bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of the Process of Shaping Glass Beads According to the Method of Free Lapping
Authors: Kozeruk A. S. , Sukhotsky A. A. , Filonova M. I. , Yurinok V. I. , Kuznechik V. O.
Published: June 2023

Mathematical modeling of  the processing of balls by the method of free lapping using a tool in the form of a hollow thin-walled cylinder (tool bushings) has been performed. An analytical expression has been obtained for calculating the cutting  

paths, which, according to the formula of F. Preston, are proportional to the amount of material removal from the workpiece being processed. The calculation of the cutting paths in the diametrical sections of the ball during its rotation by a total angle of 4000 radians was carried out. The calculation is performed for various values of such adjustment parameters of the base machine as the amplitude of the reciprocating rotational movement of the device with tool bushings fixed in it, the distance between the symmetry axes of the tool bushings and the axis of rotation of the device, the speed of rotation of the input link of the actuator mechanism of the base machine and a faceplate fixed on its spindle and serving to communicate relative rotation to the ball blanks. In this case, the section with the greatest divergence of cutting paths was considered and the relative value of these paths was determined, which is proportional to the accuracy of processing. Studies have been carried out that have made it possible to identify at least three locations of tool bushings, in which the minimum value of the relative cutting paths on the machined ball surface is achieved, i. e. maximum accuracy of processing, which makes it possible in practice to combine the operations of preliminary, main and final grinding of the parts under consideration. It is shown that the degree of correlation between experimental and theoretical results is at the level of 80–85 %, and the polishing performance according to the proposed scheme increases by about 30 % in comparison with the classical scheme for performing this operation.
Optimization of Main Canal Parameters in the Area of Hydraulically Most Advantageous Sections
Authors: Mikhnevich E. I. , Li Zeming
Published: June 2023

The main canals of reclamation systems, along with the best economic performance, must also meet the requirements for connecting the conductive network in the vertical plane and the technology for the construction of the channel. 

Although the channels of the hydraulically most advantageous profile are the most economical un terms of excavation volume, often turn out to be too deep and of small width along the bottom, which does not meet the specified requirements.  All these factors can be taken into account by slightly reducing the water flow velocity u (compared to the velocity in the channel with the most hydraulically advantageous cross section uh.a.), which leads to a significant decrease in the channel depth and, accordingly, an increase in the width of the channel along the bottom.  Such a decrease in velocity is economically justified (without a significant increase in the cross-sectional area) in the region of the most hydraulically advantageous sections, where the curve of the function h = f(u) sharply increases and asymptotically approaches the ordinate with the maximum possible velocity uh.a. This area can be approximately characterized by the values of the velocity u = (0.95–1.0)uh.a. For the convenience of calculation, the formula obtained earlier by the author for the channel depth of the hydraulically most advantageous profile has been converted to a simpler form. An analytical method is proposed for calculating the optimal parameters of the channel section, located in the area of the most hydraulically advantageous sections, which is characterized by the optimization coefficient Kopt = u/uh.a, varying within Kopt. = 0.95–1.0. In this area, the cross section of the channel differs slightly from  the most hydraulically advantageous profile, and, at the same time, satisfies the requirements for conjugation of the conductive network in the vertical plane and the conditions of work. The proposed calculation method is less laborious and is applicable in a wide range of changes pertaining to exponent y in the formula of N. N. Pavlovsky to determine the Chezy’s coefficient. The calculation according to the proposed method is performed based on the use of dependencies to determine the characteristics of the most hydraulically advantageous section and the formulas of channel hydraulics (with a slight gradual decrease in the water flow rate u). Formulas are obtained for determining the depth and width of the channel along the bottom at various values of velocity.
Approximate Solution Using Elementary Functions of Mixed Problem with Boundary Conditions of the Second Kind for One-Dimensional Wave Equation
Authors: Lasy P. G.
Published: June 2023

The paper considers a mixed problem with boundary conditions of the second kind for a one-dimensional wave equation. The solution to this problem is written in integral form using the Green’s function. For practical use, this solution is of little use, since, firstly, the Green’s function is a trigonometric series and, therefore, its calculation presents certain difficulties, secondly, it is necessary to calculate approximately the five integrals with the Green’s function included in the solution of the problem, and, thirdly, it is extremely difficult to estimate the error of the approximate calculation of the solution.  In this work, these difficulties are overcome, namely, simple expression for the Green’s function  is found in terms of a periodic piecewise linear function, the integrals included in the approximate solution are calculated using periodic piecewise linear, piecewise quadratic and piecewise cubic functions, and, finally,  a  simple and efficient estimate of the approximation error is obtained. The error estimate is linear in the grid steps of the problem and uniform in the spatial variable at any fixed point in time.  Thus, an approximate solution of the problem with an arbitrarily small error is effectively expressed in terms of elementary functions.   An example of solving the problem by the proposed method is given, and graphs of the exact and approximate solutions are plotted.
Sedimentary record of historic seismicity in a small, southern Oregon lake
Authors: Morey Ann E. , Shapley Mark D. , Gavin Daniel G. , Nelson Alan R. , Goldfinger Chris
Published: June 2023

We compare disturbances from the historic portion of the sedimentary record from Lower Squaw Lake, Oregon, to the historic record of events from the region to (1) determine if the lake records Cascadia megathrust earthquakes, and (2) if sediment deposits can be differentiated by disturbance type. We use the sedimentological characteristics and geochemically inferred provenance of the deposits (labelled A-J) from the historic portion (post 1650 CE) of the record to discriminate between types of deposits. We show that earthquake-triggered deposits are complex and flood deposits are simpler but vary depending on flood characteristics. Disturbance deposit J dates close to 1700 CE (1680-1780 CE) through multiple approaches. This deposit suspected to result from the magnitude (M) 8.8-9.2 1700 CE Cascadia megathrust earthquake is composed of unusually well-sorted, normally graded, medium-grained silt derived from distal rocks in the upper watershed. The silt grades upward, increasing in organic content forming a long, organic-rich tail. Load structures of silt into the organic-rich sediment below suggest rapid deposition. In contrast, a deposit attributed to the ~M7.0 1873 CE intraplate earthquake is a normally graded, medium-grained, watershed-sourced silt overlain by an organic tail and preceded by a lake-wide deposit interpreted as a wall failure from an earthquake that caused the landslide dam to fail. These results suggest that inland lakes can be sensitive recorders of earthquakes, and that it is possible to discriminate between plate margin and other types of earthquakes, and floods.
Efficacy and safety of different Janus kinase inhibitors combined with methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A single-center randomized trial
Authors: Liao Xiaoling , Huo Wang , Zeng Wen , Qin Fang , Dong Fei , Wei Wanling , Lei Ling
Published: June 2023

Objective
To compare the efficacy and safety between baricitinib (BARI) and tofacitinib (TOFA) for the treatment of the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receiving methotrexate (MTX) in clinical practice.
Methods
This retrospective study recruited 179 RA patients treated with BARI (2–4 mg/d) or TOFA (10 mg/d) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from September 2019 to January 2022. The rate of low disease activity (LDA) was used as the primary end point, while secondary end points included the rate of DAS28-CRP remission, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, swollen joint, and tender joint counts; Disease Activity Scale-28 (DAS-28)-C-reactive protein (CRP), and adverse events and 6 month. Several factors affecting LDA achievement were also analyzed.
Results
74 patients were treated with BARI and 105 were treated with TOFA, including 83.24% females, with a median (IQR) age of 56.0 (53.0–56.0) years and disease duration of 12.0 (6.0–12.0) months. There was no difference of the rate of low disease activity (LDA) between BARI and TOFA treatment groups. All disease indices in the two groups were significantly improved, including a significantly lower VAS in the BARI group (P < 0.05), reflecting the drug efficacy at 1 and 6 months of treatment. The incidence of adverse reactions was similar in these two groups.
Conclusion
The treatment efficacy and safety of BARI and TOFA in the RA patients were similar, but BARI was more effective in pain relief than TOFA. An older baseline age was more likely to achieve LDA in the BARI group, while a low baseline erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was more likely to achieve LDA in the TOFA group.
Creating a near-perfect circularly polarized terahertz beam through the nonreciprocity of a magnetoplasma
Authors: Ju Xuewei , Hu Zhiqiang , Zhu Guofeng , Huang Feng , Chen Yanqing , Guo Cuixia , Kono Junichiro , Belyanin Alexey , Wang Xiangfeng
Published: June 2023

Compared to other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, the terahertz frequency range lacks efficient polarization manipulation techniques, which is impeding the proliferation of terahertz technology. In this work, we demonstrate a tunable and broadband linear-to-circular polarization converter based on an InSb plate containing a free-carrier magnetoplasma. In a wide spectral region (~ 0.45 THz), the magnetoplasma selectively absorbs one circularly polarized mode due to electron cyclotron resonance and also reflects it at the edges of the absorption band. Both effects are nonreciprocal and contribute to form a near-zero transmission band with a record-high isolation of –449 dB, resulting in the output of a near-perfect circularly polarized terahertz wave for an incident linearly polarized beam. The near-zero transmission band is tunable with magnetic field to cover a wide frequency range from 0.3 to 4.8 THz.
Antipyretic Effect of Oral Dipyrone (Metamizole) Compared to Oral Ibuprofen in febrile Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alnajar Maged , Saker Zahraa , Haji Fatma , Abdelsamed Menna , Khaled Zeinab , Abd-ElGawad Mohamed
Published: June 2023

Background
The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication dipyrone (metamizole) is most frequently used as a painkiller as well as an anti - pyretic. Despite the fact that it has been banned in many high-income countries following confirmed studies of fatal agranulocytosis and adverse drug reactions, it is still widely used in various countries of the world. However, the antipyretic therapeutic indications of dipyrone in febrile children are currently unknown, and there is little information on the advantages and disadvantages of using dipyrone in febrile youngsters. In febrile youngsters, we expected that dipyrone's antipyretic effectiveness wouldn't be any more effective than ibuprofen. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of oral dipyrone and oral ibuprofen as antipyretics in febrile children.
Methods
Several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, were searched thoroughly using a pre-established search strategy for potential research. The studies included in this analysis comprised randomized controlled trials that compared the antipyretic effects of oral ibuprofen and oral dipyrone in febrile kids. Data analysis was carried out using Revman 5.4 software.
Results
Three studies were selected among the 27 publications we discovered to be applicable, and they underwent qualitative and quantitative analysis. The pooled analysis revealed no discernible difference between oral dipyrone and oral ibuprofen in terms of their antipyretic effects (Mean difference (MD) = 0.06; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.08, 0.20).
Conclusion
Both oral dipyrone and ibuprofen are effective in reducing high-temperature levels in febrile children without any significant difference.
Development of a multivariable prediction model for necrotizing enterocolitis stage III
or mortality within a week among preterm infants at the time of initial evaluation
for necrotizing enterocolitis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nayak Sulir , Sanchez-Rosado Mariela , Brown L Steven , Mangona Kate Louise , Sharma Priya , Reis Jordan , Nelson David , Wyckoff Myra , Pandya Samir , Mir Imran , Brion Luc
Published: June 2023

Objective: This study was designed to develop a multivariate prediction model using variables obtained at the time of sepsis evaluation to predict necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) stage III or death within a week with an area under the curve (AUC)>0.90.
Study design: This is a retrospective cohort study (n=269) of preterm infants <33 weeks' gestation or <1500 grams birthweight either suspected or with NEC born at Parkland Health between 2009-2021. A multivariate prediction model using the new PACSOFAH score (Pneumoperitoneum, Abdominal Compartment Syndrome, Neonatal Sequential Organ failure Assessment (NSOFA) score, acidemia, hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia), gestational age and use of inotropes for hypotension during the prior week was compared with a similar model using NSOFA score.
Results: The PACSOFAH-model had a greater AUC than the NSOFA-model (0.92 vs 0.85, respectively, P=0.0005).
Conclusion: A new prediction model for death or NEC stage III was developed with AUC=0.92 at the time of initial sepsis evaluation.
Nonlinear Behavior of Quasi-zero Stiffness Nonlinear Torsional Vibration Isolator
Authors: Xu Jiawei , Jing Jianping
Published: June 2023

This paper researches the nonlinear behavior of a nonlinear torsional vibration isolator (NTVI) which is composed of flexible rod element and electromagnetic element. And the NTVI has a quasi-zero stiffness (QZS) characteristic. Firstly, a statics model of the QZS-NTVI is established and the effects of geometric parameters on the QZS behavior and restoring torque are described. Then, the statics model approximated by the Taylor series is incorporated into the dynamic model of QZS-NTVI. The stability of the harmonic solution is analyzed and the amplitude-frequency response and the torque transmissibility curves under different geometric parameters are derived according to the harmonic balance method. Furthermore, numerical analysis effort is performed to study the nonlinear behavior of QZS-NTVI. The results show that the QZS-NTVI exhibits super-harmonic and sub-harmonic resonances and undergoes the periodic and chaotic motions alternatively with the change in the excitation amplitude and the angular frequency. Finally, both the simulation and experimental efforts are performed to validate the statics model of the flexible rod and to study the vibration isolation performance and nonlinear behavior of QZS-NTVI. The results demonstrate that the vibration isolation performance of QZS-NTVI notably outperforms the linear system, as well as nonlinear behavior with frequency jump.
Identification of EMT-related gene signatures in glioblastoma to aid immunotherapy and prognosis
Authors: Li Chengcai , Diao Bo , Ning Weihai , Song Dixiang , Liu Deshan , Zhang Hongwei
Published: June 2023

Objective: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignancy of the central nervous system, with the lowest survival rate of malignant brain tumors at approximately 6%. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is closely associated with tumor metastasis and drug resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to construct models consisting of EMT-related genes (ERGs) to forecast prognosis and benefit from immunotherapy in GBM patients.
Methods: To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for GBM by TCGA, CGGC, and GEO databases. To collect ERGs, databases called dbEMT2 and MSigDB were employed. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to find the core differentially expressed EMT-related genes (CDEERGs) at the junction of DEGs and ERGs. We developed the CDEERGs prognosis model (CPM) using a variety of bioinformatics analysis methods. The CPM was employed to determine risk scores for patients in TCGA-GBM dataset, and CGGC-325 and CGGC-693 datasets were utilized to externally validate the CPM's predictive ability. The differences in immunological traits and immunotherapeutic indicators between different groups were compared. Finally, it was evaluated if CPM may be helpful for determining whether immunotherapy would be appropriate for oncology patients.
Results:IGFBP2, RGS4, AGTR1, CCL5, and LOXL1 were the five risk factors and ACTL6A and MTHFD2 were the two protective factors in the CPM. Patients with GBM were separated into high-risk and low-risk subgroups according on median risk scores. Low-risk subgroup in the TCGA-GBM dataset was significantly better than that in high-risk subgroup, and prognosis of patients in CGGC-325 and CGGC-693 datasets remained consistent with that in TCGA-GBM dataset. Risk scores and the expression of CD274 and PDCD1 were positively associated, and CD274 expression was higher in high-risk subgroup than in low-risk subgroup. The expression of numerous immunotherapy markers was different in high-risk and low-risk subgroups. Compared to the other prognostic models, the CPM has greater predictive power. We discovered that patients with low-risk scores may be better candidates for immunotherapy by calculating the risk scores of patients in the IMvigor210 dataset.
Conclusion: The present study constructs CPMs that could be used to predict the prognosis of GBM patients as well as to screen for patients who can benefit from immunotherapy and to screen for CDEERGs that may provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of GBM patients.
Lower limb venous thrombosis among breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen in Uganda
Authors: Vincent Mboizi , Sereke Senai Goitom , Ameda Faith , Richard Okello Omara , Alfred Bulamu
Published: June 2023

Background
Tamoxifen therapy is an effective and mainstay adjuvant treatment for estrogen-positive breast cancer patients. However, it has partial estrogen receptor agonist activity that causes hypercoagulation of blood and consequently venous thrombus formation. Patients who are being treated with tamoxifen require monitoring, because of the increased risk for developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism that could increase morbidity and mortality if left undiagnosed. This study sought to determine the prevalence and associated factors of lower limb DVT among breast cancer patients on tamoxifen, in Uganda.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study done among patients receiving tamoxifen therapy who attended the breast clinic at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Clinical evaluation, mean platelet volume (MPV) and bilateral lower limb compression and Doppler ultrasound scans were done to screen for DVT. Univariate analysis was used to summarize continuous variables as mean and corresponding standard deviations, and categorical variables as proportions.
Results
Of the 180 participants, 170 (94.4%) were females, 141 (78.3%) were below 60 years. More than 95% were neither diabetic nor smokers and 163 (90.6%) of them had a BMI of < 35Kg/m2. The prevalence of DVT was 0.6%. The statistical significance of the associated factors could not be elucidated at bivariate or multivariate analysis due to the very low prevalence of DVT.
Conclusion
The prevalence of DVT among breast cancer patients on tamoxifen at the Uganda cancer institute was very low (0.6%). The patients with normal MPV findings are unlikely to have DVT despite the intermediate risk on clinical assessment, therefore a routine sonographic examination for younger Ugandan patients on tamoxifen may not be necessary.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of Self-assessment scale for the community- based and emergency practice among medical students
Authors: Zheng Chen , Li Xia , Yu Jie , Zhang Huijun
Published: June 2023

Objective As the population continues to age, community-based primary care for the elderly increases to an important level. The aim of this study was to translate the Self-assessment scale for the community- based and emergency practice (C-CEP) into Chinese and to test its reliability and validity among medical students. Methods After gaining access to the C-CEP scale, the Brislin translation-back translation model was used for translation and cross-cultural adaptation. 600 medical students were recruited to participate in this study using a convenience sampling method (n = 600). General information about the study population was analyzed by descriptive statistics; item analysis was used to screen the scale items; the reliability of the Chinese version of the questionnaire was measured by internal consistency, split-half reliability, and retest reliability; the validity of the questionnaire was measured by content validity and structural validity. Results The English version of the C-CEP consisted of 15 items and the analysis of the items showed that all indicators were met. The Cronbach's alpha for the translated scale was 0.933 and the range of Cronbach's alpha for each dimension was 0.927–0.931. The retest reliability was 0.754 and the split-half reliability was 0.883. The four-factor structure explained a cumulative 74.897% of the total variance. All the content validity was met. The results of the validation factor analysis showed that χ²/ df = 1.906, RMR = 0.031, GFI = 0.931, AGFI = 0.901, IFI = 0.974, TLI = 0.967, CFI = 0.973, PNFI = 0.757, PGFI = 0.651 and RMSEA = 0.055. The model-fit indicators were all within acceptable limits. Conclusions The Chinese version of the Self-assessment scale for the community- based and emergency practice had good reliability and validity and could effectively assess medical students' self-practice skills. The scale could provide intervention targets for medical educators to explore the direction of community practice education for medical students to improve their practice emergencies.
Numerical Solutions of Fractional Diffusion Equation of Jeffrey’s Flow
Authors: Khan Abdul Quayam , Ahmed Ali , Wahid Abdul , Anwar Muhammad Shoaib
Published: June 2023

In this article, we conducted a numerical study on the solution of the fractional diffusion equations combined with the temperature equation. These are one-dimensional coupled parabolic equations with a fractional derivative solved by the finite element method and the finite difference method. We applied the fractional Caputo operator to the Jeffrey fluid model equation and obtained the fractional diffusion equation as a result. Fractional differential terms are solved by the finite difference method, and non-fractional derivatives are solved by the finite element method. Numerical convergence of the scheme is applied through theoretical error estimation and the system is analyzed graphically. An algorithm simulated in MATLAB that graphs the results of various dimensionless physical and fractional parameters.
Analysis of the Manufacturing Porosity in Additively Manufactured Onyx/Long Fiber Reinforced Composites Using X-Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Pace Francesco , Stamopoulos Antonios G. , Eckl Michael , Senck Sascha , Glinz Jonathan
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, additive manufacturing techniques such as the Fused Filament Fabrication appear to be among the most promising additive manufacturing methods for enabling modern industry to produce components of high geometrical complexity. The main characteristic of this method is the deposition of thermoplastic polymers that can be further reinforced with chopped and/or continuous fibers that attributes to the product some unique structural characteristics. Nevertheless, the process is susceptible to a variety of defects that are derived from the fabrication process parameters, such as porosity, insufficient fiber impregnation with the polymer and fiber disorientation. On the other hand, since the applicability of the process depends on the development of numerical tools for assessing the effects of these defects, the accurate detection and quantification of them is a crucial part of it. In the present work, these defects are studied experimentally by implementing an X-Ray computed tomography testing campaign. The manufacturing defects, as a form of initial damage, are identified using well-established techniques while a complete analysis of the distribution of porosity is presented for various zones of Onyx, Onyx/Carbon and Onyx/Glass fiber reinforced structures. Finally, the tendency of the overall pore content to increase with increasing number of continuous fiber reinforcement was identified as well as porosity variations in printing direction are presented.
Electron beam lithography of GeTe through polymorphic phase transformation
Authors: Zhang Hu , Li Meng , Cheng Shao-Dong , Lu Lu , Chen Zhi-Gang , Ye Hengqiang , Mi Shao-Bo
Published: June 2023

Finding new phases can deeply understand the fundamental of materials and broaden their practical applications. Here, we report two undiscovered phases of GeTe including the zinc-blende (c-) phase and the hexagonal (h-) phase with interlayer van der Waals gaps. A polymorphic phase transformation from rhombohedral α-GeTe to c- and h-GeTe near room temperature, then supposedly to cubic β-GeTe at higher temperature, is first realized via electron beam irradiation. Theirunderlying thermodynamics and kinetics are illustrated by the in-situ heating experiments and molecular dynamics simulation. Density-functional theory calculation indicates that c-GeTe exhibits typical metallic behavior and h-GeTe is a narrow-gap semiconductor with a strong spin-orbital coupling effect. An atomic-scale electron beam lithography technique is finally developed and adopted to fabricate GeTe-based quantum devices compromising nanopillars and heterostructures of c- and h-GeTe in α-GeTe matrix.
Efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus extract (Spotless 1% Gearniol EC) against different plant pathogens and its gene expression
Authors: Priya R , Murugesan N V , Ramakrishnan P , K Latha , Narayanasamy Prabhakaran
Published: June 2023

Uncontrolled usage of synthetic fungicides has generated toxicological and environmental hazards. Essential oils are gaining popularity despite their extensive use as scents. To establish novel applications in human health, agriculture, and the environment, it's crucial to understand their biological action. Botanical insecticides are gaining popularity around the world. In this work, a botanical biocide (Cymbopogon citratus extract-Spotless 1% Gearniol EC) was investigated for its in vitro and in vivo efficiency against several plant pathogens. 0.2% was shown to be the most effective in treating bacterial and fungal pathogens with maximum inhibition. Relative electric conductivity (REC) grew with prolonged product use, showing the product was more effective. In vivo experiments showed a 15% increase in shoot height, panicle number, and grain output in paddy at 2.0 ml per litre of water. Cymbopogon citratus extract (Spotless 1% Gearniol EC) could be used as an alternative to synthetic biocides to prevent or control crop diseases caused by bacteria and fungi.
Reproductive interference between alien species in Veronica
Authors: Nishida Sachiko , Tamakoshi Naoko , Takakura Ko-Ichi , Watanabe Yuta , Kanaoka Masahiro M
Published: June 2023

Reproductive interference can lead to the exclusive distribution of species. Although interference from alien to native species has been reported, reports on reproductive interference between alien species are scarce. However, because alien species are becoming more abundant, evaluations of reproductive interference between aliens and its influence on community structure are essential. We therefore investigated the presence of interference in two alien species of Veronica, V. cymbalaria and V. persica. Hand-pollination experiments revealed that heterospecific pollen adversely affected both species, but asymmetrically: in V. cymbalaria, it reduced the number of seeds both before and after conspecific pollination, but in V. persica it reduced the number of seeds only when it occurred before conspecific pollination. Field observation showed that the number of seeds produced by V. cymbalaria decreased when the frequency of surrounding V. persica flowers increased. However, this association could be due to the positive effect on seed set of conspecific flowers. Pot experiments showed that the presence of heterospecific individuals did not lead to reductions in the number of seeds in either species. Observations of visiting pollinators revealed no pollinator preference between the plant species. Although we demonstrated asymmetrical reproductive interference between V. cymbalaria and V. persica, its effect in the field seemed limited. An essential factor mitigating the adverse effect of reproductive interference might be a shortage of pollinators that might facilitate interspecific pollination. This issue needs to be further investigated in the future.
Pathological and Molecular Analysis of Spontaneous Canine Mammary Carcinomas and its Prognostic implications
Authors: Kuppusamy Krithiga , Rajan Arathi , Varghese Geetu Rose , Latha Neetha Rajan , Krishnan Neethu , Patra Dipyaman , Warrier Arathy , Bhushan Satej , Nair Narayanan Divakaran , Srini Priya
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The canine mammary tumours (CMT) and human breast cancers (HBC) are postulated to resemble each other in genesis, progression, presentation and prognostication. Thus, studies involving naturally occurring CMT may aid in better understanding of HBC. The study also aims at replicating the techniques used to study the HBC in CMT and to find whether the canine model can be utilized for HBC research and also provide diagnostic methods for patients with CMT.
Methods: Samples from spontaneous CMT cases were collected and a cohort of canine mammary carcinomas (CMC) was utilised for this study after histopathological examination and grading. Immunophenotyping and identifying the cancer stem cells (CSC) which are the most acclaimed cause of recurrence, metastasis, and treatment failures in CMC was performed by using suitable markers.
Results: Expression of CD44+/24-/low CSC phenotype, CD24 overexpression, ALDH1 in higher grades, decreased E cadherin and increased N cadherin in recurrence/ metastasis were observed by immunohistochemistry. The qRTPCR results showed increased Oct-4, Sox-2, Nanog expression in higher grades of tumours, while the E and N cadherin switch was observed in recurrent/ metastatic cases. A survival analysis of a 36 months follow-up study revealed that prognosis was poor in patients with higher grades and in CMC with CD44+/24-/low or CD24 overexpression.
Conclusion: It could be deciphered from the study that the human and canine breast cancers share common diagnostic and prognostic signatures and can serve as better model to study the human disease.
Comparison of plantar deformation and damping behavior in different areas of plantar tissue in relaxed and tense muscular state
Authors: Paul Benedikt , Senner Veit , Compeyron Robin , Mitternacht Jürgen , Gelsinova Lora
Published: June 2023

During gait, the cushioning function of the soft tissue on the sole of the foot plays a pivotal role, which is particularly evident when this function is limited due to the lack of these complex structured fat tissue chambers. Therefore, further research of the biomechanics of this tissue is conducted. A technique to determine the effective Young's modulus, the spring constant, and the absorbed energy during impact on the sole of the foot is used to investigate these parameters at four different plantar measurement points. Vertical in vivo impact tests and ultrasonic tissue examinations were used on the right feet of n = 19 study participants for this purpose. Measurements were conducted under the calcaneus, under the first metatarsal head, in the area between the fourth and fifth metatarsal head, and the plantar section of the tendon of the flexor hallucis longus. Measurements were taken both in a relaxed and in a tense muscular state in order to gain insights into the relationship between plantar elasticity and muscular activity. The effective Young's modulus showed a significant (P from 0.0442 to > 0.001) increase at all points in the tense state, while the spring constant rose at just three. Energy absorption decreased significantly (P between 0.04 and 0.002) at all points except for the subcalcaneal region. This provided information may help for further understanding of foot biomechanics and in the development of new tailored damping systems for shoes or insoles.
Understanding HPV Vaccination Policymaking in Rwanda: A Case of Health Prioritization and Public-Private-Partnership in a Low-Resource Setting.
Authors: Asempah Eric , Wiktorowicz Mary
Published: June 2023

Background Rwanda was the first African nation to initiate a nationwide HPV vaccination program in 2011 where the incidence of cervical cancer was reduced from 34.5 cases to 28.2 cases per 100,000 women and the mortality rate declined from 25.4–20.1% from before 2011 to 2020, respectively. This study sought to clarify the HPV vaccination policymaking process in Rwanda and the lessons policymakers in other low-income settings can learn.Methods Kingdon's multiple stream framework and Foucault’s concept of governmentality were used as lenses to understand the Rwandan policymaking process that hastened the introduction of a national HPV vaccination program in 2011. Perspectives of policy makers engaged in HPV vaccination policy were gathered from published sources, along with key informant interviews.Results Rwanda presents a valuable case study of Kingdon’s multiple streams model clarifying how governmental priority setting (policy stream) for cervical cancer prevention (problem stream) along with public and private incentives and policy entrepreneurship (politics stream) aligned to foster program implementation. Rwanda’s track record of successful vaccination programs enabled by a culture of local accountability referred to as Imihigo created public and private sector incentives. Effective stakeholder engagement, health priority setting, and resource mobilization garnered locally and through international development aid, reflect indicators of policy success. The national HPV policymaking process in Rwanda unfolded in a relatively cohesive and stable policy network.Conclusion Although peripheral stakeholder resistance and a constrained national budget can present a threat to policy survival, the study shows that such factors as the engagement of policy entrepreneurs within a policy network, private sector incentives and international aid were effective in ensuring policy resolution.
The Effect of Tymoquinone on Vitamin D Metabolism in Glucocorticoid-Induced Insulin Resistance
Authors: Göktuğ Hazel Berna , Dede Semiha
Published: June 2023

The key ingredient in Nigella sativa, thymoquinone (TQ), has several advantageous qualities, particularly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ones. Recent research studies have shown the beneficial effects of thymoquinone, and this study aimed to look into how it affected vitamin D metabolism in populations with insulin resistance. Male Wistar-Albino rats were employed in the study as the subject matter for this reason. TQ was administered as a therapy, and prophylaxis and treatment with metformin were set up for the groups in which insulin resistance had been developed. The gene groups implicated in vitamin D metabolism underwent RT-PCR gene expression analysis and western blot protein analysis. The analysis's findings show that the application of TQ reduced HOMA-IR values, a sign of insulin resistance. It was found that the expression of the VDR gene may be responsible for the effect of TQ administration for the treatment of insulin resistance on vitamin D metabolism in liver tissue. The evaluation of TQ's effects on the gene expression of the genes involved in vitamin D metabolism in liver tissue and their translation into a protein produced significant findings. It has been demonstrated that using TQ for therapeutic and preventive reasons is advantageous for regressing insulin resistance metrics. Also found to be impacted was serum vitamin D level, which was found to be directly related to the expression of several genes involved in vitamin D metabolism in the liver, although some of these genes were found to be relatively ineffective in the present study.
Enhanced niche colonisation and competition during bacterial adaptation to a fungus
Authors: Richter Anne , Blei Felix , Hu Guohai , Schwitalla Jan W , Lozano-Andrade Carlos , Jarmusch Scott A , Wibowo Mario , Kjeldgaard Bodil , Surabhi Surabhi , Jautzus Theresa , Phippen Christopher B W , Tyc Olaf , Arentshorst Mark , Wang Yue , Garbeva Paolina , Larsen Thomas , Ram Arthur F.J. , Hondel Cees van den , Maróti Gergely , Kovács Ákos T
Published: June 2023

Bacterial-fungal interactions (BFIs) influence microbial community performance of most ecosystems and elicit specific microbial behaviours, including stimulating specialised metabolite production. Using a simple BFI system encompassing the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis and the black mould fungus Aspergillus niger, we established a co-culture experimental evolution method to investigate bacterial adaptation to the presence of a fungus. In the evolving populations, B. subtilis was rapidly selected for enhanced production of the lipopeptide surfactin and accelerated surface spreading ability, leading to inhibition of fungal expansion and acidification of the environment. These phenotypes were explained by specific mutations in the DegS-DegU two-component system. In the presence of surfactin, fungal hyphae exhibited bulging cells with delocalised secretory vesicles and RlmA-dependent cell wall stress induction. Increased surfactin production typically enhances the competitive success of bacteria against fungi, which likely explains the primary adaption path in the presence of A. niger.
Genetic predisposition of HER2 gene polymorphisms (rs1136200 and rs1058808) associated with breast fibroadenoma in the South Indian population: A pilot case-control study
Authors: N Durga , K Iyshwarya B , P Keerthana , A Sivashankar , Jayaprasad Prema , RS Akram Husain , Veerabathiran Ramakrishnan
Published: June 2023

Background
Fibroadenoma (FA) is a non-cancerous breast lesion, usually diagnosed in young females, where the genes, proteins, and environmental risk factors contribute to the disease pathogenesis. The study aimed to find the association of Human Epithelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (rs1136200 and rs1058808) gene polymorphisms with fibroadenoma in this population.
Methods
The study included 60 cases with FA and 60 healthy controls. DNA isolation was performed from peripheral blood lymphocytes and genotyped using the ARMS-PCR method. Allelic and genotype frequencies, odds ratio, Both variants were calculated with 95% confidence intervals.
Results
In this study, genotypic distributions of HER2 rs1136200 allelic polymorphisms were reported GG (31.7%), GT (48.3%), TT (20%) in FA cases, and 20%, 36.7%, 43.3% in controls. However, the percentage of the G allele in cases is 55.8% and controls 38.3%; the T allele in cases is 44.2% whereas 61.7 in controls. The genotypic distribution results of HER2 rs1058808 allelic polymorphisms showed CC (36.7%), CG (48.3%), and GG (15%) in FA cases and 28.3%, 40%, 31.7% in controls. However, the percentage of the C allele in cases is 60.8% and in controls 48.3%; the G allele in cases is 39.2% and 51.7% in controls. Our study found a significant difference in genotype frequencies of rs1136200 and rs1058808 gene polymorphism compared to FA patients and healthy controls. HER2 rs1136200 and rs1058808 gene polymorphism were significantly (P- value 0.05) associated with FA.
Conclusion
Future studies must identify the role of HER2 rs1136200 and rs1058808 gene variants and their interaction with other fibroadenoma-associated genes in FA for the possible development of suitable therapies and early diagnosis in the human community.
Genomic characterization and phylogenomic relationship of the beta-variant of SARS- CoV-2 in Pakistan
Authors: Fiaz Nazia , zahoor Imran , naveed saima , Yaqub Tahir , Basheer Atia
Published: June 2023

In this research, we performed genomic characterization and phylogenomic relationship of beta-variant circulated in Pakistan, compared to the viral population of the world. A set of 105 full-genome sequence samples of beta-VOC from Pakistan, retrieved from GISAID, and aligned through the online tool MAFFT and subjected to mutations identification through Coronapp web-application. Phylogenetic tree was created by using 800 full-genome sequences of beta-variant from ten countries having the highest Pakistani diaspora resides. We found 389 mutations, out of which 227 were missense mutations, however, NSP3 and spike were found to be the most mutable proteins. Interestingly, some characteristic mutations like T265I, K1655N, K3353R in ORF1a, S84L(ORF8) and del241/243(S) which had 92–99% prevalence globally, were not present in beta-variant of Pakistan. Moreover, N501Y(S), E484K(S), L242(S), and S106(NSP6) mutations which had 86%, 85%, 84%, and 91% prevalence globally were only 52%, 50%, 49%, and 73.3% prevalent in Pakistan. Likewise, S794L (NSP3), G30R (N) and W29L (ORF7b) had a global prevalence of just 12%, 0.4%, and 0.3%, but in Pakistan they were 67%, 67%, and 49%, respectively. The phylogeny results showed that majority of the Pakistani samples were clustered together with samples from South Africa, England, and Saudi Arabia. Our results showed that beta-variant of Pakistani population was substantially different from its global population in terms of its genomic variability. However, phylogeny relationship suggested transmission of this variant to Pakistan from South Africa, England, and Saudi Arabia.
Pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes Cockerell (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): a new threat to garden pea, Pisum sativum L. in India
Authors: Choudhary J. S. , Gotyal B. S. , Joshi S. , Ramya R. S. , Patil J , Lekhana N. , Selvaraj K. , Shivakumara K. T.
Published: June 2023

Pea, (Pisum sativum, Leguminaceae), also called garden pea is herbaceous annual plant grown worldwide for its edible seeds. Several studies reported that about 20 insect pest attack this crop and cause substantial yield loss. The pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes Cockerell (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is reported for the first time from garden pea from Jharkhand state of India. The nymph and adult mealybugs were collected from four different locations of garden pea fields and identified through morphological characters and further their identity confirmed with molecular characterization using partial (658bp) mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (mtCO1) gene. Nymphs and adults of mealybugs suck the sap from the roots as well as stem base near the soil surface. The mealybug infested roots were observed with dark circles and plants showing wilting symptoms. The infestation of D. brevipes was observed in the month of November, 2022 with 5% plant infestation in the early crop growth stage, where as the maximum of 45% infestation was recorded in the month of August, 2022. This study confirms that garden pea as the new host for D. brevipes and its damage symptoms.
Modification of wheat mill diagram for studying structural and rheological aspect of primary streams to optimize the voluminous bread’s formulation
Authors: Amiri Zeynab Raftani , Moammaei Saeed , Kharazi Sepideh Haghighat
Published: June 2023

Wheat milling diagram and their analytical parameters play key role in bread making. Primary break and reduction passages stream had significant impact on the quality of standardized flours for voluminous breads. Hence, Break (B2 passage) and reduction (M1 passage) flours of semi-hard wheat were incorporated in three formulation in presence of glucose oxidase to improve dough handling properties and baking quality (B6M3 as default blended mill setup, B3M6 and B5M5 as reconstituted flour blends). Results indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the outcome of the experiments. By shifting from break flours to reduction, starch fraction reflected a higher incorporation of hydroxyl groups in the hydrogen bonds with greater interaction. Moreover, starch availability was restricted and its gelatinization included retardation with additional of reduction flour. B5M5 gained a highest gelatinization temperature which indicated more ungelatinized granules in suspension. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of bread crumb reflected a denser interior structure with thinner gas cell boundary for B3M6. Higher value of reduction stream could convert spherical cavities of crumb to oval shape. Experiment on baked bread texture revealed that softens crumb (1622.33 ± 58.4) during storage with greater symmetry and uniformity indices were observed for B5M5. Additionally, bread loafs with higher reduction cooperation (B3M6) remained springiest (9.11 ± 0.11) with high score chewiness factor (85.29 ± 4.57) after 72 h. Alveographic model of dough with consistography were determined the extra cross-linking of gluten protein upon glucose oxidase addition which led to decrease in L parameter. A reinforcement of dough tenacity (P) was observed for reduction passages due to higher water absorption capacity. The analysis of the gluten proteins with deformation energy (W) was positively correlated to lactic acid SRC value for break passages (B6M3). Therefore, progressive milling system fractionation could be related to end-product quality with optimized formulation.
Youth Leadership in Sexual Violence Prevention: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hjelm Linnea L
Published: June 2023

Youth in the US experience high rates of sexual violence. Historically, adults design and deliver preventive initiatives, with youth limited as participants and recipients. The use of community-based participatory research and other participatory approaches can expand the reach and impact of adolescent sexual violence prevention initiatives by positioning youth as leaders and co-researchers. This systematic review explores both adolescent violence prevention programs and research projects that take a participatory, youth-engaged, or youth-led approach. The review aims to understand what activities youth are involved in and how they are equipped for their roles. Following PRISMA guidelines, the review located eight eligible articles that involved high school youth or younger as more than data, focused on adolescent sexual or dating violence prevention, and whose programs or studies were conducted in the United States. I reviewed each article for programmatic and study specifics, with special attention to which stages youth participated in and how capacity-building was incorporated. Results revealed that youth can participate in a variety of activities, though they are involved in certain stages more than others and that capacity-building ranged in breadth and frequency. I call researchers to detail youth activities and training and explain clearly their participatory approach and decisions.