bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Yield Response to Application of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources in Lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.] cv. Assam Lemon
Authors: Haokip Songthat William , Singh Barun , Sheikh KH. Anush , Shankar Kripa , Debbarma Raju , Lalrinngheta Jonathan , Nengparmoi Th.
Published: March 2021

Citrus is a perennial fruit crop which is highly responsive to nutrient applied and thus require adequate amount of nutrition for obtaining optimum growth and yield. In recent years, it has been observed that organic in combination with inorganic sources of nutrient have gained popularity due to the negative impact of excessive use of chemical fertilizers on soil and environment. The experiment was conducted with seven treatments and three replications consisting recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and RDF in combine with Organic manure and Vermicompost at different percentage during the year 2019. The treatment, T4 with 60% N of RDF + 40% N from FYM (farm yard manure) gave the best result in improving plant growth and yield. The maximum plant height increment (15.04%), highest percentage in canopy spread increment, North-South (22.17%) and East-West (20.35%), maximum fruit set percentage (37.78%), highest number of fruits (40.22) per plant and maximum yield (8.52 kg) per tree were recorded from T4 (60% N of RDF + 40% N from FYM) which indicated that the application of 60% N of RDF + 40% N from FYM may be recommended to obtain maximum yield and best quality fruit in Assam lemon.
Development of a strategic approach for comprehensive detection of organophosphate pesticide metabolites in urine: Extrapolation of cadusafos and prothiofos metabolomics data of mice to humans
Authors: Nomasa Karin , Oya Naoko , Ito Yuki , Terajima Takehito , Nishino Takahiro , Mohanto Nayan Chandra , Sato Hirotaka , Tomizawa Motohiro , Kamijima Michihiro
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The comprehensive detection of environmental chemicals in biospecimens, an indispensable task in exposome research, is advancing. This study aimed to develop an exposomic approach to identify urinary metabolites of organophosphate (OP) pesticides, specifically cadusafos and prothiofos metabolites, as an example chemical group, using an original metabolome dataset generated from animal experiments.

Methods

Urine samples from 73 university students were analyzed using liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry. The metabolome data, including the exact masses, retention time (tR), and tandem mass spectra obtained from the human samples, were compared with the existing reference databases and with our original metabolome dataset for cadusafos and prothiofos, which was produced from mice to whom two doses of these OPs were orally administered.

Results

Using the existing databases, one chromatographic peak was annotated as 2,4-dichlorophenol, which could be a prothiofos metabolite. Using our original dataset, one peak was annotated as a putative cadusafos metabolite and three peaks as putative prothiofos metabolites. Of these, all three peaks suggestive of prothiofos metabolites, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) oxane-2-carboxylic acid, and (2,4-dichlorophenyl) hydrogen sulfate were confirmed as authentic compounds by comparing their peak data with both the original dataset and peak data of the standard reagents. The putative cadusafos metabolite was identified as a level C compound (metabolite candidate with limited plausibility).

Conclusions

Our developed method successfully identified prothiofos metabolites that are usually not a target of biomonitoring studies. Our approach is extensively applicable to various environmental contaminants beyond OP pesticides.
Health outcomes of psychosocial stress within firefighters: A systematic review of the research landscape
Authors: Igboanugo Somkene , Bigelow Philip L , Mielke John G
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

Much of the research surrounding firefighter health has concerned the hazards intuitively associated with the occupation, such as physical, thermal, and chemical risks. However, an additional aspect of their work environment, psychosocial stressors, has begun to attract a growing level of attention. Work-related psychosocial stress may best be described as mental and emotional strain caused by a combination of workplace events and characteristics, and the objective of our review was to identify the health outcomes associated with these stressors in firefighters.

Methods

A systematic review was performed of studies reporting on the psychosocial stressors and the associated health outcomes experienced by firefighters. Data sources included the MEDLINE, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases.

Results

Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Upon analysis, we found that firefighters experienced a range of psychosocial stressors (including interpersonal conflict and concerns over organizational fairness) and observed that these stressors were associated with a number of health-related outcomes that could be arranged into six areas: depression-suicidality, non-depressive mental health problems, burnout, alcohol use disorders, sleep quality, and physiological parameters and somatic disorders.

Conclusion

Our findings strongly suggest that work-related psychosocial stressors can affect the health and well-being of those in the fire service, and highlight that interventions meant to address these psychosocial risk factors should focus upon promoting self-esteem, enhancing self-efficacy, and strengthening social support.
Role of p40phox in host defense against Citrobacterrodentium infection
Authors: Yan Yanyun , Li Yali , Lv Meili , Li Weifen , Shi Hai Ning
Published: March 2021

NADPH oxidase (NOX) is a membrane‐bound enzyme complex that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mutations in NOX subunit genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), indicating a crucial role for ROS in regulating host immune responses. In this study, we utilize genetically deficient mice to investigate whether defects in p40phox, one subunit of NOX, impair host immune response in the intestine and aggravate disease in an infection‐based (Citrobacter rodentium) model of colitis. We show that p40phox deficiency does not increase susceptibility of mice to C. rodentium infection, as no differences in body weight loss, bacterial clearance, colonic pathology, cytokine production, or immune cell recruitment were observed between p40phox−/− and wild‐type mice. Interestingly, higher IL‐10 levels were observed in the supernatants of MLN cells and splenocytes isolated from infected p40phox‐deficient mice. Further, a higher expression level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was also noted in mice lacking p40phox. In contrast to wild‐type mice, p40phox−/− mice exhibited greater NO production after LPS or bacterial antigen re‐stimulation. These results suggest that p40phox−/− mice do not develop worsened colitis. While the precise mechanisms are unclear, it may involve the observed alteration in cytokine responses and enhancement in levels of iNOS and NO.
Nonconvex Optimization via MM Algorithms: Convergence Theory
Authors: Lange Kenneth , Won Joong‐Ho , Landeros Alfonso , Zhou Hua
Published: March 2021

The majorization–minimization (MM) principle is an extremely general framework for deriving optimization algorithms. It includes the expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm, proximal gradient algorithm, concave–convex procedure, quadratic lower bound algorithm, and proximal distance algorithm as special cases. Besides numerous applications in statistics, optimization, and imaging, the MM principle finds wide applications in large‐scale machine learning problems such as matrix completion, discriminant analysis, and nonnegative matrix factorizations. When applied to nonconvex optimization problems, MM algorithms enjoy the advantages of convexifying the objective function, separating variables, numerical stability, and ease of implementation. However, compared to the large body of literature on other optimization algorithms, the convergence analysis of MM algorithms is scattered and problem specific. This survey presents a unified treatment of the convergence of MM algorithms. With modern applications in mind, the results encompass nonsmooth objective functions and nonasymptotic analysis.
Nano‐Ground Glass as a Superhydrophilic Template for Printing High‐Performance Organic Single‐Crystal Thin Films
Authors: Makita Tatsuyuki , Ninomiya Yoma , Kumagai Shohei , Okamoto Toshihiro , Sasaki Mari , Watanabe Shun , Takeya Jun
Published: March 2021

Thin‐film devices are typically fabricated through a bottom‐up approach, wherein the constituents are deposited sequentially from the bottom to top layer. This method requires the precise management of the heterointerfaces, which leads to complicated integration issues particularly in solution‐processed organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs). This limitation arises because a surface suitable for the printing of semiconductors is not necessarily suitable for maximizing the electronic properties of OTFTs. To overcome this, a transfer technique of organic semiconductor (OSC) thin films has been studied. This enables facile transfer of the OSC thin film from a hydrophilic template to any given substrate; thus, the printing substrate and destination substrate can be optimized individually. Here, a nano‐ground glass (NGG) is developed whose surface is chemically etched using a mild base. The NGG functions as a thermally stable, superhydrophilic template for printing high‐quality single‐crystal OSC thin films. To evaluate the practical applicability of the NGG, an n‐type OSC, which requires a relatively high temperature of around 150 °C during crystal growth, is fabricated. The fabricated OTFTs exhibit an outstanding electron mobility of 2.2 cm2 V−1 s−1. The NGG proposed in this study can be utilized for the fabrication of a wide variety of printable materials.
Cancer models in preclinical research: A chronicle review of advancement in effective cancer research
Authors: Sajjad Humna , Imtiaz Saiqa , Noor Tayyaba , Siddiqui Yusra Hasan , Sajjad Anila , Zia Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Cancer is a major stress for public well‐being and is the most dreadful disease. The models used in the discovery of cancer treatment are continuously changing and extending toward advanced preclinical studies. Cancer models are either naturally existing or artificially prepared experimental systems that show similar features with human tumors though the heterogeneous nature of the tumor is very familiar. The choice of the most fitting model to best reflect the given tumor system is one of the real difficulties for cancer examination. Therefore, vast studies have been conducted on the cancer models for developing a better understanding of cancer invasion, progression, and early detection. These models give an insight into cancer etiology, molecular basis, host tumor interaction, the role of microenvironment, and tumor heterogeneity in tumor metastasis. These models are also used to predict novel cancer markers, targeted therapies, and are extremely helpful in drug development. In this review, the potential of cancer models to be used as a platform for drug screening and therapeutic discoveries are highlighted. Although none of the cancer models is regarded as ideal because each is associated with essential caveats that restraint its application yet by bridging the gap between preliminary cancer research and translational medicine. However, they promise a brighter future for cancer treatment.
Down‐Regulation of Dkk‐1 in Platelets of Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Czepiel Marcin , Stec Małgorzata , Korkosz Mariusz , Guła Zofia , Błyszczuk Przemysław , Baran Jarosław , Siedlar Maciej
Published: March 2021

Objective

Axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a chronic autoinflammatory disease with new bone formation, which is controlled by Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Dkk‐1 is an inhibitor of the Wnt pathway, and in humans, platelets represent a major source of Dkk‐1. This study was undertaken to investigate whether levels of Dkk‐1 in serum and platelet expression of DKK1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and Dkk‐1 protein are affected in patients with axial SpA compared to healthy controls.

Methods

Forty‐one patients with axial SpA and 35 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Total serum Dkk‐1 levels in all patients and healthy controls were measured by quantitative enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Platelet DKK1 mRNA was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction in 20 patients with axial SpA and 20 controls, and Dkk‐1 protein levels were measured by immunoblotting in 20 patients with axial SpA and 18 controls.

Results

We found a lower concentration of Dkk‐1 in the serum from patients with axial SpA compared to the serum from healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the expression of Dkk‐1 was significantly reduced both at the transcriptional level (P < 0.04) and at the protein level (P < 0.007) in platelets isolated from the blood of patients with axial SpA.

Conclusion

Our preliminary observations suggest that dysfunction of the megakaryocyte/platelet axis might be responsible for reduced serum Dkk‐1 levels in patients with axial SpA. Dkk‐1 is down‐regulated in the platelets of patients with axial SpA, a mechanism that might play a role in new bone formation.
Pim Kinases as Therapeutic Targets in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Maney Nicola J. , Lemos Henrique , Barron‐Millar Ben , Carey Christopher , Herron Ian , Anderson Amy E. , Mellor Andrew L. , Isaacs John D. , Pratt Arthur G.
Published: March 2021

Objective

As well as being an established oncoprotein and therapeutic target in cancer, proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1 (Pim‐1) is implicated in human autoimmunity. This study was undertaken to investigate Pim‐1 and its family members as potential therapeutic targets in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A flow cytometry assay for PIM1 transcript measurement in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with early arthritis was validated and applied as a biomarker of Pim‐1 activity at the cellular level. Synovial protein expression was similarly determined by multiplex immunofluorescence in tissue samples from untreated RA patients and non‐RA disease controls. Functional consequences of Pim kinase family manipulation in freshly isolated CD4+ T cells from these individuals were ascertained, along with the impact of Pim inhibition on mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).

Results

The percentage of circulating CD4+ T cells positive for PIM1 transcript by flow cytometry proved a faithful surrogate for gene expression and was significantly higher in patients with early RA than in those with other diseases. Pim‐1 protein levels were similarly up‐regulated in synovial CD4+ T cells from patients with early RA. Ex vivo, exposure of T cell receptor–stimulated early RA CD4+ T cells to Pim kinase inhibitors restrained their activation and proliferative capacity. Diminished production of proinflammatory cytokines (interferon‐γ and interleukin‐17) and an expanded CD25highFoxP3+ Treg cell fraction were also observed in exposed versus unexposed cells. Finally, administration of Pim inhibitors robustly limited arthritis progression and cartilage destruction in CIA.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that Pim kinases are plausible therapeutic targets in a readily identifiable subgroup of patients with early RA. Repurposing of Pim inhibitors for this disease should be considered.
What makes an idea worth spreading? Language markers of popularity in TED talks by academics and other speakers
Authors: MacKrill Kate , Silvester Connor , Pennebaker James W. , Petrie Keith J.
Published: March 2021

TED talks are a popular internet forum where new ideas and research are presented by a wide variety of speakers. In this study, we investigated how the language used in TED talks influenced popularity and viewer ratings. We also investigated the differences in linguistic style and ratings of talks given by academics and non‐academics. The transcripts of 1866 talks were analyzed using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count program and eight language variables were correlated with number of views and viewer ratings. We found that talks with more analytic language received fewer views, while a greater use of the pronoun “I,” positive emotion and social words was associated with more views. Talks with these linguistic characteristics received more emotional viewer ratings such as inspiring or courageous. When comparing talks by academics and non‐academics, there was no difference in the overall popularity but viewers rated talks by academics as more fascinating, informative, and persuasive while non‐academics received higher emotional ratings. The implications for understanding social influence processes are discussed.
Synthesis of cool white light emitting novel dysprosium (Dy3+) complexes with tetradentate β‐ketoamide and heterocyclic auxiliary ligands
Authors: Punia Monika , Khatkar Satyender Pal , Taxak Vinod Bala , Dhankhar Priyanka , Boora Doon Priti
Published: March 2021

To improve current multiphase white light emitting diodes (WLEDs), a novel series of five complexes consisting of one binary and four ternary complexes that emitted cool white light was successfully synthesized using a chelating tetradentate ligand and auxiliary ligands, i.e. 5,6‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline, 1,10‐phenanthroline, 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl, and 2,2′‐bipyridyl. The series was examined structurally using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. These complexes had the appropriate thermal stability required for the generation of white organic LEDs (WOLEDs). Dysprosium (III) (Dy3+) ion complexes demonstrated the characteristic emission peaks of blue colour at 482 nm and yellow colour at 572 nm, respectively, when excited using near ultraviolet light. Band gap, refractive index, and decay lifetime of the optimized samples were recorded as 2.68 eV, 2.12, and 1.601 ms, respectively. Correlated colour temperature value (7875 K), Commission International de l'Eclairage coordinates (0.300, 0.294), and colour purity (21.04 × 10−2) of the optimized complex were near to those of white illuminants as defined by the National Television System Committee. These complexes had promise as commercial LEDs for the advanced optoelectronics devices, especially as WOLEDs for illumination applications.
Knowledge, perception, and interest regarding biotechnology among secondary school students in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Kooffreh Mary Esien , Ikpeme Ekei Victor , Mgbado Theresa Iraenghi
Published: March 2021

A survey was carried out to investigate the knowledge, perception and interest of secondary school students about biotechnology. A total of 334 questionnaires were distributed to students in Senior Secondary 3 classes from eight secondary schools within Calabar metropolis. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 7.5. Results revealed 105 (34.21%) of students had limited knowledge of medical biotechnology, genetic engineering and genetically modified products. 91 (30.03%) of the students agreed that biotechnology is the use of living organisms to produce goods and services while 102 (33.41%) accepted that biotechnology is a new technology based on biology 62 (20.39%) were willing to embrace the applications of biotechnology. 152 (50.03%) do not agree that biotech will improve services for mankind; 90 (29.51) had no idea about the applications of biotechnology; 31 (10.24%) students disagreed that cloning results in perfectly identical individuals while the highest positive responses; 92 (30.31%) was recorded for questions regarding in vitro fertilization. The students also showed a very low interest 76 (25%) in pursuing biotechnology as a degree in the University. Generally students' knowledge, perception, and interest in Biotechnology were low among Secondary School students in Calabar. There is a need to immediately increase enlightenment and emphasis on the applications of biotechnology among Secondary school students to enable them appreciate the benefits of biotechnology.
Sensitive, wide‐range and high‐throughput quantification of cyclosporine in whole blood using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and comparison with an antibody‐conjugated magnetic immunoassay
Authors: Watanabe Takuma , Tanaka Ryota , Ono Hiroyuki , Suzuki Yosuke , Tatsuta Ryosuke , Itoh Hiroki
Published: March 2021

Because either trough or peak concentration at 2 h after administration is measured in routine therapeutic drug monitoring for cyclosporine A (CyA), a quantification method with a wide‐range calibration curve capable of simultaneously measuring both concentrations is required. We developed a sensitive, wide‐range and high‐throughput quantification method for CyA in whole blood using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS), and compared patients’ blood CyA levels measured by UPLC–MS/MS and antibody‐conjugated magnetic immunoassay (ACMIA). Whole blood samples were prepared by solid‐phase extraction using Oasis HLB μElution plate. The UPLC–MS/MS assay showed excellent linearity over a wide calibration range of 5–2500 ng/mL. Within‐batch accuracy and precision as well as batch‐to‐batch accuracy and precision fulfilled the criteria of US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The blood CyA concentrations measured by the UPLC–MS/MS assay correlated strongly with those measured by ACMIA. A Bland–Altman plot showed a fixed error between CyA concentrations measured by the two methods, and the concentrations measured by the UPLC–MS/MS method were consistently lower than those measured by ACMIA. We have succeeded to develop a sensitive, wide‐range and high‐throughput quantification method for CyA in whole blood using UPLC–MS/MS.
To engage or not engage? The features of video content on YouTube affecting digital consumer engagement
Authors: Munaro Ana Cristina , Hübner Barcelos Renato , Francisco Maffezzolli Eliane Cristine , Santos Rodrigues João Pedro , Cabrera Paraiso Emerson
Published: March 2021

Popularity on YouTube is an important metric for influencers and brands. It is linked to video relevance, content, and features that attract audience attention and interest. We present and test a model of YouTube video popularity drivers that trigger several engagement actions (i.e., number of views, likes, dislikes, and comments). These drivers include characteristics—such as language elements, linguistic style, subjectivity, emotion valence, and video category—that influence online video popularity on YouTube. An analysis of a database comprising more than 11,000 videos from 150 digital influencers shows that several factors help to boost the number of views, likes/dislikes, and comments. We find that medium‐length and long videos posted during non‐business hours and weekdays and those using a subjective language style, less‐active events, and temporal indications are more likely to receive views, likes, and comments. Moreover, the use of negative or low‐arousal emotion helps to promote a general interest in a YouTube video.
Acetylation of interferon regulatory factor‐5 suppresses androgen receptor and downregulates expression of Sox2
Authors: Acidereli Hilal , Turut Fatma Aysun , Cevik Ozge
Published: March 2021

Interferon regulatory factor‐5 (IRF5) is a transcription factor and has essential cellular mechanisms as a tumour suppressor gene. IRF5 protein function is irregular in various human cancers, and its role in prostate cancer is also unknown. This study presents the first evidence that IRF5 expression is controlled with androgen receptor (AR) signalling interaction and stem cell factors (Nanog, Oct4, Sox2) in prostate cancer. Human prostate cancer cell lines (PC3, DU145 and LNCaP) were transfected plasmids and assessed for cellular localization of IRF5 and AR interaction with IF‐staining. Co‐immunoprecipitation and ChIP assay were used to detect the IRF5 and AR protein‐protein interaction and IRF5 stem cell factors protein‐gene interaction. The target relation between IRF5, AR, CREB, p300, ISRE, ARE and NF‐кB was tested by luciferase assay. IRF5 was low expressed in androgen‐dependent prostate cancer cells and tissues. The analysis of human prostate cancer clinical samples supports the interaction of IRF5 and AR in a pathological role, as IRF5 expression is down‐regulated in the tumours' advanced stages. Tumour suppression mechanism of IRF5 and SOX2 levels in cells reduces and causes AR acetylation. Those affect the prostate cancer mechanism by modifying the cellular response in the signal pathway. IRF5 can be promising for treating androgen‐dependent prostate cancers and is a therapeutic protein for new drug studies.
Evaluation of Arginine‐Modified Polyepoxysuccinic Acid as Anti‐scaling and Anti‐corrosion Agent
Authors: Zhang Kunfei , Chen Fengjiang , Han Jian , Tian Tian , Jin Yunhan , Zhang Zhixuan , Chen Jianxin
Published: March 2021

Arginine‐modified polyepoxysuccinic acid (Arg‐PESA) was used as a scale inhibitor to study its anti‐scaling and anti‐corrosion performance. The existence of arginine groups enhances the adsorption and chelation of calcium substances, thus inhibiting the formation of a calcium scale. The effects of temperature, scale inhibitor concentration, pH, and calcium ion concentration on scale inhibition performance were studied. The morphologies and structures of the calcium scale and carbon steel coupons were observed and characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic methods. The interaction between Arg‐PESA and different crystal surfaces of calcium carbonate was simulated by molecular dynamics to elucidate the anti‐scaling mechanism. The addition of Arg‐PESA also significantly enhanced the dispersion of iron oxide.
Increased risk of major congenital malformations in early pregnancy use of angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin‐receptor‐blockers: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Fu Jennifer , Tomlinson George , Feig Denice S.
Published: March 2021

Aims

To evaluate the risk of adverse fetal outcomes after exposure to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐Is) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in first trimester of pregnancy, by conducting a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using Medline, Embase, Cochrane and PubMed from inception to 25 November 2019. Studies were included if they evaluated pregnancies exposed to ACE‐Is or ARBs, reported fetal outcomes, and compared these outcomes with a control group. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using inverse variance‐weighted random effects model. The protocol was registered with the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020160566).

Results

Studies reporting on 6234 pregnancies exposed to ACE‐Is or ARBs, 4104 pregnancies exposed to other oral antihypertensives, and 1,872,733 pregnancies without exposure were included in the meta‐analysis. ACE‐I or ARB exposed pregnancies, compared to non‐exposed controls, had higher risk of major congenital malformations (OR 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42–2.34), cardiovascular malformations (OR 2.50; 95% CI: 1.62–3.87) and stillbirths (OR 1.75; 95% CI: 1.21–2.53). There was no difference in congenital malformations observed between pregnancies exposed to other antihypertensives compared to non‐exposed controls (OR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.69–1.33).

Conclusions

Women exposed to ACE‐Is or ARBs during early pregnancy had higher risk of adverse fetal outcomes, including malformations and stillbirths, than non‐exposed controls. This increased risk was independent of underlying maternal hypertension, as those exposed to other antihypertensives did not exhibit a higher risk than healthy controls. Women planning for pregnancy using these medications, including those with diabetic nephropathy, should be counselled appropriately.
Predicting dyslexia in Arabic‐speaking children: Developing instruments and estimating their psychometric indices
Authors: Gharaibeh Mahmoud
Published: March 2021

Dyslexia is a reading disability that is characterized by when an individual has trouble in rapid and accurate word decoding. This study developed, piloted and assessed the validity and reliability of three instruments: Rapid Automatized Scale (RANS), Arabic Reading Ability Scale (ARAS) and Phonological Awareness Scale (PAS), on a sample of 700 students (aged 8–9 years). Four groups (n = 30) were formed based on the participants' results of the three instruments; Double Deficit (DD), Rapid Automatized Naming Deficit (RAND), Phonological Awareness Deficit (PAD) and No Deficit groups. Content validities of the instruments were supported using published reports; though educational experts further revised RANS. It found a significant inverse correlation between the PA test score and RAN (mistakes and time) score (r = −.44;p < .001), and a significant positive correlation between RAN mistakes and RAN time (r = .47;p < .001). Acceptable internal reliability of the RANS was demonstrated by a Cronbach's alpha test coefficient ofα = .85 (>.70; acceptable). High inter‐rater reliability tests were observed for the three instruments (r ≥ .86,p < .001). The three instruments can predict reading difficulties and dyslexia in Arabic‐speaking populations.
Environmental DNA metabarcoding as a useful tool for evaluating terrestrial mammal diversity in tropical forests
Authors: Mena José Luis , Yagui Hiromi , Tejeda Vania , Bonifaz Emilio , Bellemain Eva , Valentini Alice , Tobler Mathias W. , Sánchez‐Vendizú Pamela , Lyet Arnaud
Published: March 2021

Innovative techniques, such as environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, are now promoting broader biodiversity monitoring at unprecedented scales, because of the reduction in time, presumably lower cost, and methodological efficiency. Our goal was to assess the efficiency of established inventory techniques (live‐trapping grids, pitfall traps, camera trapping, mist netting) as well as eDNA for detecting Amazonian mammals. For terrestrial small mammals, we used 32 live‐trapping grids based on Sherman and Tomahawk traps (total effort of 10,368 trap‐nights); in addition to 16 pitfall traps (1,408 trap‐nights). For bats, we used mist nets at 8 sites (4,800 net hours). For medium and large mammals, we used 72 camera trap stations (5,208 camera‐days). We identified vertebrate and mammal taxa based on eDNA analysis (12S region, with V05 and Mamm01 markers) from water samples, including a total of 11 3‐km transects for stagnant water sampling and seven small streams for running water sampling. A total of 106 mammal species were recorded. Building on sample‐based rarefaction and extrapolation curves, both trapping grids and pitfall were successful, recording 91.16% and 82.1% of the expected species for these techniques (~22 and ~9 species), and 16.98% and 6.60% of the total recorded mammal species, respectively. Mist nets recorded 83.2% of the expected bat species (~48), and 34.91% of the total recorded species. Camera trapping recorded 99.2% of the predicted large‐ and medium‐sized species (~31), and 33.02% of the total recorded species. eDNA recorded 75.4% of the expected mammal species for this technique (~68), and 47.0% of the total recorded species. eDNA resulted in a useful tool that saves on effort and reduces sampling costs. This study is among the first to show the large potential of eDNA metabarcoding for assessing Amazonian mammal communities, providing, in combination with conventional techniques, a rapid overview of mammal diversity with broad applications to monitoring, management and conservation. By including appropriate genetic markers and updated reference databases, eDNA metabarcoding method can be extended to the whole vertebrate community.
An effective approach of dropping the backfire possibilities of a hydrogen‐fuelled opposed rotary piston engine
Authors: Li Juxia , Gao Jianbing , Tian Guohong , Ma Chaochen , Xing Shikai
Published: March 2021

Backfire of hydrogen‐fuelled internal combustion engines limits the hydrogen fuel applications and drops the power output. Opposed rotary piston (ORP) engines are characterized by high power density, smooth operations, and few moving parts. However, the intake structures of ORP engines tend to deliver high possibility of backfire under hydrogen utilization conditions due to more residual exhaust. This paper proposed an effective approach of eliminating backfire for a hydrogen fuelled ORP engine, and it did not generate any penalty of power output theoretically. The effectiveness of this method was demonstrated using a 3D numerical simulation method. The results indicated that the average in‐cylinder temperature started to increase at the start of the intake process if without any backfire control strategies; however, it decreased continuously if backfire control was applied. The mass flow rates of the intake fluid were at a low level without backfire control, but it increased sharply if backfire control was adopted. Backfire in this investigation was caused by the pre‐ignition of mixture in cylinders. The temperature in intake pipes reached up to 1000 K over backfire scenarios, and heat of reaction was higher than 3 W. Hydrogen mass fractions at the bottom of intake pipes were low at the start of intake process due to the backfire; meantime, slight backflow also happened in the intake process due to the pre‐ignition of cylinders mixture. The fluid velocity was higher than 100 m/s at the beginning of intake process if backfire was controlled.
Mediterranean badlands: Their driving processes and climate change futures
Authors: Nadal‐Romero Estela , Rodríguez‐Caballero Emilio , Chamizo Sonia , Juez Carmelo , Cantón Yolanda , García‐Ruiz José M.
Published: March 2021

Badlands are landforms that occur all over the World. In the Mediterranean region, badlands are found in both dry (arid and semi‐arid) and wet (subhumid and humid) environments, and are characterized by complex hydro‐geomorphological dynamics, high intense erosion processes and extreme sediment yield. Understanding the impact of Global Change is key to predict the on‐site and off‐site effects on badland dynamics, particularly its consequences on bedrock weathering, on sediment yield and delivery and on plant colonization. Here, conducting a systematic literature review, we analyzed an extensive database and identified the main climate‐drivers affecting the hydro‐geomorphological dynamics in Mediterranean badlands (based on non‐metric multidimensional scaling and structural equation modeling analysis). Later, we examined the main impacts expected from climate change forecasting in the near future, and we explored the interactions between badlands response to climate variation. In Mediterranean badlands, weathering processes are mainly related to wetting–drying cycles and freeze–thaw cycles in dry and wet badlands, respectively. In both environments, rainfall amount appears as the main driver for runoff response, and rainfall amount and rainfall intensity for erosion dynamics. Future climate scenarios forecast a decrease in annual rainfall, number of rainfall events and frost days, and in soil moisture, and an increase in rainfall intensity. These changes will have direct hydro‐geomorphological implications with direct and indirect effects on badland dynamics. This may result in a decrease in annual runoff in dry badlands, but the occurrence of more frequent extreme events would increase soil erosion and could negatively affect biological soil crust. In wet badlands, weathering and erosion processes may decrease, and a stabilization of the slopes, with consequently improved vegetation growth, may be expected. In addition, the forecasted changes must be taken into account, especially considering the possible off‐site effects of these extreme environments.
Researching Academic Reading in Two Contrasting English as a Medium of Instruction Contexts at a University Level
Authors: Owen Nathaniel , Shrestha Prithvi N. , Hultgren Anna Kristina
Published: March 2021

This project examined academic reading in two contrasting English as a medium of instruction (EMI) university settings in Nepal and Sweden and the unique challenges facing students who are studying in a language other than their primary language. The motivation for the project was to explore the role of high‐stakes testing in EMI contexts and the implications for the design of the TOEFL iBT® test. We employed a sequential mixed‐methods approach to gather substantive and authentic qualitative data from stakeholders immersed in EMI settings. A small sample of students (Nepal = 19, Sweden = nine) were asked to complete reading logs over a period of 3 weeks so we could determine the types of texts and reading load associated with diverse EMI settings. Additionally, a larger cohort of students from each setting (Nepal = 69, Sweden = 60) completed questionnaires examining academic reading demands, reading skills, and practices. Students who completed the questionnaires also completed the reading section of the TOEFL iBT test. The same students also completed a TOEFL® family of tests suitability questionnaire so we could consider the suitability of the TOEFL iBT test for EMI contexts. Following test completion, a series of semistructured interviews (Nepal = 21, Sweden = 23) focused more closely on students' perspectives of reading demands in their academic contexts and the suitability of the reading section of the TOEFL iBT test to make claims about readiness to study in EMI contexts. Our findings revealed that different EMI contexts have different standards of high and low academic reading proficiency and that these differences may occur due to differences in educational experiences of the respective cohorts. The findings offer important new insights into academic reading and assessment in EMI contexts. Students in EMI contexts are sensitive to violations of expectations regarding test‐taking experiences (face validity). The study has implications for the design of test tasks, which should consider local, contextual varieties of English.
Black Girl Abroad: An Autoethnography of Travel and The Need to Cite Black Women in Anthropology
Authors: Williams Erica L.
Published: March 2021

This article explores the feminist potential and possibilities of Black women's travel writing. The author reflects on her travel stories, in dialogue with other Black women's travel memoirs, to make two arguments: (1) we must expand and deepen our citational practices in anthropology to critically engage more seriously with Black women's work, especially those who have been marginalized or excluded from the “canon”; (2) international travel is crucial to forming the connections and networks necessary to be able to cite Black women's work transnationally.
Maca extracts regulate glucose and lipid metabolism in insulin‐resistant HepG2 cells via the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway
Authors: Li Aimin , Liu Jia , Ding Fangli , Wu Xiaolei , Pan Cong , Wang Qing , Gao Ming , Duan Shenglin , Han Xiaofeng , Xia Kai , Liu Shiwei , Wu Yimin , Zhou Zhiqiao , Zhang Xi , Gao Xiao‐Dong
Published: March 2021

This work focused on the separation of the active ingredients of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) and evaluated the antioxidative capability of these components with effects on improving glucose and lipid metabolism in insulin‐resistant HepG2 cells. DPPH free radical scavenging and reducing power assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of maca extracts. An insulin‐resistant HepG2 cell model induced by glucose, fructose, oleic acid, and palmitic acid was adopted to investigate the effects of maca extracts on regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in this study. LC‐MS/MS was then used for determination of the maca n‐butanol (NBT) subfraction. The results showed that maca ethanol extract and subfractions of this extract exhibited certain antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the NBT subfraction reversed the disorders in glucose and lipid metabolism in insulin‐resistant HepG2 cells and significantly increased the mRNA expression of phosphoinositide 3‐kinases (PI3K) and AKT in insulin‐resistant HepG2 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, the LC‐MS/MS results showed that the NBT subfraction contained many active ingredients. Overall, this study suggests that the NBT subfraction of the ethanol extract rich in glucosinolates modulates insulin resistance via PI3K/AKT activation in insulin‐resistant HepG2 cells and might exert potentially beneficial effects in improving or treating glucose and lipid metabolic disorders.
Establishment and validation of a novel nomogram to predict overall survival in nasopharyngeal carcinoma with lymph node metastasis
Authors: Li Wanpeng , Lu Hanyu , Wang Huan , Hu Li , Sun Xicai , Yu Hongmeng , Wang Dehui
Published: March 2021

Background

The aim of the present study was to establish and validate a nomogram to predict the overall survival (OS) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with lymph node metastasis (LNM).

Methods

A novel nomogram was constructed using 863 patients with LNM‐positive NPC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Significant prognostic factors in the nomograms were determined using multivariate Cox risk analysis. The predictive capability was evaluated using calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Multivariate analysis identified seven factors that could be used to construct the nomogram: age, pathological type, T stage, M stage, surgery of primary site, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The calibration curves and DCA demonstrated optimal agreement. Based on the nomogram, all patients could be stratified into three risk groups: low, middle, and high.

Conclusions

The novel nomogram demonstrated its potential as an individualized tool to predict OS.
Integrated water resource management to address the growing demand for food and water in South Asia*
Authors: Birendra KC , McIndoe Ian , Schultz Bart , Prasad Krishna , Bright John , Dark Andrew , Prasad Pandey Vishnu , Chaudhary Anubhav , Thapa Prithbi Man , Perera Rohan , Dangi Dillee Ram
Published: March 2021

With the increasing population and accelerated urbanization, demands for water are rising for different sectors around the world, including in South Asia. Integrated water resource management (IWRM) offers a promising potential to address multifaceted water demands. This study therefore aimed to address this issue by (i) reviewing key issues related to water, land, and food in South Asian countries, (ii) exploring the prevalent irrigation management strategies in those countries, and (iii) examining the IWRM situation based on a Nepalese case study, and it proposes some options to support effective implementation of IWRM.

South Asia, the home to 24% of the world's population with only 15% and 7% of the world's arable and permanent crop land and water resources, respectively, is the worst‐affected region in the world from undernourishment. Surface irrigation is the dominant irrigation application method in the region, which incurs high water losses due to the lack of flexible water control structures in canal networks. The Nepalese case study revealed a lack of clear institutional arrangements to implement IWRM and disparate and conflicting views about IWRM. Creation and strengthening of basin‐level water user organizations, technological improvements, and awareness‐raising activities are some potential ways forward to implement IWRM.
Algorithm to minimize MPI communications in the parallelized fast multipole method combined with molecular dynamics calculations
Authors: Andoh Yoshimichi , Ichikawa Shin‐ichi , Sakashita Tatsuya , Yoshii Noriyuki , Okazaki Susumu
Published: March 2021

In the era of exascale supercomputers, large‐scale, and long‐time molecular dynamics (MD) calculations are expected to make breakthroughs in various fields of science and technology. Here, we propose a new algorithm to improve the parallelization performance of message passing interface (MPI)‐communication in the MPI‐parallelized fast multipole method (FMM) combined with MD calculations under three‐dimensional periodic boundary conditions. Our approach enables a drastic reduction in the amount of communication data, including the atomic coordinates and multipole coefficients, both of which are required to calculate the electrostatic interaction by using the FMM. In communications of multipole coefficients, the reduction rate of communication data in the new algorithm relative to the amount of data in the conventional one increases as both the number of FMM levels and the number of MPI processes increase. The aforementioned rate increase could exceed 50% as the number of MPI processes becomes larger for very large systems. The proposed algorithm, named the minimum‐transferred data (MTD) method, should enable large‐scale and long‐time MD calculations to be calculated efficiently, under the condition of massive MPI‐parallelization on exascale supercomputers.
R = MC2 readiness building process: A practical approach to support implementation in local, state, and national settings
Authors: Domlyn Ariel M. , Scott Victoria , Livet Melanie , Lamont Andrea , Watson Amber , Kenworthy Tara , Talford Meredith , Yannayon Mary , Wandersman Abraham
Published: March 2021

Effective implementation of evidence‐based interventions is a persistent challenge across community settings. Organizational readiness ‐ or, the motivation and collective capacity of an entity to adopt and sustain an innovation ‐ is important to facilitate implementation. Drawing on the R = MC2 readiness framework, we developed a readiness building process to tailor support for implementation. The process is composed of the following stages: assessment, feedback and prioritization, and strategize. In this article, we describe the application of the readiness building process through three case examples representing interventions at different ecological levels: local, state, and national. The case examples illuminate challenges and practical considerations for using the readiness building process, including the significance of on‐going leadership engagement and collaboration between support system and delivery system staff. To further the research and practice of implementation readiness, we suggest examining the impact of readiness building on implementation outcomes and developing an empirically‐informed repository of change management strategies matched to readiness constructs.
High‐efficient rendering to generate annular sector elemental image array for tabletop integral imaging three‐dimensional display
Authors: Xia Yun‐Peng , Li Shuang , Ren Hui , Deng Huan , Xing Yan
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we propose a high‐efficient rendering method based on the backward ray‐tracing technique to generate the annular sector elemental image array (ASEIA), which can form an ideal annular viewing zone for tabletop integral imaging 3D display. In the rendering process, different pixels in each annular sector elemental image are associated with different viewpoints by the backward rays in one rendering step. Therefore, the ASEIA can be obtained directly without capturing single‐viewpoint images from all 360‐degree directions, which improves rendering efficiency. Compared with the conventional ASEIA generation method, the rendering time is reduced and is independent of the viewpoint number. The experimental results show the feasibility of the proposed method.