bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The challenges of male nurses in the care of female patients in Iran
Authors: Vatandost S. , Oshvandi K. , Ahmadi F. , Cheraghi F.
Published: April 2020

Background

Nurses professional duty mean that nurses must care for patients without gender discrimination. Meanwhile, the intrinsic differences between men and women and the need for personal contact with the patients during care procedures can create challenges for male nurses in the process of caring for a female patient.

Aims

The present study aims to understand the challenges of male nurses in the care of female patients in Iran.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 20 male nurses selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected through unstructured and semi‐structured interviews as well as observations and were analysed using conventional content analysis, based on the Graneheim and Lundman model.

Findings

The findings revealed two main themes, including ‘religious‐cultural restrictions’ and ‘inappropriate organizational context’.

Discussion/Conclusion

Male nurses are faced with a combination of religious‐cultural and organizational challenges in providing patient care without discrimination in clinical settings. In addition to negatively affecting the quality of nursing care and satisfaction for female patients, these problems also create a stressful work environment for male nurses.

Implications for health practice and policy

These problems can be alleviated in clinical settings by trying to ensure same‐gender nurses and patients, especially when performing personal care. In addition to the efforts made by nurses to present a positive and real image of themselves in caring for female patients, health policy‐makers should also attempt to improve society’s attitude towards male nurses caring for female patients through the media.
LncRNA HAND2‐AS1 represses cervical cancer progression by interaction with transcription factor E2F4 at the promoter of C16orf74
Authors: Gong Junling , Fan Haiying , Deng Jing , Zhang Qiumei
Published: April 2020

Cervical cancer is one of the major malignancies, the pathophysiology and progression of which remain to be scarcely understood. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been previously implicated in the progression of cervical cancer. Here, the purpose of this study was to identify whether lncRNA heart‐ and neural crest derivative‐expressed 2‐antisense RNA 1 (HAND2‐AS1) affect the development of cervical cancer through regulation of chromosome 16 open reading frame 74 (C16orf74) by mediating a transcription factor E2F4. RT‐qPCR was performed to determine the expression of HAND2‐AS1 in cervical cancer cells. Then, cervical cancer cells were treated with HAND2‐AS1 or si‐E2F4 RNA, or C16orf74, after which the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion were detected. Moreover, the binding between HAND2‐AS1 and E2F4 or between E2F4 and C16orf74 was explored. Finally, the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer cells was measured in nude mice with altered HAND2‐AS1/E2F4/C16orf74 expression. HAND2‐AS1 exhibited poor expression in cervical cancer, and HAND2‐AS1 overexpression suppressed the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. In addition, HAND2‐AS1 was found to recruit transcription factor E2F4 to C16orf74 promoter region and down‐regulate C16orf74 expression. Lastly, HAND2‐AS1/E2F4/C16orf74 modulated the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer in nude mice. In conclusion, this study provided evidence on the inhibitory effect of HAND2‐AS1 on the development of cervical cancer through the suppression of C16orf74 expression by recruiting transcription factor E2F4. This study highlights the potential of lncRNA HAND2‐AS1 as a target in the treatment of cervical cancer.
Effect of self‐performed mechanical plaque control frequency on gingival health in subjects with a history of periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Maier Juliana , Reiniger Ana Paula Pereira , Sfreddo Camila Silveira , Wikesjö Ulf ME , Kantorski Karla Zanini , Moreira Carlos Heitor Cunha
Published: April 2020

Aim

This randomized clinical trial evaluated the effect of the frequency of self‐performed mechanical plaque control (SPC) on gingival health in subjects with a history of periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐two subjects participating in a routine periodontal maintenance program were randomized to perform SPC at 12‐, 24‐ or 48‐hr intervals. Plaque index (PlI) and gingival index (GI) were evaluated at baseline, and days 15, 30 and 90 of study. Probing depths, clinical attachment levels and bleeding on probing were assessed at baseline, days 30 and 90. Mixed linear models were used for the analysis and comparison of experimental groups.

Results

Mean GI at baseline remained unchanged throughout study (90 days) only in the 12‐hr group (0.7 ± 0.1 versus 0.8 ± 0.1; p < .05). At the end of study, mean GI was significantly increased in the 48‐hr group over that in the 12‐ and 24‐hr groups. When GI = 2 scores were considered, only the 48‐hr group failed to maintain gingival health throughout the study (18.8%).

Conclusion

SPC performed at a 12‐ or 24‐hr frequency appears sufficient to controlling gingival inflammation whereas this clinical status was not maintained using a 48‐hr frequency in subjects with a history of periodontitis subject to a routine periodontal maintenance program (ClinicalTrials.gov: 50208115.9.0000.5346).
Experimental evidence for accelerated adaptation to desiccation through sexual selection on males
Authors: Gibson Vega Aline , Kennington W. Jason , Tomkins Joseph L. , Dugand Robert J.
Published: April 2020

