bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different plant species exhibit contrasting root traits and penetration to variation in soil bulk density of clayey red soil
Authors: He Yangbo , Wu Zhangli , Zhao Tiemin , Yang Huiyan , Ali Waqar , Chen Jiazhou
Published: December 2021

High bulk density reduces yields in almost every soil and management system worldwide. Using pioneer plants was one of the practical solutions to remediate the adverse effects from high bulk density. The objectives of this research were to investigate the effect of soil bulk density on root traits and penetration of different pioneer plants (rape [Brassica napus L. cv. Huashuang 4]; deep rape [Brassica napus L. cv. Xinan 28]; lucerne [Medicago sativa L. cv. Ladino]; vetiver [Chrysopogon zizanioides L. cv. Wild]) under controlled and field conditions. Replicated field and laboratory studies were conducted in a soil composition of high clay percentage, high oxides content, and low organic matter content. Seedling and matured root traits of four plants under contrasting bulk density in controlled study and field were analyzed. Under controlled situations, soil with a bulk density of 1.4 g cm–3 had thicker roots (higher diameter) than soil with a bulk density of 1.2 g cm–3, whereas soil with a bulk density of 1.6 g cm–3 had reduced root lengths (RL), branch number, root tip angle, and root elongation rate than soil with a bulk density of 1.4 g cm–3. Similar changes of root diameter (RD) and root length density (RLD) with bulk density also appeared in the field. Generally, the penetration ability of plant species displayed in the order of vetiver > lucerne > deep rape > rape. Vetiver showed the highest penetrating ability due to its high RD (0.7 mm in field), percentage of medium roots (20–50%) and RLD, and small root tip angle to ensure penetration through hard layers. The results demonstrated that vetiver will be an effective pioneer plant for red soil management.
Group contribution‐based LCA models to enable screening for environmentally benign novel chemicals in CAMD applications
Authors: Baxevanidis Pantelis , Papadokonstantakis Stavros , Kokossis Antonis , Marcoulaki Effie
Published: December 2021

This study considers the development of suitable models for the estimation of life cycle assessment (LCA) indices of organic chemicals. Unlike state‐of‐the‐art models, the tools developed here correlate LCA indices with the molecular composition according to the well‐established group contribution (GC) approach. The LCA indices considered here are global warming potential, cumulative energy demand, and Eco‐Indicator 99. The model development uses data from existing LCA databases, where each material is associated with its cradle‐to‐gate LCA metrics. A variety of regression and nonregression methodologies are recruited to achieve the optimum correlation. GC models can be used to screen for molecules with optimal and/or desirable properties, using appropriate molecular design synthesis algorithms. In this framework, the models developed here are linked to the design algorithm to enable the consideration of LCA features together with other properties, for the design of environmentally benign liquid–liquid extraction solvents.
The role of memory practices in building spiritual solidarity for survivors of state violence
Authors: Escobar Jenny
Published: December 2021

This article examines memory as a tool for transnational solidarity that is grounded in spiritual connection with those who have been disappeared or killed by state actors in Colombia. Remembering is one of the ways people come together to push against mechanisms of state violence that render survivors as invisible. By interviewing 15 survivors of state violence in Colombia, this study shows how memory is a life force transmitting agency while simultaneously keeping survivors’ memory alive through a network of spiritual solidarity. In this ethnographic research, I ask: How can memory, grounded in spiritual connection, be a form of transnational solidarity and a tool for healing and social justice? The findings offer a powerful definition of spiritual solidarity and show how it is done through memory practices by (1) using memory symbols in everyday actions to connect to loved ones, (2) keeping the memories of loved ones alive by “seeing” them in others and in their surroundings, (3) creating spaces for others to build a spiritual relationship with their own loved ones, and (4) making memory work life's purpose. This article concludes with a set of recommendations for how to conduct community psychology research in service of social justice movements.
Conceptual framework for the definition of preclinical and prodromal frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Benussi Alberto , Alberici Antonella , Samra Kiran , Russell Lucy L. , Greaves Caroline V. , Bocchetta Martina , Ducharme Simon , Finger Elizabeth , Fumagalli Giorgio , Galimberti Daniela , Jiskoot Lize C. , Le Ber Isabelle , Masellis Mario , Nacmias Benedetta , Rowe James B. , Sanchez‐Valle Raquel , Seelaar Harro , Synofzik Matthis ,   GENFI Consortium, Rohrer Jonathan D. , Borroni Barbara
Published: December 2021

The presymptomatic stages of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are still poorly defined and encompass a long accrual of progressive biological (preclinical) and then clinical (prodromal) changes, antedating the onset of dementia. The heterogeneity of clinical presentations and the different neuropathological phenotypes have prevented a prior clear description of either preclinical or prodromal FTD. Recent advances in therapeutic approaches, at least in monogenic disease, demand a proper definition of these predementia stages. It has become clear that a consensus lexicon is needed to comprehensively describe the stages that anticipate dementia. The goal of the present work is to review existing literature on the preclinical and prodromal phases of FTD, providing recommendations to address the unmet questions, therefore laying out a strategy for operationalizing and better characterizing these presymptomatic disease stages.
Adults with Down syndrome in randomized clinical trials targeting prevention of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Silverman Wayne , Krinsky‐McHale Sharon J. , Zigman Warren B. , Schupf Nicole ,   and the New York Aging Research Program
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Adults with Down syndrome, the largest population genetically predisposed to high risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD), are ideally suited participants for clinical trials targeting prevention. Critically important considerations for the design of such trials include appropriate selection of participants, outcome measures, and duration of follow‐up.

