bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Burden of Multiple Intestinal Helminthes among Primary School Children in Doma, Doma Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: A. Alaku I. , A. Omudu E. , G. Imainde N. , D. Attah D.
Published: December 2019

Intestinal parasitic infections have always been an important public health problem in the tropics particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria for example. A cross-sectional survey involving 440 schools going children of both sexes aged 6 - >12 years was conducted in 4 primary schools at a different location in Doma Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, between September 2015 to February 2016 to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites. Of the 440 samples examined 155 (35.22%) were infected with different intestinal parasites. The parasites observed included Entamoeba histolytica (6.59%), bookworm (5.22%), Ascaris lumbricoides (53.40%), Trichuris trichiuria (0.45%), E. coli (4.77%) and mixed infection of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm (7.27%) with Ascaris lumbricoides having the highest prevalence. Doma south primary school 38 (34.54) Islamiyya nursery/primary school and Doma west primary school had the lowest prevalence with 36 (32.72%) and 34 (30.90%) respectively. An overall prevalence of (35.22%) intestinal parasitic infection in school going children is moderately high and of public health concern. There is need to intensified integrated control measure to reduce or completely eradicate the intestinal parasitic infection in school pupils.
Catechol-2,3-Dioxygenase and Crude Oil Biodegradation Screening of Rhizo-Bacterial Endophytes from Bodo-Gokana, Rivers State
Authors: Agbaji J. E. , Abu G. O. , Nwaichi E. O.
Published: December 2019

Strain-selection for the biotechnological application is critical in modern environmental bioremediation process design. In this study, twenty-one rhizobacterial isolates were obtained from the rhizosphere soil of Cyperus sp., Cyperus rotundus, Mariscus alternifolius and Maricus ligularis. Samples were treated using Bushnell-Haas media fortified with Bonny light crude oil plus 1% (v/v) rhizosphere soil from pre-impacted locations in Bodo-Ogoni, Gokana LGA, Rivers state. They were screened and four bacterial isolates were selected on the basis of -2,3 catechol dioxygenase activity and their growth dynamics using the growth function model in XLSTAT v 2019.1.3. Vapour-phase transfer and viable plate count techniques were employed in the determination of microbial dynamics. The order for relative enzyme activity and degradation rates followed Pseudomonas fluorescens > Achromobacter agilis > Bacillus thuringiensis > Staphylococcus lentus. The order for growth range were 7.0-10.5 Log10CFU/ml, 6.2-10.3 Log10CFU/ml, 7.1-10.1 Log10CFU/ml and 6.4-10.2 Log10CFU/ml for Achromobacter agilis > Pseudomonas fluorescens > Bacillus thuringiensis > Staphylococcus lentus. The growth pattern of these isolates fitted into the 5th order polynomial function (y= pr1+pr2*X+pr3*X2+pr4*X3+pr5*X4+pr6*X5) with R2-values of 0.999, 0.998, 0.991,0.999 compares to Gompertz and Asymptotic functions that have the least predictability with R2- values of 0.893, 0.599, 0.869, 0.894 and 0.80, 0.545, 0.829, 0.688 for the four isolates respectively. Enzyme activity of the isolates revealed that the isolates were most active on the 6th day of the study and had a lag phase within the first few hours to a day of the study. Statistical analyses revealed a significant difference using two-way ANOVA; p< 0.001 for both enzyme activity and growth rate. The results underscore the benefits and richness of rhizobacterial flora as rich in enzymatic activity for ecosystem-recovery. Overall, the study has shown the great potential and feasibility for deploying robust biotechnology for the monitoring of environmental media involving hydrocarbon pollution in the Niger Delta.
Methodology for Cement Manufacturing Application
Authors: Santos A. K. C. , Messias A. S. , De Paiva S. C.
Published: December 2019

The narrowing between technological and sustainable development comes as one of the main challenges for the scientific environment and the modern company. In this scenario, waste recycling is considered an alternative for preservation of non-renewable natural resources and the environment, as a possibility of reducing energy consumption, carbon dioxide generated in the manufacture of traditional materials, and consequently, an economic advantage. The interrelationship between the steel segment and the civil segment show the opportunity of using the slag generated in the steelmaking by the cement industry. However, one of the challenges of using this co-product as cementitious input is the chloride ion contamination of unknown origin. This research aimed to propose a method to ensure the technical feasibility of using slag generated in steel refining, aiming to eliminate the chloride anion as impurity. Four samples collected from different points of the steelmaking process were studied, applying a wash with distilled water to the non-soluble solid residue, in order to extract the contaminating ion. It was evidenced that, after contact between solid residue and water, in the first wash, the performance presented an efficiency within the average range of 92 to 93%. Thus, after the practice of a simple method of chloride extraction with liquid fluid, the steel slag can be applied without restriction as an alternative material and input in cement production. Achieving the satisfactory result, a figurative prototype was built in order to enable the industrial scale to perform the same procedure performed in the laboratory.
Impact of Climate Change Using Trend Analysis of Rainfall, RRL AWBM Toolkit, Synthetic and Arbitrary Scenarios
Authors: Trivedi Ayushi , Pyasi S. K. , Galkate R. V.
Published: December 2019

The integrated approach for assessment of the impact of climate change is important, as climate impacts are likely to transcend sectoral or regional boundaries, with impacts of change in hydrological and geological behaviour of one sector affecting the behaviour of another or simultaneously any other sector, or region, to respond. Modelling is often used by hydrologists in the analysis of empirical data to gain insights into the underlying dynamics of simulated runoff and its trend changing pattern. Thus, these models extrapolate from a climate-related (usually temperature-related) relationship derived by observations and experiment. The climate changes have adverse and drastic impacts on climate-sensitive sectors such as water resources, agriculture and ultimately livelihood and economy of the people. Thus consequently increase or decrease in temperature, rainfall and other climatic parameters due to climate change affect the river discharge, flood, reservoir storages, groundwater levels, soil moisture, evapotranspiration, crop production, sea levels etc. Keeping this insight patches of major changes from the whole study area were selected to assess the intensity of rainfall, discharge and the incremental impact of rainfall. The temporal analysis in selected patches revealed that increment and decrement in the study area simultaneously affect the runoff by the same proportion. The trend generated through the Mann-Kendall test not only helped in assessing the impact of climate change but also identified its causative actors. The results of the study can effectively be utilized for setting priorities of hydrological behaviour in different geographical regions at various scales.
Evaluating the Performance of Different Management Practices for Control of Leaf Curl Disease of Chili in Kharif Season of Chatra District in Jharkhand
Authors: Singh Ranjay Kumar , Oraon Dharma , Singh Upendra Kumar , Alam Zunaid
Published: December 2019

An On-farm trial (OFT) was conducted for evaluating the performance of different management practices for control of leaf curl disease of chilli in Kharif season in Chatra district of Jharkhand in two consecutive Kharif seasons of the year 2016-17 and 2017-18. The experiment was conducted in Amgawa village of Simariya block in Chatra district, where farmers generally grow Chili as a cash crop in medium land. Trial was designed in randomized block design consisting of 25 replication with three technological options i.e. TO-I:  Soil application of carbofuran granule @2 gm/plant before transplanting, TO-II – TO-I: Soil application of carbofuradon granule @2 gm/plant before transplanting, + Spray of Spinosad 48 EC @ 2 ml/lit of water after disease incidence twice after 15 days interval and TO-III – TO-I: Soil application of carbofuradon granule @2 gm/plant before transplanting, +Spray of Acephate 75SP @ 2 ml/lit of water after disease incidence twice after 15 days interval besides farmers practices. For evaluation of the performance, percentage infestation of leaf curl disease on plant/5 sqm and yield q/ha was considered, as for economic analysis gross income, net income and B.C. ratio was calculated and compared with all treatments. 

The result indicated that the minimum thrips population was found in technological option TO-III (3.35) followed by TO-II (6.45) and TO-I (6.40) respectively with a higher yield (84.5q/ha). Gross income, Net income and BC ratio was also found more in technological option TO-III. So that technology option TO-III i.e. –soil application of carbofuradone granule @ 2gram/plant before transplanting spray of acephate 75SP @ 2ml/lit of water after disease incidence twice after 15 days interval recommended considering  Bio-physical and socio-economic condition of Chatra district for control of leaf curl disease for resource-rich and resource-poor farmers. This recommendation was also given to ATMA and N.G.Os of the district for faster dissemination among the farming community.
Assessment of Traditional Palm Wine Tapping Practice Effect on Vegetation in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Mba E. H. , Ekpo A. S. , Ozim E. C. , Oladeinde S. O.
Published: December 2019

Palm wine is an alcoholic drink obtained by the natural fermentation of the sap of various type of palm trees, it produced and consumed in various part of the country and beyond. This rich beverage is been used for different traditional practices not only for occasional consumption, so it is of high demand product. The tapping process starts from traditional dealers known as Palm Wine Tappers, that climbs to the top most part of the palm trees, cut it open from the side or middle, or cut down the tree for the liquid sap and this produces lactic-alcoholic-acetic fermentation that is conducted by the lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeast and acetic acid bacteria (AAB).

The tapping process practiced in difference part of the country are; burning/falling, pruning and trimming. They poses a threat to palm trees that serves other environmental, economic, health and nutritional benefits to human and the ecosystem. This practice renders high number of palm trees less productive or dead in a society with no food security, shaky economy, poor environmental practice/awareness and tree planting habit. Due to high demand for the product, 4 out of 10 palm trees are been converted to palm wine production source, this implies that the palm tree can not produce palm fruit that is more of high economic benefits and also contributes to the shortage of palm tree lifespan that serves as a good absorbent of carbon and gives out oxygen through photosynthesis process, a measure that adds value to living organism and reduces warming of the environment. This study recommends proper public awareness especially to the people involve in the trade “Palm Wine Tappers” and introduction of more sustainable way of tapping, monitoring and emphasis on tree planting.
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate and Inter-row Spacing on Yield and Yield Components of Teff [Eragrostis teff (Zucc.) Trotter] in Limo District, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Wato Tamirat
Published: December 2019

Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is the main staple food of Ethiopia. It ranks the first among cereals in the country in area coverage and second in the production volume; however, its productivity is almost stagnant. The Quncho (Dz-Cr-387) teff variety was sown during the main cropping season of 2017 at the Limo District, Southern Ethiopia. The objective of this research was to study the effect of four nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 32.5, 65 and 97.5 kg N/ha) and three inter-row spacings (15, 20 and 25 cm), to evaluate the effects on yield and yield components of teff and to identify the economically appropriate nitrogen rates and inter-row spacing that maximize the yield of teff. A factorial experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 12 treatment combinations and three replications. Phenological and yield-related parameters were measured. The main effects of N rate and inter-row spacing showed significant differences (P≤0.05) for all yield and yield components. The effects of N rate by inter-row spacing interaction were not significant for some traits except for the lodging index, biomass yield, grain yield, and straw yield and harvest index. Application of N rate at 97.5 kg/ha and inter-row spacing with 25 cm significantly (P≤0.01) increased grain yield of teff. Moreover, both N fertilizer rates and wider inter-row spacing increased the magnitudes of the important yield attributes including plant height, panicle length, number of effective tillers per plant, thousand seed weight, biomass yield and straw yield significantly (P≤0.01) and also inter-row spacing increased the magnitudes of important yield attributes significance (P≤0.05). From the results of the study, it is possible to conclude that increased application of nitrogen fertilizer rate and row spacing improves yield and yield components of teff. Therefore, the application of 97.5 kg N/ha and inter-row spacing of 25 cm gave maximum yield which can be recommended for the study area.
Season‐dependent effect of cleistogamy in Lamium amplexicaule: flower type origin versus inbreeding status
Authors: Stojanova Bojana , Maurice Sandrine , Cheptou Pierre‐Olivier
Published: December 2019

Premise

Inbreeding depression is traditionally considered a major factor favoring outcrossing in hermaphrodites. Recent experiments have shown that environmental conditions can influence the magnitude of inbreeding depression, but their relevance in natural populations is unclear. To investigate this, we studied the cleistogamous species Lamium amplexicaule, an annual species with individuals experiencing either spring or autumn environmental conditions. In this species, the proportion of cleistogamous/chasmogamous flowers changes according to seasonal cues (e.g., temperature, photoperiod). Our hypothesis was that the plasticity of cleistogamy is an adaptation to seasonal fitness variation in different flower progenies.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we produced the three possible types of progenies through controlled crosses: (1) selfed progeny from cleistogamous flowers; (2) chasmogamous selfed progeny; and (3) chasmogamous outcrossed progeny. Progeny fitness was then measured in a common garden in the two reproduction seasons (autumn and spring).

Results

The results showed that season had a major impact on fitness. The fitness of the different progeny types changed across seasons, indicating that the effect of cleistogamy on progeny performance is season‐dependent, consistent with a previous study in a similar environment. Surprisingly, the flower from which the progeny issued (cleistogamous or chasmogamous) had more impact on fitness than the inbred status of the progeny (selfed versus outcrossed), suggesting a potential role of epigenetic processes.

Conclusions

The observed patterns of variation were not consistent either with adaptation to environment‐dependent inbreeding depression or to variation in resource availability, but were possibly consistent with adaptation to seasonal pollinator activity.
Genetic meta‐analysis of obsessive–compulsive disorder and self‐report compulsive symptoms
Authors: Smit Dirk J. A. , Cath Danielle , Zilhão Nuno R. , Ip Hill F. , Denys Damiaan , den Braber Anouk , de Geus Eco J. C. , Verweij Karin J. H. , Hottenga Jouke‐Jan , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: December 2019

We investigated whether obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptoms from a population‐based sample could be analyzed to detect genetic variants influencing obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). We performed a genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) on the obsession (rumination and impulsions) and compulsion (checking, washing, and ordering/precision) subscales of an abbreviated version of the Padua Inventory (N = 8,267 with genome‐wide genotyping and phenotyping). The compulsion subscale showed a substantial and significant positive genetic correlation with an OCD case–control GWAS (r
G = 0.61, p = .017) previously published by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC‐OCD). The obsession subscale and the total Padua score showed no significant genetic correlations (r
G = −0.02 and r
G = 0.42, respectively). A meta‐analysis of the compulsive symptoms GWAS with the PGC‐OCD revealed no genome‐wide significant Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs combined N = 17,992, indicating that the power is still low for individual SNP effects). A gene‐based association analysis, however, yielded two novel genes (WDR7 and ADCK1). The top 250 genes in the gene‐based test also showed a significant increase in enrichment for psychiatric and brain‐expressed genes. S‐Predixcan testing showed that for genes expressed in hippocampus, amygdala, and caudate nucleus significance increased in the meta‐analysis with compulsive symptoms compared to the original PGC‐OCD GWAS. Thus, the inclusion of dimensional symptom data in genome‐wide association on clinical case–control GWAS of OCD may be useful to find genes for OCD if the data are based on quantitative indices of compulsive behavior. SNP‐level power increases were limited, but aggregate, gene‐level analyses showed increased enrichment for brain‐expressed genes related to psychiatric disorders, and increased association with gene expression in brain tissues with known emotional, reward processing, memory, and fear‐formation functions.
Compatibility and mechanical properties of gelatin‐filled polybutylene succinate composites
Authors: Zhang Min , Li Yueru , Wang Lei , Li Sihan
Published: December 2019

Gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) with small size (200 nm) have been prepared by two‐step solvent removal method using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent. The formation mechanism and characteristics were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Polybutylene succinate/gelatin (PBS/GEL) and polybutylene succinate/nanogelatin (PBS/GNPs) composites by solvent hybridization were prepared. The dispersion of GEL/GNPs in the composites was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the hybrid mechanism of GEL, GNPs, and PBS was explored. The results of FTIR and XPS indicated that the ─OH of GNPs was easier to obtain hydrogen bond with PBS. The swelling test showed that the swelling degree of PBS/GEL, PBS/GNPs reached 253 ± 8.65% and 308 ± 10.3% due to their good compatibility. Compared with pure PBS, especially when the ratio of PBS:GNPs was 1:0.75, the crystallinity of PBS/GNPs composites reached 36.43 ± 5.7%, the elongation at break and tensile strength were 49.0 ± 2.94% and 33.3 ± 2.62 MPa, respectively. Overall, GNPs have played an active role in the heterogeneous nucleation of PBS matrix. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48881.
Graphite powder coated polyurethane sponge hollow tube as a high‐efficiency and cost‐effective oil‐removal materials for continuous oil collection from water surface
Authors: Zhang Tai , Xiao Changfa , Zhao Jian , Liu Xiaozhen , Huang Yan , Ji Dawei
Published: December 2019

In this study, the cost‐effective graphite powder (GPd)‐coated polyurethane (PGPd‐PU) sponge hollow tube (PGPd‐PUHT) was prepared for high‐efficient continuous oil removal, the hydrophobicity‐superoleophilicity PGPd‐PU sponge was fabricated through a simple dip‐coating method, which dipping PU sponge into GPd dispersion and drying, then coating polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on sponge skeleton, as‐prepared sponge could selectively absorb a variety of oils up to 34 times of its own weight for dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The PGPd‐PUHT was preparedviawrapping PGPd‐PU sponge on porous tubular support. The obtained PGPd‐PUHT could continuously collect various types of oils from water surface with flux as high as 1.52 kL/m2h, and excellent separation efficiency (up to 97.7%) for toluene, as well as remarkable reusability. Moreover, a continuous floating oil collection device based on PGPd‐PUHT was designed which showed excellent floating oil collection ability. In addition, our strategy possesses the advantages of low cost, simple preparation, highly efficient, and easily scale‐up, showing a great potential for dealing with practical oil spill remediation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48921.
Dependency on Australian aid and the introduction of inclusive education initiatives in Kiribati
Authors: Yates Rodney
Published: December 2019

This study examines dependency on Australian aid in the introduction of inclusive education initiatives in the Pacific Island nation of Kiribati through data analysis of documents and individual interview responses with key stakeholders from both the recipient and donor sides. The results indicate that the catalyst for inclusive education initiatives has been Australian aid highlighting a social justice issue, namely the exclusion of children with disabilities from school programs. Australian aid has shaped policy, funded inclusive education initiatives, and directly managed the programs through the externally controlled Kiribati Education Facility. The long‐term sustainability of inclusive education initiatives is uncertain if Australian aid priorities change and funding is withdrawn.
Gypenoside A protects ischemia/reperfusion injuries by suppressing miR‐143‐3p level via the activation of AMPK/Foxo1 pathway
Authors: Chang Liping , Shi Rui , Wang Xiujiang , Bao Yang
Published: December 2019

Ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major side effect associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). Gypenoside A (GP) is one of the dominant active components of Gynostemma pentaphyllum and has the potential to attenuate myocardial I/R injuries. The major purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism driving the protective effect of GP on myocardial tissue by focusing on the interaction between GP and miR‐143‐3p. Cardiomyocytes were pre‐treated with GP and subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation/re‐oxygenation (OGD/R). Changes in cell viability, apoptosis, and expression levels of factors involved in the adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Foxo1‐mediated miR‐143‐3p pathway were detected. The levels of AMPK and miR‐143‐3p were then modulated using an inhibitor and a mimic, respectively, to confirm their central roles in the effect of GP. The administration of GP attenuated OGD/R‐induced injuries by increasing cell viability and suppressing apoptosis, which was associated with the activation of AMPK/Foxo1 signaling and the decreased level of miR‐143‐3p. The down‐regulation of AMPK and up‐regulation of miR‐143‐3p both counteracted the function of GP on cardiomyocytes. The role of miR‐143‐3p suppression in the anti‐I/R effect of GP was also verified with rat model. The injection of miR‐143‐3p agomir inhibited the cardio‐protective effect of GP in a manner similar to that in the in vitro assays. Our results confirm the cardio‐protective effect of GP, which is exerted by suppressing the level of miR‐143‐3p via the activation of AMPK signaling.
Starting a PBIS program in an inpatient setting
Authors: Hellmuth Jennifer
Published: December 2019

Evidence suggests that implementing the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework and its recommended strategies can improve not only behaviors in children, but also an organization's culture (Horner et al., 2009). PBIS is both a behavioral intervention and organizational model aimed at creating safer and more positive environments for children and those who support them. PBIS and its recommended strategies have been found to increase the frequency of children's positive, prosocial behaviors, while decreasing negative behaviors and the disciplinary actions typically used to address them (Horner et al., 2009).
Expression and distribution of trophoblast glycoprotein in the mouse retina
Authors: Wakeham Colin M. , Ren Gaoying , Morgans Catherine W.
Published: December 2019

We recently identified the leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) adhesion protein, trophoblast glycoprotein (TPBG), as a novel PKCα‐dependent phosphoprotein in retinal rod bipolar cells (RBCs). Since TPBG has not been thoroughly examined in the retina, this study characterizes the localization and expression patterns of TPBG in the developing and adult mouse retina using two antibodies, one against the N‐terminal LRR domain and the other against the C‐terminal PDZ‐interacting motif. Both antibodies labeled RBC dendrites in the outer plexiform layer and axon terminals in the IPL, as well as a putative amacrine cell with their cell bodies in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and a dense layer in the middle of the inner plexiform layer (IPL). In live transfected HEK293 cells, TPBG was localized to the plasma membrane with the N‐terminal LRR domain facing the extracellular space. TPBG immunofluorescence in RBCs was strongly altered by the loss of TRPM1 in the adult retina, with significantly less dendritic and axon terminal labeling in TRPM1 knockout compared to wild type, despite no change in total TPBG detected by immunoblotting. During retinal development, TPBG expression increases dramatically just prior to eye opening with a time course closely correlated with that of TRPM1 expression. In the retina, LRR proteins have been implicated in the development and maintenance of functional bipolar cell synapses, and TPBG may play a similar role in RBCs.
Deconstructing and Reconstructing Cheese Rind Microbiomes for Experiments in Microbial Ecology and Evolution
Authors: Cosetta Casey M. , Wolfe Benjamin E.
Published: December 2019

Cheese rind microbiomes are useful model systems for identifying the mechanisms that control microbiome diversity. Here, we describe the methods we have optimized to first deconstruct in situ cheese rind microbiome diversity and then reconstruct that diversity in laboratory environments to conduct controlled microbiome manipulations. Most cheese rind microbial species, including bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi, can be easily cultured using standard lab media. Colony morphologies of taxa are diverse and can often be used to distinguish taxa at the phylum and sometimes even genus level. Through the use of cheese curd agar medium, thousands of unique community combinations or microbial interactions can be assessed. Transcriptomic experiments and transposon mutagenesis screens can pinpoint mechanisms of interactions between microbial species. Our general approach of creating a tractable synthetic microbial community from cheese can be easily applied to other fermented foods to develop other model microbiomes. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of cheese rind microbial communities

Support Protocol 1: Preparation of plate count agar with milk and salt

Basic Protocol 2: Identification of cheese rind bacterial and fungal isolates using 16S and ITS sequences

Basic Protocol 3: Preparation of experimental glycerol stocks of yeasts and bacteria

Basic Protocol 4: Preparation of experimental glycerol stocks of filamentous fungi

Basic Protocol 5: Reconstruction of cheese rind microbial communities in vitro

Support Protocol 2: Preparation of lyophilized and powdered cheese curd

Support Protocol 3: Preparation of 10% cheese curd agar plates and tubes

Basic Protocol 6: Interaction screens using responding lawns

Support Protocol 4: Preparation of liquid 2% cheese curd

Basic Protocol 7: Experimental evolution

Basic Protocol 8: Measuring community function: pH/acidification

Basic Protocol 9: Measuring community function: Pigment production

Basic Protocol 10: RNA sequencing of cheese rind biofilms
Regulating Hydrogenation Chemoselectivity of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes by Combination of Transfer and Catalytic Hydrogenation
Authors: Zhou Yangyang , Li Zihao , Liu Yanbo , Huo Jia , Chen Chen , Li Qiling , Niu Songyang , Wang Shuangyin
Published: December 2019

Two hydrogenation mechanisms, transfer and catalytic hydrogenation, were combined to achieve higher regulation of hydrogenation chemoselectivity of cinnamyl aldehydes. Transfer hydrogenation with ammonia borane exclusively reduced C=O bonds to get cinnamyl alcohol, and Pt‐loaded metal–organic layers efficiently hydrogenated C=C bonds to synthesize phenyl propanol with almost 100 % conversion rate. The hydrogenation could be performed under mild conditions without external high‐pressure hydrogen and was applicable to various α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes.
Discriminating Bacterial Phenotypes at the Population and Single‐Cell Level: A Comparison of Flow Cytometry and Raman Spectroscopy Fingerprinting
Authors: García‐Timermans Cristina , Rubbens Peter , Heyse Jasmine , Kerckhof Frederiek‐Maarten , Props Ruben , Skirtach Andre G. , Waegeman Willem , Boon Nico
Published: December 2019

Investigating phenotypic heterogeneity can help to better understand and manage microbial communities. However, characterizing phenotypic heterogeneity remains a challenge, as there is no standardized analysis framework. Several optical tools are available, such as flow cytometry and Raman spectroscopy, which describe optical properties of the individual cell. In this work, we compare Raman spectroscopy and flow cytometry to study phenotypic heterogeneity in bacterial populations. The growth stages of three replicateEscherichia colipopulations were characterized using both technologies. Our findings show that flow cytometry detects and quantifies shifts in phenotypic heterogeneity at the population level due to its high‐throughput nature. Raman spectroscopy, on the other hand, offers a much higher resolution at the single‐cell level (i.e., more biochemical information is recorded).Therefore, it can identify distinct phenotypic populations when coupled with analyses tailored toward single‐cell data. In addition, it provides information about biomolecules that are present, which can be linked to cell functionality. We propose a computational workflow to distinguish between bacterial phenotypic populations using Raman spectroscopy and validated this approach with an external data set. We recommend using flow cytometry to quantify phenotypic heterogeneity at the population level, and Raman spectroscopy to perform a more in‐depth analysis of heterogeneity at the single‐cell level. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Task scheduling mechanisms in cloud computing: A systematic review
Authors: Amini Motlagh Aida , Movaghar Ali , Rahmani Amir Masoud
Published: December 2019

Today, cloud computing has developed as one of the important emergent technologies in communication and Internet. It offers on demand, pay per use access to infrastructure, platforms, and applications. Due to the increase in its popularity, the huge number of requests need to be handled in an efficient manner. Task scheduling as one of the challenges in the cloud computing supports the requests for assigning a particular resource so as to perform effectively. In the resource management, task scheduling is performed where there is the dependency between tasks. Many approaches and case studies have been developed for the scheduling of these tasks. Up to now, a systematic literature review (SLR) has not been presented to discover and evaluate the task scheduling approaches in the cloud computing environment. To overcome, this paper presents an SLR‐based analysis on the task scheduling approaches that classify into (a) single cloud environments that evaluate cost‐aware, energy‐aware, multi‐objective, and QoS‐aware approaches in task scheduling; (b) multicloud environment that evaluates cost‐aware, multi‐objective, and QoS‐aware task scheduling; and (c) mobile cloud environment that is energy‐aware and QoS‐aware task scheduling. The analytical discussions are provided to show the advantages and limitations of the existing approaches.
MIMO iterative receiver SNR estimation strategies for link to system interfacing
Authors: Khan Asif , Zaib Alam , Ullah Irfan , Khattak Shahid
Published: December 2019

This paper presents link to system (L2S) interfacing technique for multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) iterative receivers. In L2S interfacing, usually the post detection signal to noise ratio (SNR)‐based frame error rate lookup tables (LUT) are used to predict the link level performance of receivers. While L2S interfacing for linear MIMO receivers can be conveniently implemented, it is more challenging for MIMO iterative receivers due to unavailability of the closed form SNR expressions. In this paper, we propose three methods for post detection SNR estimation for MIMO iterative receivers. The first is based on the QR decomposition of the channel matrix, the second relies on the residual noise calculation based on the soft symbols, and the third exploits the closed form SNR expressions for linear receivers. A link to system interface model for iterative receivers is developed for evaluating the reference curves for different modulation and coding schemes, and results are validated by comparing the simulated and predicted frame error rates. It is shown that linear and residual noise‐based SNR approximations result in a very good prediction performance whereas the performance of QR decomposition‐based method degrades for higher order modulations and coding schemes.

This paper presents link to system interfacing technique for MIMO iterative receivers. A link to system interface model for iterative receivers is developed for evaluating the reference curves for different modulation and coding schemes, and results are validated by comparing the simulated and predicted frame error rates. Three post detection SNR evaluation schemes have been proposed for link to system interfacing all of which give good prediction performance especially at lower order modulation.
Impact of digital text variables on legibility for persons with dyslexia
Authors: Krivec Tjaša , Košak Babuder Milena , Godec Primož , Weingerl Primož , Stankovič Elesini Urška
Published: December 2019

In a world with different readers with varying needs, the idea that readers might be given the option of text formatting their own text in advance seems very appealing. In this research, differences between reading speed, reading comprehension, and reading comfort were compared with the pre‐set and self‐set texts. The respondents read paragraphs and identified illogical words contained therein, while reading two comparable blocks of self‐set and pre‐set texts. The differences in the number of paragraphs read and the mistakes made in a limited timeframe were compared using a web test that was based on the Tinker's test. The results showed that the respondents encounter different difficulties while reading digital text. We statistically proved that people with dyslexia chose larger type sizes more frequently than people without dyslexia, whereas no such statistically significant trend was observed for all other variables (typeface, tracking, and leading). We did not observe any significant differences between the reading speed associated with pre‐set and self‐set texts; however, the reading speed was higher in the group of people without dyslexia. A significant difference was observed in reading comprehension, because reading comprehension was better in the case of self‐set text used.
Do different rates of gene flow underlie variation in phenotypic and phenological clines in a montane grasshopper community?
Authors: Slatyer Rachel A. , Schoville Sean D. , Nufio César R. , Buckley Lauren B.
Published: December 2019

Species responses to environmental change are likely to depend on existing genetic and phenotypic variation, as well as evolutionary potential. A key challenge is to determine whether gene flow might facilitate or impede genomic divergence among populations responding to environmental change, and if emergent phenotypic variation is dependent on gene flow rates. A general expectation is that patterns of genetic differentiation in a set of codistributed species reflect differences in dispersal ability. In less dispersive species, we predict greater genetic divergence and reduced gene flow. This could lead to covariation in life‐history traits due to local adaptation, although plasticity or drift could mirror these patterns. We compare genome‐wide patterns of genetic structure in four phenotypically variable grasshopper species along a steep elevation gradient near Boulder, Colorado, and test the hypothesis that genomic differentiation is greater in short‐winged grasshopper species, and statistically associated with variation in growth, reproductive, and physiological traits along this gradient. In addition, we estimate rates of gene flow under competing demographic models, as well as potential gene flow through surveys of phenological overlap among populations within a species. All species exhibit genetic structure along the elevation gradient and limited gene flow. The most pronounced genetic divergence appears in short‐winged (less dispersive) species, which also exhibit less phenological overlap among populations. A high‐elevation population of the most widespread species, Melanoplus sanguinipes, appears to be a sink population derived from low elevation populations. While dispersal ability has a clear connection to the genetic structure in different species, genetic distance does not predict growth, reproductive, or physiological trait variation in any species, requiring further investigation to clearly link phenotypic divergence to local adaptation.
Urban soil carbon and nitrogen converge at a continental scale
Authors: Trammell Tara L. E. , Pataki Diane E. , Pouyat Richard V. , Groffman Peter M. , Rosier Carl , Bettez Neil , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine , Grove Morgan J. , Hall Sharon J. , Heffernan James , Hobbie Sarah E. , Morse Jennifer L. , Neill Christopher , Steele Meredith
Published: December 2019

In urban areas, anthropogenic drivers of ecosystem structure and function are thought to predominate over larger‐scale biophysical drivers. Residential yards are influenced by individual homeowner preferences and actions, and these factors are hypothesized to converge yard structure across broad scales. We examined soil total C and total δ13C, organic C and organic δ13C, total N, and δ15N in residential yards and corresponding reference ecosystems in six cities across the United States that span major climates and ecological biomes (Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; Minneapolis‐St. Paul, Minnesota; and Phoenix, Arizona). Across the cities, we found soil C and N concentrations and soil δ15N were less variable in residential yards compared to reference sites supporting the hypothesis that soil C, N, and δ15N converge across these cities. Increases in organic soil C, soil N, and soil δ15N across urban, suburban, and rural residential yards in several cities supported the hypothesis that soils responded similarly to altered resource inputs across cities, contributing to convergence of soil C and N in yards compared to natural systems. Soil C and N dynamics in residential yards showed evidence of increasing C and N inputs to urban soils or dampened decomposition rates over time that are influenced by climate and/or housing age across the cities. In the warmest cities (Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix), greater organic soil C and higher soil δ13C in yards compared to reference sites reflected the greater proportion of C4plants in these yards. In the two warm arid cities (Los Angeles, Phoenix), total soil δ13C increased and organic soil δ13C decreased with increasing home age indicating greater inorganic C in the yards around newer homes. In general, soil organic C and δ13C, soil N, and soil δ15N increased with increasing home age suggesting increased soil C and N cycling rates and associated12C and14N losses over time control yard soil C and N dynamics. This study provides evidence that conversion of native reference ecosystems to residential areas results in convergence of soil C and N at a continental scale. The mechanisms underlying these effects are complex and vary spatially and temporally.
Pulmonary infections in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes receiving frontline azacytidine treatment
Authors: Latagliata Roberto , Niscola Pasquale , Fianchi Luana , Aloe Spiriti Maria Antonietta , Maurillo Luca , Carmosino Ida , Cesini Laura , Sarlo Chiara , Piccioni Annalina , Campagna Alessia , De Luca Maria Lucia , De Benedittis Daniela , Mancini Marco , Breccia Massimo , Criscuolo Marianna , Buccisano Francesco , Voso Maria Teresa , Avvisati Giuseppe , Tafuri Agostino , De Fabritiis Paolo , Foà Robin , Girmenia Corrado
Published: December 2019

Pulmonary infections (PIs) are a major complication of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We retrospectively evaluated 234 MDS patients treated with azacytidine (AZA). The total number of AZA cycles was 2886 (median 8 cycles per patient). There were 111 episodes of PI (3.8% of AZA cycles) in 81 patients (34.6%). PIs were considered of fungal origin in 27 cases (24.3%), associated to bacteremia in 11 cases (9.9%), to influenza infection in two cases (1.8%) and of unknown origin in the remaining 71 cases (64.0%). Forty‐five PI episodes were documented in cycles 1 to 4 of AZA (5.1% of 875 cycles) and the remaining 66 episodes beyond the fourth cycle (3.2% of 2011 cycles) (P = .017). Overall, a fungal PI was documented in 13/875 (1.5%) cycles 1 to 4 and in 13/2011 (0.6%) cycles beyond the fourth cycle (P = .001). A baseline chronic pulmonary disease was significantly associated to a higher risk of severe PIs. In the survival analysis, cases of PI in patients who progressed to acute leukemia (PAL) were excluded, in view of the predominant influence of PAL on the outcome of the patients. A PI unrelated to PAL documented during the first 4 AZA cycles was an independent factor predicting lower survival (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.37‐3.33; P = .001). In conclusion, PIs are common in MDS patients receiving AZA, in particular during the first cycles of treatment and are associated with an unfavorable outcome. The results of our study raise the issue of the need of a tailored infection prevention strategy.
Overview of tritium records from precipitation and surface waters in Germany
Authors: Schmidt Axel , Frank Gabriele , Stichler Willibald , Duester Lars , Steinkopff Thomas , Stumpp Christine
Published: December 2019

Tritium is one of the most important environmental tracers in isotope hydrology for understanding the dynamics of groundwater and connected surface water and has been used in a wide range of applications at different scales. A key requirement for using tritium as a tracer is the knowledge of its spatial and temporal distribution in different water types. As a fundamental input, quantity long‐term time series of tritium in precipitation are of particular importance. In this paper, the authors present an overview of tritium data sets of the Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), the Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU) and the German Weather Service (DWD). Since the 1970s, all three institutions have monitored the tritium concentration at 53 surface water and 37 precipitation stations on a monthly basis. The primary purpose of the data set was to provide baseline information for different water types all over Germany as an integral part of the German radiation protection monitoring system. Additionally, as geochemically inert tracer, tritium provides a unique tool to different user groups in a wide range of research questions and applications.
Inhibiting miR‐27a and miR‐142‐5p attenuate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Teimouri Maryam , Hosseini Hossein , Shabani Maryam , Koushki Mehdi , Noorbakhsh Farshid , Meshkani Reza
Published: December 2019

The gene Nrf2 (nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2) is the most important regulator of the cellular antioxidant system and its dysregulation has a role in the etiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between Nrf2 targeted miRNAs (miR‐27a, miR‐142‐5p, miR‐153, and miR‐128) with lipid accumulation in vitro and in vivo models of NAFLD. We used two in vivo and in vitro models of NAFLD. The expression of the genes and miRNAs was assessed by real‐time PCR and the protein level was evaluated using western blot. To investigate the potential role of miRNAs in NAFLD, the inhibitors or mimics of the miR‐27a and miR‐142‐5p were transfected into HepG2 cells. The mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 were significantly decreased in the liver of high fat diet‐fed mice as well as in HepG2 cells treated with high glucose (HG). Reduced expression of Nrf2 was associated with increased expression levels of miR‐27a and miR‐142‐5p in both models of NAFLD. HG‐induced triglyceride accumulation was attenuated by inhibition of miR‐27a or miR‐142‐5p in HepG2 cells. Overexpression of miR‐27a or miR‐142‐5p suppressed the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant genes and increased production of reactive oxygen species, whereas inhibition of miR‐27a or miR‐142‐5p reversed these effects. In conclusion, the data of this study may suggest that miR‐27a and miR‐142‐5p are increased in NAFLD, where they suppress Nrf2 expression and contribute to the accumulation of lipids in the hepatocytes.
Radiological outcomes in perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Tanya , Yong Eric , Ding Nik S
Published: December 2019

Perianal fistulas are a common and debilitating manifestation of Crohn's disease. Since the advent of biological agents, patient outcomes appear to have improved. While rates of clinical response and remission are well characterized in literature, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes remain less so. This is despite previous studies demonstrating the persistence of fistula tracts on MRI, in spite of clinical healing, suggesting radiological markers of improvement may be more accurate. The aims of this study were to systematically review the literature for all studies reporting on MRI outcomes following biological therapy and to compare rates of radiological healing to clinical remission. A search was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Nine articles were included, with a total sample size of 259 patients. Of these 259 patients, 47% achieved clinical remission following induction therapy and 42% following a median of 52 weeks' maintenance therapy. Out of the 259 patients, 7% achieved radiological healing in the short term and 25% in the long term. The odds ratio of MRI versus clinical healing was 0.10 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02–0.39) and 0.43 (95% CI, 0.26–0.71), respectively, at those corresponding time points. MRI healing of perianal fistulizing Crohn's, while arguably a more accurate assessment of treatment response, is significantly less common than clinical remission. Heterogeneity exists in the definition of radiological and clinical response, leading to variation in reported rates. Further studies, directly comparing the long‐term outcomes of patients achieving clinical remission and MRI healing are required, to better inform the role of MRI follow up in clinical practice.