bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft Tissue Interface with Various Kinds of Implant Abutment Materials
Authors: Furuhashi Akihiro , Ayukawa Yasunori , Atsuta Ikiru , Rakhmatia Yunia Dwi , Koyano Kiyoshi
Published: May 2021

Various materials, such as titanium, zirconia and platinum-gold (Pt-Au) alloy, have been utilized for dental implant trans-mucosal parts. However, biological understanding of soft tissue reaction toward these materials is limited. The aim of this study was to compare the response of cell lines and soft tissue to titanium, zirconia and Pt-Au substrata. The surface hydroxyl groups and protein adsorption capacities of the substrata were measured. Next, gingival epithelial-like cells (Sa3) and fibroblastic cells (NIH3T3) were cultured on the materials, and initial cell attachment was measured. Immuno-fluorescent staining of cell adhesion molecules and cytoskeletal proteins was also performed. In the rat model, experimental implants constructed from various materials were inserted into the maxillary tooth extraction socket and the soft tissue was examined histologically and immunohistochemically. No significant differences among the materials were observed regarding the amount of surface hydroxyl groups and protein adsorption capacity. Significantly fewer cells of Sa3 and NIH3T3 adhered to the Pt-Au alloy compared to the other materials. The expression of cell adhesion molecules and a well-developed cytoskeleton was observed, both Sa3 and NIH3T3 on each material. In an animal model, soft tissue with supracrestal tissue attachment was observed around each material. Laminin-5 immuno-reactivity was seen in epithelia on both titanium and zirconia, but only in the bottom of epithelia on Pt-Au alloy. In conclusion, both titanium and zirconia, but not Pt-Au alloy, displayed excellent cell adhesion properties.
Direct and Indirect Impact of COVID-19 for Patients with Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Belleudi Valeria , Rosa Alessandro C. , Poggi Francesca R. , Armuzzi Alessandro , Nicastri Emanuele , Goletti Delia , Diamanti Andrea Picchianti , Davoli Marina , Agabiti Nera , Addis Antonio
Published: May 2021

Importance: Since the beginning of the Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been a serious challenge for immune-compromised patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Objective: Our aim was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 in terms of risks of infection, hospitalization and mortality in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis (PSO) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, we studied the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the prescribed drug regimen in these patients. Methods: Through the record linkage between health information systems, a cohort of patients, ≥18 years old, assisted in the Lazio region and who had suffered from immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (RA, PSO, IBD) between 2007 and 2019, was identified. The risk of infection, hospitalization or mortality for COVID-19, was assessed by logistic regression models, and reported in an Odds Ratio (ORs; CI 95%), adjusting for sex, age and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. We also estimated these risks separately by IMID and in the subgroup of prevalent biologic drug users. We investigated deferral of biological treatments in the study population by comparing the prevalence of weekly use of biologicals (2019–2020) before and during the pandemic periods. Findings: Within the 65,230 patients with IMIDs, the cumulative incidence for COVID-19 was 303/10,000 ab. In this cohort of patients, we observed a significantly higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection than the general population: OR = 1.17 (95% CI 1.12–1.22). The risk was higher even considering separately each disease and in the subgroup of prevalent biologic drug users. This last subgroup of patients showed a higher risk of death related to COVID-19 (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.04–3.33) than the general population. However, no differences in terms of risks of hospitalization or death related to COVID-19 were recorded in patients with the IMIDs. Comparing the 2019–2020 prevalence of weekly biological drug treatments in prevalent biologic drug users, we found a decrease (−19.6%) during the lockdown, probably due to pandemic restrictions. Conclusions and Relevance: Patients with IMIDs seem to have a higher risk of SARS-CoV2 infection. However, other than for patients with prevalent biologic drug treatment, no significant differences in terms of hospitalization and mortality were reported compared to the general populations; further investigation is warranted on account of unmeasured confounding. In addition, during the lockdown period, the COVID-19 emergency highlighted a lower use of biologic drugs; this phenomenon requires strict pharmacological monitoring as it could be a proxy of forthcoming long-term clinical progression.
The Evaluation Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Post-Anesthesia Unit–A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Ramsingh Davinder , Singh Sumit , Canales Cecilia , Guran Elyse , Taylor Zach , Antongiorgi Zarah , Cannesson Maxime , Martin Robert
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is the most rapidly growing imaging modality for acute care. Despite increased use, there is still wide variability and less evidence regarding its clinical utility for the perioperative setting compared to other acute care settings. This study sought to demonstrate the impact of POCUS examinations for acute hypoxia and hypotension occurring in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) versus traditional bedside examinations. Methods: This study was designed as a multi-center prospective observational study. Adult patients who experienced a reduced mean arterial blood pressure (MAP < 60mmHG) and/or a reduced oxygen saturation (SpO2 < 88%) in the PACU from 7AM to 4PM were targeted. POCUS was available or not for patient assessment based on PACU team training. All providers who performed POCUS exams received standardized training on cardiac and pulmonary POCUS. All POCUS exam findings were recorded on a standardized form and the number of suspected mechanisms to trigger the acute event were captured before and after the POCUS exam. PACU length of stay (minutes) across groups was the primary outcome. Results: In total, 128 patients were included in the study, with 92 patients receiving a POCUS exam. Comparison of PACU time between the POCUS group (median = 96.5 min) and no-POCUS groups (median = 120.5 min) demonstrated a reduction for the POCUS group, p = 0.019. Hospital length of stay and 30-day hospital readmission did not show a significant difference between groups. Finally, there was a reduction in the number of suspected diagnoses from before to after the POCUS examination for both pulmonary and cardiac exams, p-values < 0.001. Conclusions: Implementation of POCUS for assessment of acute hypotension and hypoxia in the PACU setting is associated with a reduced PACU length of stay and a reduction in suspected number of diagnoses.
Circulating Biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer (CRC)—Their Utility in Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Łukaszewicz-Zając Marta , Mroczko Barbara
Published: May 2021

The global burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is expected to increase, with 2.2 million new cases and 1.1 million annual deaths by 2030. Therefore, the establishment of novel biomarkers useful in the early diagnosis of CRC is of utmost importance. A number of publications have documented the significance of the overexpression of several specific proteins, such as inflammatory mediators, in CRC progression. However, little is known about the potential utility of these proteins as circulating blood tumor biomarkers of CRC. Therefore, in the present review we report the results of our previous original studies as well as the findings of other authors who investigated whether inflammatory mediators might be used as novel biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. Our study revealed that among all of the tested proteins, serum M-CSF, CXCL-8, IL-6 and TIMP-1 have the greatest value in the diagnosis and progression of CRC. Serum TIMP-1 is useful in differentiating between CRC and colorectal adenomas, whereas M-CSF and CRP are independent prognostic factors for the survival of patients with CRC. This review confirms the promising significance of these proteins as circulating biomarkers for CRC. However, due to their non-specific nature, further validation of their sensitivity and specificity is required.
Optimisation of a Diesel-Electric Ship Propulsion and Power Generation System Using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zaccone Raphael , Campora Ugo , Martelli Michele
Published: May 2021

In recent decades, the design of ship propulsion systems has been focusing on energy efficiency and low pollutant emissions. In this framework, diesel–electric propulsion has become a standard for many ship types and has proven its worth for flexible propulsion design and management. This paper presents an approach to the optimal design of diesel–electric propulsion systems, minimising the fuel consumption while meeting the power and speed requirements. A genetic algorithm performs the optimisation, used to determine the number and type of engines installed on-board and the engines’ design speed and power, selecting within a dataset of four-stroke diesel engines. The same algorithm is then adapted and applied to determine the optimal load sharing strategy in off-design conditions, taking advantage of the high flexibility of the diesel–electric propulsion plants. In order to apply the algorithm, the propulsion layout design is formulated as an optimisation problem, translating the system requirements into a cost function and a set of linear and non-linear constraints. Eventually, the method is applied to a case study vessel: first, the optimal diesel–electric propulsion plants are determined, then the optimal off-design load sharing and working conditions are computed. AC and DC network solutions are compared and critically discussed in both design and off-design conditions.
EPR-Effect Enhancers Strongly Potentiate Tumor-Targeted Delivery of Nanomedicines to Advanced Cancers: Further Extension to Enhancement of the Therapeutic Effect
Authors: Islam Waliul , Kimura Shintaro , Islam Rayhanul , Harada Ayaka , Ono Katsuhiko , Fang Jun , Niidome Takuro , Sawa Tomohiro , Maeda Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

For more than three decades, enhanced permeability and retention (EPR)-effect-based nanomedicines have received considerable attention for tumor-selective treatment of solid tumors. However, treatment of advanced cancers remains a huge challenge in clinical situations because of occluded or embolized tumor blood vessels, which lead to so-called heterogeneity of the EPR effect. We previously developed a method to restore impaired blood flow in blood vessels by using nitric oxide donors and other agents called EPR-effect enhancers. Here, we show that two novel EPR-effect enhancers—isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN, Nitrol®) and sildenafil citrate—strongly potentiated delivery of three macromolecular drugs to tumors: a complex of poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) (SMA) and cisplatin, named Smaplatin® (chemotherapy); poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide) polymer-conjugated zinc protoporphyrin (photodynamic therapy and imaging); and SMA glucosamine-conjugated boric acid complex (boron neutron capture therapy). We tested these nanodrugs in mice with advanced C26 tumors. When these nanomedicines were administered together with ISDN or sildenafil, tumor delivery and thus positive therapeutic results increased two- to four-fold in tumors with diameters of 15 mm or more. These results confirmed the rationale for using EPR-effect enhancers to restore tumor blood flow. In conclusion, all EPR-effect enhancers tested showed great potential for application in cancer therapy.
Clinical and Neuroimaging Features in Charcot–Marie–Tooth Patients with GNB4 Mutations
Authors: Kwon Hye Mi , Kim Hyun Su , Kim Sang Beom , Park Jae Hong , Nam Da Eun , Lee Ah Jin , Nam Soo Hyun , Hwang Soohyun , Chung Ki Wha , Choi Byung-Ok
Published: May 2021

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy. Mutations in the GNB4 gene cause dominant intermediate CMT type F (CMTDIF). The aim of this study is to investigate phenotypic heterogeneities and characteristics of CMT patients with GNB4 mutations. We enrolled 1143 Korean CMT families and excluded 344 families with a PMP22 duplication. We further analyzed the 799 remaining families to find their GNB4 mutations using whole-exome sequencing (WES). We identified two mutations (p.Gly77Arg and p.Lys89Glu) in three families, among which a heterozygous p.Gly77Arg mutation was novel. In addition, a significant uncertain variant (p.Thr177Asn) was observed in one family. The frequency of the GNB4 mutation in the Korean population is 0.38% in PMP22 duplication-negative families. All three families showed de novo mutation. Electrophysiological findings regarding the p.Lys89Glu mutation showed that the motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) of the median nerve was markedly reduced, indicating demyelinating neuropathy, and sural nerve biopsy revealed severe loss of myelinated axons with onion bulb formation. Lower extremity Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrated relatively more severe intramuscular fat infiltrations in demyelinating type (p.Lys89Glu mutation) patients compared to intermediate type (p.Gly77Arg mutation) patients. The anterolateral and superficial posterior compartment muscles of the distal calf were preferentially affected in demyelinating type patients. Therefore, it seems that the investigated GNB4 mutations do cause not only the known intermediate type but also demyelinating-type neuropathy. We first presented three Korean families with GNB4 mutations and found phenotypic heterogeneities of both intermediate and demyelinating neuropathy. We suggest that those findings are useful for the differential diagnosis of CMT patients with unknown GNB4 variants.
Study on Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Modified Asphalt Binders Relaxation at Low Temperature
Authors: Dziadosz Sylwia , Słowik Mieczysław , Niwczyk Filip , Bilski Marcin
Published: May 2021

The paper presents the results of laboratory investigation on asphalt binders relaxation at low temperature, carried out in a ductilometer using the tensile test with continuous force measurement. Polymer modified asphalt binder samples consisting of a 50/70 penetration grade bitumen mixed with a concentrate of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified bitumen—a 160/220 penetration grade bitumen modified with a SBS copolymer in the amount of 9%—were tested. Therefore, polymer modified binders containing 3%, 4.5%, 6% and 7.5% SBS, respectively, were obtained and investigated. Tensile tests were performed at −16 °C on samples before aging and subjected to short-term aging (RTFOT). Test results in the form of relaxation curves have been mathematically described using a modified generalized Maxwell model. Based on the acquired results, it was shown that the increase of the SBS copolymer content in asphalt binder precipitates the relaxation process, while aging slows down this phenomenon. It has also been proven that with increased content of SBS elastomer in asphalt binder, the effect of short-term aging on binder’s stress relaxation ability at low temperatures is reduced.
Antimicrobial PAA/PAH Electrospun Fiber Containing Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Wound Healing
Authors: Bandeira Marina , Chee Bor Shin , Frassini Rafaele , Nugent Michael , Giovanela Marcelo , Roesch-Ely Mariana , Crespo Janaina da Silva , Devine Declan M.
Published: May 2021

Wound infections are the main complication when treating skin wounds. This work reports a novel antimicrobial material using green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) incorporated in polymeric fibers for wound healing purposes. ZnONPs are a promising antimicrobial nanomaterial with high activity against a range of microorganisms, including drug-resistant bacteria. The electrospun fibers were obtained using polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) and were loaded with ZnONPs green synthesized from Ilex paraguariensis leaves with a spherical shape and ~18 nm diameter size. The fibers were produced using the electrospinning technique and SEM images showed a uniform morphology with a diameter of ~230 nm. EDS analysis proved a consistent dispersion of Zn in the fiber mat, however, particle agglomerates with varying sizes were observed. FTIR spectra confirmed the interaction of PAA carboxylic groups with the amine of PAH molecules. Although ZnONPs presented higher antimicrobial activity against S. aureus than E. coli, resazurin viability assay revealed that the PAA/PAH/ZnONPs composite successfully inhibited both bacteria strains growth. Photomicrographs support these results where bacteria clusters were observed only in the control samples. The PAA/PAH/ZnONPs composite developed presents antimicrobial activity and mimics the extracellular matrix morphology of skin tissue, showing potential for wound healing treatments.
Structural Characterization of the Plasticizers’ Role in Polymer Inclusion Membranes Used for Indium (III) Transport Containing IONQUEST® 801 as Carrier
Authors: Mancilla-Rico Alejandro , de Gyves Josefina , Rodríguez de San Miguel Eduardo
Published: May 2021

Polymer inclusion membranes containing cellulose triacetate as support, Ionquest® 801 ((2–ethylhexyl acid) -mono (2–ethylhexyl) phosphonic ester) as extractant, and 2NPOE (o–nitrophenyl octyl ether) or TBEP (tri (2–butoxyethyl phosphate)) as plasticizers were characterized using several instrumental techniques (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT–IR), Reflection Infrared Mapping Microscopy (RIMM), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)) with the aim of determining physical and chemical parameters (structure, electric resistance, dielectric constant, thickness, components’ distributions, glass transition temperature, stability) that allow a better comprehension of the role that the plasticizer plays in PIMs designed for In(III) transport. In comparison to TBEP, 2NPOE presents less dispersion and affinity in the PIMs, a plasticizer effect at higher content, higher membrane resistance and less permittivity, and a pronounced drop in the glass transition temperature. However, the increase in permittivity with In (III) sorption is more noticeable and, in general, PIMs with 2NPOE present higher permeability values. These facts indicate that In (III) transport is favored in membranes with chemical environment of high polarity and efficiently plasticized. A drawback is the decrease in stability because of the minor affinity among the components in 2NPOE–PIMs.
Multi-Proxy Provenance Analyses of the Kingriali and Datta Formations (Triassic–Jurassic Transition): Evidence for Westward Extension of the Neo-Tethys Passive Margin from the Salt Range (Pakistan)
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Wagreich Michael , Bibi Mehwish , Jan Irfan U. , Gier Susanne
Published: May 2021

The Salt Range, in Pakistan, preserves an insightful sedimentary record of passive margin dynamics along the NW margin of the Indian Plate during the Mesozoic. This study develops provenance analyses of the Upper Triassic (Kingriali Formation) to Lower Jurassic (Datta Formation) siliciclastics from the Salt and Trans Indus ranges based on outcrop analysis, petrography, bulk sediment elemental geochemistry, and heavy-mineral data. The sandstones are texturally and compositionally mature quartz arenites and the conglomerates are quartz rich oligomictic conglomerates. Geochemical proxies support sediment derivation from acidic sources and deposition under a passive margin setting. The transparent heavy mineral suite consists of zircon, tourmaline, and rutile (ZTR) with minor staurolite in the Triassic strata that diminishes in the Jurassic strata. Together, these data indicate that the sediments were supplied by erosion of the older siliciclastics of the eastern Salt Range and adjoining areas of the Indian Plate. The proportion of recycled component exceeds the previous literature estimates for direct sediment derivation from the Indian Shield. A possible increase in detritus supply from the Salt Range itself indicates notably different conditions of sediment generation, during the Triassic–Jurassic transition. The present results suggest that, during the Triassic–Jurassic transition in the Salt Range, direct sediment supply from the Indian Shield was probably reduced and the Triassic and older siliciclastics were exhumed on an elevated passive margin and reworked by a locally established fluvio-deltaic system. The sediment transport had a north-northwestward trend parallel to the northwestern Tethyan margin of the Indian Plate and normal to its opening axis. During the Late Triassic, hot and arid hot-house palaeoclimate prevailed in the area that gave way to a hot and humid greenhouse palaeoclimate across the Triassic–Jurassic Boundary. Sedimentological similarity between the Salt Range succession and the Neo-Tethyan succession exposed to the east on the northern Indian passive Neo-Tethyan margin suggests a possible westward extension of this margin.
Tellurium and Selenium Mineralogy of Gold Deposits in Northern Fennoscandia
Authors: Kalinin Arkadii
Published: May 2021

Mineralization of Te and Se was found in gold deposits and uranium occurrences, located in the Paleoproterozoic greenstone belts in Northern Fennoscandia. These deposits are of different genesis, but all of them formed at the late stages of the Svecofennian orogeny, and they have common geochemical association of metals Au, Cu, Co, U, Bi, Te, and Se. The prevalent Te minerals are Ni and Fe tellurides melonite and frohbergite, and Pb telluride altaite. Bismuth tellurides were detected in many deposits in the region, but usually not more than in two–three grains. The main selenide in the studied deposits is clausthalite. The most diversified selenium mineralization (clausthalite, klockmannite, kawazulite, skippenite, poubaite) was discovered in the deposits, located in the Russian part of the Salla-Kuolajarvi belt. Consecutive change of sulfides by tellurides, then by selenotellurides and later by selenides, indicates increase of selenium fugacity, fSe2, in relation to fTe2 and to fS2in the mineralizing fluids. Gold-, selenium-, and tellutium-rich fluids are potentially linked with the post-Svecofennian thermal event and intrusion of post-orogenic granites (1.79–1.75 Ga) in the Salla-Kuolajarvi and Perapohja belts. Study of fluid inclusions in quartz from the deposits in the Salla-Kuolajarvi belt showed that the fluids were high-temperature (240–300 °C) with high salinity (up to 26% NaCl-eq.). Composition of all studied selenotellurides, kawazulite-skippenite, and poubaite varies significantly in Se/Te ratio and in Pb content. Skippenite and kawazulite show the full range of Se-Te isomorphism. Ni-Co and Co-Fe substitution plays an important role in melonite and mattagamite: high cobalt was detected in nickel telluride in the Juomasuo and Konttiaho, and mattagamites from Ozernoe and Juomasuo contain significant Fe. In the Ozernoe uranium occurrence, the main mineral-concentrator of selenium is molybdenite, which contains up to 16 wt.% of Se in the marginal parts of the grains. The molybdenite is rich in Re (up to 1.2 wt.%), and the impurity of Re is irregularly distributed in molybdenite flakes and spherulites.
Distribution and Genetic Diversity of Grapevine Viruses in Russia
Authors: Porotikova Elena , Terehova Uliana , Volodin Vitalii , Yurchenko Eugeniya , Vinogradova Svetlana
Published: May 2021

Viral diseases can seriously damage the vineyard productivity and the quality of grape and wine products. Therefore, the study of the species composition and range of grapevine viruses is important for the development and implementation of strategies and tactics to limit their spread and increase the economic benefits of viticulture. In 2014–2019, we carried out a large-scale phytosanitary monitoring of Russian commercial vineyards in the Krasnodar region, Stavropol region and Republic of Crimea. A total of 1857 samples were collected and tested for the presence of Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus (GRSPaV), Grapevine virus A (GVA), Grapevine leafroll-associated virus-1 (GLRaV-1), Grapevine leafroll-associated virus-2 (GLRaV-2), Grapevine leafroll-associated virus-3 (GLRaV-3), Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), and Grapevine fleck virus (GFkV) using RT-PCR. Out of all samples tested, 54.5% were positive for at least one of the viruses (GRSPaV, GVA, GLRaV-1, GLRaV-2, GLRaV-3, GFLV, GFkV) in the Stavropol region, 49.8% in the Krasnodar region and 49.5% in the Republic of Crimea. Some plants were found to be infected with several viruses simultaneously. In the Republic of Crimea, for instance, a number of plants were infected with five viruses. In the Krasnodar region and the Republic of Crimea, 4.7% and 3.3% of the samples were predominantly infected with both GFkV and GRSPaV, whereas in the Stavropol region, 6% of the selected samples had both GLRaV-1 and GVA infections. We carried out a phylogenetic analysis of the coat protein genes of the detected viruses and identified the presence of GVA of groups I and IV, GRSPaV of groups BS and SG1, GLRaV-1 of group III, GLRaV-2 of groups PN and H4, GLRaV-3 of groups I and III. The results obtained make it possible to assess the viral load and the distribution of the main grapevine viruses on plantations in the viticultural zones of Russia, emphasizing the urgent need to develop and implement long-term strategies for the control of viral diseases of grapes.
Design and Calibration of a Hall Effect System for Measurement of Six-Degree-of-Freedom Motion within a Stacked Column
Authors: Oddbjornsson Olafur , Kloukinas Panos , Gokce Tansu , Bourne Kate , Horseman Tony , Dihoru Luiza , Dietz Matt , White Rory E. , Crewe Adam J. , Taylor Colin A.
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the design, development and evaluation of a unique non-contact instrumentation system that can accurately measure the interface displacement between two rigid components in six degrees of freedom. The system was developed to allow measurement of the relative displacements between interfaces within a stacked column of brick-like components, with an accuracy of 0.05 mm and 0.1 degrees. The columns comprised up to 14 components, with each component being a scale model of a graphite brick within an Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor core. A set of 585 of these columns makes up the Multi Layer Array, which was designed to investigate the response of the reactor core to seismic inputs, with excitation levels up to 1 g from 0 to 100 Hz. The nature of the application required a compact and robust design capable of accurately recording fully coupled motion in all six degrees of freedom during dynamic testing. The novel design implemented 12 Hall effect sensors with a calibration procedure based on system identification techniques. The measurement uncertainty was ±0.050 mm for displacement and ±0.052 degrees for rotation, and the system can tolerate loss of data from two sensors with the uncertainly increasing to only 0.061 mm in translation and 0.088 degrees in rotation. The system has been deployed in a research programme that has enabled EDF to present seismic safety cases to the Office for Nuclear Regulation, resulting in life extension approvals for several reactors. The measurement system developed could be readily applied to other situations where the imposed level of stress at the interface causes negligible material strain, and accurate non-contact six-degree-of-freedom interface measurement is required.
A Brief Review of Implicit Regularization and Its Connection with the BPHZ Theorem
Authors: Arias-Perdomo Dafne Carolina , Cherchiglia Adriano , Hiller Brigitte , Sampaio Marcos
Published: May 2021

Quantum Field Theory, as the keystone of particle physics, has offered great insights into deciphering the core of Nature. Despite its striking success, by adhering to local interactions, Quantum Field Theory suffers from the appearance of divergent quantities in intermediary steps of the calculation, which encompasses the need for some regularization/renormalization prescription. As an alternative to traditional methods, based on the analytic extension of space–time dimension, frameworks that stay in the physical dimension have emerged; Implicit Regularization is one among them. We briefly review the method, aiming to illustrate how Implicit Regularization complies with the BPHZ theorem, which implies that it respects unitarity and locality to arbitrary loop order. We also pedagogically discuss how the method complies with gauge symmetry using one- and two-loop examples in QED and QCD.
Regularity of a General Class of “Quantum Deformed” Black Holes
Authors: Berry Thomas , Simpson Alex , Visser Matt
Published: May 2021

We discuss the “quantum deformed Schwarzschild spacetime”, as originally introduced by Kazakov and Solodukhin in 1993, and investigate the precise sense in which it does and does not satisfy the desiderata for being a “regular black hole”. We shall carefully distinguish (i) regularity of the metric components, (ii) regularity of the Christoffel components, and (iii) regularity of the curvature. We shall then embed the Kazakov–Solodukhin spacetime in a more general framework where these notions are clearly and cleanly separated. Finally, we analyze aspects of the classical physics of these “quantum deformed Schwarzschild spacetimes”. We shall discuss the surface gravity, the classical energy conditions, null and timelike geodesics, and the appropriate variant of the Regge–Wheeler equation.
Validation of airborne and satellite altimetry data by Arctic Truck citizen science
Authors: Stokholm Andreas , Hvidegaard Sine M. , Forsberg Rene , Simonsen Sebastian B.
Published: May 2021

The elevation of ice sheets changes due to climate change, and satellite altimetry is the preferred tool for measuring ice sheet-wide height changes. In situ validation is needed to ensure the quality of the observed elevation changes, but the cost often limits the amount of in situ data which can be collected. As more tourists are accessing the ice sheets, citizen science might provide in situ data in an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient way. Here, we investigate the opportunistic kinematic global positioning system (GPS) profiles across the Greenland ice sheet, collected by the American-Icelandic expedition on the Greenlandic icecap 2018. The collected GPS data are in good agreement with the widely used NASA’s Operation IceBridge Airborne LiDAR data measured within ± 10 days, with an average difference of 10.7 cm ± 11.7 cm. The main difference is attributed to changes in the compaction of the snow while driving and changes in the tires’ pressure. The kinematic GPS data are then compared with data from the European Space Agency’s CryoSat-2 mission. Here, an average bias of 92.3 cm ± 65.7 cm in the two records is observed between the spring CryoSat-2 and the truck GPS data obtained largely in the dry-snow zone. This suggests that the surface penetration of Ku-band radar on the Greenland ice sheet and the observed magnitude are consistent with the literature. Finally, we compared the 2018 GPS data to a profile obtained in 2005 near Kangerlussuaq, West Greenland. Here, the records show an average ice-elevation decrease of 9 m, with peaks at 26 m. These results show that the citizen science kinematic GPS data can provide high-resolution data necessary for the validation of satellite altimetry, with the added benefit of potential direct sampling properties of the surface and firn. Linking up with citizen-science expeditions is a beneficial way of providing cost-effective satellite validations and may also have a societal impact by involving more people in the climate monitoring of ice sheets.
The Effect of Reading Strategies Instruction on EFL Learners’ Reading Performances
Authors: Valizadeh Mohammadreza
Published: May 2021

This study, using pretest-intervention-posttest, investigated whether instructing English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ in the use of reading strategies when they read English passages affects their English reading performances. The participants were 51 Turkish learners of English, who were at elementary level of language proficiency,based on the results of the Oxford Quick Placement Test. The whole treatment/control period lasted for 20 sessions during 10 weeks on a Reading course. The experimental group (n = 26) received instruction in reading strategies (i.e., previewing, finding the main idea, scanning, identifying examples, identifying definitions, identifying time and sequence words, reading numerical tables, making inferences, reading statistical tables, distinguishing fact from opinion) and the control group (n = 25) received instruction based on traditional teaching methods (i.e., reading, paraphrasing, translating, and answering the exercises).Data were collected via a reading proficiency test. The result of the independent samples t-test showed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control one.
Examining the Relationship Between Turkish Teacher Candidates’ Metacognitive Learning Strategies and Critical Listening Attitudes
Authors: Can Fatih
Published: May 2021

This study aims at examining the relationship between Turkish teacher candidates’ metacognitive learning strategies and critical listening attitudes as well as determining whether theircritical listening attitudes and the use of metacognitive learning strategies vary with gender, age, year in college, and grade point average (GPA). Accordingly, a correlational survey design was used. The sample of the study consists of 191 Turkish teacher candidates studying at the Turkish teacher education program of Amasya University, Faculty of Education. The Metacognitive Learning Strategies Determining Scale developed by Gündoğan Çöğenli & Güven (Bilişüstü…) and the Critical Listening Attitude Scale developed by Taşkın were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed using statistical package software SPSS 22.0. T-test, ANOVA, and correlation analysis were performed. A positive correlation was determined between Turkish teacher candidates’ critical listening behaviors and the use of metacognitive learning strategies.We believe that the findings of this study will contribute to determining critical listening attitudes.
Examination of Emotional Intelligence Levels of Coaches Providing Swimming Training to Individuals with Disabilities and Individuals without Disabilities
Authors: Karataş Baykal , Adıgüzel Serdar
Published: May 2021

Emotions are one of the important factors guiding our behaviors. People often make decisions by being influenced by their emotions throughout their lives. Therefore, it is important to recognize and learn to control our emotions. There are different groups of individuals with disabilities, and the swimming training of each group with disabilities is different. Swimming, which is one of the Paralympic sports branches, appeals to almost all groups with disabilities. There are very few swimming coaches in Turkey who provide swimming training to individuals with disabilities, and are only interested in groups with disabilities. There are swimming coaches who are accredited to the Swimming Federation of Turkey and who provide swimming training to individuals without disabilities, and their number is higher than the coaches who provide training to swimmers with disabilities. A coach, who is defined as the individual who provides sports skills and tactical development for an athlete to achieve success, is the individual who prepares many sports players for matches and tournaments to be held. The coach is responsible for raising the players to the required level by considering the variables such as process, place, equipment, technique, and tactics. In our study, it is aimed to examine the emotional intelligence levels of the coaches working with individuals with disabilities and individuals without disabilities in the swimming branch. The research is a descriptive study and the data were collected by the questionnaire method. The research data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software. Independent samples t-test was used to compare the total score of the scale according to the status of coaching an individual with disability whereas MANOVA analysis was used to compare the status of coaching an individual with a disability * according to demographic variables.
Ecology of Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus Patas) in Buffer Zone Ranges, Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria
Authors: Halidu Shafiu Kilishi , Adebayo Olaoluwa Ayodeji , Chikezie Jude , Ibrahim Azeez Olalekan , Adedeji Olushola Emmanuel
Published: May 2021

The buffer zones of Nigerian protected areas are poorly managed. Patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) was studied in fact owing to its dearth of information on its ecology and existence in South-West Nigeria National Park. Therefore, it was necessary to examine E. patas spatial distribution and population structure in the Old Oyo National Park buffer zone ranges, situated in South-West Nigeria and as well know its dietary uptake alongside delineating its various activities. Observations were positioned on direct census methods. A total of 60 individuals of E. patas (23 female, 21 male, and 16 young individuals) were sighted within the study period (March to July). The results showed that the highest number of sighted E. patas (18 individuals) was recorded in the month of March while the Marguba range had the highest percentage of sighted E. patas (31.7%). Thirteen plant species were identified as food matters of E. patas while the major activity observed by the majority of E. patas was found feeding on the identified food matters. The food matters consumed were plant parts which included the leaves, flowers, gum, enflamed spikes, and fruits. Actions to uphold and guard the remaining populace of E. patas in the Park and buffer zones should be adequately fortified.
Agrobacterium Mediated Transformation Optimizations for Sugarcane (Saccharum Officinarum L.) Cultivar SPF-234 with Direct Organogenesis
Authors: Nawaz Muhammad , Iqbal Naeem , Hameed Rabia , Mehwish Mehwish , Jamil Shakra
Published: May 2021

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is the most important food and energy crop worldwide. In the present study, an efficient Agrobacterium mediated transformation and regeneration system for sugarcane cultivar SPF-234 was established. Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains EHA101and LBA4404 using vector pIG121 Hm, having GUS, HPTII and NPTII genes were used. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histochemical assays confirmed the GUS gene expression. A 620 bp fragment from GUS positive plants was amplified. The GUS expressing putative transformants were 35% of the total plants formed under 30 minute immersion time and 72 hr of incubation period. The co-cultivation media having 60 µM acetosyringone produced 66% GUS expressing plants for LBA4404 and 58% for EHA101. The maximum average number of directly produced shoot (59.5%) from leaf explant was in M6 media having 1.00 mg/l 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2.5 mg/l Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). A significant decrease (17%) was observed when auxin (NAA) concentration was increased to 4.0 mg/l. The best response of shoot elongation was observed in SE4 media having equal concentration (2.00 mg/l) of both kinetin and BAP. Increased concentrations of kinetin significantly decreased shoot elongation of the subject cultivar. Agrobacterium strain LBA4404 performed better for genetic transformation of the said sugarcane cultivar.This quick and less expensive transformation and direct regeneration system could be exploited for sugarcane on commercial scale in general, and for this elite cultivar in particular.
A STUDY OF VAGINAL MISOPROSTOL TABLET VERSUS INTRACERVICAL DINOPROSTONE FOR INDUCTION OF LABOUR
Authors: Shabana P. , Latha R. Asha , Riyaz N. M. Riyaz
Published: May 2021

Background:Induction of labour is the process of initiating the labour by articial means post 24 weeks of gestation. This study was undertaken to
compare the efcacy and safety of vaginal Misoprostol [25-50ug] with intracervical Dinoprostone gel (0.5mg) for induction of labour at term in
terms of efcacy of drug, feto-maternal outcome, side effects and complications of drugs.
Methods: 400 nulliparas at term admitted in the OBG ward were included in this study. They were randomly allocated to two groups A& B. Group
A (200 women) received tablet Misoprostol 25 micrograms vaginally 4 hrly to a maximum of 3 doses and Group B (200 women) received
Dinoprostone gel 0.5mg intracervically 6 hrly to a maximum of 3 doses. Comparison was done in terms of induction to delivery interval, rates of
instrumental and LSCS delivery, need for NICU care and cost-effectiveness. ADRs, if any were documented and proper care taken.
Results: The mean induction to delivery interval was less in the Misoprostol group than Dinoprostone group (12 hrs vs. 22 hrs). 82% patients
delivered in the rst 24 hrs in Misoprostol group compared to 54 % patients in Dinoprostone group. Group A had a higher success rate (80%
vs.75%) and also required less augmentation of labor ( 35% vs. 65%) compared to group B. Need for LSCS was also lower in Misoprostol group
(13% vs. 18%). Need for instrumentation and incidence of NICU admission was similar in both groups. Misoprostol was more cost effective
compared to Dinoprostone.
Conclusions: The Misoprostol group had a shorter induction to delivery interval, more number of deliveries in the rst 24 hrs of induction and a
reduced need of augmentation of labor with oxytocin. There was no signicant difference in the rate of caesarean section, hyper-stimulation
syndrome, neonatal and maternal morbidity between the two groups. Thus, Misoprostol appears to be safer, cheaper and more efcacious
alternative for induction of labor especially for non-fetal indications as compared to Dinoprostone gel.
PREVALENCE OF ADVANCED DIABETIC EYE DISEASE AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Ngullie Likathung , Roy Bratatee , Ghosh Sayantan , Jain Sneha , Mondal Lakshmi Kanta
Published: May 2021

Purpose:To determine the prevalence of advanced diabetic eye disease (ADED ) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) attending a tertiary
eye care centre in eastern India and the risk factors associated with the disease.
Methods: All patients of type 2 DM attending at the out-patient-department of a tertiary eye care centre, with any stage of diabetic retinopathy
(DR) were recruited for this study. Examination was carried out with the help of slit-lamp biomicroscope with +90D lens, direct and indirect
ophthalmoscopy, Snellen's chart, refraction trial lens and B-scan Ultrasonography. Medical records were reviewed and data were extracted.
Results: Out of 200 patients with DR, 22 patients presented with advanced diabetic eye disease (ADED). Thus, the prevalence of ADED in this
study was 11%. Those with increased age of presentation, long duration of DM, deranged HbA1c and lipid prole are at signicantly higher risk of
presenting with ADED.
Conclusion: Prevalence of 11 % of ADED in patients with DM attending a tertiary eye care centre shows that this condition continues to be a major
social problem despite current knowledge about advanced DR.
ROLE OF CONTRAST ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN IN DIAGNOSIS OF LOCAL SPREAD, DISTANT METASTASIS AND STAGING OF BREAST CARCINOMA
Authors: Saxena Sangeeta , Kumar Saini Suresh , Raj Meena Dharm , Khokhar Harsh Vardhan
Published: May 2021

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death for women worldwide. The accurate clinical staging of patients with breast
cancer is important in determining the most appropriate treatment. The present study investigated the value of staging CECT in detecting
asymptomatic distant (lung, liver and bone) metastases in patients with primary breast cancer.
Material And Method: 30 patients with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category (BI-RADS) 4, 5 and 6 lesions underwent
unenhanced breast CTand contrast material enhanced CTbefore histopathological correlation.
Result And Discussion: In present study, 5(16.6%) cases shows metastasis into the lungs, 3(10%) cases shows metastasis into the liver, 3(10%)
cases shows metastasis into the bones, 1(3.3%)case show metastasis into multiple site(lung and liver), 18(60%) cases shows no any evidence of
metastasis. By contrast, 12 of 30 patients (40%) with stage III were upstaged to stage IV and 13 patients (43.3%) of those were originally stage IIIB
or IIIC.
Conclusion:CECTappears as an essential imaging modality to detect presence, extent and localisation of metastasis.
A STUDY ON CORRELATION BETWEEN SYSTEMIC HYPERTENSION IN COVID-19
Authors: Yogalakshmee A. , Manimekalai Manimekalai , Devi Saranya
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) causing severe acute respiratory syndrome. (SARS-CoV-2), has affected more than seven million people
worldwide. The virus enter the cell through angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 receptor . Hypertension as well as cardiovascular disease
coexist with COVID-19 have generated discussion on the management of patients with hypertension. Here we discuss the pathophysiology of
SARS-CoV-2 infection with ACE2 receptors, the cardiovascular system, and the kidney. Result showing evidence on the use of antihypertensive
medication such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in SHTN patients with COVID-19.
“Il mondo come puzzle”
Authors: Michetti Giovanni
Published: May 2021

Le nuove tecnologie offrono nuove e potenti possibilità di descrizione dei beni culturali nel web, contribuendo a rinnovare la natura, le funzioni e gli obiettivi dei tradizionali strumenti per la rappresentazione e la gestione del nostro patrimonio culturale in ambiente digitale. In particolare, il confronto con il catalogo nel web richiede un cambio di prospettiva: il catalogo non è una semplice enumerazione sulla base di modelli convenzionali e regole sintattiche che definiscono un paradigma ove non c‘è alcuno spazio per l‘anomalia, bensì una narrazione che attribuisce un senso ad una molteplicità di singolarità. Occorre cioè bilanciare da una parte il criterio ordinativo e le inevitabili rigidità imposte da linguaggi e modelli formali, dall‘altra l‘esigenza di dare spazio a prospettive e modelli diversi.
La Biblioteca Centrale “G. Marconi” del CNR nel Polo delle scienze SBN
Authors: Migliorelli Giorgia , Ranchino Maria Adelaide
Published: May 2021

La Biblioteca Centrale del CNR nel corso degli anni ha raccolto un cospicuo patrimonio documentario che è stimato oggi complessivamente intorno ai 600.000 volumi, di cui circa 150.000 di antiquariato scientifico con un eccezionale valore storico-culturale. Le opere possedute abbracciano diversi ambiti e in particolare si focalizzano sulla ricerca scientifica, il progresso tecnico, la storia del pensiero scientifico e le pubblicazioni edite dal CNR o finanziate con il suo contributo, con particolare riguardo alla documentazione dei primati scientifici e tecnici italiani. Per dare massima visibilità alla grande varietà tematica di cui sono costituite le sue collezioni, la Biblioteca Centrale ha intrapreso l’iter per entrare a far parte della rete SBN. Nel corso del 2016 ha aderito al Polo EVE dell’Istituto nazionale di Geofisica e vulcanologia, rinominato successivamente “Polo delle scienze”, con l’idea di realizzare una rete bibliotecaria del CNR e rendere fruibile il vasto patrimonio bibliografico e documentale dell’Ente ad oggi rintracciabile solo su cataloghi locali disponibili online e di aprirsi ad altri enti di ricerca creando un unico punto di accesso al vastissimo patrimonio documentale scientifico italiano.