bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palatal mucosa thickness and palatal neurovascular bundle position evaluation by cone-beam computed tomography—retrospective study on relationships with palatal vault anatomy
Authors: Karadag Ilkim , Yilmaz Hasan Guney
Published: December 2021

Background

Measuring the thickness of the palatal mucosa at the planning of the surgical procedure is an important step in order to obtain the maximum width and thickness of the graft from the appropriate area. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between palatal angle (PA) or palatal depth (PD) and palatal mucosa thickness (PMT) or palatal neurovascular bundle distance (PNBD).

Methods

PMT, PNBD, PD and PA were measured on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of maxillary posterior region of 200 male and 200 female patients. The mean of all parameters according to gender was compared and the significance of the difference detected between groups was evaluated. Potential relationship between PMT or PNBD and PA or PD was also evaluated.

Results

In females, the palatal mucosa was significantly thinner at all tooth regions (p < 0.005), and PNBD was lower only at the level of the second molar (p < 0.001). In addition, it was found that there was a significant inverse correlation between the palatal depth value and the palatal mucosal thickness, and palatal depth was correlated with the palatal neurovascular bundle distance (p ≤ 0.001).

Discussion

Consistent with previous studies, it was observed that the thickest mucosa in the palatal region was located in the region of the premolar teeth, and women had thinner palatal mucosa. In addition, in patients with a deeper palate vault, the palatal mucosa was thinner, but the palatal neurovascular bundle was more distant from the cemento-enamel junction.
Knowledge and Attitude towards Label Claim and Health Benefits of Dark Chocolates among Customers of Oman—Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Halligudi Nirmala , Bhupathyraaj Mullaicharam , Desai Saleem , Bait Ateeq Alaa Mohammed , Abdullah Saja Yaareb , Al Rahbi Muna Salim
Published: December 2021

Dark chocolate is one of the most studied foods in the recent period due to its potential effects and health benefits. Admittedly, people's attitudes and acceptance of dark chocolate are still unknown. The cross-sectional study was aimed to determine the usage and effect of dark chocolate on health. It also aimed to study the attitude of young adults in Oman towards the consumption of dark chocolate and to discover the most preferred brands of DC in the Omani market. The study was conducted from spring 2020 to Fall 2021 in Oman. Two types of surveys were conducted. Firstly, a product survey was done to compare some brands according to the price, ingredient, expiry date, and country of origin. Secondly, across sectional-based survey was done focusing on the health benefits of consuming dark chocolate. Three hundred and forty-five (345) respondents participated in completing this survey. The results proved that many people are now aware of the health benefits of dark chocolate. The majority of the participants expressed their knowledge of the health aspect of dark chocolate and their interest in choosing the best product by examining the ingredients - especially the cocoa percentage- of the product before purchasing.
Systematic Literature Review of the Role of Fuzzy Logic in the Development of Cryptographic and Steganographic Techniques
Authors: Murti Hari , Lestariningsih Endang , Redjeki Rara Sriartati , Ardhianto Eka
Published: December 2021

The rapid technological revolution had an impact on a variety of information security techniques. This will be important because information can be confidential to some entities that communicate with each other. Internet in intelligent technology will be a loophole for cryptanalysts to look for information vulnerabilities. Cryptography is a method of securing data and information which is currently still supported by the development of the method. However, the data and information that are secured will still have vulnerabilities in their delivery. The combination of fuzzy logic techniques with cryptographic techniques has been applied to support the improvement of information security. This study applies a systematic literature review method, to find articles that combine the two fields. The purpose of this study is to see the development of information security techniques with a fuzzy logic approach. As a result, it is found that the development of cryptographic and steganographic techniques that utilize fuzzy logic to help improve information security. In addition, the use of fuzzy logic is also not limited to increasing security. Fuzzy logic also plays a role in selecting the best key and password and issuing random numbers from a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG).
Usefulness of Nested PCR Assay for the Molecular Diagnosis of Human Rickettsial Infection: A Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Begam Mahfuja , Shampa Shaira Akter , Farzana Aleya , Zabed Hasan Abu Taher MD , Tarafder Shirin
Published: December 2021

Background: Rickettsial infections are re-emerging arthropods born worldwide zoonotic disease caused by Rickettsia, which is responsible for spotted fever and typhus fever. The diagnosis of a rickettsial illness is important for appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Aims: The study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy and clinical usefulness of using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by comparing nested PCR, ELISA, and Weil-Felix (WF) tests.  

Methodology: This was a prospective type of cross-sectional study. A total of 135 clinically suspected rickettsial infection cases were enrolled. Peripheral blood was taken to detect gltA, 17 kDa lipoprotein antigen gene (17 kDa), ompA, and ompB gene of Rickettsia by nested PCR. ELISA and Weil-Felix tests were done to compare with nested PCR.

Results: Out of 135 cases, we detected Rickettsia in 70(51.85%) cases by nested PCR assay (p<0.01), 33((24.4%) by Weil- Felix test, 34 (25.18%) by ELISA. Only 26.66% of cases were PCR positive, which were negative by both ELISA and Weil-Felix test. Fifteen (11.11%) cases were positive by all three tests. Among 70 PCR positive rickettsia cases most frequently detected gene was ompB 42(60%), followed by 17kDa 34(48.58%); gltA 21(30%), and ompA 3(4.28%).  Multiple gene combinations (ompB, 17kDa and gltA) detected in 98.57 % cases.

