bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of family cohesion on life satisfaction
Authors: Smailović Semrija , Mavrić Mina
Published: March 2022

The research was conducted with the aim of indicating whether the independent variables - gender of respondents, age, school attendance, material status and employment of parents are decisive, in terms of the impact of family cohesion on youth life satisfaction. The research was conducted in Novi Pazar on a sample of 200 adolescents in three high schools. The sample includes female respondents (43%), male respondents (57%) aged 15 to 18, the different material status of the family, school success and structure based on parental employment. In accordance with the problem and the goals of the research, the following measuring instruments were applied:" Life satisfaction scale which consists of 20 items. Seventeen items refer to the assessment of global satisfaction, while three items are used to assess situational satisfaction" - (Zvjezdan Penezić, 1996). "The scale was created by including the scale of life satisfaction (Satisfaction With Life, Larsen et al., 1985) and consists of 5 items of the scale of general satisfaction (Benzinović, 1988) consisting of 7 items, 5 items from the scale of positive attitudes towards life (Positive Attitudes Toward Life)". , Grave, 1995), and 3 items from the Life Enjoyment Scale for assessing situational satisfaction (Joyin Life Scale, Grave, 1995):" FACES IV Scale designed to assess the dimensions of family cohesion and family flexibility "(Olson, Gorall, & Tiesel, 2006). FACES IV contains 62 items, 42 items from FACES IV, 10 on family communication and 10 on family satisfaction. FACES IV measures the dimensions of family cohesion and family flexibility: A personal data questionnaire designed for research purposes will contain questions related to general data on respondents (gender, school performance, age, parental employment, family material standard). For data processing and determining the degree of expression of basic research variables used are: descriptive statistics techniques-arithmetic mean and standard deviation, and inference statistics through correlative techniques to determine the degree and direction of correlation of independent and dependent variables (Pearson correlation coefficient) as well as t-test and analysis of variance, to determine the significance of differences between arithmetic means.
Acquisition of real estate by foreigners in the comparative law
Authors: Bećirović-Alić Maida
Published: March 2022

Acquisition of real estate is an inexhaustible topic that is always current, and the issue that additionally actualizes it is the right of foreigners to acquire real estate in a certain country. The main purpose of this brief article is to explore the legal structure and the procedure of purchasing real estate in comparative law through the analysis of existing laws that regulate the manner of acquiring property rights on immovable property, inter vivos and mortis causa.
Covid-19: The great reset for SMEs and their businesses
Authors: Plazinić Aleksandra , Božić Mitar
Published: March 2022

SMEs in Serbia are significant players of the Serbian economy that create value and also drive innovation in different industries. However, this sector needs to understand the driving forces of the market and how the economy works within a changed agenda. Within the new COVID19 pandemic, SMEs are facing many obstacles and opportunities for diverse growth, within the current challenging environment. The new terms impacted SMEs and they are fighting battles on multiple fronts, including changing customer patterns, manpower shortages, work organization, new communication tools, and relations with the customers, among others. Further, the changed communications strategy with measurable outputs is needed to reestablish new functional channels with all the stakeholders along the way, as a prerequisite for sustainability and success. Also, employee motivation with new competencies and skills within a changed work organization are important factors that require to be effectively and quickly addressed. In addition, automation and digitalization are SMEs' trump cards and this sector needs to be a driver of the change.
… And then there was COVID!
Authors:   Centre for Health Science Education, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, McInerney P A
Published: March 2022

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Using log diaries to examine the activities of final-year medical students at decentralised training platforms of four South African universities
Authors:   Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Division of Rural Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Dreyer A , Rispel L ,   Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Division of Rural Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Published: March 2022

Background. An important strategy in the transformation and scaling up of medical education is the inclusion and utilisation of decentralised training platforms (DTPs). Objective. In light of the dearth of research on the activities of medical students at DTPs, the purpose of this study was to determine how final-year medical students spent their time during the integrated primary care (IPC) rotation at a DTP. Methods. The study was conducted at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and Walter Sisulu University (WSU). At each of the participating universities, a voluntary group of final-year medical students completed a log diary by entering all activities for a period of 1 week during the IPC rotation. The log diary contained five activity codes: clinical time teaching time, skill time, community time and free time, with each subdivided into additional categories. The data were analysed for students at each university separately, using frequencies and proportions. Results. A total of 60 students volunteered to complete the diaries: at WSU n=21; UKZN n=11; Wits n=18; and SMU n=10. At each university, students reported that they spent large amounts of time on clinical activities: WSU=46.0%; UKZN=33.8%; Wits=29.6%; and SMU=44.1%. They reported low amounts of time spent on community-based activities: WSU 0.8%; UKZN 7.6%; Wits 6.8%; and SMU 0.0%. Conclusion. Students reported that they spent a sizeable proportion of their time on clinical activities, while reported time spent on community-based activities was negligible. The transformation potential of DTPs will only be realised when students spend more time on community-based activities.
795-nm high-temperature and high-power operating vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser and application in atomic gyroscope
Authors: Zhou Yin-Li , Jia Yu-Chen , Zhang Xing , Zhang Jian-Wei , Liu Zhan-Chao , Ning Yong-Qiang , Wang Li-Jun ,   State Key Laboratory of Luminescence and Applications, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130033, China,   Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China,   Ace Photonics, Co., Ltd., Changchun 130102, China
Published: March 2022

Single-transverse mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are preferable optical sources for small low-power atomic sensors, including chip-scale atomic clocks, magnetometers, and gyroscopes.When VCSEL is used as the pump source of nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope, it is required to have high single-mode output power. Oxide aperture diameter must be sufficiently small (< 4 µm) in a conventional oxide-confined VCSEL to support the fundamental mode alone. However, high series resistance (typically > 200 Ω for GaAs-based VCSEL) from the small aperture limits its output power and reliability due to excessive current-induced self-heating and high current density. It is a very attractive idea to achieve high power operation of an intrinsic single mode VCSEL based on a large oxide aperture by means of epitaxial structure design without introducing additional process steps. Transverse optical confinement in oxide-confined VCSELs crucially depends on the thickness of oxide layer and its position relative to standing wave. Modifying the structure reduces the overlap between the oxide layer and the standing wave as well as the difference in effective refractive index between core and cladding of the VCSEL, thereby reducing the number of transverse modes andincreasing the mode extension beyond oxide aperture. A 795-nm VCSEL is designed and fabricated based on this concept. A cavity structure of VCSEL with gain-cavity detuning of ~10.8 nm at room temperature is adopted in this paper. The effective refractive index and the standing wave distribution of the VCSEL are calculated, and the position of the oxide layer in the epitaxial structure of the VCSEL is optimized according to the standing wave distribution. Finally, the structure with low effective refractive index difference is obtained. The proposed device achieves high single-mode operation of 4.1 mW at 80 ℃, SMSR of 41.68 dB, and OPSR of 27.4 dB. The VCSEL is applied to a nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope (NMRG) system as pump source due to its excellent device performance, and satisfactory test results are obtained. This paper presents a new method of designing single-mode high power VCSEL and its feasibility is also demonstrated through experimental results.
Common coupling map advances GPCR-G protein selectivity
Authors: Hauser Alexander S , Avet Charlotte , Normand Claire , Mancini Arturo , Inoue Asuka , Bouvier Michel , Gloriam David E
Published: March 2022

Two-thirds of human hormones and one-third of clinical drugs act on membrane receptors that couple to G proteins to achieve appropriate functional responses. While G protein transducers from literature are annotated in the Guide to Pharmacology database, two recent large-scale datasets now expand the receptor-G protein ‘couplome’. However, these three datasets differ in scope and reported G protein couplings giving different coverage and conclusions on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-G protein signaling. Here, we report a common coupling map uncovering novel couplings supported by both large-scale studies, the selectivity/promiscuity of GPCRs and G proteins, and how the co-coupling and co-expression of G proteins compare to the families from phylogenetic relationships. The coupling map and insights on GPCR-G protein selectivity will catalyze advances in receptor research and cellular signaling toward the exploitation of G protein signaling bias in design of safer drugs.
Transcriptomics analysis of field-droughted pear (Pyrus spp.) reveals potential drought stress genes and metabolic pathways
Authors: Yang Sheng , Bai Mudan , Hao Guowei , Guo Huangping , Fu Baochun
Published: March 2022

Drought acts as a major abiotic stress that hinders plant growth and crop productivity. It is critical, as such, to discern the molecular response of plants to drought in order to enhance agricultural yields under droughts as they occur with increasing frequency. Pear trees are among the most crucial deciduous fruit trees worldwide, and yet the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in field-grown pear remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed the differences in transcriptome profiles of pear leaves, branches, and young fruits in irrigationvsfield-drought conditions over the growing seasons. In total, 819 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) controlling drought response were identified, among which 427 DEGs were upregulated and 392 DEGs were downregulated. Drought responsive genes were enriched significantly in monoterpenoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and diterpenoid biosynthesis. Fourteen phenylpropanoid, five flavonoid, and four monoterpenoid structural genes were modulated by field drought stress, thereby indicating the transcriptional regulation of these metabolic pathways in fruit exposed to drought. A total of 4,438 transcription factors (TFs) belonging to 30 TF families were differentially expressed between drought and irrigation, and such findings signal valuable information on transcriptome changes in response to drought. Our study revealed that pear trees react to drought by modulating several secondary metabolic pathways, particularly by stimulating the production of phenylpropanoids as well as volatile organic compounds like monoterpenes. Our findings are of practical importance for agricultural breeding programs, while the resulting data is a resource for improving drought tolerance through genetic engineering of non-model, but economically important, perennial plants.
The use of electromyography and kinematic measurements of the lumbar spine during ergonomic intervention among workers of the production line of a foundry
Authors: Błaszczyk Anna , Ogurkowska Małgorzata B.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Workers who perform repetitive movements are exposed to many risk factors leading to the occurrence of lumbar back pain. The aim of the research was to answer the question whether the ergonomic instruction conducted by a physiotherapist would change the tested range of motion of the segments of lumbar spine and the symmetry of the work of the torso and upper limbs muscles during work performed by foundry employees.

Methods

The study included 12 foundry production line workers with musculoskeletal pain. The workstation was built in the laboratory that perfectly simulates work on the production line. The workers performed two activities from their daily work, i.e. transferring and moving a casting. They were then given ergonomic instruction by a physiotherapist and performed the assigned tasks again. During the activities, the electromyographic signal from five muscles was recorded in terms of symmetry of their work. The maximum angular ranges of the motor segments of the lumbar spine were measured using gyroscopes.

Results

After the ergonomic instruction, the contralateral imbalance of muscle activity decreased statistically significantly during the first phase (p = 0.0004), second phase (p = 0.0002) and the third phase (p = 0.0069) of transferring the casting. While moving the casting , only erector spinae showed statistically significantly (p = 0.0131) more symmetrical work after the ergonomic instruction. During the transfer of the casting, statistically significantly lower values of the ranges of motion between the segments were obtained after carrying out the ergonomic instruction for the left (p = 0.0231) and right (p = 0.0032) lateral flexion. The ranges of movement between the segments differed statistically significantly for the flexion (p = 0.0117), extension (p = 0.0469) and left (p = 0.0031) and right lateral flexion movements (p = 0.0012).

Conclusion

Conducting ergonomic instruction consisting in teaching the correct performance of a movement task reduced the contralateral imbalance of muscle activity and changes the ranges of movement of L1-S1 segments. The task of optimizing the load on the musculoskeletal system, including the lumbar spine, should be carried out by means of appropriate ergonomic instruction and multi-pronged measures, including analysis of the health of employees, their working environment and physical activity outside the workplace. Electromyography and measurements of the range of movement of the lumbar spine appear to be good tools for the evaluation of workplace ergonomics.
Mental Health Service Utilization and Psychological Help-Seeking Preferences Among Canadian Muslims
Authors: Zia Belal , Abdulrazaq Shahad , Mackenzie Corey S.
Published: March 2022

Muslims in Canada may have unmet psychological service needs, but little is known about their past use of, and future preferences for, mental health services. We addressed this gap with an online survey of 238 Canadian Muslims. Analyses investigated differences in intentions to seek support from various informal and formal sources. A majority (65%) of the sample reported at least moderate levels of current distress but only 48.7% sought professional treatment in their lifetimes. Participants preferred dealing with future psychological concerns themselves or with friends/family, closely followed by professional help. Imams were the least preferred source of support.
Predictive functional control for challenging dynamic processes using a simple prestabilization strategy
Authors: Aftab Muhammad Saleheen , Rossiter John Anthony
Published: March 2022

Predictive functional control (PFC) is a straightforward and cheap model‐based technique for systematic control of well‐damped open‐loop processes. Nevertheless, its oversimplified design characteristics are often the cause of diminished efficacy in more challenging applications; processes involving lightly damped and/or unstable dynamics have been particularly difficult to control with PFC. This paper presents a more sustainable solution for such applications by integrating the concept of prestabilization within the predictive functional control formulation. This is essentially a two‐stage synthesis wherein the undesirable open‐loop dynamics are first compensated, using a well‐understood classical approach such as proportional integral derivative (PID), before implementing predictive control in a cascade structure. The proposal, although comes with significant implications for tuning and constraint handling, is, nonetheless, straightforward and provides improved closed‐loop control in the presence of external perturbations compared to the standard PFC and the PID algorithms, as demonstrated with two industrial case studies.
Assessment of the Solidification Cracking Susceptibility of Welding Consumables in the Varestraint Test by Means of an Extended Evaluation Methodology
Authors: Kromm Arne , Thomas Maximilian , Kannengiesser Thomas , Gibmeier Jens , Vollert Florian
Published: March 2022

Various test methods are available for assessing the susceptibility of materials to solidification cracking during welding. In the widely used Varestraint test, the crack length is selected as a criterion as a function of the applied bending strain. Unfortunately, the crack length does not characterize the material behavior alone but depends to varying degrees on the individual test parameters used, which makes the interpretation of the results difficult. In addition, the crack length is not comparable under different test conditions. To overcome these disadvantages, we have developed a novel evaluation methodology that decouples the machine influence from the material behavior. The measured crack length is related to the maximum possible value specified by welding speed and deformation time. This relative crack length is calculated numerically, considering the orientation of the cracks. Experiments on two high‐alloy martensitic welding consumables show that, in contrast to the conventional evaluation, a comparison of different welding parameters becomes possible. Furthermore, the strain rate proved to be a suitable crack criterion in agreement with Prokhorov's hot cracking model.
Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Enantioselective Desymmetrization of 1,4‐Dihydropyridines by C(sp3)−H Bromination
Authors: Han Min , Zhang Shi‐qi , Cui Xin , Wang Qi‐wei , Li Guang‐xun , Tang Zhuo
Published: March 2022

Described herein is the enantioselective synthesis of Hantzsch‐type 1,4‐dihydropyridines (DHPs), which are frequently contained in pharmaceuticals. Readily available symmetrical 1,4‐DHPs were used as substrates, and the methyl group at the 2‐ or 6‐position of the 1,4‐DHP was selectively monobrominated by desymmetrizing enantioselective bromination. The inert C−H bond was converted into a versatile C−Br bond, which guaranteed the modification of the chiral 1,4‐DHP derivatives with high efficiency. Furthermore, axially chiral 4‐aryl pyridines were accessible by central‐to‐axial chirality conversion.
Diagnosing gastrointestinal stromal tumors: The utility of fine‐needle aspiration cytology versus biopsy
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Renberg Sara , Papakonstantinou Andri , Haglund de Flon Felix
Published: March 2022

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are mesenchymal tumors in the intestinal tract originating from a precursor to the interstitial cells of Cajal, which plays a role in gastric motility. The preoperative diagnosis of GIST may be very important for the surgical approach or the need for neoadjuvant treatment and is often done in conjunction with molecular testing.

Design

GISTs diagnosed in Stockholm between 1999 and 2019 with biopsy and/or fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) material were included. Clinical and tumor characteristics, as well as sample representability, ancillary techniques, diagnostic accuracy, and time to diagnosis, were categorized and compared.

Results

We identified 460 diagnostic samples from 347 patients, consisting of 212 biopsies and 248 FNAs. FNA cytology had a significantly (p < 0.05) better sample representability (92% vs. 77%), diagnostic accuracy (84% vs. 76%), and shorter time to diagnosis (4.5 vs. 12.3 days on average) in comparison with biopsies. In addition, ancillary techniques such as immunochemistry and molecular analysis for KIT and PDGFRA mutations could satisfactorily be performed on FNA materials.

Conclusions

There are advantages to both biopsy and FNA cytology in diagnosing GISTs. While the significantly shorter time to diagnosis for FNA cytology can be due to institutional differences, its many strengths make it both an accurate and time‐efficient method for preoperative diagnosis of GIST.
Dual drug targeting to kill colon cancers
Authors: Corona Silvia Paola , Walker Francesca , Weinstock Janet , Lessene Guillaume , Faux Maree , Burgess Antony W.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is driven by a small set of oncogenic and tumour suppressor mutations. However, different combinations of mutations often lead to poor tumour responses to individual anticancer drugs. We have investigated the antiproliferative and in vitro cytotoxic activity of pair‐wise combinations of inhibitors which target specific signalling pathways in colon cancer cells.

Objectives

To target specific signaling pathways pairwise with inhibitors in order to kill colon cancer cells.

Methods

The effects of different concentrations of two inhibitors on the proliferation and viability of colon cancer cell lines were measured using cell titre glow and cytotoxic assays in 2D and 3D cell micro‐cultures. One successful drug combination was used to treat a colon cancer cell line growing as a xenograft in nude mice.

Results

Colon cancer cells in non‐adherent cultures were killed more effectively by combinations of pyrvinium pamoate (a Wnt pathway inhibitor) and ABT263 (a pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family inhibitor) or Ly29004 (a PI3kinase inhibitor). However, in a mouse xenograft model, the formulation and toxicity of the ABT737/PP combination prevent the use of these drugs for treatment of tumours. Fortunately, oral analogues of PP (pyrvinium phosphate, PPh) and ABT737(ABT263) have equivalent activity and can be used for treatment of mice carrying SW620 colorectal cancer xenografts. The PPh/ABT263 induced SW620 tumour cell apoptosis and reduced the rate of SW620 tumour growth.

Conclusion

By combining a Wnt signaling inhibitor (pyrvinium phosphate) and a pro‐survival inhibitor (ABT263) colon cancer cells can be killed. Combinations of Wnt signalling inhibitors with an inhibitor of the Bcl pro‐survival protein family should be considered for the treatment of patients with precancerous colon adenomas or advanced colorectal cancers with APC mutations.
γ‐Resorcyclic Acid‐Based AIEgens for Illuminating Endoplasmic Reticulum**
Authors: Ingle Jaypalsing , Dedaniya Hiren , Mayya Chaithra , Mondal Anirban , Bhatia Dhiraj , Basu Sudipta
Published: March 2022

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has emerged as one of the interesting sub‐cellular organelles due to its role in myriads of biological phenomena. Subsequently, visualization of the structure‐function and dynamics of ER remained a major challenge to understand its involvement in different diseased states including cancer. To illuminate the ER, herein we have designed and synthesized γ‐resorcyclic acid‐based small molecules, which showed remarkable aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) property in water. This AIE property was originated from the dual intramolecular H‐bonding leading to the self‐assembled 2D aggregation confirmed by pH‐ and temperature‐dependent fluorescence quenching studies as well as scanning electron microscopy. These small molecules illuminated the sub‐cellular ER in HeLa cervical cancer cells as well as non‐cancerous RPE‐1 human retinal epithelial cells within 1 h. These novel small molecules have the potential to light up ER chemical biology in diseased states.
Systematic Exploration of Furoindolizine‐Based Molecular Frameworks towards a Versatile Fluorescent Platform
Authors: Lee Youngjun , Kim Dahham , Park Seung Bum
Published: March 2022

The photophysical behaviors of fluorescent molecules largely determine their major utility in biological studies. Despite their well‐defined characteristics, classical fluorophores have often been challenged by their limited synthetic methodology and tunability in adjusting intrinsic optical properties. A novel heterocyclic core equipped with modular functional groups could offer the flexibility to control its photophysical properties with a minimum synthetic effort. By conducting a systematic analysis guided by quantum calculations, we proposed the furoindolizine‐based molecular framework as a unique fluorescent platform capable of providing versatile photophysical properties with minimal structural modification. A broad tunability of furoindolizine derivatives′ photophysical properties such as emission wavelength, Stokes shift, fluorescent brightness, and charge transfer characteristics was achieved through synergistic interaction between two functional moieties. Furthermore, this modular platform led to live‐cell imaging probes with two distinct optical features simply by reorganizing a pair of functional moieties.
Chiral C2‐symmetric bis‐thioureas as enzyme mimics in enantioselective Michael addition
Authors: Cruz Harold , Servín Felipe A. , Aguirre Gerardo , Pérez Sergio , Madrigal Domingo , Chávez Daniel , Cooksy Andrew L. , Somanathan Ratnasamy
Published: March 2022

We report herein the synthesis and application of enantiopure C2‐symmetric primary amine‐1,3‐bis‐thiourea organocatalysts in enantioselective conjugate 1,4‐Michael addition of carbonyl containing nucleophiles, to nitroalkenes and N‐phenylmaleimide, leading to final products in good enantioselectivities (up to 99%) and yields (up to 99%). We propose supramolecular noncovalent interactions within the organocatalyst's cleft between the substrate and the catalyst, via hydrogen bonding. Supramolecular interaction thus lowers the transition state energy mimicking an enzyme. Mechanism underlying our experimental results is supported by theorical calculations.
Clinical usefulness of geriatric assessment in elderly patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma receiving sorafenib or lenvatinib therapy
Authors: Sekiguchi Shuhei , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Yasui Yutaka , Inada Kento , Kirino Sakura , Yamashita Koji , Hayakawa Yuka , Osawa Leona , Higuchi Mayu , Takaura Kenta , Maeyashiki Chiaki , Kaneko Shun , Tamaki Nobuharu , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Itakura Jun , Takahashi Yuka , Asahina Yasuhiro , Okamoto Ryuichi , Kurosaki Masayuki , Izumi Namiki
Published: March 2022

Background

Therapeutic strategies for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u‐HCC) in geriatric patients are important for real‐world practice. However, there remain no established biomarkers or therapeutic strategies regarding the best second‐line agent after atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy.

Aim

In this study, we investigated the usefulness of modified Geriatric 8 (mG8) score in examining elderly patients (≥75 years old) with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u‐HCC) using sorafenib or lenvatinib as first‐line therapy.

Methods and results

This study assessed 101 elderly patients with u‐HCC for their mG8 score (excluding elements of age from 8 items) and classified them into 2 groups according to their mG8 score: ≥11 as the high‐score group and ≤ 10 as the low‐score group. Among those taking sorafenib, no significant differences were noted in overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) between low and high mG8 score groups. Only modified albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade (2b/3 vs. 1/2a: HR 0.34; 95% CI, 0.17–0.69; p = .0029) was significantly associated with OS. Among those taking lenvatinib, patients with a high mG8 score (n = 26) had longer survival than those with a low mG8 score (n = 10) (20.0 months vs. 7.7 months: HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11–0.89; p = .029). Intrahepatic tumor volume (<50% vs. ≥50%: HR 16.7; 95% CI, 1.71–163; p = .016) and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) (<400 vs. ≥400: HR 3.38; 95% CI 0.84–19.7; p = .031) remained significant factors independently associated with OS.

Conclusions

The mG8 score may contribute to making a decision when considering either sorafenib or lenvatinib as a treatment option for u‐HCC in elderly patients.
Developmental timing of extreme temperature events (heat waves) disrupts host–parasitoid interactions
Authors: Moore Megan Elizabeth , Hill Christina A. , Kingsolver Joel G.
Published: March 2022

When thermal tolerances differ between interacting species, extreme temperature events (heat waves) will alter the ecological outcomes. The parasitoid wasp Cotesia congregata suffers high mortality when reared throughout development at temperatures that are nonstressful for its host, Manduca sexta. However, the effects of short‐term heat stress during parasitoid development are unknown in this host–parasitoid system.

Here, we investigate how duration of exposure, daily maximum temperature, and the developmental timing of heat waves impact the performance of C. congregata and its host¸ M. sexta. We find that the developmental timing of short‐term heat waves strongly determines parasitoid and host outcomes.

Heat waves during parasitoid embryonic development resulted in complete wasp mortality and the production of giant, long‐lived hosts. Heat waves during the 1st‐instar had little effect on wasp success, whereas heat waves during the parasitoid's nutritionally and hormonally critical 2nd instar greatly reduced wasp emergence and eclosion. The temperature and duration of heat waves experienced early in development determined what proportion of hosts had complete parasitoid mortality and abnormal phenotypes.

Our results suggest that the timing of extreme temperature events will be crucial to determining the ecological impacts on this host–parasitoid system. Discrepancies in thermal tolerance between interacting species and across development will have important ramifications on ecosystem responses to climate change.
Metagenomic clustering reveals microbial contamination as an essential consideration in ultraconserved element design for phylogenomics with insect museum specimens
Authors: Van Dam Alex R. , Covas Orizondo Javier O. , Lam Athena W. , McKenna Duane D. , Van Dam Matthew H.
Published: March 2022

Phylogenomics via ultraconserved elements (UCEs) has led to improved phylogenetic reconstructions across the tree of life. However, inadvertently incorporating non‐targeted DNA into the UCE marker design will lead to misinformation being incorporated into subsequent analyses. To date, the effectiveness of basic metagenomic filtering strategies has not been assessed in arthropods. Designing markers from museum specimens requires careful consideration of methods due to the high levels of microbial contamination typically found in such specimens. We investigate if contaminant sequences are carried forward into a UCE marker set we developed from insect museum specimens using a standard bioinformatics pipeline. We find that the methods currently employed by most researchers do not exclude contamination from the final set of targets. Lastly, we highlight several paths forward for reducing contamination in UCE marker design.
Enhanced potential of a Selenastrum capricornutum mutant for CO2 fixation and biofuels production
Authors: Shang Zhenxiao , Qi Feng , Mu Ruimin , Ren Ying , Ma Guixia , Yin Mingshan
Published: March 2022

There is an urgent need to screen candidates for CO2 fixation and biofuels production from more taxonomic species. A Selenastrum capricornutum mutant, whose wild types were not considered as candidates for CO2 fixation and biofuels production, with genetic stability under high‐level CO2, here, was screened by 96‐well microplates‐UV mutagenesis and named as SDEC‐2M. To evaluate the potential for CO2 fixation and biofuels production, SDEC‐2M was cultivated under air and 15% CO2 (v/v), and its wild type (WT) as control. SDEC‐2M got better growth performance under high‐level CO2. It implies that SDEC‐2M had high tolerance under high‐level CO2. Under high‐level CO2, not only that, SDEC‐2M tended to synthesize energy storage compounds than its wild type, with a total carbohydrate content of up to 37.45%. Meanwhile, the highest overall biomass productivities were obtained in SDEC‐2M under 15% CO2. Benefiting from these results, the highest productivities of carbohydrate, lipid and protein were obtained, among which carbohydrate productivity of 11.22 mg L−1 d−1 was highest. Based on higher light conversion efficiency (14.81%) and maximal PSII quantum yields (70.14%), the highest photosynthetic efficiency of SDEC‐2M was also evaluated under 15% CO2. Compared with Selenastrum wild types, the mutant SDEC‐2M with excellent CO2 tolerance and photosynthetic efficiency is better. The results provided a new idea for further enriching the energy microalgal pool.
Hsa_circRNA_0017620 regulated cell progression of non‐small‐cell lung cancer via miR‐520a‐5p/KRT5 axis
Authors: Chen Shan , Hong Kelin , Zhou Long , Ran Ruizhi , Huang Jinqi , Zheng Yong , Xing Maohui , Cai Yanli
Published: March 2022

Background

CircRNA is a very important functional RNA that plays an important role in the development and metabolism of cancer. However, the study of circRNA in NSCLC has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

The expression of hsa_circ_0017620, SFMBT2, miR‐520a‐5p, and KRT5 was determined using qRT‐PCR. KRT5, Twist1, E‐cadherin, and Ki67 protein expression were measured with western blot. The positive expression rates of Ki67 and Vimentin were determined by immunohistochemistry assay. 5‐Ethynyl‐2’‐deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation, and MTT assays were used to assess cell proliferation. Transwell migration and invasion assay were applied to determine cell migration and invasion. Dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to verify the relationship among hsa_circ_0017620, miR‐520a‐5p, and KRT5. The animal experiment was used to ensure the effects of hsa_circ_0017620 on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

Hsa_circ_0017620 was upregulated in NSCLC cells and tissues. MiR‐520a‐5p had been verified to be a target miRNA of hsa_circ_0017620 and KRT5 had been verified to be a target mRNA of miR‐520a‐5p in NSCLC cells. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0017620 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in NSCLC cells, which was reversed by downregulating miR‐520a‐5p or upregulating KRT5 in NSCLC. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0017620 had opposite effects in NSCLC. Moreover, hsa_circ_0017620 silencing inhibited tumor growth in vivo of NSCLC.

Conclusion

In this study, we found that hsa_circ_0017620 played an important role in NSCLC progression. Hsa_circ_0017620 regulated cell proliferation, invasion, and migration through targeting miR‐520a‐5p/KRT5 axis in NSCLC, providing a potential new target for the treatment and diagnosis of NSCLC.
Current Understanding and Future Perspectives on Hyperprogressive Disease Highlight the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Li Meiqi , Zhong Xianmei , Du Fukuan , Wu Xu , Li Mingxing , Chen Yu , Zhao Yueshui , Shen Jing , Yang Zhongming , Xiao Zhangang
Published: March 2022

Cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized traditional cancer therapy. Although many patients have achieved long‐term survival benefits from treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, there are still some patients who develop rapid tumor progression after immunotherapy, known as HPD. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on HPD after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors to promote a more thorough understanding of the disease. This review focuses on multiple aspects of HPD, especially the tumor microenvironment, with the hope that more reliable biomarkers and therapeutics will be established for HPD in the future.
Mucuna pruriens, Crotalaria juncea, and chickpea (Cicer arietinum) have the potential for improving productivity of banana‐based systems in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Blomme Guy , Ntamwira Jules , Ocimati Walter
Published: March 2022

Intercropping banana and shorter annual crops in small holder systems is inevitable despite shade being a limitation. Current production is also limited to the wet seasons. Strategies to exploit the spaces under banana shade and drier seasons are crucial for optimal production of these systems. We determined the performance of two legume cover crops, Mucuna pruriens and Crotalaria juncea, and chickpea (Cicer arietinum), a grain legume, under different banana shade levels and over the wet and dry seasons in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Banana and legume monocrops served as controls. Shade reduced weed biomass and legume root nodulation, biomass, and grain yields. Chickpea root nodulation had a lower sensitivity to shade (3–9% reduction) compared with mucuna (30–60%) and crotalaria (31–71%). Legume biomass yield declines varied from 37–83%, 56–93%, and 80–98% for mucuna, crotalaria, and chickpea, respectively. Higher nodulation occurred in the rainy compared with the dry season. Biomass yield declines, albeit low occurred in the dry season for mucuna (15%) and crotalaria (30%). In contrast, chickpea biomass and grain yields increased by 394% and 4487%, respectively, in the dry season. A higher banana vegetative growth occurred in the intercropped plots. Land equivalent ratios of 1.15–1.34 under dense shading for mucuna and crotalaria and 1.10–1.62 for chickpea occurred irrespective of the seasons. These findings suggest that these cover crops and chickpea could be exploited to enhance biomass (for fodder, mulch, or manure) and grain yields under banana shade and over the drier seasons.
Bayley‐4 performance of very young children with autism, developmental delay, and language impairment
Authors: Dale Brittany A. , Caemmerer Jacqueline M. , Winter Emily L. , Kaufman Alan S.
Published: March 2022

Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) provides the best opportunity for children to receive evidence‐based early intervention. Research indicates that accurate diagnosis can be made as early as the toddler period when an assessment is completed by experienced clinicians. Typical ASD evaluations involve an assessment of developmental skills, such as those measured with theBayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition.There is limited research, however, on the use of the newest iteration, the Bayley‐4, in discriminating between various developmental disorders and delays. This study compared the performance of three groups of toddlers on the Bayley‐4: (1) ASD (n = 31), (2) developmental delay (n = 26) and (3) problems specific to language (n = 45). Results of a multivariate analysis of variance indicated mean differences existed between the ASD and language groups on the five Bayley‐4 subtests that comprise the Cognitive Motor, and Language Scales; however, logistic regression analysis indicated group membership could not be predicted by performance on the subtests. Our findings suggest children who are identified with ASD at a very young age exhibit global developmental deficits, which may help distinguish them from other groups who exhibit more targeted delays.
Controlled release systems based on polyacrylates and polyacrylates/clay nanocomposites of atenolol drug
Authors: Akelah Ahmed , Rehab Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Atenolol‐polyacrylate and intercalated atenolol‐polyacrylate onto montmorillonite clay was synthesized as drug delivery systems. The synthesis was carried out by free radical homo and copolymerization of acrylate drug (atenolol) monomer with different co‐monomers. The intercalation of polymeric drug systems onto montmorillonite clay was achieved through ion exchange process. The characterization of the prepared systems was investigated by different analytical techniques. The release studies of drug (atenolol) were studied over a long time in aqueous mediums at conditions nearly present in human body.
A novel robust fault estimation observer design for semi‐Markovian jump systems with partially bounded transition rate
Authors: Li Xiaohang , Zhang Weidong , Lu Dunke , Yang Guangping
Published: March 2022

This article addresses the simultaneous fault estimation for a class of semi‐Markovian jump system with partially bounded known transition rates. A new variable is introduced with a dependence on output information, and then two robust variable‐based observers are designed to gauge the actuator fault and sensor fault concurrently. Significantly, the problem for partially bounded known transition rates is solved by virtue of mathematic techniques. In this way, the existing conditions of the designed observers are given in terms of linear matrix inequality. Furthermore, two examples are implemented to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the scheme.
Taylorella asinigenitalis: raising awareness of its importance and presence in equine and asinine populations
Authors: Dorrego Abel , Serres Consuelo , Cruz‐Lopez Fatima
Published: March 2022

Taylorella equigenitalis has long been recognised as a causative agent of contagious equine metritis, but practitioners may be less familiar with Taylorella asinigenitalis, which has been identified more recently. Here, Abel Dorrego, Consuelo Serres and Fatima Cruz‐Lopez of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid describe T asinigenitalis and report the findings of a survey they carried out in donkeys in Spain.
Intensity Evolution of Zonal Shear Line over the Tibetan Plateau in Summer: A Perspective of Divergent and Rotational Kinetic Energies
Authors: Bao Xiaohong , Yao Xiuping
Published: March 2022

Based on the ERA5 reanalysis datasets during 1980–2019, a total of eleven zonal shear lines (ZSLs) that caused heavy precipitation and lasted more than 60 hours over the Tibetan Plateau in summer are selected for composite analysis. By decomposing the kinetic energy (K) near the ZSL into divergent and rotational kinetic energies (KD and KR) and the kinetic energy of interaction between the divergent wind and the rotational wind (KRD), the influence of the rotational and divergent winds on the evolution of the ZSL intensity is investigated from the perspective of KD and KR. The main results are as follows. The ZSL is a comprehensive reflection of rotation and convergence. The intensity evolution of ZSL is essentially synchronized with those of K, KR, and KRD but lags behind KD by about three hours. The enhancement of K is mainly contributed by KR, which is governed by the conversion from KD to KR. Furthermore, the increase in the conversion from KD to KR is controlled by the geostrophic effect term Af, which is determined by the joint enhancement of the zonal rotational and meridional divergent wind components (uR and vD). Therefore, the joint enhancement of uR and vD controls the increase of the ZSL intensity, leading to increased precipitation.
Dynamic pressure evolution within the 18 May 1980 Mount St. Helens pyroclastic density current: evidence from tree damage
Authors: Guinn Nicole K. , Gardner James E. , Helper Mark A.
Published: March 2022

The effects of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) can be devastating, so understanding their internal dynamics and evolution is important for hazard assessment. We use damaged trees located around Mount St. Helens (USA) as proxy for the dynamic pressure (Pdyn) of the PDC erupted on 18 May 1980. We recorded the location, distribution, and foliage preservation of damaged trees within the medial and distal parts of the devastated forest. Sub-meter resolution aerial photographs from a month after the eruption allow distinction between standing trees that retained foliage from those that were stripped. Heights of standing trees were estimated from the measured lengths of their shadows. The number of standing trees was counted within defined areas along the propagation paths of PDCs. From the measured tree heights, we estimated tree toppling stresses fromPdyn. Overall,Pdynof the PDC head within the medial to distal portions of the blowdown zone ranged from 10 to 35 kPa.Pdynlikely waned with distance, as shown by the increased number of standing trees in the outer parts of the devastated area. In addition, we find clusters of standing trees on the lee sides of some hills. We propose that these clusters survived because they were primarily impacted by lower dynamic pressures extant within the PDC body, with foliage retention or stripping as a function of thePdynevolution in the PDC body. We estimate thatPdynof the body was less than the estimated maximumPdynof the PDC head by 12 ± 4 kPa.
Psychosoziale Faktoren bei Schmerz und Schmerzbehandlung
Authors: Eich Wolfgang , Diezemann-Prößdorf Anke , Hasenbring Monika , Hüppe Michael , Kaiser Ulrike , Nilges Paul , Tesarz Jonas , Klinger Regine
Published: March 2022

Psychosoziale Faktoren beeinflussen Schmerzerleben und Schmerzgenesung weitreichend, trotzdem ist der Transfer in die klinische Anwendung bisher unzureichend. Mit diesem Beitrag möchte eine Arbeitsgruppe des Arbeitskreises „Psychosoziale Aspekte bei Schmerz“ der Deutschen Schmerzgesellschaft e. V. auf die erhebliche Diskrepanz zwischen bestehender wissenschaftlicher Evidenz zur Bedeutung psychosozialer Faktoren bei der Entstehung chronischer Schmerzstörungen und der Translation dieser Ergebnisse in die Versorgung von Schmerzpatienten aufmerksam machen. Unsere Ziele sind eine stärkere Integration psychologischer und psychosomatischer Expertise in die Schmerzbehandlung und -forschung sowie die Verbesserung der strukturellen und institutionellen Voraussetzungen, um zu einer vermehrten Berücksichtigung psychosozialer Aspekte zu kommen. Nur so können die modernen, integrativen und komplexen Schmerzkonzepte beim Patienten ankommen. Basierend auf diesen grundlegenden Erkenntnissen zur Bedeutung psychosozialer Faktoren bei Schmerz und Schmerzbehandlung sollen Implikationen für den Transfer in die Klinik und die weitere Forschung aufgezeigt werden.
Is the z score sufficient to assess participants’ performance in proficiency testing? The hidden corrective action
Authors: Cordeiro Fernando , Emons Hendrik , Robouch Piotr
Published: March 2022

Proficiency testing providers, accreditation bodies and testing laboratories should be aware that a laboratory participating in a proficiency testing round might have reported a biased result despite a satisfactory performance indicated by an assessment using uniquely the z score. A complementary performance evaluation, based on the ζ score and the assessment of the measurement uncertainty, is therefore highly recommended. This work presents an intuitive graphical tool (the Naji2 plot) that combines z and ζ scores together with the reported measurement uncertainties. This tool allows a comprehensive assessment of the laboratory performance and enables to identify the need for corrective actions. The concerned laboratory should then perform a root cause analysis and investigate their bias and/or their measurement uncertainty evaluation.