bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the status of some macronutrients using digital mapping techniques in Maru’ak area, Lorestan Province, Iran
Authors: Salmanpour Anahid , Jamshidi Mohammad , Fatehi Shahrokh , Ghanbarpouri Moradali , Mirzavand Jahanbakhsh
Published: January 2023

The present study was conducted 1: to compare generalized linear model (GLM), random forest (RF), and Cubist, 2: to produce available phosphorus (AP) and potassium (AK) maps, and 3: to identify covariates controlling mineral distribution in Maru’ak area, Lorestan Province. To fulfill the goals, the location of 173 soil samples was determined by the cLHS method, in four different land uses including orchards, paddy fields, and agricultural and abandoned fields. The performance of models was assessed by the R2, RMSE, and MAE. Results showed that the RF model fitted better than GLM and Cubist models, and could explain 40 and 57% of AP and AK distribution, respectively. The R2, RMSE, and MAE for the RF model were 0.4, 2.81, and 2.43 for predicting AP; and were 0.57, 143.77, and 116.61 for predicting AK, respectively. The most important predictors selected by the RF model were valley depth and SAVI for AP and AK, respectively. The maps showed higher amounts of AP and AK in apricot orchards compared to other land uses, and no difference was observed between AP and AK content of paddy fields, agricultural and abandoned area. The higher amounts of AP and AK were related to orchard management, such as not removing plant residuals and fertilizer consumptions. It can be concluded from the present study that the orchards were the best land use for the study area, which increases soil quality and is in line with sustainable management. However, before generalizing the results, more detailed research is needed.
Dynamic analysis and optimal control of cancer oncolytic virotherapy model with chemotherapy and immune response
Authors: Viriyapong Ratchada , Meehinkong Panisara
Published: January 2023

Oncolytic virotherapy is another therapeutic treatment for cancer and has been greatly interested recently by many researchers. In this study, a mathematical model of treating cancer by a combination of oncolytic virotherapy and chemotherapy is proposed. This model involves both immune response to cancer and virus. We derive three equilibrium points which are cancer-free, virus-free and cancer endemic. The stability of each equilibrium point is performed and we show that these equilibrium points are conditionally stable. Further, parameter analysis is established to explore which parameters playing role in cancer treatment overall. The results show that although chemotherapy is a successful treatment, with an addition of oncolytic virotherapy, it can help treatment more successful. Finally, optimal control problem is applied into the model by adding three controls which are immunotherapy control, virotherapy control and chemotherapy control to seek the best strategy in reducing cancer cells as much as possible. Numerical results of each strategy are carried out and they demonstrate that a combination of all three controls gives the best result in reducing cancer cells eventually.
2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 34D20; 34D23; 34H05; 37N25
Studies on pre-fertilization crossability barriers between cultivated and wild species of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh]
Authors: Verma Sanjay Kumar , Karn Anandi , Kumar Ravindra , Pant Usha , Arora Anju , Sharma Ram Kumar , Gaur Amit Kumar , Singh Indra Prakash
Published: January 2023

The present day commercially grown cultivars of pigeonpea are susceptible to pod borer, pod fly insect pest and a number of diseases those causes huge economic loss every year to the farmers. On the other hand wild relative of cultivated pigeonpea possess genes for insect pest/ diseases resistance besides having some other useful genes. Transfer of desirable gene from wild to cultivated pigeonpea is hindered by several pre fertilization barriers. The identification of pre fertilization barriers will help in the introgression of desirable genes for insect pest and diseases resistance into cultivated types for enhancing and stabilizing pigeonpea production. In present investigation crossability barriers between the cultivated Cajanus cajan (PADT-16 and Pusa-992) and wild species Cajanus scarabaeoides (ICP-15683, ICP-15703) and Cajanus platycarpus (ICP-15663) were examined by pre-fertilization parameters like pollen germination, pollen tube growth, and pollen tube abnormalities. In hand-selfing and intervarietal crosses mean pollen germination and pollen tube growth was higher than interspecific crosses. Strong pre-fertilization barriers were observed in C. cajan x C. platycarpus crosses. However in interspecific crosses involving C. platycarpus as female, low level of reproductive barriers were observed when crossed with C. scarabeoides compared to cross with C. cajan, though pollen tube reached ovule in both crosses. More pollen tube abnormalities were observed in interspecific crosses involving cultivated and species from tertiary gene pool. Molecular diversity among experimental material through SSR markers exhibited maximum diversity between cultivated C. cajan and wild C. platycarpus whereas closest relationship was observed between C.scarabeoides ICP-15683 and ICP-15703.
Tear fluid and Complement activation products in tears after ocular surgery.
Authors: Maehara Hiroki , Norikawa Koki , Tanaka Keiichiro , Kato Yutaka , Kasai Akihito , Omori Tomoko , Machida Takeshi , Sekine Hideharu , Sekiryu Tetsuju
Published: January 2023

Purpose
To investigate changes in the tear film complement activation products (CAPs) and ocular surface after vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery.
Methods
Forty-three patients (23 women; median age, 69 years) were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent phacoemulsification and vitrectomy. We measured Schirmer's test (ST) and CAPs in the tears at baseline, 4 days and 1 month after the surgery. Tears were collected in microtubes. The CAPs in the tear fluid were analyzed by cytometric bead array.
Results
A negative correlation was found between the ST and C3a (r2 = -0.37, P = 0.0015) at baseline. The median ST (8.5 mm) at baseline increased to 16 mm at 4days ( P < 0.001) and 10 mm at 1 month (P = 0.44). The C3a levels (1202 pg/ml) at baseline increased to 2753 pg/ml at 4 days (P < 0.001), and 1763 pg/ml at 1month (P = 0.049). The C4a levels (476 pg/ml) at baseline increased to 880 pg/ml at 4days (P < 0.001), and 657 pg/ml at 1 month (P = 0.013). The C5a levels (22.6 pg/ml) at baseline increased to 470.9 pg/ml at 4 days (P < 0.001), and 38.3 pg/ml (P = 0.0048). The surgical eyes were divided into the short ST group ( ≦ 10 mm, n = 22) and long ST group (> 10 mm, n = 21) based on the preoperative ST values. At 1 month postoperatively, the C3a levels was 2194 pg/ml in the preoperative short ST group and 1391 pg/ml in the long ST group, with significantly higher C3a concentrations in the short ST group (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
The CAPs levels in tears increased after vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery. A preoperative deficit in tear secretion might induce prolonged complement activation and delayed recovery of ocular surface parameters postoperatively.
The SmERF1b-like was involved in tanshinone biosynthesis of Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy root
Authors: Li Dan , Liu Yu , Bai Zhenqing , Yan Yan
Published: February 2023

Ethylene response factor (ERF) play an important role in the regulation of secondary metabolism in Salvia miltiorrhiza. Here, an AP2/ERF gene (named SmERF1b-like) was cloned from the cDNA library of S. miltiorrhiza. The SmERF1b-like had the ERF conserved domain，and it was highly expressed in leaves. It was responded to exogenous ethylene treatment. SmERF1b-like enriched in the nucleus. SmERF1b-like was bond to the GCC-box in the promoter of key tanshinones biosynthesis gene in S. miltiorrhiza. In the SmERF1b-like overexpressed hairy roots, the expression level of SmERF1b-like, SmCPS1 and SmKSL1 were significantly up-regulated, and the contents of tanshinone I and tanshinone IIA were significantly increased. While the SmERF1b-likegene silenced, the gene expression level and the content of tanshinones were not significantly different with overexpressed SmERF1b-like. It is showed that SmERF1b-like had the genetic function redundancy in biosynthesis regulation of tanshinone. Above all, SmERF1b-like recognized the GCC-box of key gene promoter in nucleus to promote the biosynthesis of tanshinone. This study provides the theoretical support for the use of plant genetic engineering strategies to improve S. miltiorrhiza resources.
A Novel Tetra-Primer ARMS-PCR for genotyping of the OPRM 1 gene rs1779791 variant associated with opioid use disorders
Authors: Wijekumar P. J. , Ranadeva N. D.K. , Jayamaha A. R. , Herath H.M.N.D.M , Noorden N. , Fernando S.S.N.
Published: January 2023

Objectives: SNV is a single nucleotide change that can occur at any point in the genome. It is regarded as a frequent genetic variant that can result in genetic diseases. Discovering genetic variants in individuals is one of the most essential jobs of genetic research. Researchers genotype SNVs using TaqMan technology, DNA microarray, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and automated sequencing which is expensive and time-consuming. The OPRM1 gene rs1799971 (A118G) has been identified for its association with Opioid use disorder (OUD). The present study focused in developing a single step identification test using Tetra-Primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System-PCR (T-ARMS-PCR) in order to detect the presence of SNV OPRM1 rs1799971 (A118G). The present research was performed to optimize the protocol for the designed four primers and validate using a total of 52 buccal samples from volunteers who are currently under rehabilitation for the drug abuse disorder.
Results: The novel assay was successfully designed, tested, and validated using 52 DNA samples. The products of the T-ARMS PCR for rs1799971 contained 395bp as the control band, 186bp as G allele (variant) and 257bp as A allele (wild type) were observed in the gel image. The genotype frequencies for the OPRM1 gene rs1799971 (A118G) were 44% (22/52) of homozygous variant type (GG), 28.9% (15/52) of homozygous wild type (AA) and 28.9% (15/22) of heterozygous (AG). The minor allele (G) frequency was 56.7% and major allele (A) frequency was 43.3%.
Effect of using an electronic health record on interdisciplinary collaboration between professionals in care for youth, a mixed methods intervention study
Authors: Benjamins Janine , Vet Emely , Haveman-Nies Annemien
Published: January 2023

Background
An interdisciplinary client-accessible electronic child health record (EPR-Youth) has been developed in the Netherlands with the aim of enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration between preventive child healthcare and youth care. Interdisciplinary collaboration contributing to integrated family care plans should counteract the rising costs in Dutch care for youth. So far, limited research is available about the contribution of client-accessible health records to interdisciplinary collaboration in child and adolescent care worldwide.
Objective
To investigate whether the use of EPR-Youth contributes to interdisciplinary collaboration between professionals in youth care and child healthcare.
Methods
In a mixed methods design, two partly overlapping samples of professionals completed questionnaires before introduction of EPR-Youth (n = 117) and 24 months thereafter (n = 127). Five components of interdisciplinary collaboration (interdependency, creation of new professional activities, flexibility, collective ownership of goals, and reflection on processes) were assessed. Halfway through the study period, two focus group interviews were held with professionals (n = 12), investigating the contribution of EPR-Youth to interdisciplinary collaboration. A linear mixed model was used to analyse differences between pre- and post-test measurements. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
Professionals reported significantly more positive about flexibility after introduction of EPR-Youth (n = 106, EMM = 4.00, 95%CI = 3.86–4.14) than before (n = 97, EMM = 3.79, 95%CI = 3.65–3.92), F (1, 100.7) = 1.97, p = 0.05. For the other components of collaboration as well as overall, professionals scored slightly, although not significantly, more positive after introduction of EPR-Youth than before. In line with these outcomes, focus group participants reported that use of EPR-Youth enhanced the sense of ‘interdependency’ and ‘collective ownership of goals’ and contributed to the ‘creation of new professional activities’. At baseline, differences in level of interdisciplinary collaboration were found between organizations, F(2, 134.0) = 7.17, p = 0.001, and between municipalities, F(4,130.8) = 3.80, p = 0.006. These findings were confirmed by focus group participants. Professionals attributed organizational differences to different facilitation of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Conclusions
This study suggests that using EPR-Youth might foster interdisciplinary collaboration. The different levels of interdisciplinary collaboration between organizations underline that implementing an EPR alone does not contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration: a shared vision and organizational facilities are needed to further strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration.
Gene expression of Near-Isogenic Lines (NILs) Carrying Blast Resistance Genes Pi9 and Pi54 in the Background of Rice Cultivar Mushk Budji
Authors: Shafi Afshana , Khan Raheel Shafeeq , Mir Saba , Khan Gazala H. , Masoodi Khalid Z. , Sofi Najeebul Rehman , Mohidin Fayaz A. , Lone Javeed A. , Shikari Asif
Published: January 2023

Background
Kashmir valley, India is a homeland to rice landraces like Zag, Nunbeoul, Qadirbeigh, Kawkadur, Kamad, Mushk Budji, etc, generally characterized by short grains, aroma, earliness and cold tolerance. Mushk Budji is a commercially important speciality rice known for its taste and aroma, nonetheless, is extremely vulnerable to blast disease. Through the use of the marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) approach, a set of 24 Near-isogenic lines (NILs) was created, and the lines with the highest background genome recovery were chosen. The expression analysis was carried out for the component genes and other eight pathway genes related to blast resistance.
Results
The major blast resistance genes Pi9 (from IRBL-9W) and Pi54(from DHMAS 70Q 164-1b) were incorporated following simultaneous-but-step-wise MABC. The NILs harbouring genes Pi9+Pi54, Pi9 and Pi54 expressed resistance to isolate (Mo-nwi-kash-32) under controlled and natural field conditions. The loci controlling ETI (effector triggered immunity) included the gene Pi9 and showed 61.18 and 60.27 fold change in relative gene expression in Pi54+Pi9and Pi9 carrying NILs against RP Mushk Budji. Pi54 was up regulated and showed 41 and 21 fold change in relative gene expression for NIL-Pi54+Pi9and NIL-Pi54, respectively. Among the pathway genes, LOC_Os01g60600 (WRKY 108) recorded 8 and 7.5 fold up regulation in Pi9and Pi54 NILs.
Conclusion
The NILs showed recurrent parent genome recovery (RPG) per cent of 81.67 to 92.54 and were on par in performance to recurrent parent Mushk Budji. The lines were utilized to study the expression of the loci controlling WRKYs, peroxidases and chitinases that confer overall ETI response.
Prediction of Risk and Clinical Outcome of cuproptosis in Lung Squamous carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Zhou Jia , Li Hong , Liu Yaobang , Li Jinping
Published: January 2023

Background: Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is a common histopathologic type of lung cancer, and chemotherapy is still the main means for advanced LUSC. Cuproptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death different from known programmed apoptosis, which regulates the proliferation and progression of tumor cells. However, the molecular mechanism and prognosis of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in LUSC have not yet been reported.
Methods: RNA sequencing profiles and related clinical data of LUSC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases and combined into a new LUSC cohort. The data were processed using multiple R packets, and CRGs associated with the prognosis of pulmonary squamous carcinoma were screened based on differences in gene expression. Through the interaction network analysis of tumor mutation load, copy number variation and CRGs, the patients were divided into two subtypes according to the expression of CRGs, and three different gene clusters according to the difference in gene expression. The key differential genes were screened to construct prognostic markers, and the correlation between LUSC immune cell infiltration and immunity was further analyzed. A more accurate nomogram map was constructed by risk score and clinical factors. In addition, drug sensitivity analysis was performed on CRGs of LUSC.
Results: Patients were divided into two cuproptosis-related subtypes and subsequently regrouped into three gene clusters, showing different immune infiltrations. The results of risk score showed that compared with the low-score risk group, the high-score risk group had higher tumor microenvironment score, lower frequency of tumor mutational burden, poor prognosis. At the same time, high-score risk group had higher sensitivity to chemotherapy of cisplatin, doxorubicin, etoposide, paclitaxel, vinorelbine and other drugs.
Conclusions: We developed a new scoring system to predict the prognosis and immune status of patients with LUSC. This feature shows a satisfactory predictive effect and has the potential to guide patients' integrative treatment.
Flexible batch electrodialysis for low-cost solar-powered brackish water desalination
Authors: He Wei , Henaff Anne-Claire Le , Amrose Susan , Buonassisi Tonio , Peters Ian , Winter Amos
Published: January 2023

There are over 1.6 billion people living in rural, water-stressed areas across the world. Brackish groundwater desalination can expand these stressed freshwater supplies. Compared to conventional reverse osmosis (RO), electrodialysis reversal (EDR) can reduce water wastage and energy consumption in brackish water desalination. The improved energy efficiency and water recovery makes solar photovoltaic (PV)-powered EDR systems promising solutions for locations where grid access is restricted or unavailable. However, state-of-the-art PV-EDR is still prohibitively expensive for cost-constrained communities, largely due to the use of batteries for addressing solar power's intermittence. To reduce a system's dependence on batteries, here we present a novel time-variant EDR technology that can flexibly vary pumping and EDR power to match available intermittent solar power while maximizing the desalination rate. We experimentally demonstrated that the flexible system was able to directly utilize 77% of the available solar energy on average, a 91% improvement compared to the reference conventional PV-EDR operation which operated at constant flowrate and EDR voltage. The flexible system also requires 92% less battery capacity. Using a village-scale desalination case study in India, shifting from constant to flexible operation of PV-EDR systems can reduce the levelized cost of water by 22% and make the technology cost-competitive with currently used on-grid, village-scale RO desalination solutions. Cost projections for EDR membranes and brine disposal show that in the future, PV-EDR could produce water at 60\% the cost achieved by on-grid RO, which would provide an improved sustainable solution for addressing water scarcity in remote areas.
Overlaps between the MREL and macroprudential capital buffers: a dynamic insight through stress tests
Authors: Pfeifer Lukáš
Published: February 2023

The article studies the impacts of the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) on the usability of macroprudential capital buffers and any capital surplus for absorbing losses and lending to the economy through the solvency stress test of the Czech banking sector. The introduction of the MREL makes it more difficult to assess the resilience of the banking sector, especially during long adverse economic episodes in banks that use internal models to manage credit risk. The results indicate that under these circumstances, there is, i) a decrease in the usability of capital buffers, ii) a relatively early trigger of the new maximum distributable amount related to the MREL (M-MDA) regime, potentially associated with a new form of stigma effect, iii) and there may be MREL non-compliance. All these findings should be (i) incorporated into the solvency stress testing framework and published regularly, (ii) taken into account by the competent authorities (microprudential, macroprudential, resolution) to limit capital buffer overlaps and increase the distance to breaching the M-MDA.
Reconstruction of cardiac images using the confocal microscopy
Authors: Hamed A. M. , Al-Saeed T.
Published: January 2023

An aperture in the form of a cardioid shape is suggested in the processing of cardiac images using the confocal microscope. The impulse response or the Point Spread Function (PSF) corresponding to the cardiac images and the cardioid aperture have been computed using the FFT algorithm. The effect of the image rotation on the PSF was investigated. In addition, the autocorrelation corresponding to the cardiac images was computed and compared with the apertures of circular and cardioid shapes. In addition, the cross-correlation of aligned and rotated images was investigated. Finally, reconstruction of the cardiac images using the confocal scanning microscope was obtained considering the circular and cardioid shapes of apertures. The MATLAB code was used in the formation of all images and plots.
Evolutionary Algorithm for Optimized CNN Architecture Search Applied to Real-Time Boat Detection in Aerial Images
Authors: Zerrouk Ilham , Moumen Younes , Khiati Wassim , El-Habchi Ali , Berrich Jamal , Bouchentouf Toumi
Published: January 2023

When processing the detection of boats on aerial images by neural networks, we have always been concernedabout the execution time of these networks in the equipment on board the Unmanned AerialVehicle (UAV). The UAV, throughout its mission, will capture images that must be processed in realtime. For this, an execution time optimized network is essential. This article proposes a method forsearching for optimized detection networks, for a given dataset, using an evolutionary algorithm. Theresearch uses mutations as a mechanism of evolution that affect the structure of the network and thehyper-parameters of its layers. Its fitness function allows the choice of architectures that are not verygreedy in terms of operations favoring small networks whose advantages are to be fast and quick totrain and thus to accelerate the search algorithm. Thanks to this method we were able to obtain detectionnetworks with performance similar to the initial network (parent) but with much fewer operationsallowing considerable gains in terms of execution times in an environment embedded on a drone.
Halodecarboxylative-dimethoxylation of 2,3-diarylacrylic acid using (diacetoxyiodo)benzene and Et4NBr: Synthesis of 2-bromo-1,2- dimethoxy-1,2-diarylethane
Authors: Opai Imran A. , Shirsath Prakash D. , Dudhe Payal S. , Karade Nandkishor N.
Published: February 2023

Synthesis of 2,3-diaryl acrylic acid is accomplished using the Perkin reaction between aromatic aldehyde and variously substituted phenyl acetic acids in presence of acetic anhydride and triethylamine at reflux condition. The reaction of resulting 2,3-diaryl acrylic acids with (diacetoxyiodo)benzene and tetraethylammonium bromide in MeOH/H2O forms 2-bromo-1,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diarylethane in moderate to good yields. The structure of the synthesized products was characterized by FTIR, 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. This is an unusual reaction observed for α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids under transition metal-free oxidative condition.
A coupled system of q-fractional Lane-Emden problem involving three sequential q-fractional derivatives with stability inequality
Authors: Houas Mohamed , Samei Mohammad Esmael , Rezapour Shahram
Published: February 2023

In the current manuscript, we consider a sequential q-fractional Lane-Emden system involving Riemann-Liouville and Caputo type fractional q-derivatives. We prove the uniqueness of solutions by means Banach fixed point theorems. Then, to demonstrate theexistence of at least one solution, we use Schaefer's fixed point theorem. Also we define and prove two types of Ulam-Hyers for the proposed system. Finally, an illustrative example is proposed.
(2010) Mathematics Subject Classifications: 39A13, 39B72, 30C45.
Multiple courses of steroid pulse therapy are required in treating acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis patients with a large anhidrotic area: A retrospective study of 28 cases
Authors: Imafuku Keisuke , Yanagi Teruki , Yoshimoto Norihiro , Miyazawa Hajime , Iwata Hiroaki , Ujiie Hideyuki
Published: January 2023

Patients with acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis (AIGA) demonstrate a sudden loss of sweating function without neurological or endocrine abnormalities. The main treatment is steroid pulse therapy. However, the number of courses required for improvement has been unclear. This study aims to clarify the factors associated with AIGA disease severity and with AIGA patients’ responses to steroid pulse therapy. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical information of 28 patients with AIGA at our department from the last 10 years. The median age was 25 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 6:1. The median duration from disease onset to consultation at our department was 9.5 months. Using the Minor test, we found the anhidrosis to be mild in 10 patients, moderate in 2 patients, and severe in 16 patients. Univariate analysis revealed that a history of heat stroke correlated positively and significantly with anhidrotic area score. Steroid pulse therapy was conducted for 18 of the 28 patients (median: two courses) and was effective for every patient who received it. The number of courses also correlated with the anhidrotic area. This retrospective study suggests that patients with a large anhidrotic area need multiple courses of steroid pulse therapy.
Exclusive formula feeding is a potential risk factor for inotrope use in neonatal sepsis. A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Moliner-Calderón Elisenda , Verd Sergio , Leiva Alfonso , Ginovart Gemma , Moll-McCarthy Pia , Figueras-Aloy Josep
Published: January 2023

Background
There is little evidence regarding the outcome of the inotropes accepted for treating neonatal hypotension. Even more, there is no certainty as to whether inotrope properties are beneficial or whether they may be harmful. However, given that the antioxidant content of human milk plays a compensatory role in neonatal sepsis and that human milk feeding has direct effects in modulating the cardiovascular function of sick neonates, this research hypothesized that human milk feeds might predict lower requirements of vasopressors in the management of neonatal septic shock.
Method
Between January 2002 and December 2017, all late preterm and full-term infants attending a neonatal intensive care unit, with clinical and laboratory findings of bacterial or viral sepsis, were identified in a retrospective study. During their first month of life, data on feeding type and early clinical characteristics were collected. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to determine the impact of human milk on the use of vasoactive drugs in septic newborns.
Results
322 newborn infants were eligible to participate in this analysis. Exclusively formula-fed infants were more likely to be delivered via C-section, to have a lower birth weight and a lower 1-minute Apgar score than their counterparts. Human milk-fed newborns had 77% (adjusted OR = 0.231;95%CI 0.07 to 0.75) lower odds of receiving vasopressors than exclusively formula-fed newborns.
Conclusion
We report that any human milk feeding is associated with a decrease in the need for vasoactive medications in sepsis-affected newborns. This observation encourages us to undertake further research to determine whether human milk feeds mitigate the use of vasopressors in neonates with sepsis.
Ab-initio investigation of Structural, Opto-Electronic and Thermodynamic properties of ZnAl 2 Se 4 for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Erum Nazia , Ahmad Javed , iqbal Azhar
Published: February 2023

In this manuscript, structural, opto-electronic and thermodynamic properties of ZnAl2Se4 chalcogenide compounds were studied in detail, using Full Potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave (FP-LAPW) method. The exchange and correlation potentials used in Density Functional Theory (DFT) were calculated using Local Density approximation (LDA), Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) method, and modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) potential using Wien2k code. The obtained results were compared with each other as well as with available experimental data. At ambient conditions ZnAl2Se4 is a direct wide bandgap (Г-Г) semiconductor with bandgap of 2.1eV and 3.3eV with GGA, and mBJ potential respectively. Density of states (TDOS & PDOS) and electron density contour plots was in similar accordance with bandgap showing semiconductive behavior and covalent bonding nature. The optical properties like real as well as imaginary part of dielectric constant, energy loss function L(ω) and conductivity σ(ω) were calculated. Optical aspects show interaction among phonon and electron in terms of long range and short-range forces. The said compound is very useful for various linear–nonlinear optical devices so this compound is very valuable for several linear–nonlinear optical devices. So this manuscript represents comprehensive approach for calculating complete set of useful properties of ZnAl2Se4 compound which can provide support for understanding of various device phenomenon such as electrochemical sensing, photo-voltaic and non-volatile electronic memories.
Development of vocal production in bearded capuchin monkeys: is there space for vocal learning?
Authors: Ferreira Luíza Gonzalez , Izar Patrícia
Published: January 2023

In contrast to language acquisition by humans, in non-human primates vocal production seems independent of learning, with subtle modification related to body growth. Recently, studies showed that changes in the acoustic parameters of some primates calls are influenced by calls of conspecifics. This can be considered a simple form of vocal production learning. In this paper, we investigated the vocal development of bearded capuchin monkeys to understand whether the calls changes along the development and if these modifications are influenced by experience or by body growth alone. Immatures between 1–36 months old were followed and the calls emitted by them were recorded. We analyzed acoustically six vocalizations (CN, chihui, hip, trill, squeal, WS). The six vocalizations did not become more stereotyped over the course of development, but CN, chihui, trill, squeal, and WS had acoustic changes throughout the development. CN and chihui, two low frequency gradual calls, developed faster. The development of chihui was not explained by the body growth and it is possible it develops from CN, another gradual call. CN, trill, squeal and WS had acoustic changes related to body growth. Hip was the only vocalization not explained by the development. This vocalization is emitted in several stressful situations and the acoustic changes could be influenced by internal state of the caller. We conclude vocalizations of bearded capuchin monkeys change with body growth but the acoustic structure and function of the call affect the course of vocal development.
Tracing the Geographical Origin of Vinegar Using the Technology of Elementary Analyzer Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometers and Chemometrics
Authors: Xiong Cen , Wang Qi
Published: February 2023

Shanxi extra-aged vinegar (SX) and Zhenjiang vinegar (ZJ) are two kinds of well-known vinegar in China, always counterfeited in the market due to their geographical indication labels. The carbon isotope ratio data (δ 13C) measured by elementary analyzer isotope ratio mass spectrometer (EA-IRMS), were used to distinguish two geographical indications of vinegar (SX and ZJ) from other vinegar samples with different producing regions. The δ 13C value data of vinegar, the protein extracted from vinegar, and the sugar extracted from vinegar were measured separately. It was found that using each of the three kinds of δ 13C value as a single parameter to vinegar distinguishment is not practicable. Hence, the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) discriminant analysis model was established for vinegar distinguishment by using all three kinds of δ 13C data as multi-indicators. The results indicated 24 SX and 35 ZJ vinegar samples could be obviously discriminated from the other 26 vinegar samples in this distinguishment model. This data suggested that EA-IRMS coupled with LDA could be used as a further tool for vinegar traceability and geographical indications protection.
Impact of Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation on Quality of Life in patients of Skin of Color
Authors: Bhattacharya Ipshita , Dsouza Paschal , Dhaka Kanchan
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND
Dyschromias are the second most diagnosed dermatological entity in patients of Skin-of-Color (SOC). People of SOC develop PIH with a higher frequency and severity attributable to the presence of reactive melanocytes. This can have severe repercussions on self-esteem and social/emotional functioning. While there are studies on impact of post-acne PIH on QOL, assessment of impact of PIH on Quality-of-life as a heterogenous group of dermatoses has not been studied previously.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the impact of PIH on QOL in patients of Skin-of-color using Skindex-16.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study involving 60 patients of SOC having biopsy-proven PIH from October 2019 to September 2021. Patients underwent thorough clinical workup, Skindex-16 was administered and data was analysed.
RESULTS
The mean age was 32.53 ± 11.73 years. 35(58%) patients were male, against 25(42%) females. Most patients reported with PIH secondary to Papulosquamous disorders (n = 23;38.34%), followed by Acne/Acneiform eruptions (n = 11;18.33%). Mean scores for symptoms, emotions, functioning, and total scores were 0.37 ± 0.51, 2.30 ± 1.13, 2.26 ± 1.40 and 1.64 ± 0.85 respectively. PIH lesions with simultaneous evolution were associated with higher symptoms subscale scores. Tendency of PIH, involvement of exposed sites, higher intensity of PIH, epidermal PIH and lesions accentuating on Wood’s lamp had higher, statistically significant impact on emotions, functioning, and total scores. Our study was limited by the sample size and larger, multicentric, population-based studies are recommended.
Development of Machine Learning Models aiming at Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosing: an MRI Radiomics Analysis
Authors: CUI Tingrun , LIU Ruilong , XU Jiazheng , XU Chi , LI Zhiyuan , HAO Libo , JING Yang , SHI Yanli , FU Jun , CHEN Jiying
Published: January 2023

