Search

This paper examines five globally recognized rain attenuation models for slant path communication to compute the attenuation and identify the models required for optimal rain-induced attenuation prediction over Nigeria's North-Central region. The models considered are Garcia-Lopez, Svjatogor, Bryant, ITU-R P.618-9, and Simple Attenuation. These models have been evaluated for circularly polarized signals in the centimeter wave bands. The Lavergnat-Gole rain rate model was employed to transform the original 5-minute integration time rainfall data to a 1-minute integration time. Attenuation estimates for rain varied widely between 9 and 14 dB for the Ku-band and between 20 and 32 dB for the Ka-band at 0.01% of the time over a typical year. Furthermore, the calculations of the Garcia-Lopez, Bryant, and ITU-R P.618-9 models generally agreed, while the Simple Attenuation and Svjatogor models consistently underestimated the rain-induced attenuation across the selected region and all time percentages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for digital twins is an ancient practice among both digital and organizational designers. It is grounded into a very old modern philosophy: representationalism. Here, I propose to distinguish two different types of representationalism: cognitive and narrative representationalism. I detail their genealogy and how there are interwoven with the very reconfiguration of scientific management through digitality during and after WWII. I explain how the apocalyptic orientations of post-war management have been preventing employee and customer subjectivation and fosters multiple self-images about us in the world. To discuss the dangers of such managerial processes for our present and our future, I come back to a parallel drawn by Michel Serres: the unexpected proximity between Ka and our philosophies of digitality, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Maybe our worst nightmare could become our most ordinary experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Knee Society Scoring System (KSS) is a frequently used outcome score which quantifies functional patients' outcomes before and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Several problems arise when trying to implement KSS for obtaining postoperative outcomes after more personalised aligned TKAs. Scoring for valgus femorotibial angle (FTA) intervals outside moderate ranges is often poorly explained, the specific version of KSS used for outcome collection is frequently unclear and the exact measuring methods are typically not described in the literature. The aims of this systematic review were to investigate the latest user practice, the application of KSS and its limitations after kinematically aligned (KA) TKA. Methods: A systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Medline and Scopus to identify potentially relevant articles for this review, published from the beginning of January 2013 until the end of January 2023. Broad Mesh terms such as 'kinematic alignment', 'total knee arthroplasty' and 'knee society score' were used for building search strategy in each database accordingly. Articles reporting postoperative values of the objective surgeon‐assessed KSS after KA TKA or KA and mechanically aligned TKA were included. For assessing included randomised control trials (RCTs), an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's design‐specific scale for assessing RCTs was used. The non‐RCTs were assessed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. The Ottawa–Newcastle Score system was also used. Studies were additionally evaluated for their radiological methodology by using a five‐question checklist (Radiological Assessment Qualit criteria). Results: The initial search identified 167 studies, of which 129 were considered for screening. Ten studies reporting outcomes after KA TKA did not use the objective surgeon‐assessed part of KSS for clinical outcome measurement, and 30 studies reporting outcomes after KA TKA did not use KSS at all for clinical and/or functional outcomes. From the 10 included studies, only six have used the latest KSS score (2011), the rest using its 1989 variant; and out of these six studies, only two presented values of the FTA, which is needed for calculating the KSS's 'alignment' subcomponent, the rest presenting hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA) values. Additionally, when converting these HKA values to FTA intervals, the authors of this systematic review found that KA TKA FTA intervals display limits, which tend to be outside the 'well‐scored' KSS anatomical alignment interval. Conclusion: The inconsistent and nonstandardised use of the surgeon‐assessed KSS across studies reviewed compromises assessment reliability and patient outcome scores. To enhance precision and comparability, it is crucial to standardise the KSS application, incorporating personalised alignment strategies for more accurate patient evaluations. Level of Evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose The Knee Society Scoring System (KSS) is a frequently used outcome score which quantifies functional patients' outcomes before and after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Several problems arise when trying to implement KSS for obtaining postoperative outcomes after more personalised aligned TKAs. Scoring for valgus femorotibial angle (FTA) intervals outside moderate ranges is often poorly explained, the specific version of KSS used for outcome collection is frequently unclear and the exact measuring methods are typically not described in the literature. The aims of this systematic review were to investigate the latest user practice, the application of KSS and its limitations after kinematically aligned (KA) TKA. Methods A systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Medline and Scopus to identify potentially relevant articles for this review, published from the beginning of January 2013 until the end of January 2023. Broad Mesh terms such as ‘kinematic alignment’, ‘total knee arthroplasty’ and ‘knee society score’ were used for building search strategy in each database accordingly. Articles reporting postoperative values of the objective surgeon‐assessed KSS after KA TKA or KA and mechanically aligned TKA were included. For assessing included randomised control trials (RCTs), an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's design‐specific scale for assessing RCTs was used. The non‐RCTs were assessed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. The Ottawa–Newcastle Score system was also used. Studies were additionally evaluated for their radiological methodology by using a five‐question checklist (Radiological Assessment Qualit criteria). Results The initial search identified 167 studies, of which 129 were considered for screening. Ten studies reporting outcomes after KA TKA did not use the objective surgeon‐assessed part of KSS for clinical outcome measurement, and 30 studies reporting outcomes after KA TKA did not use KSS at all for clinical and/or functional outcomes. From the 10 included studies, only six have used the latest KSS score (2011), the rest using its 1989 variant; and out of these six studies, only two presented values of the FTA, which is needed for calculating the KSS's ‘alignment’ subcomponent, the rest presenting hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA) values. Additionally, when converting these HKA values to FTA intervals, the authors of this systematic review found that KA TKA FTA intervals display limits, which tend to be outside the ‘well‐scored’ KSS anatomical alignment interval. Conclusion The inconsistent and nonstandardised use of the surgeon‐assessed KSS across studies reviewed compromises assessment reliability and patient outcome scores. To enhance precision and comparability, it is crucial to standardise the KSS application, incorporating personalised alignment strategies for more accurate patient evaluations. Level of Evidence Level III.

