bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of high-resolution surface soil moisture through GIS-based frequency ratio modeling
Authors: SAMANTA SAILESH
Published: July 2024

This research established an empirical methodology for estimating higher-resolution soil moisture using GIS and frequency ratio (FR) modeling techniques. Soil moisture active passive (SMAP) Level-4 global 3-hourly 9 km spatial resolution surface and root zone soil moisture datasets were used as reference data. A total of 283 reference points were selected through spatial fishnet analysis with the root zone soil moisture over 0.35 and surface soil moisture over 0.30. Eighty percent (80%) of these reference points served as inputs to the FR model, with the remaining twenty percent (20%) reserved for validation. Key independent variables incorporated in the FR modeling process included land use land cover, soil texture, normalized difference vegetation index, land surface temperature, topographic wetness index, rainfall, elevation, slope, and distance from rivers. The study area encompassed the final drainage basin of the Markham River catchment, situated in the Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea. The high-resolution developed database on surface soil moisture was reclassified into five basic zones segmenting on the FR index value, namely very low (less than 6), low (6–7), moderate (7–8), high (8–9), and very high (More than 9). The result indicates almost 26.10% of the land area is classified as a high soil moisture class and 56.89% as a very high soil moisture class. The FR model evinced a prediction accuracy of 93.98% along with a succession rate of 91.59%. These results provide useful data for scientific applications in various domains, specifically in the agricultural sector, local government administrator, researcher, and planner.
Development and validation of a nomogram model for predicting postoperative delirium in older adults undergoing free flap reconstruction after oral cancer surgery
Authors: Ying Chen , Xiaona Liu , Aili Zhang , Zengxiang Wang , Ying Wu , Yu Pu , Hongbo Zhang , Danni Wang , Meiping Jiang , Hongyuan Dai
Published: July 2024

Objective: This study aimed to develop and internally validate a dynamic a nomogram model by analysing the risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for oral cancer.
Methods: This was a single-centre, retrospective study. We used the convenience sampling method to select 359 elderly oral cancer patients from January 2020-August 2023 in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Ward of Nanjing Stomatological Hospital as the study population. The original dataset was randomly divided into a training group (n=252) and a validation group (n=107) by a computer-generated random number sequence in a 7:3 ratio. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Regression (LASSO regression) were used to screen the best predictor variables. Logistic regression was used to build the model and visualized by nomogram. The performance of the model was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results: Our prediction model showed that six variables, age, sex, marriage, preoperative anxiety, preoperative sleep disorder, and ICU length of stay, were associated with POD. The nomogram showed high predictive accuracy with an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76-0.87) for the training group and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.76-0.92) for the internal validation group. In both the training and validation groups, there was good agreement between the predicted results and the true observations. Decision curve analyses in the training and validation groups showed that the predictive model had a good net clinical benefit.
Conclusion: We developed a new predictive model to predict risk factors for POD in elderly oral cancer patients. This simple and reliable nomogram can help physicians assess POD quickly and effectively, and has the potential to be widely used in the clinic after more external validation.
Artificial Intelligence in Vocational Education and Training (VET): Evaluating VET Leaders’ Acceptance of AI in Switzerland
Authors: Seufert Sabine
Published: July 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a transformative impact on both the labour market and education systems. Vocational education and training (VET) leaders play a crucial role in shaping the future of education and training by guiding strategic decisions and policy directions; without VET leaders, efforts to integrate AI into VET risk facing significant barriers to wider uptake. Research that is focused on harnessing AI capabilities to innovate VET systems and the leadership required are rare. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess VET leaders' acceptance of AI (TAM, Davis, 1989; UTAUT, Venkatesch et al., 2003). An online survey was conducted in February 2023 to assess the general acceptance of AI and AI-based use cases for VET. A total of 111 VET experts participated in the online survey. Each expert is a senior VET manager who leads a specific unit in the VET system. The empirical data suggest that there may be widespread agreement among VET leaders about the ability of personalised competence development to improve equity and inclusivity. However, use cases for increasing the strength of the links between the labour market and education system with data-driven approaches are less widely accepted. The empirical findings of this study provide a situational analysis of the acceptance of AI by VET leaders. Furthermore, the findings can also elucidate existing knowledge gaps of VET leaders regarding AI capabilities, applications, and implications.
“Effect of Castor Oil on Esophageal Stricture in Rats; Expression of ST-2, IL-6, Neopterin Proteins in Corrosive Burn Model”
Authors: AYCENK Aybegum KALYONCU , YALCIN Onur , GURPINAR Ahmet Burak , GUMUS Ceren YAPAR , KORKMAZ Ozge KAYA , NOYAN Tevfik , ARICI Yeliz KASKO
Published: July 2024

Corrosive esophageal burn (CEB) is a disease with high mortality and morbidity rates. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of castor oil, in preventing stricture development at the experimental CEB model. In addition to studying standard histopathological damage data, neopterin, IL-33, and sSt-2 proteins were also studied for the first time. Fifty Wistar-Albino rats were divided into randomized 5 groups. Weight measurement, esophageal length, histopathological damage score (HDS) and stenosis score, tissue caspase-3 and VEGF staining, tissue hydroxyproline (HYP), blood TNF-Alpha, IL-6, IL-33, Neopterin, and sST-2 levels were measured. In the castor oil application groups, weight gain was observed, the acute phase reaction decreased, submucosal/tunica muscularis fibrosis and mucosal damage were reduced, and total stenosis scores and histopathological damage scores decreased. While no significant difference was detected in the ST-2 protein, which was used for the first time in this study model, a significant increase in neopterin protein was observed in the application groups. Results indicate the nutritional contribution of castor oil, as well as its tissue healing and esophageal stricture-preventing efficacy at histopathological and immune-histochemical levels.
Tritrophic effects of different cereal flour on life table parameters and population projection of Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Mostafazadeh Narges , Mehrkhou Fariba , Naghshbandi Nabat , Atlihan Remzi
Published: July 2024

The parasitoid wasp, Habracon hebetor, Say is used widely in mass production against larval stage of field and stored product insect pests. Less is known about the third-trophic level effects of cereal flour on the population dynamics of H. hebetor. In this study, tritrophic level effects of three cereal flours (wheat, corn, and barley) on population dynamics and population projection of H. hebetor were studied. Data were analyzed by constructing the age-stage, two-sex life table, to take into consideration either female or male and stage differentiation. According to our results, the used corn host type (var.704) was more suitable host for H. hebetor than wheat and barley due to the shortening developmental time (10.76 ± 0.08 d), increasing survival rate (0.74 ± 0.006), female longevity (14.93 ± 0.92 d) and fecundity (91.20 ± 9.05 offspring/female). Also, the population growth parameters, including the intrinsic rate of increase (0.2217 ± 0.0178 d− 1), finite rate of increase (1.25 ± 0.02 d− 1), and reproductive rate (27.92 ± 6.57 offspring) were the highest on corn host type. Interestingly, the predicted of population growth of H. hebetor was the fastest and highest on corn, followed by wheat, and barley. The results of this study provide direction to design a comprehensive program for the mass rearing of H. hebetor.
Towards Yoruba-Speaking Google Maps Navigation
Authors: Oyesanmi Fiyinfoluwa , Olukanmi Peter
Published: July 2024

Advances in natural language processing (NLP) have made several technological interventions and services available to people in different languages. One such service is the Google Maps direction narration which provides real-time oral assistance to tourists, and visitors in a new or unknown location. Like most related assistive technologies, this service is primarily developed in the English language with support for some other Western languages over time, and the African languages are largely neglected. This paper seeks to leverage advances in NLP techniques and models in the design of a speech-to-speech (STS) translation of the Google Maps direction narration in English to the Yoruba language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Western Africa. We begin with an exploration of various state-of-the-art NLP techniques for Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), Machine Translation (MT), and Text-to-speech (TTS) models that make up the designed system. We presented the performance of the models we explored towards the design and implementation of a robust STS translation of the Google Maps direction narration in the Yoruba language.
Long-term outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting in women, a meta-analysis
Authors: Pérez-Camargo Daniel , Campelos-Fernández Paula , Travieso Alejandro , Montero-Cruces Lourdes , Carnero-Alcázar Manuel , Olmos-Blanco Carmen , Cobiella-Carnicer Javier , Álvarez-Arcaya Arantzazu , Reguillo-Lacruz Fernando , Maroto-Castellanos Luis C.
Published: July 2024

Background
Despite the advances in the last decades for treatment of ischemic heart disease, women continue to experience poorer prognosis than men and currently, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the optimal revascularization strategy in women.
Objective
Compare the long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for the treatment of stable ischemic heart disease in women.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted including randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing PCI with drug-eluting stents with CABG. The primary outcome were the composite outcomes of death, stroke or myocardial infarction (MI) and death, stroke, MI or repeat revascularization. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcomes. Pooled hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated in a fixed- effects meta-analysis using the inverse of variance method. Risk of bias and sensitivity analyses were also conducted.
Results
Six multicenter, RCTs were included after eligibility assessment. Median follow-up was 6.25 years (IQR: 5- 2.5). A significant benefit for CABG over PCI was observed for the primary composite outcomes of death, stroke, MI (HR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.01–1.52; p = 0.037) and death, stroke, MI or repeat revascularization (HR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.25–2.03; p < 0.000).
Conclusion
In the present study-level metanalysis, CABG is associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events than PCI at long term follow-up in women.
Application of Three-dimensional Visualization Technology in Early Surgical Repair of Bile Duct Injury During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Yang Zhiqi , Liu Jing , Wu Lang , Ding Yang , Ma Songbo , Yan Wentao , Lan Yong , Sha Xiaochun , Cheng Jianbin , Ma Zhiming , Li Minghao
Published: July 2024

Objective: This study aimed to explore the application value of three-dimensional (3D) visualization technology in the early surgical repair of bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 15 patients who underwent early surgical repair of bile duct injury during LC with the assistance of 3D visualization technology at the Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022. Postoperative efficacy and long-term follow-up outcomes were summarized.
Results: Before the repair surgery, 15 cases of bile duct injury during LC were evaluated using 3D visualization technology according to the Strasberg-Bismuth classification: 2 cases of type C, 4 of type E1, 3 of type E2, 3 of type E3, and 3 of type E4. Intraoperative findings were consistent with the 3D visualization reconstruction results, and all patients successfully underwent hepaticojejunostomy using Roux-en-Y anastomosis guided by the 3D visualization navigation. The time interval between LC and bile duct repair surgery ranged from 5 to 28 (14.2 ± 9.7) days. The surgical time was between 120 and 190 (156.40 ± 23.92) min, and estimated blood loss ranged from 80 to 250 (119.66 ± 47.60) mL. The length of hospital stay ranged from 12 to 25 days (median: 16 days). One patient experienced mild bile leakage after the operation, which healed with conservative treatment. All patients were followed up for 12–56 months (median: 34 months) without any loss to follow-up. During the follow-up period, no complications, such as anastomotic stricture or stone formation, were observed.
Conclusion: The application of 3D visualization technology for preoperative evaluation and intraoperative navigation can accurately and effectively facilitate early surgical repair of bile duct injury during LC and has clinical value for promotion and application.
Luteolin attenuate paraquat-induced acute lung injury by regulating autophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Yi Yang , Li Nan , Huang Yue , Peng Jichao , Li Zhao , Wang Ying , Liu Xiaoran
Published: July 2024

Acute lung injury (ALI) is the primary cause of death in patients who are affected by paraquat (PQ) poisoning. Luteolin (Lut) is a flavone compound present in several medicinal plants. The present study aimed to explore the protective role of Lut in PQ-induced ALI and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Network pharmacology analysis was used to predict key genes and signaling pathways that were potentially involved in the therapeutic effect of Lut. In vivo, Lut inhibited PQ-induced lung pathological injury and decreased pulmonary vascular endothelial permeability. In vitro, human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were pretreated with Lut and then treated with PQ for 72 h. Lut reduced oxidative stress and decreased the production of inflammatory factors including IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Lut up-regulated the levels of the autophagy-associated proteins LC3-II/I and down-regulated the levels of P62, resulting in an increased number of autophagosomes. However, pretreatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine reversed the effects of Lut on inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and cellular apoptosis, and the protective effects of Lut were related to regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In summary, Lut enhanced autophagy by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, thereby alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress during PQ-induced ALI.
Algorithm Design and Optimization for Knowledge Fusion: A Graph Matching-based Approach
Authors: Li Chunguang , Shang Haixia , Wu Xiaolei , Wu Yuanyuan , Liu Lei
Published: July 2024

Knowledge fusion plays a crucial role in the construction of knowledge graphs, aiming to integrate knowledge from different data sources and improve the accuracy and completeness of the knowledge graph. Knowledge graphs built from different data sources often suffer from issues such as inconsistency, redundancy, and missing information, which negatively impact the quality and application effectiveness of the knowledge graph. Therefore, how to effectively fuse knowledge from different data sources has become an important topic in knowledge graph research. This paper proposes a graph matching-based algorithm for knowledge fusion, aiming to merge knowledge graphs from different sources into a unified one. The algorithm achieves knowledge fusion by identifying and matching identical or similar nodes and edges in different knowledge graphs, involving several steps including node matching, edge matching, and conflict resolution. Node matching identifies identical or similar nodes by calculating the similarity of their attributes, while edge matching further matches the relationships between nodes based on node matching. Conflict resolution is handled using rules or statistical methods to address conflicting information from different data sources, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the fusion results. To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the algorithm, this paper proposes a series of optimization methods: feature selection and weight allocation, iterative matching and fusion, as well as parallel computing. Feature selection and weight allocation optimize the similarity calculation process by selecting key features and assigning appropriate weights to improve the accuracy of node and edge matching. Iterative matching and fusion continuously optimize fusion results by gradually performing node and edge matching. Parallel computing utilizes parallel computing techniques to accelerate the fusion process of large-scale knowledge graphs, enhancing algorithm processing capabilities and efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate significant effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in knowledge graph fusion. By testing with multiple publicly available knowledge graph datasets, the algorithm shows significant improvements in node matching accuracy, edge matching accuracy, and overall fusion quality compared to traditional fusion methods. Specifically, the average node matching accuracy has increased by over 10%, edge matching accuracy has significantly improved, and the overall fusion quality is also superior to the comparative methods. The experiments validate that the graph-based knowledge fusion algorithm can effectively enhance the quality and accuracy of knowledge graphs, demonstrating wide application prospects and practical value.
Turbulence Affected by Submerged Auqatic Vegetation under Wind- induced Flow
Authors: Wu Chenhui , Deng Jiang , Zhou Xiaojie , Gao Ang , Feng Kedong , Zhu Chunyue
Published: July 2024

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) changes the turbulent structure of rivers, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes. However, few studies have focused on the influence of SAV on hydrodynamic characteristics under wind-induced flow. Therefore, laboratory experiments were conducted to study the effects of SAV on the flow structure and turbulence characteristics under wind-induced flow and spectral based decomposition method were used to separate turbulence and wave velocity. Result shows that SAV reduced local velocity within canopy and elevates the location of the zero-velocity point. The canopy drag caused by SAV increase the decay rate of turbulent Reynolds stress along depth while hardly influence wave Reynolds stress. Canopy drag depress the turbulent RMS velocity and wave orbital velocity, the suppression of turbulence by SAV is greater compared to the impact on wind-wave. The presence of SAV leads to the decrease in TKE production and dissipation rate within canopy. The canopy drag more effectively diminishes TKE production than it does the dissipation. Research on local isotropy of SAV in wind-induced flows shows that the presence of SAV promotes a gradual transition from local anisotropy to local isotropy in turbulence within canopy. And quadrant analysis reveals that the presence of SAV reduced the probabilities and the contribution to turbulent momentum of ejection and sweep.
Radar diagnostic testing for unmarked graves at historic burial sites
Authors: Everett Mark
Published: July 2024

A simple diagnostic testing procedure is described that can help non-expert practitioners to search for unmarked graves at historic burial sites using ground-penetrating radar. The methodology is illustrated with data acquired at a historic cemetery in Texas, USA. The acquired radargrams are classified, from which unmarked-grave decisions are made under strict, moderate, and lax thresholds. Since there is no gold standard, or means to check a decision, an alternative strategy for decision-making is adopted based on the following key assumption: the distribution of radar signatures generated by the marked graves at the site is the same as the distribution generated by the unmarked graves. About half of the marked graves generated no discernible radar signature, so this proportion of the unmarked graves is likely to be missed. About one-third of the marked graves generated the tell-tale signature of a deep-seated hyperbola so this proportion of the unmarked graves is likely to be found. The remaining signals are complex and ambiguous. The uncertainty is a result of the wide variety of radar signatures that are expressed by burials and other subsurface objects at the site. The diagnostic testing procedure allows a non-expert practitioner to develop acuity in recognizing unmarked-grave signatures and hone a decision-making capability that leads to improved stakeholder trust. A machine learning algorithm could be developed wherein the training set comprises the radar signatures of the marked graves.
Quantitative Determination of Nifurtimox in Pharmaceutical Preparations by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Chikuma Toshiyuki , Sakamoto Tomoaki
Published: July 2024

A quantification method for the determination of nifurtimox, which is a chemotherapeutic agent for Chagas disease, in tablet formulations is described. Nifurtimox is dissolved or extracted using 1:1 water/acetonitrile (v/v). Separation was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC–UV) using a C-18 reversed-phase column with isocratic elution. The method was validated according to the ICH guidelines for parameters such as linearity and precision. The detection limit of this method is as low as 25 ng mL−1, and this method yields highly reproducible results. No interference was detected in the chromatogram, and the method was validated by analyzing the tablets. The recoveries were close to 100%.
Proteomic Profiling of Second and Third Trimester Pregnant Females Having Preterm Birth
Authors: Malik Javeria , Ahmad Shaaf , Iqbal Muhammad Amir , Mumtaz Tamseela , Maqsood Kaleem , Ahmad Husna , Roohi Nabila
Published: July 2024

Preterm birth is the most important obstetric complication, linked with serious health outcomes, huge financial loss and emotional stress to families. The study group included 200 females with second and third trimester of pregnancy. Out of total, 70 females delivered preterm. The samples containing proteins of interests were resolved by 2D-PAGE and after tryptic digestion LC-MS/MS analysis was done. The proteins were identified by Mascot software search engine. SameSpots software was employed to determine the raw volume of proteins. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA. The presence of potential predictive biomarkers, Haptoglobin alpha chain and transthyretin in 2DE gels of both 2nd and 3rd trimester samples was confirmed. The results of our study showed slight increase in Haptoglobin alpha chain levels in very preterm and extremely preterm groups of 2nd trimester samples. While, in case of 3rd trimester samples the Haptoglobin levels showed significant increase in experimental groups. Considerable decreased expression of transthyretin level in extremely preterm group as compared to very preterm group and control subjects of 2nd trimester pregnancy was detected. While, in case of 3rd trimester samples a gradual significant decrease was observed in experimental groups. The significantly reduced level of transthyretin and increased level of Haptoglobin alpha chain as compared to healthy term pregnancy, will serve as major risk predictor of reduced gestational age.
On Optimized Cooperative Control for Stochastic Nonlinear Multiagent Systems Using Switched-triggered Input
Authors: Wang Ling , Wang Ziming , Wang Xin , Pang Ning
Published: July 2024

This article investigates the optimized backstepping (OB) cooperative control problem for stochastic nonlinear multiagent systems (MASs) with non-affine nonlinear faults. In addition, to save resources and achieve better system performance, a novel switched-triggered mechanism (STM) is proposed for updating the actual controller. Based on the identifier-critic-actor structure and OB technique, the optimal controller is constructed. Additionally, a Butterworth low-pass filter has been incorporated to tackle the challenge of non-affine nonlinear faults. Finally, It is proved that all signals of the controlled system are bounded in probability, and the output of each follower can accurately track the leader's output. Simulation results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
The study of the development patterns of water-conducting fracture zones under karst aquifers and the mechanism of water inrush
Authors: Zheng Lulin , Wang Xiaokun , Lan Hong , Ren Weide , Tian Youwen , Xu Jin , Tian Shiyu
Published: July 2024

The hydrogeological conditions of the Qianbei coalfield are complex, and karst water in the roof rock frequently disrupts mining operations, leading to frequent water inrush incidents. Taking the representative Longfeng Coal Mine as a case study, this paper analyzes the structural characteristics of the overlying roof strata. By calculating the stratum stretching rate, the theoretical development height of the water-conducting fracture zone is derived to be 51 meters. Numerical simulations were used to study the stress field, displacement field, and plastic zone distribution patterns in the overlying roof strata. Combined with similar simulation tests and digital speckle experiments, the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the water-conducting fracture zone were investigated. The results indicate that the fracture zone exhibits a "stepped" development pattern, with the fracture morphology evolving from vertical to horizontal. Near the goaf boundary, the strain gradually decreases, and the instability of the key stratum may lead to the closure of separation fractures or the redistribution of water-conducting fractures. Field measurements of the water-conducting fracture zone show that post-mining roof fractures can be classified into tensile-shear, through-going, and discrete types, with decreasing water-conducting capacity in that order. Finally, the study systematically elucidates the disaster mechanisms of dynamic and hydrostatic water inrush in the Longfeng Coal Mine from the perspective of key stratum instability. The findings provide valuable insights for water prevention and control efforts in the Qianbei coalfield mining areas.
Evaluation of Root and Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular and Maxillary Canine Teeth in Turkish Subpopulation by Cone Beam Computed Tomography with Using Two Classification Systems
Authors: MAGAT Guldane , UZUN Sultan
Published: July 2024

Background
Knowledge of root and canal morphology is a prerequisite for effective nonsurgical and surgical endodontic treatments. The aim of this cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study was to evaluate the root canal morphology of permanent canines in a Turkish subpopulation using two classification systems.
Methods
A total of 2,000 canine teeth were examined. The number of roots was identified, and root canal configurations were classified according to Vertucci's classification and a new system for classifying root and canal morphology. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis, and the level of significance was set at 0.05 (p = 0.05).
Results
The canal configuration type I was the most common in all canines, while type III was the second most common. According to the new system, the code 1C1−1 was the most common, whilst 1C1 (A1) codes were the second most common for all canines. In this study, more than 10% morphology that did not fit the Vertucci classification was detected. In the categorization of accessory canals based on the new classification, the most common type in all canines was 1C1,1 (A1). Age had an effect only on the morphology of the left maxillary canine (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Canines in the Turkish subpopulation showed a relatively high degree of variation in root and canal anatomical variations. Clinicians should be aware of where canals converge or diverge to avoid missing canals. The new system for classifying canal morphology describes root and canal configurations more accurately and practically compared to the Vertucci classification.
Dynamic gating of perceptual flexibility by non-classically responsive cortical neurons
Authors: Insanally Michele , Toth Jade , Sidleck Blake , Lombardi Olivia , Hou Tiange , Eldo Abraham , Kerlin Madelyn , Xeng Xiangjian , Saeed Danyall , Agarwal Priya , Leonard Dylan , Andrino Luz , Inbar Tal
Published: July 2024

The ability to flexibly respond to sensory cues in dynamic environments is essential to adaptive auditory-guided behaviors. Cortical spiking responses during behavior are highly diverse, ranging from reliable trial-averaged responses to seemingly random firing patterns. While the reliable responses of ‘classically responsive’ cells have been extensively studied for decades, the contribution of irregular spiking ‘non-classically responsive’ cells to behavior has remained underexplored despite their prevalence. Here, we show that flexible auditory behavior results from interactions between local auditory cortical circuits comprised of heterogeneous responses and inputs from secondary motor cortex. Strikingly, non-classically responsive neurons in auditory cortex were preferentially recruited during learning, specifically during rapid learning phases when the greatest gains in behavioral performance occur. Population-level decoding revealed that during rapid learning mixed ensembles comprised of both classically and non-classically responsive cells encode significantly more task information than homogenous ensembles of either type and emerge as a functional unit critical for learning. Optogenetically silencing inputs from secondary motor cortex selectively modulated non-classically responsive cells in the auditory cortex and impaired reversal learning by preventing the remapping of a previously learned stimulus-reward association. Top-down inputs orchestrate highly correlated non-classically responsive ensembles in sensory cortex providing a unique task-relevant manifold for learning. Thus, non-classically responsive cells in sensory cortex are preferentially recruited by top-down inputs to enable neural and behavioral flexibility.
Mean aerodynamic flow field of an impinging jet issuing from a convergent nozzle with varying nozzle to plate distance
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Atri , I Bharatkrishnan , Nag Tapas Kumar , Saha Sanjoy Kumar , GK Prashant
Published: July 2024

Jet impinging on a flat surface draws a lot of attention among the researchers working in the area of aerodynamics not only because of its complex flow physics, but also due to its wide range of applications. Starting from launch vehicles during lift-off to aircraft during vertical take-off and landing, jets impinges on the surfaces (inclined as well as flat surfaces) has wide range of applications. Due to these impingements, high thermal and pressure loads acts on the surface where jets are impinging. Besides these, high acoustic levels as well as loss of lift also generates during this impingement. Numerical flow simulations are carried out using commercial CFD code to understand the flow physics of an impinging jet on a flat surface. Simulations are carried out at a nozzle pressure ratio of 5.0 with varying distance between the nozzle to plate. The results so obtained are analyzed in details and are brought out in this paper.
A Comparative Analysis of Consumers’ Patterns of Reimbursable Medications between Online-only and Community Pharmacies
Authors: Olesen Anne Estrup , Simonsen Jacob Herrig , Madsen Susanne Storm , Hansen Rikke Nørgaard , Sørensen Ann Lykkegaard
Published: July 2024

Background
Online pharmacies have emerged as a novel method for procuring reimbursable medicines.
Aim
The study aimed to compare consumers’ patterns of reimbursable medications between online-only and community pharmacies in Denmark.
Method
The retrospective study used registered data for all reimbursable medicine prescriptions from pharmacies in 2022 across Denmark but specifically retrieved from patients residing in The North Denmark Region.
Results
In 2022, 4,414 and 395,438 patients obtained reimbursable medicines from two online-only and 240 community pharmacies, respectively. The age distribution of patients using online-only pharmacies was significantly different from community pharmacies (P < 0.001). The gender distributions of patients using online-only pharmacies was different from community pharmacies (P < 0.001). The distribution of patients’ living area differed between the two types of pharmacies (P < 0.001). The distribution of prescriptions by ATC code differed between the two types of pharmacies (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Consumer patterns were different between online-only and community. This insight may assist healthcare policymakers and stakeholders in optimizing pharmaceutical services for enhanced patient care.
LncRNA H19 improves angiogenesis in mouse pulmonary artery endothelial cells by regulating the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway
Authors: Dou Lei , You Wei , Chai Yannan , Shi Huiju , Liu Qing , Jiang Qiaoli , Li Huiling
Published: July 2024

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a syndrome of acute respiratory failure characterized by systemic hypoxemia and elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, which leads to pathological changes in pulmonary vascular remodeling and endothelial cell function. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of arterial endothelial cell function, but its regulatory role in PHN is not fully understood. In the present study, mouse pulmonary artery endothelial cells (MPAECs) were cultured in a hypoxic environment. Subsequently, the regulatory function of lncRNA H19 on MPAECs was explored by constructing adenoviruses knocking down and overexpressing lncRNA H19. The results revealed that the hypoxic environment could induce the proliferation and migration of MPAECs, as well as the high expression of lncRNA H19 in MPAECs. Knockdown of lncRNA H19 expression in MPAECs reversed hypoxic environment-induced functional changes in endothelial cells, whereas overexpression of lncRNA H19 further enhanced the proliferation and migration of MPAECs. In addition, further assays revealed that lncRNA H19 upregulated the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway through sponge adsorption of microRNA-20a-5p, which in turn promoted changes in endothelial cell function. LncRNA H19 may interfere with vascular remodeling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension by upregulating the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in vascular endothelial cells.
Distribution and Anthropogenic imprints of Light Rare Earth Elements in River sediments of Ganga Alluvial Plain, India
Authors: Yadav Jitendra Kumar
Published: July 2024

Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE) are high technology-based modern contaminants, in fluvial system are recently emerging environmental concern due to their human health risks. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of LREE (Lanthanum to Samarium) on river sediments of the Ganga Alluvial Plain, northern India. In the 900-km long Gomati River, a distinct downstream increasing concentration of LREE from 339 to 1349 µg/g was identified in biotite mineral of the mica-rich bedload sediments. Total LREE content in suspended sediments of the Gomati (205 µg/g), the Sai (229 µg/g) and the Hindon (average 495 µg/g, n=15) rivers were observed higher than the World River Silt average (149 µg/g). The extreme LREE level was represented by the Hindon River’s suspended sediment of highly urbanized centers at Ghaziabad (1519 µg/g) and Greater Noida (1377 µg/g). The modern anthropogenic processes are accountable for the LREE enrichment in suspended river sediments of nearly an order of magnitude in the Ganga Alluvial Plain. This casts light on the effects of human activities of the LREE cycling by sub-tropical fluvial processes in one of the most densely populated regions of the world.
First-principles Investigation of Optoelectronic Structure and Thermodynamic Properties of Ruddlesden-Popper halide perovskites for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Haq Izaz Ul , Abdelkader A. , Obaidat Yahia A. H. , Ghodhbani Refka , Ismail A. Haj , Khan Imad
Published: July 2024

The structure optimization, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) shielding, optoelectronic and thermodynamic properties of 2D layered Ruddlesden-Popper Cs2CdX4 (X = Cl, Br, I) are computed using first-principles simulations. The crystal structure is composed of 2D [CdX4]n2n− plane constructed by CdX6 octahedral vertices and inorganic spacer cation (Cs+) separates the octahedral layers. At the VB edge, X-p and Cd-p orbitals are strongly hybridized, which play a key role in the optoelectronic applications of these compounds owing to the excitation of their valence electrons to the conduction band (CB) with minimum photon’s energy. The pseudo-direct and tunable band gaps of the understudy 2D layered RP-HPs are well-suited for optoelectronic applications. The numerical values of Debye temperature illustrates that each compound excites with different Debye frequency, corresponds to the unit cell size and phonon’s wavelength. The specific heat capacity curves are consistent with equipartition theorem of classical mechanics and obey the Dulong-Petit law at high temperature. The positive entropy change (ΔS) spirits negative change in Gibb’s free energy (ΔG), confirming the stability of these materials. The isotropic chemical shift depends on Cd and halides coordinates therefore, Cd-δiso is decreases and X-δiso increases with the halide increments. The Cs-p, Cd-d, and X-s orbital play a key role in NMR shielding owing to their existence in lower valence band (VB).
Multicomponent Reaction for Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Anti-inflammatory Evaluation of Novel Indole-Thiazole Hybrid Derivatives
Authors: Alkorbi Faeza , Alshareef Shareefa Ahmed , Abdelaziz Mahmoud A. , Omer Noha , Jame Rasha , Alatawi Ibrahim Saleem , Ali Ali M. , Omran Omran A. , Bakr Rania B.
Published: July 2024

In this article, novel thiazol-indolin-2-one derivatives 4a-f have been synthesized via treatment of thiosemicarbazide (1) with some isatin derivative 2a-f and N-(4-(2-bromoacetyl)phenyl)-4-tolyl-sulfonamide (3) under reflux in ethanol in the presence of triethyl amine (TEA). The structures of new products were elucidated by elemental and spectral analyses. Moreover, all compounds were investigated for their in vivo anti-inflammatory activity using celecoxib as a reference drug. The target comound 4b was the most active anti-inflammatory candidate and exhibited higher edema inhibition (EI = 38.50 %) than that recorded by celecoxib (EI = 34.58%) after 3h. Furthermore, the most active compounds 4band 4f were subjected to molecular docking study inside COX-2 enzyme to show their binding interactions. Both compounds 4b and 2f showed good fitting into COX-2 binding site with docking energy scores -11.45 kcal/mol and -10.48kcal/mol,respectively which indicated that compound 4b revealed the most promising and effective anti-inflammatory potential.
Impact of Intraoperative Spinal Induced Hypotension on Neonatal Adverse Outcome During Caesarian Section at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: 2023, a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Meskele Merkineh , Alemayew Mihiretu , Dendir Getahun , Kedir Abdulkadir , Reshad Salman , Samuel Sintayehu
Published: July 2024

Background: Incidence of maternal hypotension often reported and occurs after caesarian section due to multiple reasons. However, the effect of intraoperative spinal induced hypotension on neonatal adverse outcome during caesarian section hasn't been investigated adequately in Sub-Saharan Countries, including Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the effect of intraoperative spinal induced hypotension on neonatal adverse outcome during caesarian section.
The researchers carried out a prospective cohort study from May 15-August 15, 2023. We selected 202 mothers using a convenience sampling method. We collected data by using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Once we ensured the collected data's completeness and consistency, we proceeded to enter it into Epidata 4.6. Then, we exported it to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relative risk between neonatal outcome and maternal hypotension and other related features. By using confidence interval and p-value<0.05, the researchers determined the level of significance.
Result: In this study, a total of 202 participants were given a response rate of 100%. The incidence proportion of adverse early neonatal outcome was 13.4%. Maternal hypotension at 5 minutes ARR maternal health condition (ARR: 3.9, (95%CI: 1.26, 12.2), APGAR score at one minute (ARR: 4.9, (95% CI: 1.7, 14.1)), parity (AOR: 4.2, (95% CI: 1.3, 13.5)), age of the mothers AOR: 5.1, (95% CI: 1.3, 19.5))., and birth weight (AOR: 3.6, (95% CI: 1.18, 10.9)) were identified as predictors of adverse early neonatal outcome.
Conclusion: In this study, the incidence of adverse neonatal outcome was high. To reduce maternal hypotension after anesthesia, it is necessary to strengthen the monitoring of vital signs. To increase birth interval, it is necessary to expand family planning. Screening during antenatal and Intrapartum period should be promoted to reduce poor maternal health condition, and proper nutrition to reduce birth weight.
Factors of Pre-competition Anxiety in Amateur Sprinters: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Zheng Xin , Weike Zhao , Yuhang Liu
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to identify the key factors that contribute to pre-competition anxiety in adolescent amateur sprinters and explore potential strategies to alleviate these anxieties.
Methods
A survey was conducted among 270 athletes from 16 sports schools and track and field clubs, resulting in a final sample of 124 valid questionnaires. Grey correlation analysis and Ridge regression analysis and other methodologies were employed to analyze the influencing factors of pre-competition anxiety.
Results
The findings reveal that the competition environment, individual self-efficacy, and excessive focus on outcomes are the primary factors contributing to pre-competition anxiety among young amateur sprinters.
Conclusions
This research provides tailored psychological intervention strategies for coaches, enabling them to assist athletes in regulating their mental state and ultimately enhancing their competitive performance. Additionally, the study serves as a valuable reference for future research, significantly contributing to the advancement of mental health among young sprinters.
DFT Study of the Influence of Cationic and Anionic Fragments on the Linear Optical Properties, First Hyperpolarizability, and Two-Photon Absorption of Benzoxazole Derivatives: A Perspective for OLEDs and Solar Cells Applications
Authors: Fernandez Edwin Smith Rivera , Ceballo Ronal Andres , Bueno Oscar Leon Neira , Salas Oriana Ines Avila , Rodriguez Ruben Dario Fonseca
Published: July 2024

This theoretical study presents the linear optical properties of absorption and fluorescence, as well as the nonlinear properties of first hyperpolarizability and two-photon absorption (TPA), in pi-conjugated organic compounds. Four pi-conjugated organic compounds derived from Benzoxazole were examined in the gas phase, in methanol, and in toluene, within the framework of Computational Quantum Chemistry, employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) with the CAM-B3LYP functional and the 6-311 + + G(d,p) basis set. The results reveal notable variations in the absorption and fluorescence spectra of organic compounds in the gas phase and in solvents such as methanol and toluene. In the gas phase, UV-violet peaks are observed, whereas in solvents, these peaks shift towards longer wavelengths, highlighting the influence of the chemical environment. Toluene intensifies absorption peaks, while methanol enhances fluorescence peaks, especially in compounds with a push-pull effect, such as Compound 4. Additionally, a significant increase in dipole moment, polarizability, and static and dynamic first hyperpolarizability for 1064 nm is evidenced in solvents, suggesting a greater nonlinear optical response capability of the compounds. The compounds exhibit maximum two-photon absorption (2PA) cross-sections that increase in solvents, especially in methanol, where Compound 4 reaches approximately 150 GM. Finally, Compound 4 in methanol and toluene offers better optical characteristics for use in OLED devices.
MCDA-based Assessment of Industrial Practices for Groundwater Preservation and Pollution Reduction
Authors: Ghazouani Mouna , Baccouche Hatem , Mansouri Lobna , Mellah Thouraya , Ghrabi Ahmed , Akrout Hanene
Published: July 2024

In this study, the effects of industrial practices on groundwater sustainability and contamination in Grombalia watershed were assessed using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The analysis was carried out on three types of industrial wastewater using mainly electrochemical techniques. Criteria used are: wastewater discharge area, soil permeability, wastewater quality, removal efficiency, groundwater supplies, non-conventional water production, and groundwater quality and quantity. Both Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Weighted Sum Method (WSM) are combined in MCDA, to identify the best industrial wastewater treatment technology among several alternatives. Main results indicate that the sustainability of the newly developed remediation technologies showed the highest performance when compared to the on-site alternatives. The impressive decision index values, of the best practices to be adopted in each industry, were of 0.965, 0.875, and 0.763 compared to a decision index value related to the actual on-site practices of 0.263, 0. 425 and 0.305 for the textile, agrifood, and leather industries, respectively. The results underlined the importance of developing a remediation solution for highly contaminated wastewaters and reuse and/or recycling schemes, to guarantee water demand requirements and reduce pressure on conventional water sources, within a circular economy approach.