bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finding the Context Indigenous Innovation in Village Enterprise Knowledge Structure: A Topic Modeling
Authors: Kusumastuti Retno , Silalahi Mesnan , Asmara Anugerah Yuka , Hardiyati Ria , Juwono Visnhu
Published: January 2021

Indigenous people have deep local knowledge of environmental sustainability and natural resource utilization, which are sources of innovations that often are drivers for economic growth in rural areas. This study explores the knowledge structure of indigenous innovation in village enterprises through content analysis of research publications. The resulting knowledge structure can be used to set up a roadmap for the studies on village enterprise and in a broader context to build metadata as a foundation for an evaluation system of village enterprise. The authors deploy topic modeling and co-word analyses to scrutinize 775 village enterprise research articles from the Scopus database and 665 paper from ScienceDirect. In the topic modeling, topic models village enterprises are setup. The topics found are local ownership (such as market and property), land, services (housing, health care), economy and public policy, financial service micro-credit, environmental pollution control, local business sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and household income, bioenergy based electrification, and bumdes management. Four sectors of the natural resource-based indigenous economy were identified: traditional food production, bio-energy for fuel and electricity, agriculture, and tourism. The topic models are used to comprehend knowledge structure in the village enterprises whereby the focus is to uncover the context of indigenous village enterprise and its states of the art.
Is the Effect of Intervertebral Foramen Endoscopic Surgery on Adjacent Segmental Degeneration Better Than That of Open Surgery?
Authors: shunmin wang , sun kaiqiang , liu aigang , chen rongzi , luo xi , cao jie , zhao feng , shi jiangang
Published: January 2021

Background To compare the clinical outcomes of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and endoscopic discectomy in the treatment of postoperative adjacent segment degeneration in patients with lumbar disc herniation. Methods From 2014 to 2017, 87 patients who were diagnosed with single-level lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and received surgery of TLIF (group X, n = 43) or endoscopic discectomy (group F, n = 44) were retrospectively analyzed. X-ray, MRI, CT and clinical symptoms were recorded before operation and at the last follow-up. The neurological function was originally evaluated by the (JOA) score of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Radiological evaluation included the height of intervertebral space (HIS), intervertebral foramen height (FH), intervertebral foramen area (FA), lumbar lordosis (CA) and intervertebral disc degeneration pfirrmann score.Results There was no significant difference in average operation age, JOA improvement rate, reoperation rate and complications between the two groups. The average blood loss, average hospital stays and average operation time in group F were lower than those in group X. During the last follow-up, HIS, CA and FA decreased in both groups, and the changes in group X were more significant than those in group X (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative FH between the two groups, but it decreased more in group X (P < 0.05).Conclusion Both TLIF and endoscopic surgery can achieve good results in the treatment of LDH, but the risk of lumbar adjacent segment degeneration after intervertebral foraminal surgery is lower.
Expression of N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) Regulators Correlates With Immune Microenvironment Infiltration and Predicts Prognosis in Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
Authors: Xie Zucheng , Li Meiwei , Hong Haoyuan , Xu Qingyuan , He Zhendong , Peng Zhigang
Published: January 2021

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and immune microenvironment infiltration have been widely reported to play important roles in various cancers. However, in diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the clinical significance of m6A regulators and their relationship with immune microenvironment infiltration have not been illuminated.Methods: The expression of m6A regulators in DLBCL was investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression databases. The capacity of m6A regulators in dividing molecular clusters of DLBCL was determined using Consensus Clustering algorithm and validated via principal component analysis. The clinical traits and prognosis difference in m6A-sorted clusters were revealed. The m6A prognostic signature was established and validated based on Gene Expression Omnibus dataset using univariate Cox and LASSO regression analysis. The immune cell infiltration and the expression of immune checkpoint genes in m6A low/high-risk DLBCL were studied. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was adopted to unveil the underlying molecular mechanism in m6A low/high-risk DLBCL.Results: Differentially expressed m6A regulators were able to molecularly discriminate DLBCL as two clusters based on consensus clustering and principal component analysis. A six m6A regulators-based risk prediction signature was established and validated as an independent predictor, which separated patients into m6A low- and high-risk groups. High-risk m6A indicates worse survival, for which the predictive AUC at 1-, 2-, and 5-year achieved 0.605, 0.640, and 0.652, respectively. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed the B cells naïve and T cells gamma delta were the top increased and decreased immune cells in high-risk m6A patients. Up-regulated (PDCD1 and KIR3DL1) and down-regulated (TIGIT, DO1, and BTLA) immune checkpoint genes in high-risk m6A patients were identified. GSEA analysis unveiled high-risk m6A related to tumor proliferation associated process, while low-risk m6A related to defense response associated process. Conclusions: This study provided a comprehensive analysis for the clinical significance of m6A regulators and their association with immune microenvironment infiltration. An m6A regulators-based risk signature may be applied for the risk stratification of DLBCL patients, thus may facilitate the clinical management of DLBCL. Immune microenvironment was found to be closely related to m6A risk, which may be part of the mechanism of m6A regulators in DLBCL.
ISSI 2020: Mechanism and Method of Testing Fracture Toughness and Impact Absorbed Energy By Spherical Indentation Tests
Authors: Li Jianxun , Zhang Tairui , Wang Shang , Cheng Jirui , Wang Weiqiang
Published: January 2021