Bu çalışmanın konusu Müslümanlarla Müşriklerin ilk defa karşı karşıya geldikleri Bedir savaşı münasebetiyle Mekkeli şair Dırâr b. el-Hattâb (öl. 12/633) ve Medineli Müslüman şair Ka‘b b. Mâlik (öl. 50/670) arasında geçen nakîza türü şiir atışmalarıdır. Problemi ise Bedir savaşı sırasında iman ve şirk blokları tarafından hem propaganda hem de psikolojik üstünlük sağlama aracı olarak kullanılan nakîza şiirlerine yansıtılan yaklaşımların sorgulanmasıdır. Çalışma konusu nakîza şiirleri birbirine zıt iki anlayışı yakından tanıma ve Hz. Peygamber döneminde söylenen nakîza şiirleri hakkında kanaat oluşturma bakımından önem arz etmektedir. Her ne kadar Hz. Peygamber dönemine ait nakîza şiirleriyle ilgili son dönemlerde bazı çalışmalar yapılmış olsa bile bu çalışmalarda detaylara inilmemiş ve genel özelliklere değinmekle yetinilmiştir. Çalışmamızı ayrıcalıklı kılan husus, Bedir’de Mekke ordusunun beklenmedik yenilgisi karşısında Dırâr b. el-Hattâb tarafından dikkatleri dağıtmak ve Medineli Müslümanları itibarsızlaştırmak amacıyla Bedir savaşının Mekkelilerle Medineliler arasında bir kabile savaşı olduğu iddiasının öne sürülmesi gibi beyitlere yansıtılan ilginç yaklaşımlar ve ince detaylardır. Buna mukabil Ka‘b b. Mâlik’in ise bu savaşın imanla küfrün savaşı olduğuna dikkat çekmesi ve Medineli Müslümanların Allah Resûlü’ne verdikleri destek ile övünmesi gibi İslâm inancının izlerini taşıyan yaklaşımları beyitlere yansıtmasıdır. Kuşkusuz Bedir savaşına Medineli Müslümanlarla birlikte Mekkeli Muhacirler de katılmışlardır. Hal böyle olmakla birlikte Ka‘b b. Mâlik, beyitlerde Muhacirlerden söz etmemektedir. Bu durum Ka‘b b. Mâlik’in Dırâr b. el-Hattâb tarafından öne sürülen iddialara karşılık vermeye yoğunlaşmış olabileceği ihtimalini akıllara getirmektedir. Çalışmada nitel yöntem tekniklerinden doküman incelemesi kullanılmıştır. Öncelikle konunun daha iyi anlaşılması amacıyla literatür değerlendirmesi yapılmış ve alanla ilgili çalışmalara kısaca değinilmiştir. Ardından nakîza kavramı ve arka planı hakkında özet bilgiler verilmiştir. Burada Câhiliye şairi İmru’u’l-Kays (öl. 545) ile 'Abîd b. el-Abras (öl. 555) arasında geçen ve nakîza şiirlerinin ilk evrelerine örnek teşkil edecek mahiyette olan iki adet atışma şiirine yer verilmiştir. Daha sonra Mekkeli şair Dırâr b. el-Hattâb ve Medineli şair Ka'b b. Malik'le ilgili özet bilgiler sunulmuştur. Arka plan mahiyetindeki özet bilgilerden sonra Bedir savaşı özelinde her iki şaire ait tespit edilen iki adet nakiza şiiri incelenmiş, tahlil edilmiş ve farklılıklara dikkat çekilmiştir. Dırâr b. el-Hattâb'a ait beyitlerde Câhiliye devri övünme şiirlerinde sıkça rastlanan asalet, usta savaşçı olma ve el açıklığı gibi kavramlar dikkat çekmektedir. Buna mukabil Ka‘b b. Mâlik'e ait beyitlerde ise Allah Resûlü, Allah'tan başka Rab olmadığı, kafir, Cehennem ve Cehennem ateşi gibi İslâm dininin beraberinde getirdiği terimler ve ifadeler yer almaktadır. Her iki şaire ait beyitlerde dönemin yaygın olarak kullanılan savaş düzeni ve savaş araç gereçleri ile ilgili ipuçlarına da rastlanmaktadır. Çalışmada sona gelindiğinde edinilen kanaatler sonuç kısmında toparlanmıştır.

A series of ethyl 2‐amino‐6‐(hydroxymethyl)‐8‐oxo‐4,8‐dihydropyrano[3,2‐b]pyran‐3‐carboxylates (P1‐P13) as annulated kojic acid derivatives were synthesized, and evaluated for their tyrosinase inhibitory activity as well as radical scavenging effect. It was found that derivatives P6 and P9, bearing 3‐chlorophenyl and 4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl at the C4 position, possessed good tyrosinase inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 52.1±2.3 and 80.7±2.5 μM, respectively. Compound P9 also exhibited remarkable free radical scavenging activity with an EC50 value of 15.3±3.1 μM compared to the standard ascorbic acid (EC50=21.6±1.9 μM). The results of molecular docking analysis exposed that P6 and P9 bind well with the active site of tyrosinase mainly by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. In silico studies showed that these molecules fulfilled drug‐likeness rules and possessed acceptable predictive absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion features. This study could provide new ideas for developing effective tyrosinase inhibitors and antioxidant agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some writers have suggested that the classical Sunni kalām theory of divine attributes, which states that the attributes are 'neither God' nor 'other than God,' should be interpreted to mean a denial of the law of excluded middle. Some also seek to build a new kalām without such a principle. Although the author holds such a view to be unintelligible on its own grounds, it also has no basis in the classical kalām theory. This paper shall present a detailed investigation into the meaning of ghayr, and demonstrate, with ample textual evidence, that the classical theory of divine attributes only means a denial of identity along with the denial of metaphysical separability from the divine essence. This paper demonstrates how the term ghayr applies in contexts of metaphysics, theology, and natural philosophy as well. The formula that ‘something is not identical with’ nor ‘other than’ is applied equally to any property of a subject which is necessary and inseparable from it. That is, it applies equally to created beings as well. The paper shall begin with a linguistic discussion of the term ghayr, in order to demonstrate that it is not a negation in the Arabic language, but actually an adjective which also functions to form an exceptive clause. This proves that the formula on the divine attributes does not imply a rejection of excluded middle even at the basic linguistic level. Then the paper will discuss the term ghayr in technical contexts. This discussion does not limit itself to any school, but the discussion is based on four main sources: (1) the Maqālāt of al-Kaʿbī of the Muʿtazilī school; (2) the Maqālāt of al-Ashʿarī, (3) the Kitāb al-Tawḥīd and (4) the Taʾwīlāt of al-Māturīdī. Much attention is given to the latter because of claims by some that Māturīdī has a unique position on ghayriyya which implies the rejection of the law of excluded middle. There is no indication at all that such a formula implied a denial of the laws of logic. Claims to the contrary have failed to provide any linguistic or textual evidence for their interpretation, let alone philosophical justification for such a farfetched view.

In the last decades, several surgical techniques, such as medial pivot (MP) philosophy and kinematic alignment (KA), have been introduced in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to improve patients' outcomes. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and functional results of PCL preservation or sacrifice in KA MP-TKA. A consecutive series of 147 patients older than 60, with a minimum follow-up of two years, were treated with TKA for severe primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology between 1 January 2019, and 1 July 2020. After excluding those not meeting the inclusion criteria, 64 patients were included in the study analysis. Regarding radiographic outcomes, no statistically significant difference was observed between patients with preserved or sacrificed PCL (p > 0.05). A slight improvement in Knee Society Score (KSS), knee and function score, and FJS was observed for the PCL-preserved group, although this superiority tendency was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). PCL-preserved MA MP-TKA reported a statistically significant result in only two questions on the FJS questionnaire (p < 0.05). A slight, non-statistically significant improvement in active ROM was found in the PCL-sacrificed group (p > 0.05). No interventions or revisions were reported in this case series for all treated patients at the final follow-up. No significant differences were described in clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes in preserved or sacrificed PCL KA MP-TKA. Although not significant, a slight trend toward better clinical outcomes was reported in PCL-preserved KA MP-TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the changes in posterior corneal astigmatism after cataract surgery and provide a theoretical basis to accurately evaluate the total corneal astigmatism (TA) to be corrected before toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Patients and Methods: Sixty-two patients (89 eyes) who underwent phacoemulsification combined with toric IOL implantation (AcrySof IQ Toric SN6AT2-T9) at Shanxi Eye Hospital between January 2017 and September 2018 were enrolled. Surgically induced astigmatism of the posterior cornea (SIAPA) was analysed using vector analysis during pentacam examination. Results: The vector variances of keratometric astigmatism (KA), TA, and posterior corneal astigmatism (PA) preoperatively and postoperatively in the "with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism" group and "overall patient" group were statistically significant (P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed between surgically induced KA (SIAKA) and surgically induced astigmatism of the total cornea (SIATA) for all patients, including those with WTR astigmatism. For all patients, SIAKA was less than SIATA by 0.05 ± 0.21 D, and for patients with WTR astigmatism, SIAKA was less than SIATA by 0.09 ± 0.22 D. For patients in the "against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism" group, there were no statistically significant differences between SIAKA and SIATA, although SIAKA was greater than SIATA by 0.03 ± 0.18 D. When PA ≤ 0.4 D or KA ≤ 2.0 D, SIAPA can be ignored. However, when PA > 0.4 D or KA > 2.0 D, ignoring SIAPA caused by cataract surgery incision will cause SIAKA in patients with WTR astigmatism to underestimate SIATA, while SIAKA in patients with ATR astigmatism will cause an overestimation of SIATA. Conclusion: SIA on the posterior corneal astigmatism may have a significant role on more precise planning of toric IOL implantation, especially in cases with higher preoperative anterior or posterior corneal astigmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to describe the hybrid algorithm's effectiveness in predicting and optimizing the abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) parameter on flexible sheep wool reinforced polyester composites. Selected five parameters are transverse speed (TS), water jet pressure (WJP), nozzle stand‐off distance (NSoD), reinforcement weight percentage (wt%) and abrasive size (AS). In contrast, Surface Roughness (Ra) and Kerf Angle (Ka) are output performances. Multi objective optimization by ratio analysis (MOORA) is a tool is used for selecting and optimizing control variables. The most influential control variables are AS, WJP, TS, wt%, and NSoD, according to MOORA–Entropy feature selection results. The support vector machine algorithm (SVM) represents the AWJM process, and the model's performance is compared to SVM hybrid models. The differential evolutionary (DE) algorithm and the Entropy idea create a hybrid model. An SVM model is compared with the Hybrid SVM—Entropy model; hybrid improves prediction performance by 21.6%. When the MOORA—SVM—Entropy hybrid model is compared to the SVM model, it is revealed that the MOORA—SVM—Entropy hybrid model's prediction performance improves by 38.7%. According to the MOORA—Entropy approach, the optimal control variables are A2, B1, C1, D3, and E1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of intractable epilepsy and is refractory to medications. However, the role and mechanism of H19 in regulating TLE remains largely undefined. Expression of H19 and miR-206 was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Cell apoptosis, autophagy and inflammatory response were determined by flow cytometry, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The interaction between H19 and miR-206 was predicted on the miRcode database and confirmed by luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down. H19 was upregulated and miR-206 was downregulated in the rat hippocampus neurons after kainic acid (KA) treatment. Functionally, both H19 knockdown and miR-206 overexpression weakened KA-induced apoptosis, autophagy, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in hippocampus neurons. Mechanically, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway was activated by H19 knockdown and miR-206 was confirmed to be targeted and negatively regulated by H19. Moreover, downregulation of miR-206 could counteract the effects of H19 knockdown in KA-induced hippocampus neurons. Knockdown of H19 suppressed hippocampus neuronal apoptosis, autophagy and inflammatory response presumably through directly upregulating miR-206 and activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to environmental pollutants and endogenous metabolites that induce aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) expression has been suggested to affect cognitive development and, particularly in boys, also motor function. As current knowledge is based on epidemiological and animal studies, in vitro models are needed to better understand the effects of these compounds in the human nervous system at the molecular level. Here, we investigated expression of AhR pathway components and how they are regulated by AhR ligands in human motor neurons. Motor neurons generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) were characterized at the molecular level and by electrophysiology. mRNA levels of AhR target genes, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 (cytochromes P450 1A1/1B1), and AhR signaling components were monitored in hiPSCs and in differentiated neurons following treatment with AhR ligands, 2,3,7,8,-tetrachlodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), L-kynurenine (L-Kyn), and kynurenic acid (KA), by RT-qPCR. Changes in AhR cellular localization and CYP1A1 activity in neurons treated with AhR ligands were also assessed. The neurons we generated express motor neuron-specific markers and are functional. Transcript levels of CYP1B1, AhR nuclear translocators (ARNT1 and ARNT2) and the AhR repressor (AhRR) change with neuronal differentiation, being significantly higher in neurons than hiPSCs. In contrast, CYP1A1 and AhR transcript levels are slightly lower in neurons than in hiPSCs. The response to TCDD treatment differs in hiPSCs and neurons, with only the latter showing significant CYP1A1 up-regulation. In contrast, TCDD slightly up-regulates CYP1B1 mRNA in hiPSCs, but downregulates it in neurons. Comparison of the effects of different AhR ligands on AhR and some of its target genes in neurons shows that L-Kyn and KA, but not TCDD, regulate AhR expression and differently affect CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 expression. Finally, although TCDD does not significantly affect AhR transcript levels, it induces AhR protein translocation to the nucleus and increases CYP1A1 activity. This is in contrast to L-Kyn and KA, which either do not affect or reduce, respectively, CYP1A1 activity. Expression of components of the AhR signaling pathway are regulated with neuronal differentiation and are differently affected by TCDD, suggesting that pluripotent stem cells might be less sensitive to this toxin than neurons. Crucially, AhR signaling is affected differently by TCDD and other AhR ligands in human motor neurons, suggesting that they can provide a valuable tool for assessing the impact of environmental pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, the evolutionary rate of proteins is not primarily related to protein and amino acid functions, and factors such as protein abundance, codon usage, and the protein's TM are more important. To better understand the factors that affect protein evolution, E. coli MG1655 orthologs were compared to those in closely related bacteria and to more distantly related prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and archaea. Also, the evolution of different types of proteins was studied. The analyses indicate that the amino acid conservation of enzymes that do not use macromolecules (e.g. DNA, RNA, and proteins) as substrates and that carry out metabolic processes involving small molecules (i.e. small molecule enzymes) is different than other enzymes. For example, the small molecule enzymes have a lower percent identity than other enzymes when sequences from closely related bacteria are compared. Analyses indicate the lower percent identity is not a result of the amino acid or codon usage of the small molecule enzymes. The small molecule enzymes also don't have a significantly lower protein abundance indicating that is also not likely an important factor driving differences in amino acid conservation. Analyses indicate different methods to measure the TM of proteins have different relationships between amino acid conservation over different evolutionary distances. In totality, the results demonstrate that the relationship between the factors thought to affect protein evolution (protein abundance, codon usage, and proteins TMs) and protein evolution are complex and depend on the factor, the organisms, and the type of proteins being analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A continuous beam-steering solution for circularly polarized (CP) radial-line slot array (RLSA) antennas is presented and demonstrated with a fabricated prototype. The solution is based on the near-field meta-steering (NFMS) method, which is implemented through a pair of highly transmitting hybrid metasurfaces (HMs) that are placed above a high-gain CP RLSA antenna in the near-field region. Cells in HMs, unlike conventional metasurfaces (CMs), can provide exact or close to exact phase shift with transmission magnitude larger than −1 dB. This is achieved by combining the nonoverlapping phase ranges of two dramatically different phase-shifting cells. The RLSA is stationary, while the two HMs are rotated to steer the beam in a 2-D (azimuth and elevation) space. The measured results of the prototype demonstrate that the system can steer its beam to a maximum elevation angle of 40.6° with a maximum gain of 30.9 dBic. The axial ratio remained less than 3 dB in the 3 dB beamwidth even when the beam is steered. The height of the system is only 4.5 cm, which is much less than mechanically steered reflector antennas. Unlike electronically steered high-gain antenna arrays, this system requires only few watts of power only when rotating HMs and has zero power consumption when the beam is stationary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUFISH partner MAciej Woroniecki explains some of the parameters that entertainment architects need to consider. They include aspects such as the definition of the brief, the materiality of the proposition, its programmatic appropriateness, its portability and weight and its cost. Above all there must be a clear project narrative that drives the special and spectacular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S. Leonard Auerbach is Founder and Design Director of San Francisco‐based Auerbach Pollock Friedlander (APF) who provide theatre and theatrical systems design and audio‐video consulting services. He charts a series of creative interactions and collaborations with STUFISH from 2003 onwards that are highly architectural and theatrical, and international in their scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon death, the Egyptian was the object of a series of ceremonies performed by priestly officiants. The stages of the procedure largely correspond to the practical steps taken following death. These were: taking the corpse to a place of embalming, the embalming itself, taking the corpse to the tomb, and interment. The words and actions of the rituals superimposed upon these practical matters had a clear metaphysical purpose: funerary rituals were intended to elevate the mortal to the superhuman.

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and pattern of self-medication and the various socio-demographic factors that influence self-medication in elderly patients and also assess the impact of education intervention on self-medication knowledge, attitude in elderly patients. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted on Bangalore area such as Bellandur, Carmelaram, Kaikondrahalli and Naganahalli over the period of 6months in 320 subjects. The demographic, clinical and social data were collected into specially designed case report form. The assessment of self-medication was carried out using modified structured questionnaire11 on the day zero and 30. The patient education intervention was carried out on the day zero. The patient education intervention about self-medication was carried out verbally as well as by providing patient education information leaflets. Whenever they practiced self-medication they were asked to mark in the calendar and the data was analyzed. Results: The data on assessment of self-medication in elderly were collected from 320 study participants, a significant correlation was observed for elderly aged above 65 years aged above. Moderate correlation for economic status, education and occupation were found. Significant correlation was observed with medical history of the patient. Fever 66.25%, headache 54.68%, cough and cold 38.43%, were the most common illness where self-medication being used. Antipyretic 58.5%, anti- histamine 34.68%, anti-diabetic 19.68% were most commonly used self-medicating drugs. Pharmacist 79.30%, self-decision 30.93% and care takers 25% were the most common source for information about self-medication. Time saving 68.75%, no need to visit doctor for minor illness61.25 %, previous use of medication 55.93% and economic 53.43% were the major reason for self-medication. Conclusion: The results indicate that self-medication is widespread among elderly and 100% of elderly from the study population practiced self-medication without consulting the physician. The various factors like reason, indication and source associated with self-medication were analyzed during the study. A significant association between knowledge and attitude among the study population was drawn from the pre and post studies. The intervention will require better patient education of the public and health professionals to avoid the irrational use of drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although information about invertebrate lysozymes is scarce, these enzymes have been described as components of the innate immune system, functioning as antibacterial proteins. Here we describe the first thermodynamic and structural study of a new C-type lysozyme from a Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (LvL), which has shown high activity against both Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacteria including Vibrio sp. that is one of the most severe pathogens in penaeid shrimp aquaculture. Compared with hen egg-white lysozyme, its sequence harbors a seven-residue insertion from amino acid 97 to 103, and a nine-residue extension at the C-terminus only found in penaeid crustaceans, making this enzyme one of the longest lysozyme reported to date. LvL was crystallized in the presence and absence of chitotriose. The former crystallized as a monomer in space group P6 1 and the latter in P2 1 2 1 2 1 with two monomers in the asymmetric unit. Since the enzyme crystallized at a pH where lysozyme activity is deficient, the ligand could not be observed in the P6 1 structure; therefore, we performed a docking simulation with chitotriose to compare with the hen egg lysozyme crystallized in the presence of the ligand. Remarkably, additional amino acids in LvL caused an increase in the length of α-helix H4 (residues 97–103) that is directly related to ligand recognition. The K a for chitotriose (4.1 × 105 M−1), as determined by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, was one order of magnitude higher than those for lysozymes from hen and duck eggs. Our results revealed new interactions of chitiotriose with residues in helix H4. Image 1 • Crystal structure of a new C-Type lysozyme. • LvL a new C-Type lysozyme. • Invertebrate C-type lysozyme. • Lysozyme with the highest affinity constant reported to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybridization of kidney-inspired and sine–cosine algorithm has been proposed for a path planning of multiple mobile robots in the environment where obstacles are either static or moveable. In this novel approach, each robot computes its collision-free optimal path from their corresponding start position to goal position through hybridization of kidney-inspired algorithm (KA) and sine–cosine algorithm (SCA). The proposed KA–SCA employs the selection of subsequent optimal position for each robot from their current position by escaping the collision with dynamic obstacles and teammates. In the present work, SCA is used to accelerate the convergence rate of KA, to preserve a good equilibrium between the intensification and diversification, and to compute an optimal path for each robot by minimizing the path distance, path deviation, number of rotation for each robot, and running time required to reach their destination. Finally, the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm have been verified with the result of KA and SCA in the same environment. The result obtained from the real platform and simulation environment reveals that the proposed KA–SCA outperforms KA and SCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keratoameloblastoma (KA) and solid variant of odontogenic keratocyst (SOKC) are rare odontogenic lesions, and their relationship and differences are unclear. The present study described a case that started as an odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) and transformed to SOKC/KA upon recurrence. Briefly, a 26-year-old man presented with swelling in the right cheek and was referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Hiroshima University Hospital (Hiroshima, Japan). At the initial visit, unicystic bone permeation was observed extending from the right canine to the molar, maxillary sinus and nasal cavity. After the biopsy, the patient underwent excisional surgery and was diagnosed with OKC. Thereafter, the lesion recurred six times over a period of 13 years and showed different histopathological features from those of the primary lesion, all consisting of numerous cysts with keratinization, which were diagnosed as SOKC/KA. The Ki-67 positivity rate was ~10%, which was higher than that of the primary lesion, but there was no atypia. Genetic analysis of the recurrent lesion revealed mutations in adenomatous polyposis coli and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog. This case originated from OKC, and the morphological features of OKC and KA were mixed upon recurrence, supporting the commonality and association between the two. However, multiple mutations different from those of OKC and ameloblastoma were detected, suggesting an association of SOKC/KA with increased proliferative activity and a high recurrence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Microemulsions based on four essential oils were used to encapsulate nisin. • Structural changes were revealed regarding the micellar interface flexibility. • Nisin loaded systems showed antimicrobial efficacy against pathogens. • Dittany-based microemulsions had the best antimicrobial efficacy against pathogens. • The system's antimicrobial efficacy depended on microemulsions' characteristics. Abstract During the last years, the food industry is working on the replacement of high energy methodologies with more sustainable techniques for the encapsulation of natural preservatives, in order to enhance their effectiveness as food additives. In the present study, nisin, an antimicrobial agent, was encapsulated in essential oil-containing microemulsions. More specifically, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and dittany essential oil-containing microemulsions were formulated to encapsulate nisin enhancing the system's overall antimicrobial activity. The systems were investigated for the interfacial properties and size of the surfactants' monolayer using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. Subsequently, nisin-loaded microemulsions were tested for their antimicrobial activity against Lactococcus lactis , Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus, using the well diffusion assay. Finally, this technique was validated by a killing assay. Overall, this study provides important information on the antibacterial activity of nisin-loaded nano-carriers enhanced by essential oils, in relation to the microemulsions' structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The interaction between Kojic acid and Pyridoxine has been studied for the first time. • The Kojic acid + Pyridoxine complex forms two intermolecular bonds. • The Lipinski' s criteria are satisfied by the biomolecular complex. • The bioactivity score prediction suggests that the complex may act as a drug. • The molecular docking of the complex is performed against 1XP1 receptor. The study on structural parameters and spectroscopic (Raman, SERS and FTIR) study of the Kojic Acid + Pyridoxine biomolecular complex as a treatment for hyperpigmentation is carried out for the first time. The DFT approach is utilized to investigate the intermolecular bond lengths formed between Kojic Acid (KA) and Pyridoxine at B3LYP/6-311 ++ G (d, p) level of theory. The VEDA software evaluates the vibrational modes present in the biomolecular complex and its potential energy distribution (PED). The QTAIM analysis reveals that all the intra and intermolecular bonds formed within the complex are electrostatic in nature. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap of the complex is determined for evaluating the reactivity and stability of the complex. Furthermore, the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), non-linear optical properties (NLO) and natural bond orbital (NBO) of the complex are also studied. The powder XRD (PXRD) is used to characterize the diffraction pattern of the complex. UV–Vis analysis determines the maximum absorption peaks of the complex. The drug-likeness parameters and bioactivity score prediction analyze the complex's potential to be a drug. Molecular docking of the complex carried out against the 1XP1 receptor shows good binding energy. [Display omitted] The interaction of Kojic acid and Pyridoxine is studied by using DFT and vibrational methods. The bond lengths are calculated to understand the structural parameters of the complex. The vibrational peaks are assigned by using VEDA. The intermolecular charge transfer is analyzed by NBO. The reactive sites in the monomers are identified by MEP analysis. The potential of the Kojic acid + Pyridoxine to act as a drug is determined by bioactivity score prediction. Optimized structure of Kojic acid + Pyridoxine Vibrational and DFT analysis of Kojic acidPyridoxine biomolecular complex Chiging Sonia, Neelam Chetry, Th. Gomti Devi* and Tado Karlo [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Domoic acid, an excitatory neurotoxin produced by certain algae, reaches the food chain through accumulation in some sea organisms. To investigate its long-term neurotoxicity on dopaminergic neurons, prepared primary mesencephalic cell cultures were exposed to different concentrations of domoic acid (0.1, 1, 10, 100 μM) on the 8th day in vitro (DIV) for 4 days. On the 12th DIV, culture media were collected for measurement of lactate dehydrogenase and cultured cells were subjected to immunohistochemistry against tyrosine hydroxylase, neuronal nuclear antigen and glial fibrillary acidic protein, and fluorescence staining using H 2 DCFDA, JC-1 and Hoechst 33342 dyes. Moreover, roles of AMPA/KA and NMDA receptors in domoic acid neurotoxicity were also investigated. Domoic acid significantly decreased the number of dopaminergic neurons and adversely affected their morphology, and slightly reduced the expression of neuronal nuclear antigen and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Co-treatment of cultures with domoic acid and the AMPA/KA or NMDA receptor antagonists NBQX and MK-801 rescued significant number of dopaminergic neurons. Domoic acid significantly decreased red:green fluorescence ratio of JC-1 and did not affect production of reactive oxygen species and apoptotic cell death. In conclusions, the present study reveals that long-term treatment of primary mesencephalic cell culture with domoic acid significantly destroyed dopaminergic neurons. This effect appears to be attributed to activation of AMPA/KA and NMDA receptors and mitochondrial damage. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Domoic acid significantly damages primary cultured dopaminergic neurons. • Domoic acid toxicity is mediated by activation of AMPA/KA and NMDA receptors. • Domoic acid decreases red:green fluorescence ratio of JC-1. • Domoic acid does not affect reactive oxygen species production and apoptotic death. • Domoic acid has little effects on NeuN immunereactivity and astrocyte number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a compositional semantics for the Japanese Q-particle ka that properly accounts for its use in questions, indefinites and disjunctions in a unified fashion. Adopting the two-tier alternative semantics (Rooth 1985; Beck 2006), I will propose that the role of the ka-particle is always to project a set of alternatives introduced by the wh-item in the alternative-semantic dimension to the ordinary-semantic dimension (Kotek 2014). Unlike in previous analyses, I will adopt this semantics for the Q-particle not only for its clause-final use, but also for clause-internal use. Combining this with the cross-categorial existential closure, the analysis accounts for how the interpretation of a ka-ending phrase is conditioned by its syntactic environments. This mechanism enables an account of the previously unexplained parallelism between wh+ka and ka-disjunctions in their variability in interpretations.

The current treatment options for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are unsatisfactory. Therefore, novel and safer therapies are needed. We previously reported that koreanaside A (KA) showed high radical scavenging activity and suppressed vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) expression in vascular smooth muscle cells. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in its anti-inflammatory effect have not been reported. KA inhibited pro-inflammatory mediators such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). KA inhibited the production and mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induced by LPS. KA downregulated the myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)-dependent inflammatory gene expressions in the MyD88-overexpressed cells. KA suppressed the LPS-induced transcriptional and DNA-binding activities of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). KA was found to inhibit the phosphorylation of Janus kinase 1/2 (JAK1/2) and signal transducers and activators of transcription 1/3 (STAT1/3). In DSS-induced colitis mice, KA relieved the symptoms of colitis by suppressing inflammatory cell infiltration, restoring tight junction (TJ)- and epithelial−mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein expression, and inactivating AP-1, NF-κB, and STAT1/3. Therefore, KA reduced inflammatory responses by downregulating AP-1, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT signaling in LPS-induced macrophages and DSS-induced colitis mice.

This study examined socio-demographic and psychological correlates of posttraumatic growth (PTG) among Korean Americans (KAs) with traumatic life experiences. A total of 286 KAs were included. Being a woman or having a lower annual household income had positive associations with PTG, while having no religion had a negative association with it. In addition, praying and visiting a mental health professional for coping with stress or for psychological problems was positively associated with PTG. Higher resilience scores increased PTG, while depressive symptoms decreased it. We suggest reinforcing help seeking behaviors and accessibility to care facilities, and gender specific strengthening programs for enhancing PTG among KAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In silico approach to the evolution of ionotropic glutamate receptor gene family in four primate species. Man as a species has a brainunique in analysis capabilities due to its structure and organizational patterns that are presumably the basis of intelligence and the ability tomanipulate the environment. Additionally, the development and evolution of the brain respond underlying genetic processes. Objective. Topresent an approach to the evolutionary process of the iGluR with the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian (By) phylogenetic analysismethods. Materials and methods. we used in silico methods to propose a model of molecular evolution and to do a qualitative recognitionof synteny blocks for these genes in different species of primates (chimpanzee, orangutan, rhesus monkey and man). Results. Glutamateis the main neurotransmitter and plays an important role in neuronal plasticity and neurotoxicity. Neurotransmission via glutamate ismediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluR) NMDA type and non-NMDA type (AMPA and KA). For every phylogeneticinference, we confirmed that the iGluRs of mammals could have evolved from a primitive signaling mechanism, thus explaining similarclusters between some species of primates and rodents. Conclusion. The NR-2 sequences have been exposed to a purifying selection, andthe neutral level of divergence is faster in primates than in rodents, however further studies are needed to confirm these theories of evolution.

El artículo desarrolla una hermenéutica fenomenológica de las relaciones entre historia, sentido, existencia y eternidad en la filosofía de la historia de Jan Pato¹ka. Primero determina las nociones de sentido e historia. Luego explicita en qué medida la existencia humana constituye la condición de posibilidad de un sentido problemático y concurrente de la historia. Finalmente analiza la “existencia en la verdad” como resultado de una correlación entre existencia y eternidad y comprende la interpelación de la eternidad como origen del sentido.

In this paper, the IEM2Mc (integral equation model for second-order multiple s and complex-permittivity scattering media) model is modified in two aspects in bistatic scattering. Firstly, the full forms of the surface current terms in the Kirchhoff surface fields are reserved. Secondly, a transition function is used to estimate the Fresnel coefficients instead of the original expression. The simulating results of the improved IEM2Mc are compared with those of small perturbation method (SPM), Kirchhoff model (KA), and method of moment (MoM) for random rough surfaces scattering problems. It is shown that the improved IEM2Mc provides better predictions than the original form, especially for the large incident or scattering angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spectrophotometric method was used to determine the acidity constant of 4'-carboxybenzo-24-crown-8 in 52% (w/w) ethanol-water mixture. The acid dissociation constant, Ka, was found to increase in the presence of Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+ and Tl+ ions. The formation constants of the resulting 1:1 complexes between the carboxycrown and the metal ions used were evaluated from the observed changes of Ka value with varying concentration of cations and found to vary in the order Rb+>Cs+>Tl+>K+>Na+.