bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling of the Vibratory Tube Finisher Container
Authors: Zanevskyy Ihor , Zanevska Lyudmyla 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The paper is dedicated to the problem of modeling the container of vibratory tube finisher additive manufacturing technology. The aim of the research is to develop an engineering approach of designing a rational model of deformative oscillations of a big size container. A thin-walled open cross section cylindrical beam is used as a model of bend and rotation of the vibratory tube finisher container. A method of division of all components of a strain and deformative state into the main and secondary is used to evaluate variants of a model of the vibratory tube finisher container. A ratio of the principle dimension of a cross section and changing of the stress-strain state is used as a weight parameter of components of potential and kinetic energy. A shear model of a thin-walled beam can be used to study the dynamic deformations not only in the elongated containers but in containers with commensurable quantities of its specific dimensions, too. Accuracy regarding the main natural frequency will be satisfied (with error about 1 %) when the length of the container is two times greater than a specific dimension of a cross section. Conditions of the rational models of deformation vibrations of containers are presented in a graph form that is comfortable in engineering practice.
Assessment of the Potential for Genomic Selection To Improve Husk Traits in Maize
Authors: Cui Zhenhai , Dong Haixiao , Zhang Ao , Ruan Yanye , He Yan , Zhang Zhiwu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Husk has multiple functions such as protecting ears from diseases, infection, and dehydration during development. Additionally, husks comprised of fewer, shorter, thinner, and narrower layers allow faster moisture evaporation of kernels prior to harvest. Intensive studies have been conducted to identify appropriate husk architecture by understanding the genetic basis of related traits, including husk length, husk layer number, husk thickness, and husk width. However, marker-assisted selection is inefficient because the identified quantitative trait loci and associated genetic loci could only explain a small proportion of total phenotypic variation. Genomic selection (GS) has been used successfully on many species including maize on other traits. Thus, the potential of using GS for husk traits to directly identify superior inbred lines, without knowing the specific underlying genetic loci, is well worth exploring. In this study, we compared four GS models on a maize association population with 498 inbred lines belonging to four subpopulations, including 27 lines in stiff stalk, 67 lines in non-stiff stalk, 193 lines in tropical-subtropical, and 211 lines in mixture subpopulations. Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction with principal components as cofactor, performed the best and was selected to examine the impact of interaction between sampling proportions and subpopulations. We found that predictions on inbred lines in a subpopulation were benefited from excluding individuals from other subpopulations for training if the training population within the subpopulation was large enough. Husk thickness exhibited the highest prediction accuracy among all husk traits. These results gave strategic insight to improve husk architecture.
An Epistasis Analysis of recA and recN in Escherichia coli K-12
Authors: Klimova Anastasiia N , Sandler Steven J 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
RecA is essential for double-strand-break repair (DSBR) and the SOS response in Escherichia coli K-12. RecN is an SOS protein and a member of the Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes family of proteins thought to play a role in sister chromatid cohesion/interactions during DSBR. Previous studies have shown that a plasmid-encoded recA4190 (Q300R) mutant had a phenotype similar to ∆recN (mitomycin C sensitive and UV resistant). It was hypothesized that RecN and RecA physically interact, and that recA4190 specifically eliminated this interaction. To test this model, an epistasis analysis between recA4190 and ∆recN was performed in wild-type and recBC sbcBC cells. To do this, recA4190 was first transferred to the chromosome. As single mutants, recA4190 and ∆recN were Rec+ as measured by transductional recombination, but were 3-fold and 10-fold decreased in their ability to do I-SceI-induced DSBR, respectively. In both cases, the double mutant had an additive phenotype relative to either single mutant. In the recBC sbcBC background, recA4190 and ∆recN cells were very UVS (sensitive), Rec−, had high basal levels of SOS expression and an altered distribution of RecA-GFP structures. In all cases, the double mutant had additive phenotypes. These data suggest that recA4190 (Q300R) and ∆recN remove functions in genetically distinct pathways important for DNA repair, and that RecA Q300 was not important for an interaction between RecN and RecA in vivo. recA4190 (Q300R) revealed modest phenotypes in a wild-type background and dramatic phenotypes in a recBC sbcBC strain, reflecting greater stringency of RecA’s role in that background.
Spiritual Support in Advanced Heart Failure
Authors: Miles Jackie , Ross Linda , Jarvis Paul , Pickett Sara 
Published: August 2020

Heart failure is a complex, progressive disease with an uncertain trajectory. Those with advanced heart failure (AHF) experience substantial spiritual needs. Spiritual interventions may enhance quality of life and reduce anxiety and depression, but studies are limited and none have focused exclusively on the AHF patient population. This is the first feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) to ascertain the clinical and cost effectiveness of a spiritual intervention (spiritual support) in AHF patients. A total of 47 AHF patients were randomized to control (standard care, n = 25) or intervention (standard care plus spiritual support, n = 22) groups. Spiritual support consisted of a one-hour discussion facilitated by trained volunteers using a “Spiritual Enquiry Tool” at two-monthly intervals over six months. Participants completed validated measures of spiritual well-being, depression/anxiety, and health-related quality of life (QoL). Purpose-designed questionnaires gathered information on demographics, NHS resource use, confounding factors, and satisfaction with spiritual support. The new information was to help researchers design an RCT to determine the clinical and cost effectiveness of spiritual support within a holistic model of care for AHF patients. Future trends worthy of further investigation include (i) the possible positive effect of spiritual support on QoL and anxiety, and (ii) possible lower NHS resource use and cost savings in patients receiving spiritual support. Overall, the key message of this study is that researchers must evaluate whether the cost of running a well-designed trial of this nature is justified in the current economic climate, where funding bodies are looking for value for money.
Results of catheter ablation in patients with idiopathic premature ventricular contractions depending on the use of fluoroscopy
Authors: Vyrva A. A. , Shtegman O. A. , Ivanitskiy E. A. , Vyrva P. V. , Kropotkin E. B. , Sakovich V. A. 
Published: August 2020

Premature ventricular contractions (PVC) is a very common type of arrhythmia. Some patients require surgical treatment. The search for the safest methods of surgical treatment is an important research task.Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation in patients with idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias depending on the implementation of X-ray control.Material and methods. The study included 183 patients admitted to the Federal Center for Cardiovascular Surgery for elective surgery, with frequent idiopathic PVC and indications for surgical treatment of arrhythmia. In the majority of patients with idiopathic PVC, the central origin of ectopia is the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=90) — patients with idiopathic PVC after fluoroscopy-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA); group 2 (n=93) — patients after RFA without fluoroscopy. All patients underwent electrocardiography, echocardiography, and electrophysiological testing. All patients before and after RFA underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring.Results. Among patients of group 1, the initial success of RFA was 62,2%, and in group 2 — 71% (p=0,21). Surgery complications were registered in 3,3% and 4,3% of patients of groups 1 and 2. No deaths have been reported. The duration of surgery did not depend on the use of fluoroscopy. Among patients with failed initial RFA, the effectiveness of subsequent interventions was 88,6%. The greatest efficiency of initial RFA was observed when the ectopic ventricular focus was located in RVOT The lowest efficiency of RFA was observed when the focus was located in the left ventricular papillary muscles.Conclusion. RFA in patients with idiopathic PVC without fluoroscopy does not increase the complication rate and the duration of surgery and have a comparable efficacy compared to fluoroscopy-guided RFA.
Two-year follow-up of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction receiving cardiac contractility modulation
Authors: Vander M. A. , Lyasnikova E. A. , Belyakova L. A. , Trukshina M. A. , Galenco V. L. , Kim I. M. , Lelyavina T. A. , Sitnikova M. Yu. , Abramov M. L. , Lebedev D. S. , Mikhaylov E. N. 
Published: August 2020

Aim. To assess the 2-year prognosis of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) receiving cardiac contractility modulation (CCM).Material and methods. This single-center observational study included 55 patients (46 men, mean age 53±11 years) with NYHA class II-III HFrEF receiving optimal medical therapy, with sinus rhythm, QRS <130 ms or QRS<150 ms with nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay. NYHA class II and III were established in 76% and 24% of patients, respectively. All patients were implanted with CCM devices between October 2016 and September 2017. Follow-up visits were carried out every 3 months during the 1styear and every 6 months during the 2ndyear of observation. The primary composite endpoint was mortality and heart transplantation. Secondary composite endpoints included death, heart transplantation, paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia/ ventricular fibrillation, hospitalizations due decompensated HFResults.The one-year and two-year survival rate was 95% and 80%, respectively. Primary endpoint was observed in 20% of patients. NYHA class III and higher levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) were associated with unfavorable prognosis (p=0,014 and p=0,026, respectively). NTproBNP was an independent predictor of survival (p=0,018). CCM contributed to a significant decrease in hospitalizations due to decompensated HF (p<0,0001). The secondary endpoint was observed in 18 (33%) of patients during the 1styear. The predictor for the secondary composite endpoint was NTproBNP (p=0,047).Conclusion. CCM is associated with a significant decrease in hospitalization rate due to decompensated HF. The 2-year survival rate of patients with NYHA class II-III HF receiving CCM was 80%. The NTproBNP level was an independent predictor of survival in patients receiving CMM for 2 years. Further longer-term studies of the CCM efficacy are required.
Does alternation of Candida albicans TUP1 gene expression affect the progress of symptomatic recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis?
Authors: Ghazanfari Mona , Fattahi Azam , Falahati Mehraban , Bakhshizadeh Majid , Roudbary Maryam , Masjedian Jazi Faramarz , Keykhosravi Mohsen , Lotfali Ensieh 
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is one of the most common gynecological conditions in healthy and diabetic women, as well as antibiotic users. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between TUP1 gene expression patterns and symptomatic recurrent C. albicans infections.
Materials and Methods: This research was performed on C. albicans samples isolated from the vaginal specimens obtained from 31 individuals with RVVC in 2016. The reference strain C. albicans ATCC 10231, 10 C. albicans strains isolated from minimally symptomatic patients, and 10 isolates from asymptomatic patients were also used as control strains. The relative mRNA expression of the TUP1 gene was quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR).
Results: The QRT-PCR results revealed that TUP1 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (0.001-0.930 fold) in the C. albicans isolates obtained from RVVC patients (P<0.001). However, no TUP1 expression was detectable in the isolates collected from asymptomatic patients. The results also indicated a significant correlation between TUP1 mRNA expression level and the severity of itching and discharge (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The present results were suggestive of the probable contribution of TUP1, as a part of the transcriptional repressor, to the severity of the symptoms related to C. albicans infections in the vagina. Regarding this, it is required to perform more in vivo studies using a larger sample size to characterize the regulatory or stimulatory function of TUP1 in the severity of RVVC symptoms. Furthermore, the study and identification of the genes involved in the severity of the symptomatic manifestations of C. albicans, especially in resistant strains, may lead to the recognition of an alternative antifungal target to enable the development of an effective agent.
Antifungal susceptibility profiles of otomycosis etiological agents in Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: Gharaghani Maral , Halvaeezadeh Marzieh , Jalaee Gholam Ali , Taghipour Simin , Kiasat Neda , Zarei Mahmoudabadi Ali 
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose: Otomycosis is a secondary ear fungal infection among predisposed individuals in humid conditions. Aspergillus species are the most common etiologic agents of this infection. Several ototopical antifungals are currently used for the treatment of this disease; however, recurrence and treatment failure are usually observed in some cases. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to investigate the antifungal activity of caspofungin, azoles, and terbinafine against the isolated agents of otomycosis.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on the specimens collected from 90 patients with otomycosis. The samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and identified based on morphological characteristics, physiological tests, and microscopic features. Furthermore, the microdilution method was used for antifungal susceptibility testing according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Finally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum effective concentration (MEC) ranges, MIC/MEC50, MIC/MEC90, and geometric mean (GM) MIC/MEC were calculated for the isolates.
Results: According to the results, 77 patients with otomycosis were positive for different Aspergillus (88.3%) and Candida (11.7%) species. Aspergillus niger complex (n=36) was found to be the most common agent, followed by A. flavus, A. terreus, and A. nidulans complexes. Furthermore, epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) were lower than those presented by the CLSI for itraconazole and caspofungin in 98.5% and 42.6% of Aspergillus species, respectively. Terbinafine exhibited a great activity against Aspergillus species, while fluconazole revealed a low activity against both Aspergillus species. Based on the results, 77.8% of Candida species were resistant to caspofungin; however, miconazole and econazole had low MIC ranges.
Conclusion: Aspergillus niger and A. flavus complexes were identified as the most common agents accounting for 85.7% of the isolates. In addition, terbinafine was identified as the best antifungal for both Aspergillus and Candida species. Moreover, tested azoles had relatively low MICs, whereas most of the isolates had the MIC values beyond the caspofungin ECVs.
Pestalotioid fungi: A rare agent of onychomycosis among agriculture workers
Authors: Borgohain Parismita , Barua Purnima , Mahanta Jagadish , Ram Saikia Lakhi 
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose: Pestalotioid fungi are ubiquitous environmental molds that have received considerable attention in recent times not only because of their role as a plant pathogen but also owing to their high frequency of retrieval from human diseases. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to investigate onychomycosis caused by pestalotioid fungi, commonly considered important phytopathogens causing grey blight disease in Camellia sinensis.
Materials and Methods: A total of 122 agriculture workers were enrolled from Assam, India. Direct microscopic examination was carried out using 40% KOH to determine the presence of any fungal element. Further processing of the specimens for the isolation of fungi was performed using the standard protocol. In addition, the keratinolytic potential of the isolates was evaluated by means of the in vitro hair perforation test.
Results: Out of 103 culture-positive samples, non-dermatophyte and dermatophyte molds constituted 82.52% (n=85) and 6.79% (n=7) of the samples, followed by yeasts (n=1, 0.9%) and sterile hyphae (n=10, 9.7%). With regard to the isolated non-dermatophyte molds (82.69%), 4 cases belonged to pestalotioid fungi, such as Neopestalotiopsis piceana (n=1), Pestalotiopsis species (n=1), and Pseudopestalotiopsis theae (n=2). The keratinolytic activity of Pestalotiopsis species showed perforation by disrupting the hair cortex; furthermore, macroconidia were found to be present inside the human hair.
Conclusion: A high rate of NDM isolation may be attributed to constant exposure to adverse environmental and occupational hazards. This study highlighted the importance of “pestalotioid fungi” as the rare etiologic agent of onychomycosis. Another remarkable finding was the keratinolytic potential of Pestalotiopsis species, which is unique in this study.
Isolation of different fungi from the skin of patients with seborrheic dermatitis
Authors: Mahmoudi Elaheh , Rezaie Jahangir 
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is characterized by erythematous inflammatory patches that mostly appear in the sebaceous gland-rich skin areas. In addition to the key role of Malassezia species in SD, its contribution to other fungal microbiota has been recently addressed in the literature. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to identify and determine the fungal species associated with the incidence of SD.
Materials and Methods: For the purpose of the study, fungal microbiome in scaling samples were collected from SD lesions and then analyzed based on the DNA sequencing of ITS regions.
Results: In addition to Malassezia, several fungal species were detected in the samples collected from the SD lesions. According to the results, 15.5%, 13.3%, and 6.7% of the isolates were identified as Candida parapsilosis, Cryptococcus albidus var. albidus/ Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Penicillium polonicum, respectively.
Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, C. parapsilosis was the most prevalent non-Malassezia species isolated from SD lesions. Our results provided basic information about a specific fungal population accounting for the incidence of SD.
Effect of Carum carvi essential oil on ERG6 gene expression and virulence factors in Candida albicans
Authors: Nasiri Samira , Shams-Ghahfarokhi Masoomeh , Razzaghi-Abyaneh Mehdi 
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose: The present study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effects of Carum carvi essential oil (EO) against ERG6 gene expression in relation to fungal growth and some important virulence factors in Candida albicans.
Materials and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of C. carvi EO against C. albicans was determined by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M27-A4 method at a concentration range of 20-1280 μg/ml. Furthermore, the expression of ERG6 gene was studied at the 0.5× MIC concentration of C. carvi EO using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The proteinase and phospholipase activities, cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH), and cell membrane ergosterol (CME) content of C. albicans were also assessed at the 0.5× MIC concentration of the plant EO using the approved methods. In addition, fluconazole (FLC) was used as a control antifungal drug.
Results: The results indicated that the MIC and minimum fungicidal concentration of C. carvi EO for C. albicans growth were 320 and 640 μg/ml, respectively. The expression of fungal ERG6 at an mRNA level and ergosterol content of yeast cells were significantly decreased by both C. carvi EO (640 μg/ml) and FLC (2 μg/ml). The proteinase and phospholipase activities were also reduced in C. carvi EO by 49.82% and 53.26%, respectively, while they were inhibited in FLC-treated cultures by 27.72% and 34.67%, respectively. Furthermore, the CSH was inhibited in EO- and FLC-treated cultures by 12.75% and 20.80%, respectively.
Conclusion: Our findings revealed that C. carvi EO can be considered a potential natural compound in the development of an efficient antifungal agent against C. albicans.
Regression Model to Analyse Air Pollutants Over a Coastal Industrial Station Visakhapatnam ( India )
Authors: Prasad N.V. Krishna , Sarma M.S.S.R.K.N. , Sasikala P. , Raju M Naga , Madhavi N. 
Published: August 2020

Particulate matter concentration and its study has gained tremendous significance in view of increase in air pollution. Since air pollution has many adverse effects on mankind, measures may be taken by observing the trends in PM2.5 (particulate matter) and concentrations of pollutants like NO2, SO2, NO2, NO, NOx, CO, NH3 and RH(Relative Humidity) as well as temperature. Even though continuous monitoring of air pollution in urban locations has been increasing in view of its huge impact on the sustainable development and ecological balance a regression model is essential always to analyse large sets of data. These regression models also play vital role in some cases where data was not observed due to unavoidable circumstances and during times when the measuring instruments do not work. In this context an attempt was made to develop a regression model exclusively for Visakhapatnam(India) a coastal, urban and industrial station and to analyse the trends in particulate matter concentration at this staion. A regression model was developed with PM2.5 as dependent variable and SO2, NOx, NO2, CO, NH3, temperature(Temp) and relative humidity(RH) as independent variables. The efficiency of the model was tested with known independent variables and PM2.5 was estimated. It is found that observed and estimated PM2.5 values are highly correlated.
Application and Optimization of MIMO Communication in Wide Area Monitoring Systems
Authors: Recioui Abdelmadjid , Grainat Youcef 
Published: August 2020

Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology uses a multitude of antennas at both transmitter and receiver to transfer a larger data mount simultaneously. It is the key technology in the 4th and 5th communication system generations. In this work, the use of MIMO technology to enhance the data transfer in terms of completeness, correctness and latency in Wide Area Monitoring Systems (WAMS) is envisaged. To further enhance the system, optimization is done to design the communication system in terms of physical layout. A comparison with the state of art technologies is done to highlight how the adoption of the MIMO technology would enhance the data transfer within the smart grid.