bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives on Human Hearing Loss, Cochlear Regeneration, and the Potential for Hearing Restoration Therapies
Authors: White Patricia M.
Published: October 2020

Most adults who acquire hearing loss find it to be a disability that is poorly corrected by current prosthetics. This gap drives current research in cochlear mechanosensory hair cell regeneration and in hearing restoration. Birds and fish can spontaneously regenerate lost hair cells through a process that has become better defined in the last few years. Findings from these studies have informed new research on hair cell regeneration in the mammalian cochlea. Hair cell regeneration is one part of the greater problem of hearing restoration, as hearing loss can stem from a myriad of causes. This review discusses these issues and recent findings, and places them in the greater social context of need and community.
Effect of Cu and Cs in the β-Mo2C System for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol
Authors: Dongil Ana Belén , Zhang Qi , Pastor-Pérez Laura , Ramírez-Reina Tomás , Guerrero-Ruiz Antonio , Rodríguez-Ramos Inmaculada
Published: October 2020

Mitigation of anthropogenic CO2 emissions possess a major global challenge for modern societies. Herein, catalytic solutions are meant to play a key role. Among the different catalysts for CO2 conversion, Cu supported molybdenum carbide is receiving increasing attention. Hence, in the present communication, we show the activity, selectivity and stability of fresh-prepared β-Mo2C catalysts and compare the results with those of Cu/Mo2C, Cs/Mo2C and Cu/Cs/Mo2C in CO2 hydrogenation reactions. The results show that all the catalysts were active, and the main reaction product was methanol. Copper, cesium and molybdenum interaction is observed, and cesium promoted the formation of metallic Mo on the fresh catalyst. The incorporation of copper is positive and improves the activity and selectivity to methanol. Additionally, the addition of cesium favored the formation of Mo0 phase, which for the catalysts Cs/Mo2C seemed to be detrimental for the conversion and selectivity. Moreover, the catalysts promoted by copper and/or cesium underwent redox surface transformations during the reaction, these were more obvious for cesium doped catalysts, which diminished their catalytic performance.
Spirogyra Oil-Based Biodiesel: Response Surface Optimization of Chemical and Enzymatic Transesterification and Exhaust Emission Behavior
Authors: Sohail Saqib , Mumtaz Muhammad Waseem , Mukhtar Hamid , Touqeer Tooba , Anjum Muhammad Kafeel , Rashid Umer , Wan Ab Karim Ghani Wan Azlina , Choong Thomas Shean Yaw
Published: October 2020

Algae are emerging as a major and reliable source of renewable biodiesel that could meet the energy requirements of the world. Like plants, algae produce and store oils in their cells. Algal samples were collected from Gujrat District, Pakistan, their oil content was analyzed, and the best oil producing alga was identified as Spirogyra crassa. After collecting sample, oil was extracted using the Soxhlet extraction method. Spirogyra oil was characterized physico-chemically for the evaluation of its quality. Acid value, density, saponification value, peroxide value, as well as viscosity and iodine values were determined and their values were 16.67 ± 3.53 mg KOH/g, 0.859 ± 0.050 g/cm3, 165.33 ± 13.20 mg KOH/g, 4.633 ± 0.252 meq/kg, 5.63 ± 0.833 mm2/mL, and 117.67 ± 13.01 mg I2/g, respectively. Chemical as well as enzymatic transesterification protocols were employed for biodiesel production using NaOCH3 and NOVOZYME-435, respectively. Different reactions parameters involved in transesterification were optimized by the response surface methodology. The optimized yield of biodiesel (77.3 ± 1.27%) by the chemical transesterification of algal oil (spirogyra) was observed by carrying out the reaction for 90 minutes at a reaction temperature of 45 °C using 1.13% catalyst (NaOCH3) concentration and 6:1 methanol:oil. Meanwhile, for enzymatic transesterification, the optimized yield (93.2 ± 1.27%) was obtained by conducting the reaction for 42.5 h at the temperature of 35 °C using 1% enzyme concentration and 4.5:1 methanol:oil. Fuel properties, including flash point, pour point, cloud point, fire point, kinematic viscosity, and density, were determined and their values are 125.67 ± 2.11 °C, −19.67 ± 0.8 °C, −13 ± 1 °C, 138.667 ± 2.52 °C, 5.87 ± 2.20 mm2/mL, and 0.85 6 ± 0.03 g/cm3, respectively. Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) and Gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) analysis were performed for the monitoring of the transesterification process and fatty acid methyl acid (FAME) profiling, respectively.
Selective Hydrogenation of Naphthalene over γ-Al2O3-Supported NiCu and NiZn Bimetal Catalysts
Authors: Li Jingqiu , Shi Liu , Feng Gang , Shi Zhangping , Sun Chenglin , Kong Dejin
Published: October 2020

