bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF TEA TREE OIL ON BIOFILM FORMATION AND SWARMING MOTILITY BY MDR PROTEUS MIRABILIS
Authors: Sonbol Fatma Ibrahim , El-Banna Tarek El-Said , Sallam Norhan M. , Al-Madboly Lamiaa A.
Published: July 2021

Emergence of multi-drug resistant isolates of P. mirabilis and development of new resistant microbial phenotypes are growing and the outlook for the use of antimicrobial drugs in the future is still uncertain. Therefore, there is an increased demand for developing alternative strategies to conventional antibiotic therapy and to continue studies to develop new drugs, either synthetic or natural. In this study, 25 isolates of P. mirabilis were isolated from different clinical samples collected from different departments of Tanta University hospitals. All isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, azithromycin and tetracycline. A high incidence of resistance was also recorded for cefprozil (96%) and cefotaxime (80%). P. mirabilis isolates were moderately resistant to imipenem (64%), lomefloxacin (64%), ampicillin (60%), cefepime (60%) and ciprofloxacin (52%). However, the lowest incidence of resistance was recorded for amikacin (8%). All isolates showed MAR indices >0.2 and exhibited MDR profile. The antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil was evaluated using agar dilution method recording MIC50 value of 12.8 mg/ml. The effect of tea tree oil on the strong biofilm producer isolates with relatively wide swarming zone diameters was evaluated. Results obtained showed that tea tree oil (1/4 and 1/2 MIC) presented significant and dose-dependent inhibition in the biofilm production by the tested isolates of P. mirabilis by ≥50%. In addition, tea tree oil inhibited the swarming motility of P. mirabilis isolates in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, tea tree oil could act as a potential source of alternative antimicrobials or as antipathogenic compound against MDR P.mirabilis.
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY THE PEOPLE OF SORBHOG (BARNAGAR) AREA OF BARPETA DISTRICT, ASSAM, INDIA FOR VARIOUS AILMENTS
Authors: Chakravarty Sharmistha
Published: July 2021

The present study deals with the medicinal plants used by the people of 3 villages of Sorbhog area of Barpeta district, Assam to document the information related to various ethnomedicinal plants used by the villagers to cure various diseases. Intensive field work was carried out to obtain the detailed information on the plants and plant materials used by the villagers. In the present study a total of 33 medicinal plants belonging to 31 families were reported. These plants were used to cure various diseases like diabetes, jaundice, menstrual problems, stomach problems, infertility etc. The herbal medicines were prepared either from various parts of a single plant or multiple plants.
IN VITRO ASSESSMENT OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF STEM AND ROOT OF RAUWOLFIA SERPENTINA AGAINST DIFFERENT BACTERIA
Authors: Vaishnav Virendra , Sahoo Debasish , Chatterjee Tanushree
Published: July 2021

Medicinal Plants are the good source of natural antimicrobial agents. The main aim of present study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of stem and root of Rauwolfia serpentina against six microorganism, Powdered stem and root of plant were extracted with acetone, chloroform and methanol and streptomycin used as positive control. The antibacterial activity of Rauwolfia serpentine was detected by using disc diffusion method and agar well diffusion method on the following bacteria- Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus fusiformis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. luminescens. The experiment reported that R. serpentina Root methanol extract shown 14.86 ± 1.11 highest antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa through well diffusion method. Whereas root chloroform recorded 13.46 ± 1.28 highest antibacterial activity against E. coli through disc diffusion method, maximum zone of inhibition 22.66±0.52 mm was found for the positive control, streptomycin through well diffusion method. Further studies should be undertaken to reveal the correct mechanism of action of antimicrobial effect to identify the active ingredients which can be used in drug development program.
In vitro Digestibility, Nutritional and Sensory Quality of Extruded Breakfast Cereal from Maize Grits, Partially Defatted Peanut and Beetroot Flour
Authors: Ukeyima T. M. , Akor I. A. , Kyenge B.
Published: July 2021

In-vitro digestibility, nutritional and sensory quality of extruded breakfast cereals from maize grits, partially defatted peanut and beetroot flour blends was investigated. Composite flour blends was prepared from maize, peanut and beetroot flour in the following proportions: A= (100% maize flour as control), B = (90:0:10), C = (90:10:0), D = (80:10:10), E= (70:20:10), F = (60:30:10), and G = (50:40:10). The breakfast cereals were analyzed for proximate, vitamins, in-vitro protein digestibility and sensory properties. There was significant (P<0.05) difference in the proximate composition, the values ranged from; 4.46 to 6.82%, 3.22 - 7.32%, 0.98 to 1.23%, 3.32 – 4.55%, 3.7 – 4.34% and 75.7 – 83.96% for moisture, protein, fat, fibre, ash, and carbohydrate respectively while energy ranged from 343.31 to 357.54Kcal.  Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C values ranged from 1.60–1671.84 IU, 0.95 – 1.43, 0.95 – 1.50, 1.09 – 1.75 and 8.77 – 16.22 respectively. There was increase in in-vitro protein digestibility of the samples with addition of defatted peanut and beetroot. Sensory evaluation results showed that sample C had the highest acceptability on 9-point hedonic scale.
The Antimicrobial, Anti Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of the Rhizome Extract of Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric)
Authors: Ify Ogbonna Abigail , Raphael Adejube Glory , Tochukwu Okoye Clifford , Amarachi Ogbonna Ugoy Sonia , Ikechukwu Njoku Andrew , Madukaihe Madu Josephine , Thomas Yakubu , Innocent Ogbonna Chike
Published: July 2021

Aim: This study aimed at investigating the anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties of rhizome extracts of Curcuma longa (Turmeric).

