bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical Properties of Soil under Different Forest Types in the Western Ramganga Valley (Uttarakhand Himalaya, India)
Authors: Rawat Dinesh Singh , Das Deep Shekhar , Tiwari Prabhawati , Naithani Preeti , Tiwari Jay Krishan
Published: November 2021

The physicochemical properties of soils of six forests varying in elevation (lower, middle, and upper), slope, aspects, and floristic composition viz. L1 (Oak mixed), L2 (Chir pine), M1 (Rhododendron mixed), M2 (Rhododendron mixed), U1 (Abies mixed) and U2 (Abies mixed) from Western Ramganga Valley (Chamoli, Uttarakhand Himalaya, India) were scrutinized. The composite soil samples from three depths (0–10 cm, 11–20 cm, and 21–30 cm) were collected during the different seasons and the physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard manual and protocol. Texture, bulk density, moisture content, water holding capacity, organic matter, organic carbon, pH, nitrogen content, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium and C:N ratio of soil samples from each forest site were analyzed and discussed. It was observed that the physical properties of soils either do not vary across the three depths (0–10 cm, 11–20 cm, and 21–30 cm) or show slight changes whereas chemical properties show notable variations comparatively. The significant variation (ANOVA, P < 0.05) was observed in the soil texture (sand, silt, and clay contents), moisture content, water holding capacity, and nitrogen content across the six forest types (study sites). The soil texture ranged between loam and sandy loam which is considered supportive for plant growth. Besides, the lower bulk density and higher soil organic carbon and organic matter with other determined parameters in the studied soils indicate that the studied six forests have sustained nutritive soils. It can be concluded from the present results that the soil physicochemical properties vary with changes in the vegetation composition (forest types) at different elevations in Western Himalaya. Further elaborative study will be done to ascertain interrelationship among the vegetation and soils.
Artisanal Mining Practice and Physical Impacts on the Environment in the Ity-Floleu Gold Region, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Coulıbaly Sandotin Lassina , Zahui Franck Michaël , Mangoua-Allali Lydie Clarisse , Cherif Awa , Coulibaly Lacina
Published: November 2021

This paper describes artisanal gold mining practices and environmental impacts around the Ity-Floleu gold mine, in western Côte d'Ivoire. Interviews and field observations as well as measurements of turbidity and water flow velocity in the section of the river (Cavally) watering the study area, made it possible to identify 13 artisanal mining sites, housing 247 artisans, operating in groups made up mainly of 5 to 10 people. The activity is dominated by local populations from the villages of Ity and Floleu and the surrounding communities. Gold mined comes from alluvial and vein ores, with a predominance of alluvial ore, extracted in the sediments of the bed and the banks of the river and in the soils, inside forests. In the bed of the river, sediments are dredged using machines placed on boats, from where they are washed in mats and then dumped into the watercourse. On the other hand, on the banks of the river and in the forests, the material used consists of picks, dabas, mats, and shovels. In all cases, gold is recovered as a concentrate of gold powder. As regards vein ores, they are also extracted along with the soils of cultivable land, but in the form of blocks of stone which are crushed and washed. The gold is then recovered using mercury, followed by cyanidation. The techniques used lead to the silting up and the fall of the banks of the river, reduction of agricultural land, and the degradation of the environment by the tailings. The Cavally River appears to be strongly impacted in the midstream part of the Ity-Floleu axis, marked by a decrease in the bed and the river flow velocity (0.19 m/s) and higher turbidity (255.3 NTU). More effective policies are urgently needed to restore degraded ecosystems, both aquatic and terrestrial.
Effect of Varieties and Crop Geometries on Yield and Profitability of Soybean in Semi – Arid Climate of Telangana
Authors: Anusha E. , Devi K. B. Suneetha , Sampath O. , Padmaja G.
Published: November 2021

A field study entitled ʻʻEvaluation of varieties at varied crop geometry for yield maximization in soybeanʼʼ was conducted at College farm, Agricultural College, Polasa, Jagtial, PJTSAU, during the kharif season of 2018. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications to evaluate the performance of promising varieties of soybean (V1- Basar, V2- JS 335, V3- KDS 756 and V4- MACS 1281) and to standardize the crop geometry for Soybean varieties (S1- 45 x 10 cm, S2- 30 x 10 cm, S3- 45 x 05 cm and S4- 35 x 05 cm) under rainfedsemi arid conditions of Telangana. The results obtained from the present experiment indicated that among the varieties the yield attributes and yield are numbers of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, seed yield, stalk yield and harvest index (%) and monetary returns of KDS 756 variety was significantly higher as compared to other varieties followed by Basar, MACS 1281, respectively. Hundred seed weight was significant among varieties and was higher with variety KDS 756 followed by MACS 1281, JS 335 and Basar. JS 335 showed inferior performance regarding yield attributes yield and monetary returns. Among crop geometry 30 x 10 cm recorded higher yield characters and monetary returns followed by 45 x 05 cm, 30 x 05 cm and 45 x 10 cm, respectively.
Transdisciplinary Clinical Practice between Physiotherapists and Traumatologists in Orthopaedic Medicine
Authors: Montoya Luis E. López , García Valadez Luis Roberto , Montoya Ángel D. López , Sandoval Joceline , Cabanillas Diana Yucari López
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The transdisciplinary scope is conceived as an emerging practice and corpus of knowledge since it comes from the interactions between different disciplines. Transdisciplinarity emerges to solve in a more efficient way health problems of humanity that overcome the traditional biomedical interdisciplinary attention model. In this article, the transdisciplinary physiotherapist is exposed as the beginning of an authentic dialogue between the physiotherapist and the traumatologist in the care of the orthopedic patient that includes all treatment phases of integral rehabilitation, as well as its factors to consider the possible advantages and dares that this scope may present to the health services.

Objective: This paper aims to propose to the scientific community the context of transdisciplinary clinical practice between traumatologists and physical therapists.

Methods: It is performed a grounded theory approach to develop a thesis based on our observations and a reflection of literature that intends to explain transdisciplinary clinical practice phenomenon between traumatologists and physical therapists and pose the potential outcomes of this interactions and its implications.

Conclusion: Exist theoretical and practical background to support the clinical practice of transdisciplinary care in Orthopedic and Physical Therapy attention; which make possible professionals to develop transdisciplinary clinical skills, and team shared decision making. Transdisciplinary clinical practice, as with any educational process, should ideally foster specific shared competencies in healthcare professionals, including teamwork, leadership, consensus building, the ability to identify and achieve common patient care goals and variable shared practical skills that may even include other specialization areas.
Direction of Causality between Financial Development and Economic Growth in Turkey
Authors: Yılmaz Cengiz , Demirhan Banu
Published: November 2021

This paper has investigated the causality relationship between financial development and economic growth in Turkey, using data from 2005:04 to 2020:03. We construct a time-series model to explore causality relationships between the variables. In the study, two indicators were used as financial development indicators: banking loans to the private sector and money supply to GDP (Gross Domestic Product). The empirical results have represented a bi-directional relationship between financial development and economic growth in the short run. On the other hand, we have not found a causality relationship in the long term.
Energy Performance Analysis of Convective Drying of Sorghum Gruel Residue
Authors: Okoro C. N. , Isa J.
Published: November 2021

This research is concerned with the energy performance analysis of convective drying of sorghum gruel residue. The process was carried out on a hot air dryer conducted at four drying air temperatures of 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C respectively, three different air velocities 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2m/s and three different varieties of sorghum gruel residue, Caudatum,Durra and Guineense respectively. The effects of drying temperature and air velocities on the specific energy consumption, energy efficiency, drying efficiency and thermal efficiency were investigated. The specific energy consumption for Caudatum,Durra, Guineensevarieties ranges from 169530.001 J/kg - 71433.758 J/kg, 170557.25 J/kg - 76732.96 J/kg and 179367.266 J/kg - 83750.923 J/kg respectively while the energy efficiency for Caudatum,Durra, Guineensevarieties ranges from 35.5% - 13.934%, 31.188% - 13.836% and 28.463% - 13.157% respectively. The results of this study also confirmed that the convective drying process is energy intensive and drying fresh agricultural produce with heated-air dryers requires a relatively large amount of energy.
A Review of the Status of Rothschild’s Giraffe Sub-Species Population in Africa
Authors: Gathuku George Njagi , Gichuki Cecilia , Ngare Innocent
Published: November 2021

Africa is the cradle of the world’s giraffe species and the sub-species that keep evolving with more conservation approaches. However, the population of Rothschild’s Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) has been impacted at different sects in the wild. The aim of this paper was to review the status of Rothschild’s giraffe in Africa. A desktop descriptive review approach was used through perusal of different scholarly articles on giraffes.  From the existing literature, this review exposes the effect of human effects on giraffes, climate change extremes on wildlife, ecological and significance of wildlife, and socio-economic impacts of communities on giraffes. The existing literature shows the impact of climate change extremes on giraffe habitats, with notable droughts, triggers of diseases, and unfit habitat migrations. Conservation of wildlife has to deal with socio-economic and ecological issues that are complex and, most of the time, overwhelming. We recommend the need for community engagement in conservation of wildlife resources and the development of climate prediction models to better understand climate extremes that happen and affect giraffe habits and population.
Effect of Plant-Products Fumigation on Air-Borne Microbes
Authors: Mahfooz Shaista , Itrat Malik , Hamiduddin .
Published: November 2021

Background and Objective: Purity of the ambient air is essential for our health and well-being. One of the main factors influencing air quality is the presence of microbes. Fumigation of herbs has been recommended in Unani medicine to purify the air. Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of selected Unani herbs fumigation on air-borne microbes.

Methods: In this study, the effect of fumigation with Unani Medicinal herbs powder on air-borne microbes was assessed using differences in total colony counts of microbes in pre and post fumigation samples. Microbial load in the air was quantified using the passive open-air petri plate method. Formalin and potassium permanganate served as positive control, while tamarind wood charcoal fumigation served as negative control.

Results: Fumigation with Unani medicinal herbs powder at a dose of 45 grams was found to be the most effective in reducing the microbial load of the air. Significant reduction in aerial microbial colonies was observed with fumigation at 30 and 45 gms in the fumigated areas (P<0.05).

Conclusion: It can be inferred from the findings of the present study that the test drugs fumigation efficiently reduces the air-borne microbes, hence may be recomanded for air disnfectant. However, various factors that were not considered in this study, such as the effect of temperature and humidity on disinfection efficiency of fumigants should be addressed in further studies.
Determination of Ballistic Six Exercises and Theraband Exercises on Physical Performance in Badminton Players: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Narang Simran , Patil Deepali
Published: November 2021

Aims: During regular training, players sustain injuries on a regular basis. Based on the fact that badminton isn't seem at all a contact sport the majority of ailments are caused by overuse. A participant must perform a variety of quick yet repeated shoulder actions and repetitive motions put tension mostly on tissues with time, putting them at risk of damage. Current study was done to compare the effects of Ballistic Six training and Theraband exercises on shoulder strength, agility, speed and function in novice badminton player.

Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Sport clubs were selected according to feasibility in Wardha, from July 2020 to June 2021.

Methodology: 40 subjects of both gender aged between 18 to 25 years were selected who have being playing badminton for more than a year. Subjects were randomized into two groups, Group A (Ballistic Six Exercise group) and Group B (Theraband exercise group). Assessments done were sitting medicine ball throw test (SMBT) for shoulder strength, closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKUCEST) for agility, plate tapping test (PTT) for speed and Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinical Score (KJOC) for shoulder function. Assessments were done at baseline, post 8 weeks of training and at the end of 6 months.

Results: Significant increase in mean sitting medicine ball throw test SMBT, CKUCEST, PTT and KJOC score in both group but Group A showed more improvement than Group B.

Conclusion: Study concluded that adding of Ballisitic Six plyometric training for novice badminton players would increase the shoulder strength, agility, speed and function than the theraband exercises.
Management of Crossbite in Anterior Region Due to Over-retained Deciduous Teeth in an Adolescent – a Case Report
Authors: Gahlod Niharika , Sajjanar Arun , Singh Surykant , Wasnik Milind , Khekade Sneha
Published: November 2021

The deciduous teeth which are retained beyond the age of exfoliation are termed as over-retained deciduous teeth. There are numerous reasons for such teeth which include congenital absence or impaction or translation or transmigration of successor teeth or maybe because of existence of some kind of pathology, such as cysts, tumours, and odontoma under the primary tooth that results in the impaction of successor teeth. It may also be due to partial or total microdontia of permanent dentition. This leads to malalignment in permanent dentition which indirectly hampers the normal growth of the jaws. This case report shows several after-effects of over retained teeth along with the concerned multiple treatment options.
A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Supervised Exercise Program and Cyriax Physiotherapy on Pain and Function in Lateral Epicondylitis
Authors: Kalaskar Gouri , Phansopkar Pratik
Published: November 2021

Aims: To see the effectiveness of supervised exercises and cyriax physiotherapy both including therapeutic ultrasound for improving pain and function in adults with lateral epicondylitis.

Study Design: Comparative study- to find out the efficacy of effectiveness of two different interventions for reducing pain and improving function in patients with lateral epicondylitis

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Musculoskeletal  Physiotherapy Sciences, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, for 12 months.

Methodology: A total of 30 people with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) were selected to take part in a comparative research. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to either (1) supervised exercise programme group, or (2) cyriax physiotherapy group. Over just a 4-week period, three times each week for a sum of 12 sessions, promptly after baseline evaluation and randomization, subjects received static stretching of Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis followed by eccentric strengthening of the wrist extensors and Therapeutic Ultrasound in supervised exercise programme group. While those in cyriax physiotherapy group received deep transverse friction massage for 10 min immediately followed by Mill’s manipulation and Ultrasound. The study concluded at the 4 weeks.

Results: Out of 30 patients half were placed in each group, where p=.0001. Significant increase in mean in the group I and II in pre ad post-test VAS score (4.20±0.77 and 5.20±0.67) and TEFS score pre and post-test (17.33±1.44 and 19.80±1.42). analysis showed significant improvement in both the groups.

Conclusion: From the observations and results, the conclusion drawn that there is significant improvement in both the groups but effect of cyriax physiotherapy in the form of deep friction massage and mills manipulation combined with therapeutic ultrasound for improving pain on VAS and function on TEF scale.
Effectiveness of the Philippine Government’s Responses to COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cocal Christopher J.
Published: November 2021

Background: The COVID–19 pandemic is a health issue and concern that posed domino effects along with health, economy, transportation, and education, among others. In response to the pandemic, governments and institutions worldwide have implemented various measures to slow down the spread of the virus. In the Philippines, both the national and local governments have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with declarations of emergency, community quarantine, closure of schools and public meeting places, and other restrictions intended to slow the progression of the virus.

Aims: The study assessed the effectiveness of the government's responses to the COVID–19 pandemic as perceived by professionals.

Place and Duration of the Study: Pangasinan State University between March 2020 to May 2020.

Methodology: The descriptive-survey research design was employed to a total of 522 professionals from Northern Luzon, Philippines. Data was gathered for one week after the 60 days implementation of enhanced community quarantine/lockdown using google form.

Results: The results of the study showed that the government's responses to the COVID 19 pandemic was perceived effective (grand mean = 3.53); and most effective on the implementation of physical isolation (overall mean = 3.60; DR - effective) but least effective in the implementation of medical responses (overall mean = 3.37; DR – moderately effective). Further, 64.56% believed that the President's decisiveness to address the pandemic was the number factor contributing to the effectiveness of the government's responses. On the other hand, the general public's lack of discipline was seen as the number one factor contributing to the failure of the government's responses to the pandemic, as perceived by 77.39% of the respondents.

Conclusion: Despite the pandemic's continuous progression, the people believed that the national and local governments have effectively responded to the pandemic.
Decision making and heart rate variability: A systematic review
Authors: Forte Giuseppe , Morelli Matteo , Grässler Bernhard , Casagrande Maria
Published: November 2021

Heart rate variability (HRV) reflects the balance of the autonomic nervous system and is associated with cognitive functions. However, its relationship with the process related to making a decision is unclear. This systematic review aims to analyze the relationship between HRV and decision‐making. A qualitative analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA‐Statement. Fifteen studies were included, with a total of 1051 healthy participants. Our results show an association between higher vagally mediated HRV and better decision‐making performance, especially under risk and uncertainty. At the same time, a lower HRV is associated with lower performance in developing good decisions. This systematic review highlights the influence of the autonomic nervous system in decision‐making processes. HRV could be considered a biomarker of making decisions. However, the nature of this relationship is still difficult to clarify, and further studies are needed.
Fatigue Is Not Associated With Objective Assessments of Inflammation During Tocilizumab Treatment of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Hammer Hilde Berner , Agular Birte , Terslev Lene
Published: November 2021

Objective

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the relation between fatigue and disease activity is not established, and our objective was to explore in post hoc analyses the associations between fatigue and subjective as well as objective assessments of inflammation during follow‐up of patients with RA initiating biologic treatment.

Methods

In a Nordic multicenter study, patients with RA starting tocilizumab were examined for fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue sum score) as well as patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) (patient's global disease activity, joint pain, and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index), clinical examinations (examiner's global disease activity, 28 tender/swollen joint counts), laboratory variables (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein), and ultrasound assessments (semiquantitative scoring [0‐3]) of gray scale and Doppler of 36 joints and 4 tendons) at baseline and 4, 12, and 24 weeks. The associations were explored by using nonparametric tests, including the Wilcoxon rank test, the Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman correlations, and a linear regression and linear mixed model.

Results

One hundred ten patients were included (83% female, mean [SD] age 55.6 [12.1] years, mean [SD] RA duration 8.7 [9.5] years, 81% anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide positive). Fatigue, PROMs, and clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound variables all decreased significantly during follow‐up, already at 4 weeks (P < 0.001). Fatigue was both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally associated with PROMs, whereas there were no or low associations with clinical, laboratory, or ultrasound assessments of inflammation. Baseline fatigue was predictive of PROMs at 12 and 24 weeks (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) but not of any objective assessments.

Conclusion

Fatigue was primarily associated with subjective assessments of disease activity. Thus, the present study supports fatigue to reflect other aspects of RA disease activity than inflammation.
Self‐Powered Photodetector Based on p‐Type CuBi2O4 with Fermi Level Engineering
Authors: Wu Zewei , Zhang Zemin , Sun Mengdi , Tan Bing , Liu Bo , Han Weihua , Xie Erqing , Li Yingtao
Published: November 2021

Si‐based photodetectors (PDs) have been widely used in human‐machine interaction systems due to their robust optoelectronic properties despite limitations of significant large leakage current. To overcome this drawback, a functional overlayer of p‐type CuBi2O4 (CBO) is deposited on the surface of n‐type Si to build a novel photodetector involving a p–n heterojunction. Such an n‐Si/p‐CBO photodetector shows an ultralow dark current ≈10−11 A with a high photosensitivity up to 1.69 × 104 at zero bias, a strong self‐powered characteristics with a photovoltage near 0.55 V, and a fast rise and decay time around 0.1 and 0.3 ms. With these advantages, the device shows great performance in the optical communication system. The thickness‐dependent performance indicates that the top layer acts as a light‐harvesting semiconductor to generate, separate, and transport photocarriers through the built‐in heterojunction. Band alignment analysis confirms this result and reveals the formation of a type‐II heterojunction at the interface of n‐Si and p‐CBO layers. This work demonstrates an effective strategy to reduce the leakage current and improves the responsivity, detectivity, and response speed of Si‐based self‐powered photodetectors.
Modulation of Chirality and Intensity of Circularly Polarized Luminescence Emitting from Cholesteric Liquid Crystals Triggered by Photoresponsive Molecular Motor
Authors: Bao Jinying , Lan Ruochen , Shen Chen , Huang Rui , Wang Zizheng , Hu Wei , Zhang Lanying , Yang Huai
Published: November 2021

A chiral‐switchable device for circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is fabricated based on dynamic superstructure of cholesteric liquid crystals (N*‐LC) doped with light‐driven molecular motor (MM), which achieves simultaneous modulation of chirality and intensity of CPL. Functional MM, designed with the modification of alkyl chains on the rotor, allows for advanced chemical isomerization to be driven with light. The selective reflection band due to the N*‐LC is shifted upon UV irradiation so that the reflection band moves toward the emissive band of the luminescence dyes, yielding CPL with opposite handedness and high dissymmetry factor values. The geometric changes of the motor during the rotary steps finally cause a remarkable reversible handedness inversion of the N*‐LC, which also leads switchable chirality of CPL. The dynamic N*‐LC cell bearing the light‐controlled selective reflection is useful for generating CPL from fluorescent materials and for allowing light chirality‐switching in CPL signals, which presents new possibilities for optoelectronic and photonics applications.
Impaired Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A Expression Promotes Mitochondrial Damage to Drive Fibroblast Activation and Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Trinh‐Minh Thuong , Tran‐Manh Cuong , Gießl Andreas , Bergmann Christina , Györfi Andrea‐Hermina , Schett Georg , Distler Jörg H. W.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) controls the transcription of core proteins required for mitochondrial homeostasis. This study was undertaken to investigate changes in TFAM expression in systemic sclerosis (SSc), to analyze mitochondrial function, and to evaluate the consequences for fibroblast activation.

Methods

TFAM expression was analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The effects of TFAM knockout were investigated in cultured fibroblasts and in murine models of bleomycin‐induced skin fibrosis, bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis, and skin fibrosis induced by overexpression of constitutively active transforming growth factor β type I receptor (TGFβRΙ).

Results

TFAM expression was down‐regulated in fibroblasts in SSc skin and in cultured SSc fibroblasts. The down‐regulation of TFAM was associated with decreased mitochondrial number and accumulation of damaged mitochondria with release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), accumulation of deletions in mtDNA, metabolic alterations with impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and release of the mitokine GDF15. Normal fibroblasts subjected to long‐term, but not acute, exposure to TGFβ mimicked SSc fibroblasts, with down‐regulation of TFAM and accumulation of mitochondrial damage. Down‐regulation of TFAM promoted fibroblast activation with up‐regulation of fibrosis‐relevant Gene Ontology terms in RNA‐Seq, partially in a reactive oxygen species–dependent manner. Mice with fibroblast‐specific knockout of Tfam were prone to fibrotic tissue remodeling, with fibrotic responses even to NaCl instillation and enhanced sensitivity to bleomycin injection and overexpression of constitutively active TGFβRI. TFAM knockout fostered Smad3 signaling to promote fibroblast activation.

Conclusion

Alterations in the key mitochondrial transcription factor TFAM in response to prolonged activation of TGFβ and associated mitochondrial damage induce transcriptional programs that promote fibroblast‐to‐myofibroblast transition and drive tissue fibrosis.
Atom‐economic Approach to the Synthesis of α‐(Hetero)aryl‐substituted Furan Derivatives from Biomass
Authors: Romashov Leonid V. , Kozlov Kirill S. , Skorobogatko Matvey K. , Kostyukovich Alexander Y. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: November 2021

An atom‐economic ring construction approach to the synthesis of α‐(hetero)arylfurans based on renewable furanic platform chemicals has been developed. Corresponding compounds have been prepared in good to excellent yields via [2+2+2] and [4+2] cycloaddition reactions using metal‐catalyzed or photoredox protocols. Easily available HMF‐based 2‐hydroxymethyl‐5‐ethynylfuran and 2‐hydroxymethyl‐5‐cyanofuran were used as starting materials. A synthetic route with an improved carbon economy factor has been implemented to achieve sustainability aim. The possible application of arylfurans as molecular conductors has been investigated by DFT calculations, which revealed excellent charge transfer properties. As a future perspective, integration of biomass processing strategy into manufacturing of molecular electronics was pointed out to achieve the aim of sustainability.
Behavioral control and changes in brain activity of honeybee during flapping
Authors: Ding Haojia , Zhao Jieliang , Yan Shaoze
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Insect cyborg is a kind of novel robot based on insect–machine interface and principles of neurobiology. The key idea is to stimulate live insects by specific stimuli; thus, the flight trajectory of insects could be controlled as anticipated. However, the neuroregulatory mechanism of insect flight has not been elucidated completely at present.

Methods

To explore the neuro‐mechanism of insect flight behaviors, a series of electrical stimulation was applied on the optic lobes of semi‐constrained honeybees. Times of flight initiation, flapping frequency, and duration were recorded by a high‐speed camera. In addition, flapping and steering initiation experiments of the cyborg honeybee were verified. Moreover, series of local field potential signals of optic lobes during flapping were collected, pre‐processed to remove baseline wander and DC components, then analyzed by power spectrum estimation.

Results

A quantitative optimization method and optimal stimulation parameters of flight initiation were presented. Stimulation results showed that the flapping duration differed greatly while the flapping frequency varied with little difference among different individuals. Moreover, there was always a fluctuation peak around 20–30 Hz in power spectral density (PSD) curves during flapping, distinguishing from calm state, which indicated some brain activity changes during flapping.

Conclusions

Our study presented a range of relatively optimal electrical parameters to initiate honeybee flight behavior. Meanwhile, the regularity of flapping duration and flapping frequency under electrical stimulations with different parameters were given. The feasibility of controlling a honeybee's flight behavior by brain electrical stimulation was verified through the flapping and steering initiation experiment of honeybees under semi‐constrained state. PSD fluctuations reflected changes in brain activity during flapping and that those fluctuation characteristics at the specific frequency band could be sensitive determinants to distinguish whether the honeybee was flying or not, which benefits our understanding of honeybee's flapping behavior and furthers the study of honeybee cyborgs.
Simultaneous variable selection, clustering, and smoothing in function‐on‐scalar regression
Authors: Mehrotra Suchit , Maity Arnab
Published: November 2021

We address the problem of multicollinearity in a function‐on‐scalar regression model by using a prior that simultaneously selects, clusters, and smooths functional effects. Our methodology groups the effects of highly correlated predictors, performing dimension reduction without dropping relevant predictors from the model. We validate our approach via a simulation study, showing superior performance relative to existing dimension‐reduction approaches described in the function‐on‐scalar literature. We also demonstrate the use of our model on a data set of age‐specific fertility rates from the United Nations Gender Information database.
Assembly of Long‐Adapter Single‐Strand Oligonucleotide (LASSO) Probes for Massively Parallel Capture of Kilobase Size DNA Targets
Authors: Chkaiban Lamia , Tosi Lorenzo , Parekkadan Biju
Published: November 2021

Genome DNA sequencing has become an affordable means to resolve questions about the genetic background of life. However, the biological functions of many DNA‐encoded sequences are still relatively unknown. A highly scalable and cost‐effective cloning method to select natural DNA targets from genomic templates is therefore urgently needed to enable rapid understanding of the biological products of genomes. One such method involves LASSO probes, which are long single‐stranded DNA oligonucleotides designed with a universal adapter that is used to link two sequences that are complementary to a genomic target of interest. Through a pooled assembly method, LASSOs can be made for multiplex DNA capture. Herein, we describe a robust, efficient method to assemble LASSO probe libraries using a Cre‐recombinase‐mediated reaction and a protocol for multiplex genome target capture. The starting components are a pre‐LASSO probe library comprising short DNA oligo pools designed in silico and an Escherichia coli plasmid (pLASSO) that incorporates the pre‐LASSO library. Through internal recombination of pLASSO with its inserts, a mature LASSO library in final configuration can be made with high purity. Assembly of a LASSO probe library takes 4 days, and target capture can be performed in a single day. With an exponentially growing list of new genomes available for investigation, this method can enable the rapid production of ORFeome libraries for high‐throughput screening to identify biological functions as a complementary approach to understand genome functional biology. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Assembly of LASSO probes

Support Protocol 1: Generation of pLASSO vectors

Support Protocol 2: Preparation of pre‐LASSOs

Basic Protocol 2: Massively parallel capture of large DNAs using LASSO probes
Characterization of Campylobacter jejuni–Neutrophil Interactions
Authors: Callahan Sean M. , Hancock Trevor J. , Johnson Jeremiah G.
Published: November 2021

Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial‐derived gastroenteritis worldwide, infecting 96 million individuals annually. During infection, inflammation and tissue pathology occur in the lower gastrointestinal tract, including the recruitment of leukocytes. Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocyte in humans, and recruitment is associated with bacterial infections and the development of various inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease. Neutrophils possess three main antibacterial functions: phagocytosis and degradation of microbes, degranulation to release antimicrobial proteins, and extrusion of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Because neutrophils are recruited to the site of C. jejuni infection and they are associated with damaging inflammation in other diseases, it is imperative to understand the immunopathology that occurs during C. jejuni infection and thoroughly study the neutrophil response to the pathogen. Detailed protocols for human and ferret neutrophil isolations, neutrophil gentamicin protection assay, neutrophil activation flow cytometry assay, NET induction and quantification, and neutrophil western blot analysis are included in this article. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of human and ferret neutrophils

Basic Protocol 2: Neutrophil gentamicin protection assay

Basic Protocol 3: Neutrophil activation flow cytometry analyses

Basic Protocol 4: Neutrophil extracellular trap induction and quantification

Basic Protocol 5: Western blot detection of neutrophil‐derived antimicrobial proteins
Module‐based design method using clocking scheme for quantum‐dot cellular automata
Authors: Deng Feifei , Xie Guangjun , Zhang Yongqiang , Chen Song
Published: November 2021

Quantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) is a field‐coupled nanotechnology with unique computing paradigms to be one of the strong alternatives to replace the traditional complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) in the future in theory. With the development of its fabrication technique and increasing circuit scale, the modular design method of QCA circuits is promoted, which consists at least of two connotations: designing appropriate modules for circuits and allocating applicable clock to circuits. In this paper, a module‐based design method using a clocking scheme (MCS) in QCA is proposed, which can be categorized into the modular design methodology. A complete module library for constructing circuits and a flexible clocking scheme for driving them are correspondingly proposed for the MCS method. Compared to previous design methods, its library includes not only active modules but also passive modules to connect active modules to construct circuits, so that more complex circuits can then be synthesized with them. After that, the efficient clocking scheme with fixed clock zones and signal propagation directions that is designed according to the characteristics of the proposed library solves the clock allocation problem in complex circuits. Full adder, multi‐bit adder, D flip‐flop, and multi‐bit D flip‐flop are taken as examples to illustrate the performances of the proposed MCS method in designing combinational and sequential circuits, respectively. The experimental results show that this method is more suitable for modular design in QCA in contrast to previous methods.
Dysplasia andPNH‐type cells in bone marrow aspirates of myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Westers Theresia M. , Alhan Canan , Visser‐Wisselaar Heleen A. , Chitu Dana A. , van de Loosdrecht Arjan A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Flow cytometry is increasingly applied in cytopenic patients suspected for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Analysis includes evaluation of antigen expression patterns in granulocytes of which, for example, partial lack of CD16 may indicate dysplasia, but presence of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)‐type cells should be considered. However, diagnostic bone marrow (BM) samples hamper PNH analysis because immature stages in the granulo‐/monocytic compartment lack expression of certain glycophosphatidyl‐inositol‐anchored proteins. In this prospective study, we evaluated the presence of PNH‐type cells in BM next to aberrancies from routine MDS immunophenotyping.

Methods

We combined antibodies defining maturation trajectories with FLAER. Validation of the designed method against routine PNH analysis and parallel analysis of BM and blood samples revealed similar results (granulocytes: Wilcoxonp = 0.25 andp = 0.82, respectively). We analyzed BM samples from 134 MDS, 17 chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, 15 aplastic anemia (AA), 1 PNH, 51 non‐clonal cytopenic controls, and 12 normal controls.

Results

Most AA/PNH‐BM samples showed clear PNH clones: median 1.1% (0%–35%); CD16 loss on mature neutrophils paralleled PNH‐clone sizes. In MDS‐BM, only 3.7% of cases showed ≥0.1% PNH‐type cells, whereas partial CD16 loss was more frequent and abundant.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that dysplastic features in MDS‐BM may point to presence of PNH‐type cells, though only few cases displayed FLAER‐negative cells. We showed that identification of these cells in the granulocyte compartment of BM specimen is feasible, but—according to international guidelines—results need to be confirmed in peripheral blood.
An efficient and robust hybrid metaheuristic method to solve a hierarchical bi‐level protection‐interdiction problem on real healthcare system
Authors: Khanduzi Raheleh , Rastegar Abdolmotalleb
Published: November 2021

This article describes a bi‐level mixed‐integer quadratic problem on a healthcare network in which a defender protects clinics, hospitals, and medical centers concerning a given defensive budget for minimizing the transportation costs, and also the assignment of patients based on their initial capacity before and after interdiction operations. On the other hand, the attacker's subproblem involves the solution of an interdiction hierarchical problem with a total budget constraint on the disruption of the clinic, hospital, or medical center and the remaining capacity such that the total postattack costs are maximized. This problem is modeled as a bi‐level problem and the attacker and defender play a Stackelberg equilibrium strategy. An effective and fast hybrid approach of a genetic algorithm (GA), a simulated annealing (SA), and an exact algorithm was presented to solve the model. A realistic case study in the healthcare network is proposed to show the application of the new mathematical model and the effectiveness of the presented approach. The results are analyzed in comparison with GA and SA. Computational results indicate the superiority of hybrid algorithm against GA and SA based on accuracy and running time.
Weight loss in Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies: Impact on mortality and hospitalization by dementia subtype
Authors: Soysal Pinar , Tan Semen Gokce , Rogowska Marianna , Jawad Sana , Smith Lee , Veronese Nicola , Tsiptsios Dimitrios , Tsamakis Konstantinos , Stewart Robert , Mueller Christoph
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Loss of weight is associated with cognitive decline as well as several adverse outcomes in dementia. The aim of this study was to assess whether weight loss is associated with mortality and hospitalization in dementia subtypes.

Methods

A cohort of 11,607 patients with dementia in Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) was assembled from a large dementia care health records database in Southeast London. A natural language processing algorithm was developed to established whether loss of weight was recorded around the time of dementia diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to examine the associations of reported weight loss with mortality and emergency hospitalization.

Results

Weight loss around the time of dementia was recorded in 25.5% of the whole sample and was most common in patients with DLB. A weight loss‐related increased risk for mortality was detected after adjustment for confounders (Hazard ratio (HR):1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.02–1.15) and in patients with AD (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04–1.20), but not in DLB and VD. Weight loss was associated with a significantly increased emergency hospitalization risk (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.08–1.20) and in all three subtypes.

Conclusions

While there were associations with increased hospitalization risk for all three subtype diagnoses, weight loss was only associated with increased mortality in AD. Weight loss should be considered as an accompanying symptom in dementia and interventions should be considered to ameliorate risk of adverse outcomes.
Physicochemical and biological properties of new tricalcium silicate‐based repair material doped with fluoride ions and zirconium oxide as radiopacifier
Authors: Campi Lívia Bueno , Torres Fernanda Ferrari Esteves , Rodrigues Elisandra Márcia , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru Juliane Maria , Tanomaru‐Filho Mário
Published: November 2021

This study evaluated the physicochemical and biological properties of novel reparative materials composed of pure tricalcium silicate (Ca3SiO5), Ca3SiO5 doped with fluoride ions (Ca3SiO5‐F) and their association with ZrO2 (Ca3SiO5 + ZrO2, Ca3SiO5‐F + ZrO2), in comparison with Biodentine (BIO). Setting time radiopacity, pH, solubility, and dimensional change were evaluated based on ISO 6876 Standard. Volumetric change and flow/filling were assessed by microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT). Biological properties were evaluated by the MTT assay 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide), Neutral Red (NR), cell migration, alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), and Alizarin Red Staining (ARS) assays. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA, Tukey, or Bonferroni tests (α = .05). Ca3SiO5‐F + ZrO2 had higher radiopacity, shorter setting time, and lower solubility and volumetric loss than BIO (p < .05). Ca3SiO5‐F + ZrO2 had flow and filling capacity similar to BIO (p > .05). All the cements evaluated had an alkaline pH. Ca3SiO5‐F + ZrO2 demonstrated cell viability similar to negative control (p > .05), increase in ALP activity in 7 days, mineralized nodule production in 21 days and repair capacity according to cell migration. In conclusion, Ca3SiO5‐F + ZrO2 had adequate setting time, radiopacity, solubility, and dimensional change. This material presented low volumetric change besides flow and filling capacity in micro‐CT assessment. In addition, Ca3SiO5‐F + ZrO2 was biocompatible and bioactive, suggesting its use as reparative material.
Shifts in UNAIDS ethics guidance and implications for ethics review of preventive HIV vaccine trials
Authors: Slack Catherine , Ndebele Paul , Allen Mary , Salzwedel Jessica
Published: November 2021

Introduction

A major change in the ethics framework for preventive HIV vaccine trials worldwide is the release of the UNAIDS 2021 ethical considerations in HIV prevention trials. This new guidance comes at an exciting time when there are multiple HIV vaccine efficacy trials in the field. Research Ethics Committees (RECs) or Institutional Review Boards are a most likely audience for these guidelines. Our objective is to highlight shifts in ethics recommendations from the earlier 2012 UNAIDS guidance.

Discussion

We review recommendations related to four key issues, namely standard of prevention, post‐trial access to safe and effective vaccines, enrolment of adolescents and enrolment of pregnant women. We outline implications and make recommendations for the ethics review process, including suggested lines of inquiry by RECs and responses by applicants.

Conclusions

There have been several shifts in the UNAIDS ethics guidance with implications for HIV vaccine researchers submitting applications for initial ethics review or re‐certification, and for RECs conducting such reviews. This review may assist RECs in a more efficient and consistent application of ethics recommendations. However, additional tools and training may further help stakeholders comply with new UNAIDS ethics recommendations during protocol development and ethics review.