Conclusion: Nested PCR assays showed the highest rate of detection of rickettsia cases than ELISA and Weil-Felix test. Multiple gene combinations (ompB, 17kDa, and gltA) showed the highest positivity. Therefore, diagnosis of rickettsial infection can be confirmed by PCR assay, and clinicians can plan appropriate treatment for these patients.
Isolation and Screening of Quorum Quenching Rhizobacterial Isolates from the Experimental Farms of Gandhi krishi vigyana Kendra, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Authors: Packialakshmi J. Saranya , Tamilvendan K. , Earanna N. , Mallesha B. C.
Published: December 2021

A group of synergistic bacteria that nestles on the root surface and provide a benefitting response to the plants are the rhizobacteria. The rhizobacteria benefit the plants by promoting growth and acts as biocontrol agents. Antibiosis, competition, synthesis of cell wall degrading enzymes, and eliciting induced systemic resistance are the mechanisms of biocontrol exhibited by rhizobacteria. Quorum quenching (QQ) is a new mechanism of biocontrol of pathogens whose virulence is induced by population density dependant chemical signaling. Efficient quorum quenching rhizobacteria isolated from the crop rhizospheres can be used as potential inoculums to control phytopathogens. Soft rot is one pernicious plant and storage disease affecting almost all vegetable crops. Hence, the present study was conducted to isolate rhizobacteria from the rhizospheres of six crops Rice (Oryza sativa), Maize (Zea mays), Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), Dolichos Bean (Lablab purpureus), Amaranthus (Amaranthus viridis), Field bean (Vicia faba) from the environs of GKVK. A total number of 96 rhizobacterial cultures were isolated from experimental fields of GKVK. The isolated cultures were screened for their quorum quenching ability by soft agar overlay assay and twenty-four out of ninety-six cultures were affirmative quorum quenchers. Proportionately, 25% of the total rhizobacterial isolates were quorum quenchers. The isolates were characterized morphologically and biochemically and a discussion of the obtained results are deliberately discussed.
Effect on Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity, Quality and Nutrient Uptake on Summer Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Joshi Jesal , Patel A. G.
Published: December 2021

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on productivity, quality and nutrient uptake in summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) during summer 2018 at Dantiwada, Gujarat. The treatment consisted of ten different integrated nutrient management treatments practices. The integration of inorganic fertilizers along with seed inoculation of biofertilizers viz., Rhizobium and phosphates solubilising bacteria (PSB) recorded significantly higher pod and haulm yield of summer groundnut as compared to rest of the treatments. Combined application of 75 % recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) and 25 % RDN through vermicompost or farm yard manure (FYM) along with seed inoculation of Rhizobium and phosphates solubilising bacteria (PSB) recorded higher pod and haulm yield and also higher net returns and B- C ratio in summer groundnut.
Effect of Selected Essential Oils and Botanicals on Alternaria Blight (Alternaria brassicae (Berk) Sacc) of Mustard (Brassica juncea (Linn) Czern and Coss
Authors: Muddappa Keerthana , Zacharia Sunil
Published: December 2021

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.coss) is also known as sarson, rai or raya, toria or Lahi.it is a herbaceous annual plant. Mustard is the second important oilseed crop in the world after sunflower, soybean and palm oil. Alternaria blight disease caused by Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sacc. It has been reported from all the continents of the world. Average yield losses occur due to various pest and diseases among which Alternaria blight is an important disease. Field experiment was conducted at the research plot of the Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the rabi season of 2020-2021 to test, Effect of selected essential oils and botanicals against Alternaria blight (Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sacc) of mustard (Brassica juncea (Linn.) Czern and Coss), by foliar spray of certain essential oil, plant extracts and fungicide. The treatments were Neem oil @2%, Eucalyptus oil @2%, Pongamia oil @2%, Lawsonia inermis extract @15%, Chenopodium album extract @15% Mancozeb (treated check) @ 0.2% and control (untreated check). The percent disease intensity on leaves at 45, 60 and 75 DAS, number of siliquae per plant, number of seeds per siliquae, length of siliquae (cm), test weight of seed (1000 number), biological yield (gm) and seed yield were recorded. Among the treatments, maximum number of number of siliquaes (243.13), maximum number of seeds per siliquae (12.27), length of siliquae (5.16 cm), minimum disease intensity (%) (29.01 %), maximum test weight (3.57 gm), maximum yield (9.43 qt) and biological yield (24.70 gm) were recorded in the treatment T2 Eucalyptus oil @2% followed by T1 Neem oil @2%, T4 Lawsonia inermis  extract @15%, T3 Pongamia oil @2%, T5 Chenopodium extract @15%, when compared to treated check T6 Mancozeb @ 0.2% and untreated check T0. Higher gross return value (Rs. 66295), net return value (Rs. 29295), and B: C ratio (1.7:1) was found in the treatment T2 – Eucalyptus oil @2% as compared to T5–mancozeb and T0–control.
Formulation of Cake with Banana Peel Extracts to Enhance Colour and Bioactive Properties
Authors: Balakrishnan Premagowri
Published: December 2021

Aim: To analyse the phytochemical and nutrient content of banana peel extract and incorporate in cake to enhance the bioactive properties.

Study Design: An experimental design is used as it is used mostly in formulating product, process development, sensory testing, and analysis.

Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, PSG College of Arts & Science and Alpha labs technologies, Coimbatore between June 2019 and November 2020.

Methodology: Cake was chosen as a product to develop with incorporation of banana peel extract.Nutrient analysis and sensory evaluation was done for the control and sample product. Banana peel extract was obtained by filtration using muslin cloth and processed. Various phytochemical tests were performed and found that alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, proteins and steroids were present in the peel extract.

Results: Phytochemicals like alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, proteins and steroids were identified in both small and big banana Small banana peels contain more amount of calcium, potassium, and sodium compared to big banana. DPPH values obtained as 0.22. Total antioxidant properties of banana peel were calculated and the value obtained as 0.215. The carbohydrate and fibre content of the cake incorporated with banana peel extract was higher than control product further shelf life is also enhanced.

Conclusion: Banana peel extract is a good source of natural food colour as black with positive effect on nutrients. As functional food ingredient,banana peel extract promote human health and also extend the shelf life of the products as it is an antioxidant and antimicrobial natural sources.
A Case of Wilson’s Disease Presenting with Persistant Hemolysis
Authors: Vijayakumari Vrinda , Mayilananthi Kaliyannan , Krishnan Durga , Anbazhagan Ramprasath , Narayanan Gaurav
Published: December 2021

Wilson’s disease is one the rare autosomal recessive disorders of copper metabolism due to mutation in ATP7B gene located in chromosome 13. The mutations of this gene cause accumulation of copper in different tissues such as brain, liver, and eyes. The clinical presentation usually reflects this tissue distribution and varies from asymptomatic patients to those with hepatic or neuro-psychiatric manifestations. Here, we report an interesting case of Wilson’s disease which presented with mild persistent hemolysis leading to pre hepatic and post hepatic jaundice. He also had hepatocellular jaundice due to liver injury.
A Review of the State of the Art towards Biological Applications of Graphene-based Nanomaterials
Authors: Sharma Varun Kumar , Yusuf Mohd , Kumar Prem , Sheeba . , Nafisa . , Sharma Munesh , Waila Vipan Chand , Khan Shafat Ahmad , Ansari Nizamul Haque , Zaphar Saifullah , Sadiya .
Published: December 2021

The field of nanoscience has evolved into a wide variety of successes over the past two decades and the emphasis on nanotechnology is to revolve around various dynamic fields, such as sensor, biomedical, and many useful applications. Advances in related fields are certainly due to the ability to synthesize nanoparticles from a variety of materials, structures, and to convert samples into complex nanoarchitectures. The promises of nanomedicine are broad. Graphene (Gr), the first 2-dimensional material to stand alone, is a type of new nanomaterial that leads to the excitement of natural biological applications. Number of researches has been conducted on applicability of GBNs in the area of environment, biomedical, and healthcare sectors. As compared to other nanomaterials, extraordinary properties of graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) like high surface area, multilayers, multifunctional and excellent biocompatibility make them capable to play great roll of highly-tailored multifunctional delivery vehicles for drugs delivery, gene delivery, phototherapy and bioimaging. However, research communities performed plenty of research works on GBNs synthesis and biological acitivity evaluation, but  there is limited comprehensive reviews published so far biological applications. So, we have studied a large number of scientific reports and investigations, presented in this review describing recent progress and modern perspectives with respect to graphene and related nanomaterials for biological applications.
Understanding Domestic Violence in Indonesia Through a Play-with-music: A Story of Wounds
Authors: Meilinda Meilinda
Published: December 2021

The number of domestic violence is 50% out of violence against woman cases in Indonesia. This condition is intriguing to analyse. There must be a reason behind rising number of crimes related to inequality of women position in the society. One of the ways that can be used to reflect on this subject is through theatre. It is a work of art that can be used to discuss and inspire a necessary social change or social agenda. Therefore, applying textual analysis method on A Story of Wounds, a play by Jessie Monika, I would like to find the reasons behind that inequality to find the core problem of domestic violence as portrayed in ASoW. I utilize Bourdieu’s capital, habitus and field theory to prove that inequality between the wife and the husband, the deeply rooted patriarchy values create imbalance power that open opportunity for domestic violence toward women.
PENGARUH INTENSITAS MENONTON VIDEO YOUTUBE DAN KREDIBILITAS BEAUTY VLOGGER TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN (Studi Channel Youtube Suhay Salim Video ‘Wardah InstaPerfect Review Tutorial Swatches’)
Authors: Ramdhini Via Carviola , Fatoni Ahmad
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengukur dan menganalisis pengaruh intensitas menonton video Youtube dan kredibilitas beauty vlogger terhadap keputusan pembelian. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuantitatif, dengan metode survei kuatitatif yaitu menyebarkan kuesioner dengan subjeknya adalah viewers atau penonton Youtube Suhay Salim pada salah satu videonya. Menggunakan model SR, teori intensitas menonton dan teori kredibilitas sumber. Penentuan ukuran sampel ini menggunakan rumus Yamane dengan tingkat kesalahan 5% sehingga memperoleh jumlah responden 400 sesuai dengan kriteria responden pada penelitian ini. Berdasarkan hasil uji hipotesis yaitu T dan uji F hasil menunjukkan variabel intensitas menonton video Youtube dan kredibilitsas beauty vlogger berpengaruh positif terhadap keputusan pembelian secara parsial dan simultan. Berdasarkan hasil korelasi menunjukkan derajat hubungan antara intensitas menonton video Youtube dan kredibilitas beauty vlogger merupakan kategori korelasi Kuat. Dengan demikian adanya pengaruh yang positif dan sama-sama memiliki hubungan yang cukup kuat antara intensitas menonton video Youtube dan kredibilitas beauty vlogger terhadap keputusan pembelian.
PENGARUH PERILAKU MENONTON TAYANGAN KEKERASAN TERHADAP AGRESIVITAS PENONTON REMAJA (Studi Eksplanatif Menonton Tayangan Kekerasan dalam Film “Joker” Terhadap Agresivitas Penonton Remaja di DKI Jakarta)
Authors: Nabila Anna Rifa , Sugandi Mohamad Syahriar
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar pengaruh perilaku menonton tayangan kekerasan terhadap sikap agresivitas penonton remaja di DKI Jakarta. Variabel independent yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu Perilaku Menonton (X) dengan dimensi Kemampuan memilih, Kesengajaan, Keyakinan, Keterlibatan, dan Pemanfaatan. Variabel dependent yang digunakan yaitu Agresivitas (Y) dengan dimensi Agresi Fisik, Agresi Verbal, Agresi Permusuhan, Agresi Kemarahan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif, dengan jenis penelitian eksplanatif, uji normalitas, uji regresi linier sederhana, koefisien determinasi dan uji hipotesis. Teknik sampling yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah nonprobability sampling, yaitu quota sampling, dan menggunakan rumus tabel Krejcie-Morgan, dengan jumlah 100 responden. Hasil uji hipotesis menunjukan bahwa perilaku menonton tayangan kekerasan memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap sikap agresivitas penonton remaja di DKI Jakarta, hal tersebut dibuktikan dengan t hitung (4.584) > t tabel (1.664) dan hasil koefisien determinasi menunjukan bahwa perilaku menonton tayangan kekerasan memiliki pengaruh sebesar 65,93% terhadap sikap agresivitas penonton remaja di DKI Jakarta. Sedangkan sebesar 34,07% sikap agresivitas dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain yang tidak diukur dalam penelitian ini
KOMODIFIKASI MISTIS DALAM PROGRAM REALITY SHOW PENCARIAN JODOH GARIS TANGAN DI ANTV
Authors: Muthmainnah Muthmainnah , Syas Mulharnetti
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini mengkaji makna mistis dan praktik komodifikasi yang disajikan pada program reality show pencarian jodoh Garis Tangan di ANTV. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode analisis semiotika model Roland Barthes dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Pada hasil analisis makna denotasi pada program tersebut, yaitu penggambaran ritual-ritual mistis yang dilakukan oleh kedua expertise yaitu Arbi dan Rudy dalam usaha mereka untuk menjodohkan antara kandidat pria dan wanita. Makna konotasinya adalah ritual-ritual yang dilakukan seperti membaca garis tangan, merasakan aura, dan menghipnotis atau melakukan relaksasi terhadap peserta pencarian jodoh. Sedangkan mitos yang disajikan adalah kepercayaan-kepercayaan mengenai adanya makhluk gaib yang dapat memberikan bantuan terhadap manusia melalui perantara orang pintar (dukun). Masyarakat membutuhkan hiburan mistis untuk menjawab rasa ingin tahu mereka terhadap misteri fisika (mistis). Karena, bagi mereka, itu merupakan sebuah petualangan batin. Hal semacam itu yang mendorong manusia untuk menyukai tayangan-tayangan mistis. ANTV memanfaatkan kebutuhan masyarakat terhadap hiburan mistis sebagai sebuah komoditas, dimana mereka memasukkan unsur mistis dalam program reality show pencarian jodoh “Garis Tangan” sejalan dengan selera pasar yang akan menarik minat penonton dan menaikkan rating.
Masculinidade, trabalho e modo de vida:
Authors: Senna Ferreira Laura
Published: December 2021

Neste artigo busca se analisar a identidade do mecânico automotivo, a partir da construção da masculinidade e do modo de vida que singulariza essa categoria de ofício. Observa-se que a ocupação dos mecânicos, mais do que uma posição na divisão sociotécnica do trabalho, diz respeito a um estilo, um modo de ser e pensar, no qual a exibição da masculinidade é aspecto crucial do teatro cotidiano, quando se aprende uma profissão ao mesmo tempo que se aprende um determinado modo de ser homem. Tendo por base estudo realizado na cidade de Porto Alegre (RS), problematizam-se as dinâmicas que se estabelecem na interface entre trabalho, carros e um modelo de “masculinidade hegemônica”.
Adverbs
Authors: Hoye Leo Francis
Published: December 2021

Adverbs are among the most problematical areas of English grammar. They are highly mobile, occupy different positions in the sentence, convey a wide variety of meanings and, as a result, resist easy categorization and analysis. They invite widespread condemnation if overused and are often seen as pleonastic, yet they can and do enhance the discourses they inhabit if used with circumspection. The illustrations used in this entry are mostly drawn from the British National Corpus (hosted by Brigham Young University) and the Brigham Young University 14 billion‐word iWeb Corpus in order to provide examples that are as authentic as possible, even where these are edited to accord with the encyclopedic purpose of the entry. Drawing on recent linguistic research, including three major descriptive grammars of English, and a comprehensive, up‐to‐date study of adverbs in English, the entry profiles the morphological, syntactic, and semantic behavior of adverbs and their use within the sentence and longer stretches of language discourse. Reference is also made to the linguistic notion of “adverbial” which embraces the term “adverb” and its equivalent multiword realizations, as in:linguistically>in a linguistic sense;in a way that relates to language/linguistics. The entry aims to afford a deeper understanding of this most maligned part of speech and provides references for further reading and research.
Understanding the Mechanobiology of Gliosis May Be the Key to Unlocking Sustained Chronic Performance of Bioelectronic Neural Interfaces
Authors: Vallejo-Giraldo Catalina , Krukiewicz Katarzyna , Biggs Manus Jonathan Paul
Published: December 2021

In an effort to develop the next generation of neural implants, current research has focused on solving the challenges associated with the foreign body reaction and promoting long‐term device performance in vivo. Although the cutting edge of research in this field appears to be moving away from traditional metallic and semiconductor materials, the complex tissue dynamics which occur at the electrode–neural interface following device implantation are yet to be resolved. In particular, understanding the molecular processes of gliosis and the onset and persistence of scar formation is key in developing stable and specific neural recording/stimulation devices. Critically, it is recognized that neural device implantation leads to a significant disruption of tissue integrity at the peri‐electrode site. Accordingly, an in‐depth understanding of mechanotransduction in neuronal cell populations at the peri‐implant region is required to better inform neural interface design. This perspective highlights the need for a comprehensive mechanobiological understanding of gliosis to enhance the development of neural implants with improved chronic functionality.
Extramucosal Formation and Prognostic Value of Secretory Antibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Martinsson Klara , Kling Lovisa Lyttbacka , Roos‐Ljungberg Karin , Griazeva Irina , Samoylovich Marina , Paul Stephane , Rönnelid Johan , Weitoft Tomas , Wetterö Jonas , Kastbom Alf
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate levels and possible extramucosal formation of secretory Ig, including anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Three patient groups were studied: 1) ACPA‐positive patients with musculoskeletal pain without clinical arthritis, 2) patients with recent‐onset RA, and 3) patients with established RA. In baseline serum samples (groups 1 and 2) and paired synovial fluid samples (group 3), we analyzed total secretory IgA, total secretory IgM, free secretory component (SC), and SC‐containing ACPA. Extramucosal formation of SC‐containing ACPA was investigated by preincubating RA sera and affinity‐purified ACPA with recombinant free SC.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, serum levels of total secretory IgA and total secretory IgM were increased both in patients with early RA and at‐risk patients (P < 0.05). Patients with early RA with elevated total secretory Ig had significantly higher disease activity during the 3‐year follow‐up period compared to those without increased levels. At‐risk patients who developed arthritis during follow‐up (39 of 82) had higher baseline total secretory IgA levels compared to those who did not (P = 0.041). In established RA, total secretory IgA and total secretory IgM levels were higher in serum than in synovial fluid (P < 0.0001), but SC‐containing ACPAs adjusted for total secretory Ig concentration were higher in synovial fluid (P < 0.0001). Preincubation with recombinant free SC yielded increased SC‐containing ACPA reactivity in sera as well as in affinity‐purified IgA and IgM ACPA preparations.

Conclusion

Circulating secretory Ig are elevated before and at RA onset. In the presence of free SC, secretory Ig may form outside the mucosa, and SC‐containing ACPAs are enriched in RA joints. These findings shed important new light on the mucosal connection in RA development.
Distributed adaptive containment control for a group of aerial robots with external disturbances
Authors: Arab Farhad , Shirazi Farzad A. , Hairi Yazdi Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2021

A novel distributed containment control for multiple quadrotor agents under a fixed topology graph is addressed in this paper. There are two layers in the containment control problem. Communication graph, information of leaders, and neighbors of each follower are used to determine the desired trajectory for followers in the first layer. In the second layer, each follower should use the information of itself and its neighbors to follow the desired trajectory. The tracking control algorithm of followers has two subsystems with a cascade structure: the translational and the rotational dynamics of the agents. The distributed containment controller is utilized for the outer‐loop to track the desired trajectory based on the invariance and immersion adaptive control in order to compensate the external disturbances. For the inner loop, an adaptive control algorithm is designed to follow the desired attitudes obtained from the translational dynamics. In the end, the simulation results are provided for three scenarios to verify the performance of the presented control scheme in the presence of the external disturbances.
Reverse mortgage and risk profile awareness: Proposals for securitization
Authors: Di Lorenzo Emilia , Piscopo Gabriella , Sibillo Marilena , Tizzano Roberto
Published: December 2021

Reverse mortgages (RMs) are acquiring a growing centrality to meet the needs of a progressive aging population and to support the fragility of traditional pension systems. With an RM, an elderly individual gets a lump sum or a series of recurring payments whose amounts depend upon the expected liquidation value of his property and his age; he continues living in it until he dies, when the asset is sold and the proceeds are used to pay back the loan. The risk of these contracts, due to volatility of interest rates, house prices, and mortality rates, requires careful management strategies. This article analyzes the risk profile of the contract and suggests a securitization procedure where the lender averts the risks of the contract by engaging into an insurance contract through a special purpose vehicle that will issue ad‐hoc bonds, whose underlying is determined by the lender's gain/loss on the contract.
Potential Fluorinated Anti‐MRSA Thiazolidinone Derivatives with Antibacterial, Antitubercular Activity and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Kumar Vasantha , Shetty Premalatha , H. S. Arunodaya , Chandra K. Sharath , Ramu Ramith , Patil Shashank M. , Baliga Anuradha , Rai Vaishali M. , M Shalini Shenoy , Udupi Vishwanatha , Poojary Vishwanatha , Poojary Boja
Published: December 2021

MRSA infection is one of the alarming diseases in the current scenario. Identifying newer molecules to treat MRSA infection is of urgent need. In the present study, we have designed fluorinated thiazolidinone derivatives with various aryl/heteroaryl units at 5th position of the thiazolidinone core as promising anti‐MRSA agents. All the compounds were screened for antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains. Among the tested compounds, the halogenated compounds with simple arylidene ring, (5Z)‐5‐[(3‐chloro‐2‐fluorophenyl)methylidene]‐2‐[(1,3‐thiazol‐2‐yl)amino]‐1,3‐thiazol‐4(5H)‐one (4b), (5Z)‐5‐[(4‐chloro‐2‐fluorophenyl)methylidene]‐2‐[(1,3‐thiazol‐2‐yl)amino]‐1,3‐thiazol‐4(5H)‐one (4c), (5Z)‐5‐[(3‐fluoro‐4‐methylphenyl)methylidene]‐2‐[(1,3‐thiazol‐2‐yl)amino]‐1,3‐thiazol‐4(5H)‐one (4f) and (5Z)‐5‐[(3,5‐difluorophenyl)methylidene]‐2‐[(1,3‐thiazol‐2‐yl)amino]‐1,3‐thiazol‐4(5H)‐one (4g) showed excellent activity with MIC 3.125–6.25 μg/mL against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa organism. Furthermore, these potent compounds were screened against MRSA strains, ESKAPE panel organism, and H37Rv mycobacterium strain. Compounds 4c (MIC 0.39 μg/mL), and 4f (MIC 0.39 and 0.79 μg/mL) displayed promising activity against MRSA strains (ATCC and clinical isolates, respectively). The most potent compounds, 4c and 4f eradicated the growth of bacterial colonies in a time‐kill assay indicated that these are bactericidal in nature. The preliminary toxicity study of the potent molecules revealed that these compounds are non‐hemolytic in nature as they did not induce lysis in human RBCs. In addition, the molecular docking and dynamics studies of compounds 4b, 4c, 4f and 4g were carried out on MurB protein of S. aureus (PDB code: 1HSK). Docking results demonstrated remarkable hydrogen bonding interaction with key amino acids ARG310, ASN83, GLY79 and π‐π interactions with TYR149 which confirm the mode of action of the molecules.
A Novel Imidazolinone Derivative with 5‐Arylidene and 2‐Substituted Mercapto Group as Potent Anti‐Hepatitis C Virus Compound
Authors: Kong Ying , Mao Chongyang , Li Shu , Xie Yan , Zhang Xiao‐Lian , Fu Boqiao
Published: December 2021

Here six novel imidazolinone derivatives have been synthesized and the compound 4b containing 5‐para‐methoxy‐phenylidene and 2‐thioalkylation terminal substitution with 3’‐cyano‐2’,6’‐dimethylphenyl showed the best anti‐HCV activity and the lowest cytotoxicity. Selectivity index (SI=CC50/IC50) for the 4b was determined as 36, indicating that compound 4b was highly selective towards HCV.
Efficient Oxygen Reduction and Evolution on 3D Fe/N Co‐doped Carbon Nanosheet‐nanotube Composites with Carbonaceous Heterostructure via in‐situ Growth of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Xiangtai T. , Hu Shuozhen Z. , Sun Shigang G. , Zhang Xinsheng S.
Published: December 2021

Non‐precious metal electrocatalysts exhibiting high activity and durability for both oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) are required for metal‐air batteries. Herein, in‐situ growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on polyvinyl pyrrolidone derived carbon nanosheets is utilized to obtain 3D hierarchical structured Fe/N co‐doped Fe/PVP‐M catalyst. Benefiting from the in‐situ growth of CNTs, carbonaceous heterostructure is obtained at the interface and enhances the conductivity. More meso‐/macro‐pores are formed to facilitate the O2 transportation. High contents of pyridinic‐N, Fe‐Nx, graphitic‐N, and Fe3C are gained. These exclusive structural features provide Fe/PVP‐M attractive activity for both ORR and OER in alkaline electrolyte, i. e., high onset potential (1.008 V at current density −0.1 mA cm−2) and low Tafel slope (86.2 mV dec−1) for ORR, and low onset potential (1.43 V) and low Tafel slope for OER. Excellent stability of the hierarchical structure during measurements indicates the promising potential of this 3D structured Fe/N/C catalyst for metal‐air batteries.
A BODIPY‐Based Far‐Red‐Absorbing Fluorescent Probe for Hypochlorous Acid Imaging
Authors: Wan Zhaoxiong , Yu Shupei , Wang Qi , Tobia John , Chen Hao , Li Zhanjun , Liu Xuan , Zhang Yuanwei
Published: December 2021

Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is produced by white blood cells to defend against injury and bacteria. However, as one of the reactive oxygen species, high intracellular HClO concentration could lead to chronic diseases that affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems. To monitor HClO concentrations in bio‐samples, the fluorescent probe is preferred to have: a) Absorbability in the far‐red window with reduced light toxicity and improved tissue penetration depth; b) Ratiometric features for accurate analysis. In this study, we reported a far‐red ratiometric HClO fluorescence probe based on BODIPY chromophore and aldoxime sensing group. Not only the color change of the probe solution can be detected by the naked eye, but also the emission ratios (I645/I670) showed a significant increase upon the introduction of HClO. More importantly, the feasibility of HClO monitoring in biosamples was demonstrated in vitro using a confocal microscope.
The recovery of functional diversity with restoration
Authors: O'Brien Sophie A. , Dehling D. Matthias , Tylianakis Jason M.
Published: December 2021

Ecological restoration aims at recovering biodiversity in degraded ecosystems, and it is commonly assessed via species richness. However, it is unclear whether increasing species richness in a site also recovers its functional diversity (FD), which has been shown to be a better representation of ecosystem functioning. We conducted a quantitative synthesis of 30 restoration projects and tested whether restoration improves FD. We compared actively and passively restored sites with degraded and reference sites with respect to four key measures of FD (functional richness, evenness, dispersion, and turnover) and two measures of species diversity (richness and evenness). We separately analyzed longitudinal studies (which monitor degraded, reference, and restored sites through time) and space‐for‐time substitutions (which compare at one point in time degraded and reference sites with restored sites of different ages). Space‐for‐time studies suggested that species diversity and FD improved over time. However, replicated longitudinal data showed no sustained benefits of active or passive restoration for FD measures, relative to degraded sites. This could suggest that the positive results in space‐for‐time designs may have been unreliable, but the relatively short duration of longitudinal studies suggests a need for longer‐term longitudinal research to robustly demonstrate the absence of any effect. These differences across study designs may explain the variable results found in recent studies directly measuring the response of FD to restoration. We recommend that future assessments of ecological community dynamics include control sites in monitoring, to ensure that the consequences of treatments, including but not limited to restoration, are correctly partitioned from unassisted temporal changes.
Limited memory predictors based on polynomial approximation of periodic exponentials
Authors: Dokuchaev Nikolai
Published: December 2021

The paper presents transfer functions for limited memory time‐invariant linear integral predictors for continuous time processes such that the corresponding predicting kernels have bounded support. It is shown that processes with exponentially decaying Fourier transforms are predictable with these predictors in some weak sense, meaning that convolution integrals over the future times can be approximated by causal convolutions over past times. For a given predicting horizon, the predictors are based on polynomial approximation of a periodic exponentials (complex sinusoid) in a weightedL2‐space.
Evaluation of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Risk Calculator to predict outcomes after hysterectomies
Authors: Hamade Sara , Alshiek Jonia , Javadian Pouya , Ahmed Sushma , McLeod Francine N. , Shobeiri S. Abbas
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the American College of Surgeons (ACS) surgical risk calculator's reliability in predicting outcomes in hysterectomies.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study at a large community‐based hospital. Twenty‐one preoperative and postoperative criteria were abstracted from the electronic medical record and entered into the online ACS calculator to determine a risk score. Logistical regression was used to determine the association between risk score and actual outcome. The prediction capability was analyzed with c‐statistic, Hosmer‐Lemeshow, and Brier score.

Results

A total of 634 hysterectomies were performed during the study period from January to April 2019. Patients were predominantly 55 years old, white (53%) and overweight (body mass index 30). Predicted perioperative adverse events were significantly higher than actual adverse events across all domains. In all, 54/634 (8.5%) patients experienced postoperative urinary tract infection. C‐statistics for return to operating room, renal failure, and readmission were 0.607 (95% C Statistic index [CI] 0.370–0.845), 0.882 (95% CI 0.802–0.962), 0.637 (95% CI 0.524–0.750), respectively. Brier scores approached one in all categorical domains.

Conclusion

The ACS surgical risk calculator holds the promise of predicting postoperative complications or length of stay for patients undergoing hysterectomy. Further adjustment to this tool is required before it can be advocated for use in the clinical setting.
BCL10 correlates with bad prognosis and immune infiltration of tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Hao , Li Zhenhan , Wu Fei , Ji Wenyan , Lu Linming , Wu Zhihao , Huang Yujin , Wang Wenxiang , Li Shu
Published: December 2021

It has been reported that B‐cell CLL‐lymphoma 10 (BCL10) serves as an oncogene in cervical cancer. However, the roles of BCL10 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially involved in immune infiltration remain not clear. This study aims to explore the relationship between BCL10 and the prognosis and clinical significance, and immune infiltration in HCC. The expression of BCL10 was analyzed between HCC samples and non‐tumor samples in the multiple datasets. In addition, the prognostic values of BCL10 and its methylation in HCC were also investigated. The clinical significance of BCL10 has also been explored. Furthermore, the correlation between BCL10 and immune infiltration in HCC microenvironment was assessed. Finally, the biological behaviors of BCL10 in HCC were verified by cell function experiments. It was found that the expression levels of BCL10 were increased in HCC patients in multiple datasets. Moreover, the increased BCL10 and its reduced methylation were associated with the poor survival. BCL10 was significantly associated with immune infiltration. When BCL10 was knocked down in HCC cells, their proliferation ability was significantly inhibited, their migration was significantly decreased, their apoptosis was significantly increased, and AKT signaling pathway was inhibited. In conclusion, BCL10 is a potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarker related to immune infiltration in HCC microenvironment.
Detection of climate transitions and discontinuities by Hurst rescaling
Authors: Legates David R. , Outcalt Samuel I.
Published: December 2021

The method of Outcalt et al., based on work developed originally by Hurst, is re‐examined to evaluate its efficacy in delineating changes in trends and identifying regime shifts in climatic‐related time series. This technique is based on the concept of the normalized rescaled running sum where temporal changes in the Hurst exponent can be used to identify climatic trends from one regime to another as each regime has a characteristic distribution that differs from the statistical characteristics of the complete time series. An examination of the temporal change in the amplitude of the normalized rescaled running sum can be used as a method to identify these regime changes, which may be either real (i.e., a true climatic shift) or induced (i.e., through a change in measurement bias, station location, or other nonclimatic influence). Examples shown here focus on examining time series of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, Arctic thaw depth, the Northern Hemisphere snow cover extent, treeflow data from Lees Ferry (AZ), North Atlantic tropical cyclone frequency, and central England air temperatures.
Impact of North Atlantic Oscillation and drought conditions on summer urban heat load ‐ a case study for Zagreb
Authors: Nimac Irena , Herceg‐Bulić Ivana , Žuvela‐Aloise Maja , Žgela Matej
Published: December 2021

Frequent heat waves in the latest decade have drawn attention due to large mortality and economic losses. Urban areas are in additional danger of extreme heat due to the well‐known urban heat island (UHI) phenomena. Here, we investigate the effect of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in modifying urban heat in Zagreb, Croatia. Both winter (wNAO) and summer (sNAO) NAO components are analysed in terms of indirect (lagged) and direct effects on the urban heat load. The strongest increase in heat load was found when positive wNAO was followed by negative sNAO, while the opposite situation led to the strongest decrease. Situations with the same wNAO and sNAO polarity resulted in much weaker amplitude of changes due to opposing effects on climate parameters over investigated area. These findings were confirmed using ground measurements from meteorological station, as well as an urban climate model. However, not only changes in the total heat load, but also differences regarding UHI intensity are detected. It is found that soil moisture, at least partially, drives such behaviour. The combination of positive wNAO followed by negative sNAO leads to a longer drier and warmer conditions over the Zagreb area and vice versa. Hence, in situations with an extended drier period the increase in heat load over green areas is found to be stronger compared to the densely built‐up regions resulting in lower spatial gradient. This was confirmed by additional modelling experiments where the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) was used to analyse the effect of drought conditions on UHI. These findings are additionally confirmed using satellite land surface temperature data. The potential applicability of this study includes UHI mitigation by irrigation of green urban areas in situations when seasonal forecasts indicate that warmer and drier conditions are expected.
Precipitation–temperature relationships over Europe in CORDEX regional climate models
Authors: Lhotka Ondřej , Kyselý Jan
Published: December 2021

We studied spatial and temporal patterns of precipitation–temperature (P–T) relationships through correlations between monthly standardized precipitation index (SPI) and monthly temperature anomalies in individual climatic seasons over Europe. In the observed data (represented by E‐OBS), positive correlations (wet–warm/dry–cold relationships) prevail during winter over most of Europe, while negative values (dry–warm/wet–cold) are dominant in summer. In the next step, an ensemble of seven regional climate models (RCMs) from the CORDEX project driven by the ERA‐Interim reanalysis were examined as to their reproduction of the regional patterns of the P–T correlations. In winter, the RCMs yielded overly strong positive P–T correlations over northern Europe, while the correlations were too weak in the south compared to observed data. During summer, the biases were generally larger; the RCMs were able to capture the overall negative P–T correlations but these tended to be too weak over northern Europe. This deficiency was found to be linked to simulated differences in shortwave radiation (a proxy for cloud cover) between dry and wet months. In western, central, and southeastern Europe, by contrast, most RCMs yielded too strong negative correlations in summer, and overly large decreases of relative humidity during dry months probably contributed to these errors. The results pointed up issues that should be addressed as the reported RCMs' deficiencies may lower credibility of projected compound dry–hot events in climate change scenarios.