Comparison Of Samples Research Articles

Sensitivity of urine cytology in detecting high-grade urothelial carcinoma in patients with neoplastic urinary bladder diverticula: A major cancer center experience.

Bladder diverticula are herniations of bladder urothelium and mucosa through the muscularis propria. The reported incidence of neoplasia arising in bladder diverticula is widely variable. The authors' objective was to study the characteristics and sensitivity of urine cytology in these patients with emphasis on primary intradiverticular bladder cancer (IDBC). A 17-year, retrospective review of all resected bladder diverticula associated with bladder carcinoma was performed. Cases that had complete diverticular resections and preresection urine samples were included in this study. The cases were divided into either primary IDBC or primary extradiverticular bladder cancer (EDBC). Demographic data and urine cytology characteristics were recorded, and sensitivity was calculated. For IDBC, a comparison between voided and cystoscopic urines was done for cases that had both collection methods performed. Of 70 patients with IDBC, 47 patients had urine cytology results that were either positive for high grade-urothelial carcinoma (HG-UC) or suspicious for HG-UC. The sensitivity for HG-UC in IDBC samples was 80%, compared with 82% in EDBC samples (p>.05). Also, 28 patients in the IDBC group had both voided and cystoscopic urine samples for comparisons; in seven patients, the voided urine sample yielded a more definitive diagnosis; in 10 patients, the cystoscopic urine sample yielded a more definitive diagnosis; and, in 11 patients, both samples were equally diagnostic (p>.05). The characteristics and sensitivity of urine cytology in bladder diverticula were investigated in association with neoplasia, with an emphasis on primary intradiverticular bladder cancer. The results indicated that urine cytology remains a reliable screening and diagnostic test for detecting IDBC, with sensitivity similar to that for detecting EDBC, and no significant difference was noted between voided and cystoscopic samples.

Effect of Adding Zeolite and Agricultural Sulfur on The Availability of Phosphorus From Rock Phosphate and Some Chemical Properties and Growth of Maize in Calcareous Soil

A field experiment was carried out in one of the fields of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad - Al-Jadriya, research station (A) on maize plant, synthetic varieties type (Fajr 1), in the autumn season during the agricultural season 2021-2022 to study the effect of adding zeolite and agricultural sulfur on the availability of phosphorus from Rock Phosphate and the growth of maize in calcareous soil with a loam texture. Agricultural sulfur was used with two levels (0, 2) μg.ha-1, which was added two months before the sowing date, and natural zeolite, which was added at sowing with two levels (0, 10) μg.ha-1, and Rock Phosphate, which was added at sowing with two levels (0, 80) μg.ha-1. While mineral phosphorus, was added in the form of DAP fertilizer according to the fertilizer recommendation for maize plants at a rate of (80) μg.ha-1 according to [1] with one level as a comparison sample with three replicates according to a factorial experiment within the randomized complete block design (RCBD), so that the number of experimental units to became (27) experimental units. Soil and plant samples were taken from the field during the two stages of plant growth (before flowering and harvesting). The results showed a significant effect of the triple interaction of adding agricultural sulfur, zeolite, and Rock Phosphate on the soil phosphorus availability at the harvesting stage which amounted to 10.15 mg.kg-1. The treatment of adding mineral fertilizer alone was 5.07 mg.kg-1, compared with the control treatment which amounted to 2.01 mg.kg-1. However the concentration of absorbed phosphorus in the plant at the stage before flowering was 916.10 mg P.plant-1, and for the treatment of mineral fertilizer alone, 519.90 mg P.plant-1, and for the control treatment amounted to 104.60 mg P.plant-1, respectively. The results also indicated the role of the triple interaction in decreasing the degree of soil reaction (pH) and increasing the degree of electrical conductivity (EC). The degree of pH reaction for the triple interaction treatment was 7.50 and 7.60, for the mineral fertilizer treatment 8.10 and 7.77, and the control treatment 8.13 and 8.13, respectively. The electrical conductivity EC for the triple interaction treatment was 3.00 and 2.84 dS/m, for the mineral fertilizer treatment 2.45 and 2.79 dS/m, and for the control treatment, which amounted to 2.33 and 2.24 dS/m during the two stages of plant growth before flowering and harvesting, respectively. The mineral zeolite alone affected the increase of the cationic exchange capacity (CEC) of the study soil which amounted to 24.27 and 25.70 Cmol.kg-1 during the plant growth stages before flowering and harvesting, respectively.

Associations between air pollution exposure and empirically derived subtypes of mild cognitive impairment in older women

AbstractBackgroundExposure to air pollution in older adulthood is a novel risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is a heterogenous construct with different subtypes likely reflecting different disease etiologies. Understanding if long‐term exposure to air pollution is differentially associated with MCI subtypes may provide insight into the neurotoxic effects of air pollution exposure on the aging brain.MethodParticipants included women from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study. Data from 651 women without dementia who screened positive for cognitive impairment on the modified mini‐mental state examination (3MS) and a randomly selected comparison sample of 2,560 women who were cognitively intact based on the 3MS were utilized. Participants were administered the 3MS annually (1996‐2008). Those who screened positive for cognitive impairment on the 3MS completed the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) cognitive battery and the Trailmaking Test parts A and B. Average annual levels of particulate matter of aerodynamic diameter<2.5 (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were estimated at the participant’s residence using regionalized national universal kriging models and averaged over the 3‐year period before the cognitive assessment. Latent class structural equation models (SEM) were constructed to identify MCI subtypes. We then examined associations between air pollution exposure and latent class membership using multinomial regression while adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical confounders.ResultFour significant MCI subtypes were identified (Figure 1): multidomain MCI (n = 147; 23%), amnestic MCI (n = 141; 22%), dysnomic/dysexecutive MCI (n = 200; 31%), and subtle MCI (n = 163; 25%). Women living in locations with higher levels of PM2.5 (per interquartile range [IQR] = 3.93 µg/m3; OR = 1.28; p = .04) or NO2 (per IQR = 9.25 ppb; OR = 1.36; p = .02) were more likely to be classified as having subtle MCI compared to normal comparisons. One IQR increase in NO2 was also associated with increased likelihood of being classified with dysnomic/dysexecutive MCI (OR = 1.38; p = .003) compared to normal comparisons.ConclusionOur study illustrates that long‐term exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 may be associated with specific subtypes of MCI. Our findings provide further evidence that air pollution may exert neurotoxic effects on brain areas underlying executive function and language ability in older women.

Reassessing soil nematode diversity under fertilization in a paddy–upland rotation system

Soil nematode diversity is a widely-used indicator for assessing the impact of agricultural practices, such as fertilization, on soil ecosystems. Organic fertilization is generally considered beneficial for nematode diversity. However, comparisons of diversity indices are sensitive to sample completeness, and unequal completeness can result in unfair comparisons among assemblages. In this study, we applied the statistical framework of Hill diversity, which accounts for equally complete samples, to estimate nematode diversity under different fertilization conditions in a paddy rice-upland wheat rotation system over three years. Our findings revealed that crop phase had a more pronounced influence on nematode community composition compared to fertilization or sampling year, although all three factors significantly affected nematode community composition. The sampling was incomplete, and coverage varied among samples for diversity comparison; for instance, sample coverage values were generally higher in the rice phase than in the wheat phase. After standardizing samples by completeness, we observed substantial variation in nematode diversity among years, regardless of whether more emphasis was placed on rare taxa (richness), abundant taxa (Shannon diversity), or dominant taxa (Simpson diversity). Moreover, the influence of crop phase on nematode diversity became particularly evident when examining diversity metrics that highlight rare and abundant taxa (e.g., richness and Shannon diversity). However, the effects of fertilization on nematode diversity were overshadowed by pronounced yearly variations. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of crop phase in shaping nematode community composition and diversity, while raising questions about the impacts of fertilization on nematode diversity when yearly variation is not considered. Additionally, we validated the suitability of Hill diversity for equally complete samples as an approach for a fair comparison of nematode diversity in soil ecosystems.

Effect of Demethylation on the Presence of DNA Methyltransferases in Complex with Histone Methylation Markers in Two Myeloma Cell Lines

Background: Enzymes that catalyze CpG methylation in DNA, including the DNA methyltransferases 1 (DNMT1), 3A (DNMT3A) and 3B (DNMT3B) are also implicated in human developmental disorders and cancers, supporting the critical role of DNA methylation. Posttranslational modifications of histones influence the representation of DNMTs in protein complexes including specific histone markers. H3K4me3, H3K36me3 are histone markers of active gene transcription, while for example H3K9me3, H3K27me3 are histone markers of inactive chromatin associated with repressive transcription of the respective genes. Objective: The aim of the study was to find whether demethylation of myeloma cells can affect 1) the formation of a complex of the repressive histone marker - H3K9me3 with DNMT3A and/or DNMT3B; and 2) association of the transcriptionally active histone marker H3K4me3 with DNMT1. Material & Methods: Chromatin lysate was isolated from two myeloma cell lines - KMS12-BM and KMS12-PE, after their 72 hours treatment with 5-Azacytidine (AZA) and/or 5-Aza-2´-deoxycitidine (DAC). Precipitation was performed with antibodies against H3K9me3 and/or H3K4me3. The occurrence of DNMT3A and/or DNMT3B in precipitated complex with H3K9me3 was quantified by qPCR (SYBR Green I) with primers specific for both promoter or coding regions of the respective DNMT genes. The assesment of DNMT1 in complex precipitated with H3K4me3 was quantified by qPCR (SYBR Green I) with primers specific for DNMT1. For result calculation, the 2-delta Ct values of immunoprecipitated samples were normalized to the 2-delta Ct value of IgG respective antibodies, and then the obtained 2(-(delta delta Ct)) value of analyzed samples was normalized to the 2(-(delta delta Ct)) value of control untreated cells (DMSO). Results: In KMS12-PE myeloma cells, we determined the 2(-(delta delta Ct)) values of DNMT3B in precipitated complex with H3K9me3 - 1.52 and 1.47, in cells treated with 0.5 µM AZA and 0.5 µM DAC, respectively. The obtained 2(-(delta delta Ct) values were higher than that of control untreated (DMSO) myeloma cells [with the of 2(-(delta delta Ct)) value of 0.85]. Increased occurrence of DNMT3A was found in H3K9me3 complex of all analyzed samples in comparison to untreated control cells [with the of 2(-(delta delta Ct)) value of 0.89]; the highest 2(-(delta delta Ct) values - 1.07 and 1.21 were determined after DAC treatment. The obtained 2(-(delta delta Ct)) values of DNMT1 from analyzed precipitated samples with H3K4me3 were lower than that of DMSO treated KMS12-PE cells [with the of 2(-(delta delta Ct)) value of 0.85]. In KMS12-BM, we did not detect any changes in the abundance of DNMT3B in precipitated complexes including H3K4me3. Conclusion: In KMS12-PE, but not in KMS12-BM, both demethylation agents used, 5-Aza-2´-deoxycitidine and 5-Azacytidine, affected the appearance of DNMT3A and DNMT3B in a protein complex containing the repressive histone marker H3K9me3 with possible potential to inactivate gene transcription.

Machine learning applications in Jupiter-host star classification using stellar spectra

ABSTRACT The link between stellar host properties, be it chemical, physical, dynamical, or galactic in nature, with the presence of planetary companions, has been one that has been repeatedly tested in the literature. Several corroborated work has argued that the correlation between a stellar atmosphere’s chemistry and the presence of gas giant companions is primordial in nature, implying that the chemical budget in a protoplanetary disc, and by proxy the eventual stellar host, increases the likelihood of gas giant formation. In this work, we aim to use the power of computer vision to build and test a machine learning classifier capable of discriminating between gas giant host stars and a comparison sample, using spectral data of the host stars in the visible regime. High-resolution spectra are used to preserve any inherent information which may contribute to the classification, and are fed into a stacked ensemble design incorporating several convolutional neural networks. The spectral range is binned such that each is assigned to a first-level voter, with the meta-learner aggregating their votes into a final classification. We contextualize and elaborate on the model design and results presented in a prior proceedings publication, and present an amended architecture incorporating semisupervized learning. Both models achieve relatively strong performance metrics and generalize over the holdout sets well, yet still present signs of overfitting.

Psychometric Exploration of the Swedish Translation of the Sexual Orientation Microaggressions Scale (SOMS), and a Commentary on the Validity of the Construct of Microaggressions

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to assess the psychometric properties of a Swedish translation of the Sexual Orientation Microaggressions Scale (SOMS) in a convenience sample of 267 Swedish LGB+ people (Mean age = 36.41). Testing suggested some strengths in terms of factor structure and 2-week test-retest reliability (ICC > .79). Also, internal consistency (α = .80–.91) and convergent validity were supported for most subscales. However, the Assumption of Deviance subscale was associated with low response variability and internal consistency (α = .35), and the correlational pattern between the Environmental Microaggressions subscale and mental health variables diverged from the overall trend. Furthermore, measurement invariance between homo- and bisexual participants was not supported for most subscales, and although microaggressions would be theoretically irrelevant to a small comparison sample of heterosexual people (N = 76, Mean age = 40.43), metric invariance of the Environmental Microaggressions subscale was supported in comparison to LGB+ people. We argue that these limitations suggest a restricted applicability of the SOMS in a Swedish context, and this has consequences for the definition and operationalization of the construct of microaggressions as a whole. Therefore, more research on the latent properties of microaggressions in Swedish as well as in other contexts is required.

Sustainable leadership in practice in Hungary

'Sustainability' is one of the most widely used terms today. The practice of sustainability in organisations has been analysed from many perspectives, but fewer studies have focused on the role of leadership, specifically sustainability leadership. Sustainable leadership is not about altruism or charity work or just thinking 'green'. Sustainable leadership makes organisations more competitive, more resilient, faster, more responsive and more attractive to customers. It helps attract talented employees and makes businesses more attractive to investors. Ensuring these conditions is a major management challenge. The aim of this research is to assess the extent to which Hungarian managers are prepared to meet the requirements of sustainable management. The research model, the pyramid of sustainable leadership is based on the belief that leaders should pay attention to social and environmental issues and encourage organisational learning and development. The sustainable leadership pyramid details the three pillars of social, environmental and economic sustainability. These pillars must be balanced to ensure sustainable management. Learning and development form the basis of the pyramid, and social and environmental responsibility and economic performance build on this. The research is based on interviews with 32 top managers of SMEs, using the elements of Avery and Bergsteiner's sustainable management pyramid as the basis for the interview questions. The structured interviews took the form of face-to-face discussions. The questions addressed all elements of the pyramid. Audio recordings of the recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using the Atlas 8 software. The results show that the elements of the pyramid as elements of expectations for sustainable leadership are only partially reflected in management practice. The most significant gap is in the implementation of the elements of the pyramid presenting the steps of the knowledge management process. The Honeybee philosophy as a contribution to the competitive advantage of organisations is only partially implemented, and overcoming the gaps is a major challenge. The research provides a new approach to sustainable management expectations and valuable lessons for SME managers. Future research will aim to expand the sample for international comparison.

An integrated study to decipher immunosuppressive cellular communication in the PDAC environment

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one the most aggressive cancers and characterized by a highly rigid and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The extensive cellular interactions are known to play key roles in the immune evasion, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Here, we used the spatial transcriptomics, scRNA-seq, and bulk RNA-seq datasets to enhance the insights obtained from each to decipher the cellular communication in the TME. The complex crosstalk in PDAC samples was revealed by the single-cell and spatial transcriptomics profiles of the samples. We show that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the central cell types in the regulation of microenvironment in PDAC. They colocalize with the cancer cells and tumor-suppressor immune cells and take roles to provide an immunosuppressive environment. LGALS9 gene which is upregulated in PDAC tumor samples in comparison to healthy samples was also found to be upregulated in TAMs compared to tumor-suppressor immune cells in cancer samples. Additionally, LGALS9 was found to be the primary component in the crosstalk between TAMs and the other cells. The widespread expression of P4HB gene and its interaction with LGALS9 was also notable. Our findings point to a profound role of TAMs via LGALS9 and its interaction with P4HB that should be considered for further elucidation as target in the combinatory immunotherapies for PDAC.

The slow emergence of gaze- and point-following: A longitudinal study of infants from 4 to 12 months.

Acquisition of visual attention-following skills, notably gaze- and point-following, contributes to infants' ability to share attention with caregivers, which in turn contributes to social learning and communication. However, the development of gaze- and point-following in the first 18 months remains controversial, in part because of different testing protocols and standards. To address this, we longitudinally tested N=43 low-risk, North American middle-class infants' tendency to follow gaze direction, pointing gestures, and gaze-and-point combinations. Infants were tested monthly from 4 to 12 months of age. To control motivational differences, infants were taught to expect contingent reward videos in the target locations. No-cue trials were included to estimate spontaneous target fixation rates. A comparison sample (N=23) was tested at 9 and 12 months to estimate practice effects. Results showed gradual increases in both gaze- and point-following starting around 7 months, and modest month-to-month individual stability from 8 to 12 months. However, attention-following did not exceed chance levels until after 6 months. Infants rarely followed cues to locations behind them, even at 12 months. Infants followed combined gaze-and-point cues more than gaze alone, and followed points at intermediate levels (not reliably different from the other cues). The comparison group's results showed that practice effects did not explain the age-related increase in attention-following. The results corroborate and extend previous findings that North American middle-class infants' attention-following in controlled laboratory settings increases slowly and incrementally between 6 and 12 months of age. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: A longitudinal experimental study documented the emergence and developmental trajectories of North American middle-class infants' visual attention-following skills, including gaze-following, point-following, and gaze-and-point-following. A new paradigm controlled for factors including motivation, attentiveness, and visual-search baserates. Motor development was ruled out as a predictor or limiter of the emergence of attention-following. Infants did not follow attention reliably until after 6 months, and following increased slowly from 7 to 12 months. Infants' individual trajectories showed modest month-to-month stability from 8 to 12 months of age.

Response of trigger type to crash box energy absorption performance

In this study, carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites were produced to investigate the trigger effect on energy absorption performance. Production was carried out by vacuum infusion method. Three types of trigger geometry were opened on the composite crash boxes produced and a comparison sample without trigger was prepared. The quasi-static compression tests of these four different samples were carried out and the energy absorption performances of the samples were evaluated with the obtained data. In addition, the damages of the samples were examined, and it was revealed how they changed with the trigger. Accordingly, the sample described as S-2, and the triggered sample, which consists of four symmetrical slits downwards from its upper surface, exhibited the best performance.

Evaluating the impact of a street outreach intervention on participant involvement in gun violence.

The past several years have witnessed increased calls for community violence interventions (CVIs) that address firearm violence while centering local expertise and avoiding the criminal legal system. Currently, little evidence exists on CVI effectiveness at the individual level. This study presents an evaluation of the impact of a street outreach-based CVI [Chicago CRED (Create Real Economic Destiny)] on participant involvement in violence. We used a quasiexperimental design with a treatment sample of 324 men recruited by outreach staff from 2016 to 2021 and a balanced comparison sample of 2,500 men from a network of individuals arrested in CRED's service areas. We conducted a Bayesian survival analysis to evaluate CRED's effect on individual violence-related outcomes on three levels of treatment: All enrolled participants, a subsample that made it through the initial phase, and those who completed programming. The intervention had a strong favorable effect on the probability of arrest for a violent crime for those completing the program: After 24 mo, CRED alumni experienced an 11.3 percentage point increase in survival rates of arrest for a violent crime relative to their comparisons (or, stated differently, a 73.4% reduction in violent crime arrests). The other two treatment levels experienced nontrivial declines in arrests but did not reach statistical significance. No statistically significant reduction in victimization risk was detected for any of the treatment levels. Results demonstrate that completion of violence intervention programming reduces the likelihood of criminal legal involvement for participants, despite the numerous systemic and environmental factors that impede personal success.

A method for obtaining aqueous and dry ethanol extracts of grass (a mixture of flowers with leaves) and a stalk of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) with inhibitory activity on the replication of the SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus in vitro

Aim. In vitro evaluation of the inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts and dry ethanol extracts of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) on the replication of SARS-CoV-2 according to three experimental schemes – direct inactivation (neutralisation) of the virus as well as "prevention" and "treatment" of cells.Materials and Methods. The laboratory strain SARS-CoV-2/human/RUS/Nsk-FRCFTM-1/2020 was passed on Vero cell culture. Water extracts and dry ethanol extracts of parts of H. perforatum L. collected during the flowering period in the Novosibirsk region were prepared. Dry extracts were dissolved in DMSO. Comparison samples are dry ethanol extracts of chaga, cloves and black tea.Results. It is shown that the aqueous extract of grass (a mixture of flowers with leaves) of H. perforatum L. with direct inactivation of the virus it is active in dilution of 1/4096. For the dry ethanol extract of the herb H. perforatum L., 50 % effective concentrations (EC50) were found equal to 2.44±0.87; 8.79±1.91 and 14.65±1.91 μg/ml respectively with direct inactivation as well as according to the "preventive" scheme and with the "treatment" of cells. Taking into account cytotoxicity, as well as in comparison with control samples, the values of selective indices (SI50) of the studied herbal preparations during direct inactivation were higher than with other experimental schemes and were distributed as follows (in descending order): 204.92; 153.68; 115.27; 32.01 and 21.33 for dry ethanol extracts of black tea from India, cloves, herbs, a mixture of flowers with leaves, of H. perforatum, chaga and the stems of H. perforatum respectively. The HPLC method has shown that the ethanol extract of the herb H. perforatum L. contains a greater amount of flavonoids than the extract of stems. Nevertheless, antiviral activity was also detected for the extract of stems of this plant with EC50 equal to 14.65±1.91; 78.13±20.05 and 117.19±15.31 μg/ml (according to three experimental schemes), respectively.Conclusion. For the preparation of antiviral drugs the whole plant of H. perforatum L., including stems, can be used as raw materials.

1 Early Development of Adaptive Skills in Young Children with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum: A Comparison to Monogenetic and Neurodevelopmental Conditions

Objective:Differences in adaptive functioning present early in development for many children with monogenic (Down Syndrome, Fragile X) and neurodevelopmental disorders. At this time, it is unclear whether children with ACC present with early adaptive delays, or if difficulties emerge later as functional tasks become more complex. While potential delays in motor development are frequently reported, other domains such as communication, social and daily living skills are rarely described. We used a prospective, longitudinal design to examine adaptive behavior from 6-24 months in children with ACC and compared their trajectories to those with monogenic and neurodevelopmental conditions.Participants and Methods:Our sample included children with primary ACC (n= 27-47 depending on time point) whose caregivers completed the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Interview 3rd Edition, via phone at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Comparison samples (using the Vineland-2) included children with Down Syndrome (DS; n = 15-56), Fragile X (FX; n = 15-20), children at high familial likelihood for autism (HL-; n=192-280), and low likelihood (LL; no family history of autism and no developmental/behavioral diagnosis; n = 111196). A subset of the HL children received an autism diagnosis (HL+; n = 48-74). The DS group did not have an 18-month Vineland.Results:A series of linear mixed model analyses (using maximum likelihood) for repeated measures was used to compare groups on three Vineland domains at 6, 12, 18 and 24 month timepoints). All fixed factors (diagnostic group, timepoint, and group X timepoint interaction) accounted for significant variance on all Vineland domains (p < .001). Post hoc comparisons with Bonferroni-correction examined ACC Vineland scores compared to the other diagnostic groups at each timepoint. At 6 months, parent-ratings indicated the ACC group had significantly weaker skills than the LL group in Communication and Motor domains. At 12, 18 and 24 months, ratings revealed weaker Communication, Daily Living and Motor skills in the ACC group compared to both the LL and HL- groups. Compared to the other clinical groups, the ACC group had stronger Socialization and Motor skills than Fragile X at 6 months, and at 24 months had stronger Communication and Socialization skills than both the DS and FX groups, as well as stronger Socialization than the HL+ group.Conclusions:Compared to children with low likelihood of ASD, children with primary ACC reportedly have weaker Communication and Motor skills from 6 to 24 months, with weakness in Daily Living Skills appearing at 12 months and all differences increase with age. Compared to Fragile X, the ACC exhibited relative strengths in socialization and motor skills starting at 6 months. By 24 months, the ACC group was outperforming the monogenic groups on Socialization and Communication. In general, the ACC scores were consistent with the HL+ sample, except the ACC group had stronger Social skills at 18 and 24 months. The results clearly inform the need for early intervention in the domains of motor and language skills. Additionally, as we know that children with ACC are at increased risk for social difficulties, research is needed both using more fine-grained social-communication tools, and following children from infancy through middle childhood.

Is the M81 Fast Radio Burst Host Globular Cluster Special?

We use multiband archival Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations to measure the photometric and structural parameters of the M81 globular cluster (GC) that hosts the fast radio burst FRB 20200120E. Our best-fitting King model has an effective radius r h = 3.06 pc with a moderate King model concentration of c = 53, and an inferred core radius of 0.81 pc. We revisit the exact astrometric location of the FRB within the cluster, and find that FRB 20200120E is located 1.92 pc from the center, but within the projected half-light radius. We estimate the relative encounter rate of the FRB host, along with the corresponding rates of 210 other GCs in M81, and compare these values with the encounter rates of Galactic GCs. The FRB resides in a GC with an encounter rate that is moderately higher than the median stellar encounter rate in our two comparison samples. While the estimated encounter rate of the FRB host cluster (e.g., ∼50% of a cluster like 47 Tuc) is sufficient to allow the possibility that the FRB formed dynamically, our results do not place strong constraints on this scenario due to the limitations of the available HST data and the possible systematic uncertainties and selection effects in the comparison data.

Influence of thermo-mechanical processing on microstructure and properties of bulk metallic glassy alloys-reinforced Al matrix composites prepared by powder metallurgy

Al-matrix composites, reinforced with two different types of glassy particles and prepared by mechanical alloying, were consolidated via Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and hot extrusion to produce high-strength Al–5%Al65Cu20Ti15 and Al–5%Al84Ni7Co3Nb6 composites, along with pure Al sample for comparison. TEM observation and XRD analysis were used to investigate the crystal structure of the prepared powders. Metallurgical analysis tools, including SEM, TEM, XRD and EBSD, were used to investigate the effect of consolidation temperature and processing on the amorphous phase and the distribution of reinforcing particles in the composite. Also, the effect of the consolidation process on the grain morphology and size of the prepared composite was studied. Al-5% Al65Cu20Ti15 was fully densified, compared to nearly 98 % relative density for Al-5% Al84Ni7Co3Nb6 and pure Al sample prepared by hot extrusion. Moreover, Al-5% Al65Cu20Ti15 composite showed the highest hardness and ultimate tensile strength values, which are 63Hv and 226 MPa, respectively. An acceptable elongation of 15 % was also achieved. After SPS, hot extrusion process improved the strength of the composite compared with previously reported Al composites containing higher percents of Al-based glassy articles manufactured using various processing techniques. Homogenous reinforcement distribution, grain refinement and improved wettability between matrix and reinforcement are the key factors on improving the strength of Al–5%Al65Cu20Ti15 composite. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) decreased by adding glassy particles to the Al-matrix, while Al-5% Al65Cu20Ti15 had the lowest values.

90 Self-Rated Executive Dysfunction in Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Dysfunction and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objective:Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by subjective and objective memory concerns, though additional cognitive concerns are commonly reported, including changes in executive functions (EF). Rabin et al. (2006) showed that a sample of research participants with MCI endorsed problems with their EFs, especially working memory. Similarly, those with subjective cognitive dysfunction (SCD) also reported greater difficulty with aspects of their EF than a healthy comparison sample of older adults (HC). In the present study, we investigated subjective EF in clinical samples of older adults with MCI or SCD, which represents a more naturalistic sample relative to a research sample. Furthermore, we evaluated whether subjective EF varied in these groups depending on whether patients were "young-old" versus "old-old" given prior research indicating objective cognitive differences between these age groups.Participants and Methods:Participants were 135 older adults (53 MCI, 52 SCD, and 30 HC) matched for age (p = .116) and education (p = .863). Dichotomous categorization of age used the sample median (72 years) as cutoff score with 72 participants in the young-old group (mean age = 65.8 ± 4.7 years) and 63 in the old-old group (mean age = 78.1 ± 3.7 years). Participants completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult (BRIEF-A), assessing executive functions in everyday life over the past month. The BRIEF-A yields an overall score (Global Executive Composite [GEC]) composed of two index scores (Behavioral Regulation Index [BRI] and Metacognition Index [MI]) and nine clinical scales (Inhibit, Shift, Emotional Control, Self-Monitor, Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Task Monitor, and Organization of Materials). A diagnosis by age-group multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with post-hoc comparisons for diagnosis using a Tukey HSD correction was conducted using SPSS Version 24.Results:MCI and SCD groups endorsed worse EF on all three index scores (ps < .005) and all nine clinical scales (ps < .05) relative to the HC group, and the MCI group reported worse initiation relative to the SCD group. Additionally, worse executive functions on all three index scores (ps < .05) and four clinical scales (ps < .05; emotional control, self-monitoring, planning/organization, and task monitoring) were reported by the young-old group relative to the old-old group. No diagnosis by age-group interactions were observed.Conclusions:Problems with aspects of EF were endorsed by older adults with MCI and SCD compared to HCs across all indices and clinical scales; however, only initiation was reported to be worse in MCI than those with SCD. Additionally, the young-old group endorsed having worse EF than the old-old group across BRIEF-A indices and several more specific aspects of EF, without a moderating effect of diagnosis. These findings highlight the importance of assessing subjective EF in older adults, as they may be early indicators of cognitive change, prior to objective evidence of cognitive decline. Furthermore, results also point to differences in how the young-old and old-old perceive their EF in everyday life.

How does kinship and foster care differ on caregiver-child relationship quality and child and caregiver mental health?

Internationally, there is an increasing preference to place children in kinship versus foster care. While research suggests that kinship care might promote better child mental health and placement stability than foster care, less is known about how these placement types compare on other factors of significance to family wellbeing in out-of-home care, including caregiver-child relationship quality and caregiver strain. We aimed to examine potential group differences on these outcomes in a sample of 101 kinship (N = 30), foster (N = 35), and birth (N = 36) caregivers of 7- to 16-year-olds in Australia. Caregivers completed measures on child mental health (behavioral and emotional adjustment, affect regulation), caregiver-child attachment, and caregiver strain, and a Five-Minute Speech Sample interview regarding their relational schemas (e.g., attitudes and feelings) about their child. Results showed that kinship and foster care families fared similarly on levels of child mental health, caregiver relational schemas, caregiver-child attachment, and caregiver strain. However, both groups displayed significantly more challenges in these domains than the birth family comparison sample. Sixty one percent of children in kinship and foster care experienced clinically significant mental health problems, yet many families–particularly kinship care families–had not received adequate professional supports for these challenges. Our findings suggest that families in kinship and foster care experience similar relational and mental health challenges, though they may require services tailored to their unique circumstances.

Determining an Effective Language Sample Elicitation Strategy for Early Language Learners Who Speak Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

This study evaluates three different language sample elicitation strategies to determine a valid elicitation strategy for early language learners who speak using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Ten children who speak using AAC participated in this study. Language samples were elicited from each participant using three strategies: the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS), a generic play-based elicitation strategy, and automatic data logging. Samples were transcribed and coded. Additionally, each participant's school speech-language pathologist completed a Communication Matrix. Data from coded language samples were correlated with Communication Matrix results to determine the elicitation strategy that yielded the most valid language sample in comparison to Communication Matrix results. Both the CSBS and the play-based strategy yielded clinically relevant information. Because the log lacked communicative context, resulting data from the log was limited. An analysis of variance revealed significant differences in the amount of information elicited from each elicitation strategy. The CSBS repeatedly elicited the most data, followed by the play-based strategy and then the log. Generic play-based strategy results yielded the most correlations with Communication Matrix data. This preliminary data suggest that the play-based elicitation strategy elicited the most valid language sample when compared to the Communication Matrix from early language learners who speak using AAC. Additionally, results suggest that the CSBS may be an effective tool to measure the limits of this population's expressive language abilities.

Evaluation of 16S rRNA gene primer pairs for bacterial community profiling in an across soil and ryegrass plant study

AbstractIntroductionAs microbes play important roles in many hosts and niches, linking microbiota across niches is becoming an important area of research. Studying microbiota across multiple niches would allow understanding of ecosystem‐level interactions and potential points of better manipulation for agriculture gains. However, a suitable methodology to characterize microbiota from vast different niches is currently lacking. We used the plant shoot and soil as two important niches for this case study.Materials and MethodsConsidering the important linkage plant play in connecting above‐ and below‐ground ecosystems and challenges of working with plant microbiota, we first compared three commonly used 16S ribosomal RNA gene primer pairs targeting V3–V4 or V5–V7 regions coupled with Illumina sequencing for bacterial communities associated with ryegrass shoot. Then the selected primer was used to amplify bacterial communities in soil and rhizosphere samples for comparison with the commonly used 338F/806R. Finally, core operational taxonomic units (OTUs) across soil and plant niches were identified.ResultsPrimer pair 799F/1193R amplified the lowest number of plant organelle sequences (<0.2% of total sequences) and consistently showed the highest α‐diversity compared with 338F/806R and 335F/769R. For soil and rhizosphere samples, 799F/1193R also demonstrated significantly higher α‐diversity indices compared with 338F/806R. The bacterial phyla commonly detected by both primer pairs comprised >97% of the total relative abundance in soil and rhizosphere samples. In addition, the differences in bacterial communities of the soil and rhizosphere samples were more evident when using 799F/1193R than 338F/806R. Using the 799F/1193R data set, 50 core bacterial OTUs were identified across soil, rhizosphere and shoot niches, whereas only 38 core OTUs were identified when using 338F/806R. Most of these core OTUs were dominant in either shoot or soil niche.ConclusionPrimer pair 799F/1193R is suitable for bacterial community studies targeting ryegrass plant and soil microbiota, in particular for cross‐niches studies.