bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a part of the ARV1-associated phenotype: a case report
Authors: Karabinos Anton , Hyblova Michaela , Eckertova Miroslava , Tomkova Erika , Schwartzova Drahomira , Luckanicova Nikoleta , Magyarova Gabriela , Minarik Gabriel
Published: February 2022

Background

ACAT-related enzyme 2 required for viability 1 (ARV1) encodes a transmembrane lipid transporter of the endoplasmic reticulum, which is presented in all eukaryotes and in plants. Deficiency of ARV1 is clinically presented as autosomal recessive developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 38 (DEE38) in humans and in mice. So far, three different homozygous and two compound heterozygous ARV1 mutations in humans have been reported in 15 children.

Case presentation

In this case report we present a novel homozygous in-frame ARV1-deletion (c.554_556delTAT, p.L185del) in a 21-year old Caucasian man with developmental delay, intellectual disability, seizures, walking and speech impairments, as well as with a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which has not yet been firmly related to the ARV1-associated phenotype. Interestingly, this novel variant lies in the proximity of the p.G189R mutation, which was previously described in two brothers with DEE38 and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion

The finding of dilated cardiomyopathy in the presented as well as in three previously reported patients from two different families indicates that dilated cardiomyopathy is a part of the ARV1-induced DEE38 phenotype. However, more data are needed to make this conclusion definitive.
Novel fabrication of SiO2/Ag nanocomposite by gamma irradiated Fusarium oxysporum to combat Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Zaki Amira G. , Hasanien Yasmeen A. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S.
Published: February 2022

The bacterial wilt is a global destructive plant disease that initiated by the phytopathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum. This study display a novel biofabrication of silica/silver nanocomposite using Fusarium oxysporum-fermented rice husk (RH) under solid state fermentation (SSF). The biofabricated nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, UV–Vis. spectroscopy, DLS, SEM, EDX elemental mapping, and TEM analyses as well as investigated for anti-R. solanacearum activity. Response surface methodology was also processed for optimizing the biofabrication process and improving the anti-bacterial activity of the fabricated nanocomposite. Maximum suppression zone of 29.5 mm against R. solanacearum was reached at optimum RH content of 6.0 g, AgNO3 concentration of 2.50 mM, reaction pH of 6.3, and reaction time of 2 days. The anti-R. solanacearum activity of the fabricated nanocomposite was further improved by exposing the F. oxysporum strain to a gamma irradiation dose of 200 Gy. In conclusion, RH recycling under SSF by F. oxysporum could provide an innovative, facile, non-expensive, and green approach for fabricating SiO2/Ag nanocomposite that could be applied efficiently as an eco-friendly antibacterial agent to combat R. solanacearum in agricultural applications. Moreover, the developed method could serve as a significant platform for the designing of new nanostructures for broad applications.
Similarities and differences between two well-performing healthcare systems: a comparison between the Israeli and the Danish healthcare systems
Authors: Rotenberg Daniel Kaminski , Stewart-Freedman Brendon , Søgaard Jes , Vinker Shlomo , Lahad Amnon , Søndergaard Jens
Published: February 2022

Background

Denmark and Israel both have highly rated and well-performing healthcare systems with marked differences in funding and organization of primary healthcare. Although better population health outcomes are seen in Israel, Denmark has a substantially higher healthcare expenditure. This has caused Danish policy makers to take an interest in Israeli community care organization. Consequently, we aim to provide a more detailed insight into differences between the two countries’ healthcare organization and cost, as well as health outcomes.

Methods

A comparative analysis combining data from OECD, WHO, and official sources. World Health Organization (WHO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) statistics were used, and national official sources were procured from the two healthcare systems. Literature searches were performed in areas relevant to expenditure and outcome. Data were compared on health care expenditure and selected outcome measures. Expenditure was presented as purchasing power parity and as percentage of gross domestic product, both with and without adjustment for population age, and both including and excluding long-term care expenditure.

Results

Denmark’s healthcare expenditure is higher than Israel’s. However, corrected for age and long-term care the difference diminishes. Life expectancy is lower in Denmark than in Israel, and Israel has a significantly better outcome regarding cancer as well as a lower number of Years of Potential Life Lost. Israelis have a healthier lifestyle, in particular a much lower alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Attempting to correct for what we deemed to be the most important influencing factors, age and different inclusions of long-term care costs, the Israeli healthcare system still seems to be 25% less expensive, compared to the Danish one, and with better health outcomes. This is not necessarily a function of the Israeli healthcare system but may to a great extent be explained by cultural factors, mainly a much lower Israeli alcohol consumption.
Gender difference in arsenic biotransformation is an important metabolic basis for arsenic toxicity
Authors: Muhetaer Maihaba , Yang Mei , Xia Rongxiang , Lai Yuanyan , Wu Jun
Published: February 2022

Background

Arsenic metabolism enzymes can affect the toxic effects of arsenic. However, the effects of different genders on the metabolites and metabolic enzymes in liver arsenic metabolism is still unclear. This study analyzed the gender differences of various arsenic metabolites and metabolic enzymes and further explored the effects of gender differences on arsenic metabolism in liver tissues of rats.

Methods

Rats were treated with high/medium/low doses of iAs3+ or iAs5+. Liver pathological changes were observed with electron microscopy. The monomethyl aracid (MMA) and dimethyl aracid (DMA) was determined by high performance liquid chromatography-hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), arsenate respiratory reductase (ARR), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), pyruvate kinase (PK), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) SAM, ARR, NAD, PNP, PK, and MPO were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. RT-qPCR was used to determine Arsenic (+ 3 oxidation state) methyltransferase (AS3MT).

Results

The iAs3+ and iAs5+ at high doses induced pathological changes in the liver, such as increased heterochromatin and lipid droplets. Compared within the same group, MMA and DMA were statistically significant in iAs3 + high, iAs3 + medium and iAs5+ low dose groups (P < 0.05). MMA of male rats in iAs3+ high and medium groups was higher than that of female rats, and the DMA of male rats was lower than that of female rats. As3MT mRNA in the male iAs3+ high group was higher than that of females. Besides, compared between male and female, only in iAS3+ low dose, iAS3+ medium dose, iAS5+ low dose, and iAS5+ medium dose groups, there was significant difference in SAM level (P < 0.05). Compared within the same group, male rats had significantly higher PNP and ARR activities while lower PK activity than female rats (P < 0.05). Between the male and female groups, only the iAS3+ high dose and medium dose group had a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The NAD activity of females in iAS3+ high dose group was higher than that of males.

Conclusion

The gender differences in the arsenic metabolism enzymes may affect the biotransformation of arsenic, which may be one of the important mechanisms of arsenic toxicity of different sexes and different target organs.
Glycemic index and glycemic load of common fruit juices in Thailand
Authors: Visuthranukul Chonnikant , Sampatanukul Pichet , Aroonparkmongkol Suphab , Sirimongkol Pathama , Chomtho Sirinuch
Published: February 2022

Background

The glycemic index (GI) reflects body responses to different carbohydrate-rich foods. Generally, it cannot be simply predicted from the composition of the food but needs in vivo testing.

Methods

Healthy adult volunteers with normal body mass index were recruited. Each volunteer was asked to participate in the study center twice in the first week to consume the reference glucose (50 g) and once a week thereafter to consume the study fruit juices in a random order. The study fruit juices were Florida orange juice, Tangerine orange juice, Blackcurrant mixed juice, and Veggie V9 orange carrot juice which were already available on the market. The serving size of each fruit juice was calculated to provide 50 g of glycemic carbohydrate. The fasting and subsequent venous blood samplings were obtained through the indwelling venous catheters at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after the test drink consumption and immediately sent for plasma glucose and insulin. GI and insulin indices were calculated from the incremental area under the curve of postprandial glucose of the test drink divided by the reference drink. Glycemic load (GL) was calculated from the GI multiplied by carbohydrate content in the serving size.

Results

A total of 12 volunteers participated in the study. Plasma glucose and insulin peaked at 30 min after the drink was consumed, and then started to decline at 120 min. Tangerine orange juice had the lowest GI (34.1 ± 18.7) and GL (8.1 g). Veggie V9 had the highest GI (69.6 ± 43.3) but it was in the third GL rank (12.4 g). The insulin responses correlated well with the GI. Fructose to glucose ratio was inversely associated with GI and insulin responses for all study fruit juices. Fiber contents in the study juices did not correlate with glycemic and insulin indices.

Conclusions

The GIs of fruit juices were varied but consistently showed a positive correlation with insulin indices. Fruit juices with low GI are a healthier choice for people with diabetes as well as individuals who want to stay healthy since it produces more subtle postprandial glucose and insulin responses.
Empowering rare disease patients through patient education: the new BehçeTalk programme
Authors: Marinello D. , Del Bianco A. , Manzo A. , Mosca M. , Talarico R.
Published: February 2022

Background

Educating patients and caregivers on their disease can improve their knowledge and promote the active involvement in the therapeutic decision-making process. Naturally, patient education programmes are critically important in rare systemic autoimmune diseases, where relevant knowledge and expertise still remain scattered. Behçet’s disease (BD) represents a challenging rare condition, characterized by a variable spectrum of disease profile and a relapsing course.

Results

Recently, BehçeTalk, an educational programme tailored for BD patients, families and caregivers with, was launched. BehçeTalk, entirely co-designed with BD patients, is offering educational on-line webinars on different aspects of the disease, as well support groups for patients and caregivers coordinated by a psychologist with specific expertise in BD.

Conclusions

The therapeutical management of BD is often challenging and frequently includes off-label treatments. Considering the specificities of BD, providing a specific education on the disease to patients will lead to empower them in being part of the decision-making processes, in the self-management and in improving their quality of life.
Outcomes of an intervention program for family physicians on well-child care for children under 5 years in Suez Canal region, Egypt
Authors: Sayed Ahmed Hazem A. , Ali Hassan Abdelwahid , Mosbah Badr , Shehata Mohamed Hany Kamel , Shah Jaffer , Ismail Mosleh Abdel Rahman
Published: February 2022

Background

Family physicians play a critical role in providing well-child care (WCC) in Egypt to children under five. Family physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on WCC must be appropriately developed to optimize health status and developmental potential in children. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of an innovative, 6-month educational training program on the KAP of family physicians toward WCC. This pre-post interventional study was conducted from September 2014 to March 2016 on a convenience (Suez Canal University) sampling of 39 family physicians who were under training in the Family Medicine Department at the Faculty of Medicine Suez Canal University. After 6 months of implementing the training program, KAP toward WCC was assessed by a 79-item questionnaire at baseline.

Results

The overall mean percentage of participants’ KAP scores was statistically and significantly increased from 23.68% ± 13.68%, 67.15% ± 6.75%, and 40.98% ± 12.24% to 88.46% ± 8.09%, 88.62% ± 5.17%, and 71.79% ± 14.63%, respectively (p < 0.001). Recognizing the appropriate anticipatory guidance for the use of car seats made up the epitome of what was lacking in posttest knowledge (53.8%). Tendency of performing red reflex testing especially reduced refinement in posttest attitudes (53.8%). The least improved post-intervention practices were anticipatory guidance (7.7%), examination for developmental hip dysplasia (28.2%), and caries (43.6%), eliciting parents’ concerns for hearing and speech (38.5%) and vision screening (38.5%).

Conclusions

The educational program had positive effects on family physicians’ KAP toward well-child care for children under five. Further interventions are needed for improving the family physicians’ practices of sensory screening, assessment of hip dysplasia, oral health, and anticipatory guidance.
A Cultural Impostor? Native American Experiences of Impostor Phenomenon in STEM
Authors: Chakraverty Devasmita
Published: February 2022

Interviews with seven Native Americans in STEM identified aspects of impostor phenomenon in relation to their minority identity: 1) cultural differences and lack of understanding of indigenous culture, 2) lack of critical mass and fear of standing out, 3) academic environment, 4) family background and upbringing, and 5) looks and diversity status.
Seismic source location with time-reversal and maximum-amplitude path for sparse and small-aperture acquisitions
Authors: Yang Peng , Gajewski Dirk
Published: February 2022

Time-reversal imaging is a powerful technique for localizing passive seismic sources. It is robust independent of the source time and applicable to heterogeneous media. However, time-reversal imaging usually requires a dense, uniform, and large-aperture acquisition that provides sufficient illumination to accurately localize passive seismic sources. This requirement often is not met in practice. In many field data cases, apertures are an insufficient and spatial sampling of the recorded wavefield is irregular and sparse because of complex topographical conditions, technical issues, budget problems, etc. For a sparse and small-aperture acquisition, it is difficult to identify events using common time-reverse imaging procedures because of strong imaging artifacts leading to false positives. To mitigate these problems, we have proposed a new approach that evaluates maximum-amplitude paths constructed from back-projected wavefields using receiver patches selected from the acquisition. These paths are built by scanning for the maximum absolute amplitude of the back-propagated wavefronts within a spatial dimension of the dominant wavelength of the considered event. The paths comprise maximum amplitudes of the back-projected wavefronts for each considered time step. The methods exploit the continuity of maximum amplitudes of the back-projected wavefields. The point of closest proximity (or crossing point) of the paths denotes the source location and the corresponding time is the source time. Numerical examples for the Marmousi-II and SEG 3D overthrust models indicate that the proposed approach can estimate the source excitation time and source localization simultaneously for sparse and small-aperture acquisitions of noisy data with high accuracy. Source excitation time errors are below the prevailing period, and maximum localization errors are below the dominant wavelength, that is, within the resolution of band-limited signals. Using a wide aperture acquisition, these results are further improved and lead to errors in the order of the spatial and temporal sampling.
Exploring deep carbonate reservoir samples: Anisotropy and correlation of static and dynamic Young’s moduli
Authors: Kandil Mohamed E. , Ali Abdulwahab , Khodja Mohamed R. , Sølling Theis I.
Published: February 2022

In total, 14 limestone samples, drilled in the vertical and horizontal directions from a depth >3 km, are analyzed to understand the correlation between static (operating at in-situ strain levels) and dynamic (at a sound wave strain level) Young’s moduli, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and also to investigate their directional dependence. Young’s moduli are measured simultaneously under a confining pressure of 30 MPa to a differential axial stress of 50 MPa using a triaxial frame with linear variable differential transformers: two axial and one radial calibrated with a standard aluminum slug. Static and dynamic moduli decrease with increasing porosity whereas the static moduli are typically less than the dynamic moduli. The static measurements exhibit significant hysteresis indicating a nonlinear (irreversible) regime, whereas the dynamic moduli, measured with low-strain amplitude, indicate a linear (reversible) regime. The static Poisson’s ratio increases with porosity, but the dynamic ratio remains unchanged over the whole range of porosity, which seems to not be sensitive enough to the heterogeneity in the pore structure. The induced microfractures, naturally developed under tensile stress after these deep samples were brought to the surface, are imaged in computer microtomography (micro-CT) scan experiments. The mineralogical composition is determined as higher than 95% calcite CaCO3and mapped out using quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning electron microscopy. Elastic anisotropy is observed with increasing porosity, where the ratio [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] increases for the vertical but decreases for the horizontal samples. Likewise, a permeability anisotropy also is observed as porosity increases, where the ratio of the vertical to horizontal permeability [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] is higher than one, indicating a preferred vertical structure for fluid flow. Two linear correlations between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are developed for the studied calcite samples, and for samples composed of up to 30% dolomite CaMg(CO3)2reported in the literature.
The reservoir property modeling of volcanic reservoir: An application to the Shahejie Formation, Zaoyuan oilfield, eastern China
Authors: Liu Yuming , Zhang Rongji , Xia Zhentong , Bao Lei , Hou Jiagen
Published: February 2022

As an increasing number of volcanic reservoirs has been discovered all over the world, the study of volcanic reservoirs has caught more attention. However, researchers mainly focus on the characterization of the external architecture of volcanic rock mass and the superimposed relationship between the rock mass, while paying little attention to the fine anatomy of the internal structure of the rock mass, making it difficult to effectively guide the development of the volcanic reservoir. Taking Zao35 block in Huanghua depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China, as an example, we find a workflow of establishing a high-resolution volcanic stratigraphic structure model and reservoir properties models by integrating well- and seismic-data analysis. The seismic data indicate that the volcanic activities consist of three stages: Stages I and III have positive seismic amplitude reflections, whereas stage II has a negative seismic reflection. The well data indicate that the lithology column of target formation in our study area consists of eight volcanic strata and seven mudstone strata. According to the lithology interpreted using well data, stages III, II, and I consist of five, one, and two volcanic eruption periods, respectively. We have established a structure and stratigraphy model with eight zones of volcanic rock and seven zones of mudstone barrier (15 zones in total) to effectively distinguish volcanic rocks (products of the eruption period) from sedimentary rocks (products of the volcanic dormant period). Based on the seismic attribute analysis, we have combined the sequential indicator simulation and local anisotropy from the seismic amplitude attribute. The model of volcanism can be reproduced by sequential indication simulation of local variogram with variable range directions. Based on the principle of “facies control” (perform lithology simulation in different regions according to lithofacies), we have used the sequential indication method to simulate volcanic rocks. The simulation results have a very good agreement with the shape of lava flows spreading around the crater. To describe the internal structure of the volcanic rock body, reveal internal lithology distribution characteristics, and reservoir physical properties, we provide an effective research method for the development of volcanic reservoir geologic research.
Pattern dynamics in the epidemic model with diffusion network
Authors: Zheng Qianqian , Pandey Vikas , Shen Jianwei , Xu Yong , Guan Linan
Published: February 2022

It is well known that the outbreak of infectious diseases is affected by the diffusion of the infected. However, the diffusion network is seldom considered in the network-organized SIR model. In this work, we investigate the effect of the maximum eigenvalue on Turing instability and show the role of network parameters (the network connection rate, the network's infection, etc.) on the outbreak of infectious diseases. Meanwhile, stability of network-organized SIR is given by using the maximum eigenvalue of the network matrix which is proportional to the network connection rate and the networks infection rate. The bridge between the two rates and Turing instability was also revealed which can explain the spread mechanism of infectious diseases. In the end, some measures to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases are proposed and the feasible strategies for prevention and control can be provided in our paper, the data from COVID-19 validated the above results.
MiR-205-5p/GGCT Attenuates Growth and Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer by Regulating CD44
Authors: Li Han-Ning , Zhang Hui-Min , Li Xing-Rui , Wang Jun , Xu Tao , Li Shu-Yu , Dong Meng-Lu , Wang Ge , Cui Xiao-Qing , Yang Xue , Wu Yong-Lin , Liao Xing-Hua , Du Ya-Ying
Published: February 2022

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remains the most common endocrine malignancy, despite marked achieves in recent decades, and the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and progression for PTC are incompletely elucidated. Accumulating evidence show that γ-glutamylcyclotransferase (GGCT), an enzyme participating in glutathione homeostasis and is elevated in multiple types of tumors, represents an attractive therapeutic target. Using bioinformatics, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot assays, we found that GGCT expression was upregulated in PTC and correlated with more aggressive clinicopathological characteristics and worse prognosis. GGCT knockdown inhibited the growth and metastasis ability of PTC cells both in vitro and in vivo and reduced the expression of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, CD44, MMP2, and MMP9) while increasing epithelial marker (E-cadherin) in PTC cells. We confirmed binding of microRNA-205-5p (miR-205-5p) on the 3′-UTR regions of GGCT by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA-RNA pull-down assay. Delivery of miR-205-5p reversed the pro-malignant capacity of GGCT both in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, we found that GGCT interacted with and stabilized CD44 in PTC cells by co-immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry assays. Our findings illustrate a novel signaling pathway, miR-205-5p/GGCT/CD44, that involves in the carcinogenesis and progression of PTC. Development of miR-205-mimics or GGCT inhibitors as potential therapeutics for PTC may have remarkable applications.
Chalcogenacalix[4]dithienoselenophene: Synthesis and Properties of Cyclic Thio- and Selenoether of Dithienoselenophene
Authors: Hasegawa Masashi , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Mazaki Yasuhiro
Published: February 2022

Two kinds of thia- and selenacalix[4]dithienoselenophene, a cyclic dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]selenophene (DTS) oligomers bridged with divalent chalcogen atoms (S or Se), were successfully prepared via a one-pot cyclization protocol. A palladium-catalyzed coupling of dibromo DTS derivative and (Bu3Sn)2Ch (Ch = S or Se) afforded the cyclic compounds in moderate yield. We have also developed a preparation strategy for the starting DTS derivatives in multi-gram quantity. X-ray analysis revealed that these macrocyclic compounds have different conformations depending on the linker atoms. Thiacalix derivatives form an annular geometry consisting of two sets of vertical and horizontal DTS pairs, while selenacalix derivatives forms a highly symmetrical alternate arrangement of DTS units. The latter macrocycle gave a channel framework to form cavity assembled porous material. Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry measurements for these macrocycles indicated lower redox potentials compared to those of dithienothiophene analogues reported before. Both compounds form a 1:2 complex with C60 in the solid state through face-to-face and S⋯π interactions between DTS and C60. Two guest C60 molecules were captured in the identical space formed by a symmetrical 1,3-alternate conformer.
State-Dependent Effects of Monetary Policy: The Refinancing Channel
Authors: Eichenbaum Martin , Rebelo Sergio , Wong Arlene
Published: February 2022

This paper studies how the impact of monetary policy depends on the distribution of savings from refinancing mortgages. We show that the efficacy of monetary policy is state dependent, varying in a systematic way with the pool of potential savings from refinancing. We construct a quantitative dynamic life-cycle model that accounts for our findings and use it to study how the response of consumption to a change in mortgage rates depends on the distribution of savings from refinancing. These effects are strongly state dependent. We also use the model to study the impact of a long period of low interest rates on the potency of monetary policy. We find that this potency is substantially reduced both during the period and for a substantial amount of time after interest rates renormalize. (JEL D15, E21, E43, E52, G21, G51, R31)
Designing Deadlines
Authors: Madsen Erik
Published: February 2022

I study how an organization should manage a project of uncertain scope, when it is advised by a privately informed expert who prefers to prolong his employment. The optimal long-term contract combines a deadline for project completion and incentive payments which decline as the deadline approaches. When the firm can additionally learn about the project's state from output, the optimal deadline exhibits variable sensitivity to output, with a hard deadline at the outset of the project and increasingly soft deadlines as the project's performance declines. (JEL D21, D82, D86, G31, J33, M52, M54)
Motivated Beliefs and Anticipation of Uncertainty Resolution
Authors: Drobner Christoph
Published: February 2022

Manipulating subjects’ expectations about the resolution of uncertainty, I show that subjects update beliefs about ego-relevant information optimistically when they expect no resolution of uncertainty but neutrally when they expect immediate uncertainty resolution. This finding highlights an important channel of the supply side of motivated beliefs and informs the discussion about the puzzling evidence on belief updating about ego-relevant information. Moreover, I document that subjects ex post rationalize information by manipulating their stated beliefs about the ego-relevance of the underlying event depending on the valence of information. This result suggests an additional channel that subjects use to protect their ego utility. (JEL D81, D83, D84)
Inducing inherent salinity tolerance of eggplants by salt induction response
Authors: David Einstein Mariya , Lesharadevi Kuppan , Dharanidharan Harikrishnan , Akash Srikanth , Prabhakaran Siva , Firdous Saiyyeda , Parthasarathi Theivasigamani
Published: February 2022

Background: Salinity is a significant abiotic stress which affects eggplant (Solanum melongena) growth and development, decreasing photosynthesis and reducing yield. To address this problem, we performed a salt induction response (SIR) study in eggplant.

Methods: In this experiment, we optimized the salt induction cycle of 60, 80, 100 and 125 mM NaCl concentrations at 120-min time intervals. Eggplant seeds were exposed to three treatments. In particular, induced, non-induced, and control. The induction responses were tested with a supply of sub-lethal dose (100 mM NaCl) of saline water irrigation.

Results: Salt induction improved the eggplant seedling vigour, germination, adjusts the physiology, antioxidant machinery and increase the fruit yield under salinity.

Conclusion: Salt induction acclimatizes the eggplant seedlings to salinity stress and enhances the salinity tolerance at the whole-plant level.
Negative E-cadherin expression on bone marrow myeloma cell membranes is associated with extramedullary disease
Authors: Hirao Maki , Yamazaki Kohei , Watanabe Kentaro , Mukai Kiyoshi , Hirose Shigemichi , Osada Makoto , Tsukada Yuiko , Kunieda Hisako , Denda Ryunosuke , Kikuchi Takahide , Sugimori Hiroki , Okamoto Shinichiro , Hattori Yutaka
Published: February 2022

Background: The loss of E-cadherin expression and the induction of N-cadherin are known as hallmarks of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, an essential initial step in the process of metastasis in solid tumors. Although several studies have reported expressions of these cadherins in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), their clinical significance is unknown as MM cells are non-epithelial.

Methods: In this study, we examined the expression of E- and N-cadherins by immunohistochemistry using bone marrow (BM) biopsy specimens from 31 newly diagnosed MM patients and in subsequent biopsy specimens from six of these.

Results: Negative E-cadherin expression on BM myeloma cell membranes was significantly associated with the presence of soft-tissue masses arising from bone lesions and breaking through the cortical bone, referred to as extramedullary disease (EMD).

Conclusions: Given the aggressive nature of EMD, our study suggests that screening for E-cadherin using BM immunohistochemistry is one measure that could predict the development of EMD in patients with MM.
A review of the therapeutic properties of dithiocarbamates
Authors: Tella Toluwani , Pohl Carolina H. , Ayangbenro Ayansina
Published: February 2022

The persistence of infectious diseases that continue to plague the world, as well as the formation of harmful substances within the human body, such as free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) have sparked new research. Thus, the need for innovative approaches for developing new or modification of existing therapeutic agents. The design of biologically important metal complexes of dithiocarbamates (DTCs) has been made possible by recent advancements in innovative research. Dithiocarbamates are reduced thiuram disulfides with excellent complexing capabilities and have various applications. They are potent and work in tandem with the core metal ions of coordinating compounds to produce synergistic effects. Dithiocarbamates have many uses, including as antidotes for metal poisoning, cisplatin or carboplatin toxicity, and clinical trials for cancer, Lyme disease, human immunodeficiency virus and antibiotics. They exert anti-oxidant effect in cells. The understanding of the mechanisms of action of this therapeutic agent is important in drug repurposing. This review highlights the protective and therapeutic properties of dithiocarbamate compounds in biological systems.
How to build phylogenetic species trees with OMA
Authors: Dylus David , Nevers Yannis , Altenhoff Adrian M. , Gürtler Antoine , Dessimoz Christophe , Glover Natasha M.
Published: February 2022

Knowledge of species phylogeny is critical to many fields of biology. In an era of genome data availability, the most common way to make a phylogenetic species tree is by using multiple protein-coding genes, conserved in multiple species. This methodology is composed of several steps: orthology inference, multiple sequence alignment and inference of the phylogeny with dedicated tools. This can be a difficult task, and orthology inference, in particular, is usually computationally intensive and error prone if done ad hoc. This tutorial provides protocols to make use of OMA Orthologous Groups, a set of genes all orthologous to each other, to infer a phylogenetic species tree. It is designed to be user-friendly and computationally inexpensive, by providing two options: (1) Using only precomputed groups with species available on the OMA Browser, or (2) Computing orthologs using OMA Standalone for additional species, with the option of using precomputed orthology relations for those present in OMA. A protocol for downstream analyses is provided as well, including creating a supermatrix, tree inference, and visualization. All protocols use publicly available software, and we provide scripts and code snippets to facilitate data handling. The protocols are accompanied with practical examples.
A grammatico-pragmatic analysis of the because X construction: Private expression within public expression
Authors: Kanetani Masaru
Published: February 2022

Background: This article investigates an innovative use of because, called the because X construction (e.g., because homework). Quantitative and qualitative research as well as research about the historical development of the construction have been conducted. The present article aims to determine what motivates the use of the construction. 

Methods: Based on the data collected from the literature and online sources, the grammar of the because X construction is described in detail. The construction is then analyzed  within Hirose’s (2015) three-tier model of language use. 

Results: A two-layered expressive structure is proposed: The X-element serves as a private expression, which is a speaker’s expression of thought with no intention of communication, whereas the whole construction functions publicly. The private nature of the X-element consistently accounts for the syntactic categories of the X-element and the restrictions on them observed in the literature. 

Conclusion: The proposed two-layered expressive structure reflects a metapragmatic function of the construction. A private, subjective expression embedded in a public expression has the function of connecting the hearer to the speaker, and it accordingly brings about a joint attention effect. With such a function, the proposed structure is effective especially (but not exclusively) in online communication because one can strategically indicate closeness or intimacy to others, particularly in an environment where nonverbal means are difficult to apply.
Online academic satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic in medical students: role of sleep, emotions, college adjustment, and digital skills
Authors: Medina-Ramirez Sebastian A. , Rojas-Humpire Ricardo , Canaza Josue F. , Hernandez Fiorella , Huancahuire-Vega Salomón
Published: February 2022

Background: The measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, led to significant changes in university education, resulting in the new normal standard of virtual teaching in many undergraduate medical schools worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to determine the factors related to academic satisfaction with virtual teaching in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional-analytical study was conducted on medical students at a private university in Peru, through self-reported questionnaires divided into sociodemographic data and variables of interest that could influence academic satisfaction during the pandemic. To evaluate possible factors related to academic satisfaction, stepwise regression models were performed for both sexes.

Results: In total, data from 310 medical students, 117 males and 193 females, were analyzed. Academic satisfaction reached a score of 11.2 ± 2.9, which was similar in both sexes. The best regression model for males (AIC: 544.32; RMSE: 2.42; R2: 0.30) showed that adaptation to university life (favorable change) and depression (unfavorable change) explained 30% of changes in students' academic satisfaction. While in females (AIC: 907.59; RMSE: 2.49; R 2: 0.22) the model integrated favorable factors such as adjustment to college life and anxiety; while depression and poor sleep quality were unfavorable factors.

Conclusion: Factors that contributed to academic satisfaction in medical students were determined in this study, which differed by gender. Thus, it is important to take into account the particularities of male and female medical students in order to improve their academic satisfaction during their university careers.
Practice Summary: Multilaser Load Balancing in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Umang Nitish , Bollapragada Srinivas , Hertel Kai
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we address the challenges of load balancing and smoke interference in multi-laser systems in additive manufacturing using a local search optimization algorithm. Our algorithm is scheduled to be integrated into the GE Concept Laser M-line System, a state-of-the-art additive manufacturing printer sold by GE.
Improving knowledge mobilisation in healthcare: a qualitative exploration of creative co-design methods
Authors: Grindell Cheryl , Sanders Tom , Bec Remi , Mary Tod Angela , Wolstenholme Daniel
Published: February 2022

Background:

Co-production, co-creation and co-design are increasingly used in healthcare research knowledge mobilisation. These methods have grown in popularity and the broad range of approaches are often used without any formal evaluation. The challenges to using these approaches are well reported yet there is little evidence on how to overcome them or how they work. This study evaluates ‘creative co-design’, a design-led, solutions-focused process developed specifically as a means to mobilise knowledge in healthcare.

Aims and objectives:

To investigate the impact of creative co-design on the knowledge mobilisation process. To understand how it impacts on the application of research knowledge in routine clinical practice.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 participants from 14 projects. Data were analysed using the Framework approach. A workshop involving the first 10 participants was held prior to the final interviews and analysis.

Findings:

The findings indicate that creative co-design successfully facilitates knowledge mobilisation in healthcare. This is represented by three interconnected themes: creative and visual; design-led; and creating the right conditions.

Discussion and conclusions:

The themes highlight how the approach supports engagement and creates a safe space for knowledge sharing and synthesis in a non-hierarchical environment. This study contributes important insights into how creative co-design can mobilise knowledge in healthcare. Further evaluation is warranted to help it develop into a recognised and effective method for research implementation and service improvement.
Characteristics of Higher Education Programs Enrolling Students With Intellectual Disability in the United States
Authors: Grigal Meg , Papay Clare , Weir Cate , Hart Debra , McClellan Matthew L.
Published: February 2022

Significant advancements resulting from various legislative and grant initiatives have resulted in increases in higher education programs enrolling students with intellectual disability (ID). Information about program practices in admissions, academic access, employment, campus housing, and extracurricular activities was gathered via a national survey and offered to the public via a searchable directory. The current study provides a descriptive analysis of these survey data, addressing demographic structure and costs, as well as domains of practice including academic access, career development and employment, campus engagement, and credential attainment in higher education programs for students with ID from a sample of 257 programs. Comparisons to findings from a 2009 survey are offered when applicable and implications for practice, research, and policy are discussed.
Mixed scale dense convolutional networks for x-ray phase contrast imaging
Authors: Mom Kannara , Sixou Bruno , Langer Max
Published: February 2022

X-ray in-line phase contrast imaging relies on the measurement of Fresnel diffraction intensity patterns due to the phase shift and the attenuation induced by the object. The recovery of phase and attenuation from one or several diffraction patterns is a nonlinear ill-posed inverse problem. In this work, we propose supervised learning approaches using mixed scale dense (MS-D) convolutional neural networks to simultaneously retrieve the phase and the attenuation from x-ray phase contrast images. This network architecture uses dilated convolutions to capture features at different image scales and densely connects all feature maps. The long range information in images becomes quickly available, and greater receptive field size can be obtained without losing resolution. This network architecture seems to account for the effect of the Fresnel operator very efficiently. We train the networks using simulated data of objects consisting of either homogeneous components, characterized by a fixed ratio of the induced refractive phase shifts and attenuation, or heterogeneous components, consisting of various materials. We also train the networks in the image domain by applying a simple initial reconstruction using the adjoint of the Fréchet derivative. We compare the results obtained with the MS-D network to reconstructions using U-Net, another popular network architecture, as well as to reconstructions using the contrast transfer function method, a direct phase and attenuation retrieval method based on linearization of the direct problem. The networks are evaluated using simulated noisy data as well as images acquired at NanoMAX (MAX IV, Lund, Sweden). In all cases, large improvements of the reconstruction errors are obtained on simulated data compared to the linearized method. Moreover, on experimental data, the networks improve the reconstruction quantitatively, improving the low-frequency behavior and the resolution.
Spectral analysis of Brillouin dynamic gratings in polarization-maintaining fibers
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Zhou Da-Peng , Peng Wei
Published: February 2022

Experiment observations show that the spectra of Brillouin dynamic gratings in polarization-maintaining fibers based on a polarization decoupled scheme are quite broad and usually have multiple peaks. In this paper, we measure the birefringence distribution along polarization-maintaining fibers with high spatial resolution using optical frequency-domain reflectometry. Based on birefringence measurements, both the simulation and experiment are carried out to determine the spectra of Brillouin dynamic gratings generated within the same polarization-maintaining fibers, indicating quantitatively that spectral broadening and irregularity are mainly due to phase mismatch caused by the non-uniformity of birefringence along polarization-maintaining fibers.
Outright fit resource allocation approach for advance reservation requests in elastic optical networks
Authors: Ujjwal Ujjwal , Thangaraj Jaisingh
Published: February 2022

Elastic optical networks (EONs) are a promising technology for the next-generation optical network, and advanced reservation (AR) applications have been growing expeditiously over the past few years. Thus, the routing and spectrum allocation problem for AR requests has become a significant concern. This paper proposes an approach named outright fit advanced resource reservation to improve the spectral resource allocation efficiency for AR connection requests. Our proposed approach works in two stages: The proposed resource reservation strategy first uses an outright fit resource allocation strategy to reserve the spectral resource for a connection request within the absolute best service window and leaves adequate spectral resources for subsequent requests. If a connection request cannot get resources in the first stage, the proposed optimal rescheduling technique then is applied to serve the request. Our proposed optimal rescheduling technique uses spectrum shifting and reallocation without altering the routing paths, and its optimal characteristic decreases the number of rescheduling operations, thereby decreasing the rescheduling computational complexity and cost, which improves the network’s quality of service. Moreover, this rescheduling approach increases the opportunities for successful rescheduling of the requests without inducing many spectrum fragments, significantly reducing the blocking probability. The simulation results illustrate that the proposed approach can considerably enhance the blocking performance and obtains high spectrum utilization.
Simulation of near ideal-Bessel beam generation by a thin-disk laser configuration
Authors: Aghbolaghi Reza , Sahebghoran Charehjaloo Habib , Fallahi Vahid
Published: February 2022

The annular Bessel beam output from an axicon-based thin-disk laser resonator has been investigated under the particular assumption of the cavity configuration. The numerical results show the purity of the output beam, which is one of the essential properties of the thin-disk laser. Cavity diffraction loss, stability, and full width at half minimum of the annular beam are surveyed in detail.
Four-state reference-frame-independent quantum key distribution with non-qubit source flaws
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Dou Tianqi , Liu Hongwei , Wang Jipeng , Sun Zhongqi , Zhou Fen , Han Yanxin , Huang Yuqing , Ma Haiqiang
Published: February 2022

The discrepancy between theory and experiment severely limits the development of quantum key distribution (QKD). Reference-frame-independent (RFI) protocols have been proposed to avoid alignment of the reference frame with the assumption of qubit systems. However, Trojan horse attacks and high-dimensional information leakage caused by equipment loopholes inevitably result in an imperfect non-qubit emitted signal. In this paper, we analyze the security of the RFI-QKD protocol with non-qubit source flaws based on a generalizing loss-tolerant method. The simulation results show that it is feasible to employ non-qubit flaw sources without compromising the security of the QKD system. Moreover, it only requires the preparation of four quantum states, which reduces the complexity of the experiment.