bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negative effects of an allelopathic invader on AM fungal plant species drive community‐level responses
Authors: Roche Morgan D. , Pearse Ian S. , Bialic‐Murphy Lalasia , Kivlin Stephanie N. , Sofaer Helen R. , Kalisz Susan
Published: September 2020

The mechanisms causing invasive species impact are rarely empirically tested, limiting our ability to understand and predict subsequent changes in invaded plant communities. Invader disruption of native mutualistic interactions is a mechanism expected to have negative effects on native plant species. Specifically, disruption of native plant‐fungal mutualisms may provide non‐mycorrhizal plant invaders an advantage over mycorrhizal native plants. InvasiveAlliaria petiolata(garlic mustard) produces secondary chemicals toxic to soil microorganisms including mycorrhizal fungi, and is known to induce physiological stress and reduce population growth rates of native forest understory plant species. Here, we report on a 11‐yr manipulative field experiment in replicated forest plots testing if the effects of removal of garlic mustard on the plant community support the mutualism disruption hypothesis within the entire understory herbaceous community. We compare community responses for two functional groups: the mycorrhizal vs. the non‐mycorrhizal plant communities. Our results show that garlic mustard weeding alters the community composition, decreases community evenness, and increases the abundance of understory herbs that associate with mycorrhizal fungi. Conversely, garlic mustard has no significant effects on the non‐mycorrhizal plant community. Consistent with the mutualism disruption hypothesis, our results demonstrate that allelochemical producing invaders modify the plant community by disproportionately impacting mycorrhizal plant species. We also demonstrate the importance of incorporating causal mechanisms of biological invasion to elucidate patterns and predict community‐level responses.
Dual‐Carbon‐Confined SnS Nanostructure with High Capacity and Long Cycle Life for Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Lin Min , Cheng Deliang , Liu Jiangwen , Ouyang Liuzhang , Hu Renzong , Liu Jun , Yang Lichun , Zhu Min
Published: September 2020

SnS with high theoretical capacity is a promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. However, dramatic volume changes of SnS during repeated discharge/charge cycles result in fractures or even pulverization of electrode, leading to rapid capacity degradation. To solve this problem, we construct a dual‐carbon‐confined SnS nanostructure (denoted as SnS@C/rGO) by depositing semi‐graphitized carbon layers on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported SnS nanoplates during high‐temperature reduction. The dual carbon of rGO and in situ formed carbon coating confines growth of SnS during the high‐temperature calcination. Moreover, during the reversible Li+ storage the dual‐carbon modification enables good electronic conductivity, relieves the volume effect, and provides double insurance for the electrical contact of SnS even after repeated cycles. Benefiting from the dual‐carbon confinement, SnS@C/rGO exhibits significantly enhanced rate capability and cycling stability compared with the bare and single carbon modified SnS. SnS@C/rGO presents reversible capacity of 1029.8 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1. Even at a high current density of 1 A g−1, it initially delivers reversible capacity of 934.0 mAh g−1 and retains 98.2% of the capacity (918.0 mAh g−1) after 330 cycles. This work demonstrates potential application of dual‐carbon modification in the development of electrode materials for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries.
Reverse electromechanical modelling of diastolic dysfunction in spontaneous hypertensive rat after sacubitril/valsartan therapy
Authors: Sung Yen‐Ling , Lin Ting‐Tse , Syu Jhen‐Yang , Hsu Hung‐Jui , Lin Kai‐Yuan , Liu Yen‐Bin , Lin Shien‐Fong
Published: September 2020

Aims

Hypertension is a significant risk for the development of left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, followed by heart failure and sudden cardiac death. While therapy with sacubitril/valsartan (SV) reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure and systolic dysfunction, the effect on those with diastolic dysfunction remains unclear. We hypothesized that, in the animal model of hypertensive heart disease, treatment with SV reduces the susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia.

Methods and results

Young adult female spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs) were randomly separated into three groups, which were SHRs, SHRs treated with valsartan, and SHRs treated with SV. In addition, the age‐matched and weight‐matched Wistar Kyoto rats were considered as controls, and there were 12 rats in each group. In vivo ventricular tachyarrhythmia induction and in vitro optical mapping were used to measure the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias and to characterize the dynamic properties of electrical propagation. The level of small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channel type 2 (KCNN2) was analysed in cardiac tissue. Compared with SHR with left ventricular hypertrophy, treatment with SV significantly improved cardiac geometry (relative wall thickness, 0.68 ± 0.11 vs. 0.76 ± 0.13, P < 0.05) and diastolic dysfunction (isovolumetric relaxation time, 59.4 ± 3.2 vs. 70.5 ± 4.2 ms, P < 0.05; deceleration time of mitral E wave, 46 ± 4.8 vs. 42 ± 3.8, P < 0.05). The incidence of induced ventricular arrhythmia was significantly reduced in SHR treated with SV compared with SHR (ventricular tachycardia, 1.14 ± 0.32 vs. 2.91 ± 0.5 episodes per 10 stimuli, P < 0.001; ventricular fibrillation, 1.72 ± 0.31 vs. 5.81 ± 0.42 episodes per 10 stimuli, P < 0.001). The prolonged action potential duration (APD) and increase of the maximum slope of APD restitution were observed in SHR, while the treatment of SV improved the arrhythmogeneity (APD, 37.12 ± 6.18 vs. 92.41 ± 10.71 ms at 250 ms pacing cycle length, P < 0.001; max slope 0.29 ± 0.01 vs. 1.48 ± 0.04, P < 0.001). These effects were strongly associated with down‐regulation of KCNN2 (0.38 ± 0.07 vs. 0.74 ± 0.12 ng/ml, P < 0.001). The treatment of SV also decreased the level of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, cardiac bridging integrator‐1, and intramyocardial fibrosis of SHR.

