bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of edible film from Konjac glucomannan and saffron petal extract to improve shelf life of fresh‐cut cucumber
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Jafarpour Dornoush
Published: May 2020

The efficacy of saffron petal extract (SPE; 1%–4%) incorporated into Konjac glucomannan (KGM) edible films on the quality and shelf life of fresh‐cut cucumbers was evaluated. Changes in chemical, physical, and microbial properties, antioxidant activity, and total soluble phenolic contents of sliced cucumbers during storage at 4°C for 5 days were investigated. Results showed that the addition of SPE markedly reduced the water vapor permeability features of produced films, whereas the moisture content and transparency of them increased (p < .05). All the formulated films containing 1%–4% of SPE exhibited significant antimicrobial properties against the examined pathogens (Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei, Salmonella Typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus) both in vitro and in vivo conditions. KGM films incorporated SPE were successful in reducing mesophilic bacteria and fungi populations so that the microbial load significantly decreased as the concentrations of SPE increased and KGM + 4% of SPE was considered as the most effective treatment in decreasing the microbial content of sliced cucumbers. Total soluble solids of the treated cucumbers were significantly increased at the end of the storage in refrigerator, compared to the control sample. Moreover, antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) and total soluble phenols in treated fruit increased with storage time, while these parameters decreased with increasing concentrations of SPE incorporated into KGM film. So according to the findings, the introduced film with KGM and SPE could be considered as an edible film and be applied to preserve the fruit and vegetables quality and extend the shelf life of sliced cucumbers.
The impact of employees' resistance to change on implementing e‐government systems: An empirical study in Egypt
Authors: Elgohary Esam , Abdelazyz Reham
Published: May 2020

Electronic government (e‐government) implementation has played a key role in developing government business processes in order to improve efficiency in data processing, as well as achieving transparency and accuracy. However, although there are benefits of e‐government implementation, there is the problem of employees' resistance to change, as people tend to resist any kind of new system.

This research was conducted for the purpose of examining the effect of employees' resistance to change including resistance to modern technology, fear of loss of control, feelings of insecurity, fear of inability to implement change, and fear of workload increasing, on implementing an e‐government system represented in performance dimensions (efficiency and effectiveness) in Egypt.

This paper reflects the lack of research into resistance to change in the specific context of e‐government implementation in Egypt. We surveyed 400 respondents in several public organizations in Egypt to investigate the impact of such resistance, in order to determine which behaviors can affect any of the implemented e‐government dimensions. The study also determines the differences between employees' responses to implementing the new system depending on variables such as gender, age, educational level, job position, and level of experience. The results reveal that fear of loss of control and fear of workload increasing affect all dependent variables significantly, while feelings of insecurity does not affect efficiency significantly. Resistance to modern technology and a fear of inability to implement change do not have significant effects on the dependent variables.
P53 and H3K4me2 activate N6‐methylated LncPGCAT‐1 to regulate primordial germ cell formation via MAPK signaling
Authors: Zuo Qisheng , Jin Jing , Jin Kai , Zhou Jing , Sun Changhua , Song Jiuzhou , Chen Guohong , Zhang Yani , Li Bichun
Published: May 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the formation of primordial germ cells (PGCs); however, the identity of the key lncRNAs and the molecular mechanisms responsible for the formation of PGCs remain unknown. Here, we identify a key candidate lncRNA (lncRNA PGC transcript‐1, LncPGCAT‐1) via RNA sequencing of embryonic stem cells, PGCs, and Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Functional experiments confirmed that LncPGCAT‐1 positively regulated the formation of PGCs by elevating the expression of Cvh and C‐kit while downregulating the pluripotency(Nanog) in vitro and in vivo; PAS staining of genital ridges in vivo also showed that interference with LncPGCAT‐1 can significantly reduce the number of PGCs in genital ridges, while overexpression of LncPGCAT‐1 had the opposite result. The result of luciferase reporter assay combined with CHIP‐qPCR showed that the expression of LncPGCAT‐1 was promoted by the transcription factor P53 and high levels of H3K4me2. Mechanistically, the luciferase reporter assay confirmed that mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) was the target gene of LncPGCAT‐1 and gga‐mir‐1591. In the ceRNA system, high levels of N6 methylation of LncPGCAT‐1 enhanced the adsorption capacity of LncPGCAT‐1 for gga‐mir‐1591. Adsorption of gga‐mir‐1591 activated the MAPK1/ERK signaling cascade by relieving the gga‐mir‐1591‐dependent inhibition of MAPK1 expression. Moreover, LncPGCAT‐1 interacted with interleukin enhancer binding factor 3 (ILF3) to regulate the ubiquitination of P53 and phosphorylation of JNK. Interaction with ILF3 resulted in positive self‐feedback regulation of LncPGCAT‐1 and activation of JNK signaling, ultimately promoting PGC formation. Altogether, the study expands our knowledge of the function and molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in PGC development.
Effects of methylation of deiodinase 3 gene on gene expression and severity of Kashin–Beck disease
Authors: Li Zhaofang , Zhang Di , Li Qiang , Yang Xiaoli , Zhang Rongqiang , Zhang Dandan , Yang Xuena , Wang Chen , Tan Xiwang , Xiong Yongmin
Published: May 2020

Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) is a complex endemic osteoarthropathy, which mainly occurs in the northeast to southwest China. Iodothyronine deiodinases 3 (DIO3) is one of the selenoproteins, which is closely related to bone metabolism and unclear to KBD. This study aims to investigate the role and associated mechanisms of methylation and expression of DIO3 with disease severity in patients with KBD. We performed a bioinformatics analysis first to identify the biological mechanisms involved in selenoproteins. The methylation status of the DIO3 gene and DIO3 gene expression, as well as DIO3‐related regulatory genes in patients with KBD, were analyzed. We found that 15 CpG sites of six selenoproteins were hypomethylated with 5‐azacytidine treatment. DIO3 hypermethylation was associated with an increased risk of KBD and may lead to downregulation of DIO3 gene expression as well as be an indicator of the severity of KBD, which may provide a new insight for gene–environment correlations and interactions in etiology and pathogenesis of KBD.
Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions of an Orally Available TRH Analog (Rovatirelin) With a CYP3A4/5 and P‐Glycoprotein Inhibitor (Itraconazole)
Authors: Kobayashi Kaoru , Abe Yoshikazu , Kawai Asuka , Furihata Takao , Endo Takuro , Takeda Hiroo
Published: May 2020

The effects of itraconazole on the pharmacokinetics of rovatirelin were investigated in an open‐label, single‐sequence drug‐drug interaction study in 16 healthy subjects. Subjects were administered a single oral dose of rovatirelin (1.6 mg) on day 1 and day 15. From day 8 through 16, subjects received daily oral doses of itraconazole (200 mg/day). Concentrations of rovatirelin and (thiazolylalanyl)methylpyrrolidine (TAMP), the major metabolite of rovatirelin formed by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4/5, were determined in plasma and urine. Pharmacokinetic parameters were used to evaluate the drug‐drug interaction potential of rovatirelin as a victim. With coadministration, maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration‐time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUCinf) of rovatirelin increased 3.05‐fold and 2.82‐fold, respectively, and the 90% confidence intervals of the ratios for Cmax (2.64‐3.52) and AUCinf (2.47‐3.23) did not fall within the 0.8‐1.25 boundaries. Urinary excretion of rovatirelin increased at almost the same ratio as the AUCinf ratio with coadministration; however, renal clearance did not change. Cmax, AUCinf, and urinary excretion of TAMP were decreased by coadministration. Itraconazole has the potential to inhibit drug transport via intestinal P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP); therefore, substrate assessments of rovatirelin for the 2 transporters were evaluated using Caco‐2 cell monolayers. In vitro studies showed that rovatirelin is a substrate for P‐gp but not for BCRP. The current study shows that itraconazole's effect on rovatirelin pharmacokinetics is mediated through inhibition of CYP3A4/5 and intestinal P‐gp.
Clinical and basic research investigations into the long‐term effects of prenatal opioid exposure on brain development
Authors: Boggess Taylor , Risher W. Christopher
Published: May 2020

Coincident with the opioid epidemic in the United States has been a dramatic increase in the number of children born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a form of withdrawal resulting from opioid exposure during pregnancy. Many research efforts on NAS have focused on short‐term care, including acute symptom treatment and weaning of the infants off their drug dependency prior to authorizing their release. However, investigations into the long‐term effects of prenatal opioid exposure (POE) on brain development, from the cellular to the behavioral level, have not been as frequent. Given the importance of the perinatal period for human brain development, opioid‐induced disturbances in the formation and function of nascent synaptic networks and glia have the potential to impact brain connectivity and cognition long after the drug supply is cutoff shortly after birth. In this review, we will summarize the current state of NAS research, bringing together findings from human studies and preclinical animal models to highlight what is known about how POE can induce significant, prolonged deficits in brain structure and function. With rates of NAS continuing to rise, particularly in regions that already face substantial socioeconomic challenges, we speculate as to the most promising avenues for future research to alleviate this growing multigenerational threat.
Specific Quality of Life Assessment by the NutriQoL® Questionnaire Among Patients Receiving Home Enteral Nutrition
Authors: Zamanillo Campos Rocío , Colomar Ferrer María Teresa , Ruiz López Rosa María , Sanchís Cortés María Pilar , Urgelés Planella Joan Ramón
Published: May 2020

Background

Home enteral nutrition (HEN), including tube feeding and oral supplementation, can improve or worsen quality of life (QoL). The specific assessment of factors affecting QoL may identify the inherent problems associated with HEN. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the validated NutriQoL® questionnaire is useful for assessing the QoL and the factors influencing it in patients receiving HEN.

Methods

A total of 78 patients receiving HEN completed both the NutriQoL and the SF‐12 questionnaires during their routine visits to nutrition service at the hospital.

Results

Ninety percent of patients receiving HEN had cancer, 58% received oral supplements, and 42% received tube feeding. At recruitment, the mean score ± SD of the NutriQoL was 66 ± 14, whereas that of the SF‐12 was 40 ± 9. A positive correlation between NutriQoL and SF‐12 scores (ρ = 0.5; P < .001) was found. Multivariate analysis showed that HEN type (oral vs tube) (odds ratio [OR], 5.6; 95% CI 2.0–15.3; P = .001) and the absence of secondary effects (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.2–7.9; P = .024) were both variables explaining NutriQoL results adjusted by sex and age. The SF‐12 results did not show associations with nutrition factors. On visit 2, we observed significant improvements in NutriQoL results.

Conclusion

The NutriQoL questionnaire identifies specific problems that affect the QoL of patients receiving HEN, whereas SF‐12 does not. The route of entry and the occurrence of complications influence specific QoL. NutriQoL is a useful tool to identify the factors that worsen the QoL in patients receiving HEN.
Effect of Oropharyngeal Administration of Mother's Milk Prior to Gavage Feeding on Gastrin, Motilin, Secretin, and Cholecystokinin Hormones in Preterm Infants: A Pilot Crossover Study
Authors: Mohammed Abdel‐Rahman , Eid Abdel‐Rahman , Elzehery Rasha , Al‐Harrass Mohammad , Shouman Basma , Nasef Nehad
Published: May 2020

Background

Oropharyngeal administration of milk prior to gavage feeding has been shown to improve feeding tolerance in preterm infants.

Objectives

The aim is to study the effect of oropharyngeal administration of mother's milk (OPAMM), prior to gavage feeding, on the levels of gastrin, motilin, secretin, and cholecystokinin hormones.

Methods

Preterm infants (<32 weeks’ gestation) were randomized at a corrected gestational age of 33–34 weeks, in a crossover design, to receive 1 of 2 protocols: 24 hours of OPAMM practice (applying 0.2 mL of mother's milk prior to each gavage feeding) followed by 24 hours of regular gavage‐feeding practice in the first protocol or vice versa in the second protocol. The levels of gastrin, motilin, secretin, and cholecystokinin hormones were measured at the end of 24 hours of both practices.

Results

The data of 40 preterm infants (20 in each protocol) were analyzed. OPAMM was associated with a significant increase in the levels of motilin (median, 233; interquartile range [IQR], 196–296 vs median, 196; IQR, 128–233; P < .01), secretin (median, 401; IQR, 353–458 vs median, 370; IQR, 331–407; P = .04), and cholecystokinin (median, 21.4; IQR, 16–27.1 vs median, 14.9; IQR, 11–20.5; P <.01) but not gastrin (median, 202; IQR, 125–238 vs median, 175; IQR, 128–227; P = .7), compared with regular gavage‐feeding practice.

Conclusion

Oro‐pharyngeal stimulation by OPAMM, prior to gavage feeding, significantly increased motilin hormone and possibly increased secretin and cholecystokinin hormones.
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) identification in processed fish products using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification and polymerase chain reaction assays
Authors: Xiong Xiong , Huang Manhong , Xu Wenjie , Li Yi , Cao Min , Xiong Xiaohui
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Financial loss and health risk caused by the substitution of rainbow trout for other salmonid species have become a common issue around the world. The situation could be further exacerbated in China by the ‘abused’ common name of San Wen Yu (the corresponding Chinese ideogram 三文鱼) for salmonids, considering the absence of a standardized naming system for seafood species. To prevent such episodes, the present study aimed to develop novel loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for rapid identification of rainbow trout in processed fish products.

RESULTS

Rainbow trout‐specific primers (LAMP and PCR) were designed, and the specificity against 23 different fish species was confirmed. The minimum amount of detectable DNA for LAMP assay reached 500 pg, up to 10‐fold less than for PCR assay. In addition to agarose gel electrophoresis, naked‐eye inspection of the LAMP‐positive samples using SYBR Green I under daylight or ultraviolet light was also validated. Finally, commercial San Wen Yu products made from rainbow trout could be accurately identified using the newly developed LAMP and PCR assays, further cross‐confirmed by mini DNA barcoding and neighbor‐joining dendrograms.

CONCLUSIONS

The LAMP and PCR assays established in the study allow a fast and accurate identification of rainbow trout in processed fish products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Nε‐carboxymethyllysine and Nε‐carboxyethyllysine kinetics and water loss analysis during chicken braising
Authors: Zhu Zongshuai , Fang Rui , Zhao Di , Huang Ming , Wei Yunji
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Braised chicken is one of the well‐known traditional processed meat products in China. However, reports are scarce with respect to the formation of Nɛ‐carboxymethyllysine (CML) and Nɛ‐carboxyethyllysine (CEL) during chicken braising. Furthermore, braising for a long time and using high‐temperature process will result in water loss. However, the relationship between water loss and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) kinetics is limited. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between water loss and kinetics of free and protein‐bound CML and CEL in braised chicken under different braising conditions (60–100 °C for 5–60 min).

RESULTS

Levels of free and protein‐bound CML and CEL were found to increase with heating time and temperature. The correlation coefficient (r2) was largest at zero‐order reaction (free CML: r2 = 0.908–0.954, protein‐bound CML: r2 = 0.901–0.958, free CEL: r2 = 0.952–0.973, protein‐bound CEL: r2 = 0.959–0.965). The activation energy was 44.158 ± 3.638 kJ mol−1 for free CML, 40.041 ± 3.438 kJ mol−1 for protein‐bound CML, 40.971 ± 0.334 kJ mol−1 for free CEL and 40.247 ± 0.553 kJ mol−1 for protein‐bound CEL. Furthermore, with the increase of braising time and temperature, the drip loss and cooking loss also became aggravated. A significant positive correlation between water loss and AGEs levels during braising was observed by Pearson's correlation analysis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the levels of free and protein‐bound CML and CEL during braising were different, although they all met zero‐order reaction kinetics. Water loss was probably one of the main reasons for the formation of AGEs during chicken braising. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Emerging Organic Thermoelectric Applications from Conducting Metallopolymers
Authors: Sun Zelin , Li Jiahua , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: May 2020

Thermoelectric (TE) materials are emerging as an attractive and promising candidate for solving the energy crisis in which waste heat is efficiently recycled to generate electricity. In order to realize high thermoelectric energy conversion, an ideal TE material should present high electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, but low thermal conductivity. In recent years, conducting coordination polymers have been recognized as new promising organic materials for TE uses, as they bear the advantages of both inorganic and organic materials: proper integration of metal centers helps to enhance the electrical conductivity, while organic backbones are always heat insulators. Herein, a variety of TE metallopolymers are highlighted and their TE properties as well as the related physical factors are discussed in detail. To the best of current knowledge, the highest figure of merit (ZT) value of p‐type organic polymers to date has reached 0.42, and by comparison, an Ni‐based polymer, poly(Ni‐ett) (ett = 1,1,2,2‐ethenetetrathiolate), is the only n‐type TE material possessing a ZT value comparable to those of PEDOT‐based p‐type counterparts (PEDOT, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)). Based on the current achievements, a promising blueprint is displayed to boost up the further development of metallopolymer‐based organic TE materials in the near future.
Preparation and Properties of Novel Cross‐Linked Fluorinated Poly(aryl ether) with Low Dielectric Constant and High Thermal Stability
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Xie Yunrui , Shang Yingshuang , Xu Da , Jiang Zilong , Xu Qinfei , Zhou Chenyi , Zhang Haibo
Published: May 2020

Fluorinated poly(aryl ether)s (FPAEs) have attracted much attention due to their high thermal stability, excellent mechanical strength, and low dielectric constant. High‐molecular‐weight fluorinated poly(aryl ether) containing phenylethynyl (FPAE‐PE) is successfully synthesized by nucleophilic substitution between 3‐ethynylphenol and FPAE. The cross‐linked fluorinated poly(aryl ether) (C‐FPAE‐PE) is prepared by thermal treatment of FPAE‐PE at 300 °C. The thermal stability, dynamic thermomechanical property, and dielectric performance of C‐FPAE‐PE are systematically studied. C‐FPAE‐PE has excellent heat resistance with 5% weight loss temperature (Td5%) at 490 °C in air and high thermomechanical properties with storage modulus retention of 50% at 215 °C. C‐FPAE‐PE displays low and steady dielectric constant of 2.4 and dielectric loss of 0.004 at 215 °C, exhibiting potential applications in the field of microelectronics, communication technology, and energy storage as high‐temperature low dielectric materials.
Fast acquisition with seamless stage translation (FASST) for a trimodal x‐ray breast imaging system
Authors: Zhang Ran , Fowler Amy M. , Wilke Lee G. , Kelcz Frederick , Garrett John W. , Chen Guang‐Hong , Li Ke
Published: May 2020

Purpose

A major technical obstacle to bringing x‐ray multicontrast (i.e., attenuation, phase, and dark‐field) imaging methodology to clinical use is the prolonged data acquisition time caused by the phase stepping procedure. The purpose of this work was to introduce a fast acquisition with seamless stage translation (FASST) technique to a prototype multicontrast breast imaging system for reduced image acquisition time that is clinically acceptable.

Methods

The prototype system was constructed based on a Hologic full‐field digital mammography + digital breast tomosynthesis combination system. During each FASST acquisition process, a motorized stage holding a diffraction grating travels continuously with a constant velocity, and a train of 15 short x‐ray pulses (35 ms each) was delivered by using the Zero‐Degree Tomo mode of the Hologic system. Standard phase retrieval was applied to the 15 subimages without spatial interpolation to avoid spatial resolution loss. The method was evaluated using a physical phantom, a bovine udder specimen, and a freshly resected mastectomy specimen. The FASST technique was experimentally compared with single‐shot acquisition methods and the standard phase stepping method.

Results

The image acquisition time of the proposed method is 3.7 s. In comparison, conventional phase stepping took 105 s using the same prototype imaging system. The mean glandular dose of both methods was matched at 1.3 mGy. No artifacts or spatial resolution loss was observed in images produced by FASST. In contrast, the single‐shot methods led to spatial resolution loss and residual moiré artifacts.

Conclusions

The FASST technique reduces the data acquisition time of the prototype multicontrast x‐ray breast imaging system to 3.7 s, such that it is comparable to a clinical digital breast tomosynthesis exam.
The impact of microalbuminuria on overactive bladders: Results from a community‐based four‐year longitudinal study in Japan
Authors: Okamoto Teppei , Hatakeyama Shingo , Ando Masataka , Songee Jung , Imai Atsushi , Hamano Itsuto , Fujita Naoki , Okamoto Akiko , Yamamoto Hayato , Yoneyama Tohru , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Ohyama Chikara
Published: May 2020

Aims

To investigate the longitudinal association of microalbuminuria with overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods

This longitudinal study investigated 561 participants of the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in both 2015 and 2019 in Japan. Microalbuminuria and OAB symptoms were assessed using the urine albuminuria creatinine ratio (ACR) and the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), respectively. Urine ACR was defined as high if ≥9.3 mg/gCr. Differences in OABSS between 2015 and 2019 were evaluated as ∆OABSS. Participants were divided into two groups according to ΔOABSS: high (ΔOABSS > 1) and control (≤1). We used baseline data acquired in 2015, such as urine ACR, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and arterial stiffness expressed by brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Predictive factors of a ΔOABSS > 1 were assessed by multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

This study included 332 women and 229 men. Of those, 86 (34 males and 52 females) were classified into the ΔOABSS > 1 group. There were significant group differences in age, renal function, and hemoglobin A1c. Participants in the ΔOABSS > 1 had a higher prevalence of PSQI > 5, baPWV ≥ 1400 seconds/cm, and urine ACR ≥ 9.3 mg/gCr (49% vs 20%, P = .001) than those in the control group. Multivariable analysis revealed that PSQI > 5 (odds ratio [OR], 2.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15‐4.60; P = .002) and urine ACR ≥ 9.3 mg/gCr (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.15‐3.23; P = .013) were independent risk factors for ΔOABSS > 1.

Conclusions

Microalbuminuria may be an independent risk indicator for OAB symptom exacerbation.
Reproducibility and reference values of diaphragmatic shortening fraction for term and premature infants
Authors: Alonso‐Ojembarrena Almudena , Ruiz‐González Estefanía , Estepa‐Pedregosa Lorena , Armenteros‐López Ana Isabel , Segado‐Arenas Antonio , Lubián‐López Simón Pedro
Published: May 2020

Background

New ultrasound measurements to diagnose diaphragmatic dysfunction, including diaphragmatic shortening fraction (DSF), have been studied in adults and children, but there are no data on reference values for neonates.

Objective

To describe DSF reference values for term neonate (TN) and preterm neonate (PTN), and to calculate its reproducibility.

Methods

We included asymptomatic TN and PTN during their first 24 hours of life. We measured DSF at the zone of apposition in both hemithoraces. Reproducibility of image acquisition, including inter‐ and intra‐rater agreement of the measurements were calculated among an experienced and a novel operator (after completion of a 1‐day course on lung ultrasound [LU] and performance of 10 diaphragm ultrasounds [DUs] under supervision), and a more‐trained examiner (completion of a 1‐day course on LU and performance of 60 DUs under supervision).

Results

Two groups of 33 TN and 33 PTN were studied. Median DSF values did not differ between the groups, although diaphragm thickness was higher in the TN group. Intra‐observer reproducibility: the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.95 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.86‐0.98). Interobserver reproducibility with novel operator had an ICC of 0.42 (95% CI −0.74 to 0.81), and with a more experienced operator improved to 0.76 (95% CI 0.27‐0.92). Both intra‐ and interobserver agreement were high.

Conclusions

Asymptomatic TN and PTN have similar DSF values in the first 24 hours of life. The intra‐ and interobserver agreement is high. Reproducibility is acceptable, but intensive training is necessary to perform adequate DU.
Unconditional Accumulation of Nonclassicality in a Single‐Atom Mechanical Oscillator
Authors: Podhora Lukáš , Pham Tuan , Lešundák Adam , Obšil Petr , Čížek Martin , Číp Ondřej , Marek Petr , Slodička Lukáš , Filip Radim
Published: May 2020

The robust experimental accumulation of nonclassicality of motion of a single trapped ion is reported. The nonclassicality stems from deterministic incoherent modulation of thermal phonon number distribution implemented by a laser excitation of nonlinear coupling between the ion's internal—electronic levels and external—motional states. It is demonstrated that the repetitive application of this nonlinear process monotonically accumulates the observable state nonclassicality. The output states converge to a phonon number distribution with high overlap with a particular Fock state and visible quantum non‐Gaussian aspects including corresponding negative Wigner function. The resulting oscillator states prove deterministic transition in the hierarchy of quantum non‐Gaussianity up to four phonons. This transition is very robust against experimental imperfections and produces increasing entanglement potential.
High‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with post‐column pH modification: Independent pH optimization for chromatographic separation and electrospray ionization
Authors: Bollmann Ulla E. , Bester Kai
Published: May 2020

Rationale

In recent environmental research, multi‐methods using high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) have become more and more important for the analysis of organic micropollutants in environmental matrices. As the targeted compounds usually have different physicochemical properties, the optimization of these methods is challenging.

Methods

The pH in the electrospray of the mass spectrometer ion source was modified independently of the one used for the HPLC separation, using a post‐column HPLC flow to make the spray acidic or alkaline. The method development was carried out manually in a systematic multistep way.

Results

The method used for the analysis of organic biocides (e.g., terbutryn, propiconazole, and isothiazolinones) was optimized. It was shown that the use of a neutral as well as an acidified gradient could not be optimized for all target compounds, whereas a neutral gradient with post‐column acidification was optimum for all target compounds.

Conclusions

Acidic or alkaline post‐column infusion allows pH optimization for ionization conditions, independent of the pH optimization for chromatographic separation. The introduction of an additional modifier might also allow the minimization of matrix effects or directed formation of sodium adducts, without affecting the chromatographic separation.
Facile Synthesis of CuO Nanosheets and Efficient Degradation of Rhodamine B in a Copper Oxide/Ascorbic Acid/Hydrogen Peroxide System: Kinetics, Fate of Ascorbic Acid, and Mechanism
Authors: Xiao Bing , Wu Meng , Wang Yun , Chen Rufen , Liu Hui
Published: May 2020

CuO nanosheet was successfully prepared via a simple, green hydrothermal method. The resulted product was characterized by various technologies. CuO combined with trace ascorbic acid exhibited excellent Fenton‐like catalytic activity for Rhodamine B degradation. 80 % of RhB degradation occurred in the first 10 min and ascorbic acid was transformed to dehydroascorbic acid at this stage. When the RhB degradation reaction ended, the mineralization of ascorbic acid commenced and finally the ascorbic acid was mineralized to CO2 and H2O. The role of ascorbic acid was to accelerate the two cycles (≡CuII→≡CuIII→≡CuII and ≡CuI→≡CuII→≡CuI) on the surface of CuO particles, which results in the continuous generation of abundant free radicals and rapid degradation of pollutants. The rapid degradation kinetics can be described by Behnajady‐Modirshahla‐Ghanbery equation. The rate constant of HO• generation was 3.7 × 10−2 s−1 and the most utilization efficiency of H2O2 reached 75 %. The CuO/ascorbic acid catalyst has environmentally friendly features, thereby highlighting its practical utility for wastewater treatment.
Three Functionalized Zinc(II)/Cobalt(II) Coordination Complexes Demonstrating Fluorescent Sensing Activities towards Fe3+ Ions and Photocatalytic Selectivity for Organic Dyes
Authors: Lin Hong‐Yan , Chi Jie , Liang Suang , Ji Ming , Liu Guocheng
Published: May 2020

Three new zinc(II)/cobalt(II) coordination complexes [Zn(HBTB)(L)0.5] (1), [Zn(HCPPA)(L)] (2), and [Co(HCPPA)(L)]·2H2O (3) [H3BTB = 1,3,5‐tri(4‐carboxylphenyl)benzene, H3CPPA = 5‐(4‐carboxyl‐phenoxy)‐isophthalic acid, L = N1,N4‐bis(3‐pyridyl)naphthaldiamide] were solvothermally synthesized. The structural characterization reveals that complex 1 represents a 3D coordination framework with a binodal 3,4‐connected {4.102}2{4.105}2 topology constructed from the 2D [Zn(HBTB)]n polymeric double‐layers and the bidentate L ligands. Complex 2 is a 1D metal‐organic chain derived from the dinuclear [Zn2(HCPPA)2] loops and [Zn2(L)2] loops. Complex 3 possesses a binodal 3,5‐connected {42.6}{43.6.84.102} topological 2D layered architecture based on the [Co2(HCPPA)2] ribbon chains and the bidentate L ligands. For 2 and 3, their adjacent chains or layers are respectively stacked into 3D supramolecular architectures via the hydrogen bonds. Moreover, the fluorescent and fluorescent sensing activities towards small solvent molecules of coordination complexes 1 and 2, the photocatalyitc properties of 1–3 towards organic dyes were studied.
Syntheses, Structures, and Bioactivities Evaluation of some Transition Metal Complexes with 4,4'‐Diacetylcurcumin
Authors: Pham Chien Thang , Pham Thu Thuy , Nguyen Hung Huy , Trieu Thi Nguyet
Published: May 2020

Stoichiometric reactions of 4,4'‐diacetylcurcumin (HL) with series of transition metal ions, namely Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+, in methanol result in the corresponding homoleptic metal complexes. All the obtained complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, high resolution mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, magnetic moment and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Structural analyses are unprecedentedly performed for the FeIII, CoII, and NiII complexes and reveal octahedral mononuclear complexes with the compositions [Fe(L)3] and [M(L)2(MeOH)2] (M = Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+) for trivalent and divalent metal ions, respectively. In all complexes, the deprotonated ligands serve as monoanionic and bidentate ligands with (O,O)‐chelating β‐diketonate moieties. The free ligand HL exhibits considerable antiproliferative effects for the human MCF‐7 breast and HepG2 liver cancer cells with IC50 values of 20.91 ± 2.16 μg·mL–1 and 12.85 ± 1.85 μg·mL–1, respectively. The CoII and ZnII complexes with IC50 values in the range of 14.53–20.80 μg·mL–1 for MCF‐7 breast and 8.48–10.68 μg·mL–1 for HepG2 liver cancer cells show stronger antiproliferative effects than HL, the FeIII and NiII complexes cause weaker reductions of the growth of the two tested cancer cell lines.
Nickel(II) Phosphane‐ and N‐heterocyclic Carbene Complexes with Tridentate, Dianionic [S,N,O]2– Ligands
Authors: Koch Lena , Schmidt Darya , Rust Jörg , Lehmann Christian W. , Mohr Fabian
Published: May 2020

Square‐planar dinuclear nickel(II) complexes containing [S,N,O]2– ligands formed by condensation of acetyl acetone or benzoyl acetone with cysteamine were prepared. These dimeric nickel(II) compounds undergo bridge‐cleavage reactions with the cage phosphine PTA (PTA = 1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane) or in situ generated N‐heterocyclic carbenes. The resulting diamagnetic, square planar NiII complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods and X‐ray diffraction.
Programmed genome rearrangements in ciliates
Authors: Rzeszutek Iwona , Maurer-Alcalá Xyrus X. , Nowacki Mariusz
Published: May 2020

Ciliates are a highly divergent group of unicellular eukaryotes with separate somatic and germline genomes found in distinct dimorphic nuclei. This characteristic feature is tightly linked to extremely laborious developmentally regulated genome rearrangements in the development of a new somatic genome/nuclei following sex. The transformation from germline to soma genome involves massive DNA elimination mediated by non-coding RNAs, chromosome fragmentation, as well as DNA amplification. In this review, we discuss the similarities and differences in the genome reorganization processes of the model ciliates Paramecium and Tetrahymena (class Oligohymenophorea), and the distantly related Euplotes, Stylonychia, and Oxytricha (class Spirotrichea).
One-step preparation of bilayered films from kraft lignin and cellulose acetate to mimic tree bark
Authors: Barbe Stéphan , Berger Moriz , Engstler Roxanne , Dieste Andrés , Clavijo Leonardo , Favvas Evangelos , Sapalidis Andreas
Published: May 2020

This contribution presents the development of a dry-cast method for the one-step preparation of bio-based films from wood polymers that mimic the bilayered structure of tree bark, the natural protective layer of the tree. In a simplified view, natural bark can be considered as the superposition of an external homogeneous and non-porous layer (outer bark) and a porous substructure layer (inner bark). This work is a first step for the future development of bio-based biomimetic wood coatings. The film had a bark-like appearance and its total density, bulk density and porosity were similar to values measured in natural bark. Furthermore, the structural characteristics of the studied film, namely specific surface area (BET) and pore size distribution, as well as the performance of the water adsorption ability were investigated and discussed.
Analysis of microtomographic images in automatic defect localization and detection
Authors: Marzec Mariusz , Duda Piotr , Wróbel Zygmunt
Published: May 2020

The paper presents a fast method of fully automatic localization and classification of defects in aluminium castings based on computed microtomography images. In the light of current research and based on available publications, where such analysis is made on the basis of images obtained from standard radiography (x-ray), this is a new approach which uses microtomographic images ($$\mu $$μ-CT). In addition, the above-mentioned solutions most often analyze a pre-separated portion of an image, which requires the initial operator interference. The authors’ own pre-processing methods, which allow to separate the element area and potential defect areas from $$\mu $$μ-CT images, and methods of extraction of selected features describing these areas have been proposed in the solution discussed here. A neural network trained using the Levenberg–Marquardt method with error backpropagation has been used as a classifier. The optimal network structure 20–4–1 and a set of 20 features describing the analysed areas have been determined as a result of performed tests. The applied solutions have provided 89% correct detection for any defect size and 96.73% for large defects, which is comparable to the results obtained from methods using x-ray images. This has confirmed that it is possible to use $$\mu $$μ-CT images in automatic defect localization in 3D. Thanks to this method, quantitative analysis of aluminium castings can be carried out without user interaction and fully automated.
Instrumente und Materialien zur Unterstützung gruppenpsychotherapeutischer Praxis
Authors: Strauß Bernhard
Published: May 2020

Unter Verwendung des Akronyms IMELDA fasst diese Arbeit eine Auswahl von Instrumenten und Materialien zusammen, die in der Praxis der Gruppenpsychotherapie hilfreich und nützlich sein können. Das Akronym fasst die Aspekte der Information, der Motivation und Auswahl, der Evaluation zusammen sowie das Gruppenleiterverhalten, die Dokumentation von Gruppensitzungen sowie die Erfassung von Allianz und anderen Prozessmerkmalen. Die verschiedenen Bereiche von „IMELDA“ werden skizziert, unter Darstellung beispielhafter Methoden sowie ihrer Qualität und Verfügbarkeit. Insbesondere vor dem Hintergrund der erhofften Zunahme gruppentherapeutischer Angebote auch im ambulanten Kontext ist davon auszugehen, dass eine gewisse Standardisierung von Abläufen und Begleitdiagnostiken in der Gruppenpsychotherapie für Praktikerinnen und Praktiker von Nutzen ist.
Hotspots of extreme heat under global warming
Authors: Suarez-Gutierrez Laura , Müller Wolfgang A. , Li Chao , Marotzke Jochem
Published: May 2020

We evaluate how hotspots of different types of extreme summertime heat change under global warming increase of up to $$4\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

4

∘

C

; and which level of global warming allows us to avert the risk of these hotspots considering the irreducible range of possibilities defined by well-sampled internal variability. We use large samples of low-probability extremes simulated by the 100-member Max Planck Institute Grand Ensemble (MPI-GE) for five metrics of extreme heat: maximum absolute temperatures, return periods of extreme temperatures, maximum temperature variability, sustained tropical nights, and wet bulb temperatures. At $$2\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

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C

of warming, MPI-GE projects maximum summer temperatures below $$50\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

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over most of the world. Beyond $$2\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

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C

, this threshold is overshot in all continents, with the maximum projected temperatures in hotspots over the Arabic Peninsula. Extreme 1-in-100-years pre-industrial temperatures occur every 10–25 years already at $$1.5\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

1.5

∘

C

of warming. At $$4\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

4

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C

, these 1-in-100-years extremes are projected to occur every 1 to 2 years over most of the world. The range of maximum temperature variability increases by 10–50% at $$2\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

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C

of warming, and by 50–100% at $$4\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

4

∘

C

. Beyond $$2\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

2

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C

, heat stress is aggravated substantially over non-adapted areas by hot and humid conditions that occur rarely in a pre-industrial climate; while extreme pre-industrial tropical night conditions become common-pace already at $$1.5\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

1.5

∘

C

. At $$4\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

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C

of warming, tropical night hotspots spread polewards globally, and are sustained during more than 99% of all summer months in the tropics; whilst extreme monthly mean wet bulb temperatures beyond $$26\,^\circ \hbox {C}$$

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spread both over large tropical as well as mid-latitude regions.
Different EEG brain activity in right and left handers during visually induced self-motion perception
Authors: McAssey Michaela , Dowsett James , Kirsch Valerie , Brandt Thomas , Dieterich Marianne
Published: May 2020

Visually induced self-motion perception (vection) relies on visual–vestibular interaction. Imaging studies using vestibular stimulation have revealed a vestibular thalamo-cortical dominance in the right hemisphere in right handers and the left hemisphere in left handers. We investigated if the behavioural characteristics and neural correlates of vection differ between healthy left and right-handed individuals. 64-channel EEG was recorded while 25 right handers and 25 left handers were exposed to vection-compatible roll motion (coherent motion) and a matched, control condition (incoherent motion). Behavioural characteristics, i.e. vection presence, onset latency, duration and subjective strength, were also recorded. The behavioural characteristics of vection did not differ between left and right handers (all p > 0.05). Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis revealed significant decreases in alpha power during vection–compatible roll motion (p < 0.05). The topography of this decrease was handedness-dependent, with left handers showing a left lateralized centro-parietal decrease and right handers showing a bilateral midline centro-parietal decrease. Further time–frequency analysis, time locked to vection onset, revealed a comparable decrease in alpha power around vection onset and a relative increase in alpha power during ongoing vection, for left and right handers. No effects were observed in theta and beta bands. Left and right-handed individuals show vection-related alpha power decreases at different topographical regions, possibly related to the influence of handedness-dependent vestibular dominance in the visual–vestibular interaction that facilitates visual self-motion perception. Despite this difference in where vection-related activity is observed, left and right handers demonstrate comparable perception and underlying alpha band changes during vection.
Complete genome sequence of Tacaribe virus
Authors: Holzerland Julia , Leske Anne , Fénéant Lucie , Garcin Dominique , Kolakofsky Daniel , Groseth Allison
Published: May 2020

Tacaribe virus (TCRV) is the prototype of the New World arenaviruses (also known as TCRV serocomplex viruses). While TCRV is not itself a human pathogen, many closely related members of this group cause hemorrhagic fever, and thus TCRV has long served as an important BSL2 system for research into diverse areas of arenavirus biology. Due to its widespread use, a coding-complete sequence for both the S and L segments of the bipartite genome has been publically available for almost 30 years. However, more recently, this sequence has been found to contain significant discrepancies compared to other samples of the same original strain (i.e., TRVL-11573). Further, it is incomplete with respect to the genome ends, which contain critical regulatory elements for RNA synthesis. In order to rectify these issues we now present the first complete genome sequence for this important prototype arenavirus. In addition to completing the S segment 5’ end, we identified an apparent error in the L segment 3’ end as well as substantial discrepancies in the S segment intergenic region likely to affect folding. Comparison of this sequence with existing partial sequences confirmed a 12-amino-acid deletion in GP, including putative glycosylation sites, and a 4-amino-acid exchange flanking the exonuclease domain of NP. Accounting for these corrections, the TRVL-11573 strain appears to be nearly identical to that isolated in Florida in 2012. The availability of this information provides a solid basis for future molecular and genetic work on this important prototype arenavirus.
Effect of Electromagnetic Boundary Conditions on Reliability of Plasma Torch Models
Authors: Zhukovskii Rodion , Chazelas Christophe , Vardelle Armelle , Rat Vincent , Distler Bernd
Published: May 2020

The cascaded-anode plasma torch makes it possible to get a longer and more stable plasma jet with higher specific enthalpy than conventional plasma torches. It is now used widely, but there are still few models of the cascaded-anode plasma torch. This study developed a 3-D time-dependent model that couples the gas phase and electrodes by encompassing the electromagnetic and heat equations both in the electrodes and gas phase. The model was applied to a commercial plasma spray gun equipped with a single cathode, single cylindrical anode and an inter-electrode insert to fix the average arc length. This paper examines the effect of the boundary conditions for the magnetic vector potential and electric current density on the electromagnetic, velocity and temperature fields of the plasma jet. The model predictions showed that, for such plasma torches where the arc is close to walls, the Biot and Savart formalism is required at the domain boundaries for the magnetic vector potential. They also showed that similar plasma fields could be obtained by imposing an electric current density profile at the cathode tip or by including the electrodes in the computational domain. However, this profile has to be chosen according to the specific design of the cathode, which is not obvious when the cathode has a design different from that of conventional plasma torches with sharp conical tip or rounded tip.
The Ethical Triage and Management Guidelines of the Entrapped and Mangled Extremity in Resource Scarce Environments: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Weinstein Eric , Gosney James E. , Ragazzoni Luca , Franc Jeffrey , Herbert TeriLynn , Weinstein Brielle , Verde Manuela , Zeller Johannes , Wolfson Nikolaj , Boyce Will , Cramer Jordan
Published: May 2020

Objective:

A systematic literature review (SLR) was performed to elucidate the current triage and treatment of an entrapped or mangled extremity in resource scarce environments (RSEs).

Methods:

A lead researcher followed the search strategy following inclusion and exclusion criteria. A first reviewer (FR) was randomly assigned sources. One of the 2 lead researchers was the second reviewer (SR). Each determined the level of evidence (LOE) and quality of evidence (QE) from each source. Any differing opinions between the FR and SR were discussed between them, and if differing opinions remained, then a third reviewer (the other lead researcher) discussed the article until a consensus was reached. The final opinion of each article was entered for analysis.

Results:

Fifty-eight (58) articles were entered into the final study. There was 1 study determined to be LOE 1, 29 LOE 2, and 28 LOE 3, with 15 determined to achieve QE 1, 37 QE 2, and 6 QE 3.

Conclusion:

This SLR showed that there is a lack of studies producing strong evidence to support the triage and treatment of the mangled extremity in RSE. Therefore, a Delphi process is suggested to adapt and modify current civilian and military triage and treatment guidelines to the RSE.