bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Emptiness of Hardcore: Consuming Violence in Hotline: Miami
Authors: Vujanov Jovana
Published: December 2021

The article explores the challenges to (media) consumerism posed in the indie action game Hotline: Miami (Dennaton Games, 2012). Hotline deconstructs not only indulgence associated with violent gaming but also its main nostalgic interest–the cultural era of the 1980s–through a ludification of excess. I will aim to demonstrate this through an analysis of the game’s “procedural rhetoric” (Bogost) and narrative structure. Overwhelming the player’s senses with intense audiovisuals, and explicitly confronting her motivations for participating in extreme violence, the game balances the game experience between a trance-like state of indulgent overexposure and metaleptic commentary. The sensory overload is also sharply contrasted with the level of precision necessary to complete the levels, bending the adrenaline-pumping core of the gameplay towards mechanics more common in stealth-based games. The system of in-game rewards and the overall narrative structure further complicate the purposefulness of player acts, questioning the teleology of gore in gaming and subverting the conventional notion of video game violence as entertainment. As I will argue, the metaludic commentary destabilizes the game through irony, relativizing the player’s commitment to it. In so doing, it makes Hotline: Miami a prime example of “dissonant development” (Dyer-Witheford and De Peuter), a game that manages to both sweep the market and challenge its basic premises as an entertainment medium.
Transcriptional profiling of sequentially generated septal neuron fates
Authors: Turrero García Miguel , Stegmann Sarah K , Lacey Tiara E , Reid Christopher M , Hrvatin Sinisa , Weinreb Caleb , Adam Manal A , Nagy M Aurel , Harwell Corey C
Published: December 2021

The septum is a ventral forebrain structure known to regulate innate behaviors. During embryonic development, septal neurons are produced in multiple proliferative areas from neural progenitors following transcriptional programs that are still largely unknown. Here, we use a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing, histology, and genetic models to address how septal neuron diversity is established during neurogenesis. We find that the transcriptional profiles of septal progenitors change along neurogenesis, coinciding with the generation of distinct neuron types. We characterize the septal eminence, an anatomically distinct and transient proliferative zone composed of progenitors with distinctive molecular profiles, proliferative capacity, and fate potential compared to the rostral septal progenitor zone. We show that Nkx2.1-expressing septal eminence progenitors give rise to neurons belonging to at least three morphological classes, born in temporal cohorts that are distributed across different septal nuclei in a sequential fountain-like pattern. Our study provides insight into the molecular programs that control the sequential production of different neuronal types in the septum, a structure with important roles in regulating mood and motivation.
Identifying the Value of Traditional Cultural Landscape in Rural Settlements
Authors: Tırnakçı Aslıhan
Published: December 2021

The traditions, socio-economic conditions, habitational settings and the climatic factors of a society become stratified with the cultural values ​​and establish the current values of the cultural landscape. The significance of a rural landscape as cultural heritage is directly related to the existence of cultural values and cultural landscape, which constitutes the totality of the cultural values ​​should be preserved in order to ensure historical and cultural sustainability. The study area (Şavşat/Artvin, Turkey) has a rich value based on its cultural landscape and texture, given its rich biodiversity and the lifestyle of different cultures that shaped the traditional settlement. Certain routes were determined within the scope of the present study, with the aim to encompass the whole Şavşat. A method based on an inventory study was employed to analyze the 39 rural settlements and the values of the traditional cultural landscape ​​were quantified through scoring 8 parameters based on the existence or nonexistence of cultural values. The 5-point scoring was ranged as follows: very low, low, medium, high and very high. Based on this scoring, Yavuz village, Kocabey, Kirazlı, Kayadibi, Çoraklı, Şavşat Center, Ilıca, Maden were found have high, Cevizli, Maden, Köprülü and Çağlayan were found to have very high values for the cultural landscape. Consequently, it was indicated that identifying the values of the traditional cultural landscape through the scoring system based on the existence and nonexistence of cultural values with respect to certain parameters could contribute to the literature. It was considered that the findings of the present study could provide an important database in the regional/sub-regional scale for the conservation of cultural values with natural landscape resources and conveying these values to future generations.
A Study of Philosophical Theory and Educational Science of Insights on Ethics, Values, Characters, and Morals rooted into the Islamic and Contemporary Western Perspectives
Authors: Muhammed-Shittu Abdul-Rahman Balogun
Published: December 2021

The present article addresses the necessity for entrenching characters, morals, values, and ethical education in science teaching and science education. It explains the argument and rationale, and buttresses ethics, values, and nurturing of morals in students through a modified curriculum science education and describes their benefits to humanity. Additionally, the study discusses the rapidness of technological advancements, science, and globalization that are influencing the complications of human social life and underpinning the level of values, ethics, and morality in education and teaching sciences. Analyses and syntheses are presented to the pedagogical and philosophical questions related to the above-mentioned themes, as it may assist in conceptualizing and uttering a solid theoretical outline for the enhancement of school curricula. A proportional analysis in view of the philosophical, the collective Islamic moral education and values and hypothetical foundation of contemporary Western ethical education is outlined to generate and extend maximum academic benefits and to establish a supplemented theoretical background of character education and moral which may contribute to global acceptability of the character education and moral theoretical framework in Western.
Identification and pathogenicity of Alternaria species associated with leaf blotch disease and premature defoliation in French apple orchards
Authors: Fontaine Kévin , Fourrier-Jeandel Céline , Armitage Andrew D. , Boutigny Anne-Laure , Crépet Manuela , Caffier Valérie , Gnide Dossi Carine , Shiller Jason , Le Cam Bruno , Giraud Michel , Ioos Renaud , Aguayo Jaime
Published: December 2021

