bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Deviation Sensing of V-groove Weld Seam based on a Novel Two Channel Acoustic Sensor
Authors: Gao Yanfeng , Xiao Jianhua , Xiong Genliang , Zhang Hua
Published: September 2021

It is essential to sense the deviation of weld seam real-timely in robotic welding process. However, welding process always accompanied with high temperature, strong arc light and background noises, which significantly affects the application of sensors. In this study, a novel acoustic sensor was developed. This sensor consists of two microphones. Based on the sound signals collected by these two microphones, the deviation of weld seam was detected. The frequency response of the developed acoustic sensor was studied through simulation method firstly, and then the sensing performance of it was analyzed with experiments. The experimental results show that the developed acoustic sensor has a linear property for the deviation detection of V-groove weld seam. This research provides a novel method for weld seam tracking.
Research of the Measurement of Patent-intensive Industry Technology Lock-in from the Perspective of TML
Authors: Yang Wu , Sun Shiqiang , Gao Tengfei
Published: September 2021

As the core industry of technological innovation capabilities, patent-intensive industries, cultivating their rapid development is conducive to breaking the "technological lock-in" and realizing my country's independent innovation in the core technology field. Based on the INNOJOY patent database, the wireless communication network patent was selected as the research object, and the subjective and objective weighting method and the growth rate cycle index synthesis method were used to measure the technical lock-in from the perspective of TML. The study found: (1) The technology lock-in index of the United States, Japan, and South Korea generally shows an upward trend, while the technology lock-in index of China has a trend of declining volatility, and the United States has the highest degree of lock-in in the field of wireless communication network technology, ranking first. Japan is in the second position, South Korea is in the third position, and China is in the fourth position; (2) The six core technologies identified belong to American companies. The public years are concentrated in 2017 and 2019, and the technical field is concentrated in H04W72/04 ( The same data transmission method and user equipment), H04W72/08 (signaling for proximity service and D2D discovery in LTE networks), and H04L1/00 (method to support channel allocation information for uplink and downlink channels) And these three core patents show that the current three core technologies are cutting-edge technologies in the field of wireless communication networks.
Poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone) Modification Mitigates Plasma Protein Corona Formation on Phosphomolybdate-based Nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Youyi , Ghalandari Behafarid , Shen Guangxia , Wang Liping , Liu Xiao , Wang Aiting , Li Sijie , Xie Haiyang , Ding Xianting
Published: September 2021

Phosphomolybdate-based nanoparticles (PMo12-based NPs) have been commonly applied in nanomedicine. However, upon contact with biofluids, proteins are quickly adsorbed onto the NPs surface to form a protein corona, which induces the opsonization and facilitates the rapid clearance of the NPs by macrophage uptake. Herein, we introduce a family of structurally homologous PMo12-based NPs (CDS-PMo12@PVPx(x = 0 ~ 1) NPs) capping diverse content of zwitterionic polymer poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) to regulate the protein corona formation on PMo12-based NPs. The fluorescence quenching data indicate that the introduction of PVP effectively reduces the number of binding sites of proteins on PMo12-based NPs. Molecular docking simulations results show that the contact surface area and binding energy of proteins to CDS-PMo12@PVP1 NPs are smaller than the CDS-PMo12@PVP0 NPs. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is further applied to analyze and quantify the compositions of the human plasma corona formation on CDS-PMo12@PVPx(x = 0 ~ 1) NPs. The number of plasma protein groups adsorption on CDS-PMo12@PVP1 NPs, compared to CDS-PMo12@PVP0 NPs, decreases from 372 to 271. In addition, 76 differentially adsorption proteins are identified between CDS-PMo12@PVP0 and CDS-PMo12@PVP1 NPs, in which apolipoprotein is up-regulated in CDS-PMo12@PVP1 NPs. The apolipoprotein adsorption onto the NPs is proposed to have dysoponic activity and enhance the circulation time of NPs. Our findings demonstrate that PVP grafting on PMo12-based NPs is a promising strategy to improve the anti-biofouling property for PMo12-based nanodrug design.
Development and Psychometric Properties of Cognitive Appraisals of Health Situation Scale In Persons with Spinal Cord Injury Due To Traumatic Incidents In Iran
Authors: Shabany Maryam , Ghodsi Seyed Mohammad , Arejan Roya Habibi , Tabrizi Reza , Saberi Parastoo , Baigi Vali , Ghodsi Zahra , Rakhshani Fatemeh , Rahimi-Movaghar Vafa , Vaccaro Alex R.
Published: September 2021

