bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Catalytic Acceleration of MXene/MWCNTs as Decorating Materials for Ultrasensitive Detection of Morphine
Authors: Ren Shufang , Feng Runyan , Cheng Shounian , Wang Qingtao , Zheng Zhixiang
Published: March 2021

Ti3C2TX MXene was synthesized by exfoliating pristine Ti3AlC2 phase with hydrofluoric acid. The simple methods of mechanical mixing and drop‐casting of Ti3C2TX and MWCNTs were carried out to prepare sensing electrode of Ti3C2TX/MWCNTs/GCE. The composite and topography, especially the surface functional groups of Ti3C2TX/MWCNTs were analyzed by XRD, SEM, FTIR, XPS, and Raman spectrum. The results turned out that Ti3C2TX was characteristic by accordion‐like 2D nanostructure with the surfaces terminated with −OH, −F, and =O. When combining with acid pretreated, the interaction between the functional groups of Ti3C2TX and MWCNTs facilitated the convenience and reproducibility of the robust modified electrodes and could make Ti3C2TX/MWCNTs/GCE possess good synergistic catalytic acceleration by increasing the electron transfer efficiency as well as adsorption and aggregation of MOP analyte onto the electrode surface. Versatile electrochemical measurements of CV, DPV and EIS were used to investigate the electrochemical performance of Ti3C2TX/MWCNTs/GCE sensing platform. The linear detection range is 0.01–100 μM with the limit of detection of 0.0092 μM (S/N=3). The sensor has good stability, repeatability, reproducibility and anti‐interference. In the detection of serum and urine samples, it has a good recovery rate.
Dynamic energy correlation analysis of E. coli aspartokinase III and alteration of allosteric regulation by manipulating energy transduction pathways
Authors: Wang Shizhen , Ma Chengwei , Zeng An‐Ping
Published: March 2021

Conformational change associated with allosteric regulation in a protein is ultimately driven by energy transformation. However, little is known about the latter process. In this work, we combined steered molecular dynamics simulations and sequence conservation analysis to investigate the conformational changes and energy transformation in the allosteric enzyme aspartokinase III (AK III) from Escherichia coli. Correlation analysis of energy change at residue level indicated significant transformation between electrostatic energy and dihedral angle energy during the allosteric regulation. Key amino acid residues located in the corresponding energy transduction pathways were identified by dynamic energy correlation analysis. To verify their functions, residues with a high energy correlation in the pathways were altered and their effects on allosteric regulation of AKIII were determined. This study sheds new insights into energy transformation during allosteric regulation of AK III and proposes a strategy to identify key residues that are involved in intramolecular energy transduction and thus in driving the allosteric process.
Delay time in the transfer of modulation between microwave beams
Authors: Cacciari Ilaria , Mugnai Daniela , Ranfagni Anedio
Published: March 2021

Measurements of delay time relative to the signal transferred from a modulated beam F2 to an unmodulated one F1, both of which operate with a microwave carrier at ∼9.3 GHz, are reported and interpreted. The observed behavior is open to two possible interpretations: one is based on a purely stochastic model that consists of zigzag random paths; the other is based on a more conventional electromagnetic approach, although it maintains some of the characteristics of the stochastic model. The anomalous behaviors here studied can have significant applications in photonics and electro‐optics.
Development of the Australian National Meal Guidelines for home‐delivered and centre‐based meal programs for older adults
Authors: Clancy Annabel , Walton Karen , Charlton Karen , McMahon Anne‐Therese , Williams Peter , Tapsell Linda C.
Published: March 2021

Issue addressed

This research aimed to develop and disseminate National Meal Guidelines for Australian home‐delivered and centre‐based meal programs.

Methods

Development was led by a project group of dietitians and a steering group of representatives from the Australian Meals on Wheels Association. The process framework included three phases: (1) Review of existing standards and guidelines and systematic literature review (SLR), (2) stakeholder consultation conducted via six workshops, across six states (N = 212) and surveys with service providers, health professionals (N = 289) and customers (N = 337) and (3) review of the draft guidelines by stakeholders.

Results

The final guidelines address: nutritional needs of older adults; meal and menu planning including nutrient requirements for meal components; presentation and meal enjoyment; special diets; and enhancing the meal service.

Conclusion

These guidelines provide consistent guidance to services providing home‐delivered and centre‐based meal programs. Further evaluation of their uptake and impact on service practices and customer nutrition and satisfaction is required.

So what?

The National Meal Guidelines provide nationally consistent, evidence‐based guidance on menu planning and nutritional quality of meals to services providing home‐delivered and centre‐based meal programs. The guideline development framework outlined here also provides a process for future food service guideline development.
Hydrological trends and the evolution of catchment research in the Alptal valley, central Switzerland
Authors: Stähli Manfred , Seibert Jan , Kirchner James W. , von Freyberg Jana , van Meerveld Ilja
Published: March 2021

When the observation of small headwater catchments in the pre‐Alpine Alptal valley (central Switzerland) started in the late 1960s, the researchers were mainly interested in questions related to floods and forest management. Investigations of geomorphological processes in the steep torrent channels followed in the 1980s, along with detailed observations of biogeochemical and ecohydrological processes in individual forest stands. More recently, research in the Alptal has addressed the impacts of climate change on water supply and runoff generation. In this article, we describe, for the first time, the evolution of catchment research at Alptal, and present new analyses of long‐term trends and short‐term hydrologic behaviour. Hydrometeorological time series from the past 50 years show substantial interannual variability, but only minimal long‐term trends, except for the ~2°C increase in mean annual air temperature over the 50‐year period, and a corresponding shift towards earlier snowmelt. Similar to previous studies in larger Alpine catchments, the decadal variations in mean annual runoff in Alptal's small research catchments reflect the long‐term variability in annual precipitation. In the Alptal valley, the most evident hydrological trends were observed in late spring and are related to the substantial change in the duration of the snow cover. Streamflow and water quality are highly variable within and between hydrological events, suggesting rapid shifts in flow pathways and mixing, as well as changing connectivity of runoff‐generating areas. This overview illustrates how catchment research in the Alptal has evolved in response to changing societal concerns and emerging scientific questions.
Vanillic acid mitigates the impairments in glucose metabolism in HepG2 cells through BAD–GK interaction during hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Sreelekshmi Mohan , Raghu Kozhiparambil Gopalan
Published: March 2021

Glucokinase (GK), a key regulator of hepatic glucose metabolism in the liver and glucose sensor and mediator in the secretion of insulin in the pancreas, is not studied in detail for its therapeutic application in diabetes. Herein, we study the alteration in GK activity during hyperinsulinemia‐induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. We also investigated the link between GK and Bcl‐2‐associated death receptor (BAD) during hyperinsulinemia. There are emerging demands for GK activators from natural resources, and we selected vanillic acid (VA) to evaluate its potential as GK activators during hyperinsulinemia in HepG2 cells. VA is a phenolic compound and a commonly used food additive in many food industries. We found that VA safeguarded GK inhibition during hyperinsulinemia significantly in HepG2 cells. VA also prevented the depletion of glycogen synthesis during hyperinsulinemia, which is evident from protein expression studies of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glucose‐6‐phosphatase, glycogen synthase, and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β. This was associated with activation of BAD activity, which was also confirmed by Western blotting. Molecular docking revealed strong binding between GK active site and VA, supporting their strong interaction. These are the first in vitro data to indicate the beneficial properties of VA with respect to insulin resistance induced by hyperinsulinemia by GK activation. Since it is activated via BAD, the hypoglycemia associated with general GK activation is not expected here and therefore has significant implications for future therapies against diabetes.
Stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by stiff matrix via the IKCa channel‐dependent Ca2+ signaling
Authors: Jia Xiaoling , Yang Qingmao , Gao Chao , Chen Xinlan , Li Yanan , Su Hao , Zheng Yufan , Zhang Shuwen , Wang Ziyu , Wang Haikun , Jiang Lin‐Hua , Sun Yan , Fan Yubo
Published: March 2021

Vascular stiffening, an early and common characteristic of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation which reciprocally accelerates the progression of CVDs. However, the mechanisms by which extracellular matrix stiffness accompanying vascular stiffening regulates VSMC proliferation remain largely unknown. In the present study, we examined the role of the intermediate‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (IKCa) channel in the matrix stiffness regulation of VSMC proliferation by growing A7r5 cells on soft and stiff polydimethylsiloxane substrates with stiffness close to these of arteries under physiological and pathological conditions, respectively. Stiff substrates stimulated cell proliferation and upregulated the expression of the IKCa channel. Stiff substrate‐induced cell proliferation was suppressed by pharmacological inhibition using TRAM34, an IKCa channel blocker, or genetic depletion of the IKCa channel. In addition, stiff substrate‐induced cell proliferation was also suppressed by reducing extracellular Ca2+ concentration using EGTA or intracellular Ca2+ concentration using BAPTA‐AM. Moreover, stiff substrate induced activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs), which was inhibited by treatment with TRAM34 or BAPTA‐AM. Stiff substrate‐induced cell proliferation was suppressed by treatment with PD98059, an ERK inhibitor. Taken together, these results show that substrates with pathologically relevant stiffness upregulate the IKCa channel expression to enhance intracellular Ca2+ signaling and subsequent activation of the ERK signal pathway to drive cell proliferation. These findings provide a novel mechanism by which vascular stiffening regulates VSMC function.
Relevant characteristics of food products based on alternative proteins according to European consumers
Authors: Faber Ilona , Henn Katharina , Brugarolas Margarita , Perez‐Cueto Federico JA
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance attributed by consumers in Denmark (DK), Germany (DE) and Spain (ES) and across dietary lifestyles to the characteristics of different types of foods based on alternative proteins. Data were collected through a web‐based survey (15 November to 16 December 2019). A total of 872 completed questionnaires from DK (n = 258), DE (n = 296) and ES (n = 318) were obtained.

