bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Driving Wetland Herbs Distribution Range of Lake-Terrestrial Ecotone in Tibet, China
Authors: Zheng Peiru , LI Chunhua , YE Chun , Wang Hao , Wei Weiwei , Zheng Ye , Zheng Xiangyong
Published: December 2021

Background: Lake is a critical part of Tibet's hydrological cycle, the lake-terrestrial ecotone is the most sensitive area in the water and terrestrial ecosystem. For the ecological protection and maintenance of the lakeside zone, defining the upper boundary of the lake-terrestrial ecotone is a key issue that needs to be solved urgently. However, the ecological characteristics of lake-terrestrial ecotone made it diffcult to delimit. Wetland herbs are characteristic plants of the radiant belt toward the land of the lake-terrestrial ecotone, and their distribution range can be used to reflect the upper boundary of the lake-terrestrial ecotone. We took Baksum Lake, Yambdroktso, Namtso, Siling Co as examples, based on the spatial structure of the lake-terrestrial ecotone, used the moving split-window technology (MSWT) delimited the range of wetland herbs.Results:The results of MSWT showed the distribution range of wetland herbs in each lake-terrestrial ecotone with the natural-wetland type sampling line of Baksum Lake, Yambdroktso, Namtso, Siling Co was 51m, 56m, 33~53m, 19~31m. DCA showed number of wetland herbs species,BK1＞YT1=NT1＞NT2＞SC1=SC2. PCA, RDA showed SMO, pH, SSC, and soil nutrient content had obvious correlation with distribution range. Conclusion:MSWT was a feasible method to delimit the distribution range of wetland herbs. SMO, pH, SSC, and soil nutrient content were all-important environmental factors affect the wetland herbs distribution range of the four lakes, however, the SMO was the most important factor. Besides, compare with the lakes in the lower Yangtze Plain,the high-density population distribution,high-intensitive human activity invaded the plants' growth area, resulting in a smaller distribution range.
Far-field Approximations to the Derivatives of the Green's Function for the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings Equation
Authors: Zhou Zhiteng , Zang Zhengyu , Wang Hongping , Wang Shizhao
Published: December 2021

The surface correction to the quadrupole source term of the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings integral in the frequency domain suffers from the computation of high-order derivatives of the Green's function.

The far-field approximations to the derivatives of the Green's function have been used without derivation and verification in the previous work. In this work, we provide the detailed derivations of the far-field approximations to the derivatives of the Green's function. The binomial expansions for the derivatives of the Green's function and the far-field condition are employed during the derivations to circumvent the difficulties in computing the high-order derivatives. The approximations to the derivatives of the Green's function are systemically verified by using the benchmark two dimensional convecting vortex and the co-rotating vortex pair. In addition, we provide the derivations of the approximations to the multiple integrals of the Green's function by using the far-field approximations to the derivatives.
Growth Performance and Intestinal Morphometric Features of Broiler Chickens Fed on Dietary Inclusion of Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor), Larvae Powder
Authors: Sedgh-Gooya Shadi , Torki Mehran , Darbemamieh Maryam , Khamisabadi Hassan , Abdolmohamadi Alireza
Published: December 2021

Climate change and the lack of conventional feed ingredients have made edible insects a highly nutritious alternative to feed production. The use of insects as food may help solve socio-economic and environmental problems around the world and be in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In this study, the growth performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens were evaluated under the influence of adding different levels of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal (TM meal) to their diets. One hundred eighty day-old broiler chickens were divided into 3 treatments and 5 replications (12 chickens/pen). The experimental diets included a control diet and treatments containing 2.5 and 5% TM meal, which were fed to birds in the starter (0-10 days) and grower (11-25 days) stages, and during the final period (26-42 days), all birds were fed a regular finisher diet. The results showed that the diet containing TM meal had no remarkable effect on the mortality rate and feed intake (FI) of broilers (P > 0.05). In the period of starter, the addition of 2.5% TM meal to broilers diet increased body weight gain (BWG) than the control group (P £ 0.05). Also, the use of 2.5% TM meal in the starter period showed a significant effect on reducing the feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the birds fed by the control diet (P £ 0.05). Besides, the height of the villus, the depth of the crypt, and the ratio of them were not altered among the different treatments (P > 0.05). Overall, it can be concluded that TM meal could improve growth performance in the starter period, and had no negative effects on broilers' performance and intestinal morphology in all the periods of the experiment.
Lack of Cathepsin D in the Central Nervous System Results in Microglia and Astrocyte Activation and the Accumulation of Proteinopathy-related Proteins
Authors: Suzuki Chigure , Yamaguchi Junji , Sanada Takahito , Trejo Juan Alejandro Oliva , Kakuta Souichirou , Shibata Masahiro , Tanida Isei , Uchiyama Yasuo
Published: December 2021

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is one of many neurodegenerative storage diseases characterized by excessive accumulation of lipofuscins. CLN10 disease, an early infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, is associated with a gene that encodes cathepsin D (CtsD), one of the major lysosomal proteases. Whole body CtsD-knockout mice show neurodegenerative phenotypes with the accumulation of lipofuscins in the brain and also show defects in other tissues including intestinal necrosis. To clarify the precise role of CtsD in the central nervous system (CNS), we generated a CNS-specific CtsD-knockout mouse (CtsD-CKO). CtsD-CKO mice were born normally but developed seizures and their growth stunted at around postnatal day 23±1. CtsD-CKO did not exhibit apparent intestinal symptoms as those observed in whole body knockout. Histologically, autofluorescent materials were detected in several areas of the CtsD-CKO mouse’s brain, including: thalamus, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Expression of ubiquitin and autophagy-associated proteins was also increased, suggesting that the autophagy-lysosome system was impaired. Microglia and astrocytes were activated in the CtsD-CKO thalamus, and Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), an inflammation marker, was increased in the microglia. Interestingly, deposits of proteinopathy-related proteins, phosphorylated α-synuclein and Tau protein, were also increased in the thalamus of CtsD-CKO infant mice. Considering these results, it is likely that the CtsD-CKO mouse is a useful mouse model to investigate the contribution of cathepsin D to the early phases of neurodegenerative diseases in relation to lipofuscins, proteinopathy-related proteins and activation of microglia and astrocytes.
Molecular analyses in wheat and Aegilops tauschii reveals a new orthologue of the leaf rust resistance gene Lr19 on 7DL chromosome of Ae. tauschii
Authors: Pourkhorshid Zahra , Dadkhodaie Ali , Shamloo-Dashtpagerdi‎ Roohollah
Published: December 2021

Leaf rust is one of the most devastating wheat diseases worldwide, to which many resistance genes have been ‎successfully introgressed ‎from wheat wild relatives. Though the Thinopyrum ‎ponticum-derived leaf rust resistance gene Lr19, is widely effective worldwide and previous studies ‎have shown its likely presence in Aegilops tauschii, no ‎thorough investigation has been conducted to confirm this. The present study aimed to ‎examine the presence of Lr19 in Ae. tauschii using a collection of molecular and bioinformatic analysis. Accordingly, the Thatcher line was used as susceptible, and a Thatcher+Lr19 (TcLr19) and Agatha were used as resistant lines. CDHLQ pathotyping coupled with DNA markers genotyping verified the presence of an Lr19 orthologue on Ae. tauschii 7DL (AtLr19). Sequencing of the GB marker products from Ae. tauschii and TcLr19 showed 99% homology in these fragments, confirming phenotyping and genotyping results. Both isolated segments were matched to a putative melatonin biosynthesis gene, namely O-methyltransferase-2 (OMT2) mapped to 7DL, with 100% identity. A hierarchical gene network was reconstructed using all identified putative genes within a genomic region containing 2.5 cM upstream and downstream of the OMT2 gene. Results indicated that several numbers of important biotic stress-responsive genes such as RPM1, RGA2, TRIUR3, BURP12, and myosin-11, were located downstream of melatonin as a master regulator molecule through the OMT2 node. To our knowledge, this is the first report of finding an orthologue for ‎Lr19 in Ae. tauschii, which provides insights into the possible regulatory route of LR19.
The impact of AI implementation in higher education on educational process future: A systematic review
Authors: Slimi Zouhaier
Published: December 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been playing a vital role in all life domains. A striking example is AI effective revolution in health and educational services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this systematic literature review investigates how AI impacts higher education (HE) by focusing on its impact on education quality, the learning and teaching process, assessments, and future careers. This review uses a systematic qualitative research method. The data is collected in a systematic review of academic articles on AI impact on HE from 1900 to 2021 from the Web of Science, Scopus, and ERIC. The process went through a systematic inclusion and exclusion procedure based on date, language, reported outcomes, setting and type of publications. Articles selected were screened via Rayyan Software and coded using excel based on the following themes: education quality, learning and teaching, assessments, future careers, and ethics. The total number of articles included is 56. The results vindicate that AI plays an efficient role in providing better education quality services, practical learning/teaching, and assessments approach for a better future career. Likewise, AI impacts future employment, which entails that HE institutions should incorporate more AI to have better graduates that meet the future market requirements. However, studies on AI impact assessments, ethics and future careers are limited and require further investigation.
Music-Based Intervention Connects Auditory and Reward Systems
Authors: Quinci Milena Aiello , Belden Alexander , Goutama Valerie , Gong Dayang , Hanser Suzanne , Donovan Nancy J. , Geddes Maiya , Loui Psyche
Published: December 2021

Listening to pleasurable music is known to engage the brain’s reward system. This has motivated many cognitive-behavioral interventions for healthy aging, but little is known about the effects of music-based intervention (MBI) on plasticity of the cognitive and reward systems. Here we show preliminary evidence that brain network connectivity can change after receptive MBI in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Using a combination of whole-brain regression, seed-based connectivity analysis, and representational similarity analysis (RSA), we examined fMRI responses during music listening in older adults before and after an eight-week personalized MBI. Participants rated self-selected and researcher-selected musical excerpts on liking and familiarity. Parametric effects of liking, familiarity, and selection showed simultaneous activation in auditory, reward, and default mode network (DMN) areas. Seed-based connectivity comparing pre- and post-intervention showed significant increase in functional connectivity between auditory regions and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC); this auditory-mPFC connectivity was modulated by participant liking and familiarity ratings. RSA showed significant representations of selection and novelty at both time-points, and an increase in striatal representation of musical stimuli following intervention. Taken together, results show how regular music listening can provide an auditory channel towards the mPFC, thus offering a potential neural mechanism for MBI supporting healthy aging.
Social Class and Income Inequality is Associated with Morality: Empirical Evidence from 67 Countries
Authors: Elbaek Christian , Mitkidis Panagiotis , Aarøe Lene , Otterbring Tobias
Published: December 2021

A fundamental characteristic of modern societies is economic inequality, where deprived individuals experience chronic economic scarcity. While such experiences have been shown to produce detrimental outcomes in regards to human judgment and decision-making, the consequences of such scarcity for our morality remain debated. We conduct one of the most comprehensive tests of the relationship between experiences of relative chronic economic scarcity and various measures linked to morality. In a pre-registered study, we analyse data from a large, cross-national survey (N = 46,450 across 67 countries) allowing us to address important limitations related to measurement validity and external validity in past research. Our findings demonstrate that experiences of relative chronic economic scarcity, as indexed by (1) low subjective socioeconomic status at the individual level, and (2) income inequality at the national macro level, predict higher levels of moral identity, higher morality-as-cooperation, a larger moral circle, and importantly; more prosocial behaviour. The results appear robust to several advanced control analyses. Finally, exploratory analyses indicate that observed income inequality at the national level does not significantly moderate the predicted effect of subjective socioeconomic status. Our findings have vital implications for understanding human morality under chronic resource scarcity.
rGO Sheets / ZnFe2O4 Nanocomposities as an Efficient Electro Catalyst Material for I3- / I- Reaction for High Performance DSSCs
Authors: V Anto feradrick Samson , S Bharathi Bernadsha , Winston Albin John P Paul , D Divya , Abraham James , M Victor Antony Raj , J Madhavan
Published: December 2021

In this paper, Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) / ZnFe2O4 (rZnF) nanocomposite is synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and employed as a counter electrode (CE) material for tri-iodide redox reactions in Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) to replace the traditional high cost platinum (Pt) CE. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and High resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), clearly indicated the formation of rZnF nanocomposite and also amorphous rGO sheets were smoothly distributed on the surface of ZnFe2O4 (ZnF) nanostructure. The rZnF-50 CE shows excellent electro catalytic activity toward I3− reduction, which has simultaneously been confirmed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel polarization measurements. A DSSC developed by rZnF-50 CE (η = 8.71%) obtained quite higher than the Pt (η = 8.53%) based CE under the same condition. The superior performances of rZnF-50 CE due to addition of graphene in to Spinel (ZnF) nanostructure results in creation of highly active electrochemical sites, fast electron transport linkage between CE and electrolyte. Thus it’s a promising low cost CE material for DSSCs.
Pattern of Opioid Overdoses and Interventions at the Emergency Department: Impact of COVID-19
Authors: Potaka Katherine L , Freeman Rebecca , Soo Danny , Nguyen Nam-Anh , Sim Tin Fei , Moullin Joanna C
Published: December 2021

BackgroundOpioid-related overdoses cause substantial numbers of preventable deaths. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist available in take-home naloxone (THN) kits as a lifesaving measure for opioid overdose. As the emergency department (ED) is a primary point of contact for patients with high-risk opioid use, evidence-based recommendations from the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia THN practice guidelines include the provision of THN, accompanied by psychosocial interventions. However, implementation of these guidelines in practice is unknown. This study investigated ED opioid-related overdose presentations, concordance of post-overdose interventions with the THN practice guidelines, and the impact, if any, of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic on case presentations.MethodsA single-centre retrospective audit was conducted at a major tertiary hospital of patients presenting with overdoses involving opioids and non-opioids between March to August 2019 and March to August 2020. Patient presentations and interventions delivered by the paramedics, ED and upon discharge from the ED were collated from medical records and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi square and independent T-tests.ResultsThe majority (66.2%) of patients presented to hospital with mixed drug overdoses involving opioids and non-opioids. Pharmaceutical opioids were implicated in a greater proportion (72.1%) of overdoses than illicit opioids. Fewer patients presented in March to August 2020 as compared with 2019 (26 vs. 42), and mixed drug overdoses were more frequent in 2020 than 2019 (80.8% vs. 57.1%). Referral to outpatient psychology (22.0%) and drug and alcohol services (20.3%) were amongst the most common post-discharge interventions. Naloxone was provided to 28 patients (41.2%) by the paramedics and/or ED. No patients received THN upon discharge.ConclusionsThis study highlights opportunities to improve ED provision of THN and other interventions post-opioid overdose. Large-scale multi-centre studies are required to ascertain the capacity of EDs to provide THN and the impact of COVID-19 on opioid overdose presentations.
Association Between Haemoglobin A1c and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Middle-Aged and Older Koreans: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Song Bo Mi , Lee Jung Hyun , Woo Hae Dong , Cho Mi Jin , Kim Sung Soo
Published: December 2021

Background This study aimed to examine associations between haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels over time and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in middle-aged and older Koreans.Methods Using data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, we analysed 9,294 40–69-year-old participants with no history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cancer. HbA1c levels were measured at baseline and at each biennial follow-up examination. Participants were divided into one group of participants with known diabetes and five groups of participants without known diabetes classified according to HbA1c levels: <31 mmol/mol (5.0%), 31–36 mmol/mol (5.0%–5.4%), 37–41 mmol/mol (5.5%–5.9%), 42–47 mmol/mol (6.0%–6.4%), and ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%). Hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause and cause-specific mortality associated with HbA1c levels were calculated using a time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for several variables. Restricted cubic spline models were fitted to investigate the relationship between continuous HbA1c levels and mortality among people without known diabetes. Subgroup analyses were performed for age, sex, smoking, hypertension, liver diseases, and red blood cell (RBC) counts. Results During a median follow-up period of 15.7 years, there were 944 deaths, including 185, 359, and 400 from CVD, cancer, and other causes, respectively. Compared with participants with HbA1c levels of 37–41 mmol/mol, multivariate-adjusted HRs and 95% confidence intervals for all-cause death of participants with levels <31 mmol/mol, 31–36 mmol/mol, 42–47 mmol/mol, and ≥48 mmol/mol and participants with known diabetes were 1.84 (1.35–2.51), 1.13 (0.95–1.34), 1.30 (1.04–1.62), 1.37 (0.97–1.93), and 2.03 (1.70–2.44), respectively. There was a U-shaped association between HbA1c levels over time and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. When we performed diverse subgroup analyses, low HbA1c levels were strongly associated with mortality in participants with low RBC counts or liver diseases.Conclusions We found U-shaped associations between HbA1c levels over time and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in middle-aged and older Koreans. In particular, people with low RBC counts or liver diseases and low HbA1c levels had a high risk of mortality. Therefore, more careful management of these groups is recommended to decrease the risk of mortality.
Hypoglycemia Induces Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction in Subjects With Normal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Tanaka Kenichi , Okada Yosuke , Torimoto Keiichi , Nishio Kosuke , Narisawa Manabu , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: December 2021

This prospective study determined the effects of hypoglycemic stimulation on vascular endothelial function in non-diabetic patients using reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT). The study included non-diabetic patients who were hospitalized for an insulin tolerance test (ITT) for the diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism or hypopituitarism. Vascular endothelial function was assessed using the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) measured by the RH-PAT. We also measured the levels of anterior pituitary hormone, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine at the time of hypoglycemia. The primary endpoint was a change in the RHI at 120 minutes after insulin administration. The study included 27 patients. ITT was associated with significant increases in systolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and the blood levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, growth hormone, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine. RHI significantly decreased after ITT from 2.24±0.51 to 1.71±0.42. A significant inverse correlation was observed between the change in RHI and change in adrenaline (r=-0.670, p=0.012). We concluded that hypoglycemic stimulation altered vascular endothelial function, as measured by RH-PAT, even in patients free of glucose intolerance. The observed deterioration in vascular endothelial function correlated with increases in catecholamine levels during hypoglycemia.Trial registration: UMIN000033244
Targeting MDSCs using ATRA: a phase I/II clinical trial combining pembrolizumab and all-trans retinoic acid for metastatic melanoma
Authors: Tobin Richard , Cogswell Dasha , Vorwald Victoria , Davis Dana , Borgers Jessica , Gulick Robert Van , Couts Kasey , Jordan Kimberly , Gao Dexiang , Davila Eduardo , Medina Theresa , Lewis Karl , Gonzalez Rene , McFarland Ross , Robinson William , McCarter Martin
Published: December 2021

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are potent suppressors of antitumor immunity and are commonly associated with poor outcomes in melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Inducing the differentiation of MDSCs using all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) alters their activity and reduces MDSC frequency. This trial seeks to assess the safety and efficacy of combining ATRA and pembrolizumab in metastatic melanoma patients. In 24 stage IV melanoma patients, treatment with pembrolizumab Q3W plus the supplemental treatment of ATRA orally for three days surrounding each of the first four pembrolizumab infusions effectively lowered the frequency of circulating PMN-MDSCs and enhanced melanoma-specific T cell activity. The combination was well tolerated. Median progression free survival was 20.3 months, and the overall response rate was 71%, with 50% of patients experiencing a complete response. Targeting MDSCs remains a promising mechanism to enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapies and this combination merits further investigation.
Heat Transfer Analysis For Oscillating Flow of Magnetized Fluid By Using The Modified Prabhakar-Like Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Raza Ali , Khan Sami Ullah , Khan M. Ijaz , El-Zahar Essam Roshdy
Published: December 2021

In this analysis, an unsteady and incompressible flow of magnetized fluid in presence of heat transfer has been presented with fractional simulations. The oscillating plate with periodically variation has induced the flow. The model is formulated in terms of partial differential equations (PDE’s). The traditional PDEs cannot analyze and examine the physical behavior of flow parameters with memory effects. On this end, the solution approach is followed with the efficient mathematical fractional technique namely Prabhakar fractional derivative. The non-dimensional leading equations are transformed into the fractional model and then solved with the help of the Laplace transformation scheme. The effects and behavior of significant physical and fractional parameters are analyzed graphically and numerically. As a result, we have concluded that the temperature and velocity profiles decrease with the enhancement of fractional parameters. Furthermore, with time both (temperature and velocity fields)decreasing away from the plate and asymptotically increases along y-direction, which also satisfies the corresponding conditions.
Neurosurgical Shunt Treatment of Paediatric Hydrocephalus: Epidemiology and Influencing Factors on Revision Surgeries – a Single-centre Retrospective Analysis of 131 Patients
Authors: Nagl Jasmin , Schwarm Frank Patrick , Bender Michael , Gencer Aylin , Ehrhardt Harald , Hahn Andreas , Neubauer Bernd A. , Kolodziej Malgorzata
Published: December 2021

Paediatric hydrocephalus is a result of cerebrospinal fluid circulatory dysfunction and has diverse pathogeneses. This study investigates the epidemiology of paediatric hydrocephalus and influences of primary aetiology, type of implants, and of complications to develope new therapeutic approaches and strategies. Between 2013-2018 a retrospective analysis of 131 children, suffering from hydrocephalus, was conducted. Medical charts, operative reports and clinical follow-up visits were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test/ANOVA and Kruksal-Wallis-test/ Mann-Whitney-U test. Most common pathogeneses of hydrocephalus among our patients were meningomyelocele associated and posthaemorrhagic. The majority received a programmable differential pressure valve (PP valve, 77.8%) or a fixed differential pressure valve with gravitational unit (FPG valve, 14.8%). Among 333 shunt associated surgeries 66% were performed because of mechanical shunt dysfunction (61%), infection (12%), or due to other reasons (27%). The median rate of revisions for each patient within one year was 0.15 (IQR25-75:0.00-0.68) and was influenced by aetiology (p=0.045) and used valves (p=0.029). The highest rates were seen in patients with posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus and in those with FPG valve, the lowest in meningomyelocele associated hydrocephalus and PP valve. The occurrence of mechanical dysfunctions showed a relation to FPG valve (p=0.014). Furthermore, the median time interval between initial shunt surgery and infections was shorter than in mechanical dysfunctions (p=0.033). Conclusion: We could state several influence factors on revision surgeries in paediatric shunt patients. With the assessment of patients’ risk profiles, we can classify paediatric shunt patients and could avoid unnecessary examinations or invasive procedures. Furthermore, we could prevent revisions surgeries, if we choose shunt material in accordance with the patients’ associated shunt complications.
Anomeric stereoauxiliary strategy enables efficient synthesis of wide-ranging imidazo[1,5-α]pyridines
Authors: Zeng Kui , Ye Jin , Meng Xintong , Dechert Sebastian , Simon Martin , Gong Shuaiyu , Mata Ricardo , Zhang Kai
Published: December 2021

Imidazo[1,5-α]pyridines are one of the most important groups of N-heterocyclic compounds, with wide applications in pharmaceutics, chemical science and material science. Despite tremendous progress in their synthesis over the past decade, a number of important imidazo[1,5-α]pyridines as intermediate products remain inaccessible, such as 1-alkylimidazo[1,5-α]pyridines. Herein, we report a novel anomeric stereoauxiliary approach for the preparation of this important class of compounds. It strongly expands the scope of readily accessible imidazo[1,5-α]pyridines well beyond the existing state-of-the-art methods. More than 80 products with a substantial number of deemed unattainable ones were synthesized. With the first time accessibility to alkyl(pyridine-2-yl)methanone substrates, a group of important deuterated imidazo[1,5-α]pyridines derivatives were also efficiently achieved. The mechanism containing a key seven-membered ring transition state via α-anomeric stereoauxiliary for this new synthetic pathway is provided in great detail and supported by electronic structure calculations. In total, this novel synthetic approach for a broad range of imidazo[1,5-α]pyridines involving the native stereochemistry will open a new window for research endeavors in diverse fields, encompassing organic synthesis, biomass conversion via cleavage of C-N bonds and medicinal chemistry.
Analysis of Individual-Level Epidemic Data: Study of 2018-2020 Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Vossler Harley , Akilimali Pierre , Pan Yuhan , Khudabukhsh Wasiur , Kenah Eben , Rempala Grzegorz
Published: December 2021

The 2018-2020 Ebola virus disease epidemic in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) resulted in 3481 cases (probable and confirmed) and 2299 deaths. In this paper, we use a novel statistical method to analyze the individual-level incidence and hospitalization data on DRC Ebola victims. Our analysis suggests that an increase in the rate of quarantine and isolation by approximately 12% during the epidemic’s third and final wave was likely responsible for the eventual containment of the outbreak. The analysis further reveals that the total effective population size or the average number of individuals at risk for the disease exposure in three epidemic waves over the period of 24 months was around 19,000—a much smaller number than previously estimated and likely an evidence of at least partial protection of the population at risk through ring vaccination and contact tracing as well as adherence to strict quarantine and isolation policies.
Carbon Performance, Company Financial Performance, Financial Value And Transmission Channel: An Analysis of South African Listed Companies
Authors: Ganda Fortune
Published: December 2021

This article examines the influence of carbon performance on corporate financial performance and company financial value among South African listed firms for the period 2014 to 2018 using a two-step GMM panel process. The short-run findings show that carbon performance develops a positive and significant association with return on assets, firm value and Tobin’s Q. In the long run, the relationship between carbon performance and return on assets as well as firm value is significantly negative; however, the link with Tobin’s Q remains positively significant. Where carbon performance is employed as the dependent parameter, a positive, significant relationship is established with return on assets, firm value and Tobin’s Q in both the short and long run. The findings also demonstrate that carbon performance is a transmission channel whereby the debt-to-equity ratio, interest cover ratio, price to cash flow ratio and current ratio improve corporate financial performance and firm value in the long run. In the short run, the regression analysis frameworks produce mixed findings on whether carbon performance is a transmission channel. Policy recommendations are made based on the findings.
Silent Speech Command Word Recognition Using Stepped Frequency Continuous Wave Radar
Authors: Wagner Christoph , Schaffer Petr , Digehsara Pouriya Amini , Bärhold Michael , Plettemeier Dirk , Birkholz Peter
Published: December 2021

Recovering speech in the absence of the acoustic speech signal itself, i.e., silent speech, holds great potential for restoring or enhancing oral communication in those who lost it. Radar is a relatively unexplored silent speech sensing modality, even though it has the advantage of being fully non-invasive. We therefore built a custom stepped frequency continuous wave radar hardware to measure the changes in the transmission spectra during speech between three antennas, located on both cheeks and the chin with a measuring frequency of 100 Hz. We then recorded a command word corpus of 40 phonetically balanced, two-syllable German words and the German digits zero to nine for two individual speakers and evaluated both the speaker-dependent multi-session and inter-session recognition accuracies on this 50-word corpus using a bidirectional long-short term memory network. We obtained recognition accuracies of 99.17 % and 88.87 % for the speaker-dependent multi-session and inter-session accuracy, respectively. These results show that the transmission spectra are very well suited to discriminate individual words from one another, even across different sessions, which is one of the key challenges for fully non-invasive silent speech interfaces.
Exploring how national educational organizations can promote educational research amongst members: a survey-based study
Authors: Butani Lavjay , Dallaghan Gary Beck
Published: December 2021

Background: Engagement of academic faculty in research remains low. While barriers to research have been explored, there are no data on how national organizations can help overcome these barriers. Our study explored faculty satisfaction and motivational drivers for engagement with research opportunities offered by the Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics (COMSEP), an organization of pediatric medical educators, and characterize strategies perceived by faculty to promote the use of these opportunities.Methods: In 2021, 5 survey questions were administered to faculty members of COMSEP to explore satisfaction with COMSEP’s research offerings, the perceived value of educational research, and the facilitators, barriers and potential opportunities for COMSEP to promote research. Clark’s Commitment and Necessary Effort model on motivation served as the theoretical framework for our study, which explores motivation, self-efficacy and contextual factors influencing individual’s pursuit of goals. Chi-square analysis and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test were used to compare categorical and scaled variables among groups who did and did not avail of COMSEP’s research offerings.Results: 90 (25%) of 360 recipients responded. Sixty-one percent expressed satisfaction with COMSEP’s research offerings. Sixty-eight percent indicated research was an expectation of their academic appointment, that education was their primary research focus (74%) and that they did not have other research opportunities that met their needs (58%). Of respondents, 75.7% of females had submitted a proposal versus 60% of females who had not. The comparison by gender was not statistically significant. Exploration by academic rank revealed that 35% of instructor/assistant professors had submitted a proposal compared to 65% of associate professors/professors (p=.05). Barriers leading to non-submission to any of the offerings included having too much other work, lack of enjoyment in writing and inability to find mentors. Respondents endorsed the importance of several strategies to promote engagement in research-skill building opportunities, personalized consultations and increased funding. Conclusions: Faculty educators value the importance of educational research and recognize that research opportunities offered by COMSEP address an unmet need, but express ambivalence in the enjoyment of writing (reflecting their mood), and endorse structural barriers, that are amenable to change, affecting their personal agency.
On the Grinding Performance of Alumina Wheels in Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Grinding of Hardened GCr15 Steel
Authors: Qiu Yutong , Zhao Biao , Cao Yang , Ding Wenfeng , Fu Yucan , Pu Changlan
Published: December 2021

Composite manufacturing with multiple energy fields is an important source of processing technology innovation. In this work, comparative experiments on the conventional grinding (CG) and ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding (UVAG) of hardened GCr15 steel were conducted with WA wheel. The grinding wheel wear patterns and chips were characterized. In addition, grinding force, force ratio, and ground surface quality were investigated to evaluate wheel performance. Results illustrate that the interaction between abrasive grains and workpiece in UVAG process has the characteristics of high frequency and discontinuity. The wear property of abrasive grains is changed and the grinding force is decreased because the generation of micro-fracture in abrasive grains improves the grinding wheel self-sharpening. Better surface quality is obtained, the surface roughness is reduced by up to 18.96%, and the number of defects on the machined surface is reduced through the superior reciprocating ironing of UVAG. Accordingly, WA wheel performance is improved by UVAG.
In Planta Genetic Transformation to Produce CRISPRed High-Oleic Peanut
Authors: Wei Han Hong , Yu Shu Tao , Wang Zhi Wei , Yang Zhen , Song Guo Sheng , Wang Xiu Zhen , Sun Xiu Shan , Wang Chuan Tang
Published: December 2021

In contrast to its normal-oleic counterpart, high-oleic peanut has better keeping quality and multiple health benefits. Breeding high-oleic peanut through conventional means is a tedious process generally requiring several years. Genome editing may shorten the duration. In this study, node injection method was used to transform normal-oleic Huayu 23, a popular peanut cultivar having loss-of-function FAD2A, with CRISPR/Cas9 construct targeting FAD2B, and two peanut mutants with over 80% oleic acid and 442A insertion in FAD2B were obtained. As a genotype-independent, simple and easy method for peanut genetic transformation, node injection has great potential in factional analysis of genes and in peanut varietal improvement.
Ultrahigh-rate quasi-solid-state Zn-air batteries enabled by atomically dispersed Co site electrocatalyst and organhydrogel electrolyte
Authors: Wang Qichen , Feng Qingguo , Tang Shuaihao , Lei Yongpeng , Xu Liang , Xiong Yu , Fang Guozhao , Wang Yuchao , Yang Peiyao , Liu Jingjing , Liu Wei , Xiong Xiang
Published: December 2021

Quasi-solid-state Zn-air batteries (ZABs) have shown extraordinary promise for electrochemical energy storage, but are usually limited to relatively low-rate ability (< 10 mA cm−2), which caused by the sluggish O2 electrocatalysis and unstable electrochemical interface. Here we present an ultrahigh-rate and robust quasi-solid-state ZABs integrated with the atomic Co-N4 sites anchored on wrinkled nitrogen-doped graphene (Co SA-NDGs) cathode and the modulated H-bond network of polyacrylamide (PAM) organohydrogel electrolyte with. The quasi-solid-state ZABs exhibit the highest cycling rate of 100 mA cm−2 over 50 h at room temperature, which is nearly an order of magnitude higher than results reported previously. Meanwhile, the exceptional cycling stability more than 300 h (0.5 mA cm−2) with high-capacity retention at -60 oC and all-temperature adaptability (-60 to 60°C) are also demonstrated. The integral design towards high performance Zn-air batteries using atomic site catalyst and electrolyte with good interface stability broaden the scope of application.
A Consensus Definition of Supratotal Resection for Anatomically Distinct Primary Glioblastoma: An AANS/CNS Section on Tumors Survey of Neurosurgical Oncologists
Authors: Rakovec Maureen , Khalafallah Adham M. , Wei Oren , Day David , Sheehan Jason P. , Sherman Jonathan H. , Mukherjee Debraj
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Supratotal resection (SpTR) of glioblastoma may be associated with improved survival, but published results have varied in part from lack of consensus on the definition and appropriate use of SpTR. A previous small survey of neurosurgical oncologists with expertise performing SpTR found resection 1-2 cm beyond contrast enhancement was an acceptable definition and glioblastoma involving the right frontal and bilateral anterior temporal lobes were considered most amenable to SpTR. The general neurosurgical oncology community has not yet confirmed the practicality of this definition.
Methods

Seventy-six general neurosurgical oncology members of the AANS/CNS Tumor Section were surveyed using a crowdsourcing approach. Participants were presented with 11 definitions of SpTR and rated each definition’s appropriateness. Participants additionally reviewed magnetic resonance imaging for 10 anatomically distinct glioblastomas and assessed the tumor location's eloquence, perceived equipoise of enrolling patients in a randomized trial comparing gross total to SpTR, and their personal treatment plans.
Results

Fifty-two neurosurgeons (73.2%) agreed that resection 1-2 cm beyond contrast enhancement was an acceptable definition for SpTR. Cases were divided into three anatomically distinct groups by perceived equipoise between gross total and SpTR. The best clinical trial candidates were right anterior temporal (n=58, 76.3%) and right frontal (n=55, 73.3%) glioblastomas.
Conclusion

Support exists within the neurosurgical oncology community to adopt the proposed consensus definition of SpTR of glioblastoma and to treat right anterior temporal and right frontal glioblastomas using SpTR. A smaller proportion of general neurosurgical oncologists than SpTR experts consider SpTR feasible in the left anterior temporal lobe.
Curcumin Assists Anti-EV71 Activity of IFN-α by Inhibiting IFNAR1 Reduction in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Dan Kena , Xue Xiaoling , Chen Bangtao , Chen Cheng
Published: December 2021

Background and aim Enterovirus 71(EV71) can cause severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) with brain tissue involvement. Few effective anti-EV71 drugs are presently available in clinical practice. Interferon-α (IFN-α) was ineffective while Curcumin was effective in restricting EV71 replication in non-neuronal cells. Ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation of interferon-alpha receptor 1 (IFNAR1) protein contributes to IFN-α resistance. Current study aimed to determine synergistic inhibition of EV71 by Curcumin and IFN-α in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Methods SH-SY5Y cells were infected with mock-/Curcumin-pre-incubated EV71 or transfected with plasmid containing interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) or mRNA containing viral internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) following by post-treatment with Curcumin with or without IFN-α. Supernatant IFN-α/β was detected by ELISA. ISRE, IRSE, proteasome and deubiquitinating activity were measured by luciferase assay. EV71 RNA and viral protein or IFNAR1 were determined by qPCR and western blot, respectively. Results EV71 flailed to completely block IFN-α/β production but inhibited IFN-α signal. Curcumin only slightly inhibited EV71 proliferation without modulating virus attachment and internalization. However, Curcumin addition restored IFN-α-mediated ISRE activity thus significantly inhibiting EV71 replication. Furthermore, EV71 also reduced IFNAR1 protein with proteasome-dependence in SH-SY5Y cells, which can be reversed by Curcumin addition with the evidence that it lowered proteasome activity. Conclusion These data demonstrate that Curcumin assists anti-EV71 activity of IFN-α by inhibiting IFNAR1 reduction via ubiquitin-proteasome disruption in SH-SY5Y cells
Readiness of health facilities in providing basic antenatal care laboratory test services and client satisfaction in Ethiopia
Authors: Abawollo Hailemariam Segni , Beshir Ismael Ali , Tsegaye Zergu Tafesse , Desta Binyam Fekadu , Guteta Asfaw Adugna , Mengesha Birhan Tenaw , Mamo Tsega Teferi , Gebremedhin Zenawork Kassahun
Published: December 2021

Background: To enable early identification of pregnancy-related health complications and other potential problems that affect the outcomes of pregnancy, pregnant women need to receive the basic laboratory test services during antenatal care. The provision of antenatal care laboratory test services is influenced by the availability and capacity of support systems.Methods: A health facility based cross-sectional study design was employed. Results: One hundred and ninety-nine facilities and 960 pregnant women were involved. Sixty-seven-point one percent of facilities had the minimum required infrastructure; the minimum required laboratory documents were present in 67.2% of facilities; the minimum laboratory equipment needed was present in 49.6% of facilities; and 76% of facilities had trained laboratory personnel who could provide basic antenatal care laboratory test services. The average stockout rate on the date of the visit was 29.6%; stockouts during the past thirty days was 32%; and the mean number of days that the available stocks last was for 93 days. The average availability of basic antenatal care laboratory test services in health facilities was 84% with infrastructure (p=0.018) and equipment (p=0.000) being the significant predictors of service availability. The satisfaction rate for overall laboratory test services provided in the health facilities was 83.2%. Conclusions: Readiness of health facilities to deliver basic antenatal care laboratory test services in terms of infrastructure, documents, equipment, reagents, and human resource was low but the client satisfaction rate was within an acceptable range. The gaps in infrastructure, documents, medical equipment, reagents, and human resource of facilities need to be addressed to ensure better laboratory test services.
A T-CNN Time Series Classification Method
Authors: Wang Junlu , Li Su , Ji Wanting , Jiang Tian , Song Baoyan
Published: December 2021

Time series classification is a basic task in the field of streaming data event analysis and data mining. The existing time series classification methods have the problems of low classification accuracy and low efficiency. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a T-CNN time series classification method based on a Gram matrix. Specifically, we perform wavelet threshold denoising on time series to filter normal curve noise, and propose a lossless transformation method based on the Gram matrix, which converts the time series to the time domain image and retains all the information of events. Then, we propose an improved CNN time series classification method, which introduces the Toeplitz convolution kernel matrix into convolution layer calculation. Finally, we introduce a Triplet network to calculate the similarity between similar events and different classes of events, and optimize the squared loss function of CNN. The proposed T-CNN model can accelerate the convergence rate of gradient descent and improve classification accuracy. Experimental results show that, compared with the existing methods, our T-CNN time series classification method has great advantages in efficiency and accuracy.
Soluble programmed death ligand-1(sPD-L1) is elevated in aggressive prostate cancer disease among African men
Authors: KATONGOLE PAUL , Sande Obondo J. , Reynolds Steven J , Joloba Moses , Kajumbula Henry , Kalungi Samuel , Ssebambulidde Kenneth , Nakimuli Cynthia , Atuheirwe Maxine , Orem Jackson , Niyonzima Nixon
Published: December 2021

Background
The programmed death 1 (PD1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1) targeted immunotherapies have become a new mode of treatment for several tumours; however, there is limited evidence on the expression and prognostic value of PD1/PDL1 in prostate cancer, especially in African men.
Methods
The plasma concentrations of PD-L1/PD1 were assessed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay in patients with prostate cancer and normal healthy controls at the Uganda Cancer Institute. The association between plasma PD-L1/PD1 concentration levels and PSA levels, Gleason scores, age, and Body mass index were determined.
Results
We found significant differences in the median plasma concentrations of PD-L1 and PD-1 immune checkpoint molecules between Prostate cancer cases and normal healthy controls of (0.285 vs 0.035) p-value 0.001 and (0.596 vs 0.355) p-value 0.017, respectively. We found no significant association between age, plasma PSA levels, BMI and Gleason scores, and PD-1 among patients with prostate cancer and controls. However, elevated levels of PD-L1 were significantly associated with raised Gleason scores among patients with prostate cancer with a p-value of <0.001.
Conclusions
Elevated PD-L1 levels were statistically significantly linked to high Gleason scores. These results may guide clinicians in assessing the prognosis of patients individually and selecting suitable patients that will make favorable candidates for anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy.