bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, Fruit Yield and Proximate Composition Responses of Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L; Rodo Variety) to Potassium Fertilizer Application at Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Authors: Alabi Emmanuel Olukunle , Ayodele Olufemi Julius , Mathew Aluko
Published: December 2021

Potassium (K) fertilizer application, as a component of the improved technologies necessary to maximize crop yield and quality, is often used to correct the plant, soil and environmental factors that limit K availability. The effects of 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg K2O ha-1 were studied on hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L; Atarodovariety) in 2014 and 2015 on the Teaching and Research Farm, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti Nigeria in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replicates. Each K rate was mixed with 75 kg N and 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 and applied 2 weeks after transplanting 5-week old seedlings spaced 60 cm × 40 cm apart. The data of growth parameters were collected at 2 weeks after treatment (WAT) and fortnightly till 10 WAT, number and weight of ripe fruits and fruit proximate composition. The plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter increased with age and K rates to highest values at 10 WAT and 90 kg K2O ha-1 in both years. The number of fruits, fruit and seed yield ha-1, fruit size, fruit length and breadth and pericarp thickness increased linearly from the control to the highest values at 90 kg K2O ha-1.The number of fruits and yield at 90 kg K2O ha-1 were 1.253×106, 14.24 t ha-1; and 3.73×106, 14.94 t ha-1 in 2014 and 2015, respectively but the 60 kg K2O ha-1 gave the highest agronomic efficiency. The slight increase in fruit moisture content would not predispose fruits to deterioration while the crude protein and fat, carbohydrate and ash contents, vitamin C and mineral nutrients increased significantly making K application necessary to balance the fertilizer protocol for optimum hot pepper production.
A Review on Traditional Plant Azadirachta indica: Natural Source for Disease Curability and Health Promotion
Authors: Gautam Preeti , Mittal Payal
Published: December 2021

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a medicinal plant, mostly found in the Himalayan region. The neem leaf is commonly and historically used in medicine to treat a variety of illnesses such as eye disorders, nose bleeding, loss of appetite and liver problems etc. Because of its various pharmacological and therapeutic effects, it is included in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. As a result, this review provides current information on ethno-medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, adverse effects of Azadirachta indica with future advancement. Several references were checked for identification, in-depth literature including online databases, documents, and blogs. Around 29% of the compounds in Azadirachta indica have been isolated and characterised. The limonoids in the neem tree have a wide variety of antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. Complex azadirachtin, salanin are active principles extracted from neem seed. These metabolites' biochemical pathways in the neem tree are completely unknown. Citrus sinensis is related to the neem tree phylogenetically. 62 percent of neem genomic was anchored into citrus chromosomes according to comparative study. The azadirachtin, nimbin, salanin and nimbidin from neem tissues were quantified by using LC-MS. This paper shows the various use of neem in different disorder.
Phytoconsitutents As Bioenhancers: A Review
Authors: Pinisetti Chinnarao , Arora Vimal
Published: December 2021

Bio-enhancers are the compounds that enhance the bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients without itself having any pharmacological action. Most of them are of natural origin and do not have any side effects. They enhance the bioavailability by influencing variety of mechanisms involved in the drug action like penetration enhancement, improving metabolism, enzyme inhibition, drug targeting etc. Use of these compounds help to reduce the dose frequency which in turn reduces drug retention in turn causing the toxicity and it also helps in developing cost-effective products. Present days these are widely used to enhance the bioavailability of anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antibiotic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular drugs etc and effective drug targeting. The present review is designed to emphasize the importance of certain phytoconstituents working as bio-enhancers, their classification and different mechanisms of their activity.
Phytochemical and Therapeutic Potential of Alstonia scholaris R. Br.- A Magical Traditional Plant
Authors: Bainsal Neeraj , Aggarwal Pratibha , Bora Kundan Singh
Published: December 2021

Alstonia scholaris R.Br. commonly known as devil tree is a potential medicinal plant belongs to the family Apocynaceae. Endemic to the geographical areas like India, China and Bangladesh. From the ancient times it is an important medicinal plant containing medicinal potential viabilities to treat number of health condition such as stomach ache, diarrhea, abdominal disorders etc. using various preparations like decoctions, powders etc. Its parts can be administered for the treatment of various diseases. The morphological, organoleptic and microscopic characteristics are also established. It is reported to be rich source of alkaloids. Also, it contains chemical constituents like irioids, coumarins, sugars, oils, phenolics etc. The phytochemical constituents contained in each part are described in the present review. The plant was investigated by the scientists, researchers while performing the experiments on animals they concluded that the plant have pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antidiarreal, antitussive, antiasthmatic, immunostimulatory, antidiabetic etc. which are discussed in the article.
Development and Validation of UPLC-MS / MS Method for Obtaining Favipiravir Tablet Dosage form and Evaluation of its Behavior Under forced Conditions
Authors: Gökce Süleyman , Höl Ayşen , Bulduk Ibrahim
Published: December 2021

Aims: Favipiravir (FVP) is a drug developed against RNA viruses. It is a drug that is used actively in the treatment of coronavirus. In vitro and in vivo investigations have shown that it inhibits the virus. In this study, a recovery study of tablet formulations was carried out by developing a UPLC-MS/MS method, which is used extensively in pandemic conditions. In addition, stability studies of favipiravir agent under forced conditions were conducted. The validated method is selective, robust, simple and applicable for tablet analysis. C18 (4.6 mm × 50 mm, 2.7 μm) column was used as the stationary phase and water-methanol (80-20 v/v) containing 0.1% formic acid was used as the mobile phase. UPLC optimization; It was conducted at a wavelength of 222 nm and a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min at 40 °C, retention time was 1.155 min. The electrospray jet stream ionization source was analyzed using mass spectrometry in negative ion mode. The molecular peak for Favipiravir was [M-1] 155.9, and the daughter ion determined 112.6. The stability test method was carried out in accordance with the ICH procedure. Reaction and degradation rates of the active substance under various forced conditions (acidic, basic, oxidative, UV light and thermal conditions) were investigated. The products formed by the decomposition of the active substance under stress conditions were determined by mass spectroscopy.
Overview on Pediatric Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Review
Authors: Fadl Ahmed AbdelSamie , Alghamdi Hussam Yahya Abdullah , Ashgan Baraah Atef Madani , Alasmari Nuha Saad H. , Alwahbi Sultan Salman , Alkhamis Bayan Anwar , Almutairi Sultan Meshal , Albeladi Quds Hussain , Alotaibi Ghadeer Abdullah , Alotaibi Rawan Obaid , Bamousa Reema Mohammed , Alzamami Jana Fahad
Published: December 2021

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a set of clonal bone marrow diseases in children that are characterised by peripheral cytopenia, dysplastic alterations in the bone marrow, and inefficient hematopoiesis. MDS is uncommon in children, with just 1-4 occurrences per million children afflicted. Adults, particularly the elderly, are more susceptible to the disease. Some hereditary disorders, such as Fanconi's anaemia, Shwachman's, and Down's syndromes, are known to predispose children to developing MDS. JCML and monosomy 7 syndrome are the two most frequent paediatric MDS types, both of which affect children in their early years. Approximately 20% of juvenile myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cases are discovered by chance during normal laboratory testing or during the course of a suspected hereditary bone marrow failure (IBMF). Differentiating MDS with low blast numbers from aplastic anaemia (AA) and MDS with excess blasts from AML are the two key diagnostic issues in this condition. Bone marrow transplantation and stem cell transplantation is the treatment of choice in most cases. In this article we discuss the disease epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in COVID-19 Patients in Hyderabad, Sindh
Authors: Qureshi Shahzad Rasheed , Memon Nazakat Hussain , Arain Sadia Qamar , Nizamani Ghulam Shah , Abbasi Majid Ali , Laghari Arshad Hussain , Rajput Ali Raza
Published: December 2021

Aim: The world is affected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. This virus has emerged as a human pathogen that can cause symptoms ranging from fever to Pneumonia, but it remains asymptomatic or mild. To better understand the virus's ongoing spread, identify those who have been infected, and track the immune response, accurate and robust immunological monitoring and SARS-CoV-2 detection assays are needed.

Methods: The estimation of serology tests to assess the presence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in COVID- 19 patients at Asian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) and Isra University & hospital. 1229 patients were selected including males and females with the age being 25 to 65 years living in the territories from 1st August to 30th November 2020. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 test was performed by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer.

Results: Out of 1229 participants 206 (17%) were positive with COVID-19, and 1023 (83%) were negative. The results further revealed that a higher percentage of positive COVID-19 were detected in males in all age groups as compared to females, and most of them are affected at age of 46-65 years male 40 (24.69%) and female 14(17.5%).

Conclusion: The seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibodies has increased in the old age population, which may aid in determining the true number of infected cases. Although the current study is based on a small sample of participants, the findings suggest a study with a larger population to implement stronger and targeted interventions.
Overview on Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor; A Review
Authors: Abood Hashem Bark Awadh , Albalawi Amani Nasser D. , AlEnazi Haifa Obedullah , Almuhanna Mousa Mutlaq , Busaad Norah Othman , Jarad Rafa Ghazi Ali , Alkhamis Mahdi Saleh , Alsharif Shahad Majed , Alahdal Mutaz Abdulrahman S. , Alqahtani Deena Ahmed S. , Alhakamy Abdulmajeed Ramzy , Alraqibah Sulaiman Abdullah
Published: December 2021

GISTs (gastrointestinal stromal tumours) are benign tumours that most usually affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system. GISTs can strike at any age, however they are most typically diagnosed in later life, with a median diagnostic age in the 60s. Abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission transverse tomography (PET) can all be used to detect GISTs (PET).CT enterography is the most effective method for determining the location of these tumors. Histopathology and immunochemistry are used to diagnose GISTs. Surgical excision remains the therapy of choice for gastrointestinal stromal tumours more than 2 cm that are readily resectable. Due to the possibility of resistance to standard treatment, mutational analysis should be undertaken when considering adjuvant and neoadjuvant  therapy. In this review we’ll be looking at the disease etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and management.
Pattern of Antibiotic Prescription for Orofacial Infections among Dentists: A Narrative Review of Literature
Authors: Ahmed Suhael , Elkholy Nada Mohamed Abdelfattah Aly , Alghamdi Amna , Alshehri Sarah Aedh , Alanazi Khalid M , Alanazi Omar K. , Aldossary Shaya Farhan , Tabassum Nafeesa , Saffan Abdulrahman Al , Alenezi Noha Abdullah
Published: December 2021

Bacterial infections are common in dental and oral clinical practice. It is been estimated that about 10% of total antibiotic prescriptions are related to dental infections. Combination of amoxicillin-clavulanate and plain amoxycillin is the most commonly used drug by dentists across the world. Three general considerations were recognized in this literature review—Empirical antibiotic prescription by dentists without a culture test; concomitant prescription of antibiotics with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which may ultimately affect the bioavailability of the former drug; and the increased antimicrobial resistance amongst oral pathogens. Since decades, antibiotics have been prescribed for the treatment of odontogenic infections and non-odontogenic oral infections, and for focal infections and sepsis prophylaxis. Renal failure, liver failure, and pregnancy are situations that require special attention when considering an antibiotic prescription. This review attempted to contribute to the rational use and abuse of antibiotics while focusing on the general characteristics of these drugs.
Causes and Management of Neck Pain in Primary Care, Review Article
Authors: Algaows Faisal Suliman , AlOtaibi Nader Marzouq , Hakami Salma Mousa , Alkhabaz Omar Abdrabalrasoul , ALJohani Bandar Owaidh , Azzeem Maha Abdulkader , Sadeq Asma Ghassan , Alfuraih Abdula Abdulrahman A. , Alshaikh Abdullah Mohammed T. Albin , Almarie Hajr Ibrahim S. , Beyari Mustafa Mohammed , Alkhuwaysah Mohammed Ali S.
Published: December 2021

Neck pain is a prevalent ailment that affects many people around the world. Neck pain is linked to a high level of disability and is usually regarded as a serious public health issue. Pain between the superior nuchal line and the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra is referred to as neck pain. The pain in the neck might refer to the head, trunk, and upper limbs in some cases. This article seeks to offer a summary of the existing evidence on the prevalence, costs, diagnosis, prognosis, risk factors, prevention, and management of neck pain patients.
Differences in image density adjustment parameters on the image matching accuracy of a floor‐mounted kV X‐ray image‐guided radiation therapy system
Authors: Sakuragawa Kanako , Sasaki Motoharu , Kamomae Takeshi , Yokoishi Michihiro , Kasai Ryosuke , Kajino Akimi , Ikushima Hitoshi
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effect of two different image density adjustment parameters on the results of image matching at six degrees of freedom using radiographic images generated by the ExacTrac X‐ray system in brain stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). This study comprised 32 patients who underwent brain SRS at our hospital from January 2020 to December 2020. In this study, (1) the default parameter (an image density parameter between “tissue” and “bone”) was an image density parameter for digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) generation used at many facilities, and (2) the bone parameter was the steepest contrast parameter used at our hospital. Of the 32 patients, 24 (75%) had a couch angle of 0.5 mm or more in the translational direction or 0.5° or more in the rotational direction, and 10 (31%) had a couch angle of 1.0 mm or more in the translational direction or 1.0° or more in the rotational direction. Among the 131 cases of all couch angles, 46 (35%) cases had a translational direction of 0.5 mm or more or a rotational direction of 0.5° or more, and 15 (11%) had a translational direction of 1.0 mm or more or a rotational direction of 1.0° or more. The results of this study indicate the usefulness of using appropriate DRR parameters for each case, rather than using the default settings. The use of appropriate DRR parameters can lead to accurate position matching results, leading to fewer image‐guided radiation therapy shots and a lower imaging dose.
Meniscus‐Assisted Coating with Optimized Active‐Layer Morphology toward Highly Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Yue Yuchen , Zheng Bing , Yang Wenjie , Huo Lijun , Wang Jingxia , Jiang Lei
Published: December 2021

Morphology control is the key to engineering highly efficient solution‐processed solar cells. Focusing on the most promising application‐oriented photovoltaic all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs), herein a facile and effective meniscus‐assisted‐coating (MAC) strategy is reported for preparing high‐quality blend films with enhanced crystallinity and an interpenetrating nanofiber network morphology. The all‐PSCs based on MAC exhibit excellent optoelectronic properties with efficiencies exceeding 15%, which is the best performance of solution‐printing‐based all‐PSCs, as well as better stability. The crystallization kinetics of the polymer blend film is investigated by in situ UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, and the result explains the linear relationship between the meniscus advance speed and the crystallinity (crystallization rate) of the polymer. To verify the compatibility and universality of this strategy, the MAC strategy is applied to the other three binary systems. By precisely controlling the meniscus advancing speed, 1 cm2 all‐PSC devices whose efficiencies exceed 12% are fabricated. Such progress demonstrates that the application of the MAC strategy is a promising approach for the fabrication of high‐efficiency all‐PSCs.
Metal‐Organic Framework Based Gas Sensors
Authors: Yuan Hongye , Li Nanxi , Fan Weidong , Cai Hong , Zhao Dan
Published: December 2021

The ever‐increasing concerns over indoor/outdoor air quality, industrial gas leakage, food freshness, and medical diagnosis require miniaturized gas sensors with excellent sensitivity, selectivity, stability, low power consumption, cost‐effectiveness, and long lifetime. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), featuring structural diversity, large specific surface area, controllable pore size/geometry, and host‐guest interactions, hold great promises for fabricating various MOF‐based devices for diverse applications including gas sensing. Tremendous progress has been made in the past decade on the fabrication of MOF‐based sensors with elevated sensitivity and selectivity toward various analytes due to their preconcentrating and molecule‐sieving effects. Although several reviews have recently summarized different aspects of this field, a comprehensive review focusing on MOF‐based gas sensors is absent. In this review, the latest advance of MOF‐based gas sensors relying on different transduction mechanisms, for example, chemiresistive, capacitive/impedimetric, field‐effect transistor or Kelvin probe‐based, mass‐sensitive, and optical ones are comprehensively summarized. The latest progress for making large‐area MOF films essential to the mass‐production of relevant gas sensors is also included. The structural and compositional features of MOFs are intentionally correlated with the sensing performance. Challenges and opportunities for the further development and practical applications of MOF‐based gas sensors are also given.
Estimating temperature impacts on perennial crop losses in California: Insights from insurance data
Authors: Yu Jisang , Goh Gyuhyeong
Published: December 2021

This study provides a novel empirical framework for estimating the effects of temperature on the production of several tree crops in California by using underused insurance data and a variable selection technique. We utilize a Bayesian variable selection technique to select relevant temperature variables. We then use the selected temperature variables to assess the temperature effects on crop losses. We find that a greater length to freeze exposure increases crop losses and relatively smaller roles of chill hours and heating hours. We also find the heterogeneity of the effects across insurance coverage levels.
Surface engineering of a pervaporation desulfurization membrane with crack structures by the self‐condensation of silane coupling agent
Authors: Gui Zhaolong , Leng Xiaoyan , Wang Ming , Hou Yingfei
Published: December 2021

In this article, the 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane (KH570) was deposited onto the surface of the polyurethane (PU) membrane to prepare pervaporation (PV) desulfurization membrane. The modified membrane was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrum, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscope and so forth. After modification, the surface exhibited a special morphology with cracks which was micro‐controlled by adjusting the hydrolysis time, the concentration and the deposition time of KH570. Through the PV performance of the modified membrane, it was found that the surface morphology with cracks effectively reduced the mass transfer resistance and enlarged contact area, which played a key role in the increase of flux. Under the optimal modification conditions, the flux of the membrane was 2.41 kg m−2 h−1, which increased by 154% in comparison with the pristine PU membrane, while the enrichment factor maintained a satisfactory level of 7.35. Therefore, this study provided a new insight to fabricate a high performance PV desulfurization membrane.
The study of ionic and entanglements self‐healing behavior of zinc dimethacrylate enhanced natural rubber and natural rubber/butyl rubber composite
Authors: Zhao Ming , Chen Hui , Yuan Jiaxin , Wu Yibo , Li Shuxin , Liu Ruofan
Published: December 2021

This study reported the self‐healing behavior of natural rubber (NR) and NR‐butyl rubber (IIR) composites, which was enhanced by graft‐polymerization of zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA) onto rubber chains. Using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as the vulcanization agent formed a reversible covalent/ionic crosslinking supermolecular network. By controlling the vulcanization process, a reversible supramolecular network composed of covalent cross‐linking, ionic cross‐linking, and physical entanglement is obtained. Experiments shown that the self‐repairing behavior of ionic bonds comes from the recombination of ionic clusters. Although the saturated backbone of IIR is hardly to provide ionic or covalent crosslinks, the addition of IIR can increase the degree of physical entanglements level of rubber and provide physical self‐healing behavior. The entanglement healing is weaker than ionic cross‐linking, but due to the better chain mobility, the multiple times healing ability of IIR introduced by entanglements is better than covalent or ionic bonds.
The Effectiveness of MOFs for the Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Aquatic Environments: A Review Focused on Antibiotics Removal
Authors: Hooriabad Saboor Fahimeh , Nasirpour Niloofar , Shahsavari Shadab , Kazemian Hossein
Published: December 2021

There is an increasing level of various pollutants and their persistence in aquatic environments. The improper use of antibiotics and their inefficient metabolism in organisms result in their release into aquatic environments. Antibiotic abuse has led to hazardous effects on human health. Thereby, efficient removal of pharmaceuticals, particularly antibiotics, from wastewater and contaminated water bodies is greatly interested in international research communities. Metal‐organic framework (MOF) materials, as a hybrid group of material containing metallic center and organic linkers, offer a porous structure that is highly efficient for removing different pollutants from contaminated water and wastewater streams. This article aims to review the recent advancement in using MOF‐based adsorbents and catalysts for the removal of pharmaceuticals, especially antibiotics, from polluted water. Applying MOFs‐based structures for removing antibiotics using photocatalytic removal and adsorptive removal techniques will be discussed and evaluated in this review paper. Various MOF‐based materials such as functionalized MOFs, MOF‐based composites, magnetic MOF‐based composites, MOFs templated‐metal oxide catalysts for removing pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and antibiotics from contaminated aqueous media are discussed. Furthermore, effective operational parameters on the adsorption, adsorption mechanisms, adsorption isotherms, and thermodynamic parameters are explained and discussed. Finally, in the concluding remarks, the challenges and future outlooks of using MOFs‐based adsorbents and catalysts for removing antibiotics are summarized.
The economic and environmental impacts of Brazilian National Biofuel Policy
Authors: Ribeiro Carolina Habib , da Cunha Marcelo Pereira
Published: December 2021

The Brazilian National Policy on Biofuels (Renovabio) sets targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GGE) in the transportation mix. Through the policy, a financial asset known as CBIO (a Decarbonization Credit) was created. CBIOs represent the equivalent CO2 emissions prevented when substituting fossil fuels for renewable fuels and are traded on the stock market, which sets the price. Fossil fuel distributors are obliged to buy these assets and biofuel producers can issue the CBIOs on the stock market. A dynamic computable general equilibrium model was applied to estimate the CBIO prices and the annual economic and environmental impacts of RenovaBio from 2021 to 2029. The impacts on fuel and energy consumption, fuel prices, inflation, gross domestic product (GDP) and agricultural productivity considering ethanol, gasoline, biodiesel and diesel were calculated. To achieve the required decarbonization level by 2029, ethanol production must increase by 87.7%, led by a drop in its price relative to gasoline. The total fuel energy consumed would drop by 7.10% and inflation would increase by 0.35 percentage points, while GDP would increase by only 0.08% in the scenario of the last year, when the CBIO price would reach R$223.35 (~US$74.45). RenovaBio can be an effective policy to promote carbon intensity reduction and works as a hedge against unfavorable scenarios for biofuel production. Therefore, the policy can help Brazil reach its intended nationally determined contribution by boosting the use of biofuels in the country's transportation sector. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
NXNL1 negatively regulates osteoblast differentiation via GDF15‐induced PP2A Cα dependent manner in MC3T3‐E1 cells
Authors: Kim Kyeong‐Min , Jang Won‐Gu
Published: December 2021

Controlling the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) is important for the survival and differentiation of osteoblasts. Intracellular ROS levels are controlled by antioxidant enzymes that modulate the redox state of the cell. Nucleoredoxin‐like 1 (NXNL1) is an antioxidant enzyme that increases the viability of rod and cone cells by protecting them from oxidative stress, and is a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa. The present study investigated the role of NXNL on osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblast cells. Results from qPCR experiments demonstrated that growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) increased NXNL1 expression, and that GDF15‐induced NXNL1 decreased the expression of osteogenic genes such as distal‐less homeobox 5 (Dlx5) and Runt‐related transcription factor 2. Furthermore, NXNL1 also inhibits bone morphogenetic protein 2‐induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/9 and alkaline phosphatase activity. The inhibitory effects of NXNL1 on osteoblast differentiation were mediated by protein phosphatase 2A Cα (PP2A Cα). The expression of PP2A Cα was regulated by GDF15, and overexpression of PP2A Cα increased the expression of NXNL1. Taken together, our results demonstrate that NXNL1 inhibits osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 due to GDF15‐induced expression of PP2A Cα.
Discursive contestation in mental health rehabilitation: How Clubhouse support workers expose clients to new interpretative repertoires of work
Authors: Stevanovic Melisa , Niska Miira , Nevalainen Henri , Weiste Elina , Lindholm Camilla , Valkeapää Taina
Published: December 2021

In our society, work is generally considered central to citizenship and individual well‐being. However, paid employment is often out of reach for individuals with mental illness. The Clubhouse model is a community‐based rehabilitation programme that therefore offers people with mental illness the possibility to enjoy some social advantages of work. However, the status of the day‐to‐day Clubhouse activities as “work” is a matter of discursive contestation. Drawing on 29 meetings of a Clubhouse rehabilitation group as data, and using conversation analysis and discourse analysis as methods, this study examines two competing interpretive repertoires that are systematically manifested in this context: the capitalist “paid work” repertoire used by Clubhouse clients and the more flexible “productive activity” repertoire used by support workers. The adoption of these two repertoires reflects two competing discursive agendas, which define the scope of mental health rehabilitation and the role of the client in their own rehabilitation process in distinct ways. From this perspective, the support workers' central institutional task is essentially of a discursive and ideological nature—exposing the clients to new ways of talking about their lives with reference to work.
Advances in the research of osteosarcoma stem cells and its related genes
Authors: Zhang Weifei , Wei Liangchen , Weng Jian , Yu Fei , Qin Haotian , Wang Deli , Zeng Hui
Published: December 2021

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor that often occurs in adolescents. There is an urgent need for new treatment options for osteosarcoma due to its poor prognosis after metastasis. Cancer stem cell (CSC) theory states that CSCs represent a small proportion of cancer cells. These CSC have self‐renewal ability and are closely associated with cancer growth and metastasis as well as chemotherapy resistance. Similarly, osteosarcoma stem cells (OSCs) play an important role in the growth, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance of osteosarcoma cells. Targeting OSCs may represent a future treatment of osteosarcoma. Furthermore, some genes have been shown to regulate the growth, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance of osteosarcoma cells by altering the stemness of OSCs. Targeting these genes may help in the treatment of osteosarcoma. This review mainly discusses recent advances in the research of OSCs and their related genes.
Advocating for community colleges in the college completion agenda
Authors: White Carol Cutler
Published: December 2021

Community colleges are essential to meet state educational attainment goals, yet the colleges are largely underfunded to serve underprepared students entering through the open door of access. As resource‐dependent institutions, community colleges need to engage in the politics of higher education through advocacy. This chapter presents results from a qualitative study of community college advocacy practices in three states with bifurcated higher education governance. Interviews with the community college system, state community college board, state president, and trustee association leaders, and college presidents and trustees were conducted to identify advocacy practices and challenges to increase state appropriations in support of the completion agenda. Findings point to three advocacy challenges, the stigma of community colleges, competition with the university system for limited state higher education funding, and getting the attention of legislators to understand the value of community college degrees and credentials. The chapter offers recommendations for expanded advocacy.
Surgical treatment of a congenital dacryocystocele by means of microdebrider marsupialization in a newborn
Authors: di Furia Domenico , Pignataro Lorenzo , Gaffuri Michele , Osnaghi Silvia Gabriella , Battilocchi Ludovica , Cantarella Giovanna
Published: December 2021

Congenital dacryocystocele is a rare clinical condition, more commonly unilateral, secondary to the defective canalization of the nasolacrimal duct. In case of failure of conservative treatment, surgical marsupialization is recommended. We describe the case of a 40‐day‐old male newborn treated by means of microdebrider marsupialization.
Electro‐Catalytic Oxidation of Methanol Catalyzed by Facet‐Controlled Pt‐WC Nanoparticles on In Situ Synthesized Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Chu You‐Qun , Peng Rong‐Gui , Chen Zhao‐Yang , Shi Mei‐Qin , Li Ling‐Tong , Duan Long‐Fa
Published: December 2021

The facet‐controlled Pt‐WC nanoparticles on in situ synthesized carbon nanotubes (Pt‐WC/CNT) are prepared by the one‐step carburization in conjunction with simple displacement reaction. WC particles exhibit preferential (100) orientation due to the in situ growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and the most predominant facet exhibited by the Pt immobilized on WC (100) is the (200) facet. Among the prepared catalysts, Pt‐WC/CNT‐2 shows the highest mass activity (2540.0 mA/mg Pt) for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) with smaller onset overpotential (0.18 V) and lower activation free energy (32.87 kJ/mol) in acid media. Such enhanced catalytic activity originates from its larger ECSA (238.1 m2/g) and the synergistic effect of facet‐controlled Pt‐WC nanoparticles. And Pt‐WC/CNT catalyst has superior stability for MOR due to its structurally stable CNTs support, which provides a large area to contact with electrolyte, and facilitates the electron transfer.
Investigation of the drying kinetics of brewer's spent grain (BSG) using artificial neural networks and traditional empirical models
Authors: Bastiani Fabio Henrique , Telli Ceccato Bruno , Nicolin Douglas Junior
Published: December 2021

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is the main by‐product of the brewing industry. BSG can have diverse end‐users and has a high moisture level. To guarantee good conditions for storage and trade, it is necessary to remove the moisture from the material and use the proper method for the drying process. The phenomenon of water content removal is represented by mathematical models. Empirical and phenomenological models, as well as artificial neural networks (ANN) can be employed for this purpose. Here, we compare the fitted curves between empirical models (such as Page, Midilli–Kucuk, and Newton models) and an artificial neural network. The fits were investigated quantitatively by the analysis of the mean squared error (MSE) and determination coefficient (R2). The residues generated were analyzed qualitatively by the plots of histograms and qqplots (quantil vs. quantil). From the results that were obtained, it is possible to conclude that the ANN model had the best performance when compared to the empirical and semi‐empirical models studied, with the lowest values of MSE and the highest values of the R2 (0.999). The net presented adequate estimations for intermediate data as well, proving its use as a proper empirical model for the prediction of moisture data at several temperatures.
Upper Tail Large Deviations of Regular Subgraph Counts in Erdős‐Rényi Graphs in the Full Localized Regime
Authors: Basak Anirban , Basu Riddhipratim
Published: December 2021

For a ‐regular connected graph H the problem of determining the upper tail large deviation for the number of copies of H in , an Erdős‐Rényi graph on n vertices with edge probability p, has generated significant interest. For and , where is the number of vertices in H, the upper tail large deviation event is believed to occur due to the presence of localized structures. In this regime the large deviation event that the number of copies of H in exceeds its expectation by a constant factor is predicted to hold at a speed , and the rate function is conjectured to be given by the solution of a mean‐field variational problem. After a series of developments in recent years, covering progressively broader ranges of p, the upper tail large deviations for cliques of fixed size were proved by Harel, Mousset, and Samotij in the entire localized regime. This paper establishes the conjecture for all connected regular graphs in the whole localized regime. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
BSI: Blockchain to secure routing protocol in Internet of Things
Authors: Jerbi Wassim , Cheikhrouhou Omar , Guermazi Abderrahmen , Baz Mohamed , Trabelsi Hafedh
Published: December 2021

Blockchain is a database that contains the history of all exchanges made between its users since its creation. Blockchain is a new tool that enables essential distributed applications without the need for centralized trust. It is a transparent and secure technology for storing and transmitting information that operates without a central control body. Moreover, the large‐scale presence of wireless sensors, especially in the IoT, produce a large volume of data. This data must be protected to guarantee its correctness. However, due to the difficulty of encrypting this data, there are many problems, including limited resources, whether in terms of computation, memory, or energy, as well as the complexity of encryption algorithms. Therefore, we wanted, through this article, to show the importance of adopting the blockchain in wireless sensors. This enables it to send data as quickly and securely as possible, as little of the literature has dealt with this topic. For this, one imaginable solution must be managed in WSN which is to put the necessary keys for networks or groups at the level of each sensor for the different scenarios implemented, mobile node and orphan nodes, so that the latter can authenticate and link to these multiple networks or clusters, using our blockchain security IoT (BSI) protocol. The latter makes it possible to design a decentralized, transparent, and scalable authentication system, which does not negatively impact the performance of sensors or that of networks. This system must provide complete freedom to change the state of the sensor from one network to another, while ensuring the safety of the latter. This means that if a sensor is authenticated in a legitimate network, it becomes reliable and accepted by all other networks. This allows you to have a global vision on all networks. We evaluate the performance of our protocol with simulations using MATLAB. The results confirm that the BSI protocol is robust and efficient, provides lower power consumption and fast computing time.
Effects of varying levels of cleistogamy on natural smut infection in oats
Authors: Brodführer Sophie , Schmehe Ben , Gabriel Doreen , Janowski Dana , Herrmann Matthias Heinrich
Published: December 2021

Smut of oats, caused byUstilago avenae, is an important disease in organic seed production and resistance breeding via seed inoculation is an elaborate routine in organic oat breeding. The life cycle of smuts is known to depend on open flowers, for example, spores ofUstilagossp. need to settle inside the flower to start a next life cycle. Increasing the level of cleistogamy as a way to avoid initial infections instead of selecting for genetic resistance to the pathogens has previously been proposed to speed up and/or improve the breeding for resistance toUstilago nudain barley. In the present study, this concept of avoidance of infection by cleistogamy was evaluated for oat, using three experiments with 25, 64 and 49 oat lines, tested in the first year with artificial inoculation at one or two sites for smut resistance, and in the second year with saved seeds for smut incidence (SI). Generalized linear models were fitted to analyze the effects of environment, susceptibility (SUSC), cleistogamy index (CI), and infection pressure during flowering represented by the portion of smutted panicles in the first year. The results confirmed that cleistogamy reduces the smut infection of the derived seeds for up to 68%, influenced by the susceptibility level and environmental factors. We conclude that cleistogamy can, in addition to genetic resistance, be used to manage smut in organic production systems. For the usage of cleistogamy instead of physiological resistance, the types of cleistogamy and the required level of cleistogamy to reduce smut infection should be studied in more detail.
The flow cytometry myeloid progenitor count: A reproducible parameter for diagnosis and prognosis of myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Johansson Ulrika , McIver‐Brown Neil , Cullen Matthew , Duetz Carolien , Dunlop Alan , Oelschlägel Uta , Psarra Katherina , Subirá Dolores , Westers Theresia M.
Published: December 2021

Background

The bone marrow blast count is central to the diagnosis and monitoring of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). It is an independent risk factor for worse prognosis whether based on the morphology blast count or the flow cytometry (FC) myeloid progenitor (MyP) count. It is a principal population in FC MDS analysis also because once defined; it provides significant contributions to the overall FC MDS score.

Methods

We elected to investigate inter‐analyst agreement for the most fundamental parameter of the FC MDS diagnostic score: the MyP count. A common gating strategy was agreed and used by seven cytometrists for blind analysis of 34 routine bone marrows sent for MDS work‐up. Additionally, we compared the results with a computational approach.

Results

Concordance was excellent: Intraclass correlation was 0.993 whether measuring %MyP of total cells or CD45+ cells, and no significant difference was observed between files from different centers or for samples with abnormal MyP phenotypes. Computational and manual results were similar. Applying the common strategy to individual laboratories' control cohorts produced similar MyP reference ranges across centers.

Conclusion

The FC MyP count offers a reliable diagnostic and prognostic measurement in MDS. The use of manual and computational approaches side by side may allow for optimizing both strategies. Considering its known prognostic power, the MyP count could be considered a useful and reliable addition to existing prognostic scoring systems.
Promoting Proton Migration Kinetics by Ni2+ Regulating Enables Improved Aqueous Zn‐MnO2 Batteries
Authors: Ji Jie , Yao Jia , Xu Yongchang , Wan Houzhao , Zhang Bao , Lv Lin , Li Jingying , Wang Nengze , Zheng Zhaohan , Zhang Jun , Ma Guokun , Tao Li , Wang Hanbin , Wang Yi , Wang Hao
Published: December 2021

The energy storage behaviors of MnO2 for aqueous Zn‐MnO2 batteries mainly depend on the Zn2+/H+ intercalation but are limited by poor ion/electron migration dynamics and stability. Herein, a strategy is proposed that promoting proton migration kinetics ameliorates H+ storage activity by introducing Ni2+ into γ‐MnO2 (Ni‐MnO2). Ni2+ can lower the diffusion barrier of H+ and selectively induce the ion intercalation, thereby alleviating the electrostatic interaction with the lattice. Moreover, Ni2+ enables the adjacent [MnO6] octahedrons to have better electron conductivity. The Ni‐MnO2 exhibits superior rate performance (nearly four times specific capacity compared with MnO2) and ultra‐long‐cycle stability (100% of capacity retention after 11 000 cycles at 3.0 A g−1). The calculation indicates that the Ni‐MnO2 allows H+ migrate rapidly along the one‐dimensional tunnel due to reduction of the activation energy caused by Ni2+ regulating, thus achieving excellent reaction kinetics. This work brings great potential for the development of high‐performance aqueous Zn‐MnO2 batteries.
Selected functional outcomes in advanced oral cancer: Comparison of surgery alone versus surgery with postoperative radiotherapy
Authors: Lane Ciaran , Myers Candace , Jiang Deping , Cooke Andrew , Kerr Paul
Published: December 2021

Background

Study objectives were to determine whether the addition of postoperative radiation (PORT) resulted in a decline in oral function relative to surgery alone and to describe the longitudinal course of oral function following treatment of advanced oral cancer.

Methods

This was a 36‐month retrospectively analyzed observational cohort study of patients with stage III‐IV oral cancer. Prospectively collected, oral functional outcomes were acquired pretreatment and 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months post‐treatment.

Results

One hundred and eighteen patients were included. Forty‐three patients treated with surgery alone were compared to 75 who received surgery with PORT. Mixed model analysis demonstrated the acute effect of PORT was associated with patient‐rated xerostomia (p < 0.001) and the late or persistent effect was associated with decreased clinician‐rated eating in public (p = 0.008), understandability of speech (p = 0.02), and normalcy of diet (p = 0.005) compared with surgery alone. There were no differences between surgery alone and PORT groups in clinician‐rated feeding tube dependence or patient‐rated speech handicap.

Conclusions

The use of PORT was associated with a demonstrable decline in oral function in four of six outcomes measures relative to surgery alone.
Comparative study of sinusoidal and non‐sinusoidal two‐frequency internal heat modulation in a Rayleigh‐Bénard system
Authors: Mathew Ansa , Pranesh S.
Published: December 2021

A linear stability analysis is assented to investigate the effect of two‐frequency internal heat modulation at the onset of convection in a Newtonian liquid. The correction Rayleigh number and wave number for small amplitudes is calculated using the Venezian approach. Under two‐frequency internal heat modulation, the motion is found to be subcritical. To quantify heat transfer in the system, the three‐mode Lorenz model is solved numerically. Various combinations of sinusoidal and non‐sinusoidal waveforms influence the onset of convection and heat transfer in the system due to two‐frequency internal heat modulation. The parameters' influence on heat transfer is seen to be dependent on the presence of a heat source or sink.
Collapsing the Space That Divides Us with Community Engaged Literacies
Authors: Rust Julie , Brown Carolyn , Ballard Sarah
Published: December 2021

Too often, our reading lists center one‐size‐fits‐all authors and experiences that don’t make space for the wide array of cultures and histories that enliven our classrooms. Too often, our schools operate as if on an island, largely unaware of what is happening next door. Community engaged literacies, meaning‐making opportunities connecting local groups around historically‐steeped issues of local interest, offer one antidote to these common missteps. To illustrate, we share the story of one simple collaboration engaging two English classes from different schools in a zoom‐mediated conversation about a locally‐situated text.