Leaf blotch caused by Alternaria spp. is a common disease in apple-producing regions. The disease is usually associated with one phylogenetic species and one species complex, Alternaria alternata and the Alternaria arborescens species complex (A. arborescens SC), respectively. Both taxa may include the Alternaria apple pathotype, a quarantine or regulated pathogen in several countries. The apple pathotype is characterized by the production of a host-selective toxin (HST) which is involved in pathogenicity towards the apple. A cluster of genes located on conditionally dispensable chromosomes (CDCs) is involved in the production of this HST (namely AMT in the case of the apple pathotype). Since 2016, leaf blotch and premature tree defoliation attributed to Alternaria spp. have been observed in apple-producing regions of central and south-eastern France. Our study aimed to identify the Alternaria species involved in apple tree defoliation and assess the presence of the apple pathotype in French orchards. From 2016 to 2018, 166 isolates were collected and identified by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). This analysis revealed that all these French isolates belonged to either the A. arborescens SC or A. alternata. Specific PCR detection targeting three genes located on the CDC did not indicate the presence of the apple pathotype in France. Pathogenicity was assessed under laboratory conditions on detached leaves of Golden Delicious and Gala apple cultivars for a representative subset of 28 Alternaria isolates. All the tested isolates were pathogenic on detached leaves of cultivars Golden Delicious and Gala, but no differences were observed between the pathogenicity levels of A. arborescens SC and A. alternata. However, the results of our pathogenicity test suggest that cultivar Golden Delicious is more susceptible than Gala to Alternaria leaf blotch. Implications in the detection of the Alternaria apple pathotype and the taxonomic assignment of Alternaria isolates involved in Alternaria leaf blotch are discussed.
Evaluation of the Chemical Quality of Milk Powder Sold in Open Markets in Aba, Abia Atate, Nigeria
Authors: Elekwachi O. E. , Asinobi C. O. , Afam-Anene O. C.
Published: December 2021

Background: Cow's milk is frequently recognized as the most nearly perfect nourishment for humans [1]. On the one hand, its tremendous nutritional value could affect human health [2]. Milk, on the other hand, is an ideal microbial culture medium [3] and is easily contaminated [1]. Milk quality and safety are commonly causes of anxiety because milk quality can be compromised during processing, shipping, storage, and marketing [4], particularly in underdeveloped nations with ineffective quality monitoring. Furthermore, uniformed traders expose milk to adverse environmental conditions due to ignorance.

Objective: This study investigated some chemical parameters of milk powder sold in Aba market.

Materials and Methods: A total of six (6) brands of milk powder, namely: Peak, Three Crown, Loyal, Cow Bell, Jago, and Dano milk, packaged in affordable sachets, were purchased from the new market (Abia Ohuru) in Aba town, Abia State. The samples were emptied from the sachet into sterile plastic containers, coded, sealed and transported to the laboratory immediately for analysis. Proximate, mineral, and vitamin compositions were determined using standard methods. ANOVA was used to separate the means and a significant difference was judged at p<0.05.

Results: The obtained values for almost all parameters were not significantly different (p) among the samples examined. However, the obtained values were slightly lower than the values written on the labels. The obtained values and the values on the labels were not significantly different from the CODEX Alimentarius and NFDAC set standards for milk powder, except for vitamin A values for almost all the samples.

Conclusion:  The quality of milk powder sold in the Aba market can be considered to be good enough for human consumption, although slight quality degradation was found in protein, carbohydrates, fat, and especially in the vitamin A and B content of the samples. Exposure to harsh conditions during storage and retailing processes could be a possible reason.

Recommendations:  Strict and legal measures should be adopted to ensure that the quality and safety of milk in the open markets is preserved.
Delicious to the Last Piece: Why Ectoparasite Prefer Human Skin
Authors: Siagian Forman Erwin , Maryanti Esy
Published: December 2021

The interaction of ectoparasite in correlation to its host’s skin is important. The extent of interaction somewhat makes these parasites able to survive in the harsh conditon of the host’s skin. Their existence mostly in the context of gaining their nutrition and perhaps continue its regeneration.  Because these diseases caused by ectoparasite are easility transmitted, widespread, and the state of polyparasitism is often took place in a single vulnerable host, and significant primary and secondary morbidity and or complication occurs, which can worsen the course of the inital disease. This minireview aim to discuss about the interlinkage of some EPSD agents in correlation to its host’s skin, their interaction and what makes these endoparasites able to survive in the skin in the context of gaining their nutrition.
Effect of Stretching and Strengthening Protocol on Forward Flexed Posture in Post-Menopausal Women
Authors: Sahasrabuddhe Sharvari , B. Shinde Sandeep , Ghadage Pradnya P.
Published: December 2021

Background: Forward flexed posture is one of the most common structural change which occurs during menopause due to osteoporosis. Stretching and strengthening of cervical and thoracic spine muscles helps to alter the postural changes and maintain COG. This study thus, aims to see the effectiveness of the structured exercise protocol in post-menopausal women.

