bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genome-wide allele and haplotype-sharing patterns suggested one unique Hmong- Mein-related lineage in Southwest China
Authors: Wang Jiawen , Yang Lin , Duan Shuhan , Li Youjing , Sun Qiuxia , Wu Jun , Wu Wenxin , Wang Zheng , Liu Yan , Tang Renkuan , Yang Junbao , Liu Chao , Yuan Buhong , Wang Daoyong , Xu Jianwei , Wang Mengge , He Guanglin
Published: October 2022

Background
Fine-scale genetic structure of ethnolinguistically diverse Chinese populations can fill the gap in the missing diversity and evolutionary landscape of East Asians, especially anthropologically informed Chinese minorities. Hmong-Mien (HM) people were one of the most important indigenous populations from South China and Southeast Asia, which were suggested to be the descendants of the Yangtze rice farmers based on linguistic and archeological evidence. Guizhou Miao, possessing a specific genetic structure, harbored a close genetic relationship with geographically close Guizhou populations and Guangxi historical people. We genotyped genome-wide SNP data in Guizhou HM-speaking populations and merged it with modern and ancient reference populations to explore the evolutionary and adaptive characteristics of Miao people via a comprehensive population genetic analysis.
Results
The overall genetic admixture landscape of Guizhou Miao showed genetic differentiation between them and other linguistically diverse Guizhou populations. Admixture models further confirmed that Miao people derived their primary ancestry from geographically close Guangxi Gaohuahua people. The estimated identity by descent (IBD) and effective population size further confirmed a plausible population bottleneck, contributing to their unique genetic diversity and structure pattern. We finally identified several natural selection candidate genes associated with several biological pathways.
Conclusions
We found Guizhou Miao with a specific genetic structure harbored a close genetic relationship with geographically close Guizhou populations and Guangxi historic people. Miao people derived their major ancestry from geographically close Guangxi Gaohuahua people and a plausible population bottleneck which contributed to the unique pattern of their genetic diversity and structure. Future ancient DNA from Shijiahe and Qujialing would further promote new insights into the origin of the Miao people.
Molecular Docking-Guided Screening of Phytoconstituents from Artemisia princeps as Allosteric Glucokinase Activators
Authors: Rani Jugnu , Jagta Nidhi , Deswal Geeta , Chopra Bhawna , Dhingra Ashwani Kumar , Guarve Kumar , Grewal Ajmer Singh
Published: October 2022

Background
Glucokinase (GK) occurs in pancreatic β-cells and liver cells. GK plays a crucial role in whole-body glucose homeostasis. GK is often referred to as a glucose sensor in the β-cells. Small molecule GK activators not only reduce fasting and basal blood glucose levels but also improve glucose tolerance.
Objective
The present investigation was proposed to screen some phytoconstituents (from Artemisia princeps) as allosteric activators of the human GK enzyme using in silico molecular docking.
Methods
A library of phytoconstituents reported in Artemisia princeps was evaluated for the prediction of drug-like properties by in silico approach. Molecular docking studies of the phytoconstituents with GK were performed using AutoDock vina in order to explore binding interactions between the phytoconstituents and GK enzyme followed by in silico prediction of toxicity of these phytoconstituents.
Results
The selected phytoconstituents showed good pharmacokinetic parameters for oral bioavailability and drug-likeness as contrived by Lipinski’s rule of five. Four compounds (rutin, 5,4'-dihydroxy-6,7,3'-trimethoxyflavone, daucosterol and methyl commate D) showed appreciable binding interactions with the allosteric site residues of the GK enzyme as per docking results.
Conclusion
These screened phytoconstituents may serve as promising leads for further development of clinically useful and safe allosteric activators of the human GK enzyme.
The Occurrence of a Rainfall-Induced Catastrophic Landslide in a Soil and Rock-Like Stratum in Southwest China
Authors: Jin Leilei , Chen Zhengfeng , Fu Wenxi , Zhou Cheng
Published: October 2022

A rainfall-induced catastrophic landslide occurred at 03:50 local time UTC + 8 on August 21, 2020 in Zhonghaicun (29°20′30″ N, 102°41′40″ E), Hanyuan County, China. Approximately 1.1 million cubic meters of debris failed instantly along the interface between the overlying soil and the Xigeda mudstone, destroying six buildings and causing nine casualties. The Xigeda stratum near the landslide consists of poorly lithified mudstone, which is characterized by weak cementation and unfavorable dip angle. The Xigeda stratum, as a locally distributed special formation in southwest China, is well known for the feature of “being prone to failure”. In this paper, the mineral composition tests and mechanical strength tests were conducted to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the soil and rock-like stratum. In addition, numerical calculations were carried out to analyze the evolution of the Zhonghaicun landslide. The test results show that the Xigeda mudstone is a weakly swelling rock containing a large amount of clay minerals. The water content of the mudstone plays a significant role in its physico-mechanical properties. The heavy rainfall lasting approximately one week caused the water table to rise and the mudstone to soften, which eventually triggered the Zhonghaicun landslide.
3D Annotation and deep learning for cotton plant part segmentation and architectural trait extraction
Authors: Saeed Farah , Sun Shengpeng , Snider John , Liu Tianming , Li Changying
Published: October 2022

Background
Plant architecture can influence crop yield and quality. Manual extraction of architectural traits is, however, time-consuming, tedious, and error prone. The trait estimation from 3D data allows for highly accurate results with the availability of depth information. The goal of this study was to allow 3D annotation and apply 3D deep learning model using both point and voxel representations of the 3D data to segment cotton plant parts and derive important architectural traits.
Results
The Point Voxel Convolutional Neural Network (PVCNN) combining both point- and voxel-based representations of data shows less time consumption and better segmentation performance than point-based networks. The segmented plants were postprocessed using correction algorithms for the main stem and branch. From the postprocessed results, seven architectural traits were extracted including main stem height, main stem diameter, number of branches, number of nodes, branch inclination angle, branch diameter and number of bolls. Results indicate that the best mIoU (89.12%) and accuracy (96.19%) with average inference time of 0.88 seconds were achieved through PVCNN, compared to Pointnet and Pointnet++. On the seven derived architectural traits from segmented parts, an R2 value of more than 0.8 and mean absolute percentage error of less than 10% were attained.
Conclusion
This plant part segmentation method based on 3D deep learning enables effective and efficient architectural trait measurement from point clouds, which could be useful to advance plant breeding programs and characterization of in-season developmental traits.
Exploring the depth and breadth of the genomics toolbox during the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Authors: Wiles Siouxsie , Bunce Michael , Geoghegan Jemma L , de Ligt Joep
Published: October 2022

Genomic technologies have become routine in the surveillance and monitoring of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as evidenced by the millions of SARS-CoV-2 sequences uploaded to the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID). Yet the ways in which these technologies have been applied to manage the pandemic are varied. Aotearoa New Zealand was one of a small number of countries to adopt an elimination strategy for COVID-19, establishing a hotel-based managed isolation and quarantine system for all international arrivals. To aid our response, we rapidly set up and scaled our use of genomic technologies to help identify community cases of COVID-19, to understand how they had arisen, and to determine the appropriate action to maintain elimination. Once New Zealand pivoted from elimination to suppression as a strategy in late 2021, our genomic response changed to focusing on identifying new variants arriving at the border, tracking their incidence around the country, and examining any links between specific variants and increased disease severity. Here we explore New Zealand's genomic journey through the pandemic and discuss the lessons learned for how we should continue to respond to COVID-19 and how we should prepare for future pandemics.
Time-Reversal Quantum Spin Hall Phase is distinct from the Z2 Topological Insulator
Authors: Wang BaoKai , Zhou Xiaoting , Hung Yi-Chun , Lin Yen-Chuan , Lin Hsin , Bansil Arun
Published: October 2022

For a time-reversal symmetric system, the quantum spin Hall phase is assumed to be the same as the Z2 topological insulator phase in the existing literature. The spin Chern number Cs is supposed to yield the same topological classification as the Z2 invariant. Here, by investigating the topological electronic structures of monolayer α-phase group V elements, we uncover the presence of a topological phase in α-Sb, which can be characterized by a spin Chern number Cs=2, even though it is Z2 trivial.
Although both being classified as trivial insulators by the existing topological classification schemes, we demonstrate the existence of a phase transition between α-As and Sb, which is induced by band inversions at two generic k points. In the absence of spin-orbit coupling (SOC), α-As is a trivial insulator, while α-Sb is a Dirac semimetal with four Dirac points (DPs) located away from the high-symmetry lines. Inclusion of the SOC gaps out the Dirac points and induces a nontrivial Berry curvature, endowing α-Sb with a high spin Chern number of Cs=2. We further show that monolayer α-Sb exhibits either a gapless band structure or a gapless spin spectrum on its edges as expected from topological considerations.
Outbreak regulation mechanisms play different roles at different stages of an Eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) outbreak.
Authors: McNie Pierce , Filotas Élise , Kneeshaw Daniel
Published: October 2022

Context: The stand level risk of defoliation and mortality due to the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana, SBW) is mainly linked to the host species content such that stands dominated by the primary host species, balsam fir (Abies balsamea), are considered the most vulnerable. At the landscape scale there is much less information but some work suggests that risk may decrease when landscapes are dominated by secondary hosts, such as black spruce(Picea mariana) or when landscapes are fragmented.
Objectives: We aim to determine risk of defoliation onset and of tree mortality due to SBW at a landscape scale due to factors that have been associated with SBW defoliation at the stand scale. We hypothesise that outbreak onset will occur earlier in landscapes dominated by host species and that fragmentation and black spruce content will not affect onset but will be associated with subsequent lower mortality.
Methods: We employed Cox hazard models to estimate the relative risk of different landscape configuration and species composition patterns on the onset and risk of mortality of a spruce budworm outbreak in Cote Nord, Quebec, Eastern Canada, using government data bases of forest tree species composition and of SBW defoliation across Québec. In particular, we measured the risks associated with primary host proportion, the relative amounts of secondary host and hardwood trees to fir trees, the structure of balsam fir in the landscape, and the structure of the forest overall.
Results: Our results show that defoliation onset is more related to the configuration of the landscape than to the species composition while mortality is ultimately influenced by the tree species present. Defoliation onset risk is increased the most by a more complex configuration of fir patches in the landscape. Mortality risk on the other hand is unaffected by fir configuration, with the greatest change being a decrease in risk due to increased black spruce presence in the landscape.
Conclusions: Maintaining black spruce abundance and forest connectivity across forested landscapes could reduce SBW related mortality and delay defoliation onset. Forestry management strategies should avoid clear cuts and the development of fir monocultures in the forest.
Heterologous Production of the D-Cycloserine Intermediate O-acetyl-L-serine in Human Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Robbins Laurel , Balaram Ariane , Dejneka Stefanie , McMahon Matthew , Pawlowicz Peter , Conrad William
Published: October 2022

