bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Sprinkler Irrigation System on Production and Profitability of Wheat in Sagar District of Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Bareliya Rajendra Singh , Thakur Satyendra Singh , Rathi Deepak
Published: February 2021

In India, the area irrigated by the sprinkler system is 3.59 million ha, which is less than 2.5 % of the total area under irrigation. Madhya Pradesh has been covered 35195 ha area under micro irrigation (2017-18) Share of Sagar district in micro irrigation area 895.20 ha. Sagar has major wheat growing district under micro irrigation system (MPKSY). An intensive survey was made to collect the relevant data from adopters (48) and non adopters (12) of sprinkler irrigation system in cultivation of wheat. An overall the total cost of cultivation of wheat nominal increase by only 1.66 percent in cultivation of wheat in sprinkler (Rs. 17271.47/ acre) an against without sprinkler (Rs. 16989.87/ acre) irrigation system. The net farm income, family labour income and return per rupee investment were found to be increased by 21.75, 17.73 and 9.81 percent, respectively after the introduction of sprinkler irrigation in cultivation of wheat in the area of the study.
Distribution of DTPA Extractable Micronutrients in Soils of Central Telangana Region of Telangana
Authors: Prasad M. Ram , Ravi P. , Surekha K.
Published: February 2021

Forty soil samples from ten pedons of the Central Telangana region, Telangana were studied for the vertical distribution of DTPA extractable. Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn and their relationship with some soil properties. Soil pH, CaCO3,, organic carbon and particle-size distribution had a strong influence on the distribution of these micronutrients. The content of the micronutrient increased with the an increase in organic carbon and decreased with an increase in pH and CaCO3. There was a decreasing trend for the distribution of these micronutrients with respect to depth. As per the critical limit prescribed for Zn, and Fe, 55 and 12% of the soil could be rated as deficient in available zinc and iron, respectively. Copper and manganese were found to be adequate.
Impact of River Valley Project in South Pennaiyar Catchment of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Manivannan S. , Khola O. P. S. , Kannan K. , Dhayani B. L. , Thilagam V. Kasthuri
Published: February 2021

Aims: The impact of comprehensive interventions in erosion control, improving water availability, development of agro-forestry, sustainable management of natural resources, enhancement of agricultural productivity and socio-economic aspects of the farmers was studied. Assessment of effectiveness of watershed development programme, identification of major issues and lacunae in project implementation across the watersheds also has been studied.

Study Design: Multistage stratified sampling technique was adopted in selection of study watersheds (secondary sampling unit-SSU), farmers (primary sampling units-PSU) and structures for detailed surveys.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in South Pennaiyar catchement in Dharmapuri, Salem, Villupuram, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai districts of Tamil Nadu. The study was conducted for three years period during 2012-14.

Methodology: Sample based before and after project evaluation approach, employing budgeting techniques. By employing stratified random sampling method 15 study watersheds (SWS) were selected and the benchmark data collected by the project implementing agency (PIA) at the time of project planning were used for the study. All the collected data were analyzed through budgeting techniques or appropriate statistics. The cash flow table was developed which were further aggregated along with other miscellaneous costs of the project to generate total cost and benefit stream of the project.

Results: The evaluation study reveals that runoff reduction of 8 to 10 percent and soil loss varies in the range of 1.1 to 1.9 t ha-1yr-1 after the project compare to 4.1 to 4.9 t ha-1yr-1 before the project shows the reduction of 3 t ha-1yr-1. Gully control structures made their impacts in terms of arresting silts at the rate of about 10.1 cum yr-1 in one watershed and stabilized the gullies. Increased water table in the range of 0.32 and 0.93 m with increased duration of water availability in wells for more than 9 months and increased recuperation rate (1.8 to 6.5 per cent) were observed. An additional surface storage capacity of 26.4 ha - m per watershed was created due to watershed interventions. The Net Present value of the project is about Rs. 52,238 lakhs without considering intangible benefits. The economic soundness of the project is also amply indicated by BCR (1.65:1) and IRR (53%) and the whole investment made in the project can be recovered within seven years. The NPV of the project further improved by inclusion of monetary value of the nutrient due to reduced soil erosion. The value of NPV was more than Rs. 63,968 Lakhs with 1.72 BCR and 65.5 % IRR.

Conclusion: River valley project in South Pennaiyar catchment of Tamil Nadu is economically viable and recommended to be taken on priority for sustainable agricultural growth in the river / reservoir catchments.
Medicinal Plants in Physical Exercise: A Review
Authors: Dias Nikole Costa , Marinho Natália Pandolfi , Barbalho Sandra Maria , Araújo Adriano Cressoni , Detregiachi Claudia Rucco Penteado , Audi Mauro , Chagas Eduardo Federighi Baisi , Buchaim Rogério Leone , Buchaim Daniela Vieira , Guiguer Elen Landgraf
Published: February 2021

Background: The use of medicinal plants may have an effective action on the performance of athletes.

Aims: This review aimed to evaluate the effects of the use of medicinal plants and some phytocompounds on physical performance.

Methodology: MEDLINE/PUBMED and EMBASE were consulted following the PRISMA guidelines.

Results: Panax ginseng increases the anti-fatigue effect, decreases the stress promoted by the physical exercise, and improves muscular function through gene expression enhancement. Arnica montana has a crucial anti-inflammatory action showing relief of muscular pain a. Zingiber officinale has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic role on muscular pain, and it can be used to speed up the recovery of muscular strength after intense activity. Ephedra sinica is related to thermogenic and sympathomimetic effects, being able to increase the energetic state. Capsaicin increases the energetic expenditure due to fat oxidation, promotes the anti-fatigue effect, and enhances the athlete’s resistance. Caffeine has ergogenic importance related to its antioxidant capacity, and it improves mental alertness condition.

Conclusion: The nutritional supplementation with products derived from medicinal plants may be an efficient alternative to improve the athlete’s performance, being a natural substitute for synthetic supplements, which usually are forbidden in competitions.
Evaluation of Genetic Divergence Analysis in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicom [Mill] Wettsd)
Authors: Yadav Mahendra Kumar , Yadav G. C. , Maurya Nishakant , Lal Bankey , Singh Vipul Pratap , Kumar Satyendra , Verma Arun Kumar
Published: February 2021

The present investigation was carried out to estimate the genetic diversityfor11 yield contributing traits among 50 genotypes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicom [Mill.] Wettsd.) during 2017 in Randomized Block Design with three replications. In this context maximum intra cluster distance was recorded within cluster III and inter cluster distance was recorded between cluster I to V III. Cluster III had maximum number of genotypes. Major cluster in divergence analysis contained genotypes of heterogeneous origin, thereby indicating no parallelism between genetic and geographic diversity. Therefore, crosses between members of clusters separated by high inter- cluster distance are likely to produces desirable segregates.
Evaluation of Lactulose Prescribing Pattern in Outpatient Setting
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: February 2021

Aim: This study aims to describe the prescribing pattern of lactulose in the outpatient setting of a public hospital.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Alkharj city. Prescription data were collected retrospectively from electronic medical records in the outpatient setting of the hospital.

Results: A total of 113 patients received lactulose in the outpatient setting of the hospital. Most of them were males (66.37%). Approximately 24% of the patients aged between 30-39 years and about 20.35% of them aged between 20-29. Most of the patients received lactulose for 7 days (70.8%). Most of the prescriptions were written by the Emergency department (84.07%).

Conclusion: Lactulose prescribing was uncommon in the present study. Nevertheless, it is important to use it appropriately to increase its efficacy and safety. The patient should take it as recommended, and the health care professionals should counsel patients about their medications.
Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of Elytraria acaulis Roots
Authors: Singh Simmi , Nigam Rajesh , Sharma Ambika , Kumar Ashish , Laxmi Vijay
Published: February 2021

The main objectives of this study were to qualitatively evaluate the profile of phytochemical constituents of Elytraria acaulis root (EAR) extracts. The dried powder of the roots of the plant was extracted with three different solvents namely petroleum ether, methanol and water, and subjected to various phytochemical tests and UV-VIS spectrophotometry to ascertain the principal constituents contained in the extracts. The result revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides with various other phytoconstituents in different extracts of Elytraria acaulis roots (EAR). We suggest that various extracts of Elytraria acaulis roots (EAR) might have potential chemical constituents that could be used in the future for the development of novel therapeutic agent.
Gradient Magnetic Separation and Fluorescent Imaging‐Based Heterogeneous Circulating Tumor Cell Subpopulations Assay with Biomimetic Multifunctional Nanoprobes
Authors: Liao Ziyi , Han Lan , Li Qingjin , Li Linyao , Liu Yuan , Song Yang , Tan Weihong , Song Erqun
Published: February 2021

The heterogeneity of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) greatly impacts cancer metastasis and malignancy, contributing to increased mortality. Therefore, the analysis of such heterogeneity is essential to clinical diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients. Though varied, the types and expression levels of proteins on heterogeneous CTCs enable specific recognition and separation. Accordingly, herein the sequential magnetic separation and fluorescence visualization‐based assay of heterogeneous CTCs after the model tumor cells of BT474Her2+++, LNCaPPSMA++, and MDA‐MB‐231Vim+ binding with corresponding antibody‐modified biomimetic fluorescent‐magnetic nanoprobes with different magnetic sensitivities is reported. These nanoprobes‐bound cell subpopulations are specifically recognized and magnetically separated at different time points under an external magnetic field with good capture performance within several minutes. Moreover, a low detection limit of 1 cell mL−1 in blood sample could be achieved. Consequently, the as‐proposed strategy based on gradient magnetic separation, fluorescent imaging, and biomimetic membrane, shows promise for clinical applications.
Tabletized Supramolecular Assemblies for Sublingual Peptide Immunization
Authors: Kelly Sean H. , Opolot Emmanuel E. , Wu Yaoying , Cossette Benjamin , Varadhan Ajay K. , Collier Joel H.
Published: February 2021

Widespread vaccination is essential to global health. Significant barriers exist to improving vaccine coverage in lower‐ and middle‐income countries, including the costly requirements for cold‐chain distribution and trained medical personnel to administer the vaccines. A heat‐stable and highly porous tablet vaccine that can be administered sublingually via simple dissolution under the tongue is described. SIMPL tablet vaccines (Supramolecular IMmunization with Peptides subLingually) are produced by freeze‐drying a mixture of self‐assembling peptide‐polymer nanofibers, sugars, and adjuvant. Sublingual immunization with SIMPL tablets raises antibody responses against both a model epitope from ovalbumin and a clinically relevant epitope from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Further, sublingual antibody responses are not diminished after heating the tablets for 1 week at 45 °C, in contrast to a more conventional carrier vaccine (KLH). This approach directly addresses the need for a heat‐stable and easily deliverable vaccine to improve equity in global vaccine coverage.
Reducing Energy Disorder of Hole Transport Layer by Charge Transfer Complex for High Performance p–i–n Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Guiying , Xue Rongming , Stuard Samuel J. , Ade Harald , Zhang Chenjie , Yao Jianlin , Li Yaowen , Li Yongfang
Published: February 2021

Solution‐processed organic semiconductor charge‐transport layers (OS‐CTLs) with high mobility, low trap density, and energy level alignment have dominated the important progress in p–i–n planar perovskite solar cells (pero‐SCs). Unfortunately, their inevitable long chains result in weak molecular stacking, which is likely to generate high energy disorder and deteriorate the charge‐transport ability of OS‐CTLs. Here, a charge‐transfer complex (CTC) strategy to reduce the energy disorder in the OS‐CTLs by doping an organic semiconductor, 4,4′‐(4,8‐bis(5‐(trimethylsilyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl)bis(N,N‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)aniline) (BDT‐Si), in a commercial hole‐transport layer (HTL), poly[bis(4‐phenyl) (2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)amine (PTAA), is proposed. The formation of the CTC makes the PTAA conjugated backbone electron‐deficient, resulting in a quinoidal and stiffer character, which is likely to planarize the PTAA backbone and enhance the ordering of the film in nanoscale. The resultant HTL exhibits a reduced energy disorder, which simultaneously promotes hole transport in the HTL, hole extraction at the interface, energy level alignment, and quasi‐Fermi level splitting in the device. As a result, the p–i–n planar pero‐SCs with optimized HTL exhibit the best power conversion efficiency of 21.87% with good operating stability. This finding demonstrates that the CTC strategy is an effective way to reduce the energy disorder in HTLs and to improve the performance of planar pero‐SCs.
Synthetic Biology: Emerging Concepts to Design and Advance Adeno‐Associated Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy
Authors: Wagner Hanna J. , Weber Wilfried , Fussenegger Martin
Published: February 2021

Three recent approvals and over 100 ongoing clinical trials make adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐based vectors the leading gene delivery vehicles in gene therapy. Pharmaceutical companies are investing in this small and nonpathogenic gene shuttle to increase the therapeutic portfolios within the coming years. This prospect of marking a new era in gene therapy has fostered both investigations of the fundamental AAV biology as well as engineering studies to enhance delivery vehicles. Driven by the high clinical potential, a new generation of synthetic‐biologically engineered AAV vectors is on the rise. Concepts from synthetic biology enable the control and fine‐tuning of vector function at different stages of cellular transduction and gene expression. It is anticipated that the emerging field of synthetic‐biologically engineered AAV vectors can shape future gene therapeutic approaches and thus the design of tomorrow's gene delivery vectors. This review describes and discusses the recent trends in capsid and vector genome engineering, with particular emphasis on synthetic‐biological approaches.
Poly(arylene ether nitrile) copolymers containing pendant phenyl: Synthesis and properties
Authors: Li Pengcheng , Yan Dawei , Luo Lin , Tang Wanli , Ren Haohao , Yan Yonggang
Published: February 2021

A series of poly(arylene ether nitrile) copolymers (PENAPs) were synthesized with bisphenol A (BP‐A), bisphenol AP (BP‐AP) and 2,6‐Dichlorobenzonitrile (DCBN) via a nucleophilic substitution polycondensation reaction. FTIR and 1H‐NMR were used to confirm the structure of PENAPs. Glass transition temperature (Tg) of PENAPs determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) ranged from 154.2 to 200.8°C. The 5% weight lost temperature (T5%) of PENAPs were 418.9–447.7°C. The tensile and DMA test indicated that PENAPs possessed excellent mechanical properties with tensile strength more than 92.8 MPa and storage modulus more than 1.0 GPa at about 150°C. The melt flowability was measured by rheology properties testing ranging from 80 to 1639 GPa at 290°C and under shear frequency 100 Hz, which indicated the copolymers had good flowability and thermal stability. Additionally, PENAPs could be dissolved in many solutions, which meant PENAPs had good solubility and can be processed by solution method.
The chances of thermooxidation stabilization of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) during processing–A critical evaluation
Authors: Tocháček Jiří , Přikryl Radek , Menčík Přemysl , Melčová Veronika , Figalla Silvestr
Published: February 2021

The performance of a series of thermooxidation stabilizers was investigated in poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) during processing by multiple extrusion at 190°C. The issue was to find out if PHB may be processing stabilized or not. Phenols of different steric hindrance, phosphites, amine oxide, hydroxylamine, lactone, hindered amine and carbodiimide were tested as potential stabilizers and their efficiencies compared with non‐stabilized polymer as a reference. Multiple extrusion data was evaluated using the processing degradation index (PDI) formerly designed for polypropylene. Changes in molecular weight were monitored as well. The results have shown that none of the stabilizing structures, currently successfully used in other polymers, have the ability to protect PHB. This indirectly implies that no radical chain scission takes place during PHB processing, i.e. no thermooxidation takes place. Moreover, nearly all of the tested structures act as prodegradants in PHB, some of them very strong. The strongest ones contain P or N atoms with asymmetrical free electron pairs in their molecules that evidently accelerate the main degradation mechanism of PHB—thermally induced cis‐elimination.
Manganese‐catalyzed Electro‐oxidative Azidation‐annulation Cascade to Access Oxindoles and Quinolinones
Authors: Maiti Debabrata , Mahanty Kingshuk , De Sarkar Suman
Published: February 2021

An environmentally benign and proficient electro‐oxidative tandem azidation‐radical cyclization strategy is reported. Manganese‐catalyzed electrochemical reaction in an undivided cell at room temperature and the use of NaN3 as the cheapest azide source are the key features of this protocol. Using this approach, a series of oxindole and quinolinone derivatives are synthesized in high yields. The synthesized azide functionality was efficiently converted to various valuable derivatives.
A Review on Data‐Driven Learning Approaches for Fault Detection and Diagnosis in Chemical Processes
Authors: Taqvi Syed Ali Ammar , Zabiri Haslinda , Tufa Lemma Dendena , Uddin Fahim , Fatima Syeda Anmol , Maulud Abdulhalim Shah
Published: February 2021

Fault detection and diagnosis for process plants has been an active area of research for many years. This review presents a concise overview on supervised and unsupervised data‐driven approaches for fault detection and diagnosis in chemical processes. Methods based on supervised and unsupervised data‐driven techniques are reviewed, and the challenges in the field of fault detection and diagnosis have also been highlighted. It is observed that most of the data‐driven approaches are application specific, in that no single method can be used to obtain a generalized solution for nearly all purposes. The methods reviewed differ significantly from one to the other, and hence it is difficult to generalize any key similarity. The majority of the works proposed in the literature focused mainly on single fault detection, and do not cover the root‐cause diagnosis of the detected faults. In cases where both detection and diagnosis are performed, the focus is mainly for a single fault. In addition, majority of the articles do not extend to the diagnosis of the root cause for multiple and simultaneous faults.
The Digital Twin – Your Ingenious Companion for Process Engineering and Smart Production
Authors: Bamberg Andreas , Urbas Leon , Bröcker Sönke , Bortz Michael , Kockmann Norbert
Published: February 2021

This essay of the temporary Working Group “100% Digital” of the Association “Process, Apparatus and Plant Engineering” PAAT in ProcessNet addresses characteristics of a digital twin from the user's point of view and is intended to help solution providers to give product development a customer‐oriented direction. For this purpose, the different data models are described which play a role in the life cycles of chemical processes, plants, and products. In particular, for existing (brownfield) plants, essential aspects of the digital twin are subsequently formulated. Further expressions and consequences, e.g., on qualification and training, are deduced from the above.
Realigning the Chemistry and Parameterization of Lithium‐Sulfur Battery Models to Accommodate Emerging Experimental Evidence and Cell Configurations
Authors: Parke Caitlin D. , Subramaniam Akshay , Subramanian Venkat R. , Schwartz Daniel T.
Published: February 2021

Experimental insights into lithium‐sulfur (LiS) battery chemistry have resulted in practical improvements in cell coulombic efficiency, sulfur utilization, and cycle life. However, optimization of this complex battery chemistry requires experimentally aligned modeling tools. A porous electrode theory‐based model incorporating key electrolyte dissociation chemistry is developed for the LiS cell. The proposed chemistry produces a radical anion species that is widely observed spectroscopically in LiS electrolytes. We explore the implications of radical anion formation on the current‐voltage behavior within the context of a state‐of‐art high energy density LiS cell with low electrolyte:sulfur (E/S) ratio and ideally‐protected anode. Parameters describing the dissociation reaction equilibrium and kinetics are shown to alter the electrolyte speciation in ways that can be linked to observations from LiS electrolyte engineering experiments.
Redox Flow Batteries: Stationary Energy Storages with Potential
Authors: Girschik Jan , Kopietz Lukas , Joemann Michael , Grevé Anna , Doetsch Christian
Published: February 2021

On the way to a secure, economic, and environmentally compatible future of energy supply, the share of renewable energies will rise strongly as part of the energy transition. To ensure a constant and resilient energy supply, despite the fluctuations of renewable energies, efficient energy storage systems are crucial. One of the most promising technologies are redox flow batteries. They are of particular importance in the field of stationary applications, due to their flexible and independent scalability of capacity and power output as well as their high cycle stability, calendric service life, and operational safety.
The impact of weighting materials on carbonate pore system and rock characteristics
Authors: Gamal Hany , Suleymanov Vagif , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Adebayo Abdulrauf , Bageri Badr
Published: February 2021

The infiltration of the drilling fluids into the drilled formation causes significant alterations in the rock properties due to the interaction between the drilling fluid and the rock pore system. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the most common weighting materials used in water‐based mud (WBM) on carbonate pore system and rock characteristics. Rock‐mud interaction was imposed by using a customized high‐pressure high‐temperature (HPHT) filtration test cell under 2068 kPa differential pressure and 93°C temperature to simulate downhole conditions. For filtration properties, ilmenite WBM showed the maximum values (10.9 cm3 filtrate volume and 8.7 mm thickness), while baryte recorded the lowest filtrate volume (6.2 cm3) and thickness (4.2 mm). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) profiles illustrated the changes in the rock pore system due to two aspects: precipitation and dissolution. A general porosity reduction was recorded with all formulations, namely 7.5% and 10.1% for hematite and ilmenite, respectively. The rock permeability showed severe damage after mud exposure that caused the rock average pore size to decrease from macro to meso‐porous. After the mud invasion, the rock electrical resistivity showed alterations with all drilling fluids. Compressional wave velocities (Vp) showed an increasing trend that ranged from 2.52% increase for baryte‐WBM to 6.35% increase by Micromax‐WBM. A general reduction was found for shear wave velocities (Vs) after mud exposure, Micromax‐WBM showed no changes in Vs, while hematite and ilmenite showed the largest decreases of 6.71% and 5.56%, respectively.
Recent Advances in Nanopore Sensing†
Authors: Cui Mengjie , Ge Yaxian , Zhuge Xiao , Zhou Xin , Xi Dongmei , Zhang Shusheng
Published: February 2021

Nanopore sensing is developing into a powerful label‐free approach to investigate the features of biomolecules at the single‐molecule level. When a charged molecule is captured within a nanopore, it modulates the ionic current, which can be recorded in real time to reveal the properties of the target molecule. To date, nanopores have been used to sense a variety of analytes, including DNA, RNA, proteins, enzymes, small molecules, cancer cells, and metal ions, and can also provide information on biomolecular structures. In this review, we highlight the progress made in nanopore sensing over the past five years (2016—2020), and provide an outlook on future developments and directions in the field
Clerodenoids A—F: C‐ring Aromatized and/or Rearranged Abietane Diterpenoids from Clerodendrum chinense var. simplex
Authors: Qi Jingjing , Zhang Yan , Liu Qunfang , Liu Hongchun , Fan Yaoyue , Yue Jianmin
Published: February 2021

Main observation and conclusion

As part of our continuing efforts toward the discovery of the biologically active diterpenoids from medicinal plants, six new C‐ring aromatized abietane diterpenoids, clerodenoids A—F (1—6), were isolated from Clerodendrum chinense. These C‐ring aromatized compounds mainly belonged to the rearranged abietane skeletons of 17(15→16)‐abeo‐abietane (2—4) and 17(15→16), 18(4→3)‐diabeo‐abietane (5 and 6). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data, X‐ray crystallography, and ECD calculation. Compounds 5 and 6 displayed strong antiproliferative activities against A549 and HL‐60 cell lines.
Prognostic impact of peak oxygen uptake and heart rate reserve in patients after off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Abulimiti Abidan , Nishitani‐Yokoyama Miho , Shimada Kazunori , Kunimoto Mitsuhiro , Matsubara Tomomi , Fujiwara Kei , Aikawa Tatsuro , Ouchi Shohei , Sugita Yurina , Fukao Kosuke , Kadoguchi Tomoyasu , Miyazaki Tetsuro , Shimada Akie , Yamamoto Taira , Takahashi Tetsuya , Fujiwara Toshiyuki , Asai Tohru , Amano Atsushi , Daida Hiroyuki , Minamino Tohru
Published: February 2021

Background

Peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and heart rate reserve (HRR) are independent prognostic markers of cardiovascular disease. However, the impact of peak VO2 and HRR on long‐term prognosis after off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OP‐CABG) remains unclear.

Hypothesis

To determine the prognostic impact of peak VO2 and HRR in patients after OP‐CABG.

Results

We enrolled 327 patients (mean age, 65.1 ± 9.3 years; male, 80%) who underwent OP‐CABG and participated in early phase II cardiac rehabilitation. All participants underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) at the beginning of such rehabilitation. Overall, 48 (14.6%) patients died during the median follow‐up period of 103 months. The non‐survivor had significantly lower levels of peak VO2 (10.6 ± 0.5 vs. 13.7 ± 0.2 ml/kg/min, p < .01) and HRR (24.2 ± 1.8 vs. 32.7 ± 0.8 beats/min, p < .01) than the survivor. In both groups, peak VO2 significantly correlated with HRR (p < .01). Moreover, patients were divided into four groups according to the peak VO2 and HRR levels for predicting total mortality. The low‐peak VO2/low‐HRR group had a significantly higher mortality risk than the other groups (hazards ratio, 5.61; 95% confidence interval, 2.59–12.16; p < .01). After adjusted the confounding factors, peak VO2 and HRR were independently associated with total mortality (both p < .05).

Conclusions

HRR is a simple parameter of CPET and an important prognostic marker for the risk stratification of total mortality even in patients with low‐peak VO2 after OP‐CABG.
Comparison between translucencies of anterior resin composites and natural dental tissues
Authors: Balci Melin , Ergucu Zeynep , Çelik Esra Uzer , Turkun Lezize Sebnem
Published: February 2021

We aimed to assess the translucencies of seven anterior resin composites in comparison to natural dental tissues under dry and hydrated conditions. Seven resin composites—Clearfil Majesty ES‐2 (A1‐AE1), Essentia (LE‐Universal), Ceram‐X Duo (E1), Synergy D6 Enamel (Universal White Opaque), Harmonize (A1), Filtek Ultimate (XW Enamel), and Zenit (W2)—were used. Five disc‐shaped (5 × 1 mm) specimens of each shade were fabricated, and enamel and dentin slices were obtained from extracted teeth. The color coordinates of dry and hydrated samples were measured using the SpectroShade Micro device. Translucency parameter (TP) values were calculated using a formula derivated from the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates. Two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the interaction between the substrate and the storage medium. One‐way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to compare the TP values, and the t test was used to compare the translucency parameter values of dry and hydrated samples (P < .05). Translucency parameter values of all dry and hydrated resin composites were higher than those of enamel and dentin samples (P < .05) except for Clearfil Majesty ES‐2 A1 and Ceram‐X Duo E1. Hydration increased the translucency parameter value of all samples (P < .05) except Ceram‐X Duo E1, Harmonize A1, and Filtek Ultimate XW shades where the values were unchanged. Translucency seems to be material‐specific, and no generalization relating to the different substance classes could be made. Hydration and type of materials had a significant effect on TP values. Furthermore, translucency parameter values of anterior resin composites were higher than those of dental tissues, different from each other, and increasing or remain unchanged with hydration depending on the brands tested.
A Remark on the Concentration Compactness Principle in Critical Dimension
Authors: Hang Fengbo
Published: February 2021

We prove some refinements of the concentration compactness principle for Sobolev space W1, n on a smooth compact Riemannian manifold of dimension n. As an application, we extend Aubin's theorem for functions on with zero first‐order moments of the area element to the higher‐order moments case. Our arguments are very flexible and can be easily modified for functions satisfying various boundary conditions or belonging to higher‐order Sobolev spaces. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Smart biological sensor network for efficient energy consumption
Authors: Tiwari Richa , Nagaria Deepak , Kumar Rajesh
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a link is proposed for wireless body area sensor networks (WBASNs) for the transmission of electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. When the quantity of signal is very high, then it is beneficial that signal should be compressed before transmission. In that situation, the signal compression and error control schemes played an important role in the designing of link for WBASNs. In case of biological sensor network, it is very important that node consumed less power in transmission because the replacement of nodes is a very complex surgical procedure in many medical situations. A compressed sensing concept is introduced here. The main aspect of this paper is to present transmission strategy that provides fast and accurate transmission of ECG signals. In this the smart sensor nodes are utilized. These nodes having sensing, transformation and transmission capability. The nodes sense the ECG signals, and these signal are compressed by Walsh–Hadamard transform method. This compressed signal is transmitted to the module outside the human body. In this module, various error control coding and modulation operations are to be performed on signals, and after that, signals are transmitted to the final destination. The compressed signal occupied less storage space, and ECC provides high data rate. In that manner, the fast transmission of ECG data becomes possible on low data rate sensor network link.
Single‐cell transcriptomics provides new insights into the role of fibroblasts during peritoneal fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Jinhua , Chen Yuxian , Chen Tufeng , Miao Bin , Tang Zuofu , Hu Xiao , Luo You , Zheng Tong , Na Ning
Published: February 2021

Background

The contributions of various types of cell populations in dialysis‐related peritoneal fibrosis are poorly understood. Single‐cell RNA sequencing brings single‐cell level resolution to the analysis of cellular transcriptomics, which provides a new way to further characterize the distinct roles and functional states of each cell population during peritoneal fibrosis.

Methods

Single‐cell transcriptomics from normal peritoneal tissues of six patients, from effluent of patients with short‐term peritoneal dialysis (less than 2 weeks, n = 6), and from long‐term peritoneal dialysis patients (more than 6 years, n = 4) were analyzed.

Results

We identified a distinct cell component between samples among different groups. Functional analysis of the differentially expressed genes identified cell type specific biological processes relevant to different fibrosis stages. Well‐known key molecular mechanisms participating in the pathophysiology of peritoneal fibrosis were vitrified, and some of them were found to be restricted to specific cell types. Gradually growing enrichment of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and impairment of oxidative phosphorylation in mesothelial cells and fibroblasts were found from healthy control, short‐term dialysis, to long‐term dialysis, respectively. The fibroblasts’ population obtained from the patients, who received peritoneal dialysis, showed a functional characteristic of immune‐chemotaxis and immune response, which was characterized by broadly significant increase in the expression of interleukins, chemokines, cytokines, and human leukocyte antigens. Furthermore, we described the intercellular crosstalk networks based on receptor‐ligand interactions, and highlighted a central role of fibroblasts in regulating the key mechanisms of peritoneal fibrosis through crosstalk with other cells.

Conclusions

In summary, despite describing information for fibrogenic molecular mechanisms in the resolution level of individual cell populations, this work identifies the significant functional evolution of fibroblasts during peritoneal fibrosis. This study also reveals the intercellular receptor‐ligand interactions in which the fibroblasts serve as a major node, eventually providing new insights into the role of fibroblasts during disease pathogenesis.
Serous fluid cytopathology: Past, present, and future
Authors: Michael Claire W.
Published: February 2021

Serous fluids/effusions are common cytology samples that reflect a wide range of diseases and lend themselves to a multitude of investigations that include microscopy, chemical analysis, cell count, cultures, and analysis for biomarkers and immunomarkers. In recent years, effusions have also served as a liquid biopsy that can be interrogated by molecular tests for thoranostic and prognostic markers and selection of targeted therapy. The recently published International Reporting System for Serous Fluid Cytopathology (IRSSF) provides a standardized reporting terminology with well‐ defined diagnostic criteria. This editorial provides a global review of the progress in the work‐up of effusions and a summary of the IRSSF book and its most significant contributions. The editorial also includes a summary of the diagnostic categories including their definition and the significant relevant information.
The contribution of individual differences in statistical learning to reading and spelling performance in children with and without dyslexia
Authors: van Witteloostuijn Merel , Boersma Paul , Wijnen Frank , Rispens Judith
Published: February 2021

Using an individual differences approach in children with and without dyslexia, this study investigated the hypothesized relationship between statistical learning ability and literacy (reading and spelling) skills. We examined the clinical relevance of statistical learning (serial reaction time and visual statistical learning tasks) by controlling for potential confounds at the participant level (e.g., non‐verbal reasoning, attention and phonological skills including rapid automatized naming and phonological short‐term memory). A 100 Dutch‐speaking 8‐ to 11‐year‐old children with and without dyslexia participated (50 per group), see also van Witteloostuijn et al. (2019) for a study with the same participants. No evidence of a relationship between statistical learning and literacy skills is found above and beyond participant‐level variables. Suggestions from the literature that the link between statistical learning and literacy attainment, and therefore its clinical relevance, might be small and strongly influenced by methodological differences between studies are not contradicted by our findings.
Litter decomposes slowly on shaded steep slope and sunny gentle slope in a typical steppe ecoregion
Authors: Hu An , Duan Yaning , Xu Lei , Chang Shenghua , Chen Xianjiang , Hou Fujiang
Published: February 2021

Plant litter decomposition is mainly affected by litter properties and environmental factors, but the influence of terrain on litter decomposition is not well understood. We studied the effects of terrain on litter decomposition over a period of 12 months at six locations in a typical steppe ecoregion and measured the concomitant release of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). The study site has two aspects, shaded and sunny, each aspect having three slopes: 15°, 30°, and 45°. The same mixed litter was used at each location to exclude the influence of litter quality variation. Results showed that soil temperature and moisture, solar radiation, and plant species diversity varied by terrain, which in turn, affected the k‐value (standardized total effects, 0.78, 0.12, 0.92, 0.23, respectively) and the release of C (0.72, –0.25, 0.83, 0.24, respectively), N (0.89, –0.45, 0.76, 0.40, respectively) and P (0.88, 0.77, 0.58, 0.57, respectively). K‐value and C release decreased with increasing slope on shaded aspect, while increased with increasing slope on sunny aspect. The release of N and P decreased with increasing slope on the shaded aspect. K‐value and C, N, and P release were significantly higher on shaded than that on sunny aspect at 15° and 30°, while at 45°, it was higher on sunny than on shaded aspect. The litter mass loss was slower on shaded 45° and sunny 15°. So moderate grazing or mowing could be used to reduce litter accumulation and accelerate litter decomposition on these terrains. Structural equation modeling indicated that soil temperature and solar radiation had the greatest influence on k‐value and C, N, and P release, and these two factors were directly related to soil moisture and plant species diversity. Overall, our results emphasize the need to consider terrain for litter decomposition in typical steppe ecoregions.
Spatial heterogeneity facilitates carnivore coexistence
Authors: Davies Andrew B. , Tambling Craig J. , Marneweck David G. , Ranc Nathan , Druce Dave J. , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M. , le Roux Elizabeth , Asner Gregory P.
Published: February 2021

Competitively dominant carnivore species can limit the population sizes and alter the behavior of inferior competitors. Established mechanisms that enable carnivore coexistence include spatial and temporal avoidance of dominant predator species by subordinates, and dietary niche separation. However, spatial heterogeneity across landscapes could provide inferior competitors with refuges in the form of areas with lower competitor density and/or locations that provide concealment from competitors. Here, we combine temporally overlapping telemetry data from dominant lions (Panthera leo) and subordinate African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) with high‐resolution remote sensing in an integrated step selection analysis to investigate how fine‐scaled landscape heterogeneity might facilitate carnivore coexistence in South Africa’s Hluhluwe‐iMfolozi Park, where both predators occur at exceptionally high densities. We ask whether the primary lion‐avoidance strategy of wild dogs is spatial avoidance of lions or areas frequented by lions, or if wild dogs selectively use landscape features to avoid detection by lions. Within this framework, we also test whether wild dogs rely on proactive or reactive responses to lion risk. In contrast to previous studies finding strong spatial avoidance of lions by wild dogs, we found that the primary wild dog lion‐avoidance strategy was to select landscape features that aid in avoidance of lion detection. This habitat selection was routinely used by wild dogs, and especially when in areas and during times of high lion‐encounter risk, suggesting a proactive response to lion risk. Our findings suggest that spatial landscape heterogeneity could represent an alternative mechanism for carnivore coexistence, especially as ever‐shrinking carnivore ranges force inferior competitors into increased contact with dominant species.
Propensity score‐based analysis of long‐term outcome of patients on HeartWare and HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device support
Authors: Numan Lieke , Ramjankhan Faiz Z. , Oberski Daniel L. , Oerlemans Martinus I.F.J. , Aarts Emmeke , Gianoli Monica , Van Der Heijden Joris J. , De Jonge Nicolaas , Van Der Kaaij Niels P. , Meuwese Christiaan L. , Mokhles Mostafa M. , Oppelaar Anne‐Marie , De Waal Eric E.C. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Van Laake Linda W.
Published: February 2021

Aims

Left ventricular assist device therapy has become the cornerstone in the treatment of end‐stage heart failure and is increasingly used as destination therapy next to bridge to transplant or recovery. HeartMate 3 (HM3) and HeartWare (HVAD) are centrifugal continuous flow devices implanted intrapericardially and most commonly used worldwide. No randomized controlled trials have been performed yet. Analysis based on large registries may be considered as the best alternative but has the disadvantage of different standard of care between centres and missing data. Bias is introduced, because the decision which device to use was not random, even more so because many centres use only one type of left ventricular assist device. Therefore, we performed a propensity score (PS)‐based analysis of long‐term clinical outcome of patients that received HM3 or HVAD in a single centre.

Methods and results

Between December 2010 and December 2019, 100 patients received HVAD and 81 patients HM3 as primary implantation at the University Medical Centre Utrecht. We performed PS matching with an extensive set of covariates, resulting in 112 matched patients with a median follow‐up of 28 months. After PS matching, survival was not significantly different (P = 0.21) but was better for HM3. The cumulative incidences for haemorrhagic stroke (P = 0.01) and pump thrombosis (P = 0.02) were significantly higher for HVAD patients. The cumulative incidences for major bleeding, ischaemic stroke, right heart failure, and driveline infection were not different between the groups. We found no interaction between the surgeon who performed the implantation and survival (P = 0.59, P = 0.78, and P = 0.89). Sensitivity analysis was performed, by PS matching without patients on preoperative temporary support resulting in 74 matched patients. This also resulted in a non‐significant difference in survival (P = 0.07). The PS‐adjusted Cox regression showed a worse but non‐significant (P = 0.10) survival for HVAD patients with hazard ratio 1.71 (95% confidence interval 0.91–3.24).

Conclusions

Survival was not significantly different between both groups after PS matching, but was better for HM3, with a significantly lower incidence of haemorrhagic stroke and pump thrombosis for HM3. These results need to be interpreted carefully, because matching may have introduced greater imbalance on unmeasured covariates. A multicentre approach of carefully selected centres is recommended to enlarge the number of matched patients.
Flexible nonstationary spatiotemporal modeling of high‐frequency monitoring data
Authors: Geoga Christopher J. , Anitescu Mihai , Stein Michael L.
Published: February 2021

Many physical datasets are generated by collections of instruments that make measurements at regular time intervals. For such regular monitoring data, we extend the framework of half‐spectral covariance functions to the case of nonstationarity in space and time and demonstrate that this method provides a natural and tractable way to incorporate complex behaviors into a covariance model. Further, we use this method with fully time‐domain computations to obtain bona fide maximum likelihood estimators—as opposed to using Whittle‐type likelihood approximations, for example—that can still be computed conveniently. We apply this method to very high‐frequency Doppler LIDAR vertical wind velocity measurements, demonstrating that the model can expressively capture the extreme nonstationarity of dynamics above and below the atmospheric boundary layer and, more importantly, the interaction of the process dynamics across it.
Fire safety of alcoholic beverages in retail stores
Authors: Hakkarainen Tuula , Korhonen Timo , Vaari Jukka
Published: February 2021

A fire test series to study pool fires of ethanol‐water mixtures in the small, intermediate and large scale has been performed. Additionally, demonstration tests of piles of PET plastic 0.5‐L liquor bottles (39 vol%) in retail store arrays were carried out to illustrate their burning behaviour. On the basis of the test results, the burning of pool fires of different alcoholic beverages and the fire load due to alcohol can be evaluated for the purpose of performance‐based fire safety design. The fire tests of retail store arrays showed that these fires grow slowly, and their heat release rate maxima are relatively low taking into account the mass of the fire load. The estimated heat release rate maxima of four‐layer retail store arrays were ca. 1.5 MW and their growth times were over 600 seconds. Design fires generally used for the fire safety design of shopping centres are typically much more severe than the fire test results of retail store arrays of alcoholic beverages in this study.