bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong mechanical squeezing in microcavity with double quantum wells
Authors: Asjad Muhammad , Teklu Berihu , Eleuch Hichem
Published: February 2023

We address the creation of squeezed states of a mechanical resonator in a hybrid quantum system consisting of two quantum wells placed inside a cavity with a moving end mirror pumped by bichromatic laser fields. The exciton mode and mechanical resonator interact indirectly via microcavity fields. Under the conditions of the generated coupling, we predict squeezing of the mechanical-mode beyond the resolved side-band regime with available experimental parameters. Finally, we show that the squeezing of the mechanical mode is robust against the phonon thermal bath temperature.
Targeting methylated regions using covariation and distance
Authors: Fenton Christopher G. , Meng Wei , Anderssen Endre , Ray Mithlesh K. , Paulssen Ruth H.
Published: February 2023

Background
The analysis of WGBS (whole genome bisulfite sequencing) datasets is challenging. The large number of CpG sites requires significant computing power and can lead to harsh multiple correction penalties. Typically, the number of CpG sites found in DMRs (differentially regulated regions) represent a very small proportion of the initial number of CpG sites. This is because methylation levels of the majority of CpG sites do not vary significantly between samples, and/or the CpG sites are too far dispersed to be considered a contiguous region. DMRs are like likely to be found in relatively compact CpG rich regions that vary in methylation levels. Isolating these regions could greatly reduce downstream computational and statistical challenges without any previous knowledge of sample groups.
Results
The proposed method was able to isolate compact CpG rich variable regions using distance, covariation, and user parameters without a priori sample information. Results were verified with EpiDISH cell deconvolution and comparable with to a complementary method DMRSeq. Isolated regions averaged just 293 bp in length yet contained an average of 29 CpG sites per region.
Conclusions
By defining compact CpG rich variable regions, the method hopes to provide a valid and simpler starting point for further downstream analyses. This method is applicable to any dataset containing total CpG and total CpG methylated count matrices.
DNA metabarcoding reveals the diet of the invasive fish Oreochromis mossambicus in mangroves of São Tomé Island (Gulf of Guinea).
Authors: Nogueira S. , Curto M. , Gkenas C. , Afonso F. , Dias D. , J. Heumüller , Félix P.M. , de Lima R.F. , Chaínho P. , Brito A.C. , Ribeiro F
Published: February 2023

Invasive species can trigger profound effects on recipient ecosystems, namely through the food web. Despite being recognized as one of the worst invasive species, little is known about the feeding ecology of the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). To understand how this invasive species might impact food webs, we applied metabarcoding to analyze its diet’s composition in two mangroves, in the Obô Natural Park in the oceanic island of São Tomé. Given the particular importance of mangroves as fish nurseries, we specifically aimed to determine if this invader might predate on other fish species. However, tilapias were mostly phytoplanktivorous, and there were few indications of predation on native fish eggs or larvae. Instead, tilapias may impact low trophic level resources and nutrient availability with the potential to cascade through the food web by means of bottom-up disruption. In addition, we recorded important changes in the taxonomic composition of the diet, linked to locations and life stages, suggesting that its opportunistic feeding associated with its aggressive territorial behavior may result in resource competition with native species with which it has overlapping dietary niches.
Alpha radiation from polymetallic nodules and potential health risks from deep sea mining
Authors: Volz Jessica , Geibert Walter , Köhler Dennis , Loeff Michiel Rutgers van der , Kasten Sabine
Published: February 2023

Polymetallic nodules at the abyssal seafloor are targeted for future mining operations. Nodules efficiently scavenge and retain several dissolved particlereactive uraniumseries radioisotopes, which predominantly emit alpha radiation during decay. Here, we present new data on the activity concentrations of the naturally occurring radioisotopes thorium-230, radium-226, and protactinium231, as well as on the release of radon-222 in and from nodules from the NE Pacific Ocean. Together with abundantly published data from historic studies, it becomes apparent that the radioisotopes in the nodules mostly exceed exempt activity levels. These exempt levels are in place for naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) such as uranium ore, where, due to the enhanced radiation exposure, handling these materials is regulated to protect the public and ensure occupational health. In comparison with these exempt levels, activity concentrations in the nodules are up to three orders of magnitude higher. Seen in this light, inappropriate handling and treatment of polymetallic nodules may pose health risks, particularly if large quantities are stored in enclosed spaces such as during mining operations at sea, and if nodule fines are inhaled during processing.
Adsorption Characteristics of Sulfonamide Antibiotic Molecules on Carbon Nanotube and the Effects of Environment
Authors: Wu Yang , Liu Sha-Sha , Huang Kai-Yue , Yang Qing-Hong , Zheng Yan , Li Lai-cai
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the adsorption characteristics of five sulfonamide antibiotic molecules on carbon nanotubes were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The adsorption configurations of different adsorption sites were optimized, and the most stable adsorption configuration of each sulfonamide molecule was determined by adsorption energy comparison, and the relative adsorption stability of five sulfonamide molecules on carbon nanotubes was determined by comparing their adsorption energies i.e. sulfamethazine > sulfadiazine > sulfamerazine > sulfamethoxazole > sulfanilamide. The electron densities of the adsorption configurations were then calculated to confirm that the adsorption of five sulfonamide drug molecules on carbon nanotubes should be physical adsorption. Moreover, the adsorption energy of five sulfonamide molecules on carbon nanotubes in the aqueous environment was larger than that in vacuum even though the adsorption process remain to be physical adsorption. The adsorption characteristics of the five sulfonamide molecules in various acid-base environments were finally investigated. In contrast, the adsorption energies of the five drug molecules in acid-base environments were significantly reduced, indicating that carbon nanotubes may need to have a suitable pH range to achieve the optimal adsorption effect when they are used for the treatment of sulfonamide antibiotics.
Efficacy of lvpao powder on Radiotherapy-Induced Mucositis: A retrospective study of 11 4 patients with head and neck Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Liyao , Lu Fei , Qian Haihong , Wang Hua , Zhang Feiyue
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of kangfuxin solution and lvpao powder on mucositis induced by radiotherapy in head and neck carcinoma patients.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 114 patients with head and neck malignant tumors in our center. Patients were given Kangfuxin solution to rinse the mouth or Lvpao powder group sprayed the powder on oral mucosa after the solution use. The side effect was evaluated by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0.
Results: The grade 3 mucositis occurred in 32.9% (23/70) and 11.4% (5/44) in Kangfuxin solution group and kangfuxin solution plus lvpao powder group respectively(P=0.009). The pain score of the Kangfuxin solution group was significantly higher than that of the Kangfuxin solution and lvpao powder group with 4.26 ± 0.81 vs 3.75 ± 1.03(P=0.007). The time of symptom relief in the combined group was significantly shorter than that in the single drug group with 3 days vs 6 days (P=0.000). The weight loss of the former groups was bigger than that of the latter group(6.67 ± 1.20kg vs 5.95 ± 0.94kg, P=0.001). There was no statistical difference in the limitations in mouth opening(P=0.164).
Conclusion: Lvpao powder is safe and effective as a mucosal repair drug in accelerating the recovery of patients and reducing their body weight.
Comprehensive analysis of genetic risk loci uncovers novel candidate genes and pathways in the comorbidity between depression and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Verbeek Dineke , Hofstra Bente , Kas Martien
Published: February 2023

As there is growing evidence of shared pathogenesis between Alzheimer’s disease and depression, we aimed to further investigate the shared disease mechanisms of these highly comorbid disorders using brain-specific eQTL data and gene co-expression networks of genetic loci significantly associated with Alzheimer’s disease and depression. We found no identical GWAS SNPs between Alzheimer’s disease and depression, but brain-specific eQTL data uncovered six shared genes: SRA1, MICA, PCDHA-7, PCDHA-8, PCDHA-10 and PCDHA-13. To identify genes related to the shared eQTL genes, we obtained genes in co-expression with the eQTL genes, specifically in the hippocampus. Next, we performed pathway analysis on these disease-specific gene sets. Clustering of these pathways uncovered key roles for synaptic signaling and organization, myelination, development and the immune system in the hippocampus as shared pathology between Alzheimer’s disease and depression. With this study we show that the genetic underpinnings in both diseases affect pathways in the hippocampus that could work in tandem for the development of both Alzheimer’s disease and depression.
Leveraging the fintech model for climate sustainability: Scoping through a qualitative approach
Authors: G Sreelekshmi , V Biju A
Published: February 2023

Climate crisis has become a crucial concern for humankind as a result of which climate-sustainable development has become indispensable. This necessitates the sustainable adoption of innovative ideas and technologies. Against this backdrop, the fintech industry saw the emergence of a novel fintech model with a climate action motive, known as climate fintech or green fintech. We identify green fintech as a small, growing research area. Our research attempts to draw insights on the state of the art of the concept using an inductive qualitative methodology comprising a systematic review of existing studies, case research of Indian climate fintech, and sentiment analysis. India is one of the most active fintech markets in the world using domestic technologies like Unified Payment Interface (UPI), showing a fantastic growth trajectory in terms of international adoptions. Our analysis of the climate fintech landscape finds considerable scope for the climate fintech concept in attaining the country’s climate targets. We anticipate that the area and its applications will advance in the future, for which suggestions are proposed.
Anti-periodic Solutions Dynamics for Fractional-order Inertia Cohen-Grossberg Neural Networks
Authors: Xu danning , Jiang wangdong
Published: February 2023

The dynamic behavior of anti-periodic solutions for fractional-order inertia Cohen-Grossberg neural networks is investigated in the article. First, the fractional derivative with different orders is transformed to that with the same order by properly variable substitution; Second, a sufficient condition can ensure the solution is global Mittag-Leffler stability by using properties of fractional calculus and characteristics of Mittag-Leffler function; Moreover, a sufficient condition for the existence of an anti-periodic solution is given by constructing a system sequence solution that converges to a continuous function using Arzela-Asolitheorem. In the final, we verify the correctness of the conclusion by numerical simulation.
High-speed binary coded decimal digit multipliers with multiple error detection
Authors: Yazdanian-Amiri Zahra , Valinataj Mojtaba
Published: February 2023

Decimal arithmetic in the form of binary coded decimal (BCD) numbers is preferred in many financial and commercial applications. BCD multipliers are introduced as a key hardware unit to support both integer and floating-point decimal arithmetic operations. However, due to the increasing sensitivity of VLSI-based digital designs to the environmental effects, BCD multipliers are also prone to faults and errors similar to other arithmetic circuits. In addition, multiple error occurrence is possible in current digital systems which motivates to reach multiple error detection/correction in addition to single errors. In this paper, digit-by-digit BCD multipliers are introduced capable of multiple error detection with low delay overheads. To show the effectiveness of the proposed combined method, a 4-digit BCD multiplier is presented. Experimental results based on analysis and error injection-based simulations show that in addition to 100% single error detection, multiple errors can be detected with at least 99.6% probability in the 4-digit BCD multiplier as the implemented architecture.
Administration of high-dose estradiol and progesterone in hormone replacement therapy improves results of frozen-thawed embryo transfer in a patient with 21-hydroxylase deficiency and persistently high serum progesterone levels: a case report
Authors: Mizusawa Yuri , Enatsu Kunihiro , Yamada Ai , Hayashi Nao , Enatsu Yihsien , Okamoto Eri , Kokeguchi Shoji , Iwasaki Toshiro , Shiotani Masahide
Published: February 2023

Background
Women with 21-hydroxylase deficiency have reduced fertility because of excessive production of adrenal androgen and progesterone, which can inhibit folliculogenesis, disturb the normal gonadotropin secretion pattern and development of the endometrium, and affect endometrial receptivity. The use of high doses of estradiol and progesterone in frozen-thawed embryo transfer with hormone replacement therapy may improve the results of fertility treatment in women with 21-hydroxylase deficiency and high progesterone.
Case presentation:
A 40-year-old woman with 21-hydroxylase deficiency and persistently high progesterone levels who was receiving steroid treatment visited our institution because she wanted to have a second child. Previously, she had had difficulties with frozen-thawed embryo transfer because of a gradual increase in progesterone levels. After reduction of progesterone levels with steroid hormone treatment, she had succeeded having a healthy baby after frozen-thawed embryo transfer with hormone replacement therapy. She hoped to have a second child with the same method, but steroid hormone treatment did not decrease her progesterone level. Frozen-thawed embryo transfer with hormone replacement therapy was attempted despite the high progesterone level, but the patient had two miscarriages. In the third attempt, the patient was given a high dose of estradiol and progesterone medication, which led to a better result than with the first two attempts.
Conclusions
Administering a high dose of estradiol and progesterone medication during frozen-thawed embryo transfer with hormone replacement therapy might achieve better results in women with 21-hydroxylase deficiency and persistently high progesterone levels.
Clinical characteristics, prognosis, and surgical outcomes of patients with NBNC hepatocellular carcinoma: three-decade observational study
Authors: Yasukawa Koya , Shimizu Akira , Kubota Koji , Notake Tsuyoshi , Hosoda Kiyotaka , Hayashi Hikaru , Soejima Yuji
Published: February 2023

Background: The incidence of non-hepatitis B virus, non-hepatitis C virus hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC) is increasing worldwide. We assessed the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of NBNC-HCC, versus hepatitis B (HBV-HCC) and hepatitis C (HCV-HCC).
Methods: Etiologies, fibrosis stages, and survival outcomes were analyzed of 789 consecutive patients who underwent surgery from 1990 to 2020 (HBV-HCC, n=149; HCV-HCC, n=424; NBNC-HCC, n=216).
Results:The incidence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in patients with NBNC-HCC than in those with HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC. Significantly more advanced tumor stages were observed in patients with NBNC-HCC; however, better liver function and lower fibrosis stages were observed. Patients with NBNC-HCC had significantly worse 5-year overall survival than patients with HBV-HCC; overall survival was comparable between patients with NBNC-HCC and HCV-HCC. Patients with HCV-HCC had significantly worse 5-year recurrence-free survival than patients with HBV-HCC and NBNC-HCC. In patients with NBNC-HCC, overall survival was comparable among three periods (1990–2000, 2001–2010, and 2011–2020) despite significant improvement in patients with HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC.
Conclusion: The prognosis of NBNC-HCC was similar to that of HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC regardless of tumor progression at surgery. Patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia require careful systematic follow-up and treatment.
Visual Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction after Bilateral Implantation of an Enhanced Monofocal Intraocular Lens: A Single Blind Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Giglio Rosa , Vinciguerra Alex Lucia , Presotto Marianna , Jonak Kamil , Rejdak Robert , Toro Mario Damiano , Tognetto Daniele
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the visual outcomes of an enhanced monofocal IOL with two different monofocal IOLs.
Setting: Eye Clinic, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
Design: Prospective, single-centre, single-blind, randomized controlled clinical study.
Methods: The study included patients undergoing phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Patients were consecutively randomized by block randomization and assigned in a 1:1:1 allocation ratio to three study arms to bilaterally receive Tecnis® Eyhance (model ICB00) or Tecnis®1-piece (model ZCB00) or Alcon®1-piece (model Clareon, CNA0T0) respectively. Monocular and binocular (both corrected and uncorrected) visual acuities for far, intermediate and near were registered and compared among groups. To track changes in patient quality of life, the Catquest-9SF questionnaire was administered to each patient before and after cataract extraction.
Results: A total of 90 patients (30 for each group) were enrolled. At 3 months follow-up, statistically significant differences for intermediate and near distance visual acuities were found between the three groups. Non-statistically significant differences were observed for distance visual acuities and the changes in Catquest-9SF scores.
Conclusion: Tecnis® Eyhance ICB00 IOL provided better results in intermediate visual outcomes without negative effects on patients’ quality of life.
A feedback loop comprising E2F1, MYC and SNHG15 interplays with HNRNPA1/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway to promote gastric cancer progression
Authors: Duan Yantao , Li Kun , Dou Yi , Fu Hongbing , Dong Yang , Wang Yu , Huang Binhao , Kang Wei , Wei Gong-Hong , Cai Qiliang , Xu Dazhi
Published: February 2023

Background: Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression plays pivotal roles in the initiation and progression of gastric cancer (GC). However, the regulation of lncRNA SNHG15 in GC has not been well studied. Mechanisms for ferroptosis by SNHG15 have not been revealed. Here, we aimed to explore SNHG15-mediated biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms in GC progression.
Methods: The novel SNHG15 was identified by analyzing RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq)data of GC tissues from our cohort and TCGA dataset, and further validated by qRT-PCR in GC cells and tissues. Gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed to examine the role of SNHG15 on GC both in vitro and in vivo. The regulatory mechanisms of SNHG15 were investigated by bioinformatics, RNA FISH, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), RNA pull-down, RIP-qPCR and luciferase assays.
Results: SNHG15 was highly expressed in GC. The enhanced SNHG15 was positively correlated with malignant stage and poor prognosis in GC patients. Gain- and loss-of-function studies showed that SNHG15 was required for affecting cell growth, migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the oncogenic transcription factors E2F1 and MYC could bind to the SNHG15 promoter and enhanced its expression. Meanwhile, SNHG15 increased E2F1 and MYC mRNA expression by sponging miR-24-3p. Notably, SNHG15 could also enhance the stability of SLC7A11 in cytoplasm by competitively binding HNRNPA1. In addition, SNHG15 inhibited ferroptosis through a HNRNPA1-dependent regulation of SLC7A11/GPX4 axis.
Conclusions: Our results support a novel model in which E2F1- and MYC-activated SNHG15 regulates ferroptosis via HNRNPA1-dependent modulation of SLC7A11/GPX4 axis serves as the critical effectors in GC progression, providing a new therapeutic direction in the treatment of GC.
Dynamics of Resonant Curves of Earth-Moon system under the influence of Resistive Force using Unperturbed Solution
Authors: Yadav Sushil , Kumar Virendra , Aggarwal Rajiv , Kaur Bhavneet
Published: February 2023

This work investigates the dynamical behavior of the resonant curves in the motion of the Earth-Moon system under the influence of resistive force. In this study, the resonance arises in this motion due to the rate of change of Earth’s equatorial ellipticity (EEE) (˙ γ), the Moon’s angular velocity (˙ θmo) around the Earth, and angular velocity of barycenter (˙ α0) around the Sun, including the coefficient of resistive force (b). The configuration and equations of motion are expressed in a spherical coordinate system using the Earth’s potential. Applying the unperturbed solution reduces and simplifies the system into a second-order ODE and obtains a particular solution. It is observe that the commensurability occur between the frequencies: (i) ˙ γ and ˙ θm0, (ii) ˙ θm0 and ˙ α0 with the coefficient of resistive force. Finally, we analyze the dynamical behavior of the resonant curves for the orbital elements and the coefficient of resistive force.
Early childhood exposure to environmental phenols and parabens, phthalates, organophosphate pesticides, and trace elements in association with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in the CHARGE study
Authors: Oh Jiwon , Kim Kyoungmi , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Parsons Patrick J. , Mlodnicka Agnieszka , Schmidt Rebecca J. , Schweitzer Julie B. , Hertz-Picciotto Irva , Bennett Deborah H.
Published: February 2023

Background
A growing body of literature investigated childhood exposure to environmental chemicals in association with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, but limited studies considered urinary mixtures of multiple chemical classes. This study examined associations of concurrent exposure to non-persistent chemicals with ADHD symptoms in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delay, and typical development.
Methods
A total of 574 children aged 2–5 years from the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and Environment (CHARGE) case-control study was administered the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). This study focused on the Hyperactivity subscale and its two subdomains (hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention). Sixty-two chemicals from four classes (phenols/parabens, phthalates, organophosphate pesticides, trace elements) were quantified in child urine samples, and 43 chemicals detected in > 70% samples were used in statistical analyses. Weighted quantile sum regression for negative binomial outcomes with repeated holdout validation was performed to investigate covariate-adjusted associations between mixtures and ABC scores in 574 children. The mixture analyses were further restricted to 232 children with ASD.
Results
Phthalate metabolite mixtures, weighted for mono-n-butylphthalate (MNBP), mono-2-heptyl phthalate, and mono-carboxy isononyl phthalate, were associated with the Hyperactivity subscale (mean incidence rate ratio [mIRR] = 1.11; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.00, 1.23), especially the hyperactivity/impulsivity subdomain (mIRR = 1.14; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.06, 1.26). These associations remained similar after restricting to children with ASD. The inattention subdomain was associated with a phenols/parabens mixture, weighted for several parabens and bisphenols (mIRR = 1.13; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.00, 1.28) and a total mixture, weighted for 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid, MNBP, and mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (mIRR = 1.11; 2.5th, 97.5th percentile: 1.01, 1.25) only among children with ASD.
Conclusions
Concurrent exposure to phthalate mixtures was associated with hyperactivity in early childhood. Though causal inference cannot be made based on our cross-sectional findings, this study warrants further research on mixtures of larger number of chemicals from multiple classes in association with ADHD-related behaviors in young children.
HOXB13 induced LncRNA CYTOR aggravates spinal cord injury induced neuropathic pain via upregulating TJP1
Authors: Huang Junming , Bi Yannan , Liu Xiaoming , Liu Fatai , Zhu Haodong , Zhong Weibin
Published: February 2023

Neuropathic pain (NP) is characterized as a pain disorder results from a lesion or disease of the nervous system. Due to the NP is related to multiple disease development including Shingles, stroke, cancer, trauma, and orthopedics, the prevalence of NP has reach to 10% all over the world. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of NP progression remains unclear. Studies have reported that lncRNA is closely related to NP progression. In this study, we aimed to identify a novel functional lncRNA in NP. Firstly, our study successfully constructed chronic constructive injury (CCI) rat models for NP study. By performing lncRNA microarray analysis, we found that lncRNA CYTOR was markedly upregulated in the CCI rats. Subsequently, we performed a serial experiment to understanding the function of CYTOR in NP. Biologically, our results suggest that CYTOR aggravates NP progression and influences inflammation factors level in nerve tissues of CCI rats. Mechanically, our data indicate that CYTOR, transcriptionally regulated by HOXB13, upregulates TJP1 expression through sponging miR-105-5p. Our study identified a novel functional lncRNA CYTOR in NP progression, which might provide new insights for developing more effective diagnosis or therapeutic strategies for NP.
MC-PRPA-HLFIA cascade detection system for point-of-care testing pan-drug resistant genes in urinary tract infection samples
Authors: Tao Jin , Liu Dejun , Xiong Jincheng , Shan Wenchong , Dou Leina , Zhai Weishuai , Zhang Ying , Zhang Rong , Wang Yang , Shen Jianzhong , Wen Kai
Published: February 2023

Background
Recently, urinary tract infection (UTI) triggered by bacteria carrying the pan-drug resistant genes, including carbapenem resistance gene blaNDM and blaKPC, colistin resistance gene mcr-1, and tet(X) for tigecycline resistance have been reported, posing a serious challenge to the treatment of clinical UTI. Therefore, point-of care (POC) detection of these genes in UTI samples without the need for pre-culturing is urgently needed. We intend to develop a rapid on-site assay, which is capable of direct detection of pan-drug resistant genes in clinical UTI samples.
Methods
Based on PEG 200-enhanced recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and a refined Chelex-100 lysis method with HRP-catalyzed lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), we developed an MCL-PRPA-HLFIA cascade assay system for detecting these genes in UTI samples.
Results
The refined Chelex-100 lysis method extracts target DNA from UTI samples in 20 minutes without high-speed centrifugation or pre-incubating urine samples. Following optimization, the cascade detection system achieved a LOD of 102 CFU/mL with satisfactory specificity and could detect these genes in both simulated and actual UTI samples.
Conclusions
It takes less than an hour to complete the process without the use of high-speed centrifuges or other specialized equipment, such as PCR amplifiers. The MCL-PRPA-HLFIA cascade assay system provides new ideas for the construction of rapid detection methods for pan-drug resistant genes in clinical UTI samples and provides the necessary medication guidance for the UTI treatment.
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Associated with Bartonella Henselae Infection
Authors: Bellur Sunil , Ali Amir , Nguyen Nam V. , Fernandes Joshua K. , Kodati Shilpa
Published: February 2023

Purpose:
To report the clinical features and treatment course of a case of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) as the initial sign of ocular Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) infection.
Observation:
A 36-year-old male was evaluated for unilateral vision loss. He denied prodromal symptoms but reported prior exposure to fleas. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/400 in the left eye. Clinical examination revealed a CRVO with atypical features including significant peripapillary exudates and peripheral vascular sheathing. Laboratory testing revealed elevated B. henselae IgG titers (1:512) with no abnormalities on hypercoagulability testing. The patient was treated with doxycycline and aflibercept with an excellent clinical response and improvement in BCVA to 20/25 in the left eye two months later.
Conclusion:
CRVO is a rare but sight-threatening complication of ocular bartonellosis and can be the presenting sign of infection, even in the absence of cat exposure or prodromal symptoms.
Growth of the Wang-Casati-Prosen counter in an integrable billiard
Authors: Hwang Zaijong , Marx Christoph A. , Seaward Joseph J. , Jitomirskaya Svetlana , Olshanii Maxim
Published: February 2023

This work is motivated by an article by Wang, Casati, and Prosen
[Phys. Rev. E vol. 89, 042918 (2014)] devoted to a study of ergodicity
in two-dimensional irrational right-triangular billiards. Numerical
results presented there suggest that these billiards are generally not
ergodic. However, they become ergodic when the billiard angle is equal
to \pi/2π/2
times a Liouvillian irrational, morally a class of irrational numbers
which are well approximated by rationals. In particular, Wang et
al. study a special integer counter that reflects the irrational
contribution to the velocity orientation; they conjecture that this
counter is localized in the generic case, but grows in the Liouvillian
case. We propose a generalization of the Wang-Casati-Prosen counter:
this generalization allows to include rational billiards into
consideration. We show that in the case of a
45°\!\!:\!45°\!\!:\!90°45°:45°:90°
billiard, the counter grows indefinitely, consistent with the
Liouvillian scenario suggested by Wang et al.
Warminins A, B and C, Three New Furofuran Lignans from Aristolochia warmingii Mast. (Aristolochiaceae)
Authors: Cunha Camila , de Antonio Paulo Vinícius , Lustosa Maria do Carmo , Cruz Állefe , Holzbach Juliana , Pereira Douglas , Nascimento Isabele
Published: February 2023

The genus Aristolochia stands out as the most representative of the Aristolochiaceae plant family, with approximately 550 species distributed around the world, many of which have little or no studies reported in the literature. Investigation of the acetone extract from leaves of Aristolochia warmingii Mast. resulted in the isolation and identification of twenty-three compounds, mostly lignans and neolignans, including the new furofuran lignans warminin A (1), warminin B (2) and warminin C (3). The structures of the compounds were established by comprehensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses. A large amount of (−)-epieudesmin (4) was isolated from the extract, which suggests that A. warmingii could be a potential source of this compound. The hexane, acetone, ethanol, and ethanol Soxhlet extracts, in addition to fourteen of the isolated compounds, were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), but they did not show significant activities.
Community awareness of dental fluorosis as a health risk associated with fluoride in improved groundwater sources in Mangochi District, Malawi
Authors: Andreah Kondwani , Tembo Mavuto , Manda Mtafu
Published: February 2023

Fluoride is one of the priority chemicals being monitored under the sustainable development goal target for drinking water. Excessive ingestion of fluoride in concentrations higher than 1.5 mg/L may cause dental, skeletal and neurological disorders. The study assessed community awareness of dental fluorosis as a health risk associated with fluoride contamination in groundwater sources in Mangochi district. Water samples from 82 water points were tested for fluoride and concentrations between 0.2 and 27.2 mg/L were detected, with a mean value of 3.7 mg/L and a median value of 3.1 mg/L. Nine water points registered fluoride concentrations above 6 mg/L, which is Malawi standard value for fluoride in boreholes and shallow wells. Prevalence rate for dental fluorosis among children in the study was at 82.7%. However, 100% of the children's parents displayed low or no awareness of dental fluorosis as a health risk associated with fluoride contamination in drinking water. The study recommends the use of solar powered reticulated systems, whose water source shall be from a contamination-free zone, and supply to the affected villages. Human health risk assessment using the US-EPA approach needs to be conducted in the affected villages to understand the extent of exposure to fluoride-related health risks.
Optimization and modeling of Tramadol hydrochloride degradation by the homogenous photo-Fenton-like system assisted by in situ H2O2 formation
Authors: Haciane Yamina Meziane , Bouafia Souad Chergui , Chabani Malika , Imene Kahina Benramdane , Mebtouche Manel , Neffa Mounsef , Touzani Rachid
Published: February 2023

This study examines the removal efficiency of Tramadol hydrochloride (TR) and mineralization (chemical oxygen demand, COD) by the effective photoinduced Fenton-simulated system under artificial light (UVA). The Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the value of each parameter. The model yielded the following optimal parameters: [TR]0 = 10 mg, ratio ([Oxalate ]0/[Fe3+]0) = 100, initial pH = 2.83, and [Fe3 +]0 = 1.298 mg with effective TR removal (100%) and COD removal efficiency (72.82%). The presence of oxygen has a positive effect by increasing hydrogen peroxide production from 4.36 to 8.12 mg L−1 and by maximizing a change in Fe3+ speciation. The degradation kinetics of ΤR in the oxygen-saturated medium is four times faster than that in the normal aerated medium. The Kapp rate constants increased quickly from 5.72 × 10−2 to 20 × 10−2min−1. The percent COD removal increased to 87.46%, and the final pH increased from 5.31 to 6.23.
(RE)PENSANDO O CURRÍCULO ESCOLAR: A IMPORTÂNCIA DA LEITURA LITERATURA AFRO-BRASILEIRA NO ENSINO-APRENDIZAGEM EM SALA DE AULA
Authors: Nogueira Nedson Antônio Melo
Published: February 2023

O presente trabalho tem como finalidade refletir sobre a importância da literatura afro-brasileira em sala de aula, tendo como base a lei federal sancionada 10.639/03, que torna obrigatório (como cumprimento de lei) as histórias e as culturas africanas e afro-brasileiras, assim como as histórias e as culturas indígenas (lei 11.645/08) nas instituições de ensino, sendo elas públicas ou privadas, aqui só enfatizaremos à primeira lei. Ancorados a uma perspectiva de leitura literária vinculada às práticas cotidianas e ao conhecimento de mundo trazido pelos/as alunos/as segundo os PCNs (1998), procuraremos problematizar as condições (e a falta delas) de se abordar uma prática de leitura constituinte e constitutiva para a formação crítica e participativa dos/as alunos/as como também possibilitar, além de resgatar, os saberes e os valores históricos e culturais construídos pelos povos africanos ao longo das gerações. Adotando pressupostos de teóricos/as que pensam a prática leitora no contexto escolar, entre eles (FREIRE, 1989; SILVA, 2003; DALVI, 2010), vemos o quanto é necessária a sua inserção no ensino-aprendizagem em aulas de língua portuguesa, em especial, nas de Literatura. Para finalizar, trazemos à baila as principais nuances que inviabilizam a falta de formação/qualificação dos/as educadores/as em desenvolverem atividades pedagógicas que sejam pertinentes a prática leitora assim como as temáticas africanas e afro-brasileiras a uma formação de pertença e autoafirmação afro-descendente; o descaso do currículo escolar no tocante as africanidades diante do que prioriza à lei supramencionada, e o que defende os documentos oficiais e suas diretrizes para o fortalecimento de uma educação antirracista e mais pluricultural.      

 

Palavras-Chave: Africanidades. Afro-descendência. Lei 10.639/03. Prática leitora.
Institucionalização da sustentabilidade organizacional
Authors: Lopes Sócrates Dantas , Diniz Morais Ione Rodrigues
Published: February 2023

As discussões acerca do tema sustentabilidade foram ampliadas em meio à crise socioambiental, que se revela por meio da elevada degradação ambiental, do aumento da pobreza e da desigualdade social. Nesse contexto, a noção de sustentabilidade adquire proeminência, passando a ser institucionalizada por empresas que atuam em diferentes escalas geográficas, enfatizando a importância da Sustentabilidade Organizacional enquanto conceito que norteia princípios éticos que reordenam as práticas operacionais das empresas rumo à promoção do desenvolvimento sustentável. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a institucionalização da sustentabilidade organizacional pelas facções têxteis do Seridó. Para sua realização utilizou-se pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e de campo, ressaltando-se a aplicação do Método para Avaliação de Indicadores de Sustentabilidade Organizacional (M.A.I.S). Os procedimentos seguiram a sistemática da Triangulação de Dados: entrevistas, levantamento documental nas empresas faccionistas e observação in loco. Considerando os resultados da pesquisa quanto ao nível de sustentabilidade organizacional, a pontuação obtida pelo conjunto da amostra indica que as empresas faccionistas têxteis se na faixa Sustentável.

Palavras-chave: Sustentabilidade organizacional. Indicadores de sustentabilidade. Facções têxteis.
“In delay there lies no plenty”: overcoming the agebased obstacles, omissions and inconsistencies in the 2008 Proposed Council Directive on Equal Treatment
Authors: Dewhurst Elaine
Published: February 2023

The focus of this article is on the Proposed Council Directive on Equal Treatment which has been in the pipeline since 2008 but has been plagued by concerns over subsidiarity and legal certainty. The delay in implementing this proposal is having a detrimental impact on the protection of non-discrimination in the EU. The article is concerned primarily with the age ground and the particular obstacles, omissions and inconsistencies in the proposal which may hamper its eventual implementation. Analysis is made of obstacles in the context of financial services (including insurance and banking), omissions with respect to multiple and intersectional discrimination, exclusions and artificial intelligence and inconsistencies such as justifying only preferential differences in treatment on grounds of age, a departure from other anti-discrimination law within the EU. Identifying solutions to these impasses, this article hopes to play a small role in overcoming these challenges and carving a clear path for the implementation of the proposed Directive.
Numerical method and mathematical model for finding the equilibrium composition of the thermodynamic system of the T-Energy software package
Authors: Sechenov P. A. , Rybenko I. A.
Published: February 2023

Objective. The aim of the study is to develop a mathematical model and numerical methods for finding the equilibrium composition of a thermodynamic system.

Method. To find the equilibrium composition of the thermodynamic system, a combination of numerical methods was used: Lagrange, Newton–Raphson and Gauss.

Result. The analysis of existing software systems and numerical methods used in them for the calculation of thermodynamic systems is carried out. Based on the analysis, practical implementation attempts, it was possible to develop a mathematical model consisting of numerical Lagrange methods (allows you to move from a conditional problem to an unconditional one); Newton–Raphson (an approximate method for solving a nonlinear system of equations); Gauss (solving a linear system of equations). For the convergence of the Newton–Raphson method, the required quantities were replaced by their squares, and ranges of variation were set for each quantity. The results of comparing the calculations of the equilibrium composition with the Terra program show satisfactory results.

Conclusion. The T-Energy software package allows you to calculate the equilibrium composition for a thermodynamic system.
Stegan detection method for latent images for intellectual property protection systems
Authors: Tebueva F. B. , Ogur M. G. , Mandritsa I. V. , Chernyshev A. B. , Linets G. I. , Mochalov V. P.
Published: February 2023

Objective.Improving the quality of detection and stego-detection of latent images embedded in the protected object of intellectual property by various methods.

Method.The method for stego-detection of latent images based on deep learning is proposed. The method is based on the use of the VGG16 convolutional neural network model, in which the architecture and training parameters are optimized.

Result.Increasing the accuracy of detecting stegocontainer images by 3.8%, as well as the possibility of using the algorithm of the developed method for images with a higher resolution than the dimension of the input of an artificial neural network.

Conclusion.The developed method is intended for stegan detection in two cases: to detect the fact of illegal use of intellectual property objects;  for use in computer forensics when identifying images containing hidden and prohibited information.
Features of Accounting for Geometric and Physical Nonlinearities in Long-Span Pneumatic Membrane Systems
Authors: Kim A. Yu. , Polnikov S. V. , Amoyan M. F.
Published: February 2023

Objective. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the need to take into account the geometric and physical nonlinearities in large-span membrane-pneumatic systems.

Method. The study is based on the application of the parameter variation method; method of successive loadings; the iterative method of parameter increments using the third Euler-Cauchy numerical procedure or the Runge-Kutta method of a higher order of accuracy.

Result. It has been established that the geometric non-linearity can be from 5 to 10% if the structure has a small or medium span, and the load on the structure is not very large, especially when it comes to section load. If the span of the structure is 120150 meters, and the load and deflections are large enough, then the geometric nonlinearity can be 20% or more. It was revealed that the physical nonlinearity, which we took into account by the standard Euler-Cauchy procedure of the third order of accuracy, with a large span of the structure and a large load is approximately 13-21%, and the part of the physical nonlinearity of the air pumped between the hermetic membranes of the structure is determined using an improved formula Euler-Cauchy with the number of iterations 20-25, i.e. "aftereffect", according to the results of the study, ranges from 2-7%.

Conclusion. A structure consisting of light metal structures can be erected within a few months on a finished pile or strip foundation. Such structures can easily withstand many types of dynamic loads, namely wind, seismic, vibration, and are one-third cheaper than buildings made from traditional materials.
Mathematical modeling of evaporation processes in a heat pump circuit
Authors: Fedoseev V. N. , Loginova S. A.
Published: February 2023

Objective. In order to improve the control system of an air heat pump and increase its efficiency, it is necessary to take into account as accurately as possible all the elementary stages of the processes occurring in the system under consideration. The article discusses in detail the heat and mass transfer process of evaporation of the refrigerant from the boiling working fluid of a heat pump.

Method. Description of heat and mass transfer processes occurring in the evaporator line of an air heat pump.

Result. A numerical experiment was carried out to determine the size of the refrigerant droplets that can fly out of the boiling freon liquid during the operation of the heat pump. The calculations performed showed that droplets with a diameter of less than 1 mm have time to evaporate in the vapor flow during the movement from the boiling zone to the droplet eliminator located in front of the compressor.

Conclusion. Research will make it possible to develop recommendations for the design of the droplet collection unit, as well as to develop models for optimizing the operating modes of air source heat pumps.
Dynamics of structure of pulsed discharge in nitrogen and argon at different pressures in a "pin to plane" gap
Authors: Trenkin A. A.  , Almazova K. I.  , Belonogov A. N.  , Borovkov V. V.  , Dolotov A. S.  , Morozov I. V.
Published: February 2023

Using high-speed shooting and shadow photography, the spatial structure of a pulsed discharge in a 1.5 mm long "pin(cathode)-plane" gap in nitrogen and argon in the pressure range from 0.25 to 2 atm was studied. It has been found that a spark discharge is realized in nitrogen and a diffuse form of discharge is realized in argon. For both cases, the presence of a microstructure of discharges in the studied pressure range was found, when the discharge is an aggregation of a large number of micron-diameter channels. It is shown that for each gas the dynamics of the discharge glow structure remains similar at different pressures. It has been established that the glow and microstructure of the discharge in nitrogen are similar to those in air. Keywords: spark discharge, diffuse discharge, microstructure, method of shadow photography, high-speed shooting.
Physical-mechanical properties of synthesized layers of Ti-Ni-Nb-based surface alloys, formed on the surface of TiNi alloy
Authors: D'yachenko F. A.  , Semin V. O.  , Neiman A. A.  , Shugurov A. R.  , Meisner L. L.  , Ostapenko M. G.
Published: February 2023

The physical-mechanical properties (microhardness, Young's modulus, plasticity characteristic, shape recovery ratio) of the synthesized layers of Ti-Ni-Nb-based surface alloys of ~2 μm thickness, formed on the surface of TiNi alloy by the additive thin-film electron beam method were investigated by the instrumented indentation. It was found that the change in physical-mechanical properties in the synthesized surface alloys based on Ti-Ni-Nb is due to their layered structure. In particular, it is due to the thickness of the sublayers, their phase composition, and the structural states of the phases (nanocrystalline and amorphous). It was established that high strength and elastic-plastic parameters of the outer layer and a monotonic change in the physical-mechanical properties from the surface to TiNi substrate are provided in the surface Ti-Ni-Nb alloy with a lower volume fraction of the amorphous phase in the synthesized layers. It was found that the multilayer structure of the surface Ti-Ni-Nb alloy and the monotonically change in the physical-mechanical properties to the substrate ensure high mechanical compatibility of the synthesized layers of surface alloys with the TiNi substrate. Keywords: nickel titanium alloy, additive thin-film electron-beam synthesis, surface alloy, structure, physical-mechanical properties.