bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Derangements in Patients of Psoriasis and their Association with Psoriasis Area Severity Index Score: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Goel Seema , Bansal Shalini , Chopra Dimple , Batra Jayati
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of skin associated with various metabolic derangements. These metabolic derangements increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in psoriatic patients. Aim: To study the metabolic parameters- Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS), serum lipid profile, serum uric acid, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in psoriatic patients in relation to clinical disease severity- Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score. Materials and Methods: The study was a hospital based cross-sectional observational study carried out over a period of 18 months in Department of Dermatology at Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala that included 250 psoriatic patients. Their percentage Body Surface Area (BSA) involved and PASI score were calculated as per the standard guidelines. The severity of psoriasis was divided into mild (PASI<7), moderate (PASI 7-12) and severe (PASI >12) disease based on PASI score. Serum lipid profile was measured by enzymatic method, blood glucose by glucose oxidase method, serum uric acid by uricase method and CRP by latex slide agglutination method and the values obtained were compared with severity of psoriasis. Results: There was a rise in the value of FBS, serum lipid profile, serum uric acid and CRP as PASI score increased and the difference between these values was statistically highly significant (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: There was a significantly higher derangement of metabolic parameters in patients with higher PASI scores. So, patients with severe psoriasis have a higher risk of metabolic complications and cardiovascular diseases as compared to patients with mild disease. These patients should be advised lifestyle modifications and should be regularly monitored so that the metabolic derangements can be detected earlier and metabolic complications can be avoided.
Adrenal Ganglioneuroma: A Rare Incidentaloma
Authors: Bharti Rashmi Rani , Kumar Sanjay , Kumar Bipin
Published: June 2022

Adrenal ganglioneuroma is a very rare tumour of sympathetic nervous system that originate from neural crest sympathogonia which are completely undifferentiated cells of the sympathetic nervous system, constituting 20 to 30% of all Ganglioneuromas (GNs). GNs are generally asymptomatic and usually do not secrete hormones and most often detected incidentally on routine imaging tests during work up. The tumour could cause some complications, if it becomes large enough to press against the adjacent organs. Ganglioneuroma generally present as solitary mass which are painless and grow slowly. The common sites of GN are posterior mediastinum (41%), retroperitoneum (37%), adrenal gland (21%) and neck (8%). Histopathologically, ganglioneuroma is entirely composed of ganglion cells and schwannian stroma and does not contain neuroblasts, intermediate cells or mitotic figures. Preoperative diagnosis of GNs is difficult and cannot be made on radiological findings alone, thus histopathological examination is required in order to confirm the diagnosis of GN. Adrenal ganglioneuroma is a rare sympathetic tumour which originated from adrenal medulla. Prognosis is good after removal of the tumour, adjuvent therapy is not required and there is no recurrence. This report is of a rare case of adrenal ganglioneuroma in a 66-year- old male from Bihar came with complaints of bipedal oedema for seven days, white coloured urine and burning pain during micturition for three months. The patient was evaluated for chyluria, routine investigations were normal but ultrasound and Computed Tomography (CT) scan of abdomen revealed non-specific solitary right adrenal mass measuring 44.8×38.2 mm. Biochemical investigations showed increased catecholamines and metanephrines in plasma. The excised mass was sent for histopathological examination which showed features of adrenal ganglioneuroma and same was confirmed by immunohistochemistry.
Ceftaroline In-vitro Activity against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcal Isolates in a Rural Tertiary Healthcare Centre
Authors: Shivanna Vijaya , Prajwal SS , Venkatesha D
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The emergence of Methicillin Resistant (MR) staphylococcal infections had led to fewer therapeutic options. Ceftaroline fosamil is the only cephalosporin approved by United States of America (USA) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) till now which has activity against MR staphylococcal isolates. Until now, studies on in-vitro activity of ceftaroline are limited. Aim: To know the susceptibility pattern of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (MRCoNS) against ceftaroline in a rural tertiary health care centre. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in rural part of Karnataka between two months (July and August 2019). A total of 50 consecutive, non repetitive clinical isolates of MRSA and MRCoNS were obtained. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of ceftaroline was detected using E-strips (Biomerieux). The CLSI breakpoints applied for the interpretation of ceftaroline MIC- Sensitive: ≤1 μg/mL; Susceptible Dose Dependent (SDD): 2-4 μg/ mL and resistant ≥8 μg/mL). Staphylococcus aureus American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 29213 was used as a quality control. Statistical analysis was done using microsoft excel. Percentages were used in this study to analyse variables. Results: Out of 50 MR staphylococcal isolates, 10 (20%) were MRSA and 40 (80%) were MRCoNS. Of the MR staphylococcal isolates tested, 49 (98%) were sensitive to ceftaroline. The MIC 50 and MIC 90 for the 50 MR staphylococci was 0.25 μg/mL and 1 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Ceftaroline demonstrated a potent in-vitro activity against MR staphylococci. So it can be used as an effective drug in the treatment of such infections.
Influence of Process Time on the Physicochemical, Antinutrient and Phytochemical Properties of Ficus capensis Moracae Vegetable Drink
Authors: Onwurafor E. U. , Uzodinma E. O. , Nwosu A. N. , Ude S. S.
Published: June 2022

Aims: To determine the best process time and processing duration effects on the composition of the Ficus capensis drink (infusion).

Study Design:  Experimental design was based on completely randomized design (CRD).

Methodology:  Ficus capensis (Moracae) leafy vegetable drink was processed by immersing the leaves in water (1:10) weight/liquid ratio. Three portions of samples were prepared and boiled separately in a stainless steel pot immersed in a water bath (temperature =100 oC) for 30, 60, and 90 min, respectively, and filtered. The samples were evaluated for proximate composition, minerals, phytochemicals, antinutrients, and physicochemical properties using standard methods. 

Results: Protein, carbohydrate, and ash contents and energy value of the drink were affected differently by process times. Alkaloids, ascorbic acid, and calcium contents were lowest in samples processed by 90 min boiling. Drink processed by boiling the leaves for 60 min had the highest pro-vitamin A (12.51 mg/100ml), zinc (3.18 mg/100ml, flavonoid (18.4 g/100ml), and carotenoid (17.2 g/100ml), and 90 min processed drink had the highest vitamin B1 (0.35 mg/100ml) content. The iron contents ranged from 2.8-8.7 mg/100ml, and the values varied among different boiling times. Cyanide, phytate, and tannin contents decreased progressively as the processing times increased.

Conclusion: The nutrient contents of Ficus capensis (Moracae) drink were affected by process time, however, boiling the leave for 60 min was established as the best process time for the  Ficus capensis vegetable drink processing.
Construction of Knowledge Test to Measure the Knowledge of Farmers about Banana Production Technology
Authors: Ptel Sheetal , Bisht Kamini , Singh S. R. K. , Shrivastva Sanjana , Jallaraph Venkteshwar
Published: June 2022

The present study was conducted in Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh with sample size of 296 banana farmers to measure knowledge about banana production technology .Due to the non-availability of a standardized scale to measure farmers’ knowledge about banana production technology, it was thought necessary to construct a test for the purpose and an attempt has been made to develop a test for measuring knowledge about banana production technology. Pertinent items were collected covering all aspects of banana production technology. After getting the jury’s opinion on the items of test index of item difficulty, index of item discrimination, and index of item validity were worked out.to administer the knowledge test a respondent is given one mark for each correct answer and zero marks for each wrong answer. Twenty-five statements were finally selected from 32 statements.
Research on Mathematical Dyslexia of Middle School Students in China
Authors: Yu Xinyu , Yang Zezhong
Published: June 2022

Mathematics reading ability is an important factor affecting students' mathematics learning. Current studies have found that middle school students have mathematical dyslexia. Mathematical dyslexia often leads to students' difficulties in learning and even frustrates students' enthusiasm and initiative in learning mathematics. Therefore, many researchers have begun to pay attention to mathematical dyslexia problems in middle school students. This study used the literature analysis method to summarize and sort out the previous research on mathematical dyslexia of middle school students and found that: (1) Current domestic studies mainly focus on the following six aspects: Types of mathematical dyslexia; manifestations of mathematical dyslexia; analysis of causes of mathematical dyslexia; Analysis of the content of the material causing mathematical dyslexia; suggestions and strategies to overcome mathematical dyslexia. (2) The main types of mathematical dyslexia are comprehension and translation obstacles; Previous studies have discussed the manifestations of mathematical dyslexia from learning attitude, learning ability, and knowledge mastery. The formation of mathematical dyslexia is mainly influenced by the characteristics of mathematical language itself, students' factors, teachers' factors, and teaching modes. There are few studies on the influencing factors of mathematical dyslexia and the content of the materials causing mathematical dyslexia. Most studies put forward improvement suggestions for teachers and students. (3) Researchers mainly used self-written test papers and self-written interview outline to conduct investigations, and some researchers drew conclusions based on theoretical speculation or teaching experience. Therefore, based on existing research, future research needs to adopt scientific research tools, develop a localized research framework, expand the scope of research, increase the verification research of suggestions and strategies, and put forward practical and effective overcoming strategies, to make this research more comprehensive, systematic and in-depth.
Spectral Properties of Compact Operators
Authors: Isabu Amonyela Hillary , Simiyu Achiles Nyongesa , Wanambisi Aldrin Wekesa
Published: June 2022

The spectral properties of a compact operator \(T : X \longrightarrow Y\) on a normed linear space resemble those of square matrices. For a compact operator, the spectral properties can be treated fairly completely in the sense that Fredholm's famous theory of integral equations may be extended to linear functional equations \(T x -\lambda\) \(= y\) with a complex parameter \(\lambda\) . This paper has studied and investigated the spectral properties of compact operators in Hilbert spaces. The spectral properties of compact linear operators are relatively simple generalization of the eigenvalues of finite matrices. As a result, the paper has given a number of corresponding propositions and interesting facts which are used to prove basic properties of compact operators. The Fredholm theory has been introduced to investigate the solvability of linear integral equations involving compact operators.
Effect of Water Deficit on Productivity of Some Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Genotypes
Authors: El-Seidy E. H. , Mansour Mohamed , Abokhalifa Eman , Abd El-Azeem Ashgan M.
Published: June 2022

