bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Present status of renal replacement therapy in lower-middle-income Asian countries: Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Bhutan as of June 2019 (before COVID-19), from the interviews of leading doctors in every country: (duplicated English publication from “the special Japanese edition of educational lectures in the 64th annual meeting of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy”)
Authors: Hyodo Toru , Yamashita Akihiro C. , Hirawa Nobuhito , Isaka Yoshitaka , Nakamoto Hidetomo , Shigematsu Takashi
Published: October 2022

The present status of Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Bhutan as of June 2019 was reviewed from the interviews of leading doctors in every country. The timing was until just 6 months before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. The cost per hemodialysis session was 25–70 US dollar and expensive if it is compared with average monthly income of every country. In Cambodia and Laos, patients must cover 100% of expenses for maintenance hemodialysis, in Myanmar, the government covers the cost of once-weekly dialysis sessions, in Vietnam, the government covers 80% of the cost, and in Mongolia and Bhutan, the cost is fully covered by the government. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was widely available in Vietnam and Mongolia, which have achieved a relative standard of social infrastructure, but is far from common in any of the other countries. The number of patients on dialysis is increasing with economic development in all countries. Diabetic nephropathy is a common primary reason for dialysis. None of the countries discussed in this article had clinical engineers who could maintain hemodialysis equipment and carry out clinical tasks in dialysis centers. Hospitals were not maintaining their equipment, and damaged units were kept in storage to be used for spare parts. None of the countries had dieticians to provide patients with dietary guidance. Establishment and training of both clinical engineers and registered dietitians are major projects that must be undertaken.
Angiotensin II Regulates Mitochondrial mTOR Pathway Activity Dependent on Acyl-CoA Synthetase 4 in Adrenocortical Cells
Authors: Helfenberger Katia E , Argentino Giuliana F , Benzo Yanina , Herrera Lucía M , Finocchietto Paola , Poderoso Cecilia
Published: October 2022

Two well-known protein complexes in mammalian cells, mTOR type 1 and type 2 (mTORC1/2) are involved in several cellular processes such as protein synthesis, cell proliferation, and commonly dysregulated in cancer. An acyl-CoA synthetase type 4 (ACSL4) is one of the most recently mTORC1/2 regulators described, in breast cancer cells. The expression of ACSL4 is hormone-regulated in adrenocortical cells and required for steroid biosynthesis. mTORC1/2 have been reported to be crucial in the proliferation of human adrenocortical tumor cells H295R and interestingly reported at several subcellular locations, which has brought cell biology to the vanguard of the mTOR signaling field. In the present work, we study the regulation of mTORC1/2 activation by angiotensin II (Ang II)—the trophic hormone for adrenocortical cells—the subcellular localization of mTORC1/2 signaling proteins and the role of ACSL4 in the regulation of this pathway, in H295R cells. Ang II promotes activation by phosphorylation of mTORC1/2 pathway proteins in a time-dependent manner. Mitochondrial pools of ribosomal protein S6, protein kinase B (Akt) in threonine 308, and serine 473 and Rictor are phosphorylated and activated. Glycogen synthase kinase type 3 (GSK3) is phosphorylated and inactivated in mitochondria, favoring mTORC1 activation. Epidermal growth factor, a classic mTORC1/2 activator, promoted unique activation kinetics of mTORC1/2 pathway, except for Akt phosphorylation. Here, we demonstrate that ACSL4 is necessary for mTORC1/2 effectors phosphorylation and H295R proliferation, triggered by Ang II. Ang II promotes activation of mitochondrial mTORC1/2 signaling proteins, through ACSL4, with a direct effect on adrenocortical cellular proliferation.
The Miniaturists
Authors: Browning Barbara
Published: October 2022

In The Miniaturists Barbara Browning explores her attraction to tininess and the stories of those who share it. Interweaving autobiography with research on unexpected topics and letting her voracious curiosity guide her, Browning offers a series of charming short essays that plumb what it means to ponder the minuscule. She is as entranced by early twentieth-century entomologist William Morton Wheeler, who imagined corresponding with termites, as she is by Frances Glessner Lee, the “mother of forensic science,” who built intricate dollhouses to solve crimes. Whether examining Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, the Schoenhut toy piano dynasty, portrait miniatures, diminutive handwriting, or Jonathan Swift’s and Lewis Carroll’s preoccupation with tiny people, Browning shows how a preoccupation with all things tiny can belie an attempt to grasp vast---even cosmic---realities.
On Paradox
Authors: Anker Elizabeth S.
Published: October 2022

