bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zapfenverbindungen im Holzbau – bruchmechanische Analyse und Vorschlag eines Berechnungsmodells
Authors: Claus Timo , Seim Werner
Published: August 2020

Formschlüssige Holz‐Holz‐Verbindungen haben aufgrund der einfachen Herstellung und Montage eine lange Tradition und gleichzeitig ein großes Potenzial im modernen Holzbau. In den vergangenen Jahren wurde u. a. die Zapfenverbindung sukzessive an die CNC‐Produktionstechniken angepasst und weiterentwickelt. Mit schwalbenschwanzförmigen Zapfen wurden so die Montageabläufe und bei der gereihten Zapfenverbindung die Tragfähigkeit entscheidend verbessert. Experimentelle Untersuchungen zeigten, dass bei allen auf der Zapfenverbindung basierenden Verbindungstypen das Versagen von der Rissentwicklung am Zapfen eingeleitet wird. Hohe Querzug‐ und Schubspannungen in der Rissebene führen dann, wie bei ausgeklinkten Trägerauflagern, zum Versagen des Bauteils. In dem folgenden Beitrag wird eine Bemessung von Zapfenverbindungen mit Bezug zu dem Konzept vorgeschlagen, welches der Eurocode 5 für die Ausklinkung bereithält. Dies basiert auf der bruchmechanischen Auswertung des Rissprozesses und wird dann zu einem Nachweis mit Bezug auf die Schubfestigkeit umformuliert. Das entwickelte Modell zeigt sehr gute Übereinstimmung mit experimentellen Ergebnissen. Durch die Analyse der Ergebnisse aus experimentellen Untersuchungen an Zapfenverbindungen konnte eine Zuverlässigkeitsanalyse der aufgestellten Bemessungsgleichung durchgeführt werden. Das vorgeschlagene Bemessungskonzept für den Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit ist als Erweiterung der Bemessung für ausgeklinkte Trägerauflager konzipiert und auf unterschiedliche Zapfenverbindungen anwendbar.
Factors Affecting Risk Perception of Electromagnetic Waves From 5G Network Base Stations
Authors: Koh Tae Hwan , Choi Jae Wook , Seo Myungsoon , Choi Hyung‐Do , Kim KyungHee
Published: August 2020

The coverage of the fifth‐generation network has increased steadily since the network was introduced in 2019. However, public protests around the globe against the construction of 5G network base stations have continued to occur for fear that electromagnetic (EM) waves emitted from the stations would cause adverse health effects. To identify factors that have contributed to such increased risk perception, we conducted a cross‐sectional study using data obtained from a survey that assessed Korean adults’ risk perception of EM wave‐related objects. We found that female gender, high level of perceived exposure to EM waves, evaluation of public policies as ineffective, and high level of objective knowledge on EM waves were associated with increased risk perception. Furthermore, we found that higher ratings on a few risk characteristics such as “personal knowledge,” “seriousness of the risk to future generations,” “dreadfulness,” and “severity of consequences” were also associated with increased risk perception as well. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Bioelectromagnetics Society
Effect of Extremely Low Power Time‐Varying Electromagnetic Field on Germination and Other Characteristics in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) Seeds
Authors: Ramesh Balasubramanian , Kavitha Govindababu , Gokiladevi Sendurpandi , Balachandar Rajagopal K. , Kavitha Kuppuswamy , Gengadharan Akelayil C. , Puvanakrishnan Rengarajulu
Published: August 2020

The ability of extremely low, time‐varying electromagnetic field (EMF) to improve germination efficacy was studied in Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) seeds using response surface methodology. An optimal factorial central composite design was chosen to optimize the EMF with three critical factors, viz. frequency, intensity, and duration. The adequacy of the model and fitness was evaluated by analysis of variance and regression coefficients. This model suggested that the factors, frequency, and intensity had a significant impact on germination. Optimal conditions for germination were observed to be 10 Hz frequency, 30,007 nT intensity, and 30‐min duration with an observed germination percentage of 93.0, and a predicted germination percentage of 92.92. Magneto‐priming was found to increase the germination efficacy (15.66%), shoot length (27.78%), total seedling length (20.30%), seedling dry mass (26.49%), and water uptake (34.48% at 80 min) showing significant output when compared with the control and positive controls. Remarkable improvements were observed in germination parameters such as vigor index‐1 (39.14%), vigor index‐2 (46.28%), speed of germination (27.52%), and emergence index (12.50%). Magneto‐priming was found to reduce the levels of germination‐specific enzymes, viz. α‐amylase, protease, and dehydrogenase, while it enhanced the levels of antioxidant enzymes, viz. catalase (114.63%) and superoxide dismutase (19.62%), triggering fast germination and early vigor of seedlings. This study clearly showed that EMF priming significantly improved the germination effect and other characteristics of Foxtail millet seeds. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society
The effect of ASA, ticagrelor, and heparin in ST‐segment myocardial infarction patients with prolonged transport times to primary percutaneous intervention
Authors: d'Entremont Marc‐André , Laferrière Chloë , Bérubé Simon , Couture Étienne L , Lepage Serge , Huynh Thao , Verreault‐Julien Louis , Karzon Anthony , Desgagnés Noémie , Nguyen Michel
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To investigate the effects of early upstream antithrombotic therapy administration (ATTA) in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with prolonged transport times to primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI) on major clinical outcomes.

