bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Amusing and upsetting” (Narrative interlude in the novel “Princess Mary” – night before the duel
Authors: Moskvin Georgy Vladimirovich
Published: October 2020

This article explores the questions associated with the latter three days in the novels “Princess Mary” saturated with dramatic events: duel with Grushnitsky, breach in friendship with Dr. Werner, Vera’s departure, farewell to Princess Mary. Special attention is given the text, referred to as narrative interlude, which reflects the night and early morning events before the duel. The text is comprised of a lyrical part (from 2 am on June 17 to Pechorin's exclamation “amusing and upsetting”); the story continues in reminiscences of the hero a month and a half later in a different stylistic reflection. The author examines literary motifs underlying the decision of Lermontov to describe the events of the night before duel using different genre and styles – lyrical confession and novel narration, and believes that one of the key factors for understanding Lermontov’s plot lies in replacement of Walter Scott's novels for Pechorin’s night reading (“The Fortunes of Nigel” with “The Scottish Puritans”). According to the author, the novel “Scottish Puritans” is similar to the finale of “Princess Mary”. For substantiating this thesis,, the article focuses on the original title of the novel – “Old Morality”, translated into French as “The Scottish Puritans” and into Russian – “The Puritans”. It is assumed that the meaning of Scottish title was understandable to Lermontov; thus the author suggests a congenial collocation – "the frail dust". Events of the finale should be comprehended as a purifying catastrophe; its artistic idea meets requirement of the time – describe birth of a Christian person as a new stage of spiritual evolution.
Implementation of the discourse practice of legitimation of values in pedagogical discourse (on the example of strategy of reference to authority)
Authors: Kozachina Anna Vladimirovna
Published: October 2020

This article is dedicated to the discourse practice of legitimation of values in pedagogical discourse, which is regarded as a translator of value attitudes relevant to the existing ideological formation, which implicitly forms the value worldview of each new member of linguocultural community. The goal consists in determination and description the specific characteristics of implementation of one of the four discourse strategies the practice of legitimation, highlighted by the representative of the British School of Critical Discourse Analysis T. Van Leeuwen – strategy of reference to authority. This strategy is implemented through six substrategies: reference to personal authority, reference to impersonal authority, reference to expert authority, reference to role model authority, reference to authority of tradition, and reference to authority of conformity. The research material includes the corpus of texts representing the Japanese pedagogical discourse: the textbook “Our Morality" and commentary on work program for the teachers of elementary and middle school. The novelty of this study consists in the description of discourse practice of legitimation of values implemented within the framework of pedagogical discourse. It was established that the strategy of reference to authority is implemented in the Japanese pedagogical discourse in full force; however, in interpretation of Japanese linguoculture, this strategy features the set of preferred and non-preferred substrategies.  
Effect of Planting Windows for Seed Production of Soybean (Glycine max L.) in off Season under Kaylan Karnataka Region
Authors: Lokesh K. , Basavegowda . , Reddy Mallikarjun , Siddaram . , Suhas P. D. , Makanur Basavaraj , Shekar G. C.
Published: October 2020

Aim: To identify the best planting time for obtaining higher seed yield and quality of Soybean in off season.

Study Design: Randomized completely block design (RCBD)

Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural Research Station, Halladkere, Bidar, Karnataka between 2016 and 2017.

Methodology: A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Halladkere, Bidar to find out the best off season planting time for quality seed production of Soybean. The certified seeds of soybean varieties, JS-335 and Dsb-21 were sown with recommended package of practices at appropriate field condition from November to February at every fortnight with a spacing of 30 cm X 10 cm. The quality parameters related to seed were carried out in the laboratory of seed science department. Further, soybean seeds were treated with fungicide (carbendazim 25% + mancozeb 75%) at the rate of 3 gram per kg of seeds.

Results: From the present investigation, it was observed that among the different sowing dates, soybean varieties (JS 335 and DSb 21) sown during 1st fortnight of November recorded significantly higher plant growth parameters as well as seed yield followed by 2nd fortnight of November during off season. Further, climatic factors like rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity played a major role in the off season to produce higher seed yield and quality of Soybean.

Conclusion: Among various sowing dates, November 1st Fortnight sowing resulted in highest seed yield with better seed quality in both cultivars (JS-335 and Dsb-21) of soybean.
Investigation of Climate Variability Over High Rainfall Zone of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Guhan V. , Geethalakshmi V. , Bhuvaneswari K. , Rajavel M. , Praveen Dhanya , Mugilan G. R. , Pavithra S. , Senthilraja K.
Published: October 2020

Rainfall is one of the most important climatic variables that determine the spatial and temporal patterns of climate variability of a region, which also provides useful information for the planning of water resources, agricultural production, and others. Climate change is one of the most significant worldwide issues talked among scientists and researchers, and one of the consequences of climate change is the alteration of rainfall patterns. 'India's population and the economy is linked to climate-sensitive activities, including rainfed agriculture and excess climate anomalies, deficient and flooded rainfall years have a dramatic impact on the economy as well as on the living conditions of the inhabitants of the affected region. An understanding of current and historical trends and variation is inevitable to her future development, especially in agricultural and hydrological sectors. In the present study, historical weather data for 33 years (1981-2013) was analyzed for rainfed cropping season (September - December) to understand the climatic variability in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. The maximum daily air temperature increased on average by 0.02°C per year, whereas minimum daily air temperature remained constant during the rainfed cropping season. The high rainfall zone receives an annual and rainfed cropping average rainfall of 1307and 672 mm, respectively. Analysis of rainfall during rainfed cropping period over 33 years showed ten years had standard RF, nine years had deficit rainfall, six years had below standard RF, one year had above standard RF and seven years had excess RF. Analysis indicates that the deficit condition prevailed in every alternate year in recent decades. The onset of rainfed cropping season varied over the years (1981-2013), 13 years had onset in the slot from 1st to 5th  September, and in others, years onset occurred between 6 and 30th September. Cessation also had a variation over 33 years and 16 years had cessation from 26 to 31st December while remaining years had cessation in the period of 1-25th December. LGP ranged from 57 to 143 days, with an average LGP of 106 days.  Dry spell varied from 3 to 12 days with the mean of 6 days, and wet spell varied from 2 to 8 days with an average of 5 days.
Knowledge and Practice of Breast Cancer Screening among Rural Women in Imo State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dozie Ugonma Winnie , Ebirim Chikere Ifeanyi Casmir , Ekeh Ijeoma Christabel , Ezelote Chinelo Judith , Mary Okorie Onyinye , Asuzu Nneka Eleano , Dozie Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Breast cancer is among the leading causes of death among women globally. Its mortality and morbidity are highest in Africa despite the low prevalence. Sadly, breast screening has never been taking seriously in this region thus rendering management of the disease difficult. The study is designed to determine the knowledge and practice of breast screening among rural women in Imo State, Nigeria.

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage sampling technique to select 258 women from a sampled households. A pretested semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection and data analysis was done using mean scores and percentages.

Results: The result showed that 87.3% of the women was aware of breast cancer and the dominant sources of information on the disease were radio/television (91.0%), internet (88.0%), friends (85.0%) and newspapers/magazines (79.0%). It was further found that most (83.7%) of the women knew that breast cancer affected only the breast, 76.7% knew that breast cancer can be detected by breast self-examination and screening. Also, 96.1% of the women knew that breast cancer affects only women while 84.9% knew it can only be detected in the hospital/clinic. On the practice of breast screening, the majority (79.5%) of the women indicated they had not been screened whereas only 5.0% had been screened. However, the result revealed that breast self-examination (92.3%) was the most popular screening method among the women followed by clinical breast examination (7.8%).  It was also found that 79.5% of the women had been screened more than once in a year whereas 15.5% were not sure the number of times they had been screened.

Conclusion: The study concludes, that in spite of the awareness and high knowledge of breast cancer and importance of screening in the area, the practice of breast screening among the women was very low. It is therefore, recommended sensitization campaigns on breast screening be intensified in rural areas.
Technology for Manufacture of Dietetic Functional Basundi
Authors: Gokhale A. J. , Patel A. M. , Mallik J. M. , Patel H. G.
Published: October 2020

Dietetic functional Basundi was manufactured by employing low fat milk (1.5 per cent) with WPC and blend of stabilizer as fat replacer; Sucrose was replaced with intense sweetener sucralose and the bulk of sucrose was replaced with different combination of blend of polydextrose, maltodextrin and sorbitol as bulking ingredients. Replacement of sucrose with intense sweetener and combination of bulking ingredients did not affect compositional and physico-chemical attributes however a non-significant rise in 5’HMF content was observed with increase in ploydextrose content in the bulking ingredients’ blend. Viscosity followed the similar trend that was noted for 5’HMF. In sensory attributes body and texture and flavour score had significant impact of replacement of sucrose. Polydextrose in the blend when increased to more than 9.0 percent, it increased the body and texture and flavour score significantly, however such increase was non-significant for body and texture score, while flavour score decreased non-significantly. Overall acceptability score followed the similar trend observed for body and texture score. Polydextrose: Maltodextrin: Sorbitol in the proportion of 12:01:03 was considered best because of creamier body with polydextrose and sorbitol being more laxative at increased proportions.
Gravity of Poisoning Cases in Shaheed Benazirabad Sindh, Pakistan: A Prospective Study
Authors: Muhammad Shaib , Kumar Narendar , Qureshi Yasmeen , Kumari Geeta , Abbas Jabbar , Sultana Razia , Khaskheli Muhammad Saleh , Ahmer Arslan , Jamali Jameela , Tabassum Rafia
Published: October 2020

Aim: It is estimated that more than half a million of people die worldwide due to various incidences of intentional and unintentional poisoning and of them 84% occur in low- and middle-income countries. The clinical presentation of poisoning cases differs by age group, reason of poisoning, geographic region, substances involved and economic development of the country. The aim of present research was to estimate the incidence of poisoning in Shaheed Benazirabad based on above reasons.

Study Design: Cross-sectional prospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: Over a period of 6 months between July to December 2019 in a tertiary care hospital in Sindh, Pakistan.

Methodology: Study was carried out by enrolling poisoned patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital. A standardized questionnaire was designed based on different variables in surveys conducted by American Association of Poison Control Centers. In total 263 poisoning cases were presented during the study period. The data obtained was coded, entered and analyzed using SPSS 24.

Results: It was found that poisoning was more common in male (58.9%) in the age group of 16 to 30 years (48.7%) and single individuals (56.3%) with uneducated (55.1%) and jobless (54%) background. The common reasons of poisoning were suicide (36.5%) and substance involved in poisoning cases were pesticides (42.6%). Of the total cases reported during study period, 17.5% were admitted in Intensive Care Unit and death was reported in 5.3% of cases. 

Conclusion: It was found that improved regulatory controls for hazardous chemicals, establishing poison control centers and decreasing exposure and reporting time can decrease poisoning cases.
Electrical stimulation of the endopiriform nucleus attenuates epilepsy in rats by network modulation
Authors: Li Donghong , Luo Deng , Wang Junling , Wang Wei , Yuan Zhangyi , Xing Yue , Yan Jiaqing , Sha Zhiyi , Loh Horace H. , Zhang Milin , Henry Thomas R. , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: October 2020

Objective

Neuromodulatory anterior thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective therapy for intractable epilepsy, but few patients achieve complete seizure control with thalamic DBS. Other stimulation sites may be considered for anti‐seizure DBS. We investigated bilateral low‐frequency stimulation of the endopiriform nuclei (LFS‐EPN) to control seizures induced by intracortically implanted cobalt wire in rats.

Methods

Chronic epilepsy was induced by cobalt wire implantation in the motor cortex unilaterally. Bipolar‐stimulating electrodes were implanted into the EPN bilaterally. Continuous electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded using electrodes placed into bilateral motor cortex and hippocampus CA1 areas. Spontaneous seizures were monitored by long‐term video‐EEG, and behavioral seizures were classified based on the Racine scale. Continuous 1‐Hz LFS‐EPN began on the third day after electrode implantation and was controlled by a multi‐channel stimulator. Stimulation continued until the rats had no seizures for three consecutive days.

Results

Compared with the control and sham stimulation groups, the LFS‐EPN group experienced significantly fewer seizures per day and the mean Racine score of seizures was lower due to fewer generalized seizures. Ictal discharges at the epileptogenic site had significantly reduced theta band power in the LFS‐EPN group compared to the other groups.

Interpretation

Bilateral LFS‐EPN attenuates cobalt wire‐induced seizures in rats by modulating epileptic networks. Reduced ictal theta power of the EEG broadband spectrum at the lesion site may be associated with the anti‐epileptogenic mechanism of LFS‐EPN. Bilateral EPN DBS may have therapeutic applications in human partial epilepsies.
Adjunctive Treatment With Avacopan, an Oral C5a Receptor Inhibitor, in Patients With Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Merkel Peter A. , Niles John , Jimenez Richard , Spiera Robert F. , Rovin Brad H. , Bomback Andrew , Pagnoux Christian , Potarca Antonia , Schall Thomas J. , Bekker Pirow ,   for the CLASSIC Investigators
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of avacopan, an orally administered C5a receptor inhibitor, for the treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis in addition to standard‐of‐care (SOC) treatment with glucocorticoids with cyclophosphamide or rituximab.

Methods

In this randomized 12‐week study, twice daily avacopan (10 mg or 30 mg) plus SOC was assessed versus SOC only in patients with newly diagnosed/relapsing ANCA‐associated vasculitis. Efficacy measurements included 50% or greater reduction in Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) at day 85, rapid reduction (day 29) of BVAS to a score of 0 that was sustained through day 85, change in Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI), renal response (improvement in estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], hematuria, and albuminuria), and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Results

Forty‐two patients were randomized (n = 13 SOC, n = 13 avacopan 10 mg, and n = 16 avacopan 30 mg). Serious adverse events occurred in 15% and 17% of patients receiving SOC only and patients receiving avacopan with SOC, respectively. In the intent‐to‐treat population, BVAS response was high across arms (11 of 13 SOC, 11 of 12 avacopan 10 mg, and 12 of 15 avacopan 30 mg); increases in mean VDI were greater with SOC only than with avacopan plus SOC (0.3 versus 0.1). Avacopan 30 mg was numerically superior to placebo and avacopan 10 mg in early remission (15%, 8%, and 20% for SOC only, avacopan 10 mg, and avacopan 30 mg, respectively), improved eGFR (+2.0 ml/min/1.73m2, +1.3 ml/min/1.73m2, and +6.2 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively), renal response (17%, 40%, and 63%, respectively), and measures of HRQoL.

Conclusion

Avacopan in addition to SOC for ANCA‐associated vasculitis was well tolerated, and at the higher study dose, it appeared to improve time to remission (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02222155).
Adaptive output‐feedback stabilization in prescribed time for nonlinear systems with unknown parameters coupled with unmeasured states
Authors: Krishnamurthy Prashanth , Khorrami Farshad , Krstic Miroslav
Published: October 2020

The prescribed‐time output‐feedback stabilization (ie, regulation of the state and control input to zero within a “prescribed” time picked by the control designer irrespective of the initial state) of a general class of uncertain nonlinear strict‐feedback‐like systems is considered. Unlike prior results, the class of systems considered in this article allows crossproducts of unknown parameters (without any required magnitude bounds on unknown parameters) and unmeasured state variables in uncertain state‐dependent nonlinear functions throughout the system dynamics. We show that prescribed‐time output‐feedback stabilization (ie, both prescribed‐time state estimation and prescribed‐time regulation) is achieved through a novel output‐feedback control design involving specially designed dynamics of an adaptation state variable and a high‐gain scaling parameter in combination with a temporal transformation and a dual high‐gain scaling based observer and controller design. While standard dynamic adaptation techniques cannot be applied due to crossproducts of unknown parameters and unmeasured states, we show that instead, the dynamics of the high‐gain scaling parameter and adaptation parameter can be designed with temporal forcing terms to ensure that unknown parameters in system dynamics are dominated by a particular fractional power of the high‐gain scaling parameter and the adaptation parameter after a subinterval (of unknown length) of the prescribed time interval. We show that the control law can be designed such that the system state and input are regulated to zero in the remaining subinterval of the prescribed time interval.
Recent Developments in Photo‐Catalyzed/Promoted Synthesis of Indoles and Their Functionalization: Reactions and Mechanisms
Authors: Zheng Lvyin , Tao Kailiang , Guo Wei
Published: October 2020

The use of clean and renewable light sources is increasingly common in organic synthesis due to its safety, practicality and economy. Recently, photoredox catalysis has shown great application values in organic transformations because of its advantages of environmentally friendly and abundant resources. Indoles and their derivatives (indolines, oxindoles and isatins) are the core skeletons of some important organic compounds and widely‐present in various natural products and pharmaceuticals with different biological activities. Therefore, the research on the synthesis and modification of indoles is particularly important for chemists and pharmacologists. This review summarizes the effects of photocatalysis on indole synthesis and modification in recent decades. These transformations are accomplished by using metal photocatalysts (i. e., Ir, Ru, Ni, Cu, Fe, Au, Rh, TiO2, etc.) or non‐metallic photocatalysts (i. e., Rose Bengal, Eosin Y, quinones, naphthols, N‐heterocyclic carbenes, carbazoles, pyrylium salts, etc.), or without the need of photocatalysts. The detailed mechanisms of these photo‐catalyzed/promoted organic reactions are also highlighted deeply. And we hope this review will be helpful to researchers interested in this promising field of photocatalyzed transformations.

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Neonatal complications of Down syndrome and factors necessitating intensive care
Authors: Seither Katelyn , Tabbah Sammy , Tadesse Dawit G. , Suhrie Kristen R.
Published: October 2020

Limited knowledge exists about how frequently newborns with Down syndrome receive a prenatal diagnosis, require intensive care, and what surgical and medical factors are contributory. A retrospective cohort study was performed for patients with a diagnosis of Down syndrome born in 2013 and 2014 who sought care at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center during the first year of life. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record through the first year of life including need for intensive care as a newborn, prenatal diagnosis, and medical and surgical complications. Of the 129 patients in the study, 65% required intensive care as newborns. The presence of a structural abnormality that required surgical correction in the neonatal period and certain types of congenital heart disease not requiring surgical intervention in the neonatal period were positively associated with the need for intensive care. A minority of infants, 8%, had a confirmed prenatal diagnosis. A majority of newborns with Down syndrome required intensive care following birth while a minority had any concern for the diagnosis prenatally. Improving prenatal diagnostic rates would allow for better prenatal counseling and delivery planning, while targeting therapeutic interventions for this population is needed to improve outcomes.
Platinum(II) Complexes with Bis(pyrazolyl)borate Ligands: Increased Molecular Rigidity for Bidentate Ligand Systems
Authors: Soellner Johannes , Pinter Piermaria , Stipurin Sergej , Strassner Thomas
Published: October 2020

The structural motif of platinum(II) complexes bearing cyclometalating N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands can be used to design deep‐blue phosphors for application in organic light‐emitting diodes. However, the photophysical properties of the resulting molecules are also highly dependent on the auxiliary ligand. These often allow molecular deformations in the excited state which contribute to non‐radiative decay processes that diminish the attainable quantum yield. The use of bis(pyrazolyl)borate‐based auxiliary ligands enforces a high molecular rigidity due to their unique geometry. The steric crowding in the coordination sphere inhibits deformation processes and results in highly efficient deep‐blue platinum(II) emitters with CIE coordinates below (0.15; 0.15).
Integration of Scientific Competence into Gross Anatomy Teaching Using Poster Presentations: Feasibility and Perception among Medical Students
Authors: Schön Michael , Steinestel Konrad , Spiegelburg Doreen , Risch Annika , Seidel Mira , Schurr Leon , Fassnacht Ulrich Kai , Golenhofen Nikola , Böckers Tobias Maria , Böckers Anja
Published: October 2020

Scientific competencies, as defined in the German competency framework, describe the ability to think independently and act scientifically which is a central component of medical education. This report describes integration of scientific competencies into anatomical teaching. Based on findings seen in two consecutive years of dissection courses, students worked on either a case report (n = 70) or an original research study (n = 6) in the format of a scientific poster while learning to use primary literature. Posters were evaluated by juror teams using standardized evaluation criteria. Student perception of the project was assessed by quantitative and qualitative data obtained from the faculty's course evaluation and an online‐survey. Overall, students worked collaboratively and invested extra‐time (median 3.0 hours) in poster creation. Primary literature was integrated in 90.8% of the posters. Overall poster quality was satisfactory (46.3 ± 8.5 [mean ± standard deviation] out of 72 points), but several insufficiencies were identified. Students integrated information gained from the donor's death certificate, post‐mortem full‐body computed tomography (CT) scan (22.4%), and histopathological workup (31.6%) in their case reports. Students responded positively about learning new scientific skills (median 4.0 on a six‐point Likert scale), but free‐text answers revealed that some students experienced the project as an extra burden in a demanding gross anatomy course. In summary, it was feasible to introduce students to scientific skills during the dissection course and to increase interest in science in approximately a third of the survey respondents. Further adjustments to ensure the posters' scientific quality might be necessary for the future.
Analysing the roadblocks of circular economy adoption in the automobile sector: Reducing waste and environmental perspectives
Authors: Agrawal Rohit , Wankhede Vishal A. , Kumar Anil , Luthra Sunil
Published: October 2020

The automobile industry is one of the most rapidly growing sectors in our society. The increase in demand for vehicles drives the growth of the automobile sector worldwide. Fabrication of vehicles consumes an enormous amount of water, energy and resources, thereby increasing carbon emissions. Nonbiodegradable and manufacturing waste after the end of life usage results in a significant contribution to incineration, landfills, air acidification and water eutrophication. The adoption of circular economy (CE) initiatives can play a significant role in dealing with increasing waste and environmental pollution. The main goal of CE is to recycle and reuse materials to reduce waste and also to minimise environmental impacts. This article strongly supports the adoption of CE in the Indian automobile industry. For the successful adoption of CE in the Indian automobile sector, first, it is important to analyse roadblocks to the adoption. Twenty potential roadblocks towards the adoption of CE have been identified from a literature review and in consultation with experts in the field. To capture the vagueness of the data and to carry out a robust analysis, a Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method with Fuzzy theory is employed. The results reveal that roadblock ‘lacking ability to deliver high‐quality remanufactured products’ is ranked first among all considered roadblocks. This study will help the Indian automobile industry, decision makers, research practitioners and government officials develop effective strategies for adopting CE in Indian automobile companies. A sensitivity analysis has been conducted to validate the stability of results.
Trends in prostatectomy utilization: Increasing upfront prostatectomy and postprostatectomy radiotherapy for high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Kaps Bryan , Leapman Michael , An Yi
Published: October 2020

We aimed to determine patterns in frequency of radiotherapy for prostate cancer and definitive surgical management. There is prospective evidence indicating benefits of radiotherapy for some patients after radical prostatectomy (prostatectomy), with recent evidence suggesting benefit of early salvage radiotherapy. Trends in postoperative radiotherapy have not been elucidated. We analyzed the National Cancer Database for prostate cancer patients treated with curative‐intent therapy between 2004 and 2016. Patients were risk stratified according to NCCN treatment guidelines. Linear regression was utilized to examine trends in treatment with initial prostatectomy and trends in postoperative radiotherapy among treatment risk groups. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to examine clinical‐demographic variables associated with prostatectomy and postoperative radiotherapy. From 2004 to 2016, 508,450 patients received prostatectomy and 370,314 received radiotherapy. Median age was 63.6 years. There was increased utilization of prostatectomy from 47.9% in 2004 to 61.3% in 2016 (ptrend <0.001). 24,466 cases received postoperative radiotherapy. Similarly, postoperative radiotherapy utilization increased from 2.2% in 2004 to 4.0% in 2016 (ptrend <0.001). The subgroup with the largest increase in postoperative radiotherapy was clinically high‐risk disease (5.3% in 2004 to 7.8% in 2016 (ptrend <0.001). Clinical high‐risk disease (OR 1.751), Gleason 9‐10 (OR 2.973), and PSA >20 ng/ml (OR 1.489) were factors predictive for postoperative radiotherapy. The proportion of prostate cancer patients who undergo definitive prostatectomy and postoperative radiotherapy is increasing. This increase is greatest in high‐risk cases. Overall, the proportion of patients who receive any radiotherapy is decreasing. Association with preclinical factors suggests optimization of patient selection should be considered.
Effect of germination on the nutritional profile of quinoa (Cheopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds and its anti‐anemic potential in Sprague–Dawley male albino rats
Authors: Darwish Amira M. G. , Al‐ Jumayi Huda A. O. , Elhendy Hassan A.
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives

Iron‐deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common form of nutritional anemia in both developed and developing countries. We aimed to evaluate the germination impact on the nutritional profile of quinoa seeds and the antianemic potentials of quinoa fortified phytogenic diet in treatment of iron‐deficiency anemia‐induced albino rats.

Findings

The results revealed that quinoa seeds are considered a good source of fiber, protein (43.08 and 30.62% of DV), and vitamin C (threefold of daily requirement). Germination of the seeds increased iron, calcium, and zinc contents by 39.43, 49.04, and 20.25%, vitamin C and carotenoids by 32.17 and 26.02%, respectively, and decreased antinutritional factors saponin, phytic acid, and tannins by 59.60, 50.0, and 11.32%, respectively. The biological assay indicated that fortification with 10% quinoa sprouts (GII6) can be recommended as the best treatment to restore body weight, organs weights, serum profile (protein, ferritin, iron, and zinc), and blood cell counts (RBCs, WBCs, Hb, and platelets), as reflected in red cell indices (Hct, MCV, MCH, and MCHC) of IDA induced rats being at optimum levels, which were comparable to the healthy rats group (GI).

Conclusion

Increased antioxidants, vitamins, minerals content, and bioavailability of nutritional compounds due to decreased antinutritional factors content in the germinated sprouts resulted in antianemic health potentials in treated rats.

Significance and Novelty

Evidence indicates that germinated quinoa seeds are superior in nutrients compared to the ungerminated seeds due to the activation of endogenous enzymes that degrade antinutritional factors, elevate mineral bioavailability and antioxidant properties.

Trial registration number: AU08190625330; Date of registration: 25–06–2019.
An In Situ Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Study on the Electrochemical Interface between Au(111) and Ethaline Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Tan Zhuo , Peng Yu , Liu Jingli , Yang Yun , Zhang Zhisen , Chen Zhaobin , Mao Bingwei , Yan Jiawei
Published: October 2020

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) possess excellent properties that make them promising candidates for electrolytes in electrochemical fields. However, information about the electrical double layer, particularly the potential‐dependent innermost layer structure and electrode surface structure, is still lacking. In this work, we investigated the Au(111) surface structure and adsorption behaviors of DES components on a Au(111) surface in ethaline (choline chloride and ethylene glycol in a 1 : 2 molar ratio) by using in situ scanning tunneling microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The surface reconstruction of Au(111) and its lifting are disclosed, and the potential‐dependent adsorption behavior of chloride ions is analyzed with emphasis on their strong interactions with the Au surface. The results provide new insights into the electrical double layer structure in ethaline DES with atomic‐level resolution.
Genome‐wide association reveals limited benefits of pyramiding the 1B and 1D loci with the 2NvS translocation for wheat blast control
Authors: Cruppe Giovana , Silva Paula , Lemes da Silva Cristiano , Peterson Gary , Pedley Kerry F. , Cruz Christian D. , Asif Mohammad , Lollato Romulo P. , Fritz Allan K. , Valent Barbara
Published: October 2020

Resistance to wheat spike blast (WSB), caused by the Magnaporthe oryzae triticum pathotype (MoT), has relied upon a single major source: the 2NvS translocation introgressed from the wild relative Aegilops ventricosa Tausch. However, this resistance is partial and recently partially overcome by newer MoT races. To characterize potential novel loci conferring resistance to WSB, we conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) using a diverse panel of 384 wheat genotypes phenotyped under three controlled‐environment conditions using MoT isolates T‐25 (301 genotypes), B‐71 (87 genotypes), and 008 (49 genotypes). Genotyping‐by‐sequencing identified 13,175 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after filtering. Principal components analysis (PCA) identified two clusters based on the presence or absence of the 2NvS translocation, and the first three PCAs explained 13% of the genetic variation. Three individual analyses were performed (full [all genotypes combined], 2NvS genotypes only, and non‐2NvS genotypes only) using a linear mixed model and a threshold of significance of false discovery rate at 5%. Association analysis detected 25 significant SNPs for the full GWAS with isolate T‐25, in which 21 were mapped on chromosome 2A in the same physical position as the 2NvS translocation. Highly significant linkage disequilibrium among these SNPs suggested they might tag the same quantitative trait locus (QTL). No significant associations were identified with isolates B‐71 and 008, likely due to the small sample size. A QTL pyramiding analysis showed that the combination of multiple QTL was not statistically different from the individual effect of the 2A QTL. Further validation of these genomic regions can aid breeding for broad spectrum and durable WSB resistance.
Characteristics of the mitochondrial genome of Rana omeimontis and related species in Ranidae: Gene rearrangements and phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Jiang Lichun , Zhang Min , Deng Lu , Xu Zhongwen , Shi Hongyan , Jia Xiaodong , Lai Zhenli , Ruan Qiping , Chen Wei
Published: October 2020

The Omei wood frog (Rana omeimontis), endemic to central China, belongs to the family Ranidae. In this study, we achieved detail knowledge about the mitogenome of the species. The length of the genome is 20,120 bp, including 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a noncoding control region. Similar to other amphibians, we found that only nine genes (ND6 and eight tRNA genes) are encoded on the light strand (L) and other genes on the heavy strand (H). Totally, The base composition of the mitochondrial genome included 27.29% A, 28.85% T, 28.87% C, and 15.00% G, respectively. The control regions among the Rana species were found to exhibit rich genetic variability and A + T content. R. omeimontis was clustered together with R. chaochiaoensis in phylogenetic tree. Compared to R. amurensis and R. kunyuensi, it was more closely related to R. chaochiaoensis, and a new way of gene rearrangement (ND6‐trnE‐Cytb‐D‐loop‐trnL2 (CUN)‐ND5‐D‐loop) was also found in the mitogenome of R. amurensis and R. kunyuensi. Our results about the mitochondrial genome of R. omeimontis will contribute to the future studies on phylogenetic relationship and the taxonomic status of Rana and related Ranidae species.
Effect of soil microorganisms and labile C availability on soil respiration in response to litter inputs in forest ecosystems: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Yanjun , Zou Junliang , Meng Delong , Dang Shuina , Zhou Jinhong , Osborne Bruce , Ren Yuanyuan , Liang Ting , Yu Keke
Published: October 2020

Litter inputs can influence soil respiration directly through labile C availability and, indirectly, through the activity of soil microorganisms and modifications in soil microclimate; however, their relative contributions and the magnitude of any effect remain poorly understood. We synthesized 66 recently published papers on forest ecosystems using a meta‐analysis approach to investigate the effect of litter inputs on soil respiration and the underlying mechanisms involved. Our results showed that litter inputs had a strong positive impact on soil respiration, labile C availability, and the abundance of soil microorganisms, with less of an impact related to soil moisture and temperature. Overall, soil respiration was increased by 36% and 55%, respectively, in response to natural and doubled litter inputs. The increase in soil respiration induced by litter inputs showed a tendency for coniferous forests (50.7%)> broad‐leaved forests (41.3%)> mixed forests (31.9%). This stimulation effect also depended on stand age with 30‐ to 100‐year‐old forests (53.3%) and ≥100‐year‐old forests (50.2%) both 1.5 times larger than ≤30‐year‐old forests (34.5%). Soil microbial biomass carbon and soil dissolved organic carbon increased by 21.0%‐33.6% and 60.3%‐87.7%, respectively, in response to natural and doubled litter inputs, while soil respiration increased linearly with corresponding increases in soil microbial biomass carbon and soil dissolved organic carbon. Natural and doubled litter inputs increased the total phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) content by 6.6% and 19.7%, respectively, but decreased the fungal/bacterial PLFA ratio by 26.9% and 18.7%, respectively. Soil respiration also increased linearly with increases in total PLFA and decreased linearly with decreases in the fungal/bacterial PLFA ratio. The contribution of litter inputs to an increase in soil respiration showed a trend of total PLFA > fungal/bacterial PLFA ratio > soil dissolved organic carbon > soil microbial biomass carbon. Therefore, in addition to forest type and stand age, labile C availability and soil microorganisms are also important factors that influence soil respiration in response to litter inputs, with soil microorganisms being more important than labile C availability.
Targeted predator defenses of sponges shape community organization and tropical marine ecosystem function
Authors: Wulff Janie L.
Published: October 2020

Defenses that target particular consumers often influence community organization, ecosystem function, and diversity maintenance. In coral reef, mangrove, and seagrass ecosystems, sponges affect substratum stability, water clarity, diversity of associated species, and survival of habitat‐providing organisms, key roles not duplicated by other organisms. Whether and how predators control sponges are much disputed. Substantial ecosystem consequences of losing or gaining sponges motivated definitive experiments on how predators control sponge distribution and abundance. Caribbean sponges of 94 species representing 13 taxonomic orders and three linked habitats (coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows) were exposed to seven predator species representing different habitats and degrees of spongivory in 4,493 in situ trials. The resulting data force reassessment of popular interpretations of several patterns and processes. Contrary to extract pellet assays that declare most sponges deterrent, 78% of these 94 species were eaten by at least one predator. But “palatability” is consumer dependent: a sponge species eaten by one predator can be rejected by other predators, and predator species differed in what sponges they ate in 55.4% (214/392) of pairwise comparisons between predators. Because spongivore species are usually restricted to particular habitats, they impose abrupt boundaries on sponges’ habitat distributions, reflecting inverse relationships between accessibility and palatability to each predator. Thus a seagrass‐dwelling starfish eats only 9% of seagrass sponge species, but 70% of coral reef species, and 78% of mangrove species. Reef‐dwelling angelfishes completely consume only 13% of reef species, but 29% of seagrass species, and 63% of mangrove species. Defenses that target specific predators reveal that spongivore influence on community organization cannot be inferred from extract pellet/omnivore assays that assume defenses target all predators equally. In fact, pellet data wrongly predicted actual consumption of living sponges of that pellet's species in 43% of field experiments with spongivores. In contrast with herbivore–plant interactions, opportunistic spongivory is at least as important as routine spongivory for community organization and ecosystem function. Potential for loss of key functional roles of sponges, if opportunistic predators gain access to sponge species that lack defenses against them, must inform conservation plans for coral reef, mangrove, and seagrass ecosystems.
A study to assess the unmet medical needs associated with the use of basal insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Frechtel Gustavo , Forti Lujan , Faingold Cristina , Perez Mangui Federico , Orio Silvia , Issa Claudia , Guaita María S. , Vivas Norma , De Luca Julian A.
Published: October 2020

Aim

To describe in a real‐world setting, the proportion of patients with a symptomatic hypoglycaemic event and the proportion of individuals with type 2 diabetes, who newly or recently initiated with basal insulin, achieving individual or general HbA1c target.

Materials and Method

DINAS‐AR was a national prospective observational study to assess the unmet needs in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin with or without oral antihyperglycaemic drugs and/or GLP‐1 receptor agonist. The study was conducted at 19 hospitals.

Results

A total of 385 uncontrolled patients (≥18 years) who recently initiated basal insulin or who initiated treatment within a year prior to study enrolment entered the study. Outcomes were follow‐up incidence of hypoglycaemic events, change of HbA1C and achievement of HBA1c <7% or individual target. A total of 44 patients (11.9%) reported the occurrence of ≥1 symptomatic hypoglycaemia event(s). HbA1c reductions were greater in patients who had recently initiated treatment with basal insulin (between 15 and 90 days prior to study entry) vs patients who initiated treatment within 1 year. A total of 80 patients (31.6%) achieved individual HbA1c target (or target <7.0%) at Week 24. Furthermore, the proportion of patients achieving this target without symptomatic hypoglycaemia was 26.1% (n = 66). A lower percentage of glycemia target achievement was observed in patients reporting hypoglycaemia (n = 14), 20.6% of all patients reporting hypoglycaemia event(s) vs (n = 66) 35.7% of all patients without hypoglycaemia event reported.

Conclusion

In this real‐world study, although the hypoglycaemia rate was not high in adults with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin, there was a lower percentage of patients that achieved glycemic target among those reporting hypoglycaemia events vs patients who did not report them.
Suppression of Photovoltaic Losses in Efficient Tandem Organic Solar Cells (15.2%) with Efficient Transporting Layers and Light Management Approach
Authors: Tavakoli Mohammad Mahdi , Si Huayan , Kong Jing
Published: October 2020

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have experienced a rapid progress in terms of efficiency in both single and tandem structures. Herein, two‐terminal (2T) tandem design is fabricated using PV2000:PCBM (1.65 eV) and PM6:Y6 (1.3 eV) blends as bottom and top cells, respectively. The role of transporting and recombination layers on photovoltaic (PV) parameters is studied. The impedance and transmittance results indicate that using SnO2 nanocrystals (NCs) as an electron transporting layer (ETL) in both subcells, the fill factor (FF) and the open circuit voltage (VOC) of the tandem device are increased drastically, mainly due to the lower resistance of the SnO2 layer and its higher transmittance as compared with the ZnO ETL. Moreover, it is found that the VOC and FF losses are reduced using poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/Ag (1 nm)/SnO2 NCs as a recombination layer in the tandem design. After proper optimization, a tandem OSC with a VOC of 1.61 V and an efficiency of 14.4% is achieved, which shows great operational stability as well. In addition, the current match and efficiency of the tandem device are increased up to 12.94 mA cm−2 and 15.2%, respectively, by applying a nanotextured anti‐reflection layer on the back of the device.
Enhanced thermal energy storage of nitrate salts by silica nanoparticles for concentrating solar power
Authors: Xiong Yaxuan , Wang Zhenyu , Sun Mingyuan , Wu Yuting , Xu Peng , Qian Xu , Li Chuan , Ding Yulong , Ma Chongfang
Published: October 2020

Dispersing nanomaterials can effectively improve the thermal energy storage performance of molten salts. However, research on such improvement mechanism is still immature, as the understanding of the performance improvement levels induced by different nanoparticles has not been consistent. Using silica nanoparticles as additives, this work prepares nine molten salt nanofluids by aqueous solution method with the use of potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, and their binary mixture as base salts. The key thermal performance of these nanofluids are evaluated through different characterization approaches, such as differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, laser flash analysis, and scanning electron microscopy for microstructural characteristics. The possible performance enhancement mechanism caused by silica nanoparticle is also explored. Results show that, for these nine molten salt nanofluids containing silica nanoparticles, the change in the melting point is negligible. The potassium nitrate salt dispersed with 20‐nm silica nanoparticles achieve the highest performance improvement not only in latent heat but in specific heat and thermal conductivity, while sodium nitrate salt nanofluids reach maximum improvement at their decomposing temperature. The improvement level can be associated with the electronegativity of alkali ions. Cloud nuclei cause microstructure differences among molten salt nanofluids and may be the main reason for the thermal performance enhancement of the molten salt nanofluids.
Interrelations between dopamine and serotonin producing sites and regions of the default mode network
Authors: de la Cruz Feliberto , Wagner Gerd , Schumann Andy , Suttkus Stefanie , Güllmar Daniel , Reichenbach Jürgen R. , Bär Karl‐Jürgen
Published: October 2020

Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies showed that blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signal fluctuations in the default mode network (DMN) are functionally tightly connected to those in monoaminergic nuclei, producing dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5‐HT) transmitters, in the midbrain/brainstem. We combined accelerated fMRI acquisition with spectral Granger causality and coherence analysis to investigate causal relationships between these areas. Both methods independently lead to similar results and confirm the existence of a top‐down information flow in the resting‐state condition, where activity in core DMN areas influences activity in the neuromodulatory centers producing DA/5‐HT. We found that latencies range from milliseconds to seconds with high inter‐subject variability, likely attributable to the resting condition. Our novel findings provide new insights into the functional organization of the human brain.