bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship satisfaction mediates the association between perceived partner mate retention strategies and relationship commitment
Authors: Nascimento Bruna , Little Anthony
Published: September 2020

This study investigated whether relationship satisfaction mediates the association between own and perceived partner mate-retention strategies and commitment. One hundred and fifty individuals (Mage = 23.87, SDage = 7.28; 78.7% women) in a committed relationship participated in this study. We found an association between perceived partner mate-retention strategies and commitment and that relationship satisfaction mediated this link. Similarly, we found that relationship satisfaction also mediated the association between individuals’ own cost-inflicting strategies and commitment. Specifically, perceived partner benefit-provisioning strategies are positively associated with commitment through increased relationship satisfaction and, conversely, both perceived partner and own cost-inflicting strategies are negatively associated with commitment through decreased relationship satisfaction. Additionally, we observed that relationship satisfaction moderated the association between perceived partner cost-inflicting strategies and participants’ own frequency of cost-inflicting strategies. That is, participants’ cost inflicting strategies are associated with their partner’s cost inflicting strategies, such that this association is stronger among individuals with higher relationship satisfaction. The current research extends previous findings by demonstrating that the association between perceived partner and own mate-retention strategies and commitment is mediated by relationship satisfaction. Additionally, we showed that an individual’s expression of mate retention is associated with their perception of the strategies displayed by their partner, which also depends on relationship satisfaction.
Once Again on External Mindfulness
Authors: Anālayo Bhikkhu
Published: September 2020

The proposal to understand an external application of mindfulness to refer to being objective rather than subjective is not well supported by the relevant sources and fails to be directly applicable to actual meditation practice. The most commonly accepted understanding in Buddhist sources and contemporary research, which considers external mindfulness to refer to being aware of other persons, remains the most meaningful and applicable explanation. Adopting this understanding can open the door to new avenues in mindfulness research, proceeding from the widely recognized internal dimensions of mindfulness, concerned with what happens within a practitioner, to giving more explicit room to the potential of the same mental quality in understanding and relating to others.
Optimizing placement of constructed wetlands at landscape scale in order to reduce phosphorus losses
Authors: Djodjic Faruk , Geranmayeh Pia , Markensten Hampus
Published: September 2020

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are one of the main countermeasures to reduce diffuse phosphorus (P) losses, but there is still a lack of systematic guidance accounting for spatially variable effects of hydraulic and P load on P retention. We present a three-step modelling approach for determining suitable placement of CWs in four different size groups (0.1–1.0 ha), based on incoming hydraulic and P load. The modelled hypothetical CW area was only 17% of that previously estimated and area of efficient CWs is even lower. The mean area-specific P retention increased with CW size. However, the spatial variation in retention was large for all size groups and largest (6–155 kg ha−1 year−1) for the smallest CWs due to highly variable incoming P loads, showing the possible benefits of targeted placement of CWs. The presented modelling approach has also flexibility to include and account for possible future changes in land cover and management.
Potential impacts of a future Nordic bioeconomy on surface water quality
Authors: Marttila Hannu , Lepistö Ahti , Tolvanen Anne , Bechmann Marianne , Kyllmar Katarina , Juutinen Artti , Wenng Hannah , Skarbøvik Eva , Futter Martyn , Kortelainen Pirkko , Rankinen Katri , Hellsten Seppo , Kløve Bjørn , Kronvang Brian , Kaste Øyvind , Solheim Anne Lyche , Bhattacharjee Joy , Rakovic Jelena , de Wit Heleen
Published: September 2020

Nordic water bodies face multiple stressors due to human activities, generating diffuse loading and climate change. The ‘green shift’ towards a bio-based economy poses new demands and increased pressure on the environment. Bioeconomy-related pressures consist primarily of more intensive land management to maximise production of biomass. These activities can add considerable nutrient and sediment loads to receiving waters, posing a threat to ecosystem services and good ecological status of surface waters. The potential threats of climate change and the ‘green shift’ highlight the need for improved understanding of catchment-scale water and element fluxes. Here, we assess possible bioeconomy-induced pressures on Nordic catchments and associated impacts on water quality. We suggest measures to protect water quality under the ‘green shift’ and propose ‘road maps’ towards sustainable catchment management. We also identify knowledge gaps and highlight the importance of long-term monitoring data and good models to evaluate changes in water quality, improve understanding of bioeconomy-related impacts, support mitigation measures and maintain ecosystem services.
Climate mitigation and intensified forest management in Norway: To what extent are surface waters safeguarded?
Authors: Sundnes Frode , Karlsson Marianne , Platjouw Froukje Maria , Clarke Nicholas , Kaste Øyvind , Valinia Salar
Published: September 2020