Background

It remains unclear whether early upstream administration of aspirin, ticagrelor, and unfractionated heparin (UFH) confers additional benefits compared with in‐hospital administration.

Methods

Between 2015 and 2018, we performed PPCI in 709 included consecutive STEMI patients. We compared 482 STEMI patients who received aspirin, ticagrelor, and UFH loading in a non‐PCI capable spoke hospital before transfer (NPHT) versus 227 prehospital triage setting (PTS) STEMI patients who received in‐ambulance aspirin, followed by ticagrelor and UFH in the hub catheterization laboratory. The primary outcome was the presence of a pre‐PPCI TIMI flow 2–3 in the infarct related artery (IRA). The secondary outcomes included definite acute stent thrombosis and hemorrhagic complications.

Results

The median times from ticagrelor and heparin administration to angiography in the NPHT group and the PTS group were 80.5 min (Interquartile Range (IQR) 68.5–94) and 10 min (IQR 5–15) respectively (p < .0001). Using inverse probability of treatment weighting to minimize heterogeneity between groups, we showed significant differences for the primary outcome (44.6 versus 18.5%, p < .0001) and for definite acute stent thrombosis (0.6 versus 2.6%, p = .03), with no difference in the combined in‐hospital BARC 2–5 bleeding events (1.9 versus 3.5%, p = .18) in the NPHT versus the PTS group, respectively.

Conclusion

In this single‐center retrospective cohort study, after adjusting for baseline covariates, early upstream ATTA with aspirin, ticagrelor, and UFH was associated with greater pre‐PPCI TIMI flow and less definite acute stent thrombosis in STEMI patients, without increased bleeding risk.
Percutaneous thrombectomy in patients with massive and very high‐risk submassive acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Toma Catalin , Khandhar Sameer , Zalewski Adrian M. , D'Auria Stephen J. , Tu Thomas M. , Jaber Wissam A.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Examine FlowTriever thrombectomy feasibility in high‐risk PE patients.

Background

The FlowTriever thrombectomy system (Inari Medical, Irvine, CA) can reduce right ventricle (RV) strain in acute submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) patients. This technology has not been studied in higher risk PE patients.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective analysis included patients treated with FlowTriever between 2017 and 2019 if they met at least one of the following: vasopressor dependence, PE induced respiratory failure, or decreased cardiac index (CI) measured by right heart catheterization.

Results

Analysis included 34 patients: 18 massive, four intubated, 12 normotensive but with CI < 1.8. Average age was 56 and their median simplified PE severity index was 2. Patients had high bleeding risk, with 13 having recent surgery, six posttrauma, and four recent strokes. Six patients received cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and two received additional mechanical circulatory support. All patients had RV dilatation and elevated biomarkers. Clot removal was successful in 32/34 patients. CI improved from 2.0 ± 0.1 L/min/m2 before thrombectomy to 2.4 ± 0.1 L/min/m2 after (p = .01). The mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 33.2 ± 1.6 mmHg to 25.0 ± 1.5 mmHg (p = .01). The two patients—both with no or minimal thrombus removed—deteriorated during the procedure: one died and the other was successfully stabilized on ECMO. There were no other major complications. All other patients were alive at the time of data collection (mean follow‐up of 205 days).

Conclusion

Aspiration thrombectomy appears feasible in higher risk acute PE patients with immediate hemodynamic improvement and low in‐hospital mortality.
Staged reconstruction of hemimaxillectomy defect: Application of buccal fat pad flap, iliac bone graft and implant‐supported dental prostheses
Authors: Hassani Ali , Hasheminasab Mahboube , Nikparto Nariman , Kamali Hakim Lotfollah
Published: August 2020

In order to achieve a fixed implant‐supported prosthesis in a posthemimaxilectomy patient, ideal soft and hard tissue rehabilitation is necessary. Here, we present a staged approach for soft tissue reconstruction with local flaps followed by anterior iliac crest bone graft which resulted in a predictable and satisfactory outcome.
Intrathoracic schwannoma originating from intrathoracic vagus nerve
Authors: Samanidis George , Kanakis Meletios , Kaklamanis Loukas , Perrea Despina N.
Published: August 2020

In differential diagnosis of posterior mediastinal mass should be included the intrathoracic vagus nerve tumor. Surgical excision of intrathoracic vagus nerve schwannoma is associated with a low recurrence rate and excellent long‐term results.
EBC‐232 and 323: A Structural Conundrum Necessitating Unification of Five In Silico Prediction and Elucidation Methods**
Authors: Maslovskaya Lidia A. , Savchenko Andrei I. , Krenske Elizabeth H. , Chow Sharon , Holt Tina , Gordon Victoria A. , Reddell Paul W. , Pierce Carly J. , Parsons Peter G. , Boyle Glen M. , Kutateladze Andrei G. , Williams Craig M.
Published: August 2020

Structurally unique halimanes EBC‐232 and EBC‐323, isolated from the Australian rainforest plant Croton insularis, proved considerably difficult to elucidate. The two diastereomers, which consist an unusual oxo‐6,7‐spiro ring system fused to a dihydrofuran, were solved by unification and consultation of five in silico NMR elucidation and prediction methods [i.e., ACDLabs, olefin strain energy (OSE), DP4, DU8+ and TD DFT CD]. Structure elucidation challenges of this nature are prime test case examples for empowering future AI learning in structure elucidation.
A Unified Framework for Understanding Nucleophilicity and Protophilicity in the SN2/E2 Competition
Authors: Vermeeren Pascal , Hansen Thomas , Jansen Paul , Swart Marcel , Hamlin Trevor A. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: August 2020

The concepts of nucleophilicity and protophilicity are fundamental and ubiquitous in chemistry. A case in point is bimolecular nucleophilic substitution (SN2) and base‐induced elimination (E2). A Lewis base acting as a strong nucleophile is needed for SN2 reactions, whereas a Lewis base acting as a strong protophile (i.e., base) is required for E2 reactions. A complicating factor is, however, the fact that a good nucleophile is often a strong protophile. Nevertheless, a sound, physical model that explains, in a transparent manner, when an electron‐rich Lewis base acts as a protophile or a nucleophile, which is not just phenomenological, is currently lacking in the literature. To address this fundamental question, the potential energy surfaces of the SN2 and E2 reactions of X−+C2H5Y model systems with X, Y = F, Cl, Br, I, and At, are explored by using relativistic density functional theory at ZORA‐OLYP/TZ2P. These explorations have yielded a consistent overview of reactivity trends over a wide range in reactivity and pathways. Activation strain analyses of these reactions reveal the factors that determine the shape of the potential energy surfaces and hence govern the propensity of the Lewis base to act as a nucleophile or protophile. The concepts of “characteristic distortivity” and “transition state acidity” of a reaction are introduced, which have the potential to enable chemists to better understand and design reactions for synthesis.
Metal‐Free Twofold Electrochemical C−H Amination of Activated Arenes: Application to Medicinally Relevant Precursor Synthesis
Authors: Wesenberg Lars J. , Diehl Erika , Zähringer Till J. B. , Dörr Carolin , Schollmeyer Dieter , Shimizu Akihiro , Yoshida Jun‐ichi , Hellmich Ute A. , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: August 2020

The efficient production of many medicinally or synthetically important starting materials suffers from wasteful or toxic precursors for the synthesis. In particular, the aromatic non‐protected primary amine function represents a versatile synthetic precursor, but its synthesis typically requires toxic oxidizing agents and transition metal catalysts. The twofold electrochemical amination of activated benzene derivatives via Zincke intermediates provides an alternative sustainable strategy for the formation of new C−N bonds of high synthetic value. As a proof of concept, we use our approach to generate a benzoxazinone scaffold that gained attention as a starting structure against castrate‐resistant prostate cancer. Further improvement of the structure led to significantly increased cancer cell line toxicity. Thus, exploiting environmentally benign electrooxidation, we present a new versatile and powerful method based on direct C−H activation that is applicable for example the production of medicinally relevant compounds.
A Rapid and Facile Approach for the Recycling of High‐Performance LiNi1−x−yCoxMnyO2 Active Materials
Authors: Binder Jan O. , Culver Sean P. , Zeier Wolfgang G. , Janek Jürgen
Published: August 2020

The demand for lithium‐ion batteries has risen dramatically over the years. Unfortunately, many of the essential component materials, such as cobalt and lithium, are both costly and of limited abundance. For this reason, the recycling of lithium‐ion battery electrodes is crucial to ensuring the availability of such resources and protecting the environment. Herein, a simple and scalable recycling process was developed for the prototypical cathode active material Li1.02(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)0.98O2 (NCM‐811). By a combination of thermal decomposition and dissolution steps, spent NCM could be converted into Li2CO3 and a transition metal oxalate blend, which served as precursors for new NCM. Importantly, it was also possible to individually separate each transition metal during the recycling process, thereby extending the utility of this method to a wide variety of NCM compositions. Each intermediate in the process was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Additionally, the elemental composition of the recycled NCM‐811 was confirmed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of the recycled NCM‐811 exhibited up to 80 % of the initial capacity of pristine NCM‐811. The method presented herein serves as an efficient and environmentally benign alternative to existing recycling methods for lithium‐ion battery electrode materials.
Concomitant neuroendocrine tumor and gastrointestinal stromal tumor in a duodenal fine needle aspiration: A cytologic clue for neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Tran Tien Anh N. , Rosales Armando , Arnoletti J. Pablo , Ouyang Jie , Hasan Muhammad K.
Published: August 2020

The identification of two cell populations displaying different cytologic characteristics in the same fine needle aspiration (FNA), one with an epithelioid appearance and the other spindle cell morphology, is an extremely rare phenomenon and potentially represents a source of diagnostic confusion. Depending on the lineage and relationship of the two cell types, the differential diagnosis is broad and encompasses a wide spectrum of entities. The current case describes the presence of nests and clusters of neuroendocrine cells associated with rare spindle cell fragments of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in the same fine needle aspiration of a duodenal mass. Our literature analysis revealed that such combined cytologic findings were hitherto never reported and the concurrence of well‐differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) and GIST is almost pathognomonic for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF‐1).
Network analysis can guide resilience‐based management in forest landscapes under global change
Authors: Mina Marco , Messier Christian , Duveneck Matthew , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Aquilué Núria
Published: August 2020

Forests are projected to undergo dramatic compositional and structural shifts prompted by global changes, such as climatic changes and intensifying natural disturbance regimes. Future uncertainty makes planning for forest management exceptionally difficult, demanding novel approaches to maintain or improve the ability of forest ecosystems to respond and rapidly reorganize after disturbance events. Adopting a landscape perspective in forest management is particularly important in fragmented forest landscapes where both diversity and connectivity play key roles in determining resilience to global change. In this context, network analysis and functional traits combined with ecological dynamic modeling can help evaluate changes in functional response diversity and connectivity within and among forest stands in fragmented landscapes. Here, we coupled ecological dynamic modeling with functional traits analysis and network theory to analyze forested landscapes as an interconnected network of forest patches. We simulated future forest landscape dynamics in a large landscape in southern Quebec, Canada, under a combination of climate, disturbance, and management scenarios. We depicted the landscape as a functional network, assessed changes in future resilience using indicators at multiple spatial scales, and evaluated if current management practices are suitable for maintaining resilience to simulated changes in regimes. Our results show that climate change would promote forest productivity and favor heat‐adapted deciduous species. Changes in natural disturbances will likely have negative impacts on native conifers and will drive changes in forest type composition. Climate change negatively impacted all resilience indicators and triggered losses of functional response diversity and connectivity across the landscape with undesirable consequences on the capacity of these forests to adapt to global change. Also, current management strategies failed to promote resilience at different spatial levels, highlighting the need for a more active and thoughtful approach to forest management under global change. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of combining dynamic landscape‐scale simulation modeling with network analyses to evaluate the possible impacts of climate change as well as human and natural disturbances on forest resilience under global change.
Are there phylogenetic differences in salivary tannin‐binding proteins between browsers and grazers, and ruminants and hindgut fermenters?
Authors: Ward David , Schmitt Melissa H. , Shrader Adrian M.
Published: August 2020

While feeding, mammalian browsers (primarily eat woody plants) encounter secondary metabolites such as tannins. Browsers may bind these tannins using salivary proteins, whereas mammalian grazers (primarily eat grasses that generally lack tannins) likely would not. Ruminant browsers rechew their food (ruminate) to increase the effectiveness of digestion, which may make them more effective at binding tannins than nonruminants. Few studies have included a sufficient number of species to consider possible scaling with body mass or phylogenetic effects on salivary proteins. Controlling for phylogeny, we ran inhibition radial diffusion assays of the saliva of 28 species of African herbivores that varied in size, feeding strategy, and digestive system. We could not detect the presence of salivary proline‐rich proteins that bind tannins in any of these species. However, using the inhibition radial diffusion assay, we found considerable abilities to cope with tannins in all species, albeit to varying degrees. We found no differences between browsers and grazers in the effectiveness of their salivary proteins to bind to and precipitate tannins, nor between ruminants and nonruminants, or scaling with body mass. Three species bound all tannins, but their feeding niches included one browser (gray duiker), one mixed feeder (bush pig), and one grazer (red hartebeest). Five closely related species of small ruminant browsers were very effective in binding tannins. Megaherbivores, considered generalists on account of their large body size, were capable of binding tannins. However, the grazing white rhinoceros was almost as effective at binding tannins as the megaherbivore browsers. We conclude, contrary to earlier predictions, that there were no differences in the relative salivary tannin‐binding capability that was related to common ancestry (phylogeny) or to differences in body size.
Distance effects of gas field infrastructure on pygmy rabbits in southwestern Wyoming
Authors: Germaine Steve S. , Assal Timothy , Freeman Aaron , Carter Sarah K.
Published: August 2020

As domestic energy development activity continues in the western United States, wildlife conservation planning in affected regions is increasingly important. The geologic basins where oil and gas energy exploration is occurring are primarily sagebrush steppe rangelands. Sagebrush steppe habitats may support more than 20 vertebrate species of conservation concern, and for many of these species, information is lacking on the effects of gas energy development. In earlier work, we demonstrated a negative relationship among development density of gas field infrastructure and pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis). We now examine the spatial relationship among gas field infrastructure, pygmy rabbits, and their habitat on four major gas fields in southwest Wyoming. Using data collected from 120 plots over three years (2011–2013) and 2012 National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery, we evaluated (1) whether well pads are more likely to be located in areas of pygmy rabbit habitat, (2) whether the presence and abundance of pygmy rabbits are related to distance from infrastructure, and, if so, (3) how much of the total surface area on a gas field is affected. Well pads on three gas fields occurred in higher quality pygmy rabbit habitat than did a set of randomly generated points, and the abundance and probability of pygmy rabbits being present were lower within approximately 0.5–1.5 km of the nearest road and 2 km of well pads and utilities. Buffering a digital layer of roads and well pads on one gas field revealed that nearly 82% of the (4417 km2) surface area was within 1 km of infrastructure, and over 95% of the gas field surface area was within 2 km. This need not be the case on future gas fields. Directional and horizontal well drilling technologies now make it possible for gas to be recovered from a greater area per well pad, enabling future gas field developments that require fewer well pads, roads, and pipeline corridors. Such changes would enable increased well pad spacing and provide the opportunity to locate gas field infrastructure in areas of poor quality wildlife habitat, avoid high priority habitat, and conserve a greater amount of on‐field wildlife habitat overall.
Examining boreal forest resilience to temperature variability using bryophytes: forest type matters
Authors: Barbé Marion , Bouchard Mathieu , Fenton Nicole J.
Published: August 2020

The capacity of individual species to tolerate environmental changes is a major driver of ecosystem resilience. This subject has been a hot topic in boreal forests due to the greater effect of climate change anticipated at northern latitudes. However, to date it has been mainly examined for trees, with comparatively little emphasis on other species groups. In this study, bryophytes were sampled in the boreal forest of Québec (Canada) using a stratified sampling design allowing us to separate the effect of dominant canopy composition (two types: coniferous and mixedwood) and of the spatial climatic gradient (relatively warm and relatively cold sites) on bryophyte community structure (species richness and composition). The results indicated that bryophyte composition was different between coniferous and mixedwood stands. The impacts of spatial variation in climate were more visible in mixedwood than coniferous stands, indicating an interaction between stand type and climate. Specifically, bryophytes from mixedwood stands, and particularly specialist communities associated with deadwood and live tree bases, were climate‐sensitive and represent a potential target group to investigate the effects of climate change. In contrast, bryophyte communities from coniferous stands are stand structure‐sensitive, with little response to climate, presumably partly because coniferous canopies buffer climatic variations. Since bryophyte community sensitivity to regional variations in climatic conditions depends on dominant canopy characteristics and microhabitat availability, we suggest that adapted forest management practices could play a role in attenuating climate change impacts on these organisms.
Soil fertility status controls the decomposition of litter mixture residues
Authors: Blesh Jennifer , Ying Tianyu
Published: August 2020

Increasing agroecosystem biodiversity with cover crops can restore many ecosystem functions that are lost with simplified crop rotations. Mixtures of species with complementary plant traits, such as legumes and grasses, may increase multiple functions at once, including soil nutrient supply and retention, which depend on microbial decomposition dynamics. Litter mixtures can stimulate decomposition compared to individual species, and decomposition also varies with soil properties. However, the interactive effect of cover crop functional type and soil fertility status on decomposition are not known. Here, we tested for mixture effects with a legume–grass litter in soils with lower and higher levels of fertility. We also identified specific soil properties that are associated with those effects. We incubated hairy vetch, cereal rye, and vetch‐rye litter treatments for 360 d in two soils from fields with contrasting management histories and fertility levels, as defined by biological indicators such as particulate organic matter (POM) pools. We measured decomposition dynamics through respired CO2, microbial biomass, microbial extracellular enzyme activity, and inorganic nitrogen (N) mineralization. With no litter addition, the soil with larger POM pools had twofold greater microbial biomass C, seven times more net N mineralization, and respired 58% more CO2. Across both soils, after 30 d microbial biomass C increased by 58–208% following litter addition, and litter addition significantly increased CO2production compared to the no‐litter control. However, there was no difference in the magnitude of CO2production among cover crop treatments and soils after litter addition. The lower fertility soil had a greater response to the litter C input for CO2production and enzyme activities in soil. Furthermore, the size and N content of free and intra‐aggregate POM pools were associated with differences in the microbial response to litter addition. Our results demonstrate that cover crop litter affects microbial decomposition dynamics differently in soils with distinct soil fertility levels and suggests that new C inputs have larger effects in lower fertility soils. Understanding how soils with different fertility levels respond to diverse cover crops, including mixtures, will inform management of agroecosystems for sustainability.
Adiponectin, ALT and family history as critical markers for the development of type 2 diabetes in obese Japanese children
Authors: Yasuda Yuki , Miyake Nobuka , Matsuoka Hisafumi , Sugihara Shigetaka
Published: August 2020

Aims/Introduction

An association between the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and that of metabolic syndrome (MS) in obese children has been suggested. We clarified the critical markers for the development of T2D in obese Japanese children.

Methods

One hundred and seven obese children who visited our outpatient clinic were enrolled in this study. The obese subjects were divided into 3 groups: Group A, T2D (n = 19); Group B, MS but not T2D (n = 19); and Group C: non‐T2D, non‐MS (n = 69). In all the subjects, a biochemical examination was performed and the serum adiponectin and leptin levels were measured. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were measured using computed tomography images.

