bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different organic solvents used in the luminescent material for OLED devices
Authors: Santos Emerson Roberto , Ono Eric Tsuneki Yoshiura , Onmori Roberto Koji , Hui Wang Shu
Published: March 2021

In this work, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices were mounted using the structure: glass (as substrate)/indium tin oxide (ITO) (as anode)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) (as hole transport layer)/poly[9,9-dioctifluorene-alt-bis-tienilene(benzotiadiazole)] (PFTB) (as luminescent material)/aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) (as electron transport layer)/aluminum (as cathode). The PFTB was synthetized at laboratory and diluted in different organic solvents as chloroform and trichlorobenzene. The I-V curves of OLED devices showed that the trichlorobenzene used to dillute the PFTB improved the performance for OLED devices promoting the highest electrical current of ≈50 mA and the lowest range of thresold voltage from ≈2.5 to 5 volts, while the device OLEDs mounted with PFTB dilutted in chloroform presented maximum electrical current of ≈23 mA and range of thresold voltage from ≈5 to 8 volts. A hypothesis that explain these results can be attributed to the boiling point of the organic solvent of trichlorobenzene (≈214.4ºC) to be higher than the one of the chloroform (≈61.1ºC), favoring better rearrangement of the polymer chains of PFTB and interfaces between thin films PFTB/PEDOT:PSS and PFTB/AZO improving the injection of charges (holes and electrons) inside the OLEDs devices.
Selection of a strata pressure reduction method to extract deeper level reserves of Mir pipe
Authors: Zaprudin V. A. , Kotenkov A. V. , Zyryanov I. V. , Kulminskiy A. S.
Published: March 2021

The article presents the chronology and stages of mining resumption at Mir pipe. The initiatory steps of the conceptual approach to underground mining of ore reserves at the depth greater than 1500 m are described. The primary measures on catchment of highly mineralized water from Metegero-Ichersky aquifer are identified. The exploratory study results on deeper level mining safety in the future underground mine in terms of the strata pressure reduction are given. The authors in detail discuss two methods of rock mass destressing: destressing drilling and formation of protection layers with different parameters at the depths of 1000 m and greater. Natural stress state of rock mass is modeled in Rocscience RS3 environment. The analyses of the mathematical models of ore and enclosing rock destressing show that the safest and the most effective methods of dеstressing of deeper level rock mass in Mir Mine is creation of a protective separation layer both in ore body and in enclosing rock mass on the both sides of the ore body at a distance of 15 m. Such destressing measures can allow safe mining of ore reserves using the sublevel stoping method with sublevels to 50 m high. The research findings will be used in the front-end engineering as the basis for the further mine planning and design.
Efficiency evaluation of tax deduction in exploration well construction in hydrocarbon fields
Authors: Sharf I. V. , Mikhalchuk A. A. , Chukhareva N. V.
Published: March 2021

Reduction of long-term investments under the condition of demand contraction for energy resource leads to the need for additional tools of stimulating geologic exploration to implement a strategic objective of providing sustainable economic growth based on mineral resource use, which, for example oil, does not allow for support of existing production rates for the period until 2035. The research hypothesis suggests that existing tax tools applied in oil and gas exploration and prospecting fail to keep and increase the investment potential of exploration activities. The research methods are empirical and DEA (Date envelopment analysis). The research areas are oil-producing regions of the Russian Federation, with similar characteristics of mineral resources and reserves. The subject of the research is tax deduction in exploration well construction in unproductive hydrocarbon fields and extraction tax incentives for oil production. Due to the minimal number of Russian regions, where subsoil users benefited from tax deduction, the efficiency was evaluated with regard to tax incentives. The research results have shown that tax deduction is an element of subsurface users’ support in exploration activities (EA). However, its effect on EA investment potential is significantly less than tax incentives. Nevertheless, they enhance the positive effect of tax incentives. As a result, the authors propose a set of measures based on society and business involvement into development of investment potential of exploration activities in the conditions of public–private partnership. The research results can be used in finance, tax legislation, and oil production management. The study was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, Grant No. 18-010-00660 А.
Analysis of the sample preparation methods based on piecewise variation coefficients of component mass fractions
Authors: Kozin V. Z. , Komlev A. S. , Stupakova E. V.
Published: March 2021

Sample preparation methods are usually developed following respective recommendations of the applicable sampling standards. Modern sampling theories allow designing and optimizing these methods. Random errors in sample preparation are calculated based on a theoretical description of the piecewise heterogeneity of the sample obtained using the formulas for the fundamental sampling error. The concept of a piecewise coefficient of variation is introduced and used to develop a formula for the relative error of the sample preparation method. Using a method compiled in accordance with GOST 14180-80 for copper ore as an example, the relative error is established for the preparation of an ore sample with the copper mass fraction of 1.3 %. It is shown that a change in the final preparation size from 0.1 to 0.08 mm affects the error only insignificantly, and sample size changes by stages allow designing a preparation method with the smallest error. It is advisable to analyze the method compiled and change its parameters on the basis of a structural assessment of the influence of individual preparation stages on the error. Sample preparation examples for copper and gold-bearing ore are used to demonstrate the analysis procedure and the parameter changes. Traditionally, the minimum sample masses are established for all stages based on the volumetric heterogeneity of the sample being tested and the size of the sample material. The minimum masses should be found depending on the grain size of the valuable mineral in the ore, the permissible relative error for the size reduction, and the material size for the sample reduced by a factor of 1.5 for nonferrous metal ores.
RECONSTRUCTION OF GAS DUCTS OF WATER BOILERS WITH INSTALLATION OF FLUE GAS PUMPS
Authors: MINKINA Svetlana A. , URYADOV Maxim I.
Published: March 2021