A series of Cu and Zn modified Ni/Al2O3 catalysts were prepared using an incipient impregnation method for the selective hydrogenation of naphthalene into tetralin. X-ray diffraction (XRD), H2-Temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were applied to reveal the structure regulation, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate the electronic effect and reactant adsorptions on the active sites. The results showed that the addition of CuO promoted the hydrogenation of naphthalene with an inhibited tetraline selectivity. However, a simultaneously increasing naphthalene conversion and tetraline selectivity were achieved over the Zn modified Ni/Al2O3 catalysts. The characterization and calculation results revealed that the doping of CuO improved the hydrogenation activity with a low tetralin selectivity due to the H spillover from the Cu. The addition of ZnO decreased the interaction between NiOx and Al2O3 in NiZn/Al2O3 catalysts, which efficiently increased the reduction ability of NiOx species and, thus, improved the naphthalene hydrogenation activity. The electron transfer from ZnO to NiOx weakened the adsorption of tetraline and resulted in increased tetraline selectivity. This work provides insight into developing efficient catalysts for heavy aromatics conversions via rational surface engineering.
Progress and Challenges of Mercury-Free Catalysis for Acetylene Hydrochlorination
Authors: Liu Yanxia , Zhao Lin , Zhang Yagang , Zhang Letao , Zan Xingjie
Published: October 2020

Activated carbon-supported HgCl2 catalyst has been used widely in acetylene hydrochlorination in the chlor-alkali chemical industry. However, HgCl2 is an extremely toxic pollutant. It is not only harmful to human health but also pollutes the environment. Therefore, the design and synthesis of mercury-free and environmentally benign catalysts with high activity has become an urgent need for vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production. This review summarizes research progress on the design and development of mercury-free catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination. Three types of catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination in the chlor-alkali chemical industry are discussed. These catalysts are a noble metal catalyst, non-noble metal catalyst, and non-metallic catalyst. This review serves as a guide in terms of the catalyst design, properties, and catalytic mechanism of mercury-free catalyst for the acetylene hydrochlorination of VCM. The key problems and issues are discussed, and future trends are envisioned.
Biodegradation and Antimicrobial Properties of Zinc Oxide–Polymer Composite Materials for Urinary Stent Applications
Authors: Venkatesh Chaitra , Laurenti Marco , Bandeira Marina , Lanzagorta Eduardo , Lucherini Lorenzo , Cauda Valentina , Devine Declan
Published: October 2020

Research advancements in the field of urinary stents have mainly been in the selection of materials and coatings to address commonly faced problems of encrustation and bacterial adhesion. In this study, polylactic acid (PLA) and polypropylene (PP) were evaluated with zinc oxide (ZnO) coating to assess its ability to reduce or eliminate the problems of encrustation and bacteria adhesion. PLA and PP films were prepared via twin screw extrusion. ZnO microparticles were prepared using sol-gel hydrothermal synthesis. The as-prepared ZnO microparticles were combined in the form of a functional coating and deposited on both polymer substrates using a doctor blade technique. The ZnO-coated PP and PLA samples as well as their uncoated counterparts were characterized from the physicochemical standpoints, antibacterial and biodegradation properties. The results demonstrated that both the polymers preserved their mechanical and thermal properties after coating with ZnO, which showed a better adhesion on PLA than on PP. Moreover, the ZnO coating successfully enhanced the antibacterial properties with respect to bare PP/PLA substrates. All the samples were investigated after immersion in simulated body fluid and artificial urine. The ZnO layer was completely degraded following 21 days immersion in artificial urine irrespective of the substrate, with encrustations more evident in PP and ZnO-coated PP films than PLA and ZnO-coated PLA films. Overall, the addition of ZnO coating on PLA displayed better adhesion, antibacterial activity and delayed the deposition of encrustations in comparison to PP substrates.
Phase Separation and Pairing Fluctuations in Oxide Materials
Authors: Bill Andreas , Hizhnyakov Vladimir , Kremer Reinhard K. , Seibold Götz , Shelkan Aleksander , Sherman Alexei
Published: October 2020

The microscopic mechanism of charge instabilities and the formation of inhomogeneous states in systems with strong electron correlations is investigated. We demonstrate that within a strong coupling expansion the single-band Hubbard model shows an instability towards phase separation and extend the approach also for an analysis of phase separation in the Hubbard-Kanamori hamiltonian as a prototypical multiband model. We study the pairing fluctuations on top of an inhomogeneous stripe state where superconducting correlations in the extended s-wave and d-wave channels correspond to (anti)bound states in the two-particle spectra. Whereas extended s-wave fluctuations are relevant on the scale of the local interaction parameter U, we find that d-wave fluctuations are pronounced in the energy range of the active subband which crosses the Fermi level. As a result, low energy spin and charge fluctuations can transfer the d-wave correlations from the bound states to the low energy quasiparticle bands. Our investigations therefore help to understand the coexistence of stripe correlations and d-wave superconductivity in cuprates.
18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT, Tc-99m-MIBI and TC-99m-MDP SPECT/CT in Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism with Renal Osteodystrophy
Authors: Ferrari Cristina , Lavelli Valentina , Santo Giulia , Frugis Maria Teresa , Iuele Francesca , Rubini Giuseppe , Sardaro Angela
Published: October 2020

