bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Situación de las poblaciones de corzo andaluz (Capreolus capreolus) en las sierras occidentales de Málaga
Authors: Duarte Jesús , Farfán Miguel A. , Vargas J. Mario
Published: July 2023

We have monitored the presence of roe deer in 25 municipalities in the occidental mountians of Málaga. We estimated roe deer abundance (pellet groups counts/km) and relative density (deer/km2) by means of distance sampling and defecation rate conversion. We also analyzed the relationships between roe deer abundance and habitat vegetation and coverages by means of GLM models. Results are presented by hidrological basins. We found that roe deer relative density varied between 0.18 to 2.49 deer/km2. The highest values were found in the Hozgarganta river and the Genal river valley. The lowest was in the mountains around the Guadalhorce river basin. Roe deer abundance was positively related to the vicinity of roe deer population in the Cádiz mountains and to the coverage of mixed forests of oaks, pines and chestnuts. Roe deer abundance was negatively related to urban landuses, farmlands and dense pine forests. Our results are coherent with the hyphotesis of an expanding roe deer population in the Málaga mountains.
Habitat suitability model for red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758): spatial multi-criteria analysis with GIS application
Authors: Carvalho João , Martins Luciano , Silva José P. , Santos João , Torres Rita T. , Fonseca Carlos
Published: July 2023

Monitoring population trends is essential in wildlife management. In fact, to identify those environmental conditions linked to habitat use and selection is a key task in any conservation plan. Our aim in this work was predict red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758) colonization in the Lombada National Hunting Area (LNHA), one of the largest wild populations in Portugal. The sharply increase in density and range of red deer over the last decades justify the careful monitoring of this population. A multi-criteria model using the Analytical Hierarchic Process (AHP) and GIS weighted spatial analysis with matrix algebra techniques were applied in this approach. This method was developed in three distinct phases: i) setting the objectives, ii) analysing pairs of factors through the application of a comparison matrix and iii) its synthesis with the weight assignment that followed a predetermined numeric range according to the ecological requirements of the study species. The variables used in the red deer habitat suitability model included the hydrographic network, asphalted roads, relief aspects and land use. From October 2010 to March 2011, a total of 129 observations along line transects were recorded and used to validate the final model. By using the AUC method it was obtained a success rate of 72%. Our results suggest that this method would be applied on a larger scale being suitable to predict red deer expansion. To our knowledge, this is the first study performed in Portugal using this methodological approach to assess the red deer-habitat relationships.
Identification of key biomarkers based on the proliferation of secondary hyperparathyroidism by bioinformatics analysis and machine learning
Authors: Shen Aiwen , Shi Jialin , Wang Yu , Zhang Qian , Chen Jing
Published: July 2023

Objective

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a frequent complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with morbidity and mortality. This study aims to identify potential biomarkers that may be used to predict the progression of SHPT and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of SHPT pathogenesis at the transcriptome level.

Methods

We analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between diffuse and nodular parathyroid hyperplasia of SHPT patients from the GSE75886 dataset, and then verified DEG levels with the GSE83421 data file of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients. Candidate gene sets were selected by machine learning screens of differential genes and immune cell infiltration was explored with the CIBERSORT algorithm. RcisTarget was used to predict transcription factors, and Cytoscape was used to construct a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network to identify possible molecular mechanisms. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to verify the expression of screened genes in parathyroid tissues of SHPT patients and animal models.

Results

A total of 614 DEGs in GSE75886 were obtained as candidate gene sets for further analysis. Five key genes (USP12, CIDEA, PCOLCE2, CAPZA1, and ACCN2) had significant expression differences between groups and were screened with the best ranking in the machine learning process. These genes were shown to be closely related to immune cell infiltration levels and play important roles in the immune microenvironment. Transcription factor ZBTB6 was identified as the master regulator, alongside multiple other transcription factors. Combined with qPCR and IHC assay of hyperplastic parathyroid tissues from SHPT patients and rats confirm differential expression of USP12, CIDEA, PCOLCE2, CAPZA1, and ACCN2, suggesting that they may play important roles in the proliferation and progression of SHPT.

Conclusion

USP12, CIDEA, PCOLCE2, CAPZA1, and ACCN2 have great potential both as biomarkers and as therapeutic targets in the proliferation of SHPT. These findings suggest novel potential targets and future directions for SHPT research.
Toxic effects of sodium dodecyl sulfate on planarian Dugesia japonica
Authors: Feng Minmin , Xu Zhenbiao , Yin Dandan , Zhao Zelong , Zhou Xiuyuan , Song Linxia
Published: July 2023

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is an anionic surfactant, which is widely used in various fields in human life. However, SDS discharged into the water environment has a certain impact on aquatic organisms. In this study, planarian Dugesia japonica (D. japonica) was used to identify the toxic effects of SDS. A series of SDS solutions with different concentrations were used to treat planarians for the acute toxicity test , and the results showed that the semi-lethal concentration (LC50) of SDS to D. japonica at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h were 4.29 mg/L, 3.76 mg/L, 3.45 mg/L, and 3.20 mg/L respectively. After the planarians were exposed to 0.5 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L SDS solutions for 1, 3, and 5 days, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured to detect the oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in planarians. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed to detect the genotoxicity caused by SDS to planarians. The results showed that the activities of SOD, CAT, and MDA content increased after the treatment, indicating that SDS induced oxidative stress in planarians. RAPD analysis showed that the genomic template stability (GTS) values of planarians treated by 0.5 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L SDS for 1, 3, and 5 days were 67.86%, 64.29%, 58.93%, and 64.29%, 60.71%, 48.21%, respectively. GTS values decreased with the increasing of SDS concentration and exposure time, indicating that SDS had genotoxicity to planarians in a time and dose-related manner. Fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to investigate the effects of SDS on gene expression of planarians. After the planarians were exposed to 1.0 mg/L SDS solution for 1, 3, and 5 days, the expression of caspase3 was upregulated, and that of piwiA, piwiB, PCNA, cyclinB, and RAD51 were downregulated. These results suggested that SDS might induce apoptosis, affect cell proliferation, differentiation, and DNA repair ability of planarian cells and cause toxic effects on planarian D. japonica.
Optimal Investment Strategies for DC-Pension Fund under Combined Stochastic Volatility Models
Authors: Ijioma Onwukwe
Published: July 2023

We investigate the optimal investment strategies of DC pension under stochastic volatility model using combined Heston-Hull-White (HHW) model with a constant income drawdown. The pension fund manager (PFM) aims to maximize the expected terminal utility of wealth in a complete market setting under constant relative risk aversion (CRRA). The goal of the PFM is to maintain the standard of living of the participants after retirement. We derive the HJB equation associated with the control problem and finally established the close form solution using stochastic dynamic programming principle (SDPP). The results show that the optimal investment and benefit payment strategies converge uniquely with time.
Effect of Sulphur Levels on Growth and Yield of Mustard Varieties
Authors: Kumar B. Mithilesh , C. Umesha
Published: July 2023

Background: The field experiment was entitled “Effect of sulphur levels on growth and yield of Mustard varieties” was conducted during rabi 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.2), low in organic carbon (0.22 %), available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (12.3 kg/ha) and available K (235.7 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments which are replicated thrice. The results obtained that growth parameters viz. plant height (186.80 cm), Number of branches (18.00) and dry weight (39.23 g/plant) were recorded higher with the application of Varuna T - 59 + Sulphur – 25 kg/ha. Significantly maximum Yield parameters viz. number of siliquae/plant (321.12), test weight (4.86 g), number of seeds/silique (15.60) , Seed yield (1.71t/ha) and stover yield(3.43 t /ha) were recorded superior with the application of Varuna T - 59 + Sulphur – 25 kg/ha.
Determination of Phosphorus Fertilizer Dose for Rice Using Mitscherlich-Bray Equation
Authors: Haokip Immanuel C. , Devi M. Homeshwari , Tasung Ampee , Srivastava Sanjay
Published: July 2023

Soil fertility maps in India showed that more than 90% of Indian soils are deficient in available phosphorus (P) although built-up is also reported in some areas. In this study, the modified Mitscherlich–Bray (MB) response equation was used to generate P fertilizer rates for aerobic rice by supplying with graded dose of P fertilizers. Three strip of different P gradient was created. Response of aerobic rice to added P suggested that crop showed a diminishing return with increasing dose of P. The data fitted to Mitscherlich-Bray (MB) equation showed that the theoretical maximum yield was estimated to be 60.847 (±0.394) q ha-1, the value of c related to the efficiency of the soil and fertilizer P is 0.084 (±0.008) and the R2 calculated using the uncorrected sums of squares is 0.988 that the MB equation is quite reliable. The estimated P rates for rice based on soil test values, price of fertilizers/price of crop ratio, and marginal rate of return would range from 57 – 68 kg ha-1 and this is much higher than the general recommended dose of 22 kg ha-1.
Estimation of Tomato Resource Use Efficiency and Cost and Returns per Ha in Raipur District, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Shaikh Amir , Maurya Mukesh K.
Published: July 2023

"Economic analysis of production and marketing of tomatoes in Raipur, Chhattisgarh" is the topic of the current study. The sample was chosen using a multistage random sampling technique. The Raipur district's 1 Block, 5 Villages, and 60 Tomato Growers were all included in the research. By using the personal interview approach, the main statistics for the season of 2023 were gathered. Different secondary sources were used to gather information on the region, production, and productivity. Tabular analysis was heavily employed to achieve the study's numerous goals. The main conclusions of the study showed that the cost of production per quintal of tomatoes and the cost of cultivation per hectare were both Rs. 67892.643. A total of Rs. 101700.00 was the net profit per acre. The return on investment was 2.50 rupees.
Association between N-terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Acute Ischemic Stroke in Male Patients
Authors: Sultana Syeda Aleya , Huq Muhammad Rezeul , Malek Mohammad Abdul , Kawnayn Ghulam , Siddique Rezwana , Haque Md Ziaul , Haque Dewan Mohaimenul , Mila Nusrat Zahan , Hanfa Nurani
Published: July 2023

Aims: Stroke is among the major cause of mortality and disability globally. Many types of research are ongoing in search of a reliable biomarker for acute ischemic stroke. This study was aimed to see the association of the serum N-terminal proBNP (pro-brain natriuretic peptide) or NT-proBNP with acute ischemic stroke.

Study Design: Case-control study.

Methodology: This case-control study was conducted from January 2023 to June 2023. A total of 30 acute ischemic stroke male patients were enrolled as cases with 30 healthy male controls. Serum NT-proBNP level was measured in all the participants. Clinical features including the National Institute of Health Stroke (NIHSS) scale score were recorded in cases.

Results: The mean ages of the cases and controls were 61 ± 9.22 and 62.40 ± 8.23 years respectively. Among the acute ischemic stroke patients, more than half of the patients (53%) had lacunar stroke. According to the NIHSS score, more than 90% of the patients had minor or moderate stroke (93.3%). The mean NT-proBNP of cases was significantly higher than the controls (266.99 ± 357.88 vs 46.32 ± 18.59) (P = .04). The mean logNT-proBNP level (1.96 ± 0.72) was also significantly higher among the cases than the controls (1.61 ± 0.22) (P = .04). We did not find any association of serum logNTpro-BNP with the duration of stroke (P = .40). There was also no statistically significant association between the NIHSS score and NT-proBNP or logNTpro-BNP levels (P = .36).

Conclusion: Serum NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in acute ischemic stroke patients. There was no association of NT-proBNP level with the stroke severity and duration.
Cephalometric Assessment of the Brain Ventricular System Index Using Computerised Tomography in Sokoto North-Western, Nigeria
Authors: Danjuma Jibrin Usman , Abubakar Bello
Published: July 2023

Aim: To determine the normal brain ventricular system index of Nigerians using computerized tomography in Sokoto North-Western Nigeria.

Study Design: Retrospective cross- sectional.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anatomy Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto and Department of Radiology Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, between January, 2020 and January, 2022.

Methodology: One hundred and seventy-eight normal brain CT scans of subjects from the Radiology Department, whose ages ranged from 1 to 70 years, were recruited for this study.

The Bi-frontal and Bi-occipital indices were calculated as ratios of measured distances of the frontal and occipital horns of the lateral ventricles and the transverse intracranial diameter, at the same level, respectively. The brain ventricular system index was then determined by a ratio of the Bi-frontal index and Bi-occipital index.

Results: The largest brain ventricular system indexes were 7.83cm and 7.68cm in males and females respectively and these were observed between the age of 2-4years for both sexes. While, the smallest brain ventricular system indexes were 7.47cm in males and 7.29cm in females, which were observed in age group 61-70years for both sexes.

Conclusion: This study was conducted to determine the Ventricular Brain System Index and it relation with sex and age in our environment.
Assessment of Extension Advisory Services in Contract and Non-Contract Broiler Farming
Authors: Reddy Chidananda , Gopala G. T. , Harisha M. , Rudresh B. H. , Gowda B. G. Veeranna , Shreyansh S. H.
Published: July 2023

Poultry is one of the most important and fastest growing sectors of agriculture today in India. Poultry in India has emerged as the most dynamic and diversified subsector. Estimates from all India poultry breeders association indicates that poultry will contribute for USD 17.31 billion of the total India’s gross value and satisfies the hungers of 50 million people through direct or indirect employment. Within the poultry sector, broiler and layer segment constitutes about 65.3 and 34.7 percent with the monthly turnover of 400 million chicks and 8400 million eggs respectively [1]. As per the 19th Livestock census, Karnataka ranks 5th place in both egg and meat production in India and it has about 534.42 lakh poultry (512.54 lakh in rural area and 2.19 lakh in urban areas) and 96.60 lakh fowl in backyard poultry comprising of 17.84 lakh cocks, 43.99 lakh hens and 34.77 lakh chicken below five months. The share of backyard fowl population in total fowl population was 11%. The State stands 7th in egg production and 10th in chicken meat production in the country. The present study was conducted to assess the extent of extension advisory services in contract and non-contract broiler farming. The study was conducted in 3 districts of Karnataka and the data was collected from 60 contract and 60 non-contract broiler farmers through pretested interview schedule. The study revealed that Cent percent of the Contract Broiler Farmers (CBF) depends on Integrator for the extension advisory services, non-contract broiler farmers depend upon private poultry consultant for extension advisory services. The returns are assured and almost fixed in contract broiler farming, whereas in Non-Contract Broiler Farming (NCBF) they vary widely depending upon the market price, Establishment of regulatory bodies and expansion and strengthening of the EAS is essential for further improvement.
Amelioration of Osteoarthritis via Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids Delivering Microrna‐124 for Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Shi Sirong , Chen Tianyu , Lu Weitong , Chen Yang , Xiao Dexuan , Lin Yunfeng
Published: July 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate several physiological and pathological processes involved in various diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). OA is the most common global musculoskeletal disorder, characterized by the irreversible progressive destruction of articular cartilage. Supplementation with exogenous miRNAs may represent a promising therapeutic OA treatment, with miRNA‐124 (miR‐124) being a prime candidate for its anti‐inflammatory ability; however, an effective drug delivery system is urgently required to enhance miR‐124 stability and capacity to enter chondrocytes. To this end, tetrahedral framework nucleic acids’ (tFNAs) self‐assembled 3D DNA nanostructures possess superior inherent biocompatibility, versatile functionality, unsurpassed editability, and strong cellular internalization ability. In this study, tFNAs carrying one or three miR‐124 (T‐miR1 or T‐miR3) are successfully synthesized. T‐miR3 is largely absorbed via induced inflammatory chondrocytes by IL‐1β. With reactive oxygen species’ scavenging ability and inflammation‐suppressive miR‐124 release behavior, T‐miR3 efficiently protects chondrocytes against IL‐1β injury in vitro. Additionally, T‐miR3 effectively prevents OA progression by inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis, smoothing cartilage surfaces, suppressing extracellular matrix degradation, and increasing synovial thickness, effectively protecting in vivo articular cartilage, and illustrating the therapeutic ability of T‐miR3 in OA treatment. This study provides experimental evidence and novel therapeutic strategies for OA treatment in the clinical setting.
Smoke and Spike: Benzo[a]pyrene Enhances SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection by Boosting NR4A2‐Induced ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Expression
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Zhao Yue , Fan Junyan , Shen Jiaying , Tang Hailin , Tang Wanda , Wu Di , Huang Weijin , Ding Yibo , Qiao Peng , Lin Jiansheng , Li Zishuai , Li Qianqian , Cui Qianqian , Liu Yan , Chen Yifan , Pu Rui , Han Xue , Yin Jianhua , Tan Xiaojie , Cao Guangwen
Published: July 2023

Cigarette smoke aggravates severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, they show that benzo[a]pyrene in cigarette smoke extract facilitates SARS‐CoV‐2 infection via upregulating angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Benzo[a]pyrene trans‐activates the promoters of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 by upregulating nuclear receptor subfamily 4 A number 2 (NR4A2) and promoting its binding of NR4A2 to their promoters, which is independent of functional genetic polymorphisms in ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Benzo[a]pyrene increases the susceptibility of lung epithelial cells to SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudoviruses and facilitates the infection of authentic Omicron BA.5 in primary human alveolar type II cells, lung organoids, and lung and testis of hamsters. Increased expression of Nr4a2, Ace2, and Tmprss2, as well as decreased methylation of CpG islands at the Nr4a2 promoter are observed in aged mice compared to their younger counterparts. NR4A2 knockdown or interferon‐λ2/λ3 stimulation downregulates the expression of NR4A2, ACE2, and TMPRSS2, thereby inhibiting the infection. In conclusion, benzo[a]pyrene enhances SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by boosting NR4A2‐induced ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression. This study elucidates the mechanisms underlying the detrimental effects of cigarette smoking on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and provides prophylactic options for coronavirus disease 2019, particularly for the elderly population.
In Situ Neutralization and Detoxification of LPS to Attenuate Hyperinflammation
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Qu Shaoqi , Song Xiangbin , Wu Congming , Shen Jianzhong , Zhu Kui
Published: July 2023

Hyperinflammation elicited by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that derives from multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative pathogens, leads to a sharp increase in mortality globally. However, monotherapies aiming to neutralize LPS often fail to improve the prognosis. Here, an all‐in‐one drug delivery strategy equipped with bactericidal activity, LPS neutralization, and detoxification is shown to recognize, kill pathogens, and attenuate hyperinflammation by abolishing the activation of LPS‐triggered acute inflammatory responses. First, bactericidal colistin results in rapid bacterial killing, and the released LPS is subsequently sequestered. The neutralized LPS is further cleared by acyloxyacyl hydrolase to remove secondary fatty chains and detoxify LPS in situ. Last, such a system shows high efficacy in two mouse infection models challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This approach integrates direct antibacterial activity with in situ LPS neutralizing and detoxifying properties, shedding light on the development of alternative interventions to treat sepsis‐associated infections.
State‐of‐the‐Art Electronic Materials for Thin Films in Bioelectronics
Authors: Gablech Imrich , Głowacki Eric Daniel
Published: July 2023

This review is dedicated to electronics materials enabling thin‐film‐based neural interface and bioelectronics devices. First‐generation bioelectronic medicine devices feature hand‐crafted bulk interface electrodes, wires and interconnects, and insulators. This review discusses how modern materials science, especially know‐how repurposed from semiconductor and microdevice technologies, enables next‐generation bioelectronics. Those are divided into two subgroups: second and third generation. The former refers to rigid microscaled devices, while the latter is defined as soft, ultrathin, and flexible microdevices. A critical assessment of different biointerface electrodes, conductors for interconnects, and insulators for substrates, passivation, and encapsulation layers is made. The goal is not to give an exhaustive account of every use‐example of given materials, but to point out specific aspects that are relevant to making the right choices for materials for a given device or application. Unique advantages of specific materials are highlighted, while also focusing on weaker points and caveats that those materials may have. The goal is to have an up‐to‐date handbook for persons entering the field which also points out tips and tricks as well as challenging problems that researchers can be inspired to confront and overcome.
A staffing perspective on barriers to and facilitators of temporary worker safety and health
Authors: Menger‐Ogle Lauren M. , Baker Devin , Guerin Rebecca J. , Cunningham Thomas R.
Published: July 2023

Background

Research has documented occupational health disparities, including higher rates of work‐related injuries, among temporary workers compared with workers in standard employment arrangements. According to guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), both staffing companies and host employers are responsible for protecting the occupational safety and health (OSH) of temporary workers. To date, there has been little qualitative research on temporary worker OSH in the United States and a lack of evidence‐based OSH programs designed to meet the needs of temporary workers. The aim of this study was to better understand the barriers to and facilitators of temporary worker OSH from the perspective of US staffing companies.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of representatives from 15 US staffing companies. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through a three‐step process.

Results

Commonly mentioned barriers to temporary worker OSH include differential treatment of temporary workers by host employers; lack of understanding among host employers and staffing companies of joint OSH responsibilities; and workers' fear of job loss or other negative repercussions if they report an injury or illness or voice OSH concerns. Commonly mentioned facilitators of temporary worker OSH include conducting client assessments and site visits and fostering strong communication and relationships with both host employers and temporary workers.

Conclusions

These findings can help inform the tailoring of OSH programs to promote health equity in temporary workers.
The Influence of Spin‐Orbit Interaction on the Electron‐Phonon Coupling in Tl‐Rich Cubic AuCu3‐Type Superconductors: Comparison with La3Tl
Authors: Baǧcı Sadık , Yarar Halime , Uzunok Hüseyin Yasin
Published: July 2023

In this work, the role of spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) in ATl3 (A = Ca, Y, La, and Th) and La3Tl is investigated by theoretical investigation of their structural, electronic, elastic, mechanical, phonon, and electron–phonon interaction properties. The effect of SOC on the electronic band structures of these compounds is that some of the degeneracies at the high symmetry points that would exist in a scalar relativistic calculation without SOC are removed by considering this coupling. The replacement of La and Tl atoms in LaTl3 increases the value of the density of states at the Fermi level N() by a factor of 2.1. Furthermore, this replacement makes almost all phonon modes in La3Tl softer than those in LaTl3. Both softer phonon modes and higher N() make the electron–phonon interaction in La3Tl much stronger than in LaTl3. The presence of SOC increases the values of LaTl3 by 34% (from 1.151 to 1.542 K) and of ThTl3 by 65% (from 0.479 to 0.793 K), resulting in good agreement with the corresponding experimental values of 1.63 and 0.87 K. The inclusion of SOC also improves the agreement with the experiment for values of CaTl3, YTl3, and La3Tl.
Compatibilization of immiscible polymer blends by reactive polymer grafted graphene with interfacial crosslinking
Authors: Nasrollah Gavgani Jaber , Goharpey Fatemeh
Published: July 2023

We investigate reactive compatibilization by applying two multifunctional polymers grafted on a graphene surface, which leads to crosslinked interphase at immiscible polymer blends. Reactive compatibilizer‐grafted graphene (RCG) nanoparticles were synthesized through esterification and amidation reactions between oxidative groups of graphene oxide and reactive multifunctional groups of polymers. Polymer blends of polyisoprene (PI) and polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) with PI:PDMS ratio of 30:70 or 70:30 and RCG nanoparticle loadings from 0.1 and 1 wt% were evaluated by optical microscopy and rheometry. The results indicated that the blend with 0.1 wt% RCG showed unusual characteristics including nonspherical and bridged droplets, while those containing 1 wt% RCG showed usual droplet‐matrix morphology. The rheological results are also asymmetric: the blend with 0.1 wt% RCG displayed gel‐like behavior in the dynamic oscillatory tests, high viscosity, slow interfacial relaxation during startup shear flow, and divergence in the transient stress response due to coalesced and bridged droplets. However, the latter blend containing 1 wt% RCG reveals liquid‐like behavior, low viscosity, and convergence in the transient stress response due to stabilized droplet‐matrix morphology. Overall, it was suggested that these asymmetries are attributable to interfacial crosslinked interphase formed through an in‐situ reaction between multifunctional polymers grafted on graphene sheets.
An ethico‐political analysis of a national teacher competence framework: Unravelling a ‘preferred’ teacher identity
Authors: Carswell Desmond , Conway Paul F.
Published: July 2023

In recent years, as evidenced in the transnational proliferation of codified competence frameworks for teacher education purposes, we have seen the increased politicisation and regulation of the task of teaching and what it means to be a teacher. Making the case for an ethico‐political conceptualisation of teacher identity and, using a Foucauldian‐based framework of ethico‐political identity, we apply a discourse analysis approach to unravel a ‘preferred’ teacher identity construction using Ireland's national teacher competence framework, theInitial Teacher Education Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providersas an illustrative case. Findings illuminate this identity as: (i) telos vis‐à‐vis embodying national objectives via critical engagement underpinned by knowledge surfaces and a temporal appreciation of policy; (ii) ethical substance vis‐à‐vis seven modes of engagement animated in two interdependent phases with unique practice dynamics and policy emphases; (iii) discursive authority sources that utilise three major modes of sense‐making; and (iv) self‐practices as confessional dialogue and self‐writing. Considering codified teacher competence frameworks as politics of truth in teacher education, we make the case for macro ethico‐political identity work as a valuable analytical tool for policy analysis in teaching and teacher education.
A functional approach to borderline personality disorder
Authors: Echevarría‐Escalante Daniel , Pereira Gladis Lee , Estal‐Muñoz Víctor , Froxán‐Parga María Xesús
Published: July 2023

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can be considered the most effective treatment when attending to problem behaviors that define borderline personality disorder (BPD). This therapy employs chain analysis as the tool for accounting of contextual variables that maintain these behaviors. However, these detected variables are descriptive and temporal rather than strictly functional. That is, the role of contextual variables is analyzed regarding temporal relations with problem behavior but not in terms of contingency relations that allow showing their function. Thus, a functional approach to hypothesize these contingency relations between responses and the variables that control them was carried out. Behavior functional analysis was employed as a tool and functional hypotheses of the DSM‐5‐TR criteria for BPD were conducted. The conclusion is that the proposed approach can be combined with DBT chain analysis to elaborate more accurate functional hypotheses about cases displaying the behaviors defined in the diagnosis.
Analytical method for urinary homovanillic acid and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels using HPLC with electrochemical detection applied to evaluate children environmentally exposed to manganese
Authors: Cardoso Mariana Silva , Rocha Andrea Rebouças , Souza‐Júnior José Antônio , Menezes‐Filho José Antonio
Published: July 2023

Homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) are the urinary metabolites of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5‐HA), respectively. We aimed to develop an extraction method for the determination of HVA and 5‐HIAA, using strong anionic exchange cartridges combined with HPLC with electrochemical detection, and apply it to measure the levels of HVA and 5‐HIAA in children living near a ferro‐manganese alloy plant in Simões Filho, Brazil. The validated method showed good selectivity, sensitivity, precision, and accuracy. The limits of detection (LOD) were 4 and 8 μmol/L for 5‐HIAA and HVA, respectively, in urine. Recoveries ranged from 85.8 to 94%. The coefficients of determination (R2) of the calibration curves were greater than 0.99. Spot urine samples of 30 exposed children and 20 nonexposed ones were processed accordingly. The metabolite levels in exposed and reference children were within the physiological ranges. The medians (range) for 5‐HIAA and HVA of the exposed ones were 36.4 μmol/L (18.4–58.0) and 32.9 μmol/L (<LOD—91.9), respectively. There was no significant difference between the values presented by children in the reference group: 25.7 μmol/L (19.9–81.4) and 35.2 μmol/L (<LOD—67.6) for 5‐HIAA and HVA, respectively. These results suggest that the quantification of the urinary metabolites possibly does not reflect the interference of manganese in the metabolism of DA and 5‐HA in the central nervous system.
Sheltering Mono‐P‐Ligated Metal Complexes in Porous Polystyrene Monolith: Effect of Aryl Pendant Stabilizers on Catalytic Durability
Authors: Matsumoto Hikaru , Hoshino Yu , Iwai Tomohiro , Sawamura Masaya , Miura Yoshiko
Published: July 2023

Metal centers that can generate coordinatively unsaturated metals in accessible and stable states have been developed using synthetic polymers with sophisticated ligand and scaffold designs, which required synthetic efforts. Herein, we report a simple and direct strategy for producing polymer‐supported phosphine‐metal complexes, which stabilizes mono‐P‐ligated metals by modulating the electronic properties of the aryl pendant groups in the polymer platform. A three‐fold vinylated PPh3 was copolymerized with a styrene derivative and a cross‐linker to produce a porous polystyrene‐phosphine hybrid monolith. Based on the Hammett substituent constants, the electronic properties of styrene derivatives were modulated and incorporated into the polystyrene backbone to stabilize the mono‐P‐ligated Pd complex via Pd‐arene interactions. Through NMR, TEM, and comparative catalytic studies, the polystyrene‐phosphine hybrid, which induces selective mono‐P‐ligation and moderate Pd‐arene interactions, demonstrated high catalytic durability for the cross‐coupling of chloroarenes under continuous‐flow conditions.
Hydrogen Peroxide Production of Individual Nanosecond Pulsed Discharges Submerged in Water of Elevated Conductivity
Authors: Rataj Raphael , Werneburg Matthias , Below Harald , Kolb Juergen F.
Published: July 2023

The production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a key parameter for the performance of pulsed discharges submerged in water utilized as advanced oxidation process. So far, any related assessment of the underlying mechanism was conducted for the application of several hundred discharges, which did not allow for a correlation with physical processes. Moreover, the production was rarely investigated depending on water conductivity as one of the most important parameters for the development of submerged discharges. Accordingly, hydrogen peroxide generation was investigated here for individual single discharge events instigated with 100 ns high‐voltage pulses in water with three different conductivities and was associated with the discharge development, i. e. spatial expansion and dissipated electrical energy. The approach necessitated the improvement of an electrochemical flow injection analysis based on the reaction of Prussian blue with H2O2. Hydrogen peroxide concentrations were quadratically increasing with propagation time and stable for different water conductivities. H2O2 production per unit volume of a discharge was constant over time with an estimated rate constant of 3.2 mol ⋅ m−1 s−1, averaged over the crosssectional area of all discharge filaments. However, the individually dissipated energy increased with conductivity, hence, the production efficiency decreased from 6.1 g ⋅ kWh−1 to 1.4 g ⋅ kWh−1, which was explained by increased resistive losses within the bulk liquid.
Estimating wolf (Canislupus) densities using video camera traps and spatial capture–recapture analysis
Authors: Jiménez José , Cara Daniel , García‐Dominguez Francisco , Barasona Jose Angel
Published: July 2023

Estimating population density is critical for effective species conservation, wildlife management planning, and long‐term monitoring. Obtaining accurate estimates is especially important for the wolf (Canis lupus), a widely distributed northern hemisphere apex predator whose management and conservation are highly controversial in most of its range, and whose presence usually generates high‐profile media coverage. The peculiarities of wolf social spatial organization and behavior can violate the assumptions of capture–recapture models (uniformity and independence, respectively) to a greater or lesser extent and make it difficult to obtain precise and reliable density estimates. This paper presents a case study, which estimated the population density of the Iberian wolf in the Dorsal Gallega mountain ridge (Galicia, NW Spain) based on the identification of individual wolves from their traits and behavior using video camera traps and spatially explicit capture–recapture (SCR) analyses. The study followed three phases. Firstly, field data were collected by installing camera traps and changing their location until the entire area was sampled. Second, a complete morphological and behavioral study of the wolves recorded was performed to facilitate individual recognition. Third, overdispersion due to gregariousness and other sources of heterogeneity was modeled in the SCR analyses comparing Poisson and negative binomial observation models with different random effects on the baseline detection probability. We estimated a density of 2.88 (SD: 0.37) wolves/100 km2in the study area. We concluded that estimating wolf population size using camera trap videos, individual identification, and SCR provides a feasible method and can be used for estimating the density in similar species.
Involuntary treatment: A qualitative study from the perspectives of individuals with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Rienecke Renee D. , Dimitropoulos Gina , Duffy Alan , Le Grange Daniel , Manwaring Jamie , Nieder Sara , Sauerwein Jessica , Singh Manya , Watters Ashlie , Westmoreland Patricia , Mehler Philip S.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Involuntary treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) is sometimes necessary and lifesaving but can be experienced negatively by some individuals. The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand participants' perceptions about their experience with involuntary treatment for AN.

Method

Thirty adult participants, who had been treated involuntarily for AN in the past, completed self‐report measures and qualitative interviews. Interview transcripts were coded using thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified: (1) mixed perceptions about involuntary treatment, (2) the impact of involuntary treatment on external factors, including relationships, education, and employment, and (3) lessons learned from the experience. Participants who endorsed a positive shift in perspective regarding the need for involuntary treatment also reported favorable changes in their eating disorder recovery, whereas individuals whose perspective about their involuntary treatment remained negative, showed no changes in their recovery post‐treatment.

Conclusions

Involuntary treatment for AN was recognized, in retrospect, as being beneficial by individuals with AN who were doing well, but individuals who continued to struggle with their eating disorder reported negative consequences.
A data screening approach to confirming a target mineral is chlorite using EPMA and LA‐ICPMS data
Authors: Freij N. , Gregory D. D. , Liu Y.
Published: July 2023

Applying machine learning techniques to large datasets of in situ analyses has been proven to be a powerful tool in Earth Sciences. However, problems may arise when dealing with minerals such as chlorite, that exist as a solid solution rather than a single, stoichiometric ideal. It can be difficult to determine whether the variations in major element concentrations are due to compositional difference in the mineral of interest or due to sampling of the surrounding mineral phases in addition to the mineral of interest during the analyses. If the latter, interpretations of the results would be complicated, misled or even spurious. Here we present a method to identify chlorite based on the major and minor element content, from both LA‐ICPMS and EPMA data. Further we present a dataset of 3,317 analyses of chlorite and have shown that 7.4% of these analyses include significant quantities of non‐chlorite material.
DNA‐Encoded Libraries and Their Application to RNA
Authors: Yang Xueyi , Childs‐Disney Jessica L. , Paegel M. , Disney Matthew D.
Published: July 2023

The functional roles of structured RNAs in the regulation of biological processes, and hence RNA's potential as an effective therapeutic target, have only recently been appreciated. Robust and high‐throughput methods that identify potent RNA ligands are critical to the development of chemical probes and therapeutics. DNA‐encoded libraries (DEL) technology has emerged as a powerful tool for protein ligand discovery, and its ability to generate large, custom‐tailored, and novel chemical space offers unprecedented opportunities to discover the rules of RNA ligand design. In this review, we discuss the basic principles of DEL selection, current progress on the application of DEL to RNA targets, and the outlook of targeting RNA by DEL.
Response to “Validity of Quantitative, Multi‐Parametric MRI in the Diagnosis of Polyneuropathies”
Authors: Chen Yongsheng , Dortch Richard D. , Li Jun
Published: July 2023

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Intravenous tranexamic acid is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary embolism following sarcoma resection
Authors: Foster Devon , Sebro Ronnie , Garner Hillary , Stanborough Rupert , Spaulding Aaron C. , Goulding Krista , Houdek Matthew , Wilke Benjamin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic drug that has been shown to reduce blood loss following surgery. The use of TXA during orthopedic procedures has gained widespread acceptance, with multiple clinical studies demonstrating no increase in thrombotic complications. While TXA has been shown to be safe and effective for several orthopedic procedures, its use in orthopedic sarcoma surgery is not well established. Cancer‐associated thrombosis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with sarcoma. It is unknown if intraoperative TXA use will increase the risk of developing a postoperative thrombotic complication in this population. This study aimed to compare the risk of postoperative thrombotic complications in patients who received TXA during sarcoma resection to patients who did not receive TXA.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of 1099 patients who underwent resection of a soft tissue or bone sarcoma at our institution between 2010 and 2021. Baseline demographics and postoperative outcomes were compared between patients who did and did not receive intraoperative TXA. We evaluated 90‐day complication rates, including: deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and mortality.

Results

TXA was used more commonly for bone tumors (p < 0.001), tumors located in the pelvis (p = 0.004), and larger tumors (p < 0.001). Patients who received intraoperative TXA were associated with a significant increase in developing a postoperative DVT (odds ratio [OR]: 2.22, p = 0.036) and PE (OR: 4.62, p < 0.001), but had no increase in CVA, MI, or mortality (all p > 0.05) within 90 days of surgery, following univariate analysis. Multivariable analysis confirmed that TXA was independently associated with developing a postoperative PE (OR: 10.64, 95% confidence interval: 2.23–50.86, p = 0.003). We found no association with DVT, MI, CVA, or mortality within 90 days postoperatively, following intraoperative TXA use.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate a higher associated risk of PE following TXA use in sarcoma surgery and caution is warranted with TXA use in this patient population.
The Nehari manifold for double‐phase problems with convex and concave nonlinearities
Authors: Cao Qing‐Hai , Ge Bin , Zhang Yu‐Ting
Published: July 2023

The aim of this paper is to establish the multiplicity of solutions for double‐phase problem. Employing the Nehari manifold approach, we show that the problem has at least two nontrivial solutions.
Meaning making as a moderator in international students' acculturative experience
Authors: Luz Heyde , Thomas John
Published: July 2023

International students (IS) face unique challenges when attending higher education institutions in the United States that derive from acculturative stress and contribute to feelings of loneliness and depressive symptoms. This study examined the sense of meaning as a moderator in the relationship between acculturative stress, loneliness, and depressive symptoms in IS. A quantitative research design using a linear multiple regression model was employed to investigate the interplay between the variables. The findings of 80 participants indicated that there is a significant relationship between acculturative stress, loneliness, and depressive symptoms. The results also indicate that a sense of meaning moderated the relationship between acculturative stress and depressive symptoms. These results may assist counselor educators, mental health clinicians, and higher education administrators to better serve the IS population.
Considerations for transient operation—Fire incident
Authors: Garland R. Wayne
Published: July 2023

This is the story of a root cause analysis (RCA) for a fire in a chemical operation during a transient operation. Findings from this investigation illustrate the hazards and key preventative measures that can be utilized to prevent this type of incident. It also illustrates how abnormal or transient operations should be considered in process design and procedure development. Results from the RCA and the lessons learned will be explained. Several aspects will be discussed including a number of latent factors, multiple design, and procedural issues, identification of potential scenarios in safety reviews, and design of controls and alarms.
Clinical outcomes of laparoscopic assisted cystotomy in five cats with repeated urethral obstruction
Authors: Park Young Tae , Minamoto Tomomi
Published: July 2023

Feline urethral obstruction is a life‐threatening condition that requires immediate treatment to relieve the obstruction. If medical dissolution is not indicated, surgical intervention (e.g., open cystotomy, laparoscopic assisted cystotomy, percutaneous cystolithotomy) is necessary to remove uroliths, and minimally invasive surgery may offer some advantages. This case report describes the successful management of urethral obstruction using laparoscopic assisted cystotomy and postoperative dietary management in five cats with urethral obstruction that reoccurred within 1 week after urethral catheterisation and medical management.