bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffraction grating enhanced photoluminescence from etching-free erbium thin films
Authors: Gassenq A. , Nguyen H-S , Cleyet-Merle E. , Cueff S. , Pereira A.
Published: April 2023

Micro-structuration by etching is commonly used in integrated optics, adding complex and costly processing steps that can also potentially damage the device performance, owing to degradation of the etched sidewalls. For diffraction grating fabrication, different strategies have been developed to avoid etching, such as layer deposition on a structured surface or grating deposition on top of active layers. However, etching remains one of the best processes for making high aspect ratio diffraction gratings. In this work, we have developed fully structured diffraction gratings (i.e., like fully etched gratings) using lift-off based processing performed in pulsed laser deposited layers, since the combination of both techniques is of great interest for making micro-structures without etching. We have first studied the influence of the lithography doses in the lift-off process, showing that (1) micrometric spatial resolution can be achieved and (2) the sidewall angle can be controlled from 50° to 150° in 0.5 µm thick layers. Using such optimizations, we have then fabricated Er-doped Y2O3 uniaxial diffraction gratings with different periods ranging from 3 to 8 µm. The fabricated devices exhibit emission and reflectivity properties as a function of the collection angle in good agreement with the modeling, with a maximum luminescence enhancement of ×15 compared with an unstructured layer at a wavelength of 1.54 µm. This work thus highlights lift-off based processing combined with pulsed laser deposition as a promising technique for etch-free practical applications, such as luminescence enhancement in Er-doped layers.
Edge states in coupled non-Hermitian resonators
Authors: Liu Dongjue , Hu Hao , Zhang Jingjing
Published: April 2023

Small perturbations may dramatically influence the physical properties of a single non-Hermitian cavity. However, how these small perturbations interplay with bulk-edge properties is still to be demonstrated by experimentation. Here, we experimentally demonstrate edge states in coupled non-Hermitian resonators, based on a chain of all-dielectric coupled resonators where each resonator consists of two target particles. The evanescent coupling between the cavity and the target particles leads to tunable asymmetric backscattering, which plays a key role in the appearance of edge states in the bulk bandgap. We also demonstrate that these observed edge states are robust against weak disorders introduced to the system. Our study may inspire further explorations of the non-Hermitian bulk-edge properties.
Coherent dual-frequency signal generation in an optoelectronic oscillator
Authors: Liu Shifeng , Du Changlong , Yang Li , Liu Mingzhen , Tang Zhenzhou , Pan Shilong
Published: April 2023

Coherent dual-frequency microwave signal generation using an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is presented and demonstrated. In the proposed OEO, a dual-band bandpass filter (DB-BPF) is utilized to select two oscillation modes. An external signal is injected into the OEO loop with its frequency equaling the frequency interval of the two oscillation modes. Owing to the modulation nonlinearity of the Mach–Zehnder modulator, the two oscillation frequencies interact with the injection frequency. When the phase and gain conditions are satisfied within the loop, injection locking between the two oscillation signals will be established, and their phases will be synchronized. The effect of gain competition in the OEO loop, which leads to single-frequency oscillation, is suppressed. An experiment is carried out, and two frequencies, of 16.083 GHz and 9.998 GHz, are generated at the same time. The phase noise values are −140.1 and −141.0 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz, respectively. The coherence between the generated signals and sidemode suppression performance are evaluated.
Tunable all-optical liquid crystal lens based on the thermo-plasmonic effect
Authors: Esmaeili Sahar , Khoshkhati Farid , Mehrzad Hossein , Ahmadalidokht Isa , Mohajerani Ezeddin
Published: April 2023

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) thermal effects have been the focus of
researchers lately and are commonly used in sensors, micro heaters in
integrated circuits, and other applications. In this study, a new type
of tunable all-optical liquid crystal (LC) lens is fabricated by
employing the SPR thermal effects. Due to the absorption of pump light
by gold nanoparticles, the generated heat is transferred to the
surrounding LC layer, leading a radial gradient distribution of LC
molecules. Passing a probe light through the center of the fabricated
cell, a lens shaped optical phase retardation observed. The
temperature increase with intensification of the pump light power has
been numerically calculated. In addition, the focal length of the lens
reduces from 157.8 to 13.1 cm during this process. The tunable
all-optical LC lens is a fascinating new concept that could open up
new horizons and has numerous applications. It has a simpler and
cheaper structure compared to electronic lenses, provides greater
stability than other all-optical counterparts, and allows for optical
control of the focal length.
Terahertz wireless communication in a 560-GHz band using a Kerr micro-resonator soliton comb
Authors: Tokizane Yu , Okada Shota , Nishimoto Kenji , Okamura Yasuhiro , Kishikawa Hiroki , Minamikawa Takeo , Hase Eiji , Fujikata Jun-ichi , Haraguchi Masanobu , Kanno Atsushi , Hisatake Shintaro , Kuse Naoya , Yasui Takeshi
Published: April 2023

Terahertz (THz) waves have attracted attention as carrier waves for next-generation wireless communications (6 G). Electronic THz emitters are widely used in current mobile communications; however, they may face technical limitations in 6 G with upper-frequency limits. We demonstrate wireless communication in a 560-GHz band by using a photonic THz emitter based on photomixing of a 560-GHz-spacing soliton microcomb in a uni-travelling carrier photodiode together with a THz receiver of Schottky barrier diode. The on-off keying data transfer with 2-Gbit/s achieves a Q-factor of 3.4, thus, satisfying the limit of forward error correction.
Comparative effectiveness of adding delamanid to a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis regimen comprised of three drugs likely to be effective
Authors: Rodriguez Carly A. , Lodi Sara , Horsburgh C. Robert , Mitnick Carole D. , Bastard Mathieu , Huerga Helena , Khan Uzma , Rich Michael , Seung Kwonjune J. , Atwood Sidney , Manzur-ul-Alam Md , Melikyan Nara , Mpinda Stephanie , Myint Zaw , Naidoo Yugandran , Petrosyan Ofelya , Salahuddin Naseem , Sarfaraz Samreen , Vilbrun Stalz Charles , Yae Kalkidan , Achar Jay , Ahmed Saman , Algozhina Elena , Beauchamp Jude , de Guadelupe Perea Moreno Sara , Gulanbaeva Munara , Gergedava Marika , Indah Sari Cut Yulia , Hewison Catherine , Khan Palwasha , Franke Molly F.
Published: April 2023

Clarity about the role of delamanid in longer regimens for multidrug-resistant TB is needed after discordant Phase IIb and Phase III randomized controlled trial results. The Phase IIb trial found that the addition of delamanid to a background regimen hastened culture conversion; the results of the Phase III trial were equivocal. We evaluated the effect of adding delamanid for 24 weeks to three-drug MDR/RR-TB regimens on two- and six-month culture conversion in the endTB observational study. We used pooled logistic regression to estimate the observational analogue of the intention-to-treat effect (aITT) adjusting for baseline confounders and to estimate the observational analogue of the per-protocol effect (aPP) using inverse probability of censoring weighting to control for time-varying confounding. At treatment initiation, 362 patients received three likely effective drugs (delamanid-free) or three likely effective drugs plus delamanid (delamanid-containing). Over 80% of patients received two to three Group A drugs (bedaquiline, linezolid, moxifloxacin/levofloxacin) in their regimen. We found no evidence the addition of delamanid to a three-drug regimen increased two-month (aITT relative risk: 0.90 (95% CI: 0.73–1.11), aPP relative risk: 0.89 (95% CI: 0.66–1.21)) or six-month culture conversion (aITT relative risk: 0.94 (95% CI: 0.84, 1.02), aPP relative risk: 0.93 (95% CI: 0.83, 1.04)). In regimens containing combinations of three likely effective, highly active anti-TB drugs the addition of delamanid had no discernible effect on culture conversion at two or six months. As the standard of care for MDR/RR-TB treatment becomes more potent, it may become increasingly difficult to detect the benefit of adding a single agent to standard of care MDR/RR-TB regimens. Novel approaches like those implemented may help account for background regimens and establish effectiveness of new chemical entities.
Anti-spike protein to determine SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels: Is there a specific threshold conferring protection in immunocompromised patients?
Authors: Halfon Philippe , Jordana Sylvie , Blachier Stéphane , Cartlamy Philippe , Kbaier Laurent , Psomas Christina K. , Philibert Patrick , Antoniotti Gilles , Allemand-Sourrieu Julie , Rebaudet Stanislas , Cavaille Guilhem , Stavris Chloé , Retornaz Frédérique , Chiche Laurent , Penaranda Guillaume
Published: April 2023

Background

Identifying a specific threshold level of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies that confers protection in immunocompromised patients has been very challenging. The aim was to assess the threshold of 264 binding antibody units (BAU)/ml using four different SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays (Abbott, Beckman, Roche, and Siemens) and to establish a new optimal threshold of protection for each of the four antibody assays.

Methods

This study was performed on data retrieved from 69 individuals, who received at least one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax) at the Alphabio Laboratory in Marseille, France (European Hospital, Alphabio–Biogroup). The results were compared to the percent inhibition calculated using a functional surrogate of a standardized virus neutralization test (Genscript).

Results

Samples from 69 patients were analyzed. For a reference cutoff of 264 BAU/ml, assays showed moderate to good overall concordance with Genscript: 87% concordance for Abbott, 78% for Beckman, 75% for Roche, and 88% for Siemens. Overall concordance increased consistently after applying new thresholds, i.e., 148 BAU/ml (Abbott), 48 (Beckman), 559 (Roche), and 270 (Siemens).

Conclusion

We suggest specific adjusted thresholds (BAU/ml) for the four commercial antibody assays that are used to assess pre-exposure prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients.
Antimicrobial resistance, Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase production and virulence genes in Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli isolates from estuarine environment
Authors: Jeamsripong Saharuetai , Kuldee Mullika , Thaotumpitak Varangkana , Chuanchuen Rungtip
Published: April 2023

The impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on global public health has been widely documented. AMR in the environment poses a serious threat to both human and animal health but is frequently overlooked. This study aimed to characterize the association between phenotype and genotype of AMR, virulence genes and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) production from estuarine environment. TheSalmonella(n= 126) andE.coli(n= 409) were isolated from oysters and estuarine water in Thailand. The isolates ofSalmonella(96.9%) andE.coli(91.4%) showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was 40.1% ofSalmonellaand 23.0% ofE.coli. Resistance to sulfamethoxazole was most common inSalmonella(95.2%) andE.coli(77.8%). The common resistance genes found inSalmonellaweresul3(14.3%), followed byblaTEM(11.9%), andcmlA(11.9%), while mostE.coliwereblaTEM(31.5%) andtetA(25.4%). The ESBL production was detected inSalmonella(1.6%,n= 2) of which one isolate was positive toblaTEM-1. EightE.coliisolates (2.0%) were ESBL producers, of which three isolates carriedblaCTX-M-55and one isolate wasblaTEM-1. Predominant virulence genes identified inSalmonellawereinvA(77.0%),stn(77.0%), andfimA(69.0%), while those inE.coliisolates werestx1(17.8%),lt(11.7%), andstx2(1.2%). Logistic regression models showed the statistical association between resistance phenotype, virulence genes and ESBL production (p< 0.05). The findings highlighted that estuarine environment were potential hotspots of resistance. One Health should be implemented to prevent AMR bacteria spreading.
Sex-specific effects of CD248 on metabolism and the adipose tissue lipidome
Authors: Patrick Kieran , Tian Xiang , Cartwright David , Heising Silke , Glover Matthew S. , Northall Ellie N. , Cazares Lisa , Hess Sonja , Baker David , Church Christopher , Davies Graeme , Lavery Gareth , Naylor Amy J.
Published: April 2023

Cd248 has recently been associated with adipose tissue physiology, demonstrated by reduced weight gain in high fat diet-fed mice with genetic deletion of Cd248 relative to controls. Here we set out to determine the metabolic consequences of loss of Cd248. Strikingly, we find these to be sex specific; By subjecting Cd248-/- and Cd248+/+ mice to a high fat diet and indirect calorimetry study, we identified that only male Cd248-/- mice show reduced weight gain compared to littermate control wildtype mice. In addition, male (but not female) mice showed a lower respiratory exchange ratio on both chow and high fat diets, indicating a predisposition to metabolise lipid. Lipidomic studies on specific fat depots found reduced triglyceride and diglyceride deposition in male Cd248-/- mice, and this was supported by reduced expression of lipogenic and adipogenic genes. Finally, metabolomic analysis of isolated, differentiated preadipocytes found alterations in metabolic pathways associated with lipid deposition in cells isolated from male, but not female, Cd248-/- mice. Overall, our results highlight the importance of sex controls in animal studies and point to a role for Cd248 in sex- and depot-specific regulation of lipid metabolism.
D.A.R.E./keepin’ it REAL elementary curriculum: Substance use outcomes
Authors: Hansen William B. , Beamon Emily R. , Saldana Santiago , Kelly Samantha , Wyrick David L.
Published: April 2023

In response to a need to implement an evidence-based prevention program, D.A.R.E. America adoptedkeepin’ it REAL. The program was previously developed and tested in middle school settings. As part of its adoption, an elementary version of the program was developed. This study tests the effectiveness ofkeepin’ it REALwhen delivered to fifth graders. The intervention was delivered to two cohorts of students, the first in the 2019–2020 school year, the second in the 2020–2021 school year. Pretest surveys were completed by 6,122 students. The COVID-19 pandemic interfered with posttest and follow-up data collection. At immediate posttest, 2,049 students (33.5%) completed analyzable posttest surveys. One year after the pretest, 1,486 (24.3%) students completed usable follow-up surveys. We used algorithmically generated cases (virtual controls) that use treatment cases’ pretest psychosocial scores to assess program effectiveness. When compared to virtual control cases, the program had identifiable improvements in both a key psychosocial measure and in terms of deterring the onset of 30-day alcohol use, drunkenness, and vaping. Outcomes suggest that the delivery of elementary schoolkeepin’ it REALby D.A.R.E. officers is having a positive effect in terms of deterring the onset of alcohol use and vaping.
Mathematical modeling of the performance of wild and transgenic mosquitoes in malaria transmission
Authors: Wyse Ana Paula , dos Santos Antonio José Boness , Azevedo Juarez dos Santos , Meneses Aline Costa de , Santos Victor Matheus Da Cunha
Published: April 2023

A mathematical model that simulates malaria transmission under the influence of transgenic mosquitoes refractory to malaria is presented in this paper. The zygosity of transgenic mosquitoes is taken into account and, consequently, the total population of mosquitoes is comprised of wild type and heterozygous and homozygous transgenic mosquitoes. These three mosquito varieties interact by mating and competition, and the genetic characteristics of their resulting offspring are in accordance with Mendelian genetics or the mutagenic chain reaction (MCR) technique. Although the incorporation of transgenic mosquitoes into the ecosystem reduces the incidence of malaria, the model also takes into account the importance of completing treatment in individuals with confirmed infection and the imminent risk of increased environmental temperature.
Genomic analysis unveils genome degradation events and gene flux in the emergence and persistence of S. Paratyphi A lineages
Authors: Jacob Jobin John , Pragasam Agila K , Vasudevan Karthick , Velmurugan Aravind , Priya Teekaraman Monisha , Priya Thirumoorthy Tharani , Ray Pallab , Gupta Madhu , Kapil Arti , Bai Sulochana Putil , Nagaraj Savitha , Saigal Karnika , Chandola Temsunaro Rongsen , Thomas Maria , Bavdekar Ashish , Ebenezer Sheena Evelyn , Shastri Jayanthi , De Anuradha , Dutta Shantha , Alexander Anna P. , Koshy Roshine Mary , Jinka Dasaratha R. , Singh Ashita , Srivastava Sunil Kumar , Anandan Shalini , Dougan Gordon , John Jacob , Kang Gagandeep , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Mutreja Ankur
Published: April 2023

Paratyphoid fever caused by S. Paratyphi A is endemic in parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. The proportion of enteric fever cases caused by S. Paratyphi A has substantially increased, yet only limited data is available on the population structure and genetic diversity of this serovar. We examined the phylogenetic distribution and evolutionary trajectory of S. Paratyphi A isolates collected as part of the Indian enteric fever surveillance study “Surveillance of Enteric Fever in India (SEFI).” In the study period (2017–2020), S. Paratyphi A comprised 17.6% (441/2503) of total enteric fever cases in India, with the isolates highly susceptible to all the major antibiotics used for treatment except fluoroquinolones. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the global S. Paratyphi A collection into seven lineages (A-G), and the present study isolates were distributed in lineages A, C and F. Our analysis highlights that the genome degradation events and gene acquisitions or losses are key molecular events in the evolution of new S. Paratyphi A lineages/sub-lineages. A total of 10 hypothetically disrupted coding sequences (HDCS) or pseudogenes-forming mutations possibly associated with the emergence of lineages were identified. The pan-genome analysis identified the insertion of P2/PSP3 phage and acquisition of IncX1 plasmid during the selection in 2.3.2/2.3.3 and 1.2.2 genotypes, respectively. We have identified six characteristic missense mutations associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis genes of S. Paratyphi A, however, these mutations confer only a low structural impact and possibly have minimal impact on vaccine effectiveness. Since S. Paratyphi A is human-restricted, high levels of genetic drift are not expected unless these bacteria transmit to naive hosts. However, public-health investigation and monitoring by means of genomic surveillance would be constantly needed to avoid S. Paratyphi A serovar becoming a public health threat similar to the S. Typhi of today.
óvoda-iskola átmenet problematikájának megjelenése a magyar pedagógiai szaksajtóban
Authors: Fizel Natasa
Published: April 2023

Tanulmányomban a Néptanítók Lapja című hetilap első két évfolyamát (1868−1869) tekintettem át az óvoda-iskola átmenet problematikájához kapcsolódó írásokat keresve és elemezve. Vizsgálatom fókuszába így 22 tanulmány került, amelyek a kisgyermeknevelés intézményesítésének kérdéseitől a fegyelmezésen át a nőnevelés kérdésköre kapcsán a kislányok nevelésének problematikájáig számos témakört felölelt. Ezek tanulmányozása során leszögezhető, hogy a kisgyermekek nevelésének kérdése permanensen helyet kapott a minisztérium hivatalos lapjában, habár kevés szerző kapott lehetőséget véleménye megjelentetésére. Ugyanakkor a lap segítséget nyújtott az ekkor még gyerekcipőben járó intézményrendszer kialakításához.
boldog elsősökért. A Szeged Megyei Jogú Város Önkormányzata Óvodák Igazgatósága tagóvodáinak iskolaelőkészítő munkája
Authors: Bartáné Tóth Mária Magdolna
Published: April 2023

Az óvoda-iskola átmenet könnyítése érdekében a Szegedi ÓVI intézménye nyitott a tanítók, tanárok véleményének megismerésére, és a korszerű pedagógiai látásmódok befogadására. A köznevelés rendszerében a gyermekek személyisége, kompetenciái folyamatosan fejlődnek, amelyhez a támogató rendszert próbáljuk a SZTE Juhász Gyula Gyakorló Általános és Alapfokú Művészeti Iskolája pedagógusaival tovább „finomhangolni”, a gyakorlatot megújítani. A két intézmény pedagógusainak egybehangzó célja az alapkészségek és a kulcskompetenciák megerősítése, ide értve a tehetséggondozást is. Közös bennünk az innovációra való nyitottság, az együttműködésre való igény, és amennyiben szükséges, a szemlélet és attitűdváltás. Intézményünk Pedagógia Programja figyelembe veszi a gyermeki sokféleséget, a speciális tanulási és nevelési szükségleteket, biztosítja a hátrányok leküzdésének céljait és feladatait, de a kiemelt képességű gyermekek gondozására is irányt mutat. A hasznos, és értékeket közvetítő, tudatosan szervezett és tervezett szakmai találkozó elősegíti a harmonikus óvoda-iskolaváltás megvalósulását.
Kiss Ottó Csillagszedő Márió című kötete és a Kiss-versek tanítása
Authors: Haller Zsanett
Published: April 2023

Kiss Ottó a Csillagszedő Márió című kötete a kortárs irodalom verstermése tanításának fontos darabjává válhat. A kötet keletkezésének szövevényére is fény derül, majd jellegéről és illusztrációiról tájékozódunk. A költemények szabadversjellege s látszólagos egyszerűséggel való közlései a svéd gyermekversek világába vezetik az olvasót.
Synthesis, Characterization, Docking Studies and Antiepileptic Activity of Novel Piracetam Derivatives
Authors: Dhama Nidhi , Sucheta  , Kumar Aadesh , Verma Vikrant , Narkhede Rohan , Patil Vaishali M.
Published: April 2023

Piracetam is a nootropic drug that has been used in clinical trials for decades, but is still a mystery due to a lack of understanding of its mechanism of action. In this research, sixteen novel piracetam derivatives were synthesized in three steps and characterized by IR, NMR and mass spectroscopic techniques. Based on the docking studies, two derivatives were identified as more active based on the drug receptor interactions studies and were further subjected to animal studies for the evaluation of the activity. Compounds 6 and 10 had shown a strong anticonvulsant activity based on the molecular docking studies. It was hypothesized from the synthesized analogues that the non-substitution with thio moiety at has a major effect on reducing the contagiousness of seizure discharge and increasing the seizure threshold.
In vitro DNA Binding Interaction Studies of Hydrazones and
Thiosemicarbazones Derived from Pyrazole Moiety
Authors: Shivakumara Nichhapurada , Krishna P. Murali , Kallesha N. , Narasimhamurthy Kereyagalahally H.
Published: April 2023

In this work, the novel hydrazones and thiosemicarbazones derived from pyrazole moieties were
synthesized by reacting 4-chloro-1-methyl-1H-pyrzolecarboxaldehyde with various hydrazides and
thiosemicarbazides. All the synthesized compounds were characterized and confirmed with different
spectroscopic techniques like FTIR, 1H NMR and LC-MS. The ct-DNA binding interaction studies
were evaluated by using UV-visible spectroscopic and fluorescence spectrophotometric techniques
with calf thymus DNA. The obtained binding constants of the synthesized were found to be 7 [8.44 ×
104] > 4 [3.61 × 104] > 2 [3.60 × 104] > 1 [3.18 × 104] > 8 [2.85 × 104 M-1].
Synthesis, Electrochemical, Morphological, Computational and Corrosion Inhibition Studies of 3-(5-Naphthalen-2-yl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)-pyridine against Mild Steel in 1 M HCl
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Thakur Abhinay , Sharma Manish Kumar , Jakhar Kranti , Kumar Ashish , Sharma Ashok Kumar , Om Hari
Published: April 2023

1,3,4-Oxadiazole derivative, namely, 3-(5-naphthalen-2-yl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)pyridine (NOP) as a corrosion inhibitor against mild steel in 1M HCl has been evaluated using the weight-loss technique (303-323 K), electrochemical analysis [potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)], as well as surface morphology investigations (SEM). Additionally the computational studies such as density functional theory (DFT), the synthesized molecule (NOP) were utilized to better insight into molecular structure and electronic aspects relating to the anti-corrosion activities of the examined inhibitors and to envisage the interaction between designed inhibitors with the mild steel surface. The synthesized molecule (NOP) expressed high inhibition efficiency of 88.62% at an optimal concentration of 500 ppm at 298 K. A mixed-type inhibition mechanism is suggested by potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) analysis. The DFT calculations complement well with the experimental outcomes. This article provides in-depth insights to comprehend the mild steel inhibitor interactions mode and can be very helpful in accentuating the approach to mitigate the metal dissolution occurring in acidic corrosive media.
Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxicity Analysis and
Anti-Dengue Activity of Newer Nucleoside Analogues
Authors: Alagasamy S.V. , Fuloria S. , Franklin F. , Raju C.S. , Jagadeesan D. , Saad M.A. , Veerasamy R. , Karupiah S. , Fuloria N.K.
Published: April 2023

World Health Organization (WHO) report suggests that dengue the life-threatening disease currently
has no specific medication. Hence, present study was intended to synthesize some new nucleoside
analogues (NNAs) to combat the dengue virus (DENV-2). Study involved synthesis of 1-(4-((substituted
cyclohexyl)methyl)-2-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-3,5-dihydroxy-1,2,4-
triazinan-1-yl)ethanone (3a-f) by hydrogenation and acetylation of 4-((substituted-cyclohexa-2,5-
dienylidene)methyl)-2-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazine-
3,5(2H,4H)-dione (3a-f), that was synthesized by treating uridine derivative (1) with various substituted
aldehydes. The structures of newly synthesized NNAs were characterized using NMR, FTIR and
mass spectrometric data. Effectiveness of the synthesized NNAs against dengue was also evaluated
based on their anti-dengue activity using DENV-2 serotype and cytotoxicity evaluation against Vero
cells using MTT assay. Present study reports successful synthesis of NNAs 3a-f with high inhibition
potential against DENV-2 and minimal to absence of cytotoxicity. Significant anti-dengue activity
and least/no cytotoxicity of NNAs against DENV-2 supports their potential application in dengue
treatment. However, synthesized NNAs should be further evaluated for preclinical and clinical
significance.
La salud y sus conceptos en el siglo XXI
Authors: Soriano Joan B. , Lumbreras Sara
Published: April 2023

El concepto de salud es mucho más difícil de definir que el concepto de enfermedad. Este trabajo resume la trayectoria histórica del concepto de salud desde las civilizaciones azteca y egipcia, hasta la definición de la Organización Mundial de la Salud en 1948: “Un estado de completo bienestar físico, mental y social, y no solamente la ausencia de afecciones o enfermedades”. Más recientemente, la definición de salud de la OMS se ha modificado y complementado con la cuarta dimensión: la salud espiritual. Implica un sentido de plenitud y satisfacción con la propia vida, sistema de valores, autoconfianza y autoestima, autoconciencia y presencia, paz y tranquilidad con equilibrio emocional dinámico, tanto interno como hacia el entorno, moralidad y veracidad, desinterés, emociones positivas, compasión y voluntad de ayudar y apoyar a los demás, responsabilidad y contribución al bien común y manejo exitoso de los problemas y demandas de la vida cotidiana, así como del estrés social. En definitiva, ‘salud’ es un concepto evolutivo y cambiante, que además es muy personal. Depende de la edad del individuo, sus condiciones y su entorno, y también del estado inicial de cada persona, entre otras variables. El transhumanismo y sus novedades aplicadas a la salud pueden revolucionar todos estos conceptos.
“Life is a Gamble”
Authors: Reumert Anna
Published: April 2023

This article foregrounds the returns of migration by following young migrant workers to Lebanon and back to subsistence farming communities in western Sudan during a time of revolution and economic crisis in both countries. Their labor and the returns of it connect these two seemingly distinct zones of labor and production in a transregional economy, linking East Africa to the Middle East. In this cross-border economy, the search for work through mobility has become a point of value extraction by brokers and border guards, and at the same time a practice of gendered self-validation for male migrants. In Sudan, migrants and brokers both refer to this practice as a gamble, mughamara. Proposing mughamara as an ethnographic concept of mobility, I show how young migrants use this term to validate themselves through migration. Comparing their experiences to Sudanese migrants who worked in Lebanon decades before them, I show how the youth’s presentation of mobility as a necessary gamble with life reveals an underlying generational experience of crisis and the foreclosure of class mobility. In a political and socioeconomic context where migrant workers often feel devalued in and by labor, mobility is presented as their only way forward—as well as their ticket home.
Front propagation in a double degenerate equation with delay
Authors: Bo Wei-Jian , Wu Shi-Liang , Du Li-Jun
Published: April 2023

The current article is concerned with the traveling fronts for a class of double degenerate equations with delay. We first show that the traveling fronts decay algebraically at one end, while those may decay exponentially or algebraically at the other end, which depend on the wave speed of traveling fronts. Based on the asymptotical behavior, the uniqueness and stability of traveling fronts are then proved. Of particular interest is the effect of the lower order term and higher order term on the critical speed. We mention that, under the double degenerate case, the nonlinear reaction is less competitive due to the appearance of degeneracy. This yields that the critical speed depends on the lower order term and higher order term, which is different from the nondegenerate case.
Effect of heat input on corrosion behavior of automotive zinc-coated steel joint
Authors: Khansole Ankush , Basak Sushovan , Pal T. K. , Shome M.
Published: April 2023

Lately, coated steel sheets have replaced bare steel in the automotive sectors due to their corrosion protection. Among them, zinc-coated high strength interstitial free (HIF) steel is widely used due to its durability, formability, good surface finish, impact resistance, and corrosion resistance. However, joining galvannealed (GA) steel using conventional fusion welding processes is challenging as it results in porosity and potentially harmful fumes. To overcome these challenges, this work uses a pulse MIG (metal inert gas) brazing technique to join the HIF-GA steel sheet with a lap joint configuration utilizing Cu-Si base filler wire (CuSi3Mn1) in an argon atmosphere. The study aims to evaluate the effect of heat input on bead geometry and Zn degradation in MIG brazed joints by adjusting the current from 40 to 60 A and brazing speed from 400 to 500 mm min−1. It is observed that the heat input is inversely proportional to the wetting angle and directly proportional to the bead width, leg length, and cross-sectional area. Heat input influences Zn degradation on both the front (at the toe) and back sides of the lap joint. The corrosion behavior of joints is studied using an electrochemical test (in 3.5% NaCl solution) and a salt spray test (in 5% NaCl solution). Further, the Zn degradation is analyzed with EDS line scanning to understand the corrosion resistance of the MIG brazed joints. A potentiostatic polarization study is also conducted to determine the corrosion rate using a Tafel plot. It is found that the lowest corrosion rate in base metal (BM) increased from 0.88 to 12.26 mm year−1 with the increase in heat input from 61 to 113 J mm−1.
Assessment of the beam configuration effects on designed beam–column connection structures using FE methodology based on experimental benchmarking
Authors: Satriawan Cakram Yudhifa Ganda , Prabowo Aditya Rio , Muttaqie Teguh , Ridwan Ridwan , Muhayat Nurul , Carvalho Hermes , Imaduddin Fitrian
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This article aims to investigate the structural behavior of beam–column joints subjected to axial force. The geometry used is the addition of a number of beam connections to the column, and the differences in the numbers of beams used are 1, 2, 4, and 4, denoted as V1, V2, V3, and V4, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the analysis was performed using the numerical finite element method with ABAQUS software. A benchmarking analysis was also conducted to validate the numerical results.

Findings

Several numerical simulations showed that of the variations tested, the V2 model demonstrated the highest force value among the four test models, at 130.883 kN. The displacement caused by the force was 227.32 mm, which was the lowest value among the four test models. On the other hand, the V3 model received the smallest force value among the four test models, at 24.576 kN, with a displacement of 227.49 mm. The displacement value was greater than that for the V2 model, further indicating that the V2 model was the stiffest of the four models tested.

Originality/value

This study shows that the influence of beam–column joint geometry is not limited to double-extended end-plate bolted connections.
Preparing for the deployment of ready-made stories in social interaction: reflexivity and narrative practices in professional communication
Authors: Merminod Gilles
Published: April 2023

Since the nineties, the idea that narratives are essential for an efficient communication has massively spread in management, marketing and politics, supported by the profuse publication of storytelling guides and criticized by a number of social commentators. Nevertheless, little is known about how reflexive activities specific to professional communication partake in the visibility and solidification of this specific way of conceiving the use of stories. Drawing on semiotic-inspired works in linguistic anthropology, studies on talk-in-interaction and narrative analysis, this article analyzes how reflexive activities contribute to the construction of specific conceptions of what narratives are and what they do in professional communication. To achieve this, the article relies on a single case study that details the kind of ready-made stories and contextualization devices a storytelling guide provides for its readers. The analysis shows that the storytelling guide builds up a cultural model that is both archiving past narrative situations (a model-of action) and potentially generating new narrative situations (a model-for action). By doing so, the storytelling guide not only singles out specific communicative resources but also fuels a metapragmatic model in which accomplished storytellers are at the top of the social structure.
Nature Journaling in the High School Classroom
Authors: Bollich Jennifer
Published: April 2023

Many of today’s adolescents have little to no connection to their environments or the native plants and animals that share their spaces. This is primarily due to a significant decrease in the amount of time children spend outdoors now, compared with children in the mid to late 20th century, compounded by a lack of natural history and outdoor experiences in schools. Nature journaling is an effective way for life science teachers to get adolescents outside and incorporate nature studies into their lessons. Students engaged in regular, sustained nature journaling could experience an increase in literacy and critical thinking skills, an increase in understanding and connections to their native landscapes, and a decline in anxiety and depression.
The taste of vitamin C inDrosophila
Authors: Shrestha Bhanu , Aryal Binod , Lee Youngseok
Published: April 2023

Vitamins are essential micronutrients, but the mechanisms of vitamin chemoreception in animals are poorly understood. Here, we provide evidence that vitamin C doubles starvation resistance and induces egg laying inDrosophila melanogaster. Our behavioral analyses of genetically engineered and anatomically ablated flies show that fruit flies sense vitamin C via sweet‐sensing gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) in the labellum. Using a behavioral screen andin vivoelectrophysiological analyses of ionotropic receptors (IRs) and sweet‐sensing gustatory receptors (GRs), we find that two broadly tuned IRs (i.e., IR25a and IR76b) and five GRs (i.e., GR5a, GR61a, GR64b, GR64c, and GR64e) are essential for vitamin C detection. Thus, vitamin C is directly detected by the fly labellum and requires at least two distinct receptor types. Next, we expand our electrophysiological study to test attractive tastants such as sugars, carboxylic acids, and glycerol. Our analysis elucidates the molecular basis of chemoreception in sweet‐sensing GRNs.
Effect of peripheral neural stimulation with allopregnanolone on ovarian physiology
Authors: Cáceres Antonella Rosario Ramona , Campo Verde Arboccó Fiorella , Sanhueza María de los Ángeles , Cardone Daniela Alejandra , Rodriguez Graciela Beatriz , Casais Marilina , Vega Orozco Adriana Soledad , Laconi Myriam Raquel
Published: April 2023

Neuroactive steroids can rapidly regulate multiple physiological functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The aims of the present study were to determine whether allopregnanolone (ALLO), administered in low nanomolar and high micromolar concentrations, can: (i) induce changes in the ovarian progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) release; (ii) modify the ovarian mRNA expression of Hsd3b1 (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 3β-HSD)3β-, Akr1c3 (20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 20α-HSD), and Akr1c14 (3α-hydroxy steroid oxidoreductase, 3α-HSOR)); and (iii) modulate the ovarian expression of progesterone receptors A and B, α and β estrogenic receptors, luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). To further characterize ALLO peripheral actions, the effects were evaluated using a superior mesenteric ganglion–ovarian nervous plexus–ovary (SMG–ONP–O) and a denervated ovary (DO) systems. ALLO SMG administration increased P4 concentration in the incubation liquid by decreasing ovarian 20α-HSD mRNA, and it also increased ovarian 3α-HSOR mRNA expression. In addition, ALLO neural peripheral modulation induced an increase in the expression of ovarian LHR, PRA, PRB, and ERα. Direct ALLO administration to the DO decreased E2 and increased P4 concentration in the incubation liquid. The mRNA expression of 3β-HSD decreased and 20α-HSD increased. Further, ALLO in the OD significantly changed ovarian FSHR and PRA expression. This is the first evidence of ALLO’s direct effect on ovarian steroidogenesis. Our results provide important insights about how this neuroactive steroid interacts both with the PNS and the ovary, and these findings might help devise some of the pleiotropic effects of neuroactive steroids on female reproduction. Moreover, ALLO modulation of ovarian physiology might help uncover novel treatment approaches for reproductive diseases.
Computer and Video Games in Mental Health
Authors: Mehra Ishita , Nasir Shagufta , Prakash Anand
Published: April 2023

Due to the breakthrough of new technological devices in the last decade, electronic media has now become an integral part of our lives. Among its various forms, playing video games is one screen-based recreational activity enjoyed across various age groups and genders. Although undoubtedly entertaining, there is a considerable debate over the relative impact of video gaming on an individual. Traditionally, the research has focused on the negative effects of playing video games, but recent studies show that they can be an effective tool to reduce stress caused by daily hassles, help connect with likeminded people, and enhance a wide range of cognitive skills. There is also a small pool of research on the use of commercial video games in a therapeutic capacity to help build rapport and provide social skill training. This manuscript is focused on reviewing the pertinent research of the last two decades and from various online sources of scientific information on the abovementioned aspects of electronic and video games, their therapeutic implications in mental health, and suggesting future research directions.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Tumor Development
Authors: Dahl Liv
Published: April 2023

Transforming growth factor-β (transforming growth factor-β, TGF-β) is a cytokine with multifunctional biological activities. It is highly expressed in a variety of tumors and is closely related to the occurrence, development, and prognosis of tumors. In most cells, TGF-β1 can conduct signal transduction through the classical pathway (depending on Smad) and the non-canonical pathway (independent of Smad), exerting its biological effects. Studies have shown that TGF-β1 mainly affects the development of tumors through epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and carcinoembryonic antigen receptors. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of TGF-β1 carcinogenesis will provide new therapeutic methods to prevent tumor recurrence and delay its metastasis.
Effects of microwave drying on the cell wall structures of round bamboo
Authors: Lv Huangfei , Yang Shun , Zhu Yixin , Shu Xin , Cao Wenshi , Xu Bin , Fei Benhua
Published: April 2023

Effects of microwave irradiation on bamboo cell wall structures were studied. Microwave treatment resulted in samples exhibiting smoother surfaces, deformed parenchyma cells, and increased porosity. Microwave treatment altered microfibril orientation through the formation of hydrogen bonds. The peak at 3440 cm-1, assigned to O-H stretching, decreased. Meanwhile, intermolecular and intramolecular bonds were formed, increasing the uniformity of microfibrils. Condensation reactions in surface hydroxyl groups and the formation of intramolecular hydroxyl groups in the amorphous region under microwave irradiation also improved the fiber arrangement uniformity. After treatment, the HCH and HOC bonds were reduced and the ester bonds were broken down. The methoxy and aromatic ring hydroxyl groups were oxidized, as indicated by the increase in the absorption peak at 148 ppm. The hydroxyl groups in the amorphous region near the fiber surface decreased, as did hemicellulose content, but there was an increase in secondary crystalline fibers.
Efecto de dos protocolos de antisepsia del campo operatorio sobre la reducción del número de bacterias de la piel en bovinos sometidos a cirugías reproductivas a campo
Authors: González V. Roger , Britez V. Cesar E. , Caballero R. María J. , Bazán M. Ynés J. , Maldonado A. Edith L. , Cardozo B. Luz C. , Rodríguez A. María I.
Published: April 2023

Se determinó el efecto de dos protocolos de antisepsia del campo operatorio sobre la reducción del número de bacterias de la piel en bovinos sometidos a cirugías reproductivas a campo. Se tomaron muestras antes (M1,) luego de la antisepsia (M2) y al finalizar el procedimiento quirúrgico (M3) en 12 12 bovinos mestizos de 18 a 24 meses de edad. Se realizó la tricotomía del campo operatorio previo a los dos protocolos de antisepsia: Iodopovidona al 7.5% y Gluconato de Clorhexidina al 2% (ambos con 3 min de contacto y aclaramiento con alcohol isopropílico de 2 min de contacto) y posterior embrocado con iodopovidona solución al 1% y clorhexidina solución al 0.5%, respectivamente. Los hisopados de piel fueron procesadas por la técnica de recuento de unidades formadoras de colonias (UFC/ml). La carga bacteriana de los dos protocolos fue analizada con el test de Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon para muestras independientes, sin encontrar diferencias significativas entre protocolos por momento de evaluación (p˃0.05). El test de Friedman indicó una reducción significativa entre M1 con M2 y M3 (p<0,05), pero no entre M2 y M3 (p>0.05).
Respuesta productiva de truchas arcoíris (Oncorhynchus mykiss) al régimen alimenticio con alimentos comerciales bajo condiciones de crianza intensiva en el Lago Titicaca
Authors: Flores Mendoza Marina , Ortega B. Rosario , Blanco E. María del Pilar , Araníbar Marcelino J.
Published: April 2023

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el efecto de dos regímenes de alimentación (7 vs 6 d) y de tres alimentos comerciales (TO= Tomasino®, NA= Naltech® y SA= Salmofood®) sobre el rendimiento productivo-comercial y desarrollo de órganos de truchas arcoíris en la fase de engorde en condiciones de lago Titicaca, Perú. Un total de 1080 truchas de 185 g de peso vivo (PV), 26.5 cm longitud total (LT) y 1.00 de índice de condición corporal (ICC) fueron colocadas al azar en 36 jaulas de nylon de 1.2x1.2x1.6 m (30 truchas/jaula). El control de parámetros productivos (PV, LT y consumo de alimento) fue realizado a los 30, 60 y 90 d. Se determinó el ICC, el consumo medio diario de alimento (CMD), la ganancia media diaria de peso (GMD) y el índice de conversión alimenticia (ICA). El rendimiento de canal (RC), de filete (RF), la pigmentación (PF) y el peso relativo de los órganos se determinó a los 215 d. El régimen alimenticio no afectó el PV, LT y ICC, pero la alimentación de 7 d tuvo mejor ICA (1.12 vs 1.25; p<0.001). La alimentación con TO y NA produjeron menor CMD (3.7, 4.0 y 4.3 g/d; p<0.001), menor GMD (2.9, 3.3 y 4.1 g/d; p<0.001) y peor ICA (1.27, 1.21 y 1.07; p<0.001) respecto a SA a los 90 d, respectivamente. El RC, RF y PF no fueron afectados, pero el peso relativo del hígado y corazón fue influenciado por los alimentos. Se concluye, que el régimen alimenticio de 7 d mejoró la conversión alimenticia y la pigmentación, en tanto que los alimentos comerciales influyeron en el rendimiento productivo, la pigmentación y en el peso relativo de los órganos, pero no en el rendimiento de canal y filete de las truchas.
Вплив попереднього охолодження на показники абсорбційної водоаміачної холодильної машини
Authors: Косой Б.В. , Грудка Б.Г. , Зімін О.В.
Published: April 2023

Тепловикористальні холодильні машини виробляють з урахуванням особливостей зовнішніх джерел тепла, що використовуються; холодопродуктивності та температури охолодження; схемних рішень та характеристик апаратів. Абсорбційні водоаміачні холодильні машини (АВХМ) дозволяють при одноступеневому виконанні, на відміну від абсорбційних бромістолітієвих холодильних машин, виробляти холод на температурному рівні до 243 К. Незважаючи на це їх застосування стримується відносно низькою ефективністю. Поліпшення характеристик АВХМ – актуальне науково-технічне завдання. Рішення, що сприяють зростанню ефективності абсорбційних водоаміачних холодильних машин, можуть підвищити їх конкурентоспроможність у порівнянні з іншими типами тепловикористальних холодильних машин. Пропонується для підвищення ексергетичного ККД АВХМ ηe вводити в їх схему парокомпресорну холодильну машину (ПХМ) з відносно невисокою продуктивністю. З цією метою ПХМ доцільно використовувати для переохолодження рідкого аміаку як холодоагенту АВХМ. Зазначимо, що у парокомпресорній холодильній машині виконується переохолодження аміаку після конденсатора АВХМ від Тн.с до Тп.о. Для визначення енергетичних характеристик аналізованої системи охолодження виберемо досить ефективну АВХМ з регенеративним теплообмінником розчинів, ректифікатором і водяним дефлегматором. Дослідження комплексу АВХМ+ПХМ показали, що переохолодження рідкого аміаку перед його дроселюванням сприяє підвищенню як ексергетичного ККД ηe, так і холодопродуктивності. Наприклад, у системі, що включає АВХМ з холодопродуктивністю 500 кВт на рівні 258 К і відносно невелику ПХМ, ексергетичний ККД та загальна холодопродуктивність при попередньому охолодженні до 261 К зростають на 11,8% та 18,7% відповідно. Отримані результати дозволяють підвищити інтерес до таких комплексів