bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of extreme temperature changes on phenolic, flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Alhaithloul Haifa A.S. , Galal Fatma H. , Seufi AlaaEddeen M.
Published: May 2021

Background

Climatic changes are the most important abiotic factor affecting plant growth, crop quality and nutritional value. Plants exposed to thermal stress respond by accumulation of secondary metabolites/molecules (SMs). Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a cosmopolitan crop, eaten by most of the world’s people because it is highly nutritious plant. It is cultivated in more than 16 thousand hectares in Saudi Arabia and thus is influenced by extreme climatic changes.

Objective

In the current study, the phytochemical effect of thermal stress was investigated in seedlings of S. lycopersicum. Such information will be very helpful in developing more tolerant tomato cultivars in a climate change scenario.

Methods

Seedlings of S. lycopersicum were subjected to heat shock; HS1 and HS2 (45 and 50 °C) and cold shock; CS (4 °C) in comparison to control; Con (25 °C). Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity were estimated under the four temperature treatments.

Results

Using 23 standards (17 phenolic and six flavonoids), HPLC resulted in the estimation of 16, 20, 15 and 18 compounds for Con, CS, HS1 and HS2, respectively. Differences in the amounts of total phenolics, and total flavonoids were strongly correlated to thermal stress. CS plants exhibited the highest number of signals and the highest absolute quantities of total phenolics, flavonoids and sum of both. The major peaks of phenolics were (Chlorogenic acid, Resvertol), (Vanillic acid, Benzoic acid, Quinol), (Vanillic acid, Benzoic acid) and (Vanillic acid, Benzoic acid) for Con, CS, HS1 and HS2, respectively. The major peaks of flavonoids were (Quercetin, Myricetin), (Quercetin, Rutin), (Quercetin, Rutin, Catechin) and (Quercetin) for Con, CS, HS1 and HS2, respectively. CS plants contain the highest amounts of Benzoic acid (8010.37 mg/kg FW) and Quercetin (2319.48 mg/kg FW). The highest TPC (131 mg GAE/100 g FW) and TFC (61 mg QE/100 g FW) were determined in the case of CS plants. In terms of IC50s, the CS plants showed the highest antioxidant activities (lowest values) in both of DPPH (467.73 µM TE/100 g FW) and ABTS (8.97 µM TE/100 g FW) assays.

Conclusions

Our findings supported that the complexity and quantity of phenolics and flavonoids in tomato’s extract are strongly related to thermal stress. Additionally, the CS plants demonstrated more desirable phytochemical profile over the other treatments. CS plants exhibited higher number, absolute amounts of SMs, higher TPC and TFC than those of Con, HS1 and HS2 plants. Additionally, CS plants showed higher antioxidant activity than that of both HS1 and HS2 plants. Such results are very useful in justifying mechanism of tolerance in tomato plant to thermal stress in the context of climate change. Additional research has turned on to reveal molecular response of tomato to such thermal stress.
Highly Crystalline Post‐Consumer PET Waste Hydrolysis by Surface Displayed PETase Using a Bacterial Whole‐Cell Biocatalyst
Authors: Gercke David , Furtmann Christoph , Tozakidis Iasson E. P. , Jose Joachim
Published: May 2021

The enzymatic degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a promising new approach for the environmentally friendly recycling of PET waste, but so far, low degradation rates paired with releatively high costs have limited the economic feasibility of this method. Here we present the construction of a new bacterial whole‐cell biocatalyst utilizing a new inverse autotranspoter based surface display of PETase in E. coli. The resulting catalyst allows an extremely easy production of large amounts of enzyme and a five times more effective degradation of PET at a lower temperature of 25 °C compared to free PETase at 30 °C. Additionally, we demonstrate how rhamnolipids, which are environmentally benign and can be cost‐effectively produced using strains of E. coli, can be used to amplify the hydrolysis rates of PET even further, presumably by acting as mediators between PETase and PET. Cells displaying PETase in combination with externally supplied rhamnolipids outperformed free PETase by a factor of 16, allowing the degradation of highly crystalline post‐consumer PET waste to an extent of 8 % within 3 days at room temperature.
Propane Aromatization Tuned by Tailoring Cr Modified Ga/ZSM‐5 Catalysts
Authors: Xu Bing , Tan Minghui , Wu Xuemei , Geng Hailun , Zhao Shengying , Yao Jie , Ma Qingxiang , Yang Guohui , Tsubaki Noritatsu , Tan Yisheng
Published: May 2021

Accelerating propane dehydrogenation in propane aromatization is vital because it is the first and rate control step. In this study, we introduced Cr to Ga/ZSM‐5 by tuning its impregnation sequence and amount, which was expected to accelerate the dehydrogenation step and improve aromatization performance. The impregnation sequence of Cr on catalyst not only affected the interaction between Ga and ZSM‐5, but also tuned the amount of dehydrogenation active species Cr3+. Due to the plenty of Cr3+ species and strong interaction between Ga species and ZSM‐5, 2Cr/GaZ5 catalyst accelerated the dehydrogenation step and improved the aromatization process. More light hydrocarbons were preferred to be produced and were further converted into BTX on 2Cr/GaZ5 catalyst. Excessive Cr on catalyst caused the formation of Cr2O3 particles with worse dispersion. The aggregated Cr2O3 decreased the strong acidity of catalyst, which could not further promote propane conversion and decreased the aromatization ability of catalyst.
A Low‐Cost Al‐Graphite Battery with Urea and Acetamide‐Based Electrolytes
Authors: Jach Franziska , Wassner Maximilian , Bamberg Max , Brendler Erica , Frisch Gero , Wunderwald Ulrike , Friedrich Jochen
Published: May 2021

Invited for this month's cover picture is the Fraunhofer IISB energy materials group of Dr. Ulrike Wunderwald and her collaborators at TU Dresden and TU Freiberg. The cover picture shows the investigation of deep eutectic solvent electrolytes for Al–graphite batteries by spectroscopic methods. Ionic speciation can be deliberately tailored by varying electrolyte compositions allowing purposeful improvement of the battery performance. This is evident from the correlation of the electrolytes’ spectroscopic and electrochemical properties. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/celc.202100183.
Flavin‐Helicene Amphiphilic Hybrids: Synthesis, Characterization, and Preparation of Surface‐Supported Films
Authors: Jakubec Martin , Novák David , Zatloukalová Martina , Císařová Ivana , Cibulka Radek , Favereau Ludovic , Crassous Jeanne , Cytryniak Adrianna , Bilewicz Renata , Hrbáč Jan , Storch Jan , Žádný Jaroslav , Vacek Jan
Published: May 2021

This work reports on the preparation and structural characterization of flavo[7]helicene 1 (flavin‐[7]helicene conjugate), which was subsequently characterized at the molecular level in either an aqueous environment or an organic phase, at the supramolecular level in the form of polymeric layers, and also embedded in a lipidic mesophase environment to study the resulting properties of such a hybrid relative to its parent molecules. The flavin benzo[g]pteridin‐2,4‐dione (isoalloxazine) was selected for conjugation because of its photoactivity and reversible redox behavior. Compound 1 was prepared from 2‐nitroso[6]helicene and 6‐methylamino‐3‐methyluracil, and characterized using common structural and spectroscopic tools: circular dichroism (CD), circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and DFT quantum calculations. In addition, a methodology that allows the loading of 1 enantiomers into an internally nanostructured lipid (1‐monoolein) matrix was developed.
Product Line Re‐Engineering for Modularity in a US Department of Defense Project
Authors: Wood John , Tolentino Glenn
Published: May 2021

This case study details the options evaluated and path chosen by a United States (US) Department of Defense (DoD) software development organization to re‐engineer four existing products with common features into a single product‐line resulting in product sponsors taking advantage of cost savings, developers shortening implementation and testing timeframes, and users obtaining product features faster while sharing a common experience across product variants. Although the software‐intensive products were originally a product line operating from a common code repository, they diverged due to different product sponsors having differing priorities and schedule commitments. The mission scope of each variant differs leading to a commonality range of approximately 20% to 70% based on the quantity of common features. The re‐engineering options evaluated included merging common code and maintaining it in a single repository; re‐using software code while keeping it in separate repositories for each product variant; and pursuing a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to create common modules for insertion, updating, and replacement within any product variant without disrupting the rest of that product. With product sponsor support, the DoD project decided to pursue a hybrid approach of immediate code re‐use complemented with an agile approach to MOSA implementation. This solution allowed the project to re‐engineer the four existing product variants while still meeting sponsor, DoD, and end‐user operational needs.
Funding the PLE Factory in a Multi‐Customer Contract‐Based PLE Organization
Authors: Clements Paul
Published: May 2021

Feature‐based Product Line Engineering is a well‐defined, repeatable, automation‐centric PLE method that is delivering even improvements in time, cost, and quality. An organization intent on adopting it so they can reap the benefits for their product line or product lines needs a viewpoint focusing on the people involved and what they do to keep the PLE factory operational on a day‐to‐day basis. This article describes an organizational structure for Feature‐Based PLE based on the factory concept. It introduces the few roles that have no analog in other development disciplines; they are new to Feature‐Based PLE. It also describes how traditional systems engineering roles carry out traditional systems engineering tasks, but with slight PLE‐inspired extensions. Finally, we will explain why these changes are necessary.
Impressively printing patterns of gold and silver nanoparticles
Authors: Ameer Fathima S. , Ranasinghe Meenakshi , Varahagiri Shilpa , Benza Donald W. , Hu Longyu , Willett Daniel R. , Wen Yimei , Bhattacharya Sriparna , Chumanov George , Rao Apparao M. , Anker Jeffrey N.
Published: May 2021

The optical and chemical properties of gold and silver nanoparticles make them useful for many applications, including surface enhanced spectroscopy‐based biosensors, photostable colorants, enhanced photovoltaic, and nanoscale optical elements. We report a simple technique to generate patterns of gold and silver nanoparticles with controlled shape and shape‐dependent optical properties using metal stamps to impress them onto a glass substrate or flexible polymers. The pressure flattens the nanoparticles, converting initially spherical nanoparticles into discs with reduced height and increased diameter. This deformation causes their localized surface plasmon resonance wavelength to red‐shift. Nanoparticles were characterized by electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and dark field optical scattering spectroscopy. The deformed nanoparticle patterns had a lateral resolution limited by the nanoparticle diameter (single particles are partly flattened only where they contact the stamp). The method also (i) transfers the stamp's topography, with smooth stamps generating flattened nanoparticles with uniform height, and small changes in stamp height are evident in the nanoparticle height and scattering wavelength, and (ii) allows facile removal of undeformed nanoparticles using scotch tape, and patterns of deformed nanoparticles can be transferred to a flexible polymer film. The patterning process is simple and inexpensive. It can be performed by hand for demonstrations or artistic applications, with controlled force for plasmonics research, and potentially automated on reel‐to‐reel presses for large scale production.
Graph neural network‐based virtual network function deployment optimization
Authors: Kim Hee‐Gon , Park Suhyun , Lange Stanislav , Lee Doyoung , Heo Dongnyeong , Choi Heeyoul , Yoo Jae‐Hyoung , Hong James Won‐Ki
Published: May 2021

Software‐defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) help reduce the operating expenditure (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX) as well as increase the network flexibility and agility. However, since the network is more dynamic and heterogeneous than before, operators have problems to cope with the increased complexity of managing virtual networks and machines. This complexity is paired with strict time requirements for making management decisions; traditional mechanisms that rely on, for example, integer linear programming (ILP) models are no longer feasible. Machine learning has emerged as one of the possible solution to address network management problems to get near‐optimal solutions in a short time. However, applying machine learning to network management is also not simple and has many challenges. Especially, understanding the network environment is an important problem for designing a machine learning model. In this paper, we proposed to use graph neural network (GNN) for virtual network function (VNF) management. The proposed model solves the complex VNF management problem in a short time and gets near‐optimal solutions. We developed a model by taking into account various network environment conditions so that it can be applied in the actual network environment. Also, through in‐depth experiments, we suggested the direction of the machine learning‐based network management method.
Hepatectomy Followed by Adjuvant Chemotherapy with 3-Month Capecitabine Plus Oxaliplatin for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases
Authors: Satake Hironaga , Hashida Hiroki , Tanioka Hiroaki , Miyake Yasuhiro , Yoshioka Shinichi , Watanabe Takanori , Matsuura Masato , Kyogoku Takahisa , Inukai Michio , Kotake Takeshi , Okita Yoshihiro , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Yasui Hisateru , Kotaka Masahito , Kato Takeshi , Kaihara Satoshi , Tsuji Akihito
Published: May 2021

Lessons Learned

Background

The role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy in the management of initially resectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLM) is still unclear. We evaluated the feasibility of 3-month adjuvant treatment with capecitabine plus oxaliplatin in combination (CAPOX) for postcurative resection of CLM.

Methods

Patients received one cycle of capecitabine followed by four cycles of CAPOX as adjuvant chemotherapy after curative resection of CLM. Oral capecitabine was given as 1,000 mg/m2 twice daily for 2 weeks in a 3-week cycle, and CAPOX consisted of oral capecitabine plus oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 on day 1 in a 3-week cycle. Primary endpoint was the completion rate of adjuvant chemotherapy. Secondary endpoints included recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), dose intensity, and safety.

Results

Twenty-eight patients were enrolled. Median age was 69.5 years, 54% of patients had synchronous metastases, and 29% were bilobar. Mean number of lesions resected was two, and mean size of the largest lesion was 31 mm. Among patients, 20 (71.4%; 95% confidence interval, 53.6%–89.3%) completed the protocol treatment and met its primary endpoint. The most common grade 3 or higher toxicity was neutropenia (29%). Five-year recurrence-free survival and overall survival were 65.2% and 87.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

Three-month adjuvant treatment with CAPOX is tolerable and might be a promising strategy for postcurative resection of CLM.
A Ratio Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Bisulfite and Its Application in Living Cells
Authors: Zhao Xuejun , Shen Qingguo , Sun Yan , Han Xueshun , Guan Yongxia
Published: May 2021

Sulfur dioxide derivatives play excellently vital roles in numerous essential physiology and pathology processes of living systems. The abnormal levels of bisulfite/sulfite (HSO3−/SO32−) may cause the occurrence of a series of diseases, including acute symptoms of respiratory disease, brain damage, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to develop simple and effective methods to monitor the fluctuation of HSO3−/SO32−. Herein, a novel ratiometric fluorescent probe ((E)‐3‐(2‐(4‐formylstyryl)‐3,3‐dimethyl‐3H‐benzo[g]indol‐1‐ium‐1‐yl)propane‐1‐sulfonate, Cy‐DBPS) is devised to trace HSO3−/SO32− in living cells. In the presence of HSO3−/SO32−, the large conjugated system is destroyed by triggering the Michael addition reaction, which further induce the probe to emit a ratio of fluorescence signal. Furthermore, the probe can quickly respond to HSO3−/SO32− within 120 s and exhibits low detection limit, which provides the possibility of sensitive and real‐time detection of HSO3−/SO32− in living cells. Based on the unique advantages of high selectivity, negligible cytotoxicity and great biocompatibility, Cy‐DBPS can effectively detect exogenous and endogenous HSO3−/SO32− in HepG2 and HeLa cells. The outstanding properties of the probe Cy‐DBPS provided a great potential for the further valuable application in living cells and even deeper biological applications for HSO3−/SO32− detection.
Oxidative Damage of S‐Containing Amino Acids by the Environmental Radical NO3.: A Kinetic, Product and Computational Study
Authors: Cui Jiaxing , Nathanael Joses G. , Wille Uta
Published: May 2021

Methionine, cysteine and cystine, which were acetylated at the N‐terminus and methylated at the C‐terminus, react rapidly with the environmental nitrate radical (NO3.) with rate coefficients of 7.7×109, 3.4×109 and 2.0×109 M−1 s−1, respectively, in acetonitrile. Methionine (Ac−Met−OMe) is successively oxidized via the sulfoxide (Ac−MetO−Me) to the sulfone (Ac−MetO2−OMe), with the latter step being also extremely fast with a rate coefficient of 1.2×109 M−1 s−1. Computations predict formation of an initial charge transfer complex between NO3. and the S or SO moiety in Ac‐Met‐OMe, Ac‐MetO‐OMe and cystine (Ac−Cys(S−S)Cys‐OMe), respectively, which is followed by simultaneous S−O bond formation and NO2. expulsion. Calculations for the reaction of cysteine (Ac‐Cys‐OMe) with NO3. revealed side‐chain oxidation to give a thiyl radical or a sulfenic acid as likely pathways. These findings highlight the potential harmful impact of NO2./O3 pollution on S‐containing amino acid residues in peptides.
Experimental Analysis of T23–T91 Dissimilar Steel Joining in Supercritical Boiler by a Cost‐Effective Fusion Welding Route
Authors: Chatterjee Suvam , Mondal Manas Kumar , Maity Joydeep
Published: May 2021

The critical aspect of joining T23 steel to T91 steel in a supercritical boiler is studied by a low‐cost gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process using an iron‐based filler wire (ER90S‐G). The hardness variation across the weldment does not reflect any drastic fall in hardness, thereby indicating an absence of “soft zone.” A significant joint strength (UTS = 318 MPa) together with a modest ductility (%Elongation = 6) is established by carrying out tensile test at boiler operation temperature (571 °C) and thereafter carrying out advanced characterization keeping all different regions of the weldment intact. During high‐temperature tensile deformation, Cr23C6 particles are found to be pushed along with grain boundary sliding and finally are clustered around the cavity formed thereby. The presence of Cr23C6 particles surrounding cavity promotes a cleavage mode of failure so as to negate a high ductility to be achieved. Yet, a modest ductility is still retained by virtue of soft α‐ferrite matrix promoting a concomitant dimple mode of failure. Furthermore, these Cr23C6 particles are also found to be responsible for an accumulation of dislocation loops around them, thereby providing quite significant high‐temperature strength with 88% joint efficiency.
Rudolf Carnap und Kurt Gödel: Die beiderseitige Bezugnahme in ihren philosophischen Selbstzeugnissen
Authors: Engelen Eva-Maria
Published: May 2021

Gegenstandes des Aufsatzes ist die gegenseitige Beeinflussung und Bezugnahme von Rudolf Carnap und Kurt Gödel in ihren jeweiligen Selbstzeugnissen während der 20er- bis 40er-Jahre des 20. Jahrhunderts. Der Vergleicht bestätigt die bisherige Forschung, der zufolge Carnap auf Gödels Arbeiten der Jahre 1930 und 1931 einigen Einfluss hatte. Er zeigt darüber hinaus, dass die beiden sich größtenteils als mathematische Logiker wahrgenommen und rezipiert haben. Nach allem, was wir bisher wissen, bleibt das so hinsichtlich Carnaps Wertschätzung für Gödels Denken. Gödel wendet sich hingegen Carnap ab 1934 auch als einem philosophischen Denker zu, dessen Philosophie eine gewisse Nähe zu der von Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz aufweist, aber anders als letztere, von Gödel kritisch gesehen wird.
Eigenpsychisches und Fremdpsychisches: Rudolf Carnaps Verhältnis zur Psychologie zwischen 1928 und 1932
Authors: Feest Uljana
Published: May 2021

Carnaps Werk zwischen den späten 1920er- und frühen 1930er-Jahren nimmt verschiedentlich auf Begrifflichkeiten und Debatten der philosophischen und experimentellen Psychologie seiner Zeit Bezug. Diese Bezugnahmen sind jedoch nicht immer konsistent oder explizit. Beispielsweise bedient Carnap sich sowohl im Aufbau (1928) als auch in seinen Ausführungen zur Psychologie in einer physikalischen Sprache (1932) einiger Grundannahmen der experimentellen Psychologie (speziell der Psychophysik und der psychophysikalisch vorgehenden Gestaltpsychologie), führt dies jedoch nicht konsequent zu Ende. Umgekehrt sieht er seine Auffassungen zur Physikalisierung der psychologischen Sprache nicht zuletzt auch als potenzielles Korrektiv für die existierende Psychologie seiner Zeit, was bei dem Gestaltpsychologen Carl Duncker auf Unverständnis stößt. In dem vorliegenden Aufsatz belege ich meine These von Carnaps spannungsvolle Verhältnis zur Psychologie und versuche, dieses Verhältnis historisch und systematisch einzuordnen.
Physikalistische Graphologie als Avantgarde der Psychologie oder Physikalismus auf Abwegen
Authors: Mormann Thomas
Published: May 2021

Die Physikalisierung der Psychologie war für Carnap Teil eines Programms, das die Sonderstellung der Psychologie als Wissenschaft desmenschlichenDenkens und Fühlens als Illusion entlarven und zeigen sollte, die Psychologie sei ein Teil der Physik wie alle anderen Wissenschaften auch. In etwas anderer Motivation zielte Carnaps Physikalismus ausserdem auf eine Überwindung der Trennung von Geistes–wissenschaften und Naturwissenschaften: Erwiese sich die Psychologie sich als physikalisierbar, wäre das ein wesentlicher Schritt für die Vereinheitlichung der Wissenschaften in Gestalt einer enzyklopädischen „Einheitswissenschaft“ überhaupt.

Carnaps Argument für die Physikalisierbarkeit der Psychologie als ganzer basierte auf der These der Physikalisierbarkeit derGrafologieals zentraler Teildisziplin der Psychologie. Die Grafologie sei der begrifflich am weitesten fortgeschrittene und deshalb am ehesten physikalisierbare Teil der Psychologie. Das verdanke sie in erster Linie den wegweisenden Arbeiten Ludwig Klages’. Erweise sich die Grafologie als physikalisierbar, stehe einer durchgehenden PhysikalisierungallerWissenschaften nichts mehr im Wege.

Als Episode in Carnaps philosophischer Entwicklung ist dem Grafologieprojekt bis heute kaum Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt worden. Das ist ein Versäumnis, manifestiert sich in diesem Projekt doch der allgemeine Stil des Carnapschen Philosophierens besonders deutlich, nämlich von einer sehr abstrakten und idealisierten Vorstellung von Wissenschaft ausgehend weitreichende philosophische Folgerungen zu ziehen.
Reproducibility of liver R2* quantification for liver iron quantification from cardiac R2* acquisitions
Authors: Muehler M. R. , Vigen K. , Hernando D. , Zhu A. , Colgan T. J. , Reeder S. B.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the reproducibility of liver R2* measurements between a 2D cardiac ECG-gated and a 3D breath-hold liver CSE-MRI acquisition for liver iron quantification.

Methods

A total of 54 1.5 T MRI exams from 51 subjects (18 women, 36 men, age 35.2 ± 21.8) were included. These included two sub-studies with 23 clinical MRI exams from 19 patients identified retrospectively, 24 participants with known or suspected iron overload, and 7 healthy volunteers acquired prospectively. The 2D cardiac and the 3D liver R2* maps were acquired in the same exam. Either acquisitions were reconstructed using a complex R2* algorithm that accounts for the presence of fat and residual phase errors due to eddy currents. Data were analyzed using colocalized ROIs in the liver.

Results

Linear regression analysis demonstrated high Pearson’s correlation and Lin’s concordance coefficient for the overall study and both sub-studies. Bland–Altman analysis also showed good agreement, except for a slight increase of the mean R2* value above ~ 400 s−1. The Kolmogorow–Smirnow test revealed a non-normal distribution for (R2* 3D–R2* 2D) values from 0 to 600 s−1 in contrast to the 0–200 s−1 and 0–400 s−1 subpopulations. Linear regression analysis showed no relevant differences other than the intercept, likely due to only 7 measurements above 400 s−1.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that R2*-measurements in the liver are feasible using 2D cardiac R2* maps compared to 3D liver R2* maps as the reference. Liver R2* may be underestimated for R2* > 400 s−1 using the 2D cardiac R2* mapping method.
Numerical computation of blood flow for a patient-specific hemodialysis shunt model
Authors: Rathore Surabhi , Uda Tomoki , Huynh Viet Q. H. , Suito Hiroshi , Watanabe Toshitaka , Sugiyama Hironobu , Srikanth D.
Published: May 2021

Hemodialysis procedure is usually advisable for end-stage renal disease patients. This study is aimed at computational investigation of hemodynamical characteristics in three-dimensional arteriovenous shunt for hemodialysis, for which computed tomography scanning and phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging are used. Several hemodynamical characteristics are presented and discussed depending on the patient-specific morphology and flow conditions including regurgitating flow from the distal artery caused by the construction of the arteriovenous shunt. A simple backflow prevention technique at an outflow boundary is presented, with stabilized finite element approaches for incompressible Navier–Stokes equations.
Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Comprehensive Development Planning of the Cities in Nueva Ecija in the Philippines
Authors: Gabriel Arneil G. , Santiago Patrick Neil M. , Casimiro Rosemarie R.
Published: May 2021

Recent scientific consensus suggests that climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and destructive. Consequently, increasing importance is given to disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) in global governance. The projected global warming at 1.5 ºC and the climate variability that the Philippine archipelago experiences make DRR-CCA the key priorities of both the national and local government units. In this study, we assessed and measured the degree of mainstreaming of DRR-CCA in the comprehensive development plans (CDPs) of the five component cities in the province of Nueva Ecija in the Philippines. These are among the areas in Central Luzon that are susceptible to hydrometeorological and geologic hazards. We distributed survey questionnaires to 25 employees of the local government units in the five component cities in Nueva Ecija who are directly involved in planning activities. We triangulated their responses using archival data (review of written policies and plans). The main findings of the study indicate that in spite the presence of laws and policies on DRR-CCA, their implementation is only in the preliminary stages. The results also provide insights to policymakers and future researchers on the challenges and opportunities influencing the systemic mainstreaming of DRR-CCA in the province.
Biodiversity and Health in the Urban Environment
Authors: Marselle Melissa R. , Lindley Sarah J. , Cook Penny A. , Bonn Aletta
Published: May 2021

Purpose of review

Biodiversity underpins urban ecosystem functions that are essential for human health and well-being. Understanding how biodiversity relates to human health is a developing frontier for science, policy and practice. This article describes the beneficial, as well as harmful, aspects of biodiversity to human health in urban environments.

Recent findings

Recent research shows that contact with biodiversity of natural environments within towns and cities can be both positive and negative to human physical, mental and social health and well-being. For example, while viruses or pollen can be seriously harmful to human health, biodiverse ecosystems can promote positive health and well-being. On balance, these influences are positive. As biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate, research suggests that its loss could threaten the quality of life of all humans.

A key research gap is to understand—and evidence—the specific causal pathways through which biodiversity affects human health. A mechanistic understanding of pathways linking biodiversity to human health can facilitate the application of nature-based solutions in public health and influence policy. Research integration as well as cross-sector urban policy and planning development should harness opportunities to better identify linkages between biodiversity, climate and human health. Given its importance for human health, urban biodiversity conservation should be considered as public health investment.
Healthy Aging Requires a Healthy Home Care Workforce: the Occupational Safety and Health of Home Care Aides
Authors: Quinn M. M. , Markkanen P. K. , Galligan C. J. , Sama S. R. , Lindberg J. E. , Edwards M. F.
Published: May 2021

Purpose of Review

To identify important home care (HC) aide occupational safety and health (OSH) hazards and examine how addressing these can improve aide health and the delivery of HC services overall. Specifically, this review seeks to answer: Why is HC aide OSH important? What are the most significant OSH challenges? How can improving HC aide OSH also improve the safety and health of their clients? What implications do the findings have for future research?

Recent Findings

HC is one of the fastest growing US industries. Aides comprise its largest workforce and are increasingly needed to care for the rapidly aging population. There is an aide shortage due in part to instabilities in HC work organization and to serious job-specific hazards, resulting in aides losing work time.

Recent social, economic, and technological factors are rapidly changing the nature of HC work, creating OSH hazards similar to those found in nursing homes. At the same time, aides are experiencing social and economic inequities that increase their vulnerability to OSH hazards. These hazards are also a burden on employers who are challenged to recruit, retain, and train aides. OSH injuries and illness interrupt the continuity of care delivery to clients. Many OSH hazards also put HC clients and families at risk.

A new framework and methodologies are needed to assess aide and client safety together in order to guide future HC research, policies, and practices. Government, industry, and labor commitment is needed to fund and coordinate a comprehensive, multidisciplinary research program.
Feature selection algorithm for usability engineering: a nature inspired approach
Authors: Jain Rajat , Joseph Tania , Saxena Anvita , Gupta Deepak , Khanna Ashish , Sagar Kalpna , Ahlawat Anil K.
Published: May 2021

Software usability is usually used in reference to the hierarchical software usability model by researchers and is an important aspect of user experience and software quality. Thus, evaluation of software usability is an essential parameter for managing and regulating a software. However, it has been difficult to establish a precise evaluation method for this problem. A large number of usability factors have been suggested by many researchers, each covering a set of different factors to increase the degree of user friendliness of a software. Therefore, the selection of the correct determining features is of paramount importance. This paper proposes an innovative metaheuristic algorithm for the selection of most important features in a hierarchical software model. A hierarchy-based usability model is an exhaustive interpretation of the factors, attributes, and its characteristics in a software at different levels. This paper proposes a modified version of grey wolf optimisation algorithm (GWO) termed as modified grey wolf optimization (MGWO) algorithm. The mechanism of this algorithm is based on the hunting mechanism of wolves in nature. The algorithm chooses a number of features which are then applied to software development life cycle models for finding out the best among them. The outcome of this application is also compared with the conventional grey wolf optimization algorithm (GWO), modified binary bat algorithm (MBBAT), modified whale optimization algorithm (MWOA), and modified moth flame optimization (MMFO). The results show that MGWO surpasses all the other relevant optimizers in terms of accuracy and produces a lesser number of attributes equal to 8 as compared to 9 in MMFO and 12 in MBBAT and 19 in MWOA.
Knowledge organization of node enterprises’ technological innovation under supply chain environment
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Liu Shifeng , Tu Qun
Published: May 2021

An improved text classification method based on domain ontology is proposed in this paper to organize the mass information that records node enterprises’ innovation activities under the supply chain environment. This method can classify the documents of node enterprises under the supply chain without a training set. It achieves a precision of 80% for documents’ classification, which outperforms the baseline method. Besides, the paper constructs a domain ontology of enterprises’ technological innovation under the supply chain that effectively enhances the semantic relationship between words. Therefore, it can summarize and classify the textual information generated by node enterprises in product design, production, storage, logistics, and sales.
Exploring the Factors Controlling the Error Characteristics of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography Mission Discharge Estimates
Authors: Frasson Renato Prata de Moraes , Durand Michael T. , Larnier Kevin , Gleason Colin , Andreadis Konstantinos M. , Hagemann Mark , Dudley Robert , Bjerklie David , Oubanas Hind , Garambois Pierre‐André , Malaterre Pierre‐Olivier , Lin Peirong , Pavelsky Tamlin M. , Monnier Jérôme , Brinkerhoff Craig B. , David Cédric H.
Published: May 2021

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission will measure river width, water surface elevation, and slope for rivers wider than 50–100 m. SWOT observations will enable estimation of river discharge by using simple flow laws such as the Manning‐Strickler equation, complementing in situ streamgages. Several discharge inversion algorithms designed to compute unobserved flow law parameters (e.g., friction coefficient and bathymetry) have been proposed, but to date, a systematic assessment of factors controlling algorithm performance has not been conducted. Here, we assess the performance of the five algorithms that are expected to be used in the construction of the SWOT product. To perform this assessment, we used synthetic SWOT observations created with hydraulic model output corrupted with SWOT‐like error. Prior information provided to the algorithms was purposefully limited to an estimate of mean annual flow (MAF), designed to produce a “worst case” benchmark. Prior MAF error was an important control on algorithm performance, but discharge estimates produced by the algorithms are less biased than the MAF; thus, the discharge algorithms improve on the prior. We show for the first time that accuracy and frequency of remote sensing observations are less important than prior bias, hydraulic variability among reaches, and flow law accuracy in governing discharge algorithm performance. The discharge errors and error sensitivities reported herein are a bounding benchmark, representing worst possible expected errors and error sensitivities. This study lays the groundwork to develop predictive power of algorithm performance, and thus map the global distribution of worst‐case SWOT discharge accuracy.
Assessment of physicians’ resilience level during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Douillet D. , Caillaud A. , Riou J. , Miroux P. , Thibaud E. , Noizet M. , Oberlin M. , Léger M. , Mahieu R. , Riquin E. , Javaudin F. , Morin F. , Moumneh T. , Savary D. , Roy P.-M. , Hugli O.
Published: May 2021

We aim to assess physicians’ level of resilience and define factors that improve or decrease the resilience level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians from hospitals located in areas with different COVID-19 caseload levels, were invited to participate in a national e-survey between April and May 2020. Study participants were mainly emergency physicians, and anaesthesiologists, infectious disease consultants, and intensive care. The survey assessed participant’s characteristics, factors potentially associated with resilience, and resilience using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (RISC-25), with higher scores indicative of greater resilience. Factors associated with the resilience score were assessed using a multivariable linear regression. Of 451 responding physicians involved in the care of COVID-19 patients, 442 were included (98%). Age was 36.1 ± 10.3 years and 51.8% were male; 63% worked in the emergency department (n = 282), 10.4% in anesthesiology (n = 46), 9.9% in infectious disease department (n = 44), 4.8% in intensive care unit (n = 21) or other specialties (n = 49). The median RISC-25 score was at 69 (IQR 62–75). Factors associated with higher RISC scores were anesthesia as a specialty, parenthood, no previous history of anxiety or depression and nor increased anxiety. To conclude, this study is the first to characterize levels of resilience among physicians involved in COVID-19 unit. Our data points to certain protective characteristics and some detrimental factors, such as anxiety or depression, that could be amenable to remediating or preventing strategies to promote resilience and support caregivers in a pandemic.
Measurable residual disease status and outcome of transplant in acute myeloid leukemia in second complete remission: a study by the acute leukemia working party of the EBMT
Authors: Gilleece Maria H. , Shimoni Avichai , Labopin Myriam , Robinson Stephen , Beelen Dietrich , Socié Gerard , Unal Ali , Ganser Arnold , Vitek Antonin , Sengeloev Henrik , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , Tholouli Eleni , Polge Emmanuelle , Mohty Mohamad , Nagler Arnon
Published: May 2021

Measurable residual disease (MRD) prior to hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete morphological remission (CR1) is an independent predictor of outcome, but few studies address CR2. This analysis by the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation registry assessed HCT outcomes by declared MRD status in a cohort of 1042 adult patients with AML CR2 at HCT. Patients were transplanted 2006–2016 from human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matched siblings (n = 719) or HLA 10/10 matched unrelated donors (n = 293). Conditioning was myeloablative (n = 610) or reduced-intensity (n = 432) and 566 patients (54%) had in-vivo T cell depletion. At HCT, 749 patients (72%) were MRD negative (MRD NEG) and 293 (28%) were MRD positive (MRD POS). Time from diagnosis to HCT was longer in MRD NEG than MRD POS patients (18 vs. 16 months (P < 0.001). Two-year relapse rates were 24% (95% CI, 21–28) and 40% (95% CI, 34–46) in MRD NEG and MRD POS groups (P < 0.001), respectively. Leukemia-free survival (LFS) was 57% (53–61) and 46% (40–52%), respectively (P = 0.001), but there was no difference in terms of overall survival. Prognostic factors for relapse and LFS were MRD NEG status, good risk cytogenetics, and longer time from diagnosis to HCT. In-vivo T cell depletion predicted relapse.
Unraveling the role of microRNA/isomiR network in multiple primary melanoma pathogenesis
Authors: Dika Emi , Broseghini Elisabetta , Porcellini Elisa , Lambertini Martina , Riefolo Mattia , Durante Giorgio , Loher Phillipe , Roncarati Roberta , Bassi Cristian , Misciali Cosimo , Negrini Massimo , Rigoutsos Isidore , Londin Eric , Patrizi Annalisa , Ferracin Manuela
Published: May 2021

Malignant cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a potentially lethal form of skin cancer whose worldwide incidence has been constantly increasing over the past decades. During their lifetime, about 8% of CM patients will develop multiple primary melanomas (MPMs), usually at a young age and within 3 years from the first tumor/diagnosis. With the aim of improving our knowledge on MPM biology and pathogenesis, we explored the miRNome of 24 single and multiple primary melanomas, including multiple tumors from the same patient, using a small RNA-sequencing approach. From a supervised analysis, 22 miRNAs were differentially expressed in MPM compared to single CM, including key miRNAs involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition. The first and second melanoma from the same patient presented a different miRNA profile. Ten miRNAs, including miR-25-3p, 149-5p, 92b-3p, 211-5p, 125a-5p, 125b-5p, 205-5p, 200b-3p, 21-5p, and 146a-5p, were further validated in 47 single and multiple melanoma samples. Pathway enrichment analysis of miRNA target genes revealed a more differentiated and less invasive status of MPMs compared to CMs. Bioinformatic analyses at the miRNA isoform (isomiR) level detected a panel of highly expressed isomiRs belonging to miRNA families implicated in human tumorigenesis, including miR-200, miR-30, and miR-10 family. Moreover, we identified hsa-miR-125a-5p|0|−2 isoform as tenfold over-represented in melanoma than the canonical form and differentially expressed in MPMs arising in the same patient. Target prediction analysis revealed that the miRNA shortening could change the pattern of target gene regulation, specifically in genes implicated in cell adhesion and neuronal differentiation. Overall, we provided a putative and comprehensive characterization of the miRNA/isomiR regulatory network of MPMs, highlighting mechanisms of tumor development and molecular features differentiating this subtype from single melanomas.
Engineering new limits to magnetostriction through metastability in iron-gallium alloys
Authors: Meisenheimer P. B. , Steinhardt R. A. , Sung S. H. , Williams L. D. , Zhuang S. , Nowakowski M. E. , Novakov S. , Torunbalci M. M. , Prasad B. , Zollner C. J. , Wang Z. , Dawley N. M. , Schubert J. , Hunter A. H. , Manipatruni S. , Nikonov D. E. , Young I. A. , Chen L. Q. , Bokor J. , Bhave S. A. , Ramesh R. , Hu J.-M. , Kioupakis E. , Hovden R. , Schlom D. G. , Heron J. T.
Published: May 2021

Magnetostrictive materials transduce magnetic and mechanical energies and when combined with piezoelectric elements, evoke magnetoelectric transduction for high-sensitivity magnetic field sensors and energy-efficient beyond-CMOS technologies. The dearth of ductile, rare-earth-free materials with high magnetostrictive coefficients motivates the discovery of superior materials. Fe1−xGax alloys are amongst the highest performing rare-earth-free magnetostrictive materials; however, magnetostriction becomes sharply suppressed beyond x = 19% due to the formation of a parasitic ordered intermetallic phase. Here, we harness epitaxy to extend the stability of the BCC Fe1−xGax alloy to gallium compositions as high as x = 30% and in so doing dramatically boost the magnetostriction by as much as 10x relative to the bulk and 2x larger than canonical rare-earth based magnetostrictors. A Fe1−xGax − [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3]0.7−[PbTiO3]0.3 (PMN-PT) composite magnetoelectric shows robust 90° electrical switching of magnetic anisotropy and a converse magnetoelectric coefficient of 2.0 × 10−5 s m−1. When optimally scaled, this high coefficient implies stable switching at ~80 aJ per bit.
Bidirectional propagation of low frequency oscillations over the human hippocampal surface
Authors: Kleen Jonathan K. , Chung Jason E. , Sellers Kristin K. , Zhou Jenny , Triplett Michael , Lee Kye , Tooker Angela , Haque Razi , Chang Edward F.
Published: May 2021

The hippocampus is diversely interconnected with other brain systems along its axis. Cycles of theta-frequency activity are believed to propagate from the septal to temporal pole, yet it is unclear how this one-way route supports the flexible cognitive capacities of this structure. We leveraged novel thin-film microgrid arrays conformed to the human hippocampal surface to track neural activity two-dimensionally in vivo. All oscillation frequencies identified between 1–15 Hz propagated across the tissue. Moreover, they dynamically shifted between two roughly opposite directions oblique to the long axis. This predominant propagation axis was mirrored across participants, hemispheres, and consciousness states. Directionality was modulated in a participant who performed a behavioral task, and it could be predicted by wave amplitude topography over the hippocampal surface. Our results show that propagation directions may thus represent distinct meso-scale network computations, operating along versatile spatiotemporal processing routes across the hippocampal body.
S-acylation of P2K1 mediates extracellular ATP-induced immune signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Dongqin , Hao Fengsheng , Mu Huiqi , Ahsan Nagib , Thelen Jay J. , Stacey Gary
Published: May 2021

S-acylation is a reversible protein post-translational modification mediated by protein S-acyltransferases (PATs). How S-acylation regulates plant innate immunity is our main concern. Here, we show that the plant immune receptor P2K1 (DORN1, LecRK-I.9; extracellular ATP receptor) directly interacts with and phosphorylates Arabidopsis PAT5 and PAT9 to stimulate their S-acyltransferase activity. This leads, in a time-dependent manner, to greater S-acylation of P2K1, which dampens the immune response. pat5 and pat9 mutants have an elevated extracellular ATP-induced immune response, limited bacterial invasion, increased phosphorylation and decreased degradation of P2K1 during immune signaling. Mutation of S-acylated cysteine residues in P2K1 results in a similar phenotype. Our study reveals that S-acylation effects the temporal dynamics of P2K1 receptor activity, through autophosphorylation and protein degradation, suggesting an important role for this modification in regulating the ability of plants in respond to external stimuli.