bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a standardized curriculum for teaching chiropractic technique:
Authors: Gleberzon Brian J. , Cooperstein Robert , Good Christopher , Roecker Christopher , Blum Charles
Published: April 2021

Objective

This is a report of the results of 4 facilitated workshops aimed at developing a standardized chiropractic technique curriculum.

Methods

Workshops were held at research conferences during 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Participants were tasked with developing recommendations for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures appropriate for chiropractic technique programs.

Results

For diagnostic procedures, there was general agreement among participants that chiropractic programs should include diagnostic imaging, postural assessment, gait analysis, palpation (static, motion, and joint play/springing), global range of motion, and evidence-based orthopedic/neurological tests. No consensus could be reached with respect to chiropractic x-ray line marking (spinography) nor heat sensing instruments, and there was only partial consensus on leg length assessment. For therapeutic procedures, all participants agreed that the following should be included: high-velocity, low amplitude spinal and extremity manipulation, adjustments assisted by hand-held instruments, drop tables, flexion-distraction tables, and pelvic blocks. There was unanimous support for teaching mobilization of the spine and peripheral joints, as well as for manual and instrument-assisted soft tissue therapies. There were some overarching issues: participants strongly preferred assessment methods known to be reliable and valid and therapeutic procedures known to be safe and effective. Where evidence was lacking, they insisted that diagnostic and therapeutic methods at minimum have face validity and biological plausibility. However, they cautioned against applying aspects of evidence-based care too rigidly.

Conclusions

Despite differing views on chiropractic terminology, philosophy, and scope of practice, participants' opinions were similar regarding diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that ought to be included in chiropractic technique programs.
Effect of Different Doses and Sources of Nitrogen on Postharvest Quality of Cauliflower
Authors: Giri Hom Nath
Published: April 2021

In Nepal, there is lacking of proper nitrogen management regarding postharvest quality of cauliflower in the Terai region of Nepal. In order to address these problems, a field experiment was conducted in a split-plot design to determine the appropriate dose of nitrogen and combined effect of urea and poultry manure for better postharvest quality of cauliflower in Rampur, Chitwan. The study was carried out in nine treatment combinations from two different factors, with four replications in a late season variety, Bishop from November 2017 to March 2018. The plots consisted of three treatments of 260, 200, and 140 kg N/ha, while the sub-plots were 100 % N from urea; 50% N from urea and 50% N from poultry manure; and 100% N from poultry manure. Significantly higher vitamin C content of 52.4 mg/100 g was found in 140 kg N/ha than other treatments. Similarly, higher TSS content of 6.3°Brix was found in 260 kg N/ha. More compact and acceptable curds were produced in 260 kg N/ha. Similarly, higher vitamin C content of 52.0 mg/100 g and higher TSS content of 6.0°Brix was produced by 50% N from urea plus 50% N from poultry manure. Significantly more tastier and compact curds were produced by 100% N from poultry manure along with 50% N from urea and 50% N from poultry manure. Higher physiological weight (30.3%) was found in 260 kg N/ha while lower physiological weight loss (24.4%) was found in 50% N from urea and 50% N from poultry manure. From this study, it was concluded that 200 kg nitrogen combination with poultry manure instead of inorganic fertilizer can improve the postharvest quality of cauliflower in Terai region of Nepal.
Assessment of Fish Farmers Use of Recommended Management Practices in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwatobi B. Adelodun , Festus O. Adekola , Rasheedat A. Rafiu , Ailele S. Imafidon
Published: April 2021

The enhancement of fish production through aquaculture can be brought about by enhancing farmers’ utilization of information on new innovations and recommended practices. This study was carried out to assess fish farmers’ use of recommended management practices in Oyo state. One hundred and fifty fish farmers were selected from the four agricultural zones in the state using multistage sampling technique. Primary Data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple regression analysis. Most of the fish farmers were male (88%), 78% had tertiary education and 68% had <11years of experience in fish farming. The study revealed that the rate of adoption of recommended aquaculture management practices was 46.7%. The regression analysis also revealed a linear relationship between the socio-economic characteristic and adoption of RAMP (R2 = 0879). Educational background (p<0.05), years of experience (p<0.1) and method of farming (p<0.05) were positively significant. The use of these management practices were also limited by different factors as revealed in the study. In conclusion, the adoption of recommended management by fish farmers is not encouraging enough. Strong cooperation between the fish farmers and extension agents was highly recommended.
Indirect Material Cost Reduction by Eliminating Manual Derailing Process through Process Simplification
Authors: Cruz Christopher L. Dela , Jr. Patricio Cabading , Paglicawan Melanie
Published: April 2021

This paper will discuss how to reduce (IDM) Indirect Material consumption for derailing process by eliminating the manual derailing method as part of cost saving project. It involves the removal of cutter blade used for derail.Cost improvement was one of organizational goals of the company for 2019. This drive can be supported by analyzing Indirect Material spending and process simplification at assembly plant. At assembly End-Of-Line processes, derail cutter blade was one of the top Indirect Material spending at singulation and there is an opportunity to reduce if not eliminated the cost consumption of derail cutter blades through process simplification. Increasing volume in Quad-Flat-No lead (QFN) packages and new banner products being develop by New Product Integration NPI, Q1’20 means increase in IDM consumption per process. The challenge is to drive a process simplification that will reduce IDM to save cost by start of Q2’20. DMAIC methodology was used to improve the process of derailing process.
Risk Factor Assessment of Helicobacter pylori Infection in a Rural Community of People with Gastritis: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jaiswal Suresh , Tiwari Bishnu Raj , Sharma Dinesh C.
Published: April 2021

Aim: The purpose of this study was to detect the incidence and risk factors of H. Pylori infections in patients with gastritis.

Study Design: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Mahagadhimai-5, Province 2 in a rural setting of Nepal from November 2019 to March 2020.

Methodology: Stool samples were collected from the gastritis patients and were subjected to detection of the H. pylori stool antigen following the procedures recommended by the manufacturer. A questionnaire was completed by the investigators with the cooperation of each participant for the potential risk factors as designed and completed.

Results: Out of 150 participants, 82 (54.7%) were female and 68 (45.3%) were male participants. Out of 150 participants, 32.7% (49) were positive for H. pylori antigen. No significant association was seen with sex, age group while others did not show significant relation with socio-demography. Association of food habits with H. pylori antigen has significant association with smoking habits with P-value 0.049 OR 0.518 at 95% CI (0.249- 1.080) while others did not show significant relation.

Conclusions: Nearly one-third of the population was infected with H. pylori in Mahagadhimai-5, Province 2. The socio-demographic profiles, socio-economic factors and lifestyle are worth taking into consideration to prevent diseases associated with H. pylori infection.
LED lighting threatens adult aquatic insects: Impact magnitude and distance thresholds
Authors: Carannante Deborah , Blumenstein Claudia Sara , Hale James David , Arlettaz Raphaël
Published: April 2021

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing globally, and changing in quality due to the installation of white LED street lighting. ALAN is a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, yet important knowledge gaps exist regarding the magnitude of impacts and how these vary between habitats and levels of exposure. The disturbance of aquatic habitats by ALAN is of particular concern as human settlements and activities are often located near waterbodies, and many aquatic species are sensitive to ALAN.

Focusing on adult aquatic insects, an experimental approach was employed in the riparian zone of a structurally simplified river within a dark rural landscape. Two studies were used to (a) estimate the magnitude of the capture effect of white LED lamps and (b) to explore how captures at lamps vary with their distance from the river, and define any distance thresholds. Both studies sampled mayflies (Ephemeroptera), caddisflies (Trichoptera) and true flies (Diptera) repeatedly during mid‐to‐late summer using modified flight intercept traps positioned adjacent to portable LED lamps. In Study A, lit traps were paired with unlit controls. In Study B, lit traps were positioned at six distances up to a maximum of 80 m from the stream edge.

For each of the three study orders, captures were significantly higher in the lit treatment compared to the dark control, with medium to large effect sizes.

For all study orders, captures at lamps significantly reduced with increasing distance from the river edge. Rapid declines in captures were recorded for Trichoptera (from 10 m) and Ephemeroptera (40 m), with a more gradual decline in Diptera from 60 m that continued up to the maximum sample distance.

Previous research indicates that LED lighting can be less attractive to flying insects than broader spectrum alternatives. However, this study demonstrates that the effects of white LED lamps on flying adult aquatic insects should not be dismissed and can extend far from aquatic habitats. As a precautionary approach, and until finer recommendations are available, we recommend that LED lamps should be excluded from a buffer zone of ca. 40–60 m around rivers.
Light‐Responsive Circularly Polarized Luminescence Polymers with INHIBIT Logic Function
Authors: Huang Zizhao , Hu Ying , Jin Xin , Zhao Yunhan , Su Jianhua , Ma Xiang
Published: April 2021

Dynamically tuning the emission of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials through external stimuli is fascinating because of their fundamental and application interests. In this work, light‐responsive and luminescence‐tunable CPL‐active materials are synthesized by mixing achiral helical polymer containing vibration‐induced emission (VIE) molecules and spiropyran (SP) with a chiral helical polymer. Through regulating the distinct emission of VIE molecules and the reversible photoisomerization of SP, the dynamic Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) can be explored to reversibly control the emission color of CPL in different states after light‐controlled isomerization. This project is the first comprehensive investigation of CPL‐active materials with VIE properties. Finally, taking the advantage of the multistimuli responsive CPL signal in different states, an “INHIBIT” logic gate with CPL signal output based on the combination of control of UV/vis light irradiation time and state alternation is constructed.
Theorizing Organizational Learning to Enhance Youth–Adult Partnerships in Community‐Based Youth Serving Organizations
Authors: Nalani Andrew , Yoshikawa Hirokazu , Godfrey Erin B.
Published: April 2021

Youth–adult partnerships are intentionally cultivated intergenerational relationships characterized by shared power among youth and adults. Although youth–adult partnerships (Y‐APs) are widely adopted as a strategy to promote key positive development outcomes in youth service organizations, research documents various challenges that affect their quality implementation. This critical literature review presents a theoretical framework for how community‐based youth service organizations may enhance youth–adult partnership quality through organizational learning. The main premise is that Y‐AP implementation challenges are best understood as challenges of collective learning within an organization. As such, the review integrates theory and research in organizational learning with present scholarship on Y‐APs to delineate how two learning processes—intra‐group and inter‐group knowledge transfer—influence Y‐AP quality. These learning pathways exist in dynamic interaction at different levels of the organizational hierarchy, at the point of service and beyond. The theoretical framework provides a road map for effective functioning of Y‐APs in practice and an interpretive lens for descriptive and intervention research to understand and address Y‐AP challenges.
Structural and contextual priors affect visual search in children with and without autism
Authors: Van de Cruys Sander , Lemmens Lisa , Sapey‐Triomphe Laurie‐Anne , Chetverikov Andrey , Noens Ilse , Wagemans Johan
Published: April 2021

Bayesian predictive coding theories of autism spectrum disorder propose that impaired acquisition or a broader shape of prior probability distributions lies at the core of the condition. However, we still know very little about how probability distributions are learned and encoded by children, let alone children with autism. Here, we take advantage of a recently developed distribution learning paradigm to characterize how children with and without autism acquire information about probability distributions. Twenty‐four autistic and 25‐matched neurotypical children searched for an odd‐one‐out target among a set of distractor lines with orientations sampled from a Gaussian distribution repeated across multiple trials to allow for learning of the parameters (mean and variance) of the distribution. We could measure the width (variance) of the participant's encoded distribution by introducing a target‐distractor role‐reversal while varying the similarity between target and previous distractor mean. Both groups performed similarly on the visual search task and learned the distractor distribution to a similar extent. However, the variance learned was much broader than the one presented, consistent with less informative priors in children irrespective of autism diagnosis. These findings have important implications for Bayesian accounts of perception throughout development, and Bayesian accounts of autism specifically.

Lay summary

Recent theories about the underlying cognitive mechanisms of autism propose that the way autistic individuals estimate variability or uncertainty in their perceptual environment may differ from how typical individuals do so. Children had to search an oddly tilted line in a set of lines pointing in different directions, and based on their response times we examined how they learned about the variability in a set of objects. We found that autistic children learn variability as well as typical children, but both groups learn with less precision than typical adults do on the same task.
Vergleich unterschiedlicher Energieausweis‐Berechnungsarten mit den realen Verbrauchswerten
Authors: Pitscheider Alexander , Hafellner Hans
Published: April 2021

Für 23 bestehende Gebäude wurden jeweils drei verschiedene Vorgehensweisen zur Energieausweisberechnung betrachtet und zusätzlich mit den tatsächlichen Energieverbräuchen verglichen. Somit ergeben sich insgesamt 69 Energieausweise und 23 Energieverbrauchsabrechnungen für bestehende Wohngebäude, welche in Relation gesetzt werden. Einzelne berechnete Energieausweisergebnisse stimmen gut mit den tatsächlichen Verbräuchen überein, jedoch gibt es, unabhängig von der Berechnungsmethode, Abweichungen bis 350 % von den realen Verbräuchen. Die drei verschiedenen Energieausweisberechnungsmethoden wurden auch untereinander in Relation gesetzt, um die bestmögliche Berechnungsart zu ermitteln. Dies verdeutlichte, dass die Exaktheit der Ergebnisse der Berechnungsart auch von der Gebäudegröße abhängig ist. Es zeigte sich, dass die Kategorisierung der Bauweise ebenfalls eine entscheidende Rolle für die Ergebnisse liefert und so ist die Abschaffung der „sehr schweren Bauweise” in der OIB Richtlinie 6 mit der Version 2019 nicht gerechtfertigt. Weiter werden Verbesserungsvorschläge in Hinsicht auf die Orientierung der Bauteile, die Einbindung von digitalen Sonnenstands‐ und Beschattungsmöglichkeiten, den Haushaltsstrombedarf, die Energiekennzahlausweisung nach Nutzeranzahl und Zonierungen dargestellt.
Comparison of annual performance factors of normatively designed heat pump systems
Authors: Vering Christian , Maier Laura , Breuer Katharina
Published: April 2021

Heat pumps play a key role in decarbonizing the heat supply for buildings. To exploit heat pump's potential in a resource‐efficient way, high coefficients of performance (COP) are required. For air‐source heat pumps, the COP is subject to outside temperature, building dynamics, and user demands. To achieve high COPs, it is necessary to design heat pumps to meet the demands and to optimize operation in terms of COP.

In this study, we compare design methods according to DIN EN 15450 and VDI Guideline 4645. Based on these, heat pump systems (heat pump, auxiliary heater and thermal storages) are designed for an example building, and a controller is set up. Following VDI Guideline 4650, an Annual Performance Factor (APF) is used for comparison on the basis of dynamic simulations. For the same building, the study proves both systems to ensure supply temperatures at APFs about 3.5 to 4. In order to achieve optimal APF, a consideration of operation already in the design should be suggested.
Einfluss der äquivalenten Schallabsorptionsfläche auf das Schalldämm‐Maß
Authors: Neubauer Reinhard O.
Published: April 2021

Die Schalldämmung, ausgedrückt mit der kennzeichnenden Größe R'w, wird in Deutschland zur Beschreibung des baulichen Schallschutzes verwendet. Die messtechnische Ermittlung erfolgt nach den Regeln wie sie in DIN EN ISO 16283 Teil 1 beschrieben werden, wobei die Trennfläche mit der äquivalenten Schallabsorptionsfläche normiert wird. Die äquivalente Schallabsorptionsfläche wird durch Messung der Nachhallzeit im Empfangsraum ermittelt. DIN EN ISO 16283 Teil 1 fordert die Anwendung der Sabine'schen Nachhallformel zur Berechnung der äquivalenten Schallabsorptionsfläche. Für Räume mit größeren äquivalenten Schallabsorptionsflächen hat sich allgemein die Verwendung der Eyring'schen Nachhallformel bewährt. Welchen Einfluss die Bestimmung der äquivalenten Schallabsorptionsfläche mittels der Nachhallformel nach Eyring auf die Ermittlung des bewerteten Bau‐Schalldämm‐Maßes hat, wird anhand theoretischer Betrachtung als auch durch Messergebnisse dargestellt. Es hat sich dabei gezeigt, dass die Anwendung der Eyring'schen Nachhallformel bei der Ermittlung des bewerteten Bau‐Schalldämm‐Maßes ein um bis zu 1 dB höheres bewertetes Bau‐Schalldämm‐Maß bewirkt.
Untersuchungen zum sommerlichen Wärmeschutz – Teil 2: Vergleich zwischen Modellierung mit Abminderungsfaktor (FC‐Faktor) und bidirektionalem Ansatz (BSDF‐Methode)
Authors: Hoffmann Sabine , Kheybari Abolfazl Ganji
Published: April 2021

In einer dreiteiligen Artikelreihe wird der Nachweis des sommerlichen Wärmeschutzes mit verschiedenen Methoden und unterschiedlichen Randbedingungen untersucht. Während Teil 1 die herkömmlichen Verfahren nach DIN 4108‐2 miteinander vergleicht und unter dem Aspekt der sich verändernden Klimabedingungen betrachtet, beschäftigt sich Teil 2 mit mehrdimensionalen Simulationsansätzen für Sonnenschutz. In Teil 3 werden zusätzlich Modellierungsverfahren vorgestellt, die für die korrekte Wiedergabe spezieller Geometrien und hoch reflektierender Materialien bei Verschattungssystemen von Bedeutung sind.

In Teil 2 wird der außenliegende Sonnenschutz, der bereits in Teil 1 mit FC‐Faktor simuliert wurde, nun mit einem dreidimensionalen Ansatz, der sogenannten BSDF‐Methode, modelliert. Dieser Ansatz berücksichtigt den solaren Transmissionsgrad des Gesamtsystems abhängig vom solaren Höhenwinkel und Azimuth und stellt damit eine deutlich präzisere Berechnungsmethode dar. In einer Detailanalyse werden die grundlegenden Unterschiede der beiden Ansätze vorgestellt, wobei ein besonderes Augenmerk auf den sekundären Wärmestrom im Raum gelegt wird. Anschließend werden die zwei Modellierungsansätze im Hinblick auf die Nachweisführung zum sommerlichen Wärmeschutz miteinander verglichen, wobei neben dem normativ geforderten Klimadatensatz (TRY 2010) ebenso die zukünftigen Wetterdaten (TRY 2035) angewandt werden.
Energieeffiziente kontrollierte natürliche Lüftung in Nichtwohngebäuden
Authors: Scheuring Leonie , Weller Bernhard
Published: April 2021

Das Gebäude‐Energie‐Gesetz (GEG) regelt in Deutschland die Grenzwerte für den Energiebedarf von Neubauten und Sanierungen mit dem Ziel, bis zum Jahr 2050 einen nahezu klimaneutralen Gebäudebestand zu erreichen. Anforderungswerte für die Wärmedurchgangskoeffizienten, die Wärmebrücken und die Luftdichtheit sind im GEG explizit angegeben, für die Planung der Belüftung wurden jedoch keine expliziten Regelungen getroffen. Ein geplantes Belüftungssystem ist erlaubt, sofern der resultierende Primärenergiebedarf des Gebäudes den Anforderungen entspricht. Eine natürliche Lüftung wird in den vereinfachten Nachweisen des Monatsbilanzverfahrens dabei meist als energetisch nachteilig angesehen, führt sie zwingendermaßen zu Lüftungswärmeverlusten. Mechanische Lüftungssysteme können dahingegen mit Anrechnung ihrer Wärmerückgewinnung vorteilig angesetzt werden. Die natürliche Lüftung hat jedoch, ist sie als kontrollierte elektrisch betriebene Fensteröffnung ausgeführt, das Potenzial einer Energieeffizienzsteigerung mit hoher Nutzerbehaglichkeit. In einer Simulation über EnergyPlus wurden für einen Büroraum Öffnungs‐ und Schließsignale einer CO2‐geregelten natürlichen Fensterlüftung verglichen. Eine Regelung, die bei 900 ppm CO2‐Konzentration öffnet und bei 800 ppm schließt, stellte die energieeffizienteste und thermisch behaglichste Regelung dar. Für diese Regelung wurden die realen Öffnungsdauern an einem experimentellen Büroraum ausgewertet. Es ergaben sich in Abhängigkeit des Windes und der Temperaturdifferenz zwischen Innen und Außen Öffnungsdauern von 3 bis 5 Minuten.
The frequency window effect of sinusoidal electromagnetic fields in promoting osteogenic differentiation and bone formation involves extension of osteoblastic primary cilia and activation of protein kinase A
Authors: Zhou Jian , Gao Yu Hai , Zhu Bao Ying , He Wen Fang , Wang Gang , Xian Cory J. , Chen Ke Ming
Published: April 2021

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have emerged as a versatile means for osteoporosis treatment and prevention. However, its optimal application parameters are still elusive. Here, we optimized the frequency parameter first by cell culture screening and then by animal experiment validation. Osteoblasts isolated from newborn rats (ROBs) were exposed 90 min/day to 1.8 mT SEMFs at different frequencies (ranging from 10 to 100 Hz, interval of 10 Hz). SEMFs of 1.8 mT inhibited ROB proliferation at 30, 40, 50, 60 Hz, but increased proliferation at 10, 70, 80 Hz. SEMFs of 10, 50, and 70 Hz promoted ROB osteogenic differentiation and mineralization as shown by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium content, and osteogenesis‐related molecule expression analyses, with 50 Hz showing greater effects than 10 and 70 Hz. Treatment of young rats with 1.8 mT SEMFs at 10, 50, or 100 Hz for 2 months significantly increased whole‐body bone mineral density (BMD) and femur microarchitecture, with the 50 Hz group showing the greatest effect. Furthermore, 1.8 mT SEMFs extended primary cilia lengths of ROBs and increased protein kinase A (PKA) activation also in a frequency‐dependent manner, again with 50 Hz SEMFs showing the greatest effect. Pretreatment of ROBs with the PKA inhibitor KT5720 abolished the effects of SEMFs to increase primary cilia length and promote osteogenic differentiation/mineralization. These results indicate that 1.8 mT SEMFs have a frequency window effect in promoting osteogenic differentiation/mineralization in ROBs and bone formation in growing rats, which involve osteoblast primary cilia length extension and PKA activation.
Na‐ZSM‐5 Zeolite Nanocrystals Supported Nickel Nanoparticles for Efficient Hydrogen Production from Ammonia Decomposition
Authors: Wan Zhijian , Tao Youkun , You Hengzhi , Zhang Xiang , Shao Jing
Published: April 2021

Ammonia has been increasingly recognised as an effective hydrogen carrier to produce clean hydrogen free of COx emissions. This study reports the development of Ni‐based catalysts to efficiently crack ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen. A series of catalysts with different Ni loadings supported on Na‐ZSM‐5 zeolite nanocrystals were prepared with the assistance of 1,10‐phenanthroline ligand. The coordination of Ni and the ligand led to the formation of uniform Ni nanoparticles with a mean size of ∼2.3 nm. These small Ni nanoparticles of the catalyst enabled a high activity in ammonia decomposition evaluated using a fixed‐bed reactor. Using the zeolite support in its pristine sodium form provided the catalyst with desired basicity. This promotes a strong metal‐support interaction, leading the catalyst to have high stability. The catalyst with 5 wt% Ni loading exhibited a high TOF of 3.51 s−1 with no performance degradation at 650 °C for 50 h.
Drying Kinetics and Optimization of Quercetrin Extraction from Melastoma malabathricum Leaves
Authors: Awang Mohd Azrie , Chua Lee Suan , Abdullah Luqman Chuah , Pin Kar Yong
Published: April 2021

The leaves of Melastoma malabathricum were dried and ultrasonicated to produce a high‐quality extract. The optimum drying temperature was determined to obtain the highest yield, total phenolics, and flavonoids, especially quercetrin content with antiradical capacity. The Midilli model could explain the drying kinetics satisfactorily. The effective diffusivity of moisture ranged between 2.16 and 10.22 × 10−11 m2s−1, and the activation energy was 49.81 kJ mol−1. The dried leaves were extracted under optimized conditions in terms of particle size, solid‐to‐solvent ratio, solvent concentration, extraction time, and ultrasonic amplitude of the ultrasound‐assisted system. The quadratic model was applied to predict reasonably the yield and quercetrin content in the extract.
Den Überdruck einer Explosion nutzen
Authors: Bloching Marius
Published: April 2021

Entkopplung ist für einen ganzheitlichen Explosionsschutz absolut notwendig. Eine Möglichkeit dafür ist die explosionstechnische Entkopplung mit der Rückschlagklappe Q‐Flap RX von Rembe Safety + Control.
Ölfreie Klauenpumpe für robuste Grobvakuumanwendungen
Authors: Gorrebeck Niels
Published: April 2021

Speziell für raue industrielle Prozesse stellt Leybold die unkomplizierte, trockene Grobvakuumpumpe CLAWVAC vor. Sie eignet sich neben Anwendungen in der Lebensmittelverarbeitung, Verpackungs‐ und Umwelttechnik auch für Trocknungs‐ und Sterilisationsproze
Comparison of Fine and Coarse Rice Varieties for Nickel Accumulation and Growth Response at Different Levels of Nickel
Authors: Fatma Shabih , Sabir Muhammad , Aziz Tariq , Ahmad Hamaad Raza , Yaseen Muhammad , Zia‐ur‐Rehman Muhammad , Hakeem Khalid Rehman
Published: April 2021

The differential growth response and nickel (Ni) accumulation by two rice varieties grown in Ni‐contaminated soil are investigated. Soil is contaminated with Ni at different levels viz. control (0), 7, 15, 22, 30, and 38 mg kg−1 soil. Two rice varieties viz. Basmati‐2000 (fine variety) and KSK‐133 (coarse variety) are grown in pots containing Ni‐contaminated soil. The plants are harvested at four growth stages with an interval of 15 days. Harvested plants are washed with distilled water to remove aerial deposition. Harvested plants are oven‐dried, weighed, grinded, and digested with di‐acid mixture. The digested samples are analyzed for Ni, zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) concentration. The results indicate that the maximum level of Ni (38 mg kg−1) inhibits the shoot and root growth. The maximum shoot and root dry weights are observed at lower level of Ni, that is, 7 mg kg−1. The concentration of Ni in plants increases with increasing Ni levels compared to control while the concentration of Zn and Mn decreases with increasing Ni levels. The maximum concentrations of all elements are recorded at the first harvest which gradually decrease in the subsequent harvests. It is concluded that Basmati‐2000 is tolerant to Ni toxicity compared to KSK‐133.
Factors Affecting Spatial and Temporal Variability of Metals in Drainage Water from Arable Fields
Authors: Baborowski Martina , Rupp Holger , Wendt‐Potthoff Katrin , Tauchnitz Nadine , Meissner Ralph
Published: April 2021

Respecting fertilizer application, the metal content in drainage water is studied under conventional agricultural management from 2013 to 2014 in two adjacent fields located in the North German Plain. Findings are compared with data of nutrients, main ions, and dissolved organic carbon, as well as element contents in fertilizers and geogenic background values of soils. Comparatively low metal concentrations are found in drainage water. These results are in line with metal contents of applied mineral fertilizers, of cattle slurry, and random analysis of the two soils considered. Relating to effective ordinances, the applied fertilizers occasionally pose a risk for the groundwater or downstream water bodies. Concentrations of some metals (Al, Co, Cr, Pb, and V) are rather affected by soil erosion than by fertilizers. Besides fertilizers and soil erosion, mainly pedo‐hydrological conditions, which differ between the two fields, influence element profiles in tile drainage by the extent of anoxia and subsequent denitrification and sulfate reduction. Against the background of climate change, further investigations with respect to possible changes in soil water budget are necessary.
Tips for Managing Late‐Planted Soybeans
Authors: Drohan Joy
Published: April 2021

If you grow soybean, chances are you’ve experienced a time or two where you’ve had to plant late. It happens almost annually somewhere because soybean tends to be planted on soils that are not as well drained. Planting dates have been moving earlier. Growers realized over the past few decades that they typically increase their chances of getting a high yield if they plant early. But if wet conditions prevent this, what management practices can help make up for the delay in planting? Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/975.
Comparative study of transgenic and nontransgenic cotton
Authors: Zeng Linghe , Wu Jixiang , Bourland Fred M. , Campbell B. Todd , Dever Jane K. , Hague Steve , Myers Gerald O. , Raper Tyson B. , Smith Wayne , Zhang Jinfa
Published: April 2021

The environmental impact of genetically modified crops has been extensively investigated. However, few reports on the influence of transgenic traits on genetic structure have been reported in the literature. It is unknown how or if transgenic cultivars have affected genotypic variation in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) since its rise to dominance in cotton production. In this study, the genotypic variance components,g, of lint yield (LY) and fiber quality were compared among transgenic and nontransgenic cotton in the USDA Regional High Quality (RHQ) tests from 2002 through 2018. The popular transgenic and nontransgenic cultivars/lines developed by the major private and public cotton breeding programs in the United States during this period were included. Testing cycles within the RHQ protocol consist of standardized control cultivars plus experimental entries. Variance components were dissected in each testing year within six such testing cycles. Lint yield of the transgenic cotton was generally higher than nontransgenic cotton. Fiber quality of the nontransgenic cotton was generally higher than the transgenic cotton. For LY, the proportion ofgto the total variance was lower in the transgenic cotton than in the nontransgenic cotton, but the difference diminished in the recent two cycles. The proportion ofgwas lower in the transgenic cotton compared with the nontransgenic cotton for fiber length, fiber strength, fiber uniformity, and micronaire. The discrepancy between the two types of cotton in the RHQ tests reflects the influences of differential breeding schemes in the private and public breeding programs on means and genotypic variance of LY and fiber quality.
A community context for aggression? Multi‐species audience effects on territorial aggression in two species of Paridae
Authors: Bai Jin , Freeberg Todd M. , Lucas Jeffrey R. , Sieving Kathryn E.
Published: April 2021

Territorial aggression in birds is widely observed and is commonly linked to sex, age, body size, physiology, seasonal cues, food resource, urbanization, and a variety of social contexts including conspecific audience effects. However, little is known about the heterospecific audience effects on territorial aggression.

Here, we address an emerging idea that heterospecific audience effects may be pervasive influences in the social lives of free‐living birds. We tested the hypothesis that the composition, number, and relative body size of heterospecific audiences observing an aggressive contest will influence the response probability and intensity of aggression displayed.

We subjected two Paridae species, tufted titmouse (TUTI, Baeolophus bicolor) and Carolina chickadee (CACH, Poecile carolinensis), to playbacks of aggressive calls during a breeding season in north‐central Florida. At widely spaced playback sites (N = 134) in woodland habitats, we characterized the makeup of heterospecific audiences, aggression type (intra vs. interspecific territoriality), local population density, and various environmental factors (tree density, wind speed, and noise level) that are likely to influence territorial aggression.

We found that the presence of heterospecific audiences increased TUTI aggression levels and that both parids were more likely to respond to playback stimuli when their audiences had higher heterospecific diversity (more heterospecific individuals and species). We also found TUTI were more likely to respond when CACH were present but not vice versa.

In conclusion, we found evidence that heterospecific audiences significantly influenced the metrics of territorial aggression of free‐living animals and we suggest that the definition of audience effects on the behavior of free‐living animals be expanded to incorporate heterospecific audiences.
Genomic inbreeding and population structure of northern pike (Esox lucius) in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Luan Peixian , Huo Tangbin , Ma Bo , Song Dan , Zhang Xiaofeng , Hu Guo
Published: April 2021

Northern pike (Esox lucius) was widely distributed in the high latitudes of the northern hemisphere. In China, northern pike was originally distributed only in the upper reaches of the Irtysh River in Xinjiang and has appeared in many water bodies outside the Irtysh River Basin in Northern Xinjiang. A total of four populations were collected from north to south in Xinjiang, including Irtysh River (RIR), Ulungu Lake (LUL), a small lake nearby Ulungu River (LJD), and Bosten Lake (LBO). We estimated population genomic parameters, performed gene flow analysis, and estimated the effective population size of each population. The proportion of individuals with high inbreeding coefficient (F ≥ 0.0625) accounted for 36.4% (44/121) of all sequenced individuals, approximately 4.5% (1/22) in LUL, 25.9% (7/27) in LBO, 42.9% (18/42) in RIR, and 60% (18/30) in LJD. RIR had the highest mean of genomic relatedness (coancestry coefficient = 0.025 ± 0.040, IBD = 0.036 ± 0.078). Gene flow results showed that the population spreading was from RIR into two branches, one was LBO, and the other continued to split into LUL and LJD, and migration signal from LBO to LUL was detected. Our results suggested that the extinction risk of northern pike was very low in Xinjiang of China, and the controlled capture fishery of northern pike could be developed reasonably.
Recovery of riverine fish assemblages after anthropogenic disturbances
Authors: Rohr Jessica M. , Meiners Scott J. , Thomas Trent D. , Colombo Robert E.
Published: April 2021

Disturbances within many communities are common, but the recovery of riverine fish assemblages from anthropogenic fish kills is often not well documented. Quantification of fish community recovery is needed to assess how rapidly or whether recovery occurs without mitigation. To address this need, we evaluated the temporal dynamics of six streams located in central Illinois, including systems impacted by fish kills and an undisturbed reference system. We found species richness and the index of biotic integrity experienced dramatic shifts within the first year after the disturbance event, while fish density varied less within most streams. Interestingly, local extinctions following a kill event were not limited to only rare species, with some dominant components of the local community also lost. Some impacted streams experienced small compositional changes, similar to those within the reference system, while other streams experienced large and continued compositional shifts following disturbance. The rate of compositional change decreased significantly with time since disturbance in all locations, especially within the first year. Most metrics of recovery reached a level of relative stasis three years after the disturbance event. Based on this, we recommend disturbed streams should be monitored for at least three years to fully document recovery dynamics and to determine whether active restoration efforts are warranted. Streams which do not recover during this time frame will likely require direct intervention to achieve recovery. Our results also highlight the importance of regular stream monitoring to document a stream's baseline composition and dynamics if a disturbance were to occur.
Prostaglandin E2 induced cardiac hypertrophy through EP2 receptor‐dependent activation of β‐catenin in 5/6 nephrectomy rats
Authors: Wang Yaqiong , Zhang Ting , Cao Xuesen , Zou Jianzhou , Ding Xiaoqiang , Shen Bo , Lv Wenlv
Published: April 2021

Aims

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is involved in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. However, whether PGE2 regulates the chronic kidney disease‐associated cardiac hypertrophy and the tentative mechanism remains to be elucidated.

Methods and results

We explored the effect of PGE2 receptor inhibitors on cardiac hypertrophy in vitro and in a 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6NT) rat model using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemical staining, and immunofluorescence staining assays. The result showed that EP2 and EP4 receptors were both up‐regulated in the PGE2‐treated cardiomyocyte cells. PGE2 treatment enhanced active β‐catenin (non‐phosphorylated) signalling through mediating EP2 and EP4 receptors. Interestingly, inhibition of EP2 receptor suppressed PGE2‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis‐related proteins in vitro. In the 5/6NT rat model, the increased secretion PGE2 was identified in the 5/6NT rat model for 2 weeks (P = 0.0251). EP2 receptor inhibitor administration significantly improved the cardiac function and fibrosis in 5/6NT rats.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that inhibition of EP2 receptor could improve PGE2‐induced cardiac hypertrophy in 5/6NT rats. The exploration of these mechanisms may contribute to the optimization of therapy in chronic kidney disease accompanied cardiac hypertrophy in clinic.
Opioids: A ‘crisis’ of too much or not enough – or simply how rich you are and where you live?
Authors: Miyachi Takashi , Ozaki Akihiko , Saito Hiroaki , Sawano Toyoaki , Tanimoto Tetsuya , Crump Andy
Published: April 2021

The ‘Opioid Crisis’, which originated in Western countries, has been misrepresented and is misinforming the global public. For 20 years, since the advent of the synthetic opioids, 25,000 Americans, on average, have died annually from opioid‐related overdoses. The United States produces and consumes by far the greatest amounts of opioids. National regulations introduced to curb overdoses and restrict opioid availability have condemned many Americans, such as cancer patients or those in need of palliative care, to a life of extreme pain due to lack of access to adequate pain management. As is often the case, US‐driven laws have informed and guided international regulations. Worldwide, 83% of countries have low or non‐existent access to opioids for pain relief. Over 25 million people are at the end‐of‐life stage, with eight million people dying annually in unnecessary pain and distress. Ineffectively controlled pain is a global public health issue blighting the lives of billions of people worldwide with immeasurable human and socioeconomic costs. International conventions regulate the trade and use of controlled medications, including many opioids. The goal is to balance widespread access to optimal forms of pain management with restrictions to govern the use and prevent the misuse of controlled substances. Those conventions are failing to meet their goals. International guidelines to inform national legislation have been compromised and withdrawn, thanks to undue interference from US‐based opioid manufacturers. The new goal must be to ensure equitable access, for all, to opioids and ensure that optimal pain management becomes a central component of Universal Health Coverage.

Significance

The opioid crisis is, more accurately, a multicomponent global crisis and one that is not fully apparent or well understood. Regulations of the wealthy and powerful to control a surfeit of opioids, which encourages misuse, cannot be allowed to govern legislation in the majority of countries worldwide where citizens have little or no access to opioids to reduce pain and suffering. International conventions must be revised to ensure an optimal balance that allows access to opioids for all those who need them.
CHPG enhances BDNF and myelination in cuprizone‐treated mice through astrocytic metabotropic glutamate receptor 5
Authors: Saitta Kyle S. , Lercher Lauren D. , Sainato Danielle M. , Patel Ashish , Huang Yangyang , McAuliffe Geoffrey , Dreyfus Cheryl F.
Published: April 2021

It is well recognized that astrocytes can produce factors known to affect the myelination process. One such factor, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), can enhance the differentiation of oligodendrocyte lineage cells following a demyelinating lesion. Our previous work indicated that enhancing astrocyte‐derived BDNF via injection of a general agonist of Group I/II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) into the lesion increased myelin proteins in the cuprizone model of demyelination after 4 hr. To determine if this observation has potential therapeutic significance, we now use a more specific mGluR agonist, 2‐chloro‐5‐hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG), which binds to mGluR5, to examine effects on myelination through the clinically relevant approach of a peripheral injection. In initial studies, intraperitoneal injection of CHPG resulted in an increase in myelin proteins within the lesioned corpus callosum. These effects were blocked when either BDNF or the CHPG receptor, mGluR5, was deleted from glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+ astrocytes or when the BDNF receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), was deleted from proteolipid protein (PLP)+ oligodendrocytes. Moreover, injection of CHPG over 2 weeks not only elevated BDNF and myelin proteins, but also enhanced myelination and reversed behavioral deficits. Interestingly, effects on myelin and myelin proteins were not seen in the control animals, indicating that a lesion is critical in eliciting effects. Taken together, the data suggest that the mGluR agonist CHPG may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating demyelinating diseases and that it works by enhancing the release of BDNF from astrocytes.
Evidence of impaired naming in patients with hippocampal amnesia
Authors: Hilverman Caitlin , Duff Melissa C.
Published: April 2021

Object naming involves accessing meaning and retrieving the associated word form from remote semantic memory. Historically, previously acquired semantic knowledge (i.e., remote semantic memory) was thought to be independent of the hippocampus via neocortical consolidation. This view is based on evidence demonstrating a dissociation in behavior in patients with hippocampal amnesia: amnesic patients are impaired in acquiring new vocabulary yet can name and define previously acquired words. More recently, the view that remote semantic memory is hippocampus‐independent has been challenged by the documentation of disruptions in aspects of remote semantic memory in patients with hippocampal amnesia, particularly in language use and depth of semantic knowledge. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that the hippocampus plays a long‐term role in remote semantic memory. We tested amnesic patients and demographically matched healthy comparison participants in an extensive naming task using photographic images of objects normalized for familiarity, object agreement, and visual complexity. Amnesic patients were less likely to correctly name objects than healthy comparison participants. Further, amnesic patients' performance worsened for words that were less familiar, more visually complex, and had less object agreement. These findings suggest that the hippocampus may play a long‐term role in semantic memory processes, rather than a time‐limited role in the initial acquisition of semantic information, and that hippocampal damage can disrupt object naming.
The Japanese self‐focused attention scale: Factor structure, internal consistency, convergent, and discriminant validity
Authors: Noda Shota , Okawa Sho , Shirotsuki Kentaro , Sasagawa Satoko , Bögels Susan M.
Published: April 2021

Objective

Self‐focused attention is a maintaining factor for social anxiety disorder. It was shown that self‐focused attention correlates with trait mindfulness, but not with attention control. This study examined the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the self‐focused attention (J‐SFA) scale.

Method

Students (N = 502) completed a set of questionnaires, measuring self‐focused attention, social anxiety symptoms, trait mindfulness, and attention control.

Results

A confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the J‐SFA scale has a bi‐factor structure. The Cronbach's α coefficient was high. Correlation analysis showed that each factor of the J‐SFA scale was significantly weakly to moderately correlated with social anxiety symptoms and trait mindfulness, and the J‐SFA scale's factors were significantly or non‐significantly very weakly correlated with attentional control functions.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that the J‐SFA demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity for our sample and provide impetus for future research into the measure for clinical and nonclinical samples in Japan.