While the role of forestry in mitigating climate change is increasingly subject to political commitment, other areas, such as water protection, may be at risk. In this study, we ask whether surface waters are sufficiently safeguarded in relation to the 2015 launch of a series of measures to intensify forest management for mitigation of climate change in Norway. First, we assess how impacts on water are accounted for in existing regulations for sustainable forestry. Secondly, we provide an overview of the impacts of forestry on water quality relevant to three support schemes: afforestation on new areas, increased stocking density in existing forests, and forest fertilisation. Lastly, we assess the uncertainties that exist with regard to surface waters in the implementation of these measures. We find that the safeguards in place are adequate to protect water resources at the point of initiation, but there is a large degree of uncertainty as to the long-term effect of these mitigation measures.
Climate effects on land management and stream nitrogen concentrations in small agricultural catchments in Norway
Authors: Wenng Hannah , Bechmann Marianne , Krogstad Tore , Skarbøvik Eva
Published: September 2020

Land use and climate change can impact water quality in agricultural catchments. The objectives were to assess long-term monitoring data to quantify changes to the thermal growing season length, investigate farmer adaptations to this and examine these and other factors in relation to total nitrogen and nitrate water concentrations. Data (1991–2017) from seven small Norwegian agricultural catchments were analysed using Mann–Kendall Trend Tests, Pearson correlation and a linear mixed model. The growing season length increased significantly in four of seven catchments. In catchments with cereal production, the increased growing season length corresponded to a reduction in nitrogen concentrations, but there was no such relationship in grassland catchments. In one cereal catchment, a significant correlation was found between the start of sowing and start of the thermal growing season. Understanding the role of the growing season and other factors can provide additional insight into processes and land use choices taking place in agricultural catchments.
Multi-functional benefits from targeted set-aside land in a Danish catchment
Authors: Hashemi Fatemeh , Kronvang Brian
Published: September 2020

In this study, we explored how a targeted land use change in a Danish catchment (River Odense) may provide multi-functional benefits through nitrogen (N)-load reductions to obtain good ecological quality in Odense estuary, protection of N-vulnerable groundwater aquifers, protection of Natura2000 sites and carbon sequestration. An N-load model linked to GIS thematic layers of known protected areas (Natura2000 sites and N-vulnerable groundwater aquifers) was utilised targeting high N-load areas to locate set-aside land. The achieved multi-functional benefits within the catchment and estuary were assessed and cost–benefit assessment was performed by dividing the total welfare costs of the set-aside by the total multi-functional benefits gained from each strategy. The results show that obtaining multi-functional benefits at the lowest cost requires a targeted shift of set-aside from the traditional hot-spot N-load areas to designated protected areas.
Effects of growth conditions and cultivability on the content of cyclitols in Medicago sativa
Authors: Ratiu I. A. , Al-Suod H. , Ligor M. , Monedeiro F. , Buszewski B.
Published: September 2020

Cyclitols are secondary metabolites with bioactive properties, naturally occurring in plants. Accumulation of such metabolites is directly connected with abiotic stressing factors. This article investigates the influence exercised by a series of abiotic factors including plant treatment with elicitors and cultivability in various regions of Europe, in some cases during two seasons, onto the amounts of cyclitols produced in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The obtained results highlighted that NaCl elicitation acts to increase the quantity of cyclitols, while AgNO3 and Zn(NO3)2 generally decreased the obtained amount of cyclitols. When considering the seasonal impact, samples harvested in August presented a double amount of cyclitols in comparison with those collected in May. Correlation analysis proved that this phenomenon is related mainly to sunshine period versus low humidity. However, our investigation suggests that soil type, salinity level, lack of humidity, the number of sunny days, and plant elicitation play a role on the amount of cyclitols produced in alfalfa plant.
What is the “weight” of body mass index on sexual functioning in women? A mediation model
Authors: Di Nardo Maria , Conti Chiara , Di Francesco Giulia , Nicolardi Giulia , Guagnano Maria Teresa , Porcelli Piero
Published: September 2020

Purpose

It is well known that body mass index (BMI) affects how individuals perceive their well-being and that obese individuals tend to report poorer levels of subjective health status. The aim of this study was to compare subjects with and without FSD and to examine the direct and indirect impact of BMI on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in overweight/obese and normal-weight women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 186 overweight/obese and 233 normal-weight women. FSD assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was investigated in relation to body satisfaction assessed with the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT-A) and self-esteem assessed with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale (RSE).

Results

No difference in the prevalence of FSD was found between overweight/obese (44.4%) and normal-weight women (55.6%), even though significant between-group differences in body image were found. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) showed that BMI contribute to FSD only through the mediating role of body dissatisfaction and self-esteem.

Conclusions

The present results support the notion that sexual functioning is not related directly to BMI in women but to a more complex interactions of body weight, satisfaction with one’s own body image, and levels of self-esteem. Clinicians should take into account that for women having a good sexual life seems not related to body weight but to the way their body weight is perceived within the context of self-image.

