bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Existence of Vivipary in Mango (Mangifera indica cv. ‘Amrapali’) – A Report
Authors: Sharma Shashi K.
Published: January 2022

Aim: The Amrapalii cultivar of mango is known for its dwarf stature, high productivity and ability to capture the market late when mango from other regions of the country gets over.  Vivipary is of unusual occurrence in mango. The aim of the study is to report the occurrence of vivipary in mango especially in cultivar Amrapali under the sub-Himalayan subtropics of India.

Materials and Methods: Incidental occurrence of vivipary in mango has been reported from the Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh during the growing season of the year 2021. Upon observance of abnormal protuberances from the fruit surface, the harvesting was commenced at the weekly intervals and the per cent proportion of viviparous fruits was ascertained by cutting the fruits longitudinally and confirming the viviparous germination of the seeds. Weather data of the fruit development state were analysed for the accumulation of heat units and rainfall distribution. Efforts have been made for ascertaining the reason behind the viviparous seed development.

Results and Discussion: The proportion of viviparous seeds increased with the progression of time and by the mid of September, more than 12% of seeds were found viviparous. The weather data show that there was an early accumulation of heat units. Also, the rainfall during the period of fruit development was high particularly at the time when fruits were advancing toward maturity.

It has been observed that the seed maturity has preceded the fruit pulp maturity and ripening may be due to the early accumulation of heat units and high rainfall. This coincidence might have resulted in precocious germination of seed inside the fruit, leading to vivipary.

Conclusion: The development of vivipary in Amrapali mango has been found to be associated with the early accumulation of heat units and high rainfall. Under the current changing climatic scenario, a need has been projected for strategic research for curtailing vivipary incidences and saving economic losses to the growers of late mango varieties in the sub-Himalayan subtropics.
Determinants of Preferences of the Respondents for the Payment for Environmental Services among the Rural Farming Households in Oyo State Nigeria
Authors: Olusegun Israel Adesiyan
Published: January 2022

This study attempted to uncover the factors that influence preferences of the poor farming households for the attributes of Payment for environmental services (PES) in the Oyo State farm settlement Nigeria. Educational attainment, age of the respondents, previous knowledge of PES, land tenure, provision of micro credit, number of dependents, marital status and main occupation of the respondents. Dependent variable is preference for PES attributes.A multi-stage sampling technique was employed for this study.This study used exclusively Primary data.Which were collected through the use of a well-structured questionnaires and interview schedule for the literate and non-literate farmers respectivelyTotal sample of 395 out of 547respondents (i.e.72%) were drawn cumulatively. The regression results showed that previous knowledge of PES and provision of microcredit are significant at 5% each, while land ownership right is significant at 10% in the educational poverty group. In the consumption poverty group, previous knowledge of PES is significant at 5%, while land ownership right is positively significant at 1%, respectively. Housing/living standard poverty group; previous knowledge of PES and land ownership rights   are significant at 5% each. From the findings of this study, it implies that if micro credit facilities are provided to these poor farming households, they will be willing to conserve the environmental resources (i.e. agricultural land). It therefore suggests that a well thought institutional arrangement with PES in view could be put up to enhance natural resource conservation and by extension reduction of poverty.
The Study of Correlation of Incidence, Severity of Renal, Cardiovascular Complications with Duration, Severity of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Aruthra R. , Ramkumar M.
Published: January 2022

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a disorder of the endocrine characterised by hyperglycaemia which results from variable degrees of insulin resistance and insulin deficiency.Chronic hyperglycaemia in diabetes may lead to multi organ damage resulting in renal, cardiovascular and other complications.In our study, we aim to look for correlation between the degree of glycemic control, duration of type 2 DM, incidence, severity of renal, cardiovascular complications in type 2 DM patients.

The objective of our study is to analyse the correlation between glycemic control and occurrence of cardiovascular, renal complications in type 2 DM patients.

Materials and Methods: 50 type 2 DM patients were selected from the Medicine outpatient of Saveetha Medical College and Hospital from January 2021 to March 2021.The study was explained and informed consent was obtained. Ethical committee clearance was obtained.The duration of the disease, regularity of treatment are recorded, serum HbA1c was done to evaluate the degree of glycemic control.Renal function tests like estimation of urea and creatinine are done to look for renal complications. Echocardiogram was done to evaluate the cardiac status of the patient.

Expected Outcome: We expect a direct correlation between the severity of uncontrolled hyperglycaemia, duration of the disease with the incidence of renal and cardiovascular complications.

Results: 50 patients who were selected for the study having type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, were made into two groups - people with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c >7.5%) were more prone in developing renal and cardiac complications which were assessed by urea, creatinine, urine protein levels and ejection fraction (EF %) values.

The significant cut off values to cause complications were taken as for urea (>40mg/dl), creatinine (>1mg/dl), urine protein (+/++/+++), EF value(>50%) and the presence/absence of regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) was noted.

It was also observed that longer age duration of the disease, more was the risk to develop cardiac complications than disease of shorter duration.

Hence a poor control of hyperglycaemia made the subject prone to renal and cardiovascular complications.

Conclusion: We arrive at a direct correlation between the severity and extent of uncontrolled hyperglycaemia with the incidence of severity and complications in the form of nephropathy and cardiac dysfunction.
Role of Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sharma Ram Babu , Sharma Rajiv , Bora Kundan Singh
Published: January 2022

In today's era, most of the diseases are treated by allopathic drugs. The reliance on allopathic drugs for the treatment of most diseases is gradually increasing day by day due to their rapid effects and the immediate relief to patients. However, these drugs induce some serious side effects in patients, and in some cases, the patient may die. Thus, the interest of researchers is growing day by day towards medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases. It has also been viewed that some herbal plants have great therapeutic and pharmacological effects in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The initial studies, which have been carried out by different researchers, demonstrated very valuable results and enlighten a ray of hope for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease which is associated with CNS disfunction. In this article, the author focused on those plants which are especially used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
A Case Report on Post COVID -19 Vaccine Associated Guillain–Barré Syndrome
Authors: Hemalatha S. , Karishma M. , Bera J. , Blessy S. , Thirumaran J. , Loganathan T. , Krishnan A. Gopala
Published: January 2022

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune demyelinating illness in which a patient’s immune system attacks and cause deterioration of peripheral nervous system leading to progressive paralysis and polyneuropathy. The exact cause of the GBS is unclear but the main mechanism of behindis the demyelination of nerves especially the motor, sensory, and autonomic nerves which can be triggered by any immunologic or infectious agent. The infectious agent elicits the humoral and cellular mediated immune response due to their molecular mimicry in which the antibodies created against the infection matches with the proteins on the nerve. The characteristic features of Guillain–Barré syndrome are ascending flaccid paralysis, paresthesia, impairment of muscle reflexes, respiratory failureetc. The GBS is diagnosed via nerve conduction studies, lumbar puncture (Cerebrospinal fluid analysis), electromyography, Brighton criteria. Treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, plasma exchange can ease the symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness. This case report focusing on a 43-year-old female patient admitted seeking ventilatory support for respiratory distress caused by Guillain–Barré Syndrome in a tertiary hospital. Patient had developed limb weakness with ascending paralysis along with facial weakness within a couple of weeks after receiving the COVID -19 vaccination (COVISHIELD)one month back. Patient underwent nerve conduction study and routine monitoring of vital parameters. After conservative management with physiotherapy, ventilation, intravenous immunoglobulins and prophylaxis for pain and DVT patient gradually started improving the muscle power and was discharged to continue the rehabilitation care at home.
An Extensive Review on Chitosan as Versatile Material for Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Application
Authors: Abrol Shivangi , Dewangan Hitesh Kumar
Published: January 2022

Chitosan is a polysaccharide and is derived from chitin. Chitosan every now and then referred to as a soluble chitin. chitosan is strongly basic polysaccharide. chitosan shows physiochemical and biological properties. This review presents the common source for chitosan manufacturing that is crabs and shrimp. According to researchers it is just a fat inhibitor. some of the application of chitosan in pharmaceutics/drug delivery and in biomedical field are also highlighted. Chitosan act as a diluent, as mucoadhesive excipient, as permeation enhancer, in vaccines delivery, as parenteral delivery, chitosan as food additive, cosmetics industry. chitosan also has a number of medicinal benefits. Chitosan is employed in a variety of applications because it is soluble in acidic aqueous conditions (food, cosmetics, biomedical and pharmaceutical applications). We give a quick overview of the chemical modifications of chitosan, a field in which a number of syntheses have been proposed but not yet realised on a large scale. This review focuses on current articles on these materials' high-value-added applications in medicine and cosmetics.
A Comprehensive Review on Mouth Dissolving Tablet
Authors: Tamilselvan C. , Swamivelmanickam M. , Sivakrishnan S. , Vinoth R.
Published: January 2022

Oral drug delivery system of Mouth Dissolving Tablets (MDTs) is using a new concept that have been mostly accepted in the pharmaceutical industry in recent days. This system is the most comfortable, safest and inexpensive of drug delivery system, enhancing the patient compliance and extending the patient life. Mouth dissolving formulations using an important ingredient or active agent due to allow release of drug is rapidly after that produce faster dissolution process. The mouth dissolving tablets contain a unique property of tablets like quickly disintegrating or easily dissolving and releasing the active drug within a few minutes and its contact with saliva. In pediatric, geriatric, bed ridden, psychic, dysphagic patients are using the MDTs because of these tablets are easily engulfing or swallowing is most convenient and patient compliance is better to compared than other Delivery systems. The tablets are formulated with an aid of super disintegrant. It's more reliable because of better compliance in patients. There are several technologies used in the MDTs manufacturing process such as patented technology & conventional technology. The important patented technologies are Durasolve Technology, Orasolve Technology, Zydis Technology, Wow Tab Technology, Flash Dose Technology, Flash Tab Technology and Quick Solv Technology. The MDTs are improving the demand for rapidly growing areas in the pharmaceutical industry and other fields are also in demand on these formulations. The recent progress of pharmaceutical fields is allowing the improvement of a better route of health care management with avoidance of numerous difficulties are connected to the other Drug Delivery System (DDS).
Acute Appendicitis in Pregnancy: Our Experience in Rural Area
Authors: Patel Aditya , Singh Amit Kumar , Yeola (Pate) Meenakshi , Tayade Harshal
Published: January 2022

