bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions of Metal ions withTrimethoprim and Metformin
Authors: AKINYELE Olawale Folorunso , ADEJAYAN Sunday Babatunde , DUROSINMI Lateefah Moyosore , AYENI Ayowole Olaolu , AJAYEOBA Temitope Adekunle
Published: November 2020

In this work, metal complexes of trimethoprim mixed metformin were synthesized
and characterized by solubility studies, percentage metal analysis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, IR
spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility and conductivity measurements. The IR spectra
showedthat the trimethoprim coordinated as a monodentate ligand coordinating to the metal
ions via the pyrimidine N(1), metformin acts as a bidentate ligand coordinating through the
iminonitrogens. The infrared spectra bands at 450 cm-1 and 530 cm-1 is ascribed to M –N and
M –O bond respectively indicating the formation of these complexes.
The magnetic moment data showed that all the complexes were paramagnetic with values
ranging from 1.39 to 6.0 B.M, except [Zn(TMP)(MET)(H2O)Cl2] which was diamagnetic. The
conductivity results revealed that all the synthesised complexes were non-electrolytes, while
the antibacterial studies of the mixed ligand complexes displayed moderate antimicrobial
activity in comparison with the free ligands.
Women's entrance to the university: ambitions, difficulties and the desire to proceed
Authors: Reis Sônia Maria Alves de Oliveira , Aguiar Samara Gomes , Paes Valquiria Normanha
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to analyze, based on the specificities of the female condition, how the permanence and participation of women happens to be: “mothers, wives, housewives or workers” in the Department of Education, Campus XII of the State University of Bahia. It is a research based on the assumptions of the qualitative approach, and considering that it is a field research, it used questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to collect the data, later analyzed with the aid of content analysis. The results show that women have experienced a multiplicity of tasks that have overloaded them, this often forces them to choose between performing duties imposed on them, or studying. It is concluded that the profile of women has changed, and as a result of this the academy can no longer make this public invisible, because in the face of a numerical predominance and substantial majority, they now act as protagonists of their own lives.
JACIII Distinguished Editor &
Outstanding Reviewer Awards 2020
Authors:   Editorial Office
Published: November 2020

The JACIII Distinguished Editor and Outstanding Reviewer Awards were established for the purpose to honor and editors who have made a significant contribution to the growth of the JACIII in 2018 and to acknowledge reviewers who have made a significant contribution to reviewing in 2019. We express our deepest gratitude for their professional work, which we believe conductive to development of not only the JACIII but also scientific research.

JACIII DISTINGUISHED EDITOR AWARD 2020

Fei Yan (Changchun University of Science and Technology, China) Guohun Zhu (Guilin University of Electronic Technology, China) Junzo Watada (Waseda University, Japan) Yoshiyuki Yabuuchi (Shimonoseki City University, Japan)

JACIII OUTSTANDING REVIEWER AWARD 2020

Fei Yan (Changchun University of Science and Technology, China) Yasufumi Takama (Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan) Luefeng Chen (China University of Geosciences, China) Xin Chen (China University of Geosciences, China) Tomomi Hashimoto (Saitama Institute of Technology, Japan) Hiroyuki Masuta (Toyama Prefectural University, Japan) Yasutake Takahashi (Fukui University, Japan)
Matrix-Based Collaborative Filtering Employing Personal Values-Based Modeling and Model Relationship Learning
Authors: Takama Yasufumi ,   Graduate School of Systems Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University 6-6 Asahigaoka, Hino, Tokyo 191-0065, Japan, Shibata Hiroki , Shiraishi Yuya
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a matrix-based collaborative filtering (CF) employing personal values (MCFPV). Introduction of various factors such as diversity and long-tailedness in addition to accuracy is a recent trend in the study of recommender systems. We think recommending acceptable items while satisfying users’ preference is important when considering other factors than accuracy. Also, interpretability is one of important characteristics recommender systems should have. To recommend acceptable items on the basis of an interpretable mechanism, this paper proposes a matrix-based recommendation method based on personal values-based modeling. Whereas existing CF based on matrix factorization methods are known to be more accurate than neighborhood-based CF, latent factors obtained by existing methods are difficult to interpret. On the other hand, user/item models of the propose method (MCFPV) is expected to be interpretable, because it represents the effect of each attribute items have on user’s decision making. Regarding a model relationship matrix that connects user and item models, this paper proposes two approaches: manual setting and machine learning approaches. Experimental results using 5 datasets generated from actual review sites show that the proposed methods recommend much unpopular items than the state-of-the art matrix factorization-based methods while keeping precision and recall.
Noise Rejection Approaches for Various Rough Set-BasedC-Means Clustering
Authors: Ubukata Seiki ,   Osaka Prefecture University 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Nakaku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan, Sekiya Sho , Notsu Akira , Honda Katsuhiro
Published: November 2020

In the field of cluster analysis, rough set-based extensions of hardC-means (HCM;k-means) including roughC-means (RCM), rough setC-means (RSCM), and rough membershipC-means (RMCM) are promising approaches for dealing with the certainty, possibility, uncertainty of belonging of object to clusters. SinceC-means-type methods are strongly affected by noise, noise clustering approaches have been proposed. In noise clustering approaches, noise objects, which are far from any cluster center, are rejected for robust estimation. In this paper, we introduce noise rejection approaches for rough set-basedC-means based on probabilistic memberships and propose noise RCM with membership normalization (NRCM-MN), noise RSCM with membership normalization (NRSCM-MN), and noise RMCM (NRMCM). In addition, visualization demonstration of the cluster boundaries on the two-dimensional plane of the proposed methods is carried out to confirm the characteristics of each method. Furthermore, the clustering performance is verified by numerical experiments using real-world datasets.
Bilattice Logic for Rough Sets
Authors: Nakayama Yotaro , Akama Seiki , Murai Tetsuya ,   Nihon Unisys, Ltd. 1-1-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8560, Japan,   C-Republic, Inc. 1-20-1 Higashi-Yurigaoka, Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 215-0012, Japan,   Chitose Institute of Science and Technology 758-65 Bibi, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-8655, Japan
Published: November 2020

Rough set theory is studied to manage uncertain and inconsistent information. Because Pawlak’s decision logic for rough sets is based on the classical two-valued logic, it is inconvenient for handling inconsistent information. We propose a bilattice logic as the deduction basis for the decision logic of rough sets to address inconsistent and ambiguous information. To enhance the decision logic to bilattice semantics, we introduce Variable Precision Rough Set (VPRS). As a deductive basis for bilattice decision logic, we define a consequence relation for Belnap’s four-valued semantics and provide a bilattice semantic tableau TB4 for a deduction system. We demonstrate the soundness and completeness of TB4 and enhance it with weak negation.
MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF POWDER FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES: A PILOT CLINICAL TRIAL
Authors: Sissoko Lassana , Diarra Nouhoum , Nientao Ibrahim , Stuart Beth , Togola Adiaratou , Diallo Drissa , Willcox Merlin Luke
Published: November 2020

Background: Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) leaves are commonly used for diabetes in Mali. This pilot clinical study aimed to evaluate its effect on post-prandial blood glucose in preparation for a larger trial. Methods: Diabetic patients and non-diabetic healthy volunteers (35 each) were asked to fast for 13 hours on three occasions. Blood glucose was measured before and after eating 100g of white bread (at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes). On their second and third study visits, they were given 1g and 2g respectively, of M. oleifera leaf powder, 30 minutes after eating the bread. The mean paired reduction in blood glucose at each time interval and the incremental area under the curve were calculated. Results: Ingestion of Moringa powder had no effect on blood glucose in non-diabetic participants, but in diabetic patients, it lowered blood glucose at 90 minutes. There was a trend towards lower incremental area under the curve when diabetic patients took 2g of Moringa. No side-effects were reported by any participant. Conclusions: Moringa oleifera leaf powder reduced post-prandial glycaemia in diabetic patients. A larger study is needed to define the optimal dose and to assess whether this translates into longer-term benefits.
Community Trace: Rapid Establishment of a Volunteer Contact Tracing Program for COVID-19
Authors: Niccolai Linda , Shelby Tyler , Weeks Brian , Schenck Christopher , Goodwin Justin , Hennein Rachel , Rossini Meghan , Vazquez Jennifer , van Rhijn Dorothyann , Meek James , Bond Maritza
Published: November 2020

Contact tracing was one of the core public health strategies implemented during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this essay, we describe the rapid establishment of a volunteer contact tracing program in New Haven, Connecticut. We describe successes of the program and challenges that were faced. Going forward, contact tracing efforts can best be supported by increased funding to state and local health departments for a stable workforce and use of evidence-based technological innovations.
KOMPARASI METODE DWT DAN SVD UNTUK MENGUKUR KUALITAS CITRA STEGANOGRAFI
Authors: Darwis Dedi , Pasaribu A. Ferico Octaviansyah
Published: November 2020

Keamanan data saat ini merupakan hal yang sangat penting diera digital karena komunikasi harus bersifat rahasia dan aman. Salah satu cara untuk berkomunikasi secara digital adalah steganografi yaitu pengembangan dari kriptografi, teknik ini memiliki cara menyembunyikan data dan informasi pada media lainnya misalkan seperti citra digital karena media ini sering digunakan dalam pertukaran informasi dan data. Algoritma steganografi yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) dan Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) kedua metode ini merupakan bagian dari steganografi yang sama-sama memanfaatkan domain transform pada pengolahan citra digital dan memiliki kecepatan yang tinggi dalam penyisipan pesan rahasia ke suatu gambar. Masalah yang selama ini terjadi pada steganografi adalah kualitas stego image yang dihasilkan pada steganografi mengalami perubahan pada kualitas citra, sehingga perbedaan antara cover image dan stego image akan sangat terlihat. Penerapan metode DWT dan SVD pada penelitian ini diimplementasikan dengan bahasa pemrograman Python 2. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian yang dilakukan metode DWT dapat menghasilkan kualitas citra pada stego image yang lebih baik jika dibandingkan metode SVD yaitu menghasilkan nilai MSE nilai rata-rata 0,0046 db. Hasil perhitungan nilai PSNR juga membuktikan bahwa metode DWT menghasilkan kualitas citra  lebih baik dari dari metode SVD yaitu menghasilkan nilai rata-rata 63,47 db.
The Concept of Istitā‘ah Al-Bā’ah in Marriage
Authors: Hidayat Taufiq , Azahari Raihanah
Published: November 2020

Islam has to law of sharia a marriage between men and women in order to build a family that is sakinah, mawaddah and rahmah. In order to achieve the goal of marriage, Islam has set a requirement for married couples to have several abilities to marry which is termed as istitā'ah al-bā'ah. Practically, there are still many people in marriages understanding the concept of istitā’ah al-bā’ah partially and even not applied it at all. The objective of this study is to examine the concept of istitā’ah al-bā’ah as a requirement in marriage and to explain its types and criteria according to sharia perspective through library research on Fiqh Principle and content analysis of Fiqh books. This study deeply analyses the collective data. This study has successfully found the types and criteria of marriage recommended in marriage, firstly, non-material abilities including an ability to have sex, physical health from dangerous diseases, and age. The second is material ability including an ability to meet the cost of marriage consisting of paying dowry and living. This study contributes to the context of strengthening the ability standards for couples wishing to get married. Therefore, fulfilling the requirements of the abilities to marry is expected to minimize problems in marriage, including minimizing the divorce rate.Islam telah mensyariatkan perkawinan antara laki-laki dan perempuan dengan tujuan membina keluarga yang sakinah, mawaddah dan rahmah. Untuk mewujudkan perkawinan tersebut maka Islam telah menetapkan persyaratan kepada pasangan yang akan menikah untuk memiliki kemampuan menikah terlebih dahulu yang diistilahkan dengan istitā’ah al-bā’ah. Dalam praktiknya banyak yang memahami konsep istitā’ah al-bā’ah secara  parsial atau bahkan perkawinan yang tidak dilandasi konsep istitā’ah al-bā’ah. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji konsep istitā’ah al-bā’ah sebagai sebuah persyaratan dalam perkawinan serta menjelaskan jenis dan kriterianya menurut perspektif syariah. Melalui kajian literatur (library research) terhadap kaidah fikih dan analisis kandungan terhadap kitab-kitab fikih. Analisis dilakukan secara mendalam terhadap data yang telah terkumpul. Kajian ini berhasil menemukan jenis-jenis dan kriteria kemampuan menikah yang dianjurkan dalam Islam, yaitu: pertama, kemampuan non material yang meliputi kemampuan melakukan hubungan kelamin, kesehatan fisik dari penyakit-penyakit yang berbahaya dan cukup umur. Kedua ialah kemampuan material yaitu kemampuan memenuhi biaya nikah yang terdiri dari kemampuan membayar mahar dan nafkah. Kajian ini berkontribusi dalam konteks penguatan standar kemampuan bagi pasangan yang ingin melangsungkan perkawinan. Sehingga dengan prasyarat kemampuan menikah tersebut, diharapkan dapat meminimalisir problem dalam perkawinan, termasuk meminimalisir angka perceraian.
MYOD1 Inhibits Avian Adipocyte Differentiation via miRNA-206/KLF4 Axis
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhao Qiang-Sen , Li Xiao-Qin , Yin Zhong-Tao , Chen Si-Rui , Wu Sen , Yang Ning , hou Zhuo-cheng
Published: November 2020

Background: A considerable number of muscle development-related genes were differentially expressed in the early stage of avian adipocyte differentiation. However, the functions of them in adipocyte differentiation remain largely known. In this study, the myoblast determination protein 1 (MYOD1) was selected as a representative of muscle development and we investigated its expression, function and regulation in avian adipocyte differentiation.Results: The expression of MYOD1 decreased significantly in the early stage of avian adipocyte differentiation. CRISPR/CAS9-mediated deletion of MYOD1 induced adipocyte differentiation, whereas over-expression of MYOD1 inhibited adipogenesis. mRNA-seq showed that MYOD1 could perturb the lipid biosynthetic process during differentiation. Mechanistically, MYOD1 directly up-regulates the miR-206 expression by binding upstream 1200 bp region, and over-expression of miR-206 also inhibits adipogenesis. Furthermore, MYOD1 affected the expression of endogenous miR-206 and its target gene Kruppel Like Factor 4 (KLF4), which is an important activator of adipogenesis. Accordingly, the inhibition of miR-206 or over-expression of KLF4 could counteract the inhibitory effect of MYOD1 on adipocyte differentiation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that MYOD1 inhibited adipocyte differentiation by up-regulating miR-206 to suppress the KLF4 expression. Collectively, these findings identify a novel function of MYOD1 in adipocyte differentiation, suggesting a potential role in body-fat distribution regulation.
Fluid Nanocarrier for Insulin for Noninvasive Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Alkrad Jamal Alyoussef
Published: November 2020

Background A real solution for diabetics to end their suffering with injection and the consequences of poor patient compliance based on the understanding how the body releases insulin as well as the nature of insulin is an argent demand. In this study a novel management strategy was developed using fluid nanocarrier as well as a solution of insulin to treat this problem. The developed nanocarrier is a microemulsion (ME) containing insulin. The transdermal flux of insulin was estimated through rat’s skin using a Franz diffusion cell. Moreover, the efficacy of the treatments was assessed orally and transdermally in rats. Results Based on the rheological properties and droplets size results the formulated fluids were microemulsions. Also, a flux of insulin as high as 1.77±0.22 iu.cm-2.h-1 through rat’s epidermis could be achieved. The short term monitoring of blood sugar level after transdermal application exhibited a slight decrease. On the other hand, the frequent application could achieve a satisfied decline. However, the rapid and significant reduction of the blood sugar level after oral application was surprised. The X-raying of the GI after oral application of the preparation showed high illumination in the lower part of the esophagus and upper part of the stomach. Conclusion This study reveals high potential esophageal absorption using fluid dosage forms. It must be taken in consideration as sublingual and intranasal application. The developed nanofluid can control the blood sugar level orally or in combination with transdermal application and help the diabetics to adhere their therapeutic course.
Bayesian Spatial Quantile Interval Model with Application to Childhood Malnutrition in Ethiopia
Authors: Shebeshi Abdu , Asfaw Zeytu
Published: November 2020

Background: The national prevalence of stunting and wasting in Ethiopia is still very high and it is the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among less than five years old children. The aim of the current study was to investigate the determinant of stunting and wasting in Ethiopia. Methods: Malnutrition data-sets collected through EDHS 2016 were analyzed by Bayesian spatial quantile interval regression models using R- INLA package. Results: The present study found that child sex, child age, mother's education, mother's age, source of drinking water, mother's BMI , wealth index, region, residence, cooking fuel and toilet facility were significantly associated with childhood malnutrition (stunting and wasting). Furthermore, these findings imply that a multisectorial and multidimensional approach is important to address malnutrition in Ethiopia. Conclusion: The education sector should promote reduction of gender barriers that contribute to childhood malnutrition and also the health sector should encourage positive behaviors toward childcare and other feeding practices. Moreover, both governmental and non-governmental potential stakeholders should pay attention on the significant factors identified through the current study so that stunting and wasting in Ethiopia minimized optimally.
WITHDRAWN: TNF-α Increase the Risk of Bleeding in Patients after CAR-T Cell Therapy: A Bleeding Model Based on a Real-World Study of Chinese Car-T Working Party
Authors: Qi Jiaqian , Lv Xin , Chen Jia , Wang Hong , Chu Tiantian , Tang Yaqiong , Pan Tingting , Zhou Meng , Cai Chengsen , Ren Yuan , Liu Yuejun , Fan Yi , Shen Wenhong , Ma Xiao , Qiu Huiying , Tang Xiaowen , Fu Chengcheng , Wu Depei , Han Yue
Published: November 2020

Backgroud: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has shown excellent clinical efficacy in patients with hematologic malignancies. However, severe bleeding after this treatment is a life-threatening complication for most patients. Objectives: This study evaluated the risk factors associated with bleeding in CAR-T treatment and developed a predictive model for this complication. Methods: We conducted a real-world study incorporating data from 400 patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CAR-T between November 1, 2015 and September 1, 2019. Also 39 patients from another hospital were selected for external validation. Results: Patients with severe bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] 13.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.82-29.18; p<0.001) had a higher risk of death after CAR-T. Stage III and IV cytokine release syndrome (CRS) (odds ratio [OR] 6.07, 95% CI 2.35-16.76; p<0.001) and higher tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels (OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.53-11.35; p<0.001) were independent factors of bleeding in patients after CAR-T treatment. The predictive model developed by Lasso regression, which selected factors such as CRS period, transfusion volume, platelet percentage, platelet count, thrombinogen time, interleukin 6 and TNF-α levels, and showed Nomogram, yielded excellent agreement (C-statistics=0.905) with the calibration curve, which improved clinical benefit with respect to established bleeding scores such as outpatient bleeding risk index (MOBRI). External validation was performed using 39 patients from another hospital with an AUC of 0.700. Conclusions: Patients with severe bleeding after Car-T therapy had increased the risk of death. A cross-validated bleeding risk score based on CRS stages and TNF-α level show significant prognostic value in patients undergoing Car-T treatment.
Prevalence of Hyperuricemia and Its Correlations With Other Diseases in The Pearl River Delta, Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Liu Weiqi , Wang Shaoling , Liu Weiling , Tong Huichun , Yuan Jianmin , Zou Zhenning , Liu Jianwen , Yang Donghai , Xie Zhongxing
Published: November 2020

Background: Hyperuricemia (HUA) has become the most common and serious public health problem worldwide. In China, the prevalence of HUA in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region of Guangdong Province has not been extensively investigated. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence of HUA and its related factors among people aged 20–99 years in nine cities in the PRD.Methods: We selected 6491 health check participants from 9 cities in the PRD and collected participants’ anthropometric and biochemical test results for a cross-sectional study. We included 6491 participants and assessed their blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), glucose (Glu) and serum uric acid (UA) to analyze the regional prevalence of HUA and its related factors. HUA was indicated when fasting serum UA level was > 420 μmol/L in men and > 360 μmol/L in women.Results: Overall prevalence of HUA in our cohort was 34.05%; prevalence was higher in men than in women (41.53% vs 26.14%, P < 0.000). Characteristics associated with HUA were hypertension (odds ratio (OR), 5.506; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.402–6.889), higher body mass index (BMI; OR: 1.746; 95% CI: 1.560–1.954), age 31–40 years (OR: 0.829; 95% CI: 0.706–0.973), age 61–70 years (OR: 1.434; 95% CI: 1.194–1.722) and age > 71 years (OR: 1.742; 95% CI: 1.397–2.173). In all subjects, serum UA was positively correlated with Glu, TG and TC. After we adjusted for age, BMI and BP, multivariate logistic-regression analysis showed that HUA risk factors were high TC (OR: 1.770; 95% CI: 1.459–2.147) and TG (OR: 1.961; 95% CI: 1.632–2.357) in men; and high Glu (OR: 1.508; 95% CI: 1.084–2.099), TC (OR: 1.341; 95% CI: 1.084–1.660) and TG (OR: 1.680; 95% CI: 1.290–2.187) in women.Conclusion: The prevalence of HUA was relatively high in the PRD of Guangdong Province. Relevant governmental bodies should focus on early diagnosis, early treatment and early intervention.
Potential Drugs Against COVID-19 Revealed by Gene Expression Profile, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation
Authors: Cava Claudia , Bertoli Gloria , Castiglioni Isabella
Published: November 2020

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, an emerging Betacoronavirus, is the causative agent of the severe acute respiratory distress syndrome outbreak in 2019 (COVID-19). Currently, there are neither specific and selective antiviral drugs for the treatment nor vaccines to prevent contagion. Here we propose a bioinformatic approach in order to test in silico the efficacy of existing drugs for COVID-19. ResultsIn the first step of our study we identified, through a gene expression analysis, several drugs that could act on the biological pathways altered in COVID-19. In the second step, we performed a docking simulation in order to test the properties of the identified drugs to target the 3CL main protease of SARS-CoV-2. The drugs that showed higher binding affinity are bardoxolone (-8.78 kcal/ mol), Irinotecan (-8.40 kcal/mol) and Pyrotinib (-8.40 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out on the three selected drugs to validate the stability and interactions of the complexes. Among other promising drugs we found also AZD-8055, Olaparib, Tyrphostin AG 879, Topotecan Hydrochloride, MP-412, S-222611, Allitinib, 7-Ethyl-10-Hydroxy-Camptothecin, and Falnidamol. ConclusionsWe suggested some drugs that could efficient in COVID-19. However further studies are suggested to confirm the affinity of these drugs with 3CL main protease of SARS-CoV-2.
DUOX2 is a Generator of ROS in the Ovary and a Potential Mediator of Ovulation
Authors: Yerushalmi Gil M , Yung Yuval , Dayan Oranit Saiagh , Maman Ettie , Avraham Sarit , Kedem Alon , Hourvitz Ariel
Published: November 2020

Background: Ovulation is triggered by the preovulatory surge of the pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH). LH/hCG induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is required for successful ovulation. H2O2, one of ROS species, was shown to fully mimic the effect of LH/hCG in mice ovulation. However, the molecular process that generates H2O2 in the ovary during ovulation remains largely unknown. DUOX2, a member of the NOX/DUOX family of NADPH oxidase, is capable of generating H2O2. Results: Using global transcriptome RNAseq, we identified that DUOX2 is one of the transcripts that was markedly upregulated in granulosa cells during ovulation. Treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), an ovulatory trigger, significantly increases the expression of DUOX2 mRNA and protein in human GCs both in vivo and in vitro. hCG-induced up-regulation of DUOX2 is mediated by the cAMP-PKA and the PKC pathway. A functional test reveals that DUOX2 chemical inhibitor, Diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, decreased H2O2 levels in MGCs (Mural Granulosa Cells) treated with hCG. The inhibition of H2O2 by DPI suggests that DUOX2 activity is required for hCG-induced elevation of extracellular H2O2 in MGCs. In vivo treatment of mice with DPI significantly decreases the number of ovulated oocytes and markedly attenuates the expression of key ovulatory genes. These results support the putative role of DUOX2 in ovulation. Conclusions: DUOX2 is a ROS generator during the ovulatory process and is involved in the LH/hCG-induced signaling cascades leading to ovulation. Treatment with DUOX2 inhibitors may affect late folliculogenesis and ovulation and thus may serve for fertility control.
Digital Queuing System in Emergency Department Management
Authors: Ziapour Behrad , Faramarzi Mohammad , Bahadoram Mohammad , Mahmoudian-Sani Mohammad-Reza , Javanmardi Fatemeh
Published: November 2020

BackgroundThe long-standing challenge of emergency department (ED) overcrowding facing central hospitals is often aggravated once inadequate human resources mandate collaboration by companions in terms of laboratory sample transfer, patient transfers within health care facility, or so on. In this study, a digital queuing system (DQS) was developed and evaluated based on the overall goal of triage; thereby, emergency physicians could call companions into the ED, solely on the time they were required to cooperate. Materials and MethodsTo this end, patient arrivals into the ED, wherein this trial was conducted in, were classified using the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) (Version 4) as a five-level ED triage algorithm. Accordingly, patients with triage levels 3 and 4, typically accounting for the majority of the ED overcrowding were included in this trial. At the time of reception, the DQS was also recruited to locate their companions in two different queues. Subsequently, physicians recalled each companion from a station inside the ED, precisely on the time that their patients were being visited. Consecutively, the medical staff filled questionnaires on 30 shifts without the DQS as the control group and on 50 shifts with the DQS as the case group. They correspondingly utilized the Relative Chaos Scale (RCS) to quantify the levels of tension in their shifts from 1 to 10 and to report it in the questionnaires. ResultsThe implementation of the DQS could significantly mitigate the RCS reported by either nurses or residents or interns (p<0.001). Conclusion﻿It was concluded that DQSs in EDs seem as strong potential tools, which can be developed in accordance with the overall goal of triage. Such modified DQSs can further assist in ED overcrowding control, keeping companions out of EDs until the exact time they are needed.
Effects of Short-term Existential Group Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Nakamura Chizu , kawase Masatoshi
Published: November 2020

Objectives: Cancer patients who suffer from existential difficulties, including fear of death, isolation, or loss of human relationships, try to accept these fears by exploring the meaning of their life. In particular, earlier psychological intervention for patients prevents them from psychosocial maladjustment afterwards. Therefore we have developed the Short-term Existential Group therapy Program (Short-term EGP) for cancer patients focusing on relief of existential or spiritual suffering and/or pain. This study aims to statistically evaluate the effects of this program on breast cancer patients within the first year after cancer diagnosis.Methods: 31 patients completed our research program. A ninety-minute therapeutic group session was held once a week for five weeks. We performed the above assessments three times: just before and after the intervention, as well as a month after the end of intervention. Outcome assessment included measures of spiritual well-being (SELT-M), Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) and Profile of Mood States (POMS).Results: The SELT-M “Overall QOL” scores were significantly increased after intervention, and these scores were maintained a month after intervention, particularly in those with high MAC “Hopelessness” scores. Subscales of the SELT-M scores were significantly increased after intervention, and these scores were maintained up to a month after interventionSignificance of Results: We observed that the Short-term EGP intervention was effective in helping patients relieve their existential distresses. Some of the treatment effects were observed to be maintained a month after end of the intervention. In addition, Short-term EGP is particularly effective for those patients who feel hopelessness after cancer diagnosis.Trial registration Rretrospectively registered. University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) UMIN000040651. Registered June 4, 2020.
Spheres of Legislation: Polarization and Most Influential Nodes in Behavioral Context
Authors: Phillips Andrew C. , Irfan Mohammad T. , Ostertag-Hill Luca
Published: November 2020

Game-theoretic models of influence in networks often assume the network structure to be static. In this paper, we allow the network structure to vary according to the underlying behavioral context. This leads to several interesting questions on two fronts. First, how do we identify different contexts and learn the corresponding network structures using real-world data? We focus on the U.S. Senate and apply unsupervised machine learning techniques, such as fuzzy clustering algorithms and generative models, to identify spheres of legislation as context and learn an influence network for each sphere. Second, how do we analyze these networks in order to gain an insight into the role played by the spheres of legislation in various interesting constructs like polarization and most influential nodes? To this end, we apply both game-theoretic and social network analysis techniques. In particular, we show that game-theoretic notion of most influential nodes brings out the strategic aspects of interactions like bipartisan grouping, which structural centrality measures fail to capture.
Characteristics and diversity of mutations in regulatory genes of resistance-nodulation-cell division efflux pumps in association with drug-resistant clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Salehi Bahare , Ghalavand Zohreh , Yadegar Abbas , Eslami Gita
Published: November 2020

Background: This study aimed to characterize the regulation and expression of three putative resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND)-type efflux systems and their contribution to multidrug efflux in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii.Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of 95 A. baumannii isolates was determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion for 18 antibiotics and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of colistin was determined by broth microdilution method. Moreover, MIC of five classes of antibiotics was assessed using E-test strips in the presence and absence of phenylalanine-arginine beta-naphthylamide (PAβN). Regulatory genes of RND efflux pumps (AdeRS, AdeL, AdeN and BaeSR) were subjected to sequencing. The relative expression of adeB. adeG and adeJ genes was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR).Results: Overall, majority of isolates (93%) were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). In the phenotypic assay, efflux pump activity was observed in 40% of isolates against multiple antibiotics mainly tigecycline, but not to imipenem. Several amino acid substitutions were detected in the regulatory genes; except in AdeN. Of note, G186V in AdeS were found to be associated with overexpression of their relative efflux pumps. No insertion sequences (ISs) were detected.Conclusions: Our findings outline the role of RND efflux pumps in resistance of A. baumannii against multiple antibiotics particularly tigecycline, and point out importance of a variety of single mutations in the corresponding regulatory systems. Even though it has been concluded that multidrug resistance occurs as a result of a complex sets of different resistant mechanisms.
Bleomycin induces fibrotic transformation of bone marrow stromal cells to treat height loss of intervertebral disc through the TGFβR1/Smad2/3 pathway
Authors: Yang Xiao , chen zhiqian , Chen Chen , Han Chen , Zhou Yifan , Li Xunlin , Tian Haijun , Cheng Xiaofei , Zhang Kai , Qin An , Zhou Tangjun , Zhao Jie
Published: November 2020

Background: Lower back pain is often accredited to loss of intervertebral disc (IVD) height and compromised spine stability as a result of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). We aim to locally use Bleomycin to induce the fibrotic transformation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) as a means to induce reparative fibrosis to slow down the height loss. Methods: IVD from patients were gathered for histological examination. The expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β) signaling pathway was determined by qPCR and western blotting. Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and the Rats’ bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC)were cultured and their responsiveness to Bleomycin was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8, comet assay, transwell migration and wound healing assays. Rat IVDD models were created by puncture, rescued by Bleomycin injection and the effectiveness was evaluated by images (X-ray and MRI) and atomic force microscope. Results: Histological examination showed increased levels of pro-fibrotic markers in IVDD tissues from patients. AF cells and BMSC cells was induced to adopt to a pro-fibrotic phenotype with increased expression fibrotic markers Col1a1, Col3a1, FSP1. The pro-fibrotic effect of Bleomycin on AF cells and BMSCs was in part due to the activation of the TGFβ-TGFβR1-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. Pharmacological inhibition or gene knock-down of TGFβR1 could mitigate the pro-fibrotic effects. Conclusion: Locally injection of Bleomycin in rats’ IVD induced rapid fibrosis and maintained its height through TGFβ-TGFβR1-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway.
Epidemiological Characteristics and Coping Strategies of COVID-19 in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Ma Muye , Yin Wenqiang , Wang Gejin , Yu Dahai , Ma Jinqiang
Published: November 2020

Background: The COVID-19 spread from Hubei Province to the whole country and even many countries in the world, which has greatly impacted the public health，economic and social development in China and the world. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Shandong Province, analyze the incidence trends, and explore the coping strategies for providing the basis and reference for COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control. Methods: Descriptive analysis was performed for epidemiological characteristics of confirmed COVID-19 cases from Jan. 21, 2020 to Feb. 15, 2020, in Shandong Province, and the spatiotemporal distribution of confirmed cases was drawn. Results: As of Feb. 15, 2020, there were 537 confirmed cases in Shandong Province and the cumulative incidence was 0.53/100000. The daily number of new confirmed cases showed a trend of first increase and then decrease, and the increase rate of the cumulative confirmed cases showed a downward trend. The severe rate, critical rate, cured rate and fatality rate were 2.98%, 2.23%, 30.54%, and 0.37%. Confirmed cases were more Males than females, and the infected patients covered all age groups. The cumulative number of confirmed cases of the resident population in the province has gradually exceeded that of the population from other places to Shandong, and the number of patients who had a history of close contact with confirmed cases has significantly increased over time. Qingdao had the largest number of confirmed cases. Conclusions: Our findings analyzed the early period of the epidemic in Shandong Province, which provide a novel insight for epidemic prevention and control.
Validation of the Chinese Version of the Patient' s Communication Perceived Self-efficacy Scale (PCSS) in Out Patients after Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhao Wen H , Capone Vincenza , Li Yi Z , Wang Jing , Luo Wen
Published: November 2020

Background: Among older patients worldwide, communication has become an important public health issue in the world. This communication could be improved by different interventions. However, a tool of measuring patients’ confidence in communication with doctors has not been established in China. This study is aimed at translating and introducing the Patient's Communication Self-Efficacy Scale for assessing communication between doctors and elderly patients.Method: (1) A post-consultation questionnaire was completed by 167 patients (mean age = 70.04 years; SD: 6.3 years; females/males: 94/73). The researchers translated the English version PCSS into Chinese under the guidance of the original author. (2) The final Chinese version of the PCSS was validated. Measurement indices included item generation, reliability testing, construct validity and test-retest reliability. To carry out the above tests, we used SPSS 19.0 software and LISREL 8.7. We built the Bayesian network model of the Chinese version of the PCSS and determined predictive variables.Result: Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the Chinese version of the PCSS fit a three-dimensional model. Additionally, the Chinese version of the PCSS has high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α coefficient 0.929) and test-retest reliability (Kappa coefficient 0.761). The Bayesian networks shows that the important predictors are education (0.4207), PEPPI 3 (0.3951), and PCSS 1 (0.1139). The connections between PCSS 3 and other variables do not indicate causality but rather conditional dependencies or interrelatedness.Conclusion: This is the first study to validate the Chinese version of the PCSS in outpatients after total hip replacement. Our results confirmed that the Chinese version of the scale has high internal consistency, construct validity and test-retest reliability. Patient-doctor interaction and education are important predictors of patient communication self-efficacy.
Formation of CoIV=O intermediate at the Boundary of the “Oxo-wall” Induces Water Oxidation
Authors: Ezhov Roman , Ravari Alireza , Bury Gabriel , Smith Paul , Pushkar Yulia
Published: November 2020

Development of economically viable artificial photosynthesis requires use of 3d metal-based catalysts. Water oxidation by [Co4O4]n+ cubane mimics water splitting by CaMn4O5 cluster in Nature but the exact mechanism of O-O bond formation is presently unknown. We demonstrate first in situ detection CoIV=O (~ 1.67 Å) moiety formed upon activation of [Co4O4Py4Ac4]0 (Py = pyridine and Ac = CH3COO−) towards O-O bond formation. Combined spectroscopic and DFT analyses show that the intermediate active in O-O bond formation has two CoIV centers and at least one CoIV=O unit of strong radicaloid character that participates in O-O bond formation via water nucleophilic attack. The multimetallic structure of the cubane provides unique stabilization for CoIV=O + H2O = Co-OOH + H+ transition with the carboxyl accepting the proton and the bridging oxygen stabilizing the peroxide via hydrogen bonding. Results are important for development of oxygen evolution catalysts based on Earth-abundant 3d elements.
Leadership in our secondary schools: good people, inadequate systems
Authors: Macann Graeme
Published: November 2020

The contexts in which Aotearoa New Zealand leaders learn and work have improved in some respects from 30 years ago and deteriorated in others. The improvements include a significant shift away from heroic, often dictatorial, models of leadership towards a greater focus on the many layers and types of leadership required for secondary schools to be successful. The deterioration in leaders being able to learn together across our state school system is created by high levels of competition among state secondary schools and by the inability of the Ministry of Education to have as much influence as might be hoped for in a state education system on the learning – by adults as well as children – in schools. In many parts of the country non- Māori school leaders now have the ability to know much more about hapu and iwi history relevant to their setting than was the case 30 years ago, including through the work of the Waitangi Tribunal.

The “balkanisation” of our school system has become more pronounced over the last 30 years, as have the challenges resulting from the growing socio-economic divide between our poorest state schools and our most affluent. The “hands-off” approach from the Ministry of Education and successive governments regarding school zones has damaged the integrity and efficiency of our state school system. Several bitter pay disputes between governments of the day and the secondary teachers’ union, the Post-Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) especially, have meant that shared commitments by teachers’ representatives and the Ministry of Education to plan well for teacher supply for our state secondary schools have been difficult to achieve. Teacher supply challenges have added to the pressures on senior and middle leaders of the state schools serving our lowest socio-economic communities especially.
An evolution in distributed educational leadership: From sole leader to co-principalship
Authors: Notman Ross
Published: November 2020

This paper traverses changes in perceptions of the school principal’s role, from sole to distributed leadership practices. A brief commentary on selected New Zealand literature is followed by a case study of a secondary co-principalship that identifies adaptive strategies and success factors in this joint role. The potentiality of the national Leadership Strategy (2018) and Educational Leadership Capability Framework (2018) to impact these distributed features will then be explored. The paper concludes with suggestions for future directions for distributed leadership practice in New Zealand.
Thirty years of leadership in New Zealand education: From the shadows of management to sine qua non
Authors: Youngs Howard
Published: November 2020

Leadership is now promoted as the sine qua non (essential ingredient) for maintaining and developing effective education in New Zealand. It was not this way in the latter years of the 1980s and through the 1990s, when educational management was the preferred nomenclature. Since the turn of the millennium, management has subsided into the shadows of leadership in New Zealand education as part of a global shift in the education policy lexicon and the Educational Management, Administration and Leadership (EMAL) field. Rather than argue whether leadership should be preferred over management, or vice versa, this article focuses on the rise of leadership in New Zealand education over the last 30 years.
Ensuring reliable operation and efficient service of heading and winning machines for potash ore extraction
Authors:   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Shishliannikov Dmitrii I.
Published: November 2020

Introduction. The article considers the organization of heading and winning machines’ maintenance in the mines of the Upper Kama potash salt deposit highlighting the potential of maintenance and repair according to the actual health of mining machines. Research methodology. The methodological foundations are presented of collecting and processing the data on Ural heading and winning machines failure statistics in the Upper Kama potash salt deposit. It is indicated that monitoring systems implemented in mining machine since 2013 made it possible to quickly track and record data on operating modes and downtime causes. Results. Research revealed that the greatest number of Ural heading and winning machines emergency failures is due to mining technology violation, as well as untimely or poor quality repairs. Breakdowns of swing and distributing reduction gears of planetary actuators, reduction gears of berm bodies and hydraulic systems units are most common. Ural mining machines’ repair cycle is presented. Even complex current and overhauls of heading and winning machines are often carried out by miners who directly operate the machines. Summary. Statistical data storage on failures and corresponding diagnostic parameters limit of heading and winning machines makes it possible to predict the time of equipment failure with a high degree of probability. The more standardized the potash mining machine operation and repair conditions are, the more accurate the remaining life forecast of the residual resource is.