Conclusions

In conclusion, synergistic blockade of the neprilysin and the renin–angiotensin system by SV in SHRs results in KCNN2‐associated electrical remodelling in ventricle, which stabilizes electrical dynamics and attenuates arrhythmogenesis.
“Pincer” Pyridine–Dicarbene–Iridium and ‐Ruthenium Complexes and Derivatives Thereof
Authors: Danopoulos Andreas A. , Braunstein Pierre , Saßmannshausen Jörg , Pugh David , Wright Joseph A.
Published: September 2020

The cationic pincer‐type complexes [IrI(CNMeC)L]X {CNMeC = [2,6‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene]‐3,5‐dimethylpyridine, L = CO, X = PF64; L = CH3CN, X = PF65; L = pyridine, X = BArF4, ArF= 3,5‐bis‐trifluoromethyl‐phenyl6}, that were obtained from [IrI(CNMeC)Cl] (1) by displacement of the chloride ligand were structurally characterized. Complexes4and5adopt square planar, in‐plane distorted geometries, and in6the metal environment shows substantial pyramidalization. Theoretical calculations of the cations in4and6reproduce the experimental structures and rationalize their features.1undergoes oxidative transformations with CH2Cl2tocis‐[IrIII(CNMeC)(CH2Cl)Cl2] (7) and with PhICl2tomer‐[IrIII(CNMeC)Cl3] (8). The ruthenium derivativestrans‐[RuII(CNC)Cl2L] {CNC = [2,6‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene]‐pyridine, L = pyridine,10} and [RuII(CNC)(η2,η2‐nbd)](X)2. 2L (nbd = 2,5‐norbornadiene, L = CH3CN, X = BF411), were prepared by the reaction ofcis‐trans‐[RuCl2(nbd)(py)2] andtrans‐cis‐[RuCl2(nbd)(pip)2] (pip = piperidine) with the ligand CNC, respectively; both adopt distorted octahedral structures. The back‐bonding in11is comparable to that in its precursor complex, indicating minimal contribution of the NHC donors to this effect. Substitution of both chlorides in the knowncis‐[RuII(CNC)Cl2L] (L = PPh3) by azido ligands gavecis‐[RuII(CNC)(N3)2L] (L = PPh3,12), which by photolytic cleavage of the coordinated N3failed to produce well‐defined complexes.
SECM for Studying the Immobilization and Repartition of a Redox Anti‐tetracycline Aptamer on Screen‐printed Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Alawad Ahmad , Latapie Laure , Evrard David , Gros Pierre , Istamboulie Georges , Noguer Thierry , Calas‐Blanchard Carole
Published: September 2020

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is discussed as a versatile tool to provide a unique approach of localized electrochemical information in the context of biosensing research. The step‐by‐step immobilization of DNA aptamer with intrinsic redox activity on screen‐printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was successfully monitored using SECM imaging tool. Control experiments were performed with a non‐electroactive aptamer. After immobilization of these aptamers, SECM images showed the repartition of the electroactive anti‐tetracycline aptamer when comparing with images produced for control and for all modification steps of SPCE. The possibility of tetracycline detection was also proved by causing a decrease in recorded current.
Graphene‐functionalised Olivine Lithium Manganese Phosphate Derivatives for High Performance Lithium‐ion Capacitors
Authors: Hlongwa Ntuthuko W. , Ikpo Chinwe O. , Ndipingwi Miranda M. , Nolly Christopher , Raleie Naledi , Dywili Nomxolisi , Iwuoha Emmanuel I.
Published: September 2020

Lithium manganese phosphate nanoparticles (LiMnPO4; LMP) as well as the nickel‐doped (LMNP) and graphenised derivatives (G‐LMNP) were synthesized. Electrochemical characteristics of the materials were examined using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge‐discharge. Lithium ion capacitors (LIC) fabricated using LMP and composite materials as positive electrodes and activated carbon as the negative electrode, exhibited a specific capacitance of 60 F g−1 at a current load of 0.1 A g−1 for the AC//G‐LMNP LIC. Capacitance retention of 83 % was obtained by the AC//G‐LMNP LIC after 750 cycles, with a high specific power of 19 kW kg−1 at 0.5 A g−1.
Biofilm formation and extracellular microvesicles—The way of foodborne pathogens toward resistance
Authors: Begić Marija , Josić Djuro
Published: September 2020

Almost all known foodborne pathogens are able to form biofilms as one of the strategies for survival under harsh living conditions, to ward off the inhibition and the disinfection during food production, transport and storage, as well as during cleaning and sanitation of corresponding facilities. Biofilms are communities where microbial cells live under constant intracellular interaction and communication. Members of the biofilm community are embedded into extracellular matrix that contains polysaccharides, DNA, lipids, proteins, and small molecules that protect microorganisms and enable their intercellular communication under stress conditions. Membrane vesicles (MVs) are produced by both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. These lipid membrane‐enveloped nanoparticles play an important role in biofilm genesis and in communication between different biofilm members. Furthermore, MVs are involved in other important steps of bacterial life like cell wall modeling, cellular division, and intercellular communication. They also carry toxins and virulence factors, as well as nucleic acids and different metabolites, and play a key role in host infections. After entering host cells, MVs can start many pathologic processes and cause serious harm and cell death. Prevention and inhibition of both biofilm formation and shedding of MVs by foodborne pathogens has a very important role in food production, storage, and food safety in general. Better knowledge of biofilm formation and maintaining, as well as the role of microbial vesicles in this process and in the process of host cells’ infection is essential for food safety and prevention of both food spoilage and host infection.
Aqueous Choline Chloride/γ‐Valerolactone as Ternary Green Solvent Enhance Al(III)‐Catalyzed Hydroxymethylfurfural Production from Rice Waste
Authors: Ji Qinghua , Yu Xiaojie , Chen Li , Yagoub Abu ElGasim A. , Zhou Cunshan
Published: September 2020

A ternary green solvent γ‐valerolactone (GVL)/choline chloride (ChCl)/H2O system is used to convert rice waste to hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) using AlCl3·6H2O as a catalyst. The effect of the reaction time, temperature, substrate, catalyst, and catalyst amount on the extraction of HMF by GVL is studied under this system. The results show that in ChCl/H2O, GVL/H2O, and GVL/ChCl/H2O systems, the HMF yield reaches the highest levels of 8.21, 12.24, and 18.60 mol% after reaction at 140 °C for 1 h, respectively. The yield of HMF obtained by reacting 0.42 mm of AlCl3·6H2O at 140 °C for 30 min is significantly higher than that of CrCl3·6H2O and FeCl3·6H2O. After reaction at 140 °C for 5 min, the extraction rate of HMF by GVL reaches more than 80%. The aqueous solution of ChCl forming the ternary system has high recyclability, and after six times, the yield loss of HMF is small.
Development and evaluation of an adapted physical activity program in anorexia nervosa inpatients: A pilot study
Authors: Kern Laurence , Morvan Yannick , Mattar Lama , Molina Estelle , Tailhardat Laura , Peguet Amandine , De Tournemire Renaud , Hirot France , Rizk Melissa , Godart Natalie , Fautrelle Lilian
Published: September 2020

Background and context

Problematic use of physical activity is frequent in subjects with anorexia nervosa (AN). Although it increases resistance to therapeutic treatment, paradoxically, physical activity in AN can also improve mental and physical health. Based on the literature review we hypothesized that adding an adapted physical activity (APA) program to treatment programs could be more beneficial than a total suppression of physical activities. We designed this open study to evaluate the outcome of AN inpatients after an APA program implementation as well as the perceived effect of APA.

Method

Forty‐one women with AN (17.2 (±2.5) years old, BMI of 16.86 (±2.0)) were included. An eight‐session (1 h30/session/week) standardized APA program was delivered and evaluated by structured questionnaires assessing exercise dependence, perceived physical activity, eating disorder (ED) symptoms, body mass index (BMI), along with an interview before and after the APA program.

Results

Twenty‐nine women complete the PA program and evaluation. BMI and perceived PA score significantly increased, ED and exercise dependence scores significantly decreased (p < .01). Participants appreciated the program.

Discussion/conclusion

The inpatient program which included APA program helped AN inpatients in decreasing their ED symptoms and their dependence to PA, without any deleterious effect on BMI. Furthermore, APA was appreciated by participants.
Maillard conjugates and their potential in food and nutritional industries: A review
Authors: Liu Xiang , Xia Bing , Hu Long‐Teng , Ni Zhi‐Jing , Thakur Kiran , Wei Zhao‐Jun
Published: September 2020

Maillard reaction (MR) is a cascade of complex interactions between reducing sugars and amine groups in food processing and storage. It produces a variety of volatile compound, nonenzymatic intermediates, and high molecular weight melanoidin contributing improved aroma, color, flavor, and antioxidant properties to the final food products. When uncontrolled, it can produce some harmful derivatives such as acrylamide, heterocyclic amine, advanced glycation end Products (AGEs), and other substances that can be detrimental to human health leading to cancer and chronic diseases. Herein, we reviewed the MR leading to different MRPs and factors affecting the MR and MRPs, their application in food model systems, their biological activities, and the formation mechanism and effective inhibition methods of common harmful MRPs. The updated overview can be useful to explore the rational use of MR, which can ameliorate its positive biological features with reduced adverse effects.
Curcumin (a constituent of turmeric): New treatment option against COVID‐19
Authors: Babaei Fatemeh , Nassiri‐Asl Marjan , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: September 2020

In late December 2019, the outbreak of respiratory illness emerged in Wuhan, China, and spreads worldwide. World Health Organization (WHO) named this disease severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) caused by a new member of beta coronaviruses. Several medications are prescribed to patients, and some clinical trials are underway. Scientists are trying to find a specific drug against this virus. In this review, we summarize the pathogenesis, clinical features, and current treatments of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Then, we describe the possible therapeutic effects of curcumin and its molecular mechanism against coronavirus‐19. Curcumin, as an active constituent of Curcuma longa (turmeric), has been studied in several experimental and clinical trial studies. Curcumin has some useful clinical effects such as antiviral, antinociceptive, anti‐inflammatory, antipyretic, and antifatigue effects that could be effective to manage the symptoms of the infected patient with COVID‐19. It has several molecular mechanisms including antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic properties with inhibitory effects on Toll‐like receptors, NF‐κB, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and bradykinin. Scientific evidence suggests that curcumin could have a potential role to treat COVID‐19. Thus, the use of curcumin in the clinical trial, as a new treatment option, should be considered.
Effect of pretreatment on physicochemical, microbiological, and aflatoxin quality of solar sliced dried ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) rhizome
Authors: Amoah Roseline Esi , Wireko‐Manu Faustina Dufie , Oduro Ibok , Saalia Firibu Kwesi , Ellis William Otoo
Published: September 2020

Pretreatment of fruit and vegetables is necessary to reduce microbial proliferation and to preserve color of the produce. The effect of drying and pretreatment with potassium metabisulfite (KMBS) of concentrations 0.0%, 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.2%, and 1.0% and blanching at 100°C and 50°C using a tent‐like concrete solar (CSD) dryer as compared to open‐sun drying (OSD) of yellow ginger rhizomes was investigated using routine methods. The total color change and residual sulfur dioxide (SO2) were analyzed. KMBS reduced the yeast and mould load significantly from 3.6 × 104 ± 1.4 × 103 CFU/g in 0.0% (control) to <10 CFU/g in 1.0% KMBS and 100°C blanched fresh samples. Drying of the fresh samples for 5 days increased the yeast and mould load of all the treatments to as high as 1.15 × 105 ± 2.12 × 104 CFU/g for the 1.0% KMBS. Overall, the CSD had fewer microbial loads than the OSD but it was not significant. Aflatoxins and Salmonella sp. were not detected in any of the samples. The sulfur dioxide residue (SO2) for KMBS pretreated samples increased as the concentration of KMBS increased with the CSD retaining slightly higher amount than the OSD. The total color change index increased with increase in KMBS, and drying further increased the total color change index. On the whole, the blanched samples had the least color change among the pretreatments with 100°C CSD showing the least change among the dried samples.
Improvement in the Electrochemical Performance of Anode‐supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells by Meso‐ and Nanoscale Structural Modifications
Authors: Seo H. , Kishimoto M. , Ding C. , Iwai H. , Saito M. , Yoshida H.
Published: September 2020

To improve the electrochemical performance of anode‐supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), microextrusion printing and wet infiltration techniques are employed for structural modification on the meso‐ (10–100 µm) and nanoscale order, respectively. In the mesoscale structural modification, anode ridge structures are fabricated by extruding an anode slurry on the surface of a flat anode disk to extend the electrode–electrolyte interfacial area. In the nanoscale structural modification, gadolinium‐doped ceria (GDC) nanoparticles are introduced into a porous lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (LSCF) cathode. To investigate the effects of mesoscale and nanoscale structural modifications, four different types of anode‐supported SOFC including a conventional cell are prepared, and their performance is evaluated at several operating temperatures. It is found that both the mesoscale and nanoscale structural modifications reduce not only the polarization resistance but also the ohmic resistance in the cells, resulting in the improvement in cell performance. Moreover, it is clarified that the improvement in cell performance becomes greater with decreasing operating temperature. Specifically, the maximum power density in the cell where both mesoscale and nanoscale structural modifications are applied is increased by 66% at 600 °C and 34% at 700 °C, compared with that in the conventional cell.
Characterization and sources of Paleolithic–Mesolithic ochre from Coves de Santa Maira (Valencian Region, Spain)
Authors: Aura Tortosa J. Emili , Gallello Gianni , Roldán Clodoaldo , Cavallo Giovanni , Pastor Agustín , Murcia‐Mascarós Sonia
Published: September 2020

The origin of iron‐oxide materials found at Paleolithic and Neolithic sites in the Spanish Mediterranean region is a pivotal issue that has not yet been explored. The aim of this study is to investigate the exploitation of local ochre sources during the different archaeological phases identified at the site of Coves de Santa Maira (Valencian Region, Eastern Spain). A sampling strategy and a methodological approach were developed. Lumps of ochre and raw materials were sampled from the archaeological site and its surroundings. The archaeological materials studied are from the occupational phases dated to between 15 and 6 ka cal BP, whereas the raw materials sampled from the surroundings of the cave are red fine‐grained and earthy‐grained sedimentary materials and Late Triassic (Keuper) clays. Morphological, mineralogical, and chemical analyses of the samples were carried out, and quantitative data on ochre fragments and processing tools recovered at the site were also included. Finally, Fe‐normalized and log10 transformed data and multivariate statistical analysis, using major, trace, and rare earth elements as variables, were applied to compare the mineralogical and chemical profiles of the archaeological materials with those from geological sources. The results obtained have provided interesting data about iron‐based mineral exploitation during Prehistory in the studied region.
New data on Jurassic Procercopidae (Hemiptera: Cercopoidea) from northeastern China
Authors: Fu Yanzhe , Huang Diying
Published: September 2020

Two close species of the extinct family Procercopidae, Procercopina lini sp. nov., and Procercopina daohugouensis sp. nov., are described and illustrated from the Middle–Upper Jurassic Daohugou beds, Inner Mongolia, northeastern China. Procercopina Martynov, 1937 as one of the early representative of procercopids, includes five species confined to the Lower Jurassic of Eurasia. The taxonomic position of Procercopina within Procercopidae and its relationship with other genera are discussed. The new discovery represents the latest record of Procercopina and the first record in Yanliao biota of northeastern China, indicating this genus is widely distributed in Eurasia during the Jurassic. P. lini represents the first whole‐bodied fossil among Procercopina, providing valuable information of the morphological features of this genus.
CO2 to CO: Photo‐ and Electrocatalytic Conversion Based on Re(I) Bis‐Arene Frameworks: Synergisms Between Catalytic Subunits
Authors: Hernández‐Valdés Daniel , Fernández‐Terán Ricardo , Probst Benjamin , Spingler Bernhard , Alberto Roger
Published: September 2020

Reduction of CO2 to CO and H2O is a two electron/two proton process. For this process, multinuclear complexes offer advantages by concentrating reduction equivalents more efficiently than mononuclear systems. We present novel complexes with [Re(η6‐C6H6)2]+ as scaffold conjugated to one or two catalytically active [Ru(dmbpy)(CO)2Cl2] subunits (dmbpy=5,5′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine). The [Re(η6‐C6H6)2]+ scaffold was chosen due to its very high photo‐ and chemical stability, as well as the multiple degrees of freedom it offers for any conjugated functionalities. High efficiency and selectivity for the reduction of CO2 to CO (over H2 or HCOOH) is reported. TONs and TOFs were found to be comparable or higher than for the catalyst subunit without the rhenium framework. Cooperativity in photo‐ and electrocatalysis is observed for the complex comprising two catalytic subunits. The synergistic communication between the two catalytic subunits is responsible for the observed enhancement in both photo‐ and electrocatalytic performance. Confirmation of electronic communication between the two [Ru(dmbpy)(CO)2Cl2] subunits as well as the elucidation of a possible mechanism was supported by electrochemistry, IR‐spectroelectrochemistry and DFT studies.
Why nobody discusses the adverse psychiatric effects of chloroquine in case it might become the future treatment against COVID‐19?
Authors: Nessaibia Issam , Siciliano Dafne , Tahraoui Abdelkrim
Published: September 2020

Chloroquine represents at least a basic prototype antimalarial drug, widely applied in several branches of medicine and also recently against a new zoonotic origin coronavirus. At present, there is little awareness of chloroquine's psychiatric side effects, which appear to be overlooked by the Scientific Committee, although they may manifest in a worryingly wide range of symptoms. This is likely to interfere with the course of specifically long‐term (high‐dose) COVID‐19 treatment in some aggravated forms (25% of coronavirus patients were still carrying the virus 6 days after taking hydroxychloroquine). Besides, symptoms of infection, adverse effects from the 600 mg hydroxychloroquine daily plus azithromycin, including insomnia, headaches, skin reactions, digestive upset with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, blurred vision, and local pain, may lead to increased anxiety and mental distress.
Assessment of heat transfer and flow characteristics of a two‐phase closed thermosiphon
Authors: Ahmed Israa S. , Al Jubori Ayad M.
Published: September 2020

In this study, comprehensive modeling and simulations were developed and carried out to perform the investigation of the thermal performance of the enclosed thermosiphon through pool boiling in the evaporator sector and the condensation of the liquid film in the condenser part. To simulate these phenomena, the volume of fluid model was utilized. The simulation modeling using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique was validated with existing experimental results, and a good agreement was reached. The simulation results were presented and evaluated in terms of temperature profiles and contours, the volume of fraction contours, and velocity vector distribution. Moreover, the thermal performance (ie, the heat transfer coefficient and thermal resistance) through the thermosiphon operation was analyzed. From the simulation results, it is found that the thermosiphon performance can be improved by the tilt angle and fill ratio. The results indicated that the optimal performance (ie, a high heat transfer coefficient and a low thermal resistance) was attained at a power input of 250 W, tilt angle of 90°, and fill ratio of 0.5. The established CFD simulations effectively predicted the formation of two‐phase flow pattern and boiling and condensation zones with water at a low power input, termed as geyser boiling.
Unconditional nonlinear stability for double‐diffusive convection with temperature‐ and pressure‐dependent viscosity
Authors: Mahajan Amit , Tripathi Vinit Kumar
Published: September 2020

A linear and nonlinear stability analyses are carried out for a double‐diffusive chemically reactive fluid layer with viscosity being a function of temperature and pressure. The linear stability analysis is studied when the stabilizing salt gradient acts against the destabilizing thermal gradient. The effect of reaction parameters and variable viscosity on the stability of the system is studied for heated below, salted above, and the heated and salted below models with Rigid–Rigid boundary conditions. Chebyshev pseudospectral method is applied to determine the numerical solutions.
Effects ofPanax quinquefolius(American ginseng) on the steady state visually evoked potential during cognitive performance
Authors: White David J. , Camfield David A. , Ossoukhova Anastasia , Savage Karen , Le Cozannet Romain , Fança‐Berthon Pascale , Scholey Andrew
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate the effects of acutePanax quinquefolius(American ginseng) administration on steady state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs) during completion of working memory and continuous performance tasks.

Methods

A randomised, double‐blind, placebo controlled, balanced, cross‐over trial was conducted in middle‐aged volunteers aged between 40 and 60 years. Participants were administered 200 mgP. quinquefoliusand placebo on two separate testing sessions. Six‐h post‐dose participants completed spatial working memory (SWM) and continuous performance (CP) tasks while SSVEP from a diffuse task‐irrelevant 13 Hz flicker was recorded.

Results

During SWM retrieval,P. quinquefoliuswas associated with significantly reduced prefrontal SSVEP latency. There were no significant treatment effects on CP nor behavioural performance of either task.

Conclusions

These findings provide preliminary evidence of increased recruitment of prefrontal brain regions during working memory processing following a single acute dose ofP. quinquefolius.
Climatic influences on forest fire and mountain pine beetle outbreaks and resulting runoff effects in large watersheds in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Vore Margot E. , Déry Stephen J. , Hou Yiping , Wei Xiaohua
Published: September 2020

Many studies have defined the interrelationships between climate, forest disturbance, and runoff at small scales (<100 km2), but few have translated these relationships to large watersheds (>500 km2). In this study, we explore the relationship between climate, extreme forest fire seasons, mountain pine beetle (MPB) outbreaks, and runoff in eight large watersheds within the Fraser and Peace drainage basins in British Columbia (BC), Canada from 1981–2019. Using a climate index based on precipitation and air temperature anomalies, we find extreme forest fire seasons (those that burned >5% of a watershed's area) are most likely to occur when a warm/dry summer is preceded by multiple seasons of cool/wet conditions. Using the climate suitability class (CSC) model to explore the relationship between climate and MPB outbreaks, we validate previous findings that lower‐than‐average precipitation, warm growing season temperatures, and lack of extremely cold temperatures during winter are connected to MPB outbreaks within central BC. However, the CSC model needs improvements to accurately assess MPB suitability in northern watersheds that are located outside the model's calibration region, either through weighted variables or lower degree day thresholds. Minimal runoff response occurs from these forest disturbances, with the most prominent runoff change being related to the 2014 fire season in the Osilinka and Mesilinka watersheds. The limited effects of forest disturbance on annual runoff are likely related to large watershed sizes, low percentages of disturbed area in some study watersheds and post‐MPB forest dynamics. These results provide valuable insight into the interrelationships of climate, forest disturbance and runoff in large Canadian boreal forested watersheds.
Passive money system and control of exchange rates: The case of Argentina 1976–1981
Authors: Futerman Alan G.
Published: September 2020

This paper analyses the consequences of controlling exchange rates, in the context of a passive money system. We use the administration of José Alfredo Martínez de Hoz at Argentina's Ministry of Economy in the period 1976–1981, during the last Argentine military dictatorship, as a case study. Following the work of Julio H. G. Olivera, the policies categorized under the passive money system are studied to corroborate the inconsistencies of the programme, in the context of the “trilemma” of open economies. In turn, a brief analysis of the administration in various areas is carried out, to identify its consequences. The paper finds that attempts to anchor inflation expectations in the context of a passive money system are not effective if large fiscal deficits need to be financed.
New guidelines, position paper, and insights from the FIGO Pregnancy Obesity and Nutrition Initiative (PONI)
Authors: Hanson Mark A. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Louise Killeen Sarah , Maria Jacob Chandni , Hod Moshe
Published: September 2020

The FIGO PONI Supplement highlights the importance of weight and nutrition for women before, during, and after pregnancy, and provides recommendations and tools for clinical practice.
Flavonoid compound breviscapine suppresses human osteosarcoma Saos‐2 progression property and induces apoptosis by regulating mitochondria‐dependent pathway
Authors: Wang Zhijun , Li Hongyan , Yan Jiyuan , Liu Yang
Published: September 2020

This study was aimed to investigate the ability of a flavonoid compound breviscapine (BVP) to suppress growth and elicit apoptosis in human osteosarcoma (OS) Saos‐2 cells. The cells were cultured in vitro and treated with three concentrations of BVP (80, 160, and 320 μg/ml). Moreover, C57 mice were injected with Saos‐2 cells to establish a subcutaneous xenograft model, and they were subsequently treated with three doses of BVP via intraperitoneal injection. The viability of the cells was examined by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 method. The apoptotic cells were assessed by flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. The tumor volume and weight were monitored from day 3 through day 21 after the last injection. The expression of bax, bcl‐2, and cytochrome c (cyt c) mRNA was detected by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of bax, bcl‐2, cyt c, caspase 3, and caspase 9 were evaluated by Western blot. The expression and distribution of bcl‐2 and bax in tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, BVP treatment inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of Saos‐2 cells in vitro. Consistently, treatment of mice bearing transplanted tumors with BVP suppressed the growth of OS tumors and promoted cell apoptosis; it also reduced tumor volume and weight. Mechanistically, BVP‐induced apoptosis was mediated by the mitochondria‐dependent pathway, as evidenced by the increased expression of bax and cyt c and the decreased expression of bcl‐2, as well as activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3 in vitro and in vitro. Collectively, BVP inhibits growth and promotes apoptosis of OS by activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
The Fertile Dark Matter of Privacy takes on the Dark Patterns of Surveillance
Authors: Mulligan Deirdre K. , Regan Priscilla M. , King Jennifer
Published: September 2020

We argue that privacy's political strength rests in its “economic dark matter” (p. 27)—its role in protecting individual autonomy, freedom, dignity, fairness, the collective value of privacy and the integrity of social life. Where privacy construed as diffuse, atomistic interests in informational control often fails to motivate political action, privacy as constitutive of society and in service of “important [social] functions” succeeds. While Acquisti et al correctly describe the state of our current political economy as having left no space for privacy as a lived, intuitive, human practice, we believe those same conditions are fostering a resurgence of interest in privacy as a means to address the wealth of harms these conditions produce. We close with a call for regulatory approaches that develop institutions, tools, and actors that can iteratively shape the corporate, social, and political landscape to protect the collective, public, and social value of privacy in the public interest.
Characteristics of solids produced from coal mine drainage and their suitability for phosphorus control in dairy manure management
Authors: Hedin Robert , Hedin Benjamin , Spargo John T. , Brimmer Rachel
Published: September 2020

One strategy to limiting eutrophication in waterways is to reduce the concentration of water‐extractable P (WEP) in land‐applied manure. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using mine drainage residuals (MDR), waste solids produced in large quantities from coal mine drainage treatment, to reduce WEP in dairy manure. Twenty MDRs from treatment systems in Pennsylvania were collected and analyzed to determine concentrations of pollutants that may limit land application. Laboratory dose‐response tests were conducted using the selected MDRs to determine the effectiveness and kinetics of WEP reduction, and three field‐scale MDR application tests were conducted to demonstrate the process of using MDR to decrease manure WEP. The MDR–manure mixtures investigated in this study do not exceed biosolid land application concentration limits set by the USEPA. Amendment rates of 5–10 g MDR L−1 of manure provided significant reductions in WEP. Iron‐rich MDR, produced from passive and oxidant treatment of mine drainage, required 1–4 d to reduce WEP to an equilibrium concentration, while Ca‐rich materials, produced from lime treatment, required 4–7 d. Three field studies at operating dairy farms confirmed the reduction in WEP when manure was amended with MDR. Unit costs calculated for a 1,900‐m3 manure tank treated with 4.4 g L−1 MDR were US$2.16 per 1,000 L of manure and $30 kg−1 WEP removed. These findings indicate that the WEP of dairy manure is not a fixed chemical parameter and can be modified with amendments such as MDR.
Investigating the effects of nest shading on the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchling phenotype in the Ogasawara islands using a field‐based split clutch experiment
Authors: Kobayashi Shohei , Endo Daisuke , Kondo Satomi , Kitayama Chiyo , Ogawa Ryuta , Arai Katsuhiko , Watanabe Gen , Kawaguchi Maiko
Published: September 2020

The Ogasawara Islands are an important rookery for the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the North Pacific. Green turtles possess temperature‐dependent sex determination, and warmer incubation temperatures produce more females than males. Therefore, conservation practices such as nest shading may be required for this population to mitigate the effect of global warming on their sex ratio. To consider the application of such conservation practices in the Ogasawara population, it is fundamental to understand how artificially modified nest environments will affect green turtle hatchling phenotypes that influence their fitness. Here, we investigated the effects of nest shading on green turtle hatchling phenotypes in the Ogasawara population by using a split clutch experiment equally separating the clutch, relocating each half‐clutch into an outdoor hatchery area either with or without shading, and observing the subsequent hatchling phenotype. Our results showed that the shading treatment produced hatchlings with a better self‐righting response and a larger carapace size. Additionally, the shading treatment mostly reduced the production of hatchlings with a nonmodal scute pattern and produced hatchlings with a smaller unabsorbed yolk sac, which may be associated with their residual yolk mass. These results suggest that conservation practices such as shading could alter not only the sex ratio but also the hatchling phenotype that influences their fitness. Hence, our results suggest that applications of such conservation strategies must be carefully considered.
Advancing the genetic counseling profession through research: Identification of priorities by the National Society of Genetic Counselors research task force
Authors: Senter Leigha , Austin Jehannine C. , Carey Meghan , Cho Megan T. , Harris Stephanie L. , Linnenbringer Erin L. , MacFarlane Ian M. , Pan Vivian Y. , Quillin John M. , Wynn Julia , Hooker Gillian W.
Published: September 2020

To help advance research critical to the achievement of the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ (NSGC) strategic objectives, coordination and prioritization of society resources are needed. NSGC convened a task force to advance research necessary for the achievement of our strategic objectives by reviewing existing society‐supported research efforts identifying gaps in current research, and coordinating society resources, the task force was formed in order to coordinate and prioritize society resources to advance research critical to the achievement of our strategic objectives. The task force developed a research agenda outlining high‐priority research questions for the next 5 years. The questions are organized into four domains: (a) Genetic Counseling Clients; (b) Genetic Counseling Process and Outcomes; (c) Value of Genetic Counseling Services; and (d) Access to Genetic Counseling Services. This framework can be used to advocate for research and funding priorities within NSGC and with other key research entities to stimulate the growth and advancement of the genetic counseling profession.
Persistent HIV‐controllers are more prone to spontaneously clear HCV: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dominguez‐Molina Beatriz , Tarancon‐Diez Laura , Milanés‐Guisado Yusnelkis , Genebat Miguel , Resino Salvador , Rodriguez Carmen , Gonzalez‐García Juan , Rallón Norma , Pernas Maria , Casado Concepción , Lopez‐Galíndez Cecilio , León Agathe , Benito Jose M , García Felipe , Del Romero Jorge , Viciana Pompeyo , Lopez‐Cortes Luis F , Leal Manuel , Ruiz‐Mateos Ezequiel ,   ECRIS integrated in the Spanish AIDS Research Network
Published: September 2020

Introduction

HIV‐controllers have the ability to spontaneously maintain viraemia at low or undetectable levels in the absence of antiretroviral treatment. Furthermore, HIV‐controllers seem to have a superior capacity to spontaneously clear hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared to non HIV‐controllers. Some of these subjects eventually lose HIV‐controller status (transient controllers), whereas some HIV‐controllers show a persistent natural HIV control (persistent controllers). We aimed to analyse whether persistent controllers have superior capacity to spontaneously clear HCV compared to transient controllers.

Methods

We recruited HIV‐controllers from January 1981 up to October 2016 with available antibodies to HCV (anti‐HCV) data (n = 744). Factors associated with HIV spontaneous control in relation to HCV status were analysed in persistent and transient HIV‐controllers with anti‐HCV positive (n = 202 and n = 138 respectively) in comparison with 1700 HCV positive non HIV‐controllers recruited from January 1981 up to March 2018, bivariate and multivariate analyses, following a logistic regression model, were applied. In addition, the factors related to the loss and time to lose HIV‐controller status were explored (n = 744) using Log rank test and Kaplan–Meier curves, in this case the multivariate analysis consisted in a Cox regression model.

Results

A higher frequency of HCV spontaneous clearance was found in persistent HIV‐controllers (25.5%) compared to non‐controllers (10.2%). After adjusting for potential confounders, as sex, age, HIV transmission risk, CD4+ T‐cell nadir and time of follow‐up, HCV clearance was independently associated with persistent HIV spontaneous control (p = 0.002; OR (95% CI) = 2.573 (1.428 to 4.633)), but not with transient spontaneous control (p = 0.119; 1.589 (0.888 to 2.845)). Furthermore, persistent HIV‐controllers were more likely to spontaneously clear the HCV in comparison with transient controllers (p = 0.027; 0.377 (0.159 to 0.893). Finally, not to lose or lengthen the time of losing this control was independently associated with HCV spontaneous clearance (p = 0.010; 0.503 (0.297 to 0.850).

Conclusions

This study shows an association between spontaneous persistent HIV‐control and HCV spontaneous clearance. The study findings support the idea of preserved immune mechanisms in persistent HIV control implicated in HCV spontaneous clearance. These results highlight persistent HIV‐controllers but not transient controllers as a good model of functional HIV cure.
Axial complex of Crinoidea: Comparison with other Ambulacraria
Authors: Ezhova Olga Vladimirovna , Malakhov Vladimir Vasil'yevich
Published: September 2020

The anatomy of Crinoidea differs from that of the other modern echinoderms. In order to see, whether such differences extend to the axial complex as well, we studied the axial complex of Himerometra robustipinna (Himerometridae, Comatulida) and compared it with modern Eleutherozoa. The axial coelom is represented by narrow spaces lined with squamous coelothelium, and surrounds the extracellular haemocoelic lacunae of the axial organ. The latter is located, for the most part, along the central oral‐aboral axis of the body. The axial organ can be divided into the lacunar and tubular region. The tubular coelomic canals penetrating the thickness of the axial organ have cuboidal epithelial lining, and end blindly both on the oral and aboral sides. The axial coelom, perihaemal coelom, and genital coelom are clearly visible, but they connect with the general perivisceral coelom and with each other via numerous openings. The haemocoelic spaces of the oral haemal ring pass between the clefts of the perihaemal coelom, and connect with the axial organ. In addition, the axial organ connects with intestinal haemal vessels and with the genital haemal lacuna. Numerous thin stone canaliculi pierce the spongy tissue of the oral haemal ring. They do not connect with the environment. On the oral side, each stone canaliculus opens into the water ring. The numerous slender tegmenal pores penetrate the oral epidermis of the calyx and open to the environment. Tegmenal canaliculi lead into bubbles of the perivisceral coelom. Some structures of the crinoid axial complex (stone canaliculi, communication between different coeloms) are numerous whereas in other echinoderms these structures are fewer or only one. The arrangement of the circumoral complex of Crinoidea is most similar to Holothuroidea. The anatomical structure and histology of the axial complex of Crinoidea resembles the “heart‐kidney” of Hemichordata in some aspects.
Evaluation of IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ cytokines in HIV/HHV‐8 coinfection
Authors: Silva Dayvson Maurício da , Gonçales Juliana Prado , Silva Júnior José Valter Joaquim , Lopes Thaísa Regina Rocha , Bezerra Luan Araújo , Barros de Lorena Virginia Maria , Duarte Coêlho Maria Rosângela Cunha
Published: September 2020

Imbalance in the immune response is one of the main pathogenic mechanisms of diseases related with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/human gammaherpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) coinfection, such as Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) and the Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS). However, significant changes in pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine levels may be observed in HIV/HHV‐8 individuals who are negative for KS, PEL, MCD, and/or KICS. In this study, serum levels of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, tumor nucrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and interferon γ (IFN‐γ) were assessed in 69 HIV and 48 HIV/HHV‐8 individuals, all negatives for HHV‐8‐related diseases. The cytokines were measured by flow cytometry and analyzed by the Mann–Whitney test. The p < .05 and 95% confidence interval were considered in all analyzes. IL‐4 (p = .0155), IL‐6 (p = .0036), and IL‐10 (p = .0036) levels were significantly higher in HIV/HHV‐8 patients than in the HIV group. On the other hand, IL‐2 (p = .2295), TNF‐α (p = .1216) and IFN‐γ (p = .1178) did not differ between the groups analyzed. To our knowledge, to date, this is the first report on significant differences in the levels of IL‐4 and IL‐6 in HIV versus HIV/HHV‐8 individuals. Finally, these early findings are important as a prognostic tool and contribute to clarifying the HHV‐8‐host interaction.