bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy efficient hierarchical based fish eye state routing protocol for flying Ad-hoc networks
Authors: Abul Hassan Muhammad , Irfan Ullah Syed , Salam Abdus , Wajid Ullah Arbab , Imad Muhammad , Ullah Farhat
Published: January 2021

Flying Ad-hoc networks are emergent area in Ad-hoc networks evolved from MANETs and VANETs. Small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used in FANETs applications and these small UAVs have limited resources while efficiently utilization of these resources is most critical task in real time monitoring of FANETs application. Network consumes its resources in path selection process and data routing from source to destination. Selecting of efficient routing protocol to utilize all available resources played vital role in extending network life time. In this article fisheye state routing (FSR) protocol is implemented in FANET and compare networks performance in term of channel utilization, link utilization vs throughput and packet delivery ratio (PDR) with distance sequence distance vector (DSDV), optimized link state routing (OLSR), adhoc on demand distance vector (AODV), dynamic source routing (DSR) and temperary ordered routing protocol (TORA). Experimental analysis slows that FSR is good in term of PDR (16438 packets delivered), channel utilization (89%) and link vs throughput from the rest of routing protocols after addressing of these problems UAVs resources are efficiently utilized (energy).
Fast and accurate primary user detection with machine learning techniques for cognitive radio networks
Authors: A. Pethunachiyar G. , Sankaragomathi B.
Published: January 2021

Spectrum decision is an important and crucial task for the secondary user to avail the unlicensed spectrum for transmission. Managing the spectrum is an efficient one for spectrum sensing. Determining the primary user presence in the spectrum is an essential work for using the licensed spectrum of primary user. The information which lacks in managing the spectrum are the information about the primary user presence, accuracy in determining the existence of user in the spectrum, the cost for computation and difficult in finding the user in low signal-to noise ratio (SNR) values. The proposed system overcomes the above limitations. In the proposed system, the various techniques of machine learning like decision tree, support vector machines, naive bayes, ensemble based trees, nearest neighbour’s and logistic regression are used for testing the algorithm. As a first step, the spectrum sensing is done in two stages with Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing and Energy Detection algorithm at the various values of SNR. The results generated from the above algorithm is used for database generation. Next, the different machine learning techniques are trained and compared for the results produced by different algorithms with the characteristics like speed, time taken for training and accuracy in prediction. The accuracy and finding the presence of the user in the spectrum at low SNR values are achieved by all the algorithms. The computation cost of the algorithm differs from each other. Among the tested techniques, k-nearest neighbour (KNN) algorithm produces the better performance in a minimized time.
Secure dynamic source routing protocol for defending black hole attacks in mobile Ad hoc networks
Authors: Mohanapriya M. , Joshi Nitish , Soni Mohit
Published: January 2021

Wireless Ad Hoc Network is a dynamically organized network on emergency situations, in which a group of wireless devices send data among themselves without requiring any base stations for forwarding data. Here the nodes itself perform the functions of routing. This important characteristic of mobile ad hoc networks allows the hassle free set up of the network for communications in different crisis such as battlefield and natural disaster zones. Multi hop communication in MANET is achieved by the cooperation of nodes in forwarding data packets. This feature of MANET is largely exploited to launch a security attack called black hole attack. A light weight solution called SEC-DSR is proposed to defend the network from black hole attack and enables communication among nodes even in the presence of attackers. In this scheme, by analyzing only the control packets used for routing in the network, the compromised nodes launching the attack are identified. From the collective judgment by the participating nodes in the routing path, a secure route free of black hole nodes is selected for communication by the host. Simulation results validate and ensure the effectiveness of the proposed solution tested on an ad hoc network with compromised black hole nodes.
A hybrid of CNN and LSTM methods for securing web application against cross-site scripting attack
Authors: Waheed Kadhim Raed , Talib Gaata Methaq
Published: January 2021

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is today one of the biggest threatthat could targeting the Web application. Based on study published by the open web applications security project (OWASP), XSS vulnerability has been present among the TOP 10 Web application vulnerabilities.Still,an important security-related issue remains how to effectively protect web applications from XSS attacks.In first part of this paper, a method for detecting XSS attack was proposed by combining convolutional neural network (CNN) with long short term memories (LSTM), Initially, pre-processing was applied to XSS Data Set by decoding, generalization and tokanization, and then word2vec was applied to convert words into word vectors in XSS payloads. And then we use the combination CNN with LSTM to train and test word vectors to produce a model that can be used in a web application. Based on the obtaned results, it is observed that the proposed model achevied an excellent result with accuracy of 99.4%.
A note on complex fuzzy subfield
Authors: Gulzar Muhammad , Dilawar Fareeha , Alghazzawi Dilshad , Mateen M. Haris
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we introduce idea of complex fuzzy subfield and discuss its various algebraic aspects. We prove that every complex fuzzy subfield generate two fuzzy fields and shows that intersection of two complex fuzzy subfields is also complex fuzzy subfields. We also present the concept of level subsets of complex fuzzy subfield and shows that level subset of complex fuzzy subfield form subfield.  Furthermore, we extend this idea to define the notion of the direct product of two complex fuzzy subfields and also investigate the homomorphic image and inverse image of complex fuzzy subfield.
Optimisation of LEACH protocol based on a game theory clustering approach for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Oukessou Yassine , Baslam Mohamed , Oukessou Mohamed
Published: January 2021

The wireless sensor network clustering routing mechanism is the best multi-hop algorithm used to aggregate data from sensors to the base station. Therefore the elected nodes refuse to be a clusters heads CH and have a selfish and non cooperative behaviours in each group cluster. All that due to the high electric energy consumption, and especially that the most existing sensors are powered by batteries. In this paper, we will analyse the selfishness behaviour by using the most knowing mathematical model Game theory to improve the interaction decision making for the CH selection, and make a comparison with LEACH protocol.
The key management of direct/external modulation semiconductor laser response systems for relative intensity noise control
Authors: M. A. Eid Mahmoud , S. Seliem Ashraf , Zaki Rashed Ahmed Nabih , A. Mohammed Abd El-Naser , Ali Mohamed Yassin , S. Abaza Shaimaa
Published: January 2021

This study outlines the management of either direct or external modulation semiconductor laser systems for the key solution of bit rate up to 25 Gb/s under relative intensity noise (RIN) control. The bias and modulation peak currents based laser rate equations are optimized to achieve max Q factor and min bit error rate (BER) using first proposed model and optical/electrical signal power, optical/electrical signal to noise ratio are also enhanced using second proposed model. The percentage enhancement ratio in max. Q-factor and min. BER using first proposed model ranges from 53.25 % to 71.63 % in compared to the previous model. In the same way, by using second proposed model, the electrical signal power at optical receiver is enhanced within the range of 48.66 % to 68.88 % in compared to the previous model. Optical signal/noise ratio (OSNR) after optical fiber cable (OFC), signal/noise ratio (SNR) after electrical filter are measured with using different electrical pulse generators and electrical modulators at the optimization stage. The first proposed model reported better max. Q and min. BER values than the previous model. In addition to the second proposed model (direct modulation) has outlined better optical/electrical signal power than the previous model, while max. Q, min. BER values are kept constant. It is found that non return to zero pulse generator has presented better signal power than other pulse generators by using second proposed model. As well as the mixed of raised cosine pulse generator with external modulator reported max. Q, min. BER with other pulse generators by using first proposed model. OSNR at OFC is optimized by using continuous phase frequency shift keying (CPFSK) electrical modulator, While SNR at optical receiver is optimized by using phase shift keying (PSK) electrical modulator.
Prognostic Value of Nonischemic Ringlike Left Ventricular Scar in Patients With Apparently Idiopathic Nonsustained Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Muser Daniele , Nucifora Gaetano , Muser Daniele , Nucifora Gaetano , Pieroni Maurizio , Castro Simon A. , Casado Arroyo Ruben , Maeda Shingo , Benhayon Daniel A. , Liuba Ioan , Sadek Mouhannad , Magnani Silvia , Enriquez Andres , Liang Jackson J. , Sassone Biagio , Desjardins Benoit , Dixit Sanjay , Deo Rajat , Garcia Fermin C. , Callans David J. , Frankel David S. , Selvanayagam Joseph B. , Marchlinski Francis E. , Santangeli Pasquale
Published: January 2021

Background:

Left ventricular (LV) scar on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance has been correlated with life-threatening arrhythmic events in patients with apparently idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). We investigated the prognostic significance of a specific LV-LGE phenotype characterized by a ringlike pattern of fibrosis.

Methods:

A total of 686 patients with apparently idiopathic nonsustained VA underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance. A ringlike pattern of LV scar was defined as LV subepicardial/midmyocardial LGE involving at least 3 contiguous segments in the same short-axis slice. The end point of the study was time to the composite outcome of all-cause death, resuscitated cardiac arrest because of ventricular fibrillation or hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy.

Results:

A total of 28 patients (4%) had a ringlike pattern of scar (group A), 78 (11%) had a non-ringlike pattern (group B), and 580 (85%) had normal cardiac magnetic resonance with no LGE (group C). Group A patients were younger compared with groups B and C (median age, 40 vs 52 vs 45 years;
P
<0.01), more frequently men (96% vs 82% vs 55%;
P
<0.01), with a higher prevalence of family history of sudden cardiac death or cardiomyopathy (39% vs 14% vs 6%;
P
<0.01) and more frequent history of unexplained syncope (18% vs 9% vs 3%;
P
<0.01). All patients in group A showed VA with a right bundle-branch block morphology versus 69% in group B and 21% in group C (
P
<0.01). Multifocal VAs were observed in 46% of group A patients compared with 26% of group B and 4% of group C (
P
<0.01). After a median follow-up of 61 months (range, 34–84 months), the composite outcome occurred in 14 patients (50.0%) in group A versus 15 (19.0%) in group B and 2 (0.3%) in group C (
P
<0.01). After multivariable adjustment, the presence of LGE with ringlike pattern remained independently associated with increased risk of the composite end point (hazard ratio, 68.98 [95% CI, 14.67–324.39],
P
<0.01).

