bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does predation by the omnivorous Gammarus fossarum affect small‐scale distribution of macroinvertebrates? A case study from a calcareous spring fen
Authors: Georgievová Berenika , Zhai Marie , Bojková Jindřiška , Šorfová Vanda , Syrovátka Vít , Polášková Vendula , Schenková Jana , Horsák Michal
Published: July 2020

Our understanding of functional roles of aquatic invertebrate taxa is still limited even for common species, although being crucial for explanations of patterns observed in natural communities. As only recently shown, the common native European amphipod Gammarus fossarum, traditionally treated as a shredder of leaf litter, shows predatory behaviour which may influence the composition of invertebrate assemblages. However, the evidence for the predation effect of G. fossarum on natural assemblages at the within‐site scale is still lacking. Therefore, we collected 50 quantitative samples of macroinvertebrates along with the important environmental variables within a heterogeneous calcareous spring fen. Using linear regression, we explored the relationships between the abundance of G. fossarum (separately adult and juvenile) and the abundance and number of taxa for two groups of invertebrates differing in their susceptibility to predation, (a) hard‐bodied taxa with protective body structures, such as shells and calcified cuticles, and (b) soft‐bodied taxa without those protections. We separated the effect of G. fossarum from that of environmental conditions using variation partitioning. Our results showed that only the abundance of soft‐bodied invertebrates was negatively correlated with the abundance of adult G. fossarum. However, the proportion of variation explained purely by predation (5.5%) was much lower than the one explained by the environment (33.8%). Both G. fossarum and soft‐bodied invertebrates were positively associated with organic matter. Although hard‐bodied invertebrates consisted of only a few taxa, they were more numerous than soft‐bodied invertebrates, and only environmental control was confirmed for them. Despite the limitations of the used correlative approach, we conclude that G. fossarum can significantly control the abundance of vulnerable taxa in natural assemblages. Its predatory effects, however, may be relatively low and easily confounded by the effect of environmental control.
“Other” behavior and the DRO: The roles of extinction and reinforcement
Authors: Hangen Marcella M. , Romero Ashley N. , Neidert Pamela L. , Borrero John C.
Published: July 2020

Jessel et al. (2015) provided some evidence to suggest that “other” behavior is strengthened in the differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO). The present study is a systematic replication of the Jessel et al. procedures. The effects of DRO and extinction on target responding, target‐other responding (a response with an established history of reinforcement), and nontarget‐other responding emitted by children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and children with no known diagnoses were compared. Other behavior increased in at least one DRO condition for each participant, suggesting that other behavior increases when using DRO, at least initially. Under extinction, target responding and target‐other responding decreased to low rates for three of the five participants; however, rates of nontarget‐other responding were elevated compared to the DRO condition. These results suggest that increased rates of target‐other responding and nontarget‐other responding during the DRO condition may be a result of extinction‐induced variability.
Associations of Breastfeeding, Maternal Smoking, and Birth Weight With Bone Density and Microarchitecture in Young Adulthood: a 25-Year Birth-Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Yi , Wu Feitong , Dwyer Terry , Antony Benny , Winzenberg Tania , Jones Graeme
Published: July 2020

We have found that early-life exposures are associated with areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at ages 8 and 16 years. This study aimed to assess whether these associations persist into young adulthood when peak bone mass (PBM) is achieved and extend this analysis to microarchitecture. Participants were followed from perinatal period to 25 years old (n = 201). Outcomes were total body, spine, and hip aBMD (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DXA]), and cortical and trabecular bone measures at the distal radius and tibia (by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography [HRpQCT]). Early-life exposures including breastfeeding, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and birth weight. Sex, weight, height, vegetables, fruit and calcium intake at age 25 years were regarded as potential confounders in the analysis. There were significant interactions between period of gestation and early-life exposures for bone measures, so all analyses were stratified by period of gestation. Breastfeeding was beneficially associated with hip and total body aBMD, total, cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD), cortical thickness, porosity, trabecular number (Tb.N), separation (Tb.Sp), and bone volume fraction (Tb.BV/TV) at radius and/or tibia at age 25 years in participants born prematurely (β ranged from −0.92 to 0.94), but there were no associations in those born at term. Maternal smoking had no association with any DXA/HRpQCT measures in those born prematurely but was detrimentally associated with inner transitional zone porosity and Tb.N (β = 0.40 and β = −0.37, respectively) in those full-term participants. Associations of birth weight with bone measures did not persist after adjustment for weight gain since birth. Breastfeeding was associated with a lower risk of lower limb fractures and maternal smoking had a deleterious association with upper limb fractures. In conclusion, breastfeeding and maternal smoking may have effects on peak bone microarchitecture whereas the association with birth weight is countered by subsequent growth. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Pilot study of a new online extracorporeal photopheresis system in patients with steroid refractory or dependent chronic graft vs host disease
Authors: Radwanski Katherine , Burgstaler Edwin , Weitgenant Jennifer , Dale Heather , Heber Cheryl , Winters Jeffrey
Published: July 2020

Background

A new protocol has been developed on the Amicus Separator that enables the device to perform online extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) procedures when used in conjunction with the Phelix photoactivation device and associated disposable kit. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and performance of the Amicus ECP System in adult subjects with steroid‐refractory or dependent chronic graft vs host disease (cGVHD).

Study Design and Methods

Eight subjects with mild to severe cGVHD underwent 31 procedures. Subject safety evaluations were performed pre and post procedure and adverse events (AEs) were recorded during treatment and 24 hours after the last procedure. In vitro evaluations of the treated cells included hematology counts and lymphocyte apoptosis, viability and proliferation as measures for ECP procedure validation.

Results

For n = 23 evaluable procedures, median (range) procedure time was 88 (78‐110) minutes, during which 2.9 (0.6‐4.7) × 109 TNCs (approximately 90% MNCs) were treated and reinfused to the subjects. All subject safety evaluations (vitals, cell counts, plasma hemoglobin and bacterial and endotoxin testing) were within expected ranges. All device or procedure related AEs were mild in nature. After 24 hours in culture, 86 (52‐98)% of treated lymphocytes were apoptotic compared to 27 (15‐51)% in controls. Inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation was >91% in all procedures.

Conclusion

ECP procedures were safely completed in adult subjects with SR‐cGVHD treated using the new online Amicus ECP system.
Exploring the role of microRNAs in axolotl regeneration
Authors: Abo‐Al‐Ela Haitham G. , Burgos‐Aceves Mario A.
Published: July 2020

The axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, is used extensively for research in developmental biology, particularly for its ability to regenerate and restore lost organs, including in the nervous system, to full functionality. Regeneration in mammals typically depends on the healing process and scar formation with limited replacement of lost tissue. Other organisms, such as spiny mice (Acomys cahirinus), salamanders, and zebrafish, are able to regenerate some damaged body components. Blastema is a tissue that is formed after tissue injury in such organisms and is composed of progenitor cells or dedifferentiated cells that differentiate into various cell types during regeneration. Thus, identifying the molecules responsible for initiation of blastema formation is an important aspect for understanding regeneration. Introns, a major source of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), have characteristic sizes in the axolotl, particularly in genes associated with development. These ncRNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), exhibit dynamic regulation during regeneration. These miRNAs play an essential role in timing and control of gene expression to order and organize processes necessary for blastema creation. Master keys or molecules that underlie the remarkable regenerative abilities of the axolotl remain to be fully explored and exploited. Further and ongoing research on regeneration promises new knowledge that may allow improved repair and renewal of human tissues.
The thermal ecology and physiology of reptiles and amphibians: A user's guide
Authors: Taylor Emily N. , Diele‐Viegas Luisa M. , Gangloff Eric J. , Hall Joshua M. , Halpern Bálint , Massey Melanie D. , Rödder Dennis , Rollinson Njal , Spears Sierra , Sun Bao‐jun , Telemeco Rory S.
Published: July 2020

Research on the thermal ecology and physiology of free‐living organisms is accelerating as scientists and managers recognize the urgency of the global biodiversity crisis brought on by climate change. As ectotherms, temperature fundamentally affects most aspects of the lives of amphibians and reptiles, making them excellent models for studying how animals are impacted by changing temperatures. As research on this group of organisms accelerates, it is essential to maintain consistent and optimal methodology so that results can be compared across groups and over time. This review addresses the utility of reptiles and amphibians as model organisms for thermal studies by reviewing the best practices for research on their thermal ecology and physiology, and by highlighting key studies that have advanced the field with new and improved methods. We end by presenting several areas where reptiles and amphibians show great promise for further advancing our understanding of how temperature relations between organisms and their environments are impacted by global climate change.
Dark world rises: The emergence of cavefish as a model for the study of evolution, development, behavior, and disease
Authors: McGaugh Suzanne E. , Kowalko Johanna E. , Duboué Erik , Lewis Peter , Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A. , Rohner Nicolas , Gross Joshua B. , Keene Alex C.
Published: July 2020

A central question in biology is how naturally occurring genetic variation accounts for morphological and behavioral diversity within a species. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, has been studied for nearly a century as a model for investigating trait evolution. In March of 2019, researchers representing laboratories from around the world met at the Sixth Astyanax International Meeting in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico. The meeting highlighted the expanding applications of cavefish to investigations of diverse aspects of basic biology, including development, evolution, and disease‐based applications. A broad range of integrative approaches are being applied in this system, including the application of state‐of‐the‐art functional genetic assays, brain imaging, and genome sequencing. These advances position cavefish as a model organism for addressing fundamental questions about the genetics and evolution underlying the impressive trait diversity among individual populations within this species.
Long non‐coding RNA AGAP2‐AS1 accelerates cell proliferation, migration, invasion and the EMT process in colorectal cancer via regulating the miR‐4,668‐3p/SRSF1 axis
Authors: Li Hesheng , Guo Song , Zhang Mingkai , Li Lin , Wang Feng , Song Bingtan
Published: July 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a frequently occurring tumor. Although a number of long noncoding RNAs have been researched in CRC, the expression, function and mechanism of AGAP2‐AS1 remains poorly investigated.

Methods

Gene expression was analyzed by a quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain rreaction and western blot analyses. Cell counting kit‐8, colony formation and Transwell assays were utilized to explore the functional role of AGAP2‐AS1 in CRC. Luciferase reporter, RNA pull down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were implemented to verify relationships between RNA molecules.

Results

In the present study, AGAP2‐AS1 was unveiled as highly expressed in CRC cell lines compared to normal cells. AGAP2‐AS1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition process. Interestingly, AGAP2‐AS1 sponges miR‐4,668‐3p to release SRSF1 in CRC. Furthermore, in the rescue functional assay, miR‐4,668‐3p down‐regulation exacerbated the malignant behaviors of AGAP2‐AS1‐depleted CRC cells, whereas such effects were further offset by SRSF1 knockdown.

Conclusions

AGAP2‐AS1 facilitates cell proliferation, motility and EMT in CRC via targeting the miR‐4,668‐3p/SRSF1 axis. AGAP2‐AS1 or SRSF1 may have potential as underlying therapeutic targets for CRC patients.
Prognostic implication of high grade biliary intraepithelial neoplasia in bile duct resection margins in patients with resected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Shin Dakyum , Lee Sojung , Lee Jae Hoon , Hong Seung‐Mo , Park Seo Young , Yoo Changhoon , Lee Woohyung , Song Ki Byung , Hwang Dae Wook , Kim Song Cheol
Published: July 2020

Background

In surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC), it is still controversial as to whether additional resection of the bile duct is needed on high grade (HG) biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) margin.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgery for PHCC with curative intent between 2001 and 2015 were stratified by resection margin, and were analyzed comparing the clinical outcomes.

Results

Of the 306 study participants, 217 patients had negative margins (R0), 18 patients had HG BilIN, and 71 patients had positive margins (R1). The median overall survival was 36.0 months in the R0 group, 41.0 months in the HG BilIN group, and 25.0 months in the R1 group while overall survival rates at 5 years were 34.5% in the R0 group, 44.4% in the HG BilIN group, and 21.0% in the R1 group. The median disease‐free survival was 15.0 months in the R0 group, 16.5 months in the HG BilIN group, and 12.0 months in the R1 group.

Conclusions

Although the HG BilIN group had neoplasia with malignant potential, survival and recurrence outcomes were comparable to those of the R0 group, which suggests that no additional resection is needed when the maximal bile duct margin in PHCC surgery contains HG BilIN.
Alpha lipoic acid promotes development of hematopoietic progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells by antagonizing ROS signals
Authors: Dong Yong , Bai Ju , Zhang Yimeng , Zhou Ya , Pan Xu , Li Xiaohong , Zhou Qiongxiu , Chen Yijin , Lai Mowen , Mao Bin , Bian Guohui , Feng Jia , Xie Fangxin , Chen Bo , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Zhang Yonggang , Ma Feng
Published: July 2020

Antagonism of ROS signaling can inhibit cell apoptosis and autophagy, thus favoring the maintenance and expansion of hematopoietic stem cells. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), a small antioxidant molecule, affects cell apoptosis by lowering the ROS level. In this study, we show that ALA promoted production of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) derived hemogenic endothelial cells and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in vitro. Transcriptome analysis of hPSCs derived hemogenic endothelial cells showed that ALA promoted endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition by up-regulating RUNX1, GFI1, GFI1B, MEIS2, and HIF1A and down-regulating SOX17, TGFB1, TGFB2, TGFB3, TGFBR1, and TGFBR2. ALA also up-regulated sensor genes of ROS signals, including HIF1A, FOXO1, FOXO3, ATM, PETEN, SIRT1, and SIRT3, during the process of hPSCs derived hemogenic endothelial cells generation. However, in more mature hPSC-derived hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, ALA reduced ROS levels and inhibited apoptosis. In particular, ALA enhanced development of hPSCs derived hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells by up-regulating HIF1A in response to a hypoxic environment. Furthermore, addition of ALA in ex vivo culture greatly improved the maintenance of functional cord blood HSCs by in vivo transplantation assay. Our findings support the conjecture that ALA plays an important role in efficient regeneration of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from hPSCs and maintenance of functional HSCs, providing insight into understanding of regeneration of early hematopoiesis for engineering clinically useful hPSCs derived hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells transplantation. Thus, ALA can be used in the study of hPSCs derived HSCs.
Stability evaluation of an extemporaneously compounded carbimazole oral suspension
Authors: Song Yunmei , Lwin Ei Mon Phyo , Ellis David , Turner Sean , Williams Desmond , Garg Sanjay
Published: July 2020

Aims

To examine the physical, chemical and microbiological stability characteristics of an extemporaneously compounded carbimazole 2 mg/mL oral suspension.

Methods and Results

To determine the chemical stability of carbimazole in oral suspension, an analytical method was developed with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) that achieved a good resolution of the analysis. The physical and chemical stability studies of the drug were conducted at four different storage conditions: 4°C, 25°C, 4°C in‐use (to simulate a patient daily use condition), and 7 days at 4°C and 3 days at 25°C (to simulate a condition in which a patient does not return the medication back into the refrigerator after use). The microbiological test was performed on the “4°C in‐use” storage condition. The preparations were found to be physically and microbiologically stable since there were no significant changes in colour, odour, dispersion and microbial contamination tests. Regarding chemical stability, samples stored at 4°C and 25°C maintained more than 90% drug recovery limit for up to 3 weeks and 3 days, respectively. There were no significant changes in pH value for up to 6 weeks.

Conclusion

A shelf life of up to 19 days at 4°C, based on the 95% lower confidence interval (CI) of the data obtained, and 2 days at room temperature can be recommended for carbimazole oral suspension.
Changes in Serum Leptin Level After Multilevel Surgery in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Emara Tarek A. , Khazbak Alaa O. , Mohammed Omnya , Elgaml Mohamed , Zidan Amal , Hosny Sameh M.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Leptin hormone plays an important role in metabolic control and is elevated in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this study was to assess the hypothesis that surgical treatment will reduce leptin levels in OSA patients.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty‐three patients with multilevel OSA underwent modified genioglossus muscle advancement with anterolateral advancement pharyngoplasty between April 2018 and September 2019. Serum leptin level was measured preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively for all patients and 18 control subjects. All patients were evaluated before and 3 months after surgery by history taking, clinical examination, polysomnography, cephalometry, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Results

Preoperatively, patients with OSA had a higher Leptin level (18.46 ± 4.73 ng/mL) than did control subjects (7.07 ± 1.26 ng/mL) (P < .001). Surgery resulted in a significant reduction in the level of leptin from 18.46 ± 4.73 ng/mL to 8.03 ± 2.22 ng/mL (P < .001). Reductions in leptin level was correlated with changes in apnea hypopnea index (AHI) (r = 0.61, P = .002) and minimum oxygen saturation (SaO2) (r = −0.54, P = .008).

Conclusion

Effective multilevel surgery in the form of modified genioglossus muscle advancement with anterolateral advancement pharyngoplasty could significantly reduce leptin level in OSA patients and this reduction is correlated with the degree of OSA improvement in term of AHI and SaO2.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E665–E670, 2021
Perfect Soliton Crystals on Demand
Authors: He Yang , Ling Jingwei , Li Mingxiao , Lin Qiang
Published: July 2020

Recent advances in of soliton microcombs have shown great promise to revolutionize many important areas such as optical communication, spectroscopic sensing, optical clock, and frequency synthesis. A largely tunable comb line spacing is crucial for the practical application of soliton microcombs, which unfortunately is challenging to realize for an on‐chip monolithic microresonators. The recently discovered perfect soliton crystal (PSC) offers a convenient route to tune the comb line spacing. However, excitation of a PSC is generally stochastic by its nature and accessing a certain PSC state requires delicate tuning procedure. Here the on‐demand generation of PSCs in a lithium niobate microresonator is demonstrated. The unique device characteristics allow to produce a variety of PSCs and to switch between different PSC states, deterministically and repetitively. The device is utilized to show arbitrary dialing of the comb line spacing from 1 to 11 times of the free‐spectral range of the resonator. The demonstration of PSCs on demand may now open up a great avenue for flexibly controlling the repetition rate of soliton pulses, which would significantly enhance and extend the application potential of soliton microcombs for communication, signal processing, and sensing.
Biochemical and Pain Comparisons Between the Laser Lancing Device and Needle Lancets for Capillary Blood Sampling: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Yoo Won Sang , Min Junwon , Chung Phil‐Sang , Woo Seung Hoon
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives

Patients around the world use a lancing device to perform self‐monitoring of blood sugar (SMBG). However, there are always fears of needles and pain. Therefore, less painful devices are being developed. The purpose of this study was to compare the usefulness and safety of a laser lancing device (without a needle) to a conventional needle lancet (with a needle) for capillary blood sampling.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A total of 40 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Capillary blood was collected from a laser lancing device (without a needle) and a conventional needle lancet (with a needle) on opposite fingers, the choice of which was randomly selected. The laser lancing device (LMT‐3000) uses a 2940 nm mono‐pulse laser, a radiation field of 350 μm, laser energy of 210 mJ, and a 3.7 V battery. One week later, capillary blood was obtained by switching the devices and fingers. The biochemical measurements and pain were compared between the two groups. Puncture pain was measured on a pain scale from 0 to 10.

