bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential probiotic and food protection role of wild yeasts isolated from pistachio fruits (Pistacia vera)
Authors: Fernández‐Pacheco Pilar , García‐Béjar Beatriz , Jiménez‐del Castillo Marina , Carreño‐Domínguez Javier , Briones Pérez Ana , Arévalo‐Villena María
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

The biotechnological potential of yeasts from nuts such as pistachio, not only for health applications but also for industry use, has been scarcely studied. Interest in the probiotic capability of yeasts has increased in the past years as well as their utilization as food or feed preservatives. Their capabilities as biocontrol against problematic (spoilage or toxigenic) microorganisms or as antioxidants have been revalued. As a result, both abilities would be desirable to develop a new potential probiotic microorganism which could be added to food or feed to improve their properties.

RESULTS

Molecular techniques allowed the identification of a total of seven different species and 15 strains. A screening of the probiotic potential of these strains was carried out. It was found that 65% of the strains resisted the gastrointestinal conditions as well as presented a generation time of < 22 h. Additionally, some strains showed better kinetic parameters thanSaccharomyces boulardii(positive control). Complementary tests were done to determine their auto‐aggregation capacity, cell surface hydrophobicity, behaviour in a sequential simulated digestion, biofilm formation capability and carbon source assimilation. Finally, 67% and 13% of the studied yeasts showed biocontrol and antioxidant activities, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Diutina rugosa14 followed byDiutina rugosa8 were the best wild yeast fromPistacia veraas potential probiotic and in carbon source utilization. However,Hanseniaspora guilliermondii6 andAureobasidium proteae5 could be used to improve food or feed product preservation because of their notable biocontrol and antioxidant capabilities. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Decomposition of 2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyrazine‐1‐oxide (LLM‐105): From thermodynamics to kinetics
Authors: Hou Qifeng , Niu Shiyao , Huang Can , Wu Xiaoqing , Qu Wengang , Zhang Feng
Published: September 2020

The mechanism of initial decomposition of energetic compound is crucial to understand the heat release efficiency, impact sensitivity, toxic emission, and so on. In the present study, we progressively explored the thermodynamic and kinetic features of the decomposition of LLM‐105, or 2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyrazine‐1‐oxide, a kind of nitro compound in energetic materials using theoretical calculations. The bond dissociation energies (BDEs), bond orders, and the decomposition pathways were investigated by high‐level quantum chemical calculations, and the temperature‐ and pressure‐dependent rate coefficients were computed by Rice‐Ramsperger‐Kassel‐Marcus (RRKM)/master equation simulations. Although thermodynamic properties, for example, BDEs and bond orders, provide preliminary estimates on a possible decomposition mechanism including trigger bonds with relatively low computational costs, kinetic studies are necessary to determine all reaction pathways and competition relationships among various pathways. The potential energy surface at the theoretical level of DLPNO‐CCSD(T)/CBS//M06‐2X‐D3/6‐311++G(d,p) reveals the complicated decomposition mechanism including the bottlenecks of all channels. The computed rate coefficients showthat the reaction channels yielding NO2 will dominate the initial decomposition at high temperature (>1000 K), while the NO elimination channels play a controlling role at low temperature (<800 K).
Temporal heterogeneity has no effect on the direction of succession in abandoned croplands in a semiarid area of northwest China
Authors: Hu An , Chang Sheng‐Hua , Chen Xian‐Jiang , Hou Fu‐Jiang , Nan Zhi‐Biao
Published: September 2020

Space for time substitution has been widely used in the study of succession in abandoned croplands worldwide but it is often accompanied by time heterogeneity. However, the effect of temporal heterogeneity on succession dynamics over decades is not well understood. Here, we studied croplands with the same history that were abandoned in 1998, 1999, and 2000 in northwest China (temporal heterogeneity) and continuously monitored for vegetation characteristics for 10 years. Aboveground biomass, taxonomic, and functional diversity were compared in the three cropland groups over time. Our results showed that the direction of succession in the three cropland groups was similar, from a community with single dominant species with higher aboveground biomass to a community with multiple dominant species with lower aboveground biomass. Taxonomic and functional diversity increased rapidly in the first 5–6 years, followed by slow increase, decrease, or stabilization. In years 1–5, aboveground biomass, taxonomic, and functional diversity were affected by rainfall, time of abandonment, time since abandonment, or their interactions. However, in years 6–10, biomass was only affected by rainfall, and functional evenness was affected by rainfall and time since abandonment; there was no time of abandonment effect. We conclude that temporal heterogeneity can initially affect the succession process but has no effect on the direction of community succession in the longer term. Our findings provide evidence for using space for time substitution with temporal heterogeneity to study succession in abandoned croplands in semiarid areas.
Soil phosphorus dynamics along a short‐term ecological restoration trajectory of a coastal sandplain forest in New Zealand
Authors: Zhong Hongtao , Smith Carol , Robinson Brett , Kim Young‐Nam , Dickinson Nicholas
Published: September 2020

We aim to understand the impact of ecological restoration on soil biogeochemistry, and the interrelationship between vegetation and soil phosphorus. In a study of two different‐aged soils in coastal New Zealand, soils are described along a transition from abandoned agricultural pasture, through 6‐year old restoration plots, towards forest fragments that have been largely undisturbed for 75 and 166 years. Soil biogeochemistry varied spatially along this restoration trajectory; there were profound changes in surface soil, but little impact on deeper soil horizons. In the early stages, soil organic matter accumulation and decomposition, and increasing demand of N from fast‐growing plants corresponded with rapid nutrient mineralization. Loss of soil total P, an increase of occluded P, and the increasing importance of soil organic P as soils weathered and aged, supported conceptual models of longer‐term soil pedogenesis. There was no evidence that the success of the establishment of plants varied across the site, but this is a first report of vegetation establishment during ecological restoration markedly impacting soil P dynamics and biogeochemistry.
Detection and classification capabilities of two multibeam sonars
Authors: Cotter Emma , Polagye Brian
Published: September 2020

Multibeam sonars can be used to detect and classify marine fauna under conditions when optical sensors are ineffective. In this work, we compare the detection and classification capabilities of two multibeam sonars with different operating frequencies, the Tritech Gemini 720is (720 kHz) and the Teledyne BlueView M900‐2250 (2250 kHz). The two sonars were deployed with overlapping swaths in a narrow tidal channel with peak currents of approximately 2 m/s where seals, schools of fish, and diving birds were intermittently present. In comparing data concurrently acquired by both sonars, we observe differences in the appearance of detected targets and detection capabilities. The detected target tracks are classified using a random forest model as either individual biological targets (flora and fauna, including fish, diving birds, seals, and plant matter), fish schools, or nonbiological targets (including entrained air and sonar artifacts). Despite the observed differences in detection capabilities for the two sonars, automatic classification distinguishes between target classes with precision and recall above 0.7 and 0.9, respectively. These results suggest that while similar methodologies can be used for data analysis, some outcomes from environmental studies using multibeam sonars may be instrument‐specific.
Alcohol Consumption the Day of Liver Transplantation for Alcohol‐Associated Liver Disease Does Not Affect Long‐Term Survival: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Ursic‐Bedoya José , Dumortier Jérôme , Altwegg Romain , Belkacemi Mohamed , Vanlemmens Claire , Dharancy Sébastien , Besch Camille , Shili‐Masmoudi Sarah , Francoz Claire , Boillot Olivier , Meszaros Magdalena , Meunier Lucy , Faure Stéphanie , Herrero Astrid , Donnadieu‐Rigole Hélène , Pageaux Georges‐Philippe
Published: September 2020

Alcohol abstinence before liver transplantation (LT) for alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) is required for every candidate. Some listed patients might relapse, resulting in LT for patients nonabstinent during the pretransplant period. Long‐term survival outcomes of these patients have never been studied. We sought to determine whether alcohol consumption on the day of the LT influenced long‐term survival after LT. We conducted a retrospective case‐control study among French LT centers. Cases were defined as recipients between January 1995 and December 2007 having positive blood and/or urine alcohol levels the day of LT. Each case was paired with 2 controls corresponding to patients transplanted for ALD during the same trimester. Patients were classified into 3 categories per alcohol consumption: abstainers, occasional or transitory excessive consumers, or patients with a sustained excessive consumption (daily consumption >20‐30 g/day). During the study period, 3052 LTs for ALD were conducted in France. We identified 42 cases paired with 84 controls. Median blood alcohol level was 0.4 g/L (range 0.1‐4.1 g/L) and median urine alcohol level was 0.2 g/L (range 0.1‐2.0 g/L). Median follow‐up period until death or censoring was 12.9 years (CI95% = [12.3; 13.6]). Long‐term survival was not different between the groups. Relapse to any alcohol consumption rate was higher in the case group (59.5%) than in the control group (38.1%, odds ratio 2.44; CI95% = [1.13; 5.27]), but sustained excessive consumption was not significantly different between the groups (33.3% versus 29.8% in case and control groups respectively, χ
2 = 0.68). Rates of recurrent cirrhosis and cirrhosis‐related deaths were more frequent in the case group. Liver transplantation for nonabstinent patients during the immediate pretransplant period does not result in impaired long‐term survival despite higher relapse and recurrent cirrhosis rates.
A note on the finitization of Abelian and Tauberian theorems
Authors: Powell Thomas
Published: September 2020

We present finitary formulations of two well known results concerning infinite series, namely Abel's theorem, which establishes that if a series converges to some limit then its Abel sum converges to the same limit, and Tauber's theorem, which presents a simple condition under which the converse holds. Our approach is inspired by proof theory, and in particular Gödel's functional interpretation, which we use to establish quantitative versions of both of these results.
Novel Programming Features Help Alleviate Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation‐Induced Side Effects
Authors: Dayal Viswas , De Roquemaurel Alexis , Grover Timothy , Ferreira Francisca , Salazar Maricel , Milabo Catherine , Candelario‐McKeown Joseph , Zrinzo Ludvic , Akram Harith , Limousin Patricia , Foltynie Thomas
Published: September 2020

Background

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) is a widely used treatment for Parkinsonʼs disease (PD) patients with motor complications, but can result in adverse effects (AEs) in a significant proportion of treated patients. The use of novel programming features including short pulse width (PW) and directional steering in alleviating stimulation‐induced AEs has not been explored.

Objective

To determine if programming with short PW, directional steering, or the combination of these novel techniques can improve stimulation‐induced dysarthria, dyskinesia, and pyramidal AEs.

Methods

Thirty‐two consecutive PD patients who experienced reversible AEs of STN‐DBS had optimization of their settings using either short PW, directional steering, or the combination, while ensuring equivalent control of motor symptoms. Pairwise comparisons of pre‐ and post‐optimization adverse effect ratings were made. Patients were left on the alternative setting with the greatest benefit and followed up at 6 months. Modeling of volume of tissue activated (VTA) and charge per pulse (Qp) calculations were used to explore potential underlying mechanisms of any differences found.

Results

There were significant improvements in stimulation‐induced dysarthria, dyskinesia, and pyramidal side effects after optimization. At 6 months, mean AE ratings remained significantly improved compared to pre‐optimization ratings. Different patterns of shift in VTA for each AE, and Qp could be used to explain improvements using novel techniques.

Conclusions

Stimulation‐induced dysarthria, dyskinesia, and pyramidal AEs induced by STN‐DBS can be improved by using novel programming techniques. These represent additional tools to conventional methods that can be used to address these AEs. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Tone injection‐based cancellation technique for nonlinear distortion reduction of modulated signals in BAW resonators
Authors: González‐Rodríguez Marta , Collado Carlos , González‐Arbesú José M. , Mateu Jordi , Montoro Gabriel , Gilabert Pere Lluis
Published: September 2020

A technique for the reduction of third‐order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) occurring in bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters and multiplexers is presented. The method consists of using the intrinsic second‐order intermodulation distortion generated by BAW filters and multiplexers themselves by injecting an externally controlled amplitude and phase modulated signal at low frequency to compensate for the IMD3. The proposed technique has been experimentally verified by performing IMD3 measurements in a single BAW resonator subject to several modulated signals under a nonlinear scenario.
Optimization of multibeam klystron double gap cavities loaded by metal rods
Authors: Muchkaev V. Yu. , Tsarev V. A.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the results of numerical investigation of a metal photonic band gap cavity are presented. The investigated resonator is dual‐gap and is considered as an intermediate for the K‐band multibeam klystron. A working mode is a 2n mode with a frequency of 24.15 GHz. Electrodynamic characteristics of the cavity (characteristic impendance, beam coupling factor, relative electronic conductivity, Q‐factor) were calculated and the conditions for achieving the maximum effciency are found. Based on the obtained data, the required number of gaps in the output cavity was estimated, as well as the power and efficiency of the multibeam klystron with this type of cavities, depending on the microperveance of the electron beam.
Directional passive intermodulation effect by distributed nonlinearities in two‐port network
Authors: Chen Xiong , Wang Ling , Yu Ming
Published: September 2020

This work demonstrated the directional passive intermodulation (PIM) product distribution effect in a microwave two‐port network using a distributed nonlinear model. The analysis is demonstrated through the comparison of PIM products at the double ends of a general two‐port network by a microstrip line. The reverse and forward PIM products are compared with the nonlinear source distribution and carrier frequency, the model and experiment demonstrates that the directional PIM effect (the difference by reverse and forward PIM) is caused by the PIM accumulation effect from multiple nonlinear sources, what is more, the frequency dependent phase relation can be one reason for the frequency dependent PIM product on wideband transmission line.
Technical Note: Cumulative dose modeling for organ motion management in MRI‐guided radiation therapy
Authors: Mirzapour Seyed Ali , Mazur Thomas R. , Harold Li H. , Salari Ehsan , Sharp Gregory C.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To develop a method for continuous online dose accumulation during irradiation in MRI‐guided radiation therapy (MRgRT) and to demonstrate its application in evaluating the impact of internal organ motion on cumulative dose.

Methods

An intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment plan is partitioned into its unique apertures. Dose for each planned aperture is calculated using Monte Carlo dose simulation on each phase of a four‐dimensional computed tomography (4D‐CT) dataset. Deformable image registration is then performed both (a) between each frame of a cine‐MRI acquisition obtained during treatment and a reference frame, and (b) between each volume of the 4D‐CT phases and a reference phase. These registrations are used to associate each cine image with a 4D‐CT phase. Additionally, for each 4D‐CT phase, the deformation vector field (DVF) is used to warp the pre‐calculated dose volumes per aperture onto the reference CT dataset. To estimate the dose volume delivered during each frame of the cine‐MRI acquisition, we retrieve the pre‐calculated warped dose volume for the delivered aperture on the associated 4D‐CT phase and adjust it by a rigid translation to account for baseline drift and instances where motion on the cine image exceeds the amplitude observed between 4D‐CT phases.

Results

The proposed dose accumulation method is retrospectively applied to a liver cancer case previously treated on an MRgRT platform. Cumulative dose estimated for free‐breathing and respiration‐gated delivery is compared against dose calculated on static anatomy. In this sample case, the target minimum dose and varied by as much as 5% and 7%, respectively.

Conclusion

We demonstrate a technique suitable for continuous online dose accumulation during MRgRT. In contrast to other approaches, dose is pre‐calculated per aperture and phase and then retrieved based on a mapping scheme between cine MRI and 4D‐CT datasets, aiming at reducing the computational burden for potential real‐time applications.
Conservative management of acute lower limb tendinopathies: A systematic review
Authors: Mitham Kieran , Mallows Adrian , Debenham James , Seneviratne Gayathri , Malliaras Peter
Published: September 2020

Background

Most knowledge regarding conservative management for lower limb tendinopathy (LLT) is for persistent symptoms, with less known about conservative management of acute LLT. Sub‐optimal management of acute LLT is detrimental in many regards, not least the likely conversion to persistent symptoms.

Objectives

To synthesise existing literature on conservative management of acute LLTs.

Design

Systematic review of relevant literature (PROSPERO [ID: CRD42018117882]).

Method

A search was made of multiple databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE) using relevant search terms. Titles, abstracts and then full texts were filtered to find articles that met the strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. Searching, data extraction and quality assessment, using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, were done independently by two authors. To understand how the interventions impacted the duration of reported symptoms, results were split into three time points: short‐term (<4 weeks), medium‐term (4–12 weeks) and long‐term (>12 weeks).

Results

Thirteen studies (n = 534) met the criteria for inclusion. There was very low level of certainty for the effectiveness of interventions at short‐term, medium‐term and long‐term follow ups. However, there were large effects seen across a number of different treatments on pain intensity and disability in LLTs.

Conclusions

This review demonstrates that limited evidence currently exists to guide the management of acute LLT, and the quality of the existing evidence is collectively low. These findings inform the discussion of different treatment options with patients in a shared decision‐making process to empower and enable the patient.
Understanding Life History Diversity of a Wild Steelhead Population and Managing for Resiliency
Authors: Dobos Marika E. , Bowersox Brett J. , Copeland Timothy , Stark Eric J.
Published: September 2020

Diversity in steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (anadromous Rainbow Trout) is often characterized by varying time spent in freshwater and saltwater environments. However, ontogenetic shifts are not often highlighted as an important diversity characteristic in salmonids. Larger water bodies can play a key role in population stability by buffering limited resources in smaller tributary systems. Based on freshwater and saltwater ages of adult steelhead in Fish Creek, Idaho, there were 12 different life history trajectories observed. Juvenile abundance varied from 12,083 (SE = 1,225.7) to 62,463 (SE = 1,753.8), with ages ranging from young of the year (age 0) to 4 years. Adult abundance fluctuated from 17 (SE < 0.1) to 499 (SE = 67.1), and total age of adults varied from 3 to 7 years. Diversity was most evident in juvenile movement and rearing strategies. We observed four types of movement and rearing pathways in which juveniles either directly migrated to the ocean from Fish Creek or resided for up to three winters in main-stem river habitat in the Clearwater River basin prior to ocean migration. Most juveniles emigrated in the fall at age 2, and most ocean-emigrating smolts were age 3. Subsequently, most juveniles resided for at least one additional winter period before ocean migration. Juvenile diversity was also reflected in adult ages; the mean proportion that spent 3 years in freshwater was 0.55 (SE = 0.03), and the mean proportion that spent 2 years in freshwater was 0.41 (SE = 0.03). Adult sex ratio was female biased (mean ± SE = 0.66 ± 0.02), with a higher proportion of females (0.89 ± 0.03) than males (0.65 ± 0.05) residing in the ocean for at least 2 years. Density-dependent mechanisms were evident in juvenile rearing habitat in Fish Creek for cohorts of high female abundance. Population productivity potentials can be met when tributary and main-stem rearing habitat can be utilized, and this will be essential in attaining recovery goals.
A strong form based moving Kriging collocation method for the numerical solution of partial differential equations with mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Bott Felix S. , Gee Michael W.
Published: September 2020

In this article, a novel mesh‐free, moving Kriging (MK) based collocation scheme for the numerical solution of partial differential equations (PDEs) is introduced. In contrast to methods that are based on a Galerkin weak form of the governing PDEs, the MK collocation (MKC) approach, which is strong form based, is truly mesh‐free in the sense that no background mesh is required for numerical integration. In fact, the presented approach does not require the evaluation of any integrals. Since the approximation function in the MK framework can be conditioned on point value‐ as well as derivative‐information, the pointwise exact imposition of essential as well as natural boundary conditions is rendered straightforward. By incorporating an explicit linear basis into the MK framework, the first‐order consistency condition is fulfilled, and thus rigid body motions are captured accurately. Moreover, Kriging functions may be conceived that comply with constraints on higher order derivatives such as the PDE at hand at certain locations. This possibility proves useful in improving the solution accuracy in the vicinity of Dirichlet boundaries. This article provides a study of the method's characteristics by means of 2D linear elasticity examples. It concludes with a suggestion on how to apply MKC to nonlinear PDEs.
One Stop Shops for Public Services: Evidence from Citizen Service Centers in Brazil
Authors: Fredriksson Anders
Published: September 2020

Citizen Service Centers are government offices where different authorities are co‐located and where several public services are offered in the same physical location. The goal of implementing such One Stop Shops for public services is to solve problems with a malfunctioning government bureaucracy for frontline service delivery. In spite of reforms in at least 70 countries, however, there are few evaluations. This paper evaluates the impact of Poupatempo (“Savetime”), a Brazilian Citizen Service Center reform that has inspired similar programs in other countries. We collect data on one of the most common errands at the Brazilian bureaucracy, driver's license renewal, and evaluate the impact of Poupatempo on the time, number of trips, and payments needed to undertake the renewal, and on other variables representing transaction costs, red tape, and transparency in the citizen‐state interaction. Our difference‐in‐differences estimates indicate large reductions in the time expended by citizens and in proxies for transaction costs, but are less encouraging for the social quality of the licensing procedure, which we also evaluate. We discuss whether incentives to speed up processes prevailed where other steering instruments would have been more appropriate, and explore remedies. We also discuss limitations to establishing a true One Stop Shop.
Aerodigestive adverse effects during intravenous pentamidine infusion for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis
Authors: Savaşan Süreyya , George Amy , Sokolowski Catherine , McGraw Bettina Joi , Rademacher Hillary
Published: September 2020

Aerodigestive adverse effects (AD‐AE) during intravenous pentamidine (IV‐P) infusion for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis are uncommon in retrospective chart review studies. We conducted a survey in patients on IV‐P, which included 31 specific questions. Twenty‐five patients were included in the analysis; AD‐AE were observed in 22 (88%) with recurrence of symptoms in 88% participants with subsequent infusions. Five leading symptoms were congestion (48%), lip tingling (32%), nausea (28%), tongue tingling (24%), vomiting, and throat swelling (17%); multiple symptoms were reported in 72% of the patients. In conclusion, AD‐AE of IV‐P infusion are common, self‐limited, and tend to be recurrent.
Optimization of waste quail eggshells as biocomposites for polyaniline in ammonia gas detection
Authors: Mohd Norsham Izyan Najwa , Baharin Siti Nor Atika , Raoov Muggundha , Shahabuddin Syed , Jakmunee Jaroon , Sambasevam Kavirajaa Pandian
Published: September 2020

A simple, cost‐effective, and novel chemical sensor for ammonia (NH3) gas detection was developed from polyaniline (PANI)/quail eggshell (QES) composites. QES is a natural waste enriched in calcium carbonate. In this work, pure PANI was synthesized from chemical oxidation method and PANI/QES composites were prepared from physical mixing of QES with the synthesized PANI at different mass ratio. A series of complementary techniques including Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet‐visible spectrometers, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive detection coupled with mapping, thermogravimetric analysis, and X‐ray diffractometer were used to characterize the physicochemical and textural properties of the biocomposites. From the results, PANI/QES composite with a mass ratio of 1 exhibited the lowest NH3 detection limit of 5.24 ppm with a linear correlation coefficient (R2) of close to unity (0.9932) between the signal and NH3 gas concentration. As a whole, the PANI/QES biocomposites synthesized from this work exhibited excellent selectivity toward NH3 gas even in the presence of other gas impurities, such as acetone, ethanol, and hexane. For the sensor reusability, the PANI/QES biocomposites can be reused in the application of NH3 gas detection for at least 4 cycles.
Poly(carbyne)s via reductive C1 polymerization
Authors: Cahoon Collin R , Goossens Karel , Bielawski Christopher W
Published: September 2020

C1 polymerizations enable the synthesis of densely functionalized, persubstituted polymers that are challenging to access using conventional methods. One class of C1 polymers are the poly(carbyne)s, which are unique in that they can adopt branched or linear structures, or combinations thereof. Herein, we report the synthesis of new poly(carbyne)s, including those that feature side chains with carbonyl‐containing functional groups. The polymers were obtained by exposing solutions of monomers outfitted with trihalomethyl or trimethyl orthoformate groups to metallic lithium, and reaction performance was improved when electron transfer agents (e.g. naphthalene) were included. The mechanisms of the polymerizations were also deconvoluted and found to depend on the monomer employed.
Vigorous Aerobic Exercise in the Management of Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rodríguez Miguel Ángel , Albillos‐Almaraz Laura , López‐Aguado Ismael , Crespo Irene , del Valle Miguel , Olmedillas Hugo
Published: September 2020

Objective

To summarize the findings from studies examining the effects of vigorous‐intensity aerobic exercise in the management of Parkinson disease.

Type

Systematic review.

Literature Survey

PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and ScienceDirect databases were searched up to May 2020. Reference lists of the included articles were also searched for additional studies. Searches were restricted to English language.

Methodology

Seven papers, including six studies, five randomized controlled trials and one controlled trial, were identified. The studies examined the effects of vigorous‐intensity aerobic exercise in participants with Parkinson disease. Studies in which the minimal intensity required was ≥77% of maximum heart rate, 60% of heart rate reserve or 64% of maximal oxygen uptake met the inclusion criteria. Method appraisal showed a mean score of 5.3 in the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.

Synthesis

No statistically significant differences were found between vigorous‐intensity aerobic exercise and moderate/low‐intensity aerobic exercise for the main outcomes (disease severity and motor function). Only one study concluded a significant higher aerobic fitness in favor of the group that exercised at vigorous intensity compared to the moderate intensity group.

Conclusions

Vigorous‐intensity aerobic exercise has not shown statistically significant improvements in motor and nonmotor impairments in individuals with Parkinson disease as compared to moderate/low‐intensity aerobic exercise. Hence, the current evidence is too limited to allow recommendations for clinical practice.
Highly sensitive, stretchable and durable strain sensors based on conductive double‐network polymer hydrogels
Authors: Pan Kaiqi , Peng Shuhua , Chu Yingying , Liang Kang , Wang Chun H. , Wu Shuying , Xu Jiangtao
Published: September 2020

Hydrogel‐based strain sensors have been attracting immense attention for wearable electronic devices owing to their intrinsic soft characteristics and flexibility. However, developing hydrogel sensors with hightensile strength, stretchability, and strain sensitivity remains a great challenge. Herein, we report a technique to synthesize highly sensitive hydrogel‐based strain sensors by integrating carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with a double‐network (DN) polymer hydrogel matrix comprising of a physically cross‐linked agar network and a covalently cross‐linked polyacrylamide (PAAm) network. The resultant nanocomposite sensors display superior piezoresistive sensitivity with a hightrue gauge factor (GFT = 1.78) at an ultrahigh strain of 1,000%, a fast response time and linear correlation of ln(R/R0) and ln(L/L0) up to 1,000% strain. Most significantly, these sensors possess highmechanical strength (~0.6 MPa) and superb durability (>1,000 cycles at strain of 100%), stemming from the effective energy dissipation mechanism of the first agar network acting as sacrificial bonds and the CNFs serving as dynamic nanofillers. The combination of highstrain sensitivity and ultrahigh stretchability of hydrogel sensors makes it possible to sense both small mechanical deformations induced by human motions and large strain up to 1,000%.
Using post‐incident behavioral analysis techniques to complement incident investigations
Authors: McDonald Jennifer
Published: September 2020

The hours and days following an incident represent a very critical time to gather important information about the event. Post‐incident investigations are usually accompanied by root cause analyses to determine what led to the incident and to develop corrective actions to reduce the likelihood that the incident will occur again. Often, little thought may be given to the human factors aspect of the incident in terms of correcting the human behavior associated with the incident. As process safety professionals, we work to provide sound engineering solutions that usually involve replacing the human element with an automated system. In many situations, it may not be possible to completely eliminate the human factor component of the front‐line workers that resulted in the incident, but it may be possible to reduce the frequency of human error on future incidents by engaging the front‐line workers in post‐incident discussions that are rooted in behavior‐based safety. This paper describes the tools and techniques that we have developed to effectively facilitate post‐incident behavior‐based discussions. The target of these discussions is identifying how human error plays a key role in the incident and how behavior influences decision‐making during an incident.
Sustaining induced heat shock protein 70 confers biological thermotolerance in a high‐temperature adapted predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes)
Authors: Tian Chuanbei , Li Yaying , Wu Yixia , Chu Wenqiang , Liu Huai
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

In fluctuating climatic environments, heat acclimation in predatory mites is a superior adaptation strategy for effective agricultural pest management and can be used to enhance the abilities critical in biological control efficiency. We investigated the regulatory mechanism governing the remarkable plastic response of thermotolerance in a high‐temperature adapted strain (HTAS) and discerned the differences in the defensive reactions between the HTAS and the conventional strain (CS) in the predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri.

RESULTS

At 42 °C, the relative expression levels of four identified HSP70 genes increased rapidly in both N. barkeri strains; meanwhile the expression of NbHSP70‐1 and NbHSP70‐2 in CS sharply decreased after 4 h, displaying a distinct contrast with the remaining elevated expression in HTAS. Western blot analysis showed that the protein level of NbHSP70‐1 in CS was dramatically elevated at 0.5 h and decreased at 6 h at 42 °C. Conversely, in HTAS, NbHSP70‐1 was constantly induced and peaked at 6 h at 42 °C. Furthermore, HSP70 suppression by RNAi knockdown had a greater influence on the survival of HTAS, causing a higher mortality under high temperature than CS. Finally, the recombinant exogenous NbHSP70‐1 protein enhanced the viability of E. coli BL21 under a lethal temperature of 50 °C.

CONCLUSION

Sustained accumulation of HSP70 proteins results in predatory phytoseiid mites with the thermotolerance advantage that could promote their biological control function to pests. The divergent constitutive regulation of HSP70 to a thermal environment is conducive to the flexible adaptability of predators in the higher trophic level to trade off under extremely adversity stress.
Diversity of α‐tubulin transcripts in Lolium rigidum
Authors: Chen Jinyi , Chu Zhizhan , Han Heping , Patterson Eric , Yu Qin , Powles Stephen
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Tubulin, the target site of dinitroaniline herbicides, is encoded by small gene families in plants. To better characterize the mechanisms of target‐site resistance to dinitroaniline herbicides in the globally important weedy species Lolium rigidum, attempts were made to amplify and sequence α‐tubulin transcripts.

RESULTS

Four α‐tubulin isoforms (TUA1, TUA2, TUA3 and TUA4) were identified in L. rigidum. Variations in the number and sequence of transcripts encoding these α‐tubulin proteins were found in individuals from the two L. rigidum populations examined. Within and among populations, differences in the 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated regions of cDNA in TUA3 and TUA4 were identified. Furthermore, a novel double mutation, Arg‐390‐Cys+Asp‐442‐Glu, in the TUA3 transcript was identified and has the potential to confer dinitroaniline resistance.

CONCLUSION

This research reveals the complexity of the α‐tubulin gene family in individuals/populations of the cross‐pollinated weedy species L. rigidum, and highlights the need for better understanding of the molecular architecture of tubulin gene families for detecting resistance point mutations. Although TUA4 is a commonly expressed α‐tubulin isoform containing most frequently reported resistance mutations, other mutant tubulin isoforms may also have a role in conferring dinitroaniline resistance.
Enhanced Performance of a Soft Strain Sensor by Combining Microcracks with Wrinkled Structures
Authors: Wu Weitong , Xu Yun , Zhang Jiushuang , Lu Wei , Song Guofeng
Published: September 2020

The growing prominence of wearable electronics has paved the way toward stretchable and flexible strain sensors. Stress signals extracted from the human body are crucial parameters to monitor health conditions. High‐sensitivity shape‐adaptive strain sensors have become the main challenge considering the curvilinear surfaces of the practical applications. Herein, a highly sensitive performance‐enhanced stretchable strain sensor based on the combination of a wrinkled structure and microcracks is reported on. The strain sensor is fabricated by transfer printing gold thin films with controllable microcracks onto prestretched soft substrates. Maximum strain of 40% and a maximum gauge factor of 11.54 are demonstrated using the prototype device. More importantly, the device shows excellent time response characteristics and stable performance in the subsequent stability test. It is proved that the fabrication method to generate the mixed microcracks and wrinkled structure is efficient and the corresponding device is an excellent stretchable strain sensor. The device is an attractive candidate that meets the needs of human health monitoring.
The nonlinear optics property of heterodinuclear (Li and Na) sexipyridine helix: A density functional theory study
Authors: Zhang Feng‐Yi , Xu Hong‐Liang , Su Zhong‐Min
Published: September 2020

In this work, we designed Li‐ and Na‐doped homo‐ and heterodinuclear helical molecules, that is, Li2‐sexipy with two Li atoms, LiNa‐sexipy with Li and Na atoms, and Na2‐sexipy with two Na atoms. LiNa‐sexipy exhibited shorter Li‐L length compared with Li2‐sexipy; longer Na‐L length compared with Na2‐sexipy; and more charge polarization, especially along the vertical direction. Thus, the largest βtot value of LiNa‐sexipy among three molecules was observed. However, the loss of conjugation did not attenuate nonlinear optics (NLO) response. In addition, the maximum absorptions for the three helicates were all at the ultraviolet region, which suggested the performance of their transparency. These results indicated the advantages of heterodinuclear helix in this work and provided a new strategy of alkali metal doping to solve the conflict between transparency and NLO properties and enhance the NLO response of materials.
Haptic‐based virtual reality simulator for lateral ventricle puncture operation
Authors: Su Xiao H. , Deng Zhen , He Bin W. , Liu Yu Q.
Published: September 2020

Background

The implementation of lateral ventricle puncture (LVP) operation is challenging due to the complex anatomy structure of human brains. Surgical simulator has been proved to be effective in surgical training. However, few works consider the integration of visual and haptic feedback.

Methods

Aim at achieving a realistic haptic interaction, this paper proposes a haptic‐based virtual reality (VR) simulator for the LVP operation. In this simulator, we first reconstruct the three‐dimension (3D) model of human brains for tissue/instrument interaction. Then a preoperative planning method based on geometry analysis is introduced to find the feasible entry point of LVP operation. A hierarchical bounding‐box collision detection approach is proposed to render haptic feedback that is transferred to humans. Finally, a set of experiments on the proposed simulator and 3D printed models of human brains is carried out.

Results

Two sets of experiments are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed haptic‐based simulator: experiments in the simulator and experiments on a 3D printed brain model. The proposed simulator allows neurosurgeons to train the LVP operation by visualizing the 3D virtual human brain and feeling realistic haptic feedback.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the proposed haptic‐based VR simulator can improve the performance of the LVP operation effectively and reduce the operation time.
Effects of estradiol on in vitro maturation of buffalo and goat oocytes
Authors: Maksura Hurum , Akon Narsisa , Islam Md Nuronnabi , Akter Ireen , Modak Avijit Kumar , Khatun Asma , Alam Md Hasanur , Hashem Md Abul , Amin Md Ruhul , Moniruzzaman Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The effects of estradiol on oocyte development seem to be varied among species. The present study investigated the effects of 17β‐estradiol on in vitro maturation of buffalo and goat oocytes.

Methods

Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were aspirated from large antral follicles of slaughtered buffalo and goat ovaries. COCs were cultured in TCM‐199 medium supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 µg/mL of 17β‐estradiol for in vitro maturation. Then, oocytes were used for the examination of state of nuclear maturation and cumulus expansion.

Results

In both species, oocytes treated with 17β‐estradiol showed higher cumulus expansion rate than control (0 µg/mL treated). In buffalo, the percentage of oocytes matured to the metaphase II (MII) stage increased in the concentration‐dependent manner of 17β‐estradiol. Similarly, estradiol positively influenced nuclear maturation of goat oocytes in vitro.

Conclusions

Estradiol has promoting effects on normalprogress of in vitro oocyte meiosis in buffalos and goats.
HIV‐1 viral load testing in resource‐limited settings: Challenges and solutions for specimen integrity
Authors: Newman Howard , Hardie Diana
Published: September 2020

HIV‐1 viral load (VL) testing is a crucial element in providing an antiretroviral treatment monitoring program. The success of these programs depends on the availability and quality of the VL testing services. There are several pre‐analytic factors which can affect the quality of VL testing. Many of the challenges faced by resource‐limited countries result in a compromise of specimen integrity, thus limiting widespread access to VL monitoring. The various logistic and financial challenges that exist are not insurmountable and several innovative solutions currently exist to overcome these barriers to providing widespread VL testing. This review summarizes the VL testing challenges in resource‐limited settings and provides an overview of potential solutions including testing dried blood spots, dried plasma spots, plasma separation cards and the use of point of care tests.
Autonomous boat driving system using sample‐efficient model predictive control‐based reinforcement learning approach
Authors: Cui Yunduan , Osaki Shigeki , Matsubara Takamitsu
Published: September 2020

In this article, we propose a novel reinforcement learning (RL) approach specialized for autonomous boats: sample‐efficient probabilistic model predictive control (SPMPC), to iteratively learn control policies of boats in real ocean environments without human prior knowledge. SPMPC addresses difficulties arising from large uncertainties in this challenging application and the need for rapid adaptation to dynamic environmental conditions, and the extremely high cost of exploring and sampling with a real vessel. SPMPC combines a Gaussian process model and model predictive control under a model‐based RL framework to iteratively model and quickly respond to uncertain ocean environments while maintaining sample efficiency. A SPMPC system is developed with features including quadrant‐based action search rule, bias compensation, and parallel computing that contribute to better control capabilities. It successfully learns to control a full‐sized single‐engine boat equipped with sensors measuring GPS position, speed, direction, and wind, in a real‐world position holding task without models from human demonstration.
Phosphate solubilization from adsorbents and precipitates by different AVAIL polymers
Authors: Doydora Sarah , Thompson Margaret , Hesterberg Dean
Published: September 2020

Less than 40% of phosphate fertilizer applied to soils is typically taken up by the intended crop within the year of application because of strong soil retention. AVAIL polymers are fertilizer additives that were commercially developed to enhance availability of fertilizer phosphate. Knowledge of underlying mechanisms of phosphate solubilization would help to optimize the effectiveness of these polymers for different soils. This study compared different types and levels of AVAIL polymers in solubilizing (ad)sorbed and precipitated phosphate to gain insights into the mechanisms involved. Varying inputs of four newer forms of polymers and the original AVAIL (Original) were co‐reacted with one level of phosphate (ad)sorbed on ferrihydrite or noncrystalline Al hydroxide in batch (ad)sorption experiments or with Fe and Ca phosphate precipitates in dissolution experiments. Dissolved phosphate increased with increasing levels of co‐added polymers reacted with (ad)sorbents or phosphate precipitates. Across input levels evaluated, the Original AVAIL generally solubilized more phosphate from ferrihydrite than any of the new formulations. The Original and the new Liquid 2 formulation equally solubilized the greatest phosphate from Fe phosphate, whereas Liquid 2 solubilized more phosphate from Al hydroxide and Ca phosphate. (Ad)sorption and dissolution results implied competitive (ad)sorption and complexometric dissolution as key mechanisms. Our results suggest that the effectiveness of AVAIL polymers in soils depends on the level of added polymer charge relative to phosphate adsorption capacities or the types of phosphate minerals present.
Stress coping strategies and stress reactivity in adolescents with overweight/obesity
Authors: Ajibewa Tiwaloluwa A. , Adams Tessa A. , Gill Amaanat K. , Mazin Lauren E. , Gerras Julia E. , Hasson Rebecca E.
Published: September 2020

This study explored the associations between the frequency and effectiveness of habitual stress coping strategies on physiological and psychological stress responses to an acute laboratory stressor in adolescents with overweight/obesity (51 adolescents; 47% female; ages 14–19 years). Coping strategies were assessed using the Schoolager's Coping Strategies Inventory. Acute physiological stress responses were measured as salivary cortisol and α‐amylase output during the Trier Social Stress Test and during a control condition. Acute psychological stress was measured using a Likert‐type scale, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate were measured at baseline. Results revealed that higher coping effectiveness was associated with lower log‐based α‐amylase during the stress (β = −0.025, p = 0.018) and control (β = −0.030, p = 0.005) conditions, but not with cortisol across either condition (all ps > 0.05). SBP moderated the association between coping effectiveness and α‐amylase during the stress condition, with higher coping effectiveness associated with lower α‐amylase only among individuals with lower SBP (β = 0.002, p = 0.027). Coping frequency was not associated with cortisol responses, neither was habitual stress coping strategies associated with psychological stress (all ps > 0.05). These findings provide preliminary evidence that effective use of stress coping strategies may provide a dampening effect on sympathetic activity in an at‐risk adolescent population.