bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equity/Social Justice, Instrumentalism/Neoliberalism: Dueling Discourses of Dual Language in Principals’ Talk About Their Programs
Authors: Bernstein Katie A. , Katznelson Noah , Amezcua Angélica , Mohamed Saida , Alvarado Sarah L.
Published: August 2020

This study explores how principals of dual language (DL) programs draw on two dominant societal discourses around language education—linguistic instrumentalism/neoliberalism and equity/social justice—to make sense of their programs. Through in‐depth interviews with 19 principals of Spanish‐English elementary school DL programs in Arizona and California, the researchers examine (1) the ways in which the two discourses manifested in the principals’ talk, and 2) the consequences for English learners of each discursive framing. The researchers found that framing a program within each discourse led principals to different conclusions about the purpose of DL, its goals, and who should be included in it. Principals adopting a predominantly neoliberal frame understood DL as a way to gain a competitive edge, both for their schools (competing with other schools for students) and for their students (competing for future jobs at a global scale). Principals drawing primarily on social justice discourse instead understood DL as a historically contingent, collaborative movement for social transformation. The authors illustrate how the first framing can contribute to the exclusion of English learners from DL, while the latter presupposes their belonging. They also discuss future work exploring how principals come to develop their discursive framings.
Makro- und Mikrokunststoffe in österreichischen Komposten
Authors: Zafiu Christian , Binner Erwin , Hirsch Cornelia , Vay Benedikt , Huber-Humer Marion
Published: August 2020

In dieser Studie wurden Makro- und Mikrokunststoffe in einem Größenbereich von 10–0,63 mm in neun Komposten aus drei, nach dem Stand der Technik betriebenen österreichischen Kompostanlagen untersucht. In den untersuchten Komposten wurden zwischen 13 und 111 Kunststoffpartikel pro kg TM gefunden. Eine Hochrechnung der gefundenen Minimal- und Maximalwerte auf ganz Österreich ergibt jährliche Mikrokunststoff-Emissionen von 0,6 bis 111 g pro EinwohnerIn, die bei der Kompostierung von biogenen Abfällen vorwiegend durch die Fragmentierung von Störstoffen entstehen. Die Kontamination bestand vor allem aus gängigen Verpackungskunststoffen, wobei der größte Anteil mit bis zu 77 % TM auf Polyolefine entfiel. Die detaillierte Untersuchung einer Miete während des Kompostierungsprozesses ergab, dass die Partikelzahl und deren Größenverteilung sich während des Rotteprozesses ändern können. Auch jahreszeitlich bedingte Veränderungen des Inputmaterials können einen wesentlichen Einflussfaktor darstellen. Eine Möglichkeit zur Reduktion von Kunststoffpartikeln in Komposten stellt die Endaufbereitung dar, bei der durch unbeabsichtigte Anhaftungsprozesse auch Partikel entfernt werden können, die wesentlich kleiner als die Maschenweite des verwendeten Siebes sind. In der gegenständlichen Untersuchung wurden durch die Absiebung und Endaufbereitung des Kompostes vor allem schwere Partikel entfernt.
Biosecurity policy and legislation of the seaweed aquaculture industry in Tanzania
Authors: Rusekwa Sadock B. , Campbell Iona , Msuya Flower E. , Buriyo Amelia S. , Cottier-Cook Elizabeth J.
Published: August 2020

Pest and disease outbreaks have significant impacts on the livelihoods of seaweed farmers each year, particularly in low- to middle-income countries around the world. Commercial seaweed farming of the red carrageenophytes, Eucheuma denticulatum, Kappaphycus alvarezii and Kappaphycus striatus, in Tanzania was established in 1989. The impacts of pests and diseases on the local seaweed industry had serious implications for the environment, society, local culture and human health. The industry was initially characterised by growth, but since 2002 has been severely limited due to pest and disease outbreaks, exacerbated by the effects of climate change. This paper identifies existing biosecurity frameworks in Tanzanian legislation and policies in order to assess their content regarding the management of pests and diseases in the seaweed industry. A total of thirteen frameworks were identified and analysed for their general biosecurity scope and inclusion of specific risks. Of the thirteen, only four were legally binding, and only four were identified to be applicable to the seaweed industry. National frameworks were predominantly designed to support finfish aquaculture; therefore, national authorities lack the expertise, experience and scientific basis on biosecurity issues in seaweed industry compared with other aquatic commercial commodities to identify and mitigate the risks from pest and disease outbreaks in the seaweed farming industry. Recommendations are provided to assist regulators in establishing biosecurity policies, which either explicitly include or are specifically designed, to support the Tanzanian seaweed industry. This analysis reveals where biosecurity capacity can be developed to support a sustainable and economically productive national seaweed farming industry.
Designing for sustainable work during industrial startups—the case of a high-growth entrepreneurial firm
Authors: Harlin Ulrika , Berglund Martina
Published: August 2020

New firms face challenges regarding pace, time, scalability, and societal changes, requiring increased attention to sustainable work prerequisites. However, this dimension of social sustainability is less studied than economic and ecological sustainability. This paper addresses how sustainable work is considered in an entrepreneurial startup carrying out a greenfield project within a new industrial domain. Data were collected for 30 months in a longitudinal case study. The study shows that (i) working condition challenges were drivers for innovative solution-oriented approaches with potential for rapid decision-making, flexibility, and to attract, recruit, retain, and develop talented people; (ii) a strategic focus on sustainability and collective contribution to a purpose-driven vision were important enablers for taking steps of operationalising sustainable work dimensions during the startup; and (iii) the firm’s early stakeholder collaboration addressing working conditions was an important means for design for sustainable work and their role as agents of sustainable work. Research implications are how sustainable work can be considered during startups and through stakeholder collaboration. Furthermore, the case contributes to increased knowledge of how the three pillars of sustainability—economic, ecological, and social sustainability—are interrelated and are suggested to be continuously considered over time, specifically during rapid major changes.
Hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater from semiarid region of western India for drinking and agricultural purposes with special reference to water quality index and potential health risks assessment
Authors: Shaikh Huzefa , Gaikwad Himanshu , Kadam Ajaykumar , Umrikar Bhavana
Published: August 2020

Increase in demand for water for domestic, agricultural and industrial needs has led to overexploitation as well as contamination; hence, it is unremittingly important to monitor and maintain the health of waters. In view of this, a study was carried out wherein a total of 57 groundwater samples from Upper Bhima Basin of western India were collected and analysed for understanding the drinking and agricultural suitability with special reference to water quality index and potential health risks assessment. Analysed physicochemical parameters indicated that the groundwater quality is not suitable in most of the villages for drinking and agricultural purposes. However, pH, TDS, HCO3−, SO42−, Cl− and F− parameters were below the permissible limit; conversely, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, and NO3− contents have been found more than the Indian standards (BIS). The dissemination of ions in the qualitative analysis revealed the dominance order as Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > SO42−− > Cl− > NO3−. Using Piper’s diagram, the groundwater types were found to be majorly Ca2+–HCO3−, Ca2+–Na+–HCO3_
, Ca2+–Mg2+–Cl− and Ca2+–Cl− groups. From the Gibbs plot, it is observed that the samples fall between rock dominance and evaporation dominance zones. Based on irrigation indices such as permeability index, residual sodium carbonate, the groundwater is unsuitable for irrigation. In addition to that, water quality index values revealed that 49% of water samples are found unfit for drinking. Further, health risk assessment study carried out using United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) guidelines showed that children are at higher health risk than men and women in the study region.
Experimental Study of the Ductility of a Submerged Arc Welded Corner Joint in a High-Performance Steel Built-Up Box Column
Authors: Yamada Satoshi , Shimada Yuko , Ishida Takanori , Matsumoto Yuka , Iyama Jun , Shimokawa Hiroumi , Ito Hiroshi , Aoyagi Satoshi
Published: August 2020

Submerged arc welding, which is generally used for the corner joint of box-section columns, is a welding process with a high heat input. The influence on the strength and toughness of the heat-affected zone is an important concern, especially when used with a high-performance steel that may be more susceptible to heat input. The ductility of the welded corner joint is one of the important factors to ensure safety against external forces, such as during severe earthquakes. In this study, a series of material and cyclic loading tests of the corner joint comprising SA440C high-performance steel fabricated by submerged arc welding were conducted. The experimental results indicated that the welded corner joint comprising SA440C steel is ductile enough to dissipate input energy caused by the strong ground motion from an earthquake.
Mapping Invasive Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. in Semi-natural Grasslands Using Object-Based Image Analysis of UAV-borne Images
Authors: Wijesingha Jayan , Astor Thomas , Schulze-Brüninghoff Damian , Wachendorf Michael
Published: August 2020

Knowledge on the spatio-temporal distribution of invasive plant species is vital to maintain biodiversity in grasslands which are threatened by the invasion of such plants and to evaluate the effect of control activities conducted. Manual digitising of aerial images with field verification is the standard method to create maps of the invasiveLupinus polyphyllusLindl. (Lupine) in semi-natural grasslands of the UNESCO biosphere reserve “Rhön”. As the standard method is labour-intensive, a workflow was developed to map lupine coverage using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne remote sensing (RS) along with object-based image analysis (OBIA). UAV-borne red, green, blue and thermal imaging, as well as photogrammetric canopy height modelling (CHM) were applied. Images were segmented by unsupervised parameter optimisation into image objects representing lupine plants and grass vegetation. Image objects obtained were classified using random forest classification modelling based on objects’ attributes. The classification model was employed to create lupine distribution maps of test areas, and predicted data were compared with manually digitised lupine coverage maps. The classification models yielded a mean prediction accuracy of 89%. The maximum difference in lupine area between classified and digitised lupine maps was 5%. Moreover, the pixel-wise map comparison showed that 88% of all pixels matched between classified and digitised maps. Our results indicated that lupine coverage mapping using UAV-borne RS data and OBIA provides similar results as the standard manual digitising method and, thus, offers a valuable tool to map invasive lupine on grasslands.
Spatial and temporal reasoning with granular computing and three way formal concept analysis
Authors: Gaeta Angelo , Loia Vincenzo , Orciuoli Francesco , Parente Mimmo
Published: August 2020

This paper presents and evaluates a method to combine time-based granulation and three-way decisions to support decision makers in understanding and reasoning on the learned granular structures conceptualising spatio-temporal events. The method uses an existing approach to discover periodic events in the data, such as periods of intense traffic in a city, and provides an original approach to conceptualize such events to support decision makers in: (i) better comprehending the causes that lead to the repetition of such events and/or (ii) increasing the awareness of their effects and consequences. The formal concept analysis is the central tool of the proposed method. This tool is used as a guide in the phase of time-based granulation, which relies on the principle of justified granularity, and as a support for reasoning and making three-way decisions. The main contribution of the paper is an effective and simple method for time-based granulation of events, their observation, and interpretation to support decision making. The method is described with an illustrative example and evaluated on a real data set on forest fires, showing how to define a spatio-temporal DSS model to support decisions in environmental monitoring problems.
Implicit Language Aptitude
Authors: Granena Gisela
Published: August 2020

It is a well-known fact that some adult second language learners learn more rapidly and/or to a higher level of proficiency than others. Some of these individual differences have been linked to differences in cognitive and perceptual abilities under the umbrella term of 'language aptitude'. The notion of language aptitude has undergone recent developments, one of which is the proposal that language aptitude includes cognitive abilities that involve implicit processes and that are advantageous in learning a language without awareness. This Element defines implicit language aptitude, examines tasks that can be used to measure implicit language aptitude, and provides an overview of relevant research in this area.
A semi-analytical approach for flutter analysis of a high-aspect-ratio wing
Authors: Latif R.F. , Khan M.K.A. , Javed A. , Shah S.I.A. , Rizvi S.T.I.
Published: August 2020

We present a hybrid, semi-analytical approach to perform an eigenvalue-based flutter analysis of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) wing. The wing has a modern design that integrates metal and composite structures. The stiffness and natural frequency of the wing are calculated using a Finite Element (FE) model. The modal parameters are extracted by applying a recursive technique to the Lanczos method in the FE model. Subsequently, the modal parameters are used to evaluate the flutter boundaries in an analytical model based on the p-method. Two-degree-of-freedom bending and torsional flutter equations derived using Lagrange’s principle are transformed into an eigenvalue problem. The eigenvalue framework is used to evaluate the stability characteristics of the wing under various flight conditions. An extension of this eigenvalue framework is applied to determine the stability boundaries and corresponding critical flutter parameters at a range of altitudes. The stability characteristics and critical flutter speeds are also evaluated through computational analysis of a reduced-order model of the wing in NX Nastran using the k- and pk-methods. The results of the analytical and computational methods are found to show good agreement with each other. A parametric study is also carried out to analyse the effects of the structural member thickness on the wing flutter speeds. The results suggest that changing the spar thickness contributes most significantly to the flutter speeds, whereas increasing the rib thickness decreases the flutter speed at high thickness values.
Couple Conflict and Music Utilisation
Authors: Smith Kevin M. , Martin Gina
Published: August 2020

It is believed that conflict exists on a spectrum, which holds interest for many relationship researchers. However, it is not well understood how music is utilised within couples when they engage in conflict, considering music has been known to assist in reducing physiological, emotional, and social regulation. The proposed study explored how music was utilised in times of conflict for couples through a grounded theory approach. The main themes that emerged were: variability of choice, knowledge of partner's habits, communication, similarity of style, relational distance, repair attempt, music utilisation as relational engagement, emotional regulation, and hopeful togetherness. These themes are presented in a theoretical model of how couples utilise music to regulate social, emotional, and biological domains of their relationship.
‘After fragmentation’: Notes from the global South
Authors: MALLAVARAPU SIDDHARTH
Published: August 2020

The contributions in the volume do a fine job of recounting the sites and modes of unravelling meaty issue-area ‘interface conflicts’ and studying their diverse implications. I have sought to consciously read these contestations here from the broader perspective of the global South. My overall plea is for more politics and not less when it comes to studying ‘interface conflicts’ and norm contestations. What this translates into is to embed the technicalities of norm conflicts in the backdrop of more fully fleshed out political currents and contexts. Methodologically speaking, while sympathetic to the process-driven agential micro-constructivist approach to studying these ‘interface conflicts’, I argue that ‘internalist’ accounts of perceptions must ideally tap on insiders to arrive at a richer appreciation of the anxieties and hopes surrounding particular norm contestations in specific issue-areas.
Activating norm collisions: Interface conflicts in international drug control
Authors: GHOLIAGHA SASSAN , HOLZSCHEITER ANNA , LIESE ANDREA
Published: August 2020

This article puts forward a constructivist-interpretivist approach to interface conflicts that emphasises how international actors articulate and problematise norm collisions in discursive and social interactions. Our approach is decidedly agency-oriented and follows the Special Issue’s interest in how interface conflicts play out at the micro-level. The article advances several theoretical and methodological propositions on how to identify norm collisions and the conditions under which they become the subject of international debate. Our argument on norm collisions, understood as situations in which actors perceive two norms as incompatible with each other, is threefold. First, we claim that agency matters to the analysis of the emergence, dynamics, management, and effects of norm collisions in international politics. Second, we propose to differentiate between dormant (subjectively perceived) and open norm collisions (intersubjectively shared). Third, we contend that the transition from dormant to open – which we term activation – depends on the existence of certain scope conditions concerning norm quality as well as changes in power structures and actor constellations. Empirically, we study norm collisions in the area of international drug control, presenting the field as one that contains several cases of dormant and open norm collisions, including those that constitute interface conflicts. For our in-depth analysis we have chosen the international discourse on coca leaf chewing. With this case, we not only seek to demonstrate the usefulness of our constructivist-interpretivist approach but also aim to explain under which conditions dormant norm collisions evolve into open collisions and even into interface conflicts.
Will Ethiopia’s Disputed Dam Collapse?
Authors: El-Said Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Satellite imagery shows water filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam’s reservoir, amid concerns over its safety and political fallout.
Machine Learning for Source Identification of Dust on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Lin Xin , Chang Hong , Wang Kaibo , Zhang Guishan , Meng Ganggang
Published: August 2020

The provenance of voluminous eolian dust on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) is still highly debated. Here we apply machine learning methods of support vector machine and convolutional neural network to train models using element compositions of surface sediments from eight potential source regions, accordingly, to determine the dust sources and contributions by classifying the last glacial loess and present interglacial sediments on the CLP. The trained models succeed in differentiating major secondary sources and quantitatively estimating the contributions of both primary and secondary sources at least during the last glacial‐interglacial cycle. The understanding that a constant dust source despite changing climate conditions agrees with those derived from Sr‐Nd isotopes and U‐Pb age spectra. Our observations demonstrate that big geochemical data sets coupled with machine learning technology are fully capable of tracing sources.
An equitable redistribution of unburnable carbon
Authors: Pye Steve , Bradley Siân , Hughes Nick , Price James , Welsby Daniel , Ekins Paul
Published: August 2020

The rapid phase-out of fossil fuels is critical to achieving a well-below 2 °C world. An emerging body of research explores the implications of this phase-out for fossil fuel producing countries, including the perceived tension between least-cost and most-equitable pathways. Here we present modelling, which re-distributes remaining fossil fuel production towards developing countries. We show that redistribution is challenging due to large economic disincentives required to shift production, and offers limited economic benefit for developing countries given the long timeframe required to effect change, and the wider impact of rising fuel import and energy systems costs. Furthermore, increases in production shares are offset by shrinking markets for fossil fuels, which are part dependent on carbon capture and storage (CCS). We argue that while there is a weak economic case for redistribution, there is a clear role for equity principles in guiding the development of supply side policy and in development assistance.
Creation of acoustic vortex knots
Authors: Zhang Hongkuan , Zhang Weixuan , Liao Yunhong , Zhou Xiaoming , Li Junfei , Hu Gengkai , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: August 2020

Knots and links have been conjectured to play a fundamental role in a wide range of scientific fields. Recently, tying isolated vortex knots in the complex optical field has been realized. However, how to construct the acoustic vortex knot is still an unknown problem. Here we propose theoretically and demonstrate experimentally the creation of acoustic vortex knots using metamaterials, with decoupled modulation of transmitted phase and amplitude. Based on the numerical simulation, we find that the knot function can be embedded into the acoustic field by designed metamaterials with only 24 × 24 pixels. Furthermore, using the optimized metamaterials, the acoustic fields with Hopf link and trefoil knot vortex lines have been observed experimentally.
Differential chloride homeostasis in the spinal dorsal horn locally shapes synaptic metaplasticity and modality-specific sensitization
Authors: Ferrini Francesco , Perez-Sanchez Jimena , Ferland Samuel , Lorenzo Louis-Etienne , Godin Antoine G. , Plasencia-Fernandez Isabel , Cottet Martin , Castonguay Annie , Wang Feng , Salio Chiara , Doyon Nicolas , Merighi Adalberto , De Koninck Yves
Published: August 2020

GABAA/glycine-mediated neuronal inhibition critically depends on intracellular chloride (Cl−) concentration which is mainly regulated by the K+-Cl−co-transporter 2 (KCC2) in the adult central nervous system (CNS). KCC2 heterogeneity thus affects information processing across CNS areas. Here, we uncover a gradient in Cl−extrusion capacity across the superficial dorsal horn (SDH) of the spinal cord (laminae I-II: LI-LII), which remains concealed under low Cl−load. Under high Cl−load or heightened synaptic drive, lower Cl−extrusion is unveiled in LI, as expected from the gradient in KCC2 expression found across the SDH. Blocking TrkB receptors increases KCC2 in LI, pointing to differential constitutive TrkB activation across laminae. Higher Cl−lability in LI results in rapidly collapsing inhibition, and a form of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity expressed as a continuous facilitation of excitatory responses. The higher metaplasticity in LI as compared to LII differentially affects sensitization to thermal and mechanical input. Thus, inconspicuous heterogeneity of Cl−extrusion across laminae critically shapes plasticity for selective nociceptive modalities.
Genomic and enzymatic evidence of acetogenesis by anaerobic methanotrophic archaea
Authors: Yang Shanshan , Lv Yongxin , Liu Xipeng , Wang Yinzhao , Fan Qilian , Yang Zhifeng , Boon Nico , Wang Fengping , Xiao Xiang , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2020

Anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) mediated by anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) is the primary process that provides energy to cold seep ecosystems by converting methane into inorganic carbon. Notably, cold seep ecosystems are dominated by highly divergent heterotrophic microorganisms. The role of the AOM process in supporting heterotrophic population remains unknown. We investigate the acetogenic capacity of ANME-2a in a simulated cold seep ecosystem using high-pressure biotechnology, where both AOM activity and acetate production are detected. The production of acetate from methane is confirmed by isotope-labeling experiments. A complete archaeal acetogenesis pathway is identified in the ANME-2a genome, and apparent acetogenic activity of the key enzymes ADP-forming acetate-CoA ligase and acetyl-CoA synthetase is demonstrated. Here, we propose a modified model of carbon cycling in cold seeps: during AOM process, methane can be converted into organic carbon, such as acetate, which further fuels the heterotrophic community in the ecosystem.
Intersectional nanotwinned diamond-the hardest polycrystalline diamond by design
Authors: Xiao Jianwei , Wen Bin , Xu Bo , Zhang Xiangyi , Wang Yanbin , Tian Yongjun
Published: August 2020

The hardness of nanotwinned diamond (nt-diamond) is reported to be more than twice that of the natural diamond, thanks to the fine spaces between twin boundaries (TBs), which block dislocation propagation during deformation. In this work, we explore the effects of additional TBs in nt-diamond using molecular dynamics (MD) calculations and introduce a novel intersectional nanotwinned diamond (int-diamond) template for future laboratory synthesis. The hardness of this int-diamond is predicted by first analyzing individual dislocation slip modes in twinned grains and then calculating the bulk properties based on the Sachs model. Here we show that the hardness of the int-diamond is much higher than that of nt-diamond. The hardening mechanism of int-diamond is attributed to the increased critical resolved shear stress due to the presence of intersectional TBs in nt-diamond; this result is further verified by MD simulations. This work provides a new strategy for designing new super-hard materials in experiments.
Nonlinear optical induced lattice in atomic configurations
Authors: Hui Sijia , Wen Feng , Yu Xiaojun , Dai Zhiping , Ahmed Irfan , Su Yunpeng , Zhang Yanpeng , Wang Hongxing
Published: August 2020

Traditional artificial lattice with untunable refractive index have been restricted to flexible applied to kinds of micro medium imaging. This study proposes a novel approach to quantifying lattice using nonlinear optically induced periodic lattice, which possesses a striking feature of tunable refractive index, to further broaden current knowledge of optical imaging equipment. We conduct self-dressed and dual-dressed nonlinear four-wave mixing (FWM) signal modulation in the atoms by using the dressing effect of standing waves, and then investigate the space amplitude modulation and synthetization (amplitude and phase) modulation of the electromagnetic induced lattice (EIL) of FWM signal at the atom surface. The EIL presented in the far-field diffraction region confirms that diffraction intensity of the FWM signal can be easily transformed from zero-order to higher-order based on the dispersion effects. The tunable EIL with ultra-fast diffraction energy change can contribute to a better understanding of nonlinear process and provides a further step toward developing two-dimensional nonlinear atomic higher-resolution.
Strain-induced violation of temperature uniformity in mesoscale liquids
Authors: Kume Eni , Baroni Patrick , Noirez Laurence
Published: August 2020

Thermo-elasticity couples the deformation of an elastic (solid) body to its temperature and vice-versa. It is a solid-like property. Highlighting such property in liquids is a paradigm shift: it requires long-range collective interactions that are not considered in current liquid descriptions. The present microthermal studies provide evidence for such solid-like correlations. It is shown that ordinary liquids emit a modulated thermal signal when applying a low frequency (Hz) mechanical shear stress. The liquid splits in several tenths microns wide hot and cold thermal bands, all varying synchronously and separately with the applied stress wave reaching a sizable amplitude of ± 0.2 °C. Thermomechanical coupling challenges fluid dynamics: it reveals that the liquid does not dissipate the energy of shear waves at low frequency, but converts it in non-uniform thermodynamic states. The dynamic thermal changes work in an adiabatic way supporting the hypothesis of the excitation of macroscopic elastic correlations whose range is limited to several tens of microns, in accordance with recent non-extensive theoretical models. The proof of thermomechanical coupling opens the way to a new generation of energy-efficient temperature converters.
Adsorption of methylene blue onto electrospun nanofibrous membranes of polylactic acid and polyacrylonitrile coated with chloride doped polyaniline
Authors: Mohammad Noor , Atassi Yomen
Published: August 2020

This study presents the preparation of membranes of polylactic acid (PLLA), polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and their corresponding membranes coated with polyaniline (PANI) for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB). Scanning electron microscopy micrographs reveal that all the membranes exhibit nanofibrous morphology. The adsorption capacity and the removal efficiency of the membranes are studied as a function of (initial adsorbate concentration, pH of the medium, temperature, contact time and adsorbent dosage). Coated membranes with PANI showed better adsorption performance and their DC conductivities were correlated to MB concentrations. Adsorption isotherms have also been performed and the adsorption process has been tested according to Langmuir and Freundlich models. The regeneration and reuse of the prepared membranes to re-adsorb MB were also investigated. The enhancement in adsorption performance and reusability of PANI-coated membranes in comparison with non-coated ones are fully discussed.
Development of a lateral flow test for bed bug detection
Authors: Ko Alexander , Choe Dong-Hwan
Published: August 2020

Lateral flow strip tests are a cost-effective method for detecting specific proteins in biological samples, which can be performed in the field without specialized expertise. While most recognizable in the pregnancy tests, there are many other applications for lateral flow strip technology. The pest control industry has increasingly emphasized the importance of pest monitoring to reduce unnecessary applications, focus interventions into locations with active pest infestations, and to develop records of pest infestation. Due to their cryptic behavior, the detection of bed bugs often necessitates labor-intensive, time-consuming and invasive visual inspections. A lateral flow strip test for the detection of bed bugs would represent a novel use for a well-established technology, which can enable pest control operators to rapidly confirm the presence or absence of bed bugs in a room. In the current report, we present an effort to develop and calibrate the lateral flow test devices for the detection of a bed bug specific protein. A variety of bed bug residue samples were prepared by varying several parameters: bed bug infestation level (1 bed bug/3 bed bugs), surface type (wood/fabric), feeding status (fed/unfed), and bed bug time-on-surface (1 d/7 d). Using a prototype sensor and test strip, we examined how these variables influenced the detection of the bed bug specific proteins in the sample and to what degree. We discuss how this lateral flow test device can be an effective tool to determine the presence or absence of bed bug proteins on a surface, providing highly credible evidence on bed bug infestations.
Morin protects the blood–brain barrier integrity against cerebral ischemia reperfusion through anti-inflammatory actions in rats
Authors: Khamchai Satchakorn , Chumboatong Wijitra , Hata Janejira , Tocharus Chainarong , Suksamrarn Apichart , Tocharus Jiraporn
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to investigate the effects of morin on cerebral damage and blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion model. Wistar rats were exposed to MCAO for 2 h, followed by reperfusion. Thirty mg/kg of morin was administered via intraperitoneal injection at the different time points: before ischemia, during ischemia, and at reperfusion. The rats were divided into five groups, including sham, vehicle, and three groups of morin. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, the rats were tested for neurological deficits, and the brains were harvested to assess brain damage. In addition, brains were harvested 72 h to determine BBB disruption. We found that morin significantly reduced reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation. It also decreased inflammation via reducing the expression of Toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa-beta. Morin ameliorated cerebral damage and reduced apoptosis through decreasing the cerebral infarct size, including apoptotic cell death. Moreover, morin decreased the BBB damage via reducing Evans blue extravasation, neutrophil infiltration, and increasing tight junction protein expression. Therefore, morin protected against cerebral and BBB damage by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in MCAO and reperfusion models.
Circulating GFAP and Iba-1 levels are associated with pathophysiological sequelae in the thalamus in a pig model of mild TBI
Authors: Lafrenaye Audrey D. , Mondello Stefania , Wang Kevin K. , Yang Zhihui , Povlishock John T. , Gorse Karen , Walker Susan , Hayes Ronald L. , Kochanek Patrick M.
Published: August 2020

Serum biomarkers are promising tools for evaluating patients following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, their relationship with diffuse histopathology remains unclear. Additionally, translatability is a focus of neurotrauma research, however, studies using translational animal models are limited. Here, we evaluated associations between circulating biomarkers and acute thalamic histopathology in a translational micro pig model of mTBI. Serum samples were collected pre-injury, and 1 min-6 h following mTBI. Markers of neuronal injury (Ubiquitin Carboxy-terminal Hydrolase L1 [UCH-L1]), microglial/macrophage activation (Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 [Iba-1]) and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and astrogliosis/astrocyte damage (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]) were measured. Axonal injury and histological features of neurons and glia were also investigated using immunofluorescent labeling and correlated to serum levels of the associated biomarkers. Consistent with prior experimental and human studies, GFAP, was highest at 6 h post-injury, while no substantial changes were observed in UCH-L1, Iba-1 or IL-6 over 6 h. This study also found promising associations between thalamic glial histological signatures and ensuing release of Iba-1 and GFAP into the circulation. Our findings suggest that in diffuse injury, monitoring serum Iba-1 and GFAP levels can provide clinically relevant insight into the underlying acute pathophysiology and biomarker release kinetics following mTBI, providing previously underappreciated diagnostic capability.
Coupling day length data and genomic prediction tools for predicting time-related traits under complex scenarios
Authors: Jarquin Diego , Kajiya-Kanegae Hiromi , Taishen Chen , Yabe Shiori , Persa Reyna , Yu Jianming , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Yamasaki Masanori , Iwata Hiroyoshi
Published: August 2020

Genomic selection (GS) has proven to be an efficient tool for predicting crop-rank performance of untested genotypes; however, when the traits have intermediate optima (phenology stages), this implementation might not be the most convenient. GS might deliver high-rank correlations but incurring in serious bias. Days to heading (DTH) is a crucial development stage in rice for regional adaptability with a significant impact on yield potential. The objective of this research consisted in develop a novel method that accurately predicts time-related traits such as DTH in unobserved environments. For this, we propose an implementation that incorporates day length information (DL) in the prediction process for two relevant scenarios: CV0, predicting tested genotypes in unobserved environments (C method); and CV00, predicting untested genotypes in unobserved environments (CB method). The use of DL has advantages over weather data since it can be determined in advance just by knowing the location and planting date. The proposed methods showed that DL information significantly helps to improve the predictive ability of DTH in unobserved environments. Under CV0, the C method returned a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 3.9 days, a Pearson correlation (PC) of 0.98 and the differences between the predicted and observed environmental means (EMD) ranged between -4.95 and 4.67 days. For CV00, the CB method returned an RMSE of 7.3 days, a PC of 0.93 and the EMD ranged between -6.4 and 4.1 days while the conventional GS implementation produced an RMSE of 18.1 days, a PC of 0.41 and the EMD ranged between -31.5 and 28.7 days.
Automata representation of successful strategies for social dilemmas
Authors: Murase Yohsuke , Baek Seung Ki
Published: August 2020

In a social dilemma, cooperation is collectively optimal, yet individually each group member prefers to defect. A class of successful strategies of direct reciprocity were recently found for the iterated prisoner’s dilemma and for the iterated three-person public-goods game: By a successful strategy, we mean that it constitutes a cooperative Nash equilibrium under implementation error, with assuring that the long-term payoff never becomes less than the co-players’ regardless of their strategies, when the error rate is small. Although we have a list of actions prescribed by each successful strategy, the rationale behind them has not been fully understood for the iterated public-goods game because the list has hundreds of entries to deal with every relevant history of previous interactions. In this paper, we propose a method to convert such history-based representation into an automaton with a minimal number of states. Our main finding is that a successful strategy for the iterated three-person public-goods game can be represented as a 10-state automaton by this method. In this automaton, each state can be interpreted as the player’s internal judgement of the situation, such as trustworthiness of the co-players and the need to redeem oneself after defection. This result thus suggests a comprehensible way to choose an appropriate action at each step towards cooperation based on a situational judgement, which is mapped from the history of interactions.
Ultrasound-modulated optical glucose sensing using a 1645 nm laser
Authors: Park Eun-Yeong , Baik Jinwoo , Kim Hyojin , Park Sung-Min , Kim Chulhong
Published: August 2020

Regular and frequent blood glucose monitoring is vital in managing diabetes treatment plans and preventing severe complications. Because current invasive techniques impede patient compliance and are not infection-free, many noninvasive methods have been proposed. Among them, optical methods have drawn much attention for their rich optical contrast, but their resolution is degraded in deep tissue. Here, we present an ultrasound-modulated optical sensing (UOS) technique to noninvasively monitor glucose that uses an infrared laser (1645 nm) and a single-element focused ultrasound transducer. Focused ultrasound waves can acoustically localize diffused photons in scattering media, and thus optical contrast can be represented with much enhanced spatial resolution. To maximize the signal-to-noise ratio, we compared the modulation depths of UOS signals in both continuous and burst ultrasound transmission modes. Finally, UOS measurements of various glucose concentrations are presented and compared with those acquired in phantoms with a conventional diffuse optical sensing method. The UOS measurements in a 20 mm thick tissue-mimicking phantom show 26.6% accuracy in terms of mean absolute relative difference (MARD), which indicates the great potential of the proposed technique as a noninvasive glucose sensor.
Genetic heterogeneity and prognostic impact of recurrent ANK2 and TP53 mutations in mantle cell lymphoma: a multi-centre cohort study
Authors: Jeong Seri , Park Yu Jin , Yun Woobin , Lee Seung-Tae , Choi Jong Rak , Suh Cheolwon , Jo Jae-Cheol , Cha Hee Jeong , Jeong Jee-Yeong , Chang HeeKyung , Cha Yoon Jin , Kim Hyerim , Park Min-Jeong , Song Wonkeun , Cho Eun-Hae , Jeong Eun-Goo , Lee Junnam , Park Yongmin , Lee Yong Seok , Kim Da Jung , Lee Ho Sup
Published: August 2020

The molecular features of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), including its increased incidence, and complex therapies have not been investigated in detail, particularly in East Asian populations. In this study, we performed targeted panel sequencing (TPS) and whole-exome sequencing (WES) to investigate the genetic alterations in Korean MCL patients. We obtained a total of 53 samples from MCL patients from five Korean university hospitals between 2009 and 2016. We identified the recurrently mutated genes such as SYNE1, ATM, KMT2D, CARD11, ANK2, KMT2C, and TP53, which included some known drivers of MCL. The mutational profiles of our cohort indicated genetic heterogeneity. The significantly enriched pathways were mainly involved in gene expression, cell cycle, and programmed cell death. Multivariate analysis revealed that ANK2 mutations impacted the unfavourable overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 3.126; P = 0.032). Furthermore, TP53 mutations were related to worse progression-free survival (HR 7.813; P = 0.043). Among the recurrently mutated genes with more than 15.0% frequency, discrepancies were found in only 5 genes from 4 patients, suggesting comparability of the TPS to WES in practical laboratory settings. We provide the unbiased genetic landscape that might contribute to MCL pathogenesis and recurrent genes conferring unfavourable outcomes.
Exploring sunflower responses to Sclerotinia head rot at early stages of infection using RNA-seq analysis
Authors: Fass Mónica I. , Rivarola Máximo , Ehrenbolger Guillermo F. , Maringolo Carla A. , Montecchia Juan F. , Quiroz Facundo , García-García Francisco , Blázquez Joaquín Dopazo , Hopp H. Esteban , Heinz Ruth A. , Paniego Norma B. , Lia Verónica V.
Published: August 2020

Sclerotinia head rot (SHR), caused by the necrotrophic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is one of the most devastating sunflower crop diseases. Despite its worldwide occurrence, the genetic determinants of plant resistance are still largely unknown. Here, we investigated the Sclerotinia-sunflower pathosystem by analysing temporal changes in gene expression in one susceptible and two tolerant inbred lines (IL) inoculated with the pathogen under field conditions. Differential expression analysis showed little overlapping among ILs, suggesting genotype-specific control of cell defense responses possibly related to differences in disease resistance strategies. Functional enrichment assessments yielded a similar pattern. However, all three ILs altered the expression of genes involved in the cellular redox state and cell wall remodeling, in agreement with current knowledge about the initiation of plant immune responses. Remarkably, the over-representation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) was another common feature among ILs. Our findings highlight the diversity of transcriptional responses to SHR within sunflower breeding lines and provide evidence of lncRNAs playing a significant role at early stages of defense.
The integral spliceosomal component CWC15 is required for development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Slane Daniel , Lee Cameron H. , Kolb Martina , Dent Craig , Miao Yingjing , Franz-Wachtel Mirita , Lau Steffen , Maček Boris , Balasubramanian Sureshkumar , Bayer Martin , Jürgens Gerd
Published: August 2020

Efficient mRNA splicing is a prerequisite for protein biosynthesis and the eukaryotic splicing machinery is evolutionarily conserved among species of various phyla. At its catalytic core resides the activated splicing complex Bact consisting of the three small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes (snRNPs) U2, U5 and U6 and the so-called NineTeen complex (NTC) which is important for spliceosomal activation. CWC15 is an integral part of the NTC in humans and it is associated with the NTC in other species. Here we show the ubiquitous expression and developmental importance of the Arabidopsis ortholog of yeast CWC15. CWC15 associates with core components of the Arabidopsis NTC and its loss leads to inefficient splicing. Consistent with the central role of CWC15 in RNA splicing, cwc15 mutants are embryo lethal and additionally display strong defects in the female haploid phase. Interestingly, the haploid male gametophyte or pollen in Arabidopsis, on the other hand, can cope without functional CWC15, suggesting that developing pollen might be more tolerant to CWC15-mediated defects in splicing than either embryo or female gametophyte.
Novel behavior in a polymer solution: the disappearance of the melting temperature (Tm) and enthalpy change (ΔHm) of the solvent
Authors: Kim Mi Rae , Park Hee Jung , Cheon Kang Ho , Yeom Choong Kyun , Lee Kee Yoon
Published: August 2020

The phase change temperature and enthalpy change as a function of polystyrene (PS) concentration in dimethylformamide through a dynamic heating and quenching process were investigated. Cold crystallization, freezing and melting phenomena in a 10 wt% PS solution were all observed. Cold crystallization and melting phenomena were still observed in a 20 wt% solution. In a 30 wt% solution, all three phenomena disappeared without any solvent enthalpy changes, e.g., enthalpy changes at the melting temperature. The disappearance of both the melting temperature and the melting enthalpy change indicated that all polymer and solvent molecules in the 30 wt% solution existed only in the amorphous phase without any phase changes despite repeated heating and quenching processes. Thus, our results can provide a new approach for gelation through enthalpy changes and can be applied in the fabrication of porous membranes with a narrow distribution.