Two field experiments were laid out during 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 growing seasons at Sakha region, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt to evaluate the productivity and stress tolerance of ten barely genotypes under full irrigation and water stress conditions. Eight traits for barley were measured: days to maturity, plant height, spike length, number of grains/spike, number of spikes/m2, 1000-grain weight, biological yield and grain yield. Also, stress susceptibility index (SSI) was calculated. Results showed that, all the studied traits were decreased under water stress conditions. Mean squares due to seasons, water treatments, genotypes and their interactions were significant or highly significant for most studied traits. From the results, Giza 133 and Line 3 were the earliest genotypes in maturity. Line 4 under normal irrigation and Giza 2000 and Line 5 under stress gave the highest values of grain yield and most of its components. From SSI data, Giza 124, Giza 126, Giza 2000, Line 3 and Line 5 considered as the most tolerant genotypes where it had values less than the unity. so, it can be used in improving barley productivity under water stress condition.
Genetic Variability and Character Association Study for Yield Enhancement in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Yadav Aneeta , Neha . , Das Ravi
Published: June 2022

This study was conducted to examine 20 bread wheat genotypes with two checks to investigate genetic parameters, correlations and genetic diversity. This experiment was done in main experimental station of Agricultural Research Farm, Rama University (U.P), Mandhana, Kanpur during Rabi Season, 2020-21 in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Analysis of variance showed a very significant difference between the 20 bread wheats of the 11 characters investigated. Genotype HPAN111 showed high grain yields per plant during the control period based on average production. Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was recorded highest for Biological yield per plant (15.073%). Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) was recorded highest for Biological yield per plant (16.316%). Environmental coefficient of variation (ECV) was recorded highest for Effective tiller per plant (13.591%). High heritability was observed for                       most of the traits and it was noted highest for Biological yield per plant (85.4%). Genetic advancement was recorded highest for Biological yield per plant (643.733%). The high Genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for Biological yield per plant (28.687%). Grain yield per plant shows Significant Positive Correlation with Biological yield per plant (0.8803**) at genotypic and phenotypic level.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Sexually Transmitted Infections among Lady Health Workers Working in Endemic Areas of Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Niaz , Bilal Muhammad , Raza Mahwish , Lalani Naureen , Shoaib Nida , Rahim Nousheen
Published: June 2022

Globally, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) took the lives of nearly 680,000 people in 2020. And STI prevalence was found at almost 4.4% in the local population. As Lady Health Workers (LHWs) are a communication bridge between the patient and care provider therefore we aim to assess and identify the gaps in the knowledge, attitude, and practice of lady health workers regarding STIs

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study for 12 weeks (January-2020 till March-2020) was conducted among 18-60years who were trained in the last 3 months for the basic health unit in Jacobabad and were assessed for their knowledge, attitude, and practices. A total of 316 participants were selected via a simple random technique from 595 LHWs whereas analysis was performed in SPSS v.25

Results: Total of 315 LHWs participated with mean age of 36.32±6.61 years and 99.4%, were Muslim. Their mean household monthly income was 26010.13± 2201.86 rupees and the majority, 266 (84.4%), were married and half of them, 169 (49.7%), were matriculated. Almost 94% knew about STIs but their knowledge was 6% at an excellent level. Very low number 7.9% found as excellent in the attitude assessment scale among participants whereas none of them was identified as excellent in practice.

Discussion: The results findings showed that LHW should be equipped with the proper knowledge of STIs. LHW is in need of getting proper training on the practice as only 0.3% of the population involved in the study had a good practice of STIs.
Protocol Optimization of DNA Extraction from Banana Fruits
Authors: Omara Denis , Barugahare Banson John
Published: June 2022

Background: DNA extraction is the process by which the DNA is extracted and purified from the living or dead cells or tissues. There are many different kits commercially available for DNA extraction, with varying protocols. This study aimed at determining the optimal conditions for the extraction of high yield DNA from banana fruits.

Methodology: DNA was extracted from banana fruits by precipitation method. The DNA yield was determined using the Nanodrop DNA quantification technique.

Results: The optimal sodium chloride salt concentration for DNA extraction from banana fruits was 4mM and the amount of DNA extracted increased as the temperature decreased. The highest yield was obtained between 4 0C to 0 0C.

Conclusion: We report for the first time a protocol with an optimal salt concentration (NaCl, 4mM) for quality DNA yield from banana fruits.  A critical consideration is required to establish an optimal range of moderate temperatures and DNA concentrations for better quality and desired yields. There may not be a universal protocol for DNA extraction from all plant materials.
Gender Differentiated Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation Practices by Farmers in Kenyan Agricultural Highland Catchments
Authors: Mcharo M. , Waswa F.
Published: June 2022

