bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MAXIMIZING MILK PRODUCTION FROM PASTURE
Authors: Bryant A.M.
Published: July 2020

Major factors influencing dairy production from pasture are briefly reviewed. Emphasis is on the results of New Zealand research on nutrition and management. Stocking rate, cow quality, liveweight' or condition at calving, level of feeding in early lactation, and nutritive value of pasture are considered to be important, but not grazing management during lactation. Limited evidence indicates that, in most instances, supplementary feeding during lactation is not economic. Modifications of management that are required as stocking rate increases are briefly discussed.
WHO ARE THE ADVISERS?
Authors: Gibbs D.B.
Published: July 2020

Farmers have claimed that contact with their fellow farmers is their most important source of information. However, farm advisory officers considered such sources rather inaccurate. Conditions which encourage farmers to more actively share information among themselves are discussed. The differences between two sheep farming districts in the extent of interpersonal contact by farmers with all sources of information are highlighted. Recommendations are made on the basis of the dynamics of group interaction for ways in which a farm advisory officer may stimulate greater interaction among farmers. This encourages a better information flow and a more favourable climate for innovation and adoption of new ideas. Also, farm advisory officers must acknowledge and use the fact that, in the absence of an adviser, farmers see other farmers as their most accurate and useful source of information and advice.
THE EFFECTIVE PUBLICATION OF GRASSLAND RESEARCH
Authors: Robertson B.T.
Published: July 2020

The effectiveness of the communication of research results from scientists to farmers has been the subject of much previous comment, both in New Zealand and overseas. Some of this is reviewed. Improvements in existing procedures are seen as desirable and necessary. Some changes, especially relevant to the New Zealand pastoral scene, are suggested. Scientists must be assisted to communicate the results of their research, in easily understood language. It should be mandatory for scientists to accompany their relevant scientific papers with a copy for lay consumption. Where necessary, skilled media assistance should be sought. It is argued that primary responsibility for initiating these necessary changes lies with those directing or leading research divisions, regional research stations, universities and with the New Zealand Grassland Association.
Kualitas Hidup Caregiver Skizofrenia: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Mas Putra Aldo Yuliano , Sari Yuli Permata , Demur Dia Resti Dewi Nanda
Published: July 2020

Penderita Skizofrenia di rumah membutuhkan bantuan dan pertolongan dalam memenuhi kebutuhannya sehari-hari. Caregiver memiliki stressor yang lebih tinggi dalam merawat anggota keluarga dengan Skizofrenia. Banyak caregiver yang tidak mampu mengantisipasi masalah tersebut dan berdampak terhadap kondisi psikologis, kesehatan mental dan kualitas hidup mereka. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengidentifikasi hubungan antara beban dengan kualitas hidup pada caregiver klien skizofrenia. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif korelasi dengan mengunakan pendekatan cross sectional yang melibatkan 79 caregiver pada klien skizofrenia di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Suliki Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Zarit Burden Interview untuk beban caregiver dan WHOQOL-BREF untuk kualitas hidup caregiver. Berdasarkan hasil analisis didapatkan bahwa caregiver memiliki beban ringan (39,2%) dan kualitas hidup caregiver rendah (60,8%). Uji statistik Chi-Square membuktikan adanya hubungan yang signifikan antara dimensi beban; beban fisik (0,033), beban emosional (0,008), beban ekonomi (0,002), beban sosial (0,047) dan beban caregiver mempunyai hubungan yang signifikan dengan kualitas hidup caregiver (X2=0,004). Disarankan bagi Puskesmas agar memiliki program untuk meningkatkan koping keluarga melalui strategi pemecahan masalah bersama anggota keluarga, memberikan dukungan spiritual dan sosial dalam merawat anggota keluarga dengan Skizofrenia.
At Home in the Working Countryside: Clare's Metaphysics of Agricultural Labour
Authors: Weiner Stephanie Kuduk
Published: July 2020

This essay argues that in his poetry Clare forwards a genuine, albeit understated metaphysics of agricultural labour. He explores how honest toil in the working countryside reveals vital truths about the human experience of the natural world; the curse and blessing of work; and the roots of knowledge, imagination, and creative endeavour.
Do Able Bank Managers Exhibit Specific Attributes? An Empirical Analysis of Their Investment Efficiency
Authors: García-Sánchez Isabel-María , García-Meca Emma
Published: July 2020

We analyze the association between managerial ability in banks and three different typologies of investments that demand significant resources: capital, research and development (R&D), and acquisition expenditures. We also analyze whether managerial ability is related to increased (reduced) investment in banks prone to underinvestment (overinvestment). The sample for analysis is composed of 877 observations of banks in nine countries over the period 2004–2010. We find evidence that more able bank managers select and implement investment projects more efficiently and confirm the upper echelon theory and resource-based view, which suggests that managers’ characteristics affect financial decisions. The findings are robust to alternative measures of investment efficiency. The evidence confirms that, after controlling for bank and country-specific institutional factors, managers’ abilities influence investment efficiency in banks in a significant way. This paper is a response to the calls for a further exploration of the roles that individual managers play in financial decisions and is the first empirical study to investigate this association in the international financial industry.
Potential Health Benefit of Garlic Based on Human Intervention Studies: A Brief Overview
Authors: Ansary Johura , Forbes-Hernández Tamara Yuliett , Gil Emilio , Cianciosi Danila , Zhang Jiaojiao , Elexpuru-Zabaleta Maria , Simal-Gandara Jesus , Giampieri Francesca , Battino Maurizio
Published: July 2020

Garlic is a polyphenolic and organosulfur enriched nutraceutical spice consumed since ancient times. Garlic and its secondary metabolites have shown excellent health-promoting and disease-preventing effects on many human common diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, blood pressure, and diabetes, through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering properties, as demonstrated in several in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the consumption of garlic, garlic preparation, garlic extract, and garlic extract-derived bioactive constituents on oxidative stress, inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, skin, bone, and other common diseases. Among the 83 human interventional trials considered, the consumption of garlic has been reported to modulate multiple biomarkers of different diseases; in addition, its combination with drugs or other food matrices has been shown to be safe and to prolong their therapeutic effects. The rapid metabolism and poor bioavailability that have limited the therapeutic use of garlic in the last years are also discussed.
Zero Drift Infrared Radiation Thermometer Using Chopper Stabilised Pre-Amplifier
Authors: Heeley Andrew D. , Hobbs Matthew J. , Willmott Jon R.
Published: July 2020

A zero-drift, mid–wave infrared (MWIR) thermometer constructed using a chopper stabilised operational amplifier (op-amp) was compared against an identical thermometer that utilised a precision op-amp. The chopper stabilised op-amp resulted in a zero-drift infrared radiation thermometer (IRT) with approximately 75% lower offset voltage, 50% lower voltage noise and less susceptibility to perturbation by external sources. This was in comparison to the precision op-amp IRT when blanked by a cover at ambient temperature. Significantly, the zero-drift IRT demonstrated improved linearity for the measurement of target temperatures between 20 °C and 70 °C compared to the precision IRT. This eases the IRT calibration procedure, leading to improvement in the tolerance of the temperature measurement of such low target temperatures. The zero-drift IRT was demonstrated to measure a target temperature of 40 °C with a reduction in the root mean square (RMS) noise from 5 K to 1 K compared to the precision IRT.
Comparative Activity of Six Recombinant Stilbene Synthases in Yeast for Resveratrol Production
Authors: Villa-Ruano Nemesio , Rivera Antonio , Rubio-Rosas Efraín , Landeta-Cortés Gerardo , Varela-Caselis Jenaro Leocadio , Romero-Arenas Omar
Published: July 2020

Resveratrol is a nutraceutical with relevant benefits to human health. This investigation reports on the generation and evaluation of six recombinant yeast lines that produce resveratrol from p-coumaric acid. The yeast lines contained a single p-coumaric acid-Co-A ligase from Plagiochasma appendiculatum combined with the stilbene synthases from Parthenocissus henryana, Polygonum cuspidatum, Morus alba var. atropurpurea, Rheum tataricum, Vitis vinifera and Arachis hypogaea. Codon optimized versions of these sequences were inserted in an expression vector flanked by the constitutive PGK and GPD promoters before expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Batch fermentation (60 h) revealed that yeast lines had different capacities (p < 0.01) to produce resveratrol. Slightly acidic pH (6) and concentrations <100 mg L−1 p-coumaric acid improved resveratrol yields. Among the six lines, those containing the stilbene synthases (STS) from P. cuspidatum and M. alba produced up to 39 mg L−1 using 70 mg L−1 p-coumaric acid. On the other hand, lines expressing STS from V. vinifera, A. hypogaea and R. tataricum generated resveratrol faster than other lines but accumulated lower amounts at the end of the batch period (27–30 mg L−1). The simultaneous consumption of ethanol and p-coumaric acid corroborates the role of ethanol as a carbon source involved in the conversion of p-coumaric acid into resveratrol.
Application of Nanotechnology in Stem-Cell-Based Therapy of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Masoudi Asil Shima , Ahlawat Jyoti , Guillama Barroso Gileydis , Narayan Mahesh
Published: July 2020

In addition to adverse health outcomes, neurological disorders have serious societal and economic impacts on patients, their family and society as a whole. There is no definite treatment for these disorders, and current available drugs only slow down the progression of the disease. In recent years, application of stem cells has been widely advanced due to their potential of self-renewal and differentiation to different cell types which make them suitable candidates for cell therapy. In particular, this approach offers great opportunities for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. However, some major issues related to stem-cell therapy, including their tumorigenicity, viability, safety, metastases, uncontrolled differentiation and possible immune response have limited their application in clinical scales. To address these challenges, a combination of stem-cell therapy with nanotechnology can be a solution. Nanotechnology has the potential of improvement of stem-cell therapy by providing ideal substrates for large scale proliferation of stem cells. Application of nanomaterial in stem-cell culture will be also beneficial to modulation of stem-cell differentiation using nanomedicines. Nanodelivery of functional compounds can enhance the efficiency of neuron therapy by stem cells and development of nanobased techniques for real-time, accurate and long-lasting imaging of stem-cell cycle processes. However, these novel techniques need to be investigated to optimize their efficiency in treatment of neurologic diseases.
Oscillation Theory for Non-Linear Neutral Delay Differential Equations of Third Order
Authors: Moaaz Osama , Dassios Ioannis , Muhsin Waad , Muhib Ali
Published: July 2020

In this article, we study a class of non-linear neutral delay differential equations of third order. We first prove criteria for non-existence of non-Kneser solutions, and criteria for non-existence of Kneser solutions. We then use these results to provide criteria for the under study differential equations to ensure that all its solutions are oscillatory. An example is given that illustrates our theory.
Deciphering the Invdupdel(8p) Genotype–Phenotype Correlation: Our Opinion
Authors: Lo Bianco Manuela , Vecchio Davide , Timpanaro Tiziana A. , Arena Alessia , Macchiaiolo Marina , Bartuli Andrea , Sciuto Laura , Presti Santiago , Sciuto Sarah , Sapuppo Annamaria , Fiumara Agata , Marino Lidia , Messina Giulia , Pavone Piero
Published: July 2020

The 8p inverted duplication/deletion is a rare chromosomal rearrangement clinically featuring neurodevelopmental delay, mild to severe cognitive impairment, heart congenital defects and brain abnormalities. Patients affected also present typical facial dysmorphisms and skeletal malformations, and it is thought that the composite clinical picture may fall into the chromosomal rearrangement architecture. With the major aim of better framing its related clinical and diagnostic paths, we describe a patient carrying a de novo invdupde[8p] whose clinical features have not been described so far. Hence, through an extensive genotype–phenotype correlation analysis and by reviewing the dedicated scientific literature, we compared our patient’s features with those reported in other patients, which allows us to place our proband’s expressiveness in an intermediate area, widening the scope of the already known invdupde[8p] genotype–phenotype relationship.
Perfusion and Metabolic Neuromonitoring during Ventricular Taps in Infants with Post-Hemorrhagic Ventricular Dilatation
Authors: Rajaram Ajay , Yip Lawrence C. M. , Milej Daniel , Suwalski Marianne , Kewin Matthew , Lo Marcus , Carson Jeffrey J. L. , Han Victor , Bhattacharya Soume , Diop Mamadou , de Ribaupierre Sandrine , St. Lawrence Keith
Published: July 2020

Post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) is characterized by a build-up of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles, which increases intracranial pressure and compresses brain tissue. Clinical interventions (i.e., ventricular taps, VT) work to mitigate these complications through CSF drainage; however, the timing of these procedures remains imprecise. This study presents Neonatal NeuroMonitor (NNeMo), a portable optical device that combines broadband near-infrared spectroscopy (B-NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) to provide simultaneous assessments of cerebral blood flow (CBF), tissue saturation (StO2), and the oxidation state of cytochrome c oxidase (oxCCO). In this study, NNeMo was used to monitor cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism in PHVD patients selected for a VT. Across multiple VTs in four patients, no significant changes were found in any of the three parameters: CBF increased by 14.6 ± 37.6% (p = 0.09), StO2 by 1.9 ± 4.9% (p = 0.2), and oxCCO by 0.4 ± 0.6 µM (p = 0.09). However, removing outliers resulted in significant, but small, increases in CBF (6.0 ± 7.7%) and oxCCO (0.1 ± 0.1 µM). The results of this study demonstrate NNeMo’s ability to provide safe, non-invasive measurements of cerebral perfusion and metabolism for neuromonitoring applications in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Familial Factors Associating with Youth Physical Activity Using a National Sample
Authors: Burns Ryan D. , Colotti Taylor E. , Pfledderer Christopher D. , Fu You , Bai Yang , Byun Wonwoo
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of familial and child-related factors with reported child physical activity using a representative sample of US children and adolescents. Data were analyzed from the combined 2017–2018 National Survey of Children’s Health. Household addresses were randomly selected within each US state. One parent within each household answered health and wellness questions pertaining to one randomly selected child (n = 37,392; 48.8% female; 6–17 years old). Weighted logistic regression models examined the independent and joint associations between family-level and child-level factors with a child meeting the 60 min of physical activity per day guideline. After controlling for confounders, higher levels of family resilience (odds ratio (OR) = 2.17; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35–3.49, p = 0.001), high event attendance (OR = 1.65; 95%CI: 1.18–2.31, p = 0.004), and high family income (OR = 1.84, 95%CI: 1.34–2.52, p < 0.001) significantly associated with higher odds of a child meeting the 60 min of physical activity per day guideline. Family generational status and adult education significantly modified the association between family resilience and child physical activity. Programs that develop family resilience and encourage parental attendance for their child’s events or activities may positively influence a child’s physical activity behaviors. Expanded or enhanced programming may be needed for lower income families.
New Antimicrobial Biomaterials for the Reconstruction of Craniofacial Bone Defects
Authors: Miron (Lungu) Andreea Elena , Moldovan Marioara , Prejmerean Cristina Alexandra , Prodan Doina , Vlassa Mihaela , Filip Miuța , Badea Mîndra Eugenia , Moldovan Mădălina Anca
Published: July 2020

Reconstructive bone surgery of the head and neck could prove challenging in terms of postoperative healing and recovery. Fighting infection during the healing period is one of the critical factors of the long-term survival of an implant. The aim of the study was to develop an innovative composition suitable for an antibacterial craniofacial implant that should have the capacity to continuously and constantly release the amount of gentamicin necessary to prevent the post-surgical infections. For this purpose, a series of composite materials based on dimethacrylic monomers, hydroxyapatite and ZrO2, with (series B) or without the addition of polymethyl methacrylate (series A), reinforced with woven E-glass fibers (FRC) were obtained using the laminate lay-up process. Gentamicin was included in all FRC sample matrices to confer an antimicrobial effect. The results show that after extraction of the residual monomers from the FRC samples in different solvents (chloroform, acetone and ethyl alcohol), the cumulative amount of released gentamicin after 12 days was between 7.05–11.38 mg for A samples and 11.21–14.52 mg for B samples. The microbiological protocol showed that gentamicin induces a two weeks-lasting antimicrobial effect maintained over the minimal inhibitory concentration for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.
Synthesis of High-Performance Photonic Crystal Film for SERS Applications via Drop-Coating Method
Authors: Wei Ming-Xue , Liu Chao-Hui , Lee Han , Lee Bo-Wei , Hsu Chun-Han , Lin Hong-Ping , Wu Yu-Chun
Published: July 2020

Silica nanospheres with a well-controlled particle size were prepared via a nucleation-to-growth synthesis process. A facile method is proposed for improving the self-assembly behavior of silica colloidal particles in droplet coatings by the simple controlling of the drying temperature. It is shown that a periodically arranged, opal-structured, photonic crystal film with a large area of approximately 4.0 cm2 can be prepared, even when the particle size is up to 840 nm. When the band gap of the silica photonic crystals falls in the visible-light region, the crystals exhibit distinct structural colors. Moreover, the wavelength of the reflected light increases with an increasing particle size of silica. When the photonic band gap overlaps the wavelength of the laser source, the overall Raman spectrum intensity is significantly enhanced. Accordingly, the proposed nucleation-to-growth process and drop-coating method provides a cheap and simple approach for the manufacture of uniform sized silica and surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates, respectively.
Effect of SiO2 Sol/Silane Emulsion in Reducing Water and Chloride Ion Penetration in Concrete
Authors: Geng Yongjuan , Li Shaochun , Hou Dongshuai , Chen Xu , Jin Zuquan
Published: July 2020

Here, a new concrete hydrophobic treatment method is developed using SiO2 sol and silane emulsion. The effectiveness of the modification for concrete protection is evaluated through testing water absorption and chloride diffusion. Two types of concrete with different strength grades (C40, C50) are used as the research object. The results show that the water capillary absorption coefficient and chloride ion diffusion coefficient of concrete decrease greatly under the protection of SiO2 sol and silane emulsion. Additionally, the protection effect is better with the increase of SiO2 consumption. Contact angle test results reveal that when the coating amount of SiO2 sol and silane emulsion is 300 g/m2, respectively, the contact angle reaches 150.2°, indicating the concrete (C40) surface reaches the superhydrophobic state. Through scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation, it is found that the hydrophobic effect of the SiO2 sol/silane emulsion is mainly due to the change in the surface morphology of concrete (C40).
Research on Cleaning Mechanism of Anti-Erosion Coating Based on Thermal and Force Effects of Laser Shock
Authors: Hu Chenyu , He Guangyu , Chen Jiao , Fang Zhihao , Yang Zhufang , Zhang Zhaolu
Published: July 2020

TiN coating plays a positive role in improving the abrasion resistance and impact resistance of aero-engines in sand and dust environments. However, little research has been done on the laser cleaning of TiN coatings that failed on aircraft engines. In this paper, TiN coatings are deposited on Ti6Al4V alloys by magnetic filtered cathodic vacuum arc (MFCVA). The TiN coating was laser cleaned with different parameters. By analyzing coating morphology, surface composition and sample profile, the research reveals the morphological change of the TiN coating after cleaning and the laser cleaning mechanism. The results show that for TiN–Ti6Al4V structure, when the laser average power density is 2.54 × 103 W/cm2, the cleaning mechanism of the coating is thermal expansion; The laser average power density is increased to 5.08 × 103 W/cm2, the cleaning mechanism is thermal expansion, accompanied by the thermal melting of the substrate, a small amount of molten substrate overflows from the crack. When the laser average power density is 5.08 × 103 W/cm2 and the number of cleanings doubles, the cleaning direction is perpendicular to each other, the cleaning mechanism is thermal expansion and thermal melting, both the substrate and the coating are melted, and the cleaning is obviously effective.
The Design Strategy for an Aggregation- and Crystallization-Induced Emission-Active Molecule Based on the Introduction of Skeletal Distortion by Boron Complexation with a Tridentate Ligand
Authors: Ohtani Shunsuke , Gon Masayuki , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: July 2020

We describe here a new design strategy for obtaining boron complexes with aggregation- and crystallization-induced emission (AIE and CIE, respectively) properties based on the introduction of skeletal distortion. According to our recent results, despite the fact that an almost planar structure and robust conjugation were obtained, the boron azomethine complex provided a slight emission in solution and an enhanced emission in aggregation and crystal. Quantum calculation results propose that unexpected emission annihilation in solution could be caused through intramolecular bending in the excited state. Herein, to realize this unique molecular motion and obtain AIE and CIE molecules, the phenyl quinoline-based boron complexes BPhQ and BPhQm with distorted and planar structures were designed and synthesized, respectively. BPhQm showed emission in solution and aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ, BPhQm: ΦF,sol. = 0.21, ΦF,agg. = 0.072, ΦF,cryst. = 0.051), while BPhQ exhibited a typical AIE and CIE (BPhQ: ΦF,sol. = 0.008, ΦF,agg. = 0.014, ΦF,cryst. = 0.017). The optical data suggest that a large degree of molecular motion should occur in BPhQ after photo-excitation because of the intrinsic skeletal distortion. Furthermore, single-crystal X-ray diffraction data indicate that the distorted π-conjugated system plays a positive role in presenting solid-state emission by inhibiting consecutive π–π interactions. We demonstrate in this paper that the introduction of the distorted structure by boron complexation should be a new strategy for realizing AIE and CIE properties.
Significance of Apoidea as Main Pollinators. Ecological and Economic Impact and Implications for Human Nutrition
Authors: Hristov Peter , Neov Boyko , Shumkova Rositsa , Palova Nadezhda
Published: July 2020

Wild and managed bees provide pollination services to crops and wild plants, as well as a variety of other services beneficial to humans. Honey bees are the most economically valuable pollinator worldwide. It has been calculated that 9.5% of the total economic value of agricultural production comes from insect pollination, thus amounting to just under USD 200 billion globally. More than 100 important crops depend on pollination by honey bees. The latter pollinate not only a wide number of commercial crops but also many wild plants, some of which are threatened by extinction and constitute a valuable genetic resource. Moreover, as pollinators, honey bees play a significant role in every aspect of the ecosystem by facilitating the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants that serve as food and shelter for many large and small creatures. In this paper, we describe how the reduction in honey bee populations affects various economic sectors, as well as human health.
Study of the Cutting Mechanism of Oil Tree Peony Stem
Authors: Liu Jiaming , Zhao Dong , Zhao Jian
Published: July 2020

