bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphene IoNanofluids, Thermal and Structural Characterization
Authors: Hermida-Merino C. , Pereiro A.B. , Araújo J.M.M. , Gracia-Fernández C. , Vallejo Javier P. , Lugo Luis , Piñeiro M.M.
Published: October 2019

Graphene is considered a promising substance in applications related to the capture and reduction of the environmental impact of fluorinated gases. However, further research is still required to explore all related possibilities. In this work, the potential use in this context of nanofluids (NFs), obtained by dispersing graphene nanosheets in fluorinated ionic liquids (FILs) is investigated. As a starting step, a thermal and structural characterization for this type of IoNanofluids (IoNFs) is presented. The highly nanostructured nature of FILs has been recently demonstrated. The presence of fluorinated moieties is responsible for enhancing the accommodation of solutes such as small gases. The strong tendency to self-assemble forming continuous and supramolecular structures, and the versatility to rearrange in several conformational features allows the stabilization of nano colloidal systems. It is essential to perform a comprehensive study of their structural features to understand the behavior of this type of heterogeneous systems. Therefore, we present screening on the phase and structural behavior of these novel IoNFs to discover and develop optimized systems where FILs turn out to be advantageous. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to evaluate IoNFs mass losses with temperature, and their solid–fluid phase transitions were located using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Their rheological properties were also determined through oscillatory experiments, obtaining the viscous and loss moduli. In addition, the structural percolation transition was also identified.
An Assessment of the Effect of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Sage Leaves (Salvia officinalis L.) on Germinated Plants of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Sehnal Karel , Hosnedlova Bozena , Docekalova Michaela , Stankova Martina , Uhlirova Dagmar , Tothova Zuzana , Kepinska Marta , Milnerowicz Halina , Fernandez Carlos , Ruttkay-Nedecky Branislav , Nguyen Hoai Viet , Ofomaja Augustine , Sochor Jiri , Kizek Rene
Published: October 2019

AgNPs have attracted considerable attention in many applications including industrial use, and their antibacterial properties have been widely investigated. Due to the green synthesis process employed, the nanoparticle surface can be coated with molecules with biologically important characteristics. It has been reported that increased use of nanoparticles elevates the risk of their release into the environment. However, little is known about the behaviour of AgNPs in the eco-environment. In this study, the effect of green synthesized AgNPs on germinated plants of maize was examined. The effects on germination, basic growth and physiological parameters of the plants were monitored. Moreover, the effect of AgNPs was compared with that of Ag(I) ions in the form of AgNO3 solution. It was found that the growth inhibition of the above-ground parts of plants was about 40%, and AgNPs exhibited a significant effect on photosynthetic pigments. Significant differences in the following parameters were observed: weights of the caryopses and fresh weight (FW) of primary roots after 96 h of exposure to Ag(I) ions and AgNPs compared to the control and between Ag compounds. In addition, the coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) between the control and the AgNPs varied and that between the Ag(I) ions and AgNPs was also different. Phytotoxicity was proved in the following sequence: control < AgNPs < Ag(I) ions.
BaFe1−xCuxO3 Perovskites as Active Phase for Diesel (DPF) and Gasoline Particle Filters (GPF)
Authors: Torregrosa-Rivero Verónica , Moreno-Marcos Carla , Albaladejo-Fuentes Vicente , Sánchez-Adsuar María-Salvadora , Illán-Gómez María-José
Published: October 2019

BaFe1−xCuxO3 perovskites (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.4) have been synthetized, characterized and tested for soot oxidation in both Diesel and Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) exhaust conditions. The catalysts have been characterized by BET, ICP-OES, SEM-EDX, XRD, XPS, H2-TPR and O2-TPD and the results indicate the incorporation of copper in the perovskite lattice which leads to: (i) the deformation of the initial hexagonal perovskite structure for the catalyst with the lowest copper content (BFC1), (ii) the modification to cubic from hexagonal structure for the high copper content catalysts (BFC3 and BFC4), (iii) the creation of a minority segregated phase, BaOx-CuOx, in the highest copper content catalyst (BFC4), (iv) the rise in the quantity of oxygen vacancies/defects for the catalysts BFC3 and BFC4, and (v) the reduction in the amount of O2 released in the course of the O2-TPD tests as the copper content increases. The BaFe1−xCuxO3 perovskites catalyze both the NO2-assisted diesel soot oxidation (500 ppm NO, 5% O2) and, to a lesser extent, the soot oxidation under fuel cuts GDI operation conditions (1% O2). BFC0 is the most active catalysts as the activity seems to be mainly related with the amount of O2 evolved during an. O2-TPD, which decreases with copper content.
Maternal Human Milk Oligosaccharide Profile Modulates the Impact of an Intervention with Iron and Galacto-Oligosaccharides in Kenyan Infants
Authors: Paganini Daniela , Uyoga Mary A. , Kortman Guus A.M. , Boekhorst Jos , Schneeberger Sacha , Karanja Simon , Hennet Thierry , Zimmermann Michael B.
Published: October 2019

There is little data on human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) composition in Sub-Saharan Africa. Iron fortificants adversely affect the infant gut microbiota, while co-provision of prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) mitigates most of the adverse effects. Whether variations in maternal HMO profile can influence the infant response to iron and/or GOS fortificants is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine HMO profiles and the secretor/non-secretor phenotype of lactating Kenyan mothers and investigate their effects on the maternal and infant gut microbiota, and on the infant response to a fortification intervention with 5 mg iron (2.5 mg as sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate and 2.5 mg as ferrous fumarate) and 7.5 g GOS. We studied mother–infant pairs (n = 80) participating in a 4-month intervention trial in which the infants (aged 6.5–9.5 months) received daily a micronutrient powder without iron, with iron or with iron and GOS. We assessed: (1) maternal secretor status and HMO composition; (2) effects of secretor status on the maternal and infant gut microbiota in a cross-sectional analysis at baseline of the intervention trial; and (3) interactions between secretor status and intervention groups during the intervention trial on the infant gut microbiota, gut inflammation, iron status, growth and infectious morbidity. Secretor prevalence was 72% and HMOs differed between secretors and non-secretors and over time of lactation. Secretor status did not predict the baseline composition of the maternal and infant gut microbiota. There was a secretor-status-by-intervention-group interaction on Bifidobacterium (p = 0.021), Z-scores for length-for-age (p = 0.022) and weight-for-age (p = 0.018), and soluble transferrin receptor (p = 0.041). In the no iron group, longitudinal prevalence of diarrhea was higher among infants of non-secretors (23.8%) than of secretors (10.4%) (p = 0.001). In conclusion, HMO profile may modulate the infant gut microbiota response to fortificant iron; compared to infants of secretor mothers, infants of non-secretor mothers may be more vulnerable to the adverse effect of iron but also benefit more from the co-provision of GOS.
mir-101-3p Downregulation Promotes Fibrogenesis by Facilitating Hepatic Stellate Cell Transdifferentiation During Insulin Resistance
Authors: Meroni Marica , Longo Miriam , Erconi Veronica , Valenti Luca , Gatti Stefano , Fracanzani Anna Ludovica , Dongiovanni Paola
Published: October 2019

Insulin resistance (IR) and microRNAs (miRNAs), which regulate cell-to-cell communication between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), may intertwine in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether epigenetics and environmental factors interact to promote progressive NAFLD during IR. We examined the miRNA signature in insulin receptor haploinsufficient (InsR+/−) and wild-type (wt) HSCs by RNAseq (n = 4 per group). Then, we evaluated their impact in an IR-NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) model (InsR+/− mice fed standard or methionine choline deficient (MCD) diet, n = 10 per group) and in vitro. InsR+/− HSCs displayed 36 differentially expressed miRNAs (p < 0.05 vs. wt), whose expression was then analyzed in the liver of InsR+/− mice fed an MCD diet. We found that miR-101-3p negatively associated with both InsR+/− genotype and MCD (p < 0.05) and the histological spectrum of liver damage (p < 0.01). miR-101-3p was reduced in InsR+/− hepatocytes and HSCs and even more in InsR+/− cells exposed to insulin (0.33 µM) and fatty acids (0.25 mM), resembling the IR-NASH model. Conversely, insulin induced miR-101-3p expression in wt cells but not in InsR+/− ones (p < 0.05). In conclusion, IR combined with diet-induced liver injury favors miR-101-3p downregulation, which may promote progressive NAFLD through HSC and hepatocyte transdifferentiation and proliferation.
The Usefulness of Anthropometric Indices to Identify the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Suliga Edyta , Ciesla Elzbieta , Głuszek-Osuch Martyna , Rogula Tomasz , Głuszek Stanisław , Kozieł Dorota
Published: October 2019

Despite several papers having been published on the association between adiposity and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), it is still difficult to determine unambiguously which of the indices of nutritional status is the best to identify MetS. The aim of this study was to analyze the ability of six anthropometric indices to identify MetS in the Polish population. The highest odds ratios for the occurrence of MetS, according to International Diabetes Federation (IDF), were noted for the following indices: waist-to-height ratio (WHtR, OR = 24.87) and Clínica Universidad de Navarra-body adiposity estimator (CUN-BAE, OR = 17.47) in men and WHtR (OR = 25.61) and body roundness index (BRI, OR = 16.44) in women. The highest odds ratios for the modified definition of MetS (without waist circumference) were found for the following indices: WHtR (OR = 7.32), BRI (OR = 6.57), and CUN-BAE (OR = 6.12) in women and CUN-BAE (OR = 5.83), WHtR (OR = 5.70), and body mass index (BMI, OR = 5.65) in men (p < 0.001 for all). According to the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses conducted for the identification of MetS, defined in accordance with IDF, the largest areas under the curve (AUCs) in men were observed for WHtR and CUN-BAE indices, whereas in women, they were observed for WHtR and BRI. In the analysis carried out for the identification of MetS (according to modified definition, without waist circumference), the AUCs were larger for WHtR and BRI in women, while in men, they were larger for CUN-BAE, BMI, and WHtR. BMI was also characterized by a relatively strong discriminatory power in identifying individuals with MetS. An optimal cut-off point for MetS, in accordance with the conventional definition, for both sexes was the value of BMI = 27.2 kg/m2. The weakest predictor of the syndrome was the ABSI (a body shape index) indicator. The most useful anthropometric indicator for the identification of MetS, both in men and in women in the Polish population, was WHtR. The optimal cut-off points for WHtR equaled 0.56 in men and 0.54 in women.
Effect of High-Dose Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Atherosclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Sekikawa Akira , Cui Chendi , Sugiyama Daisuke , Fabio Anthony , Harris William S. , Zhang Xiao
Published: October 2019

A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT), the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT), reported that high-dose marine omega-3 fatty acids (OM3) significantly reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, yet the mechanisms responsible for this benefit remain unknown. To test the hypothesis that high-dose OM3 is anti-atherosclerotic, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCT of high-dose OM3 on atherosclerosis. The protocol of this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019125566). PubMed, Embase, Cochran Central Register for Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched using the following criteria: adult participants, high-dose OM3 (defined as ≥3.0 g/day, or in Japan 1.8 g/day and purity ≥90%) as the intervention, changes in atherosclerosis as the outcome, and RCTs with an intervention duration of ≥6 months. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates across studies. Among the 598 articles retrieved, six articles met our criteria. Four RCTs evaluated atherosclerosis in the coronary and two in the carotid arteries. High-dose OM3 significantly slowed the progression of atherosclerosis (standardized mean difference −1.97, 95% confidence interval −3.01, −0.94, p < 0.001). The results indicate that anti-atherosclerotic effect of high-dose OM3 is one potential mechanism in reducing CVD outcomes demonstrated in the REDUCE-IT trial.
Combined Buckwheat d-Fagomine and Fish Omega-3 PUFAs Stabilize the Populations of Gut Prevotella and Bacteroides While Reducing Weight Gain in Rats
Authors: Hereu Mercè , Ramos-Romero Sara , Marín-Valls Roser , Amézqueta Susana , Miralles-Pérez Bernat , Romeu Marta , Méndez Lucía , Medina Isabel , Torres Josep Lluís
Published: October 2019

Some functional food components may help maintain homeostasis by promoting balanced gut microbiota. Here, we explore the possible complementary effects of d-fagomine and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid/docosahexaenoic acid (EPA/DHA 1:1) on putatively beneficial gut bacterial strains. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were supplemented with d-fagomine, ω-3 PUFAs, or both, for 23 weeks. Bacterial subgroups were evaluated in fecal DNA by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and short-chain fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. We found that the populations of the genus Prevotella remained stable over time in animals supplemented with d-fagomine, independently of ω-3 PUFA supplementation. Animals in these groups gained less weight than controls and rats given only ω-3 PUFAs. d-Fagomine supplementation together with ω-3 PUFAs maintained the relative populations of Bacteroides. ω-3 PUFAs alone or combined with d-fagomine reduced the amount of acetic acid and total short-chain fatty acids in feces. The plasma levels of pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid derived metabolites, triglycerides and cholesterol were lower in both groups supplemented with ω-3 PUFAs. The d-fagomine and ω-3 PUFAs combination provided the functional benefits of each supplement. Notably, it helped stabilize populations of Prevotella in the rat intestinal tract while reducing weight gain and providing the anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits of ω-3 PUFAs.
Differential Cell Lysis Among Periodontal Strains of JP2 and Non-JP2 Genotype of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Serotype B Is Not Reflected in Dissimilar Expression and Production of Leukotoxin
Authors: Jensen Anne Birkeholm , Lund Marianne , Nørskov-Lauritsen Niels , Johansson Anders , Claesson Rolf , Reinholdt Jesper , Haubek Dorte
Published: October 2019

Leukotoxic potential of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans strains has been studied by the use of several methods, and results differ depending on the methods used. The aim of the present study was to perform a comprehensive examination of the leukotoxic potential of a collection of A. actinomycetemcomitans strains by use of three quantitative methods, Western blotting, ELISA, and mRNA expression assay and compare these results with previous data obtained by a cell lysis assay. A higher leukotoxic potential among JP2 genotype strains compared to non-JP2 genotype strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans was found by Western blotting, ELISA and mRNA expression assay. Leukotoxicity as determined by cell lysis assay showed a variation among strains examined, not only depending on being part of JP2 genotype vs. non-JP2 genotype group of A. actinomycetemcomitans. The leukotoxicity of A. actinomycetemcomitans strains as determined by cell lysis assay did not correspond to the leukotoxic potential of A. actinomycetemcomitans strains as determined by three quantitative methods. A comparison of the results obtained by ELISA and mRNA expression assay showed a reasonable correlation between these two methods. It seems important to use more than one method to assess the LtxA-related virulence capacity of A. actinomycetemcomitans in order to obtain comprehensive understanding of the leukotoxic potential of A. actinomycetemcomitans strains.
Resistome Profiles, Plasmid Typing, and Whole-Genome Phylogenetic Tree Analyses of BlaNDM-9 and Mcr-1 Co-Harboring Escherichia coli ST617 from a Patient without a History of Farm Exposure in Korea
Authors: Nguyen Le Phuong , Pinto Naina Adren , Vu Thao Nguyen , Mai Hung , Pham An HT , Lee Hyunsook , Cho Young Lag , Byun Jung-Hyun , D’Souza Roshan , Yong Dongeun
Published: October 2019

Recently, a blaNDM-9 and mcr-1 co-harboring E. coli ST 617 isolate was identified from an asymptomatic carrier in Korea. An 81-year-old female was admitted to a university hospital for aortic cardiac valve repair surgery. Following surgery, she was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for three days, and carbapenem-resistant E. coli YMC/2017/02/MS631 was isolated from a surveillance culture (rectal swab). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for colistin was not performed at that time. Upon retrospective study, further AST revealed resistance to all tested antibiotics, including meropenem, imipenem, ceftazidime-avibactam, amikacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and colistin, with the exception of tigecycline. Whole genome sequencing analyses showed that this strain belonged to the ST617 serotype O89/162: H10 and harbored three β-lactamase genes (blaTEM-1B, blaCTX-M-55, blaNDM-9), mcr-1, and 14 other resistance genes. Seven plasmid replicon types (IncB, IncFII, IncI2, IncN, IncY, IncR, IncX1) were identified. Horizontal transfer of blaNDM-9 and mcr-1 from donor cells to the recipient E. coli J53 has been observed. blaNDM-9 and mcr-1 were carried by IncB and IncI2 plasmids, respectively. To speculate on the incidence of this strain, routine rectal swab screening to identify asymptomatic carriers might be warranted, in addition to the screening of ICU patients.
Evaluation of Sucrose Laurate as an Intestinal Permeation Enhancer for Macromolecules: Ex Vivo and In Vivo Studies
Authors: McCartney Fiona , Rosa Mónica , Brayden David J.
Published: October 2019

Oral delivery of macromolecules requires permeation enhancers (PEs) adaptable to formulation. Sucrose laurate (SL) (D1216), a food grade surfactant, was assessed in Caco-2 monolayers, isolated rat intestinal tissue mucosae, and rat intestinal instillations. Accordingly, 1 mM SL increased the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of [14C]-mannitol and reduced transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) across monolayers. It altered expression of the tight junction protein, ZO-1, increased plasma membrane potential, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in Caco-2 cells. The concentrations that increased flux were of the same order as those that induced cytotoxicity. In rat colonic tissue mucosae, the same patterns emerged in respect to the concentration-dependent increases in paracellular marker fluxes and TEER reductions with 5 mM being the key concentration. While the histology revealed some perturbation, ion transport capacity was retained. In rat jejunal and colonic instillations, 50 and 100 mM SL co-administered with insulin induced blood glucose reductions and achieved relative bioavailability values of 2.4% and 8.9%, respectively, on a par with the gold standard PE, sodium caprate (C10). The histology of the intestinal loops revealed little damage. In conclusion, SL is a candidate PE with high potential for emulsion-based systems. The primary action is plasma membrane perturbation, leading to tight junction openings and a predominant paracellular flux.
Impact of Diabetes Perceptions on Medication Adherence in Japan
Authors: Urata Koki , Hashimoto Kana , Horiuchi Reiko , Fukui Kiichi , Arai Kunizo
Published: October 2019

Background: Patients’ perception of diabetes mellitus is one of the psychosocial factors influencing diabetic behavior. This patients’ perception of the disease is a mental image formed from the experience of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and reportedly reflects the aspect of recuperation. We investigated the relationship between changes in the patients’ perception of the disease and medication adherence, as influenced by the active involvement of community pharmacists. Methods: A prospective cohort study that used patient registry based in community pharmacies was conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes using oral antidiabetic agents at a pharmacy in Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan. Patients responded to the questionnaire at the time of enrollment and at the end of the one-year intervention period. The pharmacist confirmed the patient's medication status and treatment problems via telephone calls at least once every two weeks for one year. Main outcome measures: Type 2 diabetes patients’ perception of the disease related to medication adherence. Results: The study enrolled 113 patients. Among the seven diabetes image factors, “Living an orderly life” and “Feeling of fear” were significantly associated with medication adherence. “Feeling of neglect of health” was significantly associated at the subscale level. Conclusion: All the three factors related to medication adherence indicated self-care ability. To enhance the self-care ability of the patient, pharmacists should assist in self-care interventions for the patients.
It’s about Time: Film, Video Games, and the Advancement of an Artform
Authors: Gimbel Steven , Roman Joseph
Published: October 2019

Jon Robson and Aaron Meskin have argued that the insights obtained through the philosophical analysis of video games is not specific to video games, but to a larger class of artistic creations they term Self-Involving Interactive Fictions, or SIIFs. But there is at least one aspect of SIIF video games that is philosophically interesting and does not apply to the class of SIIFs as a whole, the ability to represent non-classical time. If SIIF video games are considered to be an extension of the art form of graphic narrative story-telling, the art form dominated by film, then the ability to represent time in in this fashion represents a revolution akin to that of vanishing point perspective in painting. This makes SIIF video games philosophically interesting for both philosophers of film and philosophers of video games.
Ultrafast All-Optical Signal Modulation Induced by Optical Kerr Effect in a Tellurite Photonic Bandgap Fiber
Authors: Cheng Tonglei , Zhang Fan , Tanaka Shunta , Li Shuguang , Yan Xin , Zhang Xuenan , Suzuki Takenobu , Ohishi Yasutake
Published: October 2019

Ultrafast all-optical signal modulation induced by optical Kerr effect (OKE) was demonstrated in an all-solid tellurite photonic bandgap fiber (PBGF) which was designed and fabricated based on TeO2-Li2O-WO3-MoO3-Nb2O5 (TLWMN, high-index rods), TeO2-ZnO-Na2O-La2O3 (TZNL, background), and TeO2-ZnO-Li2O-K2O-Al2O3-P2O5 (TZLKAP, cladding) glasses. At the input of a control pulse with high intensity, OKE occurred in the tellurite PBGF and the transmission bands of the tellurite PBGF shifted. The signal at 1.57 μm transmitting in the fiber core can be ultrafast all-optically modulated by the ultrafast single pulse (200 kW, 200 fs) under OKE, where the modulation speed can reach 50 GHz, faster than some commercial LiNbO3 modulators. The results in this paper can be applied to multi-monitors, local area network, detectors, multi-sources, etc.
Rice Novel Semidwarfing Gene d60 Can Be as Effective as Green Revolution Gene sd1
Authors: Tomita Motonori , Ishimoto Keiichiro
Published: October 2019

Gene effects on the yield performance were compared among promising semidwarf genes, namely, novel gene d60, representative gene sd1 with different two source IR8 and Jukkoku, and double dwarf combinations of d60 with each sd1 allele, in a Koshihikari background. Compared with the culm length of variety Koshihikari (mean, 88.8 cm), that of the semidwarf or double dwarf lines carrying Jukkoku_sd1, IR8_sd1, d60, Jukkoku_sd1 plus d60, or IR8_sd1 plus d60 was shortened to 71.8 cm, 68.5 cm, 65.7 cm, 48.6 cm, and 50.3 cm, respectively. Compared with the yield of Koshihikari (mean, 665.3 g/m2), that of the line carrying Jukkoku_sd1 allele showed the highest value (772.6 g/m2, 16.1% higher than Koshihikari), while that of IR8_sd1, d60 and IR8_sd1 plus d60, was slightly decreased by 7.1%, 5.5%, and 9.7% respectively. The line carrying Jukkoku_sd1 also showed the highest value in number of panicles and florets/panicle, 16.2% and 11.1% higher than in Koshihikari, respectively, and these effects were responsible for the increases in yield. The 1000-grain weight was equivalent among all genetic lines. Except for the semidwarf line carrying Jukkoku_sd1, semidwarf line carrying d60 was equivalent to line carrying IR8_sd1in the yield of unpolished rice, and yield components such as panicle length, panicle number, floret number /panicle. Therefore, the semidwarfing gene d60 is one of the best possible choices in practical breeding.
Mutagenesis Approaches and Their Role in Crop Improvement
Authors: Chaudhary Juhi , Deshmukh Rupesh , Sonah Humira
Published: October 2019

Induced mutagenesis is one of the most efficient tools that has been utilized extensively to create genetic variation as well as for identification of key regulatory genes for economically important traits toward the crop improvement. Mutations can be induced by several techniques such as physical, chemical, and insertional mutagen treatments; however, these methods are not preferred because of cost and tedious process. Nonetheless, with the advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, millions of mutations can be detected in a very short period of time and, therefore, considered as convenient and cost efficient. Furthermore, induced mutagenesis coupled with whole-genome sequencing has provided a robust platform for forward and reverse genetic applications. Moreover, the availability of whole-genome sequence information for large number of crops has enabled target-specific genome editing techniques as a preferable method to engineer desired mutations. The available genome editing approaches such as ZFNs (Zinc Finger Nucleases), transcription activator like effector nucleases (TALENS), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated9 (Cas9) endonuclease have been utilized to perform site-specific mutations in several plant species. In particular, the CRISPR/Cas9 has transformed the genome editing because of its simplicity and robustness, therefore, have been utilized to enhance biotic and abiotic stress resistance. The Special Issue of Plants highlights the efforts by the scientific community utilizing mutagenesis techniques for the identification of novel genes toward crop improvement.
Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of 3D Printed Wood-PLA/PHA Using Fused Deposition Modelling: Effect of Printing Temperature
Authors: Guessasma Sofiane , Belhabib Sofiane , Nouri Hedi
Published: October 2019

The microstructure and mechanical performance of wood-based filament is investigated in the case of Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technique using experimental and numerical approaches. The printing process of wood-PLA/PHA is conducted by varying the printing temperature, typically from 210 °C to 250 °C. The filament temperature during the laying down is measured using infra-red camera to study the thermal cycling. In addition, X-ray micro-tomography is used to evaluate the material arrangement of printed wood-PLA/PHA at different length scales. Tensile experiments are performed to rank the loss in mechanical performance with respect to the filament properties. Finally, finite element computation is considered to predict the tensile behaviour based on the implementation of the real 3D microstructure issued from X-ray micro-tomography. The results show that the wood-based filament is printable over a wide range of temperatures and exhibits a marked heat accumulation tendency at high printing temperatures. However, the limited gain in tensile performance at these temperatures makes 220 °C an optimal choice for printing wood-based filament. The elongation at break of 3D-printed wood-PLA/PHA is remarkably similar to the results observed for the filament. Finite element computation reveals that despite this apparent similarity, the associated deformation mechanisms are different.
Effects of Three Different Injection-Molding Methods on the Mechanical Properties and Electrical Conductivity of Carbon Nanotube/Polyethylene/Polyamide 6 Nanocomposite
Authors: Mi Dashan , Zhao Zhongguo , Zhu Wenli
Published: October 2019

Morphological evolution under shear, during different injection processes, is an important issue in the phase morphology control, electrical conductivity, and physical properties of immiscible polymer blends. In the current work, conductive nanocomposites were produced through three different injection-molding methods, namely, conventional injection molding, multi-flow vibration injection molding (MFVIM), and pressure vibration injection molding (PVIM). Carbon nanotubes in the polyamide (PA) phase and the morphology of the PA phase were controlled by various injection methods. For MFVIM, multi-flows provided consistently stable shear forces, and mechanical properties were considerably improved after the application of high shear stress. Shear forces improved electrical property along the flow direction by forming an oriented conductive path. However, shear does not always promote the formation of conductive paths. Oscillatory shear stress from a vibration system of PVIM can tear a conductive path, thereby reducing electrical conductivity by six orders of magnitude. Although unstable high shear forces can greatly improve mechanical properties compared with the conventional injection molding (CIM) sample, oscillatory shear stress increases the dispersion of the PA phase. These interesting results provide insights into the production of nanocomposites with high mechanical properties and suitable electrical conductivity by efficient injection molding.
Construction of Antifouling Membrane Surfaces through Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly of Lignosulfonate and Polyethyleneimine
Authors: Gu Lin , Xie Meng-Yun , Jin Yu , He Min , Xing Xiao-Yan , Yu Yuan , Wu Qing-Yun
Published: October 2019

Lignin is the second most abundant and low-cost natural polymer, but its high value-added utilization is still lack of effective and economic ways. In this paper, waste lignosulfonate (LS) was introduced to fabricate antifouling membrane surfaces via layer-by-layer self-assembly with polyethyleneimine (PEI). The LS/PEI multilayers were successfully deposited on the polysulfone (PSf) membrane, as demonstrated by ATR-FTIR, XPS, Zeta potential measurements, AFM, and SEM. Meanwhile, the effect of the number of bilayers was investigated in detail on the composition, morphologies, hydrophilicity, and antifouling performance of the membrane surface. As a result, with the bilayer numbers increase to 5, the PSf membrane shows smooth surface with small roughness, and its water contact angle reduces to 44.1°, indicating the improved hydrophilicity. Accordingly, the modified PSf membrane with 5 LS/PEI bilayers repels the adsorption of protein, resulting in good antifouling performance. This work provides a green, facile, and low-cost strategy to construct antifouling membrane surfaces.
Preparation and Characterization of Flame-Retarded Poly(butylene terephthalate)/Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Blends: Effect of Content and Type of Flame Retardant
Authors: Zhang Weizhou , Zheng Cheng , Zhang Yuhui , Guo Weihong
Published: October 2019

A flame retardant named TAD was synthesized by the reaction of 9,10-Dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide and triallyl isocyanurate at first. Then, novel flameretarded materials based on PBT and PET resin were formulated via melt blending with TAD, expandable graphite (EG), and a mixture of both. The effect of flame retardant type and TAD content on the flame behavior of PBT/PET blend was carefully investigated. TAD contributed towards higher LOI value and better UL-94 performance than EG. However, the best V-0 rating in the UL-94 test was achieved by the incorporation of TAD/EG mixture into the resin matrix. TAD/EG combination exhibited clear synergistic effect on both reducing the flaming intensity and increasing the residual char layer, as confirmed by cone calorimeter tests and TGA results. SEM images combined with XPS analysis revealed that expansion and migration of EG locked the P-containing radicals from decomposing TAD into the condensed phase, which led to the formation of compact and continuous char layers. All the results in our studies demonstrate that incorporation of TAD with a charring agent EG is an effective and promising technique to develop flame-retarded PBT/PET material, which has high potential for applications in the areas of electronic devices, household products, and automotive parts.
Climate during the Last Glacial Maximum in the Northern Sawatch Range, Colorado, USA
Authors: Brugger Keith A. , Ruleman Chester A. , Caffee Marc W. , Mason Cody C.
Published: October 2019

Temperature-index modeling is used to determine the magnitude of temperature depression in the northern Sawatch Range required to maintain steady-state mass balances of six reconstructed glaciers at their extent during the local Last Glacial Maximum (LLGM), dated at ~21 ka. Assuming no significant differences in precipitation compared to modern values, mean annual temperatures in the region were on average 8.8 + 0.5/– 0.8 °C cooler than they are today. Allowing for modest (± 10 cm) increases or decreases in precipitation, required temperature depressions only differ by ±0.2 °C. Temperature depression in the northern Sawatch Range is consistent, although slightly greater, with those determined in other ranges in Colorado using similar approaches. The estimates presented here are, however, substantially less than those suggested by several downscaled simulations of global Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) climate, that might be due to the need for improved calibration of such downscaled simulations, or the models from which they are derived. Our estimates of LGM temperature depression are considerably greater than that previously determined in the study area and those in two other ranges in Colorado derived using different methodologies, the latter being most likely responsible for the discrepancies.
Sacred Watersheds and the Fate of the Village Body Politic in Tibetan and Han Communities Under China’s Ecological Civilization
Authors: Coggins Chris
Published: October 2019

The “spirit” in spiritual ecology is an active political force deserving sustained scholarly analysis and public recognition. This article reports on 15 years of field research on “animate landscapes,” associated with gods and spirits in Tibetan communities, and “vital landscapes” associated with fengshui in Han Villages. Despite a century of dramatic sociopolitical change across rural areas in the People’s Republic of China, many villages maintain significant geo-phenomenological connections between body, mind, and land, comprising a body politic maintained through ritual cycles and dwelling practices that uphold the sanctity and integrity of vital watersheds. Comparative analysis of Han and Tibetan spiritual ecologies reveals that cosmological landscapes comprise the armature of relational ontologies grounding and informing everyday life, livelihood, and power relations. As dynamic, emergent, and flexible systems of socio-ecological adaptation that both shape and are shaped by regional and transnational media, they play significant roles in policy initiatives associated with Ecological Civilization and hold potential for broadening the horizons of Anthropocene scholarship, socio-ecological activism, and meaningful settlement in a profoundly unsettled world.
Transformations of ‘Sacredness in Stone’: Religious Architecture in Urban Space in 21st Century Germany—New Perspectives in the Study of Religious Architecture
Authors: de Wildt Kim , Radermacher Martin , Krech Volkhard , Löffler Beate , Sonne Wolfgang
Published: October 2019

Religious transformations in modern societies are not merely a discursive or demographic phenomenon, they also relate to religious architecture in urban space and affect the built environment at its core. Many churches, for instance, are in the process of reuse, closure, or even demolition. At the same time, there has been an increase in the construction of new mosques and a reorientation in synagogue architecture in Germany for the last twenty-five years. The three religious traditions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—undergo remarkable transformations with regard to the design and style of their places of worship. Often, however, these new designs are not easily ‘readable’ to visitors and believers alike. In addition, the role of contemporary religious architecture in its relation to urban space is changing. Which meanings do religious buildings convey, how are they positioned, and how do they structure urban space? In collaboration of the study of religions and architectural history, we approach these questions by means of studying the transformations of contemporary religious architecture in Germany in a comparative manner. We survey Jewish, Christian, and Muslim places of worship, that is, new constructions, reused, and demolished buildings in Germany since 1990. The selected buildings are studied in detail regarding their meaning and positioning in urban space. This article presents findings from an ongoing research project and opens new perspectives in the study of urban religion.
Recovery and Valorisation of Energy from Wastewater Using a Water Source Heat Pump at the Glasgow Subway: Potential for Similar Underground Environments
Authors: Ninikas Konstantinos , Hytiris Nicholas , Emmanuel Rohinton , Aaen Bjorn
Published: October 2019

An installation of a Water Source Heat Hump (WSHP) at Glasgow’s Underground Station, has been using the subsurface wastewater ingress to heat the office at St. George’s Cross station. The performance of the Glasgow Subway’s new heating system was observed for a few months. The energy output readings are being presented. An average coefficient of performance (CoP) of 2.5 and a 60% energy input reduction for the heating system based on the old heating system’s energy demand indicates the actual system’s performance. The purpose of this research is to detect the likelihood of implementing the same setup in similar underground environments where the excess wastewater may support a viable and eco-friendly heating system. Fifteen cities across Europe have been identified and presented, with the adequate water quantities, where similar heating systems may be applied. The output of this study indicates not only the financial benefit but also the energy and carbon reduction of this trial. It highlights main subjects which were encountered in such a challenging subway system. Future steps to commercialize the excess heat energy output are explored together with opportunities to promote the same setup in similar cases.
Tropospheric Delay Correction Based on a Three-Dimensional Joint Model for InSAR
Authors: Xu Huaping , Luo Yao , Yang Bo , Li Zhaohong , Liu Wei
Published: October 2019

Tropospheric delays in spaceborne Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) can contaminate the measurement of small amplitude earth surface deformation. In this paper, a novel TXY-correlated method is proposed, where the main tropospheric delay components are jointly modeled in three dimensions, and then the long-scale and topography-correlated tropospheric delay components are corrected simultaneously. Moreover, the strategies of scale filtering and alternative iteration are employed to accurately retrieve all components of the joint model. Both the TXY-correlated method and the conventional phase-based methods are tested with a total of 25 TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X images collected over the Chaobai River site and the Renhe Town of Beijing Shunyi District, where natural scenes and man-made targets are contained. A higher correction rate of tropospheric delays and a greater reduction in spatio-temporal standard deviations of time series displacement are observed after delay correction by the TXY-correlated method in both non-urban and urban areas, which demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method.
Development and Validation of Plain English Interpretations of the Seven Elements of the Risk Management Process
Authors: Marling Garry , Horberry Tim , Harris Jill
Published: October 2019

A fundamental problem with risk management standards and other associated guiding documents is that the definitions and descriptors of the seven elements of the risk management process within these documents are commonly at odds with each other and are difficult to understand. An implication is that personnel within and across organisations interpret the process in different ways. This has led to some companies developing their own interpretations of the elements in their risk/work health and safety (WHS) management systems and thereby exacerbating the problem. A standard set of definitions, terminology and language are vital for addressing WHS issues efficiently and effectively to result in better outcomes. This study aimed to develop a set of plain English interpretations (PEI) for each of the seven elements of the risk management process. These seven elements sit between the scant and technical definitions contained in standards (primary and secondary) and the voluminous guidance in the handbooks and codes of practice. The Delphi-technique was used with 20 risk-experts to evaluate, over two iterations a set of draft PEIs—developed by the researchers. These were finally reviewed for readability and understandability by 24 operators/workers. The implications for these new PEIs is that they could be considered for future standards and guidance documents by the ISO Working Group Risk Management Standard and similar committees and used by organisations for their risk/WHS management systems.
Impact of Various Clothing Variations on Firefighter Mobility: A Pilot Study
Authors: Orr Robin , Simas Vini , Canetti Elisa , Maupin Daniel , Schram Ben
Published: October 2019

Firefighter clothing is known to restrict movement and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury. The aim of this study was to investigate differences between clothing variations and firefighter mobility. Data were collected from eight firefighters using a randomized counterbalanced, repeated measures, design. Three different clothing variants (V1–V3) in addition to current station wear (S) were trialed. Combinations of S and V1 (SV1) and V2 (SV2) were also trialed. Outcome measures included: standing reach height; the Functional Movement Screen [FMS]; vertical jump; a visual analogue scale [VAS] for the FMS, vertical jump, step ups and crawl; and a mannequin sketch to mark areas of discomfort. V3 was preferred over S in all tasks and performed better both objectively (FMS and vertical jump) and subjectively (VAS scores). While V1 was typically associated with poorer performance, the impacts of V1 and V2 when compared to each other and S varied depending on the tasks performed. This variation was greater when V1 or V2 were worn with S (SV1 and SV2). Areas of discomfort across all variations was the knees, followed by the thighs. Clothing that has the least impact on, or improves, mobility (especially around the lower limbs) may help reduce firefighter injury and limit subjective discomfort.
Static and Dynamic Evaluation of an UWB Localization System for Industrial Applications
Authors: Delamare Mickael , Boutteau Remi , Savatier Xavier , Iriart Nicolas
Published: October 2019

Many applications in the context of Industry 4.0 require precise localization. However, indoor localization remains an open problem, especially in complex environments such as industrial environments. In recent years, we have seen the emergence of Ultra WideBand (UWB) localization systems. The aim of this article is to evaluate the performance of a UWB system to estimate the position of a person moving in an indoor environment. To do so, we implemented an experimental protocol to evaluate the accuracy of the UWB system both statically and dynamically. The UWB system is compared to a ground truth obtained by a motion capture system with a millimetric accuracy.
Political Distrust and its Discontents: Exploring the Meaning, Expression and Significance of Political Distrust
Authors: Bertsou Eri
Published: October 2019

Political distrust has been the norm, rather than the exception, in many established democracies in recent decades. Despite a wealth of data tracking deteriorating citizen attitudes towards their governments, representatives and political systems in general, there is still a debate regarding the meaning of distrust and its significance for the health of democracies. This article contributes to the discussion by providing qualitative evidence that map the meaning, evaluative dimensions and spill-over process of distrusting political attitudes. It finds, across the three national contexts studied, that citizens express political distrust using similar language and employing the same evaluative structure. Evidence suggests that political distrust is intertwined with the failure of representation and entails a fundamentally ethical dimension. This article concludes with a discussion regarding the implications of these findings for research on diffuse support in democratic systems.
Geometric Interpretation of Errors in Multi-Parametrical Fitting Methods Based on Non-Euclidean Norms
Authors: Livadiotis George
Published: October 2019

The paper completes the multi-parametrical fitting methods, which are based on metrics induced by the non-Euclidean Lq-norms, by deriving the errors of the optimal parameter values. This was achieved using the geometric representation of the residuals sum expanded near its minimum, and the geometric interpretation of the errors. Typical fitting methods are mostly developed based on Euclidean norms, leading to the traditional least–square method. On the other hand, the theory of general fitting methods based on non-Euclidean norms is still under development; the normal equations provide implicitly the optimal values of the fitting parameters, while this paper completes the puzzle by improving understanding the derivations and geometric meaning of the optimal errors.