Results

Group A tended to have higher VAT values and VAT/SAT ratios and lower leptin and adiponectin levels, compared with Groups B and C. In Group A, the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was significantly higher and the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ALT ratio was significantly lower than in Group C. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the optimal cut‐off point for adiponectin was 6.4 μg/mL (AUC = 0.859). The cut‐off points for ALT, the AST/ALT ratio and VAT were 35 IU/L (AUC = 0.821), 0.85 (AUC = 0.794) and 78 cm2 (AUC = 0.713), respectively. Group A had a significantly higher frequency of a family history of T2D than Group B.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that the adiponectin level, ALT level, AST/ALT ratio, VAT value and a family history of T2D may be critical characteristic markers for T2D among obese Japanese children.
Regulation of Active Oxygen Species by Grain Boundaries to Optimize Reaction Paths toward Aerobic Oxidations
Authors: Xie Zicheng , Zhang Jie , Xiao Yu , Xie Yangcenzi , Zhu Wenkun , Yu Shuyi , Hou Tingting , Liang Shuquan , Wang Liangbing
Published: August 2020

Aerobic oxidation by using molecular oxygen (O2) as the oxidant is highly attractive, in which activating O2 to reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a prerequisite. Although some progress has been achieved in regulating ROS by heterogeneous catalysts, the strategies to efficiently control ROS in aerobic oxidation are still urgently desired. Herein, grain boundaries (GBs) in metal oxides are discovered to be able to facilely regulate ROS. Impressively, MoO3 nanocrystals with high density of GBs (MoO3‐600) deliver a mass activity of 83 mmol g‐1 h‐1 in aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol, 7 and 8 times as high as that of MoO3 nanoparticles without GBs and Pt/C, respectively. In addition, the selectivity of benzoic acid is 100% during whole reaction process over MoO3‐600. Mechanistic studies reveal that the oxygen atoms at GBs in MoO3‐600 are highly active to form ∙OH radicals with the generation of oxygen vacancies, while the oxygen vacancies are replenished by O2. The reaction path directly contributes to the excellent catalytic performance.
Embedded genetic algorithm for low‐power, low‐cost, and low‐size‐memory devices
Authors: da S. Medeiros Denis R. , Torquato Matheus F. , Fernandes Marcelo A. C.
Published: August 2020

This work proposes a strategy to create an embedded genetic algorithms (GAs) for low‐power, low‐cost, and low‐size‐memory devices. This strategy aims to provide the means of GAs to run as a low‐cost and low‐power consumption embedded system, where microcontrollers (Cs) are commonly used. The implementation details are presented, emphasizing the limitations and restrictions imposed to turn it more compact and efficient. In addition, data related to the algorithm effectiveness, processing time, and memory consumption were obtained from simulations, oscilloscope measurements, and using the hardware‐in‐loop technique. Finally, this implementation is compared with other implementation from the literature and the results show that 8‐bits Cs can run GAs for several practical applications.
Effects of equivalent diameter on vertical PMMA combustion in natural convection environment
Authors: Gou Fu‐Hai , Xiao Hua‐Hua , Jiang Lin , Li Mi , Lu Wei , Zhang Man‐Man , Sun Jin‐Hua
Published: August 2020

A series of combustion experiments of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plates with two shapes, three thicknesses, and different sizes was performed to investigate the effects of equivalent diameter on combustion characteristics of vertical PMMA in a natural convection environment. Two digital video cameras were used to record the burning process. The temporal variation of mass was recorded by an electronic balance. The influence of equivalent diameter on mass loss rate and flame height was then analyzed theoretically. Convection and radiation heat transfer were calculated and modeled in the theoretical analysis and compared to experiment. The result shows that the theoretical prediction of mass loss rate for each equivalent diameter is in good agreement with the experimental measurements. In addition, the relationship between flame height and heat release rate was analyzed using dimensionless analysis method. It was found that the flame height for vertical PMMA burning in a nature convection environment is dominated by heat release rate and equivalent diameter.
Effect of predrying treatment and drying temperature on proximate composition, mineral contents, and thermophysical properties of anchote (Coccinia abyssinica (Lam.) Cogn.) flour
Authors: Bikila Adugna Mosissa , Tola Yetenayet , Esho Tarekegn Berhanu , Forsido Sirawdink Fikreyesus
Published: August 2020

Anchote (Coccinia abyssinica (Lam.) Cogn.) is an indigenous underutilized but valuable root crop solely consumed in Ethiopia. It is commonly used as occasional food during holidays and as therapeutic food to treat fractured bone or develop strong bone. So far, different studies conducted related to its variety development, nutrition, and anti‐nutrition contents. In this study, attempts were made to investigate the effect of predrying treatments and drying temperature on nutritional composition and thermophysical properties of its flour. A general full factorial experiment with two factors each at three levels used to run the experiment. The proximate compositions, thermophysical properties, and mineral contents were determined using AOAC standard methods; well‐developed model equations; and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. The ranges of nutrients in mg/100 g DB were as follows: moisture content (MC) 7.37–10.10; protein 3.26–4.80; total fiber (TF) 7.24– 10.76; ether extract (EE) 0.49–0.70, ash 2.96–4.74, total carbohydrate (TC) 80.01–83.66; calcium (Ca) 357.07–482.89; magnesium (Mg) 138.87–222.38; iron (Fe) 10.87–16.00; zinc(Zn) 2.07–2.80; and copper(Cu) 1.90–2.25. The bulk density, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and thermal diffusivity of the flours ranged in 0.72–0.82 (g/cm3), 1.710–1.780 KJ/kg°C, 0.263–0.273 W/m2°C, and 1.88 x 10–4– 2.12 × 10–4 m2/s, respectively. The predrying treatment and drying temperature significantly affected (p < .05) MC, protein, TF, EE, ash, TC, Ca, Fe, and Zn contents. The thermophysical properties were also affected by the same factors. The flour made from raw anchote dried at 100°C was better in preserving the nutrients and improving its cooking property.
Attenuation of the extracellular matrix restores microglial activity during the early stage of amyloidosis
Authors: Stoyanov Stoyan , Sun Weilun , Düsedau Henning Peter , Cangalaya Carla , Choi Ilseob , Mirzapourdelavar Hadi , Baidoe‐Ansah David , Kaushik Rahul , Neumann Jens , Dunay Ildiko Rita , Dityatev Alexander
Published: August 2020

