bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hg2+ Optical Fiber Sensor Based on LSPR with PDDA-Templated AuNPs and CS/PAA Bilayers
Authors: Zhong Xiujuan , Ma Li , Yin Guolu , Gan Mengyu , Wei Yong
Published: July 2020

An optical fiber localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor was proposed and experimentally demonstrated to detect Hg2+ ions by functionalizing the optical fiber surface with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and chitosan (CS)/poly acrylic acid (PAA) bilayers. A flame-brushing technology was proposed to post-process the polydimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride(PDDA)-templated nanoparticles, avoiding the aggregation of AuNPs and achieving well-dispersed AuNPs arrays. LSPR stimulated by the AuNPs is sensitive to changes in the refractive index induced by Hg2+ ions absorption on the CS/PAA bilayers. Experimental results demonstrated that the LSPR peak wavelength linearly shifts with the concentrations of Hg2+ ions from 1 to 30 μM with a sensitivity of around 0.51 nm/ppm. The sensor also exhibits good specificity and longtime stability.
Seismic Vulnerability of Cabinet Facility with Tuned Mass Dampers Subjected to High- and Low-Frequency Earthquakes
Authors: Tran Thanh-Tuan , Cao Anh-Tuan , Kim Dookie , Chang Seongkyu
Published: July 2020

The study investigates the collapse probability of a cabinet facility with a tuned mass damper (TMD) subjected to high- and low-frequency earthquakes. For this aim, a prototype of the cabinet in Korea is utilized for the numeric simulation. The accuracy of the finite element model is evaluated via the impact hammer tests. To mitigate the seismic response of the structure, a TMD system is developed whose properties are designed based on the outcomes from the modal analysis (i.e., modal frequencies and mode shapes). Furthermore, the influences of earthquake frequency contents on the seismic response are evaluated. The numeric analyses are conducted using a series of eighty earthquakes that are classified into two groups corresponding to low- and high-frequency motions. Finally, fragility curves are developed for the cabinet subjected to different ground motion sets. The results quantify the seismic vulnerability of the structure and demonstrate the influences of earthquake frequency contents and the vibration control system on the seismic response of the cabinet.
Structure, Antimicrobial Activity, Hirshfeld Analysis, and Docking Studies of Three Silver(I) Complexes-Based Pyridine Ligands
Authors: Badr Ahmed M. A. , Barakat Assem , Albering Jörg H. , Sharaf Mona M. , Ul-Haq Zaheer , Soliman Saied M.
Published: July 2020

Three broad spectrum Ag(I) complexes against MDR (multi drug resistance) and ATCC standard bacteria as well as the fungus C. albicans were presented. The three well-known structurally-related Ag(I) complexes, [Ag(pyridine-3-carboxaldhyde)2NO3], 1, [Ag3(2-pyridone)3(NO3)3]n, 2, and [Ag(3-hydroxypyridine)2]NO3, 3, were prepared by the direct combination of AgNO3 with the corresponding pyridine ligands in a water-ethanol mixture. 1 and 3 are molecular compounds while, 2 is a 2D coordination polymer with sheets bridged by strong homoleptic R2,2(8) hydrogen bonds between ligands giving the ins topology. Different contacts affecting the molecular packing in their crystal structures were computed by employing Hirshfeld analysis. Charge transferences from the ligand groups to Ag(I) were analyzed using natural population analysis. The effect of protonation and metal coordination on the tautomerism of 2-pyridone was analyzed using data from the Cambridge Structure Database (CSD). It was found that Lewis acid attachment to both N and O sites favor a state in between the two formal tautomers. All compounds were significantly more active than 17 tested commercial antibiotics against three clinically isolated strains of Ps. Aeruginosa, with 2 and 3 performing best on average against all ten tested bacterial strains but with 3 containing less Ag per weight. Finally, docking studies were carried out to unravel the inhibition mechanism of the synthesized silver(I) complexes.
Discrimination between Breast Cancer Cells and White Blood Cells by Non-Invasive Measurements: Implications for a Novel In Vitro-Based Circulating Tumor Cell Model Using Digital Holographic Cytometry
Authors: El-Schich Zahra , Janicke Birgit , Alm Kersti , Dizeyi Nishtman , L. Persson Jenny , Gjörloff Wingren Anette
Published: July 2020

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. Metastasis is the main reason for death in breast cancer, and today, there is a lack of methods to detect and isolate circulating tumor cells (CTCs), mainly due to their heterogeneity and rarity. There are some systems that are designed to detect rare epithelial cancer cells in whole blood based on the most common marker used today, the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). It has been shown that aggressive breast cancer metastases are of non-epithelial origin and are therefore not always detected using EpCAM as a marker. In the present study, we used an in vitro-based circulating tumor cell model comprising a collection of six breast cancer cell lines and white blood cell lines. We used digital holographic cytometry (DHC) to characterize and distinguish between the different cell types by area, volume and thickness. Here, we present significant differences in cell size-related parameters observed when comparing white blood cells and breast cancer cells by using DHC. In conclusion, DHC can be a powerful diagnostic tool for the characterization of CTCs in the blood.
Tolerance Design and Robust Study for The Joint Clearances of Landing Gear Retraction Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Li , Nie Hong , Wei Xiaohui
Published: July 2020

Joint clearances inevitably affect the kinematic accuracy and robustness of landing gear retraction mechanisms. However, the complexity and uncertainty of the clearances lead to difficulty in establishing mathematic models and analyzing effects. In the interest of assessing the clearance effects on the kinematic accuracy of landing gears, an integrated tolerance theory is proposed in this paper. In the theory proposed, Jacobian–Torsor model is combined with robust analysis to establish the kinematic accuracy model and predict the influences of clearances. The overall steps to apply the theory presented in practice are given. A typical landing gear retraction mechanism is chosen for the case study and the results show that the tendencies of clearances can be observed. Through the process of tolerance design, robust study, and tolerance redesign, the kinematic accuracy is significantly improved. The integrated tolerance theory proposed and the study conducted will provide designers new insights for the clearance analysis of landing gear mechanisms.
Vegetation- and Environmental Changes on Non-Reclaimed Spoil Heaps in Southern Poland
Authors: Rahmonov Oimahmad , Krzysztofik Robert , Środek Dorota , Smolarek-Lach Justyna
Published: July 2020

The study focused on the changes in vegetation and soils on an undeveloped area of coal mine spoil heaps. The process of vegetation changes was evaluated on the basis of historical cartographic materials and fieldwork. Changes of vegetation in nearly 200 years are presented herein. The main purpose of this study is to present an analysis of spatio-temporal changes in vegetation and their influence on soil features. The diversity of ecological species in terms of habitat requirements, tendency of hornbeam communities formation, and the relationship between forest communities and soil features was found. The basic soil properties were examined under selected plant communities (pH, Corg, Nt), available forms of elements (P, K, Mg), and as plant nutrients and heavy metal occurrence (Fe, Zn, Mn, Co, Cd, Pb, Sr, Cr, Cu). The soil organic carbon (Corg) content varied from 3.17 ± 0.007% to 17.7 ± 0.21% and significant differences were observed between sites. The highest total nitrogen (Nt) content was recorded in the soils of the sites that were represented by Populus-Betula stands (0.60 ± 0.01%). Soil acidity (pH) varied greatly, ranging from acidic (pH = 4.1) to weakly acidic (pH = 5.9). The highest value for Mgavail (205.43 ± 0.5 mg·kg−1) was noted in the soils under Calamagrostis epegijos (L.) Roth community and for Pavail (184.07 ± 3.77) and Kavail (346.19 ± 2.92 mg·kg−1) under the Quercus-Pinus stand. On all sites, Zn was a dominant element and its concentration ranged from 526.1 to 1060.4 mg·kg−1. Obtained results show how important it is to study the issue of vegetation changes and the formation of the landscape within an industrial city. The described results are important for the management of urban greening issues. Human influence on the disintegration and development of the natural environment is clearly visible. Due to the diversity of former mining areas and their time of creation, the studied area is one of the most important experimental areas for the determination link between vegetation and soil.
Plasma CAF22 Levels as a Useful Predictor of Muscle Health in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Qaisar Rizwan , Karim Asima , Muhammad Tahir
Published: July 2020

Skeletal muscle dysfunction and reduced physical capacity are characteristic features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the search for a reliable biomarker to assess muscle health in CODP remains elusive. We analyzed the course of hand-grip strength (HGS) and appendicular skeletal mass index (ASMI) in COPD in relation to spirometry decline and plasma extracellular heat shock protein-72 (eHSP72) and c-terminal fragment of agrin-22 (CAF22) levels. We evaluated male, 62–73 years old patients of COPD (N = 265) and healthy controls (N = 252) at baseline and after 12 and 24 months for plasma biomarkers, spirometry and HGS measurements. HGS declined significantly over time and plasma CAF22, but not eHSP72 levels, had a significant negative association with HGS and ASMI in COPD. Plasma CAF22 also had an association with walking speed and daily steps count in advanced COPD. Lower ASMI was associated with reduced HGS at all time-point. Narrow age-span of the study cohort and exclusion of lower-limb muscles from the analysis are limitations of this study. Taken together, we report that the plasma CAF22 may be a useful tool to assess muscle weakness and atrophy in COPD patients.
Recent Advances in Noble Metal Catalysts for Hydrogen Production from Ammonia Borane
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Zhou Liu , Luo Xianjin , Wan Chao , Xu Lixin
Published: July 2020

Interest in chemical hydrogen storage has increased, because the supply of fossil fuels are limited and the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels on the environment have become a focus of public concern. Hydrogen, as one of the energy carriers, is useful for the sustainable development. However, it is widely known that controlled storage and release of hydrogen are the biggest barriers in large-scale application of hydrogen energy. Ammonia borane (NH3BH3, AB) is deemed as one of the most promising hydrogen storage candidates on account of its high hydrogen to mass ratio and environmental benignity. Development of efficient catalysts to further improve the properties of chemical kinetics in the dehydrogenation of AB under appropriate conditions is of importance for the practical application of this system. In previous studies, a variety of noble metal catalysts and their supported metal catalysts (Pt, Pd, Au, Rh, etc.) have presented great properties in decomposing the chemical hydride to generate hydrogen, thus, promoting their application in dehydrogenation of AB is urgent. We analyzed the hydrolysis of AB from the mechanism of hydrogen release reaction to understand more deeply. Based on these characteristics, we aimed to summarize recent advances in the development of noble metal catalysts, which had excellent activity and stability for AB dehydrogenation, with prospect towards realization of efficient noble metal catalysts.
Impact of Acute Kidney Injury on Outcomes of Hospitalizations for Heat Stroke in the United States
Authors: Thongprayoon Charat , Qureshi Fawad , Petnak Tananchai , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Chewcharat Api , Cato Liam D. , Boonpheng Boonphiphop , Bathini Tarun , Hansrivijit Panupong , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Kaewput Wisit
Published: July 2020

This study aims to evaluate the risk factors and the association of acute kidney injury with treatments, complications, outcomes, and resource utilization in patients hospitalized for heat stroke in the United States. Hospitalized patients from years 2003 to 2014 with a primary diagnosis of heat stroke were identified in the National Inpatient Sample dataset. End stage kidney disease patients were excluded. The occurrence of acute kidney injury during hospitalization was identified using the hospital diagnosis code. The associations between acute kidney injury and clinical characteristics, in-hospital treatments, outcomes, and resource utilization were assessed using multivariable analyses. A total of 3346 hospital admissions were included in the analysis. Acute kidney injury occurred in 1206 (36%) admissions, of which 49 (1.5%) required dialysis. The risk factors for acute kidney injury included age 20–39 years, African American race, obesity, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and rhabdomyolysis, whereas age <20 or ≥60 years were associated with lower risk of acute kidney injury. The need for mechanical ventilation and blood transfusion was higher when acute kidney injury occurred. Acute kidney injury was associated with electrolyte and acid-base derangements, sepsis, acute myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmia or cardiac arrest, respiratory, circulatory, liver, neurological, hematological failure, and in-hospital mortality. Length of hospital stay and hospitalization cost were higher in acute kidney injury patients. Approximately one third of heat stroke patients developed acute kidney injury during hospitalization. Acute kidney injury was associated with several complications, and higher mortality and resource utilization.
Outdoor Particulate Matter Correlation Analysis and Prediction Based Deep Learning in the Korea
Authors: Chae Minsu , Han Sangwook , Lee HwaMin
Published: July 2020

Particulate matter (PM) has become a problem worldwide, with many deleterious health effects such as worsened asthma, affected lungs, and various toxin-induced cancers. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated PM as a group 1 carcinogen. Although Korea Environment Corporation forecasts the status of outdoor PM four times a day, whichever is higher among PM10 and PM2.5. Korea Environment Corporation forecasts for the stages of PM. It remains difficult to predict the value of PM when going out. We correlate air quality and solar terms, address format, and weather data, and PM in the Korea. We analyzed the correlation between address format, air quality data, and weather data, and PM. We evaluated performance according to the sequence length and batch size and found the best outcome with a sequence length of 7 days, and a batch size of 96. We performed PM prediction using the Long Short-Term Recurrent Unit (LSTM), the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) models. The CNN model suffered the limitation of only predicting from the training data, not from the test data. The LSTM and GRU models generated similar prediction results. We confirmed that the LSTM model has higher accuracy than the other two models.
Investigation on the Characteristics of Biodiesel Droplets in the Engine Cylinder
Authors: Raza Ali , Mehboob Hassan , Miran Sajjad , Arif Waseem , Rizvi Syed Farukh Javaid
Published: July 2020

The world is moving towards renewable energy sources rapidly and, at present, fossil fuels are reducing day by day. In this scenario, biofuels have become an attractive alternative to conventional diesel fuels. In the present work, the vaporization of Thumba biodiesel is numerically modeled using the finite volume-based approach in ANSYS Fluent and the results are compared with diesel fuel. Evaporation of fuels is governed by the conservation equations of energy, momentum, and mass. Owing to high temperature and pressure conditions, turbulence is present in the engine cylinder. To account for the turbulence effects, the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) turbulence model is used. Heat transfer to droplet and mass lost by the droplets is governed by the discrete phase model equations. The obtained results include the droplet lifetime, increase in temperature of a droplet, and velocity profiles. It is observed that the size and temperature of fuel droplets and ambient temperature have a significant effect on the evaporation time of fuel droplets in the engine cylinder. By reducing the droplet size, the complete evaporation of fuels can be achieved. Droplets having a high temperature have a short evaporation time and high evaporation rate. It is noted that, at a higher temperature, biodiesel evaporates more quickly than diesel fuel, thus producing complete combustion and hence giving maximum power output.
Steam Explosion Pretreatment of Beechwood. Part 2: Quantification of Cellulase Inhibitors and Their Effect on Avicel Hydrolysis
Authors: Brethauer Simone , Antczak Andrzej , Balan Robert , Zielenkiewicz Tomasz , Studer Michael H.
Published: July 2020

Biomass pretreatment is a mandatory step for the biochemical conversion of lignocellulose to chemicals. During pretreatment, soluble compounds are released into the prehydrolyzate that inhibit the enzymatic hydrolysis step. In this work, we investigated how the reaction conditions in steam explosion pretreatment of beechwood (severity: 3.0–5.25; temperature: 160–230 °C) influence the resulting amounts of different inhibitors. Furthermore, we quantified the extent of enzyme inhibition during enzymatic hydrolysis of Avicel in the presence of the prehydrolyzates. The amounts of phenolics, HMF, acetic acid and formic acid increased with increasing pretreatment severities and maximal quantities of 21.6, 8.3, 43.7 and 10.9 mg/gbeechwood, respectively, were measured at the highest severity. In contrast, the furfural concentration peaked at a temperature of 200 °C and a severity of 4.75. The presence of the prehydrolyzates in enzymatic hydrolysis of Avicel lowered the glucose yields by 5–26%. Mainly, the amount of phenolics and xylose and xylooligomers contributed to the reduced yield. As the maximal amounts of these two inhibitors can be found at different conditions, a wide range of pretreatment severities led to severely inhibiting prehydrolyzates. This study may provide guidelines when choosing optimal pretreatment conditions for whole slurry enzymatic hydrolysis.
Model Predictive Control of Smart Greenhouses as the Path towards Near Zero Energy Consumption
Authors: Bersani Chiara , Ouammi Ahmed , Sacile Roberto , Zero Enrico
Published: July 2020

Modern agriculture represents an economic sector that can mainly benefit from technology innovation according to the principles suggested by Industry 4.0 for smart farming systems. Greenhouse industry is significantly becoming more and more technological and automatized to improve the quality and efficiency of crop production. Smart greenhouses are equipped with forefront IoT- and ICT-based monitoring and control systems. New remote sensors, devices, networking communication, and control strategies can make available real-time information about crop health, soil, temperature, humidity, and other indoor parameters. Energy efficiency plays a key role in this context, as a fundamental path towards sustainability of the production. This paper is a review of the precision and sustainable agriculture approaches focusing on the current advance technological solution to monitor, track, and control greenhouse systems to enhance production in a more sustainable way. Thus, we compared and analyzed traditional versus model predictive control methods with the aim to enhance indoor microclimate condition management under an energy-saving approach. We also reviewed applications of sustainable approaches to reach nearly zero energy consumption, while achieving nearly zero water and pesticide use.
Consortium Growth of Filamentous Fungi and Microalgae: Evaluation of Different Cultivation Strategies to Optimize Cell Harvesting and Lipid Accumulation
Authors: Zorn Savienne M. F. E. , Reis Cristiano E. R. , Silva Messias B. , Hu Bo , De Castro Heizir F.
Published: July 2020

This study aims to evaluate the potential of consortium biomass formation between Mucor circinelloides, an oleaginous filamentous fungal species, and Chlorella vulgaris, in order to promote a straightforward approach to harvest microalgal cells and to evaluate the lipid production in the consortium system. A synthetic medium with glucose (2 g·L−1) and mineral nutrients essential for both fungi and algae was selected. Four different inoculation strategies were assessed, considering the effect of simultaneous vs. separate development of fungal spores and algae cells, and the presence of a supporting matrix aiming at the higher recovery of algae cell rates. The results were evaluated in terms of consortium biomass composition, demonstrating that the strategy using a mature fungal mycelium with a higher algae count may provide biomass samples with up to 79% of their dry weight as algae, still promoting recovery rates greater than 97%. The findings demonstrate a synergistic effect on the lipid accumulation by the fungal strain, at around a fourfold increase when compared to the axenic control, with values in the range of 23% of dry biomass weight. Furthermore, the fatty acid profile from the samples presents a balance between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids that is likely to present an adequate balance for applications such as biodiesel production.
A Comprehensive Review on Energy Storage Systems: Types, Comparison, Current Scenario, Applications, Barriers, and Potential Solutions, Policies, and Future Prospects
Authors: Hossain Eklas , Faruque Hossain , Sunny Md. , Mohammad Naeem , Nawar Nafiu
Published: July 2020

Driven by global concerns about the climate and the environment, the world is opting for renewable energy sources (RESs), such as wind and solar. However, RESs suffer from the discredit of intermittency, for which energy storage systems (ESSs) are gaining popularity worldwide. Surplus energy obtained from RESs can be stored in several ways, and later utilized during periods of intermittencies or shortages. The idea of storing excess energy is not new, and numerous researches have been conducted to adorn this idea with innovations and improvements. This review is a humble attempt to assemble all the available knowledge on ESSs to benefit novice researchers in this field. This paper covers all core concepts of ESSs, including its evolution, elaborate classification, their comparison, the current scenario, applications, business models, environmental impacts, policies, barriers and probable solutions, and future prospects. This elaborate discussion on energy storage systems will act as a reliable reference and a framework for future developments in this field. Any future progress regarding ESSs will find this paper a helpful document wherein all necessary information has been assembled.
Multi-Proxy Characterisation of the Storegga Tsunami and Its Impact on the Early Holocene Landscapes of the Southern North Sea
Authors: Gaffney Vincent , Fitch Simon , Bates Martin , Ware Roselyn L. , Kinnaird Tim , Gearey Benjamin , Hill Tom , Telford Richard , Batt Cathy , Stern Ben , Whittaker John , Davies Sarah , Sharada Mohammed Ben , Everett Rosie , Cribdon Rebecca , Kistler Logan , Harris Sam , Kearney Kevin , Walker James , Muru Merle , Hamilton Derek , Law Matthew , Finlay Alex , Bates Richard , Allaby Robin G.
Published: July 2020

Doggerland was a landmass occupying an area currently covered by the North Sea until marine inundation took place during the mid-Holocene, ultimately separating the British landmass from the rest of Europe. The Storegga Event, which triggered a tsunami reflected in sediment deposits in the northern North Sea, northeast coastlines of the British Isles and across the North Atlantic, was a major event during this transgressive phase. The spatial extent of the Storegga tsunami however remains unconfirmed as, to date, no direct evidence for the event has been recovered from the southern North Sea. We present evidence of a tsunami deposit in the southern North Sea at the head of a palaeo-river system that has been identified using seismic survey. The evidence, based on lithostratigraphy, geochemical signatures, macro and microfossils and sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA), supported by optical stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiocarbon dating, suggests that these deposits were a result of the tsunami. Seismic identification of this stratum and analysis of adjacent cores showed diminished traces of the tsunami which was largely removed by subsequent erosional processes. Our results confirm previous modelling of the impact of the tsunami within this area of the southern North Sea, and also indicate that these effects were temporary, localized, and mitigated by the dense woodland and topography of the area. We conclude that clear physical remnants of the wave in these areas are likely to be restricted to now buried, palaeo-inland basins and incised river valley systems.
The Medicine Hat Block and the Early Paleoproterozoic Assembly of Western Laurentia
Authors: Gifford Jennifer N. , Malone Shawn J. , Mueller Paul A.
Published: July 2020

The accretion of the Wyoming, Hearne, and Superior Provinces to form the Archean core of western Laurentia occurred rapidly in the Paleoproterozoic. Missing from Hoffman’s (1988) original rapid aggregation model was the Medicine Hat block (MHB). The MHB is a structurally distinct, complex block of Precambrian crystalline crust located between the Archean Wyoming Craton and the Archean Hearne Province and overlain by an extensive Phanerozoic cover. It is distinguished on the basis of geophysical evidence and limited geochemical data from crustal xenoliths and drill core. New U-Pb ages and Lu-Hf data from zircons reveal protolith crystallization ages from 2.50 to 3.28 Ga, magmatism/metamorphism at 1.76 to 1.81 Ga, and εHfT values from −23.3 to 8.5 in the Archean and Proterozoic rocks of the MHB. These data suggest that the MHB played a pivotal role in the complex assembly of western Laurentia in the Paleoproterozoic as a conjugate or extension to the Montana Metasedimentary Terrane (MMT) of the northwestern Wyoming Province. This MMT–MHB connection likely existed in the Mesoarchean, but it was broken sometime during the earliest Paleoproterozoic with the formation and closure of a small ocean basin. Closure of the ocean led to formation of the Little Belt arc along the southern margin of the MHB beginning at approximately 1.9 Ga. The MHB and MMT re-joined at this time as they amalgamated into the supercontinent Laurentia during the Great Falls orogeny (1.7–1.9 Ga), which formed the Great Falls tectonic zone (GFTZ). The GFTZ developed in the same timeframe as the better-known Trans-Hudson orogen to the east that marks the merger of the Wyoming, Hearne, and Superior Provinces, which along with the MHB, formed the Archean core of western Laurentia.
Cross-Sectional Association between Behaviors Related to Sugar-Containing Foods and Dental Outcomes among Hispanic Immigrants
Authors: Vega-López Sonia , Armenta Karla , Eckert George , Maupomé Gerardo
Published: July 2020

A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was used to gather information about dental outcomes, sugar-containing food behaviors and intake, and sociodemographic characteristics of adults of Mexican and Central-American (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras) origin (n = 517). Bivariate and multiple-variable logistic regressions were used to examine the associations of behaviors related to added sugar-containing foods/beverages (overall intake and consumption before bed) with dental outcomes. Outcome measures involved dental outcomes, dental self-care practices, and added sugar intake. Estimated daily added sugar intake among all participants was 98 (SD = 99) g, with no difference in consumption among participants from different countries. The majority of added sugar (63 (SD = 74) g) was provided by sugar-sweetened beverages. Participants who reported consuming sugar-containing foods or beverages within an hour before bed were more likely to report having a fair/poor/very poor condition of teeth and gums and having felt dental pain (p < 0.05 for all). The amount of sugar intake was associated with being prescribed medication for oral or dental problems (p = 0.008) and dental pain (p = 0.003). Findings support the association between sugar containing food–related behaviors and dental problems among Hispanic immigrants to the U.S. Health promotion and preventive interventions for this population should consider these behaviors as modifiable contributors to adverse dental outcomes.
Role of Work and Family Factors in Predicting Career Satisfaction and Life Success
Authors: Gopalan Neena , Pattusamy Murugan
Published: July 2020

The mediating roles of work-family balance, job satisfaction and family satisfaction in work-family dynamics research has not been explored fully to delineate their probable intervening effects. Using spillover theory as the basis, the current study tests a model to identify the role of these factors in work-family conflict (and work-role ambiguity), career satisfaction and perception of life success. Responses obtained through an online survey from a final sample of 344 academic faculty, across different educational institutions in India, tend to suggest that work-family balance mediated work-family conflict and its potential influence on life success as well as career satisfaction, and also the relationship between work-role ambiguity and both life success and career satisfaction. While job satisfaction also showed similar results except for non-significant mediation between work-role ambiguity and life success, family satisfaction mediated only between work role ambiguity and life success. The importance of job satisfaction and work-family balance is highlighted in the context of reducing the negative impact of work-family conflict and work-role ambiguity on one’s career and life satisfaction. Results and their practical and theoretical implications, and future directions of research to further our understanding of work-family dynamics, etc., are discussed.
Multidimensional Models of Perfectionism and Procrastination: Seeking Determinants of Both
Authors: P. Sederlund Allison , R. Burns Lawrence , Rogers William
Published: July 2020

Background: Perfectionism is currently conceptualized using a multidimensional model, with extensive research establishing the presence of both maladaptive and adaptive forms. However, the potential adaptability of procrastination, largely considered as a maladaptive construct, and its possible developmental connection to perfectionism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the individual differences of the multidimensional models of both perfectionism and procrastination, as well as investigating potential links between the two constructs. Methods: A convenience sample of 206 undergraduate students participated in this study. Participants completed a questionnaire consisting of 236 questions regarding the variables under investigation. Results: The adaptive model of procrastination yielded largely insignificant results and demonstrated limited links with adaptive perfectionism, while maladaptive procrastination was consistently associated with maladaptive perfectionism, lending further evidence of a unidimensional model of procrastination. Conclusions: Many previous findings regarding the multidimensional model of perfectionism were replicated, along with new contributions focusing on the dual-process model and temporal orientation.
Perceived Threat of COVID-19 Contagion and Frontline Paramedics’ Agonistic Behaviour: Employing a Stressor–Strain–Outcome Perspective
Authors: Shahzad Fakhar , Du Jianguo , Khan Imran , Fateh Adnan , Shahbaz Muhammad , Abbas Adnan , Wattoo Muhammad Umair
Published: July 2020

Historically, infectious diseases have been the leading cause of human psychosomatic strain and death tolls. This research investigated the recent threat of COVID-19 contagion, especially its impact among frontline paramedics treating patients with COVID-19, and their perception of self-infection, which ultimately increases their agonistic behaviour. Based on the stressor–strain–outcome paradigm, a research model was proposed and investigated using survey-based data through a structured questionnaire. The results found that the perceived threat of COVID-19 contagion (emotional and cognitive threat) was positively correlated with physiological anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion, which led toward agonistic behaviour. Further, perceived social support was a key moderator that negatively affected the relationships between agonistic behaviour and physiological anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion. These findings significantly contributed to the current literature concerning COVID-19 and pandemic-related effects on human behaviour. This study also theorized the concept of human agonistic behaviour, which has key implications for future researchers.
Acculturation and Its Effects on Health Risk Behaviors among Myanmar Migrant Workers: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand
Authors: Aung Thin Nyein Nyein , Shirayama Yoshihisa , Moolphate Saiyud , Lorga Thaworn , Yuasa Motoyuki , Nyein Aung Myo
Published: July 2020

Thailand hosts many workers who have migrated from neighboring countries and is facing a large burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Health screening for migrant workers routinely emphasizes infectious diseases but overlooks NCDs. We surveyed prevalent health behaviors for NCDs and their influencing factors, particularly cultural adaptation patterns among Myanmar migrant workers in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. A total of 414 migrant workers consented to participate in the study. Lack of exercise (75.8%), current alcohol consumption (40.8%), current smoking (26.9%), and central obesity (24.3%) were major lifestyle problems. Being female and uneducated was associated with a lack of exercise. Current alcohol consumption was significantly associated with being male and being of Myanmar ethnicity, with an integrative strategy for acculturation, and with a higher income. Male participants and participants with a lower mean score of marginalization were more likely to smoke. Central obesity was associated with being older than 40 years, being female, engaging in an assimilation strategy, and being uneducated. These findings highlight the need for gender inclusive health promotion, the screening of NCD risk behaviors, and timely health education for migrant workers. It may assist authorities to devise strategies to extend health promotion and universal health coverage to the migrant population.
The Feasibility of Connecting Conversations: A Narrative Method to Assess Experienced Quality of Care in Nursing Homes from the Resident’s Perspective
Authors: Sion Katya , Verbeek Hilde , de Vries Erica , Zwakhalen Sandra , Odekerken-Schröder Gaby , Schols Jos , Hamers Jan
Published: July 2020

Currently, residents living in nursing homes and their caring relationships are being placed more centrally in the care experience. Experienced quality of care is influenced by the interactions between residents, family and caregivers, who each have their own experiences and needs. Connecting Conversations is a narrative method aimed at assessing experienced quality of care in nursing homes from the resident’s perspective by having separate conversations with residents, family and caregivers (triads), adopting an appreciative inquiry approach. This study presents how to use Connecting Conversations and its feasibility. Feasibility was assessed as performance completeness, protocol adherence and interviewers’ experiences. Conversations were conducted by trained nursing home staff (n = 35) who performed 275 Connecting Conversations in another nursing home than where they were employed (learning network). Findings show it is feasible to perform separate appreciative conversations with resident–family–caregiver triads by an interviewer employed in another nursing home; however, protocol adherence was sometimes challenging in conversations with residents. Interviewers valued the appreciative approach, the learning network and the depth of the separate conversations. Challenges were experienced with scheduling conversations and receiving time and support to perform the conversations. Stakeholders should continue collaboration to embed Connecting Conversations into daily practice in nursing homes.
The Association between Race and Survival among Pediatric Patients with Neuroblastoma in the US between 1973 and 2015
Authors: Farouk Farouk S. , Viqar Omar A. , Sheikh Zaid , Castro Grettel , Barengo Noël C.
Published: July 2020

Background: Conclusive information regarding the influence of race on survival among neuroblastoma patients is limited. Our objective is to investigate the association between race and cause-specific survival in pediatric patients diagnosed with neuroblastoma in the US between 1973 and 2015. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database. Patients aged 17 and younger of black, white, or Asian Pacific Islander (API) race diagnosed with neuroblastoma from 1973–2015 were included (n = 2,119). The outcome variable was time from diagnosis to death. Covariates included age, gender, ethnicity, stage, tumor site, and year of diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the hazard of survival for blacks (HR 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74–1.16) or API (HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.76–1.37) compared with whites. However, patients diagnosed between 2000–2004 (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.36–0.59) and 2005–2015 (HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.26–0.41) had decreased hazards of death when compared to patients treated during 1973 to 1999. Conclusions: No association between race and survival time was found. However, survival improved among all patients treated during 2000–2004 and 2005–2015 compared with those treated before the year 2000, leading to a narrowing of the racial disparity based on survival.
78 kDa Glucose-Regulated Protein Attenuates Protein Aggregation and Monocyte Adhesion Induced by Angiotensin II in Vascular Cells
Authors: Cicalese Stephanie , Okuno Keisuke , Elliott Katherine J. , Kawai Tatsuo , Scalia Rosario , Rizzo Victor , Eguchi Satoru
Published: July 2020

Investigations of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic modulation due to angiotensin II (AngII) stimulation are important for understanding molecular mechanisms contributing to hypertension and associated vascular pathology. AngII induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in VSMCs, which has been implicated in hypertensive vascular remodeling. Under ER stress, 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) acts as an endogenous chaperone, as well as a master controller of unfolded protein response (UPR) to maintain protein quality control. However, the potential downstream consequences of ER stress induced by AngII on protein quality control and pro-inflammatory phenotype in VSMCs remain elusive. This study aims to identify protein aggregation as evidence of the disruption of protein quality control in VSMCs, and to test the hypothesis that preservation of proteostasis by overexpression of GRP78 can attenuate the AngII-induced pro-inflammatory phenotype in VSMCs. Increases in protein aggregation and enhanced UPR were observed in VSMCs exposed to AngII, which were mitigated by overexpression of GRP78. Moreover, GRP78 overexpression attenuated enhanced monocyte adhesion to VSMCs induced by AngII. Our results thus indicate that the prevention of protein aggregation can potentially mitigate an inflammatory phenotype in VSMCs, which may suggest an alternative therapy for the treatment of AngII-associated vascular disorders.
Long-Term Impact of Early-Life Stress on Hippocampal Plasticity: Spotlight on Astrocytes
Authors: Çalışkan Gürsel , Müller Anke , Albrecht Anne
Published: July 2020

Adverse experiences during childhood are among the most prominent risk factors for developing mood and anxiety disorders later in life. Early-life stress interventions have been established as suitable models to study the neurobiological basis of childhood adversity in rodents. Different models such as maternal separation, impaired maternal care and juvenile stress during the postweaning/prepubertal life phase are utilized. Especially within the limbic system, they induce lasting alterations in neuronal circuits, neurotransmitter systems, neuronal architecture and plasticity that are further associated with emotional and cognitive information processing. Recent studies found that astrocytes, a special group of glial cells, have altered functions following early-life stress as well. As part of the tripartite synapse, astrocytes interact with neurons in multiple ways by affecting neurotransmitter uptake and metabolism, by providing gliotransmitters and by providing energy to neurons within local circuits. Thus, astrocytes comprise powerful modulators of neuronal plasticity and are well suited to mediate the long-term effects of early-life stress on neuronal circuits. In this review, we will summarize current findings on altered astrocyte function and hippocampal plasticity following early-life stress. Highlighting studies for astrocyte-related plasticity modulation as well as open questions, we will elucidate the potential of astrocytes as new targets for interventions against stress-induced neuropsychiatric disorders.
Comparison Effects of Ruminal Crabtree-Negative Yeasts and Crabtree-Positive Yeasts for Improving Ensiled Rice Straw Quality and Ruminal Digestion Using In Vitro Gas Production
Authors: Suntara Chanon , Cherdthong Anusorn , Uriyapongson Suthipong , Wanapat Metha , Chanjula Pin
Published: July 2020

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of Crabtree-negative ruminal yeast and Crabtree-positive yeast in ensiled rice straw (RS) on the ensilage quality, nutritive value, and microorganism composition, including the evaluation of the ensiled RS using the in vitro gas production technique. The experiment was conducted in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete design. Factor A was yeast species with no inoculant, Crabtree-negative yeasts (Pichia kudriavzevii KKU20 and Candida tropicalis KKU20), and Crabtree-positive yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisae), whereas factor B was ensilage times (7, 14, and 21 days). The rate of growth was revealed to be lower in Crabtree-positive yeasts than the other Crabtree-negative yeast strains (p < 0.01). RS ensiled with S. cerevisiae showed decreased dry matter (DM) content by 9.0% when compared to the sample without a yeast inoculant. In addition, organic matter (OM) content was greater (p < 0.01) for P. kudriavzevii KKU20 than C. tropicalis KKU20 and without an inoculant. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) by yeast inoculants by about 2.75% when compared to the control group. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and aerobic bacteria were low (p < 0.05) when yeasts were added. However, no interaction was found between yeast and ensilage times on the quality of ensiled RS (p > 0.05). The P. kudriavzevii KKU20 addition was associated with the highest value (p < 0.01) of gas produced—an insoluble fraction (b), potential extent of gas production (a + b), and cumulative gas production at 96 h—when compared with S. cerevisiae or the control group. The highest in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility was observed in RS ensiled with P. kudriavzevii KKU20 for 14 days (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). The maximum total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) at 4 and 8 h of incubation and the mean value were observed in RS ensiled with P. kudriavzevii KKU20 (p < 0.01). RS ensiled with all yeast strains showed an increased propionate concentration at 8 h (p < 0.01). In conclusion, ensiling RS with isolated Crabtree-negative ruminal yeasts could benefit feed digestion and in vitro gas production more than Crabtree-positive yeast does. P. kudriavzevii KKU20, an isolated Crabtree-negative ruminal yeast used to treat RS, had the highest potential for increasing cumulative gas production and enhancing in vitro digestibility.
A Biodegradable Antifungal-Loaded Sol–Gel Coating for the Prevention and Local Treatment of Yeast Prosthetic-Joint Infections
Authors: Romera David , Toirac Beatriz , Aguilera-Correa John-Jairo , García-Casas Amaya , Mediero Aránzazu , Jiménez-Morales Antonia , Esteban Jaime
Published: July 2020

Fungal prosthetic-joint infections are rare but devastating complications following arthroplasty. These infections are highly recurrent and expose the patient to the development of candidemia, which has high mortality rates. Patients with this condition are often immunocompromised and present several comorbidities, and thus pose a challenge for diagnosis and treatment. The most frequently isolated organisms in these infections are Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis, pathogens that initiate the infection by developing a biofilm on the implant surface. In this study, a novel hybrid organo–inorganic sol–gel coating was developed from a mixture of organopolysiloxanes and organophosphite, to which different concentrations of fluconazole or anidulafungin were added. Then, the capacity of these coatings to prevent biofilm formation and treat mature biofilms produced by reference and clinical strains of C. albicans and C. Parapsilosis was evaluated. Anidulafungin-loaded sol–gel coatings were more effective in preventing C. albicans biofilm formation, while fluconazole-loaded sol–gel prevented C. parapsilosis biofilm formation more effectively. Treatment with unloaded sol–gel was sufficient to reduce C. albicans biofilms, and the sol–gels loaded with fluconazole or anidulafungin slightly enhanced this effect. In contrast, unloaded coatings stimulated C. parapsilosis biofilm formation, and loading with fluconazole reduced these biofilms by up to 99%. In conclusion, these coatings represent a novel therapeutic approach with potential clinical use to prevent and treat fungal prosthetic-joint infections.
Oxidation of Al-Co Alloys at High Temperatures
Authors: Šulhánek Patrik , Drienovský Marián , Černičková Ivona , Ďuriška Libor , Skaudžius Ramūnas , Gerhátová Žaneta , Palcut Marián
Published: July 2020

In this work, the high temperature oxidation behavior of Al71Co29 and Al76Co24 alloys (concentration in at.%) is presented. The alloys were prepared by controlled arc-melting of Co and Al granules in high purity argon. The as-solidified alloys were found to consist of several different phases, including structurally complex m-Al13Co4 and Z-Al3Co phases. The high temperature oxidation behavior of the alloys was studied by simultaneous thermal analysis in flowing synthetic air at 773–1173 K. A protective Al2O3 scale was formed on the sample surface. A parabolic rate law was observed. The rate constants of the alloys have been found between 1.63 × 10−14 and 8.83 × 10−12 g cm−4 s−1. The experimental activation energies of oxidation are 90 and 123 kJ mol−1 for the Al71Co29 and Al76Co24 alloys, respectively. The oxidation mechanism of the Al-Co alloys is discussed and implications towards practical applications of these alloys at high temperatures are provided.