RESULTS

Four segments according to frequency of animal‐ and plant‐based food consumption were identified: (i) no animal, high plant; (ii) low animal, high plant; (iii) moderate animal and plant; and (iv) high animal, moderate plant. Across all segments, foods based on legumes/pulses as well as plant‐based spreads and products that do not resemble meat in taste and texture were of interest. Segment 4 was more in favour of ‘health’ as an important factor in new food products, whereas segment 1 was more likely to consider ‘animal friendly’, ‘minimally processed’, ‘environmentally friendly’ and ‘produced with minimum CO2 emissions’ as key aspects. Furthermore, familiarity was of minor importance across the segments. This could indicate an opening for new, innovative plant‐based alternatives that have their own identity.

CONCLUSION

An overall interest exists towards innovative food products based on plant protein, specifically legumes/pulses, among consumers in the three countries and across different dietary lifestyles. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fish Oil Diet during Pre‐mating, Gestation, and Lactation in Adult Offspring Rats on Cancer Cachexia Prevention
Authors: Oliveira Sarah Christine Pereira de , Miyaguti Natália Angelo da Silva , Russell Steven Thomas , Tobar Natália , Geraldo Murilo Vieira , Gomes‐Marcondes Maria Cristina Cintra
Published: March 2021

Scope

Nutritional supplementation of the maternal diet can modify the cancer susceptibility in adult offspring. Therefore, the authors evaluate the effects of a fish‐oil diet administered to a long‐term, during pre‐mating, gestation, and lactation, in reducing cancer‐cachexia damages in adult Walker‐256 tumor‐bearing offspring.

Methods and Results

Female rats receive control or fish oil diet during pre‐mating, gestation, and lactation. After weaning, male offspring are fed the control diet until adulthood and distributed in (C) control adult‐offspring; (W) adult tumor‐bearing offspring; (OC) adult‐offspring of maternal fish oil diet; (WOC) adult tumor‐bearing offspring of maternal fish oil diet groups. Fat body mass is preserved, muscle expression of mechanistic target of rapamicin (mTOR) and eukariotic binding protein of eukariotic factor 4E (4E‐BP1) is modified, being associated with lower 20S proteasome protein expression, and the liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme content maintained in the WOC group. Also, the OC group shows reduced triglyceridemia.

Conclusion

In this experimental model of cachexia, the long‐term maternal supplementation is a positive strategy to improve liver function and lipid metabolism, as well as to modify muscle proteins expression in the mTOR pathway and also reduce the 20S muscle proteasome protein, without altering the tumor development and muscle wasting in adult tumor‐bearing offspring.
Using Bayes theorem to estimate positive and negative predictive values for continuously and ordinally scaled diagnostic tests
Authors: Fischer Felix
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs) are frequently reported to put estimates of accuracy of a diagnostic test in clinical context and to obtain risk estimates for a given patient taking into account baseline prevalence in the population. In order to calculate PPV and NPV, tests with ordinally or continuously scaled results are commonly dichotomized at the expense of a loss of information.

Methods

Extending the rationale for the calculation of PPV and NPV, Bayesian theorem is used to calculate the probability of disease given the outcome of a continuously or ordinally scaled test. Probabilities of test results conditional on disease status are modeled in a Bayesian framework and subsequently transformed to probabilities of disease status conditional on test result.

Results

Using publicly available data, probability of a clinical depression diagnosis given PROMIS Depression scores was estimated. Comparison with PPV and NPV based on dichotomized scores shows that a more fine‐grained interpretation of test scores is possible.

Conclusions

The proposed method bears the chance to facilitate accurate and meaningful interpretation of test results in clinical settings by avoiding unnecessary dichotomization of test scores.
Delivering NICE Joint Pain Advice in the workplace
Authors: Hurley Michael V. , Irwin Sally , Erwin Jo , Gibney Amber , Hallett Rachel , Carter Andrea , Woolf Anthony
Published: March 2021

Background

Chronic joint pain is extremely prevalent, but its impact can be mitigated if people receive self‐management/lifestyle advice, especially about the importance of physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. To reach the large number of people who needs support, we devised Joint Pain Advice (JPA), an intervention that can be delivered in a variety of health and community settings by a range of healthcare and non‐healthcare professionals. Here we extend JPA delivery into workplace settings.

Method

In each workplace, an advisor was trained to deliver JPA. This involved an initial assessment of participant's pain, musculoskeletal health and function (MSK‐HQ), number of days/week active for >30 min, and physical function. Participants were taught simple self‐management strategies, encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles using motivational interviewing, goal‐settings and personalised action/coping plans. Participants were reviewed three times over 6 months, baseline outcomes reassessed, progress highlighted, health messages reinforced and action plans revised, if necessary.

Results

Twenty large public organisations or small/medium enterprises delivered JPA to 481 people. Satisfaction with the service was high; people found it acceptable, valued advice tailored to their individual needs and experienced tangible benefits—MSK‐HQ (9.5 points; CI 8.3 to 10.6), pain (−1.7; −2.2 to −1.7), physical function (−2.0; −2.2 to −1.7), activity levels and self‐confidence improved, whilst absenteeism and healthcare utilisation reduced.

Conclusion

Delivering advice about self‐management for chronic knee, hip and back pain in workplace settings using local health promotion or occupational health professionals and is practicable, beneficial and valued. JPA could benefit small, medium and large employers.
Immune‐mediated neuromuscular complications of graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Saw Jacqui‐Lyn , Sidiqi M. Hasib , Mauermann Michelle L. , Alkhateeb Hassan , Naddaf Elie
Published: March 2021

Introduction/Aims

We aimed to describe the clinical phenotype, histopathological findings and overall survival (OS) of the immune‐mediated neuromuscular complications of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients presenting with immune‐mediated neuromuscular complications of GVHD to Mayo Clinic, between April 2013 and July 2018.We collected clinical and laboratory characteristics, histopathological findings, response to treatment and survival data.

Results

We identified 20 patients with a mean age at presentation of 55 y. Mean time from transplant to neurological presentation was 14 mo. Myositis was the most common complication seen in 17 patients, manifesting with predominantly axial and/or proximal weakness. Eleven patients had a muscle biopsy showing diffuse perimysial, predominantly macrophagic infiltration in 10, 3 of them with perimysial perivascular lymphocytic collections, and endomysial and perimysial lymphocytic infiltration in 1. Only two patients had a neuropathic complication: one each with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and neuralgic amyotrophy. A single patient had a myasthenic syndrome presenting with fluctuating foot drop. Nineteen patients were treated and all responded to immunosuppressive agents; however, 11 had further GVHD flares requiring escalation of therapy. After a median follow‐up of 83 mo, seven (35%) patients died: five from progressive GVHD and two from infections. The 5‐y OS from time of transplant was 68%.

Discussion

Myositis is the most common immune‐mediated neuromuscular complication of GVHD while peripheral neuropathy and myasthenic syndromes appear less common. The macrophage‐predominant infiltration on muscle biopsy deserves further study to better clarify the role of macrophages in GVHD pathogenesis.
Within‐couple dissimilarities in functional impairment as determinants of spousal care arrangement among older married couples
Authors: Liu Huiying , Li Yuekang , Wang Yi , Morrow‐Howell Nancy , Lou Vivian W. Q. , Shen Huei‐Wern
Published: March 2021

Existing research on spousal care focuses on one spouse receiving care from the other, which fails to address the complexity that is created when both spouses experience some impairments. Our study included situations in which one or both spouses have functional impairments when examining the extent to which spouses from the same couple hold a (dis)similar level of functional impairment and whether such within‐couple (dis)similarity has an impact on the spousal care arrangement. A subsample of 1170 older married couples was selected from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study. Descriptive statistics were used for describing the level of each spouse's functional impairment regarding the number of limitations in activities (activities of daily living [ADL]) or instrumental ADL (IADL). Logistic regressions were used to examine whether spousal dissimilarity in functional impairment (dissimilar, similarly low, similarly high) was associated with spousal care arrangement. Within couples with one functionally impaired spouse, the impaired spouse was more likely to receive spousal care when reporting a higher level of ADL/IADL impairment. Within couples with two functionally impaired spouses, the more impaired person was more likely to receive spousal care (without giving back) when spouses reported dissimilar level of IADL impairment; spouses were more likely to report mutual care when they had similarly high levels of IADL impairment. By documenting the role of spousal dissimilarities in functioning for determining spousal care arrangement, our study can inform couple‐based interventions that capitalize on each spouse's capabilities and resources.
Management of rhythm disorders in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Is sudden death a cardiac or pulmonary problem?
Authors: Bennett Jeffrey , Kertesz Naomi J.
Published: March 2021

Dystrophin deficiency results in the cardiomyopathy of variable onset and deficiency. Myocardial scarring commonly results in cardiac dysfunction, with both atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias. Heart failure, rather than arrhythmia burden, remains the strongest cardiac predictor of mortality in this patient population. Current data suggest the overall rate of sudden cardiac death in pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy is significantly lower than in adults. Specifically, in the Duchenne cardiomyopathy population, sudden death from an arrhythmic cause appears to be rare, even in patients with previously diagnosed arrhythmias. Despite this, recommendations for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) placement in patients with Duchenne cardiomyopathy has traditionally been extrapolated from adult heart failure recommendations based on decreased left ventricular ejection fraction <35%. Early involvement of the cardiologist in the care for patients with dystrophin‐deficient cardiomyopathy is recommended for this reason. The indications for ICD placement to prevent sudden death in patients with Duchenne cardiomyopathy are not well defined. There is little evidence to suggest that placement meaningfully prolongs life in this population, and should be carefully considered in accordance with the care goals of the patient and his family.
Sampled‐data output feedback leader‐following consensus for a class of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with input unmodeled dynamics
Authors: Mao Jun , Yan Tianhong , Huang Shipei , Li Shuo , Jiao Jian‐ge
Published: March 2021

This investigation focuses on the sampled‐data output feedback consensus problem for a class of second‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with uncertain time‐varying control coefficient and input unmodeled dynamics. In the considered multi‐agent system, the nonlinearities are more stronger than those under the Lipschitz condition, and the existence of the uncertain time‐varying control coefficient causes the invalidation of the full‐order observer. Under such situation, the reduced‐order observers are designed, and the filters are introduced to handle the uncertainties of the input unmodeled dynamics. By adopting the backstepping method, the sampled‐data consensus protocols are developed, and by selecting an appropriate Lyapunov function candidate, we can demonstrate that the practical leader‐following consensus can be achieved for the considered multi‐agent system by the developed protocols with the suitable design constants and an allowable sampling period. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed consensus method is illustrated by two simulation examples.
Robust index of confidence weighted learning for optimal individualized treatment rule estimation
Authors: Zhang Jinchun , Troxel Andrea B. , Petkova Eva
Published: March 2021

Determination of optimal individual treatment rules (ITR) is a rapidly growing area in precision medicine; various parametric and non‐parametric methods have been proposed. Existing methods, however, focus on the mean outcome and thus are sensitive to outliers, skewed and heavy‐tailed outcome distributions. In this paper, we propose an optimal ITR estimation framework using a weighted classifier with robust weights based on measures of similarity. Compared to previous methods in the literature, this two‐stage nonparametric model is novel and enjoys several advantages. First, due to its non‐parametric nature, it is more flexible than regression‐based parametric and semi‐parametric models. Second, the similarity‐based confidence index is essentially a weighted sum of indicator functions depending on the sign of pairwise outcome differences; therefore, it is robust to outliers, skewed and heavy‐tailed outcome distributions. The performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated via simulation studies and an analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial for depression.
Cyber Range Automation Overview with a Case Study of CRATE
Authors: Gustafsson Tommy , Almroth Jonas
Published: March 2021

Cyber security research is quintessential to secure computerized systems against cyber threats. Likewise, cyber security training and exercises are instrumental in ensuring that the professionals protecting the systems have the right set of skills to do the job. Cyber ranges provide platforms for testing, experimentation and training, but developing and executing experiments and training sessions are labour intensive and require highly skilled personnel. Several cyber range operators are developing automated tools to speed up the creation of emulated environments and scenarios as well as to increase the number and quality of the executed events. In this paper we investigate automated tools used in cyber ranges and research initiatives designated to augment cyber ranges automation. We also investigate the automation features in CRATE (Cyber Range And Training Environment) operated by the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI).
The Human, Economic, Social, and Political Costs of COVID-19
Authors: Bonotti Matteo , Zech Steven T.
Published: March 2021

This chapter provides an overview of the human, economic, social, and political costs of COVID-19. The pandemic has had immediate negative health effects and is likely to also cause long-term health problems. In addition to economic repercussions across numerous sectors, COVID-19 has also had significant social and political effects. The chapter focuses on the strains that the pandemic has imposed on relationships between family members, friends, and romantic partners. It shows how COVID-19 has changed social practices in various everyday environments (e.g. restaurants, cafes, public transport), as the public has been forced to reimagine spaces and how to interact within them in ways that comply with new social distancing norms. The chapter also illustrates many of the political implications of COVID-19, including the way it has exacerbated ongoing political conflicts within and between states, compounded pre-existing international problems related to the movement of people, and affected levels of trust and political participation.
Civility as Public-Mindedness During COVID-19
Authors: Bonotti Matteo , Zech Steven T.
Published: March 2021

This chapter examines the implications of COVID-19 for civility as public-mindedness. First, the pandemic has exacerbated various types of morally uncivil behaviour, such as discrimination and hate. Moreover, COVID-19 has created opportunities for some political actors to put forward sectarian agendas, grounded in partial interests and controversial beliefs, that breach the demands of justificatory civility. Furthermore, some policies to contain the pandemic have resulted in unreasonable ‘strains of commitment’ for members of marginalized sectors of the population, such as racial minorities, women, the LGBTIQ+ community, and older people; governments should acknowledge this aspect when publicly justifying these policies. Finally, justificatory civility during the pandemic has been undermined by scientific uncertainty around particular aspects of the virus itself; limited research on its social and cultural dimensions; and the politicization of science for personal or partisan advantage. The chapter advances numerous suggestions to counteract these challenges to moral and justificatory civility.
Dynamic consistency, valuable information and subjective beliefs
Authors: Galanis Spyros
Published: March 2021

Ambiguity sensitive preferences must fail either Consequentialism or Dynamic Consistency (DC), two properties that are compatible with subjective expected utility and Bayesian updating, while forming the basis of backward induction and dynamic programming. We examine the connection between these properties in a general environment of convex preferences over monetary acts and find that, far from being incompatible, they are connected in an economically meaningful way. In single-agent decision problems, positive value of information characterises one direction of DC. We propose a weakening of DC and show that one direction is equivalent to weakly valuable information, whereas the other characterises the Bayesian updating of the subjective beliefs which are revealed by trading behavior.
An overview of drive systems and sealing types in stirred bioreactors used in biotechnological processes
Authors: Schirmer Cedric , Maschke Rüdiger W. , Pörtner Ralf , Eibl Dieter
Published: March 2021

No matter the scale, stirred tank bioreactors are the most commonly used systems in biotechnological production processes. Single-use and reusable systems are supplied by several manufacturers. The type, size, and number of impellers used in these systems have a significant influence on the characteristics and designs of bioreactors. Depending on the desired application, classic shaft-driven systems, bearing-mounted drives, or stirring elements that levitate freely in the vessel may be employed. In systems with drive shafts, process hygiene requirements also affect the type of seal used. For sensitive processes with high hygienic requirements, magnetic-driven stirring systems, which have been the focus of much research in recent years, are recommended. This review provides the reader with an overview of the most common agitation and seal types implemented in stirred bioreactor systems, highlights their advantages and disadvantages, and explains their possible fields of application. Special attention is paid to the development of magnetically driven agitators, which are widely used in reusable systems and are also becoming more and more important in their single-use counterparts.

Key Points

• Basic design of the most frequently used bioreactor type: the stirred tank bioreactor

• Differences in most common seal types in stirred systems and fields of application

• Comprehensive overview of commercially available bioreactor seal types

• Increased use of magnetically driven agitation systems in single-use bioreactors
Stochastic Wave–Current Interaction in Thermal Shallow Water Dynamics
Authors: Holm Darryl D. , Luesink Erwin
Published: March 2021

Holm (Proc R Soc A Math Phys Eng Sci 471(2176):20140963, 2015) introduced a variational framework for stochastically parametrising unresolved scales of hydrodynamic motion. This variational framework preserves fundamental features of fluid dynamics, such as Kelvin’s circulation theorem, while also allowing for dispersive nonlinear wave propagation, both within a stratified fluid and at its free surface. The present paper combines asymptotic expansions and vertical averaging with the stochastic variational framework to formulate a new approach for developing stochastic parametrisation schemes for nonlinear waves in fluid dynamics. The approach is applied to two sequences of shallow water models which descend from Euler’s three-dimensional fluid equations with rotation and stratification under approximation by asymptotic expansions and vertical averaging. In the entire family of nonlinear stochastic wave–current interaction equations derived here using this approach, Kelvin’s circulation theorem reveals a barotropic mechanism for wave generation of horizontal circulation or convection (cyclogenesis) which is activated whenever the gradients of wave elevation and/or topography are not aligned with the gradient of the vertically averaged buoyancy.
Modelling and measurements of distributions in an adult human phantom undergoing proton scanning beam radiotherapy: lung- and prostate-located tumours
Authors: Puchalska Monika
Published: March 2021

Proton radiotherapy has been shown to offer a significant dosimetric advantage in cancer patients, in comparison to conventional radiotherapy, with a decrease in dose to healthy tissue and organs at risk, because the bulk of the beam energy is deposited in the Bragg peak to be located within a tumour. However, it should be kept in mind that radiotherapy of cancer is still accompanied by adverse side effects, and a better understanding and improvement of radiotherapy can extend the life expectancy of patients following the treatment of malignant tumours. In this study, the dose distributions measured with thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs) inside a tissue-equivalent adult human phantom exposed for lung and prostate cancer using the modern proton beam scanning radiotherapy technique were compared. Since the TLD detection efficiency depends on the ionization density of the radiation to be detected, and since this efficiency is detector specific, four different types of TLDs were used to compare their response in the mixed radiation fields. Additionally, the dose distributions from two different cancer treatment modalities were compared using the selected detectors. The measured dose values were benchmarked against Monte Carlo simulations and available literature data. The results indicate an increase in the lateral dose with an increase of the primary proton energy. However, the radiation quality factor of the mixed radiation increases by 20% in the vicinity to the target for the lower initial proton energy, due to the production of secondary charged particles of low-energy and short range. For the cases presented here the MTS-N TLD detector seems to be the most optimal tool for dose measurements within the target volume, while the MCP-N TLD detector, due to an interplay of its enhanced thermal neutron response and decreased detection efficiency to highly ionising radiation, is a better choice for the out-of-field measurements. The pairs of MTS-6 and MTS-7 TLDs used also in this study allowed for a direct measurement of the neutron dose equivalent. Before it can be concluded that they offer an alternative to the time-consuming nuclear track detectors, however, more research is needed to unambiguously confirm whether this observation was just accidental or whether it only applies to certain cases. Since there is no universal detector, which would allow the determination of the dosimetric quantities relevant for risk estimation, this work expands the knowledge necessary to improve the quality of dosimetry data and might help scientists and clinicians in choosing the right tools to measure radiation doses in mixed radiation fields.
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in Guillain–Barré syndrome: value of albumin quotients
Authors: Rath Jakob , Zulehner Gudrun , Schober Bernadette , Grisold Anna , Krenn Martin , Cetin Hakan , Zimprich Fritz
Published: March 2021

Background

Albuminocytologic dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a diagnostic hallmark of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). Compared to CSF total protein (TP), the CSF/serum albumin quotient (Qalb) has the advantage of method-independent reference ranges. Whether the diagnostic yield differs between Qalb and CSF-TP is currently unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the diagnostic yield (i.e., a value above the URL indicating blood–nerve barrier dysfunction) of Qalb and CSF-TP levels in patients with GBS. We evaluated two different equations (Reiber’s and Hegen’s) for age-adjusted URLs of Qalb and compared results to CSF-TP using the standard URL of 0.45 g/L as well as age-adjusted URLs (by decade of age). Additionally, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of clinical factors on the diagnostic yield.

Results

We analyzed 110 patients [62% males; median age 48 (IQR 35–58)] with sensorimotor (68), motor (16), sensory (12) and localized (8) GBS as well as Miller Fisher syndrome (6).

Qalb and CSF-TP were highly correlated (r = 0.95, p < 0.001). The diagnostic yield of Qalb was 65% with Reiber’s and 47% with Hegen’s age-adjusted URLs compared to 66% with the fixed CSF-TP URL of 0.45 g/L and 49% with age-adjusted CSF-TP URLs. A longer duration from clinical onset to lumbar puncture was associated with a higher diagnostic yield.

Conclusion

Qalb strongly correlates with CSF-TP in patients with GBS with a similar diagnostic yield for the detection of a blood–nerve barrier dysfunction. However, the diagnostic yield of both values is lower when using more recent age-adjusted URLs and at earlier timepoints.
Further evidence against the role renal medullary perfusion in short-term control of arterial pressure in normotensive and mildly or overtly hypertensive rats
Authors: Bądzyńska Bożena , Baranowska Iwona , Sadowski Janusz
Published: March 2021

Earlier evidence from studies of rat hypertension models undermines the widespread view that the rate of renal medullary blood flow (MBF) is critical in control of arterial pressure (MAP). Here, we examined the role of MBF in rats that were normotensive, with modest short-lasting pressure elevation, or with overt established hypertension. The groups studied were anaesthetised Sprague-Dawley rats: (1) normotensive, (2) with acute i.v. norepinephrine-induced MAP elevation, and (3) with hypertension induced by unilateral nephrectomy followed by administration of deoxycorticosterone-acetate (DOCA) and 1% NaCl drinking fluid for 3 weeks. MBF was measured (laser-Doppler probe) and selectively increased using 4-h renal medullary infusion of bradykinin. MAP, renal excretion parameters and post-experiment medullary tissue osmolality and sodium concentration were determined. In the three experimental groups, baseline MAP was 117, 151 and 171 mmHg, respectively. Intramedullary bradykinin increased MBF by 45%, 65% and 70%, respectively, but this was not associated with a change in MAP. In normotensive rats a significant decrease in medullary tissue sodium was seen. The intramedullary bradykinin specifically increased renal excretion of water, sodium and total solutes in norepinephrine-treated rats but not in the two other groups. As previously shown in models of rat hypertension, in the normotensive rats and those with acute mild pressure elevation (resembling labile borderline human hypertension), 4-h renal medullary hyperperfusion failed to decrease MAP. Nor did it decrease in DOCA-salt model mimicking low-renin human hypertension. Evidently, within the 4-h observation, medullary perfusion was not a critical determinant of MAP in normotensive and hypertensive rats.
Video surveillance methods to evaluate individual feeding response in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum)—implications for feeding regime optimisation
Authors: Just Philip Niclas , Köllner Bernd , Slater Matthew James
Published: March 2021

Precisely analysing and optimising feeding regimes is central to salmonid growth performance and delivery of special diets. The current study developed novel video surveillance methods and analysis techniques to assess individual feed intake and minimum pellet intake (MPI) in individually identified juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Three trials were conducted to test the impact of short-term starvation (N=112 [16 tanks, 7 fish per tank], average weight=27.1±3.4g, age= 119 days), portion numbers per feeding (N=105 [15 tanks, 7 fish per tank], average weight=22.8±2.1g, age= 99 days) and varied numbers of daily feeding events (N=84 [12 tanks, 7 fish per tank], average weight=32.4±3.3g, age= 133 days). All trails were carried out in a recirculating aquaculture system with 20 tanks held at 15 ± 0.5°C. All individuals were code-tagged and high quality video images were taken and analysed to identify all feeding interactions. Individual trout feeding activity under different feeding regimes could be precisely analysed with the video methods developed. Moving from one to two daily feeding events doubled pellet intake per fish from 27.4 ± 5.8 to 52.8 ± 11.5 pellets. Pellet intake (58.8 ± 24.2 pellets) did not increase at three daily feeding events but became more variable across fish. MPI nearly doubled to 30 pellets in fish receiving two daily feeding events (MPI30: chi-squared = 8.74, df = 2, p = 0.01). Short-term starvation had no influence on intake (28 ± 8 pellets/fish) or MPI. Increasing portion number from one (27.8 ± 7.4 pellets fish−1) to two (31.1 ± 7.4 pellets fish−1) or more did not significantly increase the number of ingested pellets. Adjusting the feeding regime by increasing daily feeding events to two, possibly combined with multiple portions, can increase pellet intake and reduce the heteroscedasticity of pellet intake. The methods presented in this study are viable for analysing feeding regimes for juvenile rainbow trout and controlled feedstock/supplement delivery. Implications for analyses with other species and for vaccination optimisation are discussed.
Moisture induced straining of the cellulosic microfibril
Authors: Salmén Lennart , Stevanic Jasna S. , Holmqvist Claes , Yu Shun
Published: March 2021

Moisture absorption in the cell wall structure of wood is well known to induce considerable swelling of the wood exerting high expansion forces. This swelling is mainly induced by the sorptive action of the hydroxyl groups of the carbohydrate wood polymers; cellulose and hemicelluloses. On the ultrastructural level, there are, however, still questions with regard to the detailed deformations induced by this moisture absorption. Here, FTIR spectroscopy and synchrotron-radiation-based X-ray diffraction were used on paper samples to study the deformation of the cellulose crystals as a consequence of moisture absorption and desorption. Both techniques revealed that the moisture absorption resulted in a transverse contraction of the cellulose crystals accompanied by a somewhat smaller elongation in the cellulose chain direction. The deformations were found to be a direct response to the increased moisture content and were also found to be reversible during moisture desorption. It is hypothesised that these deformations are a consequence of the swelling forces created by the combined longitudinal and lateral expansions of the non-crystalline cellulose molecules and the glucomannan hemicellulose aligned along the cellulose crystals. These forces will impose a lateral contraction of the cellulose crystals, as well as a longitudinal extension of it.

Graphic abstract
Pre-treatments of pre-consumer cotton-based textile waste for production of textile fibres in the cold NaOH(aq) and cellulose carbamate processes
Authors: Määttänen Marjo , Gunnarsson Maria , Wedin Helena , Stibing Sara , Olsson Carina , Köhnke Tobias , Asikainen Sari , Vehviläinen Marianna , Harlin Ali
Published: March 2021

Recycling of textiles is of importance due to the large amount of waste generated from the increasing consumption and use worldwide. Cotton-rich pre-consumer textiles are considered as potential raw material for production of man-made regenerated fibres, but demands purification from the blends with synthetic fibres as well as the dyes and finishing chemicals. In this study we explore the use of different pre-treatments of pre-consumer textiles to meet specific parameters for production of fibres in the cold NaOH(aq) or cellulose carbamate process. The pre-treatments consisted of different bleaching sequences and were performed on both uncoloured and coloured pre-consumer textiles. For the uncoloured textile, degree of polymerisation and amount of inorganic content was efficiently reduced making the material suitable for both the cold NaOH(aq) and the cellulose carbamate process. In case of the coloured textile, the pre-treatments were able to remove the dye and decrease the inorganic content as well as reduce the degree of polymerisation but only sufficiently enough for production of fibres in the cellulose carbamate process. The work was able to prove a fibre-to-fibre concept while further optimisation of the regeneration steps is expected to improve the mechanical properties of the produced fibres in future studies.
Measurements meet human observations: integrating distinctive ways of knowing in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan to assess local climate change
Authors: Haag Isabell , Kassam Karim-Aly , Senftl Thomas , Zandler Harald , Samimi Cyrus
Published: March 2021

In mountain environments dimensions of climate change are unclear because of limited availability of meteorological stations. However, there is a necessity to assess the scope of local climate change, as the livelihood and food systems of subsistence-based communities are already getting impacted. To provide more clarity about local climate trends in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan, this study integrates measured climate data with community observations in the villages of Savnob and Roshorv. Taking a transdisciplinary approach, both knowledge systems were considered as equally pertinent and mutually informed the research process. Statistical trends of temperature and snow cover were retrieved using downscaled ERA5 temperature data and the snow cover product MOD10A1. Local knowledge was gathered through community workshops and structured interviews and analysed using a consensus index. Results showed, that local communities perceived increasing temperatures in autumn and winter and decreasing amounts of snow and rain. Instrumental data records indicated an increase in summer temperatures and a shortening of the snow season in Savnob. As both knowledge systems entail their own strengths and limitations, an integrative assessment can broaden the understanding of local climate trends by (i) reducing existing uncertainties, (ii) providing new information, and (iii) introducing unforeseen perspectives. The presented study represents a time-efficient and global applicable approach for assessing local dimensions of climate change in data-deficient regions.