Aimed at the problem that conventional approaches for mechanical property determination all need destructive sampling, which may be improper for in-service structures, the authors proposed a method to determine the quasi-static fracture toughness and impact absorbed energy from spherical indentation tests (SITs) in this study. The stress status and damage mechanism of SIT, Mode I fracture, Charpy impact tests, and related tests were first investigated through finite element (FE) calculations and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, respectively. It was found that the damage mechanism of SITs is different from Mode I fracture, while the Mode I fracture and Charpy impact test share the same damage mechanism. Taking the difference between SIT and Mode I fracture into consideration, the uniaxial tension and pure shear were introduced to correlate SIT with Mode I fracture. Based on which, the widely used critical indentation energy (CIE) model in fracture toughness determination from SITs was modified. The quasi-static fracture toughness determined from the modified CIE model was used in evaluating the impact absorbed energy by means of the dynamic fracture toughness and energy to crack initiation. Effectiveness of the new proposed method was verified through experiments on four kinds of steels, i.e. Q345R, SA508-3, 18MnMoNbR, and S30408.
Research On Energy Saving and Performance Enhancement of High-End Hydraulic Press With Controllable Accumulator
Authors: Hua Lin , Xu Zhicheng , Liu Yanxiong , Zhao Xinhao
Published: January 2021

Hydraulic fineblanking press is a kind of high-end hydraulic metal forming devices and widely applied in automotive and appliance industry. However, it suffers from the defeat of high energy consumption low energy efficiency. To solve the problem, this study proposed a power-matching strategy by using a novel controllable accumulator which can control the precharge pressure, output flow with high precision. Firstly, the energy characteristics and working performance requirements of the large-sized fineblanking press in a working cycle were investigated. Then, the energy consumption mathematic model coupling with the controllable accumulator was built for designing the key parameters of the accumulators. Based on the load characteristic and the energy model, a controlling strategy of the controllable accumulator was proposed to reduce the imbalance degree of the supplied and demanded power and improve working performance by designing working route of the controllable accumulator. Finally, a detailed hydraulic schematic was designed and applied on the 1000 ton hydraulic fineblanking press, which was validated with simulation model. The results show that compared to the traditional system, the energy efficiency of the novel system is improved by 20.35% with lowering the input energy by 169.4 kJ. Besides, the vibration magnitude of the slide block is decreased a lot and the working production efficiency is improved by 10% compared to the traditional system.
Cerebrospinal fluid p-tau231 as an early indicator of emerging pathology in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ashton Nicholas J. , Benedet Andrea L. , Pascoal Tharick A. , Karikari Thomas K. , Lantero-Rodriguez Juan , Mathotaarachchi Sulantha , Therriault Joseph , Savard Melissa , Chamoun Mira , Stoops Erik , Francois Cindy , Vanmechelen Eugeen , Gauthier Serge , Zimmer Eduardo R. , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Rosa-Neto Pedro
Published: January 2021

Biomarkers for early phosphorylation of tau constitute an unmet need for disease modifying intervention in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent advances in targeted mass spectrometry and immunoassays have revealed phosphorylation sites, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), with potentially greater utility as preclinical and diagnostic biomarkers as compared to the well validated biomarker – phosphorylated tau at threonine 181 (p-tau181). Phosphorylated tau (p-tau) epitopes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are highly accurate biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology and are already increased before cognitive symptoms have manifested. However, it is unknown if these preclinical increases transpire earlier, prior to amyloid-beta (Aβ) positivity threshold, and if an ordinal sequence of p-tau epitopes occurs at this incipient phase. In this study, we measured cerebrospinal (CSF) p-tau181, p-tau217 and p-tau231 in 171 participants across the AD continuum compared to AD neuropathology as indexed by Ab ([18F]AZD4694) and tau ([18F]MK6240) position emission tomography. CSF P-tau217 and p-tau231 predicted Aβ and tau at the preclinical and dementia stages to a similar degree but p-tau231 attained abnormal levels first. P-tau231 was more sensitive to the earliest changes in Aβ in the medial orbitofrontal, precuneus and posterior cingulate cortices before global Aβ PET positivity had been achieved. Our findings demonstrate that CSF p-tau231 increases early in development of AD pathology and is a principal candidate for detecting incipient Aβ pathology for therapeutic trial application.
Contributing Roles of Depression, Anxiety, and Impulsivity Dimensions in Eating Behaviors Styles in Obese Individuals Seeking Bariatric Surgery
Authors: BENZEROUK FARID , Guénin Monique , Gierski Fabien , Raucher-Chéné Delphine , Barrière Sarah , Bertin Eric , Kaladjian Arthur
Published: January 2021

