bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Genitic Variability, Cause Effect and Interrelationship among Yield Components in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Swathi Kodam , Lal Gabrial M.
Published: September 2021

The present investigation consists of   26 genotypes of Chickpea including one check, which were grown in the Field Experimentation Centre of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Prayagraj during Rabi 2020 following RBD with three replications. The data were recorded on 11 characters. Assessment of genetic variability, cause effect and interrelationship among yield components in chickpea. High significant variation was obtained for all characters studied. High GCV and PCV in chickpea germplasm were observed for Total no of pods per plant, number of effective pods per plant, biological yield, seed yield. High estimate of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded for No. of primary branches, No. of secondary branches, Total no of pods per plant, No. of effective pods per plant, biological yield, Seed yield per plant, Harvest index, Seed index. High values for heritability indicates that it may be due to higher contribution of genotypic components. Traits exhibiting high heritability coupled with genetic advance as percent of mean suggest that the traits are governed by additive gene action, equal contribution of additive and non-additive gene action respectively. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed that seed yield per plant exhibited positive and significant association with Biological yield per plant, Harvest index and plant height at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Correlation coefficient analysis revealed that seed yield per plant exhibited positive and significant association with Biological yield per plant, Harvest index and plant height at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path analysis revealed that characters plant height, number of primary branches, biological yield and harvest index have positive direct effect on seed yield per plant at genotypic and phenotypic level.
Histopathological Aspects of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis due to Leishmania-Major in Libya
Authors: Sharfuldeen Safa , Annajar Badereddin , Al-Dwibe Hamida , Zubi Said El- , Benjama Ahmeda
Published: September 2021

Aims: To describes the histopathological characteristics of skin lesions from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major in northwestern Libya and correlate with clinical presentation.

Study Design: case series study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried on patients referred by the region's healthcare institutions and those presented at the Tripoli Central Hospital or the Libyan National Centre for Disease Control between July 2017 to January 2018.

Methodology: The study included 38 patients, aged between 1-73 years, of both sexes, and came from 18 endemic areas in North-Western of Libya. The inclusion criteria were clinical symptoms and microscopic visualization of the parasite on a Giemsa-stained skin smear, in addition, clinical by the slit and smear technique, polymerase chain reaction for L. major. In addition, statistical analysis was conducted for the Histopathological examination.

Results: The study found that 36 (94%) of the cases studied were positive by the slit and smear technique, and 32 (88.9%) were positive by PCR for L. major. Five histopathological patterns were observed: (i) diffuse cellular reaction without necrosis (25%); (ii) diffuse cellular reaction with necrosis (31.3%); (iii) exudative and necrotic granulomatous reaction (25%); (iv) exudative granulomatous reaction without necrosis (9.3%); (v) exudative-tuberculoid reaction with typical tuberculoid granuloma (organized) (9.3%). Inflammatory cellular infiltration ranged from mild to severe. Lymph plasmacytosis and lymph histiocytosis were predominant (34.4% and 21.7%, respectively). Necrosis was diffuse or local. The clinical features were correlated with this histological pattern. Epidermal changes included acanthosis, exocytosis, spongiosis, hyperkeratosis, and atrophy.

Conclusion: The histopathological changes observed in CL caused by L. major in North-Western of Libya are characterized by an intense diffuse inflammatory reaction in the dermis with the predominance of lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Overall, the granulomatous presentation was the main one. Various clinical forms, including papule, plaque, erythematous nodule with hemorrhagic crust, or violaceous nodule with adherent crust and ulcerated nodule, are significantly correlated with the histopathological stages, whereas disease progression could be related to age. The histopathological diagnosis of CL caused by L. major has a sensitivity of 78% relative to PCR.
Factors Associated with Perceived Stressors among Critical Care Units Adult Patients: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Rahane Swapnil , Patel Roma , Chouhan Devrajsingh
Published: September 2021

The critical care unit environment has been observed as a leading stressor not only amongst the health care professionals but in patients also. Unfamiliar surroundings, dependency on others, financial problems, etc. are among factors that are responsible for the development of stress in the patients admitted to the critical care units. Stress and its factors are also responsible for the patient's deliberate recovery and depraved prognosis. In this study, we explored the association between selective factors and perceived stressors among adult patients admitted to critical care units. A quantitative, exploratory research design study was conducted, to identify the association between the perceived stressors and selected factors of adult patients admitted in Critical Care Units of the selected multispecialty hospitals at Vadodara. A total of sixty patients admitted to the critical care departments were selected through the convenience sampling technique. A demographic variables datasheet and hospitals stress rating interview scale was used after the expert’s content validation to collect the data. Analysis and interpretation of data were done by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Study findings revealed that all the patients, who were interviewed through the hospital stress interview scale, expressed the perception of stressors as indicated by the total perceived stressors score of above (1%). The study also revealed that separation from family members or spouses and financial problems are the highly rated perceived stressors among the patients admitted to the critical care unit. Patients also reported the least perceived stressful area was the problem with medication. There was a significant association between the socioeconomic status and medical-surgical diagnosis of patients with perceived stressors.

