bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cadophora Species from Marine Glaciers in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhang Bingqian , Li Xiaoguang , Li Guojie , Wang Qi-Ming , wang Manman
Published: February 2022

Large numbers of marine glaciers in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are especially sensitive to changes of climate and surface conditions and they have suffered fast accumulation and melting and retreated quickly in recent years. In 2017, we surveyed the cold-adapted fungi in these unique habitats and obtained 1208 fungal strains. Based on preliminary analysis of ITS sequences, 41 isolates belonging to the genus Cadophora were detected. As one of the most frequently encountered genera, the Cadophora isolates were studied in detail. Two phylogenetic trees were constructed: one was based on the partial large subunit nrDNA (LSU) to infer taxonomic placement of our isolates and the other was based on multi-locus sequences of LSU, ITS, TUB and TEF-1α to investigate more exact phylogenetic relationships of Cadophora and allied genera. Combined with morphological characteristics, nine Cadophora species were determined, including seven new to science. Among the new species, only C. inflata produced holoblastic conidia and all the others had phialidic conidiogenesis, and some isolates recognized as C. qinghai-tibetana and C. psychrophila had optimum growth temperature at 15°C. With more species involved, the currently circumscribed genus became obviously paraphyletic and all members clustered into two main clades: one clade mainly included most of the Cadophora species which had phialidic conidiogenesis and we referred to as ‘Cadophora s. str.’; the rest Cadophora species had multiform conidiogenesis and clustered in the second clade, with members of other genera in Ploettnerulaceae interspersed among the subclades. Our results showed a high diversity of Cadophora from marine glaciers in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and further intense sampling should be necessary for exploring more new species to reconstruct the phylogeny of this important fungal group.
Greener Synthesis of Zn-Doped Ceramic Copper Ferrite Nanostructures and Their Anticancer Properties
Authors: Alijani Hajar Q. , Khatami Mehrdad , Iravani Siavash
Published: February 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Laser Remelting of AlSi10Mg(-Ni) Alloy Surfaces: Influence of Ni Content and Cooling Rate on the Microstructure
Authors: de Moura Danusa Araújo , de Gouveia Guilherme Lisboa , Figueira Gustavo , Garcia Amauri , Gargarella Piter , Spinelli José Eduardo
Published: February 2022

AlSi10Mg alloys are widely employed in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and microelectronics. This is because of its low density, acceptable mechanical properties, acceptable corrosion resistance, and inexpensive application cost. Advantageous fluidity, a short solidification period, and minimal volumetric contraction are beneficial characteristics under processing such alloys. Despite being used as commercial alloys, the mechanical properties of the AlSi10Mg alloys still need to be improved. In line with this, the current focus of Al-based alloys development is mostly on modifying commercially available alloys. Under such context, Ni was used as an alloying element in this study to generate the Al3Ni intermetallics, distinguished by its improved mechanical strength. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the Al3Ni may be a benefit, particularly for high-temperature applications. The present study aims to investigate the solidification under low and high cooling rates of four alloys: AlSi10Mg, AlSi10Mg-1Ni, AlSi10Mg-2Ni, and AlSi10Mg-3Ni (wt.%). Samples were obtained by directional solidification (DS) and laser surface remelting (LSR) processes. The cooling rates were calculated for the DS samples and with extrapolation for LSR samples as well as with the use of a model from the literature. After testing several laser conditions, the results also include an examination of microstructural and hardness changes in the treated and untreated zones. The produced gradient of microstructures is fully characterized as well as used to evaluate cooling rates inside the laser molten pools. For energy densities of 400 J/mm2 and 100 J/mm2, the mean dendritic spacings, λ, of the three Ni-containing alloys at the laser molten pool yelded estimated cooling rates of approximately 1.5 104 oC/s and 4.7 104 oC/s, respectively. A model explaining the reversion of λ across the molten pool will be outlined.
TRIM3 And TRIM16 As Tumor Suppressors In Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Roshanazadeh Mohammad Reza , Adelipour Maryam , Sanaei Arash , Dariuni Hossein Azizi , Rashidi Mojtaba , Razavi Amirnader Emami
Published: February 2022

