bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Generation Selection Parameters for Genetic Improvement using Morpho-physiological and Seed Yield Components in Brassica species
Authors: Sharma Akhil , Kumari Vedna , Rana Amit
Published: February 2022

Aims: To determine the best selection indices for seed yield improvement in Brassica crops

Place of Study: Experimental Farm of Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, CSK HPKV, Palampur, during rabi 2018-19.

Methodology: The experimental material for the investigation comprised of twenty five advanced breeding lines including released varieties of four different Brassica species laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications which were evaluated for correlation (genotypic and phenotypic) studies, direct and indirect effects using various growth parameters and yield contributing traits.

Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant genotypic variances for all the growth parameters and seed yield components under study except for Leaf Area Index (LAI), number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, siliquae per plant and harvest index. Correlation coefficients at phenotypic level indicated that seed yield per plant had significant positive correlations with relative growth rate (RGR), leaf area ratio (LAR), number of secondary branches per plant, siliquae per plant, seeds per siliqua, 1000-seed weight, biological yield per plant and harvest index while it had significant negative association with specific leaf weight (SLW), days to 50% flowering, days to 75% maturity and number of primary branches per plant. Path coefficient analysis revealed that biological yield per plant followed by harvest index had high positive direct as well as indirect effects on seed yield.

Conclusion: Biological yield per plant and harvest index could be considered most important characters for improvement of seed yield both directly and indirectly in different Brassica species. Therefore, these traits could be preferred as the best selection indices in future for genetic improvement of rapeseed-mustard.
Demographic and Serum Alanine Aminotransferase level of Primary Health Care Workers Positive for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis C Virus in Cross River North, Nigeria
Authors: Sylvester Enaiho Oriasotie , Ogbonna Ezeh Charles , Oseremen Dic-Ijiewere Ebenezer , Samson Olerimi , Ehitare Ekhoye
Published: February 2022

Background: Healthcare workers (HCW) are perceived to be a high-risk group for hepatitis B due to occupational exposure to infected bodily fluids and often poor availability of protective equipment in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was carried out to assess the serums ALT levels of Primary Health Care workers (PHCW) who are reactive to Hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus and evaluate their sociodemographic characteristics amongst.

Methods: The study was carried out in the health care centres of five (5) local government areas of Cross River North Senatorial district of Cross River State, Nigeria which includes Bekwarra, Obanliku, Obudu, Ogoja and Yala local government areas.  These primary health care centres provide medical services for patients diagnosed with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Two hundred (200) health workers’ samples were analysed in the study.

Results: The result showed that 192 (96%) of the subjects tested negative to hepatitis B Virus while 8 (4%) were positive for the virus. Data also show that 198 (99%) of the subjects tested negative to Hepatitis C Virus while 2 (1%) were positive. Alanine aminotransferase decreased in subjects that tested positive to the Hepatitis B and C Virus.

Conclusion: The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C amongst Health Care Workers was insignificant, and this could be attributed to the knowledge and attitude of the workers towards safety practices as well as vaccination.
Case Report on Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Pothale Bhuvaneshwari B. , Gujar Samruddhi
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune condition in which there is an abnormal low level of platelets. This is also called as Thrombopenia. The word Thrombocytopenia is derived from English word “Thrombocyte” which means “Platelet” and Greek word “Penia” which means “Poverty’.

Clinical Findings: Persistent reddish lesion, generalized weakness.

Diagnostic Evaluation : Blood test – Hb-11.2 %,RBC -6.06 million /cu mm , Total WBC Count – 10400 /cu mm , Platelet -0.25 lacs /cu mm , Monocyte – 0.6, Granulocyte – 44 % Lymphocyte -48 % , RDW -15.2 % , HCT-35.8%,Prothrombin Time -1.02 (12.8), APTT (Patient Count ) 30.7 % , RBS -104 mg/dl.

Peripheral Smear: RBCs-Predominantly normocytic mildly hypochromic with few microcytic RBCs seen. Platelets –Reduced on smear. APC -37000 cells / mm cu as per cell counter no haemoparasit seen. Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) by  Enzyme - linked Immunoassay Lactate Dehydrogenase. Method -0.69 LDH – 205 Ultrasonography – Grade 1 fatty liver.

Therapeutic Intervention: 5 unit platelet concentrate transfusion, Inj. Methyl Prednisolone 500 mg × (2 Days), Tab. Prednisolone 30 mg  Tab. Autrin  , Tab. Metformin 1 gm  , Tab. Glipizide 5 mg.

Outcome: After treatment, patient show improvement. His platelet count was improved and sugar level were normal and his platelet count increased from 0.45 lacs /cu mm to 0.25 lacs / cu mm after platelet transfusion.

Conclusion: My patient was admitted in High Dependency Unit. Archya Vinobha Bhave Rural Hospital with a case of Thrombocytopenia and he had complaint of persistent reddish lesion, generalized weakness. After getting appropriate treatment, his condition was improved.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) About Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 among the General Public
Authors: Balaprabha G. Ramya , Priyanka K. , Jerusha T. Ruth , Hemanth G. , Sushmitha S. Catherine , Rao T. Rama
Published: February 2022

Background: A Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) survey is a quantitative method (predefined questions formatted in standardized questionnaires) that provides qualitative and quantitative information. Measure the extent of a known situation; provides new tangents of a situations reality This has resulted in the public becoming more cautious, thereby minimizing the transmission of the disease to a certain level.

Introduction: COVID-19 (COVID-19 is disease caused by a new strain of Coronavirus. ’CO’ stands for corona, ’VI’ for virus, and ‘D’ for disease. the most common symptoms which appear 2-14 days after exposure [1].Headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, sore throat and muscle weakness are some of the less common symptoms experienced by some people, while some others may not develop any symptoms until later. This study is conducted to understand the extent of awareness among the general public and the importance of preventing the spread of Coronavirus infection in the community. An online questionnaire survey is conducted consisting the essential parameters about the important aspects of disease spread.

Objective: To assess Coronavirus awareness among people. To understand the attitude of people towards Coronavirus

Results: A total number of 564 participants took part In this study during the study period of 6months. Among which 325 were male and 239 were female. The male participants compromised the majority percentage (57%) of the total number of participants while the female participants comprised only (42.4%) of the participants. The result showed a significant correlation between female gender, higher age, and higher education, with knowledge, attitude, and practice.

Conclusion: To adhere to the guidelines released by the Government and the guidelines provided by the WHO have played an extremely vital role in improving the knowledge and awareness among the general population which in turn brought positive effects in people’s attitude and practices towards Coronavirus since the WHO’s declaration of Coronavirus as a pandemic. This has resulted in the public becoming more cautious, thereby minimizing the transmission of the disease to a certain level. Several public health measures which are now being implemented around the world will hopefully diminish the spread of the virus while safe and effective treatments and vaccines are being developed to terminate it.
Biochemical and Histological Evaluation of Penoxsulam Herbicide on an Animal Model
Authors: Chaurasia Vidushi , Aggarwal M. L. , Garg Manoj Chandra
Published: February 2022

Aims: Many herbicides react to the body system and might effect the activity of hormones in the human body. The present work aims to determine the potential impact of 90 days of repeated exposure to Penoxsulam herbicide by oral gavage on the Liver, Kidney, Thyroid endocrine profile and biochemical stress in the wistar rat model.

Study Design: The primary study was performed to Wistar rats grouped into 6 groups. Four groups were picked for low dose, middle dose, high dose, and high recovery dose, respectively. They were administered the Penoxsulam at dose levels of 100, 300, 500 mg/kg body weight. Similarly, 2 recovery groups were classified as control and recovery control groups, and doses were administered to them only through the corn oil (vehicle) via the oral route with the help of a suitable cannula for 90 days.

Place and Duration of Study: Toxicology department, Shriram Institute for Industrial Research, Delhi (INDIA), July 2020 and June 2021.

Methodology: In this study, healthy 60 male and 60 female Wistar rats aged 6-8 weeks, weighing

130-190 gm, were used. Before commencing the study, permission from IAEC (Institutional animal ethics committee) was taken for this experiment (CPCSEA).

Results: This study evaluates significant changes in the body weight of rats; moreover, Penoxsulam elevated the significance level of SGOT, SGPT, BUN, Urea, and Creatinine. No alterations were seen in Hematology parameters and Ophthalmology examination. Also, physiological changes were examined after exposure to penoxsulam in rats.

Conclusion: Therefore, Penoxsulam showed harmful toxic effects on the Kidney and Liver. However, no alteration has been seen in the thyroid profile (T3 triiodothyronine, T4 thyroxine, TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone) of Wistar rats during the experimentation period.
Effect of Concentrated and Dilute Hydrochloric Acid on Tooth Morphology: A Forensic Study
Authors: Britina . , Priya V. Vishnu , Arthanari Abirami , Gayathri R. , Kavitha S. , Reshma P. K.
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Teeth are the most durable structure present in our human body because of the presence of enamel which persist and resist destruction more than any other bony structure. Hard nature with high amount of resistance of tissues present in the tooth prevents any destruction which increases the lifespan of the tooth.

Aim: The main aim of this study is to observe the changes in tooth morphology when immersed in  dilute and concentrated hydrochloric acid.

Materials and Methods: Non-caries teeth extracted due to periodontal reasons were used from the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The tooth added to alternate dilute and concentrated hydrochloric acid was observed till 6th day and the changes were noted along with the photographs as observations.

Results: The tooth left in concentrated HCl showed rapid dissolution and was completely dissolved within 24 hours. Tooth left in dilute HCl dissolved gradually and showed less dissolution when compared to concentrated HCl.

Conclusion: Most durable teeth also undergo erosion and dissolution when placed in dilute HCl and concentrated HCl. Teeth act as a major clue in the field of forensic odontology.
Effect of Angiotensin Receptor Blocker and Probiotics in Caffeine-Induced Anxiety Model
Authors: Verma Pooja , Anwar Siraj
Published: February 2022

Aim:  To evaluate to anti-anxiety effectof probiotics and angiotensine receptor blocker in caffeine induced anxiety rat model.

