bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of the glutamatergic PVT-NAc projections attenuates local anesthetic-induced neurotoxic behaviors
Authors: Zou Yu , He Xin , Ye Zhiwen , Li Zhengyiqi , Guo Qulian , Zou Wangyuan , Peng Qianyi
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Local anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity contributes to perioperative nerve damage; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the paraventricular thalamus (PVT)-nucleus accumbens (NAc) projections in neurotoxicity induced by ropivacaine, a local anesthetic agent.

Methods

Ropivacaine (58 mg/kg, intraperitoneal administration) was used to construct the local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) mice model. We first identified neural projections from the PVT to the NAc through the expression of a retrograde tracer and virus. The inhibitory viruses (rAAV-EF1α-DIO-hm4D(Gi)-mCherry-WPREs: AAV2/retro and rAAV-CaMKII-CRE-WPRE-hGh: AAV2/9) were injected into the mice model to assess the effects of the specific inhibition of the PVT-NAc pathway on neurological behaviors in the presence of clozapine-N-oxide. The inhibition of the PVT-NAc pathway was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining of c-Fos-positive neurons and Ca2+signals in CaMKIIa neurons.

Results

We successfully identified a circuit connecting the PVT and NAc in C57BL/6 mice. Ropivacaine administration induced the activation of the PVT-NAc pathway and seizures. Specific inhibition of NAc-projecting CaMKII neurons in the PVT was sufficient to inhibit the neuronal activity in the NAc, which subsequently decreased ropivacaine-induced neurotoxicity.

Conclusion

These results reveal the presence of a dedicated PVT-NAc circuit that regulates local anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity and provide a potential mechanistic explanation for the treatment and prevention of LAST.
Phenotypic and genetically predicted leucocyte telomere length and lung cancer risk in the prospective UK Biobank
Authors: Wong Jason YY , Blechter Batel , Hubbard Aubrey K , Machiela Mitchell J , Shi Jianxin , Gadalla Shahinaz M , Hu Wei , Rahman Mohammad L , Rothman Nathaniel , Lan Qing
Published: January 2024

We investigated phenotypic leucocyte telomere length (LTL), genetically predicted LTL (gTL), and lung cancer risk among 371 890 participants, including 2829 incident cases, from the UK Biobank. Using multivariable Cox regression, we found dose-response relationships between longer phenotypic LTL (p-trendcontinuous=2.6×10-5), longer gTL predicted using a polygenic score with 130 genetic instruments (p-trendcontinuous=4.2×10-10), and overall lung cancer risk, particularly for adenocarcinoma. The associations were prominent among never smokers. Mendelian Randomization analyses supported causal associations between longer telomere length and lung cancer (HRper 1 SD gTL=1.87, 95% CI: 1.49 to 2.36, p=4.0×10-7), particularly adenocarcinoma (HRper 1 SD gTL=2.45, 95%CI: 1.69 to 3.57, p=6.5×10-6).
Understanding effects from overburden drilling of piles—a rational approach to reduce the impacts on the surroundings
Authors: Lande Einar John , Ritter Stefan , Karlsrud Kjell , Nordal Steinar
Published: January 2024

This paper presents two case studies dealing with undesirable impacts of overburden drilling of casings for end-bearing piles to bedrock. Monitored pore-water pressures and ground settlements are used to document and assess the influence from rotary percussive drilling with “down-the-hole” (DTH) hammers. The studies show that drilling with high-pressure air-driven DTH hammers may cause considerable erosion and soil volume loss adjacent to the drill bit and along the casing, resulting in settlements of the surrounding ground. The risk of soil volume loss increases when the drilling is carried out in erodible soils such as silt and fine sands. The volume loss is found to be caused by a combined air-lift pump effect and a Venturi suction effect. Monitoring pore pressures in the vicinity of the drilling may be used to reduce soil volume loss and prevent damaging settlements. Results from drilling with water-driven DTH hammer showed significantly less ground settlements and influence on pore pressures compared to using an air-driven hammer. The study suggests that the drilling parameters flow rate and penetration rate, and the cross-sectional area of the pile casing can be combined in a non-dimensional methodology to assess the mass balance of drill cuttings when drilling with water flushing. A design framework is suggested to guide overburden drilling in urban settings to reduce potential impact on the surroundings.
An NMR experimental and theoretical study of pyrazagalloles, the gallium analogues of pyrazaboles
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: January 2024

Five pyrazagalloles bearing H and CH3 substituents on the gallium atom and/or in the pyrazole ring have been calculated. The theoretical results have been compared with literature results concerning geometries from the Cambridge Data Base with very good agreement. 1H and 13C NMR results from the literature, scarce, and unpublished from our group are also well reproduced from GIAO calculations. The most important conclusion from this work is the assignment to a pz3Ga3 trimer as the isomer present in the 1H NMR spectra of dimeric pyrazagalloles. A mechanism connecting dimers and trimers has been found and the transition states identified.
Thermal tolerance and habitat preferences mediate how freshwater fish body sizes respond to warming
Authors: Warne Connor P. K. , Guzzo Matthew M. , Cazelles Kevin , Chu Cindy , Rooney Neil , McCann Kevin S.
Published: January 2024

Recent studies have linked ecosystem warming to decreased mean body size in aquatic ectotherms but have often relied on experimental approaches. This study explores how climate change modifies adult body sizes in natural communities for five culturally, commercially, and recreationally important freshwater fish species that vary in thermal preferences (lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush), lake whitefish ( Coregonus clupeaformis), walleye ( Sander vitreus), yellow perch ( Perca flavescens), and smallmouth bass ( Micropterus dolomieu)). Using data for >170 000 sampling records from >600 lakes spanning the entire province of Ontario, Canada, we employ a spatial analysis technique based on Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation to detect body size changes due to warming lake conditions. With warming conditions, cold-adapted species (lake whitefish) decreased in adult body size, while cool- and warm-adapted species (walleye and smallmouth bass) increased in adult body size. Our study, like others recently conducted in marine and freshwater systems, demonstrates that the responses of fish body sizes to warming are not a unidirectional shift and may be linked to the habitat and thermal preferences of individual fish species.
Functional attributes of seeds as indicators of germination sensitivity to global warming
Authors: Vázquez Itzel Guzmán , Valencia Leticia Bonilla , Galicia Leopoldo
Published: January 2024

Climate change has profound impacts on ecosystems, and one critical aspect is its effect on seed germination, a crucial stage in plant life cycles. Various studies have explored the responses of plant species to rising temperatures, and there is now a pressing need to integrate this wealth of information into a coherent framework. The aim of this study was to survey literature about seed traits and thence to evaluate germination responses to climate change and to propose functional groups for germination. Increased temperature affects seed traits, particularly germinability. Many species show increased germination percentages in warmer temperatures, although the extent varies among species and temperature ranges. Some maintain a consistent percentage, whereas others reduce it to retain seeds in the seed bank. Temperature changes also affect the timing and season of germination, with some species accelerating germination, others delaying it, thereby influencing competition and exposure to adverse conditions. Shifts in temperature can alter seed requirements, affecting responses to temperature, humidity, light, chemical stimuli, and dormancy. Modifications in germination have profound effects on seed bank and seedling bank dynamics, affecting plant populations and ecological community resilience. Changes in germination can disrupt competitive dynamics, favoring some over others, altering community composition, and potentially impairing ecosystem functionality. Germination niche, germination potential, and germination phenology are fundamental concepts in the evaluation of climate change’s implications for germination.
On perturbative aspects of a nonminimal Lorentz-violating QED with CPT-even dimension-5 terms
Authors: Mariz T. , Melo M. , Nascimento J. R. , Petrov A. Yu.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we explicitly calculate the lower CPT-even one-loop quantum corrections in nonminimal Lorentz-violating spinor QED with all possible CPT-even dimension-5 operators. Within our calculations, we restrict ourselves to the cases when these parameters are completely expressed in terms of one constant vector.
On covariant perturbations with scalar field in modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Munyeshyaka Albert , Ntahompagaze Joseph , Mutabazi Tom , Mbonye Manasse
Published: January 2024

We investigate cosmological perturbations of f(G) gravity in the presence of a scalar field. Using the $$1+3$$

1
+
3

covariant formalism, we present the energy overdensity perturbation equations responsible for large scale structure formation. After applying harmonic decomposition method together with the redshift transformation technique, we obtain the fully perturbed equations in redshift space. The equations are solved to study the growth of matter overdensities contrast with redshift. For both short- and long-wavelength modes, we obtain numerical results for particular functional form f(G) models and scalar field. We find that, for this choice the energy overdensity perturbations decay with increase in redshift. However, for both short- and long-wavelength modes, the perturbations which include amplitude effects due to the f(G) models with a scalar field do differ remarkably from those in $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM. The results reduce to GR results in the limit of $$f(G)\rightarrow G$$

f
(
G
)
→
G

and in the absence of scalar field.
Sensitivities on the anomalous quartic $$\gamma \gamma \gamma \gamma $$ and $$\gamma \gamma \gamma Z$$ couplings at the CLIC
Authors: Gurkanli E.
Published: January 2024

It is essential to directly investigate the self-couplings of gauge bosons in the Standard Model (SM) due to its non-Abelian nature, as these couplings play a significant role in comprehending the gauge structure of the model. The discrepancies between the Standard Model’s expectations and the measured value of gauge boson self-couplings serve as strong evidence for new physics phenomena extending beyond the Standard Model. Such deviations provide valuable insights into the nature of new physics and potentially lead to a deeper understanding of fundamental particles and their interactions. This study examines the sensitivities of anomalous couplings associated with dimension-8 operators that affect the $$\gamma \gamma \gamma \gamma $$

γ
γ
γ
γ

and $$Z\gamma \gamma \gamma $$

Z
γ
γ
γ

quartic vertices. The study focuses on the process $$e^{-}\gamma \rightarrow e^{-}\gamma \gamma $$

e
-

γ
→

e
-

γ
γ

with the incoming photon under Weizsäcker-Williams approximation at the stage-3 scenario of Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) that refers to a CoM energy of 3 TeV. Due to the CLIC options, we take into account both unpolarized and $${\mp }80\%$$

∓
80
%

polarized electron beam with the related integrated luminosities of $${\mathcal {L}}=5, 4, 1$$

L
=
5
,
4
,
1

$${\textrm{ab}}^{-1}$$

ab

-
1

under the systematic uncertainties of $$\delta _{sys}=0, 3, 5$$

δ

sys

=
0
,
3
,
5

. Obtained sensitivities on the anomalous quartic gauge couplings (aQGCs) for the process $$e^{-}\gamma \rightarrow e^{-}\gamma \gamma $$

e
-

γ
→

e
-

γ
γ

at $${\sqrt{s}}= 3$$

s

=
3

TeV and various polarizations are improved by a factor of 2–200 times better for the couplings $$f_{T,j}/\Lambda ^{4}$$

f

T
,
j

/

Λ
4

compared with the experimental results reported by CMS Collaboration in Tumasyan et al. (JHEP 10:174, 2021).
On uniform decay of the Maxwell fields on black hole space-times
Authors: Ghanem Sari
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we study the Maxwell equations in the domain of outer-communication of the Schwarzschild black hole. We prove that if the middle components of the non-stationary solutions of the Maxwell equations verify a Morawetz-type estimate supported on a compact region in space around the trapped surface, then the components of the Maxwell fields decay uniformly in the entire exterior of the Schwarzschild black hole, including the event horizon. This is shown by making only use of Sobolev inequalities combined with energy estimates using the Maxwell equations directly. The proof does not pass through the scalar wave equation on the Schwarzschild black hole, does not need to decouple the middle components for the Maxwell fields, and would be in particular useful for the non-abelian case of the Yang–Mills equations where the decoupling of the middle components cannot occur. In fact, the estimates for the hereby argument are still valid for the Yang–Mills fields except for the Lie derivatives of the fields that are involved in the proof.
A mini review of baryon study at BESIII
Authors: Zhang Honghong , Song Weimin
Published: January 2024

The BESIII experiment, serving as the only operational [Formula: see text]-charm factory, has made significant strides in advancing our understanding of baryons. Notably, it has achieved a remarkable series of breakthroughs encompassing baryon decays, mass spectra, and production mechanisms. This mini review serves as the one-stop shop for readers who would like to know what has been studied about baryons at BESIII, and of course, it could be a starting point for studies about baryons at BESIII or even a super-Tau-Charm factory.
Describing the thermal radiation in Au+Au collisions at sNN=200 GeV by an analytic solution of relativistic hydrodynamics
Authors: Kasza Gábor
Published: January 2024

In high-energy heavy-ion collisions, a nearly perfect fluid, the so-called strongly coupled quark–gluon plasma (QGP), forms. After the short period of thermalization, the evolution of this medium can be described by the laws of relativistic hydrodynamics. The time evolution of the QGP can be understood through direct photon spectra measurements, which are sensitive to the entire period between the thermalization and the freeze-out of the medium. I present a new analytic formula that describes the thermal photon radiation and it is derived from an exact and finite solution of relativistic hydrodynamics with accelerating velocity field. Then I compare my calculations to the most recent nonprompt spectrum of direct photons for [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV collisions. I have found a convincing agreement between the model and the data, which allows to give an estimate of the initial temperature in the center of the fireball. My results predict hydrodynamic scaling behavior for the thermal photon spectra of high-energy heavy-ion collisions.
CMOS VM/CM Tow–Thomas-Equivalent Biquad Filters and a Linear VCO Using Recently Proposed CMOS Transconductors
Authors: Rai Manish , Senani Raj , Singh Abdhesh Kumar
Published: January 2024

The main objective of this paper is to present novel applications of two recently proposed CMOS transconductors in realizing voltage mode/current mode Tow–Thomas (TT)-equivalent biquads and a linear voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), all exhibiting a number of advantages over the previously known circuits to realize the same functions. The workability of all the propositions has been demonstrated by SPICE simulation results using TSMC [Formula: see text] CMOS technology parameters.
New Approaches for Realizing Transconductance-Boosted VDTA Structures
Authors: Rani Parveen , Gupta Priyanka , Komanapalli Gurumurthy , Pandey Rajeshwari
Published: January 2024

This paper presents two new transconductance-boosted architectures of the voltage differencing transconductance amplifier (VDTA). The first architecture (VDTA-I) relies on the technique of transconductance enhancement using partial positive feedback which is realized through negative impedance implemented using a cross-coupled amplifier. The second architecture (VDTA-II) incorporates the concept of gate-to-source voltage enhancement using an inverting amplifier for transconductance boosting. Detailed mathematical formulations for computing transconductance gain and bandwidth are presented using high-frequency small-signal equivalent circuits of both propositions. The functionality of the proposals is validated through SPICE simulations using TSMC 0.18 [Formula: see text]m technology parameters. Both DC and AC analyses are carried out through simulations. An enhancement in transconductance gain of 140% is observed for VDTA-I whereas for VDTA-II it is found to be 53% in comparison to the conventional VDTA. The 3 dB frequencies are recorded to be 160 and 630 MHz, respectively. The PVT analyses are also carried out to test the efficacy of both propositions.
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF A NEW STENT WITH NEGATIVE POISSON’S RATIO: THE INFLUENCE OF GEOMETRIC PARAMETERS
Authors: ZHU DONG-MEI , DU YAO , LU GUANG-YANG , CHENG-ZHAO
Published: January 2024

For the proposed new negative Poisson’s ratio vascular stent, the effects of stent parameters on radial resilience, axial shortening rate, and radial support stiffness were compared and analyzed based on finite element methods and orthogonal tests, considering the complete compression-grip expansion process of the stent. It was concluded that decreasing the wall width of the cell structure or increasing the length of the cell structure could improve the radial resilience performance of the stent; decreasing the number of axial cell structures, decreasing the pinch angle, and increasing the wall width of the cell structure could reduce the axial shortening rate and could improve the axial shortening performance of the stent; increasing the wall width of the cell structure, the wall thickness of the cell structure and the number of axial cell structure could improve the radial support stiffness of the stent. In Vitro tests were conducted to study the effects of compression rate, circumferential compression position, and number of axial cells on the radial support performance of the stent. The geometric parameters of vascular stents have a significant influence on the mechanical properties of stents and should be given significant consideration in the clinical selection and optimal design of stents.
The interacting vacuum energy models with spatial curvature: A dynamical system perspective with observational constraints
Authors: Singh Ashutosh , Krishnannair Syamala , Mishra Krishna Chandra
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we study the cosmic dynamics of varying vacuum models where the dark matter interacts with the vacuum energy. We consider the homogeneous and isotropic spacetime with spatial curvature and apply the dynamical system technique to the varying vacuum models by specifying the form of energy exchange rate [Formula: see text] between the dark energy and dark matter. Further, we utilize the cosmographic parameters and statefinder parameters in the terms of dynamical variables of the cosmological dynamical system to explore the cosmic dynamics of the universe. The Milne universe solution exists as a consequence of spatially curved geometry in the model. The models also yield radiation- matter- and dark energy-dominated phases in order and thus explain the late-time accelerated expansion of the universe. The strength of interaction terms will affect the existence of cosmological phases in the model but there will always be an attractor corresponding to the accelerating universe. We numerically solve the system to illustrate the evolution of cosmological quantities and dynamical variables in the models. The role of curvature is visible during the transition from the decelerated phase into the accelerating phase. The numerical solutions affirm that the cosmological parameters in the models are consistent with their corresponding observational values.
Position-dependent mass from noncommutativity and its statistical descriptions
Authors: Lawson Latévi M. , Amouzouvi Kossi , Sodoga Komi , Beltako Katawoura
Published: January 2024

A set of position-dependent noncommutative algebra in two dimension (2D) that describes the space near the Planck scale had been introduced [J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 53 (2020) 115303]. This algebra predicted the existence of maximal length of graviton measurable at low energy. From this algebra, we deduce in the present paper, a new noncommutative algebra that is compatible with the deformed algebra proposed by Costa Filho et al. [Phys. Rev. A 84 (2011) 050102] to describe the Position-Dependent Mass (PDM) system in 1D. To this aim, we derive from the momentum operators, the Schrödinger-like equation which describes PDM system in null quantum well potential. The spectrum of this system is asymetrically deformed and exhibits different behaviours from the one obtained by Costa Filho et al. Thus, we observe that by increasing the PDM, the energy decreases and this decrease is more pronounced as the quantum number increases. Finally, we evaluate the thermodynamic quantities within the canonical ensemble and we show that these results are consistent with the ones recently obtained by Bensalem and Bouaziz [Phys. A Stat. Mech. Appl. 523 (2019) 583–592].
Masked Autoencoders for 3D Point Cloud Self-supervised Learning
Authors: Pang Yatian , Tay Eng Hock Francis , Yuan Li , Chen Zhenghua
Published: January 2024

Self-supervised learning methods are able to learn latent features from unlabeled data samples by designing pre-text tasks, and hence have attracted a great deal of interest in terms of sample-efficient learning. As a promising scheme of self-supervised learning, masked autoencoding has significantly advanced natural language processing and computer vision, but has not been introduced to point cloud yet. In this paper, we propose a novel scheme of masked autoencoders for 3D point cloud self-supervised learning, addressing the special challenges posed by point cloud, including leakage of location information and uneven information density. Concretely, we divide the input point cloud into irregular point patches and randomly mask them at a high ratio. Then, a standard Transformer-based autoencoder, with an asymmetric design and a shifting mask tokens operation, learns high-level latent features from unmasked point patches, aiming to reconstruct the masked point patches. Extensive experiments show that our approach is efficient during pre-training and generalizes well on various downstream tasks. Apart from the proposed method, we will also introduce potential directions for 3D point cloud self-supervised learning, including improvements for masked autoencoding, developments for point cloud scene understanding, etc.
RAPID: Zero-Shot Domain Adaptation for Code Search with Pre-Trained Models
Authors: Fan Guodong , Chen Shizhan , Gao Cuiyun , Xiao Jianmao , Zhang Tao , Feng Zhiyong
Published: January 2024

Code search, which refers to the process of identifying the most relevant code snippets for a given natural language query, plays a crucial role in software maintenance. However, current approaches heavily rely on labeled data for training, which results in performance decreases when confronted with cross-domain scenarios including domain- or project-specific situations. This decline can be attributed to their limited ability to effectively capture the semantics associated with such scenarios. To tackle the aforementioned problem, we propose a zeRo-shot domAin adaPtion with pre-traIned moDels framework for code search named RAPID. The framework first generates synthetic data by pseudo labeling, then trains the CodeBERT with sampled synthetic data. To avoid the influence of noisy synthetic data and enhance the model performance, we propose a mixture sampling strategy to obtain hard negative samples during training. Specifically, the mixture sampling strategy considers both relevancy and diversity to select the data that are hard to be distinguished by the models. To validate the effectiveness of our approach in zero-shot settings, we conduct extensive experiments and find that RAPID outperforms the CoCoSoDa and UniXcoder model by an average of 15.7% and 10%, respectively, as measured by the MRR metric. When trained on full data, our approach results in an average improvement of 7.5% under the MRR metric using CodeBERT. We observe that as the model’s performance in zero-shot tasks improves, the impact of hard negatives diminishes. Our observation also indicates that fine-tuning CodeT5 for generating pseudo labels can enhance the performance of the code search model, and using only 100-shot samples can yield comparable results to the supervised baseline. Furthermore, we evaluate the effectiveness of RAPID in real-world code search tasks in three GitHub projects through both human and automated assessments. Our findings reveal RAPID exhibits superior performance, e.g., an average improvement of 18% under the MRR metric over the top-performing model.
Is Bitcoin Future as Secure as We Think? Analysis of Bitcoin Vulnerability to Bribery Attacks Launched through Large Transactions
Authors: Ebrahimpour Ghader , Haghighi Mohammad Sayad
Published: January 2024

Bitcoin uses blockchain technology to maintain transactions order and provides probabilistic guarantees to prevent double-spending, assuming that an attacker’s computational power does not exceed 50% of the network power. In this article, we design a novel bribery attack and show that this guarantee can be hugely undermined. Miners are assumed to be rational in this setup, and they are given incentives that are dynamically calculated. In this attack, the adversary misuses the Bitcoin protocol to bribe miners and maximize their gained advantage. We will reformulate the bribery attack to propose a general mathematical foundation upon which we build multiple strategies. We show that, unlike Whale Attack, these strategies are practical, especially in the future when halvings lower the mining rewards. In the so-called “guaranteed variable-rate bribing with commitment” strategy, through optimization by Differential Evolution (DE), we show how double-spending is possible in the Bitcoin ecosystem for any transaction whose value is above 218.9BTC, and this comes with 100% success rate. A slight reduction in the success probability, e.g., by 10%, brings the threshold down to 165BTC. If the rationality assumption holds, then this shows how vulnerable blockchain-based systems like Bitcoin are. We suggest a soft fork on Bitcoin to fix this issue at the end.
Review—Recent Advances in Nickel Phosphide-Based Heterostructures for Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Do Ha Huu , Tran Nguyen Tien , Truong Hai Bang , Kim Soo Young
Published: January 2024

The advancement of cost-effective and ultra-stable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts is critical in addressing carbon dioxide emission challenges. Because of their promising catalytic properties, excellent stability, along with diversity in phases, nickel phosphide-based nanomaterials are viewed as prospective candidates for HER. This review begins with an examination of nickel phosphide synthetic routes, including vapor−solid reaction, solution−phase, and electrochemical deposition. Next, the process of hydrogen generation from water electrolysis was comprehensively explained, and various hetero-nanostructures, including nickel phosphides/-metal phosphides, -metal hydr(oxides), and the other materials for HER are shown. Finally, existing challenges and feasible advice for the progress of nickel phosphide-based electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation were highlighted.
A novel methodology to demonstrate vestibulo-ocular reflex using caloric stimulation in undergraduate physiology laboratory
Authors: Dontham Aditya , Anil Abhijith K. , Akhtar Nasreen , Deepak Kishore K.
Published: January 2024

We developed a novel methodology to demonstrate and visualize the most common and important physiological phenomenon like the vestibulo-ocular reflex as a teaching module for undergraduate students.
Research on Nash Equilibrium of Dual‐Channel Supply Chain Based on Wholesale Price Discrimination and Sales Efforts
Authors: Sha Jin , Zheng Sisi
Published: January 2024

The progress of communication technology and the Internet has made the dual‐channel supply chain have great development. Supply chain members have to compete and cooperate with other enterprises on the chain in order to obtain greater self‐benefit. In the competitive‐cooperative relationship among enterprises, price discrimination and sales effort are common tools of operation, and Nash equilibrium theory is a common strategy in the process of supply chain game. Whether manufacturers can promote retailers to implement sales efforts through price discrimination and ensure that the overall revenue of the supply chain is improved at the Nash equilibrium is great significance to both the supply chain and individual enterprises. This paper constructs a decentralized dual‐channel supply chain mathematical model composed of an independent manufacturer, an offline retailer, and an online retailer, taking into account the impact of the offline retailer’s sales efforts on his demand and its positive external for the other channel. The revenue matrix of retailers’ decisions about whether or not to pay their sales efforts is built under the condition that manufacturers charge different wholesale prices to different retailers and solves the condition of every decision combination becoming the Nash equilibrium using the Nash equilibrium game theory. Finally, the optimal pricing strategy of the manufacturers is analysed to get the constraints of this dual‐channel supply chain achieving Pareto improvement when manufacturer uses wholesale price discrimination strategy.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Challenges of a Complex Disease
Authors: Calaras Diana , David Aliona , Vasarmidi Eirini , Antoniou Katerina , Corlateanu Alexandru
Published: January 2024

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a complex interstitial lung disease caused by chronic inhalation of a wide variety of antigens in susceptible and sensitized individuals, commonly associated with an occupational exposure. An impressive number of inciting antigens causing hypersensitivity pneumonitis have been found to cover a wide range of occupations. As working practices have changed over time, especially in industrialized countries, new names for occupational HP have emerged. This review emphasizes the main diagnostic issues arising from the high variability of clinical presentation and the broad spectrum of causal antigens. Furthermore, it provides an overview of current methods to unveil possible causes of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, highlights HP’s current diagnostic and treatment challenges and the remaining areas of uncertainty, and presents prevention strategies.
Laser Excisional Biopsy of Bleeding Tumor near Newly Erupted Tooth in an 11‐Month‐Old Patient under General Anesthesia
Authors: Shirani Amir Mansour , Tadayonnezhad Parnian , Arzani Sarah , Kiansadr Seyed Omid , Kaviani Nasser
Published: January 2024

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a well‐known tumor‐like growth that commonly appears in the gingiva of the oral cavity. This reactive lesion can develop in response to local irritation, chronic low‐grade trauma, long‐term low‐grade infection, or hormonal imbalances. PG is more frequently observed in individuals during their second and third decades of life, although it can occur at any age. It is more prevalent in young females than males, but on rare occasions, it can be found in children, even infants. Several treatment options exist for PG lesions, which apply after a final diagnosis specified by biopsy and histopathological investigations. Surgical excision is the most common treatment choice for PG lesions. However, comparisons between laser therapy and surgical excision have shown numerous advantages for laser treatment, making it a preferred option for soft tissue lesions. Laser excision offers benefits such as precise and deep incisions, preservation of sterile conditions, improved hemostasis, avoidance of sutures, and less invasive procedures resulting in reduced intra‐ and postoperative discomfort, pain, and bleeding. This report is aimed at presenting a case of an 11‐month‐old infant with a gradually growing pyogenic granuloma (PG) lesion that appeared in the palate behind the upper left first deciduous tooth, with a duration of approximately 2 months. The parents reported a history of bleeding associated with the lesion, which emerged after the eruption of the mandibular tooth. An excisional biopsy was done by the application of an 810 nm diode laser under general anesthesia, and the specimen was evaluated by a pathologist. No posttreatment complications or relapses were observed in this case.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Classifications for Symptom of Adenomyosis
Authors: Tang Ying , Jiang Zhi-jun , Wen Ming-bo , Su Bin , Huang Jun-rong , Wang Hang , Wu Jia , Yang Ming-tao , Ding Na , Hu Hui-quan , Xu Fan , Li Jun , Shi Qiuling
Published: January 2024

Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify an optimal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based classification for the severity of adenomyosis and explore the factors associated with disease severity (dysmenorrhea or menorrhagia). Design: and Participants: Several classifications based on MRI have been proposed, and their phenotypes are reported to be associated with the severity of adenomyosis. However, a consensus classification based on MRI findings has not yet been reached. Our study was designed to retrospectively analyze data from a cohort of patients in the Affiliated Nanchong Central Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from June 2017 to December 2021 before focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS), identify the optimal classification of adenomyosis severity from different classification criteria, and explore factors associated with the presence of symptoms. Methods: The proportions of disease severity among different classification groups were compared to obtain the one generating the most considerable χ2 value, which was identified as the optimal classification for informing disease severity. A logistic regression model was constructed to explore factors associated with disease severity. Results: Classification of Kobayashi H (classification 4) concerning the affected areas and size (volumes of lesions) was recognized as the optimal one, which identified dysmenorrhea (χ2 = 18.550, p value = 0.002) and menorrhagia (χ2 = 15.060, p value = 0.010) secondary to adenomyosis. For volumes of the uterine wall <2/3, the dysmenorrhea rate in subtype 4 was higher than that in subtype 1 (χ2 = 4.114, p value = 0.043), and the dysmenorrhea rate in subtype 5 was higher than that in subtype 2 (χ2 = 4.357, p value = 0.037). Age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.899, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.810∼0.997, p value = 0.044) and external phenotype (OR = 3.588, 95% CI = 1.018∼12.643, p value = 0.047) were associated with dysmenorrhea. Concerning volumes of the uterine wall ≥2/3, the menorrhagia rate in subtype 3 remarkably increased compared with that in subtype 6 (χ2 = 9.776, p value = 0.002), and internal phenotype was identified as an independent factor associated with menorrhagia (OR = 1.706, 95% CI = 1.131∼2.573, p value = 0.011). Limitations: Patients in our study were all included before FUAS, which limited our result interpretation for the general patient population. Conclusions: MRI-based classification 4 is identified as an optimal classification for informing the severity of adenomyosis. The phenotype of classification is the main characteristic associated with disease severity.
Novel System for the Production of the Bioactive N-alkylamide ‘Spilanthol’ Through Somatic Embryogenesis in Acmella ciliata Kunth (Cass.)
Authors: NeethuMohan S , Hemanthakumar AS , Preetha TS
Published: January 2024

Acmella ciliata Kunth (Cass.), a medicinally important plant in the family Asteraceae, has high commercial value because of its traditional phytomedicinal uses. The plant contains many phytochemicals like alkyl amides, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and flavonoids accountable for most of its pharmacological applications. The study presented here reports the callus culture and somatic embryogenesis of this plant thereby raising a novel system for the subsequent production of the N-alkyl amide ‘spilanthol’, the valuable secondary metabolite presents in it. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with auxins either alone or in combination with cytokinins were used for the induction and maturation of somatic embryos. MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg.L-1) produced black friable callus whereas, 1.0 mg.L-1 NAA in combination with 0.5 mg.L-1 BA induced white, slightly purple coloured friable callus which on further subculture to fresh medium induced somatic embryos that germinated into plantlets upon transfer to MS basal medium. The mode of regeneration via somatic embryogenesis was confirmed by histological analysis through free-hand sectioning and stereomicroscopic observation. The plantlets raised through somatic embryogenesis after a short hardening period, were found to acclimatise in the field at 83.33% efficiency and exhibited genetic uniformity with 96.6% similarity in the ISSR analysis. HPLC analysis of in vitro raised embryogenic callus showed 239.512 µg.g-1 spilanthol content which was comparatively higher than the mother plants (92.19 µg.g-1). The bioproduction of the N-alkylamide ‘spilanthol’ through embryogenic callus can be extended for the scale-up production of this bioactive compound using bioreactor technology for the formulation of phytodrugs.
Effect of Adenine Sulphate on In Vitro Micropropagation of Acacia holosericea A. Cunn. ex G. Don Leaflets and Leaf Rachis Explants
Authors: Anita Narang  , Shukla Anupama , Kaur Surinder
Published: January 2024

In this study, different explant types (leaflets and leaf rachis) excised from 15-day-old seedlings of Acacia holosericea A. Cunn ex G. Don differentiated into multiple shoots when grown on B5 medium supplemented with various growth regulators. Results revealed that the shoots differentiated directly and indirectly in all the cytokinins [Benzyl adenine (BA); Kinetin (Kn), 2-isopentenyl adenine (2iP); Zeatin (ZN)] adjuvanted media. The ZN-supplemented B5 medium supported maximum multiple-shoot differentiation (3.2 ± 0.8 shoots per explant). However, with the adjuvant (AdS) present in the same ZN-supplemented B5 medium, the explants produced a higher number of shoots (7.0 ± 3.8 per explant). Likewise, the best leaflet regeneration medium was observed for  B5 medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/L ZN and 200 mg/L of AdS. The B5 medium with the lower amount of ZN (1.5 mg/L) and 50 mg/L of AdS produced a maximum number of shoots (6.3 ± 3.8 shoots per explant) in the leaf rachis explants. Nearly 100% of the in vitro B5 basal medium-grown shoots developed roots directly at their base, consequently leading to their successful transfer to the soil.
Characterization of β-glucosidases from Meridianimaribacter sp. CL38
Authors: Hong Clarine Wan Ling , Chen Sye Jinn , Liew Kok Jun , Zakaria Muhammad Ramziuddin , Lam Ming Quan , Chong Kheng Loong , Chong Chun Shiong
Published: January 2024

The production of second-generation biofuel requires a huge amount of freshwater. It is estimated that at least three gal of freshwater is used to produce one gal of biofuel. The replacement of freshwater with seawater serves as a potential alternative in biofuel generation. Therefore, salt-tolerant enzymes play an important role in saccharification and fermentation process. Halophilic β-glucosidase is one of the key enzymes for the process. In this study, the β-glucosidase of halophile Meridianimaribacter sp. CL38 isolated from mangrove soil was characterized. Strain CL38 achieved maximum production of β-glucosidase at 12th hour of growth. The β-glucosidase showed highest activity at 2% (w/v) NaCl while highly stable at salt concentration ranging from 1-2% (w/v) (more than 96% of relative activity). Its β-glucosidase activity remained active in the presence of 5mM Mn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+ ions, and 1% (v/v) Tween-20 and Tween-80. The draft genome sequence of strain CL38 was retrieved from GenBank database and submitted to dbCAN meta server for CAZymes annotation. Strain CL38 harbors 44 GHs and GH3 are annotated as β-glucosidases. The β-glucosidases of Meridianimaribacter flavus (99.61%) and Mesoflavibacter sabulilitoris (97.44%) showed the closest identity with Bgl3a and Bgl3b protein sequences from strain CL38, respectively. Glycoside hydrolase family 3 domain was identified in both enzymes via InterPro scan server. The presence of signal peptides indicated that both enzymes were secreted extracellularly. Five motifs were identified in Bgl3a and Bgl3b, with the active site (nucleophile) found at Asp296 and Asp297, respectively. Collectively, these β-glucosidases could be potentially used in the biofuel production, in particular the lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment process. This is the first attempt to characterize the β-glucosidase in genus Meridianimaribacter as so far none of the lignocellulolytic enzymes from this genus were characterized.
Assessment of Riparian Ecosystem Health in the Tamiang River, Aceh, Indonesia as Remains Habitat of Batagur borneoensis (Schlegel & Muller, 1844)
Authors: Saputra Syifa , Arisoesilaningsih Endang , Kurniawan Nia , Retnaningdyah Catur
Published: January 2024

The riparian zone along the Tamiang River, Aceh Province, is an important habitat for the survival of the tuntong laut (Batagur borneoensis) which is already threatened with extinction. This study aims to evaluate the quality and role of the riparian zone as a habitat for B. borneoensis along the Tamiang River, which can then be used as a reference in conservation. Riparian habitat quality was assessed by calculating the Qualitat del Bosc de Ribera (QBR) index, which was determined based on the total riparian cover, cover structure, cover quality, and channel alteration. In addition, observations of water quality (salinity, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen (DO)) and the number of riparian vegetation species were also carried out. Monitoring was carried out at five stations: Iyu River, Kampung Baru, Batang Lawang, Pusong Kapal Dermaga, and Pusong Kapal. The results showed variations in water quality between locations with DO and turbidity levels exceeding the quality standards set by the government. The richness of the types of riparian vegetation found ranged from 0-8 species (seedlings), 2-7 species (saplings), and 1-4 species (poles). The quality of riparian habitats in all study locations experienced significant degradation, including the euhemerobic and polyhemerobic (Hemeroby) categories, Cultural assisted system and Semi-transformed system (Naturalness), and Extreme degradation to poor-fair quality (QBR). The presence of B. borneoensis in the research location can adapt to the poor quality of riparian habitat. However, the density decreases significantly at higher salinity.
New Report of Endophytic Sordariomycetes from the Seagrasses of Cebu, Central Philippines
Authors: Kinamot Venus Bantoto , Monotilla Alvin
Published: January 2024

Sordariomycete is one of the dominant components of the endophytic community in seagrasses. However, there are still many species under this group that still need to be described. Among the tropical seagrasses, the Philippines had the least number of endophytic Sordariomycete reported. This study reports the isolation of endophytic Sordariomycete from Enhalus acoroides, Cymodocea serrulata, and Thalassia hemprichii. Seagrass samples were collected from the coastal areas of Hilutungan Channel, Cebu, Central Philippines using a sterilized razor. Explants from seagrass samples were surface-sterilized, inoculated in culture plates, and incubated for 14 days at 27±2°C. Fungi that grew from the edge of explants were purified and identified through morphological and molecular methods using ITS sequences. Molecular phylogeny was inferred by neighbor-joining with 1000 bootstrap replications. Three species of Sordariomycete were identified in this study. Fungal isolates from the rhizomes and roots of Cymodocea serrulata had 99.84% nucleotide similarity with Eutypella sp. Isolates from the rhizomes and roots of Enhalus acoroides had a 100% match identity with Beauveria bassiana. While the isolate from the leaf of Thalassia hemprichii had a 99% nucleotide affinity to Xylaria apoda. These isolates formed a well-supported clade with their closest match taxa at 100% bootstrap support. The estimate of evolutionary divergence between the isolates’ sequences and their reference taxa was 0.0, suggesting no nucleotide base substitutions per site. The identification of seagrass isolates as Eutypella sp., Beauveria bassiana, and Xylaria apoda is hereby supported. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that endophytic fungi from the Philippine seagrass did not cluster with any fungal species previously reported from the Philippines, suggesting different species. To our knowledge, Eutypella sp., Beauveria bassiana, and Xylaria apoda were the first reports of endophytic Sordariomycete in Philippine seagrasses. The isolation of these endophytes is promising because these genera are a rich source of novel compounds and biocontrol agents.
Effects of Different Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Soil on Morphological and Biochemical Properties of Ipomea aquatica
Authors: Abd Manan Fazilah , Ridzuan Raihana , Henisi Jessica , Prabakaran Ashwini Nair
Published: January 2024

Zinc and copper pollution in agricultural lands due to anthropogenic activities has become a major environmental problem. While these metals are essential for plant growth, their excessive presence can lead to plant toxicity. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of zinc and copper (0, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) in soil on the morphological and biochemical properties of I. aquatica, commonly known as water spinach. The morphological properties, including plant height, number of leaves, and stem diameter, were assessed, along with soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC). Biochemical properties, specifically the Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) in plant tissues, were measured using colorimetric assays. The results revealed significant morphological changes in plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves at 200 ppm zinc treatment compared to the control. Additionally, the number of leaves significantly increased at the 100 ppm copper treatment, while the stem diameter decreased significantly at 300 ppm. Both zinc and copper treatments slightly reduced soil pH and increased soil EC. At the 300 ppm treatment, substantial changes in phenolic and flavonoid contents were observed in the stems and leaves of I. aquatica. Copper treatment at 200 ppm increased the TPC of leaves, while 100 ppm copper treatment increased the TFC of stems. Furthermore, the 300 ppm zinc treatment significantly increased the TPC and TFC in stems and leaves. These findings indicate that zinc and copper concentrations have notable effects on the morphological and biochemical properties of I. aquatica. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain an appropriate balance of these metal elements to cultivate plants that are morphologically and physiologically resilient.