bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using In Situ TEM Helium Implantation and Annealing to Study Cavity Nucleation and Growth
Authors: Taylor Caitlin A. , Sugar Joshua D. , Robinson David B. , Bartelt Norman C. , Sills Ryan B. , Hattar Khalid
Published: April 2020

Noble gases are generated within solids in nuclear environments and coalesce to form gas stabilized voids or cavities. Ion implantation has become a prevalent technique for probing how gas accumulation affects microstructural and mechanical properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allows measurement of cavity density, size, and spatial distributions post-implantation. While post-implantation microstructural information is valuable for determining the physical origins of mechanical property degradation in these materials, dynamic microstructural changes can only be determined by in situ experimentation techniques. We present in situ TEM experiments performed on Pd, a model face-centered cubic metal that reveals real-time cavity evolution dynamics. Observations of cavity nucleation and evolution under extreme environments are discussed.
Das multiprofessionelle Netzwerk in der Beratung von Geflüchteten
Authors: Penke Swantje
Published: April 2020

In der Migrationsberatung für Geflüchtete stellt ein gut funktionierendes Netzwerk ein bedeutsames Potential in der Unterstützung der Ratsuchenden dar. Neben gegenseitiger Wertschätzung ist es wichtig, die unterschiedlichen institutionellen Rahmungen und Logiken im Netzwerk zu beachten und auf mehreren Ebenen Ressourcen für eine gelingende Netzwerkarbeit zu schaffen. Darin liegt, auch angesichts der prekären Situation der Migrationsberatung, eine besondere Herausforderung für die Soziale Arbeit.
Recovery of a Tidal Freshwater Embayment from Eutrophication: a Multidecadal Study
Authors: Jones R. Christian
Published: April 2020

Effective management of eutrophication in tidal ecosystems requires a thorough understanding of the dynamics of their responses to decreases in nutrient loading. We analyze a 34-year dataset on a shallow embayment of the tidal freshwater Potomac River, Gunston Cove, for long-term responses of ambient nutrient levels, light transparency measures, phytoplankton biomass, and coverage of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) to decreased nutrient loading. Point source loading of phosphorus, the nutrient most limiting primary production in this system, was greatly curtailed coincident with the study onset (1983/84) exhibiting a sharp decrease of 95% from peak loading levels. However, water column total phosphorus decreased much more slowly and gradually. Phytoplankton chlorophyll a did not show a distinctive decrease until 2000 and SAV responded strongly beginning in 2004. The habitat suitability model for SAV developed by Chesapeake Bay researchers was able to explain the recovery of SAV coverage based on data on light transparency and basin morphometry collected in this study. The study results were consistent with the alternative stable state theory with a sharp transition from a phytoplankton-dominated “turbid water” state to an SAV-dominated “clear water” state in a 2-year period from 2003 to 2005. The system eventually responded to nutrient load reductions, but the nonlinear and incomplete nature of this recovery and the two-decade delay illustrate the complexities of managing these systems.
The effect of individualized, theory-based counselling intervention on active aging and quality of life among older people (the AGNES intervention study)
Authors: Rantanen Taina , Hassandra Mary , Pynnönen Katja , Siltanen Sini , Kokko Katja , Karavirta Laura , Kauppinen Markku , Sipilä Sarianna , Saajanaho Milla , Portegijs Erja
Published: April 2020

Background

We define active aging as a striving for activities as per one’s goals, capacities and opportunities.

Aim

To test the 1-year counselling intervention effects on active aging.

Methods

In this two-arm single-blinded randomized controlled trial, the intervention group received individually tailored counselling supporting autonomous motivation for active life (one face-to-face session, four phone calls and supportive written material,n = 101) and the control group written health information (n = 103). Participants were community-dwelling men and women aged 75 or 80 years with intermediate mobility function and without cognitive impairment. The primary outcome was active aging total score measured with the University of Jyväskylä Active Aging Scale (UJACAS, range 0–272, higher values indicate more activity) and secondary outcomes were its subscores for goals, ability, opportunity and activity (range 0–68) and a quality of life (QoL) score. Measures took place at pre-trial, mid-trial (6 months) and post-trial (12 months), except for QoL only pre and post-trial. Data were analyzed with intention-to-treat principles using GEE-models.

Results

The UJACAS total score increased in the intervention group slightly more than in the control group (group by timep-value = 0.050, effect size 0.011, net benefit 2%), but the group effect was not statistically significant. A small effect was observed for the activity subscore (p = 0.007).

Discussion

The individualized counselling supporting autonomous motivation for active life increased the UJACAS score slightly.

Conclusions

It may be possible to promote active aging with individualized counselling, but the effect is small and it is unclear whether the change is meaningful.
Effect of Process Parameters on Distortion and Residual Stress in High-Pressure Die Cast AZ91D Components After Clean Blasting and Painting
Authors: Dini Hoda , Andersson Nils-Eric , Jarfors Anders E. W.
Published: April 2020

A high-pressure die-casting process was employed to produce AZ91D components. These cast components were exposed to three different post-treatments: (1) clean blasting, (2) clean blasting and painting, and (3) painting (without clean blasting). The influence of the process parameters first phase injection speed, temperature of fixed half of the die, cooling time, and intensification pressure on distortion and residual stress of the components after each post-treatment were investigated. The results showed that intensification pressure was the most significant factor among the four parameters.
Nanoporous zirconia microspheres prepared by salt-assisted spray drying
Authors: Skovgaard M. , Gudik-Sørensen M. , Almdal K. , Ahniyaz A.
Published: April 2020

Nanoporous zirconia with high surface area and crystallinity has a wide range of industrial applications, such as in inorganic exchangers for ion exchange columns, catalyst substrates, and packing material for HPLC. Spherical particles of crystalline nanoporous zirconia are highly desired in various industries due to easy handling of the materials in a fluidized bed. Here, spray drying was adopted to produce spherical nanoporous zirconia powders in both laboratory scale and pilot plant scale. Effect of salts on spray-dried ZrO2powders and their crystallization behavior was studied. It was found that addition of salts to the zirconia precursors has a huge effect on the crystallization of nanoporous zirconia powders. These results have a great impact on the development of microspheres of nanocrystalline ZrO2and potentially open up a new opportunity to the low-cost production of porous ceramic microspheres with the salt templating method, in general.
Effective Practices and Recommendations for Drive-Through Clinic Points of Dispensing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Buck Brian Holt , Cowan Logan , Smith Lisa , Duncan Emily , Bazemore Jodi , Schwind Jessica S.
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Drive-through clinics (DTCs) are a novel type of point of dispensing where participants drive to a designated location and receive prophylaxis while remaining inside their vehicle. The objective of this review was to identify effective practices and recommendations for implementing DTCs for mass prophylaxis dispensing during emergency events.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted for articles covering DTCs published between 1990 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed, written in English, and addressed DTCs sufficiently. Effective practices and recommendations identified in the literature were presented by theme.

Results:

A total of 13 articles met inclusion criteria. The themes identified were (1) optimal DTC design and planning via decision support systems and decision support tools; (2) clinic layouts, locations, and design aspects; (3) staffing, training, and DTC communication; (4) throughput time; (5) community outreach methods; (6) DTC equipment; (7) infection prevention and personal protective equipment; and (8) adverse events prevention and traffic management.

Conclusions:

DTCs are an essential component of emergency preparedness and must be optimally designed and implemented to successfully dispense mass prophylaxis to a community within 48 hours. The effective practices and recommendations presented can be used for the development, implementation, and improvement of DTCs for their target populations.
A New Crack Propagation Algorithm Combined with the Finite Element Method
Authors: Ramalho L.D.C. , Belinha J. , Campilho R.D.S.G.
Published: April 2020

The prediction of crack propagation is an important engineering problem. In this work, combined with triangular plane stress finite elements, a new remeshing algorithm for crack opening problems was developed. The proposed algorithm extends the crack iteratively until a threshold maximum crack length is achieved. The crack propagation direction is calculated using the maximum tangential stress criterion. In this calculation, in order to smoothen the stress field in the vicinity of the crack tip, a weighted average of the stresses of the integration points around the crack tip is considered. The algorithm also ensures that there are always at least eight elements and nine nodes surrounding the crack tip, unless the crack tip is close to a domain boundary, in which case there can be fewer elements and nodes around the crack tip.

Four benchmark tests were performed showing that this algorithm leads to accurate crack paths when compared to findings from previous research works, as long as the initial mesh is not too coarse. This algorithm also leads to regular meshes during the propagation process, with very few distorted elements, which is generally one of the main problems when calculating crack propagation with the finite element method.
A role for cognitive remediation therapy for job seekers with neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Wannasewok Kamonnet
Published: April 2020

People with mental illness and traumatic brain injury experience difficulties in gaining and maintaining employment and have a higher unemployment rate because of their symptoms and poor social skills including cognitive impairments. Cognitive remediation is an intervention developed to improve cognitive functioning such as attention, memory, and problem-solving, by providing them with specific designed cognitive exercises. After practicing those cognitive tasks repetitively and massively, people with cognitive deficits will improve cognitive processes which lead to better cognitive performance. There is evidence supporting the benefits of cognitive remediation in improving employment-related outcome. Thus, it might have a role for job seekers with neuropsychiatric disorders and cognitive dysfunctions.
Differences in Retrospective Perceptions of Parenting Among Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Jámbori Szilvia , Kőrössy Judit
Published: April 2020

In the present study, the possible differences in parenting perceptions between young people socialised before the political changes in the socialist regime and those born after the regime change were explored. In Study 1 (2002) and Study 2 (2018), adolescents and young adults’ retrospective perceptions of parenting were examined. In the first study, the participants included 126 adolescents and 145 young adults, and there were 133 adolescents and 204 young adults in the second study. In both studies, the participants completed the Family Socialisation Questionnaire (Dalbert & Goch, 1997), which is employed to assess parenting practices retrospectively. Second order factor analyses on both occasions revealed that the age groups perceived parenting styles in a similar way. The similarities of the two age groups’ perceptions of parenting could be explained by employing the developmental niche theory, which is when the homeostatic functioning of the niche ensures relatively stable parenting styles, despite changing circumstances. On both occasions, young adults perceived parenting as more negative and restrictive. These results are discussed in detail.
Phenology and plant functional type dominance drive CO2 exchange in seminatural grasslands in the Pyrenees
Authors: Ibañez M. , Altimir N. , Ribas A. , Eugster W. , Sebastià M.-T.
Published: April 2020

Understanding the mechanisms underlying net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) in mountain grasslands is important to quantify their relevance in the global carbon budget. However, complex interactions between environmental variables and vegetation on NEE remain unclear; and there is a lack of empirical data, especially from the high elevations and the Mediterranean region. A chamber-based survey of CO2 exchange measurements was carried out in two climatically contrasted grasslands (montane v. subalpine) of the Pyrenees; assessing the relative contribution of phenology and environmental variables on CO2 exchange at the seasonal scale, and the influence of plant functional type dominance (grasses, forbs and legumes) on the NEE light response. Results show that phenology plays a crucial role as a CO2 exchange driver, suggesting a differential behaviour of the vegetation community depending on the environment. The subalpine grassland had a more delayed phenology compared to the montane, being more temperature than water constrained. However, temperature increased net CO2 uptake at a higher rate in the subalpine than in the montane grassland. During the peak biomass, productivity (+74%) and net CO2 uptake (NEE +48%) were higher in the subalpine grassland than in the montane grassland. The delayed phenology at the subalpine grassland reduced vegetation's sensitivity to summer dryness, and CO2 exchange fluxes were less constrained by low soil water content. The NEE light response suggested that legume dominated plots had higher net CO2 uptake per unit of biomass than grasses. Detailed information on phenology and vegetation composition is essential to understand elevation and climatic differences in CO2 exchange.
In vitro test for the evaluation of the efficacy of topical products for the control of Cochliomyia hominivorax larvae
Authors: Nogueira Sabrina Nathália Louzada , da Silva Maria Fernanda , Furtado Ricardo de Andrade , Paulino Júnior Daniel , Soares Maria Cecília , Andrade Maria Mariana Alves , Nascimento Eduardo Gilberti , Ferreira Lorena Lopes , Soares Vando Edésio , Lopes Welber Daniel Zanetti , Paranhos de Mendonça Rafael
Published: April 2020

Cochliomyia hominivorax larvae cause myiasis in animals and humans. To register a commercial product to control this dipteran is necessary to experiment on animals. The in vitro test was standardized to evaluate the larvicidal efficacy of commercial topical products. Five formulations were analysed in vitro and in vivo. For the in vitro test, a colony was formed and three replicates (n = 200) of each larval stage (L1, L2 and L3) were treated. The viability of the larvae was evaluated after 5 and 30 min, and at 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, 60 and 72 h post-treatment (HPT). For the in vivo test, 30 bovines divided into six groups were castrated to achieve natural infestation with C. hominivorax. Animals in the treated groups received the product. Myiasis and efficacy were evaluated 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 HPT. Four formulations tested in the in vitro test achieved 100% efficacy at 24 HPT. In the in vivo experiment only one achieved 100% efficacy at 24 HPT. However, all products achieved the maximum efficacy by the end of study. The in vitro test developed here could be adopted to evaluate the efficacy of topical products for the control of C. hominivorax larvae.
Field to Media: applied ecomusicology in the Anthropocene
Authors: Pedelty Mark , Dirksen Rebecca , Hatfield Tara , Pang Yan , Roy Elja
Published: April 2020

In seeking to respond to the environmental challenges of the Anthropocene era, our research team of five scholars, including faculty and advanced graduate students, along with each of their collaborators in their respective research sites, has come together to explore the possibilities of a methodology that we call Field to Media. Field to Media involves using video production to study and amplify ecomusical responses to climate change, pollution, deforestation, and other environmental challenges. This methodology is intended as a pragmatic process that blends participant observation with participatory action research and applied or activist engagement. Specific to this project, our efforts have involved the co-creation of five different music videos to address a range of pressing environment-related matters in USA/Canada, Tanzania, Bangladesh, China, and Haiti. In this article, we consider some of the potential successes and challenges that we have each experienced in the course of producing these music videos.
The cost of music
Authors: Brennan Matt , Devine Kyle
Published: April 2020

What is the cost of music in the so-called Anthropocene? We approach this question by focusing on the case of sound-recording formats. We consider the cost of recorded music through two overlapping lenses: economic cost, on the one hand, and environmental cost, on the other. The article begins by discussing how the price of records has changed from the late 19th to the 21st century and across the seven most economically significant playback formats: phonograph cylinder, gramophone disc, vinyl LP, cassette tape, compact disc, digital audio files on hard drive, and streaming from the cloud. Our case study territory is the United States, and we chart the gradual decline in the price of recorded music up to the present. We then examine the environmental and human costs of music by looking at what recordings are made out of, where those materials come from, and what happens to them when they are disposed of. Despite what rhetorics of digital dematerialisation tell us, we show that the labour conditions in the digital electronics and IT industries are as inhumane as ever, while the amount of greenhouse gases released by the US recording industry could actually be higher today than at the height of any previous format. We conclude by asking the obvious (but by no means straightforward) question: what are musicians and fans to do?
Whipple Receives 2019 G. K. Gilbert Award in Surface Processes
Authors:   AGU
Published: April 2020

Kelin X. Whipple received the 2019 G. K. Gilbert Award in Surface Processes at AGU’s Fall Meeting 2019, held 9–13 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes a scientist who has made “a single significant advance or sustained significant contributions to the field of Earth and planetary surface processes” and “also promoted an environment of unselfish cooperation in research and the inclusion of young scientists into the field.”
How Mars’s Magnetic Field Let Its Atmosphere Slip Away
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: April 2020

A planet’s magnetic field usually protects its atmosphere from being blown away by its star. But new research suggests Mars’s weak magnetic field may have helped its atmosphere escape.
PLCE1 regulates the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of podocytes
Authors: Yu Seyoung , Choi Won-Il , Choi Yo Jun , Kim Hye-Youn , Hildebrandt Friedhelm , Gee Heon Yung
Published: April 2020

PLCE1 encodes phospholipase C epsilon, and its mutations cause recessive nephrotic syndrome. However, the mechanisms by which PLCE1 mutations result in defects associated with glomerular function are not clear. To address this, we investigated the function of PLCE1 in podocytes called glomerular epithelial cells, where the pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome converges. PLCE1 colocalized with Rho GTPases in glomeruli. Further, it interacted with Rho GTPases through the pleckstrin homology domain and Ras GTP-binding domains 1/2. Knockdown or knockout of PLCE1 in podocytes resulted in decreased levels of GTP-bound Rac1 and Cdc42, but not those of RhoA, and caused a reduction in cell migration. PLCE1 interacted with NCK2 but not with NCK1. Similar to the PLCE1 knockout, NCK2 knockout resulted in decreased podocyte migration. Knockout of PLCE1 reduced the EGF-induced activation of ERK and cell proliferation in podocytes, whereas knockout of NCK2 did not affect proliferation. Further, the knockout of PLCE1 also resulted in decreased expression of podocyte markers, including NEPH1, NPHS1, WT1, and SYNPO, upon differentiation, but the knockout of NCK2 did not affect the expression of these markers. Therefore, our findings demonstrate that PLCE1 regulates Rho GTPase activity and cell migration through interacting with NCK2 and that PLCE1 also plays a role in the proliferation and differentiation of podocytes, regardless of the presence of NCK2.
A role for gut microbiota in host niche differentiation
Authors: Greene Lydia K , Williams Cathy V , Junge Randall E , Mahefarisoa Karine L , Rajaonarivelo Tsiky , Rakotondrainibe Hajanirina , O’Connell Thomas M , Drea Christine M
Published: April 2020

If gut microbes influence host behavioral ecology in the short term, over evolutionary time, they could drive host niche differentiation. We explored this possibility by comparing the gut microbiota of Madagascar’s folivorous lemurs from Indriidae and Lepilemuridae. Occurring sympatrically in the eastern rainforest, our four, target species have different dietary specializations, including frugo-folivory (sifakas), young-leaf folivory (indri and woolly lemurs), and mature-leaf folivory (sportive lemurs). We collected fecal samples, from 2013 to 2017, and used amplicon sequencing, metagenomic sequencing, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively, to integrate analyses of gut microbiome structure and function with analysis of the colonic metabolome. The lemurs harbored species-specific microbiomes, metagenomes, and metabolomes that were tuned to their dietary specializations: Frugo-folivores had greater microbial and metagenomic diversity, and harbored generalist taxa. Mature-leaf folivores had greater individual microbiome variation, and taxa and metabolites putatively involved in cellulolysis. The consortia even differed between related, young-leaf specialists, with indri prioritizing metabolism of fiber and plant secondary compounds, and woolly lemurs prioritizing amino-acid cycling. Specialized gut microbiota and associated gastrointestinal morphologies enable folivores to variably tolerate resource fluctuation and support nutrient extraction from challenging resources (e.g., by metabolizing plant secondary compounds or recalcitrant fibers), perhaps ultimately facilitating host species’ diversity and specialized feeding ecologies.
An open-source robotic platform that enables automated monitoring of replicate biofilm cultivations using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Gierl Luisa , Stoy Kasper , Faíña Andrés , Horn Harald , Wagner Michael
Published: April 2020

The paper introduces a fully automated cultivation and monitoring tool to study biofilm development in replicate experiments operated in parallel. To gain a fundamental understanding of the relation between cultivation conditions and biofilm characteristics (e.g., structural, mechanical) a monitoring setup allowing for the standardization of methods is required. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging modality ideal for biofilms since it allows for the monitoring of structure in real time. By integrating an OCT device into the open-source robotic platform EvoBot, a fully automated monitoring platform for investigating biofilm development in several flow cells at once was realized. Different positioning scenarios were tested and revealed that the positioning accuracy is within the optical resolution of the OCT. On that account, a reliable and accurate monitoring of biofilm development by means of OCT has become possible. With this robotic platform, reproducible biofilm experiments including a statistical analysis are achievable with only a small investment of operator time. Furthermore, a number of structural parameters calculated within this study confirmed the necessity to perform replicate biofilm cultivations.
Major surgery induces acute changes in measured DNA methylation associated with immune response pathways
Authors: Sadahiro Ryoichi , Knight Bridget , James Ffion , Hannon Eilis , Charity John , Daniels Ian R. , Burrage Joe , Knox Olivia , Crawford Bethany , Smart Neil J. , Mill Jonathan
Published: April 2020

Surgery is an invasive procedure evoking acute inflammatory and immune responses that can influence risk for postoperative complications including cognitive dysfunction and delirium. Although the specific mechanisms driving these responses have not been well-characterized, they are hypothesized to involve the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. We quantified genome-wide levels of DNA methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) longitudinally collected from a cohort of elderly patients undergoing major surgery, comparing samples collected at baseline to those collected immediately post-operatively and at discharge from hospital. We identified acute changes in measured DNA methylation at sites annotated to immune system genes, paralleling changes in serum-levels of markers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) measured in the same individuals. Many of the observed changes in measured DNA methylation were consistent across different types of major surgery, although there was notable heterogeneity between surgery types at certain loci. The acute changes in measured DNA methylation induced by surgery are relatively stable in the post-operative period, generally persisting until discharge from hospital. Our results highlight the dramatic alterations in gene regulation induced by invasive surgery, primarily reflecting upregulation of the immune system in response to trauma, wound healing and anaesthesia.
The trends in land surface heat fluxes over global monsoon domains and their responses to monsoon and precipitation
Authors: Zeng Jian , Zhang Qiang
Published: April 2020

The climatology, trends and leading modes of land surface latent heat flux (LHF) and sensible heat flux (SHF) as well as their responses to monsoon and precipitation in global land monsoon domains are presented. During the past three decades, LHF and SHF have generally undergone a rising and decreasing trend (that is, (LHF+, SHF−)), respectively, in Asian, North African, Austrian, and South American monsoon domains. Moreover, the increasing rate of LHF was higher than the decreasing rate of SHF, which causes a decreased trend in Bowen ratio. Two other dominant trend patterns, (LHF−, SHF−) and (LHF+, SHF+), are observed in South African and South American monsoon domains, respectively. The trends in LHF and SHF are closely linked to increasing global monsoon intensity and precipitation, especially for the monsoon domain that has annual precipitation lower than 1300 mm yr−1. Singular value decomposition (SVD) analyses show that monsoon strength explains 25.2% and 22.2% total covariance of LHF and SHF respectively in the first modes, and that precipitation slightly raises the percentages up to 27.8% and 24% respectively. The increasing monsoon and precipitation on one hand favor more land surface available energy being converted into LHF; on the other hand they enhance the LHF by increasing the land surface net radiation. Moreover, remarkable phase shifts in LHF and SHF are observed for monsoon domains during late-1990s, which are in phase with those of precipitation and monsoon strength. The intensifying LHF and precipitation indicate the acceleration of hydrological cycle in global terrestrial monsoon domains.
Meta-Analysis Based on Nonconvex Regularization
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Shou-Jiang , Zhang Hai , Yang Zi-Yi , Ren Yan-Qiong , Xia Liang-Yong , Liang Yong
Published: April 2020

The widespread applications of high-throughput sequencing technology have produced a large number of publicly available gene expression datasets. However, due to the gene expression datasets have the characteristics of small sample size, high dimensionality and high noise, the application of biostatistics and machine learning methods to analyze gene expression data is a challenging task, such as the low reproducibility of important biomarkers in different studies. Meta-analysis is an effective approach to deal with these problems, but the current methods have some limitations. In this paper, we propose the meta-analysis based on three nonconvex regularization methods, which areL1/2regularization (meta-Half), Minimax Concave Penalty regularization (meta-MCP) and Smoothly Clipped Absolute Deviation regularization (meta-SCAD). The three nonconvex regularization methods are effective approaches for variable selection developed in recent years. Through the hierarchical decomposition of coefficients, our methods not only maintain the flexibility of variable selection and improve the efficiency of selecting important biomarkers, but also summarize and synthesize scientific evidence from multiple studies to consider the relationship between different datasets. We give the efficient algorithms and the theoretical property for our methods. Furthermore, we apply our methods to the simulation data and three publicly available lung cancer gene expression datasets, and compare the performance with state-of-the-art methods. Our methods have good performance in simulation studies, and the analysis results on the three publicly available lung cancer gene expression datasets are clinically meaningful. Our methods can also be extended to other areas where datasets are heterogeneous.
Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and Creatinine Index Equally Predict the Risk of Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients: J-DOPPS
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Yamamoto Shungo , Fukuma Shingo , Nakano Toshiaki , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Inaba Masaaki
Published: April 2020

The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and creatinine (Cr) index are indexes often used as nutritional surrogates in patients receiving hemodialysis. However, few studies have directly compared the clinical characteristics of these two indexes. We investigated 3,536 hemodialysis patients enrolled in the Japan DOPPS phases 4 and 5. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality and the main exposures were the GNRI and Cr index. We confirmed and compared the association between these indexes and mortality risk as estimated by a multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model. During the median 2.2-year follow-up period, 414 patients died of any cause. In the multivariable-adjusted model, lower GNRI and Cr index were both associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality, and these associations were further confirmed by restricted cubic spline curves. The predictability of all-cause mortality, as represented by the c-statistic, was comparable between the two indexes. Furthermore, baseline nutritional surrogates that corresponded with lower GNRI or Cr index values were comparable between the two indexes. Given that calculating the GNRI is simpler than calculating the Cr index, our data suggest that the GNRI may be preferable to the Cr index for predicting clinical outcomes in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
Photonic effects in natural nanostructures on Morpho cypris and Greta oto butterfly wings
Authors: Barrera-Patiño C. P. , Vollet-Filho J. D. , Teixeira-Rosa R. G. , Quiroz H. P. , Dussan A. , Inada N. M. , Bagnato V. S. , Rey-González R. R.
Published: April 2020

Photonic crystals are some of the more spectacular realizations that periodic arrays can change the behavior of electromagnetic waves. In nature, so-called structural colors appear in insects and even plants. Some species create beautiful color patterns as part of biological behavior such as reproduction or defense mechanisms as a form of biomimetics. The interaction between light and matter occurs at the surface, producing diffraction, interference and reflectance, and light transmission is possible under suitable conditions. In particular, there are two Colombian butterflies, Morpho cypris and Greta oto, that exhibit iridescence phenomena on their wings, and in this work, we relate these phenomena to the photonic effect. The experimental and theoretical approaches of the optical response visible region were studied to understand the underlying mechanism behind the light–matter interaction on the wings of these Colombian butterflies. Our results can guide the design of novel devices that use iridescence as angular filters or even for cosmetic purposes.
Systemic Hyperalgesia in Females with Gulf War Illness, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Authors: Surian Amber A. , Baraniuk James N.
Published: April 2020

Pain is a diagnostic criterion for Gulf War Illness (GWI), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and fibromyalgia (FM). The physical sign of systemic hyperalgesia (tenderness) was assessed in 920 women who were stratified by 2000 Kansas GWI, 1994 CFS, and 1990 FM criteria. Pressure was applied by dolorimetry at 18 traditional tender points and the average pressure causing pain determined. GWI women were the most tender (2.9 ± 1.6 kg, mean ± SD, n = 70), followed by CFS/FM (3.1 ± 1.4 kg, n = 196), FM (3.9 ± 1.4 kg, n = 56), and CFS (5.8 ± 2.1 kg, n = 170) compared to controls (7.2 ± 2.4 kg, significantly highest by Mann-Whitney tests p < 0.0001, n = 428). Receiver operating characteristics set pressure thresholds of 4.0 kg to define GWI and CFS/FM (specificity 0.85, sensitivities 0.80 and 0.83, respectively), 4.5 kg for FM, and 6.0 kg for CFS. Pain, fatigue, quality of life, and CFS symptoms were equivalent for GWI, CFS/FM and CFS. Dolorimetry correlated with symptoms in GWI but not CFS or FM. Therefore, women with GWI, CFS and FM have systemic hyperalgesia compared to sedentary controls. The physical sign of tenderness may complement the symptoms of the Kansas criteria as a diagnostic criterion for GWI females, and aid in the diagnosis of CFS. Molecular mechanisms of systemic hyperalgesia may provide new insights into the neuropathology and treatments of these nociceptive, interoceptive and fatiguing illnesses.
An uranyl sorption study inside functionalised nanopores
Authors: Pinaeva U. , Ollier N. , Cavani O. , Balanzat E. , Al-Sheikhly M. , Wade T. L. , Clochard M.-C.
Published: April 2020

Sorption mechanism of uranyl by poly(bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate) (PB2MP) functionalised polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) track-etched membranes, PB2MP-g-PVDF, was investigated. It was found that uranyl sorption obeyed Langmuir isotherm model giving a maximum U(VI) membrane uptake of 6.73μmol g−1and an affinity constant of 9.85 ⋅ 106L mol−1. XPS and TRPL measurements were performed to identify sorbed uranyl oxidation state and its environment. Uranyl was found to be mainly in its hexavalent state,i.e. U(VI), showing that the trapping inside the PB2MP-g-PVDF nanoporous membranes did not change the ion speciation. Two sorbed uranyl life-times (τ1= 8.8μs andτ2= 102.8μs) were measured by TRPL which pointed out different complexations taking place inside the nanopores. Uranyl sorption by PB2MP-g-PVDF membranes was also found to be pH dependent demonstrating the highest performance at circumneutral pH. In addition, TRPL was demonstrated to be not only a remarkable technique for U(VI) characterization, but also an alternative to voltammetry detection for trace on-site uranyl monitoring using PB2MP-g-PVDF nanoporous membranes.
Metagenomic views of microbial dynamics influenced by hydrocarbon seepage in sediments of the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Zhao Rui , Summers Zarath M. , Christman Glenn D. , Yoshimura Kristin M. , Biddle Jennifer F.
Published: April 2020

Microbial cells in the seabed are thought to persist by slow population turnover rates and extremely low energy requirements. External stimulations such as seafloor hydrocarbon seeps have been demonstrated to significantly boost microbial growth; however, the microbial community response has not been fully understood. Here we report a comparative metagenomic study of microbial response to natural hydrocarbon seeps in the Gulf of Mexico. Subsurface sediments (10–15 cm below seafloor) were collected from five natural seep sites and two reference sites. The resulting metagenome sequencing datasets were analyzed with both gene-based and genome-based approaches. 16S rRNA gene-based analyses suggest that the seep samples are distinct from the references by both 16S rRNA fractional content and phylogeny, with the former dominated by ANME-1 archaea (~50% of total) and Desulfobacterales, and the latter dominated by the Deltaproteobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Chloroflexi phyla. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are present in both types of samples, with higher relative abundances in seep samples than the references. Genes for nitrogen fixation were predominantly found in the seep sites, whereas the reference sites showed a dominant signal for anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox). We recovered 49 metagenome-assembled genomes and assessed the microbial functional potentials in both types of samples. By this genome-based analysis, the seep samples were dominated by ANME-1 archaea and SRB, with the capacity for methane oxidation coupled to sulfate reduction, which is consistent with the 16S rRNA-gene based characterization. Although ANME-1 archaea and SRB are present in low relative abundances, genome bins from the reference sites are dominated by uncultured members of NC10 and anammox Scalindua, suggesting a prevalence of nitrogen transformations for energy in non-seep pelagic sediments. This study suggests that hydrocarbon seeps can greatly change the microbial community structure by stimulating nitrogen fixation, inherently shifting the nitrogen metabolism compared to those of the reference sediments.
Maize GOLDEN2-LIKE genes enhance biomass and grain yields in rice by improving photosynthesis and reducing photoinhibition
Authors: Li Xia , Wang Peng , Li Jing , Wei Shaobo , Yan Yanyan , Yang Jun , Zhao Ming , Langdale Jane A. , Zhou Wenbin
Published: April 2020

Photosynthetic efficiency is a major target for improvement of crop yield potential under agricultural field conditions. Inefficiencies can occur in many steps of the photosynthetic process, from chloroplast biogenesis to functioning of the light harvesting and carbon fixation reactions. Nuclear-encoded GOLDEN2-LIKE (GLK) transcription factors regulate some of the earliest steps by activating target genes encoding chloroplast-localized and photosynthesis-related proteins. Here we show that constitutive expression of maize GLK genes in rice leads to enhanced levels of chlorophylls and pigment-protein antenna complexes, and that these increases lead to improved light harvesting efficiency via photosystem II in field-grown plants. Increased levels of xanthophylls further buffer the negative effects of photoinhibition under high or fluctuating light conditions by facilitating greater dissipation of excess absorbed energy as heat. Significantly, the enhanced photosynthetic capacity of field-grown transgenic plants resulted in increased carbohydrate levels and a 30–40% increase in both vegetative biomass and grain yield.
Theoretical understanding of the electrochemical reaction barrier: a kinetic study of CO2reduction reaction on copper electrodes
Authors: Gao Shu-Ting , Xiang Shi-Qin , Shi Jun-Lin , Zhang Wei , Zhao Liu-Bin
Published: April 2020

The electrochemical reduction of CO2is a promising route for converting intermittent renewable energy into storable fuels and useful chemical products.
Coordinatively unsaturated metal sites (open metal sites) in metal–organic frameworks: design and applications
Authors: Kökçam-Demir Ülkü , Goldman Anna , Esrafili Leili , Gharib Maniya , Morsali Ali , Weingart Oliver , Janiak Christoph
Published: April 2020

The defined synthesis of OMS in MOFs is the basis for targeted functionalization through grafting, the coordination of weakly binding species and increased (supramolecular) interactions with guest molecules.
Environment-dependent single-chain mechanics of synthetic polymers and biomacromolecules by atomic force microscopy-based single-molecule force spectroscopy and the implications for advanced polymer materials
Authors: Bao Yu , Luo Zhonglong , Cui Shuxun
Published: April 2020

Environment-dependent single-chain mechanics of macromolecules by AFM-SMFS is essential to the bottom-up rational design of polymer materials.
Molecular level characterisation of ion-exchange water treatment coupled to ceramic membrane filtration
Authors: Smith Alan J. R. , Moore Graeme , Semiao Andrea J. C. , Uhrín Dušan
Published: April 2020

Preferential removal of highly oxygenated larger aromatic and condensed aromatic molecules through ceramic membrane based water treatment.
CO2 hydrate formation kinetics based on a chemical affinity model in the presence of GO and SDS
Authors: Li Lijun , Zhao Shuhua , Wang Shuli , Rao Yongchao
Published: April 2020

Hydrate generation promotion and kinetic models are key issues in the hydrate utilization technology.
Synthesis of high-performance polycrystalline metal–organic framework membranes at room temperature in a few minutes
Authors: Hao Jian , Babu Deepu J. , Liu Qi , Chi Heng-Yu , Lu Chunxiang , Liu Yaodong , Agrawal Kumar Varoon
Published: April 2020

Our method hinders the Ostwald ripening of polycrystalline MOF film during the solvothermal synthesis, allowing the growth of high-quality MOF films in just 8 min at room temperature.
A naphthalimide derivative can release COS and form H2S in a light-controlled manner and protect cells against ROS with real-time monitoring ability
Authors: Hua Wuyang , Zhao Jian , Gou Shaohua
Published: April 2020

Triggered by UV light, the donor could release H2S to protect cells against the damage of ROS and prompt the cell survival rate, meanwhile turning on its fluorescence to be monitored in real time.
The catalytic effects of sulfur in ethane dehydroaromatization
Authors: Goodarzi Farnoosh , Hansen Lars P. , Helveg Stig , Mielby Jerrik , Nguyen Thoa T. M. , Joensen Finn , Kegnæs Søren
Published: April 2020

In this work, we investigated the catalytic effect of adding sulfur on Zn/ZSM-5 catalyst for direct conversion of ethane to aromatics.
Low-temperature molten salt synthesis of MoS2@CoS2 heterostructures for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: He Song , Du Hongfang , Wang Ke , Liu Qianchi , Sun Jinmeng , Liu Yuhang , Du Zhuzhu , Xie Linghai , Ai Wei , Huang Wei
Published: April 2020

A facile low-temperature molten salt approach has been successfully developed to construct MoS2@CoS2 heterostructures for high-efficiency hydrogen evolution reaction.
Silver(i) complexes with different pyridine-4,5-dicarboxylate ligands as efficient agents for the control of cow mastitis associated pathogens
Authors: Andrejević Tina P. , Milivojevic Dusan , Glišić Biljana Đ. , Kljun Jakob , Stevanović Nevena Lj. , Vojnovic Sandra , Medic Strahinja , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina , Turel Iztok , Djuran Miloš I.
Published: April 2020

Silver(i) complexes with pyridine-4,5-dicarboxylates show significant activity against clinical isolates from the milk of a cow diagnosed with mastitis.
Mining structure–property relationships in polymer nanocomposites using data driven finite element analysis and multi-task convolutional neural networks
Authors: Wang Yixing , Zhang Min , Lin Anqi , Iyer Akshay , Prasad Aditya Shanker , Li Xiaolin , Zhang Yichi , Schadler Linda S. , Chen Wei , Brinson L. Catherine
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a data driven and deep learning approach for modeling structure–property relationship of polymer nanocomposites is demonstrated. This method is applicable to understand other material mechanisms and guide the design of material with targeted performance.
Cellular regeneration and proliferation on polymeric 3D inverse-space substrates and the effect of doxorubicin
Authors: Bobade Chandrashekhar D. , Nandi Semonti , Kale Narendra R. , Banerjee Shashwat S. , Patil Yuvraj N. , Khandare Jayant J.
Published: April 2020

2D substrates promote cell attachment with lateral compression; 3DIS scaffolding restores the 3D cell structure allowing more realistic cellular-drug responses.
A squaraine-based dipicolylamine derivative acting as a turn-on mercury(ii) fluorescent probe in water
Authors: Esteves Catarina V. , Costa Judite , Bernard Hélène , Tripier Raphaël , Delgado Rita
Published: April 2020

A squaraine-based ligand, sbdpa, has been synthesized, and the behaviour of its metal complexes was investigated. It was found that it acts as a Hg2+ chemosensor in aqueous solution.
Preparation of a porous graphite felt electrode for advance vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yue Junpei , Deng Qi , Ling Wei , Zhou Chun-Jiao , Zeng Xian-Xiang , Zhou Congshan , Wu Xiong-Wei , Wu YuPing
Published: April 2020

A graphite felt electrode with unique porous structure was designed to improve the performance of VRFBs.
Modification of fibrous membrane for organic and pathogenic contaminants removal: from design to application
Authors: Neaz Morshed Mohammad , Behary Nemeshwaree , Bouazizi Nabil , Vieillard Julien , Guan Jinping , Le Derf Franck , Nierstrasz Vincent
Published: April 2020

Multifunctional fibrous membrane for heterogeneous Fenton-like removal of organic and pathogenic contaminants from wastewater was developed by immobilizing zerovalent iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) on an amine/thiol grafted polyester membrane.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(tetraphenylimidazole)s and their application in the detection of fluoride ions
Authors: Aradhyula Basava Punna Rao , Ranga Naidu Chinta Ramu V. , Dhanunjayarao Kunchala , Venkatasubbaiah Krishnan
Published: April 2020

We describe the synthesis and characterization of a silyl protected tetraphenylimidazole monomer and its polymers. The polymers were studied as probes for the detection of fluoride ions. Both the probes showed high selectivity and sensitivity over other ions tested.
Projection method as a probe for multiplexing/demultiplexing of magnetically enriched biological tissues
Authors: Zamani Kouhpanji Mohammad Reza , Stadler Bethanie J. H.
Published: April 2020

Different polycarbonate tissues were enriched using magnetic nanowires with diverse magnetic signatures. Projection method successfully identifies and quantifies the complex combinations of the magnetically enriched polycarbonate tissues.
Optimization of the direct synthesis of dimethyl ether from CO2 rich synthesis gas: closing the loop between experimental investigations and model-based reactor design
Authors: Delgado Otalvaro Nirvana , Kaiser Markus , Herrera Delgado Karla , Wild Stefan , Sauer Jörg , Freund Hannsjörg
Published: April 2020

Kinetic modeling, model-based optimization and experimental validation for the direct DME synthesis.
A MoOx-doped Ni/3D-SBA-15 catalyst for CO methanation: the effect of a solvent and a MoOx promoter on the catalytic properties
Authors: Chen Yaqi , Tian Zhiwei , Liu Qing , Bian Bing
Published: April 2020

A series of MoOx doped Ni/3D-SBA-15 catalysts with a three-dimensional network structure were prepared by an impregnation method using different solvents for CO methanation.
Atomic scale insight into the fundamental mechanism of Mn doped LiFePO4
Authors: Jiang Fei , Qu Ke , Wang Mingshan , Chen Junchen , Liu Yang , Xu Hao , Huang Yun , Li Jiangyu , Gao Peng , Zheng Jianming , Chen Mingyang , Li Xing
Published: April 2020

Mn doping could form a stable LiMnxFe1−xPO4 protective shell on the surface to suppress LiFePO4 degradation during electrochemical cycling.