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a metabolic disorder characterized by the semi-autonomous hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to hypercalcemia. It can be the end result of persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism and is most commonly observed in patients with long-standing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and often after renal transplantation. Untreated HPT can lead to progressive bone disease, fibrocystic osteitis, and soft-tissue calcifications, along with other severe complications. In the 2009 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines, CKD-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) is used to describe the broader clinical syndrome encompassing mineral, bone, and calcific cardiovascular abnormalities that develop as a complication of CKD. We report a 62-year-old female with a severe HPT evolved from advanced chronic kidney disease (stage 5D, KDIGO). Patient was evaluated with multimodality nuclear medicine functional imaging to assess hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands and bone lesions. Tc-99m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) dual-phase scintigraphy, Tc-99m-methylenediphosphonate (MDP) bone scan and 18F-Fluorocholine positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FCH PET/CT) were performed before surgery.
Stocks of Carbon in Logs and Timber Products from Forest Management in the Southwestern Amazon
Authors: Romero Flora Magdaline Benitez , Jacovine Laércio Antônio Gonçalves , Ribeiro Sabina Cerruto , Ferreira Neto José Ambrosio , Ferrante Lucas , da Rocha Samuel José Silva Soares , Torres Carlos Moreira Miquelino Eleto , de Morais Junior Vicente Toledo Machado , Gaspar Ricardo de Oliveira , Velasquez Santiago Ivan Sagredo , Vidal Edson , Staudhammer Christina Lynn , Fearnside Philip Martin
Published: October 2020

Amazon forest management plans have a variety of effects on carbon emissions, both positive and negative. All of these effects need to be quantified to assess the role of this land use in climate change. Here, we contribute to this effort by evaluating the carbon stocks in logs and timber products from an area under forest management in the southeastern portion of Acre State, Brazil. One hundred and thirty-six trees of 12 species had DBH ranging from 50.9 cm to 149.9 cm. Basic wood density ranged from 0.3 cm−3 to 0.8 g cm−3 with an average of 0.6 g cm−3. The logs had a total volume of 925.2 m3, biomass of 564 Mg, and carbon stock of 484.2 MgC. The average volumetric yield coefficient (VYC) was 52.3% and the carbon yield coefficient (CYC) was 53.2% for logs of the 12 species. The sawn-wood products had a total volume of 484.2 m3, biomass of 302.6 Mg, and carbon stock of 149.9 MgC. Contributions of the different species to the total carbon stored in sawn-wood products ranged from 2.2% to 21.0%. Means and standard deviations for carbon transferred to sawn-wood products per-species from the 1252.8-ha harvested area ranged from 0.4 ± 1.1 MgC to 2.9 ± 0.4 MgC, with the largest percentages of the total carbon stored in wood products being from Dipteryx odorata (21.0%), Apuleia leiocarpa (18.7%), and Eschweilera grandiflora (11.7%). A total of 44,783 pieces of sawn lumber (such as rafters, planks, boards, battens, beams, and small beams) was obtained from logs derived from these trees. Lumber production was highest for boards (54.6% of volume, 47.4% of carbon) and lowest for small beams (1.9% of volume, 2.3% of carbon). The conversion factor for transforming log volume into carbon stored in sawn-wood products was 16.2%. Our results also show that species that retain low amounts of carbon should be allowed to remain in the forest, thereby avoiding low sawmill yield (and consequent generation of waste) and allowing these trees to continue fulfilling environmental functions.
Characterizing Stalagmites’ Eigenfrequencies by Combining In Situ Vibration Measurements and Finite Element Modeling Based on 3D Scans
Authors: Martin Aurélie , Lecocq Thomas , Hinzen Klaus-G. , Camelbeeck Thierry , Quinif Yves , Fagel Nathalie
Published: October 2020

Broken or deformed speleothems have been used as indicators of paleo-earthquakes since the 1990s; however, a causal link is difficult to prove except for some thin speleothems. In contrast, the presence of intact speleothems permits estimating an upper limit of the level of horizontal ground motions of past seismicity in the area. The natural frequencies of speleothems are fundamental parameters for their response to earthquakes. This study proposes a new method of in situ characterization of these natural frequencies. Tested in the Han-sur-Lesse cave (Belgian Ardennes), the method is based on recording the ambient seismic noise using three-component sensors on a stalagmite and a 3D laser scan of its shape. The ambient seismic noise records allow a precise determination of the eigenfrequencies of the stalagmite. In addition, numerical models based on the 3D scan show good consistency between measured and modeled data. The joint analysis of these two techniques concludes that the shape of the stalagmite (elliptical cross-section and shape irregularities) influence the eigenfrequencies and polarization of the modes while also causing a near-orthogonal split of natural frequencies. The motions recorded on the stalagmite show significant amplification compared to those recorded at the free surface outside the cave, which has a strong impact on seismic hazard assessment based on speleothems.
Relationship between Basic Neurological Cognition and Social Cognition among Allen Cognitive Disability Levels of Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Park Myoung-Ok , Lee Sang-Heon
Published: October 2020