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women in many countries. Clinicopathological parameters such as stage are important in cancer. Numerous factors serve as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in breast cancer. The large family of Tripartite-motif (TRIM) proteins with ~80 members has drawn attention for their role in cancer. TRIM3 and TRIM16 have shown suppressive activity in different cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of TRIM3 and TRIM16 in cancerous and normal breast samples and investigate their association with different clinicopathological parameters.Methods and Results: 40 pairs of breast cancer and respective normal breast tissue samples, were selected. qRT-PCR with specific primer pairs were utilized to determine the gene expression of TRIM3 and TRIM16. With the reaction efficiency being >90%, the relative gene expression was calculated through the 2-∆∆Ct formula. The expression of TRIM3 and TRIM16 genes in tumor samples was significantly reduced to 0.45 and 0.29 fold, respectively, compared to the normal samples. TRIM3 and TRIM16 genes expression were both positively correlated with the invasion of breast cancer. TRIM3 gene expression was associated with tumors’ histological grade. However, no significant association was found between the expression of either of genes and tumor size, stage and necrosis.Conclusion: The expression of TRIM3 and TRIM16 genes are significantly reduced in breast cancer tissues. Besides, the expression of both TRIM3 and TRIM16 genes significantly plummet in lymphatic/vascular and perineural invasive samples. Hence, we suggest a potential tumor suppressor role for TRIM3 and TRIM16 in breast cancer.
Clinical Exome Sequencing for Inherited Retinal Disorders at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Ganapathi Mythily , Thomas-Wilson Amanda , Buchovecky Christie , Dharmadhikari Avinash , Barua Subit , Lee Winston , Ruan Merry ZC , Soucy Megan , Ragi Sara , Tanaka Joy , Clark Lorraine N. , Naini Ali B. , Liao Jun , Mansukhani Mahesh , Tsang Stephen , Jobanputra Vaidehi
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Inherited retinal disorders are clinically, and genetically heterogeneous diseases characterized by progressive deterioration of vision. This study aimed at assessing the diagnostic yield of exome sequencing (ES) for an unselected cohort of individuals with hereditary retinal disorders.Design: It is a retrospective study of 357 unrelated affected individuals, diagnosed with retinal disorders who underwent clinical ES.Methods: Variants from ES, were filtered, prioritized, and classified using the ACMG recommendations. Results: Clinical diagnosis of the individuals included -rod-cone dystrophy (59%), macular dystrophy (20%), cone-rod dystrophy (9%), cone dystrophy (4%) and other phenotypes (8%). Majority of the cases (74%) were singletons and 6% were trios. A confirmed molecular diagnosis was obtained in 23% of cases. In 6% of cases, two pathogenic variants were identified with phase unknown, bringing the potential molecular diagnostic rate to ~29%. Including the variants of uncertain significance (VUS), potentially significant findings were reported in 63% of cases. Among cases with a confirmed molecular diagnosis, variants in EYS, ABCA4, USH2A, KIZ, CERKL, DHDDS, PROM1, NR2E3, CNGB1, ABCC6, PRPH2, RHO, PRPF31, PRPF8, SNRNP200, RP1, CHM, RPGR were identified in more than one affected individual. Conclusions: Our results support the utility of clinical ES in the diagnosis of genetically heterogeneous retinal disorders.
Comparative Effect of Aqueous Extract of Psidium guajava Leaves and Arthemetar/Lumefantrine (coartem) on non-targeted parameters in Plasmodium berghei- Infected Mice
Authors: Kanu Shedrach , Ejeje Jerius , Elom Nwabueze , Eleazu Chinedu , Obeten Uket
Published: February 2022

Objective
To study the effect of aqueous extract of Psidium guajava and arthemeter/lumefantrine (coartem) on non-targeted parameters in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.
Methods
Twenty five mice (out of thirty mice weighing between 30 and 35 g) were intraperitoneally infected with 0.2 ml of 1x105/ml parasitized erythrocytes of Plasmodium berghei (NK 65 strain) and randomly grouped into six (G2-G6) with five (5) mice each. G1 (normal control) received distilled water and animal feed. G2 (parasite control) received 1ml of distilled water daily. Groups (G3-G6) were treated with 28 mg/kg b.w of coartem, 200 mg/kg b.w, 400 mg/kg b.w and 600 mg/kg b.w of Psidium guajava extract respectively. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS-21 statistical software. A p < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results
The Psidium guajava aqueous extract revealed presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids and flavonoids. All the groups treated with Psidium guajava aqueous extract showed a dose-dependent significant (p < 0.05) increase in percentage clearance rate of the malaria parasite, PCV, HB, and RBC count, antioxidant status, antioxidant enzymes activities and a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in MDA level, ALP, AST and ALT activities as against the coartem treated and the parasite control groups.
Conclusion
Aqueous extract of Psidium guajava leaf could be useful in the treatment of diseases and symptoms caused by plasmodium parasites, especially berghei species with milder side effects than coartem.
Parameter Estimation of Uncertain Fractional-order Chaotic Power System Using an Improved State Transition Algorithm
Authors: Ai Chunyu , He Shan
Published: February 2022

Fractional-order chaotic power system parameter estimation is a multidimensional function optimization problem, and it is a prerequisite for controlling such systems. Aiming at the problem that the parameter estimation of a fractional-order chaotic power system is easily affected by external interference and estimation is difficult, a state transition algorithm based on the reverse learning strategy of lens imaging is proposed, taking a fractional six-order chaotic power system as the study model. First, the tent chaotic mapping to initialize the population, thus increasing population diversity. Second, we optimize parameters \(\gamma\) and \(\delta\) of the basic state transition algorithm to improve its global and single-dimensional search abilities. We use the lens imaging learning strategies to avoid the local optima. The proposed improved state transition algorithm shows high estimation accuracy and convergence speed, and is superior to the traditional state transition, particle swarm optimization, genetic and gray wolf algorithms. The simulation results show that the parameters of the fractional sixth-order chaotic power system are identified accurately. even in the presence of white noise, demonstrating the strong robustness and versatility of the proposed algorithm.
Genome-wide investigation of histone acetyltransferase gene family and their responses to biotic and abiotic stress in foxtail millet (Setaria italica [L.] P. Beauv)
Authors: Xing Guofang , Jin Minshan , Qu Ruifang , Zhang Jiewei , Han Yuanhuai , Han Yanqing , Wang Xingchun , Li Xukai , Ma Fangfang , Zhao Xiongwei
Published: February 2022

Background: Modification of histone acetylation is a ubiquitous and reversible process in eukaryotes and prokaryotes and plays crucial roles in the regulation of gene expression in plant development and stress responses. Histone acetylation is co-regulated by histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC). HAT activity plays an essential regulatory role in a variety of growth and development processes by modifying the chromatin structure through interactions with other histone modifications and transcription factors in eukaryotic cells, affecting the transcription of genes. Comprehensive analyses of HAT genes have been performed in Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa. However, little information is available on HAT genes in foxtail millet (Setaria italica [L.] P. Beauv).Results: In this study, 24 HAT genes (SiHATs) were identified and divided into four groups with conserved gene structures via motif compositions analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of the genes was performed to predict functional similarities between Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, and foxtail millet; 19 and 2 orthologous gene pairs were individually identified. Moreover, all identified HAT gene pairs likely underwent purified selection based on their non-synonymous/synonymous nucleotide substitutions. Using published transcriptome data, we found that SiHAT genes were preferentially expressed in some tissues and organs. Stress responses were also examined, and data showed that SiHAT gene transcription was influenced by drought, salt, low nitrogen, and low phosphorus stress, and that the expression of four SiHATs was altered by Sclerospora graminicola infection. Conclusions: Results indicated that histone acetylation may play an important role in plant growth and development and stress adaptations. These findings suggest that SiHATs play specific roles in the response to abiotic stress and viral infection. This study lays a foundation for further analysis of the biological functions of SiHATs in foxtail millet.
Effects Of Kinetic Changes On Neuromuscular Activity Of Adductor Magnus During Bridging Exercises
Authors: HE Shutang , Li Yashu , Tan Jiaqi , Zhang Shanshan , Wang Chuhuai
Published: February 2022

Background: Most therapeutic exercises can activate the adductor magnus (AM) at a high to a very high level. It is necessary to find an exercise that can facilitate AM at low to moderate levels in the early stage of sports rehabilitation. This study is aimed to investigate changes in AM activation with various knee kinetic positions during bilateral bridging exercise (BBE) and unilateral bridging exercise (UBE).Method: 20 adults (7 males and 13 females, aged 20-30) volunteered for this study. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded from AM at four knee flexion angles: 45°, 60°, 90°, and 120° when performing UBE and BBE. The obtained raw data were normalized by the corresponding muscle's maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Results: AM recruitment levels were 15.0±8.5% MVIC in BBE and 35.1±21.6% MVIC in UBE. There was no significant difference in the EMG amplitude of AM activity among various knee flexion angles during both UBE and BBE. Conclusions: BBE and UBE can be utilized as therapeutic exercises to facilitate AM from low to moderate intensity at partly weight-bearing positions.
The Effect of Virtual Cognitive-Behavioral Sexual Counseling on Sexual Function and Intimacy in Pregnant Women: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Fathalian Manizheh , Lotfi Razieh , Faramarzi Mahbobeh , Qorbani Mostafa
Published: February 2022

Background & Aim: Pregnancy is associated with numerous physical and psychological changes and affects the sexual function of couples. Since the root of many marital problems lies in the quality of the relationship and sexual function, the present study investigates the effect of virtual cognitive-behavioral sexual counseling on pregnant women's sexual function and intimacy.Methods & Materials: This study is a randomized clinical trial, and 80 pregnant women aged 18 to 35 years and in 16-24 weeks of pregnancy were assigned to two intervention and control groups based on randomized blocks. The control group received routine prenatal care, but the intervention group, in addition to routine prenatal care, underwent virtual counseling with a cognitive-behavioral approach during eight sessions of 90 minutes. Data were collected using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and sexual intimacy questionnaire. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.Results: The comparison of mean scores of sexual function and intimacy in the two groups before the intervention was not statistically significant with each other. However, after the intervention, the mean scores of sexual function and intimacy in the intervention group were significantly increased compared to the control group (p<0.001). The effect size of the intervention was 0.52 for sexual function and 0.272 for sexual intimacy.Conclusion: Virtual cognitive-behavioral counseling can be used as an effective treatment to promote sexual function and intimacy of women during pregnancy.Clinical trial registry: IRCT20161230031662N10Registry date: 21/06/2021
Microorganisms Isolated From the Bile of the Patients who have Undergone Cholecystectomy and Their Antibiotic Resistance Pattern: Multicenter Prospective Study
Authors: Ozturk-Engin Derya , Agalar Canan , Yasemin Cag , Kesmez-Can Fatma , Balkan İlker İnanç , Karabay Oguz , Senbayrak Seniha , Cetinkaya Busra Meral , Aydın Mehmet Timucin , Tomas Kadir , Disci Esra , Surmelioglu Ali , Alimoglu Orhan , Ekinci Ozgur , Akın Emrah , Koroglu Mehmet , Velidedeoglu Mehmet , Ankaralı Handan , Kocoğlu Esra , Javadov Mirkhaliq , Papila-Kundaktepe Berrin , Oguzoglu Naz , Ozmen Erkan , Donmez Ramazan , Mega Ertunc , Aksaray Sebahat , Agalar Fatih
Published: February 2022

Background Gallbladder and biliary tract infections are diseases with high mortality rates if they are not treated properly. Microbiological evaluation of perioperatively collected samples both ensures proper treatment of patients and guides empirical treatment due to the determination of microorganism susceptibility. Aim This study aimed to isolate the microorganisms in bile cultures from patients who underwent cholecystectomy and to determine sensitivity results of these microorganisms. Methods This study was a multi-center and prospective design, included 360 patients, and was performed between 2019 and 2020. Culture results of bile taken during cholecystectomy were evaluated. Results Bacterial growth was found in the bile cultures of 84 out of 360 (23.3%) patients. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had risk factors for resistant microorganisms or not. While Escherichia coli (n = 11, 13%), Enterococcus spp. (n = 8, 9.5%), and Enterobacter spp. (n=4, 4.7%) were detected most frequently in patients without risk. Staphylococcus spp. (n = 17, 20.2%), Enterococcus spp., (n = 16, 19%), and E. coli (n = 8, 9.5%) were the most frequently found microorganism in risky patients. Bile culture positivity was higher in males (p = 0.001), > 60 years (p = 0.010), history of biliary disease (p = 0.002), underwent biliary surgery before cholecystectomy (p = 0.002), having biliary instrumentation (p = 0.014), operation performed concurrently with a cholecystectomy (p = 0.001), and presence of complications (p = 0.001). Conclusions Our study shows that when starting empirical antibiotic treatment for bile ducts, whether patients are at risk for the development of resistant bacterial infection should be evaluated after which antibiotic selection should be made accordingly.
Synthesis, antimicrobial, PASS, SAR, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and pharmacokinetic studies of designed benzylidene derivatives
Authors: Kawsar Sarkar M. A. , Hosen Mohammad Imran , Celik Ismail , Affi Sopi Thomas , Erol Meryem , Islam Sajia , Dey Sujan , Hosen Anowar
Published: February 2022

The present study is focused on the synthesis of methyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-α-D-glucopyranoside (MBG) derivatives and on the characterization of their biological properties. Their structures were revealed by spectroscopic characterization and antimicrobial activities were evaluated in vitro against human and plant microorganisms along with the prediction of substance activity spectra. Minimum inhibition concentration (0.675±0.01 to 1.35±0.01 mg/ml) and minimum bactericidal concentration (1.35±0.01 to 5.40±0.04 mg/ml) tests were conducted for two compounds (4 and 7) based on their activity. X-ray powder diffraction was employed for quantitatively identifying crystalline compounds. Molecular docking studies focused on fungal proteins and bacterial proteins where derivatives 3 and 6 exhibited very strong binding and inhibitory affinities. Also, the molecular dynamics study carried out revealed that the complexes formed by these derivatives with the proteins L,D-transpeptidase Ykud and endoglucanase from Aspergillus niger can remain stable both over time and in physiological conditions. Structure-activity relationships study including in vitro and silico results revealed that the acyl chains [lauroyl (C12), cinnamoyl (C6H5CH=CHCO-)] in combination with sugar were found the most potential activates against human and fungal pathogens. Our synthetic, antimicrobial, and pharmacokinetic studies revealed that MBG derivatives have promising antimicrobial activity, which could develop a therapeutic target for bacteria and fungi.
Efficient binary and QAM optical modulation in ultra-compact MZI structures utilizing indium-tin-oxide
Authors: Mohammadi-Pouyan Sohrab , Miri Mehdi , Sheikhi Mohammad Hossein
Published: February 2022

A design for a CMOS-compatible active waveguide is proposed in which the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) property of the Indium-tin-oxide (ITO) is used to induce large variations in the real and imaginary parts of the waveguide effective index. The proposed waveguide comprises a TiN/HfO2/ITO metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure where the speed and power consumption are significantly reduced by the application of the TiN and realization of double accumulation layers in the ITO. Simulations show the insertion loss (IL) of 0.38dB/µm, extinction ratio (ER) of 11dB/µm, the energy consumption of 11.87fJ/bit and electrical bandwidth of 280GHz when the designed waveguide is used as an electro-absorption modulator. The waveguide is then used in an MZI structure to design binary and quadrature-amplitude-modulator (QAM) modulators. For binary modulator, the IL, ER, and VπLπ figures of merit are found to be 1.24dB, 54dB, and 6.4V.µm, respectively, which show substantial improvement over previous ITO-based designs. In the QAM design, the symmetry in the real and imaginary parts of the waveguide effective index is employed to obviate the need for additional phase shift elements. This considerably reduces the overall length of the proposed QAM modulator and improves efficiency. Simulations show the energy consumption and bit rate, of 2fJ/bit and 560Gbps, respectively in a 4-QAM modulator with the overall length of 6.2µm. The symmetry properties of the proposed waveguide can be further exploited to realize quadrature-phase-shift-keying (QPSK) modulators which here is used in combination with the 4-QAM to propose a design for the more advanced modulation scheme of 16-QAM. The design of ITO-based QAM modulators is here reported for the first time and the abovementioned performance parameters show the unique properties of these modulators in terms of footprint, energy consumption and modulation-speed.
Deep Learning of ECG Waveforms for Diagnosis of Heart Failure With a Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Choi JungMin , Lee Sungjae , Chang Mineok , Lee Yeha , Oh Gyu Chul , Lee Hae-Young
Published: February 2022

The performance and clinical implications of the deep learning aided algorithm using electrocardiogram of heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (DeepECG-HFrEF) were evaluated in patients with acute HF. The DeepECG-HFrEF algorithm was trained to identify left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), defined by an ejection fraction (EF) <40%. Symptomatic HF patients admitted at Seoul National University Hospital between 2011 and 2014 were included. The performance of DeepECG-HFrEF was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values. The 5-year mortality according to DeepECG-HFrEF results was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 690 patients with contributing 18,449 ECGs were included (mean age 67.8±14.4 years; men, 56%). HFrEF (+) identified an EF <40% and HFrEF (-) identified EF ≥40%. The AUC value was 0.844 for identifying HFrEF among patients with acute HF. Those classified as HFrEF (+) showed worse survival than HFrEF (-) (log-rank p<0.001). The DeepECG-HFrEF algorithm can discriminate HFrEF in a real-world HF cohort with excellent performance. HFrEF (+) was associated with higher mortality. The DeepECG-HFrEF algorithm may help the identification of LVSD and of patients at risk of worse survival in resource-limited settings.
Evolution Behaviour of Breathers and Lump-N-Solitons (N → ∞) for the (2+1)-Dimensional Benjamin-Bona-Mahony-Burgers Equation
Authors: li longxing
Published: February 2022

Several types of exact solution of the (2+1)-dimensional Benjamin-Bona-Mahony-Burgers (BBMB) equation will be reported in this research. On the basis of bilinear neural network method (BNNM), some specifific activation functions are precisely taken into the single hidden layer neural nework model, different forms of breather wave solutions, lump solutions and novel hybrid solutions are proposed. By means of symbolic computation and making use of Mathematica software, exact breather wave solutions, lump solutions and lump-N-soliton solutions are constructed completely. The obtained results enrich the knowledge of BBMB equation in the current studies. Various fifigures are plotted to exhibit the interesting evolution characteristic of theses waves vividly. The proposed methods effffectively enable us to understand and investigate the nonlinear evolution equations in plasma physics, oceanography, optical fifibers and flfluid mechanics.
First Agroinoculation System Development of Sweet Potato Symptomless Virus on Nicotiana Benthamiana
Authors: Ho Phuong T. , Byun Hee-Seong , Vo Thuy T. B. , Lal Aamir , Kil Eui-Joon , Lee Sukchan
Published: February 2022

Sweet potato symptomless virus 1 (SPSMV-1) is a single-stranded circular DNA virus, belonging to genus Mastrevirus, family Geminiviridae. It was first identified in the Korean peninsula in 2012 in asymptomatic sweet potato plants. Although SPSMV-1 cannot induce any significant symptoms in sweet potato plants, its co-infection with different sweet potato viruses is so prevalent that it can pose a threat to sweet potato production in Korea by the formation of a new virus through recombination events. The complete genome sequence of SPSMV-1 Korean isolate was obtained through rolling circle amplification (RCA)from sweet potato samples collected in the field (Suwon, Korea). 1.1-mer SPSMV-1 infectious clone was constructed, cloned into the plant expression vector pCAMBIA1303 and transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana with the support of the three most commonly used agrobacteria strains, GV3101, LBA4404 and EHA105. No differences were observed between the mock and inoculated groups; however, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results showed that the virus can enter the cells and travel from the infected area to the roots, stems, and newly produced leaves. The LBA4404 Agrobacterium strain showed the highest ability to transfer the SPSMV-1 genome to N. benthamiana. Through strand-specific amplification using virion-sense- and complementary-sense- specific primer sets, we confirmed virus replication in N. benthamiana samples. This is the first study on the infectious clone construction of SPSMV-1; hence, our research contributes toward gaining a better insight into virus-plant interactions and the biological significance of this virus in infected plants.
Serverless Cloud-based Speed Advisory Application for Connected Vehicles – Case Study
Authors: Deng Hsien-Wen , Salek M Sabbir , Rahman Mizanur , Chowdhury Mashrur , Shue Mitch , Apon Amy W.
Published: February 2022

In this study, we develop a real-time connected vehicle (CV) speed advisory application, which we refer to as “Serverless CloSA”, using commercial cloud services and present case studies for a signalized corridor for different roadway traffic conditions. First, we develop a highly scalable serverless cloud computing architecture using Amazon Web Services (AWS) to support the requirements of a real-time CV application. Second, we develop an optimization-based real-time CV speed advisory algorithm that is deployable in the cloud. Third, we develop a cloud-in-the-loop simulation testbed using AWS and an open-source microscopic roadway traffic simulator called Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO). Then, we conduct three case studies for three different roadway traffic conditions, i.e., low, medium, and high-density traffic. Our analyses show that Serverless CloSA can reduce the average stopped delays at signalized intersections in a corridor by 77% while reducing the aggregated risk of collision by 21% compared to the baseline scenario, i.e., no speed advisory for the CVs. Our experiments show an average end-to-end delay of 452 ms, which is well under the 1000 ms delay threshold of real-time CV mobility applications. Thus, this study also demonstrates the feasibility of deploying a real-time CV mobility application using commercial cloud services.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Of Plant Versus Antibiotic Regimens In Treating Patients With Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) Infection In The South Of Iran
Authors: Faramarzi Hossein , Khajoei Zahra , Lotfi Farhad , Rezaee Mehdi , Emadi Mehrnoosh , Keshavarz Khosro
Published: February 2022

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is highly prevalent worldwide and affects more than half of the world's population. A variety of treatment regimens to eliminate H. pylori infection have been evaluated, but choosing the best treatment method that results in the most eradication at the lowest cost is one of the challenges facing physicians. Therefore, the present study aimed at analyzing the cost-effectiveness of using different methods to treat H. pylori in southern Iran. Methods: This study was a cost-effectiveness analysis conducted on 132 patients with H. pylori who referred to Shahid Motahari Clinic in Shiraz. The study was carried out in 2020 to evaluate two drug treatment strategies, including antibiotics (pantoprazole 40 mg, Bismuth subcitrate 108 mg, tetracycline 500 mg, and metronidazole 200 and 400 mg) and plants (Supermint Barij soft capsules 20 mg, Alium S garlic tablets 400 mg, and Green Teadin (green tea) tablets 500 mg). The patients were randomly divided into two groups, 64 of whom received an antibiotic regimen and 68 patients given a plant regimen. The success rate of clinical trials in each treatment method was determined as the clinical outcome. This study was conducted from a community perspective and therefore, direct and indirect costs were included. A data collection form was also used to collect the cost and effectiveness data. In addition, a one-way sensitivity analysis was performed to measure the robustness of the results. The data were analyzed using TreeAge Pro 2011 and Excel 2016 software. Results: The results showed that antibiotic treatment was cheaper and more effective than plant treatment and was the dominant strategy. The mean costs in the antibiotics and plant groups were $446.14 and $477.81, respectively, and the effectiveness was 0.625% and 0.382%. In addition, the one-way sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the study results. Conclusion: The results showed that the use of antibiotics was a cost-effective and dominant strategy compared to plant treatment and could be suggested as a better alternative to a wide range of patients with Helicobacter pylori infection.
A Prospective Study of Minimally Invasive Anterolateral Approach in the Supine Position Versus Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty. Early results
Authors: Liu Hongwen , Yin Li , Li Jiao , Liu Shaojiang , Tao Qifeng , Xu Jie
Published: February 2022

Background
Both of Minimally Anterolateral Approach (MIS-ALA) and Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) have been reported to be advantageous in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), reducing postoperative pain and permit quicker rehabilitation by preserving muscle insertions. There is little literature concern the difference of them. Therefore, we conducted a prospective study to assess the difference of early clinical outcomes, radiological, and patient-reported outcomes between the two minimally invasive approaches of MIS-ALA and DAA.
Methods
The subjects were 98 patients, with 50 in the MIS-ALA group and 48 in the DAA group. Patients with complete data were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 2, 6 and 12 weeks. Clinical measurements including the ability to climb stairs and walk, a 6 minutes walk test (6MWT) distances, the Forgotten Joint Scale (FJS-12), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Hip scores, radiological evaluation, and complications data were collected.
Results
There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes and implant alignments between MIS-ALA and DAA groups. In regards to patient-reported outcomes, the FJS-12 was significantly higher in the MIS-ALA group than in the group DAA at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. However, there was no significant difference in the FJS-12 between the two groups at 12 weeks after surgery. The differences also included shorter operative times, less blood loss, lower Hb drop, and fewer blood transfusions in the MIS-ALA group. The incidence of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) neuropraxia after surgery was 7 (14.6%) in the DAA group, zero occurred in the MIS-ALA group. One fracture was identified with each group and managed conservatively.
Conclusion
Both MIS-ALA and DAA approaches yielded excellent and similar early clinical outcomes. However, better patient-reported outcomes could be achieved by MIS-ALA THA. The MIS-ALA was a safer approach for shorter operative times, less blood loss, lower Hb drop, fewer blood transfusions and LFCN neuropraxia compared with DAA. A longer follow-up is needed to examine differences between these procedures.
Sensitivity of SnO2 nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide hybrid to NO2 gas: A DFT study
Authors: Abdulridha Shaima K. , Abdulsattar Mudar Ahmed , Hussein Mohammed T.
Published: February 2022

The sensitivity of SnO2 nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide hybrid to NO2 gas is discussed in the present work using density functional theory (DFT). The SnO2 nanoparticles shapes are taken as pyramids, as proved by experiments. The reduced graphene oxide (rGO) edges have oxygen or oxygen-containing functional groups. However, the upper and lower surfaces of rGO are clean, as expected from the oxide reduction procedure. Results show that SnO2 particles are connected at the edges of rGO, making a p-n heterojunction with a reduced agglomeration of SnO2 particles and high gas sensitivity. The DFT results are in good agreement with the experimental characterization of both SnO2 and rGO using energy gap and XPS values. Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of the various considered reactions are calculated. Results show that the sensitivity of the rGO/SnO2 hybrid to NO2 gas is the result of the interplay of the dissociation and oxidation reactions of NO2 gas.
Updated Seismic Hazard Assessment Evaluation for the City of Aqaba, Jordan
Authors: Qadan Hani Abdel-karim , Tarazi Eid Al , Jaradat Rasheed
Published: February 2022

This study aims to determine seismic hazard in Aqaba city which is located in the southern part of Jordan at the Gulf of Aqaba. Nineteen active seismic area sources are considered in this study. The seismic sources within a circle of 300 km radius covering the faults to determine the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) and Response Spectra curves for different return periods (475, 975, and 2475 years) for nine selected sites in Aqaba city was considered. These nine sites represent different soil profiles of the city. It is resulted that 95% of the seismic hazard of the studied area is due to the sources lies within the influence circle (i.e., 300 km). The calculated PGA value for 10% of being exceeded in 50 years (i.e., return period=475 years) is 0.3g, meanwhile it is considered in the Jordan Building Code for Seismic Resisting Design (JBC) as 0.2g. Furthermore, the PGA for 5 % (return period=975 years) and 2% (return period=2475 years) are 0.45g and 0.52g, respectively. The results for soil profiles hard rock (SA), and stiff soil (SD) for periods 0, 0.2, and 1 second were 0.3g, 0.7g, 0.2g, and 0.35g, 0.79g, 0.2g (for return period of 475 years) respectively. It is noted that the maximum spectral acceleration is 0.87g at Aqaba southern coast for stiff soil profile, while its minimum value is 0.7g at the northern part of Aqaba for stiff soil profile for return period 475 years.
Effect of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on the Thermal Characteristics of Supramolecular, Dendritic and Macromolecular Capping Agents
Authors: Philip Sherin , Kuriakose Sunny
Published: February 2022

The present study aimed at the enhancement of the thermal characteristics of different capping agents belonging to different macromolecular families, with the incorporation of iron oxide nanoparticles. Iron oxide nanocomposites were prepared following a simple reduction protocol using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) succeeded by air oxidation. Three iron oxide composites were prepared using different biocompatible capping agents. The capping agents used in the present study were supramolecular β-cyclodextrin, dendritic hyperbranched polyglycerol and macromolecular starch. The chemical nature of the composites was successfully confirmed by spectroscopy. The well characterized composite systems were studied for their thermal characteristics using TG/DTG and DSC measurements. The primary focus of the study was to analyse any change in the thermal behaviour of the pure encapsulating systems on incorporation with the iron oxide species. The analysis was conducted by comparing the TG/DTG and DSC measurements of the pure capping agents- cyclodextrin, hyperbranched polyglycerol and starch with their respective nanoparticle incorporated composites.
Prevalence Of Depression And Associated Factors Among Patients Attending Orthopeadic Outpatient Clinics At Hospitals Of Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia.
Authors: Minda Adanech , Workie Shimelash Bitew , Leka Cherinet , Worku Dawit
Published: February 2022

Background: Psychiatric disorders and behavioral disturbances are reported to be three to five times more common among people with injuries. Depressive disorders are the common reported psychiatric problem among trauma survivors. The aim was to assess the magnitude of depression and associated factors among orthopedic trauma patients attending Wolaita Sodo town hospitals.Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 359 systematic randomly sampled orthopedic patients. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The bivariate analysis was done and all explanatory variables which have an association with the outcome variable at p-value <0.25 were selected for multivariable analysis. Variables that were statistically significant at P-value <0.05 were declared using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Result: A total of 352 orthopedic patients were responded which makes a 98% response rate. More than half, 193(54.8%) of respondents were male. Overall depression among respondents was 36.4% with 95% CI [31.4, 41.4]. Pain (AOR 4.42; 95%CI [1.49, 13.1]), complication (AOR 5.6 [95% CI 3.02, 10.38]), amputation (AOR 3.2 (95% CI [1.64, 6.1]) and multiple site injury (AOR 2.6 [95% CI 1.005, 6.64]) had statistically significant association with depression.Conclusion and Recommendation: - Depressive disorders are a common phenomenon among orthopedic patients. Having pain, having complications, being amputated, and having multiple site injuries were predictors of depression. Clinicians working at orthopedic clinics emphasize patients' psychological state during the evaluation, especially for amputated patients, and those having multiple site injuries, develop a complication, patients who undergo amputation, and those patients with severe pain.
Anti-inflammatory actions of β-funaltrexamine in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation.
Authors: Myers Stephanie , McCracken Kelly , Buck Daniel , Curtis J. Thomas , Davis Randall
Published: February 2022

Neuroinflammation is involved in a wide range of brain disorders, thus there is great interest in identifying novel anti-inflammatory agents to include in therapeutic strategies. We previously determined that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness behavior and neuroinflammation in mice are prevented by pretreatment with beta-funaltrexamine (β-FNA), a selective mu-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonist. Herein we investigated the temporal importance of β-FNA treatment in this pre-clinical model of LPS-induced neuroinflammation. Adult, male C57BL/6J mice were administered LPS followed by treatment with β-FNA immediately or 4 h post-LPS. Sickness behavior was assessed using an open-field test, followed by assessment of inflammatory signaling in the brain, spleen, and plasma. Levels of inflammatory chemokines/cytokines (interferon γ-induced protein, CXCL10; monocyte chemotactic protein 1, CCL2; and interleukin-6, IL-6) in tissues were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB), p38 mitogen activated kinase (p38 MAPK), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression were measured by western blot. LPS-induced sickness behavior and chemokine expression were inhibited more effectively when β-FNA treatment occurred immediately after LPS administration, as opposed to 4 h post-LPS; and β-FNA-mediated effects were time-dependent as evidenced by inhibition at 24 h, but not at 8 h. The inhibitory effects of β-FNA on chemokine expression were more evident in the brain versus the spleen or plasma. LPS-induced NFκB-p65 and p38 MAPK expression in the brain and spleen were inhibited at 8 and 24 h post-LPS. These findings extend our understanding of the anti-inflammatory effects of β-FNA and warrant further investigation into its therapeutic potential.
Non-Contact Thickness Measurement With EDS
Authors: Ingr Tomas , Prucek Robert
Published: February 2022

In this work we deal with a method of non-destructive layers thickness measurement using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). This method was chosen for ease of use in all laboratories equipped with the SEM with the EDS detector. Unlike other techniques (e.g., atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, ellipsometry), this measurement method does not require special sample treatment and does not place such emphasis on the properties of the substrate in the measured layers. This method is able measure 2D structures, thin multi-layers created on any substrate. It is possible to measure fibers and particles (1D and 0D structures) composed of several layers (core and shell), which can be attached to the surface of non-biological material. This method uses procedures with a calibration layer or calibration spectrum. Errors in the preparation of calibration samples are mentioned, which increase the measurement inaccuracy.
Early Human Trophoblast Development: From Morphology To Function
Authors: Gauster Martin , Moser Gerit , Wernitznig Stefan , Kupper Nadja , Huppertz Berthold
Published: February 2022

Human pregnancy depends on the proper development of the embryo prior to implantation and the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. During the preimplantation phase, formation of the morula is followed by internalization of blastomeres that differentiate into the pluripotent inner cell mass lineage, while the cells on the surface undergo polarization and differentiate into the trophectoderm of the blastocyst. The trophectoderm mediates apposition and adhesion of the blastocyst to the uterine epithelium. These processes lead to a stable contact between embryonic and maternal tissues, resulting in the formation of a new organ, the placenta. During implantation, the trophectoderm cells start to differentiate and form the basis for multiple specialized trophoblast subpopulations, all of which fulfilling specific key functions in placentation. They either differentiate into polar cells serving typical epithelial functions, or into apolar invasive cells that adapt the uterine wall to progressing pregnancy. The composition of these trophoblast subpopulations is crucial for human placenta development and alterations are suggested to result in placenta-associated pregnancy pathologies. This review article focuses on what is known about very early processes in human reproduction and emphasizes on morphological and functional aspects of early trophoblast differentiation and subpopulations.
Synthesis and characterization of solid solution of Sr(Mo1-xWx)O4 crystals obtained by the sonochemical method and their sonophotocatalytic properties
Authors: de Sousa Priscila Brandão , Nogueira Içamira Costa , Gusmão Gustavo Oliveira de Meira , Gusmão Suziete Batista Soares , Lopes Francisco Henrique Pereira , Sousa Bianca Silva , Sczancoski Júlio César , Gouveia Amanda Fernandes , Cavalcante Laécio Santos
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the solid solution of strontium molybdate-tungstate [Sr(Mo1-xWx)O4] crystals with (x = 0; 0.25; 0.50; 0.75; and 1) were synthesized by the sonochemical method. Their structure, morphology, optical, and sonophotocatalytic (SPC) properties were evaluated as a function of the replacement of Mo6+ by W6+ cations into the lattice. Structural characterizations performed by X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement, micro-Raman, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies proved that all samples are monophasic and crystalline, with a scheelite-type tetragonal structure. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy images revealed the octahedral and dumbbell-like morphologies for SrMoO4 and SrWO4 crystals. Moreover, it was noted to pass through spindle-like morphology for the microcrystals containing both Mo6+ and W6+ cations (x = 0.25; 0.50; and 0.75). The absorption spectra obtained through ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed a directly proportional increase in the optical band gap (Egap) values from 4.27 to 5.01 eV. These data indicate an increase in the intermediary electronic levels between valance and conduction band with the raise of the concentration of W6+ cations in the lattice. Finally, we have found that the Sr(Mo0.25W0.75)O4 crystals displayed the best SPC activity, around 98% of the Rhodamine B dye was degraded in 240 min.
Geometrical Diagnostics For Modified Gravitational Theory With The Different Formalisms
Authors: Lu Jianbo , Liu Yan , Guo Jing , Wang Jie , Zhuang Zhitong
Published: February 2022

Geometrical diagnostic methods were often applied to distinguish the gravitational models. But it is scarce to investigate the differences between the different formalisms of modified gravitational theories (e.g. the metric formalism and the Palatini formalism). In this paper, we discriminate the gravitational theory with the different formalisms by using the geometrical diagnostic methods. For considered modified theory of gravity (e.g. the f(R) theory or GBD theory), we can see that the difference between two formalisms are remarkable according to the diagnostic results. And relative to the ΛCDM model, there are the more deviation in metric formalism than those in Palatini formalism, according to the {r,s} diagnostic. Given that the GBD (generalized Brans-Dicke theory) is a time-variable Newton gravitational constant (VG) theory, the differences between the VG theory and the constant-G theory are studied. It indicates that the variation of Newton gravitational constant could induce notable effects on geometrical quantities (e.g. r, s and q) in both the metric formalism and the Palatini formalism.PACS numbers: 98.80.-k