bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐Dimensional Electrodes for Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Xu Jinxiao , Ma Yingjun , Xuan Cuijuan , Ma Chuanli , Wang Jie
Published: December 2021

Rechargeable metal‐air batteries have drawn extensive attention because of their remarkably high theoretical energy output and the ultra‐stable voltage platform but are restricted by the sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction/evolution reactions at the cathode. To resolve this issue, great efforts have been made in focusing the three‐dimensional (3D) electrodes, which can provide adequate hierarchical channels and ensure the gas penetration of the air electrodes. Therefore, it is necessary to give a timely updates of 3D electrodes. In this review, we present the fundamentals and recent progress of 3D electrodes in oxygen reduction/evolution reactions, mainly including the 3D electrode design, the electrocatalysis in oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution and the bi‐functional activity of the two reactions. Besides, metal‐air batteries facilitated with 3D electrodes are also fully discussed, including the mechanisms based on the aqueous and organic electrolytes. At the end, the existing challenges and perspectives of 3D electrodes are proposed for further development of the metal‐air batteries and auxiliary generative ideas for the renewable energy development.
Spin States, Bonding and Magnetism in Mixed‐Valence Iron(0)‐Iron(II) Complexes**
Authors: Kim Daniel , Wilson Daniel W. N. , Fataftah Majed S. , Mercado Brandon Q. , Holland Patrick L.
Published: December 2021

“Xenophilic” complexes offer metal‐metal bonds between disparate metal sites, but the nature of the metal‐metal bonding is often unclear. Here, we describe two novel complexes with unsupported Fe−Fe bonds, LxFe−Fp (LX = β‐aldiminate or β‐diketiminate; Fp = Fe(CO)2Cp), that offer insight into Fe−Fe bonding. Mössbauer, magnetism, and DFT analysis indicate that the most accurate electronic structure description is LFeII←Fe0(CO)2Cp, in which the Fe(CO)2Cp is low‐spin iron(0) and acts as an X‐type ligand toward the high‐spin iron(II) of the LFe fragment. This largely electrostatic interaction has a bond order of only 0.5. The three‐coordinate high‐spin iron(II) site has large zero‐field splitting, and in addition its Mössbauer parameters can be used to rank the Fp− “metalloligand” as a donor; it is nearly as strong a donor as phosphides and alkyls.
Targeting the IspD Enzyme in the MEP Pathway: Identification of a Novel Fragment Class
Authors: Diamanti Eleonora , Hamed Mostafa M. , Lacour Antoine , Bravo Patricia , Illarionov Boris , Fischer Markus , Rottmann Matthias , Witschel Matthias , Hirsch Anna K. H.
Published: December 2021

The enzymes of the 2‐C‐methylerythritol‐d‐erythritol 4‐phosphate (MEP) pathway (MEP pathway or non‐mevalonate pathway) are responsible for the synthesis of universal precursors of the large and structurally diverse family of isoprenoids. This pathway is absent in humans, but present in many pathogenic organisms and plants, making it an attractive source of drug targets. Here, we present a high‐throughput screening approach that led to the discovery of a novel fragment hit active against the third enzyme of the MEP pathway, PfIspD. A systematic SAR investigation afforded a novel chemical structure with a balanced activity–stability profile (16). Using a homology model of PfIspD, we proposed a putative binding mode for our newly identified inhibitors that sets the stage for structure‐guided optimization.
Structural analysis of the microglia–interneuron interactions in the CA1 hippocampal area of the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gervais Étienne , Iloun Parisa , Martianova Ekaterina , Gonçalves Bessa Ana Claudia , Rivest Serge , Topolnik Lisa
Published: December 2021

Microglia can interact with glutamatergic neurons and, through control of synaptic elements, regulate their physiological function. Much less is known about the partnership between microglia and GABAergic inhibitory interneurons. Here, we compared the interactions between microglia and parvalbumin (PV+) and somatostatin (SOM+) expressing interneurons in the CA1 hippocampal area of APP/PS1 transgenic mice that mimic certain aspects of the Alzheimer's disease (AD). We first uncovered a high level of interactions between microglia and two types of interneurons, with 98% of SOM+ and 90% of PV+ cells receiving different types of putative microglial contacts. The latter included the microglia soma to the interneuron soma (SomaMG‐to‐SomaIN), the microglia process to the interneuron soma (ProcessMG‐to‐SomaIN) and the microglia process to the interneuron dendrite (ProcessMG‐to‐DendIN) interactions. Moreover, we found significantly larger areas of interaction for the SomaMG‐to‐SomaIN and the ProcessMG‐to‐DendIN type of contacts between microglia and SOM+ cells. In contrast, PV+ cells exhibited larger areas for the ProcessMG‐to‐SomaIN interactions. Second, in APP/PS1 mice, although the overall microglia interactions with interneurons remained preserved, the fraction of interneurons receiving putative microglia contacts on their dendrites was reduced, and larger areas of interactions were observed for somatic contacts, suggesting a stronger modulation of the interneuron output by microglia in AD. In summary, these results reveal microglia as important partners of hippocampal PV+ and SOM+ GABAergic cells, with interneuron type‐specific pattern of interactions. Thus, microglia may play an essential role in the operation of interneurons under normal conditions and their dysfunction in disease.
Photocatalytic Activity of Radial Rutile Titanium(IV) Oxide Microspheres for Aerobic Oxidation of Organics
Authors: Kojima Ryota , Ohtani Bunsho , Tada Hiroaki
Published: December 2021

Radial rutile TiO2 nanorod homomesocrystals (TiO2‐NR HOMCs) or the so‐called “sea urchin‐like TiO2 microspheres” were synthesized by using a hydrothermal method. TiO2‐NR HOMCs show photocatalytic activity for aerobic oxidative degradation of 2‐naphthol under irradiation of UV‐ and visible light. Furthermore, extremely small iron oxide clusters were formed on the surface of TiO2‐NR HOMCs (FeOx/TiO2‐NR HOMCs) by the chemisorption‐calcination technique to reduce the band gap. The FeOx‐surface modification gives rise to drastic enhancement of the UV‐ and visible‐light activity. Reversed double‐beam photoacoustic spectroscopy measurements were performed for TiO2‐NR HOMCs and FeOx/TiO2‐NR HOMCs to obtain the ERDT (energy‐resolved distribution of electron traps)/CBB (conduction‐band bottom) patterns. The ERDT/CBB pattern of TiO2‐NR HOMCs consists of two components derived from rutile (C1) and amorphous TiO2 (C2). In the pattern, the surface electron traps in C2 exist near the CBB to be removed by the FeOx‐surface modification. By taking this finding into consideration, the striking surface modification effect is ascribable to the electrocatalytic activity (or the action as an electron reservoir) of the FeOx clusters for multiple ORR, the suppression of recombination, and the increase in the visible‐light harvesting efficiency.
Structural Characterization of a New Collagen Biomimetic Octapeptide with Nanoscale Self‐Assembly Potential: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches
Authors: Mocanu Cosmin Stefan , Petre Brindusa Alina , Darie‐Ion Laura , Drochioiu Gabi , Niculaua Marius , Stoica Iuliana , Homocianu Mihaela , Nita Loredana Elena , Gradinaru Vasile Robert
Published: December 2021

Bioinspired peptides are attractive biomolecules which can improve our understanding of self‐assembly processes for rational design of new peptide‐based materials. Herein, a new amidated peptide FRSAPFIE (FRS), based on a sequence present in human collagen, was synthesized, characterized by mass spectrometry and subjected to self‐assembling investigations. The optimal conditions for self‐assembly were disclosed by dynamic light scattering at 32 °C and a peptide concentration of 0.51 %. In addition, AFM studies revealed ellipsoidal FRS shapes with an area between 0.8 and 3.1 μm2. The ability of self‐assembly was also proved using FAD dye as extrinsic fluorescence reporter. According to the theoretical analysis, the FRS peptide tends to form a bundle‐type association, with a type of fibrillary tangles particle. Altogether, our findings address new challenges regarding the FRS peptide which can be used in further self‐assembly studies to design biocompatible drug‐delivery platforms.
Isolation and Measurement of Respiration and Structural Studies of Purified Mitochondria from Heterotrophic Plant Tissues
Authors: Pandey Sonika , Kumari Aprajita , Singh Pooja , Gupta Kapuganti Jagadis
Published: December 2021

Mitochondria are the power houses of eukaryotic cells. These organelles contain various oxidoreductase complexes. Electron transfer from different reducing equivalents channeled via these complexes drives proton translocation across the inner mitochondrial membrane, leading to ATP generation. Plant mitochondria contain alternative NAD(P)H dehydrogenases, alternative oxidase, and uncoupling protein, and TCA cycle enzymes are located in their matrix. Apart from ATP production, mitochondria are also involved in synthesis of vitamins and cofactors and participate in fatty acid, nucleotide, photorespiratory, and antioxidant metabolism. Recent emerging evidence suggests that mitochondria play a role in redox signaling and generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. For mitochondrial studies, it is essential to isolate physiologically active mitochondria with good structural integrity. In this article, we explain a detailed procedure for isolation of mitochondria from various heterotrophic tissues, such as germinating chickpea seeds, potato tubers, and cauliflower florets. This procedure requires discontinuous Percoll gradient centrifugation and can give a good yield of mitochondria, in the range of 4 to 8 mg per 50 g tissue with active respiratory capacity. After MitoTracker staining, isolated mitochondria can be visualized by using a confocal microscope. The structure of mitochondria can be monitored by scanning electron microscopy. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of mitochondria from germinating chickpea seeds, potato tubers, and cauliflower florets

Basic Protocol 2: Quantification of mitochondrial protein concentration by Bradford assay

Basic Protocol 3: Quantification of mitochondrial respiration using single‐channel free‐radical analyzer

Basic Protocol 4: Staining of mitochondria and confocal imaging

Basic Protocol 5: Visualization of isolated mitochondria under scanning electron microscope
Comparison of family selection methodologies used in the initial phase of sugarcane breeding
Authors: Ferreira Pedro Henrique Silva , Gonçalves Mateus Teles Vital , Teixeira Gabriely , Ferreira Matheus de Paula , de Oliveira Rebeca Lourenco , Barbosa Marcio Henrique Pereira , Peternelli Luiz Alexandre
Published: December 2021

The simplified system (SS) is a new method of selecting families in the first experimentation phase used in some sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) breeding programs in Brazil. In the SS, clones are obtained from families whose genotypes are not individualized in the field. Such selected clones are used to compose the cloned family trial. In the conventional method (CM) of breeding, each genotype is individualized to form part of the family evaluation experiment. This work aimed to compare and verify if the SS provides genetic information at least similar to the CM. Two experiments were conducted, one for the CM and the other for the SS. Sixty full‐sib families were evaluated in each experiment. The characteristics evaluated were average stalk height, average stalk diameter, the content of total soluble solids (BRIX), the number of stalks per meter, average stalk mass, tonnes of stalks per hectare, and tonnes of BRIX per hectare. The mixed model methodology was used to estimate the genetic parameters and predict the families' genotypic values. Both methods enabled high precision in the evaluation of families and similar average genetic gains (10.1% for CM and 9.6% for SS). The SS makes it possible to select families with high genotypic value, high accuracy, and genetic gains comparable to the CM. Therefore, although the SS presents similar results as the CM, its simplicity and ease of being installed in the field in a smaller experimental area make it a promising methodology for selecting cloned families in a sugarcane breeding program.
Invasive predators affect community‐wide pollinator visitation
Authors: Liang Christina T. , Shiels Aaron B. , Haines William P. , Sandor Manette E. , Aslan Clare E.
Published: December 2021

Disruption of plant–pollinator interactions by invasive predators is poorly understood but may pose a critical threat for native ecosystems. In a multiyear field experiment in Hawai'i, we suppressed abundances of globally invasive predators and then observed insect visitation to flowers of six native plant species. Three plant species are federally endangered (Haplostachys haplostachya, Silene lanceolata, Tetramolopium arenarium) and three are common throughout their range (Bidens menziesii, Dubautia linearis, Sida fallax). Insect visitors were primarily generalist pollinators, including taxa that occur worldwide such as solitary bees (e.g., Lasioglossum impavidum), social bees (e.g., Apis mellifera), and syrphid flies (e.g., Allograpta exotica). We found that suppressing invasive rats (Rattus rattus), mice (Mus musculus), ants (Linepithema humile, Tapinoma melanocephalum), and yellowjacket wasps (Vespula pensylvanica) had positive effects on pollinator visitation to plants in 16 of 19 significant predator–pollinator–plant interactions. We found only positive effects of suppressing rats and ants, and both positive and negative effects of suppressing mice and yellowjacket wasps, on the frequency of interactions between pollinators and plants. Model results predicted that predator eradication could increase the frequency of insect visitation to flowering species, in some cases by more than 90%. Previous results from the system showed that these flowering species produced significantly more seed when flowers were allowed to outcross than when flowers were bagged to exclude pollinators, indicating limited autogamy. Our findings highlight the potential benefits of suppression or eradication of invasive rodents, ants, and yellowjackets to reverse pollination disruption, particularly in locations with high numbers of at‐risk plant species or already imperiled pollinator populations.
Stable Isotope Trajectory Analysis (SITA): A new approach to quantify and visualize dynamics in stable isotope studies
Authors: Sturbois Anthony , Cucherousset Julien , De Cáceres Miquel , Desroy Nicolas , Riera Pascal , Carpentier Alexandre , Quillien Nolwenn , Grall Jacques , Espinasse Boris , Cherel Yves , Schaal Gauthier
Published: December 2021

Ecologists working with stable isotopes have to deal with complex datasets including temporal and spatial replication, which makes the analysis and the representation of patterns of change challenging, especially at high resolution. Due to the lack of a commonly accepted conceptual framework in stable isotope ecology, the analysis and the graphical representation of stable isotope spatial and temporal dynamics of stable isotope value at the organism or community scale remained in the past often descriptive and qualitative, impeding the quantitative detection of relevant functional patterns. The recent community trajectory analysis (CTA) framework provides more explicit perspectives for the analysis and the visualization of ecological trajectories. Building on CTA, we developed the Stable Isotope Trajectory Analysis (SITA) framework, to analyze the geometric properties of stable isotope trajectories on n‐dimensional (n ≥ 2) spaces of analysis defined analogously to the traditional multivariate spaces (Ω) used in community ecology. This approach provides new perspectives into the quantitative analysis of spatio‐temporal trajectories in stable isotope spaces (Ωδ) and derived structural and functional dynamics (Ωγ space). SITA allows the calculation of a set of trajectory metrics, based on either trajectory distances or directions, and new graphical representation solutions, both easily performable in an R environment. Here, we illustrate the use of our approach by reanalyzing previously published datasets from marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems. We highlight the insights provided by this new analytic framework at the individual, population, community, and ecosystems levels, and discuss applications, limitations, and development potential.
Dual‐gate ion‐sensitive field‐effect transistors: A review
Authors: Bhatt Deepa , Panda Siddhartha
Published: December 2021

Ion‐sensitive field‐effect transistors (ISFETs) are electrochemical sensors that work on the principle of metal‐oxide field‐effect transistors. Dual‐gate ion‐sensitive field‐effect transistors (DGISFETs) are an advanced version of ISFETs with an additional gate dielectric, resulting in sensitivity enhancement on account of the coupling of the capacitances of the two gate dielectrics. ISFETs were demonstrated first in 1970 and there are several review articles available on various aspects of ISFETs; although DGISFETs were first demonstrated in 2010, there are no focused review articles on this subject and this is the motivation of present work. This review has explored the understanding of the basic platform, the working principle, different structures, and various applications of DGISFETs. Further, types of DGISFETs are elaborated based on their architecture, material used for fabrication, and substrates used for such devices with utilization of different semiconductor and gate dielectric materials, rigid and flexible substrates. The state‐of‐the‐art of rigid and flexible DGISFETs is discussed for various applications. Challenges in the fabrication and utilization of DGISFETs in various fields and further advances are discussed.
Comparison of the parasitic impedances from the drain‐source path of power transistor packages at up to 2 GHz
Authors: Moldaschl Thomas , Woetzel Stefan , Latella Riccardo , Galvano Maurizio , Binder Alfred
Published: December 2021

In this article, we compare several concepts for gallium‐nitride (GaN) power high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) packages in terms of their drain‐to‐source parasitic inductance and resistance values. Unlike in previous studies, however, due to several fast transient use cases the investigated frequencies are extended to 2 GHz. Since the device's dimensions are already a significant fraction of the corresponding wavelength at 2 GHz, full wave simulation tools have been employed to more accurately assess the problem. The results reveal how the considered package concepts affect the overall parasitic device impedances and show a clear improvement of the parasitic impedance over each generation of package implementation. Furthermore, full wave analysis results are compared to method of moments results to emphasize the necessity of full wave simulations at these frequencies.
Interface engineering towardhigh‐efficiencyalloy anode for next‐generation energy storage device
Authors: Wang Haitao , Wang Chen , Tang Yongbing
Published: December 2021

Alloy materials are considered as the promising anodes for next‐generation energy storage devices attributed to their high theoretical capacities and suitable working voltage. However, further commercialization is hindered by their remarkable volume change during cycling. The interface engineering has been proposed as an effective strategy to alleviate the volume expansion and improve the electrochemical performance of alloy anode. In this review, we discuss the failure mechanisms for alloy anode during charging/discharging processes. Then the mechanisms of interface engineering for alloy anode were proposed. Next, the interface engineering strategies for alloy anode such as artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), structure control, and electrolyte composition design toward improved performance were summarized. Finally, the challenge and perspective of interface engineering of alloy anodes was discussed. This review may promote the development of alloy anode with improved electrochemical performance for practical renewable energy applications.

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The effect of particle size and hydrate status on dynamic mechanical properties of hydrate‐bearing sediments
Authors: Hu Wei , Ning Fulong , Liu Zhichao , Wang Dongdong , Dou Xiaofeng , Li Yanlong , Hu Gaowei , Liu Changling
Published: December 2021

Dynamic mechanical properties of natural gas hydrate (NGH) reservoirs are extremely important owing to their critical role in drilling safety and reservoir stability during NGH development. However, the comprehensive influence of reservoir skeleton and hydrate status on the dynamic mechanical properties of hydrate‐bearing sediments (HBS) has rarely been reported. In this study, three types of sandy sediments with different particle size were simulated. A customized resonant column system was used to synthesize HBS and to test the dynamic mechanical properties of the HBS under the conditions of different confining pressures and shear strains. In addition, the dynamic mechanical responses of the hydrate‐free and hydrate‐dissociated specimens were comprehensively studied to further demonstrate the dominant role of hydrate status and skeleton‐hydrate interactions on the dynamic mechanical properties of HBS. The results show that the shear moduli of the HBS specimens increase exponentially with an increase in confining pressure and decrease in amplitude strain. However, the damping ratios decreases with an increase in confining pressure and decrease in amplitude strain. With an increase in the median particle size (D50) of the simulated sediments, the shear moduli tend to increase, whereas the damping ratios decreas. In addition, the hydrate occurrence decreases differences in moduli between fine‐, medium‐ and coarse‐skeleton specimens, and the enhancement effect of hydrate on the mechanical properties of the specimen is the maximum for the fine sediment specimens. Interestingly, we find that the modulus of the hydrate‐dissociated specimen is relatively smaller than that of the hydrate‐free specimen, which implies that the structure of the sediments could be rearranged and weakened due to the hydrate formation‐dissociation processes.
Investigating the Ecotoxicity of Select Emerging Organic Contaminants Toward the Marine Copepod Gladioferens pectinatus
Authors: Barrick Andrew , Champeau Olivier , Butler Juliette , Wiles Tanja , Boundy Mike , Tremblay Louis A.
Published: December 2021

Estuarine ecosystems are recipients of anthropogenic stressors released from land-based activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ecotoxicological hazards of organic contaminants toward the estuarine copepod Gladioferens pectinatus using acute and chronic testing. Most chemicals demonstrated acute toxicity and influenced development of the copepods. Further research should be conducted to investigate these chemicals and their mixtures using long-term, multigenerational testing to characterize mechanisms of toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:792–799. © 2022 SETAC
Transient Copper Exposure During Embryogenesis and Temperature Affect Developmental Rate, Survival, and Fin Regeneration in Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Authors: Mason Marilyn W. , Bertucci Emily M. , Leri Faith M. , Parrott Benjamin B.
Published: December 2021

Combined environmental stressors that an organism experiences can have both immediate and lasting consequences. In the present study, we exposed Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos to sublethal copper sulfate (CuSO4; 0, 10, and 100 ppb) in combination with different rearing temperatures (27, 30, and 33 °C) to assess acute and latent effects on development, growth, and regenerative capacity. Embryos exposed to CuSO4 and/or higher temperatures hatched significantly earlier. At 4 months post-exposure, fish exposed to low levels of CuSO4 during development had higher survival, whereas fish exposed to both 100 ppb CuSO4 and 33 °C temperatures had significantly lower survival. In addition, a sex-specific effect of embryonic CuSO4 exposure was observed as female mass decreased with increasing Cu dose. We also assessed caudal fin regenerative capabilities in both embryo-exposed fish at 4 months of age and adult medaka that were exposed to 0, 10, and 100 ppb CuSO4 at room temperature during a 14-day trial. Whereas fin regeneration was unaffected by adult exposure to Cu, fish transiently exposed during embryogenesis displayed an initial increase in fin growth rate and an increased incidence of abnormal fin morphology following regrowth. Collectively, these data suggest that developmental Cu exposure has the potential to exert long-lasting impacts to organismal growth, survival, and function. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:748–757. © 2021 SETAC
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: guide to the respiratory functional grading scheme
Authors: Ladlow Jane
Published: December 2021

Background: The respiratory functional grading scheme was introduced to aid breeders in avoiding using brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)‐affected dogs. It can also be used to introduce owners of extreme brachycephalic dogs to the possibility of breathing problems in their dogs. It allows monitoring of any disease and aids with surgical decision making and audit.

Aim of the article: This article aims to guide general practitioners in recognising the clinical signs of BOAS and in assessing the severity of disease by performing respiratory functional grading.
Guide to feeding the hospitalised exotic patient
Authors: Deane Kelly
Published: December 2021

Background: The nutritional requirements of exotic patients are extremely varied due to the wide range of exotic pets that are kept. Although nutrition is sometimes overlooked as part of an exotic patient's care, it is essential for an effective recovery process.

Aim of the article: The article aims to help practitioners feel more confident in selecting the appropriate nutrition for exotic patients in practice, and adapting this as part of the patient's treatment, depending on the level of care required.
Creating a good workplace: how to use the Good Veterinary Workplaces code
Authors: Ravetz Gudrun
Published: December 2021

The BVA's Good Veterinary Workplaces code says: ‘The most important benefit an organisation can provide is to create a positive culture in which all members of the team feel valued, with the best leadership and management supporting this.’ This article looks at why this is important, how we all have a duty towards creating a good veterinary workplace irrespective of our role, and what resources are available to help us do this.
Detection of folate receptor‐positive circulating tumor cells as a biomarker for diagnosis, prognostication, and therapeutic monitoring in breast cancer
Authors: Wu Qian , Zheng Hongyun , Gu Jian , Cheng Yanfang , Qiao Bin , Wang Jingwei , Xiong Liang , Sun Si , Wu Zegang , Bao Anyu , Tong Yongqing
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This study is to explore the clinical significance of folate receptor‐positive circulating tumor cells (FR+CTC) in the early diagnosis and disease progress in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Folate receptor‐positive circulating tumor cells was enriched from peripheral blood of the patients with immunomagnetic separation method and quantitated by folate receptor on the CTC with the ligand‐targeted PCR.

Results

The levels of FR+CTC were significantly higher in breast cancer patients compared with healthy controls. Detective rate of FR+CTC was decreased in 19 of 27 patients underwent the surgery in 2 weeks post‐operation compared with pre‐operation; statistical analysis showed the difference was significant. We also found that the combination of FR+CTC, CEA, CA125, and CA153 can significantly improve the diagnostic efficiency for breast cancer.

Conclusions

This study showed the detective rate of FR+CTC is significantly increased in the patients with breast cancer, and the detective level is associated with disease progress.
Scanning electron microscopy and morphometric analysis of superficial corneal epithelial cells in dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Farouk Sameh M. , Mahmoud Samy F. , Eldoumani Haitham , Shoghy Khaled , Abdel‐Megeid Nazema S. , Abdo Mohamed
Published: December 2021

It is likely that superficial corneal epithelial cells (SCECs) of the dromedary camels have a significant role in their survival at arid and semiarid regions. To the best of our knowledge, SCECs of camels' eyes have not been characterized previously using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), combined with morphometric analysis. Therefore, in the current study, we aim to describe the shape, topographical distribution, and density of SCECs associated with morphometric analysis using SEM. Twelve healthy adult camels' corneas were obtained immediately after slaughter. Each cornea has been divided into nine parts: central (C), middle dorsal (MD), middle ventral (MV), middle nasal (MN), middle temporal (MT), peripheral dorsal (PD), peripheral ventral (PV), peripheral nasal (PN), and peripheral temporal (PT). SCECs were distinguished and characterized into light, medium, and dark mosaics. The polygonal cells have been externally covered with microplicae that were more numerous above the light cells. The topographic distribution of light, medium, and dark cells revealed a well‐defined concentration of light cells in excess of other cells in all parts as follows: PV (92.5%), PN (78.5%), MN (78%), MT (74.7%), PD (73.8%), PT (70.7%), MV (68.7%), MD (66.3%), and C (19.3%). The PV part recorded the highest density of light cells, while the C portion showed the lowest density for the same cells. We concluded that the light cells extensively predominate in all parts of the camels' cornea except the C part, indicating an adaptive modification to the harsh environment. Additionally, the PV and PN parts represent the permanent and endogenous source as well as a proliferative reserve for SCECs in dromedary camel.
Determinants of market participation and intensity of marketed surplus of smallholder chickpea producers in Este woreda
Authors: Worku Chernet , Adugna Marlign , Mussa Essa Chanie
Published: December 2021

In Ethiopia, chickpea is an important legume crop, particularly in Este district. It is a source of food and provides cash income for majority of smallholder farmers. To commercialize chickpea producers, selecting an appropriate market channel is important for participation. Hence, this study aimed to identifying factors affecting chickpea market participation and volume of marketed surplus of chickpea. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. Moreover, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected directly from chickpea farmers through semistructured questionnaire. Focus group discussion and field observations were undertaken during primary data collection in the study area. Combination of data analysis methods like descriptive analysis and econometric models were employed. Heckman model result indicated that market participation decision was significantly affected by age, family size, lagged price, and distance to the market and market supply by frequency of extension contacts, quantity produced, transport ownership, and distance to the market. Based on the findings, government and concerned stakeholders need to focus more on enhancing accessibility of infrastructures facilities to promote marketing of chickpea and increase marketed surplus as well as expanding market access and improving yield through strengthening extension service in order to accelerate market chain development.
Fabrication of Resveratrol‐Loaded Scaffolds and Their Application for Delaying Cell Senescence In Vitro
Authors: You Rong , Shi Lu , Chen Surong , Liu Qingpeng , Zhang Lingkun , Yin Liang , Yang Runcai , Guan Yan‐Qing
Published: December 2021

In this research, resveratrol (RSV)‐loaded scaffolds have been prepared to control the release of resveratrol and used to delay hepatic stellate cell (HSC) senescence in vitro. The functional carboxyl group–COOH is first introduced to the surface of poly(ε‐caprolactone/d,l‐lactide) (P(CL‐DLLA)) under the coadministration of ultra‐violet (UV) treatment and photo initiator and then resveratrol are conjugated onto the surface of the modified scaffolds through esterification. The characterization of the structure of RSV‐AA‐P(CL‐DLLA) shows that resveratrol has been successfully conjugated onto the modified surface. Cell growth exhibits a higher level of cell viability and much more obvious agglomeration on the surface of the synthetic RSV‐AA‐P(CL‐DLLA). Meanwhile the activity of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is downgulated for cells on RSV‐AA‐P(CL‐DLLA), which suggests that cell senescence is delayed on RSV‐AA‐P(CL‐DLLA). And then it is attested that cells have a lower level of p53 but SIRT1 expression is upregulated on RSV‐AA‐P(CL‐DLLA), which might be related to resveratrol release from RSV‐AA‐P(CL‐DLLA). It also suggested cell senescence on RSV‐AA‐P(CL‐DLLA) has been regulated by p53 and the SIRT1 signaling pathway. In all, the present study shows that RSV‐AA‐P(CL‐DLLA) can be successfully prepared to promote cell growth and delay cell senescence and could be used for cell‐based therapy in tissue engineering.
Transcriptomic analysis of Streptococcus agalactiae periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Cho Hye‐Kyung , Masters Thao , Greenwood‐Quaintance Kerryl E. , Johnson Stephen , Jeraldo Patricio R. , Chia Nicholas , Pu Meng , Abdel Matthew P. , Patel Robin
Published: December 2021

Although Streptococcus agalactiae periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is not as prevalent as staphylococcal PJI, invasive S. agalactiae infection is not uncommon. Here, RNA‐seq was used to perform transcriptomic analysis of S. agalactiae PJI using fluid derived from sonication of explanted arthroplasties of subjects with S. agalactiae PJI, with results compared to those of S. agalactiae strain NEM316 grown in vitro. A total of 227 genes with outlier expression were found (164 upregulated and 63 downregulated) between PJI sonicate fluid and in vitro conditions. Functional enrichment analysis showed genes involved in mobilome and inorganic ion transport and metabolism to be most enriched. Genes involved in nickel, copper, and zinc transport, were upregulated. Among known virulence factors, cyl operon genes, encoding β‐hemolysin/cytolysin, were consistently highly expressed in PJI versus in vitro. The data presented provide insight into S. agalactiae PJI pathogenesis and may be a resource for identification of novel PJI therapeutics or vaccines against invasive S. agalactiae infections.
Resting‐State Functional Connectivity in Frontostriatal and Posterior Cortical Subtypes in Parkinson's Disease‐Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Devignes Quentin , Bordier Cécile , Viard Romain , Defebvre Luc , Kuchcinski Grégory , Leentjens Albert F.G. , Lopes Renaud , Dujardin Kathy
Published: December 2021

Background

The “dual syndrome hypothesis” distinguished two subtypes in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Parkinson's disease: frontostriatal, characterized by attentional and executive deficits; and posterior cortical, characterized by visuospatial, memory, and language deficits.

Objective

The aim was to identify resting‐state functional modifications associated with these subtypes.

Methods

Ninety‐five nondemented patients categorized as having normal cognition (n = 31), frontostriatal (n = 14), posterior cortical (n = 20), or mixed (n = 30) cognitive subtype had a 3 T resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Twenty‐four age‐matched healthy controls (HCs) were also included. A group‐level independent component analysis was performed to identify resting‐state networks, and the selected components were subdivided into 564 cortical regions in addition to 26 basal ganglia regions. Global intra‐ and inter‐network connectivity along with global and local efficiencies was compared between groups. The network‐based statistics approach was used to identify connections significantly different between groups.

Results

Patients with posterior cortical deficits had increased intra‐network functional connectivity (FC) within the basal ganglia network compared with patients with frontostriatal deficits. Patients with frontostriatal deficits had reduced inter‐network FC between several networks, including the visual, default‐mode, sensorimotor, salience, dorsal attentional, basal ganglia, and frontoparietal networks, compared with HCs, patients with normal cognition, and patients with a posterior cortical subtype. Similar results were also found between patients with a mixed subtype and HCs.

Conclusion

MCI subtypes are associated with specific changes in resting‐state FC. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the predictive potential of these markers regarding the risk of developing dementia. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Greater awareness of MH needs leads to strong foundation support
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2021

The heightened attention to unmet mental health needs and their effects on a community is generating an important financial benefit in some locations: a greater willing‐ness by private donors to consider mental health as a priority area for giving.
Analytical method to solve the local fractional vehicular traffic flow model
Authors: Singh Nisha , Kumar Kranti , Goswami Pranay , Jafari Hossein
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a new method to solve the local fractional partial differential equations (LFPDEs) describing fractal vehicular traffic flow. Firstly, the existence and uniqueness of solutions to LFPDEs were proved and then two schemes known as the basic method (BM) and modified local fractional variational iteration method (LFVIM) were developed to solve the local fractional PDEs. Multiple studies have been reported in the literature to solve these problems using iterative methods which are time‐consuming and prone to errors. For linear problems, basic method was found highly accurate and computationally sound. We derived a modified version of LFVIM to investigate and obtain the nondifferentiable solutions of linear, nonlinear, and nonhomogeneous LFPDEs arising in fractal vehicular traffic flow through illustrative examples. Study results show that both schemes are very effective and can be used successfully to solve fractal vehicular traffic flow problems.
Topology optimization of thermo‐elastic structures considering stiffness, strength, and temperature constraints over a wide range of temperatures
Authors: Meng Qingxuan , Xu Bin , Huang Chenguang , Duan Zunyi , Han Pengju
Published: December 2021

This article proposes a thermo‐elastic topology optimization with stiffness, strength, and temperature constraints involving a wide range of temperatures. The state equations for the linear elasticity and heat conduction are considered. Formulations involving minimum volume with compliance, stress and temperature limits under multiple thermal conditions are presented. The global stress and regional temperature metrics adopting the corrected aggregation function are used to evaluate the maximal stress and temperature, respectively. The stress stabilizing scheme is utilized to overcome the iteration oscillation stemming from highly nonlinear behavior of thermal stress constraints for multiple thermal conditions. To achieve clear optimized topologies under design‐dependent loads, a continuation strategy for the relaxed Heaviside function is developed. Two 2D numerical examples are employed to illustrate the validity and practicability of the proposed approach. The results show that the optimized structures designed by a certain temperature may be damaged or have thermal deformations once the ambient temperature changes due to the thermal residual stress. The designs covering wide temperature range achieved by neglecting stiffness or strength constraints can result in stiffness reduction or strength failure. It is therefore imperative for the optimization to adopt a multi‐physics model involving multi‐constraints over a wide temperature range.
Using telemedicine in nursing homes during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A multi‐perspective view on the implementation process
Authors: Plunger Petra , Eitenberger Magdalena , Kletecka‐Pulker Maria , Wochele‐Thoma Thomas , Klager Elisabeth , Ruf Ann Kathrin , Eibensteiner Fabian
Published: December 2021

Aim

Centring on nursing homes, we analysed the implementation process of a tablet‐ and videoconferencing‐based telemedicine application from the perspectives of management, nursing staff and physicians.

Design

We used a qualitative design based on interviews to explore diverse perspectives on the implementation of telemedicine.

Methods

We conducted fourteen face‐to‐face or online interviews with a purposeful sample of five managers, six nurses and three general practitioners treating residents in Austrian nursing homes during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We condensed data using thematic analysis.

Results

Nursing home management implemented telemedicine rapidly, using a top‐down approach met with ambivalence by staff. On the part of nurses, their professional understanding of person‐centred care was challenged. Telemedicine also impacted cooperation between nurses and physicians, influencing their respective understanding of their roles. Working experience with digital nursing documentation had a positive effect on users' acceptance of the telemedicine solution.
Long‐term benzodiazepines and z‐drug prescribing in Australian general practice between 2011 and 2018: A national study
Authors: Woods Amelia , Begum Mumtaz , Gonzalez‐Chica David , Bernardo Carla , Hoon Elizabeth , Stocks Nigel
Published: December 2021

Despite reducing benzodiazepine prescribing, benzodiazepine‐involving deaths have substantially increased in Australia. This study aimed to explore patterns in long‐term prescribing of medications (benzodiazepine and z‐drugs [BZD]) used for sleep‐issues/insomnia in Australia to better understand these changes. Open cohort study using de‐identified electronic health records of 1 414 593 adult patients regularly attending 404 Australian general practices from 2011 to 2018 (MedicineInsight). We used logistic regression adjusted for patient and practice characteristics to; (1) estimate long‐term BZD prescribing prevalence (≥3 prescriptions in 6 months) and the associated sociodemographic factors, and (2) Poisson regression to compute annual changes in prescribing rates. Long‐term BZD prescribing changed from 4.4% in 2011 to 5.8% in 2015, remaining relatively stable until 2018 (annual increase +2.5% [95% CI +2.0%;+3.0%]). Long‐term BZD prescribing in any year was up to six times more likely in elderly rather than in younger patients and 30%–43% more prevalent in females, or patients living in or attending a practice located in more disadvantaged areas. The increase was more pronounced among males, adults aged 35–49 years, and individuals living in advantaged areas. The median duration among incident cases decreased from 1183 to 322 days between 2011 and 2017, and was up to 197 days longer among elderly females than males. Despite a slight increase and recent stability in long‐term BZD prescribing, the higher rates and durations among elderly patients, women, or those living in more disadvantaged areas are concerning and highlights the need for interventions that reduce the potential harms of long‐term BZD use in vulnerable groups.
Outliers’ detection with a sensitive exponentially weighted moving average control chart
Authors: Raji Ishaq Adeyanju , Riaz Muhammad , Abujiya Mu'azu Ramat , Abbas Nasir , Lee Muhammad Hisyam
Published: December 2021

The effect of parameter estimation emanating from the retrospective stage on the monitoring stage of control charts cannot be overemphasized. These effects are born of but are not limited to the practitioner‐to‐practitioner variations in the amount and type of samples employed to estimate the process parameters. Another major factor to this effect is outlying errors in phase‐I data. This study evaluates the performance of the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart, based on outlying values and practitioner‐to‐practitioner's variation in the phase‐I preliminary samples. Furthermore, the study proposes a sensitive EWMA control chart with Tukey's and median absolute deviation (MAD) outlier detectors. We study the proposed EWMA chart's estimation effect based on the outlier detector models compared to the default EWMA chart through the Monte‐Carlo simulation approach. By studying the run length properties of the proposed schemes, the study's findings prove that the outlier detectors‐based models are more stable in the presence of outliers and require less observation in the retrospective stage. The study concludes by implementing the results on a real‐life dataset extracted from the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
Long‐term responses of benthic invertebrates to rotenone treatment
Authors: Kjærstad Gaute , Arnekleiv Jo Vegar , Velle Gaute , Finstad Anders Gravbrøt
Published: December 2021

Biological invasions are regarded as one of the largest threats to native biodiversity. The eradication of alien invasive fish or parasites by culling of hosts is a controversial conservation strategy, particularly when using indiscriminate methods involving whole ecosystem collateral damage. While short‐term effects are abundantly documented, long‐term surveys needed to detect potential wider ecosystem effects are scarce. Here, we report a five‐year study on effects of the piscicide rotenone on invertebrate communities from a Norwegian watercourse using a Before‐After‐Control‐Impact design. Kick‐net samples of benthic invertebrates were collected from three lentic sampling stations and two lotic stations two to four times per year in both a treated and nearby control catchment. In general, only relatively minor short‐term effects, measured as temporal beta‐diversity of benthic invertebrates, were observed in lentic and lotic locations following rotenone treatment. However, the lotic fauna was severely negatively affected following a period of long‐term rotenone exposure from a late autumn treated upstream lake where rotenone degradation was slow, likely due to low temperatures. Species turnover co‐varied markedly between control and treatment locations, indicating that natural environmental variation override effects of rotenone treatment. Likewise, the abundance of invertebrate taxa varied considerably both over time and between control and treatment locations. Our study indicates minor short‐term (i.e., <1 month) or long‐term (i.e., 4 years) effects of rotenone treatment on benthic invertebrates, but severe effects on the lotic fauna 8 months after treatment following long‐term low‐dose exposure. This suggests that exposure time is of high importance. The findings from the current study therefore highlight both the importance of long‐term monitoring including control sites for the study of rotenone treatment effects on benthic invertebrates as well as the importance of minimizing exposure time.