bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Na2CO3/K2CO3 on Chemical Looping Combustion Using Fe2O3/Al2O3 as Oxygen Carrier
Authors: Zhang Zhifeng , Wang Yifei , Zhu Longchu , Li Jilin , Wang Fuchen , Yu Guangsuo
Published: December 2019

The performance of the Fe2O3/Al2O3 oxygen carrier modified by the alkali metals, Na and K, was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and in a laboratory‐scale fluidized‐bed reactor. Different factors, such as the alkali metal content, the alkali metal type, and the interaction between Na and K, were taken into account. Both Na and K had strong catalytic effects on the conversion of Fe2O3. A high K content caused serious agglomeration. Increasing the Na content led to slagging because of the low‐melting point solid solution. The possibility of agglomeration and slagging was reduced when Na and K were added together. The oxygen carrier with 1.5 wt % Na and 1.5 wt % K had better combustion efficiency and optimal thermal stability. Na and K could enhance the attrition resistance and prolong the lifetime of the oxygen carriers.
An Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Nanofiber Array for the Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Malachite Green
Authors: Yang Beibei , Bin Duan , Tian Tongtong , Liu Yun , Liu Baohong
Published: December 2019

The recycling of environmental wastes to produce value‐added materials is an attractive prospect for both economic and social development. Herein, we use natural crab shell as the templates to synthesize ordered mesoporous carbon nanofiber arrays (OMCNs) based on a combined hard‐templating and surfactant self‐assembly approach. The Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area of the OMCNs is calculated to be 1200 m2 g−1, which is accompanied by good conductivity and a mesoporous structure. The as‐prepared OMCNs exhibit a remarkable electrochemical performance for the detection of malachite green (MG). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) reveals that the MG sensor has a wide linear range from 0.1 μM to 22.1 μM with a low detection limit of 0.05 μM. The MG sensor also shows a good stability and excellent anti‐interference, which are investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Furthermore, such an electrochemical sensor is successfully applied for the determination of MG in fishery water samples.
Entrainment Control Using a Newly Developed Telecentric Inline Probe
Authors: Schulz Jonas , Schäfer Kevin , Bart Hans‐Jörg
Published: December 2019

This contribution presents a novel approach to investigate entrainment in distillation and absorption columns. An image‐based probe allows precise droplet detection at various radial and axial positions above trays. Validations achieve an average error of 6.4 % (monospheres 9.2–114.4 µm) and 3 % (monodisperse droplet stream up to 19 m s−1 and 74.5 µm). Experiments in a DN 450 cold flow test rig show an increasing (decreasing) share of larger droplets with higher gas (liquid) loads. Locally measured droplet sizes depend on probe position as well as tray design and enable an extrapolation to integral entrainment rates.
Research on partitioning algorithm based on RDF graph
Authors: Zheng Zhi‐yun , Wang Chen‐yu , Ding Yang , Li Lun , Li Dun
Published: December 2019

With the increasing size of the RDF dataset, the application of parallel computing frameworks is applying more and more widely in big data. In order to realize the parallel query of data, an edge partitioning algorithm is proposed based on RDF sentence graph. Firstly, the algorithm transforms the RDF graph into an RDF sentence graph using coarsening and partitioning. Secondly, the minimum degree vertex partitioning algorithm is put forward to partition the RDF sentence graph. Finally, according to the equivalence thought between edge segmentation of RDF sentence and vertex segmentation of RDF graph, the intersection between RDF subgraphs is the vertex cut set of RDF graph to achieve parallel query of RDF data. The experimental results show that the algorithm's partitioning time and efficiency are better than the traditional algorithms.
Isolation of High‐Quality RNA from Pichia pastoris
Authors: Öztürk Sibel , Demir İrem , Çalık Pınar
Published: December 2019

Analysis of RNA structuromes provides new insights into cellular processes, enabling systems biology and biotechnology researchers to calculate promoter and terminator strengths and to directly observe how differing circuit states impact host gene expression and the burdens imposed by the circuits. Such analysis, however, is crucially dependent on the availability of highly pure, intact RNA isolated from fresh or frozen cell cultures. RNA extraction from the yeast Pichia pastoris requires specific pretreatment steps to ensure the reproducibility of downstream applications, but current methods and extraction kits are generally adapted for the conventional yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which has a different cell wall composition. We therefore set out to compare the efficacy of two different RNA isolation methods when applied to P. pastoris: (i) phenol/chloroform extraction and (ii) silica spin‐column absorption. We compared the yield, integrity, and purity of the resulting isolated RNA from the two methods (using two different types of commercial columns for silica spin‐column absorption) and further optimized them through variations in the pretreatment steps. We also assessed two different methods of cell lysis: enzyme catalytic disruption using lyticase and mechanical disruption using acid‐washed glass‐beads in a TissueLyser. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: RNA isolation with phenol/chloroform extraction: monophasic lysis reagent

Alternate Protocol 1: RNA isolation with silica‐spin column absorption: High Pure RNA Isolation Kit (Roche Life Science)

Alternate Protocol 2: RNA isolation with silica‐spin column absorption: RNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen)
Influence of flow shear on localized Rayleigh–Taylor and resistive drift wave instabilities
Authors: Zhang Yanzeng , Krasheninnikov Sergei I. , Smolyakov Andrei I.
Published: December 2019

The impact of velocity shear on the localized solutions of Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) and resistive drift wave (DW) instabilities has been investigated. Slab geometry is used, and the plasma density gradient is assumed to have a finite spatial structure. It demonstrates that the velocity shear has quite different effects on these instabilities: while it stabilizes RT instability and causes tilting of the eddies of equipotential contour, it has a very mild impact on the resistive DW instability and simply shifts the eddies with no tilting.
Affinity propagation‐based interference‐free clustering for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Lin Hai , Chen Zhihong , Li June
Published: December 2019

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs), eg, industrial WSNs, require reliability and real‐time communication. Clustering technique together with schedule‐based access can provide the benefits, such as energy saving, reliability, and timeliness. However, integrating above two technologies into WSNs requires sophistical time slot allocation mechanism. To simplify the time slot allocation, the paper proposes a distributed interference‐free clustering algorithm for WSNs. The algorithm is inspired by affinity propagation (AP) clustering algorithm. By adapting and improving the original AP algorithm, the proposed clustering algorithm aims to jointly optimize energy saving and coverage issues while providing interference free between clusters. The performance analysis demonstrates that it can achieve high receiving rate (reliability), low delay (real time), and low‐energy consumption.
Sleep deprivation decreases the reproductive capacity by affecting the arrival of morulas in the uterus
Authors: Calegare Bruno Frederico Aguilar , Azzolini Augusto , da Silva Vallim Julia Ribeiro , Turco Edson Guimarães Lo , Tempaku Priscila Farias , da Silva Vanessa Cavalcante , Tufik Sergio , D'Almeida Vânia
Published: December 2019

A previous animal study by our group found that sleep deprivation during preimplantation was associated with decreased pregnancy maintenance. Given its impact on human society, we aimed in the current study to assess whether sleep deprivation affects blastocyst gene expression and/or the implantation process. For this, pregnant mice (gestational day 0 [GD 0]) were assigned into paradoxical sleep deprivation (SD, 72 hr; multiple platform method) and, a control (CT) group. Animals were euthanized on GD 3.5 and blood, uterus (embryos) and fallopian tube were collected. Then, 89% of CT presented blastocysts in the uterus versus 25% from SD group. Compared to CT, SD presented lighter relative uterus weight, increased plasma concentrations of corticosterone and testosterone, decreased concentrations of progesterone and luteinizing hormone, but no statistical differences in plasma concentrations of 17β‐estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone. There were no differences in uterus and blastocyst gene expression related to embryo implantation and development, and no alteration in blastocysts global DNA methylation. Considering this, the decreased pregnancy maintenance after sleep deprivation seems not to be associated with implantation losses or developmental problems related to the blastocysts. It is likely that complications in morula development and/or its movement through the fallopian tubes affect the pregnancy rate, since only 25% of SD females presented a blastocyst on the GD 3.5. In fact, three out of four females without blastocysts in the uterus presented morula in the fallopian tubes due to a phase delay. Additionally, we suggest that the observed hormonal changes may play a role in this outcome.
Morphological and molecular characterization of freshwater prawn of genus Macrobrachium in the coastal area of Cameroon
Authors: Makombu Judith G. , Stomeo Francesca , Oben Pius M. , Tilly Eldridge , Stephen Opiyo O. , Oben Benedicta O. , Cheruiyot Evans K. , Tarekegn Getinet Mekuriaw , Zango Paul , Egbe Atem E. , Ndagyong Abigail , Mialhe Eric , Ngueguim Jules R. , Mujibi Fidalis D. N.
Published: December 2019

Macrobrachium (Bate, 1868) is a large and cosmopolitan crustacean genus of high economic importance worldwide. We investigated the morphological and molecular identification of freshwater prawns of the genus Macrobrachium in South, South West, and Littoral regions of Cameroon. A total of 1,566 specimens were examined morphologically using a key described by Konan (Diversité morphologique et génétique des crevettes des genres Atya Leach, 1816 et Macrobrachium Bate, 1868 de Côte d'Ivoire, 2009, Université d'Abobo Adjamé, Côte d'Ivoire), leading to the identification of seven species of Macrobrachium: M. vollenhovenii (Herklots, 1857); M. macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851); M. sollaudii (De Man, 1912); M. dux (Lenz, 1910); M. chevalieri (Roux, 1935); M. felicinum (Holthuis, 1949); and an undescribed Macrobrachium species M. sp. To validate the genetic basis of the identified species, 94 individuals representing the species were selected and subjected to genetic characterization using 1,814 DArT markers. The admixture analysis revealed four groups: M. vollenhovenii and M. macrobrachion; M. chevalieri; M. felicinum and M. sp; and M. dux and M. sollaudii. But, the principal component analysis (PCA) separated M. sp and M. felicinum to create additional group (i.e., five groups). Based on these findings, M. vollenhovenii and M. macrobrachion may be conspecific, as well as M. dux and M. sollaudii, while M. felicinum and M. sp seems to be different species, suggesting a potential conflict between the morphological identification key and the genetic basis underlying speciation and species allocation for Macrobrachium. These results are valuable in informing breeding design and genetic resource conservation programs for Macrobrachium in Africa.
Does intensive goose grazing affect breeding waders?
Authors: Madsen Jesper , Marcussen Luna Kondrup , Knudsen Niels , Balsby Thorsten Johannes Skovbjerg , Clausen Kevin Kuhlmann
Published: December 2019

Increasing goose population sizes gives rise to conflicts with human socioeconomic interests and in some circumstances conservation interests. Grazing by high abundances of geese in grasslands is postulated to lead to a very short and homogeneous sward height negatively affecting cover for breeding meadow birds and impacting survival of nests and chicks. We studied the effects of spring grazing barnacle geese Branta leucopsis and brent geese Branta bernicla on occupancy of extensively farmed freshwater grasslands by nesting and brood‐rearing waders on the island Mandø in the Danish Wadden Sea. We hypothesized that goose grazing would lead to a shorter grass sward, negatively affecting the field occupancy by territorial/nesting and chick‐rearing waders, particularly species preferring taller vegetation. Goose grazing led to a short grass sward (<5 cm height) over most of the island. To achieve a variation in sward height, we kept geese off certain fields using laser light. We analyzed effects of field size, sward height, mosaic structure of the vegetation, proximity to shrub as cover for potential predators, and elevation above ground water level as a measure of wetness on field occupancy by nesting and chick‐rearing waders. The analysis indicated that the most important factor explaining field occupancy by nesting redshank Tringa totanus, black‐tailed godwit Limosa limosa, oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus and lapwing Vanellus vanellus as well as by chick‐rearing black‐tailed godwit and lapwing was short vegetation height. Distance to shrub cover and elevation were less important. Hence, despite very intensive goose grazing, we could not detect any negative effect on the field occupancy by nesting nor chick‐rearing waders, including redshank and black‐tailed godwit, which are known to favor longer vegetation to conceal their nests and hide their chicks. Possible negative effects may be buffered by mosaic structures in fields and proximity to taller vegetation along fences and ditches.
European Society of Cardiology/Heart Failure Association position paper on the role and safety of new glucose‐lowering drugs in patients with heart failure
Authors: Seferović Petar M. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Ponikowski Piotr , Filippatos Gerasimos , Huelsmann Martin , Jhund Pardeep S. , Polovina Marija M. , Komajda Michel , Seferović Jelena , Sari Ibrahim , Cosentino Francesco , Ambrosio Giuseppe , Metra Marco , Piepoli Massimo , Chioncel Ovidiu , Lund Lars H. , Thum Thomas , De Boer Rudolf A. , Mullens Wilfried , Lopatin Yuri , Volterrani Maurizio , Hill Loreena , Bauersachs Johann , Lyon Alexander , Petrie Mark C. , Anker Stefan , Rosano Giuseppe M.C.
Published: December 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Significant advances have recently occurred in the treatment of T2DM, with evidence of several new glucose‐lowering medications showing either neutral or beneficial cardiovascular effects. However, some of these agents have safety characteristics with strong practical implications in HF [i.e. dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RA), and sodium–glucose co‐transporter type 2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors].

Regarding safety of DPP‐4 inhibitors, saxagliptin is not recommended in HF because of a greater risk of HF hospitalisation. There is no compelling evidence of excess HF risk with the other DPP‐4 inhibitors. GLP‐1 RAs have an overall neutral effect on HF outcomes. However, a signal of harm suggested in two small trials of liraglutide in patients with reduced ejection fraction indicates that their role remains to be defined in established HF. SGLT‐2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, canagliflozin and dapagliflozin) have shown a consistent reduction in the risk of HF hospitalisation regardless of baseline cardiovascular risk or history of HF. Accordingly, SGLT‐2 inhibitors could be recommended to prevent HF hospitalisation in patients with T2DM and established cardiovascular disease or with multiple risk factors. The recently completed trial with dapagliflozin has shown a significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality and HF events in patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction, with or without T2DM. Several ongoing trials will assess whether the results observed with dapagliflozin could be extended to other SGLT‐2 inhibitors in the treatment of HF, with either preserved or reduced ejection fraction, regardless of the presence of T2DM. This position paper aims to summarise relevant clinical trial evidence concerning the role and safety of new glucose‐lowering therapies in patients with HF.
Catalytic Domino Annulations through η3‐Allylpalladium Chemistry: A Never‐Ending Story
Authors: Liu Yang , Oble Julie , Pradal Alexandre , Poli Giovanni
Published: December 2019

Annulative η3‐allylpalladium chemistry has been a longstanding trending research topic since the 80's. Nowadays, this research area is still providing challenges to the catalysis community leading to the development original and brand‐new transformations. Several reaction partners have been used as precursors for η3‐allylpalladium species, namely allyl diacetates, allyl monoacetates, 3‐acetoxy‐2‐trimethylsilylmethyl‐1‐propene (ASMP), alkylidene cyclopropanes (ACPs), vinyl cyclopropanes (VCPs), vinyl aziridines, and vinyl epoxides. This minireview is intended to show the recent developments in the field of annulative η3‐allylpalladium chemistry with emphasis on new reactivity, enantioselective transformations as well as potential applications in total synthesis.
Synthesis of Cinnamides via Amidation Reaction of Cinnamic Acids with Tetraalkylthiuram Disulfides Under Simple Condition
Authors: Lai Miao , Wu Zhiyong , Su Fangyao , Yu Yujian , Jing Yanqiu , Kong Jinmin , Wang Zhenteng , Wang Shuai , Zhao Mingqin
Published: December 2019

A facile and efficient methodology for the synthesis of cinnamides has been achieved under metal‐ and additive‐free conditions. This method allows the efficient C–N cross‐coupling of diverse cinnamic acids with tetraalkylthiuram disulfides through a simply mixing operation in 1,2‐dichloroethane at 100 °C. The protocol provides a direct approach to cinnamides and is featured with readily available starting materials and broad substrate scope, which shows its practical synthetic value in organic synthesis.
Back to the future: rethinking socioecological systems underlying high nature value farmlands
Authors: Lomba Angela , Moreira Francisco , Klimek Sebastian , Jongman Robert HG , Sullivan Caroline , Moran James , Poux Xavier , Honrado João P , Pinto‐Correia Teresa , Plieninger Tobias , McCracken David I
Published: December 2019

Farmlands are currently among the dominant uses of the land. When managed under low‐input farming systems, farmlands are associated with diverse cultural and natural heritages around the world. Known in Europe as high nature value (HNV) farmlands, these agricultural landscapes and their associated farming systems evolved as tightly coupled socioecological systems, and are essential to biodiversity conservation and the delivery of ecosystem services to society. However, HNV farmlands are vulnerable to socioeconomic changes that lead to either agricultural intensification or land abandonment. We present a range of plausible future scenarios for HNV farmlands, and discuss the related management options and expected socioecological outcomes for each scenario. We then provide recommendations for policy, practice, and research on how to best ensure the socioecological viability of HNV farming systems in the future.
Crowd‐sourced data reveal social–ecological mismatches in phenology driven by climate
Authors: Breckheimer Ian K , Theobald Elli J , Cristea Nicoleta C , Wilson Anna K , Lundquist Jessica D , Rochefort Regina M , HilleRisLambers Janneke
Published: December 2019

Shifts in phenology that are driven by climate change have substantial impacts on ecosystems, but the effects of these ecological shifts on coupled social–ecological systems remain largely unexplored. Using a large database of crowd‐sourced photographs from the image‐hosting website Flickr, we show that early snow disappearance conditions similar to those expected by the late 21st century cause the seasonal peak of human visitation at Mount Rainier National Park (NP) to become mismatched from the seasonal peak of wildflower displays, a key visitor draw. Our work indicates that these mismatches between social and ecological systems were a product of both visitor behavior and management constraints, and could fundamentally alter visitor experiences in iconic natural areas like Mount Rainier NP. Recent dramatic growth in the volume of georeferenced citizen‐based observations and the increased availability of high‐resolution climate data will soon make it feasible to examine how climate affects social–ecological mismatches at very large spatial scales.
Acheta domesticus (Cricket) feed resources among smallholder farmers in Lake Victoria region of Kenya
Authors: Oloo Jackline A. , Ayieko Monica , Nyongesah John Maina
Published: December 2019

The quality of domesticated crickets depends on the choice of feed substrate that has a direct impact on the economic viability of the farming operation. This study assessed the popular local cricket feeds in the Lake Victoria region. Data were collected through individual interviews, focus group discussions, personal observations, and growth experiments. Kales, sweet potato leaves, ugali, and banana peels were the most preferred by the farmers. Crickets fed on kales and sweet potatoes had a significantly higher weight gain and maturity rate than those fed on ugali and banana peels (p < .05). Additionally, crickets fed on kales and sweet potatoes had higher (82.4% and 78.6%, respectively) crude proteins compared to those fed on ugali (57.9%) and banana peels (62.9%). Kales and sweet potatoes can serve as cheaper, alternative local feeds for cricket farming. Empowerment of farmers through subsidies or provision of loans can enhance local cricket feed production.
Study of anticancer, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and silver nanoparticles production by Sidr honey from three different sources
Authors: Ghramh Hamed A. , Ibrahim Essam H. , Kilany Mona
Published: December 2019

Sidr honey is used as food and medicine in many countries. Study of immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of Sidr honey did not tested before. The aim of this work was to study the anticancer activity and immunomodulatory as well as antimicrobial potential of Sidr honey and its synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Sidr honey from three sources (two from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and one from Pakistan) was diluted to 20% and tested for its biological activities and to synthesize AgNPs. The results demonstrated that honeys could produce AgNPs (spherical shape), modulated the growth of normal splenic cells, and have antimicrobial activities. Sidr honey has anticancer activity against HepG2 but not Hela cells. Sidr honey can be used as antimicrobial agent, but can be used as anticancer agent with care as it stimulated cell growth of some lines (e.g., Hala) and inhibited another (e.g., HepG2).
Splicing Regulator p54nrb/Non–POU Domain–Containing Octamer‐Binding Protein Enhances Carcinogenesis Through Oncogenic Isoform Switch of MYC Box–Dependent Interacting Protein 1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Zhixiang , Dong Liangqing , Li Shengli , Li Zhe , Qiao Yejun , Li Yuchen , Ding Jie , Chen Zhiao , Wu Yangjun , Wang Zhen , Huang Shenglin , Gao Qiang , Zhao Yingjun , He Xianghuo
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims

Alternative splicing (AS) is a key step that increases the diversity and complexity of the cancer transcriptome. Recent evidence has highlighted that AS has an increasingly crucial role in cancer. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying AS and its dysregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive. Here, we report that the expression of RNA‐binding protein p54nrb/non‐POU domain‐containing octamer‐binding protein (NONO) is frequently increased in patients with HCC and is associated with poor outcomes.

Approach and Results

Knockdown of NONO significantly abolished liver cancer cell proliferation, migration, and tumor formation. RNA‐sequencing revealed that NONO regulates MYC box–dependent interacting protein 1 (or bridging integrator 1 [BIN1]; also known as amphiphysin 2 3P9) exon 12a splicing. In the normal liver, BIN1 generates a short isoform (BIN1‐S) that acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting the binding of c‐Myc to target gene promoters. In HCC, NONO is highly up‐regulated and produces a long isoform (BIN1‐L, which contains exon 12a) instead of BIN1‐S. High levels of BIN1‐L promote carcinogenesis by binding with the protein polo‐like kinase 1 to enhance its stability through the prevention of ubiquitin/proteasome‐dependent cullin 3 degradation. Further analysis revealed that NONO promotes BIN1 exon 12a inclusion through interaction with DExH‐box helicase 9 (DHX9) and splicing factor proline and glutamine–rich (SFPQ). Notably, frequent coexpression of DHX9–NONO–SFPQ is observed in patients with HCC.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings identify the DHX9–NONO–SFPQ complex as a key regulator manipulating the oncogenic splicing switch of BIN1 and as a candidate therapeutic target in liver cancer.
USING ROTATING SPRINKLER GUNS IN CENTRE‐PIVOT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS†
Authors: Baiamonte Giorgio , Baiamonte Gabriele
Published: December 2019

The use of centre‐pivot irrigation systems has significantly increased in the last few decades, since they are easier and less time‐consuming to manage compared to other irrigation systems. Standard high‐pressure impact sprinklers, low‐pressure spray sprinklers or LEPA (low energy precision application) systems are usually combined with a centre‐pivot irrigation system (CP‐SYS). However, when applying waste water or with reclaimed effluents that are extremely dirty, small nozzle sizes that require CP‐SYS could become plugged. As an alternative to common centre‐pivot irrigation systems, this paper analyses the ‘geometry’ of areas irrigated by rotating sprinkler guns in a centre‐pivot irrigation system (CP‐RoSYS), which provide a solution to the plugging phenomena, because they have larger‐sized nozzles. Overlapping irrigated areas along the tangential and radial lateral directions, i.e. for multiple sprinkler guns, are studied. According to two parameters defining the geometry of the centre‐pivot system, simple relationships of the radius of throw along the laterals are derived. The hydraulics and efficiency analysis of the centre‐pivot system, coupled with rotating sprinkler guns, were not examined in this study, but the results could be useful for studying the water distribution uniformity, hydraulic behaviour and efficiency of CP‐RoSYS compared with other types of irrigation systems. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy as a monitoring tool for gastric mucosal devitalization treatments with argon plasma coagulation
Authors: Osorio Juan D. , Vilches Sergio , Zappe Hans
Published: December 2019

Electrosurgery with argon plasma coagulation is a widespread technique used in various medical fields for applications which range from hemostasis to devitalization processes. Developing tools which provide feedback concerning tissue condition during these surgeries is fundamental for improving the safety and success of this treatment. We present here a method based on diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to monitor gastric mucosal devitalization treatments. The analysis of the diffusely reflected spectra of the tissue allows us to differentiate between ablation states by using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) as a classification algorithm. An ex vivo pilot study on several swine stomachs showed promising results, with 97.8% of correctly classified ablation states on a new unseen stomach, encouraging further tests with human tissue.
Opening up while locked down: Client disclosure in correctional settings
Authors: Ort Daisy
Published: December 2019

Incarcerated individuals experience mental health symptoms resulting from the stress of incarceration, as well as from prior histories of trauma. In addition, the growth of the prison population and the increase in sentence lengths have eroded conditions in correctional facilities, leading to increased stress, trauma, and other mental health issues. Psychologists can help incarcerated individuals address existing mental health issues, cope with the trauma of incarceration, and prepare for successful re‐entry into society. However, the effectiveness of psychotherapy may be hampered by a number of factors that inhibit client disclosure in correctional settings. Based on interviews with forensic psychologists and an incarcerated patient, this paper explores the circumstances that prevent disclosure in correctional settings and proposes recommendations for psychologists to facilitate disclosure to improve therapeutic effectiveness.
Understanding Misdemeanor Enforcement: The Roles of Calls for Service and Community Characteristics
Authors: Glazener Emily M. , Kozlowski Meghan M. , Lynch James P. , Smith Jinney S.
Published: December 2019

This study examines the roles of calls for service (i.e., police‐related 911 calls) and community characteristics in explaining variation in enforcement rates for low‐level, misdemeanor offenses, which make up the large majority of police enforcement activity. The study site is Prince George's County, Maryland, and the unit of analysis is the police department's 65 patrol beats, studied over a 10‐year period, during 2006–2015. Overall, misdemeanor enforcement rates vary at the beat level, and that variation can be largely explained using a combination of indicators about community characteristics and calls for service. The findings indicate, though, that the calls for service rate is the most important variable in explaining misdemeanor enforcement variation. These findings inform both future research on police activity, and current policy debates about what drives enforcement rates and the role of discretion in enforcement outcomes.
Influence of Different Additives on the Interaction of Quinolone Antibiotic Drug with Surfactant: Conductivity and Cloud Point Measurement Study
Authors: Rahim Md. Abdur , Mahbub Shamim , Islam Md. Kamrul , Ahsan Sk. Md. Ali , Rana Shahed , Rub Malik Abdul , Khan Anish , Hoque Md. Anamul
Published: December 2019

Conductometric and cloud point (CP) measurement studies have been performed to investigate the interaction of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) and Triton® X‐100 (TX‐100) with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CFH) in different solvents over the temperature range of 295.15–315.15 K. CFH is used for the treatment of various bacterial infections. The observed critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of TTAB were found to be reduced in the presence of electrolytes (Na2SO4/Na3PO4), and this reduction proceeds with the elevation of salt concentration. The order of the CMC of TTAB follows the trend:  >  >. The observed CMC values of TTAB were found to increase with increasing temperature and decrease with increasing concentration of CFH in aqueous medium. The values of Gibbs free energy of micellization () for the TTAB/TTAB + CFH mixture were found to be negative, implying spontaneous micellization. The estimated CP of TX‐100 decreases with increasing concentration of TX‐100 in aqueous medium. The CP values first decrease with increasing concentration of CFH and then increase at higher concentration of CFH almost in all cases investigated. The values of free energy of clouding were found to be positive in all cases studied implying that phase separation of TX‐100 was nonspontaneous. The other thermodynamic parameters associated with the micellization of TTAB and the phase separation of TX‐100 were estimated and explained.
Kazakhstan Gulag heritage: Dark tourism and selective interpretation
Authors: Lennon Justin John , Tiberghien Guillaume
Published: December 2019

Kazakhstan holds some of the most significant Gulag heritage sites; however, tourism research remains limited. This article introduces analysis of contrasting sites and considers how some have been developed and others ignored. Selectivity in interpretation is linked to societal amnesia and the collective trauma experienced by the population of Kazakhstan. The article reaffirms the politicization of heritage in this emergent nation.
Lidocaine promotes fibroblast proliferation after thermal injury via up‐regulating the expression of miR‐663 and miR‐486
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Gang , Li Hua‐Tao , Wang Li‐Li , Yan Lei
Published: December 2019

Thermal burn is a complex injury that induces pronounced inflammatory reactions and destruction of the microvasculature. Lidocaine, which is broadly used for pain relief, has been reported have the capacity to modulate wound healing processes. Seventeen burn injury patients with no treatment and nine controls were included in this study. The expression of 15 candidate miRNAs in the dermis samples were detected by qRT‐PCR. The target genes were predicted using online bioinformatics tools and confirmed by dual luciferase assay and immunoblotting. The function of miR‐486 and miR‐663 on skin fibroblasts keratinocytes were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The level of miR‐486 and miR‐663 was increased after burn injury, meanwhile, the highest level of miR‐486 and miR‐663 was found after lidocaine treatment. We identified that BCL2L14 was a direct target of both miR‐486 and miR‐663. Meanwhile, overexpression of miR‐486 or miR‐663 inhibit apoptosis and promoted proliferation of human skin fibroblasts keratinocytes. These results indicated that lidocaine treatment promoted the skin healing after thermal injury through up‐regulating miR‐486 and miR‐663 expression, and partially explained how lidocaine modulates wound healing processes. This may provide an evidence for the therapeutic effect of lidocaine during skin healing process. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further unveiled.
Binder and Interphase Microstructure in a Composite Material Characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy and NMR Spin Diffusion Experiments
Authors: Parisse Silène , Petit Jean‐Fabien , Forzy Alexandre , Lecardeur Alexandre , Beaugrand Sandrine , Palmas Pascal
Published: December 2019

1H NMR spin diffusion is shown to advantageously complement scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations for the characterization of polymer structuring in composite materials. It is here demonstrated on a material containing a few percent of polymer binder and a crystalline organic/inorganic mixture as reinforcement. In SEM observations, polymer accumulations are seen. However, the polymer is also expected to fill small porosities and thin layers at the interface of particles to ensure the cohesion and the mechanical properties of the assembly. In most cases, this polymer structuring is invisible considering the resolution and contrast achieved by SEM on such material. It is thus investigated taking advantage of the two‐step decay of nuclear magnetic resonance spin diffusion curves. Average thickness values of 30 and 188 nm are estimated for the interphase and the overall polymer, respectively. Such structural information improves the knowledge of structure/property relationships and provides better understanding of material properties and making processes.
RETRACTED: Genetic polymorphism and phylogenetic analyses of 21 non‐CODIS STR loci in a Chinese Han population from Shanghai
Authors: Zhou Zhihan , Shao Chengchen , Xie Jianhui , Xu Hongmei , Liu Yidong , Zhou Yueqin , Liu Zhiping , Zhao Ziqin , Tang Qiqun , Sun Kuan
Published: December 2019

Background

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are essential genetic markers for forensic applications and population estimations; thus the population genetics of STR loci have been extensively studied and discussed.

Methods

In the present study, we detected 21 autosomal noncombined DNA index system (non‐CODIS) STR loci in a Chinese Han population from Shanghai, calculated their forensic parameters and analyzed their genetic relationships with reported reference populations in mainland China.

Results

A total of 173 alleles were observed, with corresponding allele frequencies from 0.0020 to 0.5512. The cumulative power of discrimination (CPD) and the cumulative probability of exclusion (CPE) values of the 21 STR loci were 0.999999999999999999997337058271 and 0.99999953732495, respectively. The results of interpopulation differentiation, phylogenetic, multidimensional scaling, and structure analyses indicated a closer genetic relationship of the studied population with Han populations from other regions of China than with other populations.

Conclusions

The 21 STR loci exhibited high genetic polymorphism in the studied Shanghai_Han population and could be used for forensic applications and population genetic studies.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of promoting water intake to reduce sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption
Authors: Dibay Moghadam Sepideh , Krieger James W. , Louden Diana K. N.
Published: December 2019

Objective

To examine whether the promotion of water intake could reduce sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption or purchases independent of interventions that target SSBs.

Methods

Seven databases were systematically searched. Included studies used water promotion as the primary intervention; used a controlled trial, single group pre‐post, or prospective cohort study design; included a measure of SSB consumption or purchase; enrolled human participants of any age who lived in high‐income or middle‐income countries; contained original data; and appeared in a peer‐reviewed English‐language article published from 1 January 2000 to January 4, 2019. The search yielded 7068 publications, from which 108 were chosen for full‐text review. Seventeen were included in this review.

Results

Nine of the 17 studies were randomized controlled trials, six were nonrandomized controlled trials, and 2 were single‐group pre‐post studies. Participants were primarily children and adolescents. Interventions included water provision, education or promotion activities. Ten of 17 studies were at low or some/moderate risk of bias. Seven studies showed a statistically significant decrease in SSB consumption of which only 2 were at low or some/moderate risk of bias.

Conclusions

This review found limited evidence that interventions aimed solely at increasing water consumption reduce SSB intake. Further research is needed to investigate whether interventions that combine water promotion and SSB reduction strategies could be synergistic for reducing SSB intake.
Preconception leptin levels and pregnancy outcomes: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Plowden Torie C. , Zarek Shvetha M. , Rafique Saima , Sjaarda Lindsey A. , Schisterman Enrique F. , Silver Robert M. , Yeung Edwina H. , Radin Rose , Hinkle Stefanie N. , Galai Noya , Mumford Sunni L.
Published: December 2019

Objective

Obesity has become a major, worldwide public health issue and is associated with a greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Leptin, a hormone produced by adipocytes, is elevated in individuals with obesity and may mediate the association between obesity and pregnancy outcomes. Though leptin levels during pregnancy have been associated with pregnancy outcomes, less is understood regarding preconception levels. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate associations between preconception leptin levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study nested within a large randomized controlled trial conducted at four medical centres in the United States. A total of 1078 women completed the parent study; this analysis involved women who became pregnant during that study (n = 776). Patients were healthy women, ages 18 to 40, attempting to conceive, with 1 to 2 prior pregnancy losses. Participants were followed for less than or equal to 6 cycles while trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy if they conceived. Preconception leptin concentrations were measured in serum collected at baseline then categorized by tertiles (using the lowest as reference group). Weighted log‐binomial regression estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pregnancy loss, preterm delivery (PTD), gestational diabetes (GDM), and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, adjusting for age, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI).

Results

The mean (SD) BMI in this cohort was 25.4 ± 6.0. GDM (RR 18.37; 95% CI, 2.39‐141.55) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (RR 2.35; 95% CI, 1.20‐4.61) risks were higher among women in the high tertile after adjusting for age and WHR. The associated risk persisted when adjusting for BMI for GDM but was attenuated for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Leptin levels were not associated with risk of pregnancy loss or PTD.

Conclusions

Women with higher baseline preconception leptin levels had a higher likelihood of experiencing some adverse pregnancy outcomes including GDM and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. These findings warrant further evaluation, especially in light of the association between leptin and obesity.
The preparation and characterization of buckypaper made from carbon nanotubes impregnated with chitosan
Authors: Alosime Eid M. , Alshahrani Ahmed A. , Nghiem Long D. , in het Panhuis Marc
Published: December 2019

Biopolymer chitosan was incorporated into a thin multiwalled carbon nanotube membrane (MWNT buckypaper) via filtration and soaking in 0.1% (w/v) of low‐molecular‐weight (MW) chitosan. The properties of the buckypaper membrane before and after annealing and after soaking were characterized by measurement of their electrical conductivities (19 ± 2 to 42 ± 2 S/cm), contact angles (31 ± 4° to 71 ± 4°), and mechanical properties (tensile strength, small‐ranging between 1.4 ± 0.1 and 4.2 ± 0.7 MPa; Young's modulus: 85 ± 4 to 443 ± 20 MPa). Moreover, the morphological properties, surface area, and permeability toward water of these buckypaper membranes were characterized and compared with corresponding carbon nanotube membranes prepared with Triton X‐100 (Trix) as the surfactant. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images and Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) data of MWNT‐annealing buckypaper membranes revealed that the diameters of their surface pores were significantly higher than that of the corresponding buckypaper membranes soaked in chitosan solution. The solution of chitosan incorporated inside the porous structure of the annealed MWNT membrane led to a significantly reduced surface area and pore size distribution of the composite membrane, revealing that this could be a useful method for desalination.
Effect of chemical treatment on mechanical properties and water diffusion characteristics of jute‐polypropylene composites
Authors: Chandekar Harichandra , Chaudhari Vikas , Waigaonkar Sachin , Mascarenhas Adlete
Published: December 2019

This work presents the effect of chemical treatment of short jute fibers using alkali, potassium permanganate, and silane treatment on the mechanical properties of jute‐polypropylene (PP) composites. The chemically treated jute fibers were compounded at 30% weight fraction with PP granules in twin‐screw extruder, and the composite pellets were later injection molded to obtain the specimens for the study. The optimum parameters for the respective chemical treatments used in this study were followed as per the literature. The effectiveness of the chemical treatment carried out was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical characterization comprising tensile test, flexural test, impact test, and microhardness test were conducted on jute‐PP composites. In addition, the effect of chemical treatment on the water absorption kinetics of the jute‐PP composites was studied. The diffusion coefficient of the jute‐PP composite was determined using the approximate solution of Fick's model. The silane‐treated jute‐PP composites show an increase in tensile strength, tensile modulus, and flexural modulus by nearly 6%, 22%, and 20%, respectively, compared to untreated jute‐PP composite. The moisture absorption study reveals that the silane‐treated jute‐PP composite is the most effective.
The reactivity of surface modification of hydroxyapatite particles depends on their shape
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Jinfeng , Yang Shuang , Cao Yang , Yang Fang , Wu Jinchuan
Published: December 2019

The effect of hydroxyapatite (HA) particle shape on the reactivity of HA surfaces was investigated by selecting the rod‐shaped (r‐HA) and spherical HA particles (s‐HA) to coinitiate the ring‐opening polymerization of d,l‐lactide (DLLA) used stannous octoate (Sn(Oct)2) as the catalyst, respectively. It was found that both s‐HA and r‐HA could be grafted with PDLLA and the reactivity of s‐HA was higher than that of r‐HA according to the results from FTIR, NMR, TGA and BET method. The potential mechanism was that the shape of HA particles determined the crystal faces exposed to participate in graft reaction clarified by performing X‐ray diffraction detections and Materials Studio analysis. The primary crystal faces were (211) and (112) for s‐HA yet (002) and (300) for r‐HA. These findings suggested that the shape of HA particles might influence their reactivity, which might provide a new way to improve the graft ratio of polymers so as to prepare HA/polymer composites with strong interfacial strength by selecting or designing the shape of the HA particles.
Berberine induces resistance against tobacco mosaic virus in tobacco
Authors: Guo Wenhui , Yan He , Ren Xingyu , Tang Ruirui , Sun Yubo , Wang Yong , Feng Juntao
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Plant systemic resistance induced by botanical compounds is a promising alternative method of disease management. The natural product berberine, usually used as an antimicrobial in medicine, has been proven to have antifungal activity in agriculture. To investigate the induced resistance imparted by berberine, the effect of berberine against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and the mechanism governing this effect were determined.

RESULT

Berberine exhibited considerable in vivo anti‐TMV activity of up to 68.3% but had no in vitro direct effect on TMV. Moreover, berberine could induce immune responses against TMV in tobacco, including the hypersensitive reaction (HR), accumulation of H2O2, increases in defense enzymes and overexpression of pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins. In addition, upregulation of salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis genes PAL, CM1, ICS, PBS3 and the enzyme benzoic acid 2‐hydroxylase (BA2H) confirmed that SA was involved in the defensive signals. Berberine can induce crop resistance against TMV, Phytophthora nicotianae, Botrytis cinerea and Blumeria graminis in the greenhouse.

CONCLUSION

This paper highlights the use of berberine in manipulating tobacco to generate defense responses against TMV, which can be attributed to SA‐mediated induced resistance. The paper provides a theoretical basis for the application of berberine as a resistance activator and for further research on induced resistance by botanical natural product. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry