bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Possible fluid discharge associated with faults observed by a high-resolution dense-2D seismic reflection survey in Uchiura Bay off Numazu, Japan
Authors: Tsuru Tetsuro , Park Jin-Oh , Amakasu Kazuo , No Tetsuo , Arai Kohsaku , Inoue Takahiko , Furuyama Seishiro , Uchida Keiichi , Nakamura Yasuyuki 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAlthough fluid behavior along faults has often been associated with earthquakes and hydrocarbon accumulation, few observations of active, ongoing fluid discharge along the faults exist. We conducted a dense-2D multi-channel seismic (MCS) reflection survey in Uchiura Bay off Numazu, Japan, in 2018 to obtain a high-resolution image of active faults. As a result, active faults cutting the seafloor and possibly active faults cutting reflections immediately below the seafloor have been clearly imaged on MCS profiles. The spatial variation in their displacement on the seafloor has also been quantified. The seafloor displacement of the most obvious active fault, Fault A, changes by more than 2 m within a short horizontal distance of 50 m. On one of the MCS profiles, an enigmatic wavefield (EWF) is observed within the water column above the seafloor near the faults. From careful observations of the raw field data and shot records, the EWF shows three patterns that suggest fluid flow. Based on a velocity analysis of the seawater, the velocity of the EWF zone was somewhat higher than that of its surroundings. Because the seawater velocity is a function of temperature and salinity at the same depth, the effect of temperature is generally greater than that of salinity, so that the higher velocity would suggest a higher temperature. If temperature of the fluid flow is higher than that of its surroundings, the fluid would rise with its buoyancy and spread out along the sea surface. This scenario could well explain the three EWF patterns. From the appearance and non-appearance of the most obvious EWF on adjacent seismic lines, some fluid discharge might have been occurring intermittently from the seafloor near the faults in Uchiura Bay.
Distribution modeling of nanoparticles for brachytherapy of human eye tumor
Authors: Masoudi S. Farhad , Daryabari Fahimeh S. , Rasouli Fatemeh S. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Due to their unique properties, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been proposed to be used for a wide range of applications, especially for photon radiation therapy. In addition to experimental works, there are worthwhile simulation-based studies focused on the investigation of the effect of parameters governing the dose enhancement due to the presence of GNPs in tissue. In a recently published study, we found that the distribution of GNPs in a single cell plays an important role in nucleus dose enhancement.

Methods
The present work investigates the sensitivity of dose enhancement of a macroscopic phantom to the modeling of GNPs at the cellular level by using the MCNPX Monte Carlo code. A human eye phantom containing the realistic structures and materials was simulated, with a typical tumor located in its corner filled with three different patterns of distribution of GNPs around the nuclei of the cells. The primary photons emit from a COMS eye plaque brachytherapy containing thirteen 131Cs seeds in the vicinity of the tumor.

Results
The study was extended to estimate dose enhancement for various concentration, size, and density of the GNPs accumulated around the nuclei of the tumor. Moreover, the dose delivered to the healthy eye structures for different models has been investigated and discussed. The results show obvious differences between the dose enhancements in the tumor depending on the modeling of GNPs.

Conclusion
The results emphasized that an appropriate small-scale model for the distribution of GNPs in the cell would be of high importance to estimate the degree of dose enhancement in a macroscopic phantom to provide a trustworthy prediction to move towards clinical application.
A comparative study of the effect of teacher’s group and individual feedback on Iranian EFL learners’ learning of speech acts in apology letter writing
Authors: Pourmousavi Zahra , Mohamadi Zenouzagh Zohre 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe linguistic scrutiny of any aspect of pragmatics is bound to considering carefully the context in which it is expressed. This becomes very glaring when the utterances that constitute discourse are viewed as performing social actions. In an EFL context like Iran, English language learners are in urgent need of raising their pragmatic awareness as they do not have regular access to an environment where the main language of communication is English. The major context for improving their pragmatic competence could be classroom. Thus, teachers need to cope with this issue which makes knowledge of speech acts more worthy of being dealt with. This research was an attempt to find out the effect of teacher’s group feedback versus individual feedback on Iranian EFL learners’ uptake of speech acts. To carry out the study, 32 pre-intermediate learners were chosen to take part based on convenient sampling through non-random grouping. To make sure that the learners were homogeneous, a Quick Placement Test (QPT) was administered before the treatment. Based on the design of the study, the learners were divided into two treatment conditions of individual and group feedback. The research was a quasi-experimental a pretest and a posttest of writing before and after the treatment to measure students’ uptake of speech acts. Results of two paired-samples t-test and an independent samples t-test showed significant effect of individual feedback on learners’ uptake of speech acts, while group feedback was not significant. It was also found that there was a significant difference between the effects of teacher feedback in groups vs. teacher feedback given to individual learners. The present research has significant implications. Tests can also focus more on promoting individual feedback among learners and teachers in washback effect. Teachers can also make principled decisions about the feedback condition that best boost leaner uptake in speech act.
The effect of n-back training during hemodialysis on cognitive function in hemodialysis patients: a non-blind clinical trial
Authors: Noguchi Yuta , Ito Marina , Mushika Mai , Ito Takuya , Kawamura Naoto 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Traditional vascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking, and cardiovascular disease with myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation have been linked to cognitive impairment in patients with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, interventions for cognitive function that can be performed during hemodialysis are needed. In this regard, n-back training has been demonstrated to be effective in patients with cognitive impairment.

Methods
In this pre-post study, 12 patients underwent n-back training during hemodialysis. The patients, aged 52–80 years, had mild cognitive impairment and were tested before and after a 3-month training period. This study was carried out in a single dialysis center. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Japanese version, Benton Visual Retention Test, Trail Making Test, visual cancelation task, Symbol Digit Modality Test, and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task were used as outcome measures.

Results
All patients completed the 3-month training program. Improvements were seen in scores for the Mini-Mental State Examination (P = 0.01), Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Japanese version (P = 0.01), Benton Visual Retention Test (P = 0.02), Trail Making Test-B (P = 0.01), and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task 1 s (P = 0.01) and 2 s (P = 0.01) from baseline to 3 months.

Conclusions
Cognitive training during hemodialysis improved cognitive and attention function in patients with mild cognitive impairment. This suggests that the simultaneous provision of n-back training and hemodialysis can be effective for treating chronic kidney disease with cognitive impairment.

Trial registration
UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000033742); retrospectively registered on August 13, 2018.
Molecular design of curcumin analogues with potent antioxidant properties and thermodynamic evaluation of their mechanism of free radical scavenge
Authors: Alisi Ikechukwu Ogadimma , Uzairu Adamu , Abechi Stephen Eyije 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundFree radical attack of cellular structures in the human system is the major cause of various forms of degenerative diseases. Consequently, recent research has been focused on the development of new antioxidants with more efficient free radical scavenging potentials. Ligand-based virtual screening was employed in the rational design of potent antioxidant derivatives of curcumin by the density functional theory method. Various antioxidant descriptors that characterize the three major mechanisms of free radical scavenge, namely, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT), and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET), were calculated. Also, the spin density distribution on the generated radicals and the frontier orbital distribution and energy of the studied compounds were evaluated in order to gain further insight on the reaction mechanism. The reaction Gibbs free energy for scavenging the two important peroxyl radicals (HOO· and CH3OO·) was calculated in order to evaluate the preferred mechanism of free radical scavenge by these compounds.ResultsThe investigated compounds were able to scavenge HOO· and CH3OO· radicals by HAT and SPLET mechanisms in the gas phase and aqueous solution, based on the computed results of reaction enthalpies and Gibbs free energy. The SET-PT mechanism for these compounds was observed to be thermodynamically unfeasible in the gas phase. However, the thermodynamic feasibility of free radical scavenge by SET-PT mechanism was observed in aqueous solution. Among the investigated compounds, MCC 009 (1E,4E)-1-(3-(aminomethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(4-hydroxy-3-((hydroxy (methyl)amino)methyl)phenyl)penta-1,4-dien-3-one at the 19-OH position possessed the highest capacity to scavenge both HOO· and CH3OO· radicals by HAT, SET-PT, and SPLET mechanisms. The reaction Gibbs free energy of scavenging HOO· radical by this molecule in the gas phase and aqueous solution is∆rGBDEgas =  − 58.18,$$ {\Delta _r{G}_{BDE}}_{H_2O}=-73.77 $$∆rGBDEH2O=−73.77,∆rGAIPgas = 611.48,$$ {\Delta _r{G}_{AIP}}_{H_2O}=-74305.49 $$∆rGAIPH2O=−74305.49,∆rGPDEgas =  − 669.66,$$ {\Delta _r{G}_{PDE}}_{H_2O}=74231.72 $$∆rGPDEH2O=74231.72,∆rGPAgas =  − 271.40,$$ {\Delta _r{G}_{PA}}_{H_2O}=-73.09 $$∆rGPAH2O=−73.09,∆rGETEgas = 213.22, and$$ {\Delta _r{G}_{ETE}}_{H_2O}=-0.69 $$∆rGETEH2O=−0.69.ConclusionNew set of curcumin derivatives with potent free radical scavenging properties was successfully designed, and their mechanism of free radical scavenging evaluated by thermodynamic studies. This research is a gateway to the exploitation of the considered curcumin derivatives in food chemistry and pharmacy.
Population density, a factor in the spread of COVID-19 in Algeria: statistic study
Authors: Kadi Nadjat , Khelfaoui Mounia 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Since November 2019, the world has suffered the disastrous consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. No country has been spared either socially or economically. Given the inevitability of the spread of this virus, researches have been active to understand and to counteract the factors that anticipate its spread. In this research, we endorse population density as a catalyst factor for the proliferation of COVID-19 in Algeria. We are interested in the relationship between population density and the spread of COVID-19 in Algerian cities. The latter is characterized by a disparity in the concentration of the population according to the geographic location of each.

Results
The cluster analysis allowed us to isolate the groups of cities with the highest numbers of COVID-19 infected cases and the highest population densities. The regression models obtained suggest that there is a strong correlation between the population density and the number of COVID-19 infections in Algeria. This finding is verified by the correlation coefficients. Thus, it is estimated that population density has a positive effect on the spread of COVID-19 in the Algerian context during the study period.

Conclusions
The spread of COVID-19 in Algeria is increasing as the population density increases. Once this factor has been demonstrated, the fight against the proliferation of the virus can be thwarted by measures to raise public awareness of social distancing in public places namely supermarkets, markets, and cafes.
Exome Sequencing Identifies A Nonsense Variant inDAOAssociated With Reduced Energy Expenditure in American Indians
Authors: Piaggi Paolo , Köroğlu Çiğdem , Nair Anup K , Sutherland Jeff , Muller Yunhua L , Kumar Pankaj , Hsueh Wen-Chi , Kobes Sayuko , Shuldiner Alan R , Kim Hye In , Gosalia Nehal , Van Hout Cristopher V , Jones Marcus , Knowler William C , Krakoff Jonathan , Hanson Robert L , Bogardus Clifton , Baier Leslie J 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundObesity and energy expenditure (EE) are heritable and genetic variants influencing EE may contribute to the development of obesity. We sought to identify genetic variants that affect EE in American Indians, an ethnic group with high prevalence of obesity.MethodsWhole-exome sequencing was performed in 373 healthy Pima Indians informative for 24-hour EE during energy balance. Genetic association analyses of all high-quality exonic variants (≥5 carriers) was performed, and those predicted to be damaging were prioritized.ResultsRs752074397 introduces a premature stop codon (Cys264Ter) in DAO and demonstrated the strongest association for 24-hour EE, where the Ter allele associated with substantially lower 24-hour EE (mean lower by 268 kcal/d) and sleeping EE (by 135 kcal/d). The Ter allele has a frequency = 0.5% in Pima Indians, whereas is extremely rare in most other ethnic groups (frequency &lt; 0.01%). In vitro functional analysis showed reduced protein levels for the truncated form of DAO consistent with increased protein degradation. DAO encodes D-amino acid oxidase, which is involved in dopamine synthesis which might explain its role in modulating EE.ConclusionOur results indicate that a nonsense mutation in DAO may influence EE in American Indians. Identification of variants that influence energy metabolism may lead to new pathways to treat human obesity.Clinical Trial Registration NumberNCT00340132.
Robust Storage of Chinese Language in a Pool of Small Single-Stranded DNA Rings and Its Facile Reading-Out
Authors: Wang Chenru , Liu Hongfang , Wang Hongyu , Tao Jiaojiao , Yang Taiwei , Chen Hui , An Ran , Wang Jing , Huang Ning , Gong Xiangyu , Song Zhihao , Komiyama Makoto , Liang Xingguo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Archival storage in DNA is one of the most challenging themes in rapidly growing information technology. In addition, its practical applications are more difficult due to complicated data analysis, instability of long and linear DNA strands (&gt;1000 nt), and other factors. In the present study, we have developed a simple and eminent DNA-based storage system in which small DNA rings are employed as memory units. Compared with previous approaches, this methodology has advantages of robustness, low cost, convenience and so on. In high density, Chinese language was directly stored in a pool of 76-nt-long single-stranded DNA rings (designated as “Info-Store”), in which each ring memorized the index number and five Chinese characters (or marks). During “Read-Out”, all the ssDNA rings in the pool were simultaneously amplified by hyper-branched rolling cycle amplification (HRCA), and their sequences were accurately determined by a portable MinION sequencer aided by a personal computer. Then, the original Chinese text was precisely and smoothly decoded by simple data analysis.
Stent evaluation by coronary computed tomography angiography: a comparison between Iopamidol-370 and Ioversol-320 hypo-osmolar iodine concentration contrasts
Authors: Garcia Annelisa Moura , Assunção-Jr Antonildes N. , Dantas-Jr Roberto Nery , Parga Jose Rodrigues , Ganem Fernando 
Published: August 2020

Objective: Qualitative and quantitative image analysis between Iopamidol-370 and Ioversol-320 in stents´ evaluation by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). Methods: Sixty-five patients with low-risk stable angina undergoing stent follow-up with coronary CTA were assigned to Iopamidol I-370 (n = 33) or Ioversol I-320 (n = 32) in this prospective, double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized trial. Stent lumen image quality was graded by 5-point Likert Scale. Lumen mean attenuation was measured at native coronary segments: pre-stent, post-stent, distal segments and at coronary plaques. Lumen attenuation increase (LAI) ratio was calculated for all stents. Heart rate (HR) variation, premature heart beats (PHB), heat sensation (HS), blooming and beam hardening were also assessed. Results: Image quality was similar between groups, with no significant difference (Likert score 4.48 ± 0.75 vs 4.54 ± 0.65, p = 0.5). There were similarities in LAI ratio between I-370 and I-320 (0.39 ± 0.42 vs 0.48 ± 0.44 HU, p = 0.08). Regarding lumen mean attenuation at native coronary segments, a significant difference was observed, with I-320 presenting lower values, including contrast mean attenuation in distal segments. After statistical multivariate analysis, three variables correlated with stent image quality: 1) stent diameter, 2) HR variation and 3) stent lumen LAI ratio. Conclusions: There was no significant difference between Iopamidol-370 mgI ml−1 and Ioversol-320 mgI ml−1 contrasts regarding overall stent lumen image quality, which was mainly influenced by stent diameter, HR and LAI ratio. Advances in knowledge: Coronary CTA allows adequate stents' visualization and image quality is influenced by stent diameter, HR variation and LAI ratio. Stents' image quality showed no difference between different concentration contrasts (I-370 vs. I-320); however, higher concentration contrasts may provide an improved overall visualization, especially regarding coronary distal segments.
Assigning computed tomography involvement score in COVID-19 patients: prognosis prediction and impact on management
Authors: Malpani Dhoot Nilu , Goenka Usha , Ghosh Somali , Jajodia Surabhi , Chand Rashmi , Majumdar Sanjib , Ramasubban Suresh 
Published: August 2020

Objective: Chest CT can provide a simple quantitative assessment of the extent of the parenchymal opacities in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we postulate that CT findings can be used to ascertain the overall disease burden and predict the clinical outcome. Methods: In this prospective study undertaken from March 28, 2020, until May 20, 2020, 142 patients with CT features suggestive of viral pneumonia, and positive RT-PCR for COVID-19 were enrolled. A dedicated spiral CT scanner was used for all COVID-19 suspects. CT features were reported as typical, indeterminate, or atypical for COVID-19 pneumonia. A CT involvement score (CT-IS) was given to each scan and assigned mild, moderate, or severe category depending on the score range. The patients were followed up for at least 15 days. Results: Ground glass opacity was present in 100% of the patients. There was a significant association between CT-IS and the final outcome of the patients. A statistically significant increasing trend of mortality and requirement of critical medical attention was observed with the rising value of CT-IS in COVID-19. Conclusion: The severe CT-IS score group has a high mortality. The CT-IS score could be valuable in predicting clinical outcome and could also be useful in triage of patients needing hospital admission. In situations where healthcare resources are limited, and patient load high, a more careful approach for patients with higher CT-IS scores could be indispensable. Advances in knowledge: CT-IS is a simple quantitative method for assessing the disease burden of COVID-19 cases. It can be invaluable in places with limited resources and high patient load to segregate patients requiring critical medical attention.
A ‘benign’ extrapyramidal side effect masking a life-threatening neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Authors: Dolp Reinhard , Ansari Moin , Chan Michael , Hassan Tariq Mahmood 
Published: August 2020

The neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, life-threatening idiosyncratic reaction to neuroleptic medication. The use of newer antipsychotics combined with its rare incidence has made NMS seem as a complication of the past. Here we report a patient in his early 20s suffering from a psychotic disorder developing a life-threatening neuroleptic malignant syndrome on an inpatient psychiatric ward in Canada without the characteristic overt change in autonomic stability. We review the clinical characteristics to facilitate the early recognition of neuroleptic malignant syndromes and discuss why this condition still is highly relevant for practising physicians.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2963
How to cite this:Dolp R, Ansari MA, Chan M, Hassan T. A ‘benign’ extrapyramidal side effect masking a life-threatening neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):1429-1432. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2963
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Decisiones de inversión y rentabilidad bajo la valoración financiera en las empresas industriales grandes de la provincia de Cotopaxi, Ecuador.
Authors: Valencia Nuñez Edison Roberto , Caiza Pastuña Erika Cristina , Bedoya Jara Mayra Patricia 
Published: August 2020

Actualmente no existe un estudio enfocado a las decisiones de inversión y la rentabilidad bajo el modelo de valoración de activos de capital de las empresas industriales más grandes de la provincia de Cotopaxi. En tal sentido el presente estudio ha determinado tres objetivos fundamentales: evaluar las decisiones de inversión a largo plazo a través de la valoración financiera, medir los niveles de rentabilidad a través de la aplicación del modelo de valoración de activos de capital, relacionar la rentabilidad y su efecto en las decisiones de inversión a través de técnicas estadísticas. Basado en una muestra de cinco empresas que constituyen las mas grandes de la provincia de Cotopaxi y mediante la aplicación del modelo de valoración de activos de capital (CAPM), se analizaron las hipótesis. Se confirmo a través del estadístico de Wilcoxon la relación directa de la rentabilidad y su efecto en las decisiones de inversión, se establece que el rendimiento sobre el patrimonio, las ventas y la rentabilidad financiera presento una tendencia a crecer a partir del año 2016, producto de la correcta gestión financiera en inventarios, proveedores y la cartera de crédito, esta condición hace al sector industrial atractivo para invertir.