Conclusions:

In patients with apparently idiopathic nonsustained VA, nonischemic LV scar with a ringlike pattern is associated with malignant arrhythmic events.
Purity and Property at Gezer: The Commons in a Second Temple Town
Authors: Kaye Noah
Published: January 2021

Since the late nineteenth century, thirteen rock-cut inscriptions have been detected in the vicinity of Tel Gezer. Their date, function, and relationship to settlement history have all been debated. This article systematically relates the so-called “Boundary of Gezer” stones to the archaeology of the Hellenistic town on the tel. In doing so, it presents the first publication of an epitaph reused as the threshold of a house reportedly built in the 130s BCE. A boundary-making project of this nature was the result of the Hasmonean conquest of a stronghold of great strategic and ideological significance. The Gezer stones can be elucidated by means of comparison to boundary markers from Gerasa in Transjordan, Achaemenid Cilicia, and Greece. Code-switching between Greek and Hebrew/Aramaic, the bilingual boundaries distinguish between two forms of property, not two populations, providing important evidence for collective property rights in Second Temple Judaism.
التجديد في الدراسات اللغويّة العربيّة في القرن التاسع عشر
Authors: السوداني حسين
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to study the emergence of tajdīd (modernization, renewal) in Arabic linguistics. The research focuses on the time period between the late 18th century and the beginning of the 20th century, a time that corresponds to the popularization of evolution studies in Europe in the sciences generally, and particularly in linguistics.

I examine the features of the linguistics scene in the 19th century, looking for possible characteristics of a tajdīd movement on both the technical-theoretical and the practical-procedural levels. Indeed, the 19th century witnessed a period of openness to Western influence, a multi-faceted intellectual movement that has come to be known as the Nahḍa. During this time, tajdīd manifested itself explicitly in the methodology of Arabic linguistics, sometimes declaring its points of reference openly, while at other times keeping them implicit in a deliberately unspoken reliance on modern theoretical backgrounds.

I find that the linguistic issue represents an important component in 19th century Arab thought on three levels: the first being the level of culture and civilization, the second education and methodology, and the third technical form and research.
A taxonomic revision of the Pyracantha crenulata complex (Rosaceae, Maleae)
Authors: FENG HUI-ZHE , WEI SU-JUAN , WANG LONG-YUAN , CHEN SU-FANG , FAN QIANG , LIAO WEN-BO
Published: January 2021

Pyracantha is naturally distributed from East Asia to the southeastern Europe regions, and seven species, including five endemic species, were recorded in China. Taxonomic problems within the genus persist, in which the identity of Pyracantha crenulata complex is not clear when referring to the existing species dichotomous key. P. crenulata complex contains three species: P. loureiroi, P. crenulata and P. fortuneana. Such incident might be due to the lack of proper analysis and evaluation of the characters at the population level when first described. To solve this problem, we sampled 48 populations of P. crenulata, examined 278 sheets of herbarium specimens, and conducted principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) on the morphological variations across different populations. Our findings indicated that P. crenulata complex does not display distinct, separated groups based on the morphological characteristics described in the existing species description, the shape of leaf, leaf margin, leaf apices and widest position of leaf are not distinct features for species delimitation in P. crenulata complex. As a result, we proposed that the P. crenulata complex should be recognized as a single species named P. crenulata.
Dentipellicula guyanensis sp. nov. (Hericiaceae, Basidiomycota) from French Guiana
Authors: ZHOU MENG , CHEN JIA-JIA , VLASÁK JOSEF , YUAN YUAN
Published: January 2021

Dentipellicula guyanensis, a new species of Hericiaceae, is described and illustrated based on morphological characters and supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses using ITS and nLSU rDNA sequences. D. guyanensis is characterized by an annual and resupinate growth habit, a monomitic hyphal structure with non-amyloid, non-dextrinoid and acyanophilous generative hyphae, the presence of gloeoplerous hyphae in hymenophoral trama, the presence of gloeocystidia, and rough basidiospores measuring as 2.8–3.1 × 1.9–2.1 µm. A key to accepted species of Dentipellicula is provided.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency of Light Grid System with Optimized System Design and Recycling with Thermoelectric Platform
Authors: Ji Jae-Hoon , Kim Hong-Tae , Kim Sung-Jin , Kamiko Masao , Koh Jung-Hyuk
Published: January 2021

In this work, a light grid system with a high-power LED chip was manufactured and employed to analyze the energy efficiency of output optical energy. The high-power LED system based on thermoelectric modules, a heat dissipation structure and optical transmission system with an optical
fiber were optimally combined and designed, which increased the efficiency of light grid system. Additionally, by introducing an effective design for the heat dissipation structure, the output optical energy and recycled electrical energy were increased. The recycled energy through optimized
heat dissipation structure was 1.94 W, and the system efficiency of designed light grid system is more than 50%. In this research, we intensively studied the energy efficiency of a light grid system as well as the recycling of thermal energy through thermoelectric modules.
Improvement of Figure of Merit Pb(Zr,Ti)O3–Pb(Zn,Ni,Nb)O3–Pb(In,Nb)O3 Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Kim Bo Su , Ji Jae-Hoon , Kamiko Masao , Kim Seong Jin , Koh Jung-Hyuk
Published: January 2021

Figure of merit the product of piezoelectric charge constant and the piezoelectric voltage constant—d33 × g33 in piezoelectric energy harvesting systems are critical measures in energy harvester applications. It is difficult to achieve high figure of
merit because of the interdependence of d33 and the relative dielectric constant, εr. Until now, the prohibitive amount of effort required to solve this problem has led to it being considered an unsolvable issue. Lead zirconate titanate ceramic, Pb(Zr,Ti)O3,
has been reported to exhibit high values of d33 and εr. However, to be employed as piezoelectric energy harvester, a candidate material is required to exhibit both high piezoelectric charge coefficient and high piezoelectric electric voltage coefficient simultaneously.
To enhance the figure of merit of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3-based materials, dopants have also been considered. Pb(Zn,Ni,Nb)O3- added Pb(Zr,Ti)O3, Pb(Zr,Ti)O3–Pb(Zn,Ni,Nb)O3 ceramic has been reported to exhibit a high d33 value of 561
pC/N. It's dielectric constant has also been reported to be low at 1898. In this study, Pb(Zr,Ti)O3–Pb(Zn,Ni,Nb)O3–Pb(In,Nb)O3 was investigated in the context of enhancing the figure of merit of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3-based materials. During the
proposed process, we increased the corresponding figure of merit by adding Pb(In,Nb)O3 material. Besides exhibiting a low dielectric constant, the Pb(In,Nb)O3 material was also observed to exhibit high d33 × g33 as the proposed doping increased
the value of d33 greatly, while maintaining the dielectric constant (Yan, J., et al., 2019. Large engancement of trans coefficient in PZT-PZN energy harvesting system through introducing low εrPIN relaxor. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 39, pp.2666–2672).
Further, we conducted an optimization experiment by controlling the doping concentration and the sintering temperature.
Characteristics of Cobalt Thin Films Deposited by Very High Frequency Plasma Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition (60 and 100 MHz) Using Cobaltocene (Co(Cp)2)/NH3
Authors: Yeom Won Gyun , Song Chang Hoon , Cho Chul Hee , You Shin Jae , Yeom Geun Young
Published: January 2021

In this study, cobalt films were deposited by plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) with cobaltocene (Co(Cp)2) using two different very high frequency (VHF) NH3 plasmas (60 MHz, 100 MHz), and the effect of different frequencies of VHF on the characteristics
of NH3 plasmas and the properties of cobalt films were investigated. It is found that the higher frequency showed the higher plasma density at the same input power and, the NH radicals, which are required to remove the ligands of the cobalt precursor during the plasma exposure step
in the ALD cycle, were higher at 100 MHz than those at 60 MHz. The RMS surface roughness and carbon impurity percentage of the deposited cobalt films were lower at the higher frequency possibly indicating denser films due to more active surface reactions at the higher frequency. As a result,
it is expected that the cobalt thin films deposited by the higher VHF PEALD will improve the characteristics of deposited thin films.
Nanostructured Molybdenum Trioxide Layer on the Silver Anode of a Top-Incident Organic Photovoltaic Device
Authors: Chen Chia-Hsun , Lee Jiun Haw , Lin Chien-Liang , Chiu Tien-Lung
Published: January 2021

A nanostructured molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) layer was successfully fabricated utilizing various deposition rates, employed as an anodic buffer layer to separate the active layer from a silver anode and modifying the anodic surface to facilitate hole transportation for top-incident
organic photovoltaic (TIOPV) devices. The deposition rate and thickness of the MoO3 layer were crucial parameters for determining the surface morphology and work function, and the internal optical field distribution, respectively. These factors affected the performance of the devices
in terms of their open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current density (JSC), and fill factor (FF). The baseline TIOPV device without a buffer layer had a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of only 0.47%. By contrast, with a smooth 20-nm MoO3
buffer layer fabricated using a deposition rate of 1 Å/s (which prevented problems caused by the Ag anode), another fabricated TIOPV device had substantially higher VOC, JSC and FF values, which improved the PCE by a factor of 6.2 to 2.92%. When an
additional 5-nm nanostructured MoO3 layer was deposited at a deposition rate of 0.5 Å/s, the most efficient TIOPV device had an even greater PCE, a factor of 7.5 times higher at 3.53%.
Cytotoxicity of Methotrexate Conjugated to Glycerol Phosphate Modified Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Deda Daiana K. , Cardoso Roberta M. , Kawassaki Rodrigo K. , de Oliveira André R. , Toma Sergio H. , Baptista Maurício S. , Araki Koiti
Published: January 2021

A systematic study was carried out to evaluate the uptake and cytotoxicity of methotrexate (MTX) conjugated to superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) modified with glycerol phosphate (Glyc) and phosphorylethanolamine (PEA), using MCF-7 cancer cell line as model. The ligand
shell composition was controlled in such a way to get SPIONs with nine different surface functionalization and up to three co-conjugated ligands but the very iron oxide core, in order to test and compare uptake and cytotoxicity, and verify possible additive effects. Folic acid (FA), the non-toxic
analogue of MTX, was also explored as ligand for SPIONs. Glyc was shown to enhance dramatically the cellular uptake despite the high negative zeta potentials, whereas PEA, FA and MTX was found to have a much lower effect on the cellular uptake. Also, a significant ten times lowering of IC50
was observed for the co-conjugated MTX in the SPION-Glyc/PEA/MTX as compared to the free drug, whereas the analogue SPION-Glyc/PEA/FA nanoparticles exhibited no significant cytotoxicity. In short, the conjugation of MTX to SPIONs enhanced dramatically its cytotoxicity and decreased the IC50
value against MCF-7 tumor cells as compared to the free drug, probably due to the enhanced uptake of SPIONs as a result of their surface modification with Glyc/PEA, demonstrating that SPION-Glyc/PEA is a good nanocarrier for co-conjugated methotrexate.
Photo-Electrochemical Water Splitting Behavior of Directionally Aligned CdSe Quantum Dots on Copper(II) Benzene-1,3,5-Tricarboxylate Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
Authors: Kuchipudi Anup , Suresh Reddy S. , Vengatesan S. , Panda Subhendu K. , Sreedhar Gosipathala
Published: January 2021

Herein, a facile synthesis protocol for the development of directional alignment of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) on the surface of Copper benzene-1, 3, 5-tricarboxylate (CuBTC) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) was proposed. The sensitization of CdSe QDs with MOFs offered enhancement of light-harvesting
properties in the visible region of the solar spectrum due to the broad absorption band of CdSe QDs. As a photo-anode, it has generated current density of ˜20 mA/cm2 at 1.70 V (vs. Reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) during the photo-electrochemical water splitting in 1 M
Na2S electrolyte. The present investigation demonstrates the directional attachment of CdSe QDs on CuBTC is beneficial in facilitating light-harvesting and photo-electrochemical properties of CuBTC MOFs.
Establishment of Cattle Encephalon Glycoside and Ignotin Sustained-Release Drug Loading Nanostructured Lipid Carriers and Effect on the Repair Improving of Retinal Cells with Optic Nerve Injury
Authors: Zhu Jie , Ling Ji-Yang , Zhang Yun
Published: January 2021

The research aims to explore the preparation and physicochemical properties of cattle encephalon glycoside and ignotin (CEGI) sustained-release drug loading nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and to study the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of CEGI-NLC in treatment of retinal degenerative
diseases, thereby providing an objective basis and guidance for clinical medication. The results showed that the particle size of drug-loaded microspheres was 333.2 nm and the potential was 24.9 MV, with an entrapment efficiency of (79±5.6)% and a drug loading efficiency of (7.76±2.3)%.
The microspheres were spherical and evenly dispersed. The observations showed that drug-loaded microspheres had specific external sustained release characteristics compared with those of CEGI alone. CEGI-NLC can promote the activity of retinal cells. From the 7th to 28th day, the number of
cell layers in the outer and inner nuclear layer retina decreased gradually. Electron microscopy observation showed that the apoptotic nuclear was deformed and the internal segment and cilia were broken down. After 14 and 28 days of CEGI-NLC treatment, the number of layers in the retina was
thicker and the number of apoptotic cells was lower than those in the control group. The studies proved that CEGI-NLC has a positive effect on promoting the growth and the development of retinal cells as well as alleviating the process of retinal degeneration in RDS mice.
Ultrafast Microwave Synthesis of Carbon-Coated Lithium Vanadium Phosphate Cathode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Cui Xiaoyue , Tang Zhiyuan , Ma Xiaokai , Yan Ji
Published: January 2021

Carbon-coated lithium vanadium phosphate cathode materials were successfully prepared via an ultra-fast microwave irradiation route in 5 min with using activated carbon as the microwave adsorbent. We aimed to utilize this ultra-fast and facile route to shorten the synthesis procedure
for obtaining Li3V2(PO4)3/C cathode material with superior rate capability. To characterize the intrinsic crystal structure and exterior architecture morphology of targeted material, X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
in combined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied in experiment. The role of microwave irradiation treatment time in affecting the crystalline structure and related lithium-storage electrochemical performance is also investigated in detail. For the optimal Li3V2(PO4)3/C
material, it delivered a specific discharge capacity of 110.1 mAh g−1 at a 0.2 C charging/discharging rate while hold a superior cycling stability over 50 cycles when tested at a 1 C rate. The ultra-fast synthesis route should pave a new way to save the energy in the preparation
of phosphate-based electroactive cathode material.
Infectious Pseudoaneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery in a Child Secondary to Parapharyngeal Abscess
Authors: Davidson Christian , Holihan Cheryl , de Oliveira Sillero Rafael , Lee Kenneth , Mitchell Ron B. , Shah Gopi
Published: January 2021

Infectious pseudoaneurysm is a rare condition characterized by arterial wall dilation, usually due to an adjacent infectious focus. We present an 8-year-old male with a 3-day history of progressive, severe headache 2 weeks after treatment for a parapharyngeal abscess. Computed tomography revealed a left internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm inferior to the skull base and a small parapharyngeal abscess inferior to the pseudoaneurysm. The patient was admitted for intravenous antibiotic treatment and underwent transfemoral endovascular coil occlusion of the cervical ICA pseudoaneurysm without complications. We discuss the presentation and management of rare vascular complications of parapharyngeal abscesses involving major arteries of the neck and the role of neurointerventional embolization in these cases.
Deletion of Arno Reduces Eosinophilic Inflammation and Interleukin-5 Expression in a Murine Model of Rhinitis
Authors: London Nyall R. , Tharakan Anuj , Smith Amy , Thomas Kirk R. , Zhu Weiquan , Odelberg Shannon J. , Ramanathan Murugappan , Lane Andrew P.
Published: January 2021

Background:

ARF nucleotide-binding site opener (ARNO) is a guanine nucleotide-exchange factor for ADP-ribosylation factor proteins. ARF nucleotide-binding site opener also binds MyD88, and small-molecule inhibition of ARNO reduces inflammation in animal models of inflammatory arthritis and acute inflammation. However, whether genetic deletion of Arno in mice reduces pathologic inflammation has not yet been reported. Furthermore, its role in the nasal cavity has yet to be investigated.

Objective:

To generate Arno knockout mice and to determine whether genetic loss of ARNO reduces eosinophilic inflammation in the ovalbumin (OVA) murine model of rhinitis.

Methods:

Arno knockout mice were generated and wild type and knockout littermates were subjected to the OVA-induced mouse model of rhinosinutitis. Eosinophilic inflammation was assessed through immunofluorescent quantification of EMBP+ eosinophils in the septal mucosa and cytokine expression was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

Arno knockout mice are viable and fertile without any noted deficits. Arno wild type and knockout mice subjected to the OVA-induced model of rhinitis demonstrated an average of 314.5 and 153.8 EMBP+ cells per mm2 septal tissue, respectively ( P < .05). Goblet cells per mm of basal lamina were assessed via Alcian blue and there was no statistically significant difference between Arno wild type and knockout mice. Ovalbumin-induced expression of interleukin-5 (IL-5) was significantly reduced in Arno knockout mice ( P < .05). There was no statistically significant reduction in IL-4, IL-13, or eotaxin-1 expression.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate that deletion of Arno reduces eosinophilic inflammation and IL-5 expression in an OVA-induced model of rhinitis.
State Implementation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act
Authors: Harris Andrew J. , Walfield Scott , Lobanov-Rostovsky Christopher , Cubellis Michelle A.
Published: January 2021

The 2006 Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), Title I of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, established federal standards related to the content and operation of sex offender registration and notification systems across the United States. As of early 2017, over a decade following passage, 18 of 50 states had been designated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as having substantially implemented SORNA—figures that might be initially interpreted as indicators of a failed policy. Yet a closer analysis suggests that SORNA implementation is complex and multifaceted and that viewing the policy’s “success” through such a binary prism may be inherently limited. In this context, the current study offers a multidimensional analysis of state-level SORNA implementation based on data abstracted from DOJ records. Findings indicate that many aspects of SORNA have been universally or widely implemented, that most states have adopted policies that are consistent with a majority of SORNA standards, and that barriers to SORNA implementation are concentrated among a limited subset of issues, notably those related to retroactive application, registration of juveniles, and means of classifying registrants. Implications for state and federal policy governing sex offender registration are discussed.
Association between response to triptans and response to erenumab: real-life data
Authors: Frattale Ilaria , Caponnetto Valeria , Casalena Alfonsina , Assetta Maurizio , Maddestra Maurizio , Marzoli Fabio , Affaitati Giannapia , Giamberardino Maria Adele , Viola Stefano , Gabriele Amleto , Pistoia Francesca , Cerone Davide , Marini Carmine , Sacco Simona , Ornello Raffaele
Published: January 2021

Background

Triptans and erenumab are both migraine-specific agents acting on the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway. Therefore, response to triptans might be associated with response to erenumab.

Main body

In our study, consecutive patients referring to the Headache Centers of the Abruzzo region from January 2019 to March 2020 and treated with erenumab were interviewed about past use and efficacy of triptans. Triptan users were classified as ‘triptan responders’ if they were headache-free 2 h after treating ≥3 migraine attacks with ≥1 triptan. We considered patients as ‘erenumab responders’, if they had a ≥ 50% mean reduction in monthly migraine days between the 4th and the 6th month from treatment start compared with baseline. Of 91 triptan users, 73 (80.2%) were triptan responders and 58 (63.7%) were erenumab responders. The odds ratio of being erenumab responder was 3.64 (95% CI, 1.25–10.64) for triptan users as compared to non-users. (P = 0.014). Besides, starting erenumab improved triptan response in both erenumab responders and non-responders.

Conclusions

Our data of an association between response to triptans and response to erenumab can be useful for patient advice and to improve the understanding of migraine pathophysiology and treatment.
Label-free proteomic analysis of serum exosomes from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Ni Hanwen , Pan Wenqi , Jin Qi , Xie Yucai , Zhang Ning , Chen Kang , Lin Tianyou , Lin Changjian , Xie Yun , Wu Jiemin , Ni Peihua , Wu Liqun
Published: January 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac heterogeneous rhythm disorder. It represents a major cause of mortality and morbidity, mainly related to embolic events and heart failure. Mechanisms of AF are complex and remain incompletely understood. Recent evidence suggests exosomes are membrane-coated objects released by many cell-types. Their presence in body fluids and the variable surface composition and content render them attractive as a mechanism for potential biomarkers. However, the content of serum exosomes of AF patients has not been fully delineated.

Methods

In this work, the serum exosomes from AF patients and healthy donors were used to compare changes in the exosome protein content. Exosomes were isolated from serum of AF patients and healthy donors and their purity was confirmed by Western blotting assays and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Label-free LC–MS/MS quantitative proteomic analysis was applied to analyze protein content of serum exosomes.

Results

A total of 440 exosomal protein groups were identified, differentially expressed proteins were filtrated with fold change ≥ 2.0 (AF/controls protein abundance ratio ≥ 2 or ≤ 0.5) and p value less than 0.05 (p < 0.05), significantly changed in abundance group contains 39 elevated proteins and 18 reduced proteins, while consistent presence/absence expression profile group contains 40 elevated proteins and 75 reduced proteins. Bioinformatic analysis of differential exosomal proteins confirmed the significant enrichment of components involved in the anticoagulation, complement system and protein folding. Parallel-Reaction Monitoring Relative Quantitative Analysis (PRM) further suggested that AF related to complement system and protein folding.

Conclusions

These results revealed the composition and potential function of AF serum exosomes, thus providing a new perspective on the complement system and protein folding to AF.
Global proteome profiling of human livers upon ischemia/reperfusion treatment
Authors: Cai Haijian , Qi Shunli , Yan Qi , Ling Jun , Du Jian , Chen Lijian
Published: January 2021

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury represents a major risk factor for liver transplantation and is related to graft dysfunction and acute/chronic rejection. However, a significant part of these processes remain poorly characterized. To reveal differences in the proteome during liver I/R injury, we collected human liver biopsy samples during hepatectomy before and after the Pringle maneuver and conducted a TMT-based proteomic analysis through quantitative high-throughput mass spectrometry. We used a fold-change threshold of 1.3 and a t-test p-value < 0.05 as the criteria to identify 5,257 total quantifiable proteins. The levels of 142 proteins were increased, while the levels of 103 proteins were decreased in response to hepatic I/R treatment. Bioinformatic analysis further revealed that these differentially expressed proteins are mainly involved in multiple biological functions and enzyme-regulated metabolic pathways. Most proteins whose expression was changed are related to the defense, immune and inflammatory responses as well as lipid and steroid metabolic processes. Based on this finding, we developed a panel for targeted proteomic analysis and used the parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) method, qPCR and western blotting experiments to validate alterations in the expression of some of the identified proteins. The upregulated proteins were found to be involved in immunity and inflammatory responses, and downregulated proteins were enriched in metabolic pathways. This study therefore may provide a research direction for the design of new therapeutic strategies for hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Year-round pesticide contamination of public sites near intensively managed agricultural areas in South Tyrol
Authors: Linhart Caroline , Panzacchi Simona , Belpoggi Fiorella , Clausing Peter , Zaller Johann G. , Hertoge Koen
Published: January 2021

Background

In a previous study, we found that 45% of public playgrounds near intensively managed agricultural areas were contaminated with mainly endocrine active pesticide residues in spring. Here, we investigated potential contamination over the course of a year.

Methods

Residue data were analyzed from 96 grass samples collected in spring, summer, autumn, and winter by the South Tyrolean Medical Service in 19 public playgrounds, four schoolyards, and one marketplace located within intensively managed agricultural landscapes. Samples were analyzed for 281 substances using gas-chromatography and mass-spectrometry.

Results

A total of 32 pesticide residues and one preservative agent were found. Almost all of the sites (96%) were contaminated with at least one residue during the year; in 79% of the sites, more than one residue was found. Among the detected residues, 76% are classified as endocrine active substances, with the highest concentrations of the insecticide chlorpyrifos-methyl (0.71 mg kg−1), the herbicide oxadiazon (0.64 mg kg−1), and the fungicides captan (0.46 mg kg−1) and fluazinam (0.23 mg kg−1). The number of residues, their concentrations, and the proportion of contaminated sites varied across seasons (p < 0.001). Twenty-five residues were found in 83% of the sites in spring (median concentration 0.240 mg kg−1), nine in 79% of the sites in summer (0.092 mg kg−1), three in 50% of the sites in autumn (0.076 mg kg−1), and four in 17% of the sites in winter (0.155 mg kg−1). Playgrounds already examined in 2017 in the previous study, were more often contaminated with multiple pesticide residues in 2018 (p = 0.045).

Conclusion

This study confirms previous findings of widespread pesticide contamination of public sites within intensively managed agricultural areas. Moreover, pesticide residues were also found in periods with little or no pesticide application in the field (autumn and winter). It is worrisome that many of the detected residues are endocrine active substances and that some of them (thiacloprid, bupirimate, captan, folpet) are “suspected human carcinogens”, according to EU authorities. Thus, we call for more effective controls of pesticide applications to minimize pesticide drift into public places.
Genetic and economic benefits of foreign sire contributions to a domestic sheep industry; including an Ireland-New Zealand case study
Authors: Fetherstone Nicola , Hely Fiona S. , McHugh Noirín , McGovern Fiona M. , Amer Peter R.
Published: January 2021

Background

Importation of foreign genetics is a widely used genetic improvement strategy. However, even if the foreign genetic merit is currently greater than the domestic genetic merit, differences in foreign and domestic trends mean that the long-term competitiveness of an importation strategy cannot be guaranteed. Gene flow models are used to quantify the impact that a specific subpopulation, such as foreign genetics, can have over time on the genetic or economic benefit of a domestic industry.

Methods

We used a deterministic recursive gene flow model to predict the commercial performance of lambs born across various subpopulations. Numerous breeding strategies were evaluated by varying market share, proportions of rams selected for mating, genetic trend, superiority of foreign genetics over domestic genetics and frequency of importation. Specifically, an Ireland-New Zealand case study was simulated to quantify the potential gain that could be made by using foreign sire contributions (New Zealand) in a domestic sheep industry (Ireland).

Results

Genetic and economic gains were generated from alternative breeding strategies. The ‘base scenario’ (i.e. representing the current industry) predicted an average genetic merit value of €2.51 for lambs born and an annualised cumulative benefit of €45 million (m) after 20 years. Maximum genetic (€9.45 for lambs born) and economic (annualised cumulative benefit of €180 m after 20 years) benefits were achieved by implementing the ‘PRO-intense-market scenario’ which involved shifting market share away from conservative domestic breeders and reducing the proportion of rams that were selected for mating by progressive domestic breeders from the top 40% to the top 20%, without the use of any foreign genetics. The ‘PROFOR scenario’, which considered the use of foreign and progressive domestic genetics, predicted an average genetic merit value of €7.37 for lambs born and an annualised cumulative benefit of €144 m, after 20 years.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that there is opportunity for a domestic industry to increase industry benefits without the use of foreign genetics but through an attempt to shift the market share away from conservative domestic breeders towards progressive domestic breeders. However, the importation and use of progressive foreign genetics may be an effective method to trigger a change in behaviour of conservative domestic breeders towards the use of progressive genetics.
Statistical analysis in support of maintaining a healthy traditional Siamese cat population
Authors: Pistorius Arthur M. A. , Blokker Ineke
Published: January 2021

Background

For many years, breeders of companion animals have applied inbreeding or line breeding to transfer desirable genetic traits from parents to their offspring. Simultaneously, this resulted in a considerable spread of hereditary diseases and phenomena associated with inbreeding depression.

Results

Our cluster analysis of kinship and inbreeding coefficients suggests that the Thai or traditional Siamese cat could be considered as a subpopulation of the Siamese cat, which shares common ancestors, although they are considered as separate breeds. In addition, model-based cluster analysis could detect regional differences between Thai subpopulations. We show that by applying optimal contribution selection and simultaneously limiting the contributions by other breeds, the genetic diversity within subpopulations can be improved.

Conclusion

In principle, the European mainland Thai cat population can achieve a genetic diversity of about 26 founder genome equivalents, a value that could potentially sustain a genetically diverse population. However, reaching such a target will be difficult in the absence of a supervised breeding program. Suboptimal solutions can be obtained by minimisation of kinships within regional subpopulations. Exchanging animals between different regions on a small scale might be already quite useful to reduce the kinship, by achieving a potential diversity of 23 founder genome equivalents. However, contributions by other breeds should be minimised to preserve the original Siamese gene pool.
MiBiOmics: an interactive web application for multi-omics data exploration and integration
Authors: Zoppi Johanna , Guillaume Jean-François , Neunlist Michel , Chaffron Samuel
Published: January 2021

Background

Multi-omics experimental approaches are becoming common practice in biological and medical sciences underlining the need to design new integrative techniques and applications to enable the multi-scale characterization of biological systems. The integrative analysis of heterogeneous datasets generally allows to acquire additional insights and generate novel hypotheses about a given biological system. However, it can become challenging given the often-large size of omics datasets and the diversity of existing techniques. Moreover, visualization tools for interpretation are usually non-accessible to biologists without programming skills.

Results

Here, we present MiBiOmics, a web-based and standalone application that facilitates multi-omics data visualization, exploration, integration, and analysis by providing easy access to dedicated and interactive protocols. It implements classical ordination techniques and the inference of omics-based (multilayer) networks to mine complex biological systems, and identify robust biomarkers linked to specific contextual parameters or biological states.

Conclusions

MiBiOmics provides easy-access to exploratory ordination techniques and to a network-based approach for integrative multi-omics analyses through an intuitive and interactive interface. MiBiOmics is currently available as a Shiny app at https://shiny-bird.univ-nantes.fr/app/Mibiomics and as a standalone application at https://gitlab.univ-nantes.fr/combi-ls2n/mibiomics.