bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A position-sensitive electronic skin based on boundary potential projection theory
Authors: Zhang Youzhi , Lin Zhengkang , You Xiaojun , Huang Xingping , Ye Jinhua , Wu Haibin
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to report a flexible position-sensitive sensor that can be applied as large-area electronic skin over the stiff media.

Design/methodology/approach

The sensor uses a whole piezoresistive film as a touch sensing area. By alternately constructing two uniform electric fields with orthogonal directions in the piezoresistive film, the local changes in conductivity caused by touch can be projected to the boundary along the equipotential line under the constraint of electric field. Based on the change of boundary potential in the two uniform electric fields, it can be easy to determine the position of the contact area in the piezoresistive film.

Findings

Experiment results show the proposed tactile sensor is capable of detecting the contact position and classifying the contact force in real-time based on the changes of the potential differences on the boundary of the sensor.

Practical implications

The application example of using the sensor sample as a controller in shooting game is presented in this paper. It shows that the sensor has excellent touch sensing performance.

Originality/value

In this paper, a position-sensitive electronic skin is proposed. The experiment results show that the sensor has great application prospects in the field of interactive tactile sensing.
The responsible learning organization
Authors: Hansen Jens Ørding , Jensen Are , Nguyen Nhien
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether the learning organization, as envisioned by Peter Senge in The Fifth Discipline (1990), facilitates responsible innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze the component characteristics of the learning organization as defined by Senge (1990) to identify any conceptual or causal connections to responsible research and innovation (RRI). To define RRI, the authors make use of a commonly cited framework from the academic literature that is consistent with the vision of RRI promoted in European Union policy.

Findings

The authors find significant complementarities between being a learning organization and practicing responsible innovation. Some of the practices and characteristics of a learning organization in the sense of Senge (1990) do not merely facilitate RRI, they are RRI by definition. One important caveat is that to qualify as a responsible innovator according to the proposed framework, an organization must involve external stakeholders in the innovation process, a requirement that has no parallel in The Fifth Discipline. The authors conclude that there is at most a small step from being a learning organization to becoming a responsibly innovating learning organization.

Originality/value

The authors propose a reconsideration of the scope of applicability of Senge’s theory, opening new possibilities for drawing inspiration from The Fifth Discipline 30 years after the book was first published. The authors conclude that there may be significant non-economic advantages to being a learning organization, and that The Fifth Discipline may be more valuable for its ethical perspectives on the organization than as a prescription for how to achieve business success.
Long-chain Brønsted acidic ionic liquids catalyzed one-pot three-component Biginelli reaction
Authors: He Leqin , Qin Shenjun , Liu Jianjun , Zhao Wei , Chang Tao
Published: January 2020

Purpose

From the atom economy and environmentally friendly point of views, the development of clean and green approaches using ionic liquids (ILs) as recyclable catalysts has attracted increasing attention. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of task-specific ILs content on the one-pot three-component Biginelli reaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of halogen-free quaternary ammonium ILs functionalized with –SO3H group were prepared and characterized by1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR),13C NMR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The ILs were used as catalysts for Biginelli reaction among aromatic aldehydes, urea or thiourea and β-dicarbonyl compounds. Anions and cations of ILs were varied to observe their effects on and contributions to the catalysts. The influencing factors, such as the amount of catalyst, solvent, reaction time and reaction temperature, were investigated.

Findings

The effect and contribution of cations of ILs were observed. Results showed that 3-(N, N-dimethylhexadecylammonium) propanesulfonic acid toluene sulfate ([DHPA][Tos]) showed comparable catalytic activity. Good adaptability to the reaction substrate and maximum product yield was observed when [DHPA][Tos] was used as catalyst. It was found that Biginelli reaction catalyzed by 10 mol% [DHPA][Tos] for 3 h under solvent-free conditions at 80 °C gave the best yield of 94%. Post-processing steps were simple, and the catalyst could be reused easily.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that ILs containing a long carbon chain and a bulky Tos anion efficiently promoted the reaction, in which the long carbon chains facilitate mass transfer in the reaction system.
CFD investigation of temperature distribution, air flow pattern and thermal comfort in natural ventilation of building using solar chimney
Authors: Dhahri Maher , Aouinet Hana
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate air flow, temperature distribution and thermal confort in natural ventilation induced by solar chimney for different operating.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical simulation is performed using a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package ANSYS CFX software to understand the effects of air temperature, air velocity and solar heat flux on the performance of the solar chimney and thermal comfort. The comfort level was evaluated using the air diffusion performance index (ADPI) according to ASHRAE (55-210). The flow was investigated at inclination angles 45° solar heat flux 550-750 W/m2 and in a solar chimney of 1.4 m length, 0.6 m width and 0.20 m air gab.

Findings

The numerical results from the present simulation were first validated with experimental data, which was used for the thermal comfort indexes calculation. The obtained results of the analysis showed that the used numerical technique could accurately predict air flow and temperature distribution in natural ventilated building using solar chimney; the air temperature, air velocity and solar heat flux have a significant impact on thermal comfort; the temperature of 19°C with velocity of 0.15 m.s−1 gives the best effective draft temperature (EDT) satisfy ASHRAE (55-210) criteria that V = 0.35 m.s−1 and EDT range between −1.7 and 1.1.

Originality/value

In the present paper, air flow, temperature distribution and thermal comfort inside a room equipped with inclined solar chimney were numerically investigated and analyzed. The commercial CFD package (CFX 15) is used. Calculations are carried out in an empty room without any human or mechanical activity and the numerical results are compared with measurement points.
Relationship between screen‐time and hand function, play and sensory processing in children without disabilities aged 4–7 years: A exploratory study
Authors: Dadson Paula , Brown Ted , Stagnitti Karen
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Screen‐time has become a regular occupation for young children at home and school, with little evidence of its impact on children's developmental skills. This study explored the association between children's screen‐time, fine motor, in‐hand manipulation (IHM), visual‐motor integration (VMI), sensory processing (SP) and parent‐reported play skills.

Method

The fine motor, IHM, VMI, SP and play skills of a sample of 25 Australian children without disabilities (M age = 6.2 years, SD = 1.03; 64% girls) were assessed using the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency—Second Edition, Test of In‐Hand Manipulation—Revised, Berry Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual‐Motor Integration Sixth Edition, Sensory Processing Measure—Home Form and Pretend Play Enjoyment Developmental Checklist (PPEDC). Parents completed a week‐long log of their child's screen‐time. Spearman's rho correlations and linear regressions with bootstrapping were used for data analysis.

Results

Statistically significant moderate level negative correlations were found between Total Screen‐Time (TST) and VMI skills (r = −.67, p < .01); Interactive Screen‐Time and IHM abilities (r = −.46, p < .05) and TST and bilateral coordination skills (r = −.42, p < .05). There were significant negative correlations between SP ability and both TST (r = −.53, p < .01) and Watching Screen‐Time (r = −.66, p < .01). When the PPEDC Object Substitution variable was entered into a regression model as a co‐variate of hand function, it appeared to lessen the impact of TST as an independent predictor variable of children's VMI and bilateral coordination skills (p < .23 and p < .61).

Conclusion

Playing with toys and using object substitution in play (e.g. a child uses an object for something else other than its intended use when playing with it) potentially appear to be a moderating factor of the impact of children's screen‐time on their bilateral coordination and VMI skills. Clinicians can encourage children's active and dynamic involvement in games and play pursuits to counteract the potential impact of increased use of devices that involve screen‐time.
The interactive effect of location, alcohol consumption and non‐traffic injury
Authors: Ye Yu , Cherpitel Cheryl J. , Witbrodt Jane , Andreuccetti Gabriel , Room Robin
Published: January 2020

Aim

This study aimed to assess the extent to which the association between recent alcohol consumption and risk of non‐traffic injury varies according to location at the time of the injury.

Design

Case–cross‐over design.

Setting and participants

A total of 15 625 injury patients from 49 emergency departments (EDs) in 22 countries.

Measurements

Recent alcohol consumption and location at the time of the injury were assessed for when the injury occurred and for the same time 1 week prior to this. The confounding and interactive effects of location were examined by estimating the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of injury from alcohol consumption adjusting for location and then by examining the alcohol consumption × location interaction.

Findings

There were significant interactive effects of location and alcohol consumption on injury risk. For example, the ORs for volume 0.1–3.0 drinks and street/public place each were 3.0 and 14.2, respectively, whereas the OR for their joint effect was 44.1, suggesting a positive additive interaction [relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) = 27.9, P < 0.05] and zero multiplicative interaction (OR = 1.0, P = 0.895). The interactions of alcohol consumption with drinking establishment location, work‐place and other locations were mostly additive and negative on the multiplicative scale (e.g. for interaction between volume 0.1–3.0 drinks and drinking establishment location: RERI = 1.19, P = 0.529; multiplicative interaction OR = 0.54, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Location appears to influence the relationship between alcohol consumption and risk of injury. The association between alcohol consumption and injury appears to be greater in locations such as streets and public places compared with private residences.
LLETZ make it simple: Anxiety, pain and treatment outcomes with outpatient large loop excision of the transformation zone under local anaesthesia
Authors: Yap Shui‐Jean , Nathan Elizabeth , Farrell Louise
Published: January 2020

Background

Large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) is the preferred treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia due to its effectiveness and ability to be performed in an outpatient setting under local anaesthesia (LA). Although current guidelines recommend that most LLETZ can be performed under LA, there is paucity in clinical data of patients' perspectives of outpatient LLETZ.

Aim

Determining patient acceptability of outpatient LLETZ through assessment of anxiety and pain scores, and comparing treatment outcomes with current standards in terms of margins status, negative histology, short‐term morbidity rates and follow‐up attendance.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted at a tertiary hospital over two years (2014–2016). Patients undergoing outpatient LLETZ completed a three‐part questionnaire (before, immediately after and 4–6 weeks post‐procedure).

Results

One hundred and five patients underwent outpatient LLETZ. Mean pain score was 2 (range 0–8). Pre‐procedure anxiety was common but most resolved post‐procedure. Women who did not have a prior LLETZ discussion were more likely to report moderate‐severe anxiety levels pre‐procedure, compared with women who did (odds ratio 3.00, 95% CI 1.11–8.09, P = 0.030). There were no differences found in pain scores when comparing pre‐procedure anxiety levels, prior discussion of LLETZ or mode of anaesthesia. Specimen margins were involved in 42.9%. No association was found between positive cervical margin status and age, pre‐procedure anxiety or post‐procedure pain scores. Most patients were satisfied and attended follow‐up appointments.

Conclusion

Large loop excision of the transformation zone under LA is a well‐tolerated procedure with high satisfaction and follow‐up rates. Clinicians need to initiate early discussions regarding treatment to minimise procedure‐related anxiety.
Researching migrants in informal transit camps along the Balkan Route: Reflections on volunteer activism, access, and reciprocity
Authors: Jordan Joanna , Moser Sarah
Published: January 2020

The changing geographies of irregular migration require new methodological approaches and modes of researcher engagement. In and around Europe, migrants are increasingly residing in unconventional, dynamic, and diverse spaces such as informal transit camps. Along the Balkan Route, these temporary, makeshift encampments are emerging as a result of the EU’s crackdown on border controls, tightening restrictions on asylum legislation and aid provision, and increasingly long, difficult, and fragmented migratory journeys. Across cities, border‐zones, and at strategic transit hubs, immobilised migrants have established informal transit camps where they may temporarily reside and access services, information, and smugglers before their next clandestine attempt to cross into the EU. Due to transit state policies that effectively ignore these transit camps and ban larger NGOs from operating there, the majority of services and humanitarian aid is provided by small, grassroots organisations and unpaid volunteers. The proliferation of informal transit camps, and the particular social constellations of actors who reside and operate in these spaces, call for further scholarly attention. In this paper, we reflect on the challenges and opportunities of taking on a role as a volunteer while conducting research among migrants in informal transit camps. By considering the acute conditions of informality, vulnerability, and precariousness, this paper illustrates how volunteering in this context is a way of gaining access to the site, establishing rapport and legitimacy, and fostering reciprocity among migrant subjects. Drawing from fieldwork along the Balkan Route as a volunteer‐researcher, this paper examines methodology, best practices, positionality, and the ethical benefits and limitations of highly participatory, engagement‐driven research in informal transit camps at Europe's periphery.
Prevalence of third molars determined by panoramic radiographs in a population‐based survey of adult Finns
Authors: Ventä Irja , Vehkalahti Miira M. , Huumonen Sisko , Suominen Anna L.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of third molars in panoramic radiographs in a population‐based study of adults aged ≥30 years.

Methods

Out of a sample of 8028 inhabitants of Finland, selected with two‐staged stratified cluster‐sampling method for the Health 2000 Survey, 5989 participated in clinical oral examination and panoramic radiography. Mean age was 52.5 years (SD 14.6; range 30‐97 years). The following variables were included in the analysis: participant characteristics, clinical number of all teeth, and radiographic prevalence and characteristics of third molars. Statistics included chi‐squared, Fisher's exact, and Kruskal‐Wallis tests and SAS‐SUDAAN calculations.

Results

A total of 5912 third molars in 47.8% of the study population were recorded from panoramic radiographs. At least one impacted third molar was found in 21.9% of the study population. More than half (57.3%) of the remaining third molars were located in the mandible. A preponderance of participants with all third molars missing were observed in the oldest age group, women, those with lower education and those living in the countryside. Third molars or remnants thereof were observed radiographically in 3.9% of clinically edentulous study population.

Conclusions

The panoramic radiographs disclosed many remaining third molars in adult Finns aged ≥30 years. One‐third of the third molars located impacted which may cause unexpected need for care.
Aberrant lipid metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma cells as well as immune microenvironment: A review
Authors: Hu Bo , Lin Jian‐Zhen , Yang Xiao‐Bo , Sang Xin‐Ting
Published: January 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy of the liver with a high worldwide prevalence and poor prognosis. Researches are urgently needed on its molecular pathogenesis and biological characteristics. Metabolic reprogramming for adaptation to the tumour microenvironment (TME) has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism especially fatty acid (FA) metabolism, which involved in the alternations of the expression and activity of lipid‐metabolizing enzymes, is a hotspot in recent study, and it may be involved in HCC development and progression. Meanwhile, immune cells are also known as key players in the HCC microenvironment and show complicated crosstalk with cancer cells. Emerging evidence has shown that the functions of immune cells in TME are closely related to abnormal lipid metabolism. In this review, we summarize the recent findings of lipid metabolic reprogramming in TME and relate these findings to HCC progression. Our understanding of dysregulated lipid metabolism and associated signalling pathways may suggest a novel strategy to treat HCC by reprogramming cell lipid metabolism or modulating TME.
Development and preliminary evaluation of an animation (simplifyKDPI) to improve kidney transplant candidate understanding of the Kidney Donor Profile Index
Authors: Kayler Liise K. , Majumder Monami , Bonner Keisha , Ranahan Molly , Dolph Beth , Cadzow Renee , Feeley Thomas H.
Published: January 2020

Background

Transplant candidates are reluctant to accept kidneys from high Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) donors. Incomplete understanding can lead to transplant delays for older transplant candidates. Patients need access to understandable information to make more informed decisions about KDPI.

Methods

We developed a KDPI‐specific animation with input from six stakeholder groups and conducted a one‐group pre‐post study with 60 kidney transplant candidates for feasibility and acceptability to improve participant KDPI knowledge, understanding, decisional self‐efficacy, and willingness to accept a KDPI > 85% kidney. Data were compared using McNemar's test and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

Compared with pre‐animation scores, post‐animation scores were significantly higher for KDPI knowledge for the entire cohort (4.6 vs 6.1, P < .001) and across different levels of age, educational attainment, health literacy, vintage, and technology access. The frequency of positive responses increased pre‐post animation for KDPI understanding (55% vs 83%, P < .001) and decisional self‐efficacy (47% vs 75%, P < .001). However, willingness to accept KDPI > 85% kidneys (32% vs 36%, P = .83) increased by 2%. After viewing simplifyKDPI, >90% indicated positive ratings on ease of watching, understanding, and engaging.

Conclusion

In collaboration with stakeholders, an educational animation about KDPI was developed that was well‐received and is promising to impact knowledge.
Improved outcomes after live donor renal transplantation for septuagenarians
Authors: Pletcher Jerred , Koizumi Naoru , Nayebpour Mehdi , Alam Zubia , Ortiz Jorge
Published: January 2020

The average age of renal transplant recipients in the United States has increased over the past decade. The implications, however, have not been fully investigated. We explored predictors of success and demographic variables related to outcomes in elderly live donor transplantation. Retrospective analysis was performed using the UNOS database between 2001 and 2016. Donor characteristics and the graft failure rate of recipients above and below 70 years of age were compared across four eras: 2001‐2004, 2005‐2008, 2009‐2012, and 2013‐2016. There was a steady increase in average donor age from the first era to the fourth era (40‐44) which was more evident among the septuagenarian patients (43‐50) (P < .001). The 2‐year graft survival rate improved from 92% in the first era to 96% in the fourth era (P < .001), and this was also more prominent in the >70 population (87%‐93%) (P < .001). The >70 recipients were more likely to be non‐Hispanic white (80.1% vs 65.1%, P < .001) and male (70.1% vs 61.0% P < .001), respectively. The donors were more likely to be non‐Hispanic white and female in the >70 population. Live donation in the elderly is justified based on graft survival and patient survival. However, racial and gender differences exist in septuagenarian recipients and their donors.
A Novel LC‐MS/MS Assay for Quantification of Des‐carboxy Prothrombin and Characterization of Warfarin‐Induced Changes
Authors: Basit Abdul , Prasad Bhagwat , Estergreen Joanne K. , Sabath Daniel E. , Alade Nathan , Veenstra David L. , Rettie Allan E. , Thummel Kenneth E.
Published: January 2020

Warfarin is a narrow therapeutic index anticoagulant drug and its use is associated with infrequent but significant adverse bleeding events. The international normalized ratio (INR) is the most commonly used biomarker to monitor and titrate warfarin therapy. However, INR is derived from a functional assay, which determines clotting efficiency at the time of measurement and is susceptible to technical variability. Protein induced by vitamin K antagonist‐II (PIVKA‐II) has been suggested as a biomarker of long‐term vitamin K status, providing mechanistic insights about variation in the functional assay. However, the currently available antibody‐based PIVKA‐II assay does not inform on the position and number of des‐carboxylation sites in prothrombin. The assay presented in this paper provides simultaneous quantification of carboxy and des‐carboxy prothrombin that are essential for monitoring early changes in INR and, thus, serves as the superior tool for managing warfarin therapy. Additionally, this assay permits the quantification of total prothrombin level, which is affected by warfarin treatment. Prothrombin recovery from plasma was 95% and the liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) assay was linear (r2 = 0.98) with a dynamic range of 1–100 µg/mL. The assay interday precision was within 20%. A des‐carboxy peptide of prothrombin (GNLER) was negatively correlated with active prothrombin (Pearson r = 0.99, P < 0.0001), whereas its association was positively linked with INR values (Pearson r = 0.75, P < 0.015). This novel LC‐MS/MS assay for active and inactive prothrombin quantification can be applied to titrate anticoagulant therapy and to monitor the impact of diseases, such as hepatocellular carcinoma on clotting physiology.
Processing technologies for sealing glasses and glass‐ceramics
Authors: de Pablos‐Martín Araceli , Rodríguez‐López Sonia , Pascual Maria J.
Published: January 2020

This paper embraces two different approaches for the joining of materials through glass sealants. First, the conventional method of furnace sealing in which paste technology is normally employed. The glass sealant is applied in powder form mixed with agglomerant and with the help of dispenser robots, tape casting, or screen printing. Glass‐ceramics for sealing of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are described as an example of this type of processing. Glass composition, thermal properties, particle size of the glass powder, sintering and crystallization competition, and final crystalline phases together with a suitable chemical compatibility with the metallic and ceramic elements to be sealed need to be carefully adjusted for this specific application. Second, laser welding is presented as an alternative sealing technology. A general overview about laser welding through glass sealants is presented. Particularly, the welding of sapphire and fused silica glass through a BTS.2SiO2 thin film glass sealant by employment of a nanosecond‐pulsed laser is detailed. Laser parameters (frequency, power, scan speed, and number of passes) were optimized to get the best molten conditions of the BTS thin film, while allowing its crystallization. BTS crystallization upon laser welding leads to a strong blue emission upon UV excitation. Finally, both processing technologies were compared.
Urgent engagement in 9/11 pregnant widows and their infants: Transmission of trauma
Authors: Beebe Beatrice , Hoven Christina W. , Kaitz Marsha , Steele Miriam , Musa George , Margolis Amy , Ewing Julie , Sossin K. Mark , Lee Sang Han
Published: January 2020

The potential effects of maternal trauma on mother–infant interaction remain insufficiently studied empirically. This study examined the effects of the September 11, 2001, trauma on mother–infant interaction in mothers who were pregnant and widowed on 9/11, and their infants aged 4–6 months. Split‐screen videotaped interaction was coded on a one‐second basis for infant gaze, facial affect, and vocal affect; and mother gaze, facial affect, and touch. We examined the temporal dynamics of communication: self‐contingency and interactive contingency of behavior by time‐series methods. We documented heightened maternal and infant efforts at engagement in the 9/11 (vs. control) dyads. Both partners had difficulty tolerating moments of looking away as well as moments of negative behavior patterns. Heightened efforts to maintain a positive visual engagement may be adaptive and a potential source of resilience, but these patterns may also carry risk: working too hard to make it work. A vigilant, hyper‐contingent, high‐arousal engagement was the central mode of the interpersonal transmission of the trauma to these infants, with implications for intervention.
A randomized, double‐blind clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed‐dose combination of amlodipine/rosuvastatin in patients with dyslipidemia and hypertension
Authors: Kim Woohyeun , Chang Kiyuk , Cho Eun Joo , Ahn Jeong‐Cheon , Yu Cheol Woong , Cho Kyoung‐Im , Kim Yong‐Jin , Kang Duk‐Hyun , Kim Seok‐Yeon , Lee Sang‐Hak , Kim Ung , Kim Shin‐Jae , Ahn Young Keun , Lee Chang Hoon , Shin Jin Ho , Kim Mikyung , Park Chang Gyu
Published: January 2020

This multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group phase III clinical trial aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a rosuvastatin + amlodipine combination compared with that of rosuvastatin or amlodipine monotherapy in hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia. A total of 106 patients of 15 institutions in Korea were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: rosuvastatin 20 mg + amlodipine 10 mg, amlodipine 10 mg, or rosuvastatin 20 mg. After 8 weeks of treatment, the mean ± SD of change in mean sitting systolic blood pressure (msSBP) was −22.82 ± 12.99 mm Hg in the rosuvastatin + amlodipine group, the most decreased among the treatment groups. The percentage of patients whose msSBP decreased ≥20 mm Hg or msDBP decreased ≥10 mm Hg was also highest in this group (74.29%). The mean ± SD percentage change in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) level from baseline after 8 weeks was −52.53% ± 11.21% in the rosuvastatin + amlodipine group, the most decreased among the treatment groups. More patients in the rosuvastatin + amlodipine group achieved their target LDL‐C goal at 8 weeks, compared with the other treatment groups (97.14%). No serious adverse events or adverse drug reactions were observed in all groups. In hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia, combination treatment with rosuvastatin 20 mg + amlodipine 10 mg effectively reduced blood pressure and LDL‐C levels while maintaining safety.
Acute in‐hospital blood pressure variability predicts early neurological deterioration in acute minor stroke or transient ischemic attack with steno‐occlusive arterial disease
Authors: Duan Zuowei , Tao Lihong , Yang Ming , Gong Kaizheng , Tang Tieyu
Published: January 2020

It is generally known that acute minor stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) seem to be benign. However, their occurrence in patients with steno‐occlusive arterial disease may result in early neurological deterioration (END). We aimed to elucidate the effect of blood pressure variability (BPV) on the development of END. Consecutive acute minor stroke and TIA patients within 24 hours of onset were prospectively recruited from the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University between Aug 2015 and Feb 2019. END was defined as an NIHSS score increased ≥1 during the first 72 hours compared with the initial NIHSS score. During this period, the mean, maximum (max), the difference between the maximum and minimum (max‐min), the SD, and coefficient of variation of BP (BPCV) were calculated. Of the 160 total patients enrolled in the study (mean age, 68.01 ± 9.33 years; 50.6% female), 52 (32.5%) patients occurred END during the first 72h after admission. To express the BPV as a categorical variable, we classified the subjects into one of four groups, representing four quartiles of BPV. In the multivariable analyses, the lowest quartiles were considered as reference groups. The results showed that patients who fell in the fourth quartile (SBPmax‐min:OR = 3.289, 95% CI 1.147‐9.430; SBPSD:OR = 3.313, 95% CI 1.041‐10.547; SBPCV:OR = 3.425, 95% CI 1.164‐10.077; DBPSD:OR = 3.124, 95% CI 1.065‐9.158) had a significantly higher risk of END after adjusting the variables (age, female, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and CRP with P values <.1 in univariate analyses). Our study demonstrated that the acute in‐hospital BPV was associated with the development of END in acute minor stroke and TIA with steno‐occlusive arterial disease.
The impact of changes in population blood pressure on hypertension prevalence and control in China
Authors: Fan Wei‐guo , Xie Feng , Wan Yi‐rong , Campbell Norm R. C. , Su Hai
Published: January 2020

In China, there are approximately 250 million adults who have hypertension with low rates of awareness, treatment and control. Changes in lifestyles at a population level have the potential to enhance or deteriorate the prevention and control of hypertension. We used data from a regional hypertension survey to examine the impact of 2/1 mm Hg decreases or increases in population blood pressure on hypertension prevalence, and rates of unawareness of the hypertension diagnosis, treatment, and control. The primary analysis was based on the average blood pressure of respondents from three visits and a diagnostic threshold of 140/90 mm Hg for hypertension. Secondary analyses examined average blood pressure from the first survey visit and also a diagnostic threshold of 130/80 mm Hg for hypertension. The baseline hypertension prevalence was 33.4%, and rates of unawareness of the hypertension diagnosis, treatment, and control were 74.2%, 25.8%, and 9.7%, respectively. Decreases or increases in blood pressure by 10/5 mm Hg resulted in changes in hypertension prevalence (22.1% vs 53.4%) and rates of unawareness of the diagnosis (60.9% vs 83.8%), treatment (39.1% vs 16.2%), and control (21.2% vs 3.6%), respectively. Similar trends were seen in the secondary analyses. Population changes in lifestyle could have a very large impact on the prevalence and control of hypertension in China. The results support implementation of programs to improve population lifestyles while implementing health services policies to enhance the clinical management of hypertension.
Labyrinthula diatomea n. sp.—A Labyrinthulid Associated with Marine Diatoms
Authors: Popova Olga V. , Belevich Tatyana A. , Golyshev Sergey A. , Kireev Igor I. , Aleoshin Vladimir V.
Published: January 2020

Labyrinthulomycetes are mostly fungus‐like heterotrophic protists that absorb nutrients in an osmotrophic or phagotrophic manner. Members of order Labyrinthulida produce unique membrane‐bound ectoplasmic networks for movement and feeding. Among the various types of labyrinthulids’ food substrates, diatoms play an important role due to their ubiquitous distribution and abundant biomass. We isolated and cultivated new diatom consuming Labyrinthulida strains from shallow coastal marine sediments. We described Labyrinthula diatomea n. sp. that differs from all known labyrinthulids in both molecular and morphological features. We provided strain delimitation within the genus Labyrinthula based on ITS sequences via haplotype network construction and compared it with previous phylogenetic surveys.
The opioid peptide dynorphin suppresses pituitary‐ovary axis in the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus
Authors: Vijayalaxmi  , Ganesh C.B.
Published: January 2020

The opioid peptides are involved in the regulation of neuroendocrine functions in vertebrates. Nonetheless, the influence of an opioid peptide, dynorphin A (DYN), on reproduction in fish is understudied. The aim of this work was to study the influence of DYN on the pituitary‐ovary axis in Oreochromis mossambicus. Daily injections (ip) of 250 μg DYN kg−1 body weight for 22 days during the ovarian cycle caused a reduction in the intensity and the per cent area of luteinizing hormone (LH) immunoreactive content in the proximal pars distalis region of the pituitary gland compared with an intense immunostaining in time‐matched controls. In the ovary, DYN treatment caused a decrease in the number of stage I (previtellogenic) follicles compared with time‐matched controls. No difference was observed in the number of stage IV (vitellogenic) follicles among different experimental groups, whereas the numbers of stage II and stage III follicles (previtellogenic) were higher in DYN‐treated fish than in time‐matched controls. Nonetheless, there was a reduction in the number of stage V (preovulatory) follicles in DYN‐treated fish compared with time‐matched controls. Taken together, these results indicate that DYN exerts an inhibitory effect on follicular recruitment at the late vitellogenic stage, through the suppression of LH secretion in fish.
Effect of high hydrostatic pressure processing on textural properties and microstructural characterization of fresh‐cut pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)
Authors: Hu Xinna , Ma Tao , Ao Le , Kang Huan , Hu Xiaosong , Song Yi , Liao Xiaojun
Published: January 2020

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing is a burgeoning nonthermal sterilization technology has been industrialized in foreign countries. The purpose of this research was to investigate HHP (100–600 MPa/2 min)‐induced texture and cell microstructural changes of fresh‐cut pumpkins compared with untreated and heated samples. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by texture profile analysis and combinational microscopy techniques, including transmission electron microscope (TEM) and confocal imaging. The results showed that the texture of pumpkin was jointly influenced by HHP‐triggered alterations in pectin characteristics, membrane completeness, and morphology of tissue. Samples subjected to HHP treatment could better maintain original histology properties than heated ones based on color parameter, hardness, relative electrical conductance, and degree of pectin esterification, among which moderate pressure (300–400 MPa) exerted more positive effects. Our findings provide theoretical guidance for the correlative application of HHP and promote further investigation on food varieties.

Practical Applications

HHP processing is a commercially implemented technology being used in vegetable‐based products. As an important factor highly correlated with freshness, texture alterations induced by processing are an industrial issue of great concern. This work provides new evidence on the softening mechanism comprehensively with respect to pectin, membrane, and morphology of tissue. The application of our current findings could be applied in other temperature‐sensitive food substrates and make it possible to produce products of high quality in mild temperature.
The influence of extrusion process with a minimal addition of corn meal on selected properties of fruit pomaces
Authors: Witczak Teresa , Stępień Anna , Zięba Tomasz , Gumul Dorota , Witczak Mariusz
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the extrusion process on nutritional composition, anthocyanin content, as well as sorption, and the other physical characteristics of cherry and black currant pomaces. Physical properties (expansion ratio, bulk density, and water absorption solubility index) were evaluated. The equilibrium moisture content values as a function of the water activity were determined as sorption isotherms by three mathematical models. The effect of extrusion on the chemical composition and anthocyanin content was analyzed. It was found that the extrusion process increased water solubility index and decreased anthocyanin and dietary fiber content values. All obtained isotherms showed sigmoid shape. In both fruit pomaces, equilibrium moisture content values were lower in extrudates than in the raw pomaces. Obtained results can be used in order to find new possible applications of the main by‐product from the juice pressing process. Presented results can also be useful in: creating and optimizing quality of new food products, determining their stability during storage, and extending shelf life.

Practical applications

The obtained results proved the great potential of the extrusion process as one of the options for managing fruit waste. They indicate that it is possible to utilize by‐products obtained in the fruit processing process on industrial scale. The presented results can also be used in the design of new food products using fruit pomace as a source of nutrients.
Star Ratings and the Incentives of Mutual Funds
Authors: HUANG CHONG , LI FEI , WENG XI
Published: January 2020

We propose a theory of reputation to explain how investors rationally respond to mutual fund star ratings. A fund's performance is determined by its information advantage, which can be acquired but decays stochastically. Investors form beliefs about whether the fund is informed based on its past performance. We refer to such beliefs as fund reputation, which determines fund flows. As performance changes continuously, equilibrium fund reputation may take discrete values only and thus can be labeled with stars. Star upgrades thus imply reputation jumps, leading to discrete increases in flows and expected performance, although stars do not provide new information.
Assessing the response of sandy‐beach macrobenthos to recreation and the ecological status of the beach ecosystem at Liandao, China
Authors: Wu Xiaowei , Zou Xinqing , Zhong Chongqing , Yu Wenwen , Li Yali , Wang Teng
Published: January 2020

Sandy beaches, prime recreational assets that attract more people than other types of shorelines, are the main assets underpinning many coastal economies and developments. However, the intense stressors to the ecology of sandy beaches caused by recreational activities are generally underestimated or ignored. This study was the first to emphasize the ecological characteristics of recreational beaches in China and assess the response of macrobenthos at Liandao Beach, a typical sandy beach in the central part of China. Using the Before/During/After/Control/Impact (BDACI) method, differences in multiple variables (species richness, mean density, diversity) between a heavily recreationally impacted transect (TrH/Impact) and a less‐impacted transect (TrL/Control) in different impact periods (Before, During & After) were applied to assess the response of sandy‐beach macrobenthos to recreation and tourism. Meanwhile, a comparison between the macrobenthos conditions of the studied beach and reference conditions calculating from historical data of similar beaches with little recreation and tourism disturbances was carried out. Furthermore, the quality control chart approach was used to detect in detail the macrobenthos stable state and yearly response to recreational activities. The results showed that recreation and tourism posed a serious threat to the beach ecosystem; macrobenthos on the studied beach were seriously disturbed by recreational activities, and their variations were highly negatively related to the human recreational level. After monthly recreational impacts, the macrobenthos decreased sharply and recovered with difficulty during 1 year. Over the long‐term, the macrobenthos had a sharp decreasing trend, which indicated that the ecological environment of the beach was highly disturbed. Conservation measures for recreational beaches are very challenging because of the economic value and popularity of sandy beaches as recreational sites. However, practicable conservation measures could be implemented that prevent or slow ecological degradation. A number of management and conservation suggestions are put forward, such as the establishment of the ecological carrying capacity of Liandao Beach in terms of direct recreational use, creation of themed exhibitions related to the beach macrobenthos and beach ecosystem and dissemination of this knowledge to visitors, implementation of spatial zoning of beach use, visitor management and environmental education.
Characterisation of Dysosma tonkinense (Gagnep.) M. Hiroe (Berberidaceae) based on morphological characteristics and ITS sequences
Authors: Pham Ngoc Khanh , Pham Thanh Huyen , Nguyen Quynh Nga , Floden Aaron , Ninh Thi Phip , Tran Thi Viet Thanh , Phan Ke Long
Published: January 2020

Dysosma tonkinense (Gagnep.) M. Hiroe is a traditional medicinal plant in Vietnam, called ‘Bat giac lien’ in Vietnamese. Based on similarities in morphological characters, it has been treated as a synonym of either P. versipelle Hance subsp. versipelle or D. difformis. In order to define a taxonomic treatment and find out the relationship between ‘Bat giac lien’ and those two similar species, a combination of morphological and ITS sequence analysis was applied. The morphological comparison showed that Dysosma tonkinense is distinguished from the two similar species in several characters, including rhizomes, leaf shape, size of floral organs, fruit shape and color, and seeds. Molecular data from ITS nrDNA sequences showed that D. tonkinense can be distinguished from other Dysosma spp. by three autapomorphic characters and a phylogenetic reconstruction recovered it as sister to D. difformis. Thus, we conclude that D. tonkinense should be recognized as a distinct species. These data also confirm that D. tonkinense is more closely related to D. difformis than to D. versipellis. In addition, new distributional records for D. tonkinense in the central districts of Vietnam, which is likely the southernmost occurrence of the genus, are presented.
Ephrin‐B2 signaling in the spinal cord as a player in post‐inflammatory and stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Theofanous Stavroula A. , Florens Morgane V. , Appeltans Iris , Denadai Souza Alexandre , Wood John N. , Wouters Mira M. , Boeckxstaens Guy E.
Published: January 2020

Background

Ephrin‐B2/EphB receptor signaling contributes to persistent pain states such as postinflammatory and neuropathic pain. Visceral hypersensitivity (VHS) is a major mechanism underlying abdominal pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in remission, but the underlying pathophysiology remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the spinal ephrin‐B2/EphB pathway in VHS in 2 murine models of VHS, that is, postinflammatory TNBS colitis and maternal separation (MS).

Methods

Wild‐type (WT) mice and mice lacking ephrin‐B2 in Nav1.8 nociceptive neurons (cKO) were studied. VHS was induced by: 1. intracolonic instillation of TNBS or 2. water avoidance stress (WAS) in mice that underwent maternal separation (MS). VHS was assessed by quantifying the visceromotor response (VMRs) during colorectal distention. Colonic tissue and spinal cord were collected for histology, gene, and protein expression evaluation.

Key Results

In WT mice, but not cKO mice, TNBS induced VHS at day 14 after instillation, which returned to baseline perception from day 28 onwards. In MS WT mice, WAS induced VHS for up to 4 weeks. In cKO however, visceral pain perception returned to basal level by week 4. The development of VHS in WT mice was associated with significant upregulation of spinal ephrin‐B2 and EphB1 mRNA expression or protein levels in the TNBS model and upregulation of spinal ephrin‐B2 protein in the MS model. No changes were observed in cKO mice. VHS was not associated with persistent intestinal inflammation.

Conclusions and Inferences

Overall, our data indicate that the ephrin‐B2/EphB1 spinal signaling pathway is involved in VHS and may represent a novel therapeutic target.
Melatonin mitigates cadmium and aluminium toxicity through modulation of antioxidant potential in Brassica napus L
Authors: Sami A. , Shah F. A. , Abdullah M. , Zhou X. , Yan Y. , Zhu Z. , Zhou K.
Published: January 2020

Melatonin has emerged as an essential molecule in plants, due to its role in defence against metal toxicity. Aluminium (Al) and cadmium (Cd) toxicity inhibit rapeseed seedling growth.

In this study, we applied different doses of melatonin (50 and 100 µm) to alleviate Al (25 µm) and Cd (25 µm) stress in rapeseed seedlings. Results show that Al and Cd caused toxicity in rapeseed seedling, as evidenced by a decrease in height, biomass and antioxidant enzyme activity.

Melatonin increased the expression of melatonin biosynthesis‐related Brassica napus genes for caffeic acid O‐methyl transferase (BnCOMT) under Al and Cd stress. The genes BnCOMT‐1, BnCOMT‐5 and BnCOMT‐8 showed up‐regulated expression, while BnCOMT‐4 and BnCOMT‐6 were down‐regulated during incubation in water. Melatonin application increased the germination rate, shoot length, root length, fresh and dry weight of seedlings. Melatonin supplementation under Al and Cd stress increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, proline, chlorophyll and anthocyanin content, as well as photosynthesis rate. Both Cd and Al treatments significantly increased hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels in rapeseed seedlings, which were strictly counterbalanced by melatonin. Analysis of Cd and Al in different subcellular compartments showed that melatonin enhanced cell wall and soluble fractions, but reduced the vacuolar and organelle fractions in Al‐ and Cd‐treated seedlings.

These results suggest that melatonin‐induced improvements in antioxidant potential, biomass, photosynthesis rate and successive Cd and Al sequestration play a pivotal role in plant tolerance to Al and Cd stress. This mechanism may have potential implications in safe food production.