The impact of sexual selection on the adaptive process remains unclear. On the one hand, sexual selection might hinder adaptation by favouring costly traits and preferences that reduce nonsexual fitness. On the other hand, condition dependence of success in sexual selection may accelerate adaptation. Here, we used replicate populations of Drosophila melanogaster to artificially select on male desiccation resistance while manipulating the opportunity for precopulatory sexual selection in a factorial design. Following five generations of artificial selection, we measured the desiccation resistance of males and females to test whether the addition of sexual selection accelerated adaptation. We found a significant interaction between the effects of natural selection and sexual selection: desiccation resistance was highest in populations where sexual selection was allowed to operate. Despite only selecting on males, we also found a correlated response in females. These results provide empirical support for the idea that sexual selection can accelerate the rate of adaptation.
“I Embrace You with the Affection and Loyalty of Always”: Personalism and Exchange in Argentine Populism
Authors: Fierman Julia
Published: April 2020

Este artículo examina una acusación de traición dentro del Movimiento Kirchnerista de Argentina, en los meses previos a las elecciones presidenciales de 2015. La presidenta, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, líder del Frente para el Partido de la Victoria, no podía postularse para la presidencia después de servir dos mandatos consecutivos. Para evitar una elección primaria disputada, le pide un favor a su querido asesor, Florencio Randazzo, quien, a su vez, se niega a llevarlo a cabo. La negativa de Randazzo es considerada como una traición abyecta por muchos kirchneristas. Asimismo, muchos kirchneristas simpatizan con la situación de Randazzo, creyendo que Kirchner había maltratado a su leal funcionario y no lo contrario. La valorización de la lealtad de ambas partes inevitablemente conduce a una obsesiva preocupación por la traición. Apelando a las teorías de reciprocidad e intercambio para investigar la dinámica tensa entre la jerarquía y el igualitarismo en la política kirchnerista, este artículo muestra cómo las diferentes interpretaciones de las acciones de Randazzo y Kirchner exponen la lealtad y la camaradería populistas al ser inherentemente precarias.
We Need to Talk About the Dog! Explorations of Human–Canine Relations and Community Hybridity in Bolivia
Authors: Bolton Maggie
Published: April 2020

En los estudios académicos de la región de los Andes el “giro animal” no ha sido un tema prominente en la antropología o la etnografía multiespecie. Hasta la fecha, los estudios andinos sobre las relaciones entre humanos y animales se han enfocado principalmente en el pastoreo de camélidos. Este artículo aborda una brecha en la literatura a través de un estudio etnográfico de la dinámica entre humano y perro en una comunidad de pastoreo de llamas en el sur de Bolivia y una descripción histórica de la presencia de los perros en la sociedad andina. Sigo el llamado de Dominique Lestel a estudiar a las comunidades híbridas a través de la etno‐etología y la eto‐etnología. Esta aproximación a los perros andinos desde una perspectiva de multiespecie revela el entrelazamiento de humanos y perros: cómo los humanos y los perros “se unen”, en la terminología de Donna Haraway, en actividades conjuntas, en particular viajes, en los que los perros son compañeros de trabajo esenciales de los humanos. Sin embargo, un examen ontológico del estado de los caninos revela sus ambigüedades. Son ajenos al entramado de entidades que comprende el ayllu, la unidad de organización social humana de los Andes que es inseparable del lugar y abarca características del paisaje y de los humanos. Los intrusos, como los suegros, son importantes para el ayllu por su definición y continuidad y, a este respecto, a los perros se les atribuye un papel específico como guías de las almas humanas en sus viajes al otro mundo. El análisis del material histórico refuerza las ambigüedades que rodean a los caninos, revelando que el perro es un agregado resultante de los encuentros coloniales. [especies compañeras, relaciones humano‐animal, comunidades híbridas, giro ontológico, etnografía multiespecie]
Skin surface lipidomics revealed the correlation between lipidomic profile and grade in adolescent acne
Authors: Zhou Mingyue , Yang Manli , Zheng Yumei , Dong Kun , Song Liya , He Congfen , Liu Wei , Wang Yiyu , Jia Yan
Published: April 2020

Background

Acne is a multifactorial skin disorder frequently observed during adolescence with different grades of severity. The crucial factors of acne are the increase of lipids secretion and the change of composition on the skin surface lipid (SSL). However, there are no studies on the changes of lipid composition and content between different grades of adolescent acne in lesional skin and nonlesionsal skin.

Aims

This study was to investigate correlation in the composition of SSL and different grades in order to understand the tendency of SSL alterations in this disease for successful acne management and prevention.

Methods

A powerful analytical technique, UPLC‐QTOF‐MS, and multivariate data analysis were used to investigate SSL variations of lipid main classes, subclasses, and species.

Results

The results indicated that sphinganine, triradylglycerols (TG), and phytosphingosine were important in adolescent acne development. The average fatty acids (FAs) chain length in patients with acne showed significantly shortened trend from mild to moderate adolescent acne. Additionally, the relative average content of TG, diglyceride (DG), FA, ceramides (Cers), and the level of unsaturated FAs significantly increased from mild to moderate adolescent acne. Interestingly, our results demonstrated that the phytosphingosine and sphinganine showed an increasing trend in mild acne groups, but decreasing trend in lesional skin of moderate group.

Conclusions

Lipidomics analysis suggested that the variation of TG, phytosphingosine, and sphinganine was closely related to the occurrence severity of acne in adolescent.
Twelve‐month prospective study of polymethylmethacrylate/collagen dermal filler for volume loss of the dorsal of hands
Authors: Yeh Lindsey C. , Goldberg David J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Dermal fillers have been used safely and effectively to revolumize aging hands. We assess the effectiveness of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) to treat the volume loss of photoaged dorsal hands for up to 12 months.

Methods

In a 12‐month prospective study, 15 subjects were treated with PMMA filler in the bilateral dorsal hands. PMMA was injected 4 weeks after an initial screening visit, and touch‐up treatments were provided if needed 4 weeks later. Effectiveness was assessed by the provider using the validated Merz Hand Grading Scale (MHGS) and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Subjects completed the Subject GAIS and the Subject Satisfaction Survey.

Results

All subjects had at least 1 point of improvement on the MHGS starting from 1 month to 12 months after treatment. 75% of subjects had a 2‐point improvement at 12 months. Investigators reported that 92% of subjects had some degree of improvement at 12 months, while 75% of subjects self‐reported some degree of improvement. Approximately 75% of the subjects reported that they were satisfied with the treatment. Adverse events were minor and limited to swelling.

Conclusion

PMMA is a safe and effective treatment for volumizing the dorsal hands with improvement that is sustained for up to 12 months.
Faith and Agency: The Relationships Between Sense of Control, Socioeconomic Status, and Beliefs About God
Authors: LIU YINGLING , FROESE PAUL
Published: April 2020

An individual's sense of control varies with religiosity, but the direction of this relationship can change based on one's social status and one's image of God. Using data from the Baylor Religion Survey Wave V, our current study investigates how secure attachment to God, belief in a judgmental God, and belief in divine control are associated with sense of control. Our findings indicate that the type of religious belief explains when religion is positively or negatively related to the believers’ sense of control. And secure attachment to God and belief in divine control will compensate for social and economic deprivation. Still, belief in a judgmental God is negatively related to agency for believers across the stratification hierarchy. This indicates that a traditional fire‐and‐brimstone God is related to a lower sense of control, while more contemporary and individualized beliefs about God are connected to greater agency, especially for believers in need.
Is the phenomenological overflow argument really supported by subjective reports?
Authors: Cova Florian , Gaillard Maxence , Kammerer François
Published: April 2020

Does phenomenal consciousness overflow access consciousness? Some researchers have claimed that it does, relying on interpretations of various psychological experiments such as Sperling's or Landman's, and crucially using alleged subjective reports from participants to argue in favor of these interpretations. However, systematic empirical investigations of participants' subjective reports are scarce. To fill this gap, we reproduced Sperling's and Landman's experiments, and carefully collected reports made by subjects about their own experiences, using questionnaires and interviews. We found that participants' subjective reports do not support the overflow thesis, but rather suggest alternative interpretations of the experiments.
MRG1/2 histone methylation readers and HD2C histone deacetylase associate in repression of the florigen gene FT to set a proper flowering time in response to day‐length changes
Authors: Guo Zhihao , Li Zepeng , Liu Yuhao , An Zengxuan , Peng Maolin , Shen Wen‐Hui , Dong Aiwu , Yu Yu
Published: April 2020

Day‐length changes represent an important cue for modulating flowering time. In Arabidopsis, the expression of the florigen gene FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) exhibits a 24‐h circadian rhythm under long‐day (LD) conditions. Here we focus on the chromatin‐based mechanism regarding the control of FT expression.

We conducted co‐immunoprecipitation assays along with LC‐MS/MS analysis and identified HD2C histone deacetylase as the binding protein of the H3K4/H3K36 methylation reader MRG2.

HD2C and MRG1/2 regulate flowering time under LD conditions, but not under short‐day conditions. Moreover, HD2C functions as an effective deacetylase in planta, mainly targeting H3K9ac, H3K23ac and H3K27ac. At dusk, HD2C is recruited to FT to deacetylate histones and repress transcription in an MRG1/2‐dependent manner. More importantly, HD2C competes with CO for the binding of MRG2, and the accumulation of HD2C at the FT locus occurs at the end of the day.

Our findings not only reveal a histone deacetylation mechanism contributing to prevent FT overexpression and precocious flowering, but also support the model in which the histone methylation readers MRG1/2 provide a platform on chromatin for connecting regulatory factors involved in activating FT expression in response to daylight and decreasing FT expression around dusk under long days.
Prognostic significance of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in HPV status era for oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Fanetti Giuseppe , Alterio Daniela , Marvaso Giulia , Gandini Sara , Rojas Damaris Patricia , Gobitti Carlo , Minatel Emilio , Revelant Alberto , Caroli Angela , Francia Claudia Maria , Alessandro Ombretta , Pepa Matteo , Gugliandolo Simone Giovanni , Starzyńska Anna , Polesel Jerry , Vaccher Emanuela , Cossu Rocca Maria , Tagliabue Marta , Ansarin Mohssen , Lupato Valentina , Giacomarra Vittorio , De Paoli Antonino , Orecchia Roberto , Franchin Giovanni , Jereczek‐Fossa Barbara Alicja
Published: April 2020

Aim

To evaluate the role of baseline neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as prognostic marker in squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (OPC) treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the era of HPV status.

