bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cuestionarios de Autoevaluación
Authors: Costarricense Acta Médica
Published: March 2021

Cuestionario de Autoevaluación
Respuesta de la frecuencia cardiaca y presión arterial en la fase II del programa de rehabilitación
Authors: On Manuel Wong , Barrantes Severita Carrillo , Astúa Milena Molina , Quesada Christian Vargas , Flores Sofía Chaverri
Published: March 2021

Describir el comportamiento de la frecuencia cardiaca y presión arterial en pacientes participantes de la fase II del programa de rehabilitación cardiaca del Centro Nacional de Rehabilitación.
Predictores de parto pretérmino en la población adolescente
Authors: Mateos Manrique Leal , Carmiol Loretta Giacomín
Published: March 2021

Se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal, mediante el análisis secundario de la base de datos del estudio original “Características del control prenatal de pacientes adolescentes atendidas en la consulta de obstetricia. Hospital Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia, 2010”. Las variables relacionadas con el control prenatal se categorizaron según la dicotomía Sí/ No, y mediante una regresión logística, se estimó la razón de probabilidades ajustada en cuanto a la presencia de parto pretérmino.
Partner Selection, Power Dynamics, and Mutual Care Giving in Long-Term Self-Defined BDSM Couples
Authors: Cutler Bert , Lee Ellen , Cutler Nadine , Sagarin Brad
Published: March 2021

Historically, writers from within and outside the BDSM/Leather community have argued that long-term BDSM relationships are likely to fail due to the incompatibility between satisfying SM and romantic affection (Townsend, 1972) and the unlikelihood of finding a perfect match of fetishes and interests (Money, 1986). The present study tested these arguments using in-depth interviews with 33 individuals in 17 long-term BDSM relationships. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to understand the dynamics of the relationships including the ways the partners met, formed their relationship, negotiated the scope of their power exchange, and navigated the challenges of an unconventional relationship style. Compatibility regarding dominance and submission appeared more important than compatibility regarding sadism and masochism or specific BDSM activities. Power exchange appears to serve purposes beyond sexual satisfaction, including facilitating partner bonding and providing a sense of security. Key relationship values that emerged across couples include a commitment to communication and transparency, a high level of trust, a focus on the partner’s happiness, and the co-construction of a reality that satisfies the needs of both partners. The use of rituals and protocol in difficult times returned the partners to a state of connection to each other, and this re-established bond helped the partners resolve the present upset. The use of deeper protocol when issues arise is contrary to prevailing community rhetoric that advises dropping out of role to solve issues. Thus, rituals give these individuals a different, possibly safer, way to interact so that conflict doesn’t damage their relationships. Results demonstrate that long-term BDSM relationships exist and can be highly functional.
Teaching while Black: Best Practices for Engaging white Pre-service Teachers in Discourse Focused on Individual & Cultural Diversity in Urban Schools
Authors: Porcher Kisha
Published: March 2021

In this article, I reflect on ways to improve my practice as a Black woman teaching in a white-dominated teacher education program through self-study in teacher preparation (S-STEP). I describe strategies that Black professors can use to engage white preservice teachers in discourse about individual and cultural diversity in urban schools. The general underlying principle in this focus is that one must create a safe space for white students, regardless of comfort, to communicate about individual and cultural diversity in urban schools. This is imperative, as research demonstrates many professors of color, specifically Black professors, experience hostile classroom environments. These experiences occur mostly within white-dominated institutions when students experience a shift of power from a white professor to a professor of color. This shift is intensified when the topics of the course focus on equity and social justice in urban schools. Practitioners of color are encouraged to explore ways in which these and others can be incorporated in courses that prepare white teachers to teach diverse populations in urban schools.
PERCEPÇÕES DOS RISCOS DE VIAGENS AÉREAS DURANTE A PANDEMIA DA COVID-19 NO ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA - BRASIL
Authors: Pereira Tércio , Magrini Garcia Gisele , Flôres Limberger Pablo , Durieux Zucco Fabrícia , Boos de Quadros Cynthia Morgana
Published: March 2021

A compreensão do comportamento dos turistas auxilia o setor turístico a gerenciar de forma mais eficaz a crise. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar as percepções dos riscos de viagens aéreas durante a pandemia da Covid-19 no estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Para tal, estas percepções são examinadas utilizando quatro dimensões: intenção de viagem, gravidade percebida, suscetibilidade percebida e autoeficácia. O instrumento de coleta de dados com a finalidade de mensuração de construtos foi um questionário construído na plataforma Google Forms e disponibilizado online na rede social Facebook por meio de mídia patrocinada direcionada à residentes do estado de Santa Catarina. Foram obtidos 819 questionários válidos. Foi utilizada a análise de médias bem como a comparação entre elas, teste Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis. Todas as análises foram feitas por meio do software IBM SPSS Statistics versão 23. As conclusões sugerem que após dez semanas do primeiro caso de Covid-19 no estado, os moradores de Santa Catarina ainda não estão inclinados a viajar embora estas percepções estejam reduzindo progressivamente. A flexibilização do comércio, na sexta semana, influenciou negativamente em todas as dimensões. As descobertas avançam na literatura sobre pandemia e intenção de viagens aéreas e oferecem implicações importantes para os responsáveis por políticas públicas e pesquisadores interessados.
Shipborne measurements of methane and carbon dioxide in the
Middle East and Mediterranean areas and contribution from oil and
gas emissions
Authors: Paris Jean-Daniel , Riandet Aurélie , Bourtsoukidis Efstratios , Delmotte Marc , Berchet Antoine , Williams Jonathan , Ernle Lisa , Tadic Ivan , Harder Hartwig , Lelieveld Jos
Published: March 2021

