bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robotic Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision (RTaTME): State of the Art
Authors: Rondelli Fabio , Sanguinetti Alessandro , Polistena Andrea , Avenia Stefano , Marcacci Claudio , Ceccarelli Graziano , Bugiantella Walter , De Rosa Michele
Published: June 2021

Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the gold standard technique for the surgical management of rectal cancer. The transanal approach to the mesorectum was introduced to overcome the technical difficulties related to the distal rectal dissection. Since its inception, interest in transanal mesorectal excision has grown exponentially and it appears that the benefits are maximal in patients with mid-low rectal cancer where anatomical and pathological features represent the greatest challenges. Current evidence demonstrates that this approach is safe and feasible, with oncological and functional outcome comparable to conventional approaches, but with specific complications related to the technique. Robotics might potentially simplify the technical steps of distal rectal dissection, with a shorter learning curve compared to the laparoscopic transanal approach, but with higher costs. The objective of this review is to critically analyze the available literature concerning robotic transanal TME in order to define its role in the management of rectal cancer and to depict future perspectives in this field of research.
Depression Levels Influence the Rate of Asthma Exacerbations in Females
Authors: Anastasia Papaporfyriou , Eleni Tseliou , Eleftheria Mizi , Xenia Ntontsi , Eygenia Papathanasiou , Kyriakos Souliotis , Katerina Dimakou , Petros Bakakos , Stelios Loukides , Georgios Hillas
Published: June 2021

Background: Anxiety and depression are common psychological disturbances among asthmatic patients. The aim of the present study is the assessment of anxiety and depression in asthmatic patients and their correlation with symptoms control level and number of exacerbations per year. Methods: One hundred patients with asthma diagnosis, according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), aged > 18 years old, having a stable disease, were included. Emotional status was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS). Patients were followed up for a year to assess the number and severity of exacerbations. Results: Most of our patients were female (58%), middle-aged (mean = 54 ± 13), and married (81%), with low frequency of smoking habits (smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers were 26%, 30% and 37%, respectively) and low levels of both anxiety and depression [median (interquartile range (IQR)) = 4(2) and median (IQR) = 4(2), respectively]. At the low and moderate level of the depression subscale, female patients experienced asthma exacerbations more frequently compared to male patients (adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio (aIRR) = 4.30; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.94–9.53 and aIRR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.07–3.13, respectively). Conclusions. Clinicians should evaluate asthma patients for depression, as gender differentially influences outcomes among those with low and moderate levels of depression, with female asthmatics presenting more frequent exacerbations.
OCT Based Interpretation of the Optic Nerve Head Anatomy and Prevalence of Optic Disc Drusen in Patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)
Authors: Wibroe Elisabeth Arnberg , Malmqvist Lasse , Hamann Steffen
Published: June 2021

We aimed to systematically examine the optic nerve head anatomy in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) using a standardized optical coherence tomography (OCT) protocol. The study retrospectively included 32 patients diagnosed from 2014 to 2021 with IIH. Using OCT, in accordance with a standardized scanning protocol for patients with optic disc drusen, the presence of optic disc drusen, prelaminar hyperreflective lines, peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures, the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and macular ganglion cell layer volume was obtained. Optic disc drusen were found in 3.1%, hyperreflective lines in 31.3%, and peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures in 81.3% of all IIH patients at least three months after the time of diagnosis. We found no significant differences in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness or macular ganglion cell layer volume in patients with hyperreflective lines or PHOMS respectively compared to patients without hyperreflective lines (p = 0.1285 and p = 0.1835). In conclusion, the prevalence of optic disc drusen in IIH patients is similar to the reported prevalence in the general population. The high prevalence of hyperreflective lines and peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures in IIH patients suggest these structures be a result of crowding in the optic nerve head caused by papilledema.
Psoralea corylifolia L. Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Reducing Proinflammatory Cytokines and Upregulating Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Pai Fu-Tzu , Lu Cheng-You , Lin Chia-Hsin , Wang John , Huang Ming-Cheng , Liu Chuan-Teng , Song Ying-Chyi , Ku Cheng-Lung , Yen Hung-Rong
Published: June 2021

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that may lead to severe complications. The fruit of Psoralea corylifolia L. (PCL) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine as a well-known herbal treatment for orthopedic diseases. However, there is a lack of studies of its effects on rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of concentrated herbal granules of PCL on rheumatoid arthritis to provide some insights for future development of new drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: We used collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) DBA/1J mice as an experimental model to mimic human rheumatoid arthritis. The mice were immunized with collagen on days 0 and 21 and then orally administered 200 mg/kg/day PCL on days 22–49. Starch was used as a control. The mice were sacrificed on day 50. Clinical phenotypes, joint histopathology, and immunological profiles were measured. Results: Compared to the CIA or CIA + Starch group, the CIA + PCL group had significantly ameliorated clinical severity and decreased paw swelling. Histopathological analysis of the hind paws showed that PCL mitigated the erosion of cartilage and the proliferation of synovial tissues. There were significant differences in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17A, as measured by ELISA, and the percentages of CD4 + IL-17A+, CD4 + TNF-α+, CD4 + IFN-γ+ T cells. Furthermore, we also found that in mice treated with CIA + PCL, the percentage and number of bone marrow-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs; Gr1+ CD11b+) increased significantly. Conclusions: We provided evidence for the potential antiarthritic effects of PCL through the inhibition of inflammation and increase of MDSCs. These findings indicate that PCL may be a promising therapeutic herb for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Impact TMPRSS2–ERG Molecular Subtype on Prostate Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Kobelyatskaya Anastasiya A. , Pudova Elena A. , Snezhkina Anastasiya V. , Fedorova Maria S. , Pavlov Vladislav S. , Guvatova Zulfiya G. , Savvateeva Maria V. , Melnikova Nataliya V. , Dmitriev Alexey A. , Trofimov Dmitry Y. , Sukhikh Gennady T. , Nyushko Kirill M. , Alekseev Boris Y. , Razin Sergey V. , Krasnov George S. , Kudryavtseva Anna V.
Published: June 2021

Currently, seven molecular subtypes of prostate cancer (PCa) are known, the most common of which being the subtype characterized by the presence of the TMPRSS2–ERG fusion transcript. While there is a considerable amount of work devoted to the influence of this transcript on the prognosis of the disease, data on its role in the progression and prognosis of PCa remain controversial. The present study is devoted to the analysis of the association between the TMPRSS2–ERG transcript and the biochemical recurrence of PCa. The study included two cohorts: the RNA–Seq sample of Russian patients with PCa (n = 72) and the TCGA–PRAD data (n = 203). The results of the analysis of the association between the TMPRSS2–ERG transcript and biochemical recurrence were contradictory. The differential expression analysis (biochemical recurrence cases versus biochemical recurrence-free) and the gene set enrichment analysis revealed a list of genes involved in major cellular pathways. The GNL3, QSOX2, SSPO, and SYS1 genes were selected as predictors of the potential prognostic model (AUC = 1.000 for a cohort of Russian patients with PCa and AUC = 0.779 for a TCGA–PRAD cohort).
Review: Mixed-Matrix Membranes with CNT for CO2 Separation Processes
Authors: Pacheco Marquidia J. , Vences Luis J. , Moreno Hilda , Pacheco Joel O. , Valdivia Ricardo , Hernández Celso
Published: June 2021

The membranes’ role is of supreme importance in the separation of compounds under different phases of matter. The topic addressed here is based on the use of membranes on the gases separation, specifically the advantages of mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) when using carbon nanotubes as fillers to separate carbon dioxide (CO2) from other carrier gas. MMMs consist of a polymer support with additive fillers to improve their efficiency by increasing both selectivity and permeability. The most promising fillers in the MMM development are nanostructured molecules. Due to the good prospects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as MMM fillers, this article aims to concentrate the advances and developments of CNT–MMM to separate gases, such as CO2. The influence of functionalized CNT or mixtures of CNT with additional materials such as zeolites, hydrogel and, graphene sheets on membranes performance is highlighted in the present work.
In Situ Alloying of a Modified Inconel 625 via Laser Powder Bed Fusion: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Marchese Giulio , Beretta Margherita , Aversa Alberta , Biamino Sara
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the in situ alloying of a Ni-based superalloy processed by means of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). For this purpose, Inconel 625 powder is mixed with 1 wt.% of Ti6Al4V powder. The modified alloy is characterized by densification levels similar to the base alloy, with relative density superior to 99.8%. The material exhibits Ti-rich segregations along the melt pool contours. Moreover, Ti tends to be entrapped in the interdendritic areas during solidification in the as-built state. After heat treatments, the modified Inconel 625 version presents greater hardness and tensile strengths than the base alloy in the same heat-treated conditions. For the solution annealed state, this is mainly attributed to the elimination of the segregations into the interdendritic structures, thus triggering solute strengthening. Finally, for the aged state, the further increment of mechanical properties can be attributed to a more intense formation of phases than the base alloy, due to elevated precipitation strengthening ability under heat treatments. It is interesting to note how slight chemical composition modification can directly develop new alloys by the LPBF process.
Extraction of Rare Earth Metals by Solid-Phase Extractants from Phosphoric Acid Solution
Authors: Cheremisina Olga , Ponomareva Maria , Sergeev Vasiliy , Mashukova Yulia , Balandinsky Daniil
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, solving the problem of rational, integrated use of the mined raw materials, the transition to waste-free technologies for its processing is a crucial task. The sulfuric acid technology used for the processing of apatite concentrates on a large industrial scale does not provide the associated extraction of accompanying valuable components—rare earth metals (REM). During apatite concentrate processing, rare-earth metals are affected by the technology-related dispersion, being distributed between the insoluble leaching residue and phosphoric acid solution sent to the production of fertilizers. The necessity of a cost-effective method development for the extraction of rare earth metals is quite obvious already in connection with the indicated significance of the problem. Phosphoric acid solutions that simulate the composition of industrial phosphoric acid solutions of the following composition 4.5 mol/L H3PO4, 0.19 mol/L H2SO4 and 0.10–0.12% REM were selected as the object of research. The extraction of rare earth metals was carried out using polymers containing a fixed layer of an extractant—di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid (D2EHPA). Fixed layer was obtained by impregnation-saturation (solvent-impregnated resin (SIR)) or by the introduction of an extractant at the stage of polymer matrix synthesis (extractant-resin extraction (ERE)). The work determined the thermodynamic and technological characteristics of the solid-phase extraction of rare earth elements from phosphoric acid solutions with polymers impregnated with D2EHPA and containing a rigidly fixed extractant in a styrene-divinylbenzene resin matrix. The possibility of effective multiple use of polymeric resins containing D2EHPA, regenerated with a solution of 1 mol/L sodium citrate, was revealed.
Degradation of Polymetallic Nodules in Deep-Sea Multi-Stage Lifting Motor Pump
Authors: Li Yan , Liang Kesen , Dai Huan , Zhang Chi
Published: June 2021

The polymetallic nodules in the deep-sea multi-stage lifting motor pump will undergo repeated impeller blade impact and fragmentation, which will change the particle size, thereby affecting the number of ores that can be recovered on the surface and the design parameters of the processing equipment. A new calculation method of degradation rate is proposed. The degradation model of multiple impacts of particles is improved to quantitatively calculate the final particle size distribution (PSD) of polymetallic nodules transported from the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) to the ground through a series of multi-stage lifting electric pumps. The newly proposed calculation method is obtained by analyzing the degradation of experimental data of polymetallic nodules when they pass through the six-stage lifting motor pump experimental system many times. The improved model is used to predict the PSD of the nodules after running for 10 min in the experimental system, and compared with the experimental test results, the deviation is small. The new method can estimate the change in PSD of nodules due to degradation during transportation, reducing design costs for land processing equipment.
Design of a Near Infrared Fluorescent Ureter Imaging Agent for Prevention of Ureter Damage during Abdominal Surgeries
Authors: Mahalingam Sakkarapalayam M. , Putt Karson S. , Srinivasarao Madduri , Low Philip S.
Published: June 2021

The inadvertent severing of a ureter during surgery occurs in as many as 4.5% of colorectal surgeries. To help prevent this issue, several near-infrared (NIR) dyes have been developed to assist surgeons with identifying ureter location. However, the majority of these dyes exhibit at least some issue that precludes their widespread usage such as high levels of uptake in other tissues, overlapping emission wavelengths with other NIR dyes used for other fluorescence-guided surgeries, and/or rapid excretion times through the ureters. To overcome these limitations, we have synthesized and characterized the spectral properties and biodistribution of a new series of PEGylated UreterGlow derivatives. The most promising dye, UreterGlow-11 was shown to almost exclusively excrete through the kidneys/ureters with detectable fluorescence observed for at least 12 h. Additionally, while the excitation wavelength is similar to that of other NIR dyes used for cancer resections, the emission is shifted by ~30 nm allowing for discrimination between the different fluorescence-guided surgery probes. In conclusion, these new UreterGlow dyes show promising optical and biodistribution characteristics and are good candidates for translation into the clinic.
Biosensing Membrane Base on Ferulic Acid and Glucose Oxidase for an Amperometric Glucose Biosensor
Authors: Valdés-Ramírez Gabriela , Galicia Laura
Published: June 2021

A biosensing membrane base on ferulic acid and glucose oxidase is synthesized onto a carbon paste electrode by electropolymerization via cyclic voltammetry in aqueous media at neutral pH at a single step. The developed biosensors exhibit a linear response from 0.082 to 34 mM glucose concentration, with a coefficient of determination R2 equal to 0.997. The biosensors display a sensitivity of 1.1 μAmM−1 cm−2, a detection limit of 0.025 mM, and 0.082 mM as glucose quantification limit. The studies reveal stable, repeatable, and reproducible biosensors response. The results indicate that the novel poly-ferulic acid membrane synthesized by electropolymerization is a promising method for glucose oxidase immobilization towards the development of glucose biosensors. The developed glucose biosensors exhibit a broader linear glucose response than other polymer-based glucose biosensors.
Nanoscale Strontium-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Pastes and Gels for Bone Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Harrison Caroline , Hatton Paul , Gentile Piergiorgio , Miller Cheryl
Published: June 2021

Injectable nanoscale hydroxyapatite (nHA) systems are highly promising biomaterials to address clinical needs in bone tissue regeneration, due to their excellent biocompatibility, bioinspired nature, and ability to be delivered in a minimally invasive manner. Bulk strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite (SrHA) is reported to encourage bone tissue growth by stimulating bone deposition and reducing bone resorption, but there are no detailed reports describing the preparation of a systematic substitution up to 100% at the nanoscale. The aim of this work was therefore to fabricate systematic series (0–100 atomic% Sr) of SrHA pastes and gels using two different rapid-mixing methodological approaches, wet precipitation and sol-gel. The full range of nanoscale SrHA materials were successfully prepared using both methods, with a measured substitution very close to the calculated amounts. As anticipated, the SrHA samples showed increased radiopacity, a beneficial property to aid in vivo or clinical monitoring of the material in situ over time. For indirect methods, the greatest cell viabilities were observed for the 100% substituted SrHA paste and gel, while direct viability results were most likely influenced by material disaggregation in the tissue culture media. It was concluded that nanoscale SrHAs were superior biomaterials for applications in bone surgery, due to increased radiopacity and improved biocompatibility.
Bead-Immobilized Multimodal Molecular Beacon-Equipped DNA Machinery for Specific RNA Target Detection: A Prototypical Molecular Nanobiosensor
Authors: Kim Jeonghun , Ahn So Yeon , Um Soong Ho
Published: June 2021

A variety of nanostructured diagnostic tools have been developed for the precise detection of known genetic variants. Molecular beacon systems are very promising tools due to their specific selectivity coupled with relatively lower cost and time requirements than existing molecular detection tools such as next generation sequencing or real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). However, they are prone to errors induced by secondary structure responses to environmental fluctuations, such as temperature and pH. Herein, we report a temperature-insensitive, bead-immobilized, molecular beacon-equipped novel DNA nanostructure for detection of cancer miRNA variants with the consideration of thermodynamics. This system consists of three parts: a molecular beacon for cancer-specific RNA capture, a stem body as a core template, and a single bead for solid-support. This DNA system was selectively bound to nanosized beads using avidin–biotin chemistry. Synthetic DNA nanostructures, designed based on the principle of fluorescence-resonance enhanced transfer, were effectively applied for in vitro cancer-specific RNA detection. Several parameters were optimized for higher performance, with a focus on thermodynamic stability. Theoretical issues regarding the secondary structure of a single molecular beacon and its combinatory forms were also studied. This study provides design guidelines for new sensing systems of miRNA variation for next-generation biotechnological applications.
Resolving Site-Specific Energy Levels of Small-Molecule Donor-Acceptor Heterostructures Close to Metal Contacts
Authors: Benhnia Amani , Watanabe Shinta , Tuerhong Rouzhaji , Nakaya Masato , Onoe Jun , Bucher Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2021

The active material of optoelectronic devices must accommodate for contacts which serve to collect or inject the charge carriers. It is the purpose of this work to find out to which extent properties of organic optoelectronic layers change close to metal contacts compared to known properties of bulk materials. Bottom-up fabrication capabilities of model interfaces under ultrahigh vacuum and single-atom low temperature (LT)-STM spectroscopy with density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to detect the spatial modifications of electronic states such as frontier-orbitals at interfaces. The system under consideration is made of a silver substrate covered with a blend of C60 and ZnPc molecules of a few monolayers. When C60 and ZnPc are separately adsorbed on Ag(111), they show distinct spectroscopic features in STM. However, when C60 is added to the ZnPc monolayer, it shows scanning tunneling spectra similar to ZnPc, revealing a strong interaction of C60 with the ZnPc induced by the substrate. DFT calculations on a model complex confirm the strong hybridization of C60 with ZnPc layer upon adsorption on Ag(111), thus highlighting the role of boundary layers where the donor-acceptor character is strongly perturbed. The calculation also reveals a significant charge transfer from the Ag to the complex that is likely responsible for a downward shift of the molecular LUMO in agreement with the experiment.
Evaluation of Autogenous Healing in Flexural Mortar Members by Chloride Ion Penetration Resistance
Authors: Park Byoungsun , Choi Youngcheol
Published: June 2021

In this study, we investigated the effects of mineral admixtures on the autogenous healing of flexural mortar members through a chloride ion penetration test. The mineral admixtures used were ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), fly ash, silica fume (SF), clinker binder, and clinker sand. Through a four-point bending test, a crack of approximately 100 μm was induced at the bottom of the flexural mortar member, and the chloride ion penetration depth through the crack was measured to evaluate the self-healing performance. Additionally, we analyzed the correlation between the self-healing performances, which was measured through water flow and water absorption tests. The experimental results showed that the chloride ion penetration depth decreased due to crack healing, and the self-healing performance of the GGBS and SF was the highest. It was found that the subtle change in the self-healing performance was more accurately evaluated by the chloride ion penetration test.
High-Resolution Two-Dimensional Imaging of the 4H-SiC MOSFET Channel by Scanning Capacitance Microscopy
Authors: Fiorenza Patrick , Alessandrino Mario S. , Carbone Beatrice , Russo Alfio , Roccaforte Fabrizio , Giannazzo Filippo
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a two-dimensional (2D) planar scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) method is used to visualize with a high spatial resolution the channel region of large-area 4H-SiC power MOSFETs and estimate the homogeneity of the channel length over the whole device perimeter. The method enabled visualizing the fluctuations of the channel geometry occurring under different processing conditions. Moreover, the impact of the ion implantation parameters on the channel could be elucidated.
Carbon-Based Nanofluids and Their Advances towards Heat Transfer Applications—A Review
Authors: Ali Naser , Bahman Ammar M. , Aljuwayhel Nawaf F. , Ebrahim Shikha A. , Mukherjee Sayantan , Alsayegh Ali
Published: June 2021

Nanofluids have opened the doors towards the enhancement of many of today’s existing thermal applications performance. This is because these advanced working fluids exhibit exceptional thermophysical properties, and thus making them excellent candidates for replacing conventional working fluids. On the other hand, nanomaterials of carbon-base were proven throughout the literature to have the highest thermal conductivity among all other types of nanoscaled materials. Therefore, when these materials are homogeneously dispersed in a base fluid, the resulting suspension will theoretically attain orders of magnitude higher effective thermal conductivity than its counterpart. Despite this fact, there are still some challenges that are associated with these types of fluids. The main obstacle is the dispersion stability of the nanomaterials, which can lead the attractive properties of the nanofluid to degrade with time, up to the point where they lose their effectiveness. For such reason, this work has been devoted towards providing a systematic review on nanofluids of carbon-base, precisely; carbon nanotubes, graphene, and nanodiamonds, and their employment in thermal systems commonly used in the energy sectors. Firstly, this work reviews the synthesis approaches of the carbon-based feedstock. Then, it explains the different nanofluids fabrication methods. The dispersion stability is also discussed in terms of measuring techniques, enhancement methods, and its effect on the suspension thermophysical properties. The study summarizes the development in the correlations used to predict the thermophysical properties of the dispersion. Furthermore, it assesses the influence of these advanced working fluids on parabolic trough solar collectors, nuclear reactor systems, and air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Lastly, the current gap in scientific knowledge is provided to set up future research directions.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Neutralizing Antibody Response after the First and Second COVID-19 Pandemic Wave in Croatia
Authors: Vilibic-Cavlek Tatjana , Stevanovic Vladimir , Ilic Maja , Barbic Ljubo , Capak Krunoslav , Tabain Irena , Krleza Jasna Lenicek , Ferenc Thomas , Hruskar Zeljka , Topic Renata Zrinski , Kaliterna Vanja , Antolovic-Pozgain Arlen , Kucinar Jasmina , Koscak Iva , Mayer Dijana , Sviben Mario , Antolasic Ljiljana , Milasincic Ljiljana , Bucic Lovro , Ferencak Ivana , Kaic Bernard
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus with a pandemic spread. So far, a total of 349,910 SARS-CoV-2 cases and 7687 deaths were reported in Croatia. We analyzed the seroprevalence and neutralizing (NT) antibody response in the Croatian general population after the first (May–July 2020) and second (December 2020–February 2021) pandemic wave. Initial serological testing was performed using a commercial ELISA, with confirmation of reactive samples by a virus neutralization test (VNT). A significant difference in the overall seroprevalence rate was found after the first (ELISA 2.2%, VNT 0.2%) and second waves (ELISA 25.1%, VNT 18.7%). Seropositive individuals were detected in all age groups, with significant differences according to age. The lowest prevalence of NT antibodies was documented in the youngest (<10 years; 16.1%) and the oldest (60–69/70+ years; 16.0% and 12.8%, respectively) age groups. However, these age groups showed the highest median NT titers (32–64). In other groups, seropositivity varied from 19.3% to 21.5%. A significant weak positive correlation between binding antibody level as detected by ELISA and VNT titer (rho = 0.439, p < 0.001) was observed. SARS-CoV-2 NT antibody titers seem to be age-related, with the highest NT activity in children under 10 years and individuals above 50 years.
Streptococcus pyogenes (“Group A Streptococcus”), a Highly Adapted Human Pathogen—Potential Implications of Its Virulence Regulation for Epidemiology and Disease Management
Authors: Siemens Nikolai , Lütticken Rudolf
Published: June 2021

Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci; GAS) is an exclusively human pathogen. It causes a variety of suppurative and non-suppurative diseases in people of all ages worldwide. Not all can be successfully treated with antibiotics. A licensed vaccine, in spite of its global importance, is not yet available. GAS express an arsenal of virulence factors responsible for pathological immune reactions. The transcription of all these virulence factors is under the control of three types of virulence-related regulators: (i) two-component systems (TCS), (ii) stand-alone regulators, and (iii) non-coding RNAs. This review summarizes major TCS and stand-alone transcriptional regulatory systems, which are directly associated with virulence control. It is suggested that this treasure of knowledge on the genetics of virulence regulation should be better harnessed for new therapies and prevention methods for GAS infections, thereby changing its global epidemiology for the better.
The Influence of Rootstock and High-Density Planting on Apple cv. Auksis Fruit Quality
Authors: Laužikė Kristina , Uselis Nobertas , Samuolienė Giedrė
Published: June 2021

Global demand for food is increasing each year, but the area of land suitable for farming is limited. Thus, there is a need to grow not only larger quantities of food but also higher quality food products in the same area. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of rootstock and high-density orchards on cv. Auksis fruit quality. Two rootstocks were selected for this experiment, P 22 super dwarfing and P 60 dwarfing. Apple trees cv. Auksis were planted in the year 2001 in single rows spaced 1.00 m, 0.75 m, and 0.50 m, apart with 3 m between rows. High-density planting and rootstock combination was found to have no significant effect on sugar accumulation and most of the elements in apple fruits. However, super dwarfing P 22 rootstock accumulated significantly higher (up to 45%) content of organic acids and up to 33%–44% lower DPPH free radical scavering activity compared to P 60 dwarfing rootstock. After summarizing the obtained results, apples which accumulated the most antioxidants (according to the activity of phenolic compounds, DPPH• and ABTS•), magnesium, and potassium were collected from cv. Auksis apple trees which was grafted on super dwarfing P 22 rootstock and planted at 3 × 0.75 m distances.
Coffee Disease Visualization and Classification
Authors: Yebasse Milkisa , Shimelis Birhanu , Warku Henok , Ko Jaepil , Cheoi Kyung Joo
Published: June 2021

Deep learning architectures are widely used in state-of-the-art image classification tasks. Deep learning has enhanced the ability to automatically detect and classify plant diseases. However, in practice, disease classification problems are treated as black-box methods. Thus, it is difficult to trust the model that it truly identifies the region of the disease in the image; it may simply use unrelated surroundings for classification. Visualization techniques can help determine important areas for the model by highlighting the region responsible for the classification. In this study, we present a methodology for visualizing coffee diseases using different visualization approaches. Our goal is to visualize aspects of a coffee disease to obtain insight into what the model “sees” as it learns to classify healthy and non-healthy images. In addition, visualization helped us identify misclassifications and led us to propose a guided approach for coffee disease classification. The guided approach achieved a classification accuracy of 98% compared to the 77% of naïve approach on the Robusta coffee leaf image dataset. The visualization methods considered in this study were Grad-CAM, Grad-CAM++, and Score-CAM. We also provided a visual comparison of the visualization methods.
Biomolecular Evaluation of Lavandula stoechas L. for Nootropic Activity
Authors: Mushtaq Aamir , Anwar Rukhsana , Gohar Umar Farooq , Ahmad Mobasher , Marc (Vlaic) Romina Alina , Mureşan Crina Carmen , Irimie Marius , Bobescu Elena
Published: June 2021

Lavandula Stoechas L. is widely known for its pharmacological properties. This study was performed to identify its biomolecules, which are responsible for enhancement of memory. L. stoechas aqueous extract was first purified by liquid column chromatography. The purified fractions were analyzed for in vitro anti-cholinesterase activity. The fraction that produced the best anti-cholinesterase activity was named an active fraction of L. stoechas (AfL.s). This was then subjected to GC–MS for identifications of biomolecules present in it. GC–MS indicated the presence of phenethylamine and α-tocopherol in AfL.s. Different doses of AfL.s were orally administered (for seven days) to scopolamine-induced hyper-amnesic albino mice and then behavioral studies were performed on mice for two days. After that, animals were sacrificed and their brains were isolated to perform the biochemical assay. Results of behavioral studies indicated that AfL.s improved the inflexion ratio in mice, which indicated improvement in retention behavior. Similarly, AfL.s significantly (p < 0.001) reduced acetylcholinesterase and malondialdehyde contents of mice brain, but on the other hand, it improved the level of choline acetyltransferase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione. It was found that that high doses of AfL.s (≥400 mg/Kg/p.o.) produced hyper-activity, hyperstimulation, ataxia, seizures, and ultimate death in mice. Its LD50 was calculated as 325 mg/Kg/p.o. The study concludes that α-tocopherol and phenethylamine (a primary amine) present in L. stoechas enhance memory in animal models.
Image Sensors for Wave Monitoring in Shore Protection: Characterization through a Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Lay-Ekuakille Aimé , Djungha Okitadiowo John Peter , Di Luccio Diana , Palmisano Maurizio , Budillon Giorgio , Benassai Guido , Maggi Sabino
Published: June 2021

Waves propagating on the water surface can be considered as propagating in a dispersive medium, where gravity and surface tension at the air–water interface act as restoring forces. The velocity at which energy is transported in water waves is defined by the group velocity. The paper reports the use of video-camera observations to study the impact of water waves on an urban shore. The video-monitoring system consists of two separate cameras equipped with progressive RGB CMOS sensors that allow 1080p HDTV video recording. The sensing system delivers video signals that are processed by a machine learning technique. The scope of the research is to identify features of water waves that cannot be normally observed. First, a conventional modelling was performed using data delivered by image sensors together with additional data such as temperature, and wind speed, measured with dedicated sensors. Stealth waves are detected, as are the inverting phenomena encompassed in waves. This latter phenomenon can be detected only through machine learning. This double approach allows us to prevent extreme events that can take place in offshore and onshore areas.
Crack-Length Estimation for Structural Health Monitoring Using the High-Frequency Resonances Excited by the Energy Release during Fatigue-Crack Growth
Authors: Joseph Roshan , Mei Hanfei , Migot Asaad , Giurgiutiu Victor
Published: June 2021

Acoustic waves are widely used in structural health monitoring (SHM) for detecting fatigue cracking. The strain energy released when a fatigue crack advances has the effect of exciting acoustic waves, which travel through the structures and are picked up by the sensors. Piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) can effectively sense acoustic waves due to fatigue-crack growth. Conventional acoustic-wave passive SHM, which relies on counting the number of acoustic events, cannot precisely estimate the crack length. In the present research, a novel method for estimating the crack length was proposed based on the high-frequency resonances excited in the crack by the energy released when a crack advances. In this method, a PWAS sensor was used to sense the acoustic wave signal and predict the length of the crack that generated the acoustic event. First, FEM analysis was undertaken of acoustic waves generated due to a fatigue-crack growth event on an aluminum-2024 plate. The FEM analysis was used to predict the wave propagation pattern and the acoustic signal received by the PWAS mounted at a distance of 25 mm from the crack. The analysis was carried out for crack lengths of 4 and 8 mm. The presence of the crack produced scattering of the waves generated at the crack tip; this phenomenon was observable in the wave propagation pattern and in the acoustic signals recorded at the PWAS. A study of the signal frequency spectrum revealed peaks and valleys in the spectrum that changed in frequency and amplitude as the crack length was changed from 4 to 8 mm. The number of peaks and valleys was observed to increase as the crack length increased. We suggest this peak–valley pattern in the signal frequency spectrum can be used to determine the crack length from the acoustic signal alone. An experimental investigation was performed to record the acoustic signals in crack lengths of 4 and 8 mm, and the results were found to match well with the FEM predictions.
An Exploratory Analysis of Museum Attributes from the Perspective of Tourists and Residents: The Case of Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, Madrid, Spain
Authors: Orea-Giner Alicia , Calero-Sanz Jorge , De-Pablos-Heredero Carmen , Vacas-Guerrero Trinidad
Published: June 2021

Attribute evaluation provides an understanding of the perceived quality and subjective value of the museum visitor experience. The principal contribution of this paper is to analyze the attributes perceived by tourists and the local community (Madrid residents) of the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum (Madrid, Spain), utilizing the results from choice experiment and willingness-to-pay questionnaires. To analyze in depth the assessment regarding the museum attributes and the visitor perceptions of them, the relevance-determination model was applied. Data collection was achieved with a questionnaire using a convenience sample of international tourists and the local community, providing a total of 775 valid surveys. The results of the application of the relevance-determination analysis (RDA) show that there are two types of attributes: higher-impact core and lower-importance attributes. The attributes with the highest subjective value perceived by interviewed tourists and interviewed residents are the location, the building, and the permanent collection. These results show that there are substantial differences between the perception and appreciation of these attributes by interviewed residents and interviewed tourists. The results provide valuable information that can be applied in practice to devise strategies for economic and socio-cultural sustainability aimed at improving decision-making in museum management.
Increased Prevalence, Predictors, and In-Group Differences of Forced Sex and Physical Dating Violence among Trans/Gender Diverse Youth
Authors: Kattari Shanna K. , Atteberry-Ash Brittanie , Collins Christopher , Kattari Leonardo , Harner Vern
Published: June 2021

Forced sex and dating violence are too common among young people and rates are higher for young transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. However, the TGD youth population has differential experiences across gender, race, age, sexual orientation, and other identity factors. This study, using data from the 2015 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, explores these differential within-group experiences of forced sex and dating violence. Findings indicate that sexual minorities who are also TGD are 2.45–3.73 times more likely to experience forced sex and physical dating violence than their TGD heterosexual peers. Individuals who are transfeminine (4.49 times), transmasculine (2.52 times), and nonbinary (3.86 times) are more likely to experience forced sex, as well as physical dating violence (transfeminine (4.01 times), transmasculine (2.91 times), and nonbinary (4.77 times)), as compared to those individuals questioning their gender. Black individuals (3.93 times) and Multiracial individuals (2.39 times) are more likely to experience dating violence than their White counterparts. Age was related to increased experience of forced sex, with individuals being 1.34 times more likely to have experienced this per year increase of age. These findings indicate the need for more trans-inclusive youth programing around sexual violence and dating violence, as well as taking a more intersectional and personalized approach to prevention work.
People’s Avoidance of Neighboring Agricultural Urban Green Infrastructure: Evidence from a Choice Experiment
Authors: Kyoi Shinsuke
Published: June 2021

This study evaluates people’s preferences regarding the proximity of their residence to agricultural urban green infrastructure (UGI), such as agricultural land and satoyama, and discusses the availability of these types of land as UGI. UGI is vital for reducing the negative environmental impacts of urban areas, as these impacts are too large to ignore. In this study, we conducted an online survey and a choice experiment to investigate people’s perceptions regarding the proximity of their residence to agricultural UGI (AUGI). The respondents of the choice experiment were 802 inhabitants of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, which has rich agricultural resources. To examine explicitly the spatial autocorrelation of people’s preferences, in this study, we used the spatial econometrics method. The main empirical findings are that people prefer agricultural land far away from their residence—more than 1000 m, not within 1000 m—which reflects the not-in-my-backyard phenomenon. Meanwhile, people’s preferences regarding proximity to satoyama are complicated and their preferences are positively spatially autocorrelated. The results indicate that policymakers and urban planners should manage and provide AUGI far away from residential areas; otherwise, they must address people’s avoidance of neighboring AUGI.
The role of the chief nurse in the management of the nurse personnel of the city emergency station
Authors: Skvortsov Vsevolod
Published: June 2021

In the last decade, the functions of the chief nurse have not only changed but they have become more complex, more diverse, patient-oriented and personal-oriented. The main duties of the Chief Medical Nurse today are to create the necessary conditions for the effective work of the middle and junior staff, to develop the necessary instructions and guidelines, to plan the budget, and to train and increase the professionalism of employees.
INFORMATION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT «TEACHER’S PERSONAL OFFICE»
Authors: Алисултанова Э.Д. , Бериев И.Р. , Сулейманов А.С.
Published: June 2021

В данной статье рассматривается проблема работы научно-педагогического работника, связанной с организацией и планированием контактной учебной работы, заполнением и актуализацией рабочих программ дисциплин, расписанием лекций, семинаров, лабораторных работ, экзаменов, зачетов, а также с заполнением и представлением различных форм отчетности. Важным фактором, определяющим необходимость разработки информационной системы, является отсутствие на рынке программного продукта, позволяющего использовать его в качестве решения проблемы. В ходе исследования проведены: анализ работы научно-педагогического сотрудника Грозненского государственного нефтяного технического университета имени академика М.Д. Миллионщикова анализ существующих систем автоматизированного рабочего места преподавателя анализ программного и технического обеспечения. В результате исследования разработана информационная система Личный кабинет преподавателя , которая предоставит возможность преподавателям учебного заведения упростить учебную работу, а также сократит количество бумажных форм, поскольку вся необходимая информация будет храниться в системе.

This article discusses the problem of the work of a scientific and pedagogical worker related to the organization and planning of contact academic work, filling and updating work programs of disciplines, the schedule of lectures, seminars, laboratory works, exams, tests, and also filling and presenting various forms of reporting. An important factor determining the need to develop an information system is the lack of a software product on the market that allows it to be used as a solution to a problem. During the study: analysis of the work of the scientific and pedagogical employee of the Grozny State Oil Technical University named after academician M.D. Millionschikov analysis of existing systems of a teachers workstation analysis of software and hardware. As a result of the study, an information system Teachers Personal Account was developed, which will provide teachers of the educational institution with the opportunity to simplify their work and reduce the number of paper forms, since all the necessary information will be stored in the system.
MIMO TECHNOLOGY AS A BACKGROUND OF 5G NETWORK DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Таймасханова Х.Э. , Элиханова М.Ш. , Хаджиева Л.К.
Published: June 2021

В статье определены особенности развития технологии MIMO в сетях 5G и рассмотрено их применение на практике. Также приведены имеющиеся на данный момент данные о применении технологии MIMOв сетях 5G. Рассмотрены проблемы реализации технологии MIMOи их решение. Определена роль данной технологии в будущем беспроводных коммуникаций. Возрастающие темпы развития телекоммуникаций и радикальные изменения потребностей и ожиданий абонентов сетей сотовой связи вновь и вновь диктуют развитие с последующей сменой технологических партнеров. Мобильные устройства перестали быть просто средством коммуникации, они стали умным инструментом информационного потребления, расширяя возможности человека. Процессы, такие как повсеместное распространение смартфонов и планшетов, разработка облачных сервисов и социальных сетей, резко изменили привычки и поведение пользователей. Сегодня мобильные абоненты ожидают от беспроводных сетей те же, если не больше, возможности как от проводного интернета. Основные доходы мобильных операторов все чаще поступают от голосовых услуг к услугам передачи данных.

The article defines the features of the development of MIMO technology in 5G networks and considers their application in practice. The data currently available on the use of MIMO technology in 5G networks are also presented. The problems of the implementation of MIMO technology and their solution are considered. The role of this technology in the future of wireless communications is determined. The increasing pace of telecommunications development and the radical changes in the needs and expectations of subscribers of cellular networks again and again dictate development with the subsequent change of technological partners. Mobile devices have ceased to be just a means of communication, they have become a smart tool for information consumption, expanding human capabilities. Processes, such as the ubiquity of smartphones Вестник ГГНТУ. Технические науки, том XV, 4 (18), 2019 26 and tablets, the development of cloud services and social networks, have dramatically changed user habits and behavior. Today, mobile subscribers expect the same, if not more, capabilities from wireless networks as from wired Internet. The main income of mobile operators is increasingly coming from voice services to data services.