bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ARID2, a rare cause of Coffin‐Siris syndrome: A novel microdeletion at 12q12q13.11 causing severe short stature and literature review
Authors: Xia Dan , Deng Shuyun , Gao Chenchen , Li Xiaojuan , Zhang Lina , Xiao Xiaoqin , Peng Xiaofang , Zhang Jieming , He Zhanwen , Meng Zhe , Liu Zulin , Ouyang Nengtai , Liang Liyang
Published: February 2023

Coffin–Siris syndrome (CSS) 6 is caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the AT‐rich interaction domain 2 (ARID2) gene on 12q12. Currently, only 26 cases with both detailed clinical and genetic information have been documented in the literature. Microdeletions of the entire ARID2 gene are rare. In this study, we report a 5‐year‐7‐month‐old Chinese female who underwent whole‐exome sequencing to discover that she had a de novo 1.563 Mb heterozygous copy number loss at 12q12q13.11, involving an entire deletion of ARID2. The female had severe short stature with obvious dysmorphic facial features, global developmental delay and hypoplastic fingers and toes. Her growth hormone level was normal, with reduced IGF‐1 and increased CA19‐9 levels. After a review of the 27 patients with ARID2 deficiency, a significant positive correlation was observed between age and height standard deviation score (SDS) (r = 0.71, p = 0.0002), suggesting a possibility of growth catch‐up. This study expands the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of CCS6 and provides a decision‐making reference for growth hormone therapy.
Eighth case of Li‐Campeau syndrome in a Turkish patient caused by a novel pathogenic variant in UBR7 and expanding the phenotype
Authors: Edizadeh Masoud , Kaymakcalan Hande , Valilou Saeed Farajzadeh , Şahin Yavuz
Published: February 2023

Li‐Campeau syndrome (LICAS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, genital anomalies, congenital heart defects, and dysmorphic features. LICAS is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the UBR7 gene, acting as an E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase. Using exome sequencing (ES), we identified a homozygous novel pathogenic splice site variation c.1185+1G>C in UBR7 in a 32‐month‐old male from a nonconsanguineous Turkish family with clinical features of LICAS. Sanger sequencing revealed the heterozygous state of parents for this variant and confirmed the co‐segregation study. The variant may lead to the loss of function of UBR7 and is in a highly conserved residue. Bioinformatic prediction analysis using in silico algorithms supports the pathogenic effect of the splice site variant in the UBR7.
Risk of new‐onset and prevalent disease in chronic rhinosinusitis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Hirsch Annemarie G. , Schwartz Brian S. , Nordberg Cara , Tan Bruce K. , Schleimer Robert P. , Kern Robert C. , Peters Anju T. , Bandeen‐Roche Karen , Lehmann Ashton E.
Published: February 2023

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is accompanied by burdensome comorbid conditions. Understanding the relative timing of the onset of these conditions could inform disease prevention, detection, and management.

Objective

To evaluate the association between CRS and new‐onset and prevalent asthma, noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study among primary care patients using a detailed medical and symptom questionnaire in 2014 and again in 2020. We used questionnaire and electronic health record (EHR) data to determine CRS status: CRSSE (moderate to severe symptoms with EHR evidence), CRSE (limited symptoms with EHR evidence), CRSS (moderate to severe symptoms without EHR evidence), CRSneg (limited symptoms and no EHR evidence; reference). We evaluated the association between CRS status and new‐onset and prevalent disease using logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

There were 7847 and 4445 respondents to the 2014 and 2020 questionnaires, respectively. CRSSE (vs CRSneg) was associated with increased odds of new‐onset asthma (OR, 1.74 [CI, 1.09–2.77), NCFBE (OR, 1.87 [CI, 1.12–3.13]), COPD (OR, 1.73 [CI, 1.14–2.68]), GERD (OR, 1.95 [CI, 1.61–2.35]), and OSA (OR, 1.91 [CI, 1.39–2.62]). Similarly, increased odds were observed for associations with the prevalence of these conditions.

Conclusion

The findings from the study support further exploration of CRS as a target for the prevention and detection of asthma, NCFBE, COPD, GERD, and OSA.
EEG lexicality effect predicts clinical outcome in disorders of consciousness
Authors: Ben Salah Amina , Marois Clémence , Sangare Aude , Valente Mélanie , Sitt Jacobo , Rohaut Benjamin , Naccache Lionel
Published: February 2023

This study aimed at probing covert language processing in patients with disorders of consciousness. An auditory paradigm contrasting words to pronounceable pseudowords was designed, while recording bedside electroencephalogram and computing the two main correlates of lexicality: N400 and late positive component (LPC). Healthy volunteers and 19 patients, 10 in a minimally conscious state and 9 in a vegetative state (also coined unresponsive wakefulness syndrome), were recorded. N400 was present in all groups, whereas LPC was only present in the healthy volunteers and minimally conscious state groups. At the individual level, an unprecedented detection rate of N400 and LPC was reached, and LPC predicted overt cognitive improvement at 6 months. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:762–767
Urology boot camp for medical students: Using virtual technology to enhance undergraduate education
Authors: Fonseka Thomas , Henry Mei‐Ling , Ellerington Clare , Gowda Arjun , Ellis Ricky
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The study aims to describe the methodology of converting the urology boot camp for medical students into a virtual course with key take home points for a successful conversion and to present quantitative and qualitative data demonstrating the impact of the boot camp on improving delegates' knowledge and clinical acumen.

Materials and methods

The face‐to‐face boot camp was converted to a virtual format employing a variety of techniques including; utilizing an online platform to deliver live screened lectures, using online polling software to foster an interactive learning environment and displaying pre‐recorded videos to teach practical skills. Validated Multiple Choice Questionnaires (MCQs) were used prior to and after the course. This enabled the assessment of delegates' knowledge of urology according to the national undergraduate curriculum, and paired t tests were used to quantify the level of improvement. Thematic analysis was carried out on post‐course delegate feedback to identify highlights of the course and ways of improving future iterations.

Results

In total, 131 delegates took part in the pilot virtual course. Of these, 105 delegates completed the pre‐ and post‐course MCQs. There was a statistically significant improvement in the assessment following the course (p = <0.001) with mean score increasing from 47.5% pre‐course to 65.8% post‐course. All delegates who attended the most recent implementation of the virtual course (n = 31) felt it improved their knowledge and confidence in urology. Twenty delegates (64.5%) felt that it prepared them for both final year medical school examinations and working as a foundation year doctor. Positive themes in feedback were identified, which included the interactive nature of the course, the quality of teaching, the level and content of information provided and the high yield, concise organization of the teaching schedule.

Conclusion

Using virtual technology and innovative educational frameworks, we have demonstrated the successful conversion of the urology boot camp for medical students to a virtual format. At a national level, with support from the British Association of Urological Surgeons, the face‐to‐face component of the course will continue to run in parallel with the virtual course with the aim of standardizing and improving UK undergraduate urological education. The virtual course has been implemented on an international scale, and this has already shown promising results.
Trends in prevalence of gastroschisis in Brazil from 2007 to 2020: A national population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Regadas Claudia Tavares , Escosteguy Claudia Caminha , Fonseca Sandra Costa , Pinheiro Rejane Sobrino , Coeli Claudia Medina
Published: February 2023

Background

Gastroschisis is a congenital abnormality of the abdominal wall which worldwide prevalence is increasing with time. Up to now, young maternal age is the main factor associated with gastroschisis. Brazil has a great proportion of adolescent mothers.

Objectives

To estimate prevalence of gastroschisis in Brazil, explore the effect of very young maternal age, and analyze regional distribution and time trends.

Methods

Cross‐sectional population‐based study using data from official national information systems from 2007 to 2020, covering 9,831 gastroschisis cases. Low maternal age was assessed as risk factor through odds ratio. Prevalence time trends by maternal age and geographic area were analyzed using joinpoint regression.

Results

Overall prevalence of gastroschisis in Brazil was 2.47 per 10,000 births. From first to last biennium, there was a 23% relative increase. Last biennium prevalence was higher in the Central‐west region and lower in the Northeast.

Compared to mothers of 20–34 years old (YO), the odds‐ratio for prevalence and 95% confidence intervals for gastroschisis were, as follows: (a) 10–14 YO—4.9 (4.3,5.5); (b) 15–19 YO—3.6 (3.5,3.8); and (c) 35–49 YO—0.3 (95% CI 0.3, 0.4).

Conclusions

Prevalence of gastroschisis in Brazil relatively increased 23% from 2007 to 2020. This happened in all maternal age groups. Differences between regions may be associated to data quality. Young mothers had a higher prevalence of gastroschisis and still higher for those under 15 YO. Mother age over 34 YO was a protective factor.
Green micelle and complex inclusion enhance synchronous spectrofluorimetric quantification of a novel analgesic combination: Tramadol and celecoxib in tablet dosage form and spiked human plasma
Authors: Bahgat Eman A. , Hashem Hisham , Saleh Hanaa , Kamel Ebraam B. , Eissa Maya S.
Published: February 2023

This work offers for the first time an optimized, highly sensitive, simple, and accurate synchronized spectrofluorimetric technique for the simultaneous measurement of tramadol and celecoxib in powder form, their combined multimodal tablet, and finally spiked human plasma samples. Tramadol and celecoxib were recently released as a new drug combination to alleviate intense, sudden pain when other pain medications had failed. The technique entailed taking measurements of the fluorescence amplitudes of the synchronized spectra at Δλ = 100 nm. Excitation was made at 220 nm and 264 nm, whereas the emission points were 282 nm and 368 nm for tramadol and celecoxib, respectively. This technique offers linearity of 40–400 ng/ml and 100–2000 ng/ml for tramadol and celecoxib, respectively. Complex formation between the cited medications with the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate enhanced the fluorescence intensity and other control parameters. Tramadol and celecoxib were both determined in spiked human plasma using the current technique with marked percentage recoveries of 98.63 ± 6.30% and 99.32 ± 6.67%, respectively. Last, the research was extended to check the greenness profile of the finally optimized method and the results revealed excellent eco‐friendliness. Three greenness assessment tools were used including Eco‐scale, the Green Analytical Procedure Index tool, and the AGREE calculator. Sustainable development, economic feasibility, and environmental soundness were all considered throughout the development of the present technique. The approach was validated in accordance with the requirements provided by the International Council for Harmonization.
Analysis of supplier evaluation and selection strategies for sustainable collaboration: A combined approach of best–worst method and TOmada de Decisao Interativa Multicriterio
Authors: Govindan Kannan ,   Aditi, Kaul Arshia , Darbari Jyoti Dhingra , Jha P. C.
Published: February 2023

Sustainable collaboration between manufacturer and supplier has emerged as a crucial supply chain decision for increasing business efficiency. In this study, a theoretical framework is proposed that uses practice‐based view to analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for developing sustainable collaboration. Further, the current study proposes a novel three‐phase supplier evaluation–selection model to assess the incumbent suppliers on basis of KPIs for showcasing the applicability of theoretical framework. The model uses best–worst method (BWM) in the first phase for generating weights of KPI, adopts the TODIM approach in the second phase for evaluation of suppliers, and develops a supplier classification grid in the third phase for analyzing the impact of each selection strategy to be adopted. The novelty of the study is in evaluation of suppliers based on the KPIs with consideration of desirability as well as the potentiality metric and in consideration of the selection strategies, namely, supplier retention, supplier development, and supplier switching. A case study of India's leading home appliances company is taken to demonstrate the application of the current study. The result of BWM reveals that in terms of supplier's potentiality, “quality” emerges as a strong KPI while KPI “information disclosure” gains more importance while considering supplier's desirability towards strengthening the sustainable relationship. The TODIM grid analysis result suggests that suppliers with high performance in both metrics clearly qualify as the best suppliers and must be retained, while the suppliers performing low in both areas must be switched. For suppliers with metric values in conflict with each other, a trade‐off analysis is needed. Important research and managerial implications are drawn from the validation of the proposed framework, which can be useful for researchers and practitioners.
Hypoxia‐induced YAP activation and focal adhesion turnover to promote cell migration in mesenchymal TNBC cells
Authors: Nguyen Thi My Hang , Lai Yi‐Shyun , Chen Ying‐Chi , Lin Tzu‐Chien , Nguyen Ngoc Thang , Chiu Wen‐Tai
Published: February 2023

Background

Hypoxia is commonly characterized by malignant tumors that promote the aggressiveness and metastatic potential of cancer. Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, with approximately 46% capacity related to distant metastasis. Transcriptional factor yes‐associated protein (YAP), a core component of the Hippo pathway, is associated with poor prognosis and outcome in cancer metastasis. Here, we explored the effect of hypoxia‐mediated YAP activation and focal adhesions (FAs) turnover in mesenchymal TNBC cell migration.

Methods

We characterized the effect of hypoxia on YAP in different breast cancer cell lines using a hypoxia chamber and CoCl2.

Results

Hypoxia‐induced YAP nuclear translocation is significantly observed in normal breast epithelial cells, non‐TNBC cells, mesenchymal TNBC cells, but not in basal‐like TNBC cells. Functionally, we demonstrated that YAP activation was required for hypoxia to promote mesenchymal TNBC cell migration. Furthermore, hypoxia induced the localization of FAs at the leading edge of mesenchymal TNBC cells. In contrast, verteporfin (VP), a YAP inhibitor, significantly reduced the migration and the recruitment of nascent FAs at the cell periphery under hypoxia conditions, which only showed in mesenchymal TNBC cells.

Conclusions

Our data support the hypothesis that YAP is novel factor and positively responsible for hypoxia‐promoting mesenchymal TNBC cell migration. Our findings provide further evidence and outcomes to help prevent the progression of TNBC.
Stepwise Frontal Analysis Coupled with Affinity Chromatography: A Fast and Reliable Method for Potential Ligand Isolation and Evaluation from Mahuang‐Fuzi‐Xixin Decoction
Authors: Jin Yahui , Wang Wenwen , Zhang Zilong , Ou Yuanyuan , Quan Jia , Zhao Xinfeng
Published: February 2023

Mahuang‐Fuzi‐Xixin Decoction (MFXD) is widely used in the treatment of asthma, however, the functional components in the decoction targeting beta2‐adrenoceptor (β2‐AR) remain unclear. Herein, we immobilized the haloalkane dehalogenase (Halo)‐tagged β2‐AR on the 6‐chlorocaproic acid‐modified microspheres. Using the affinity stationary phase, the interactions of four ligands with the receptor were analyzed by stepwise frontal analysis. The association constants were (4.75±0.28)×104 M−1 for salbutamol, (2.93±0.15)×104 M−1 for terbutaline, (1.23±0.03)×104 M−1 for methoxyphenamine, (5.67±0.38)×104 M−1 for clorprenaline at high‐affinity binding site, and (2.73±0.05)×103 M−1 at low‐affinity binding site. These association constants showed the same rank order as the radioligand binding assay, demonstrating that immobilized β2‐AR had capacity to screen bioactive compounds binding to the receptor while stepwise frontal analysis could predict their binding affinities. Application of the immobilized receptor in analysis of MFXD by chromatographic method revealed that ephedrine, aconifine, karakoline, and chasmanine were the bioactive compounds targeting β2‐AR. Among them, ephedrine and chasmanine exhibited association constants of (2.94±0.02)×104 M‐1and (4.60±0.15)×104 M−1 to the receptor by stepwise frontal analysis. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that ephedrine, chasmanine, and the other two compounds interact with β2‐AR through the same pocket involving the key amino acids such as Asn312, Asp113, Phe289, Trp286, Tyr316, and Val114. As such, we reasoned that the four compounds dominate the therapeutic effect of MFXD against asthma through β2‐AR mediating pathway. This work shed light on the potential of immobilized β2‐AR for drug discovery and provided a valuable methodology for rapid screening.
Stiff person syndrome in a Nepalese man with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and ketonuria: A rare case report
Authors: Kharel Sanjeev , Ojha Rajeev , Bhandari Siddhartha , Sharma Amit , Parajuli Naresh , Karn Ragesh , Gajurel Bikram Prasad , Rajbhandari Reema , Gautam Niraj , Shrestha Ashish
Published: February 2023

Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a progressive Central Nervous System disorder is accompanied by progressive muscle rigidity, hyperreflexia, and spasms mainly in truncal and proximal leg muscles mainly associated with autoimmune disorders. Here, we report a rare case of SPS in a middle‐aged Nepalese man with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and ketonuria.
High‐fat‐diet induced obesity and diabetes mellitus in Th1 and Th2 biased mice strains: A brief overview and hypothesis
Authors: Somi Sankaran Prakash
Published: February 2023

Obesity and diabetes mellitus are common metabolic diseases prevalent worldwide. Mice are commonly used to study the pathogenesis of these two conditions. Obesity and diabetes mellitus are induced by administering a high‐fat diet in many studies although other diet‐induced models are also used. Several factors may influence the outcome of the studies done to study diet‐induced obesity in mice. The immune system plays a crucial role in the susceptibility of mice to develop obesity and metabolic disease. In this article, the reasons for differences in susceptibility to develop obesity and diabetes mellitus in mice in response to high‐fat‐diet feeding and the influence of immunological bias of the mice strain used in studies are evaluated. Mice strains that induce proinflammatory and Th1‐type immune responses are found to be susceptible to high‐fat‐diet‐induced obesity. A few studies which directly compared the effect of a high‐fat diet on obesity and diabetic phenotype in Th1‐ and Th2‐biased mice strains were briefly analyzed. Based on the observations, it is proposed that the liver and adipose tissue may respond differently to high‐fat‐diet feeding regimens in Th1‐ and Th2‐biased mice strains. For instance, in Th1‐biased mice, adipose tissue fat content was high both in the baseline as well as in response to a high‐fat diet whereas in the liver, it was found to be less. It can be inferred that the immune responses to diet‐induced models may provide insights into the pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes mellitus.
Pharmacotherapy treatment patterns at hospital discharge and clinical outcomes among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Wongsalap Yuttana , Poolpun Duangkamon , Keawhai Konrapee , Kitpluem Napusson , Pansiri Parichat , Malaimat Siriluck , Senthong Vichai , Kengkla Kirati
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aimed to assess the prescribing patterns of evidence‐based pharmacotherapy and their association with clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in Thailand.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients with HFrEF was conducted. Treatment with a β‐blocker and renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs) with or without mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) at discharge was regarded as guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT). All others were considered non‐GDMT. The primary endpoint was the composite of all‐cause mortality or heart failure (HF) rehospitalization. Inverse‐probability‐treatment‐weighted adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the treatment effects.

Results

In total, 653 patients with HFrEF (mean age 64.1 ± 14.3 years; 55.9% male) were included. GDMT with β‐blockers and RASIs with or without MRAs was prescribed at a rate of 35.4%. During a median of 1‐year follow‐up, 167 patients (27.5%) had a composite event, 81 patients (13.3%) had all‐cause mortality, and 109 patients (18.0%) had HF rehospitalization. Patients treated with GDMT at discharge showed significantly lower rates of the primary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.63; 95% CI 0.44–0.89; p = 0.009) compared with patients who did not receive GDMT. The use of GDMT was also associated with a significantly lower risk of all‐cause mortality (adjusted HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36–0.98; p = 0.045) and HF rehospitalization (adjusted HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.43–0.96; p = 0.031).

Conclusions

For HFrEF treatment, GDMT initiation at hospital discharge was associated with a significantly reduced risk of all‐cause mortality and HF rehospitalization. Nevertheless, prescribing GDMT remains underused, and it could be encouraged to improve HF outcomes in real‐world settings.
Redox Assisted Reversible Aromaticity Transition Between 30π Hückel and 28π Möbius Dication of a Core‐Modified Isophlorinoid
Authors: Shukla Pragati , Ambhore Madan D. , Anand Venkataramanarao G.
Published: February 2023

The electronic properties of a hexaphyrin was fine‐tuned via core‐modification leading to the formation of a Hückel aromatic 30π hexaphyrin which incorporates two pyrrole and four furan rings in the π‐conjugated pathway. This Hückel aromatic hexaphyrin modified its conformation upon two‐electron ring oxidation either with triflic acid or Meerwein salt [Et3O]+[SbCl6]− to yield 28π Möbius aromatic dication species. Reversible aromatic transition was established by spectroscopic techniques and further supported by quantum chemical calculations.
Selective Oxidation of Methanol to Green Oxygenates – Feasibility Study of Fixed‐Bed and Membrane Reactors
Authors: Walter Jan P. , Hamel Christof
Published: February 2023

A feasibility study of a conventional fixed‐bed reactor and a packed‐bed membrane reactor (PBMR) in distributor configuration is carried out for the selective oxidation of methanol to the oxygenates dimethoxymethane and methyl formate on a VOx/TiO2 catalyst. Kinetic experiments provided the reaction network and a reliable kinetic model of six main reactions involved. The PBMR offers significant advantages and potential for the formation of both target products due to an effective kinetic coupling of the oxidative dehydrogenation of methanol and the consecutive reaction steps to dimethoxymethane and methyl formate in a broad range of operation conditions.
Anteriolateral versus anterior–posterior electrodes in external cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Motawea Karam R. , Mostafa Mostafa R. , Aboelenein Merna , Magdi Mohamed , Fathy Hager , Swed Sarya , Belal Mohamed M. , Awad Dina M. , Elhalag Rowan H. , Talat Nesreen E. , Rozan Samah S. , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Battikh Naim , Sawaf Bisher , Albuni Mhd K. , Battikh Elias , Mohamed Gihan M. , Farwati Amr , Aiash Hani
Published: February 2023

The efficacy of anteriolateral versus anterior–posterior electrode positions in the success of atrial fibrillation's (AF) electrical cardioversion is unclear. Our aim is to perform a meta‐analysis to compare the success rate of both electrode positions. PUBMED, WOS, OVID, and SCOPUS were searched. Inclusion criteria were clinical trials that compared anterior–lateral with anterior–posterior electrodes in external cardioversion of AF. After the full‐text screening, 11 trials were included in the analysis. The total number of patients included in the study is 1845. The pooled analysis showed a statistically significant association between anterior–lateral electrode and increased cardioversion rate of AF (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.92, p = .04). Subgroup analysis revealed a statistically significant association between the anterior–lateral electrode and increased cardioversion rate of AF in subgroups of less than five shocks, patients with 60 years old or more and patients with left atrial (LA) diameter >45 mm (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.17–2.54, p = .006), (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.18–2.54, p = .005), and (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.04–3.34, p = .04), respectively. Anteriolateral electrode is more effective than anterior–posterior electrode in external cardioversion of AF, particularly in patients who have received less than 5 shocks, are 60 years old or older and have a LA diameter greater than 45 mm.
Machine learning‐based anti‐jamming technique at the physical layer
Authors: Chehimi Mahdi , Awad Mohamad Khattar , Al‐Husseini Mohammed , Chehab Ali
Published: February 2023

The reliance on wireless services to exchange critical data is associated with various threats and attacks, which must be mitigated to ensure integrity and security of those wireless services. Posing a serious challenge to wireless systems, jamming is among these attacks. In order to mitigate jamming, directive antennas are used to minimize the signals that are received from the jammer, while maximizing the received legitimate signal from the authorized transmitter. In this paper, we propose a machine learning‐based anti‐jamming framework to provide a spatially dynamic and instantaneous anti‐jamming performance that is achieved at the physical layer. The proposed framework incorporates a dataset that can be deployed in the hardware of a receiver with a massive Multiple‐Inputs Multiple‐Outputs–(MIMO) antenna. Our extensive performance evaluation results demonstrate the effective performance of the proposed framework in preserving integrity of a massive–MIMO communication system despite the presence of a hostile jammer. Particularly, due to the tabular nature of the generated dataset, tree‐based random forest models achieved the best performance with a signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio accuracy of and fast anti‐jamming response in around 1.66 s under sever jamming conditions.
Analysis of advanced generation multistage field trials data in autogamous plant breeding: An evaluation in common Bean
Authors: Santana Alice Silva , de Souza Marçal Tiago , Vicentino Salvador Felipe , de Souza Michel Henriques , da Silva Laiza Maria Bendia , da Silva Maria Beatriz Pereira , de Amorim Peixoto Marco Antônio , Carneiro Pedro Crescêncio Souza , de Souza Carneiro José Eustáquio
Published: February 2023

The performance of inbred lines in advanced endogamous generation is commonly evaluated in successive generations of testing and selection, which we defined as “multistage field trials” (MSFT). MSFT data routinely exhibit heterogeneity of (co)variances at several levels due to genetic and/or statistical imbalance. Nowadays, mixed models have been widely used to deal with unbalanced data. However, few studies on common bean have addressed the use of a mixed model approach with modeling of (co)variance structures for random effects in MSFT. Furthermore, factor analysis and genotype‐ideotype distance (FAI‐BLUP) selection index was originally proposed using best linear unbiased predictions from individual analysis. In this regard, we aimed to study the implications of modeling (co)variance structures for random effects in the estimation of genetic parameters and evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of inbred line selection by the modeled FAI‐BLUP approach. A total of five trials were evaluated from 2018 to 2020. The results revealed that the unstructured covariance matrix fitted better for grain yield, whereas the matrix with uniform correlation and heterogeneity of variances fitted better for grain aspect and plant architecture. The modeled FAI‐BLUP approach increased the values of selection accuracy and selection efficiency. Our results suggest that modeling the different structures of (co)variances and selecting the best‐performing genotypes by modeled FAI‐BLUP approach should be used in common bean assays involving unbalanced data.
Secure public administration using wireless blockchain technology with efficient routing policy
Authors: P Anitha Rajakumari , Parwekar Pritee
Published: February 2023

Current research works are majorly focused on the security importance and prevention measures in wireless sensor network (WSN). The survey of existing papers states that there are no efficient protocols for achieving secure and reliable peer authentication that ensures trust and confidentiality of the end‐users, as public administration worldwide invokes many maximized resources demanding transparency with security. Nowadays, a number of nations have started implementing smart city ideas; new technology should be used to safeguard various public administration services against corruption, intruders rendering an active part, and public transparency. By integrating blockchain (BC) technology with wireless‐based public administration process (WBPAP), the challenge of gaining trust, and eliminating corruption can be attained. Auto‐metric graph neural network (AGNN) approach is proposed for eliminating data tampering and malicious attack in the peer network. Trust, confidentiality, and integrity can be achieved using the proposed BC‐AGNN‐WBPAP‐WSN approach. The simulation of this model is activated in MATLAB, and its performance is examined using some performance metrics. Finally, the attained outcomes prove that the proposed method is the first wireless‐based public blockchain experimental method for public administration analyzed with theoretical methods.
Joint Power and Temperature Aware Routing for implant wireless body area networks
Authors: K Jasmine Mystica , J Martin Leo Manickam
Published: February 2023

In healthcare IoT, there is a vogueing need for better performing monitoring and reporting services of both medical and non‐medical applications. Off late, the solutions are stemming from wireless body area networks (WBAN). Keen, fast, and reliable management of clinical information at every level of the network opens room for researchers to work on the network level of WBAN. Being in the era of Implant Medical Devices, the challenges are versatile. Obtaining the desired throughput, combating node heating, and improvement in energy efficiency are a few challenges. Interestingly, the heterogenous nature of nodes in a WBAN thrusts the next hop selection at the intra‐WBAN level advancing into a non‐persistent hard problem. To this, we present a Joint Power and Temperature Aware Routing (JPTAR) Scheme with two elements. First is an analytic hierarchy process–based next hop selection method that accommodates, link quality, residual energy, closeness to sink, and node heating for the process. To this an imperceptibly, low computation algorithm for received signal strength indicator (RSSI) estimation‐based transmission power control is also added to ensure an optimized energy expenditure. Requisite elements of WBAN network management like QoS goals of emergency data and redundancy removal in transmissions are inherently part of the proposed work. The performance metrics like network lifetime, node temperature rise, throughput, end‐to‐end delay, and computation time are acquired under the worst‐case scenario. The obtained results depict that the proposed JPTAR scheme outperforms state‐of‐the‐art reactive multi‐hop routing algorithms (MATTEMPT and SIMPLE).
Neighborhood socioeconomic status and segregation linked to cognitive decline
Authors: Meyer Oanh L. , Besser Lilah , Tobias Michele , George Kristen M. , Gavett Brandon , Farias Sarah Tomaszewski , Bhagat Nishi , Pham My Le , Chrisphonte Stephanie , Whitmer Rachel A.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Few longitudinal studies have examined the joint impact of neighborhood segregation and neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) in cognitive decline over time.

Methods

This study included non‐Hispanic White (NHW, n = 209) and Black participants (n = 118) whose cognition was evaluated as part of an ongoing longitudinal study. Four distinct categories of segregation and NSES were evaluated for their association with cognitive outcomes (episodic memory, semantic memory, executive function, and spatial ability) using race‐specific mixed‐effects models.

Results

Compared to Black participants living in higher segregation‐lower NSES areas, Black participants living in lower segregation‐lower NSES areas or higher segregation‐higher NSES areas experienced slower decline in episodic memory over time. Compared to NHW participants living in higher segregation‐lower NSES areas, NHWs living in lower segregation‐higher NSES areas experienced faster decline in spatial ability.

Discussion

Segregation and NSES are differentially associated with cognition depending on participant race. Further research is needed to replicate study results.
Synthetic amino acids‐based short amphipathic peptides exhibit antifungal activity by targeting cell membrane disruption
Authors: Aaghaz Shams , Sharma Komal , Maurya Indresh K. , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Singh Shreya , Kumar Vinod , Tikoo Kulbhushan , Jain Rahul
Published: February 2023

Availability of a limited number of antifungal drugs created a necessity to develop new antifungals with distinct mode of action. Investigation on a new series of peptides led us to identify Boc‐His‐Trp‐His[1‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)] (10g) as the most promising inhibitor exhibiting IC50 value of 4.4 µg/mL against Cryptococcus neoformans. Analog 10g exhibit high selectivity to fungal cells and was nonhemolytic and noncytotoxic at its minimum inhibitory concentration. 10g produced fungicidal effect on growing cryptococcal cells and displayed synergistic effect with amphotericin B. Overall cationic character of 10g resulted in interaction with negatively charged fungal membrane while hydrophobicity enhanced penetration inside the cryptococcal cells causing hole(s) formation and disruption to the membrane as evident by the scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses. Flow cytometric investigation revealed rapid death of fungal cells by apopotic pathway.
“I struggle at times to see her struggle”: Mothers' perspectives on dyslexia‐related school struggles and the inter‐connected nature of mother and child well‐being
Authors: Wilmot Adrienne , Pizzey Hannah , Leitão Suze , Hasking Penelope , Boyes Mark
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Parents of children with dyslexia may be at elevated risk for parenting stress and mental health concerns. Our aim was to explore the emotional experience of growing up with dyslexia in Australia from parents' perspectives. In so doing, we also developed an understanding of parents' own mental health and support needs informed by their lived experience.

Methodology

Seventeen interviews with mothers of children (9–14 years; 16 with a diagnosis of dyslexia) were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis approach.

Analysis

Five themes were developed to address our aim: Theme 1: Years in the wilderness: Life before diagnosis; 2: “I struggle at times to see her struggle”; 3. School struggles: Advocating for our children and managing distress; 4. “It's a full‐time job” and a “long slog”; 5: Care for the carer: Social support and coping strategies.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that mothers of children with dyslexia may be at elevated risk for mental health concerns. Specifically, chronic worry and stress, secondary distress, challenges to parenting self‐efficacy, and lack of support and understanding (feeling isolated) were highlighted as plausible risk factors. Mothers described coping strategies at the community level (e.g., school connectedness) and at the individual level (e.g., “acceptance”) as protective.
Determinants of natal dispersal distances in North American birds
Authors: Chu Jonathan J. , Claramunt Santiago
Published: February 2023

Natal dispersal—the movement from birth site to first breeding site—determines demographic and population genetic dynamics and has important consequences for ecological and evolutionary processes. Recent work suggested that one of the main factors determining natal dispersal distances is the cost of locomotion. We evaluated this hypothesis using band recovery data to estimate natal dispersal distances for 50 North American bird species. We then analyzed the relationships between dispersal distances and a suite of morphological and ecological predictors, including proxies for the cost of locomotion (flight efficiency), using phylogenetic regression models. We found that flight efficiency, population size, and habitat influence natal dispersal distances. We discuss how the effects of population size and habitat can also be related to mobility and locomotion. Our findings are consistent with a predominant effect of adaptations for mobility on dispersal distances.
Geographical, temporal, and individual‐based differences in the trophic ecology of female Cape fur seals
Authors: Botha Jonathan A. , Trueman Clive N. , Kirkman Stephen P. , Arnould John P. Y. , Lombard Amanda T. , Connan Maëlle , Hofmeyr G. J. Greg , Seakamela S. Mduduzi , Pistorius Pierre A.
Published: February 2023

Information on resource use and trophic dynamics of marine predators is important for understanding their role in ecosystem functioning and predicting population‐level responses to environmental change. Where separate populations experience different local environmental conditions, geographic variability in their foraging ecology is often expected. Within populations, individuals also vary in morphology, physiology, and experience, resulting in specialization in resource use. In this context, isotopic compositions of incrementally grown tissues such as keratinous hairs offer a valuable opportunity to study long‐term variation in resource and habitat use. We investigated the trophic ecology of female Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) using carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of serially sampled whiskers collected at four breeding sites along the coast of South Africa. Drawing on over 900 isotopic measurements, we assessed geographic variability in isotopic niche width between colonies and the degree of individual specialization. We found slight, but clear geographic differences in isotopic ratios and isotopic niche widths, seemingly related to ecological setting, with niche widths being proportional to the area of available shelf and shelf‐slope habitat surrounding the colony. We further identified periodic oscillations in isotopic ratios, which likely reflect temporal patterns in foraging distribution and prey type, linked to shifts in the availability of prey resources and their interaction with constraints on individual females throughout their breeding cycle. Finally, individual specialization indices revealed that each of the study populations contain specialist individuals that utilize only a small subset of the total population niche width. The degree of individual specialization was, however, not consistent across colonies and may reflect an interactive influence between density‐dependent effects and habitat heterogeneity. Overall, this study provides important information on the trophic ecology of Cape fur seals breeding in South Africa and highlights the need to consider geographic and individual variability when assessing the foraging ecology of marine predators.
Large‐scale movement patterns in a social vulture are influenced by seasonality, sex, and breeding region
Authors: Morant Jon , Arrondo Eneko , Sánchez‐Zapata José Antonio , Donázar José Antonio , Cortés‐Avizanda Ainara , De La Riva Manuel , Blanco Guillermo , Martínez Félix , Oltra Juan , Carrete Martina , Margalida Antoni , Oliva‐Vidal Pilar , Martínez José Maria , Serrano David , Pérez‐García Juan Manuel
Published: February 2023

Quantifying space use and segregation, as well as the extrinsic and intrinsic factors affecting them, is crucial to increase our knowledge of species‐specific movement ecology and to design effective management and conservation measures. This is particularly relevant in the case of species that are highly mobile and dependent on sparse and unpredictable trophic resources, such as vultures. Here, we used the GPS‐tagged data of 127 adult Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus captured at five different breeding regions in Spain to describe the movement patterns (home‐range size and fidelity, and monthly cumulative distance). We also examined how individual sex, season, and breeding region determined the cumulative distance traveled and the size and overlap between consecutive monthly home‐ranges. Overall, Griffon Vultures exhibited very large annual home‐range sizes of 5027 ± 2123 km2, mean monthly cumulative distances of 1776 ± 1497 km, and showed a monthly home‐range fidelity of 67.8 ± 25.5%. However, individuals from northern breeding regions showed smaller home‐ranges and traveled shorter monthly distances than those from southern ones. In all cases, home‐ranges were larger in spring and summer than in winter and autumn, which could be related to difference in flying conditions and food requirements associated with reproduction. Moreover, females showed larger home‐ranges and less monthly fidelity than males, indicating that the latter tended to use the similar areas throughout the year. Overall, our results indicate that both extrinsic and intrinsic factors modulate the home‐range of the Griffon Vulture and that spatial segregation depends on sex and season at the individual level, without relevant differences between breeding regions in individual site fidelity. These results have important implications for conservation, such as identifying key threat factors necessary to improve management actions and policy decisions.
Spatiotemporal risk factors predict landscape‐scale survivorship for a northern ungulate
Authors: Eacker Daniel R. , Jakes Andrew F. , Jones Paul F.
Published: February 2023

Effective wildlife conservation requires decomposing the drivers of population dynamics for species affected by anthropogenic habitat alterations. Ungulates are often the focus of management actions to restore habitat and maintain connectivity as they are sensitive to landscape disturbances. We used Bayesian proportional hazards models to assess anthropogenic risk factors that could potentially predict landscape‐scale survivorship for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in the Northern Sagebrush Steppe ecosystem, where extensive habitat alterations occurred from the conversion of native sagebrush grasslands to agricultural lands. Using 170 adult female pronghorn monitored from 2003 to 2011, we tested the importance of linear features (road and fence densities) and forage productivity (maximum decadal normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]) for spatiotemporal pronghorn mortality risk, while accounting for a seasonally varying proxy of snow depth. We found moderate support for the effects of linear features on mortality risk as coefficient estimates translated to predicted declines in survivorship of 27.1% over the observed range of road densities (0–1.4 km/km2) and 11.8% over the range of fence densities (0–6.1 km/km2) encountered by pronghorn. Our results also suggested that agricultural areas could act as ecological traps for pronghorn, based on mortality risk increasing by a factor of 14.3% with every 0.1 increase in maximum decadal NDVI in summer (range = 0.38–0.73). Like our previous findings, we found considerable support for the effects of average depth (in centimeters) of snow water equivalent (SWE; SWE depth = snow depth × snow density/water density) within pronghorn seasonal ranges, with mortality risk increasing by 45.7% with every 1 cm increase in SWE depth (range = 0–5.37 cm). We then developed the first broadscale, spatially explicit map of predicted annual pronghorn survivorship based on anthropogenic features and environmental gradients to identify areas for conservation and habitat restoration efforts. These efforts to highlight anthropogenic risk factors on the landscape will hopefully support conservation and habitat restoration for pronghorn populations at the northern periphery of their range.
Hemin‐Promoted Direct C−H Thiolation in the Synthesis of Diaryl Sulfides
Authors: Li Bao , Wang Junrui , Tu Guangliang , Ju Guodong , Zhou Kehan , Zhao Yingsheng
Published: February 2023

Diaryl sulfides are a class of important synthetic chemical units. Herein, we report a new method for direct preparation of diphenyl sulfides using P‐toluenesulfonyl chloride as an effective thiophenyl radical precursor with assistance from Hemin. Various substituted anisoles and benzenesulfonyl chlorides are well tolerated, resulting in moderate to good yields of diaryl sulfides. The potential of the proposed method is validated by good yields obtained in gram scale reactions.