In On Paradox literary and legal scholar Elizabeth S. Anker contends that faith in the logic of paradox has been the cornerstone of left intellectualism since the second half of the twentieth century. She attributes the ubiquity of paradox in the humanities to its appeal as an incisive tool for exposing and dismantling hierarchies. Tracing the ascent of paradox in theories of modernity, in rights discourse, in the history of literary criticism and the linguistic turn, and in the transformation of the liberal arts in higher education, Anker suggests that paradox not only generates the very exclusions it critiques but also creates a disempowering haze of indecision. She shows that reasoning through paradox has become deeply problematic: it engrains a startling homogeneity of thought while undercutting the commitment to social justice that remains a guiding imperative of theory. Rather than calling for a wholesale abandonment of such reasoning, Anker argues for an expanded, diversified theory toolkit that can help theorists escape the seductions and traps of paradox.
Functional Reorganization of the Mesial Frontal Premotor Cortex in Patients With Supplementary Motor Area Seizures
Authors: Hong Jennifer , Quon Robert J. , Song Yinchen , Xie Tiankang , Levy Joshua J. , D'Agostino Erin , Camp Edward J. , Roberts David W. , Jobst Barbara C.
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

Direct cortical stimulation of the mesial frontal premotor cortex, including the supplementary motor area (SMA), is challenging in humans. Limited access to these brain regions impedes understanding of human premotor cortex functional organization and somatotopy.

OBJECTIVE:

To test whether seizure onset within the SMA was associated with functional remapping of mesial frontal premotor areas in a cohort of patients with epilepsy who underwent awake brain mapping after implantation of interhemispheric subdural electrodes.

METHODS:

Stimulation trials from 646 interhemispheric subdural electrodes were analyzed and compared between patients who had seizure onset in the SMA (n = 13) vs patients who had seizure onset outside of the SMA (n = 12). 1:1 matching with replacement between SMA and non-SMA data sets was used to ensure similar spatial distribution of electrodes. Centroids and 95% confidence regions were computed for clustered head, trunk, upper extremity, lower extremity, and vision responses. A generalized linear mixed-effects model was used to test for significant differences in the resulting functional maps. Clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic data were reviewed.

RESULTS:

After analyzing direct cortical stimulation trials from interhemispheric electrodes, we found significant displacement of the head and trunk responses in SMA compared with non-SMA patients (P < .01 for both). These differences remained significant after accounting for structural lesions, preexisting motor deficits, and seizure outcome.

CONCLUSION:

The somatotopy of the mesial frontal premotor regions is significantly altered in patients who have SMA-onset seizures compared with patients who have seizure onset outside of the SMA, suggesting that functional remapping can occur in these brain regions.
Approaches to investigating metabolism in human neurodevelopment using organoids: insights from intestinal and cancer studies
Authors: Morales Alexandria , Andrews Madeline G.
Published: October 2022

Interrogating the impact of metabolism during development is important for understanding cellular and tissue formation, organ and systemic homeostasis, and dysregulation in disease states. To evaluate the vital functions metabolism coordinates during human brain development and disease, pluripotent stem cell-derived models, such as organoids, provide tractable access to neurodevelopmental processes. Despite many strengths of neural organoid models, the extent of their replication of endogenous metabolic programs is currently unclear and requires direct investigation. Studies in intestinal and cancer organoids that functionally evaluate dynamic bioenergetic changes provide a framework that can be adapted for the study of neural metabolism. Validation of in vitro models remains a significant challenge; investigation using in vivo models and primary tissue samples is required to improve our in vitro model systems and, concomitantly, improve our understanding of human development.
LRRK1-mediated NDEL1 phosphorylation promotes cilia disassembly via dynein-2-driven retrograde intraflagellar transport
Authors: Hanafusa Hiroshi , Kedashiro Shin , Gotoh Mako , Saitoh Ko-hei , Inaba Hironori , Nishioka Tomoki , Kaibuchi Kozo , Inagaki Masaki , Hisamoto Naoki , Matsumoto Kunihiro
Published: October 2022

Primary cilia are antenna-like organelles that regulate growth and development via extracellular signals. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying cilia dynamics, particularly those regulating their disassembly, are not well understood. Here, we show that leucine-rich repeat kinase 1 (LRRK1) plays a role in regulating cilia disassembly. The depletion of LRRK1 impairs primary cilia resorption following serum stimulation in cultured cells. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays an important role in this process. During ciliary resorption, PLK1 phosphorylates LRRK1 at the primary cilia base, resulting in its activation. We identified nuclear distribution protein nudE-like 1 (NDEL1), which is known to positively regulate cilia disassembly, as a target of LRRK1 phosphorylation. Whereas LRRK1 phosphorylation of NDEL1 on Ser-155 promotes NDEL1 interaction with the intermediate chains of cytoplasmic dynein-2, it is also crucial for triggering ciliary resorption through dynein-2-driven retrograde intraflagellar transport. These findings provide evidence that a novel PLK1–LRRK1–NDEL1 pathway regulates cilia disassembly.
Fisheries Reference Points under Varying Stock Productivity and Discounting: European Anchovy as a Case Study
Authors: TUNCA SEZGIN , LINDROOS MΑRKO , LINDEGREN MARTIN
Published: October 2022

European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) is the main commercially exploited fish stock in the Black Sea region, providing a vital source of livelihood and revenue for local communities and national economies. In recent decades, the Black Sea anchovy stock has faced many human-induced threats, including overfishing, eutrophication, invasive species, and climate change while these threats have raised concerns about the status and long-term productivity of the stock. To ensure sustainable levels of exploitation under potential future changes in stock productivity, we here estimate and compare a suite of biological and economic reference points under different levels of stock productivity and discount rates using an age-structured bioeconomic model setup. Our model simulations showed that optimal fishing mortalities achieving maximum sustainable yield (FMSY) and maximum economic yield (FMEY) increase at higher stock productivity but are always lower than the historically high mean levels of exploitation. Furthermore, we illustrate that the stock biomass at maximum economic yield (BMEY) is larger than the stock biomass at maximum sustainable yield (BMSY) at all stock productivities and discount rates, except at low stock productivity under high levels of discounting (i.e., 10%, 20%). By illustrating the ecological and economic benefits of reducing exploitation rates, we expect that our estimated reference points can add value to the decision-making process for the management of the European anchovy fishery and ensure long-term sustainable management even under future climate-driven changes in stock productivity.
HormonomicsDB: a novel workflow for the untargeted analysis of plant growth regulators and hormones
Authors: Giebelhaus Ryland T. , Erland Lauren A.E. , Murch Susan J.
Published: October 2022

Background: Metabolomics is the simultaneous determination of all metabolites in a system. Despite significant advances in the field, compound identification remains a challenge. Prior knowledge of the compound classes of interest can improve metabolite identification. Hormones are a small signaling molecules, which function in coordination to direct all aspects of development, function and reproduction in living systems and which also pose challenges as environmental contaminants. Hormones are inherently present at low levels in tissues, stored in many forms and mobilized rapidly in response to a stimulus making them difficult to measure, identify and quantify.  

Methods: An in-depth literature review was performed for known hormones, their precursors, metabolites and conjugates in plants to generate the database and an RShiny App developed to enable web-based searches against the database. An accompanying liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC-MS) protocol was developed with retention time prediction in Retip. A meta-analysis of 14 plant metabolomics studies was used for validation.  

Results: We developed HormonomicsDB, a tool which can be used to query an untargeted mass spectrometry (MS) dataset against a database of more than 200 known hormones, their precursors and metabolites. The protocol encompasses sample preparation, analysis, data processing and hormone annotation and is designed to minimize degradation of labile hormones. The plant system is used a model to illustrate the workflow and data acquisition and interpretation. Analytical conditions were standardized to a 30 min analysis time using a common solvent system to allow for easy transfer by a researcher with basic knowledge of MS. Incorporation of synthetic biotransformations enables prediction of novel metabolites.  

Conclusions: HormonomicsDB is suitable for use on any LC-MS based system with compatible column and buffer system, enables the characterization of the known hormonome across a diversity of samples, and hypothesis generation to reveal knew insights into hormone signaling networks.
Detection of sleep apnea using polysomnographic signals
Authors: Usha Kumari Ch. , K Swaraja , K Meenakshi , T Padma
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Sleep is important in humans, and it is affected by lifestyle changes. Improper sleep leads to serious physiological problems and disorders that occurs in human brain/scalp. These physiological changes and electrical activity of the human brain are recorded as electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. This paper describes the detection of a major sleep disorder \textit{i.e.}, sleep apnea (SA). 

Methods: In this paper, sleep apnea is measured using various artifacts taken from the subjects. The discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is used to extract characteristics from an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal and to detect sleep. This is used to determine whether a person has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or central sleep apnea (CSA). The wavelet technique is used to split the EEG signal into five frequency bands: delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma. 

Results: For these five frequency bands, the mean, standard deviation, variance, maximum, minimum, and energy are computed. 

Discussion: A sleep problem is detected based on these characteristics.
Interplay between COVID-19 vaccines and social measures for ending the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Young Glenn , Xiao Pengcheng , Newcomb Ken , Michael Edwin
Published: October 2022

Background: The development and authorization of COVID-19 vaccines has provided the clearest path forward to eliminate community spread and thus end the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, the limited pace at which the vaccine can be administered motivates the question, to what extent must we continue to adhere to social intervention measures such as mask wearing and social distancing?

Methods: We develop a mathematical model of COVID-19 spread incorporating both vaccine dynamics and socio-epidemiological parameters. We use this model to study two important measures of disease control and eradication, the effective reproductive number Rt and the peak intensive care unit (ICU) caseload, over three key parameters: social measure adherence, vaccination rate, and vaccination coverage.

Results: Our results suggest that, due to the slow pace of vaccine administration, social measures must be maintained by a large proportion of the population until a sufficient proportion of the population becomes vaccinated for the pandemic to be eradicated. By contrast, with reduced adherence to social measures, hospital ICU cases will greatly exceed capacity, resulting in increased avoidable loss of life. We then investigate the threat of localized outbreaks in low-vaccinated populations that have removed all social intervention mandates, and show that such populations could remain highly susceptible to major outbreaks particularly in the face of more easily transmissible variants. 

