bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Исследование иммуногенности и потенциальной протективности вакцины «ЭпиВакКорона»
Authors: Криницкий Андрей
Published: June 2021

«ЭпиВакКорона» – вакцина на основе пептидных иммуногенов против коронавирусной инфекции COVID-19. В этой работе мы продемонстрировали, что иммуногенность вакцины «ЭпиВакКорона» составляет порядка 70%. Также мы показали, что иммунизация этой вакциной не приводит к формированию нейтрализующих антител у здоровых добровольцев. Кроме того, с помощью компьютерного моделирования нами было установлено, что один пептид вакцины, соответствующий участку в рецептор-связывающем домене S-белка вируса SARS-CoV-2, имеет в растворе конформацию, значительно отличающуюся от конформации соответствующего участка в полноразмерном белке. Наконец, с помощью алгоритмов предсказания Т-клеточных эпитопов мы показали, что эпитопы вакцинного белка-носителя и линкерного участка в этом белке обладают наибольшей иммуногенностью среди всех компонентов вакцины.
Paleogeographic implications of a multi-parameter Paleogene provenance dataset (Transylvanian Basin, Romania)
Authors: Obbágy Gabriella , Dunkl István , Józsa Sándor , Silye Lóránd , Arató Róbert , Lünsdorf Nils Keno , von Eynatten Hilmar
Published: June 2021

Recent developments in geoanalytics have led to the rapidly increasing potential of sedimentary provenance analysis in paleogeographic reconstructions. Here we combine standard methods (petrography, zircon U-Pb geochronology, optical heavy-mineral identification) with modern techniques such as automated Raman-spectroscopic identification of heavy minerals and detrital apatite and titanite U-Pb geochronology. The resulting multi-parameter dataset enables the reconstruction of tectonic and paleogeographic environments to an as-yet unprecedented accuracy in space and time. The Paleogene siliciclastic formations of our study area, the Transylvanian Basin, represent an intensely changing sedimentary environment comprising three transgressive–regressive cycles on a simultaneously moving and rotating tectonic plate. We identified six major source components of the Paleogene sediments and outlined the paleo-drainage patterns for the three cycles, respectively. According to our data these components include: 1) pre-Variscan basement units of the nappes, 2) Variscan granitoids, 3) Permo-Triassic felsic volcanic rocks, 4) Jurassic ophiolites, 5) Upper Cretaceous granodiorites, and 6) Priabonian to Rupelian (37–30 Ma) intermediate magmatites, the latter representing newly recognized formations in the region. Abrupt paleographic changes can be directly deduced from the obtained dataset. The first phase of the Paleogene siliciclastic sequence is composed of mostly Southern Carpathian–derived sediments, to which Jurassic ophiolite detritus of the Apuseni Mts. was added during the second phase, while the siliciclastic material of the third phase represents mainly recycled material from the second phase. According to the detected diagnostic heavy-mineral associations, U-Pb age components and the positions of the potential source areas a set of provenance maps are presented.
Formation of Orthogonal Components of Input Currents in Microprocessor Protections of Electrical Equipment
Authors: Romaniuk F. A. , Rumiantsev Yu. V. , Rumiantsev V. Yu. , Novash I. V.
Published: June 2021

The methods used in the microprocessor protection of electrical equipment for forming orthogonal components of input currents ensure their reliable isolation after changing the mode followed by one or more periods of the fundamental frequency. This is due to the inertia of the functional elements, in particular, digital frequency filters, as well as the saturation of the steel magnetic cores of current transformers. To increase the speed of the selection of orthogonal components of the input currents, it is proposed to form them as equivalent ones in terms of the cosine and sine components obtained using digital Fourier filters by multiplying by the resulting coefficient. The method that has been developed for determining the specified coefficient provides compensation for the delay caused by the inertia of digital filters, as well as the saturation of the steel of magnetic cores of current transformers. The proposed method of forming orthogonal components is highly effective in the modes of strong saturation of the magnetic core with a complex input action in the presence of an aperiodic component with a large damping time constant. The evaluation of the efficiency of the proposed method was performed using a complex digital model implemented in the dynamic modeling environment MatLab-Simulink. As a result of the performed studies, it was found that in the absence of saturation of the magnetic core of current transformers, as well as in the presence of a small and medium degree of saturation, the proposed method for forming equivalent orthogonal components of input currents has dynamic properties close to the ones of those that had been previously proposed. With a strong saturation of the magnetic core of current transformers, the speed of obtaining reliable values of these components is increased by 1.5–2 times.
Scientific and Methodological Bases of Exergetic Analysis of the Processes of Heat Treatment of Concrete Products in Heat Technology Installations
Authors: Romaniuk V. N. , Niyakovskii A. M.
Published: June 2021

Having proven its effectiveness in finding the best options for energy supply and energy consumption the exergetic method of thermodynamic analysis of complex heat and power systems has been widely recognized in recent years. However, its application is hindered by the lack of appropriate scientific and methodological heat technology support, especially if their application involves not only transformation of energy, but also transformation of substances. Heat treatment of concrete and reinforced concrete products belongs to such technologies. This article presents new scientific results related to the development of exergetic balances of the processes of preparation of concrete mixture in a mixer and heat treatment of a concrete product in a heat-technological installation. For each of these cases, the analysis of exergetic flows was carried out, the structure of the exergy of the concrete mixture and the hardening concrete was determined. Based on the analysis of the literature data on the chemical composition of cement clinkers, cements, and hydration products, new dependences have been proposed for calculating the exergy of the concrete mixture flow and the exergy of concrete under its heat treatment, including all their components, viz. thermomechanical, reaction, and concentration constituents. Absolute energy indicators have been developed. The calculation of the mentioned values was performed on a specific example with the use of the developed scientific and methodological support. In the second part of this paper, the results of the study related to the determination of relative exergetic indicators that allow evaluating the energy efficiency of the processes of heat treatment of concrete products in heat technology installations will be published. The results obtained in this paper can be used for the selection of energy-saving modes of heat-technological equipment intended for industrial heat treatment of concrete products.
Evolution of the Yangtze River reconstructed from the largest molecular phylogeny of Cyprinidae
Authors: Chen Feng , Xue Ge , Wang Yeke , Zhang Hucai , Clift Peter D. , He Jun , Chen Jun , Xie Ping
Published: June 2021

The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia, but its evolutionary history has long been debated, in particular the origin of the First Bend and formation of the Three Gorges. Diverse groups of endemic freshwater fishes have evolved in this river. Here we present the historical, spatiotemporal pattern of the endemic East Asian cyprinid clade based on the largest molecular phylogeny of Cyprinidae, including 1420 species and fossil records. Based on the evolution of egg types adapting to different hydrological conditions, we show that the ancestors of this endemic clade (laying adhesive eggs) were distributed in southern East Asia before ~24 Ma and subsequently dispersed to the Yangtze River basin to spawn semi-buoyant eggs at ~19 Ma. These results are consistent with the Yangtze River reversing its flow direction from southward to eastward to form the present river system around the Oligocene-Miocene boundary (~24–19 Ma). Some East Asian cyprinids evolved into fishes producing adhesive eggs again at ~13 Ma. This together with an increased net diversification rate, indicates that the river formed a potamo-lacustrine system during the Mid-Miocene. This new reconstruction of the history of the Yangtze River system through Cyprinidae phylogeny, together with the evolution of egg types in endemic East Asia cyprinids, improves the time resolution derived from geological studies.
Impacts of Chlorpyrifos and Deltamethrin on Soil Bacterial Community Composition in Different Salinity Soils: Natural Attenuation Microcosm Studies
Authors: Jokar Safoura Hashemi , Shavandi Mahmoud , Haddadi Azam , Alaie Ebrahim
Published: June 2021

Pesticides and insecticides are the chemicals widely used in the agricultural industry, but their ecotoxicological effects on the environment are not still well understood. In this study, the remediation of chlorpyrifos (CP) and deltamethrin (DM) and their impacts on soil microbial diversity was investigated. Four different soils with various salinity (0%, 1%, 2% and 4%) were artificially contaminated by CP and DM. Then, natural attenuation of the pesticides in soil microcosms and their effects on soil microbial composition were studied by metagenomics. The pesticide natural attenuation analysis showed higher CP remediation in slightly saline soils with 1% and 2% salinity and faster removal of DM in 1% saline soil in comparison to non-saline control microcosm. The complete natural attenuation of the contaminants took around 60 days. The metagenomics analysis indicated that pesticide contamination had significant impacts on the soil flora and some dominant species in the control microcosm were completely eliminated by CP and DM. In addition, Paenibacillus (2% salinity and DM), Bacillus (4% salinity and CP), Paeniclostridium (1% salinity and DM) and Lachnospiraceae (1% salinity and CP) were the dominant genus by 77%, 50%, 41% and 39% relative abundances, respectively. At phylum level, the sequences belonged to Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were considerably enriched during natural attenuation of both DM and CP pesticides. Furthermore, Shannon and Simpson Indexes were identified more sensitive to the microbial community evenness, while, Chao1 and ACE indexes were changed by the community abundance. It was revealed that the highest negative impacts of deltamethrin and chlorpyrifos on the culturable and unculturable communities were related to the non-saline soil.
Bacterial community structure and functional profiling of high Arctic fjord sediments
Authors: Vishnupriya S , T JABIR , Krishnan K.P , Hatha Abdulla Mohamed
Published: June 2021

Kongsfjorden, an Arctic fjord is significantly affected by the glacier melt and Atlantification, both the processes driven by accelerated warming in the Arctic. This has lead to changes in primary production, carbon pool and microbial communities, especially that in the sediment. In this study, we have examined the bacterial community structure of surface (0–2 cm) and subsurface (3–9 cm) sediments of Kongsfjorden using the high throughput sequencing analysis. Results revealed that bacterial community structure of Kongsfjorden sediments were dominated by phylum Proteobacteria followed by Bacteroidetes and Epsilonbacteraeota. While α- and γ- Proteobacterial class were dominant in surface sediments; δ- Proteobacteria were found to be predominant in subsurface sediments. The bacterial community structure in the surface and subsurface sediments showed significant variations (p ≤ 0.05). Total organic carbon could be one of the major parameters controlling the bacterial diversity in the surface and subsurface sediments. Functional prediction analysis indicated that the bacterial community could be involved in the degradation of complex organic compounds such as glycans, glycosaminoglycans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and also in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites.
Evaluation and prioritisation of potential locations for investment in dental tourism
Authors: Ahmadimanesh Fatemeh , Pourmehdi Mohammad , Paydar Mohammad Mahdi
Published: June 2021

Medical tourism had notable growth in the past few years, and it is understood that one of the most prevalent types of medical tourism is dental tourism. This study aims to select the most suitable city for investment in dental tourism. Five dimensions and nineteen criteria associated with dental tourism have been specified, and the DEMATEL-based ANP (DANP) is used to determine the interrelation of criteria and compute their weights. Then, the VIKOR is used to evaluate the suitability of different cities for investment in dental tourism and determine the potential areas of the selected cities that need enhancement. A case study is conducted to present the applicability of the suggested model. The results indicate that the dental facilities and service is the most critical dimension, and reputation of hospital/facility and doctors, dental clinics with certification/accreditation scheme are the most important criteria for analysing the suitability of potential locations.
Effects of Cervical Manual Therapy Versus Conventional Physical Therapy on Clinical Outcomes in People With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zarrin Milad , saadat maryam , Shaterzadeh Mohammad Jafar , Ahmadi Davood Shalil
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. A recent systematic review described limited or no evidence about the conservative interventions. Literature has expressed that more proximal area such as the cervical spine is involved in CTS. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the effects of combination cervical manual therapy and conventional physical therapy on pain, self-reported function, and electrophysiological findings in the management these patients.MethodsThis study will be a double-blind, parallel-group, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) in which carpal tunnel syndrome subjects randomize to either conventional or combined exercise groups. The conventional group take routine physical therapy treatments, while patients in combine exercise group receive cervical manual therapy plus routine physical therapy treatments. All patients receive 10 sessions of supervised intervention. The outcome measures included visual analogue scale (VAS), Boston Carpal Tunnel and DASH questionnaire, motor distal latencies and sensory nerve conduction velocity of median nerve. They obtain pre- and post-intervention. DiscussionThe findings of this study will provide knowledge about the comparison effectiveness of conventional physical therapy with and without cervical manual therapy on symptom severity, functional status, disability, velocity and latency median nerve in patients with CTS.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20201201049565N1. Registered on 15 December 2020.
Attributes, Supportive and Core Functions of Public Health Emergency Surveillance leadership, and Implementation for Tropical Diseases Control
Authors: yenew chalachew , Mulatu Sileshi
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPublic health surveillance (PHS) is the continuing organized gathering, investigation, elucidation, and well-timed distribution of health-related information for activities and program evaluation. Conducting a surveillance system evaluation is crucial for monitoring the efficacy and effectiveness of intervention programs in health care systems. Evaluate the Status of Attributes, Supportive and Core Functions implementation of Public Health Emergency Surveillance (PHES) in the case of Awi Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, 2020 was the main aim of the study.Methods A descriptive prevalence study design was used to evaluate the surveillance system of the Awi zone selected woreda. 25 study sources are used in the study (5 District Health Offices (5HOs), 10 Health Centers (10HCs), and 10 Health Posts (10HPs)). Purposive sampling techniques were utilized. Data were obtained by communicable diseases control the standard format of systematic evaluation of four surveillance units from January to August 2020 through observation, document review, and interviewing surveillance officers and focal persons using a semi-structured survey.ResultsThe structure of public health surveillance (PHS) data flow from health posts to health districts be sound structured. However, coordination and supervision of the surveillance activities were not frequent. From those supervised health facilities, most of them are not receiving feedback. There was no budget line, written feedback, epidemic and preparedness, and a response plan regular based on supportive supervision at all visited health facilities. ConclusionsSupervisions were made as integrated supportive supervision in the last six months. However, there was no program-specific supportive supervision of Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM). Data analysis was not routinely practiced in both visited districts and was not used for decision making. Therefore, we recommend that districts and sub-city health offices should conduct regular surveillance data analysis, perform supportive supervision, avail budgets, and mitigate resource constraints and improve data quality on the job training and supportive supervision.
Single vs. Double Intracoronary Injection of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell after Acute Myocardial Infarction: The Study Protocol from a Randomized Clinical Trial. BOOSTER-TAHA7 trial
Authors: Attar Armin , Nouri Fatemeh , Yazdanshenas Arash , Hessami Kamran , Vosough Massoud , Abdi-Ardekani Alireza , Izadpanah Peyman , Ramzi Mani , Kojouri Javad , Pouladfar Gholamreza , Monabati Ahmad
Published: June 2021

BackgroundMeta-analysis from previous studies have shown that treatment with Mesenchymal stromal cell (MCSs) may increase the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by 3.84% and the effect is greater in those who are not aged and have developed a reduced LVEF. However, it seems that MSC transplantation does its effect through an indirect paracrine effect and direct differentiation to the cardiomyocytes does not occur. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that this paracrine effect would be augmented if repeated doses of MSC are transplanted. This study is conducted to compare single vs. double injection of MSCs.MethodsThis is a single-blind, randomized, multicenter trial aiming to determine whether intracoronary infusion of double doses of umbilical cord-derived Wharton’s jelly MSCs (WJ-MSCs) improves LVEF more after AMI compared to single administration. The study will enroll 60 AMI 3 to 7 days after AMI. The patients should be under 65 years old and have a severe impairment in LV function (LVEF < 40%). They will be randomized to three arms receiving single or double doses of intracoronary infusion of WJ-MSCs or placebo. Primary endpoint of this study is assessment of improvement in LVEF at 6-month post intervention as compared to the baseline. DiscussionThis investigation will help to determine whether infusion of booster (second) dose of intracoronary WJ-MSCs in patients with AMI will contribute to increasing its effect on the improvement of myocardial function.Trial registrationIRCT20201116049408N1. (www.IRCT.ir)
Survival Analysis Of 335 Patients With Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Combined Treatment
Authors: Moradi Ghobad , Rasouli Mohammad Aziz , Roshani Daem
Published: June 2021

Purpose: If colorectal cancer (CRC) is diagnosed in the early stages, the patients will have higher survival rates. Although there might be some other factors which affect the survival rate, the kind of treatment available based on existing health and therapeutic facilities, is very important as well. The aim of this study was to explore the best type of treatment in colorectal cancer patients.Methods: The data of 335 patients with CRC in Kurdistan province were collected using population-based cancer registration system from first of March 2009 to 2014. Demographic and clinical- pathologic data of the patients were gathered through their medical and pathology records and going to the door of their houses. The cancer-specific survival rate were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival curve, log-rank test, univariate and multivariate Cox regression. The data was analyzed using Stata 12 software. Results: One-year, three-year and five-year survival rates were %87, %57 and %33 respectively. The median of survival was 42.6 months. The five-year survival rate for those patients who had received both surgical and chemotherapy treatments was %55.8. There was less mortality rate among the patients who had received both surgical and chemotherapy treatments compared to those who had not received any treatment (HR=0.57, 95% CI 0.24-0.93).Conclusion: When CRC patients are treated using both surgical and chemotherapy treatments, they will have higher survival rate. Therefore, it is suggested to use both treatments for CRC patients.
Analysis of Multi-Story Buildings with Hybrid Shear Wall - Steel Bracing Structural System
Authors: Sharma Shubam , Tiwary Aditya Kumar
Published: June 2021

Numerous studies were contemplated on the structures with distinctive structural configuration and ample amount of work is currently being performed through the investigation of the response of individual behavior of shear walls and bracings by varying configurations and their material properties. Seismic design philosophies had mentioned firmly that a structure must accomplish Life Safety (LS) and Performance Level (PL) for both reinforced concrete and steel structures. This study is anchored on prevailing lateral load resisting system which is virtuous but not adequate to retain vigorous ground motion or acceleration. To overwhelm this problem, an attempt was made to familiarize a new lateral load resisting system formulated by the amalgamation of two different existing lateral load resisting systems, specifically shear walls and bracings. The hybrid structural system embraces two distinctive lateral load resisting techniques, shear walls, and bracings for moment-resisting frame. A numerical finite element study was carried out by the linear dynamic method on the response of structure subjected to seismic condition and an optimal configuration of the different structural patterns is assured by using numerous possible patterns of a hybrid structural system using finite element-based software. The criteria contemplated for study including time period, base shear, overturning moment, story drift ratio, and story displacement are compared with different models and the optimal structure is concluded based upon the recital. The comparative results revealed that there is a reduction noticed in the fundamental time period, and story displacement, where as there is negligible increment in base shear and overturning moment for the hybrid structural system as compared to other configurated models.
Multicolor Emission from Ultraviolet GaN-based Photonic Quasicrystal Nanopyramid Structure with Semipolar InxGa1-xN/GaN Multiple Quantum Wells
Authors: Chen Cheng-Chang , Lin Hsiang-Ting , Chang Shih-Pang , Kuo Hao-Chung , Hung Hsiao-Wen , Chien Kuo-Hsiang , Chang Yu-Choung , Shih Min-Hsiung
Published: June 2021

In this study, we demonstrated large-area high quality multi-color emission from the 12-fold symmetric GaN photonic quasicrystal nanorod device which was fabricated using the nanoimprint lithography technology and multiple quantum wells regrowth procedure. High-efficiency blue and green color emission wavelengths of 460 and 520 nm from the regrown InxGa1−xN/GaN multiple quantum wells were observed under optical pumping conditions. To confirm the strongly coupling between the quantum well emissions and the photonic crystal band-edge resonant modes, the finite-element method (FEM) was applied to perform a simulation of the 12-fold symmetry photonic quasicrystal lattices.
Medical research conduct and publication during higher education in Syria: attitudes, barriers, practices, and possible solutions
Authors: Hanafi Ibrahem , Kassem Luma Haj , Hanafi Mouaz , Ahmad Sulafa , Abbas Ola , Hajeer Mohammad Younis , Alahdab Fares
Published: June 2021

Introduction:The huge workload on doctors especially residents, who are the main healthcare providers in public hospitals, in addition to the vanishing incomes and lack of personal safety during the decade-long Syrian crisis, led to further hurdles for the focus on research. Postgraduate students in the medical and paramedical fields must conduct original research projects as part of their graduation requirements. However, that does not reflect on the research publications coming from Syria.Methods:A nation-wide cross-sectional study targeting medical, dental, and pharmacy postgraduate students who are at the phase of planning for their required projects. The questionnaire aimed to capture their attitudes towards research, perceived barriers, and previous research experiences.Results:The sample consisted of 429 residents representing about 22% of the target population. Nearly all the participants had positive opinion towards the important role of medical research and the significance of their participation. Agreement was also clear regarding perceived barriers including the lack of adequate training, and research facility. Seventy-one percent of the participants were not involved in any research before the time of their master theses, less than 13% of them had submitted an article for publication, and less than 5% had submitted more than one paper. Poor internet connectivity and poor reading and writing English skills were decisive negative factors in previous research experiences. Mentors’ support and self-paced learning of research skills had a significant positive impact on students’ research contributions with odds ratios of 2.04 [1.02-4.06] (P<0.001) and 2.68 [1.48-4.84] (P<0.001) respectively.Conclusion:The attitudes of postgraduate students towards research were quite positive but hindered by several obstacles. Further integration of research practical training in the curricula, allowing long-distance mentoring, enhancing collaboration between peers, as well as narrowing the distance between students and mentors may significantly boost research productivity in Syria despite the conflicts.
Spatial-Temporal Variations for Pollution Assessment of Heavy Metals in Hengshui Lake of China
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Guo Ziliang , Wang Henian , Wang Daan , Zhang Manyin
Published: June 2021

A comprehensive analysis of the spatial and temporal variations of heavy metals in wetland sediment can delineate the changes in possible contamination sources, providing valuable conservation strategies for further wetland management. Using pollution index, enrichment factors, and potential ecological risk index, the spatial and temporal variations in heavy metals (Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Zn) were evaluated in Hengshui Lake in north China from 2005 to 2020. The results demonstrated that the concentrations and assessment index for most heavy metals all decreased, with that of As decreasing the most (-54.3%), which mainly benefited from the implementation of a series of ecological conservation and restoration projects. Although the assessment indexes for most heavy metals indicated non-pollution status, Hg and Cd exhibited medium enrichment and moderate potential ecological risk. Especially for Cd, the related-indexes increased by 859.3%. Furthermore, the high pollution was mainly distributed nearby the regions of dense enterprises and the spilled into of water (i.e., Wangkou sluice, the Jizhou Small Lake and its causeway). This was primarily attributed to discharge of industrial wastewater and Cd-polluted ecological diversion water. These findings demonstrated the necessity of continued and targeted implementation of wetland conservation and restoration projects, identified possible contamination sources and important pollution regions that could provide insights into contamination control options and targeted management strategies for Hengshui Lake.
miR-145-5p: A Potential Biomarker in Predicting Gleason Upgrading of Prostate Biopsy Samples Scored 3+3=6
Authors: Wang Tao , Dong Lei , Sun Juanjuan , Shao Jiangliang , Zhang Jian , Chen Siteng , Wang Chaofu , Wang Xiang
Published: June 2021

Background: The Gleason grading system is a major tool used for prediction of prostate cancer (PCa) behavior. Because of heterogeneity and sampling errors, prognosis is variable even among patients with the same Gleason score (GS). Therefore, more accurate biomarkers that complement the Gleason system are needed to improve the clinical management of PCa.Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue samples were obtained from radical prostatectomy (RP) (patient set 1, n=53) and needle biopsy (patient set 2, n=107; patient set 3, n=119). Cancer tissues from pure regions of each Gleason pattern (GP) were separately collected using laser-captured microdissection, followed by Real-time-PCR to determine the relative expression of miRNAs, including miR-1-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-30d-5p, miR-100-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-224-5p, and miR-708-5p. miRNA’s association with Gleason upgrading (GU) was evaluated using receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The integrated miRNA targets prediction and enrichment analyses were performed to determine the potential functions of miRNA. Results: It was found that miR-145-5p in GP3 from radical prostatectomy (RP) were overexpressed in patients with GS6 PCa compared with GS7 patients, which was further confirmed in a larger biopsy cohort. ROC curve analysis revealed that miR-145-5p in biopsy was significantly associated with GU upon RP. In multivariate analyses, miR-145-5p was an independent predictor of GU. Conclusions: Our study indicated that differential expression of miRNAs existed in GP3 from pure GS6 and GS7 PCa, highlighting a path toward the clinical use of miRNAs in predicting GU and assisting in treatment modality selection.
Effect of Educational Intervention Based on Self-Efficacy Theory on The Caring Behavior of Mothers Having Children with Cancer
Authors: Barani Maryam , Hassani Laleh , Ghanbarnejad Amin , Molavi Mohammad Ali
Published: June 2021

Background

Self-efficacy, as one of the concepts of empowerment model, plays a role in increasing the caring behavior. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational intervention based on self-efficacy theory on the caring behavior of mothers having children with cancer.
Methods

This before-after clinical trial study was conducted on all mothers (N = 86) of children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy who referred to Bandar Abbas Children's Hospital. All mothers participate in four educational intervention sessions. The Shearer's self-efficacy questionnaire and "mothers caring behavior scale" were completed at the 1rst and 3rd and 6th months after intervention. Descriptive statistics, paired t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures and a linear mixed model were used to assess the effect of time and self-efficacy on the caring behavior adjusting for family size, mother’s age, mother’s job, mother’s education, and chemo-therapy session.
Results

The results indicated a significant difference in the mean score of mothers' self-efficacy after intervention (P < 0.001). Besides, the two-way self-efficacy score of the first and second follow-ups was p = 0.096. Furthermore, the mean score of caring behavior before and after the intervention indicated a significant difference (P < 0.001).
Conclusion

The results of the present study indicated that an educational program for mothers increased their caring behavior and self-efficacy with the increase of self-efficacy, mothers' caring behavior was promoted. Authorities and practitioners are suggested to pay more attention to designing educational programs based on health models and theories.
Modulation of α7nAchR by Melatonin Alleviates Ischemia and Reperfusion-Compromised Integrity of Blood Brain Barrier through Inhibiting HMGB1-Mediated Microglia Activation and CRTC1-Mediated Neuronal Loss
Authors: Chen Shuang , Sun Yanyun , Li Fei , Zhang Xinyu , Hu Xiaoyan , Zhao Xiaoyun , Li Yixuan , Li Hui , Zhang Jianliang , Liu Wenlan , Zheng Guoqing , Jin Xinchun
Published: June 2021

The only food and drug administration (FDA)-approved drug currently available for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), yet the therapeutic benefits of this drug are partially outweighed by the increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation (HT). Analysis of the NIH trial has shown that cigarette smoking protected tPA-treated patients from HT, however, the underlying mechanism is not clear. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) has shown anti-inflammatory effect and modulation nAChR could be a strategy to reduce ischemia/reperfusion-induced blood brain barrier (BBB) damage. Since melatonin could regulate the expression of α7nAchR and melatonin’s neuroprotective effect against ischemic injury is mediated via α7nAChR modulation, here, we aim to test the hypothesis that melatonin reduces ischemia and reperfusion (I/R)-induced BBB damage through modulation of α7nACh receptor (α7nAChR). Mice were subjected to 1.5 h ischemia and 24 h reperfusion and at the onset of reperfusion, mice received intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) of either drug or saline. Mice were randomly assigned into five groups: Saline; α7nAChR agonist PNU282987; Melatonin; Melatonin + Methyllycaconitine (MLA, α7nAChR antagonist) and MLA group. BBB permeability was assessed by detecting the extravasation of Evan’s blue and IgG. Our results showed that I/R significantly increased BBB permeability accompanied by occludin degradation, microglia activation, and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) release from the neuron. In addition, I/R significantly induced neuronal loss accompanied by the decrease of CREB regulated transcriptional coactivator 1 (CRTC1) and p-CREB expression. Melatonin treatment significantly inhibited the above changes through modulating α7nAChR. Taken together, these results demonstrate that melatonin provides a protective effect on ischemia/reperfusion-induced BBB damage, at least in part, depending on modulation of α7nAChR.
The Vibrotactile Working Memory for Frequency
Authors: Wang Chundi , Deng Hu , Dong Yu , Zhang Xuemin , Wang Da-hui
Published: June 2021

A hallmark of working memory (WM) is its limited capacity. While visual and verbal domains of WM are able to store multiple items, the capacity of parametric vibrotactile WM (vtWM) has not yet been established for supra-threshold, one-dimensional sensory vibrotactile frequencies. The present study extends the standard delayed match-to-sample vibrotactile discrimination task to determine the capacity of the vtWM and its cognitive mechanism. Here, by presenting subjects with 2 to 6 vibratory frequencies sequentially in each trial, the present study demonstrates that it is possible to retain about only two vibrotactile frequencies information in vtWM. The results also showed that the capacity of vtWM does not depend on whether sequentially presented vibrotactile frequencies are delivered to the same or to different fingers. At the same time, the rate of correct report depends on sequence length and when in the sequence the stimuli are presented, suggesting the dynamic updating of vtWM similar to that of visual WM.
Molecular Distinction Among Mulberry (Morus Spp.) Species and Varieties Cultivated in DPR Korea
Authors: Ho Un-Hyang , Kye Jung Sam , Chae Song Im , Kim Jong Ho , Kim Myong Ho
Published: June 2021

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is a cross-pollinating and highly hybridized plant of which productivity are greatly varied in different varieties. We analysed molecular distinction among four mulberry species and varieties cultivated in DPR Korea by using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. ITS sequences didn’t represent a remarkable interspecific distinction among four mulberry species used in our study, suggesting that it could not be employed to identify them. ISSR analysis using 16 random primers generated 158 different markers ranging from 100 to 4000 bp in size. The results showed the inter-specific genetic variation (55.34%) was slightly higher than intra-specific genetic variation(44.66%), with comparatively low average number of migrants per generation (Nm) among populations (0.3886). Using ISSR primers selected in this study, in the future, the suitable breeding strategy might be established in raising of elite mulberry varieties on the basis of interspecific hybridization.
Lifecycle Cost Analysis of An Insulated Duct With An Air Gap
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Khan Muhammad Haris , Abro Muhammad Ali
Published: June 2021

The insulation materials are used to reduce heat loss to/from the ducts with additional investment. This study aims to reduce this additional investment in the duct application by introducing an air gap between insulation and duct surface. It uses Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis to determine the economic benefits of the air gap considering four insulation materials for insulating the duct and natural gas as an energy source for chiller operation. The preliminary data regarding design and operating parameters were obtained from a renowned pharmaceutical company. The duct's annual energy loss was estimated for given operation hours in a year using the preliminary data and ambient conditions. The estimated energy loss through the duct is fed in LCC analysis to determine the impact of the air gap on optimum insulation thickness corresponding to the minimum LCC and payback period. The results show that the introduced air gap in an insulated duct lowers the optimum insulation thickness for the duct. As a result, the air gap maximizes the cost savings and minimizes the payback period. The expanded polystyrene is investigated as the most economical with maximum cost savings of USD 508.8-USD $766.8/m/year and a payback period of 1.15–1.17 years for the duct applications. Contrary, the air gap is determined the most effective in terms of cost and emission savings for the ducts insulated with rock wool. In conclusion, an air gap is an economical option for duct applications.
High-Flux, Porous and Homogeneous PVDF/ Cellulose Microfiltration Membranes
Authors: Malucelli Lucca , Ozeri Inbal , Matos Mailson , Magalhães Washington , Filho Marco Aurélio Carvalho , Eisen Moris
Published: June 2021

Low hydrophilicity of membranes is probably the biggest concern in membrane filtration since it increases the costs for water treatment. Conversely, application of hydrophilic biopolymers (such as cellulose) is limited because of its complex and crystalline structure. Enabling the widely use of the most common biopolymer in nature is crucial to improve the performance of water treatment, especially in terms of membrane sustainability. Here, we study the effect of cellulose dissolution in the synthesis of homogeneous PVDF/cellulose membranes. Although only partial dissolution was achieved for studied samples, adding cellulose to the membranes greatly improved their water flux. Besides, the porous structure obtained after partial solvent removal indicates the WF (and consequently the pore size) may be tailored according to the membrane production method. Therefore, the homogeneous cellulose microfiltration membranes studied here may have potential for water treatment considering their high-water flux and low complexity to produce.
Internet of Dental Things (IoDT), Intraoral Wireless Sensors, and Teledentistry: A Novel Model for Prevention of Dental Caries
Authors: Salagare Smita , Prasad Ramjee
Published: June 2021

Dental caries is a complex, multifactorial, transmissible biofilm-initiated oral disease, which results in loss of tooth structure. Oral microbial flora, pH of biofilm, consumption of carbohydrates, and oral hygiene are few of those major factors, which cause dental caries. However, it is possible to monitor those cariogenic factors with the help of new technology, and that will result in the prevention and early detection of dental caries. Internet of Dental Things (IoDT) is an advanced cloud-based digital technology, which could be successfully used in this area. Our goal is to generate such a technology-based model. This paper proposes a novel innovative model, which is based on Internet of Dental Things, intraoral wireless sensors and tele dentistry, which will achieve prevention and detection of dental caries in its initial stages.
Multivariate Statistics and Entropy Theory for Irrigation Water Quality and Entropy-Weighted Index Development in a Subtropical Urban River, Bangladesh
Authors: Siddique Md Abu Bakar , I Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Hossain Md Saddam , Khan Rahat , Akbor Md Ahedul , Hasanuzzaman Md , Sajid Md Wasiq Mamun , Mia Md Younus , Mallick Javed , Rahman MSafiur , Rahman Md Mostafizur , Bodrud-Doza Md
Published: June 2021

Currently, a well-developed combination of irrigation water quality index (IWQIs) and entropy water quality index (EWQIs) for surface water appraisal in a polluted subtropical urban river is very scarce in the literature. To close this gap, we developed IWQIs by establishing statistics-based weights of variables recommended by FAO 29 standard value using the National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI) compared with the proposed EWQIs based on information entropy in the Dhaleshwari River, Bangladesh. Fifty surface water samples were collected from five sampling locations during the dry and wet seasons and analyzed for sixteen variables. Principal component analysis (PCA), factor analysis (FA), Moran’s spatial autocorrelation, and random forest (RF) model were employed in the datasets. Weights were allocated for preliminary variables to compute IWQI-1, 2 and EWQI-1, 2 respectively. The resultant IWQIs showed an analogous trend with EWQIs and revealed poor to good quality water, with IWQI-1 for the dry season and IWQI-2 for the wet season is further suggested. The entropy theory recognized that Mg, Cr, TDS, and Cl- for the dry season and Cd, Cr, Cl- and SO42- for the wet season are the major contaminants that affect irrigation water quality. The primary input variables were lessened to ultimately shortlisted ten variables, which revealed good performance in demonstrating water quality status since weights have come effectively from PCA than FA. The results of the RF model depict NO3-, Mg, and Cr as the most predominant variables influencing surface water quality. A significant dispersed pattern was detected for IWQImin-3 in the wet season (Moran’s I>0). Overall, both IWQIs and EWQIs will generate water quality control cost-effective, completely objective to establish a scientific basis of sustainable water management in the study basin.
Identification and Molecular Characterization of a Novel Non-typical Carlavirus Infecting Rose Plants (Rosa Chinensis Jacq.)
Authors: Xing Fei , Gao Dehang , Habili Nuredin , Wang Hongqing , Zhang Zhixiang , Cao Mengji , Li Shifang
Published: June 2021

In the present study, systematic screening of public transcriptomic data followed by a shotgun assembly from Rosa chinensis Jacq. revealed a sequence of 8,332 nucleotides (nt) representing a potential novel virus, tentatively named rose virus C (RVC). The incidence of RVC in rose plants under our survey was low (5.4%, 5 out of 92). The complete nucleotide sequence of RVC was determined by Sanger sequencing. The genomic RNA of RVC consists of 8,386 nt, excluding the 3′-poly(A) tail, and contains five definite open reading frames (ORFs). BlastN analysis revealed that RVC had 67.3-71.3% nt identity with the carlaviruses with the maximum coverage of 19%. Phylogenetic analysis showed that RVC clustered with the carlaviruses and had a nt sequence identity of 48.3-50.0% based on its full-length genome. Replication protein had 48.7-51.0% nt sequence identity with other carlaviruses while the coat protein showed 39.5-45.6% nt identity being much below the species demarcation criteria of 72%. These all indicate that RVC is a distinct carlavirus. Overall, our data suggest that RVC is a novel non-typical virus species of the genus Carlavirus.
New Insights on Folliculogenesis and Follicular Placentation in Marine Viviparous Fish Black Rockfish (Sebastes Schlegelii)
Authors: Xu Xiaojie , Liu Qinghua , Wang Xueying , Qi Xin , Zhou Li , Liu Haoming , Li Jun
Published: June 2021

Background: In viviparous fish, a considerable degree of variation in placental structures have been described. However, no distinct structures are reported in Scorpaenidae.Results: In this study, we demonstrate a new type of folliculogenesis and follicular placentation in Sebastes schlegelii. Before copulation, the germinal epithelium gradually surrounds the oocytes and develops to individually follicles with a stalk-like structure hanging on the ovigerous lamella, which ensures each follicle have access to spermatozoa after copulation. From stage V to early gestation, the cyp17-I highly expressed accompanied by cyp19a1a signals disappearance, and 11-ketotestosterone level keeps rising and peaks at blastula stage, while 17β-estradiol declines to the bottom. Meanwhile, the theca cells rapidly proliferate and invade outwards forming a highly hypertrophied and folded microvillous placenta. This unbalance of hormone might be an important factor driving the theca cells proliferation and invasion. Additionally, some conserved genes related to mammalian placentation are significantly high expression in follicular placenta suggesting the high convergence in vertebrate placenta evolution.Conclusions: This finding provided a new type of placentation pattern for viviparous teleost between the intrafollicular gestation and intraluminal gestation.
Effectiveness of Permeable Pavements and Vegetative Swales for Developing Sponge Cities
Authors: V ARUNA , R Suja , R Rajalakshmi C
Published: June 2021

As communities grows, the area covered by rooftops and concreted surfaces increases. Rain water which would have infiltrated, flows across these impermeable surface carrying pollutants along the way. This causes frequent flash floods in urban areas. Effective storm water management is needed for the sustainable development of communities. In this study the runoff generation for a small catchment is quantified and the effectiveness of low impact development (LID) practices (permeable pavements (pp) & vegetative swales) in mitigating the runoff at the source itself is studied using Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). The most influential design storm and the soil type pertaining to the study area were the determining factors for evaluating the impact of LID’s. The steady flow model and Hortons’s infiltration parameters for the soil type in study area were adopted for the analysis. The permeable pavements and swales performed well in reducing the runoff but the swales were less efficient in reducing the runoff, and the runoff reduction potential of permeable pavements and swales are 4.48% and 2.05% respectively. Runoff reduction is more efficient in case of combination of permeable pavements and vegetative swales as LIDs. The percentage reduction in runoff is about 6.05% and the efficiency of the combination type LID is about 17%. The results from simulation show that the low impact development practices are efficient in mimicking the pre-development hydrologic conditions of the landscape to a great extent.