bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rice ILI2 Locus Is a Bidirectional Target of the African Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae Major Transcription Activator-like Effector TalC but Does Not Contribute to Disease Susceptibility
Authors: Doucouré Hinda , Auguy Florence , Blanvillain-Baufumé Servane , Fabre Sandrine , Gabriel Marc , Thomas Emilie , Dambreville Fleur , Sciallano Coline , Szurek Boris , Koita Ousmane , Verdier Valérie , Cunnac Sébastien
Published: May 2022

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) strains that cause bacterial leaf blight (BLB) limit rice (Oryza sativa) production and require breeding more resistant varieties. Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) activate transcription to promote leaf colonization by binding to specific plant host DNA sequences termed effector binding elements (EBEs). Xoo major TALEs universally target susceptibility genes of the SWEET transporter family. TALE-unresponsive alleles of clade III OsSWEET susceptibility gene promoter created with genome editing confer broad resistance on Asian Xoo strains. African Xoo strains rely primarily on the major TALE TalC, which targets OsSWEET14. Although the virulence of a talC mutant strain is severely impaired, abrogating OsSWEET14 induction with genome editing does not confer equivalent resistance on African Xoo. To address this contradiction, we postulated the existence of a TalC target susceptibility gene redundant with OsSWEET14. Bioinformatics analysis identified a rice locus named ATAC composed of the INCREASED LEAF INCLINATION 2 (ILI2) gene and a putative lncRNA that are shown to be bidirectionally upregulated in a TalC-dependent fashion. Gain-of-function approaches with designer TALEs inducing ATAC sequences did not complement the virulence of a Xoo strain defective for SWEET gene activation. While editing the TalC EBE at the ATAC loci compromised TalC-mediated induction, multiplex edited lines with mutations at the OsSWEET14 and ATAC loci remained essentially susceptible to African Xoo strains. Overall, this work indicates that ATAC is a probable TalC off-target locus but nonetheless documents the first example of divergent transcription activation by a native TALE during infection.
Improvement of Cognitive Function in Ovariectomized Rats by Human Neural Stem Cells Overexpressing Choline Acetyltransferase via Secretion of NGF and BDNF
Authors: Yoon Eun-Jung , Choi Yunseo , Park Dongsun
Published: May 2022

Menopause is associated with memory deficits attributed to reduced serum estrogen levels. We evaluated whether an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve-growth factor (NGF) levels, through transplantation of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-overexpressing neural stem cells (F3.ChAT), improved learning and memory in ovariectomized rats. PD13 mouse neuronal primary culture cells were treated with estradiol or co-cultured with F3.ChAT cells; choline transporter1 (CHT1), ChAT, and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) expression was evaluated using real-time PCR. The relationship between estrogen receptors (ERs) and neurotrophin family members was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. After the transplantation of F3.ChAT cells into OVx rats, we evaluated the memory, ACh level, and the expression of ER, neurotrophin family proteins, and cholinergic system. Estradiol upregulated CHT1, ChAT, and VAChT expression in ER; they were co-localized with BDNF, NGF, and TrkB. Co-culture with F3.ChAT upregulated CHT1, ChAT, and VAChT by activating the neurotrophin signalling pathway. Transplantation of F3.ChAT cells in OVX animals increased the ACh level in the CSF and improved memory deficit. In addition, it increased the expression of ERs, neurotrophin signaling, and the cholinergic system in the brains of OVX animals. Therefore, the estradiol deficiency induced memory loss by the down-regulation of the neurotrophin family and F3.ChAT could ameliorate the cognitive impairment owing to the loss or reduction of estradiol.
Alkaline Stress Induces Different Physiological, Hormonal and Gene Expression Responses in Diploid and Autotetraploid Rice
Authors: Wang Ningning , Fan Xuhong , Lin Yujie , Li Zhe , Wang Yingkai , Zhou Yiming , Meng Weilong , Peng Zhanwu , Zhang Chunying , Ma Jian
Published: May 2022

Saline−alkaline stress is a critical abiotic stress that negatively affects plants’ growth and development. Considerably higher enhancements in plant tolerance to saline−alkaline stress have often been observed in polyploid plants compared to their diploid relatives, the underlying mechanism of which remains elusive. In this study, we explored the variations in morphological and physiological characteristics, phytohormones, and genome-wide gene expression between an autotetraploid rice and its diploid relative in response to alkaline stress. It was observed that the polyploidization in the autotetraploid rice imparted a higher level of alkaline tolerance than in its diploid relative. An eclectic array of physiological parameters commonly used for abiotic stress, such as proline, soluble sugars, and malondialdehyde, together with the activities of some selected antioxidant enzymes, was analyzed at five time points in the first 24 h following the alkaline stress treatment between the diploid and autotetraploid rice. Phytohormones, such as abscisic acid and indole-3-acetic acid were also comparatively evaluated between the two types of rice with different ploidy levels under alkaline stress. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that gene expression patterns were altered in accordance with the variations in the cellular levels of phytohormones between diploid and autotetraploid plants upon alkaline stress. In particular, the expression of genes related to peroxide and transcription factors was substantially upregulated in autotetraploid plants compared to diploid plants in response to the alkaline stress treatment. In essence, diploid and autotetraploid rice plants exhibited differential gene expression patterns in response to the alkaline stress, which may shed more light on the mechanism underpinning the ameliorated plant tolerance to alkaline stress following genome duplication.
Involvement of Gut Microbial Metabolites Derived from Diet on Host Energy Homeostasis
Authors: Nishida Akari , Ando Yuna , Kimura Ikuo , Miyamoto Junki
Published: May 2022