Conclusions: These findings highlight the complex interplay involved between vaccination and social protective measures, and indicate the practical importance of continuing with extant social measures while vaccines are scaled up to allow the development of the herd immunity needed to end or control SARS-CoV-2 sustainably.
Nutrition and somatic traits of women with different physical activity and various menstrual status
Authors: Czeczelewski Jan
Published: October 2022

Background. There are publications which indicate a relationship between dietary pattern and somatic traits. Others report on link between somatic traits and physical activity. However, sparse studies discuss relationship between these three factors, i.e. nutrition, somatic traits and physical activity.

Objectives. This survey aimed to analyze relationships between nutrition (amount and source of energy in food) and somatic traits (body height, body mass, fat content of the body) of women with different physical activity and various menstrual status.

Material and methods. Investigations covered 312 women who were assessed for: somatic traits, average daily energy consumption and percentage contribution of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in providing energy. The physical activity was assessed by computing the physical activity index (PAI) being a ratio of daily energy expenditure (DEE) to basal metabolic rate (BMR). Among the women two groups were distinguished based on centile charts of the PAI developed for a given population, i.e.: women with a low (PAI≤10 cpts) and women with a high (PAI≥90 cpts) level of physical activity.

Results. The highly physically active women were characterized by a lower body fat content, lower BMI values, and higher percentage of lean body mass compared to the women with a low level of physical activity. The highly active women showed a tendency for an increased consumption of whole-meal bread, milk and dairy products, vegetables (including potatoes), fruits, and sweets as well as a tendency for a reduced consumption of meat and processed meat products, both types of butter, and lard, compared to the little active women.

Conclusions. It seems that the physical activity of the women had a direct impact on their nutrition. In turn, by affecting the somatic traits (body mass and composition), their eating habits could influence their physical activity.
Strategic Information Sharing of Online Platforms as Resellers or Marketplaces
Authors: Zha Yong , Li Quan , Huang Tingliang , Yu Yugang
Published: October 2022

We study an online platform’s demand information sharing strategy in a distribution channel where a manufacturer distributes products through both platform and seller channels.
Fast Quantum Subroutines for the Simplex Method
Authors: Nannicini Giacomo
Published: October 2022

What would Dantzig do with a quantum computer? It is unlikely we will ever find out the answer to this question. However, we can try to understand if the simplex method can be implemented on a quantum computer, and this might have piqued Dantzig’s interest. The paper “Fast Quantum Subroutines for the Simplex Method” gives a quantum implementation of an iteration of the simplex method, in which the basis inverse is never explicitly computed: the quantum computer takes as input the current basis and certifies optimality or outputs the next basis. Because computing the basis inverse is expensive, this can lead to an asymptotically faster algorithm in terms of the problem size: in the best case, the quantum algorithm can identify pivots in essentially linear time! This, however, comes at the cost of worse dependence on some numerical parameters: all these tradeoffs are discussed in the full article.
Gene Mutations in the FGF-MAPK Signaling Pathway and Targeted Therapy in Ameloblastoma
Authors:   Graduate PhD Program in Oral Science, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, under the CMU Presidential Scholarship, Thailand, Boonsong Nattanit , Laosuwan Kittipong ,   Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Kitkumthorn Nakarin ,   Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand, Lapthanasupkul Puangwan ,   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand, Thosaporn Wacharaporn ,   Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand, Iamaroon Anak ,   Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand,   Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center (ORTC), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
Published: October 2022

Abstract Ameloblastoma is one of the most common odontogenic tumors in Asia. In the past decade, many studies have shown gene mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, especially on an extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. Mutations of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), rat sarcoma virus (RAS), and B-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (BRAF) are able to cause a continuous activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, hence uncontrolled tumor cell proliferation. Due to the ERK1/2 signaling pathway role in cell growth and cell survival, upregulation of this pathway can cause approximately one-third of human tumors including ameloblastoma. After the discovery of gene mutations in several cancers, many inhibitors have been designed to target these mutations. We, here, reviewed the alteration of the FGF-MAPK signaling pathway in ameloblastoma and targeted treatment used as an adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy for ameloblastoma especially in cases where wide surgical resection is needed. Keywords: Genetic, Growth factor, Mutation, Targeted therapy
Ketogenic Diet Improves Semen Quality and Restores Gonadal Hormonal Balance Following Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Rats
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu-Aran – 251101, Nigeria, Rotimi Damilare E. , Kayode Omowumi T. ,   Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Mountain Top University, Prayer city, Ogun State, Nigeria, Olaolu Tomilola D. ,   Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu-Aran – 251101, Nigeria, Adeyemi Oluyomi Stephen ,   Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu-Aran – 251101, Nigeria
Published: October 2022

Abstract This study aims to investigate the effects of semen quality and gonadal hormonal balance in monosodium glutamate-induced testicular dysfunction in rats. Two groups of twenty-three animals each were treated (control and monosodium glutamate (MSG) group) orally for 28 days to establish testicular dysfunction. After testicular dysfunction was successfully confirmed, the animals from the two treatment groups were further subdivided (post-treatment) into six groups and treated for 42 days as follows; Control (Untreated); Ketogenic diet; Curcumin; MSG group only; MSG + Ketogenic diet; MSG + Curcumin. In MSG treatment, the administration of MSG significantly (P <0.05) decreased the level of serum testosterone in the rats. The treatment with MSG significantly (P <0.05) reduced the sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability, and sperm morphology compared to the control rats. In the post-MSG treatment, ketogenic diet treatment significantly (P <0.05) increased the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone, while curcumin treatment increased only luteinizing hormone. The group fed with curcumin showed a significant increase in sperm morphology and sperm count compared to the control. This study revealed that MSG administration might have led to a disruption of the gonadal hormonal balance and sperm quality. Keywords: Ketogenic diet, Medicinal biochemistry, Monosodium glutamate, Sperm, Reproductive function, Testosterone
The Impact of Raw Milk Quality, particularly Thermoduric, and Storage Temperatures on the Keeping Quality of Pasteurized Milk
Authors:   Division of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, Wirjantoro Tri Indrarini , Phianmongkhol Aphirak ,   Division of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, Potivas Thipwimon ,   Chiangmai Fresh Milk, 57/1 Moo 6, Tha Wang Tan, Saraphi, Chiang Mai 50140, Thailand, Na Chiangmai Yuwaporn ,   Chiangmai Fresh Milk, 57/1 Moo 6, Tha Wang Tan, Saraphi, Chiang Mai 50140, Thailand
Published: October 2022

Abstract This study was aimed to investigate the effect of raw milk qualities on their corresponding pasteurized milk stored at different chilled temperatures. Raw milk collected from two different sources, Banhong (BH) milk farm and Mae Tha (MT) collection center, were pasteurized at 78 ± 2ºC for 30 s and kept for 21 days at 4-8ºC. During the storage period, representatives of milk treatments were assessed for their chemical, microbiological and sensorial characteristics. Collected data revealed that there was only minor alteration for the chemical properties of pasteurized milk throughout the studied storage period. The microorganism numbers in the pasteurized milk were significantly increased during storage and higher at higher storage temperatures. Poorer microbial quality of raw milk, including thermoduric bacteria, strongly contributed to higher microbial load of the correspondence pasteurized milk during chilled storage. The coliform number of all the pasteurized milk samples was found to be below 1 cfu/ml during 21 days of storage, while no Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus was detected in the pasteurized milk samples. The appraisal of the sensory features of pasteurized milk, including color, flavor, odor, creamy taste, texture and overall acceptance, were gradually decreased with longer storage period. Keywords: Pasteurized milk, Storage temperatures, Raw milk, Microbial quality, Chemical properties
The Capacity of Heavy Metal Remediation by Cyperus alternifolius, Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty, and Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. under Industrial and Urban Wastewater Treatment
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran, Nokande Sareh Ebrahimi , Razavi Seyed Mehdi ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran, Mohammadian Mansour Afshar ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht. Iran
Published: October 2022

Abstract Urban wastewater (UWW) and industrial wastewater (IWW) release lots of heavy metals into the environment, leading to various risks regarding agricultural production, food quality, human and animal health, and environmental safety. Phytoremediation is known as one of the best and most affordable strategies to eliminate or reduce heavy metals in different environments. This study examined the phytoremediation ability of three plant species (Cyperus alternifolius, Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty, and Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f) to absorb heavy metals of Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Mg from the contaminated soil with UWW and IWW for 14 months. The result showed that all three examined plants reduced heavy metal pollution of the soil using the phytostabilization method. The metal accumulation index (MAI) of the root in V. zizanioides was higher than C. alternifolius and A. vera. While MAI of the shoot in A. vera was higher than C. zizanioides and C. alternifolius. Based on the results, it is suggested to cultivate C. zizanioides and A. vera in the polluted areas to decrease the amount of soil contaminants and create a green belt. Keywords: Heavy metal, Industrial and urban wastewater, Metal accumulation index, Phytoremediation, Phytostabilization
The Decrease in Spectrum Intensity of ESBL Spectra after Exposure to Clavulanic Acid in Nosocomial Urinary Tract Infected Escherichia coli Analysed by VITEK® MS
Authors:   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Wisutthithada Pratchaya , Sirilueangtrakul Thanathida ,   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Suwannapong Ponkit ,   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Nongmak Rutjapong ,   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Khamnoi Phadungkiat ,   Diagnostic Laboratory Unit, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Sastraruji Thanapat ,   Dentistry Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Sookkhee Siriwoot ,   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Published: October 2022

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the influence of clavulanic acid on the spectrum intensity of Extended Spectrum β- Lactamase (ESBL) indicative spectra in the nosocomial urinary tract infected Escherichia coli. Two hundred nosocomial urinary tract infected E. coli isolates collected between 2017-2019 were recruited. Their antibiotic susceptibilities and ESBL productions were then determined. The effect of clavulanic acid contained in amoxicillin-clavulanic acid towards the change of spectra intensity after being exposed was also determined to identify their ESBL indicative spectra. Results revealed that these nosocomial isolates exhibited a low percent resistance after being tested to piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, doripenem, and gentamicin. VITEK® MS analysis demonstrated five E. coli species-specific spectra including 4363, 5097, 5381, 6255, and 9065 Dalton. After exposure to ceftazidime alone, and co-exposure to ceftazidime and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, six ceftazidime-susceptible, and five ceftazidime-stress spectra, 5381, 6412, 7870, 8876,10139 and 10301 Dalton and 3578, 6226, 6316, 7274, and 8370 Dalton were significantly detected, respectively. Whereas two ceftazidime-resistant spectra, 4613 and 9715 Dalton, exhibited a significantly decreased intensity after determined in the high ESBL producing group after co-exposure to ceftazidime and clavulanic acid, respectively. In conclusion, an ESBL inhibitor or clavulanic acid could significantly decrease the spectrum intensity of two spectra 4613 and 9715 Dalton after being co-exposed to ceftazidime and clavulanic acid and these spectra were suspected as ESBL indicative spectra in the high ESBL producing nosocomial E. coli isolates. Keywords: Extended spectrum β- Lactamase indicative spectra, clavulanic acid exposure, nosocomial urinary tract infection, Escherichia coli, VITEK® MS
Response Surface Methodology for Simple Non-Acid Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Pectin from Taiwan’s Citrus depressa H. Peels
Authors:   Department of Applied Chemistry, Chaoyang University of Technology, Wufeng District, Taichung, 41349 Taiwan, R.O.C., Chien Wei-Jyun , Saputri Dinar S. ,   Department of Applied Chemistry, Chaoyang University of Technology, Wufeng District, Taichung, 41349 Taiwan, R.O.C., Yanti Sahri ,   Department of Applied Chemistry, Chaoyang University of Technology, Wufeng District, Taichung, 41349 Taiwan, R.O.C., Agrawal Dinesh Chandra ,   Department of Applied Chemistry, Chaoyang University of Technology, Wufeng District, Taichung, 41349 Taiwan, R.O.C.
Published: October 2022

Abstract Exploration of pectin from Citrus depressa H. peels (CD pectin) could add value to the waste arising from Citrus depressa H. beverage products. Preliminary analysis showed that temperature and acidity were insignificantly affect pectin yield, degree of esterification and DPPH scavenging activity. In order to optimize the ultrasonication time and solid: solvent ratio (SLR) of CD pectin extraction, response surface methodology central composite design (RSM-CCD) was used as the statistical tool. The optimum UAE conditions were: extraction time 39.96 minutes and solid: iquid ratio 1:20 (w/v). Under these conditions, the pectin yield was 16.07%, with 83.49% DPPH scavenging activity and 62.46% degree of esterification. The prediction model with a 0.922 desirability value was verified with adequate “lack of fit” values and confirmed consistent response in high and low prediction intervals (95%). Titration analysis, FTIR-ATR, NMR and XRD spectroscopy had been done to the dried pectin, and found that CD pectin is considered as high methoxylated (DE > 50%) with amorphous and crystalline structures. CD pectin peel also exhibited high DPPH scavenging activity (74.14 – 83.56%) that the food industry could potentially use as natural antioxidants. Keywords: Ultrasonication, Pectin, Optimization, Structural, Functional
Development of Sunscreen Containing Alpha-Mangostin Riched Extract with Anti-Tyrosinase Activities
Authors:   College of Oriental Medicine, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, 12000, Thailand, Tangyuenyongwatana Prasan , Gritsanapan Wandee ,   Phyto Product Research, 165 Soi Suwandee 3, Rimklongprapra Road, Bangsue, Bangkok 10800, Thailand
Published: October 2022

Abstract This study focused on the development of extracts from mangosteen rinds for use as whitening and sunscreen agents. Mangosteen rinds were obtained from 9 locations in the East and the South of Thailand. Ethanol (95%) crude rind extracts were prepared and separated by column chromatography. The fractions were collected from top (F1-F4) and mid spots (F12-F15). These fractions were subjected to tyrosinase inhibitory activity assay and found that the top spot exhibited low activity with IC50 > 100 µg/mL while the mid spots inhibited tyrosinase enzyme at IC50 18.48 µg/mL which is more sensitive than a positive control, kojic acid (38.46 µg/mL). The mid spots fraction from the crude extract of Chanthaburi sample 1 was analyzed with HPLC and was assigned as MGS-1 extract which contained a high amount of α-mangostin. MGS-1 extract was formulated as oil in water cream with 2, 4, 6, and 9 %w/w extract. All creams were subjected to measure SPF and UVA/UVB ratio using an Optometrics SPF-290S analyzer. It was found that the cream with 6 %w/w MGS-1 extract showed the best results with SPF at 10.36 ± 1.07 and had a UVA/UVB ratio equal to 0.451. These sunscreen properties are close to the properties of Salisol-3 (benzophenone), a standard sunscreen. In conclusion, MGS-1 extract has a good potential to be used as a whitening and sunscreen agent in cosmetics with a lower cost of substrate because mangosteen rinds can be found as waste from eating mangosteen fruit every year in Thailand. Keywords: Mangosteen rind, MGS-1 extract, Tyrosinase inhibition, Whitening agent, Sunscreen
Academic knowledge brokering in local policy spaces: negotiating and implementing dynamic idea types
Authors: Weakley Sarah , Waite David
Published: October 2022

Background:

Academic researchers are occupying more varied roles as both knowledge producers and knowledge brokers in policymaking spaces beyond the national level. As the local arena presents different dimensions to the knowledge-policy-practice nexus, an assessment of the interaction of evidence and policy at this scale is warranted.

Aims and objectives:

This paper considers how two early career researchers acted within two different policymaking spaces at the local level to: bring new and synthesised evidence to decisionmakers; respond to evidence and research requests from a diverse group of local actors; and serve as a critical friend.

Methods:

Autoethnography.

Findings:

We find that early career positionality presents common issues for policy engagement across the cases, however, the contexts necessarily differ due to the power of specific actors, the internal and external interests at play, and the varied relationships confronting the academics. Deploying Smith’s four ‘idea types’ as a framework, we draw attention to the shifting roles academics need to play given the churn between institutionalised ideas, critical ideas, charismatic ideas and chameleonic ideas.

Discussion and conclusion:

Agency, triggers and structural rigidities are key to the movement between idea types. Future research based on interviews with local policymakers may help to further reveal how shifts between idea types come about.
Micro intervention as an alternative way towards social justice and poverty alleviation in Ethiopia
Authors: Ayanie Fikadu T.
Published: October 2022

Recently, the rise of bottom-up approaches has become significant in realising social justice for vulnerable sections of society. One such attempt is the provision of charge-free legal aid services in many poor countries, including Ethiopia. This article aims to reveal the relevance of micro-justice as an effective remedy for poor people. The data generated from primary sources were analysed in line with rights-based and capability approaches. The findings of this study attested that such bottom-up approaches in access to justice, did not only help the beneficiaries in exercising their rights but also empowered them to lead their lives and determine their destiny.
Affect, ethnic boundaries and social mobility: transforming identities in the acculturation of Ashkenazi immigrants in Israel
Authors: Leshem Rotem , Sela-Sheffy Rakefet
Published: October 2022

This study investigates how affects – uncontrollable feelings that tacitly influence humans – transform, rather than reify, intergroup relations. Taking immigrant families as a case in point, we explore the role of circulating identity-affects in shaping ethnoclass identifications and boundaries over time. Proceeding from the prevailing (Jewish-sector) identity discourse in Israel, where ethnic categories (Ashkenazi vs. Mizrahi) still frame a major culture-class divide, we analyse the affects produced by those who are regarded as the mainstream – the Ashkenazim. Given the common identification of Ashkenazi immigrants, including those of lower and lower-middle class, with the Israeli ruling class, their gradual acculturation experience and social ascent have been under-researched. Addressing this lacuna, we examine these families’ changing emotion discourse from an intergenerational perspective, to uncover phases of their integration. The analysis is based on 53 interviews with individuals in three generations of Ashkenazi families (the first generation arrived after the Second World War). Using nuanced discourse and conversation analysis, we trace changing affective patterns in these individuals’ emotion talk, corresponding with their upward mobility. Two conflicting affects shape Ashkenazi identities from the second generation onwards: counteracting the first generation’s tacit racism, coupled with intensifying class elitism towards the Mizrahim. Ethnoclass boundaries persist, yet not as a static, seemingly ‘natural’ inter-ethnic animosity. Rather, they are constructed and reconstructed through the interplay between transforming affects, conducive to the different generations’ identity and status formation as native Israelis and middle-class members.
Utilization of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, with principal component analysis and artificial neural networks in revealing adulteration of similarly looking fish fillets
Authors: Hamdy Omnia , Abdel-Salam Zienab , Abdel-Harith Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Fish is an essential source of many nutrients necessary for human health. However, the
deliberate mislabeling of similar fish fillet types is common in
markets to make use of the relatively high price difference. This is a
type of explicit food adulteration. In the present work,
spectrochemical analysis and chemometric methods are adopted to
disclose this type of fish species cheating. Laser-induced breakdown
spectroscopy (LIBS) was utilized to differentiate between the fillets
of the low-priced tilapia and the expensive Nile perch. Furthermore,
the acquired spectroscopic data were analyzed statistically using
principal component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural network (ANN)
showing good discrimination in the PCA score plot and a 99%
classification accuracy rate of the implemented ANN model. The
recorded spectra of the two fish indicated that tilapia has a higher
fat content than Nile perch, as evidenced by higher CN and C2 bands
and an atomic line at 247.8 nm in its spectrum. The obtained
results demonstrated the potential of using LIBS as a simple, fast,
and cost-effective analytical technique, combined with statistical
analysis for the decisive discrimination between fish fillet
species.
Evolution behavior of the coherent vortex dipole in oceanic turbulence
Authors: Chen Haitao , Li Qiang , Li Qiangguo , Gao Zenghui
Published: October 2022

The propagation of a Gaussian Schell-model (GSM) beam with a coherent vortex dipole (CVD) through oceanic turbulence is studied in detail. The creation and annihilation of the CVDs occur with propagation, which is similar to the case of atmospheric turbulence. However, the appearance and vanishment of a coherent vortex may occur by varying the propagation distance, oceanic turbulence parameters, or beam parameters, which is different from the case of atmospheric turbulence. The stronger the oceanic turbulence, the faster the evolution process of the CVD carried by GSM beams.
Semantic-guided polarization image fusion method based on a dual-discriminator GAN
Authors: Liu Ju , Duan Jin , Hao Youfei , Chen Guangqiu , Zhang Hao
Published: October 2022

Polarization image fusion is the process of fusing an intensity image and a polarization parameter image solved by Stokes vector into a more detailed image. Conventional polarization image fusion strategies lack the targeting and robustness for fusing different targets in the images because they do not account for the differences in the characterization of the polarization properties of different materials, and the fusion rule is manually designed. Therefore, we propose a novel end-to-end network model called a semantic guided dual discriminator generative adversarial network (SGPF-GAN) to solve the polarization image fusion problem. We have specifically created a polarization image information quality discriminator (PIQD) block to guide the fusion process by employing this block in a weighted way. The network establishes an adversarial game relationship between a generator and two discriminators. The goal of the generator is to generate a fused image by weighted fusion of each semantic object of the image, the dual discriminator’s objective is to identify specific modalities (polarization/intensity) of various semantic targets. The results of qualitative and quantitative evaluations demonstrate the superiority of our SGPF-GAN in terms of visual effects and quantitative measures. Additionally, using this fusion approach to transparent, camouflaged hidden target detection and image segmentation can significantly boost the performance.
Robust quantum state transfer by optimal invariant-based reverse engineering
Authors: Zhang Chun-Ling , Chen Xiang , Shen Shuang-Juan , Lin Xiu-Min
Published: October 2022

Shortening the operation time of implementing scheme and reducing the influence of harmful factors have always been the research objectives pursued by people. Based on invariant-based reverse engineering, we present a general scheme for implementing robust population transfer in a three-level system via optimal shortcut to adiabatic passage. The systematic error sensitivity is introduced to measure the robustness of the process. The smooth Rabi frequencies are expressed with some coefficients, which are also related to the systematic error sensitivity and the population of intermediate state. When the amplitude of control field is given, the transfer can be optimized within as small systematic error sensitivity as possible, i.e., the robustness against systematic errors is further improved by choosing suitable correlation coefficient. Additionally, we apply the technique to achieve robust excitation fluctuation transfer between two membranes in an optomechanical system. The relation between the fidelity of excitation fluctuation transfer and variation of effective optomechanical coupling strengths is analysed. Numerical result shows that the fidelity keeps over 0.95 even if the coupling strengths deviates from 20% of the theoretical value. Moreover, comparison with existing literature [Opt. Express 29, 7998 (2021)10.1364/OE.417343], the proposed scheme possesses stronger robustness against variations of effective optomechanical coupling strengths and lower population of unwanted states. The idea may provide a promising approach for quantum information processing.
Tunable wideband-narrowband switchable absorber based on vanadium dioxide and graphene
Authors: Chen Wenya , Li Chao , Wang Dong , An Wei , Gao Song , Zhang Chunwei , Guo Shijing
Published: October 2022

A functionally tunable and absorption-tunable terahertz (THz) metamaterial absorber based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) and graphene is proposed and verified numerically. Based on phase transition properties of VO2 and tunability of graphene, the switching performance between ultra-broadband and narrow-band near-perfect absorption can be achieved. We simulate and analyze the characteristics of the constructed model by finite element analysis. Theoretical calculations show that when VO2 is in the metallic state and the graphene Fermi energy is 0 eV, the designed absorber can perform ultra-broadband absorption. The absorber achieves greater than 95% absorption in the 2.85 - 10THz range. When VO2 is in the insulating state and the graphene Fermi energy is 0.7 eV, more than 99.5% absorption can be achieved at 2.3 THz. The absorption rate can be tuned by changing the conductivity of VO2 and the Fermi energy of graphene. Moreover, the proposed absorber displays good polarization insensitivity and wide incident angle stability. The design may have potential applications in terahertz imaging, sensing, electromagnetic shielding and so on.