Soil and water conservation practices or measures are critical in sustaining land productivity for food production while maintaining the integrity of the land. Cardinal measures in this context are broadly categorised as structural, agronomic, and vegetative. Their ultimate goal is to prevent soil erosion, keep the soil fertile, and conserve soil moisture for guaranteed land productivity. This study assessed the relationship between soil biophysical characteristics and farmer socio-ecocomic characteristics on the one hand, and adoption of soil and water conservation practices that have been promoted in the highland catchments of Kinale-Kikuyu, Cherangani, and Wundanyi. A total of 253 households from Kinale-Kikuyu, 96 from Cherangani, and 40 from Wundanyi catchments were selected to form the survey sample. Our results show that among male farmers, the most preferred practices were structural (35.9%), while vegetative practices (29%) were most popular among female land users. At P = 0.3141, our findings indicate that there is no significant relationship between gender and method of soil and water conservation adopted. In Kinale-Kikuyu 31.3% of the farmers adopted vegetative methods, 42.7% of Cherangani farmers used structural methods, and 60.1% of Wundanyi farmers preferred structural methods. These results demonstrated a significant relationship between the catchment location and the method adopted (P = 0.0002). This study confirms the successes and benefits of soil and water conservation practices in all three catchments. Significant differences among catchments in the soil and water conservation practices suggest a stronger correlation between adoption and location compared to adoption and gender.
Evaluation of Revised Trauma Score in Polytrauma
Authors: Elshamhoot Mohamed M. , Ibrahim Wesam , Metwally Mohamed F. , Elafifi Mahmoud A.
Published: June 2022

Objectives: This study aims to improve the management processes of polytrauma patients by evaluating the Revised Trauma Score (RTS) in predicting trauma outcomes by studying the incidence of mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) need and duration of hospital stay.

Methods: Our study had carried out fifty patients with polytrauma examined at Emergency and Traumatology Department, Tanta University Hospital in the period between beginning of December 2020 to beginning of December 2021. Including all polytraumatized patients with age ≥18 years and excluding patients who arrived dead or who had significant co-morbidity.

Results: The mean RTS value for survival was 7.05 (min-max=5.67-7.84), and was 4.73 (min-max=1.96-6.9) in non-survivals. Mean GCS for survival was 13.1 (min-max=8-15), and was 7.13 (min-max=3-13) in non-survivals.

The mortality prediction of the GCS, RR and SBP were also compared using univariate logistic regression. The OR of the actual GCS score was 0.492 (p <0.001; 95% CI, 0.338 – 0.714). While was 0.940 (p =0.005; 95% CI, 0.910-0.983) for SBP and 0.892 (p =0.023; 95% CI, 0.809 – 0.985) for RR.

When the performances of the RTS in predicting in-hospital mortality was evaluated through ROC analysis, the AUC was 0.919 (95% CI 0.806 to 0.977) (p<0.001).

Conclusion: RTS is a good predictor of prognosis among trauma patients.  The lower the RTS is significantly associated with a higher mortality and long hospital stay. Early evaluation of the injury level can be effective in patients' management. The revised trauma score is a reliable indicator of prognosis of polytraumatized patients. Therefore, it can be used for field and emergency room triage.
COVID-19 and Obesity: The Collision of the Two Disasters
Authors: Oommen Roni Varghese , Gotarkar Shashank , Chakole Swarupa
Published: June 2022

The first instances of COVID-19 were reported in late December in Wuhan, Hubei region, China. This virus is most commonly seen in mammals, most notably bats, camels, cows, and some kinds of pigs. Despite this, it is well recognised that viral transfer from animals to humans is extremely infrequent. It is believed that this new mutated variant of the virus originated because of bats Pangolin and have been demonstrated in study to be the culprit. Although it is currently unknown how the virus spreads to humans. According to sources, the first case's evidence was discovered in an animal market in Wuhan. This is the most likely explanation why SARS-CoV-2 began to transmit. Close contact with an infected individual within 6 feet of each other is the most typical way for this virus to spread. When an individual's symptoms are at their climax, the virus is most contagious. Furthermore, because they do not exhibit any symptoms, carriers are a key contributor to the spread of this condition. Lately the coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic has motivated global research efforts to find those who are at higher risk of developing more illness. General obesity has been proven to have a significant relationship to seriousness of major COVID infection symtom presentations. Obesity epidemic provides a serious complicaiton to chronic disease avoidance and good health all over the world.
Epistemology of Postmodern Cartographic Research and Engineering of Scientific Knowledge Building
Authors: Dominique Meva’a Abomo
Published: June 2022

The new technologies revolution has driven an epistemological rupture between modern and postmodern cartographic research. It has fertilized a new engineering of construction postmodern cartographic knowledge based on a fivefold epistemological foundation: naturalist (descriptive epistemology), normative (prescriptive epistemology), operational (experimental epistemology), critical (radical epistemology) and activist (epistemology activist). In practice, postmodern cartographic research is implemented from the paradigm of epistemological syncretism with four postures: constructivist (qualitative variable), post-positivist (quantitative variable), systemist (quantitative and qualitative variables) and interventionist (quantitative and/or qualitative variable). The epistemological positioning here consists in adopting one of these postures and implementing its specific methodological approach. The present study thus attempts to level the deficit of epistemological framing of postmodern cartographic research, which innovates with criticality, radicality and activist-commitment, while perpetuating axiological neutrality and methodological rigor. These innovations thus seal the break with the neutrality or knurling of university activism in the modern era. In other words, cartographic postmodernism opens a new era of academic activism for radical change.
Adaptive hierarchical sliding mode controller for tower cranes based on finite time disturbance observer
Authors: Gu Xiutao , Zhou Hui , Hong Mengqing , Ye Song , Guo Yu
Published: June 2022

