bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remodeling of the interstitial extracellular matrix in white matter multiple sclerosis lesions: Implications for remyelination (failure)
Authors: de Jong Jody M. , Wang Peng , Oomkens Michelle , Baron Wia
Published: January 2020

The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides protection, rigidity, and structure toward cells. It consists, among others, of a wide variety of glycoproteins and proteoglycans, which act together to produce a complex and dynamic environment, most relevant in transmembrane events. In the brain, the ECM occupies a notable proportion of its volume and maintains the homeostasis of central nervous system (CNS). In addition, remodeling of the ECM, that is transient changes in ECM proteins regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), is an important process that modulates cell behavior upon injury, thereby facilitating recovery. Failure of ECM remodeling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), a neurodegenerative demyelinating disease of the CNS with an inflammatory response against protective myelin sheaths that surround axons. Remyelination of denuded axons improves the neuropathological conditions of MS, but this regeneration process fails over time, leading to chronic disease progression. In this review, we uncover abnormal ECM remodeling in MS lesions by discussing ECM remodeling in experimental demyelination models, that is when remyelination is successful, and compare alterations in ECM components to the ECM composition and MMP expression in the parenchyma of demyelinated MS lesions, that is when remyelination fails. Inter‐ and intralesional differences in ECM remodeling in the distinct white matter MS lesions are discussed in terms of consequences for oligodendrocyte behavior and remyelination (failure). Hence, the review will aid to understand how abnormal ECM remodeling contributes to remyelination failure in MS lesions and assists in developing therapeutic strategies to promote remyelination.
Photobiomodulation does not influence maturation and mildly improves functional healing of mouse achilles tendons
Authors: Locke Ryan C. , Lemmon Elisabeth A. , Dudzinski Ellen , Kopa Sarah C. , Wayne Julianna M. , Soulas Jaclyn M. , De Taboada Luis , Killian Megan L.
Published: January 2020

Tendon rupture can occur at any age and is commonly treated nonoperatively, yet can result in persisting symptoms. Thus, a need exists to improve nonoperative treatments of injured tendons. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has shown promise in the clinic and is hypothesized to stimulate mitochondrial‐related metabolism and improve healing. However, the effect of PBM therapy on mitochondrial function during tendon maturation and healing are unknown, and its effect on tendon structure and function remain unclear. In this study, near‐infrared light (980:810 nm blend, 2.5 J/cm2) was applied at low (30 mW/cm2) or high (300 mW/cm2) irradiance to unilateral Achilles tendons of CD‐1 mice during postnatal growth (maturation) as well as adult mice with bilateral Achilles tenotomy (healing). The chronic effect of PBM therapy on tendon structure and function was determined using histology and mechanics, and the acute effect of PBM therapy on mitochondrial‐related gene expression was assessed. During maturation and healing, collagen alignment, cell number, and nuclear shape were unaffected by chronic PBM therapy. We found a sex‐dependent effect of PBM therapy during healing on mechanical outcomes (eg, increased stiffness and Young's modulus for PBM‐treated females, and increased strain at ultimate stress for PBM‐treated males). Mitochondria‐related gene expression was marginally influenced by PBM therapy for both maturation and healing studies. This study was the first to implement PBM therapy during both growth and healing of the murine tendon. PBM therapy resulted in marginal and sex‐dependent effects on the murine tendon. Clinical significance: PBM may be beneficial for tendon healing because functional remodeling improves without adverse effects.
Synovial fluid lubricin and hyaluronan are altered in equine osteochondral fragmentation, cartilage impact injury, and full‐thickness cartilage defect models
Authors: Peal Bridgette T. , Gagliardi Rachel , Su Jin , Fortier Lisa A. , Delco Michelle L. , Nixon Alan J. , Reesink Heidi L.
Published: January 2020

The objectives of this study were to evaluate temporal changes in lubricin, hyaluronan (HA), and HA molecular weight (MW) distributions in three distinct models of equine joint injury affecting the carpal (wrist), tarsal (ankle), and femoropatellar (knee) joints. To establish ranges for lubricin, HA, and HA MW distributions across multiple joints, we first evaluated clinically healthy, high‐motion equine joints. Synovial fluid was collected from high‐motion joints in horses without clinical signs of joint disease (n = 11 horses, 102 joints) and from research horses undergoing carpal osteochondral fragmentation (n = 8), talar cartilage impact injury (n = 7), and femoral trochlear ridge full‐thickness cartilage injury (n = 22) prior to and following arthroscopically induced joint injury. Lubricin and HA concentrations were measured via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, and gel electrophoresis was performed to evaluate HA MW distributions. Synovial fluid parameters were analyzed via linear regression models, revealing that lubricin and HA concentrations were conserved across healthy, high‐motion joints. Lubricin concentrations increased post‐injury in all osteoarthritis models (carpal fragmentationP = .001; talar impactP < .001; femoral trochlear ridge cartilage defectP = .03). Sustained loss of HA was noted post‐arthroscopy following carpal osteochondral fragmentation (P < .0001) and talar impact injury (P < .001). Lubricin may be elevated to compensate for the loss of HA and to protect cartilage post‐injury. Further investigation into the mechanisms regulating lubricin and HA following joint injury and their effects on joint homeostasis is warranted, including whether lubricin has value as a biomarker for post‐traumatic osteoarthritis.
Detection of DDT and carbaryl pesticides in honey by means of immunosensors based on high fundamental frequency quartz crystal microbalance (HFF‐QCM)
Authors: Cervera‐Chiner Lourdes , March Carmen , Arnau Antonio , Jiménez Yolanda , Montoya Ángel
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

