bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perda precoce dos elementos 11 e 12 por trauma dental, com intervenção ortodôntica preventiva na odontopediatria: relato de caso
Authors: Cruz Mariana Henriques , Melo Diana Fernandes de , Gonçalves Junior Fernando dos Santos , Linhares Marcela Lopes , Castelo Branco Márcio Langbeck , Ferreira Guilherme Motta Antunes , Sousa Kathleen Rebelo de
Published: October 2024

Dental trauma is one that affects the hard tissues embraced, supporting structures or soft tissues in the oral cavity. It is observed more frequently in male children of school age (07 to 12 years old). The most affected teeth in the trauma taken are central and lateral incisors. With regard to tooth avulsions, the protection of children's bone tissue favors a higher frequency in this population than in the adult population. Dental avulsion occurs after displacement of the element out of its alveolus. There is a break in the blood supply to the pulp of the tooth and when this happens the chance of replantation achieved is totally impossible. Thus bringing several harms to the patient such as difficulty in speech, poor aesthetics, or even mesialize or distalize some other acquired element. Space maintainers are used as removable or fixed appliances to treat malocclusion or esthetic defects. They are braces made of acrylics with two extended teeth. Choosing a removable appliance comes with benefits such as better hygiene, satisfactory aesthetics, low cost, and maintenance of the cervico-occlusal space, in addition to the mesio-distal space. The objective of this study was to report a clinical case of avulsion of element 11 and 12 caused by trauma in childhood with the use of a space maintainer. We conclude that it is possible to treat a patient with dentoalveolar trauma with intervention using a space maintainer, since in the present case success was obtained in the selection of therapy, restoring aesthetics and function to the patient. Thus reducing possible orthodontic problems of the child, with follow-up until his/her old age.
Biofeedback Therapy in the prevention of stress and emotional burnout of top managers
Authors: Zentsova Natal'ya Igorevna
Published: October 2024

The rationale for the use of BOS therapy for the prevention of stress and emotional burnout of top managers is presented. The subject of the study is the problem of prevention of stress and emotional burnout of top managers. The object of the study is the use of a BOS simulator for the prevention of stress and emotional burnout of top managers. The necessity of searching for innovative methods to increase stress tolerance and emotional burnout of senior managers is revealed. It was revealed that BOS therapy helps to self-regulate their behavior with the help of biological feedback. The author considers breathing training as the most accessible and manageable method of developing stress resistance. A training has been developed aimed at developing this skill with the help of special software. Special attention is paid to teaching a special method of mastering the diaphragmatic-relaxation type of breathing. The results of the conducted complex of trainings showed the prospects of this direction for the prevention of stress and emotional burnout of top managers. A special contribution of the author to the study of this problem is to identify the effectiveness of using the technology of diaphragmatic relaxation breathing with maximum respiratory arrhythmia of the heart by the method of biofeedback. The novelty of the research lies in the presentation and testing of an innovative method using a BOS simulator, which allows analyzing the state of organs and body systems according to certain indicators. There is a need for further study of this direction, as it is promising in preventive psychotherapy, which allows to prevent crisis states at the initial stage of emotional burnout of top managers.
Influence of assisted electric field on the microstructure evolution and direct current electrical properties of low-density polyethylene
Authors: Li Yong-Jun , Han Yong-Sen , Zhang Wen-Jiang-Qi , Guo Wen-Min , Sun Yun-Long , Li Zhong-Hua ,   Key Laboratory of Engineering Dielectrics and Their Applications, Ministry of Education, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin 150080, China,   Chang’an Communication Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 102209, China
Published: October 2024

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is the basic material of the high-voltage direct current (DC) power cable insulation. The assisted electric field is a common way to regulate the microstructure of polymers, but its application in the field of electrical insulating polymers is rarely reported. In order to study the influence of the assisted electric field on the microstructure evolution and DC electrical properties of LDPE, the LDPEs without and with being treated with assisted electric field are prepared in the melting stage, cooling stage, and the whole stage (i.e. the melting stage and cooling stage), respectively. The influence of the assisted electric field applied in the different stages on the microstructure evolution of LDPE is characterized by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The DC electrical properties of the untreated LDPE and the treated LDPE are investigated via measuring their breakdown strengths, conductivities, space charges and surface potential decays. The results show that, compared with the untreated LDPE, the LDPE treated with the assisted electric field in the whole stage has the smallest spherulite size and the largest spherulite number, followed by the LDPE treated in the cooling stage and the melting stage. The assisted electric field applied in different stages can significantly improve the DC electrical properties of LDPE. Compared with the untreated LDPE, the LDPE treated in the melting stage, the cooling stage and the whole stage increases the breakdown strength but greatly reduces the conductivity and space charge accumulation. The DC electrical properties of LDPE treated with the assisted electric field in the whole-stage are the best. Compared with untreated LDPE, the LDOE treated in whole stage increases the breakdown field strength by 35.8%, reduces the conductivity by 72.0%, and the space charge accumulation by 20.2%. More and smaller spherulites lead to the formation of more interface paths and introduce more deep-traps, which contributes to improving the DC electrical characteristics of the electric field assisted LDPE. This work provides a new idea for improving the DC electrical properties of polymers.
Trans regulation of an odorant binding protein by a proto-Y chromosome affects male courtship in house fly
Authors: Delclos Pablo J , Adhikari Kiran , Mai Alexander B , Hassan Oluwatomi , Oderhowho Alexander A , Sriskantharajah Vyshnika , Trinh Tammie , Meisel Richard
Published: October 2024

The male-limited inheritance of Y chromosomes favors alleles that increase male fitness, often at the expense of female fitness. Determining the mechanisms underlying these sexually antagonistic effects is challenging because it can require studying Y-linked alleles while they still segregate as polymorphisms. We used a Y chromosome polymorphism in the house fly, Musca domestica, to address this challenge. Two male determining Y chromosomes (YM and IIIM) segregate as stable polymorphisms in natural populations, and they differentially affect multiple traits, including male courtship performance. We identified differentially expressed genes encoding odorant binding proteins (in the Obp56h family) as candidate agents for the courtship differences. Through network analysis and allele-specific expression measurements, we identified multiple genes on the house fly IIIM chromosome that could serve as trans regulators of Obp56h gene expression. One of those genes is homologous to Drosophila melanogaster CG2120, which encodes a transcription factor that binds near Obp56h. Upregulation of CG2120 in D. melanogaster nervous tissues reduces copulation latency, consistent with this transcription factor acting as a negative regulator of Obp56h expression. The transcription factor gene, which we name speed date, demonstrates a molecular mechanism by which a Y-linked gene can evolve male-beneficial effects.
Integrative study of skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction in a murine pancreatic cancer-induced cachexia model
Authors: Gicquel Tristan , Marchiano Fabio , Reyes-Castellanos Gabriela , Audebert Stephane , Camoin Luc , Habermann Bianca H , Giannesini Benoit , Carrier Alice
Published: October 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common pancreatic cancer, is a deadly cancer, often diagnosed late and resistant to current therapies. PDAC patients are frequently affected by cachexia characterized by muscle mass and strength loss (sarcopenia) contributing to patient frailty and poor therapeutic response. This study assesses the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial remodeling in the cachectic skeletal muscle, through an integrative exploration combining functional, morphological, and omics-based evaluation of gastrocnemius muscle from KIC genetically engineered mice developing autochthonous pancreatic tumor and cachexia. Cachectic PDAC KIC mice exhibit severe sarcopenia with loss of muscle mass and strength associated with reduced muscle fiber’s size and induction of protein degradation processes. Mitochondria in PDAC atrophied muscles show reduced respiratory capacities and structural alterations, associated with deregulation of oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial dynamics pathways. Beyond the metabolic pathways known to be altered in sarcopenic muscle (carbohydrates, proteins, and redox), lipid and nucleic acid metabolisms are also affected. Although the number of mitochondria per cell is not altered, mitochondrial mass shows a twofold decrease and the mitochondrial DNA threefold, suggesting a defect in mitochondrial genome homeostasis. In conclusion, this work provides a framework to guide toward the most relevant targets in the clinic to limit PDAC-induced cachexia.
A neurotransmitter atlas of C. elegans males and hermaphrodites
Authors: Wang Chen , Vidal Berta , Sural Surojit , Loer Curtis , Aguilar G Robert , Merritt Daniel M , Toker Itai Antoine , Vogt Merly C , Cros Cyril C , Hobert Oliver
Published: October 2024

Mapping neurotransmitter identities to neurons is key to understanding information flow in a nervous system. It also provides valuable entry points for studying the development and plasticity of neuronal identity features. In the Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system, neurotransmitter identities have been largely assigned by expression pattern analysis of neurotransmitter pathway genes that encode neurotransmitter biosynthetic enzymes or transporters. However, many of these assignments have relied on multicopy reporter transgenes that may lack relevant cis-regulatory information and therefore may not provide an accurate picture of neurotransmitter usage. We analyzed the expression patterns of 16 CRISPR/Cas9-engineered knock-in reporter strains for all main types of neurotransmitters in C. elegans (glutamate, acetylcholine, GABA, serotonin, dopamine, tyramine, and octopamine) in both the hermaphrodite and the male. Our analysis reveals novel sites of expression of these neurotransmitter systems within both neurons and glia, as well as non-neural cells, most notably in gonadal cells. The resulting expression atlas defines neurons that may be exclusively neuropeptidergic, substantially expands the repertoire of neurons capable of co-transmitting multiple neurotransmitters, and identifies novel sites of monoaminergic neurotransmitter uptake. Furthermore, we also observed unusual co-expression patterns of monoaminergic synthesis pathway genes, suggesting the existence of novel monoaminergic transmitters. Our analysis results in what constitutes the most extensive whole-animal-wide map of neurotransmitter usage to date, paving the way for a better understanding of neuronal communication and neuronal identity specification in C. elegans.
A Meeting in St. Petersburg
Authors: Knight Amy
Published: October 2024

This chapter begins by looking at the Soviet collapse and the demise of the KGB, which came as an unpleasant shock for Vladimir Putin, who was appointed as chairman of the newly formed City Committee for Foreign Economic Relations. When it became clear that Boris Yeltsin, a former party apparatchik now shouting the slogans of democracy, had emerged victorious, Boris Berezovsky saw new, boundless opportunities to pursue his business goals. Putin and Berezovsky were first introduced in October of 1991. Petr Aven and Berezovsky brought GHK chief Robert Hefner and Oklahoma's governor, David Walters, to St. Petersburg to meet Anatoly Sobchak, a meeting that Putin had arranged at Aven's request. LogoVAZ had begun to import foreign cars—Mercedes and Volvos—so Berezovsky approached Putin with the idea of a service center for them in St. Petersburg. Responsible for issuing export licenses and regulating foreign joint ventures in St. Petersburg, Russia's largest trading city, Putin found ample opportunity to reap the rewards of the new Russian economy, often by corrupt means. It was later revealed that Putin had given export contracts to a number of his friends, including those with mafia connections. The chapter then considers how Berezovsky penetrated Yeltsin's inner circle.
Fine-art recognition using convolutional transformers
Authors: Liu Yu , Bai Haozhe , Wang Jingchao
Published: October 2024

Digital image processing is a constantly evolving field encompassing a wide range of techniques and applications. Researchers worldwide are continually developing various algorithms across multiple fields to achieve accurate image classification. Advanced computer vision algorithms are crucial for architectural and artistic analysis. The digitalization of art has significantly enhanced the accessibility and conservation of fine-art paintings, yet the risk of art theft remains a significant challenge. Improving art security necessitates the precise identification of fine-art paintings. Although current recognition systems have shown potential, there is significant scope for enhancing their efficiency. We developed an improved recognition system for categorizing fine-art paintings using convolutional transformers, specified by an attention mechanism to enhance focused learning on the data. As part of the most advanced architectures in the deep learning family, transformers are empowered by a multi-head attention mechanism, thus improving learning efficiency. To assess the performance of our model, we compared it with those developed using four pre-trained networks: ResNet50, VGG16, AlexNet, and ViT. Each pre-trained network was integrated into a corresponding state-of-the-art model as the first processing blocks. These four state-of-the-art models were constructed under the transfer learning strategy, one of the most commonly used approaches in this field. The experimental results showed that our proposed system outperformed the other models. Our study also highlighted the effectiveness of using convolutional transformers for learning image features.
Biodiversity assessment and environmental risk analysis of the single line transgenic pod borer resistant cowpea
Authors: Isah Abraham , Ndana Rebeccah Wusa , Malann Yoila David , Nwankwo Onyekachi Francis , Ibrahim Abdulrazak Baba , Gidado Rose Suniso
Published: October 2024

Background

The discussion surrounding biological diversity has reached a critical point with the introduction of Nigeria’s first transgenic food crop, the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea. Questions have been raised about the potential risks of the transgenic Maruca vitrata-resistant cowpea to human health and beneficial insects. Public apprehension, coupled with social activists’ calling for the removal of this crop from the nation’s food market, persists. However, there is a lack of data to counter the assertion that cultivating PBR cowpea may have adverse effects on biodiversity and the overall ecological system. This research, with its multifaceted objective of examining the environmental safety of PBR cowpea and assessing its impact on biodiversity compared to its non-transgenic counterpart, IT97KN, is of utmost importance in providing the necessary data to address these concerns.

Methods

Seeds for both the transgenic PBR cowpea and its isoline were obtained from the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Zaria before planting at various farm sites (Addae et al., 2020). Throughout the experiment, local cultural practices were strictly followed to cultivate both transgenic and non-transgenic cowpeas. Elaborate taxonomic keys were used to identify arthropods and other non-targeted organisms. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate potential modifications in all ecological niches of the crops. The lmer function of the R package lme4 was used to analyze diversity indices, including Shannon, Pielou, and Simpson. The Bray–Curtis index was used to analyzed potential modifications in the dissimilarities of non-targeted organisms’ communities.

Results

Examination of ecological species abundance per counting week (CW) revealed no disruption in the biological properties of non-targeted species due to the cultivation of transgenic PBR cowpea. Analysis of species evenness and diversity indices indicated no significant difference between the fields of transgenic PBR cowpea and its isoline. Principal component analysis results demonstrated that planting PBR cowpea did not create an imbalance in the distribution of ecological species. All species and families observed during this study were more abundant in transgenic PBR cowpea fields than in non-transgenic cowpea fields, suggesting that the transformation of cowpea does not negatively impact non-targeted organisms and their communities. Evolution dynamics of the species community between transgenic and non-transgenic cowpea fields showed a similar trend throughout the study period, with no significant divergence induced in the community structure because of PBR cowpea planting. This study concludes that planting transgenic PBR cowpea positively influences biodiversity and the environment.
Vesical Artery Embolisation in Management of Haematuria due to Radiation-induced Haemorrhagic Cystitis: A Case Report
Authors: Bakare Vishal Nandkishor , Sahu Ritesh Kumar , Arya Ravi , Yadav Pratiksha
Published: October 2024

Radiation therapy is often utilised for the treatment of pelvic malignancies. Radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis can occur in such patients and may sometimes lead to uncontrolled haematuria. Various treatment modalities for managing this condition include urinary bladder irrigation, cystoscopy-guided procedures, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, fulguration, and other surgical techniques. Transarterial super-selective vesical artery embolisation has emerged as a modern management technique for patients with refractory radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis. Hereby, the authors present a case report of a 62-year-old elderly female patient diagnosed with radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis, which was refractory to continuous urinary bladder irrigation and medical management. She was successfully treated with super-selective vesical artery embolisation, resulting in complete resolution of haematuria, even on follow-up. This minimally invasive and effective modality can be utilised as a first-line therapy as well as in cases where other treatment options have failed.
Effects of Smoking Duration on the Proximate and Mineral Composition of Selected Fishes from Lower River Benue, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel Oyeniyi, Muyiwa , Sani Isiyaku, Mohammed , Monsuru Mebude, Abiodun
Published: October 2024

The proximate and mineral compositions of selected smoked fish species from the open market were compared to samples smoked for 4 hours, 6 hours and 8 hours. Clarias gariepinus, Synodonthes schall and Lates niloticus randomly sampled from fishermen catches at Lower River Benue were smoked at 70OC – 80OC temperature using mud type kiln and Prosopis africana as the energy source. The chemical analyses were done using the standard methods. Significant differences (P<0.05) was observed in all the parameters examined between all the species and treatments. Clarias gariepinus had the highest (50.80±1.26) protein content while Lates niloticus was least (40.79±0.81). Also, Clarias gariepinus was highest (7.13±0.39) in Lipids content and Lates niloticus, lowest (4.34±0.12). Smoking duration had inverse impact on moisture content (7.44±0.01 - 5.22±0.01) and direct impact on protein content (47.46±0.01 - 54.33±0.01). Lipid was observed to be lowest (6.33±0.01) in the 4-hour smoked sample and highest (8.33±0.01) in the 8-hour smoked Clarias gariepinus. Clarias gariepinus had higher mineral content than other species with reference to Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Sodium, Zinc and Copper. However, the duration of smoking was observed to have a negative impact on the potassium content of the fish samples while other examined minerals showed positive correlation. It is thus concluded that Clarias gariepinus is more nutritious than Synodonthes schall and Lates niloticus from Lower River Benue and better when smoked for 6 hours. Also, it could be inferred that smoked fish sold in the open market are mostly smoked for 6 hours. However, 8-hour smoking duration is recommended for a prolonged shelf life with consideration for nutrient-specific smoking duration especially when the need for specific micro nutrients is of interest.
Contribution of Payment for Ecosystem Services in Addressing Adaptation to Climate Change
Authors: Oloo John
Published: October 2024

Payments for Ecosystems Services (PES) are market-based mechanisms that are designed to provide incentives to the owners of natural resources to increase the provision of ecosystem services upon which our society depends.  PES is a mechanism to deliver additional adaptation benefits by improving the incentive for land owners to invest in the creation and restoration of habitats. The concept of payments for ecosystem services (PES) emerged in 2007 as a promising tool for enhancing or safeguarding the provision of ecosystem services (ES). However, it has been identified that land cover change is one of the most integral drivers of change to ecosystems and their services and a focus on land cover change as a proxy would seem to be a contextually robust approach. The general objective was to evaluate the contribution of payment for ecosystem services in addressing climate change adaptation through systematic literature review methodology. The three specific objectives to be addressed were: to determine the various ecosystem goods and services, the mode of payment for the goods and services and the linkage between PES and climate change adaptation. The findings are that (i) provisioning (ii) regulating, (iii) supporting and (iv) cultural as the goods and services provided. The modes of payment include: cash, payment in kind that respects the culture, sellers can be individual or a group of community members. The linkage of PES to climate change adaptation is done indirectly in that when sellers take care of the environment, degradation is reduced and the aspects of climate change are addressed. In conclusion, it is true that there are goods and services accruing from ecosystems when they are conserved, payments are useful for they compensate the work sellers are doing and climate change issues will be addressed indirectly by having in-place various interventions done by sellers. To realize the payments, public private partnerships is crucial. I recommend that the best mode of payment towards the realization of ecosystem services should be in-kind in order to accommodate all stakeholders in a given geographical area. It is important to  adopt the approach that Ecosystem based Adaptation (EbA) should operate within interlinked social-ecological systems, using the sustainable management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems to enhance ecological processes and services that are essential for strengthening climate resilience of populations at local scales
Monitoring Water Depth and Seepage Rates in Pitcher Irrigation for Sustainable Crop Water Management
Authors: Jangre Anjeet , Chapde Jagriti , Verma Ruchi , Kumar Manesh , Chandniha Surendra Kumar , V Harithalekshmi
Published: October 2024

Pitcher irrigation is an ancient yet effective method for delivering water directly to plant root zones, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of pitcher irrigation in conserving water and supporting brinjal crop growth. This study investigates the efficiency and dynamics of a pitcher irrigation system in supplying water to brinjal crops, utilizing nine porous clay pitchers buried near the plants. Water depth in the pitchers was monitored from March 1 to March 22, 2024, at three intervals daily. Initial water levels of 15 cm were recorded on March 1, followed by gradual declines in water depth over time, with some pots showing rapid depletion, particularly during peak daylight hours. Pot 4 exhibited the most significant water loss, likely due to increased soil absorption or higher crop water demand, while Pots 1 and 3 showed more consistent water retention. The study revealed significant variation in seepage rates, with higher water loss during the day, particularly in the afternoon, compared to slower overnight seepage. These findings emphasize the need for careful irrigation management, including tailored refill schedules, to ensure uniform water availability and prevent moisture deficits. The results demonstrate that pitcher irrigation can effectively sustain crop growth, but its efficiency depends on continuous monitoring and adjustments based on local conditions.
A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Chest Radiograph Findings Among Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Akagbue Vivian Ndidi , Ugboma Enighe W
Published: October 2024

Background: Chest radiograph is an imaging modality that uses ionizing radiation used for the evaluation of the thorax and its content. It is readily available, accessible, cheap and greatly employed in the health sector for various reasons. 
Objective: Chest radiographs serve as an indispensable diagnostic instrument when it comes to evaluating cardiac and respiratory ailments. The purpose of this study is to examine and compare chest radiograph findings in a tertiary institution, over a two-year period retrospectively.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 6,223 chest radiographs was performed at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. From patient records, demographic and clinical data were extracted and analysed with SPSS version 21.0, setting the level of statistical significance at p<0.05.
Results: The mean age of the study population was 38.14±20.25 years, and the female gender comprised the majority (54.93%). Cardiomegaly was the most frequently observed indication (20.48%), whereas pleural effusion/collection was the least frequent (4.04%). A statistically significant disparity was identified among all clinical parameters across years: cardiomegaly and aortic unfolding exhibited a higher prevalence in 2019, whereas atheromatous plaques demonstrated a greater prevalence in 2020.
Conclusion:  The prevalence of cardiomegaly highlights the possible necessity for routine chest radiographs among the ageing adult population in Nigeria. This research emphasises the significance of ongoing radiographic monitoring for the early detection of cardiothoracic conditions and offers valuable epidemiological insights.
The Role of Organic Farming in Enhancing Soil Structure and Crop Performance: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ramasamy M. , Ghosh Souvik , Yadav Kamlesh Kumar , Chitra M. , B Dhivya. , S.A Sanjay kanth , Karthickraja Aroulradj
Published: October 2024

Organic farming is increasingly recognized for its environmental benefits and role in promoting sustainability, biodiversity, and long-term soil health. This agricultural approach, which prioritizes ecological balance, minimizes synthetic inputs, and relies on natural processes for nutrient cycling, offers substantial advantages for soil structure preservation and carbon sequestration. Practices such as composting, crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage enhance soil organic matter, promote microbial activity, and improve water retention, ultimately contributing to the overall sustainability of farming systems. However, organic farming faces several challenges, particularly when compared to conventional farming. One of the primary limitations is nutrient availability, as organic systems depend on slower-releasing organic fertilizers, which can result in nutrient deficiencies during critical crop growth stages. In contrast, conventional farming provides immediate nutrient availability through synthetic inputs, leading to more predictable crop performance. Furthermore, organic farming tends to be more labor-intensive, requiring significant manual effort for weed management, compost application, and pest control due to the prohibition of chemical herbicides and pesticides. This increased labor demand can raise production costs, making it difficult for organic farmers to compete with conventional systems that benefit from mechanization and chemical inputs. Economic challenges also arise from market access and the high cost of organic certification, which can be prohibitive for small-scale farmers, limiting their ability to sell products at premium prices. Additionally, consumer willingness to pay higher prices for organic produce may fluctuate, affecting profitability. Organic farming often faces yield gaps, particularly during the transition period, as soils adjust to new management practices and nutrient cycles stabilize. These lower yields in the short term are a significant barrier to wider adoption of organic practices. Nevertheless, long-term studies suggest that organic systems can achieve comparable yields over time while offering enhanced resilience to environmental stresses like drought and pest outbreaks. As innovations in organic inputs, precision farming, and supportive policies evolve, the future of organic farming holds potential for expanding its role in creating sustainable, resilient agricultural systems that mitigate climate change and conserve natural resources.
The Global Mesoscale Eddy Available Potential Energy Field in Models and Observations
Authors: Luecke C. A. , Arbic B. K. , Bassette S. L. , Richman J. G. , Shriver J. F. , Alford M. H. , Smedstad O. M. , Timko P. G. , Trossman D. S. , Wallcraft A. J.
Published: October 2017

Global maps of the mesoscale eddy available potential energy (EAPE) field at a depth of 500 m are created using potential density anomalies in a high‐resolution 1/12.5° global ocean model. Maps made from both a free‐running simulation and a data‐assimilative reanalysis of the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) are compared with maps made by other researchers from density anomalies in Argo profiles. The HYCOM and Argo maps display similar features, especially in the dominance of western boundary currents. The reanalysis maps match the Argo maps more closely, demonstrating the added value of data assimilation. Global averages of the simulation, reanalysis, and Argo EAPE all agree to within about 10%. The model and Argo EAPE fields are compared to EAPE computed from temperature anomalies in a data set of “moored historical observations” (MHO) in conjunction with buoyancy frequencies computed from a global climatology. The MHO data set allows for an estimate of the EAPE in high‐frequency motions that is aliased into the Argo EAPE values. At MHO locations, 15–32% of the EAPE in the Argo estimates is due to aliased motions having periods of 10 days or less. Spatial averages of EAPE in HYCOM, Argo, and MHO data agree to within 50% at MHO locations, with both model estimates lying within error bars observations. Analysis of the EAPE field in an idealized model, in conjunction with published theory, suggests that much of the scatter seen in comparisons of different EAPE estimates is to be expected given the chaotic, unpredictable nature of mesoscale eddies.
Ocean‐Forced Ice‐Shelf Thinning in a Synchronously Coupled Ice‐Ocean Model
Authors: Jordan James R. , Holland Paul R. , Goldberg Dan , Snow Kate , Arthern Robert , Campin Jean‐Michel , Heimbach Patrick , Jenkins Adrian
Published: October 2017

The first fully synchronous, coupled ice shelf‐ocean model with a fixed grounding line and imposed upstream ice velocity has been developed using the MITgcm (Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model). Unlike previous, asynchronous, approaches to coupled modeling our approach is fully conservative of heat, salt, and mass. Synchronous coupling is achieved by continuously updating the ice‐shelf thickness on the ocean time step. By simulating an idealized, warm‐water ice shelf we show how raising the pycnocline leads to a reduction in both ice‐shelf mass and back stress, and hence buttressing. Coupled runs show the formation of a western boundary channel in the ice‐shelf base due to increased melting on the western boundary due to Coriolis enhanced flow. Eastern boundary ice thickening is also observed. This is not the case when using a simple depth‐dependent parameterized melt, as the ice shelf has relatively thinner sides and a thicker central “bulge” for a given ice‐shelf mass. Ice‐shelf geometry arising from the parameterized melt rate tends to underestimate backstress (and therefore buttressing) for a given ice‐shelf mass due to a thinner ice shelf at the boundaries when compared to coupled model simulations.
A Comparison Study of Summer Season Raindrop Size Distribution Between Palau and Taiwan, Two Islands in Western Pacific
Authors: Seela Balaji Kumar , Janapati Jayalakshmi , Lin Pay‐Liam , Reddy K. Krishna , Shirooka Ryuichi , Wang Pao K.
Published: October 2017

Raindrop size distribution (RSD) characteristics in summer season rainfall of two observational sites (Taiwan (24°58′N, 121°10′E) and Palau (7°20′N, 134°28′E)) in western Pacific are studied by using five years of impact type disdrometer data. In addition to disdrometer data, Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, and ERA‐Interim data sets are used to illustrate the dynamical and microphysical characteristics associated with summer season rainfall of Taiwan and Palau. Taiwan and Palau's raindrop spectra showed a significant difference, with a higher concentration of middle and large drops in Taiwan than Palau rainfall. RSD stratified on the basis of rain rate showed a higher mass‐weighted mean diameter (Dm) and a lower normalized intercept parameter (log10Nw) in Taiwan than Palau rainfall. Precipitation classification into stratiform and convective regimes showed higher Dm values in Taiwan than Palau. Furthermore, for both the locations, the convective precipitation has a higher Dm value than stratiform precipitation. The radar reflectivity‐rain rate relations (Z = A*Rb) of Taiwan and Palau showed a clear variation in the coefficient and a less variation in exponent values. Terrain‐influenced clouds extended to higher altitudes over Taiwan resulted with higher Dm and lower log10Nw values as compared to Palau.
Possible Role of Hadley Circulation Strengthening in Interdecadal Intensification of Snowfalls Over Northeastern China Under Climate Change
Authors: Zhou Botao , Wang Zunya , Shi Ying
Published: October 2017

This article revealed that strengthening of winter Hadley circulation in the context of climate change may partially contribute to interdecadal increasing of snowfall intensity over northeastern China in recent decades. This hypothesis is well supported by the process‐based linkage between Hadley circulation and atmospheric circulations over the Asian‐Pacific region on the interdecadal time scale. The strengthening of winter Hadley circulation corresponds to a weakening of the Siberian high, an eastward shifting of the Aleutian low, a reduction of the East Asian trough, and anomalous southwesterly prevailing over northeastern China. These atmospheric situations weaken the East Asian winter monsoon and lead to an increase of air temperature over northeastern China. Increased local evaporation due to the increase of air temperature, concurrent with more water vapor transported from the Pacific Ocean, can significantly enhance atmospheric water vapor content in the target region. Meanwhile, the ascending of airflows is also strengthened over northeastern China. All of these provide favorable interdecadal backgrounds for the occurrence of intense snowfalls, and thus, snowfall intensity is intensified over northeastern China after the 1980s. Further analysis suggests that the circum‐Pacific‐like teleconnection pattern may play an important role in connecting Hadley circulation strengthening signal and atmospheric circulation anomalies favoring interdecadal intensification of snowfalls over northeastern China.
Polycyclische Aromatische Kohlenwasserstoffe (PAH), schwerer flüchtige – Methode zur Bestimmung schwerer flüchtiger PAH in der Luft am Arbeitsplatz mittels Hochleistungsflüssigchromatographie (HPLC) [Air Monitoring Methods in German language, 2017]
Authors: Assenmacher‐Maiworm H. , Hahn J.‐U. , Heinrich B. , Schuh C. , Hebisch R. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: October 2017

This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of six semi‐volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from the EPA list (US Environmental Protection Agency) such as benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, benzo[ghi]perylene, indeno[1,2,3‐cd]pyrene and also benzo[e]pyren in workplace air averaged over the sampling period after personal or stationary sampling. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a Teflon filter, which is inserted in a GSP sampling system. The collected PAH components are extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile/methanol and analysed by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The quantitative determination of the PAHs is based on calibration functions obtained by means of multiple‐point calibrations. The limit of quantification for an individual PAH is in the range from 0.0012 to 0.0043 µg/m3.
2,3‐Pentandion – Bestimmung von 2,3‐Pentandion in der Luft am Arbeitsplatz mittels Gaschromatographie‐Massenspektrometrie (GC‐MS) [Air Monitoring Methods in German language, 2017]
Authors: Schuh C. , Nitschke L. , Hebisch R. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: October 2017

This analytical method is a validated measurement procedure for the determination of 2,3‐pentanedione in workplace air in a concentration range of a tenth up to twice the currently valid MAK value of 0.083 mg/m3. Sampling is performed by drawing a defined volume of air through a silica gel tube using a suitable flow‐regulated pump. The flow rate is set to 0.33 L/min with a recommended air sample volume of approx. 20 L. For sampling 1 hour or 15 min (checking the short‐term value) can be used. The collected 2,3‐pentanedione is desorbed with acetone containing the internal standard cyclohexanone and then analysed by means of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The quantitative evaluation is based on a calibration function obtained by means of a 10‐point calibration using cyclohexanone as internal standard. The limit of quantification is 0.0025 mg/m3based on an air sample volume of approx. 20 L or 0.010 mg/m3based on an air sample volume of approx. 5 L (for short‐term value).
Beryllium and its inorganic compounds – Determination of beryllium in urine by atomic absorption spectrometry [Biomonitoring Methods, 2017]
Authors: Paul R. , Budnik L.T. , Göen T. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: October 2017

The working group „Analyses in Biological Materials“ of the Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area verified the present biomonitoring method.

This procedure describes a method for the determination of beryllium in urine by means of atomic absorption spectrometry using the graphite furnace technique with a pyrolytically coated graphite tube and Zeeman background correction. The acidified samples are homogenised and injected into the graphite tube without further sample preparation using an autosampler. Magnesium nitrate is used as a matrix modifier. After drying, pyrolysis and atomisation, the absorbance is measured at 234.9 nm. The beryllium concentration is quantified using either a calibration curve (method I) or the standard addition method (method II).

The method was extensively validated and the reliability data were confirmed by independent laboratories, which have established and cross‐checked the whole procedure.
Dimethyl sulfoxide [MAK Value Documentation, 2017]
Authors: Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: October 2017

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has evaluated the possibility to add the indication “Prerequisite for Pregnancy Risk Group C” to the classification of Pregnancy Risk Group B for dimethyl sulfoxide [
67‐68‐5
] at the maximum concentration at the workplace (MAK value) of 50 ml/m
3
. The lowest NOAEL for developmental toxicity in rabbits is 300 mg/kg body weight/day, which after toxicokinetic scaling corresponds to a concentration of 268 ml/m
3
at the workplace. Liquid dimethyl sulfoxide penetrates the skin at the same rate as dimethylformamide. In addition to the amount taken up via the lung, it has to be assumed that the same amount of dimethyl sulfoxide is taken up via the skin from the gas phase as was shown with dimethylformamide in volunteers. Therefore, damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely at the concentration of 12 l/m
3
and less. An exposure to this concentration would be the prerequisite for an assignment to Pregnancy Risk Group C.
A Multicolor Chameleon DNA‐templated Silver Nanocluster and Its Application for Ratiometric Fluorescence Target Detection with Exponential Signal Response
Authors: Zhou Weijun , Zhu Jinbo , Fan Daoqing , Teng Ye , Zhu Xiaoqing , Dong Shaojun
Published: October 2017

For the first time, a novel type of chameleon DNA‐templated silver nanocluster (AgNC) is found whose fluorescence color can be switched among yellow, orange, and red by the regulation of complementary DNA, nonfluorescent assistant AgNC as well as Mg2+. AgNC templated by A20‐C55 (A20‐C55‐NC) possesses strong yellow fluorescence (Y signal) in phosphate buffer solution. When approaching to the nonfluorescent assistant AgNC through template hybridization, Y signal decreases while a new red emission (R signal) rises, leading to a dramatic color change of AgNC solution from yellow to red. On the other hand, hybridization of A20‐C55‐NC with complementary DNA (T20) largely enhances the Y signal while A20‐C55‐NC shows R and Y signal with equal intensity simultaneously in the presence of Mg2+. Therefore, the chameleon AgNC achieves controllable multicolor fluorescence variation. Based on above mechanism, a series of ratiometric analysis platforms are constructed for DNA target detection. Surprisingly, the ratiometric probes demonstrate an exponential growth of signal response with nanomolar sensitivity whether in double‐stranded or hairpin‐shaped structure. Accordingly, this universal ratiometric analysis platform possesses low background, large signal variation in a narrow concentration range, which presents obvious advantages over most of previous DNA detection strategies that are based on DNA‐templated AgNC.
Engineered Paper‐Based Cell Culture Platforms
Authors: Lantigua Darlin , Kelly Yan Ni , Unal Baris , Camci‐Unal Gulden
Published: October 2017

Paper is used in various applications in biomedical research including diagnostics, separations, and cell cultures. Paper can be conveniently engineered due to its tunable and flexible nature, and is amenable to high‐throughput sample preparation and analysis. Paper‐based platforms are used to culture primary cells, tumor cells, patient biopsies, stem cells, fibroblasts, osteoblasts, immune cells, bacteria, fungi, and plant cells. These platforms are compatible with standard analytical assays that are typically used to monitor cell behavior. Due to its thickness and porous nature, there are no mass transport limitations to/from the cells in paper scaffolds. It is possible to pattern paper in different scales (micrometer to centimeter), generate modular configurations in 3D, fabricate multicellular and compartmentalized tissue mimetics for clinical applications, and recover cells from the scaffolds for further analysis. 3D paper constructs can provide physiologically relevant tissue models for personalized medicine. Layer‐by layer strategies to assemble tissue‐like structures from low‐cost and biocompatible paper‐based materials offer unique opportunities that include understanding fundamental biology, developing disease models, and assembling different tissues for organ‐on‐paper applications. Paper‐based platforms can also be used for origami‐inspired tissue engineering. This work provides an overview of recent progress in engineered paper‐based biomaterials and platforms to culture and analyze cells.
Electron Microscopy Visualization of Vitronectin Adsorbed on COOH and NH2 Functionalized Surfaces: Distinctive Spatial Alignment and Regulated Cellular Responses
Authors: Hou Wenjia , Liu Yi , Zhang Botao , He Xiaoyan , Li Hua
Published: October 2017

Adsorption of proteins associating with their conformational changes plays crucial roles in regulating biomaterial–cell interactions and consequent tissue responses to implanted biomaterials. This study reports direct visualization of typical serum protein, vitronectin, one of the key adhesive proteins that participate in mediating cell behaviors, upon adsorption on typically designed surfaces. Carbon films with their surfaces being plasma grafted functional groups COOH and NH2 are used as the model substrata for this study. Negative‐staining electron microscopy technique is employed for visualizing the adsorbed protein and 2D image classification is made and interpreted. Results show that adsorbed vitronectin tends to form multimer aggregate on the COOH‐grafted surfaces, exposing extensively its cell‐binding RGD (arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid) motif for enhanced cell adhesion. The adsorbed vitronectin on the NH2‐grafted surface forms dimer aggregate with the binding sites being enwrapped. The COOH‐grafting triggers enhanced expressions of ITGA5, ITGAV, ITGB1, and ITGB3 of the adhered cells and this is likely attributed to the special spatial alignment of vitronectin upon adsorption. The conformational information of adsorbed vitronectin gained from the single particle electron microscopy analyses would shed light on design and construction of appropriate biomaterials surfaces for desired cellular behaviors.