(1) Background: There are various cognitive, perceptual, and social problems associated with acquired brain injury (ABI). The Allen cognitive impairment level indicates the degree of cognitive function required for everyday activities. Until recently, there have been no studies on the relationship between basic neurological cognition and social cognitive function according to the Allen cognitive level (ACL). The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between basic neurological and social cognition among Allen cognitive disability levels of ABI. (2) Methods: Thirty-four patients with ABI were identified. Cartoon Intention Inference Task (CIIT), Social Behavior Sequence Task (SBST), Korean version Mimi-Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE), and Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA)-tests were administered to examine the differences in neurological and social cognitive functions according to each participant’s Allen Cognitive Level Screening (ACLS). (3) Results: There were significant differences between K-MMSE, LOTCA, CIIT and SBST results among Allen cognitive levels (p < 0.05). There was a linear correlation between K-MMSE (r = 0.778, p < 0.01), LOTCA-total score (r = 0.627, p < 0.01), LOTCA-orientation (r = 0.470, p = 0.01), LOTCA-thinking operation (r = 0.341, p < 0.05), CIIT (r = 0.817, p < 0.05), and SBST (r = 0.376, p < 0.05) and ACL. Stepwise multivariate regression showed that the subscales affecting the ACLS score were SBST (β = 0.239, p = 0.000) and K-MMSE (β = 0.068, p = 0.001). The explanatory power of this regression equation, R2, was 0.767. (4) Conclusions: A significant difference was found in neurological and social cognitive function according to the ACL level of the ABI patient. In addition, there was a linear correlation between the ACLS scores of the ABI patients and the underlying neurological cognitive function and social cognition. The higher the overall functional cognitive level (i.e., the group with higher ACLS scores), and the lower the degree of help required in daily life, the higher both the neurological cognition level and social cognitive level were determined to be.
Changing Income-Related Inequality in Daily Nutrients Intake: A Longitudinal Analysis from China
Authors: Xu Yongjian , Zhu Siyu , Zhou Yiting , Pramono Andi , Zhou Zhongliang
Published: October 2020

Because of economic reform, dietary pattern in China changed rapidly during the past two decades. Meanwhile, the changes of income and nutrients intake had the same trend. This study aims to measure the income-related inequality in daily nutrients intake and its health-related income mobility over time. Data was sourced from four waves of China Health and Nutrition Survey. Concentration indexes and health-related income mobility indexes were employed to measure the income-related inequality of nutrients intake and its change over time. This study found that the daily protein intake, daily fat intake, daily energy intake, and proportion of energy from fat over 30% were more concentrated on the rich, whereas daily carbohydrates intake among the poor. The income-related inequalities were more severe than the cross-sectional perspective in the long run. The dynamic change of urbanisation indexes has resulted that over 30% of energy from fat was more concentrated among the rich and carbohydrates intake among the poor. The nutrition transition may bring about more severe disease economic burden to the poor in the future. This study recommends an approach to minimize gaps between rural and city areas by promoting rural revitalization to reduce the income-related inequality in daily nutrient intake.
“Are Filipinos Aging Well?”: Determinants of Subjective Well-Being among Senior Citizens of the Community-Based ENGAGE Study
Authors: Carandang Rogie Royce , Shibanuma Akira , Asis Edward , Chavez Dominga Carolina , Tuliao Maria Teresa , Jimba Masamine
Published: October 2020

As people age, they are expected to experience adverse life conditions and major life events. These circumstances might have a significant impact on their subjective well-being. This study investigated the factors associated with subjective well-being among community-dwelling Filipino senior citizens. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1021 senior citizens (68.5% women) aged 60 and above and identified the factors independently associated with their subjective well-being using multiple linear regression analysis. We also used hierarchical regression analysis for model prediction. In the hierarchical regression analysis, psychological resilience was found as the most powerful predictor of subjective well-being. Loneliness, however, was the only psychosocial factor not associated with it. Both men and women with positive self-rated health and had higher psychological resilience and perceived social support showed a higher level of subjective well-being. Women who were separated and received pension and men who were uneducated showed a lower level of subjective well-being. Psychological resilience, positive self-rated health, and perceived social support might be protective factors for low subjective well-being. To improve the subjective well-being of Filipino senior citizens, we should build psychological resilience and social support networks in the community.
Physiological Response of Populus balsamifera and Salix eriocephala to Salinity and Hydraulic Fracturing Wastewater: Potential for Phytoremediation Applications
Authors: Bilek Michael A. , Soolanayakanahally Raju Y. , Guy Robert D. , Mansfield Shawn D.
Published: October 2020

Natural and anthropogenic soil degradation is resulting in a substantial rise in the extension of saline and industrially-polluted soils. Phytoremediation offers an environmentally and economically advantageous solution to soil contamination. Three growth trials were conducted to assess the stress tolerance of native Canadian genotypes of Populus balsamifera L., Salix eriocephala Michx., and one hybrid willow (S. discolor × S. dasyclados) to salinity and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) wastewater. Thirty-three genotypes were grown in NaCl or fracking wastewater solutions between 0 and 7 mS−1 over a period of 3–4 months. P. balsamifera was observed to be relatively salt-intolerant compared to S. eriocephala and hybrid willow, which is likely caused by an inability of P. balsamifera to restrict Na+ translocation. Photosynthesis and transpiration decreased with salinity treatments, and severe reductions occurred with exposure to fracking solutions. Raffinose and stachyose content was tripled in leaf and root tissues. In willows, Na+ was primarily confined to root tissues, Cl− accumulated up to 5% dry weight in leaves, and K+ was translocated from roots to leaves. Willow genotypes CAM-2 and STL-2 displayed the greatest maintenance of growth and resistance to necrotic symptoms in all trials, suggesting that these genotypes may be useful for practical application and further field study.
Peer Support and Crisis-Focused Psychological Interventions Designed to Mitigate Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries among Public Safety and Frontline Healthcare Personnel: A Systematic Review
Authors: Anderson Gregory S. , Di Nota Paula M. , Groll Dianne , Carleton R. Nicholas
Published: October 2020

Public safety personnel (PSP) and frontline healthcare professionals (FHP) are frequently exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs), and report increased rates of post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSIs). Despite widespread implementation and repeated calls for research, effectiveness evidence for organizational post-exposure PTSI mitigation services remains lacking. The current systematic review synthesized and appraised recent (2008–December 2019) empirical research from 22 electronic databases following a population–intervention–comparison–outcome framework. Eligible studies investigated the effectiveness of organizational peer support and crisis-focused psychological interventions designed to mitigate PTSIs among PSP, FHP, and other PPTE-exposed workers. The review included 14 eligible studies (n = 18,849 participants) that were synthesized with qualitative narrative analyses. The absence of pre–post-evaluations and the use of inconsistent outcome measures precluded quantitative meta-analysis. Thematic services included diverse programming for critical incident stress debriefing, critical incident stress management, peer support, psychological first aid, and trauma risk management. Designs included randomized control trials, retrospective cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies. Outcome measures included PPTE impacts, absenteeism, substance use, suicide rates, psychiatric symptoms, risk assessments, stigma, and global assessments of functioning. Quality assessment indicated limited strength of evidence and failures to control for pre-existing PTSIs, which would significantly bias program effectiveness evaluations for reducing PTSIs post-PPTE.
New Male Users of Lipid-Lowering Drugs for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: The Impact of Treatment Persistence on Morbimortality. A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Aguilar-Palacio Isabel , Rabanaque María José , Maldonado Lina , Chaure Armando , Abad-Díez José María , León-Latre Montse , Casasnovas José Antonio , Malo Sara
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to analyse persistence to lipid-lowering drug use for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a new users cohort, to explore all-cause and cardiovascular related morbidity, comorbidity and mortality in this group and, finally, to study the relationship between persistence and morbimortality. We selected subjects who started lipid-lowering treatment for primary prevention of CVD between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2017 (N = 1424), and classified them as treatment-persistent or -nonpersistent. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare sociodemographic and clinical variables, morbimortality and time to event between groups. The association between morbidities was explored using comorbidity network analysis. The effect of persistence was analysed using logistic regression and Cox survival analyses. Only 38.7% of users were persistent with treatment. Persistent and nonpersistent users had similar sociodemographic and clinical profiles, although differed in age, smoking status, and glycemia. Comorbidity networks revealed that the number of co-occurring diagnoses was higher in nonpersistent than persistent users. Adjusted analyses indicated a protective effect of treatment persistence, especially against major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), but this effect was not statistically significant. Observational studies are crucial to characterize real-world effectiveness.
Influence of Parental Attitude Toward Psychiatric Help on Their Children’s Suicidal Ideation: A Convenience Sample Study on One South Korean Middle School
Authors: Jeong Yoo Mi , Park Hanjong
Published: October 2020

Depression, depression stigma, and attitude toward psychiatric help are associated factors of suicide in adolescents. As parents are the main decision-makers of receiving professional help for their children’s depression and suicide, parental factors influencing their children’s suicide should be examined. Moreover, parents’ help-seeking attitude for their own mental health problems could affect their children’s mental health problems. Therefore, this study examined the serial mediation of adolescents’ depression, depression stigma, and attitude toward psychiatric help in the relationship between parental attitude toward psychiatric help and the suicidal ideation of their children, using data of 103 parent–child pairs. A cross-sectional study was conducted by employing a self-administered survey. A serial mediation analysis was performed using Amos 25.0. Parental attitude toward psychiatric help directly and indirectly influenced children’s suicidal ideation. Children’s depression stigma, attitude toward psychiatric help, and depression mediated the relationship of parental attitude toward psychiatric help and their children’s suicidal ideation. When parents have a more positive attitude toward psychiatric help, their children’s suicidal ideation become more decreased. Enhancing only parental attitude toward psychiatric help may make a positive change on their children’s suicidal ideation. The study findings imply that when developing and applying youth suicide prevention programs, how parents affect their children’s suicidal ideation should be considered as well as adolescents’ depression stigma, attitude toward psychiatric help, and depression. Given the results of this study, healthcare providers may better evaluate the effectiveness of their intervention programs for preventing adolescents’ suicide.
The Effects of Ocean Acidification and Warming on Growth of a Natural Community of Coastal Phytoplankton
Authors: Hyun Bonggil , Kim Ja-Myung , Jang Pung-Guk , Jang Min-Chul , Choi Keun-Hyung , Lee Kitack , Yang Eun Jin , Noh Jae Hoon , Shin Kyoungsoon
Published: October 2020

An in situ mesocosm experiment was performed to investigate the combined effects of ocean acidification and warming on the coastal phytoplankton standing stock and species composition of a eutrophic coastal area in the temperate-subtropical region. Experimental treatments of natural seawater included three CO2 and two temperature conditions (present control: ~400 μatm CO2 and ambient temperature, acidification conditions: ~900 μatm CO2 and ambient temperature, and greenhouse conditions: ~900 μatm CO2 and ambient temperature +3 °C). We found that increased CO2 concentration benefited the growth of small autotrophic phytoplankton groups: picophytoplankton (PP), autotrophic nanoflagellates (ANF), and small chain-forming diatoms (DT). However, in the greenhouse conditions, ANF and DT abundances were lower compared with those in the acidification conditions. The proliferation of small autotrophic phytoplankton in future oceanic conditions (acidification and greenhouse) also increased the abundance of heterotrophic dinoflagellates (HDF). These responses suggest that a combination of acidification and warming will not only increase the small autotrophic phytoplankton standing stock but, also, lead to a shift in the diatom and dinoflagellate species composition, with potential biogeochemical element cycling feedback and an increased frequency and intensity of harmful algal blooms.
Effects of Low pH and Low Salinity Induced by Meltwater Inflow on the Behavior and Physical Condition of the Antarctic Limpet, Nacella concinna
Authors: Sin Eunchong , Ahn In-Young , Park Seojeong , Kim Taewon
Published: October 2020

Seawater acidification and freshening in the intertidal zone of Marian Cove, Antarctica, which occurs by the freshwater inflow from snow fields and glaciers, could affect the physiology and behavior of intertidal marine organisms. In this study, we exposed Antarctic limpets, Nacella concinna, to two different pH (8.00 and 7.55) and salinity (34.0 and 27.0 psu) levels and measured their righting ability after being flipped over, mortality, condition factor, and shell dissolution. During the 35-day exposure, there was no significant difference in behavior and mortality between different treatments. However, the condition factor was negatively affected by low salinity. Both low pH and low salinity negatively influenced shell formation by decreasing the aragonite saturation state (Ωarg) and enhancing shell dissolution. Our results suggest that, though limpets can tolerate short-term low pH and salinity conditions, intrusions of meltwater accompanied by the glacial retreat may act as a serious threat to the population of N. concinna.
Less-Known Tourist Attraction Discovery Based on Geo-Tagged Photographs
Authors: Lin Jhih-Yu , Wen Shu-Mei , Hirota Masaharu , Araki Tetsuya , Ishikawa Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Most existing studies of tourist attraction recommendations have specifically emphasized analyses of popular sites. However, recommending such spots encourages crowds to flock there in large numbers, making tourists feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, some studies have discovered that quite a few tourists dislike crowded destinations and prefer to avoid them. A ready solution is discovery and publicity of less-known tourist attractions. Especially, this study specifically examines discovery of less-known Japanese tourist destinations that are attractive and merit increased visits. Using this approach, crowds can not only be dispersed from popular tourist attractions, but more diverse spots can be provided for travelers to choose from. By analyzing geo-tagged photographs on Flickr, we propose a formula that incorporates different aspects such as image quality assessment (IQA), comment sentiment, and tourist attraction popularity for ranking tourist attractions. We investigate Taiwanese and Japanese people to assess their familiar Japanese cities and remove them from ranking results of tourist attractions. The remaining spots are less-known tourist attractions. As reported from results of verification experiments, most less-known tourist attractions are known by only a few people. They appeal to participants. Additionally, we examined some factors that might affect respondents when they decide whether a spot is attractive to them or not. This study can benefit tourism industries worldwide in the process of discovering potential tourist attractions.
Large Scale Fault Data Analysis and OSS Reliability Assessment Based on Quantification Method of the First Type
Authors: Tamura Yoshinobu , Yamada Shigeru
Published: October 2020

Various big data sets are recorded on the server side of computer system. The big data are well defined as a volume, variety, and velocity (3V) model. The 3V model has been proposed by Gartner, Inc. as a first press release. 3V model means the volume, variety, and velocity in terms of data. The big data have 3V in well balance. Then, there are various categories in terms of the big data, e.g., sensor data, log data, customer data, financial data, weather data, picture data, movie data, and so on. In particular, the fault big data are well-known as the characteristic log data in software engineering. In this paper, we analyze the fault big data considering the unique features that arise from big data under the operation of open source software. In addition, we analyze actual data to show numerical examples of reliability assessment based on the results of multiple regression analysis well-known as the quantification method of the first type.
Scale Mixture of Rayleigh Distribution
Authors: Rivera Pilar A. , Barranco-Chamorro Inmaculada , Gallardo Diego I. , Gómez Héctor W.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the scale mixture of Rayleigh (SMR) distribution is introduced. It is proven that this new model, initially defined as the quotient of two independent random variables, can be expressed as a scale mixture of a Rayleigh and a particular Generalized Gamma distribution. Closed expressions are obtained for its pdf, cdf, moments, asymmetry and kurtosis coefficients. Its lifetime analysis, properties and Rényi entropy are studied. Inference based on moments and maximum likelihood (ML) is proposed. An Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm is implemented to estimate the parameters via ML. This algorithm is also used in a simulation study, which illustrates the good performance of our proposal. Two real datasets are considered in which it is shown that the SMR model provides a good fit and it is more flexible, especially as for kurtosis, than other competitor models, such as the slashed Rayleigh distribution.
Hydrochloric Acid Leaching Behaviors of Copper and Antimony in Speiss Obtained from Top Submerged Lance Furnace
Authors: Chae Sujin , Yoo Kyoungkeun , Tabelin Carlito Baltazar , Alorro Richard Diaz
Published: October 2020

Copper (Cu) has been recovered from speiss generated from top submerged lance furnace process, but it was reported that the leaching efficiency of Cu in sulfuric acid solution decreased with increasing antimony (Sb) content in the speiss. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) results indicate that Sb exists as CuSb alloy, which would retard the leaching of Cu. Therefore, hydrochloric acid leaching with aeration was performed to investigate the leaching behaviors of copper and antimony. The leaching efficiency of Cu increased with increasing agitation speed, temperature, HCl concentration, and the introduction ratio of O2, but also with decreasing pulp density. The leaching efficiency of Cu increased to more than 99% within 60 min in 1 mol/L HCl solution at 600 rpm and 90 °C with 10 g/L pulp density and 1000 cc/min O2. The leaching efficiency of Sb increased and then decreased in all 1 mol/L HCl leaching tests, and precipitate was observed in the leach solution, which was determined to be SbOCl or Sb2O3 by XRD analyses. However, in 2 mol/L–5 mol/L HCl solutions, the leaching efficiency of Sb increased to more than 95% (about 900 mg/L) and remained, so more than 2 mol/L HCl could stabilize Sb ion in the HCl solution.
Biofilm Produced In Vitro by Piscirickettsia salmonis Generates Differential Cytotoxicity Levels and Expression Patterns of Immune Genes in the Atlantic Salmon Cell Line SHK-1
Authors: Santibañez Natacha , Vega Matías , Pérez Tatiana , Yáñez Alejandro , González-Stegmaier Roxana , Figueroa Jaime , Enríquez Ricardo , Oliver Cristian , Romero Alex
Published: October 2020

Piscirickettsia salmonis is the causative agent of Piscirickettsiosis, an infectious disease with a high economic impact on the Chilean salmonid aquaculture industry. This bacterium produces biofilm as a potential resistance and persistence strategy against stressful environmental stimuli. However, the in vitro culture conditions that modulate biofilm formation as well as the effect of sessile bacteria on virulence and immune gene expression in host cells have not been described for P. salmonis. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the biofilm formation by P. salmonis isolates under several NaCl and iron concentrations and to evaluate the virulence of planktonic and sessile bacteria, together with the immune gene expression induced by these bacterial conditions in an Atlantic salmon macrophage cell line. Our results showed that NaCl and Fe significantly increased biofilm production in the LF-89 type strain and EM-90-like isolates. Additionally, the planktonic EM-90 isolate and sessile LF-89 generated the highest virulence levels, associated with differential expression of il-1β, il-8, nf-κb, and iκb-α genes in SHK-1 cells. These results suggest that there is no single virulence pattern or gene expression profile induced by the planktonic or sessile condition of P. salmonis, which are dependent on each strain and bacterial condition used.
Detailed Molecular Interactions of Favipiravir with SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and Influenza Virus Polymerases In Silico
Authors: Sada Mitsuru , Saraya Takeshi , Ishii Haruyuki , Okayama Kaori , Hayashi Yuriko , Tsugawa Takeshi , Nishina Atsuyoshi , Murakami Koichi , Kuroda Makoto , Ryo Akihide , Kimura Hirokazu
Published: October 2020

Favipiravir was initially developed as an antiviral drug against influenza and is currently used in clinical trials against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (COVID-19). This agent is presumably involved in RNA chain termination during influenza virus replication, although the molecular interactions underlying its potential impact on the coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) remain unclear. We performed in silico studies to elucidate detailed molecular interactions between favipiravir and the SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp). As a result, no interactions between favipiravir ribofuranosyl-5′-triphosphate (F-RTP), the active form of favipiravir, and the active sites of RdRps (PB1 proteins) from influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus were found, yet the agent bound to the tunnel of the replication genome of PB1 protein leading to the inhibition of replicated RNA passage. In contrast, F-RTP bound to the active sites of coronavirus RdRp in the presence of the agent and RdRp. Further, the agent bound to the replicated RNA terminus in the presence of agent, magnesium ions, nucleotide triphosphate, and RdRp proteins. These results suggest that favipiravir exhibits distinct mechanisms of action against influenza virus and various coronaviruses.
Chitosan-Based Biomimetically Mineralized Composite Materials in Human Hard Tissue Repair
Authors: Hu Die , Ren Qian , Li Zhongcheng , Zhang Linglin
Published: October 2020

Chitosan is a natural, biodegradable cationic polysaccharide, which has a similar chemical structure and similar biological behaviors to the components of the extracellular matrix in the biomineralization process of teeth or bone. Its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and polyelectrolyte action make it a suitable organic template, which, combined with biomimetic mineralization technology, can be used to develop organic-inorganic composite materials for hard tissue repair. In recent years, various chitosan-based biomimetic organic-inorganic composite materials have been applied in the field of bone tissue engineering and enamel or dentin biomimetic repair in different forms (hydrogels, fibers, porous scaffolds, microspheres, etc.), and the inorganic components of the composites are usually biogenic minerals, such as hydroxyapatite, other calcium phosphate phases, or silica. These composites have good mechanical properties, biocompatibility, bioactivity, osteogenic potential, and other biological properties and are thus considered as promising novel materials for repairing the defects of hard tissue. This review is mainly focused on the properties and preparations of biomimetically mineralized composite materials using chitosan as an organic template, and the current application of various chitosan-based biomimetically mineralized composite materials in bone tissue engineering and dental hard tissue repair is summarized.
The Combination of Selenium and LED Light Quality Affects Growth and Nutritional Properties of Broccoli Sprouts
Authors: He Rui , Gao Meifang , Shi Rui , Song Shiwei , Zhang Yiting , Su Wei , Liu Houcheng
Published: October 2020

Selenium (Se) supplement was combined with different LED light qualities to investigate mutual effects on the growth, nutritional quality, contents of glucosinolates and mineral elements in broccoli sprouts. There were five treatments: CK:1R1B1G, 1R1B1G+Se (100 μmol L−1 Na2SeO3), 1R1B+Se, 1R2B+Se, 2R1B+Se, 60 μmol m−2 s−1 PPFD, 12 h/12 h (light/dark). Sprouts under a combination of selenium and LED light quality treatment exhibited no remarkable change fresh weight, but had a shorter hypocotyl length, lower moisture content and heavier dry weight, especially with 1R2B+Se treatment. The contents of carotenoid, soluble protein, soluble sugar, vitamin C, total flavonoids, total polyphenol and contents of total glucosinolates and organic Se were dramatically improved through the combination of Se and LED light quality. Moreover, heat map and principal component analysis showed that broccoli sprouts under 1R2B+Se treatment had higher nutritional quality and health-promoting compound contents than other treatments. This suggests that the Se supplement under suitable LED lights might be beneficial to selenium-biofortified broccoli sprout production.
Mapping the Mechanical Properties of Hierarchical Supercrystalline Ceramic-Organic Nanocomposites
Authors: Bor Büsra , Heilmann Lydia , Domènech Berta , Kampferbeck Michael , Vossmeyer Tobias , Weller Horst , Schneider Gerold A. , Giuntini Diletta
Published: October 2020

Multiscale ceramic-organic supercrystalline nanocomposites with two levels of hierarchy have been developed via self-assembly with tailored content of the organic phase. These nanocomposites consist of organically functionalized ceramic nanoparticles forming supercrystalline micron-sized grains, which are in turn embedded in an organic-rich matrix. By applying an additional heat treatment step at mild temperatures (250–350 °C), the mechanical properties of the hierarchical nanocomposites are here enhanced. The heat treatment leads to partial removal and crosslinking of the organic phase, minimizing the volume occupied by the nanocomposites’ soft phase and triggering the formation of covalent bonds through the organic ligands interfacing the ceramic nanoparticles. Elastic modulus and hardness up to 45 and 2.5 GPa are attained, while the hierarchical microstructure is preserved. The presence of an organic phase between the supercrystalline grains provides a toughening effect, by curbing indentation-induced cracks. A mapping of the nanocomposites’ mechanical properties reveals the presence of multiple microstructural features and how they evolve with heat treatment temperature. A comparison with non-hierarchical, homogeneous supercrystalline nanocomposites with lower organic content confirms how the hierarchy-inducing organic excess results in toughening, while maintaining the beneficial effects of crosslinking on the materials’ stiffness and hardness.
Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Microextraction of Lead(II) Traces from Water and Aqueous Extracts before FAAS Measurements
Authors: Habila Mohamed A. , AlMasoud Najla , Alomar Taghrid S. , AlOthman Zeid A. , Yilmaz Erkan , Soylak Mustafa
Published: October 2020

Microextraction procedures for the separation of Pb(II) from water and food samples extracts were developed. A deep eutectic solvent composed of α-benzoin oxime and iron(III) chloride dissolved in phenol was applied as a phase separator support. In addition, this deep eutectic mixture worked as an efficient extractor of Pb(II). The developed microextraction process showed a high ability to tolerate the common coexisting ions in the real samples. The optimum conditions for quantitative recoveries of Pb(II) from aqueous extracts were at pH 2.0, conducted by adding 150 µL from the deep eutectic solvent. The quantitative recoveries were obtained with various initial sample volumes up to 30 mL. Limits of detection and limits of quantification of 0.008 and 0.025 µg L−1 were achieved with a relative standard deviation (RSD%) of 2.9, which indicates the accuracy and sensitivity of the developed procedure. Recoveries from the reference materials, including TMDA 64.2, TMDA 53.3, and NCSDC-73349, were 100%, 97%, and 102%, respectively. Real samples, such as tap, lake, and river water, as well as food samples, including salted peanuts, chickpeas, roasted yellow corn, pistachios, and almonds, were successfully applied for Pb(II) analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) after applying the developed deep eutectic solvent-based microextraction procedures.
Chemistry and Biological Activity of Alkaloids from the Genus Lycoris (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: Cahlíková Lucie , Breiterová Kateřina , Opletal Lubomír
Published: October 2020

Lycoris Herbert, family Amaryllidaceae, is a small genus of about 20 species that are native to the warm temperate woodlands of eastern Asia, as in China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Himalayas. For many years, species of Lycoris have been subjected to extensive phytochemical and pharmacological investigations, resulting in either the isolation or identification of more than 110 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids belonging to different structural types. Amaryllidaceae alkaloids are frequently studied for their interesting biological properties, including antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor, antifungal, antimalarial, analgesic, cytotoxic, and cholinesterase inhibition activities. The present review aims to summarize comprehensively the research that has been reported on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Lycoris.