bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reason and rule in arithmetic and algebra
Authors: Beatley Ralph
Published: January 2021

The author gives three kinds of reasons and concludes Hint we leach similar topics in arithmetic and algebra in ways that are logically dissimilar.
How Should Secondary Mathematics for Girls Differ from that for Boys?
Authors: Robertson Jean F.
Published: January 2021

This topic put in a slightly different way is the question that constantly arises in one form or another— “ what is the real value of mathematics to our students and what are we doing to make the high school course of most use to them—use in a broad sense.” In any high school, be it for girls or for boys, our direct and clear course in teaching mathematics is so to present the subject that it shall stimulate the desire for knowledge for itself that is in the heart of every child, promote self activity and independence of thought, and that it shall enlist in this work the interest and enthusiasm of the child. For, instead of the old idea that interest in a subject takes the backbone out of it, we now feel that knowledge must be infused with interest if it is to reach the heart and work its influence on character.
Round Table on the Teaching of Calculus
Authors: Smith Eugene R. , Gaylord Harry D. , Chambers Geo. Gailey , Breckenridge William E.
Published: January 2021

Elizabeth B. Cowley, Vassar College—A leader of a round-table discussion is not expected to read a formal paper on a minute study of some one part of the topic, but rather to suggest those phases of the subject that will make his talk provocative of discussion. Or, to use a word recently coined, his talk should be “discussative.”
Editorial
Authors: Smith Eugene R. , Gaylord Harry D. , Chambers Geo. Gailey , Breckenridge William E.
Published: January 2021

As the sailor must get his bearings in order to know the direction to steer his craft, so the teacher must get his if he would accomplish the purposes of his high calling. The tendency is to forget our true aim in teaching and make the subject we teach an end in itself rather than a means to an end. This is apparent as one reads or listens to discussions on what to teach and why and how to teach it in both secondary school and college subjects.
Decomposition into Partial Fractions
Authors: Smith Eugene Randolph
Published: January 2021

In my former article on this subject in THE MATHEMATICS TEACHER of June, 1914, I did not bring out one point, which, on further consideration, seems to me to be the key to this process. Dr. G. F. Metzler’s excellent article in the issue of June, 1915, further emphasizes this need, for while he uses the point of which I speak in various ways, he does not bring the whole question to this focus.
Impact of Menopause and Body Composition Status on Dyslipidemia in Women
Authors: Wooten Joshua S. , Webb Benjamin L. , DiMarco Nancy M. , Nichols David L. , Sanborn Charlotte F.
Published: January 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of menopausal and body composition statuses on measures of total and regional body composition and dyslipidemia in women. Methods: Sedentary, non-smoking women (N = 212), not currently treated for dyslipidemia
were grouped based on 2 categories: (1) menstrual status: premenopausal or postmenopausal and (2) body composition status: normal weight (NW; BMI < 25 kg/m2 and body fat (BF) < 36%), normal weight obese (NWO; BMI < 25 kg/m2 and BF > 36%), or obese (BMI >
25 kg/m2 and BF > 36%), to determine differences in total and regional body composition and measures of lipid and lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations. Results: Overall, a greater prevalence of NWO was observed in postmenopausal versus premenopausal women. Being postmenopausal
was associated with higher TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, HDL-C, and HDL3-C. Premenopausal NWO women had elevated LDL-C and VLDL-C comparable to obese women. Postmenopausal NWO women had elevated Tg and VLDL-C and lower HDL-C similar to obese women. Conclusions: Menopausal status
was not associated with differences in fat distribution, however, the age-related differences in lipids and lipoproteins appear to be due to a difference in menopausal status exacerbated in women who are NWO.
The Effect of the Health Personnel Exposed to the Attack of Patients and Relatives on the Perception of Aggression
Authors: Kilic Mahmut
Published: January 2021

Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of health personnel's exposure to the violence of patients and relatives on the perception of aggression.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 among health personnel who are in contact with patients and their relatives working in health institutions in Yozgat city center. The study was completed with 358 people who agreed to participate in the study with verbal consent. The data were collected through the Perception of Aggression Scale (POAS), the socio-demographic form and a form that evaluates the health personnel being attacked. In the analysis of the data, univariate tests and multivariate regression analyzes were used.
Results: Of the health personnel, 81.6% of them stated that they were exposed to the violence of the patients and their relatives during their professional career and 37.7% during the last 12 months. In the regression analysis, the perception of functional aggression was higher in those working in university hospitals, and lower in physicians (p <0.05). Dysfunctional aggression perception was lower in medical secretaries, family health center staff, and university hospital staff (p <0.05). No significant relationship was found between the perception of aggression and age, gender, education level, professional experience (years), and their exposure to attack during the past 12 months (p> 0.05).
Conclusion: Health personnel are of the opinion that the aggressive behavior of the patients does not correspond to the situation they are in and there is no acceptable excuse for such behaviors.
Impact of Axillary Dissection Among Patients With Sentinel Node–Positive Breast Cancer Undergoing Mastectomy
Authors: Sun James , Mathias Brittany J. , Laronga Christine , Sun Weihong , Zhou Jun-Min , Fulp William J. , Kiluk John V. , Lee M. Catherine
Published: January 2021

Background:Results of the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z0011 trial supports omission of completion axillary lymph node dissection (CLND) after breast-conservation surgery with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). We hypothesized that CLND also does not impact outcomes in women with clinically node-negative (cN0), pathologically node-positive breast cancer undergoing mastectomy.Materials and Methods:A single-institution retrospective review was performed of patients with SLN-positive breast cancer treated from July 1999 through May 2018. Clinicopathologic and outcome data were collected. Patients with SLNBs were compared with those receiving SLNB and CLND. The Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests were used to assess for differences between continuous and categorical variables. The log-rank test was used for time-to-event analyses, and Cox proportional hazards models were fit for locoregional and distant recurrence and overall survival (OS).Results:Of 329 patients with SLN-positive breast cancer undergoing mastectomy, 60% had CLND (n=201). Median age at diagnosis was 53 years (interquartile range [IQR], 46–62 years). The median number of SLNs sampled was 3 (IQR, 2–4), and the median number of positive SLNs was 1 (IQR, 1–2). Patients receiving CLND had higher tumor grades (P=.02) and a higher proportion of hormone receptor negativity (estrogen receptor, 19%; progesterone receptor, 27%; bothP=.007). A total of 44 patients (22%) had increased N stage after CLND. Median follow-up was 51 months (IQR, 29–83 months). No association was found between CLND and change in OS and locoregional or distant recurrence. Completion of postmastectomy radiotherapy was associated with improved OS (P=.04).Conclusions:CLND is not significantly correlated with reduced recurrence or improved OS among patients who have cN0, SLN-positive breast cancer treated with mastectomy. CLND was significantly correlated with receipt of adjuvant systemic therapy. Completion of postmastectomy radiotherapy was associated with improved OS.
How Have Multigene Panels Changed the Clinical Practice of Genetic Counseling and Testing
Authors: Pilarski Robert
Published: January 2021

Historically, genetic testing (and billing) for hereditary cancer risk was essentially performed gene by gene, with clinicians ordering testing only for the genes most likely to explain a patient’s or family’s cancer presentation, with laboratories typically charging $1,000 to $1,500 for each gene that was sequenced. Given the expense, only patients at high risk of having a hereditary syndrome were offered testing. With the introduction of next-generation sequencing technologies, however, laboratories are able to test for multiple genes at the same time with greater efficiency, significantly decreased costs, and relatively little increased expense when adding additional genes. This has drastically altered clinical practice so that clinicians now typically order testing for a panel of multiple genes for most patients. Although this approach has streamlined the diagnostic odyssey, it has introduced several problems, as well, including difficulties in choosing the appropriate panel test for a given patient, assessing the significance of identified genetic variants (including variants of uncertain significance [VUS]), and understanding the disease risks and management associated with pathogenic variants in a given gene. Many laboratories offer testing for genes that have limited data supporting their associated cancer risks, which then leads to an inability to set management guidelines based on that gene. In addition, testing larger numbers of genes increases the likelihood of finding one or more VUS, which introduce their own management issues. Thus, although panel testing has certainly moved clinical practice forward in many ways, it has also raised its own set of problems that increase the complexity of genetic counseling and highlight the need for education of community practitioners on the complexities and nuances of this testing. Whenever possible, testing should be performed by, or in consultation with, cancer genetics professionals.
ATP and large signaling metabolites flux through caspase-activated Pannexin 1 channels
Authors: Narahari Adishesh K , Kreutzberger Alex JB , Gaete Pablo S , Chiu Yu-Hsin , Leonhardt Susan A , Medina Christopher B , Jin Xueyao , Oleniacz Patrycja W , Kiessling Volker , Barrett Paula Q , Ravichandran Kodi S , Yeager Mark , Contreras Jorge E , Tamm Lukas K , Bayliss Douglas A
Published: January 2021

Pannexin 1 (Panx1) is a membrane channel implicated in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes via its ability to support release of ATP and other cellular metabolites for local intercellular signaling. However, to date, there has been no direct demonstration of large molecule permeation via the Panx1 channel itself, and thus the permselectivity of Panx1 for different molecules remains unknown. To address this, we expressed, purified, and reconstituted Panx1 into proteoliposomes and demonstrated that channel activation by caspase cleavage yields a dye-permeable pore that favors flux of anionic, large-molecule permeants (up to ~1 kDa). Large cationic molecules can also permeate the channel, albeit at a much lower rate. We further show that Panx1 channels provide a molecular pathway for flux of ATP and other anionic (glutamate) and cationic signaling metabolites (spermidine). These results verify large molecule permeation directly through caspase-activated Panx1 channels that can support their many physiological roles.
A novel similarity score based on gene ranks to reveal genetic relationships among diseases
Authors: Luo Dongmei , Zhang Chengdong , Fu Liwan , Zhang Yuening , Hu Yue-Qing
Published: January 2021

Knowledge of similarities among diseases can contribute to uncovering common genetic mechanisms. Based on ranked gene lists, a couple of similarity measures were proposed in the literature. Notice that they may suffer from the determination of cutoff or heavy computational load, we propose a novel similarity score SimSIP among diseases based on gene ranks. Simulation studies under various scenarios demonstrate that SimSIP has better performance than existing rank-based similarity measures. Application of SimSIP in gene expression data of 18 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas shows that SimSIP is superior in clarifying the genetic relationships among diseases and demonstrates the tendency to cluster the histologically or anatomically related cancers together, which is analogous to the pan-cancer studies. Moreover, SimSIP with simpler form and faster computation is more robust for higher levels of noise than existing methods and provides a basis for future studies on genetic relationships among diseases. In addition, a measure MAG is developed to gauge the magnitude of association of anindividual gene with diseases. By using MAG the genes and biological processes significantly associated with colorectal cancer are detected.
Health status of Polychrus gutturosus based on physical examination, hematology and biochemistry parameters in Costa Rica
Authors: Arguedas Randall , Ovares Lizbeth , Arguedas Viviana P. , Vargas Rodolfo , Barquero Marco D.
Published: January 2021

Studies evaluating the health status and characteristics of free-ranging wildlife populations are scarce or absent for most species. Saurian health assessments are usually performed in species that have conservation issues or that are kept in captivity. The Berthold’s bush anole (Polychrus guturossus) is one of eight species belonging to the genus Polychrus, the only representative of the family Polychrotidae. Only a handful of studies have been reported concerning these lizard’s morphological variation, ecology, and natural history, probably because P. gutturosus is a canopy dweller and it can be difficult to locate individuals. It is believed that deforestation and habitat modification could pose a threat for this species, although to date no health assessment has been done. The aim of this study was to generate health baseline data on P. gutturosus. Forty Berthold’s bush anoles (20 males and 20 females) were sampled at the Pacific versant in Costa Rica, where physical examination, skin and cloacal temperatures, and blood samples were obtained from individuals immediately after capture. Animals from the studied population were all healthy (body condition 2.5–3.0/5.0). No lesions or ectoparasites were detected, but hemoparasites were found in nine individuals. Hematological and biochemical values were obtained, and the morphology of leukocytes were found to be similar to other iguanians. A positive correlation was found between the tissue enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatinine kinase (CK) and a negative correlation was found between skin and cloacal temperatures and AST and CK. There were positive correlations between female weight and total protein, calcium, and the calcium and phosphorus ratio. No significant inter-sex differences were found in biochemical values, despite females being larger than males. This is the first health assessment performed on a free-ranging canopy dwelling lizard. These findings provide baseline data that may be useful for future monitoring if the species faces changes in health status due to anthropogenic causes or natural disturbances.
Primary Diagnostic Tools for SARS-CoV-2 Infection (COVID-19): Mini Review Based on Current Challenges in Molecular Techniques and Point of Care Testing for Screening
Authors: Kokilavani K. , Salim Bindu
Published: January 2021

Pandemic outbreaks are always a challenge for the health care management to control the mortality rate when the preventive measures are not established. The challenge is being faced worldwide with the outbreak of COVID-19 including the developed countries. The only solution is to control the spread by conducting massive screening and isolating affected ones from the healthy ones, which needs the development of screening methods that can reach the maximum population. The next step is to come up with vaccines. The research concentration worldwide is focussed on developing rapid diagnostics and screening at an affordable cost. Multiple studies suggest that Reverse Transcription- Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), protein testing and Computed Tomography (CT) should be the principal diagnostic methods for routine testing/ screening in patients with COVID-19. But three factors are still indistinct in those diagnostic methods such as rapidity, sensitivity, and specificity. Thus, alternative approaches that provide higher efficiency and rapid are highly appreciated for the super spread infectious disease detection. Presently, microfluidics-based test kits alternatively called as lab-on-a-chip or Point- Of -Care Testing (POCT) have been widely used in cancer and viral detection. The ability of POCT tests to provide short time results, suitable in low resource clinics or even at home should be an attractive alternative. So, the miniaturized tools suitable for COVID-19 detection will replace the current expensive methods. Despite the limitations, the approved tests are still providing good results for this high risk pandemic. Many articles in the recent past highlighted the POCT method is not less than any other screening methods and by reviewing a wide research background, the importance of developing POCTs for screening such pandemic is presented here.
A new clustering method identifies multiple sclerosis‐specific T‐cell receptors
Authors: Hayashi Fumie , Isobe Noriko , Glanville Jacob , Matsushita Takuya , Maimaitijiang Guzailiayi , Fukumoto Shoko , Watanabe Mitsuru , Masaki Katsuhisa , Kira Jun‐ichi
Published: January 2021

Objective

To characterize T‐cell receptors (TCRs) and identify target epitopes in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from 39 MS patients and 19 healthy controls (HCs). TCR repertoires for α/β/δ/γ chains, TCR diversity, and V/J usage were determined by next‐generation sequencing. TCR β chain repertoires were compared with affectation status using a novel clustering method, Grouping of Lymphocyte Interactions by Paratope Hotspots (GLIPH). Cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐IgG was measured in an additional 113 MS patients and 93 HCs. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) were measured by flow cytometry.

Results

TCR diversity for all four chains decreased with age. TCRα and TCRβ diversity was higher in MS patients (P = 0.0015 and 0.024, respectively), even after age correction. TRAJ56 and TRBV4‐3 were more prevalent in MS patients than in HCs (pcorr = 0.027 and 0.040, respectively). GLIPH consolidated 208,674 TCR clones from MS patients into 1,294 clusters, among which two candidate clusters were identified. The TRBV4‐3 cluster was shared by HLA‐DRB1*04:05‐positive patients (87.5%) and predicted to recognize CMV peptides (CMV‐TCR). MS Severity Score (MSSS) was lower in patients with CMV‐TCR than in those without (P = 0.037). CMV‐IgG‐positivity was associated with lower MSSS in HLA‐DRB1*04:05 carriers (P = 0.0053). HLA‐DRB1*04:05‐positive individuals demonstrated higher CMV‐IgG titers than HLA‐DRB1*04:05‐negative individuals (P = 0.017). CMV‐IgG‐positive patients had more Tregs than CMV‐IgG‐negative patients (P = 0.054).

Interpretation

High TCRα/TCRβ diversity, regardless of age, is characteristic of MS. Association of a CMV‐recognizing TCR with mild disability indicates CMV’s protective role in HLA‐DRB1*04:05‐positive MS.
The role of fine excipient particles in adhesive mixtures for inhalation
Authors: Tamadondar Mohammad R. , Salehi Kian , Abrahamsson Per , Rasmuson Anders
Published: January 2021

Despite the fact that adding fines improve the drug dispersion performance during inhalation, the scarcity of mechanistic insight into the formulation process, independent of the aerosolization, has kept the dispute on the underlying improvement mechanism open. We therefore simulate ternary formulations (carrier, drug, fines) in a vibrational cell to explore the mixing mechanism and the effect of particle size and loading ratio of fines on formulation performance. Results suggest that the buffer theory is a critical contributory mechanism since it curtails the carrier's collision rate and, therefore, decreases agglomerate breakage. Consequently, relatively larger drug aggregates are formed over the carrier, which eventually experiences greater detachment forces. A simple dispersion test is performed to evaluate drug detachment rate at wall‐collision. An excess of cohesive fines, or using larger fines, diminishes the rotational kinetic energy of coarse particles by lumping them together. This reduces drug agglomerate breakage and leads to poor mixing.
Phase transformation and dielectric properties of polyvinylidene fluoride/organic‐montmorillonite nanocomposites fabricated under elongational flow field
Authors: Tong Yizhang , Huang Qilong , He Guangjian , Cao Xianwu , Yang Zhitao , Yin Xiaochun
Published: January 2021

Compounding montmorillonite (MMT) with polymorphic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) by melt intercalation method can induce the crystal phase transformation of PVDF, which is of great significance to obtain the electroactive PVDF. In this research, PVDF/Organic‐Montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared by a novel vane mixer, which was dominated by the elongational flow field in the whole plasticizing. The dispersion of OMMT, the crystal phase transformation of PVDF, and the resulting properties of nanocomposites were experimentally studied. The results of TEM and WAXD evidenced that homogeneous dispersion and desirable intercalation structure of OMMT were formed in the PVDF matrix under the effect of the elongational flow field. WAXD, FTIR, and DSC tests demonstrated that large amounts of β‐phase of PVDF was formed due to the introduction of OMMT. The intercalation structure of OMMT and the crystal transformation of PVDF increased the dielectric constant and piezoelectric properties of nanocomposites, while the dielectric loss still maintained at a very low level. Finally, the effect of unique ''double‐layer peeling'' mechanism of OMMT on the properties of nanocomposites was discussed.
Temperature regulation as a tool to program synthetic microbial community composition
Authors: Krieger Adam G. , Zhang Jiahao , Lin Xiaoxia N.
Published: January 2021

Engineering of synthetic microbial communities is emerging as a powerful new paradigm for performing various industrially, medically, and environmentally important processes. To reach the fullest potential, however, this approach requires further development in many aspects, a key one being regulating the community composition. Here we leverage well‐established mechanisms in ecology which govern the relative abundance of multispecies ecosystems and develop a new tool for programming the composition of synthetic microbial communities. Using a simple model system consisting of two microorganisms Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida, which occupy different but partially overlapping thermal niches, we demonstrated that temperature regulation could be used to enable coexistence and program the community composition. We first investigated a constant temperature regime and showed that different temperatures led to different community compositions. Next, we invented a new cycling temperature regime and showed that it can dynamically tune the microbial community, achieving a wide range of compositions depending on parameters that are readily manipulatable. Our work provides conclusive proof of concept that temperature regulation is a versatile and powerful tool capable of programming compositions of synthetic microbial communities.
Integrated thinking and sustainability reporting assurance: International evidence
Authors: Baboukardos Diogenis , Mangena Musa , Ishola Abdullahi
Published: January 2021

Recently, there has been increasing demand by stakeholders for firms to demonstrate how they create value within the context of their operating environment. Consequently, a new reporting approach, integrated reporting (IR), was conceptualised with its development linked to the firm's integrated thinking (IT). Yet very little is known about the effects of IT on firms' reporting decisions. Hence, we investigate whether IT influences firms' decision to publish an assured sustainability report. Using an international dataset, we find that IT is positively associated with sustainability reporting assurance. We also find that this association is moderated by the type of legal system such that for firms in code law countries, the IT effects are reduced. Nevertheless, the effects of IT remain strong, indicating that IT is important for reporting decisions regardless of the firm's contextual setting. These findings have implications for policymakers and organisations interested in promoting high‐quality sustainability reporting.
Optimizing anthocyanins extraction and the effect of cold plasma treatment on the anti‐aging potential of purple glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L.) extract
Authors: Poomanee Worrapan , Wattananapakasem Isara , Panjan Wasinee , Kiattisin Kanokwan
Published: January 2021

Background and objectives

The pericarp of color rice is a rich source of anthocyanins conferring several health benefits. The present study aimed to systemically optimize anthocyanins extraction from Thai purple glutinous rice and to elucidate the effect of cold plasma on the anti‐aging effect of the extract.

Findings

Antioxidant effects and phytochemical constituents of the extracts from three Thai purple glutinous rice varieties including Doi Saket, Phayao, and Luem Pua were elucidated. Cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (CNG) was a major compound in all varieties. Besides, Luem Pua rice extract presented the strongest antioxidation owing to its highest total phenolic and CNG contents. The optimized method for extracting CNG, which was proceeded by 2‐level full factorial design, used deionized (DI) water with pH 2.0 and temperature 150°C. Moreover, the cold plasma‐treated Luem Pua rice offered a five‐fold higher amount of CNG compared to the untreated sample with a significantly stronger anti‐aging potential.

Conclusions

Our study provided the optimized method for CNG extraction from purple rice. Additionally, cold plasma potentially enhanced the anti‐aging property of the extract.

Significance and novelty

The contributions of the extracting factors on antioxidation and anthocyanins content were statistically elucidated, and the novel performance of cold plasma on biological properties of the plant materials was demonstrated.
Maternal expressions of positive emotion for children predicts children’s respiratory sinus arrhythmia surrounding stress
Authors: Delgadillo Desiree , Boparai Sameen , Pressman Sarah D. , Goldstein Alison , Bureau Jean‐François , Schmiedel Sabrina , Backer Mumtaz , Broekman Birit , Hian Tan Kok , Chong Yap‐Seng , Chen Helen , Zalta Alyson K. , Meaney Michael J. , Rifkin‐Graboi Anne , Tsotsi Stella , Borelli Jessica L.
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study is to assess whether positive emotional exchanges (i.e., emotion coregulation) within the mother–child dyad play a protective role in children's physiological response to a distressing task. Specifically, we test whether positive emotion coregulation among mothers and their preschool‐aged children is associated with children's respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) at baseline, during, and following a frustration task. One hundred Singaporean mother–child dyads (Mchildage = 3.5 years) participated in a standardized “Laughing Task” in which positive emotional constructs were measured. Children also participated in a frustration task while RSA was continuously monitored. Hierarchical linear regressions revealed that greater maternal positive emotional responses to children were associated with child RSA at baseline and in recovery from frustration, but not during frustration. These findings have implications for the important role that positive emotion responsivity from mothers may play in children's developing autonomic response systems, and underscore the need for longitudinal work on this topic.
Development of a sensitive and reliable ELISA kit of urinary haptoglobin to predict progress of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Min , Yang Fang‐Yuan , Chen Xing , Yang Yan‐Hui , Zhu Xiao‐Rong , Chen Chen , Yang Jin‐Kui
Published: January 2021

Aims

Urinary haptoglobin (UHp) is a potential biomarker for predicting progress of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) to remedy the defects of currently used urinary albumin. The clinical application of UHp is however limited, owing to the extremely low level in urine. This study aims to establish an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit specifically for detecting UHp in urine samples of patients with diabetes and DKD.

Materials and Methods

Supersensitive human haptoglobin antibodies were generated for ELISA kit development, and the sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of the kit was evaluated. This kit was used to detect UHp in 246 healthy individuals and 83 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The interference of blood haptoglobin genotypes on UHp measurement was analysed.

Results

The UHp ELISA kit had a standard curve ranging from 5 to 200 ng/ml. The low detection limit was 0.11 ng/ml. The coefficients of variation of intra‐ and interassay were 5.5% and 8.3%, respectively. The kit showed high accuracy with 100.9% mean recovery rate, and linearity R2 = 0.999. The reference range of UHp was 0–42.3 ng/g creatinine (0–Q95) in the healthy individuals. UHp level was significantly higher in T2D patients with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria than that in T2D without microalbuminuria (p < 0.01). The UHp concentration measured by this kit was not affected by haptoglobin genotypes.

Conclusions

We have generated an ELISA kit to accurately detect UHp levels, which is potentially a reliable biomarker of DKD.
Alien and native tree species having extrafloral nectaries as favorite hunting area for arboreal endemic Philippine tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) in human‐disturbed habitat in Lanao del Sur Province, Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: Marohomsalic Jalanie S. , Macas Nuñeza Olga , Michalski Marek , Wiesner Jürgen , Jaskuła Radomir
Published: January 2021

To document a relation between abundance of arboreal, predatory tiger beetles, their ant prey, and extrafloral nectaries attracting the ants, we gathered data from more than 10 species of native and introduced trees and large, tree‐like perennial plants in Lanao del Sur Province, Mindanao, Philippines. All specimens of tiger beetles (two Tricondyla and two Neocollyris species, all endemic to the country) were noted on five tree species characterized by presence of extrafloral nectaries, including three alien/invasive and two native ones. Invasive Spathodea campanulata and native Hibiscus tiliaceus were the most inhabited ones (respectively, 56% and 19% of beetles). Presence of tiger beetles on these trees most probably depends on high abundance of ants, which are typical prey for arboreal Cicindelidae, while occurrence of ants can result from presence of extrafloral nectaries on different parts of the plants. This suggests a new mutualistic insect–plant interaction between native and invasive species.
Associations between biased threat interpretations, fear and avoidance of pain and pain‐linked disability in adolescent chronic pain patients
Authors: Atkinson‐Jones K. , Jacobs K. , Lau J.Y.F.
Published: January 2021

Background

Biased interpretations of ambiguous bodily threat situations characterize youth with chronic pain, and have been associated with functional disability for this population. Despite predictions by the fear‐avoidance model of chronic pain, that fear and avoidance of pain explain the association between threat perceptions and disability, this has not yet been explored in youth with chronic pain. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating these proposed relationships, in addition to the association between bodily threat interpretations and daily aspects of disability (as well as social, and emotional impairments).

Method

Sixty‐eight adolescents aged 11–18 years old with a clinical diagnosis of chronic pain completed an extended version of the Adolescent Interpretations of Bodily Threat task to assess interpretations of bodily and social threat situations, alongside measures of disability and fear and avoidance of pain.

Results

Using mediation analysis, fear and avoidance of pain statistically accounted for the relationship between negative bodily threat interpretations and functional disability. Significant associations were also demonstrated between negative bodily threat interpretations and adolescent‐reported impairments in daily, emotional and social impairments. Data revealed a significant relationship between negative social interpretations and daily functional disability.

Conclusions

Findings indicate the clinical relevance of bodily and social threat interpretations, and fear and avoidance of pain, for this population and raise further questions regarding the content‐specificity of threat interpretations.

Significance

Psychological theories of pain‐associated impact and disability point to fear and avoidance of pain, as well as information‐processing biases. Here, we present novel data showing the clinical relevance of bodily and social threat interpretations in explaining pain‐related disability amongst youth with chronic pain, potentially by shaping fear and avoidance of pain. Longitudinal designs will be required to assess these temporally sensitive mediation pathways.
Thermodynamic approach to estimating reactions and stoichiometric coefficients of anaerobic glucose and hydrogen utilization
Authors: Wresta Arini , Widyarani Rani , Boopathy Ramaraj , Setiadi Tjandra
Published: January 2021

Anaerobic digestion plays an important role in the gastrointestinal tract and in organic waste treatment. Thermodynamic analysis based on the reaction Gibbs free energy can be used to predict the favorability of some reactions occurring during anaerobic digestion. In this study, we used a thermodynamic approach to evaluating reactions and stoichiometric coefficients of the anaerobic process of in vitro rumen microbiota. The favorability of glucose, butyrate, propionate, and hydrogen utilizations was analyzed by calculating the Gibbs free energy change of each reaction. A previously published Gibbs free energy dissipation method was also used to calculate stoichiometric coefficients of the total metabolism reaction of glucose and hydrogen utilization. For glucose utilization in which the metabolism follows several different pathways, the fraction of glucose following each pathway is estimated by considering the number of electron transfer attributed throughout the catabolism reaction. Glucose utilization always occurs in the system, and the syntrophic correlation among butyrate, propionate, and hydrogen utilizations run well with propionate utilization following the alternative pathway that yields lower hydrogen. The approach applied in this research significantly reduces the stoichiometric coefficients that must be predicted in kinetic modeling. To verify the calculation result, the yield coefficients obtained were then applied in the previous mechanistic model of in vitro rumen microbiota, and the results were compared to the experimental data from literature.
A new effective stress method for nonlinear site response analyses
Authors: Chen Guoxing , Wang Yanzhen , Zhao Dingfeng , Zhao Kai , Yang Jun
Published: January 2021

A generic loosely coupled effective stress method is presented in this article for one‐, two‐ and three‐ dimensional (1D, 2D and 3D) nonlinear site response analyses. In this method, the 1D non‐Masing hysteretic constitutive model of Chen et al (2020) is extended into 2D and 3D stress conditions, by presenting a clever generalized formulation of equivalent shear strain (γeq). The element‐level simulation tests show that the proposed algorithm of γeq is conceptually simple with high precision to capture the strain reversals under complex multidirectional shakings. The coupling between the cyclic stiffness degradation and the excess pore water pressure (EPWP) generation during irregular cyclic loadings is established using the proposed algorithm of γeq in conjunction with the Chen et al (2019a) EPWP generation model and the extended non‐Masing hysteretic constitutive model. The simulations of the undrained cyclic triaxial tests using the new effective stress method reproduce excellently the observed response of the saturated sand specimens, demonstrating the ability to represent the undrained behavior of liquefiable sands during uniform cyclic loadings. The new effective stress method is then used to simulate the response of a downhole array liquefied site in Japan, which shows an excellent agreement between the simulations and the recordings in both horizontal and vertical components of ground motions at different depths.
Quartzite procurement in conglomerates and deposits: Geoarchaeological characterization of potential catchment areas in the central part of the Cantabrian Region, Spain
Authors: Prieto Alejandro , Yusta Iñaki , García‐Rojas Maite , Arrizabalaga Alvaro , Baena Preysler Javier
Published: January 2021

Raw material characterization in Paleolithic archaeology has widened our knowledge of Middle Paleolithic societies. Procurement of raw material, specifically flint, has allowed the tracing of the mobility of both stones and people, as well as selective processes to obtain specific types or even extraction activities. The analysis of quartzite has also developed in recent years, providing an opportunity to better understand prehistoric societies. This study characterizes the procurement strategies implemented by Middle Paleolithic people in the mountainous region of the Picos de Europa. To this end, we present a comprehensive characterization of potential catchment areas: massive outcrops, conglomerates, and river deposits. The exploitation of quartzite at the sites of El Habario and El Arteu allows us to understand the territorial management of this mountainous area through the combination of selective processes and mobility mechanisms in lower and middle altitudes. These perspectives enable us to view the mountainous region not as a barrier but as an environmental mosaic managed by Middle Paleolithic groups. This study shows strategies that bring together direct and embedded procurement based on both intensive and extensive searches. These discourses are more closely related to the daily life of people than those only considering the mobility of people and objects.
Factors affecting upper airway control of NSAID‐exacerbated respiratory disease: A real‐world study of 167 patients
Authors: Lyly Annina , Laulajainen‐Hongisto Anu , Turpeinen Heikki , Vento Seija I. , Myller Jyri , Numminen Jura , Sillanpää Saara , Sahlman Johanna , Kauppi Paula , Toppila‐Salmi Sanna
Published: January 2021

Background

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) exacerbated respiratory disease (N‐ERD) is a triad with asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and NSAID intolerance. Uncontrolled N‐ERD forms a major public health problem due to frequent and difficult‐to‐treat exacerbations and/or requiring putatively frequent endoscopic sinus surgeries (ESS). Our aim was to study factors affecting control of N‐ERD.

Methods

Retrospective patient record data (patient characteristics, prior sinus surgeries, follow‐up data in 2020) from 167 N‐ERD patients undergoing consultation at three tertiary hospitals from 2001 to 2017 was used. Outcome measurements reflecting uncontrolled N‐ERD were revision ESS, corticosteroids/biological therapy, and antibiotic courses during 2016–2020. Associations were analyzed by using nonparametric tests, Cox's proportional hazard, and binary logistic regression models.

Results

Nasal polyp eosinophilia increased the risk of revision surgery during the follow‐up (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.21, confidence interval 1.23–8.38). Also baseline oral corticosteroids (OCS; HR, 1.73, 1.04–2.89) and baseline surgery without total ethmoidectomy increased the risk of revision ESS (HR, 2.17, 1.07–4.42) in unadjusted models. In addition, both baseline OCS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.78, 1.23–6.26) and a history of ≥4 previous ESS (aOR, 2.15, 0.98–4.70) were associated with the use of OCS/biological therapy during the follow‐up, but not with high number of antibiotics.

Conclusions

Nasal polyp eosinophilia, baseline OCS, and a history of recurrent ESS predict uncontrolled N‐ERD. These factors might be clinically useful in risk‐estimation of uncontrolled disease and for organizing follow‐ups. Prospective cohort studies with larger sample size are needed to further study the factors affecting the upper airway control of N‐ERD.
Exploring the structural basis and atomistic binding mechanistic of the selective antagonist blockade at D3 dopamine receptor over D2 dopamine receptor
Authors: Appiah‐Kubi Patrick , Olotu Fisayo Andrew , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: January 2021

More recently, there has been a paradigm shift toward selective drug targeting in the treatment of neurological disorders, including drug addiction, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease mediated by the different dopamine receptor subtypes. Antagonists with higher selectivity for D3 dopamine receptor (D3DR) over D2 dopamine receptor (D2DR) have been shown to attenuate drug‐seeking behavior and associated side effects compared to non‐subtype selective antagonists. However, high conservations among constituent residues of both proteins, particularly at the ligand‐binding pockets, remain a challenge to therapeutic drug design. Recent studies have reported the discovery of two small‐molecules R‐VK4‐40 and Y‐QA31 which substantially inhibited D3DR with >180‐fold selectivity over D2DR. Therefore, in this study, we seek to provide molecular and structural insights into these differential binding mechanistic using meta‐analytic computational simulation methods. Findings revealed that R‐VK4‐40 and Y‐QA31 adopted shallow binding modes and were more surface‐exposed at D3DR while on the contrary, they exhibited deep hydrophobic pocket binding at D2DR. Also, two non‐conserved residues; Tyr361.39 and Ser18245.51 were identified in D3DR, based on their crucial roles and contributions to the selective binding of R‐VK4‐40 and Y‐QA31. Importantly, both antagonists exhibited high affinities in complex with D3DR compared to D2DR, while van der Waals energies contributed majorly to their binding and stability. Structural analyses also revealed the distinct stabilizing effects of both compounds on D3DR secondary architecture relative to D2DR. Therefore, findings herein pinpointed the origin and mechanistic of selectivity of the compounds, which may assist in the rational design of potential small molecules of the D2‐like dopamine family receptor subtype with improved potency and selectivity.
The propagation characteristics of rectangular waveguides filled with inhomogeneous double‐negative dielectrics using a semianalytical method
Authors: Weng Qianru , Lin Qian , Wu Haifeng
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we carry out the calculation of eigenvalues including cutoff wavenumbers and propagation constants in rectangular waveguides filled with inhomogeneous double‐negative (DNG) dielectrics whose permittivity varies along one transverse direction by using a semianalytical approach. Eigenequations for waveguides containing arbitrary continuously or discontinuously varying dielectrics are formulated by the semianalytical approach. We examine several representative inhomogeneous DNG dielectric distributions. When comparing these results with those of waveguides containing inhomogeneous double‐positive (DPS) dielectrics with same distribution profiles, we find the dielectric and geometric dependence of the cutoff wavenumbers to be quite different. Moreover, the dispersion signs of the TE/LSE modes might be changed by partially filling the waveguides with DNG dielectrics, which is caused by the opposite directions of energy transport in DPS and DNG dielectrics.
Preparative isolation of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl inhibitors from Ribes himalense using medium‐pressure and two‐dimensional reversed‐phase/reversed‐phase liquid chromatography guided by an online HPLC‐1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl assay
Authors: Liu Chuang , Lei Yuqing , Dang Jun , Wang Weidong , Zhang Jing , Mei Lijuan , Liu Zenggen , Tao Yanduo , Shao Yun
Published: January 2021

The lack of suitable chromatographic purification methods makes it a challenge to effectively isolate the chemical components of traditional Tibetan medicines. Ribes himalense is a rarely studied Tibetan medicine, reputed to have free radical‐scavenging effects. In the present work, we utilized it as a model herb to highlight an approach for the separation of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl inhibitors via medium‐pressure chromatography and two‐dimensional reversed‐phase/reversed‐phase interaction liquid chromatography under the guidance of an online high‐performance liquid chromatography‐1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl assay. Finally, we obtained two free radical inhibitors (>95% purity) from the R. himalense extract. This is the first report of the rapid isolation of these free radical inhibitors from R. himalense. This method can be useful in quality standard assessment and further pharmacological activity research, and may be used as a reference for the composition research of various natural products.
Assessing the utility and accuracy ofICD10‐CMnon‐traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage codes for intracranial aneurysm research
Authors: Roark Christopher , Wilson Melissa P. , Kubes Sheila , Mayer David , Wiley Laura K.
Published: January 2021

Background

The 10th revision of International Classification of Disease, Clinical Modification (ICD10‐CM) increased the number of codes to identify non‐traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage from 1 to 22. ICD10‐CM codes are able to specify the location of aneurysms causing subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH); however, it is not clear how frequently or accurately these codes are being used in practice.

Objective

To systematically evaluate the usage and accuracy of location‐specific ICD10‐CM codes for aSAH.

Methods

We extracted all uses of ICD10‐CM codes for non‐traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (I60.x) during the first 3 years following the implementation of ICD10‐CM from the billing module of the electronic health record (EHR) for UCHealth. For those codes that specified aSAH location (I60.0‐I60.6), EHR documentation was reviewed to determine whether there was an active aSAH, any patient history of aSAH, or unruptured intracranial aneurysm/s and the locations of those outcomes.

Results

Between 1 October 2015 and 30 September 2018, there were 3119 instances of non‐traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage ICD10‐CM codes (I60.00‐I60.9), of which 297 (9.5%) code instances identified aSAH location (I60.0‐I60.6). The usage of location‐specific codes increased from 5.7% in 2015 to 11.2% in 2018. These codes accurately identified current aSAH (64%), any patient history of aSAH (84%), and any patient history of intracranial aneurysm (87%). The accuracy of identified outcome location was 53% in current aSAH, 72% for any history of aSAH, and 76% for any history of an intracranial aneurysm.

Conclusions

Researchers should use ICD10‐CM codes with caution when attempting to detect active aSAH and/or aneurysm location.