Methodology: Extraction of biochemical constituents of the 150 g of the turmeric rhizomes powder was carried out successively using hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water as solvents. The antimicrobial potentials of the different fractions of the extract were tested on clinical bacterial including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using agar well diffusion method at concentrations of 400 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 25 mg/ml. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined using agar dilution technique. For the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract of C. longa, albino rats were treated with methanolic extract (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight) and diclofenac as control, after which they were injected with egg albumin on the right hind paw to induce inflammation. The swelling degree of the injected paw was measured. The analgesic effect of C. longa methanolic extract on hot plate-induced pain was also investigated in albino rats, and the Index of response latency was recorded.

Results: The biochemical assay showed that C. longa extract contained Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Flavonoids, Carbohydrate, Steroids, Terpenes, Anthraquinone, and Cardiac Glycosides, with Methanol and aqueous extracts having the most biochemical constituents. The antibacterial susceptibility screening showed that K.pneumonia was the most susceptible organism, having the highest zone of inhibition of 18 mm for ethyl acetate extract at the concentration of 400 mg/ml. This was followed by S. pneumonia, S.aureus and P. aeruginosa with inhibition zone of 13, 12 and 10 mm respectively. The MIC for K.pneumonia and S.aureus were both 200 mg/ml, while that of P. aeruginosa and S. pneumonia were both 400 mg/ml. The paw size of rats treated with increasing doses of the extract and diclofenac significantly decreased with time. The concentration of 250 mg/kg had the lowest paw volume of 4.39±0.36mm while 1000 mg/kg recorded 5.18±0.28 as the highest, at 180 minute.

Conclusion: Based on the result obtained, it can be concluded that Curcuma longa Rhizome extract possess anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
Cervical Cancer Screening via Self-Sampling for High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus: A Community-Based Pilot Study in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Oshodi Yusuf A. , Adefemi Kayode A. , Olumodeji Ayokunle M. , Akinola Oluwarotimi I. , Ohazurike Ephraim , Kuye Taiwo O. , Ogunyemi Adedoyin A. , Banjo Adekunbiola A.
Published: July 2021

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women globally after breast cancer. It is a preventable cancer with a well‑defined premalignant phase where treatment could be offered before invasive cancer develops.

Objective: To determine the prevalence, socio-demographic characteristics and serotypes of high-risk HPV amongst positive women using self-sampling HPV-based cervical cancer screening.

Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study in an urban setting in Lagos, Nigeria where one hundred women, following community-based counselling on cervical cancer and its prevention, underwent cervical cancer screening via self-sampling for hr-HPV. Structured questionnaires were administered for data collection. Appropriate instruction for self-sample collection using Flobam cervical sampling kit was given to each subject. The samples were processed using DNA analysis via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification and flow through hybridization to identify the hr-HPV serotypes. Women who tested positive for hr-HPV had colposcopic-guided biopsy. The data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 20.0.

Findings: Almost all (97%) the women were successful at self-sampling. The prevalence of hr-HPV positivity was 19% with peak (31.6%) of hr-HPV positivity observed in subjects aged 31-40 years. HPV 53 was the commonest (36%) serotype, HPV 33 and 39 were the least (7%) identified and 47% of hr-HPV positive subjects had infection with two or more HPV serotypes. Two-third (66.7%) of hr-HPV positive subjects attended follow-up for colposcopy guided biopsy and 10.5% of the hr-HPV positive subjects had premalignant/malignant cervical lesion.

Conclusion: Infection with more than one hr-HPV serotype is common in our study. Self-sampling modality of HPV cervical cancer screening is feasible in this environment.
Process Simplification on Integration of UV Cure Machine with Tape Saw Singulation
Authors: Mendoza Mariane A. , Gablan Alyssa Grace S. , Tierra Hardy L. , Gomez Frederick Ray I.
Published: July 2021

