bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel GIS-Based Approach to Assessment Suitable Irrigation Water Using a fuzzy-Multi Indices Method in Astaneh-Kuchesfahan Plain, Iran
Authors: Tafreshi Amin Mohebbi , Tafreshi Ghazaleh Mohebbi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Increasing soil salinity decreased soil permeability and reduced water absorption by plant roots leading to reduced agricultural productivity. For this reason, water quality must be tested before it can be used for agricultural purposes. Accordingly, the currentresearch aimed to assess suitable irrigation water (IW)using a new GIS-basedapproach in Astaneh-Kuchesfahan plain, Iran.Fuzzy logic (FL) via GISwas used to reduce the uncertainty. Four steps were performed to receive this aim. In step 1, the values of nine indices used for agricultural water quality classification were calculated based on chemical analysis of 19 water samples in wet and dry seasons.In step 2, these indices were interpolated via ArcGIS 10.8 software. In the following, fuzzy membership functions (FMF) were used for the standardization of parameters in step 3. Finally, in step 4, foraggregation of the indices, several fuzzy overlay operations were used. Eventually, to identify the most accurate overlay operation,the correlations between the fuzzy memberships and operation maps were used.The results showed that the sum of absolute values for correlations (SAVC) in the dry season is higher than in the wet season.The results also showed that the "GAMMA 0.9" and"GAMMA 0.95"withthe highest SAVCare the bestoverlay operations in dry and wet seasons, respectively. According to the best operation maps, only a small southeast area has"good" groundwater quality for IWin both dry and wet seasons.
WITHDRAWN: Trajectory Tracking of A Mobile Robot Using Adaptive Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Rostami Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini , Hosseinabadi Fatemeh Jahangiri , yu Xiaofeng , zhang Jingyu , shi Heyuan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a control system for a mobile four-wheeled robot is designed, whose task is to create stability and achieve proper performance in the execution of commands. Due to the nonlinear and time-varying dynamics, structural and parametric uncertainties of this robot, various control approaches are used in order to achieve stability, proper performance and minimize the effect of uncertainties and modeling errors, etc. The purpose of the control here is to follow a predetermined trajectory by adjusting linear and angular velocities in the presence of external disturbances and parametric uncertainty.In previous articles, the upper band of uncertainties has been assumed known. In this paper, and given that in practice, in many cases it is not possible to know the extent of uncertainties and disturbances in robotic systems, we have assumed that this upper band is unknown. Therefore, the sliding mode control law designed in the paper has been generalized and proved its stability so that by adding an adaptive part to the controller and converting it into a robust-adaptive sliding mode control, the upper band uncertainties are estimated online using these adaptive laws. The results of this typology are expressed in a separate theorem and proved to be stable. The results of simulation with MATLAB software show that the proposed controller ensures optimal performance under external disturbances and parametric uncertainty with less fluctuations.
Optimization of Parameters of Plastic Lined Pump Structural Based on Fluidsolid Coupling Analysis
Authors: Xiong Lei , Tang Lingfeng , Xu Bingxue 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The main objective of the present article was to obtain the optimum structure of the plastic lined pump under the condition of fluid-structure interaction. The structural parameters of the pump were calculated according to the given design parameters. The three-dimensional geometric model was established. The flow field analysis was carried out by CFD. The inlet diameter 𝐷𝑗 , outlet width 𝑏2, vane outlet angle 𝛽2 and vane number 𝑍 of the impeller were selected as the four factors to design orthogonal experiment. The results were analyzed by range analysis. The efficiency and NPSH were obtained as combined parameters under the evaluation index. The genetic algorithm was used to optimize its structural parameters, and the best structural combination parameters of the plastic-lined pump under the conditions of maximum efficiency and minimum cavitation were obtained. The efficiency was increased by 2.78% and the NPSH was reduced by 0.249707 after optimization. Finally, the stress distribution and displacement deformation under the condition of the coupling field were obtained by the fluidsolid coupling analysis. The maximum stress was 4.83mpa and the maximum displacement deformation was 3.1547e-5m.
Gene Signatures And Cancer-Immune Phenotypes Based On m6A Regulators In Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Guanghui , An Junhua , Pu Qian , Geng Wenwen , Song Haiyun , Zhao Qianqian , Gao Haidong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been considered as a new layer of epitranscriptomic regulation on mRNA processing, stability and translation. However, potential roles of m6A RNA methylation modification in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of breast cancer are yet fully understood.Methods: We comprehensively evaluated the genetic variations and transcript expressions of 15 m6A regulators, and clinicopathological features in 1,079 breast cancer samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The mRNA and protein levels of several m6A regulators were validated by RT-qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry staining in clinical samples from 39 patients with breast cancer. The prognostic values of m6A regulators were systematically evaluated in different database. We correlated the m6A modification patterns of breast cancer with the immune microenvironment and cancer-immune phenotypes. The m6A regulators-related gene signatures were also analyzed to predict the survival of patients.Results: Some m6A regulators’ CNV events might be potential biomarkers for patient’s stage and prognosis in breast cancer. Major regulators had significantly differential mRNA and protein expression in tumor tissue compared to normal samples among different molecular subtypes of breast cancer, and especially high expression of m6A readers YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 predicted poor survival. Two clusters of breast cancer patients identified by the 15 m6A regulators’ pattern showed distinct overall survival, immune activation status and immune cell infiltration. The profiles of these two clusters accorded with that of two classical cancer-immune phenotypes, immune-excluded and immune-inflamed phenotypes. Moreover, the m6A phenotype-related gene signatures could also be survival predictor in breast cancer.Conclusions: The m6A regulators-based patterns might serve as crucial mediators of TIME in breast cancer. Comprehensive evaluation of tumor m6A modification pattern will contribute to enhance our understanding of the characterization of immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment and promote the responsiveness of breast cancer to immunotherapy.
Quality of Pre-Service Midwifery Education in Public and Private Midwifery Schools in Afghanistan: A Cross Sectional Survey
Authors: Manalai Partamin , Currie Sheena , Jafari Massoma , Ansari Nasratullah , Tappis Hannah , Atiqzai Faridullah , Kim Young Mi , Roosmalen Jos , Stekelenburg Jelle 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Midwives are the key skilled birth attendants in Afghanistan. Rapid assessment of public and private midwifery education schools was conducted in 2017 to examine compliance with national educational standards. Aim was to assess midwifery education to inform Afghanistan Nurses and Midwives Council and other stakeholders priorities for improving quality of midwifery education.
Methods
A cross-sectional assessment was conducted from September 12–December 17, 2017, using a modified Midwifery Education Rapid Assessment Tool to assess education quality aspects related to infrastructure, management, teachers, preceptors, clinical practice sites, curriculum and students in 29 midwifery schools. A purposive sample of six Institute of Health Sciences schools, seven Community Midwifery Education schools and 16 private midwifery schools was used. Participants were midwifery school staff, students and clinical preceptors.
Results
Libraries were available in 28/29 (97%) schools, active skills labs in 20/29 (69%), childbirth simulators in 17/29 (59%) and newborn resuscitation models in 28/29 (97%). School managers were midwives in 21/29 (72%) schools. Median numbers of students per teacher and students per preceptor were 8 (range 2–50) and 6 (range 2–20). There were insufficient numbers of teachers practicing midwifery (132/163; 81%), trained in teaching skills (113/163; 69%) and trained in emergency obstetric and newborn care (88/163; 54%). There was an average of 13 students at clinical sites in each shift. Students managed an average of 15 births independently during their training, while 40 births are required. Twenty-four percent (7/29) of schools used the national 2015 curriculum alone or combined with an older one. Ninety-one percent (633/697) of students reported access to clinical sites and skills labs. Students mentioned, however, insufficient clinical practice, lack of education materials, transport facilities and disrespect from school teachers, preceptors and clinical site providers as challenges.
Conclusions
Positive findings included availability of required infrastructure, amenities, approved curricula in 7 of the 29 midwifery schools, appropriate clinical sites and students’ commitment to work as midwives upon graduation. Gaps identified were use of different often outdated curricula, inadequate clinical practice, underqualified teachers and preceptors and failure to graduate all students with sufficient skills such as independently having supported 40 births.
Association Between Acute Phase Reactants (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) and the Genotype of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) in Patients and Healthy Controls
Authors: Jarjour Rami A. , Zarzour Wafika 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder mainly common in Arabs, Non-Ashkenazi Jews, Armenians and Turks. The classical clinical features include painful attacks and recurrent acute fever with periods of remission. Results: This study was carried out on 101 clinically diagnosed Syrian FMF patients, in addition to 107 apparently healthy controls. Twelve mutations in the gene locus of MEFV were detected using reverse hybridization and the M694V mutation was found to be the most common in Syrian patients. This study showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups when comparing the levels of the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for the two groups of patients and healthy controls. However, this study did not show a relationship between genotype of MEFV mutations and hs-CRP titers and ESR in these patients, as well as the absence of a strong relationship between the M694V mutation and hs-CRP titers and ESR. Conclusion: These data indicate the importance of hs-CRP titers and ESR in patients with familial Mediterranean fever when diagnosing the disease, before starting treatment and in attack-free periods, which may give us an idea about the severity of the disease.
Analysis of the Expression of Cathepsin S in Gastric Adenocarcinoma and in Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Authors: Costa Adriano , Santa-Cruz Fernando , Araújo Raphael , Leitão Glauber , Figueiredo José-Luiz , Ferraz Álvaro 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: recent experimental studies have shown a potential link between cathepsin S (CTTS) and gastric cancer progression. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the expression of CTTS in gastric adenocarcinoma.Methods: Cross-sectional study that included two groups, gastric adenocarcinoma (n=42) and gastritis (n=50). The gastritis group was then subdivided into H. pylori positive (n=25) x negative (n=25). Gastric tissue samples were analyzed in order to determine the CTTS expression through immunohistochemistry. Results: In patients with gastritis, the age ranged from 18 to 78 years. Among them, 34% were male, and 66% were female. In patients with gastric cancer, the age ranged from 37 to 85 years. Among them, 50% were male, and 50% were female. When comparing the expression of CTTS between the two groups, only 16% of the gastritis samples had an expression higher than 25%. On the other hand, among patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, 19% had expression between 25-50%, 14.3% between 51-75%, and 26.2% had expressions higher than 75% (p < 0.001). CTTS expression was significantly higher in patients with positive test for H. pylori: 87.5% x 38.5% (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant association between the positivity of CTTS and the clinical-pathological variables, including tumor staging, histological type, angiolymphatic invasion, recurrence, current status and death.Conclusion: CTTS has a higher expression in samples of gastric adenocarcinoma. Patients with gastritis by H. pylori also show a higher expression of CTTS compared with patients with negative results for this bacterium.
Responses to Incremental Exercise and the Impact of the Coexistence of HF and COPD on Exercise Capacity: A Follow-up Study
Authors: Santos Polliana B. Dos , Simões Rodrigo P. , Goulart Cassia L. , Arêas Guilherme P. T. , Marinho Renan S. , Camargo Patrícia F. , Roscani Meliza G. , Arbex Renata F. , Oliveira Cláudio R. , Mendes Renata G. , Arena Ross , Borghi-silva Audrey 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Aim: Our aim was to evaluate: 1) the prevalence of coexistence of heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the studied population; 2) the impact of HF+COPD on exercise performance and contrasting exercise responses in patients with only a diagnosis of HF or COPD; and 3) the relationship between clinical characteristics and measures of cardiorespiratory fitness; 4) verify the occurrence of cardiopulmonary events in the follow-up period of up to 24 months years.Methods: The current study included 124 patients (HF:46, COPD: 53 and HF+COPD:25) that performed advanced pulmonary function tests, echocardiography, analysis of body composition by bioimpedance and symptom-limited incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a cycle ergometer. All patients were contacted by telephone every 6 months and questioned about exacerbations, hospitalizations for cardiopulmonary causes and death. Results: We found a 20% prevalence of HF + COPD overlap in the studied population. Patients with HF+COPD demonstrated a lower work rate (WR), peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2), rate pressure product (RPP), circulatory power (CP) and ventilatory power (VP) compared to those only diagnosed with HF and COPD. In addition, significant correlations were observed between lean mass and peak V̇O2 (r: 0.56 p< 0.001), the oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) (r: 0.42 p<0.001), and O2 pulse (r: 0.58 p<0.001), lung diffusing factor for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and WR (r: 0.51 p< 0.001), DLCO and VP (r: 0.40 p: 0.002), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) and peak V̇O2 (r: 0.52; p< 0.001), and FEV1 and WR (r: 0.62; p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of events and deaths contrasting both groups.Conclusion: the coexistence of HF+COPD induces greater impairment on exercise performance when compared to patients without overlapping diseases, however the overlap of the two diseases did not increase the probability of the occurrence of cardiopulmonary events and deaths when compared to groups with isolated diseases in the period studied. CPET provides important information to guide effective strategies for these patients with the goal of improving exercise performance and functional capacity. Moreover, given our findings related to pulmonary function, body composition and exercise responses, evidenced that the lean mass, FEV1 and DLCO influence important responses to exercise.
Antineoplastic Activity of Products Derived From Cellulose-containing Materials: Study of Levoglucosenone and Structurally-related Analogous as New Alternatives for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Delbart Damian Ignacio , Giri German Francisco , Cammarata Agostina , Bareño Lizeth Ariza , Amigo Natalia Loreley , Bechis Andres , Suarez Alejandra Graciela , Spanevello Rolando Angel , Todaro Laura Beatriz , Urtreger Alejandro 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. For this reason, the development of new therapies is still essential. In this work we have analyzed the antitumor potential of levoglucosenone, a chiral building block derived from glucose, and three structurally related analogues obtained from soybean hulls pyrolysis.Methods: Employing human and murine mammary cancer models, we have evaluated the effect of our compounds on cell viability through MTS assay, apoptosis induction by acridine orange / ethidium bromide staining and/or flow cytometry and the loss of mitochondrial potential by tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester staining. Autophagy and senescence induction were also evaluated by Western blot and β-galactosidase activity respectively. Secreted metalloproteases activity was determined by quantitative zymography. Migratory capacity was assessed by wound healing assays while invasive potential was analyzed using Matrigel-coated transwell chambers. In vivo studies were also performed to evaluate subcutaneous tumor growth and experimental lung colonization.Results: Apoptosis was identified as the main mechanism responsible for the reduction of monolayer cell content induced by the compounds without detecting modulations of autophagy or senescence processes. Two of the four compounds were able to modulate in vitro events associated with tumor progression, such as migratory potential, invasiveness, and proteases secretion. Furthermore, tumor volume and metastatic spread were significantly reduced in vivo after treatment with the compounds.Conclusion: We could obtain from soybean hulls, a material with almost no commercial value, a variety of chemical compounds useful for breast cancer treatment.
Non-Syndromic Cleft Palate and Transverse Limb Deficiency Segregating in a Family of Dogs
Authors: Fyfe John Corwin , Mahmood Abdullah , Hix Jeremy , Stanley Bryden J. , Schutte Brian C. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Oro-facial clefts are one of the most common birth defects in humans, most are non-syndromic, and few have established molecular diagnoses. Here we report the morphology and genetic transmission of isolated cleft palate in a naturally occurring dog model. Palate morphology was evaluated grossly, by microcomputed tomography, and by histologic examination of serial coronal sections. In repeated matings of a clinically normal sire/dam pair, 18% (12/68) of live-born pups had full-length cleft of the secondary palate with no other abnormalities. At the gestational stage of normal palate fusion, palate shelves of affected fetuses were above the tongue but did not meet at midline. Mandibles were normal, and oral epithelium and periderm were intact. Genetic transmission was determined in experimental backcross matings of surgically repaired affected dogs with a normal parent, which produced 20 cleft, 11 male and 9 female, and 24 normal-palate pups. Furthermore, all offspring of matings between affected dogs had cleft palate. These data were as expected under the hypothesis of autosomal recessive transmission of the cleft palate trait ([1 df, N = 44] Χ2 = 0.36, p = 0.55). About half of cleft offspring produced in backcross matings of which the dam had cleft palate, also exhibited various transverse limb deficiencies. No limb deficiencies occurred in backcross offspring of a dam with normal palate, suggesting a possible maternal effect. This dog family constitutes a large animal model of non-syndromic isolated cleft palate coincident with developmental limb deficiency.
Exploring marine resources against neurological disorders– the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential of the brown seaweed Bifurcaria bifurcata
Authors: Silva Joana , Alves Celso , Susano Patricia , Martins Alice , Pinteus Susete , Gaspar Helena , Alfonso Amparo , Pedrosa Rui 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Oxidative stress is strongly involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson´s disease (PD). Particularly, an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) released by the cells promotes an oxidative stress condition, which is a main cause of tissue injury leading to nervous system dysfunction. In this work, the antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of different fractions from Bifurcaria bifurcata are presented and related with their chemical profile. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Neuroprotective capacity was evaluated to prevent neurological cell death mediated by the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on SH-SY5Y cells, and their anti-inflammatory effects on RAW 264.7 macrophages. Regarding results, ethyl acetate fractions (100 µg/mL) exhibited significant antioxidant and neuroprotective activities in the in vitro models assayed. Furthermore, two of the most polar fractions obtained with methanol and water, also evidenced a significant neuroprotective potential. B. bifurcata fractions treatment decreased ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and Caspase-3 activity. Regarding the anti-inflammatory potential, five fractions (100 µg/mL) inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and reduced the interleukin – 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels. Mannitol, identified as the major component of the most bioactive fraction, protected SH-SY5Y cells against the 6-OHDA neurotoxicity mediating ROS generation mitigation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage, together with the Caspase-3 activity inhibition. Results suggest that B. bifurcata is a relevant source of neuroprotective agents, with particular interest for preventive therapeutics.