Abstract. The increase of atmospheric methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), two main anthropogenic greenhouse gases, is largely driven by fossil sources. Sources and sinks remain insufficiently characterised in the Mediterranean and Middle East areas, where very few in situ measurements area available. We investigated the atmospheric distribution of CH4 and CO2 in the region through shipborne measurement in July and August 2017. High mixing ratios were observed over the Suez Canal, Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, while generally lower mixing ratios were observed over the Gulfs of Aden and Oman. We probe the origin of CO2 and CH4 excess mixing ratio by using correlations with light alkanes and through the use of a Lagrangian model coupled to two different emission inventories of anthropogenic sources. We find that the CO2 and especially the CH4 enhancements are mainly linked to nearby oil and gas (O&G) activities over the Arabian Gulf, and a mixture of other sources over the Red Sea. The isomeric ratio of pentane is shown to be a useful indicator of the O&G component of atmospheric CH4 at the regional level. Upstream emissions linked to oil in the Northern Arabian Gulf seem to be underestimated while gas-related emissions in the Southern Gulf are overestimated in our simulations. Our results highlight the need for improvement of inventories in the area to better characterize the changes in magnitude and the complex distribution of the O&G sources in the Middle East.
Simulating synthetic tropical cyclone tracks for statistically reliable wind and pressure estimations
Authors: Nederhoff Kees , Hoek Jasper , Leijnse Tim , van Ormondt Maarten , Caires Sofia , Giardino Alessio
Published: March 2021

Abstract. The design of coastal protection measures and the quantification of coastal
risks at locations affected by tropical cyclones (TCs) are often based solely
on the analysis of historical cyclone tracks. Due to data scarcity and the
random nature of TCs, the assumption that a hypothetical TC could hit a
neighboring area with equal likelihood to past events can potentially lead
to over- and/or underestimations of extremes and associated risks. The
simulation of numerous synthetic TC tracks based on (historical) data can
overcome this limitation. In this paper, a new method for the generation of
synthetic TC tracks is proposed. The method has been implemented in the highly
flexible open-source Tropical Cyclone Wind Statistical Estimation Tool
(TCWiSE). TCWiSE uses an empirical track model based on Markov chains and can
simulate thousands of synthetic TC tracks and wind fields in any oceanic basin
based on any (historical) data source. Moreover, the tool can be used to
determine the wind extremes, and the output can be used for the reliable
assessment of coastal hazards. Validation results for the Gulf of Mexico show
that TC patterns and extreme wind speeds are well reproduced by TCWiSE.
UNAFLOW: a holistic experiment about the aerodynamics of
ﬂoating wind turbines under imposed surge motion
Authors: Fontanella Alessandro , Bayati Ilmas , Mikkelsen Robert , Belloli Marco , Zasso Alberto
Published: March 2021

Abstract. Floating offshore wind turbines are subjected to large motions because of the additional degrees of freedom offered by the floating foundation. The rotor operates in highly dynamic inflow conditions and this is deemed to have a significant effect on the aerodynamic loads, as well as on the wind turbine wake. Floating wind turbines and floating farms are designed by means of numerical tools, that have to model these unsteady aerodynamic phenomena to be predictive of reality. Experiments are needed to get a deeper understanding of the unsteady aerodynamics, and hence leverage this knowledge to develop better models, as well as to produce data for the validation and calibration of the existing tools. This paper presents a wind-tunnel scale-model experiment about the unsteady aerodynamics of floating wind turbines that followed a radically different approach than the other existing experiments. The experiment covered any aspect of the problem in a coherent and structured manner, that allowed to produce a low-uncertainty data for the validation of numerical model. The data covers the unsteady aerodynamics of the floating wind turbine in terms of blade forces, rotor forces and wake. 2D sectional model tests were carried to study the aerodynamics of a low-Reynolds blade profile subjected to a harmonic variation of the angle of attack. The lift coefficient shows an hysteresis cycle that extends in the linear region and grows in strength for higher motion frequencies. The knowledge gained in 2D sectional model tests was exploited to design the rotor of a 1/75 scale model of the DTU 10MW that was used to perform imposed surge motion tests in a wind tunnel. The tower-top forces were measured for several combinations of mean wind speed, surge amplitude and frequency to assess the effect of unsteady aerodynamics on the response of the system. The thrust force, that plays a crucial role in the along-wind dynamics of a floating wind turbine mostly follows the quasi-steady theory. The near-wake of the wind turbine was studied by means of hot-wire measurements, and PIV was utilized to visualize the tip vortex. It is seen that the wake energy is increased in correspondence of the motion frequency and this is likely to be associated with the blade-tip vortex, which travel speed is modified in presence of surge motion.
Investigation of the dissipation in the wake of a wind turbine array
Authors: Neunaber Ingrid , Peinke Joachim , Obligado Martin
Published: March 2021