BackgroundEven if bariatric surgery appears as the most effective therapeutic approach, it is not equally successful across individuals suffering from obesity. Among the factors that influence postsurgical outcomes, eating behaviors are known to play a key role in relapses. The aim of our study was to assess eating behaviors styles and several modulating psychopathological factors in patients suffering from obesity.MethodsPatients seeking bariatric surgery (N = 127) completed a set of standardized tools assessing eating behaviors (DEBQ), psychiatric comorbid conditions (MINI), mood (BDI-13, STAI), and impulsivity (UPPS-P).ResultsWe found significant correlations between DEBQ Emotional Eating (EmoE) and depression, state and trait anxiety and all dimensions of impulsivity. Significant correlations also occurred between DEBQ External Eating (ExtE) and depression, state and trait anxiety and UPPS-P positive urgency, lack of perseverance and sensation seeking. Regression analyses showed female gender, trait anxiety, and lack of perseverance as explanatory factors in EmoE, and depression severity score and positive urgency in ExtE.ConclusionsEmoE might be a means of dealing with negative emotions and/or intrusive thoughts, while ExtE may result from a mechanism associated with depression. These results may help to improve patients’ outcome by defining specific therapeutic targets in psychological interventions.
Conservation Facing the Uses Knowledge of Phacochoerus Africanus (Gmelin 1788), Common Warthog And Potamochoerus Porcus (Linnaeus 1758), Red River Hog In South Of Benin
Authors: Codjia Florian Gbodja , Lougbegnon Toussaint Olou , Lopes Sérgio de Faria , Mensah Guy Apollinaire
Published: January 2021

BackgroundDespite the number of wild animals that are useful to the local population and have served as a basis for ethnozoological research in Benin, others such as Phacochoerus africanus and Potamochoerus porcus remain poorly documented according to their uses. They are already facing threats to their proper conservation in ecosystems where they are found in metapopulations as a result of the fragmentation effects. In this study, the ethnozoological knowledge of these suids in southern Benin was inventoried. MethodsTo achieve this objective, structured interviews were conducted with 138 people randomly selected in nine districts. The use values of these suids parts and the fidelity level were assessed through global ethnozoological value. Non-parametric tests were carried out to analyse the uses differences according to gender, age and ethnic group. Two Correspondence Analyses (PCA) were carried out to describe use categories within districts and ethnic groups. A Generalized Linear Model (GLMs) of binomial families was used to relate the suids practice hunting to districts and distance from the village. ResultsMore than two use categories (food, medicinal and magical) were identified for both species. With regard to the most commonly used parts, we have the mane, teeth, horns for the common warthog and the skull, teeth, nose and testicles for the red river hog. Ten illnesses were cited to be treated by their parts. Significant differences were observed between ethnic groups regarding the suids medicinal uses but not for gender. The ethnozoological use value of suids was almost similar for adults and the elderly. ConclusionStrong pressure continues to be exerted on these two suids and their habitats despite their high zootechnical potential compared to exotic pigs. After the creation of income-generating activities, future research needs to be carried out to evaluate their budgets activities, genetic study and diet through metabarcoding approaches to promote their domestication. This could help to capitalise data that can be used in breeding programmes in order to limit threats on the few species individuals found in the natural environment, as well as to participate in reintroductions if necessary.
Flow Separation Control of Nacelle in Crosswind by Microsecond Pulsed Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuator
Authors: Jia Yuhao , Liang Hua , He Qikun , Su Zhi , Song Guoxing
Published: January 2021

Flow separation under crosswind conditions seriously jeopardizes the quality of the nacelle’s flow field. In this paper, microsecond pulsed surface dielectric barrier discharge (µSDBD) is used to suppress the flow separation and reduce the crosswind distortion of the nacelle. The flow structure induced by the µSDBD is first explored by a high-speed schlieren system. The pressure waves composed of a cylindrical wave surrounding the electrodes and a flat wave at the top of the cylindrical one can be perceived, which indicates the fast gas heating produced by the µSDBD. A set of wind tunnel tests are then conducted to verify the ability of µSDBD to suppress the nacelle flow separation and study the influence laws of pulse frequency, coverage area, and the actuator layout on the flow control effects. Results show that plasma actuation can not only improve the total pressure at the exit of the nacelle but also suppress the flow distortion caused by the crosswind. The best flow control effect can be achieved at the pulse frequency of 500Hz, with the value of sectional distortion coefficient reduced by 57.76% compared with the baseline condition. The flow control effect with the plasma actuator covering 120° of the nacelle perimeter is better than that of 60° and 180° coverage, showing the highest flow control efficiency in the 120° condition. The µSDBD can improve mixing between the boundary layer and the main flow, enhancing the ability of the boundary layer to resist the adverse pressure gradient, which is beneficial to flow separation control.
Comparative Study of Clinical Efficacy of Percutaneous Short Segment Pedicle Screw Fixation With or Without Screwing of the Fractured Vertebra With O-arm Navigation
Authors: Shao Xiaofeng , Peng Peng , Yang Peng , Xu Tian , Liu Zixiang , Hua Xi , Zhu Xiaoyu , Qian Zhonglai , Yang Huilin , Mao Haiqing , Kangwu Chen
Published: January 2021