Result

All patients were tested with both a laser lancing device and a conventional needle lancet. In the biochemical analysis, the blood glucose level was 103.21 ± 17.20 mg/dl in laser lancing device group and 102.25 ± 22.44 mg/dl in the conventional needle lancet group, and there were no significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.940). The pH, CO2, O2, lactate and hematocrit levels of the blood were no significant differences between the two groups. In the first trial, the median pain score (interquartile range) of patients using laser lancing device was 2.0 (1.0–3.0), whereas it was 2.5 (2.0–4.0) in patients using a conventional needle lancet (P = 0.029). In the second trial, one week later, the median pain score in the laser lancing device group was 2.5 (1.0–4.0), whereas it was 3.5 (2.25–5.0) in the conventional needle lancet group (P = 0.001). The difference in pain scores between the first and second trials was significant in the conventional needle lancet group (P = 0.007), but not in the laser lancing device group (P = 0.150).

Conclusion

There was no difference in biochemical results between the laser lancing device group and the conventional needle lancet group. The laser lancing device demonstrated comparatively lower pain than the conventional needle lancet. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Shape Memory Effects Using Magnetoactive Boron−Organo−Silicon Oxide Polymers
Authors: Prem Nina , Sindersberger Dirk , Striegl Birgit , Böhm Valter , Monkman Gareth J.
Published: July 2020

Thermomechanical shape memory materials have certain disadvantages when it comes to 3D volumetric reproduction intended for rapid prototyping or robotic prehension. The need to constantly supply energy to counteract elastic retraction forces in order to maintain the required geometry, together with the inability to achieve conformal stability at elevated temperatures, limits the application of thermal shape memory polymers. Form removal also presents problems as most viscoelastic materials do not ensure demolding stability. This work demonstrates how magnetoactive boron−organo−silicon oxide polymers under the influence of an applied magnetic field can be used to achieve energy free sustainable volumetric shape memory effects over extended periods. The rheopectic properties of boron−organo−silicon oxide materials sustain form removal without mold distortion.
CRMP‐5‐IgG Associated Paraneoplastic Chorea
Authors: Vaswani Pavan A. , Kimchi Eyal Y. , Hung Albert Y.
Published: July 2020

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Market exit of firms: Does corruption act as grease or sand?
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Saunoris James W.
Published: July 2020

This paper examines whether corruption acts to “grease” or “sand” firms' exit. Corruption could facilitate exit when it is a tax that distorts markets, or it might retard exit when it empowers firms to obtain undue favors. Results, using panel data across US states and considering market exit and firms' death rates as dependent variables, show that greater corruption acts as grease rather than sand in that it facilitates firms' exit/death. In other findings, larger states, greater regulations, and more unemployment contributed to exit, as did some demographic aspects. Higher state minimum wages resulted in firms' death but not exit.
Silicon photonic filters
Authors: Liu Dajian , Xu Hongnan , Tan Ying , Shi Yaocheng , Dai Daoxin
Published: July 2020

Photonic filters are playing a very important role in many applications, including optical interconnects as well as optical sensing. As silicon photonics has provided a very attractive platform to realize the high integrated intensity and low cost, various silicon‐based on‐chip photonic filters have been proposed and demonstrated in the past decade. In this paper, we give a review of recent progresses of silicon photonic filters based on different structures, including Mach‐Zehnder interferometers, microring resonators, waveguide Bragg grating, and arrayed‐waveguide gratings.
A parameter‐preadjusted energy‐conserving integration for rigid body dynamics in terms of convected base vectors
Authors: Luo J.H. , Feng X.G. , Xu X.M. , Peng H.J. , Wu Z.G.
Published: July 2020

Energy‐conserving integrations are widely used in long‐time simulations of mechanical systems because they exhibit excellent stability and conserve the discrete energy in conservative systems. However, in many applications, their errors of other quantities, for example, trajectory errors, are generally not bounded and increase with time. This article develops a parameter‐preadjusted energy‐conserving integration for rigid body dynamics in terms of convected‐based vectors. To this end, we introduce the modified inertia representation into the Hamiltonian description of the rigid body dynamics, which leads to a modified formulation of Hamilton's equations including an undetermined parameter γ. After that, the direct discretization of the modified Hamilton's equations and the constraints in terms of finite increments in time gives an energy‐conserving integration. Error estimation suggests that the value of γ has a great influence on the discretization errors of the Hamilton's equations. Therefore, a preadjusting stage at the beginning of the simulation is devised to optimize γ for minimizing the numerical error. Numerical results demonstrate that the PECI not only preserves the energy exactly, but also presents significant higher accuracy of trajectory errors. In particular, the PECI can achieve approximately periodic trajectory errors for long‐time simulations if γ is well preadjusted.
Coupling lattice Boltzmann and material point method for fluid‐solid interaction problems involving massive deformation
Authors: Liu Yu , Ye Hongfei , Zhang Hongwu , Zheng Yonggang
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a coupling lattice Boltzmann and material point method (LBMPM) for fluid‐solid interaction problems involving massive deformation. The convected particle domain interpolation‐based material point method is adopted to solve the structure responses due to the particularly advantage on dynamic massive deformation simulations and the lattice Boltzmann method is utilized for its reliability and simplicity to simulate the complex fluid flow. The coupling strategy for these two methods is based on the consistent conditions with respect to displacement, velocity, and force, respectively, on the interface between fluid and solid parts, including the unified interpolation bounce‐back scheme for curved boundaries, the Galilean invariant momentum exchange method for hydrodynamic forces, the force imposing strategy particularly for massive deformation, and the refilling algorithm for moving boundaries. There is no remeshing operation needed in the proposed LBMPM for both solid and fluid parts even when solid massive deformation and fluid complex flow are considered. Three representative numerical examples are carried out and the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed LBMPM is capable of simulate complex bidirectional fluid‐solid interaction processes with the superiority for the problems involving solid dynamic large deformation behaviors and complex fluid flow.
Effects of a Constant Magnetic Field on the Electrochemical Reactions of Quercetin
Authors: Zieliński Marek , Burnat Barbara , Miękoś Ewa
Published: July 2020

The paper presents a study of the effect of a constant magnetic field (CMF) on the basic processes of quercetin electrochemical reactions. According to the observation made in previous studies, the presence of a double bond in the C‐ring of quercetin enhances the antioxidant properties of that compound, whereas the presence of −OH groups also affects the antioxidant properties. Using cyclic voltammetry it was found that the constant magnetic field improves the efficiency of quercetin electrooxidation, especially of the third stage of the process, i. e. the stage in which the oxidation of the OH groups in the A‐ring is the most difficult. The use of HPLC confirmed the electrochemical measurements and the results of cyclic voltammetry studies. The beneficial effect of the magnetic field on the efficiency of quercetin oxidation was confirmed by the results of impedance spectroscopy measurements.
The green care code: How nature connectedness and simple activities help explain pro‐nature conservation behaviours
Authors: Richardson Miles , Passmore Holli‐Anne , Barbett Lea , Lumber Ryan , Thomas Rory , Hunt Alex
Published: July 2020

The biodiversity crisis demands greater engagement in pro‐nature conservation behaviours. Research has examined factors which account for general pro‐environmental behaviour; that is, behaviour geared to minimizing one's impact on the environment. Yet, a dearth of research exists examining factors that account for pro‐nature conservation behaviour specifically—behaviour that directly and actively supports conservation of biodiversity.

This study is the first of its kind to use a validated scale of pro‐nature conservation behaviour. Using online data from a United Kingdom population survey of 1,298 adults (16+ years), we examined factors (composed of nine variable‐blocks of items) that accounted for pro‐nature conservation behaviour.

These were: individual characteristics (demographics, nature connectedness), nature experiences (time spent in nature, engaging with nature through simple activities, indirect engagement with nature), knowledge and attitudes (knowledge/study of nature, valuing and concern for nature) and pro‐environmental behaviour.

Together, these explained 70% of the variation in people's actions for nature.

Importantly, in a linear regression examining the relative importance of these variables to the prediction of pro‐nature conservation behaviour, time in nature did not emerge as significant.

Engaging in simple nature activities (which is related to nature connectedness) emerged as the largest significant contributor to pro‐nature conservation behaviour. Commonality analysis revealed that variables worked together, with nature connectedness and engagement in simple activities being involved in the largest portion of explained variance.

Overall, findings from the current study reinforce the critical role that having a close relationship with nature through simple everyday engagement plays in pro‐nature conservation behaviour. Policy recommendations are made.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Flow enhancement in liquid composite molding processes by online microwave resin preheating
Authors: Rubino Felice , Esperto Vitantonio , Tucci Fausto , Carlone Pierpaolo
Published: July 2020

Liquid composite molding techniques are increasingly applied for the manufacturing of fiber‐reinforced plastic components for civil, aerospace, and automotive applications. Being the preform impregnation a key step during the process, resin viscosity should meet the precise requirements. Opportune resin preheating increases its fluency, thus enhancing the impregnation and saturation flow through the fabric and reducing the mold filling time. This paper explores the application of microwave technology for resin preheating. The integration of an online microwave preheating system within a demonstrative resin infusion facility is described and the effects of preheating on the infusion time are discussed. Parallel‐plate dielectric sensors were embedded into the mold to track the unheated and preheated resin flow through the fiber preform. The obtained results highlighted the effectiveness of online microwave heating to reduce the time required for the impregnation of the dry fiber reinforcement.
Caffeine citrate maintenance doses effect on extubation and apnea postventilation in preterm infants
Authors: Wan Lijia , Huang Li , Chen Pingyang
Published: July 2020

Background

Caffeine citrate is used to prevent apnea in premature infants and help in extubation of invasive ventilation, but the optimal dose remains undetermined.

Methods

Neonates born at less than 30 weeks gestation who had received invasive ventilation for at least 48 hours and a loading dose of 20 mg/kg caffeine citrate were randomly assigned into high (10 mg/kg daily) or low (5 mg/kg daily) maintenance dose groups. The drug was discontinued if no apnea occurred for 7 consecutive days.

Results

A total of 111 infants were assigned into the high (54) or low (57) dose groups. Extubation failure (16.7% vs 36.8%), age of extubation (8.2 ± 2.1 vs 10.7 ± 2.3 day), duration of invasive ventilation (7.2 ± 2.1 vs 8.5 ± 2.4 day), duration of ventilation before extubation (8.0 ± 1.8 vs 10.1 ± 1.9 day), and number of days of apnea (1.8 ± 1.3 vs 3.2 ± 1.1 day) were significantly lower in the high dose group than the low dose group. Difference in time until failure (6.7 ± 1.7d vs 7.0 ± 1.9d) and duration of nasal continuous positive airway pressure(7.8 ± 1.8 vs 8.0 ± 2.2 day) were not significant. Furthermore, no significant differences in the incidence of tachycardia (9.3% vs 12.3%), abdominal distension (16.7% vs 12.3%), feeding intolerance (3.7% vs 5.3%), or irritability (7.4% vs 5.3%) were observed between groups.

Conclusions

A higher maintenance dose of caffeine citrate reduced the incidence of extubation failure and apnea of prematurity without increasing the occurrence of adverse reactions.
A Comparative Performance Evaluation of 2D Nanomaterials for Applications in Plasmonic Biosensing
Authors: Kang Lixing , Das Chandreyee Manas , Liu Dan , Chen Ming Wei , Coquet Philippe , Hong Guo , Yong Ken-Tye
Published: July 2020

Plasmonic sensing relies on the interaction between the electromagnetic light wave and free electrons that reside at the interface of two materials, one of them being a metal. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR)‐based biosensing has distinct advantages of providing real‐time and label‐free detection technique that is capable of giving accurate and repeatable results. 2D nanomaterials (graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides [TMDCs] such as MoS2 and WS2) have recently gained high popularity in the field of biomedical sciences. Using Biacore commercial SPR machine manufactured by GE Healthcare, the efficacy of various combinations of these materials coated on the plasmonic metal gold (Au) (Au + MoS2, Au + WS2, Au + graphene, Au + graphene + MoS2, and Au + graphene + WS2) is evaluated, in enhancing the sensitivity of the biosensor as compared with the standard Kretschmann configuration (only Au). Some simulation results are also presented at incident light wavelengths of 633 and 785 nm that are based on the angular interrogation method. To conclude, it is found that the sensitivity in the increasing order is: only Au < Au + MoS2 < Au + WS2 ≈ Au + graphene < Au + graphene + MoS2 < Au + graphene + WS2.
Observer‐based synthesis of linear parameter‐varying mixed sensitivity controllers
Authors: Theis Julian , Pfifer Harald
Published: July 2020

This article presents a computationally efficient way of synthesizing linear parameter‐varying (LPV) controllers. It reviews the possibility of a separate observer and state feedback synthesis with guaranteed performance and shows that a standard mixed sensitivity problem can be solved in this way. The resultant output feedback controller consists of an LPV observer, augmented with dynamic filters to incorporate integral control and roll‐off properties, and an LPV state feedback gain. It is thus highly structured, which is beneficial for implementation. Moreover, it does not depend on scheduling parameter rates regardless of whether parameter‐dependent Lyapunov matrices are used during synthesis. A representative control design for active flutter suppression on an aeroelastic unmanned aircraft demonstrates the benefits of the proposed method in comparison with state‐of‐the‐art LPV output feedback synthesis.
Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties of a Zinc(II) [2×2] Metallogrid and its Bis(hydrazone) Ditopic Ligand
Authors: Rosero‐Mafla Miguel A. , Castro Jorge Iván , Sánchez Norha E. , Mujica‐Martinez Cesar A. , Chaur Manuel N.
Published: July 2020

Herein we describe the synthesis and structural characterization of a [2x2] metallogrid of Zinc(II) and its ditopic bis(hydrazone) ligand, as well as the evaluation of their photo‐physical and electrochemical properties. The synthesis of the bis(hydrazone) involves an aromatic nucleophilic substitution followed by a condensation. Then, through complexation with Zinc(II) ions the [2x2] metallogrid was obtained. The bis(hydrazone) was subjected to UV light‐induced E/Z isomerization determining its kinetic constants through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). A clear effect of the metal and the structure was observed on the redox potentials of the metallogrid and its ligand when studied by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Osteryoung Square Wave Voltammetry (OSWV). All compounds were also studied through UV‐Vis and Fluorescence spectroscopy, observing, in some cases, a pronounced pH‐effect. Our results indicate that the photophysical properties of metallogrid can be tuned through the elimination of the acidic protons from the bis(hydrazone) ligands and, together with their electrochemical properties can be used as molecular switches.
Track‐Etched Nanopore/Membrane: From Fundamental to Applications
Authors: Ma Tianji , Janot Jean‐Marc , Balme Sébastien
Published: July 2020

Biomimetic and bio‐inspired membranes draw great attention and generate extensive efforts to solve environmental, health, and energy issues. In this field, track‐etched membranes present the advantage to be tuned from a single pore to a large‐scale multipore membrane. On one hand, from the large‐scale membrane to a single nanopore, the research becomes more fundamental, meticulous, and quantitative to describe concrete processes inside confined spaces. This allows understanding the role of the surface phenomena and nanoscale effects. On the other hand, working from a single pore to a multipore membrane allows perfect control of the membrane properties. This ensures a promising ability for upscale from the lab findings to applications. In this review, a global insight on the track‐etched nanopore/membrane is taken through presentation of fabrication and functionalization methods, transport properties, and the related applications. By functionalization, track‐etched nanopores can be used to understand ion transport under confined spaces with high aspect ratio, to analyze single molecules, to design stimuli‐responsive membranes, and to generate energy from salinity gradient and light.
Experimental Quantification of Critical Parameters for Prediction of Surface Crack Formation in Continuous Casting
Authors: Krobath Roman , Bernhard Christian
Published: July 2020

One possibility for the off‐line training of quality prediction modules in continuous casting is the performance of experiments with samples simulating conditions close to the process. An important point is the surface quality. In the last decade, a new testing setup has been developed called the in situ material characterization by bending (IMC‐B) test. This test represents an experimental method, combining solidification, cooling, and deformation in one sequence. It allows the prediction of surface crack formation with respect to the testing conditions. Varying testing parameters enable the determination of the impact of different factors that lead to crack formation during deformation of a casted sample in a hot bending test. The output comprises quantification parameters for damage evaluation, by defining a critical strain for crack formation. Herein, the crack sensitivity for a low carbon construction steel at the bending temperatures of 700–1100 °C is determined. The most critical temperature range is found to be 850–1000 °C.
Generation of cerebral cortical GABAergic interneurons from pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Fitzgerald Megan , Sotuyo Nathaniel , Tischfield David J. , Anderson Stewart A.
Published: July 2020

The cerebral cortex functions by the complex interactions of intrinsic and extrinsic neuronal activities, glial actions, and the effects of humoral factors. The intrinsic neuronal influences are mediated by two major subclasses: excitatory glutamatergic neurons that generally have axonal projections extending beyond the neuron's locality and inhibitory GABAergic neurons that generally project locally. These interneurons can be grouped based on morphological, neurochemical, electrophysiological, axonal targeting, and circuit influence characteristics. Cortical interneurons (CIns) can also be grouped based on their origins within the subcortical telencephalon. Interneuron subtypes, of which a dozen or more are thought to exist, are characterized by combinations of these subgrouping features. Due to their well-documented relevance to the causes of and treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders, and to their remarkable capacity to migrate extensively following transplantation, there has been tremendous interest in generating cortical GABAergic interneurons from human pluripotent stem cells. In this concise review, we discuss recent progress in understanding how interneuron subtypes are generated in vivo, and how that progress is being applied to the generation of rodent and human CIns in vitro. In addition, we will discuss approaches for the rigorous designation of interneuron subgroups or subtypes in transplantation studies, and challenges to this field, including the protracted maturation of human interneurons.
Apoptosis of lung cells regulated by mitochondrial signal pathway in crotonaldehyde‐induced lung injury
Authors: Li Shuangshuang , Wei Ping , Zhang Biao , Chen Kechuan , Shi Gengsheng , Zhang Zhihu , Du Zhongjun
Published: July 2020

Crotonaldehyde, a highly toxic α, β‐unsaturated aldehyde, is a ubiquitous hazardous pollutant. Because of its extreme toxicity and ubiquity in all types of smoke, most current research focuses on the lung toxicity of such air pollutants. However, the specific mechanism of pulmonary toxicity caused by crotonaldehyde remains unclear, especially after long‐term exposure to crotonaldehyde at low dose. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine whether crotonaldehyde‐induced oxidative damage and inflammation promote apoptosis in rats via the mitochondrial pathway using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry analysis and Western blot analysis. The results show that crotonaldehyde elicited oxidative damage and inflammation in rats in a concentration‐dependent manner. Crotonaldehyde‐induced lung injury which was confirmed by H&E, Masson's trichrome staining and TUNEL. And crotonaldehyde‐induced lung cell apoptosis showed a concentration‐response relationship. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot results showed that apoptotic mitochondrial signaling pathway is abnormally activated in crotonaldehyde‐induced lung injury. Collectively, this study demonstrates that exposure of rats to crotonaldehyde induces lung injury by inducing apoptosis, which is related to oxidative damage and inflammation through mitochondrial pathway.
The interface between coronaviruses and host cell RNA biology: Novel potential insights for future therapeutic intervention
Authors: Maranon David G. , Anderson John R. , Maranon Abril G. , Wilusz Jeffrey
Published: July 2020

Coronaviruses, including SARS‐Cov‐2, are RNA‐based pathogens that interface with a large variety of RNA‐related cellular processes during infection. These processes include capping, polyadenylation, localization, RNA stability, translation, and regulation by RNA binding proteins or noncoding RNA effectors. The goal of this article is to provide an in‐depth perspective on the current state of knowledge of how various coronaviruses interact with, usurp, and/or avoid aspects of these cellular RNA biology machineries. A thorough understanding of how coronaviruses interact with RNA‐related posttranscriptional processes in the cell should allow for new insights into aspects of viral pathogenesis as well as identify new potential avenues for the development of anti‐coronaviral therapeutics.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease