bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrapment of glutaraldehyde‐crosslinked cells from Aspergillus oryzaeIPT‐301 in calcium alginate for high transfructosylation activity
Authors: Gonçalves Maria Carolina P , Morales Sergio A V , Silva Elda S , Maiorano Alfredo E , Perna Rafael F , Kieckbusch Theo G
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are sweeteners produced through the use of enzymes called fructosyltransferases (FTases) (EC 2.4.1.9). However, FTase reuse is meagre and the cost of the enzyme production is high, making FOS production economically unfeasible. In order to address these issues, this study aims to immobilize cells from Aspergillus oryzae IPT‐301, containing FTase enzyme previously glutaraldehyde‐crosslinked, by means of entrapment in calcium alginate beads. The conditions to obtain the particles, such as alginate type, mycelium mechanical dispersion, degree of crosslinking, size of the beads, and their reflections on transfructosylation activity (AT) were evaluated previously.

RESULTS

The highest AT used low‐viscosity alginate solution (4.0% w/w) crosslinked with calcium chloride (0.2 mol L−1) and beads of mean diameter 2.15 mm. The entrapment conditions were complemented by conducting the reaction under different temperatures, pH values, substrate concentrations and by reusing the beads. The highest transfructosylation activities were obtained under reaction conditions of 50 °C, pH 5.5 and substrate concentration 400 g L−1.

CONCLUSION

The AT levels found with the glutaraldehyde‐crosslinked and entrapped cells in calcium alginate were ≈70% higher than the ones obtained with free cells, not glutaraldehyde‐crosslinked. Moreover, the immobilized cells (crosslinked+entrapped) retained their AT up to the third cycle of total sucrose depletion in the reaction medium, attesting to the potential use of the beads in continuous FOS production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Aqueous‐Mediated green synthesis of novel spiro[indole‐quinazoline] derivatives using kit‐6 mesoporous silica coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles as catalyst
Authors: Abdolmohammadi Shahrzad , Shariati Shahab , Fard Narges Elmi , Samani Amir
Published: April 2020

In this work, a series of eight new spiro[3,4′]1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐indol‐2‐one‐2′‐amino‐4′,6′,7′,8′‐tetrahydro‐2′,5’(1’H,3’H)‐quinazoline‐diones were successfully synthesized through a three‐component reaction of 1H‐indole‐2,3‐diones (isatins), guanidine nitrate, and 1,3‐cyclohexanediones, by use of Kit‐6 mesoporous silica coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2@KIT‐6) as a highly efficient magnetically separable nanocatalyst in aqueous media at 60°C. Several notable features of thiseco‐friendly protocol are high yields of products, short reaction times, operational simplicity, and the use of easily available and recyclable catalyst.
Metal‐based micro and nanosized pollutant in marine organisms: What can we learn from a combined atomic force microscopy‐scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Dinarelli Simone , Longo Giovanni , Cannata Stefano , Bernardini Sergio , Gomiero Alessio , Fabi Gianna , Marco Girasole
Published: April 2020

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a consolidated technique for the study of biological systems, usually ex vivo or in culture, under different experimental conditions. Yet, the diffusion of the technique in the scientific context of histology is still rather slow and limited. In the present work, we demonstrate the potential of AFM, in terms of morphological and nanomechanical imaging, to study the effects of nano‐ and micro‐sized metallic pollutants in living biological systems. As a model, we investigated marine molluscs (Mytilus galloprovincialis) grown in the Adriatic Sea. We characterized histological sections from two organs (gonads and digestive glands) of molluscs collected during several surveys at different growth time and distance from gas extraction platforms. We evaluated the effects of nano‐pollutants mostly on the local tissue structure by combining AFM microscopy with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the AFM images allowed evidencing the presence of nano‐ or micro‐sized structures that exhibit different nanomechanical properties compared to the rest of the tissue. The results demonstrate how coupling AFM and SEM analysis can provide an effective procedure to evaluate the morphological alterations produced by the exposure to exogenous nano‐pollutants in tissue and constitute a promising way to reveal basic mechanisms mediating the cytotoxicity of specific exogenous pollutants ingested by edible organisms.
A climatology of surface–air temperature difference over the Tibetan Plateau: Results from multi‐source reanalyses
Authors: Wang Xuejia , Chen Deliang , Pang Guojin , Ou Tinghai , Yang Meixue , Wang Meng
Published: April 2020

The Tibetan Plateau (TP), known as earth's “Third Pole,” influences regional and even global weather and climate systems through its mechanical and thermal‐dynamical forcing. Near‐surface (2 m) air temperature (Ta) and surface (skin) temperature (Ts) are two crucial parameters of land–atmosphere interactions and climate change. Their difference (ΔT = Ts − Ta) determines the heating source over the TP that drives the Asian summer monsoon. This study focuses on climatology, inter‐annual variability, and long‐term trend of ΔT over the TP in the last four decades (1979–2018), based on four latest reanalysis datasets including ERA‐Interim, ERA5, MERRA2, and JRA55, along with observational data. We show that ΔT‐based different datasets display fairly different climatology in terms of seasonality, spatial distribution, and long‐term trend. ΔT exhibits a clear seasonality with negative value in winter and positive ones in summer despite different strengths and timings presented by the reanalyses. Along with global warming, all reanalyses except JRA55 exhibit obvious downwards trends of ΔT in a spatially non‐uniform way. The median ΔT among the four reanalyses features uniform decreases in all seasons, with the most distinct area on the northern TP, as well as the largest and least decreases in autumn and spring, respectively. Further analysis shows that the differences in ΔT are most likely associated with discrepancies in radiation forcing, snow cover, wind speed, and boundary layer height within the reanalyses. The present findings highlight the difficulty for the state‐of‐the‐art reanalyses to represent the climate change over the TP and point to possible factors behind the deficiencies identified.
Optimal nonlinear pricing by a regret‐averse monopoly
Authors: Wong Kit Pong
Published: April 2020

This paper examines the optimal nonlinear pricing by a monopolist who sells a good to two types of buyers with high and low valuation. The monopolist's preferences are characterized by a modified utility function that includes disutility from having chosen ex‐post suboptimal alternatives. Regret aversion is shown to affect the rent extraction‐efficiency tradeoff. When buyers are more likely to have high (low) valuation, the regret‐averse monopolist reduces (enlarges) the downward distortion on the second‐best quantity offered to low‐valuation buyers, thereby resulting in lower (higher) unit prices paid by all buyers. The regret‐averse monopolist always earns a lower expected profit.
Three‐dimensional finite element simulation of fracture propagation in rock specimens with pre‐existing fissure(s) under compression and their strength analysis
Authors: Pakzad Ramin , Wang Shanyong , Sloan Scott W.
Published: April 2020

A FORTRAN program, consistent with the commercially available finite element (FE) code ABAQUS, is developed based on a three‐dimensional (3D) linear elastic brittle damage constitutive model with two damage criteria. To consider the heterogeneity of rock, the developed FORTRAN program is used to set the stiffness and strength properties of each element of the FE model following a Weibull distribution function. The reliability of the program is assessed against available experimental results for granite cylindrical specimens with a throughgoing, flat and inclined fissure. The calibration procedure of the material parameters is explained in detail, and it is shown that the compressive to tensile strength ratio can have a substantial influence on the failure response of the specimens. Numerical simulations are conducted for models with different levels of heterogeneity. The results show a smaller load bearing capacity for models with less homogeneity, representing gradual coalescence of fully damaged elements forming throughout the models during loading. The maximum load bearing capacity is studied for various combinations of inclination angles of two centrally aligned, throughgoing and flat fissures of equal length embedded in cylindrical models under uniaxial and multiaxial loading conditions. The key role of the compressive to tensile strength ratio is highlighted by repeating certain simulations with a lower compressive to tensile strength ratio. It is proven that the peak loads of the rock models with sufficiently small compressive to tensile strength ratios containing two throughgoing fissures of equal length are similar, provided that the minimum inclination angles of the models are the same. The results are presented and discussed with respect to the existing experimental findings in the literature, suggesting that the numerical model applied in this study can provide useful insight into the failure behaviour of rock‐like materials.
Unexpected hemorrhage during wisdom tooth extraction: Report of two cases and review of management techniques
Authors: Anzai Hiromasa , Mitate Eiji , Tanaka Fumie , Oobayashi Yuko , Yoshizumi Junko , Hiraki Akimitsu
Published: April 2020

Intraoperative bleeding represents serious problems during tooth extractions. We describe two cases of intraoperative massive bleeding at upper wisdom tooth extraction. Case 1: 27‐year‐old male (right side). Local anesthesia, compression hemostasis, tie‐over, and a hemostatic plate were applied. Case 2: 27‐year‐old female (right side). She was taken to the nearest emergency. Radiopaque gauze was inserted. Seven cases of intraoperative bleeding of upper wisdom teeth are previously reported. Medical history and X‐ray images must be carefully reviewed. If unexpected bleeding starts in healthy patients, damage to vascular malformation and/or to the posterior superior alveolar artery should be considered. Facilitate the preparation of local hemostatic items before the operation is recommended.
Comparative effects of technical‐grade and formulated chlorantraniliprole to the survivorship and locomotor activity of the honey bee, Apis mellifera (L.)
Authors: Williams Jennifer R , Swale Daniel R , Anderson Troy D
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The loss of honey bee colonies is a nationally recognized problem that demands attention from both the scientific community and the beekeeping industry. One outstanding threat is the unintended exposure of these pollinators to agricultural pesticides. Anthranilic diamides, such as chlorantraniliprole, are registered for use in stone and pome fruits, vegetables, turf, and grains. There are few publicly available studies that provide an analysis of chlorantraniliprole effects on the survivorship and locomotion activity of beneficial, pollinating insects such as honey bees. The data gathered in this study provide the acute toxicity, 30‐day survivorship, and locomotor activity of honey bees exposed to technical‐grade chlorantraniliprole and three formulated products with chlorantraniliprole as the active ingredient.

RESULTS

Neither the technical‐grade nor the formulated products of chlorantraniliprole were acutely toxic to honey bees following 4 or 72h treatments at the tested concentrations. A 4 h treatment of technical‐grade and formulated chlorantraniliprole did not significantly affect the 30‐day survivorship, although significantly higher mortality was observed after 30 days for bees receiving a 72 h treatment of technical‐grade chlorantraniliprole and two formulated products. The locomotion activity, or total walking distance, of bees receiving a 4 h treatment of one chlorantraniliprole formulation was significantly reduced, with these individuals recovering their normal locomotion activity at 48 h post exposure. Conversely, there was observed lethargic behavior and significantly reduced walking distances for bees provided with a 72 h treatment of technical‐grade chlorantraniliprole and each formulated product.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence for the effect of long‐term exposure of chlorantraniliprole on the survivorship and locomotor activity of honey bees. Bees receiving a more field‐relevant short‐term exposure survived and moved similarly to untreated bees, reiterating the relative safety of chlorantraniliprole exposure to adult honey bees at recommended label concentrations. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Time‐dependent effects on bumble bees of dietary exposures to farmland insecticides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and fipronil)
Authors: Mulvey Jessica , Cresswell James E
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Farmland bees encounter insecticides in their diet when visiting the flowers of pesticide‐treated crops with residues in nectar and pollen. A sustained exposure to even trace residues could be severely harmful if the ingested substance has a long biological half‐life and its toxicity therefore intensifies over time, which is termed time‐reinforced toxicity (TRT). Bumble bees are important farmland pollinators, but their susceptibility to TRT from insecticides has not been established previously. This study therefore investigated the potential for three farmland insecticides (imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and fipronil) to generate TRT in bumble bees (Bombus terrestris L.) by dietary exposure in the laboratory using lethality as an endpoint under both fixed‐dose and pulsed‐dose regimes.

RESULTS

The insecticides varied in toxic effect. Fipronil exposures produced a dose‐dependent reduction in longevity (days of exposure survived) and strong TRT with no evidence of clearance‐based recovery. Thiamethoxam exposures also produced a dose‐dependent reduction in longevity, but with moderate TRT and evidence of some clearance‐based recovery. Imidacloprid exposures produced a hormesis with reduced longevity only at the highest doses and an absence of TRT.

CONCLUSION

Our study further confirms the potential for certain dietary insecticides at trace levels to harm farmland bees during sustained exposures because of their capacity to cause time‐reinforced toxicity. Our findings suggest that regulatory oversight of pesticides will better safeguard bee health by testing the active ingredients of farmland agrochemicals for their capacity to produce TRT in these ecologically important nontarget organisms.

Our study demonstrates the potential for certain dietary insecticides at trace levels to harm farmland bumble bees during sustained exposures because of their capacity to cause time‐reinforced toxicity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
In vivo infection of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus by the fungus Esteya vermicola
Authors: Wang Hai‐Hua , Wang Yun‐Bo , Yin Can , Gao Jie , Tao Ran , Sun Yu‐Lou , Wang Chun‐Yan , Wang Zhen , Li Yong‐Xia , Sung Chang‐Keun
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

As the causal agent of pine wilt disease, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a serious pathogen of forest pine trees. Esteya vermicola is a nematophagous fungus of B. xylophilus and exhibits great potential as a biological control agent. However, the in vivo infection mechanism of E. vermicola on B. xylophilus is unclear. Experiments were conducted to study the colonization of host plant and infection of B. xylophilus by E. vermicola inside pine tree xylem.

RESULTS

A green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged E. vermicola transformant was constructed as a biomarker to study the in vivo colonization and infection of B. xylophilus in pine trees. The in vitro infection of B. xylophilus by E. vermicola was observed through GFP expression. The bacilloid conidia produced by trophic hyphae in the body of the nematode are described. Additionally, the monitoring of in vivo colonization by GFP‐tagged E. vermicola showed the germination and hyphal extension of this fungus after inoculation. Moreover, B. xylophilus infected by this biocontrol agent were extracted from healthy seedlings and observed in the xylem of trees that were wilting due to pine wilt disease.

CONCLUSION

Evidence of fungal colonization and infection of B. xylophilus by E. vermicola is provided to improve our understanding of the in vivo infection mechanisms used by this nematophagous fungus against B. xylophilus. The infection of B. xylophilus by E. vermicola was inferred to begin with the implantation of propagules, and this inference will require future investigation.

The colonization of Esteya vermicola in host pine tree xylem and the in vivo infection of pinewood nematode by E. vermicola were investigated using the green fluorescence protein transformant. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Bacopa monnieri as augmentation therapy in the treatment of anhedonia, preclinical and clinical evaluation
Authors: Micheli Laura , Spitoni Silvia , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Bilia Anna Rita , Ghelardini Carla , Pallanti Stefano
Published: April 2020

Bacopa monnieri (L.) is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine as a neural tonic for improving intelligence and memory. Several studies highlighted its efficacy in neuropsychiatric diseases but there is no evidence regarding anhedonia. Aim of the present work was to preclinically and clinically test against anhedonia a standardized B. monnieri extract (20% bacosides). In a mouse model of a depressive‐like syndrome induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the daily administration of the extract (50–200 mg kg−1, p.o.) for 1 week, dose‐dependently counteracted the immobility time in Porsolt and Tail suspension tests (p < .01). At the sucrose preference test (directly related to the ability for feeling pleasure) the extract treatment (100 and 200 mg kg−1) counteracted the reduction of sucrose intake induced by LPS (p < .01). Moreover, B. monnieri significantly reduced cytokines, cortisol, and artemin LPS‐dependent alterations in plasma while increased the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels (p < .05). The efficacy of the same extract was tested in a clinical study in which 42 patients with significant degree of anhedonia (evaluated as Snaith‐Hamilton Pleasure Scale [SHAPS] score ≥ 3) were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups and treated with citalopram or citalopram associated with B. monnieri (300 mg bid) for 4 weeks. The Pears Sample T‐test showed a significant improvement (p < .05) in relevant scales (Hamilton depression rating scale, SHAPS, and strength and difficulties questionnaire) in the extract‐treated group in comparison to citalopram alone was recorded. These data suggest that B. monnieri extract may be effective for the management of anhedonia and therefore should be considered for future controlled trials.
Synthesis of Coumarin‐Analogues: Analytical, Spectral, Conformational, MOE‐Docking and Antimicrobial Studies
Authors: Bayazeed Abrar , Alshehrei Fatimah , Muhammad Zeinab A. , Al‐Fahemi Jabir , El‐Metwaly Nashwa , Farghaly Thoraya A.
Published: April 2020

New coumarin‐analogs were synthesized from the reaction of 3‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)‐pyrazole‐1‐carbothioic acid amide with two different hydrazonoyl chlorides and phenacyl bromides. The structure of novel chromen‐3‐yl‐pyrazole derivatives were assured from analytical and spectral data which confirmed computationally. Conformational study affirmed the most fitted synthesis‐pathway particularly with enaminone and thiosemicarbazide. Seventeen novel chromen‐3‐yl‐pyrazole derivatives were screened for their antimicrobial activity versus two fungi and four bacteria species. The results of antimicrobial activity indicated that four derivatives showed activity exceed that of reference drug used. The inhibition activity towards various microorganisms were enriched by theoretical implementation for MOE‐docking module. The interaction parameters signify the inhibition extent superiority of 12 b, towards functional protein of Staphylococcus aureus (1bqb). From SAR‐point of view, the activity of such new derivatives is related to contribution of ester and electron‐donating groups as; OCH3 and CH3 substituted in phenyl‐ring.
Preparation of Inverse Opal Hydroxyapatite and Drug Delivery Properties
Authors: Wang Li‐li , Zhou Ye‐min , Wang Xiu‐feng , Feng Li‐na , Liu Xin‐xin
Published: April 2020

Hydroxyapatite(HA) are widely used in the field of drug delivery, especially nano‐HA and porous HA. However, there are few reports on the use of inverse opal HA as drug carrier. In this paper, based on the colloidal crystal template prepared by polystyrene microsphere with the diameter of 380 ± 10 nm, inverse opal HA was prepared by template method as the drug sustained‐release carrier using different dispersants and ratio of template to precursor. The results indicated that when the ratio of template to precursor was 1 : 15 and the dispersant was a mixture of water and alcohol, the prepared inverse opal HA showed a complete ordered porous morphology with uniform pore spacing. In the drug delivery test of amoxicillin, the drug loading and release properties of the inverse opal HA were significantly better than that of nano‐HA. The drug loading of the inverse opal HA was about 2.17 times of nano‐HA, and the drug‐loading performance was also obviously improved. At the same time, sustained release ability of the inverse opal HA was better than that of nano‐HA when releasing amoxicillin. In the first 3 h, the cumulative release rate of amoxicillin on the inverse opal HA was less than 40%, much lower than about 60% of nano‐HA, significantly slowing down the drug release rate and showing good persistence. Therefore, the inverse opal HA as a drug carrier could also improve the sudden release effect of the drug and make the release rate gentler.
Direct Z‐Scheme Janus‐Shaped Heterojunction of TiO2‐Ti2O3(H2O)2(C2O4)⋅H2O: A Novel Photocatalyst or Photoanode
Authors: Hu Kangkai , E Lei , Zhao Dan , Li Yajing , Zhao Wei
Published: April 2020

The novel n‐n type heterojunction of TiO2‐Ti2O3(H2O)2(C2O4)⋅H2O, realizing a direct Z‐scheme of the charge transfer mechanism, preparing by in‐situ growth of titanium oxalate through one‐step hydrothermal method, possessing janus‐shaped structure, is a photocatalyst for wastewater treatment or photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Can systems thinking be an antidote to extensive evil?
Authors: Richardson George P.
Published: April 2020

The 20th century saw at least five regions of the world that gave themselves over to unspeakably evil regimes, each resulting in totalitarian dictatorships responsible for horrific suffering and deaths of millions of people. As part of a group of authors involved in various ways in the study of civil society and the common good, this author was invited to address what systems thinking could contribute to understandings of the emergence of such extensive evil. This article develops a qualitative model crafted to capture the generic structure and dynamics of the emergence of extensive evil in a society. Focusing on crucial stocks and flows and feedback loops, the map reveals eight areas where a healthy society may be vulnerable to the spread of such evil, with corresponding areas of resistance pushing back on its apparent inevitability. The paper concludes with reflections on values in systems thinking.
Effect of pressure on pressed pellets in XRS
Authors: Yılmaz Demet , Uzunoğlu Zeynep
Published: April 2020

In this study, the absorption experiments which are an application area in XRS are discussed. The effect on the absorption parameters of the pressure applied to make pellet powder samples was investigated. The mass attenuation coefficients (
μ
m), mean free paths and half‐value layers of samples prepared at different pressures were experimentally determined. C6H10O5, VF4, CaO and Y2O3 samples were pressed at 1.91, 3.82, 5.72 and 7.63 tons/cm2. A variable energy x‐ray source from Amersham (AMC.2084) was used in order to irradiate the samples at energies 13.39, 19.63, 24.90, 32.06, 36.39, 44.48, 51.70 and 59.54 keV. The photon intensities were measured by using an HPGe detector with a resolution of 182 eV at 5.9 keV. The theoretical radiation absorption parameters were calculated by WinXCOM program. The calculated values were compared with the experimental values. Good agreement has been observed within experimental uncertainties for low pellet pressure. The obtained results show that the radiation absorption parameters change with the amount of pressure applied to the sample.
Luminescent Symmetrically and Unsymmetrically Substituted Diboranes(4)
Authors: Kaiser Yvonne , Grandjean Alexander , Huch Volker , Zimmer Michael , Jung Gregor , Scheschkewitz David
Published: April 2020

A series of 4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl and pentafluorophenyl‐substituted 1,2‐bis(dimethylamino)diboranes(4) of type A, benzo‐fused cyclic 1,4‐diaza‐2,3‐diborinanes of type B, and 1,2‐diduryldiboranes(4) of type C were synthesized and structurally characterized. Spectroscopic studies revealed that the substitution pattern is a decisive factor for the observation of fluorescence in most of the derivatives A to C. For diboranes(4) of type A, unsymmetrical substitution with electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing groups at the boron centers is crucial to invoke fluorescence, albeit weak. Substitution at the boron atoms of 1,4‐diaza‐2,3‐diborinane species B leads to a modified skeletal structure. Finally, the grafting of 4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl groups to diboranes(4) of type C results in extraordinary Stokes shifts in nonpolar solvents.
Probing Higgs-portal dark matter with vector-boson fusion
Authors: Heisig Jan , Krämer Michael , Madge Eric , Mück Alexander
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We constrain the Higgs-portal model employing the vector-boson fusion channel at the LHC. In particular, we include the phenomenologically interesting parameter region near the Higgs resonance, where the Higgs-boson mass is close to the threshold for dark-matter production and a running-width prescription has to be employed for the Higgs- boson propagator. Limits for the Higgs-portal coupling as a function of the dark-matter mass are derived from the CMS search for invisible Higgs-boson decays in vector-boson fusion at 13 TeV. Furthermore, we perform projections for the 14 TeV HL-LHC and the 27 TeV HE-LHC taking into account a realistic estimate of the systematic uncertainties. The respective upper limits on the invisible branching ratio of the Higgs boson reach a level of 2% and constrain perturbative Higgs-portal couplings up to dark-matter masses of about 110 GeV.
Cosmological constraint on dark photon from Neff
Authors: Ibe Masahiro , Kobayashi Shin , Nakayama Yuhei , Shirai Satoshi
Published: April 2020

Abstract

A new U (1) gauge symmetry is the simplest extension of the Standard Model and has various theoretical and phenomenological motivations. In this paper, we study the cosmological constraint on the MeV scale dark photon. After the neutrino decoupling era at T = O(1) MeV, the decay and annihilation of the dark photon heats up the electron and photon plasma and accordingly decreases the effective number of neutrino N
eff in the recombination era. We derive a conservative lower-limit of the dark photon mass around 8.5 MeV from the current Planck data if the mixing between the dark photon and ordinary photon is larger than O(10
−9). We also find that the future CMB stage-IV experiments can probe up to 17 MeV dark photon.
The importance of FDG PET/CT in the diagnostic process of the middle aortic syndrome in a 15-year-old boy patient with suspected systemic vasculitis and final diagnosis of Williams–Beuren syndrome
Authors: Opoka-Winiarska Violetta , Tomaszek Maria Barbara , Sobiesiak Aleksandra , Rybkowska Aleksandra , Lejman Monika , Jaszczuk lIona , Woźniak Magdalena Maria , Zielonka-Lamparska Edyta , Chrapko Beata
Published: April 2020

The differential diagnosis in children with the systemic vasculopathy is still a challenge for clinicians. The progress in vascular imaging and the latest recommendations improve the diagnostic process, but only single reports describe the use of new imaging tests in children. The publication aims to demonstrate the important role of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography combined with anatomical computed tomography angiography (PET/CTA) imaging in the case of a 15-year-old boy with chest pain, intermittent claudication, hypertension and features of middle aortic syndrome in computed tomography angiography (CTA). The patient was suspected to have Takayasu arteritis, but was finally diagnosed with Williams–Beuren syndrome. The case indicates that the FDG PET/CT imaging might be essential in the diagnostic process of middle aortic syndrome in children. We suggest that this imaging technique should be considered in the diagnostic process of systemic vasculopathy particularly in children.
Single-digit cold-induced vasodilation adaptations during an Antarctic expedition
Authors: Tyler Christopher James , Lambert Robert , Kumar Alexander , Stroud Mike Adrian , Cheung Stephen Sau-Shing
Published: April 2020

An increasing number of people are spending time in Polar Regions for work and tourism and this can increase the risk of tissue injuries, e.g. frostbite. The risk would be reduced if beneficial peripheral blood flow adaptions occurred but data regarding the trainability of the cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) response are equivocal. Five healthy males spent almost 8 months in Antarctica; five of them at a semi-permanent camp (− 44 °C; 2752 m). CIVD tests (30 min index finger immersion into 0 °C water) were performed on the 12th, 39–40th, 67–68th, 179th and 234th days of the expedition in a climate-controlled caboose. Heart rate (HR), thermal sensation of the finger, pain sensation, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded. Minimum, maximum, and mean finger temperature were greater, onset time was earlier (r = 0.34), and amplitude was greater (r = 0.55) on day 234 than day 12 suggesting that adaptation occurred. Time-point data suggested that the adaptations were progressive. Cardiovascular and perceptual data also showed some adaptation. MAP was lower on day 234 than day 12 (r = 0.47 and r = 0.47) but mean HR was higher (r = 0.55). Mean and peak thermal sensation (r = 0.31–0.59; r = 0.31) and perceived pain (r = 0.58; r = 0.36) both improved over the course of the expedition. Of interest to Polar Region visitors, beneficial peripheral and perceptual adaptations to prolonged Antarctic exposure can occur with 2 h of daily outdoor exposure although the rates at which adaptation occurs differ.
Antarctic Radiosonde Observations Reduce Uncertainties and Errors in Reanalyses and Forecasts over the Southern Ocean: An Extreme Cyclone Case
Authors: Sato Kazutoshi , Inoue Jun , Yamazaki Akira , Hirasawa Naohiko , Sugiura Konosuke , Yamada Kyohei
Published: April 2020

Cyclones with strong winds can make the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic a dangerous environment. Accurate weather forecasts are essential for safe shipping in the Southern Ocean and observational and logistical operations at Antarctic research stations. This study investigated the impact of additional radiosonde observations from Research Vessel “Shirase” over the Southern Ocean and Dome Fuji Station in Antarctica on reanalysis data and forecast experiments using an ensemble data assimilation system comprising the Atmospheric General Circulation Model for the Earth Simulator and the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter Experimental Ensemble Reanalysis, version 2. A 63-member ensemble forecast experiment was conducted focusing on an unusually strong Antarctic cyclonic event. Reanalysis data with (observing system experiment) and without (control) additional radiosonde data were used as initial values. The observing system experiment correctly captured the central pressure of the cyclone, which led to the reliable prediction of the strong winds and moisture transport near the coast. Conversely, the control experiment predicted lower wind speeds because it failed to forecast the central pressure of the cyclone adequately. Differences were found in cyclone predictions of operational forecast systems with and without assimilation of radiosonde observations from Dome Fuji Station.
Selected protein expression in a new prognostic model for patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Semeniuk-Wojtaś Aleksandra , Lubas Arkadiusz , Cierniak Szczepan , Brzóskowska Urszula , Syryło Tomasz , Zieliński Henryk , Stec Rafał
Published: April 2020

Introduction

After transurethral resection of a bladder tumor, patients frequently have a recurrence of the disease, thereby requiring adjuvant therapy.

Purpose

The study aimed to determine the prognostic value of expression levels of p53, Ki-67, and survivin, and to develop a new prognostic model for patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after transurethral resection of a bladder tumor.

Methods

The study group consisted of 101 patients with primary NMIBC. Univariate followed by multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to obtain a model including the smallest possible number of descriptive variables with the highest statistical significance and impact on risk.

Results

The RECINT model (RECurrence In Not Treated) including factors independently associated with cancer recurrence (tumor size [HR 1.148; p = 0.034], intensity of the color reaction for p53 [HR 1.716; p = 0.008], Ki-67 [HR 3.001; p = 0.022], and survivin [HR 1.461; p = 0.021]) adequately stratified recurrence free-survival (R2 = 0.341, p < 0.001) in patients with primary NMIBC. Patients with the lowest RECINT score (0–6) had the lowest probability of cancer recurrence (1- and 5-year recurrence of 16%) in comparison with other groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The RECINT model may be useful for stratifying the risk of recurrence in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and may allow for identification of those who may benefit the most from adjuvant BCG immunotherapy.
Digitale Soziale Sicherung: Potenzial für die Plattformarbeit
Authors: Weber Enzo
Published: April 2020

Die soziale Absicherung in der Plattformarbeit weist gravierende Lücken auf. Das Konzept „Digitale Soziale Sicherung“ zeigt, wie die Sozialversicherung auch in einen sehr kurzfristig agierenden, (teilweise) internationalen Markt integriert werden kann. Dabei wird in die Plattformen ein digitaler Mechanismus implementiert, der mit jeder Beendigung eines Jobs automatisch einen bestimmten Prozentsatz des vereinbarten Entgelts als Sozialbeitrag abführt. Indem dieser Mechanismus an der Plattform ansetzt, wird ein effektives digitales Quellenabzugsverfahren für Plattformarbeit ermöglicht. Das System wäre offen für die Beteiligung (möglichst vieler) verschiedener Staaten. Die nationale Sozialversicherung behält aber ihre Souveränität und Flexibilität.
New Work Forms: How to Integrate Them in Our Social Insurances
Authors: Montebovi Saskia , Fernandez Alberto Barrio , Schoukens Paul
Published: April 2020

The increase in the group of atypical workers means that their social security protection needs reviewing. How far should we go in approaching social security for self-employed workers, flex workers, crowd workers and all new employment relationships differently? This will depend on the number of elements in respect to which the atypical employment relationship differs from the established standard: the full-time employee with a permanent employment contract. What we propose is a social security system that is sufficiently flexible in its implementation to give the different groups of workers an equal place and at the same time maintain a financially sustainable social security system providing sufficient social security protection for typical and atypical workers.
Overlapping Transmission Networks of Early Syphilis and/or Newly HIV Diagnosed Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): Opportunities for Optimizing Public Health Interventions
Authors: Jennings Jacky M. , Tilchin Carla , Meza Benjamin , Schumacher Christina , Fields Errol , Latkin Carl , Rompalo Anne , Greenbaum Adena , Ghanem Khalil G.
Published: April 2020

Syphilis and HIV among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are syndemic suggesting current prevention strategies are not effective. Sex partner meeting places and their networks may yield effective and optimal interventions. From 2009 to 2017, 57 unique venues were reported by > 1 MSM and 7.0% (n = 4), 21.1% (n = 12) and 71.9% (n = 41) were classified as syphilis, HIV or co-diagnosed venues, respectively. Forty-nine venues were connected in one main network component with four online, co-diagnosis venues representing 51.6% of reports and the highest degree and eigenvector centralities. In a sub-analysis during a local syphilis epidemic, the proportion of venues connected in the main component increased 38.7% (61.5% to 86.4%); suggesting increasing overlap in syphilis and HIV transmission and density of the venue network structure over time. This network analysis may identify the optimal set of venues for tailored interventions. It also suggests increasing difficulty of interrupting network transmission through fragmentation.
Mentalising Moderates the Link between Autism Traits and Current Gender Dysphoric Features in Primarily Non-autistic, Cisgender Individuals
Authors: Kallitsounaki Aimilia , Williams David
Published: April 2020

The co-occurrence between autism and gender dysphoria has received much attention recently. We found that, among 101 adults from the general population number of autism traits, as measured using the autism-spectrum quotient was associated significantly with recalled and current gender dysphoric traits. Furthermore, performance on an objective measure of mentalising, such as the “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” test was associated with current gender dysphoric traits, but most importantly it moderated the relation between number of autism traits and number of current gender dysphoric traits, such that the association was significant only when mentalising ability was relatively low. Results suggest mentalising may represent a contributing factor to the relation between autism and gender dysphoric traits in the general population.
Problematic blue growth: a thematic synthesis of social sustainability problems related to growth in the marine and coastal tourism
Authors: Leposa Neva
Published: April 2020

Marine and coastal tourism constitutes one of the largest and fastest-growing segments in tourism. Growth in marine tourism is now furthered through the ‘blue growth’ imperative, which this article problematises. The paper argues that there are already existing sustainability issues related to the marine tourism sector. These problems could be exacerbated if growth is additionally boosted. Since the social sustainability consequences of the growth of marine tourism are less known in the sustainability science literature, this paper thematically synthesises these types of sustainability problems in particular, as presented in the tourism studies, and brings them closer to sustainability science readers. The cases of cruise tourism, ecotourism, and tourism in marine protected areas, and community-based tourism studies are examined, wherein the latter represents a critical case for social sustainability matters. The paper reports several social and environmental injustices, produced through structural forces, and a manipulated access to natural resources, health services, and healthy environments. Social sustainability issues are most obvious in cruise tourism; however, also tourism in marine protected areas, ecotourism, and community-based tourism are not unproblematic. Thus, blue growth initiatives should be carefully examined and questioned.
Towards understanding interactions between Sustainable Development Goals: the role of environment–human linkages
Authors: Scharlemann Jörn P. W. , Brock Rebecca C. , Balfour Nicholas , Brown Claire , Burgess Neil D. , Guth Miriam K. , Ingram Daniel J. , Lane Richard , Martin Juliette G. C. , Wicander Sylvia , Kapos Valerie
Published: April 2020

Only 10 years remain to achieve all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally, so there is a growing need to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of action by targeting multiple SDGs. The SDGs were conceived as an ‘indivisible whole’, but interactions between SDGs need to be better understood. Several previous assessments have begun to explore interactions including synergies and possible conflicts between the SDGs, and differ widely in their conclusions. Although some highlight the role of the more environmentally-focused SDGs in underpinning sustainable development, none specifically focuses on environment–human linkages. Assessing interactions between SDGs, and the influence of environment on them can make an important contribution to informing decisions in 2020 and beyond. Here, we review previous assessments of interactions among SDGs, apply an influence matrix to assess pairwise interactions between all SDGs, and show how viewing these from the perspective of environment–human linkages can influence the outcome. Environment, and environment–human linkages, influence most interactions between SDGs. Our action-focused assessment enables decision makers to focus environmental management to have the greatest impacts and to identify opportunities to build on synergies and reduce trade-offs between particular SDGs. It may enable sectoral decision makers to seek support from environment managers for achieving their goals. We explore cross-cutting issues and the relevance and potential application of our approach in supporting decision making for progress to achieve the SDGs.
Epistemic Standards for Participatory Technology Assessment: Suggestions Based Upon Well-Ordered Science
Authors: Durán Juan M. , Pirtle Zachary
Published: April 2020

When one wants to use citizen input to inform policy, what should the standards of informedness on the part of the citizens be? While there are moral reasons to allow every citizen to participate and have a voice on every issue, regardless of education and involvement, designers of participatory assessments have to make decisions about how to structure deliberations as well as how much background information and deliberation time to provide to participants. After assessing different frameworks for the relationship between science and society, we use Philip Kitcher's framework of Well-Ordered Science to propose an epistemic standard on how citizen deliberations should be structured. We explore what potential standards follow from this epistemic framework focusing on significance versus scientific and engineering expertise. We argue that citizens should be tutored on the historical context of why scientific questions became significant and deemed scientifically and socially valuable, and if citizens report that they are capable of weighing in on an issue then they should be able to do so. We explore what this standard can mean by looking at actual citizen deliberations tied to the 2014 NASA ECAST Asteroid Initiative Citizen forums. We code different vignettes of citizens debating alternative approaches for Mars exploration based upon what level of information seemed to be sufficient for them to feel comfortable in making a policy position. The analysis provides recommendations on how to design and assess future citizen assessments grounded in properly conveying the historical value context surrounding a scientific issue and trusting citizens to seek out sufficient information to deliberate.
Multiprofessionalität braucht mehr als Netzwerkpartner_innen
Authors: Heyer Lea , Schilling Carina
Published: April 2020

Von Einrichtungen wie Familienzentren und Jugendzentren wird gefordert, sich zu vernetzen. Netzwerkarbeit gilt unhinterfragt als eine Strategie zur Etablierung multiprofessioneller Zusammenarbeit. Zwei aktuelle Forschungsprojekte zeigen, dass Multiprofessionalität im Netzwerk mehr braucht als Kooperationspartner_innen.
Cochlear Implant Reliability: On the Reporting of Rates of Revision Surgery
Authors: O’Neill Graham , Tolley Neil S.
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of the risks associated with cochlear implantation. Results from a pool of thirty clinical studies involving cochlear implantation in over 6300 children were obtained from an internet search. The relevant data were transformed to a common time base (patient time) to allow an evaluation of events following implantation. The main outcome measure was cumulative survival probability for all-cause revision surgery. Over 10 years this was estimated to be 0.71. Thus, at 10 years post-implantation close to 30% of children with unilateral implants will have undergone revision surgery. This figure is considerably greater than that commonly reported for overall revision rates and illustrates the importance of interpreting results with respect to the relevant time frame. When non and low-use is incorporated into the analysis the above figure rises to about 37% of children affected. The findings raise concerns about the information provided to both individuals and regulatory bodies regarding the risks associated with cochlear implantation. The consequences for bilateral implantation are apparent. Our recommendations are i) a full disclosure to parents and children of the true magnitude of the risks and ii) for a body with significant expertise in reliability and systems engineering, and no conflicts of interest, to play a major role in the regulatory management of this service.
Nanoencapsulation of sophorolipids in PEGylated poly(lactide-co-glycolide) as a novel approach to target colon carcinoma in the murine model
Authors: Haggag Yusuf , Elshikh Mohamed , El-Tanani Mohamed , Bannat Ibrahim M , McCarron Paul , Tambuwala Murtaza M.
Published: April 2020

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanocapsules containing amphiphilic biosurfactant sophorolipids were formulated using a dispersion-based procedure. Di-block copolymers were used to vary peripheral poly(ethylene glycol) density, and variation in the oil core was used to achieve efficient encapsulation of the sophorolipid payload. Particulate size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, release and stability were characterised. A glyceryl monocaprate core composition had the lowest particulate size, maximum encapsulation efficiency and optimum shelf-life stability compared to other formulations. This core composition was used to deliver sophorolipid to both in vitro and in vivo model tumour cell lines (CT26 murine colon carcinoma) and the effect of peripheral hydrophilicity was evaluated. Formulations with 10% poly(ethylene glycol) density achieved more than 80% reduction in cancer cell viability after 72 h and enhanced cellular uptake in CT26 cells. These formulations exhibited higher tumour accumulation and a longer blood circulation profile when compared to the non-poly(ethylene glycol)-containing nanocapsules. Animals treated with sophorolipid-loaded nanocapsules showed a tumour growth inhibition of 57% when compared to controls. An assessment of tumour mass within the same study cohort showed the biggest reduction when compared control and free drug-treated cohorts. This study shows that hydrophilic poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanocapsules loaded with sophorolipids can address the poor intracellular delivery associated with these biosurfactants and is a promising approach for the treatment of colon neoplasia.