bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underweight in Nursing Homes: Differences between Men and Women
Authors: Strube-Lahmann Sandra , Müller-Werdan Ursula , Norman Kristina , Skarabis Horst , Lahmann Nils Axel
Published: January 2021

Objective: In Germany, there is an ongoing concern about the high prevalence of underweight on admission to health-care institutions. In order to assess possible sex-specific differences, the aim of this study is to provide valid figures about the prevalence and risk factors of underweight of men and women in German nursing homes. Material and Methods: A secondary data analysis of 8 annual consecutive cross-sectional studies of 19,686 residents from 280 nursing homes was conducted from 2009 to 2016. Underweight was defined as BMI < 18.5 (<20) for individuals <65 years (≥65 years). For statistical modeling, we used classification and regression trees (CRTs) and random forest in “R.” Results: Average prevalence of underweight in nursing home residents was 13.7% (13.2–14.2). Initial descriptive results showed that the prevalence of underweight among women was 15.6% (15.0–16.2) and the prevalence of underweight among men was 7.5% (6.7–8.2). The CRT-based modeling indicated that “loss of appetite” as the most important indicator for low BMI. If “loss of appetite” was present, prevalence of underweight increased from 13.5 to 39.1%. Other important indicators were “very large institutions” and the “resident/nurse ratio.” The random forest analysis confirmed the importance of the CRT approach. Discussion/Conclusion: The multivariate approach revealed that the role of sex for being underweight in nursing homes is marginal. To avoid higher morbidity and mortality in this group, nutritional intervention by clinical practitioners to increase appetite should be given high priority, especially in large long-term care institutions.
Botulinum Toxin in WW2 German and Allied Armies: Failures and Myths of Weaponization
Authors: Tatu Laurent , Feugeas Jean-Paul
Published: January 2021

Botulinum toxin is nowadays approved as an effective medication for various neurological disorders. The extreme toxicity of this toxin-inducing botulism, a severe lethal muscle-paralyzing illness, has been well known since the seminal works of the end of the 19th century. Because of this toxicity, botulinum toxin was one of the first agents to be considered for use as a biological weapon. The Second World War was a crucial period for the first attempts to weaponize this toxin even if many unknown factors about botulinum toxin still existed at the outbreak of the war. Using documents from the British National Archives and other published sources, we discuss the main points of the attempts to weaponize this toxin in German and Allied armies. During WW2, Allied intelligence services regularly reported a major German threat related to the potential use of botulinum toxin as a biological weapon, especially during the preparation of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion to liberate Europe. All these reports would ultimately prove to be inaccurate: botulinum toxin was not part of the German military arsenal even if some German scientists tried to use the results of the French pre-war military research. Misinformation spread by intelligence services stimulated military research at Porton Down facilities in England and at Camp Detrick in the USA. These studies led to a succession of failures and myths about the weaponization of botulinum toxin. Nevertheless, major progress (purification, toxoid) arose from the military research, providing useful data for the first steps of the therapeutic use of botulinum toxin in the post-war years.
Predictive Factors of Non-Response to Vismodegib in Locally Advanced Basal-Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Marescassier Hélène , Dousset Léa , Beylot-Barry Marie , Célérier Philippe , Vaillant Loïc , Bedane Christophe , Leclère Franck , Wierzbicka-Hainaut Ewa , Masson Regnault Marie
Published: January 2021

Background: Vismodegib has shown clinical efficacy in the management of locally advanced basal cell carcinomas (laBCC). However, non-response to vismodegib is observed in 2–13.5% of patients in clinical studies. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with non-response to vismodegib in patients with laBCC. Methods: We carried out a retrospective multicenter study, including patients with laBCC treated with vismodegib, from July 2011 to May 2019. Response to treatment was assessed according to the RECIST 1.1 criteria. Patients were categorized as responders with a complete response or a partial response or non-responders with a stable disease or a progressive disease according to what has been observed during follow-up. Patient demographics, tumor profile, and treatment modalities were compared in responders and non-responders. Results: Eighty-three patients with laBCC were included in the study. Twenty-five (30.1%) were non-responders to vismodegib. History of treatment with radiotherapy, presence of muscle involvement and intermittent treatment with vismodegib were significantly associated with a non-response (p < 0.001, p = 0.025, p < 0.001). Bone involvement (p = 0.2) and morpheaform IaBCC subtype (p = 0.056) were more frequent in non-responders without reaching statistical significance. Conclusion: In this study, non-response of laBCC to vismodegib therapy was associated with muscle involvement. Previous radiotherapy and intermittent use of vismodegib have been identified as causes favoring non-response to vismodegib. Due to the low numbers of patients included in the study, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions. Further studies are needed to confirm these data.
Hematological Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris
Authors: Lyakhovitsky Anna , Dascalu Joel , Drousiotis Theodoulos , Barzilai Aviv , Baum Sharon
Published: January 2021

Background: Emerging evidence indicates that several hematological markers can be used to evaluate treatment response, prediction, and early relapse detection in different inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-neutrophil ratio, mean platelet volume, and disease activity in patients with pemphigus vulgaris. Methods: Fifty-six patients (20 men, 36 women; mean age 54 ± 14 years) diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into those treated and not treated with rituximab (groups 1 and 2), and into those who did and did not develop relapse (groups 3 and 4). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-neutrophil ratio and mean platelet volume were evaluated at the time of diagnosis, remission, and relapse. The relationship between each marker and disease stage was analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for pairwise comparisons. Results: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio showed a positive correlation with disease activity, while the platelet-to-neutrophil ratio and mean platelet volume showed a negative correlation. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio significantly decreased in remission (p < 0.001) and significantly increased in relapse (p < 0.01). The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio significantly decreased in remission (p < 0.001) and showed no significant change in relapse. The platelet-to-neutrophil ratio significantly increased in remission (p < 0.001) and significantly decreased at relapse (p < 0.001). The mean platelet volume significantly increased in remission (p < 0.001) and decreased non-significantly at relapse. A more significant decrease in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in remission was found in patients not treated with rituximab. No significant differences were observed between patients who developed relapse and those who did not. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-neutrophil ratio, and mean platelet volume can be useful markers for monitoring treatment response, while the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio can also assist in detecting early relapse.
The Eya1 Phosphatase Mediates Shh-Driven Symmetric Cell Division of Cerebellar Granule Cell Precursors
Authors: Merk Daniel J. , Zhou Pengcheng , Cohen Samuel M. , Pazyra-Murphy Maria F. , Hwang Grace H. , Rehm Kristina J. , Alfaro Jose , Reid Christopher M. , Zhao Xuesong , Park Eunyoung , Xu Pin-Xian , Chan Jennifer A. , Eck Michael J. , Nazemi Kellie J. , Harwell Corey C. , Segal Rosalind A.
Published: January 2021

During neural development, stem and precursor cells can divide either symmetrically or asymmetrically. The transition between symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions is a major determinant of precursor cell expansion and neural differentiation, but the underlying mechanisms that regulate this transition are not well understood. Here, we identify the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway as a critical determinant regulating the mode of division of cerebellar granule cell precursors (GCPs). Using partial gain and loss of function mutations within the Shh pathway, we show that pathway activation determines spindle orientation of GCPs, and that mitotic spindle orientation correlates with the mode of division. Mechanistically, we show that the phosphatase Eya1 is essential for implementing Shh-dependent GCP spindle orientation. We identify atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) as a direct target of Eya1 activity and show that Eya1 dephosphorylates a critical threonine (T410) in the activation loop. Thus, Eya1 inactivates aPKC, resulting in reduced phosphorylation of Numb and other components that regulate the mode of division. This Eya1-dependent cascade is critical in linking spindle orientation, cell cycle exit and terminal differentiation. Together these findings demonstrate that a Shh-Eya1 regulatory axis selectively promotes symmetric cell divisions during cerebellar development by coordinating spindle orientation and cell fate determinants.
Incorporating Genomic and Genetic Testing into the Treatment of Metastatic Luminal Breast Cancer
Authors: Grill Sabine , Klein Evelyn
Published: January 2021

Background: Treatment of patients with luminal metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has become even more complex over the last few years as molecular profiling has begun to alter disease management. It is well accepted that MBC is not curable but is treatable. Today we are able to prolong progression-free survival and partly overall survival with targeted and more individual treatment strategies adjusted according to the molecular subtype. Summary: Genetic and genomic testing has become therapeutically relevant in luminal MBC and is therefore an integral component within the treatment spectrum. By now, germline testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 and somatic testing for PIK3CA mutations are inevitable elements in disease management and the current state of the art in luminal MBC patients. Furthermore, testing of ESR1 resistance mutation, ERBB2 mutation, microsatellite instability, and neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusion (mainly in secretory breast cancer) has recently gained increasing attention. However, based on the expanding role of personalized medicine, clinicians are now faced with substantial new challenges and possibly unsuspected possibilities. The following review summarizes current developments in genetic and genomic testing in luminal MBC. Key Messages: In luminal MBC genomics have become an integral component within the spectrum of oncological treatment establishing novel therapeutic facilities. Further developments in treatment personalization adjusted according to the molecular subtype should become increasingly important in order to enhance the progress of de-escalation of chemotherapy in luminal MBC. However, based on the expanding role of personalized medicine, clinicians are now faced with substantial new challenges and possibly unsuspected possibilities.
Interleukin 12p40 Deficiency Promotes Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Activating CCN2/MMP2 Pathways
Authors: Sharma Neekun , Hans Chetan P.
Published: January 2021

Background

Development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is associated with proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin‐12 (IL12). Deficiency of interleukin 12p40 (IL12p40) increases localized fibrotic events by promoting TGFβ2 (transforming growth factor β)‐dependent anti‐inflammatory response. Here, we determined whether IL12p40 deficiency in apolipoprotein E
‐/‐
mice attenuates the development of AAA by antagonizing proinflammatory response.

Methods and Results

Double knockout (DKO) mice were generated by crossbreeding IL12p40
‐/‐
mice with apolipoprotein E
‐/‐
mice (n=12). Aneurysmal studies were performed using angiotensin II (1 µg/kg/min; subcutaneous). Surprisingly, DKO mice did not prevent the development of AAA with angiotensin II infusion. Immunohistological analysis, however, showed distinct pathological features between apolipoprotein E

‐/‐

and DKO mice. Polymerase chain reaction (7 day) and cytokine arrays (28 day) of the aortic tissues from DKO mice showed significantly increased expression of cytokines related to anti‐inflammatory response (interleukin 5 and interleukin 13), synthetic vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype (Activin receptor‐like kinase‐1 (ALK‐1), artemin, and betacellulin) and T helper 17‐associated response (4‐1BB, interleukin‐17e (Il17e) and Cd40 ligand (Cd‐40L)). Indeed, DKO mice exhibited increased expression of the fibro‐proteolytic pathway in the medial layer of aortae induced by cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) and Cd3
+
IL17
+
cells compared with apolipoprotein E

‐/‐

mice. Laser capture microdissection showed predominant expression of CCN2/TGFβ2 in the medial layer of human AAA. Finally,
Ccn2
haploinsufficiency in the mice showed decreased AAA incidence in response to elastase infusion, associated with decreased matrix metalloproteinase‐2 expression.

Conclusions

Our study reveals novel roles for
IL12p40
deficiency in inducing fibro‐proteolytic activities in the aneurysmal mouse model. Mechanistically, these effects of IL12p40 deficiency are mediated by CCN2/matrix metalloproteinase‐2 crosstalk in the medial layer of aneurysmal aortae.
Longitudinal Associations of Midlife Accelerometer Determined Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity With Cognitive Function: The CARDIA Study
Authors: Whitaker Kara M. , Zhang Dong , Pettee Gabriel Kelley , Ahrens Monica , Sternfeld Barbara , Sidney Stephen , Jacobs David R. , Palta Priya , Yaffe Kristine
Published: January 2021

Background

To determine if accelerometer measured sedentary behavior (SED), light‐intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate‐to‐vigorous–intensity physical activity (MVPA) in midlife is prospectively associated with cognitive function.

Methods and Results

Participants were 1970 adults enrolled in the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study who wore an accelerometer in 2005 to 2006 (ages 38–50 years) and had cognitive function assessments completed 5 and/or 10 years later. SED, LPA, and MVPA were measured by an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer. Cognitive function tests included the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and Stroop Test. Compositional isotemporal substitution analysis examined associations of SED, LPA, and MVPA with repeated measures of the cognitive function standardized scores. In men, statistical reallocation of 30 minutes of LPA with 30 minutes of MVPA resulted in an estimated difference of SD 0.07 (95% CI, 0.01–0.14), SD 0.09 (95% CI, 0.02–0.17), and SD −0.11 (95% CI, −0.19 to −0.04) in the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and Stroop scores, respectively, indicating better performance. Associations were similar when reallocating time in SED with MVPA, but results were less robust. Reallocation of time in SED with LPA resulted in an estimated difference of SD −0.05 (95% CI, −0.06 to −0.03), SD −0.03 (95% CI, −0.05 to −0.01), and SD 0.05 (95% CI, 0.03– 0.07) in the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and Stroop scores, respectively, indicating worse performance. Associations were largely nonsignificant among women.

Conclusions

Our findings support the idea that for men, higher‐intensity activities (MVPA) may be necessary in midlife to observe beneficial associations with cognition.
Procedural Complications During Early Versus Late Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke
Authors: Maslias Errikos , Nannoni Stefania , Ricciardi Federico , Bartolini Bruno , Strambo Davide , Puccinelli Francesco , Hajdu Steven David , Eskandari Ashraf , Saliou Guillaume , Michel Patrik
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose:

Endovascular treatment (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke is effective in the late time window in selected patients. However, the frequency and clinical impact of procedural complications in the early versus late time window has received little attention.

Methods:

We retrospectively studied all acute ischemic strokes from 2015 to 2019 receiving EVT in the Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne. We compared the procedural EVT complications in the early (<6 hours) versus late (6–24 hours) window and correlated them with short-term clinical outcome.

Results:

Among 695 acute ischemic strokes receiving EVT (of which 202 were in the late window), 113 (16.3%) had at least one procedural complication. The frequency of each single, and for overall procedural complications was similar for early versus late EVT (16.2% versus 16.3%,
P
adj
=0.90). Procedural complications lead to a significantly less favorable short-term outcome, reflected by the absence of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale improvement in late EVT (delta-National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale-24 hours, −2.5 versus 2,
P
adj
=0.01).

Conclusions:

In this retrospective analysis of consecutive EVT, the frequency of procedural complications was similar for early and late EVT patients but very short-term outcome seemed less favorable in late EVT patients with complications.
Age, Personal Characteristics, and the Speed of Psychological Time
Authors: Gagnon-Harvey Audrey-Anne , McArthur Jamie , Tétreault Émie , Fortin-Guichard Daniel , Grondin Simon
Published: January 2021

Adults often report the impression that time seems to pass more and more quickly as they get older. The purpose of this study is to identify how individual characteristics relate to this impression of acceleration. To do so, 894 participants aged 15 to 97 completed a questionnaire that surveyed sociodemographic characteristics, impulsivity, anxiety, personality, and relation to time. They also indicated how fast different lapses of time seemed to have passed: yesterday, the past week, the past month, the past year, the past three years, the past five years, and the past 10 years. For each period, except for one year, adolescents found that time passes more slowly than participants from older groups (18–29 years, 30–59 years, and 60 years and over). A composite score for all these periods also indicates that female participants found that time passes more rapidly than males. However, a multiple linear regression analysis reveals that the variables that best predict the impression that time passes faster as we get older are high anxiety, the belief in the phenomenon of temporal compression, as well as conscientiousness and agreeableness personality traits, with other factors explaining little variance. These results add further weight to the impression that time seems to pass more quickly as we age, but also indicate that other variables than age play a critical role in explaining this impression.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF NIGERIAN LEGUMES (FABACEAE)
Authors: BELLO ABUBAKAR , MUKHTAR FATIMA BATUL , MUELLNER-RIEHL ALEXANDRA NORA
Published: January 2021

This study provides the first comprehensive checklist and analysis of the species of Fabaceae from Nigeria, based on over 5000 herbarium collections and the completed "Flora of West Tropical Africa (FWTA)". We report 552 taxa, belonging to 540 species in 155 genera from six subfamilies, with an outstanding number of taxa (36) representing new records for the country. We mapped the distribution of the species using their occurrence records obtained from GBIF and our own field and herbarium collections. The majority of taxa (43%) was distributed in the savanna vegetation of northern Nigeria, followed by the adjacent tropical forest formations of southern Nigeria (34%), and they were found in highest percentages in Papilionoideae (67%) and Caesalpinioideae (19%), followed by Deterioideae (11%), Cercidoideae and Dialioideae (6% each) and Duparquetioideae (<1%) subfamilies. Endemic and native taxa were 5 and 73% respectively. The most prevalent subfamilies in terms of endemicity were Papilionoideae (14 species), and Deterioideae (11 species), while the most prevalent genera were Indigofera (three species), Dalbergia (three species), Brachystegia (two species) and Cryptosepalum (two species). We found that the majority (37%) of the species were phanerophytes and the fewest were cryptophytes (0.7%). These results suggest that Nigeria has a considerable diversity of legumes, with a predominant distribution in the savanna, probably due to the demanding environmental conditions limiting the dispersion of generalists or invasive species. The diversity of growth forms and distribution patterns of Nigerian legumes could be useful in screening these plants for other potential uses, such as conservation planning or specific agricultural purposes. We recommend a similar study on other families as this will help locals, natural scientists, governments and conservation bodies to recognise and appreciate the flora of the country.
Validation of the ghost shrimp species Neocallichirus pinheiroi Hernáez, Windsor, Paula & Santana (Decapoda: Callianassidae) from the southwestern Atlantic
Authors: HERNÁEZ PATRICIO , WINDSOR AMANDA M. , PAULA CAIO AUGUSTO , SANTANA WILLIAM
Published: January 2021

Hernáez et al. (2020) described a new species of ghost shrimp, Neocallichirus pinheiroi, from northeastern coast of Brazil, Western Atlantic. Although the description and figures presented by Hernáez et al. (2020) fully characterize the new species, the journal issue in which the description appeared was published online only, and the article in which N. pinheiroi appeared did not include a ZooBank registration number (LISD), required for validation of new names in electronic-only publications [vide Art. 8.5.3 of the amended Code of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN, 1999, 2012)]. As result, the name Neocallichirus pinheiroi Hernáez, Windsor, Paula & Santana, 2020, is not available according the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN, 1999, 2012). Therefore, the present note serves to validate the name Neocallichirus pinheiroi by fulfilling the ICZN conditions for nomenclatural availability.
A new species of Sparsorythus Sroka & Soldán, 2008 (Ephemeroptera: Tricorythidae) from Eastern Ghats of Southern India
Authors: SIVARUBAN T , SRINIVASAN PANDIARAJAN , BARATHY S , ROSI M BERNATH , ISACK RAJASEKARAN
Published: January 2021

A new mayfly species, Sparsorythus sivaramakrishnani sp. nov. from the stream of Pullian cholai, Thuraiyur, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, India is described based on male and female nymphs. Sparsorythus sivaramakrishnani sp. nov. differs from the closely related S. gracilis by the shape of the left prostheca, the number of bristle-like processes at base of left prostheca, the ratio and shape of right prostheca, the ratio of femur length: width, the size of the female nymph, the mesonotum overlapping in fifth abdominal segment of the female, and by the shape of hypopharyngeal lingua.
Physico-Chemical Analysis of GO-S and rGO-S Composites as Electrodes for Flexible Li-S Battery
Authors: Patodia Tarun , Sharma K. B. , Dixit Shalini , Katyayan S. , Agarwal G. , Jain S. K. , Saini C. L. , Tripathi Balram
Published: January 2021

Lithium-sulphur batteries are one of the very appealing power sources with high energy density. In addition, sulfur (S) is also inexpensive, abundant, and nontoxic. Therefore, sulfur is a promising cathode material for high specific energy Li–S batteries. In this work, we used
a low-cost and environmentally benign chemical reaction deposition strategy to immobilize sulfur on quasi two dimensional graphene oxides (GO) to prepare graphene oxide-sulfur (GO–S) and reduced-graphene oxide-sulfur (rGO–S) nanocomposite cathodes for Li–S batteries. The
characterization of these composites have been performed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The XRD results reveals the orthorhombic crystalline
structure of GO–S and rGO–S composites confirmed by diffraction peaks at 2θ = 22.90(222),25.90(026) and 28.00 (040). FT-IR spectra confirms bonding structure of composites. SEM and TEM images confirm interconnected network of GO–S and
rGO–S composites having uniform surface morphology with particle size distribution 32–36 nm respectively.
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Detection of Crystal Violet Based on an Excellent Silver Nanoparticles/Silicon Pyramid Arrays Structure
Authors: Ma Aning , Wei Wenjing , Zhang Zhongqiang , Peng Sichang , Wang Yurong , Geng Di
Published: January 2021

An efficient surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate based on silver nanoparticles/silicon pyramid arrays structure is theoretically investigated and experimentally demonstrated. The electric field distributions using finite-element-method are calculated. The surface-enhanced Raman
scattering behaviors of sensitivity, uniformity and stability are emphatically discussed and compared by the detection of crystal violet. These theoretical and experimental results reveal that the silver nanoparticles/silicon pyramid arrays substrate is expected to be an effective surface-enhanced
Raman scattering platform for label-free sensitive surfaceenhanced Raman spectroscopy detection in areas of biotechnology, medicine and food safety.
Biosynthesis of ZnO Nanostructures Using Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract and Their Effect on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Tomato: An Eco-Friendly Approach
Authors: Arshi Nishat , Prashanthi Y. , Rao Tentu Nageswara , Ahmed Faheem , Kumar Shalendra , Oves Mohammad
Published: January 2021

In this study, we report synthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles using simple chemical and green methods. The ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) as reducing agent. The as obtained product was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD),
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and TEM techniques. XRD analysis confirms that ZnO nanoparticles were crystalline having hexagonal Wurtzite structure with (1 0 0), (0 0 2), (1 0 1), (1 0 2), (1 1 0) and (1 1 2) planes. SEM analyses show that the
as synthesized ZnO NPs were in the form of agglomerates and no other impurity peak was found in the EDS. TEM analyses confirm that the size of the nanoparticle was approx. 50 nm. Here in, we investigate the effect of chemical and green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles on germination and
growth of lycopersicum esculentus (tomato) using petri plate seed germination method in loamy sand soil. The impact of concentration of applied ZnO nanoparticles via green synthesis and chemical methods were analyzed. Results revealed that green synthesized Zinc oxide nanoparticles showed
maximum growth of seedling as compared to chemically synthesized Zinc oxide nanoparticles, bulk ZnO and control. After 50 days of tomato growth analysis, it was recognized that ZnO NPs can be a good green synthetic fertilizer by increasing shoot length, wet weight, dry weight and yield over
conventional control. Hence, green method is found to be more effective.
Memristive Circuit Design of Five-Person Voter Based on Memristor Ratioed Logic
Authors: Sun Junwei , Yang Qinfei , Wang Yanfeng
Published: January 2021

Conventional CMOS-based logic circuits are approaching their limits when it comes to speed and energy consumption, so the development of new electronic components becomes critical. Memristor is a nano-structured special electronic device with the advantages of simple structure, low
power consumption and easy integration. This invention supplys a new method for developing complex logic circuits. This article mainly presents the design of a five-person voter circuit. The OR/AND logic can be accomplished by varying the polarity of two parallel memristors. On the basis of
the two logic circuits, adder and comparator are constructed. Further, based on the adder and comparator, a five-person voter is implemented. The correctness and rationality of the five-person voter based on MRL are confirmed via logistical analysis and simulation. Compared with the traditional
logic circuits, the logic circuit designed in this paper has advantages in area cost. The realization of the five-person voter circuit further proves that the logic circuit based on memristor can be cascaded. The research results are expected to build more complex circuits, which may provide
a reference for the design of other practical circuits.
Effect of Etching and Modification on the Hydrophobic Angle of Epoxy/Poss Nanomaterials
Authors: Fang Yanhong , Wang Ping , Sun Lifang , Wang Linhong
Published: January 2021

In this study, simple and feasible methods are used to increase the hydrophobicity of EP-POSS, that is, etching with concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated ammonia water, followed by modification with polytetrafluoroethylene and stearic acid. The principle of the study is to
increase the hydrophobic angle of EP-POSS by immersion in concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated ammonia for a sufficiently long time, followed by modification with low-surface-energy materials, i.e., polytetrafluoroethylene and stearic acid. The contact angle of EP-POSS increased
from 100° to 133° after immersing in 3 mol/L hydrochloric acid for 12 min. Compared to hydrochloric acid, the surface roughness and contact angel were not changed significantly by immersing in concentrated ammonia for 4 hours. The contact angle was not changed obviously after immersing
in 0.1 mol/L polytetrafluoroethylene for 24 h, and only changed from 135° to 136° when immersed in 0.1 mol/L stearic acid. It shows that PTFE and stearic acid hasn?t effectively grafted to the surface of EP-POSS, and has no effect to the micro-nano structure of EP-POSS. According to
the experimental results, hydrochloric acid etching is the proper way to enhance EP-POSS contact angel. According to further investigates, it can be determined that treating EP-POSS at 40 °C for 12 min with 3 mol/L hydrochloric acid can significantly improve its hydrophobicity, thus, the
hydrophobic performance of EP-POSS is considerably improved.
Design of Laser Ranging Device Using the Improved Photodetector and Its Usage in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Navigation Satellite Orbit Determination
Authors: Yin Xiangfei , Liu Genyou , Cao Shilong
Published: January 2021

The geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellites have good coverage performance and are widely used in WAAS, BDS, CAPS and other regional augmentation and regional navigation systems. At the same time, the precise orbit determination and prediction of such satellites play a significant
role in high-precision navigation and user real-time positioning. In order to obtain higher accuracy of orbit determination, the laser ranging device is improved by equipping with a silicon-substrate germanium MSM photodetector in this study. In addition, the surface plasmon resonance augmentation
effect is further studied to further enhance the photoelectric performance of the silicon-substrate germanium MSM photodetector. The detector is connected to the OPA657. The corresponding pre-amplified circuit is further designed in this study so that the laser ranging device can be used for
the orbit determination application of GEO navigation satellites. In the experiment, the designed silicon-substrate germanium MSM photodetector is tested firstly, the finite-different time-domain (FDTD) method is used to analyze the structure of the photodetector. Then, the effects of the
structural parameters such as the grating period on the resonance augmentation of the designed photodetector are analyzed. The results reveal that the photodetector has the best performance at 1500 nm with the absorption enhancement factor of higher than 7. The GNSS combined with the laser
ranging is used for comparing the orbit determination errors of GEO satellites. 10 laser observation stations are selected, some of which are equipped with the laser ranging device designed in this study and supply to various GEO satellites for information collection. The results show that
GEO satellites have to be introduced to the system deviation when adding the laser ranging data, otherwise they will deviate from the orbit. In addition, the laser ranging device designed in this study can significantly reduce the deviation caused by the introduction of laser ranging data
from GEO satellites compared with traditional laser ranging devices.
Ligusticum chuanxiong Effects on Oxidative Stress and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Using Nano-Magnetic Beads in Bleomycin-Induced Renal Fibrosis Rats
Authors: Liu Haixia , Huang Wenwen , Han Xinli , Ma Qihang
Published: January 2021

Ligusticum chuanxiong can relieve the degree of renal fibrosis. However, the specific mechanism of Ligusticum chuanxiong to improve renal fibrosis is not yet clear. A unilateral ureteral obstruction was used to construct a rat renal fibrosis model. The rats were treated
with 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg of Ligusticum chuanxiong. Four weeks after treatment, blood was collected from the rats, and the rats were sacrificed. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), kidney tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were detected.
Hematoxylin–eosin staining was used to observe the pathological rat kidney changes. The renal tissue smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected by immunohistochemistry. Nrf2 and HO-1 levels were determined by PCR using nano-magnetic beads. The results showed BUN, Scr, and MDA levels
reduced, while SOD levels were elevated in Ligusticum chuanxiong-treated rats, compared to model rats (P < 0.05). These effects were more dramatic in Ligusticum chuanxiong high dose (HD) rats compared to Ligusticum chuanxiong low dose (LD) rats. Additionally,
Nrf2 and HO-1 levels were elevated in Ligusticum chuanxiong-treated rats (P < 0.05). These effects were also more dramatic in HD rats compared to LD rats. These findings indicated that Ligusticum chuanxiong early administration can reduce renal fibrosis in rats by stimulating
the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Changes in Mitochondrial Morphology and Mitochondrial Fission/Fusion Gene Expression in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells During Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ji Zhi , Liu Xu , Wang Xia , Ren Yuan , Liu Ying , Han Shuangyu , Zhao Jingkang , Gou Xingchun , He Yuan
Published: January 2021

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents a serious impairment for the elderly. Because the pathogenesis of AMD has not been completely defined, the available therapeutic treatments are not ideal. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are essential for photoreceptor cell maintenance
and survival; however, the mechanisms underlying RPE cell damage and AMD remains to be elucidated. It is known that abnormal mitochondrial gene expression causes mitochondrial dysfunction, induces cell damage, and results in disease. In this study, ARPE-19 cells were treated with different
concentrations of H2O2. It was found that excessive H2O2 concentration resulted in significant contraction of ARPE-19 cells and increased cell death, and destruction of mitochondrial structure as well as membrane and crest. RT-PCR results showed
that decreased expression of the Fis1 gene was evident in H2O2-treated cells. There were no significant differences observed among the different H2O2 concentration groups. The expression of the fission genes, MTP18 and Dnmp1, and the fusion genes,
Mnf1 and Mnf2, was not significantly different. Real-time PCR results revealed that the expression of the Fis1 gene decreased concomitantly with different concentrations of H2O2, whereas the expression of the Mfn2 gene increased by treatment with 200 μMH2O2.
There were no significant differences in the expression of the other genes. These results indicate that abnormal expression of the mitochondrial Fis1 fission gene, and the Mfn2 fusion gene caused mitochondrial dysfunction in ARPE-19 cells. This indicates that the imbalance of mitochondrial
dynamics may contribute to cell death in an oxidative stress environment.
Using Artificial Neural Networks to Improve CFS Week-3–4 Precipitation and 2-m Air Temperature Forecasts
Authors: Fan Yun , Krasnopolsky Vladimir , van den Dool Huug , Wu Chung-Yu , Gottschalck Jon
Published: January 2021

Forecast skill from dynamical forecast models decreases quickly with projection time due to various errors. Therefore, postprocessing methods, from simple bias correction methods to more complicated multiple linear regression–based model output statistics, are used to improve raw model forecasts. Usually, these methods show clear forecast improvement over the raw model forecasts, especially for short-range weather forecasts. However, linear approaches have limitations because the relationship between predictands and predictors may be nonlinear. This is even truer for extended range forecasts, such as week-3–4 forecasts. In this study, neural network techniques are used to seek or model the relationships between a set of predictors and predictands, and eventually to improve week-3–4 precipitation and 2-m temperature forecasts made by the NOAA/NCEP Climate Forecast System. Benefitting from advances in machine learning techniques in recent years, more flexible and capable machine learning algorithms and availability of big datasets enable us not only to explore nonlinear features or relationships within a given large dataset, but also to extract more sophisticated pattern relationships and covariabilities hidden within the multidimensional predictors and predictands. Then these more sophisticated relationships and high-level statistical information are used to correct the model week-3–4 precipitation and 2-m temperature forecasts. The results show that to some extent neural network techniques can significantly improve the week-3–4 forecast accuracy and greatly increase the efficiency over the traditional multiple linear regression methods.
Association of Epicardial Fat Volume With the Extent of Coronary Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Adverse Events in Asymptomatic Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Venuraju Shreenidhi M. , Lahiri Avijit , Jeevarethinam Anand , Rakhit Roby D. , Shah Prediman K. , Nilsson Jan
Published: January 2021

Epicardial adipose tissue has a paracrine effect, enhancing coronary artery atherosclerotic plaque development. This study evaluated epicardial fat volume (EFV), adipokines, coronary atherosclerosis, and adverse cardiovascular events in a cohort of asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Epicardial fat volume was calculated using data from computed tomography coronary angiograms. Adipokines and inflammatory cytokines were also assayed and correlated with EFV. Epicardial fat volume was also assessed as a predictor of coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, number of coronary artery plaques, and significant plaque (>50% luminal stenosis). Data from the EFV analysis were available for 221 (85.7%) participants. Median EFV was 97.4 cm3, mean body mass index was 28.1 kg/m2, and mean duration of T2DM was 13 years. Statistically significant, but weak, correlations were observed between several adipokines, inflammatory cytokines, and EFV. Epicardial fat volume was a significant univariate ( P = .01), but not multivariate, predictor of the number of coronary plaques, but not of CAC score or significant plaque. After a mean follow-up of 22.8 months, 12 adverse cardiovascular events were reported, exclusively in participants with EFV >97.4 cm3. Epicardial fat volume has limited utility as a marker of coronary artery plaque in patients with T2DM and is weakly correlated with adipokine expression.
Customary Law and Challenges to Governance in the Context of Land Inheritance Among the Women of Munda Tribe in Jharkhand
Authors: Saboo Shalini
Published: January 2021

The changing socio-economic scenario has brought its negative repercussions on the tribal women. They are not only being denied land rights but are also being made the victims of violence by the males. They are mostly widows, single and separated women. This research article focuses on the Munda tribe in Jharkhand and attempts to study the customary practices of the land inheritance among the Munda women. It also delineates the legal and social impediments faced by Munda women when it comes to the issue of land inheritance.
Will Life Extension Affect Our Social Judgments? Evidence That the Possibility of Indefinite Life Extension Increases Harshness Toward Social Transgressors
Authors: Helm Peter J. , Lifshin Uri , Greenberg Jeff , Pyszczynski Tom
Published: January 2021

We tested the hypothesis that if indefinite life extension (ILE) through medical technologies were to become a reality, then people may become harsher in their judgment of social transgressors. In support of this hypothesis, we found that higher positive attitudes towards ILE technologies related to harshness in judgment of social transgressions (Study 1), and that making ILE plausible (compared to not plausible) led participants to endorse harsher punishments for social transgressors (Studies 2–3). We replicated this effect and found that it is not amplified by subliminal death primes, although the primes also increased harshness (Study 3). These results may have implications to understanding how social judgment may be affected by the prospect of ILE.
Numerical simulation of the laws of fracture propagation of multi-hole linear co-directional hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Lu Weiyong , He Changchun
Published: January 2021

Directional rupture is one of the most important and most common problems related to rock breaking. The goal of directional rock breaking can be effectively achieved via multi-hole linear co-directional hydraulic fracturing. In this paper, the XSite software was utilized to verify the experimental results of multi-hole linear co-directional hydraulic fracturing., and its basic law is studied. The results indicate that the process of multi-hole linear co-directional hydraulic fracturing can be divided into four stages: water injection boost, hydraulic fracture initiation, and the unstable and stable propagation of hydraulic fracture. The stable expansion stage lasts longer and produces more microcracks than the unstable expansion stage. Due to the existence of the borehole-sealing device, the three-dimensional hydraulic fracture first initiates and expands along the axial direction in the bare borehole section, then extends along the axial direction in the non-bare hole section and finally expands along the axial direction in the rock mass without the borehole. The network formed by hydraulic fracture in rock is not a pure plane, but rather a curved spatial surface. The curved spatial surface passes through both the centre of the borehole and the axial direction relative to the borehole. Due to the boundary effect, the curved spatial surface goes toward the plane in which the maximum principal stress occurs. The local ground stress field is changed due to the initiation and propagation of hydraulic fractures. The propagation direction of the fractures between the fracturing boreholes will be deflected. A fracture propagation pressure that is greater than the minimum principle stress and a tension field that is induced in the leading edge of the fracture end, will aid to fracture intersection; as a result, the possibility of connecting the boreholes will increase.
Tinnitus in COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Narozny Waldemar , Tretiakow Dmitry , Skorek Andrzej
Published: January 2021

Tinnitus is a symptom that can significantly affect the quality of life of every patient. In patients with tinnitus, one of the most important diagnostic element is medical history data. Patients classify the pitch and loudness of tinnitus graphically using the visual analog scale (VAS). Visual analog scale and similar questionnaires constitute a valuable addendum of the clinical picture in patients with tinnitus. It seems essential, especially in the light of the information presented in the case report on the probability of correlation between tinnitus and stress and depression associated with social isolation infection avoidance. The knowledge about the patient’s hearing condition before contracting COVID-19, the early symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the method of diagnosis of the infection, the time and method of isolation of the patient, and the time from the diagnosis of COVID-19 to the appearance of otolaryngological symptoms might enable the reader to gain more knowledge on the correlation between COVID-19 and tinnitus. New research reveals that tinnitus is being exacerbated by COVID-19.
Chronic Sphenoiditis With Deep Neck Space Extension: Case Report With Review of the Literature and Postulated Mechanisms for Extracranial Extension
Authors: Rossi Isolina R. , Levinson John , Kuan Edward C. , Tajudeen Bobby A.
Published: January 2021

Isolated primary sphenoid sinusitis is a rare occurrence, estimated to make up less than 3% of sinus infections. The posterior anatomic location of the sphenoid makes treatment challenging when it becomes infected. Complications involving intracranial extension to surrounding structures often result in cranial nerve deficits due to their proximity. A single case of chronic sphenoiditis with direct extracranial extension into the prevertebral space is reported with a discussion on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. A 46-year-old female patient with diffuse headaches radiating into the neck and throat was evaluated in the office. Computed tomography demonstrated sphenoiditis with direct extension into the prevertebral space. Imaging revealed a purported route of direct extension through the clinoid and directly into the clivus to form an abscess in the longus colli muscle. The patient underwent endoscopic surgical management including drainage of the prevertebral abscess and has since made a full recovery. This is the first reported case of direct extension of sphenoiditis into the prevertebral space. The findings highlight the importance of aggressive treatment of chronic sphenoid infections to prevent detrimental complications. Computed tomography imaging proved an advantageous imaging modality to demonstrate bony erosion and sinus tracts from the skull base to the deep neck space.