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the short-term and long-term efficacy of O-arm-navigated percutaneous short segment pedicle screw fixation with or without screwing of the fractured vertebra.Methods: 42 patients who underwent O-arm-navigated percutaneous short segment pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures from February 2015 to December 2018 were selected. The patients were divided into two groups according to fixation with or without screwing of the fractured vertebra, 21 cases each. The operation time, length of incision and intraoperative bleeding of the two groups of patients, as well as preoperative, one-week postoperatively and one-year postoperatively Cobb angle, percentage of anterior vertebral height, VAS and ODI data were analyzed to compare the short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of the two groups.Results: All the patients underwent surgery successfully. There were no neurological or other complications after the surgery. All patients were followed up for at least one year. There was no failure of fixation at the one-year follow-up. There was no significant difference in the operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P>0.05). The length of incision was statistically significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Cobb angle and AVH% between the two groups before and one week after the surgery (P>0.05). The Cobb angle and AVH% was statistically significantly different one year after the surgery between the two groups (P<0.05).The Cobb angle and AVH% contrast was statistically significant before surgery, one week and one year after the surgery in the respective group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the VAS and ODI preoperatively, one-week and one-year postoperatively between the two groups (P>0.05). There was statistically significant difference in the VAS and ODI throughout the follow-up period in the respective group(P<0.05). Conclusion: The short-term efficacy of the two groups is similar, but the long-term efficacy is better through screwing of the fractured vertebra.
Global review of assisted diagnosis tools using medical database and artificial intelligence methods to improve complex disease diagnosis
Authors: Blériot Anne , Meur Franck Le , Chamisso Guillaume De
Published: January 2021

Millions of people worldwide suffer from a rare disease. Many among them without a definitive diagnosis. The object of this study was to identify, evaluate and rate the most appropriate and promising technological tools to help patients effectively navigate their rare disease journey and reduce their exposure to diagnostic wandering.For the analysis of available tools, products were separated into four technology categories: artificial intelligence, assisted anamnesis (symptom checkers), awareness/patient self-screening, direct identification of patients via screening. Tools were then ranked according to two criteria: impact on patients and operability and subsequently narrowed down further for more in-depth analysis. In two separate advisory board meetings, the most promising tools were then evaluated by healthcare professionals and patient representatives, respectively.Across four categories and 107 different tools and means for the purposes of reducing diagnostic wandering in rare disease patients, instruments such as Symptoma, Isabel or FindZebra emerged as the favored solution on both advisory board meeting groups. Symptoma was selected to be further evaluated in a comprehensive pilot study with cardiologists and general practitioners in a real-world setting.
Pulsatility Protects the Endothelial Function during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zeng Jianfeng , Li Jiani , He Xiaoqian , Li Guanhua
Published: January 2021

Background

Pulsatile flow has been proved to protect vital organ function and microcirculation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Studies revealed that pulsatile shear stress plays a vital role in the microcirculatory function and integrity. The objective of this study was to investigate how pulsatility affects wall shear stress and microcirculation during ECMO.
Methods

Using the i-Cor system, we compared the effects of pulstile or non-pulsatile flows in a canine ECMO model, with hemodynamic parameters and peak wall shear stress (PWSS) calculated. Serum concentrations of syndecan-1 and heparan sulfate were measured at different time points during ECMO. Pulstile shear stress experiments were also validated in endothelial cells exposed to different magnitude of pulsatility, with cell viability, the expressions of syndecan-1 and endothelial-to-mesenchymal tranformation (EndMT) markers analyzed.
Results

The pulsatile flow generated more surplus hemodynamic energy and preserved higher PWSS during ECMO. Serum concentrations of syndecan-1 and heparan sulfate were both negatively correlated with PWSS, and significantly lower levels were observed in the pulsatile group. In addition, non-pulsatility triggered EndMT, with EndMT related genes up-regulated, and endothelial cells exposed to low pulsatility had the lowest possibility of EndMT.
Conclusion

The maintenance of the PWSS by pulsatility during ECMO contributes to the beneficial effects on glycocalyx integrity and microcirculatory function. Moreover, pulsatility prevents EndMT in endothelial cells, and low pulsatility exhibits the best protective effects. The augmentation of pulsatility may be a future direction to improve the clinical outcome in ECMO.
Plasmid-Mediated Resistance to Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporins and Resistance to Fluoroquinolones in Escherichia Coli Isolates from Black-headed Gulls (Larus Ridibundus)
Authors: Velhner Maja , Todorović Dalibor , Novović Katarina , Jovčić Branko , Lazić Gospava , Kojić Milan , Kehrenberg Corinna
Published: January 2021

Although resistance to fluoroquinolones is common in E. coli isolates from farm and game animals in Serbia, currently no data are accessible on the occurrence of antibacterial resistances in E. coli isolates from gulls. Therefore, 45 cloacal swabs and 50 fecal samples from black-headed gulls were investigated for the presence of Escherichia coli isolates resistant to antibiotics. Multidrug resistance was detected in 22 E. coli isolates. High level resistance to fluoroquinolones was found in ten isolates with MIC values of ciprofloxacin ranging from 4 to 32 mg/L. Genotyping revealed single or double mutations in the quinolone resistance determining region (QRDR) of the gyrA or gyrA, parC and parE genes, respectively. Ten isolates showed resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotics. These ten isolates belonged to phylogenetic group B2 (five isolates), group D (four isolates) and group B1 (one isolate). An extended-spectrum β-lactamase resistance phenotype was detected in one isolate which carried the blaCTX-M-1 gene on a plasmid of the I2/FIB replicon type. Nine isolates carried blaCMY-2 genes, which were detected on conjugative plasmids in seven isolates. One transconjugant also carried hly, iroN, iss, ompT and cvaC virulence genes on the plasmid. Five different sequence types (ST38, ST2307, ST224, ST162 and ST34) were detected in E. coli isolates with ESBL or AmpC phenotype and genotype.
Oseltamivir improved thrombocytopenia during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults with refractory cardiac failure: A single-center retrospective real-world study
Authors: Li Yuan , Wang Lin , Zhang Jianning , Han Hui , Liu Han , Li Chaoyang , Guo Haipeng , Chen Yuguo , Chen Xiaomei
Published: January 2021

Background

Severe thrombocytopenia is a common complication of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Oseltamivir can be used to treat infection-associated thrombocytopenia.
Objective

To evaluate the effect of oseltamivir on attenuating severe thrombocytopenia during ECMO.
Methods

This was a single-center real-world study in critically ill patients supported with venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Patients suspected or confirmed with influenza received oseltamivir according to the Chinese guidelines. Thrombocytopenia and survival were compared between the oseltamivir-treated and -untreated groups. The factors associated with survival were analyzed by multivariable Cox analysis.
Results

A total of 82 patients were included. All patients developed thrombocytopenia after initiating VA-ECMO. Twenty-three patients received oseltamivir (O+ group), and 59 did not (O− group). During the first 8 days of VA-ECMO initiation, the platelet counts in the O+ group were higher than in the O− group (all P < 0.05). The patients in the O+ group had higher median platelet counts at the nadir (77,000/µL, 6,000-169,000/µL), compared with the O− group (49,000/µL, 2,000-168,000/µL; P = 0.04). A platelet count nadir < 50,000/µL was seen in 26% of the patients in the O+ group, compared with 53% in the O− group (P = 0.031). No significant differences in survival to discharge were seen between the O+ and O− groups (48% vs. 56%, P = 0.508). Only the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores at the time of VA-ECMO initiation were independently associated with survival (OR = 1.12, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.02–1.22, P = 0.015).
Conclusions

Oseltamivir could ameliorate VA-ECMO-related thrombocytopenia. These findings suggest the prophylactical potential of oseltamivir on severe thrombocytopenia associated with the initiation of VA-ECMO.
Cerebrovascular disease and coronavirus (COVID-19): a case report
Authors: Athanasios Amira , Daley Ivy , Ulhaque Abid , Desai Parth
Published: January 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Design and Experimental Testing of a Force-Augmenting Exoskeleton for the Human Hand
Authors: Triolo Emily , BuSha Brett
Published: January 2021

BackgroundMany older Americans suffer from long-term upper limb dysfunction, decreased grip strength, and/or a reduced ability to hold objects due to injuries and a variety of age-related illnesses. The objective of this study was to design and build a five-fingered powered assistive exoskeleton for the human hand, and to validate its ability to augment the gripping and pinching efforts of the wearer and assist in performing ADLs. MethodsThe exoskeleton device was designed using CAD software and 3-D printed in ABS. Each finger’s movement efforts were individually monitored by a force sensing resistor at each fingertip, and proportionally augmented via the microcontroller-based control scheme, linear actuators, and rigid exoskeleton structure. The force production of the device and the force augmenting capability were assessed on ten healthy individuals include one 5-digit grasping test, three pinching tests, and two functional tests. ResultsUse of the device significantly decreased the forearm muscle activity necessary to maintain a grasping effort (67%,p<0.001), the larger of the pinching efforts (30%,p<0.05), and the palmer pinching effort (67%,p<0.001); however, no benefit by wearing the device was identified while maintaining a minimal pinching effort or attempting one of the functional tests. ConclusionThe exoskeleton device allowed subjects to maintain independent control of each digit, and while wearing the exoskeleton, in both the unpowered and powered states, subjects were able to grasp, hold, and move objects such as a water bottle, bag, smartphone, or dry-erase marker.
InDel Marker Development and QTL Analysis of Agronomic Traits in Mung Bean [Vigna Radiate (L.) Wilczek]
Authors: Ye Weijun , Yang Yong , Wang Peiran , Zhang Yin , Zhang Liya , Tian Dongfeng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Lingling , Zhou Bin
Published: January 2021

The stem color of young mung bean is a very useful tool in germplasm identification. Flowering time and plant height (PH) are known to be strongly correlated with crop adaption and yield. However, few studies have focused on elucidating the genetic mechanisms that regulate these five particular traits: young stem color (YSC), days to first flowering (DFF), days to maturity (DM), PH, and nodes on main stem (NMS). In this study, a genetic linkage map for the F2 population was constructed using 129 InDel markers that were developed based on the sequence variations between parents. A total of 14 QTLs related to YSC, DFF, DM, PH, and NMS were detected. These QTLs were distributed on six chromosomes (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 10), which individually accounted for 1.32% to 90.07% of the total phenotypic variation. Using a short and high-density linkage map for the F3 population, six of the seven QTLs which clustered at two intervals on chromosomes 3 and 10 were detected again. Further analysis found that four QTLs between InDel markers R3-15 and R3-19 controlled DFF, DM, PH, and NMS, and each QTL accounted for a large percent of the total phenotypic variation. Analysis of two F2:3 lines also found that the phenotype was highly corresponded to its genotype which is between R3-15 and R3-19. Phenotype and genotype analysis for 30 mung bean accessions showed that the major effect QTL qDFF3 was a key regulator for days to DFF. Using a map-based cloning method, the major effect QTL qYSC4 for YSC was mapped in a 347 Kb interval on chromosome 4. Candidate gene analysis showed that sequence variations and expression level differences existed in the predicted candidate gene between the parents. These results provide a theoretical basis for cloning these QTLs and marker-assisted selection.
The Indelible Challenges of Student Retention in Higher Education: Imperatives for a Closer Scrutiny
Authors: Tamrat Wondwosen
Published: January 2021

Student attrition remains a serious challenge for universities across the globe despite the extended attention it continues to attract. Given the meagre research available in the Global South and particularly in Africa, this study was conducted to assess the status of student attrition in 15 Ethiopian public universities. The study examined the scope, nature and causes of student attrition at the level of institutions, programs and gender wise. The findings revealed that the attrition rate at Ethiopian public universities manifests a high level of waste that goes against the national ambition of expanding higher education through wider participation and student success. Universities were also found deficient in terms of tracking the progress of their students, hampering their potential for follow up and early interventions. It is argued that closer scrutiny and robust responses are needed both at policy and institutional levels in order to bring about the improvements sought.
On the verge of life: Distribution of nucleotide sequences in viral RNAs
Authors: Husev Mykola , Rovenchak Andrij
Published: January 2021

The aim of the study is to analyze viruses using parameters obtained from distributions of nucleotide sequences in the viral RNA. Seeking for the input data homogeneity, we analyze single-stranded RNA viruses only. Two approaches are used to obtain the nucleotide sequences; In the first one, chunks of equal length (four nucleotides) are considered. In the second approach, the whole RNA genome is divided into parts by adenine or the most frequent nucleotide as a "space''. Rank--frequency distributions are studied in both cases. The defined nucleotide sequences are signs comparable to a certain extent to syllables or words as seen from the nature of their rank--frequency distributions. Within the first approach, the P\'olya and the negative hypergeometric distribution yield the best fit. For the distributions obtained within the second approach, we have calculated a set of parameters, including entropy, mean sequence length, and its dispersion. The calculated parameters became the basis for the classification of viruses. We observed that proximity of viruses on planes spanned on various pairs of parameters corresponds to related species. In certain cases, such a proximity is observed for unrelated species as well calling thus for the expansion of the set of parameters used in the classification. We also observed that the fourth most frequent nucleotide sequences obtained within the second approach are of different nature in case of human coronaviruses (different nucleotides for MERS, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 versus identical nucleotides for four other coronaviruses). We expect that our findings will be useful as a supplementary tool in the classification of diseases caused by RNA viruses with respect to severity and contagiousness.
The GCMS Analysis of the Diethylether and Ethylacetate Fraction of the Peel of Solanum incanum and the Study of Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Ravichandran Yesudass Dominic , Yetayih Molla Mequanint
Published: January 2021

The ethyl acetate and diethyl ether extracts of the peel of the fruit of Solanum incanum. (S. incanum) was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 105 compounds were identified in the diethyl ether extract and 75 compounds were identified in ethyl acetate extract. Among them, the mass spectral data of 5 compounds were analyzed, discussed and compared with NIST database. The antibacterial screening was also conducted for both the diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fraction of the fruit peel S.incanum using four pathogens, two Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) and Streptococcus pyogenes ( S. pyogenes ) ant two Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), Klebsiella pneumoniae ( K. pneumonia ), at four different concentrations (250, 500, 750 and 1000 μg/mL). The diethyl ether and ethyl acetate extracts of the peel of S. incanum exhibited activity against E. coli and K. pneumonia at 1000 μg/mL concentration
Does increasing the number of channels during neuromuscular electrical stimulation reduce fatigability and produce larger contractions with less discomfort?
Authors: Barss Trevor Scott , Sallis Bailey WM , Miller Dylan J , Collins David F
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) recruits motor units (MUs) at unphysiologically high rates, leading to contraction fatigability. Rotating NMES pulses between multiple electrodes recruits different MUs from each site, reducing MU firing rates and fatigability. This study aimed to determine whether rotating pulses between an increasing number of stimulation channels (cathodes) reduces contraction fatigability and increases the ability to generate torque during NMES. A secondary outcome was perceived discomfort. Methods: Fifteen neurologically-intact volunteers completed 4 sessions. NMES was delivered over the quadriceps through 1 (NMES1), 2 (NMES2), 4 (NMES4) or 8 (NMES8) channels. Fatigability was assessed over 100 contractions (1s on/1s off) at an initial contraction amplitude that was 20% of a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Torque-frequency relationships were characterized over 6 frequencies from 20-120Hz. Results: NMES4 and NMES8 resulted in less decline in torque (42% and 41%) and generated more torque over the 100 contractions than NMES1 and NMES2 (53% and 50% decline in torque). Increasing frequency from 20-120Hz increased torque by 7, 13, 21 and 24% MVC, for NMES1, NMES2, NMES4 and NMES8, respectively. Perceived discomfort was highest during NMES8 . Conclusion: NMES4 and NMES8 reduced contraction fatigability and generated larger contractions across a range of frequencies than NMES1 and NMES2 . NMES8 produced the most discomfort, likely due to small electrodes and high current density. During NMES, more is not better and rotating pulses between 4-channels may be optimal to reduce contraction fatigability and produce larger contractions with minimal discomfort compared to conventional NMES configurations.
Influence of Sparshanam, a medical humanities module and personal and professional development – perspectives of the first batch of medical graduates
Authors: Shankar Pathiyil Ravi , Dhakal Ajaya Kumar , Piryani Rano Mal , Shrestha Devendra , Dwa Yam Prasad
Published: January 2021

Medical humanities (MH) programs are common in developed nations. However, in Nepal a developing country in South Asia these programs are not common. A module was conducted for all first-year undergraduate medical students at a medical college in Nepal (2009-2012). This study obtained the perception of the first batch of students about Sparshanam, the MH module and its perceived impact on their personal and professional life. Responses were collected using an online form. Participants’ perceptions about the strengths and weaknesses of the module, and the contribution of the module to their personal and professional development was studied. Information about gender, specialization, place, and country of work and marital status was noted.
Thirty-nine of the 75 alumni (52%) participated. Teamwork, interactive group sessions and providing a holistic perspective about the patient were the strengths and modules during the clinical years and postgraduate training were recommended. The module enhanced respondents’ teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, ability to empathize with patients, and their clinical observation skills. Participants perceived the module to have an important influence of their development. The results from the evaluation of this module by working doctors may serve as a facilitating factor to introduce MH in Nepalese medical schools.
Robust Three-dimensional (3D) Expansion of Bovine Intestinal Stem Cells: A Model for Replacement of Animal Experiments
Authors: Lee Bo Ram , Yang Hyeon , Lee Sang In , Haq Inamul , Ock Sun A , Wi Hayeon , Lee Hwi Cheul , Lee Poongyeon , Ryu Jae Goo
Published: January 2021

Background Intestinal organoids offer great promise for disease modelling based host-pathogen interactions and nutritional research for feed efficiency measurement in livestock as well as regenerative medicine for therapeutic purposes. However, very limited studies are available on the functional characterization and three-dimensional (3D) expansion of adult stem cells in livestock species compared to mammals. Therefore, we characterized intestinal stem cells derived from small intestine in adult bovine and cultivated intestinal organoids under in vitro 3D culture system.Results In this study, we successfully established intestinal organoids in bovine. Intestinal organoids were long-term cultivated over several passages of culture without loss of the recapitulating capacity of crypts and they had the specific expression of several specific markers involved in intestinal stem cells, intestinal epithelium and nutrient absorption. In addition, they showed the key functionality with regard to a high permeability for compounds of up to FITC-dextran 4 kDa, while FITC-dextran 40 kDa failed to enter the organoid lumen. Furthermore, the genetic properties of intestinal organoids were highly similar to those of in vivo based on QuantSeq 3’ mRNA-Seq. data.Conclusions Collectively, these results provide a reliable method for efficient isolation of intestinal crypts from small intestine and robust 3D expansion of intestinal stem cells in adult bovine and demonstrate the in vitro 3D organoids mimics the in vivo tissue topology and functionality. Finally, intestinal organoids are potential alternatives to in vivo system and will facilitate the practical use of a model to replace animal experiments in the fields of animal biotechnology for various purposes.
The characteristic equation of the exceptional Jordan algebra: its eigenvalues, and their possible connection with the mass ratios of quarks and leptons
Authors: Singh Tejinder P.
Published: January 2021

