bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility Study of Vietnam Fire and Disaster Prevention Agency Improvement Project through ODA Project I
Authors: Park Jun-Yang , Han Yong-Taek
Published: November 2021

By matching domestic ODA projects for specific implementation in accordance with the 2020 Fire and Disaster Prevention Agency Facility Infrastructure Master Plan and 2030 Vision, a social safety net construction project in Vietnam, its business feasibility was analyzed. Vietnam is undergoing rapid change and urbanization. As a result, demand in the firefighting sector is expected to increase rapidly. Because there are no domestic manufacturers of firefighting vehicles in Vietnam, the demand is largely satisfied through imports; however, the firefighting vehicles and additional devices provided through this ODA project should greatly contribute to the promotion of domestic exports. To represent the environmental factors that can cause fires in 58 provinces, the selection of project areas to support firefighting vehicles is based on population, jurisdictional area, population density, age of firefighting vehicles, number of firefighting targets, and number of firefighting vehicles in the past four years; the trend of reinforcement of firefighting vehicles and regional characteristics is determined. Twelve provinces in Vietnam were selected in the same way as the selected areas to support firefighting vehicles. This ODA project is expected to provide an opportunity to improve the legal and institutional aspects of the firefighting and disaster prevention field in Vietnam by applying domestic advanced firefighting force deployment standards.
A Study on the Analysis of Vertical Walking Speed Considering the Confluence of Occupants in the Stairwell of a High-rise Building
Authors: Kim Yun-Seong , Lee Yoo-Lim , Kim Hye-Won , Kwon Yeong-Jin
Published: November 2021

In a fire incident case in a modern high-rise complex building, most occupants use the stairs to evacuate; hence, it is critical to secure the safety of vertical escape routes, such as the stairs. However, in Korea, the size of the stairwell is stipulated as a universal standard, and there are insufficient regulations and studies on the behavioral characteristics of occupants that may occur during the vertical evacuation of buildings. Therefore, in the evacuation experiment conducted at the W University in Japan, the relationship between the density and velocity of the occupants and the flow coefficient were analyzed during merging in the stairwell to derive a regression equation. When the stair width acted as a variable, the behavioral characteristics of the occupants and the evacuation time inside the stairwell were analyzed to obtain the basic data for improving the evacuation safety in the stairwell.
Jejunojejunal Intussusception in an Adult- Secondary to Lipoma
Authors: Nitisha Annie , Shobana . , Lilly Mary
Published: November 2021

Gastric lipomas are very rare Tumours of Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) accounting for about 2-3% of all benign gastric tumours. They are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, most lipomas being submucosal. Authors hereby discuss a case of 50-year- old female patient who presented with abdominal pain and vomiting since four days. Transabdominal Ultrasound (TAUS) revealed long segment jejunojejunal intussusception and a hypoechoic lesion in the distal end of intussusception which was successfully treated by removing the lipoma along with the intussuscepted loop. Histopathological features revealed normal jejunal mucosa with a segment of intussusception and edematous submucosa which was thought to be submucosal lipoma or subserosal lipoma. As these lesions present at later dates, proper follow-up and early intervention is needed.
Diffuse Strong Membrane Expression of MIC2 (CD99) in Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Sukumaran Renu , Vasudevan Jayasudha A , Kattoor Jayasree , Thambi Sugeeth M , Zachariah Jiju George
Published: November 2021

The MIC2 [Cluster of Differentiation 99 (CD99)] has been widely used in making the diagnosis of Ewing’s sarcoma and diffuse strong membrane expression is the characteristic finding. The CD99 is a sensitive marker of Ewing’s sarcoma, but not specific. Studies have shown expression of CD99 in a wide variety of neoplasms which include epithelial, mesenchymal and haematopoietic neoplasms. In these tumours, the positivity of CD99 is described as variable with focal/patchy, irregular, membrane/cytoplasmic staining. Among the haematopoetic neoplasms, diffuse strong positivity of CD99 is seen in blasts which include T-lymphoblasts, B-lymphoblasts and myeloblasts. Recent studies have demonstrated positive staining of CD99 in mature lymphomas where the pattern of expression is heterogenous and highly variable. Herein, authors report the case of a 42-year-old male patient with expansile destructive lesion in right scapula with large soft tissue component. With clinical diagnosis of sarcoma, biopsy was taken which showed large atypical cells arranged diffusely, focally around vessels and in vague rosettoid pattern. In the initial immunopanel, neoplastic cells showed diffuse strong membrane expression of CD99 and were negative for cytokeratin, synaptophysin, chromogranin, desmin and S100. On further examination, the neoplastic cells showed focal weak to moderate positivity for CD45, diffuse strong positivity for CD30 and strong positivity for Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK). Diagnosis of ALK positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) was given. The awareness of diffuse strong membrane pattern of staining of CD99 in ALCL will help to avoid misdiagnosis especially in cases with atypical clinical presentations.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Household Preference Level for Seafood in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Thompson Olaniran Anthony
Published: November 2021

Seafood is known worldwide as a very important component of human diet because of its high nutritive value and significance in improving human health. The study examines the factors influencing households’ preference level for seafood and determines the factors inducing the choice of seafood consumption by households in Southwest Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 300 households in Oyo and Lagos States, Southwest Nigeria. Ordered probit regression model was used to examine the factors influencing household preference level for seafood and multinomial logistic model was used to determine the factors inducing the choice of seafood consumed by the households in the study area. The ordered probit model estimation results revealed that access to seafood within 1km – 4km was significant at 5% and positively relates to household preference for seafood. Increase in income of the household will increase the likelihood of having high preference for seafood (14.39%) by the respondents in the study area. Multinomial logistic model results revealed that the education level of the respondents influenced the choice of croaker fish by 12.01% relative to shrimp in the study area. Therefore, the study recommends that seafood marketers should ensure a good distribution network that will enhance its accessibility within one and four kilometers in the study area.
To Study the Association of Total Serum Calcium Level in Assessing the Severity of Pancreatitis
Authors: Kumar V. Lingesh , Sundaram Saravanan
Published: November 2021

Background: Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the pancreas and may also affect other tissues or distant organ. In this study our aim is to see if blood calcium level can be used as a prognostic marker in determining the severity of acute pancreatitis because hypocalcaemia is linked to higher mortality and hospitalization.

Method: A retrospective study was conducted in the medical records department of a tertiary care health facility. A total of 75 participants were included in the research. .demographic details of all patients were collected .Patients above 18 years who presented with of epigastric pain, pre-Diagnosed gallstones, alcoholism were included int this study. The lowest total calcium levels were collected in order to examine total calcium as a predictive factor for severity. All of these information were collected and analyzed to get the appropriate findings.

Results: A total of 75 patients were included in the research. The age of patients in each severity grade did not differ significantly (p value>0.05). The gender distribution of the two groups did not differ. (P >0.05). For mild and severe acute pancreatitis, mean total calcium levels were 7.98 and 6.67, respectively, which was statistically significant (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: The total serum calcium level is a useful indicator for assessing  pancreatitis.
Evaluation of Anti Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Effect of Copper Nanoparticles Synthesised Using Seed Extract of Mucuna pruriens
Authors: Anushya P. , Geetha R. V. , Kumar S. Rajesh
Published: November 2021

Introduction:  Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary area that has brought enormous changes in dentistry. Copper nanoparticle made from plant extract would be an environmental friendly, convenient and dependable way for providing therapeutic agents that are safe, free of side effects and useful for a wide range of diseases. Mucuna pruriens seed extract was selected for our study, due to its due to its anti- bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti- Parkinson, anti-cholesterol and anti- oxidant properties.

Aim: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of Mucuna pruriens, the green synthesis, characterization of CuNPs, and screening of their cytotoxic activity.

Materials and methods: The collection and preparation of Mucuna pruriens extract was done and stored for further use. Synthesis of Cu nanoparticles was done with 30 milli molar of copper (II) sulfate. Centrifugation was done and characterisation of Copper nanoparticles using ultraviolet (UV)-visual spectrophotometer.  Cytotoxic effect and anti-inflammatory activity of copper nanoparticles with Mucuna pruriens seed extract were assessed using Brine Shrimp Assay at 5µL, 10µL, 20µL, 40µL and 80 µL and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) at 5 µL, 10 µL, 20 µL, 30 µL, 50 µL.

Results: The anti inflammatory activity of Copper Nanoparticles with Mucuna pruriens, increased with increase in concentrations. Percentage of inhibition was 17% at 10 µL concentration, 24% at 20 µL, 43% at 30 µL and 54% at 40 µL and highest at 50 µL (71%). Cytotoxicity of Copper Nanoparticles with Mucuna pruriens, at 5 µL concentration there was a death of 10% of nauplii, at 10 µL there was a death of 20% of nauplii, at 20 µL and 40 µL there was a death of 30% of nauplii and at 80 µL there was a death of 40% of nauplii. As the concentration increased, the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles increased.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, it is concluded that Mucuna pruriens mediated Cu Nps can be used as a potential source of anti inflammatory agent and also as an anti cancer drug for the treatment of tumours and cancers.
Evaluation of Lung Functional Status among People Living in Different Type of Housing in Chennai City
Authors: Revathy E. , Sridevi G. , Preetha S.
Published: November 2021

Background: Different housing has its influence on the health of the residents. The high rise apartment is a type of living adapted by people in urban areas of India. It becomes inevitable and poses much convenience and economy without occupying much land area. It is known that the floor of residence is related to the pulmonary function of the individuals.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the lung functional status among the people living in high rise apartments and individual houses in Chennai                               city.

Materials and Methods: The study included 20 healthy individuals, 10 residents from Individual houses and 10 residents from high rise apartments from the 10th to 15th floor. The lung function was measured using RMS Helios 702 spirometer. They were assessed for a lung function test using RMS Helios 702 spirometer. The parameters such as FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, FEF25-75 were assessed, and the statistical test used was independent t test.

Results: The mean of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF 25-75, PEFR were maximum in high rise apartment residents compared to individual house residents. Statistically significant change was observed in the FEF25-75 value among the two groups.

Conclusion: The study concluded an innovative finding that subjects living in high rise apartments showed innovation in finding better lung functions and this may be attributed to the pollution free zone in high floors.
Preparation of Boerhaavia diffusa Mediated Selenium Based Mouthwash-A Comparative Microbial and Cytotoxic Effect
Authors: Arunkumar Pravalika , Geetha R. V. , Kumar S. Rajesh
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The extract of Boerhaavia diffusa root, a plant used in Indian traditional medicine, has significant immunomodulatory Potential. Selenium, a nutrient element that has a massive function in biological systems, is one of the interesting compounds to integrate with antibacterial agents. Recently several studies have pointed out the ability of selenium nanoparticles to exhibit anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial and antibiofilm properties.

Aim: To analyze the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of Boerhaavia diffusa mediated selenium nanoparticles based mouthwash.

Materials and Methods:   1 g of Boerhavia diffusa was added in 100 ml of distilled water. It was boiled; the plant extract was filtered using Whatman’s no.1 filter paper. In 250 ml conical flask, 60 ml of 20 millimolar sodium selenite was prepared and 40 ml of the filtered plant extract was mixed. This flask was kept in a magnetic stirrer. The nanoparticle solution was centrifuged at 8000rpm to prepare nanoparticle pellets. The nanoparticle pellet was dried in a hot air oven at 80 degree celsius. The dried powder was sent for Characterization. A mouthwash is prepared.

The prepared mouthwash was tested for cytotoxic activity by brine shrimp lethality assay and antimicrobial activity evaluated the zone of inhibition of agar well diffusion method.

Results and Discussion: It was proved that cytotoxic activity of selenium bound mouthwash was less compared to the commercial mouthwash. The antibacterial activity of the selenium bound mouthwash against C. albicans and S. mutans was significant when compared to the standard antimicrobial agent.

Conclusion: Based on the results, this mouthwash has the required qualities to be commercially be used. Therefore further studies can be done to prove that this mouthwash can be used commercially.
Clinical Profile of Acute Cerebrovascular Accidents
Authors: Ashwathy R. M. Bala , Deepthi N.
Published: November 2021

Background: Acute cerebrovascular disease or stroke is one of the most leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Due to change in dietary habits and life style factors, there is increase in co-morbid conditions like diabetes and hypertension. This in turn increases the risk for developing stroke.

Aim: To study the cerebrovascular accident patients by analyzing and comparing their clinical profile.

Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in stroke patients. The type of stroke, associated risk factors and prognosis of the patients were studied.

Results: A total of 50 patients were included in the study, for a period of 4 months from January 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021. Both male and female were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 56.86 years. Thrombotic stroke was the most common (50%) followed by embolic and hemorrhagic stroke. Hypertension was the most commonly associated risk factor (80%), followed by diabetes (60%), smoking (52%), dyslipidemia (34%) and alcohol (28%). The comparatively higher incidence of cerebrovascular accidents in age less than 60 years is attributed to the rise in risk factors in the young age (P<0.05). The average duration of hospitalization was 6.58 days. There is no in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion: With prevalence of risk factors on rise, younger individuals are also affected. Proper risk factor management will help in preventing stroke and its recurrence.
Nanocatalyst‐Mediated Chemodynamic Tumor Therapy
Authors: Zhang Lu , Li Chu‐Xin , Wan Shuang‐Shuang , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: November 2021

Traditional tumor treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy, are developed and used to treat different types of cancer. Recently, chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has been emerged as a novel cancer therapeutic strategy. CDT utilizes Fenton or Fenton‐like reaction to generate highly cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) from endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to kill cancer cells, which displays promising therapeutic potentials for tumor treatment. However, the low catalytic efficiency and off‐target side effects of Fenton reaction limit the biomedical application of CDT. In this regard, various strategies are implemented to potentiate CDT against tumor, including retrofitting the tumor microenvironment (e.g., increasing H2O2level, decreasing reductive substances, and reducing pH), enhancing the catalytic efficiency of nanocatalysts, and other strategies. This review aims to summarize the development of CDT and summarize these recent progresses of nanocatalyst‐mediated CDT for antitumor application. The future development trend and challenges of CDT are also discussed.
Ultrahigh Sensitive Au‐Doped Silicon Nanomembrane Based Wearable Sensor Arrays for Continuous Skin Temperature Monitoring with High Precision
Authors: Sang Mingyu , Kang Kyowon , Zhang Yue , Zhang Haozhe , Kim Kiho , Cho Myeongki , Shin Jongwoon , Hong Jung‐Hoon , Kim Taemin , Lee Shin Kyu , Yeo Woon‐Hong , Lee Jung Woo , Lee Taeyoon , Xu Baoxing , Yu Ki Jun
Published: November 2021

Monitoring the body temperature with high accuracy provides a fast, facile, yet powerful route about the human body in a wide range of health information standards. Here, the first ever ultrasensitive and stretchable gold‐doped silicon nanomembrane (Au‐doped SiNM) epidermal temperature sensor array is introduced. The ultrasensitivity is achieved by shifting freeze‐out region to intrinsic region in carrier density and modulation of fermi energy level of p‐type SiNM through the development of a novel gold‐doping strategy. The Au‐doped SiNM is readily transferred onto an ultrathin polymer layer with a well‐designed serpentine mesh structure, capable of being utilized as an epidermal temperature sensor array. Measurements in vivo and in vitro show temperature coefficient of resistance as high as −37270.72 ppm °C−1, 22 times higher than existing metal‐based temperature sensors with similar structures, and one of the highest thermal sensitivity among the inorganic material based temperature sensors. Applications in the continuous monitoring of body temperature and respiration rate during exercising are demonstrated with a successful capture of information. This work lays a foundation for monitoring body temperature, potentially useful for precision diagnosis (e.g., continuous monitoring body temperature in coronavirus disease 2019 cases) and management of disease relevance to body temperature in healthcare.
How level of explanation detail affects human performance in interpretable intelligent systems: A study on explainable fact checking
Authors: Linder Rhema , Mohseni Sina , Yang Fan , Pentyala Shiva K. , Ragan Eric D. , Hu Xia Ben
Published: November 2021

Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) systems aim to provide users with information to help them better understand computational models and reason about why outputs were generated. However, there are many different ways an XAI interface might present explanations, which makes designing an appropriate and effective interface an important and challenging task. Our work investigates how different types and amounts of explanatory information affect user ability to utilize explanations to understand system behavior and improve task performance. The presented research employs a system for detecting the truthfulness of news statements. In a controlled experiment, participants were tasked with using the system to assess news statements as well as to learn to predict the output of the AI. Our experiment compares various levels of explanatory information to contribute empirical data about how explanation detail can influence utility. The results show that more explanation information improves participant understanding of AI models, but the benefits come at the cost of time and attention needed to make sense of the explanation.
A method for the determination of shear viscosity of power–law fluids in a rectangular duct and concentric annulus
Authors: Ayas Mehmet , Skočilas Jan , Jirout Tomaš
Published: November 2021

This work deals with a practical approach for the determination of the rheological parameters of the purely viscous power–law fluids in the rectangular channel and concentric annulus. The rectangular channels with a height to width ratio (aspect ratio) of less than 0.1 and concentric annulus of large aspect ratios are used for the determination of the shear viscosity of the non‐Newtonian fluids. For rectangular channels of aspect ratio greater than 0.1, the determination of the shear viscosity for the power–law model requires two geometrical parameters, according to conventional methods. In this work, a practical method is introduced in order to determine rheological parameters of the power–law fluids for rectangular channels and concentric annulus with the aspect ratios between 0 and 1 using one geometric parameter. The validity of the suggested one‐parameter method is firstly compared with the conventionally used two‐parameter model analytically. Then, verification is carried out by experimental method using slit viscometer and a rectangular channel with an aspect ratio of 0.2. Obtained wall shear rate‐wall shear stress values from both geometries are compared, and finally obtained rheological parameters are verified by numerical methods. It has shown that the suggested method is successful for the determination of shear viscosity, and results reveal that rectangular channels with an aspect ratio greater than 0.1 can be used to obtain rheological parameters for power–law fluids.
Prolonged ketosis and glycosuria secondary to SGLT2 inhibitor therapy
Authors: Bobrowski David , Kumar Reha , Wu Peter E. , Lapointe‐Shaw Lauren
Published: November 2021

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for the pharmacologic activity of SGLT2 inhibitors to persist long after the standard drug clearance period of five half‐lives, the typical duration used to guide pre‐operative medication recommendations.
Circularly polarized luminescence of Eu(III) complexes with chiral 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphtol‐derived bisphosphate ligands
Authors: Mattei Carlo Andrea , Dhbaibi Kais , Lefeuvre Bertrand , Dorcet Vincent , Argouarch Gilles , Cador Olivier , Le Guennic Boris , Maury Olivier , Lalli Claudia , Guy Stéphan , Bensalah‐Ledoux Amina , Riobé François , Baguenard Bruno , Pointillart Fabrice
Published: November 2021

The interest for lanthanide circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has been quickly growing for 10 years. However, very few of these studies have involved correlation between the dissymmetry factor (glum) and the chemical modifications in a series of chiral ligands. Four polymeric compounds of Eu(III) were prepared by using a series of binaphtyl derivatives for which the size of the π system as well as the number of stereogenic elements (i.e., the binaphtyl moiety) are modulated. The resulting {[Eu(hfac)3((S)/(R)‐Lx)]}n (x = 1 and 3) and {[Eu(hfac)3((S,S,S)/(R,R,R)‐Lx)]}n (x = 2 and 4) have been characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction by comparison with the X‐ray structures on single crystal of the Dy(III) analogs. In solution, the structure of the complexes is deeply modified and becomes monomeric. The nature of the ligand induces change in the shape of the CPL spectra in CH2Cl2 solution. Furthermore, a large |glum| = 0.12 of the magnetic‐dipole transition for the [Eu(hfac)3((S,S,S)/(R,R,R)‐L2)] complex involving the ligand with three stereogenic elements and an extended 𝜋 system has been measured. This report also shows CPL measurements in solid state for the series of {[Eu(hfac)3((S)/(R)‐Lx)]}n (x = 1 and 3) and {[Eu(hfac)3((S,S,S)/(R,R,R)‐Lx)]}n (x = 2 and 4) polymers.
Metabolism of third generation synthetic cannabinoids using zebrafish larvae
Authors: Morales‐Noé Asunción , Esteve‐Turrillas Francesc A. , Armenta Sergio
Published: November 2021

Synthetic cannabinoids are the second largest group of new psychoactive substances reported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the last decade and case reports bring attention to its high potency effects and its severe toxicity, including fatalities. Moreover, synthetic cannabinoids are usually entirely metabolized and metabolic pathways for many new generation synthetic cannabinoids are still unknown. In this study, the metabolism of five third generation synthetic cannabinoids was evaluated using zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae as 24‐h in vivo model studied within 5 days after fertilization. The studied synthetic cannabinoids were MMB‐CHMICA, ADB‐CHMICA, ADB‐CHMINACA, MDMB‐CHMCZCA, and NNL‐3, and the respective metabolites were identified by liquid chromatography‐high resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Eleven, six, fourteen, eleven, and four metabolites were identified for MMB‐CHMICA, ADB‐CHMICA, ADB‐CHMINACA, MDMB‐CHMCZCA, and NNL‐3, respectively, and metabolic pathways have been proposed. The use of zebrafish larvae, with a high degree of physiological and genetic homology to humans, is an emerging tool very useful for the identification of metabolic pathways of psychoactive substances. Results obtained in this study compared well with metabolites obtained previously for the same target molecules or structural analogous after in vitro incubation with human or rat hepatocytes. Thus, potential biomarkers for the evaluated compounds are the O‐demethylated metabolite for MMB‐CHMICA; the oxidative deamination to hydroxyl metabolite for ADB‐CHMICA; hydroxyl metabolites at cyclohexylmethyl, tert‐butyl, and indazole moieties for ADB‐CHMINACA; hydroxyl metabolites at carbazole core, tert‐butyl, or cyclohexylmethyl tail moieties for MDMB‐CHMCZCA; and amide hydrolyzed, defluorinated, and dihydroxilated metabolite for NNL‐3.
Biogeography of curimatid fishes reveals multiple lowland–upland river transitions and differential diversification in the Neotropics (Teleostei, Curimatidae)
Authors: Melo Bruno F. , Albert James S. , Dagosta Fernando C. P. , Tagliacollo Victor A.
Published: November 2021

The Neotropics harbors a megadiverse ichthyofauna comprising over 6300 species with approximately 80% in just three taxonomic orders within the clade Characiphysi. This highly diverse group has evolved in tropical South America over tens to hundreds of millions of years influenced mostly by re‐arrangements of river drainages in lowland and upland systems. In this study, we investigate patterns of spatial diversification in Neotropical freshwater fishes in the family Curimatidae, a species‐rich clade of the order Characiformes. Specifically, we examined ancestral areas, dispersal events, and shifts in species richness using spatially explicit biogeographic and macroevolutionary models to determine whether lowlands–uplands serve as museums or cradles of diversification for curimatids. We used fossil information to estimate divergence times in BEAST, multiple time‐stratified models of geographic range evolution in BioGeoBEARS, and alternative models of geographic state‐dependent speciation and extinction in GeoHiSSE. Our results suggest that the most recent common ancestor of curimatids originated in the Late Cretaceous likely in lowland paleodrainages of northwestern South America. Dispersals from lowland to upland river basins of the Brazilian and Guiana shields occurred repeatedly across independently evolving lineages in the Cenozoic. Colonization of upland drainages was often coupled with increased rates of net diversification in species‐rich genera such as Cyphocharax and Steindachnerina. Our findings demonstrate that colonization of novel aquatic environments at higher elevations is associated with an increased rate of diversification, although this pattern is clade‐dependent and driven mostly by allopatric speciation. Curimatids reinforce an emerging perspective that Amazonian lowlands act as a museum by accumulating species along time, whereas the transitions to uplands stimulate higher net diversification rates and lineage diversification.
Beyond the light effect: How hydrologic and geomorphologic stream features control microbial distribution across pool sequences in a temperate headwater stream
Authors: Ouellet Valerie , Daniels Melinda D. , Peipoch Marc , Zgleszewski Laura , Watson Nathan , Gibson Emma , Krause Stefan , Kan Jin Jun
Published: November 2021

Microbial community composition varies across stream habitats. However, there is little understanding of how varying hydraulic and geomorphic factors influence microbial distribution along a succession of pools. This study examines how substrate, geomorphological and hydraulic habitat variables may drive bacterial community composition within different stream pool habitats of a temperate headwater stream. Microbial community structures from rock biofilm and sediment samples within each of the 10 selected stream pools of White Clay Creek, PA, were determined by high‐throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The grain size distribution, organic matter content, streamflow velocity, temperature regime and morphology of each pool were quantified to characterize the pool habitats' variability. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the microbial community composition linked to the substrate's stability within the pool units. Indeed, soft and more mobile sediments were dominated by heterotrophic bacteria, while photosynthetic microorganisms (e.g., microalgae and cyanobacteria) were mainly found on rock biofilm. The difference in the distribution of bacterial communities can be explained by variations in the local hydraulic (i.e., depth and velocity) and the thermal conditions (daily fluctuation, min and max). These results highlight the geomorphological and hydrologic drivers for small‐scale diversity in bacterial communities and provide a better understanding of how maintaining and promoting variability in streambed physical properties may enhance microbial diversity. Better integration of these drivers into stream restoration practices will allow the inclusion of microorganisms, the trophic levels that are usually overlooked but still play critical roles in stream ecology.
Long‐term capital gains taxes and stock prices: Evidence from India
Authors: Fallah Mohammadali , Kadapakkam Palani‐Rajan
Published: November 2021

Prior studies of the relevance of long‐term capital gains for stock prices rely on the evidence from the 1997 tax cut in the United States. The key component of the tax‐sensitive ownership in these studies is individual ownership; its average is reported to be as high as 66.7%. The sharp increase in institutional ownership over the last two decades to more than 80% and the concomitant decline in individual ownership raises the question of whether taxes on long‐term capital gains are still relevant for stock prices. We examine stock price responses to the 2018 increase in the long‐term capital gains tax rate in India, a market where individual stock ownership is only 18.5%. Overall, the evidence provides strong support for the continued relevance of long‐term capital gains taxes for stock prices despite individual investors accounting for only a small portion of the stock ownership.
Low‐level light pre‐conditioning promotes C2C12 myoblast differentiation under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Yan Min , Wu Mei X.
Published: November 2021

Exercise, especially anaerobic one, can gradually increase muscle mass over time as a result of adaptive responses of muscle cells to ensure metabolic homeostasis in the tissue. Low‐level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation exhibits beneficial effects on promoting muscular functions, regeneration, and recovery from exhausting exercise, although the underlying cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We found that hypoxia, a condition following anaerobic exercise, significantly impeded myotube differentiation from myoblasts. However, this adverse effect was blunted greatly by pre‐exposure of myoblast cells to a 980 nm laser at 0.1 J/cm2, resulting in almost nearly normal myotube differentiation. LLL pre‐treatment enhanced myotube formation by 80%, with a tubular diameter of 4.28 ± 0.11 μm on average, representative of a 53.4% increase over sham light treatment. The normalized myoblast differentiation concurred with 68% more mitochondrial mass and myogenin expression over controls. Moreover, LLL pre‐treatment appeared to enhance glucose uptake, prevent energy metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis, and diminish lactate production under hypoxic conditions. The observation provides valuable guidance with respect to the timing of LLLT and its potential effects on muscle strengths in concert with anaerobic exercise.
Evaluation of analytic and clinical performance of two immunoassays for detecting thyroid‐stimulating receptor antibody in the diagnosis of Graves’ disease
Authors: Hu Yao , Ni Jiajin , Cen Yi , Zhang Buyue , Wu Wenqing , Cheng Wei , Huang Mingying , Guan Ming
Published: November 2021

Objective

To evaluate the analytical and clinical performance of two immunoassays for diagnosis of Graves’ disease (GD), the Immulite thyroid‐stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI), and Elecsys Anti‐TSH receptor (TSHR) assay.

Methods

Precision and analytical measurement range were assessed using pooled samples of patients. The comparison between the two methods was evaluated using 579 clinical samples, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn using the final diagnosis as reference. Clinical sensitivity and specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for the two tests.

Results

The repeatability and intermediate imprecision coefficient of variation (CV%) of the TSI assay were 3.8% and 4.1% at 0.95 IU/L, and 3.5% and3.6% at 19.5 IU/L, respectively. The assays were linear over a range 0.27–38.5 IU/L. There was a high correlation between the quantitative results of the two methods (correlation coefficient r = 0.930). The cut‐off value obtained by ROC analysis for TSI assay was 0.7 IU/L with sensitivity of 93.7% and specificity of 85.1%. An overall qualitative agreement of 91.5% between two methods was observed. Among 44 patients with discordant qualitative results, the TSI assay provided more satisfactory results consistent with clinical diagnoses.

Conclusion

The TSI assay showed excellent analytical performance and provided a high PPV for GD.
Multiscale modelling of lubrication between rough surfaces: Application to gas lubrication
Authors: Brunetière Noël , Francisco Arthur
Published: November 2021

Calculating the flow of a film of lubricant between rough surfaces by solving the Reynolds equation requires a very fine mesh to capture the details of the topography and is thus very time consuming. In the present paper, a multiscale method is proposed. The domain is divided into an appropriate number of subdomains on which deterministic simulations are performed. The results of this microscale solution are coupled at the macroscale by employing a macromesh on which a mass flow balance is implemented. This method has already been successfully applied to liquid lubrication and is extended to gas lubrication. A significant reduction in computation time is obtained compared to a fully deterministic solution. The calculation of the load is also accurate.
Synthesis of Biologically Decomposable Terpolymer Nanocapsules and Higher‐Order Nanoassemblies Using RCMP‐PISA
Authors: Sarkar Jit , Lim Ying Faye , Goto Atsushi
Published: November 2021

Terpolymers are used to generate bio‐decomposable self‐assemblies. PEG‐PVL‐PGMA terpolymers are synthesized via a combination of organocatalyzed living radical polymerization (RCMP) with polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA), generating vesicle, multicompartment micelle (MCM), and core‐compartmentalized worm (CCW), where PEG, PVL, and PGMA are poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether, poly(δ‐valerolactone), and poly(glycidyl methacrylate) and PGMA is grown during the PISA. MCM and CCW are uniquely obtainable using terpolymers. The PVL segment is biodegradable, and the obtained assemblies are bio‐decomposable. Heavy metal‐free and sulfur‐free synthesis and bio‐decomposability of the assemblies are attractive features.
Impact of caloric prescriptions and degree of malnutrition on incidence of refeeding syndrome and clinical outcomes in patients with eating disorders: A retrospective review
Authors: Schlapfer Leslie , Fujimoto Akane , Gettis Margaret
Published: November 2021

Background

For individuals with eating disorders (EDs), medical stabilization is paramount for restoration of body weight. Careful nutritional rehabilitation minimizes risk of refeeding syndrome. Study's purpose: describe clinical outcomes of pediatric/adolescent patients with EDs treated with lower calorie (<1300 kcals/day, n = 137), higher calorie (≥1400 kcals/day, n = 154) diets.

Methods

Retrospective chart reviews conducted for patients with known/suspected EDs. Inclusion: patients ages 12–21 years with anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS), atypical anorexia nervosa (AtAN). Exclusion: patients with other EDs, co‐morbid medical conditions. Demographic information, length of stay, anthropometrics, prior weight loss were recorded. Malnutrition classifications based on: %mBMI, BMI z‐score, prior weight loss percentage. Laboratory data, electrolyte supplementations were collected. Initial calorie intake/calorie intake day 7 were recorded.

Results

No significant differences in age, admit weight, BMI, BMI z‐score, %mBMI at admission, weight gain between the two groups. Six (4.4%) patients in lower calorie group, 4 (2.6%) in higher calorie group met criteria for severe refeeding syndrome based on ASPEN consensus recommendations (P = .52). Higher calorie group length of stay was significantly shorter than lower calorie group (P = .006). Shorter length of stay associated with increased calorie intake (P < .001), greater %mBMI (P < .001). Higher calorie prescriptions were not associated with different rates of hypomagnesia (P = 1) and hypokalemia (P = .34). There was significant increase in rate of hypophosphatemia in the lower calorie group versus the higher calorie group.

Conclusion

Higher calorie diets were associated with decreased length of stay without impacting risk of refeeding syndrome.
Skeletal muscle radiodensity and cancer outcomes: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Scopel Poltronieri Taiara , de Paula Nathália Silva , Chaves Gabriela Villaça
Published: November 2021

Patients with cancer are more prone to experience myosteatosis than healthy individuals. The aim of this review was to summarize the methodologies applied for low skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) assessment in oncology patients, as well as to describe the major findings related to SMD and cancer outcomes. This scoping review included studies that were published until November 2020 in English, Portuguese, or Spanish; were performed in humans diagnosed with cancer, adult and/or elderly, of both sexes; investigated SMD through computed tomography of the region between the third and fifth lumbar vertebrae, considering at least two muscular groups; and evaluated clinical and/or surgical outcomes. Eighty‐eight studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 37,583 patients). Survival was the most evaluated outcome. Most studies reported a significant association between low SMD and unfavorable outcomes. However, this relationship was not clear for survival, antineoplastic treatment, and surgical complications, potentially because of the unstandardized approaches for the assessment of SMD and inadequate study design. Future studies should address these issues to provide an in‐depth understanding of the clinical relevance of SMD in cancer outcomes as well as how SMD is influenced by individuals and tumor‐related characteristics in patients with cancer.
An improved exponential stability analysis method for discrete‐time systems with a time‐varying delay
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Rui , Du Shengli , Li Te
Published: November 2021

Exponential stability analysis of discrete‐time nonlinear systems with a time‐varying delay is concerned in this article. The main contribution of this article lies in proposing an improved stability analysis method called a delay‐mode‐based functional method. The improved method is presented by weakening a condition in the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method. With the help of the new method, less conservative exponential stability criteria of discrete‐time linear systems with a time‐varying delay are obtained and two classical examples are given to show that the delay‐mode‐based functional method is effective.
Preparation, Characterization and Immobilization of Ag‐Doped ZnO‐Nanorods into Ca and Cu Alginate Beads and Their Application in the Photodegradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Aydin Evrim Baran
Published: November 2021

The ZnO nanorod (NR) structures used as photocatalyst in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye were synthesized by the hydrothermal method and doped with Ag using the chemical precipitation method. The results of Field Emission‐Scanning Electron Microscopes (FE‐SEM) showed that after the heat treatment, ZnO nanoplate structures were broken, leaving only hexagonal ZnO‐NR structures and Ag nanoparticles with a diameter of approximately 92 nm occurred on the ZnO‐NR surface as a result of Ag doping. The results of X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) revealed that pure hexagonal ZnO crystals and face‐centered cubic Ag structures were present. The data showed that the photodegradation efficiency for 20 mg/L methylene blue (MB) dye without H2O2 reached 98 % at 300th minute and 100 % after 60 minutes in the presence of H2O2. The results showed that the Ag‐Doped ZnO‐NR structures immobilized into Ca and Cu alginate beads provide the high photocatalytic removal efficiency in the presence of H2O2 in a short time.
Voraussetzungen in Perspektivklärungsgruppen – damit ein kindgerechter Aufenthalt gelingt
Authors: Dalügge Sascha , Walther Jenni , Schratz Johanna , Großheinrich Nicola
Published: November 2021

Perspektivklärungsgruppen der stationären Kinder- und Jugendhilfe müssen sowohl eine tragfähige Einschätzung für den weiteren Lebensweg der Kinder und Jugendlichen entwickeln, Krisen bewältigen als auch zum Gelingen der kindlichen Entwicklung beitragen. In dieser Studie wurden Einschätzungen zu gegenwärtigen Voraussetzungen für die Arbeit in diesen Gruppen, den Prozess der Perspektivklärung und der Lebenssituation der Kinder und Jugendlichen aus Sicht der Mitarbeiter*innen gewonnen. Es zeigte sich Nachbesserungsbedarf im Umgang mit psychisch und sexuell auffällig geltendem Verhalten der Kinder und in der Vernetzung der am Hilfesystem Beteiligten. Zudem wurde offensichtlich, dass Kinder und Jugendliche am Prozess der Perspektivklärung nicht ausreichend beteiligt sind. Veränderungen im Sinne der Kinder und Jugendlichen, aber auch der Fachkräfte sollten angestrebt werden.
CXCL12 May Drive Inflammatory Potential in the Ovine Corpus Luteum During Implantation
Authors: McIntosh Stacia Z. , Quinn Kelsey E. , Ashley Ryan L.
Published: November 2021

Adequate corpus luteum (CL) function is paramount to successful pregnancy. Structural and functional CL integrity is controlled by diverse cell types that contribute and respond to the local cytokine milieu. The chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and receptor, CXCR4, are modulators of inflammation and cell survival, but little is understood about CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and CL functional regulation. Corpora lutea from control nonpregnant ewes (n = 5; day 10 estrous cycle (D10C)) and pregnant ewes (n = 5/day) on days 20 (D20P) and 30 (D30P) post-breeding were analyzed for gene and protein expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, and select inflammatory cytokines. In separate cell culture studies, cytokine production was evaluated following CXCL12 treatment. Abundance of CXCL12 and CXCR4 increased (P < 0.05) in pregnant ewes compared to nonpregnant ewes, as determined by a combination of quantitative PCR, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence microscopy. CXCR4 was detected in steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic cells in ovine CL, and select pro-inflammatory mediators were greater in CL from pregnant ewes. In vitro studies revealed greater abundance of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) following CXCL12 administration (P = 0.05), while P4 levels in cell media were unchanged. Fully functional CL of pregnant ewes is characterized by increased abundance of inflammatory cytokines which may function in a luteotropic manner. We report concurrent increases in CXCL12, CXCR4, and select inflammatory mediators in ovine CL as early pregnancy progresses. We propose CXCL12 stimulates production of select cytokines, rather than P4 in the CL to assist in CL establishment and survival.
Myometrial smooth muscle cells spillage during open myomectomy: Is it True or a myth?
Authors: Giambanco L. , Iannone V. , Messina D. , Borriello M. , D'Amico F.
Published: November 2021

Background

Uncontained morcellation of myoma during laparoscopic surgery has been discouraged because of unknown malignancy. Even the safety of contained morcellation has been questioned because muscle cells have been detected in washings obtained during laparoscopic procedures. The possibility of myoma cell dissemination has been observed in open abdominal surgery, even after hysterectomy. Thus myomectomy would be unsafe from an oncological point of view, regardless of surgical approach.

Methods

This is an observational cohort study involving 30 patients who underwent open abdominal myomectomy. Peritoneal abdominal washings were obtained two times during the open abdominal myomectomy: before uterus incision and after the myomectomy itself. Cytological, cell block, and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed.

Results

All washings obtained immediately after abdominal peritoneal cavity opening were negative for fibroid cells. Both the first and second washings were free of myoma cells. Cytologic evaluation did not reveal any smooth muscle cells. The results of desmin and smooth muscle actin staining, performed on the pre- and post-myomectomy samples, were negative.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated, for the first time to our knowledge, that there is no dissemination of myoma cells during conservative abdominal surgery. It could represent an additional oncological safety. Further data are needed.
The Italian Renaissance and the Origins of the Modern Humanities
Authors: Celenza Christopher S.
Published: November 2021

Christopher Celenza is one of the foremost contemporary scholars of the Renaissance. His ambitious new book focuses on the body of knowledge which we now call the humanities, charting its roots in the Italian Renaissance and exploring its development up to the Enlightenment. Beginning in the fifteenth century, the author shows how thinkers like Lorenzo Valla and Angelo Poliziano developed innovative ways to read texts closely, paying attention to historical context, developing methods to determine a text's authenticity, and taking the humanities seriously as a means of bettering human life. Alongside such novel reading practices, technology – the invention of printing with moveable type – fundamentally changed perceptions of truth. Celenza also reveals how luminaries like Descartes, Diderot, and D'Alembert – as well as many lesser-known scholars – challenged traditional ways of thinking. Celenza's authoritative narrative demonstrates above all how the work of the early modern humanist philosophers had a profound impact on the general quest for human wisdom. His magisterial volume will be essential reading for all those who value the humanities and their fascinating history.