bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular Imaging with Structural and Mechanical Alterations Against External Stimuli Using Scanning Acoustic Microscopy
Authors: Miura Katsutoshi , Fukushi Yasuko
Published: March 2021

Cells receive external stimuli to incur structural and functional damages. On scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM), speed-of-sound (SOS), attenuation-of-sound (AOS), and thickness values are plotted on the screen to create cellular images, which are related to stiffness, viscosity, and cell size, respectively. The obtained digital data compared using statistical analysis. We aimed to investigate the effects of anticancer drugs, acidic fluids, and heat effects on the cells by using SAM. Anticancer drug cisplatin induced cancer cell apoptosis/necrosis and regeneration in culture, causing elevated SOS, reduced AOS, and thickness. During a more prolonged incubation, the SAM values fluctuated differently between the cisplatin-treated and untreated cells. The tannic and acetic acid and microwave stimuli induced SOS and AOS elevations. These stimuli altered the cell size, number, differentiation, viscosity, and stiffness, which corresponded well to the fluctuation of the SOS and AOS values after incubation. Different anticancer drugs interacted with cancer cells to induce the characteristic alterations of the SAM values. These structural and mechanical alterations induced in cells was difficult to observe on light microscopy. Cellular damages were statistically compared between different stimuli and time-lapse cellular changes were observed using a SAM analysis. SAM is a useful modality to evaluate cellular damage.
Overexpression of p75NTR in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: a New Biomarker of Cancer Differentiation?
Authors: Perri Anna , Rago Vittoria , Malivindi Rocco , Maltese Lorenza , Lofaro Danilo , Greco Emanuela Alessandra , Tucci Luigi , Bonofiglio Renzo , Vergine Margherita , La Vignera Sandro , Chiefari Eusebio , Brunetti Antonio , Aversa Antonio
Published: March 2021

Several studies have demonstrated that the p75NTR low-affinity receptor of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), is produced in abnormally large amounts in several human cancer types. However, the role of p75NTR varies substantially depending on cell context, so that a dual role of this receptor protein in tumor cell survival and invasion, as well as cell death, has been supported in recent studies. Herein we explored for the first time the expression of p75NTR in human specimens (nr=40) from testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), mostly seminomas. Nuclear overexpression of p75NTR was detected by immunohistochemistry in tumor tissue as compared to normal tissue, whereas neither NGF nor its high-affinity TrkA receptor was detected. An increased nuclear staining of phospho-JNK, belonging to the p75NTR signaling pathway, and its pro-apoptotic target gene, p53, was concomitantly observed. Interestingly, our analysis revealed that decreased expression frequency of p75NTR, p-JNK, and p53 was related to staging progression, thus suggesting that p75NTR may represent a specific marker of differentiation in TGCTs.
Meglumin acridonacetate to treat COVID-19: prospect of using
Authors:   Kirov State Medical University, Kirov, Russian Federation, Mazin P.V. , Khafisyanova R.Kh. ,   Kazan State Medical University Kazan, Russian Federation, Mazina N.K. ,   Kirov State Medical University, Kirov, Russian Federation, Kovalenko A.L. ,   Institute of Toxicology of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Askhadullin A.R. ,   Kirov State Medical University, Kirov, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

The use of interferon drugs against COVID-19 is based on С level of evidence and analogies with efficacy against other coronaviruses. The interferon inductor meglumin acridonacetate (Cycloferon) has an advantageous safety profile and pharmaco-economic advantages, which makes it possible to consider its probable use against SARS-CoV-2. In this review, both the evidence of the effectiveness of interferons against coronaviruses and the arguments in favor of the effectiveness of Cycloferon against the same pathogens are systematized. The arguments of pharmacodynamic, biochemical, pathophysiological experimental and clinical plan in favor of Cycloferon are presented. Key words: acridone acetic acid, Interferons, coronaviruses, COVID-19, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2
Tuberculosis in patients with HIV infection in a therapeutic hospital in a region with high HIV prevalence
Authors:   Novokuznetsk State Medical Institute of Postgraduate Education, a branch of the Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Ministry of Health of Russia, Novokuznetsk, Russian Federation, Viktorova I.B. , Zimina V.N. ,   Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation, Khanin A.L. ,   Novokuznetsk State Medical Institute of Postgraduate Education, a branch of the Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Ministry of Health of Russia, Novokuznetsk, Russian Federation, Dadyka I.V. ,   Novokuznetsk branch of L.S.Barbarash Kemerovo Regional Clinical Cardiology Dispensary, Novokuznetsk, Russian Federation, Goryaeva M.O. ,   Novokuznetsk branch of L.S.Barbarash Kemerovo Regional Clinical Cardiology Dispensary, Novokuznetsk, Russian Federation, Solovyova A.V. ,   Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

Objective. To analyze the role and character of tuberculosis (TB) among all respiratory diseases in HIV-infected patients treated in a therapeutic hospital Patients and methods. This longitudinal retrospective study included all consecutive HIV-positive patients with respiratory diseases (n = 185) treated in the Therapeutic Department of the City Hospital No 2 in Novokuznetsk in 2017–2018. Results. TB was diagnosed in 50 HIV-infected patients (27.0%) admitted to hospital. Median CD4 count was 124 cells/μL. Only 14.3% of patients were adherent to antiretroviral therapy. Sputum smear microscopy in TB dispensary was positive twice as often as in the therapeutic hospital (54.4% vs 23.4%). Abdominal lymphadenopathy was detected in 52.8% of patients examined, regardless of the pulmonary lesion pattern (p > 0.05); 25.0% of patients were diagnosed with endobronchial TB. The main radiological syndromes of TB in the HIV-infected population included dissemination (52.0%), infiltration (26.0%), and intrathoracic lymphadenopathy (10.0%). Pleural lesions were identified in 28% of participants with TB and HIV coinfection. Conclusion. TB was the only cause of focal dissemination (100.0%, p < 0.001), while pleural lesions and intrathoracic lymphadenopathy were significantly more common in TB patients than in individuals with non-tuberculosis diseases (11.6% and 0.8%, respectively, p < 0.05). Hospital mortality rate among TB patients in a therapeutic hospital was 8.0%. Key words: HIV infection, immunosuppression, tuberculosis
The Description of Violence among School-Age Children in Yogyakarta
Authors: Lestari Nina Dwi , Arum Oktalisa Puspita
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The occurrence of violence to students increases every year. It came from their parents, environment, and the students. The violence types were physical, verbal or emotional, sexual, and economy. There were several consequences from the violence such as disruption of the child psychic, seriously injured, or trauma. Method: This research used quantitative descriptive with cross sectional design. The population in this research was 220 elementary students in Yogyakarta. The sample of this research was 130 samples that was taken used random sampling technique. The criteria of sample were the students who allowed to participate the research with their parents or parents and never diagnose or have no mental illness beforehand. The instrument in this research was a questionnaire about violence overview that was developed by the researcher and had undertaken the validity and reliability tests. The data analysis used descriptive analysis. Result: Mostly, the violence to the students was dominated by female (51.5%) and students in the low economic background (62.3%). There was an occurrence of violence (56.9%) and verbal violence (68.9%) as the common violence. The largest violence location commonly happened at school (93.2%). Conclusion: The violence prevalence was quite large to students and commonly happened at school. Further research about the factors that influenced the occurrence of violence was needed.
PRELIMINARY STUDY ON PLASTICINE AS A SUBSTITUTE COHESIVE MATERIAL FOR GEOTECHNICAL PHYSICAL SOIL MODELING
Authors: Purwana Yusep Muslih , Setiawan Bambang , Danajaya Raden Harya , Bagaskara Brilliant
Published: March 2021

Plasticine is an artificial material made from solids such as gypsum, lime, mixed with petroleum jelly or micro wax and acid fat. The properties of plasticine are likely similar to natural clay and is influenced by oil content. The information about mechanical properties of plasticine is still very rare, and as such the study on it is riquired and must be conducted intensively. The preliminary laboratory study has been conducted to understand the behaviour of plasticines. Microwax and petroleum jelly based plasticines were utilised with the variation of oil content, whereas kaolin clay with the variation of water content is utilised as a reference material. The study is focusing on the stress-strain behaviour for both microwax and petroleum jelly based plasticines compared to the stress-strain behaviour of kaolin clay. This paper reports the result of preliminary investigation regarding the use of plasticine as an alternative artificial material for substitution of clay in soil modeling. Some engineering properties from unconfined compression strength (UCS) test and hand penetrometer are shown. The result indicates that the stress-strain behaviour of plasticine resembles the stress-strain behaviour of kaolin clay. The plasticine is suitable as a substitute cohesive material and it has a potential to be utilised for geotechnical material modelling in the future.
Boletín de Noticias "Entre Patologos" de Alconpat Internacional (V3N1, 2021)
Authors:   Alconpat Internacional, Pérez Mesa Lourdes Bernarda , Zozaya Ortíz Alexia Xiomara ,   Alconpat Internacional, Castro Borges Pedro ,   Alconpat Internacional
Published: March 2021

En este número del Boletín de Noticias (V3N1) se muestra la agenda 2021 de la asociación (Alconpat Internacional), la cual está diseñada que para que puedan ir planeando a que eventos asistir; se hace un homenaje póstumo a dos miembros que fallecieron recientemente (Néstor Ortega de Alconpat Argentina y Luis García Andión de Alconpat España); y se muestran con detalle los eventos del Congreso CONPAT 2021, del Senior Webinars, de la 75ª Semana de Rilem y del próximo curso: “Evaluación y diagnóstico de problemas patológicos en estructuras de concreto armado”, que iniciará el 13 de abril, este último forma parte del proceso de educación continua y certificación de Alconpat Internacional. Así mismo, se encuentra una pequeña nota por el premio que recibió uno de nuestros miembros (Miguel Ángel Sanjuán Barbudo), y que además es el Jefe del Boletín Técnico de la asociación, premio recibido por la revista Materials en los “Materials 2020 Outstanding Reviewer Awards”. Por último, este año la Revista Alconpat celebra su 10 aniversario y por ello, el editor en jefe de la Revista nos hace una reseña de los 10 años de su historia (2011-2021).
Education and Proto Language Maintenance at Orang Rimba in Jambi Province
Authors: Rozelin Diana , Fauzan Umar
Published: March 2021

This research discussed education and dialectology, examining the relation of Orang Rimba (OR) isolect in three places at Jambi Province. Different levels of education in each group of OR also influence language maintenance at proto-language. Language shift will occur when OR communicate with the villagers. The number of OR children who go to school does not guarantee a language shift. This study's benefit was to find out the proto vocabulary that still maintenance and shifted, to know the status of isolect from each group of OR to find out their kinship relations, and to know that education levels may not always affect vocabulary shifts. Dialectometry formula used from Guitar, Proto Austronesian (PAN) used theory from Wurm and Wilson, Proto Malayic (PM) used opinion from Adelaar. This study used qualitative and quantitative to answer different formulation of the problems. The result was: firstly, lexically and phonologically, the status of OR isolect in Jambi, including three regencies consisted of two dialects, four subdialects, and four speeches. There were 5 proto vocals and 19 proto consonants phonemes of OR in Jambi Province. The result of affixation identification at PM *tAr-; *mAN-; *(mb)Ar-; *-an; and *kA-an found innovation and no relic. Secondly, the reflex of PAN and PM at OR Malay dialect having the highest value in maintaining its proto-language (relics) occurred in DP 5,6 Muaro Jambi Regency. Thirdly, the number of children attending school in the villages of Nebang Parah and Nyogan was higher compared to other OR groups. The number of children attending school was in line with the high percentage of proto-languages used.
An Investigation into Teachers Practices of Teaching Early Reading and Practical problems in Its Implementation
Authors: Desta Minwuyelet Andualem
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate practices of teaching early reading, and challenges teachers face in its implementation at the Ethiopian primary schools. The study was carried out in 224 grade two government primary schools found in the Amhara National regional State, west Gojjam zone, Ethiopia, in 2019/2020 academic year. To attain this objective, a descriptive research design was employed. The participants of the study were 112 English language teachers enrolled in the primary schools at Dembecha woreda, Jiga woreda, Jabitehinan woreda, and Bure woreda in west Gojjam zone. Interview, questionnaire, and observation were used to gather data. The findings revealed that teachers failed to practice the teaching of early reading in line with the purposes and principles of teaching early reading. Teachers used traditional way of teaching approach in teaching reading. The study also showed that teachers are deficiently trained regarding phonological awareness, alphabetic principle, reading comprehension, oral fluency, vocabulary, and phonemic awareness. Besides, lack of teachers training, lack of materials, and unrelated educational qualification were major impediments of teachers while implementing teaching early reading. Finally, it was recommended that teachers be given trainings about methods of English language teaching in general, and teaching early reading in particular.
Project-based Learning Implementation to Cultivate Preservice English Teachers’ 21st Century Skills
Authors: Puspitasari Evi
Published: March 2021

The contribution of Project-based Learning (PbL) to 21st century learning skill development has been widely discussed by experts. This present qualitative research aims at exploring how PbL is applied in Lantern School of English Education (LSEE), an undergraduate program in Indonesia that produces an English teacher. In further, this research also looked at how the implementation enhanced the students’ 21st century learning skills comprising creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Considering those objectives, this research stood under qualitative approach and specifically employed case study design in order to investigate a single case which was project-based learning implementation in a particular context. The data were collected from interview, observation, and relevant documents which in this case, reflective essay, syllabus and students’ final projects. Observation and syllabus were used to investigate the implementation of PbL in LSEE, interviews and was to gather information about how the implementation cultivated students 21st century skills, while students’ works and reflective essay were to triangulate information from the other data collection techniques. After gaining the data, all were analysed using coding process to obtain the embedded themes as findings. The findings showed that the institution implemented PbL through the assessment, classroom activities, teacher roles, and student roles. Based on the students’ viewpoints, project-based assessment, group classroom activities, teachers being a facilitator, and students’ centeredness were successfully trained their ability on creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Conclusion and recommendation are also presented after the findings were discussed.
Late Paleocene-Early Eocene Foraminiferal Assemblage and Carbon Isotope Excursion Indicating Hyperthermal Events in Paleotropical Succession of Northwestern India
Authors: Khanolkar Sonal , Choudhury Tathagata Roy , Saraswati Pratul Kumar , Banerjee Santanu
Published: March 2021

This study focuses on marine sediments of the late Paleocene-early Eocene (∼55.5–49 Ma) interval from the Jaisalmer Basin of western India. It demarcates the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) using foraminiferal biostratigraphy and carbon isotope stratigraphy. A negative carbon isotope excursion of 4.5‰ delineates the PETM within the basin. We demarcate five foraminiferal biofacies using the detrended correspondence analysis. These reflect characteristics of ecology, bathymetry, relative age, and environment of deposition of the foraminifera. They record the response of foraminifera to the warmth of the PETM. Biofacies A was deposited within an inner neritic setting ∼55.5 Ma and includes benthic foraminifera Haplophragmoides spp., Ammobaculites spp., and Lenticulina spp. The presence of Pulsiphonina prima and Valvulineria scorbiculata in Biofacies B suggests an increase in runoff conditions in the basin. Fluctuating trophic conditions prevailed between ∼54–50 Ma. It is evidenced by alternating Biofacies C (endobenthic and chiloguembelinids of eutrophic conditions) and Biofacies D (epibenthic and acarininids of oligotrophic conditions). Biofacies E is dominated by deep-dwelling parasubbotinids, indicating an increase in bathymetry, possibly corresponding to the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (∼49 Ma).
PROCESO DE ADAPTACIÓN DE UNA INTERVENCIÓN MOTIVACIONAL PARA USO DE ANTICONCEPTIVOS EN MADRES ADOLESCENTES MEXICANAS
Authors: Manjarres-Posada Natalia Isabel , Benavides-Torres Raquel Alicia , Onofre-Rodríguez Dora Julia , Pérez Baleón Guadalupe Fabiola , Urrutia Soto María-Teresa , Barbosa-Martínez Rosalva del Carmen
Published: March 2021

Objetivo. El embarazo en adolescentes es un problema en América Latina que requiere la implementación de intervenciones efectivas. Este estudio describe el proceso de adaptación de la Intervención Motivacional Asistida por Computador (CAMI) para el incremento del uso de anticonceptivos y la reducción de embarazos subsecuentes en el contexto de madres adolescentes al Norte de México. Método. Se aplicó el Modelo de Adaptación de Intervenciones de McKleroy: 1) valoración del contexto local; 2) evaluación de la intervención con expertos; 3) preparación del contenido, actividades y materiales; 4) prueba piloto de la versión adaptada; e 5) implementación, utilizando un diseño exploratorio y descriptivo. Resultados. Se obtuvo la versión CAMI-Spa con modificaciones y una tendencia favorable de las puntuaciones en variables de anticoncepción (pretest vs el postest) como actitud [120.67(DE ± 12.36) vs 138.40(DE ± 7.20)], conocimientos [28.00(DE ±8.76) vs 44.00(DE ± 8.49)], procesos de cambio [78.67(DE ± 20.83) vs 108.60(DE ± 9.21)] y autoeficacia [43.00(DE ±10.37) vs 56.80(DE ± 17.38)]. Conclusiones. El uso de un modelo de adaptación de intervenciones permitió el ajuste de la intervención al contexto de las madres adolescentes mexicanas sin afectar sus componentes claves, que podría asegurar el efecto en el incremento del uso de anticonceptivos.
ABORDAJE DE ENFERMERÍA SOBRE EL MIEDO Y ANSIEDAD ANTE LA MUERTE EN PERSONAS ADULTAS MAYORES
Authors: HERRERA GARIBAY IDALIA MARGARITA , MEDINA FERNÁNDEZ ISAÍ ARTURO , CARRILLO CERVANTES ANA LAURA , CORTÉS MONTELONGO DIANA BERENICE
Published: March 2021

Ante los marcados cambios poblacionales que indican una elevación en la concentración de personas adultas mayores, es relevante visualizar un panorama de atención en salud integral tomando en cuenta las preocupaciones y emociones que se pueden presentar en la etapa de la vejez por lo cual es necesario tomar en cuenta el abordar temáticas como el fin de la existencia o la muerte que es una parte natural de la condición humana. Aunque los aspectos sociales, religiosos, culturales, psicológicos, ambientales, políticos y económicos direccionan la mayoría de las veces la percepción o idea que tenga el sujeto acerca de la muerte, las emociones que regularmente se encuentran asociadas ante tal hecho inminente son el miedo y ansiedad los cuales repercuten en el estado de salud de las personas mayores disminuyendo su bienestar físico y emocional y a la vez le impide concientizar o reflexionar acerca de los logros personales alcanzados, nuevas metas de vida y reconocimiento de su esencia y valor humano. Es por ello que el reflexionar acerca de las intervenciones clave de enfermería que pueden mitigar o disminuir este tipo de temores o respuestas ante la muerte marcará el camino para emprender acción y brindar atención de calidad.
SÍNTOMAS DE ANSIEDAD Y DEPRESIÓN ASOCIADOS A LOS NIVELES DE RIESGO DEL CONSUMO DE ALCOHOL Y TABACO EN ADOLESCENTES DE LA CIUDAD DE LOJA, ECUADOR
Authors: Valarezo-Bravo Omayck Fernando , Erazo-Castro Roberto Felipe , Muñoz-Vinces Zhenia Maritza
Published: March 2021

Objetivo. Determinar si la sintomatología de ansiedad, y depresión se asocia a las variables de género, edad, y nivel de riesgo asociado al consumo de alcohol y tabaco. Metodología. Se realizó una investigación de diseño transversal con muestreo no probabilístico de tipo no experimental, conformado por una muestra de 663 adolescentes entre los 13 y 20 años, que corresponden a estudiantes de enseñanza básica superior y bachillerato. Se aplicó tres instrumentos psicométricos: Inventario de Depresión de Beck II, Escala de Ansiedad de Hamilton y La Prueba de Detección de Consumo de Alcohol, Tabaco y Sustancias (ASSIST v3.1). Resultados. Se identificó una asociación estadística entre el riesgo asociado al consumo de alcohol y tabaco con sintomatología de ansiedad y depresión. Se demostró la relación entre el alto riesgo de consumo de estas sustancias con niveles altos de sintomatología de ansiedad y depresión. Igualmente, existe relación entre sintomatología de ansiedad y depresión con el género; y con la edad. Conclusiones. Los adolescentes que presentan riesgo asociado al consumo de alcohol y tabaco presentan una relación significativa con sintomatología de ansiedad y de depresión. Existe mayor tendencia de las mujeres en presentar sintomatología de depresión y de ansiedad que en hombres
El turismo de balneario en Europa Occidental: reconceptualización y nuevas funciones territoriales en una perspectiva comparada
Authors: Pinos Navarrete Aida , Sánchez Escolano Luis Miguel , Maroto Martos Juan Carlos
Published: March 2021