Patients and methods

A retrospective analysis of 125 patients (pts) affected with locally advanced OPC was performed. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years, stage III or IV (TNM 7th ed.) and definitive CRT. Haematological marker for their independent role as prognostic biomarkers for progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Logistic models were used to assess the association with downstage in TNM 8th ed.

Results

Seventy‐seven (61.6%) pts had HPV/p16 + related OPC. Therapeutic choice consisted in sequential and concurrent CRT. Median follow‐up was 50 months. A value of NLR ≥3 was associated with poorer OS. Two‐year OS was 91% and 81% in pts with NLR <3 and ≥3, respectively.

Conclusion

A baseline NLR ≥ 3 at treatment initiation represented a negative prognostic marker for OPC treated with definitive CRT. These results are in line with literature data, and prognostic value of NLR has been confirmed restaging our cohort with new TNM staging (8th ed.). Therefore, NLR could be considered a valuable biomarker for risk stratification in pts with OPC.
Identifying heterotic groups and testers for hybrid development in early maturing yellow maize (Zea mays) for sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Annor Benjamin , Badu‐Apraku Baffour , Nyadanu Daniel , Akromah Richard , Fakorede Morakinyo A. B.
Published: April 2020

Identification of heterotic groups and efficient testers, which are important prerequisites for the development of outstanding hybrids, has been a major challenge to its success, especially for early and extra‐early germplasm. This study was carried out to (a) identify the most efficient heterotic grouping method for classifying a set of inbred lines and (b) determine the efficiency of testers in classifying inbred lines into heterotic groups. A total of 205 hybrids obtained by crossing 41 inbred lines with five standard testers were evaluated together with five hybrid checks under drought, low soil nitrogen (N),Striga‐infested and optimal environments in Nigeria between 2014 and 2016. The heterotic group's specific and general combining ability (HSGCA) method was more effective in classifying the inbred lines into heterotic groups. Testers TZEI 17 and TZEI 23 were the most efficient across environments and could be invaluable for classifying other lines into heterotic groups and assessing combining ability of maize inbreds. In addition, these testers and heterotic groups represent an invaluable resource for development of outstanding hybrids in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA).
Use of an emollient‐containing diaper and pH‐buffered wipe regimen restores skin pH and reduces residual enzymatic activity
Authors: Gustin Jennifer , Bohman Lisa , Ogle Julie , Chaudhary Tanuja , Li Lijuan , Fadayel Gina , Mitchell Maria C. , Narendran Vivek , Visscher Marty O. , Carr Andrew N.
Published: April 2020

Background/Objectives

Diaper dermatitis is one of the most frequent skin conditions affecting infants and is associated with elevated skin pH, exposure to urine and feces, and increased fecal protease and lipase activity, resulting in stratum corneum barrier damage and increased risk of infection. The study aim was to determine the impact of two diaper and wipe regimens on newborn infant skin pH and residual enzyme activity after stool cleaning.

Methods

Two diaper and wipe regimens were compared in a randomized, single‐blinded crossover study. Regimen A paired an emollient‐containing diaper with an acidic, pH‐buffered wipe. Regimen B was a non‐emollient diaper and wipe with limited buffering capacity. A 3‐day washout period preceded each 3‐day regimen use period. Skin pH at the perianal/buttocks interface (PBI), genital region, and undiapered chest control were measured at baseline and day 3. Skin swabs were collected for residual enzyme activity after a stool cleaning event.

Results

Diapered skin pH at the PBI was similar to undiapered skin after 3 days of use for Regimen A, while PBI pH for Regimen B was elevated versus control. PBI pH was lower for Regimen A versus Regimen B. After a stool cleaning, PBI skin pH for Regimen A was lower immediately and had lower residual enzyme activity versus Regimen B (P < .05), and the pH‐lowering effect was sustained up to 60 minutes.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the use of an emollient‐containing diaper with a pH‐buffered wipe creates conditions favorable to optimum diapered skin health.
Workplace events and employee creativity: A multistudy field investigation
Authors: Chen Yang , Liu Dong , Tang Guiyao , Hogan Toschia M.
Published: April 2020

A burgeoning body of research has examined the influence of stable attributes of individuals, teams, and organizations on employee creativity. Events, however, permeate the increasingly dynamic and uncertain business context. To extend the creativity literature, we draw on event system theory to examine whether, when, and how workplace events impact employee creativity. Our findings based on two time‐lagged field studies reveal that workplace event novelty and criticality interact to fuel employee improvisation and in turn, employee creativity. The positive relationship between workplace event novelty and employee improvisation is stronger when workplace events are more critical. Our research highlights the value of an event‐oriented theory‐building approach to investigate dynamic organizational phenomena.
Clinicopathological differential diagnosis of IgG4‐related disease: A historical overview and a proposal of the criteria for excluding mimickers of IgG4‐related disease
Authors: Satou Akira , Notohara Kenji , Zen Yoh , Nakamura Shigeo , Yoshino Tadashi , Okazaki Kazuichi , Sato Yasuharu
Published: April 2020

IgG4‐related disease (RD) is a relatively new entity, which was first proposed in 2001. Since then, clinical and pathological characteristics of the disease have been investigated. As IgG4‐RD has been studied extensively, the diagnostic criteria for IgG4‐RD of each organ and the comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4‐RD have also been developed. However, one of the biggest challenges in the field is distinguishing between IgG4‐RD and mimickers, which show overlapping features with IgG4‐RD. It is now known that some non‐IgG4‐RDs may meet the diagnostic criteria of IgG4‐RD and can be misdiagnosed as IgG4‐RD. However, accurate diagnosis is crucial, as the treatments for IgG4‐RD and those for other diseases that may be misdiagnosed as IgG4‐RD are different. This prompted us to create and propose comprehensive exclusion criteria for IgG4‐RD. In this review, we have described the comprehensive exclusion criteria for IgG4‐RD, with a historical overview of the disease. These exclusion criteria were recently created by the Research Program for Intractable Disease of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare of Japan, All Japan IgG4 team, to support correct and accurate diagnosis of IgG4‐RD.
Diffuse bone and soft tissue angiomatosis with GNAQ mutation
Authors: Gaeta Raffaele , Lessi Francesca , Mazzanti Chiara , Modena Martina , Garaventa Alberto , Boero Silvio , Michelis Maria Beatrice , Capanna Rodolfo , Aretini Paolo , Franchi Alessandro
Published: April 2020

We describe a unique case of skeletal and extraskeletal angiomatosis complicated by Kasabach–Merritt syndrome. The patient was a 3‐year‐old boy, who presented with involvement of both femurs and left tibia, as well as with soft tissue lesions of the left thigh. At birth, multiple hemangiomas of the soft tissues of the frontal and parietal scalp had been identified, together with a space‐occupying lesion of the lung. Histologically, the skeletal and soft tissue lesions consisted of a proliferation of thin‐walled, dilated blood vessels, with an endothelial lining devoid of atypia and exhibiting immunoreactivity for CD31 and CD34, while podoplanin and GLUT1 were negative. Whole exome sequencing performed on samples from the lesion of the femur, the tibia and the skin of the thigh, showed a GNAQ (c.286A>T:p.T96S) variant in all specimens, that was confirmed with digital droplet PCR. This case expands the clinical and pathologic spectrum of vascular proliferations showing similar molecular biology, characterized by GNAQ, GNA11 or GNA14 mutations.
Temporal Disaggregation of Overlapping Noisy Quarterly Data: Estimation of Monthly Output from Uk Value-added Tax Data
Authors: Labonne Paul , Weale Martin
Published: April 2020

The paper derives monthly estimates of business sector output in the UK from rolling quarterly value-added tax based turnover data. The administrative nature of the value-added tax data implies that their use could ultimately yield a more precise and granular picture of output across the economy. However, they show two particular features which complicate their exploitation: they are overlapping and subject to substantial noise. This motivates our choice of a multivariate unobserved components model for filtering and disaggregating temporally the aggregate figures. After illustrating our method by using one industry as a case-study, we estimate monthly seasonally adjusted gross output figures for the 75 industries for which the data are available. Our results show material differences from the existing output profile.
Effects on nitrate leaching of the timing of cattle slurry application to leys
Authors: Delin Sofia , Stenberg Maria
Published: April 2020

This study compared the effects on nitrate leaching of slurry application to ley in early autumn (15 September), late autumn (1 November) and spring (April) under Swedish growing conditions. In two separate two‐year experiments, started in autumn 2009 and 2010, on a sandy loam soil in south‐west Sweden, these three application times were compared with no slurry application in grass–clover and grass swards. Soil water was sampled with ceramic suction cups, and nitrate leaching was calculated from water nitrate concentrations and drain discharge. Plant measurements indicated that, during autumn, the grass took up at least 20 kg of the 50 kg nitrogen (N) applied with slurry in September. The mineral nitrogen level in the subsoil (30–90 cm) in December was around 2 kg N ha−1 higher in this treatment. Nitrate leaching was on average 5 and 6 kg N ha−1 year−1 higher after early and late autumn slurry application, respectively, than after spring application (p < .001), but the difference varied from 0 to 10 kg N ha−1 year−1 between experiments and sward types. Nitrate leaching losses in kg N ha−1 were lower from the grass sward, but higher if related to nitrogen inputs and dry matter yield. These results indicate that autumn application can increase the risk of nitrate leaching, but that early/late application within autumn is less important. It is more important to limit the amount of slurry applied in autumn and to consider other risks of nitrogen losses associated with time of application, such as ammonia emissions.
Peeling back the layers of crassulacean acid metabolism: functional differentiation between Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi epidermis and mesophyll proteomes
Authors: Abraham Paul E. , Hurtado Castano Natalia , Cowan‐Turner Daniel , Barnes Jeremy , Poudel Suresh , Hettich Robert , Flütsch Sabrina , Santelia Diana , Borland Anne M.
Published: April 2020

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is a specialized mode of photosynthesis that offers the potential to engineer improved water‐use efficiency (WUE) and drought resilience in C3 plants while sustaining productivity in the hotter and drier climates that are predicted for much of the world. CAM species show an inverted pattern of stomatal opening and closing across the diel cycle, which conserves water and provides a means of maintaining growth in hot, water‐limited environments. Recent genome sequencing of the constitutive model CAM species Kalanchoë fedtschenkoi provides a platform for elucidating the ensemble of proteins that link photosynthetic metabolism with stomatal movement, and that protect CAM plants from harsh environmental conditions. We describe a large‐scale proteomics analysis to characterize and compare proteins, as well as diel changes in their abundance in guard cell‐enriched epidermis and mesophyll cells from leaves of K. fedtschenkoi. Proteins implicated in processes that encompass respiration, the transport of water and CO2, stomatal regulation, and CAM biochemistry are highlighted and discussed. Diel rescheduling of guard cell starch turnover in K. fedtschenkoi compared with that observed in Arabidopsis is reported and tissue‐specific localization in the epidermis and mesophyll of isozymes implicated in starch and malate turnover are discussed in line with the contrasting roles for these metabolites within the CAM mesophyll and stomatal complex. These data reveal the proteins and the biological processes enriched in each layer and provide key information for studies aiming to adapt plants to hot and dry environments by modifying leaf physiology for improved plant sustainability.
Genome‐wide binding analysis reveals that ANAC060 directly represses sugar‐induced transcription of ABI5 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yu Bo , Wang Yuejun , Zhou Hua , Li Ping , Liu Chunmei , Chen Sunlu , Peng Yu , Zhang Yijing , Teng Sheng
Published: April 2020

The sugar status of a plant acts as a signal affecting growth and development. The phenomenon by which high levels of sugars inhibit seedling establishment has been widely used to gain insight into sugar‐signaling pathways. Natural allelic variation has been identified at the ANAC060 locus. The Arabidopsis Columbia ecotype produces a short ANAC060 protein without a transmembrane domain that is constitutively located to the nucleus, causing sugar insensitivity when overexpressed. In this study, we generated a genome‐wide DNA‐binding map of ANAC060 via chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing using transgenic lines that express a functional ANAC060–GFP fusion protein in an anac060 background. A total of 3282 genes associated with ANAC060‐binding sites were identified. These genes were enriched in biotic and abiotic stress responses, and the G‐box binding motif was highly enriched in ANAC060‐bound genomic regions. Expression microarray analysis resulted in the identification of 8350 genes whose activities were altered in the anac060 mutant and upon sugar treatment. Cluster analysis revealed that ANAC060 attenuates sugar‐regulated gene expression. Direct target genes of ANAC060 included equivalent numbers of genes that were upregulated or downregulated by ANAC060. The various functions of these target genes indicate that ANAC060 has several functions. Our results demonstrate that ANAC060 directly binds to the promoter of ABI5 and represses the sugar‐induced transcription of ABI5. Genetic data indicate that ABI5 is epistatic to ANAC060 in both sugar and abscisic acid responses.
A mutation in the essential and widely conserved DAMAGED DNA BINDING1‐Cullin4 ASSOCIATED FACTOR gene OZS3 causes hypersensitivity to zinc excess, cold and UV stress in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Weber Michael , Beyene Blen , Nagler Nicole , Herfert Jörn , Schempp Stefanie , Klecker Maria , Clemens Stephan
Published: April 2020

The overly zinc sensitive Arabidopsis thaliana mutant ozs3 shows reduced growth of the primary root, which is exacerbated by an excess specifically of Zn ions. In addition, ozs3 plants display various subtle developmental phenotypes, such as longer petioles and early flowering. Also, ozs3 seedlings are completely but reversibly growth‐arrested when shifted to 4°C. The causal mutation was mapped to a gene encoding a putative substrate‐recognition receptor of cullin4 E3 ligases. OZS3 orthologous genes can be found in almost all eukaryotic genomes. Most species from Schizosaccharomyces pombe to Homo sapiens, and including A. thaliana, possess one ortholog. No functional data are available for these genes in any of the multicellular model systems. CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated knockout demonstrated that a complete loss of OZS3 function is embryo‐lethal, indicating essentiality of OZS3 and its orthologs. The OZS3 protein interacts with the adaptor protein DAMAGED DNA BINDING1 (DDB1) in the nucleus. Thus, it is indeed a member of the large yet poorly characterized family of DDB1‐cullin4 associated factors in plants. Mutant phenotypes of ozs3 plants are apparently caused by the weakened DDB1–OZS3 interaction as a result of the exchange of a conserved amino acid near the conserved WDxR motif.
Obstetric anaemia in Africa in the time of COVID‐19: a call to action
Authors: Barrett Claire Louise
Published: April 2020

As we face the COVID‐19 pandemic, shortages of blood and components are a global concern. Yet Africa has struggled to maintain a sustainable safe blood supply prior to the pandemic. The impact of COVID‐19 on an already fragile blood supply could result in devastating consequences for obstetric patients, adding to the burden of maternal mortality on the African continent. Application of the principles of patient blood management in the obstetric population has previously been recommended. In the light of the COVID‐19 pandemic, these cost‐effective and safe principles should be applied with urgency in Africa in an attempt to reduce maternal mortality in the wake of the pandemic.
Comparison of Single-Phase Convection in Additive Manufactured Versus Traditional Metal Foams
Authors: Broughton Justin , Joshi Yogendra K.
Published: April 2020

Metal foams have been often used for thermal management due to their favorable characteristics including high specific surface area (SSA), high thermal conductivity, and low relative density. However, they are accompanied by shortcomings including the significant contact resistances due to attachment method, as well as the need for characterization of foam parameters such as pore diameter and SSA. Additive manufactured (AM) metal foams would eliminate the substrate/foam thermal resistance, decrease the need for pre-usage characterization, and allow for tailoring structures, while also taking advantage of the characteristics of traditionally manufactured foams. A commercial, aluminum foam (nominally 5 pores per inch (PPI), 86.5% porosity) was analyzed using X-ray microcomputed tomography, and a custom-designed metal foam based on the cell diameter and porosity of the commercial sample was subsequently manufactured. Reduced domain computational fluid dynamics/heat transfer (CFD-HT) models were compared against experimental data. Postvalidation, the flow behavior, effect of varying attachment thermal conductivities, and thermal performance were numerically investigated, demonstrating the usefulness of validated pore-scale models, as well as the potential for improved performance using AM metal foams over traditionally manufactured foams.
Q-Model: An Artificial Intelligence Based Methodology for the Development of Autonomous Robots
Authors: Kurrek Philip , Zoghlami Firas , Jocas Mark , Stoelen Martin , Salehi Vahid
Published: April 2020

The increasing individualization of products reinforces the importance of decoupled factories in production processes. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a recognized technology for problem solving and accelerates automation by enabling systems to act independently. In the field of robotics, there are new deep learning approaches which make robotic control systems human independent. This work provides a literature overview of the current state of development methodologies, showing that there are only limited methods available for the development of artificial intelligent robots. We present a novel development methodology based on artificial intelligence, particularly deep reinforcement learning. The so-called Q-model can enable robots to learn specific tasks independently. In summary, we show how an AI-based methodology assists the development of autonomous robots along the product lifecycle.
Effect of Diluent on the Blowout Limits of Jet Diffusion Flames
Authors: Papanikolaou N. , Wierzba I. , Liu V. W.
Published: April 2020

The paper will describe the results of an experimental investigation on the effect of diluents premixed with either the jet or co-flowing air stream on the blowout limits and flow field structure of jet diffusion flames. Experiments were conducted for a range of co-flowing air stream velocities with methane as the primary jet fuel, and nitrogen and carbon dioxide as diluents in the jet fuel; carbon dioxide was also used in the co-flowing air stream.

The addition of a diluent to the surrounding air stream had a much stronger effect on the blowout limits than the addition of the diluent to the jet fuel. The effect of partially premixing air with the jet fuel on the blowout limits was also investigated. The addition of air (to up to 30%) to the methane jet significantly reduced the blowout limits of lifted flames, but it had little effect on the blowout limits of attached flames, which was rather unexpected.
Durability of FRP Strengthened RC Beams Subjected to Hygrothermal and Aging Attacks
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Pang Su-Seng , Helms Jack E. , Ibekwe Samuel I.
Published: April 2020

The past decade has witnessed an ever increasing interest in strengthening, repairing, retrofitting, and upgrading of deteriorated concrete structures using fiber reinforced plastics (FRP). Enhanced load carrying capacity by FRP strengthening has been observed by a large number of researchers through experiments at ambient environments. In a harsh environment, however, FRP will degrade. This may result in structural degradation of FRP strengthened concrete members. The possible structural degradation has become a major obstacle for the wide-spread acceptance of this new strengthening technique. In the present study, boiling water and ultraviolet (UV) radiation are used to study the structural degradation of concrete beams strengthened with GRFP and CFRP fabrics. A total of eighteen 170 × 7.62 × 15.2 cm steel reinforced concrete (RC) beams are prepared as control specimens, conditioned specimens, and unconditioned specimens. The test results show that environmental attacks have a considerable effect on the structural degradation of FRP strengthened concrete beams. 57% ∼ 76% of the strengthening efficiency of FRP is lost after conditioning.
Bridging Length Scales Between Macroscopic Response and Microstructure Through Gradient Anisotropic Damage for MMC
Authors: Voyiadjis George Z. , Dorgan Robert J. , Dorroh J. R.
Published: April 2020

This work provides a consistent and systematic framework for the gradient approach in coupled damage-plasticity that enables one to better understand the effects of material inhomogeneity on the macroscopic behavior and the material instabilities. The idea of multiple scale effects is made more general and complete by introducing damage and plasticity internal state variables and the corresponding gradients at both the macro and mesoscale levels. The development of evolution equations for plasticity and damage is treated in a similar mathematical approach and formulation since both address defects such as dislocations for the former and cracks/voids for the later.
H2S and Mercaptane in Gas Production: Practical Operating Experience
Authors: Juranic Tomislav , Meandzija Ivan , Steiner Ivo
Published: April 2020

INA-Naftaplin has been utilizing the LO-CAT® process in Croatia for protection of ambient air against H2S pollution at its Gas Treatment Plant Molve III already for seven years. This separation unit, incorporated into the gas treatment plant has been erected exclusively for the protection of ambient air against harmful effect of H2S. The unit is treating H2S+CO2, which is being removed from natural gas by an upstream amine process, under conditions of low H2S content and low pressure of gas. Catalytic oxidation is being used to convert H2S to elementary sulfur, and the emission concentration was decreased from 580 ppm to less than 30 ppm. The practice revealed a series of delicate situations: plugging of internals, solution filtering and achievement of required 60 wt% sulfur concentration, disposal of produced sulfur sludge and others. The Institute for Medical Research Zagreb has performed the ambient air quality monitoring, within the scope of its contract for annual base monitoring. H2S imission values were under 5 μg/m3. The continuous control of working area is achieved by twenty-four H2S sensors, and results obtained to this date have always been below allowable limits. The practical experience has revealed that the LO-CAT® desulfurization unit has fulfiled its purpose and existing environmental criteria till 1997, along with significant cost, primarily for power and chemicals. The actual Croatian Directive on TLV of pollutants in the waste gas requires H2S concentration of 3.5 ppmv max. and RSH concentration of 20 mg/m3 max. Now the GTP Molve and Ethane Recovery Plant have emission of H2S and mercaptane above the permissible limit value, which have to be solved until the year 2004. To meet the strict legal requirements, certain upgrading is to be undertaken. This capital investment requires a large financial expenditure of up to 5 million USD, and up to 1 million USD/year for operating cost for both plants. For process improvement a continuous monitoring system has to be solved also. In that respect, measuring of H2S+RSH emission is in accordance to ASTM D-4084-82 and ASTM D-23 85-81 methods. Periodical control by gas tube detector system could contribute to the most reliable and efficient monitoring system of the two most important natural gas plants in Croatia.
Mercury in Petroleum: Processing and Regulatory Issues
Authors: Wilhelm S. Mark
Published: April 2020

Elemental mercury and several mercury compounds occur naturally in geologic hydrocarbons including petroleum and gas condensates. Recent advances in analytical chemistry are assisting our understanding of the chemistry of mercury in petroleum and its fate in petrochemical processes. Analytical techniques now are capable of measuring the concentration of mercury and mercury compounds in most hydrocarbon matrices to better than 1 part in 1010. A recently developed model proposes that the mean amount of mercury in crude oil is no more than 10 ppb.

The various chemical forms of mercury exhibit significantly different chemical and physical behavior and thus partition to fuels, products and effluents in a complex fashion. Speciation of compounds and accurate determination of species concentrations assists accounting for mercury in petrochemical processes and prediction of the magnitude of its occurrence in water and air emissions. From knowledge of the solubilities and partition factors of the mercury compounds in petroleum, one can predict concentrations in separations and distillations. The developing understanding of mercury concentrations in crude oil suggest that mercury discharges to the environment from petroleum are small as compared to those that originate from coal combustion.

Although it is generally recognized that reductions in anthropomorphic mercury emissions are beneficial to reducing mercury in the global cycle, the strategies to achieve this goal should be carefully constructed and based on the known amounts of mercury in industrial emissions. Regulations, both existing and anticipated, are major factors driving the development of mercury sequestration strategies. Emissions of mercury from petroleum production and processing are regulated by water, sediment and air criteria that are based on estimates of mercury concentrations in liquid fuels that may be in error by at least an order of magnitude.

Aside from environmental concerns, mercury also is problematic to both gas processors and refiners from the standpoint of operations. The issues relate to catalyst poisoning, health and safety and occasionally precipitation/condensation of mercury in cryogenic processes. Although mercury removal systems are applied to gas and gas liquids processing, such systems are ineffective for application to crude oil.
Soil Moisture Analyses to Locate Shallow Ground Water: A Solution to a Vexing Problem
Authors: Deuel Lloyd E. , Holliday George H.
Published: April 2020

EPA and most States require a hydrogeologic assessment of contaminated sites to identify and characterize the upper most aquifer and potential pathways for contamination. The advancement of soil borings, followed by the completion of monitoring wells in boreholes is often the first step in direct site characterization. These monitoring wells have the potential to contaminate deeper ground waters; if the site has a contaminated seasonal perched water table from which water is allowed to enter the borehole before the well is cased. This condition is particularly troublesome when a temporary monitoring well is used for assessment purposes and contaminate concentrations are compared to maximum concentration limits (MCLs) for drinking water. A seasonal or permanent perched water table may be contaminated, but separated and protected from deeper useable groundwater by the unsaturated ‘vadose’ zone. The lack of saturation in the vadose naturally restricts the movement of water due to unsaturated flow dynamics and the corresponding flux of soluble constituents irrespective of attenuating reactions with soil. This paper presents a method of distinguishing saturated zones from unsaturated zones by comparative analysis of existing soil moisture and the field capacity or 33.3 kPa (1/3 bar) moisture equivalent. Moisture measurements are made for core samples collected in continuous fashion to a selected depth and sample interval determined by the use and sensitivity required in the interpretation of the data. Soil moisture profiles in conjunction with geophysical measurements of bulk density and particle density allow determination of volume wetness and degree of saturation. Additionally, these data are used to assess the movement of water in the soil profile and potential contaminant migration to useable groundwater. The authors have used this technique to differentiate vadose zones sandwiched between seasonal perched water and even thin continuous saturated zones from useable groundwater. Actual field data are presented to demonstrate the ease with which false positive results are generated that portends an adverse impact to groundwater and the need for costly risk reduction analysis or remediation.