bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of plant N/P stoichiometry influenced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for stability of plant species and community in response to nutrient limitation
Authors: Liu Hongfei , Pausch Johanna , Wu Yang , Xu Hongwei , Liu Guobin , Ma LiHui , Xue Sha
Published: December 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) influence plant nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) by modifying plant N and P uptake, which further affects plant stoichiometric N/P homeostasis. Plant species and community stoichiometric N/P homeostasis can impact plant species and community stability, respectively, in response to variations of soil N and P availabilities. We investigated interspecific plant interactions via AMF in regard to plant and soil microbial N/P stoichiometry across different soil N and P availabilities induced by N and P addition (0 mg N kg−1, 25 mg N kg−1, 50 mg N kg−1, 30 mg P kg−1 and 100 mg P kg−1). We selected one dominant (Bothriochloa ischaemum; C4 grass) and one subordinate (Lespedeza davurica; legume) species in a natural grassland climax community. We examined how AMF influences stoichiometric N/P homeostasis in monoculture and mixed culture systems, and the resulting consequences for temporal stability of plant species and community in response to variations in soil N and P availability.

The AMF mitigated the P limitation of soil microbial communities and decreased the degree of stoichiometric N/P homeostasis of host plants in monoculture. Through their resource‐scavenging and soil organic matter mineralisation functions, AMF enhances plant ‘luxury consumption', promoting species stability in monoculture in response to soil N and P availability variations. Compared with plants in monoculture, the interaction between B. ischaemum and L. davurica via AMF increased shoot N/P under soil N‐poor conditions, leading to an enhanced degree of stoichiometric N/P homeostasis in both plant species, especially the legume.

Our results suggest that interspecific plant interaction between C4 grass and legume mediated by AMF confers an advantage in complementarity in plant N acquisition under N‐poor conditions, leading to increased stability of plant communities and better maintenance of subordinate species (legume) in response to soil N deficiency.
Horizontally transferred genes as RNA interference targets for aphid and whitefly control
Authors: Feng Honglin , Chen Wenbo , Hussain Sonia , Shakir Sara , Tzin Vered , Adegbayi Femi , Ugine Todd , Fei Zhangjun , Jander Georg
Published: December 2022

RNA interference (RNAi)‐based technologies are starting to be commercialized as a new approach for agricultural pest control. Horizontally transferred genes (HTGs), which have been transferred into insect genomes from viruses, bacteria, fungi or plants, are attractive targets for RNAi‐mediated pest control. HTGs are often unique to a specific insect family or even genus, making it unlikely that RNAi constructs targeting such genes will have negative effects on ladybugs, lacewings and other beneficial predatory insect species. In this study, we sequenced the genome of a red, tobacco‐adapted isolate of Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) and bioinformatically identified 30 HTGs. We then used plant‐mediated virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) to show that several HTGs of bacterial and plant origin are important for aphid growth and/or survival. Silencing the expression of fungal‐origin HTGs did not affect aphid survivorship but decreased aphid reproduction. Importantly, although there was uptake of plant‐expressed RNA by Coccinella septempunctata (seven‐spotted ladybugs) via the aphids that they consumed, we did not observe negative effects on ladybugs from aphid‐targeted VIGS constructs. To demonstrate that this approach is more broadly applicable, we also targeted five Bemisia tabaci (whitefly) HTGs using VIGS and demonstrated that knockdown of some of these genes affected whitefly survival. As functional HTGs have been identified in the genomes of numerous pest species, we propose that these HTGs should be explored further as efficient and safe targets for control of insect pests using plant‐mediated RNA interference.
Protein kinase MtCIPK12 modulates iron reduction in Medicago truncatula by regulating riboflavin biosynthesis
Authors: Wang Tianzuo , Wang Jing , Zhang Di , Chen Li , Liu Min , Zhang Xinxin , Schmidt Wolfgang , Zhang Wen‐Hao
Published: December 2022

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient, and deficiency in available Fe is one of the most important limiting factors for plant growth. In some species including Medicago truncatula, Fe deficiency results in accumulation of riboflavin, a response associated with Fe acquisition. However, how the plant's Fe status is integrated to tune riboflavin biosynthesis and how riboflavin levels affect Fe acquisition and utilization remains largely unexplored. We report that protein kinase CIPK12 regulates ferric reduction by accumulation of riboflavin and its derivatives in roots of M. truncatula via physiological and molecular characterization of its mutants and over‐expressing materials. Mutations in CIPK12 enhance Fe accumulation and improve photosynthetic efficiency, whereas overexpression of CIPK12 shows the opposite phenotypes. The Calcineurin B‐like proteins CBL3 and CBL8 interact with CIPK12, which negatively regulates the expression of genes encoding key enzymes in the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway. CIPK12 negatively regulates Fe acquisition by suppressing accumulation of riboflavin and its derivatives in roots, which in turn influences ferric reduction activity by riboflavin‐dependent electron transport under Fe deficiency. Our findings uncover a new regulatory mechanism by which CIPK12 regulates riboflavin biosynthesis and Fe‐deficiency responses in plants.
A circuit‐based approach to modulate hypersexuality in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mata‐Marín David , Pineda‐Pardo José Ángel , Michiels Mario , Pagge Cristina , Ammann Claudia , Martínez‐Fernández Raúl , Molina José Antonio , Vela‐Desojo Lydia , Alonso‐Frech Fernando , Obeso Ignacio
Published: December 2022

Aim

Impulse‐control disorder is a common neuropsychiatric complication in Parkinson's disease (PD) under dopamine replacement therapy. Prior studies tested the balance between enhanced desire towards reward and cognitive control deficits, hypothesized to be biased towards the former in impulse control disorders. We provide evidence for this hypothesis by measuring behavioral and neural patterns behind the influence of sexual desire over response inhibition and tools towards functional restoration using repetitive transcranial stimulation in patients with hypersexuality as predominant impulsive disorder.

