephrine and dobutamine infusions in incremental doses, with a stabilizing period in between the infusions. The hypothesis of differences between norepinephrine and dobutamine with incremental doses was tested using repeated two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni multiple comparisons post-test. Results: At baseline, pulmonary artery banded animals had increased right ventricular pressure (+39%, p=0.04), lower cardiac index (-23% p=0.04), lower systolic blood pressure (-13%, p=0.02) and reduced left ventricular end-diastolic volume (-33%, p=0.02). When incremental doses of norepinephrine and dobutamine were administered, the right ventricular arterio-ventricular coupling was improved only by dobutamine (p<0.05). Norepinephrine increased both left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular contractility to a greater extent (p<0.05) in pulmonary artery banded animals. While the cardiac index was improved equally by norepinephrine and dobutamine treatments in pulmonary artery banded animals, norepinephrine had a significantly greater effect on mean arterial pressure (p<0.05) and diastolic arterial pressure (p<0.05).Conclusion: While norepinephrine and dobutamine improved cardiac index equally, it was obtained in different manners. Dobutamine significantly improved the right ventricular function and the arterio-ventricular coupling. Norepinephrine increased systemic resistance, thereby improving arterial pressures and left ventricular systolic function by maintaining left ventricular end-diastolic volume.
WITHDRAWN: Performance of channels coding and space-time trellis codes on fading channel for multiple-input multiple-output free-space optical communication systems
Authors: Elsayed Ebrahim E.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we review and analyze the space-time trellis codes with and without ideal beamforming. Space-time trellis code with ideal beamforming at transmitter termed as weighted space. Smart antenna technology provides a wide variety of options, ranging from single-input multiple-output architectures that collect more energy to improve the signal-to-noise ratio at the receiver, to multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) architectures that open up multiple data pipes over a link. Atmospheric turbulence can cause signiﬁcant performance degradation in free-space optical (FSO) communication systems. An efﬁcient solution could be to exploit the temporal diversity to improve the performance of the FSO link.
Circulation patterns linked to extreme wet and dry conditions in Mozambique, relationship with climatic modes, and changes since 1961
Authors: Ibebuchi Chibuike Chiedozie
Published: April 2021

This study investigates circulation types (CTs) in Africa south of the equator that can be associated with extreme wet and dry conditions in Mozambique; the relationship between the CTs and climatic modes in the south Indian Ocean; and changes in the frequency of occurrence of the CTs since 1961. Obliquely rotated principal component analysis applied to sea level pressure field from NCEP-NACR for the 1961-2020 period was used to derive physically interpretable CTs. At the synoptic scale, widespread rainfall in Mozambique was found to be related to widespread cyclonic activity on the Mozambique landmass and in the southwest Indian Ocean, coupled with abundant onshore moisture advection by southeast winds. On average, this circulation type (CT) was found to be significantly related to the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole and the El Niño climatic modes, which both favor anomalous warming of the (western) tropical Indian Ocean. The aforementioned climatic modes equally constrain the annual frequency of occurrence of the CT, possibly due to the anomalous deepening of cyclonic activity in the southwest Indian Ocean during their active periods. Since 1961 the frequency of occurrence and days of persistence of the aforementioned CT has increased, suggesting a possible increase in the vulnerability of the hydroclimate of Mozambique. Extreme dry conditions in Mozambique can be related to widespread anticyclonic activity on the Mozambique landmass and the southwest Indian Ocean, coupled with the weakening of onshore moisture advection.
Adamantinoma-like variant of Ewing sarcoma in the metatarsal bone after chemotherapy: Report of a case successfully treated with a pedicled osteocutaneous fibular transfer
Authors: Marais Yolandi Anne , Saini Aaron , Ferreira Nando , Reddy Kershinee , Zühlke Alexander , Rossouw Nelmarie , Zaharie Stefan Dan , Schubert Pawel Tomasz
Published: April 2021

Adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma is a rare variant of Ewing sarcoma known to have histologic and immunohistochemical evidence of squamous differentiation. This variant most commonly occurs in the head and neck region with a few cases reported in long bones of the limbs. It may be associated with poorer clinical outcome and could pose a diagnostic challenge(s) particularly if it occurs in older patients or as a metastatic lesion. We present a case of Ewing sarcoma in the metatarsal of an 11 year old boy that manifested adamantinoma-like morphology after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Chemotherapy has been reported to induce neuronal maturation and rhabdoid morphology in cases of Ewing sarcoma, but no reports of treatment induced squamous differentiation with P40/P63 expression have been demonstrated. This is also the first documented case to use a pedicled osteocutaneous fibular transfer in a metatarsal malignancy, which is usually treated by either ray or below knee amputation.
Evaluation of metallophthalocyanine functionalized photocatalytic asymmetric polymer membranes for pollution control and antimicrobial activity
Authors:   , Mafukidze Donovan Musizvinoda Chidyamurimi
Published: April 2021

The conceptualisation of photosensitizing water treatment polymer membranes using phthalocyanine based photosensitizers is reported in this thesis. The key to successful preparation of stable photoactive polymer membranes was established as the covalent anchorage of the photosensitizer to a polymer, which was proven by singlet oxygen generation by the membranes without photosensitizer deterioration. Despite this limitation, the covalent linkage-incapable unsubstituted zinc (II) phthalocyanine (complex 2) was applied as a nanoconjugate of graphene quantum dots (2π(GQDs)). 2π(GQDs) was formed through π-π stacking, and was then covalently anchored, as a proof of concept. This concept was also applied to 2-(4-carboxyphenoxy) phthalocyaninato zinc (II) (complex 3) which is capable of covalent linkage but proved to deteriorate the efficiency of singlet oxygen formation with comparison to the covalent conjugates. Singlet oxygen generation by functionalized polymer membranes rendered them photocatalytic in the degradation of organic pollutants and microorganisms in water. Organic pollutant degradation capability was exemplified by 2π(GQDs) and a porphyrin-phthalocyanine heterodyad (complex 10) functionalized membranes (2π(GQDs)-memb and 10-memb respectively), where a MPc loading of approximately 0.139 μmol MPc/g of membrane was able to achieve a 4-chlorophenol degradation rate of 3.77 × 10−6 mol L−1 min−1 in a second order reaction with an initial 4-chlorophenol concentration of 3.24 × 10−4 mol L−1 for 2π(GQDs)-memb as an example. Antibacterial studies against S.aureus using a quaternized MPc and conjugates of silver triangular nanoprisms with zinc (II) and indium (III) MPcs showed note-worthy improvements in photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) activity in comparison to the unquaternized MPc precursor, and the free zinc and indium MPcs respectively. Functionalization of polymer membranes with these higher activity photosensitizers translated to the formation of potentially superior biological fouling resistant membranes. The use of porphyrin-phthalocyanine polynuclei arrays (complex 10) in polymer membrane functionalization resulted in the use of a wider wavelength range (white light). The findings from this work as a whole, thus presents the potential applicability of phthalocyanine functionalized polymer membranes in water treatment technology.
Possibilities of early ultrasound diagnosis of placenta accreta
Authors: I.A. Pestrukhin , N.A. Vlasova
Published: April 2021

A case of ultrasound diagnosis of placenta accreta during early (8 weeks) and screening ultrasound
examination at 12 weeks 4 days in a pregnant woman with a burdened obstetric history is presented. At 38 weeks,
a planned caesarean section was performed, followed by hysterectomy and removal of the right ovary and left
fallopian tube. A live girl was born, 3520 g / 54 cm, Apgar score 8/9. The course of the postoperative period in
the woman was adequate to the severity of the operation. The child is now healthy. The diagnosis of true placenta
percreta was confirmed intraoperatively and by the results of histological examination.
Lymphangioma of the fetus: prenatal diagnosis and the possibility of
intrauterine correction
Authors: A.R. Sleptsov , D.L. Guryev , I.M. Matveev et all ,
Published: April 2021

A case of prenatal diagnosis of fetal cervical lymphangioma is presented. During dynamic observation,
the tumor was growing. At 36 weeks the tumor has reached a large size. In order to reduce the risk of shoulder
dystocia during childbirth, lymphangioma was punctured under ultrasound guidance. An example of successful
intrauterine decompression of large cervical lymphangioma, shows the possibility to use it in practice. This can
relieve anxiety about shoulder dystocia and avoid the need for a cesarean section, and further helps reduce the
possibility of early neonatal complications. A literature review is presented.
Irrigation pipe distribution network optimization with Jaya Algorithm: a hybrid approach
Authors: Gajghate Preeti Walmik , Mirajkar Ashwini B.
Published: April 2021

