bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro observation of macrophage polarization and gingival fibroblast behavior on three‐dimensional xenogeneic collagen matrixes
Authors: Fujioka‐Kobayashi Masako , Ülgür Ismail I. , Katagiri Hiroki , Vuignier Sandra , Schaller Benoit
Published: February 2020

Collagen biomaterials are widely used for soft tissue augmentation. Cross‐linking techniques for collagen matrix (CM) achieve mechanical and volumetric stability; nevertheless, cross‐linking may compromise biocompatibility. The aim of the present study was to investigate two different three‐dimensional (3D) porcine‐derived CMs, noncross‐linked (ncl)_CM and cross‐linked (cl)_CM, for their effects on macrophages (Mφ) and gingival fibroblasts. The effects of the CMs on the cell viability, proliferation, and polarization of Mφ derived from human monocyte THP‐1 cells were assessed. The effects of paracrine factors from Mφ cultured on the CMs were further studied in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF‐1 cells). The spongy layer of ncl_CM was partially resorbed after 1 day of culture. cl_CM maintained increased numbers of viable cells when compared with ncl_CM on day 3 for both THP‐1 and HGF‐1 cells. Higher mRNA levels of M1 markers, including IL‐1 and IL‐6, were found in Mφ cultured on cl_CM, while no significant differences were observed in M2 marker expression levels, including Arg1 and CD206, for cells cultured on both CMs when compared with those of the control. Furthermore, the conditioned medium collected from Mφ cultured on both CMs decreased cell viability. Nevertheless, neither of the CM‐conditioned media influenced the mRNA levels of TGF‐β, COL1a2, and PDGF‐A in HGF‐1 cells when compared with the control media. A comparison showed that cl_CM tended to result in more viable cells than ncl_CM, while cl_CM polarized Mφ toward an M1 phenotype, which was confirmed by the observation of increased mRNA levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines.
Morphological and functional characterization of circulating hemocytes using microscopy techniques
Authors: Jeyachandran Sivakamavalli , Park Kiyun , Kwak Ihn‐Sil , Baskaralingam Vaseeharan
Published: February 2020

In the present study, Microscopy studies were performed to characterize the blood cells of the mangrove crab Episesarma tetragonum. Three types of hemocytes were observed: granulocytes, semi‐granulocytes, and hyalinocytes or agranulocytes. Hyalinocytes have a distinguished nucleus surrounded by the cytoplasm, and a peculiar cell type was present throughout the cytosol, lysosomes with hemocyte types (granules) stained red (pink). Giemsa staining was used to differentiate between the large and small hemocytes. Ehrlich's staining was used to differentiate granule‐containing cells in acidophils (55%), basophils (44%), and neutrophils (<1%). Periodic acid–Schiff staining was used to identify the sugar molecules in the cytoplasm. Cell‐mediated immune reactions including phagocytosis, encapsulation, agglutination, and peroxidase‐mediated cell adhesion are the functions of hemocytes. Agglutination reaction involves both kind of cells involved in yeast and heme‐agglutination responses in invertebrates. The beta glucan outer layer of yeast cells was recognized by hemocyte receptors. Human RBC cells were agglutinated via granulocytes. E. tetragonum hemocytes are an important animal model for studying both ultrastructural and functional activity of circulating cells. In addition, E. tetragonum hemocytes exhibited excellent antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were studied through plating and microplate assays. Biofilm inhibition was also visualized through changes in biochemical assays and morphological variations were visualized through levels in in situ microscopy analysis.
Local proliferation of monocytes
Authors: Jenkins Stephen J. , Knipper Johanna A. , Zaiss Dietmar M. W.
Published: February 2020

Discussion on how monocytes may contribute to the expansion of Mϕ populations at the site of inflammation.
Bifidobacterium from breastfed infant faeces prevent high‐fat‐diet‐induced glucose tolerance impairment, mediated by the modulation of glucose intake and the incretin hormone secretion axis
Authors: Li Tong , Yang Jianjun , Zhang Hongxing , Xie Yuanhong , Jin Junhua
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Probiotics are defined as microorganisms that can exert health benefits for the host. Among the recognized probiotics, Bifidobacterium are the most frequently used probiotics in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of Bifidobacterium strains isolated from breastfed infant faeces, both in vitro, using the Caco‐2 monolayer transwell model, and in vivo, using a mice model of impaired glucose tolerance induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD).

RESULTS

The cell‐free supernatant of Bifidobacterium lactis A12 showed better inhibitory activity of α‐glucosidase and inhibited the glucose absorption and transport than B. lactis BB12, which is a typical probiotic with antidiabetic capabilities. B. lactis A12 improved the impaired glucose intolerance, restored islet function and morphology with insulin resistance induced by the HFD in C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, in small intestine tissues, the cell‐free supernatant of B. lactis A12 decreased the messenger RNA expressions of sucrase‐isomaltase, live B. lactis A12 cells decreased glucose transporters 2. B. lactis A12 significantly stimulated the glucagon like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) secretion and upregulated proglucagon messenger RNA levels.

CONCLUSION

B. lactis A12 protect against the deleterious effects of HFD‐induced diabetes by inhibiting the utilization, absorption, and transport of glucose by intestinal epithelial cells and promoting the expression and secretion of GLP‐1. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The Accuracy of iPhone Applications to Monitor Environmental Noise Levels
Authors: Crossley Eleanor , Biggs Tim , Brown Phillip , Singh Tahwinder
Published: February 2020

Objective

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations came into force in Great Britain in 2005, requiring all work environments to be monitored for potentially harmful noise exposure levels. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a number of iPhone phone applications (apps) (Apple, Cupertino, CA) to accurately measure noise exposure, which may prove effective when a specialist‐calibrated sound level meter is not readily available.

Methods

Suitable apps were identified using the search terms noise and decibel through the App Store (Apple). Apps that were free to download and had at least one rating were included. Apps were evaluated using a calibrated pure tone sound field and a soundproof testing booth. A 3‐frequency audiogram (1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz) was used at 25 dB, 40 dB, 55 dB, 70 dB, and 85 dB. Linear regression was carried out to assess accuracy.

Results

Nine apps were tested in total, with four out of nine providing a goodness‐of‐fit coefficient (R2 value) over 0.9. The most effective app was found to be the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Sound Level Meter (EA LAB, Slovenia) with an R2 of 0.97. The least effective app was the Decibel Meter With Recorder (Jianhua Ming, China) with an R2 of 0.62.

Conclusion

This study has shown significant variation in the ability of iPhone apps (Apple) to accurately predict environmental dB levels. However, if the correct app is used, an iPhone represents a relatively reliable means of measuring noise exposure levels when a specialist calibrated sound level meter is not readily available.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:E59–E62, 2021
Palatopharyngoplasty Resolves Concentric Collapse in Patients Ineligible for Upper Airway Stimulation
Authors: Liu Stanley Yung‐Chuan , Hutz Michael J , Poomkonsarn Sasikarn , Chang Corissa P , Awad Michael , Capasso Robson
Published: February 2020

Objective

To determine if a modified tissue‐preserving palatopharyngoplasty could convert retropalatal concentric collapse to anteroposterior or lateral patterns of collapse on drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in patients who are not candidates for upper airway stimulation due to complete circumferential collapse at the velum.

Methods

A prospective, nonconsecutive, single‐blinded cohort study was performed by two sleep surgeons at a tertiary care center from 2015 to 2018. Inclusion criteria included adults > 18 years of age with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea with an Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) > 15, a body mass index (BMI) < 32, and < 25% central apneas on polysomnography. Twelve patients with complete circumferential collapse underwent a modified palatopharyngoplasty. Postoperatively, a repeat sleep study was performed. A repeat DISE was recommended for those with incomplete surgical response (clinically and/or AHI).

Results

Twelve patients with complete circumferential collapse were eligible for the study. Mean BMI was 30.5. Mean preoperative AHI was 54.0 events per hour. Following a modified palatopharyngoplasty, the mean AHI was reduced to 33.1 events per hour, and 100% (12 of 12) of the patients converted from a pattern of complete circumferential collapse to either no collapse at the level of the velum (3) or an anteroposterior pattern of collapse (9).

Conclusion

We demonstrate that a modified palatopharyngoplasty can successfully convert collapse patterns in patients with complete circumferential collapse. Further studies are required to determine the outcome of these patients following upper airway stimulation implantation.

Level of Evidence

1B Laryngoscope, 2020
The production of isoprene from cellulose using recombinant Clostridium cellulolyticum strains expressing isoprene synthase
Authors: Janke Christian , Gaida Stefan , Jennewein Stefan
Published: February 2020

Isoprene is an important bulk chemical which is mostly derived from fossil fuels. It is used primarily for the production of synthetic rubber. Sustainable, biotechnology‐based alternatives for the production of isoprene rely on the fermentation of sugars from food and feed crops, creating an ethical dilemma due to the competition for agricultural land. This issue could be addressed by developing new approaches based on the production of isoprene from abundant renewable waste streams. Here, we describe a proof‐of‐principle approach for the production of isoprene from cellulosic biomass, the most abundant polymer on earth. We engineered the mesophilic prokaryote Clostridium cellulolyticum, which can degrade cellulosic biomass, to utilize the resulting glucose monomers as a feedstock for the production of isoprene. This was achieved by integrating the poplar gene encoding isoprene synthase. The presence of the enzyme was confirmed by targeted proteomics, and the accumulation of isoprene was confirmed by GC‐MS/MS. We have shown for the first time that engineered C. cellulolyticum can be used as a metabolic chassis for the sustainable production of isoprene.
Expanding the Noonan spectrum/RASopathy NGS panel: Benefits of adding NF1 and SPRED1
Authors: Witkowski Leora , Dillon Mitchell W. , Murphy Elissa , S Lebo Matthew , Mason‐Suares Heather
Published: February 2020

Background

RASopathies are a group of disorders caused by disruptions to the RAS‒MAPK pathway. Despite being in the same pathway, Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) and Legius syndrome (LS) typically present with phenotypes distinct from Noonan spectrum disorders (NSDs). However, some NF1/LS individuals also exhibit NSD phenotypes, often referred to as Neurofibromatosis‐Noonan syndrome (NFNS), and may be mistakenly evaluated for NSDs, delaying diagnosis, and affecting patient management.

Methods

A derivation cohort of 28 patients with a prior negative NSD panel and either NFNS or a suspicion of NSD and café‐au‐lait spots underwent NF1 and SPRED1 sequencing. To further determine the utility and burden of adding these genes, a validation cohort of 505 patients with a suspected RASopathy were tested on a 14‐gene RASopathy‐associated panel.

Results

In the derivation cohort, six (21%) patients had disease‐causing NF1 or SPRED1 variants. In the validation cohort, 11 (2%) patients had disease‐causing variants and 15 (3%) had variants of uncertain significance in NF1 or SPRED1. Of those with disease‐causing variants, 5/17 only had an NSD diagnosis.

Conclusions

Adding NF1 and SPRED1 to RASopathy panels can speed diagnosis and improve patient management, without significantly increasing the burden of inconclusive results.
Association of ECE1 gene polymorphisms and essential hypertension risk in the Northern Han Chinese: A case‒control study
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Jielin , Liu Kuo , Liu Ya , Wen Jie , Wang Zuoguang , Wen Shaojun
Published: February 2020

Background

The ECE1 gene polymorphisms have been studied as a candidate gene in essential hypertension, but no consensus has been reached. To systematically explore their possible association, a case‒control study was conducted.

Methods

This study included 398 hypertensive subjects and 596 healthy volunteers as control subjects in the Northern Han Chinese. A total of 10 tag SNPs of ECE1 gene were genotyped successfully by TaqMan assay.

Results

A total of 10 SNPs (rs212544, rs2076280, rs115071, rs2076283, rs9426748, rs11590928, rs212515, rs2236847, rs2282715, and rs2774028) were identified as the tag SNPs for ECE1 gene. Although no positive connection has been found in general population, several SNPs have been found to be related to EH risk in gender‐stratified subgroup analysis. In males, rs115071 T allele influenced EH risk in a protective manner, with dominant model (TT+TC vs. CC: p = .032, OR = 0.655, 95% CI = 0.445–0.965), additive model (TT vs. TC vs. CC: p = .019, OR = 0.616, 95% CI = 0.411–0.924), as well as allele comparison (T vs. C: p = .045, OR = 0.702, 95% CI = 0.496–0.992). While, in females, rs212544 AA genotype would increase the onset risk of EH (recessive model: AA vs. GA+GG, p = .024, OR = 1.847, 95% CI = 1.086–3.142). In the three haplotype blocks identified, rs2076283‐rs2236847 C‐T haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of EH (OR = 0.558, p = .046).

Conclusion

The current case‒control study suggested that several SNPs and related haplotypes on ECE1 gene might be associated with the susceptibility of EH in certain gender subgroups in the Northern Han Chinese population.
Existence and asymptotic behavior of solutions for a mathematical ecology model with herd behavior
Authors: Yang Wenbin
Published: February 2020

In this work, we consider a prey‐predator model with herd behavior under Neumann boundary conditions. For the system without diffusion, we establish a sufficient condition to guarantee the local asymptotic stability of all nontrivial equilibria and prove the existence of limit cycle of our proposed model. For the system with diffusion, we consider the long time behavior of the model including global attractor and local stability, and the Hopf and steady‐state bifurcation analysis from the unique homogeneous positive steady state are carried out in detail. Furthermore, some numerical simulations to illustrate the theoretical analysis are performed to expand our theoretical results.
Optimal perturbation iteration technique for solving nonlinear Volterra‐Fredholm integral equations
Authors: Deniz Sinan
Published: February 2020

In this work, the optimal perturbation iteration method is briefly presented and employed for solving nonlinear Volterra‐Fredholm integral equations. The classical form of the optimal perturbation iteration method is modified, and new algorithms are constructed for integral equations. Comparing our new algorithms with some earlier papers proved the excellent accuracy of the newly proposed technique.
Enhancing proton conductivity of proton exchange membrane with SPES nanofibers containing porous organic cage
Authors: Xu Xianlin , Shao Zhufeng , Shi Lei , Cheng Bowen , Yin Xuan , Zhuang Xupin , Di Youbo
Published: February 2020

Effective proton conducting sites and establishing proton channels are two critical factors in developing high‐performance proton exchange membranes. This study first establishes a strategy in designing effective proton conducting channels for Nafion by using solution blowing of sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) nanofibers containing CC3, which is an emerging porous organic cage that possesses the advantages of dissolvable organic solvents and high proton conduction from its interconnected three‐dimensional pore structure. Our strategy results in SPES nanofiber networks with CC3 uniformly involved in and composite membranes with Nafion‐filled interfiber voids. Benefiting from such structural features, the composite membrane exhibits high proton conductivity (0.315 S cm−1 at 80°C and 100% RH), low methanol permeability (0.69 × 10−7 cm2 S−1), excellent water absorption, thermal and dimensional stability, and single‐cell performance. This study provides not only a valuable reference for the application of CC3 but also a new idea for establishment of proton transfer channels.
The Feasibility and Acceptability of Virtual Therapy Environments for Early ICU Mobilization
Authors: Parke Sara , Hough Catherine L. , E. Bunnell Aaron
Published: February 2020

Background

Early mobilization in critically ill patients has been documented to reduce neuromuscular complications, but access to rehabilitation services is often limited in the intensive care unit (ICU). Virtual platforms that deliver therapy may increase access to rehabilitation services and improve patient motivation to participate. Xbox Kinect Jintronix software delivers interventions using games and activities designed for therapy.

Objective

To determine the feasibility of the Jintronix virtual therapy system in an ICU setting by observing outcomes related to patient satisfaction, adverse events, and technical applicability.

Design

Prospective observational feasibility study.

Setting

Medical ICU at a Level 1 Trauma Center within an academic medical center.

Participants

Twenty adults admitted to ICU.

Intervention

Participants engaged in one therapy session with a maximum of 14 Jintronix modules targeting arm, leg, and/or trunk strength, range of motion, and endurance.

Outcome Measures

A trained physician‐observer recorded events related to adverse events and technical applicability. Participants completed a survey to determine patient satisfaction.

Results

A total of 188 modules were completed. Participants completed a median of nine modules each. Five participants completed the maximum of 14 modules. Fatigue was the most common reason for cessation. Mean intervention time was 29 minutes. There were no falls, lines dislodged, or medical events. Participants required physical assistance or verbal cues in 36% of modules. Technical errors affected 25% of modules and led to activity cessation in one case. Nearly all participants reported the activity was enjoyable, comfortable, safe, easy to understand, would improve range of motion and strength, and would motivate them to continue.

Conclusions

Use of a virtual therapy environment in an intensive care setting is feasible.
Ozone synthesis from oxygen in narrow‐gap hybrid discharge integrated with oxide coating: The role of surface catalytic reactions
Authors: Li Meng , Zheng Li‐Biao , Zhang Xiao‐Min , Zhang Lu‐Yao , Yan Yan , Zhu Bin , Zhu Yi‐Min
Published: February 2020

Integrating oxide coatings with narrow‐gap hybrid discharge (HD) can modulate ozone (O3) synthesis. O3 concentration () and energy yield (η) for HD can be enhanced by single‐valent oxides, whereas they are reduced by multivalent oxides. The discharge and oxide characterizations suggest that surface catalytic reactions play a crucial role in the synthesis of O3: single‐valent oxide coatings facilitate O3 production by offering abundant catalytic sites for surface catalytic reactions; surface catalytic reactions on multivalent oxide coatings suppress O3 production because of the dominating O3 decomposition over highly active sites of oxygen vacancies. This study is inspirational for designing and fabricating high‐efficiency O3 generators.
Quantification of Biomarker Proteins Using Reverse‐Phase Protein Arrays
Authors: Yamada Tesshi
Published: February 2020

It is expected that antibody‐based proteomics will soon occupy a pivotal position in the discovery and validation of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The reverse‐phase protein array (RPPA) is an antibody‐based proteomic method that can quantify the expression of multiple posttranslationally modified proteins (such as those that have been phosphorylated) across a large number of protein samples. RPPA is highly sensitive and requires only very small protein samples. This feature, in combination with large antibody libraries, makes RPPA ideal for clinical proteomics, as well as the fact that it is an expandable multiplex assay. In Volume 14, Issue 1 of Proteomics Clinical Applications, Suzuki and colleagues report for the first time a study comparing RPPA and immunohistochemistry for quantification of seven biomarker proteins used for subtyping of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Such combination of multiple biomarkers is likely to increase diagnostic accuracy and can be used for precise classification of this heterogeneous disease.
Global Double Field Theory is Higher Kaluza‐Klein Theory
Authors: Alfonsi Luigi
Published: February 2020

Kaluza‐Klein Theory states that a metric on the total space of a principal bundle , if it is invariant under the principal action of P, naturally reduces to a metric together with a gauge field on the base manifold M. We propose a generalization of this Kaluza‐Klein principle to higher principal bundles and higher gauge fields. For the particular case of the abelian gerbe of Kalb‐Ramond field, this Higher Kaluza‐Klein geometry provides a natural global formulation for Double Field Theory (DFT). In this framework the doubled space is the total space of a higher principal bundle and the invariance under its higher principal action is exactly a global formulation of the familiar strong constraint. The patching problem of DFT is naturally solved by gluing the doubled space with a higher group of symmetries in a higher category. Locally we recover the familiar picture of an ordinary para‐Hermitian manifold equipped with Born geometry. Infinitesimally we recover the familiar picture of a higher Courant algebroid twisted by a gerbe (also known as Extended Riemannian Geometry). As first application we show that on a torus‐compactified spacetime the Higher Kaluza‐Klein reduction gives automatically rise to abelian T‐duality, while on a general principal bundle it gives rise to non‐abelian T‐duality. As final application we define a natural notion of Higher Kaluza‐Klein monopole by directly generalizing the ordinary Gross‐Perry one. Then we show that under Higher Kaluza‐Klein reduction, this monopole is exactly the NS5‐brane on a 10d spacetime. If, instead, we smear it along a compactified direction we recover the usual DFT monopole on a 9d spacetime.
Estimation of group means using Bayesian generalized linear mixed models
Authors: LaLonde Amy , Qu Yongming
Published: February 2020

Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) are commonly used to model the treatment effect over time while controlling for important clinical covariates. Standard software procedures often provide estimates of the outcome based on the mean of the covariates; however, these estimates will be biased for the true group means in the GLMM. Implementing GLMM in the frequentist framework can lead to issues of convergence. A simulation study demonstrating the use of fully Bayesian GLMM for providing unbiased estimates of group means is shown. These models are very straightforward to implement and can be used for a broad variety of outcomes (eg, binary, categorical, and count data) that arise in clinical trials. We demonstrate the proposed method on a data set from a clinical trial in diabetes.
An analysis of the influence of hand hole and ventilation hole design on compressive strength of corrugated fiberboard boxes by an artificial neural network model
Authors: Archaviboonyobul Tita , Chaveesuk Ravipim , Singh Jay , Jinkarn Tunyarut
Published: February 2020

This research aimed at developing a high‐performing corrugated fiberboard box compression strength prediction model and to analyze the influences of ventilation and hand hole designs for these containers on the box compression test (BCT) by applying artificial neural network (ANN) modeling. The input variables considered in this study are composed of nine parameters including box dimension as well as shapes, sizes, positions, and locations of ventilations and hand holes of a regular slotted container (RSC, FEFCO 0201). Back propagation algorithms (BPNs) of ANN models were developed from 970 BCT testing data points (single wall boards, C flute, 205/112/205 g/m2). Tested data was randomly broken into three groups for the model development as 80:10:10 for the training set, testing set, and validating set. According to the analysis performed, a BPN 9‐13‐1 model reflected the highest prediction performance withR2= 0.97. According to the analysis, BCT was significantly affected by the hand hole location followed by the geometrical dimensions of the box (height, length, and width) and the ventilation factors (shape, number, and location) in that order. Hand holes at the top flaps caused a lower BCT reduction compared with those at the vertical locations of the box. Slight changes to the eliminated board area for both hand holes and ventilation (±5%) contributed to less BCT reduction compared with its locations and shapes. Interestingly, increasing the box height significantly increased the BCT, and this was found to be limited only to shorter boxes fabricated from a high stiffness corrugated board.
Characterization of the metabolites of TUG‐891 in rat, dog, and human hepatocytes using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Shi Qinghong , Liu Yang , Liu Chunyan , Wang Jingying
Published: February 2020

Rationale

TUG‐891 is a potent and selective agonist of the long chain free fatty acid receptor 4. However, its metabolic profiles have not been revealed. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro metabolism of TUG‐891 in hepatocytes.

Methods

TUG‐891 at a concentration of 20 μM was incubated with rat, dog, and human hepatocytes at 37°C for 120 min. The samples were analyzed using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The structures of the metabolites were proposed according to their MS/MS product ions. Furthermore, M4 and M5 were biosynthesized using human liver microsomes, and their structures were characterized using 13C‐NMR spectroscopy.

Results

Under the current conditions, eight metabolites were detected and structurally identified using high‐resolution LC/MS and MS/MS spectra. The metabolites M4 and M5 were unambiguously confirmed to be TUG‐891 alcohol and TUG‐891 acid, respectively, using 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. Our results revealed that hydroxylation of methyl group at C‐21 position to form TUG‐891 alcohol (M5) followed by oxidation to yield TUG‐891 aldehyde (M7) and carboxylic acid (M4) were the major metabolism processes. Phase II metabolism processes included glucuronidation and sulphation.

Conclusions

Hydroxylation at the C‐21 position was the primary metabolic site of TUG‐891. This study provided an overview of the metabolic profiles of TUG‐891 in hepatocytes.
Borehole‐scale testing of matrix diffusion for contaminated‐rock aquifers
Authors: Harte Philip T. , Brandon William C.
Published: February 2020

A new method was developed to assess the effect of matrix diffusion on contaminant transport and remediation of groundwater in fractured rock. This method utilizes monitoring wells constructed of open boreholes in the fractured rock to conduct backward diffusion experiments on chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) in groundwater. The experiments are performed on relatively unfractured zones (called test zones) of the open boreholes over short intervals (approximately 1 meter) by physical isolation using straddle packers. The test zones were identified with a combination of borehole geophysical logging and chemical profiling of CVOCs with passive samplers in the open boreholes. To confirm the test zones are within inactive flow zones, they are subjected to a series of hydraulic tests. Afterward, the test zones are air sparged with argon to volatilize the CVOCs from aqueous to air phase. Backward diffusion is then measured by periodic passive‐sampling of water in the test zone to identify rebound. The passive (nonhydraulically stressed) sampling negates the need to extract water and potentially dewater the test zone. The authors also monitor active flowing zones of the borehole to assess trends in concentrations in other parts of the fractured rock by purge and passive sampling methods. The testing was performed at the former Pease Air Force Base (PAFB) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Bedrock at the former PAFB consists of fractured metasedimentary rocks where the authors investigated back diffusion of cis‐1,2‐dichloroethylene (cis‐1,2‐DCE), a CVOC. Postsparging concentrations of cis‐1,2‐DCE showed initial rebounding followed by declines, excluding an episodic spike in concentrations from a groundwater recharge event. The authors theorize that there are three processes that controlled concentration responses in the test zones postsparging. First, the limited back diffusion of CVOCs from a halo or thin zone of rock around the borehole contributes to the initial rebounding. Second, aerobic degradation of cis‐1,2‐DCE occurred causing declines in concentrations in the test zone. Third, microflow from microfractures contributed to the episodic spike in concentrations following the groundwater recharge event. In active flow zones, the latter two processes are not measurable due to equilibration from groundwater transport between the borehole and active flowing fractures.
Fully distributed bipartite output consensus of heterogeneous linear multiagent systems based on event‐triggered transmission mechanism
Authors: Cai Yuliang , Zhang Huaguang , Yu Rui , He Qiang
Published: February 2020

This study investigates the fully distributed bipartite output consensus issue of heterogeneous linear multiagent systems (HLMASs) based on event‐triggered transmission mechanism. Both the cooperative interaction and the antagonistic interaction between neighbor agents are considered. A fully distributed bipartite compensator consisting of time‐varying coupling gain and dynamic event‐triggered mechanism is first proposed to estimate the leader's states. Different from the existing schemes, the proposed compensator is independent of any global information of the network topology, is capable of achieving intermittent communication between neighbors, and is applicable for the signed communication topology. Then the distributed output feedback control protocol is developed such that the fully distributed bipartite event‐triggered output consensus problem can be achieved. Moreover, we extend the results in HLMASs without external disturbances to HLMASs with disturbances, which is more challenging in three cases (a) the disturbances are not available for measurement, (b) the disturbances suffered by each agent are heterogeneous, and (c) the disturbances are not required to be stable or bounded. It is proven that the proposed controllers fulfill the exclusion of Zeno behavior in two consensus problems. Finally, two examples are provided to illustrate the feasibility of the theoretical results.
Integrated extraction approach for trace analysis of aflatoxin B1 in domestic water tanks using HPLC
Authors: Saini Shivender Singh , Abdel‐Rehim Mohamed
Published: February 2020

Analytical strategies need to evolve to maintain high level of vigilance for domestic water toxins. A key aspect could be the integrated extraction approaches with the best combination of two extraction techniques which can quantify trace levels of toxins in water samples. Herein, we demonstrate a simple C18 based integrated solid phase extraction and micro‐extraction by packed sorbent extraction protocol coupled with high performance liquid chromatography for trace level detection and quantification of aflatoxin B1 in domestic water tanks. Aflatoxin B1 is a naturally occurring mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus Fungi and is a potent environmental carcinogen. The integrated extraction strategy succeeded to push the quantification limits up to pg/mL in spiked samples. This is the first demonstration of such type of analytical integration for the trace analysis in water. The optimized analytical protocol with a linear range of 0.05–50 ng/mL shows a detection limit of 0.012 ng/mL and a quantification limit of 0.039 ng/mL, with recovery range of 98.01–98.65%. With real sample applications, aflatoxin B1 was quantified in the range of 3.993–38.785 ng/mL in domestic water tanks.
A mathematical model of tortuosity in soil considering particle arrangement
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Yan Han , Teng Jidong , Sheng Daichao
Published: February 2020

Tortuosity is an important parameter for studying the permeability of soil. Existing studies of soil tortuosity are usually of empirical nature and attempt to relate tortuosity to soil porosity alone. By assuming a laminar flow through the pores of two‐dimensional square solid particles, we present a mathematical model for calculating soil tortuosity under different particle arrangements. The effect of the randomness of the particle arrangement on the tortuosity is evaluated, which generates the variation range of the tortuosity. The proposed model provides the upper and lower bounds of the tortuosity, while existing empirical models tend to fall within these bounds. The consistency between the proposed model and the numerical calculation provides a validity for the proposed model.
Comparison of Markov versus quantum dynamical models of human decision making
Authors: Busemeyer Jerome R. , Kvam Peter D. , Pleskac Timothy J.
Published: February 2020

What kind of dynamic decision process do humans use to make decisions? In this article, two different types of processes are reviewed and compared: Markov and quantum. Markov processes are based on the idea that at any given point in time a decision maker has a definite and specific level of support for available choice alternatives, and the dynamic decision process is represented by a single trajectory that traces out a path across time. When a response is requested, a person's decision or judgment is generated from the current location along the trajectory. By contrast, quantum processes are founded on the idea that a person's state can be represented by a superposition over different degrees of support for available choice options, and that the dynamics of this state form a wave moving across levels of support over time. When a response is requested, a decision or judgment is constructed out of the superposition by “actualizing” a specific degree or range of degrees of support to create a definite state. The purpose of this article is to introduce these two contrasting theories, review empirical studies comparing the two theories, and identify conditions that determine when each theory is more accurate and useful than the other.

This article is categorized under:

Economics > Individual Decision‐Making

Psychology > Reasoning and Decision Making

Psychology > Theory and Methods
Determination of the effective dose of bone marrow mononuclear cell therapy for bone healing in vivo
Authors: Janko Maren , Pöllinger Sabrina , Schaible Alexander , Bellen Marlene , Schröder Katrin , Heilani Myriam , Fremdling Charlotte , Marzi Ingo , Nau Christoph , Henrich Dirk , Verboket René D.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Cell-based therapy by bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMC) in a large-sized bone defect has already shown improved vascularization and new bone formation. First clinical trials are already being conducted. BMC were isolated from bone marrow aspirate and given back to patients in combination with a scaffold within some hours. However, the optimal concentration of BMC has not yet been determined for bone healing. With this study, we want to determine the optimal dosage of the BMC in the bone defect to support bone healing.

Material and methods

Scaffolds with increasing BMC concentrations were inserted into a 5 mm femoral defect, cell concentrations of 2 × 106 BMC/mL, 1 × 107 BMC/mL and 2 × 107 BMC/mL were used. Based on the initial cell number used to colonize the scaffolds, the groups are designated 1 × 106, 5 × 106 and 1 × 107 group. Bone healing was assessed biomechanically, radiologically (µCT), and histologically after 8 weeks healing time.

Results

Improved bone healing parameters were noted in the 1 × 106 and 5 × 106 BMC groups. A significantly higher BMD was observed in the 1 × 106 BMC group compared to the other groups. Histologically, a significantly increased bone growth in the defect area was observed in group 5 × 106 BMC. This finding could be supported radiologically.

Conclusion

It was shown that the effective dose of BMC for bone defect healing ranges from 2 × 106 BMC/mL to 1 × 107 BMC/mL. This concentration range seems to be the therapeutic window for BMC-supported therapy of large bone defects. However, further studies are necessary to clarify the exact BMC-dose dependent mechanisms of bone defect healing and to determine the therapeutically effective range more precisely.
Endophthalmitis nach Bindehautperforation eines Glaukom-Gelstentimplantates
Authors: Moussaoui Laila El , Djalali-Talab Yassin , Walter Peter , Plange Niklas , Kuerten David , Fuest Matthias
Published: February 2020

Intraokulare Infektionen durch Abiotrophia defectiva sind sehr selten. Hier berichten wir von einer 57-jährigen Patientin, welche sich 3 Monate nach erfolgter komplikationsloser Kataraktoperation mit Implantation eines Glaukom-Gelstents am rechten Auge mit einer Abiotrophia-defectiva-assoziierten Endophthalmitis bei uns vorstellte. Die Patientin klagte zuvor über eine Rötung im Bereich der nasal oberen Bindehaut des rechten Auges sowie über Schmerzen 2 Wochen vor Auftreten der Endophthalmitis. Eine 2‑wöchige topische Steroidtherapie ohne Antibiotikaschutz brachte eine kurzfristige Besserung. Die Patientin stellte sich nun bei uns mit einem Hypopyon, einer akuten Visusverschlechterung und starken periokulären Schmerzen seit dem frühen Morgen vor. Der Gelstent hatte spontan die Konjunktiva perforiert. Es erfolgte die unmittelbare Therapie mit lokaler und systemischer Antibiose. Sechs Stunden danach wurde eine Pars-plana-Vitrektomie mit intraokularer Gabe von Antibiotika durchgeführt. Durch eine zeitnahe Therapie konnte in diesem Fall ein relativ benigner Verlauf erreicht werden. Im klinischen Alltag sollte bei Patienten, die sich nach glaukomchirurgischen Eingriffen mit akuter Visusverschlechterung und Schmerzen präsentieren, dringend an eine mögliche spontane Bindehautperforation und Late-onset-Endophthalmitis gedacht werden. Zudem ist zu empfehlen, dass eine unklare Konjunktivitis nach Glaukomchirurgie immer antibiotisch abgedeckt und engmaschiger kontrolliert werden sollte.
A language and framework for dynamic component ensembles in smart systems
Authors: Bures Tomas , Gerostathopoulos Ilias , Hnetynka Petr , Plasil Frantisek , Krijt Filip , Vinarek Jiri , Kofron Jan
Published: February 2020

Smart system applications (SSAs)—a heterogeneous landscape of applications of Internet of things, cyber-physical systems, and smart sensing systems—are composed of autonomous yet inherently cooperating components. An important problem in this area is how to hoist the cooperation of software components forming dynamic groups—ensembles—at the architectural level of an SSA. This is hard since ensembles can overlap, be nested, and be dynamically formed and dismantled based on several criteria. A related problem is how to combine component and ensemble specification with a well-established language supported on multiple platforms. To target these problems, we propose a specification and implementation language Trait-based COmponent Ensemble Language (TCOEL) based on Scala internal DSL, to describe both the architecture and formation of dynamic ensembles of components and their functional internals. To raise the level of expressivity, we introduce the concept of domain-specific extensions (traits) to the TCOEL core to reflect different paradigms’ concerns—such as movement in a 2D map, state-space modeling of physical processes, and statistical reasoning about uncertainty. This allows for configuring TCOEL for the needs of a specific SSA use case and, at the same time, facilitates reuse. To evaluate TCOEL, we show how it can be beneficially used in addressing the coordination of agents in a RoboCup Rescue Simulation application.
Sequential chemical extraction and mineralogical bonding of metals from Styrian soils
Authors: Vollprecht D. , Riegler C. , Ahr F. , Stuhlpfarrer S. , Wellacher M.
Published: February 2020

Geogenic metal contaminations in soils are intensely discussed in waste management, as the recyclability of excavated soil is regulated by limit values for pseudo-total contents in Austria. However, the use of pseudo-total contents overestimates the release of some contaminants such as metals into the environment. Sequential extraction provides an empiric tool to better assess the mobility of metals and predicts their bonding type in individual fractions, but the relation between the obtained fractions and the exact mineralogical bonding is often unclear. Electron microprobe analyses provide detailed mineralogical insights, but do not yield direct information about the mobility of elements. A combination of both methods has been used a few times in soil sciences in general, but never to Styrian soils. Thus, six geogenic contaminated Styrian soils and one compost soil were investigated by a method combination of sequential chemical extraction and electron microprobe analyses. Sequential extraction suggested that Cr in five substrates and As and Ni in one substrate each are bound in stable crystalline minerals, whereas Pb in four samples and Cu in two samples are adsorbed to iron and manganese hydroxides. Elemental mappings obtained by electron microprobe analyses confirmed sequential chemical extraction results and specified that Cu and Pb are bound to manganese (hydr)oxides, As to Fe–Cu–Sb–S compounds, Cr to spinels and Ni to olivine. In summary, the current study gives new information about the mobility and mineralogy of metals in six Styrian soils which is relevant for their possible recycling despite exceeded limit values for pseudo-total content.
Sensibilisierungstrainings gegenüber häuslicher Gewalt für medizinisches Fachpersonal. Sind diese auch effizient?
Authors: Beck Thomas , Trawöger Iris , Riedl David , Lampe Astrid
Published: February 2020

Hintergrund

Untersuchungen der Europäischen Union folgend, sind 33 % aller Frauen ab dem 15. Lebensjahr von häuslicher Gewalt betroffen und wenden sich bei der Suche nach Hilfe vorwiegend an das Gesundheitssystem.

Das Erleben von Gewalt hat schwerwiegende Folgen nicht nur auf die psychische, sondern auch auf die körperliche Gesundheit der Betroffenen. So kommt es neben Verletzungsfolgen, u. a. zu unerklärbaren Schmerzen, gastrointestinalen Beschwerden oder Problemen im Bereich der reproduktiven Medizin.

Nachdem sich viele der Betroffenen auf der Suche nach Unterstützung zuerst an das Gesundheitssystem wenden, kommt dem medizinischen Fachpersonal auch hier eine Schlüsselrolle zu, wodurch Sensibilisierungstrainings für die Berufsgruppen immer bedeutender werden.

Methode

Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer an Sensibilisierungstrainings gegenüber häuslicher Gewalt wurden vor und nach dem Training mit Hilfe eines Fragebogens zu ihrer empfundenen Sicherheit im Umgang mit von Gewalt betroffenen Patientinnen und Patienten befragt.

Ergebnisse

Die Evaluation eines Schulungszyklus am Landeskrankenhaus Innsbruck zeigte signifikante Verbesserungen im subjektiven Sicherheitsgefühl im Umgang mit gewaltbetroffenen Patientinnen und Patienten.

Fazit für die Praxis

Ein strukturierter Aufbau der Sensibilisierungstrainings mit Basiskursen und Aufbauseminaren, sowie einem Fokus auf Beziehungsaufbau und Umgang mit Emotionen erscheint sinnvoll.
Power management in co-phase traction power supply system with super capacitor energy storage for electrified railways
Authors: Huang Xiaohong , Liao Qinyu , Li Qunzhan , Tang Sida , Sun Ke
Published: February 2020

Increasing railway traffic and energy utilization issues prompt electrified railway systems to be more economical, efficient and sustainable. As regenerative braking energy in railway systems has huge potential for optimized utilization, a lot of research has been focusing on how to use the energy efficiently and gain sustainable benefits. The energy storage system is an alternative because it not only deals with regenerative braking energy but also smooths drastic fluctuation of load power profile and optimizes energy management. In this work, we propose a co-phase traction power supply system with super capacitor (CSS_SC) for the purpose of realizing the function of energy management and power quality management in electrified railways. Besides, the coordinated control strategy is presented to match four working modes, including traction, regenerative braking, peak shaving and valley filling. A corresponding simulation model is built in MATLAB/Simulink to verify the feasibility of the proposed system under dynamic working conditions. The results demonstrate that CSS_SC is flexible to deal with four different working conditions and can realize energy saving within the allowable voltage unbalance of 0.008% in simulation in contrast to 1.3% of the standard limit. With such a control strategy, the performance of super capacitor is controlled to comply with efficiency and safety constraints. Finally, a case study demonstrates the improvement in power fluctuation with the valley-to-peak ratio reduced by 20.3% and the daily load factor increased by 17.9%.
Model Updating of Multiple Nominally Identical Car Components
Authors: Gibanica Mladen , Abrahamsson Thomas J. S. , Olsson Magnus
Published: February 2020

A method for estimation of rubber bushing stiffness parameters is presented. Four individual rubber bushings, mounted in a car rear subframe are considered. A traditional model of the bushing elements using a generalised spring model, known as a CBUSH element in Nastran, is compared to a geometrically more realistic approach where the bushing is modelled with solid elements and a linear elastic material model. Each bushing is mass loaded to better reveal the bushing’s dynamic behaviour in a lower frequency range of interest. In an initial step, the overall subframe model is updated towards test data. In a second step, the bushing parameters are updated. Three nominally identical components are used to investigate the spread between the identified parameters. The model updating procedure is based on frequency responses and equalised damping. The undamped behaviour at frequencies below 300 Hz are considered. To quantify the parameter uncertainty, with respect to measurement noise for each individual, an uncertainty quantification procedure is proposed, using a linear-in-parameters surrogate model with bootstrapping.
The greenhouse gas effects of increased US oil and gas production
Authors: Raimi Daniel
Published: February 2020

Increased oil and natural gas production in the United States has decreased domestic natural gas prices and global oil prices. The resulting greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts have received substantial attention, with most focus on natural gas and relatively little on oil. In this paper, I provide an estimate of how increased production affects these emissions through changes in the US energy mix, methane emissions, and—crucially—global oil prices. Under a high oil and gas production scenario, US GHG emissions in 2030 are 100–600 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (2–10%) higher than under a low production scenario. Under the high production scenario, lower global oil prices and increased consumption raise non-US carbon dioxide emissions by 450–900 million metric tons relative to a low production scenario in 2030. These estimates assume that OPEC does not strategically reduce production to offset U.S. gains.