Acute appendicitis is the most prevalent non-obstetric surgical emergency in pregnant women. The diagnosis gets more challenging when the anatomical location of the appendix shifts due to the expansion of the gravid uterus. In cases of appendicular perforation, there is a higher risk of feto-maternal morbidity and mortality, so prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential. The goal of this study is to look into the clinical signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis in pregnancy, as well as how to treat it.
Frequency of Dydrogesterone Use in the Gynecological Outpatient Clinics
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Alsubaie Mohamed R. , Almutairi Abdullah T.
Published: January 2022

Aim: This study aimed to describe the use of dydrogesterone in the outpatient setting in Al-Kharj.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study that includes reviewing the electronic prescriptions of dydrogesterone among outpatients in a public hospital in Alkharj.

Results: During the study period between January 2018 to June 2018, 48 patients received dydrogesterone. The age of 41.67% of the patients was between 20 and 29 years. Most of dydrogesterone prescriptions were written by residents (89.58%) and more than 60% of dydrogesterone prescriptions were written by emergency department (60.42%).

Conclusion: The present study showed that the prescribing of dydrogesterone was uncommon in the outpatient setting. More studies are needed to explore the frequency of its prescribing in other settings and to explore the prescribing of other medications that are used for gynecological conditions.
Case Report on Cellulitis with Diabetes
Authors: Ganeshpure Nidhi , Wankhede Darshana Kumari , Lokhande Shalini
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Cellulitis is a bacterial skin condition that is very frequent. In reality, cellulitis affects about 14 million people in the United States each year. If left untreated, the infection can spread to any part of the body and cause serious problems. Obesity and an inactive lifestyle are two of the most common causes of type 2 diabetes.

Clinical Findings: Pain or tenderness in the leg, Skin redness or inflammation that gets bigger as the infection spreads, Skin sore or rash that starts suddenly, and grows quickly , Warm skin.

Diagnostic Evaluation: Hb%- 10.7, MCHC- 33.4, MCV- 88.8, MCH- 29.8, Total RBC count- 3.6, Total WBC count- 7200, Total platelets count - 1.63, HCT- 37, Monocytes- 01, Granulocytes- 75, Lymphocytes - 20, RDW - 17.2, Eosinophils - 01.

Therapeutic Interventions: Inj. Ceftriaxone 1mg x BD (IV), Inj. Pan 40 mg x OD (IV), Tab. Limcee 500 mg x OD, Tab. Pan 40 mg x OD, Protein powder 2 tsp x TDS, Inj. Insulin.

Outcomes: A Male Patient of 88 year old was admitted in AVBRH with a chief Complaint of Cellulitis after getting treatment his condition is improving.

Conclusion: Diabetic foot infections that aren't treated well or aren't treated at all result in lower-extremity amputation in about 10% of patients. Amputations of the lower extremities can be debilitating and have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life.
Case Report on Intertrochanteric Fracture Femur Left Side
Authors: Inwati Saloni , Kumari Darshana
Published: January 2022

Fractures of the femur are a common injury among the elderly. Understanding the pathogenesis as well as the appropriate treatment options can help to reduce the risk of mortality and morbidity associated with this condition injury. This activity focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of intertrochanteric femur fractures, emphasizing the importance of the In evaluating and treating people with this condition, an interprofessional team is used [1].

Clinical Findings: Pain in leg, swelling over the leg.

Diagnosis Evaluation: Hb-11.3gm%, total WBC count- 1011/ cu.mm, total RBC count- 5.44 million/cu. mm, RDW- 14%,HCT-35.4%, Granulocytes-60%, Monocytes- 0.2%, Lymphocytes-36%, Basophils- 00%, Eosinophils- 0.2%, total platelet count - 3.16 lacs/cu.mm.

Therapeutic Intervention: Inj.voveron- two time in a day. Tab. paracetomol- two time in a day. Tab. pantaprazole- two times in a day. Inj. tramdole- two times in a day.

Outcome- After treatment, the patient show improvement. His pain is reduced.

Conclusion: My patient age is 40 year old male. They are suffering from intertrochanteric fracture femur left side with same complaint. He is admitted in 8 -11-21.
Epidemiology & Prognostication of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in India – A Brief Review
Authors: Suguna E. , Saikumar Chitralekha , Tilton Florida
Published: January 2022

AML is represented by aggregation of ≥20% myeloid immature cells in the spongy marrow and most generally raise in the peripheral blood. A cytogenetic finding plays a vital role in the risk management and stratification of AML patients. AML is genetically and functionally a heterogenous malignant disease. In the western world leukemia is one of the most common among all cancers. India ranked 3rd in cancer disease after US and China. Management of AML is challenging specially for medium and low-income countries as it causes a huge economic burden to the patient and family. Molecular prognostic biomarkers will help in redefining the risk stratification more efficiently. Targeted drugs in pre-clinical and clinical trial recorded to have promising outcomes in AML. In this review we summarize the prevalence, incidence, and prognostication of AML.
A Review on Phytoconstituents and Therapeutic Properties of Ancient Plant: Terminalia arjuna (Roxb)
Authors: Harshita . , Sharma Reena
Published: January 2022

Terminalia arjuna also known as arjun or arjuna, is a member of Combretaceae family. Medicinal or therapeutic plant plays a crucial role to cure various diseases and Terminalia arjuna is one such therapeutic plant. This comprehensive review helps in studying various aspects like phytochemical, pharmacological, ethnomedical, phytological and clinical significance. Alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, glycosides and mineral ions present in different parts of the plant are discussed. Terminalia arjuna is used mainly in cardiovascular treatment, shows antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
The Effect of COVID-19 on Hospitalized Cancer Patients and Their Healthcare
Authors: Garg Jahnvi , Ambad Ranjit S. , Bankar Nandkishor
Published: January 2022

Introduction: This article includes the effect of Corona virus disease on cancer patients and their healthcare facilities. The global pandemic mentioned around the world has impacted the most vulnerable group of patients- cancer. With the assistance of RT PCR tests and HRCT, oncologists and doctors have tried to provide treatment to Covid-19 patients. Cancer patients are more susceptible to Covid-19 than non-cancer or non-survivor patients, according to reports. To avoid the prevalence and infection of cancer victims, WHO has suggested staying at home and continuing their treatment through telemedicine unless the situation is critical for which they might require therapy and/or surgery. Covid-19 is here to stay so we should practice with utmost care and precaution.
A Study on Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Organic and Inorganic Cauliflower Greens Powder (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L)
Authors: Kaviyarasi R. , Subapriya M. Sylvia
Published: January 2022

Cauliflower greens is one such popularly consumed vegetable, possessing potent bioactive components where the leaves of the vegetables are often neglected or discarded and used as fodder. Hence an attempt was made to analyze the presence of different antioxidants such as DPPH, FRAP, SOD and Total antioxidant contents there by exploring the potential benefits of these leaves which is solely ignored by majority of population. The present study reveals that the presence of promising compounds can be consumed in regular diet in maintaining good health and can be technically applied in preparing natural therapeutic medicines to combat various degenerative diseases and can also be used in food processing industries due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties Cauliflower has a very high waste index, and this result throws  light on the importance and the properties of cauliflower leafs, thereby reducing  food wastage.
Amphotericin B Induced Anaphylactic Reaction and Electrolyte Imbalance: A Case Report
Authors: Sherief Sheik Haja , Chackupurackal Shilpa Johny , Sengottuvelu S. , Dora Mercy , Manivannan V. , Ganesh R. M.
Published: January 2022

Amphotericin B, a polyene antifungal antibiotic derived from a strain of Streptomyces nodosus. It acts by binding to sterols in the cell membrane of susceptible fungi, with a resultant change in the permeability of the membrane. Amphotericin B can cause allergic reactions, electrolyte imbalance and severe side effects, such as chest discomfort accompanied by dyspnea, flushing, agitation, tachypnea, tachycardia, hypoxemia, hypotension, or hypertension, are likely to develop following the injection of Amphotericin B. Anaphylaxis, cardiac toxicity and respiratory failure have also been associated to different formulations of Amphotericin B as life-threatening acute events. This case report is on a 57-year-old male patient who was admitted with a condition of left diabetic foot with non-healing medial supra heel ulcer and fungal infection on the site of wound. The patient was given Amphotericin B in emulsion form due to the high priority of fungal infection and the need for antifungal medicine, which led to anaphylactic reaction and electrolyte imbalance, which were treated immediately and the same preparation was continued with a low infusion rate. When infusion is discontinued, antihistamines can assist to alleviate the symptoms. In this case, it is recommended that the patient's condition and clinical parameters should be closely followed after the medicine has been administered.
Examination of Chinese Teachers' Attitudes Towards Inclusive Education
Authors: (AJ) Ai Jun , Zhang Jihong , Horn Eva , Liu Hao , Huang Jingjing , Ma Yanjuan
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to understand the status and influential factors of preschool teachers' attitudes towards inclusive education, given the evidence that attitudes predict successful inclusion for young children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. We translated the Multidimensional Attitudes Toward Inclusive Education Scale (MATIES, Mahat, 2008) to Simplified Chinese (MATIES-C). We then administered the MATIE-C to a representative sample of in-service preschool teachers (N = 481) in Beijing, China. The confirmative factor analysis and reliability tests suggested an acceptable construct validity and internal reliability of the MATIES-C. We also found preschool teachers in Beijing held positive attitudes towards inclusion across cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions of attitudes. The ANOVA results indicate teachers' experience and knowledge about children with disabilities had statistically positive associations with favorable attitudes. Preschool area, teacher age, and educational background were also found to have a statistically significant impact on teacher attitudes.
Youth and Parent Participation in Transition Planning in the U.S.A.: Findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 (NLTS 2012)
Authors: Johnson David R. , Thurlow Martha L. , Wu Yi-Chen , Qian Xueqin , Davenport Ernest , Matthais Cynthia
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to use data from the United States' National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 (NLTS 2012) to present descriptive information on youth and parent participation and youth's role in required Individualized Education Program (IEP)/transition planning meetings by disability category and age groupings (14-22 year olds, 14-15 year olds, and 16-22 year olds). The study found that youth and parent attendance in IEP/transition planning meetings was high across disability categories, but the extent to which youth and parents met with teachers to discuss transition goals was much lower. Data from NLTS 2012 and a previous U.S. study, the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2 (NLTS2), were compared for youth's participation with school staff in discussing transition goals. A significant decline in participation was found over the past decade. Logistic regression analyses illustrated differences in youth and parent participation and youth's role by disability category.
Mitochondria‐Targeting Phototheranostics by Aggregation‐Induced NIR‐II Emission Luminogens: Modulating Intramolecular Motion by Electron Acceptor Engineering for Multi‐Modal Synergistic Therapy
Authors: Zhang Tianfu , Zhang Jianyu , Wang Fu‐Bing , Cao Hui , Zhu Daoming , Chen Xiaoyu , Xu Changhuo , Yang Xueqin , Huang Wenbin , Wang Zhaoyu , Wang Jiefei , He Zikai , Zheng Zheng , Lam Jacky Wing Yip , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: January 2022

Phototheranostic agents have thrived as promising tools for cancer theranostics because of the integration of sensitive in situ fluorescence imaging and effective multi‐model synergistic therapy. However, how to manipulate the intangible photon energy transfer to balance the competitive radiative and nonradiative processes is still challenging. Although numerous phototheranostic molecules are reported, their complicated molecular design and tedious synthesis often stumble further their development. Herein, three simple molecules with electron donating−accepting structures are developed. The electron acceptor engineering on molecules by introducing acridinium unit gives rise to TPEDCAc with aggregation‐induced second near‐infrared emission (AIE NIR‐II), high reactive oxygen species generation capability, and excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (44.8%) due to the drastic intramolecular motion of large acridinium rotor and balanced AIE effect. Experimental analysis and calculation on the controlled molecules suggested that large torsional angle and the strong electron‐withdrawing ability of the acridinium unit are keys for NIR‐II emission and balanced photodynamic/photothermal conversion. Impressively, the positively charged TPEDCAc shows mitochondria‐targeting capability and high performance in in vivo multi‐modal cancer theranostics under NIR laser irradiation. Hence, this work not only provides a single NIR‐II AIE‐based multi‐modal cancer theranostic system but inspires new insights into future development of new theranostic platforms.
Mitigating Jahn–Teller Effects by Fast Electrode Kinetics Inducing Charge Redistribution
Authors: Choi Ahreum , Kim Taewon , Kim Min‐Ho , Lee Seok Woo , Jung Young Hwa , Lee Hyun‐Wook
Published: January 2022

Manganese hexacyanomanganates have attracted significant attention as promising cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries owing to the high theoretical capacity and low cost of Mn resources. Because of the strong Jahn–Teller effect, causing unstable local phase transition and distortion, the redox reactions of the high‐spin state of Mn(III) are considered to be a conundrum. Herein, it is reported that the charge‐redistribution mechanism of low‐spin MnIII + high‐spin MnIII → low‐spin MnII + high‐spin MnIV in manganese hexacyanomanganates can decrease unstable high‐spin MnIII, leading to the mitigation of Jahn–Teller distortion. X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggest that the fast reaction rate activates charge redistribution. Moreover, different crystal structures, reported using post‐mortem synchrotron X‐ray diffraction analysis, confirm a large orthorhombic structure, thus verifying the presence of charge redistribution based on the superexchange rule. These results demonstrate that manganese hexacyanomanganate in an aqueous electrolyte can achieve long‐term cyclability, thus paving the way for high‐performance batteries.
Tailoring Electron‐Riched Boron Sites in BCN for Nitrogen Fixation via Alternate Mechanism
Authors: Yang Yutong , Wang Yin , Wang Xia , Chen Shaoqing , Duan Limei , Zhang Wei , Li Wanfei , Liu Jinghai
Published: January 2022

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) is promising for achieving sustainable ammonia (NH3) production under mild conditions. However, it is still challenged by nitrogen activation and strong competition with the hydrogen evolution reaction. Here, it is revealed that fine‐tuning the local electron density of boron (B) sites at the boron carbon nitride (BCN) solid catalysts has significant effects on the eNRR activity and selectivity. The concentration of electron‐rich B sites at BCN catalysts are mediated by solid‐state reaction, where their electronic structures are confirmed by electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (EELS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Over the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the nitrogen (N2) activation and reduction at an electron‐riched B site is through an alternate pathway with the determining‐step energy of only 0.92 eV. The optimized BCN5 catalyst with the highest ratio of electron‐riched B sites achieves an outstanding NH3 production rate of 29.3 µg h−1 mg−1cat and the highest Faradaic efficiency of 39%.
Maternal hair cortisol concentrations across pregnancy and the early postpartum period in a Puerto Rican sample
Authors: Horan Holly , Cheyney Melissa , Torres Eduardo Gomez , Eick Geeta , Bovbjerg Marit , Snodgrass James Josh
Published: January 2022

Objective

Hair cortisol is a noninvasive, long‐term biomarker of human stress. Strengths and weaknesses of this biomarker as a proxy measure of perinatal stress are not yet well understood. Hair cortisol data were collected from pregnant women in Puerto Rico to investigate maternal cortisol level variance across pregnancy.