Background
To develop and assess the performance of machine learning (ML) models based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics analysis for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) diagnosis.
Methods
This retrospective study analysed 148 consecutive patients (72 with KOA and 76 without) with available MRI image data, where radiomics features were extracted and then filtered. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to quantify the reproducibility of features, and a threshold of 0.8 was set. The training and validation cohorts consisted of 117 and 31 cases, respectively. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression method was employed for feature selection. The ML classifiers were Logistic Regression (LR), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and support vector machine (SVM). In each algorithm, ten models derived from all available planes of three joint compartments and their various combinations were respectively constructed for comparative analysis. The performance of classifiers was mainly evaluated and compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.
Results
All models achieved satisfying performances, especially the Final model, where accuracy and area under curve (AUC) of SVM classifier were 0.871, 0.942(0.868-1.000, 95% confidence intervals [CI]) in the validation cohort, and 1.000 and 1.000(1.000–1.000, 95% CI) in the training cohort, respectively.
Conclusion
The MRI radiomics analysis represented promising performance in non-invasive and preoperative KOA diagnosis, especially when considering all available planes of all three compartments of knee joints.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Single-input Multi- output Spatial Petal Tooth Nutation Drive
Authors: ZHU Lili , WANG Guangxin , LI Linjie , DU Jihui
Published: January 2023

Single-input multi-output spatial petal gear is a new type of transmission, which combines the ancient lotus petal structure with the nutation drive principle, has many advantages such as small size, light weight, low noise, high bearing capacity, long life, high reliability, etc. and a broad application prospect, especially suitable for the reducer with high bearing capacity. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the basic structure and transmission principle of spatial petal gear, derive the tooth surface equation and meshing equation, analyze the boundary dimensions according to the meshing characteristics of petal gear. The basic parameters of petal gear are designed and calculated by using Matlab software, the 3D model is established by using Creo software, and the kinematics simulation is analyzed to verify the correctness of the innovative structure. The strength analysis are carried out on the tooth surface by finite element method, where the maximum stress occurs to verify the strength requirements of the gear and the rationality of structural design.
Study on the compositional zoning and evolution of symplectitic coronal in jadeitite
Authors: Xing Yingying
Published: January 2023

Based on the fact that multi-stage fluid activities play an important role in the interaction between jadeitite and symplectitic coronas, the author focuses on the study of the compositional zoning and evolution of the representative in Myanmar jadeitite, as the symplectitic coronas with multi-layer concentric ring metasomatic structure (chromite + uvarovite + kosmochlor) and chromite malcrystalline crystals in the core. The results show that: with the participation of multi-stage Ca, Na and Si rich fluid activities, some minerals in Myanmar jadeitite form symplectitic coronas with concentric rings and multi-layer metasomatic reaction edge structure, and the concentration of Cr and Fe decreases from the core to the peripheral jadeite minerals, the concentration of Si increases obviously. There is almost no Si and Ca in the core of chromite, and the concentration of Si and Ca increases sharply at the rim of the uvarovite reaction mineral. Due to the diffusion of Cr, the edge of jadeite adjacent to the kosmochlor is rich in Cr and poor in Al. The variation of element concentration reveals that the ouvarovite is formed by the interaction between the chromite and the jadeite or the Si of the kosmochlor after the metasomatism, or the external Ca-rich fluid. One possibility of the formation of kosmochlor is the interaction between the chromite and the fluid rich in Na and Si. Another is that the Ca-rich fluid first interacted with the chromite and forms the ouvarovite, leading to the decrease of Ca and increase of Fe and AL, later the Na-rich fluid enters and saturates the kosmochlor, leading to the formation of kosmochlor surrounding the ouvarovite.
The histological and pathological changes of liver and testis of Japanese quails fed different levels of dietary L-valine
Authors: Rashidi Ali , Sharifi Seyed Davood , Alizadeh AliReza , Najafi Abozar
Published: January 2023

While the roles of dietary L-valine (VAL) in body weight gain were reported, reinforcing roles of this BCAA in oxidative stress and the side effects in sensitive organs such as liver and testis is an undertreated issue. This experiment was carried out to investigate the histological changes of liver and testis of Japanese quail fed different levels of dietary VAL. Japanese quail chicks (male and female) were used in a completely randomized design with five experimental groups (five levels of VAL), for 42 days. Experimental diets including 0.75 (Control), 0.85, 0.95, 1.05 and 1.15%VAL in diet were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous to meet nutrients recommendation of growing quails. At 42 d of age, quails were slaughtered and tissue samples were collected and fixed to evaluate the histological indices of liver and testis. Increase of VAL in low protein diet (17% crude protein (CP)), increased diameter of liver cell nucleus and liver hepatocytes (P < 0.01) in both male and female. Bile duct hyperplasia was observed in treatment 1.05% VAL, and treatment 1.15% VAL showed mild hepatosteatosis. In 0.75% and 0.85% VAL groups, there was no negative effects on the liver histology. The level of 0.85% VAL in the diet improved reproductive indexes in male (Tubular differentiation index (TDI) and spermatic index (SI); P < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of high levels of VAL (more than 0.85%) in a low protein diet during at 1–42 d of age can lead to histological damage in the liver and testis of quails.
Sixteen Year Analyses of Burned Areas in Iran Based on Provincial Borders and Land Use with the Aim of Prioritizing and Managing Fires: A Case Study
Authors: Manesh Faridoddin Ebrahimi , Piri Khosro , Abdoli Asghar , Tajik Saeed
Published: February 2023

In the present research, the burned area of each province was investigated according to land use in order to manage and prioritize provinces with extent and high-risk burns. The analyses of burned areas in Iran has been fulfilled in Iran for the first time. Following the expansion of agricultural lands around forests, the number of intentional wildfires aiming at reducing forest area has increased. Only 5% of wildfires in the Mediterranean region have a natural origin. In Iran, the financial damage caused by wildfires (apart from spiritual and intangible damages such as woods, bushes, and herbal plants) between 1968 and 2007 has been estimated at about 1.93 million dollars. Therefore, prioritizing and managing fire in natural ecosystems seems to be essential. In the present study, the burned areas of Iran from 2002-03-21 to 2018-03-21 based on land use were obtained from the data available in the Global Wildfire Information System and were categorized by provincial borders. In order to prepare Iran's land use map, related data (MCD12Q1) were obtained from https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov in HDF5 format. The results showed that Khuzestan, Fars, Kermanshah, and Golestan Provinces, respectively had the largest burned areas in the country. Considering that most burned areas of the country have been recorded in agricultural lands, human factors are very influential in increasing the rate of burned areas, and maintaining distance between agricultural lands and native vegetation (fuel) is mandatory.
Revealing a novel and notable interaction in the binding of type II statins to HMG-CoA reductase: Stacked cation–π interaction
Authors: Ahmadi Aliakbar , Ayoubi-Chianeh Mojgan , Kassaee Mohamad Z. , Fattahi Alireza
Published: February 2023

Statins are the well-known therapy for lowering LDL cholesterol. They inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase by holding an HMG-like moiety (mevalonate structure) as their core structure. Statins can be divided into two classes based on their hydrophobic side structure. Type I statins (viz. mevastatin, simvastatin) encompass a chiral decalin ring, while type II statins (viz. fluvastatin cerivastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) encompass an achiral pyrrole or pyrimidine ring with 4-fluorophenyl group. Statins primarily use dipole/dipole and hydrogen bonds to bind to the active site of the reductase, focusing on the portion of the active site dominated by lysine 735, arginine 590, aspartic acid 690, serine 684, lysine 691, asparagine 755, lysine 692 and glutamine 559 with minimal explicit incorporation of hydrophobic side structure interactions.
This study has centered on potentially important enzyme-ligand interaction currently not incorporated: stacked cation–π interaction between the guanidinium group of arginine 590 residues in the HMG-CoA reductase active site and 4-fluorophenyl group of the type II statins. The geometry of interaction between these planar groups has been considered based on the X-ray crystallographic structures already available in the protein data bank (PDB) archive. Electronic interaction energies between this residue and statins have been acquired by M06 and MP2 methods. In addition, stacking interaction and hydrogen bonding as two important investigated interactions are verified through prominent analyses: (1) quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis; (2) plotting and quantitative molecular surface analyses such as electrostatic potential (ESP) analysis, Hirshfeld surface (HS) and Becke surface (BS) analyses; (3) visual study methods such as noncovalent interaction (NCI), independent gradient model (IGM) analyses; and (4) localized orbital locator integrated pi over plane (LOLIPOP) index. The results indicate the absolute binding energy for type II statins is overall more than for type I statins.
Sequential Stacking Link Prediction Algorithms for Temporal Networks
Authors: He Xie , Ghasemian Amir , Lee Eun , Clauset Aaron , Mucha Peter
Published: February 2023

Link prediction algorithms are indispensable tools in many scientific applications by speeding up network data collection and imputing missing connections. However, in many systems, links change over time and it remains unclear how to optimally exploit such temporal information for link predictions in such networks. Here, we show that many temporal topological features, in addition to having high computational cost, are less accurate in temporal link prediction than sequentially stacked static network features. This sequential stacking link prediction method uses 41 static network features that avoids detailed feature engineering choices and is capable of learning a highly accurate predictive distribution of future connections from historical data. We demonstrate that this algorithm works well for both partially observed and completely unobserved target layers, and achieves near-optimal AUC on two temporal stochastic block models. Finally, we empirically illustrate that stacking multiple predictive methods together further improves performance on 19 real-world temporal networks from different domains.