Level of evidence

Level III, case–control analytic study.
The impact of COVID-19 on health status of home-dwelling elderly patients with dementia in East Lombardy, Italy: results from COVIDEM network
Authors: Caratozzolo Salvatore , Zucchelli Alberto , Turla Marinella , Cotelli Maria Sofia , Fascendini Sara , Zanni Mara , Bianchetti Angelo , Psy Matteo Peli , Rozzini Renzo , Boffelli Stefano , Cappuccio Melania , Psy Federica Gottardi , Psy Chiara Vecchi , Bellandi Daniele , Caminati Claudia , Gentile Simona , Psy Elena Lucchi , Di Fazio Ignazio , Psy Marina Zanetti , Vezzadini Giuliana , Psy Chiara Forlani , Psy Maura Cosseddu , Psy Rosanna Turrone , Psy Silvia Pelizzari , Scalvini Andrea , Di Cesare Marco , Psy Marta Grigolo , Falanga Lina , Medici Nives , Palamini Nives , Psy Elisa Zanacchi , Psy Eleonora Grossi , Bellelli Giuseppe , Marengoni Alessandra , Trabucchi Marco , Padovani Alessandro ,   On behalf of COVIDEM Network
Published: September 2020

Background

COVID-19 outbreak has led to severe health burden in the elderly. Age, morbidity and dementia have been associated with adverse outcome.

Aims

To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on health status in home-dwelling patients.

Methods

848 home-dwelling outpatients with dementia contacted from April 27 to 30 and evaluated by a semi-structured interview to evaluate possible health complication due to COVID-19 from February 21 to April 30. Age, sex, education, clinical characteristics (including diagnosis of dementia) and flu vaccination history were obtained from previous medical records. Items regarding change in health status and outcome since the onset of the outbreak were collected. COVID-19 was diagnosed in patients who developed symptoms according to WHO criteria or tested positive at nasal/throat swab if hospitalized. Unplanned hospitalization, institutionalization and mortality were recorded.

Results

Patients were 79.7 years old (SD 7.1) and 63.1% were females. Ninety-five (11.2%) patients developed COVID-19-like symptoms. Non COVID-19 and COVID-19 patients differed for frequency of diabetes (18.5% vs. 37.9%, p < 0.001), COPD (7.3% vs. 18.9%, p < 0.001), and previous flu vaccination (56.7% vs. 37.9%, p < 0.001). Diabetes and COPD were positively associated with COVID-19, whereas higher dementia severity and flu vaccination showed an inverse association. Among COVID-19 patients, 42 (44.2%) were hospitalized while 32 (33.7%) died. Non COVID-19 patients’ hospitalization and mortality rate were 1.9% and 1.2%, respectively. COVID-19 and COPD were significantly associated with the rate of mortality.

Discussion/conclusions

A high proportion of adverse outcome related to COVID-19 was observed in home-dwelling elderly patients with dementia. Active monitoring though telehealth programs would be useful particularly for those at highest risk of developing COVID-19 and its adverse outcomes.
Multiscale frictional behaviors of sp2 nanocrystallited carbon films with different ion irradiation densities
Authors: Hu Zelong , Fan Xue , Chen Cheng
Published: September 2020

sp2 nanocrystallited carbon films with large nanocrystallite sizes, smooth surfaces, and relative high hardness were prepared with different ion irradiation densities regulated with the substrate magnetic coil current in an electron cyclotron resonance plasma sputtering system. Their multiscale frictional behaviors were investigated with macro pin-on-disk tribo-tests and micro nanoscratch tests. The results revealed that, at an ion irradiation density of 16 mA/cm2, sp2 nanocrystallited carbon film exhibits the lowest friction coefficient and good wear resistant properties at both the macroscale and microscale. The film sliding against a Si3N4 ball under a contact pressure of 0.57 GPa exhibited a low friction coefficient of 0.09 and a long wear life at the macroscale. Furthermore, the film sliding against a diamond tip under a contact pressure of 4.9 GPa exhibited a stable low friction coefficient of 0.08 with a shallow scratch depth at the microscale. It is suggested that sp2 nanocrystallites affect the frictional behaviors in the cases described differently. At the macroscale, the contact interface via the small real contact area and the sp2 nanocrystallited transfer layer dominated the frictional behavior, while the sp2 nanocrystallited structure in the film with low shear strength and high plastic resistivity, as well as the smooth surface morphology, decided the steady low nanoscratch properties at the microscale. These findings expand multiscale tribological applications of sp2 nanocrystallited carbon films.
Practice patterns of kidney stone management across European and non-European centers: an in-depth investigation from the European Renal Stone Network (ERSN)
Authors: Ferraro Pietro Manuel , Unwin Robert , Bonny Olivier , Gambaro Giovanni
Published: September 2020

Rationale and objective

Kidney stones are a common condition in the general population, however, high-quality evidence for its management is scarce. We propose the creation of an international network with the aim of sharing practice patterns and patient data towards an improvement of our knowledge of the disease.

Study design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting and participants

An online survey was circulated through several scientific societies. Items were grouped into six domains. Each center’s overall score (OS) was also calculated.

Analytical approach

Chi square and Mann–Whitney tests were performed for differences across centers.

Results

The countries that contributed most were Italy (8.6%), Turkey (6.6%), France and Spain (6.1%). Some type of nutritional work-up was implemented in 62% of centers. A DEXA scan was performed by 46% of centers, whereas some kind of acidification test was performed by 25% of centers. Most centers (80%) implemented blood investigations at least at baseline. With regard to 24-h urine exams, 7 out of 16 were performed by at least 50% of centers. Information on stone composition was collected by 58% of centers. The OS was significantly higher among higher-volume centers compared with lower-volume centers (p = 0.002). Significant differences between EU and non-EU centers were found.

Limitations

Cross-sectional design; no validation on information.

Conclusions

Our survey highlights the potential for the creation of a network of centers that could share information in a common database for observational research and for enrollment of patients in interventional trials.
Enacting Elementary Geometry: Participatory ‘Haptic’ Sense-Making
Authors: Price Sara , Yiannoutsou Nikoleta , Johnson Rose , Outhwaite Laura
Published: September 2020

A central assumption within the embodied cognition paradigm is that particular action experiences are instrumental in providing children with sensorimotor contingencies that form the foundation for conceptualisation of and, later, communication of mathematical ideas. Digital technology designs that foster specific movements offer promising foundations for young children’s mathematical learning, together with haptic technologies that newly bring tactile sensorimotor experiences for children to draw on. This article reports on a qualitative study examining the role of a haptic learning environment supporting 7–8-year-old children’s embodied exploration of 3D shape. It examined the in situ dynamic unfolding of interaction of pairs of children, as they engaged with a haptic device. Multimodal analysis was focused on the process of how the prescribed enaction of the device-mediated interaction, the kinds of action experiences and action schemes it elicited and the strategies children collaboratively developed to complete tasks. Findings show how specific action experiences and, later, communication experiences, were shaped, not only by the prescribed enaction of the design, but also by embodied participatory sense-making, and demonstrate the potential for haptic technology in mediating new learning experiences for mathematics.
Teachers’ Involvement in Designing MERLO Items: Boundary Crossing
Authors: Robutti Ornella , Prodromou Theodosia , Aldon Gilles
Published: September 2020

Meaning Equivalence Reusable Learning Objects (MERLO) items are a new kind of didactical tool that can be designed by teachers and used in classes, in tasks aimed at engaging students in deep reasoning, exploring and arguing about mathematical concepts. The interactions across communities of mathematics teachers and educators in on-line professional development were studied with attention to the phenomenon of boundary crossing of MERLO items, viewed as boundary objects in this article. The study analyseda first (international) crossing of the object that passedinstitutional boundaries (between Australian and Italian school systems), and a second crossing of the same object –inside the Australian institutional community – that passed boundaries (from static to dynamic representations) that we interpret in terms of method both for teachers and for researchers. This passage is possible due to the use of dynamic geometry software (GeoGebra) that supported a modification in the design of the item. The analysis shows boundary crossing as a process of transformation that can influence a modification (more or less stable) in the practices of the teachers involved and provides a deep research insight in relation to existing theoretical frameworks.
Consequences of Urban Living: Urbanization and Ground Beetles
Authors: Magura Tibor , Lövei Gábor L.
Published: September 2020

Purpose of Review

Urbanization is increasing worldwide, transforming environmental and habitat parameters, and causing adverse effects on organisms living in urban habitats. Urban studies on ground beetles are exponentially increasing and cover all levels of biological organization. Still, to date, there is no comprehensive paper reviewing the impacts of urbanization on ground beetles at different levels of biological organization.

Recent Findings

At the population level, urbanization induces changes in the morphological characters, including fluctuating asymmetry, physiological condition, behavioral characteristics, seasonal activity, population size, and genetic diversity in ground beetles. Different species groups (habitat specialists vs. generalists, large vs. small-sized species, poor vs. good dispersers, predators vs. herbivores) respond differently to urbanization. Community-level changes associated with urbanization include the abundance, taxonomic as well as functional diversity, community assembly mechanisms, composition, and body size distribution. At the ecosystem level, urbanization influences several ecosystem processes and functions related to ground beetles, but data are only available concerning the edge effect and predation.

Urbanization has a considerable effect at various levels of the biological organization on ground beetles living in urban habitats. However, results—especially at the population and community levels—show inconsistent patterns. This discrepancy may result from individual responses and different sensitivity of species to urbanization, suggesting the importance of individualistic and functional approach in future urban studies. To preserve a rich carabid diversity in urban areas, multi-scale greenspace planning and management schemes are needed; these will also ensure both the recreational and the diversity-preserving function of urban green spaces.
Cratons Mark the Spot for Mineral Bonanzas
Authors: den Hond Bas
Published: September 2020

A new map of the thickness of Earth’s lithosphere contains clues to large deposits of key metals.
Endogenous theta stimulation during meditation predicts reduced opioid dosing following treatment with Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement
Authors: Hudak Justin , Hanley Adam W. , Marchand William R. , Nakamura Yoshio , Yabko Brandon , Garland Eric L.
Published: September 2020

Veterans experience chronic pain at greater rates than the rest of society and are more likely to receive long-term opioid therapy (LTOT), which, at high doses, is theorized to induce maladaptive neuroplastic changes that attenuate self-regulatory capacity and exacerbate opioid dose escalation. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to modulate frontal midline theta (FMT) and alpha oscillations that are linked with marked alterations in self-referential processing. These adaptive neural oscillatory changes may promote reduced opioid use and remediate the neural dysfunction occasioned by LTOT. In this study, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to assess the effects of a mindfulness-based, cognitive training intervention for opioid misuse, Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), on alpha and theta power and FMT coherence during meditation. We then examined whether these neural effects were associated with reduced opioid dosing and changes in self-referential processing. Before and after 8 weeks of MORE or a supportive psychotherapy control, veterans receiving LTOT (N = 62) practiced mindfulness meditation while EEG was recorded. Participants treated with MORE demonstrated significantly increased alpha and theta power (with larger theta power effect sizes) as well as increased FMT coherence relative to those in the control condition—neural changes that were associated with altered self-referential processing. Crucially, MORE significantly reduced opioid dose over time, and this dose reduction was partially statistically mediated by changes in frontal theta power. Study results suggest that mindfulness meditation practice may produce endogenous theta stimulation in the prefrontal cortex, thereby enhancing inhibitory control over opioid dose escalation behaviors.
Brain micro-architecture and disinhibition: a latent phenotyping study across 33 impulsive and compulsive behaviours
Authors: Romero-Garcia Rafa , Hook Roxanne W. , Tiego Jeggan , Bethlehem Richard A. I. , Goodyer Ian M. , Jones Peter B. , Dolan Ray , Grant Jon E. , Bullmore Edward T. , Yücel Murat , Chamberlain Samuel R.
Published: September 2020

Impulsive and compulsive symptoms are common, tend to co-occur, and collectively account for a substantive global disease burden. Latent phenotyping offers a promising approach to elucidate common neural mechanisms conferring vulnerability to such symptoms in the general population. We utilised the Neuroscience in Psychiatry Network (NSPN), a cohort of young people (aged 18–29 years) in the United Kingdom, who provided questionnaire data and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans. Partial Least Squares was used to identify brain regions in which intra-cortical myelination (measured using Magnetisation Transfer, MT) was significantly associated with a disinhibition phenotype, derived from bi-factor modelling of 33 impulsive and compulsive problem behaviours. The neuroimaging sample comprised 126 participants, mean 22.8 (2.7 SD) years old, being 61.1% female. Disinhibition scores were significantly and positively associated with higher MT in the bilateral frontal and parietal lobes. 1279 genes associated with disinhibition-related brain regions were identified, which were significantly enriched for functional biological interactions reflecting receptor signalling pathways. This study indicates common microstructural brain abnormalities contributing to a multitude of related, prevalent, problem behaviours characterised by disinhibition. Such a latent phenotyping approach provides insights into common neurobiological pathways, which may help to improve disease models and treatment approaches. Now that this latent phenotyping model has been validated in a general population sample, it can be extended into patient settings.
Transgenerational modification of dopaminergic dysfunctions induced by maternal immune activation
Authors: Weber-Stadlbauer Ulrike , Richetto Juliet , Zwamborn Ramona A. J. , Slieker Roderick C. , Meyer Urs
Published: September 2020

Prenatal exposure to infectious and/or inflammatory insults is increasingly recognized to contribute to the etiology of psychiatric disorders with neurodevelopmental components. Recent research using animal models suggests that maternal immune activation (MIA) can induce transgenerational effects on brain and behavior, possibly through epigenetic mechanisms. Using a mouse model of MIA that is based on gestational treatment with the viral mimeticpoly(I:C) (= polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid), the present study explored whether the transgenerational effects of MIA are extendable to dopaminergic dysfunctions. We show that the direct descendants born to poly(I:C)-treated mothers display signs of hyperdopaminergia, as manifested by a potentiated sensitivity to the locomotor-stimulating effects of amphetamine (Amph) and increased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) in the adult ventral midbrain. In stark contrast, second- and third-generation offspring of MIA-exposed ancestors displayed blunted locomotor responses to Amph and reduced expression of Th. Furthermore, we found increased DNA methylation at the promoter region of the dopamine-specifying factor, nuclear receptor-related 1 protein (Nurr1), in the sperm of first-generation MIA offspring and in the ventral midbrain of second-generation offspring of MIA-exposed ancestors. The latter effect was further accompanied by reduced mRNA levels of Nurr1 in this brain region. Together, our results suggest that MIA has the potential to modify dopaminergic functions across multiple generations with opposite effects in the direct descendants and their progeny. The presence of altered DNA methylation in the sperm of MIA-exposed offspring highlights the possibility that epigenetic processes in the male germline play a role in the transgenerational effects of MIA.
Differential and unique patterns of synaptic miRNA expression in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of depressed subjects
Authors: Yoshino Yuta , Roy Bhaskar , Dwivedi Yogesh
Published: September 2020

Altered synaptic plasticity is often associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). Disease-associated changes in synaptic functions are tightly correlated with altered microRNA (miRNA) expression. Here, we examined the role of miRNAs and their functioning at the synapse in MDD by examining miRNA processing machinery at synapse and sequencing miRNAs and analyzing their functions in synaptic and total tissue fractions obtained from dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) of 15 MDD and 15 matched non-psychiatric control subjects. A total of 333 miRNAs were reliably detected in the total tissue fraction. Multiple testing following the Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate [FDR] showed that 18 miRNAs were significantly altered (1 downregulated 4 up and 13 downregulated;p < 0.05) in MDD subjects. Out of 351 miRNAs reliably expressed in the synaptic fraction, 24 were uniquely expressed at synapse. In addition, 8 miRNAs (miR-215-5p, miR-192-5p, miR-202-5p, miR-19b-3p, miR-423-5p, miR-219a-2-3p; miR-511-5p, miR-483-5p showed significant (FDR corrected;p < 0.05) differential regulation in the synaptic fraction from dlPFC of MDD subjects. In vitro transfection studies and gene ontology revealed involvement of these altered miRNAs in synaptic plasticity, nervous system development, and neurogenesis. A shift in expression ratios (synaptic vs. total fraction) of miR-19b-3p, miR-376c-3p, miR-455-3p, and miR-337-3p were also noted in the MDD group. Moreover, an inverse relationship between the expression of precursor (pre-miR-19b-1, pre-miR-199a-1 and pre-miR-199a-2) and mature (miR-19b-3p, miR-199a-3p) miRNAs was found. Although not significantly, several miRNA processing enzymes (DROSHA [95%], DICER [17%], TARBP2 [38%]) showed increased expression patterns in MDD subjects. Our findings provide new insights into the understanding of the regulation of miRNAs at the synapse and their possible roles in MDD pathogenesis.
Inter-device reproducibility of transcutaneous bilirubin meters
Authors: Dam-Vervloet Alida J. , van Erk Marlijn D. , Doorn Nina , Lip Stefan G. J. , Timmermans Nienke A. , Vanwinsen Leen , de Boer Foky-Anna , van Straaten Henrica L. M. , Bosschaart Nienke
Published: September 2020

Background

Transcutaneous bilirubinometry is a widely used screening method for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Deviation of the transcutaneous bilirubin concentration (TcB) from the total serum bilirubin concentration (TSB) is often ascribed to biological variation between patients, but variations between TcB meters may also have a role. This study aims to provide a systematic evaluation of the inter-device reproducibility of TcB meters.

Materials and Methods

Thirteen commercially available TcB meters (JM-105 and JM-103) were evaluated in vitro on phantoms that optically mimic neonatal skin. The mimicked TcB was varied within the clinical range (0.5–181.3 μmol/L).

Results

Absolute differences between TcB meter outcomes increased with the measured TcB, from a difference of 5.0 μmol/L (TcB = 0.5 μmol/L phantom) up to 65.0 μmol/L (TcB = 181.3 μmol/L phantom).

Conclusion

The inter-device reproducibility of the examined TcB meters is substantial and exceeds the specified accuracy of the device (±25.5 μmol/L), as well as the clinically used TcB safety margins (>50 µmol/L below phototherapy threshold). Healthcare providers should be well aware of this additional uncertainty in the TcB determination, especially when multiple TcB meters are employed in the same clinic. We strongly advise using a single TcB meter per patient to evaluate the TcB over time.

Impact

Key message: The inter-device reproducibility of TcB meters is substantial and exceeds the clinically used TcB safety margins.

What this study adds to existing literature: The inter-device reproducibility of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) meters has not been reported in the existing literature. This in vitro study systematically evaluates this inter-device reproducibility.

Impact: This study aids in a better interpretation of the measured TcB value from a patient and is of particular importance during patient monitoring when using multiple TcB meters within the same clinical department. We strongly advise using a single TcB meter per patient to evaluate the TcB over time.
Gene expression during bacterivorous growth of a widespread marine heterotrophic flagellate
Authors: Massana Ramon , Labarre Aurelie , López-Escardó David , Obiol Aleix , Bucchini François , Hackl Thomas , Fischer Matthias G , Vandepoele Klaas , Tikhonenkov Denis V , Husnik Filip , Keeling Patrick J
Published: September 2020

Phagocytosis is a fundamental process in marine ecosystems by which prey organisms are consumed and their biomass incorporated in food webs or remineralized. However, studies searching for the genes underlying this key ecological process in free-living phagocytizing protists are still scarce, in part due to the lack of appropriate ecological models. Our reanalysis of recent molecular datasets revealed that the cultured heterotrophic flagellate Cafeteria burkhardae is widespread in the global oceans, which prompted us to design a transcriptomics study with this species, grown with the cultured flavobacterium Dokdonia sp. We compared the gene expression between exponential and stationary phases, which were complemented with three starvation by dilution phases that appeared as intermediate states. We found distinct expression profiles in each condition and identified 2056 differentially expressed genes between exponential and stationary samples. Upregulated genes at the exponential phase were related to DNA duplication, transcription and translational machinery, protein remodeling, respiration and phagocytosis, whereas upregulated genes in the stationary phase were involved in signal transduction, cell adhesion, and lipid metabolism. We identified a few highly expressed phagocytosis genes, like peptidases and proton pumps, which could be used to target this ecologically relevant process in marine ecosystems.
Impairment of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway and activation of pyroptosis in macular corneal dystrophy
Authors: Zheng Tao , Zhao Chuchu , Zhao Baowen , Liu Hanruo , Wang Shijian , Wang Liyuan , Liu Ping
Published: September 2020

Macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) is ascribed to mutations in the carbohydrate sulfotransferase (CHST6) gene affecting keratan sulfate (KS) hydrophilicity and causing non-sulfated KS to precipitate in keratocytes and the corneal stroma. We investigated roles for inflammatory responses in MCD pathogenesis by examining the lysosomal-autophagy pathway and activation of pyroptosis in MCD keratocytes. Normal and lesioned keratocytes were obtained from MCD patients undergoing corneal transplantation. The keratocytes were subjected to gene sequencing, RT-PCR, western blotting, transmission electron microscopy, histological staining, induction and inhibition assays of autophagy and pyroptosis, CCK-8 and LysoTracker Green DND-26 labeling, and flow cytometry. A novel homozygous MCD mutation was identified in a family from Northeast China; the mutation was distinguished by cytoplasmic vacuolation, cell membrane disruption, electron dense deposits, and deposition of a band of Periodic acid-Schiff and Alcian blue-positive material in the keratocytes and stroma layer. KS protein levels were decreased, expression of p62 and LC3-II proteins was enhanced, cathepsin D expression was declined and the LysoTracker Green DND-26 signal was dramatically reduced in MCD keratocytes. Bafilomycin-A1 treatment significantly increased caspase-1 and Pro-IL-1β expression in normal and MCD keratocytes. Nod-like receptors pyrins-3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, Pro-IL-1β, and IL-1β levels were pronouncedly elevated in cells exposed to H2O2. Ac-YVAD-CMK treatment reversed this expression in normal and MCD keratocytes. Suppression of the autophagic degradation of non-sulfated KS by impaired autophagic flux in MCD keratocytes triggers pyroptosis. Amelioration of impaired autophagy and restraint of pyroptosis may, therefore, have therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of MCD.
Behavior of the water/vapor interface of chitosan solutions with an anionic surfactant: effect of polymer–surfactant interactions
Authors: Akanno Andrew , Guzmán Eduardo , Ortega Francisco , Rubio Ramón G.
Published: September 2020

Adsorption of chitosan–sodium laureth sulfate mixtures at the water/vapor interface appears very different to that of other oppositely charged polyelectrolyte–surfactant mixtures.
A highly sensitive, selective and room temperature operatable formaldehyde gas sensor using chemiresistive g-C3N4/ZnO
Authors: David S. P. Subin , Veeralakshmi S. , Nehru S. , Kalaiselvam S.
Published: September 2020

g-C3N4/ZnO based gas sensor detects formaldehyde at room temperature in highly sensitive and selective manner.
Co–Nx catalyst: an effective catalyst for the transformation of nitro compounds into azo compounds
Authors: Huang Renjie , Wang Yanxin , Liu XiXi , Zhou Peng , Jin Shiwei , Zhang Zehui
Published: September 2020

The selective hydrogenation of nitro compounds into their corresponding azo compounds is challenging in organic synthesis.
Catalytic conversion of fructose into 5-HMF under eco-friendly-biphasic process
Authors: Maneechakr Panya , Karnjanakom Surachai
Published: September 2020

One-pot conversion of fructose into valuable 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde (5-HMF) was investigated under a deep eutectic solvent-biphasic system.
Discrete Helmholtz model: a single layer of correlated counter-ions. Metal oxides and silica interfaces, ion-exchange and biological membranes
Authors: Gschwend Grégoire C. , Girault Hubert H.
Published: September 2020

Electrolytes in solution are strongly correlated with discrete charges at insulating interfaces inducing a behavior significantly different from that of conducting interfaces.
Natural polysaccharides with different conformations: extraction, structure and anti-tumor activity
Authors: Lyu Fengzhi , Xu Xiaojuan , Zhang Lina
Published: September 2020

Natural polysaccharides as sustainable polymers are rich sources with good biological safety and various biological functions, which are important research topics in the fields of food and medicine.
Disturbance decoupling control design for Boolean control networks: a Boolean algebra approach
Authors: Sarda K. , Yerudkar A. , Vecchio C. Del
Published: September 2020

The disturbance decoupling problem (DDP) whereby the system outputs become insensitive to exogenous signals or disturbances plays a vital role in systems engineering and biological systems. Notably, many biological signalling systems with multiple outputs are usually susceptible to external environmental changes. The authors investigate the DDP for Boolean control networks (BCNs) and present a novel technique based on Boolean algebra to solve the DDP. In particular, the results on the DDP solvability are derived by transforming the system dynamics to a simplified form called output‐friendly form. Furthermore, a constructive procedure based on the Karnaugh map to design all possible feedback controllers such that the states affecting the outputs are free from disturbances is proposed. Moreover, the presented results are extended to switched BCNs, and design all possible mode‐independent feedback controllers. Finally, some examples including a Boolean model of Escherichia coli are provided to validate the main findings.
Effective power management scheme for PV‐Battery‐DG integrated standalone DC microgrid
Authors: Pannala Sanjeev , Padhy Narayana Prasad , Agarwal Pramod
Published: September 2020

Standalone DC microgrids (SDCMGs) are emerging as prominent solutions to remote customers. As these SDCMGs mainly depend on renewable energy sources to curb carbon emission, reliability of the system is lessened due to their intermittent nature. The battery could offer a solution to this problem as it is inherently enclosed by DC grid for power balancing, but the purpose may not be served completely due to high capital cost and maintenance. Thus, the diesel generator (DG) becomes a major alternative to overcome this issue because of low investment, high compatibility, and flexibility. However, DG inhibits with cranking delay, sluggish response and low fuel efficiency under frequent switching and variable loading scenarios. To suppress the issues, a new power management strategy (PMS) is developed to ensure proper coordination between different sources, storage devices and loads in SDCMG. In addition to this, an effective control scheme is also proposed to achieve seamless regulation of DC bus voltage even under extreme conditions. In this study, different SDCMG configuration is considered for testing and simulation of system is carried out in real‐time digital simulator to prove their viability. A scaled prototype is developed to validate simulation results and authenticate proposed PMS and control scheme.
Core‐type transformer short‐circuit voltage calculation using conformal mapping
Authors: Jurković Mario , Žarko Damir
Published: September 2020

This study describes a method for calculation of transformer short‐circuit voltage using conformal mappings, which map the transformer longitudinal and transverse cross‐section geometry to a unit disk where an analytical solution for magnetic flux density is obtained and then transformed back to the original domain. The short‐circuit voltage is calculated by the integration of the magnetic energy of the leakage field in the windings and the space around windings, excluding the core. This method takes into account windings of different height, the fringing effect at the ends of the windings and any relative position of windings located on the same or different limbs. Also, it is possible to calculate the short‐circuit voltage for multiple windings.
Multi‐objective robust tuning of STATCOM controller parameters for stability enhancement of stochastic wind‐penetrated power systems
Authors: Chi Yuan , Xu Yan
Published: September 2020

This study proposes a robust optimisation method for controller parameter tuning of Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) to enhance the stability of a wind‐penetrated power system. The uncertainties of the wind power output and the pre‐contingency state of STATCOMs, which both have a significant impact on the solutions, are addressed. Firstly, a novel index is proposed to quantify the robust optimality of the solutions, which is the sensitivity of solution results to the variations of the potential uncertainties. Then, a multi‐objective robust optimisation model is proposed to simultaneously optimise three objectives: (i) short‐term voltage stability index, (ii) transient (rotor angle) stability index, and (iii) robustness of the solutions. Finally, an improved non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm‐II is developed with (1) Latin hypercube sampling‐based initial generation, and (2) adaptive mutation rate. The proposed method is tested on a modified New England 39‐bus system with industry‐standard models and recommended model parameters. Simulation results verify that the much higher computational efficiency and the stronger robustness of the proposed method over conventional methods.
Small‐signal stability analysis and optimal control parameters design of MMC‐based MTDC transmission systems
Authors: Qin Boyu , Liu Wansong , Zhang Ruowei , Ding Tao , Liu Jialing
Published: September 2020

The stability of the modular multilevel converter‐based multi‐terminal direct current (MMC‐based MTDC) transmission system is strongly affected by the coupling among multiple elements and the interaction between the control systems. Improper designed control parameters may deteriorate the dynamic response or even reduce the stability margin of the MMC‐based MTDC. This study proposes an optimal control parameters design approach to enhance the stability of MMC‐based MTDC. The dynamic model of an MMC‐based MTDC consisting of main circuit, control system, AC system and DC system is established, and the small‐signal stability model is derived. The impact of control systems on the stability of MMC‐based MTDC is studied through participation factor analysis. An optimal control parameters design problem with an eigenvalue‐based objective function is formulated and a sensitivity analysis‐based optimisation algorithm is proposed to optimise the control parameters jointly. The backtracking line search is applied to determine the feasible step size in each iteration. Stability assessment and time‐domain simulations are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Intelligent approach for residential load scheduling
Authors: Sadat‐Mohammadi Milad , Nazari‐Heris Morteza , Nazerfard Ehsan , Abedi Mehrdad , Asadi Somayeh , Jebelli Houtan
Published: September 2020

Residential load scheduling has been introduced in recent years as a result of implementing demand response programmes in the residential sector. Up to now, studies have focussed on developing algorithms for scheduling the residential loads with the objective of reducing the electricity payment while satisfying the users’ comfort level. To aim at this goal, the user should determine the desired scheduling window for each appliance to initiate the scheduling process. Although these algorithms designed to benefit the end‐users, determining the scheduling window for each appliance at the beginning of the scheduling process can be challenging. In this study, an intelligent load scheduling model is proposed to perform the scheduling with the least user intervention. The proposed model predicts the preferred scheduling window for each appliance and initiates the scheduling process. Furthermore, the degradation cost of the battery pack in the vehicle‐to‐grid mode is considered in the cost function. The model is applied to a case study containing plug‐in hybrid electric vehicle and flexible loads such as a washing machine and dishwasher under inclining block rates and hourly pricing tariffs. The results indicate that implementing the model in a residential building can decrease the electricity payment while performing the residential load scheduling with the least user intervention.