bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Blended NPSZnB Fertiliser Rates on Growth and Yield of Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] Varieties in Haro Limmu District
Authors: Wakgari Birhanu , Debele Tadesse , Abraham Thomas 
Published: August 2021

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is one of the most important cereal crops and predominant staple food in Ethiopia. However, its productivity is constrained by a number of problems, lack of site-specific fertilizer recommendation and high yielding varieties are crucial in the study area. Hence, a field experiment was conducted during 2020 main cropping season to identify most productive variety and determine most economically feasible blended NPSZnB fertilizer rate at Farmers Training Center in Ucha Kebele, Haro Limmu district. The experiment included five different NPSZnB fertilizer rates (0, 50,100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) and three Tef varieties (Negus, Tesfa and local). The treatments were factorially combined and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Days to 50% heading, days to 90% physiological maturity, plant height and thousand seed weight of Tef were significantly influenced by main effect of varieties, blended NPSZnB fertilizer rates and their interactions. Panicle length, dry biomass yield, lodging index, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of Tef were significantly (P<0.001) affected by main effect of blended NPSZnB fertilizer rates and the interactions of the two factors, while the panicle length, dry biomass yield, lodging index and grain yield, straw yield and harvest index of Tef were significantly (P<0.01; 0.05) affected by main effect of varieties respectively. Highest (118.20 cm) plant height, dry biomass yield (9. 64 t ha-1), straw yield (7.02 t ha-1), grain yield (2.62 t ha-1), thousand seed weight (0.42 t ha-1) and harvest index (27.1%) were recorded from Tesfa variety with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Similarly, the highest (7.42 t ha-1), straw yield, dry biomass yield (9.76 t ha-1), grain yield (2.34 t ha-1), thousand seed weight (0.4 g) and panicle length (44.20 cm) were recorded from Tesfa variety with application of 200 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate and the highest total number of tillers (10.1) and effective number of tillers (9.7) were recorded with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Grain yield of Tef showed increment by 91.22 % with the application of 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 with Tesfa variety over the control. Highest net profit of ETB 83229.4 with marginal rate of return of 1553.71% was recorded from Tesfa variety with application of 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 blended fertilizer rate. Therefore, farmers of the study area should use Tesfa variety based on the grain yield and net profitability benefits achieved with 150 kg NPSZnB ha-1 fertilizer rate to enhance Tef production and productivity. However, this experiment was conducted only for a single season and site, further study has to be done under different seasons and agro-ecologies to make more reliable recommendations.
Inhibitory Effects of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Bryophyllum pinnatum (Oda Opue) Leaves Extracts on Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Infected Wound Samples
Authors: Izundu M. I. , Anyamene C. O. , Ogbonna E. A. Kyrian- , Umeh O. R. , Nwiyi I. U. 
Published: August 2021

Aim: to study the antimicrobial effects of different leaves extracts of Azadirachta indica and Bryophyllum pinnatum on Staphylococcus aureus isolated from infected wound.
Study Design: This study was done to determine inhibitory effects of extracts on S. aureus isolated from infected wounds.
Place and Duration of Study: General hospital Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria, January to March 2020.
Methodology: wound swabs were collected from 30 patients with infected wound. S. aureus were isolated and identified morphologically and biochemically. The leaves were collected, identified and grinded. Extraction of the leaves were done using soxhlet method with two solvents (ethanol and water). Phytochemical compositions were analyzed using standard methods. In vitro antimicrobial effect of extracts and their combination were evaluated.
Results: Phytochemical analysis of extracts showed presence of saponins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides and phenols except B. pinnatum aqueous extract that showed presence of flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. Among the extracts analysed, A. indica ethanol has highest zone of inhibition against S. aureus with 20.00±0.00 mm at 1000 mg/ml concentration. B. pinnatum ethanol 10.33±0.58 mm at 1000 mg/ml, A. indica aqueous extract 13.33±2.08 mm but B. pinnatum aqueous extract has no inhibitory effect. The combination of A. indica aqueous and B. pinnatum ethanol extracts, B. pinnatum and A. indica ethanol extracts and A. indica ethanol extract and B. pinnatum aqueous extracts have inhibitory effects on S. aureus except combination of A. indica aqueous and B. pinnatum aqueous which has no inhibitory effect. The result of MIC was 500 mg/ml and the MBC showed 1000 mg/ml.
Conclusion: The extracts of B. pinnatum and A. indica possess antimicrobial properties for S. aureus and the plants are available and are planted worldwide. There is also need for research on other plants with antimicrobial effects.
Intracranial Sensors for Continuous Monitoring of Neurophysiology
Authors: Jiang Nan , Flyax Sergey , Kurz Wolfgang , Jakobi Martin , Tasoglu Savas , Koch Alexander W. , Yetisen Ali K. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMonitoring physiological parameters in the brain is important to identify early signs of secondary brain injuries. A variety of different intracranial sensors enable continuous monitoring of important brain parameters in clinical applications. However, many of the clinically approved and established technologies show drawbacks in zero‐drift properties, accuracy and magnet resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility. This review gives a comparative overview of the established technologies and provides an outlook on fiber‐optic sensors (FOS) with potential use in future intracranial monitoring applications. Neurophysiological parameters recorded by bioelectrical signals include intracranial pressure (ICP), brain temperature, brain tissue oxygenation, cerebral blood flow, and cerebral metabolism. The comparison of ICP sensors revealed that piezoresistive strain gauge sensors provide the highest accuracy and the smallest zero‐drift in clinical catheters. Fiber‐optic pressure sensors show a potential to be used in future intracranial applications. Thermistors and thermocouples prove to be reliable for temperature measurement in intracranial catheters, but have limited MRI compatibility. FOS show potential to be used in future intracranial catheters for temperature and oxygen measurement, as they provide higher accuracy and a better response time. Microdialysis catheters, in combination with new automated electrochemical and optical analyzers, provide the possibility of routine metabolism monitoring in clinics.
Sonoporation‐Enhanced Delivery of STING Agonist Induced Robust Immune Modulation and Tumor Regression
Authors: Xu Jun , Solban Nicolas , Wang Yun , Ferguson Heidi , Perera Samanthi , Lin Ken , Cai Mingmei , Paul Miller , Schutt Ernest G. , Larsen Clayton T. , Li Rhodemann , Saklatvala Robert , Long Brian J. , Ranganath Sheila , Procopio Adam T. , Mittal Sachin , Templeton Allen C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSonoporation, the temporal cell membrane openings that can arise after ultrasound exposure, has been explored across many preclinical applications but has lacked translational momentum. This can be attributed to a lack of quantitative characterization of the sonoporation process. Additionally, the impact of sonoporation on modulating the tumor microenvironment is not well understood. Using a cyclic dinucleotide‐based STING (stimulator
of interferon genes) agonist, MSA‐1, that is analogous to MK‐1454, and approved microbubbles and diagnostic ultrasound, the authors report a 5 min sonoporation procedure enhanced the tumor local concentration of systemically administered MSA‐1 by 6.58‐fold 15 min post sonoporation. The improved pharmacokinetic profile translates into greater STING‐mediated cytokine production, including TNF‐α, IFN‐α, and IFN‐β. Furthermore, through immunophenotyping, the authors report sonoporation could sustain STING‐mediated immune activation while reversing its impact on immune suppression. In both unilaterally and bilaterally inoculated syngeneic tumor models, the authors demonstrate that the sonoporation treated group significantly outperformed other controls at equivalent dosing conditions. These findings may further the understanding of the sonoporation process and its impact on immune modulation, which will accelerate the translational momentum of sonoporation.
Iodine(III)‐Promoted Ring Expansion Reactions: A Metal‐Free Approach toward Seven‐Membered Heterocyclic Rings
Authors: Khan Ajmir , Silva Luiz F. , Rabnawaz Muhammad 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA metal‐free approach for the synthesis of seven‐membered heterocycles (chromane, thiochromane) or rings fused with heterocycles (furan, indole, pyrrole, and thiophene) is described. The salient feature of the strategy is based on the ring expansion of methylenic heterocycles mediated by the iodine(III) reagent HTIB (PhI(OH)OTs) in aqueous acetonitrile.
Blind snakes beneath the surface: Continuing the legacy of Richard Thomas
Authors: Laver Rebecca J. , Daza Juan D. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBlind snakes (Scolecophidia) are small‐bodied, enigmatic burrowing reptiles with members found on all continents except Antarctica. This Special Issue on blind snakes honors and advances the foundational studies by a remarkable anatomist, Richard Thomas. Richard is currently one of the living herpetologists to have described the greatest number of herpetofauna species, including many blind snake taxa. Recent interest in scolecophidian research at several conferences led to the development of this Special Issue on blind snake anatomy. This issue spans a diversity of papers, from biographical accounts of Richard's life and works, to a brief history of scolecophidian anatomical studies and the benefits of computed tomography (CT) technology, to a variety of studies on the skull and post‐cranial osteology, cranial and jaw biomechanics related to subterranean lifestyles, evolution, and systematics of blind snake taxa from around the globe. This Special Issue will hopefully serve as a valuable resource and contribution to the field of blind snake anatomy research, and a joyful reflection on the life and career of a herpetologist who mentored and inspired a new generation of researchers in this area.
SELEX: Critical factors and optimization strategies for successful aptamer selection
Authors: Kohlberger Michael , Gadermaier Gabriele 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWithin the last decade, the application range of aptamers in biochemistry and medicine has expanded rapidly. More than just a replacement for antibodies, these intrinsically structured RNA‐ or DNA‐oligonucleotides show great potential for utilization in diagnostics, specific drug delivery, and treatment of certain medical conditions. However, what is analyzed less frequently is the process of aptamer identification known as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and the functional mechanisms that lie at its core. SELEX involves numerous singular processes, each of which contributes to the success or failure of aptamer generation. In this review, critical steps during aptamer selection are discussed in‐depth, and specific problems are presented along with potential solutions. The discussed aspects include the size and molecule type of the selected target, the nature and stringency of the selection process, the amplification step with its possible PCR bias, the efficient regeneration of RNA or single‐stranded DNA, and the different sequencing procedures and screening assays currently available. Finally, useful quality control steps and their role within SELEX are presented. By understanding the mechanisms through which aptamer selection is influenced, the design of more efficient SELEX procedures leading to a higher success rate in aptamer identification is enabled.
Out‐of‐pocket costs associated with head and neck cancer treatment
Authors: Khan Mohemmed N. , Hueniken Katrina , Manojlovic‐Kolarski Mirko , Eng Lawson , Mirshams Maryam , Khan Khaleeq , Simpson Colleen , Au Michael , Liu Geoffrey , Xu Wei , Longo Christopher J. , Goldstein David P. , Ringash Jolie , Martino Rosemary , Hansen Aaron R. , de Almeida John R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundOut‐of‐pocket costs (OOPC) associated with treatment have significant implications on quality of life and survival in cancer patients. Head and neck cancer patients face unique treatment‐related challenges, but to date OOPC have been understudied in this population.AimsThis study aims to identify and measure OOPC for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) in Ontario.MethodsHNC patients between 2015 and 2018 at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto were recruited. Participants completed OOPC questionnaires and lost income questions during radiation, post‐surgery, and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after completion of treatment. Associations between OOPC and treatment modality and disease site were tested with multivariable hurdle regression.ResultsA total of 1545 questionnaires were completed by 657 patients. Median estimated OOPC for the total duration of treatment for participants undergoing chemoradiation was $1452 [$0–14 616], for surgery with adjuvant radiation or chemoradiation (C/RT) was $1626, for radiation therapy alone was $635, and for surgery alone was $360. The major expenses for participants at the mid‐treatment time‐point was travel (mean $424, standard error of the mean [SEM] $34) and meals, parking, and accommodations (mean $617, SEM $67). In multivariable analysis, chemoradiation, surgery with C/RT, and radiation were associated with significantly higher OOPC than surgery alone during treatment (791% higher, p < .001; 539% higher, p < .001; 370% higher, p < .001 respectively) among patients with non‐zero OOPC. Participants with non‐zero OOPC in the laryngeal cancer group paid 49% lower OOPC than those with oropharyngeal cancers in adjusted analysis (p = .025).ConclusionsPatients undergoing treatment for HNC pay significant OOPC. These costs are highest during treatment and gradually decrease over time. OOPC vary by patient demographics, clinical factors, and, in particular, treatment modality.
A Model Electron Transfer Reaction in Confined Aqueous Solution
Authors: Olivieri Jean‐François , Laage Damien , Hynes James T. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLiquid water confined within nanometer‐sized channels exhibits a strongly reduced local dielectric constant perpendicular to the wall, especially at the interface, and this has been suggested to induce faster electron transfer kinetics at the interface than in the bulk. We study a model electron transfer reaction in aqueous solution confined between graphene sheets with classical molecular dynamics. We show that the solvent reorganization energy is reduced at the interface compared to the bulk, which explains the larger rate constant. However, this facilitated solvent reorganization is due to the partial desolvation by the graphene sheet of the ions involved in the electron transfer and not to a local dielectric constant reduction effect.
Design and implementation of programmable logic array using crossbar structure in quantum‐dot cellular automata
Authors: Zhu Chunsong , Xie Guangjun , Zhang Yongqiang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractQuantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) is a promising nanoelectronic technology having the characteristics of stable operation, breakneck speed, and ultralow energy consumption in theory. However, no scalable and modular architecture can facilitate circuit implementation, restricting the overall development of this technology. Different from the traditional programmable logic array (PLA) using AND‐OR arrays, this paper proposes a design method of PLA using crossbar structure in QCA. The PLA consists of multiple programmable units in which the majority gates can be programmed as AND/OR gates, and an inverter following each majority gate will invert the output as needed. To flexibly adjust the logic states of each programmable unit, a programmable clock scheme and N‐bit latch are then proposed. Therefore, a circuit can arbitrarily be achieved by programming the PLA. Four circuits, including full adder, 2–1 MUX, D flip‐flop, and 1‐bit memory, are designed, implemented, and simulated in QCA, by using this PLA. Experimental results show that the designed circuits realize logic functions correctly and stably.
Incomplete IgG avidity maturation after seasonal coronavirus infections
Authors: Struck Friedhelm , Schreiner Patrick , Staschik Eva , Wochinz‐Richter Karin , Schulz Sarah , Soutschek Erwin , Motz Manfred , Bauer Georg 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn classical viral infections, the avidity of immunoglobulin G (IgG) is low during acute infection and high a few months later. As recently reported, SARS‐CoV‐2 infections are not following this scheme, but they are rather characterized by incomplete avidity maturation. This study was performed to clarify whether infection with seasonal coronaviruses also leads to incomplete avidity maturation.The avidity of IgG toward the nucleoprotein (NP) of the seasonal coronaviruses 229E, NL63, OC43, HKU1 and of SARS‐CoV‐2 was determined in the sera from 88 healthy, SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative subjects and in the sera from 70 COVID‐19 outpatients, using the recomLine SARS‐CoV‐2 assay with recombinant antigens. In the sera from SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative subjects, incomplete avidity maturation (persistent low and intermediate avidity indices) was the lowest for infections with the alpha‐coronaviruses 229E (33.3%) and NL63 (61.3%), and the highest for the beta‐coronaviruses OC43 (77.5%) and HKU1 (71.4%). In the sera from COVID‐19 patients, the degree of incomplete avidity maturation of IgG toward NP of 223E, OC43, and HKU1 was not significantly different from that found in SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative subjects, but a significant increase in avidity was observed for IgG toward NP of NL63. Though there was no cross‐reaction between SARS‐CoV‐2 and seasonal coronaviruses, higher concentrations of IgG directed toward seasonal coronaviruses seemed to indirectly increase avidity maturation of IgG directed toward SARS‐CoV‐2. Our data show that incomplete IgG avidity maturation represents a characteristic consequence of coronavirus infections. This raises problems for the serological differentiation between acute and past infections and may be important for the biology of coronaviruses.
Consumer subversion and its relationship to anti‐consumption, deviant and dysfunctional behaviors, and consumer revenge
Authors: Wilson Matthew , Robson Karen , Pitt Leyland 
Published: August 2021

AbstractConsumer subversion refers to consumer acts that are intended to impede the ability of marketers to develop and implement a marketing strategy, including market segmentation, target marketing, and the formulation of a marketing mix. Consumer subversion has featured across many bodies of marketing literature, yet it has not been explicitly defined and studied. This paper identifies and organizes examples of consumer subversion from marketing literature. It delineates how consumer subversion is related to, yet different from, related terms, such as anti‐consumption, consumer revenge and retaliation, dysfunctional and deviant consumer behavior, and consumer movements. Consumer subversion can be proactive or reactive, and can be targeted at specific firms or towards the marketing function in general. Such acts range from individual exit or using ad blockers to extreme hostility via revenge or sabotage. This study derives a classification of consumer subverters, discusses the psychological “need to win” linked to consumer subversion, and presents a research agenda organized around consumers who subvert, firms that are subverted, and antecedents and consequences of subversion.
Increased Menopausal Age Reduces the Risk of Parkinson's Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Approach
Authors: Kusters Cynthia D.J. , Paul Kimberly C. , Duarte Folle Aline , Keener Adrienne M. , Bronstein Jeff M. , Bertram Lars , Hansen Johnni , Horvath Steve , Sinsheimer Janet S. , Lill Christina M. , Ritz Beate R. 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundStudies of Parkinson's disease (PD) and the association with age at menarche or menopause have reported inconsistent findings. Mendelian randomization (MR) may address measurement errors because of difficulties accurately reporting the age these life events occur.ObjectiveWe used MR to assess the association between age at menopause and age at menarche with PD risk.MethodsWe performed inverse variant‐weighted (IVW) MR analysis using external genome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary data from the United Kingdom biobank, and the effect estimates between genetic variants and PD among two population‐based studies (Parkinson's disease in Denmark (PASIDA) study, Denmark, and Parkinson's Environment and Gene study [PEG], United States) that enrolled 1737 female and 2430 male subjects of European ancestry. We, then, replicated our findings for age at menopause using summary statistics from the PD consortium (19 773 women), followed by a meta‐analysis combining all summary statistics.ResultsFor each year increase in age at menopause, the risk for PD decreased (odds ration [OR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73–0.98; P = 0.03) among women in our study, whereas there was no association among men (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.85–1.11; P = 0.71). A replication using summary statistics from the PD consortium estimated an OR of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.90–0.99; P = 0.01), and we calculated a meta‐analytic OR of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89–0.98; P = 0.003). There was no indication for an association between age at menarche and PD (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.44–1.29; P = 0.29).ConclusionsA later age at menopause was associated with a decreased risk of PD in women, supporting the hypothesis that sex hormones or other factors related to late menopause may be neuroprotective in PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Prevalence of Y chromosome microdeletion in azoospermia factor subregions among infertile men from West Bengal, India
Authors: Dutta Saurav , Paladhi Pranab , Pal Samudra , Bose Gunja , Ghosh Papiya , Chattopadhyay Ratna , Chakravarty Baidyanath , Ghosh Sujay 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundEtiology of male infertility is intriguing and Y chromosome microdeletion within azoospermia factor (AZF) sub‐regions is considered major cause. We conducted a screening for Y chromosome microdeletion in an infertile male cohort from West Bengal, India to characterize Y chromosome microdeletion among infertile men.MethodsWe recruited case subjects that were categorized on the basis of sperm count as azoospermia (N = 63), severe oligozoospermia (N = 38), and oligozoospermia (N = 17) and compared them with age, demography, and ethnicity matched healthy proven fertile control males (N = 84). Sequence Tagged Site makers and polymerase chain reaction based profiling of Y chromosome was done for AZF region and SRY for cases and controls.ResultsWe scored 16.1% of cases (19 out of 118) that bear one or more microdeletions in the studied loci and none among the controls. The aberrations were more frequent among azoospermic males (17 of 19) than in severe oligozoospermic subjects (2 of 19).ConclusionOur study provides the results of screening of the largest Bengali infertile men sample genotyped with the maximum number of STS markers spanning the entire length of Y chromosome long arm. Y chromosome microdeletion is a significant genetic etiology of infertility among Bengali men.