bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replication Study: Biomechanical remodeling of the microenvironment by stromal caveolin-1 favors tumor invasion and metastasis
Authors: Sheen Mee Rie , Fields Jennifer L , Northan Brian , Lacoste Judith , Ang Lay-Hong , Fiering Steven ,   Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology, Iorns Elizabeth , Tsui Rachel , Denis Alexandria , Perfito Nicole , Errington Timothy M
Published: December 2019

As part of the Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology we published a Registered Report (Fiering et al., 2015) that described how we intended to replicate selected experiments from the paper ‘Biomechanical remodeling of the microenvironment by stromal caveolin-1 favors tumor invasion and metastasis’ (Goetz et al., 2011). Here we report the results. Primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (pMEFs) expressing caveolin 1 (Cav1WT) demonstrated increased extracellular matrix remodeling in vitro compared to Cav1 deficient (Cav1KO) pMEFs, similar to the original study (Goetz et al., 2011). In vivo, we found higher levels of intratumoral stroma remodeling, determined by fibronectin fiber orientation, in tumors from cancer cells co-injected with Cav1WT pMEFs compared to cancer cells only or cancer cells plus Cav1KO pMEFs, which were in the same direction as the original study (Supplemental Figure S7C; Goetz et al., 2011), but not statistically significant. Primary tumor growth was similar between conditions, like the original study (Supplemental Figure S7Ca; Goetz et al., 2011). We found metastatic burden was similar between Cav1WT and Cav1KO pMEFs, while the original study found increased metastases with Cav1WT (Figure 7C; Goetz et al., 2011); however, the duration of our in vivo experiments (45 days) were much shorter than in the study by Goetz et al. (2011) (75 days). This makes it difficult to interpret the difference between the studies as it is possible that the cells required more time to manifest the difference between treatments observed by Goetz et al. We also found a statistically significant negative correlation of intratumoral remodeling with metastatic burden, while the original study found a statistically significant positive correlation (Figure 7Cd; Goetz et al., 2011), but again there were differences between the studies in terms of the duration of the metastasis studies and the imaging approaches that could have impacted the outcomes. Finally, we report meta-analyses for each result.
Markov Chain Monte Carlo Solution of Poisson’s Equation in Axisymmetric Regions
Authors: Shadare A. E. , Sadiku M. N. O. , Musa S. M.
Published: December 2019

The advent of the Monte Carlo methods to the field of EM have seen floating random walk, fixed random walk and Exodus methods deployed to solve Poisson’s equation in rectangular coordinate and axisymmetric solution regions. However, when considering large EM domains, classical Monte Carlo methods could be time-consuming because they calculate potential one point at a time. Thus, Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is generally preferred to other Monte Carlo methods when considering whole-field computation. In this paper, MCMC has been applied to solve Poisson’s equation in homogeneous and inhomogeneous axisymmetric regions. The MCMC results are compared with the analytical and finite difference solutions.
Sparse Polynomial-Chaos Models for Stochastic Problems with Filtering Structures
Authors: Zygiridis T. , Papadopoulos A. , Kantartzis N. , Glytsis E.
Published: December 2019

This work develops sparse polynomial models for investigating the response of electromagnetic filtering structures, when the design of the latter is affected by a number of uncertain variables. The proposed approach describes an improved implementation framework for contemporary Compressed Sensing techniques, which are known for their capacity to reconstruct sparse signals with a limited number of samples. Unlike typical implementations, the necessary set of basis functions is formulated after performing an initial estimation of partial variances that, despite being computationally cheap, provides sufficient information for the impact of each variable on the output. A number of numerical tests on different filter configurations verify the reliability of the presented methodology, display its efficiency, and unveil the performance of the considered structures, when operated under uncertainty.
Enhanced Accuracy of Breast Cancer Detection Based on UWB Compact Slotted Monopole Antennas
Authors: Amdaouch I. , Aghzout O. , Naghar A. , Alejos A. V. , Falcone F.
Published: December 2019

This work presents a new breast tumor detection system based on an omnidirectional microstrip ultra wideband antenna. The localization coordinates of the tumor are studied in detail for better tumor detection. The coordinates of the corresponding maximum value of SAR are identified in order to accurately detect different locations of tumor inside the breast. The results show that relying on these coordinates; the tumor can be detected with high accuracy. The possibility of mutual interferences with other systems operating at the FCC frequency band is considered as a major issue in UWB systems. Therefore, rejected out-band interference signals is introduced by etching single and double U-shaped slots on the radiating element, then a first and second frequency band are successfully produced respectively. The proposed antenna is a compact antenna that can be used on microwave imaging detection. The antenna gain was larger than 2 dbi with an omnidirectional radiation pattern over the whole frequency-band. A relatively flat group delay of the antenna response is also achieved. Antenna prototype has been manufactured and measured, results prove the performance of the proposed antenna.
Expression of extraocular opsin genes and light-dependent basal activity of blind cavefish
Authors: Simon Noah , Fujita Suguru , Porter Megan , Yoshizawa Masato
Published: December 2019

Background

Animals living in well-lit environments utilize optical stimuli for detecting visual information, regulating the homeostatic pacemaker, and controlling patterns of body pigmentation. In contrast, many subterranean animal species without optical stimuli have evolved regressed binocular eyes and body pigmentation. Interestingly, some fossorial and cave-dwelling animals with regressed eyes still respond to light. These light-dependent responses may be simply evolutionary residuals or they may be adaptive, where negative phototaxis provides avoidance of predator-rich surface environments. However, the relationship between these non-ocular light responses and the underlying light-sensing Opsin proteins has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

To highlight the potential functions of opsins in a blind subterranean animal, we used the Mexican cave tetra to investigate opsin gene expression in the eyes and several brain regions of both surface and cave-dwelling adults. We performed database surveys, expression analyses by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR), and light-dependent locomotor activity analysis using pinealectomized fish, one of the high-opsin expressing organs of cavefish.

Results

Based on conservative criteria, we identified 33 opsin genes in the cavefish genome. Surveys of available RNAseq data found 26 of these expressed in the surface fish eye as compared to 24 expressed in cavefish extraocular tissues, 20 of which were expressed in the brain. RT-qPCR of 26 opsins in surface and cavefish eye and brain tissues showed the highest opsin-expressing tissue in cavefish was the pineal organ, which expressed exo-rhodopsin at 72.7% of the expression levels in surface fish pineal. However, a pinealectomy resulted in no change to the light-dependent locomotor activity in juvenile cavefish and surface fish. Therefore, we conclude that, after 20,000 or more years of evolution in darkness, cavefish light-dependent basal activity is regulated by a non-pineal extraocular organ.
Resolution-agnostic tissue segmentation in whole-slide histopathology images with convolutional neural networks
Authors: Bándi Péter , Balkenhol Maschenka , van Ginneken Bram , van der Laak Jeroen , Litjens Geert
Published: December 2019

Modern pathology diagnostics is being driven toward large scale digitization of microscopic tissue sections. A prerequisite for its safe implementation is the guarantee that all tissue present on a glass slide can also be found back in the digital image. Whole-slide scanners perform a tissue segmentation in a low resolution overview image to prevent inefficient high-resolution scanning of empty background areas. However, currently applied algorithms can fail in detecting all tissue regions.

In this study, we developed convolutional neural networks to distinguish tissue from background. We collected 100 whole-slide images of 10 tissue samples—staining categories from five medical centers for development and testing. Additionally, eight more images of eight unfamiliar categories were collected for testing only. We compared our fully-convolutional neural networks to three traditional methods on a range of resolution levels using Dice score and sensitivity.

We also tested whether a single neural network can perform equivalently to multiple networks, each specialized in a single resolution. Overall, our solutions outperformed the traditional methods on all the tested resolutions. The resolution-agnostic network achieved average Dice scores between 0.97 and 0.98 across the tested resolution levels, only 0.0069 less than the resolution-specific networks. Finally, its excellent generalization performance was demonstrated by achieving averages of 0.98 Dice score and 0.97 sensitivity on the eight unfamiliar images. A future study should test this network prospectively.
Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of the Essential Oils and Ethanol Extract of Psidium guajava Leaf
Authors: Emmanuel Andrew , Kubmarawa Dimas , Sara Galo Yahaya , Wahu Akurenda
Published: December 2019

Objective: To investigate the Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil and ethanol extract of Psidium guajava.

Methods: The leaf of Psidium guajavabelongs to the myrtle family (Myrtacease) which is used as herbal remedies for the cure of many ailments by natives in northern part of Nigeria, was collected in June, 2018 from the Professor’s Quarters of Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH) Yola. The leaf was air dried, pulverized and extracted by simple overnight maceration technique and then analyzed. Fresh leaf of the aforementioned was extracted using modified steam distillation. The phytochemical screening of the ethanol extract was carried out using standard method.

Results: The result revealed the present of Tannin, Flavanoid, Alkaloid, Volatile oil, Triterpene, Saponin, Glycoside while phenolic compound was absent in the ethanol extract of Psidium guajava. The result of the antioxidant activity of the essential oil was screened using DPPH method and the IC25 values of ascorbic acid (standard drug)  was 57.92 µl/m and Psidium guajava of the essential oil  was 46.55 µl/ml  respectively. Antibacterial activity was carried out using dics diffusion method and the results showed reasonable zone of inhibition against tasted organisms, with Staphylococcus epidemidis being the most inhibited (23 mm) and Proteus vulgari being the least inhibited (2 mm) with the ethanol extract of Psidium guajava. In contrast, Staphylococcus aureus was the most inhibited (13 mm) and Salmonella typhi showed the least inhibition (9mm) in the essential oil of Psidium guajava.

Conclusion: The result, thus support the use of the plants traditionally to treat chronic diarrhea, fever, diabetes, malaria and suggest its usage in the formulation of new antioxidant and antibacterial drugs.
Study of Antioxidant Activity of Stalk and Fruit of Solanum melongena L. (Solanaceae)
Authors: Diatta Kady , Diatta William , Fall Alioune Dior , Dieng Serigne Ibra Mbacké , Mbaye Amadou Ibrahima , Sarr Abdou , Bidjo Corinne Lisette
Published: December 2019

Background : Nowadays with the appearance of diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, free radicals are often singled out. What motivates scientific research in natural antioxidants.

Aim/Objective : The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity of the stalks and the fruit of Solanum melongena L.

Study Duration : The period of the study was done on 25th July, 2015 at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medecine, Pharmacy and Odontology, University of Dakar, Senegal.

Methodology : Antioxidant activity was evaluated through two methods (DPPH and FRAP).

Results : For the FRAP test, at the highest concentration (83.3 µg/ml) the aqueous extract of the fruit (0.90±0.08) has a higher reducing power compared to those of ethanol extracts from the fruit (0.77±0.41) and the stalk (0.85±0.004). These results remain inferior to that of tannic acid (0.95± 0.0005). The DPPH test reveals that the ethanolic extract of the fruit is more effective in reducing the free radical DPPH with an inhibitory concentration 50 (IC 50) equal to 3.37±0.03 μg / ml, followed by the ethanolic extract of the stalks (IC 50 = 4.46±0.24 μg / ml) and finally the aqueous extract of the fruit (IC50 = 9.6±0.026 μg / ml).

Conclusion : These results make it possible to confirm the in vitro activity of the parts studied, but in vivo studies are necessary in order to know the acute and chronic toxicities. Finally, perform a bio-guided fractionation to determine the molecules responsible for the antioxidant activity.
Neurodynamic Influence of Hydrocortisone on Rhinencephalic and Telencephalic Brain Areas
Authors: Ogadinma Ilochi , Onoja Daniel Yaro , Nwafor Chuemere Arthur
Published: December 2019

The neurodynamic effect of graded hydrocortisone treatment on rhinencephalic and telencephalic brain regions was studied in an experimental animal design that sampled isolated hippocampal, basal nucleic and frontal cortical brain regions of male wistar rats. Four test groups, ii to v were administered 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg respectively. The study period lasted for 6 weeks. Results were statistically analyzed and considered significantly different at a confidence interval of 95%. There was a progressive decline in olfactory response as dose of hydrocortisone treatment was increased. There was a significant dose-dependent decrease in assayed frontal cortical acetylcholine and hippocampal glutamate in brain tissue homogenates. Similar change was observed in brain tissue calcium, magnesium and sodium. For the behavioral, histological and biochemical tests conducted in this study, 6 weeks hydrocortisone treatment showed adverse manifestations from 5 mg, which was more obvious from 7.5 mg. The outcome of this study revealed a possible dose-dependent adverse effect of hydrocortisone on specific brain regions responsible for learning, memory, olfaction and psychosocial behavior.
Perceived Indigenous Perspectives of Maternal Health Care Services among Women of Marakwet, Kenya
Authors: Cheboi Solomon Kemoi , Kimeu Anastasiah Nyamilu , Rucha Kenneth Kibaara
Published: December 2019

Background: Recognition of the vulnerabilities and differentials in maternal indicator is a pressing concern throughout safe motherhood literature. Uptake of skilled delivery by women in Marakwet remain 44%, compared to the national rate of 68%. Accountability for improving maternal indicators calls for interrogation of indigenous practices to amend complex social causes.

Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in the thirteen patrilineal clans of Marakwet.  Discussants were women of reproductive age while key informants included cultural anthropologist, traditionalist and gatekeepers. The data was analyzed manually through a process of data reduction, organization and emerging patterns interpretation then sub categories.

Results: Pregnancy and delivery are not just biomedical process but culturally biosocial practice. Discipline and socialization are critical elements. Adequate self, family and community care lead to noble pregnancy outcome. The community and midwife uses knowledge to jumpstart childbirth practices for expectant women for healthy prenatal period, delivery and postnatal running.  Holiness and hygiene, controlled sex and sexual relationships, artefacts and dressing, food ways and diet, social interaction, livelihoods and lifestyle are key pregnancy and childbirth social aetiology.

Conclusion: cultural stimuli and remedies inform maternal health seeking behaviour and practices of women. Continued care, hygiene, geophagy, controlled food ways and social interaction as well as avoiding heavy duties and events that trigger emotions and pressure are sound indigenous ways of improving maternal and child health. However, norms such as visiting a midwife for pregnancy confirmation and massage as well as folk activities such as the use of charms and repertoires for protection and cleansing ceremonies provide false protection.

Recommendation: the results suggest the relative value for indigenous maternal health care services in enhancing client centered delivery health services. Review of policies and programs to integrate harmless indigenous practices into maternity care services may promote quality, satisfaction and uptake of facility based childbirth services.
Comparing Methadone and Tincture of Opium for the Management of Opioid Withdrawal among Subjects with an Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Jamalian Mohammad , Nasrollahzadeh Milad , Kazemifar Amir Mohammad , Solhi Hasan
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Drug addiction is associated with complications such as mortality, monetary burden, and various socioeconomic problems at the individual to the community level. Methadone and Tincture of Opium (TOP) are the most commonly used drugs to help addicts maintain their drug withdrawal process and eventually permanent withdrawal. Desirable clinical experiences have been reported in the use of these two agents in the management of opioid withdrawal. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of methadone and TOP using Khomree method for detoxification of drug abuse.

Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized double-blind clinical trial among opium addicts (at least one year of use) referred to Arak University of Medical Sciences. Seventy subjects were enrolled in the study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and then randomly divided into two groups (n = 35, treated with methadone) and group 2 (n = 35, treated with TOP). Furthermore, patients were evaluated for withdrawal symptoms on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 after treatment. Finally, the results were analyzed using SPSS 18 software.

Results: Severity of sweating (group 1: P = 0.0001, group 2: P =0. 005), runny nose (P = 0.001), lacrimation (P = 0.001), chord reflex (P = 001.0), fecal excretion (group 1: P = 0.001, group 2: P = 0.01, muscle twitches (P = 0.001), drooling (P = 0.001) warming sensation (P = 0.0001) and substance seeking (group 1: P = 0.0001, P = 0.008) in both groups were significantly improved during 28 days of treatment.

Conclusion: Methadone and TOP detoxification are both effective in opioid withdrawal syndrome and the effect of methadone and TOP in opiate withdrawal are not preferable. However, further studies are recommended.
MCF2 is linked to a complex perisylvian syndrome and affects cortical lamination
Authors: Molinard‐Chenu Aude , Fluss Joël , Laurent Sacha , Laurent Méryle , Guipponi Michel , Dayer Alexandre G.
Published: December 2019

The combination of congenital bilateral perisylvian syndrome (CBPS) with lower motor neuron dysfunction remains unusual and suggests a potential common genetic insult affecting basic neurodevelopmental processes. Here we identify a putatively pathogenic missense mutation in the MCF2 gene in a boy with CBPS. Using in utero electroporation to genetically manipulate cortical neurons during corticogenesis, we demonstrate that the mouse Mcf2 gene controls the embryonic migration of cortical projection neurons. Strikingly, we find that the CBPS‐associated MCF2 mutation impairs cortical laminar positioning, supporting the hypothesis that alterations in the process of embryonic neuronal migration can lead to rare cases of CBPS.
Investigation on carbon nanotube oxide for anhydrous proton exchange membranes application
Authors: Pan Bin , Jia Tingting , Duan Xiangqing , Zhong Zhixuan , Bai Guosheng , Che Quantong
Published: December 2019

The widespread participation of polymers in the membrane preparation has been considering to be critical for the development of proton exchange membranes (PEMs). For the polymers without functional groups to conduct protons, the introduction of proton conduction carriers with the formation of composite membranes is an effective strategy to prepare PEMs with the outstanding proton conductivity. However, there remains a potential risk of the components leaking from composite membranes due to the lack of the interaction force. Here, the composite of carbon nanotube oxide (OCNT) assembling with cadmium telluride (CdTe) and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (bmimPF6) was introduced into the system of phosphoric acid (PA) doping poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with the formation of PVDF/OCNT‐CdTe‐bmimPF6/85%PA membranes. PA molecules are anchored by the inorganics of OCNT‐CdTe‐bmimPF6 and are stabilized in membranes. The high and stable proton conductivity values at the elevated temperature are obtained comparing the reported PVDF/bmimPF6/PA membranes. Specifically, the proton conductivity value reached 1.28 × 10−1 S/cm at 160 °C and the value is stable 1.70 × 10−2 S/cm at 120 °C lasting for 350 h. The fine stability in components could make the membranes extricate from the predicament of proton conductivity decline exceeding 120 °C under anhydrous conditions in PVDF/bmimPF6/PA membranes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48833.
CuII‐Catalyzed Oxidative Formation of 5‐Alkynyltriazoles
Authors: Liu Peiye , Brassard Christopher J. , Lee Justin P. , Zhu Lei
Published: December 2019

In an alcoholic solvent under the catalysis of Cu(OAc)2⋅H2O, organic azide and terminal alkyne could oxidatively couple to afford 5‐alkynyl‐1,2,3‐triazole (alkynyltriazole) at room temperature under an atmosphere of O2 in a few hours. The involvement of 1,5‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non‐5‐ene (DBN) is essential, without which the redox neutral coupling instead proceeds to produce 5‐H‐1,2,3‐triazole (protiotriazole) as the major product. Therefore, DBN switches the redox neutral coupling between terminal alkyne and organic azide, the copper‐catalyzed “click” reaction to afford protiotriazole, to an oxidation reaction that results in alkynyltriazole. The organic base DBN is effective in accelerating the copper(II)‐catalyzed oxidation of terminal alkyne or copper(I) acetylide, which is intercepted by an organic azide to produce alkynyltriazole. The proposed mechanistic model suggests that the selectivity between alkynyl‐ and protiotriazole, and other acetylide or triazolide oxidation products is determined by the competition between copper(I)‐catalyzed redox neutral cycloaddition and copper(II)/O2‐mediated acetylide oxidation after the formation of copper(I) acetylide.
Experimentelle Untersuchungen zum Durchstanztragverhalten lochrandgestützter Platten mit kleiner Lasteinleitungsfläche
Authors: Welsch Torsten , Mucha Rainer , Schnellenbach‐Held Martina , Held Markus
Published: December 2019

Bei der Errichtung von Hochbauten werden schon seit einigen Jahren bevorzugt Stahlbetonflachdecken eingesetzt, die aufgrund ihrer punktförmigen Stützung eine flexible Grundrissgestaltung mit leichten Trennwänden ermöglichen. Bei sehr schlanken Druckgliedern wie Stützen aus hochfestem Beton, Schleuderbetonstützen oder Verbundstützen für die punktförmigen Auflager der Flachdecken ergibt sich die technische Herausforderung der vertikalen Lastdurchleitung durch die in der Regel aus normalfestem Beton hergestellten Flachdecken. Hierfür wurden Konstruktionselemente in Form von hochfesten Kernen entwickelt, die den Deckenknoten durchdringen und somit einen direkten vertikalen Kraftschluss zwischen den am Knoten angreifenden Stützen ermöglichen. In diesem Fall verbleibt für die Lasteinleitung aus der Decke in die untere Stütze nur eine im Querschnitt deutlich reduzierte, ringförmige Lasteinleitungsfläche. Im Vorfeld durchgeführte Finite‐Elemente‐Simulationen zum Durchstanztragverhalten solcher lochrandgestützter Platten mit kleiner ringförmiger Lasteinleitungsfläche lassen den Schluss zu, dass sich je nach Größe der Lasteinleitungsfläche und der Art der konstruktiven Ausbildung Effekte auf das Bruchverhalten und die Versagenslasten ergeben. Nachfolgend wird über die Ergebnisse experimenteller Untersuchungen dieser besonderen Durchstanzproblematik und der begleitend durchgeführten Finite‐Elemente‐Simulationen berichtet.
Optimization of Electrode Potential Ranges for Constructing 4.0 V Carbon‐Based Supercapacitors
Authors: Ye Meng , Guo Hongwei , Dou Qingyun , Guo Hui , Hou Ruilin , Guo Junhong , Yan Xingbin
Published: December 2019

Supercapacitors (SCs) based on porous carbon exhibit high power delivery/uptake and ultra‐long cycle life but are limited by their low energy density. A critical problem is that their theoretical operating potential windows (OPWs) cannot be fully utilized, owing to the unreasonable potential ranges of electrodes, leading to significantly decreased energy density. Here, the electrode potential ranges of SCs based on activated carbon electrodes and ionic liquid electrolytes were successfully optimized by mass‐balancing and pre‐charging strategies. Consequently, the OPWs of the two resultant SCs were extended to the theoretical value of 4.0 V, and superior energy densities of 112.33 Wh kg−1 and 132.56 Wh kg−1 were obtained, respectively. Moreover, the features of these two strategies were compared. Mass‐balancing is easy to implement, but the corresponding SC shows a relatively low energy density because of the different mass loadings of two electrodes. Pre‐charging enables SC to achieve higher energy density, but it is difficult to control due to self‐discharge.
Improving the fail‐operational behavior of automotive applications by artificial DNA
Authors: Brinkschulte Uwe , Pacher Mathias , Brinkschulte Melanie
Published: December 2019

Embedded systems are growing very complex because of the increasing chip integration density, larger number of chips in distributed applications, and demanding application fields, eg, in autonomous cars. Bio‐inspired techniques like self‐organization are a key feature to handle this complexity. In biology, the structure and organization of a system is coded in its DNA. We adapted this concept to embedded systems using an artificial DNA (ADNA). Based on the ADNA, the self‐organization mechanisms can build the system autonomously at run‐time providing a self‐building system. This property predestines the ADNA for the use in automotive applications because modern (autonomous) cars include several highly redundant processors (electronic control units (ECUs)). The ADNA can be used to reduce the number of ECUs in a car on the one hand and to make better use of the cars' redundant ECUs on the other hand. Our contribution in this paper is to evaluate the improvements possible due to the ADNA by analyzing the fail‐operational limits and failure probabilities in such scenarios. We also propose a simple graceful degradation scheme for the tasks to improve the system dependability of the cars. Finally, the usability of the concept is demonstrated by a practical evaluation.
Accelerated veterinary program offers students the chance to earn money faster
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2019

Julie Ann Funk, D.V.M., M.S., Ph.D., had a calling to the veterinary field from a young age. “I actually cannot remember wanting to be anything else,” she said. Now the Dean of the Veterinary College of Medicine at the University of Arizona, Funk's ability to serve the field by training future veterinarians has expanded her reach. And Funk has engaged with UA on a mission to make attaining a degree in veterinary medicine more affordable and introduce workers from the graduate program more quickly into the veterinary field.
Laboratory investigations of the role of biofilms on stream‐bed surfaces in debris‐flow runout
Authors: Tang Yong‐Jun , Xu Ze‐Min , Shao Zhen‐Chen , Ren Zhe , Wang Kun , Yang Kui , Luo Jun‐Yao , Gao Hai‐Yan , Tian Lin
Published: December 2019

Debris‐flow runout is a fascinating process to understand due to its implications for downstream alluvial fans. Based on the propagation‐deposition behaviors of the Dongyuege (DYG) debris flow, in Yunnan, the effect of biofilms on channel surfaces on debris‐flow runout is investigated in laboratory flumes with two different internal surfaces: surfaces are lined with granite slabs (Model I) and gravel (Model II), respectively.

Our results show that biofilms can significantly reduce frictional resistance to flows. They increase flow velocities, slow down the deceleration of the snouts, prolong runout distances, and subsequently extend the areas covered with resulting deposits, thus greatly assisting the propagation of experimental debris flows. Slippery biofilms consisting mainly of diatoms and their extracellular mucus (ECM) reduce the contact friction between the flume‐beds and the overlying fluids, and greatly promote the propagation of tested flows.

Well‐developed biofilms are found on the underwater channel surfaces of the DYG Creek. Acting as lubricating layers, they likely played a key role in the DYG debris‐flow runout. Most of the debris transported during the DYG event was deposited on overbanks, and the sediment that caused the disaster was transported to the populated fan region through the stream‐bed clad in the thick biofilms. Owing to their impacts on the development and width of the temporary debris dam breach, the stream‐bed covered with biofilms became a direct contributor to the debris‐flow hazard.

Because of the ubiquitous presence of biofilms on mountain stream‐bed surfaces, the development of perennial streamflows can be viewed as an indicator of gully susceptibility to debris flows threatening creek fans. The underwater areas of pre‐event channel cross‐sections should be regarded as slip or low‐friction boundaries, and the parts above stream‐levels can be viewed as no‐slip boundaries. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A review of the contribution of cowpea leaves to food and nutrition security in East Africa
Authors: Owade Joshua O. , Abong’ George , Okoth Michael , Mwang’ombe Agnes W.
Published: December 2019

Cowpea leaf is among the African indigenous vegetables that have been recommended for possible alleviation of food and nutrition insecurity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). The vegetable is rich in micronutrients including iron and vitamin A whose deficiencies are prevalent in SSA. Considering the limitation of seasonal availability, preservation techniques have been adopted to enhance availability with little success. This review aims at highlighting the contribution of cowpeas leaves to food and nutrition security as well as research gaps that must be addressed to promote the utilization of value‐added forms that would have extended effect of improving its production and consumption. It was found that preserved and fresh cowpea leaves were rich in beta‐carotene and iron in the ranges of 0.25–36.55 and 0.17–75.00 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively. The proportion of rural households incorporating the vegetable in its various forms in the region can be as high as 30%. With adequate utilization, the vegetable provided up to ≥ 75% and 25% of RDAs for vitamin A and iron, respectively, of children aged 4–8. However, the utilization of preserved forms faced a limitation for a deviation of up to 30% in their sensory scores and decreased nutrient content as compared to the fresh ones hugely hindered their market penetration. Utilization of novel processing techniques incorporating concept of hurdle technology can help address these quality losses. In conclusion, preservation of cowpea leaves should seek not only to enhance the shelf‐life, but also to enhance acceptability of the products with a view of increased utilization.
In‐situ extraction and impregnation of black walnut husk into polyethylene film using supercritical carbon dioxide with an ethanol modifier
Authors: Wenzel Jonathan E. , Moorman Veronica , Wang Lihua , Spencer‐Williams Isaiah , Hall Mitchell , Samaniego Cheryl S. , Ammerman Michelle L.
Published: December 2019

Walnuts are commonly cultivated for their kernel, which is a rich source of antioxidant phenolic compounds. The husk likewise contains antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, but is typically discarded without further processing. Antioxidant compounds are useful in creating active packaging films, but typically decompose at melt extrusion temperatures in polymer processing. Due to carbon dioxide's low critical point and ability to swell polymer films, supercritical carbon dioxide may be used to impregnate phenolic compounds into polymers. For this study, a novel technique is used to simultaneously produce walnut husk extracts and impregnate the extract into polymer films in the same batch extractor using supercritical carbon dioxide with a 15 wt‐% ethanol modifier at 60°C at 19.4 MPa. The effect of varying the loading of walnut husk in the extractor upon impregnation mass was evaluated with the impregnation mass of the film increasing with walnut husk loading. It was determined by FTIR, as well as the reduction of the protein cytochrome c, that antioxidant compounds may be extracted from walnut husks and impregnated into low‐density polyethylene film (LDPE) by this technique.
Solar PV and Its Future Impact: Consumer Benefit and Grid Reliability
Authors: Casagranda Blake , Hallett Drew
Published: December 2019

Interest and availability of photovoltaic solar (solar PV) as a source of renewable electricity generation is rapidly increasing across the country; however, its penetration on a national scale remains very low. There are many natural constraints that can serve as factors, including large upfront module costs, locations that do not receive enough sunlight throughout the year, and the inability to be self‐sufficient from using solar PV power alone. Although the use of this specific distributed energy resource (DER) universally throughout the United States in the near future is improbable, it is interesting to ponder a future where solar PV and other DERs are as common as the current methods we use to generate, transmit, distribute, and consume power. Thinking this way helps identify where we are prone to imprecisely estimating outcomes that could have far‐reaching impacts.
A US Ban on Fracking: Implications for US and Global Energy Security
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: December 2019

United States Senator Elizabeth Warren, a leading Democratic presidential nominee, wants to ban fracking “everywhere.” The Massachusetts senator pledged to immediately sign an executive order to stop all new offshore drilling leases. Her rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, would ban fracking only in offshore areas.
Transjugular Seldinger approach for permanent pacemaker implantation in octogenarian with inaccessible upper limbs venous system
Authors: Tondas Alexander Edo , Mulawarman Rido , Trifitriana Monica , Abisha Savero Evan , Pranata Raymond
Published: December 2019

In up to 13.7% of device implants, lead entry through the cephalic, axillary, or subclavian veins might be unfeasible. Transjugular permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation may be considered as a bailout strategy in the difficult anatomy of conventional veins, before resorting to epicardial pacing lead, which requires general anesthesia and thoracotomy. We described a case report of a single chamber PPM implantation in an 83‐year‐old man using transjugular Seldinger approach without surgical cut down of the internal jugular vein, due to spasm, stenosis, and thrombosis of the upper limbs venous systems. Acceptable lead impedance and threshold were maintained during 2 months follow‐up.
Inner mantles and iterated HOD
Authors: Reitz Jonas , Williams Kameryn J.
Published: December 2019

We present a class forcing notion , uniformly definable for ordinals η, which forces the ground model to be the ηth inner mantle of the extension, in which the sequence of inner mantles has length at least η. This answers a conjecture of Fuchs, Hamkins, and Reitz [1] in the positive. We also show that forces the ground model to be the ηth iterated of the extension, where the sequence of iterated s has length at least η. We conclude by showing that the lengths of the sequences of inner mantles and of iterated s can be separated to be any two ordinals you please.
New Jersey organization provides ongoing MH support following 2004 tsunami
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2019

Fifteen years ago this month, a tsunami swept through Southeast Asia in what is considered one of the most devastating natural disasters of all time. The tsunami contributed to the disappearance or death of more than 230,000 people across Southeast Asia, including dozens of American citizens. In Sri Lanka, the disaster claimed more than 30,000 lives.
Vermont is second recipient of Medicaid innovation waiver
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2019

On Dec. 5, Vermont became the second recipient, following the District of Columbia, to receive approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to allow Medicaid reimbursement for inpatient stays at free‐standing institutions for mental disease (IMDs). The federal guidance will allow state Medicaid programs to waive the long‐standing payment exclusion in order to treat individuals with serious mental illness/serious emotional disturbance (SMI/SED) in residential settings.
OX2 receptors mediate the inhibitory effects of orexin‐A on potassium chloride‐induced increases in intracellular calcium ion levels in neurons derived from rat dorsal root ganglion in a chronic pain model
Authors: Yamaguchi Masami , Ishikawa Manabu , Aono Yuri , Saigusa Tadashi
Published: December 2019

Aims

Orexin‐A is known to induce anti‐nociceptive effects in animal models of chronic pain. We have found that orexin‐A inhibits KCl loading‐induced increases in the intracellular calcium ion levels ([Ca2+]i) in C‐fiber‐like neurons of rats showing inflammatory nociceptive behavior. Here, we examined the effects of orexin‐A on the depolarization of C‐fiber‐like neurons derived from a rat model for another type of chronic pain, namely neuropathic pain. Thus, we analyzed the effects of orexin‐A on KCl‐induced increases in [Ca2+]i in C‐fiber‐like neurons of rats with sciatic nerve ligation.

Methods

Paw withdrawal and threshold force in response to tactile stimuli were evaluated using von Frey filaments. Sham‐operated rats served as controls. [Ca2+]i in neurons were visualized by calcium fluorescent probe. Changes in [Ca2+]i were assessed using relative fluorescence intensity.

Results

Seven days after sciatic nerve ligation, paw withdrawal and threshold force for tactile stimuli were increased and reduced, respectively. KCl loading to neurons from either sciatic nerve‐ligated or control rats increased relative fluorescence intensity. The KCl‐induced increase in relative fluorescence intensity in sciatic nerve‐ligated, but not that of control, rats was inhibited by orexin‐A. The OX1 and OX2 receptor antagonist MK‐4305 and OX2 receptor antagonist EMPA, but not the OX1 receptor antagonist SB 334867, each counteracted orexin‐A‐induced inhibition of KCl‐provoked increases in relative fluorescence intensity.

Conclusion

The present findings constitute neuropharmacological evidence that OX2 but not OX1 receptors mediate the inhibitory effects of orexin‐A on KCl‐induced increases in [Ca2+]i in C‐fiber‐like neurons of rats showing hyperalgesia provoked by sciatic nerve ligation.
Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features that met the proposed diagnostic criteria for IgG4‐related respiratory disease
Authors: Arakawa Nobuhito , Yamasawa Hideaki , Takemura Tamiko , Okada Shinya , Taki Takafumi , Ishikawa Shigemi
Published: December 2019

We held a multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) about a 61‐year‐old woman who had an interstitial lung disease (ILD) without extrathoracic lesions that met the classification criteria for interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) and the proposed diagnostic criteria for immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related respiratory disease (IgG4‐RRD). Clinically, the marked progression of lung‐limited diffuse lesions was consistent with IPAF. Serum IgG4 and rheumatoid factor levels simultaneously increased and did not contribute to a diagnosis. Pathologically, the significant hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles was consistent with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)‐associated ILD. Pulmonary venous occlusions by intimal fibrosis and intimal thickening were not important because these occlusions are found in IgG4‐related lung disease (IgG4‐RLD) and also in IPAF or ILDs related to connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Radiologically, fibrosing shadows that remained in the lung periphery after treatment were compatible with RA‐associated chronic ILD. We concluded that the present case was IPAF that met the proposed diagnostic criteria for IgG4‐RRD.
Oncogenesis of CAEBV revealed: Intragenic deletions in the viral genome and leaky expression of lytic genes
Authors: Murata Takayuki , Okuno Yusuke , Sato Yoshitaka , Watanabe Takahiro , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is a causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and several malignancies involving lymphocytes and epithelial cells. We recently reported genomic analyses of chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV), a proliferative disorder of T and/or NK cells, as well as other lymphoid malignancies. We found that T and/or NK cells undergoing clonal expansion in CAEBV patients gain somatic driver mutations as the disorder progresses. Investigation of the viral genome revealed viral genomes harboring intragenic deletions in the BamHI‐rightward transcripts (BART) region and in essential lytic genes. Interestingly, we observed that these deletions resulted in leaky expression of viral lytic genes. This increased expression of viral lytic genes is reminiscent of the “pre‐latent abortive lytic” state, in which a substantial number of lytic genes are produced for weeks in the absence of progeny production, which contributes to cell survival upon de novo infection. It has been known that EBV can choose either latent or lytic state, but this dualistic concept may need to be reconsidered, as our data suggest the presence of the third, intermediate state; leaky expression of lytic genes that does not lead to completion of the full lytic amplification cycle. Leaky expression of lytic genes likely contributes to the formation and maintenance of several types of EBV‐associated tumors. We also presented significant circumstantial evidence suggesting that EBV infects lymphoid progenitor cells in CAEBV before differentiation into T and NK cells. Taken together, our new data shed light on oncogenesis of CAEBV and other EBV‐associated malignancies.
Decomposition‐based mission planning for fixed‐wing UAVs surveying in wind
Authors: Coombes Matthew , Fletcher Tom , Chen Wen‐Hua , Liu Cunjia
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a new method for planning fixed‐wing aerial survey paths that ensures efficient image coverage of a large complex agricultural field in the presence of wind. By decomposing any complex polygonal field into multiple convex polygons, the traditional back‐and‐forth boustrophedon paths can be used to ensure coverage of these decomposed regions. To decompose a complex field in an efficient and fast manner, a top‐down recursive greedy approach is used to traverse the search space to minimize the flight time of the survey. This optimization can be computed fast enough for use in the field. As wind can severely affect flight time, it is included in the flight time calculation in a systematic way using a verified cost function that offers greatly reduced survey times in the wind. Other improved cost functions have been developed to take into account real‐world problems, for example, No‐Fly Zones, in addition to flight time. A number of real surveys are performed to show the flight time in wind model is accurate, to make further comparisons to previous techniques and to show that the proposed method works in real‐world conditions providing total image coverage. A number of missions are generated and flown for real complex agricultural fields. In addition to this, the wind field around a survey area is measured from a multirotor carrying an ultrasonic wind speed sensor. This shows that the assumption of steady uniform wind holds true for the small areas and time scales of an unmanned aerial vehicle aerial survey.
Green and Efficient Synthesis of Thiophosphinates, Thiophosphates, and Thiophosphinites in Water
Authors: Wang Guanghui , Zhou Lihong , Li Nutao , Zeng Qingle
Published: December 2019

A metal‐free cross‐coupling reaction of H‐phosphine oxides, H‐phosphonate esters, and diarylphosphines with N‐(aryl/alkylthio)succinimides in water was developed. This protocol provides a greener synthesis of thiophosphinates, thiophosphates, and thiophosphinites in moderate to excellent yields. The mechanism of this reaction probably involves nucleophilic substitution and free radical reactions.
A Novel Method to Purposely Modify the Anode/Electrolyte Interface in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhao Jie , Xu Xiaoyong , Zhou Wei , Zhu Zhonghua , Guo Yu , Zhong Shenglai
Published: December 2019

A novel method is proposed to modify the Ni‐yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anode/electrolyte interface with Ni‐Sm0.2Ce0.8O2‐δ (SDC) or SDC composite particles. Scanning electron microscopy results confirm that nano‐sized NiO‐SDC particles are only loaded at the anode/electrolyte interface rather than the whole NiO‐YSZ support. With the addition of the Ni‐SDC composite, the peak power density of the Ni‐YSZ anode increases by 24.7% and 18.8% in wet hydrogen and methane at 750 °C, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results show that these improvements are attributed to the promotion of charge transfer and gas diffusion with the addition of the Ni‐SDC composite. Substituting the Ni‐SDC composite with pure SDC can further improve the electroactivity of the Ni‐YSZ anode. The peak power density of the single cell with the Ni‐YSZ/SDC anode rises by 41.7% and 43.4% compared with that of the Ni‐YSZ anode in wet hydrogen and methane at 750 °C, respectively.
New insight into the modification of pore structure in porous ceramics prepared from fly ash rich in CaO
Authors: Qi Zhongwei , Zhang Lingling , Jiang Feng , Li Yongliang , Cang Daqiang , Jin Hui , Wang Chenxi , Wu Wentong , Qian Wentao , Mukiza Emile
Published: December 2019

Porous ceramics with high open porosity and good mechanical properties were successfully prepared from fly ash rich in CaO. An addition of 30–50wt.% dolomite decreased the average pore diameter from ∼11.79 μm to ∼2.82μm due to the decrease of viscosity with high dolomite addition, while there is an increase in open porosity from 48.63% to 53.23%. SEM results suggested that pores were firstly surrounded by glassy phase. With the addition of more than 30 wt.% of dolomite, pores were covered by loose structure. XRD results showed the changes in crystal phases of sintered ceramics, from anorthite sodian to alkaline basalt and then to calcium magnesium silicate. CaO and MgO from decomposed dolomite were proposed to be the main reason on modification closed pores to open ones. Except this, CO2 emission and crystalline water emission during sintering were also contributed to the formation of open pores in porous ceramics.