bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Samspil mellem fagdidaktisk forskning og udvikling af matematikundervisning - belyst gennem erfaringer fra et udviklingsprojekt i undersøgende matematikundervisning
Authors: Blomhøj Morten
Published: June 2021

I dette kapitel belyses vilkår og muligheder for samspil mellem udvikling af matematikundervisningens praksis og matematikdidaktisk forskning på forskellige niveauer i det system, hvori matematikundervisning findes og udvikles.
Åben skole er en pædagogisk humlebi
Authors: Knudsen Lars Emmerik Damgaard
Published: June 2021

Åben skole betegner et samarbejde mellem skoler og lokale organisationers om undervisning, som blev indført med folkeskoleloven i 2014. Derved bringes nye fagligheder ind i skolens undervisning, men af undervisere som ikke nødvendigvis har en fagdidaktisk viden.
“The Father of Deism”: problems of research of the philosophy of Herbert of Cherbury
Authors: Polyakov Andrey Andreevich
Published: June 2021

This article provides a brief history of publications of the treatise of Herbert of Cherbury (1583-1648) “On Truth” (written in 1624); critical response of his contemporaries; as well as comparative analysis of the “symbols of faith” of the English thinker, his contemporary Hugo Grotius (1583-1645), Henry Bolingbroke (1678-1751), Thomas Chubb (1679-1747), and the author of the “Bible of Deism” – “Christianity as Old as the Creation” Matthew Tindal (1657-1733). One may often come across a well-established in the research opinion about the role of Herbert as the “father of Deism”. However, in recent years, this topic remains undisclosed, bringing obscurity whether Herbert of Cherbury should be considered the founder of deistic philosophy. The article also conducts detailed analysis of the criticism of the religious philosophy of deism of the English thinker, and reveals which elements of this doctrine caused a controversial response among his contemporaries. The goal of this work lies in highlighting the most substantial part of the heritage of Herbert of Cherbury, which was subsequently reflected in the religious philosophy of the adherents of deism. The article is of particularly relevance for the Russian audience, as this topic was not sufficiently covered in the Russian language.
“Cultures is the content of education” (Efim I. Passov’s revolutionary concept of foreign-language education)
Authors: Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: June 2021

This article discusses the concept of foreign-language education of E. Passov. The author divides this concept into two parts: the first represents a general new concept of education with culturological and personalistic orientation; while the second represents concretization of this concept in relation to teaching foreign languages. Analysis is conducted on the definitions of communication and situation introduced by E. Passov, which mediate V. S. Bibler’s concept of the “dialogue of cultures” and the new semiotically communicative practice of teaching foreign language. The author demonstrates that E. Passov offers fundamental restructuring of the paradigm foundations of education, orienting it towards the dialogue of cultures, individualization, communication, equal horizontal relations teacher – student relations. Instead of cognition and digestion of normative contents, the puts the desire and motivation to learning alongside spiritual becoming and competence of creative activity to the forefront of the educational process. The author analyzes the method and means of specification of the general foreign-language concept of education offered by E. Passov – modeling of culture, classification of communication situations and language meanings, techniques and technologies used in foreign-language education. Attention is given to the fact that E. Passov has a nontraditional perspective upon techniques and technology – as the competencies and abilities developed by a young person in the course of education.
Multi-agent systems for cooperative ITS
Authors: Dushkin Roman
Published: June 2021

This article presents an original perspective upon the problem of creating intelligent transport systems in the conditions of using highly automated vehicles that freely move on the urban street-road networks. The author explores the issues of organizing a multi-agent system from such vehicles for solving the higher level tasks rather than by an individual agent (in this case – by a vehicle). Attention is also given to different types of interaction between the vehicles or vehicles and other agents. The examples of new tasks, in which the arrangement of such interaction would play a crucial role, are described. The scientific novelty is based on the application of particular methods and technologies of the multi-agent systems theory from the field of artificial intelligence to the creation of intelligent transport systems and organizing free-flow movement of highly automated vehicles. It is demonstrated the multi-agent systems are able to solve more complex tasks than separate agents or a group of non-interacting agents. This allows obtaining the emergent effects of the so-called swarm intelligence of the multiple interacting agents. This article may be valuable to everyone interested in the future of the transport sector.
Intuitionistic anti fuzzy normed ideals
Authors:   Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Abed Alhaleem Nour , Ahmad Abd Ghafur ,   Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we introduce the notion of intuitionistic anti fuzzy normed subrings and intuitionistic anti fuzzy normed ideals and various properties of intuitionistic anti fuzzy normal subrings and ideals are examined. Also, we prove that the intersection of two intuitionistic anti fuzzy normed ideals is also an intuitionistic anti fuzzy normed ideal. Besides, we define the anti level subsets and identify the relationship between these sets and intuitionistic anti fuzzy normed ideals. In addition, we define the anti-image of intuitionistic anti fuzzy normed ideals and discuss the inverse image and anti-image for intuitionistic anti fuzzy normed ideals under epimorphism mapping.
ADF and cofilin-1 collaborate to promote cortical actin flow and the leader bleb-based migration of confined cells
Authors: Ullo Maria F , Logue Jeremy S
Published: June 2021

Melanoma cells have been shown to undergo fast amoeboid (leader bleb-based) migration, requiring a single large bleb for migration. In leader blebs, is a rapid flow of cortical actin that drives the cell forward. Using RNAi, we find that co-depleting cofilin-1 and actin depolymerizing factor (ADF) led to a large increase in cortical actin, suggesting that both proteins regulate cortical actin. Furthermore, severing factors can promote contractility through the regulation of actin architecture. However, RNAi of cofilin-1 but not ADF led to a significant decrease in cell stiffness. We found cofilin-1 to be enriched at leader bleb necks, whereas RNAi of cofilin-1 and ADF reduced bleb sizes and the frequency of motile cells. Strikingly, cells without cofilin-1 and ADF had blebs with abnormally long necks. Many of these blebs failed to retract and displayed slow actin turnover. Collectively, our data identifies cofilin-1 and ADF as actin remodeling factors required for fast amoeboid migration.
Insect taxonomy can be difficult: a noctuid moth (Agaristinae:Aletopus imperialis) and a geometrid moth (Sterrhinae:Cartaletis dargei) combined into a cryptic species complex in eastern Africa (Lepidoptera)
Authors: Sihvonen Pasi , Murillo-Ramos Leidys , Wahlberg Niklas , Hausmann Axel , Zilli Alberto , Ochse Michael , Staude Hermann S.
Published: June 2021

The systematic position of a large and strikingly coloured reddish-black moth,Cartaletis dargeiHerbulot, 2003 (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) from Tanzania, has remained questionable since its description. Here we present molecular and morphological evidence showing thatCartaletis dargeionly superficially resembles trueCartaletisWarren, 1894 (the relative name currently considered a junior synonym ofAletisHübner, 1820), which are unpalatable diurnal moths superficially resembling butterflies, and that it is misplaced in the family Geometridae. We transfer it to Noctuidae: Agaristinae, and combine it with the genusAletopusJordan, 1926, from Tanzania, asAletopus dargei(Herbulot, 2003)(new combination). We revise the genusAletopusto contain three species, but find that it is a cryptic species complex that needs to be revised with more extensive taxon sampling. Our results demonstrate the difficulties in interpreting and classifying biological diversity. We discuss the problems in species delimitation and the potential drivers of evolution in eastern Africa that led to phenotypic similarity in unrelated lepidopteran lineages.
Familial Otosclerosis Associated with Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Ha Neul , Jeon Hyun Jong , Seo Young Joon
Published: June 2021

Otosclerosis, a hereditary disorder characterized by disordered resorption and deposition of bone, results in progressive hearing loss. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by recurrent fractures, blue sclera, and varying degrees of hearing impairment; and is a known risk factor for otosclerosis. After adolescence, the risk of fracture decreases, reducing the need for follow-up in OI. However, otosclerosis is a progressive disorder. In this report, we discuss two cases of familial otosclerosis with different clinical features. We hypothesize that the difference in hearing level correlates with the difference in computed tomography findings. The mother, whose case was considered severe, was prescribed hearing aids, while the daughter, who had normal hearing level, was regularly followed up.
Evaluation of Nutritional and Microbial Properties of Bread Developed by Incorporating Moringa oleifera Leaves and Fenugreek Leaves
Authors: Mishra Smriti , Mishra Sunita , Kumari Shivani , Bharali Deffodile
Published: June 2021

Bread supplies a huge part of the supplement needed for development, support of wellbeing and prosperity. It is a brilliant wellspring of protein, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates. Hence, main objective of our study was to evaluate the nutritional and medicinal benefits of bread consisting of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) and fenugreek leaf powder(FLP), as leaves of Moringa oleifera and fenugreek are considered to have high proportion of essential micronutrients and have many nutraceutical properties. Flaxseed was also added to enhance the nutritional benefits of bread as flaxseed contain alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-3-fatty acid. Bread was developed by incorporating different flour blends and analysed to know its nutritional and microbial properties. T0 include 100% multigrain flour, T1 include 97.5% multigrain flour, 2.5% moringa leaves powder (T1 a) and 95% multigrain flour, 5% moringa leaves powder (T1 b) whereas T2 include 95% multigrain flour, 2.5% moringa leaves, 2.5% fenugreek leaves (T2 a) and 90% multigrain flour, 5% moringa leaves and 5% fenugreek leaves (T2 b). During the experimentation moisture content of bread samples decreased with the increasing content of MOLP and FLP whereas protein, fibre and ash content of bread samples were increased by increasing the percentage of different blend formulations. Sensory evaluation of the bread samples was done by using the 9-point hedonic scale to know the overall acceptability of the product. Although the nutritional value of developed bread increased but the overall acceptability of product decreased by increasing the supplementation contents.
An Effectiveness Study on Policy Level Training Course: A Case from Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Zohurul , Hosen Shamim
Published: June 2021

The civil servants are treated as the principal-agent of the government for providing service and coordinating among different segments of society; it is better to provide appropriate training to them. Bangladesh public administration training centre (bpatc) is providing capacity enhancement training for the civil servants. The study aims attempt: to identify the effectiveness of the existing curriculum of the policy level courses for senior civil servants; to examine training methods whether those are relevant for curriculum delivery as need-based or not, if so then how much; to identify some strong and weak points as a means of 'center of excellence' of bangladesh public administration training centre (bpatc) and to visualize managerial implications and provide policy suggestions for ensuring the effectiveness of policy level training courses for the senior civil servants of bangladesh. This study adopted semi-structured questionnaires developed by the evaluation department of bpatc are assessed and presented in this report to obtain study objectives. Analyzing results found that in training modules, training methods, contents, some academic, and non-academic components at a satisfactory level. Results also provide some managerial implications for the future development of training courses and training content development. Bpatc organizes several training courses, but this study has given focused only on senior staff course (ssc). Finally, the study findings have implications to enrich the training curriculum development of policy-level courses and training management for the senior officials as well.
Salinity and Sodicity Status of the Floodplain Soils of Kebbi State, North Western, Nigeria
Authors: Augie M. A. , Adegbite M. A.
Published: June 2021

Floodplain soils are the sites for most of agricultural activities during dry seasons. With efficient irrigation facilities such as tube wells and water pumps, they can produce 2-3 short duration crops during a year. However, due to persistent irrigation activities, these soils are always susceptible to salinization and sodicity hazards. High salt content in the soil inhibits uptake of plant nutrients and water, while high sodium content in sodic soils destroys soil structure and consequently reduces the rate of permeability and aeration. In view of this, it becomes necessary to assess the level of salinity and sodicity of the floodplain soils of the study area; Augie, Argungu, Birnin Kebbi and Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, so as to ascertain the appropriate management practices to be applied on these soils. Soluble salts were as such analyzed. It was observed that the calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+) and Sodium (Na2+), were in the value of 1.90cmol(+)kg-1, 1.66cmol(+)kg-1, 0.16cmol(+)kg-1, and 0.34cmol(+)kg-1, respectively. Salinity and sodicity determinants were also analyzed where pH was observed to be 6.88, electrical conductivity (EC) 0.19dSm-1 exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) 2.09%. The data were subjected to statistical analysis so as understand the relationship between the four local government areas. Based on the concentration of pH, EC and ESP, the soils could be said to be free from salinity and sodicity hazards at least for now. However, due to the high concentration of Mg2+, K+ and Na+, the soils could be said to have potential threat to salinity and sodicity problems and therefore proper management strategies should be practiced to prevent their further concentration.
Effect of Treated Sewage Water Irrigation on Yield and Quality of Mulberry
Authors: Kumar M. Arun , Chandrashekhar S.
Published: June 2021

Aim: Evaluation of raw and treated sewage water irrigation on yield and quality of V1 mulberry.

Study design: The Experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications and six treatments comprises of different proportions of raw sewage water, treated sewage water and borewell water.

Place and duration of study: The study was conducted during Rabi 2019 in pre-established irrigated V1 mulberry garden at Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Results: Data recorded on quality parameters of mulberry revealed that raw sewage water irrigation significantly increased the leaf nutrient content such as N (3.68%), P (0.4%), K(1.91%), S (0.34%), Zn (30.08 ppm), Mn (103.75 ppm), Fe (373.75 ppm) and also leaf yield (804.31 g/plant) is significantly increased in 100% raw sewage water irrigation, whereas higher leaf Ca (2.06%) and Mg (0.71%) content was recorded in 100% borewell water irrigated plot, and the lowest leaf N (2.82%), P (0.28%), K (1.33%), S (0.17%), Zn (18.03 ppm), Mn (75.75 ppm), and Fe (336.5 ppm) content was found lower in 100% borewell water irrigation.
Effect of Irrigation Levels and Plant Growth Regulators on Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under Poly House
Authors: Anita . , Narolia R. K. , Bhunia S. R. , Yadav P. K.
Published: June 2021

An experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2017-18 at College of agriculture, Bikaner to study the effect of irrigation levels and plant growth regulators on Cucumber under naturally ventilated Poly house condition. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatments comprised of four drip irrigation levels (0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 ETc or crop evapotranspiration) assigned to main plots and three plant growth regulators viz; water spray, NAA or Naphthalene Acetic acid (100 ppm) and GA3 (50 ppm) assigned to sub plots. The objectives of this study were to find out the effects of irrigation levels as well as plant growth regulators on yield attributes of cucumber and their interactions. Results indicated that earliness i.e. days to first flowering (35.40) and first harvest (52.00) were recorded maximum with 1.0 ETc as compared to other irrigation levels. The same treatment (1.0 ETc) significantly gave maximum fruit length (21.07 cm), number of fruits per vine (12.02), fruit weight (103.29 g), fruit yield (728.76 q ha-1) and net returns (765035.9 ha-1) with B:C ratio (2.46). However, water use efficiency (3.61 q ha-1 cm-1) was found maximum with 0.4 ETc. Among various plant growth regulators GA3 (50 ppm) recorded significantly higher yield attributes namely fruit length (21.63 cm), number of fruits per vine (12.34), fruit weight (99.48 g) and fruit yield (729.23 q ha-1). Water use efficiency, net returns and B:C ratio also exhibited higher values (2.57 q ha-1 cm-1, 765307.7ha-1 and 2.46, respectively) with same treatment. Similarly, earliness i.e. days to first flowering (34.19) and days to first harvest (50.70) were recorded with GA3. The treatment combination 0.8 ETc + GA3 (50 ppm) gave maximum value for fruit yield (793.93 q ha-1) per hectare.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidants effects of Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Eucalyptus Camaldulensis in Wister Albino Rats
Authors: Nwaogu Jude , Abubakar Babangida , Aliyu Mustapha Sahabi
Published: June 2021

Aim: The aim is to evaluate the antioxidant potentials of Eucalyptus camaldulensis methanol stem bark extract (ECMSBE) on Wister albino rats.

Methodology: The phytochemical screening of ECMSBE was conducted using standard methods. A total of 36 albino rats were used for the antioxidant studies. The rats were divided into six (6) groups of six rats. Control group received distilled water orally at 2ml/kg. Oxidative stress was induced in groups 2 to group 6 CCl4 (1ml/kg, s.c) at every 72hrs for 10 days. Group 2 was untreated while groups 3 – 6 received doses of 50, 100, 150 and 200mg/kg of ECMSBE respectively. On the 11th day, the rats were sacrificed and the liver was removed and homogenised and oxidative stress parameters were determined.

Results: Phytochemical analysis of ECMSBE revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids and resins. There was no significant difference (P<.05) between the CCl4 induced group and the group treated with ECMSBE (50mg/kg). However, their concentrations were significantly different from the group treated with ECMSBE (100mg/kg – 200mg/kg) when compared to the group treated with CCl4 Only. The CCl4-induced group had its vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E concentrations significant different (P<.05) from the groups treated with ECMSBE (100, 150 and 200mg/kg body weight). There was no significant difference (P>.05) in the levels of SOD, CAT and GPx between the group induced with CCl4 only and the group treated with ECMSBE (50mg/kg), however, it these concentrations were significantly higher (P<.05). The enzymatic antioxidants concentration in the normal control group was not significantly different (P>.05) when compared the group that was treated with ECMSBE (200mg/kg)

Conclusion: The result suggest that the extract of E. camaldulensis possessed antioxidant properties which can be used as effective protecting agents against oxidative stress and other diseases.
More genetic data on SUDs available; impact on treatment remains uncertain
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: June 2021

Last month's announcement of the availability of genetic data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions‐III (NESARC‐III) came as welcome news to researchers looking for nationally representative data. The degree to which this information will ultimately guide treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) remains largely unclear, given the relatively small effect of most of the currently known genotypes that influence addiction.
FDA urges proper disposal of unused or expired medications
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2021

Unused or expired medicines in the home have long been a major safety concern, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has sponsored “take‐back” days in which patients can return unwanted medications to avoid the possibility of someone taking the drugs from their medicine cabinets. Prescription medications are involved in many cases of accidental ingestion by children.
The PD‐1 Interactome
Authors: Wang Qi , Bardhan Kankana , Boussiotis Vassiliki A. , Patsoukis Nikolaos
Published: June 2021

T cell activation is a fine‐tuned process that involves T cell receptor and costimulation signals. To prevent undue activation of T cells, inhibitory molecules including PD‐1 (programmed death 1) are induced and function as brakes for T cell signaling. In a steady state, the interaction of PD‐1 with its ligands PD‐L1 (B7‐H1, CD274) and PD‐L2 (B7‐DC, CD273) maintains peripheral immune tolerance. However, the expression of PD‐L1 on tumor cells and interaction with PD‐1 on T cells dampen anti‐tumor immunity. Therapeutic inhibitors of the PD‐1 pathway have revolutionized tumor immunotherapy. Unfortunately, the majority of patients do not develop sustained anti‐tumor responses. However, the knowledge about unique PD‐1 interactions and their role in mediating PD‐1 inhibitory signals is currently limited. Advances in the mechanistic understanding of the molecular and signaling integration of the PD‐1 pathway could unleash the great potential in tumor immunotherapy by allowing the development of combinatorial approaches that target not only PD‐1 and its ligands but also its unique downstream signal mediators. In this review, the current advances in understanding the mechanisms of extracellular and intracellular PD‐1 interactions and their significance in potential future therapeutic approaches are discussed.
A New Wide Bandgap Semiconductor: Carbyne Nanocrystals
Authors: Yang Fei , Zheng Zhaoqiang , He Yan , Liu Pu , Yang Guowei
Published: June 2021

Deep ultraviolet (DUV) photodetectors (PDs) always and inevitably face a drastic working environment such as high temperature. However, DUV PDs based on the reported wide bandgap semiconductor materials cannot simultaneously possess high stability and high performance at high temperatures. Here, for the first time, a new wide bandgap semiconductor material, carbyne nanocrystals (CNCs), is reported. The constructed DUV PD made from CNCs demonstrates high‐performance and high stability at the temperature of 300 °C, which is the highest working temperature reported to date for DUV PDs. Under 266 nm light at room temperature, the CNCs‐based PD exhibits a low dark current of less than 10 pA and a high signal‐to‐noise ratio of greater than 106 at a bias voltage of 2 V. It can work at the temperature up to 300 °C, exhibiting a current on‐off ratio of 2.1, and accompanied by a fast response/recovery speed of less than 0.06 s. The excellent transport properties of CNCs would be of great benefit to enhance the performance of devices. These findings open the door to the applications of CNCs as a new wide bandgap semiconductor material.
Synthesis of clay‐armored coatable sulfonated polyimide nanocomposites as robust polyelectrolyte membranes
Authors: Ali Nisar , Ali Farman , Said Amir , Khurshid Sania , Sheikh Zeshan Ali , Ali Usman , Nguyen‐Tri Phuong , Bilal Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Herein, coatable sulfonated polyimide (SPI) and clay‐reinforced SPI membranes SPI‐clay 3%, SPI‐clay 5%, and SPI‐clay 7% were successfully fabricated by one‐step high temperature via direct imidization method. The membranes were cast as a coatable thin film using a solution casting method and grafted vermiculite clay nanoparticle were incorporated into the neat SPI as reinforcement by the sonication method. Three different formulated nanocomposite membranes were investigated using different characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as peaks at 1166 and 1227 cm−1 confirmed successful sulfonation. In Proton (1H) NMR synthesis of SPI confirmed as aromatic proton at 7.3–8.8 ppm depicts successful sulfonation and X‐ray diffraction results confirmed the crystalline structure of clay, as its content increased (7%) clear diffraction peak arises at 6 and 25°. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides information about surface morphology of clay reinforced SPI membranes, and SEM micrographs shown uniform dispersion of clay nanofillers and developed easy transfer of electron. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed to investigate the thermal stability of synthesized films, results of thermographs shown degradation in the range of 510–600°C. Different physicochemical parameters employed and their results show the effectiveness of synthesized clay reinforced SPI membranes. Water uptake (WU%) about 0.96%, hydrolytic about 98 h and oxidative stability up to 80°C, ions exchange capacity about 3.16 mmol/g for synthesized clay reinforced SPI membranes. Measurement regarding Dimensional changes was also investigated and dimensional changes (1.557 ∆t/∆l). All these results reveal that the clay‐reinforced coatable SPI membranes are a promising material for polymer electrolyte membranes to be used in fuel cell energy applications.
Video counselling and psychotherapy: A critical commentary on the evidence base
Authors: Smith Kate , Moller Naomi , Cooper Mick , Gabriel Lynne , Roddy Jeannette , Sheehy Robert
Published: June 2021

Pre‐pandemic research has suggested that video counselling is as effective as face‐to‐face practice. However, the mass migration of therapy to the online video domain as a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic makes it essential to interrogate the evidence base. This paper provides a critical commentary on how video therapy is defined/labelled, the current evidence about whether video therapy is effective, and whether the working alliance and therapeutic relationship functions differently in video counselling. The paper concludes that while the evidence to date is promising, it is limited in quantity and applicability and hence generalisability. Lack of evidence is not evidence that video therapy is ineffective, but the large gaps in understanding highlight the importance, both ethically and empirically, of further research in this area.
Identification and characterization of effusion tumor cells (ETCs) from remnant pleural effusion specimens
Authors: Zhu Yili , Allard Grace M. , Ericson Nolan G. , George Tad C. , Kunder Christian A. , Lowe Alarice C.
Published: June 2021

Background

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and patients may have advanced disease when diagnosed. Targeted therapies guided by molecular subtyping of cancer can benefit patients significantly. Pleural effusions are frequently observed in patients with metastatic cancer and are routinely removed for therapeutic purposes; however, effusion specimens have not been recognized as typical substrates for clinical molecular testing because of frequent low tumor cellularity.

Methods

Excess remnant pleural effusion samples (N = 25) from 21 patients with and without suspected malignancy were collected at Stanford Health Care between December 2019 and November 2020. Samples were processed into ThinPrep slides and underwent novel effusion tumor cell (ETC) analysis. The ETC results were compared with the original clinical diagnoses for accuracy. A subset of confirmed ETCs was further isolated and processed for molecular profiling to identify cancer driver mutations. All samples were obtained with Institutional Review Board approval.

Results

The authors established novel quantitative standards to identify ETCs and detected epithelial malignancy with 89.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity in the pleural effusion samples. Molecular profiling of confirmed ETCs (pools of 5 cells evaluated) revealed key pathogenic mutations consistent with clinical molecular findings.

Conclusions

In this study, the authors developed a novel ETC‐testing assay that detected epithelial malignancies in pleural effusions with high sensitivity and specificity. Molecular profiling of 5 ETCs showed promising concordance with the clinical molecular findings. To promote cancer subtyping and guide treatment, this ETC‐testing assay will need to be validated in larger patient cohorts to facilitate integration into cytologic workflow.
Newton method for computing the adaptation coefficient in the CIE system of mesopic photometry
Authors: Xu Yang , Gao Cheng , Wang Zhifeng , Xiao Kaida , Pointer Michael , Li Changjun
Published: June 2021

A study by Gao et al found that the Newton method may not converge for certain combinations of the photopic luminance and the ratio of scotopic and photopic luminance for computing the adaptation coefficient m, for the CIE MES2 system for mesopic photometry. Hence, they proposed to use the Bisection‐Newton method. In this short note, we propose the Newton method with a new initial guess for computing m. Numerical simulation has shown the proposed method not only converges, but also converges faster than the Bisection‐Newton method.
A Neuroscientist's Guide to the Vole
Authors: Kenkel William M. , Gustison Morgan L. , Beery Annaliese K.
Published: June 2021

Prairie voles have emerged as an important rodent model for understanding the neuroscience of social behavior. Prairie voles are well known for their capacity for pair bonding and alloparental care. These behavioral phenomena overlap with human social behavior but are not commonly observed in traditional rodent models. In this article, we highlight the many benefits of using prairie voles in neuroscience research. We begin by describing the advantages of using diverse and non‐traditional study models. We then focus on social behaviors, including pair bonding, alloparental care, and peer interactions, that have brought voles to the forefront of social neuroscience. We describe many additional features of prairie vole biology and behavior that provide researchers with opportunities to address an array of research questions. We also survey neuroethological methods that have been used with prairie voles, from classic to modern techniques. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of other vole species, particularly meadow voles, and their own unique advantages for neuroscience studies. This article provides a foundation for researchers who are new to working with voles, as well as for experienced neuroscientists who want to expand their research scope. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 2 August 2022. See the end of the full text for details.
Hydromorphological assessment of Polish lakes: Elaborating the Lake Habitat Survey for Polish Lakes (LHS_PL) method and determining ecologically based boundary values for lake classification
Authors: Kutyła Sebastian , Soszka Hanna , Kolada Agnieszka K.
Published: June 2021

The Lake Habitat Survey for Polish Lakes (LHS_PL) is a method for the hydromorphological investigation of lakes employed for the assessment of the ecological status of surface water bodies in Poland. It was developed based on the British Lake Habitat Survey method. In 2015, after almost a decade of work on the adaptation, the LHS method was finally adjusted to Polish conditions, and since 2016, it has been implemented in the State Environmental Monitoring programme. This paper presents the assumptions and evolution of the method and the approach for determining boundary values for the high/good (H/G) and good/less than good (G/LTG) ecological status classes. The method involves the assessment of the morphological features of the lake and anthropogenic pressures at 10 observation plots as well as the analysis of hydrological alterations and anthropogenic activities within the lake basin and the entire catchment area. The data collected in the field are used to calculate the index of lake hydromorphological alteration, that is, the Lake Habitat Modification Score for Polish Lakes (LHMS_PL). The LHMS_PL values range from 0 to 144, where 0 means no modification and 144 refers to a hydromorphologically highly modified state. The boundary values for the H/G and G/LTG status classes have been determined using the quartile method based on the relationship between hydromorphological modifications of lakes and the condition of the phytoplankton and macrophyte communities therein.
Assessment of irrigational indices in surface water and shallow groundwater in the alluvial plain of Barak Valley, Assam, Northeast India
Authors: Devi Khangembam Sharmila , Singh Kshetrimayum Krishnakanta
Published: June 2021

The main sources of water resources of the Barak Valley of Northeast India for irrigation are the surface water bodies in the form of ponds, lakes, rivers, and groundwater. This paper elucidates insight into the irrigational parameters to classify the types of water, based on these indices. Total hardness shows that 90% of surface water belongs to the soft and 63% of groundwater samples belong to the soft category. C‐S plot shows 33% of surface water belongs to C1‐S1 and 66% of groundwater samples belongs to C1‐S1 and C2‐S1, indicating fresh and suitable for use. The percentage Na+ shows most samples belong to good and permissible categories. Permeability index shows 81% of surface water in Class II and 18% in Class III, indicating good and bad types, respectively. Kelly's index suggests 90% of surface water is suitable and 9% is unsuitable, while 14% of piedmont groundwater is unsuitable. Magnesium hazard reveals 18% of surface water has more than 50 Magnesium absorptio ratio, leading to unsuitable, while 28% of piedmont and 33% of flood plain groundwater samples belong to unsuitable. Residual sodium carbon suggests surface water as suitable, while 48%, 12%, and 6% of groundwater belong to suitable, marginal, and unsuitable categories, respectively. Irrigation Water Quality Index values indicate that surface water is characterized by a highly restricted class, as they are exposed to surficial contamination as compared to groundwater. Base exchange index of ions indicates Na+‐SO4−2 hydro‐facies type suggesting dissolution of salt minerals in weak acidic water. Meteoric genesis index of ions reveals the source of groundwater as deeper meteoric water. Thus, the present study indices that the surface water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and swamps are more prone to contamination, leading to unsuitability for irrigational use, as compared to shallow groundwater in the study area, and therefore, appropriate measures must be adopted to reduce the quality deterioration for maximum utilization.
The vertical heterogeneity of soil detachment by overland flow on the water‐level fluctuation zone slope in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Guo Ping , Xiao Hai , Gao Feng , Li Zijuan , Hu Huan , Zhang Qianheng , Xia Zhenyao , Li Mingyi , Yang Yueshu
Published: June 2021

Periodic submersion and exposure due to the operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) alter the soil properties and plant characteristics at different elevations within the water level fluctuation zone (WLFZ), possibly influencing the soil detachment capacity (Dc), but the vertical heterogeneity of this effect is uncertain. Soil samples were taken from 6 elevation segments (5 m per segment) along a slope profile in the WLFZ of the TGR to clarify the vertical heterogeneity of Dc. Scouring experiments were conducted at 5 slope gradients (17.6%, 26.8%, 36.4%, 46.6%, and 57.7%) and 5 flow rates (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 L min−1) to determine Dc. The results indicate that the soil properties and biomass parameters of the WLFZ exhibit strongly vertical heterogeneity. Dc fluctuates with increasing elevation, with maximum and minimum average values at elevations of 145–150 m and 165–170 m, respectively. Linear equations accurately describe the relationships between Dc and hydrodynamic parameters, for which the shear stress (τ), stream power (ω), and unit energy of water‐carrying section (E) perform much better than the unit stream power (U). Furthermore, a clear improvement is achieved when using a general index of flow intensity to estimate Dc. Furthermore, Dc is significantly and negatively correlated with the mean weight diameter (MWD, p < 0.05) and organic matter content (p < 0.01) but not significantly correlated with other soil properties (p > 0.05). The rill erodibility at elevations of 145–150 m and 170–175 m is greater than that at other elevations. The critical hydraulic parameters were highest in the 165–170 m segments. Both the rill erodibility and the critical parameters fluctuate vertically along the sloping surface. This research highlights the vertical heterogeneity of Dc and is helpful for better understanding the mechanisms responsible for soil detachment in the WLFZ of the TGR.
Xanthohumol from Hop: Hope for cancer prevention and treatment
Authors: Girisa Sosmitha , Saikia Queen , Bordoloi Devivasha , Banik Kishore , Monisha Javadi , Daimary Uzini Devi , Verma Elika , Ahn Kwang Seok , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B.
Published: June 2021

Cancer is a major public health concern due to high mortality and poor quality of life of patients. Despite the availability of advanced therapeutic interventions, most treatment modalities are not efficacious, very expensive, and cause several adverse side effects. The factors such as drug resistance, lack of specificity, and low efficacy of the cancer drugs necessitate developing alternative strategies for the prevention and treatment of this disease. Xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated chalcone present in Hop (Humulus lupulus), has been found to possess prominent activities against aging, diabetes, inflammation, microbial infection, and cancer. Thus, this manuscript thoroughly reviews the literature on the anti‐cancer properties of XN and its various molecular targets. XN was found to exert its inhibitory effect on the growth and proliferation of cancer cells via modulation of multiple signaling pathways such as Akt, AMPK, ERK, IGFBP2, NF‐κB, and STAT3, and also modulates various proteins such as Notch1, caspases, MMPs, Bcl‐2, cyclin D1, oxidative stress markers, tumor‐suppressor proteins, and miRNAs. Thus, these reports suggest that XN possesses enormous therapeutic potential against various cancers and could be potentially used as a multi‐targeted anti‐cancer agent with minimal adverse effects.
Persistence of symptoms after improvement of acute COVID19 infection, a longitudinal study
Authors: Abdelrahman Mona Mohammed , Abd‐Elrahman Noha Mohammed , Bakheet Tasneem Mohammed
Published: June 2021

With the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infected patients increasing all over the world, a large number of survivors have reported changes in their quality of life or experienced re‐infection. So, we aimed to detect the percentage, type, and risk factors of persistent symptoms after improvement from acute COVID‐19 infection and to detect the percentage of COVID‐19 re‐infection and degree of severity of the second infection. One hundred seventy‐two (59 male, 113 female) patients who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) were followed up via mobile phone every 2 months for 8 to 10 months. After recovery, 105 patients (61%) (30 male, 75 female) reported one or more COVID‐19 persistent symptoms. Fatigue, dyspnea, and depression were the most common persistent symptoms representing 37.3%, 22%, 22%, respectively. We found that age was independently related to the persistence of symptoms. During the follow‐up, six females (3.5%) had laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 re‐infection. Their mean age was 35.7 ± 11 years. The mean interval from the complete recovery of the first infection to the onset of the second one was 53 ± 22.2 days and ranged from 30 to 90 days. The second infection was milder in severity than the first infection in 83.33% of cases. There was a high percentage of patients who complained of persistent symptoms after recovery from COVID‐19. Fatigue and headache were the most common persistent symptoms. Age was considered a risk factor for persistent symptoms. Re‐infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 can occur after recovery.
Real‐world clinical outcomes of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir treatment in HCV genotype 1‐ and 2‐infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis: A nationwide multicenter study by the Japanese Red Cross Liver Study Group
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Kurosaki Masayuki , Nakamura Shinichiro , Hasebe Chitomi , Kojima Yuji , Furuta Koichiro , Kobashi Haruhiko , Kimura Hiroyuki , Ogawa Chikara , Yagisawa Hitoshi , Uchida Yasushi , Joko Kouji , Akahane Takehiro , Arai Hirotaka , Marusawa Hiroyuki , Narita Ryoichi , Ide Yasushi , Sato Takashi , Kusakabe Atsunori , Tsuji Keiji , Mori Nami , Kondo Masahiko , Mitsuda Akeri , Izumi Namiki
Published: June 2021

The real‐world virological efficacy and safety of interferon‐free direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy with sofosbuvir (SOF) and velpatasvir (VEL) were assessed in hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1‐ and 2‐infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis. A total of 65 patients with HCV‐related decompensated cirrhosis (Child‐Pugh score of 7 points or more) who were treated with the SOF/VEL regimen were enrolled. The sustained virological response (SVR) rate and safety profile were analyzed. SVR was defined as undetectable serum HCV RNA at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). The percentages of patients with undetectable HCV RNA at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the start of therapy were 81.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69.5–89.9) (52/64), 98.4% (95% CI, 91.2–100.0) (60/61), and 98.5% (95% CI, 91.7–100.0) (64/65), respectively. The overall SVR rate was 92.3% (95% CI, 83.0–97.5) (60/65). Albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) scores decreased during and after treatment (p < 0.001), and there were significant differences between baseline and end of treatment and between baseline and SVR12. Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in SVR rates according to patient age, sex, HCV genotype (subtype), Child‐Pugh classification, modified ALBI grade, presence of ascites, presence of hepatic coma, or history of hepatocellular carcinoma. In all subpopulations, the SVR rates were higher than 80%. There were no severe adverse events associated with the treatment. The SOF/VEL regimen showed good virological efficacy and acceptable safety even in patients with HCV‐related decompensated cirrhosis.
Evaluation of daily precipitation analyses in E‐OBS (v19.0e) and ERA5 by comparison to regional high‐resolution datasets in European regions
Authors: Bandhauer Moritz , Isotta Francesco , Lakatos Mónika , Lussana Cristian , Båserud Line , Izsák Beatrix , Szentes Olivér , Tveito Ole Einar , Frei Christoph
Published: June 2021

Gridded analyses of observed precipitation are an important data resource for environmental modelling, climate model evaluation and climate monitoring. In Europe, datasets that resolve the rich mesoscale variations widely exist for the national territories, but similar datasets covering the entire continent are more recent. Here, we evaluate daily precipitation in two newly available pan‐European datasets: E‐OBS (v19.0e), a statistical analysis from rain‐gauge data, and ERA5, the new global reanalysis from ECMWF. Special interest is on how the refinements of grid spacing, the methodological upgrades and the quantification of uncertainty (ensemble), bear on capabilities at the mesoscale. The evaluation is conducted in three subregions, the Alps, the Carpathians and Fennoscandia, and involves as reference high‐quality regional datasets derived from dense rain‐gauge data. The study suggests that E‐OBS and ERA5 agree qualitatively well with the reference datasets. Major mesoscale patterns in the climatology (mean, wet‐day frequency, 95% quantile) are reproduced. The improvement over earlier versions of the datasets is evident. ERA5 was found to overestimate mean precipitation in all regions, related to too many wet days. The accuracy of E‐OBS was found to depend on station density, with spatial and temporal variations clearly less accurate in data sparse regions. In comparison, E‐OBS turned out to be superior to ERA5 in regions with dense data, but the two datasets are on a par in regions with sparse data, and partly ERA5 has advantages. For both datasets we find that the spatial resolution is coarser than the grid spacing, with overly smooth fields and an underestimation of high quantiles. Also, both datasets were found to be clearly overconfident in their uncertainty characterization (too small ensemble spread). Overall, the two datasets advance the characterization of precipitation on a pan‐European scale, but users are advised to take residual limitations into account in applications.
The thermal state of the North Atlantic and macro‐circulation conditions in the Atlantic‐European sector, and changes in sunshine duration in Central Europe
Authors: Marsz Andrzej A. , Matuszko Dorota , Styszyńska Anna
Published: June 2021

This article explains the reasons for the long‐term variability in sunshine duration (SD) in Central Europe. It presents a recently discovered mechanism regulating changes in sunshine duration, not described so far in the literature. The periods of global dimming and global brightening were linked with changes in the annual frequency of the macrotypes of the middle‐tropospheric circulation and the variability in the surface component of the thermohaline circulation in the North Atlantic (NA THC). On the basis of the totals of annual sunshine duration from the years 1951–2015 from 21 stations located in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, it was shown that changes in NA THC account for onethird of the variability in sunshine duration, while changes in the frequency of macrotypes W and E, forced by the changes in NA THC, each separately account for about 26 and 22% of the variability in the totals of annual sunshine duration in Central Europe.