bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral Upper Limb Congenital Anomalies in a Neonate: A Case Report
Authors: Sheshagiri V , Arunodaya S , Pramod BM , Kumar Vijay , Harshvardhan S , Vidya CS
Published: October 2024

Congenital anomalies are diverse in nature and can affect multiple organ systems, posing significant diagnostic and management challenges. Among these, nubbins, characterised by the absence or underdevelopment of distal terminal phalanges, present a rare clinical finding. The present case report discusses a neonate born via normal vaginal delivery who demonstrated immediate cries upon birth. The patient’s clinical presentation led to a series of diagnostic investigations. The absence of distal terminal phalanges in both hands was concerning; however, radiographs of the forearms showed normal structural findings. The detection of mild Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) on hip Ultrasonography (USG) necessitated regular monitoring with USG and radiographs of both hips to ensure proper hip joint development. The USG of the spine revealed no anomalies, which was reassuring. The most significant finding came from the Echocardiogram (ECHO), which identified a small ostium secundum Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) with mild tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension. The present case underscores the importance of ongoing research and collaboration in advancing our understanding and management of rare congenital anomalies.
A Cross-sectional Study of Wormian Bones in the Cranium: Exploring their Clinical Significance and Diagnostic Implications
Authors: Kumar Abhinav , Agarwal Jolly , Sharan Anjali , Bharti Shrikant , Chaudhary Puneet , Thakur Shivangi , Saxena Swati , Pant Mahendra Kumar
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Wormian Bones (WBs) are small, irregularly shaped ossicles often located within the cranial sutures and at the fontanelles, with the majority found in the lambdoid sutures. They result from the formation of abnormal ossification centres in the cranium that develop through an unknown mechanism. Clinically, Significant Wormian bones (SWBs) are defined as bones arranged in a general mosaic-like pattern with a size larger than 6×4 mm; for pathological significance, more than 10 such SWBs should be present. Aim: To study the incidence of WBs in various sutures of human dry skulls and to investigate the incidence of the metopic suture and Inca bone in human dry skulls. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, from January 2024 to May 2024. In the present study, 38 dried adult human skulls of unknown age and sex were examined for the presence, number and location of WBs, the metopic suture, and the Inca bone in various sutures of the skull. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and results were expressed in terms of incidence. Results: Wormian bones were present in 21 (55.26%) skulls, while 17 (44.74%) had no WBs. One (0.27%) skull had a metopic suture, and 1 (0.27%) skull had an Inca bone. Pathologically significant WBs were not found in any of the skulls examined. Conclusion: The overall incidence of WBs is 55.26%, while the incidences of the metopic suture and Inca bone are both 2.63%. Thus, WBs may mimic a cranial fracture, leading to misdiagnosis, which could delay or alter treatment. Additionally, some WBs may be lost during putrefaction, giving the appearance of an entry/exit gunshot wound in postmortem cases.
Excessive Exercise by Gym Enthusiast Leading to Rhabdomyolysis: A Case Report
Authors: Modi Utsavi Tejas , Nagure Pramod Vaijnath , Nikam Vasudha Ravindra , Modi Tejaskumar Bankimbabu , Shetty Tejas Sudhakar
Published: October 2024

Rhabdomyolysis is a rare condition characterised by muscle oedema and inflammation. Radiological imaging, particularly Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of patients with muscle injuries. Hereby, the authors present a case report of a 21-year-old male who recently joined a gym a month ago. After a recent upper body workout, he began experiencing vague pain around the posterior aspect of the entire right arm, radiating towards the shoulder and elbow. An MRI was performed to evaluate the musculature of the right arm and forearm. T2-weighted axial images revealed hyperintense signals within the long head of the triceps muscle. Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) coronal and STIR axial sequences showed increased signal intensity in the short field of view sequences, consistent with the presence of subcutaneous inflammation. The patient was managed conservatively with anti-inflammatory medications. A follow-up scan after one month showed complete resolution of muscle oedema. The ability of MRI to accurately assess the degree and severity of muscle injury allows for appropriate treatment planning and monitoring of disease progression. In cases of suspected muscle injury, prompt radiological evaluation can facilitate early diagnosis and intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Antenatal Cases: A Cross-sectional Study from Southern Rajasthan, India
Authors: Sarawat Sarika , Sharma Anshu , Mishra Sandhya , Sarawat Deepika
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Due to various anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy, women are more prone to develop Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), which may progress to involve the upper urinary tract resulting in acute pyelonephritis, or may involve the lower tract resulting in acute cystitis. Aim: To study Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (ASB) in antenatal cases and to isolate, identify, and establish the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the pathogens responsible for ASB. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2020 on 363 antenatal cases attending Obstetrics Outpatient Department (OPD) in RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The samples were processed within one hour of collection and tested (samples were cultured, and Gram’s staining and wet mount were done) for the presence of significant ASB and the sensitivity pattern of the isolates. The statistical analysis of the variables was assessed using the odds ratio and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 363 samples were evaluated; 44 samples showed significant bacteriuria in culture, with the most commonly isolated organism being Enterococcus faecalis 25 (56.8%), followed by Escherichia coli 14 (31.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 2 (4.5%), Enterococcus faecium 2 (4.5%), and Pseudomonas species 1 (2.3%). Gram-positive isolates were highly sensitive to amoxyclav, nitrofurantoin, vancomycin, linezolid, and imipenem, while showing reduced sensitivity to amoxicillin and nalidixic acid. Gram-negative isolates were highly sensitive to gentamicin, ceftaclav, cefoperazone- sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam, linezolid, vancomycin and imipenem and showed the least sensitivity to amoxicillin, cephalexin, and ceftriaxone. Conclusion: To prevent serious complications in both the mother and the foetus, urine culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method in the first and second trimester in antenatal women should be done as a routine procedure for the early diagnosis of ASB.
Significance of Research in Green Design of Product: An Overview
Authors: Singh Pushpanjali
Published: October 2024

Green design is not on work for waste prevention but also provide solution. This allow the people to produce products with less environmental impact. Electronic waste are now days becoming a bigger challenge in sustainable development. A environmental design process must be considered for pristine the natural resources and reusing the earth’s scare resources, where energy and material consumption is optimized, minimal waste is generated and output waste stream from any process can be used as the raw materials. There are so many methods to analyze the product like SWOT analysis used to analyze the strength and weakness of products market trends and for external factors affecting the success of product and Market Research Survey to understand the customer perspectives. 'Design for Environment' (DFE) is a designing approach focused on reducing the Environmental impact of product throughout its lifecycle. Design research empowers the designer to create better design for the users centric sustainable market. Evaluative Research Design is essential for the product success. It helps to validate the idea, that much particular product is satisfying the targeted consumers.
Ethnomedicinal and Phytopharmacological Aspects of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) Utilized as a Traditional Medicinal Herb
Authors: Oseghale Ikalo David , Lawal Olabisi Promise , Ubebe Daniel Osezuwa , Orjiewulu Vivian Chidera , Igunma Aimuanmwosa Andrew , Odey Omali Patricia , Ajibola Dorcas Temitope , Chima Divine Ibecheozor , Tuador Nwigbo Kiakpugi , Ani Chinaemerem Precious
Published: October 2024

Vernonia amygdalina Delile, commonly known as “bitter leaf,” is a shrub in the Asteraceae family, widely seen in tropical regions of Africa. Vernonia amygdalina is found to be traditionally used in African medicine. Various parts of this plant, especially the leaves, are utilized to treat ailments such as fever, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues. Research from multiple researchers has shown a wide range of phytochemical and bioactive compounds present in Vernonia amygdalina; examples are terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, etc., which have contributed to the medicinal properties of Vernonia amygdalina.
Vernonia amygdalina has shown its therapeutic and remedial potentials due to the presence of phytochemicals which exhibit effects such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-diarrheal, anti-helminthic, anti-pyretic, and anti-nociceptive effects. In this article, the authors highlight recent progress in using Vernonia amygdalina and its therapeutic effects.
Research, review, and case study articles were used to write this review. The articles were obtained from academic websites such as Research Gate, Google Scholar, the National Library of Medicine, African journals online, and Semantic journals, and some articles were obtained through a simple Google search. Articles that discussed the medicinal, ethanopharmacological, and therapeutic properties of Vernonia amygdalina were selected for the review. Search terms such as “Vernonia amygdalina,” “bitter leaf,” “phytochemical properties,” and “therapeutic effects” were used to search for relevant articles on the academic databases. Boolean operators such as “AND” and “OR” were used to refine the search further and ensure a comprehensive selection of articles.
Knowledge, Awareness and Attitude of Pharm.D. Students on Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Report
Authors: Velmani Vaishnavi , Radhakrishnan Sriram , S N John Felix , Dorairajan Sureshkumar
Published: October 2024

Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) is a strategy to optimize antimicrobials and prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Pharm.D. students are future Clinical pharmacists who play a key role in promoting rational use and implementing AMS programs. Only a few studies about their knowledge, awareness and attitude regarding AMS exist. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the middle of December 2023, among Pharm.D. students of different academic years from three Pharmacy colleges and Pharm.D. graduates in South India. The survey was conducted online using a validated questionnaire and Pharm.D. students audited the results under the guidance of an Infectious disease specialist. The survey comprised 17 questions covering demographic information, AMS knowledge, attitude and awareness questionnaires. This study included a total of 190 respondents.  However, only 32.11% reported having participated in any AMS activity during their period of pharmacy education. Pharm.D. students have a positive attitude (72.48%) and optimal awareness (65.13%) but they lack sufficient knowledge (45.19%) towards AMS, specifically regarding surgical prophylaxis and antibiotic allergy testing. It serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers and stakeholders involved in shaping the curricula of Pharm.D. programs to enhance the training and preparedness of students in AMS practices. In the future, AMS education programs should target not only clinicians but also Pharm.D. students and interns.
Phytochemical Profiling and In vitro Antioxidant Activity of Methanolic Extracts from Fadogia cienkowskii Leaves
Authors: OB Odeghe, , OC Orororo, , OE Agboola, , G Onyeso, , U Dennis-Eboh, , LI. Ekakitie, , EP Awhin, , ET Ojugbeli,
Published: October 2024

This study assessed the phytochemicals in the methanolic extract of Fadogia cienkowskii leaves and ascertained their antioxidant qualities In vitro, taking into account the plant's extensive usage in traditional medicine. Standard procedures were followed in the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical examination as well as the In vitro antioxidant activities of the extracts. The methanolic extracts of F. cienkowskii leaves produced a yield of 4%. The main phytochemical components found in the plant were phenolics (tannins and flavonoids), saponins, protein, and carbohydrates. The amount of total phenols in the dried plant extract was 2.085± 0.35 μg garlic acid equivalent (GAE)/mg, tannins in the extract was 0.755±0.17 μg GAE/mg, flavonoid contents in the extract was 3.646± 0.45 μg GAE/mg, and flavonols in the extract was 0.868± 0.20μg quercetin equivalent/mg. At a dosage of 10,000μg/ml, the extract demonstrated a noteworthy dose-dependent ability to scavenge DPPH radicals, effectively blocking 96.56 ± 0.46 % of DPPH, in contrast to ascorbic acid, which inhibited 89.10 ± 3.73 % at the same concentration. At a concentration of 2500μg/ml of extract, the extract demonstrated the highest level of superoxide anion (O2) inhibitory action, at 71.91±0.66% of the radical, in comparison to quercetin, which exhibited 68.23 ± 0.41% at 250μg/ml. The extract's ability to scavenge Nitric Oxide (NO) was concentration-dependent, with 250µg/ml of it being more effective than α-tocopherol. These results consequently imply that the leaf extract of F. cienkowskii likely mediates its medicinal potentials through the efficient scavenging of free radicals. Therefore, the plant can be used to create safe and natural antioxidant compounds because it has the potential to scavenge free radicals and contains sufficient concentrations of phytochemicals.
Impact of Mid-season Moisture Stress on Yield Attributes and Seed Quality in Groundnut Genotypes
Authors: Priya K. Vishnu , Latha P. , Kumari S. Ratna , Kumar P. Ratna , Srividhya A.
Published: October 2024

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University during rabi, 2022 and 2023 to study the impact of mid-season moisture stress (40-80 DAS) on yield attributes and quality traits of groundnut genotypes. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with factorial concept with two main treatments i.e., control and mid-season moisture stress (40-80 DAS) and 12 sub treatments i.e., two check varieties and ten contrasting groundnut genotypes in three replications. Among the groundnut genotypes and check varieties tested for their tolerance to moisture stress the genotypes, TCGS 2326, TCGS 1792, K9 and TCGS 2333 were found to withstand mid-season moisture stress and maintained highest 100 kernel weight, shelling percentage, protein and oil content indicating tolerance to moisture stress.
Epidemiological Study of Downy Mildew Disease of Opium Poppy
Authors: Mishra Ram Suman , Vats Sudhanshu
Published: October 2024

The downy mildew caused by Peronosporaspp is a major disastrous disease of many plant species. The symptoms of downy mildew disease incidence on opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) were collected in three years from 2019-20 to 2021-22 for prediction of weather parameters on the progression of downy mildew disease. The downy mildew disease initiation was recorded in the 52nd SMW (10.0%DMI) when the maximum temperature was 19.430C. At 3rd SMW, the maximum temperature dropped 17.330C and DMI reached up to 20.00 percent depicting the progression and spread of downy mildew disease in opium poppy with the decrease of maximum temperature.  The maximum disease incidence was recorded 92.53 percent in 10th SMW when maximum and minimum temperature were 29.030C and 13.530C. Regression analysis between dependent variable downy mildew disease incidence Vs. independent variables (viz., rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity) showed that all the weather parameters contributed more than 85 percent variation (R2 = 0.869, 0.957, 0.859) in the downy mildew incidence of opium poppy. One unit change of maximum temperature, minimum temperature (1.00c), maximum and minimum relative humidity (1.0%) might cause to change 0.128, 0.70, 0.117 0.130 units in downy mildew incidence, respectively.
Variability of Physical Parameters of Different Cultivar in Jackfruit
Authors: Uikey Ashwini , Pawar Amruta , Ningot Ekta P. , Thakre Pallavi
Published: October 2024

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is an important and indigenous fruit crop of India therefore present investigation was carried out with the aim to evaluate performance different jackfruit cultivars in vidharbha region at Department of Horticulture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during 2016-17. Experiment was carried out in  Randomized Block Design with thirteen different genotypes of jackfruits viz., AKJF-1  (Akot jackfruit -1), AKJF-2  (Akot jackfruit -2), AKJF-3  (Akot jackfruit -3), AKJF-4  (Akot jackfruit -4) AKJF-5  (Akot jackfruit -5), AKLJF-6 (Akola jackfruit -6), GDJF-7  (Gadchiroli jackfruit -7), GDJF-8  (Gadchiroli jackfruit -8), GDJF-9 (Gadchiroli jackfruit -9), GDJF-10 (Gadchiroli jackfruit -10), GDJF-11 (Gadchiroli jackfruit -11), GDJF-12 (Gadchiroli jackfruit -12) and GDJF-13(Gadchiroli jackfruit -13) which were replicated thrice. The results revealed that, maximum rag weight per fruit (1.86 kg), highest bulb weight (30.3 g), highest weight of flake (22.2 g) and highest seed weight (10.71g) as observed in the fruits of genotype GDJF-12 whereas maximum seeds weight per fruit (0.81 kg) and number of bulbs per fruit. (159.33)  was found in the genotype GDJF-13.
Development Status of Flow Field Design for Bipolar Plates in Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Authors: Yin Wanxiang , Guo Pengyan , Wei Jiabao , Peng Jiale , Bian Ningkang , Xing Hao
Published: October 2024

This article provides a detailed introduction to the current development status of flow field design for hydrogen fuel cell bipolar plates, analyzes the impact of traditional and new flow field designs on fuel cell performance, and explores innovative designs such as biomimetic flow fields and three-dimensional flow fields through numerical simulation and experimental verification by domestic and foreign researchers. Some scholars have also studied the effect of adding protrusions, sub channels, or groove structures in the flow channel on improving the performance of fuel cells.This article provides the latest progress and recent research results in the flow field design of hydrogen fuel cell bipolar plates for future researchers. These contents have important reference value and guiding significance for researchers to further explore new flow field designs and improve flow field structures.
Climate Change Impact on Fruit Crops and Mitigation through Climate-Smart Production Practices
Authors: Kumari Suman , Pande Kamal Kumar , Movi Shüne , Kumar Ajeet , Solanki Priyanka , Rajput Rajat , Das Juman , Das Reemashree
Published: October 2024

Climate change poses significant threats to fruit crops worldwide, affecting growth, development, and productivity. Warmer temperatures disrupt flowering patterns, reduce fruit set, and increase pollination failures, leading to lower yields and decreased fruit quality. Climate change also alters suitable production areas, chilling hours, and pest dynamics, further exacerbating the issue. To address these challenges, this study highlights the importance of implementing climate resilience strategies, such as cultivating climate-ready crops, adopting low-chill and drought-tolerant varieties, selecting suitable rootstocks, and utilizing agro-techniques like fruit bagging and mulching. Additionally, specific chemicals like chitosan and the Bordeaux mixture can help mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on fruit crops. By adopting these strategies, fruit producers can enhance crop resilience, reduce physiological disorders, and promote sustainable productivity in the face of climate change.
Quantification of multiple waterborne pathogens in drinking water, drainage channels, and surface water in Kampala, Uganda, during seasonal variation
Authors: Sadik Nora J. , Uprety Sital , Nalweyiso Amina , Kiggundu Nicholas , Banadda Noble E. , Shisler Joanna L. , Nguyen Thanh H.
Published: August 2017

Longitudinal water quality monitoring is important for understanding seasonal variations in water quality, waterborne disease transmission, and future implications for climate change and public health. In this study, microfluidic quantitative polymerase chain reaction (MFQPCR) was used to quantify genes from pathogens commonly associated with human intestinal infections in water collected from protected springs, a public tap, drainage channels, and surface water in Kampala, Uganda, from November 2014 to May 2015. The differences in relative abundance of genes during the wet and dry seasons were also assessed. All water sources tested contained multiple genes from pathogenic microorganisms, with drainage channels and surface waters containing a higher abundance of genes as compared to protected spring and the public tap water. Genes detected represented the presence of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Vibrio cholerae, and enterovirus. There was an increased presence of pathogenic genes in drainage channels during the wet season when compared to the dry season. In contrast, surface water and drinking water sources contained little seasonal variation in the quantity of microbes assayed. These results suggest that individual water source types respond uniquely to seasonal variability and that human interaction with contaminated drainage waters, rather than direct ingestion of contaminated water, may be a more important contributor to waterborne disease transmission. Furthermore, future work in monitoring seasonal variations in water quality should focus on understanding the baseline influences of any one particular water source given their unique complexities.
SAPS/SAID revisited: A causal relation to the substorm current wedge
Authors: Mishin Evgeny , Nishimura Yukitoshi , Foster John
Published: August 2017

We present multispacecraft observations of enhanced flow/electric field channels in the inner magnetosphere and conjugate subauroral ionosphere, i.e., subauroral polarization streams (SAPS) near dusk and subauroral ion drifts (SAID) near midnight. The channels collocate with ring current (RC) injections lagging the onset of substorms by a few to ∼20 min, i.e., significantly shorter than the gradient‐curvature drift time of tens of keV ions. The time lag is of the order of the propagation time of reconnection‐injected hot plasma jets to the premidnight plasmasphere and the substorm current wedge (SCW) to dusk. The observations confirm and expand on the previous results on the SAID features that negate the paradigm of voltage and current generators. Fast‐time duskside SAPS/RC injections appear intimately related to a two‐loop circuit of the substorm current wedge (SCW2L). We suggest that the poleward electric field inherent in the SCW2L circuit, which demands closure of the Region 1 and Region 2 sense field‐aligned currents via meridional currents, is the ultimate cause of fast RC injections and SAPS on the duskside.
MAVEN observations of the Mars upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and solar wind interactions
Authors: Jakosky Bruce M.
Published: August 2017

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission to Mars has been operating in orbit for more than a full Martian year. Observations are dramatically changing our view of the Mars upper atmosphere system, which includes the upper atmosphere, ionosphere, coupling to the lower atmosphere, magnetosphere, and interactions with the Sun and the solar wind. The data are allowing us to understand the processes controlling the present‐day structure of the upper atmosphere and the rates of escape of gas to space. These will tell us the role that escape to space has played in the evolution of the Mars atmosphere and climate.
Feature extraction of climate variability, seasonality, and long‐term change signals in persistent organic pollutants over the Arctic and the Great Lakes
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Wang Li , Huang Tao , Mo Jingyue , Zhang Xiaodong , Gao Hong , Ma Jianmin
Published: August 2017

We explored the interactions between climate variability and measured persistent organic pollutants (POPs) data in the frequency domain. The spectrum analysis identifies a power period of 1.5 to 7 years in sampled POPs data in the Great Lakes (GL) and Arctic in the 1990s to 2000s, coinciding with the power period of two climate variabilities, the North Atlantic Oscillation and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. Results also reveal a decadal power period in monitored POPs time series, which is associated with air temperature and climate indices, demonstrating the connection between the dominant long‐term trend in sampled POPs data and climate change. We used a “cocktail party effect” and Fast Independent Component Analysis approaches to blindly separate and isolate the signals in POPs time series from different dynamic and environmental processes in the Arctic and the GL. Among seasonal, interannual, and decadal or longer‐term signals extracted from sampled POPs concentration data, the climate signals in hexachlorobenzene in the GL are associated with air temperature, El Niño–Southern Oscillation indices, and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The signals in α‐hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and polychlorinated biphenyls observations at three Arctic sites correspond to a Niño 3.4 and the NAO. The other two signals are associated with the longer term and seasonal cycle of POPs. We show that the seasonal cycle and climate change are important factors, buffering the declining trend of α‐HCH. The signals feature extraction from POPs historical data provides a tool to deconstruct the POPs time series and enhance our understanding of the potential effects of climate variations on POPs environmental cycling.
Autoethnography
Authors: Adams Tony E. , Ellis Carolyn , Jones Stacy Holman
Published: August 2017

The authors describe the history of autoethnography, particularly within the communication discipline; discuss key characteristics of autoethnography and identify the purposes of doing autoethnographic research; and provide three examples of doing and writing autoethnography.
Comparative Research Methods
Authors: Esser Frank , Vliegenthart Rens
Published: August 2017

In this entry, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of comparative research. We outline the major obstacles in terms of building a comparative theoretical framework, collecting good‐quality data and analyzing those data, and we also explicate the advantages and research questions that can be addressed when taking a comparative approach. Additionally, the entry discusses statistical techniques that can be used to analyze quantitative comparative data, and we end with a discussion on how globalization impacts comparative (mainly cross‐national) research, as well as how such trends might call for the integration of research with multiple research units at multiple levels.
Online Research Methods, Quantitative
Authors: Page Hocevar Kristin , Flanagin Andrew J.
Published: August 2017

This entry addresses developments in online survey and experimental methods that improve the efficiency of quantitative online research, as well as recent technological advances that have made possible new means of exploring online populations and phenomena. While fundamental methodological concerns remain crucial for the conduct of sound research online—including sampling and data integrity issues—the emergence of “Big Data” and interest in researching online communities has prompted new variants on traditional methodologies, as well as raised new analytic and methodological issues that are largely specific to these data sources.
Technical note: TROG 15.01 SPARK trial multi‐institutional imaging dose measurement
Authors: Legge Kimberley , Greer Peter B. , Keall Paul J. , Booth Jeremy T. , Arumugam Sankar , Moodie Trevor , Nguyen Doan T. , Martin Jarad , O'Connor Daryl John , Lehmann Joerg
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The Trans‐Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) 15.01 Stereotactic Prostate Adaptive Radiotherapy utilizing Kilovoltage intrafraction monitoring (SPARK) trial is a multicenter trial using Kilovoltage Intrafraction Monitoring (KIM) to monitor prostate position during the delivery of prostate radiation therapy. KIM increases the accuracy of prostate radiation therapy treatments and allows for hypofractionation. However, an additional imaging dose is delivered to the patient. A standardized procedure to determine the imaging dose per frame delivered using KIM was developed and applied at four radiation therapy centers on three different types of linear accelerator.

Methods

Dose per frame for kilovoltage imaging in fluoroscopy mode was measured in air at isocenter using an ion chamber. Beam quality and dose were determined for a Varian Clinac iX linear accelerator, a Varian Trilogy, four Varian Truebeams and one Elekta Synergy at four different radiation therapy centers. The imaging parameters used on the Varian machines were 125 kV, 80 mA, and 13 ms. The Elekta machine was measured at 120 kV, 80 mA, and 12 ms. Absorbed doses to the skin and the prostate for a typical SBRT prostate treatment length were estimated according to the IPEMB protocol.

Results

The average dose per kV frame to the skin was 0.24 ± 0.03 mGy. The average estimated absorbed dose to the prostate for all five treatment fractions across all machines measured was 39.9 ± 2.6 mGy for 1 Hz imaging, 199.7 ± 13.2 mGy for 5 Hz imaging and 439.3 ± 29.0 mGy for 11 Hz imaging.

Conclusions

All machines measured agreed to within 20%. Additional dose to the prostate from using KIM is at most 1.3% of the prescribed dose of 36.25 Gy in five fractions delivered during the trial.
Bandgap Engineering in OH‐Functionalized Silicon Nanocrystals: Interplay between Surface Functionalization and Quantum Confinement
Authors: Bürkle Marius , Lozac'h Mickaël , McDonald Calum , Mariotti Davide , Matsubara Koji , Švrček Vladimir
Published: August 2017

In this work, a systematic first‐principles study of the quasi‐band structure of silicon nanocrystals (Si‐NCs) is provided, focusing on bandgap engineering by combining quantum confinement of the electronic states with OH surface‐functionalization. A mapping between the bandgap, Si‐NC diameter, and the degree of hydroxide coverage is provided, which can be used as a guideline for bandgap engineering. Complementary to first‐principles calculations, the photoluminescence (PL) wavelength of Si‐NCs in the quantum‐confinement regime is measured with well‐defined diameters between 1 and 4 nm. The Si‐NCs are prepared by means of a microplasma technique, which allows a surfactant‐free engineering of the Si‐NCs surface with OH groups. The microplasma treatment technique allows us to gradually change the degree of OH coverage, enabling us, in turn, to gradually shift the emitted light in the PL spectra by up to 100 nm to longer wavelengths. The first‐principles calculations are consistent with the experimentally observed dependence of the wavelengths on the OH coverage and show that the PL redshift is determined by the charge transfer between the Si‐NC and the functional groups, while on the other hand surface strain plays only a minor part.
Two‐Dimensional Nanostructured Materials for Gas Sensing
Authors: Liu Xianghong , Ma Tiantian , Pinna Nicola , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2017

Two‐dimensional (2D) nanostructures are highly attractive for fabricating nanodevices due to their high surface‐to‐volume ratio and good compatibility with device design. In recent years 2D nanostructures of various materials including metal oxides, graphene, metal dichalcogenides, phosphorene, BN and MXenes, have demonstrated significant potential for gas sensors. This review aims to provide the most recent advancements in utilization of various 2D nanomaterials for gas sensing. The common methods for the preparation of 2D nanostructures are briefly summarized first. The focus is then placed on the sensing performances provided by devices integrating 2D nanostructures. Strategies for optimizing the sensing features are also discussed. By combining both the experimental results and the theoretical studies available, structure‐properties correlations are discussed. The conclusion gives some perspectives on the open challenges and future prospects for engineering advanced 2D nanostructures for high‐performance gas sensors devices.
Polarization‐Sensitive Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes All‐in‐One Photodetecting and Emitting Device Working at 1.55 µm
Authors: Balestrieri Matteo , Keita Al‐Saleh , Duran‐Valdeiglesias Elena , Alonso‐Ramos Carlos , Zhang Weiwei , Le Roux Xavier , Cassan Eric , Vivien Laurent , Bezugly Viktor , Fediai Artem , Derycke Vincent , Filoramo Arianna
Published: August 2017

Functional and easy‐to‐integrate nanodevices operating in the telecom wavelength ranges are highly desirable. Indeed, the pursuit for faster, cheaper, and smaller transceivers for datacom applications is fueling the interest in alternative materials to develop the next generation of photonic devices. In this context, single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have demonstrated outstanding electrical and optical properties that make them an ideal material for the realization of ultracompact optoelectronic devices. Still, the mixture in chirality of as‐synthesized SWNTs and the necessity of precise positioning of SWNT‐based devices hinder the development of practical devices. Here, the realization of operational devices obtained using liquid solution‐based techniques is reported, which allow high‐purity sorting and localized deposition of aligned semiconducting SWNTs (s‐SWNTs). More specifically, devices are demonstrated by combining a polymer assisted extraction method, which enables a very effective selection of s‐SWNTs with a diameter of about 1–1.2 nm, with dielectrophoresis, which localizes the deposition onto silicon wafers in aligned arrays in‐between prepatterned electrodes. Thus, long semiconducting nanotubes directly contact the electrodes and, when asymmetric contacts (i.e., source and drain made of different metals) are used, each device can operate both as photoemitter and as photodetector in the telecom band around 1.55 µm in air at room temperature.
An Additive Millimeter‐Scale Fabrication Method for Soft Biocompatible Actuators and Sensors
Authors: Russo Sheila , Ranzani Tommaso , Walsh Conor J. , Wood Robert J.
Published: August 2017

A hybrid manufacturing paradigm is introduced that combines pop‐up book microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) manufacturing with soft‐lithographic techniques to produce millimeter‐scale mechanisms with embedded sensing and user‐defined distributed compliance. This method combines accuracy, flexibility in material selection, scalability, and topological complexity with soft, biocompatible materials and microfluidics, paving the way for applications of soft fluid‐powered biomedical robotics. This paper proposes two classes of fully soft fluidic microactuators and two integration strategies to demonstrate the hybrid soft pop‐up actuators. Fatigue properties, blocked torque, maximum deflection, stiffness, and maximum speed are analyzed and the performance of the hybrid mechanisms is compared to their fully soft counterparts. The manufacturing approach allows integrating capacitive sensing elements in the mechanisms to achieve proprioceptive actuation. Multiple hybrid soft pop‐up actuators are combined into a multiarticulated robotic arm that is integrated with current flexible endoscopes to improve distal dexterity and enable tissue retraction in an ex vivo proof of concept experiment.
C−H Activation from Iron(II)‐Nitroxido Complexes
Authors: Kleinlein Claudia , Bendelsmith Andrew J. , Zheng Shao‐Liang , Betley Theodore A.
Published: August 2017

The reaction of nitroxyl radicals TEMPO (2,2′,6,6′‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl) and AZADO (2‐azaadamantane‐N‐oxyl) with an iron(I) synthon affords iron(II)‐nitroxido complexes (ArL)Fe(κ1‐TEMPO) and (ArL)Fe(κ2‐N,O‐AZADO) (ArL=1,9‐(2,4,6‐Ph3C6H2)2‐5‐mesityldipyrromethene). Both high‐spin iron(II)‐nitroxido species are stable in the absence of weak C−H bonds, but decay via N−O bond homolysis to ferrous or ferric iron hydroxides in the presence of 1,4‐cyclohexadiene. Whereas (ArL)Fe(κ1‐TEMPO) reacts to give a diferrous hydroxide [(ArL)Fe]2(μ‐OH)2, the reaction of four‐coordinate (ArL)Fe(κ2‐N,O‐AZADO) with hydrogen atom donors yields ferric hydroxide (ArL)Fe(OH)(AZAD). Mechanistic experiments reveal saturation behavior in C−H substrate and are consistent with rate‐determining hydrogen atom transfer.
Synthesis of Pinpoint‐Fluorinated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Benzene Ring Extension Cycle Involving Microwave‐Assisted SNAr Reaction
Authors: Fuchibe Kohei , Imaoka Hisanori , Ichikawa Junji
Published: August 2017

Fluoroarenes bearing no electron‐withdrawing groups (non‐activated fluoroarenes) readily underwent nucleophilic aromatic substitution with α‐cyanocarbanions under microwave irradiation. The sequence (i) formylalkylation involving the cyanoalkylation of fluoroarenes, (ii) difluorovinylidenation, and (iii) Friedel–Crafts‐type cyclization, afforded extended fluoroarenes by one benzene ring per cycle. Furthermore, the performance of multiple cycles successfully provided higher‐order pinpoint‐fluorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (F‐PAHs).
Efficient [Cu(NHC)]‐Catalyzed Multicomponent Synthesis of Pyrroles
Authors: Dang Tuan Thanh , Seayad Abdul Majeed
Published: August 2017

Efficient [Cu(NHC)]‐catalyzed syntheses of pyrroles via two and three‐component coupling methods are described. Various 1,2‐, 1,2,3‐, 1,2,3,5‐ and fully substituted pyrroles were readily accessible through a suitable choice of ketone, primary amine and diol in a three‐component reaction. The N‐unsubstituted pyrrole formation is also feasible through a two‐component reaction involving a β‐amino alcohol and a ketone.
Population‐based case–control study of the association between weather‐related extreme heat events and neural tube defects
Authors: Soim Aida , Lin Shao , Sheridan Scott C. , Hwang Syni‐An , Hsu Wan‐Hsiang , Luben Thomas J. , Shaw Gary M. , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Romitti Paul A. , Reefhuis Jennita , Langlois Peter H. , Browne Marilyn L. ,   The National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: August 2017

Background

Elevated body core temperature has been shown to have teratogenic effects in animal studies. Our study evaluated the association between weather‐related extreme heat events (EHEs) in the summer season and neural tube defects (NTDs), and further investigated whether pregnant women with a high pregestational body mass index (BMI) have a greater risk of having a child with NTDs associated with exposure to EHE than women with a normal BMI.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based case‐control study among mothers of infants with NTDs and mothers of infants without major birth defects, who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study and had at least 1 day of the third or fourth week postconception during summer months. EHEs were defined using the 95th and the 90th percentiles of the daily maximum universal apparent temperature. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using unconditional logistic regression models with Firth's penalized likelihood method while controlling for other known risk factors.

Results

Overall, we did not observe a significant association between EHEs and NTDs. At the climate region level, consistently elevated but not statistically significant estimates were observed for at least 2 consecutive days with daily universal apparent maximum temperature above the 95th percentile of the UATmax distribution for the season, year, and weather monitoring station in New York (Northeast), North Carolina and Georgia (Southeast), and Iowa (Upper Midwest). No effect modification by BMI was observed.

Conclusion

EHEs occurring during the relevant developmental window of embryogenesis do not appear to appreciably affect the risk of NTDs. Future studies should refine exposure assessment, and more completely account for maternal activities that may modify the effects of weather exposure. Birth Defects Research 109:1482–1493, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic alterations of IDH1 and Vegf in brain tumors
Authors: Veganzones Silvia , de la Orden Virginia , Requejo Lucía , Mediero Beatriz , González María Luisa , del Prado Náyade , Rodríguez García Carmen , Gutiérrez‐González Raquel , Pérez‐Zamarrón Alvaro , Martínez Armando , Maestro Marisa L. , Zimman Horacio Mario , González‐Neira Anna , Vaquero Jesús , Rodríguez‐Boto Gregorio
Published: August 2017

Background

This study evaluates the presence of R132H mutation in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) gene and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) +936 C/T polymorphism in brain tumors. The impact of these genetic alterations on overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) was evaluated.

Methods

A cohort of 80 patients surgically treated at Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, between March 2004 and November 2012, was analyzed. Tumors were distributed in 73 primary brain tumors (gliomas, meningiomas, hemangiopericytomas and hemangioblastomas) and seven secondary tumors evolved from a low grade glioma, thus providing a mixed sample.

Results

IDH1R132H gene mutation was found in 12 patients (15%) and appears more frequently in secondary tumors (5 (71.4%) whereas in 7 (9.7%) primary tumors (p < .001)). The mutation is related to WHO grade II in primary tumors and a supratentorial location in secondary tumors. The OS analysis for IDH1 showed a tendency towards a better prognosis of the tumors containing the mutation (p = .059).The IDH1R132H mutation confers a better PFS (p = .025) on primary tumors. The T allele of VEFG +936 C/T polymorphism was found in 16 patients (20%). No relation was found between this polymorphism and primary or secondary tumor, neither with OS or PFS.

Conclusions

IDH1R132H gene mutation is exclusive in supratentorial tumors and more frequent in secondary ones, with a greater survival trend and better PFS in patients who carry it. The T allele of VEGF +936 C/T polymorphism is more common in primary tumors, although there is no statistical relation with survival.
Adult newborn neurons interfere with fear discrimination in a protocol‐dependent manner
Authors: Yu Tzong‐Shiue , Tensaouti Yacine , Bagha Zohaib M. , Davidson Rina , Kim Ahleum , Kernie Steven G.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Significant enhancement of neurogenesis is known to occur in response to a variety of brain insults such as traumatic brain injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that injury‐induced newborn neurons are required for hippocampus‐dependent spatial learning and memory tasks like the Morris water maze, but not in contextual fear conditioning that requires both the hippocampus and amygdala. Recently, the dentate gyrus, where adult hippocampal neurogenesis occurs, has been implicated in processing information to form specific memory under specific environmental stimuli in a process known as pattern separation.

Methods

To test whether injury‐induced newborn neurons facilitate pattern separation, hippocampus‐dependent contextual fear discrimination was performed using delta‐HSV‐TK transgenic mice, which can temporally inhibit injury‐induced neurogenesis under the control of ganciclovir.

Results

We observed that impaired neurogenesis enhanced the ability to distinguish aversive from naïve environments. In addition, this occurs most significantly following injury, but only in a context‐dependent manner whereby the sequence of introducing the naïve environment from the aversive one affected the performance differentially.

Conclusions

Temporal impairment of both baseline and injury‐induced adult neurogenesis enhances performance in fear discrimination in a context‐dependent manner.
Small cell lung carcinoma cell line screen of etoposide/carboplatin plus a third agent
Authors: Teicher Beverly A. , Silvers Thomas , Selby Michael , Delosh Rene , Laudeman Julie , Ogle Chad , Reinhart Russell , Parchment Ralph , Krushkal Julia , Sonkin Dmitriy , Rubinstein Larry , Morris Joel , Evans David
Published: August 2017

The SCLC combination screen examined a 9‐point concentration response of 180 third agents, alone and in combination with etoposide/carboplatin. The predominant effect of adding a third agent to etoposide/carboplatin was additivity. Less than additive effects occurred frequently in SCLC lines sensitive to etoposide/carboplatin. In SCLC lines with little or no response to etoposide/carboplatin, greater than additive SCLC killing occurred over the entire spectrum of SCLC lines but never occurred in all SCLC lines. Exposing SCLC lines to tubulin‐targeted agents (paclitaxel or vinorelbine) simultaneously with etoposide/carboplatin resulted primarily in less than additive cell killing. As single agents, nuclear kinase inhibitors including Aurora kinase inhibitors, Kinesin Spindle Protein/EG5 inhibitors, and Polo‐like kinase‐1 inhibitors were potent cytotoxic agents in SCLC lines; however, simultaneous exposure of the SCLC lines to these agents along with etoposide/carboplatin, generally, resulted in less than additive cell killing. Several classes of agents enhanced the cytotoxicity of etoposide/carboplatin toward the SCLC lines. Exposure of the SCLC lines to the MDM2 inhibitor JNJ‐27291199 produced enhanced killing in 80% of the SCLC lines. Chk‐1 inhibitors such as rabusertib increased the cytotoxicity of etoposide/carboplatin to the SCLC lines in an additive to greater than additive manner. The combination of GSK‐3β inhibitor LY‐2090314 with etoposide/carboplatin increased killing in approximately 40% of the SCLC lines. Exposure to the BET bromodomain inhibitor MK‐8628 increased the SCLC cell killing by etoposide/carboplatin in 20–25% of the SCLC lines. Only 10–15% of the SCLC lines had an increased response to etoposide/carboplatin when simultaneously exposed to the PARP inhibitor talazoparib.