El turismo de balneario está cambiando de forma significativa sus características tradicionales, tanto en su dimensión comercial y turística como en su función urbana y territorial. El sector participa de nuevas formas de consumo que se desarrollan en distintas escalas y escenarios competitivos. Esta investigación, a partir de tres casos de estudio de referencia internacional en el sector (Spa, Aachen y Valkenburg), identifica, analiza y valora de forma crítica características de estos fenómenos turísticos y urbanos de base termal. Asimismo, sitúa en la perspectiva histórica sus orígenes y relevancia, contextualiza después su importancia y posicionamiento global, para acabar profundizando en el conocimiento de los impactos que, forzados por los nuevos valores y tendencias del post-turismo, están replanteando la totalidad del sector. La metodología empleada combina lo cualitativo y lo cuantitativo, con entrevistas a informantes clave para ofrecer resultados cartográficos y teóricos que permiten establecer una correlación entre los cambios recientes en la relación oferta-demanda termal y la estructura urbana de las ciudades balneario.
Time-saving Effects Using Helicopter Transportation: Comparison to a Ground Transportation Time Predicted Using a Social Navigation Software
Authors: Jang Ji Young , Kim Jang Hun
Published: March 2021

IntroductionPrevious comparison studies regarding two types of transportation, helicopter (HEMS) versus ground emergency medical services (GEMS), have shown underlying heterogeneity as these options have completely different routes and consequent times with reference to one patient. To compare the two types of transportation on a case-by-case basis, we analyzed the retrospectively reviewed HEMS and predicted GEMS data using an open-source navigation software.MethodsPatients transferred by military HEMS from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. The HEMS records on the time of notification, injury point and destination address, and time required were reviewed. The GEMS data on distance and the predicted time required were acquired using open-source social navigation systems. Comparison analyses between the two types of transportation were conducted. Further, linear logistic regression analyses were performed on the distance and time of the two options.ResultsA total of 183 patients were enrolled. There was no statistical difference (p=0.3021) in the distance between the two types of transportation, and the HEMS time was significantly shorter than that of GEMS (61.31 vs. 116.92 minutes, p<0.001). The simple linear curves for HEMS and GEMS were separately secured, and two graphs presented the statistical significance (p) as well as reasonable goodness-of-fit (R2). In general, the HEMS graph demonstrates a more gradual slope and narrow distribution compared to that of GEMS. ConclusionIdeally, HEMS is identified as a better transportation modality because it has a shorter transportation time (56 minutes saved) and a low possibility of potential time delays (larger R2).Running tileHelicopter vs. navigation-based ground ambulance
Epigenome-wide association study of level and change in cognitive abilities from midlife through late-life
Authors: Karlsson Ida , Ericsson Malin , Wang Yunzhang , Jylhävä Juulia , Hägg Sara , Aslan Anna K. Dahl , Reynolds Chandra A. , Pedersen Nancy L.
Published: March 2021

Background: Epigenetic mechanisms are important in aging and may be involved in late-life changes in cognitive abilities. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study of leukocyte DNA methylation in relation to level and change in cognitive abilities, from midlife through late-life in 535 Swedish twins. Results: Methylation levels were measured with the Infinium Human Methylation 450K or Infinium MethylationEpic array, and all sites passing quality control on both arrays were selected for analysis (n=250 816). Empirical Bayes estimates of individual intercept (age 65), linear, and quadratic change were obtained from latent growth curve models of cognitive traits and used as outcomes in linear regression models. Significant sites (p<2.4×10-7) were followed-up in between-within twin pair models adjusting for familial confounding, and full growth modelling. We identified six significant associations between DNA methylation and level of cognitive abilities at age 65: cg18064256 (PPP1R13L) with processing speed and spatial ability; cg04549090 (NRXN3) with spatial ability; cg09988380 (POGZ), cg25651129 (-), and cg08011941 (ENTPD8) with working memory. The genes are involved in neuro-inflammation, neuropsychiatric disorders, and ATP metabolism. Within-pair associations were approximately half that of between-pair associations across all sites. In full growth curve models, associations between DNA methylation and cognitive level at age 65 were of small effect sizes, and associations between DNA methylation and longitudinal change in cognitive abilities of very small effect sizes. Conclusions: Leukocyte DNA methylation was associated with level, but not change in cognitive abilities. The associations were substantially attenuated in within pair analyses, indicating they are influenced in part by genetic factors.
Screening of Wetland Plants Subjected to Stress From Polychlorinated Biphenyls Contaminated Soils
Authors: Khalid Foqia , Hashmi Muhammad Zaffar , Jamil Nadia , Qadir Abdul
Published: March 2021

Soil pollution due to electric and electronic waste (e-waste) has become a major problem that is degrading environment and drawing worldwide attention. PCBs are widespread and have potential health risk so their removal from the environment has become an international priority. Phytoremediation is considered as highly accepted and good method for treatment of contaminated soils. Current study was conducted to investigate the abilities of several promising wetland plants to degrade and dechlorinate PCBs and demonstrate their advantages in disappearance of polychlorinated biphenyls. The soils samples were collected from PCB-contaminated sites at Layyari, Karachi Pakistan. Under both floody and dry condition plants including Alternanthera sessilis (L.), Bacopa moneiri (L.) Pennell, Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Juncus articulatus L., Cyperus arenarius Retz were grown. For dechlorination of PCBs three treatments were set up in a fully randomized layout of greenhouse pots. Soil from those pots was extracted and further analyzed by Gas chromatography equipped with a 63Ni electron capture detector. The detection limits of PCBs ranged from 0.009 to 0.082 µg/kg. In total PCBs degradation ratio was 22.44% while in high chlorinated PCBs almost 15.26% of the high polychlorinated biphenyls were removed from the soil after 2 month in the wetland planted soil, while only 4.64% was removed in the drowned control and 6.54% in the unplanted control. Present study concludes that this method only has high efficiency in removal of low chlorinated biphenyls, while low efficiency even nothing in removal of high components.
An Integrated Importance-Performance Analysis and Modified Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach to Sustainable City Assessment
Authors: Lee Say Wah , Xue Ke
Published: March 2021

Sustainable urban development has been a popular subject in urban studies and related disciplines. Owing to the challenges faced by cities worldwide to accommodate the growing urban populations, it is becoming ever more important for innovative research on sustainable urban development to be performed to help cities achieve sustainability. This study develops and tests an integrated approach to sustainable city assessment, which is a combination of importance-performance analysis (IPA) and modified analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Questionnaires designed following the IPA concept were distributed to residents of three cities. The importance scores from the collected data were factorized and the relative scores of the factors were then converted into pairwise comparisons using a formula developed in this study. The derived criteria weights were applied to the performance scores to evaluate the cities’ relative overall sustainability performance. This approach replaces the AHP’s 1–9 scale with the IPA’s importance rating scale, which is a Likert scale, in the questionnaire. Based on the findings, implications and future research suggestions were provided.
Growth Performance and Survivability of the Asian Seabass Lates Calcarifer Reared Under Hyper-Saline, Hypo-Saline and Freshwater Environments in a Closed Aquaculture System
Authors: Hassan Habib Ul , Ali Qadeer Mohammad , Masood Zubia , Siddique Mohammad Abdul Momin
Published: March 2021

Salinity is one of the most critical environmental parameters regarding fish physiology, modifying food intake and growth performance in many fish species. The present study has investigated the effects of different salinity levels on growth performance, feeding and survival of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer juveniles. Asian seabass juveniles were reared at 0, 5, 22, 36, and 42 ppt salinity. One five hundred ninety-eight fish individuals with an average weight 1.2 ± 0.11 g were randomly distributed (166 fish/Tank) in 5 concrete tanks (30×6×4 feet) each; length × width × depth) and volume 19,122 L, for total forty days. Initially feeding rate of 6% biomass per day with 42% crude protein-containing diets daily. The feeding rate adjusted according to fish biomass every week. The results showed that salinity level had a significant effect on the weight gain, average daily weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, survival rate, total biomass and health indices (p < 0.05). The highest WG (39.11±1.49 g), ADWG, (1.00±0.12 g), SGR (8.74±0.03 % d-1) and lowest FCR (0.96±0.20) observed with T3 (22 ppt salinity) treatment, which was significantly higher compared to other treatment groups (p < 0.05). Among the health indices, the highest hepatosomatic index and viscerosomatic index found with 22 ppt salinity treatment, which was also significantly higher than the other treatment groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the treatments in terms of survival rate (p > 0.05), but the maximum survival rate (98.89±0.0 %) in T3 (22 ppt) and T2 (5 ppt). The maximum level of crude proteins (19.99±1.4%) was found in the whole-body biochemical composition (% of wet weight) of Asian sea bass juveniles in T3 treatment group reared at 22 ppt salinity. The second-order polynomial regression showed that 20 ppt salinity is optimum for the best growth of Asian sea bass. Thus, our present work would provide valuable information to the fish farmers for culturing the sea bass as well as its management along the inland and coastline of Pakistan.
Spatiotemporal variability in groundwater chemistry of a mountainous catchment with complex geologic and climate gradients in south west India
Authors: Gayathri J A , Raj Vipin T , Sreel K , Maya K , Vandana M , Padmalal D
Published: March 2021

Mountainous catchments are one of the world’s important water sources that sustains a major portion of global population and a rich biodiversity. The groundwater quantity and quality of mountainous watersheds are depended generally on the geologic characteristics and climate gradients. Although many groundwater studies have been carried out in the midlands and lowlands of many river basins, not enough focus has been paid to the mountainous catchments of tropics. Here we report a case study on groundwater quality and controlling factors of a mountainous catchments of the Western Ghats mountain ranges of peninsular India - the Bhavani river basin, which is identified as a testbed for long-term monitoring of the Critical Zone process. A total of 88 water samples were collected seasonally for assessing various physico-chemical parameters, solute contents and scaling properties. The results of the study revealed that the hydrochemistry of groundwater is influenced by both silicate and carbonate weathering. Mineral stability indices computed for the groundwater reveal that about 52 % of the samples are supersaturated with carbonate minerals and often exhibit scaling due to solute overloading. Among the contributing factors that determine water quality of groundwaters, chemical weathering and anthropogenic activities play a significant role.
Experimental Study on the Adoption of Flushing Technique in Successive Alkalinity-Producing Systems with a Focus on Influence Radius of Orifice
Authors: Lee Dong-Kil , Cheong Young-Wook
Published: March 2021

As a successive alkalinity-producing system pond for purifying mine drainage is operated, sediment accumulates in the limestone layer of the pond, and as the amount of accumulated sediment increases, the water permeability and treatment efficiency of the pond decrease. Hence, a flushing system is required, comprising of a network of perforated pipes installed in the limestone layers, to periodically discharge sediment and mine drainage to the outside. The performance of a flushing system depends on four distinct characteristics of the system: the characteristics of the limestone layer, the sediment, the flow, and the flushing device. However, existing studies have evaluated the performance of the entire system without considering these conditions. In this study, a new experimental method for designing a flushing system is proposed. This method is based on an experiment to evaluate the influence radius of orifice, which is the radius of the spherical volume around an orifice that can suck sludge by flushing. The results showed that the flow rate of water through the orifice in the glass bead layer matched well with the Blake–Kozeny formula, and that the greater the diameter of the orifice, the greater the influence radius of orifice. The influence radius of orifice according to the diameter and spacing of the orifice was evaluated, which provides a key criterion for designing a flushing system.
An Attempt to Optimize the Outcome of Penetrating Keratoplasty in Congenital Aniridia-Associated Keratopathy (AAK).
Authors: Farah Christian Joe , Fries Fabian , Latta Lorenz , Käsmann-Kellner Barbara , Seitz Berthold
Published: March 2021

Purpose
To propose an optimized microsurgical and medical approach to reduce the risk of complications after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in patients with aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK).
Methods
Retrospective observational case series of 25 PKP performed in 16 patients with AAK. Preoperative indications were endothelial decompensation and vascularised scars (68%) or graft failure (32%) due to limbal stem cell deficiency. The optimized approach included a combination of a small corneal graft size (around 7.0mm), interrupted 10-0-Nylon sutures, simultaneous AMT as a patch, large bandage contact lens, temporary lateral tarsorrhaphy, postoperative autologous serum eye drops, and systemic immunosuppression. Main outcome measures included: Visual acuity, transplant survival and complications encountered during follow-up of 107 weeks on average.
Results
A complete modified keratoplasty scheme was used in 10 of 25 PKP (group 1), while at least one of the modifications was missing in the other 15 PKP (group 2). After 8 weeks follow-up, the epithelium was closed in 23 eyes. Visual acuity improved in 19 eyes at 6 months follow-up, and remained stable in 6 eyes. None of the eyes showed a decrease in visual acuity. At the last post-operative follow-up, this visual improvement persisted in 14 eyes and graft survival rate after 156 weeks (3 years) was 69% in group 1 vs. 44% in group 2 (p = 0.39, logrank test). Secondary corneal neovascularisation (8%), scarring (4%), ulcer (4%) or graft rejection (8%) happened mostly in the second group which was missing at least one of the suggested modifications.
Conclusions
PKP in congenital aniridia must be considered as a high-risk keratoplasty. An optimized therapeutic approach seems to be promising in order to reduce the postoperative complication rate in these most difficult eyes.
A New Basal Hadrosaurid (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) From the Latest Cretaceous Kita-ama Formation in Japan: the Rise of Hadrosaurs
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshitsugu , Takasaki Ryuji , Kubota Katsuhiro , Fiorillo Anthony
Published: March 2021

Here we describe a partial hadrosaurid skeleton from the marine Maastrichtian Kita-ama Formation of the Izumi Group in Japan as a new taxon, Yamatosaurus izanagii gen. et sp. nov. Our phylogenetic analysis demonstrates it belongs to the Hadrosauridae, composed of Hadrosaurus foulkii + (Yamatosaurus izanagii + (Saurolophinae + Lambeosaurinae). Yamatosaurus izanagii is unique in having only one functional tooth/row in the middle of the dentary dental battery and complete absence of the branched ridges on the occlusal surfaces. The coracoid lacks a biceps tubercle as in non-hadrosaurid hadrosauroids, suggesting its presence is a key feature for the clade of Saurolophinae and Lambeosaurinae. The evolutionary rate analysis further supports that shoulder and forelimb features, which are likely to be involved in locomotion, are important for the early evolution of Hadrosauridae. Our biogeographic analyses show that the basal Hadrosauridae was widely distributed in Asia and Appalachia, and the clade of Saurolophinae and Lambeosaurinae originated in Asia. The contemporaneous occurrence of basal (Yamatosaurus izanagii) and derived (Kamuysaurus japonicus) hadrosaurids during the Maastrichtian in Japan is the first record in Asia. Because of a long geographical distance between these localities, they may not co-exist but show some level of provinciality.
Processes and evolution of the Pleistocene coastal sedimentary succession of Es Codolar (Southern Eivissa, Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean): insights from soft sediment deformation structures.
Authors: Villalonga Laura del Valle , Pomar Francesc , Fornós Joan J , Gelabert Bernadí , Timar-Gabor Alida
Published: March 2021

We analyze the evolution of the undeformed Middle to Late Pleistocene deposits of Es Codolar (Southern Eivissa, Western Mediterranean). The outcrop records a succession characterized by the alternation of aeolian, colluvial and alluvial fan deposits and palaeosols that result in a complex stratigraphic architecture. In this area, aeolian beds, colluvial deposits and palaeosols are exposed along sea-cliffs for almost 500 m, allowing detailed descriptions both of the general sedimentological and geomorphological features of the Middle to Late Pleistocene deposits. Several different types of soft-sediment deformation structures are described (Load-casts structures, injection structures, water-scape structures, rizoconcretions), which will help us in the understanding of the climatic evolution and the syn and post-depositional processes. In this way, main processes triggering the formation of these structures seem to be sea level changes together with a wetter environment during warmer climatic episodes.
Comparison of BAK-preserved Latanoprost and Polyquad-preserved Travoprost on Ocular Surface Parameters in Patients with Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Muz Omer Ersin , Dagdelen Kenan , Pirdal Tuncay , Guler Mete
Published: March 2021

Background
To compare the effect of two different prostaglandin analogues (Travatan® vs. Xalatan®) on ocular surface parameters.
Methods
This study includes 44 eyes of 44 patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). Patients were randomly divided into two groups and treated with either benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved latanoprost and polyquad-preserved travoprost. Changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) levels and ocular surface parameters including ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear break-up time (TBUT), ocular surface staining scores, and Schirmer test scores of patients were performed at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment and compared.
Results
The age, sex ratio, visual acuity, central corneal thickness, and cup/disc ratio were similar between the groups. A decrease in IOP levels (23.3 ± 2.5 to 15.5 ± 2.3), TBUT (5.5 ± 2.3 to 4.1 ± 1.7 sec), Schirmer test values (11.3 ± 5.9 to 8.6 ± 4.7 sec), and a worsening in OSDI scores (44.6 ± 15.2 to 55.1 ± 13.1) and staining scores (1.7 ± 1.6 to 2.3 ± 1.8) were observed in all patients in the first month of treatment (p < 0.05, for all). No further worsening was detected during the 1-year follow-up. There was no difference between the groups in terms of alterations in IOP levels and ocular surface parameters.
Conclusion
Travatan® and Xalatan® have a similar effect on IOP levels and ocular surface parameters in patients with POAG and OHT.
Non-Recursive Adaptive Control Design Methodology for Nonlinear Systems With Mismatched Time-Varying Disturbances
Authors: Dong Xin , Chuanlin Zhang , Cui Chenggang
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a non-recursive adaptive control scheme for a class of lower-triangular nonlinear systems with mismatched time-varying disturbances. As a result, an exact tracking control scheme is constructed straightforwardly from the system in a novel non-recursive synthesis manner. Firstly, with the help of higher-order sliding mode observer (HOSMO), the original system is delicately transformed into an equivalent stabilizable system. Then, a non-recursive stabilizer with a simple update mechanism for the dynamic gain can be derived. Subsequently, a rigorous stability analysis shows the theoretical justification of the proposed design framework. New characteristics of the proposed algorithm are mainly twofold: 1) The proposed adaption mechanism could substantially adjust the transient-time performance with the presence of different levels of disturbances. 2) The composite control design procedure is essentially detached with stability analysis, which could largely facilitate practical implementations.
Environmental-Friendly Mortar Produced with Treated and Untreated Coal Wastes as Cement Replacement Materials
Authors: Soltaninejad Mostafa , Soltaninejad Mosleh , Moshizi Mohammadreza Khosravi , Sadeghi Vahid , Saberi.K Farshad , Jahanbakhsh Peyman
Published: March 2021

This study aims to examine the influence of untreated coal waste (UCW) and treated coal waste (TCW) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) on the environmental, mechanical, durability, and microstructural characteristics of mortar mixes. UCW preparation procedure consists of sequential steps of crushing and grinding. Afterward, UCW is thermally activated through incinerating at 750°C to be promoted to TCW. Experimental work includes mixing mortar mixtures by partially replacing cement with the coal waste binders (UCW and TCW) at different incorporation levels of 4, 8, 12, and 16% of cement weight. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test was applied to investigate the environmental impacts of coal wastes. TCLP test results pointed out that heavy metals including Manganese, Cadmium, Lead, and Chromium could successfully entrap in the cement matrix. The compressive and flexural strengths as mechanical characteristics of mortar mixtures were determined at 3, 7, 28, 90, and 180 curing days. Moreover, the mortar specimens were immersed in 3% sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for 60 and 150 days. Durability results showed that the H2SO4 attack resistance of binary cement mortars containing 4% coal waste binders was better than the plain mortar. Based on the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, ettringite was found as the main hydration product of binary cement after 28 days; however, the existence of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in the cement matrix of mixes after 90 days explains the more compact microstructure attained by using coal waste as cement replacement materials compared to control mixtures.
An Optimum Initial Manifold for Improved Skill and Lead in Long-range Forecasting of Monsoon Variability
Authors: GOUDA K C , Joshi S , Bhat Nagaraj
Published: March 2021

Using an initial manifold approach, an ensemble forecast methodology is shown to simultaneously increase lead and realizable skill in long-range forecasting of monsoon over continental India. Initial manifold approach distinguishes the initial states that have coherence from a collection of unrelated states. In this work, an optimized and validated variable resolution general circulation model is being adopted for long range forecasting of monsoon using the multi-lead ensemble methodology. In terms of realizable skill (as against potential) at resolution (~ 60km) and lead (2–5 months) considered here the present method performs very well. The skill of the improved methodology is significant, capturing 9 of the 12 extreme years of monsoon during 1980–2003 in seasonal (June-August) scale. 8-member ensemble average hindcasts carried out for realizable skill with lead of 2 (for June) to 5 (for August) months and an optimum ensemble is presented.