In the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), microglia are transformed to an activated phenotype with thickened and retracted processes, migrate to the site of amyloid‐beta (Aβ) plaques, and proliferate. In the early stages of AD, it is still poorly understood whether the microglial function is altered and which factors may regulate these changes. Here, we focused on studying microglia in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) in 3‐ to 4‐month‐old 5xFAD mice as a transgenic mouse model of AD. At this age, there are neither Aβ plaques, nor activation of microglia, nor dysregulation in the expression of genes encoding major extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules or extracellular proteases in the RSC. Still, histochemical evaluation of the fine structure of neural ECM revealed increased levels of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin labeling in holes of perineuronal nets and changes in the perimeter of ECM barriers around the holes in 5xFAD mice. Two‐photon vital microscopy demonstrated normal morphology and resting motility of microglia but strongly diminished number of microglial cells that migrated to the photolesion site in 5xFAD mice. Enzymatic digestion of ECM by chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) ameliorated this defect. Accordingly, the characterization of cell surface markers by flow cytometry demonstrated altered expression of microglial CD45. Moreover, ChABC treatment reduced the invasion of myeloid‐derived mononuclear cells into the RSC of 5xFAD mice. Hence, the migration of both microglia and myeloid cells is altered during the early stages of amyloidosis and can be restored at least partially by the attenuation of the ECM.
Kir5.1‐dependent CO2/H+‐sensitive currents contribute to astrocyte heterogeneity across brain regions
Authors: Patterson Kelsey C. , Kahanovitch Uri , Gonçalves Christopher M. , Hablitz John J. , Staruschenko Alexander , Mulkey Daniel K. , Olsen Michelle L.
Published: August 2020

Astrocyte heterogeneity is an emerging concept in which astrocytes within or between brain regions show variable morphological and/or gene expression profiles that presumably reflect different functional roles. Recent evidence indicates that retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) astrocytes sense changes in tissue CO2/H+ to regulate respiratory activity; however, mechanism(s) by which they do so remain unclear. Alterations in inward K+ currents represent a potential mechanism by which CO2/H+ signals may be conveyed to neurons. Here, we use slice electrophysiology in rats of either sex to show that RTN astrocytes intrinsically respond to CO2/H+ by inhibition of an inward rectifying potassium (Kir) conductance and depolarization of the membrane, while cortical astrocytes do not exhibit such CO2/H+‐sensitive properties. Application of Ba2+ mimics the effect of CO2/H+ on RTN astrocytes as measured by reductions in astrocyte Kir‐like currents and increased RTN neuronal firing. These CO2/H+‐sensitive currents increase developmentally, in parallel to an increased expression in Kir4.1 and Kir5.1 in the brainstem. Finally, the involvement of Kir5.1 in the CO2/H+‐sensitive current was verified using a Kir5.1 KO rat. These data suggest that Kir inhibition by CO2/H+ may govern the degree to which astrocytes mediate downstream chemoreceptive signaling events through cell‐autonomous mechanisms. These results identify Kir channels as potentially important regional CO2/H+ sensors early in development, thus expanding our understanding of how astrocyte heterogeneity may uniquely support specific neural circuits and behaviors.
Decline in circulating viral and human tumor markers after resection of head and neck carcinoma
Authors: Lopez Erin M. , Tanner April Michelle , Du Eugenie , Patel Samip N. , Weiss Jared , Weissler Mark C. , Hackman Trevor , Gupta Gaorav P. , Zevallos Jose , Elmore Sandra , Betancourt Renee , Thorne Leigh , Sheth Siddharth , Gulley Margaret L.
Published: August 2020

Background

DNA sequencing panels can simultaneously quantify human and viral tumor markers in blood. We explored changes in levels of plasma tumor markers following surgical resection of head and neck carcinoma.

Methods

In preresection and postresection plasmas, targeted DNA sequencing quantified variants in 28 human cancer genes and levels of oncogenic pathogens (human papillomavirus [HPV], Epstein‐Barr virus [EBV], Helicobacter pylori) from 21 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Results

Preresection, 11 of 21 patients (52%) had detectable tumor markers in plasma, most commonly TP53 mutation or HPV genome. Several days postresection, levels fell to undetectable in 8 of 10 evaluable patients, while two high‐stage patients retained circulating tumor markers.

Conclusions

Modern sequencing technology can simultaneously quantify human gene variants and oncogenic viral genomes in plasma. Falling levels of cancer‐specific markers upon resection can help identify viral and human markers to track at subsequent timepoints as a means to evaluate efficacy of interventions.
HealthLit4Kids: Supporting schools to be health literacy responsive organisations
Authors: Elmer Shandell , Nash Rose , Kemp Nenagh , Coleman Cheryn , Wyss Martina , Roach Julie
Published: August 2020

Issue addressed

To reduce inequity, services and community organisations must respond to the health literacy needs and strengths of each individual accessing their services. As a social determinant, health literacy is compounded by interactions between the service provider, the individual, and their wider community. Schools provide a critical nexus between the teacher (as service provider), the student (as learner) and their family (carers and wider community) to support the development of children's health literacy.

Methods

Five Tasmanian primary schools (84 teachers) completed an assessment of their school in relation to the domains of a health literate organisation using the HeLLOTas! (HEalth Literacy Learning Organisations Tasmania) Self‐Assessment Checklist, before and after taking part in the HealthLit4Kids program.

Results

While the differences between pre‐ and post‐intervention ratings were not large, they moved in a positive direction for all six domains. There was a significant main effect of time, F (1, 4) = 83.9, P < .001, ƞ2 = 0.99, showing that overall ratings increased from before to after the intervention. Teacher‐recommended actions across all schools were grouped for insight into their interpretation and application of the tool in the school context.

Conclusion

Using the HeLLOTas! Self‐Assessment Checklist served a dual purpose. Teachers developed a shared understanding of the characteristics of a health‐literate organisation to produce a schoolwide action plan. Simultaneously, we gained valuable insights into the processes required to support the development of organisational health literacy in schools, and we share ten propositions applicable to other schools locally, nationally and internationally.

So what?

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a school's health literacy responsiveness has been measured. Our key propositions will support future efforts by policy makers, researchers and school principals.
Physical Stability of Medium‐Chain Triglyceride/Long‐Chain Triglyceride Emulsion Injections From 5 Manufacturers in High‐Concentration Electrolyte–Based Total Nutrient Admixtures
Authors: Zhao Bin , Gao Ruichen , Jiao Lei , Zhang Fan , Wang Biao , Mei Dan
Published: August 2020

Background

Lipid emulsion injections for parenteral nutrition are an important source of energy and essential fatty acids. Yet stability and compounding challenges remain. We compared the physicochemical stability of 5 commercial medium‐chain triglyceride/long‐chain triglyceride (MCT/LCT)–based lipid emulsions compounded in total nutrient admixtures (TNAs).

Methods

Stability of the MCT/LCT‐based TNAs was assessed when compounded with high concentrations of electrolytes. We measured mean droplet diameter (MDD), percentage of fat residing in globules ≥5 μm (PFAT5), pH, and osmolality immediately after compounding (time 0) and 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours later. Repeated‐measures analyses of variance were used to evaluate changes in stability over time, and post hoc tests were used to assess group differences.

Results

Over 72 hours, MDD of TNAs ranged from 0.206 to 0.713 μm, PFAT5 from 0.58% × 10−3to 43.18% × 10−3, pH from 5.769 to 5.879, and osmolality from 1304 to 1357 mOsm/kg. MDDs and PFAT5s showed a tendency to increase gradually over the first 24 hours and then decrease or remained stable after that. We identified some significant differences in MDDs and PFAT5s among the 5 MCT/LCT‐based TNAs, although all met the United States Pharmacopeia <729> standards.

Conclusions

The stability of some commercial MCT/LCT‐based TNAs under high concentrations of electrolytes exhibits differences over the 72 hours after compounding. Clinicians should pay attention, therefore, to possible performance differences of injectable lipid emulsions produced by different manufacturers when compounded in TNAs under high electrolyte concentrations.
Plant‐mediated synthesis of nanoparticles and their antimicrobial activity against phytopathogens
Authors: Hernández‐Díaz José A , Garza‐García Jorge JO , Zamudio‐Ojeda Adalberto , León‐Morales Janet M , López‐Velázquez Julio C , García‐Morales Soledad
Published: August 2020

Nanotechnology is an emerging science with a wide array of applications involving the synthesis and manipulation of materials with dimensions in the range of 1–100 nm. Nanotechnological applications include diverse fields such as pharmaceuticals, medicine, the environment, food processing and agriculture. Regarding the latter, applications are mainly focused on plant growth and crop protection against plagues and diseases. In recent years, the biogenic reduction of elements such as Ag, Au, Cu, Cd, Al, Se, Zn, Ce, Ti and Fe with plant extracts has become one of the most accepted techniques for obtaining nanoparticles (NPs), as it is considered an ecological and cost‐effective process without the use of chemical contaminants. The objective of this work was to review NPs synthesized by green chemistry using vegetable extracts, as well as their use as antimicrobial agents against phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria. Given the need for alternatives to control and integrate management of phytopathogens, this review is relevant to agriculture, although this technology is barely exploited in this field. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry