bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Disturbance Effects from Tethered Forwarding on Steep Slopes in Brazilian Eucalyptus Plantations
Authors: Garren Austin M. , Bolding M. Chad , Aust W. Michael , Moura Angelo C. , Barrett Scott M.
Published: August 2019

Traditional timber harvests on steep slopes have been conducted through labor-intensive and sometimes environmentally impactful methods, such as manual felling with chainsaws and extraction using bladed skid trails, winching, or cable yarding. Ground-based mechanized harvesting and primary transportation methods such as cut-to-length harvesters and forwarders have emerged in some parts of the world as low-impact, safe, and efficient alternatives to the aforementioned systems. However, when mechanized operations are used on steep terrain, problems such as poor stability, loss of traction, and increased soil disturbance can occur. Tethered or winch-assisted logging practices are being tested and applied in several countries to adapt to challenges associated with operating equipment on steep slopes while minimizing environmental impact. To better understand the feasibility of these systems, we conducted a designed experiment to quantify changes in soil properties and predicted erosion resulting from varying numbers of passes and payload levels by a forwarder operating on slopes ranging from 27 to 38 degrees. The machine was equipped with two different track configurations, tethered by either a machine-mounted or self-contained winch, in eucalyptus plantations in Brazil. On low slopes, bulk density significantly increased, but it did not increase on steeper slopes; this demonstrates traction winches’ effectiveness at reducing concentrated ground pressures. Rut depths were minimal and decreased with increasing slope classes due to reduced track slippage. Predicted erosion rates were high, primarily due to the extremely steep, long slopes and lack of adequate cover in some portions of the trail, illustrating the importance of proper erosion management practices on steep slopes.
Sampling and Detection Strategies for the Pine Pitch Canker (PPC) Disease Pathogen Fusarium circinatum in Europe
Authors: Vainio Eeva J. , Bezos Diana , Bragança Helena , Cleary Michelle , Fourie Gerda , Georgieva Margarita , Ghelardini Luisa , Hannunen Salla , Ioos Renaud , Martín-García Jorge , Martínez-Álvarez Pablo , Mullett Martin , Oszako Tomasz , Papazova-Anakieva Irena , Piškur Barbara , Romeralo Carmen , Sanz-Ros Antonio V. , Steenkamp Emma T. , Tubby Katherine , Wingfield Michael J. , Diez Julio J.
Published: August 2019

Fusarium circinatum Nirenberg & O’Donnel is listed among the species recommended for regulation as quarantine pests in Europe. Over 60 Pinus species are susceptible to the pathogen and it also causes disease on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and species in genera such as Picea and Larix. The European Food Safety Authority considers the probability of new introductions—via contaminated seeds, wood material, soil and growing substrates, natural means and human activities—into the EU very likely. Due to early detection, constant surveillance and control measures, F. circinatum outbreaks have officially been eradicated in Italy and France. However, the global spread of F. circinatum suggests that the pathogen will continue to be encountered in new environments in the future. Therefore, continuous surveillance of reproductive material, nurseries and plantations, prompt control measures and realistic contingency plans will be important in Europe and elsewhere to limit disease spread and the “bridgehead effect”, where new introductions of a tree pathogen become increasingly likely as new environments are invaded, must be considered. Therefore, survey programs already implemented to limit the spread in Europe and that could be helpful for other EU countries are summarized in this review. These surveys include not only countries where pitch canker is present, such as Portugal and Spain, but also several other EU countries where F. circinatum is not present. Sampling protocols for seeds, seedlings, twigs, branches, shoots, soil samples, spore traps and insects from different studies are collated and compiled in this review. Likewise, methodology for morphological and molecular identification is herein presented. These include conventional PCR with a target-specific region located in the intergenic spacer region, as well as several real-time PCR protocols, with different levels of specificity and sensitivity. Finally, the global situation and future perspectives are addressed.
An Ontology-Based Recommender System with an Application to the Star Trek Television Franchise
Authors: Sheridan Paul , Onsjö Mikael , Becerra Claudia , Jimenez Sergio , Dueñas George
Published: August 2019

Collaborative filtering based recommender systems have proven to be extremely successful in settings where user preference data on items is abundant. However, collaborative filtering algorithms are hindered by their weakness against the item cold-start problem and general lack of interpretability. Ontology-based recommender systems exploit hierarchical organizations of users and items to enhance browsing, recommendation, and profile construction. While ontology-based approaches address the shortcomings of their collaborative filtering counterparts, ontological organizations of items can be difficult to obtain for items that mostly belong to the same category (e.g., television series episodes). In this paper, we present an ontology-based recommender system that integrates the knowledge represented in a large ontology of literary themes to produce fiction content recommendations. The main novelty of this work is an ontology-based method for computing similarities between items and its integration with the classical Item-KNN (K-nearest neighbors) algorithm. As a study case, we evaluated the proposed method against other approaches by performing the classical rating prediction task on a collection of Star Trek television series episodes in an item cold-start scenario. This transverse evaluation provides insights into the utility of different information resources and methods for the initial stages of recommender system development. We found our proposed method to be a convenient alternative to collaborative filtering approaches for collections of mostly similar items, particularly when other content-based approaches are not applicable or otherwise unavailable. Aside from the new methods, this paper contributes a testbed for future research and an online framework to collaboratively extend the ontology of literary themes to cover other narrative content.
One NF1 Mutation may Conceal Another
Authors: Pacot Laurence , Burin des Roziers Cyril , Laurendeau Ingrid , Briand-Suleau Audrey , Coustier Audrey , Mayard Théodora , Tlemsani Camille , Faivre Laurence , Thomas Quentin , Rodriguez Diana , Blesson Sophie , Dollfus Hélène , Muller Yvon-Gauthier , Parfait Béatrice , Vidaud Michel , Gilbert-Dussardier Brigitte , Yardin Catherine , Dauriat Benjamin , Derancourt Christian , Vidaud Dominique , Pasmant Eric
Published: August 2019

