bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational probing of Nigella sativa bioactive metabolites against chikungunya nsP2 cysteine protease
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Choudhir Gourav , Y Vimala , Joshi Nidhi , Tiwari Abhay , Singh Garima
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim:
Instances of chikungunya reported throughout the world in the past two decades of the present century. There is a lack of effective medicine or vaccine for chikungunya treatment. Non-structural protein, the nsP2 cysteine protease (nsP2pro) is an attractive target for inhibitors. It is a key enzyme for proteolytic cleavage of polyprotein precursors and produces functional proteins for replication and multiplication of the virus. Bioactive metabolites from Nigella sativa L; a popular spice and well-known medicinal plant, were selected for the current study against nsP2pro to search for potent non-toxic natural inhibitors of nsP2pro.
Experimental procedure:
Out of 54 bioactive metabolites from N. sativa 27 qualified drug likeliness properties. Virtual screening of 27 selected molecules was performed using AutoDock Vina. Top four molecules Kaempferol, (-)-Epicatechin, (+)-Catechin, and Apigenin with the least binding energy were taken for molecular docking employing AUTODOCK4. These metabolites were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation and MMPBSA, and the resilience of protein-ligand complexes had been assessed in terms of RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, and hydrogen bonding.
Results and Conclusions:
Drug likeliness, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation properties, and MMPBSA analyses made clear that Kaempferol, (-)- Epicatechin, (+)- Catechin, and Apigenin all seem to be potential nsP2pro potent inhibitors and strong candidates for chikungunya virus drug development.
A Case of Transverse Myelitis Secondary to COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Borra Rahul , Patel Neal , Shaikh Raheel , Parmar Mayur , Borra Sujatha
Published: July 2022

Infection with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with a variety of generalized and specific symptoms, including neurological complications of both the peripheral and central nervous system. In this case report, we present the case of a previously healthy 55-year-old woman who was diagnosed with transverse myelitis following a previous infection with COVID-19. Her initial presenting symptoms were numbness and tingling of the abdomen, neurogenic bladder, hyperreflexia of the bilateral lower extremities, positive Babinski sign, sensory decrement to pin prick below T5 dermatome, and generalized weakness over the previous 20 days with slow progression caudally into the bilateral lower extremities that resulted in difficulties ambulating. She had no symptoms of the upper extremities or face and denied ever previously experiencing similar symptoms. MRI showed progressive demyelination of the cervical, and thoracic spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed increased levels of protein and red blood cells and no markers of infection, including negative PCR for COVID-19 antibodies. The patient was treated with a course of methylprednisolone, multiple treatments of plasmapheresis, and ongoing treatment with rituximab, all of which were well-tolerated. She was instructed to follow-up with her primary care physician 5–7 days after hospital discharge.
The temperature and light-dependent molecular dynamic investigation on foxtail millet’s blast effector APikL2A/sHMA25
Authors: Zhao Ling , Zhang Ting , Luo Yanjie , Li Lin , Cheng Ruhong , Shi Zhigang , Wang Genping , Ren Tiancong
Published: July 2022

Magnaporthe oryzae is the causal agent of rice blast. Understanding the abiotic stress influence on the resistance possess is benefit to regulate the disease. Here, effects of thermal and light (oscillating electric field) on the complex of Magnaporthe oryzae effector APikL2A/sHMA25 from foxtail millet had been investigated by molecular dynamic (MD) simulations using Gromacs package. The structure of APikL2A/sHMA25 were relatively stable within a temperature range from 290 K (16.85°C) to 320 K (46.85°C), and a slightly higher surface area was observed at higher temperature. In contrary, we found that the oscillating electric fields had a notable influence on the structure of APikL2A/sHMA25, and destructive effects could be detected at a field intensity about 0.5 V/nm. Alpha-helix structures were the least stable under oscillating electric fields, because of the existence of their dipole moment, while beta-sheet was quite be stable in the oscillating electric fields.
Contrasting changes of snowfall in response to Temperature and Rainfall over two distinct geographic ranges of the Himalayas: A study using long-term observations
Authors: Kandula Subrahmanyam , J Srinivasulu , Kumar Prashnat , MVR Sesh Sai
Published: July 2022