The study demonstrates the implementation of Jaya Algorithm (JA) to optimize the Irrigation Pipe Distribution Network (IPDN) for the networks of the Kanhan Branch of Pench project, Maharashtra, India. In the present work, two case studies with their networks of two different sizes are designed using the Critical Path Method (CPM). The pipe diameters thus obtained in CPM are optimized using two optimization techniques, viz. linear programming (LP) and recently developed Jaya Algorithm (JA). JA is a relatively new optimization technique requiring minimum input parameters and are selected based on sensitivity analysis. The comparison of the results using LP and JA exhibits significant reduction in cost of IPDN using newly developed JA. The scope of reduction in the total cost using JA increases with increase in the network area.
Aula urbana y rural
Authors: Villalta Paucar Marco Antonio , Assael Budnik Cecilia , Magaña Frade Irene , Baeza Reyes Andrea , Rebolledo Etchepare Jessica
Published: April 2021

El artículo analiza la experiencia de participación en la sala de clase desde la perspectiva de niños y niñas de contextos socioculturales urbano y rural de Chile. Metodológicamente es un estudio cualitativo, de análisis de contenido de producciones discursivas y pictóricas de 74 infantes de primero básico de 14 escuelas de alta vulnerabilidad educativa, 6 de ellas ubicadas en sector urbano y 8 en sector rural. Se realizaron 16 entrevistas grupales para indagar sobre la experiencia de participar en el aula; se les solicitó un dibujo individual de las actividades de aprendizaje en el aula. Complementariamente se aplica la escala de matrices progresivas coloreada (MPC) de Raven. Los resultados indican que hay relación entre la puntuación obtenida en la prueba MPC y la percepción de participación en el aula manifiesta en los dibujos, así como diferencias entre los discursos del sector urbano y el rural de las escuelas.
Specifics of the First General Population Census of 1897 in Menzelinsk District of Ufa Province
Authors:   Marjani Institute of History of Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Zagidullin Ildus K.
Published: April 2021

The study of the First general population census in October 1896 – January 1897 years in Menzelinsk District of Ufa Province – “in the inner outskirts” – is relevant in several aspects: 1) it allows considering the effectiveness of the instructions for organizing and conducting statistical operations developed by the Chief Census Commission, which were compiled with the focus on the Russian majority of the country; 2) there is an opportunity to observe the social behavior of local authorities, facing the need to organize and conduct a statistical event within a very short time; 3) can trace the reaction of the local population to this state statistical event. The reports and journals of the provincial and district census commissions preserved in the fund of the Central Statistical Committee at the Ministry of Internal Affairs served as the source of the given article. The publication highlights a number of omissions allowed by the center in preparation of the normative legal documentation of the census; it also discusses the formation of census and enumeration areas in the country, recruiting of census enumerators and translators, providers the confessional composition of the heads of census areas and clarifies the role of the county census commission and mullahs in conducting explanatory work among Muslims, the protest reasons and forms are specified and the course of the census with the involvement of military teams in Muslim settlements is presented in details.
Scholar Rabiga Afzalovna Khakimova: Academic Work and Life Path
Authors:   Marjani Institute of History of Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, Bagautdinova Khalida Z.
Published: April 2021

The article highlights the life and scientific and pedagogical work of the outstanding Tatar linguist, associate professor, founder of the department of the Tatar Language and Literature of Kazan State University, Khakimova Rabiga Afzalovna. R.A. Khakimova worked her way up from a rural teacher to an associate professor at university. For many years of work she was awarded with medals and signs of honour. She knew German, Russian, Bashkir and Tatar languages well, as well as she could also communicate in Kazakh and Kyrgyz. R.A. Khakimova completed her postgraduate studies at the Institute of Linguistics of the USSR Academy of Sciences in Moscow and defended her Ph.D. thesis. The article provides a list of some of the published academic works of the scholar. Khakimova Rabiga Afzalovna was actively involved in the political work, due to which she had to receive reprimands. All of that became an obstacle to a happy family life. The article also analyzes the work of the Tatar Language and Literature Department in the period from 1944 to 1951. An excerpt from the work of Professor Khatip Guzman “Formation of a new specialty”, which has been kept in the N.I. Lobachevsky library of Kazan University, provides information about the teachers who worked during those years, as well as about the students. On May 9, 1951 R.A. Khakimova was dismissed for health grounds. Unfortunately, the obstacles that arose in the scholar’s life left their mark: Rabiga Afzalovna’s health deteriorated dramatically, which caused her sudden death.