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disease with complete penetrance but high variable expressivity. NF1 is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the NF1 gene, a negative regulator of the RAS-MAPK pathway. The NF1 gene has one of the highest mutation rates in human disorders, which may explain the outbreak of independent de novo variants in the same family. Here, we report the co-occurrence of pathogenic variants in the NF1 and SPRED1 genes in six families with NF1 and Legius syndrome, using next-generation sequencing. In five of these families, we observed the co-occurrence of two independent NF1 variants. All NF1 variants were classified as pathogenic, according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG-AMP) guidelines. In the sixth family, one sibling inherited a complete deletion of the NF1 gene from her mother and carried a variant of unknown significance in the SPRED1 gene. This variant was also present in her brother, who was diagnosed with Legius syndrome, a differential diagnosis of NF1. This work illustrates the complexity of molecular diagnosis in a not-so-rare genetic disease.
Cardiac Pathophysiology and the Future of Cardiac Therapies in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Meyers Tatyana A. , Townsend DeWayne
Published: August 2019

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating disease featuring skeletal muscle wasting, respiratory insufficiency, and cardiomyopathy. Historically, respiratory failure has been the leading cause of mortality in DMD, but recent improvements in symptomatic respiratory management have extended the life expectancy of DMD patients. With increased longevity, the clinical relevance of heart disease in DMD is growing, as virtually all DMD patients over 18 year of age display signs of cardiomyopathy. This review will focus on the pathophysiological basis of DMD in the heart and discuss the therapeutic approaches currently in use and those in development to treat dystrophic cardiomyopathy. The first section will describe the aspects of the DMD that result in the loss of cardiac tissue and accumulation of fibrosis. The second section will discuss cardiac small molecule therapies currently used to treat heart disease in DMD, with a focus on the evidence supporting the use of each drug in dystrophic patients. The final section will outline the strengths and limitations of approaches directed at correcting the genetic defect through dystrophin gene replacement, modification, or repair. There are several new and promising therapeutic approaches that may protect the dystrophic heart, but their limitations suggest that future management of dystrophic cardiomyopathy may benefit from combining gene-targeted therapies with small molecule therapies. Understanding the mechanistic basis of dystrophic heart disease and the effects of current and emerging therapies will be critical for their success in the treatment of patients with DMD.
Prediction of Potential Drug–Disease Associations through Deep Integration of Diversity and Projections of Various Drug Features
Authors: Xuan Ping , Song Yingying , Zhang Tiangang , Jia Lan
Published: August 2019

Identifying new indications for existing drugs may reduce costs and expedites drug development. Drug-related disease predictions typically combined heterogeneous drug-related and disease-related data to derive the associations between drugs and diseases, while recently developed approaches integrate multiple kinds of drug features, but fail to take the diversity implied by these features into account. We developed a method based on non-negative matrix factorization, DivePred, for predicting potential drug–disease associations. DivePred integrated disease similarity, drug–disease associations, and various drug features derived from drug chemical substructures, drug target protein domains, drug target annotations, and drug-related diseases. Diverse drug features reflect the characteristics of drugs from different perspectives, and utilizing the diversity of multiple kinds of features is critical for association prediction. The various drug features had higher dimensions and sparse characteristics, whereas DivePred projected high-dimensional drug features into the low-dimensional feature space to generate dense feature representations of drugs. Furthermore, DivePred’s optimization term enhanced diversity and reduced redundancy of multiple kinds of drug features. The neighbor information was exploited to infer the likelihood of drug–disease associations. Experiments indicated that DivePred was superior to several state-of-the-art methods for prediction drug-disease association. During the validation process, DivePred identified more drug-disease associations in the top part of prediction result than other methods, benefitting further biological validation. Case studies of acetaminophen, ciprofloxacin, doxorubicin, hydrocortisone, and ampicillin demonstrated that DivePred has the ability to discover potential candidate disease indications for drugs.
Plastid Genomes of Carnivorous Plants Drosera rotundifolia and Nepenthes × ventrata Reveal Evolutionary Patterns Resembling Those Observed in Parasitic Plants
Authors: Gruzdev Eugeny V. , Kadnikov Vitaly V. , Beletsky Alexey V. , Kochieva Elena Z. , Mardanov Andrey V. , Skryabin Konstantin G. , Ravin Nikolai V.
Published: August 2019

Carnivorous plants have the ability to capture and digest small animals as a source of additional nutrients, which allows them to grow in nutrient-poor habitats. Here we report the complete sequences of the plastid genomes of two carnivorous plants of the order Caryophyllales, Drosera rotundifolia and Nepenthes × ventrata. The plastome of D. rotundifolia is repeat-rich and highly rearranged. It lacks NAD(P)H dehydrogenase genes, as well as ycf1 and ycf2 genes, and three essential tRNA genes. Intron losses are observed in some protein-coding and tRNA genes along with a pronounced reduction of RNA editing sites. Only six editing sites were identified by RNA-seq in D. rotundifolia plastid genome and at most conserved editing sites the conserved amino acids are already encoded at the DNA level. In contrast, the N. × ventrata plastome has a typical structure and gene content, except for pseudogenization of the ccsA gene. N. × ventrata and D. rotundifolia could represent different stages of evolution of the plastid genomes of carnivorous plants, resembling events observed in parasitic plants in the course of the switch from autotrophy to a heterotrophic lifestyle.
Hydro-Thermo-Mechanical Analysis of an Existing Gravity Dam Undergoing Alkali–Silica Reaction
Authors: Colombo Martina , Comi Claudia
Published: August 2019

The alkali–silica reaction is a chemical phenomenon that, by inducing expansion and the formation of cracks in concrete, can have a severe impact on the safety and functioning of existing concrete dams. Starting from a phenomenological two-phase isotropic damage model describing the degradation of concrete, the effects of alkali-silica reaction in an existing concrete gravity dam are evaluated and compared with real monitoring data. Considering the real temperature and humidity variations, the influence of both temperature and humidity are considered through two uncoupled diffusion analyses: a heat diffusion analysis and a moisture diffusion analysis. The numerical analyses performed with the two-phase damage model allow for prediction of the structural behaviour, both in terms of reaction extent and increase of crest displacements. The crest displacements are compared with the real monitoring data, where reasonably good agreement is obtained.
Clinical Outcome of Immediate Transurethral Surgery for Benign Prostate Obstruction Patients with Acute Urinary Retention: More Radical Resection Resulted in Better Voiding Function
Authors: Huang Liang-Kang , Chang Ying-Hsu , Shao I-Hung , Lee Tsung-Lin , Hsieh Ming-Li
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Transurethral surgery of the prostate is currently the gold standard treatment modality for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with recurrent acute urinary retention. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome and predictors of patients receiving immediate surgery after acute urinary retention (AUR) episodes. Materials and Methods: From January 2016 to January 2017, we retrospectively included 714 patients who received transurethral surgery of prostate due to BPH. Among them, 158 patients received surgeries immediately after an AUR episode. General characteristics data including age, Body mass index (BMI), International prostate symptom score (IPSS score), prostate volume and Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were reviewed. We also collected surgery-related parameters including surgical types, operation time, and specimen weight. Resection ratio was defined as (resected specimen weight)/(Transurethral ultrasound (TRUS) volume). The catheterization status on discharge, post-operative medication for BPH, and AUR within 3 months after operation were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistical product and service solutions (SPSS). Results: The mean age of the patients was 73.5 years, with a BMI of 24 kg/m2. IPSS total score was 25 with a Voiding symptom/Storage symptom score (V/S score) of 14.6 and 10.4, respectively. A total of 74 (46.8%) patients still took medication for BPH for over 1 month after the surgeries, 28 (17.7%) patients were not catheter-free at the time of discharge, and 14 (8.9%) patients had AUR within 3 months after the surgeries. Surgical type did not impact the outcome of surgeries. In patients who received Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), the resection ratio is the only predictor for the catheterization status on discharge and post-operative medication for BPH within 3 months after operation. Conclusions: In patients with BPH-related AUR followed by immediate transurethral surgeries, more radical resection is significantly correlated with short-term medication-free and catheter-free status.
Acute Severe Asthma in Adolescent and Adult Patients: Current Perspectives on Assessment and Management
Authors: Kostakou Eirini , Kaniaris Evangelos , Filiou Effrosyni , Vasileiadis Ioannis , Katsaounou Paraskevi , Tzortzaki Eleni , Koulouris Nikolaos , Koutsoukou Antonia , Rovina Nikoletta
Published: August 2019

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease that is associated with variable expiratory flow, variable respiratory symptoms, and exacerbations which sometimes require hospitalization or may be fatal. It is not only patients with severe and poorly controlled asthma that are at risk for an acute severe exacerbation, but this has also been observed in patients with otherwise mild or moderate asthma. This review discusses current aspects on the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of acute severe asthma exacerbations and provides the current perspectives on the management of acute severe asthma attacks in the emergency department and the intensive care unit.
Eccentric Overload Flywheel Training in Older Adults
Authors: Kowalchuk Kelsi , Butcher Scotty
Published: August 2019

Age-related reductions in muscle strength and muscle power can have significant adverse effects on functional performance in older adults. Exercise training has been shown to be a potent stimulus for improvements in strength and power. However, investigation into how to best optimize training-related adaptations, as well as the accessibility of training methods, is needed. Traditional (TR) methods using gravity-dependent free-weights or weight machines can improve and maintain strength and power but are limited in their ability to provide constant muscle tension and high levels of muscle activation throughout the lowering (eccentric) phase of lifting. Eccentric overload (EO) training may overcome these limitations and has been shown to result in potent adaptations in both young and older adults. Methods of producing EO are significantly limited from a practical perspective. The addition of whole-body flywheel training equipment provides a practical method of producing EO and may be appropriate for older adults wanting to optimize training outcomes. Our review provides limited evidence of the use of eccentric overload flywheel training as a novel training method in seniors. Through the review of literature, EO training overcame some of the limitations set forth by traditional resistance training and demonstrated to have key benefits when combating age-related changes affecting muscle strength and muscle power. It can be concluded that EO training is an important addition to the training arsenal for older adults. Flywheel training provides a practical method of achieving EO, increasing strength and power, combating age-related adaptations, and overall improving quality of life in older adults.
Influence of Strengthening Material Behavior and Geometry Parameters on Mechanical Behavior of Biaxial Cruciform Specimen for Envelope Material
Authors: Qu Zhipeng , Xiao Houdi , Lv Mingyun , Wang Xihe , Wang Pengfei , Xu Lei
Published: August 2019

The stratospheric airship envelope material is operated in biaxial stress, so it is necessary to study the in-plane biaxial tensile strength. In this paper, a theoretical model is developed to evaluate the mechanical properties of in-plane biaxial specimens. Being applied to the finite element analysis, the theoretical model is employed to evaluate the influence of strengthening material behavior (E*) and geometry parameters on the mechanical behavior in the central. The follows results are drawn: (i) smaller the length of the central region (Lcen), E* and larger the central region corner radius (r) contribute to smaller coefficient of variation (CV); (ii) smaller Lcen and larger E* contribute to smaller stress concentration factor (k), k in the limit state of r is larger than that in other conditions. (iii) The CV and k under stress ratio of 1:1 are smaller than those under other stress ratios. The study can provide a useful reference for the design of biaxial specimens.
Hydroxyapatite and Fluorapatite in Conservative Dentistry and Oral Implantology—A Review
Authors: Pajor Kamil , Pajchel Lukasz , Kolmas Joanna
Published: August 2019

Calcium phosphate, due to its similarity to the inorganic fraction of mineralized tissues, has played a key role in many areas of medicine, in particular, regenerative medicine and orthopedics. It has also found application in conservative dentistry and dental surgery, in particular, as components of toothpaste and mouth rinse, coatings of dental implants, cements, and bone substitute materials for the restoration of cavities in maxillofacial surgery. In dental applications, the most important role is played by hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite, i.e., calcium phosphates characterized by the highest chemical stability and very low solubility. This paper presents the role of both apatites in dentistry and a review of recent achievements in the field of the application of these materials.
PS/PANI/MoS2 Hybrid Polymer Composites with High Dielectric Behavior and Electrical Conductivity for EMI Shielding Effectiveness
Authors: Saboor Abdul , Khalid Saad Mahmood , Jan Rahim , Khan Ahmad Nawaz , Zia Tanveer , Farooq Muhammad Umer , Afridi Shaista , Sadiq Muhammad , Arif Muhammad
Published: August 2019

Liquid exfoliated molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets and polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles are dispersed in polystyrene (PS) matrix to fabricate hybrid polymer composites with high dielectric and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding behavior. A phase-separated morphology is formed when PANI and MoS2 are incorporated into polystyrene (PS) matrix. An increasing concentration of MoS2 nanoparticles inside PS/PANI (5 wt %) polymer blend forms an interconnected network, resulting in high electrical conductivity and dielectric behavior, making them a suitable candidate for EMI shielding application. An increment in dielectric constant and loss, up to four and five orders of magnitude, respectively, is recorded at a maximum concentration of 1 wt % of MoS2 in PS/PANI-5 polymer blend at 100 Hz. The enhanced dielectric characteristics for PS/PANI/MoS2 composites are then theoretically evaluated for the estimation of EMI shielding effectiveness in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 5 MHz. The maximum dielectric constant and loss achieved for PS/PANI-5 wt %/MoS2-1 wt % are responsible for estimated shielding effectiveness of around 92 dB at 100 Hz. The increase in dielectric behavior and shielding effectiveness is probably due to the increased number of charged dipoles accumulated at the insulator–conductor interface.
Robocasting of SiO2-Based Bioactive Glass Scaffolds with Porosity Gradient for Bone Regeneration and Potential Load-Bearing Applications
Authors: Barberi Jacopo , Baino Francesco , Fiume Elisa , Orlygsson Gissur , Nommeots-Nomm Amy , Massera Jonathan , Verné Enrica
Published: August 2019

Additive manufacturing of bioactive glasses has recently attracted high interest in the field of regenerative medicine as a versatile class of fabrication methods to process bone substitute materials. In this study, melt-derived glass particles from the SiO2-P2O5-CaO-MgO-Na2O-K2O system were used to fabricate bioactive scaffolds with graded porosity by robocasting. A printable ink made of glass powder and Pluronic F-127 (binder) was extruded into a grid-like three-dimensional structure with bimodal porosity, i.e., the inner part of the scaffold had macropores with smaller size compared to the periphery. The crystallization behavior of the glass powder was studied by hot-stage microscopy, differential thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction; the scaffolds were sintered at a temperature below the onset of crystallization so that amorphous structures could be obtained. Scaffold architecture was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and microtomographic analysis that allowed quantifying the microstructural parameters. In vitro tests in Kokubo’s simulated body fluid (SBF) confirmed the apatite-forming ability (i.e., bioactivity) of the scaffolds. The compressive strength was found to slightly decrease during immersion in SBF up to 4 weeks but still remained comparable to that of human cancellous bone. The pH and concentration of released ions in SBF were also measured at each time point. Taken together, these results (favorable porosity, mechanical strength, and in vitro bioactivity) show great promise for the potential application of these robocast scaffolds in bone defect repair.
Magnetic Janus Particles for Static and Dynamic (Bio)Sensing
Authors: Campuzano Susana , Gamella Maria , Serafín Verónica , Pedrero María , Yáñez-Sedeño Paloma , Pingarrón José Manuel
Published: August 2019

Magnetic Janus particles bring together the ability of Janus particles to perform two different functions at the same time in a single particle with magnetic properties enabling their remote manipulation, which allows headed movement and orientation. This article reviews the preparation procedures and applications in the (bio)sensing field of static and self-propelled magnetic Janus particles. The main progress in the fabrication procedures and the applicability of these particles are critically discussed, also giving some clues on challenges to be dealt with and future prospects. The promising characteristics of magnetic Janus particles in the (bio)sensing field, providing increased kinetics and sensitivity and decreased times of analysis derived from the use of external magnetic fields in their manipulation, allows foreseeing their great and exciting potential in the medical and environmental remediation fields.
Estimating the Major Cluster by Mean-Shift with Updating Kernel
Authors: Tian Ye , Yokota Yasunari
Published: August 2019

The mean-shift method is a convenient mode-seeking method. Using a principle of the sample mean over an analysis window, or kernel, in a data space where samples are distributed with bias toward the densest direction of sample from the kernel center, the mean-shift method is an attempt to seek the densest point of samples, or the sample mode, iteratively. A smaller kernel leads to convergence to a local mode that appears because of statistical fluctuation. A larger kernel leads to estimation of a biased mode affected by other clusters, abnormal values, or outliers if they exist other than in the major cluster. Therefore, optimal selection of the kernel size, which is designated as the bandwidth in many reports of the literature, represents an important problem. As described herein, assuming that the major cluster follows a Gaussian probability density distribution, and, assuming that the outliers do not affect the sample mode of the major cluster, and, by adopting a Gaussian kernel, we propose a new mean-shift by which both the mean vector and covariance matrix of the major cluster are estimated in each iteration. Subsequently, the kernel size and shape are updated adaptively. Numerical experiments indicate that the mean vector, covariance matrix, and the number of samples of the major cluster can be estimated stably. Because the kernel shape can be adjusted not only to an isotropic shape but also to an anisotropic shape according to the sample distribution, the proposed method has higher estimation precision than the general mean-shift.
On a New Class of Fractional Difference-Sum Operators with Discrete Mittag-Leffler Kernels
Authors: Abdeljawad Thabet , Fernandez Arran
Published: August 2019

We formulate a new class of fractional difference and sum operators, study their fundamental properties, and find their discrete Laplace transforms. The method depends on iterating the fractional sum operators corresponding to fractional differences with discrete Mittag–Leffler kernels. The iteration process depends on the binomial theorem. We note in particular the fact that the iterated fractional sums have a certain semigroup property, and hence, the new introduced iterated fractional difference-sum operators have this semigroup property as well.
Autologous Blood Patch for Persistent Ascites Leak from Non-Closing Paracentesis Tracts
Authors: Khan Nazia , Dushay Kevin M.
Published: August 2019

Ascites, the fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity, is most commonly seen in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Evaluating ascites or providing symptomatic relief for patients is accomplished by performing a paracentesis. Ascites leak from a paracentesis site can be a complication of the procedure and is associated with increased morbidity. Currently, the best options for these patients include medical management or surgical abdominal wall layer closure. Utilizing a blood patch provides an alternative approach to managing such patients. A two-center prospective case series was performed evaluating the efficacy of the blood patch in patients with significant persistent ascites leak following a paracentesis. About 30 mL of the patients’ peripheral blood was used for the blood patch. Subjects were recruited over a period of one year and followed for 30 days after the procedure. A total of six patients were recruited for this study. Subjects underwent placement of autologous blood patch at the site of the ascites leak and 100% had resolution of the leak within 24 h. None of the subjects developed any complications of the procedure. This study shows that an autologous blood patch is an effective, low-risk treatment method for ascites leaks following a paracentesis. It is a simple bedside procedure that can reduce morbidity in patients with end-stage liver disease.
Modelling Forward Osmosis Treatment of Automobile Wastewaters
Authors: Haupt Anita , Marx Christian , Lerch André
Published: August 2019

Forward osmosis (FO) has rarely been investigated as a treatment technology for industrial wastewaters. Within this study, common FO model equations were applied to simulate forward osmosis treatment of industrial wastewaters from the automobile industry. Three different models from literature were used and compared. Permeate and reverse solute flux modelling was implemented using MS Excel with a Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) Nonlinear Solver. For the industrial effluents, the unknown diffusion coefficients were calibrated and the influences of the membrane parameters were investigated. Experimental data was used to evaluate the models. It could be proven that common model equations can describe FO treatment of industrial effluents from the automobile industry. Even with few known solution properties, it was possible to determine permeate fluxes and draw conclusions about mass transport. However, the membrane parameters, which are apparently not solution independent and seem to differ for each industrial effluent, are critical values. Fouling was not included in the model equations although it is a crucial point in FO treatment of industrial wastewaters. But precisely for this reason, modelling is a good complement to laboratory experiments since the difference between the results allows conclusions to be drawn about fouling.
A Modified Model for Nonlinear Fatigue Damage Accumulation of Turbine Disc Considering the Load Interaction Effect
Authors: Huang Tudi , Ding Ru-Chang , Li Yan-Feng , Zhou Jie , Huang Hong-Zhong
Published: August 2019

Fatigue damage accumulation theory is one of the core contents in structure fatigue strength design and life prediction. Among them, the nonlinear damage model can overcome the shortcomings of the linear damage model, which takes the loading sequence effect into account. Besides, the loading interaction cannot be ignored for its profound influence in damage accumulation behavior. In the paper, some commonly-used methods of the linear and nonlinear fatigue damage accumulation theory are investigated. In particular, a modified nonlinear fatigue damage accumulation model which considers the effects of loading sequences as well as loading interactions on fatigue life is developed, and a load interaction parameter is obtained by analyzing damage models which assumes that the load logarithm ratio between adjacent stress levels can characterize this phenomenon. Finally, the modified model is employed to predict the fatigue life of high pressure turbine disc. Moreover, comparison is made between the experimental data as well as the predicted lives using the Miner’s rule, the Ye’s model, and the modified model.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis: Protease IV and PASP as Corneal Virulence Mediators
Authors: O’Callaghan Richard , Caballero Armando , Tang Aihua , Bierdeman Michael
Published: August 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of bacterial keratitis, especially in users of contact lenses. These infections are characterized by extensive degradation of the corneal tissue mediated by Pseudomonas protease activities, including both Pseudomonas protease IV (PIV) and the P. aeruginosa small protease (PASP). The virulence role of PIV was determined by the reduced virulence of a PIV-deficient mutant relative to its parent strain and the mutant after genetic complementation (rescue). Additionally, the non-ocular pathogen Pseudomonas putida acquired corneal virulence when it produced active PIV from a plasmid-borne piv gene. The virulence of PIV is not limited to the mammalian cornea, as evidenced by its destruction of respiratory surfactant proteins and the cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22), the key inducer of anti-bacterial peptides. Furthermore, PIV contributes to the P. aeruginosa infection of both insects and plants. A possible limitation of PIV is its inefficient digestion of collagens; however, PASP, in addition to cleaving multiple soluble proteins, is able to efficiently cleave collagens. A PASP-deficient mutant lacks the corneal virulence of its parent or rescue strain evidencing its contribution to corneal damage, especially epithelial erosion. Pseudomonas-secreted proteases contribute importantly to infections of the cornea, mammalian lung, insects, and plants.
Differential Impact of Subtherapeutic Antibiotics and Ionophores on Intestinal Microbiota of Broilers
Authors: Robinson Kelsy , Becker Sage , Xiao Yingping , Lyu Wentao , Yang Qing , Zhu Huiling , Yang Hua , Zhao Jiangchao , Zhang Guolong
Published: August 2019

Antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) are commonly used in the livestock industry at subtherapeutic levels to improve production efficiency, which is achieved mainly through modulation of the intestinal microbiota. However, how different classes of AGPs, particularly ionophores, regulate the gut microbiota remains unclear. In this study, male Cobb broiler chickens were supplemented for 14 days with or without one of five commonly used AGPs including three classical antibiotics (bacitracin methylene disalicylate, tylosin, and virginiamycin) and two ionophores (monensin and salinomycin) that differ in antimicrobial spectrum and mechanisms. Deep sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene revealed that two ionophores drastically reduced a number of rare bacteria resulting in a significant decrease in richness and a concomitant increase in evenness of the cecal microbiota, whereas three antibiotics had no obvious impact. Although each AGP modulated the gut microbiota differently, the closer the antibacterial spectrum of AGPs, the more similarly the microbiota was regulated. Importantly, all AGPs had a strong tendency to enrich butyrate- and lactic acid-producing bacteria, while reducing bile salt hydrolase-producing bacteria, suggestive of enhanced metabolism and utilization of dietary carbohydrates and lipids and improved energy harvest, which may collectively be responsible for the growth-promoting effect of AGPs.
Struvite Crystallisation and the Effect of Co2+ Ions
Authors: Hövelmann Jörn , Stawski Tomasz , Freeman Helen , Besselink Rogier , Mayanna Sathish , Perez Jeffrey , Hondow Nicole , Benning Liane
Published: August 2019

The controlled crystallisation of struvite (MgNH4PO4∙6H2O) is a viable means for the recovery and recycling of phosphorus (P) from municipal and industrial wastewaters. However, an efficient implementation of this recovery method in water treatment systems requires a fundamental understanding of struvite crystallisation mechanisms, including the behavior and effect of metal contaminants during struvite precipitation. Here, we studied the crystallisation pathways of struvite from aqueous solutions using a combination of ex situ and in situ time-resolved synthesis and characterization techniques, including synchrotron-based small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Struvite syntheses were performed both in the pure Mg-NH4-PO4 system as well as in the presence of cobalt (Co), which, among other metals, is typically present in waste streams targeted for P-recovery. Our results show that in the pure system and at Co concentrations < 0.5 mM, struvite crystals nucleate and grow directly from solution, much in accordance with the classical notion of crystal formation. In contrast, at Co concentrations ≥ 1 mM, crystallisation was preceded by the transient formation of an amorphous nanoparticulate phosphate phase. Depending on the aqueous Co/P ratio, this amorphous precursor was found to transform into either (i) Co-bearing struvite (at Co/P < 0.3) or (ii) cobalt phosphate octahydrate (at Co/P > 0.3). These amorphous-to-crystalline transformations were accompanied by a marked colour change from blue to pink, indicating a change in Co2+ coordination in the formed solid from tetrahedral to octahedral. Our findings have implications for the recovery of nutrients and metals during struvite crystallisation and contribute to the ongoing general discussion about the mechanisms of crystal formation.
Analysis of the Application Potential of Coffee Oil as an Ilmenite Flotation Collector
Authors: Wang Sen , Xiao Wei , Ma Xiao , Li Jiuzhou , Chen Lijuan , Yao Hui
Published: August 2019

Coffee grounds are the most significant production waste in the coffee industry and contain about 15% coffee oil. Coffee oil is rich in fatty acids and polyphenols, which have great application potential in the flotation of oxidized minerals. In this study, coffee oil as a green flotation collector for ilmenite was investigated by micro-flotation, zeta potential measurement, and foam stability analysis. The results of zeta potential reveal that both coffee oil and MOH can be adsorbed on the ilmenite surface at pH 6.7, and the chemical adsorption mode is dominant. However, when the pH is 2.8, the adsorption capacity of coffee oil on the ilmenite surface is much larger than that of MOH. The pH value of the pulp has little effect on the foam properties in the coffee oil solution and has a great influence on the foaming performance and foam stability of the MOH solution. When coffee oil is used as a collector, the grade of TiO2 in ilmenite concentrate is increased from 21.68% to 46.83%, and the recovery is 90.22%, indicating that the potential of coffee oil in the application of ilmenite flotation is large.
Novel Electrochemical Sensor Fabricated for Individual and Simultaneous Ultrasensitive Determination of Olaquindox and Carbadox Based on MWCNT-OH/CMK-8 Hybrid Nanocomposite Film
Authors: Liu Yanqing , Hu Gengxin , Wang Hongwu , Yao Su , Ye Yinjian
Published: August 2019

A hybrid nanocomposite consisting of hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs−OH) and cube mesoporous carbon (CMK−8) was applied in this study to construct an MWCNT−OH/CMK−8/gold electrode (GE) electrochemical sensor and simultaneously perform the electro-reduction of olaquindox (OLA) and carbadox (CBX). The respective peak currents of CBX and OLA on the modified electrode increased by 720- and 595-fold relative to the peak current of GE. The performances of the modified electrode were investigated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry. Then, the modified electrodes were used for the individual and simultaneous determination of OLA and CBX. The fabricated sensor demonstrated a linear response at 0.2–500 nmol/L in optimum experimental conditions, and the detection limits were 104.1 and 62.9 pmol/L for the simultaneous determination of OLA and CBX, respectively. As for individual determination, wide linear relationships were obtained for the detected OLA with levels of 0.05–500 nmol/L with LOD of 20.7 pmol/L and the detected CBX with levels of 0.10–500 nmol/L with LOD of 50.2 pmol/L. The fabricated sensor was successfully used in the independent and simultaneous determination of OLA and CBX in spiked pork samples.
Changes in the Volatile Components of Candied Kumquats in Different Processing Methodologies with Headspace–Gas Chromatography–Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Hu Xiao , Wang Rongrong , Guo Jiajing , Ge Keda , Li Gaoyang , Fu Fuhua , Ding Shenghua , Shan Yang
Published: August 2019

The effects of two different processing methods on the volatile components of candied kumquats were investigated via headspace–gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS–GC–IMS). The characteristic volatile fingerprints of fresh kumquats (FKs), vacuum sugaring osmosis combined with hot-air drying kumquats (VS-ADKs), and atmospheric pressure sugaring osmosis combined with hot-air drying kumquats (AS-ADKs) were established using 3D topographic plots. From the fingerprints, 40 signal peaks for 22 compounds were confirmed and quantified in all types of kumquats, namely, two terpenes, four esters, seven aldehydes, three ketones, and six alcohols. 3-Pentanone was identified as the major component of FKs; followed by 1-hexanol and the Z-3-hexen-1-ol dimer. The hexanal dimer, 2-hexen-1-ol, and the ethyl acetate dimer were the major markers of VS-ADKs. Benzaldehyde and furfurol were the prominent constituent parts of AS-ADKs. Compared with that in FKs, the pentanal and dimethyl ketone contents of VS-ADKs and AS-ADKs exhibited a dramatic increase (p < 0.05). By contrast, the change in ethanol dimer tended to decrease (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) clearly showed that the samples, which were distributed in a separate space could be well-distinguished. Furthermore, the similarity of different processed kumquats and their corresponding volatile components was demonstrated via heat map clustering analysis. The results confirmed the potential of HS–GC–IMS-based approaches to evaluate processed kumquats with various volatile profiles.
Free-Standing and Heteroatoms-Doped Carbon Nanofiber Networks as a Binder-Free Flexible Electrode for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Yan Xiaona , You Hanjing , Liu Wei , Wang Xiaodong , Wu Dezhen
Published: August 2019

Flexible and heteroatoms-doped (N, O and P) activated carbon nanofiber networks (ACFNs) have been successfully prepared with a mixture of polyamic acid (PAA) and poly(diaryloxyphosphazene) (PDPP) as a solution through electrospinning, followed by a heat post-treatment. The resultant heteroatoms-doped ACFNs can be used as binder-free electrodes for high-performance flexible supercapacitors (SCs) due to lightweight, three-dimensional open-pore structure and good mechanical strength. Despite its surface area being lower than 130.6 m2·g−1, the heteroatoms-doped ACFNs exhibited a high heteroatoms (N, O and P) content of 17.9%, resulting in a highly specific capacitance of 182 F·g−1 at a current density of 1 A·g−1 in 6 M KOH electrolyte in a two-electrode cell and an excellent rate capability of 74.7% of its initial capacitance from 1 A·g−1 to 10 A·g−1 under the mass loading of 1.5 mg·cm−2. The electrical double-layer (EDL) capacitance and pseudocapacitance can be easily decoupled in the heteroatoms-doped mesoporous ACFNs. SCs device based on heteroatoms-doped ACFNs exhibited a high energy density of 6.3 W·h·kg−1 with a power density of 250 W·kg−1, as well as excellent cycling stability with 88% capacitance retention after 10,000 charge–discharge cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance was attributed to the mesoporous structure of ACFNs and pseudocapacitive heteroatoms.
Mild-to-Moderate Gestational Iodine Deficiency Processing Disorder
Authors: Hay Ian , Hynes Kristen L. , Burgess John R.
Published: August 2019

This synopsis paper aims to identify if a common pattern of learning and social difficulties can be conceptualized across recent longitudinal studies investigating the influence of mild-to-moderate gestational iodine deficiency (GID) on offspring’s optimal cognitive and psycho-social development. The main studies investigated are: The Southampton Women’s Study (SWS)—United Kingdom; the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)—United Kingdom; the Gestational Iodine Cohort Longitudinal Study—Tasmania, Australia, and the Danish National Birth Cohort Case-Control Study—Denmark. In contrast to severe GID where there is a global negative impact on neurodevelopment, mild-to-moderate intrauterine iodine deficiency has subtler, but nonetheless important, permanent cognitive and psycho-social consequences on the offspring. This paper links the results from each study and maintains that mild-to-moderate GID is associated with a disorder that is characterized by speed of neural transmitting difficulties that are typically associated with working memory capacity difficulties and attention and response inhibition. The authors maintain that this disorder is better identified as Gestational Iodine Deficiency Processing Disorder (GIDPD), rather than, what to date has often been identified as ‘suboptimal development’. The Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), language and literacy disorders (learning disabilities and dyslexia) are the main manifestations associated with GIDPD. GIDPD is identified on IQ measures, but selectively and mainly on verbal reasoning IQ subtests, with individuals with GIDPD still operating within the ‘normal’ full-scale IQ range. Greater consideration needs to be given by public health professionals, policy makers and educators about the important and preventable consequences of GID. Specifically, more emphasis should be placed on adequate iodine intake in women prior to pregnancy, as well as during pregnancy and when lactating. Secondly, researchers and others need to further extend, refine and clarify whether GIDPD, as a nosological (medical classification) entity, is a valid disorder and concept for consideration.