bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presence of Myoglobin in "Cartilage" of the Marine Snail
Busycon
Authors: Lash James W.
Published: October 2021

The odontophore of the snail
Busycon
has been found to contain myoglobin. The red pigment is readily extracted with water, and spectrophotometric analysis shows the characteristic peaks of myoglobin at 575 and 539 mμ. Although the odontophore is considered to be cartilaginous, it contains, not a chondroitin sulfate, but a polyhexose sulfate. This unusual chemical composition may be responsible for the absorption of myoglobin by the odontophore.
Notes on the Champlain Sea Episode in the St. Lawrence Lowlands, Quebec
Authors: Terasmae Jaan
Published: October 2021

Palynological studies, coupled with geological investigations and radiocarbon dating, have shown that the Champlain Sea episode in the St. Lawrence lowlands is in part contemporaneous with the Two Creeks interstadial of the Wisconsin glaciation.
Effects on Palate Development of Mechanical Interference with the Fetal Environment
Authors: Walker Bruce E.
Published: October 2021

Operations employing various combinations of amniotic fluid withdrawal and release of the embryo from enveloping membranes were performed just prior to the time of normal palate closure. Observations on subsequent palate development led to the hypothesis that fetal membranes can compress the fetus and cause cleft palate when pressure in the amniotic sac is reduced.
All-Female Strains of the Teleost Fishes of the Genus
Poeciliopsis
Authors: Miller Robert Rush , Schultz R. Jack
Published: October 2021

In addition to the viviparous fish
Mollienesia formosa
, two other species of poeciliids have recently been found to produce only female offspring. The young of these females, however, unlike those of
M. formosa
, inherit characteristics from any one of the several species of males used in experimental matings.
A Growth-Stimulating Factor for an Epithelial Cell Line in a Reduced Serum Medium
Authors: Sergeant Tom P. , Smith Sidney
Published: October 2021

A concentrate obtained from heated solutions of glucose and phosphate demonstrated a stimulatory effect upon epithelial cells cultured in vitro. Survival, attachment to glass, and early cell division were influenced favorably.
Cytological Instability in Tumors of
Picea glauca
Authors: de Torok Denes , White Philip R.
Published: October 2021

Smear preparations of cells taken from primary explants of normal and adjacent tumor wood of
Picea glauca
showed completely regular mitotic behavior in the normal cells, with the great majority of cells diploid (22 chromosomes), a few tetraploid, but almost none aneuploid. Tumor tissue was extremely unstable, with numbers ranging from 3 to more than 70, with a high proportion of aneuploids but otherwise normal-appearing mitoses. The relation of this mitotic instability to other data on these tumors is pointed out.
Calcium and Electric Potential across the Clam Mantle
Authors: Kirschner Leonard B. , Sorenson A. L. , Kriebel Mahlon
Published: October 2021

An excised clam mantle develops a potential difference, shell side positive, when both surfaces are bathed by tap water or physiological saline solution. The magnitude and sign of the potential are sensitive to the calcium concentration in the bath solution. Bubbling carbon dioxide through the solution bathing the shell side increased the potential.
Feather Mites and Ornithosis
Authors: Meyer K. F. , Eddie B.
Published: October 2021

Ornithosis virus has been isolated from several species of poultry ectoparasites, suggesting for the first time that this too may be a vector-borne infection.
An Interphylum Luciferin-Luciferase Reaction
Authors: Johnson Frank H. , Haneda Yata , Sie Ed. H.-C.
Published: October 2021

The light-emitting enzyme-substance systems, heretofore separated from different types of luminescent organisms, exhibit a marked biological specificity and comprise chemically different components. Extracts from a luminescent fish are now found to cross react with a crustacean system; some properties of the new system and implications of the phenomenon are discussed.
Atropine-like Actions of Muscarine Isomers
Authors: van Rossum J. M.
Published: October 2021

Molecular pharmacology of muscarine isomers has been studied in the rat intestine and frog heart. The significance of the peculiar finding of atropinelike action of some of the isomers is discussed.
Brightness Scaling of White and Colored Stimuli
Authors: Onley Judith Wheeler
Published: October 2021

Brightness scales for chromatic and achromatic test stimuli have been obtained by the methods of ratio production and magnitude estimation for the dark-adapted observer and conditions of brief foveal stimulation. All scales adhere to the form of a power law for brightness, and scales obtained under the differing psychophysical procedures agree.
Alteration of Mutation Frequency by Treatment with Actinomycin D
Authors: Burdette Walter J.
Published: October 2021

The frequency of lethal mutations occurring in
Drosophila melanogaster
was reduced by approximately one-half when irradiated males were treated with actinomycin D, which also inhibited the appearance of melanotic atypical growths in the strain used for the study.
Suppression of Shoot Formation in Cultured Tobacco Cells by Gibberellic Acid
Authors: Murashige Toshio
Published: October 2021

When tobacco pith was cultured on media containing gibberellic acid, shoot formation was observed. The formation of stem structures was strikingly suppressed by concentrations of 0.5 mg/lit. and above.
Molecular Weight Determinations
Authors: Boyle R. D. , Hexner P. E.
Published: October 2021

A Beams magnetically suspended equilibrium ultracentrifuge was used to determine the molecular weight of sucrose, ribonuclease, and insulin. Both long- and short-column ultracentifuge cells were used. The longer cells gave greater precision, but required a longer time for equilibrium to occur.
Psychomotor Coordination of Auditory and Visual Space at Birth
Authors: Wertheimer Michael
Published: October 2021

Before it was 10 minutes old, a human neonate was able to turn its eyes in the direction of an auditory stimulus. This demonstrates that learning is not essential for a crude form of auditory localization, directional oculomotor response, and coordination of auditory and visual functioning.
Irradiation of Bacterial Luciferase in vivo
Authors: Burns C. H. , Nevill A. D. , Whipple G. H.
Published: October 2021

The fading of in vivo luminescence which is characteristically displayed by resting cell suspensions of the luminous bacteria
Photobacterium fischeri
is partly accounted for by a gradual loss of active luciferase. This luminescence is further diminished by exposure of such suspensions to gamma radiation, but the irradiated cells yield more, rather than less, active luciferase than do cells of the non-irradiated suspension. These and similar results with menadione-treated cells indicate that, while luciferase is gradually inactivated by its catalysis of light production, it can resist inactivation by radiation better than can some component of its supporting metabolism.
Prezygotic Selection in ABO Blood Groups
Authors: Matsunaga Ei , Hiraizumi Yuichiro
Published: October 2021

A statistical method was devised to test whether prezygotic selection was operating in ABO blood groups, and it was demonstrated, with data from Japanese families, that heterozygous AO and BO fathers transmitted more than 50 percent O-bearing sperm (approximately 55 percent) to their children. Neither sperm incompatibility nor reproductive compensation could account for the results.
Pyrene and Fluoranthene in Manganese Nodules
Authors: Thomas David W. , Blumer Max
Published: October 2021

The polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons pyrene and fluoranthene have been isolated from manganese nodules of the western North Atlantic.
Homocystinuria: Absence of Cystathionine in the Brain
Authors: Gerritsen Theo , Waisman Harry A.
Published: October 2021

Cystathionine was absent in the cerebrum of a patient with homocystinuria. This supports the theory that the enzymatic defect in homocystinuria is deficiency of cystathionine synthetase.
Particle Accretion Rates: Variation with Latitude
Authors: Schmidt Richard A. , Cohen Theodore J.
Published: October 2021

Reported accretion rates for cosmic spherules ranging in diameter from 1 to 400 μ appear to increase with increasing latitude. The apparent variation is most closely related to geomagnetic latitude. Preliminary calculations suggest that electromagnetic interactions could cause only charged particles less than about 10
-2
μ in diameter to impinge preferentially at high latitudes.
Molybdenum Content of Corn Plants Exhibiting Varying Degrees of Potassium Deficiency
Authors: Jones J. Benton
Published: October 2021

Leaves from corn plants exhibiting symptoms of potassium deficiency contain considerable concentrations of molybdenum. Applications of potassium fertilizer corrected the deficiency, and a significant reduction in the molybdenum content of the leaves occurred. This inverse relation between potassium and molybdenum has not been reported previously.
Response
: High-Pressure Reactions and Shear Strength of Serpentinized Dunite
Authors: Rooney Thomas P. , Riecker Robert E.
Published: October 2021

The recently reported pronounced decrease in shear strength of serpentine-bearing rocks at 30 to 40 kilobars in the temperature range 300° to 520°C may be attributed to the transformation of serpentine to a pressure-dependent, 10-angstrom, 2:1 layer silicate plus brucite and periclase. This reaction increases density by about 8.5 percent.
Drug-Induced Teratogenesis in vitro: Inhibition of Calcification by Different Tetracyclines
Authors: Saxén Lauri
Published: October 2021

Inhibition of calcification in embryonic bone rudiments was studied in the presence of several tetracyclines at three different concentrations. Different criteria for calcification and different concentrations of tetracyclines yielded parallel results and showed significant differences in the inhibitory action of the various compounds. The clear-cut results indicate that the test-system that was developed may be useful for the comparison of various teratogens under simplified controllable conditions.
Plasmodesmata between Hyphal Cells of
Geotrichum candidum
Authors: Kirk Ben T. , Sinclair James B.
Published: October 2021

Electron-microscopic studies of three isolates of
Geotrichum candidum
from plants and one isolate from man showed the fine structure to be similar to other closely related, yeastlike fungi. Structures were observed that appeared similar to plasmodesmata present in higher plants.
Muscarine: Isolation from Cultures of
Clitocybe rivulosa
Authors: Swenberg Mei-Lie L. , Kelleher W. J. , Schwarting A. E.
Published: October 2021

Muscarine has been isolated in a yield of 0.013 percent from mycelia of
Clitocybe rivulosa
grown in the laboratory on a medium supplemented with beer wort. Its reineckate and aurichloride derivatives were prepared.
Collagen-Coated Cellulose Sponge: Three-Dimensional Matrix for Tissue Culture of Walker Tumor 256
Authors: Leighton Joseph , Justh Gerald , Esper Martha , Kronenthal Richard L.
Published: October 2021

Three-dimensional growth of large populations of cells in vitro has been observed in the interstices of a matrix consisting of collagen-coated cellulose sponge. The growth of Walker tumor 256 in this composite matrix is compared with that found in a matrix composed of either cellulose sponge alone or collagen sponge alone. The composite matrix is superior to either one. Collagen-coated cellulose sponge may provide a simple tool for the study of social interaction of cells in the formation of organized elementary tissue structures.
Magnetic Susceptibilities of Coals
Authors: Bivins Doris , Ergun Sabri
Published: October 2021

Magnetic susceptibilities are reported for seven American coals of different rank. The susceptibilities were measured in magnetic fields parallel and perpendicular to the bedding planes. The coals have diamagnetic susceptibilities approximating -0.5 × 10
-6
centimeter-gram-second unit. Only anthracite shows significant magnetic anisotropy.
Nicotine Hydrogen Tartrate: Effect on Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency in Mature Pigs
Authors: Allt W. R. , Pilkington T. R. E. , Woolf N.
Published: October 2021

Nicotine (as the acid tartrate) prevented the development of essential fatty acid deficiency symptoms in animals receiving a linoleate-deficient diet.
Martian Craters: Comparison of Statistical Counts
Authors: Binder Alan B.
Published: October 2021

Comparisons of the various crater counts obtained from the Mariner IV photographs indicate that, out of 300 to 600 possible craters mapped by different investigators, only about 120 craters can be reliably identified. Thus, only a lower limit for the Martian crater density can be established from the Mariner IV data.
Isolation and Zonal Fractionation of Metaphase Chromosomes from Human Diploid Cells
Authors: Schneider Edward L. , Salzman Norman P.
Published: October 2021

A simple method for isolating large quantities of human metaphase chromosomes has been developed. Fractionation of chromosomes from peripheral lymphocytes on a large scale is accomplished by velocity sedimentation in an A-XII zonal rotor.
Phenolic Aldehydes: Generation from Fossil Woods and Carbonaceous Sediments by Oxidative Degradation
Authors: Leo Richard F. , Barghoorn Elso S.
Published: October 2021

Aromatic aldehydes derived from fossil woods and carbonaceous sediments were identified by gas-liquid chromatography; their geochemical significance is discussed.
Autoxidation of Insect Lipids: Inhibition on the Cuticle of the American Cockroach
Authors: Atkinson P. W. , Gilby A. R.
Published: October 2021

The major hydrocarbon, cis,cis-6,9-heptacosadiene, of
Periplaneta americana
cuticles and oothecae solidifies in air by autoxidation. The reaction resembles the autoxidation of other dienes by known free radical mechanisms and yields stearic acid, stearal, hexanoic acid, and hexanal. On the cuticle, autoxidation is inhibited by polyhydric phenols.
Is Ozone Trapped in the Solid Carbon Dioxide Polar Cap of Mars?
Authors: Broida H. P. , Lundell O. R. , Schiff H. I. , Ketcheson R. D.
Published: October 2021

Laboratory experiments show that solid carbon dioxide is an effective trap for ozone at temperatures as high as 156°K. Ultraviolet reflection-absorption spectra of ozone in solid carbon dioxide at 127°K indicate that the ozone observed over the polar cap of Mars may be trapped in solid carbon dioxide.
Comment on "Mechanical Resonance Spectra in Human Cancellous Bone"
Authors: Black J.
Published: October 2021

The existence of two series of mechanical resonance frequencies in human cancellous bone is apparently supported by other results. This effect may be a microstrain phenomenon since all the experiments involved strains below 10
-4
at the frequencies of interest.
Kuwait Oil Fires: Correction
Authors: Hobbs Peter V. , Radke Lawrence F.
Published: October 2021

In our article "Airborne studies of the smoke from the Kuwait oil fires" (15 May, p. 987) (
1
), we stated that the depletions of sulfur dioxide (SO
2
) and nitrogen oxides (NO
x
) in the smoke plume from the Kuwait oil fires were 50 and 60% per hour, respectively. These values were derived from measurements made aboard a Convair C-131 aircraft, and measurements of CO
2
were used as a conserved tracer. Subsequent comparisons of these measurements of CO
2
(which were obtained from a continuous analyzer) with independent measurements of CO
2
(obtained from "grab" samples) revealed that the continuous CO
2
measurements were occasionally contaminated by cabin air. Recalculation of the depletion rates of SO
2
and NO
x
with the use of uncontaminated measurements of CO
2
from the "grab" sampler aboard the aircraft yielded values of 6 and 22%, respectively (
2
). Our conclusions with regard to the climatic effects of the Kuwait oil fires are unchanged.
American Spied for East Germany
Authors: Koenig Robert
Published: October 2021

Berlin—An American systems analyst has been convicted of passing strategic information to the East German intelligence agency during the late 1970s and 1980s, when he worked at the Free University of Berlin and West Germany's nuclear research center. He claimed he was a “double agent.”
Rock Chemistry Traces Ancient Traders
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: October 2021

Boston—At a meeting of the Materials Research Society here earlier this month, a Malaysian and an American researcher presented a chemical analysis that links volcanic glass at a 6000-year-old archaeological site on Borneo to sources on islands 3500 kilometers to the east. The finding pushes back the earliest dates for long-distance sea trading on the Pacific by 2500 years, to 4000 B.C.
Chemical Nomenclature
Authors: Norton T. H.
Published: October 2021

Would you kindly correct an error which inadvertently crept into my article on the "Spelling and Pronunciation of Chemical Terms" in the current issue? On page 273, column 1, line 16 from the top, instead of "by an American chemist" read "from a North American mineral."
Investigating the existence of gravitomagnetic monopole in M87*
Authors: Ghasemi-Nodehi M. , Chakraborty Chandrachur , Yu Qingjuan , Lu Youjun
Published: October 2021

We examine the possibility for the existence of gravitomagnetic monopole ($$n_*$$

n

∗

) in M87* by using the results obtained from its first Event Horizon Telescope image. By numerically deducing the shadow sizes in Kerr-Taub-NUT (KTN) spacetime, we show that the shadow size increases with increasing $$|n_*|$$

|

n

∗

|

for a fixed Kerr parameter $$|a_*|$$

|

a

∗

|

in case of the KTN black hole, whereas for a KTN naked singularity it increases with increasing $$n_*$$

n

∗

for a fixed $$a_* > 0$$

a

∗

>
0

if $$n_* > -\cot 17^{\circ }$$

n

∗

>
-
cot

17
∘

. In general, the asymmetry of shadow shape increases if the central dark object in M87 is a KTN/Kerr naked singularity instead of a KTN/Kerr black hole. We find that a non-zero gravitomagnetic monopole is still compatible with the current EHT observations, in which case the upper limit of $$n_*$$

n

∗

cannot be greater than 1.1, i.e., $$n_* \lesssim 1.1$$

n

∗

≲
1.1

for the prograde rotation ($$a_* > 0$$

a

∗

>
0

), and the lower limit of $$n_*$$

n

∗

cannot be less than $$-1.1$$

-
1.1

, i.e., $$ n_* \gtrsim -1.1$$

n

∗

≳
-
1.1

for the retrograde rotation ($$a_* < 0$$

a

∗

<
0

). Moreover, if the circularity of the shadow can be measured on a precision of $$\lesssim 1\%$$

≲
1
%

, the Kerr and KTN naked singularities can be falsified for M87*.
Modernizing Retailers in an Emerging Market: Investigating Externally Focused and Internally Focused Approaches
Authors: Anderson Stephen J. , Iacovone Leonardo , Kankanhalli Shreya , Narayanan Sridhar
Published: October 2021

This article studies the impact of business modernization on the sales performance of traditional retailers in an emerging market. The authors define modernization as the adoption of physical structures and tangible practices of organized retail chains (e.g., exterior signage with store name and logo, a database to record product-level information). To address this research question, they implement a randomized field experiment in Mexico City with 1,148 retailers. The sample is randomized as follows: 385 firms are externally modernized in ways that are visible to customers, 383 firms are internally modernized in ways that are not visible to customers, and 380 firms form a control group. The authors find a significant and persistent main effect of modernization on sales. Firms in both treatment groups increase monthly sales by 15%–19% 24 months after study recruitment. In terms of novel mechanism evidence, externally modernized firms improve their store-level branding, while internally modernized firms strengthen their product management. This article also provides an exploratory analysis to guide policy makers, managerial stakeholders, and retailers on how to modernize for the highest returns. This analysis suggests that it is most useful to modernize a firm’s exterior appearance, customer engagement methods, demand analysis, and stock-ordering processes. Finally, the largest improvements come from the initial few modernizing changes, after which returns are diminishing.
The Revision Effects of Varying Degrees of Written Corrective Feedback Explicitness on L2 Learners’ Writings
Authors: Zabihi Reza , Erfanitabar Danial
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the efficacy of varying degrees of written corrective feedback (WCF) explicitness on the accuracy of revised drafts and new pieces of writing among learners of different proficiency levels. A total of 130 learners of English were divided into three proficiency groups (basic, independent, and proficient users), with learners at each proficiency level receiving four types of WCF that differed in their degree of explicitness: direct corrective feedback plus metalinguistic explanation (DCF  +  ME), direct corrective feedback only (DCF), indirect corrective feedback plus metalinguistic explanation (ICF  +  ME), and indirect corrective feedback only (ICF). Learners completed a text reconstruction task as their first draft, revised their writing according to one of the four types of WCF, and completed another text reconstruction task after 2 weeks. While the accuracy scores differed across different test times for learners at all proficiency levels, split-plot ANOVAs with post hoc comparisons showed that differential effects of varying degrees of WCF explicitness on the accuracy of learners’ revised and/or subsequent writings were found only for the proficient group where the DCF  +  ME group significantly outperformed the ICF group on revised drafts and both the ICF and ICF  +  ME groups on new pieces of writing.
Exploring Directions for Professional Learning to Enhance Behavior Screening Within a Comprehensive, Integrated, Three-Tiered Model of Prevention
Authors: Briesch Amy M. , Chafouleas Sandra M. , Iovino Emily A. , Abdulkerim Noora , Sherod Rebecca L. , Oakes Wendy Peia , Lane Kathleen Lynne , Common Eric Alan , Royer David J. , Buckman Mark
Published: October 2021

Integration of multitiered academic, behavioral, and social-emotional efforts, such as the implementation of a Comprehensive, Integrated, Three-Tiered (Ci3T) model of prevention, is critical for supporting student development across domains of functioning. In particular, universal behavior screening has been shown to predict outcomes across these domains and as such is foundational to integrated systems. Thus, districts and schools are committed to continuing to learn how to implement behavior screening effectively and efficiently. As such, the purpose of this first qualitative study of systematic screening for behavior was to explore perspectives on benefits, challenges, and opportunities in behavior screening as gathered from members of school- and district-based leadership teams who were currently implementing Ci3T. Both individual interviews and focus groups were conducted, and thematic analysis was employed to identify themes that could be used to enhance the implementation and use of behavior screening. Ci3T Leadership Team members indicated knowledge about behavior screening procedures and relayed challenges with respect to using behavior screening data. Taken together, a need emerged for broader professional learning for all school staff members around increasing knowledge and use of behavior screening data. We discuss limitations and directions for future research.
Outcomes of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Octogenarians
Authors: Alnahhal Khaled I. , Narayanan Meyyammai K , Lingutla Ranjana , Parikh Shailraj , Iafrati Mark , Kumar Shivani , Zhan Yong , Salehi Payam
Published: October 2021

Objective

The aim of this study is to compare outcomes between octogenarians and non-octogenarians undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

Methods

Using the National Inpatient Sample database, we identified octogenarians (≥80 years) and non-octogenarians (<80 years) who had undergone thoracic endovascular aortic repair between 2012 and 2017. We compared patients’ demographic, socioeconomic, comorbidity data between the two groups as well as the procedure indications and perioperative outcomes. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of advanced age (≥80 years) on the in-hospital mortality rates in patients who underwent TEVAR. This analysis was also performed for a separate cohort which included only patients who underwent TEVAR for ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Results

A total of 4108 patients were included in our study; 3432 (83.5%) patients were <80 years (37.9% female; median age, 64 years; 34.3% non-white) and 676 (16.5%) patients were ≥80 years (50.7% female; median age, 83 years; 20.4% non-white). Non-ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm was the most common indication for TEVAR in older patients (61.4%), whereas type B aortic dissection was the most common indication in younger patients (36.4%). In-hospital complications were comparable between the two groups except for respiratory complications that were higher in the younger patients (21.2% vs. 15.2%; P <.001). The multivariable analysis demonstrated that advanced age had no association with increased in-hospital mortality rates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], .97-2.05), However, in ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm cohort, octogenarians had higher in-hospital mortality rates (aOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.04-3.32).

Conclusions

Octogenarians have acceptable rates of perioperative morbidity and mortality compared to the younger group and should be considered for TEVAR. Octogenarians are at higher risk for in-hospital mortality in the setting of ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm, supporting the appropriateness of elective TEVAR in selected Octogenarians.
When COVID-19 came to town: Measuring the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on footfall on six high streets in England
Authors: Enoch Marcus , Monsuur Fredrik , Palaiologou Garyfalia , Quddus Mohammed A , Ellis-Chadwick Fiona , Morton Craig , Rayner Rod
Published: October 2021

Town centres in the economically developed world have struggled in recent years to attract sufficient visitors to remain economically sustainable. However, decline has not been uniform, and there is considerable variation in how different town centres have coped with these challenges. The arrival of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic public health emergency in early 2020 has provided an additional reason for people to avoid urban centres for a sustained period. This paper investigates the impact of coronavirus on footfall in six town centres in England that exhibit different characteristics. It presents individual time series intervention model results based on data collected from Wi-fi footfall monitoring equipment and secondary sources over a 2-year period to understand the significance of the pandemic on different types of town centre environment. The data show that footfall levels fell by 57%–75% as a result of the lockdown applied in March 2020 and have subsequently recovered at different rates as the restrictions have been lifted. The results indicate that the smaller centres modelled have tended to be less impacted by the pandemic, with one possible explanation being that they are much less dependent on serving longer-distance commuters and on visitors making much more discretionary trips from further afield. It also suggests that recovery might take longer than previously thought. Overall, this is the first paper to study the interplay between footfall and resilience (as opposed to vitality) within the town centre context and to provide detailed observations on the impact of the first wave of coronavirus on town centres’ activity.
Long-read sequencing-based in silico phage typing of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Lisotto Paola , Raangs Erwin C. , Couto Natacha , Rosema Sigrid , Lokate Mariëtte , Zhou Xuewei , Friedrich Alexander W. , Rossen John W. A. , Harmsen Hermie J. M. , Bathoorn Erik , Chlebowicz-Fliss Monika A.
Published: October 2021

Background

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are successful nosocomial pathogens able to cause hospital outbreaks. In the Netherlands, core-genome MLST (cgMLST) based on short-read sequencing is often used for molecular typing. Long-read sequencing is more rapid and provides useful information about the genome’s structural composition but lacks the precision required for SNP-based typing and cgMLST. Here we compared prophages among 50 complete E. faecium genomes belonging to different lineages to explore whether a phage signature would be usable for typing and identifying an outbreak caused by VRE. As a proof of principle, we investigated if long-read sequencing data would allow for identifying phage signatures and thereby outbreak-related isolates.

Results

Analysis of complete genome sequences of publicly available isolates showed variation in phage content among different lineages defined by MLST. We identified phage present in multiple STs as well as phages uniquely detected within a single lineage. Next, in silico phage typing was applied to twelve MinION sequenced isolates belonging to two different genetic backgrounds, namely ST117/CT24 and ST80/CT16. Genomic comparisons of the long-read-based assemblies allowed us to correctly identify isolates of the same complex type based on global genome architecture and specific phage signature similarity.

Conclusions

For rapid identification of related VRE isolates, phage content analysis in long-read sequencing data is possible. This allows software development for real-time typing analysis of long-read sequencing data, which will generate results within several hours. Future studies are required to assess the discriminatory power of this method in the investigation of ongoing outbreaks over a longer time period.
Pulsed EMF stimulation increased BDNF and activated S6 levels in the hippocampus of senescent rats
Authors: Téglás T. , Shoemaker R.G. , Dörnyei G. , Luiten P.G.M. , Nyakas C.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Low-frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure in rat has positive effects on neuronal processes in vitro. Moreover, EMF improves learning-memory and psychomotor activity during advanced ageing, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not known in the brain. In the present study we aimed to investigate the molecular effects of chronic EMF stimulation in the hippocampus of senescent rats in vivo.

Materials/Methods

Thirty months old rats were treated for six weeks with different EMF doses of 45, 95, and 1,250 µT. After sacrifice the levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and activated ribosomal protein S6 as measures for protein synthesis intensity in the hippocampus were determined by Western blot analysis.

Results

The results showed that chronic EMF exposure dose dependently increased BDNF and the amount of phosphorylated S6 protein at the highest dose. The effects on the two proteins positively correlated at individual level. The results indicate that EMF exposure may enhance neurotrophic processes indicated by increased BDNF expression in the hippocampus of senescent rats. Increased phosphorylated S6 protein suggests coupling to support molecular regulation of protein synthesis.

Conclusions

In a broader perspective, these findings may support EMF as a beneficial alternative form of passive exercise in active, exercise-limited, aged individuals.
IDENTIFYING PREDATORY OPEN-ACCESS ACADEMIC JOURNAL PUBLISHERS, IN LIGHT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING’S DECISION TO RETROSPECTIVELY DE-ACCREDIT CERTAIN JOURNALS
Authors: Marita Carnelley
Published: October 2021

This paper arose out of the retrospective de-accreditation of the journal MJSS by DHET. DHET has always had a clear policy for subsidising research: publication in an accredited journal will lead to the payment of subsidy to the university and in most instances to the academic. The first part of the paper addresses the issue of online publications, including predatory publications, and what due diligence academics should engage in prior to submitting their research to an unknown journal for publication. In particular, the article sets out the possible criteria that could be used in assessing new journals. Ultimately, the process is fraught with uncertainties and difficulties, as many predatory publishers deliberately set out to scam academics in order to garner financial profits. These problems are illustrated by comparing two online journals: MJSS and PER. The second part of the article deals with the nature of the decision by DHET to deaccredit MJSS retrospectively – in deciding that it is a potentially predatory journal. It is submitted that DHET could be estopped from denying the truth of its own representation that the MJSS is a scholarly journal. In addition, their decision to retrospectively change their own policy without adequate notice or a proper opportunity for representations, is unconstitutional, unlawful and unfair based on the legitimate expectation of the academics and universities created by the department’s policies andpractice. In addition, by de-accrediting a journal retrospectively, DHET destabilised its own policy.
Un método de ayuda a la toma de decisiones sobre impactos vecinales
Authors: Castro Luiz Claudio Ferreira , Lemos Maria Fernanda Rodrigues Campos , Domingues Luis Carlos Soares Madeira
Published: October 2021

La Revolución Industrial y el paradigma de desarrollo del siglo XX crearon una interdependencia entre las ciudades y las industrias, lo que provocó conflictos / impactos en el vecindario. Con la necesidad de que la vivienda y las industrias estén cerca, surgen las preguntas: ¿Qué tan cerca? ¿Cuál es la distancia deseada para maximizar las externalidades positivas sin imponer impactos negativos y malestar?

Este artículo propone un método de apoyo a la toma de decisiones para gestionar los impactos en el vecindario. En primer lugar, un grupo de enfoque examina la materialidad de los impactos percibidos. Los participantes clasifican la importancia y la percepción de los impactos a través de una evaluación puntuada, considerando las distancias entre la fuente y el receptor. Los resultados se recopilan en una matriz de apoyo a la decisión. Las celdas de la matriz se puntúan de acuerdo con el impacto percibido sobre la distancia. Este método permite comparar impactos de diferentes naturalezas dentro de la misma escala. Establece una herramienta de gestión de conflictos basada en decisiones de trade-off de las partes interesadas, que puede utilizarse para la participación pública en los procesos de concesión de licencias, en la planificación territorial participativa o para definir la mitigación / compensación de los impactos después de una crisis vecinal.

Un caso de estudio de esta investigación, la acería ThyssenKrupp CSA fue inaugurada en 2010 en Santa Cruz (un barrio de la ciudad de Río de Janeiro). Desajustes y fallas de comunicación han generado conflictos vecinales, que se han vuelto icónicos en las recientes discusiones legales socioambientales brasileñas. A pesar de dos años de disputas, el Diagnóstico de Percepción realizado demostró la resolución de conflictos aparentemente irreconciliables a partir de 2012, debido a ajustes en la relación con el barrio.
STAGES AND METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS OF BRONCHOGENIC CARCINOMA IN HIWA CANCER HOSPITAL IN SULAIMANI CITY
Authors: Othman Yad , Ali Kosar
Published: October 2021

Background 

Lung cancer is usually suspected in individuals who have an abnormal chest radiograph finding or have symptoms caused by either local or systemic effects of the tumour. The method and stage of diagnosis of suspected lung cancer depend on the type of lung cancer (i.e., small cell lung cancer [SCLC] or non-SCLC [NSCLC]), the size and location of the primary tumour, the presence of metastasis, and the overall clinical status of the patient.

Objectives 

To determine the stage and method of diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma in Hiwa cancer hospital.

Patients and Methods

A cross-sectional study, at which three hundred patients with lung cancer in Hiwa cancer hospital from 1st Jan. 2016 to 1st Feb. 2018 were evaluated, and as much as possible as data were collected and analyzed for stage, method, and histological type.

Results

The mean age for lung cancer was 65.7±10.7 years. Male: female ratio was 3.4:1. Smoking was present in (88%) of cases. Most of our cases (61.7%) were diagnosed by bronchoscopy, and most of them were non-small cell lung cancer was stage III & IV. There was a significant relationship between the method of diagnosis and stages of lung cancer (P-value=0.016). 

Conclusion

Most of our cases were males between 60–69-year-old, and smokers, without a family history, they presented with cough and were diagnosed by bronchoscopy (wash & biopsy) with metastatic disease, and their histological type was Non-small cell.
EFFECT OF OBESE FACTORS FREE FATTY ACID AND LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE ON EXPRESSION OF METABOLIC AND MYOGENIC GENES CPT1b AND Myogenin IN MUSCLE CELLS
Authors: Le Ngoc Hoan
Published: October 2021

Carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1b (CPT1b) and Myogenin are important markers of metabolism and myogenesis, respectively. The present study aimed to research the expression of CPT1b and Myogenin mRNAs in skeletal muscle C2C12 cells incubated with obese factors, free fatty acid (FFA), or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to support the mechanism related to obesity and metabolic disorders. The result indicated that FFA significantly induced upregulation of CPT1b and Myogenin mRNAs in the skeletal muscle cells. In contrast, LPS treatment did not affect on expression of CPT1 mRNA and tendency reduced expression of Myogenin mRNA in the skeletal muscle cells. These data support the evidence FFA is an energy and nutrient source for metabolism and myogenesis in the skeletal muscle cells whereas LPS seemingly suppresses myogenesis. Therefore, the mechanisms linking FFA or LPS to obesity induced skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunctions could be different.
The effect of post colonoscopy abdominal massage on abdominal pain, distension, discomfort and patient satisfaction: a randomized controlled study protocol
Authors: Ozturk Dilek , Gurkan Aysel
Published: October 2021

Background: Abdominal pain, distension, and discomfort are the most frequently seen side effects after colonoscopy. These side effects can cause physical and mental results and increased workloads and care costs. Additionally, the satisfaction of the patients with the colonoscopy process may affect their willingness to undergo repeated colonoscopies in the future which may be required for the surveillance of colon malignity. Currently, there are no studies evaluating the effects of abdominal massage on post colonoscopy these abdominal symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of post colonoscopy abdominal massage on abdominal pain, distension, discomfort, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: This study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled study. Participants meeting inclusion criteria will be assigned to intervention and control groups using a random number generator. Participants assigned to the intervention group will receive abdominal massages twice a day after colonoscopy, and participants assigned to the control group will receive only ‘routine care’. The abdominal pain, distension, discomfort, and satisfaction levels of the patients will be evaluated using the Visual analogue scale.

Conclusions: New approaches are needed to improve the physiological and psychological health levels of patients after colonoscopy and help them return to their daily life activities and social lives faster. The trial will provide valuable evidence to inform clinical application and help evaluate the effects of the use of the relevant intervention.

Trial registration: Clinical trials registration number NCT04979351.
Yapay Zekâ Destekli Kişiselleştirme Algoritmalarının Tüketici Zihninde Filtre Balonu Yaratma Etkisinin İncelenmesi
Authors: KARAMAN Özlem
Published: October 2021

Yapay zekâ destekli algoritmalar tüketici davranışını anlamak için pazarlamacılara öngörü olanağı sağlamaktadır. Tüketicinin tıklamalarını takip ederek geçmiş beğenilerine dayalı içerik sağlayan ve doğru hedefleme yapan algoritmalar işletmelere verimlilik ve kârlılık avantajları, tüketicilere ise beğenebileceği hedeflere odaklanabilme fırsatı yaratmaktadır. Öte yandan algoritmalar tarafından izlenen tüketici, zamanla benzeşen ürünleri satın almaya zorlanmakta, tek bir markaya bağlanarak hep aynı perakendeciden ürün almakta ve alternatif ürün/hizmet tekliflerini görüp kendisi için daha avantajlı olanı seçme özgürlüğü tehdit edilmektedir. “Filtre balonu etkisi” olarak adlandırılan bu durum, kavramın isim babası olan Pariser’e göre fikirlerin kutuplaşmasına sebep olarak toplumu olumsuz etkilemektedir. Gelecekteki araştırmalar için bir çerçeve sunmayı amaçlayan derleme niteliğindeki bu çalışmada, büyük veriden kişiselleştirme algoritmalarının oluşumuna uzanan süreç ve algoritmaların tüketici zihninde filtre balonu oluşturma etkisi farklı araştırmacıların görüşleri ışığında kavramsal bir bakış açısıyla değerlendirilmiştir. Konu, tüketici psikolojisi ve etik bakış açısından incelenerek örneklere yer verilmiştir. Çalışma sonunda, tüketicinin dijital manipülasyondan kaçınmasının yine teknoloji bilgisine sahip olmakla mümkün olabileceğine, yapay zekânın etkisi altında kalmamak için algoritmaların dilini olabildiğince öğrenmek, önerilerini sorgulamak, doğru bilgiye ulaşmak için daha fazla zaman harcamak zorunda olduğuna dikkat çekilmiştir. Ayrıca işletmeler tarafından geliştirilecek dijital pazarlama uygulamalarının karşılıklı fayda sağlayan bir gözetleme içermesi, verinin kullanılmasının güvensizliğe yol açmaması gerekliliği vurgulanmıştır.
The Extracapsular Lymph Node Extension Predicts Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer: A Short Review
Authors: Jabi Rachid , Al Jarroudi Ouissam , Bouziane Mohammed
Published: October 2021

Background:

The extension of the metastatic lymph nodes through the capsule to the
adipose tissue in the perinodal or extra-nodal defines the extra-nodal extension (ENE). ENE represents
an important prognostic factor in multiple cancers, which is considered as a prognostic parameter
in different tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classifications.

Introduction:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked third in order of frequency, after successively
lung and breast cancer. Lymph node metastasis has been validated as a significant negative prognostic
factor for survival in colorectal cancer (CRC), which is improved by the adjuvant. Despite
the use of ENE as an important and validated prognostic factor in multiple cancers, ENE is not yet
taken into account in the CCR staging system.

Method:

The present short review aims to discuss the prognostic impact of ENE on CRC according
to the emerging evidence. To conduct this study, we have reported the results of all available
studies following the scientific rationale in three parts: retrospective studies, prospective studies,
and meta-analyses.

Results:

ENE has a negative impact on the prognosis of colorectal cancer but is not yet used in practice
in colorectal cancer.

Conclusion:

We, therefore, propose to carry out randomized clinical trials to study this subject better
and strengthen its value in management strategies.
Towards the Synthesis of a Heterocyclic Analogue of Natural Cyclooligopeptide
with Improved Bio-properties
Authors: Dahiya Rajiv , Dahiya Sunita , Chennupati Suresh V. , Davis Vernon , Sahadeo Vijaya , Patel Jayvadan K.
Published: October 2021

Aims:

The present investigation is targeted towards the synthesis of a novel analogue of a natural peptide of marine origin.

Background:

Marine sponges are enriched with bioactive secondary metabolites, especially circu-lar peptides. Heterocycles are established organic compounds with potential biological value. Tak-ing into consideration the bio-properties of heterocycles and marine sponge-derived natural pep-tides, an effort was made for the synthesis of a heterocyclic analogue of a natural cyclopeptide.

Objective :

A heterocyclic analogue of a sponge-derived proline-containing cyclic peptide, rolloam-ide A, was synthesized by interaction of Boc-protected L-histidinyl-L-prolyl-L-valine and L-prolyl-L-leucyl-L-prolyl-L-isoleucine methyl ester and compared with synthetic rolloamide A with bioac-tivity against bacteria, fungi, and earthworms.

Methods:

The synthesis of cycloheptapeptide was accomplished employing the liquid phase method. The larger peptide segment was prepared by interaction of Boc-protected L-prolyl-L-leu-cine with L-prolyl-L-isoleucine methyl ester. Similarly, the tripeptide unit was synthesized from Boc-protected L-histidinyl-L-proline with L-valine ester. The linear heptapeptide segment (7) was cyclized by utilizing pentafluorophenyl (pfp) ester, and the structure was elucidated by elemental and spectral (IR, 1H/13C NMR, MS) analysis. The peptide was also screened for diverse bioactivities such as antibacterial, antifungal, and potential against earthworms and cytotoxicity.

Results:

The novel cyclooligopeptide was synthesized with 84% yield by making use of car-bodiimides. The synthesized cyclopeptide exhibited significant cytotoxicity against two cell lines. In addition, promising antifungal and antihelmintic properties were observed for newly synthesized heterocyclic peptide derivative (8) against dermatophytes and three earthworm species at 6 μg/mL and 2 mg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion:

Solution-phase technique employing carbodiimide chemistry was established to be promising for synthesizing the cycloheptapeptide derivative (8), and C5H5N was proved to be a better base for heptapeptide circling when compared to N-methylmorpholine and triethylamine.
Dynamic of a two-strain COVID-19 model with vaccination
Authors: Tchoumi Stéphane , rwezaula Herieth , Tchuenche Jean M.
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by an RNA virus prone to
mutations. In December 2020, variants with different characteristics
that could affect transmissibility emerged around the world. To address
this new dynamic of the disease, we formulate and analyze a mathematical
model of a two-strain COVID- 19 transmission dynamics with strain 1
vaccination. The model is theoretically analyzed and sufficient
conditions for the stability of its equilibria are derived. In addition
to the disease-free and endemic equilibria, the model also has
single-strain 1 and strain 2 endemic equilibria. Using the center
manifold theory, it is shown that the model does not exhibit the
phenomenon of backward bifurcation, and global stability of the model
equilibria when the basic reproduction number R 0 is either less or
greater than unity as the case maybe are proved using various
approaches. Simulations to support the model theoretical results are
provided. We calculate the basic reproductive number for both strains R
1 and R 2 independently. Results indicate that - both strains will
persist when R 1 > 1 and R 2 > 1 - Stain 2
could establish itself as the dominant strain if R 1 < 1 and R
2 > 1, or when R 2 is at least two times greater than R 1 .
However, with the current knowledge of the epidemiology of the COVID-19
pandemic and the availability of treatment and an effective vaccine
against strain 1, it is expected that eventually, strain 2 will likely
be eradicated in the population due to de novo herd immunity provided
the threshold parameter R 2 is controlled to remain below unity.