A finite time disturbance observer (FTDO) based adaptive hierarchical sliding mode control (AHSMC) is proposed for 4‐DOF tower crane systems with unknown external disturbances. More specifically, to overcome the unknown disturbances, an FTDO combined with the designed adaptive observation error is presented to estimate both matched and unmatched disturbances. Then a new error dynamics taking into account the unmatched disturbances is defined, based on which, a novel nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode (FTSM) surfaces is designed to improve the convergence of system states. Finally, in order to ensure the stability of each subsystem, an AHSMC law incorporating the suggested FTSM‐type reaching law is presented to realize the anti‐sway and positioning control of tower crane system. The finite‐time stability analysis of the closed‐loop system is derived by Lyapunov technique, and simulation results verify the effectiveness of the presented control strategy.
In Vitro Models of Blood and Lymphatic Vessels—Connecting Tissues and Immunity
Authors: Bogseth Amanda , Ramirez Ann , Vaughan Erik , Maisel Katharina
Published: June 2022

Blood and lymphatic vessels are regulators of physiological processes, including oxygenation and fluid transport. Both vessels are ubiquitous throughout the body and are critical for sustaining tissue homeostasis. The complexity of each vessel's processes has limited the understanding of exactly how the vessels maintain their functions. Both vessels have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer metastasis, and it is crucial to probe further specific mechanisms involved. In vitro models are developed to better understand blood and lymphatic physiological functions and their mechanisms. In this review, blood and lymphatic in vitro model systems, including 2D and 3D designs made using Transwells, microfluidic devices, organoid cultures, and various other methods, are described. Models studying endothelial cell‐extracellular matrix interactions, endothelial barrier properties, transendothelial transport and cell migration, lymph/angiogenesis, vascular inflammation, and endothelial‐cancer cell interactions are particularly focused. While the field has made significant progress in modeling and understanding lymphatic and blood vasculature, more models that include coculture of multiple cell types, complex extracellular matrix, and 3D morphologies, particularly for models mimicking disease states, will help further the understanding of the role of blood and lymphatic vasculature in health and disease.
Nutshell Powder‐Based Green Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Wind Energy Harvesting
Authors: Zhang Ruijuan , Xia Ruihuan , Cao Xia , Wang Ning
Published: June 2022

As an agricultural waste, peanut shell powder (PSP) is rich in cellulose and lignin, but its traditional treatment not only has additional disposal costs, but also causes environmental pollution. Here, a low‐cost and environment‐friendly triboelectric nanogenerator based on PSP (PSP‐TENG) is designed for efficient wind energy harvesting. PSP film is used as the tribo‐positive layer, with high surface charge density. The maximum output power density of the PSP‐TENG reaches 365 mW m–2 with a short‐circuit current of 39.4 µA and an open‐circuit voltage of 248.9 V. About 228 commercial LEDs can be lighted up by the wind‐driven PSP‐TENG, which can also be used as a sensor to measure the wind speed. By integrating with capacitor, PSP‐TENG can provide continuous and stable power supply for electronic devices, such as hygrometers, calculators, and stopwatches. Besides, an efficient self‐powered cathodic protection system based on PSP‐TENG is designed for anti‐corrosion for marine pipelines and ships. This work provides a simple and environment‐friendly “waste‐to‐energy technology,” which has a huge application prospect in agricultural waste treatment, new energy, and self‐powered system.
Three‐Component Synthesis of Benzofuran‐3(2H)‐ones with Tetrasubstituted Carbon Stereocenters via Rh(III)‐Catalyzed C−H/C−C Bond Activation and Cascade Annulation
Authors: Jiang Jinyuan , Liu Jidan , Yang Zhenke , Zheng Liyao , Liu Zhao‐Qing
Published: June 2022

An one‐pot three‐component synthesis of benzofuran‐3(2H)‐ones with tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenters from salicylaldehydes, cyclopropanols, and alkyl alcohols via Rh(III)‐catalyzed C−H/C−C bond activation and cascade annulation has been successfully developed.

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Synthesis of 2,4,6‐Trisubstituted Pyrimidines via Iron‐Catalyzed Homocoupling of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketoximes
Authors: Xu Gaochen , Wang Xuemei , Jia Chenglong , Yan Huan , Zhang Sai , Wu Qinghuan , Zhu Ning , Fang Zheng , Duan Jindian , Guo Kai
Published: June 2022

A FeCl2‐catalyzed homocoupling of α,β‐unsaturated ketoximes in batch and flow is reported. This protocol demonstrates broad substrate scope and functional group tolerance, providing an alternate route toward the synthesis of 2,4,6‐trisubstituted pyrimidines under mild conditions. Also a gram‐scale reaction has been performed to evaluate the applicability of this method.

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Microglia Regulate Blood–Brain Barrier Integrity via MiR‐126a‐5p/MMP9 Axis during Inflammatory Demyelination
Authors: Yu Zhongwang , Fang Xue , Liu Weili , Sun Rui , Zhou Jintao , Pu Yingyan , Zhao Ming , Sun Dingya , Xiang Zhenghua , Liu Peng , Ding Yuqiang , Cao Li , He Cheng
Published: June 2022

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) impairment is an early prevalent feature of multiple sclerosis (MS), and remains vital for MS progression. Microglial activation precedes BBB disruption and cellular infiltrates in the brain of MS patients. However, little is known about the function of microglia in BBB impairment. Here, microglia acts as an important modulator of BBB integrity in inflammatory demyelination. Microglial depletion profoundly ameliorates BBB impairment in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Specifically, miR‐126a‐5p in microglia is positively correlated with BBB integrity in four types of MS plaques. Mechanistically, microglial deletion of miR‐126a‐5p exacerbates BBB leakage and EAE severity. The protective effect of miR‐126a‐5p is mimicked and restored by specific inhibition of MMP9 in microglia. Importantly, Auranofin, an FDA‐approved drug, is identified to protect BBB integrity and mitigate EAE progression via a microglial miR‐126a‐5p dependent mechanism. Taken together, microglia can be manipulated to protect BBB integrity and ameliorate inflammatory demyelination. Targeting microglia to regulate BBB permeability merits consideration in therapeutic interventions in MS.
High‐Frequency Operation of Vertical Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Höppner Marco , Kheradmand‐Boroujeni Bahman , Vahland Jörn , Sawatzki Michael Franz , Kneppe David , Ellinger Frank , Kleemann Hans
Published: June 2022

The high‐frequency and low‐voltage operation of organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) is a key requirement for the commercial success of flexible electronics. Significant progress has been achieved in this regard by several research groups highlighting the potential of OTFTs to operate at several tens or even above 100 MHz. However, technology maturity, including scalability, integrability, and device reliability, is another crucial point for the semiconductor industry to bring OTFT‐based flexible electronics into mass production. These requirements are often not met by high‐frequency OTFTs reported in the literature as unconventional processes, such as shadow‐mask patterning or alignment with unrealistic tolerances for production, are used. Here, ultra‐short channel vertical organic field‐effect transistors (VOFETs) with a unity current gain cut‐off frequency (fT) up to 43.2 MHz (or 4.4 MHz V−1) operating below 10 V are shown. Using state‐of‐the‐art manufacturing techniques such as photolithography with reliable fabrication procedures, the integration of such devices down to the size of only 12 × 6 µm2 is shown, which is important for the adaption of this technology in high‐density circuits (e.g., display driving). The intrinsic channel transconductance is analyzed and demonstrates that the frequencies up to 430 MHz can be reached if the parasitic electrode overlap is minimized.
Al‐Doping Driven Suppression of Capacity and Voltage Fadings in 4d‐Element Containing Li‐Ion‐Battery Cathode Materials: Machine Learning and Density Functional Theory
Authors: Ha Miran , Hajibabaei Amir , Kim Dong Yeon , Singh Aditya Narayan , Yun Jeonghun , Myung Chang Woo , Kim Kwang S.
Published: June 2022

The anion redox reaction in high‐energy‐density cathode materials such as Li‐excess layered oxides suffers from voltage/capacity fadings due to irreversible structural instability. Here, exploiting density functional theory (DFT) as well as fast simulations using the universal potential/forces generated from the newly developed sparse Gaussian process regression (SGPR) machine learning (ML) method, the very complicated/complex structures, X‐ray absorption near‐edge‐structure (XANES) spectra, redox phenomena, and Li diffusion of these battery materials depending on charging/discharging processes is investigated. It is found that voltage/capacity fadings are strongly suppressed in 4d‐element‐containing cathodes by Al‐doping. The suppressed fadings are discussed in view of the structural and electronic changes depending on charged/discharged states which are reflected in their extended X‐ray absorption fine structure and XANES spectra. According to crystal orbital Hamilton populations (COHP) and Bader charge analyses of Li1.22Ru0.61Ni0.11Al0.06O2(Al‐LRNO), the Al‐doping helps in forming Ni–Al bonding and hence strengthens the bonding‐orbital characteristics in Al–O bonds. This strengthened Al–O bonding hinders oxygen oxidation and thus enhances structural stability, diminishing safety concerns. The Al‐doping driven suppression of capacity fading and voltage decay is expected to help in designing stable reversible layered cathode materials.
Early onset disease, anarthria, areflexia, and dystonia can be the distinctive features of SPG64, a very rare form of hereditary spastic paraplegias
Authors: Ölmez Akgün , Çetin Gökhan Ozan , Karaer Kadri
Published: June 2022

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are a group of inherited, neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive gait impairment, lower extremity spasticity and increased patellar reflexes. More than 80 types of HSP have been defined to date. In complicated forms, lower limb spasticity and gait impairment is accompanied by an additional neurological finding. Autosomal recessive (AR) HSPs are usually identified in complicated forms and occur more frequently in countries where consanguineous marriage is more widespread. Next generation sequencing techniques, developed in the last decade, have led to the identification of many new types of HSP and reduced the “diagnostic odyssey.” Whole exome sequencing (WES) can diagnose up to 75% of undiagnosed HSP patients. Targeted genetic analysis with good clinical phenotyping gives the best diagnostic yields for rare diseases. Clinical heterogeneity is prominent in AR complicated HSP. However, some clinical features complicating the disease or magnetic resonance imaging findings, including thin corpus callosum or white matter abnormalities, can help to distinguish some types. AR spastic paraplegia type 64 (SPG64) is a very rare HSP, caused by a mutation in the ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (ENTPD1) gene, first described in 2014. To date only nine patients from five families have been reported. We present two siblings with a novel pathogenic variant in ENTPD1, diagnosed by WES, as the sixth published family. We propose that early onset in childhood, cognitive impairment, dysarthria/anarthria, dystonia and areflexia may be the distinctive features of SPG64 and more clinical evidence from families with pathogenic ENTPD1 variants is warranted.
Visible Light Promoted Metal‐Free Sustainable Reduction of α‐Alkylidene Oxindoles/Succinimides
Authors: Bhowmick Anindita , Warghude Prakash K. , Bhat Ramakrishna G.
Published: June 2022

Visible light promoted chemoselective metal free hydrogenation of activated double bond has been achieved via photoredox catalysis. Eosin Y has proved to be an efficient catalyst for the effective reduction of C−C double bonds of alkylidene oxindoles and succinimides under visible light. Commercially viable DIPEA has been employed as a sacrificial electron donor and it's in‐situ generated cationic radical acts as reductant in this transformation. The method proved to be practical as a broad range of substrates containing activated double bond were easily reduced. The method proved to be scalable on a gram quantity and the reduced product has been utilized successfully for the further synthetic application. The systematic and detailed mechanistic studies reveal the oxidative quenching of the photocatalyst by the activated double bond.
Toward harmonization of strategies for investigating lucidity in AD/ADRD: A preliminary research framework
Authors: Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea , Griffin Joan M. , Mueller Kimberly D. , Parnia Sam , Kolanowski Ann
Published: June 2022

Episodes of lucidity (ELs) in Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease‐related dementias (AD/ADRD), have garnered increasing attention as an important area of research. Efforts to study lucidity suffer from a lack of clear definitional criteria, inconsistent conceptualization, and diverse approaches to operationalizing features of these events. To advance systematic investigation of ELs in AD/ADRD, there is a need for clarity and precision in labeling event attributes, markers, and specific measurement strategies that enable operational harmonization across distinct approaches to investigating the relatively broad and nascent phenomenon. To that end, we propose a preliminary research framework to guide harmonization of approaches to investigating ELs in AD/ADRD. Our goal is to provide an initial schematic that encourages uniform labeling of operational decisions about ELs.
Light‐Activated Membrane Transport in Polymeric Cell‐Mimics
Authors: Cao Shoupeng , da Silva Lucas Caire , Landfester Katharina
Published: June 2022

Giant polymersomes are versatile and stable biomimetic compartments that are ideal for building cell‐like systems. However, the transport of hydrophilic molecules across the membrane, which controls the function of cell‐like systems, is limited by the low permeability of polymeric bilayers. Therefore, mechanisms to control the permeability of polymersomes are necessary to create functional cell‐like systems. Here, we describe the design of giant polymersomes equipped with spiropyran‐based permeability modulators. Photo‐isomerization of the modulators leads to perturbation of the polymer membrane, resulting in increased permeability. The photoactivated polymersomes were used to construct two cell‐like systems controlled by light‐activated transport of hydrophilic molecules. First, we designed an enzymatic micro‐reactor activated by light irradiation. Second, we constructed a hybrid coacervate‐in‐polymersome system that mimics the adaptive formation of biological condensates in cells.
SuFEx‐Enabled Elastic Polysulfates for Efficient Removal of Radioactive Iodomethane and Polar Aprotic Organics through Weak Intermolecular Forces
Authors: Wan Haibo , Xu Qingfeng , Wu Jiacheng , Lian Cheng , Liu Honglai , Zhang Bing , He Jinghui , Chen Dongyun , Lu Jianmei
Published: June 2022

Capturing radioactive iodomethane and its vapors is a major challenge due to its low adsorption capacity. Herein, we have developed for the first time a pyridine‐entrapped elastic crosslinked polysulfate gel (pyridine/TPC‐cPS) as an efficient absorbent for iodomethane capture. Each pyridine‐encased TPC‐cPS network cell acts as a mini‐reactor for salt formation between pyridine and iodomethane. The yield reaches up to 96.65 % and traps saturated iodomethane vapor of 1.573 g gpyridine/TPC‐cPS−1 (equivalent to 18.103 g gTPC‐cPS−1), which is the highest capacity reported to date. Both experiments and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the unusual adsorption of polysulfate for polar aprotic organics can be attributed to the fact that the electrostatic interactions between the polar group (O=S=O) in the polymer backbone and the polar groups in the organic molecules fixed the solvent in the polymer matrix, while the van der Waals forces between the nonpolar groups in the polymer and molecules induced swelling.
Spin‐Crossover Tuned Rotation of Pyrazolyl Rings in a 2D Iron(II) Complex towards Synergetic Magnetic and Dielectric Transitions
Authors: Wen Wen , Liu Qiang , Zhang Shi‐Hui , Yao Nian‐Tao , Oshio Hiroki , Meng Yin‐Shan , Liu Tao
Published: June 2022

Materials showing synergy of magnetic and dielectric transitions are promising candidates for future molecular devices. The challenge is how to realize synergy between spin and dielectric transitions with responses to external stimuli. Herein, we design a 2D spin crossover (SCO) complex, [FeII(dpa)][(pzTp)FeIII(CN)3]2 (1) (dpa=1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethyne and pzTp=tetrakis(pyrazolyl)borate). The local structural changes about the FeII ion were propagated to the whole crystal through the rigid bridging ligands (dpa), leading to elastic interactions to realize the abrupt SCO and rotational movements of polar apical pyrazolyl rings in the [(pzTp)FeIII(CN)3]− units. Dielectric measurements confirmed a substantial dielectric change (Δϵ′=2.3) upon the spin transition. This work provides a rational strategy to couple the spin transition and rotation of polar components, which is crucial for the synergetic switch of magnetism and dielectricity.
Flipped anatomy classroom integrating multimodal digital resources shows positive influence upon students' experience and learning performance
Authors: Xiao Junhua , Adnan Sharmeen
Published: June 2022

Anatomy is shifting toward a greater focus on adopting digital delivery. To advance digital and authentic learning in anatomy, a flipped classroom model integrating multimodal digital resources and a multimedia group assignment was designed and implemented for first‐year neuroanatomy and third‐year regional anatomy curricula. A five‐point Likert scale learning and teaching survey was conducted for a total of 145 undergraduate health science students to evaluate students' perception of the flipped classroom model and digital resources. This study revealed that over two‐thirds of participants strongly agreed or agreed that the flipped classroom model helped their independent learning and understanding of difficult anatomy concepts. The response showed students consistently enjoyed their experience of using multimodal digital anatomy resources. Both first‐year (75%) and third‐year (88%) students strongly agreed or agreed that digital tools are very valuable and interactive for studying anatomy. Most students strongly agreed or agreed that digital anatomy tools increased their learning experience (~80%) and confidence (> 70%). The third‐year students rated the value of digital anatomy tools significantly higher than the first‐year students (p = 0.0038). A taxonomy‐based assessment strategy revealed that the third‐year students, but not the first‐year, demonstrated improved performance in assessments relating to clinical application (p = 0.045). In summary, a flipped anatomy classroom integrating multimodal digital approaches exerted positive impact upon learning experience of both junior and senior students, the latter of whom demonstrated improved learning performance. This study extends the pedagogy innovation of flipped classroom teaching, which will advance future anatomy curriculum development, pertinent to post‐pandemic education.
Mechanisms and Strategies for Determining m6A RNA Modification Sites by Natural and Engineered m6A Effector Proteins
Authors: Imanishi Miki
Published: June 2022

N6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common internal RNA modification in the consensus sequence of 5′‐RRACH‐3′. The methyl mark is added by writer proteins (METTL3/METTL14 metyltransferase complex) and removed by eraser proteins (m6A demethylases; FTO and ALKBH5). Recognition of this methyl mark by m6A reader proteins leads to changes in RNA metabolism. How the writer and eraser proteins determine their targets is not well‐understood, despite the importance of this information in understanding the regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles of m6A. However, approaches for targeted manipulation of the methylation state at specific sites are being developed. In this review, I summarize the recent findings on the mechanisms of target identification of m6A regulatory proteins, as well as recent approaches for targeted m6A modifications.
Luminescent Lanthanide Probes for Inorganic and Organic Phosphates
Authors: Martinon Thibaut L. M. , Pierre Valérie C.
Published: June 2022

Inorganic and organic phosphates‐including orthophosphate, nucleotides, and DNA‐are some of the most fundamental anions in cellular biology, regulating numerous processes of both medical and environmental significance. The characteristic long lifetimes of emitting lanthanides, including the brighter europium(III) and terbium(III), make them ideally suited for the development of molecular probes for the detection of phosphates directly in complex aqueous media. Moreover, given their high oxophilicity and the exquisite sensitivity of their quantum yields to their hydration number, those luminescent lanthanides are perfect for the detection of phosphates. Herein we discuss the principles that have guided the recent developments of molecular probes selective for inorganic or organic phosphates and how these lanthanide complexes facilitate the study of numerous biological processes.
Control allocation technology based on fault diagnosis for the unmanned aerial vehicle system subject to physical constraints and fault reconfiguration mismatch
Authors: Wang Zailin , Yao Lina
Published: June 2022

The problem of the system robustness subject to physical constraints and mismatched fault reconstruction is discussed in this paper. In order to facilitate the design, a four‐rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system model was selected for research. First, the control allocation model of the nonlinear UAV system with disturbances is shown in the paper. Secondly, a weighted pseudo‐inverse method based on adaptive weights is proposed, which reduces the impact of physical constraints on the system. After that, a dynamic weight control allocation method based on the fault efficiency matrix is designed. The weight matrix can dynamically adjust the control distribution law according to the fault estimation value provided by the observer. Then, a dynamic adaptive control allocation method for faults and physical constraints is carried out by combining adaptive weights and dynamic weights. Finally, a simulation example is presented to further illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm proposed in this paper.