Conclusion: Therefore, the findings of the study concluded that the study, patients admitted in the critical care department also suffer from stress due to some stressors, and it affects their prognosis and early recovery. Nursing professionals need to focus on the subjective characteristics of patients so that perceived stressors and early detection of the related complication can be prevented.
A Study on Reading Habits of Primary School Children in Lhuentse District
Authors: Tshering Karma
Published: September 2021

The issue of reading, especially book reading has received much attention from different quarters in recent times because of the downward trend it is experiencing, especially among the young generation. The researcher realized that student's reading culture particularly developing reading habits were observed to be very poor. Students neither acquired skills of reading nor develop habits of reading. These experiences and observations have motivated me to carry out research to enhance reading skills in reading and promote reading habits for children.

This research is to study on Reading Habits of Primary School children under the Lhuentse District. Reading habit and its impact on children of the respondents have been analyzed to find out how reading habit is affected by various elements. Based on the findings of a questionnaires-based survey, the paper also attempts to put forward some suggestions for improving the reading habits of the children.
Tuning Composition of Multicomponent Surface Nanodroplets in a Continuous Flow‐In System
Authors: You Jae Bem , Lohse Detlef , Zhang Xuehua
Published: September 2021

Droplets are excellent platforms for compartmentalization of many processes such as chemical reactions, liquid–liquid extraction, and biological or chemical analyses. Accurately controlling and optimizing the composition of these droplets is of high importance to maximize their functionality. In this work, the formation of multicomponent droplets with controllable composition by employing a continuous flow‐in setup is demonstrated. Multiple streams of different oil solutions are introduced and mixed in a passive flow mixer and the outcoming mixture is subsequently fed into a flow chamber to form surface nanodroplets by solvent exchange. This method is time‐effective, enabling programmable continuous processes for droplet formation and surface cleaning. The surface nanodroplets are formed within 2.5 min in one cycle, and the droplet formation is reliable with similar size distribution over multiple cycles. The composition of the resulting surface nanodroplet can be tuned at will simply by controlling the flow rate ratios of each stream of the oil solution. Using fluorescence imaging, it is shown that the composition of the binary surface nanodroplets agrees well with theoretical values predicted using the phase diagram.
Sacrificial Reagent Free Photocatalytic Oxygen Evolution over CeF3/α‐FeOOH Nanohybrid
Authors: Han Bing , Lou Yunchao , Liu Zhe , Zhou Chutong , Wang Zhiyu , Qian Guodong
Published: September 2021

Water oxidation is a crucial step in photocatalytic water splitting, but it still remains a great challenge for its complex four‐electron process. Herein, uniform CeF3/α‐FeOOH nanohybrids are synthesized by one‐step hydrothermal process. The obtained CeF3/α‐FeOOH nanohybrids exhibit a significantly high photocatalytic oxygen‐evolution activity with sacrifice reagent free. The optimal CeF3/α‐FeOOH‐400 nanohybrid reaches a remarkable rate up to 4702.5 µmol g−1 h−1, which is 2.6 times higher than that of CeF3/α‐FeOOH‐0 nanohybrid. The recycling experiments further indicate its potential in oxygen evolution. The metal‐like α‐FeOOH may improve the electron transfer, act as electron collection to store the electron transferred from CeF3, and suppress the recombination of electron–hole pairs in CeF3 effectively. This work provides an insight into the construction of effective photocatalysts with improved charge separation for overall water splitting.
Hollow Carbon Nanoballs on Graphene as Metal‐Free Catalyst for Overall Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Begum Halima , Ahmed Mohammad Shamsuddin , Jung Seunghun
Published: September 2021

A great deal of research effort has been dedicated for designing an efficient bifunctional metal‐free carbon catalyst for electrochemical water splitting, however, it remains challenging to introduce multiactive sites into a single catalyst. Herein, a series of bifunctional catalysts is designed that exploit intramolecular reorientation of nitrogen atom within the hollow nanoball from polyacrylonitrile on graphene through thermal treatment to achieve covalent doping. The as synthesized hollow carbon nanoballs on graphene (HCNB@G) catalysts have huge defective edges and microporous channels and contain a high density of electroactive graphitic‐N and pyridinic‐N as dual‐active sites. As a result, the optimized HCNB@G‐700 enhances electrocatalytic activities for both oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER) in 1.0 m KOH by generating 217 and 108 mV overpotential to gain a current density of 10 mA cm−2, respectively. This remarkable electrocatalytic activity mainly originates from the appropriate combination of suitable nitrogen active sites and edge defects with microchannels that not only facilitate the penetration of electrolyte but also improve the stability of the HCNB@G. In addition, the superior conductivity and high surface area of HCNB@G boost electrocatalytic activity by supporting efficient charge transport and enabling rapid mass diffusion with gas release, respectively.
The Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework: Opportunities and challenges in the eastern United States
Authors: Duncan Jonathan M. , Respess Zachary , Ryan William , Austin Robert , Royer Matthew , Osmond Deanna , Kleinman Peter
Published: September 2021

The Agriculture Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) applies high‐spatial resolution soils and topographic data, now available for many areas of the United States, to precisely locate opportunities for the placement of conservation practices in agricultural watersheds. Application of the ACPF, developed in midwestern landscapes, to watersheds in the eastern United States represents both opportunity and challenge to conservation planning. Based on experience in applying ACPF to eight watersheds in the eastern United States, from Vermont to North Carolina, we assess the toolbox's application in the eastern United States through the lens of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis framework. We see a great future for the ACPF, but its adoption and utility require interaction with scientists and conservation planners familiar with the region to avoid misapplication and ensure appropriate adaptation and interpretation.
Artificial Astrocyte Memristor with Recoverable Linearity for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Cheng Caidie , Wang Yanghao , Xu Liying , Liu Keqin , Dang Bingjie , Lu Yingming , Yan Xiaoqin , Huang Ru , Yang Yuchao
Published: September 2021

Neuromorphic systems provide a potential solution for overcoming von Neumann bottleneck and realizing computing with low energy consumption and latency. However, the neuromorphic devices utilized to construct the neuromorphic systems always focus on artificial synapses and neurons, and neglected the important role of astrocyte cells. Here, an astrocyte memristor is demonstrated with encapsulated yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) to emulate the function of astrocyte cells in biology. Due to the high oxygen vacancy concentration and resultant high ionic conductivity of YSZ, significantly lower forming and set voltages are achieved in the artificial astrocyte, along with high endurance (>1011). More importantly, the nonlinearity in current‐voltage characteristics that usually emerge as the testing cycle increases can be depressed in the astrocyte memristor, and the nonlinearity can also be reversed by applying a refresh operation, which implements the role of biological astrocyte in maintaining the normal activity of neurons. The recovery of linearity can dramatically improve the accuracy of Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology dataset classification from 62.98% to 94.75% when the inputs are encoded in voltage amplitudes. The astrocyte memristor in this work with improved performance and linearity recovery characteristics can well emulate the function of astrocyte cells in biology and have great potential for neuromorphic computing.
Past, present, and future: Status of women and minority faculty in agricultural and applied economics
Authors: Hilsenroth Jana , Josephson Anna , Grogan Kelly A. , Walters Lurleen M. , Plakias Zoë T. , Palm‐Forster Leah H. , Banerjee Simanti , Wade Tara
Published: September 2021

As with many academic fields in the United States, white male faculty have historically been the norm in the agricultural and applied economics profession, but demographics in the field have started to shift over the past several decades. This paper presents descriptive evidence of the current and historical status of underrepresented and historically underserved groups in our profession, including white women and racial and ethnic minorities of all genders. It also provides a snapshot of perceptions of departmental climate, data on incidents of harassment and discrimination in our profession, motivations for switching academic institutions, and finally, data on strategies for retaining faculty from diverse groups.
Polymer‐based solid acid catalyst for the green production of diosgenin
Authors: Yuan Hui , Yu Xuejun , Jiang Wenxiu , Shen Bowei , Zhang Farong , Pan Zhiquan , Zhou Hong
Published: September 2021

In this study, a novel polymer‐based solid acid catalyst was prepared by free radical polymerization of N, N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and allyl sodium sulfonate (SAS), followed by acidifying of diluted hydrochloric acid. The prepared solid acid was fully characterized by FTIR, solid‐state 13C‐NMR, TGA, XPS, element analysis, and SEM. In addition, the prepared solid acid poly(MBA‐SAA) was used as a catalyst to extract diosgenin from Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H.Wright (DZW) under solvethermal condition using ethanol as a solvent. And the optimal conditions of temperature (104.02°C), alcoholysis time (5.87 h) and solid acid dosage (0.39 g), were obtained by response surface analysis based on the results of single factor experiments. The yield of diosgenin (14.53%) obtained in the alcoholysis is higher than that of the traditional sulfuric acid hydrolysis method. The alcoholysis products were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and UV–vis, respectively. The results showed that the solid acid with higher catalytic activity and good reusability can replace sulfuric acid to extract diosgenin, which has a great potential for the clean production of diosgenin in industry.
Effect of methyl orange as the modifier on the mechanical, thermal, and thermo‐mechanical properties of clay/epoxy composites
Authors: Basturk Suat Bahar
Published: September 2021

