bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"Association Between Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Risk of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Case-Control Study"
Authors: Eslampour Elham , Ghanadi Koroush , Aghamohammadi Vahideh , Kazemi Alireza Moayed , Mohammadi Rasool , Vahid Farhad , Abbasnezhad Amir
Published: February 2021

BackgroundPathophysiology of IBS is not well recognized; however, several studies have shown the possible relationship between diet and risk of IBS. We assessed the ability of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) to predict the risk of IBS.MethodsThe subjects were 155 IBS cases and 310 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. IBS was recognized using the Rome IV criteria. DII score was computed based on dietary intake using a 168-item FFQ. The FFQ was analyzed using Nutritionist ІV. The DII score was calculated based on energy-adjusted amounts of nutrients using residual method. Logistic regression models were used to estimate multivariable odds ratios (ORs).ResultsThe mean DII score was significantly higher among IBS patients in comparison to healthy controls (0.78 ± 2.22 vs. -0.39 ± 2.27). In crude model, increase in DII as continuous variable was associated with a significant increase in the risk of IBS (OR (95% CI): 1.26 (1.1-15.38)). Furthermore, the association remained significant even after adjusting for age and sex (OR (95% CI): 1.28 (1.1-17.41)) and after multivariate adjustment (OR (95% CI): 1.38 (1.2-1.56)). In crude, age and sex adjusted and multivariate-adjusted models subjects in fourth quartile of DII had higher OR in comparison to subjects in first quartile. ConclusionsThe results of this study showed a possible positive association between a pro-inflammatory diet and the risk of IBS. Thus, encouraging intake of more anti-inflammatory dietary factors and reducing intake of pro-inflammatory factors may be a strategy for reducing risk of IBS.
Genome-based Classification of the Streptomyces Violaceusniger Clade and Description of Streptomyces Sabulosicollis sp. nov. from an Indonesian Sand Dune
Authors: Kusuma Ali Budhi , Nouioui Imen , Goodfellow Michael
Published: February 2021

A polyphasic study was designed to determine the taxonomic provenance of a strain, isolate PRKS01-29 T , recovered from an Indonesian sand dune and provisionally assigned to the Streptomyces violaceusniger clade. Genomic, genotypic and phenotypic data confirmed this classification. The isolate formed an extensively branched substrate mycelium which carried aerial hyphae that differentiated into spiral chains of rugose ornamented spores, contained LL-as the wall diaminopimelic acid, MK-9 (H 6 , H 8 ) as predominant isoprenologues, phosphatidylethanolamine as the diagnostic phospholipid and major proportions of saturated, iso - and antesio - fatty acids. Whole-genome sequences generated for the isolate and Streptomyces albiflaviniger DSM 41598 T and Streptomyces javensis DSM 41764 T were compared with phylogenetically closely related strains, the isolate formed a branch within the S. violaceusniger clade in the resultant phylogenomic tree. Genomic data showed that isolate PRKS01-29 T was most closely related to the S. albiflavinger strain but was distinguished from the latter and from other members of the clade using combinations of phenotypic properties and low average nucleotide identity and digital DNA:DNA hybridization scores. Consequently, it is proposed that isolate PRKS01-29 T (=CCMM B1303 T = ICEBB-02 T = NCIMB 15210 T ) should be classified in the genus Streptomyces as Streptomyces sabulosicollis sp. nov. It is also clear that streptomycetes which produce spiral chains of rugose ornamented spores form a well-defined monophyletic clade in the Streptomyces phylogenomic tree., the taxonomic status of which requires further study. The genome of the type strain of S. sabulosicollis contains biosynthetic gene clusters predicted to produce new natural products.
Measurement of Phthalate Acid Esters in Non-alcoholic Malt Beverages by MSPE-GC/MS Method in Tehran City: With the Approach of Chemometric
Authors: Rezaei Hana , Moazzen Mojtaba , Shariatifar Nabi , Khaniki Gholamreza Jahed , Dehghani Mohammad Hadi , Arabameri Majid , Alikord Mahsa
Published: February 2021

The goal of this research was to assess the phthalic acid esters (DEP, DMP, BBP, DBP, DEHP, DnOP and total PAE) in non-alcoholic malt beverages bottled by multi-walled carbon nanotubes were magnetized with iron (MWCNT-Fe3O4) using Mass spectrometry is gas chromatography (GC-MS) in Tehran .The results showed that the mean of DEHP (which has also been found to be carcinogenic) in all samples was lower than the standard leveles (5944.73 ng/l). The maximum concentration of DEHP in four samples was upper than the standard levels (8957.87 ng/l). Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scattered energy X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were used to describe the generated MWCNT-Fe3O4. Multivariate techniques and heat-map visualization were used to assess the correlation among the type and levels of PAEs with brand, color, product date, pH, sugar, volume and gas pressure. Therefore, based on heat-map and principal component analysis (PCA) results, the Bis (2- ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and total PAEs were the closest accessions, indicating that these variables had similar trends. Based on the results, it can be stated that due to the low average of total phthalate esters in non-alcoholic malt beverages, there is no serious health hazard of these compounds for humans.
Do Saharan Dust Intrusions Affect the Incidence and Severity of COVID-19 in Spain?
Authors: Linares Cristina , Culqui Dante , Belda Fernando , López-Bueno José Antonio , Luna Yolanda , Sánchez-Martínez Gerardo , Hervella Beatriz , Diaz Julio
Published: February 2021

Scientific evidence suggests that Saharan dust intrusions in Southern Europe contribute to the worsening of multiple pathologies and increase the concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants. However, few studies have examined whether Saharan dust intrusions influence the incidence and severity of COVID-19 cases. To address this question, in this study we carried out generalized linear models with Poisson link between incidence rates and daily hospital admissions and average daily concentrations of PM10 and NO2 in nine Spanish regions for the period from February 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020. The models were adjusted by maximum daily temperature and average daily absolute humidity. Furthermore, we controlled for trend, seasonality and the autoregressive nature of the series. The variable relating to Saharan dust intrusions was introduced using a dichotomous variable, NAF, averaged across daily lags in ranges of 0–7 days, 8–14 days, 14–21 days and 22–28 days. The results obtained in this study suggest that chemical air pollutants, and especially NO2, are related to the incidence and severity of COVID-19 in Spain. Furthermore, Saharan dust intrusions have an additional effect beyond what is attributable to the variation in air pollution; they are related, in different lags, to both the incidence and hospital admissions rates for COVID-19. These results serve to support public health measures that minimize population exposure on days with particulate matter advection from the Sahara.
A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Normal Range of Serum Thyroid-stimulating Hormone and Bone Mineral Density in the Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Zhu Xiaoli , Li Man , Li Shugang , Hu Yifei
Published: February 2021

Objective Considering the fact that the relationship between serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women is still controversial, this study adopts meta-analysis in evaluating the correlation between TSH and BMD, as well as osteoporosis in the postmenopausal women with normal thyroid function. Methods Cochrane Library, PubMed, VIP, Web of Science, Wan Fang Data, and CNKI databases were searched for articles concerning correlation between TSH and BMD in postmenopausal women. The retrieval time was set from the date of database establishment to November 30, 2020. Revman5.3 and Stata12.0 software were used for meta-analysis. Results A total of 19 articles were incorporated, including 9 articles describing the correlation coefficient (r) between TSH and BMD covering 2,573 subjects; 10 articles reflecting the risk of OP and TSH with 21,387 subjects in total; 4 articles that included in the study reflecting the mean BMD with 1,310 individuals. The Summary Fisher’ Z of the correlation between TSH and BMD was 0.16, 95% CI (0.00, 0.32), and the correlation coefficient of Summary Fisher’ Z conversion was 0.158. Study on the relationship between TSH and osteoporosis based on OR demonstrated that the combined OR was 1.76, 95% CI (1.27, 2.45), P<0.05. The BMD of group with low TSH was lower than that of the control group, SMD at -0.31, 95% CI (-0.44, -0.18), P<0.001. The BMD of group with high TSH was higher than that of the control group, SMD at 0.22, 95% CI (0.08, 0.35), P=0.001. The subgroup analyzing results displayed that the risk of osteoporosis of the subjects from community with low TSH was 1.89, 95% CI (1.43, 2.49), P<0.01. The risk of osteoporosis for subjects with low TSH and from hospitals was 1.36, 95% CI (0.46, 3.99), P=0.58; 1.84 for subjects with low TSH and anti-osteoporosis drugs, 95% CI (1.05, 3.22), P=0.03; and 1.74 for those with low TSH but not taking anti-osteoporosis drugs, 95% CI (1.08, 2.82), P=0.02. The dose-response relationship showed that the risk of osteoporosis tended to decrease when TSH was more than 2.5mIu/L. Conclusion The serum TSH is positively related with BMD in postmenopausal women, and high TSH (>2.5 mIu/L) within the normal range is possibly helpful to decrease the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
An Influence of Slag Refining on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of the Brass CuZn39Pb2
Authors: Jenek Mariusz , Shlafka Paweł
Published: February 2021

The results presented in the dissertation show the influence of a kind and concentration of the flux added during the process of the lead brass smelting on its structure, chemical composition and mechanical properties – hardness and strength. A positive i refining, structure, mechanical properties, brassnfluence of the refining and modification process manifested in an improvement of mechanical properties as well as an increase of the structure, chemical composition and mechanical properties homogeneity in the entire volume of the ingot has been proven.
Physiological Responses of Agriophyllum Squarrosum and Setaria Viridis to Drought and Re-watering
Authors: Chen Juanli , Zhao Xueyong , Li Yuqiang , Luo Yongqing , Zhang Yaqiu , Liu Mei , Li Yan
Published: February 2021

The drought resistance of psammophytes determines their survival and growth under natural conditions or after transplanting. However, their responses to drought are not well understood. Agriophyllum squarrosum is a pioneer psammophyte in Horqin sandy land’s vegetation community, and Setaria viridis is the climax species. We conducted a pot experiment with both species to study how their physiological characteristics respond to drought and rehydration. We found that watering to 60 and 65% of field capacity (the control) provided more water than was required by A. squarrosum, and its leaves became yellow and slightly wilted. The total chlorophyll content and Fm (maximum fluorescence after dark adaptation) were lower than in the drought treatment, and both decreased after rehydration. With increasing drought duration, the chlorophyll content and Fm of A. squarrosum under moderate and severe drought first increased and then decreased, malondialdehyde levels and membrane permeability increased, but the quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) decreased. With increasing drought duration and intensity, the relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, Fm, and Fv/Fm of S. viridis decreased, but malondialdehyde levels and membrane permeability increased. During the late drought period, levels of A. squarrosum’s three antioxidant enzymes increased to prevent membrane lipid peroxidation; for S. viridis, only peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels increased. After rehydration, RWC of both plants increased, but the chlorophyll content decreased. Fv/Fm of A. squarrosum and Fm of S. viridis did not recover after severe drought. Our results provide insights into psammophyte adaptation to drought stress to support ecological restoration and reconstruction.
Value of Skin Tests for Managing Hypersensitivity Reactions to Platinum Salts
Authors: Pedraza-Nieto Laura , Beunza-Sola Monica , Rodríguez Cesar A , Moreno Esther , Otero María José
Published: February 2021

Background: Platinum-based therapy continues to be one of the pillars of the treatment of different types of cancer. However, many times the responsible clinician renounces its use after the appearance of a hypersensitivity reaction.Objective: To assess the value of skin tests (ST) in clinical practice to address the treatment of patients with suspicion of immediate hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to platinum salts.Methods: Single-center retrospective study performed for 3 years. Adult patients treated with any platinum salt who experienced HSR symptoms and for whom an oncologist requested ST, were included. ST with cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin were performed. Results: Twenty-two patients were included. ST were positive in 12 patients (54.5%), of which 4 (33%) presented cross-reactivity to another platinum salt. Fifteen patients continued platinum-based chemotherapy: 9 patients with positive ST (4 continued by desensitization and 5 with another platinum) and 6 patients with negative ST, of which 1 repeated an HSR. A NPV of 0.91 was calculated. Conclusion: ST allowed accurate identification of platinum allergy patients and the resumption of platinum-based therapy in many patients for whom no suitable therapeutic alternative was clinically acceptable.
Study of Fitch Rating`s Response to Covid-19 by Logical Analysis of Data
Authors: Gholipour Elnaz , Vizvari Prof.Dr Bela
Published: February 2021

Credit ratings, represent the creditworthiness of countries and financial organizations that nowadays due to the corona virus crisis hit the world is being threatened to be downgraded. This study uses Logical Analysis of Data to analyze the Fitch rating agency response to Covid-19. Three varied parts of variables, composed of the significant economic and social factors, pandemic -related variables and pre-credit rating (2019) are under survey. The time interval of the study is 2019-2020. The output of the research in the form of the decision trees shows the selected patterns of each newly published Fitch rating in July of 2020. The consequences of the research in training and test sets by 100% and 80% matched cases, respectively shed light on the robust results of explored patterns. Surveying on Fitch`s response in this span showed that pandemic-related variables mostly have an impact on “B” classes and they were not significant in “investment grades” (AAA-BBBP), whereas, 2019`s credit rating may be a strong factor to forecast next ratings just in normal state of affairs, nevertheless, selected well-built economic and social factors described the hidden structure of Fitch Agency in the optimum way during pandemic also.
Matrix Stiffness Modulates Metabolic Interaction Between Human Stromal and Breast Cancer Cells to Stimulate Epithelial Motility
Authors: Ponce Ivan , Garrido Nelson , Tobar Nicolas , Smith Patricio C , Melo Francisco , MARTINEZ JORGE
Published: February 2021

Background. Breast tumors belong to the type of desmoplastic lesion in which a stiffer tissue structure is a determinant of breast cancer progression and constitutes a risk factor for breast cancer development. It has been proposed that cancer-associated stromal cells (responsible for this fibrotic phenomenon) are able to metabolize glucose via lactate production, which supports the catabolic metabolism of cancer cells. The aim of this work is to investigate the possible functional link among these two processes.Methods. To measure the effect of matrix rigidity on metabolic determinations, we used compliant elastic polyacrylamide gels as a substrate material to which matrix molecules were covalently-linked. We evaluated metabolite transport in stromal cells using two different FRET nanosensors specific for glucose and lactate. Cell migration/invasion was evaluated using Transwell devices.Results. We show that increased stiffness stimulates lactate production and glucose uptake by mammary fibroblasts. This response correlated with the expression of stromal glucose transporter Glut1 and monocarboxylate transporters MCT4. Moreover, mammary stromal cells cultured on stiff matrices generated soluble factors that stimulated epithelial breast migration in a stiffness-dependent manner.Conclusions. Using a normal breast stromal cell line, we found that a stiffer extracellular matrix favors the acquisition mechanistical properties that promote the metabolic reprograming that also constitute a stimulus for epithelial motility. This new knowledge will help us to better understand the complex relationship between fibrosis, metabolic reprogramming and cancer malignancy.
Changes In Immunological Response In Wistar Rats That Ingested Water From High And Low Disease Prevalent Areas From The North Central Province (NCP) And Low Disease Prevalent Colombo, Sri Lanka And Their Co-Relations To Histopathological Changes.
Authors: Thammitiyagodage Mayuri Geethanjalie , de Silva Rajiva , Galhena Bandula Prasanna , Rathnayake Champika , Karunakaran Ramani , Warahakgodagedera Sarath Sisira Kumara , Ekanayake Nishali , Gunatillake Meliyanthi , Thabrew Mytrel Irangani
Published: February 2021

BackgroundChronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is prevalent in North Central Province (NCP) of Sri Lanka and ingestion of ground water is identified as one of the causative factors. Majority of the population in the NCP consume un-boiled dug well water. Objective of this study was to find out the haematological and immunological variations in Wistar rats that ingested water from high and low disease prevalent areas from the NCP and low disease prevalent Colombo and correlated the findings with histopathological changes.Method Wistar rats (60) were recruited to the study and their baseline WBC, DC, CD4+, CD8+, serum cytokines, creatinine, ALT, AST and BUN levels were measured. Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups by assigning 10 rats into each group. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were given water from high disease prevalent New Town Medirigiriya (NTM), Bisobandaragama (BB) and Divuldamana (DD) and group 4 was given boiled water from NTM (NTMB). Group 5 and 6 were given water from low diseases prevalent Huruluwewa (HW) from NCP and low disease prevalent Colombo (CO). Serum cytokines (IL1ß, IL6, TNFα) were measured after 8 months and other parameters and tissue cytokines were measured after 14 months. Histopathology was performed in kidney and liver tissues.Results Serum TNFα levels were significantly elevated in rats from DD and BB but tissue TNFα levels were significantly elevated only in rats from DD. Rats from high diseases prevalent areas had significantly high CD4+ and CD8+ cell than those from low disease prevalent HW and CO. Immunological findings were correlated with the changes observed in the histopathology. There was a co-relation between the kidney Tubular Interstitial Lesion index and liver lesions.Conclusion TNFα and CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte had an impact on kidney damage. Rats with severe TI lesions reported high percentage of portal tracts and parenchymal lesions in the liver and this expression was minimum in CO. Boiled water can reduce the liver damage but not been able to significantly reduce the kidney damage. Immune therapy targeting the CD4+, CD8+ and TNFα may reduce the disease burden in the early stage.
Evaluating Self-Efficacy Among Patients Undergoing Dialysis Therapy
Authors: Almutary Hayfa , Nahla Tayyib
Published: February 2021

BackgroundPerceived disease-related self-efficacy is considered a fundamental component of the successful self-management of chronic diseases. Prior studies have found that self-efficacy is associated with improvements in health behaviors and health status among people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, few studies have evaluated self-efficacy among patients undergoing dialysis.MethodsThis study was performed to evaluate CKD patients’ self-efficacy and to determine the factors that significantly affect self-efficacy among dialysis patients. This was a cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of 190 patients undergoing dialysis. The patients’ self-efficacy was measured using the CKD Self-Efficacy Scale. Inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 49.24 ± 13.15 years. Almost half of them were males (48.4%), and 75.3% were married. The majority of the patients (83%) were undergoing hemodialysis. The total score for self-efficacy was 192.57 ±39.23. Only occupational status and the type of dialysis were significantly and positively correlated with patients’ perceived self-efficacy scores.ConclusionsThis study provides primary evidence of the perceived self-efficacy among CKD patients who are on dialysis. The results of this cross-sectional study showed that greater self-efficacy was associated with employment and peritoneal dialysis. Strategies to enhance self-efficacy among dialysis patients, especially those on hemodialysis, are needed.
Prognostic Value of Coronary Vascular Dysfunction Assessed by Rubidium-82 PET/CT Imaging in Patients With Resistant Hypertension Without Overt Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Gaudieri Valeria , Mannarino Teresa , Zampella Emilia , Assante Roberta , D’Antonio Adriana , Nappi Carmela , Cantoni Valeria , Green Roberta , Petretta Mario , Arumugam Parthiban , Cuocolo Alberto , Acampa Wanda
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe identification of coronary vascular dysfunction may enhance risk stratification in patients with resistant hypertension (RH). We evaluated if impaired coronary vascular function, assessed by rubidium-82 (82Rb) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging, is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension without overt coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsWe studied 517 hypertensive subjects, 26% with RH, without overt CAD and with normal stress-rest myocardial perfusion imaging at 82Rb PET/CT. The outcome end points were cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and admission for heart failure.ResultsOver a median of 38 months (interquartile range 26 to 50), 21 cardiac events (4.1% cumulative event rate) occurred. Patients with RH were older (p < 0.05), had a higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (p < 0.001), a lower hyperemic myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) (both p < 0.001) compared to those without. Conversely, coronary artery calcium content and baseline MBF were not different between patients with and without RH. At univariable Cox regression analysis, age, RH, left ventricular ejection fraction, coronary artery calcium score, and reduced MPR were significant predictors of events. At multivariable analysis, age, RH, and reduced MPR (all p < 0.05) were independent predictors of events. Patients with RH and reduced MPR had the highest risk of events and the major risk acceleration over time.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the assessment of coronary vascular function may enhance risk stratification in patients with hypertension.
TpIRT1 is a transition metal transporter in Polish Wheat (Triticum polonicum L.) with a broad substrate specificity
Authors: Jiang Yulin , Chen Xing , Chai Songyue , Sheng Huajin , Sha Lina , Fan Xing , Zeng Jian , Kang Houyang , Zhang Haiqin , Xiao Xue , Zhou Yonghong , Vatamaniuk Olena K. , Wang Yi
Published: February 2021

Aims (1) Explore the metal substrate specificity of homologous TpIRT1A and TpIRT1B transporters from dwarf Polish wheat by expressing them in protoplast, yeast, and transgenic Arabidopsis; (2) screen polymorphic residues of IRT1 homologs from tetraploid and diploid ancestral wheat species that change the substrate specificity.Methods Two IRT1 homoeologs were isolated from A (TpIRT1A) and B (TpIRT1B) genomes of a tetraploid crop, polish wheat (Triticum polonicum). Both of them were analysed by expressing them in yeast and Arabidopsis protoplast, respectively. Then we constructed over-expressing transgenic plants of TpIRT1B for metals property analysis in Arabidopsis. We also isolated 22 IRT1 homoeologs from tetraploid and diploid ancestral wheat species and expressed them in yeast for function analysis. Results Our data highlighted the importance of TpIRT1 in the uptake and translocation of Fe, Mn, Co, and Cd with direct implications for wheat yield potential. Both TpIRT1A and TpIRT1B were located at the plasma membrane and internal vesicles in Arabidopsis protoplasts, and responsible for Cd and Co sensitivity in yeast. The over-expression of TpIRT1B in A. thaliana increased Fe, Mn, Co, and Cd concentration in its tissues and improved plant growth under Fe, Mn, and Co deficiencies, while causing more sensitivity to Cd than wild-type plant. Functional analysis of IRT1 homoeologs from tetraploid and diploid ancestral wheat species in yeast disclosed four distinct amino acid residues in TdiIRT1B (T. dicoccum) and TtuIRT1B (T. turgidum). Altogether, these results increase the knowledge of IRT1 function in a global crop, wheat.
Video Stitching method for a Surveillance System Deployed at a Fully Mechanized Mining Face
Authors: Li Ben , Yang Yang , Mao Shanjun , Li Mei
Published: February 2021

Using video stitching technology, video images with overlapping parts can be stitched into a complete image, with characteristics such as intuitiveness, visualization, and measurable analysis. This technology could be applied in the operation of coal mines for a remote monitoring and control of coal production. However, when the technology is used in coal mines, there are several challenges such as non-uniform illumination, missing scenes, and oblique panorama. In this paper, methods were purposed to solve the above problems: (1) To overcome the non-uniform illumination on a mining face, we applied the wide dynamic range technology to the images from a single camera and histogram matching algorithm on multiple images to reduce the color difference between the images; (2) To overcome the missing scene problem due to the narrow field of view (FOV) of a single camera, the SURF matching and template recognition methods are combined to achieve a stable stitching; (3) To overcome the oblique panorama issue, we applied the vertical correction technology exploiting the posture information of the camera, and then the adjacent images are concatenated. The results of practical experiments show that the proposed methods are suitable for solving the above problems in a fully mechanized mining face. The research provides a new approach for displaying extended scenes of stope faces in the intelligent collieries.
Desulfurization of Thar Lignite by Oxidative Alkali Leaching Under Pressure
Authors: Usto Muhammad Azam , Jarwar Arshad Iqbal , Maitlo Ghulamullah , Qureshi Shaoib Ahmed , Abbasi Sikandar Ali , Alam Shahab , Hashmi Zubair , Shah Abdul Karim , Shah Aqeel Ahmed , Jatoi Abdul Sattar , Kandharo Ghulam Abbas , Memon Shah Rukh
Published: February 2021

Pakistan is the world largest lignite bearing country in the world due to the Thar coal reserves. Sulfur contained in this coal need to be removed prior to combustion. Oxidative alkali leaching in dissolved oxygen technique was used to remove the sulfur from Thar coal. This method removed enough all three types of sulfur; about 90% pyretic sulfur, 78% organic sulfur and 50% sulfate sulfur and more than 82S% of total sulfur removal was achieved. Effect of various reaction parameters were observed, it was investigated that reaction time and partial pressure of oxygen has positive effect on the desulfurization, higher the reaction time and oxygen partial pressure higher the degree of desulfurization, also the desulfurization increased with increase in reaction temperature and alkali concentration till some optimum value and then decreases with further increase in value of temperature and concentration of alkali, although desulfurization was observed maximum with minimum particle size. Coal was also characterized with Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Testo smoke number to investigate the combustion behavior of processed coal. It was observed that combustion properties of processed coal were improved and black smoke in processed coal was reduced.
First Contact of Care for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury: A General Practitioner or a Spinal Cord Injury Specialist?
Authors: Touhami Dima , Brach Mirjam , Essig Stefan , Ronca Elias , Debecker Isabelle , Eriks-Hoogland Inge , Scheel-Sailer Anke , Münzel Nadja , Gemperli Armin
Published: February 2021

Background. Inter-professional collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and spinal cord injury (SCI) specialists is needed to improve the health outcomes of persons with SCI. The objective of this study is to understand the differences in long-term care provision by GPs and SCI-specialists, by examining (1) the first contact of care for SCI health problems, (2) the morbidity profile and use of health-care services in relation to first contact, and (3) the factors associated with the choice of first contact.Methods. In this cross-sectional study based on data derived from the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study Community Survey 2017, the main outcome measure was the reported first contact for SCI-specific care. This information was analysed using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis of groups based on patient characteristics, use of health-care services and secondary health conditions assessed using the Spinal Cord Injury Secondary Conditions Scale (SCI-SCS). Results. Out of 1294 respondents, 1095 reported their first contact for SCI-specific care; 56% indicated SCI-specialists and 44% specified GPs. The mean ± standard deviation of the total SCI-SCS was significantly lower in persons who initially consulted GPs (13.1±7.7) than SCI-specialists (14.6±7.3). On average, participants who first contacted a GP reported higher number of GP consultations (5.1±5.2 vs. 3.9±7.2), planned visits to ambulatory clinics (3.7±7.3 vs. 3.6±6.7) and hospital admissions (GP, 1.9±1.7 vs. 1.5±1.3), but lower number of hospital days (22.8±43.2 vs. 31.0±42.8). The likelihood to contact a GP first was significantly higher in persons ≥75 years old (OR= 4.78, 95%-CI= 1.99–11.50), Italian speakers (OR= 5.11, 95%-CI= 2.47–10.54), had incomplete lesions (OR 2.51, 95%-CI 1.78–3.54) or diabetes mellitus (OR= 1.81, 95%-CI= 1.03–3.18), but lower for those situated closer to SCI centers (OR= 0.69, 95%-CI= 0.51–0.93) or experiencing bowel dysfunction (OR= 0.71, 95%-CI= 0.52–0.98).Conclusion. The choice of first contact for SCI-specific care may be partly explained by the complementary roles of GPs and SCI specialists, but the reasons for variation are still unclear. Developing a transparent shared-care model between GPs and SCI specialists, with defined roles and responsibilities, may improve the management of secondary health conditions.
Rapid electron transfer via dynamic coordinative interaction boosts quantum efficiency for photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Wang Jia-Wei , Jiang Long , Huang Hai-Hua , Han Zhiji , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: February 2021

The fulfilment of a high quantum efficiency for photocatalytic CO2 reduction presents a key challenge, which can be overcome by developing new strategies for dynamic attachment between photosensitizer and catalyst. In this context, we have for the first time exploited the use of coordinate bond to connect a pyridine-appended iridium photosensitizer (IrQPY) and molecular catalysts for CO2 reduction, which has been systematically demonstrated by 1H NMR titration, theoretical calculations, electrochemistry, and spectroscopic measurements. The mechanistic investigations reveal that the coordinative interaction between IrQPY and an unmodified cobalt phthalocyanine significantly accelerates the electron transfer and thus realizes a remarkable quantum efficiency of 10.2%±0.5% at 450 nm for photocatalytic CO2-to-CO conversion with nearly complete selectivity, over 4 times higher than a comparative system with no additional interaction (2.4%±0.2%). Moreover, the decoration of electron-donating amino groups on cobalt phthalocyanine has optimized the quantum efficiency up to 27.9%±0.8% at 425 nm, which is more attributable to the enhanced coordinative interaction rather than the intrinsic activity. The control experiments have indicated that the dynamic feature of coordinative interaction is important to prevent the coordination occupancy of labile sites and back electron transfer, also enabling the wide applicability on diverse non-noble-metal catalysts.
Digital Predistortion (DPD) Algorithm For 5G Applications
Authors: YADAV S.G. SHIVAPRASAD , . MEGHANA
Published: February 2021

The wireless networks of upcoming fifth generation (5G) promises connection speeds and data rates that are one hundred times faster than the existing networks and much improved signal and connection quality. As there is the development of wireless communication systems, the requirement of Power Amplifier’s linearity is hard. The Radio Frequency (RF) power amplifiers that are operating with wideband signals such as WCDMA that is used in UMTS leads to the generation of out-of-band emissions which are referred as “Spectral regrowth”. To improve PA efficiency and linearity, this paper uses Digital Predistortion technique. This paper of DPD in combination with power amplifier using Memory Polynomial Algorithm is designed in the MATLAB/SIMULINK. The designed algorithm was tested with against various test cases and it was observed with high non-linearity and the good performance is seen for the order of 4 and 5 of the memory polynomial and non-linearity coefficients having linear output. Hence by using Memory Polynomial DPD in this paper the output of the previous input and present input is obtained. The advantage of DPD is having a linear power amplifier with less distortion and high non-linearity.
Raman Tensor of Graphite: Symmetry of G, D and D' Phonons
Authors: Jin Mingge , Cheng Lu , Zheng Wei , Ding Ying , Zhu Yanming , Jia Lemin , Huang Feng
Published: February 2021

Since the first record of Raman spectra of graphite in 1970, the physical origin behind its Raman characteristic peaks (i.e., G, D and D' peaks) has been a focus of controversy. At present, it is generally believed that G peak corresponds to Raman active E 2g2 mode, while D and D' peaks are defect-induced ones. However, unequivocal experimental evidence for the phonon symmetries for these graphite Raman peaks is almost still in blank. Here, we clarify these important aspects using an angle resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy. It is found that the experimental Raman intensity of D and D' peaks shows a similar polarized angle dependence as that of G peak. Combined with Raman tensor analysis and double-resonant mechanism, the phonon symmetry of D' and D peak is further understood. Our work provides reliable experimental evidence and reasonable explanation for better understanding the phonon symmetry of graphite.
Tribological analysis of wire additive manufactured Ti6Al4V by Electron Beam source
Authors: A Manjunath , V Anandakrishnan , S Ramachandra , K Parthiban , S Sathish
Published: February 2021

Additive manufacturing through electron beam, is an attractive and fast growing additive manufacturing process for complex geometry in the aerospace, automotive and rapid tooling industry. Ti6Al4V is the material which is widely used in aerospace industry owing to its good strength-to-weight ratio, higher strength and toughness and admirable corrosion resistance. Ti6Al4V samples were realized through wire electron beam additive manufacturing by Pre-positioning the wire and then fusing it to the substrate material. The samples were subjected to standard dry sliding wear test to explore the wear behaviour. The wear analysis exposed the substantial effects of parameters on the wear rate. Likewise, the mechanisms that significantly influenced the wear rate was identified with worn surface and debris analysis.
Autonomous Runtime Consumer Interface Generation and Deployment for Service Interoperability
Authors: Paniagua Cristina , Delsing Jerker
Published: February 2021

The new Industry 4.0 approach contributes to addressing evolving industrial requirements, which are continuously fueled by changing market demands. This situation leads to growing complexity and considerable increases in development and maintenance costs. A significant portion of engineering time is dedicated to the integration and interconnection of heterogeneous components. The solution for interoperability issues and the reduction in the associated engineering time are thus key tasks for increasing productivity and efficiency. Therefore, this paper provides an engineering approach to create interoperability among heterogeneous systems in
Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based environments by means of generating an autonomous consumer interface code at runtime.
This paper aims to present a novel interoperability solution. The proposed approach makes use of service interface descriptions to dynamically instantiate a new autonomously generated interface that solves service mismatches between a provider and a consumer. This paper includes the definition of the consumer interface generator system, as well as the benefits and challenges associated with the autonomous generation and deployment of a consumer interface code at runtime. To illustrate the potential of this approach, a prototype of the system, which shows positive results, is implemented and tested.
Intrathecal Morphine Versus Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Caesarean Delivery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Tao-ran , Li Xue-han , He Xue-mei , Wang Ru-rong
Published: February 2021

Background: In recent years, the number of cesarean deliveries is on the rise. Although intrathecal morphine (ITM) can relieve pain and is widely applied in cesarean deliveries, it is also associated with many side effects. As a new analgesic technology, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has also begun to play a certain role after cesarean delivery, with fewer adverse effects. This article mainly compares the analgesic and adverse effect of ITM and TAP block in cesarean delivery.Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase and Web of Science, for randomized controlled trials before October 5, 2020 to compare ITM and TAP block. Our main result is the pain score at rest 24 hours after cesarean delivery, and the secondary result is the pain score at movement 24 hours after operation, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), itching, and morphine consumption. We conducted a subgroup analysis based on economic development.Result: Six articles with 563 sample sizes were included. The results showed there was no significant difference between ITM and TAP block in the pain score at rest 24 hours after surgery (95% CI: -1.33 to 0.40; P=0.29). After subgroup analysis based on economic development, Parturients in the ITM group have lower rest pain score than those in the TAP group (95% CI: -1.27 to -0.28; P=0.002) in the developed area. There was no significant difference in the 24h moving pain score (95% CI:-1.47 to 0.29;P=0.19）and incidence of pruritus (95% CI:0.87 to 8.85;P=0.08). The ITM group showed less morphine consumption when compared with the TAP group (95% CI:-13.12 to -2.95;P=0.002）. The incidence of PONV was lower in the TAP group as compared to the ITM group (95% CI:1.92 to 4.87; P<0.00001).Conclusion: We found that Parturients in the ITM and TAP block groups had similar analgesic effects. However, after subgroup analysis, in developed countries, Parturients in the ITM group has better analgesic effects than those in the TAP block group with less morphine consumption. Differently, TAP block had low side effects such as nausea, vomiting. Therefore, if patients cannot use ITM for analgesia after cesarean delivery, or patients have high risk of PONV, then TAP is still a valuable analgesia option.Registration number: Registered on Prospero with the registration number of CRD42020210135
Drivers of past and predicted changes of rainfall in and around Mainland Southeast Asia
Authors: Skliris Nikolaos , Marsh Robert , Haigh Ivan D. , Wood Melissa , Hirschi Joel , Darby Stephen , Quynh Nguyen Phu , Hung Nguyen Nghia
Published: February 2021

Observational rain gauge/satellite and reanalysis datasets since the 1950s are evaluated for trends in mean and extreme rainfall over Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA). Rain gauge data indicate strong increases exceeding 50% in both annual mean precipitation and various extreme precipitation indices over Vietnam and the northwestern part of the peninsula since 1979. A high degree of uncertainty is evident between reanalysis products in capturing long-term trends in continental precipitation. Evaporation increases over adjacent seas - the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the South China Sea in particular- may partially explain increasing precipitation in large parts of MSEA over the last 40 years. The remote influence of ENSO may also partially explain the recent precipitation trend towards a more intense regional hydrological cycle, in response to predominant La Niña states over recent decades. Increasing precipitation in MSEA is also associated with increased monsoon intensity in southeast Asia and a northward shift of the monsoon activity centre towards MSEA over 1979–2018. Long-term amplification of the regional hydrological cycle is further investigated, through analysis of CMIP5 coupled climate models in historical and RCP4.5/8.5 21st century scenario simulations. The CMIP5 ensemble mean shows robust wide-spread trends in wet season precipitation over the MSEA in both RCP scenarios linked with strong increases in evaporation in all major oceanic moisture sources. Results clearly demonstrate an intensification of the regional water cycle with increasing frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events.
Localization of Subcentimeter Pulmonary Nodules using an Indocyanine Green Near-infrared Imaging System during Uniportal Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Authors: Wu Zhuo , Zhang Lei , Zhao Xitong , Zhou Di , Yang Xueying
Published: February 2021

Background: To investigate the feasibility of indocyanine green (ICG) use in localizing subcentimeter pulmonary nodules during uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of 32 patients who underwent surgery due to pulmonary nodules using ICG localization from September 2019 to March 2020 in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University. Laser positioning and large-aperture spiral CT simulation were performed preoperatively. ICG was injected into the lung (2.5mg/ml). The clinical characteristics and postoperative indicators were recorded. Results: A total of 33 subcentimeter pulmonary nodules were successfully localized in 32 patients. Twenty-three patients underwent lobectomy, with an average surgical time of 45.3 minutes and an average tube retention time of 2 days. Non-small cell lung cancer was confirmed intraoperatively in 9 patients, among whom the longest surgical time was 120 minutes, and the shortest hospital stay was 7 days. No patient was converted to thoracotomy or developed serious complications. Conclusions: ICG imaging is a safe and effective technique for localization of pulmonary nodules. Due to the widespread application of near-infrared devices, fluorescent localization and imaging technology will be more widely used in thoracic surgery.
A Machine Learning Framework that Integrates Multi-omics Data Predicts Cancer-related LncRNAs
Authors: Yuan Lin , Zhao Jing , Sun Tao , Shen Zhen
Published: February 2021

Background: LncRNAs (Long non-coding RNAs) are a type of non-coding RNA molecule with transcript length longer than 200 nucleotides. LncRNA has been novel candidate biomarkers in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. However, it is difficult to discover the true association mechanism between lncRNAs and complex diseases. The unprecedented enrichment of multi-omics data and the rapid development of machine learning technology provide us with the opportunity to design a machine learning framework to study the relationship between lncRNAs and complex diseases. Results: In this article, we proposed a new machine learning approach, namely LGDLDA (LncRNA-Gene-Disease association networks based LncRNA-Disease Association prediction), for disease-related lncRNAs association prediction based multi-omics data, machine learning methods and neural network neighborhood information aggregation. Firstly, LGDLDA calculates the similarity matrix of lncRNA, gene and disease respectively. LGDLDA calculates the similarity between lncRNAs through the lncRNA expression profile matrix, lncRNA-miRNA interaction matrix and lncRNA-protein interaction matrix. LGDLDA obtains gene similarity matrix by calculating the lncRNA-gene association matrix and the gene-disease association matrix. LGDLDA obtains disease similarity matrix by calculating the disease ontology, the disease-miRNA association matrix, and Gaussian interaction profile kernel similarity. Secondly, LGDLDA integrates the neighborhood information in similarity matrices by using nonlinear feature learning of neural network. Thirdly, LGDLDA uses embedded node representations to approximate the observed matrices. Finally, LGDLDA ranks candidate lncRNA-disease pairs and then selects potential disease-related lncRNAs. Conclusions: Compared with lncRNA-disease prediction methods, IHI-BMLLR takes into account more critical information and obtains the performance improvement cancer-related lncRNA predictions. Randomly split data experiment results show that the stability of LGDLDA is better than IDHI-MIRW, NCPLDA, LncDisAP and NCPHLDA. The results on different simulation data sets show that LGDLDA can accurately and effectively predict the disease-related lncRNAs. Furthermore, we applied LGDLDA to three real cancer data including gastric cancer, colorectal cancer and breast cancer to predict potential cancer-related lncRNAs.
Effect of band structure adjustment based of Cu site on the thermoelectric properties of BiCuSeO
Authors: Feng Bo
Published: February 2021

The effect of Ti doped at Cu site on the thermoelectric properties of BiCuSeO was studied by experimental method and first principles calculation. The results show that Ti doping can cause the lattice contraction and decrease the lattice constant. Ti doping can increase the band gap and lengthen the Cu/Ti-Se bond, resulting in the decrease of carrier concentration. Ti doping can reduce the effective mass and the Bi-Se bond length, correspondingly improve the carrier mobility. Ti doping can decrease the density of states of Cu-3d and Se-4p orbitals at the top of valence band, but Ti-4p orbitals can obviously increase the density of states at the top of valence band and finally increase the electrical conductivity in the whole temperature range. With the decrease of effective mass, Ti doping would reduce the Seebeck coefficient, but the gain effect caused by the increase of electrical conductivity is more than the benefit reduction effect caused by the decrease of Seebeck coefficient, and the power factor shows an upward trend. Ti doping can reduce Young's modulus, lead to the increase of defect scattering and strain field, correspondingly reduce the lattice thermal conductivity and total thermal conductivity. It is greatly increased for the ZT values in the middle and high temperature range, with the highest value of 1.04 at 873 K.