Abstract. Within the energy transition, more and more wind turbines are clustered in big wind farms, often offshore. Therefore, an optimal positioning of the wind turbines is crucial to optimize both the annual power production and the maintenance time. Good knowledge of the wind turbine wake and the turbulence within is thus important. However, although wind turbine wakes have been subject to various studies, they are still not fully understood. One possibility to improve the comprehension is to look into the modeling of bluff body wakes. These wakes have been the subject of intensive study for decades, and by means of the scaling behavior of the centerline mean velocity deficit, the nature of the turbulence inside a wake can be classified. In this paper, we introduce the models for equilibrium and non-equilibrium turbulence from classical wake theory as introduced by A. Townsend and W. George, and we test whether the requirements are fulfilled in the wake of a wind turbine. Finally, we apply the theory to characterize the wind turbine wake, and we compare the results to the Jensen and the Bastankhah-Porté-Agel model. We find that the insight into the classical bluff body wake can be used to further improve the wind turbine wake models. Particularly, the classical bluff body wake models perform better than the wind turbine wake models due to the presence of a virtual origin in the scalings, and we demonstrate the possibility of improving the wind turbine wake models by implementing this parameter. We also see how the dissipation changes across the wake which is important to model wakes within wind farms correctly.
A Longitudinal Historical Population Database in Asia. The Taiwanese Historical Household Registers Database (1906–1945)
Authors: Lin Chia-chi , Chen Shu-juo , Chuang Ying-chang , Yang Wen-shan , Wilkerson James , Hsieh Ying-hui , Yap Ko-hua , Huang Yu-lin
Published: March 2021

For the past 35 years, the Taiwan Historical Household Registers Database (THHRD) has been significant for historical demographic research on Asia. In recent years, researchers have continued adding new demographic information to the database. This allows for the expansion of research on the topic of historical households in the region. However, there are still many issues to address in the field of Asian historical demography. This paper provides a brief introduction on the uses of THHRD for future research.
Short Communication: Performance of steers fed on pasture receiving different seeding rates of vetch in an integrated crop-livestock system
Authors: Vonz Douglas , Menezes Luis F. G. , Paris Wagner , Kuss Fernando , Silveira Magali F. , Venturini Tiago , Stanqueviski Fernanda , Boito Bruna
Published: March 2021

Aim of study: To evaluate the performance of beef calves fed black oat and Italian ryegrass pasture seeded with several different seeding rates (SR) of common vetch in a crop-livestock integrated system.Area of study: The experiment was carried out in Dois Vizinhos city, Paraná, Brazil.Material and methods: An area of 8.3 ha was used, which was divided into 11 paddocks, 0.75 ha each. Nellore calves (n = 22), 7 ± 2 months old and with initial body weight of 134 ± 27 kg were used for the tests. The experimental design was completely randomised. Vetch (Vicia sativa L., ‘Amethyst’) SR treatments included 0, 15, 30, and 45 kg ha-1, in a mixture with black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb. ‘IPR 61’ and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) pastures.Main results: There was no effect of SR on pasture productivity parameters. The increase in vetch seed in the seed mixture resulted in an increase in crude protein and neutral detergent fibre, but decreased in vitro digestibility of vetch. However, these changes did not affect the nutritional value of the pasture. Vetch SR of 30 kg ha-1 or higher allowed greater share of the legume in the pasture, thereby enhancing greater individual animal performanceResearch highlights: Vetch SR of 30 kg ha-1 or higher allowed greater share of the legume in the pasture, thereby enhancing greater individual animal performance.
Advances in Rice Postharvest Loss Reduction Strategies in Africa through Low Grade Broken Rice Fractions and Husk Value Addition
Authors: Nahemiah Danbaba , Nkama Iro , Paul Yahaya Idakwo , Halidu Badau Mamudu , Umar Aliyu
Published: March 2021

Paddy production in African is increasing at a significantly impressive rate due to increased public and private sector investment, the introduction of high yielding varieties and improved production practices. But about 40% or more of this quantity does not reach the table of consumers largely due to post-harvest losses. These losses are subdivided into physical grain loss (PGL) and grain quality loss (GQL). Efforts towards reducing these losses through valorisation of low quality rice and processing by-products has received attention over the last few years. Innovative development and out scaling of simple, cost effective, adoptable and well-defined practical technology to convert low grade milled rice to nutrient dense value-added products that could be used for family meals or weaning purposes and utilization of rice husk for energy is the new way to go. This paper reviews major advance made especially by the Africa-Wide Taskforce on rice processing and value addition and its partners in developing strategies for minimizing postharvest loss in Africa through the development of technologies for utilization of broken rice fractions and rice husk to reduce postharvest losses. Major challenges mitigating the adoption of this technologies and possible opportunities in the rice postharvest value chain that can attract investment for the improvement of rice production and reduction in rice postharvest losses are also outlined. This synthesis we believe will help in providing future direction for research and support for sustainable rice postharvest system in Africa.
Microfluidic Flow Sensing Approaches
Authors: Huang Liji
Published: March 2021

Precise flow metrology has an increasing demand in many microfluidic related applications. At the scale and scope of interests, Capillary number instead of Reynold number defines the flow characteristics. The interactions between fluid medium and flow channel surface or the surface tension, cavitation, dissolution, and others play critical roles in microfluidic flow metrology. Conventional flow measurement approaches are not sufficient for solving these issues. This chapter will review the currently available products on the market, their microfluidic flow sensing technologies, the technologies with research and development, the major factors impacting flow metrology, and the prospective sensing approaches for future microfluidic flow sensing.
Haloarchaea May Contribute to the Colour of Avian Plumage in Marine Ecosystems
Authors: María Martínez-Espinosa Rosa , Torregrosa-Crespo Javier
Published: March 2021

Some seabirds or coastal birds such as flamingos or pelicans display elegant pink or reddish colours. These colours are due to pigments that birds cannot synthesize de novo. Thus, this coloration is mainly originated from carotenoids ingested trough carotenoid rich food sources like microalgae (Dunaliella) or small shrimps (Artemia), which are microorganisms inhabiting the salty environments where the mentioned birds live. New advances in this field of knowledge have revealed that extreme microorganisms belonging to the haloarchaea group (Archaea Domain) may contribute significantly to the characteristic pink- red colour of flamingos’ feathers for instance. Alive haloarchaea cells have been found on the surface of the feathers. Besides, the major carotenoid produced by haloarchaea (bacterioruberin) has also been identify within the feathers structure. This work summarizes the main contributions recently reported about this topic as well as general aspects regarding bacterioruberin as a powerful colour carotenoid. Discussions about potential role of these microorganisms in the life of seaside birds are also included.
COVID-19: olhares religiosos sobre a realidade pandémica | COVID-19: religious views on pandemic reality
Authors: Brissos-Lino José
Published: March 2021

Este artigo tem por objecto o campo religioso e por objectivo entender de que forma as religiões encararam a crise provocada pela Covid-19 e que impactos a mesma exerceu sobre as comunidades de fé, a praxis, o discurso, e sobretudo qual foi o sentido atribuído ao acontecimento, de forma a enquadrar-se na narrativa religiosa e doutrinária de cada uma das correntes filosóficas e religiosas, tendo em conta o facto de as religiões desempenharem um papel importante para o desenvolvimento do ser humano. Procurou-se compreender a postura das religiões face à pandemia da Covid-19, tanto como encararam a suspensão dos seus serviços religiosos presenciais, devido ao confinamento profiláctico, como no modo de prestar apoio espiritual à comunidade dos fiéis, assim como no tipo de organização para não parar a sua intervenção social e de beneficência, em relação aos mais carenciados e vulneráveis da sociedade. Abordou-se ainda o sentido espiritual ou religioso da pandemia, do ponto de vista simbólico. Por conveniência, neste trabalho consideraram-se apenas algumas vertentes do campo religioso. AbstractThis article aims to understand, in the religious sphere, in what ways do religions face the crisis caused by Covid-19, as well as how it impacted the faithful communities, praxis, discourse and above all, what sense was attributed to this event. Through this, we aim to frame the religious and doctrinal narrative of each philosophical and religious schools of thought while minding the fact that religions play an important role in the development of human beings. We aim to understand the stance of religions faced with the task of dealing with Covid-19, such as how the suspended their physical religious services due to prophylactic confinement to provide spiritual aid to the faithful community, as well as their ways of organizing themselves in order to constantly provide people with their social intervention and beneficence, especially when regarding the poor and vulnerable people in our society. We also touch on the spiritual or religious sense of the pandemic in terms of symbolism. This article only reflects upon the religious sphere.
Systematic functional analysis of rab GTPases reveals limits of neuronal robustness to environmental challenges in flies
Authors: Kohrs Friederike E , Daumann Ilsa-Maria , Pavlovic Bojana , Jin Eugene Jennifer , Kiral F Ridvan , Lin Shih-Ching , Port Filip , Wolfenberg Heike , Mathejczyk Thomas F , Linneweber Gerit A , Chan Chih-Chiang , Boutros Michael , Hiesinger P Robin
Published: March 2021

Rab GTPases are molecular switches that regulate membrane trafficking in all cells. Neurons have particular demands on membrane trafficking and express numerous Rab GTPases of unknown function. Here, we report the generation and characterization of molecularly defined null mutants for all 26 rab genes in Drosophila. In flies, all rab genes are expressed in the nervous system where at least half exhibit particularly high levels compared to other tissues. Surprisingly, loss of any of these 13 nervous system-enriched Rabs yielded viable and fertile flies without obvious morphological defects. However, all 13 mutants differentially affected development when challenged with different temperatures, or neuronal function when challenged with continuous stimulation. We identified a synaptic maintenance defect following continuous stimulation for six mutants, including an autophagy-independent role of rab26. The complete mutant collection generated in this study provides a basis for further comprehensive studies of Rab GTPases during development and function in vivo.
A confinable home-and-rescue gene drive for population modification
Authors: Kandul Nikolay P , Liu Junru , Bennett Jared B , Marshall John M , Akbari Omar S
Published: March 2021

Homing-based gene drives, engineered using CRISPR/Cas9, have been proposed to spread desirable genes throughout populations. However, invasion of such drives can be hindered by the accumulation of resistant alleles. To limit this obstacle, we engineer a confinable population modification home-and-rescue (HomeR) drive in Drosophila targeting an essential gene. In our experiments, resistant alleles that disrupt the target gene function were recessive lethal and therefore disadvantaged. We demonstrate that HomeR can achieve an increase in frequency in population cage experiments, but that fitness costs due to the Cas9 insertion limit drive efficacy. Finally, we conduct mathematical modeling comparing HomeR to contemporary gene drive architectures for population modification over wide ranges of fitness costs, transmission rates, and release regimens. HomeR could potentially be adapted to other species, as a means for safe, confinable, modification of wild populations.
Genetic variation of Nigerian cattle inferred from maternal and paternal genetic markers
Authors: Mauki David H. , Adeola Adeniyi C. , Ng’ang’a Said I. , Tijjani Abdulfatai , Akanbi Ibikunle Mark , Sanke Oscar J. , Abdussamad Abdussamad M. , Olaogun Sunday C. , Ibrahim Jebi , Dawuda Philip M. , Mangbon Godwin F. , Gwakisa Paul S. , Yin Ting-Ting , Peng Min-Sheng , Zhang Ya-Ping
Published: March 2021

The African cattle provide unique genetic resources shaped up by both diverse tropical environmental conditions and human activities, the assessment of their genetic diversity will shade light on the mechanism of their remarkable adaptive capacities. We therefore analyzed the genetic diversity of cattle samples from Nigeria using both maternal and paternal DNA markers. Nigerian cattle can be assigned to 80 haplotypes based on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequences and haplotype diversity was 0.985 + 0.005. The network showed two major matrilineal clustering: the dominant cluster constituting the Nigerian cattle together with other African cattle while the other clustered Eurasian cattle. Paternal analysis indicates only zebu haplogroup in Nigerian cattle with high genetic diversity 1.000 ± 0.016 compared to other cattle. There was no signal of maternal genetic structure in Nigerian cattle population, which may suggest an extensive genetic intermixing within the country. The absence of Bos indicus maternal signal in Nigerian cattle is attributable to vulnerability bottleneck of mtDNA lineages and concordance with the view of male zebu genetic introgression in African cattle. Our study shades light on the current genetic diversity in Nigerian cattle and population history in West Africa.
Mouth Dissolving Tablets of Favipiravir using Superdisintegrants: Preparation, Optimization and In-vitro Evaluation
Authors: Avinash D. , Gudipati Madhu , Ramana M. V. , Vadlamudi Pallavi , Nadendla Rama Rao
Published: March 2021

To formulate and evaluate the mouth dissolving tablet dosage forms of favipiravir using various superdisintegrants by using wet granulation technique.

Batches of favipiravir Mouth dissolving tablets were formulated by using the wet granulation technique. The formulated granules were evaluated for their flow properties as a pre-compression parameter and the friability, hardness, disintegration, wetting ratio, wetting time, dissolution, and drug release parameters were evaluated as post-compression parameters. The effect of the varying concentrations of superdisintegrants on the formulation for disintegration time was ascertained and the results were compared.

The tablet had friability and hardness values ranging from 0.60  to 0.68 % and 3.9  to 4.3 (kg/cm2). Tablet weights did not vary significantly but the disintegration time varied from 44.66  to 142.66±2.51 min and the wetting time varied from 45.33  to 144 min and the optimal batch of tablets shows a drug release of 98.8% within 60 min and first-order release kinetics of the formulations are compared.
The Potential Anti-Obesity, Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Oxidant Effects of Vitamin a in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Alhindi Yosra , Bafaraj Anwar , Barasain Abeer , Hadidi Massarah , Bajandooh Norah , Al-Sulami Ruba , Alahmadi Shahad , Alzelaai Rawabi , Aljahdli Lama , Fairaq Arwa , Elashmony Sahar
Published: March 2021

Background: Evidence suggests that there is a link between diabetes mellitus and Vitamin A. Moreover, it has been reported that diabetes induces oxidative stress. Lately, a wide attention has been developed to the protective biochemical function of natural antioxidants contained vitamins, which can reduce the oxidative damage caused by free radical species.

Objective: To investigate the anti-obesity, anti-diabetic and anti-oxidative effects of vitamin A in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice.

Methods: Male mice were randomly divided into three groups: Control- nondiabetic, received a normal diet and water; Control-diabetic, received STZ 45mg/kg once intraperitoneally; and Treated-diabetic, received both STZ as before plus Vitamin A (4-IU/day) orally daily for 16 weeks. Food intake, body weight, fat mass, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and lipid profile were estimated. Also, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPO), catalase (CAT), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were measured.

Results: Treated diabetic mice with Vitamin A showed a significant improvement in their body weight, fat mass, lipid profile as well as SOD, GPO and CAT compared to Control-diabetic mice. However, Vitamin A caused no significant change on fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. Furthermore, plasma level of MDA was significantly elevated in diabetic mice compared to normal mice. Diabetic mice treated with vitamin A had a significantly reduced level of MDA, suggesting that vitamin A might have a vital role in the protection of tissues from damage by free radicals.

Conclusion: Supplementation with vitamin A may be a useful treatment strategy for diabetic patients to reduce/prevent the pathological complications of diabetes.
Non‐invasive in vivo monitoring of transplanted stem cells in 3D‐bioprinted constructs using near‐infrared fluorescent imaging
Authors: Kim Soon Hee , Kwon Jin Seon , Cho Jae Gu , Park Kate G. , Lim Tae Hyeon , Kim Moon Suk , Choi Hak Soo , Park Chan Hum , Lee Sang Jin
Published: March 2021

Cell‐based tissue engineering strategies have been widely established. However, the contributions of the transplanted cells within the tissue‐engineered scaffolds to the process of tissue regeneration remain poorly understood. Near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging systems have great potential to non‐invasively monitor the transplanted cell‐based tissue constructs. In this study, labeling mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using a lipophilic pentamethine indocyanine (CTNF127, emission at 700 nm) as a NIR fluorophore was optimized, and the CTNF127‐labeled MSCs (NIR‐MSCs) were printed embedding in gelatin methacryloyl bioink. The NIR‐MSCs‐loaded bioink showed excellent printability. In addition, NIR‐MSCs in the 3D constructs showed high cell viability and signal stability for an extended period in vitro. Finally, we were able to non‐invasively monitor the NIR‐MSCs in constructs after implantation in a rat calvarial bone defect model, and the transplanted cells contributed to tissue formation without specific staining. This NIR‐based imaging system for non‐invasive cell monitoring in vivo could play an active role in validating the cell fate in cell‐based tissue engineering applications.
Development of the CK‐MB‐1 trastuzumab‐resistant HER2‐positive breast cancer cell line and xenograft animal models
Authors: Chung Wei‐Pang , Huang Wei‐Lun , Liao Wei‐An , Huang Wan‐Ling , Liu You‐Yu , Su Wu‐Chou
Published: March 2021

Background

Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer who fail to respond to anti‐HER2 treatments have poor prognoses. Most trastuzumab‐resistant breast cancer cell lines available from biobanks feature either phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase, catalytic, alpha (PIK3CA) mutation or the loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). However, PIK3CA mutations and/or PTEN loss do not account for most trastuzumab‐resistant tumors in humans.

Methods

Breast cancer cells were collected from one patient's malignant ascites. These cells were cultured and maintained to develop a stable cell line, which we named CK‐MB‐1. We used western blotting to evaluate protein expression. The PIK3CA status of CK‐MB‐1 cells was analyzed using Sanger sequencing and validated using next‐generation sequencing. In vivo, CK‐MB‐1 xenograft tumor models were developed in zebrafish and immunodeficient mice.

Results

CK‐MB‐1 cells maintained the major characteristics of the parental tumor including HER2 positivity and estrogen receptor negativity. The HER2 gene amplification of CK‐MB‐1 cells was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The integrity of PTEN was confirmed by its positive protein expression and the absence of gene mutations. No common PIK3CA mutation was detected. Compared with the findings in two other HER2‐positive trastuzumab‐resistant cell lines, CK‐MB‐1 cells exhibited greater resistance to trastuzumab, chemotherapeutics, and small‐molecule drugs. Trastuzumab resistance in CK‐MB‐1 cells was confirmed in vivo using the NOD SCID mouse model.

Conclusions

CK‐MB‐1 cells represent a stable HER2‐positive trastuzumab‐resistant breast cancer cell line. The resistance of CK‐MB‐1 cells does not originate from the PTEN or phosphoinositide 3‐kinase signaling pathway, which can provide an alternative approach for potential drugs.
Two New Nonenolides from Diaporthe sp. SXZ‐19, an Endophytic Fungus of Camptotheca Acuminata
Authors: Liu Yuanzhen , Cheng Li , Shen Yuemao
Published: March 2021

Two new nonenolides named diaportheolides A (1) and B (2) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Diaporthe sp. SXZ‐19 of Camptotheca acuminata. The chemical structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments and HR‐ESI‐MS data analysis. Their in vitro antibacterial activities are established to be insignificant.
Federal Work‐Study Student Perceptions of Career Readiness
Authors: Akos Patrick , Leonard A. Joshua , Bugno Amy
Published: March 2021

University programming seeks to facilitate career development in a variety of ways. Federal Work‐Study (FWS) participation, similar to internships, provides practical experience and potential career development benefits. Over 3 academic years (2016–2019), 1,752 Qualtrics surveys were completed by work‐study students (77% female, 55% White) at the end of each academic year at one university. Three years of data suggest a positive influence of FWS on the growth of National Association of Colleges and Employers career readiness competencies. These data suggest that postsecondary education can construct FWS opportunities with intentional career development goals. Future research should examine a range of career development outcomes in quasi‐experimental designs and unpack the mechanisms within FWS (e.g., supervisor training, matching work assignment to career aspirations) that maximize career growth.
Widespread variation in stable isotope trophic position estimates: patterns, causes, and potential consequences
Authors: Kjeldgaard MacKenzie K. , Hewlett Jeremy A. , Eubanks Micky D.
Published: March 2021

Stable isotope analysis is one of the most widely used techniques to estimate trophic position and provides fundamental insight into the structure and management of ecological communities. To account for the effects of geographic variation in isotope levels, trophic position is typically estimated relative to an isotope “baseline” (i.e., material representing geographic variation) using a methodology such as a formula or statistical analysis. There is, however, remarkable variation in the baselines and methodologies used to estimate trophic position from stable isotopes. The consequences of this lack of standardization are unknown but could result in biased or erroneous conclusions. We conducted a literature review to quantify the variation in baselines and methodologies used to estimate trophic position from stable isotopes. Next, we assessed the consequences of this variation on individual species estimates and food web structure by extracting published trophic positions and applying various baselines and methodologies to existing data sets. We identified 10 baselines and eight methodologies, the use of which varied by ecosystem studied. Moreover, we found that different baselines and methodologies yield significantly different trophic position estimates for individual species, as well as different conclusions about food web structure. Authors should avoid biological interpretations of absolute, stand‐alone trophic positions (as these are prone to a number of biases). We recommend pairing stable isotope analysis with other techniques for more robust conclusions. Increased sample size may mitigate some of the variation caused by different baselines and methodologies; however, an alarmingly large proportion of studies collected only one sample in at least one trophic group (41% of all reviewed studies). Authors should collect a minimum of five samples per trophic group (but ten for best practices) from as many trophic groups as possible to increase statistical power and redundancy in comparisons. When sample size is unavoidably constrained, we recommend using compound‐specific isotope analysis with a taxon‐specific trophic discrimination factor, because it may be more accurate and require fewer samples to maintain appropriate statistical power. Implementing our recommendations will increase the robustness and accuracy of conclusions based on stable isotopes, resulting in better management decisions and a more accurate understanding of ecological communities.
Pig‐a gene mutations in bone marrow granulocytes of procarbazine‐treated F344 rats
Authors: Dad Azra , Revollo Javier R. , Pearce Mason G. , McKinzie Page B. , Heflich Robert H. , Dobrovolsky Vasily N.
Published: March 2021

It was previously demonstrated that procarbazine (PCZ) is positive in the rat erythrocyte Pig‐a gene mutation assay. However, since mammalian erythrocytes lack genomic DNA, it was necessary to analyze nucleated bone‐marrow erythroid precursor cells to confirm that PCZ induces mutations in the Pig‐a gene (Revollo et al., Environ Mol Mutagen, 2020). In this study, the association between Pig‐a mutation and loss of GPI anchors was further strengthened and the genesis of Pig‐a mutation in PCZ‐dosed rats was evaluated by analyzing bone‐marrow granulocytes. Erythrocytes and granulocytes both originate from myeloid progenitor cells, but granulocytes contain DNA throughout their developmental stages. F344 rats were treated with three doses of 150 mg/kg PCZ; 2 weeks later, CD48‐deficient mutant phenotype bone‐marrow granulocytes (BMGs [CD11b+]) were isolated by flow‐cytometric sorting. Sequencing data showed that the CD48‐deficient mutant phenotype BMGs contained mutations in the Pig‐a gene while wild‐type BMGs did not. PCZ‐induced mutations included missense, nonsense and splice site variants; the majority of mutations were A > T, A > C, and A > G, with the mutated A on the nontranscribed DNA strand. The PCZ‐induced mutational analysis in BMGs supports the association between the phenotype measured in the Pig‐a assay and mutation in the Pig‐a gene. Also, PCZ mutation spectra were similar in bone‐marrow erythroids and BMGs, but none of the mutations detected in BMGs were the same as the erythroid precursor cell mutations from the same rats. Thus, mutations induced in the Pig‐a assay appear to be induced after commitment of myeloid progenitor cells to either the granulocyte or erythroid pathway.
Discovering treatment effectiveness via median treatment effects—Applications to COVID‐19 clinical trials
Authors: Mullahy John
Published: March 2021

Comparing median outcomes to gauge treatment effectiveness is widespread practice in clinical and other investigations. While common, such difference‐in‐median characterizations of effectiveness are but one way to summarize how outcome distributions compare. This paper explores properties of median treatment effects (TEs) as indicators of treatment effectiveness. The paper's main focus is on decisionmaking based on median TEs and it proceeds by considering two paths a decisionmaker might follow. Along one, decisions are based on point‐identified differences in medians alongside partially identified median differences; along the other decisions are based on point‐identified differences in medians in conjunction with other point‐identified parameters. On both paths familiar difference‐in‐median measures play some role yet in both the traditional standards are augmented with information that will often be relevant in assessing treatments' effectiveness. Implementing either approach is straightforward. In addition to its analytical results the paper considers several policy contexts in which such considerations arise. While the paper is framed by recently reported findings on treatments for COVID‐19 and uses several such studies to explore empirically some properties of median‐treatment‐effect measures of effectiveness, its results should be broadly applicable.
Reproductive Health and Reproductive Justice for Muslim Women
Authors: Taaseen Sadiqa
Published: March 2021

Reproductive justice is defined as “women and girls achieving economic, social, and political power, and the resources to make healthy decisions about one's bodies, sexuality, and reproductive health for themselves and their families and their communities in all areas of [their] lives” (Zavella 2016, 1). Women of color are the targets of much prejudice in American society. (Ginsburg and Rapp 1995). Since September 11th and especially in the Trump era, Muslims continue to be “otherized” and racialized, further marginalizing Muslim women. Muslim women's reproductive health is impacted by reductive and essentialized perspective of their religious practice, a typical view held by contemporary America. Analyzing these disparities through an intersectional lens allows the researcher to confront popular essentialisms to understand the simultaneous interaction of race, class, and gender in the lives of Muslim women. Using this approach in her study of the reproductive health of African American women in Harlem, Leith Mullings (2005).identifies certain structural constraints, including political and economic factors, that cause stressors during pregnancy and health problems for both mother and child. Her findings and similar studies on Latina women beg the question: how do gender and racial discrimination, class bias, and Islamophobia affect the reproductive health of Muslim women? In this paper, I argue that intersectionality as a method and theoretical approach should be applied to Muslim women's reproductive health and reproductive justice issues, and I sketch out the beginning of an answer to that question.
Magnetic interactions and the puzzling absence of any Raman mode in EuTiO3
Authors: Pappas Panagiotis , Liarokapis Efthymios , Calamiotou Maria , Bussmann‐Holder Annette
Published: March 2021

Polycrystalline ceramic samples and a single crystal of EuTiO3 have been investigated by Raman spectroscopy in the temperature range 80–300 K. Although synchrotron x‐ray diffraction (XRD) data clearly indicated the cubic to tetragonal phase transition around 282 K, no mode from the symmetry allowed Raman active phonons was found in the tetragonal phase, contrary to the case of the homologous SrTiO3. In order to study the evolution of this unique characteristic, ceramics of EuxSr1‐xTiO3 (x = 0.03–1.0) characterized by synchrotron XRD for the structural phase transition have been also investigated by Raman spectroscopy, verifying the very strong influence on the Raman yield by Eu substitution. By applying an external magnetic field or alternatively hydrostatic pressure modes are activated in the Raman spectra. Temperature dependant XAS/XMCD measurements indicate the presence of magnetic interactions even close to room temperature in agreement with previous experimental results also showing the presence of small magnetic interactions deep inside the paramagnetic phase. A possible explanation for the puzzling absence of the Raman modes is proposed related to a strong spin–lattice interaction that drives the cubic to tetragonal structural phase transition and makes the Raman tensor antisymmetric. In this model, the external perturbation will induce a symmetric Raman tensor allowing modes to be present in the spectra.
Nonlinear saturable absorption in antimonene quantum dots for passively Q‐switching Pr:YLF laser
Authors: Wu Hao , Xu Jinlong , Zhang Chi , Cui Yinghao , Hu Yonghong , Xie Zhenda , Yan Zhong
Published: March 2021

Antimonene, a new member of monoelemental two‐dimensional crystals composed of antimony atoms, was predicted to possess high stability, as well as outstanding electrical and optical properties. Here, we report on the experimental results of productive, high‐quality synthesis of antimonene quantum dots (AQDs) via liquid‐phase exfoliation. The obtained AQDs exhibited excellent nonlinear saturable absorption. The modulation depth and the saturable intensity were found to be around 3.9% and 10.02 GW/cm2, respectively. By using the AQDs saturable absorber in the 639 nm Pr:YLF laser, stable Q‐switching pulsed laser was realized. The maximum output power was 83 mW and the corresponding pulse width was 255 ns with a pulse repetition rate of 227 kHz. These results suggest that AQDs are a promising candidate for nonlinear optical applications.
Play Top Ops and Learn While Having Fun!
Authors: Doss Margaret
Published: March 2021

Looking for a great, fun way to improve your knowledge of plant operations? Want to feel like you're competing for a chance to win $1 million? (Actually, it's just a really cool trophy!) Then join your local Top Ops competition!
Customer Complaints Provide Learning Opportunities
Authors: Burlingame Gary A.
Published: March 2021

It's always a good day to learn something new about how to respond to customers’ unusual water quality complaints.
Scalar field estimation with mobile sensor networks
Authors: Abdul Razak Rihab , Sukumar Srikant , Chung Hoam
Published: March 2021

In this article, we consider the problem of estimating a scalar field using a network of mobile sensors which can measure the value of the field at their instantaneous location. The scalar field to be estimated is assumed to be represented by positive definite radial basis kernels and we use techniques from adaptive control and Lyapunov analysis to prove the stability of the proposed estimation algorithm. The convergence of the estimated parameter values to the true values is guaranteed by planning the motion of the mobile sensors to satisfy persistence‐like conditions. Two kinds of estimation algorithms are proposed: (1) where each mobile sensor estimates the entire parameter vector, (2) where each mobile sensor estimates only part of the parameter vector. Simulations are used for validating the algorithms. We find that the algorithm in case (1) gives more accurate parameter estimates but can be computationally expensive, whereas the algorithm in case (2) performs much faster though the parameter estimates are less accurate. A modification to the second algorithm can be seen to perform fast while providing good accuracy.