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Traditional neural networks are very diverse and have been used during the last decades in the fields of data classification. These networks like MLP, back propagation neural networks (BPNN) and feed forward network have shown inability to scale with problem size and with the slow convergence rate. So in order to overcome these numbers of drawbacks, the use of higher order neural networks (HONNs) becomes the solution by adding input units along with a stronger functioning of other neural units in the network and transforms easily these input units to hidden layers. In this paper, a new metaheuristic method, Firefly (FFA), is applied to calculate the optimal weights of the Functional Link Artificial Neural Network (FLANN) by using the flashing behavior of fireflies in order to classify ISA-Radar target. The average classification result of FLANN-FFA which reached 96% shows the efficiency of the process compared to other tested methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mechanochemical and solvent/catalyst‐free functionalization of olefins with hypervalent iodine reagents has been developed, enabling the synthesis of 1,3‐dioxygenated compounds. Under similar reaction conditions with the addition of molecular iodine, 1,4‐iodoalcohols can be synthesized. These valuable products are non‐trivial to achieve via standard solution‐phase methods. Mechanistic study reveals that the hypervalent iodine reagent might dimerize at solid state with the help of mechanical force. The active monomeric form of hypervalent iodine reagent might trigger the 1,3‐ and 1,4‐difunctionalization reactions in an intermolecular cascade manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residual amounts of pyrethroids were detected in rice and vegetables of the Indian market. Thus, consumers are exposed to a mixture of pyrethroids on a daily basis through food. Though a large number of studies reported the toxic effects of pyrethroids, there are no reports that used doses equivalent to human consumption. In this study, male Wistar rats were exposed daily to a mixture of pyrethroids for 1–15 months which is equivalent to the amount present in rice and vegetables consumed by an average Indian each day. The oxidant‐antioxidant status (lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide; activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S transferase, and superoxide dismutase) and anatomical changes in the general organs (liver, lung, and kidney) and male reproductive tract tissues (caput, cauda, testis, and prostate) were evaluated. Further, liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile, and complete blood picture were analyzed. Increased oxidative stress, perturbations in the antioxidant enzyme activities, and damage to the anatomical architecture were observed. Disturbances in the liver function and lipid profile were significant. Results of our study demonstrate that exposure to a mixture of pyrethroids at a dose that is equivalent to human consumption can cause systemic and reproductive toxicity, which may ultimately result in the development of lifestyle diseases. This first line of evidence will fuel further studies to determine the impact of food‐based pyrethroid exposure on the long‐term health of humans and to envisage policies to reduce pesticide content in food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is argued that the way to bring about development in the Northeast is by economically integrating the region with the vibrant markets of Southeast Asia and East Asia through the Act East Policy. Accordingly, a number of projects have been initiated to improve connectivity between the Northeast and the neighbouring countries. It is believed that connectivity projects will act as growth corridors resulting in economic development of the region. However, to effectively implement the policy and to reap its benefits, it is imperative to overcome challenges such as adverse security situations, bad governance, lack of entrepreneurial skills, absence of markets, and reluctant neighbours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rh(III)-catalyzed chemo-, regio- and stereoselective carboamination of sulfonyl allenes has been realized by virtue of either N-phenoxy amides or N-enoxy imides simultaneously acting as the C- and N-sources, via redox-neutral tandem C–H activation/allene insertion/oxidative addition/C–N bond formation for the direct construction of allylamine derivatives equipped with an α-quaternary carbon center. This protocol features high atom-economy with good substrate compatibility and exhibits profound synthetic potential for late-stage C–H modification of complex molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northeastern states of India share international borders with Myanmar, China, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, contributing 7.45% of the overall malaria cases in the country. Mizoram accounts for the highest malaria burden in the northeastern states, with perennial transmission in the hilly and deep-forested areas. Plasmodium falciparum (93%) is the most prevalent human Plasmodium species, followed by P. vivax; however, information on P. ovale and P. malariae is negligible. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are the most preferred malaria diagnostic tool followed by microscopy in this high malaria-endemic region. The present epidemiological study was carried out in July and August 2019 to assess the malaria burden in and around the Chawngte primary health center, Lawngtlai District of Mizoram, using RDTs and microscopy as diagnostic tools. World Health Organization-certified level I microscopists examined the blood smears. Diagnosis using RDTs resulted in 151 malaria cases (P. falciparum: 136; P. vivax: 15) out of 948 screened fever cases. However, blood smear examination detected 179 cases (P. falciparum: 154; P. vivax: 17; mixed P. falciparum + P. vivax infection: 3; P. malariae: 5). Analysis revealed that the risk of malaria infection was higher in the ≥5-year-old subjects than in the under-5 age group. The mean parasite density of P. malariae (1455.00/μL blood) was the lowest; cf. with P. falciparum: 12,275.08/μL blood. Surveillance at the point-of-care level using microscopy was able to detect all the four human Plasmodium species and their mixed infections, including P. malariae, which were missed with RDTs. Thus, the quality of microscopy along with trained manpower should be strengthened to diagnose all human malaria parasite species (particularly P. malariae and P. ovale) until the molecular tools are deployed at the field level to achieve malaria elimination by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spontaneous combustion test termed the Wits-Ehac test was used to examine the spontaneous combustion liability of activated carbons prepared using KOH activation from three coal waste samples obtained in South African Coalfield. The effect of KOH addition on the activated carbon textural characteristics, physicochemical properties, and self-heating characteristics was investigated. The textural properties such as pore volume and surface area were evaluated using the nitrogen gas adsorption method. The morphological effect of the activated carbons on their liability toward spontaneous combustion was studied. The results showed that, with increased KOH weight ratio, the pore volume, and surface area of the activated carbon increased. The influence of KOH addition decreases the volatile matter, while the influence either increases/decreases the moisture, ash, or fixed carbon contents of the activated carbons. In addition, an increase in the KOH weight ratio increases the liability values of the activated carbons. The liability of activated carbon depends not only on the origin of the coal material but also on the volume of pore and surface area, which also depends on the quantity of KOH used during the preparation process. This study provides a scientific basis for a simple test to establish whether pore volume and surface area of activated carbon can promote its propensity to self-heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out for a period of two years from November 2016 to October 2018 to find out the food and feeding habit of two mullet species, viz., Liza subviridis and L. parsia from Ganjam coast, Odisha. Feeding intensity in terms of fullness of stomach was observed during the month of April (36.76%), May (44.45%), June (39.12%) and October (45.46) for L. subviridis and during March (29.03%), June (29.16%) and October (29.99%) for L. parsia. In the present study, Gastro somatic Index (GaSI) value were also found higher during these months. Gut content analysis showed that diatoms, algae, zooplankton and decaying plant materials are the major food items for both the species. From the calculated values of Index of preponderance (IP %) and Index of relative importance (IRI %), the most preferred food items for L. subviridis and L. parsia were found to be Naviculla sp. (IP=20.87%, IRI=32.38%) and Fragillaria sp. (IP=7.20%, IRI=13.90%), respectively. This indicates the ability of two species of mullets to choose their favorite food items. From month wise gut content analysis, it is concluded that both the species study are herbivorous and continuous feeders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enantioselective cascade reaction between racemic 2‐(1‐hydroxyallyl)phenols and alkynols/alkynamides was realized by using a gold and iridium sequential catalytic system. In this procedure, the in situ generated exocyclic vinyl ethers or enamides undergo the asymmetric allylation/spiroketalization with π‐ally‐Ir amphiphilic species, which provides an efficient and straightforward access to spiroketals and spiroaminals with excellent enantioselectivities. Moreover, racemic 2‐(1‐hydroxyallyl)anilines were also suitable in this reaction along with a kinetic resolution process, affording enantioenriched spiroaminals and 2‐(1‐hydroxyallyl)anilines in good yields. The synthetic utility of this method has been demonstrated by efficient enantioselective synthesis of the analogue of Paecilospirone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand weeding is a common method of weed control on vegetable farms, especially in developing countries. It requires considerable physical labour and is a significant economic burden, yet comparative studies on hand weeding tools are rare. We evaluated the agronomic, ergonomic and economic performance of four hand weeding tools (and unweeded control) at two sites and two weed ages. Agronomic efficiency was evaluated based on the reduction in weed load from pre-weeding to post-weeding, economic efficiency based on the time taken to weed, and ergonomic efficiency based on heart rate and energy expenditure of the tool operator. Among the tools, the chipping hoe provided higher weed control efficiency than the rotating hoe and combined tool, and showed a lower average heart rate and workload than the combined tool. Ergonomic performance was superior in loam soil compared with clay. The light-weight chipping hoe provided better weed control than heavier tools while also reducing the workload of the weeder. Tools did not differ in economic performance, but the cost was 50% higher with late weeding. Viable hand weeding strategies require the optimization of tools for ergonomic performance and careful attention to timing of operations, thus benefiting economic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota has become a topical issue in unraveling the research mechanisms underlying disease onset and progression. As an important and potential "organ," gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating intestinal epithelial cell differentiation, proliferation, metabolic function and immune response, angiogenesis and host growth. More recently, zebrafish models have been used to study the interactions between gut microbiota and hosts. It has several advantages, such as short reproductive cycle, low rearing cost, transparent larvae, high genomic similarity to humans, and easy construction of germ-free (GF) and transgenic zebrafish. In our review, we reviewed a large amount of data focusing on the close relationship between gut microbiota and host health. Moreover, we outlined the functions of gut microbiota in regulating intestinal epithelial cell differentiation, intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, metabolic function, and immune response. More, we summarized major factors that can influence the composition, abundance, and diversity of gut microbiota, which will help us to understand the significance of gut microbiota in regulating host biological functions and provide options for maintaining the balance of host health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need of developing appropriate noise prediction models for finding out the accurate status of noise levels (>90 dBA) generated from various opencast mining machineries is overdue. The measured sound pressure levels (SPL) of equipments are not accurate due to instrumental error, attenuation due to geometrical aberration, atmospheric attenuation etc. Some of the popular noise prediction models e.g. VDI and ENM have been applied in mining and allied industries. Among these models, VDI2714 is simple and less complex model. In this paper, a neuro-fuzzy model is proposed to predict the machinery noise in an opencast coal mine. The proposed model is trained with VDI2714 and the model output is seen very closely to matching with VDI2714 output. The model proposed has a mean square error of 2.73%. This model takes CPU time of nearly 0.0625 sec where as it takes 0.5 sec for VDI2714 i.e. approximately twelve times faster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic thiocyanates widely exist in natural products, and act as important precursors for organic synthesis. An efficient dithiocyanation of alkynes with N‐thiocyanato‐dibenzenesulfonimide (NTSI) as the SCN+ cation and ammonium thiocyanate as the SCN‐ anion sources has been developed. Highly active electrophilic reagent NTSI could react with various types of alkynes to build C(sp2)−SCN bond to provide a variety of dithiocyanato olefin compounds under simple and mild conditions. Trace amount of water is beneficial to the dissociation of ammonium thiocyanate, which makes the SCN‐ anion easier to participate in the reaction. The protocol owns a broad substrates scope including terminal and internal, alkyl and aryl alkynes, excellent functional group tolerance and good regioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diseased cage-cultured cobia (Rachycentron canadum) displayed clinical signs, haemorrhagic eyes, dorsal darkness and gross pathological lesions, enlargement of spleen and liver. Haemorrhages were found in brain, heart and liver with cumulative mortality rates ranging from 20% to 50%. Extensive congestion in the heart, liver, spleen, kidney and brain was observed histopathologically. Epicarditis and meningitis were also revealed in diseased cobia. All isolates recovered from the organs (liver, spleen, head kidney, posterior kidney, brain and muscle) of cobia were found to be gram-positive, non-motile, ovoid cocci, short-chain-forming (diplococci) and a-haemolytic. The API 32 strep system together with the polymerase chain reaction assay for species-specific primers (pLG1 and pLG2) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (G1 and L1 primers) confirmed all four selected isolates as Lactococcus garvieae. Partial 16S rDNA nucleotide sequence (~1,100 bp) of one representative L. garvieae isolate AOD109191 (GenBank accession number, MW328528.1) shared 99.9% identities with the 16S rDNA nucleotide sequence of L. garvieae (GenBank accession numbers: MT604790.1). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) evaluation of one representative L. garvieae isolate (AOD109191) and the results of multiplex PCR did not reveal the presence of the capsular gene cluster (CGC), thus categorizing the isolate as the KG+ phenotype. Capsule staining and TEM observations confirmed the presence of a hyaluronic acid-like capsule, a possible virulence factor in KG+ phenotype L. garvieae isolates. The pathogenic potential of the representative isolate (AOD109191) was assessed through intraperitoneal injection challenges in cobia. The gross lesions and histopathological changes found in experimentally infected cobia were similar to those seen in naturally infected fish. This is the first report that confirms L. garvieae-induced 'warm water lactococcsis' can cause outbreaks of diseases in cage-cultured cobia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monocomponent adsorption process of Cu(II) ions in synthesized industrial wastewater were investigated using activated carbons (BACs) derived from sugarcane bagasse as the precursor. Batch adsorption studies were done by treating the precursor with H3PO4 (BAC-P) and ZnCl2 (BAC-Zn) in order to observe the effects of experimental variables such as contact time, pH of the solution, and adsorbent dose. The Langmuir isotherm model excellently described the adsorption data for both the derived BACs, indicating monolayer coverage on the BACs with the determination coefficients close to the value of one. Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacities of 589 and 225 m g g − 1 at 30°C were obtained for BAC-P and BAC-Zn adsorbents, respectively. The modeling of kinetic data of Cu(II) ions adsorption onto BAC-P and BAC-Zn adsorbents illustrated that the Elovich kinetic model fitted well. Here, the adsorption process was film-diffusion controlling, while being principally governed by external mass transport where the slowest step is the diffusion of the particles through the film layer. The mechanism of the adsorption process was proposed taking into cognizance of the ion exchange and surface complexation on active sites between the negatively charged surface of the BACs and the positively charged Cu(II) ions. The BACs were characterized using analytical methods such as SEM, FTIR, EDX, XRD, BET surface area, and zeta potential measurements. Both BACs mainly composed of mesopores and bonds of O-H, C-O, C=O, and C-O-C. The BET surface area of BAC-P and BAC-Zn was 427.5 and 282 m2/g before adsorption, and their isoelectric point (pHIEP) 3.70 and 5.26, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple blotch (PB) is one of the most destructive foliar diseases of onion and other alliums, caused by a necrotrophic fungal pathogen Alternaria porri. There are no reports on the molecular response of onion to PB infection. To elucidate the response of onion to A. porri infection, we consequently carried out an RNAseq analysis of the resistant (Arka Kalyan; AK) and susceptible (Agrifound rose; AFR) genotype after an artificial infection. Through differential expression analyses between control and pathogen-treated plants, we identified 8,064 upregulated and 248 downregulated genes in AFR, while 832 upregulated and 564 downregulated genes were identified in AK. A further significant reprogramming in the gene expression profile was also demonstrated by a functional annotation analysis. Gene ontology (GO) terms, which are particularly involved in defense responses and signaling, are overrepresented in current analyses such as "oxidoreductase activity," "chitin catabolic processes," and "defense response." Several key plant defense genes were differentially expressed on A. porri infection, which includes pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, receptor-like kinases, phytohormone signaling, cell-wall integrity, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, and transcription factors. Some of the genes were exclusively overexpressed in resistant genotype, namely, GABA transporter1 , ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein , xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase , and PR-5 (thaumatin-like). Antioxidant enzyme activities were observed to be increased after infection in both genotypes but higher activity was found in the resistant genotype, AK. This is the first report of transcriptome profiling in onion in response to PB infection and will serve as a resource for future studies to elucidate the molecular mechanism of onion- A. porri interaction and to improve PB resistance in onions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time series forecasting plays a significant role in numerous applications, including but not limited to, industrial planning, water consumption, medical domains, exchange rates and consumer price index. The main problem is insufficient forecasting accuracy. The present study proposes a hybrid forecasting methods to address this need. The proposed method includes three models. The first model is based on the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) statistical model; the second model is a back propagation neural network (BPNN) with adaptive slope and momentum parameters; and the third model is a hybridization between ARIMA and BPNN (ARIMA/BPNN) and artificial neural networks and ARIMA (ARIMA/ANN) to gain the benefits of linear and nonlinear modeling. The forecasting models proposed in this study are used to predict the indices of the consumer price index (CPI), and predict the expected number of cancer patients in the Ibb Province in Yemen. Statistical standard measures used to evaluate the proposed method include (i) mean square error, (ii) mean absolute error, (iii) root mean square error, and (iv) mean absolute percentage error. Based on the computational results, the improvement rate of forecasting the CPI dataset was 5%, 71%, and 4% for ARIMA/BPNN model, ARIMA/ANN model, and BPNN model respectively; while the result for cancer patients’ dataset was 7%, 200%, and 19% for ARIMA/BPNN model, ARIMA/ANN model, and BPNN model respectively. Therefore, it is obvious that the proposed method reduced the randomness degree, and the alterations affected the time series with data non-linearity. The ARIMA/ANN model outperformed each of its components when it was applied separately in terms of increasing the accuracy of forecasting and decreasing the overall errors of forecasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is an analysis of 7,056 papers published by Indian scientists during 2001-2020 in the discipline of veterinary sciences. The study indicates that there is a steep decline in the Indian research output in veterinary sciences after the two years block of 2009-2010. Most of the prolific institutions except Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati were funded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) published about 71% of the total output. Of these, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar produced the highest number of papers and Central Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar had the highest value of CPP. Highest number of prolific authors was also from Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI). About three-fourth of the papers were published in low impact factor journals. Of the total published papers, about one-third remained uncited. All the highly cited papers were written either in domestic or international collaboration. About 45% papers were published in journals of Indian origin and the remaining papers in journals originating from other countries. Among countries from abroad, highest number of papers was published in journals originating from USA and UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lowering cost will prompt the sustainable development of sugarcane‐based ethanol industry. In this work, we developed a low‐cost process for ethanol production from sugarcane by a genetically engineered Zymomonas mobilis. Fermentation media were first optimized, resulting in a 15.54% increase in ethanol fermentation efficiency as compared to control media. To further reduce the byproduct levan formation, a levansucrase‐encoding gene of Z. mobilis, sacB, was deleted through the type I‐F CRISPR‐Cas system, which resulted in a further elevation of both ethanol conversion ratio and productivity comparing with the starting strain ZMS912 (87.50% vs. 76.77%, 1.95 g/L/h vs. 1.71 g/L/h). Moreover, we conducted fed‐batch fermentation for ethanol production using sugarcane juice in 5 L bioreactors and employing the optimized media and engineered strain. The results showed that maximum ethanol titer of 81.59 g/L and productivity of 5.83 g/L/h were achieved. Finally, preliminary techno‐economic assessment demonstrated that our efforts to modify media and strain could reduce the processing cost of ethanol production from sugarcane juice, which provides the feasibility for economic ethanol production in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin has been reported to promote the expression of programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) in some cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanism through which PD‐L1 is transcriptionally regulated by cisplatin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells remains largely unknown. In the present study, we found that the expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), p‐Akt, p‐ERK, and PD‐L1 was increased in cisplatin‐treated SNU‐368 and SNU‐739 cells. HGF stimulation also increased PD‐L1 expression in these cells. Moreover, Inhibition of HGF/c‐MET, PI3K/Akt, and MEK/ERK signaling pathways can dramatically block cisplatin or HGF‐induced PD‐L1 expression in SNU‐368 and SNU‐739 cells. In vivo, combination PHA665752 with cisplatin significantly reduced tumor weight with increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells in the tumor. Taken together, our study suggested that HGF/c‐Met axis‐induced the activation of PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK pathways contributes to cisplatin‐mediated PD‐L1 expression. These findings may provide an alternative avenue for the treatment of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cascades, endo-dig, exo-dig, heterocycles, hydroalkoxylation Keywords: cascades; endo-dig; exo-dig; heterocycles; hydroalkoxylation EN cascades endo-dig exo-dig heterocycles hydroalkoxylation 1 1 1 11/16/21 20211111 NES 211111 B The past few b decades have seen the emergence of cascade reactions involving hydroalkoxylation of alkyne as a reliable method for the synthesis of various oxygen-bearing complex scaffolds. The review by S. K. Nanda and R. Mallikon page 15571 ff. provides an insight into these cascade reactions focusing on the developments in the last decade. [Extracted from the article]

Background. Postinterventional cerebral hyperdensity (PCHD) is commonly seen in acute ischemic patients after mechanical thrombectomy. We propose a new classification of PCHD to investigate its correlation with hemorrhagic transformation (HT). The clinical prognosis of PCHD was further studied. Methods. Data from 189 acute stroke patients were analyzed retrospectively. According to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study criteria (ECASS), HT was classified as hemorrhagic infarction (HI-1 and HI-2) and parenchymal hematoma (pH-1 and pH-2). Referring to the classification of HT, PCHD was classified as PCHD-1, PCHD-2, PCHD-3, and PCHD-4. The prognosis included early neurological deterioration (END) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months. Results. The incidence of HT was 14.8% (12/81) in the no-PCHD group and 77.8% (84/108) in the PCHD group. PCHD was highly correlated with HT (r = 0.751 , p < 0.01). After stepwise regression analysis, PCHD and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission were found to be independent factors for END (p < 0.001 , p = 0.015 , respectively). The area of curves (AUC) of PCHD, the NIHSS at admission, and the combined model were 0.810, 0.667, and 0.832, respectively. The optimal diagnostic cutoff of PCHD for END was PCHD > 2. PCHD, the NIHSS score at admission, and good vascular recanalization (VR) were independently associated with 3-month mRS (all p < 0.05). The AUC of PCHD, the NIHSS at admission, good VR, and the combined model were 0.779, 0.733, 0.565, and 0.867, respectively. And the best cutoff of PCHD for the mRS was PCHD > 1. Conclusion. The relationship of PCHD and HT suggested PCHD was an early risk indicator for HT. The occurrence of PCHD-3 and PCHD-4 was a strong predictor for END. PCHD-1 is considered to be relatively benign in relation to the 3-month mRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen‐bearing motifs, mainly the congener heterocycles are ubiquitous due to their presence in various natural products and bioactive scaffolds. Although in literature, several strategies have been developed for their synthesis, hydroalkoxylation of alkynes has come forward as a method of choice and has been used extensively. In particular, hydroalkoxylation of alkynes has gained enormous attention from the synthetic community due to the rapid access to a very useful and reactive synthetic intermediate like 'enol ether'. Furthermore, to manifold the utility of these methods, reports have been developed elaborating the generation of 'enol ether' using hydroalkoxylation and their usage in various reactions in cascade or tandem manner. This review focuses on recent development on the hydroalkoxylation of alkynes for the synthesis of oxygen‐containing entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces an effective flood control method in the downstream of a river through the optimal operation of a barrage that is connected with a sea. A new operating model for flood control of an estuary barrage that can comprehensively evaluate the intensive discharge through the floodgates at the estuary barrage during low tide and the flood propagation process in the downstream river system is proposed. The optimization method applied to the operating model of the barrage combines a one-dimensional hydrodynamic model to analyze the flood propagation process in river channels and a search algorithm based on an iterative method to organize the maximum discharge at the estuary barrage during the ebb tide periods. The proposed method was applied to the flood control of the Taedong River downstream in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and its effectiveness was shown and evaluated through modeling results. By imagining the downstream boundary of the river before and after the construction of the West Sea Barrage, the inundation simulation at the Taean gauging station in the downstream of the Taedong River for floods of different average recurrence interval (ARI) was achieved by employing the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A silver(I) catalyzed domino imination-intramolecular biheterocyclization-aromatization cascade has been developed to construct 2-aryl/-heteroaryl dihydrofuroquinolines in moderate to good yield using an aldehyde and unprotected 4-(2-aminophenyl)but-3-yn-1-ol as precursors. Sequential Ag-(I)-induced 5-endo-dig cyclization of the yne-ol part and 6-endo-trig cyclization of a proposed Ag-bound imine, followed by aromatization, furnish the furoquinoline derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroalkoxylation of alkyne offers a unique platform to rapidly access structurally complex and densely functionalized oxygen‐bearing heterocycles. Further, to enhance the synthetic utility, various cascade reactions including hydroalkoxylation have been reported in both stereo‐ as well as enantioselective manner under metal and metal‐free conditions. A collection of the most representative and recent methods employing metal‐free hydroalkoxylation events are presented in this review article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin receptor (IR) was discovered in 1970. Shortcomings in IR transcribed signals were found pro‐diabetic, which could also inter‐relate obesity and atherosclerosis in a time‐dependent manner. Low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) was discovered in 1974. Later studies showed that insulin could modulate LDLR expression and activity. Repression of LDLR transcription in the absence or inactivity of insulin showed a direct cause of atherosclerosis. Leptin receptor (OB‐R) was found in 1995 and its resistance became responsible for developing obesity. The three interlinked pathologies namely, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and obesity were later on marked as metabolic syndrome‐X (MSX). In 2012, the IR–LDLR inter‐association was identified. In 2019, the proficiency of signal transmission from this IR–LDLR receptor complex was reported. LDLR was found to mimic IR‐generated signaling path when it remains bound to IR in IR–DLR interlocked state. This was the first time LDLR was found sending messages besides its LDL‐clearing activity from blood vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White matter lesions have been implicated in the setting of stroke, dementia, intracerebral haemorrhage, several other cerebrovascular conditions, migraine, various neuroimmunological diseases like multiple sclerosis, disorders of metabolism, mitochondrial diseases and others. While much is understood vis a vis neuroimmunological conditions, our knowledge of the pathophysiology of these lesions, and their role in, and implications to, management of cerebrovascular diseases or stroke, especially in the elderly, are limited. Several clinical assessment tools are available for delineating white matter lesions in clinical practice. However, their incorporation into clinical decision‐making and specifically prognosis and management of patients is suboptimal for use in standards of care. This article sought to provide an overview of the current knowledge and recent advances on pathophysiology, as well as clinical and radiological assessment, of white matter lesions with a focus on its development, progression and clinical implications in cerebrovascular diseases. Key indications for clinical practice and recommendations on future areas of research are also discussed. Finally, a conceptual proposal on putative mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of white matter lesions in cerebrovascular disease has been presented. Understanding of pathophysiology of white matter lesions and how they mediate outcomes is important to develop therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was to investigate the effect of dietary Tribonema ultriculosum supplementation on growth performance, fillet nutritional quality and immunity of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (165.26 ± 0.57 g, mean ± SD). Three diets containing 0 (control), 50 g/kg and 100 g/kg T. ultriculosum (TU) were introduced to triplicate groups of the experimental fish for 90 days. Then, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stress experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of microalgal addition on fish immune response. Compared to the control, microalgal addition significantly increased fish feed intake and growth. Dietary T. ultriculosum supplementation significantly increased the contents of palmitoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid in fillet. The addition of T. ultriculosum significantly increased the activity levels of spleen glutathione peroxidase (before LPS stress) and superoxide dismutase (after LPS stress), and simultaneously decreased the spleen malondialdehyde content compared to the control. In terms of the immune response, fish fed diets containing T. ultriculosum had a higher level of lysozyme activity (before LPS stress), immunoglobulin M content (before and after LPS stress) and hepcidin expression (after LPS stress) compared to the control. These results suggest that T. ultriculosum can be used to increase fish growth, fillet nutritional quality and immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein report a new nitrogen-directed Rh(III)-catalyzed C(sp2)–H bond functionalization of N -nitrosoanilines and azoxybenzenes with maleimides as a coupling partner, in which the olefination/alkylation process can be finely controlled at room temperature by variation of the reaction conditions. This method shows excellent functional group tolerance, and presents a mild access to the resulting olefination/alkylation products in moderate to good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a nonenveloped virus causing an emerging zoonotic disease posing a severe threat to the public health in the world, especially to pregnant women. In this study, a truncated form (aa 368–606) of the open reading frame 2 of the capsid protein (tORF2-HEV), a major structural protein of HEV, was expressed in Escherichia coli. This work characterizes for the first time, the fused Glutathione-S-Transferase-tagged tORF2 (GST-tORF2) and tORF2-HEV forms in E. coli. The fusion protein was purified by affinity chromatography with a purity higher than 90% and to yield about 27% after thrombin digestion. The purified GST-tORF2 protein was then characterized by western blot, using anti-GST antibodies, and CD spectroscopy. The GST-tORF2 and tORF2-HEV proteins were shown to be efficient to develop an ELISA test to detect anti-HEV IgG in mice sera immunized with a recombinant full length ORF2 protein. Sera showed a significant increase of the absorbance signal at 450 nm, in plate wells coated with a quantity of 0.5, 1 and 2 µg of proteins. ELISA plates coated with the purified GST-tORF2 and tORF2-HEV showed similar response when compared to the HEV ELISA where total insect cell lysate, infected with the recombinant baculovirus expressing full ORF2, was used as positive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines genetic diversity and structure of a Croatian garlic germplasm collection using 13 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 71 alleles were observed across 64 accessions representing 3 Croatian regions (Istria, Dalmatia and continental Croatia) and 16 foreign landraces, with an average of 5.46 alleles per locus. Among the 80 accessions analysed, 61 distinct multilocus genotypes (MLG) were identified, of which 51 represented unique genotypes and the remaining accessions were divided into 10 MLG groups, comprising potential duplicates or redundant genotypes. Model-based Bayesian and hierarchical UPGMA clustering approaches revealed five major groups within the collection which partially correlated with geographical origin. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the majority (87.71%) of the total molecular diversity is within the Croatian groups of accessions, even though a significant share (12.29%) of diversity derived from genetic diversity among groups. These results support regional structuring, as well as the existence of significant diversity within local populations. This study is the first comprehensive report on an extensive evaluation of genetic resources of garlic maintained by Croatia with the aim of setting the course for future preservation strategies with particular emphasis on the value of diversity in the context of climate change both on macro and micro levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of the privileged amino functionality is of paramount importance in organic synthesis. In contrast to the well-developed amination methods for alkenes, the dearomative amination of arenes is largely underexplored due to the inherently inert reactivity of arene π-bonds and selectivity challenges. Herein, we report an intermolecular dearomative aminofunctionalization via direct nucleophilic addition of simple amines to chromium-bound arenes. This multicomponent 1,2-amination/carbonylation reaction enables rapid access to complicated alicyclic compounds containing amino and amide functionalities from benzene derivatives under CO-gas-free conditions, which also represents the first application of nitrogen-based nucleophiles in η 6 -coordination-induced arene dearomatizations., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The growth and development of facial bones are closely related to each other. The present study investigated the differences in the nasomaxillary and mandibular morphology among different skeletal patterns. Cephalograms of 240 participants were divided into 3 groups based on the skeletal pattern (Class I, Class II, and Class III). The dimensions of nasomaxilla (nasal bone length, nasal ridge length, nasal depth, palatal length, and maxillary height) and mandible (condylar length, ramus length, body length, symphysis length, and entire mandibular length) were measured. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation test were used for statistical analysis. No significant differences were observed among the skeletal patterns in terms of nasal bone length, palatal length, maxillary height, or condylar length. Class II had a significantly shorter ramus, mandibular body, and entire mandibular length compared with those of Class I and Class III. Nasal ridge length exhibited a significant moderate correlated with nasal bone length (correlation coefficient: 0.433) and maxillary height (correlation coefficient: 0.535). The entire mandibular length exhibited a significant moderate correlated with ramus length (correlation coefficient: 0.485) and body length (correlation coefficient: 0.536). In conclusion, nasal and maxillary dimensions exhibited no significant difference among the 3 skeletal patterns. Mandibular body and entire mandibular lengths were significantly positively correlations with Class III skeletal patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new state record of Leptobrachella tamdil from Manipur State, northeastern India based on three individuals collected from Chakpi stream, Chandel District. This record represents the range extension of the species as well as the easternmost distribution record. We also provide additional morphological data as well as the first time genetic data for the species and inferred its phylogenetic position using mitochondrial 16S rRNA marker gene sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software testing has been attracting a lot of attention for effective software development. In model driven approach, Unified Modelling Language (UML) is a conceptual modelling approach for obligations and other features of the system in a model-driven methodology. Specialized tools interpret these models into other software artifacts such as code, test data and documentation. The generation of test cases permits the appropriate test data to be determined that have the aptitude to ascertain the requirements. This paper focuses on optimizing the test data obtained from UML activity and state chart diagrams by using Basic Genetic Algorithm (BGA). For generating the test cases, both diagrams were converted into their corresponding intermediate graphical forms namely, Activity Diagram Graph (ADG) and State Chart Diagram Graph (SCDG). Then both graphs will be combined to form a single graph called, Activity State Chart Diagram Graph (ASCDG). Both graphs were then joined to create a single graph known as the Activity State Chart Diagram Graph (ASCDG). Next, the ASCDG will be optimized using BGA to generate the test data. A case study involving a withdrawal from the automated teller machine (ATM) of a bank was employed to demonstrate the approach. The approach successfully identified defects in various ATM functions such as messaging and operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software testing is a very important technique to design the faultless software and takes approximately 60% of resources for the software development. It is the process of executing a program or application to detect the software bugs. In software development life cycle, the testing phase takes around 60% of cost and time. Test case generation is a method to identify the test data and satisfy the software testing criteria. Test case generation is a vital concept used in software testing, that can be derived from the user requirements specification. An automatic test case technique determines automatically where the test cases or test data generates utilizing search based optimization method. In this paper, Cuckoo Search and Bee Colony Algorithm (CSBCA) method is used for optimization of test cases and generation of path convergence within minimal execution time. The performance of the proposed CSBCA was compared with the performance of existing methods such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Cuckoo Search (CS), Bee Colony Algorithm (BCA), and Firefly Algorithm (FA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general prediction from asymptotically safe quantum gravity is the approximate vanishing of all quartic scalar couplings at the UV fixed point beyond the Planck scale. A vanishing Higgs doublet quartic coupling near the Planck scale translates into a prediction for the ratio between the mass of the Higgs boson MH and the top quark Mt. If only the standard model particles contribute to the running of couplings below the Planck mass, the observed MH∼ 125 GeV results in the prediction for the top quark mass Mt∼ 171 GeV, in agreement with recent measurements. In this work, we study how the asymptotic safety prediction for the top quark mass is affected by possible physics at an intermediate scale. We investigate the effect of an SU(2) triplet scalar and right-handed neutrinos, needed to explain the tiny mass of left-handed neutrinos. For pure seesaw II, with no or very heavy right handed neutrinos, the top mass can increase to Mt ∼ 172.5 GeV for a triplet mass of M∆ ∼ 108GeV. Right handed neutrino masses at an intermediate scale increase the uncertainty of the predictions of Mt due to unknown Yukawa couplings of the right-handed neutrinos and a cubic interaction in the scalar potential. For an appropriate range of Yukawa couplings there is no longer an issue of vacuum stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One‐pot synthesis of 2,3‐disubstituted 4‐aminoquinolines is developed through a three‐component reaction of 2‐azidobenzaldehydes, α‐fluoro‐β‐ketoesters and amines involving cascade Mannich, aza‐Wittig and dehydrofluorinative aromatization. The method is applicable to other functionalized quinolines. It is a pot, atom and step economy (PASE) synthesis of biologically interesting 4‐aminoquinolines relevant to hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To determine whether hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) and high lipid accumulation product (LAP) preceded the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to investigate the interactions of HTGW and LAP with other components of metabolic syndrome on the risk of T2DM. Methods. A total of 15,717 eligible participants without baseline T2DM and aged 35 and over were included from a Chinese rural cohort. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association of HTGW and LAP with the incidence of T2DM, and the restricted cubic spline model was used to evaluate the dose-response association. Results. Overall, 867 new T2DM cases were diagnosed after 7.77 years of follow-up. Participants with HTGW had a higher hazard ratio for T2DM (hazard ratio (HR): 6.249, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.199-7.511) after adjustment for potential confounders. The risk of incident T2DM was increased with quartiles 3 and 4 versus quartile 1 of LAP, and the adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 2.903 (2.226-3.784) and 6.298 (4.911-8.077), respectively. There were additive interactions of HTGW (synergy index (SI): 1.678, 95% CI: 1.358-2.072) and high LAP (SI: 1.701, 95% CI: 1.406-2.059) with increased fasting plasma glucose (FPG) on the risk of T2DM. Additionally, a nonlinear (P nonlinear < 0.001) dose-response association was found between LAP and T2DM. Conclusion. The subjects with HTGW and high LAP were at high risk of developing T2DM, and the association between LAP and the risk of T2DM may be nonlinear. Our study further demonstrates additive interactions of HTGW and high LAP with increased FPG on the risk of T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]