Methods

The effect of sexual cues on inhibition was measured with a novel erotic stop‐signal task under on and off dopaminergic medication. Task‐related functional and anatomical connectivity models were estimated in 16 hypersexual and 17 nonhypersexual patients with PD as well as in 17 healthy controls. Additionally, excitatory neuromodulation using intermittent theta‐burst stimulation (sham‐controlled) was applied over the pre‐supplementary motor area in 20 additional hypersexual patients with PD aiming to improve response inhibition.

Results

Compared with their nonhypersexual peers, patients with hypersexuality recruited caudate, pre‐supplementary motor area, ventral tegmental area, and anterior cingulate cortex while on medication. Reduced connectivity was found between pre‐supplementary motor area and caudate nucleus in hypersexual compared with nonhypersexual patients (while medicated), a result paralleled by compensatory enhanced anatomical connectivity. Furthermore, stimulation over the pre‐supplementary motor area improved response inhibition in hypersexual patients with PD when exposed to sexual cues.

Conclusion

This study, therefore, has identified a specific fronto‐striatal and mesolimbic circuitry underlying uncontrolled sexual responses in medicated patients with PD where cortical neuromodulation halts its expression.
Intermittent high‐intensity exercise for pre‐ to established hypertension: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Teixeira Jorge M. M. , Motta‐Santos Daisy , Milanovic Zoran , Pereira Rita L. , Krustrup Peter , Póvoas Susana
Published: December 2022

Objective

To determine the impact of intermittent high‐intensity exercise training ([IHIE], including high‐intensity interval training [HIIT] and recreational team sports [RTS]) on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in adults with pre‐ to established arterial hypertension.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and SPORTDiscus.

Eligibility criteria

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the impact of IHIE on BP versus a non‐exercise control.

Data collection and analysis

Two authors independently conducted all procedures. Mean differences were calculated using random‐effects model. The certainty of the evidence was assessed with GRADE.

Results

Twenty‐seven RCTs (18 HIIT and 9 RTS) were analyzed, with median duration of 12 weeks. Participants' (n = 946) median age was 46 years. Overall, IHIE decreased SBP (−3.29 mmHg; 95% CI: −5.19, −1.39) and DBP (−2.62 mmHg; 95% CI: −3.79, −1.44) compared to the control group. IHIE elicited higher decreases in office SBP and DBP of hypertensive subjects (SBP: −7.13 mmHg, [95% CI: −10.12, −4.15]; DBP: −5.81 mmHg, [95% CI: −7.94, −3.69]) than pre‐hypertensive (SBP: −2.14 mmHg, [95% CI: −4.36, −0.08]; DBP: −1.83 mmHg, [95% CI: −2.99, −0.67]). No significant differences were found between HIIT (SBP: −2.12 mmHg, [95% CI: −4.78, −0.54]; DBP: −1.89 mmHg, [95% CI: −3.32, −0.48]) and RTS (SBP: −4.18 mmHg, [95% CI: −7.19, −2.43]; DBP: −4.04 mmHg, [95% CI: −6.00, −2.09]). These findings present low/very low certainty of evidence. No adverse cardiovascular events were reported.

Conclusions

IHIE appears to be safe and to promote substantial decreases in BP, particularly in patients with hypertension. However, the certainty of evidence was low/very low.

Protocol

CRD42020163575.
Epidemiological study of ticks harbouring Aeromonas hydrophila in areas endemic and non‐endemic to Japanese‐spotted fever
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Matsushima Yoshiaki , Nakanishi Takehisa , Iida Shohei , Habe Koji , Yamanaka Keiichi
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Aeromonas spp. often cause life‐threatening diseases, including necrotizing fasciitis, which may lead to septic shock and ultimately death. Aeromonas infections are believed to be transmitted via minor wounds or the consumption of fresh fish. However, after the detection of Aeromonas hydrophila in ticks in areas endemic to Japanese‐spotted fever (JSF), a novel transmission route of A. hydrophila (i.e., via tick bites) has been proposed. We investigated the prevalence of A. hydrophila in ticks in areas endemic and not endemic to JSF in the Mie Prefecture, Japan.

Methods

We collected ticks from endemic and nonendemic areas in summer and winter and assessed them for presence of A. hydrophila using polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Six A. hydrophila isolates were obtained from 95 ticks in endemic areas, whereas one A. hydrophila isolate was obtained from 142 ticks in non‐endemic areas, in summer. All ticks that harboured A. hydrophila were Haemaphysalis longicornis (H.L); these ticks were almost at the larval stage and also carried Rickettsia spp. in the endemic area. In contrast, 51 and 41 ticks in the endemic and non‐endemic areas were captured in winter, respectively; A. hydrophila was not detected in these.