Methods

In 2017, we recruited 86 pregnant women planning to birth at a large urban hospital. We aimed to collect four hair samples from each participant, one in each trimester and one in the postpartum period.

Results

Median cortisol in the first trimester (n = 82) was 5.7 picograms/milligram (pg/mg) (range: 1.0–62.4). In the second, third, and postpartum periods, the medians were 6.8 pg/mg (1.0–69.5), (n = 46), 20.1 pg/mg (5.6–89.0), (n = 30), and 14.1 pg/mg (1.7–39.8), (n = 9), respectively. These medians disguise a 10‐fold and 50‐fold variability for two participants. Our sample sizes declined sharply when Hurricane Maria caused major disruptions in services and participants' lives.

Conclusion

Maternal hair cortisol concentrations were lower in the first and second trimester than the third trimester and early postpartum period. We also observed a wide range of variation in cortisol levels throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
In Situ Growth of Three‐Dimensional MXene/Metal–Organic Framework Composites for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Chunli , Bai Yang , Li Wenting , Yang Feiyu , Zhang Guangxun , Pang Huan
Published: January 2022

In this study, we propose a versatile method for synthesizing uniform three‐dimensional (3D) metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides (MXenes)/metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) composites (Ti3C2TX/Cu‐BTC, Ti3C2TX/Fe,Co‐PBA, Ti3C2TX/ZIF‐8, and Ti3C2TX/ZIF‐67) that combine the advantages of MOFs and MXenes to enhance stability and improve conductivity. Subsequently, 3D hollow Ti3C2TX/ZIF‐67/CoV2O6 composites with excellent electron‐ and ion‐transport properties derived from Ti3C2TX/ZIF‐67 were synthesized. The specific capacitance of the Ti3C2TX/ZIF‐67/CoV2O6 electrode was 285.5 F g−1, which is much higher than that of the ZIF‐67 and Ti3C2TX/ZIF‐67 electrode. This study opens a new avenue for the design and synthesis of MXene/MOF composites and complex hollow structures with tailorable structures and compositions for various applications.
Copper‐catalyzed direct synthesis of arylated 8‐aminoquinolines through chelation assistance
Authors: Wu Xiaqian , Ma Peng , Wang Jianhui
Published: January 2022

Copper‐catalyzed N,N‐diarylation and N‐arylation of unprotected 8‐aminoquinoline derivatives with aryl halides have been described for the formation of C–N bonds. This protocol provides an efficient approach to synthesize a series of arylamines with tolerance to a wide range of functional groups for formation of key intermediates in many natural products.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of peripherally tetra‐({6‐[3‐(dimethylamino)phenoxy]hexyl}oxy) substituted water‐soluble phthalocyanines as cholinesterases inhibitors
Authors: Biyiklioglu Zekeriya , Baş Hüseyin , Akkaya Didem , Barut Burak
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we synthesized peripherally tetra‐({6‐[3‐(dimethylamino)phenoxy]hexyl}oxy) substituted water‐soluble metallophthalocyanines (DM‐C6‐CoQ, DM‐C6‐CuQ, DM‐C6‐MnQ) and investigated their in vitro cholinesterases inhibitory properties by using the spectrophotometric method. The results revealed that the compounds inhibited cholinesterases and had remarkable inhibitory effects when compared with galantamine (p < 0.0001). The IC50 values of the compounds ranged from 2.11 ± 0.20 to 16.40 ± 1.25 μM for AChE and BuChE. Also, the inhibitory type and inhibition constant (Ki) of the compounds were evaluated using Lineweaver–Burk and Dixon plots. These plots showed that DM‐C6‐CoQ, DM‐C6‐CuQ, and DM‐C6‐MnQ were mixed inhibitors against AChE and DM‐C6‐MnQ is the strongest binding inhibitor to the enzyme. Also, DM‐C6‐CoQ inhibited BuChE via competitive manner with 10.05 ± 0.55 μM of Ki value. These results demonstrated that the compounds might be effective agents against Alzheimer's disease.
Novel virus, novel response: Local discretion and responses to COVID‐19 in Hebei Province, China
Authors: Gao Hong , Tyson Adam , Cheng Guangxin
Published: January 2022

The Chinese Communist Party is consolidating one party rule under the leadership of Xi Jinping. Beijing seeks to rule by central mandate while limiting local autonomy. The central government response to the COVID‐19 public health emergency reinforces this view. In January 2020 Beijing established the Central Epidemic Response Leading Group to mobilise a comprehensive nationwide policy effort to contain the virus. The exceptional nature of the COVID‐19 national emergency allows the central government to project power over local authorities and leverage over citizens, but we argue that this is a short‐term phenomenon because local disease control initiatives remain important, with local authorities adapting national policies to meet constituent needs. There are degrees of policy discretion and divergence at the subnational level that enable context‐specific responses to the virus within China’s strict bureaucratic hierarchy. Primary data derives from interviews and observations in Nancun village, Hebei Province, conducted from January to April 2020. Evidence from Nancun explains how local authorities interpret the edicts and mandates of the central government.
Guaranteed‐performance consensus for nonlinear singular multiagent systems with directed topologies
Authors: Wang PengNan , Li Lin , Niu HongPing
Published: January 2022

The guaranteed‐performance consensus problems for nonlinear singular multiagent systems with directed topologies in both leader‐following case and leaderless case are investigated, where the directed interaction topologies contain a directed spanning tree. For situations with and without the leader, two different quadratic performance functions are proposed based on state errors. The state errors in the leader‐following case are the state differences between the followers and the leader while in the leaderless case are the state differences between agents with adjacent numbers. First, by exploiting state transformation, the consensus problems are transformed into the stability problems of the corresponding error systems. Second, on the basis of singular systems theory, Laplacian matrix properties, and linear matrix inequality techniques, sufficient conditions for guaranteed‐performance consensus are derived for both leader‐following and leaderless cases. Third, the explicit expressions of the guaranteed‐performance cost are obtained. Finally, two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Receding horizon control and coordination of multi‐agent systems using polynomial expansion
Authors: Rapaić Milan R. , Kapetina Mirna N. , Stipanović Dušan M.
Published: January 2022

The present paper proposes a flexible and efficient methodology for constructing norm‐bounded optimal receding horizon control laws for a group of agents, each one of which is described as a repeated integrator of an arbitrary order and with a common input delay. The goal of each agent is to track the given target, while simultaneously avoiding other agents in the group. Polynomial expansion, together with appropriate subspace projection, is utilized in order to derive receding control law in the closed form. Properties of this control law have been investigated, and its link to a well‐known control strategy based on avoidance functions, which ensures collision avoidance in the case of first‐order integrator agents, has been derived.
Exposure of Infants to Gradient Fields in a Baby MRI Scanner
Authors: Tang Fangfang , Giaccone Luca , Hao Jiahao , Freschi Fabio , Wu Tongning , Crozier Stuart , Liu Feng
Published: January 2022

In pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), infants are exposed to rapid, time‐varying gradient magnetic fields, leading to electric fields induced in the body of infants and potential safety risks (e.g. peripheral nerve stimulation). In this numerical study, the in situ electric fields in infants induced by small‐sized gradient coils for a 1.5 T MRI scanner were evaluated. The gradient coil set was specially designed for the efficient imaging of infants within a small‐bore (baby) scanner. The magnetic flux density and induced electric fields by the small x, y, z gradient coils in an infant model (8‐week‐old with a mass of 4.3 kg) were computed using the scalar potential finite differences method. The gradient coils were driven by a 1 kHz sinusoidal waveform and also a trapezoidal waveform with a 250 µs rise time. The model was placed at different scan positions, including the head area (position I), chest area (position II), and body center (position III). It was found that the induced electric fields in most tissues exceeded the basic restrictions of the ICNIRP 2010 guidelines for both waveforms. The electric fields were similar in the region of interest for all coil types and model positions but different outside the imaging region. The y‐coil induced larger electric fields compared with the x‐ and z‐ coils. Bioelectromagnetics. 43:69–80, 2022. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
The complex web of canonical and non‐canonical Hedgehog signaling
Authors: Akhshi Tara , Shannon Rachel , Trimble William S.
Published: January 2022

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a widely studied signaling pathway because of its critical roles during development and in cell homeostasis. Vertebrate canonical and non‐canonical Hh signaling are typically assumed to be distinct and occur in different cellular compartments. While research has primarily focused on the canonical form of Hh signaling and its dependency on primary cilia – microtubule‐based signaling hubs – an extensive list of crucial functions mediated by non‐canonical Hh signaling has emerged. Moreover, amounting evidence indicates that canonical and non‐canonical modes of Hh signaling are interlinked, and that they can overlap spatially, and in many cases interact functionally. Here, we discuss some of the many cellular effects of non‐canonical signaling and discuss new evidence indicating inter‐relationships with canonical signaling. We discuss how Smoothened (Smo), a key component of the Hh pathway, might coordinate such diverse downstream effects. Collectively, pursuit of questions such as those proposed here will aid in elucidating the full extent of Smo function in development and advance its use as a target for cancer therapeutics.
Review recent rulings involving employee accommodations
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: January 2022

An overview of the key topics faced by campus administrators with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Thermodynamically Favourable States in the Reaction of Nitrogenase without Dissociation of any Sulfide Ligand
Authors: Jiang Hao , Ryde Ulf
Published: January 2022

We have used combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations to study the reaction mechanism of nitrogenase, assuming that none of the sulfide ligands dissociates. To avoid the problem that there is no consensus regarding the structure and protonation of the E4 state, we start from a state where N2 is bound to the cluster and is protonated to N2H2, after dissociation of H2. We show that the reaction follows an alternating mechanism with HNNH (possibly protonated to HNNH2) and H2NNH2 as intermediates and the two NH3 products dissociate at the E7 and E8 levels. For all intermediates, coordination to Fe6 is preferred, but for the E4 and E8 intermediates, binding to Fe2 is competitive. For the E4, E5 and E7 intermediates we find that the substrate may abstract a proton from the hydroxy group of the homocitrate ligand of the FeMo cluster, thereby forming HNNH2, H2NNH2 and NH3 intermediates. This may explain why homocitrate is a mandatory component of nitrogenase. All steps in the suggested reaction mechanism are thermodynamically favourable compared to protonation of the nearby His‐195 group and in all cases, protonation of the NE2 atom of the latter group is preferred.
Photoionization, Structures, and Energetics of Na‐Doped Formic Acid–Water Clusters
Authors: Bende Attila , Gaele Maria F. , Di Palma Tonia M.
Published: January 2022

The influence of formic acid on water cluster aggregation has been investigated experimentally by mass spectrometry and tunable UV laser ionization applied to Na‐doped clusters formed in the supersonic expansion of water vapors seeded with formic acid (FA) as well as theoretically using high level quantum chemistry methods. The mass spectra of Na−FA(H2O)n clusters show an enlarging of mass distribution toward heavier clusters with respect to the Na−(H2O)n clusters, suggesting similar mass distribution in neutral clusters and an influence of formic acid in water aggregation. Density functional theory and coupled‐cluster type (DLPNO‐CCSD(T)) calculations have been used to calculate structures and energetics of neutral and ionized Na−FA(H2O)n as well as neutral FA(H2O)n. Na‐doped clusters are characterized by very stable geometries. The theoretical adiabatic ionization potential values match pretty well the measured appearance energies and the calculated first six electronic excited states show Rydberg‐type characters, indicating possible autoionization contributions in the mass spectra. Finally, theoretical calculations on neutral FA(H2O)n clusters show the possibility of similarly stable structures in small clusters containing up to n=4–5 water molecules, where FA interacts significantly with waters. This suggests that FA can compete with water molecules in the starting stage of the aggregation process, by forming stable nucleation seed.
Suicidal behaviour in the social environment: Does exposure moderate the relationship between an individual's own suicidal ideation and behaviour?
Authors: Roland Lea , Höller Inken , Forkmann Thomas , Glaesmer Heide , Paashaus Laura , Schönfelder Antje , Teismann Tobias , Juckel Georg , Rath Dajana
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Suicidal behaviour still cannot be sufficiently predicted. Exposure to suicidal behaviour in the personal social environment is assumed to moderate the individual's transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal behaviour within the integrated motivational–volitional model of suicidal behaviour (IMV model). This study aimed to investigate this moderating effect in a German high‐risk sample.

Methods

We interviewed 308 psychiatric inpatients (53% female) aged 18 to 81 years (M = 36.9, SD = 14.30) admitted after attempted suicide (53%) or due to an acute suicidal crisis (47%) regarding exposure events in their social environment. Four types of exposure events were analysed using moderation analyses: familial suicides/suicide attempts and non‐familial suicides/suicide attempts. Additionally, the numbers of reported exposure events were compared between patients with and without a recent suicide attempt as well as between patients with lifetime suicide attempts and lifetime suicidal ideation.

Results

Neither moderating effects of exposure events on the relationship between lifetime suicidal ideation and recent suicidal behaviour nor group differences between suicidal ideators and suicide attempters regarding the exposure events were found.

Conclusions

Exposure events might have differential and possibly protective effects on suicidal behaviour—depending on type and quality (intensity, personal relevance and recency) of event—and on the outcome (suicide vs. suicide attempt).
Genetic mapping of host resistance to soybean sudden death syndrome
Authors: Collins Paul Joseph , Tan Ruijuan , Wen Zixiang , Boyse John F. , Chilvers Martin I. , Wang Dechun
Published: January 2022

Soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) is a disease caused by a soil‐borne fungus, Fusarium virguliforme. Many genetic studies have attempted to identify genes responsible for the quantitative host resistance to SDS. Three recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations were evaluated for foliar SDS resistance at a naturally infested field site in Decatur, MI, during the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons. Lines were evaluated for disease severity (DS) on a 1–9 scale, disease incidence (DI) as an estimate of the percentage of plants with symptoms per plot, and disease index (DX) as a metric which integrates DS and DI. Phenotypic data was spatially adjusted to account for uneven pathogen distribution in the naturally infested field. A subset of RILs from each population were genotyped with the SoySNP6K Illumina Infinium BeadChip. Linkage maps unique to each population were constructed using JoinMap ver. 2. Composite interval mapping was performed using WinQTLCartographer ver. 2.5. Three quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified across 2 yr and/or multiple populations. One QTL on Chromosome 10 appeared to be colocalized with the E2 maturity locus. Another QTL identified was on Chromosome 18, in a region which has been demonstrated to provide soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and SDS resistance in many studies (rhg1/Rfs2).