bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THERMOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF POLYPROPYLENE IN PRESENCE OF ALUMINUM SILICATES
Authors: Furda Lyubov V. , Smalchenko Dmitry E. , Titov Evgeny N. , Lebedeva Olga E.
Published: May 2020

The process of thermocatalytic conversion of polypropylene into liquid hydrocarbons using amorphous aluminum silicates with aluminum content of 1.6-12.9 wt.% as catalysts was studied. The aluminum silicates were synthesized by sol-gel method using hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane in a presence of aluminum salt at pH=9. All samples possessed acidic sites with pKa value of 3.46-5.00 and had a developed surface. Textural properties of the aluminum silicates were determined. Thermocatalytic conversion of polypropylene was carried out in a flow fixed-bed reactor with a fixed layer of the mixture of the catalyst and the reagent at a mass ratio of polymer : catalyst of 3 : 1 in argon atmosphere with a gradual rise of temperature in the range of 300 – 450 ºС. The sample of silica, which did not contain aluminum, was demonstrated to be inactive in polypropylene degradation, while other catalysts provided conversion of polypropylene into liquid products. The highest yield of liquid products was 80% for a catalyst with an aluminum content of 8.1 wt.%. According to the results of GLC saturated hydrocarbons were identified among the products for all samples. The effect of the concentration of acidic centers on the chemical and fractional composition of the target products was shown. For the studied aluminum silicates with the same pKa values, an increase in the aluminum content favored the formation of a lighter hydrocarbon fraction. For the catalyst with the highest aluminum content the n-alkanes of С5-С10 composition were identified. These products were closest to gasoline oil fraction. This provides a possibility to consider secondary polyolefins as an alternative source of motor fuels. An influence of catalyst composition on maximal temperature of polyethylene degradation was determined by differential thermal analysis.
THEORETICAL STUDY OF HEAT CONDUCTION IN MULTI-LAYER SPHERICAL BODY WITH PHASE TRANSFORMATION IN LAYERS
Authors: Mizonov Vadim E. , Mitrofanov Andrey V. , Basova Elena V. , Shuina Elena A. , Tannous Katia
Published: May 2020

The objective of the study is to build a simple yet informative mathematical model that describes the heat conduction in a spherical multi-layer body with phase transformation in the layers. The numerical scheme based on the theory of Markov chains is proposed to solve this problem numerically. The radial sector of the body is divided into finite number of spherical perfectly mixed cells of different volume, which form a chain of cells. The heat exchange between the cells is described with the heat conduction matrix, the entries of which depend on the local thermo-physical properties of material in the cells (heat conduction coefficient, density, specific heat capacity). These properties can vary from one cell to another and with time. The outer cell of the chain can exchange with heat with outside environment, the temperature of which can vary with time. The state of the process is observed in discrete moments of time separated by small but finite transition duration. If the temperature of a cell reaches the value, the phase transformation begins at which, the evolution of the cell thermal and phase state is described with the corresponding kinetic equation of the phase transformation. The process of melting and solidification is used as the example to verify the qualitative predictability of the model. The graphs of temperature distribution evolution and diagrams of phase content distribution in a multi-layer spherical body are presented. The obtained results on the evolution of the thermal and phase state of the ball have no contradiction to the physical sense of the process. The proposed algorithm has very low computational time (1-3 min for one regime). The other processes of the phase transformation can be easily implemented in the model, for instance, drying, exothermic and endothermic chemical reactions, etc.
ПРИМЈЕНА ТРЕЋЕГ ПАНЕВРОПСКОГ КРИТЕРИЈУМА ОДРЖИВОГ ГАЗДОВАЊА ШУМAМA „OДРЖAВAЊE И ПOДСТИЦAЊE ПРOИЗВOДНИХ ФУНКЦИJA ШУМA” НА ПРИМЈЕРУ НАЦИОНАЛНОГ ПАРКА „КОЗАРА”
Authors: Ромчевић Драган
Published: May 2020

У раду су приказани резултати тестирања паневропског критеријума 3 – Одржавање и подсти-цање производних функција шума на примјеру Националног парка „Козара”. Индикатори крите-ријума 3 су: прираст и сјеча, обла грађа, остали производи из шуме (који нису од дрвета), услугеи шуме обухваћене плановима газдовања. Тестирање је изведено за све прописане индикаторенаведеног критеријума. Као резултат тестирања добили смо препоруку за законске и институ-ционалне смјернице, смјернице за планирање газдовања шумама и смјернице за поступке газ-довања шумама. Тестирањем се закључује да шуме Националног парка „Козара” имају високевриједности запремине и запреминског прираста, али да провођење само санитарних сјеча ниједовољно за одржавање пребирне структуре ових шума, да се остали производи из шуме ограни-чено користе, а да услуге које парк пружа треба стално унапређивати и побољшавати.
POPULACIONI STATUS, ZAŠTITA I UPRAVLJANJE MRKIM MEDVJEDOM (Ursus arctos) U REPUBLICI SRPSKOJ - STAVOVI JAVNOSTI
Authors: Trbojević Igor , Pašić Jasmin , Brix Mareike , Stevanović Oliver , Trbojević Tijana
Published: May 2020

Ovaj rad predstavlja novi korak u razumijevanju stvarnog stanja populacije mrkog medvjeda (Ursus arctos)koji nastanjuje područja Republike Srpske (RS). Rezultati dobijeni anketiranjem 38 od 42 (91%) organizacijekoje upravljaju medvjedima u RS (lovačke organizacije, šumska gazdinstva i nacionalni parkovi)služe kao osnova za razvoj boljeg upravljanja i zaštite vrste. Anketirani ispitanici imali su veoma visokoopšte mišljenje o medvjedima, što je ocijenjeno prosječnom ocjenom 4,6 (od 1 − vrlo loše do 5 − odlično).Većina ispitanika (74%) nije bila sigurna koji je stvarni broj medvjeda u RS. Nedostatak implementacijeCITES-a u RS prepoznat je kao važna potreba za promjenom postojećeg zakonodavstva (65% mišljenja).U 79% lovišta su zabilježene štete od medvjeda, najčešće na stoci (40%) i pčelinjacima (37%). Prisutnostmedvjeda s problematičnim ponašanjem u RS prijavilo je 50% ispitanika, a to je manifestovano kroz stalnopojavljivanje šteta (58% ispitanika), napade na ljude (11%) i kretanju kroz naseljena područja bez strahaod ljudi (11%). 74% ispitanika smatralo je da je trajno uklanjanje problematičnih jedinki najdjelotvornijerješenje. Krivolov je identifikovan kao jedna od najvećih prijetnji i prijavljen je u 61% lovišta, a 81% ispitanikasmatra da je stopa krivolova na području RS visoka (47%) i srednje visoka (34%). Uzimajući u obzirsve odgovore, predlažemo hitno stvaranje plana upravljanja mrkim medvjedom, jer bi se time mogli riješitibrojni problemi, pitanja i sumnje u pogledu upravljanja i boljeg suživota s ovom vrstom u RS.
RECENZIJA KNJIGE ''STANJE ŠUMA I ŠUMSKIH ZEMLJIŠTA U BOSNI I HERCEGOVINI''
Authors: Koprivica Miloš
Published: May 2020

Radi realnog zasnivanja šumarske politike Bosnei Hercegovine (BiH) i njenih entiteta, FederacijeBosne i Hercegovine (FBiH) i Republike Srpske(RS), te izrade perspektivnih planova razvojašuma i šumarstva, drvne industrije, zaštite iunapređenja životne sredine, očuvanja biodiverziteta,itd. potrebni su pouzdani podaci na osnovukojih se može dobiti uvid u trenutno stanješumskog fonda i u dinamiku promjene tog stanjaiz perioda u period.
Figures of Contrast in Tennessee Williams’s Summer and Smoke
Authors: Choiński Michał
Published: May 2020

Ostensibly, Tennessee Williams’s Summer and Smoke (1948) revolves around the figurative contrasts between the bodily and the spiritual. This bifurcation is the basis of the clash between the play’s two main characters: John Buchanan and Alma Winemiller, whose unfulfilled romance is for Williams a study of the tragic impossibility of a conflation of opposites. In the construction of the characters, Williams shows a great deal of figurative “plasticity”–he is particular about the metaphors used to designate two sides of the central contrast. This article adopts the figurative approach to study how the playwright constructs John and Alma in metaphorical terms, as contrastive macrofigures, and to demonstrate how this figurative perspective allows him to escalate the tragedy of their impossible romance.
The Role of Sphenobasilar Synchondrosis in Disease and Health
Authors: Liem Torsten
Published: May 2020

Background

The sphenobasilar synchondrosis (SBS; also, sphenobasilar synostosis or sphenooccipital synchondrosis) plays a major role in the concept of osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine (OCMM) and craniosacral therapy. Previous research suggests that many individuals, from newborns to adults, present with single or multiple SBS strain patterns as a result of the birth process and other traumatic forces throughout life. To date, it is unclear whether specific SBS lesion patterns are present in altered health states and disease and how they compare with healthy controls.

Objective

To identify research that reports on specific SBS strain patterns compared with healthy controls.

Methods

A literature review of electronic databases and hand-search of publication bibliographies was performed. Observational studies of newborns, children, and adults were included if there was information on the occurrence of cranial strain patterns related to the SBS in individuals with impaired health states and a healthy control group.

Results

Of 1123 citations, 836 articles were screened after duplicate removal, and 42 articles were evaluated by full-text assessment. Three articles were included in this review, including 1 prospective and 2 retrospective studies. The age ranges of the populations studied were newborns aged 5 days or younger, children aged 4 to 14 years, and adults aged 45 to 90 years. In adults with Parkinson disease, no significant difference in SBS strain patterns between the Parkinson disease group and the age-matched healthy control group were seen. In contrast, different SBS strain patterns were observed between newborns with a range of health impairments, such as jaundice and respiratory and nervous symptoms, and children with learning disabilities compared with their healthy counterparts. However, no statistical analysis was conducted in these 2 studies; hence, results are difficult to interpret. Reporting in all 3 studies was limited; therefore, the methodologic quality of the 3 identified studies was deemed incapable of being judged.

Conclusion

The study landscape of this review highlights the scarcity of, poor reporting on, and unclear methodologic quality of research on SBS strain patterns in disease and health. It is still unclear whether and to what extent specific SBS strain patterns occur in impaired health states compared with healthy controls. Future studies should seek to improve study methods and reporting and minimize the risk of bias.
Natural Course of Atrophic Gastritis and Intestinal Metaplasia
Authors: Kim Beom Jin
Published: May 2020

Atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) are considered the main precursor lesions of gastric cancer, and the risk of gastric cancer in the gastric mucosa increases in the presence of AG and IM. The development of intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma represents the last step of an inflammation-metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence, called the Correa cascade of multistep gastric carcinogenesis. The incidences of both AG and IM tend to increase with age. Helicobacter pylori is regarded the most important factor in the development of IM; the progression of AG to IM is also affected by numerous environmental factors and individual genetic factors. Therefore, understanding the natural course of AG and IM is very important, especially in areas with a high prevalence of gastric cancer such as Korea.
Characterization of the bacterial microbiota composition and evolution at different intestinal tract in wild pigs (Sus scrofa ussuricus)
Authors: Yang Guangli , Shi Chuanxin , Zhang Shuhong , Liu Yan , Li Zhiqiang , Gao Fengyi , Cui Yanyan , Yan Yongfeng , Li Ming
Published: May 2020

Commensal microorganisms are essential to the normal development and function of many aspects of animal biology, including digestion, nutrient absorption, immunological development, behaviors, and evolution. The specific microbial composition and evolution of the intestinal tracts of wild pigs remain poorly characterized. This study therefore sought to assess the composition, distribution, and evolution of the intestinal microbiome of wild pigs. For these analyses, 16S rRNA V3-V4 regions from five gut sections prepared from each of three wild sows were sequenced to detect the microbiome composition. These analyses revealed the presence of 6,513 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) mostly distributed across 17 phyla and 163 genera in these samples, with Firmicutes and Actinobacteria being the most prevalent phyla of microbes present in cecum and jejunum samples, respectively. Moreover, the abundance of Actinobacteria in wild pigs was higher than that in domestic pigs. At the genus level the Bifidobacterium and Allobaculum species of microbes were most abundant in all tested gut sections, with higher relative abundance in wild pigs relative to domestic pigs, indicating that in the process of pig evolution, the intestinal microbes also evolved, and changes in the intestinal microbial diversity could have been one of the evolutionary forces of pigs. Intestinal microbial functional analyses also revealed the microbes present in the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and large intestine (cecum and colon) of wild pigs to engage distinct metabolic spatial structures and pathways relative to one another. Overall, these results offer unique insights that would help to advance the current understanding of how the intestinal microbes interact with the host and affect the evolution of pigs.
Microscale Polarization Color Pixels from Liquid Crystal Elastomers
Authors: Guo Yubing , Shahsavan Hamed , Sitti Metin
Published: May 2020

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) attract burgeoning research interests due to their programmable 3D shape transformation and achievable large strain (up to 400%), which allow their diverse applications. One exciting application is soft microrobots towards biomedical applications. Here, it is demonstrated that polarization colors, an intrinsic property from the anisotropic nature of LCEs, can assist LCEs in their diverse applications. Microscale color pixels with sizes as small as 15 µm × 15 µm are obtained with designable colors from precisely controlled thicknesses enabled by two‐photon polymerization technique. It is then demonstrated that in‐plane rotation of LCE pixels only changes their color brightness instead of color hue and small tilting angle (<15°) causes almost no change of their color. These properties enable high‐contrast tracking of LCEs under polarized microscope. Furthermore, it is exhibited that both 2D and 3D microstructures with pre‐designed multiple colors can be realized, allowing for LCE applications requiring precise discrimination of different components. Finally, dynamic polarization colors are explored by insertion of waveplates and change of temperature, which allows for either better tracking of LCEs or applications of LCEs in temperature sensing and information encryption. It is expected that polarization colors will assist various LCE applications, especially soft microrobot and art display applications.
Dr. B.A. Stewart: Creator and director of the Dryland Agriculture Institute at West Texas A&M University
Authors: Blaser Brock C.
Published: May 2020

During his 24 yr as Director of the Dryland Agriculture Institute at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), Dr. B.A. Stewart had a significant impact on dryland research, undergraduate and graduate students from numerous countries, the faculty and staff at WTAMU, and fellow scientists throughout the soil and crop science world. His influence will continue to have an impact on dryland crop production and researchers for many generations to come.
Erdbebennachweis von Mauerwerksbauten mit realistischen Modellen und erhöhten Verhaltensbeiwerten
Authors: El‐Deib Khaled , Butenweg Christoph , Klinkel Sven
Published: May 2020

Die Anwendung des linearen Nachweiskonzepts auf Mauerwerksbauten führt dazu, dass bereits heute Standsicherheitsnachweise für Gebäude mit üblichen Grundrissen in Gebieten mit moderaten Erdbebeneinwirkungen nicht mehr geführt werden können. Diese Problematik wird sich in Deutschland mit der Einführung kontinuierlicher probabilistischer Erdbebenkarten weiter verschärfen. Aufgrund der Erhöhung der seismischen Einwirkungen, die sich vielerorts ergibt, ist es erforderlich, die vorhandenen, bislang nicht berücksichtigten Tragfähigkeitsreserven in nachvollziehbaren Nachweiskonzepten in der Baupraxis verfügbar zu machen. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt ein Konzept für die gebäudespezifische Ermittlung von erhöhten Verhaltensbeiwerten vor. Die Verhaltensbeiwerte setzen sich aus drei Anteilen zusammen, mit denen die Lastumverteilung im Grundriss, die Verformungsfähigkeit und Energiedissipation sowie die Überfestigkeiten berücksichtigt werden. Für die rechnerische Ermittlung dieser drei Anteile wird ein nichtlineares Nachweiskonzept auf Grundlage von Pushover‐Analysen vorgeschlagen, in denen die Interaktionen von Wänden und Geschossdecken durch einen Einspanngrad beschrieben werden. Für die Bestimmung der Einspanngrade wird ein nichtlinearer Modellierungsansatz eingeführt, mit dem die Interaktion von Wänden und Decken abgebildet werden kann. Die Anwendung des Konzepts mit erhöhten gebäudespezifischen Verhaltensbeiwerten wird am Beispiel eines Mehrfamilienhauses aus Kalksandsteinen demonstriert. Die Ergebnisse der linearen Nachweise mit erhöhten Verhaltensbeiwerten für dieses Gebäude liegen deutlich näher an den Ergebnissen nichtlinearer Nachweise und somit bleiben übliche Grundrisse in Erdbebengebieten mit den traditionellen linearen Rechenansätzen nachweisbar.
Flap demise reversed after central venous access device removal: A case report
Authors: Sandelski Morgan M. , Rabbani Cyrus C. , Moore Michael G. , Sim Michael W.
Published: May 2020

Patients undergoing head and neck free flap reconstruction should be evaluated for radiation‐induced venous stenosis and presence of central venous port as a potential risk for flap failure.
Benefits of Organo‐Aqueous Binary Solvents for Redox Supercapacitors Based on Polyoxometalates
Authors: Dsoke Sonia , Abbas Qamar
Published: May 2020

A novel redox electrolyte is proposed based on organo‐aqueous solvent and a polyoxometalate (POM) redox moiety. The presence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) plays multiple roles in this system. Firstly, it enhances the cathodic electrochemical stability window by shifting the H2 evolution to lower potentials with respect to pure aqueous systems; secondly, it improves the reversibility of the redox reaction of the PW12O403− anion at low potentials. The presence of DMSO suppresses the Al corrosion, thus enabling the use of this metal as the current collector. An activated carbon‐based supercapacitor is investigated in 1 M LiNO3/10 mM H3PW12O40 in a mixed DMSO/H2O solvent and compared with a POM‐free electrolyte. In the presence of POMs, the device achieves better stability under floating conditions at 1.8 V. At 1 kW kg−1, it delivers a specific energy of 8 Wh kg−1 vs. 4.5 Wh kg−1 delivered from the POM‐free device. The H2 evolution is further shifted by the POMs adsorbed on the activated carbon, which is one reason for the improved stability. The POM‐containing cell demonstrates a mitigated self‐discharge, owing to strong POMs adsorption into the carbon pores.
Outcomes among pediatric patients with cancer who are treated on trial versus off trial: A matched cohort study
Authors: Schapira Marilyn M. , Stevens Evelyn M. , Sharpe James E. , Hochman Lauren , Reiter Joseph G. , Calhoun Shawna R. , Shah Shivani A. , Bailey Leonard Charles , Bagatell Rochelle , Silber Jeffrey H. , Tai Eric , Barakat Lamia P.
Published: May 2020

Background

Approximately 50% of children with cancer in the United States who are aged <15 years receive primary treatment on a therapeutic clinical trial. To the authors' knowledge, it remains unknown whether trial enrollment has a clinical benefit compared with the best alternative standard therapy and/or off trial (ie, clinical trial effect). The authors conducted a retrospective matched cohort study to compare the morbidity and mortality of pediatric patients with cancer who are treated on a phase 3 clinical trial compared with those receiving standard therapy and/or off trial.

Methods

Subjects were aged birth to 19 years; were diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), rhabdomyosarcoma, or neuroblastoma; and had received initial treatment at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. On‐trial and off‐trial subjects were matched based on age, race, ethnicity, a diagnosis of Down syndrome (for patients with ALL or AML), prognostic risk level, date of diagnosis, and tumor type.

Results

A total of 428 participants were matched in 214 pairs (152 pairs for ALL, 24 pairs for AML, 32 pairs for rhabdomyosarcoma, and 6 pairs for neuroblastoma). The 5‐year survival rate did not differ between those treated on trial versus those treated with standard therapy and/or off trial (86.9% vs 82.2%; P = .093). On‐trial patients had a 32% lower odds of having worse (higher) mortality‐morbidity composite scores, although this did not reach statistical significance (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.45‐1.03 [P = .070]).

Conclusions

There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes noted between those patients treated on trial and those treated with standard therapy and/or off trial. However, in partial support of the clinical trial effect, the results of the current study indicate a trend toward more favorable outcomes in children treated on trial compared with those treated with standard therapy and/or off trial. These findings can support decision making regarding enrollment in pediatric phase 3 clinical trials.
Retinal defocus and form‐deprivation induced regional differential gene expression of bone morphogenetic proteins in chick retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Zhang Yan , Azmoun Sara , Hang Abraham , Zeng Jiexi , Eng Emily , Wildsoet Christine F.
Published: May 2020

We previously reported bidirectional gene expression regulation of the Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP2, 4, and 7) in chick retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in response to imposed optical defocus and form‐deprivation (FD). This study investigated whether there are local (regional) differences in these effects. 19‐day old White‐Leghorn chicks wore monocular +10 or − 10 D lenses, or diffusers (FD) for 2 or 48 hr, after which RPE samples were collected from both eyes, from a central circular zone (3 mm radius), and 3 mm wide annular mid‐peripheral and peripheral zones in all cases. BMP2, 4, and 7 gene expression levels in RPE from treated and fellow control eyes were compared as well as differences across zones. With the +10 D lens, increased expression of both BMP2 and BMP4 genes was observed in central and mid‐peripheral zones but not the peripheral zone after 2 and 48 hr. In contrast, with the −10 D lens BMP2 gene expression was significantly decreased in all three zones after 2 and 48 hr. Similar patterns of BMP2 gene expression were observed in all three zones after 48 hr of FD. Smaller changes were recorded for BMP4 and BMP7 gene expression for both myopia‐inducing treatments. That optical defocus‐ and FD‐induced changes in BMP gene expression in chick RPE show treatment‐dependent local (regional) differences suggest important differences in the nature and contributions of local retinal and underlying RPE regions to eye growth regulation.
Plant genome size influences stress tolerance of invasive and native plants via plasticity
Authors: Meyerson Laura A. , Pyšek Petr , Lučanová Magdalena , Wigginton Sara , Tran Cao‐Tri , Cronin James T.
Published: May 2020

Plant genome size influences the functional relationships between cellular and whole‐plant physiology, but we know little about its importance to plant tolerance of environmental stressors and how it contributes to range limits and invasion success. We used native and invasive lineages of a wetland plant to provide the first experimental test of the Large Genome Constraint Hypothesis (LGCH)—that plants with large genomes are less tolerant of environmental stress and less plastic under stress gradients than plants with small genomes. We predicted that populations with larger genomes would have a lower tolerance and less plasticity to a stress gradient than populations with smaller genomes. In replicated experiments in northern and southern climates in the United States, we subjected plants from 35 populations varying in genome size and lineage to two salinity treatments. We measured traits associated with growth, physiology, nutrition, defense, and plasticity. Using AICc model selection, we found all plant traits, except stomatal conductance, were influenced by environmental stressors and genome size. Increasing salinity was stressful to plants and affected most plant traits. Notably, biomass in the high‐salinity treatment was 3.0 and 4.9 times lower for the invasive and native lineages, respectively. Plants in the warmer southern greenhouse had higher biomass, stomate density, stomatal conductance, leaf toughness, and lower aboveground percentage of N and total phenolics than in the northern greenhouse. Moreover, responses to the salinity gradient were generally much stronger in the southern than northern greenhouse. Aboveground biomass increased significantly with genome size for the invasive lineage (43% across genome sizes) but not for the native. For 8 of 20 lineage trait comparisons, greenhouse location × genome size interaction was also significant. Interestingly, the slope of the relationship between genome size and trait means was in the opposite direction for some traits between the gardens providing mixed support for LGCH. Finally, for 30% of the comparisons, plasticity was significantly related to genome size—for some plant traits, the relationship was positive, and in others, it was negative. Overall, we found mixed support for LGCH and for the first time found that genome size is associated with plasticity, a trait widely regarded as important to invasion success.
Community assembly in a modular organism: the impact of environmental filtering on bryozoan colony form and polymorphism
Authors: Schack Carolann R. , Gordon Dennis P. , Ryan Ken G.
Published: May 2020

Understanding community assembly is a key goal in community ecology. Environmental filtering influences community assembly by excluding ill‐adapted species, resulting in communities with similar functional traits. An RLQ (a four‐way ordination) analysis incorporating spatial data was run on a data set of 642 species of cheilostomes (Bryozoa) from 779 New Zealand sites, and results were compared to trends in other sessile, epibenthic taxa. This revealed environmental filtering of colony form: encrusting‐cemented taxa were predominant in shallow environments with hard substrata (<200 m), while erect‐rooted taxa characterized deeper environments with soft substrata (>200 m). Furthermore, erect taxa found in shallow environments with high current speeds were typically jointed. Polymorphism also followed environmental gradients. External ovicells (brood chambers) were more common in deeper, low‐oxygen water than immersed and internal ovicells. This may reflect the oxygen needs of the embryo or increased predation intensity in shallow environments. Bryozoans with costae tended to be found in deeper water as well, while bryozoans with calcified frontal shields were found in shallow environments with a higher concentration of CaCO3. Avicularia did not appear to be related to environmental conditions, and changes in pivot bar structure with depth likely represent a phylogenetic signal. The importance of substratum type as a strict environmental filter suggests that anchoring structures, like rootlets, may be “key innovations” for other sessile, epibenthic taxa like sponges and ascidians.
Interfacial Crystallization of Diacylglycerols Rich in Medium‐ and Long‐Chain Fatty Acids in Water‐in‐Oil Emulsions
Authors: Li Guanghui , Chen Jiazi , Yang Jia , Wang Shaolin , Liu Ning , Qiu Chaoying , Wang Yong
Published: May 2020

The effects of diacylglycerols rich in medium‐ and long‐chain fatty acids (MLCD) on the crystallization of hydrogenated palm oil (HPO) and formation of 10% water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsion are studied, and compared with the common surfactants monostearoylglycerol (MSG) and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR). Polarized light microscopy reveals that emulsions made with MLCD form crystals around dispersed water droplets and promotes HPO crystallization at the oil‐water interface. Similar behavior is also observed in MSG‐stabilized emulsions, but is absent from emulsions made with PGPR. The large deformation yield value of the test W/O emulsion is increased four‐fold versus those stabilized via PGPR due to interfacial crystallization of HPO. However, there are no large differences in droplet size, solid fat content (SFC), thermal behavior or polymorphism to account for these substantial changes, implying that the spatial distribution of the HPO crystals within the crystal network is the driving factor responsible for the observed textural differences. MLCD‐covered water droplets act as active fillers and interact with surrounding fat crystals to enhance the rigidity of emulsion. This study provides new insights regarding the use of MLCD in W/O emulsions as template for interfacial crystallization and the possibility of tailoring their large deformation behavior.

Practical Applications: MLCD is applied in preparing W/O emulsion. It is found that MLCD forms unique interfacial Pickering crystals around water droplets, which promote the surface‐inactive HPO nucleation at the oil‐water interface. Thus MLCD‐covered water droplets act as active fillers and interact with surrounding fat crystals, which can greatly enhance the rigidity of emulsion. This observation would provide a theoretical reference and practical basis for the application of the MLCD with appreciable nutritional properties in lipid‐rich products such as whipped cream, shortenings margarine, butter and ice cream, so as to substitute hydrogenated oil. MLCD‐stabilized emulsions can also be explored for the development of novel confectionery products, lipsticks, or controlled release matrices.
Capillary zone electrophoresis separation and collection of spermatozoa for the forensic analysis of sexual assault evidence
Authors: Wright Sarah N. , Huge Bonnie Jaskowski , Dovichi Norman J.
Published: May 2020

The processing of sexual assault kits (SAKs) relies on the genetic analysis of material extracted from swabs collected from the assault victim. A vital step in producing an identifiable DNA profile of the perpetrator is the effective separation of perpetrator (sperm) and victim (epithelial) DNA that have been isolated from the collected evidence. We report the use of capillary zone electrophoresis for the separation of intact sperm from whole and lysed epithelial cells in SAKs. The separated components are deposited into wells of a microtiter plate using a computer‐controlled fraction collector, and quantitative PCR is used to verify the collection of sperm cells by targeted amplification of male DNA. We present results from simulated sexual assault samples that have been aged for up to 18 months, as well as vaginal swabs from authentic forensic kits. Components extracted from the vaginal swabs from the SAK comigrated with an aged semen sample at 6.25 ± 0.25 min. Epithelial cells migrated from 10‐12 min, producing baseline resolution of the components. Sperm cells were collected in a microtiter plate for downstream analysis.
Coupling model of disk splitting for expansive rock mass in deep storage considering water infiltration
Authors: Zhao Zenghui , Gao Xiaojie , Chen Shaojie , Zhang Mingzhong , Sun Wei
Published: May 2020

Energy storage in deep underground and mineral mining has currently become a hot research topic. To investigate the tensile failure of expansive soft rocks, a disk splitting mechanical model was established under a coupled action of the humidity and mechanical fields. Then, based on the theory of humidity stress field and the solution to the stress of a semi‐infinite body under the action of a concentrated force, an analytical formula for the stress of the disk under the action of the two fields was derived. Using the analytical formula, the influence of the humidity field and disk physical parameters on the distribution of the stress field on the disk under the coupled humidity‐mechanical action was further analyzed. Finally, the formula for the splitting tensile strength of expansive soft rocks under the influence of humidity was modified. The analysis results showed that the stress evolution of the disk under the coupled humidity‐mechanical action was completely different from that under a single‐load action. The stress concentration was generated at the dry‐wet interface of the disk. In addition, the range and value of the stress concentration zone increased with the increase in the humidity of the external environment, elastic modulus of soft rock, and linear expansion coefficient. Under the action of a single load, the cracking position was at the center of the disk. In contrast, under the coupled humidity‐mechanical action, the cracking position was transferred to the intersection of the dry‐wet interface and the loading direction. The above results can provide preliminary theoretical guidance for understanding the tensile failure mechanism of expansive soft rocks.
Collaborative care for primary care treatment of late‐life depression in Singapore: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ng Tze Pin , Nyunt Ma S. Z. , Feng Liang , Kumar Rajeev , Fones Calvin S. L. , Ko Soo Meng
Published: May 2020

Background

The effectiveness and portability of the collaborative care model in the primary care treatment of depression has not been demonstrated in many randomized controlled trials in healthcare settings across the world. We determined the effectiveness of collaborative care management of elderly depression in the primary care setting in Singapore.

Method

Eligible participants with depressive symptoms were randomized to 6‐month duration usual care (UC, N = 112) or collaborative care (CC, N = 102). Outcome measures were HDRS‐17, GDS, BDI and SF‐12 MCS QOL measured at 3, 6, and 12‐month, care satisfaction at 6‐month, and also measured on 120 participants who refused referral (non‐receipt of care, NC). Primary outcome was HDRS‐17 measure of depression severity, response and remission at 6‐month.

Results

HDRS scores in CC group compared to UC group were reduced more at 6‐month (1.5 points difference in change from baseline), and also at 3 and 12‐month, with similar observations of differences for GDS and BDI. There was significantly greater improvement for both CC and UC groups compared to NC group. The CC group was about 1.5 times more likely to show HDRS treatment response and remission, and more than two times likely to show GDS treatment response and remission than the UC and NC groups, as well as better quality of life improvement (P < .001) and better care satisfaction (P < .001).

Conclusion

Collaborative care is effective for primary care treatment of older persons with depression and is portable in diverse health care settings.
Impacts of variable thermal conductivity and mixed convective stagnation‐point flow in a couple stress nanofluid with viscous heating and heat source
Authors: Gajjela Nagaraju , Garvandha Mahesh
Published: May 2020

The current study examines mixed (combined) convection stagnation‐point couple stress nanofluid over a stretched cylinder of variable thermal conductivity in the presence of viscous dissipation and internal heat source. The basic governing partial differential equations have been converted to coupled nonlinear differential equations by using adequate similarity transformations. By applying semi‐analytic technique (BVPh2.0), the equivalent ordinary differential equations are successfully solved and validated with a bvp4c solver. Graphs are presented to study the impact of various parameters on axial velocity, temperature, and volumetric nanofluid concentration profiles. The coefficient of skin friction (quantifying resistance) and the rate of heat and mass transfer on the surface due to flow variables are computed and explained. The axial velocity and momentum thickness are decreased with increasing couple stress parameter, whereas the reverse trend is noted with mixed convection and buoyancy ratio parameters. The temperature distribution increases for increasing Brownian motion and thermal conductivity parameter, whereas it decreases for increasing stagnation parameter.
Magnetohydrodynamic MgO/CuO‐water hybrid nanofluid flow driven by two distinct geometries
Authors: Sulochana C. , Aparna S. R. , Sandeep N.
Published: May 2020

Research regarding the heat transit mechanism of magnetohydrodynamic hybrid nanoliquid flow over contrasting flow profiles is predominantly employed in transpiration, coolants, fiber coatings, heat exchangers, and so on. Owing to this, we intend to dissect the heat transport behavior of MHD hybrid nanofluid flow past a cone as well as a wedge. For the analysis, we take nonlinear radiation and viscous dissipation into consideration with 30% of ethylene glycol and water (or EGW) as base fluid with suspended copper oxide (CuO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles. The Runge‐Kutta method with the shooting technique is utilized to figure out the deduced nonlinear gotverning equations. The influence of the concerned different admissible parameters on similar distributions (cone and wedge) are graphically illustrated and interpreted accordingly via computed numerical values. It is worth noting that the heat transport rate is greater past the cone rather than the wedge. The presence of CuO and MgO hybrid nanoparticles increases the heat transfer rate of the EGW base fluid.
Navigating Institutional Culture in Ensuring the Ethical Use of Data in Support of Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness
Authors: Cubarrubia Archie , Le Michael
Published: May 2020

In this chapter, we explore the contexts within which institutional researchers must try to ensure the ethical use of data. We also identify challenges institutional research professionals can face when navigating college culture while trying to ensure the ethical use of data. Finally, we identify potential solutions for improving institutional data culture.
Experiences and lessons learned by genetic counselors in returning secondary genetic findings to patients
Authors: Rost Carly , Dent Karin M. , Botkin Jeffrey , Rothwell Erin
Published: May 2020

Few studies have explored the real‐world experiences and strategies of genetic counselors involved in the process of returning secondary findings (SFs). This study aimed to describe and categorize the experiences for the return of SFs from clinical sequencing. Semi‐structured telephone interviews with 21 genetic counselors representing 56 incidences were conducted. A content analysis was conducted on the transcripts through an iterative, team‐based approach. Four common categories emerged across all interviews. These included (a) the importance of pretest counseling for the return of SFs, (b) how primary test results influenced the level of importance placed on the SFs, (c) patients' emotional reactions from receiving SF results, and (d) how returning SFs changed future pretest counseling and consent. This study identified experiences and common practices by genetic counselors who returned SFs. More research is needed to assess how genetic counselors' specific strategies improve patient comprehension and medical actions.
Progressive substitution of posttransplant cyclophosphamide with bendamustine: A phase I study in haploidentical bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Katsanis Emmanuel , Maher Keri , Roe Denise J. , Simpson Richard J.
Published: May 2020

We have initiated a single center phase I study in patients with hematologic malignancies progressively substituting day +4 posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PT‐CY) with bendamustine (PT‐BEN) following myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and T‐cell replete haploidentical bone marrow transplantation (haplo‐BMT). We report herein our interim analysis of our first three cohorts PT‐CY (mg/kg)/PT‐BEN (mg/m2): 40/20, 20/60, and 0/90. All patients have tolerated PT‐CY/BEN well with no dose limiting toxicities. Compared to contemporaneous controls undergoing haplo‐BMT with the same MAC regimens but only PT‐CY, we have observed earlier trilineage engraftment (P = .002 neutrophils, P = .014 platelets) and a lower incidence of cytomegalovirus reactivation (P = .016) in the PT‐CY/BEN cohorts. After substituting day +4 PT‐CY with PT‐BEN, the registered trial (www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02996773) is proceeding to replace day +3 PT‐CY with PT‐BEN with a view to identifying further evidence on the potential advantages of PT‐BEN.
An exploratory study of the effects of strenuous exercise on markers of coagulation activation, circulating microparticles, and inflammation in sickle cell trait
Authors: Skinner Sarah , Ryan Eric D. , Stafford Harry C. , McMurray Robert G. , Key Nigel S. , Mooberry Micah J.
Published: May 2020

This exploratory study evaluated the effect of intense exercise on biomarkers of inflammation and coagulation activation in subjects with and without sickle cell trait (SCT). Fifteen healthy African American men (18‐35 years, 5 SCT, 10 control) completed a strenuous exercise protocol. Microparticle‐associated prothrombinase and tissue factor activities, as well as soluble VCAM, total white cell and monocyte count increased transiently in all subjects following exercise. In the SCT group, exercise resulted in increased d‐dimer, erythrocyte phosphatidylserine exposure, as well as increased circulating erythrocyte‐ and endothelial‐derived microparticle numbers. These alterations could contribute to exercise‐related complications in people with SCT.
Nonlocal stochastic functional differential equations driven by G‐Brownian motion and mean random dynamical systems
Authors: Chen Zhang , Yang Dandan
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we consider a class of nonlocal stochastic functional differential equations driven by G‐Brownian motion (GNSFDEs) at phase space
whose coefficients are dependent on the p‐th moment. Existence and uniqueness of solutions for GNSFDEs are investigated by virtue of theory of nonlinear expectation. Furthermore, we show that the solution map of GNSFDEs can generate a p‐mean random dynamical system in nonlinear expectation framework. In addition, two examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results
Metabolomics Reveals Altered Hepatic Bile Acids, Gut Microbiome Metabolites, and Cell Membrane Lipids Associated with Marginal Vitamin A Deficiency in a Mongolian Gerbil Model
Authors: La Frano Michael R. , Brito Alex , Johnson Catherine M. , Wilhelmson Baylee , Gannon Bryan , Fanter Rob K. , Pedersen Theresa L. , Tanumihardjo Sherry A. , Newman John W.
Published: May 2020

Scope

This study is designed to provide a broad evaluation of the impacts of vitamin A (VA) deficiency on hepatic metabolism in a gerbil model.

Methods and results

After 28 days of VA depletion, male Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)are randomly assigned to experimental diets for 28 days. Groups are fed a white‐maize‐based diet with ≈50 µL cottonseed oil vehicle either alone (VA−,n = 10) or containing 40 µg retinyl acetate (VA+,n = 10) for 28 days. Liver retinol is measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Primary metabolomics, aminomics, lipidomics, bile acids, oxylipins, ceramides, and endocannabinoids are analyzed in post‐mortem liver samples by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

Liver retinol is lower (p < 0.001) in the VA− versus VA+ group, with concentrations indicating marginal VA deficiency. A total of 300 metabolites are identified. Marginal VA deficiency is associated with lower bile acids, trimethylamineN‐oxide, and a variety of acylcarnitines, phospholipids and sphingomyelins (p < 0.05). Components of DNA, including deoxyguanosine, cytidine, andN‐carbomoyl‐beta‐alanine (p < 0.05), are differentially altered.

Conclusions

Hepatic metabolomics in a marginally VA‐deficient gerbil model revealed alterations in markers of the gut microbiome, fatty acid and nucleotide metabolism, and cellular structure and signaling.
Metabolomic fingerprinting of bull spermatozoa for identification of fertility signature metabolites
Authors: Saraf Kaustubh K. , Kumaresan Arumugam , Dasgupta Mohua , Karthikkeyan Gayathree , Prasad Thottethodi Subrahmanya Keshava , Modi Prashant K. , Ramesha Kerekoppa , Jeyakumar Sakthivel , Manimaran Ayyasamy
Published: May 2020

The objective of the study was to identify the fertility‐associated metabolites in bovine spermatozoa using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Six Holstein Friesian crossbred bulls (three high‐fertile and three low‐fertile bulls) were the experimental animals. Sperm proteins were isolated and protein‐normalized samples were processed for metabolite extraction and subjected to LC‐MS/MS analysis. Mass spectrometry data were processed using iMETQ software and metabolites were identified using Human Metabolome DataBase while, Metaboanalyst 4.0 tool was used for statistical and pathway analysis. A total of 3,704 metabolites belonging to various chemical classes were identified in bull spermatozoa. After sorting out exogenous metabolites, 56 metabolites were observed common to both the groups while 44 and 35 metabolites were found unique to high‐ and low‐fertile spermatozoa, respectively. Among the common metabolites, concentrations of 19 metabolites were higher in high‐fertile compared to low‐fertile spermatozoa (fold change > 1.00). Spermatozoa metabolites with variable importance in projections score of more than 1.5 included hypotaurine, d‐cysteine, selenocystine. In addition, metabolites such as spermine and l‐cysteine were identified exclusively in high‐fertile spermatozoa. Collectively, the present study established the metabolic profile of bovine spermatozoa and identified the metabolomic differences between spermatozoa from high‐ and low‐fertile bulls. Among the sperm metabolites, hypotaurine, selenocysteine, l‐malic acid, d‐cysteine, and chondroitin 4‐sulfate hold the potential to be recognized as fertility‐associated metabolites.