bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Millimeter Wave Propagation Characteristics in Indoor Office with Human Blockage at 73GHz Based on Ray Tracing Method
Authors: Adula Segni Merga , Diba Feyisa Debo , Gebrestadik Atli Lemma
Published: November 2022

The modification of current cellular networks, operating in ultra-high frequency (UHF) bands, to support high data rates with optimum coverage is leading to severe bandwidth congestion. As millimeter waves holding large unoccupied bandwidth are among the solutions, an investigation into the wideband characteristics of millimeter wave propagation is paramount. Results from such an investigation can be used for planning and designing indoor 5G wireless communication networks. The main objective of the paper was therefore to simulate and analyze the propagation characteristics of millimeter wave propagation in an indoor complex environment considering the geometry and motion of objects. Intelligent Ray Tracing (IRT) model was employed to predict wideband parameters that affect the propagation of millimeter waves on the second floor of Building-412 of Haramaya University. Propagation considered in this research was mainly from the direct path, single and two-times reflections, and diffraction from moving objects, walls, and indoor objects. The simulation results demonstrated that human shadows near receiver locations significantly obstructed and affected signal strength. Furthermore, the movement of persons in the corridor of the building caused temporal variations of received power, path loss, and delay spread in NLOS. Results were compared with CI path loss model parameters are derived from measurement and indicated that CI path loss model fits the best in indoor environments when compared to other models. As a result, the CI path loss model is chosen to validate the path loss predicted in this paper. This implies that the geometry and motion of objects impact indoor propagation, and hence indoor geometry and motion of objects need to be considered in planning and designing indoor wireless networks.
Mortality evaluation and life expectancy prediction of patients with Hepatocellular carcinoma with data minding
Authors: Liu Che-Yu , Cheng Chen-Yang , Yang Szu-Ying , Chai Jyh-Wen , Chen Wei-Hao , Chang Pi-Yi
Published: November 2022

Background: The complexity of systemic variables and comorbidities make it difficult to determine the best treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is impossible to perform a multidimensional evaluation of every patient, but guidelines based on analyses of said complexities would be the next best option. Traditional statistics are inadequate for developing predictive models with many variables; however, data mining is well-suited to the task.
Patients and Methods and finding: The clinical profiles and data of a total of 537 patients diagnosed with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages B and C from 2009 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed using 4 decision-tree algorithms. 19 treatments, 7 biomarkers, and 4 states of hepatitis were tested to see which combinations would result in survival times greater than a year. 2 of the algorithms produced complete models through single trees, which made only them suitable for clinical judgement. A combination of alpha fetoprotein ≤ 210.5 mcg/L, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase ≤ 1.13 µkat/L, and total bilirubin ≤ 0.0283 mmol/L was shown to be a good predictor of survival > 1 year, and the most effective treatments for such patients were radio-frequency ablation (RFA) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with radiation therapy (RT). In patients without this combination, the best treatments were RFA, TACE with RT and targeted drug therapy, and TACE with targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy. The main limitation of this study was small sample. With small sample size, we may developed a less reliable model system, failing to produce any clinically important results or outcomes
Conclusion: Data mining can produce models to help clinicians predict survival time at the time of initial HCC diagnosis and then choose the most suitable treatment.
Aβ plaque deposition and microgliosis following Aβ seeding in AppNL-G-F mice is regionally distinct
Authors: Lacoursiere Sean G. , Mohajerani Majid H. , Sutherland Robert J.
Published: November 2022

Background.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the prion-like propagation of amyloid-β (Aβ). However, the role of Ab in cognitive impairment is still unclear.
Methods.
Two-month-old AppNL-G-F were intracerebrally seeded with three conformationally distinct Aβ seeds. The mice were trained in a multi-model paradigm using multiple behavioural tests. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to assess Ab deposition, microgliosis, and cholinergic tone.
Results.
Seeding accelerated AD pathology throughout the brain in a region-dependent manner. Microgliosis was elevated in the substantia nigra reticular area. The cholinergic tone was found to be significantly reduced in the medial septal band. No impairment in learning and memory was found.
Conclusion.
These results suggest seeding accelerates microglial and Ab plaque progression in a regional distinct manner with the seed having no unique effect on behaviour or histological markers.
Gels: Energetics, Singularities and Cavitation
Authors: Calderer Maria-Carme , Henao Duvan , Sanchez Manuel , Siegel Ronald A. , Song Sichen
Published: November 2022