The exceptional Jordan algebra [also known as the Albert algebra] is the ﬁnite dimensional algebra of 3x3 Hermitean matrices with octonionic entries. Its automorphism group is the exceptional Lie group F4. These matrices admit a cubic characteristic equation whose eigenvalues are real and depend on the invariant trace, determinant, and an inner product made from the Jordan matrix. Also, there is some evidence in the literature that the group F4 could play a role in the uniﬁcation of the standard model symmetries, including the Lorentz symmetry. The octonion algebra is known to correctly yield the electric charge values (0, 1/3, 2/3, 1) for standard model fermions, via the eigenvalues of a U(1) number operator, identiﬁed with U(1)em. In the present article, we use the same octonionic representation of the fermions to compute the eigenvalues of the characteristic equation of the Albert algebra, and compare the resulting eigenvalues with the known mass ratios for quarks and leptons. We ﬁnd that the ratios of the eigenvalues correctly reproduce the [square root of the] known mass ratios for up, charm and top quark. We also propose a diagrammatic representation of the standard model bosons, Higgs and three fermion generations, in terms of the octonions, exhibiting an F4 symmetry. We motivate from our Lagrangian as to why the eigenvalues computed in this work could bear a relation with mass ratios of quarks and leptons. In conjunction with the trace dynamics Lagrangian, the Jordan eigenvalues also provide a ﬁrst principles theoretical derivation of the low energy value of the ﬁne structure constant, yielding the value 1/137.04006. The Karolyhazy correction to this value gives an exact match with the measured value of the constant, after assuming a speciﬁc value for the electro-weak symmetry breaking energy scale.
Preparation of Ni2P decorated black phosphorus nanosheets supported on two-dimensional α-zirconium phosphate and its catalysis for hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene
Authors: Li Jia , Ma Hongqin , Wang Jie , Yu Luqi , Luo Xinyue , Gao Junyu
Published: January 2021

The hybrid material of a novel Ni2P/black phosphorus (Ni2P/BP) supported on two-dimensional α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) was prepared, and its catalytic activity for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of dibenzothiophene (DBT) was investigated in a batch autoclave reactor. The results indicate that a high yield of BP nanosheets from bulk BP crystals can be easily obtained adopting a freeze-assisted exfoliation method, and Ni2P/BP can be sucessfully synthesized by a facial one-step solvothermal reaction. Through the reaction of the nickel salt with BP nanosheets, Ni2P nanoparticles formed in situ are firmly anchored on the surface of BP, effectively preventing themselves from aggregating. BP is not only used as the phosphorus source for the synthesis of Ni2P, but its superior electron mobility can significantly promote the catalytic HDS activity of Ni2P species. Moreover, the support of two-dimensional α-ZrP nanosheets with a large specific surface area has a strong structure and adjustable performance, which greatly improves the stability and service life of the catalyst. With the Ni/P molar ratio of 1:2 in the supported Ni2P/BP nanosheets, Ni2P/BP@ZrP has a conversion rate of 87.4% for the HDS reaction of DBT within 6 h at 260 ℃, much higher than the traditional NiMo/Al2O3 catalyst (65.6%), showing a good promising application to industrial catalytic desulfurization.
Effect of Laser Parameters on Sequential Laser Beam Micromachining and Micro Electro-Discharge Machining
Authors: Rashid Mir Akmam Noor , Saleh Tanveer , Noor Wazed Ibne , Ali Mohamed Sultan Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Laser beam micromachining (LBMM) and micro electro-discharge machining (µEDM) based sequential micromachining technique, LBMM-µEDM has drawn significant research attention to utilizing the advantages of both methods, i.e. LBMM and µEDM. In this process, a pilot hole is machined by the LBMM and subsequently finishing operation of the hole is carried out by the µEDM. This paper presents an experimental investigation on the stainless steel (type SS304) to observe the effects of laser input parameters (namely laser power, scanning speed, and pulse frequency) on the performance of the finishing technique that is the µEDM in this case. The scope of the work is limited to 1-D machining, i.e. drilling micro holes. It was found that laser input parameters mainly scanning speed and power influenced the output performance of µEDM significantly. Our study suggests that if an increased scanning speed at a lower laser power is used for the pilot hole drilling by the LBMM process, it could result in significantly slower µEDM machining time. On the contrary, if the higher laser power is used with even the highest scanning speed for the pilot hole drilling, then µEDM processing time was faster than the previous case. Similarly, µEDM time was also quicker for LBMMed pilot holes machined at low laser power and slow scanning speed. Our study confirms that LBMM-µEDM based sequential machining technique reduces the machining time, tool wear and instability (in terms of short circuit count) by a margin of 2.5 x, 9 x and 40 x respectively in contrast to the pure µEDM process without compromising the quality of the holes.
Quadricuspid Pulmonary Valve in a neonate with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Authors: Krishna Mani Ram
Published: January 2021

Quadricuspid pulmonary valve is a rare abnormality which has been reported in isolation or with structural ehart diseases. We report a neonate who presented with supra-ventricular tachycardia and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome who had a structurally normal heart. The recognition of a phasic ejection click on clinical examination led to the identification of a normally functioning quadricuspid pulmonary valve