Due to the excess energy intake, which is a result of a high fat and high carbohydrate diet, dysfunction of energy balance leads to metabolic disorders such as obesity and type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Since obesity can be a risk factor for various diseases, including T2DM, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome, novel prevention and treatment are expected. Moreover, host diseases linked to metabolic disorders are associated with changes in gut microbiota profile. Gut microbiota is affected by diet, and nutrients are used as substrates by gut microbiota for produced metabolites, such as short-chain and long-chain fatty acids, that may modulate host energy homeostasis. These free fatty acids are not only essential energy sources but also signaling molecules via G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Some GPCRs are critical for metabolic functions, such as hormone secretion and immune function in various types of cells and tissues and contribute to energy homeostasis. The current studies have shown that GPCRs for gut microbial metabolites improved host energy homeostasis and systemic metabolic disorders. Here, we will review the association between diet, gut microbiota, and host energy homeostasis.
Monoclonal Antibodies and Invasive Aspergillosis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Perspectives
Authors: Lian Xihua , Scott-Thomas Amy , Lewis John G. , Bhatia Madhav , MacPherson Sean A. , Zeng Yiming , Chambers Stephen T.
Published: May 2022

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening fungal disease that causes high morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed patients. Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of IA remain challenging. Given the broad range of non-specific clinical symptoms and the shortcomings of current diagnostic techniques, most patients are either diagnosed as “possible” or “probable” cases but not “proven”. Moreover, because of the lack of sensitive and specific tests, many high-risk patients receive an empirical therapy or a prolonged treatment of high-priced antifungal agents, leading to unnecessary adverse effects and a high risk of drug resistance. More precise diagnostic techniques alongside a targeted antifungal treatment are fundamental requirements for reducing the morbidity and mortality of IA. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with high specificity in targeting the corresponding antigen(s) may have the potential to improve diagnostic tests and form the basis for novel IA treatments. This review summarizes the up-to-date application of mAb-based approaches in assisting IA diagnosis and therapy.
Maternal High-Energy Diet during Pregnancy and Lactation Impairs Neurogenesis and Alters the Behavior of Adult Offspring in a Phenotype-Dependent Manner
Authors: Fabianová Kamila , Babeľová Janka , Fabian Dušan , Popovičová Alexandra , Martončíková Marcela , Raček Adam , Račeková Enikő
Published: May 2022

Obesity is one of the biggest and most costly health challenges the modern world encounters. Substantial evidence suggests that the risk of metabolic syndrome or obesity formation may be affected at a very early stage of development, in particular through fetal and/or neonatal overfeeding. Outcomes from epidemiological studies indicate that maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation has a profound impact on adult neurogenesis in the offspring. In the present study, an intergenerational dietary model employing overfeeding of experimental mice during prenatal and early postnatal development was applied to acquire mice with various body conditions. We investigated the impact of the maternal high-energy diet during pregnancy and lactation on adult neurogenesis in the olfactory neurogenic region involving the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the rostral migratory stream (RMS) and some behavioral tasks including memory, anxiety and nociception. Our findings show that a maternal high-energy diet administered during pregnancy and lactation modifies proliferation and differentiation, and induced degeneration of cells in the SVZ/RMS of offspring, but only in mice where extreme phenotype, such as significant overweight/adiposity or obesity is manifested. Thereafter, a maternal high-energy diet enhances anxiety-related behavior in offspring regardless of its body condition and impairs learning and memory in offspring with an extreme phenotype.
Identification of microRNAs in the Lyme Disease Vector Ixodes scapularis
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Downs Latoyia P. , Embers Monica , Flynt Alex Sutton , Karim Shahid
Published: May 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs involved in many biological processes, including the immune pathways that control bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections. Pathogens probably modify host miRNAs to facilitate successful infection, so they might be useful targets for vaccination strategies. There are few data on differentially expressed miRNAs in the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis after infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease in the United States. Small RNA sequencing and qRT-PCR analysis were used to identify and validate differentially expressed I. scapularis salivary miRNAs. Small RNA-seq yielded 133,465,828 (≥18 nucleotides) and 163,852,135 (≥18 nucleotides) small RNA reads from Borrelia-infected and uninfected salivary glands for downstream analysis using the miRDeep2 algorithm. As such, 254 miRNAs were identified across all datasets, 25 of which were high confidence and 51 low confidence known miRNAs. Further, 23 miRNAs were differentially expressed in uninfected and infected salivary glands: 11 were upregulated and 12 were downregulated upon pathogen infection. Gene ontology and network analysis of target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs predicted roles in metabolic, cellular, development, cellular component biogenesis, and biological regulation processes. Several Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, including sphingolipid metabolism; valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation; lipid transport and metabolism; exosome biogenesis and secretion; and phosphate-containing compound metabolic processes, were predicted as targets of differentially expressed miRNAs. A qRT-PCR assay was utilized to validate the differential expression of miRNAs. This study provides new insights into the miRNAs expressed in I. scapularis salivary glands and paves the way for their functional manipulation to prevent or treat B. burgdorferi infection.
Intertwined Roles of Reactive Oxygen Species and Salicylic Acid Signaling Are Crucial for the Plant Response to Biotic Stress
Authors: Lukan Tjaša , Coll Anna
Published: May 2022