This article studies equilibrium singular configurations of gels and addresses open questions concerning gel energetics. We model a gel as an incompressible, immiscible and saturated mixture of a solid polymer and a solvent that sustain chemical interactions at the molecular level. We assume that the energy of the gel consists of the elastic energy of its polymer network plus the Flory-Huggins energy of mixing. The latter involves the entropic energies of the individual components plus that of interaction between polymer and solvent, with the temperature dependent Flory parameter, chi, encoding properties of the solvent. In particular, a good solvent promoting the mixing regime, is found below the threshold value chi=0.5, whereas the phase separating regime develops above that critical value. We show that cavities and singularities develop in the latter regime. We find two main classes of singularities: (i) drying out of the solvent, with water possibly exiting the gel domain through the boundary, leaving behind a core of exposed polymer at the centre of the gel; (ii) cavitation, in response to traction on the boundary or some form of negative pressure, with a cavity that can be either void or flooded by the solvent. The straightforward and unified mathematical approach to threat all such singularities is based on the construction of appropriate test functions, inspired by the particular states of uniform swelling or compression. The last topic of the article addresses a statistical mechanics rooted controversy in the research community, providing an experimental and analytic study in support of the phantom elastic energy versus the affine one.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 35B40 · MSC 35J57 · 74B20 · 74G65 · 74R99
Evaluation of bone area in the posterior region for mandibular molar distalization in Class I and Class III patients
Authors: Özden Samet , Uslu Filiz , Dedeoğlu Numan
Published: November 2022

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the bone area in the posterior region, which is important for mandibular molar distalization in skeletal Class I and Class III individuals with normodivergent and hyperdivergent vertical growth patterns.
Materials and Methods
In this study, cone-beam computed tomography scans of 120 individuals divided into 4 groups as Class I normodivergent (Group-I), Class I hyperdivergent (Group-II), Class III normodivergent (Group-III) and Class III hyperdivergent (Group-IV). Retromolar space at crown level measurements were performed on CBCT-derived panoramic radiographs and axial sections. Retromolar space at the root level was measured 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm apical to cemento-enamel junction at CBCT axial sections.
Results
Retromolar space decreased towards the root apex in all groups and smallest retromolar space was level of CEJ10mm in all groups. At any root level, the distal root of the mandibular second molar tooth was in contact with the mandibular inner or outer lingual cortex; 50% in Group-I, 46.7% in Group-II, 7% in Group-III and 7% in Group-IV.
Conclusions
In normodivergent individuals, the retromolar area length at the root level is observed to be higher in Class III than in Class I at almost every level. In hyperdivergent individuals, on the other hand, only at CEJ10 level, it is higher in length in Class III than in Class I. Vertical growth pattern has no effect on the root and crown level retromolar space in Class I and Class III individuals.
Clinical Relevance
CBCT provides more useful information than panoramic radiographs for patients who are scheduled for large mandibular molar distalization
Pistacia atlantica (Bene) Oleoresin Gum: The Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity, and Potential Encapsulation of Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus acidophilus in Kefir with Sodium Alginate/Bene Gum Polymer
Authors: Khoramdareh Niloufar Bakhshi , Hamedi Hassan , Sharifan Anousheh
Published: November 2022

One of the main products obtained from the Pistacia atlantica (Bene) tree, in addition to the fruit, is oleoresin gum which is rich in polysaccharides and polyphenolic compounds. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Bene gum and its potential application with alginate in probiotic microencapsulation. Chemical analysis showed that the most abundant monosaccharides in Bene gum were arabinose, galactose, and galacturonic acid, and the most representative volatile compound was α-pinene. Bene extract was rich in phenolic compounds and showed good antioxidant activity. The results showed that the gum was effective against all bacteria tested at a concentration of 50 µg/ml and Gram-negative bacteria showed higher resistance than Gram-positive bacteria. Encapsulation of Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus acidophilus with sodium alginate and Bene gum biopolymers gave an encapsulation yield of 80%. The survival rate of encapsulated probiotics compared to the free form was significantly increased after exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The viability results of probiotics in kefir were very similar to results obtained from simulated gastrointestinal conditions, while the encapsulated form of probiotics in kefir showed a consistent increase in viability over 28 days of storage. Overall, products encapsulated with a high percentage of gum showed better taste acceptance than uncoated and alginate-coated samples. Likewise, samples containing microencapsulated probiotics also generally had good overall acceptability. Based on these results, it can be concluded that Bene gum is an excellent candidate for the preparation of various biocomposites and nanoparticles.
Cortical thickness relates to working memory performance after non-invasive brain stimulation
Authors: Razza Lais , Vanderhasselt Marie-Anne , Luethi Mattias , Rapple Jonathan , Busatto Geraldo , Buchpiguel Carlos , Brunoni Andre , Silva Pedro Rodrigues da
Published: November 2022

Objective
We investigated whether baseline cortical brain thickness of regions of interest (ROIs) was associated with working memory (WM) performance after non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) probing the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).
Method
Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging data were analyzed from 22 healthy subjects who received transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) and placebo. Bifrontal tDCS was placed over the neuronavigated left and right DLPFC (20 minutes/2mA). iTBS targeted the neuronavigated left DLPFC applying 1620 pulses. A 2-back task was conducted after the end of NIBS sessions. Selected ROIs were the bilateral DLPFC, medial PFC and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC).
Results
Findings revealed an inverse association between cortical thickness of the DLPFC and reaction time for both tDCS (left: p = 0.02; right: p = 0.007) and iTBS (left: p = 0.02) compared to placebo. Moreover, thickness of the right mPFC and the left PCC were inversely and directly associated with reaction time after iTBS, respectively (p = 0.046 and p = 0.03). No association was found for accuracy.
Conclusion
Our findings provide the first evidence that individual cortical thickness of healthy subjects might be associated with WM performance.
Validation of the French version of the THYCA-QoL questionnaire for the health-related quality of life in thyroid cancer patients.
Authors: Scheller Boris , Santini Joseph , Culie Dorian , Contu Sara , Anota Amélie , Chateau Yann , Schiappa Renaud , Dassonville Olivier , Poissonnet Gilles , Seferiadis Anastasia , Bozec Alexandre , Chamorey Emmanuel
Published: November 2022

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important outcome in oncology. In our previous work, the specific questionnaire to evaluate the HRQoL for thyroid cancer, the THYCA-QoL, has been translated into French. In this work we aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the French version of the THYCA-QoL questionnaire (F-THYCA-QoL).
Methods: The F-THYCA-QoL is composed of 24 items and is divided into 7 dimensions and 6 single items. The F-THYCA-QoL and QLQ-C30 of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) were mailed to thyroid cancer patients undergoing surgery. Data from responders obtained was used to test acceptability, reliability and validity of the F-THYCA-QoL questionnaire.
Results: Among contacted patients, 280 patients of the University Institute of Face and Neck of Nice responded to the questionnaire between January 2015 and January 2019. The low number of missing data (0.007%) showed a good acceptability of the questionnaire. Six of the 7 items exhibited a good internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha ≥ 0.70. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Factorial validity was demonstrated for 5 scales out of 7, using a multitrait-multimethod analysis and an exploratory factor analysis. Criterion validity assessed between the F-THYCA-QoL and QLQ-C30 was satisfactory.
Conclusion: The F-THYCA-QoL questionnaire is a reliable and valid assessment tool that used with the EORTC QLQ-C30 allows to evaluate the HRQoL of thyroid cancer patient in France.
Symbiotic efficiency, rhizosphere competence and nodule occupancy of chickpea root-nodule bacteria from Australian soils
Authors: Oparah Irene Adu , Deaker Rosalind , Hartley Jade Christopher , Sohail Muhammad , Gemell Lance Greg , Hartely Elizabeth , Kaiser Bren Noraman
Published: November 2022

Aims: To evaluate the suitability of novel chickpea rhizobia for use as commercial chickpea inoculants
Methods: Root nodule bacterial isolates from field grown chickpea were evaluated in glasshouse and field experiments based on infectivity, relative symbiotic effectiveness nodule occupancy ability and survivability in the soil rhizosphere.
Results: Compared to the Australian commercial chickpea inoculant strain Mesorhizobium ciceri sv. ciceri CC1192, the 10 novel strains were fast growers, taking ~ 72 hours to grow at 23oC. The strains showed high degree of infectivity and effectiveness both in the glasshouse and field. Relative symbiotic effectiveness (RSE%) of the novel strains in glasshouse experiments determined by shoot weight ranged from 77-111% in Desi genotype (Kyabra) and 83-102% in Kabuli (Kimberley Large). None of the novel strains differed from CC1192 in total shoot N content. Except for strain 3/4 and M. ciceri sv. ciceri CC1192, the RP01 RAPD fingerprint profiles of the strains were variable and diversity among strains did not correlate to their source of origin. A phylogenetic comparison of the cloned 16S rRNA sequences identified M. ciceri LMG 14989 as the most common distant relative to all strains. Also, the strains were able to survive in soil rhizosphere, had a higher competitive ability and were able to compete with background rhizobia population for nodule occupancy.
Conclusions: There are several rhizobial strains in naturalised soil populations that may be better adapted to local soil conditions which would confer an advantage for survival and competition for nodulation.
Efficient mutation induction using carbon-ion beams irradiation and simple genomic screening with SSR and RAPD in japonica rice
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Yang Fu , Li Jingpeng , Zhou Libin , Du Yan , Yu Lixia , Li Wenjian
Published: November 2022

Background Carbon ion-beam irradiation has been widely used to advance crop breeding. The purpose of this study was to explore whether irradiation is suitable for mutation creation of japonica rice (Oryza sativaL.) in northeast China and its potential effects on local germplasm resources.
Methods and Results 200 Gy irradiation was applied to screened stable rice mutants, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers were applied to detect the DNA polymorphisms of mutants and local varieties. Here, the mutants with a shorter maturation period than the mutagenic parent were screened. Among control (Tonghe899) and mutants, RAPD and SSR primers revealed that a total of 574 bands of which 385 were polymorphic (67.07%), all mutants had polymorphic DNA bands, and the polymorphism information content (PIC) of RAPD and SSR varied from 0.500 to 0.924 and 0.836 to 0.954, respectively. Meanwhile, among mutant and other local varieties, RAPD and SSR primers generated a total of 658 amplified bands with 530 polymorphic bands (80.55%). Notably, the addition of mutants reduced the lowest Jaccard’s similarity coefficient of the local varieties population from 0.65 to 0.62.
Conclusions In summary, carbon-ion beam irradiating rice seeds generate mutants that can develop as new cultivars, and it slightly expands the genetic diversity of the selected japonica rice from northeast China. RAPD and SSR markers had good polymorphism and could be used for DNA polymorphism identification and facilitate inter-cultivar identification for japonica rice in northeast China.
Small Volatile Inhibitors Targeting LncRNA in Radioresistant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Mukherjee Arnab , KS Mukunthan
Published: November 2022

Radiotherapy is the most crucial nonsurgical therapeutic method in the multidisciplinary care of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, radiation resistance continues to be a significant clinical issue, negatively affecting cancer prognosis in patients. The analysis of the RNA microarray dataset revealed the dysregulation of the cell cycle, evasion of apoptosis and cancer immune response. A co-expression analysis with a network pharmacology approach revealed a lncRNA (ENST00000605056) regulating three highly ranked hub genes, driving radioresistance in NSCLC cells. The small molecules that target these RNAs offer therapeutic modulation of multiple biological processes. The study comprises three volatile ligands due to their good pharmacokinetic profile to target ENST00000605056. The molecular interaction studies uncovered their high binding affinity to its binding pocket with a preponderance of non-covalent bond interactions between the ligand atoms and the nucleotides. The Molecular dynamics simulations revealed the binding stability of ligands to the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) with a very low deviation compared to the control. This study demonstrated the ability of the small molecules to target lncRNA in overcoming the global concern of radioresistance among NSCLC patients and aid in future translational studies.
Designing and evaluation of Smartphone-based educational application of neurodevelopmental treatment in children with cerebral palsy for occupational therapists
Authors: Mostowfi Sina , dalvand Hamid , Rasanani Mohammad-Reza Hadian , Sheikhtaheri Abbas , Fard Kheirolah Rahsepar
Published: November 2022

Background: Smartphone applications are used as one of the learning tools in the student's learning process. Learning Neurodevelopmental Treatment approaches is necessary for occupational and physical therapist and students. The aim of the study was to design, develop and evaluate a smartphone educational NDT application of children with cerebral palsy.
Methods: After assessing the requirements and holding a panel of experts, the content of the App was determined. Thirty occupational therapy students (control= 15 and intervention= 15) were included in the study. The intervention group, in addition to attending the traditional education, used the NDT App for two weeks. QUIS questionnaire was used to measure the usability of the software. Knowledge questionnaire was taken from students before and after intervention in both control and intervention groups.
Results: The average QUIS score, indicated a high level of usability for the target group. The results showed that, the scores of knowledge in the intervention group in all areas of the app except sleep and mobility were significantly higher than the control group.
Conclusion: This study indicates that the developed App is usable for occupational therapy students and also improves students' knowledge about NDT approach of children with CP.
A periodic boundary value problem with switchingsunder nonlinear perturbations
Authors: Benner Peter , Chuiko Sergey , Zuyev Alexander
Published: November 2022

We investigate the existence of solutions of weakly nonlinear periodic boundary value problems for systems of ordinary differential equations with switchings and the construction of these solutions. We consider the critical case where the equation for the generating constants of a weakly nonlinear periodic boundary-value problem with switchings does not turn into an identity. We improve the classification of critical and non-critical cases and construct an iterative algorithm for finding solutions of weakly nonlinear periodic boundary value problems with switchings in the critical case. As examples of application of the constructed iterative scheme, we obtain approximations to the solutions of a periodic boundary value problem for the mathematical model of non-isothermal chemical reactions. To check the accuracy of the proposed approximations, we evaluate discrepancies in the original equation.
Time-series changes in pupil and optokinetic nystagmus in spatial attention shift
Authors: Kanari Kei , Kikuchi Moe
Published: November 2022

Changes in the pupil and optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) correspond not only to the luminance and motion direction at the eye position but also to those at the attentional position, respectively. This study examined changes in the spatial shift of covert attention in the pupil and OKN. A test stimulus with random dot patterns of different luminance and direction of motion was presented at a distance to the left and right of the visual field. The results showed that when attention was spatially shifted, changes in the pupil and OKN corresponded to the luminance and motion direction of the attentional stimulus, respectively. This finding suggests that the pupil and OKN can be used to estimate changes in covert attention.
Numerical analysis of CORONAVIRUS detection using Photonic Crystal Fiber based SPR Sensor
Authors: Gupta Ankur , Singh Tanu , Singh Rajat kumar , Tiwari Akhilesh
Published: November 2022

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a worldwide health emergency caused by the coronavirus 2 (severe acute respiratory illness) (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms, making a definitive diagnosis difficult. The shortage of equipment for testing technology COVID-19 has resulted in long queues for Covid-19 testing, which is a major problem. Covid-19 testing is currently performed using sluggish and costly technology like Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The gold standard test for diagnosing COVID-19 is real-time reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which necessitates highly skilled workers and has a lengthy turnaround time. However, rapid and affordable immunodiagnostic techniques (antigen or antibody tests) are also available with some trade off accuracy. Optical sensors are frequently employed in a variety of applications, because of their increased sensitivity, strong selectivity, rapid reaction times, and outstanding resolution. The use of Photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is advantages for the quick detection of the new coronavirus is suggested with the use of a PCF based (Au/BaTiO3/Graphene) multilayered surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor. The proposed sensor can quickly detect the COVID-19 virus in two different ligand-analyte environments: (i) the virus spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) as an analyte and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as a probe ligand, and (ii) monoclonal antibodies (IgG or IgM) as an analyte and the virus spike RBD as a probe ligand. The finite element method (FEM) is used to quantitatively examine the performance of the PCF based multilayered SPR sensor.
Comparative Proteomics Analysis of Hylarana erythraea (Schlegel, 1837) (Anura: Ranidae) Skin Secretion from Disturbed and Undisturbed Habitats
Authors: Ong Dasi , Ismail Mohd Nazri , Shahrudin Shahriza
Published: November 2022

Hylarana erythraea lives in disturbed and undisturbed habitats, making them vulnerable to predators and pathogens. This study aims to compare skin secretion’s protein profile of H. erythraea from disturbed (Jetty Kuah and Kampung Bohor Chempedak) and undisturbed (Temurun and Telaga Tujuh waterfall) habitats using Orbitrap-Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry analysis. Four H. erythraea individuals were caught in disturbed and undisturbed areas. The total protein concentration for disturbed and undisturbed H. erythraea individuals was 0.4976 mg/mL and 0.0404 mg/mL. In disturbed individuals, we identified a total of 114 proteins. In contrast, only 81 proteins were identified in undisturbed individuals. A total of 32 similar proteins can be found in both fractions. Eighty-two proteins, including 32 antimicrobials, are unique to H. erythraea from disturbed habitat, while 42 proteins, including eight antimicrobials from undisturbed habitat. Overall, H. erythraea from disturbed habitats has a higher protein content and antimicrobials than undisturbed habitats. This is because prolonged exposure to disturbances triggers a stress response at the physiological level, producing higher protein and antimicrobials. Other than antimicrobials, H. erythraea from disturbed areas has a much higher structural protein to serve as a different physical survival skill. This is because different habitat environments have different variables that affect protein expression in skin secretion.
Ν-Methyl-D-aspartate antagonists and their role in limiting ototoxic phenomena
Authors: Pavlidis Pavlos , Papadopoulou Kyriaki , Tseriotis Vasilis Spyridon , Karachrysafi Sofia , Sardeli Chrysanthi , Malliou Faye , Kavvadas Dimitrios , Papamitsou Theodora , Sioga Antonia , Anastasiadou Penelope , Kouvelas Dimitrios
Published: November 2022

Our aim was to test whether amikacin's well-known cochleotoxic effects could be suppressed, depending on whether an NMDA-antagonist (memantine) was administered simultaneously with or after amikacin treatment. Forty Wistar rats were used in this experiment. Ten rats acted as controls and received no medication (group A). Amikacin (200 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) once daily for 14 days to 10 animals in group B; amikacin (200 mg/kg) was administered concurrently with memantine (10 mg/kg, i.p., once daily) to another 10 animals in group C. In Group D a final 10 animals were given memantine (10 mg/kg, once daily) intraperitoneally for 14 days following a 2-week amikacin treatment. The cochlear activity of the right ear was tested using DPOAE in conscious animals. All animals were sacrificed at the conclusion of the experiment and both cochleae were collected for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. All groups treated with amikacin showed decreased cochlear activity, as testified by decreased DPOAE-amplitudes, compared to the pre-treatment state. In group B rats, the DPOAE reduction was more pronounced. On histologic examination, the cochlear structures of group C rats and, although to a lesser extent, group D rats showed less severe cochlea damage. Memantine plays a protective role, resulting in restoring partially cochlear structures when administered either simultaneously with or after completion of amikacin i.p. treatment in rats.
Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the COVID-19 pandemic among Ruminant and Exotic Animal farmers in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Sadiq Mohammed Babatunde , Ahmad Nur Indah , Mansor Rozaihan
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a remarkable impact on human lives and livelihoods, including livestock farmers and exotic animal owners. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the COVID-19 pandemic among ruminant and exotic animal farmers in Selangor, Malaysia. Using a quantitative research methodology, an online-based and face-to-face survey was conducted among 102 farmers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models. Overall, slightly more than half of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of and attitude towards COVID-19 and its potential zoonotic implications. Likewise, 58.4% of the respondents exhibited satisfactory preventive practices against potential exposure to COVID-19 except for the low usage of hand gloves and facemasks when handling animals. Farmers’ knowledge of COVID-19 was associated with increasing age (Odds ratio; OR = 1.06; 95 % Confidence Interval: CI 1.01-1.11) and those that kept exotic animals (OR = 10.84; 95% CI 2.32-50.70) relative to ruminant farmers. Respondents were more likely to engage in preventive practices against COVID-19 as their age increased (OR = 3.72; 95% CI 2.54-6.21), and a tendency (P = 0.08) for better preventive practices among farmers with lower (1-5 years) years of farming experience (P = 0.02; OR = 3.77; 95% CI 1.15-12.34). These findings highlight the need to improve farmers’ knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and encourage them to adhere to recommended preventive measures. The associated factors might be considered in improving livestock farmers’ knowledge of COVID-19 and promoting their adherence to recommended guidelines during farm operations.
Identification of differentially expressed genes associated with ferroptosis in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Zhang Wenquan , Li Zhaoshui , Li Hongbo
Published: November 2022

Objective:Ferroptosis-related genes may have a critical regulatory role in the pathogenetic process of Crohn’ disease(CD).The purpose of this study was to identify genes expressed in CD that are associated with ferroptosis and provide direction in the diagnosis and therapy of Crohn's disease.
Methods: The data for CD mRNA expression were first gathered from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and two gene sets were selected as major targets (GSE75214 and GSE102133) and analyzed differentially expressed genes.Next,R software (version 4.1.2) was used to analyze the common genes in CD differential expressed genes and ferroptosis-related genes.GO enrichment analysis,KEGG pathway analysis were used to identify differential related pathways and functions.Protein-protein interaction(PPI) analysis was performed to identify target genes.DSigDB website was used to predict potential target drugs for hub genes.Finally, qRT-PCR method were used to detect the expression of these ferroptosis related genes in clinical samples obtained from healthy control and CD patients.
Result: According to two GEO datasets, we finally identified 13 ferroptosis DEGs(10 upregulated genes and 2 downregulated genes) in crohn disease with the threshold of p-value < 0.05 and |log2 FC| > 1 and selected for continued analysis.Go enrichment analysis and KEGG pathways results were shown in the following figures.PPI analysis indicate the mutual effect between these genes and filtered out 5 hub genes.Top 10 potential targeted drugs were selected. Finally, the result of qRT-PCR shown that the expression of three genes IL-6,PTGS2 and DUOX2 were different between CD samples and healthy samples.This result was consistent with the results we obtained in the biological information analysis.
Conclusion: Bioinformatics analysis identified a total of 13 iron death-associated genes in CD. Three differential genes IL-6,PTG32 and DUOX2 were detected in tissue experiments.Our findings might provide new biomarkers and promising treatment targets in CD.
New Technique Used for Strengthening Jack Arch Slab
Authors: AL-KHAZRAJI Hayder , Jaafer Abdulkhaliq A. , HAIDAR Haider H. , Mozan Majed Ali , Faraj Haider Sattar , Maktuf Sajjad Sadiq
Published: November 2022

The use of fiber-reinforced polymer rope (FRPR) increases the seismic performance of clay-brick unreinforced masonry slabs and increases the flexural strength of jack arch slabs or roofs. This study examines the bond strength between the clay brick units that make up the jack arch slab and strengthens it using fiber-reinforced polymer rope (FRPR) utilizing a load deflection test. Various parameters were studied, clay brick types affected, span length, camber high and number of injection point (i.e. number of FRPR strengthening are used for each span). The results show the bond strength for jack arch specimens at mid-span for two solid and perforated clay brick slabs gives the most flexural failure. In addition, the increase in the performance of jack arch slabs under line loading (i.e. it is higher deflection) with camber and number of injection.
A method based on k-shell decomposition to identify influential nodes in complex networks
Authors: HamaKarim Bakhtyar Rafeeq , Mohammadiani Rojiar Pir , Sheikhahmadi Amir , Hamakarim Bryar Rafeeq
Published: November 2022

Finding the most influential nodes in complex networks is one of the open research issues. This problem can be divided into two sub-problems: (1) identifying the influential nodes and ranking them based on the individual influence of each node and (2) selecting a group of nodes to achieve maximum propagation in the network. In most of the previous articles, only one of these sub-issues has been considered. Therefore, this article presents a method to measure the spreading power of influential nodes in the network (the first sub-problem) and select the best group from them (the second sub-problem). In the proposed method, first, the input network is allocated to different communities. Then, the common neighbors and the degrees of the two end vertices of each edge are used to weigh the graph edges in each community. Next, in each of the communities, the nodes' propagation power is measured and ranked. Finally, a group of influential nodes is selected to start the propagation process. Eight data sets collected from real networks have been used for evaluation. The proposed method is compared with other previously known methods based on ranking accuracy, assigning different ranks to nodes, and calculating the amount of diffusion created in the network. The results show the proposed method's significant superiority over other methods in all test datasets.
Lithium and phosphorus-functionalized graphitic carbon nitride monolayer for efficient hydrogen storage: A DFT study
Authors: Gorai Deepak Kumar , Kundu Tarun Kumar
Published: November 2022

We have explored the consequence of lithium and phosphorous functionalization on the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) monolayer for hydrogen storage using density functional theory. Both pristine and Li and P decorated g-C3N4show a semiconductor nature. The substantial overlap between thesorbital of Li and theporbital of nitrogen near the Fermi level shows the binding between Li and the g-C3N4. The repositioning of HOMO and LUMO is noticed in the Li and P decorated g-C3N4. The Bader charge analysis indicates the charge allocation from the Li and P atom to the g-C3N4, which results in the adsorption of H2by electrostatic interaction. The hydrogen storage capacity of 5.78 wt% is obtained after functionalizing Li and P into the g-C3N4. The obtained adsorption energies for the H2adsorption confirm that Li and P functionalized g-C3N4is a mesmerizing candidate for the reversible loading of H2at ambient conditions.
Enhancing the pitting resistance of AISI 430 stainless steel by laser treatment
Authors: Filatov Ilya , Prokopiev Vladislav , Shchedrina Nadezhda , Suslov Roman , Bogdanov Roman , Bachurina Diana , Davydova Evgenia , Odintsova Galina
Published: November 2022

The paper proposes a method of laser treatment of the steel sur-face for protection against the formation of electrochemical corrosion.AISI 430 stainless steel plates were used in the work. The influ-ence of laser structuring on the contact angle and the interactionof laser-structured steel surfaces with an aggressive environment dur-ing corrosion tests are considered. The composition of oxides formedafter laser treatment, as well as the roughness of the modified sur-face, are considered. Positive dynamics in protection against pittingcorrosion formation on the surface of metals have been revealed.
Exponential and finite/fixed-time synchronization of quaternion-valued Cohen-Grossberg inertial neural networks with proportional-delayed by non-separated method with imperfect order theory
Authors: Xiong Yao , Li Yesheng , Lv Haifei , Xiong Zhonglong , Wu Wei , Xie Songhua , Chen Mengwei , Hu Changkui , Li Min , Chen Wanping
Published: November 2022

In this paper, exponential and finite/fixed-time synchronization of quaternion-valued Cohen-Grossberg inertial neural network with proportional-delayed is investigated. In order to study the convergence of quaternion-value system, we proposed the imperfect order theory. Accordingly quaternion-value Lyapunov function are proposed and utilized to study the synchronization of the neural network. Several lemmas are introduced and proved for the later synchronization study. Unlike the most commonly used separated method for quaternion-value network, with the help of our imperfect order theory, we adopt a non-separated method to construct the controller and analyze the quaternion value Lyapunov function directly. Numerical simulations are presented to indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Kennedy epitope (KE)-dependent retrograde transport of efficiently cleaved HIV-1 envelopes (Envs) and its effect on Env cell surface expression and viral particle formation
Authors: Das Supratik , Parray Hilal Ahmad , Chiranjivi Adarsh Kumar , Bansal Manish , Rathore Deepak Kumar , Kumar Rajesh , Samal Sweety
Published: November 2022

Efficiently cleaved HIV-1 Envs are the closest mimics of functional Envs as they specifically expose only bNAb (broadly neutralizing antibody) epitopes and not non-neutralizing ones, making them suitable for developing vaccine immunogens. We have previously identified several efficiently cleaved Envs from clades A, B, C and B/C. We also described that truncation of the CT (C-terminal tail) of a subset of these Envs, but not others, impairs their ectodomain conformation/antigenicity on the cell surface in a CT conserved hydrophilic domain (CHD) or Kennedy epitope (KE)-dependent manner. Here, we report that those Envs (4 − 2.J41 and JRCSF), whose native-like ectodomain conformation/antigenicity on the cell surface is disrupted upon CT truncation, but not other Envs like JRFL, whose CT truncation does not have an effect on ectodomain integrity on the cell surface, are also defective in retrograde transport from early to late endosomes. Restoration of the CHD/KE in the CT of these Envs restores wild-type levels of distribution between early and late endosomes. In the presence of retrograde transport inhibitor Retro 2, cell surface expression of 4 − 2.J41 and JRCSF Envs increases but particle formation decreases for 4 − 2.J41 and JRCSF Env pseudotyped viruses. Our results show for the first time a correlation between CT-dependent, CHD/KE regulated retrograde transport and cell surface expression/viral particle formation of these efficiently cleaved Envs. Based on our results we hypothesize that a subset of these efficiently cleaved Envs use a CT-dependent, CHD/KE-mediated mechanism for assembly and release from late endosomes.
Spatial and seasonal variations of organic and inorganic pollution parameters and relationship between Malacostraca fauna in the Eastern Black Sea rivers Short Title: The relationship of some Malacostracans with pollutants
Authors: BAYTAŞOĞLU Hazel
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study is to reveal the relationship between Malacostraca species distributed in the eastern Black Sea basin streams and some organic and inorganic pollution parameters. For this purpose, water samples and Malacostraca samples were taken seasonally from 9 stations selected from the basin between 2019–2020. A hand net (D-frame net) was used for biological samples. For the determination temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH parameters were seasonally measured in the field. Measurements for Nitrate, Ammonia, Phosphate were made with spectrophotometer. Metal analyzes in water were performed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. 4 species of Malacostraca have been identified. Environmental parameters and species were evaluated together and it was determined that Asellus aquaticus species was distributed in both clean and partially polluted stations. It has been observed that Potamon ibericum species is sensitive to pollution and prefers clean waters.Gammarus komareki and Gammarus pulex pulex species have been found to tolerate light contamination. In this study, different parameters were examined in the rivers of the eastern Black Sea basin and it was observed that the pollution was low and there were seasonal differences.
Warburg effect secondary to diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a case report
Authors: Zhou De , Wang Lulu , Zhu Lixia , Yang Xiudi , Xiong Mengqi , Huang Xianbo , Zhu Jingjing , Li Li , Jin Lai , Zheng Wenjun , Cao Lihong , Xie Wanzhuo , Ye Xiujin
Published: November 2022

Background: The increase in glucose consumption during aerobic glycolysis of cancer cells, known as the Warburg effect, is associated with dismal prognosis. Warburg effect secondary to diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is rare and there is no specific treatment regimen.
Case presentation: We here described a case of patient who presented with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and developed hyperlactacemia inducing by Warburg effect, then he was successfully treated by continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and diagnostic chemotherapy. Eventually, he was diagnosed as DLBCL.
Conclusion: Existing evidence shows that Warburg effect can be secondary to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, CRRT combined with diagnostic chemotherapy was effective in this case. Additive attention should be paid to this phenomenon and effective strategy remains to be explored.
Experimentally simulating the beam shaping capabilities of deformable mirrors using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator
Authors: Scholes Stirling , Mohapi Lehloa , Leach Jonathan , Forbes Andrew , Dudley Angela
Published: November 2022

The number of mirror segments, mirror geometry and orientation are essential parameters when assessing the beam-shaping capabilities of deformable mirrors. Here, we use a Liquid Crystal on Silicon Spatial Light Modulator (LCoS-SLM) to mimic the mechanical design of a deformable mirror and quantitatively analyse the effect of the number of mirror segments and their geometrical structure on resulting structured modes. Our approach can be used as a test bed prior to designing a deformable mirror for high power beam shaping.
Distribution of Anopheles gambiae Thioester-containing Protein 1 Alleles along Malaria Transmission Gradients in The Gambia
Authors: Hamid-Adiamoh Majidah , Jabang Abdoulie , Opondo Kevin Ochieng , Ndiath Mamadou Ousmane , Assogba Benoit Sessinou , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred
Published: November 2022

Background
Thioester-containing Protein 1 (TEP1) is a highly polymorphic gene playing an important role in mosquito immunity to parasite development and associated with Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) vectorial competence. Allelic variations in TEP1 could render mosquito either susceptible or resistant to parasite infection. Despite reports of TEP1 genetic variations in An. gambiae s.l., the correlation between TEP1 allelic variants and transmission patterns in malaria endemic settings remains unclear.
Methods
TEP1 allelic variants were characterised by PCR from archived genomic DNA of >1000 An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes collected between 2009 and 2019 from eastern Gambia, where malaria transmission remains moderate but has been decreasing, and western regions with low transmission.
Results
Eight common TEP1 allelic variants were identified at varying frequencies in An. gambiae s.l from both transmission settings. These comprised the wild type TEP1, homozygous susceptible allele, TEP1s; homozygous resistance alleles: TEP1rA and TEP1rB, and the heterozygous resistance alleles: TEP1srA, TEP1srB, TEP1rArB and TEP1srArB. There was no significant disproportionate distribution of the TEP1 alleles by transmission setting and the temporal distribution of alleles was also consistent across the transmission settings. TEP1s was the most common in all vector species in both settings (allele frequencies: East= 21.4-68.4%. West=23.5-67.2%). In An. arabiensis, the frequency of wild type TEP1 and susceptible TEP1s was significantly higher in low transmission setting than in high transmission setting (TEP1: Z= -4.831, P<0.0001; TEP1s: Z= -2.073, P=0.038).
Conclusions
The distribution of TEP1 alleles does not distinctly correlate with malaria endemicity pattern in The Gambia. Further studies are needed to understand the link between genetic variations in vector population and transmission pattern in this setting.
Analyzing Enactive AI implementations on Enactive AI terms
Authors: Filho Carlos R. Rodrigues , Nogueira Yuri Lenon Barbosa
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a discussion on Enactive Artificial Intelligence about the practical evolution of this field. It has been mostly discussed theoretically, but few are the works that try to implement it. In 2009 were published two paradigmatic works of the field, where the authors state requirements for Enactive Artificial Intelligence and for agency, in an enactive perspective. We take those works and their requirements to analyze other papers that claim to have a practical experiment on Enactive Artificial Intelligence. Although they are a few in number, they made some progress in respect to the requirements. The agency conditions were not really a problem, for almost all works were able to achieve them. On the other hand the Enactive Artificial Intelligence design principles proved to be hard. Only one work was able to implement one of them and none for the other, although one work seems to have a potential to advance in this principle. We conclude that the combination of the works may be the future of the Enactive Artificial Intelligence field.