bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigation of Arsenic Concentration in Green Leafy Vegetables viz. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) through Different Biochemical Washing Techniques
Authors: . Sneha , Kumar Raj Kishore , Mandal Jajati , Singh M. K. , Yadav Ramjeet
Published: May 2020

The present investigation was carried out for “Mitigation of Arsenic concentration in green leafy vegetables viz. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) through different biochemical washing techniques”. The agrarian farmers of Nathnagar block in Bhagalpur district of Bihar mostly cultivate vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, cauliflower etc. The farmers irrigate their farm by the polluted water of Champa-nala (main source of irrigation) which contain huge amount of highly health hazardous waste. The farmers are unaware of the harmful effect of the polluted water that they are using for irrigating vegetables, they feel happy to get the water free of cost for irrigating their crops. The morphology of crop which is irrigated with polluted water seems likely to the crop irrigated with clean water. At maturity, farmers harvest their crops and sell them in their local market which becomes the constituent of our food chain. The results revealed that in cabbage leaf, the maximum concentration of arsenic observed in unwashed samples (T1) was 427.69 ppb, the distance of 50 m away from the contaminated site. The maximum reduction percentage was 27.30% with a mean value of 13.76% observed after employing the treatments T6 (washed with 8% ginger solution). In spinach the maximum concentration of arsenic observed in unwashed samples (T1) was 351.00 ppb, the distance of 50 m away from the contaminated site. The maximum reduction percentage of 30.20% with a mean value of 16.93% of arsenic was observed after employing the treatments T6 (washed with 8% ginger solution) whereas in cauliflower the maximum concentration of arsenic observed in unwashed samples (T1) was 469.06 ppb, the distance of 50 m away from the contaminated site. The maximum reduction of 29.93% with a mean value of 15.37% was observed after employing the treatment T6 (washed with 8% ginger solution). However, the concentrations of Arsenic was higher in unwashed leaves of the vegetables grown in the industrial areas which indicates that industrial discharge causes heavy contamination of soil and eventually their accumulation in plants.
Scale‐up production and process optimization of Zr‐doped CaO‐based sorbent for CO2 capture
Authors: Jiang Tao , Zhang Hao , Xu Zhihong , Zhao Yujun , Ma Xinbin , Wang Shengping
Published: May 2020

In this work, Zr‐doped CaO‐based sorbents were prepared at several kilograms per batch using a simple sol–gel technique. CO2 adsorption performance and cycling stability of the synthesized sorbents were significantly improved in consequence of the incorporation of Zr component. Technological conditions of the scale‐up production were optimized, including precursor concentration of calcium, amount of citric acid, gelification temperature, and gelification time, which played important roles in the sol–gel preparation process. The factors affecting the carbonation/calcination process of sorbent (volume fraction of CO2 and calcination temperature) were also investigated. A 4‐kg CaO‐based sorbents, with appropriate nanosize CaO crystallite, loose and porous structure, and uniform distribution of Ca and Zr, have been synthesized successfully at one batch, which exhibited a final CO2 adsorption capacity of 5.86 mol‐CO2/kg‐ads under a lower volume fraction of CO2 (15%) and a higher calcination temperature (900°C) after 45 adsorption/desorption cycles.
Physicochemical characteristics of bio‐based thermoplastic polyurethane/graphene nanocomposite for piezoresistive strain sensor
Authors: Khalifa Mohammed , Ekbote Govind S. , Anandhan S. , Wuzella Guenter , Lammer Herfried , Mahendran Arunjunai Raj
Published: May 2020

Herein, we report the physicochemical characteristics and piezoresistive strain sensing performance of flexible thin film comprising graphene and bio‐based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) prepared by solution cast method. A detailed analysis was carried to study the influence of graphene nanoplatelets on the morphological, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of TPU nanocomposite. Upon increasing the graphene nanoplatelets loading, the thermal stability and tensile properties improved remarkably, while glass transition temperature decreased slightly. Owing to better dispersion of graphene, the electrical conductivity was significantly increased, which broaden the utilization of the nanocomposite for various applications. The piezoresistive sensor was able to respond to various stress modes such as tapping, bending, and finger touch. The piezoresistive sensor was sensitive and achieved a gauge factor of 11. Sensor attached to finger, showed distinctive response upon bending at different angles and showed high stability and reproducibility even after >10,000 cycles under repetitive constant load. Also, the nanocomposite was able to detect any breakage or fracture in the form of change in electrical resistance. A combination of bio‐based TPU and graphene offered improved physical properties and high sensing performance, which could be a potential material in flexible electronics and structural health monitoring systems.
Maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and positive symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: The mediating role of global emotion dysregulation
Authors: Liu Jianlin , Subramaniam Mythily , Chong Siow Ann , Mahendran Rathi
Published: May 2020

Previous studies have identified a positive association between maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations and delusions) among patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, translating this finding to clinical practice is challenging. Some patients are reported to experience difficulties in correcting the use of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies in psychological therapy, which may be due to an underlying effect of global emotion dysregulation. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the mediating or moderating role of global emotion dysregulation in the relationship between maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and positive symptoms. A total of 123 newly diagnosed patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders completed self‐report measures of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (rumination, catastrophic thinking, self‐blame, other‐blame) and global emotion dysregulation. The severity of positive symptoms was rated on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale‐Expanded. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed to test the hypothesized models. Mediation analysis revealed that global emotion dysregulation mediated the relationship between maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and positive symptoms after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, duration of untreated psychosis, medication dosage, psychiatric comorbidities, and family history of mental illness (R2 = 23.3%, moderate effect size = 0.30). There was no moderating effect of global emotion dysregulation. The present study presents preliminary evidence on the mediating role of global emotion dysregulation in the relationship between maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and positive symptoms in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This finding adds to our current understanding on emotion regulation phenomena in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
The correlation of serum long non‐coding RNA ANRIL with risk factors, functional outcome, and prognosis in atrial fibrillation patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Zeng Weixian , Jin Jun
Published: May 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) antisense non‐coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with ischemic stroke and investigate its correlation with risk factors, functional outcome, and prognosis.

Methods

A total of 386 consecutive AF patients were recruited. AF patients were followed up for 24‐48 months by outpatient follow‐up, telephone follow‐up, and medical record. The time of ischemic stroke in patients with AF was recorded, and follow‐up was continued for 6 months. LncRNA ANRIL expression from serum was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).

Results

Compared with the AF with ischemic stroke group (14.3 ± 2.3), patients in the AF without ischemic stroke group (11.9 ± 1.8) had significantly lower serum lncRNA ANRIL levels (P < .05). The sensitivity and specificity of lncRNA ANRIL for identifying AF with ischemic stroke were 76.6% and 81.4%, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis results shown that lncRNA ANRIL was significantly correlated with the NIHSS score (rSpearman = .490, P < .001) and the mRS score (rSpearman = .466, P < .001). Compared with the lncRNA ANRIL high‐expression group, the recurrence‐free survival (RFS) of the lncRNA ANRIL low‐expression group was significantly higher (χ2 = 11.009, log‐rank P < .001). Cox proportional regression model analysis indicated that the serum lncRNA ANRIL level (P = .004), NIHSS score (P = .001), infarct volume (P = .035), and smoking (P < .001) were the risk factors for AF with ischemic stroke.

Conclusion

Serum lncRNA ANRIL exerts a good predictive value for AF with ischemic stroke, and its increased expression is correlated with worse RFS for patients.
Superefficient removal of lignins from papermaking wastewater by polycationic adsorption and direct reuse of wastes: structure–activity relationships and interaction mechanisms
Authors: Bai Yu , Li Hongyan , Yang Qiwen , Yu Yikai , Peng Bingxian
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

As a complex phenol polymer pollutant, lignin is the most difficult to remove in papermaking wastewater.

RESULTS

This work first found a strong adsorbent for highly efficient removal of lignins and realized the direct reuse of its wastes. Through systemically screening the serial molecular structures of polycationic adsorbents previously developed, a highly permeable polycationic gel (PPG) adsorbent was discovered to be the most suitable for lignin removal. The maximum adsorption capacity of PPG for the lignins was 3891.65 mg/g, that is, the masses of adsorbed lignins were 3.89 times higher than that of PPG. Interestingly, after adsorbing the lignins, PPG wastes could be directly reused, without any treatment, for purifying dyeing wastewater. The adsorption capacity of PPG wastes reused for adsorbing the anionic dyes was 245.05 times higher than that of the existing activated carbon, indicating that PPG wastes maintained excellent adsorption ability for purifying the dyeing wastewater. A series of simulation experiments and instrument analyses were carried out to detect the new adsorption effect of PPG. The high water‐permeability of PPG allows for complete permeability of the lignins and easy adsorption inside PPG. After adsorption, shrinkage of the internal structure of PPG and aggregation of the adsorbed lignins on the surface of PPG enhanced the adsorption intensity of PPG toward the lignins.

CONCLUSION

This indicated that PPG had a super‐high adsorption ability for direct removal of lignins from water by adsorption, which marked the first successful report of reused wastes utilized for treating other waste pollutants. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Incidence of Dysphagia and Its Association With Functional Recovery and 1‐Year Mortality in Hospitalized Older Patients With Heart Failure: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Matsuo Haruyo , Yoshimura Yoshihiro , Fujita Shoji , Maeno Yuichi
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Dysphagia following heart failure (HF) has gained little attention. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of dysphagia and its associations with the clinical outcomes in HF patients.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 203 consecutive hospitalized HF patients (mean age 79.5 years, 103 women) without dysphagia before admission. Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing was assessed by the Food Intake Level Scale. The primary outcome was activity of daily living, as assessed by the Barthel Index (BI) at discharge. Secondary outcomes included all‐cause mortality and rehospitalization rates at 1 year after discharge. Multivariate analyses and Kaplan‐Meier estimates were used to determine whether dysphagia was associated with these outcomes.

Results

Of the 203 patients examined, 48 (23.4%) were diagnosed with dysphagia during admission. Patients who developed dysphagia were significantly older, exhibited lower muscle mass and strength, walked shorter distances, and had lower nutrition intake levels and BI scores (P < 0.05 for all values) compared with those without dysphagia. In the multivariate analyses, the presence of dysphagia at discharge was significantly associated with a lower BI (β= −0.275, P < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with dysphagia showed a significantly higher 1‐year mortality than those without (20.8% vs 1.2%, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Dysphagia commonly occurs during hospital admission and is associated with functional recovery and 1‐year mortality in HF patients.
Epidemiological models with quadratic equation for endemic equilibria—A bifurcation atlas
Authors: Ouifki Rachid , Banasiak Jacek
Published: May 2020

The existence and occurrence, especially by a backward bifurcation, of endemic equilibria is of utmost importance in determining the spread and persistence of a disease. In many epidemiological models, the equation for the endemic equilibria is quadratic, with the coefficients determined by the parameters of the model. Despite its apparent simplicity, such an equation can describe an amazing number of dynamical behaviors. In this paper, we shall provide a comprehensive survey of possible bifurcation patterns, deriving explicit conditions on the equation's parameters for the occurrence of each of them, and discuss illustrative examples.
Numerical solution of a cavity problem under surface tension effect
Authors: Laiadi Abdelkader , Merzougui Abdelkrim
Published: May 2020

Free‐surface flow past two inclined plate is considered. The “Riabouchinsky model” has been chosen to close the cavitiy. The fluid is assumed to be inviscid and incompressible and the flow to be two dimensional, steady, and irrotational. Surface tension is included in the dynamic boundary conditions, but the effects of gravity are neglected. The problem is solved numerically using boundary integral equation techniques. More specifically, the numerical method used is based on an integro‐differential equation reformulation. Numerical solutions are found for different values of the angle of inclination γ and for various values of the inverse Weber number δ.
Fast multicomponent 3D‐T1ρrelaxometry
Authors: Zibetti Marcelo V.W. , Helou Elias S. , Sharafi Azadeh , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: May 2020

NMR relaxometry can provide information about the relaxation of the magnetization in different tissues, increasing our understanding of molecular dynamics and biochemical composition in biological systems. In general, tissues have complex and heterogeneous structures composed of multiple pools. As a result, bulk magnetization returns to its original state with different relaxation times, in a multicomponent relaxation. Recovering the distribution of relaxation times in each voxel is a difficult inverse problem; it is usually unstable and requires long acquisition time, especially on clinical scanners. MRI can also be viewed as an inverse problem, especially when compressed sensing (CS) is used. The solution of these two inverse problems, CS and relaxometry, can be obtained very efficiently in a synergistically combined manner, leading to a more stable multicomponent relaxometry obtained with short scan times. In this paper, we will discuss the details of this technique from the viewpoint of inverse problems.
Symbiosis disruption in the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), as a potential tool for sustainable control
Authors: Sinno Martina , Bézier Annie , Vinale Francesco , Giron David , Laudonia Stefania , Garonna Antonio P , Pennacchio Francesco
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (OLF) is a major agricultural pest, whose control primarily relies on the use of chemical insecticides. Therefore, development of sustainable control strategies is highly desirable. The primary endosymbiotic bacterium of OLF, ‘Candidatus Erwinia dacicola’, is essential for successful larval development in unripe olive fruits. Therefore, targeting this endosymbiont with antimicrobial compounds may result in OLF fitness reduction and may exert control on natural populations of OLF.

RESULTS

Here, we evaluate the impact of compounds with antimicrobial activity on the OLF endosymbiont. Copper oxychloride (CO) and the fungal metabolite viridiol (Vi), produced by Trichoderma spp., were used. Laboratory bioassays were carried out to assess the effect of oral administration of these compounds on OLF fitness and molecular analyses (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) were conducted to measure the load of OLF‐associated microorganisms in treated flies.

CO and Vi were both able to disrupt the symbiotic association between OLF and its symbiotic bacteria, determining a significant reduction in the endosymbiont and gut microbiota load as well as a decrease in OLF fitness. CO had a direct negative effect on OLF adults. Conversely, exposure to Vi significantly undermined larval development of the treated female's progeny but did not show any toxicity in OLF adults.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide new insights into the symbiotic control of OLF and pave the way for the development of more sustainable strategies of pest control based on the use of natural compounds with antimicrobial activity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Magnetic survey and autonomous target reacquisition with a scalar magnetometer on a small AUV
Authors: Gallimore Eric , Terrill Eric , Pietruszka Andrew , Gee Jeffrey , Nager Andrew , Hess Robert
Published: May 2020

A scalar magnetometer payload has been developed and integrated into a two‐man portable autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for geophysical and archeological surveys. The compact system collects data from a Geometrics microfabricated atomic magnetometer, a total‐field atomic magnetometer. Data from the sensor is both stored for post‐processing and made available to an onboard autonomy engine for real‐time sense and react behaviors. This system has been characterized both in controlled laboratory conditions and at sea to determine its performance limits. Methodologies for processing the magnetometer data to correct for interference and error introduced by the AUV platform were developed to improve sensing performance. When conducting seabed surveys, detection and characterization of targets of interest are performed in real‐time aboard the AUV. This system is used to drive both single‐ and multiple‐vehicle autonomous target reacquisition behaviors. The combination of on‐board target detection and autonomous reacquire capability is found to increase the effective survey coverage rate of the AUV‐based magnetic sensing system.
Assembly of Wells‐Dawson Polyoxometalate based Crystal Compound for Uric Acid Electrochemical Detection
Authors: Liu Chang , Xu Mingqi , Tan Zenglong , Li Si , Wang Yu , Wang Yunliang , Sha Jingquan
Published: May 2020

A new Wells‐Dawson polyoxometalates (POMs) based crystal supramolecular compound modified by flexible organic molecule bix, (H2bix)3(P2W18O62)·H2O (bixP2W18), [bix = 1,4‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene], was synthesized, characterized and explored as electrochemical biosensor to detect uric acid (UA) for the first time. Under optimized conditions, the bixP2W18 based sensor shows acceptable analytical performances for UA in terms of good linearity in the concentration range from 2.5 × 10–7 to 6.99 × 10–4 M and the lower detection limit 5.85 × 10–7 M (S/N = 3). More important is that bixP2W18 based UA sensor exhibits excellent stability testified by the result of XRD and IR, reproducibility, high selectivity in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and anti‐interference immunity than some other reported materials. The bixP2W18 based biosensor could be applied for the determination of UA in the human urine samples with satisfactory results.
Strategies for Research, Practice, and Policy for Autism in Later Life: A Report from a Think Tank on Aging and Autism
Authors: Edelson Stephen M. , Nicholas David B. , Stoddart Kevin P. , Bauman Margaret B. , Mawlam Laurie , Lawson Wenn B. , Jose Caroline , Morris Rae , Wright Scott D.
Published: May 2020

Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in adults on the autistic spectrum, and more recently, the challenges related to aging in this population. A two-day Think Tank meeting, focused on aging in autism, was convened amongst international leaders in the field of autism research and practice. This meeting included a series of presentations addressing the current status of aging research, followed by discussions regarding priorities going forward. Attendees shared their thoughts and concerns regarding community services, government policies, societal perspectives and physical and mental health. The goal of these discussions was to consider systematic approaches aimed at providing meaningful supports that can ensure a quality of life for seniors on the autism spectrum.
Nonlinear structural dynamics of a new sliding-mode triboelectric energy harvester with multistability
Authors: Fu Yiqiang , Ouyang Huajiang , Benjamin Davis R.
Published: May 2020

A new sliding-mode triboelectric energy harvester in the form of a cantilever beam with a tip mass that is acted upon by both magnetic and friction forces is modelled and simulated. A numerical scheme based on the trapezoidal rule with the second-order backward difference formula (TR-BDF2) method is introduced to solve the combined non-smooth mechanical and stiff electrical system. This is the first study of the structural dynamics of the sliding-mode triboelectric energy harvesting; additionally, a magnetic field that induces multistability is present. A comparison between the coupled and uncoupled electromechanical models suggests that the electrostatic force between the electrodes can be ignored, which makes the uncoupled model preferable in the dynamical analysis. The influence of the non-conservative force (the friction force) on the multistability of the system is investigated. It is found that the distribution of the multistability on the parametric plane changes even when a small amount of friction is involved, and the areas of bistability and tristability shrink while that of the monostability expands. A comparison among these three types of stability reveals the superiority of invoking bistability as it facilitates broadband energy harvesting. The excitation level plays an important role in inducing the snap-through motion (the interwell oscillation) by enabling the crossing of the energy barriers between wells. The increase in the friction shrinks the frequency band of interwell oscillations from high frequencies down to low frequencies on the discrete frequency sweep. An analysis of the basins of attraction finds that at low frequencies the bistable system can undergo only interwell oscillations, while the tristable system can merely experience intrawell oscillations. The basins can intermingle with each other in both bistable and tristable systems. Finally, an increase in the excitation level can break the basins into discrete pieces and/or points.
Accuracy of carrot yield forecasting using proximal hyperspectral and satellite multispectral data
Authors: Suarez Luz Angelica , Robson Andrew , McPhee John , O’Halloran Julie , van Sprang Celia
Published: May 2020

Proximal and remote sensors have proved their effectiveness for the estimation of several biophysical and biochemical variables, including yield, in many different crops. Evaluation of their accuracy in vegetable crops is limited. This study explored the accuracy of proximal hyperspectral and satellite multispectral sensors (Sentinel-2 and WorldView-3) for the prediction of carrot root yield across three growing regions featuring different cropping configurations, seasons and soil conditions. Above ground biomass (AGB), canopy reflectance measurements and corresponding yield measures were collected from 414 sample sites in 24 fields in Western Australia (WA), Queensland (Qld) and Tasmania (Tas), Australia. The optimal sensor (hyperspectral or multispectral) was identified by the highest overall coefficient of determination between yield and different vegetation indices (VIs) whilst linear and non-linear models were tested to determine the best VIs and the impact of the spatial resolution. The optimal regression fit per region was used to extrapolate the point source measurements to all pixels in each sampled crop to produce a forecasted yield map and estimate average carrot root yield (t/ha) at the crop level. The latter were compared to commercial carrot root yield (t/ha) obtained from the growers to determine the accuracy of prediction. The measured yield varied from 17 to 113 t/ha across all crops, with forecasts of average yield achieving overall accuracies (% error) of 9.2% in WA, 10.2% in Qld and 12.7% in Tas. VIs derived from hyperspectral sensors produced poorer yield correlation coefficients (R2 < 0.1) than similar measures from the multispectral sensors (R2 < 0.57, p < 0.05). Increasing the spatial resolution from 10 to 1.2 m improved the regression performance by 69%. It is impossible to non-destructively estimate the pre-harvest spatial yield variability of root vegetables such as carrots. Hence, this method of yield forecasting offers great benefit for managing harvest logistics and forward selling decisions.
The Relationship between Basic Hope and Depression: Forgiveness as a Mediator
Authors: Kaleta Kinga , Mróz Justyna
Published: May 2020

Although hope and forgiveness have been both negatively correlated with depression, actual relationships between all three variables have never been investigated. The aim of the study was to examine a theoretical model in which forgiveness mediates the relationship between basic hope and depressive symptoms. The sample was composed of 77 psychotherapy outpatients. Polish adaptations of the Basic Hope Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Heartland Forgiveness Scale were used. Negative and positive aspects of dispositional forgiveness of self, others, and situations beyond anyone’s control were applied. Results indicated that the general level of forgiveness, as well as overcoming unforgiveness, fully mediated the relationship between basic hope and depression symptoms, while positive dimension of forgiveness partially mediated the links between the variables. The findings demonstrate that the tendency to forgive might be a mechanism via which basic hope reduces odds of depression.
Internationality at university level
Authors: Schubert András , Schubert Gábor
Published: May 2020

University level indicators of internationality have been compiled and presented. 18 universities from three countries, Hungary, Israel and Sweden were selected as sample. “Breadth” and “depth” of internationality were distinguished and characterized by bibliometric and webometric tools.
Assessing the effect of multidimensional family therapy in adolescents on police arrests against a background of falling crime rates. A randomised controlled trial with 7-year follow-up
Authors: van der Pol Thimo M. , Cohn Moran D. , van Domburgh Lieke , Rigter Henk , Vermeiren Robert R. J. M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Earlier, we reported that multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) decreased criminal offending in adolescents as measured with self-report in a randomised controlled trial with 1-year follow-up. The present study tested if this effect could be confirmed using police arrest data.

Methods

Study participants were 109 adolescents who were recruited for the Dutch part of a transnational treatment trial. National police arrest records were analysed for 3 years before the adolescents entered treatment with MDFT or CBT and for 7 years after treatment entry.

Results

Police arrest rates rose in the 3 years preceding treatment and then dropped in both treatment groups to almost zero level during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The results suggest that MDFT and CBT both strongly and durably decreased police arrest rates. However, this conclusion remains uncertain as crime rates concurrently decreased in the general population.

Trial registration

ISRCTN51014277
Ozone Treatment Induces Changes in Antioxidative Defense System in Blueberry Fruit During Storage
Authors: Piechowiak Tomasz , Skóra Bartosz , Balawejder Maciej
Published: May 2020

The major aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ozonation process on the level of oxidative stress markers in blueberry fruit during cold storage (4 °C). Blueberry (Vaccinum corymbosum L.) fruit was ozonated with an ozone concentration of 15 ppm for 30 min, every 12 h for 28 days of storage at 4 °C. The results indicated that ozone treatment activated a defense mechanism against oxidative stress in blueberry fruit. Ozonated fruit was characterized by higher activity of antioxidant enzymes i.e. superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase than non-ozonated fruit, over the first 21 days of storage. In turn, the level of superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide in ozonated fruit was significantly lower compared with the untreated material. However, after 21 days of storage, ozone treatment contributed to the oxidative modification of protein which could be a reason of decreasing enzymes activity, involved in cell protection against oxidative stress.
Feasibility, safety, and outcomes of a stratified fast-track care trajectory in pituitary surgery
Authors: Lobatto Daniel J. , Vliet Vlieland Thea P. M. , van den Hout Wilbert B. , de Vries Friso , de Vries Anne F. , Schutte Pieter J. , Verstegen Marco J. T. , Pereira Alberto M. , Peul Wilco C. , Biermasz Nienke R. , van Furth Wouter R.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Discharge policies concerning hospitalization after endoscopic pituitary tumor surgery are highly variable. A few studies support fast-track discharge; however, this is not commonplace. Our goal was to report the transition to and evaluate the feasibility, safety, clinical- and patient-reported outcomes and costs of fast-track care in pituitary surgery.

Methods

This observational study included 155 patients undergoing pituitary surgery between December 2016 and December 2018. Fast-track care consisted of planned discharge 2–3 days after surgery, followed by daily surveillance by a case manager. All outcomes were compared with patients not eligible for fast-track discharge. The total group (fast-track and non-fast-track) was compared with historic controls (N = 307).

Results

A total of 79/155 patients (51%) were considered eligible for fast-track discharge, of whom 69 (87%) were discharged within 3 days. The total group was discharged more often within 3 days compared with historic controls (49 vs. 20%, p < 0.001), the total length of stay did not differ (5.3 vs. 5.7 days, p = 0.363). Although the total group had more readmissions compared with historic controls (17 vs. 10%, p = 0.002), no life-threatening complications occurred after discharge. On average, clinical- and patient-reported outcomes improved over time, both in the fast-track and non-fast-track groups. The mean overall costs within 30 days after surgery did not differ between the total group € 9992 (SD € 4562) and historic controls € 9818 (SD € 3488) (p = 0.649).

Conclusion

A stratified fast-track care trajectory with enhanced postoperative outpatient surveillance after pituitary tumor surgery is safe and feasible. As expected, costs of the fast-track were lower than the non-fast-track group, however we could not prove overall cost-effectiveness compared with the historic controls.
Assessing marine spatial planning governmentality
Authors: Flannery Wesley , McAteer Ben
Published: May 2020

Marine spatial planning (MSP) is advanced by its champions as an impartial and rational process that can address complex management issues. We argue that MSP is not innately rational and that it problematises marine issues in specific ways, often reflecting hegemonic agendas. The illusion of impartial rationality in MSP is derived from governmentalities that appear progressive but serve elite interests. By understanding the creation of governmentalities, we can design more equitable planning processes. We conceptualise governmentalities as consisting of problematisations, rationalities and governance technologies, and assess England’s first marine plans to understand how specific governmentalities de-radicalise MSP. We find that progressive framings of MSP outcomes, such as enhanced well-being, are deployed by the government to garner early support for MSP. These elements, however, become regressively problematised in later planning phases, where they are framed by the government as being difficult to achieve and are pushed into future iterations of the process. Eviscerating progressive elements from the planning process clears the way for the government to focus on implementing a neoliberal form of MSP. Efforts to foster radical MSP must pay attention to the emergence of governmentalities, how they travel through time/space and be cognisant of where difference can be inserted into planning processes. Achieving progressive MSP will require the creation of a political frontier early in the process, which cannot be passed until pathways for progressive socio-environmental outcomes have been established; advocacy for disenfranchised groups; broadening MSP evaluations to account for unintended impacts; and the monitoring of progressive objectives.
Tracing the Past Through Layers of Sediment
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: May 2020

Signals in layers of sedimentary rock hint at climates and ecosystems come and gone. Understanding this history can help us forecast the future, but challenges abound.
A tubular luminescent framework: precise decoding of nitroaniline isomers and quantitative detection of traces of benzaldehyde in benzyl alcohol
Authors: Wu Dong , Zhou Kang , Tian Jiayue , Liu Caiping , Jiang Feilong , Yuan Daqiang , Chen Qihui , Hong Maochun
Published: May 2020

A novel luminescent framework that could be used to precisely identify nitroaniline isomers and quantitatively detect traces of benzaldehyde in benzyl alcohol was reported.
Power flow control capability of the power transistor‐assisted Sen transformer and the unified power flow controller: a close comparison
Authors: Gasim Mohamed Salah Eldeen
Published: May 2020

Currently, transmission grids are subject to experience more operation and control difficulties. The use of power flow controllers (PFCs) can ease such difficulties. However, most competent PFCs need to be used. Cost‐wise, the power transistor assisted Sen transformer (TAST) is attractive as compared to the unified PFC (UPFC). However, while the UPFC has three control parameters, the TAST has only two. The UPFC can regulate the voltage of its shunt bus while the TAST cannot. The main objective of this study is to investigate the extent to which the TAST and UPFC are comparable when used for power flow control. Power flow control is performed in this study for congestion management using a TAST/UPFC in a modified IEEE‐118 bus system. A TAST/UPFC is optimally located using sensitivity analysis. For the sake of validation, results are obtained using both load flow analysis and voltage vector analysis. With only two control parameters, the performance of the TAST is found very closely comparable to that of the UPFC. Accordingly, the TAST can competently replace the UPFC for application of power flow control, at a far lower cost. Nonetheless, appropriate limited angle TAST is a suitable substitute for the TAST at a further lower cost.
Experimental evidence for constraints in amplitude‐timescale co‐variation of a biomolecular pulse generating circuit design
Authors: Patel Abhilash , Sen Shaunak
Published: May 2020

Understanding constraints on the functional properties of biomolecular circuit dynamics, such as the possible variations of amplitude and timescale of a pulse, is an important part of biomolecular circuit design. While the amplitude‐timescale co‐variations of the pulse in an incoherent feedforward loop have been investigated computationally using mathematical models, experimental support for any such constraints is relatively unclear. Here, the authors address this using experimental measurement of an existing pulse generating incoherent feedforward loop circuit realisation in the context of a standard mathematical model. They characterise the trends of co‐variation in the pulse amplitude and rise time computationally by randomly exploring the parameter space. They experimentally measured the co‐variation by varying inducers and found that larger amplitude pulses have a slower rise time. They discuss the gap between the experimental measurements and predictions of the standard model, highlighting model additions and other biological factors that might bridge the gap.
Current Status of Indications, Timing, Management, Complications, and Outcomes of Tracheostomy in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
Authors: Quiñones-Ossa Gabriel A. , Durango-Espinosa Y. A. , Padilla-Zambrano H. , Ruiz Jenny , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Galwankar S. , Gerber J. , Hollandx R. , Ghosh Amrita , Pal R. , Agrawal Amit
Published: May 2020

Tracheostomy is the commonest bedside surgical procedure performed on patients needing mechanical ventilation with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The researchers made an effort to organize a narrative review of the indications, timing, management, complications, and outcomes of tracheostomy in relation to neuronal and brain-injured patients following TBI. The study observations were collated from the published literature, namely original articles, book chapters, case series, randomized studies, systematic reviews, and review articles. Information sorting was restricted to tracheostomy and its association with TBI. Care was taken to review the correlation of tracheostomy with clinical correlates including indications, scheduling, interventions, prognosis, and complications of the patients suffering from mild, moderate and severe TBIs using Glasgow Coma Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale, intraclass correlation coefficient, and other internationally acclaimed outcome scales. Tracheostomy is needed to overcome airway obstruction, prolonged respiratory failure and as indispensable component of mechanical ventilation due to diverse reasons in intensive care unit. Researchers are divided over early tracheostomy or late tracheostomy from days to weeks. The conventional classic surgical technique of tracheostomy has been superseded by percutaneous techniques by being less invasive with lesser complications, classified into early and late complications that may be life threatening. Additional studies have to be conducted to validate and streamline varied observations to frame evidence-based practice for successful weaning and decannulation. Tracheostomy is a safer option in critically ill TBI patients for which a universally accepted protocol for tracheostomy is needed that can help to optimize indications and outcomes.
Role of collective preparation and measurement of states in some quantum communication protocols
Authors: Kronberg D.A.
Published: May 2020

We consider related problems in quantum communications: distribution of information and a secret key between a sender and several receivers. We study the gain of participants of communication protocols both from the use of collective measurements and from collective actions at the transmitter’s side related to the employment of entangled states and various actions on them.
Laser adaptive holographic hydroacoustic intensimeter
Authors: Romashko R.V. , Kulchin Yu.N. , Dzyuba V.P. , Storozhenko D.V. , Bezruk M.N.
Published: May 2020

A new type of a vector hydrophone, a laser adaptive hydroacoustic intensimeter, is investigated. Two identical, spatially separated coil-type sensors are used as a primary receiver of the acoustic signal. The signals received at the sensor output are phase demodulated in a two-channel adaptive holographic interferometer based on two dynamic holograms multiplexed in a CdTe photorefractive crystal. Using a laser intensimeter, the acoustic field formed in a limited volume is studied. The performance characteristics of the intensimeter are determined experimentally; its threshold sensitivity, according to the acoustic field intensity, constitutes 0.1 × 10−13 W m−2.
Distributed fibre-optic temperature sensor for cryogenic applications based on detection of boson components of Raman light scattering
Authors: Gorshkov B.G. , Gorshkov G.B. , Zhukov K.M.
Published: May 2020

The possibility of designing a distributed fibre-optic sensor, allowing one to measure cryogenic temperatures (to liquid nitrogen boiling point), is experimentally demonstrated. The principle of operation of the sensor is based on measuring the intensity of boson peaks of Raman scattering in a fibre material, which are spaced by 1 to 3 THz from the probe frequency. The measurements are performed using a single-mode telecommunication fibre with a 15-μm-thick polyimide coating. The probe wavelength is 1.55 μm, the sensor spatial resolution is 4 m, and the averaging time is 60 s. Experiments are carried out in the temperature range of 75.6 – 79.6 K, with a temperature resolution of 0.5 K.
Matrix-transmitted paratensile signaling enables myofibroblast
–
fibroblast cross talk in fibrosis expansion
Authors: Liu Longwei , Yu Hongsheng , Zhao Hui , Wu Zhaozhao , Long Yi , Zhang Jingbo , Yan Xiaojun , You Zhifeng , Zhou Lyu , Xia Tie , Shi Yan , Xiao Bailong , Wang Yingxiao , Huang Chenyu , Du Yanan
Published: May 2020

Significance

In the context of myofibroblast–fibroblast interaction during fibrosis expansion, the mechanistic insights of intercellular mechanical communication have been poorly evidenced. We systematically investigated the myofibroblast–fibroblast cross talk via the fibrous matrix, which we termed “paratensile signaling” in the context of fibrosis expansion. We experimentally investigated and mathematically modeled the spatiotemporal features of paratensile signaling and revealed the related molecular mechanisms. We showed that paratensile signaling contributes to fibrosis progression and blocking it might potentially attenuate fibrosis expansion. Our comprehensive investigation of paratensile signaling in fibrosis expansion will broaden the understanding of the cellular dynamics during fibrogenesis and inspire paratensile-targeting antifibrotic intervention strategies.
Genome organization and interaction with capsid protein in a multipartite RNA virus
Authors: Beren Christian , Cui Yanxiang , Chakravarty Antara , Yang Xue , Rao A. L. N. , Knobler Charles M. , Zhou Z. Hong , Gelbart William M.
Published: May 2020

We report the asymmetric reconstruction of the single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) content in one of the three otherwise identical virions of a multipartite RNA virus, brome mosaic virus (BMV). We exploit a sample consisting exclusively of particles with the same RNA content—specifically, RNAs 3 and 4—assembled in planta by agrobacterium-mediated transient expression. We find that the interior of the particle is nearly empty, with most of the RNA genome situated at the capsid shell. However, this density is disordered in the sense that the RNA is not associated with any particular structure but rather, with an ensemble of secondary/tertiary structures that interact with the capsid protein. Our results illustrate a fundamental difference between the ssRNA organization in the multipartite BMV viral capsid and the monopartite bacteriophages MS2 and Qβ for which a dominant RNA conformation is found inside the assembled viral capsids, with RNA density conserved even at the center of the particle. This can be understood in the context of the differing demands on their respective lifecycles: BMV must package separately each of several different RNA molecules and has been shown to replicate and package them in isolated, membrane-bound, cytoplasmic complexes, whereas the bacteriophages exploit sequence-specific “packaging signals” throughout the viral RNA to package their monopartite genomes.
Acoustofluidic sonoporation for gene delivery to human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Belling Jason N. , Heidenreich Liv K. , Tian Zhenhua , Mendoza Alexandra M. , Chiou Tzu-Ting , Gong Yao , Chen Natalie Y. , Young Thomas D. , Wattanatorn Natcha , Park Jae Hyeon , Scarabelli Leonardo , Chiang Naihao , Takahashi Jack , Young Stephen G. , Stieg Adam Z. , De Oliveira Satiro , Huang Tony Jun , Weiss Paul S. , Jonas Steven J.
Published: May 2020

Significance

Commercial strategies to deliver biomolecular cargo ex vivo (e.g., electroporation, lipofection) to clinically relevant cell lines are limited by toxicity, cost, and throughput. These technical limitations have inhibited development of these technologies into streamlined clinical platforms for manufacturing gene-modified stem cells and cancer immunotherapies. Here, we demonstrate an acoustofluidic platform capable of delivering plasmids with high throughput to human T lymphocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and CD34
+
hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Acoustofluidic-treated cells showed evidence of cytosolic DNA delivery, endocytic DNA aggregation, and nuclear membrane rupture. Collectively, these observations demonstrate the utility of this method as a research tool for gene editing applications and mechanistic studies of plasma membrane and nuclear membrane repair.
Distinct roles of stereociliary links in the nonlinear sound processing and noise resistance of cochlear outer hair cells
Authors: Han Woongsu , Shin Jeong-Oh , Ma Ji-Hyun , Min Hyehyun , Jung Jinsei , Lee Jinu , Kim Un-Kyung , Choi Jae Young , Moon Seok Jun , Moon Dae Won , Bok Jinwoong , Kim Chul Hoon
Published: May 2020

Significance

Our hearing organ, the cochlea, acts as an active sound amplifier rather than a simple detector due to the action of outer hair cells (OHCs). This active sound processing by OHCs requires specific hair bundle architecture in which stereocilia are connected to each other and to the overlying tectorial membrane by nanoscale extracellular links. But it remains unclear how these stereociliary links contribute to OHC function. Using
tubby
mouse genetics, we dissected the role of each link in OHC function. While the links connecting stereocilia and the tectorial membrane are essential for normal OHC function, the links connecting adjacent stereocilia together are more important for preventing hearing loss due to noise stress.