bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between climate, mycorrhizal fungal community, and plant establishment in the sclerophyllous forest of central Chile
Authors:   , Renderos Reyes Laura Guadalupe
Published: December 2024

En este estudio, se evaluó el efecto de la precipitación en la interacción simbiótica entre hongos micorrícicos y cinco especies leñosas dominantes en la zona central de Chile: Acacia caven, Quillaja saponaria, Cryptocaria alba, Kageneckia oblonga y Lithrea caustica. Se analizó la intensidad de micorrización y la producción de esporas en estas especies en 10 sitios de muestreo, divididos en zonas de menor y mayor precipitación. Se encontró una mayor abundancia de esporas y porcentaje de colonización en las zonas con mayor precipitación. No se observaron diferencias significativas entre las especies arbóreas ni en la riqueza de especies entre las zonas. Esto indica que el efecto de la precipitación es importante para la abundancia y colonización de hongos micorrícicos arbusculares, y que la identidad del hospedero no influye en esta interacción. Además, se realizaron pruebas de micorrización en plantulas de las especies mencionadas, utilizando diferentes tratamientos. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la biomasa total y la biomasa aérea entre los tratamientos. Estos resultados resaltan la susceptibilidad de la interacción simbiótica tanto a la disminución de la precipitación como al tipo de inóculo utilizado. En conclusión, este estudio proporciona información relevante para la gestión forestal y proyectos de restauración, demostrando la importancia de la precipitación en la interacción entre hongos micorrícicos y especies leñosas.
Adoption of Improved Package of Practices of Soyabean Crop and Its Constraint Faced by Soyabean Growers
Authors: Chandurkar W.Y. , U.U.Rajput  , S.A.Borde
Published: December 2024

The broad bed and furrow system has been mainly developed at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India.The scientist and farmers are concerned with the low productivity of Soybean under present agro-situations, keeping the aforementioned perspectives in mind and realizing the importance of broad bed furrow technology for soyabean crops in dissemination of technology. The study was carried out to know the effect of demonstration conducted at different locations on the production and profitability of the farmers. The field experiments were conducted at the farmer’s fields in the operational village of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sangvi (Rly) Yavatmal-II district of Maharashtra. The selection of 50 respondents was randomly drawn from villages a cluster of five villages namely Dhulapur, Lohi, Tarnoli, Chikhali in Darwha tehsil and Karkheda, in Ner tehsil of Yavatmal. Thus, an attempt was made to examine the adoption of broad bed furrow technology in accordance with all the 21 recommended agronomic practicesin order to obtain important conclusions and suggestion for extension experts and soybean growers to update farmers technical knowledge. The majority of soybean growers (60%) had low level of overall adoption of the recommended practices. Under broad bed furrow technology, soybean growers are advised to implement 21 agronomic practices. Of these, 52% fully adopt the improved soybean varieties, 56% use recommended seed rate, 76% use herbicides to control weeds, and 50% of soybean growers partially adopt the improved package of practices to control insects and diseases. The majority of soybean grower encounter obstacles such as the unavailability of BBF machine (96 %) and skill labours (56%), as well as challenges while utilizing BBF technology (92%). Only 50 per cent of large size holding soyabean grower use BBF technology and 44 per cent of those with higher family income have access to it. It was concluded that improved package of practices of soybean cultivation was found superior in comparison with conventional seed drill.
Records Management Compliance of Cagayan State University, Sanchez Mira Campus, Philippines: Basis on Intervention Program
Authors: Taguiam Arnold S.
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the level of records management compliance at the Cagayan State University-Sanchez Mira Campus and proposes an intervention program to address identified deficiencies.  The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques.  Quantitative data will be gathered through surveys administered to a representative sample of faculty, and administrative staff involved in records management activities to assess their understanding and adherence to existing records management policies and procedures.  Qualitative data will be collected through interviews with key personnel involved in records management, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities within the current system.  The findings will be analyzed to identify areas of strength and weakness in the current records management practices, pinpointing specific areas requiring improvement.  Based on the analysis, a comprehensive intervention program will be developed, outlining specific strategies, resources, and timelines for enhancing records management compliance.  The program will address issues such as inadequate training, insufficient resources, and outdated policies.  The expected outcome will be significant in the improvement of records management practices in the campus, leading to enhanced efficiency, improved access to information, and better compliance with relevant regulations and standards. The study's contribution lies in providing a practical, data-driven intervention program tailored to the specific needs of the Cagayan State University-Sanchez Mira Campus, serving as a model for other institutions facing similar challenges.  The proposed intervention program will be evaluated for its effectiveness in improving records management compliance and will offer recommendations for its long-term sustainability.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells: A Pathway to Sustainable Distributed Energy
Authors: Bbumba Simon , Arum Chinaecherem Tochukwu , Kigozi Moses , Karume Ibrahim , Nsamba Hussein Kisiki , Okafor Chukwuebuka Ubaka , Murungi Moses , Kiganda Ivan , Ssekatawa John
Published: December 2024