Conclusions

This study revealed the prevalence of tick‐borne A. hydrophila. Therefore, the risk of transmission of A. hydrophila via a tick bite should be considered in the following conditions: areas abundant in H. L. harbouring Rickettsia spp., in areas endemic for JSF, presence of ticks in the larval stage and during the summer season.
Bias in Tenant Selection in Lagos Private Rental Housing Market, Nigeria
Authors: Oyedeji Joseph Oyewale
Published: December 2022

Bias in tenant selection is a global phenomenon. This necessitates the need to examine bias in tenant selection in the study area being a prime property market. This study aimed at examining the requirements for tenant selection and the nature of tenant selection bias in the study area. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 162 Estate Surveyors and Valuers out of which 137 questionnaires were retrieved. Data gathered were analyzed using frequency distribution table, weighted mean and ranking. Findings from the study revealed that all the identified tenant selection requirements are important and income status is the most important tenant selection requirement in the study area. Also, bias base on ethnicity is the most prevalent form of bias in tenant selection with a mean of 4.299. The major cause of tenant selection bias is as a result of previous bad experiences from old tenants with a mean of 4.058. The major consequence of tenant selection bias is increase in the void period with a mean of 4.190. It is imperative for government to legislate and make enforcement against all forms of tenant selection bias as it is inimical to housing accessibility. Also, it is important to orientate residential property owners against the negative consequences of bias in tenant selection.
Expression Analysis of OsWRKY11 and OsNAC2 Genes in New Malaysian Drought-tolerance Rice Cultivar MR303
Authors: Ilias Iqmal Asyraf , Wagiran Alina , Azizan Kamalrul Azlan , A. Samad Abdul Fatah
Published: December 2022

Local drought-tolerant rice variety MR303 (Oryza sativa spp. Indica) has higher tolerance towards abiotic stress while maintaining its high yield and grain quality. Expression of OsWRKY11 has shown to be a positive modulator while OsNAC2 is a negative modulator for drought-tolerance in Oryza sativa spp. Japonica. However, these transcription factor (TF) genes regulation are species-specific and its regulation may differ in our local rice variety. Thus, our study aimed to identify the relative expression of these genes and its effects on plant morphology and drought-tolerance capabilities. Our results on relative expression of OsWRKY11 in the MR303 rice variety showed that under drought stress, this gene was highly expressed. This result was similar to previous findings in Oryza sativa spp. Japonica. However, for OsNAC2 gene expression, our results contradict with previous findings where under drought stress, this gene was also highly expressed instead of downregulated. These results suggest that our local rice variety may have different gene regulation under drought stress compared to other rice varieties. Proline assay showed that proline contents in drought-treated plant has increased 10 times compared to control which associated with drought-tolerance activities. Further studies may be conducted to gain better understanding on the roles of these genes in regulating drought-responsive genes in the local variety.
Sympetalous defects in metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE)-grown homoepitaxial β-Ga2O3 films
Authors: Cooke Jacqueline , Ranga Praneeth , Bhattacharyya Arkka , Cheng Xueling , Wang Yunshan , Krishnamoorthy Sriram , Scarpulla Michael A. , Sensale-Rodriguez Berardi
Published: December 2022

We report a new type of structural defect in β-Ga2O3 homoepitaxial thin films grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy, which we have dubbed as “sympetalous defects.” These consist of a line defect (for example, a nanotube defect) in the underlying substrate combined with a multi-faceted inverted polycrystalline pyramid in the epitaxial film, which may also be decorated with twinned polycrystalline grains. In plan-view atomic force, scanning electron, or optical microscopies, the sympetalous defects appear similar in shape to polygonal etch pits observed for single crystals. Photoluminescence microscopy exposed spots of polarization-dependent luminescence at these defects, different from the single crystal films' luminescence. Furthermore, some of the defects exhibited circular dichroism in their luminescence that we correlated with partial helices formed within the pits by the arrangement of linearly dichroic polycrystalline grains. Finally, the density of sympetalous defects agrees with the etch pit densities of the substrates. Understanding and controlling these defects will be of importance as they modify the local properties of films, affect fabricated device yields, and influence characterization experiments.
Optimising intravenous salbutamol in children: a phase 2 study
Authors: Walsh Sandra , Pan Shan , Sheng Yucheng , Kloprogge Frank , Standing Joe F , Anderson Brian J , Ramnarayan Padmanabhan
Published: December 2022

Objective

The β2-agonists such as salbutamol are the mainstay of asthma management. Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PKPD) models to guide paediatric dosing are lacking. We explored the relationship between salbutamol dose, serum concentration, effectiveness and adverse effects in children by developing a PKPD model.

Design

A prospective cohort study of children admitted to hospital with acute asthma, who received intravenous salbutamol.

Setting

Children were recruited in two cohorts: the emergency departments of two London hospitals or those retrieved by the Children’s Acute Transport Service to three London paediatric intensive care units.

Patients

Patients were eligible if aged 1–15 years, admitted for acute asthma and about to receive or receiving intravenous salbutamol.

Interventions

Treatment was according to local policy. Serial salbutamol plasma levels were taken. Effectiveness measurements were recorded using the Paediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS). Toxicity measurements included lactate, pH, glucose, heart rate, blood pressure and arrhythmias. PKPD modelling was performed with non-linear mixed-effect models.

Main outcomes

Fifty-eight children were recruited with 221 salbutamol concentration measurements from 54 children. Median (range) age was 2.9 (1.1–15.2) years, and weight was 13.6 (8–57.3) kg. Ninety-five PASS measurements and 2078 toxicity measurements were obtained.

Results

A two-compartment PK model adequately described the time course of salbutamol–plasma concentrations. An EMAX(maximum drug effect) concentration–effect relationship described PASS and toxicity measures. PKPD simulations showed an infusion of 0.5 µg/kg/min (maximum 20 µg/min) for 4 hours after bolus achieves >90% maximal bronchodilation for 12 hours.

Conclusions

A paediatric PKPD model for salbutamol is described. An infusion of 0.5 µg/kg/min after bolus achieves effective bronchodilation. Higher rates are associated with greater tachycardia and hyperglycaemia.
Growth hormone deficiency in a case of septo-optic-dysplasia due toSOX2mutation: should we re-test patients during the transition period?
Authors: Gasco Valentina , Matarazzo Patrizia , De Sanctis Luisa , Ghigo Ezio
Published: December 2022

Gene mutations encoding transcription factors, includingSOX2, have been associated with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and abnormal pituitary development. Guidelines on GHD management in the transition period state that patients with genetic-based childhood-onset GHD can skip retesting due to a high likelihood of permanent GHD. We describe a case of septo-optic-dysplasia due toSOX2mutation characterised by childhood-onset GHD, which showed a normal somatotropic function at the transition period. This case raises the opportunity to retest for GHD during the transition period, even in patients with a known genetic cause, in order to avoid inappropriate GH treatment.
Myocardial infarction after craniotomy for asymptomatic meningioma
Authors: Westfall Kristen Michelle , Ramcharan Roger Navine , Anderson, Harry Linne
Published: December 2022

A man in his 40s with a history of coronary artery disease previously treated with a drug-eluting stent presented for elective craniotomy and resection of an asymptomatic but enlarging meningioma. During his craniotomy, he received desmopressin and tranexamic acid for surgical bleeding. Postoperatively, the patient developed chest pain and was found to have an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI). Because of the patient’s recent neurosurgery, standard post-MI care was contraindicated and he was instead managed symptomatically in the intensive care unit. Echocardiogram on postoperative day 1 demonstrated no regional wall motion abnormalities and an ejection fraction of 60%. His presentation was consistent with thrombosis of his diagonal stent. He was transferred out of the intensive care unit on postoperative day 1 and discharged home on postoperative day 3.
Paraureteric space post-ureteric re-implantation: a rare cause of small bowel obstruction
Authors: Spazzapan Martina , Bullingham Roberta , Nkwam Nkwam Michael , Ypsilantis Efthymios
Published: December 2022

A female patient in her 80s presented with a 2-day history of abdominal pain and absolute constipation, having previously undergone a robotic left distal ureterectomy with ureteric re-implantation. CT revealed a closed-loop small bowel obstruction with transition point adjacent to the left ureter and resultant upstream hydronephrosis. An emergency laparotomy revealed small bowel herniation into a paraureteric space created by her previous surgery and defined by the distal ureter medially, the common iliac vessels laterally and the mobilised bladder dome anteriorly. The viable small bowel was reduced, and the space was eliminated by omental flap transposition after omentoplasty. The patient made a full recovery. Preoperative diagnosis of such an unusual cause of internal herniation can be challenging. This very rarely reported case raises awareness of the condition and proposes a treatment strategy.
Masseteric giant capillary haemangioma: a bulky mass treated with scarless and minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Cascino Flavia , Chisci Glauco , Latini Linda , Gabriele Guido
Published: December 2022

In this article, the authors report their management with minimally invasive surgery and embolisation of a bulky intramuscular capillary haemangioma. Masseteric capillary haemangioma is a rare tumour in adults: in cases of large-sized tumours we suggest a multidisciplinary approach in choosing the best treatment and minimally invasive, scarless surgery.
Correlation of lung function with ultra-low-dose CT-detected lung parenchymal abnormalities: a cohort study of 1344 asbestos exposed individuals
Authors: Brims Fraser , Harris Edward JA , Kumarasamy Chellan , Ringuet Amie , Adler Brendan , Franklin Peter , de Klerk Nick , Musk Bill , Murray Conor
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Deliberate exposure to medical ionising radiation should be as low as reasonably practicable but the reduction of radiation from CT should be balanced against diagnostic image quality. The ability of ultra-low-dose CT (uLDCT: similar radiation to chest X-ray) to demonstrate low contrast abnormalities (emphysema and interstitial lung abnormality (ILA)) is unclear.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the lung parenchymal findings from uLDCT scans against physiological measures of respiratory function.

Methods

WA Asbestos Review Programme participants were eligible if they had an uLDCT scan and lung function assessment between Janary and December 2018. All scans were performed using a single CT machine and reported using a standardised, semiquantitative synoptic report which includes emphysema and linear fibrosis (ILA) scores.

Results

Of 1344 participants, median (IQR) age was 72.0 (65.0–78.0) years, the majority were males (84.9%) with mixed occupational asbestos exposure (68.1%). There were 721 (53.6%) with no abnormality, 158 (11.8%) with emphysema, 465 (34.6%) with ILA. Mean radiation dose was 0.12 mSv. There was statistically significant between group differences for all physiological parameters of lung function compared with controls. For instance, the emphysema score significantly correlated with obstructive forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity ratio (r=0.512), per cent predicted FEV1(r=0.24) and lower diffusion of carbon monoxide (DLCO) (r=0.337). Multivariate modelling demonstrated that increasing age, emphysema and fibrosis scores predicted reduced DLCO (adjusted R2=0.30).

Discussion

uLDCT-detected parenchymal lung abnormalities correlate strongly with significant changes on lung function testing suggesting the observed CT abnormalities are of physiological and clinical significance.
Evidence, ethics and the promise of artificial intelligence in psychiatry
Authors: McCradden Melissa , Hui Katrina , Buchman Daniel Z
Published: December 2022

Researchers are studying how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to better detect, prognosticate and subgroup diseases. The idea that AI might advance medicine’s understanding of biological categories of psychiatric disorders, as well as provide better treatments, is appealing given the historical challenges with prediction, diagnosis and treatment in psychiatry. Given the power of AI to analyse vast amounts of information, some clinicians may feel obligated to align their clinical judgements with the outputs of the AI system. However, a potential epistemic privileging of AI in clinical judgements may lead to unintended consequences that could negatively affect patient treatment, well-being and rights. The implications are also relevant to precision medicine, digital twin technologies and predictive analytics generally. We propose that a commitment to epistemic humility can help promote judicious clinical decision-making at the interface of big data and AI in psychiatry.
Impact of occupational asthma on health and employment status: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Mason Paola , Liviero Filippo , Paccagnella Eleonora Rachele , Biasioli Marco , Maestrelli Piero , Frigo Anna Chiara
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the predictors of a favourable prognosis of occupational asthma (OA) and the employment status of patients with OA at least 2 years after diagnosis.

Methods

We collected data from 204 patients who had a diagnosis of OA confirmed by a positive specific inhalation challenge. We defined OA remission as meeting the following three criteria: no asthma symptoms, no antiasthma therapy for the last year and having normal lung function at the end of follow-up. A logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the effects of the covariates.

Results

At 10.6±7.8-year follow-up, 60 of 204 possible patients participated in the study, and among them 17 showed OA remission. When compared with the 43 patients with persistent OA, these patients exhibited at diagnosis younger age (p=0.0039), shorter duration of symptomatic exposure (p=0.0512), better lung function expressed by higher forced vital capacity (FVC%) predicted (p=0.0164), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % predicted (p=0.0066) and FEV1/FVC% (p=0.0132), and less bronchial hyper-responsiveness (p=0.0118). Nevertheless, in the multivariable model, no variables were significantly associated with OA remission. At follow-up, three individuals have retired; among the remaining 57 workers, 91.2% were still employed and 43.8% of them had continued working in the same factory after ceasing exposure to the causative agent.

Conclusions

This monocentric study did not identify a strong predictor of OA remission, but documented a high employment rate and a good job preservation over a long timeframe after diagnosis of OA mainly induced by low molecular weight agents.
Small-world and scale-free effects of complex networks generated by a self-similar fractal
Authors: Zeng Qingcheng , Cui Keqin , Ma Wenjia , Xi Lifeng
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we construct a class of growing networks by the encoding method of the iterated function system based on a planar self-similar fractal, and demonstrate that the networks have small-world and scale-free effects.
Vector heavy quarkonia production in gluon fragmentation in the ordinary and noncommutative standard model
Authors: Bayat Omid , Mohammad Moosavi Nejad S. , Rezaei Zahra
Published: December 2022

Study of the mechanism of heavy quarkonia production is a powerful tool for a better understanding of the dynamics of strong interactions and probably to search for new physics. It is well-known that the fragmentation mechanism is dominant for heavy quarkonia production and forms the nonperturbative aspect of hadron production. Since the main contribution of [Formula: see text] production in high energy processes results from the gluon fragmentation, through this work, we study the fragmentation mechanism of gluon into S-wave vector heavy charmonium [Formula: see text] at lowest order perturbative QCD and extend our work to the noncommutative standard model. To investigate the effects of space–time noncommutativity, we employ the Seiberg–Witten maps. Our results show that the noncommutative effects are considerable, specifically when the gluon transverse momentum is small; [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV.
The homological arrow polynomial for virtual links
Authors: Miller Kyle A.
Published: December 2022

The arrow polynomial is an invariant of framed oriented virtual links that generalizes the virtual Kauffman bracket. In this paper, we define the homological arrow polynomial, which generalizes the arrow polynomial to framed oriented virtual links with labeled components. The key observation is that, given a link in a thickened surface, the homology class of the link defines a functional on the surface’s skein module, and by applying it to the image of the link in the skein module this gives a virtual link invariant. We give a graphical calculus for the homological arrow polynomial by taking the usual diagrams for the Kauffman bracket and including labeled “whiskers” that record intersection numbers with each labeled component of the link. We use the homological arrow polynomial to study [Formula: see text]-nullhomologous virtual links and checkerboard colorability, giving a new way to complete Imabeppu’s characterization of checkerboard colorability of virtual links with up to four crossings. We also prove a version of the Kauffman–Murasugi–Thistlethwaite theorem that the breadth of an evaluation of the homological arrow polynomial for an “h-reduced” diagram [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text].
Interval Methods in Knowledge Representation
Authors: Kreinovich Vladik
Published: December 2022

Please send your abstracts (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here) to vladik@utep.edu, or by regular mail to Vladik Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA…
Distance-Edge-Monitoring Sets in Hierarchical and Corona Graphs
Authors: Yang Gang , He Changxiang
Published: December 2022

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be the vertex set and edge set of graph [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the distance between vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the graph [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be the graph obtained by deleting edge [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text]. For a vertex set [Formula: see text] and an edge [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the set of pairs [Formula: see text] with a vertex [Formula: see text] and a vertex [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. A vertex set [Formula: see text] is distance-edge-monitoring set, introduced by Foucaud, Kao, Klasing, Miller, and Ryan, if every edge [Formula: see text] is monitored by some vertex of [Formula: see text], that is, the set [Formula: see text] is nonempty. In this paper, we determine the smallest size of distance-edge-monitoring sets of hierarchical and corona graphs.
Coretractable modules relative to a module
Authors: Beiranvand P. Karimi , Beyranvand R.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we introduce and study a generalization of coretractable modules. An [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] is called coretractable relative to an R-module N if [Formula: see text], for any proper submodule [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. It is shown that a right [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] is coretractable relative to [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is coretractable relative to [Formula: see text], for some [Formula: see text]. Also we show that if [Formula: see text] is a right quasi-duo ring, then there exists a right [Formula: see text]-module that it is coretractable relative to [Formula: see text], for any nonzero right [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is a left perfect local ring.
Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Evaluation for Antimicrobial Efficacy
Authors: Shanan Zainab J. , Shanshool Sabeeha K.
Published: December 2022

In this work, nickel oxide nanoparticles are synthesized using plant extracts of Camellia sinensis, Matricaria chamomilla L., Artemisia herba-alba Asso. and Punica granatum L. peel., with an evaluation of their antimicrobial activity. The possible mechanism of the formation of NiO nanoparticles mediated by plant extracts has been elucidated. Synthesized green nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), UV–visible spectrophotometer analysis (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Zeta potential (ZP). The crystal size of the as-prepared NiO nanoparticles estimated via the Debye Scherrer — formula was about (19.68–23.77) nm. Nickel oxide-mediated nanoparticles possess strong antibacterial activity (gram-positive and gram-negative) and fungi.
Observing single cells in whole organs with optical imaging
Authors: Yang Xiaoquan , Jiang Tao , Liu Lirui , Zhao Xiaojun , Yu Ximiao , Yang Minjun , Liu Guangcai , Luo Qingming
Published: December 2022

Cells are the basic unit of human organs that are not fully understood. The revolutionary advancements of optical imaging allowed us to observe single cells in whole organs, revealing the complicated composition of cells with spatial information. Therefore, in this review, we revisit the principles of optical contrast related to those biomolecules and the optical techniques that transform optical contrast into detectable optical signals. Then, we describe optical imaging to achieve three-dimensional spatial discrimination for biological tissues. Due to the milky appearance of tissues, the spatial information blurred deep in the whole organ. Fortunately, strategies developed in the last decade could circumvent this issue and lead us into a new era of investigation of the cells with their original spatial information.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes Particularly Associated with Immunity in Uremia Patients by Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Li Guixia , Wang Shijun , Huo Jing
Published: December 2022

Uremia is a common syndrome that happens to nearly all end-stage kidney diseases, which profound have changes in human gene expressions, but the related pathways are poorly understood. Gene Ontology categories and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways enriched in the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by using clusterProfiler, org.Hs.eg.db, and Pathview, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was built by Cytoscape. We identified 3432 DEGs (including 3368 down- and 64 up-regulated genes), of which there were 52 different molecular functions, and 178 genes were identified as immune genes controlled by the four transcription factors (POU domain class 6 transcription factor 1 (POU6F1), interferon regulator factor 7 [IRF7], forkhead box D3 (FOXD3), and interferon-stimulated response element [ISRE]). In the gender research, no significant difference was observed. The top 15 proteins of 178 immune-related genes were identified with the highest degree in PPI network. The DEG analysis of uremia patients was expected to provide fundamental information to relieve pain and add years to their life.
Application of Bioinformatics Tools for the Prediction of Helper MicroRNAs for Improvement of Oncolytic Virus Efficacy
Authors: Rastegarvand Nasrin , Soleimanjahi Hoorieh , Arefian Ehsan , Pourkarim Mahmoud Reza
Published: December 2022

Purpose. Oncolytic Reoviruses, as a self-limiting virus, can be used in cancer treatment, because they have the ability to replicate in tumor cells selectively and destroy them. Studies show that some immune response proteins may interfere with the virus life cycle. So, the main aim of this bioinformatic study is to check which microRNA is able to target some reovirus inhibitory proteins. Experimental Design. By use of online bioinformatics software, the microRNAs that could target inhibitory genes were selected. Then, other features like content ++ score and cell type were checked and finally the eligible microRNAs were determined. Results. After choosing 15 inhibitory proteins, analysis was performed and finally 37 microRNAs which could target inhibitory proteins in colorectal cell lines were selected. In the end, by investigation of web-based tools, just two microRNAs were finalized. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance. This bioinformatic study shows that microRNA-140 and microRNA-92a have the potential to target some inhibitory proteins which interfere with oncolytic Reovirus replication and it may help in the optimal use of this virus as a cancer treatment. Because selective reproduction of Reovirus in tumor cells, as a nonchemical therapy, can be a good way to overcome this disease with broad advantages.
Localization for Wireless Sensor Networks Assisted by Two Mobile Anchors with Improved Grey Wolf Optimizer
Authors: Cui Huanqing , Zhao Junyi , Zhou Chuanai , Zhang Na
Published: December 2022

Localization is crucial to wireless sensor networks. Among the recently proposed localization algorithms, the mobile anchor-assisted localization (MAL) algorithm seems promising. A MAL algorithm using a single mobile anchor has low energy consumption but a high localization error. Conversely, a MAL algorithm with three or more mobile anchors has minor localization errors but high energy consumption. By balancing energy consumption and localization accuracy, our study developed a localization algorithm assisted by two mobile anchors. A mobile anchor traverses the network along a double anchor SCAN (DASCAN) path, which divides the deployment region into grids and requires the two mobile anchors to traverse different horizontal lines in a zigzag pattern. Sensor nodes estimate their locations using a multiple-disturbance strategy grey wolf optimization (MDS-GWO) algorithm, which improves optimization by introducing a nonlinearly decreasing weight, a random perturbation of grey wolves and a mirror grey wolf. Using MATLAB, DASCAN was compared with GTURN, GSCAN, PP-MMAN, H-Curves, M-Curves, and SCAN paths by their energy consumption and localization rates. The localization error of MDS-GWO was compared with trilateration, PSO, WOA, and GWO. The impacts of radio irregularity, radio radius, and fading effect on MDS-GWO with different paths were also analyzed. The simulation results showed that the energy consumption of DASCAN was, on average, 30.1% less than GSCAN, GTURN, and PP-MMAN, but they had almost the same localization accuracy. The energy consumption of DASCAN was an average of 18.67% more than M-Curves, H-Curves, and SCAN, but the localization error of DASCAN was average of 32.3% less than SCAN, H-Curves, and M-Curves. The localization error of MDS-GWO was average of 25.5% less than trilateration, PSO, WOA, and GWO. Moreover, the performance of the proposed algorithm was less affected by different setups than the compared methods.
Equisetum arvense Inhibits Alveolar Bone Destruction in a Rat Model with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Periodontitis
Authors: Shiba Fumie , Furusho Hisako , Takata Takashi , Shimizu Rika , Miyauchi Mutsumi
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims. Equisetum arvense extract (EA) exerts various biological effects, including anti-inflammatory activity. The effect of EA on alveolar bone destruction has not been reported; therefore, we aimed to determine whether EA could inhibit alveolar bone destruction associated with periodontitis in a rat model in which periodontitis was induced using lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli (E. coli-LPS). Methods. Physiological saline or E. coli-LPS or E. coli-LPS/EA mixture was topically administered into the gingival sulcus of the upper molar region of the rats. After 3 days, periodontal tissues of the molar region were collected. Immunohistochemistry was performed for cathepsin K, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG). The cathepsin K-positive osteoclasts along the alveolar bone margin were counted. EA effects on the expression of the factors regulating osteoclastogenesis in osteoblasts with E. coli-LPS-stimulation were also examined in vitro. Results. Treatment with EA significantly reduced the number of osteoclasts by decreasing the RANKL-expression and increasing OPG-expression in the periodontal ligament in the treatment group compared to the E. coli-LPS group. The in vitro study showed that the upregulation of p-IκB kinase α and β (p-IKKα/β), p-NF-κB p65, TNF-α, interleukin-6, and RANKL and downregulation of semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), β-catenin, and OPG in the osteoblasts with E. coli-LPS-stimulation improved with EA-treatment. Conclusion. These findings demonstrated that topical EA suppressed alveolar bone resorption in the rat model with E. coli-LPS-induced periodontitis by maintaining a balance in RANKL/OPG ratio via the pathways of NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, and Sema3A/Neuropilin-1. Therefore, EA possesses the potential to prevent bone destruction through inhibiting osteoclastogenesis attributed to cytokine burst under plaque accumulation.
Diabetes Mellitus Disease Prediction and Type Classification Involving Predictive Modeling Using Machine Learning Techniques and Classifiers
Authors: Ahamed B. Shamreen , Arya Meenakshi S. , Sangeetha S. K. B. , Auxilia Osvin Nancy V.
Published: December 2022

The Diabetes-Mellitus (DM) disease is considered a persistent ailment that is triggered by excessive sugar levels in the blood of a person. It gives rise to severe health complications when left untreated and can also give rise to related diseases such as cardiac attack, nervous damage, foot problems, liver and kidney damage, and eye problems. These problems are caused by a series of factors interrelated to one another such as age, gender, family history, BMI, and Blood Glucose. Various Machine-Learning (ML) algorithms are being used in order to predict and detect the disease to avoid further complications of health. The Diabetes prediction process can be further improvised by identifying the type a person is being affected by and the probability of the occurrence of the related diseases. In order to perform the mentioned task, two types of the dataset are used in the study, namely, PIMA and a clinical survey dataset. Various ML algorithms such as Random Forest, Light Gradient Boosting Machine, Gradient Boosting Machine, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, and XGBoost are being used. The performance metrics used are accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and sensitivity. Techniques such as Data Augmentation and Sampling are used. In comparison with the research conducted previously, the paper focuses on improvisation of the accuracy with a percentage of 95.20 using the LGBM Classifier, and Diabetes is also classified as Prediabetes or Diabetes using many Classification mechanisms.
Joint Optimization of Jamming Link and Power Control in Communication Countermeasures: A Multiagent Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach
Authors: Rao Ning , Xu Hua , Zhang Yue , Wang Dan , Jiang Lei , Peng Xiang
Published: December 2022

Due to the nonconvexity feature of optimal controlling such as jamming link selection and jamming power allocation issues, obtaining the optimal resource allocation strategy in communication countermeasures scenarios is challenging. Thus, we propose a novel decentralized jamming resource allocation algorithm based on multiagent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) to improve the efficiency of jamming resource allocation in battlefield communication countermeasures. We first model the communication jamming resource allocation problem as a fully cooperative multiagent task, considering the cooperative interrelationship of jamming equipment (JE). Then, to alleviate the nonstationarity feature and high decision dimensions in the multiagent system, we introduce a centralized training with decentralized execution framework (CTDE), which means all JEs are trained with global information and rely on their local observations only while making decisions. Each JE obtains a decentralized policy after the training process. Subsequently, we develop the multiagent soft actor-critic (MASAC) algorithm to enhance the exploration capability of agents and accelerate the learning of cooperative policies among agents by leveraging the maximum policy entropy criterion. Finally, the simulation results are presented to demonstrate that the proposed MASAC algorithm outperforms the existing centralized allocation benchmark algorithms.
Oscillation of Third-Order Nonlinear Generalized Difference Equation with Multiple Neutral Terms
Authors: Sumathy M. , Venkata Mohan Reddy P. , Maria Susai Manuel M. , Syed Ali M.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the authors discuss the oscillatory behaviour of a third order generalized difference equation with multiple neutral terms. We have also applied Riccati transformation and Philo type technique to derive new oscillation criteria for the difference equation in question. Suitable examples are provided to validate our main results.
Avaliação do risco nutricional em adultos internados no Hospital Regional Norte de Sobral, Ceará, Brasil
Authors: Teixeira Mauricyanne Sales , Cavalcante Jorge Luis Pereira
Published: December 2022

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o risco nutricional de adultos no Hospital Regional Norte em Sobral, Ceará. O estudo descritivo ocorreu de maio a junho de 2018 na emergência do Hospital Regional. A amostra foi constituída por 80 pacientes adultos de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 18 a 59 anos e admitidos nas últimas 48 horas. Aplicou-se dois instrumentos de triagem nutricional: Avalição Subjetiva Global e Nutritional Risk Screening - 2002 em cada paciente ao leito. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva básica e a concordância entre os métodos através do coeficiente de Kappa. Quinze pacientes se apresentaram desnutridos pela Avalição Subjetiva Global, dos quais treze eram desnutridos moderados e dois, gravemente desnutridos. Os demais 65 participantes estavam bem-nutridos. O Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 mostrou que 23 pacientes tinham risco nutricional e 57 não. Houve concordância moderada entre os métodos de triagem (k = 0,67), mas o Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 mostrou uma maior efetividade em determinar o risco nutricional. Concluiu-se que a utilização de um método de identificação de risco nutricional confiável é muito importante para que uma terapia nutricional seja iniciada o mais breve possível. Logo, o uso de instrumentos de triagem, especialmente do Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, é o primeiro passo para a adequada atenção nutricional em adultos.
Personagens negras de O Cortiço: convergências com estereótipos
Authors: Queiroz Eduardo Prachedes
Published: December 2022

Sabendo da importante contribuição que podem fazer as análises  sólidas para o reconhecimento e o combate ao racismo, desejamos, com o  presente artigo, examinar como são construídas três personagens do romance de Aluísio Azevedo, O Cortiço (1890) – Rita Baiana, Bertoleza e Firmo,  evidenciando as estratégias discursivas usadas em sua construção e as  correspondências dessas personagens com estereótipos negativos  reconhecidos na cultura brasileira com relação a pessoas negras. Para alcançar  nosso objetivo, analisaremos trechos do romance principalmente fazendo uso  de elementos da semântica discursiva, relacionando os resultados das análises  com discursos convergentes e divergentes presentes em outros textos a fim de  melhor iluminar as questões pertinentes.