Aims and Objective: To study the effectiveness of supervised and non-supervised stretching and strengthening protocol in post-menopausal women with forward posture.

Materials and Methods: A total 40post-menopausal women with forward head posture were selected on the basis of selection criteria. They were randomly allocated in two groups A) Supervised Group= 20, B) Unsupervised Group=20 each. Forward flexed posture was assessed using Occiput to Wall Test and Craniovertebral Angle. Treatment was explained to both the groups. The pre and post measurements of the participants were recorded.

Results: Statistical analysis was performed using the unpaired t test. Occiput to wall test and craniovertebral angle were used as the outcome measures for determining the effect of stretching and strengthening on forward neck posture. Comparing the pre-intervention and post-intervention values of occiput to wall test, a significant difference was seen following administration of protocol (p<0.0001). For craniovertebral angle, a significant difference was seen between pre-intervention and post-intervention values (p<0.0001). Also, it was seen that there was a significantly higher difference in the values of craniovertebral angle and occiput to wall test values in the supervised groups as compared to the unsupervised group.

Conclusion: The current study demonstrated the effect of stretching and strengthening exercise in improving postural kyphosis in post-menopausal women. In addition, all variables of interest showed statistically significant post-treatment improvements in supervised group than unsupervised group.
A singular perturbation based adaptive strategy for bounded controller design in feedback linearizable systems
Authors: Mohan Rayguru Madan , Ramalingam Balakrishnan , Rajesh Elara Mohan
Published: December 2021

The saturation of actuators is a critical issue in numerous industrial and robotic applications. The article presents a singular perturbation based adaptive control technique for solving the tracking problem in uncertain feedback linearizable systems. A high gain dynamic controller technique is utilized to enforce time scale separation and facilitating dynamic inversion. The resulting closed loop singularly perturbed system is proved to be partially contracting, and the existence of a unique isolated slow manifold is assured via contraction technique. The parameter adaptation ensures uncertainties compensation and subsequently bounded tracking performance. Further, the technique is extended for multi input multi output systems like mobile robots. The numerical simulations present the usability of the proposed methodology and its effectiveness.
Novel adaptive controller design for a class of switched nonlinear systems subject to input delay using multi‐dimensional Taylor network
Authors: He Wen‐Jing , Han Yu‐Qun , Li Na , Zhu Shan‐Liang
Published: December 2021

For the tracking control problem of a class of switched nonlinear systems with input delay, this article proposes an adaptive tracking control scheme based on multi‐dimensional Taylor network (MTN) approach. First, Padé approximation and Laplace transform are employed to overcome the problem of input delay, and a new variable is introduced. Second, the MTNs are used to approximate the uncertain nonlinear structures in the process of controller design via backstepping. The results show that the controller designed in this article can keep all the signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded, meanwhile, the output tracking error can be converged to arbitrarily small. It should be pointed out that MTN‐based approach is applied to switched nonlinear systems subject to input delay for the first time. Finally, three examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Modified Embedded‐Atom Method Potentials for the Plasticity and Fracture Behaviors of Unary HCP Metals
Authors: Chen Shuai , Aitken Zachary H. , Sorkin Viacheslav , Yu Zhi Gen , Wu Zhaoxuan , Zhang Yong‐Wei
Published: December 2021

Modified embedded‐atom method (MEAM) potentials have been widely used in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to describe the interatomic interactions in metallic systems. However, conventional MEAM potentials are almost exclusively fit to a limited number of key single‐value properties, limiting the predictability of MD simulations, especially for complex hexagonal‐close‐packed (HCP) metals with multiple slip systems. Here, three MEAM potentials for unary HCP metals (Mg, Co, and Ti) are fit to conventional target properties, as well as continuous‐energy curves and their gradients obtained from density‐functional theory calculations. These targets include the lattice parameters, cohesive energy, elastic constants, and surface energies as well as the cohesive energy curve, basal plane decohesion energy curve, and generalized stacking fault energy curves for basal, prismatic, pyramidal I, and pyramidal II planes. These interatomic potentials demonstrate excellent reproduction of relevant properties and enable accurate MD simulations of volumetric and plastic deformations, as well as fracture in Mg, Co, and Ti HCP metals. Importantly, the interatomic potentials demonstrate better performance than all existing EAM/MEAM potentials readily available from the literature.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and the sirtuins caution: Pro‐cancer functions
Authors: Palmer Raymond D. , Vaccarezza Mauro
Published: December 2021

This scoping review aims to perform a brief but comprehensive assessment of existing peer‐reviewed literature and determine whether raising nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide can prevent or promote tumorigenesis. The examination of extensive peer‐reviewed data regarding the synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide has been performed with a focus on nuclear dynamics and the deoxyribose nucleic acid repair pathway. Various enzymatic protective functions have been identified from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels, as well as the threat role that is also explored. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide precursors and sirtuin‐activating compounds are becoming ubiquitous in the commercial market. Further research into whether elevating levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or overexpression of sirtuins can increase the potential for neoplasm or other age‐related pathophysiology is warranted due to the high energy requirements of certain diseases such as cancer.
Dental remains of the Middle Pleistocene hominins from the Sima de los Huesos site (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain): Mandibular dentition
Authors: Bermúdez de Castro José María , Martínez de Pinillos Marina , Martín‐Francés Laura , Modesto‐Mata Mario , García‐Campos Cecilia , Arsuaga Juan Luis , Martinón‐Torres María
Published: December 2021

The Middle Pleistocene site of the Sima de los Huesos (Sierra de Atapuerca, northern Spain) has yielded a considerable number of human fossils during the period 1984–2020. Among them, up to 314 mandibular teeth have been identified. In this second paper dedicated to the dentition we present the description of the eight dental classes of the mandible following the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS) classification. In addition, we show the mean mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters obtained in these teeth compared to those of Neanderthals and a modern human sample. The morphology of both the anterior and posterior teeth suggests a close relationship of the Sima de los Huesos hominins with the populations of the second half of the Middle Pleistocene of Europe and the Near East, as well as with the so‐called classic Neanderthals of Europe. The combination of dental traits in these populations is characteristic and diagnostic and suggests grouping the Sima de los Huesos hominins with the other paleodemes in a Neanderthal clade. The dental evidence of the Sima de los Huesos hominins is key to propose a complex model for the settlement of Europe during the Middle Pleistocene. In this period, different migrations of human groups probably coming from Southwest Asia, replacements, prolonged isolations, as well as hybridization and introgression processes would have contributed to the diversity of hominins in Europe.
Made for students, by students: Integrating former‐student voices into a de‐densified biochemistry laboratory
Authors: Kong Sunnie , Kumta Shruti , Vardar‐Ulu Didem
Published: December 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic emphasized the importance of peer communication networks for student outcomes. Herein, we describe the use of supplemental instructional videos created by former students and integrated into electronic lab notebooks, to restore the lost community‐learning component using student voices in a de‐densified upper‐division biochemistry laboratory.
A Critical Review on the Properties of Intermetallic Compounds and Their Application in the Modern Manufacturing
Authors: Paul Amrit R. , Mukherjee Manidipto , Singh Dilpreet
Published: December 2021

Advancement in modern manufacturing processes is allowing researchers to develop new alloy configurations for different applications to reduce weight and increase efficiency. Many alloy combinations are produced that randomly generate different phases of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in the structure during manufacturing which show unique mechanical and chemical properties. But, the fundamental knowledge of different IMCs is scattered across the material research domain. Thus, in this review, the crystal structures of IMCs are thoroughly discussed which are having structural and functional applications. Furthermore, the issues associated with the dissimilar Fe‐Al, Fe‐Ni, and Ni‐Al systems via modern manufacturing processes such as arc additive manufacturing have been discussed. Moreover, detailed knowledge of ferro‐nickel, nickel‐aluminides, and ferro‐aluminides formed at the interface during the dissimilar deposition in modern manufacturing is provided. Currently, a few transition metal IMCs and some Heusler alloys, are the most promising and are used in applications. The addition of a third alloying element provides the broadening effect on the phase domain of a specific IMC. Furthermore, it has been observed that modern manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing and others are new and advanced manufacturing technologies used for dissimilar metal deposition, which can control the IMCs in a more favorable direction.
Uric acid levels in adult patients with severe eating disorders
Authors: Watters Ashlie , Johnson Richard J. , Bauschka Maryrose , Oakes Judy , Kelley Marina , Mehler Philip S.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate serum uric acid (UA) levels in patients with extreme forms of eating disorders, at admission and discharge, following weeks of nutritional rehabilitation and weight restoration.

Method

This observational study enrolled 160 patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa restricting subtype (AN‐R), AN binge‐purge subtype (AN‐BP), or avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Serum UA levels were drawn on admission and discharge.

Results

Most of the cohorts were admitted with serum UA levels on the lower end of normal. Mean serum uric level for women was 4.3 mg/dl (SD: 2.3). Patients diagnosed with AN‐BP had significantly higher UA levels on admission compared to patients with AN‐R and ARFID; p < .0001, η2 = 0.13. High UA levels positively correlated with purging and admission serum blood urea nitrogen (r = .5, p = .009).

Discussion

Serum UA levels tended to be in the low‐normal range in most patients with severe AN‐R, but not in AN‐BP. However, levels did increase with nutritional intake and weight gain. There may be clinical value in checking UA levels on admission for patients with eating disorders.
Microbiome diversity and reproductive incompatibility induced by the prevalent endosymbiont Arsenophonus in two species of African cassava Bemisia tabaci whiteflies
Authors: El Hamss Hajar , Ghosh Saptarshi , Maruthi M. N. , Delatte Hélène , Colvin John
Published: December 2021

A minimum of 13 diverse whitefly species belonging to the Bemisia tabaci (B. tabaci) species complex are known to infest cassava crops in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), designated as SSA1‐13. Of these, the SSA1 and SSA2 are the predominant species colonizing cassava crops in East Africa. The SSA species of B. tabaci harbor diverse bacterial endosymbionts, many of which are known to manipulate insect reproduction. One such symbiont, Arsenophonus, is known to drive its spread by inducing reproductive incompatibility in its insect host and are abundant in SSA species of B. tabaci. However, whether Arsenophonus affects the reproduction of SSA species is unknown. In this study, we investigated both the reproductive compatibility between Arsenophonus infected and uninfected whiteflies by inter‐/intraspecific crossing experiments involving the sub‐group three haplotypes of the SSA1 (SSA1‐SG3), SSA2 species, and their microbial diversity. The number of eggs, nymphs, progenies produced, hatching rate, and survival rate were recorded for each cross. In intra‐specific crossing trials, both male and female progenies were produced and thus demonstrated no reproductive incompatibility. However, the total number of eggs laid, nymphs hatched, and the emerged females were low in the intra‐species crosses of SSA1‐SG3A+, indicating the negative effect of Arsenophonus on whitefly fitness. In contrast, the inter‐species crosses between the SSA1‐SG3 and SSA2 produced no female progeny and thus demonstrated reproductive incompatibility. The relative frequency of other bacteria colonizing the whiteflies was also investigated using Illumina sequencing of 16S rDNA and diversity indices were recorded. Overall, SSA1‐SG3 and SSA2 harbored high microbial diversity with more than 137 bacteria discovered. These results described for the first time the microbiome diversity and the reproductive behaviors of intra‐/inter‐species of Arsenophonus in whitefly reproduction, which is crucial for understanding the invasion abilities of cassava whiteflies.
Uncertainty and disagreement of inflation expectations: Evidence from household‐level qualitative survey responses
Authors: Zhao Yongchen
Published: December 2021

We propose a procedure that jointly estimates expectation, uncertainty, and disagreement using a flexible hierarchical ordered response model and individual‐level qualitative data. Based on the Michigan survey of US consumers, our results reveal how their inflation expectations and the associated uncertainty are affected by various factors, including their perceptions of economic conditions, recollections of relevant news reports, and sociodemographic characteristics. An examination of the dynamics of inflation uncertainty and disagreement produces evidence in support of using the latter as a proxy of the former. However, our results also highlight important episodes (such as the start of the COVID pandemic) in which the two series diverge.
Effects of Allium mongolicum Regel and its extracts on the quality of fermented mutton sausages
Authors: Zhao Lihua , Sun Xueying , Wu Jing , Su Lin , Yang Fan , Jin Ye , Zhang Meizhi , Ao Changjin
Published: December 2021

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR) and its water‐ and fat‐soluble extracts on the quality of fermented mutton sausages. Sausages were produced with mutton and fat. Four treatments: CO, without Allium mongolicum Regel and its extracts, used as control; AMR with Allium mongolicum Regel; AWE with water‐soluble extract of Allium mongolicum Regel; and AFE with liposoluble extract from Allium mongolicum Regel, were produced and analyzed for pH, water activity (aw), free amino acids, fatty acids, and volatiles were, respectively, in fermented mutton sausages during processing (0, 2, 5, and 7 days). The results showed that the pH values of the liposoluble extract from Allium mongolicum Regel (AFE), respectively, are lower than that of sample CO at the end of fermentation and ripening. The aw in all group of sausages significantly dropped to 0.88 at the end of ripening (Day 7). Adding Allium mongolicum Regel and its water‐soluble extract can improve the serine (SER) content of fermented mutton sausage. The contents of five essential amino acids (EAA) were added when adding Allium mongolicum Regel and its fat‐soluble extract. The total fatty acid (TFA) in the treatments increased during drying and ripening. The addition of Allium mongolicum Regel and its extract can increase the content of volatile flavor substances such as 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone, 3‐methylbutyraldehyde, hexanal, octanal, and nonanal at the later stage of maturity, so as to improve the flavor substances in fermented mutton sausage. Water‐soluble extract of Allium mongolicum Regel (AWE) and AFE treatments had more intense flavor at the end of ripening (Day 7). The flavor of fermented mutton sausage can be improved by adding Allium mongolicum Regel and its extracts into fermented mutton sausage.
Self‐sampling as the principal modality for population based cervical screening: Five‐year follow‐up of the PaVDaG study
Authors: Stanczuk Grazyna A. , Currie Heather , Forson William , Baxter Gwendoline , Lawrence James , Wilson Allan , Palmer Timothy , Arbyn Marc , Cuschieri Kate
Published: December 2021

Self‐sampling provides a powerful means to engage women in cervical screening. In the original Papillomavirus Dumfries and Galloway study (PaVDaG), we demonstrated cross‐sectional similarity of high‐risk human papillomavirus (Hr‐HPV) testing on self‐taken vaginal vs clinician‐taken samples for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or worse (CIN2+). Few data exist on the longitudinal performance of self‐sampling; we present longitudinal outcomes of PaVDaG. Routinely screened women provided a self‐taken and a clinician‐collected sample. Ninety‐one percent of 5136 women from the original cohort completed a further screening round. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and complement of the negative predictive value of the Hr‐HPV test on self‐samples for detection of CIN2+ and CIN3+ up‐to 5 years after testing were determined. Additionally, clinical accuracy of Hr‐HPV testing on vaginal and clinician‐collected samples was assessed. A total of 183 CIN2+ and 102 CIN3+ lesions were diagnosed during follow‐up. Risk of CIN2+ and CIN3+ following an Hr‐HPV negative self‐sample was 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively, for up to 5 years after testing. The relative sensitivity for CIN3+ and specificity for ≤CIN1 of Hr‐HPV testing on self‐taken specimens was slightly lower vs clinician‐collected samples: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.90‐0.99; PMcN = .0625) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.95‐1.00; PMcN = <.0000), respectively. The low risk of CIN2+ in women with Hr‐HPV—self‐sample(s) suggests, that the 3 to 5‐year recall interval implemented in several cervical screening settings, based on clinician‐taken samples, may be safe for self‐samples. Future assessment will show if “universal” 5‐year screening is appropriate for programs based on self‐sampling.
Centralizing the voices of queer womxn of color in counseling
Authors: Reyes Ana G. , Lindo Natalya A. , Allen Nicole , Rodríguez Delgado Mónica
Published: December 2021

This participatory action research study explored queer womxn of color's (QWoC) experiences of microaggressions in counseling. Due to the multifaceted and complex experiences of QWoC, this study was informed by intersectionality theory and utilized photovoice methodology to explore QWoC's experiences of microaggressions in counseling. The seven QWoC who participated in this study provided portrayals of their experience of microaggressions in counseling. Five major themes were prominent in their photographs and narratives: (a) counseling as a tool of oppression, (b) impact of oppression in counseling, (c) strategies for survival, (d) healing for QWoC, and (e) the power of sharing mi historia. Overall, co‐researchers provided insight into their experiences of oppression in counseling, while highlighting clinical and research practices that may be healing and liberatory for QWoC. Additionally, implications and conclusions drawn from the experiences of co‐researchers provide recommendations for counselors working with QWoC.
LncRNA UCA1, miR‐26a, and miR‐195 in coronary heart disease patients: Correlation with stenosis degree, cholesterol levels, inflammatory cytokines, and cell adhesion molecules
Authors: Li Jie , Chen Zhisong , Wang Xiaoyan , Song Haoming
Published: December 2021

Background

Long noncoding RNA urothelial cancer‐associated 1 (lnc‐UCA1) targets microRNA‐26a (miR‐26a) and microRNA‐195 (miR‐195) to participate in coronary heart disease (CHD) progression via regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell and microvascular endothelial cell viability and mobility. Therefore, this study set out to further explore the relationship between lnc‐UCA1 and miR‐26a and miR‐195, along with their roles in the management of patients with CHD.

Methods

One hundred and thirty‐six CHD patients and 70 age‐/gender‐matched controls were recruited in this case‐control study. Their peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples were collected for lnc‐UCA1, miR‐26a, and miR‐195 measurement. Furthermore, serum samples from CHD patients were obtained for inflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules measurement. The Gensini score was used to evaluate the stenosis severity in CHD patients.

Results

Lnc‐UCA1 expression tend to be increased, while miR‐26a and miR‐195 expressions were reduced in patients with CHD compared to that of controls (all p < 0.001). In CHD patients, lnc‐UCA1 was negatively correlated with miR‐26a (p < 0.001) and miR‐195 (p = 0.014). Besides, lnc‐UCA1 was positively correlated with Gensini score (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p = 0.019), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.002), and C‐reactive protein (p < 0.001), while miR‐26a (p < 0.001) and miR‐195 (p = 0.002) were negatively correlated with Gensini score. What's more, lnc‐UCA1 was positively correlated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α (p = 0.004), interleukin (IL)‐1β (p = 0.041), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) (p = 0.010), and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) (p < 0.001). While miR‐26a was negatively correlated with some of the individual inflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules.

Conclusion

Lnc‐UCA1, miR‐26a, and miR‐195 may serve as potential biomarkers for CHD management.
Association between lipoprotein (a) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction development
Authors: Wu Baoquan , Zhang Zhiling , Long Juan , Zhao Hanjun , Zeng Fanfang
Published: December 2021

Background

The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between baseline serum lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] level and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) development.

Methods

This was a retrospective study, and participants were enrolled from the outpatient clinic. All data were extracted from the electronic health record of the outpatient clinic system. The follow‐up was performed through reviewing the clinical notes at the outpatient clinic system, and study outcome of the current study was the first diagnosis of HFrEF. Participants were divided into low Lp(a) (<30 mg/dl, n = 336) and high Lp(a) (≥30 mg/dl, n = 584) groups.

Results

Individuals in the high Lp(a) group were more likely to be men and have diabetes mellitus (DM) and dyslipidemia. Increased Lp(a) at baseline was positively associated with serum N‐terminal pro‐B natriuretic peptide level while negatively associated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at follow‐up. After adjusting for covariates, per 10 mg/dl increase in baseline Lp(a) remained significantly associated with HFrEF, with odds ratio of 1.17 (95% confidence interval of 1.05, 1.46). The magnitude of association between baseline Lp(a) level and HFrEF was greater in men and in individuals with DM or coronary heart disease (CHD), while it was weaker in individuals treated with beta‐blocker at baseline.

Conclusion

Increased Lp(a) at baseline was associated with HFrEF development. The adverse effects of Lp(a) were greater on men and individuals with DM or CHD, which were mitigated by beta‐blocker therapy. These findings together underscore the possibility and usefulness of Lp(a) as a new risk factor to predict HFrEF.
Are compacted tramlines underestimated features in soil erosion modeling? A catchment‐scale analysis using a process‐based soil erosion model
Authors: Saggau Philipp , Kuhwald Michael , Hamer Wolfgang Berengar , Duttmann Rainer
Published: December 2021

Process‐based model ling has long been used as a well‐suited tool to simulate soil erosion. Despite a large number of scientific articles that emphasize the role of compacted tramlines for soil erosion and surficial nutrient transport, no study exists that integrates these artificial structures into process‐based modelling at catchment scales. Thus, this study aims to quantify the effects of tramline compaction on soil erosion dynamics within a catchment. For this reason, high‐resolution spatial data (1 × 1 m) have been incorporated into the model EROSION 3D, which was used, calibrated, and tested for a soil erosion event with measured discharge and soil loss data. To quantify the contribution of tramlines to soil erosion, two different model parameterizations have been used: the tramline parameterization (TLP) and the common model parameterization (CP) that disregards the tramlines. The results reveal that: (i) the parameterization of tramlines improved model outcomes; (ii) tramlines significantly contribute to overall soil loss and sediment entrance into the channel network; (iii) the bulk density of tramlines is the most important driver of increases in soil erosion and runoff. Moreover, our investigation suggests that the impact of compacted tramlines have long been underestimated in soil erosion modelling and can assist in the assessment of surficial flow path connectivity. Thus, the integration of tramlines into soil erosion modeling is important for the implementation of adequate soil conservation and water protection measures.
Impulsive fishery resource transporting strategies based on an open‐ended stochastic growth model having a latent variable
Authors: Yoshioka Hidekazu , Tanaka Tomomi , Aranishi Futoshi , Tsujimura Motoh , Yoshioka Yumi
Published: December 2021

In inland fisheries, transporting fishery resource individuals from a habitat to spatially apart habitat(s) has recently been considered for fisheries stock management in the natural environment. However, its mathematical optimization, especially finding when and how much of the population should be transported, is still a fundamental unresolved issue. We propose a new impulse control framework to tackle this issue based on a simple but new stochastic growth model of individual fishes. The novel growth model governing individuals' body weights uses a Wright–Fisher model as a latent driver to reproduce plausible growth dynamics. The optimization problem is formulated as an impulse control problem of a cost–benefit functional constrained by a degenerate parabolic Fokker–Planck equation of the stochastic growth dynamics. Because the growth dynamics have an observable variable and an unobservable variable (a variable difficult or impossible to observe), we consider both full‐information and partial‐information cases. The latter is more involved but more realistic because of not explicitly using the unobservable variable in designing the controls. In both cases, resolving an optimization problem reduces to solving the associated Fokker–Planck and its adjoint equations, the latter being nontrivial. We present a derivation procedure of the adjoint equation and its internal boundary conditions in time to efficiently derive the optimal transporting strategy. We finally provide a demonstrative computational example of a transporting problem of Ayu sweetfish Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis based on the latest real data set.
Lumineszenzmessungen ‐‐Standards und die Vergleichbarkeit der Ergebnisse
Authors: Pauli Jutta , Güttler Arne , Richter Maria , Würth Christian , Resch‐Genger Ute
Published: December 2021

Um Fluoreszenzspektren oder ‐bilder aus verschiedenen Geräten zu vergleichen, sind gerätespezifische Einflüsse zu korrigieren. Werkzeuge dafür sind Fluoreszenzstandards, die je nach Messtechnik als Lösungen oder als Feststoff in verschiedenen Formaten vorliegen können.
Blickpunkt Anorganik: Was ein Einzelnes vermag ‐‐ Single Atom Catalysts
Authors: Flecken Franziska , Hanf Schirin
Published: December 2021

Da Metalle wie Osmium rarer und somit teuer sind als Metalle wie Aluminium, versuchen Forscher, Katalysatoren mit geringen Metallanteilen zu entwickeln, die die gleiche katalytische Aktivität haben. Ein Ergebnis sind Einzelatomkatalysatoren.
The power prior with multiple historical controls for the linear regression model
Authors: Banbeta Akalu , Lesaffre Emmanuel , van Rosmalen Joost
Published: December 2021

Combining historical control data with current control data may reduce the necessary study size of a clinical trial. However, this only applies when the historical control data are similar enough to the current control data. Several Bayesian approaches for incorporating historical data in a dynamic way have been proposed, such as the meta‐analytic‐predictive (MAP) prior and the modified power prior (MPP). Here we discuss the generalization of the MPP approach for multiple historical control groups for the linear regression model. This approach is useful when the controls differ more than in a random way, but become again (approximately) exchangeable conditional on covariates. The proposed approach builds on the approach previously developed for binary outcomes by some of the current authors. Two MPP approaches have been developed with multiple controls. The first approach assumes independent powers, while in the second approach the powers have a hierarchical structure. We conducted several simulation studies to investigate the frequentist characteristics of borrowing methods and analyze a real‐life data set. When there is between‐study variation in the slopes of the model or in the covariate distributions, the MPP approach achieves approximately nominal type I error rates and greater power than the MAP prior, provided that the covariates are included in the model. When the intercepts vary, the MPP yields a slightly inflated type I error rate, whereas the MAP does not. We conclude that our approach is a worthy competitor to the MAP approach for the linear regression case.
Unusual In‐Situ Preorganization and Postoxidation Steps Observed in Diels‐Alder Reactions of Styrylcyclohexene Dienes
Authors: Abaee M. Saeed , Mohammadi Mohadesseh , Mansoori Atiyeh , Mojtahedi Mohammad M. , Pirouz Maryam , Halvagar Mohammad R.
Published: December 2021

Unusual products were obtained from cycloadditions reactions of two series of styrylcyclohexene dienes with dienophiles maleic anhydride and N‐phenylmaleimide. Experimental studies revealed that various dienes 3 underwent an initial in‐situ dehydration/double bond rearrangement prior to cycloaddition with maleic anhydride to give products 5 in 78–88 % yields. Alternatively, the cycloadducts of the reactions of 4 with N‐phenylmaleimide were hydoxylated stereoselectively in the same pot to give products 7, along with the usual adducts 6 in 83–89 % yields. Further, the reactions of the diene 4 with the dienophile dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate were also studied, leading to the formation of the respective adducts 10 in 72–81 % yields. The stereochemistry of the new products was assigned based on their spectroscopic data and, in some cases, with X‐ray crystallography experiments.
Novel Routes for the Synthesis of a Thermoresponsive Polymer: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Lateef Shafia , Ganaie Nadeem Bashir , Peerzada Ghulam Mustafa
Published: December 2021

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) is a thermosensitive polymer which undergoes coil to globule transition in which chains collapse and aggregate when passing to and above lower critical solution temperature (LCST). This property of the polymer is due to its unique structure. The synthesis of thermosensitive polymer Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) by novel and eco‐friendly routes has been reported in this work. The synthetic routes adapted are microwave method and a nonlinear chemical oscillator. In both of these methods, chemistry of polymerisation takes place in a single pot involving less toxic end products. To evolve a comparative trend conventional method was also used as a standard. Based on this, the mechanism for the synthesis of thermosensitive polymer was also proposed. It is found that the above mentioned nonconventional methods of synthesis have advantages over the conventional method in terms of the time of reaction and yield. The polymers synthesized by different routes were then characterised by different techniques which confirmed their thermosensitive behaviour and other properties.
Studies on Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, Efflux Pump Inhibiting, and ADMET Properties of Newly Synthesized 1,3,4‐Thiadiazole Derivatives**
Authors: Zurnacı Merve , Şenturan Merve , Şener Nesrin , Gür Mahmut , Altınöz Eda , Şener İzzet , Altuner Ergin Murat
Published: December 2021

The novel compounds bearing 1,3,4‐thiadiazole moiety were obtained and their structures were identified using FT‐IR, NMR methods, elemental, and mass analysis. UV‐Vis and fluorescence spectra were obtained in six different polarity solvents. In addition, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and the efflux pump inhibiting activities of the new compounds on K. pneumoniae, methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), E. coli, and C. albicans were investigated. Furthermore, druglikeness and ADMET properties of the compounds were determined. As a result, it was observed that some of the derivatives presented antimicrobial activity against K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, and C. albicans. But the MBC/MFC test showed that all the activities were bacteriostatic. In addition, these derivatives have the potential of using both inhibiting and activating biofilm formation depending on the concentration. 1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives also presented good efflux pump inhibition in K. pneumoniae and E. coli. ADMET tests showed that 1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives have the potential of being used as therapeutic compounds.
Silver‐Mediated Conversion of Alcohols to Carbonates with Dialkylazodicarboxylate
Authors: Raval Hiten B. , Bedekar Ashutosh V.
Published: December 2021

Conversion of alcohols to carbonate was observed under the mild conditions of Mitsunobu reaction in presence of silver salt. An investigation is undertaken to explore this unexpected observation, where the presence of DEAD (Diethylazodicarboxylate) and silver salt is essential, while Ph3P is not required. The formation of carbonate is stereospecific, follows with retention of configuration; iso‐propyl carbonate is formed when DIPAD (Diisopropylazodicarboxylate) is used. The method is extended for several examples of alcohols, while it doesn't works for phenols.