Snow is a major source of water and its monitoring is important for hydrological applications. It provides a large amount of meltwater to various rivers such as Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra in the Himalayan region. Significant changes in snowfall variability play a pivotal role in climate as well as socioeconomic development. The present study investigates the temporal variability of snowfall, temperature and rainfall over Nubra (Latitude: 34.53o-35.67o N; Longitude: 76.75o-77.81o E) and Bhagirathi (Latitude: 30.33o-31.45o N; Longitude: 78.15o-79.47o E) basins in the Himalayan region using 30 years of data (1991–2020). The High Asia Reanalysis (HAR) and Climatic Research Unit (CRU) data were used to study the snowfall and maximum temperature variabilities respectively over the study basins. For rainfall, gridded rainfall data from India Meteorological Department is used. We have studied the annual and monthly variability of daily snowfall, temperature and rainfall over the two basins. Our analysis shows the declining trend (-2 mm/decade) of snowfall over the Nubra basin and slight increasing trend (0.12 mm/decade) in Bhagirathi basin from 2004. The monthly time series in maximum temperature anomaly shows a positive trend with a maximum anomaly found to be around 2K during the winter period. From the rainfall analysis, an increasing trend in annual rainfall is observed, especially Nubra basin show notable increase. Further, warming of the troposphere is found to be ~ 2–3 K, which is another important factor for reduction in snowfall. Thus positive trends in maximum temperature, rainfall and warming troposphere are the controlling factors for the declining (increasing) trend in snowfall over the Nubra (Bhagirathi) basins. Further, we have carried out the WRF simulation for the time series of snowfall. Thus, the present study shows simultaneous changes in snowfall, temperature and rainfall over the Himalayan region and assumes importance in climatic applications.
Prevalence and determinants of hyperuricemia in multi-ethnic Belgian population of inner-city living children and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Nauwynck Elise , Vanbesien Jesse , Staels Willem , Verheyden Stephanie , Rutteman Bart , Weets Ilse , De Schepper Jean , Gies Inge
Published: July 2022

Background
Hyperuricemia in childhood obesity associates variably with distinct components of the metabolic syndrome. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperuricemia in an ethnically diverse pediatric obese population in Brussels using age and sex-specific serum uric acid (SUA) reference ranges.
Methods
We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from overweight/obese children at Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel between 2013 and 2017. Hyperuricemia was defined by a SUA above the assay specific and age and gender defined reference range.
Results
Among 388 children and adolescents, 9% were overweight, 16.2% had class I obesity, 27.8% had class II obesity and 46.9% had class III obesity. Median SUA was 4.8 mg/dL, with 20.6% patients showing an elevated SUA. Degree of general and central obesity, pubertal status, gender, descent and the presence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance were not significantly different between those with and without hyperuricemia. Median waist-to-height ratio, serum triglycerides and insulin resistance were significantly higher in Turkish children compared to children of other descent.
Conclusion
Hyperuricemia was not associated with age, ethnicity, severity of global/central obesity, metabolic syndrome or its components. Future studies should focus on investigating the association with diet composition, obesity duration and the eventual risk for cardiovascular complications.
Assessment tools for evaluating empathy in health professions students: A systematic review
Authors: Girotto Leticia Cabrini , Moreira Roberta de Fatima Carreira , Esteves Adriana , Tempski Patricia Zen
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Empathy is a complex construct that can be understood as the ability to appreciate and respond to an affective experience of another person. It is one of the main competencies in health professionals training due to its relevance in professional-patient relationship. There are several assessment tools for evaluating empathy, with currently no consensus on which would be more appropriate. Objective: To identify, systematically evaluate and summarize information available in literature regarding assessment tools for evaluating empathy in health professions undergraduate students. Method: Up to April 2020 PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Lilacs, Scopus and ERIC and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify primary studies which aimed to assess empathy in undergraduate health professions students. Included studies were categorized according to the empathy assessment tool used. Results: Were identified 776 studies and 55 were included. The assessed population included 21,820 students, 97.58% of whom were registered on medicine course. Jefferson Scale of Empathy (72.72%) and Interpersonal Reactivity Index (18.18%) were identified as the main questionnaires used to assess empathy. Conclusion: There was an increase in the number of publications involving the assessment of empathy in the last decade. Most of the studies identified focus on undergraduate medical courses from developed countries, and the instrument most used to assess empathy was the Jefferson Scale of Empathy.
A green synthetic method for co(ii,iii) oxide nanoparticles with high surface activity.
Authors: Absalan Yahya , Alabada Rusul , Razavi Mohammad Reza , Gholizadeh Mostafa , Kovalchukovac Olga
Published: July 2022

An environmentally friendly method is proposed to isolate Co3O4 nanoparticles with high surface activity. Instead of usual organic solvents, three different natural sugars, including glycogen, sucrose, and glucose are used for the first time as templates, and water as a green solvent, is used in all the steps. The crystallite sizes of the samples are 22.61 nm, 36.22 nm, and 30.093 nm for glucose, glycogen, and sucrose templates, respectively. The adsorption-desorption isotherms for all the samples match with IV type, which show a strong interaction between adsorbent and adsorbed sample. The pores of compounds obtained from glucose and glycogen templates, with H4 hysteresis, are slits and conical in the case of sucrose. The pore diameters are found in the interval 1.21–1.64 nm. The result illustrates a simple method with high novelty which can produce a variety of nanoparticles with a very large surface activity that can be used in different industries.
Quality of Life Experiences in Siblings of Children with Cancer: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Mirzaie¹ Mahshid , Bolourchifard Fariba , Rohani Camelia
Published: July 2022

Background
Having a child with cancer in the family can be a stressful, unpredictable and uncontrollable experience. This stressful condition brings about changing in the family structure, communications, values and roles and disrupt family members’ quality of life (QoL), especially siblings. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of QoL in the siblings of children with cancer.
Methods
This is a qualitative content analysis study which was conducted from October 2020 to April 2021. The participants included 17 siblings of children with cancer in the oncology wards, four parents and four nurses who were selected through purposive sampling from four pediatric university hospitals in Tehran-Iran. The data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and were analysed through conventional content analysis method by MAXQDA version 2019. To check the rigor of the study, several approach were used, including member and external checks, maximum variation, in-depth data analysis and accurate recording and transcribing.
Results
Five themes, 11 categories, 26 subcategories and 345 codes were obtained from the data. Based on the participants’ experiences, five dimensions of QoL were extracted for siblings of children with cancer, namely “individual function", "effort to improve the situation", "psycho-emotional function", "family function" and "individual health".
Conclusions
The experiences of our participants clarified various dimensions of the multidimensional concept of QoL in siblings of children with cancer. It can be a platform for further research, development of specific scale and planning interventional studies.
Halved dose of antipsychotics versus symptomatic treatment for relapse in patients with schizophrenia receiving high-dose antipsychotic therapy: a randomized single-blind trial
Authors: Ataniya Ryota , Koike Ken , Inamoto Atsuko
Published: July 2022

Background: There are limited treatments for relapse in patients with schizophrenia receiving high-dose antipsychotic therapy. It is thought that striatal dopamine (DA) transmission and DA functioning have an inverted U-shaped relationship wherein halving or rapidly decreasing the dose of antipsychotics results in excessive DA transmission, which reduces DA function-relation behavior, such as inappropriate behavior, and might improve relapse.Methods/Design: This is an interventional, parallel-group, randomized (1:1 ratio), investigator sponsored, and two-arm study conducted in psychiatric ward of Edogawa Hospital, Japan. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that halving the antipsychotic dose in patients with schizophrenia who received a high-dose antipsychotic therapy and have relapsed contributes to the relapse improvement. This study included 54 inpatients with schizophrenia who were receiving high-dose antipsychotic therapy. They were randomly allocated to the halved dose or symptomatic treatment group and administered halved dose of antipsychotics or symptomatic treatment, respectively, upon relapse, and the period until remission was compared between the patients in the two groups.Results: Relapse occurred in 14 patients in the halved dose treatment group and 15 patients in the symptomatic treatment group, all of whom underwent remission. The period until relapse symptom improvement was 1–3 weeks in the halved dose treatment group and 4–9 weeks in the symptomatic treatment group, and a significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of survival period using Kaplan–Meier analysis (p < 0.001). Adverse events were mild, and there were fewer adverse events in the half-dose treatment group than in the symptomatic treatment group.Conclusions: To treat relapse in patients with schizophrenia receiving high-dose antipsychotic therapy, halving the antipsychotic dose can reduce the treatment period compared with that of symptomatic treatment.Trial registration: UMIN000047785 retrospectively registered on 18/05/2022
Evaluation of meteorological drought indices using meteorological datasets
Authors: Ahmadi mojgan , Etedali Hadi Ramezani , Kaviani Abbas , Tavakkoli Alireza
Published: July 2022

Drought indices are a suitable tool for management measures and dealing with the phenomenon of drought and are widely used worldwide. In this study, the drought indices of the SPI, CZI, ZSI, and MCZI in different monthly periods (1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 48) and the DI and PNI in different monthly, seasonal and annual periods in Kurdistan Province (stations Saqqez, Qorveh, Bijar, Sanandaj) were evaluated. GLDAS and CRU precipitation data for 2000–2000 and TRMM precipitation for 2000–2000 were received, and the drought indices were calculated. RMSE, ME and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were used for evaluation. The results of the SPI index showed that there is a significant relationship between TRMM, CRU and GLDAS at the Saqqez, Qorveh and Sanandaj stations (at the 5% level), and there is no significant relationship for TRMM at Bijar station for the 24-month period. The correlation coefficient results for the Saqqez and Sanandaj stations in periods of 1 to 9 months for the SPI, CZI, ZSI, and MCZI indices were better than those of the Bijar and Qorveh stations. In assessing the SPI and CZI drought indices, the highest RMSE was for GLDAS at Bijar station and for the 48-month period. In general, the results showed that the drought indices of the SPI, CZI, ZSI, MCZI, DI and PNI obtained from the TRMM satellite, CRU dataset and GLDAS model have a good correlation with the drought indices of synoptic stations.
Midwives supporting the development of the mother-infant relationship from pregnancy to six weeks after birth: a scoping review.
Authors: Stoodley Cathy , McKellar Lois , Ziaian Tahereh , Steen Mary , Fereday Jennifer , Gwilt Ian
Published: July 2022

Background: The mother-infant relationship is complex and dynamic, informing the psychological development of the infant through bonding and attachment. Positive early interactions influence the quality of this relationship. Midwives are well placed to support the developing relationship between the mother and baby, yet there has been limited research exploring the role of the midwife in this context.Aim: To explore interventions that have been provided by the midwife which support the development of the maternal-fetal or mother-infant relationship amongst a low-risk population from pregnancy, and up to six weeks postnatal. The review also sought to understand the type of interventions developed, format and delivery, and outcomes measured and if cultural considerations had been incorporated. Methods: A scoping review of the research literature was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. Five online databases were searched for relevant articles published in English from 2000-2021. Findings: Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged: (1) viewing the fetus as separate from the mother, (2) focused activities on the maternal-infant relationship and (3) targeted educational interventions.Discussion: Providing focussed activities and targeted education during the pre and postpartum periods supports the development of the mother-infant relationship. Significantly, there was insufficient research that considered the influence of culture in supporting the mother-infant relationship.Conclusion: Further research is required to develop interventions that are culturally appropriate and can be integrated into care during pregnancy and/or postpartum provided by midwives.
Regeneration of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) via somatic embryogenesis and screening of clones for agronomic traits
Authors: Ali Sarah , Raza Saboohi , Shahzad Saleem , Batool Tuba Sharf , Abdullah Aasma , Hameed Naveed , Manzoor Asad
Published: July 2022

Chrysanthemum morifolium propagation using conventional method of stem cutting produces weak plants and showed delayed anthesis above 20°C with reduced flower diameter. Therefore, in the present study chrysanthemum plantlets were produced through somatic embryogenic calli to exploit the somaclonal variation for its improvement. Various explants of variety Dante yellow were cultured on LS (Linsmaier and Skoog 1965) medium augmented with various concentrations of KT (Kinetin) and 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and their combinations for callus induction. Embryogenic calli were proliferated and regenerated by using different plant growth regulators. Regenerated plantlets were acclimatized and evaluated for agronomic characteristics and compared with mother plant in a replicated field trial. Results revealed that young leaf explant cultured on LS medium containing 9.02 µM 2,4-D and 11.61 µM KT gave an ample amount of callus. Combination of 0.44 µM BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) and 5.37 µM NAA (1-naphthaleneacetic acid) yielded highest amount of callus proliferation (0.27g ± 0.03). Significant amount of shootlets (25 ± 0.8) from embryogenic callus was observed on the medium augmented with 0.45 µM 2, 4-D. During the field experiment, Clone S84 showed considerable improvement in flower size as compare to mother plant and found to be a promising clone for commercialization.
Structure and diversity of intestinal methanogens in grass carp and black carp
Authors: Long Chengxing , Wu Jieqi , Liu Jialin , Tan Zhoujin , Li Wenge
Published: July 2022

The current study aimed to explore the community characteristics of methanogens in the intestinal tract of grass carp and black carp, and their correlation with methanogens in cultured water. Samples of grass carp, black carp and cultured water in a pond were collected in Spring 2021. Based on LIIumina HiSeq 2500 high-throughput sequencing platform, the metagenomic mcrA gene sequences of grass carp, black carp and cultured water samples were determined and analyzed. The results showed that the richness and diversity of methanogens in the intestinal tract of grass carp and black carp were highly correlated with the cultured water. A total of 5 bacteria genera were detected in the three groups of samples, Methanosarcina, Methanocorpusculum, Methanospirillum, Methanobacterium and Methanofollis, in which Methanosarcina and Methanocorpusculum were the dominant genera. In addition, Methanosarcina had the highest abundance in CY and Methanocorpusculum had the highest abundance in QY. In conclusion, Methanosarcina and Methanocorpusculum were the main methanogens in the intestinal tract of grass carp and black carp and culture water, and hydrolytic fermentative bacteria were its main metabolic substrate, hydrotrophic was its main metabolic pathway. The results will provide reference for the relationship between intestinal methanogens and aquaculture and greenhouse effect.
Maternal L‑glutamine supplementation during late gestation improves piglet birth weight and litter uniformity under commercial conditions.
Authors: Fonseca Leonardo Silva , Moreira Rennan Herculano Rufino , Palencia Jorge Yair Perez , Lanferdini Eloiza , Chaves Rhuan Filipe , Junior Sudário Roberto Silva , Gomes Thalles Ribeiro , Araújo Lina Raquel Santos , Levesque Crystal Lynette , Abreu Márvio Lobão Teixeira
Published: July 2022

In order to assess the effects of glutamine (Gln) supplementation on sow and suckling offspring performance, eighty gestating multiparous sows were used in a completely randomized experimental design and a 2 × 2 experimental design in late gestation and lactation, respectively. Females were assigned to a control diet or a Gln-supplemented diet (1% of L-glutamine) from 85 days of gestation until farrowing. In lactation, dietary treatment groups were CON_C: without Gln supplementation; CON_G: Gln only during lactation; GLN_C: Gln only during gestation; GLN_ GLN: Gln during gestation and lactation. At d 105 of gestation, sows fed Gln supplemented diet had greater backfat thickness at point P1 (P = 0.039) and loin depth at point P2 (P = 0.099) than control sows. Litter born from Gln supplemented sows tended to be heavier at birth (P = 0.080) compared to control litters, reducing the probability of piglets weighing less than 1.5 kg. In addition, litters from supplemented sows had a lower standard deviation of BW at birth (P = 0.002). There were no effects of dietary treatments during lactation period. Maternal Gln supplementation during late gestation improved piglet weight and litter uniformity at birth without affecting sow body composition after farrowing.
Treatment of Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures with Percutaneous Screw Fixation at Key Points of the Calcaneus
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Ni Weidong , Huang Wei , Luo Gang
Published: July 2022

Background: Plate or screw fixation are usually the preferred surgical procedures for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs), but they are associated with many complications. We therefore attempted to treat DIACFs with percutaneous screw fixation at key points of the calcaneus and observed its efficacy.Methods: In this retrospective study, 30 patients (35 feet, 5 patients were bilateral) with DIACFs were rigorously screened. Using a homemade calcaneal distractor, reduction of fracture by percutaneous or sinus tarsi approach and screw fixation of the key points of the calcaneus. The visual analogous scale (VAS) score was utilized to evaluate the degree of walking pain, while the American Orthopaedic Foot & Anle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale and Maryland foot score were used to evaluate ankle-foot function and surgical effects.Results: All 30 patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 36 months. Postoperatively, one patient had a superficial infection of traction needle track, one patient had sural nerve injury, and all patients had no pain caused by screw irritation. Follow-up showed that all fractures healed without screw breakage and loss of fracture reduction. The height, length, width, Böhler angle and Gissane angle of the calcaneus were recovered well. All patients could walk normally; AOFAS score: 87.1±8.5 points, with an excellent and good rate of 88.6%; Maryland score: 85.2±9.4 points, with an excellent and good rate of 85.7%; and VAS score: 2.3±1.5 points.Conclusions: Percutaneous screw fixation at key points of the calcaneus is clinically effective in the treatment of DIACFs.
Demodulation of phase-modulated signals with small modulation index without digital noise limitation
Authors: Yu Mengwei , Schewe Marvin , Bauer Georg , Rembe Christian
Published: July 2022

In many communication and sensor applications, receivers digitize phase-modulated carrier signals directly by analog-to-digital converters. The obtained phase-modulated digital carrier signals are numerically demodulated in order to extract the relevant information. However, the limited dynamic range of the analog-to-digital converter may reduce the carrier-to-noise ratio of carrier signals after digitization. Correspondingly, the resolution of the demodulated digital signal is degraded. We demonstrate a sampling and demodulation scheme for phase-modulated signals with a small modulation index. Our new scheme overcomes the limitation due to digital noise defined by the analog-to-digital converter. Through simulations and experiments, we provide evidence that our method can improve the resolution of the demodulated digital signal, when the carrier-to-noise ratio of phase-modulated signals is limited by digital noise. Our proposed method is applicable, for example, to solve the problem of a possible degradation of measurement resolution after digital demodulation in heterodyne interferometers measuring small vibration amplitudes.
Multi Objective Simulation-Optimization Operation of Dam Reservoir in Low water Regions Based on Hedging Principles
Authors: Mansouri Sedighe , Fathian Hossein , Shahbazi Alireza Nikbakht , Lour Mehdi Asadi , Asareh Ali
Published: July 2022

The high level of reliability of water resources is always an advantage for consumers, but in arid and semi-arid regions where the inflow to the reservoir is faced with severe fluctuations, it makes sense to decrease the percentage of reliability of the system and allocate less water to consumuption zones to prevent critical conditions such as emptying of the reservoir. In this research, the employed operaton modelis based on the simulation-optimization combination, which by considering the objectives of minimizing the violation of the allowed capacity of the new reservoir and maximizing the percentage of supplying the demands, the optimal hedging variables are specified through the reservoir simulator link to the MOPSO multi-objective optimization algorithm. According to the available data, the duration of the simulation and optimization period in the model is 360 months. After 1000 iterations, the optimal reservoir volume values ​​are obtained at the hedging level and hedging coefficient in different months. Finally, the model results are compared with the results obtained from the standard operation policy (SOP). The results show that the proposed model is able to manage the allocation to needs in the dry months and prevent the tank from emptying. Also, by storing a part of the flow in the reservoir in watery months and consuming it in low water months, it increases the supply of needs by 20 to 35% and reduce the failure rate in dry months.
A novel DOA estimation method of antenna array under strong interference
Authors: Zuo Ming , Xie Shuguo
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the weak signal direction of arrival (DOA) estimation for an antenna array under strong interference signals, and a novel DOA estimation method is proposed for strong interference source suppression and weighted l1-norm sparse representation. The parallel adaptive beamforming algorithm based on power inversion is used to suppress strong interference and form a new array data, and the weighted matrix is determined according to the optimized subspace algorithm of the subspace projection. Then, the DOA estimation, which is calculated by weighted l1-norm sparse representation, is formed by the weighted matrix and new array data. In this paper, the superiority of proposed algorithm is illustrated by an example of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) video signal DOA estimation under strong interference signals. The simulated results of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal indicate that the proposed algorithm shows merits of less snapshots, sharper main lobe, lower average noise spectrum value, higher DOA estimation accuracy and success rate. For validation, an outdoor experiment was conducted, demonstrating that the proposed algorithm is superior to other algorithms and can be used for DOA estimation of UAV video signal under strong WiFi interferences. Both the simulations and experiments have verified the proposed algorithm can effectively suppress the strong interference and achieve better DOA estimation performance of weak signal.
Relationship between visuoperceptual functions and parietal structural abnormalities in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Fonseca Elena , Sarria-Estrada Silvana , Pareto Deborah , Turon Marc , Quintana Manuel , Santamarina Estevo , Abraira Laura , Tortajada Carlos , Rovira Àlex , Toledo Manuel
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Progressive gray matter volume reductions beyond the epileptogenic area has been described in temporal lobe epilepsy. There is less evidence regarding correlations between gray and white matter volume changes and multi-domain cognitive performance in this setting. We aimed to investigate correlations between volume changes in parietal structures and visuospatial performance in temporal lobe epilepsy patients.Methods: we performed a cross-sectional study comparing global and regional brain volume data from 34 temporal lobe epilepsy patients and 30 healthy controls. 3D T1-weighted sequences were obtained on a 3.0 T magnet, and data were analyzed using age and sex-adjusted linear regression models. Global and regional brain volumes and cortical thickness in patients were correlated with standardized visual memory, visuoperceptual, visuospatial, and visuoconstructive parameters obtained in a per-protocol neuropsychological assessment.Results: temporal lobe epilepsy patients had smaller volume fractions of the deep gray matter structures, putamen and nucleus accumbens, and larger cerebrospinal fluid volume fraction than controls. Patients had worse scores in visual memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functions. Correlations were found between: 1) visual memory and precuneus and inferior parietal cortical thickness; 2) visuoperceptual performance and precuneus and supramarginal white matter volumes; 3) visuospatial skills and precuneus, postcentral, and inferior and superior parietal white matter volumes; 4) visuoconstructive performance and inferior parietal white matter volume. Conclusion: Brain volume loss is widespread in temporal lobe epilepsy. Volumetric reductions in parietal lobe structures were associated with visuoperceptual cognitive performance.
Popular Machine Learning Methods Tend to Over-Select Features
Authors: Liu Lu , Gao Junheng , Jung Sin-Ho , Beasley Georgia
Published: July 2022

Background: Machine learning methods have been a standard approach to select features that are associated with an outcome and build a prediction model when the number of candidate features is large. Lasso has been one of the most popular approaches to this end. LASSO approach selects features with large regression estimates, rather than based on statistical significance, associating the outcome, while imposing L1-norm penalty to overcome the high dimensionality of the candidate features. As a result, LASSO may select insignificant features while possibly missing significant ones. Furthermore, from our experience, LASSO has been found to select too many features. By selecting features that are not associated with the outcome, we may have to spend more cost to collect and manage them in the future use of a fitted prediction model. Using the combination of L1- and L2-norm penalties, elastic net tends to select more features than LASSO. Results: The overly selected features that are not associated with the outcome play the role of white noise, so that the fitted prediction model loses the prediction accuracy. In this paper, we propose to use the standard regression methods (without any penalizing approach) with stepwise variable selection procedure to overcome these issues. Unlike the machine learning methods, this method selects features based on statistical significance. Through extensive simulations, we show that this maximum likelihood estimation based method selects very small number of features while maintaining a high prediction power, while the machine learning methods make a large number of false selections to result in loss of prediction accuracy. Conclusions: Contrary to the machine learning methods, the regression methods combined with a stepwise variable selection method is a standard statistical method, so that any biostatistician can use it to analyze high dimensional data even without advanced bioinformatics knowledge.
Identification of an additional N-glycosylation site and Thermostable mutations within the Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase gene of the Newcastle disease virus belonging to the VII.1.1 subgenotype.
Authors: Allymehr Manoochehr , Babaeimarzangou Seyed Sajjad , Allymehr Manochehr , Molouki Aidin , Talebi Alireza , Mehrabadi Mohammad Hossein Fallah
Published: July 2022

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is considered one of the most devastating avian viral pathogenic agents, causing a tremendous economic burden to the poultry industry worldwide. The current study was conducted to gain deep insights into the molecular and phylogenetic analyses of the complete hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) coding region among NDV isolates. The collected samples, obtained from different parts of Iran from July 2017 to February 2020, were used for phylogenic analysis during this study. The results confirmed the VII.1.1, which was previously known as subgenotype VIIL, as the predominant subgenotype circulating in commercial broiler farms of Iran. Identification of (a) an additional N-glycosylation site at position 144 (NIS); (b) mutations S315P and I369V related to increasing the viral thermostability; (C) cysteine residues at positions 123; (d) amino acid substitutions in the HN antigenic sites, especially the mutations I514V and E347Q, as well as the other mutant within HN binding sites of the VII.1.1 subgenotype, seems to suggest the idea that this new subgenotype of NDV may possess a high level of pathogenicity and virulence among other NDV subgenotypes. Furthermore, the annual rate of change based on the HN gene of Iranian NDV was calculated at about 1.8088E-3 from 2011 to 2020. In conclusion, the results demonstrate an additional N-glycosylation site at position 144 (NIS), which may alter the virulence of the isolates. Besides, finding the thermostable mutations (S315P and I369V) and the other amino acid substitutions among the VII.1.1 subgenotype isolates may lead to vaccination failure against this new NDV subgenotype.
Lectin histochemistry of posterior lingual glands of developing rats
Authors: Harada Kazuma , Miki Koji , Tanaka Susumu , Kogo Mikihiko , Wakisaka Satoshi
Published: July 2022

The development of the posterior lingual glands, namely Weber’s and von Ebner’s glands, of rats was examined with respect to lectin histochemistry. Weber’s glands were fully developed by postnatal (PN) day 21. Mucous cells of the Weber’s glands were shown to bind dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) in adult rats, and soybean agglutinin (SBA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and peanut agglutinin (PNA) in the early developmental stage. The lectin-binding pattern in Weber’s glands of developing rats became identical to that of adult rats on PN day 21. von Ebner’s glands were fully developed around PN day 21. Matured taste buds were found on the circumvallate papillae on PN day 1. Serous cells of von Ebner’s glands were shown to bind SBA, WGA, and PNA in adult rats, and DBA in the developmental stage. The lectin-binding pattern in von Ebner’s glands of developing rats became almost identical to that of adult rats on PN day 21. The present findings indicate that the maturation of posterior lingual glands is closely associated with changes in food habit, and that the Weber’s gland functions as a serous gland in the early postnatal stage, while the von Ebner’s gland is not yet mature.
Impact of Sinorhizobium meliloti strains and plant population on regrowth and nodule regeneration of alfalfa after a freezing event
Authors: D’Amours Emmanuelle , Bertrand Annick , Cloutier Jean , Claessens Annie , Rocher Solen , Seguin Philippe
Published: July 2022

Purpose
The increase in frequency of freeze-thaw episodes with the diminution of snow cover protection due to climate change compromises the winter survival of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Symbiosis with cold-tolerant rhizobial strains can improve the ability of alfalfa to survive and grow under stressful conditions.
Methods
Six strains of Sinorhizobium (Ensifer) meliloti were tested in combination with two alfalfa populations bred to differ in their levels of freezing tolerance. Plants of each different combination were grown for eight weeks in a growth chamber before being exposed to temperatures promoting their acclimation to cold. Plants were then exposed to a freezing stress (-11ºC) and regrown for three weeks. Shoot, root and nodule biomass were measured before cold acclimation and three weeks after the freezing stress.
Results
After freezing stress, the alfalfa population A-TF7 had shoot and root biomasses that were respectively 19% and 15% larger than cultivar A-TF0. Alfalfa plants inoculated with strain NRG34 showed both a larger shoot biomass and a higher nodule dry weight than plants inoculated with any other strains. Assessment of freezing damages on nodules showed that plants inoculated with NRG34 had the largest proportion of undamaged nodules or of nodules with a regeneration zone.
Conclusion
This study shows for the first time a relationship between nodule and shoot regrowth after a freezing stress, the latter being linked with the proportion of nodules showing less freezing damage. Our results demonstrated that both the choice of alfalfa populations and S. meliloti strains adapted to stress are complementary to increasing alfalfa persistence.
Gender determination using data mining methods through measurements of ascender and descender parts of letters
Authors: ÖNER Dilara , KOCA Yasin , KUZUBAŞ Tuğba ÜLKER , KURTAŞ Ömer , DEMİR İbrahim , ÇETİN Gürsel
Published: July 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Er:YAG laser removal of zirconia crowns on titanium abutment of dental implants -- an in vitro study
Authors: Cai Pingping , Zhuo Yingying , Zheng Zhiqiang , Lin Jie
Published: July 2022

Background
This research aimed to explore feasibility and the time required when erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser as a non-invasive treatment modality to retrieve different thicknesses of zirconia material bonded by two dental cements from titanium implant abutments.
Methods
prepared 40 titanium blocks (length: 20 mm, width: 10 mm, height: 10 mm) and square zirconia sheets (length: 10 mm) with different thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm) were 20 pieces each. Resin modified glass ionomer cement (RXL2; RelyX Luting 2, 3M ESPE, USA), and resin cement (CSAL; Clearfil SA luting, Kuraray, Japan) were used to bond zirconia sheet and titanium block. Specimens were kept in 100% humidity for 48 hours. Er:YAG laser was used to retrieve the zirconia sheet and recorded the time. Universal testing machine was used to measure the residual adhesion of the samples that did not retrieve after 5 minutes of laser irradiation. Shear bond strength (MPa) and the time data (s) were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis Test. The bonding surface of the zirconia sheet was examined in a scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Results
Within 5 minutes of laser irradiation, RXL2 group: 1 mm group all fell off, 2 mm group 3 specimens did not fall off, there was no statistical difference in the average time between the two groups; CSAL group: half of the 1 mm group fell off. Shear bond strength test results: there was no statistical difference between 1mm and 2mm in RXL2 group and 1mm in CSAL group, there was no statistical difference between 3mm in RXL2 group and 2mm in CSAL group, and there were significant differences statistically in comparison between any two groups in the rest. SEM inspection showed that the 1mm and 2mm adhesive surfaces had obvious fracture points caused by laser.
Conclusion
From this in vitro study, the following could be concluded:it is faster to remove zirconia crowns from titanium abutment when luted with RelyX Luting 2 compared to Clearfil SA luting, and as the thickness of the restoration increases, the time required for gradually increases gradually.
The novel protein ADAMTS16 promotes gastric carcinogenesis by targeting IFI27 through the NF-κb signaling pathway
Authors: Li Tuoyang , Zhou Junyi , Jiang Yingming , Zhao Yandong , Huang Jintuan , Li Weiyao , Huang Zhenze , Chen Zijian , Tang Xiaocheng , Chen Hao , Yang Zuli
Published: July 2022

Background A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 16 (ADAMTS16) has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of solid cancers. However, its role in gastric cancer (GC) is unclear. In this study, the role of ADAMTS16 in gastric cancer was investigated.Methods The effects of ADAMTS16 on cell migration, invasion and proliferation were investigated by functional experiments in vivo and vitro. Targets of ADAMTS16 were identified using bioinformatics analysis co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis assays. The expression of ADAMTS16 in GC was analyzed in public datasets. The expression of ADAMTS16 and its correlations with the clinical characteristics of GC were investigated by immunohistochemistry.Results Ectopic ADAMTS16 expression significantly promoted tumor cell migration, invasion, and growth. Bioinformatics analysis and western blotting showed that ADAMTS16 upregulated the IFI27 protein through the NF-κb pathway, which was confirmed by immunofluorescence and western blot. Dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis identified a binding site between P65 and IFI27 that may be directly involved in the transcriptional regulation of IFI27. IFI27 knockdown reversed the promoting effect of ADAMTS16 on cell invasion,migration and proliferation indicating that ADAMTS16 acts on GC cells by targeting the NF-κb/IFI27 axis. ADAMTS16 was associated with poor prognosis in clinical characteristics.Conclusions ADAMTS16 promotes cell migration, invasion and proliferation by targeting IFI27 through the NF-κB pathway and is a potential progressive and survival biomarker of GC.
Serum SOD1 level predicts the severity and prognosis of community-acquired pneumonia patients
Authors: Xie Guo-Fang , Cheng Jia-Yi , Liu Ying , Sun Jing , Hua Dong-Xu , He Qi-Yuan , Yang Jing , Zhao Hui , Lu You-Jin , Fu Lin
Published: July 2022

Background: Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is one of the most important participants of antioxidant enzyme system in biological system. Previous studies have found that SOD1 is associated with many inflammatory diseases. The goal of this study was to assess the associations of serum SOD1 with the severity and prognosis in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients by a prospective cohort study. Methods: CAP patients were enrolled from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Peripheral blood samples were gathered. The level of serum SOD1 was detected through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical characteristics and demographic information were analyzed. Results: The level of serum SOD1 was gradually upregulated with elevated CAP severity scores. Spearman correlation coefficient or Pearson rank correlation analyses indicated that serum was strongly connected with many clinical parameters among CAP patients. Further logistic regression found that serum was positively associated with APACHE Ⅱ and CURB-65 scores among CAP patients. Moreover, serum higher SOD1 substantially increased the risks of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, vasoactive agent usage, death, and longer hospital stays during hospitalization. Conclusion: The level of serum SOD1 is positively associated with the severity and poor prognosis in CAP patients, suggesting that SOD1 is implicated in the initiation and progression of CAP. Serum SOD1 may be severed as a biomarker to appraise the severity and prognosis for CAP patients.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Emergency Communities. A survey on the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, South Western Uganda
Authors: Magezi Alex , Mairah Faith
Published: July 2022

Introduction
Even thought, a lot of funding has been injected in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), sadly, the area is still poorly addressed and unfulfilled. For the case of Kyaka II Refugee, little or no research is available on SRHR.
Purpose
This survey sought to find out the prevailing status of SRHR services, in the Kyaka II refugee settlement.
Methods
Using stratified sampling, primary data was collected from 117, females aged 12 to 60 years. 13 respondents were randomly picked from each of the 9 zones of the settlement.
Findings
The study found out low (20%) prevalence of; Sexual Health, Sexual Rights, Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights, in the refugee settlement.
Value/ Recommendation
This study is valuable to funders, policymakers and organizations responding to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in refugee communities. Therefore, more funding allocation, in the areas of SRHR in the settlement, is recommended by the study.