In this study, bentonite clay/epoxy composites were simply and successfully produced via conventional casting method for 0.5, 1, and 2 wt% filler content. Previously modified clay (surfactant and silane agent applied) was treated with methyl orange (MO) and its effects on composites were investigated in terms of crystallographic, thermal, thermo‐mechanical, morphologic, and topographic aspects as well as quasi‐static characteristics. According to XRD graphs, MO presence led to the increase of interlayer distance and resulted in partial intercalation for modified clay (MC) based mixture, while an opposite case was seen in neat clay (NC) blend. The 2 wt% MO/MC loaded composite achieved the highest tensile modulus, flexural stiffness, and hardness values among all samples—increase of 14%, 40%, and 3%, respectively. Same composite system exhibited improved results for both glass transition temperature (~7%↑) and storage modulus (~35%↑), in spite of insufficient thermal characteristics. Irregular particles/tactoids were present in the fracture images, which probably promoted the stress concentration and caused the reduction of strength parameter for all composites. Furthermore, independent of clay type (MC or NC) whole structures showed similar surface roughness values but different topographic textures in terms of surface profiles.
Biodiversity on sale: The shark meat market threatens elasmobranchs in Brazil
Authors: Merten Cruz Marcelo , Szynwelski Bruna Elenara , Ochotorena de Freitas Thales R.
Published: September 2021

Elasmobranchs are apex predators that play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by regulating the dynamics of food webs, as well as connecting different trophic levels across habitats.

The large‐scale removal of elasmobranchs impacts the energy transfer in trophic interactions. The pressure of unsustainable fisheries is considerable, as most elasmobranchs have reproductive strategies that render them unable to recover their demographic status after depletion.

In Brazil, elasmobranchs are broadly commercialized under the generalist common name of ‘cação’ (namely, shark meat). This allows threatened species to be commercialized and makes the tracking of different species difficult.

DNA barcoding of the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene was applied to identify the different species sold as ‘cação’ along the coastline of Brazil. Fifty‐seven samples from 33 cities in 15 coastal states of Brazil were purchased and analysed.

Bioinformatic analyses revealed the presence of 17 species that were sold as ‘cação’. Among them, Prionace glauca (blue shark) was the most abundant. Other species, listed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, were also uncovered as being in the shark meat trade, such as Sphyrna lewini (scalloped hammerhead), Isurus paucus (longfin mako shark), and Squatina guggenheim (angular angel shark).

These findings have reinforced the necessity to correctly label the commercialized species. Public actions towards species‐specific management plans must be applied, as well as monitoring the supervised allied educational programmes.
Phylogeography and demographic inference of the endangered sei whale, with implications for conservation
Authors: Pérez‐Álvarez María José , Rodríguez Francisca , Kraft Sebastián , Segovia Nicolás , Olavarría Carlos , Baker C. Scott , Steel Debbie , Funahashi Naoko , Häussermann Verena , Ulloa Mauricio , Naretto Camilo , Poulin Elie
Published: September 2021

The sei whale (Balaenopteraborealis) presents a disjointed geographic distribution. Significant genetic divergence between sei whales from the North Atlantic (NA) and North Pacific (NP) have been recorded; however, limited samples from the Southern Hemisphere (SH) have precluded a global analysis.

The largest recorded mass mortality event occurred in Golfo de Penas, southern Chile, providing a primary source of SH samples. A global mitochondrial DNA phylogeographic study was undertaken including 111 SH samples (98 from Golfo de Penas), and new sequences from the NP.

A marked phylogeographic structure was observed between the three ocean basins' populations, with the highest ΦSTvalues between NA–NP and NA–SH, and a lower but still significant value between SH–NP. This structure, and the haplotype distribution pattern, suggest a more recent separation between SH–NP and an absence of recurrent gene flow among all three populations. Only one potential migratory event was detected from SH to NA.

These results support an ongoing phylogeographic differentiation between all populations, highlighting the identity of each and the importance of independent management. Therefore, each population should represent a separate management unit, which is important in the development of conservation strategies.

Demographic analyses detected a recent reduction of population size in the SH and NA, but not in the NP. For all populations, estimated effective population sizes were higher than estimated census sizes. This suggests that most of the genetic diversity of pre‐whaling populations is still retained; however, continued reduction in population sizes could lead to future loss of genetic diversity.

This study highlights the necessity of local protection and systematic monitoring of the Golfo de Penas sei whale population. In such a remote area the use of remote sensing techniques could be a cost‐effective option for evaluating the threat, periodicity and magnitude of mortalities and their effect on the local whale population. The integration of genetic and demographic approaches improves the understanding of the dynamics of populations, which is particularly useful in endangered species.
The Dogs of Remote Oceania: an archaeological and ethnohistorical view of domestic dog introduction and loss in the South Pacific
Authors: Cramb Justin
Published: September 2021

Domestic dogs were transported by voyagers to the islands of Remote Oceania. However, the distribution of these, and other domesticates, varies by location. By the time of European contact, dogs were extirpated from many islands, but the cause of their disappearance remains unknown. Archaeological reports and ethnohistoric text analysed for 35 islands and island groups in Remote Oceania reveal regional patterns of dog introduction and loss that shed light on their disappearance. The findings of this survey indicate that people introduced dogs to most island groups in Remote Oceania and that pre‐European extirpation rates were high. The highest localized extinction rates occurred on low islands suggesting that low‐island vulnerabilities and spatial constraints on population size affect survivorship. The dogs of Remote Oceania have a complex history in which introduction to new islands was common, but long‐term persistence was difficult.
Semi‐conductive, Switchable Dielectric and Photoluminescent Properties of Two High‐Temperature Phase Transition Hybrids
Authors: Ying Tingting , Li Yukong , Song Ning , Tan Yuhui , Tang Yunzhi , Zhuang Jiachang , Zhang Hao , Wang Lijuan
Published: September 2021

Bistable switches (electrical switching between “ON” and “OFF” bistable states) have gradually developed into an ideal category of highly intelligent materials, due to their significant applications in optical technology, signal processors, data storage and other switchable media applications in the field of electrical devices. Here, we successfully designed and synthesized [(FC6H4C2H4NH3)2MCl4]n(FC6H4C2H4NH3+)=deprotonated 4‐fluoro‐ phenethylamine; M=Cd (1), Mn (2)), which realized the coupling of thermo‐dielectric switching characteristics, semi‐conductor characteristics and photo‐luminescent properties. DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) and dielectric measurements show that 1 is a sensitive dielectric bistable switch between the high dielectric (ON) and low dielectric (OFF) states. The temperature‐variable single crystal structure shows that the both 1 and 2 undergo a high‐temperature reversible phase transition around 383 K/380 K, which is caused by the order‐disordered transformation of organic cations and the slight distortion of the inorganic framework. In particular, 1 shows outstanding switchable dielectric behavior and semiconducting properties. Further, 1 and 2 emit strong green and yellow luminescence at 527 and 595 nm, respectively.
Robust simultaneous stabilization of multiple n‐degree‐of‐freedom robot systems
Authors: Zhang Haiying , Yang Renming
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the robust simultaneous stabilization problem of multiple n‐degree‐of‐freedom (n‐DOF) robot systems is studied by using Hamiltonian function method, and the corresponding L2 interference suppression controller is designed. First, we investigate the general simultaneous stabilization of the multiple n‐DOF robot systems without external disturbance. On this basis, we further study the robust simultaneous stabilization control problem for multiple n‐DOF robot systems with external disturbance and design a simultaneous stabilization controller. Finally, the simulation results show that the simultaneous stabilization controller designed for the paper is very effective in stabilizing multiple robot systems at the same time.
An aptasensor for the detection of Pb2+ based on photoinduced electron transfer between a G‐quadruplex–hemin complex and a fluorophore
Authors: Wang Ya , Ye Tai , Yuan Min , Cao Hui , Yu Jingsong , Yin Fengqin , Wu Xiuxiu , Hao Liling , Xu Fei
Published: September 2021

Due to the threat to health of heavy metal contamination, simple and rapid detection methods for heavy metals are an urgent needed in environment protection and food safety. In this work, we have developed a fluorescent aptasensor for the ‘turn‐off’ model detection of Pb2+. The key feature of the aptasensor is that the dye‐labelled nucleic acid strand can be folded into a G‐quadruplex structure in the presence of Pb2+. This conformational change induces photoinduced electron transfer (PET) between a G‐quadruplex–hemin complex and 6‐carboxyrhodamine X (ROX), which results in fluorescence quenching of ROX. We systematically investigated the interaction mechanism between Pb2+ and the aptasensor and the effects of several environmental parameters were also studied. Under the optimum conditions, the proposed method exhibited a good liner relationship between the concentration of Pb2+ and fluorescence quenching efficiency in the range 25–500 nM and the limit of detection was 1.02 nM. In addition, this method also manifested good performance in spiked lettuce samples with satisfactory recoveries of 87.10–109.6%. This target‐induced PET platform can be further expanded to other heavy metal analysis.
Solvent effect ofD2Oon the thermochromic sensitivity of polydiacetylene vesicle systems
Authors: Shin Min Jae
Published: September 2021

The solvent effect of D2O on the thermochromic sensitivity of a polydiacetylene (PDA) vesicle system was characterized and estimated numerically in this study. Three types of diacetylene compounds (10,12‐pentacosadiynoic acid,N‐[2‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)ethyl]pentacosa‐10,12‐diynamide, andN‐(4‐aminophenyl)pentacosa‐10,12‐diynamide) were used to form the vesicle solution by sonication in H2O and D2O. This was followed by polymerization using UV irradiation to form a PDA vesicle system. The solvent effect of D2O on the physical properties of the PDA vesicles was estimated. The physical properties investigated herein were PDA vesicle size, critical vesicle concentration, and thermochromic change rate. The thermochromic change rate was measured using the relative degree of blue color (RBC), which was obtained from the UV spectrum data. The rate constants (kHand kD) of the thermochromic change were measured by plotting RBC against temperature. The solvent effect of D2O was estimated via the ratio kD/kH. Finally, the solvent effect of D2O on three physical properties of the PDA vesicles (vesicle size, critical vesicle concentration, and thermochromic change rate) was characterized numerically.
Nuclear magnetic relaxation studies of BH4 in metal Borohydrides
Authors: Kim Chul , Ku Jessie , Hwang Son‐Jong , Bowman Robert C. , Reiter Joseph W.
Published: September 2021

A different approach of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation of the rotational motion of BH4 tetrahedron in light metal borohydrides was introduced. Previous NMR relaxation studies were mainly performed using an approximation which is based on a single exponential transition approach for the spin–lattice relaxation of the spin under quadrupolar interaction. In this new approach, a relaxation rate equation was derived by strictly taking into account both electric quadrupolar and magnetic dipolar contributions to the transitions between Zeeman energy states of quadrupolar 11B nucleus that was coupled to many proton spins. Two exponential relaxation times derived from our theoretical treatment were applied to the analysis of 11B spin–lattice relaxation of LiBH4 and Ca(BH4)2. The activation energies and the correlation times of the reorientational motions of BH4 were evaluated from the two experimental spin–lattice relaxation times. The results were compared to previous activation energies and correlation times.
Phosphoproteomic profiling of the hippocampus of offspring rats exposed to prenatal stress
Authors: Li Qinghong , Cai Dongge , Huang Huimei , Zhang Huiping , Bai Ruimiao , Zhao Xiaolin , Sun Hongli , Qin Pei
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Prenatal stress (PS) can cause depression in offspring. However, the underlying biological mechanism of these influences is still unclear. This work was implemented to investigate the molecular mechanisms of depressive‐like behavior of offspring rats insulted with PS.

Methods

Relative quantitative phosphoproteomics of the hippocampus of PS susceptibility (PS‐S) and control (CON) rat offspring was performed using  liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry to confirm known pathways and to identify new mechanisms involved in depression.

Results

A total of 6790 phosphopeptides, 9817 phosphorylation sites, and 2978 phosphoproteins were detected. Among the 2978 phosphoproteins, 1760 (59.09%) had more than two phosphorylated sites, the ENSRNOP00000023460 protein had more than 117 phosphorylated sites, and the average distribution of modification sites per 100 amino acids was 2.97. There were 197 different phosphopeptides, including 140 increased phosphopeptides and 57 decreased phosphopeptides in the PS‐S offspring rats, compared to the CON offspring rats. These differential phosphopeptides corresponded to 100 upregulated and 44 downregulated phosphoproteins, respectively. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that these different phosphoproteins in the top five enriched terms in the cellular component, molecular function, and biological proces categories were involved in a total of 35 different phosphoproteins, and these phosphoproteins were mainly related to myelin‐, microtubule‐ and synapse‐associated proteins. The enrichment of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathways was found to be involved in many essential biological pathways, and the top five pathways included amphetamine addiction, insulin secretion, Cushing syndrome, and the circadian entrainment signaling pathway. These first five pathways were related to nine phosphoproteins, including Adcy9, Apc, Cacna1c, Camk2a, Camk2b, Camk2g, Ctnnd2, Grin2a, and Stx1a. The full data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD019117.

Conclusion

We preliminarily identified 144 different phosphoproteins involved in myelin, microtubule, and synapse formation and plasticity in the hippocampus of susceptible offspring rats exposed to PS.
Dynamic causal modeling of the working memory system of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients: Searching for targets for cortical intervention
Authors: Sun Jie , Zhao Nan , Liu Jun , Wang Ze‐yi , Su Ping , Li Jun‐yan
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), caused by rupture of an intracranial aneurysm and bleeding into the subarachnoid space, is a life‐threatening cerebrovascular disease. Because of improvements in clinical interventions, the mortality rate of aSAH is gradually decreasing. Thus, many survivors recover from aSAH but still have sequelae. Working memory (WM) deficit is one of the most common and severe sequelae after aSAH. Interestingly, the severity of WM deficit is not identical to the extent or localization of brain damage, which implies an underlying mechanism of WM deficit other than direct hemorrhagic brain damage. Previous studies have revealed altered neural activity of several brain regions during stimulus tasks. However, the behaviors and functional organization of these corresponding areas in the resting state remain unclear. Insights into the organization of the WM network could reveal novel information about the mechanism of WM deficits, which will be of great value in developing new therapeutic strategies.

Methods

In this study, we recruited 50 aSAH patients consisting of survivors with either impaired or intact WM (two groups). Independent component analysis was performed on resting state data to extract the WM network. Dynamic causal modeling was then performed to assess the intrinsic coupling between key regions of the WM network. A model describing the neural activity and functional organization of the WM network was established, although some connections were not consistent in the resting state.

Results

We found that effective connectivity of the precuneus (PCUN)‐middle temporal gyrus (MTG), MTG‐PCUN, and middle frontal gyrus‐inferior parietal lobule was significantly decreased in the impaired WM group, which suggests a vital and central role of affected regions or connections and provides new targets for brain stimulation.

Conclusions

The results of this study may contribute to new therapeutic or rehabilitation strategies for aSAH patients with WM deficits.
Poor awareness of stroke educational tools among older adults in China
Authors: Ling Ling , Li Zhongcheng , Yao Sichen , Liu Xiaochuan , Zhao Jing
Published: September 2021

Background

Stroke 1‐2‐0 and FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) are two popular stroke educational tools that have been used in many stroke promotion campaigns. However, few researchers have investigated awareness of these tools among older adults in communities.

Methods

This study was a cross‐sectional survey of community‐living older adults. Two family physicians conducted face‐to‐face interviews with older adults living in Minhang district, Shanghai, between October 1, 2020 and November 31, 2020. The survey comprised three parts: basic information, prior medical history, and stroke awareness knowledge. We focused on the awareness of FAST and Stroke 1‐2‐0 and investigated factors associated with awareness of these stroke educational tools.

Results

The sample of this study was 466 older adults. Their mean age was 73.45 years. Male respondents accounted for 46.14% of the total sample. More than half of the older adults surveyed had an educational background of less than 6 years. Over 90% of the older adults surveyed had never heard about Stroke 1‐2‐0 or FAST. The awareness rate of Stroke 1‐2‐0 and FAST was 7.94%, with awareness of Stroke 1‐2‐0 being higher than that of FAST (6.01% vs. 0.43%, p < .05). None of the respondents who had heard about the two stroke educational tools could explain the utility of either tool fully. Having a background in higher education was associated with awareness of stroke educational tools independently, with an odds ratio (OR) of 10.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) of 3.7–27.4, p < .001. In addition, Wechat (OR 6.57, 95%CI 2.65–16.27, p < .001) and the community bulletin board (OR 2.95, 95%CI 1.37–6.33, p = .005) were found to be important sources for acquiring knowledge of stroke awareness tools.

Conclusion

The limited awareness of Stroke 1‐2‐0 and FAST displayed among older adults in the community indicates that we must take action to improve education on stroke among the elderly.
The effect of systemic antidepressant treatments in early stage on neurocognitive function of euthymic bipolar patients initiated with a depressive onset: An observational, cross‐sectional, single‐blind study protocol
Authors: Yang Huizeng , Liu Yuanyuan , Yang Chenghao , Lin Xiaoling
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) have a wide range of neurocognitive dysfunction even in euthymic state, leading to impaired psychosocial function and reduced quality of life. However, the understanding on risk factors related to neurocognitive impairment in such group of people is limited. In view of significantly delayed diagnosis of BD and common use of antidepressants prior to the BD diagnosis, the study aims to clarify whether systemic antidepressant use in early stage, defined as from the initial depressive episode to the diagnosis of BD, could impact neurocognitive function of euthymic bipolar patients.

Methods

It is an observational, cross‐sectional, single‐blind trial, making a comparison in neurocognitive function between euthymic bipolar patients who had a depressive episode as initial onset and being with and without systemic antidepressant treatments in early stage (n = 62 and 62, respectively); secondary outcomes include the impact of systemic antidepressant use on global function, quality of life, sleep quality, positive and negative affect, and peripheral level of neuron‐specific enolase.

Discussion

The study will provide a comprehensive and in‐depth understanding on the effect of systemic antidepressant treatments in early stage in such group of patients. It is expected to better guide the related prevention and treatment work of BD management.

Trial Registration

The study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov with protocol ID (TJAH2020‐18) and clinicaltrials.gov ID (NCT04564573).
Factors predicting improved compliance towards colonoscopy in individuals with positive faecal immunochemical test (FIT)
Authors: Lim Tian‐Zhi , Lau Jerrald , Wong Gretel Jianlin , Tan Lavine Yen‐Ting , Chang Yu‐Jing , Natarajan Karthiga , Yi Huso , Wong Mee‐Lian , Tan Ker‐Kan
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Follow‐up colonoscopy after a positive faecal immunochemical test (FIT) in any colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programme is integral. However, many individuals who had a positive FIT declined colonoscopy subsequently. This study aims to uncover the predictors on completion of colonoscopy using the Health Belief Model (HBM) between individuals who complete and those who did not after a positive FIT.

Methods

A mixed‐method study comprising qualitative semi‐structured interviews followed by a locally validated questionnaire in Singapore was prospectively administered via telephone interview to average risk individuals with positive FIT results from a cohort of the national FIT screening database referred for follow‐up colonoscopic evaluation.

Results

A total of 394 individuals, with a median age of 66 years (range, 46–89 years), were recruited. Fifty percent completed follow‐up colonoscopic evaluation and formed the “doers” group. All participants demonstrated high knowledge of symptoms of CRC and awareness and qualitative responses were aligned to the various HBM domains. Using multi‐variable analysis, doers felt that medical recommendations (odds ratio [OR], 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–4.63, p = 0.01) and mainstream media publicity (OR, 2.16, 95% CI: 1.09–4.26, p = 0.026) were important. Non‐doers showed positive association with perceived barriers such as cost (OR, 2.15, 95% CI: 1.10–4.20, p = 0.026) and inconvenience (OR, 3.44, 95% CI: 1.50–7.89, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Identified factors such as tackling perceived barriers, public health education and active promotion by medical physicians, family and friends could help guide subsequent interventions to improve compliance of individuals with positive FIT to undergo follow‐up colonoscopy.
Counselling, psychotherapy and training the football elite
Authors: Twizell Oliver , Hanley Terry
Published: September 2021

Counselling and psychotherapy are not common professions that are considered alongside the work of sporting institutions, such as football academies. This paper therefore provides a brief reflection upon the existing research considering the way that such institutions currently engage with the mental health and well‐being of those that they support. In doing so, the world of elite sport engagement is considered before focusing more specifically upon research that has explored how football academies make use of psychological theory and therapy. This paper concludes that counselling and psychotherapy have an important role to play in supporting those at all stages of their football careers. However, delineation with clear roles and boundaries from other professions, such as sport psychology, proves vitally important, and further systematic exploration of this growing area of work is needed.
Child Abuse and Neglect and the Burden of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Families: A Series of Cases Consulted at the German Medical Child Protection Hotline
Authors: Heimann Tobias , Berthold Oliver , Clemens Vera , Witt Andreas , Fegert Jörg M.
Published: September 2021

Key Practitioner Messages

Increased stress and decreased resources during a lockdown and social distancing can augment the risk for child abuse and neglect during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Health practitioners should continue to be prepared for potentially rising numbers of cases of child abuse and neglect.

Child protection services and mental health care should be considered essential and be available for adults and children at all times.
Azaphilones and Meroterpenoids from the Soft Coral‐Derived Fungus Penicillium glabrum glmu003
Authors: Zhang Han , Lei Xin‐Xin , Shao Surun , Zhou Xuefeng , Li Yunqiu , Yang Bin
Published: September 2021

Two new azaphilone compounds, daldinins G (1) and H (2), together with nine known compounds daldinin D (3), sargassopenilline B (4), austalide V (5), austalide K (6), austalide P (7), austalide P acid (8), austalide H (9), 13‐O‐deacetyaustalide I (10), and 17‐O‐demethylaustalide B (11), were isolated from the soft coral‐derived fungus Penicillium glabrum glmu003. The new structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR, mass spectra, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data analysis. Compound 5 showed weak inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase (PL) with IC50 value of 23.9 μg/mL.
Experimental Perspectives on Direct Visualization of Endosomal Rupture
Authors: Day Rachael A. , Sletten Ellen M.
Published: September 2021

Endosomal escape continues to be a limiting factor in the therapeutic use of nanomaterials. Assays to visualize endosomal escape often do not decouple the endosomal/lysosomal disruption from the release of payload into the cytosol. Here, we discuss three approaches to directly probe endosomal/lysosomal rupture: calcein dye dilution, lysosome size quantification and endosome/lysosome membrane integrity visualized with a genetically engineered cell line. We apply the three assays to endosomes/lysosomes ruptured via osmotic pressure and photochemical internalization.
Mutagenesis of Catalytic Nucleophile of β‐Galactosidase Retains Residual Hydrolytic Activity and Affords a Transgalactosidase
Authors: Hovorková Michaela , Kulik Natalia , Konvalinková Dorota , Petrásková Lucie , Křen Vladimír , Bojarová Pavla
Published: September 2021

Glycosidases that cleave oligosaccharides can also synthesize the glycosidic bond. Site‐directed mutagenesis of the catalytic nucleophile commonly abolishes their hydrolytic activity, affording glycosynthases that use glycosyl fluorides as substrates. Here, the synthetic ability of β‐galactosidase from Bacillus circulans isoform A (BgaD‐A; EC 3.2.1.23, GH2) was investigated by site‐directed mutagenesis. The cold‐shock expression ensured selective induction and correct folding. Three mutants were constructed at the active‐site catalytic nucleophile E532 as putative glycosynthases. However, none of the mutants could process α‐galactosyl fluoride as a galactosyl donor. With only negligible hydrolytic activity, two mutants selectively synthesized azido‐functionalized N‐acetyllactosamine using the p‐nitrophenyl β‐d‐galactoside as a galactosyl donor. Thus, they behaved as transglycosidases. This study demonstrates that substitution at the catalytic nucleophile for the assembly of glycosynthases is not unrestrictedly versatile and that the effect of mutagenesis on synthetic abilities depends on the relative orientations of amino acids in the enzyme active site.
Stable CAAC‐based Ruthenium Complexes for Dynamic Olefin Metathesis Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Kravchenko Alexander , Timmer Brian J. J. , Inge A. Ken , Biedermann Maurice , Ramström Olof
Published: September 2021

A series of olefin metathesis catalysts bearing cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) ligands of varying size and steric demand has been synthesized and evaluated in ring‐closing‐, self‐, and cross‐metathesis reactions at room temperature. The catalysts were also probed for potential applications in dynamic covalent chemistry. The majority of the catalysts showed high stability, and remained active in the reaction mixtures for several days, including in methanol‐based solutions. Higher temperatures could be used to control the reactivity towards sterically challenging substrates, enabling formation of tetrasubstituted olefins. The CAAC complexes exhibited remarkable functional group tolerance towards heteroaromatic and nucleophilic additives, making them potentially useful in the screening of biologically active compounds.