Strips that have undergone tape saw singulation will not be completed without the ultraviolet (UV) curing process. To detach the units from the tape, the singulated strips have required further assistance to be loaded for UV cure. Otherwise, hard-to-pick units will be the outcome and sticky residues were usually observed to be attached on the units. Since tape sawn strips requires UV cure, suppliers were asked to engage on upgrading their machine to equip the singulation machine with UV cure. The principle is that after sawing, the singulated strips will be washed and dry normally at the spinner. Then instead of unloading the singulated strips, the machine will pass it first to the inline UV cure machine and then unload when successfully completed the whole process. Through adding the UV curing process in the package singulation sequence, singulated strips unloaded are now ready for the next succeeding process. That way, it would be much help to lessen the handling of sawn strips from one machine to another. The introduction of inline UV cure has simplified the process by automation which increased the security of the units’ quality as well as the productivity of manpower.
Use of Timed Up and Go Test to Predict Risk of Fall in Indian Elderly
Authors: Kumar Palani , Jani Prutha , Parmar Lata
Published: July 2021

Background: Although the TUG has been recommended as a key test for screening the risk of fall, the optimal cut-off value to detect older adults who are at an elevated fall risk remains controversial as wide range of threshold values have been reported in the literature. The validation of TUGT is yet to be performed for the Indian population.

Objective: To determine cut off value for TUG to predict risk of falls among Indian population.

Methods and Measures: In this cross sectional study, 121 participants, meeting inclusion-exclusion criteria and willing to participate were included. On the basis of BBS scores, participants were divided in risk of fall group (BBS< 45) and no risk of fall group (BBS2 >/=45). TUG Test was performed and time was measured using stop watch.

Results: Pearson correlation between BBS and TUG had shown statistically significant negative correlation (r= -0.852), (p=0.000). Considering the different sensitivity and specificity, the best predictive value to predict risk of fall was 14.5 seconds at 97.4% sensitivity, 96% specificity.

Conclusion: Best cut off value to predict risk of fall is 14.5 Sec for older adults in India. Increasing age, Knee pain and sedentary life significantly affects TUG Scores and increased Risk of fall.
Result of Ankle Fracture Fixation, Our Hospital Experience
Authors: Shah Ghazanfar Ali , Ahmed Nizam , Khanzada Aftab Alam , Afzal Tanveer , Rafique Joyo Muhammad , Keerio Niaz Hussain , Noor Syed Shahid
Published: July 2021

Aims and Objectives: The goal of this study was to see the outcome of open reduction and internal fixation for ankle fractures.

Methods: A prospective analysis of 40 ankle fractures of adult patients handled surgically using diverse approaches in the period from January 2019 to January 2020 at the Orthopedic department of SMBBIT, Dow University of Medical and Health Sciences. Karachi Pakistan. The ankle grading system developed by Baird and Jackson was used to assess the functional result.

Results: We achieved 87.5 percent outstanding to good outcomes, 6.3 percent fair outcomes, and 6.2 percent bad outcomes in our study. The findings were comparable to those of other researchers around the world.

Interpretation and Conclusion: In 87.5 percent of patients, the operational results were satisfactory, with good to outstanding functional outcomes. With stable fracture fixation, excellent outcomes are attained. Cancellous screws are better for internal fixation of the medial malleolus, while Malleolar screws are superior for that task. For ankle fractures treated surgically, patients may expect to have satisfactory function thereafter.
Protocol of an Observational Study Based on the Prevalence of Essential Hypertension in Different Types of Prakruti in Wardha City, India
Authors: Bhatero Disha , Sawarkar Punam , Paraskar Vaishnavi , Sawarkar Gaurav
Published: July 2021

Background: In 2000, 26.4% people of the society were suffering hypertension in the globe and around 29.2% are considered to have hypertension till 2025. Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke and other vascular disorders are the adverse effects of hypertension. Hypertension is taxonomically adjacent to UchchaRakta Tapa in Ayurveda. Prakrutiis the morphological, physiological, and psychological basic traits, manifested in the intrauterine life and is said to be unchangeable throughout life.

Objectives: The present study aims to observe the Prevalence of Essential Hypertension in different types of Prakruti to differentiate Systolic blood pressure and Diastolic blood pressure according to various Prakruti in the population of Wardha city and contribute to knowledge in this population regarding Essential Hypertension and its relation with Prakruti.

Materials and Methods: Wardha. Data collected in from the hypertensive patients in Wardha district by personal interviews based on the Prakruti Questionnaires.

Results: The results will be concluded on the basis of observations drawn from the collected information.
Dynamic Mineralization: Low‐Temperature, Rapid, and Multidirectional Process to Encapsulate Polyether‐Ether‐Ketone with Carbonate‐Rich Hydroxyapatite for Osseointegration
Authors: Lui Florence H. Y. , Mobbs Ralph J. , Wang Yu , Koshy Pramod , Lucien Frank P. , Zhou Dewen , Sorrell Charles C.
Published: July 2021

Polyether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) is one of the key materials used to fabricate intervertebral spacers due to its mechanical similarity to bone and non‐interference with imaging. However, its surface chemistry limits osseointegration, while its chemical unreactivity and low glass transition/melting temperature poses technical challenges to the application of coatings conducive to bone growth. The present work applies nature‐inspired interfacial and surface chemistry processes to encapsulate PEEK with nanocrystalline carbonate‐rich hydroxyapatite (C‐Ap), a bioactive mineral valued for its chemical/structural similarity to bone mineral and its bioresorbability. This technique is distinguished from previous work by the combined features of low‐temperature, multidirectional/rapid application, and additive‐free processing. The resultant nanocrystalline C‐Ap coating encapsulates PEEK, indicating suitability with standard and state‐of‐the‐art spacers, made by additive/subtractive techniques. A precursor CaCO3 layer is deposited on PEEK by nacre‐inspired convective self‐assembly, followed by a travertine‐inspired rapid (10 min) cold‐sintering treatment. The CaCO3 layer is converted to C‐Ap in phosphate buffered saline through dissolution‐recrystallization processes inspired by the hydrated layer of bone. The coatings exhibit contact pressures that are an order of magnitude higher than coatings deposited by the biomimetic method. There is potential for application to other orthopaedic materials and incorporation of biologics throughout the coating structure for sustained release.
Vanadium‐Containing Layered Materials as High‐Performance Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lewis Courtney‐Elyce M. , Fernando Joseph F. S. , Siriwardena Dumindu P. , Firestein Konstantin L. , Zhang Chao , von Treifeldt Joel E. , Golberg Dmitri V.
Published: July 2021

The world is currently in the midst of a climate crises and many across the globe are competing to find new technologies to create clean, and effective ways of harnessing renewable energy sources. However, this energy needs to be stored and the current systems simply would not last. Zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) with vanadium‐containing cathodes are a recently arising technology providing a cheap, safe, and eco‐friendly alternative to the current systems. Vanadium is a material that has long been used for electrochemical systems due to its large range of stable oxidation states. Most common is the vanadium oxide (V2O5) renowned for its open layered framework and manipulatable structure. However, this is not the only vanadium‐containing material that is proposed for use in ZIBs. The vanadium family is comprised of four main sub‐categories under which materials can be classified: vanadium oxides, vanadium phosphates, vanadates, and O2‐free vanadium compounds. This report delves into the specifics of each of these sub‐families to further develop the understanding of their functionality by highlighting their structural and morphological characteristics, aptitude for modification, and the corresponding electrochemical properties. Through this investigation, the application of these materials in ZIB systems is highlighted and future development aims considered.
Programmable Dynamics of Exchange‐Biased Domain Wall via Spin‐Current‐Induced Antiferromagnet Switching
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Joong , Je Soong‐Geun , Moon Kyoung‐Woong , Choi Won‐Chang , Yang Seungmo , Kim Changsoo , Tran Bao Xuan , Hwang Chanyong , Hong Jung‐Il
Published: July 2021

Magnetic domain wall (DW) motion in perpendicularly magnetized materials is drawing increased attention due to the prospect of new type of information storage devices, such as racetrack memory. To augment the functionalities of DW motion‐based devices, it is essential to improve controllability over the DW motion. Other than electric current, which is known to induce unidirectional shifting of a train of DWs, an application of in‐plane magnetic field also enables the control of DW dynamics by rotating the DW magnetization and consequently modulating the inherited chiral DW structure. Applying an external bias field, however, is not a viable approach for the miniaturization of the devices as the external field acts globally. Here, the programmable exchange‐coupled DW motion in the antiferromagnet (AFM)/ferromagnet (FM) system is demonstrated, where the role of an external in‐plane field is replaced by the exchange bias field from AFM layer, enabling the external field‐free modulations of DW motions. Interestingly, the direction of the exchange bias field can also be reconfigured by simply injecting spin currents through the device, enabling electrical and programmable operations of the device. Furthermore, the result inspires a prototype DW motion‐based device based on the AFM/FM heterostructure, that could be easily integrated in logic devices.
Compressive Buckling Fabrication of 3D Cell‐Laden Microstructures
Authors: Chen Zhaowei , Anandakrishnan Nanditha , Xu Ying , Zhao Ruogang
Published: July 2021

Tissue architecture is a prerequisite for its biological functions. Recapitulating the three‐dimensional (3D) tissue structure represents one of the biggest challenges in tissue engineering. Two‐dimensional (2D) tissue fabrication methods are currently in the main stage for tissue engineering and disease modeling. However, due to their planar nature, the created models only represent very limited out‐of‐plane tissue structure. Here compressive buckling principle is harnessed to create 3D biomimetic cell‐laden microstructures from microfabricated planar patterns. This method allows out‐of‐plane delivery of cells and extracellular matrix patterns with high spatial precision. As a proof of principle, a variety of polymeric 3D miniature structures including a box, an octopus, a pyramid, and continuous waves are fabricated. A mineralized bone tissue model with spatially distributed cell‐laden lacunae structures is fabricated to demonstrate the fabrication power of the method. It is expected that this novel approach will help to significantly expand the utility of the established 2D fabrication techniques for 3D tissue fabrication. Given the widespread of 2D fabrication methods in biomedical research and the high demand for biomimetic 3D structures, this method is expected to bridge the gap between 2D and 3D tissue fabrication and open up new possibilities in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Dynamic modeling with experimental calibration for the syngas production from biomass fixed‐bed gasification
Authors: He Xin , Hu Qiang , Yang Haiping , Shoemaker Christine Annette , Wang Chi‐Hwa
Published: July 2021

In this article, a dynamic biomass gasification model was developed based on the hybrid peripheral fragmentation and shrinking‐core model. To improve the accuracy of syngas generation transient prediction, the chemical kinetic model was trained using global surrogate optimization techniques. The pre‐exponential corrections of kinetic reaction rates are calibrated under noncatalytic conditions, employing experimental transient data of syngas generation rate and compositions under different temperatures and gasifying agents. The Dynamic Coordinate search using Response surface model and the Gap Optimized Multi‐objective Optimization using Response Surfaces framework were employed as the numerical solvers for finding the global optimum solution of the pre‐exponential factors. The calibrated particle‐level kinetic models based on both single‐objective and multi‐objective approaches have been validated by experimental data in four different biomass gasification scenarios. The calibrated model shows an over 95% decrease in terms of integrated squared error (ISE)‐based model mismatch when compared with the original model.
Mechanism and fundamental models of gas–liquid surging for valve columns
Authors: Ma Yujia , Liu Yansheng , Cao Rui , Shang Weikang , Li Guoteng , Zhong Fan , Cui Xiao , Liu Yongjun
Published: July 2021

The gas–liquid streams in valve columns are likely to surge at low gas velocities, which degrades tray performances and threatens production safety. Therefore, the gas–liquid surging mechanism and vibration properties were investigated in this article. First, the theory of gas–liquid unstable flow at the seal point was proposed based on the principle of lowest energy. Then, the evolution mechanism, gas–liquid flow characteristics, and essential condition of surging are proposed. Meanwhile, experiments were carried out in a Φ580 mm valve column; the frequency spectral and hydraulic characteristics of surging were in accordance with the expected surging mechanism. Moreover, the surging vanish point criterion and safe operating superficial gas velocity for valve columns were advanced. Finally, fundamental models for surging frequency and amplitude were established. The models are in close accordance with the experimental data, which suggests that they could accurately describe the surging behavior.
A field study of chemical senses in bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales
Authors: Bouchard Bertrand , Barnagaud Jean‐Yves , Verborgh Philippe , Gauffier Pauline , Campagna Sylvie , Célérier Aurélie
Published: July 2021

For most marine vertebrates, chemical cues provide crucial information during navigation and foraging, but their use by cetaceans is still poorly understood. In contrast to baleen whales, toothed whales (odontocetes) are scarcely equipped for chemoreception: they lack the conventional anatomical structures (i.e., olfactory epithelium, nerves and bulbs) involved in olfaction and have reduced taste buds on the tongue. Several behavioral studies have however shown that captive dolphins can perceive chemical solutions, including odorants, in their oral cavity. To investigate whether odontocetes could use infochemicals in their foraging ecology, we implemented a behavioral response experiment in wild bottlenose dolphins and long‐finned pilot whales. We tested dimethyl sulfide (DMS) as a potentially attractive stimulus since it is a chemical signature of highly productive marine areas, known to attract several marine predators including fishes and seabirds. We assessed cetacean responses to DMS exposure by analyzing their movements and surface behaviors recorded by onboard observers. In both species, results did not reveal any significant attraction or behavioral reaction toward DMS when compared to a control chemical stimulus, apart from a short‐distance response in bottlenose dolphins. These results suggest that while odontocetes may perceive DMS in water, it apparently does not play a significant role in their foraging ecology. Testing potentially more attractive compounds such as prey extracts with the present method and analyzing surface, underwater and acoustic responses would provide further insights on odontocete feeding behavior. It would also provide valuable clues to studies on the anatomical structures involved in their chemosenses.
School experiences of Children in Need: Learning and support
Authors: Berridge David , Sebba Judy , Cartwright Mim , Staples Eleanor
Published: July 2021

Children in Need (CIN) have received little attention in education circles. These are children who are usually living at home but where there are concerns over their health or development due to abuse or neglect, or they are disabled. Like Children in Care (CIC, who mostly live away), educational attainments for CIN are lower than for the general pupil population, with higher levels of special educational needs. This article draws on additional analysis from a recently completed, mixed methods study into this educational attainment gap for CIN and CIC. The overall research involved quantitative analysis from official statistics of a whole‐birth cohort of children (n = 471,688) born in 2000/2001 and tracked through to their General Certificate of Secondary Education exams in 2017. This was complemented by semi‐structured interviews with 18 CIN and 23 CIC, parents and associated professionals. This article focuses on interviews with CIN, their parents and professionals. Two main themes emerged from this further analysis of the qualitative data. One concerned children’s problems with learning. Children said that they often struggled with their schoolwork and received insufficient classroom support to help. The second theme was that pupils and parents reported more positive experiences of learning and support in Pupil Referral Units compared with secondary schools. The overall conclusion is that attention should rightly address the social, emotional and mental health difficulties of CIN, but this should be coupled with adequate support for classroom learning.
Development of a Simple, Precise, and Validated HPLC Method for the Anticancer Drug, Regorafenib: Application to Pharmacokinetics in Rats and Stability Study
Authors: Kim Jung Suk , Cho Jung Hyun , Choi Han‐Gon
Published: July 2021

The goal of this study was to establish a simple, precise, and validated high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV) method to quantify the amount of regorafenib in rat plasma using revaprazan as an internal standard. The mobile phase composition was 0.1% aqueous trifluoroacetic acid solution and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid in acetonitrile (50/50, v/v). The flow rate was 0.5 mL/min, and the eluent was monitored at 265 nm. The results showed that this novel chromatographic method achieved the criteria of the FDA validation guidelines and presented excellent linearity over 0.0488–50 μg/mL (r2 = 0.9999) concentration. Additionally, this method was validated for evaluating regorafenib stability in three different storage conditions and was effectively utilized to analyze the drug concentration in rat plasma after oral administration by calculating its pharmacokinetic parameters. Therefore, this HPLC method is appropriate for evaluating the pharmacokinetics of regorafenib in rats.
FERPA meets COVID‐19: Know how to manage contact tracing, testing records
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: July 2021

The success of contact tracing in minimizing the risk of others being infected during the pandemic relies on the appropriate sharing of contact information with those individuals who are responsible for identifying and notifying people who have come in contact with a person who has an active COVID‐19 case.
Training, crowdsourcing key for building a crisis co‐response model
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2021

Lieutenant Aaron Landers has worked at the University of Illinois, Urbana‐Champaign, since 1997. During that time, Landers worked in a variety of different capacities within law enforcement on campus, including as an investigator and as a patrol sergeant, and at the same time earned his associate degree, bachelor's degree, and a master's degree in social work with a concentration in mental health.
The role of neighborhood disadvantage in predicting mortality in patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Goitia Jesse , Phan Derek Q. , Lee Ming‐Sum , Moore Naing , Mansukhani Prakash , Aharonian Vicken , Brar Somjot S. , Zadegan Ray
Published: July 2021

Background

Neighborhoods have a powerful impact on health. Prior investigations into disparities associated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have focused on race and access to the procedure. We sought to investigate the role of neighborhood disadvantage on mortality post‐TAVR.

Methods

Patients who underwent TAVR at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center between June, 2011 and March, 2019 were evaluated. Neighborhood disadvantage was defined using the area deprivation index, an established and validated index that considers multiple socioeconomic metrics. Cutoffs used for disadvantage were national percentile ≥25% and state decile ≥6. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess outcomes.

Results

A total of 668 patients (age 82.1 ± 7.5 years, 49% female) were included, of which 215 (32.2%) were from disadvantaged neighborhoods by state decile, and 167 (25%) by national percentile. At a median follow‐up of 18.8 months (interquartile range 8.7–36.5 months), neighborhood disadvantage was independently associated with increased all‐cause mortality (National percentile: hazard ratio [HR] 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–2.69; state decile: HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.21–2.34). On propensity scored analysis, neighborhood disadvantaged remained independently associated with increased all‐cause mortality (National percentile: IPTW HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.52–2.28, PSM HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.11–2.51; state decile: IPTW HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.26–1.91, PSM HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.33–2.99).

Conclusion

Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood was independently associated with increased mortality post‐TAVR on multivariate and propensity score matched analysis. Further investigations into the role of neighborhood disadvantage are needed to address disparities and improve outcomes post‐TAVR.
Characterization of an Automated Spinning‐Band Column as a Module for Laboratory Distillation
Authors: Bittorf Lukas , Böttger Nils , Neumann Daniel , Winter Alina , Kockmann Norbert
Published: July 2021

Modularization is a promising technology to respond to short product life cycles. Not only in production but also in the laboratory, the concept of modularization can help to quickly explore new products or processes. A modular continuously operated spinning‐band distillation column for small product amounts is presented and characterized regarding operating window and separation efficiency. The column can be used either for first product amounts within a small‐scale production or as feasibility studies for distillation in a scale‐up context with small amounts of resources, energy, and time. By introducing the modular automation concept and a certain degree of automation structures, this column can be operated almost fully automatically and integrated quickly to higher automation structures such as a process orchestration layer.
Maximizing soybean yield by understanding planting date, maturity group, and seeding rate interactions in North Carolina
Authors: Morris Tristan C. , Vann Rachel A. , Heitman Josh , Collins Guy D. , Heiniger Ryan W.
Published: July 2021

Growers across theU.S. Southeast use a diversity of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] planting dates, maturity groups, and seeding rates for soybean production depending on their rotational complexity. Studies were conducted across seven North Carolina environments in 2019 and 2020 to determine the effect of planting date (mid‐March through mid‐July), maturity group (MG 2–8), and seeding rate (185,329–432,434 seeds ha–1) on soybean emergence, stand, and yield. Across environments, soybean typically emerged more quickly with later planting dates; however, there were location‐specific variations in soybean emergence due to weather conditions around the time of planting. The longest and shortest emergence periods were 26 d for soybean planted in mid‐March and 4 d for soybean planted in June and July, respectively. In the higher yielding environments, yield was maximized with MG 3–4 cultivars planted at early April planting dates and yield declined as planting was delayed. In the low yield environments, yield was maximized with late April to mid‐May planting dates, typically with MG 5–7 cultivars. There was a penalty in both yield environments to planting past mid‐May and in the low yield environments for planting before mid‐April. Across environments, yields tended to be more similar among cultivars higher than MG 3 at planting dates in June and July. The effect of seeding rate on soybean yield was variable across planting dates, maturity groups, and yield environments. Future research is needed in North Carolina to validate the planting date and maturity group interactions on yield observed in this experiment to capture more variation in weather conditions.
Is ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of axillary lymph nodes a viable alternative to sentinel lymph node biopsy?
Authors: Astvatsaturyan Kristine , Ramazyan Arsen , Bose Shikha
Published: July 2021

Background

Axillary lymph node (ALN) ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (US‐FNAB), a minimally invasive procedure, may be used for the preoperative evaluation of ALN status of breast cancer patients. Despite the relative ease of use and low cost, paucity of comparative studies and variation in the reported sensitivity of FNAB preclude its clinical utility in evaluation of ALNs. This study aims to determine the accuracy of US‐FNAB in detecting metastasis in ALN pre‐operatively and to assess US‐FNAB as a viable alternative to sentinel lymph node (SLN) excision.

Methods

The 228 consecutive ALN US‐FNABs with subsequent histologic follow up performed from 2005 to 2020 in patients with breast carcinoma were retrospectively evaluated. FNAB results were correlated with histologic diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and risk of malignancy of FNAB were calculated.

Results

157/228 (69%) FNABs were concordant with histology, 37/228 (16%) discordant. Positive FNAB findings correlated with primary tumor size, grade, number of metastatic lymph nodes and size of metastases. FNAB with negative diagnosis carried a 22% risk of malignancy, atypical 43%, suspicious 80%, and positive a 100% risk of malignancy (100% positive predictive value [PPV]). The sensitivity and specificity were 78% and 95% respectively; accuracy was 77%. SLN biopsy was avoided in all 82 (36%) cases with positive FNAB results.

Conclusion

Negative FNAB result does not exclude metastatic carcinoma. With 100% PPV, full ALN dissection and/or neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be safely planned after a positive FNAB result, avoiding SLN biopsy, reducing management costs and shortening time interval to definitive therapy.
Process, process, process: the OCR watchwords
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: July 2021

As the primary enforcement authority for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Office for Civil Rights routinely reviews complaints by postsecondary students who have requested but have been denied accommodations, academic adjustments, and auxiliary aids. Many accommodation requests that make up the workload of disability services offices center around test accommodations, attendance and assignment accommodations, and housing accommodations, rather than auxiliary aids.
Ecological features benefiting sustainable harvesters in socio‐ecological systems: a case study of Swiftlets in Malaysia
Authors: Nakamaru Mayuko , Onuma Ayumi
Published: July 2021

A major challenge in biodiversity management is overharvesting by unsustainable harvesters. If a scenario could be created where sustainable harvesters benefit more than the unsustainable ones, even in the short term, the issue of overharvesting would be solved. Everyone would then follow the lead of sustainable harvesters. However, creating such a scenario is not an easy task; the difficulty is intensified if the habitat is open access and there is no property rights system. Swiftlets in Sarawak, Malaysia, present a special case where sustainable harvesters are believed to be more beneficial than unsustainable harvesters. Edible nests built by adult Swiftlets are used as ingredients for a traditional luxurious soup in Chinese cuisine. A rise in nest prices has increased the instances of unsustainable harvesters wrongfully collecting nests along with the eggs and fledglings, which are then abandoned. Swiftlets live in caves and build nests on cave ceilings. It is known that Swiftlets escape from cave ceilings when these harvesters take the nests, never to return to the same place. This ecological feature appears to work as the Swiftlet's indirect punishment against unsustainable harvesters. This study constructs a stage‐structured population model and examines the effect of property rights and the indirect punishment by Swiftlets on the population dynamics of the bird, and on the economic return of both sustainable and unsustainable harvesters. Our findings are as follows: the indirect punishment by Swiftlets provides sustainable harvesters a higher short‐term return than unsustainable harvesters under the property rights system, as long as Swiftlets return to their original cave after escaping from the unsustainable harvesters. While previous studies regarding the management of the commons have stressed the importance of rules and regulations for sustainable harvesting without considering the ecological uniqueness of each species, this study suggests that ecological exploration and the discovery of ecological features are also essential for designing a sustainable framework.
The neurostructural and neurocognitive effects of physical activity: A potential benefit to promote eating disorder recovery
Authors: Mathisen Therese Fostervold , Sundgot‐Borgen Jorunn , Bulik Cynthia M. , Bratland‐Sanda Solfrid
Published: July 2021

Accumulating evidence suggests that supervised and adapted physical activity provides cognitive benefits for individuals with eating disorders (EDs). The mechanisms underlying the benefits of physical activity are poorly understood. Addressing this knowledge gap may inform the appropriate integration of structured physical activity into eating disorders treatment and recovery. We draw attention to recent findings in the study of the impact of physical activity on the brain, and we describe the neurostructural and neurocognitive changes associated with physical activity observed in various clinical and nonclinical populations. Considering the identified impairment in brain volume‐ and/or neurocognitive function in various EDs, we propose that positive effects of physical activity may play a meaningful role in successful ED treatment. Accordingly, we outline research steps for closing the knowledge gap on how physical activity may aid in ED recovery, and emphasize the need to combine measures of cognitive and behavioral responses to physical activity, with technology capable of measuring changes in brain structure and/or function.
Low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing reveals molecular markers for spawning season and sex identification in Gulf of Maine Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua, Linnaeus 1758)
Authors: O’Donnell Timothy P. , Sullivan Timothy J.
Published: July 2021

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua, Linnaeus 1758) in the western Gulf of Maine are managed as a single stock despite several lines of evidence supporting two spawning groups (spring and winter) that overlap spatially, while exhibiting seasonal spawning isolation. Low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing was used to evaluate the genomic population structure of Atlantic cod spawning groups in the western Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank using 222 individuals collected over multiple years. Results indicated low total genomic differentiation, while also showing strong differentiation between spring and winter‐spawning groups at specific regions of the genome. Guided regularized random forest and ranked FST methods were used to select panels of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that could reliably distinguish spring and winter‐spawning Atlantic cod (88.5% assignment rate), as well as males and females (95.0% assignment rate) collected in the western Gulf of Maine. These SNP panels represent a valuable tool for fisheries research and management of Atlantic cod in the western Gulf of Maine that will aid investigations of stock production and support accuracy of future assessments.
The type of leg lost affects habitat use but not survival in a non‐regenerating arthropod
Authors: Escalante Ignacio , Elias Damian O.
Published: July 2021

Finding shelter and surviving encounters with predators are pervasive challenges for animals. These challenges may be exacerbated after individuals experience bodily damage. Certain forms of damage arise voluntarily in animals; for instance, some taxa release appendages (tails, legs, or other body parts) as a defensive strategy (“autotomy”). This behavior, however, may pose long‐term negative consequences for habitat use and survival. Additionally, these putative consequences are expected to vary according to the function of the lost body part. We tested the effects of losing different functional leg types (locomotor or sensory) on future habitat use and survival in a Neotropical species of Prionostemma harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) that undergo frequent autotomy but do not regrow limbs. Daytime surveys revealed that both eight‐legged harvestmen and harvestmen missing legs roosted in similar frequencies across habitats (tree bark, mossy tree, or fern), and perched at similar heights. Mark–recapture data showed that harvestmen that lost sensory legs roosted in tree bark less frequently, but on mossy trees more frequently. On the contrary, we did not observe changes in habitat use for eight‐legged animals or animals that lost locomotor legs. This change might be related to sensory exploration and navigation. Lastly, we found that recapture rates across substrates were not affected by the type of legs lost, suggesting that leg loss does not impact survival. This potential lack of effect might play a role in why a defensive strategy like autotomy is so prevalent in harvestmen despite the lack of regeneration.
On entropy generation due to transient MHD radiative free convection with induced magnetic field in a porous medium channel
Authors: Vyas Paresh , Yadav Kusum
Published: July 2021

The communication pertains to transient magnetohydrodynamics radiative free convection flow with induced magnetic field in a porous medium channel of width L. The setup is subjected to a uniform magnetic field normal to the channel walls and stands for the induced magnetic field. A Cartesian coordinate system is chosen where x*‐axis is taken along the left channel wall and y*‐axis is normal to it. At the time t* = 0, both the walls and the fluid bear a fixed temperature . At the time t* > 0, that is, the onset of the convection, the temperatures of the walls at y* = 0 and at y* = L are just changed to and , respectively, where  <  and  < . The radiative flux qr in the energy equation is assumed to follow the Rosseland approximation. The Keller‐box method has been invoked to solve the governing system encompassing the momentum, energy, and magnetic field equations. The numerical solution strategy yields velocity and temperature distributions, skin friction, and Nusselt number. The velocity and temperature fields are used to compute entropy. Distributions for entropy and Bejan number are shown graphically through two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D plots and discussed. The central objective of this study is to analyze inherent thermodynamic irreversibility. The study has direct applications in plasma aerodynamics and nuclear engineering control where the magnetic field is used as a tool to control flow and heat characteristics. The present study is novel in terms of the objective of the study and the implicit finite difference solution strategy called the Keller‐box method. From the 2D and 3D plots, it is found that the entropy and Bejan number experience qualitative and quantitative variations for varying Brinkman number, radiation parameter, Darcy number, magnetic Prandtl number, Grashoff number, and time. The skin friction and Nusselt number at the channel walls witness qualitative variations for varying parameters.