According to the World Health Organization, Tuberculosis (TB) is the second leading cause of death by a single infectious disease behind COVID-19. Despite a century of effort, the current TB vaccine does not effectively prevent pulmonary TB, promote herd immunity, or prevent transmission. Therefore, we seek to develop a genetic prophylaxis for TB. We have determined D-cycloserine to be the optimal target for this approach due to its relatively short six-enzyme biosynthetic pathway. D-CS is a second-line antibiotic for TB that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. The first committed step towards D-CS synthesis is catalyzed by the L-serine-O-acetyltransferase (DcsE) which converts L-serine and acetyl-CoA to O-acetyl-L-serine (L-OAS). To test if the D-CS pathway could be an effective prophylaxis for TB in human cells, we endeavored to express DcsE in human cells and test its functionality. We overexpressed DcsE tagged with FLAG and GFP in A549 lung cancer cells as determined using fluorescence microscopy. We observed that purified DcsE catalyzed the synthesis of L-OAS as observed by HPLC-MS. Therefore, DcsE synthesized in human cells is a functional enzyme capable of converting L-serine and acetyl-CoA to L-OAS demonstrating the first step towards D-CS production in human cells.
Selenium Deficiency via the ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway Leads to Pyroptosis Injury in Pig Spleen
Authors: Song Lichao , Jiang Zhihui , Zhang Xingwang , Song Yuwei , Xing Yueteng , Wang Guodong
Published: October 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of selenium (Se) deficiency on the relationship between the pyroptosis and MAPK signaling pathway in spleen injury. A total of 10 two-month-old Sus scrofa domesticus specimens were allocated to two groups. The control group was fed a basal diet (0.15-mg/kg Se), and the experimental group was fed a 0.03-mg/kg Se-deficient diet for two months. The pig-spleen histopathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin staining. Frozen sections were prepared to detect the content of ROS in pig-spleen cells. The oxidation stress related indexes were determined using a spectrophotometer. The levels of pyroptosis- and MAPK signaling pathway- related factors were detected via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting (WB). The results of sections showed that the lymphocytes decreased in number, the spacing of cells widened, and some cells were necrotic in the spleen tissue of pigs fed a low-selenium diet. The content of ROS, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, H2O2 and catalase activity in the low-selenium group was significantly higher than that in the control group. and SOD activity was decreased. The protein-ratio-levels of p-Nrf2 to Nrf2 were decreased. The expression levels of nod-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), IL-1β, IL-18, ASC, gasdermin D, and caspase-1, the protein-ratio-levels of p-AKT serine/threonine kinase (p-AKT) to AKT, p-extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) to ERK, p-P38 MAPK to p-P38, and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) to JNK were significantly increased in the Se-deficient group compared with the control group. These results suggested that Se deficiency can induce oxidant stress, which increases pyroptosis- and inflammation-related factors of pig-spleen injury.
Studies on Love Waves. Part 1. Nonlinear Modulation of Love Waves on a Heterogeneous Half-Space covered by a Homogeneous Layer
Authors: Demirkuş Dilek
Published: October 2022

The aim of this paper is, analytically, to deal with the nonlinear modulation of Love waves in a single-layered half-space. In this study, the propagation of Love waves on a solid half-space covered by a solid layer is considered. Both mediums contain nonlinear, isotopic, hyper-elastic, and generalized neo-Hookean materials. Additionally, the layer consists of homogeneous materials and the half-space involves heterogeneous materials. Heterogeneity varies with the thickness and is uniform in any direction parallel to the boundaries. Furthermore, the upper surface to be free from traction, and displacements and stresses to be continuous at the interface are assumed, in addition to holding the radiation condition in the half-space. It is noted that this problem corresponds to the improved version of Love wave propagation. An improvement is from linear to nonlinearity and from homogeneity to heterogeneity. Therefore, in this work, the improved version of Love wave dispersion is obtained. In addition, the nonlinear modulation of Love waves is given by the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Moreover, the possibility of the existence of solitary waves, as a result of balancing between dispersion and nonlinearity, is investigated.
Effectiveness of Native Language for Conversational Bots
Authors: Dahal Ashim , Khadka Anuj , Kharal Bishal , Shah Aashish
Published: October 2022

The global increase in mental health illness is rising at an alarming rate which has contributed to
an increase in suicide cases. Also, a pandemic like COVID-19 has prompted the utilization of
advanced technology, such as chatbots. Chatbots are artificial intelligence (AI) based systems
or programs that are able to interact with human users via a textual or visual medium. Many
therapeutic and economic benefits are associated with technology-enabled treatments for a
range of mental health disorders. Over the past 10 years, the use of chatbots to prevent some
level of mental health-related problems has increased dramatically. Industry Experts say that
chatbots will help to battle mental health-related issues. However, the problem still lies due to
the use of industry-standard language i.e, English. Since not every person can understand the
English language and prefers to speak in their own native language, which could put a linguistic
barrier between human and computer interaction. As a solution, we developed Jelly, a native
conversational bot that can interact with users in their native language i.e, Nepali. We surveyed
them to find out how they perceived the differences between the two. Jelly, which is powered by
Facebook’s blender; one of the most powerful text generation models, Jelly also can also
understand romanized Nepali with English Alphabet. The main purpose of Jelly is to transcend
language barriers and become a gossipy partner to those who find it difficult to communicate in
the standard language i.e, English.
The Azimuthal Projection Model of Universal Accelerated Expansion
Authors: pletcher arthur
Published: October 2022

A mathematical alternative to Dark matter. Universal accelerated expansion is modeled as a R4 (four spatial) dimensionalhypershere, azimuthally projected onto a R3 (three spatial) dimensional sphere, and is shown to match the Universal expansionrate, as established from supernova Cosmology survey points. Red-shifting is alternatively proposed as azimuthal angular pro-jections of wavelengths λ. Expansion is alternatively proposed, as azimuthal projections of meridians, asymptotical to a horizon,and Lambert’s cosine law of luminous intensity. The discrepancies between theoretical and observed galaxy rotation curves, aswell as apparent increased energy density are shown to be predicted from this model. This parsimonious model requires onlya few assumptions, excluding dark energy to satisfy the Cosmological Constant Λ. A radical implication of this model, is thatthe universe is much smaller than conventional methods have estimated, as azimuthal angular projections are positional de-pendent. A potential proof is described from the Hubble Tension; Discrepancies between visible spectra red-shifting of cepheidvariables (the most recent calculation is Ho = 74.03 ± 1.42km/sec/M pc), and from temperature fluctuations in the CosmicMicrowave Background (CMB) (which are calculated to be Ho = 68.7 ± 1.3km/sec/M pc), which resolves the discrepancy by re-calibrating redshift data from supernova Cosmology survey points.
GTS-21, a selective alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in Lepr db/db mice
Authors: Meng Qinghe , Tian Xinghan , Li Junwei , Pruekprasert Napat , Dhawan Ravi , Holz George , Cooney Robert
Published: October 2022

Background
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complicating factor in human type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and it commonly results in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) that requires kidney dialysis. Here, we report that the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) agonist GTS-21 exerts a novel anti-inflammatory action to ameliorate DN, as studied using an inbred strain of Leprdb/db mice in which hyperglycemia and obesity co-exist owing to defective leptin receptor (Lepr) signaling.
Methods
For this analysis, GTS-21 was administered to 10–12 week-old male and female mice as a 4mg/kg intraperitoneal injection, twice-a-day, for 8 weeks. Kidney function and injury owing to DN were monitored by determination of plasma levels of BUN, creatinine, KIM-1 and NGAL. Histologic analysis of glomerular hypertrophy and mesangial matrix expansion were also used to assess DN in these mice. Concurrently, renal inflammation was assessed by measuring IL-6 and HMGB1, while also quantifying renal cell apoptosis, and apoptotic signaling pathways.
Results
We found that Leprdb/db mice exhibited increased markers of BUN, creatinine, NGAL, KIM-1, IL-6, cytochrome C, and HMGB-1. These abnormalities were also accompanied by histologic kidney injury (mesangial matrix expansion and apoptosis). Remarkably, all such pathologies were significantly reduced by GTS-21.
Conclusions
Collectively, our results provide new evidence that the α7nAChR agonist GTS-21 has the ability to attenuate diabetes-induced kidney injury. Potentially, GTS-21 engages the vagus nerve cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex pathway (CAP) to produce this beneficial effect.
A quantitative evaluation of flood damage methodology under a portfolio of adaptation scenarios
Authors: Boulange Julien , Hirabayashi Yukiko , Tanoue Masahiro , Yamada Toshinori
Published: October 2022

Flood risk is anticipated to increase, driven by change in climate and socio-economic development. Flood impact assessments rely heavily on models, hence understanding the effect of uncertainties encompassed in the modelling chain is critical for the adequate interpretation of flood risk and for proposing effective flood adaptations. Previous researches focused on understanding the effect of processes embedded in models, or flood frequency analysis onto flood risk. However, there is yet no study evaluating the cascading uncertainty effects of flood damage methodology on estimating annual damage, optimal flood protection, and residual flood damage. Here, using an updated global river and inundation model forced by the latest climate data and employing a standard flood methodology we found that, during 2020–2100, expected annual damage (EAD) increase by US$16.2 and US$44.5 billion yr− 1 under a low and high emission scenario, respectively. During the same period and despite the adoption of optimal levels of flood protections, global total RFD remained high under both low and high emission scenarios, US$25.8 and US$36.2 billion yr− 1, respectively. Our results demonstrate that, under current levels of flood protection, EAD approximately double by switching methodologies. Aggregating data at the regional scale revealed conflicting trends between methodologies for developing and high-income countries driven by i) existing levels of flood protection and ii) the intensity, evolution, and distribution of GDP at the administrative level. Flood damage methodology is the dominant source of uncertainty, followed by unit construction cost and discount rates, respectively.
Apigenin inhibits angiogenesis of retinal microvascular endothelial cells by regulating miR-140-5p/HDAC3- mediated PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Fu Chaojun , Peng Jun , Ling Yanjun , Zhao Hongqing , Cao Miao , Zhang Xiuli , Ai Min , Yuhui Qin , Peng Qinghua
Published: October 2022

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the main reason of visual impairment. Apigenin has anti-angiogenic effects in a variety of diseases. Our aim was to explore the role of apigenin in DR and the mechanism involved.
Methods: High glucose (HG) induced HRMEC to establish DR model. HRMECs were treated with apigenin. Then we knocked down or overexpressed miR-140-5p and HDAC3, and added PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002. miR-140-5p, HDAC3 and PTEN were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot measured HDAC3, PTEN and PI3K/AKT pathway related proteins expressions. Cell proliferation and migration were monitored by MTT, wound-healing assay and Transwell assay. Angiogenesis was detected by Tube formation assay.
Results: After HG treatment, miR-140-5p expression was repressed and miR-140-5p overexpression suppressed HG-induced HRMECs proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Apigenin treatment significantly reversed the reduction in miR-140-5p level caused by HG treatment and repressed HG-induced HRMECs proliferation, migration and angiogenesis by elevating miR-140-5p. miR-140-5p targeted HDAC3, and overexpression of miR-140-5p could reverse the up-regulation of HDAC3 expression induced by HG treatment. HDAC3 could bind to the promoter region of PTEN and inhibit its expression, and then knocking down HDAC3 suppressed PI3K/AKT pathway via elevating PTEN level. In addition, apigenin inhibited angiogenesis in DR cell models by regulating miR-140-5p/HDAC3-mediated PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.
Conclusions: Apigenin inhibited angiogenesis of HG induced HRMECs by regulating miR-140-5p/HDAC3-mediated PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. Our study might provide new drugs and new targets for treating DR.
Remineralization of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) with a Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: an in-situ study
Authors: Amaechi Bennett , Farah Rayane , Liu Jungyi , Phillips Thais , Perozo Betty , Kataoka Yuko , Meyer Frederic , Enax Joachim
Published: October 2022

Aim:This randomized, double-blind, crossover,in-situstudy, compared the efficacy of toothpastes based on hydroxyapatite (HAP; fluoride-free) or fluoride, in remineralizing molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH).Methods:Two lesion-bearing enamel blocks were produced from each of thirty extracted permanent molars diagnosed with MIH. Sixty produced blocks were randomly assigned to two groups (30/group): 20% HAP or 1450 ppm fluoride toothpaste. Each group was subdivided into, etched (n=20), with lesion surface treated with 32% phosphoric acid-etchant for 5 seconds, and unetched (n=10). Blocks were cemented into intra-oral appliances (2 blocks/appliance) worn full-time by 15 subjects. Subjects used the toothpastes in a two-phase crossover manner, lasting 14 days per phase, after one-week washout period. Baseline and post-treatment mineral density (MD) was quantified using microcomputed tomography.Results:Overall, both groups showed statistically significant (paired t-test; p<.001) net-gain when MD was compared pre-treatment and post-treatment. HAP: pre-treatment (1.716±0.315) and post-treatment (1.901±0.354), Fluoride: pre-treatment (1.962±0.363) and post-treatment (2.072±0.353). Independentt-test demonstrated a practically significantly (≥10%) higher percentage remineralization with HAP toothpaste (26.02±20.68) compared with fluoride toothpaste (14.64±9.60). Higher percentage remineralization was observed in etched than unetched samples.Conclusion:The tested toothpaste based on hydroxyapatite can remineralize MIH lesions. Pre-treating the tooth surface with acid-etchant enhanced remineralization.
Artesunate Mitigates Cognitive Deficits by Promoting Hippocampal Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells Proliferation and Neurogenesis in Cadmium-Exposed Mice
Authors: Zhong Jun , Yang Wenqin , Mao Jianchao , Ge Hongfei , Zhang Chao , Zhang Xuyang , Zhou Tengyuan , Li Huanhuan , Hu Rong , Feng Hua
Published: October 2022

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal which could cause central nervous system damage and cognitive dysfunction. However, the effective therapy strategy for cadmium-caused cognitive dysfunction had not been established. In present study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of artesunate on cadmium induced cognitive deficits and neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) proliferation as well as neurogenesis inhibition. Male mice were injected with cadmium chloride (1mg/Kg) for 4weeks, followed with 4 weeks of artesunate (50mg/Kg). Cadmium chloride and artesunate were used to treat NSPCs in vitro. Subsequently, the learning and memory function of mice were detected by Y-maze and Morris water maze tests and NSPCs proliferation and neurogenesis were examined by western blots and immunofluorescence. The results showed cadmium impaired mice cognitive severity. And cadmium significantly inhibited the proliferation and neurogenesis of NSPCs in hippocampi and in vitro. Moreover, cadmium reduced the expression of phosphorylated AKT. However, artesunate reversed the cadmium-induced cognitive deficits as well as the inhibition of NSPCs proliferation and neurogenesis. Additionally, artesunate increased the phosphorylation of AKT in hippocampi and NSPCs. Our data manifested artesunate could reverse cadmium-induced mice cognitive deficits and reduce the inhibition of cadmium on NSPCs proliferation and neurogenesis via PI3K-AKT pathway.
An analysis of the factors determining profitability using a classical-Marxian model
Authors: Kosmas Petros , Ioakimoglou Elia , Theocharous Antonis
Published: October 2022

This paper uses a methodological framework based on Marxian theory of the profit rate for analyzing factors affecting profitability. By testing a classical-Marxian methodology, we examined the factors that determine profitability in the business sector of Cyprus for the years 2006–2022, including: a period of severe structural crisis and change (2013–2014), a period of recovery (2015–2022) based on the outcomes of the crisis, and a period that we take as a reference (2006–2012) against which changes may be compared. Thus, we demonstrate that the massive decline in labor power value during the crisis years of 2013–2014 and after the pandemic (2021–2022) has been a major factor determining the increase in profitability since 2015, which is still ongoing at present (autumn 2022). In value terms, labor power devaluation is the single most important contributor to the rise in Cyprus' profit rate over the past several years.
JEL Classification: B40, B51, E11, E30
Balancing the Imbalances in Africa’s Root to Economic Development: Does the Business Environment Matter
Authors: Mwimba Thomas , Mumuni Sulemana
Published: October 2022

This study employed the Newey West and Quantile Regression estimators on data spanning the period 2004 to 2019 for 35 selected African countries to determine the role of the business environment in achieving sustainable economic growth and development in Africa. The study uses three variables to denote the business environment, including but not limited to the business extent disclosure index, the cost of business start, and the time required to start a business. Additionally, the study included three macroeconomic indicators, such as the lending interest rate, the inflation rate, and the official exchange rate together with net inflows of foreign direct investment. The results reveal that the business extent disclosure index and the inflation rate stimulate economic growth in Africa. In contrast, the higher cost associated with starting a business, the longer time required to start a business, higher lending interest rates, exchange rate volatility, and net foreign direct investment inflows have growth-limiting effects on African economies. The findings provide practical implications for policy change toward addressing the loopholes in Africa's quest for sustainable economic growth and development.
Does short-term exposure to a Neonicotinoid insecticide trigger Biochemical and Physiological responses in Juvenile catfish?
Authors: Erhunmwunse Nosakhare O. , Pajiah Timeyin J. , Victory Ogbodo , Ewere Endurance
Published: October 2022

Imidacloprid is among the most widely used insecticides and may contaminate surface waters, yet there is limited information available on their effects on fish. In the present study, juvenile catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were exposed to 100, 130, 160, and 190 mg/L of imidacloprid for 96 hours, and the effects on mortality, behavior, hepatic and endocrine functions, oxidative stress, and tumor and inflammatory responses were investigated. The 96 hours LC50 was 166.60 (143.38-193.59 95% confidence intervals) mg/L with mortality recorded at concentrations ≥ 130 mg/L. Exposure to imidacloprid induced behavioral alterations and clinical symptoms including gulping, hypoactivity, abnormal surface distribution, loss of buoyancy, and excessive mucus secretion. Furthermore, amylase, lipase, conjugate bilirubin, carbohydrate antigen 19 − 9 (CA 19 − 9), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were significantly increased, while significant reductions were observed in triiodothyronine (T3) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Non-significant changes were observed in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, 17β- estradiol (E2), thyroxine (T4), C-reactive protein (CRP), glutathione S-transferases (GST), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase (CAT) activity. Our results demonstrate that imidacloprid causes behavioral, hepatic, and endocrine toxicity in catfish as well as oxidative stress and tumor marker elevation. Our findings show that short-term exposure to imidacloprid triggers biochemical and physiological responses in juvenile catfish.
A Descriptive & clinical study of HIV patients in Damascus and the effect of Dolutegravir & Abacavir on CD4+ titer
Authors: Almouli Rahem , Domirieh Ahmad , Aldahr Nizar , Al-Manasfi Anas
Published: October 2022

Background:
AIDS is one of the diseases of concern worldwide, as the number of people infected with HIV around the world reached about 38.4 million until 2021, and new infections this year were about one and a half million.
Design:
A Cross-Sectional and prospective Study conducted in Syria.
Methods:
(150) HIV patients registered at the AIDS Control Center in Damascus and patients in the septic division of Al-Mowasat University Hospital until 15/8/2022.
Results:
The results were classified in statistical tables and graphs, which we will summarize as follows:
• The largest percentage of AIDS patients in Damascus are males, 80.7%.
• The largest percentage was diagnosed in 2018 and 2019.
• Improved CD4+ values in patients who were put on the current protocol, Dolutegravir+Abacavir.
Renewable energy for productive manufacturing firms in Cameroon: effect of renewable energy on the productivity of manufacturing firms
Authors: KOUMOU ETIENNE LANDRY
Published: October 2022

The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of renewable energy on the productivity of manufacturing firms in Cameroon. The data used comes from the annual enterprise surveys (EAE) of the National Institute of Statistics (INS) for the 2012–2019 editions. The method used is the two-stage stochastic frontier approach. The results show that renewable energy positively affects the productivity growth of firms. This effect is evaluated at 14.70% for 1% of renewable energy consumed. Despite this positive effect, the productivity growth of these firms remains low over the whole period 21.16%.
Real-time spectral interleaved electro-optic dual-comb spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Bingxin , Fan Xinyu , Wang Shuai , He Zuyuan
Published: October 2022

Optical frequency comb with evenly spaced lines over a broad bandwidth has revolutionized the fields of optical metrology and spectroscopy. Here, we propose a fast interleaved dual comb spectroscopy with sub femtometer resolution and absolute frequency, in which two electro optic frequency combs are swept. Electrically modulated stabilized laser enables ultrahigh resolution of 0.16 fm (or 20 kHz in optical frequency and single shot measurement in 90 ms. Total 20 million points are recorded spanning 3.2 nm (or 400 GHz bandwidth, corresponding to a spectral sampling rate of 2.5 × 10 8 points/s under Nyquist limitation. Besides, considering the trade off between the me asurement time and spectral resolution, a fast single shot measurement is also realized in 1.6 ms with 8 fm (or 1 MHz ) resolution. We demonstrate the 25 averaged result with 30.6 dB spectral measurement signal to noise ratio ( by reducing the filter ba ndwidth in demodulation. The results show great prospect for precise measurement with flexibly fast refresh time, high spectral resolution, and high SNR .
MABAC method based on cumulative prospect theory for multiple attribute group decision making with 2-tuple linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy information
Authors: Zhang Yangjingyu , Gao Hui , Wei Guiwu , Guo Yanfeng
Published: October 2022

With the progress of the times, decision-making problems have become increasingly complex. Under such circumstances, the problems of multiple attribute decision making have emerged. Based on the original MABAC method and its related applications, we propose to apply the MABAC method combined Cumulative Prospect Theory (CPT) with2-tuple linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (2TLPFNs). In the first place, we show a lot of definitions of Pythagorean fuzzy sets, 2-tuple linguistic Pythagorean fuzzy sets, the 2TLPFWA and 2TLPFWG operators. Next, illustrating calculation formulas according to the score function, the accuracy function and the basic operations of two 2TLPFNs. Afterwards, we simply explain the original MABAC method and the MABAC method with 2TLPFNs (2TLPFN-MABAC) based on the research of other scholars. Besides, we completely give the actual operations of the new method about MABAC method based on CPT for MAGDM with 2TLPFSs (2TLPFN-CPT-MABAC). In the end, by a case study of the assessment of houses, according to the proposed new method and making some comparative analyses among the new method and other methods. In a word, all above are for verifying the effectiveness. In view of the new method with the advantages, MADM problems can be better solved and the new method can be applied to more fields.
Moral lines of credit: Forging race projects, citizenship, and nation on online U.S. spousal reunification forums
Authors: Longo Gina Marie
Published: October 2022

This study investigates how U.S. citizens petitioning for “green cards” on behalf of foreign national spouses uphold the U.S. racial project as they navigate the spousal reunification process. It also explores the role of online communities as crucial “brokers” and mediators between citizen, noncitizen, and the state. This work troubles the dichotomy between immigration officers/couples while giving primacy to the citizen-spouse’s voices. Using content analysis of an online forum where petitioners exchange advice with similar others, I show the citizen’s complicity with the racialized hierarchical order of the American nation. Ultimately, family migration policies and regulations are exercises in state-building, and nation-building, and citizens partake in it while trying to secure their own family, disciplining themselves to align with the state’s ideal of what a proper future nation should look like.
Twistor space origins of the Newman-Penrose map
Authors: Farnsworth Kara , Graesser Michael L. , Herczeg Gabriel
Published: October 2022

Recently, we introduced the “Newman-Penrose map”, a novel
correspondence between a certain class of solutions of Einstein’s
equations and self-dual solutions of the vacuum Maxwell equations, which
we showed was closely related to the classical double copy. Here, we
give an alternative definition of this correspondence in terms of
quantities that are defined naturally on twistor space, and a shear-free
null geodesic congruence on Minkowski space whose twistorial character
is articulated by the Kerr theorem. The advantage of this reformulation
is that it is purely geometrical in nature, being manifestly invariant
under both spacetime diffeomorphisms and projective transformations on
twistor space. While the original formulation of the map may be more
convenient for most explicit calculations, the twistorial formulation we
present here may be of greater theoretical utility.
The Effect Of QR Code Applications on Customer Satisfaction In Restaurants
Authors: ŞAT Rana , ARSLAN AYAZLAR Reyhan
Published: October 2022

Günümüzde yaşanan teknolojik gelişmeler turizm endüstrisinde faaliyet gösteren işletmelerin rekabet avantajı açısından bu gelişmelere hızlı adaptasyonunu gerektirmektedir. Yenilikçi bir yaklaşım olarak karekod uygulamaları, endüstrideki önemli alanlardan biri olan restoran işletmelerinin rekabet avantajı elde etmeleri açısından önemli bir uygulama olarak değerlendirilmektedir. Bu çalışmada Ankara ilinin Çankaya ilçesinde faaliyet gösteren restoran işletmelerindeki karekod uygulamalarının tüketici memnuniyeti üzerinde durulmuştur. Yeniliklerin yayılması kuramının entegre edildiği araştırma kapsamında tüketici memnuniyetini test etmek amacıyla çevrim içi anket tekniğinden yararlanılmıştır. Katılımcılardan 425 geçerli verinin elde edildiği araştırma bulgularına göre genel anlamda tüketicilerin yeniliklerin yayılmasına yönelik algısı memnuniyetlerini etkilemektedir. Aynı zamanda karekod uygulamasına duyulan güven de tüketici memnuniyetini etkileyen bir diğer unsur olarak belirlenmiştir. Araştırmada elde edilen bulgulara ilişkin teorik ve uygulamaya yönelik katkılar tartışılmıştır.
Dayanıklılık Kavramına Alternatif olarak Çevresel Adalet: Hindistan Örneği
Authors: ÇETİN Elif , GÖNENÇ Defne
Published: October 2022

The notion of resilience is being increasingly used, without much criticism, in various areas of the development debate, involving climate migration. Nevertheless, the concept incorporates several weaknesses which are often ignored: it is a vague and non-transparent concept with shifting meanings, transfers the risk and responsibility of adaptation from the state onto the shoulders of individuals, and duplicates existing injustices. Thus, it promotes the continuation of the status quo and overlooks the structural causes of socio-economic and environmental problems. This paper argues that resilience is a limited framework to deal with environmental harms and that environmental degradation should be dealt with in a framework of environmental justice because it provides a more comprehensive and just socio-ecological lens for the critical assessment and solution of environmental problems. The paper studies the phenomenon of climate migration in India and investigates why an environmental justice framework should be employed for analyzing and proposing solutions to environmental damage instead of resilience.
SELÇUKLULARIN ANADOLU SİYASETİ VE BİRİNCİ DÖNEM ANADOLU TÜRK BEYLİKLERİNİN ERKEN DÖNEM TÜRKİYE TARİHİNDEKİ YERİ
Authors: ALIÇ Samet
Published: October 2022

