bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired mRNA splicing and proteostasis in preadipocytes in obesity-related metabolic disease
Authors: Sánchez-Ceinos Julia , Guzmán-Ruiz Rocío , Rangel-Zúñiga Oriol Alberto , López-Alcalá Jaime , Moreno-Caño Elena , Del Río-Moreno Mercedes , Romero-Cabrera Juan Luis , Pérez-Martínez Pablo , Maymo-Masip Elsa , Vendrell Joan , Fernández-Veledo Sonia , Fernández-Real José Manuel , Laurencikiene Jurga , Rydén Mikael , Membrives Antonio , Luque Raul M , López-Miranda José , Malagón María M
Published: September 2021

Preadipocytes are crucial for healthy adipose tissue expansion. Preadipocyte differentiation is altered in obese individuals, which has been proposed to contribute to obesity-associated metabolic disturbances. Here, we aimed at identifying the pathogenic processes underlying impaired adipocyte differentiation in obese individuals with insulin resistance (IR)/type 2 diabetes (T2D). We report that down-regulation of a key member of the major spliceosome, PRFP8/PRP8, as observed in IR/T2D preadipocytes from subcutaneous (SC) fat, prevented adipogenesis by altering both the expression and splicing patterns of adipogenic transcription factors and lipid droplet-related proteins, while adipocyte differentiation was restored upon recovery of PRFP8/PRP8 normal levels. Adipocyte differentiation was also compromised under conditions of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated protein degradation (ERAD) hyperactivation, as occurs in SC and omental (OM) preadipocytes in IR/T2D obesity. Thus, targeting mRNA splicing and ER proteostasis in preadipocytes could improve adipose tissue function and thus contribute to metabolic health in obese individuals.
Det tekstilfaglege i endring 1994-2017
Authors: Kvellestad Randi Veiteberg
Published: September 2021

Artikkelen presenterer endringar i tekstilopplæringa ved Faglærarutdanning i design, kunst og handverk ved Høgskolen i Oslo (HiO), seinare Høgskolen i Oslo og Akershus (HiOA), og som i dag er kalla Institutt for estetiske fag (EST) ved  OsloMet – Storbyuniversitetet i perioden 1994 til 2017. Opplæringa var tidlegare knytt til solide fagstudium innan broderi, vev, biletvev og saum. Desse spesialstudia forsvann på 1990–2000-talet, og eit nytt innhald i Faglærarutdanninga og eit nytt studium i Mote og produksjon blei etablert. Dei to utdanningane har ulike samfunnsoppdrag og danningsomgrepet har endra seg. Studentane i begge studium utviklar ein breiare kompetanse innan fagfeltet. Handverk, ferdigheit og skriftleg refleksjon er sentrale kjenneteikn på utdanningane, men undervisingspraksis og bransjeerfaring er blitt ein viktigare del i lærings- og danningsprosessen. Det er læring inne på campus og læring ute i samfunnet. Samfunnsoppdraget til utdanningane har dermed påverka innhald og organisering.
Fungi in soil and understory have coupled distribution patterns
Authors: Boraks André , Amend Anthony S.
Published: September 2021

Ecological processes that control fungal distribution are not well understood because many fungi can persist in a wide variety of dissimilar habitats which are seldom sampled simultaneously. Geographic range size is reflective of species’ resource usage, and for plants and animals, there is a robust positive correlation between niche-breadth and range-size. It remains unknown whether this pattern is true for fungi. To investigate the fungal niche breadth–range size relationship we identified habitat specialists and generalists from two habitats (plant leaves and soil) and asked whether habitat specialization influenced fungal biogeography. We sampled fungi from the soil and phylloplane of tropical forests in Vanuatu and used DNA metabarcoding of the fungal ITS1 region to examine rarity, range size, and habitat connectivity. Fungal communities from the soil and phylloplane are spatially autocorrelated and the spatial distribution of individual fungal OTU are coupled between habitats. Habitat breadth (generalist fungi) did not result in larger range sizes but did correlate positively with occurrence frequency. Fungi that were frequently found were also found in high abundance, a common observation in similar studies of plants and animals. Fungal abundance-occupancy relationships differed by habitat and habitat-specificity. Soil specialists were found to be locally abundant but restricted geographically. In contrast, phylloplane generalists were found to be abundant over a large range in multiple habitats. These results are discussed in the context of differences between habitat characteristics, stability and spatial distribution. Identifying factors that drive spatial variation is key to understanding the mechanisms that maintain biodiversity in forests.
Mass mortality of pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata (Gould)) in Japan in 2019 and 2020 is caused by an unidentified infectious agent
Authors: Matsuyama Tomomasa , Miwa Satoshi , Mekata Tohru , Matsuura Yuta , Takano Tomokazu , Nakayasu Chihaya
Published: September 2021

Mass mortality of 0-year-old pearl oysters, Pinctada fucata (Gould), and anomalies in adults were observed in Japan’s major pearl farming areas in the summer of 2019 and 2020. Although adult oyster mortality was low, both adult and juvenile oysters underwent atrophy of the soft body, detachment of the mantle from nacre (the shiny inner surface of the valves), deposition of brownish material on the nacre, and loss of nacre luster. Infection trials were conducted to verify the involvement of pathogens in this phenomenon. Healthy adult pearl oysters were obtained from areas where this disease had not occurred to use as the recipients. The sources of infection were either affected adult oysters with atrophied soft bodies or batches of juveniles in which mortality had reached conspicuous levels. Transmission of the disease to the healthy oysters were tested either by cohabitation with affected oysters or by injections of the hemolymph of affected animals. The injection infection test examined the effects of filtration and chloroform exposure on the pathogen. Occurrence of the disease was confirmed by the appearance of brown deposits on the nacre and loss of nacre luster. The abnormalities of nacre were clearly reproduced in recipient shells in three out of four cohabitation trials with affected oysters. The disease was also reproduced in six out of six injection trails either with hemolymph filtered through 100 nm filter or with hemolymph treated with chloroform. In a serial passage with hemolymph injections, the disease was successfully transmitted through eight passages. These results suggest that the etiology of the disease is a non-enveloped virus with a diameter ≤100 nm.
Reexamining semantic clustering: Insight from memory models
Authors: Ishii Tomoko
Published: September 2021

It has been repeatedly argued that semantically related words should not be learned together because learning is impeded. However, the results of past studies are not uniform, some providing favorable results for semantic clustering, and some seem to suggest different types of similarity affect memory in different ways. The types of similarity that truly causethe problem therefore need to be examined more carefully. Focusing on visual features, which are commonly observed across different models of working memory, a study was conducted to examine if learners have difficulty memorizing a group of words that describe items with common physical features. The study compared the learning of three types of word sets: unrelated, semantically related, and physically related. While no statistically significant difference was observed between semanticallyrelated and unrelated sets, the scores for physically related sets were significantly lower than those for the other two types. This suggests the possibility that the impeding effect of semantic clustering reported in the past could be partly due to the precise nature of semantically similar words, which sometimes share visual features.
Scientific Technological Interventions on Rapeseed and Mustard: Recent Advances and Future Prospects
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Roy Monish , Sharma Ashok Kumar , Roy Bidhan
Published: September 2021

In order to increase production, popularization of improved technology as well as for uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the small and marginal farmers of Sonitpur district which typically lies in North Bank Plain Agro-climatic Zone of Assam, a Crop demonstration was conducted among 100 numbers of agricultural beneficiaries in 5 clusters namely Chaiduar, Bihaguri, Balipara, Dhekiajuli and Gabhoru in the year 2020-2021 for the popularization of technology as well as cultivars. Selection of the beneficiaries and Villages were done based on their cropping sequence by the resource person working under the project entitled "Augmenting Rapeseed-Mustard Production of Assam farmers for Sustainable Livelihood Security" linked with Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART) scheme. During the period of the cropping season, the selected farmers for adoption had shown keen interest in attending farmer’s technical training programme conducted at the cluster level for adopting scientific production techniques and methods gradually, which was considered as a very important technique to be followed by the marginal farmers of Assam to obtain good crop population and ultimately higher yield. Adopting scientific agricultural techniques had helped farmers to reduce the labour cost thus benefitted the farmers by reducing the cost of cultivation. Due to its suitable soil and agro-climatic conditions as well as through their dedication and continuous efforts towards farming, they could be able to achieve higher yield and income within a short period of time as well as could motivate the other small and marginal farmers of nearby villages for further uplifting their economic status thereby preserving their ancestral occupation for future generations.
Microbial Quality Assurance of Dried Roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant F (Safed Musli)
Authors: Shrivastava Mansi , Sharma Poonam , Singh Rambir
Published: September 2021

Aim: To assess total bacterial load and detect E. coli and Salmonella in Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli), cultivated and processed in the Bundelkhand region.

Study Design: Quality assurance of medicinal plant raw material is essential for the preparation of good quality herbal medicines. The dried roots of Safed Musli were collected from different regions of the Bundelkhand and total aerobic microbial count was measured.

Methodology: We collected 10 samples of Safed Musli dried roots from different regions of Bundelkhand. A stock suspension was prepared using sterile peptone water and plated on a nutrient agar medium which was used to calculate total aerobic bacterial load as colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g). Further, biochemical tests were performed to confirm the identification of E. coli and Salmonella.

Results: The total aerobic bacteria count in dried roots of Safed Musli was within the permissible limit (105-107CFU/g of dried raw material) as per globally recognized pharmacopoeia and other regulatory agencies such as the Central Council of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (BP), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), World Health Organization (WHO), American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) and National Science Foundation/American National Standards Institute (NSF/ANSI). Although 2 out of 10 samples were found to have contamination of E. coli and Salmonella within the permissible limit of WHO, EP and NSF/ANSI.

Conclusion: The results indicated that the Safed Musli cultivated and processed in the Bundelkhand region is suitable for the preparation of herbal medicines and food supplements.
A Formal Analysis of Anthropometric Parameters for Effective Forecasting of Dyslipidemia in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Rai Srinidhi , Rai Tirthal , Sindhu . , Rai B. Shamantha , Pakkala P. Rithesh , Mathur Nikhil , Sujith Niveditha , Orru Gayathri
Published: September 2021

Background: Obesity in the younger age groups predisposes an individual for a high risk for developing dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. Distribution of the abdominal adipose tissue cannot be accurately described by the traditional anthropometric indices.Newer anthropometric indices are better predictors of obesity.

Objective: To compare the ability of different anthropometric indices in predicting dyslipidemia in healthy young adults.

Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was performed on 100 subjects (48 males and 52 females) at K S Hegde Medical Academy from 2017 to 2018 (power of study: 80%).  Apparently healthy individuals attending the executive health checkup plan and individuals from hospital staff aged 18-35 years were selected for the study. The Kolmogorov Smirnov test was used to determine the data's normality. Pearson's correlation test was used to measure the relationship between lipid parameters and various anthropometric indices. The predictive capacity of various anthropometric indices for distinguishing between dyslipidemic and healthy individuals was investigated using ROC curve analysis.

Results: Newer anthropometric measurement approaches such as ABSI, BRI, CI, AVI, VAI, and LAP have been suggested as better instruments for predicting dyslipidemia. The present study found that VAI had the highest predictive efficiency in identifying dyslipidemia among apparently healthy adults using ROC analysis.  This discovery may lead to the use of a simple anthropometric index as a screening tool for cardiovascular disease prediction.

Conclusion: The current study has shown that the VAI has emerged as a valuable instrument for dyslipidemia assessment in healthy young adults. Using regular laboratory tests and basic anthropometric measurements, VAI can be easily measured and can therefore be used as relevant dyslipidemia evaluation methods in clinical practice.
An Overview on Depression: An Approach to Disorder and Management
Authors: Pandya Kartik , Aundhia Chintan , Seth Avinash , Shah Nirmal , Gohil Dipti , Patel Snehal
Published: September 2021

Central nervous system (CNS) disorder is the world’s leading cause of disability and account of more hospitalizations. Central nervous system disorders are a group of neurological disorder that affect the structure or function of the brain or spinal cord. Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. The aim of treatment is release of neurotrophic proteins in the brain that can help to rebuild the hippocampus that has been reduced due to depression and to optimize patients’ physical, psychological and social functioning. This review presents a brief summary on psychological implications of living with depression, pathogenesis, diagnosis, causes, sign and symptoms and treatments associated with depression.
EFFECT OF FINANCIAL LITERACY, RISK ATTITUDE AND SAVING MOTIVES TO DISPOSITION BIAS ON MUTUAL FUNDS INVESTORS
Authors: Saputra Jennifer , Astuti Dewi , Pertiwi Dewi
Published: September 2021

Investment is significant to prepare human needs in the future. To make investment decisions, investors will try to make their decisions as rationally as possible. However, one cannot deny that some irrational factors or biases also influence investment decision-making. This study examines financial literacy, risk attitude, and saving motives on disposition bias of mutual fund investors. The sample used is mutual fund investors, and the respondents themselves make decisions to sell or buy mutual funds. The total of respondents is 116 respondents. The regression method used in this study is binary logistic regression using SPSS software. This study found that financial literacy and risk attitude has a significant effect on disposition bias. Meanwhile, the variable saving motives have no considerable impact on disposition bias.
RISK AVERSION AND OVERCONFIDENCE IN GENDER PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Arijaya Clara Bella Jessica , Basana Sautma Ronni
Published: September 2021

This study analyzes the relationship between gender and risk aversion and overconfidence in making financial asset investment decisions for investors in Surabaya. The sample in this study amounted to 179 investors. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Methods of data analysis were performed using cross-tabulations and chi-square. This analysis shows that gender has a significant relationship with risk aversion and overconfidence in making financial asset investment decisions.
Intertube Excitonic Coupling in Nanotube Van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Burdanova Maria G. , Liu Ming , Staniforth Michael , Zheng Yongjia , Xiang Rong , Chiashi Shohei , Anisimov Anton , Kauppinen Esko I. , Maruyama Shigeo , Lloyd‐Hughes James
Published: September 2021

Strong intertube excitonic coupling is demonstrated in 1D van der Waals heterostructures by examining the ultrafast response of radial C/BN/MoS2 core/shell/skin nanotubes to femtosecond infrared light pulses. Remarkably, infrared excitation of excitons in the semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) creates a prominent excitonic response in the visible range from the MoS2 skin, even with infrared photons at energies well below the bandgap of MoS2. Via classical analogies and a quantum model of the light–matter interaction these findings are assigned to intertube excitonic correlations. Dipole–dipole Coulomb interactions in the coherent regime produce intertube biexcitons, which persist for tens of femtoseconds, while on longer timescales (>100 ps) hole tunneling—from the CNT core, through the BN tunnel barrier, to the MoS2 skin—creates intertube excitons. Charge transfer and dipole–dipole interactions thus play prominent roles on different timescales, and establish new possibilities for the multi‐functional use of these new nanoscale coaxial cables.
Smart Metal–Organic Frameworks with Reversible Luminescence/Magnetic Switch Behavior for HCl Vapor Detection
Authors: Zhu Zhong‐Hong , Ni Zhiqiang , Zou Hua‐Hong , Feng Guangxue , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2021

Smart luminescent metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) demonstrate promising performance in the detection of toxic gases. The incorporation of twisted or rotary organic ligands with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics can provide further opportunities in designing such smart MOFs with new topologies and stimuli‐responsive behaviors. Herein, novel AIE MOFs are reported with reversible luminescence or a magnetic switch for HCl vapor detection. The twisted conformation of tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)ethylene (TCPE) ligand leads to the unique [M+–L–M−–L–M]∞ (M = metal clusters, L = ligand) configuration for ZnMOF and CoMOF. Different from conventional MOFs with [M–L]∞ topology, ZnMOF and CoMOF exhibit a blue‐to‐yellow greenish fluorescence transition and a ferrimagnetic‐to‐antiferromagnetic switch behavior, respectively, upon recognition of HCl vapor. The adsorbed HCl molecules rather than coordinated ones are determined to be the main reason, and such luminescence and magnetic switch can be induced in a reversible manner via HCl vapor adsorption/desorption processes with high reliability. This work of AIE MOFs with twisted and rotary ligands shall pave new avenue in design of smart MOFs with new topologies and stimuli‐responsive behavior for real‐time sensing and detection applications.
Heterogeneous Functional Dielectric Patterns for Charge‐Carrier Modulation in Ultraflexible Organic Integrated Circuits
Authors: Taguchi Koki , Uemura Takafumi , Namba Naoko , Petritz Andreas , Araki Teppei , Sugiyama Masahiro , Stadlober Barbara , Sekitani Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2021

Flexible electronics have gained considerable attention for application in wearable devices. Organic transistors are potential candidates to develop flexible integrated circuits (ICs). A primary technique for maximizing their reliability, gain, and operation speed is the modulation of charge‐carrier behavior in the respective transistors fabricated on the same substrate. In this work, heterogeneous functional dielectric patterns (HFDP) of ultrathin polymer gate dielectrics of poly((±)endo,exo‐bicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐ene‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid, diphenylester) (PNDPE) are introduced. The HFDP that are obtained via the photo‐Fries rearrangement by ultraviolet radiation in the homogeneous PNDPE provide a functional area for charge‐carrier modulation. This leads to programmable threshold voltage control over a wide range (−1.5 to +0.2 V) in the transistors with a high patterning resolution, at 2 V operational voltage. The transistors also exhibit high operational stability over 140 days and under the bias‐stress duration of 1800 s. With the HFDP, the performance metrics of ICs, for example, the noise margin and gain of the zero‐VGS load inverters and the oscillation frequency of ring oscillators are improved to 80%, 1200, and 2.5 kHz, respectively, which are the highest among the previously reported zero‐VGS‐based organic circuits. The HFDP can be applied to much complex and ultraflexible ICs.
Experimental study and numerical modeling of mixing by air injection in yield stress fluids using the OpenFOAM software
Authors: Hojeij Ali , Jossic Laurent , Séchet Philippe , Bonamy Cyrille , Magnin Albert , Hattou Stéphane
Published: September 2021

Mixing by gas injection is an operation used in industrial processes such as wastewater treatment, metallurgy, or methanization in which pressurized gas is injected into a fluid in order to reduce concentrations and temperatures gradients. This study demonstrates how the CFD toolbox OpenFOAM can be used to simulate such flows. Experimental measurements and observations have been performed on a pilot‐scale reactor where pressurized air is injected in a yield stress fluid. The volume of fluid method and an adaptive mesh with refinement at the interface have been used to track the gas inclusions. The numerical model accuracy has been assessed by comparing experimental and numerical results related to the bubble's frequency, dimensions, and rising velocities as well as the fluid recirculation, yielded, and unyielded regions in the tank. The influence of injection parameters such as the injection flow rate and the fluid rheological parameters has been quantified.
Evaluation of crystallinity in carbon fiber‐reinforced poly(ether ether ketone) by using infrared low frequency Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yamaguchi Makoto , Kobayasi Shoko , Numata Tomoko , Kamihara Nobuyuki , Shimda Toshihiro , Jikei Mitsutoshi , Muraoka Mikio , Barnsley Jonathan E. , Fraser‐Miller Sara J. , Gordon Keith C.
Published: September 2021

The degree of crystallinity of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) in carbon fiber reinforced composites were evaluated by using infrared low frequency Raman spectroscopy. Reference PEEK samples with varying crystallinity which are evaluated using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXRD) were prepared. These samples were used to create a calibration curve for crystallinity using low frequency Raman spectroscopy. The WAXRD and low frequency Raman methods directly correlated. Carbon fiber reinforced PEEK samples with different cooling rates were prepared and the crystallinity was determined by using low frequency Raman spectrosopy. The crystallinity of the air‐cooled sample, water‐cooled sample, contact with metal plate and water‐cooled sample are 36%, 33%, and 17%, respectively.
Notifiable diseases: Testing and treating every case to get ahead of the curve
Authors: Lamy Marie , Chebbi Amita , Datta Rittika , Hein Phone Si , Mercado Chris Erwin G. , Mellor Steve , Qi Gao , Clark Geoff
Published: September 2021

This article explains how making a disease notifiable by law is a core component of a robust and well‐functioning health system. Mechanisms to rapidly detect and report existing or emerging infectious diseases in a timely manner are key to disease control and elimination. Using malaria in Asia‐Pacific as a case in point, we explore different policy considerations involved in making malaria a notifiable disease. These include the timing of legislative changes at different stages of elimination, investing in adequate infrastructure for a robust surveillance system that can support targeted interventions, and the importance of involving all sectors in the delivery of malaria services to detect, report and respond to every case. The article explains how frameworks to report on notifiable diseases, in this case malaria, contribute to improved regional health security.
Developing a scaffold for urease inhibition based on benzothiazoles: Synthesis, docking analysis, and therapeutic potential
Authors: Özil Musa , Tuzcuoğlu Özge , Emirik Mustafa , Baltaş Nimet
Published: September 2021

The synthesis, in silico molecular docking, and in vitro urease inhibition studies of a novel series of benzothiazole derivatives are reported. The title compounds in the two series, namely, 2‐({5‐[(benzothiazol‐2‐ylthio)methyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl}thio)‐1‐(4‐substituted‐phenyl)ethan‐1‐one and 2‐(benzothiazol‐2‐ylthio)‐1‐(4‐substituted‐phenyl)ethan‐1‐one oxime, were synthesized by the reaction of benzo[d]thiazole‐2‐thiol with different kinds of intermediates in several steps using both conventional and microwave techniques. All compounds were found to have an excellent degree of urease‐inhibitory potential ranging between 16.16 ± 0.54 and 105.32 ± 2.10 µM when compared with the standard inhibitor acetohydroxamic acid with IC50 = 320.70 ± 4.24 µM. The structure–activity relationship was established in detail. The binding interactions of the compounds with the enzyme were confirmed through molecular docking. Further, 100 ‐ns molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the stability and structural perturbations experienced by the most potent compound over the urease active site.
Curriculum of gross anatomy education in Korean dental hygiene programs: Perceptions of clinical dental hygienists
Authors: Kim Da‐Hye , Kim Soojeong
Published: September 2021

It is essential for dental hygienists to have basic knowledge of gross anatomy to provide efficient treatment. However, gross anatomy course is relatively neglected due to their disparity from actual clinical dental practice. This study aimed to propose an effective dental hygiene gross anatomy curriculum that reflects the opinions of professional clinical dental hygienists. The study had an online‐based cross‐sectional design and the survey was distributed to clinical dental hygienists via social networks (n = 200). The questionnaire consisted of questions on the utilization of anatomical knowledge in clinical practice, opinions on the contents and methods of gross anatomy education, and general characteristics. The present study found that 186 (93%) used anatomical knowledge at an above‐average level. Qualitative analysis indicated that dental implant surgery, radiography, and extraction were the clinical procedures that required the most anatomical knowledge. The clinical dental hygienists answered that the most‐necessary knowledge is that of the mandibular nerve, followed by that on the temporomandibular joint, mandible, maxilla, maxillary nerve, and masticatory muscle. The methods proposed to improve gross anatomy education were (in decreasing order of importance) using videos or photographs (X‐rays, CT, MRI, etc.), integrating education with clinical subjects, and using a three‐dimensional visualization program. Higher education levels of respondents have increased their tendency to believe that the contents and methods of the presented education were necessary. Dental hygienists who utilized anatomical knowledge more often tended to be had a greater appreciation of the necessity of all educational contents and methods.
The association between COVID‐19, personal wellbeing, depression, and suicide risk factors in Australian autistic adults
Authors: Hedley Darren , Hayward Susan M. , Denney Kathleen , Uljarević Mirko , Bury Simon , Sahin Ensu , Brown Claire M. , Clapperton Angela , Dissanayake Cheryl , Robinson Jo , Trollor Julian , Stokes Mark A.
Published: September 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the world's population, with particularly negative effects on vulnerable populations, including autistic people. Although some consensus regarding specific impact on aspects of wellbeing and mental health in autism is starting to emerge, it is unclear whether the pandemic has increased suicide risk. The goals of this study were to examine (a) potential associations between COVID‐19 impact and depression, personal wellbeing, and suicide risk factors in Australian autistic adults and (b) age and gender effects. The COVID‐19 Impact Scale (CIS), Personal Wellbeing Index, Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Suicide Behavior Questionnaire, Revised (SBQ‐R), were administered to 111 autistic adults aged 20 to 71 years during the second wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia. COVID‐19 impact showed small associations with poorer personal wellbeing (r = −0.224, p = 0.023, [−0.409, −0.016]) and higher depressive symptoms (r = 0.268, p = 0.006, [0.056, 0.445]) and was not associated with the SBQ‐R suicide risk score (r = 0.081, p = 0.418, [−0.118, 0.264). No significant effects were identified for age. Although model results were similar for women and men, the strength of the associations between personal wellbeing and depression (z = −2.16, p = 0.015), and depression and SBQ‐R suicide risk (z = 1.961, p = 0.025), were stronger in women than in men. Qualitative analysis of an open response question from the CIS suggested that the pandemic had both positive and negative impacts on participants. The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a large impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the world's population, particularly vulnerable populations such as autistic people. It is not known if these impacts on mental health and wellbeing have increased suicide risk. Our findings suggest that the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic may be associated with poorer wellbeing and higher depression, but is not associated with suicide risk. Overall, autistic people reported both positive and negative impacts of the pandemic on their lives.
Electronic properties and reactivity patterns of high‐valent metal‐oxo species of Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni
Authors: Li Xiao‐Xi , Cho Kyung‐Bin , Nam Wonwoo
Published: September 2021

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed for a series of significant terminal high‐valent metal‐oxo complexes, where the metals are Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, to reveal their electronic property and reactivity patterns toward the inert CH bond activation. We found that as the metal center changes from Mn to Ni, the bond strength of metal‐oxo decreases while the oxyl character of the oxygen increases, which suggests an increase in the hydrogen‐abstraction reactivity. This prediction was further strengthened by theoretical reactivity studies, that is, the reactivities of these four metal‐oxo species toward inert CH bond followed an order of MnO ≈ FeO  ≪ CoO < NiO. At the orbital level, it was found that three different electron transfer mechanisms were active among these four species. Thus, this study would provide an explanation and intuitive clues for chemists to understand the nature of the high‐valent late transition metal‐oxo species.
A comprehensive framework and tool for supporting progressive learning of software development in an academic learning environment
Authors: Arora Ritu , Maurya Arun M. , Sharma Yashvardhan , Kannan Manoj
Published: September 2021

The use of technology‐enabled environments to facilitate online education has increasingly gained importance to promote learning. Tools like learning management systems, virtual laboratory platforms, online monitoring, and mentoring tools, all form a concrete technology bed for augmenting online education. However, successful use of these segregated tools is possible only through the implementation of a structured process or framework of usage of these tools for learning. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive framework for supporting progressive learning of software development by students. This framework provides guidelines for structuring individual and collaborative programming activities of students at various levels and is realized through the implementation of a tool named eGuru. This tool is used for managing, monitoring, mentoring, and facilitating collaborative programming activities of students and also provides a detailed user interface for facilitating the academic activities of teachers and lab instructors. Peers, alumni, and industry experts also play important roles in providing online mentoring using this tool. The execution structure proposed in the framework is effective not only for promoting online programming education but also creates a virtual environment analogous to the collaborative development environment existing in the software industry, and thus helps in preparing students for the future.
Did court uphold dismissal of free speech claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: September 2021

A student at Charter Oak State College enrolled in an online class titled “Communications 101.” Two weeks   into the course, the instructor asked the class to watch a video depicting a young man talking to and assisting an elderly disabled person.
The effect of surgery on primary splenic lymphoma: A study based on SEER database
Authors: Pan Xiaotao , Ren Dongfeng , Li Ya , Zhao Jin
Published: September 2021

Background

Although primary splenic lymphoma (PSL) is rare, it ranks first among splenic primary malignant cancers, and the incidence of lymphoma of spleen has gradually increased in recent years. However, the efficacy of surgery for PSL has not been clinically verified by large sample data, which has affected the formulation of relevant guidelines.

Aim

To assess whether surgery can enhance the prognosis PSL patients.

Methods

Extracted the data of patients with PSL from The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, and divided the patients into surgery and non‐surgery group. Kaplan–Meier curves and log‐rank tests were used to compare the overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS). The propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the data, then compared the OS and CSS again. The COX proportional hazard regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Finally, we performed subgroup analysis in different Ahmann stages.

Results

A sum of 2207 patients with PSL were enrolled, of which 1062 (48.1%) patients received surgery, and 1145 (51.9%) patients did not undergo surgery. Overall, patients in the surgery group had better OS and CSS. After the propensity scores matching, surgery was not statistically significant in OS and CSS. In the subgroup analysis, surgery was a protective factor for the OS and CSS in Ahmann I/II. However, surgery was no statistical significance in OS and CSS in Ahmann III. In patients with Ahmann Ⅰ/Ⅱ SMZL, surgery was a protective factor for OS and CSS. In patients with Ahmann Ⅲ SMZL, surgery was also statistically significant of OS and CSS.

Conclusions

Surgery can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with Ahmann Ⅰ/Ⅱ primary splenic lymphoma, but there was no survival difference in the Ahmann Ⅲ patients with or without surgery. For patients with SMZL, surgery was effective for improving OS and CSS.
Mirabegron improves the irritative symptoms caused by BCG immunotherapy after transurethral resection of bladder tumors
Authors: Sun Kai , Wang Di , Wu Gang , Ma Jian , Wang Tianqi , Wu Jitao , Wang Jipeng
Published: September 2021

Background

This study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of mirabegron in treating irritative symptoms induced by intravesical immunotherapy with Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) after transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT).

Methods

A total of 160 patients subjected to TURBT was randomly divided into the mirabegron group and placebo group with 80 patients in each group. Then, the patients were administered 25 mg mirabegron or placebo daily, starting the first day after BCG infusion. The first BCG perfusion was conducted at least 2 weeks after TURBT. The 3‐day bladder diaries were completed in all patients, 1 day before BCG perfusion, and on the 1st, 6th, and 13th days after the first BCG perfusion. Overactive bladder symptom scores were completed 1 day before BCG perfusion, and on the 6th and 13th days after the first BCG perfusion.

Results

Symptom scores of bladder hyperactivity were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.001). Also, the frequency of nocturia, pollakiuria, micturition urgency, urinary incontinence and was significantly lower in group 1 than that in group two (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that mirabegron is a valuable clinical drug for the management of irritative symptoms after TURBT with subsequent intravesical BCG perfusion.
Halogen Bonding Propensity in Solution: Direct Observation and Computational Prediction
Authors: Bramlett Taylor A. , Matzger Adam J.
Published: September 2021

Halogen‐bonded complexes are often designed by consideration of electrostatic potential (ESP) predictions. ESP predictions do not capture the myriad variables associated with halogen bond (XB) donors and acceptors; thus, binding interaction cannot be quantitatively predicted. Here, a discrepancy between predictions based on ESP energy difference (ΔVs) and computed gas phase binding energy (ΔEbind) motivated the experimental determination of the relative strength of halogen bonding interactions in solution by Raman spectroscopic observation of complexes formed from interacting five iodobenzene‐derived XB donors and four pyridine XB acceptors. Evaluation of ΔEbind coupled with absolutely‐localized molecular orbital energy decomposition analysis (ALMO‐EDA) deconvolutes halogen bonding energy contributions and reveals a prominent role for charge transfer (CT) interactions. Raman spectra reveal ΔEbind accurately predicts stronger interactions within iodopentafluorobenzene (IPFB) complexes than with 1‐iodo‐3,5‐dinitrobenzene (IDNB) complexes even though IPFB has similar electrostatics to IDNB and contains a smaller σ‐hole.
Mechanistic Studies on the Hexadecafluorophthalocyanine–Iron‐Catalyzed Wacker‐Type Oxidation of Olefins to Ketones**
Authors: Puls Florian , Seewald Felix , Grinenko Vadim , Klauß Hans‐Henning , Knölker Hans‐Joachim
Published: September 2021

The hexadecafluorophthalocyanine–iron complex FePcF16 was recently shown to convert olefins into ketones in the presence of stoichiometric amounts of triethylsilane in ethanol at room temperature under an oxygen atmosphere. Herein, we describe an extensive mechanistic investigation for the conversion of 2‐vinylnaphthalene into 2‐acetylnaphthalene as model reaction. A variety of studies including deuterium‐ and 18O2‐labeling experiments, ESI‐MS, and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy were performed to identify the intermediates involved in the catalytic cycle of the oxidation process. Finally, a detailed and well‐supported reaction mechanism for the FePcF16‐catalyzed Wacker‐type oxidation is proposed.
Fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy of the spleen: A case series illustrating current practices and challenges
Authors: Neal Daniel , Robila Valentina , Chesney Alden , Sayeed Sadia
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Splenic fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsies (CNB) are rare specimen types, potentially avoided due to clinical concern for hemorrhagic complications. The safety and utility of splenic FNA, the role of rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE), as well as the diagnostic utility of CNB versus FNA have not been recently reviewed.

Materials and methods

A 10‐year retrospective review was performed of percutaneous image‐guided FNA and CNB of the spleen. Clinical indications, outcomes, ROSE findings, and final diagnoses were reviewed and correlated.

Results

Forty‐four specimens from 39 patients were identified. The commonest indication for biopsy was a radiographic mass found during assessment for patient complaint (45%, 20/44), evaluation for malignancy (primary or metastatic) (39%, 17/44), and incidentally (16%, 7/44). Malignant diagnoses were rendered in 10 cases, 80% hematolymphoid and 20% nonhematolymphoid. Thirty‐one cases were nonneoplastic and identified as infectious/inflammatory processes 39%, cysts 10%, vascular lesions 13%, benign splenic elements 22%, accessory or atrophic spleen 10%, and extramedullary hematopoiesis 6%. The nondiagnostic rate was 7%. Cases with subsequent splenectomy showed 100% specificity and 86% sensitivity. The concordance of ROSE and final interpretation was 90% within the neoplastic category. Finally, the significant complication rate was 6.8% with no bias to occurrence following FNA or CNB.

Conclusions

This series affirms the safety and efficacy of splenic FNA and CNB by complication rates comparable to prior studies and high rate of concordance. The diagnostic accuracy may be further improved by ROSE, and CNB in cases reliant on staining and tissue architecture.
Phylogenetic and morphological influence on habitat choice in moisture‐harvesting horned lizards (Phrynosoma spp.)
Authors: Joel Anna‐Christin , Linde Jenice R. N. , Comanns Philipp , Emonts Caroline , Weissbach Margret , Flecks Morris , Rödder Dennis
Published: September 2021

In previous studies, the superhydrophilic skin of moisture‐harvesting lizards has been linked to the morphological traits of the lizards’ integument, that is, the occurrence of honeycomb‐shaped microstructures. Interestingly, these structures can also cover the skin of lizards inhabiting wet habitats. We therefore tested the influence of the microstructures’ main features on the habitat choice and wettability in the genus Phrynosoma. The genus Phrynosoma comprises moisture‐harvesting species as well as nonspecialists. Lizards of this genus inhabit large areas of North America with diverse climatic conditions. Remarkably, the differences in the manifestation of microstructures are just as versatile as their surroundings. The phylogeny of the lizards as well as the depth of their ventral microstructures, though independent of each other, correlated with the precipitation in their respective habitat. All other morphological traits, as well as the skin's wettability itself, could not predict the habitat of Phrynosoma species. Hence, it is unlikely that the microstructure influences the wettability, at least directly. Hence, we presume an indirect influence for the following reasons: (a) As the ventral side cannot get wet by rain, but the belly could easily interact with a wet surface, the microstructure might facilitate water absorption from wet soil following precipitation. (b) We found the number of dorsal microstructures to be linked to the occurrence of silt in the habitat. In our study, we observed scales being heavily contaminated, most likely with a mixture of dead skin (after shedding) and silt. As many lizards burrow themselves or even shovel sand onto their backs, deploying the substrate might be a mechanism to increase the skin's wettability.
The cognitive cost of closeness: Interpersonal closeness reduces accuracy and slows down decision‐making
Authors: Uğurlar Pınar , Sümer Nebi , Posten Ann‐Christin
Published: September 2021

Interpersonal closeness increases the overlap between mental representations of the self and the other, thus rendering it more difficult to differentiate between self‐ and other‐related information. We suggest that closeness challenges computational capacity during decision‐making when the decision requires a differentiation between self‐ and other‐related information. Correlational Study 1 showed that when participants imagined engaging in a two‐person economic problem‐solving task with another person, their cognitive performance decreased with increased levels of closeness felt toward their counterpart. Three experiments showed that when participants engaged in the problem‐solving task with a close (vs. a distant) other, they tended to recall the correct solutions less (Study 2), used more time to find the solution (Study 3) and gave less accurate responses under time pressure (Study 4). These four studies are the first to jointly demonstrate that closeness influences interpersonal decision processes by being cognitively more costly.
Nutritional and ethnomedicinal scenario of koumiss: A concurrent review
Authors: Afzaal Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Anjum Fatima , Waris Numra , Husaain Muzzamal , Ikram Ali , Ateeq Huda , Muhammad Anjum Faqir , Suleria Hafiz
Published: September 2021

Fermented foods are an essential source of nutrition for the communities living in developing areas of the world. Additionally, traditional fermented products are a rich source of various bioactive components. Experimental research regarding the functional exploration of these products is a way forward for better human health. Among fermented foods, Koumiss is rich in vitamins especially vitamin C and minerals, i.e., phosphorus and calcium. In addition, it is also rich in vitamins A, E, B2, B12, and pantothenic acid. High concentrations of lactose in milk favor bacterial fermentation, as the original cultures decompose it into lactic acid. Koumiss contains essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acid. Koumiss offers many health benefits including boosting the immune system and maintains blood pressure, good effect on the kidneys, endocrine glands, gut system, liver, and nervous and vascular system. The rich microflora from the fermented product has a pivotal role in maintaining gut health and treating various digestive diseases. The core focus of the current review paper is to highlight the nutritional and therapeutic potential, i.e., anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemia effect, antioxidative properties, antibacterial properties, antibacterial spectrum, intestinal enlargement, and β‐galactosidase activity, of Koumiss as a traditional fermented product. Moreover, history and production technology of the Koumiss are also the main part of this review paper.