The work is devoted to solving the problem of the lack of draft of the existing chimney when operating hot water boilers at full capacity. Thermal and aerodynamic calculations were performed. Thermal calculation was carried out with diff erent loading of hot water boilers and the number of operating burners. The options for the operation of boilers according to the regime map and test protocols are considered. In the aerodynamic calculation for the sections, the resistance of the gas ducts was determined, the chimney was calculated. A fl ue gas pump is installed to remove combustion products from hot water boilers. This will ensure the parallel operation of two hot water boilers over the entire load range.
WATER TREATMENT BY AN INTEGRATED METHOD FOR OPERATION OF WATER BOILERS AND HEATING NETWORKS
Authors: NEGODA Larisa L. , MINKINA Svetlana A. , ANGALYShEV Sergej Ye. , CEJZER Vladislav Alekseevich
Published: March 2021

The use of a complex fi lter for water treatment is proposed for the fi rst time. The complex fi lter includes two layers. The fi rst layer along the course of the water should be loading for mechanical cleaning, the second - for softening (ion exchange). Cleaning can be one- or two-stage. For research, water was used from three wells in the Samara region. In the course of the work, two stages of laboratory research were carried out, on the basis of which the best fi ltering load was determined. The calculation of the total and working exchange capacity has been made. A technical and economic comparison of cleaning methods was carried out. The results of the work performed were summed up, proposals were made for the rational use of installations and the prospects for the development of the work in the future were determined.
Léxico dialectal y lexicografía en la Iberorromania
Authors: Fernández Martín Patricia
Published: March 2021

Álvarez de la Granja, María y González Seoane, Ernesto (eds.): Léxico dialectal y lexicografía en la Iberorromania, Madrid/Frankfurt, Iberoamericana/Vervuert, 2018, 500 páginas.
El Pelayo. Tragedia. Edición de Elena de Lorenzo
Authors: Olay Valdés Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

Reseña de la obra citada.
Hoja de servicios y futuro de la sociolingüística catalana: una exploración epistemológica (y glotopolítica)
Authors: Boyer Henri
Published: March 2021

Este texto pretende ser una exploración de la historia reciente de la sociolingüística en Cataluña desde su constitución como grupo en los años 70 y de su impacto glotopolítico hasta las controversias  actuales frente  a la perspectiva independentista.De tipo claramente nacionalista en sus inicios, fue más que una simple ciencia social: la inspiradora de la reconquista sociolingüística post-franquista a través de sus recomendaciones y de sus acciones que el poder autónomo de Cataluña ha sabido tener en cuenta.Actualmente parece desgarrarse en lo que se refiere al diagnóstico sociolingüístico y al objetivo glotopolítico entre una opción que permanece firme en cuanto a las bases otriginales:  el catalán es la única lengua nacional de Catalunya y debe tener la por lo tanto exclusividad en una eventual República catalana;  y otra opción que considera que el bilingüismo catalán-castellano tiene toda su razón de ser  en una Cataluña independiente.
Contribution of Islamic Commercial Bank Financing to East Java Economic Growth in the Era of Branchless Banking
Authors: Afandi Muhammad Anif
Published: March 2021

This study aims to determine and analyze the contribution of Islamic Commercial Bank’s (BUS) financing to the economic growth of East Java Province in the era of branchless banking. Three types of financing channeled by the BUS namely working capital financing, investment and consumption are used as the independent variables tested each effect on the dependent variable which is economic growth in East Java with a proxy of GDRP in the period of the quarter-I 2010 to quarter-I 2020. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) with dummy variable of branchless banking (0 = before the implementation of the branchless banking program (before November 2014) and 1 = after the implementation of the branchless banking program (after November 2014) is used as data analysis technique with the results of the study show that only consumer financing that have a positive and significant impact on economic growth of East Java. Whereas, the productive financing known to have positive impact but not significant toward the economic growth of East Java. Meanwhile, the branchless banking program known to give the positive and significant difference impact on economic growth in East Java compared to economic growth prior to the enactment of it. The results of this study beneficial for both the BUS and the regulator as an evaluation of the level of inclusiveness of the BUS’s financing to economic growth and the implementation of branchless banking in Islamic bank.
Readiness Model in Adopting E-health: An Indonesian Experience
Authors: Pujani Vera , Dasman Hardisman , Semiaty Rima , Nazir Refdinal
Published: March 2021

This study aims to investigate e-health use in some hospitals in Indonesia through the readiness model. The readiness factor identified as the core, societal, technological and engagement readiness also expected efforts. The research model measured the influence of the readiness factors on e-health adoption and their impact on performance. A-104 respondent of e-health user among hospitals across Indonesia were obtained accidentally in the e-survey technique. The data was analysed to test six hypotheses using SEM/PLS. The result of this study identified four out of six hypotheses tested significantly influenced including core, societal, and technological readiness and impacted on performance achievement.
The impact of LED lightning on the content of photosynthetic pigments in tomato leaves
Authors: Nikanovich T. V. , Trofimov Yu. V. , Barkun M. I.
Published: March 2021

Relevance and methods. We studied the influence of LED lighting of different spectral composition on the content of photosynthetic pigments in tomato leaves to identify the most optimal lighting option suitable for obtaining high-quality seedlings under controlled conditions. We used LED lamps in which the ratio of the photon flux density (PFD) of the orange-red band (607–694 nm) to the PFD of the blue band (400–495 nm) varied from 1 to 20. In this case, the proportion of the PFD in the range 580-607 nm ( yellow) ranged from 13 to 22%, and the fraction of photons in the range 495–580 nm (green) ranged from 18 to 38%. The research was carried out with two varieties of Belarusian tomato varieties, which differed in a number of morphobiological characteristics.

Results. It was found that the use of LED lighting of different spectral composition had mainly an inhibitory effect on the biosynthesis of chlorophylls and carotenoids in the leaf tissue of plants. The decrease in the amount of pigments, in comparison with the control variant, reached 47-57%. It was revealed that under all studied lighting options, with the exception of conditions where the spectral ratio R / B ("red/blue") was 0.8, the value of the total inhibitory effect in the Cherry Coral variety was 1.2-1.7 times lower than that of the Zorka variety, which indicated a significantly lower susceptibility of the pigment fund of the former to LED lighting. The smallest inhibitory effect of the latter on the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments in both tomato varieties was established at a photon flux of 69.1 μmol/s, while the greatest, exceeding it by 3.0-3.1 times in the Zorka variety and 4.5-5.3 times for the Cherry Coral variety with a photon flux of 73.9 μmol/s.
Patterns of Dispersion, Movement and Feeding of the Sea Urchin Lytechinus variegatus, and the Potential Implications for Grazing Impact on Live Seagrass
Authors: Parson Adrianna , Dirnberger Joseph , Mutchler Troy
Published: March 2021

The sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus is a known grazer of both living and dead tissue of turtlegrass, Thalassia testudinum, occasionally denuding large areas of seagrass. Field studies have attempted to assess effects of herbivory on seagrass by enclosing urchins at various densities. However, it is unclear how unrestricted urchins affect seagrass at lower densities more typically observed in the field. This study describes movement, feeding, and distribution of L. variegatus within beds of T. testudinum in St. Joseph Bay, Florida (USA) to quantify this urchin’s impact as a seagrass grazer. Urchins were absent from portions of seagrass beds closest to shore, present at low densities midway across the bed, and at highest densities (up to ~5 individuals/m2) at the offshore edge of the bed. Urchins tended not to aggregate, moved twice as rapidly where seagrass cover was reduced, and moved > 20X faster when placed in areas of open sand. Dead seagrass tissue occurred 4—30X more frequently on oral surfaces than living seagrass tissue. Fecal pellets with dead seagrass tissue were > 3X more common than pellets with live seagrass tissue. Injury to seagrass leaves was more common along dead leaf sections than live sections (> 2—10X). Overall, spatial distributions, movement, and diet indicate that L. variegatus at densities observed in this study would tend to have minimal effects on living seagrass. Episodic periods of denuding grassbeds reported in the literature suggest L. variegatus switches to live seagrass tissue as dead tissue becomes scarce during times of high urchin density.
Optimization of Heparin Monitoring with Anti-FXa Assays and Impact of Dextran Sulfate for Measuring All In-Vivo Drug Activity
Authors: AMIRAL JEAN , AMIRAL Cedric , DUNOIS Claire
Published: March 2021

Heparins, Unfractionated or Low Molecular Weight, are permanently at the spotlight of both clinical indications and laboratory monitoring. An accurate drug dosage is necessary for an effi-cient and safe therapy. The one-stage anti-FXa kinetics’ assays are the most widely and universally used with full automation for large series, without needing exogenous Antithrombin. WHO in-ternational standards are available for UFH and LMWH, but external quality assessment surveys still report a high inter-assay variability. This heterogeneity results from: assay formulation, designed without or with dextran sulfate to measure all heparin in blood circulation; calibrators for testing UFH or LMWH with the same curve; and automation parameters. The various factors which impact heparin measurements are reviewed, and we share our experience to optimize assays for completely testing plasma heparin. Evidence is provided on the usefulness of low molecular weight dextran sulfate to mobilize all drug present in blood circulation. Other key factors concern adjustment of assay conditions to obtain fully superimposable calibration curves for UFH and LMWH, and automation parameters. The study is illustrated by the performances of the various anti-FXa assays used for testing heparin on UFH or LMWH treated patients’ plasmas and obtained using citrate or CTAD anticoagulants. Comparable results are obtained only when CTAD anti-coagulant is used. Using citrate UFH is underestimated in the absence of dextran sulfate. Heparin calibrators, adjustment of automation parameters and data treatment contribute to other smaller differences.
River Flows are a Reliable Index of Forest Fire Risk in the Temperate Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Australia
Authors: Bowman David MJS , Williamson Grant J
Published: March 2021