Study Design: Development and psychometrics study Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of a new version of cognitive appraisals of health situation scale in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (CAHSSTSCI) in the Persian language for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).Setting: The persons were selected from National Spinal Cord Injury Registry of Iran (NSCIR-IR) and Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research center (BASIR).Method: This was a mixed sequential exploratory study that performed in two phases. In the qualitative phase, a systematic scoping review and 12 interviews with the participants were done. Finally, items were generated. In the quantitative phase, to evaluate the validity; face, content, construct and convergent validity were assessed. To evaluate construct validity, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 305 persons with TSCI, and also the reliability was examined by internal consistency and stability assessment. All quantitative data analyses were conducted using SPSS 20 software.Results: The content validity and reliability were indicated by Scale’s Content Validity Ratio (S-CVR) = 0.73 and Scale’s Content Validity Index (S-CVI) = 0.86, Cronbach’s α = 0.9 and the Test re-test reliability using intra-class correlations were (ICC) = 0.97 to 0.98. Exploratory factor analysis determined eight factors which showed more than 52% of the variance. CAHSSTSCI had a significant and strong correlation with Appraisals of DisAbility Primary and Secondary Scale (ADAPSS) (r=0.475, P < 0.001).Conclusion: Results showed the 36 items CAHSSTSCI tool had an acceptable validity and reliability in Iran and it can help health care providers or even administrators to improve the quality of the rehabilitation services and quality of life through design training programs for SCI people due to traumatic incidents.
Optimization in the Expression of ASFV Proteins for the Development of Subunit Vaccines Using Poxviruses As Delivery Vectors.
Authors: Lopera-Madrid Jaime , Medina-Magües Lex , Gladue Douglas P. , Borca Manuel V. , Osorio Jorge E.
Published: September 2021

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes a highly contagious hemorrhagic disease that affects domestic pig and Eurasian wild boar populations. To date, no safe and efficacious treatment or vaccine against ASF is available. Nevertheless, there are several reports of protection elicited by experimental vaccines based on live attenuated ASFV and some levels of protection and reduced viremia in other approaches such as DNA, adenovirus, baculovirus, and vaccinia-based vaccines. Current ASF subunit vaccine research focuses mainly on delivering protective antigens and antigen discovery within the ASFV genome. However, due to the complex nature of ASFV, expression vectors need to be optimized to improve their immunogenicity. ﻿Therefore, in the present study, we constructed several recombinant MVA vectors to evaluate the efficiency of different promoters and secretory signal sequences in the expression and immunogenicity of the p30 protein from ASFV. Overall, the natural poxvirus PrMVA13.5L promoter induced high levels of both p30 mRNA and specific anti-p30 antibodies in mice. In contrast, the synthetic PrS5E promoter and the S E/L promoter linked to a secretory signal showed lower mRNA levels and antibodies. These findings indicate that promoter selection may be as crucial as the antigen used to develop ASFV subunit vaccines using MVA as the delivery vector.
Partial-limit Solutions and Rational Solutions with Parameter for the Fokas-Lenells Equation
Authors: Wu Hua
Published: September 2021

A partial-limit procedure is applied to soliton solutions of the Fokas-Lenells equation. Multiple-pole solutions related to real repeated eigenvalues are obtained. For the envelop | u | 2 , the simplest solution corresponds to a real double eigenvalue, showing a solitary wave with algebraic decay. Two such solitons allow elastic scattering but asymptotically with zero phase shift. Single eigenvalue with higher multiplicity gives rise to rational solutions which contain an intrinsic parameter, live on a zero background, and have slowly-changing amplitudes.
A fast L1 adaptive constrained back-stepping controller using barrier Lyapunov function for anuncertain submersible vehicle
Authors: Ahmadian Hossein , Arefi Mehdi , Khayatian Alireza , Montazeri Allahyar
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a new L1 adaptive back-stepping controller based on the barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is proposed to respect the position and velocity constraints usually imposed in designing Euler-Lagrange systems. The purpose of this investigation is to improve different aspects of a conventional L1 adaptive control. More specifically, the modified controller has a lower complexity by removing the low-pass filter from the design procedure. The performance of the controller is also enhanced by having a faster convergence speed and increased robustness against nonlinear uncertainties and disturbances arising in practical applications. The proposed scheme is evaluated on two different Euler-Lagrange systems, i.e. a 6-DOF remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a single-link manipulator. The results for the new back-stepping design are assessed in both scenarios in terms of settling time, percentage of overshoot, and trajectory tracking error. The results confirm that both tracking and state estimation errors for position and velocity outputs outperform the standard L1 adaptive control technique. The results also demonstrate the high performance of the proposed approach in removing the matched nonlinear time-varying disturbances and dynamic uncertainties and a good trajectory tracking despite the uncertainty on the input gain of the system.
Blood and Milk Beta-Hydroxybutyric Acid Concentrations and Association of Subclinical Ketosis With Postpartum Health Disorders, Culling Rate, Body Condition Score, Parity and Milk Production in Holstein, Simmental, Montbeliard and Holstein-Crossbreed
Authors: AKSOY KEMAL , DENİZ Abdülkerim , DEMİR Serdar , ONMAZ Ali Cesur
Published: September 2021

A total of 300 dairy cows were randomly enrolled from 11 dairy farms in Turkey. The beta-hydroxybutyric acid concentration (BAC) was tested in the blood (BBAC) and individual milk (MBAC) samples at postpartum week 2 (PPW2) and week 4 (PPW4) for the detection of subclinical ketosis (SCK) in Holstein, Montbeliard, Simmental and Holstein-Crossbred (HC; only BBAC). The prevalence of BSCK (BBAC ≥ 1.2 mmol/L), MSCK1 (MBAC = 100 µmol/L), MSCK2 (MBAC ≥ 200 µmol/L) and MSCK1/2 (≥ 100 µmol/L) was 8.3, 11.8, 5.8 and 17.3% at PPW2 and 4.7, 4.9, 6.9 and 11.9% at PPW4 in Holstein respectively. SCK was not observed in Simmental and HC. The prevalence of BSCK and MSCK1 at PPW2 were 4.3 and 43.5% in Montbeliard respectively. Primiparous Montbeliard and Holstein had significantly higher MBAC at PPW2 than PPW4. Overall, HC and Montbeliard had significantly lower BBAC. Cows having body condition scores 2 and 4 at calving had higher MBAC at PPW2 and 4 that was associated significantly with metritis and multiple diseases. Holstein with BCS4 at calving had higher BBAC at PPW2 and 4. Holstein with SCK was more likely to develop postpartum metabolic health disorders (PPHD) in 90 days in milk (90DIM). MSCK1 did not associate milk production loss in Montbeliard and Holstein. Holstein with both BSCK and MSCK2 at PPW2 had a 6.7 kg average daily milk yield loss in 90DIM. Conclusively, SCK was not observed in Simmental and HC, and MSCK1 didn’t cause PPHD and milk yield loss in Montbeliard. BSCK and MSCK2 created a significant risk for PPHD and milk production loss in Holstein.
Identification and Validation of Serum Autoantibodies in Children with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia by Serological Proteome Analysis
Authors: Yu Runhong , Yang Shiwei , Liu Yufeng , Zhu Zunmin
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Study was by intention to screen serum autoantibodies that may contribute to the early detection of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in children.Patients and methods: The total protein from three pooled B-ALL cell lines(NALM-6, REH and BALL-1 cells) was separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis(2-DE), which was followed by Western blot by mixed serum from B-ALL patients (n=20) or healthy children(n=20). We obtained and analyzed the images of 2-D gel and Western blot by PDQuest software,and then identify the spots of immune responses in B-ALL samples compared with those in control samples.The proteins from spots were identified using mass spectrometry (MS). The autoantibodies against α-enolase and voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 1(VDAC1) were further validated on the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The protein expression levels of the candidate antigens α-enolase and VDAC1 in B-ALL were thoroughly studied by immunohistochemical analysis.Results: Six protein dots were identified with MS as Aconitase,apoptosis-inducing factor(AIF),dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase(DLD), α-enolase,medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase(MCAD) and VDAC 1.The frequencies of autoantibodies against α-enolase and VDAC1 in children with B-ALL were 27% and 23%, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in normal controls(4% and 0). Immunohistochemical analysis showed the expression of α-enolase and VDAC1 was positive in 95% and 85% of B-ALL patients, respectively, but negative expression levels were showed in the control group. Conclusion: This study incidates that α-enolase and VDAC1 may be the antigen associated with B-ALL .α-enolase and VDAC1 autoantibodies may develop into potential serological markers of B-ALL in children.Other proteins also need to be confirmed in a large number of serum samples.
Women in Advanced Reproductive Age: Are the Follicular Output Rate, the Follicle-oocyte Index and the Ovarian Sensitivity Index Predictors of Live Birth in an IVF Cycle?
Authors: Carosso Andrea Roberto , EEKELEN Rik van , Revelli Alberto , Canosa Stefano , Mercaldo Noemi , Benedetto Chiara , Gennarelli Gianluca
Published: September 2021

BackgroundSeveral researches have investigated alternative markers related to ovarian responsiveness in order to better predict IVF outcomes, particularly in advanced reproductive aged women. The follicular output rate (FORT), the follicle-oocyte index (FOI) and the ovarian sensitivity index (OSI) are among the most promising. However, these three metrics have not been investigated as independent predictors of live birth in women of advanced reproductive age, neither have been compared to the two ‘component’ characteristics that were used to calculate them.MethodsA logistic regression model containing all relevant predictors of ovarian reserve or response was used to evaluate the potential of FORT, FOI and OSI as predictors of live birth. After, the non-linear associations between FORT, FOI and OSI and the probability of live birth was evaluated. Finally, we fitted multiple logistic regression models to compare whether FORT, FOI and OSI were more informative predictors than the two ‘components’ used to calculate them. Results590 couples received a total of 740 IVF cycles, after which 127 (17.5%) obtained a live birth. None of FORT, FOI and OSI showed a strength of association or a p-value even close to female age (Odds ratio for live birth (95% Confidence Interval) 1.00 (0.99-1.01), 1.00 (0.99-1.01), 0.98 (0.88-1.11) and 0.58 (0.48-0.72), respectively). The three models comparing FORT, FOI and OSI with the two ‘components’ used to calculate them were not more informative.Conclusion(s)In a population of women of advanced age with unexplained infertility, none of FORT, FOI and OSI were predictive of live birth and more predictive than the two ‘components’ characteristics that were used to calculate them. We suggest clinicians and researchers still to use female age as the most reliable predictor of an IVF treatment.Trial registrationretrospectively registered
Management of Paediatric Head Injuries in Sweden: A 5 National Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Wickbom Fredrik , Persson Linda , Olivecrona Zandra , Undén Johan
Published: September 2021

Background Previous studies have shown varying management of children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Sweden. Recently, new guidelines have been introduced which may have affected management of these patients. Methods Cross-sectional structured survey, containing different management domains, in Sweden during 2020, using an on-line survey system aiming to describe initial (first 24 hours) management of TBI in children. Data presented as descriptive analysis and comparisons with Fisher exact test when applicable. Results 56 hospitals of differing size were included in the analysis (response rate 93%). 76% used established guidelines. Children with TBI are predominately managed by inexperienced doctors (84%), primarily from non-paediatric specialities (75%). Most hospitals (75%) have the possibility to observe children with TBI and almost all have complete access to CT scans. In larger hospitals, it was more common for nurses to discharge patients without doctor assessment (p<0.001). Use of established guidelines and written observation routines has increased significantly since 2006 (p<0.001). Conclusions Management of children with TBI still varies in Sweden, although many aspects have significantly improved over the last 15 years. Most hospitals use established guidelines, utilise dose-reduction protocols for CT, use written observation routines and provide adequate information to patients/guardians at discharge.
Comparison of Sleep Quality Deterioration by Subgroup of Painful Temporomandibular Disorder Based on Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders
Authors: Lee Yeon-Hee , Auh Q-Schick
Published: September 2021

This study investigated whether sleep deterioration in patients with painful temporomandibular disorder depends on the origin of pain, and also analyzed which clinical disease characteristics and whether psychological distress affected sleep quality. A total of 337 consecutive patients (215 women; mean age, 33.01 ± 13.01 years) with painful temporomandibular disorder (myalgia [n = 120], temporomandibular joint arthralgia [n = 62], mixed joint–muscle temporomandibular disorder pain [n = 155]) based on the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorder were enrolled. They completed a battery of standardized reports on clinical sign and symptoms, and answered questions on sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and patients’ psychological status. The mean global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores were significantly higher in the mixed temporomandibular disorder pain group (6.97 ± 3.38) and myalgia group (6.40 ± 3.22) than in the arthralgia group (5.16 ± 2.94) (p = 0.001). Poor sleepers were significantly more prevalent in the mixed temporomandibular disorder pain group (76.8%) and myalgia group (71.7%) than in the arthralgia group (54.8%) (p = 0.006). The presence of psychological distress in the myalgia group (β = 1.236, p = 0.022), global severity index of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised in the arthralgia group (β = 1.668, p = 0.008), and presence of headache (β = 1.631, p = 0.002) and self-reported sleep problems (β = 2.849, p < 0.001) in the mixed temporomandibular disorder pain group were associated with an increase in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score. Because there is a difference in sleep quality and influencing factors according to the pain source of painful temporomandibular disorder, and the complex interplay between sleep and pain can vary, sophisticated treatment is required for patients.
A Quest to Capture Latent Fabry’s Disease in a High-Risk Subpopulation of FMF.
Authors: Maller Tomer , Ben-Zvi Ilan , Lidar Merav , Livneh Avi
Published: September 2021

Background: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease, associated with mutations in the Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV), and manifests with recurrent episodes of febrile serositis. Fabry’s disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the alpha- galactosidase A gene, and presents with a wide range of gastrointestinal, skin, vascular, renal and neurological manifestations. FMF and FD share similar manifestations, which may lead to misdiagnosis of one as the other; mostly FD is misdiagnosed as FMF. Moreover, various overlapping manifestations may stem from comorbidities, commonly coupled to FMF, as well as from colchicine adverse effects, which may add to the diagnostic confusion. Thus, we postulated that screening FMF for FD will lead to the identification of patients falsely diagnosed as FMF, or who suffer from FD that was previously missed.Methods: To find missed FD among FMF population, we performed chemical and genetic analyses for FD in blood samples obtained from a cohort of FMF patients followed in the specialized FMF center of our institution. To increase the likelihood of detecting patients with FD, we enriched the surveyed FMF population with patients exhibiting manifestations shared by patients with FD or who deviate from the typical FMF presentation.Results and conclusions: Of 172 surveyed FMF patients in a cohort derived from a clinic dedicated to FMF, none had FD. Thus, the postulation of increased odds for detecting FD in patients with FMF was not confirmed.
Knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 Alleviates the Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Through miR-17-5p/TXNIP Axis in Retinal Müller Cells
Authors: Liu Yu , Cao Guoping , Dong Lili , Li Lele , Dou Yuping , Xue Aihua , Chen Xiujuan , Sang Aimin , Zhu Manhui
Published: September 2021

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most severe and common complications caused by diabetic mellites. Inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation displays a crucial therapeutic value in DR. Studies have shown that KCNQ1OT1 plays a critical role in regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation and participates in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. The present study aims to explore the role, and the potential mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 in regulating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in DR. The expression of KCNQ1OT1 and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome were increased in experimental DR models. KCNQ1OT1 knockdown alleviated NLRP3 inflammasome-associated molecules expression. In addition, KCNQ1OT1 was found to be localized mainly in the cytoplasm of Müller cells and facilitated TXNIP expression by acting as a miR-17-5p sponge. KCNQ1OT1 promoted the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome through miR-17-5p/TXNIP axis. Moreover, the clinical samples of patients with DR showed that the expression of KCNQ1OT1 and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome were all increased, further supporting the hypothesis that the KCNQ1OT1 dysregulation may be the molecular mechanism of the pathogenesis of DR. Therefore, KCNQ1OT1 may serve as a new therapeutic target for DR.
Integrated Multi-Omic Data Analysis and Validation with Yeast Model Show Oxidative Phosphorylation Modulate Protein Aggregation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Swaroop Sai , PS Akhil , Pradhan Sai Sanwid , Prasad Bandana , Rao Raksha , Manjunath Meghana , Choudhary Bibha , Sivaramakrishnan Venketesh
Published: September 2021

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive, incurable amyloid aggregating neurodegenerative disease involving the motor neurons. Identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets can assist in the better management of the disease. We used an integrative approach encompassing analysis of transcriptomic datasets of human and mice from GEO database. Our analysis of ALS patient datasets showed deregulation in Non-alcoholic fatty acid liver disease and oxidative phosphorylation. Transgenic mice datasets pertaining to SOD1, FUS and TDP-43 showed deregulation in oxidative phosphorylation and ribosome associated pathways. Commonality analysis between the human and mice datasets showed oxidative phosphorylation as a major deregulated pathway among the different datasets. Further, gene expression analysis of mitochondrial electron transport chain show downregulation of genes belonging to Complex I and IV. The results were then validated using the yeast model system. Inhibitor studies using metformin (complex-I inhibitor) and malonate (complex-II inhibitor) did not have any effect in mitigating the amyloids while antimycin (complex-III inhibitor) and azide (complex-IV inhibitor) reduced amyloidogenesis. Knock-out of QCR8 (complex-III) or COX8 (complex–IV) completely cleared the amyloids. Taken together, our results show a critical role for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in amyloidogenesis and as a potential therapeutic target in ALS.
Anti-PT Transformations and Complex PT-Symmetric Superpartners
Authors: Kartal Sehban , Koohrokhi Taha , Mohammadi Ali
Published: September 2021

A quantum mechanical system with unbroken super-and parity-time (PT)-symmetry is derived and analyzed. Here, we propose a new formalism to construct the complex PT-symmetric superpartners by extending the additive shape invariant potentials to the complex domain. The probabilistic interpretation of a PT-symmetric quantum theory is correlated with the calculation of a new linear operator called the C operator, instead of complex conjugation in conventional quantum mechanics. At the present work, we introduce an anti-PT (A PT) conjugation to redefine a new version of the inner product without any additional considerations. This PT-supersymmetric quantum mechanics, satisfies essential requirements such as completeness, orthonormality as well as probabilistic interpretation.
Low Frequency-Repetitive Nerve Stimulation and Factors Affecting Decremental Response in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Retrospective Study of 449 Cases
Authors: Zhang Jinghong , Wang Hongfen , Yang Fei , He Zhengqing , Cui Fang , Li Mao , Sun Bo , Huang Xusheng
Published: September 2021

A number of studies have demonstrated that decremental response to low frequency repetitive nerve stimulation (LF-RNS) is frequently observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, due to the small sample size involved in previous studies, large discrepancies exist about the positivity rates of LF-RNS tests and factors affecting decremental response. This retrospective study of 449 cases, the largest sample size ever reported, shows that the overall positivity rate of LF-RNS is 49.9%. 3Hz RNS delivered to the accessory nerve has the best sensitivity and highest positivity rate. It obviously increases in response to upper limb onset, disease progression rate < 0.5 score/month, definite ALS and electromyography positive(EMG(+)) in sternocleidomastoid muscle. There is a linear increase in the decrement percentage of CMAP amplitude at 3Hz RNS delivered to the accessory nerve in response to longer disease duration, longer MUP duration and greater MUP duration increment percentage. These findings substantially advance the understanding of RNS results in ALS patients and effectively instruct clinical application.
All-fiber ultrafast amplifier at 1.9 μm based on thulium-doped normal dispersion fiber and LMA fiber compressor
Authors: Voropaev Vasilii , Batov Daniil , Voronets Andrey , Vlasov Dmitrii , Jafari Rana , Donodin Aleksandr , Tarabrin Mikhail , Trebino Rick , Lazarev Vladimir
Published: September 2021

The duration reduction and the peak power increase of ultrashort pulses generated by all-fiber sources at a wavelength of 1.9 μm are an urgent tasks. Finding an effective and easy way to improve these characteristics of ultrafast lasers can allow a broad implementation of wideband coherent supercontinuum sources in the mid-IR range required for various applications. As an alternative approach of sub-100 fs pulse generation we present an ultrafast all-fiber amplifier based on a normal-dispersion germanosilicate thulium-doped active fiber and a large-mode-area silica-fiber compressor. The output pulses have the following characteristics: the pulse duration of 71 fs, the central wavelength of 1.9 μm, the repetition rate of 23.8 MHz, the energy per pulse period of 25 nJ, the average power of 600 mW, the maximum estimated peak power of 220 kW, and a random output polarization. The pulse intensity and phase profiles were measured via the second-harmonic-generation frequency-resolved optical gating technique. The dynamics of ultrashort pulses propagation in the amplifier was analyzed using numerical simulation.
Mathematical modeling and optimal intervention strategies of the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Mondal Jayanta , Khajanchi Subhas
Published: September 2021

32,737,939 active cases and 438,210 deaths because of COVID-19 pandemic were recorded on 30 August 2021 in India. To end this ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need to implement multiple population-wide policies like social distancing, testing more people and contact tracing. To predict the course of the pandemic and come up with a strategy to control it effectively, a compartmental model has been established. The following six stages of infection are taken into consideration: susceptible ($S$), asymptomatic infected ($A$), clinically ill or symptomatic infected ($I$), quarantine ($Q$), isolation ($J$) and recovered ($R$), collectively termed as SAIQJR. The qualitative behavior of the model and the stability of biologically realistic equilibrium points are investigated in terms of the basic reproduction number. We performed sensitivity analysis with respect to the basic reproduction number and obtained that the disease transmission rate has an impact in mitigating the spread of diseases. Moreover, considering the non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical intervention strategies as control functions, an optimal control problem is implemented to mitigate the disease fatality. To reduce the infected individuals and to minimize the cost of the controls, an objective functional has been constructed and solved with the aid of Pontryagin's Maximum Principle. The implementation of optimal control strategy at the start of a pandemic tends to decrease the intensity of epidemic peaks, spreading the maximal impact of an epidemic over an extended time period. Extensive numerical simulations show that the implementation of intervention strategy has an impact in controlling the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 epidemic. Further, our numerical solutions exhibit that the combination of three controls are more influential when compared with the combination of two controls as well as single control. Therefore the implementation of all the three control strategies may help to mitigate novel coronavirus disease transmission at this present epidemic scenario.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine application in cancer patients in Iran
Authors: Nejat Nazi , Rahbarian Amir , Mehrabi Fatemeh , Rafiei Fatemeh
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Nowadays, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used by cancer patients all over the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CAM use in patients with cancer in Iran.
Methods

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 320 cancer patients in Arak. For gathering information, a researcher-made questionnaire was used. This questionnaire was consisted of two parts: demographic and clinical information; and patient’s attitude toward using complementary and alternative medicine treatments and their effectiveness, as well as how much they used different kinds of these treatments. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 16.
Results

Our findings showed that average age of participants was 55.11 ± 15.58. Most of them had leukemia (25.9%) and underwent chemotherapy (55%), and 141 (44.3%) of individuals were using CAM. Majority of patients (73.2%) were using CAM to improve physical conditions, 61.4% were using it simultaneously with conventional medical treatments, and 25% to reduce pain. Participants have reported visiting holy places, yoga, prayer therapy, and using medicinal plants and special diets, respectively.
Conclusion

considering the high number of patients using CAM treatments, proper planning and implementation to educate professional members of health team, especially doctors and nurses about CAM treatments is essential. The most important CAM treatments to be educated are spiritual therapies, yoga, medicinal plants and diet therapy. Moreover, support and education about using these kinds of treatment, should be considered in the supportive care program for patients with cancer.
Process Limits in High Performance Peel Grinding of Hardened Steel Components With Coarse CBN Grinding Wheels
Authors: Denkena Berend , Kroedel Alexander , Wilckens Michael
Published: September 2021

Recent developments in the production processes for cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasive grains have led to commercially available grain sizes larger than lg > 300 µm. These superabrasive grains allow higher material removal rates during grinding of hardened steel components. Currently, these components are pre-machined by turning processes before being hardened and eventually finished by grinding. However, the turning process can be substituted by grinding with coarse CBN-grains since higher depths of cut are achievable when machining hardened components. This paper investigates the process behaviour of vitrified and electroplated grinding wheels with large grain sizes during the machining of hardened steel components. Process forces, wear behaviour and workpiece surface roughness are investigated for three different grain sizes and the process limits of both bond types are examined.The investigations show that the vitrified tools do not fully suit the demands for peel grinding process with very high material removal rates since wear by means of bond breakage occurs. The electroplated tools on the other hand are capable of very high material removal rates. Their wear behaviour is characterized by clogging of the chip space if the process limit is reached. Even so, both tools outperform a standard hard-turning process in terms of process time by 74 % and 94 % respectively.
Impact of Type 1 Diabetes and Its Duration on Wall-to-lumen Ratio and Blood Flow in Retinal Arterioles
Authors: Stefański Adrian , Harazny Joanna M , Wolf Jacek , Miszkowska-Nagórna Eliza , Wolnik Bogumił , Narkiewicz Krzysztof , Schmeider Roland E
Published: September 2021

Background Subclinical damage to both the small and large vessels may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Scanning laser Doppler flowmetry (SLDF), an established method used to measure retinal microcirculation, has been successfully applied in hypertensive and post-stroke patients. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have assessed the impact of type 1 diabetes and its duration on retinal arteriole structure denoted by wall-to-lumen ratio (WLR) and retinal capillary flow (RCF). MethodsRetinal microcirculation was assessed in 158 patients with type 1 diabetes and 38 age-matched healthy controls. The diabetics were divided into 3 groups: group A with diabetes duration <12 months, group B with diabetes duration between 1 and 10 years, and group C >10 years of diabetes. Retinal capillary structure and perfusion were evaluated using a Heidelberg retina flowmeter and automatically analyzed with full-field perfusion imaging. Diabetes control was assessed by HbA1c measurement. ResultsBoth age and BMI were comparable in all the diabetic patients and the controls (mean age 24.8 ± 4.7 years, mean BMI 22.9 ± 4.1). The patients with newly diagnosed diabetes had the highest HbA1c (11.1%) whereas groups B and C were comparable in this respect (7.8% ± 1.9%; 8.0% ± 1.7%, respectively). In the univariate analyses, RCF was significantly higher in group A (297 ± 121 arbitrary units [AU]) vs group B (236 ± 52 AU; p = 0.007) and group C (236 ± 70 AU; p = 0.008) and comparable to that of the controls (p = 0.46). Additionally, the WLR was highest in group C compared to the other diabetic subgroups and controls (p = 0.47). ConclusionsNew-onset diabetes is associated with an increase in RCF, which then gradually decreased with the duration of the disease. Structural changes of the retinal arterioles estimated via WLR are evident later in the course of diabetes, especially when the disease duration exceeded 10 years. These results could not be explained by age or diabetes control. Our findings may have important implications for the understanding of the mechanisms underlying increased cardiovascular risk in type 1 diabetes.
PSL-Recommender: Protein Subcellular Localization Prediction using Recommender System
Authors: Jamali Ruhollah , Jahangiri-Tazehkand Soheil , Eslahchi Changiz
Published: September 2021

Identifying a protein’s subcellular location is of great interest for understanding its function and behavior within the cell. In the last decade, many computational approaches have been proposed as a surrogate for expensive and labor-intensive wet-lab methods that are used for protein subcellular localization. Yet, there is still much room for improving the prediction accuracy of these methods. In this article, we meant to develop a customized computational method rather than using common machine learning predictors, which are used in the majority of computational research on this topic. The neighbourhood regularized logistic matrix factorization technique was used to create PSL-Recommender (Protein subcellular location recommender), a GO-based predictor. We declared statistical inference as the driving force behind the PSL-Recommender here. Following that, it was benchmarked against twelve well-known methods using five different datasets, demonstrating outstanding performance. Finally, we discussed potential research avenues for developing a comprehensive prediction tool for protein subcellular location prediction. The datasets and codes are available at: https://github.com/RJamali/PSL-Recommender
Differences in distribution and community structure of plant-parasitic nematodes in pecan orchards between two ecoregions of Georgia
Authors: Jagdale Ganpati B. , Brenneman Timothy B. , Severns Paul M. , Shapiro-Ilan David
Published: September 2021

In Georgia, pecans are commercially grown in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain ecoregions which are characterized by sandy-loam, sandy, and/or clay soils. If well-drained, these soils are suitable for pecan production, but the soil characteristics differ enough between ecoregions in which the plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) communities could differ substantially. We studied PPN communities in pecan orchards to evaluate the potential for ecoregion differences. In total, 11 genera (Helicotylenchus, Hemicycliophora, Heterodera, Hoplolaimus, Meloidogyne, Mesocriconema, Pratylenchus, Paratylenchus, Paratrichodorus, Tylenchorhynchs, Xiphenema) were recovered from pecan orchards in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain ecoregions. However, Non-Metric Multi-Dimensional Scaling ordination, Multi-Rank Permutation Procedure, and Indicator Species Analyses indicated that the pecan PPN communities strongly differed between ecoregions and that different genera were strongly associated with different ecoregions. For 9 of the 11 PPN genera, the maximum counts occurred in Coastal Plain locations, suggesting that the well-drained sandy soils of the Coastal Plain and comparatively ill-drained red clay soils of the Piedmont may be conducive and unfavorable for movement/reproduction of PPNs, respectively.
Preparation of Catalase Cross-Linked Aggregates Based on Vaterite Matrix
Authors: Eremeev N.L. , Balabushevich N.G. , Volod'kin D.V. , Klyachko N.L.
Published: September 2021

A new technique has been developed for the synthesis of cross-linked catalase aggregates by treatment of the enzyme incorporated into the pores of vaterite microspheres with glutaraldehyde and subsequent dissolving of the inorganic matrix. The resulting aggregates have a spherical shape, a narrow particle size distribution and a high specific activity of the enzyme. The number and enzymatic activity of the cross-linked aggregates strongly depends on the rate of the matrix dissolution: mild dissolution conditions made it possible to increase the number of formed protein particles, the residual specific catalase activity of which is only 2 times less than that of the native enzyme. The storage stability of the cross-linked aggregates is comparable to that of the native enzyme of the same concentration.

Key words: vaterite, glutaraldehyde, immobilized preparations, intermolecular cross-linking, co-precipitation, CLEAs.

Acknowledgment - The authors are grateful to the staff of the M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University A.N. Prusov for help in obtaining TEM images and A.A. Tatarintseva for assistance in obtaining SEM images.

Funding - This work was supported in part by Lomonosov Moscow State University (Registration Theme АААА-А21-121011290089-4). The authors also acknowledge Lomonosov Moscow State University Development Program PNR 5.13.
Community management does not equate to participation: fostering community participation in rural water supplies
Authors: Shields Katherine F. , Moffa Michelle , Behnke Nikki L. , Kelly Emma , Klug Tori , Lee Kristen , Cronk Ryan , Bartram Jamie
Published: September 2021

Community management has remained the dominant paradigm for managing rural water supplies in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a widespread perception that community participation principles are inherently embedded in the community management model. In this paper, we analyze how an international nongovernmental organization engages rural communities in their rural water projects, and the ways in which community members are able to participate in the management and governance of their water supplies. Qualitative data were collected in 18 study communities – six each in Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia – through interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory mapping with community and water committee members. We argue that community management does not inherently lead to broader community participation, but rather that fostering community participation requires intentionality. We recommend implementers use collaborative planning processes and explicitly engage with intra-community diversity and inequalities in order to facilitate the opportunity for all community members to meaningfully participate in decision-making. Collaborative planning with diverse groups will also allow community members to realize their rights to transparency and accountability once community management structures are in place.
Cost minimization of groundwater supply to a central tank
Authors: Nagkoulis Nikolaos , Katsifarakis Konstantinos L.
Published: September 2021

Minimization of groundwater exploitation cost is examined, considering: (a) pumping from a system of wells up to a central water tank, including friction losses along the connecting pipe network and (b) amortization of network construction. Assuming that the wells are located symmetrically around the tank and directly connected to it, we derived analytically the distance between tank and wells, which minimizes the total cost. Then we compared the minimum cost of this well layout, with that of placing one well at the location of the tank and the rest symmetrically around it. Finally, we dropped any assumption on well layout, we considered that wells are connected to the tank using a minimum spanning tree and we optimized well locations and flow rates using genetic algorithms. For up to 8 wells, the resulting minimum cost is comparable to that of the symmetrical cases, even when the optimal well layout is quite different. Moreover, the analytical solution, derived for the symmetrical case, can serve to evaluate solutions achieved by sophisticated optimization techniques.
Microporous activated carbon developed from KOH activated biomass waste: surface mechanistic study of methylene blue dye adsorption
Authors: Jawad Ali H. , Abdulhameed Ahmed Saud , Bahrudin Noor Nazihah , Hum Nurul Nadiah Mohd Firdaus , Surip S. N. , Syed-Hassan Syed Shatir A. , Yousif Emad , Sabar S.
Published: September 2021

In this work, sugarcane bagasse waste (SBW) was used as a lignocellulosic precursor to develop a high-surface-area activated carbon (AC) by thermal treatment of the SBW impregnated with KOH. This SBW activated carbon (SBWAC) was characterized by crystallinity, porosity, surface morphology and functional groups availability. The SBWAC exhibited Type I isotherm which corresponds to microporosity with high specific surface area of 709.3 m2/g and 6.6 nm of mean pore diameter. Further application of SBWAC as an adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) dye removal demonstrated that the adsorption process closely followed the pseudo-second order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm models. Conversely, a thermodynamic study revealed the endothermic nature and spontaneity of MB dye adsorption on SBWAC with high acquired adsorption capacity (136.5 mg/g). The MB dye adsorption onto SBWAC possibly involved electrostatic interaction, H-bonding and π–π interaction. This work demonstrates SBW as a potential lignocellulosic precursor to produce high-surface-area AC that can potentially remove more cationic dyes from the aqueous environment.
Mechanistic insights into the adsorption of methylene blue by particulate durian peel waste in water
Authors: Sudrajat Hanggara , Susanti Ari , Putri Ditta Kharisma Yolanda , Hartuti Sri
Published: September 2021

This study aims to investigate the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) over particulate durian peel waste, which is chemically activated with hydrogen peroxide. The equilibrium data are well described by the Freundlich isotherm model, which indicates that the MB adsorption takes place predominantly on multilayers and heterogeneous surfaces of the biosorbent. The Freundlich adsorption constants, KF and n, are 11.06 L/g and 2.94, respectively. Thermodynamic data suggest that the MB adsorption occurs spontaneously and endothermically. The enthalpy and entropy for the MB adsorption are obtained as 10.26 kJ/mol and 0.058 kJ/mol K, respectively, in the temperature range of 303–323 K. Based on the stepwise desorption method, the adsorption of MB is dominated by physical interactions, particularly hydrogen bonding.