Büyük Selçuklulardan Çağrı Bey’in 11. yüzyılın ilk çeyreğinde düzenlediği Doğu Anadolu Seferi, Selçukluların Anadolu’yu fethine kadar devam edecek olan yaklaşık altmış yıllık Anadolu akınlarının başlangıcıdır. Çağrı Bey, düzenlediği bu seferin ardından, Anadolu’nun Türklere yurt olabileceğini fark etmiş ve bu bölgede Türklere direnecek bir kuvvetin olmadığını dile getirmiştir. Anadolu’nun fethedilebilir olduğunun tespit edilmesinin ardından Türkler, Malazgirt Savaşı’na kadar devam edecek olan cihat, ganimet elde etme ve keşif amaçlı Anadolu akınları düzenlemişlerdir. Bu akınlar döneminde 1048 Pasinler Savaşı galibiyeti ve 1064 Ani’nin Türkler tarafından fethi gibi çok önemli askeri başarılar sağlayan Selçuklular, 1071 Malazgirt Savaşı’nda Bizans’ı mağlup ederek, Anadolu’nun Türkiye’ye dönüşmesindeki en önemli adımı gerçekleştirmiş oldular. Malazgirt Savaşı’nın ardından hem Alp Arslan hem de Melikşah’ın izlediği fetih ve iskân politikası ile Anadolu kısa süre içerisinde Türk yurdu haline geldi. Haçlı seferleri ile Anadolu’dan çıkarılamayan Türkler, Miryokefalon Zaferi ile de Anadolu’nun artık Türklere ait olduğunu Bizans’a kabul ettirdiler. Malazgirt Savaşı’nın ardından başlayan fetihler ile günümüze kadar devam edecek olan Türkiye Tarihi başladı. Bu çalışmada, Anadolu’nun Türkiye’ye dönüşmesi sürecinde Selçukluların politikaları ve Birinci Dönem Anadolu Beyliklerinin bu süreçteki rolleri incelenmiştir.
LEGISLATIVE INTERPRETATION OF THE RIGHT TO ASSEMBLY AND DEMONSTRATION, 1908-1960
Authors: ÜLGER Uğur , GENÇKAYA Ömer Faruk
Published: October 2022

Toplantı ve gösteri yürüyüşü hakkının Osmanlı topraklarında tanınması Batı Avrupa ülkelerine göre oldukça geç bir dönemde gerçekleşmiştir. 19. Yüzyıl boyunca gerçekleştirilen hukuki reformlar önemli adımlar olmakla birlikte toplantı ve gösteri yürüyüşüne dair yasal adımlar II. Meşrutiyet döneminde atılmıştır. Bu dönemin başlangıcındaki özgürlükçü coşku toplantı ve gösteri yürüyüşlerinin yasal durumuna da yansımış ve oldukça özgürlükçü bir sistem olan bildirim sistemi kabul edilmiştir. Ancak özgürlükçü tutum kısa süreli olmuş ve 1328 yılındaki değişikliklerle geri adım atılmıştır. 1946 yılında yine kısa sürecek özgürlükçü adımlar atılmış 1953 ve 1956 değişiklikleriyle toplantı ve gösteri yürüyüşleri hakkı kısıtlanmıştır. İlk dönemki kısıtlamaların temelinde merkez-çevre çatışması baskınken çok partili hayata geçişle birlikte çoğunlukçu demokrasi anlayışı muhalefete ve kamusal özgürlüklere yönelik baskının temelinde yer almıştır.
Minotaur i Historia Adversus paganos Orozjusza
Authors: Suski Robert
Published: October 2022

W Historia adversus paganos Orozjusz wspominał mitycznego potwora Minotaura, wojnę między Ateńczykami i Kreteńczykami. Mimo że poświęcił tej opowieści dwa zdania, to jest ona ciekawa. Nie można wskazać źródła, z którego korzystał Orozjusz. Racjonalizował on opowieść o Minotaurze, nazywając go dzikim człowiekiem. Jego narracja zawiera kilka niespotykanych faktów w porównaniu z innymi opowieściami o potworze: pominął on postać Tezeusza oraz bardziej niż inni autorzy podkreślał krwawość mitycznej wojny między Atenami a Kretą.
Jeszcze jedno świadectwo święceń duchownego z diecezji płockiej
Authors: Kaczmarek Krzysztof
Published: October 2022

Jan z Płocka pojawia się w źródłach w 1506 r. jako student Uniwersytetu Krakowskiego. W następnych latach swojego życia osiągnął na tej uczelni stopnie bakałarza i mistrza „sztuk”. Wstąpił także w szeregi stanu duchownego i w latach 1511-1521 przyjął wszystkie stopnie święceń. Po ordynowaniu go do stopnia prezbitera objął beneficjum altarysty w jednym z płockich kościołów. Należał zapewne do tej grupy średniowiecznego kleru, która – nie mając oparcia w rodzinie i nie posiadając własnego majątku – liczyła na to, że osiągnie znaczącą pozycję w strukturach Kościoła dzięki własnym zdolnościom i zdobytemu wykształceniu.
Spojrzenie na sztukę starożytnych i kategorię piękna w ujęciu Johanna Gottfrieda Herdera (1744-1803) oraz Johanna Joachima Winckelmanna (1717-1768)
Authors: Szmulik Ada
Published: October 2022

Praca skupia się głównej mierze na tematach związanych z ponownym wzrostem zainteresowania sztuką starożytną, a zwłaszcza sztuką starożytnych Greków i próbach sformułowania własnych teorii estetycznych w drugiej połowie wieku osiemnastego na przykładzie rozpraw Johanna Gottfrieda Herdera oraz Johanna Joachima Winckelmanna. Celem artykułu jest wskazanie wartości paralelnych zawartych w twórczości wspomnianych postaci, takich jak: kwestia ujęcia hierarchii sztuk, próby ujęcia kategorii piękna, obecność elementów natury w dziełach sztuki czy spojrzenie na postać Homera.