Fire risk can be defined as the probability that a fire will spread. Reliable monitoring of fire risk is essential for effective landscape management. Compilation of fire risk records enable identification of seasonal and inter-annual patterns and provide a baseline to evaluate the trajectories in response to climate change. Typically, fire risk is estimated from meteorological data. In regions with sparse meteorological station coverage environmental proxies provide important additional data stream for estimating past and current fire risk. Here we use a 60-year record of daily flows from two rivers (Franklin and Davey) in the remote Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) to characterize seasonal patterns in fire risk in temperate Eucalyptus and rainforests. We show that river flows are strongly related to landscape soil moisture estimates derived from down-scaled re-analysis of meteorological data available since 1990. To identify river flow thresholds where forests are likely to burn, we relate river flows to known forest fires that have occurred in the previously defined ecohydrological domains that surround the Franklin and Davey catchments. Our analysis shows that the fire season in the TWWHA is centered on February (70% of all years below the median threshold), with shoulders on December-January and March. Since 1954 forest fire can occur in at least one month for all but four summers in the ecohydrological domain that includes the Franklin catchment, and since 1964 fire fires could occur in at least one month in every summer in the ecohydrological domain that includes the Davey catchment. Our analysis shows that mangers can use river flows as a simple index that provide a landscape-scale forest fire risk in the TWWHA.
Condition Assessment for Concrete Sewer Pipes Using Displacement Probes: A Robotic Design Case Study
Authors: Ross Robert , Stumpf Alex , Barnett Dean , Hall Richard
Published: March 2021

Worldwide, millions of kilometres of sewers are constructed from concrete pipes. Unfortunately, concrete sewers are susceptible to corrosion from biogenic hydrogen sulphide, and though they may pass visual inspection, their ability to hold together under load may be degraded. This paper presents the design of a teleoperated robot with a protractible probe, that allows an operator to apply a localised load to selected points within a concrete sewer pipe. We report findings from laboratory and field trials of our prototype, with initial results suggesting that this approach has the potential to contribute useful information to sewer maintenance planning.
Defending Density
Authors: Samuelian Michael
Published: March 2021

We have an aversion to density in America. Density is a continual trope in this country, blamed for all of the ills of urban life, from crime and racial unrest in the middle of the 20th century to public health concerns today. In the early stages of the COVID pandemic density was the culprit, even though we’ve subsequently seen outbreaks in rural areas and sprawling cities across the United States. This paper will look into the root of America’s problems with density and argue that density is not the problem but the solution to the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s cities. As we deplete the resources of the planet, density is our most direct pathway to recover some balance with nature. Dense living is more efficient, less carbon intensive and more environmentally sustainable. As geospatial differentiations matter less due to advances in communication technology, it's the density of people and ideas that will continue to fuel innovation. Finally, in a world that is increasingly dominated by pluralism, denser living promotes openness, tolerance and diversity.
RNA Interference Strategies for Future Management of Plant Pathogenic Fungi: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Gebremichael Daniel , Haile Zeraye Mehari , Negrini Francesca , Sabbadini Silvia , Capriotti Luca , Mezzetti Bruno , Baraldi Elena
Published: March 2021

Plant pathogenic fungi are the largest group of disease-causing agents on crop plants and represent a persistent and significant threat to agriculture worldwide. Conventional approaches based on the use of pesticides raise social concern for the impact on the environment and human health and alternative control methods are urgently needed. The rapid improvement and extensive implementation of RNAi technology for various model and non-model organisms has provided the initial framework to adapt this post-transcriptional gene silencing technology for the management of fungal pathogens. In this review, we describe exogenous RNAi involved in plant pathogenic fungi and discuss small RNA production, formulation, and RNAi delivery methods. We explore some challenges with possible solutions. Furthermore, exogenous RNAi holds great potential for RNAi-mediated plant pathogenic fungal disease control.
Focal Vibration Therapy: Vibration Parameters of Effective Wearable Devices
Authors: Ghazi Mustafa , Rippetoe Josiah , Chandrashekhar Raghuveer , Wang Hongwu
Published: March 2021

Focal vibration therapy can provide neurophysiological benefits. Unfortunately, standardized protocols are non-existent. Previous research presents a wide range of protocols with a wide range of effectiveness. This paper is part of a broader effort to identify effective, standardized protocols for focal vibration therapy. The vibration characteristics of four commercially available focal vibration devices that have been used for research and clinically were measured. An accelerometer was used for the measurements. Frequency and peak-to-peak amplitude were measured. Measurements were made when the devices were free and then again when they were strapped to the human body. Vibration frequency ranged from 120 to 225 Hz. Free vibration amplitude ranged from 2.0 to 7.9 g’s (peak-to-peak). When the devices were strapped to the body (constrained), vibration amplitude decreased by up to 65.7%. These results identify effective ranges of focal vibration frequency and amplitude. They illustrate the importance of identifying vibration environment, free or constrained, when quoting vibration characteristics. Finally, the inconsistency of multi-actuator devices is discussed. These results will guide protocol development for focal vibration and potentially better focal vibration devices.
Rainfall Threshold for Flash Flood Warning Based on Model Output of Soil Moisture: Case Study Wernersbach, Germany
Authors: Luong Thanh Thi , Pöschmann Judith , Kronenberg Rico , Bernhofer Christian
Published: March 2021

Convective rainfall can cause dangerous flash floods within less than six hours. Thus, simple approaches are required for issuing quick warnings. The Flash Flood Guidance (FFG) approach pre-calculates rainfall levels (thresholds) potentially causing critical water levels for a specific catchment. Afterwards, only rainfall and soil moisture information is required to issue warn-ings. This study applied the principle of FFG to the Wernersbach Catchment (Germany) with excellent data coverage using the BROOK90 water budget model. The rainfall thresholds were determined for durations of 1 to 24 hours, by running BROOK90 in “inverse” mode, identifying rainfall values for each duration that led to exceedance of critical discharge (fixed value). After calibrating the model based on its runoff, we ran it in hourly mode with four precipitation types and various levels of initial soil moisture for the period 1996 – 2010. The rainfall threshold curves showed a very high probability of detection (POD) of 91% for the 40 extracted flash flood events in the study period, however, the false alarm rate (FAR) of 56% and the critical success index (CSI) of 42% should be improved in further studies. The approach proved potential as an early flood indicator for head-catchments with limited available information.
Microglia and Inhibitory Circuitry in the Medullary Dorsal Horn: Laminar and Time-Dependent Changes in a Trigeminal Model of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: García-Magro Nuria , Martin Yasmina B. , Negredo Pilar , Zafra Francisco , Avendaño Carlos
Published: March 2021

Craniofacial neuropathic pain affects millions of people worldwide and is often difficult to treat. Two key mechanisms underlying this condition are a loss of the negative control exerted by inhibitory interneurons and an early microglial reaction. Basic features of these mechanisms, however, are still poorly understood. Using the chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-IoN) model of neuropathic pain in mice, we have examined the changes in the expression of GAD, the synthetic enzyme of GABA, and GlyT2, the membrane transporter of glycine, as well as the microgliosis that occur at early (5 days) and late (21 days) stages post-CCI in the medullary and upper spinal dorsal horn. Our results show that CCI-IoN induces a down-regulation of GAD at both postinjury survival times, uniformly across the superficial laminae. The expression of GlyT2 showed a more discrete and heterogeneous reduction due to the basal presence in lamina III of ‘patches’ of higher expression, interspersed within a less immunoreactive ‘matrix’, which showed a more substantial reduction in the expression of GlyT2. These patches coincided with foci lacking any perceptible microglial reaction, which stood out against a more diffuse areas of strong microgliosis. These findings may provide clues to better understand the neural mechanisms underlying allodynia in neuropathic pain syndromes.
Germination and Initial Growth of Sunflower Irrigated With Untreated and Treated (by Distillation and Electro-fenton) Landfill Leachate
Authors: Rigo Michelle Machado , Souza Paulo Sérgio , Cerqueira Alexandre Andrade , Paiva Julieta Laudelina de , Perez Daniel Vidal , Marques Monica Regina da Costa
Published: March 2021

Currently, water scarcity, especially in irrigated agriculture, has led researchers to study reuse to study industrial and sewage reuse. Landfill leachates deserve special attention due to its difficulty of tratment they are effluents that are difficult to treat and because it contains essential susbstances for plant nutrition, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and its application in agriculture can be considered a noble use if it is properly handled and does not cause phytotoxicity. This study investigated the effects of different dilutions of treated and non-treated landfill leachate on germination and vitality of sunflower seed (cv. BRS 321), its effects in growth,and vitality and soil atributes under sunflower culture in greenhouse. The leachate was treated by two electro-Fenton process or distillation. The results showed that sunflower cv. BRS 321 seeds, germinated vigorously up to 25% effluent dilution, showing resistance to salinity and phytotoxicity at 50% raw leachate dilution. 15% dillution showed satisfactory results in sunflower growth and nutrition. However the leachate use of higher concentrations showed some changes in soil characteristics. This study suggests that landfill leachate can be used in seed germination under proper use and application, in their lowest leachate concentrations and always based on the chemical analyzes of the leachate.
Microbiomes of Clownfish and Their Symbiotic Host Anemone Converge Before Their First Physical Contact
Authors: Audet-Gilbert Émie , Sylvain François-Étienne , Bouslama Sidki , Derome Nicolas
Published: March 2021

BackgroundOne of the most charismatic, and yet not completely resolved example of mutualistic interaction is the partnership of clownfish and its symbiotic sea anemone. The mechanism explaining this tolerance currently relies on the molecular mimicry of clownfish epithelial mucus, which could serve as camouflage, preventing the anemone's nematocysts' discharge. Resident bacteria are known as key drivers of epithelial mucus chemical signature in vertebrates. A recent study has proposed a restructuration of the skin microbiota in a generalist clown fish when first contacting its symbiotic anemone. We explored a novel hypothesis by testing the effect of remote interaction on epithelial microbiota restructuration in both partners. MethodsWith metataxonomics, we investigated the epithelial microbiota dynamic of 18 pairs of percula clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and their symbiotic anemone Heteractis magnifica in remote interaction, physical interaction and control groups for both partners during a four weeks trial.ResultsPhysical and Remote Interaction groups’ results evidence gradual epithelial microbiota convergence between both partners when fish and anemone were placed in the same water system. This convergence occurred preceding any physical contact between partners, and was maintained during the two-weeks interaction period in both contact groups. After the interaction period, community structure of both fish and anemone’s epthelial community structures maintained the interaction signature two weeks after fish-anemone pairs separation. Furthermore, the interaction signature persistence was observed both in Physical and Remote Interaction groups, thus suggesting that water-mediated chemical communication between symbiotic partners was strong enough to shift the skin microbiota durably, even after the separation of fish-anemone pairs. Finally, our results suggest that fish-anemone convergent microbiota restructuration was increasingly associated with the parallel recruitment of three Flavobacteriaceae strains closely related to a tyrosinase-producing Cellulophaga tyrosinoxydans. ConclusionsOur study shows that bacterial community restructuration, in the acclimation process, does not only rely on direct physical contact. Furthermore, our results challenge, for the first time, the traditional unidirectional chemical camouflage hypothesis, as we argue that convergence of the epithelial microbiota of both partners may play essential roles in establishing mutual acceptance.
Combined Effect of White Blood Cell and Platelet Count for Predicting In-Hospital Mortality and Pneumonia in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: You Shoujiang , Xu Guoli , Zhou Yi , Zhong Chongke , Cheng Juping , Zhai Wanqing , Cao Yongjun , Liu Chun-Feng
Published: March 2021

Background: High white blood cell (WBC) count was the risk factors for mortality and pneumonia after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Low platelet count increased the risk of mortality. We investigated the combined effect of WBC count and platelet count on hospital admission and in-hospital mortality and pneumonia in acute AIS patients.Methods: A total of 3,265 AIS patients enrolled from December 2013 to May 2014 across 22 hospitals in Suzhou city were included in the present study. We divided patients into four groups according to their level of WBC count and platelet count: LWHP (low WBC and high platelet), LWLP (low WBC and low platelet), HWHP (high WBC and high platelet) and HWLP (high WBC and low platelet). Cox proportional logistic regression model were used to estimate the combined effect of WBC count and platelet count on all cause in-hospital mortality and pneumonia in AIS patients. Results: HWLP was associated with a 2.07-fold increase in the risk of in-hospital mortality in comparison to LWHP (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-4.18; P-trend =0.020). The risk of pneumonia was significantly higher in patients with HWLP compared to those with LWHP (adjusted OR 2.29; 95% CI, 1.57-3.35; P-trend <0.001). The C-statistic for the combined WBC count and platelet count was higher than WBC count or platelet count alone for prediction of in-hospital mortality and pneumonia (all p < 0.01). Conclusions: High WBC count combined with low platelet count level at admission was independently associated with in-hospital mortality and pneumonia in AIS patients. Moreover, the combination of WBC count and platelet count level appeared to be a better predictor than WBC count or platelet count alone.
Status of Exclusive Breast Feeding Among Children Born to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Positive Mothers Attending Public Health Facilities in Western Ethiopia. Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Bultum Ejigayehu Tolessa , Roro Elias Merdassa , Regassa Ilili Feyesa
Published: March 2021

Background: Only about 39% of infants in the developing countries are exclusively breast-fed for the first six months. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive women were confused about feeding methods. Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) practice of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive mothers is sub-optimal in Ethiopia. Hence, we want to identify the main factors influencing exclusive breast-feeding among HIV positive breast-feeding mothers. Main aims of the study were to assess the level and factors influencing Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) among children born to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive mothers attending public health facilities in western Ethiopia.Methods: A facility based cross sectional study was carried out from September 2017 to June 30, 2018 among Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive mothers with infants aged 6-23 months. Among public health facilities found in three districts from of West, East and Kellem Wollega Zones; thirteen facilities (i.e. 7 health centers and 6 hospitals) were randomly selected from among proving ART and PMTCT Services. Respondents were recruited by systematic random sampling techniques from these facilities using clients registers as sampling frame. Data were collected using face to face interviewer administered pre-tested questionnaire. The data were entered into computers using EPI info Version 3.5.1 and analyzed with SPSS Version 20 for windows. Candidate variables for the final multi-variable model were selected considering P< 0.05 at bivariable analysis. Associations were declared at P< 0.05 by assuming Confidence Intervals did not crossed number ‘1’with corresponding 95%. Results were presented using standard data presentation tools. Results: A total of 218 Human Immune Virus positive mothers were included in this study. Of these, only 122 (56.0%) practiced Exclusive Breast Feeding. The proportion of respondents who initiated Exclusive Breast Feeding within the first hours of delivery were 134 (61.8%). Mean age of the study participants were 28.68 with SD + 4.2. Mothers’ advices on child exclusive breast-feeding [AOR 3, 95% CI (1.2-6.7)], disclosure of HIV status to close friends [AOR 6, 95% CI (1.18-29.64)] and believing HIV can be transmitted during delivery [AOR 5.2, 95% CI (1.10-24.00)] were found to increase the change of exclusive breast-feeding practices among the study participants (P-value < 0.05).Conclusion Slightly more than half of the mothers practiced exclusive breast feeding for the first six months. Care providers should encourage mothers to practice exclusive breast feeding in the first six months and to disclose their test results to their husbands. Efforts should be in place to curb the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission during delivery.
Optimization of Protocols for Pre-Embedding Immunogold Electron Microscopy of Neurons in Cell Cultures and Brains
Authors: Tao-Cheng Jung-Hwa , Crocker Virginia , Moreira Sandra Lara , Azzam Rita
Published: March 2021

Immunogold labeling allows localization of proteins at the electron microscopy (EM) level of resolution, and quantification of signals. The present paper summarizes methodological issues and experiences gained from studies on the distribution of synaptic and other neuron-specific proteins in cell cultures and brain tissues via a pre-embedding method. An optimal protocol includes careful determination of a fixation condition for any particular antibody, a well-planned tissue processing procedure, and a strict evaluation of the credibility of the labeling. Here, tips and caveats on different steps of the sample preparation protocol are illustrated with examples. A good starting condition for EM-compatible fixation and permeabilization is 4% paraformaldehyde in PBS for 30 min at room temperature, followed by 30 min incubation with 0.1% saponin. An optimal condition can then be readjusted for each particular antibody. Each lot of the secondary antibody (conjugated with a 1.4 nm small gold particle) needs to be evaluated against known standards for labeling efficiency. Silver enhancement is required to make the small gold visible, and quality of the silver-enhanced signals can be affected by subsequent steps of osmium tetroxide treatment, uranyl acetate en bloc staining, and by detergent or ethanol used to clean the diamond knife for cutting thin sections. Most importantly, verification of signals requires understanding of the protein of interest in order to validate for correct localization of antibodies at expected epitopes on particular organelles, and quantification of signals needs to take into consideration the penetration gradient of reagents and clumping of secondary antibodies.
Functional annotation of creeping bentgrass protein sequences based on convolutional neural network
Authors: Jiang Han-Yu , He Jun
Published: March 2021

Background: Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis soionifera) is a perennial grass of Gramineae, belonging to cold season turfgrass, but has shallow adventitious roots, poor disease-resistance. Little is known about the ISR mechanism of turfgrass and the signal transduction involved in disease-resistance induction, especially the function of a large number of disease-resistance related proteins are urgent to be explored.Results: In this work, the protein sequences of creeping bentgrass were measured and annotated by a functional prediction model based on convolutional neural network. Creeping bentgrass seedlings were grown with BDO treatment, and the ISR response was induced by infecting Rhizoctonia solani. We preformed the transcriptome analysis by Illumina Sequencing and high-quality unigenes were obtained. A minority of assembled unigenes were functionally annotated according to the database alignment while a large part of the obtained amino acid sequences was left non-annotated. To treat the non-annotated sequences, a prediction model was established by training the data set from GO families in three domains to acquire good performance, especially the higher false positive control rate. With such model, we analyzed the non-annotated protein sequences of creeping bentgrass transcriptome, and annotated the disease-resistance response and signal transduction related proteins. Conclusions: The results provide good candidates of the proteins with certain functions. With the results in this work, the waste of transcriptome sequencing data of creeping bentgrass can be avoided, and research time and labor for the analysis of ISR characteristics of creeping bentgrass will be saved in further research. It also provides reference for the sequence analysis of turfgrass disease-resistance research.
Convalescent plasma for adults with acute COVID-19 respiratory illness (CONCOR-1): Study protocol for an international, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial
Authors: Bégin Philippe , Callum Jeannie , Heddle Nancy , Cook Richard , Zeller Michelle P , Tinmouth Alan , Fergusson Dean , Cushing Melissa M , Glesby Marshall J , Chassé Michaël , Devine Dana V , Robitaille Nancy , Bazin Renée , Shehata Nadine , Finzi Andrés , McGeer Allison , Scales Damon , Schwartz Lisa , Turgeon Alexis F , Zarychanski Ryan , Daneman Nick , Carl Richard , Amorim Luiz , Gabe Caroline , Ellis Martin , Jamula Erin , Carruthers Julie , Duncan Joanne , Lucier Kayla , Armali Chantal , Kron Amie , Modi Dimpy , Auclair Marie-Christine , Avram Meda , Arnold Donald M
Published: March 2021

Background: Convalescent plasma has been used for numerous viral diseases including influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome and Ebola virus; however, evidence to support its use is weak. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus responsible for the 2019 global pandemic of COVID-19 community acquired pneumonia. We have undertaken a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.Methods: CONCOR-1 is an open-label, multicenter, randomized trial. Inclusion criteria include: patients >16 years; admitted to hospital with COVID-19 infection; receiving supplemental oxygen for respiratory complications of COVID-19; and, availability of blood group compatible CCP. Exclusion criteria are: onset of respiratory symptoms more than 12 days prior to randomization; intubated or planned for intubation; and previous severe reactions to plasma. Consenting patients will be randomized 2:1 to receive either approximately 500 mL of CCP or standard of care. CCP will be collected from donors who have recovered from COVID-19 and who have detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies quantified serologically. The primary outcome is intubation or death at Day 30. Secondary outcomes include ventilator free days, length of stay in intensive care or hospital, transfusion reactions, serious adverse events, and reduction in SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Exploratory analyses include patients who received CCP containing high titre antibodies. A sample size of 1200 patients gives 80% power to detect a 25% relative risk reduction assuming a 30% baseline risk of intubation or death at 30 days (two-sided test; α =0.05). An interim analysis and sample size re-estimation will be done by an unblinded independent biostatistician after primary outcome data are available for 50% of the target recruitment (n= 600). Discussion: This trial will determine whether CCP will reduce intubation or death non-intubated adults with COVID-19. The trial will also provide information on the role of and thresholds for SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers and neutralization assays for donor qualification.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04348656; registered 16 April 2020; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04348656?term=NCT04348656&draw=2&rank=1
The Micro-Tribological Behavior and Friction Mechanism of the Graphite/Cu Composites and Copper-coated Graphite-graphite/Cu Composites
Authors: Yi Mao-Zhong , Zhu Linying , Zhang Bei , Xie Aolin
Published: March 2021

The ring-block tribological behavior of the graphite/Cu(G/Cu) composites and copper-coated graphite-graphite/Cu(CCG-G/Cu) were studied by observing the friction coefficient,wear rate,microstructure and morphogoly of the composites after friction experiments.SEM and TEM were used to character the micro-morphology and micro-structure of debris,friction surface and friction cross section of the composites.The results show that adding 20wt% copper-coated graphite could reduced the friction coefficient and wear rate of the composites.The micro-morphology and micro-structure show that the copper phase are undergo oxidation and plastic deformation under cyclic stress,results in abundant deformation area in copper-rich zones.Interlaminar shedding and intramolecular tearing occurs in graphite phase,and then laid flat on the friction surface,forming a friction film with higher integrity and reducing the friction coefficient of the composites.The TEM images of the friction cross section show that deformation zone is mainly composed of accumulation zone,drag zone and carbon film.The simulation of the friction process shows that the initial stage is mainly dominated by abrasive wear and adhesive wear.With the progress of the experiment,the exposed copper phase is oxidized and oxidative wear occurs,graphite is shed and transferred to the contact surface.In the later stage of the experiment,a complete friction film with high graphite content is formed on the contact surface,which is mainly dominated by fatigue wear.
Pulmonary Function Changes in the Older adults with and without Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rangel Maysa Brandao , Moraes-Ferreira Renilson , Oliveira-Junior Manoel , Santos-Dias Alana , Bachi André , Gabriela-Pereira Giovana , Freitas Simone de Oliveira , Araújo-Rosa Amanda , Oliveira Luis , Frison Claudio , Raju Raghavan , Balagopal P , Vieira Rodolfo
Published: March 2021

Low-grade inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) triggers alterations in several organs, but its effects on pulmonary functional and immunological response in older adults are unknown. This cross-sectional study investigated such responses in older adults with and without MS. The study consisted of 77 older adults with MS (68 ± 3 years old) and without MS (67 ± 3 years old). Impulse oscillometry (IOS) was used to evaluate airway and tissue resistance and reactance. Biomarkers of systemic and pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis were studied. Total resistance of respiratory system (R5Hz; p < 0.009), and resistance of proximal (R20Hz; p < 0.001) and distal (R5Hz-R20Hz; p < 0.004) airways were impaired in MS individuals compared to those without MS. The levels of pro-inflammatory (leptin; IL-1beta; IL-8, p < 0.001; TNF-alpha, p < 0.04) and pro-fibrotic (VEGF, p < 0.001) factor increased in MS, while reduced levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (adiponectin; IL-1ra; IL-10; p < 0.001), and anti-fibrotic (relaxin 1; relaxin 3; Klotho, p < 0.001) factors were found. We conclude that MS accelerates lung function and mechanics impairment in older adults in detriment of an imbalance between pro and anti-inflammatory and fibrotic mediators. Furthermore, this study shows that the lungs also are a target organ in MS, deserving clinical assessment in older adults’ population.