Herein, we review hydrogen fuel cell technology as a promising solution for distributed power generation. The various types of fuel cells, including polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), alkaline, phosphoric acid, solid oxide, and molten carbonate fuel cells, are discussed. Furthermore, the critical components of fuel cells, such as the anode, cathode, electrolyte, and catalyst, and the factors influencing their performance and durability are explored. Additionally, the paper examines the different methods of hydrogen production, including electrolysis, reforming, and gasification, and assesses their environmental impact and economic viability. The potential applications of fuel cells in residential, commercial, and industrial settings are explored, emphasizing their ability to provide clean, reliable, and efficient power supply. Finally, the review discusses the current challenges and future research directions in hydrogen fuel cells, including cost reduction, durability improvement, and infrastructure development.
The Relationship between Inotrope Use and Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Hedia Sara Mokhtar Abdelaal , Badawy Manal Ezzat , Elsharkawy Hamed Mohamed , Elashry Sara Mohamed
Published: December 2024

In preterm newborns, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) may be preceded by erroneous hemodynamic alterations in cerebral circulation. Neonatal hypotension requiring use of inotropes was found to be the significantly risk factors in IVH. Reduced use of inotropic medications (such dopamine or epinephrine), which have been linked to the development of IVH, and a reduced incidence of hypotension, may be linked to the increased intravascular volume.
Combining Ability of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (l.) R. Br.] Hybrids Involving Diverse CGMS Lines and Restorers
Authors: Moghariya A. A. , Parmar S. K. , Chaudhari R. J. , Mungra K. D. , Patel J. K.
Published: December 2024

The experimental material comprised of five female lines, ten male lines of pearl millet, their 50 hybrids developed by line × tester design and one standard check hybrid (GHB 1231). They were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications at Main Pearl Millet Research Station, J.A.U., Jamnagar during kharif 2023 for studies of combining ability of pearl millet. The analysis of variance for combining ability revealed that mean squares due to females and males were significant for all the characters under studied. The result indicates that significant contribution of both female and male toward total variation. The mean squares due to females × males were significant for all the 12 characters under studied except days to maturity. The variance ratio of gca and sca showed that the non-additive gene action was pre-dominant for the expression of all traits studied except days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. Among the parents two female parents viz., ICMA1 95444 and JMSA5 20212 and five male parents like J-2597, J-2569, J-2580, J-2637 and J-2641 were found good general combiners for grain yield per plant. The gca effect of parents indicated that ICMA1 95444 was found good general combiner for all the characters under studied. The highest positive sca effect was manifested by cross ICMA1 94555 × J-2580 (20.53) for grain yield per plant followed by JMSA5 20212 × J-2562 (14.58) and ICMA1 95444 × J-2372 (13.15).
Understanding Gene Action and Combining Ability in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) A Line × Tester Analysis Approach
Authors: Ramakrishna T. , Devi I. Swarnalatha , Prasad D. Shiva , Shankar M. , D.Supriya
Published: December 2024

The study was carried out to understand the nature of gene action and combining ability in rice hybrids for grain yield and its component traits. For this, five lines were crossed with two testers in a Line x Tester mating design. The analysis of variance revealed a substantial difference between the parents and hybrids for all the characters studied. For the majority of traits viz., days to 50% flowering, number of tillers per plant, number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per panicle, 1000 grain weight, grain yield per plant, hulling (%), milling (%), and kernel length-breadth ratio, SCA variances were greater than GCA variations, indicating the predominance of non additive gene action. In contrast GCA variations were greater than SCA variances, suggesting that additive gene action predominates for characteristics such as plant height, panicle length, head rice recovery (%), kernel length and kernel breadth. The hybrids JGL 27356 x PTB 33 and KPS 3018 x IET 23993 were stable with favourable SCA effects, heterosis and per se performance for grain yield and its component traits. Among lines WGL 962 was the best combiner for grain yield and important yield components due to positive GCA effects and in testers IET 23993 for early and dwarfness. In order to provide a higher heterosis for yield, the aforementioned cross combinations might be used in further breeding programs.
Milk Production in Gujarat, India: A District-Wise Scenario of Contributions of Cow, Buffalo, and Goat Milk during 2022-23
Authors: Gurjar Mahendra D. , Modi Zeel
Published: December 2024

This research provides a comprehensive district-wise analysis of milk production in Gujarat during the 2022-23 period, focusing on cow, buffalo, and goat milk. Gujarat, a leading dairy state in India, produced a total of 17.281 million metric tonnes of milk, significantly contributing to the nation’s milk supply. The research was based on secondary data obtained from various published reports of Government of Gujarat’s Animal Husbandry Department, NDDB, Amul, GCMMF etc.   and articles of reputed organisations and authors. The findings of the study indicate that Gujarat’s dairy industry in 2022-23 was dominated by a few key districts, with Banaskantha leading in overall milk production. Crossbred cows were the primary contributors to cow milk, while buffaloes played a major role in several districts, especially in Banaskantha and Kheda. Goat milk production, although less significant, was concentrated in districts like Dahod and Kachchh. The success of these regions can be attributed to favorable climatic conditions, robust cooperative networks, and efficient animal husbandry practices. The study highlights the regional concentration of milk production, driven by favorable climatic conditions, robust dairy infrastructure, and cooperative systems. Crossbred cows, indigenous cows, and buffaloes all played vital roles in the state’s dairy sector.
Impact of Resilience, Optimism and Socio-economic Status on Coping in Parents among Visually and Hearing-impaired Children
Authors: Singh Shaurya , Singh Mantresh
Published: December 2024

This review examined the impact of resilience, optimism, and socio-economic status on coping strategies employed by parents of visually and hearing-impaired children. By understanding these factors, we can develop more effective interventions and support systems for these families. The development is impacted in diverse sequences including communication, social relations and learning. Detecting these impairments at this stage has to be important if the deleterious impact of these impairments is to be prevented and averted. Resilience refers to the capacity to adapt and bounce back from challenges. Resilience is essential for parents of disabled children to manage the stress that comes with providing constant care. Tough parents are better able to support their children and look after their own mental health. Future studies and interventions should take a comprehensive, family-centered approach to meeting the different needs of parents over time. This includes promoting parental mental health, facilitating effective coping techniques, increasing resource availability, and encouraging parents to act as advocates and partners in their child's development.
Antimicrobial Activities of Palm Kernel Oil (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) and Castor Oil (Ricinus communis Linn.) on Uropathogens
Authors: Nweke Rita Ngozi , Nweke Bernard Uzoma , Onyeka Precious Chidimma
Published: December 2024

Aim: This study investigates the antimicrobial activities of castor bean oil and palm kernel oil against uropathogens, focusing on their potential as alternatives for treating urinary tract infections.
Study Design: This study is a cross sectional research.
Place and Duration of Study: Urine samples were collected from urinary tract infection (UTI) suspected patients at University of Nigeria Nsukka, Medical Centre. Fresh Castor bean (Ricinus communis) and palm kernel (Elaeis guineensis) were bought from Orba main market in Orba, Udenu Local Government of Enugu state. The plant products were transported to the Herbarium and authenticated by a plant taxonomist from the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu state. The plant materials were transported to Microbiology laboratory, University of Nigeria, Nsukka for oil extraction and analysis from January to May, 2024.
Materials and Methods: The urine samples were cultured on Eosin methylene blue agar, Mannitol agar and potatoes dextrose agar. The isolates were identified by morphological growth characteristics, biochemical tests and by Gram staining reaction. Castor bean oil and palm kernel oil extraction was done by semi-thermal process at a low temperature. The antimicrobial activities of the extracted oils against the isolates were carried out using the agar well diffusion method.
Results: The presence of terpenoid, flavonoids and glycosides were observed in both PKO and CBO among others. The isolated uropathogens were identified as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The antimicrobial testing indicated that PKO was fully effective against S. aureus at all concentrations, 50% sensitivity against E. coli at 100mg/ml and 50 mg/ml; whereas C. albicans had 50% sensitivity at 100 mg/ml and 50mg/ml, but completely resistant at 25 mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml. PKO showed inhibition zone diameter (IZD) against S. aureus (16.5 mm) at 100 mg/m, 11 mm against C. albicans at 100 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml whereas 0 mm was observed at 25 mg/ml and 12.5 mg/ml. CBO had lower antimicrobial activities than PKO. The maximum IZD for CBO was against S. aureus (14 mm) and E. coli (11 mm) at 100 mg/ml concentration, while 0 mm IZD was observed against C. albicans. However, the combination of the 2 oils had no synergistic effect.
Conclusion: The sensitivity of mostly S. aureus, then, E. coli to these oil extracts particularly PKO highlights a viable alternative in treating UTIs. The poor antimicrobial effects of the oils especially the CBO on the uropathogens could be attributed to the dissolution strength of the solvent, DMSO used in this study.
Tissue Engineering with Mechanically Induced Solid‐Fluid Transitions
Authors: Mailand Erik , Özelçi Ece , Kim Jaemin , Rüegg Matthias , Chaliotis Odysseas , Märki Jon , Bouklas Nikolaos , Sakar Mahmut Selman
Published: October 2021

Epithelia are contiguous sheets of cells that stabilize the shape of internal organs and support their structure by covering their surfaces. They acquire diverse morphological forms appropriate for their specific functions during embryonic development, such as the kidney tubules and the complex branching structures found in the lung. The maintenance of epithelial morphogenesis and homeostasis is controlled by their remarkable mechanics—epithelia can become elastic, plastic, and viscous by actively remodeling cell–cell junctions and modulating the distribution of local stresses. Microfabrication, finite element modelling, light‐sheet microscopy, and robotic micromanipulation are used to show that collagen gels covered with an epithelial skin serve as shape‐programmable soft matter. The process involves solid to fluid transitions induced by mechanical perturbations, generates spatially distributed surface stresses at tissue interfaces, and is amenable to both additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques. The robustness and versatility of this strategy for engineering designer tissues is demonstrated by directing the morphogenesis of a variety of molded, carved, and assembled forms from the base material. The results provide insight into the active mechanical properties of the epithelia and establish methods for engineering tissues with sustainable architectures.
Air‐Stable 2D Cr5Te8 Nanosheets with Thickness‐Tunable Ferromagnetism
Authors: Chen Chao , Chen Xiaodie , Wu Changwei , Wang Xiao , Ping Yue , Wei Xin , Zhou Xing , Lu Jiangbo , Zhu Lujun , Zhou Jiadong , Zhai Tianyou , Han Junbo , Xu Hua
Published: October 2021

2D magnetic materials have aroused widespread research interest owing to their promising application in spintronic devices. However, exploring new kinds of 2D magnetic materials with better stability and realizing their batch synthesis remain challenging. Herein, the synthesis of air‐stable 2D Cr5Te8 ultrathin crystals with tunable thickness via tube‐in‐tube chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth technology is reported. The importance of tube‐in‐tube CVD growth, which can significantly suppress the equilibrium shift to the decomposition direction and facilitate that to the synthesis reaction direction, for the synthesis of high‐quality Cr5Te8 with accurate composition, is highlighted. By precisely adjusting the growth temperature, the thickness of Cr5Te8 nanosheets is tuned from ≈1.2 nm to tens of nanometers, with the morphology changing from triangles to hexagons. Furthermore, magneto‐optical Kerr effect measurements reveal that the Cr5Te8 nanosheet is ferromagnetic with strong out‐of‐plane spin polarization. The Curie temperature exhibits a monotonic increase from 100 to 160 K as the Cr5Te8 thickness increases from 10 to 30 nm and no apparent variation in surface roughness or magnetic properties after months of exposure to air. This study provides a robust method for the controllable synthesis of high‐quality 2D ferromagnetic materials, which will facilitate research progress in spintronics.
Studying effectiveness of Web search for fact checking
Authors: Hasanain Maram , Elsayed Tamer
Published: October 2021

Web search is commonly used by fact checking systems as a source of evidence for claim verification. In this work, we demonstrate that the task of retrieving pagesusefulfor fact checking, calledevidential pages, is indeeddifferentfrom the task of retrieving topically relevant pages that are typically optimized by search engines; thus, it should be handled differently. We conduct a comprehensive study on the performance of retrieving evidential pages over a test collection we developed for the task of re‐ranking Web pages by usefulness for fact‐checking. Results show that pages (retrieved by a commercial search engine) that are topically relevant to a claim are not always useful for verifying it, and that the engine's performance in retrieving evidential pages is weakly correlated with retrieval of topically relevant pages. Additionally, we identify types of evidence in evidential pages and some linguistic cues that can help predict page usefulness. Moreover, preliminary experiments show that a retrieval model leveraging those cues has a higher performance compared to the search engine. Finally, we show that existing systems have a long way to go to support effective fact checking. To that end, our work provides insights to guide design of better future systems for the task.
Interannual variability of monsoon onset and withdrawal in Bangladesh
Authors: Montes Carlo , Acharya Nachiketa , Stiller‐Reeve Mathew A. , Kelley Colin , Hassan S. M. Quamrul
Published: October 2021

This research investigates the interannual variability of monsoon onset and withdrawal in Bangladesh, both of which are major climate features shaping multiple societal activities. There is considerable research on the monsoon timing in South Asia, but with much less focus on Bangladesh. We applied a local monsoon onset and withdrawal definition to observations and the latest‐generation high‐resolution gridded precipitation data from the Climate Hazards Center for the period 1981 through 2018. We analyzed the interannual variability in monsoon timing in Bangladesh and its teleconnection with the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) over the Pacific Ocean (El Niño Southern Oscillation, ENSO) and the Indian Ocean (IO). The monsoon starts with early significant rains in northeast Bangladesh and propagates westward, and a similar pattern is observed for withdrawal, which tends to be more homogeneous in time and space. A high spatial and temporal variability in monsoon onset and withdrawal is observed in Bangladesh, with a within‐country average range of around 1 month despite it being a country of relatively small size. The association between monsoon onset and withdrawal and ENSO and IO is addressed at the country and regional level by analyzing composites for different ENSO and IO phases and associated atmospheric circulation and moisture transport. A similar association between monsoon onset and ENSO and IO phases was found, with generally earlier (later) onset dates during the negative (positive) phase of ENSO and IO. Monsoon withdrawal shows a clearer association with ENSO, with earlier (later) dates during the positive (negative) phase. Monsoon withdrawal is earlier during the negative IO phase. SSTA‐induced anomalies in circulation and moisture transport contribute to anomalies in monsoon timing. Results suggest both ENSO and IOD can be potentially used as sources of predictability of monsoon onset and withdrawal over specific regions of Bangladesh.
Verbundverhalten umwickelter CFK‐Stäbe in Beton – Kurzzeituntersuchung der Verbundeigenschaften mittels Pull‐out‐Tests
Authors: Hammerl Mathias , Stoiber Nadine , Hämmerle Joachim , Shams Ali , Bischoff Thomas , Kromoser Benjamin
Published: October 2021

Der Einsatz und die Verfügbarkeit von Bewehrung aus Carbonfaserverbundkunststoff (CFK) steigen stetig, weshalb ein umfangreiches Verständnis der Verbundeigenschaften essenziell ist. Die vorliegende Publikation gibt einen Überblick über unterschiedliche Ausführungsformen von CFK‐Stäben sowie über den Einfluss von ausgewählten Parametern auf das Verbundverhalten. Der Fokus wurde auf Stäbe mit straffer Umwickelung aus CFK‐Fasersträngen gelegt und die Konkurrenzfähigkeit im Vergleich zu anderen, beispielsweise subtraktiv bearbeiteten, eingefrästen Stäben wird aufgezeigt. In 84 Ausziehversuchen wurde das Verbundverhalten von umwickelten CFK‐Stäben in vier Betonarten getestet. Bei den untersuchten Stäben wurden dabei die Wendelbreite und ‐dicke, die Wendelsteigung, der Wendelabstand und der Stabdurchmesser variiert. Die Versuchsergebnisse werden in Verbundspannungs‐Schlupfdiagrammen präsentiert, verglichen und abschließend diskutiert.
Perceived learning environment and academic motivation: An explanatory mixed methods study in a Molecular Biology and Genetics program
Authors: Yurtseven Nihal , Atay Derin , Bulut Gülay
Published: October 2021

Lack of motivation of students is a major concern for the instructors and administration in universities, and it is in their interest to address these issues in the most effective and efficient way. The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed‐method study is to examine the predictive power of the learning environment on student academic motivation and to learn students' opinions on this issue. One hundred twenty students enrolled at the Molecular Biology and Genetics program completed the Academic Motivation and Learning Environment Perception scales, Quantitative findings indicated that only the activities dimension of the learning environment has a predictive power on academic motivation. Focus group interviews conducted with 16 students validated the quantitative findings. Students particularly drew attention to activities that foster active participation in the learning process, emphasizing the vitality of being engaged and of having real‐life experiences in their learning environment.
Cardiac computed tomography angiography‐derived analysis of left atrial appendage morphology and left atrial dimensions for the prediction of atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Straube Florian , Pongratz Janis , Hartl Stefan , Brueck Benedikt , Tesche Christian , Ebersberger Ullrich , Helmberger Thomas , Crispin Alexander , Wankerl Michael , Dorwarth Uwe , Hoffmann Ellen
Published: October 2021

Background

Left atrial appendage (LAA) is a potential source of atrial fibrillation (AF) triggers.

Hypothesis

LAA morphology and dimensions are associated with AF recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods

From cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA), left atrial (LA), pulmonary vein (PV), and LAA anatomy were assessed in cryoballoon ablation (CBA) patients.

Results

Among 1103 patients undergoing second‐generation CBA, 725 (65.7%) received CCTA with 473 (42.9%) qualifying for detailed LAA analysis (66.3 ± 9.5 years). Symptomatic AF reoccurred in 166 (35.1%) patients during a median follow‐up of 19 months. Independent predictors of recurrence were LA volume, female sex, and mitral regurgitation ≥°II. LAA volume and AF‐type were dependent predictors of recurrence due to their strong correlations with LA volume. LA volumes ≥122.7 ml (sensitivity 0.53, specificity 0.69, area under the curve [AUC] 0.63) and LAA volumes ≥11.25 ml (sensitivity 0.39, specificity 0.79, AUC 0.59) were associated with recurrence. LA volume was significantly smaller in females. LAA volumes showed no sex‐specific difference. LAA morphology, classified as windsock (51.4%), chicken‐wing (20.7%), cactus (12.5%), and cauliflower‐type (15.2%), did not predict successful PVI (log‐rank; p = 0.596).

Conclusions

LAA volume was strongly correlated to LA volume and was a dependent predictor of recurrence after CBA. Main independent predictors were LA volume, female sex, and mitral regurgitation ≥°II. Gender differences in LA volumes were observed. Individual LAA morphology was not associated with AF recurrence after cryo‐PVI. Our results indicate that preprocedural CCTA might be a useful imaging modality to evaluate ablation strategies for patients with recurrences despite successful PVI.
Polymer‐Assisted Single‐Step Slot‐Die Coating of Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells at Mild Temperature from Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Authors: Bisconti Francesco , Giuri Antonella , Marra Gianluigi , Savoini Alberto , Fumo Paolo , Marrazzo Rosamaria , Zanardi Stefano , Corso Gianni , Po Riccardo , Biagini Paolo , Quadrivi Eleonora , Suhonen Riikka , Kraft Thomas M. , Ylikunnari Mari , Listorti Andrea , Corcione Carola Esposito , Colella Silvia , Rizzo Aurora
Published: October 2021

The industrialization of perovskite solar cells relies on solving intrinsic‐to‐material issues. To reach record efficiencies perovskite deposition needs to be finely adjusted by multi‐step processes, in a humidity free glove‐box environment and by means of hardly scalable techniques often associated with toxic solvents and anti‐solvent dripping/bath. Herein, the use of polymeric material is proposed to deposit perovskite layers with easy processability. To the scope, a starch‐polymer/perovskite composite is developed to suit slot‐die coating technique requirement, allowing the deposition of hybrid halide perovskite material in a single straightforward step without the use of toxic solvents, and in uncontrolled humid environment (RH up to 70 %). The starch‐polymer increases the viscosity of the perovskite precursor solutions and delays the perovskite crystallization that results in the formation of perovskite films at mild temperature (60 °C) with good morphology. These innovative inks enables the fabrication of flexible solar cells with p‐i‐n configuration featured by a power conversion efficiency higher than 3 %. . Overall, this approach can be exploited in the future to massively reduce perovskite manufacturing costs related to keeping the entire fabrication line at high‐temperature and under nitrogen or dry conditions.
A Proposed Approach for the Determination of the Bioequivalence Acceptance Range for Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs in the European Union
Authors: Paixão Paulo , Guerreiro Rita Bento , Silva Nuno , Blake Kevin , Bonelli Milton , Morais Jose Augusto Guimarães , Garcia Arieta Alfredo , Gouveia Luis Filipe
Published: October 2021

The current regulatory criterion for bioequivalence of narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs in the European Union requires that the 90% confidence interval for the ratio of the population geometric means of the test product compared with the reference for area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC), and in certain cases maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax), to be included within the tighter acceptance range of 90.00–111.11%. As a consequence, sponsors need to recruit a higher number of subjects to demonstrate bioequivalence and this may be seen as increasing the burden for the development of generics. This “one‐size‐fits‐all” criterion is particularly questionable when the within‐subject variability of the reference product is moderate to high. As an alternative, we propose a further refined statistical approach where the acceptance range is narrowed based on the within‐subject variability of the reference product of the NTI drug, similar to the one used for widening the standard 80.00–125.00% acceptance range for highly variable drugs. The 80.00–125.00% acceptance range is narrowed, only if the within‐subject variability is lower than 30%, down to the current NTI acceptance range of 90.00–111.11% when the within‐subject variability is 13.93% or lower. Examples within the current European Medicines Agency list of NTI drugs show a considerable reduction in required sample size for drugs like tacrolimus and colchicine, where the predicted within‐subject variability is 20–30%. In these cases, this approach is less sample size demanding without any expected increase in the therapeutic risks, since patients treated with reference products with moderate to high within‐subject variability are frequently exposed to bioavailability differences larger than 10%.
CK1δ stimulates ubiquitination‐dependent proteasomal degradation of ATF4 to promote chemoresistance in gastric Cancer
Authors: Feng Lifeng , Li Muchun , Hu Xinyang , Li Yiling , Zhu Liyuan , Chen Miaoqin , Wei Qi , Xu Wenxia , Zhou Qiyin , Wang Weikai , Chen Dingwei , Wang Xian , Jin Hongchuan
Published: October 2021

Chemoresistance remains a major obstacle to successful cancer therapy, especially for advanced cancers. It used to be recognised as a stable outcome resulting from genetic changes. However, recent studies showed that chemoresistance can also be unstable and reversible with the involvement of non‐genetic alterations. In the present study, we found that activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is downregulated in chemoresistant gastric cancer cells. The over‐expression of ATF4 reversed chemoresistance by activating CHOP transcription to enhance drug‐induced apoptosis, and vice versa. Moreover, casein kinase 1 delta (CK1δ) was identified as the kinase responsible for ATF4‐S219 phosphorylation, which triggered βTrCP‐mediated ATF4 polyubiquitination to promote its proteasomal degradation subsequently. Interestingly, drug withdrawal gradually restored chemosensitivity as well as ATF4 expression in chemoresistant cells, highlighting the dependence of dynamic drug resistance on ATF4 protein expression. In line with these findings, the inhibition of ATF4 protein degradation by CK1δ or proteasome inhibitors overcame chemoresistance both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these results indicate that CK1δ stimulates βTrCP‐dependent ATF4 polyubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation to promote chemoresistance in gastric cancer. Stabilisation of the ATF4 protein with bortezomib (BTZ), an anticancer drug that inhibits proteasomal degradation, might be a rational strategy to improve chemotherapeutic efficacy in gastric cancer.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Brazilians with mild cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Wilson Robert S. , Capuano Ana W , Sampaio Carolina , Leurgans Sue E. , Barnes Lisa L. , Farfel Jose M. , Bennett David A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Knowledge is limited about behavioral and psychological symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in racial and ethnic minorities.

Methods

As part of the Pathology, Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Study (PARDoS), we interviewed knowledgeable informants of 2319 older Brazilian decedents (67% white, 11% black, 22% mixed) using the informant portion of the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale to classify MCI and dementia and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory to assess behavioral and psychological symptoms.

Results

We identified four clusters of neuropsychiatric symptoms: agitation, affect/apathy, psychosis, and behavioral problems. On the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, 1407 had no cognitive impairment, 180 had MCI, and 732 had dementia. Both MCI and dementia were associated with symptoms in each behavioral/psychological cluster (all P’s < .001). There was little evidence of racial differences in the association of MCI and dementia with these neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Conclusion

MCI and dementia are associated with elevated behavioral and psychological symptoms in older black and white Brazilians.
MRI biomarkers of small vessel disease and cognition: A cross‐sectional study of a cognitively normal Mexican American cohort
Authors: Vintimilla Raul , Hall James , King Kevin , Braskie Meredith N. , Johnson Leigh , Yaffe Kristine , Toga Arthur W. , O'Bryant Sid ,   The Health and Aging Brain Study (HABS‐HD) Study Team
Published: October 2021

Background

The current project sought to evaluate the impact that white matter hyperintensities (WMH) have on executive function in cognitively normal Mexican Americans, an underserved population with onset and more rapid progression of dementia.

Methods

Data from 515 participants (360 female) enrolled in the Health and Aging Brain Study: Health Disparities project were analyzed. Participants underwent clinical evaluation, cognitive testing, and a brain MRI. Linear regression was used to predict the effect of total WMH volume on cognitive test scores. Age, sex, and education were entered as covariates.

Results

Regression analysis showed that WMH volume significantly predicted executive function. WMH also predicted global cognition and attention scores, although not significantly after adjusting for age.

Conclusion

In this sample of cognitively normal Mexican Americans, we found that WMH volume was associated with lower scores in a measure of executive function, after accounting for age, sex, and education.
The global Alzheimer's Association round robin study on plasma amyloid β methods
Authors: Pannee Josef , Shaw Leslie M. , Korecka Magdalena , Waligorska Teresa , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Stoops Erik , Vanderstichele Hugo M. J. , Mauroo Kimberley , Verberk Inge M. W. , Keshavan Ashvini , Pesini Pedro , Sarasa Leticia , Pascual‐Lucas Maria , Fandos Noelia , Allué José‐Antonio , Portelius Erik , Andreasson Ulf , Yoda Ritsuko , Nakamura Akinori , Kaneko Naoki , Yang Shieh‐Yueh , Liu Huei‐Chun , Palme Stefan , Bittner Tobias , Mawuenyega Kwasi G. , Ovod Vitaliy , Bollinger James , Bateman Randall J. , Li Yan , Dage Jeffrey L. , Stomrud Erik , Hansson Oskar , Schott Jonathan M. , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Blood‐based assays to measure brain amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition are an attractive alternative to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)–based assays currently used in clinical settings. In this study, we examined different blood‐based assays to measure Aβ and how they compare among centers and assays.

Methods

Aliquots from 81 plasma samples were distributed to 10 participating centers. Seven immunological assays and four mass‐spectrometric methods were used to measure plasma Aβ concentrations.

Results

Correlations were weak for Aβ42 while Aβ40 correlations were stronger. The ratio Aβ42/Aβ40 did not improve the correlations and showed weak correlations.

Discussion

The poor correlations for Aβ42 in plasma might have several potential explanations, such as the high levels of plasma proteins (compared to CSF), sensitivity to pre‐analytical sample handling and specificity, and cross‐reactivity of different antibodies. Different methods might also measure different pools of plasma Aβ42. We, however, hypothesize that greater correlations might be seen in future studies because many of the methods have been refined during completion of this study.
Early resources lead to persistent benefits for bumble bee colony dynamics
Authors: Malfi Rosemary L. , Crone Elizabeth , Rundlöf Maj , Williams Neal M.
Published: October 2021

Conditions experienced early in development can affect the future performance of individuals and populations. Demographic theories predict persistent population impacts of past resources, but few studies have experimentally tested such carry‐over effects across generations or cohorts. We used bumble bees to test whether resource timing had persistent effects on within‐colony dynamics over sequential cohorts of workers. We simulated a resource pulse for field colonies either early or late in their development and estimated colony growth rates during pulse‐ and non‐pulse periods. During periods when resources were not supplemented, early‐pulse colonies grew faster than late‐pulse colonies; early‐pulse colonies grew larger as a result. These results revealed persistent effects of past resources on current growth and support the importance of transient dynamics in natural ecological systems. Early‐pulse colonies also produced more queen offspring, highlighting the critical nature of resource timing for the population, as well as colony, dynamics of a key pollinator.
Does crossing a moral line justify collective means? Explaining how a perceived moral violation triggers normative and nonnormative forms of collective action
Authors: Pauls Inga L. , Shuman Eric , van Zomeren Martijn , Saguy Tamar , Halperin Eran
Published: October 2021

In three studies conducted in the United States, we examined whether a perceived moral violation motivates willingness to engage in normative and more radical collective action. Using value‐protection and identity‐formation models, we explored whether increased endorsement of moral convictions and relevant opinion‐based group identification could explain such effects. Study 1, using the “travel ban” for Muslims as the focal issue, experimentally found that a strong violation, compared to a weak violation, increased normative and nonnormative collective action, moral convictions and opinion‐based group identification. Study 2 replicated these results in a longitudinal design and supported a mediating effect of increased endorsement of moral convictions and opinion‐based group identity. Study 3 used a real‐world violation (the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris climate agreements) to replicate the findings cross‐sectionally. We conclude that a perceived moral violation motivates normative and nonnormative collective action because the violation makes one's moral conviction and opinion‐based group identification more salient.
Resorcinol/Formaldehyde polymer derived carbon protected CoSe2 nanocubes: A non‐precious, efficient, and durable electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Bhowmik Koushik , Dutta Anirban , Vyas Mukesh Kumar , Ota Jyotiranjan , Hait Samik Kumar , Kagdiyal Vivekananda , Saxena Deepak , Ramakumar Satya Sai Venkata
Published: October 2021

Composite nanostructured materials are attractive for electrochemical water‐splitting applications. In this work, cube‐shaped nanostructured CoSe2 were synthesized by a template‐assisted method, where Zeolitic Imidazole Framework (ZIF67) was used as a template. Initially, the template was observed with a cube shape, but the structure disintegrated on selenization. The introduction of Resorcinol/Formaldehyde (RF) polymer leads to stabilization of the cube shape and also coated the nanocubes with conductive carbon support. Due to the high surface area of the hollow structure and conductive coating, the CoSe2/C provided an excellent electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). CoSe2/C delivered an overpotential of 290 mV with good cycling stability at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 in 1 M KOH aqueous solution, suggesting the possibility of being used as an electrochemical catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction.
When discomfort enters our skin: Five feminists in conversation
Authors: García‐González Andrea , Hoover Elona Marjory , Francis Athanasia (Nancy) , Rush Kayla , Angel Ana María Forero
Published: October 2021

Created around, through and within discomfort, this piece weaves together the voices of five feminist scholars in an exploration of troubling affective and emotional experiences, offering material for critical theorizing and engaged scholarship. This inquiry started at a conference panel in July 2019. Taking on the invitation made by the editors ofFeminist Anthropologyfor the five of us to write in conversation, this piece also responds to April Petillo's piece in the first issue of this journal where she compelled us, feminist anthropologists, to listen through discomfort in order to challenge hierarchies of power and knowledge production. Through a polyphonic composition that draws on the different backgrounds, research and life trajectories of five feminist scholars through a collective online writing process, this piece purposefully plays with form, presenting reflections on naming relational discomforts, unsettling academic affects with our writing, violence, precarity and privilege, and how to work with discomfort through feminist solidarity.
Bakshi, Kapadia, and Madan (2003) risk‐neutral moment estimators: An affine jump‐diffusion approach
Authors: Aschakulporn Pakorn , Zhang Jin E.
Published: October 2021

This is the first study of the errors in the Bakshi, Kapadia, and Madan risk‐neutral moment estimators under the Duffie, Pan, and Singleton affine jump‐diffusion model benchmarked against their true values. This is accomplished by extending the exact solutions from Zhen and Zhang. To mitigate errors in skewness, interpolating the implied volatility curve linearly and applying constant extrapolation to have a step size of $1 and strikes ranging from a quarter to quadruple the forward price should yield skewness values with errors less than , based on simulated data using parameters calibrated with the S&P 500 index during 2020.
Immunovascular classification of HCC reflects reciprocal interaction between immune and angiogenic tumor microenvironments
Authors: Kurebayashi Yutaka , Matsuda Kosuke , Ueno Akihisa , Tsujikawa Hanako , Yamazaki Ken , Masugi Yohei , Kwa Wit Thun , Effendi Kathryn , Hasegawa Yasushi , Yagi Hiroshi , Abe Yuta , Kitago Minoru , Ojima Hidenori , Sakamoto Michiie
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

Immune cells and tumor vessels constitute important elements in tumor tissue; however, their detailed relationship in human tumors, including HCC, is still largely unknown. Consequently, we expanded our previous study on the immune microenvironment of HCC and analyzed the relationship among the immune microenvironment, inflammatory/angiostatic factor expression, angiogenic factor expression, and tumor vessel findings, including vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) and macrotrabecular‐massive (MTM) patterns.

Approach and Results

We classified HCC into four distinct immunovascular subtypes (immune‐high/angiostatic [IH/AS], immune‐mid/angio‐mid [IM/AM], immune‐low/angiogenic [IL/AG], and immune‐low/angio‐low [IL/AL]). IH/AS, IM/AM, and IL/AG subtypes were associated with decreasing lymphocytic infiltration and increasing angiogenic factor expression and VETC/MTM positivity, reflecting their reciprocal interaction in the tumor microenvironment of HCC. IL/AG subtype was further characterized by CTNNB1 mutation and activation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. IL/AL subtype was not associated with increased lymphocyte infiltration or angiogenic factor expression. Prognostically, IH/AS subtype and VETC/MTM positivity were independently significant in two independent cohorts. Increased angiogenic factor expression was not necessarily associated with VETC/MTM positivity and poor prognosis, especially when inflammatory/angiostatic milieu coexisted around tumor vessels. These results may provide insights on the therapeutic effects of immunotherapy, antiangiogenic therapies, and their combinations. The potential of evaluating the immunovascular microenvironment in predicting the clinical effect of these therapies in nonresectable HCC needs to be analyzed in the future study.

Conclusions

HCC can be classified into four distinct immunovascular subtypes (IH/AS, IM/AM, IL/AG, and IL/AL) that reflect the reciprocal interaction between the antitumor immune microenvironment and tumor angiogenesis. In addition to its clinicopathological significance, immunovascular classification may also provide pathological insights on the therapeutic effect of immunotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy, and their combination.