Olfactory combinatorial coding supports risk-reward decision making in .

Olfactory-driven behaviors are essential for animal survival, but mechanisms for decoding olfactory inputs remain poorly understood. We have used whole-network Ca imaging to study olfactory coding in We show that the odorant 1-octanol is encoded combinatorially in the periphery as both an attractant and a repellant. These inputs are integrated centrally, and their relative strengths determine the sensitivity and valence of the behavioral response through modulation of locomotory reversals and speed.

The cytotoxicity effect of bismuth oxide particles synthesized hydrothermally using different reaction temperatures in vitro.

Introduction: Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) particles gained attention in preclinical research especially in medical imaging. Bismuth oxide with its long circulation time is an alternative to the current iodine contrast media which directly possesses high X-ray attenuation coefficient. Exploration of bismuth compound is hampered owing to challenges in synthesizing control for in vivo stability.

Micro energy harvesting for IoT platform: Review analysis toward future research opportunities.

Micro-energy harvesting (MEH) is a technology of renewable power generation which is a key technology for hosting the future low-powered electronic devices for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and, the Internet of Things (IoT). Recent technological advancements have given rise to several resources and technologies that are boosting particular facets of society. Many researchers are now interested in studying MEH systems for ultra-low power IoT sensors and WSNs.

Whole genome resequencing data and grain quality traits of the rice cultivar Mahsuri and its blast disease resistant mutant line, Mahsuri Mutant.

In Malaysia, rice mutant varieties that are genetically altered to confer resistance against blast disease have been substantially developed through mutational breeding program. However, due to the limited accessible information on the mutant lines, mutant gene variants corresponding to the disease resistance and other useful agronomic traits are yet to be exploited. Here, we conducted whole genome re-sequencing of blast resistance with kernel elongation traits in mutant line, Mahsuri Mutant (87,639,446 bp raw reads), and its parental line, Mahsuri (85,156,783 bp raw reads) using Illumina Novaseq 6000 sequencing platform with 30x sequencing coverage.

Performance of Malaysian kenaf callus biomass and exopolysaccharide production in a novel liquid culture.

The versatility of a well-known fibrous crop, (kenaf) is still relatively new to many. Kenaf's potential applications, which can be extended even into critical industries such as pharmaceutical and food industries, have always been overshadowed by its traditionally grown fiber. Therefore, this study aimed to venture into the biotechnological approach in reaping the benefits of kenaf through plant cell suspension culture to maximize the production of kenaf callus biomass (KCB) and exopolysaccharide (EPS), which is deemed to be more sustainable.

Nanoemulsion of Ethanolic Extract of (NanoSECA)Ameliorates Learning and Memory Performance by EnhancingCholinergic Activities, Increasing Antioxidative Levels, and AttenuatingOxidative Stress Markers in Adult Rats.

Background: has long been traditionally used as a memory enhancer. Nanoemulsion of ethanolic extract (NanoSECA) has been developed to improve brain functions. However, the effect of NanoSECA on enhancing memory and cognitive functions remains unexplored.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of nanoenhanced conjugate of Ag-doped ZnO nanorods with graphene oxide.

In this paper, we report a successful synthesis of ZnO nanorods using the microwave-assisted technique, solid-state reaction method was utilized for the preparation of ZnAgO (x = 0.05, 0.1), Hummer's modified method for graphene oxide (GO) along with the sonication method to prepare GO-based Ag-doped ZnO (ZnAgO/GO: x  = 0.

The antiproliferative and apoptotic potential of Clinacanthus nutans against human breast cancer cells through targeted apoptosis pathway.

Clinacanthus nutans dichloromethane fraction (CN-Dcm) extract has previously been proven to suppress breast cancer (MCF7) cell proliferation. Despite this, the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis mechanisms involved in C. nutans extract-treated MCF7 cells are still unknown.

Effects of processing and gamma radiation on mechanical properties and organic composition of frozen, freeze-dried and demineralised human cortical bone allograft.

Bone processing and radiation were reported to influence mechanical properties of cortical bones due in part to structural changes and denaturation of collagen composition. This comparative study was to determine effects of bone processing on mechanical properties and organic composition, and to what extent the radiation damaging after each processing. Human femur cortical bones were processed by freezing, freeze-drying and demineralisation and then gamma irradiated at 5, 15, 20, 25 and 50 kGy.

Development and Optimization of Nanoemulsion from Ethanolic Extract of (NanoSECA) Using D-Optimal Mixture Design to Improve Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability.

The evidence on the neuroprotective impact of () has been greatly documented in recent years. However, a major obstacle that remains to be overcome is the capacity of the active molecules in to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this study, we explored the possibilities of using a D-optimal mixture design to fabricate nanoemulsion of (NanoSECA) for better brain bioavailability.

A hybrid approach to enhance the lifespan of WSNs in nuclear power plant monitoring system.

In recent years, the nuclear power plant has received huge attention as it generates vast amounts of power at a lower cost. However, its creation of radioactive wastes is a major environmental concern. Therefore, the nuclear power plant requires a reliable and uninterrupted monitoring system as an essential part of it.

Effect of Storage Temperatures on Physico-Chemicals, Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Properties of Watermelon Juice ().

Watermelon () consists of high moisture content and is favoured for its juice products. The popular fruit has a tempting taste, sweet aroma and attractive flesh colour. It is enriched with phytochemicals and antioxidant properties that are beneficial to human health.

Parametric study of glycerol and contaminants removal from biodiesel through solvent-aided crystallization.

At present, biodiesel is known as an alternative fuel globally. It is also known that the purification of biodiesel before consumption is mandatory to comply with international standards. Commonly, purification using water washing generates a massive amount of wastewater with a high content of organic compounds that can harm the environment.

Effects of conform, non-conform, and hybrid conformity toward stress distribution at the glenoid implant and cement: A finite element study.

Glenoid conformity is one of the important aspects that could contribute to implant stability. However, the optimal conformity is still being debated among the researchers. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the stress distribution of the implant and cement in three types of conformity (conform, non-conform, and hybrid) in three load conditions (central, anterior, and posterior).

Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) modeling of bone marrow through trabecular bone structure under compression.

The present study has sought to investigate the fluid characteristic and mechanical properties of trabecular bone using fluid-structure interaction (FSI) approach under different trabecular bone orientations. This method imposed on trabecular bone structure at both longitudinal and transverse orientations to identify effects on shear stress, permeability, stiffness and stress regarded to the trabeculae. Sixteen FSI models were performed on different range trabecular cubes of 27 mm with eight models developed for each longitudinal and transverse direction.

Relationship between Ergosterol Concentration and Basal Stem Rot Disease Progress on .

Basal stem rot (BSR) is a devastating disease to Malaysian oil palm. Current techniques employed for BSR disease detection on oil palm are laborious, time consuming, costly, and subjected to accuracy limitations. An ergosterol detection method was developed, whereby it correlated well with the degree of infection in oil palm.

Combining In Silico and In Vitro Studies to Evaluate the Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Profile of Different Accessions and the Biomarker Triterpenes of .

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and the most cause of dementia in elderly adults. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important beneficial target for AD to control cholinergic signaling deficit. (CA) has proven to be rich with active ingredients for memory enhancement.

A two-dimensional crystal growth in anatase titania nanostructures driven by trigonal hydronium ions.

Two-dimensional growth or high-energy faceting during a wet-chemical nanocrystal growth involves a dynamic surfactant functionalization that selectively allows a particular crystal plane to grow and simultaneously, passivates others from evolving. Here, by simply controlling the concentration of hydronium ions in a liquid-phase deposition reaction, the two-dimensional growth of a few atoms thick and (001) facet in anatase titania nanostructures can be achieved. The morphology can be modified from nanocube to nanobelt and nanosheet by increasing the hydronium ion concentration.

Pandemic potential of highly pathogenic avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4 A(H5) viruses.

The panzootic caused by A/goose/Guangdong/1/96-lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses has occurred in multiple waves since 1996. From 2013 onwards, clade 2.3.

Histopathological changes in placenta and liver of pregnant rats administered with aqueous extract of Dioscorea hispida var. daemona (Roxb) Prain & Burkill.

Dioscorea hispida var. daemona (Roxb) Prain & Burkill (DH), also known a tropical yam or intoxicating yam is a bitter wild tuber which is consumed as a staple food and traditionally used as a remedy in Malaysia. However, DH is also notorious for its intoxicating effects and there is currently a dearth of study of possible effects of DH on liver and placental tissues and hence its safe consumption warrants in-depth investigation.

Impacts of dynamic degradation on the morphological and mechanical characterisation of porous magnesium scaffold.

This study employs a computational approach to analyse the impact of morphological changes on the structural properties of biodegradable porous Mg subjected to a dynamic immersion test for its application as a bone scaffold. Porous Mg was immersed in a dynamic immersion test for 24, 48, and 72 h. Twelve specimens were prepared and scanned using micro-CT and then reconstructed into a 3D model for finite element analysis.

Evaluation of the WHO laboratory quality stepwise implementation tool.

Objectives: To introduce the Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI) tool and provide data about its roll-out, usage and effectiveness in assisting laboratories with quality improvement.

Methods: The LQSI tool, a freely available stepwise guide, was developed by WHO to assist laboratories with efficiently implementing a quality management system.

Results: Since the tool's launch in 2014, it has been accessed by 130 986 unique users from 195 of 206 listed states.

Development of Isocratic RP-HPLC Method for Separation and Quantification of L-Citrulline and L-Arginine in Watermelons.

Watermelons are known to have sufficient amino acid content. In this study, watermelons grown and consumed in Malaysia were investigated for their amino acid content, L-citrulline and L-arginine, by the isocratic RP-HPLC method. Flesh and rind watermelons were juiced, and freeze-dried samples were used for separation and quantification of L-citrulline and L-arginine.

Two-Dimensional, Hierarchical Ag-Doped TiO Nanocatalysts: Effect of the Metal Oxidation State on the Photocatalytic Properties.

This paper reports the synthesis of two-dimensional, hierarchical, porous, and (001)-faceted metal (Ag, Zn, and Al)-doped TiO nanostructures (TNSs) and the study of their photocatalytic activity. Two-dimensional metal-doped TNSs were synthesized using the hydrolysis of ammonium hexafluorotitanate in the presence of hexamethylenetetramine and metal precursors. Typical morphology of metal-doped TNSs is a hierarchical nanosheet that is composed of randomly stacked nanocubes (dimensions of up to 5 μm and 200 nm in edge length and thickness, respectively) and has dominant (001) facets exposed.