bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corneal Ectatic Disease - Progression
Authors: A. Chandankhede
Published: April 2022

Before the appearance of recent tomographic imaging and membrane cross-linking (CXL), identification and treatment of ectatic unwellness was restricted to disease severity during which changes to the anterior corneal surface resulted in visual disturbances. Rigid contact lenses and/or penetrating corneal transplant treated advanced disease, as a result of early or subclinical identification of disease wasn't doable or its necessity was appreciated. The emergence of cardinal as a viable treatment to switch the natural progression of astigmatism has enlarged the requirement for higher diagnostics. Many strategies are delineated within the literature to assess and document the progression of keratoconus, however there's no consistent definition of the progression of ectasia. the foremost recent imaging techniques (eg tomography) have created it doable to notice ectatic unwellness early, before loss of vision and subjective disorders.Belin' ABCD classification/staging system was introduced on a Scheimpflug imaging system [Pentacam, (Oculus GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany)] to handle previous shortcomings. The ABCD system uses four parameters: anterior ("A") and posterior ("B" for the back) radius of curvature taken in an exceedingly three.0 metric linear unit optical zone targeted on the thinnest point, "C" is that the minimum membrane thickness and “D” vision of the most effective show distance. The primary 3 parameters (A, B, C) are mechanically generated objective measures that may be accustomed to confirm progressive change.The staging system isn't restricted to a selected industrial entity and might be incorporated in any tomographic imaging system. The ABCD Pro- gression show diagrammatically displays every parameter and shows once applied mathematics amendment on top of measuring noise is reached. this {could} permit the practician the power to diagnose progressive unwellness at a far earlier stage than was antecedently possible, with the arrogance that earlier intervention could stop visual loss.
CONCEPT OF JATHARAGNI AND AVASTHAPAKA (PHASES OF DIGESTION)
Authors: MG Deshpande
Published: April 2022

Agni, help to get nourishment to the body. It is very clear that any of the body cell cannot do anything without the help of Agni, this can be understood in the terms of digestion & metabolism processes at gross and cell level. Each cell of the body gets nourishment from digested food and utilizes it according to its own necessity. therefore, a Vaidya should always take care of Agni as the Prashama or Prakopa of Dosha, datu and Mala are depended on the status of Agni. Jatharagni is the most important one as all other Agnis are depended upon Jatharagni. Avastha paka Different three phase of Digestion that takes place within the GIT i.e. stomach, small intestine & large intestine, each stage correspondingly producing Kapha, Pitta & Vata.
Analisis Karakter Manusia Munafik Melalui Pendekatan Tematik Digital Quran
Authors: Azka Nur Rohmatul , Supriadi Udin
Published: April 2022

Hypocritical people are basically those who disobey God, and His Apostle, even though they are born believers. Abu Bakr Jabir Al-Jaziri argued that the hypocrites were those who showed faith in believers with their words, but hid disbelief in their hearts and also disavowed the syara' and kufr for their benefit to Allah and His Messenger. In another view, hypocrisy is interpreted as a two-faced attitude and appears differently from the circumstances it craves. In the hadith it is mentioned that the sign of a hypocrite is threefold: When he speaks lying, when he rains down he disavows, and When he is believed he betrays. Then how is the hypocritical human nature mentioned in the Quran. The author uses the digital thematic approach of the Quran to find verses related to the title. The most fundamental feature of hypocritical man is his concern between faith and disbelief and his ability to make a firm and clear attitude with regard to the beliefs of tawhid. This is because he is a person who lacks confidence. They cannot make a firm and clear decision to join the believers or with the musyrikins.
Türk Bankacılık Sektörünün Cari Denge Üzerindeki Etkisi
Authors: YILMAZ Ebru Gül , DEMİREL Dr.öğretim Üyesi Serkan
Published: April 2022

Cari dengede meydana gelen uzun süreli ve özellikle teknoloji transferi yoluyla üretime ve ihracata yönlendirilemeyen açıklar yanı sıra finansman yöntemlerin de uzun vadeli istihdam yaratıcı ve büyümeyi teşvik edici teknikler içermeyen yollarla gerçekleşiyor ise bu durumlar ülke ekonomisine önemli hasarlar vermektedir. Bu hasarlar; kur artışlarına bağlı, enflasyon, alım gücü zafiyetine bağlı tüketim düzeylerinde azalma, tüketime bağlı üretim daralması sonucu işsizlik düzeyinde artış, kişi başına milli gelirde ve dolayısıyla refah düzeyinde daralmaya kadar varan pek çok makro ekonomik göstergede bozulmalar olarak belirtilebilir. Türkiye’nin dönemler itibarıyla hiçbir zaman fazla vermeyen dış ticaret açığı, sadece devalüasyon yaşanan kriz dönemlerinde hizmet gelirleri ile kompanse edilebilmiş; 1984-2020 dönemini kapsayan 37 yıl içerisinde cari denge sadece 6 yıl fazla verebilmiştir. Ülkenin açığı finansman yöntemleri de istihdam ve büyüme yaratıcı doğrudan yabancı yatırımlar yerine, merkez bankası rezervleri, kaynağı belli olmayan net hata noksan ve portföy yatırımları gibi tekniklerle finanse ediyor oluşu, ülke ekonomisini oldukça kırılgan bir yapıya büründürmüştür. Bu haliyle cari denge ve cari dengeyi etkileyen etmenler pek çok iktisatçının motivasyonunu oluşturduğu gibi, çalışmanın da motivasyon kaynağı olmuştur. Çalışmada bankacılık sistemi kanalıyla kullandırılan kredilerin 1984-2020 dönemi içerisinde cari dengeye olan etkisi ARDL metoduyla ölçümlenmeye çalışılmış ve netice itibarıyla kredilerin cari denge üzerinde istatistiki olarak anlamlı ve pozitif etkisinin varlığı tespit edilmiştir
ELF field measurements near Hortobágy and Magyargencs
Authors: Bozóki Tamás , Bór József , Novák Attila , Molnár Csaba
Published: April 2022

Extremely low frequency (ELF) field measurements were organized near Hortobágy in 2019 and near Magyargencs in 2020 to survey the observability of Schumann resonances (SR) and properties of the ELF noise environment in the magnetic field in Hungary. The measurements serve our aim to find an appropriate location for a new permanent magnetic SR station. The location of the second test site (near Magyargencs) was selected on the base of experience we gathered from reprocessing high frequency magnetotelluric (MT) measurements in Hungary. Initial evaluation of the field measurements confirmed that it is not easy, but possible to find places of such low ELF noise levels in Hungary, which are suitable for monitoring SR.
A Széchenyi István Geofizikai Obszervatóriumban zajló ELF mérések automatikus megjelenítése
Authors: Szabóné André Karolina , Bozóki Tamás , Bór József , Szabó Csongor , Sátori Gabriella
Published: April 2022

2020. júliusa óta a Nagycenk közelében található Széchenyi István Geofizikai Obszervatóriumban (SZIGO, IAGA kód: NCK) mért extrém alacsony frekvenciás (ELF) adatok automatikusan megjelennek az obszervatórium honlapján (http://nckobs.hu/data/sr/). Az automatikusan generált ábrákon a HNS, HEW és EZ térkomponensek dinamikus spektrumai, illetve az első három Schumann-rezonancia (SR) módus amplitúdója és frekvenciája jelenik meg. Ez utóbbi mennyiségeket a komplex demoduláció módszerével, az EZ mérésből számoljuk. Ez a fontos fejlesztés lehetővé teszi a mérések állapotának folyamatos nyomonkövetését. A nyilvánosság számára jelenleg csak az aktuális nap ábrája érhető el, viszont a kutatóintézet munkatársai hozzáférnek az archivált ábrákhoz is. A weblap látogatói statisztikája azt mutatja, hogy számottevő az érdeklődés a méréseink iránt.
TINJAUAN TEOLOGIS TENTANG SABAT BERDASARKAN KELUARAN 16:1-36 DAN IMPLIKASINYA BAGI GEREJA BETHEL INDONESIA HILISONDREKHA, TELUK DALAM
Authors: Bawaulu Mutiarni , Handoko Yudi
Published: April 2022

The research in this thesis is motivated by the application of observing the Sabbath day, the congregation needs to understand and understand the Sabbath based on Exodus 16:1-36, the Sabbath is a day that God has given to humans to stop working, with the aim of humans enjoying themselves for six months. working day, and besides that God has also given this rest to humans so that humans remember the goodness of God while living on this earth, through fellowship in God's house or worship on the Sabbath. Seeing the importance of an observance in observing the Sabbath and understanding the congregation in observing the Sabbath, the congregation needs to know the meaning of the Sabbath which is based on Exodus 16:1-36. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Case studies or case studies are part of a qualitative method that wants to explore a particular case in greater depth by involving the collection of various sources of information. After conducting research and obtaining the results of interviews from the cases studied, the researchers used a descriptive approach to describe, explain and describe the data that had been obtained by the researchers from the interviews. The research findings in this thesis can be trusted for the validity of the data because they have gone through a scientific research process. The results of this study obtained data stating that the members of the Indonesian Bethel Church, Hilisondrekah, Teluk Dalam, did not understand the meaning of the Sabbath in observing the Sabbath.
THE SOCIAL ENGINE OF DEVELOPMENT. THE SOCIAL ECONOMY ENTITIES IN THE ECONOMIC POLICY
Authors: Zybała Andrzej
Published: April 2022

The author analyses the social economy entities’ role in formulating and implementing economic policy. They cocreate the multisectoral and pluralistic model of the economy and play several roles, including strengthening development infrastructure (as watchdogs, supporting local entrepreneurship), satisfying the needs of consumers (e.x. products of the leisure markets), carrying out the job activation programmes for the underprivileged groups. The author analyses the social economy sector’s scale of development and the areas of their activity. He underlines the expected growth of its role in many domains due to specific market tendencies (e.x. individualisation of consumers’ needs) and pluralisation of the economy, which means the emergence of market players characterised by the differentiated structure of ownership in many types of sectoral markets
VALUES AND STRUCTURE OF THE SOCIAL MINIMUM WITH A VIEW TO CHANGES RESULTING FROM THE SARS-COV-2 PANDEMIC IN 2020
Authors: Kurowski Piotr , Sowa-Kofta Agnieszka
Published: April 2022

The outbreak of the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic in Poland was an important factor influencing consumption behaviour in 2020. When presenting the estimates of the social minimum, it was pointed out that the research conducted in 2020 took into account how needs were met under typical conditions. Circumstances brought by the coronavirus pandemic were not taken into account.
The results of the CSO survey on household budgets for 2020 were released in September 2021. Compared to 2019, total household expenditure in 2020 fell by 3.4%. However, in poorer households they were higher than in 2019: in the 1st quintile in 2020 they increased by 5.7% (in the 1st decile by 15%). The lower expenditures compared to 2019 occurred in households with higher incomes (e.g. 2nd and 3rd quintile of the income distribution), where there was "room" to cut expenditures while adapting to pandemic conditions. Poorer households had to make the necessary expenditure to adapt to the new situation, with no room for savings in other budget areas. On the basis of these data and additional calculations by the Central Statistical Office, IPiSS prepared adjustments to the values of the social minimum.
Pseudocereals: A Novel Path towards Healthy Eating
Authors: Upasana  , Yadav Latika
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, interest in research about pseudocereals has increased worldwide. Pseudocereals can be defined as seeds or fruits of non-grass species that can be consumed similarly to cereals. The most extensively used pseudocereals include quinoa, chia, buckwheat, amaranth, and so on. All of them, have good nutritional and bioactive compounds such as essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, minerals, and vitamins. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has also reported that there is a buddle of plants that are under-utilized that significantly contribute to improving nutrition and health as well as enhancing food basket and livelihoods of the individual; contributing to future food security and sustainability. Earlier studies also reported that pseudocereals protein-derived peptides have anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, and antioxidant properties. The presence of these interesting properties in pseudocereals enhances the interest to carry out extensive research regarding their health benefits and the way to incorporate them into the diet. In this chapter, we portray different types of pseudocereals with their nutritional benefits for living a healthy and active life.
CLIF-C AD score versus MELD score in predicting mortality in alcoholic liver cirrhosis patients
Authors: Bokan Goran
Published: April 2022

Introduction. Alcoholic liver cirrhosis is an advanced stage of progressive liver failure with an often adverse outcome. Numerous scoring systems are used to predict outcomes. The results of MELD Score (Model For End-Stage Liver Disease) and CLIF Consortium Acute Decompensation score (CLIF-C ADs) were used in this paper to determine which one is more reliable in predicting mortality. Methods. The value of CLIF-C AD and MELD scores using online calculator at the time of hospitalization was calculated. Follow-up has also started during hospitalization and control examinations in the next 3 months. Results. This study included 145 patients of both genders, diagnosed with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. During the first 3 months from the moment of the calculation of the score, 39 patients (32 male and 7 female patients) passed away, which represents 82.1% versus 17.9%. The mean age of patients was 59.18 ± 9.19 years. All CLIF-C AD scores of 99 and above had a 100% probability of death in the first 3 months. Conclusion. The CLIF-C AD score proved to be more reliable than the MELD score in predicting mortality in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis in the first 3 months.
The role of SGOL1 in the prognosis of skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM)
Authors: LIAO Xuankai , FU Shuying , CHEN Hongda
Published: April 2022

Objective: To analyze the expression of SGOL1 in skin cutaneous melanoma(SKCM) and its relationship with prognosis. Methods: The expression of SGOL1 in SKCM and normal tissues was analyzed by TCGA database. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analyze the relationship between SGOL1 expression and prognosis of SKCM. Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to analyze the relationship between SGOL1 and clinicopathological features. Results: SGOL1 was over expressed in SKCM (P <0.05). The overall survival of SGOL1 high expression group was lower than low expression group (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the expression of SGOL1 between gender or age groups, but there were different in the expression of SGOL1 between Clark grades, tumo stages and survival status. Conclusion: High expression of SGOL1 in SKCM may be related with poor prognosis.
Apaciguamiento y antifascismo: Una consonancia imposible en la crisis de entreguerras
Authors: Jorge David
Published: April 2022

El presente trabajo aproxima una dialéctica, aquella entre apaciguamiento y antifascismo, que marcó de forma decisiva la década de los años treinta del siglo XX La progresiva crisis de entreguerras cristalizó durante aquel decenio en medio de sucesivas tentativas de alianzas (muchas de ellas aparentemente antinatura), ya fuesen de naturaleza activa o mediante acuerdos de carácter defensivo (pactos de asistencia mutua o de no agresión). En tal contexto, la Guerra de España vino a constituir un escenario trágicamente privilegiado para comprender el desarrollo de apaciguamiento y antifascismo (en su versión original y genuina, y no en su reformulación bélica posterior) y el fracaso a la hora de conjugarlos en una alianza activa contra la amenaza que representaba el expansionismo nazi-fascista.
Activation of the EGFR/MAPK pathway drives transdifferentiation of quiescent niche cells to stem cells in the Drosophila testis niche
Authors: Greenspan Leah J , de Cuevas Margaret , Le Kathy H , Viveiros Jennifer M , Matunis Erika L
Published: April 2022

Adult stem cells are maintained in niches, specialized microenvironments that regulate their self-renewal and differentiation. In the adult Drosophila testis stem cell niche, somatic hub cells produce signals that regulate adjacent germline stem cells (GSCs) and somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs). Hub cells are normally quiescent, but after complete genetic ablation of CySCs, they can proliferate and transdifferentiate into new CySCs. Here we find that Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is upregulated in hub cells after CySC ablation and that the ability of testes to recover from ablation is inhibited by reduced EGFR signaling. In addition, activation of the EGFR pathway in hub cells is sufficient to induce their proliferation and transdifferentiation into CySCs. We propose that EGFR signaling, which is normally required in adult cyst cells, is actively inhibited in adult hub cells to maintain their fate but is repurposed to drive stem cell regeneration after CySC ablation.
Distinct representations of body and head motion are dynamically encoded by Purkinje cell populations in the macaque cerebellum
Authors: Zobeiri Omid A , Cullen Kathleen E
Published: April 2022

The ability to accurately control our posture and perceive our spatial orientation during self-motion requires knowledge of the motion of both the head and body. However, while the vestibular sensors and nuclei directly encode head motion, no sensors directly encode body motion. Instead, the integration of vestibular and neck proprioceptive inputs is necessary to transform vestibular information into the body-centric reference frame required for postural control. The anterior vermis of the cerebellum is thought to play a key role in this transformation, yet how its Purkinje cells transform multiple streams of sensory information into an estimate of body motion remains unknown. Here, we recorded the activity of individual anterior vermis Purkinje cells in alert monkeys during passively applied whole-body, body-under-head, and head-on-body rotations. Most Purkinje cells dynamically encoded an intermediate representation of self-motion between head and body motion. Notably, Purkinje cells responded to both vestibular and neck proprioceptive stimulation with considerable heterogeneity in their response dynamics. Furthermore, their vestibular responses were tuned to head-on-body position. In contrast, targeted neurons in the deep cerebellar nuclei are known to unambiguously encode either head or body motion across conditions. Using a simple population model, we established that combining responses of~40-50 Purkinje cells could explain the responses of these deep cerebellar nuclei neurons across all self-motion conditions. We propose that the observed heterogeneity in Purkinje cell response dynamics underlies the cerebellum’s capacity to compute the dynamic representation of body motion required to ensure accurate postural control and perceptual stability in our daily lives.
OXPHOS deficiencies affect peroxisome proliferation by downregulating genes controlled by the SNF1 signaling pathway
Authors: Farre Jean-Claude , Carolino Krypton , Devanneaux Lou , Subramani Suresh
Published: April 2022

How environmental cues influence peroxisome proliferation, particularly through organelles, remains largely unknown. Yeast peroxisomes metabolize fatty acids (FA), and methylotrophic yeasts also metabolize methanol. NADH and acetyl-CoA, produced by these pathways enter mitochondria for ATP production and for anabolic reactions. During the metabolism of FA and/or methanol, the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway accepts NADH for ATP production and maintains cellular redox balance. Remarkably, peroxisome proliferation in Pichia pastoris was abolished in NADH-shuttling- and OXPHOS mutants affecting complex I or III, or by the mitochondrial uncoupler, 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), indicating ATP depletion causes the phenotype. We show that mitochondrial OXPHOS deficiency inhibits expression of several peroxisomal proteins implicated in FA and methanol metabolism, as well as in peroxisome division and proliferation. These genes are regulated by the Snf1 complex (SNF1), a pathway generally activated by a high AMP/ATP ratio. In OXPHOS mutants, Snf1 is activated by phosphorylation, but Gal83, its interacting subunit, fails to translocate to the nucleus. Phenotypic defects in peroxisome proliferation observed in the OXPHOS mutants, and phenocopied by the Δgal83 mutant, were rescued by deletion of three transcriptional repressor genes (MIG1, MIG2, and NRG1) controlled by SNF1 signaling. Our results are interpreted in terms of a mechanism by which peroxisomal and mitochondrial proteins and/or metabolites influence redox and energy metabolism, while also influencing peroxisome biogenesis and proliferation, thereby exemplifying interorganellar communication and interplay involving peroxisomes, mitochondria, cytosol, and the nucleus. We discuss the physiological relevance of this work in the context of human OXPHOS deficiencies.
Cross-species analysis of LZTR1 loss-of-function mutants demonstrates dependency to RIT1 orthologs
Authors: Cuevas-Navarro Antonio , Rodriguez-Muñoz Laura , Grego-Bessa Joaquim , Cheng Alice , Rauen Katherine A , Urisman Anatoly , McCormick Frank , Jimenez Gerardo , Castel Pau
Published: April 2022

RAS GTPases are highly conserved proteins involved in the regulation of mitogenic signaling. We have previously described a novel Cullin 3 RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex formed by the substrate adaptor protein LZTR1 that binds, ubiquitinates, and promotes proteasomal degradation of the RAS GTPase RIT1. In addition, others have described that this complex is also responsible for the ubiquitination of classical RAS GTPases. Here, we have analyzed the phenotypes of Lztr1 loss-of-function mutants in both fruit flies and mice and have demonstrated a biochemical preference for their RIT1 orthologs. Moreover, we show that Lztr1 is haplosufficient in mice and that embryonic lethality of the homozygous null allele can be rescued by deletion of Rit1. Overall, our results indicate that, in model organisms, RIT1 orthologs are the preferred substrates of LZTR1.
Retinoic acid-induced protein 14 controls dendritic spine dynamics associated with depressive-like behaviors
Authors: Kim Soo Jeong , Woo Youngsik , Kim Hyun Jin , Goo Bon Seong , Nhung Truong Thi My , Lee Seol-Ae , Suh Bo Kyoung , Mun Dong Jin , Kim Joung-Hun , Park Sang Ki
Published: April 2022

Dendritic spines are the central postsynaptic machinery that determines synaptic function. The F-actin within dendritic spines regulates their dynamic formation and elimination. Rai14 is an F-actin-regulating protein with a membrane-shaping function. Here, we identified the roles of Rai14 for the regulation of dendritic spine dynamics associated with stress-induced depressive-like behaviors. Rai14-deficient neurons exhibit reduced dendritic spine density in the Rai14+/- mouse brain, resulting in impaired functional synaptic activity. Rai14 was protected from degradation by complex formation with Tara, and accumulated in the dendritic spine neck, thereby enhancing spine maintenance. Concurrently, Rai14 deficiency in mice altered gene expression profile relevant to depressive conditions and increased depressive-like behaviors. Moreover, Rai14 expression was reduced in the prefrontal cortex of the mouse stress model, which was blocked by antidepressant treatment. Thus, we propose that Rai14-dependent regulation of dendritic spines may underlie the plastic changes of neuronal connections relevant to depressive-like behaviors.
Do Marketing strategies, COVID 19 Pandemic and Consumer Location Affect Consumer Buying Behaviour? Empirical Study on Oil and Gas Lubricant Industries in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Elsaman Hosam Azat , Gernal Liza
Published: April 2022

For UAE end-users, consumer behavior and purchasing power faced many swings period after Covid 19 pandemic. Recently, changes in sales capacity and customers' preferences for eco-friendly products highlighted the industrial gap for producers before and after the pandemic. Green marketing practices aim to improve customer knowledge to increase consumer loyalty, preserve wealth, and reduce global environmental degradation. The research examines the relationship between changes in consumer purchasing behavior and green marketing strategies following the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE's oil and gas lubricants industry. It also assesses the efficacy of green marketing in improving the dynamic of organization performance. Stakeholders and three bottom lines theories formed the theoretical background for this research. The paper's methodology is quantitative with deductive approaches and inferential statistical analysis, while the sampling strategy is a snowball, with 162 respondents, through quantitative methods, most notably surveys. The primary findings of this study established a substantial positive correlation between both study variables and consumer attitudes toward green marketing initiatives. Consumer opinion differs according to geographical ages when developing and advertising environmentally friendly products. Meanwhile, the article examined how consumers’ behavior of economic themes changed prior to and following the Covid-19 pandemic epidemic.
Story Retelling (SR) Technique in Improving Reading Comprehension of Sixth-Graders
Authors: Risonar Cupid Jones , Digamon Jayson , De La Pena Jerome , Delima Ronnel Rey
Published: April 2022

The PHIL-IRI results of the sixth graders during their fifth grade were seriously alarming. All learners were identified as frustration readers. Thus, this study aimed to improve sixth graders' reading comprehension through Story Retelling (SR) technique. The study used a pretest-post-test quasi-experimental design consisting of two intact classes with 43 grade 6 learners. One class was exposed to SR Technique, while the other was exposed to the traditional method. The comparison of posttest results revealed no significant difference in the comprehension level of the respondents with (p>.01) between groups. The data proved that SR did not significantly enhance the reading comprehension of the learners. There was a slight increase in the posttest mean scores of the experimental group. However, the increase was not significant. It showed that the learners lacked solid general knowledge and vast vocabulary, which are essential in reading. The interviews discovered that the learners were not exposed to the English language and were not adequately monitored about their academic progress. These pre-existing background conditions significantly affected the intervention, preventing a significant difference in the learners' reading comprehension. Based on the results, it is recommended that the Story Retelling (SR) technique is only introduced to the learners after they learn the basic reading skills, including vocabulary, and establish solid general knowledge. Moreover, the amount of time spent on the intervention added to the undesirable results. Thus, the intervention should be conducted in more than six weeks to achieve better results.
Comparison of the Lever Sign Test, Anterior Drawer Test and Lachman Test in Cases of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Singh Gagandeep , Singh Manish , Gupta Pallav
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a very commonly injured ligament of knee. Several physical examination tests are performed for evaluating ACL stability. The Lachman, pivot-shift, and anterior drawer tests are commonly performed for evaluating the knee laxity. Aim: To compare Lever sign test with anterior drawer test and Lachman test in case of ACL tear, and to assess preanaesthesia and postanaesthesia variability in tests results. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Government Medical College, Kathua, Jammu, India, from October 2018 till September 2019. Total 50 patients were included (age group 18-60 years) with symptomatic ACL tear requiring diagnostic arthroscopy or repair. Three tests Lever sign test, anterior drawer test and Lachman test were performed preanaesthesia and postanaesthesia and findings were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity was calculated preanaesthesia and postanaesthesia. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Total 50 patients were evaluated and analysed including 60% males (n=30) and 40% females (n=20). The mean age of the patients was 34.5±2.6 years. Sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Values (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of anterior drawer test preanaesthesia were 83%, 87%, 97%, 50%, and 84%, respectively, and postanaesthesia were 88%, 87%, 97%, 58%, and 88%; for Lachman test preanaesthesia were 88%, 87%, 97%, 58%, and 88%, respectively, and postanaesthesia were 90%, 87%, 97%, 63%, and 90%; and for Lever sign test preanaesthesia were 85%, 88%, 100%, 57%, and 88%, and postanaesthesia were 88%, 100%, 100%, 61%, and 90%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy of the three tests while comparing for preanaesthesia and postanaesthesia or for individual tests (p>0.05). Conclusion: The lever test showed high specificity, but comparable diagnostic accuracy in the detection of ACL tears in comparison to anterior drawer test and Lachman test. All the tests hold equal importance for diagnosing ACL tears before and after anaesthesia.
Phosphorus Releasing Potentials of Amino Acids and Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids from Highly Calcareous Soils
Authors: Brindhavani P. M. , Chitdeshwari T. , Selvi D. , Sivakumar U. , Jeyakumar P.
Published: April 2022

Aims: The present study was conducted to investigate the potentials of amino acids and low molecular weight organic acids, two major components of plant root exudates on phosphorus release from highly calcareous soils.

Study Design: Factorial experiment based on completely randomized design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India between 21st and 22nd of December 2020.

Methodology: An incubation experiment was conducted with two amino acids (glycine and lysine) and four low molecular weight organic acids (citric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid and acetic acid) at seven different concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 & 100 mM) for assessing their potentials of phosphorus release from highly calcareous soils (>15% free CaCO3). The soils were incubated for a time interval of 5, 10, 20, 30, 60, 120, 240, 960 & 1440 minutes. Available Phosphorus status in the soils treated with both acids were analyzed after the expiry of each incubation time.

Results: Organic acids had higher impact on phosphorus release than amino acids. Kinetic data obtained from the experiment were adequately described by Simple elovich (r2 ≥ 0.90, P < .001) and Power function (r2 ≥ 0.80, P < .001) models for both acids. Glycine among amino acids and citric acid among low molecular weight organic acids were highly effective in releasing phosphorus from highly calcareous soils.

Conclusion: The experiment concludes that, incubating the highly calcareous soils with 100 mM citric acid for 1440 minutes increased the kinetics of phosphorus release. The Simple elovich model was the best fitted model to explain the phosphorus release from calcareous soils as influenced by amino acids and low molecular weight organic acids.
Age and Gleason's Score in Prostate Cancer among Southern Nigerians: Is there Any Correlation?
Authors: Raphael John E. , Abhulimen Victor
Published: April 2022

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and mortality are associated with age and African descent. African men are more likely to have aggressive disease, present late with complications and die from prostate cancer. Age is also an independent factor for consideration in the management of patients with PCa. The Gleason score is used both for risk classification, treatment stratification and prognostic purposes.

Objective: To determine the presence of a correlation between age and Gleason score in patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study was carried out on patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer from August 2012 to July 2021. Their case records were retrieved, and the patient's age and Gleason grade were collated. Data collected were then analyzed using SPSS version 20. The data were collated using Microsoft excel 2016.

Results: There were 352 patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer with a mean age of 68.88years±9.75, ranging from 48years to 117years. The modal age range was the 60-69year group. The commonest PCa grade is Gleason 8/Grade group 4 {27.8% (98)}, followed by Gleason 9/Grade group 5 {19.9% (70)} as shown in Fig. 2. The Gleason score was associated with age as indicated in Table 2 (p=0.001). However, Pearson's correlation coefficient did not establish a statistically significant relationship (r=0.045; p=0.401). The high-risk Gleason's 8-10, Grade group 4 and 5, was the most frequent among all the age groups. The low Gleason score cancers were commonest in the 40-49year age group.

Conclusion: There was an association between age and Gleason's score, even though it was not statistically significant. Gleason 8-10 /Grade groups 4 and 5 PCa was associated with older patients. It was also commonest among patients 80years and above.
Neolithic and Bronze Age occupation at Meadowend Farm, Clackmannanshire
Authors: Jones Elizabeth , Sheridan Alison , Franklin Julie , Bailey Laura , Bjarke Ballin Torben , Cramp Lucy , Haston Sarah-Jane , Timpany Scott
Published: April 2022

The excavations at Meadowend Farm, Clackmannanshire (NGR: NS 9280 9040) produced evidence for occupation at various times between the Early Neolithic and the Middle to Late Bronze Age. Significantly, it yielded the largest and best-dated assemblage of Middle Neolithic Impressed Ware yet encountered in Scotland, comprising at least 206 vessels. Episodes of Early to (pre-Impressed Ware) Middle Neolithic activity were represented by pits and post holes scattered across the excavated areas, some containing pottery of the Carinated Bowl tradition and some with charred plant remains; three blades of pitchstone and one of non-local flint were also found. The phase of activity associated with the Middle Neolithic Impressed Ware pottery (c 3350‒3000 cal BC) is represented mostly by clusters of pits, some containing hearth waste and/or charcoal, charred cereal grain and burnt hazelnut shell fragments. A stone axehead and a broken roughout for an axe- or adze-head were associated with this phase of occupation. There then appears to have been a hiatus of activity of around a millennium before occupation resumed. One Early Bronze Age structure and pits dating to around 2000 cal BC (plus undated pits containing possible Beaker pottery) were succeeded by four Early to Middle Bronze Age roundhouses dating to c 1750‒1300 cal BC and a large pit containing parts of at least 37 pots, and subsequently by two large double-ring roundhouses, an oval building, and ancillary structures and features dating to the Middle to Late Bronze Age, c 1300‒900 cal BC. There is also evidence suggesting low level activity during the Iron Age, plus two medieval corn-drying kilns. Environmental evidence indicates cereal growing from the earliest period, and local woodland management. This publication focuses on the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods and discusses the significance of this site for our understanding of these periods, and particularly for the Middle Neolithic, in Scotland.
Associations of Socioeconomic Status With Disease Progression in African Americans With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Astrike‐Davis Emma M. , Cleveland Rebecca J. , Louis Bridges S. , Jonas Beth L. , Callahan Leigh F.
Published: April 2022

Objective

In prior cross‐sectional analyses of African American patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), measures of socioeconomic status (SES) were associated with clinical joint damage and poorer patient‐reported outcome scores. The purpose of this study was to determine whether SES measures are associated with disease progression in a cohort of African American patients with early RA (<2 years duration).

Methods

We analyzed baseline SES and change in 60‐month clinical radiographs and patient‐reported outcomes data (n = 101 and 177, respectively) in individuals with early RA. SES measures were educational attainment, occupation, homeownership, household income, and block group poverty. Outcomes were based on radiographs (total erosion and joint space narrowing [JSN] scores on hands and feet) and patient‐reported outcomes (pain, fatigue, disability, and learned helplessness). We used logistic regression with mixed effects accounting for study site to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

Both low education and occupation status were associated with worsening pain (adjusted OR 5.86 [95% CI 3.05–11.3] and adjusted OR 2.55 [95% CI 1.54–4.21], respectively). Patients without a high‐school diploma were more likely to have worsened reports of learned helplessness (OR 1.92 [95% CI 1.37–2.67]). Community measures of SES were also significantly associated with patient‐reported outcomes score changes. Patients living in areas of block group poverty ≥20% were twice as likely to experience increased disability scores over 60 months of disease duration (OR 1.95 [95% CI 1.17–3.25]). We found no association between SES measures and erosion or JSN score progression.

Conclusion

Low educational attainment and nonprofessional occupation status were associated with increased worsening of patient‐reported outcomes. However, there were no corresponding increases in radiographically assessed erosion or JSN score progression.
Countering Voltage Decay, Redox Sluggishness, and Calendering Incompatibility by Near‐Zero‐Strain Interphase in Lithium‐Rich, Manganese‐Based Layered Oxide Electrodes
Authors: He Weitao , Zhang Chunxiao , Wang Meiyu , Wei Bo , Zhu Yuelei , Wu Jianghua , Liang Chaoping , Chen Libao , Wang Peng , Wei Weifeng
Published: April 2022

Lithium‐rich, manganese‐based layered oxides are considered one of the most valuable cathode materials for the next generation of high‐energy density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) for their high specific capacity and low cost. However, their practical implementation in LIBs is hindered by the rapid voltage/capacity decay on cycling and the long‐standing contradictions between redox kinetics and volumetric energy density due to their poor calendaring compatibility. Herein, a coherent near‐zero‐strain interphase is constructed on the grain boundaries of cathode secondary particles by infusing LiAlO2 material through the reactive infiltration method (RIM). Theoretical calculations, multi‐scale characterizations, and electrochemical tests show that this coherent interphase with near‐zero‐strain feature upon electrochemical (de)lithiation inhibits volume changes of the lattice and structural degradation of cathode primary particles during cycling. More importantly, the ionically conductive LiAlO2 nanolayer infiltrated in the grain boundaries of cathode secondary particles can not only promote the rapid Li+ migration and act as a barrier to protect the material from the corrosion of the electrolyte but also effectively improve the mechanical strength of the cathode secondary particles. Collectedly, the LiAlO2‐infiltrated cathode materials display superior electrochemical cyclability, enhanced rate capability, and industrial calendaring performance, marking a significant step toward commercial implementation.
Dynamic Reversible Evolution of Solid Electrolyte Interface in Nonflammable Triethyl Phosphate Electrolyte Enabling Safe and Stable Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ji Shunping , Li Jielei , Li Junfeng , Song Chunyan , Wang Shuo , Wang Kexuan , Hui Kwan San , Zha Chenyang , Zheng Yunshan , Dinh Duc Anh , Chen Shi , Zhang Jintao , Mai Wenjie , Tang Zikang , Shao Zongping , Hui Kwun Nam
Published: April 2022

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) are a favorable alternative to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) for the large‐scale electrochemical storage devices because of the high natural abundance of potassium resources. However, conventional PIB electrodes usually exhibit low actual capacities and poor cyclic stability due to the large radius of potassium ions (1.39 Å). In addition, the high reactivity of potassium metal raises serious safety concerns. These characteristics seriously inhibit the practical use of PIB electrodes. Here, zinc phosphide composites are rationally designed as PIB anodes for operation in a nonflammable triethyl phosphate (TEP) electrolyte to solve the above‐mentioned issues. The optimized zinc phosphide composite with 20 wt% zinc phosphate presents a high specific capacity (571.1 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and excellent cycling performance (484.9 mA h g−1 with the capacity retention of 94.5% after 1000 cycles at 0.5 A g−1) in the KFSI‐TEP electrolyte. XPS depth profile analysis shows that the improved cycling stability of the composite is closely related to the reversible dynamic evolutions and conversions of the sulfur‐containing species in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) during the charge/discharge process. This dynamic reversible SEI concept may provide a new strategy for the design of superior electrodes for PIBs.
Mechanical Motion and Modulation of Thermal‐Actuation Properties in a Robust Organic Molecular Crystal Actuator
Authors: Lin Jiawei , Guo Zhenxiao , Zhang Keke , Zhao Pei , Wu Songgu , Xu Jun , Gong Junbo , Bao Ying
Published: April 2022

Dynamic molecular crystals are thought to be an emerging functional material with enormous tunability in physicochemical properties. Here, a smart crystal, 6‐Chloronicotinic acid (6‐CNA), is reported, responding to heat stimulus by bending, splitting‐to‐self‐healing, and jumping, induced thermally by a reversible single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal phase transition. This phase transition proceeds by a well‐organized migration of the habit plane, which is reproducible after more than twenty phase transition cycles. The temperature function introduced externally can realize a reversible migration of the habit plane and also act as a jump switch. A comprehensive analysis of the microscopic observations demonstrates that the heterogeneity of phase transition and the homogeneity of self‐driven orientations account for the splitting‐to‐self‐healing. Utilization of the reversible phase transition of 6‐CNA single crystal can generate a pushing force that is > 104 times the gravitational force of the crystal, thus making 6‐CNA an actuator to drive the reversible movement of a glass plate. Both forms of these crystal materials are mechanically compliant in two dimensions and can be twisted in terms of requirement. This excellent actuation performance, reversibility of the phase transition, and soft nature make it a prospective candidate for robust single‐crystal actuators.
0D/2D CsPbBr3 Nanocrystal/BiOCl Nanoplate Heterostructure with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Ma Li‐Jiao , Wu Hui‐Qin , Chen Bi‐Yu , Wang Gang , Lei Bing‐Xin , Zhang Ding , Kuang Dai‐Bin
Published: April 2022

0D‐2D p–n type CsPbBr3/BiOCl heterojunction photocatalyst is successfully fabricated via the electrostatic self‐assembly process. On the basis of the photoluminescence and photocurrent density results, the CsPbBr3/BiOCl composite exhibits a higher charge separation rate than pure BiOCl and CsPbBr3. The degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) result shows that the CsPbBr3/BiOCl composite obtains the highest degradation rate of close to 100% within 60 min, which is significantly higher than those of pure CsPbBr3 (84.21%) and BiOCl (73.57%) because the p–n type heterojunction photocatalyst can promote the separation of photogenerated charge carriers. The free radical capture experiment demonstrates that •O2− plays a major role in the photodegradation of RhB. This study may provide insights into designing advanced photocatalysts for the clean‐ups of environmental pollutants.
Monitoring the Adhesion and Inhibitory Activity of Candida albicans on Poly‐l‐Lysine Modified Gold Nano‐Match Head Arrays
Authors: Zhou Bin , Li Guohua , Wu Mingxi , Zhou Zhangkai , Cai Xin , Cai Jingxuan , Zhou Jianhua
Published: April 2022

A platform for real‐time monitoring and comprehensively studying the adhesion process of microorganisms onto material surfaces as well as their bioactivity on the surface is very helpful to reveal the microbial contamination mechanism on drainage catheters, intravascular stents, and implanted sensors. Herein, a multifunctional sensor based on localized surface plasmon resonance of gold nano‐match head arrays (GNMAs) is developed for monitoring the adhesion behavior of microorganisms (such as Candida albicans, i.e., C. albicans) as well as its inhibitory activity. The sensor is fabricated through soft lithography processes using nanopatterned polydimethylsiloxane stamps, and modified with polymers of different charges for investigating the adhesion of C. albicans onto different charged surfaces. The spectroscopic study shows that C. albicans are more favorable to positively charged surfaces than negatively charged ones, which is also proven by the fluorescence images under microscope. Moreover, the authors demonstrate that the GNMA modified with poly‐l‐lysine (PLL) can effectively kill the adhered C. albicans due to the membrane destruction and the reactive oxygen species induced by PLL. These unique advantages suggest that the sensor is capable as both an antifungal study system and a real‐time monitoring platform for antifungal performance evaluation.
A High‐Performance Self‐Powered UV‐Visible‐Infrared Broadband Photodetector Based on a Solution‐Processed Bi2Se3/Se Nanorods Heterojunction
Authors: Fu Zichun , Gao Shiyong , Yuan Ye , Lu Huiqing , Ling Duoduo , Ren Shuai , Rong Ping , Jiao Shujie , Wang Jinzhong , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2022

Nanostructured semiconductor materials synthesized through solution processes have received a substantial body of attention owing to their cost‐effectiveness, manufacturing ease, and environmental friendliness. Here, a simple solution approach is used to synthesize Bi2Se3/Se nanorods (NRs) heterojunction by covering Se NRs with a uniform Bi2Se3 shell. The morphology, composition, and structure of the samples are characterized and the growth mechanism is also analyzed. Furthermore, the photodetector based on the Bi2Se3/Se NRs is fabricated. The as‐prepared Bi2Se3/Se NRs photodetector exhibits an outstanding broadband photoresponse from UV (365 nm) to IR (850 nm) with good repeatability and self‐powered ability. Upon light illumination, Bi2Se3/Se NRs photodetector shows maximum photocurrent of 190 µA (UV light), 194 µA (blue light), 145 µA (green light), 38 µA (red light), 4 µA (IR light) as well as a rapid response time around 0.1 s approximately. Moreover, a possible detection mechanism of Bi2Se3/Se NRs photodetector is also discussed.