Methods

Archived data for 12 measures of performance over a 3‐year period were analyzed for 185 adults with Down syndrome 36 years of age and older with presumptive preclinical AD.

Results

Declines over 3 years were not observed prior to 46 years of age. However, declines were observed at older ages, increasing monotonically for groups aged 46‐49, 50‐55, and >55, as did incidence of prodromal AD and dementia.

Discussion

Significant decline over a 2‐ to 3‐year period for a prospective placebo group of adults with Down syndrome enrolled in clinical prevention trials can only be expected when inclusion is limited to adults older than 45 years of age.
Effect of cognitive impairment on risk of death in Hispanic/Latino adults over the age of 50 residing in the United States with and without diabetes: Data from the Health and Retirement Study 1995–2014
Authors: Martinez Martin , Dawson Aprill Z. , Lu Kevin , Walker Rebekah J. , Egede Leonard E.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To understand the relationship between mortality and cognitive function among older US Hispanic adults with and without diabetes.

Methods

Data from the Health and Retirement Study (1995–2014) were analyzed. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association between mortality and cognitive function. Models were stratified by diabetes.

Results

Four thousand thirteen older US Hispanic adults were included. Fully adjusted models for individuals with diabetes showed those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06, 2.45; P = .025) and dementia (HR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.25, 3.67; P = .006) had increased mortality compared to normal cognition. Fully adjusted models for individuals without diabetes showed those with MCI (HR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.28, 2.74; P = .001) and dementia (HR: 3.25; 95% CI: 1.91, 5.55; P < .001) had increased mortality compared to normal cognition.

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment is associated with increased mortality in older US Hispanic adults with and without diabetes. Clinicians should regularly assess cognitive function in this group to quickly identify declines and make appropriate referrals for support to optimize health and reduce mortality.
In situ synthesized amphiphilic polysulfone‐poly(ethylene‐glycol) block copolymer/silver nanocomposite for separating oil/water emulsion
Authors: Elgawady Yara , Ponnamma Deepalekshmi , Hassan Mohammad K. , Adham Samer , Karim Alamgir , Al‐Maadeed Mariam Al Ali
Published: December 2021

This work reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from the precursors, silver nitrate and sodium bromide, and the in situ synthesis of polysulfone (PSf)‐poly(ethylene‐glycol) (PEG) block copolymer (BCP) in the presence of developed Ag. The PSf‐PEG BCP nanocomposite containing 3 wt.% of the nanoparticles, when electrospun, is observed to be helpful in separating the oil‐in‐water emulsion. Mechanical properties such as dynamic mechanical strength and tensile strength measurements and high thermal degradation temperature (~6°C) illustrate the reinforcing effect of the Ag nanoparticles. The presence of Ag influences the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the BCP and its elasticity due to its well distribution in the BCP during the in situ synthesis of nanocomposite. Electrospun fiber mat of the in situ synthesized PSf‐PEG/Ag nanocomposite shows improved wettability as evident from the respective aqueous contact angle values of 80.66° ± 1.3, 85.70° ± 2.0, and 101.50° ± 1.0 for PSf‐PEG/Ag, PSf‐PEG, and neat PSf. The combination of PEG to PSf has increased the overall polymer reinforcement effect, and this property along with the antimicrobial activity (inhibited growth of Staphylococcus aureus) of Ag nanoparticles are applied in developing bio‐fouling resistant BCP nanocomposite fibers for oil/water emulsion separation.
Novel lignin as natural‐biodegradable binder for various sectors—A review
Authors: Mili Medha , Hashmi Sayed Azhar Rasheed , Ather Madeeha , Hada Vaishnavi , Markandeya Nishant , Kamble Sanjay , Mohapatra Mamata , Rathore Sanjai Kumar Singh , Srivastava Avanish Kumar , Verma Sarika
Published: December 2021

Lignin functions as an essential polymer in plants that forms the plant body's structural framework. The natural glue holds the cellulosic fibers together in the plant body, thereby providing rigidity and strength. Despite this, lignin shows promising relevance for biomaterial production due to its abundance, nontoxic nature and biodegradability. Considerably, adhesive components were derived from petroleum, which is increasingly more expensive. Hence, lignin, the natural glue in plant materials, gained much popularity because of its phenolic nature, making it an attractive substitute for adhesives. Lignin‐based binders are produced through phenols substitution in phenol‐formaldehyde resins with lignin due to their similar structural framework. Many researchers have confirmed the multifunctional applications of lignin, such as wood adhesive in fiber board, plywood and particleboard, a binder in printed wiring boards, abrasive tools, epoxy asphalts, epoxy wood composites, 3D printing, adhesive hydrogels, soil suppressants, lignocellulosic paper and coatings. This review presents a comprehensive description of the utilization of lignin‐based binders for different applications. The present work highlights the discussion on the various methods by which lignin can be used to replace synthetic binders. This review focuses on global research work introducing lignin in different chemical adhesives for a more cost‐effective and less harmful alternative.
Analysis of dielectric behavior of PVDF: PSF polyblends at lower frequency range from measurements of transient absorption and desorption currents
Authors: Saxena Pooja , Shukla Prashant
Published: December 2021

Transient current measurements were carried out for polyvinylidene fluoride:polysulfone (PVDF:PSF) blends films of different ratios under different polarizing fields and polarizing temperatures in absorption and desorption mode. The time‐dependent desorption current in polymer blend samples interprets the combined effect of dipole reorientation, space charge dissipation, and hopping of charge carriers. The activation energy has been calculated using the isochronal curve. Thermal activation behaviors of isochronal current in a specific temperature scale followed by a peak centered at about 120–160°C, have indicated the close correlation of transient currents with the dielectric loss peak. The presence of a dielectric loss peak for each polyblend concentration may be due to the existence of relaxing dipoles in the polyblend. With increasing concentration of PSF in the polyblend, this peak tends to shift toward the higher frequency range and suggests the speeding up of the dipolar relaxation process. The dielectric loss factor of polyblend thin films using transient study in absorption and desorption mode using applied step voltage f is related to Hamon's frequency (0.1/t).
Reinforcement of electrospun polyurethane fibers with resorcinol–formaldehyde resin
Authors: Nair Kiran Sukumaran , James Nirmala Rachel
Published: December 2021

This work reports a simple method to improve the properties of electrospun nanofibers. The procedure involves developing nanofibers using electrospinning followed by liquid infiltration to reinforce the fibers. Coating of polyurethane nanofibers (PUN) with resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) significantly improves the properties of PUN. Furthermore, the morphology of fiber interface and the properties of RF coated fibers indicate that RF resin reinforces the interface between the fibers. The method leads to improvement in mechanical properties of PUN. An improvement of about 94% and 281% in mechanical properties like tensile strength and modulus, respectively, compared to neat PUN fibers is achieved by coating with 20% wt/vol of RF solution.
The significance and meaning of racial identity in consumer research: A review and call for research
Authors: Wooten David B. , Rank‐Christman Tracy
Published: December 2021

This article uses the Multidimensional Model of Racial Identity (MMRI) as a framework to broaden the current understanding of racial identity, structure our review of consumer psychological research on racial identity, and identify future research opportunities, thereby answering calls for efforts to foreground the perspectives of Black consumers and present frameworks that advance understanding of Black consumers. Building on the conceptualization of racial identity involving both the significance and meaning that individuals attribute to their membership within the Black racial group, we note that prior consumer psychological research has focused on the former while ignoring the latter. We identify opportunities to leverage aspects of the MMRI in future research on marketplace discrimination, marketplace stigma, and support for minority‐owned businesses. We also highlight opportunities to better understand the impact of the meaning of racial identity.
Gold (I)‐Promoted Intermolecular Cascade Annulation to Access 2‐Hydroxybenzocarbazoles via a Meyer–Schuster Rearrangement
Authors: Kadiyala Veerabhushanam , Raju Chittala Emmaniel , Bania Kusum K. , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Karunakar Galla V.
Published: December 2021

An efficient cascade annulation protocol was established to access substituted 2‐hydroxybenzocarbazoles from alkynylcyclohexadienones and substituted 2‐aminophenols under gold catalysis. In this transformation a new C−C, two C−N bonds were formed sequentially and moderate to excellent yields of 2‐hydroxybenzocarbazole derivatives were obtained selectively via Meyer–Schuster rearrangement in one‐pot.
Influence of water transpired and irrigation on maize yields for future climate scenarios using Regional Model
Authors: Donfack Charveline F. , Wandjie Brice B. S. , Efon Eric , Lenouo Andre , Monkam David , Tchawoua Clement
Published: December 2021

Over northern Cameroon, limited water resources and drought conditions continue to hinder maize production. In this study, the result of the downscaling of the global climate model MPI‐ESM‐LR by the regional climate model REMO under the high‐emission Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 scenario is used to force the agricultural model AquaCrop. The main goal of the study is to assess the climate change impact on maize yield production throughout the 21st century in this region. The model is first calibrated, and then validated, observed in situ precipitation, temperature, and yield data over the period 2005–2018. The results showed that if the amount of water increase over a period of 1 year by 27 mm, maize yield will increase by 0.415 ton/ha, which corresponds to more than 8% over the entire study area. These findings can be used for decision‐making by Cameroonian farmers, particularly in optimizing maize production under climate change scenarios. Irrigation potentially minimizes the impact of climate change. The result also reveals that, for a better yield of corn, the quantity of water necessary for irrigation would be less than 80 mm in 2099 in northern Cameroon.
Autism spectrum disorder in a rural community in Bangladesh: A mid‐childhood assessment
Authors: Ali Hasmot , Rahman Hafizur , Lee Li‐Ching , Khan Naila Z. , Wu Lee Shu‐Fune , Mehra Sucheta , Mitra Maithilee , Labrique Alain B. , West Keith P. , Christian Parul
Published: December 2021

Population‐based studies employing standardized diagnostics are needed to determine the burden of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in low‐resource settings. A community‐based study was conducted among 8–11 year old children in rural, northwestern Bangladesh to establish the prevalence of ASD. A standardized screening and diagnosis protocol was adapted and deployed comprising the social communication questionnaire (SCQ), and the autism diagnostic observation schedule 2, (ADOS‐2), and the autism diagnostic interview, revised (ADI‐R), respectively. A year‐long research training was conducted for a clinical psychologist to be certified to administer ADOS‐2 and ADI‐R. Over 8000 children were visited at home and administered the SCQ leading to some, based on their score, being further evaluated using the ADOS‐2 and ADI‐R by the clinical psychologist. Based on ADOS‐2 applying the diagnoses of autism or autism spectrum, the prevalence was 40 (95% CI: 27, 54) per 10,000. Autistic disorder using ADI‐R was found at 12 (95% CI: 5, 20) per 10,000. Boys were at a higher risk than girls with the rates among boys being 46 (95% CI: 25, 67) using ADOS‐2 and 19 (95% CI:6, 33) using ADI‐R. Among girls the rates were 34 (95% CI:16, 52) and 5 (95% CI:0, 12) per 10,000, respectively. Challenges to undertaking ASD research in a rural South Asian context are discussed. There was a low‐to‐moderate prevalence of ASD in a rural, child population in Bangladesh. Future research is needed to estimate rates of ASD and its causes and socioeconomic consequences in rural and urban settings of South Asia.

Lay Summary

In a study of over 8000, 8–11 year old children in a rural area of Bangladesh, two to four out of 1000 had ASD. Boys more than girls had ASD. Conducting ASD assessment in this setting was difficult, but more such research is needed to understand what causes ASD and its consequences for the individual, families and the society in rural and urban areas of low‐income countries.
Algorithmus zur Bewertung von extrapolierten Treibhausgasemissionen von Wohnungsunternehmen
Authors: Steinbach Sven , Kunde Christoph
Published: December 2021

Im Zuge sich verschärfender Zielstellungen zur Minderung der Treibhausgasemissionen sehen sich auch Wohnungsunternehmen in der gesellschaftlichen Pflicht, weitere Maßnahmen zur energetischen Optimierung ihrer Gebäudebestände umzusetzen. Ausgangspunkt der im Bundes‐Klimaschutzgesetz festgelegten Minderungsziele ist das Bezugsjahr 1990. Für die Unternehmen der Wohnungswirtschaft besteht dadurch die Herausforderung, dass Energieverbrauchsdaten von 1990 bis dato vorhanden sein müssen, um den zeitlichen Verlauf der Treibhausgasemissionen abbilden zu können. Eine systematische Erfassung der Verbrauchsdaten von den meisten Wohnungsbeständen der Wohnungsgenossenschaften und ‐unternehmen begann jedoch erst im Laufe der 2000er Jahre. Eine fundierte Einschätzung im Kontext der Klimaschutzziele ist deshalb nur schwer möglich. Der entwickelte Algorithmus ermöglicht eine rückwärtige Beurteilung der Treibhausgasemissionen auf Basis statistischer Metadaten. Die bereits erfassten Verbräuche für die Erzeugung von Raumwärme und Trinkwarmwasser werden hierfür witterungs‐ sowie leerstandsbereinigt und hinsichtlich ihres Treibhauspotenzials bewertet. Auf Basis einer repräsentativen Datengrundlage können mithilfe des entwickelten Verfahrens dann die flächenspezifischen Treibhausgasemissionen zum Bezugsjahr extrapoliert werden. Der erhaltene Wertebereich kann sowohl als Dokumentation für die meist rückläufige Entwicklung der Emissionen der jeweiligen Wohnungsbestände als auch als Grundlage für zukünftige Modernisierungsentscheidungen dienen. Ein Abgleich des ermittelten Graphen mit den Investitionsausgaben des im Rahmen einer Studie untersuchten Unternehmens konnte die Anwendbarkeit der Vorgehensweise bestätigen.
Elektrochemische Potentialmessung zum Auffinden von Bewehrungskorrosion – Neufassung 2021 des Merkblatts B3 der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung DGZfP
Authors: Mayer Till Felix
Published: December 2021

Seit Erscheinen der ersten Ausgabe des Merkblatts B3 der DGZfP im Jahre 1990 hat sich die Potentialfeldmessung als Standardverfahren zum Auffinden von Bewehrungskorrosion im Rahmen von Zustandserfassungen und Instandsetzungsplanungen etabliert. Im Jahr 2021 ist die mittlerweile dritte Überarbeitung des Merkblatts veröffentlicht worden. Wie schon bei der Vorgängerversion liegt auch bei dieser Neufassung das Hauptaugenmerk – neben einigen technischen Präzisierungen – auf der Verbesserung und Vereinheitlichung der Ausführungsqualität.
Interpersonal context and desired emotional closeness in neural response to negative visual stimuli: Preliminary findings
Authors: Flores Luis E. , Alarcón Gabriela , Eckstrand Kristen L. , Lindenmuth Morgan , Forbes Erika E.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Emotions typically emerge in interpersonal contexts, but the neural circuitry involved remains insufficiently understood. Two key features of interpersonal contexts are interpersonal interactions (e.g., supportive physical touch serving as a form of social regulation) and interpersonal traits. Social regulation research has predominately focused on fear by using physical threat (i.e., electric shock) as the stimulus. Given that social regulation helps with various negative emotions in the real world, using visual stimuli that elicit negative emotions more broadly would also be beneficial. Differing from trait loneliness—which is related to lower recruitment of social circuitry in negative socioaffective contexts—trait desired emotional closeness is related to adaptive outcomes and may demonstrate an opposite pattern. This study investigated the roles of social regulation and desired emotional closeness in neural response to aversive social images.

Methods

Ten pairs of typically developing emerging adult friends (N = 20; ages 18–25) completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) handholding task. Each friend viewed negative and neutral social images in the scanner under two conditions: (a) holding their friend's hand and (b) having their friend in the room.

Results

Handholding attenuated response to aversive social images in a region implicated in emotion and inhibitory control (right dorsal striatum/anterior insula/ventrolateral prefrontal cortex). Desired emotional closeness was positively associated with response to aversive social images (in the no handholding condition) in self and social processing (right ventral posterior cingulate cortex) and somatosensory regions (right postcentral gyrus).

Discussion

These findings extend previous research on the roles of interpersonal behaviors and tendencies in neural response to aversive stimuli.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Ester Derivatives of Mogrol through JAK2/STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Li Na , Song Jingru , Li Dianpeng
Published: December 2021

In attempt to enhance the antiproliferative activity of mogrol, two series of ester derivatives modified at C3−OH and C11−OH were designed and synthesized. The activity against human cancer cells including A549, NCI‐H460 and CNE1 was screened by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK8) assay. According to the results, modifications of the mogrol core through introduction of different ester scaffolds drastically improved the cytotoxicity, and some of the derivatives exhibited even higher activity than the positive drug. Among them, compound M2h exhibited nearly 4 times more cytotoxic than 5‐Fu against CNE1 cells, derivative M6c showed ten times higher activity with the IC50 value of 10.59 μM than mogrol against NCI‐H460 cells, and compound M6a which contained one 1,2,3‐triazole motif showed the strongest activity with an three folds lower IC50 value than mogrol. Furthermore, the most potent compound M2h could lead to cell cycle arrest at G2 phase on CNE1 cell lines and M6a induced G1 phase arrest on A549 cell lines. It was noteworthy that both M2h and M6a regulated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signal pathway through inhibiting phosphorylation of Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) and STAT3, and simultaneously increasing the protein level of downstream cyclin p21.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Hydrogel Nanoparticles: Synthetic Antibodies for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Tse Sum Bui Bernadette , Haupt Karsten
Published: December 2021

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and according to the World Health Organization (WHO) accounted for 10 million deaths in 2020. Promising theranostic (therapy and diagnostic) agents in the treatment of cancer are nanomaterials, which have come to the forefront because of their small size approaching those of protein complexes in the human body, and of their easy functionalization giving access to nanocomposite materials with diverse functions (fluorescence, magnetic, stimuli‐responsiveness, etc.), and improved biocompatibility. Among them, affinity nanoparticles, often decorated with highly specific targeting ligands such as antibodies, aptamers, lectins and peptides, have enabled enhanced binding and exquisite recognition of biomarkers overexpressed in cancer cells. In this review, we describe an emerging class of targeting ligands, molecularly imprinted polymer hydrogel nanoparticles for their application in the early detection of disease, with the aim to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Superfine grinding affects particle size, chemical ingredients, and physicochemical properties of sprouting quinoa
Authors: Song Lei , Song Lisha , Su Hang , Ma Fengming , Zhang Baiqing
Published: December 2021

Background and objectives

Quinoa has high content of protein and active ingredients, and does not contain bran, so it has good development prospect. The aim of this study was to improve the nutritional composition and physicochemical properties of sprouting quinoa (SQ) by superfine grinding (SG).

Findings

It was found that the physical properties of sprouting quinoa superfine grinding (SQSG) powder were better than those of coarse powder (80 M). The contents of total protein, soluble protein, reducing soluble sugar (RSSC), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) increased with decreasing particle size. The TPC and TFC were positively correlated with the scavenging ABTS cation radical ability and the scavenging DPPH radical ability, respectively.

Conclusions

SQ powder with smaller particle size, smooth surface, bright color, high content of total protein, TPC and TFC, and strong antioxidant ability was obtained by SG.

Significance and novelty

Compared with ordinary grinding (OG), SG could improve the nutritional composition, physical properties, active components, and antioxidant capacity of SQ. The SQSG powder can be easily absorbed by the human body and has good potential value.
Ruled out of preeclampsia‐like syndrome due to COVID‐19: A case study
Authors: Farahani Masoumeh , Azadi Kiarash , Hashemnejad Maryam , Agoushi Arash , Nirouei Matineh
Published: December 2021

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is an infectious disease. In this study, we report a 28‐year‐old pregnant woman who had a postpartum seizure with a background of HELLP syndrome and a proven COVID‐19 infection. Her child survived, and at 12‐week postpartum, all maternal COVID‐19–related symptoms vanished, and she was cured.
Thermodynamic Study on the Amorphous Form and Crystalline Hydrates Using in Situ Raman and FBRM
Authors: Kim Jungsuk , Ulrich Joachim
Published: December 2021

The solubilities and maximum supersaturation concentrations of an amorphous and the crystalline tetrahydrate and heptahydrate solids of disodium guanosine 5'‐monophosphate (GMP) in water‐methanol mixtures were measured in situ by Raman spectroscopy and focused beam reflectance measurement. The distinct Raman peaks of the amorphous form, crystalline hydrates, solution, and solvent were used for measurements of solubility and maximum supersaturation. Above 45 °C and at methanol fractions of 0.15–0.90, the tetrahydrate was the stable form, while below 40 °C and at methanol fractions of 0.15–0.60, the heptahydrate was the stable form. Especially, the tetrahydrate was stable in the methanol fraction > 0.7 at the temperature investigated. The solubility and supersaturated concentration values can be used to selectively produce amorphous, tetrahydrate, and heptahydrate solids of GMP by anti‐solvent crystallization.
Increased Photostability of the Integral mRNA Vaccine Component N1‐Methylpseudouridine Compared to Uridine
Authors: Hoehn Sean J. , Krul Sarah E. , Skory Brandon J. , Crespo‐Hernández Carlos E.
Published: December 2021

N1‐Methylation of pseudouridine (m1ψ) replaces uridine (Urd) in several therapeutics, including the Moderna and BioNTech‐Pfizer COVID‐19 vaccines. Importantly, however, it is currently unknown if exposure to electromagnetic radiation can affect the chemical integrity and intrinsic stability of m1ψ. In this study, the photochemistry of m1ψ is compared to that of uridine by using photoirradiation at 267 nm, steady‐state spectroscopy, and quantum‐chemical calculations. Furthermore, femtosecond transient absorption measurements are collected to delineate the electronic relaxation mechanisms for both nucleosides under physiologically relevant conditions. It is shown that m1ψ exhibits a 12‐fold longer 1ππ* decay lifetime than uridine and a 5‐fold higher fluorescence yield. Notably, however, the experimental results also demonstrate that most of the excited state population in both molecules decays back to the ground state in an ultrafast time scale and that m1ψ is 6.7‐fold more photostable than Urd following irradiation at 267 nm.
A phase 2 evaluation of pembrolizumab for recurrent Lynch‐like versus sporadic endometrial cancers with microsatellite instability
Authors: Bellone Stefania , Roque Dana M. , Siegel Eric R. , Buza Natalia , Hui Pei , Bonazzoli Elena , Guglielmi Adele , Zammataro Luca , Nagarkatti Nupur , Zaidi Samir , Lee Jungsoo , Silasi Dan‐Arin , Huang Gloria S. , Andikyan Vaagn , Damast Shari , Clark Mitchell , Azodi Masoud , Schwartz Peter E. , Tymon‐Rosario Joan R. , Harold Justin A. , Mauricio Dennis , Zeybek Burak , Menderes Gulden , Altwerger Gary , Ratner Elena , Alexandrov Ludmil B. , Iwasaki Akiko , Kong Yong , Song Eric , Dong Weilai , Elvin Julia A. , Choi Jungmin , Santin Alessandro D.
Published: December 2021

Background

Microsatellite instability–high (MSI‐H)/mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) is a biomarker for responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Whether mechanisms underlying microsatellite instability alter responses to ICIs is unclear. This article reports data from a prospective phase 2 pilot study of pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent MSI‐H endometrial cancer (EC) analyzed by whole exome sequencing (WES) and potential mechanisms of primary/secondary ICI resistance (NCT02899793).

Methods

Patients with measurable MSI‐H/dMMR EC confirmed by polymerase chain reaction/immunohistochemistry were evaluated by WES and received 200 mg of pembrolizumab every 3 weeks for ≤2 years. The primary end point was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary end points included progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Twenty‐five patients (24 evaluable) were treated. Six patients (25%) harbored Lynch/Lynch‐like tumors, whereas 18 (75%) had sporadic EC. The tumor mutation burden was higher in Lynch‐like tumors (median, 2939 mutations/megabase [Mut/Mb]; interquartile range [IQR], 867‐5108 Mut/Mb) than sporadic tumors (median, 604 Mut/Mb; IQR, 411‐798 Mut/Mb; P = .0076). The ORR was 100% in Lynch/Lynch‐like patients but only 44% in sporadic patients (P = .024). The 3‐year PFS and OS proportions were 100% versus 30% (P = .017) and 100% versus 43% (P = .043), respectively.

Conclusions

This study suggests prognostic significance of Lynch‐like cancers versus sporadic MSI‐H/dMMR ECs for ORR, PFS, and OS when patients are treated with pembrolizumab. Larger confirmatory studies in ECs and other MSI‐H/dMMR tumors are necessary. Defective antigen processing/presentation and deranged induction in interferon responses serve as mechanisms of resistance in sporadic MSI‐H ECs. Oligoprogression in MSI‐H/dMMR patients appears salvageable with surgical resection and/or local treatment and the continuation of pembrolizumab off study. Clinical studies evaluating separate MSI‐H/dMMR EC subtypes treated with ICIs are warranted.
On the numerical treatment of viscous and convective effects in relative pressure reconstruction methods
Authors: Pacheco Douglas R. Q.
Published: December 2021

The mechanism of many cardiovascular diseases can be understood by studying the pressure distribution in blood vessels. Direct pressure measurements, however, require invasive probing and provide only single‐point data. Alternatively, relative pressure fields can be reconstructed from imaging‐based velocity measurements by considering viscous and inertial forces. Both contributions can be potential troublemakers in pressure reconstruction: the former due to its higher‐order derivatives, and the latter because of the quadratic nonlinearity in the convective acceleration. Viscous and convective terms can be treated in various forms, which, although equivalent for ideal measurements, can perform differently in practice. In fact, multiple versions are often used in literature, with no apparent consensus on the more suitable variants. In this context, the present work investigates the performance of different versions of relative pressure estimators. For viscous effects, in particular, two new modified estimators are presented to circumvent second‐order differentiation without requiring surface integrals. In‐silico and in‐vitro data in the typical regime of cerebrovascular flows are considered, allowing a systematic noise sensitivity study. Convective terms are shown to be the main source of error, even for flows with pronounced viscous component. Moreover, the conservation (often integrated) form of convection exhibits higher noise sensitivity than the standard convective description, in all three families of estimators considered here. For the classical pressure Poisson estimator, the present modified version of the viscous term tends to yield better accuracy than the (recently introduced) integrated form, although this effect is in most cases negligible when compared to convection‐related errors.
TM‐HOL: Topic memory model for detection of hate speech and offensive language
Authors: Chen Jing , Ma Kun , Ji Ke , Chen Zhenxiang
Published: December 2021

In the era of the explosion of digital content of large‐scale self‐media, user‐friendly social platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, provide opportunities for people to express their ideas and opinions freely. Due to lack of restrictions, hateful speech and its exposure can have profound psychological impacts on society. Current social networking platform is over‐reliant on the manual check, and it is labor‐intensive and time‐consuming. Although there are many machines learning methods for the detection of hate speech, short text with character limit on social platforms is more challenging for the detection of hate speech and offensive language. To address the problem of data sparsity, we have proposed a topic memory model for hate speech and offensive language detection (abbreviated as TM‐HOL). Potential topics are generated with our encoder and decoder to enrich short text features. Two memory matrices correspond to the topic words and the text, and the hate feature matrix is used to learn the syntactic features. It is demonstrated that our proposed method is effective on three datasets, performing better weighted‐F1.
A hybrid approach for efficient multi‐classification of white blood cells based on transfer learning techniques and traditional machine learning methods
Authors: Cengil Emine , Çınar Ahmet , Yıldırım Muhammed
Published: December 2021

Diagnosed blood‐related diseases include the identification of blood samples taken from the patient. Therefore, the classification of white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, is substantial for differentiating leukemia and blood diseases. In this article, we aimed to classify four different types of white blood cells. Two different transfer learning methods are applied to achieve this goal. In the first method, AlexNet, ResNet18, and GoogleNet architectures are retrained with the fine‐tuning method using the dataset we have provided from the Kaggle and then given to classify on the softmax and SVM methods. With this method, the hybrid architecture where the ResNet18 is used with SVM achieves 99.83%.In the second method, feature transfer, the same architectures are implemented for feature extractors. First, extracted features of architectures are given to a variety of classifiers. Second, the features are taken from the architectures, and concatenated as pairs and triples, used to obtain 4 different feature sets consisting of 2000 and 3000 features. After that, these features are also subjected to the same classifiers. Finally, results are revealed by using the same classifiers after the PCA algorithm. The results illustrate that the proposed methods significantly contribute to white blood cell multi‐classification.
A systematic review to determine how service provider practises impact effective service provision to lesbian, gay and bisexual consumers in a mental health setting
Authors: Bishop Joshua , Crisp Dimity A. , Scholz Brett
Published: December 2021

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) consumers utilize mental health services at a similar rate to their heterosexual counterparts yet report greater dissatisfaction with service quality. This dissatisfaction may be explained by service provider's microaggressions, stemming from a lack of cultural competence in working with LGB consumers. This systematic review examines how the practises of mental health service providers impacted effective service provision to LGB people in a clinical practice. Five health databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and CINAHL) were examined to determine relevant studies for this review. Twenty four qualitative and quantitative studies between 2000 and 2020 examining data related to how service provider practises impacted effective service provision to LGB people were included in the final review. A narrative synthesis, thematic summary approach was employed to account for the multi‐method nature of the data. Themes developed in our analysis are organized under the three components of cultural competence, service provider attitudes, knowledge and skills. Provider attitudes ranged from positive to negative towards LGB people and heterosexism were present in several services. Poor service provider knowledge about the issues impacting LGB consumers leads to a weakened therapeutic alliance and service providers often lacked a comprehensive understanding of the issues impacting LGB people. Service providers were seen as more skilful if they were LGB, created a safe space and had completed cultural competence training. Trends within the characteristics (explorative nature, mixed service provider samples, potential for bias) of the 24 studies included in the review are discussed. Based on the results, recommendations are included to ensure services demonstrate cultural competence in working with LGB consumers.
Transposon‐Based Identification of Factors That Promote Campylobacter jejuni Nuclease Activity
Authors: Callahan Sean M. , Johnson Jeremiah G.
Published: December 2021

Nucleases are ubiquitous in pathogens and allow bacteria to acquire nucleotide nutrients, take up foreign DNA, induce tissue damage, degrade neutrophil extracellular traps, and modulate the host inflammatory response. Furthermore, nucleases can modulate numerous bacterial virulence factors, promoting bacterial growth and disease. To understand how bacteria can produce nucleases, an unbiased approach is needed to identify these systems. Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial‐derived gastroenteritis and utilizes numerous systems to damage host DNA. Therefore, it is imperative to identify C. jejuni nucleases to understand the molecular mechanism of both infection and pathology. Detailed protocols for a transposon insertion sequencing–based DNase agar screen, a quantitative PCR nuclease screen, and PCR transposon insertion confirmation are included in this article. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: DNase agar colony screen of Campylobacter jejuni transposon insertion sequencing library isolates

Basic Protocol 2: Quantitative PCR nuclease screen of transposon insertion sequencing library isolates

Basic Protocol 3: PCR transposon insertion confirmation
Citrate‐Citric Acid RNA Isolation (CiAR) for Fast, Low‐Cost, and Reliable RNA Extraction from Multiple Plant Species and Tissues
Authors: Oñate‐Sánchez Luis , Verdonk Julian C.
Published: December 2021

RNA isolation is routinely carried out in many laboratories for different downstream applications. Although protocols for this can vary between labs depending on the specific plant species and tissues under study and the preferences of their researchers, these protocols usually include the use of volatile organic and toxic chemicals. As an alternative, several companies offer less hazardous RNA extraction kits, but these kits significantly increase the cost per sample and are thus not affordable for every lab, especially when a large number of samples is to be processed. We have previously described a fast and efficient method for RNA isolation from plant vegetative tissues that requires only two home‐made, simple, inexpensive, and nontoxic buffers. Both buffers have low concentrations of citric acid and its sodium salt. The first buffer also contains a detergent to help with nucleic acid solubilization while keeping RNases inactive. The second buffer has sodium chloride at high molarity to separate protein from nucleic acids. RNA is precipitated, and contaminating DNA can then be optionally removed. Here, we describe and expand on this approach, which we call the citrate–citric acid RNA isolation, or CiAR, method. We provide a detailed description of the protocol, describe a modification to make it compatible with non‐vegetative tissues, and compile and extend the number of species and tissues to which it can be applied. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Enhanced current mirror circuit by dual‐gate coplanar amorphous InGaZnO TFTs
Authors: Rahaman Abidur , Adhikary Apurba , Hossain Mohammad Amzad , Islam Md Mobaidul , Jang Jin
Published: December 2021

In this brief report, we state current mirror (CM) circuit employed by coplanar amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide (a‐IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) with dual‐gate structure. The 2‐TFT conventional structure with different mirroring ratios and 4‐TFT cascode type are investigated. We compared the CM circuit performances made of the dual‐gate (DG) and single‐gate (SG) TFTs. At higher mirror gain, the percentage of error increases due to the issues such as TFT performance uniformity and threshold voltage shift. It is found that the DG‐based CM circuit shows excellent mirror gain even at 10× with only 2% error.
Finding rare species and estimating the probability that all occupied sites have been found
Authors: Becker Francois S. , Slingsby Jasper A. , Measey John , Tolley Krystal A. , Altwegg Res
Published: December 2021

Detecting occupied sites of rare species, and estimating the probability that all occupied sites are known within a given area, are desired outcomes for many ecological or conservation projects. Examples include managing all occupied sites of a threatened species or eradicating an emerging invader. Occupied sites may remain undetected because (1) sites where the species potentially occurs had not been searched, and (2) the species could have been overlooked in the searched sites. For rare species, available data are typically scant, making it difficult to predict sites where the species probably occurs or to estimate detection probability in the searched sites. Using the critically endangered Rose's mountain toadlet (Capensibufo rosei), known from only two localities, we outline an iterative process aimed at estimating the probability that any unknown occupied sites remain and maximizing the chance of finding them. This includes fitting a species distribution model to guide sampling effort, testing model accuracy and sampling efficacy using the occurrence of more common proxy species, and estimating detection probability using sites of known presence. The final estimate of the probability that all occupied sites were found incorporates the uncertainties of uneven distribution, relative area searched, and detection probability. Our results show that very few occupied sites of C. rosei are likely to remain undetected. We also show that the probability of an undetected occupied site remaining will always be high for large unsearched areas of potential occurrence, but can be low for smaller areas intended for targeted management interventions. Our approach is especially useful for assessing uncertainty in species occurrences, planning the required search effort needed to reduce probability of unknown occurrence to desired levels, and identifying priority areas for further searches or management interventions.