In recent years there has been a concern about the presence of pesticides in honey because residues of DDT and carbaryl were found in honey samples. Traditional techniques, such as chromatography, reach the required limits of detection (LOD) but are not suitable for in situ implementation in the honey‐packaging industry due to their high cost and the need for highly qualified staff for routine operation. Biosensors offer simplicity, low cost, and easy handling for analytical purposes in food applications.

RESULTS

Piezoelectric immunosensors based on high fundamental frequency quartz crystal microbalance (HFF‐QCM) have been developed for the detection of carbaryl and DDT in honey. Biorecognition was based on competitive immunoassays in the conjugate‐coated format, using monoclonal antibodies as specific immunoreagents. The assay LODs attained by the HFF‐QCM immunosensors were 0.05 μg L−1 for carbaryl and 0.24 μg L−1 for DDT, reaching a similar level of detectability to that of the usual reference techniques. The practical LODs in honey samples were 8 μg kg−1 for carbaryl and 24 μg kg−1 for DDT. The immunosensors’ analytical performance allow the detection of these pesticides in honey at EU regulatory levels with good accuracy (recovery percentages ranging from 94% to 130% within the working range of each pesticide standard curve) and precision (coefficients of variation in the 9–36% range).

CONCLUSION

The proposed immunosensor is a promising analytical tool that could be implemented for quality control in the honey packaging industry, to simplify and to reduce the cost of the routine pesticide analysis in this appreciated natural food. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Flower‐like layered double hydroxide‐modified stainless‐steel fibers for online in‐tube solid‐phase microextraction of Sudan dyes
Authors: Yuan Zaicheng , Zhou Wei , Chen Zilin
Published: January 2020

Layered double hydroxides are a family of inorganic crystals that have gained a lot of attention due to its special structure and properties such as high porosity, large specific area, and excellent anion exchange ability. In this work, flower‐like NiAl‐layered double hydroxides with high specific area were in situ immobilized onto the stainless steel fibers by bioinspired polydopamine modification method and packed into poly (ether ether) ketone tube for online solid‐phase microextraction with high performance liquid chromatography analysis. Thanks to the high specific surface area and excellent extraction ability of the NiAl‐layered double hydroxides, the fibers showed excellent extraction performance to three Sudan dyes with enrichment factors between 260 to 650 folds. After optimization of the reaction and extraction conditions, an online solid‐phase microextraction method was developed for determination of Sudan dyes in water samples and chili samples. The method has limits of detection of 0.01 to 0.02 ng/mL, good linearity and good reproducibility (≤1.45%).
Trimethylchlorosilane, (CH3)3SiCl: OH reaction kinetics and infrared spectrum
Authors: Papanastasiou Dimitrios K. , Bernard François , Burkholder James B.
Published: January 2020

Rate coefficients for the OH + (CH3)3SiCl (trimethylchlorosilane) gas‐phase reaction were measured over the temperature range 295–375 K using a pulsed laser photolysis laser‐induced fluorescence technique. The room temperature rate coefficient was determined to be k1(295 K) = (2.51 ± 0.13) × 10−13 cm3 molecule–1 s–1. The Arrhenius expression k1(T) = (7.06 ± 2.15) × 10−12 exp[–(992 ± 101)/T] cm3 molecule–1 s–1, where the quoted uncertainties are 2σ fit precision, describes the measured temperature dependence very well. As part of this work, the infrared spectra of CH3)3SiCl was measured.
Multimodal strategy for the management of sphenoid osteoradionecrosis: Preliminary results
Authors: Daoudi Hannah , Labeyrie Marc A. , Guillerm Sophie , Delanian Sylvie , Guichard Jean‐Pierre , Jourdaine Clément , Faivre Sandrine , Gauthier Helene , Ferrand François‐Régis , Verillaud Benjamin , Herman Philippe
Published: January 2020

Objective

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the sphenoid is a rare but potentially lethal complication that can occur after irradiation of nasopharyngeal and clival malignancies. The objective of this study was to describe a multimodal treatment strategy tailored to the clinical signs and to the radiological extent of the disease, and to report on its preliminary results.

Methods

Retrospective monocentric study at a tertiary skull base center. Patients treated for a sphenoid ORN from January 2014 to August 2018 were identified and charts were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, histologic tumor type, previous treatments of the tumor, clinical signs at presentation, radiological data, treatment, and outcomes. Sphenoid ORN was treated by a combination of medical therapy, endovascular treatment, and/or surgery. The use of each of these therapeutic modalities was based on the extent of ORN and on the presenting signs.

Results

Seven patients were included: four patients underwent endovascular treatment with occlusion of the internal carotid artery, five patients underwent surgical debridement, and covering of the exposed bone by a local flap, seven patients received antibiotics (in combination with pentoxyphilline, tocopherol, and clodronate in one case). Three patients died after progression of the ORN. The global survival rate was 57% (4/7) with a mean follow‐up of 24 months. In one case, ORN was treated successfully by medical treatment only, with a combination of antibiotics, pentoxyphilline, tocopherol, and clodronate.

Conclusion

This retrospective study describes the results of a management strategy adapted to the extent of the disease in sphenoid ORN and based on medical therapy only, or on a combination of medical therapy, interventional radiology, and/or surgery.

Level of evidence

4
2‐Oxo‐2(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)Acetic Acid (DKSi‐COOH) as a New Water‐Soluble Visible Light Type I Photoinitiator for Free Radical Polymerization
Authors: Kirschner Julie , Paillard Julien , Graff Bernadette , Becht Jean‐Michel , Klee Joachim E. , Lalevée Jacques
Published: January 2020

2‐Oxo‐2‐(tert‐butyldimethylsilyl)acetic acid (DKSi‐COOH), is proposed here as a new high‐performance photoinitiator (PI) for the free radical polymerization of methacrylates under blue light irradiation. In the presence of DKSi‐COOH, very good polymerization performances are reached and outstanding bleaching properties are obtained compared to traditionally used camphorquinone‐based photoinitiating systems. Remarkably, this new developed PI exhibits good water solubility and excellent stability in acidic conditions and represents therefore a promising candidate for water‐based formulations.
When distraction may be a good thing: The role of distraction in low‐fit brand extension evaluation
Authors: Zhang Yuli , Kwak Hyokjin , Puzakova Marina , Taylor Charles R.
Published: January 2020

This study examines the effect of distraction after being exposed to information on low‐fit brand extension evaluation. We show that when consumers are distracted (vs. engaging in deliberate thinking) after encoding extension information they evaluate low‐fit brand extensions more favorably. Findings suggest that distraction can help establish connections of remotely associated information between a parent brand and a low‐fit extension. We also find that the effect of distraction is contingent on the individual characteristic of consumers' agency–communion orientation. The core effect holds strongly for consumers high in communion orientation, but not for those with an agency orientation. Finally, we examine how marketing communication strategies (i.e., manipulating product message construal level) interact with distraction to influence consumer perceptions of low‐fit brand extensions. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Anti‐consumption beyond boundaries: From niche topic to global phenomena
Authors: Lee Michael S. W. , Ortega Egea José M. , García de Frutos Nieves
Published: January 2020

The first anti‐consumption special issue was published by Psychology & Marketing in 2002. More than a decade later, in 2018, the International Center for Anti‐consumption Research held its seventh Symposium at the University of Almeria, Spain. This gathering was accompanied by an open call‐for‐papers in Psychology & Marketing to create a much‐anticipated follow‐up special issue. Many papers were received for both the symposium and official call. This editorial introduces the final 10 papers that comprise the Psychology & Marketing 2020 special issue on anti‐consumption. While the area of anti‐consumption has mushroomed into a vast array of work since 2002, this editorial provides four major themes that help to frame the contributions of the 10 new papers as well as set the scene for future work in anti‐consumption. The four themes are: Conceptual clarity and refinement; ideological perspectives; environmental and sustainability focus; and novel outlooks on anti‐consumption.
Mechanisms Governing the Transfer of Pure and Plant Matrix Carotenoids Toward Emulsified Triglycerides
Authors: Goupy Pascale , Genot Claude , Hammaz Faiza , Halimi Charlotte , Caris‐Veyrat Catherine , Borel Patrick
Published: January 2020

Scope

The study aims to assess the role of factors assumed to be involved in the transfer of carotenoids from plant matrices to dietary emulsions in the upper digestive tract.

Methods and Results

Transfer is first measured as a function of time of pure β‐carotene (βC), lutein (LUT), and lycopene (LYC) to triglyceride (TG) droplets dispersed in water. Then the transfer to TG droplets stabilized with either bovine serum albumin (BSA), phospholipids (PL), or both is measured. Finally, transfer of tomato and spinach puree carotenoids to these emulsions is measured. The maximal transfer efficiency of the pure carotenoids to uncoated emulsions is very efficient, ranging from 59% to 77%. However, it is dramatically impaired, ranging from 0.5% to 31% (p < 0.05), when emulsions are stabilized by the emulsifiers. Conversely, when LUT, and to a less extent βC, but not LYC, is provided by the vegetable purees, its maximal transfer efficiency is significantly higher for the coated emulsions than for the uncoated one.

Conclusions

Emulsifiers can dramatically impair the transfer of pure carotenoids to emulsion TG while they can facilitate the transfer of carotenoids from plant matrices. This suggests that specific interactions between plant matrix compounds and emulsifiers can enhance the transfer efficiency of carotenoids.
High‐resolution 2‐D NMR spectroscopy based on the Radon transform and pure shift technique for studying chemical shifts perturbations
Authors: Chen Jinyong , Zeng Qing , Tian Dan , Lin Yanqin , Chen Zhong
Published: January 2020

Chemical shift plays an important role in molecular analysis. However, chemical shifts are influenced by temperature, solvent concentration, pressure, and so forth. Therefore, measuring chemical shift perturbations caused by these factors is helpful to molecular studies. A new form of 2‐D spectroscopy (projection spectroscopy) has been introduced whose indirect dimension is derived by implementing the Radon transform on a series of conventional 1‐D proton spectra and indicates such perturbations. However, signal overlap may exist in the conventional 1‐D spectra and hence in the resulting projection spectra, hampering clear multiplet analysis and accurate extraction of perturbations. Here, the pure shift decoupling technique is employed to obtain clearer projection spectrum with higher spectral resolution. The combination of pure shift technique and the Radon transform is helpful to accurately extract chemical shift perturbations. It is believed that this application will open up a vast prospect for molecular analysis.
Exercise and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Case Series with One‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Casey Máire‐Bríd , Cotter Niamh , Kelly Caoimhe , Mc Elchar Lisa , Dunne Cian , Neary Rachel , Lowry Damien , Hearty Conor , Doody Catherine
Published: January 2020

Introduction

There is growing evidence to support Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in the management of chronic pain. However, there is a need for further research evaluating ACT combined with physical exercise, and few studies have assessed the long‐term impact of this type of intervention. This case series reports on the acceptability and impact of an ACT‐based multidisciplinary pain management programme on a range of health outcomes in both the short and long‐term.

Methods

Seventy‐three participants completed an 8‐week group‐based, pain management programme. The programme combined weekly sessions of ACT with education and exercise classes. Self‐report outcome measures were completed at baseline, post‐intervention and at one‐year follow‐up. The measures assessed pain intensity and interference, psychological distress, self‐efficacy, pain acceptance, values‐based action, pain catastrophizing, fear avoidance and healthcare utilization. Pedometers were worn to objectively measure physical activity. Data were analyzed using linear mixed modelling. Ethical approval for this study was granted by the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (MMUH) Institutional Review Board (Reference 1/378/1541).

Results

Eighty‐six percent of respondents reported being satisfied with the intervention. Improvements were observed in most of the self‐report outcomes post‐intervention and many changes were maintained at one‐year. There was also a significant increase in average daily step‐count.

Conclusion

A pain management programme combining ACT with exercise appears to be an acceptable treatment option for people with chronic pain. While improvements were observed in both the short and long‐term, further fully powered RCTs with long‐term follow‐up are required to test the effectiveness of this type of intervention.
The Effect of Extract from Dill Anethum Graveolens on the Growth Performance, Body Composition, Immune System, and Antioxidant System of Rainbow Trout
Authors: Zeilab Sendijani Reza , Abedian Kenari Abdolmohamad , Smiley Amir Hossien , Esmaeili Noah
Published: January 2020

In recent years, supplementing herbal medicines to fish diets in the aquaculture industry as a growth stimulant and immunostimulant is a common practice. In the present study, we investigated the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of dill on the growth performance and body composition of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and its inhibitory effect against Aeromonas hydrophila in vitro. We also evaluated the immune responses and antioxidant system in fish that were fed dill diets over a period of 56 d. For this purpose, 180 Rainbow Trout fingerlings (initial weight 13.30 ± 0.22 g; mean ± SD) were purchased and they were fed four experimental treatments, which included a control diet and diets that were supplemented with 1Dill (1 g/kg dill extract), 1.5Dill (1.5 g/kg dill extract), or 3Dill (3 g/kg dill extract). According to the results, the fish that were fed 1Dill (54.70 g) and 1.5Dill (53.19 g) diets had significantly higher weight gain, although the feed conversion ratio was not significantly different among groups. However, the fish that were fed the 1.5Dill (62.55%) diet had significantly higher protein contents in the body than those that were fed the 3Dill (60.09%) treatment; the fish that were fed the 3Dill (29.00%) diet had higher lipid content than those that were fed the other diets. Regarding immune and antioxidant systems, the Rainbow Trout that were fed the 1.5Dill diet had significantly higher values of lysozyme in their serum (53.33 U/mL), alternative complement pathway hemolytic activity (146.33 U/mL), superoxide dismutase (52.33 U/mg protein), and catalase activity (164.66 U/mg protein) than the others did. Dill extracts in different dosages had no inhibitory effect against A. hydrophila in vitro. In summary, it can be concluded that the 1.5Dill diet can be used as a natural stimulant of growth, immunity, and the antioxidant system in the aquaculture industry.
Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica Growth and Mortality in New Hampshire (USA) Using Off-Bottom Farm Gear
Authors: Grizzle Raymond , Ward Krystin , Burdick David , Payne Andrew , Berlinsky David
Published: January 2020

Eastern oyster farm production has increased dramatically in the northeastern United States in recent decades. Farming methods vary, but different configurations of off-bottom “rack-and-bag” gear are commonly used and there is little published research on how different methods affect oyster growth. Field experiments were conducted during 2016–2018 on two farm sites in New Hampshire to assess the effects on oyster growth and mortality of different gear deployment configurations: (1) bag height above the bottom; (2) different combinations of oyster seed size, bag mesh size, and stocking density; (3) rack-and-bag versus bottom tray; (4) oyster seed size and over-winter mortality; and (5) envelope- versus box-style bags. Bag stocking density consistently had the strongest effect, with oyster growth being up to 3 times faster in bags that were stocked at 0.5 L compared with 2.0 L of wet oysters. Additionally, stocking density had a stronger effect on the oysters that were in 6-mm mesh bags than on those that were in 4-mm mesh bags. Oysters that were in bags in the top level of the rack grew significantly faster in one experiment but not in another. There was no significant difference in oyster growth comparing rack-and-bag and bottom trays. The over-winter mortality of oysters that were raised in rack-and-bag gear averaged 17% in one experiment and 46% in another. Early growth was similar for oysters that were deployed in box- and envelope-style bags, but by the final measurement (at 2.4 months) oysters in the box-style bags were 18% larger. The major findings were interpreted in the context of the notion that food supply and the factors affecting it have strong effects on the growth of farmed oysters, so this dynamic should drive strategies to improve gear deployment methods. Additionally, the typical situation of widely varying differences in uncontrollable factors (e.g., currents or phytoplankton concentrations) among sites and their effects on gear deployment methods may best be addressed by site-specific empirical studies that are conducted by farmers.
Numerical study of the biaxial compressive strength of high strength concrete based on a yield design micromechanical approach
Authors: Naija Ahmed , Hassen Ghazi , Limam Oualid , Miled Karim
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a numerical study of high strength concrete microstructure effects on its uniaxial and biaxial compressive strengths. Concrete is first represented as a set of angular aggregates interacting within a cement paste matrix. Then, a yield design kinematic approach is conducted at the mesoscopic scale in order to determine the concrete compressive strength for a given loading path. The proposed model, having a low computational cost, is able to capture the main microstructure effects already observed in literature on concrete uniaxial compressive strength, in particular, the aggregates volume fraction and maximal size effects. Finally, the proposed model also predicts the biaxial failure envelope of high strength concrete and confirms some experimental trends observed in literature.
A concept analysis of confidence related to older people living with frailty
Authors: Underwood Frazer , Latour Jos M. , Kent Bridie
Published: January 2020

Aim

To describe and define a concept of confidence in the context of older people living with frailty, which is important to the worldwide healthy‐ageing agenda preventing decline in independence and well‐being.

Design

Concept analysis informed by Walker and Avant's eight‐stage approach.

Methods

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsychINFO) from 1994–2018 were searched. Published studies exploring confidence and excerpts of papers referencing older people, frailty and confidence informed the concept analysis. Extracted attributes informed model case and additional case development. Appraisal of antecedents, consequences and empirical referents informed the final concept's construction.

Results

Three overall defining attributes of confidence were identified in this concept analysis: physical, psychological and social. A central feature is personal control, influencing internal and external factors. These control factors can be enabling factors (positive factors) or dis‐enabling factors (negative factors), affecting the frail older persons overall physical health and mental well‐being.
The built environment and its impact on health outcomes and experiences of patients, significant others and staff—A protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Elf Marie , Anåker Anna , Marcheschi Elizabeth , Sigurjónsson Ásgeir , Ulrich Roger S.
Published: January 2020

Aim

This review will identify, evaluate and synthesize the literature related to evidence‐based design of healthcare environments and to identify impacts of the built environment on the outcomes and experiences of patients, significant others and staff.

Design

A mixed‐method systematic review of literature 2010–2018.

Methods

Database searches for evidence in peer‐reviewed journals will be conducted electronically using CINAHL, Medline, SCOPUS and Web of Science. Abstract, full‐text screening and data extraction will be completed independently by the reviewers. Quality assessment will follow Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Social Services Assessment.

Results

This review will offer knowledge for informed decisions about the design of the healthcare environment. The review is comprehensive, includes a large volume of literature various research designs and will highlight the knowledge gap in evidence‐based design and provide a breadth of knowledge about the built environments and its impact on health and well‐being.
Imaging of groundwater contamination using 3D joint inversion of electrical resistivity tomography and radio magnetotelluric data: A case study from Northern India
Authors: Devi A. , Israil M. , Singh A. , Gupta Pravin K. , Yogeshwar P. , Tezkan B.
Published: January 2020

The impact of untreated sewage irrigation and waste disposal practices on groundwater is investigated by 3D joint inversion of radio magnetotelluric and electrical resistivity tomography data. In this case study, electrical resistivity tomography and radio magnetotelluric field measurements were carried out on several profiles near a waste disposal site which was irrigated with untreated sewage water for agriculture purpose. In addition, radio magnetotelluric and electrical resistivity tomography measurements were carried out, far away from the waste site, to derive the uncontaminated geology. The data were analysed earlier using 2D inversion techniques. However, for the 2D inversion of the electrical resistivity tomography and radio magnetotelluric data, assumptions about the strike direction are required. As no clear strike direction is evident for the contamination, we considered the problem as 3D and interpreted the present data set using the 3D inversion algorithm ‘AP3DMT‐DC’. The inverted 3D resistivity model shows an unconfined aquifer of low resistivity which is overlain by an unsaturated slightly resistive near surface formation. With increasing distance from the waste sites, an increase in the resistivity of the shallow unconfined aquifer is observed. Furthest away from the waste site undisturbed geology is expected. We derived consistent and meaningful 3D resistivity models. The uncontaminated reference site indicates an increased resistivity for the aquifer layer. A synthetic 3D study was carried out to demonstrate and validate algorithm performance as well as convergence capabilities. The study demonstrates that the two methods, electrical resistivity tomography and radio magnetotelluric, complement each other. Besides, a better resolved inverted model is obtained through a 3D joint inversion, in comparison to individual 2D and 3D inversions.
Mobile Application Interventions and Weight Loss in Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cai Xue , Qiu Shanhu , Luo Dan , Wang Limin , Lu Yanhu , Li Mingzi
Published: January 2020

Objective

This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the effect of mobile application (app) interventions on weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials examining the use of mobile app interventions with outcomes on weight loss evaluated by body weight or other measures such as BMI or waist circumference. A random‐effects model was applied to obtain weight mean differences and 95% CIs.

Results

Fourteen studies enrolling 2,129 patients with type 2 diabetes were included. Mobile app interventions could significantly reduce body weight (weight mean difference, −0.84 kg; 95% CI: −1.51 to −0.17 kg) and lower waist circumference (−1.35 cm; 95% CI: −2.16 to −0.55 cm) but may not decrease BMI (−0.08 kg/m2; 95% CI: −0.41 to 0.25 kg/m2). The reductions appeared to be more pronounced in patients with obesity or among studies using mobile app interventions combined with other behavior components. However, weight loss was not moderated by the functionalities of the mobile apps (all Pinteraction > 0.05) or by the intervention duration (all P > 0.87).

Conclusions

Mobile app interventions lead to weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes and are worth recommending for weight loss promotion.
Effects of a novel combination of orlistat and acarbose on tolerability, appetite, and glucose metabolism in persons with obesity
Authors: Holmbäck Ulf , Forslund Anders , Grudén Stefan , Alderborn Göran , Söderhäll Arvid , Hellström Per M. , Lennernäs Hans
Published: January 2020

Objective

There is an unmet medical need for a safe and effective weight loss product with minimal systemic side‐effects. In this study, the effect of a novel modified‐release fixed‐dose combination of orlistat and acarbose (MR‐OA) was compared with conventional orlistat (CO) regarding tolerability, appetite and glucose metabolism.

Methods

Sixty‐seven men with obesity, aged 24 to 60 years with body mass indexes (BMIs) 33 to 40 kg m−2 or BMIs 30 to 32 kg m−2 and waist circumference above 102 cm were included. They were randomized to either three different doses of the test formulation MR‐OA (60 mg orlistat/20 mg acarbose, 90/30 and 120/40) or CO (Xenical, 120 mg orlistat) for a 2‐week study of daily treatment. The participants spent days 1 and 14 at the clinical research centre where they received standardized meals, had blood sampling and filled in questionnaires regarding tolerability and appetite after meals. In days 2 to 13, the participants were at home and continued to fill in the questionnaires daily.

Results

In the MR‐OA groups, reports of liquid and oily stools as well as faecal incontinence were fewer, whereas reports of gastric distension and flatulence were higher, compared with the CO group. More participants reported decreased hunger in the 90/30 and 120/40 MR‐OA, and postprandial plasma glucose concentration was reduced in all MR‐OA groups compared with CO.

Conclusions

This study shows that by using a modified‐release dosage form, orlistat and acarbose can be combined without compromising tolerability. Furthermore, MR‐OA shows promising effects regarding reduction of appetite and reduces postprandial glucose. Tolerability is coupled to compliance and thereby efficacy of a treatment; therefore, this novel combination MR‐OA could be an effective approach for weight loss treatment. A follow‐up study in a more diverse population and for a longer duration with weight loss as primary outcome variable is planned.
Characterization of fungicide sensitivity profiles of Botrytis cinerea populations sampled in Lombardy (Northern Italy) and implications for resistance management
Authors: Toffolatti Silvia L , Russo Giuseppe , Bezza Davide , Bianco Piero A , Massi Federico , Marcianò Demetrio , Maddalena Giuliana
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

Resistance to fungicides is one of the aspects that must be considered when planning treatments to achieve an optimal control of grey mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, in vineyards. In this study, extensive fungicide resistance monitoring was carried out in Northern Italy (Lombardy region) to evaluate several aspects of fungicide resistance (frequency of resistance, effect of field treatments, mechanism of resistance and fitness) on 720 B. cinerea strains isolated from 36 vineyards.

RESULTS

Of the characterized strains, 12% were resistant to a single fungicide class (3% to the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor boscalid, 4% to the anilinopirimidine cyprodinil; 5% to the phenylpirrole fludioxonil; 0.1% to the ketoreductase inhibitor fenhexamid) and 0.8% to two fungicide classes contemporaneously. Resistance was associated with mutations reported in the literature for boscalid (H272Y/R) and fenhexamid (P238S or I232M). Two new mutations in sdhC (A187F) and in sdhD (I189L) could be related to boscalid resistance. Strains resistant to fludioxonil did not show any known mutations. No significant differences were found in the fitness of sensitive and resistant strains.

CONCLUSION

Overall, field populations of B. cinerea showed a relatively low frequency of resistance, but the geographical distribution of resistance, genetic mechanisms of resistance and fitness of resistant strains suggest that management of resistance should be implemented, at local and regional levels. Particular attention should be given to the fungicide sprays planned before veraison, since they seem to be associated with a higher frequency of resistant strains in vineyards. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface Plasmon‐Enhanced High‐Performance ZnO/Ni/ZnO Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: Kim Hee-Wung , Baek Seung-Hye , Lee Sung-Nam
Published: January 2020

The surface plasmon effect of Ni thickness on the optical and electrical properties of ZnO/Ni/ZnO multilayer structure (MS) ultraviolet photodetectors (PDs) is investigated. In general, ZnO/Ni/ZnO MS can be used as a transparent conductive oxide. As the thickness of the Ni thin interlayer increases from 0 to 8 nm, the optical transmittance of the ZnO/Ni/ZnO MS‐PDs decreases from 90.9% to 54.4%. The optical absorptions of the Ni/ZnO and ZnO/Ni/ZnO MS films increase with a 2.0 nm‐thick Ni film. In addition, despite depositing a Ni film on ZnO, the maximum photoluminescence (PL) intensity is obtained from the 2.0 nm‐thick Ni on the ZnO film. However, the optical absorption and PL band‐edge emission of ZnO/Ni/ZnO MS‐PDs decrease gradually with increasing Ni film thickness (>2.0 nm). Thus, this optical improvement of ZnO/Ni/ZnO can be caused by the surface plasmon effect, which leads to an increase in the number of photogenerated carriers in ZnO/Ni/ZnO MS‐PDs. Therefore, the higher photoresponsivity (19.5 mA W−1) and external quantum efficiency (6.5%) of the ZnO/Ni/ZnO MS‐PDs are achieved with a 2.0 nm‐thick Ni interlayer compared with ZnO single‐layer PDs.
A simplified environmental evaluation tool for food packaging to support decision‐making in packaging development
Authors: Molina‐Besch Katrin , Pålsson Henrik
Published: January 2020

Packaging developers in the food industry must consider several, sometimes conflicting, environmental requirements on packaging along with an already complex combination of marketing, logistics and production requirements. Existing methods for the environmental evaluation of packaging either focus on a limited amount of environmental packaging criteria (such as recyclability or renewable content) or rely on life cycle assessment methodology requiring expert competence. To support the food industry in their efforts toward developing product and packaging combinations that reduce the total environmental impact in food supply chains, this article presents a simplified environmental evaluation tool for food packaging. The presented tool was developed through an iterative process in a collaborative research project with the food industry. It evaluates packaging systems based on packaging criteria sorted into four areas that represent the life‐cycle steps packaging material production, transport, household and end‐of‐life. A comparison of the tool results and screening LCA results for three packaging cases showed no major differences. From the practitioners' perspective, the main advantages of the suggested tool are that it does not require LCA‐competence, that the required input data is commonly available in packaging development projects and that its overall structure invites several functions of the company to participate. The theoretical benefits of the suggested tool are that it allows for a parallel assessment of eco‐efficiency and eco‐effectiveness criteria in a life cycle perspective and that it considers littering risk as well as the influence of packaging on food waste in households
Exact solutions and spectrum analysis of a noncentral potential in the presence of vector potential
Authors: Ghosh Piu , Nath Debraj
Published: January 2020

We studied exact solutions and spectrum analysis of the pseudoharmonic oscillator in the presence of θ‐dependent scalar potential and the sum of two vector potentials Dirac magnetic monopole and Aharonov‐Bohm field. The effect of the Dirac magnetic monopole (g), Aharonov‐Bohm field (ℱ), the dissociation energy of diatomic molecules (D
e), equilibrium intermolecular separation (r
e), and the reduced mass (μ) on the energy spectrum for some diatomic molecules (CO, NO, N2, CH, H2, and ScH) are analyzed. We compared our results with theoretical experiments of pseudoharmonic oscillator potential in a molecular system.
What drives the short‐term fluctuations of banks' exposure to interest rate risk?
Authors: Memmel Christoph
Published: January 2020

We investigate whether banks actively manage their exposure to interest rate risk in the short run. Using bank‐level data of German banks for the period 2011Q4–2017Q2, we find evidence that banks actively manage their interest rate risk exposure in their banking books. Specifically, they adjust their exposure to the earning opportunities presented by this risk, take account of their regulatory situation, and manage this exposure using interest swaps. We also find that the fixed‐interest period of housing loans has an impact on the banks' overall exposure to interest rate risk. This last finding, in combination with the empirical evidence that customer preferences predominantly determine the fixed‐interest period of these loans, is not in line with active interest rate risk management.
Recursive methods for estimating the radial basis function‐based state‐dependent autoregressive model
Authors: Zhou Yihong , Ding Feng , Ji Yan , Hayat Tasawar
Published: January 2020

Identifying a nonlinear radial basis function‐based state‐dependent autoregressive (RBF‐AR) time series model is the basis for solving the corresponding prediction and control problems. This paper studies some recursive parameter estimation algorithms for the RBF‐AR model. Considering the difficulty of the nonlinear optimal problem arising in estimating the RBF‐AR model, an overall forgetting gradient algorithm is deduced based on the negative gradient search. A numerical method with a forgetting factor is provided to solve the problem of determining the optimal convergence factor. In order to improve the parameter estimation accuracy, the multi‐innovation identification theory is applied to develop an overall multi‐innovation forgetting gradient (O‐MIFG) algorithm. The simulation results indicate that the estimation model based on the O‐MIFG algorithm can capture the dynamics of the RBF‐AR model very well.
A Microfluidic Ion Sensor Array
Authors: Wu Chunxiao , Selberg John , Nguyen Brian , Pansodtee Pattawong , Jia Manping , Dechiraju Harika , Teodorescu Mircea , Rolandi Marco
Published: January 2020

A balanced concentration of ions is essential for biological processes to occur. For example, [H+] gradients power adenosine triphosphate synthesis, dynamic changes in [K+] and [Na+] create action potentials in neuronal communication, and [Cl−] contributes to maintaining appropriate cell membrane voltage. Sensing ionic concentration is thus important for monitoring and regulating many biological processes. This work demonstrates an ion‐selective microelectrode array that simultaneously and independently senses [K+], [Na+], and [Cl−] in electrolyte solutions. To obtain ion specificity, the required ion‐selective membranes are patterned using microfluidics. As a proof of concept, the change in ionic concentration is monitored during cell proliferation in a cell culture medium. This microelectrode array can easily be integrated in lab‐on‐a‐chip approaches to physiology and biological research and applications.
Advanced Se3P4@C Anode with Exceptional Cycling Life for High Performance Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Bing , He Ziyao , Zhao Jiawei , Liu Wentao , Feng Yangyang , Song Jiangxuan
Published: January 2020

Potassium‐ion batteries have attracted increasing attention for next‐generation energy storage systems due to their high energy density and abundance of potassium. However, the lack of suitable anode highly hampers its practical application due to the large ionic radius of K+. Herein, a Se3P4@mesoporous carbon (Se3P4@C) composite is reported as a high‐performance anode for potassium‐ion batteries. The Se3P4@C composite is synthesized through an in situ combination reaction between red phosphorus and Se within a porous carbon matrix. In this way, the nano‐sized Se3P4 is well confined in the porous carbon and thus exhibits a close contact with the carbon matrix. This can significantly improve the conductivity and alleviate the volume change during the cycling process. As a result, the Se3P4@C exhibits a high reversible initial capacity of 1036.8 mAh g−1 at a current density of 50 mA g−1 as well as an excellent cycle performance with a capacity decay of 0.07% per cycle over 300 cycles under 1000 mA g−1. In terms of high specific capacity and stable cycling performance, the Se3P4@C anode is a promising candidate for advanced potassium‐ion batteries.
Layer‐by‐Layer Assembled Oxide Nanoparticle Electrodes with High Transparency, Electrical Conductivity, and Electrochemical Activity by Reducing Organic Linker‐Induced Oxygen Vacancies
Authors: Cho Ikjun , Song Yongkwon , Cheong Sanghyuk , Kim Younghoon , Cho Jinhan
Published: January 2020

Solution‐processable transparent conducting oxide (TCO) nanoparticle (NP)–based electrodes are limited by their low electrical conductivity, which originates from the low level of oxygen vacancies within NPs and the contact resistance between neighboring NPs. Additionally, these electrodes suffer from the troublesome trade‐off between electrical conductivity and optical transmittance and the restricted shape of substrates (i.e., only flat substrates). An oxygen‐vacancy‐controlled indium tin oxide (ITO) NP‐based electrode is introduced using carbon‐free molecular linkers with strong chemically reducing properties. Specifically, ITO NPs are layer‐by‐layer assembled with extremely small hydrazine monohydrate linkers composed of two amine groups, followed by thermal annealing. This approach markedly improves the electrical conductivity of ITO NP‐based electrodes by significantly increasing the level of oxygen vacancies and decreasing the interparticle distance (i.e., contact resistance) without sacrificing optical transmittance. The prepared electrodes surpass the optical/electrical performance of TCO NP‐based electrodes reported to date. Additionally, the nanostructured ITO NP films can be applied to more complex geometric substrates beyond flat substrates, and furthermore exhibit a prominent electrochemical activity. This approach can provide an important basis for developing a wide range of highly functional transparent conducting electrodes.
Some copula‐based tests of independence among several random variables having arbitrary probability distributions
Authors: Roy Angshuman
Published: January 2020

Over the last few decades, various copula‐based methods have been proposed in the literature for testing independence among several random variables. But most of these tests are applicable only when all random variables are continuous. Only recently, a copula‐based test of independence has been proposed, which also works for random variables having arbitrary probability distributions. But like most of the existing methods, this test is not invariant under monotone transformations of the variables unless the same type of transformation (either increasing or decreasing) is used for all variables. Moreover, it often yields poor results when these variables have complex non‐monotone relationships. In this article, we propose some copula‐based tests of independence, which take care of this problem. Our tests are invariant under strictly monotone transformations of the variables, and they can be used for continuous, discrete, or even for ordinal variables. We establish the large sample consistency of these tests under appropriate regularity conditions. Several simulated and real data sets are analysed to compare their empirical performance with some popular tests.