bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Authigenesis at the Urals Massive Sulfide Deposits: Insight from Pyrite Nodules Hosted in Ore Diagenites
Authors: Safina Nataliya P. , Melekestseva Irina Yu. , Ayupova Nuriya R. , Maslennikov Valeriy V. , Maslennikova Svetlana P. , Artemyev Dmitry A. , Blinov Ivan A.
Published: February 2020

The pyrite nodules from ore diagenites of the Urals massive sulfide deposits associated with various background sedimentary rocks are studied using optical and electron microscopy and LA-ICP-MS analysis. The nodules are found in sulfide–black shale, sulfide–carbonate–hyaloclastite, and sulfide–serpentinite diagenites of the Saf’yanovskoe, Talgan, and Dergamysh deposits, respectively. The nodules consist of the core made up of early diagenetic fine-crystalline (grained) pyrite and the rim (±intermediate zone) composed of late diagenetic coarse-crystalline pyrite. The nodules are replaced by authigenic sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, and fahlores (Saf’yanovskoe), sphalerite, chalcopyrite and galena (Talgan), and pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite (Dergamysh). They exhibit specific accessory mineral assemblages with dominant galena and fahlores, various tellurides and Co–Ni sulfoarsenides in sulfide-black shale, sulfide–hyaloclastite–carbonate, and sulfide-serpentinite diagenites, respectively. The core of nodules is enriched in trace elements in contrast to the rim. The nodules from sulfide–black shale diagenites are enriched in most trace elements due to their effective sorption by associated organic-rich sediments. The nodules from sulfide–carbonate–hyaloclastite diagenites are rich in elements sourced from seawater, hyaloclastites and copper–zinc ore clasts. The nodules from sulfide–serpentinite diagenites are rich in Co and Ni, which are typical trace elements of ultramafic rocks and primary ores from the deposit.
Upper Paleozoic Transitional Shale Gas Enrichment Factors: A Case Study of Typical Areas in China
Authors: Wang Feiteng , Guo Shaobin
Published: February 2020

Based on the shale gas research experience in North America, large-scale geological evaluations have been conducted in China to determine the enrichment characteristics of deep marine shale gas, leading to the discovery of the Fuling, Changning and Weiyuan shale gas fields. However, research on Upper Paleozoic transitional shale gas remains limited, restricting the subsequent exploration and development. Therefore, taking the Lower Permian Shanxi and Pennsylvanian Taiyuan Formations in the northeastern Ordos Basin and the Upper Permian Longtan Formation in southwestern Guizhou as examples, gas logging, gas desorption, thermal simulation, maximum vitrinite reflectance (Rmax), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study the influence of lithological associations, sedimentary facies, gas generation thresholds, and pore evolution on transitional shale gas, and then Upper Paleozoic transitional shale gas enrichment factors of the northeastern Ordos Basin and southwestern Guizhou were analysed. The results show that carbonaceous mudstone adjacent to coal seams presents a high gas content level, and is primarily developed in swamps in the delta plain environment, and swamps and lagoons in the barrier coastal environment. The gas generation threshold maturity (Rmax) of transitional shale is 1.6% and the corresponding threshold depths of the northeastern Ordos Basin and southwestern Guizhou are estimated to be 2265 m and 1050 m. Transitional shale pore evolution is jointly controlled by hydrocarbon generation, clay minerals transformation, and compaction, and may have the tendency to decrease when Rmax < 1.6% or Rmax > 3.0%, but increase when Rmax ranges between 1.6% and 3.0%, while the main influential factors of pore evolution differ in each period. Continuous distribution of transitional shale gas enrichment areas can be formed along the slope adjacent to coal seams with a moderate maturity range (1.6%–3.0%) in the northeastern Ordos Basin, and transitional shale gas can be enriched in the areas adjacent to coal seams with a moderate maturity range (1.6%–3.0%), abundant fractures, and favorable sealing faults in southwestern Guizhou.
Continuous Synthesis of Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Water-Assisted Floating Catalyst Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Dong Liyu , Park Jin Gyu , Leonhardt Branden E. , Zhang Songlin , Liang Richard
Published: February 2020

Double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) were synthesized and continuously collected using a water-assisted floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) method. Differing from the conventional water-assisted synthesis in which water vapor is one part of the carrier gas mixture, we included de-ionized water in the catalyst system, which achieved a more uniform and controlled distribution for efficient DWCNT production. Using a water-assisted FCCVD process with optimized conditions, a transition from multi- to double-walled CNTs was observed with a decrease in diameters from 19–23 nm to 10–15 nm in tandem with an elevated Raman IG/ID ratio up to 10.23, and corroborated from the decomposition peak shifts in thermogravimetric data. To characterize the mechanical and electrical improvements, the FCCVD-CNT/bismaleimide (BMI) composites with different water concentrations were manufactured, revealing high electrical conductivity of 1720 S/cm along the bundle alignment (collection) direction, and the nano-indentation tests showed an axial reduced modulus at 65 GPa. A consistent value of the anisotropic ratio at ~3 was observed comparing the longitudinal and transverse properties. The continuous capability of the presented method while maintaining high quality is expected to result in an improved DWCNT mass production process and potentially enhance the structural and electrical applications of CNT nanocomposites.
Study on the Synthesis of Mn3O4 Nanooctahedrons and Their Performance for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Kong Yueyue , Jiao Ranran , Zeng Suyuan , Cui Chuansheng , Li Haibo , Xu Shuling , Wang Lei
Published: February 2020

Among the transition metal oxides, the Mn3O4 nanostructure possesses high theoretical specific capacity and lower operating voltage. However, the low electrical conductivity of Mn3O4 decreases its specific capacity and restricts its application in the energy conversion and energy storage. In this work, well-shaped, octahedron-like Mn3O4 nanocrystals were prepared by one-step hydrothermal reduction method. Field emission scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transformation infrared spectrometer were applied to characterize the morphology, the structure, and the composition of formed product. The growth mechanism of Mn3O4 nano-octahedron was studied. Cyclic voltammograms, galvanostatic charge–discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and rate performance were used to study the electrochemical properties of obtained samples. The experimental results indicate that the component of initial reactants can influence the morphology and composition of the formed manganese oxide. At the current density of 1.0 A g−1, the discharge specific capacity of as-prepared Mn3O4 nano-octahedrons maintains at about 450 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles. This work proves that the formed Mn3O4 nano-octahedrons possess an excellent reversibility and display promising electrochemical properties for the preparation of lithium-ion batteries.
Microneedle-Facilitated Intradermal Proretinal Nanoparticle Delivery
Authors: Limcharoen Benchaphorn , Toprangkobsin Pattrawadee , Kröger Marius , Darvin Maxim E. , Sansureerungsikul Titiporn , Rutwaree Teeranut , Wanichwecharungruang Supason , Banlunara Wijit , Lademann Jürgen , Patzelt Alexa
Published: February 2020

Topical retinoid treatments stimulate biological activities in the skin. The main physical barrier, which limits the efficacy of transdermal drug delivery, is the stratum corneum. Proretinal nanoparticles (PRN) have already been proven to efficiently deliver retinal into the epidermis. In the present study, two transdermal drug delivery systems, microneedles (MN) and PRN, were combined to directly target the dermis. The microchannels induced by the MN, the PRN localization in the microchannels and the skin closure kinetics were investigated by non-invasive imaging techniques, such as dermoscopy, optical coherence tomography and multiphoton tomography. Additionally, the amount of retinal in the epidermis and dermis after application in three different forms (PRN-Loaded microneedles, PRN suspension or conventional retinal solution) was compared. All imaging techniques confirmed the formation of microchannels in the skin, which were partly still detectable after 24 h. Multiphoton tomography showed the release of PRN from the MN within the microchannels. The recovered retinal concentration in the dermis was significantly higher when applied via PRN-loaded microneedles. We hypothesized that this platform of PRN-loaded microneedles can provide a rapid and efficient administration of retinal in the dermis and could be of benefit in some skin conditions such as atrophic scar or photo-aged skin.
Ceramic Composite Materials Obtained by Electron-Beam Physical Vapor Deposition Used as Thermal Barriers in the Aerospace Industry
Authors: Vasile Bogdan Stefan , Birca Alexandra Catalina , Surdu Vasile Adrian , Neacsu Ionela Andreea , Nicoară Adrian Ionut
Published: February 2020

This paper is focused on the basic properties of ceramic composite materials used as thermal barrier coatings in the aerospace industry like SiC, ZrC, ZrB2 etc., and summarizes some principal properties for thermal barrier coatings. Although the aerospace industry is mainly based on metallic materials, a more attractive approach is represented by ceramic materials that are often more resistant to corrosion, oxidation and wear having at the same time suitable thermal properties. It is known that the space environment presents extreme conditions that challenge aerospace scientists, but simultaneously, presents opportunities to produce materials that behave almost ideally in this environment. Used even today, metal-matrix composites (MMCs) have been developed since the beginning of the space era due to their high specific stiffness and low thermal expansion coefficient. These types of composites possess properties such as high-temperature resistance and high strength, and those potential benefits led to the use of MMCs for supreme space system requirements in the late 1980s. Electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) is the technology that helps to obtain the composite materials that ultimately have optimal properties for the space environment, and ceramics that broadly meet the requirements for the space industry can be silicon carbide that has been developed as a standard material very quickly, possessing many advantages. One of the most promising ceramics for ultrahigh temperature applications could be zirconium carbide (ZrC) because of its remarkable properties and the competence to form unwilling oxide scales at high temperatures, but at the same time it is known that no material can have all the ideal properties. Another promising material in coating for components used for ultra-high temperature applications as thermal protection systems is zirconium diboride (ZrB2), due to its high melting point, high thermal conductivities, and relatively low density. Some composite ceramic materials like carbon–carbon fiber reinforced SiC, SiC-SiC, ZrC-SiC, ZrB2-SiC, etc., possessing low thermal conductivities have been used as thermal barrier coating (TBC) materials to increase turbine inlet temperatures since the 1960s. With increasing engine efficiency, they can reduce metal surface temperatures and prolong the lifetime of the hot sections of aero-engines and land-based turbines.
Evaluation of the Oxidative Stress Response of Aging Yeast Cells in Response to Internalization of Fluorescent Nanodiamond Biosensors
Authors: van der Laan Kiran J. , Morita Aryan , Perona-Martinez Felipe P. , Schirhagl Romana
Published: February 2020

Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are proposed to be used as free radical biosensors, as they function as magnetic sensors, changing their optical properties depending on their magnetic surroundings. Free radicals are produced during natural cell metabolism, but when the natural balance is disturbed, they are also associated with diseases and aging. Sensitive methods to detect free radicals are challenging, due to their high reactivity and transiency, providing the need for new biosensors such as FNDs. Here we have studied in detail the stress response of an aging model system, yeast cells, upon FND internalization to assess whether one can safely use this biosensor in the desired model. This was done by measuring metabolic activity, the activity of genes involved in different steps and the locations of the oxidative stress defense systems and general free radical activity. Only minimal, transient FND-related stress effects were observed, highlighting excellent biocompatibility in the long term. This is a crucial milestone towards the applicability of FNDs as biosensors in free radical research.
Short Tandem Repeat-Enriched Architectural RNAs in Nuclear Bodies: Functions and Associated Diseases
Authors: Ninomiya Kensuke , Hirose Tetsuro
Published: February 2020

Nuclear bodies are membraneless, phase-separated compartments that concentrate specific proteins and RNAs in the nucleus. They are believed to serve as sites for the modification, sequestration, and storage of specific factors, and to act as organizational hubs of chromatin structure to control gene expression and cellular function. Architectural (arc) RNA, a class of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), plays essential roles in the formation of nuclear bodies. Herein, we focus on specific arcRNAs containing short tandem repeat-enriched sequences and introduce their biological functions and recently elucidated underlying molecular mechanism. In various neurodegenerative diseases, abnormal nuclear and cytoplasmic bodies are built on disease-causing RNAs or toxic RNAs with aberrantly expanded short tandem repeat-enriched sequences. We discuss the possible analogous functions of natural arcRNAs and toxic RNAs with short tandem repeat-enriched sequences. Finally, we describe the technical utility of short tandem repeat-enriched arcRNAs as a model for exploring the structures and functions of nuclear bodies, as well as the pathogenic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.
A Whole-Food-Based Health Product (A-F Betafood®) Improves Gallbladder Function in Humans at Risk of Gallbladder Insufficiency: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Evans Malkanthi , Guthrie Najla , El-Khodor Bassem F. , Metzger Brandon , Varadharaj Saradhadevi
Published: February 2020

A-F Betafood® is a whole food-based health product. The product contains phytonutrients and bioactives with antioxidant properties that may support gallbladder and liver function. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of A-F Betafood® on gallbladder and liver function. In this randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel study fifty overweight but otherwise healthy adults received A-F Betafood® or placebo for 12 weeks. Gallbladder function as assessed by gallbladder volume, ejection fraction (GBEF), ejection rate, wall thickness and liver function determined via aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase, and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein analysis at baseline and week 12 were the primary outcomes. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, and oxidative stress markers including oxidized low-density lipoprotein, tumor necrosis factor-α, adiponectin and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) were assessed as secondary outcomes. A-F Betafood®-supplementation significantly reduced gallbladder wall thickness (p = 0.049) by 9% compared to placebo from baseline to week 12. The A-F Betafood® group alone had significant improvements in gallbladder volume (32%; p = 0.044) and GBEF (19%; p = 0.047) at week 12. There were no changes in liver function, oxidative stress markers or blood lipid concentrations, though MDA concentrations decreased in both groups. Our findings demonstrate A-F Betafood®-supplementation significantly improves measures of gallbladder function and support healthy gallbladder function in the individuals with gall bladder condition.
Malnutrition at Admission Predicts In-Hospital Falls in Hospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Ishida Yuria , Maeda Keisuke , Nonogaki Tomoyuki , Shimizu Akio , Yamanaka Yosuke , Matsuyama Remi , Kato Ryoko , Mori Naoharu
Published: February 2020

Malnutrition leads to poor prognoses, including a predisposition to falls. Few studies have investigated the relationship between malnutrition and falls during hospitalization. This study aimed to determine malnutrition’s association with falls during hospitalization. A retrospective observational study was conducted. Patients aged ≥65 years that were admitted to and discharged from a university hospital between April 2018 and March 2019 were examined. Patients with independent basic activities of daily living were included. Diagnosis of malnutrition was based on the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) criteria at admission. Disease information such as the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and reasons for hospitalization were reviewed. Kaplan–Meier curve and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed. Data from 6081 patients (mean age: 74.4 ± 6.1 years; males: 58.1%) were analyzed. The mean CCI was 2.3 ± 2.8 points. Malnutrition was detected in 668 (11.0%) and falls occurred in 55 (0.9%) patients. Malnourished patients experienced a higher fall rate than those without malnutrition (2.4% vs. 0.7%, log-rank test p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, malnutrition had the highest hazard ratio for falls among covariates (hazard ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.51–5.00, p = 0.001). In conclusion, malnutrition at the time of admission to hospital predicts in-hospital falls.
Beneficial Effects of Walnuts on Cognition and Brain Health
Authors: Chauhan Abha , Chauhan Ved
Published: February 2020

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation have important roles in the aging process, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and other brain disorders. Amyloid beta protein (Aβ) is the main component of amyloid plaques in the brains of people with AD. Several studies suggest that Aβ increases the generation of free radicals in neurons, which leads to oxidative damage and cell death. Aβ can also induce neuroinflammation by increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. Walnuts contain several components that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Animal and human studies from our and other groups suggest that supplementation with walnuts in the diet may improve cognition and reduce the risk and/or progression of MCI and AD. In the transgenic AD mouse model (AD-tg), we have reported the beneficial effects of a diet with walnuts on memory, learning, motor coordination, anxiety, and locomotor activity. Human clinical trials have also suggested an association of walnut consumption with better cognitive performance and improvement in memory when compared to baseline in adults. Our recent study in AD-tg mice has shown that a walnut-enriched diet significantly improves antioxidant defense and decreases free radicals’ levels, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation when compared to a control diet without walnuts. These findings suggest that a diet with walnuts can reduce oxidative stress by decreasing the generation of free radicals and by boosting antioxidant defense, thus resulting in decreased oxidative damage to lipids and proteins. An in vitro study with synthetic Aβ showed that walnut extract can inhibit Aβ fibrillization and solubilize the preformed Aβ fibrils, suggesting an anti-amyloidogenic property of walnuts. Because it takes many years for cognitive impairment and dementia to develop, we suggest that early and long-term dietary supplementation with walnuts may help to maintain cognitive functions and may reduce the risk of developing, or delay the onset and/or slow the progression of, MCI and dementia by decreasing Aβ fibrillization, reducing oxidative damage, increasing antioxidant defense, and decreasing neuroinflammation. Furthermore, several animal and human studies have suggested that walnuts may also decrease the risk or progression of other brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and depression, as well as of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Together, these reports suggest the benefits of a walnut-enriched diet in brain disorders and in other chronic diseases, due to the additive or synergistic effects of walnut components for protection against oxidative stress and inflammation in these diseases.
Dairy Intake Would Reduce Nutrient Gaps in Chinese Young Children Aged 3–8 Years: A Modelling Study
Authors: Jia Xiaofang , Wang Dantong , Eldridge Alison L. , Zhang Bing , Zhang Xiaofan , Wang Huijun
Published: February 2020

Dairy foods are under-consumed among Chinese children. We modeled the impact of increased dairy consumption on nutrient inadequacy and assessed whether the consumption of formulated milk powder for children ≥3 years (FMP3+) is useful for reducing nutrient gaps. Data from 3–8-year-old children, with completed socio-demographic and dietary measurements from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2015, were used (n = 1122). Dietary intakes were modeled in two scenarios: Scenario 1 added FMP3+ or cow’s milk to reported diet to reach recommended dairy intakes; Scenario 2 replaced the currently consumed milk with an equal volume of FMP3+. Reported nutrient intakes were compared with each model. Only 32.5% of children consumed dairy products; the average intake amount in total was 48.6 g/day. Most children (97.6%) did not meet dairy intake recommendation. Inadequate nutrient intakes were observed for calcium, potassium, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin C and selenium. In Scenario 1, both FMP3+ and cow’s milk improved the intake of all analyzed nutrients. In Scenario 2, FMP3+ substitution increased the intake of most nutrients, and reduced the proportion of children with an inadequate intake of vitamin C, thiamin, vitamin A, iron, zinc and potassium. Thus, increasing dairy consumption would reduce nutrient gaps, and FMP3+ is a good food source to help children meet nutrient requirements.
The Forgotten Agenda of Wasting in Southeast Asia: Burden, Determinants and Overlap with Stunting: A Review of Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Demographic and Health Surveys in Six Countries
Authors: Mutunga Mueni , Frison Severine , Rava Matteo , Bahwere Paluku
Published: February 2020

Childhood wasting is among the most prevalent forms of undernutrition globally. The Southeast Asia region is home to many wasted children, but wasting is not recognized as a public health problem and its epidemiology is yet to be fully examined. This analysis aimed to determine the burden of wasting, its predictors, and the level of wasting and stunting concurrence. Datasets from Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys in six countries in the region were analyzed. The pooled weighted prevalence for wasting and concurrent wasting and stunting among children 0–59 months in the six countries was 8.9%, 95% CI (8.0–9.9) and 1.6%, 95% CI (1.5–1.8), respectively. This prevalence is approximately 12-fold higher than the 0.7% prevalence of high-income countries; and translated into an absolute number of 1,088,747 children affected by wasting and 272,563 concurrent wasting and stunting. Wasting prevalence was 50 percent higher in the 0–23-month age group. Predictors for wasting included source of drinking water, wealth index, urban residence, child’s age and history of illness and mother’s body mass index. In conclusion, our analysis showed that wasting is a serious public health problem in the region that should be addressed urgently using both preventive and curative approaches.
Spanish People with Type 2 Diabetes Show an Improved Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet
Authors: Alcubierre Nuria , Granado-Casas Minerva , Real Jordi , Perpiñán Hèctor , Rubinat Esther , Falguera Mireia , Castelblanco Esmeralda , Franch-Nadal Josep , Mauricio Didac
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to assess the dietary pattern (i.e., Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) and healthy eating) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared with those without diabetes. In addition, we explored clinical factors associated with the dietary pattern. This cross-sectional study was performed with a sample of 476 participants (238 with T2D and 238 participants without diabetes, matched for age and sex). The alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) score and the alternate Healthy Eating Index (aHEI) were calculated. Statistical analysis included comparison between groups and multivariable models. Participants with T2D showed higher aMED and aHEI scores (mean (SD): 4.3 (1.5) and 43.9 (6.5), respectively) in comparison with the control group (3.5 (1.8) and 39.4 (7.4), respectively; p < 0.001). In addition, a higher proportion of participants with T2D in higher tertiles of aMED (21.8%) and aHEI (39.9%) was observed compared with participants without diabetes (11.3% for the aMED, and 19.3% for the aHEI; p < 0.001). The adjusted multivariable analysis revealed that T2D (p < 0.001), increasing age (p = 0.006 and p = 0.030, respectively), and physical activity (p = 0.009) were positively associated with higher aMED and aHEI scores. Dyslipidemia and female gender were positively associated with aMED and aHEI (p = 0.031 and p < 0.001, respectively). The specific multivariable analysis for the group with T2D yielded a positive association of age (p < 0.001) and dyslipidemia (p = 0.021) with aMED. Regarding the aHEI, only female gender was positively related with this score in diabetes participants (p = 0.025). Participants with T2D showed a higher adherence to the MedDiet and a healthier eating pattern.
Comparison of Footsteps Using Connected Bracelets with the Timed Up-and-Go Test and the 6-Minutes Walking Test in a Prospective Colorectal Surgery Cohort
Authors: Romain Benoît , Martin David , Fabacher Thibaut , Pache Basile , Hahnloser Dieter , Demartines Nicolas , Hübner Martin
Published: February 2020

Preoperative physical activity and early postoperative mobilization are key components of enhanced recovery programs but both difficult to assess. The aim of this prospective study was therefore to compare different ways to measure preoperative physical activity and to correlate those tests with postoperative physical activity (footsteps). The daily number of footsteps was recorded from preoperative day 5 to postoperative day (POD) 3 in a prospective cohort of colorectal patients using connected wrist bracelets. Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT) and 6-Minutes Walking Test (6MWT) were assessed preoperatively. Pearson correlation and multivariable regression were used to study the predictive potential of these tests for postoperative footsteps. A total of 50 patients were included. Mean number of preoperative and postoperative footsteps were 6163 (SD 4274) and 1183 (SD 1828), respectively. There was no correlation between preoperative footsteps and preoperative tests (TUGT and 6MWT) as well as between preoperative tests (TUGT and 6MWT) and postoperative footsteps. Postoperative physical activity was significantly correlated with mean number of preoperative footsteps (Rho = 0.527, IC 95 [0.28;0.709]; p < 0.001). Thereby, preoperative footsteps measurement was the only tool permitting to predict postoperative footsteps. Other preoperative tests as TUGT and 6MWT could not predict immediate postoperative physical activity.
Detection of β-Lactamase-Producing Enterococcus faecalis and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Isolates in Human Invasive Infections in the Public Hospital of Tandil, Argentina
Authors: Schell Celia M. , Tedim Ana P. , Rodríguez-Baños Mercedes , Sparo Mónica D. , Lissarrague Sabina , Basualdo Juan A. , Coque Teresa M.
Published: February 2020

The study’s aim was to analyze the population structure of enterococci causing human invasive infections in a medium-sized Argentinian Hospital coincidental with a 5 year-period of increased recovery of antibiotic resistant enterococci (2010–2014). Species identification (biochemical testing/MALDI-TOF-MS), antimicrobial susceptibility (disk-diffusion) and clonal relatedness (PFGE/MLST/BAPS) were determined according to standard guidelines. β-lactamase production was determined by a nitrocefin test and confirmed by PCR/sequencing. The isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium at a 2:1 ratio. Most of the E. faecalis isolates, grouped in 25 PFGE-types (ST9/ST179/ST236/ST281/ST388/ST604/ST720), were resistant to high-levels (HLR) of gentamicin/streptomycin. A ST9 clone (bla+/HLR-gentamicin) was detected in patients of different wards during 2014. E. faecium isolates were grouped in 10 PFGE-types (ST25/ST18/ST19/ST52/ST792), with a low rate of ampicillin resistance. Five vancomycin-resistant E. faecium, three vanA (ST792/ST25) and two vanB (ST25) were detected. The ST25 clone carried either vanA or vanB. The recovery of a bla+-ST9-E. faecalis clone similar to that described in the late 1980s in Argentina suggests the possibility of a local hidden reservoir. These results reflect the relevance of local epidemiology in understanding the population structure of enterococci as well as the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in predominant enterococcal clonal lineages.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Two Cucumber Cultivars with Different Sensitivity to Cucumber Mosaic Virus Infection
Authors: Šubr Zdeno , Predajňa Lukáš , Šoltys Katarína , Bokor Boris , Budiš Jaroslav , Glasa Miroslav
Published: February 2020

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), with extremely broad host range including both monocots and dicots around the world, belongs to most important viral crop threats. Either natural or genetically constructed sources of resistance are being intensively investigated; for this purpose, exhaustive knowledge of molecular virus-host interaction during compatible and incompatible infection is required. New technologies and computer-based “omics” on various levels contribute markedly to this topic. In this work, two cucumber cultivars with different response to CMV challenge were tested, i.e., sensitive cv. Vanda and resistant cv. Heliana. The transcriptomes were prepared from both cultivars at 18 days after CMV or mock inoculation. Subsequently, four independent comparative analyses of obtained data were performed, viz. mock- and CMV-inoculated samples within each cultivar, samples from mock-inoculated cultivars to each other and samples from virus-inoculated cultivars to each other. A detailed picture of CMV-influenced genes, as well as constitutive differences in cultivar-specific gene expression was obtained. The compatible CMV infection of cv. Vanda caused downregulation of genes involved in photosynthesis, and induction of genes connected with protein production and modification, as well as components of signaling pathways. CMV challenge caused practically no change in the transcription profile of the cv. Heliana. The main differences between constitutive transcription activity of the two cultivars relied in the expression of genes responsible for methylation, phosphorylation, cell wall organization and carbohydrate metabolism (prevailing in cv. Heliana), or chromosome condensation and glucan biosynthesis (prevailing in cv. Vanda). Involvement of several genes in the resistant cucumber phenotype was predicted; this can be after biological confirmation potentially applied in breeding programs for virus-resistant crops.
The Old and the New on Viral Diseases in Sturgeon
Authors: Mugetti Davide , Pastorino Paolo , Menconi Vasco , Pedron Claudio , Prearo Marino
Published: February 2020

Although sturgeon production by aquaculture has increased worldwide, a major factor limiting its expansion are infectious diseases, although few data about viral diseases are available however. This review provides a rapid overview of viral agents detected and described to date. Following a general introduction on viral diseases are four sections arranged by virus classification: sturgeon nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses, herpesviruses, white sturgeon adenovirus 1, and other viruses. Molecular diagnosis is currently the best tool to detect viral diseases, since cell culture isolation is not yet applicable for the detection of most sturgeon viruses.
Binding Constants of Substituted Benzoic Acids with Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Khaibrakhmanova Diliara , Nikiforova Alena , Sedov Igor
Published: February 2020

Experimental data on the affinity of various substances to albumin are essential for the development of empirical models to predict plasma binding of drug candidates. Binding of 24 substituted benzoic acid anions to bovine serum albumin was studied using spectrofluorimetric titration. The equilibrium constants of binding at 298 K were determined according to 1:1 complex formation model. The relationships between the ligand structure and albumin affinity are analyzed. The binding constant values for m- and p-monosubstituted acids show a good correlation with the Hammett constants of substituents. Two- and three-parameter quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models with theoretical molecular descriptors are able to satisfactorily describe the obtained values for the whole set of acids. It is shown that the electron-density distribution in the aromatic ring exerts crucial influence on the albumin affinity.
Archaeological Remote Sensing Using Multi-Temporal, Drone-Acquired Thermal and Near Infrared (NIR) Imagery: A Case Study at the Enfield Shaker Village, New Hampshire
Authors: Hill Austin Chad , Laugier Elise Jakoby , Casana Jesse
Published: February 2020

While archaeologists have long understood that thermal and multi-spectral imagery can potentially reveal a wide range of ancient cultural landscape features, only recently have advances in drone and sensor technology enabled us to collect these data at sufficiently high spatial and temporal resolution for archaeological field settings. This paper presents results of a study at the Enfield Shaker Village, New Hampshire (USA), in which we collect a time-series of multi-spectral visible light, near-infrared (NIR), and thermal imagery in order to better understand the optimal contexts and environmental conditions for various sensors. We present new methods to remove noise from imagery and to combine multiple raster datasets in order to improve archaeological feature visibility. Analysis compares results of aerial imaging with ground-penetrating radar and magnetic gradiometry surveys, illustrating the complementary nature of these distinct remote sensing methods. Results demonstrate the value of high-resolution thermal and NIR imagery, as well as of multi-temporal image analysis, for the detection of archaeological features on and below the ground surface, offering an improved set of methods for the integration of these emerging technologies into archaeological field investigations.
Toward the Detection of Permafrost Using Land-Surface Temperature Mapping
Authors: Batbaatar Jigjidsurengiin , Gillespie Alan R. , Sletten Ronald S. , Mushkin Amit , Amit Rivka , Trombotto Liaudat Darío , Liu Lu , Petrie Gregg
Published: February 2020

Permafrost is degrading under current warming conditions, disrupting infrastructure, releasing carbon from soils, and altering seasonal water availability. Therefore, it is important to quantitatively map the change in the extent and depth of permafrost. We used satellite images of land-surface temperature to recognize and map the zero curtain, i.e., the isothermal period of ground temperature during seasonal freeze and thaw, as a precursor for delineating permafrost boundaries from remotely sensed thermal-infrared data. The phase transition of moisture in the ground allows the zero curtain to occur when near-surface soil moisture thaws or freezes, and also when ice-rich permafrost thaws or freezes. We propose that mapping the zero curtain is a precursor to mapping permafrost at shallow depths. We used ASTER and a MODIS-Aqua daily afternoon land-surface temperature (LST) timeseries to recognize the zero curtain at the 1-km scale as a “proof of concept.” Our regional mapping of the zero curtain over an area around the 7000 m high volcano Ojos del Salado in Chile suggests that the zero curtain can be mapped over arid regions of the world. It also indicates that surface heterogeneity, snow cover, and cloud cover can hinder the effectiveness of our approach. To be of practical use in many areas, it may be helpful to reduce the topographic and compositional heterogeneity in order to increase the LST accuracy. The necessary finer spatial resolution to reduce these problems is provided by ASTER (90 m).
Efficient Discrimination and Localization of Multimodal Remote Sensing Images Using CNN-Based Prediction of Localization Uncertainty
Authors: Uss Mykhail , Vozel Benoit , Lukin Vladimir , Chehdi Kacem
Published: February 2020

Detecting similarities between image patches and measuring their mutual displacement are important parts in the registration of multimodal remote sensing (RS) images. Deep learning approaches advance the discriminative power of learned similarity measures (SM). However, their ability to find the best spatial alignment of the compared patches is often ignored. We propose to unify the patch discrimination and localization problems by assuming that the more accurately two patches can be aligned, the more similar they are. The uncertainty or confidence in the localization of a patch pair serves as a similarity measure of these patches. We train a two-channel patch matching convolutional neural network (CNN), called DLSM, to solve a regression problem with uncertainty. This CNN inputs two multimodal patches, and outputs a prediction of the translation vector between the input patches as well as the uncertainty of this prediction in the form of an error covariance matrix of the translation vector. The proposed patch matching CNN predicts a normal two-dimensional distribution of the translation vector rather than a simple value of it. The determinant of the covariance matrix is used as a measure of uncertainty in the matching of patches and also as a measure of similarity between patches. For training, we used the Siamese architecture with three towers. During training, the input of two towers is the same pair of multimodal patches but shifted by a random translation; the last tower is fed by a pair of dissimilar patches. Experiments performed on a large base of real RS images show that the proposed DLSM has both a higher discriminative power and a more precise localization compared to existing hand-crafted SMs and SMs trained with conventional losses. Unlike existing SMs, DLSM correctly predicts translation error distribution ellipse for different modalities, noise level, isotropic, and anisotropic structures.
Improved Detection of Inundation below the Forest Canopy using Normalized LiDAR Intensity Data
Authors: Lang Megan W. , Kim Vincent , McCarty Gregory W. , Li Xia , Yeo In-Young , Huang Chengquan , Du Ling
Published: February 2020

To best conserve wetlands and manage associated ecosystem services in the face of climate and land-use change, wetlands must be routinely monitored to assess their extent and function. Wetland extent and function are largely driven by spatial and temporal patterns in inundation and soil moisture, which to date have been challenging to map, especially within forested wetlands. The objective of this paper is to investigate the different, but often interacting effects, of evergreen vegetation and inundation on leaf-off bare earth return lidar intensity within mixed deciduous-evergreen forests in the Coastal Plain of Maryland, and to develop an inundation mapping approach that is robust in areas of varying levels of evergreen influence. This was achieved through statistical comparison of field derived metrics, and development of a simple yet robust normalization process, based on first of many, and bare earth lidar intensity returns. Results demonstrate the confounding influence of forest canopy gap fraction and inundation, and the effectiveness of the normalization process. After normalization, inundated deciduous forest could be distinguished from non-inundated evergreen forest. Inundation was mapped with an overall accuracy between 99.4% and 100%. Inundation maps created using this approach provide insights into physical processes in support of environmental decision-making, and a vital link between fine-scale physical conditions and moderate resolution satellite imagery through enhanced calibration and validation.
An Analysis of Long-Term Rainfall Trends and Variability in the Uttarakhand Himalaya Using Google Earth Engine
Authors: Banerjee Abhishek , Chen Ruishan , E. Meadows Michael , Singh R.B. , Mal Suraj , Sengupta Dhritiraj
Published: February 2020

This paper analyses the spatio-temporal trends and variability in annual, seasonal, and monthly rainfall with corresponding rainy days in Bhilangana river basin, Uttarakhand Himalaya, based on stations and two gridded products. Station-based monthly rainfall and rainy days data were obtained from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the period from 1983 to 2008 and applied, along with two daily rainfall gridded products to establish temporal changes and spatial associations in the study area. Due to the lack of more recent ground station rainfall measurements for the basin, gridded data were then used to establish monthly rainfall spatio-temporal trends for the period 2009 to 2018. The study shows all surface observatories in the catchment experienced an annual decreasing trend in rainfall over the 1983 to 2008 period, averaging 15.75 mm per decade. Analysis of at the monthly and seasonal trend showed reduced rainfall for August and during monsoon season as a whole (10.13 and 11.38 mm per decade, respectively); maximum changes were observed in both monsoon and winter months. Gridded rainfall data were obtained from the Climate Hazard Infrared Group Precipitation Station (CHIRPS) and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks-Climate Data Record (PERSIANN-CDR). By combining the big data analytical potential of Google Earth Engine (GEE), we compare spatial patterns and temporal trends in observational and modelled precipitation and demonstrate that remote sensing products can reliably be used in inaccessible areas where observational data are scarce and/or temporally incomplete. CHIRPS reanalysis data indicate that there are in fact three significantly distinct annual rainfall periods in the basin, viz. phase 1: 1983 to 1997 (relatively high annual rainfall); phase 2: 1998 to 2008 (drought); phase 3: 2009 to 2018 (return to relatively high annual rainfall again). By comparison, PERSIANN-CDR data show reduced annual and winter precipitation, but no significant changes during the monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons from 1983 to 2008. The major conclusions of this study are that rainfall modelled using CHIRPS corresponds well with the observational record in confirming the decreased annual and seasonal rainfall, averaging 10.9 and 7.9 mm per decade respectively between 1983 and 2008, although there is a trend (albeit not statistically significant) to higher rainfall after the marked dry period between 1998 and 2008. Long-term variability in rainfall in the Bhilangana river basin has had critical impacts on the environment arising from water scarcity in this mountainous region.
Multi-Sensor Observations of Submesoscale Eddies in Coastal Regions
Authors: Li Gang , He Yijun , Liu Guoqiang , Zhang Yingjun , Hu Chuanmin , Perrie William
Published: February 2020

The temporal and spatial variation in submesoscale eddies in the coastal region of Lianyungang (China) is studied over a period of nearly two years with high-resolution (0.03°, about 3 km) observations of surface currents derived from high-frequency coastal radars (HFRs). The centers and boundaries of submesoscale eddies are identified based on a vector geometry (VG) method. A color index (CI) representing MODIS ocean color patterns with a resolution of 500 m is used to compute CI gradient parameters, from which submesoscale features are extracted using a modified eddy-extraction approach. The results show that surface currents derived from HFRs and the CI-derived gradient parameters have the ability to capture submesoscale processes (SPs). The typical radius of an eddy in this region is 2–4 km. Although no significant difference in eddy properties is observed between the HFR-derived current fields and CI-derived gradient parameters, the CI-derived gradient parameters show more detailed eddy structures due to a higher resolution. In general, the HFR-derived current fields capture the eddy form, evolution and dissipation. Meanwhile, the CI-derived gradient parameters show more SPs and fill a gap left by the HFR-derived currents. This study shows that the HFR and CI products have the ability to detect SPs in the ocean and contribute to SP analyses.
Characterizing Tree Spatial Distribution Patterns Using Discrete Aerial Lidar Data
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Zheng Guang , Yun Zengxin , Moskal L. Monika
Published: February 2020

Tree spatial distribution patterns such as random, regular, and clustered play a crucial role in numerical simulations of carbon and water cycles and energy exchanges between forest ecosystems and the atmosphere. An efficient approach is needed to characterize tree spatial distribution patterns quantitatively. This study aims to employ increasingly available aerial laser scanning (ALS) data to capture individual tree locations and further characterize their spatial distribution patterns at the landscape or regional levels. First, we use the pair correlation function to identify the categories (i.e., random, regular, and clustered) of tree spatial distribution patterns, and then determine the unknown parameters of statistical models used for approximating each tree spatial distribution pattern using ALS-based metrics. After applying the proposed method in both natural and urban forest sites, our results show that ALS-based tree crown radii can capture 58%–77% (p < 0.001) variations of visual-based measurements depending on forest types and densities. The root mean squared errors (RMSEs) of ALS-based tree locations increase from 1.46 m to 2.51 m as the forest densities increasing. The Poisson, soft-core, and hybrid-Gibbs point processes are determined as the optimal models to approximate random, regular, and clustered tree spatial distribution patterns, respectively. This work provides a solid foundation for improving the simulation accuracy of forest canopy bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) and further obtain a better understanding of the processes of carbon and water cycles of forest ecosystems.