Methodology: The study was conducted in six groups (n=6). Caffeine was given intraperitoneally at a dosage of 25 mg/kg each day for 14 days. Blood samples, body temperature, and glucose measurements were taken prior to the trial. Caffeine was given intraperitoneally to G1-G5 mice at a dosage of 25 mg/kg. For groups 3 and 4, a probiotic formulation was given orally following the caffeine dosage. In group 5, a probiotic topical gel (30 mg) was given topically to the animals' foreheads. Diazepam (1 mg/kg) was given to group 2 animals.

Results: The body weight was not changed significantly throughout the study period in all the groups. Mortality and clinical signs were not observed during study. When compared to the anxiety control group, there was no statistical significance in either of the groups' glucose levels. There was no statistical significance in Hemoglobin (Hb) levels of animals on day 14 when we compare with anxiety control group. The changes in SGOT and SGPT levels were not found to be statistically significant. There was no statistical significance in rectal temperature of animals. There was no statistical significance in all the groups in hot plate readings on day 7 when compared with anxiety control group. Whereas there was significance increase in latency time (time spent) was observed in group 2 & group 6 when compared to anxiety control group on day 14. Probiotic high dosage and probiotic topic gel treated animals similarly spent significantly more time in open arms than anxiety control animals (P< 0.01). High serotonin levels were observed In the anxiety control rats .however it reduced in treatment groups.

Conclusion: The study concludes the potential benefit of probiotics and Losartan for the treatment of caffeine induced anxiety.
Spectrophotometric Assessment of Benzene 1,3,5-Triol in Pure Forms and in Bulk Sample by Diazotiization Coupling Reaction
Authors: Al-Rufaie Mohauman Mohammed Majeed , Jawad Aymen Abdul Rasool , Al-Iessa Lamia Abdultef Risan
Published: February 2022

The method was published for determining microgram quantities of benzene 1,3,5-triol (phloroglucinol) in aqueous solution and some bulk samples using an easy, quick, and effective spectrophotometric method. The method uses a diazotization as well as coupling process in basic medium to produce a bright yellow water-soluble dye from Phloroglucinol and diazotized 4-Methoxy aniline That is stable and also has a maximum absorption wavelength of 420 nm. With a molar absorptivity of 1.5989x 104l mol-1 cm-1 as well as index of Sand ell sensitivity 0.001 g.cm- 2, Beer's law is followed across a concentration range of (2-40) g.ml-1 of phloroglucinol.The ideal conditions for all color development are detailed, and even the suggested procedures for determining phloroglucinol in aqueous medium as well as some bulk sample  have been successfully employed.
Preliminary Investigation on the Prevalence and Antibiotics Susceptibility Pattern of Bacteria Associated with the Spoilage of Avocado Pear (Persea americana) Sold within Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Okeh C. O. , Igwe P. C. , Uzoh C. V. , Chukwu O. S. , Owolabi O. J. , Ugwu B. , Aroh K. E. , Yusuf I.
Published: February 2022

The prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteria associated with spoilage of avocado pear(Persea americana) were studied.A total of sixteen (16) avocado pear samples were collected from various markets in Abakaliki and these samples were bacteriologically examined.The five (5) bacterial isolates were characterized and identified on the basis of morphological, Gram staining and biochemical tests. The total aerobic plate count was 3.5 x 105 CFU/g. Out of sixteen samples of avocado pear examined, thirty two bacteria were identified which included Staphylococcus aureus 4 (12.5%), Escherichia coli 10(31.2%), Salmonella species 7(21.8%), Shigella species 5(15.6%) and Klebsiella species 6(18.7%). Escherichia coli 10(31.2%) showed the highest percentage prevalence while Staphylococcus aureus 4 (12.5%) showed the least percentage prevalence. Bacteria isolated from the avocado pear samples were highly resistant to more than 55% of the antibiotics tested in this study. E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella and Klebsiella species isolated were also found to be 100% resistant to ceftazidime and oxacillin. The Salmonella and E. coli were found to be highly resistant to over 50% of the tested antibiotics. However, some of the Salmonella and E. coli isolates were also found to be susceptible to gentanicin, ciprofloxacine and ofloxacin. Shigella, Klebsiella and S. aureus were also found to be susceptible to some of the tested antibiotics including ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. However, the high rates of resistance found in this study showed that some fruits were heavily contaminated with pathogens that may cause infections in humans when ingested.
“Cascaded Rocket” Nanosystems with Spatiotemporal Separation for Triple‐Synergistic Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Liu Ruiyuan , Yang Jun , Qiu Xinyu , Ji Weihong , Shen Jie , Li Yan , Lu Zhiguo , Wu Yanyue , Wang Wenli , Wang Jing , Hao Jifu , Zhang Xin
Published: February 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains an incurable disease due to the intricate pathogenesis. The neuropathological hallmarks include extracellular amyloid‐β (Aβ) plaques, tau phosphorylation and extensive oxidative stress in neurons, which facilitate the progression of AD. Based on the complex etiology, a spatiotemporally “cascaded rocket” delivery system (DPH/TPGAS NPs) with metal ion/enzyme responses is established in this study for triple‐synergistic AD treatment. After targeting and permeating the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), the histidine units in the DPH chelate excess metal ions at the extracellular microenvironment, restraining the formation of Aβ aggregates, inducing the first‐stage separation. Then, the remanent system targets neuronal cells and triggers the second separation with cathepsin B for reducing the level of phosphorylated tau and oxidative stress. Accordingly, the DPH/TPGAS NPs can achieve spatiotemporal drug release, which results in enhanced synergistic therapeutic effects both in the extracellular and intracellular region of the AD brain. After treating with DPH/TPGAS NPs, the memory deficits, levels of Aβ and phosphorylated tau, inflammation and neuron damages are remarkably ameliorated in 3 × Tg‐AD mice. Therefore, this “cascaded rocket” delivery system has great potential to serve as a powerful platform and provides a new horizon to the therapeutic strategy for AD and other brain diseases’ treatments.
Strain‐Responsive Persistent Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence from Halogen‐Free Polymers for Early Damage Reporting through Phosphorescence Lifetime and Image Analysis
Authors: Tao Wenjie , Zhou Yusheng , Lin Faxu , Gao Haiyang , Chi Zhenguo , Liang Guodong
Published: February 2022

Mechanically responsive materials (MRMs) usually showing observable changes in emission intensity (mechanochromic) under force stimuli have garnered increasing interest due to their broad range of potential applications. Relative to usual mechanochromic materials, a kind of alternative MRMs with changeable lifetime upon force stimuli in terms of mechanodecay is proposed. A catalog of novel MRMs with both mechanochromic and mechanodecay characteristics is reported. Halogen‐free semicrystalline polymers doped with chromophores showing bright and ultralong room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) under ambient conditions are facilely fabricated through melt blending approaches. Upon being stretched or compressed, the RTP polymers show abundant changes in fluorescence intensity, emission color, RTP intensity, and RTP lifetime. Such RTP polymers with multiple strain‐responsive visual signals offer a kind of new MRMs useful for visually sensing the deformation of materials. Leveraging remarkable change in RTP lifetime under force stimuli, deformation process of polymers is investigated through phosphorescence lifetime and image analysis. Early damage warning for engineering polymers is achieved. Given the merits of high sensitivity, multiple visual signals, low cost, and simple operation, such RTP polymers provide a class of new MRMs useful for deformation sensing and early damage reporting of engineering materials.
Zn (II)/spiroQuinox catalyzed asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with cyclic N‐sulfonyl ketimino esters
Authors: Li Yanshun , Dong Mengqi , Gao Nanxing , Cao Guorui , Teng Dawei
Published: February 2022

Zinc complex of a new spiroQuinox ligand with a spirocarbon stereogenic center was examined for asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with cyclic N‐sulfonyl ketimino esters. This catalytic system provides a platform for facile synthesis of benzosultam derivatives functionalized with indole substituents, in high yield and excellent enantioselectivity.
Design of new visible light Pt photocatalyst based on the TDDFT study of properties of transition metal complexes
Authors: Jiao Mingyang , Zhang Beibei , Wang Zichen , Chen Bo‐Zhen
Published: February 2022

Visible light photocatalysis has been paid a lot of attention because of its green and lower energy consuming. To trigger a reaction via energy transfer, a potential visible light photocatalyst not only has absorption under visible light but also needs a high triplet excitation energy. In this scene, the density functional theory B3LYP methods were used to investigate the properties of transition metal complex photocatalysts and design new potential visible light photocatalysts. The calculation result shows that the studied Ir complexes have a relatively high ET values (energy gap between the triplet excited state and ground state). The introduction of electron‐donating groups to Ir complexes causes a slight redshift in the absorption spectrum. Moreover, the electronic structure and atomic radius of the central metal atom have a great influence on the properties of those complexes of “fac‐M(ppy)3” (transition metal complexes with facial structure and three ppy ligands, M = Pt, Ni, Rh, Ru, Fe). Based on the study of transition metal complexes, new visible light Pt complex photocatalysts that have both good absorption under visible light and high ET value have been designed here. The designed new Pt complexes are expected to be potential candidates as visible light photocatalysts.
A co‐creation experiment for virtual laboratories of mechanics in engineering education
Authors: Craifaleanu Andrei , Craifaleanu Iolanda‐Gabriela
Published: February 2022

Based on the background and expertise gained during almost two decades of development and implementation of virtual laboratory applications for teaching mechanics in engineering faculties, the authors propose a novel approach for this field, in which students themselves become developers of educational computer simulations. The method, called DYOVL (“Do Your Own Virtual Laboratory”), was applied, first experimentally and then on a regular basis, with gradual optimization during consecutive years, within the practical sessions of the mechanics course taught to students in automatic control and computers. An educational website, containing application examples and several downloadable resources, was recently developed, to assist teaching by the new method. The co‐creative character of this process is manifold, as students work together with the teaching staff and with their team colleagues to program virtual laboratory applications or to suggest improvements for the existing ones. The method demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of engagement, motivation, and inclusiveness, as well as a positive attitude of the students, shown both by pre‐ and during‐COVID satisfaction surveys. To assist potentially interested academic staff in implementing this approach in their universities, detailed methodological guidance is provided.
A Highly Stable Yttrium Organic Framework as a Host for Optical Thermometry and D2O Detection
Authors: Chamberlain Thomas W. , Perrella Rafael V. , Oliveira Tamires M. , de Sousa Filho Paulo C. , Walton Richard I.
Published: February 2022

The yttrium organic framework (Y0.89Tb0.10Eu0.01)6(BDC)7(OH)4(H2O)4 (BDC=benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate) is hydrothermally stable up to at least 513 K and thermally stable in air in excess of 673 K. The relative intensities of luminescence of Tb3+ and Eu3+ are governed by Tb3+‐to‐Eu3+ phonon‐assisted energy transfer and Tb3+‐to‐ligand back transfer and are responsible for the differing temperature‐dependent luminescence of the two ions. This provides a ratiometric luminescent thermometer in the 288–573 K temperature range, not previously seen for MOF materials, with a high sensitivity, 1.69±0.04 % K−1 at 523 K. In aqueous conditions, loosely bound H2O can be replaced by D2O in the same material, which modifies decay lifetimes to yield a quantitative luminescent D2O sensor with a useful sensitivity for practical application.
Evaluation of the eruption of permanent teeth and their association with malocclusion
Authors: Fekonja Anita
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study was done to determine the timing of eruption of permanent teeth by sex and the number of permanent teeth erupted at different ages and to assess its association with malocclusion.

Material and Methods

The sample for this study consisted of 633 healthy subjects (317 boys and 316 girls) aged between 5.0 and 15.0 years. The subjects were divided into subgroups considering an age interval of 1 year.

Results

The mean eruption times were lower for girls compared with boys except for the maxillary and mandibular second premolars and second molars, which were found to erupt earlier in boys. All the permanent mandibular teeth, except the second premolars, tended to erupt earlier than their maxillary antagonists in both sexes. The sequence of eruption differs between girls and boys in the maxillary canine and maxillary second premolars. In Class III malocclusion, all the permanent mandibular teeth erupt earlier than their maxillary antagonists. In the entire sample, the correlation between the number of erupted teeth and age was strong (p < .05), but the differences between sexes were not significant.

Conclusions

It is important to know the normal eruption time of permanent teeth in the population due to diagnosis and better treatment planning in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.
Transmit antenna selection strategies for spectrally efficient spatial modulation techniques
Authors: Gudla Vishnu Vardhan , Kumaravelu Vinoth Babu , S Asha , Murugadass Arthi
Published: February 2022

Fifth‐generation (5G) networks are expected to offer unprecedented amounts of spectral and energy efficiency. Spatial modulation (SM) techniques have the capability to achieve an appealing trade‐off between these conflicting design parameters. Fully generalized SM (FGSM) and fully quadrature SM (FQSM) are the recent high‐rate SM variants, where the spectral efficiency is linearly proportional to the number of transmit antennas. The transmit antenna selection schemes can efficiently improve the average bit error rate (ABER) performance of SM techniques. The main objective of this work is to investigate the employment of transmit antenna selection schemes to FGSM and FQSM. Initially, Euclidean distance optimized antenna selection (EDAS) scheme is employed to FGSM and FQSM. It offers superior performance than conventional FGSM/FQSM without transmit antenna selection at the cost of higher computational complexity. In order to reduce the complexity cost, four suboptimal schemes based on channel capacity, correlation and combination of them are proposed and employed to FGSM and FQSM. The suboptimal transmit antenna selection based on capacity and correlation (TAS‐A‐C) offers a minimum gain of ∼6 dB over conventional FGSM/FQSM with significantly lower complexity. In addition, the performance of all schemes is investigated for increased number of available transmit antennas. As the proposed schemes address the spectral and energy efficiency trade‐off effectively, while corroborating better ABER performance, they have the potential to become a competing candidate for next‐generation networks.
Stream Mesocosm Experiments Show no Protective Effects of Calcium on Copper Toxicity to Macroinvertebrates
Authors: Iwasaki Yuichi , Cadmus Pete , Ranville James , Clements William H.
Published: February 2022

Although the concept and modeling of metal bioavailability and toxicity have been well developed based largely on laboratory experiments with standard test species, additional evidence is required to demonstrate their applicability for macroinvertebrates typically found in natural lotic ecosystems. We conducted 10-day stream mesocosm experiments to test the hypothesis that increased water hardness (in the present study, the calcium [Ca] concentration was increased by adding CaCl2) would mitigate the effects of copper (Cu) on natural benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Exposure of macroinvertebrate communities to 25 μg/L Cu for 10 days in stream mesocosm experiments resulted in significant decreases in total abundance, in number of taxa, and in abundance of many macroinvertebrate taxa. However, the addition of Ca to stream mesocosms and the associated increase in water hardness up to 250 mg/L CaCO3 did not mitigate these effects of Cu on macroinvertebrate communities. The results showed that the hardness-based water quality criteria for Cu of the US Environmental Protection Agency were not protective under the conditions of relatively high hardness, low alkalinity, and circumneutral pH. In contrast, the water quality criteria based on the biotic ligand model predicted little protective effects of Ca on Cu toxicity, which is consistent with our results. Additional experiments are required to understand the influence of modifying factors on the toxicity of metals to macroinvertebrate communities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1304–1310. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

We examined whether increased water hardness (in the present study, calcium concentration) would mitigate the impacts of copper on natural benthic macroinvertebrate communities.
Similarity‐based clustering and data aggregation with independent component analysis in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Shahina K. , Pradeep Kumar T. S.
Published: February 2022

Wireless sensor networks are consisted of group of sensor nodes, which are scattered in inaccessible areas with limited resources. Data aggregation and clustering methods minimize sensor network's energy usage by reducing the quantity of data transmission. Machine learning techniques like reinforcement learning, neural networks, and swarm intelligence significantly cut down the transmission of data and make use of network's distributive features. Quantity of aggregated data can be reduced if the measured data are similar. Based on this concept, a similarity based clustering method is proposed in which sensor node with similar data are grouped as a cluster for data aggregation. Then an algorithm is proposed that aggregates the data using independent component analysis which is performed on cluster head sensor nodes. Data aggregation process is executed on clusters which are having higher data similarity. Implementation shows that proposed method is performing better in terms of computational overhead, aggregation ratio, and energy consumption.
Variation in mycorrhizal growth response among a spring wheat mapping population shows potential to breed for symbiotic benefit
Authors: Thirkell Tom J. , Grimmer Mike , James Lucy , Pastok Daria , Allary Théa , Elliott Ashleigh , Paveley Neil , Daniell Tim , Field Katie J.
Published: February 2022

All cereal crops engage in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses which can have profound, but sometimes deleterious, effects on plant nutrient acquisition and growth. The mechanisms underlying variable mycorrhizal responsiveness in cereals are not well characterised or understood. Adapting crops to realise mycorrhizal benefits could reduce fertiliser requirements and improve crop nutrition where fertiliser is unavailable. We conducted a phenotype screen in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), using 99 lines of an Avalon × Cadenza doubled‐haploid mapping population. Plants were grown with or without a mixed inoculum containing 5 species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Plant growth, nutrition and mycorrhizal colonisation were quantified. Plant growth response to inoculation was remarkably varied among lines, ranging from more than 30% decrease to 80% increase in shoot biomass. Mycorrhizal plants did not suffer decreasing shoot phosphorus concentration with increasing biomass as observed in their non‐mycorrhizal counterparts. The extent to which mycorrhizal inoculation was beneficial for individual lines was negatively correlated with shoot biomass in the non‐mycorrhizal state but was not correlated with the extent of mycorrhizal colonisation of roots. Highly variable mycorrhizal responsiveness among closely related wheat lines and the identification of several QTL for these traits suggests the potential to breed for improved crop‐mycorrhizal symbiosis.
Absence of bones in archaeological sites from the southeast of Uruguay: Taphonomy or human behavior?
Authors: S. Villagran Ximena , Rodriguez Mauricio , Pereira Heinkel Bentos , Gianotti Camila , Sotelo Moira , del Puerto Laura
Published: February 2022

The rework of daily refuse, including large quantities of faunal remains, is a common explanation for earthen mound construction in the Uruguayan lowlands, which started about 5000 years ago. While some earthen mounds contain human and animal bones in high abundance, several others contain only a few fragments. Thousands of years later (17th to 18th centuries), stone structures known as cairns were used in the same region and are believed to have served as the burial ground for local chiefs. However, no bone remains were ever found during excavations. The acidity of local soils has been the common explanation for the low frequency and/or complete absence of bone remains in earthen mounds and cairns. To investigate the absence of bones possibly induced by a corrosive environment, we applied Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and micromorphology to study the sediments at three sites: (1) an earthen mound rich in macroscopic bone fragments (CH2D01 site—CH); (2) an earthen mound with only a few macroscopic bone fragments (Las Palmas—LP); and (3) sediments from beneath a cairn with no macroscopic bone remains (Mario Chafalote cairn—MC). FTIR and XRPD showed the existence of burnt bones at the CH mound and a complete absence of bone mineral at LP and MC. Micromorphology revealed that, though invisible in the FTIR spectra, the LP mound contains micro‐bone fragments, but in extremely low frequency. Analyses indicate that taphonomy did not play a major role in the low frequency or absence of bones at the LP and MC sites, located in a similar environmental context, and that differences in site use and mound technology explain the contrasting composition of the CH mound.
Downregulation of Talin‐1 is associated with the increased expression of miR‐182‐5p and miR‐9‐5p in coronary artery disease
Authors: Gholipour Akram , Shakerian Farshad , Zahedmehr Ali , Irani Shiva , Mowla Seyed Javad , Malakootian Mahshid
Published: February 2022

Background

Evidence indicates that the dysregulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components can lead to cardiovascular diseases. The Talin‐1 (TLN1) gene is a major component of the ECM, and it mediates integrin adhesion to the ECM. In this study, we aimed to determine microRNAs (miRs) that regulate the expression of TLN1 and determine expression alterations in TLN1 and its targeting miRs in coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

Data sets of CAD and normal samples of blood exosomes were downloaded, and TLN1 was chosen as one of the genes with differential expressions in an in silico analysis. Next, miR‐182‐5p and miR‐9‐5p, which have a binding site on 3´‐UTR of TLN1, were selected using bioinformatics tools. Then, the miR target site was cloned in the psiCHECK‐2 vector, and direct interaction between the miR target site and the TLN1 3′‐UTR putative target site was investigated by luciferase assay. The expression of miR‐182‐5p, miR‐9‐5p, and TLN1 in the serum samples of CAD and non‐CAD individuals was assessed via a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Our data revealed that miR‐182‐5p directly regulated the expression of TLN1. Moreover, miR‐182‐5p and miR‐9‐5p were significantly upregulated in the CAD group. Hence, both bioinformatics and experimental analyses determined the downregulated expression of TLN1 in the CAD samples.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that miR‐182‐5p and miR‐9‐5p could play significant roles in TLN1 regulation and participate in CAD development by targeting TLN1. These findings introduce novel biomarkers with a potential role in CAD pathogenesis.
Pyroptosis patterns and immune infiltrates characterization in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Deng Hongxia , Wei Zhengyu , Qiu Shijie , Ye Dong , Gu Shanshan , Shen Yi , Shen Zhisen , Jin Yangli , Zhou Chongchang
Published: February 2022

Background

Pyroptosis plays an essential role in tumor immune responses and inflammation related to chemotherapy. Herein, we studied the characteristic patterns of pyroptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to determine their prognostic and therapeutic effects.

Methods

Consensus clustering analysis was performed to classify patients into pyroptosis or gene clusters. A novel pyroptosis score was constructed by principal component analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to show the prognostic value. We also assessed the functional enrichment, tumor mutation burden, immune cell infiltration, and the sensitivity to chemotherapy and immunotherapy between high and low pyroptosis score group.

Results

Two distinct pyroptosis clusters were defined based on the mRNA expression profiles of PRGs, which were related to immune activation in HNSCC. Notably, a pyroptosis score was constructed according to different expression gene signatures, and then, each HNSCC patient was classified into a low or high pyroptosis score group. Patients with low pyroptosis scores had better immunotherapeutic responses and higher sensitivities to chemotherapeutic agents (paclitaxel, docetaxel, and gemcitabine). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that the pyroptosis patterns were independent prognostic indicators regardless of the level of tumor mutation burden.

Conclusions

Pyroptosis plays an essential role in immune infiltration in HNSCC. Quantifying the pyroptosis score of individual patients might suggest prognostic, immunotherapeutic, and chemotherapeutic strategies for HNSCC.
Performance evaluation of the i‐Smart 300E cartridge for point‐of‐care electrolyte measurement in serum and plasma
Authors: Lee Beomki , Park Hyung‐Doo
Published: February 2022

Background

Electrolytes are measured regularly in a variety of clinical settings because electrolyte imbalance can be life‐threatening. Although arterial blood‐gas analysis reports electrolyte levels, the result often is discrepant with results from serum and plasma samples. Since prompt and accurate measurement of serum electrolyte levels could allow early treatment, point‐of‐care (POC) electrolyte analyzers would be beneficial. We evaluated a POC electrolyte analyzer cartridge based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Methods

Precision and linearity were assessed according to the CLSI EP05‐A3 and EP06‐A guidelines, respectively. A comparison study was conducted with both serum and plasma samples according to the CLSI EP09‐A3. For serum, results from the i‐Smart 300E analyzer were compared with results from the Nova 8 and i‐Smart 30 analyzers. For plasma, results were compared among the i‐Smart 300E, Nova 8, i‐Smart 30, and Cobas c702 analyzers.

Results

Coefficients of variation in the precision analysis were all less than 5%. Linearity assessment demonstrated a coefficient of determination between 0.999 and 1.000 for all analytes. The comparison study showed a high Pearson's correlation coefficient greater than 0.9 for all analytes, instruments, and specimens.

Conclusions

The i‐Smart 300E demonstrated good analytical performance. Its use could be beneficial in terms of both efficiency and clinical outcome in point‐of‐care testing (POCT) for electrolyte levels from serum and plasma samples.
Good acyclic orientations of 4‐regular 4‐connected graphs
Authors: Bang‐Jensen Jørgen , Kriesell Matthias
Published: February 2022

An ‐ordering of a graph is an ordering of its vertex set such that and every vertex with has both a lower numbered and a higher numbered neighbor. Such orderings have played an important role in algorithms for planarity testing. It is well‐known that every 2‐connected graph has an ‐ordering for every choice of distinct vertices . An ‐ordering of a graph corresponds directly to a so‐called bipolar orientation of , that is, an acyclic orientation of in which is the unique source and is the unique sink. Clearly every bipolar orientation of a graph has an out‐branching rooted at the source vertex and an in‐branching rooted at the sink vertex. In this paper, we study graphs which admit a bipolar orientation that contains an out‐branching and in‐branching which are arc‐disjoint (such an orientation is called good). A 2T‐graph is a graph whose edge set can be decomposed into two edge‐disjoint spanning trees. Clearly a graph has a good orientation if and only if it contains a spanning 2T‐graph with a good orientation, implying that 2T‐graphs play a central role. It is a well‐known result due to Tutte and Nash‐Williams, respectively, that every 4‐edge‐connected graph contains a spanning 2T‐graph. Vertex‐minimal 2T‐graphs with at least two vertices, also known as generic circuits, play an important role in rigidity theory for graphs. Recently with Bessy and Huang we proved that every generic circuit has a good orientation. In fact, we may specify the roots of the two branchings arbitrarily as long as they are distinct. Using this, several results on good orientations of 2T‐graphs were obtained. It is an open problem whether there exists a polynomial algorithm for deciding whether a given 2T‐graph has a good orientation. Complex constructions of 2T‐graphs with no good orientation were given in work by Bang‐Jensen, Bessy, Huang and Kriesell (2021) indicating that the problem might be very difficult. In this paper, we focus on so‐called quartics which are 2T‐graphs where every vertex has degree 3 or 4. We identify a sufficient condition for a quartic to have a good orientation, give a polynomial algorithm to recognize quartics satisfying the condition and a polynomial algorithm to produce a good orientation when this condition is met. As a consequence of these results we prove that every 4‐regular and 4‐connected graph has a good orientation, where, as for generic circuits, we may specify the roots of the two branchings arbitrarily as long as they are distinct. We also provide evidence that even for quartics it may be difficult to find a characterization of those instances which have a good orientation. We also show that every graph on vertices and of minimum degree at least has a good orientation. Finally we pose a number of open problems.
Decreasing pre‐procedural fasting times in hospitalized children
Authors: Carroll Alison R. , McCoy Allison B. , Modes Katharina , Krehnbrink Marni , Starnes Lauren S. , Frost Patricia A. , Johnson David P.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Prolonged pre‐procedural fasting in children is associated with decreased patient and family satisfaction and increased patient hemodynamic instability. Practice guidelines recommend clear liquid fasting times of 2 h. We aimed to decrease pre‐procedural clear liquid fasting time from 10 h 13 min to 5 h for pediatric hospital medicine (PHM) patients.

Methods

All children admitted to the PHM service at a quaternary care children's hospital with an NPO (nil per os) order associated with a procedure requiring general anesthesia or sedation from November 2, 2017 to September 19, 2021 were included. The primary outcome measure was the average time from clear liquid fasting end time to anesthesia start time. The process measure was the percent of NPO orders including a documented clear liquid fasting end time. Balancing measures were aspiration events and case delays/cancellations. Statistical process control charts were used to analyze outcomes.

Results

Shortly after implementation of a SmartPhrase in the NPO order, there was special cause variation resulting in a centerline shift from a mean of 10 h 13 min to 6 h 37 min and an increase in the process measure from a baseline of 2%–52%. Following implementation of a hospital‐wide change to the NPO order format, another centerline shift to 6 h 7 min occurred which has been sustained for 6 months. No aspiration events and four NPO violations occurred during the intervention period.

Conclusion

Quality improvement methodology and higher reliability interventions safely decreased the average pre‐procedural fasting time in hospitalized children.
The emergence of streaming and its impact on pricing and product strategies of content providers
Authors: Bender Mark , Gal‐Or Esther , Geylani Tansev
Published: February 2022

We investigate how an established content provider with a digital store responds to emerging streaming technology. Under certain circumstances, the provider may need to lower the sale price of his downloads to encourage consumers to learn their preferences through streaming. When competing against a rival streaming service, if the provider can sufficiently differentiate his service, the provider should operate in the streaming market and charge a higher subscription fee for his services. We also consider an environment in which the provider abandons the sale of content and competes in streaming and find that the pricing strategies change.
The influence of emotions on trust: An experimental investigation among potential entrepreneurs in Tunisia
Authors: Saadaoui Hayet
Published: February 2022

The current research aims to explore whether a potential entrepreneur's ability or tendency to deal with incidental emotions will have repercussion on his or her trust relationships with others. In a laboratory experiment, participants experience a so‐called emotion induction procedure that involves visual stimulus triggering negative, positive, or neutral emotion. At this point, the players participate in the trust game. Results indicate that potential entrepreneurs adopt conservative decisions when faced to a risky decision. However, when faced to negative emotions, they adopt riskier moves that may allow them to achieve a positive emotional state through potential consequences of the decision.