bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Correlation analysis of In-doped Aluminium Antimonide Alloy for Optoelectronic Applications: A First Principle Study
Authors: Nabi Shafqat , Anwar Abdul Waheed , Ahmad Muhammad , Haq Najam Ul , Waqas Rana , Tayyab Muhammad , Moin Muhammad , Ali Anwar , Afzal Muhammad , Nabi Kashif
Published: September 2022

The first Principle calculations are made to study the structural electronic and optical properties for indium doped aluminum antimonide. The most appropriate method of density functional theory (DFT) naming Full Potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave (FP-LAPW) is used. The structural properties like Lattice constant (a), pressure derivative, bulk modulus (B) examined by Local density approximation (LDA) along with generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Generalized gradient approximation along with TB-mBJ is used to determine electronic parameters like band structure along and density of states. According to the computed results the binary compound AlSb is optically inactive and exhibits an indirect (Γ -X) band gap. By increasing the concentration of indium with different percentages, the indirect band gape shifted to direct (Γ – Γ) band gap which shows material is optically active. The optical properties of material including dielectric (Real and imaginary part) constant, reflectivity, refractive index, energy loss, absorption coefficient, and optical conductivity have changed significantly. Electronic and optical properties are modified by (TB-mBJ) approach. The results obtained are examined with experimental data and utilized as a starting point to propose that the material is the superlative choice for optoelectronic devices/applications.
Accounting for G×E interactions in plant breeding: a probabilistic approach
Authors: Bijari Reyhaneh , Olafsson Sigurdur
Published: September 2022

In plant breeding trials the mean phenotypic responses of two experimental genotypes are often close; and which genotype appears to perform better depends on the specific environments that are observed. When only one of the genotypes must be selected, the conclusion drawn by comparing means across any set of observed environments may differ from the conclusion that would be drawn if all target environments could have been observed, in which case the wrong selection may be made. This paper proposes a new method of comparing genotypes that aims to select the genotype that is more likely to perform better across a set of environments, rather than the one that has the better mean. The implementation uses bootstrap resampling to estimate the probability that one genotype outperforms another in a set of observed environments, and by doing so accounts for the uncertainty caused by observing limited environments. The results show that due to the different genetic-by-environment (G×E) interaction effects, the genotype that is more likely to be better is sometimes different than the one with the better mean and the probabilistic comparison accounts for both the mean and the interaction effects.
The anti-inflammatory effect of dimethyl trisulfide in experimental acute pancreatitis
Authors: Orján Erik Márk , Kormányos Eszter Sára , Fűr Gabriella Mihalekné , Dombi Ágnes , Bálint Emese Réka , Balla Zsolt , Balog Beáta Adél , Dágó Ágnes , Totonji Ahmad , Bátai Zoárd István , Pozsgai Gábor , Pintér Erika , Rakonczay Zoltán , Kiss Lóránd
Published: September 2022

Several organosulfur compounds, such as dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Our aims were to investigate the effects of DMTS on acute pancreatitis (AP) and its mechanism of action in both in vivo and in vitro studies. AP was induced in FVB/n mice or Wistar rats by caerulein or L-ornithine-HCl, respectively. DMTS treatments were applied subcutaneously. AP severity was evaluated with histological scoring of the pancreas, pancreatic water content and myeloperoxidase activity measurements. The behaviour of animals were followed. Western blot was performed to determine the extent of pancreatic heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) expression. In vitro acinar viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations were determined in isolated pancreatic acinar cells. DMTS dose dependently reduced the severity of AP. It decreased the pancreatic infiltration of leukocytes, myeloperoxidase activity and cellular damage in mice, but it was less effective in rats. During AP, DMTS upregulated the HSP72 expression. DMTS showed cytoprotection against H2O2 and AP inducing agents, it reduced the level of ROS, and altered the caerulein-evoked Ca2+ signals. Overall, DMTS significantly ameliorated the severity of AP and protected pancreatic acinar cells. Our results suggest that DMTS have anti-inflammatory effects, so organosulfur compounds are worth further investigation in this potentially lethal disease.
A balanced omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid diet suffices to prevent autism spectrum disorder symptoms in an environmental mouse model
Authors: Jaber Mohamed , Turpin Valentine , Schaffhauser Maud , Thabault Mathieu , Aubert Agnes , Joffre Corinne , Balado Eric , Longueville Jean-Emmanuel , Francheteau Maureen , Burucoa Christophe , Pichon Maxime , Laye Sophie
Published: September 2022

Exploration of potential nutritional therapies in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), notably through omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation, have been explored but remain elusive as to their specific contribution to the phenotype and their potential in ameliorating cardinal symptoms of the disease. Here, we compared the effects of two diets that differ in their n-3 PUFA species on ASD symptoms in the valproic acid (VPA) mouse model. For this, pregnant C57BL/6J females were i.p. injected with VPA at embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5; 450mg/kg) and fed with either a balanced diet (n-3 bal) with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) as the only n-3 PUFA source or a n-3 long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) supplemented diet (n-3 supp) with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as the major n-3 PUFA species. Diets were provided starting E0, throughout lactation and on to the offspring after weaning through adulthood. Maternal and pup behaviors were investigated followed by social, motor and gait behavior in young adult offspring. Post-mortem investigations included cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) count, liver and cerebellar fatty acid (FA) composition, inflammation markers’ levels and microbiota composition. All experiments were performed separately on male and female offspring. Developmental milestones were delayed in the n-3 LCPUFA groups, whatever the treatment. VPA-exposed offspring did not show social deficits, stereotypies, or PC loss. Global activity and gait were altered by diet and treatment with sex differences. TNF-alpha cerebellar levels were slightly increased by n-3 LCPUFA supplementation, only in females. With both diets, VPA did not alter microbiota composition in male and female offspring nor cerebellar n-3 LCPUFA levels, except in females. Our results indicate that a balanced n-3/n-6 PUFA diet may suffice to protect from ASD symptoms and physiopathology, and that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation brings limited benefits in the VPA mouse model.
Thermostability improvement of sucrose isomerase PalI NX-5: a comprehensive strategy
Authors: Sardiña-Peña Amado Javier , Ballinas-Casarrubias Lourdes , Siqueiros-Cendón Tania Samanta , Espinoza-Sánchez Edward Alexander , Flores-Holguín Norma Rosario , Iglesias-Figueroa Blanca Flor , Rascon-Cruz Quintin
Published: September 2022

Objective: To increase the thermal stability of sucrose isomerase from Erwinia rhapontici NX-5, we designed a comprehensive strategy that combines different thermostabilizing elements.
Results: We identified 19 high B value amino acid residues for site-directed mutagenesis. An in silicoevaluation of the influence of post-translational modifications on the thermostability was also carried out. The sucrose isomerase variants were expressed in Pichia pastoris X33. Thus, for the first time, we report the expression and characterization of glycosylated sucrose isomerases. The designed mutants K174Q, L202E and K174Q/L202E, showed an increase in their optimal temperature of 5 °C, while their half-lives increased 2.21, 1.73 and 2.89 times, respectively. The mutants showed an increase in activity of 20.3% up to 25.3%. The Km values for the K174Q, L202E, and K174Q/L202E mutants decreased by 5.1%, 7.9%, and 9.4%, respectively; furthermore, the catalytic efficiency increased by up to 16%.
Conclusions: With the comprehensive strategy followed, we successfully obtain engineered mutants more suitable for industrial applications than their counterparts: native (this research) and wild-type from E. rhapontici NX-5, without compromising the catalytic activity of the molecule.
SCDAP – Secured Cluster based Data Aggregation Protocol for Energy Efficient Communication in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Gunasekaran Lavanya , Velammal B L , K Kulothungan
Published: September 2022

A network of real time devices that can sense and transmit the information from the deployed environment by using multi hop communication is called as Wireless Sensor Network (WSNs). Despite the rapid advancement of WSN, where an increasing number of physical devices so called as sensors nodes are connected with each other, providing theimproved security withoptimized energy consumption during data transmission, communication and computation remains huge challenge. In wireless sensor networks, numerous sensor nodes are deployed in the physical environment to sense and collect the required information from the given environment. The sensed information are needed to be transmitted from the nodes to the control station in an energy efficient manner. Data aggregation is one kind of techniques which willoptimize the energy usage in wireless sensor networks during the data transmission. In data aggregation, the unnecessary data is removedwhich will significantly reduce energy of the nodes during data transmission. However, collected data during the data aggregation should be completely protected and there are various threats that can be launched by the intruders to carry out unauthorised data access and can cause threat to the integrity of the network. Therefore, ensuring data security during the data aggregation process is very important and essential for the security of the network. In this paper, a Secure Cluster based Data Aggregation Protocol (SCDAP) have been proposed to provide better security through secure authentication and verification process, and to reduce overall energy consumption of the network by implementing secure clustering process to eliminate the redundant data in the network. Moreover, the proposed system is more efficient in generating public and private keys for effective and secure data transmission and verification process. The proposed system is experimentally tested in NS3 tool and proves that the proposed system reduces high energy consumption, computational and communicational cost, end-to-end delay and improves the packet delivery ratio. Moreover, the proposed system provides better security in the network when compared to other existing systems during the data aggregation.
Establishment of a n efficient method for kiwifruit in vitro micrografting
Authors: Yao Wantian , Kong Lingling , Lei Diya , Zhao Bing , Tang Honglan , Zhou Xuan , Lin Yuanxiu , Zhang Yunting , Wang Yan , He Wen , Li Mengyao , Chen Qing , Luo Ya , Wang Xiaorong , Tang Haoru , Zhang Yong
Published: September 2022

This study was carried out to assess the potential use and applicability of micrografting technique for developing in vitro grafted plantlets. Microshoots of kiwifruit ‘Miliang-1’ and ‘Hongyang’ was used as rootstock and scion. Accomplishment of in vitro grafting has been examined by varying numerous factors, the physiological state of the rootstock and scion, the pH value of the medium, the concentration of sucrose, the type of medium and the PGRs. The results showed that the best condition of kiwifruit in vitro grafting was that the rootstock does not take root, and both the rootstock and scion have no leaves. The best medium formula suitable for kiwifruit micrografting was 1/2 MS solid media along with 0.5 mg L− 1 GA3, 1.0mg L− 1 IBA, 40 g L− 1 sucrose and 7 g L− 1 agar, pH 6.0. The matrix formula of perlite: peat soil: vermiculite volume ratio of 1:2:1 was the most suitable substrate for transplanting micrografted seedlings.
Synthesis of NiO nanoparticles prepared via a green process using Azadirachta indica, Morinda citrifolia, and Terminalia elliptica for biological applications
Authors: V Lakshmikanth Reddy , S Lakshmikanth
Published: September 2022

Developing a low cost, high-efficiency and environmentally friendly approach to synthesize nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) for biomedical applications has become a research focus in the current scenario. In the present investigation, the NiO NPs were synthesised via a green process using different plant extracts, such as Azadirachta indica (N1), Morinda citrifolia (N2), and Terminalia elliptica (N3). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy were used to investigate the evolution of the size, morphology, chemical composition, and surface defect of NiO NPs. The synthesized NiO NPs were exhibited as cubic structures. As compared to conventional antibiotics amoxicillin, Morinda citrifolia (N2) and Terminalia elliptica (N3) medicated NiO nanoparticles, Azadirachta indica mediated NiO (N1) exhibits more antibacterial activity. From the antioxidant activity, the DPPH assay of N1, N2, N3, and vitamin-c samples exhibited free radical scavenging potential. There are increases in the inhibition percentage with increases in the concentrations of these NiO NPs. In addition, the N1 sample demonstrates higher radical scavenging activity than N2 and N3. From the observed results, we believe that Azadirachta indica mediated N1 condition synthesized NiO NPs are very promising biocidal nanomaterials against human pathogens, which will be medically crucial for clinical applications.
Spiramycin antibiotic produced by Streptomyces pulveraceus, Am 52: Fermentation, Purification and biological activities
Authors: Abdel-Haliem Mahmoud E F , Amin Rashid , El-Sayed El-Sayed , Abosaty Amira Ibrahim , Aziz Athar
Published: September 2022

We are presenting here the synthesis of specific bioactive substances that have demonstrated inhibitory effects against pathogenic microorganisms from actinomycetes strains. Ninety-two Streptomyces strains were isolated from soil sample collected from Sharkia province, Egypt. All these isolates were screened for their antimicrobial activity against Gram positive and negative bacteria. Among these 92 Streptomyces samples, the broad-spectrum strain Streptomyces sp. Am 52 was isolated from soil cultivated with wheat in Abo-Hamad and selected for compound characterization and purification. The nucleotide sequence of the 16s RNA gene (1.5 Kb) of the most potent strain evidenced 98% similarity with Streptomyces pulveraceus. From the taxonomic features, the actinomycetes isolate Am 52 matches with Streptomyces pulveraceus in the morphological, physiological and biochemical characters. Thus, it was given the suggested name Streptomyces pulveraceus, (Am 52). The active metabolite was extracted using ethyl acetate (1:1, v/v) at pH 7.0. The separation of the active ingredient and its purification was performed using both thin layer chromatography (TLC) and column chromatography (CC) techniques. The physicochemical characteristics of the purified antibacterial substance have been investigated. The study indicates a suggested empirical formula of C43H74N2O14. The minimum inhibition concentrations "MICs" of the purified antimicrobial agent were also determined. The purified antimicrobial agent was suggestive of being belonging to 16-membered Macrolide group (Spiramycin antibiotic) produced by Streptomyces pulveraceus, Am 52.
Effect of gravity on particle clustering and collisions in decaying turbulence.
Authors: Nair Vishnu , Devenish Benjamin , Reeuwijk Maarten van
Published: September 2022

The preferential concentration of sedimenting particles in decaying homogeneous isotropic turbulence is investigated using radial distribution functions (RDF). Direct numerical simulations of polydisperse distributions of non-sedimenting and sedimenting particles of radii 10 micro metre to 55 micro metre are performed. We see a power law behaviour for the RDF in decaying turbulence and the power-law relation derived by Chun et al 2005 for the RDF of non-sedimenting particles holds for sedimenting particles as well. Empirical formulas are generated for the power-law coefficients which are shown to be functions of the Stokes number and the Taylor Reynolds number for sedimenting particles. An in-depth analysis of the turbulent kinematic collision kernel for both non-sedimenting and sedimenting collision kernels confirms that gravity enhances the collision kernel for unequal sized particles and decreases for same-sized particles. Models are created for both monodisperse and bidisperse RDFs which are combined with existing models for the relative velocities of colliding particles to predict kinematic collision kernels for both non-sedimenting and sedimenting particles. The effect on the collision kernel due to turbulence is also explored and enhancement of factors of up to three is observed with respect to the gravitational collision kernel.
An Option Pricing Model
Authors: Albano Arthur
Published: September 2022

A non-stochastic hyperbolic function that leads to an option pricing model for the stock markets is introduced. It's relationship with normal distribution and a generalized normal distribution has been shown, thus corroborating the use of stochastic option pricing models, but eliminating their use in a straightforward manner.
JEL Code: G13.
A highly sensitive multiplex lateral flow immunoassay for simultaneous detection of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Zhao Dianbo , Liu Jialei , Du Juan , Liu Kai , Bai Yanhong
Published: September 2022

In this study, a sensitive, fast and reliable multiplex lateral flow immunoassay based on multiple PCR and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed. Genomic DNA of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 was extracted by a simple boiling method. Three pairs of primers were designed and labeled according to specific gene fragment of the three strains for multiple PCR. The PCR products were then conjugated with AuNPs and detected by multiplex lateral flow strip, on which the test lines loaded with anti-biotin antibody, anti-FITC antibody and anti-digoxin antibody corresponding to the labels of primers, respectively. Results showed the limit of detection of L. monocytogenes, S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 in pure culture were 1.0×101 CFU mL− 1, 1.0×102 CFU mL− 1 and 1.6×102 CFU mL− 1, respectively, without culture enrichment. In addition, the lateral flow immunoassay showed good specificity, no reaction to each other or no cross-reactivity with other tested foodborne bacteria were observed. The detection took less than 4 h including PCR amplification, AuNPs conjugation and strip detection. Furthermore, the developed method was applied for the detection of food samples (chicken breast), which was verified by plate count method. The recoveries ranged from 92.7–112.1%, with the coefficient of variation less than 8.73%, revealing the feasible and reliable application of this method in practical sample. Therefore, the developed multiplex lateral flow strip is sensitive, accurate and visualized, which is applicable to simultaneous detection of the three foodborne pathogenic bacteria in food sample.
How Is Caring for Grandchildren Associated with Grandparents’ Health: The Mediating Effect of Internet Use
Authors: Zhang Li , Gu Rongxing , Li An , Wang Jie
Published: September 2022

Background:Prior studies showed mixed results of the association between grandchild care and grandparents’ health. This research focused on the mechanisms behind the above link by studying how internet use served as a mediator through which grandchild care impacted grandparents' health. The study aimed to draw health implications to improve health of grandparents who offer intergenerational care.Methods:Using a sample of 16,829 grandparents aged 50 through 80 from the 2018 wave of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), the study relied on the KHB method to conduct the analysis. Grandparental health were measured by self-rated health, IADL, life satisfaction and depression.Results:Overall, grandchild care had a positive effect on grandparental health. Those who engaged in grandchild care were more likely to use internet. Internet use mediated the ways in which grandchild care impacted grandparents' health. It generally promoted the positive influence of intergenerational caregiving on grandparental health. The mediating effects of watching videos and chatting through internet were most pronounced among urban grandmothers. The mediating effects of watching news were most noticeable among both urban grandmothers and grandfathers.Conclusions:These findings implied that promoting internet usage may be an effective way reducing the negative impact of intergenerational caregiving on grandparents' depression. It could also increase the positive effect of caregiving on grandparents' SRH and functional independence. The study also underscored the importance of taking rural-urban context and gender role into consideration when studying intergenerational caregiving and Chinese grandparents' health.
Individual Cognitive Remediation Therapy and Individual Emotion Skills Training for anorexia nervosa: a case series study in a paediatric ward
Authors: Marin Dario , Cogo Paola , Zanetti Rossella , Tedde Federica , Giombini Lucia
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a life-threatening eating disorder (ED), with the highest incidence in young people (YP) aged 15-19 years. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted on the increase of AN cases requiring hospitalisation.
Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) and Cognitive Remediation and Emotion Skills Training (CREST) are brief interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive and emotion processing skills. They are feasible for adult and YP with AN in inpatient settings, but their use has not been yet explored in paediatric wards.
Methods: A case series study with uncontrolled repeated measures design was conducted in a paediatric ward. Eight participants received two individual one-hour long CRT and then CREST sessions a week for ten weeks. A repeated measures design, consisting of neuropsychological tests and psychometric self-report questionnaires, was conducted at three time-points.
Results: Significant differences (T0 vs T1) were found in cognitive flexibility [“Animal Sorting” t(7)=-3.208; p=0.015; “Response Set” (t(7)=-3.910; p=0.006);“Learning to learn” (t(7)=-4.259; p=0.004)]; in central coherence [“Central Coherence Index” t(7)=-2.401; p=0.047]; in executive functions [“Design” (t(7)=-3.208; p=0.015), “Semantic” (t(7)=-3.660; p=0.008), “Phonological fluency” (t(7)=-4.020; p=0.005), short-term verbal memory (t(5)=-11.00; p=<0.001) and decision making task [(HDT) t(7)=-3.826; p=0.006]. Regarding the emotion processing, significant differences were found in emotion recognition [“Theory of mind t(7)=-2.376; p=0.049] ,and self-awareness [“Noticing” t(7)=-2.220;p=0.062, and “Emotional awareness” t(7)=-2.391; p=0.048].These improvements were maintained at six-month follow-up.
Conclusions: Individual CRT in conjunction with individual CREST is a feasible intervention for YP with AN in a paediatric ward. Studies involving larger samples and control groups in paediatric wards are warranted.
Temperature and precipitation biases in CORDEX RCM simulations over South America: possible origin and impacts on the regional climate change signal
Authors: Blázquez Josefina , Solman Silvina A.
Published: September 2022

Precipitation and temperature biases from a set of Regional Climate Models from the CORDEX initiative have been analyzed with the aim of assessing the extent to which the biases may impact on the climate change signal. The analysis has been performed for the South American CORDEX domain. A large warm bias was found over central Argentina (CARG) for most of the models, mainly in the summer season. Results indicate that the possible origin of this bias is an overestimation of the incoming shortwave radiation, in agreement with an underestimation of the relative humidity at 850 hPa, variable that could be used to diagnose cloudiness. Regarding precipitation, the largest biases were found during summertime over north east of Brazil (NEB), where most of the models overestimate the precipitation, leading to wet biases over that region. This bias agrees with models’ underestimation of both the moisture flux convergence and the relative humidity at lower levels of the atmosphere. This outcome suggests that the generation of more clouds in the models may drive the wet bias over NEB. The climate change signal could be affected by these systematic errors, considering that these biases may not be stationary. For both CARG and NEB regions, models with higher warm biases project higher warming levels, mainly in the summer season. In addition, it was found that these relationships are statistically significant with a confidence level of 95%, pointing out that biases are linearly linked with the climate change signal. For precipitation, the relationship between the biases and the projected precipitation changes are only statistically significant for the NEB region, where models with larger wet biases present the highest positive precipitation changes during the warm season. As in the case of biases, the analysis of the temperature and precipitation projections over some regions of South America suggests that they could be affected by clouds. The results found in this study point out that the analysis of the bias behavior could help in a better interpretation of the climate change signal.
To what extent does ENSO rectify the tropical Pacific mean state?
Authors: Xue Manrui , Li Tim
Published: September 2022

The role of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in modulating the mean sea surface temperature (SST) in the tropical eastern Pacific is investigated. A strategy is developed to separate the observational record from 1958 to 2010 into two groups, ENSO and non-ENSO periods. A simple analytical framework is constructed to quantitatively delineate the contributions of oceanic dynamic heating (ODH) and surface heat fluxes to rectifying the mean SST. It is found that the differences in the mean SST between the two periods are minor, despite distinctive interannual SST variabilities. Both linear and nonlinear ODH, as well as surface heat fluxes, contribute to this slight mean SST difference. Idealized oceanic model experiments in the presence and absence of ENSO are conducted. The result confirms that ENSO moderately impacts the mean SST in the equatorial eastern Pacific. Although the amplitude of the linear ODH associated with ENSO is large, its impact on the long-term mean SST is small due to the offset during El Niño and La Niña phases. The nonlinear ODH, on the other hand, has the same sign during the warm and cold episodes. However, its accumulated effect on the mean SST is small due to its weak amplitude.
Quantitative muscle MRI displays clinically relevant myostructural abnormalities in long-term ICU-survivors - a case-control study
Authors: Rehmann Robert , Enax-Krumova Elena , Meyer-Friessem Christine , Schlaffke Lara
Published: September 2022

Background: Long-term data on ICU-survivors reveal persisting sequalae and a reduced quality-of-life even after years. Major complaints are neuromuscular dysfunction due to ICUAW (Intensive care unit acquired weakness). Quantitative MRI (qMRI) protocols can quantify muscle alterations superiorly to standard MRI-protocols.
Methods: Using qMRI, the aim of this study was to analyse persisting myostructural abnormalities in former ICU patients compared to controls and relate them to clinical assessments. The study was conducted as a Cohort/Case-control study. Nine former ICU-patients and matched controls were recruited (7 males; 54.8y±16.9; controls: 54.3y±11.1). MRI scans were performed on a 3T-MRI including a mDTI, T2 mapping and mDixonquant sequence. T2 mapping times, fat-fraction and mean values of the eigenvalue (λ1), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were obtained for six thigh and seven calf muscles bilaterally. Clinical assessment included strength testing, electrophysiologic studies and a questionnaire on quality-of-life (QoL).
Study groups were compared using a multivariate general linear model. qMRI parameters were correlated to clinical assessments and QoL questionnaire using Pearson´s correlation.
Results: qMRI parameters were significantly higher in the patients for fat-fraction (p<0.001), water T2 time (p<0.001), FA (p=0.047), MD (p<0.001) and RD (p<0.001). Thighs and calves showed a different pattern where T2-time was significantly higher only in calves. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation of muscle strength (MRC sum score) with FA and T2-time. The results were related to impairment seen in QoL-questionnaires, clinical testing and electrophysiologic studies.
Conclusion: qMRI parameters show chronic next to active muscle degeneration in ICU survivors even years after ICU therapy with ongoing clinical relevance. Therefore, qMRI opens new doors to characterize and monitor muscle changes of patients with ICUAW. Further, better understanding on the underlying mechanisms of the persisting complaints could contribute the development of personalized rehabilitation programs.
Photosynthetic complex: exciton transfer and electron-hole separation
Authors: Pudlák Michal , Pinčák Richard
Published: September 2022

The exciton transfer in light-harvesting complex with the following
electron-hole separation in the photosynthetic reaction center dimer
is investigated theoretically. The asymmetry in the ring structure
of the LH1 antenna complex is assumed. The impact of this asymmetry
on the exciton transfer is studying. The quantum yields of the
electron-hole separation and the exciton deactivation into the
ground state have been computed. It was shown that the asymmetry
does not affect these quantum yields if the coupling between antenna
ring molecules is strong enough. Exciton kinetics are different when
the asymmetry is present, but the electron-hole separation
efficiency is similar to the symmetric case.It was also showing that
the creation of the dimer in the reaction center is advantageous to
the case of the monomeric reaction center.
Numerical computation of electrical potential on a gas evolving electrode.
Authors: COLIN Annie , Abdelghani-Idrissi Soufiane
Published: September 2022

Electrochemical systems using a gas evolving electrode, such as metal-air batteries or electrolyzers, are confronted with recurrent problems related to gas production. Indeed, the production of gas at the surface of the electrodes causes a masking of the active surface which induces overvoltages and unstable electrical signals in time. We propose here numerical computations that take into account the spatial heterogeneity of the electrode and allow to account for the size distribution of the produced bubbles. We compare these computations to experiments on a Platinum-Carbon plate cell in the presence or absence of electrolyte flow. They reproduce the observed behavior and allow us to predict the stability of the signals. They are also a guide for the synthesis of efficient electrodes.
Air traffic control forgetting prediction based on eye movement information and hybrid neural network
Authors: Jin Huibin , Gao Weipeng , Li Kun , Chu Mingjian
Published: September 2022

Control forgetting accounts for most of the current unsafe incidents. In the research field of radar surveillance control, how to avoid control forgetting to ensure the safety of flights is becoming a hot issue which attracts more and more attention. Meanwhile, aviation safety is substantially influenced by the way of eye movement. The exact relation of control forgetting to eye movement, however, still remains puzzling. Motivated by this, a control forgetting prediction method is proposed based on Convolutional Neural Networks and Long-Short Term Memory (CNN-LSTM). In this model, the eye movement characteristics are classified in terms of whether they are time-related, and then regulatory forgetting can be predicted by virtue of CNN-LSTM. The effectiveness of the method is verified by carrying out simulation experiments of eye movement during flight control. Results show that this method, using eye movement data, can provide control forgetting prediction with remarkably high accuracy. This work tries to explore an innovative way to associate control forgetting with eye movement, so as to guarantee the safety of civil aviation.
Pharmacogenetics of lethal opioid overdose:
Study protocol and preliminary findings
Authors: Mueller Daniel , Magarbeh Leen , Gorbovskaya Ilona , Wells Richard , Jhirad Reuven , Foll Bernard Le
Published: September 2022

There has been a worldwide substantial increase in accidental lethal opioid-overdose (ALOO). In this project, we will examine the role of genetic variation in opioid metabolism, transport, or opioid receptors, in contributing to opioid-related overdose deaths by 1) comparing the frequency of those variants to a corresponding reference population and exploring sex differences; 2) investigating the association between the metabolizer type (i.e., CYP2D6 poor metabolizers) and plasma concentrations; and 3) generating a series of polygenic risk scores (PRS) for predicting ALOO by using summary statistics from several large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of phenotypes relevant to opioid use disorder. This sample is currently being collected; however, we have analyzed the frequency of CYP2B6*4, CYP2B6*9 and OPRM1 A118G variants in methadone-only fatalities (n = 41). Findings showed a higher frequency of impaired CYP2B6 metabolism in males compared to females (p = 0.009, chi sq = 9.455), which suggests a potential genetic risk factor for lethal overdose in males.
Ileal neuroendocrine tumors detected during screening or diagnostic colonoscopy – case series and comparison of tumor characteristics.
Authors: Narayani Raj , Narayani Kaden
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors are the most common type of small bowel malignancy observed. Ileal tumors are often found in patients undergoing ileal intubation during colonoscopy. Our aim was to compare ileal neuroendocrine tumor characteristics when discovered during screening versus diagnostic colonoscopy.
Methods: We reviewed all ileal neuroendocrine tumor cases from 2005-2021. We recorded patient age, gender, colonoscopy indication at diagnosis, timing of prior colonoscopy (if ever performed) and whether ileal intubation was performed, tumor size and stage after resection, and disease-free survival.
Results: Twenty-eight ileal neuroendocrine tumor cases were diagnosed at colonoscopy. Fifteen patients were having initial screening or surveillance. The remaining 13 were having diagnostic evaluation of symptoms, abnormal CT imaging, or abnormal stool test results. A prior colonoscopy was performed within the preceding 10-year period in 14 cases, and of these, 8 did not include terminal ileum intubation. Tumor size ranged from 0.5 to 3.7 cm and mean size was nearly identical in screening and diagnostic groups (1.7 vs 1.9 cm). Lymph nodes were involved in 25 of 28 patients. At diagnosis, 2 patients had distant metastases. Mean survival-to-date was similar for both groups as well (85 vs 88 months).
Conclusion: Nearly all ileal neuroendocrine tumors discovered during colonoscopy were associated with nodal metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Most, however, have enjoyed prolonged survival. No significant difference in tumor size, stage, or survival was observed between patients having screening versus diagnostic colonoscopy. Our findings support performing routine ileal intubation during colonoscopy for all indications.
Synchronising the Implementation of Simultaneous General Elections with the National Development Planning 2025 – 2045
Authors: Dirkareshza Rianda
Published: September 2022

Simultaneous general elections have a lousy tendency by several people but do not see a large future impact on national development planning in 2025–2045. The purpose of this article is to present a new perspective on viewing simultaneous general elections by linking national development planning as a future impact on public welfare. This research is qualitative by using a statute approach in comparing laws and regulations that change in each period of simultaneous general elections and synchronising laws and regulations with national development planning. The conceptual approach is the basis for the author to conceptualise the synchronisation of simultaneous general elections to national development planning in the RPJPN 2025–2045. The research results from this article show three outlines: First, the impact of simultaneous general elections results in harmony in the implementation of national development planning. Second, synchronising simultaneous general elections to national development planning eliminates the disparities between regions that occur in Indonesia. Third, the synchronisation results, as discussed, will produce a gradual welfare state in 2025–2045.
Synergistic inhibitory effect of honey and Lactobacillus plantarum on pathogenic bacteria and their promotion of healing in infected wounds
Authors: Li Mei , Xiao Hong , Su Yongmei , Cheng Danlin , Jia Yan , Li Yingli , Yin Qi , Gao Jieying , Tang Yong , Bai Qunhua
Published: September 2022

The prevention and control of infection by resistant pathogens has become a formidable challenge due to the increasing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics, indicating the urgent need for new effective antimicrobial agents. Probiotic is a potential antibacterial drug that can address pathogenic infections. In this study, the antibacterial formulation consisting of honey and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) was investigated the optimal antibacterial formulation, in vitro antibacterial effect and mechanism, as well as their effect on the healing of infected wounds in rat whole skin. The results of in vitro experiments showed that the optimal antibacterial formulation of honey and L. plantarum was: honey 10% + L. plantarum 1×109 CFU/mL. In vitro counts showed that the formulation inhibited more than 80% of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) after 24 h of action. In addition, live bacterial counts and growth curves indicate that L. plantarum used honey to promote its own growth and produce acids to inhibit the survival of pathogenic bacteria and biofilm formation(P < 0.001). Furthermore, in vivo results reviewed that the honey- L. plantarum formulation inhibited wound bacterial growth(P < 0.01) and increased wound epithelial granulation tissue formation to accelerate skin wound healing in a rat bacterial infection wound model. Overall, these findings suggest that the honey- L. plantarum formulation provides a new option for the treatment of pathogenic infections and wound healing, which sheds new light on the search for alternatives to antibiotics in the future.
Immunohistochemistry based molecular subtyping of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor correlates with clinicopathological outcome: A single institute retrospective study
Authors: Mitra Saikat , Sekar Aravind , Khosla Divya , Gupta Vikas , Vaiphei Kim
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) account for ~3-4% of all pancreatic tumors worldwide. The WHO grading and TNM staging in PanNET do not accurately predict the clinical behaviour and prognosis.
Methods
In this single institute retrospective study, cases of PanNETs were selected. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for ATRX, DAXX, Menin, ARX and PDX-1 markers were performed on formalin-fixed tissue. FITC-labelled telomere-specific fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) was performed to assess altered telomere lengthening (ALT). The tumors were divided into molecular subgroups based on immunohistochemical expression and the subgroups were correlated with clinical, pathological features and follow-up duration using appropriate statistical methods.
Results
Total 78 cases including 75 PanNET (45 Grade 1, 20 Grade 2 and 10 Grade 3) and 3 pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma were identified. ATRX and DAXX mutations were identified in 20.9% and 29.9% of PanNET cases respectively. ATRX mutation was significantly associated with nodal metastasis (p=0.007), higher TNM stage (p=0.004), higher WHO grade (p=0.014), lymphovascular invasion (p <0.001), recurrence (p= 0.025). DAXX mutation was significantly associated with a larger tumor size (p=0.007), higher TNM stage (p=0.011), higher WHO grade (p=0.002), lymphovascular invasion (p=0.001), perineural invasion (p=0.046). Univariate survival analysis revealed significantly lower overall follow-up in ATRX mutant (p<0.001), DAXX mutant (p=0.007) subtypes. ALT positivity correlated with higher TNM stage, lymphovascular invasion and ATRX/DAXX mutation. Multivariate cox-regression analysis showed ATRX mutation as independent predictor of poorer overall survival (HR=10.1, CI=1.3-76.7, p=0.025).
Conclusion
ATRX/DAXX mutant PanNETs have aggressive clinical, histological behaviour and are predictors of poor outcome.
First report of Crassiphiala sp. (Trematoda: Diplostomidae) as an etiological agent of black spot disease in commercial ornamental fish from Brazil
Authors: López-Hernández Danimar , Leibowitz Marcia Pimenta , Pinto Hudson Alves , Leal Carlos Augusto Gomes
Published: September 2022

Ornamental fish are becoming increasingly popular, but the lack of knowledge regarding their various diseases is a major challenge. Skin diseases commonly found in freshwater fish include black spot disease (BSD), which is characterized by melanin deposits around the metacercariae of some trematode species. Since BSD remains poorly understood, this study describes an outbreak of BSD in Etroplus maculatus raised in outdoor ponds at a Brazilian fish farm. Metacercariae samples were collected, examined, and subjected to molecular phylogenetic analysis. The parasites were conspecific to an unnamed species, Crassiphiala lineage 5, recently found in Brazilian birds (Megaceryle torquata). Sequences obtained for longifurcate cercariae of the planorbid snail Biomphalaria straminea from the same region were identical to our metacercariae of Crassiphiala sp. These results suggest that Biompahalaria snails are likely an intermediate host of this parasite on farms where E. maculatus was found to be infected. We provide the first molecular evidence that Crassiphiala are the causative agents of BSD in fish from Brazil. Combatting snails and preventing access of fish-eating birds to outdoor ponds are strategies to control this disease in ornamental fish farms.
An Automatically Verified Prototype of the Android Permissions System
Authors: Cristiá Maximiliano , De Luca Guido , Luna Carlos
Published: September 2022

In a previous work De Luca and Luna presented formal specifications of idealized formulations of the permission model of Android in the Coq proof assistant. This formal development is about 23 KLOC of Coq code, including proofs. This work aims at showing that {log} (‘setlog’)---a satisfiability solver and a constraint logic programming language---can be used as an effective automated prover for the class of proofs that must be discharged in the formal verification of systems such as the one carried out by De Luca and Luna. We show how the Coq model is encoded in {log} and how automated proofs are performed. The resulting {log} model is an automatically verified executable prototype of the Android permissions system. Detailed data on the empirical evaluation resulting after executing all the proofs in {log} is provided. The integration of Coq and {log} as to provide a framework featuring automated proof and prototype generation is discussed.
Elevated Glucose on Admission Was an Independent Risk Factor For 30-Day Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with STEMI But Not NSTEMI
Authors: Li Yanan , Wang Qinshi , Pei Junyu , Wang Xiaopu , Zheng Keyang , Zhang Ping , Yan Jiafu
Published: September 2022

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of glucose levels on admission on the risk of 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and to assess the difference in outcome between ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients.
Methods and Results
This study was a post hoc analysis of the Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement in Kerala Study, and 13,398 participants were included in the final analysis. There was a positive linear association between glucose levels at admission and the risk of 30-day MACEs in AMI patients [adjusted OR (95%CI): 1.05 (1.03, 1.07), P < 0.001]. Participants were divided according to the glucose quintiles. Compared with participants with admission glucose between 5.4 and 6.3 mmol/L, participants with the highest quintile of glucose level (≥ 10.7 mmol/L) were associated with increased risk of 30-day MACEs in the fully adjusted logistic regression model [adjusted OR (95%CI): 1.82 (1.33, 2.50), P < 0.001]. This trend was more significant in patients with STEMI (P for interaction = 0.036).
Conclusion
In patients with AMI, elevated glucose on admission was associated with the increased risk of 30-day MACEs, but only in patients with STEMI.
Neighbourhood Safety, Fall Indices, Physical Activity Level and Social Participation Restrictions from a Population of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Authors: Akosile Christopher Olusegun , Ngwu Nnaemeka Pascal , Okonkwo Uchenna Prosper , Onwuakagba Ifeoma Uchenna , Okoye Emmanuel Chiebuka
Published: September 2022

Background: Restriction in physical activity (PA) and social participation restriction (PR) can be heightened in the presence of fear of fall (FOF), fall experience and perceived unsafe neighbourhood particularly among older adults. Despite the enormous benefits of social participation and physical activity, many older adults still remain vulnerable and this probably account for a significant proportion of health challenges for older adults.
Objective: This study investigated the correlations and relationships among neighborhood safety (NS), physical activity (PA), participation restriction (PR) and fall indices among older adults from selected communities in Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of 170 consecutively recruited participants. Socio-demographic variables, co-morbidities and fall prevalence were obtained through interviews. The study instruments include PA neighborhood environment scale – Nigeria (PANES-N), PA scale for elderly (PASE), Participation scale (PS), Modified fall efficacy scale (MFES), and Fall risk assessment tool (FRAT) and fall indices.
Statistical Analysis:Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviations, frequency counts and percentages, and Inferential statistics of Spearman rank order correlation. The p-value was at 0.05 alpha level.
Results: PR was significantly correlated with NS (r= -0.19, p- 0.01*), fall efficacy (r= 0.13, p- 0.10) and fall risk (r= 0.01, p= 0.91), also existed between fall efficacy and fall risk (r= 0.35, p= <0.001*).
Conclusion: participation restriction has a direct relationship with the neighborhood safety, fall efficacy and fall risk. Also fall efficacy is related to fall risk.