One of the earliest hallmarks of plant immune response is production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in different subcellular compartments, which regulate plant immunity. A suitable equilibrium, which is crucial to prevent ROS overaccumulation leading to oxidative stress, is maintained by salicylic acid (SA), a chief regulator of ROS. However, ROS not only act downstream of SA signaling, but are also proposed to be a central component of a self-amplifying loop that regulates SA signaling as well as the interaction balance between different phytohormones. The exact role of this crosstalk, the position where SA interferes with ROS signaling and ROS interferes with SA signaling and the outcome of this regulation, depend on the origin of ROS but also on the pathosystem. The precise spatiotemporal regulation of organelle-specific ROS and SA levels determine the effectiveness of pathogen arrest and is therefore crucial for a successful immune response. However, the regulatory interplay behind still remains poorly understood, as up until now, the role of organelle-specific ROS and SA in hypersensitive response (HR)-conferred resistance has mostly been studied by altering the level of a single component. In order to address these aspects, a sophisticated combination of research methods for monitoring the spatiotemporal dynamics of key players and transcriptional activity in plants is needed and will most probably consist of biosensors and precision transcriptomics.
Genome-Wide Analysis of C2H2 Zinc Finger Gene Family and Its Response to Cold and Drought Stress in Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]
Authors: Cui Huiying , Chen Jiaqi , Liu Mengjiao , Zhang Hongzhi , Zhang Shuangxi , Liu Dan , Chen Shaolin
Published: May 2022

C2H2 zinc finger protein (C2H2-ZFP) is one of the most important transcription factor families in higher plants. In this study, a total of 145 C2H2-ZFPs was identified in Sorghum bicolor and randomly distributed on 10 chromosomes. Based on the phylogenetic tree, these zinc finger gene family members were divided into 11 clades, and the gene structure and motif composition of SbC2H2-ZFPs in the same clade were similar. SbC2H2-ZFP members located in the same clade contained similar intron/exon and motif patterns. Thirty-three tandem duplicated SbC2H2-ZFPs and 24 pairs of segmental duplicated genes were identified. Moreover, synteny analysis showed that sorghum had more collinear regions with monocotyledonous plants such as maize and rice than did dicotyledons such as soybean and Arabidopsis. Furthermore, we used quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) to analyze the expression of C2H2-ZFPs in different organs and demonstrated that the genes responded to cold and drought. For example, Sobic.008G088842 might be activated by cold but is inhibited in drought in the stems and leaves. This work not only revealed an important expanded C2H2-ZFP gene family in Sorghum bicolor but also provides a research basis for determining the role of C2H2-ZFPs in sorghum development and abiotic stress resistance.
Clinical Support through Telemedicine in Heart Failure Outpatients during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period: Results of a 12-Months Follow Up
Authors: Severino Paolo , D’Amato Andrea , Prosperi Silvia , Magnocavallo Michele , Maraone Annalisa , Notari Claudia , Papisca Ilaria , Mancone Massimo , Fedele Francesco
Published: May 2022

Background: Heart failure (HF) patients are predisposed to recurrences and disease destabilizations, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak period. In this scenario, telemedicine could be a proper way to ensure continuous care. The purpose of the study was to compare two modalities of HF outpatients’ follow up, the traditional in-person visits and telephone consultations, during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Italy. Methods: We conducted an observational study on consecutive HF outpatients. The follow up period was 12 months, starting from the beginning of the COVID-19 Italy lockdown. According to the follow up modality, and after the propensity matching score, patients were divided into two groups: those in G1 (n = 92) were managed with traditional in-person visits and those in G2 (n = 92) were managed with telephone consultation. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were the primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints were overall mortality, cardiovascular death, cardiovascular hospitalization, and hospitalization due to HF. Results: No significant differences between G1 and G2 have been observed regarding MACE (p = 0.65), cardiovascular death (p = 0.39), overall mortality (p = 0.85), hospitalization due to acute HF (p = 0.07), and cardiovascular hospitalization (p = 0.4). Survival analysis performed by the Kaplan–Meier method also did not show significant differences between G1 and G2. Conclusions: Telephone consultations represented a valid option to manage HF outpatients during COVID-19 pandemic, comparable to traditional in-person visits.
The Combined Value of Type2 Inflammatory Markers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Liu Yunhuan , Ma Guanhua , Mou Yan , Liu Xuanqi , Qiu Wenjia , Zheng Yang , Zhu Huili , Ge Haiyan
Published: May 2022

The roles of type2 inflammatory markers in chronic airway diseases have been assessed in previous studies. However, the relationship between the combined value of these biomarkers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the roles of the combined value of the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) level and blood eosinophil count in COPD and the predictive capability of these biomarkers. In total, 266 patients were included in our analysis. When the two type2 biomarkers were assessed separately, there were limited correlations between either increased FeNO level or blood eosinophil count and decreased incidence of total exacerbation or frequency of mild exacerbation. Combining these two biomarkers strengthened their association with both incidence and frequency of acute exacerbation. In addition, during further assessment, simultaneously increased FeNO level and blood eosinophil count were associated with both mild and moderate acute exacerbation. Among the subjects included in this analysis, although the predictive capability was improved when these two biomarkers were combined, the improvement was not statistically significant, indicating the need to increase the sample size. The combination of FeNO level and blood eosinophil count exhibited strong and independent additive value in the assessment of acute exacerbation in COPD; simultaneously increased FeNO level and blood eosinophil count played a protective role in progression of COPD.
Potential of Stroke Imaging Using a New Prototype of Low-Field MRI: A Prospective Direct 0.55 T/1.5 T Scanner Comparison
Authors: Rusche Thilo , Breit Hanns-Christian , Bach Michael , Wasserthal Jakob , Gehweiler Julian , Manneck Sebastian , Lieb Johanna Maria , De Marchis Gian Marco , Psychogios Marios Nikos , Sporns Peter B.
Published: May 2022

Objectives: Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality and acquired disability worldwide and thus plays an enormous health-economic role. Imaging of choice is computed-tomographic (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), especially diffusion-weighted (DW) sequences. However, MR imaging is associated with high costs and therefore has a limited availability leading to low-field-MRI techniques increasingly coming into focus. Thus, the aim of our study was to assess the potential of stroke imaging with low-field MRI. Material and Methods: A scanner comparison was performed including 27 patients (17 stroke cohort, 10 control group). For each patient, a brain scan was performed first with a 1.5T scanner and afterwards with a 0.55T scanner. Scan protocols were as identical as possible and optimized. Data analysis was performed in three steps: All DWI/ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) and FLAIR (fluid attenuated inversion recovery) sequences underwent Likert rating with respect to image impression, resolution, noise, contrast, and diagnostic quality and were evaluated by two radiologists regarding number and localization of DWI and FLAIR lesions in a blinded fashion. Then segmentation of lesion volumes was performed by two other radiologists on DWI/ADC and FLAIR. Results: DWI/ADC lesions could be diagnosed with the same reliability by the most experienced reader in the 0.55T and 1.5T sequences (specificity 100% and sensitivity 92.9%, respectively). False positive findings did not occur. Detection of number/location of FLAIR lesions was mostly equivalent between 0.55T and 1.5T sequences. No significant difference (p = 0.789–0.104) for FLAIR resolution and contrast was observed regarding Likert scaling. For DWI/ADC noise, the 0.55T sequences were significantly superior (p < 0.026). Otherwise, the 1.5T sequences were significantly superior (p < 0.029). There was no significant difference in infarct volume and volume of infarct demarcation between the 0.55T and 1.5T sequences, when detectable. Conclusions: Low-field MRI stroke imaging at 0.55T may not be inferior to scanners with higher field strengths and thus has great potential as a low-cost alternative in future stroke diagnostics. However, there are limitations in the detection of very small infarcts. Further technical developments with follow-up studies must show whether this problem can be solved.
The Effect of Low-Dose Dexmedetomidine on Pain and Inflammation in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Hwang He Won , Jeong Ju-Yeon , Kim Yong Min , Park Chunghyun , Kim Jong Yeop
Published: May 2022

Dexmedetomidine has sedative, sympatholytic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the effects of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion without a loading dose in the prevention of pain and inflammation after laparoscopic hysterectomy. In this study, 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy under desflurane anesthesia were randomized to receive either 0.9% saline or dexmedetomidine (0.4 μg/kg/h) after induction to trocar removal. The primary endpoints were postoperative pain and inflammatory response presented by the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The secondary endpoints were hemodynamics during the anesthesia and surgery and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Postoperative pain was decreased in the dexmedetomidine group for every time point, and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) rescue fentanyl doses were decreased in the dexmedetomidine group. The inflammatory response representing TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and CRP were similar across the two groups. Postoperative nausea and vomiting from PACU discharge to 24 h post-surgery were reduced in the dexmedetomidine group. During anesthesia and surgery, the patient’s heart rate was maintained lower in the dexmedetomidine-receiving group. Dexmedetomidine of 0.4 μg/kg/h given as an intraoperative infusion significantly reduced postoperative pain but did not reduce the inflammatory responses in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Efficacy of 3 Tesla Functional Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Female Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Braga Andrea , Castronovo Fabiana , Caccia Giorgio , Papadia Andrea , Regusci Luca , Torella Marco , Salvatore Stefano , Scancarello Chiara , Ghezzi Fabio , Serati Maurizio
Published: May 2022

Functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) is a new technique for the conservative treatment of Urinary incontinence (UI), based on magnetic induction. It induces controlled depolarization of the nerves, resulting in pelvic muscle contraction and sacral S2-S4 roots neuromodulation. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the new 3 Tesla FMS chair, both in patients with pure stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and in women with pure overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. A prospective observational study was conducted in our urogynaecologic unit. All the patients involved were consecutive women with pure SUI or pure OAB symptoms treated by a 3 Tesla electromagnetic chair. The primary outcome was a subjective outcome evaluation by the PGI-I Scale and a patient-satisfaction scale. The secondary outcome was the change score of the UDI-6, IIQ-7, ICIQ-SF and OAB-q SF questionnaires from baseline to final visit. At 2 months follow-up, 28 out of 60 patients (47%) with SUI symptoms and 20 out of 40 patients (50%) with OAB symptoms declared themselves cured. Considering cured and improved patients, the subjective cure rates were 68.3% (41/60) and 70% (28/40) for patients with SUI and OAB symptoms, respectively. The results of this study showed that the 3 Tesla electromagnetic chair may be an effective option for the treatment of UI.
Biomarkers of Myocardial Injury and Remodeling in Heart Failure
Authors: Ponikowska Barbara , Iwanek Gracjan , Zdanowicz Agata , Urban Szymon , Zymliński Robert , Ponikowski Piotr , Biegus Jan
Published: May 2022

With its complicated pathophysiology, high incidence and prevalence, heart failure remains a major public concern. In hopes of improving diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, the utility of many different biomarkers is researched vigorously around the world. In this review, biomarkers of myocardial remodeling and fibrosis (galectin-3, soluble isoform of suppression of tumorigenicity 2, matrix metalloproteinases, osteopontin, interleukin-6, syndecan-4, myostatin, procollagen type I C-terminal propeptide, procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide, vascular endothelial growth factor, nitric oxidase synthetase and asymmetric dimethylarginine), myocyte injury (heart-type fatty acid-binding protein, glutathione S-transferase P1 and heat shock protein 60), as well as iron metabolism (ferritin, transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor and hepcidin), are considered in terms of possible clinical applicability and significance. Our short review consists of a summary of the aforementioned cardiovascular biomarkers’ clinical relevance and perspectives.
The Acquisition of Quotatives and Quotative Be Like among Chinese L2 Speakers of English in Australia
Authors: Choi Jihyun Karen , Diskin-Holdaway Chloé
Published: May 2022

This study explores the acquisition of the English quotative system and the innovative quotative variant be like among Chinese L2 speakers of English residing in Melbourne, Australia. The L2 speakers’ use of quotatives such as say, go, be like, and quotative zero is compared with quotatives used by native speakers of Australian English (AusE) in Perth and Sydney, as well as with a group of Polish L2 speakers in Ireland. A quantitative analysis of the Chinese L2 speakers’ sociolinguistic interviews shows that their distribution of quotatives is dramatically different from native AusE speakers, primarily because of their overall low proportion of be like and their high proportion of quotative say and zero. The L2 speakers also show neutralization (no preference) for language-internal constraints, which have traditionally shown be like to be preferred in first person contexts and for reporting inner thoughts, differing from patterns for AusE observed in Perth and in a recent study of second generation Chinese Australians in Sydney.
Variations in Strain Distribution at Distal Radius under Different Loading Conditions
Authors: Pramudita Jonas , Hiroki Wataru , Yoda Takuya , Tanabe Yuji
Published: May 2022

Distal radial fractures exhibit various fracture patterns. By assuming that the strain distribution at the distal radius affects the diversification of the fracture pattern, a parameter study using the finite element model of a wrist developed from computed tomography (CT) images was performed under different loading conditions. The finite element model of the wrist consisted of the radius, ulna, scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and major carpal ligaments. The material properties of the bone models were assigned on the basis of the Hounsfield Unit (HU) values of the CT images. An impact load was applied to the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum to simulate boundary conditions during fall accidents. This study considered nine different loading conditions that combine three different loading directions and three different load distribution ratios. According to the analysis results, the strain distribution at the distal radius changed with respect to the change in the loading condition. High strain concentration occurred in regions where distal radius fractures are commonly developed. The direction and distribution of the load acting on the radius were considered to be factors that may cause variations in the fracture pattern of distal radius fractures.
Distributed Fixed-Time Attitude Consensus Tracking Control for Multiple Rigid-Bodies Subject to Unknown Uncertainties
Authors: Jiang Sen , Yang Zhong , Gao Yuxin , Xu Hao , Xu Changliang
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the problem of fixed-time attitude consensus tracking control for a team of multiple rigid-bodies in the presence of unknown uncertainties. A robust exact distributed fixed-time observer is presented to estimate velocity state of the virtual-leader for the followers that could not directly access information of the virtual-leader. Subsequently, a novel distributed fixed-time consensus tracking control law is proposed, by which consensus tracking for a team of multiple rigid-bodies could be achieved in a fixed-time regardless of any initial system state. When the proposed control scheme is applied, effects of time-varying disturbances acting on each follower could drastically be attenuated. Analysis on stability of the closed-loop system is rigorously given and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by numerical simulations.
Metabolic Profiling and In Vitro Assessment of the Biological Activities of the Ethyl Acetate Extract of Penicillium chrysogenum “Endozoic of Cliona sp. Marine Sponge” from the Red Sea (Egypt)
Authors: Al-Saleem Muneera S. M. , Hassan Wafaa H. B. , El Sayed Zeinab I. , Abdel-Aal Mahmoud M. , Abdel-Mageed Wael M. , Abdelsalam Eman , Abdelaziz Sahar
Published: May 2022

Marine sponge-derived endozoic fungi have been gaining increasing importance as promising sources of numerous and unique bioactive compounds. This study investigates the phytochemical profile and biological activities of the ethyl acetate extract of Penicillium chrysogenum derived from Cliona sp. sponge. Thirty-six compounds were tentatively identified from P. chrysogenum ethyl acetate extract along with the kojic acid (KA) isolation. The UPLC-ESI-MS/MS positive ionization mode was used to analyze and identify the extract constituents while 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy were used for kojic acid (KA) structure confirmation. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities were assessed in vitro. Both the extract and kojic acid showed potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC 250 ± 0.82 µg/mL. Interestingly, the extract showed strong antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans with MIC 93.75 ± 0.55 and 19.53 ± 0.48 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, KA showed the same potency against Fusarium oxysporum and Cryptococcus neoformans with MIC 39.06 ± 0.85 and 39.06 ± 0.98 µg/mL, respectively. Ultimately, KA showed strong antioxidant activity with IC50 33.7 ± 0.8 µg/mL. Moreover, the extract and KA showed strong cytotoxic activity against colon carcinoma (with IC50 22.6 ± 0.8 and 23.4 ± 1.4 µg/mL, respectively) and human larynx carcinoma (with equal IC50 30.8 ± 1.3 and ± 2.1 µg/mL, respectively), respectively. The current study represents the first insights into the phytochemical profile and biological properties of P. chrysoenum ethyl acetate extract, which could be a promising source of valuable secondary metabolites with potent biological potentials.
Anticancer, Anticoagulant, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Thevetia peruviana Latex with Molecular Docking of Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Al-Rajhi Aisha M. H. , Yahya Reham , Abdelghany Tarek M. , Fareid Mohamed A. , Mohamed Alawlaqi M. , Amin Basma H. , Masrahi Abdurrahman S.
Published: May 2022

Natural origin molecules represent reliable and excellent sources to overcome some medicinal problems. The study of anticancer, anticoagulant, and antimicrobial activities of Thevetia peruviana latex were the aim of the current research. An investigation using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed that the major content of the flavonoids are rutin (11.45 µg/mL), quersestin (7.15 µg/mL), naringin (5.25 µg/mL), and hisperdin (6.07 µg/mL), while phenolic had chlorogenic (12.39 µg/mL), syringenic (7.45 µg/mL), and ferulic (5.07 µg/mL) acids in latex of T. peruviana. Via 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, the experiment demonstrated that latex had a potent antioxidant activity with the IC50 43.9 µg/mL for scavenging DPPH. Hemolysis inhibition was 58.5% at 1000 µg/mL of latex compared with 91.0% at 200 µg/mL of indomethacin as positive control. Negligible anticoagulant properties of latex were reported where the recorded time was 11.9 s of prothrombin time (PT) and 29.2 s of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) at 25 µg/mL, compared with the same concentration of heparin (PT 94.6 s and APPT 117.7 s). The anticancer potential of latex was recorded against PC-3 (97.11% toxicity) and MCF-7 (96.23% toxicity) at 1000 μg/mL with IC50 48.26 μg/mL and 40.31 µg/mL, respectively. Disc diffusion assessment for antimicrobial activity recorded that the most sensitive tested microorganisms to latex were Bacillus subtilis followed by Escherichia coli, with an inhibition zone (IZ) of 31 mm with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (10.2 μg/mL) and 30 mm (MIC, 12.51 μg/mL), respectively. Moreover, Candida albicans was sensitive (IZ, 28 mm) to latex, unlike black fungus (Mucor circinelloides). TEM examination exhibited ultrastructure changes in cell walls and cell membranes of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa treated with latex. Energy scores of the molecular docking of chlorogenic acid with E. coli DNA (7C7N), and Rutin with human prostate-specific antigen (3QUM) and breast cancer-associated protein (1JNX), result in excellent harmony with the experimental results. The outcome of research recommended that the latex is rich in constituents and considered a promising source that contributes to fighting cancer and pathogenic microorganisms.
Thesis Review: The Role of SANZ, a Migrant Radio Programme, in Making Sense of Place for South African Migrants in New Zealand
Authors: Meadows Michael
Published: May 2022

In this thesis, reviewed by Michael Meadows, the author details a ‘qualitative exploration of the role played by a South African migrant radio programme, SANZ Live, in supporting its audience to create a sense of place in Auckland, New Zealand, through a range of on- and off-air activities.
COVID-19 Implications for China's National Security
Authors: Gębska Marta , Krukowska Monika
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020 and China has since been under public scrutiny for neglecting the first signs of this global health challenge and for its lockdown strategy. Although lockdowns have not lasted for long, China needs to confront the political, social, and economic implications for its national security. The paper aims to fill a gap in the knowledge and investigate aspects of China’s national security in light of the pandemic. The study is based on desk research using secondary data and statistical and comparative analysis. It also employs an inductive method to build general theorems. The Chinese government can be seen as successful in dealing with the pandemic because of a low death toll and minimal economic losses. By early February 2022, only 106,863 Chinese had been diagnosed, and 4,636 had died from the virus. China also achieved enviable economic success and, its output grew by 18.3% year on year in the first quarter of 2021, the fastest rate since the 1990s, and it was the first major economy to withdraw its pandemic stimulus. China consolidated its position in low-income countries and improved its image as a global leader in trade by supplying vaccines, masks and ventilators, and strengthened its geopolitical standing. It will face threats from other countries working on a joint approach to the challenges posed by Beijing and while the aftereffects of the crisis can be seen, it also fears that they might further affect China's national security.
Controllable spin diode based on a semiconductor quantum dot
Authors: Bo Rui , Xu Qian , Qian Yuan , Du Juan , Zhang Zhengzhong
Published: May 2022

We theoretically propose an all-electrically controlled spin-current diode consisting of a quantum dot sandwiched between one normal electrode and one ferromagnetic electrode. By applying a spin bias V

S
across one electrode, the spin current distribution shows a rectification effect; that is, in the forward spin bias regime, a spin current can tunnel through the junction, while in the reverse bias regime, the current is tiny. Such asymmetry in the spin-current profile suggests diode-like behaviour with respect to the spin bias. Moreover, the polarity direction of this spin-current diode can be manipulated and reversed by adjusting the gate voltage, which is much more feasible than the approach with traditional charge-current diodes. The present device can be realized by current technologies and has potential applications in spintronics or quantum information processing.
Modelling the initial plasma dynamics in a laser triggered vacuum switch
Authors: Liu Yuchen , He Zhenghao , Xin Yinan , Zhang Zhuoyu
Published: May 2022

The numerical simulations of the initial plasma dynamics induced by 1064 nm laser irradiation on a KCl-Ti mixture target in a laser-triggered vacuum switch are performed. The simulation results showed that laser irradiance strongly affects the dynamics of the initial plasma. With higher laser fluence, the plasma plume will have higher temperatures and densities, and the shock front will also move faster. During the laser ablation, the plasma shielding is a non-negligible process. As the degree of ionization increases, the absorption coefficient of the plume increases and the it begins to absorb the laser energy. The temperature and velocity of the plume increase dramatically as it absorbs laser energy. When laser fluence gets higher, the plasma shielding starts with a shorter time and a larger proportion of the laser energy is absorbed by the plume.
Improvement of properties of top-gate IGZO TFT by oxygen-rich ultrathin in situ ITO active layer
Authors: Peng Cong , Xu Meng , Chen Longlong , Li Xifeng , Zhang Jianhua
Published: May 2022

In this letter, the top-gate dual-active-layer TFT has been fabricated by in situ deposition of oxygen-rich ultrathin In-Sn-O layer on a top of the In-Ga-Zn-O (IGZO) active layer in order to suppress the hysteresis and improve negative bias illumination stability. The oxygen-rich ultrathin In-Sn-O layer can effectively reduce the oxygen vacancies concentration of the semiconductor layer from 33.16 to 1.13%. The decrease of oxygen vacancies indicates that the trap density and electron trapping are reduced, resulting in a reduced hysteresis from 0.66 to 0.02 V. Simultaneously, the negative bias illumination stability has been effectively improved from −0.89 to −0.29 V.
A three-dimensional Josephson parametric amplifier
Authors: Mahboob Imran , Toida Hiraku , Kakuyanagi Kousuke , Nakamura Yasunobu , Saito Shiro
Published: May 2022

A Josephson parametric amplifier (JPA) is executed in a three-dimensional (3D) microwave cavity by coupling it to a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) that is embedded in a two-dimensional resonator. The JPA is activated in a three-wave mixing configuration by injecting ac magnetic flux, at twice the 3D cavity frequency, into the SQUID. An 8.3 GHz cavity is measured in a non-degenerate phase-insensitive configuration which yields gains in excess of 40 dB, where a 20 dB gain results in an operational bandwidth of 0.4 MHz, a 1 dB compression point of −115 dBm with half a quantum of added noise.
AlN quasi-vertical Schottky barrier diode on AlN bulk substrate using Al0.9Ga0.1N current spreading layer
Authors: Maeda Takuya , Page Ryan , Nomoto Kazuki , Toita Masato , Xing Huili Grace , Jena Debdeep
Published: May 2022

An aluminum nitride (AlN) quasi-vertical Schottky barrier diode (SBD) was fabricated on an AlN bulk substrate. An undoped AlN layer, a Si-doped Al0.9Ga0.1N current spreading layer and an AlN buffer layer were grown by plasma-enhanced molecular beam epitaxy. The epitaxial AlN layer was etched down to the n-Al0.9Ga0.1N layer to form an Ohmic contact. Ni/Au and V/Al/Ni/Au were deposited on the top AlN layer as Schottky contacts and on the exposed n-Al0.9Ga0.1N layer as Ohmic contacts, respectively. The Ohmic characteristics on the n-Al0.9Ga0.1N layer, capacitance–voltage (C–V) and current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of the AlN SBD were investigated.
Diamond hollow cathode with axial magnetic field for high-density cold plasma source
Authors: Miyazaki Hisao , Yoshida Hisashi , Kimura Shigeya
Published: May 2022

We present a high-density plasma source using a hollow cathode with an axial magnetic field. The hollow cathode consists of molybdenum plates coated by polycrystalline boron-doped diamond (PBDD) with a high yield of ion-induced secondary electrons. Impact ionization was promoted by gyromotion in the hollow cathode with a magnetic field. A normalized current density four orders of magnitude larger than that of a planar cathode without a magnetic field was obtained. The high-quality PBDD cathode enables lower discharge sustain voltage and higher current density without glow-to-arc transition compared with low-quality PBDD and other cathode materials.
Creation of multiple NV centers by phthalocyanine ion implantation
Authors: Kimura Kosuke , Onoda Shinobu , Yamada Keisuke , Kada Wataru , Teraji Tokuyuki , Isoya Junichi , Hanaizumi Osamu , Ohshima Takeshi
Published: May 2022

A nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond is known as a solid-state spin qubit at room temperature. NV centers coherently coupled by dipole–dipole interactions have a potential to accomplish quantum registers at room temperature. This study reports to develop a phthalocyanine ion implantation technique to fabricate multiple dipole-coupled NV centers. Photon counts and optically detected magnetic resonance spectra show that up to four NV centers were successfully created in a confocal spot. The histogram of photon counts is fitted by a Poisson distribution, and the ratio of multiple NV spots suggests the potential for a five NV centers creation.
Prediction of Mechanical Behavior of GFRP with Elastomer under Impact and Tensile Loading
Authors:   Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, India., Muralidharan* Sivaa Charan , Ranjendran Balaji ,   Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Chennai, India.
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the mechanical behavior of GFRP laminates reinforced with Elastomers under Impact and Tensile loading conditions has been studied. The GFRP laminates have bidirectional orientation so that it can take loads acting along both x & y-axis. Composite made of E-glass fibre and Araldite LY 556 resin was reinforced with Silicone Rubber elastomer. The GFRP laminates were manufactured utilizing the Compression Molding (Sheet Molding) Process. Elastomers are believed to improve the Impact and Tensile Strength of GFRP laminates. Which can be studied only by comparing the Impact and Tensile test results of GFRP with Elastomers to those without Elastomers. A total of ten specimens, five GFRP laminates without Elastomers, and five GFRP laminates with Elastomers were manufactured. For each type, two samples were used to obtain Tensile Strength at 34oC & 50oC, and then three specimens were used to gain Impact Strength. The Tensile Strengths were obtained from the Tensile Test as per the ASTM D638 standard of testing, and the Impact Strengths were obtained from the Charpy Impact Test as per the ASTM D256 standard of testing. The specimen dimension for Tensile Test was 4.97 mm * 12.9 mm, and the specimen dimension for the Charpy Impact Test was 63.7 mm * 12.7 mm. The values for Impact Strength and Tensile Strength for each type of specimen were tabulated, utilizing which graphs were plotted between Stress vs. Strain. These values were used to analyze the Mechanical Properties of GFRP with Elastomers under Impact and Tensile Behavior.
“A STUDY ON CLINICO-MYCOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF OTOMYCOSIS”
Authors: chandrasekhar SBV. , Ramakrishnaiah P. , Heera Heera , Devi S. Indira
Published: May 2022

AIM OF STUDY :To study about various fungal infections in the external ear
OBJECTIVES: 1. To study the incidence of fungal infection in ear ,2.To study the aetiological agents of otomycosis 3.To study the association
with various diseases like otitis media (csom, asom) otitis externa, post op patients, drug induced(local drops)
Materials and Methods: This is a Cross-sectional study where patients tting into inclusion criteria were interviewed and assessed after informed
written consent.Detailed history is taken and after clinical examination ear swab for culture and sensitivity and KOH was sent and culture positive
patients are studied for a period of one and half year from September 2019 to March 2021
Results: out of 120 cases observed for a period of 18 months in the Department of ENT Bhaskar Medical college ,the peak number of cases was in
June month [12.5%] ,Female : Male Ratio was 55:45 ,Right ear is more than left ear ,most important predisposing factor being usage of unsterile
sticks ,Itching being the most common complaint [67.5%] ,Otitis externa being the most common associated disease [20%] ,Asperigillus avus
being the most common organism in our study [49%] .
Conclusion : The present study highlights the increased prevalence of otomycosis in females as compared to males with majority of the cases
occurring in the rainy season. In our study Unilateral predominance is seen with right ear than left ear .The incidence is more in age group of 31 to 40
years Other Indian studies report high incidence of otomycosis among 21 – 30 year age group. Aspergillus species was the most common fungi
isolated
OAE IN DETECTING INTRACOCHLEAR INJURY IN ACUTE HEAD TRAUMA
Authors: Gupta Ankita , Bhattacharjee Abhinandan , Dutta Borah Smrity Rupa
Published: May 2022

This is a prospective study conducted on patients with acute head injury attending outpatient department and
emergency room of Silchar Medical College and Hospital.A total of 11 cases of diagnosed head injury with history of loss
of consciousness or reduced GCS score following the injury were selected for this study. Patients with history of ear
disease, gross intra cerebral trauma and GCS below 9 were excluded from this study. Transient Evoked Oto-Acoustic
Emission test (TEOAE) was performed in the patients along with audiometry. Oto-Acoustic Emissions (OAEs) are sound
waves produced by the normal cochlea. They may be spontaneous or evoked OAE. When evoked Oto-Acoustic
Emissions are absent, and in the absence of middle ear pathology, it indicates damage to the cochlea. Findings in this
study were noted and compared with the hearing status of the patient as well as the GCS score at the time of presentation
and mode of injury.