Tree peony is a deciduous shrub endemic to China, and peony seed oil (PSO) is an important plant oil resource. However, at present, pruning and fruits harvesting of oil tree peony are mainly completed by manual work, which has seriously affected production efficiency. By the need to develop efficient pruning and harvesting equipment for oil tree peony, this study investigated the effect of cutting tool geometric parameters and cutting speed on cutting force and energy. A cutting device was set up, and six cutting tools with different blade angle and sliding-cutting angle were prepared for this research. Stems in different growth stages (anthesis and fructescence) were collected for cutting experiments. In this paper, four blade angles (25°, 30°, 35°, and 40°), three sliding-cutting angles (0°, 10°, and 20°), and four cutting speeds (25 mm/min, 50 mm/min, 100 mm/min, and 200 mm/min) were considered in the experiments. The results showed that cutting force and energy are positively related to blade angle, and the minimum cutting force and energy are required in cutting with 25° blade angle. Compared to straight cutting (sliding-cutting angle is 0°), sliding cutting can obviously reduce the cutting force and energy. Furthermore, the best sliding-cutting angles of cutting tools have discrepancies dependent on the stems in different growth stages. In fructescence, 10° sliding cutting required the lowest cutting force and energy. In contrast, the best sliding-cutting angle of stems in anthesis was 20°. On the other hand, the cutting force and energy were obviously proportional to the cutting speed, which increased by the cutting speed increasing. Therefore, under the condition of ensuring the cutting efficiency, reducing the cutting speed can effectively reduce the power consumption. These results are an important basis for pruning and harvesting machine development for oil tree peony.
Postoperative Complications of Hip Fractures Patients on Chronic Coumadin: A Comparison Based on Operative International Normalized Ratio
Authors: Kain Michael S. , Saper David , Lybrand Kyle , Bramlett Kasey-Jean , Tornetta III Paul , Althausen Peter , Garfi John S. , Willier III Donald P. , Niu Ruijia , Marcantonio Andrew J.
Published: July 2020

In current clinical practice, orthopedic surgeons often delay the surgery intervention on geriatric hip fracture patients to optimize the international normalized ratio (INR), in order to decrease the risk of postoperative hematological complications. However, some evidence suggests that full reversal protocols may not be necessary, especially for patients with prior thromboembolic history. Our study aims to compare the surgical outcomes of patients with normal versus elevated INR values. We conducted a retrospective chart review on 217 patients who underwent surgeries on hip fractures at two academic trauma centers. We found that in our group (n = 124) of patients with an INR value of 1.5–3.0, there was only one reoperation for a hematoma, but there was a trend for more blood transfusions. There was no statistically significant difference in the odds of reoperation or overall complications. Nevertheless, there were significantly more events of postoperative anemia in this high INR patient group.
From Cell Entry to Engraftment of Exogenous Mitochondria
Authors: Kami Daisuke , Gojo Satoshi
Published: July 2020

Mitochondrial transfer has been recognized to play a role in a variety of processes, ranging from fertilization to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases as well as mammalian horizontal gene transfer. It is achieved through either exogeneous or intercellular mitochondrial transfer. From the viewpoint of evolution, exogeneous mitochondrial transfer is quite akin to the initial process of symbiosis between α-protobacterium and archaea, although the progeny have developed more sophisticated machinery to engulf environmental materials, including nutrients, bacteria, and viruses. A molecular-based knowledge of endocytosis, including macropinocytosis and endosomal escape involving bacteria and viruses, could provide mechanistic insights into exogeneous mitochondrial transfer. We focus on exogeneous mitochondrial transfer in this review to facilitate the clinical development of the use of isolated mitochondria to treat various pathological conditions. Several kinds of novel procedures to enhance exogeneous mitochondrial transfer have been developed and are summarized in this review.
Prophylactic Avoidance of Hazardous Prey by the Ant Host Myrmica rubra
Authors: Pereira Hugo , Detrain Claire
Published: July 2020

Ants are the hosts of many microorganisms, including pathogens that are incidentally brought inside the nest by foragers. This is particularly true for scavenging species, which collect hazardous food such as dead insects. Foragers limit sanitary risks by not retrieving highly infectious prey releasing entomopathogenic fungal spores. This study investigates whether similar prophylactic strategies are also developed for food associated with weak or delayed risks of fungal contamination. We compared, in Myrmica rubra ant colonies, the retrieval dynamics of dead flies that were (1) conidia-free, (2) covered with a low amount of Metarhizium brunneum entomopathogenic conidia or (3) recently fungus-killed but not yet sporulating. Foragers mostly avoided fungus-killed prey and delayed the retrieval of conidia-covered flies. A second sanitary filter occurred inside the nest through a careful inspection of the retrieved prey. Ultimately, ants mostly consumed conidia-free and conidia-covered flies, but they relocated and discarded all fungus-killed prey outside of the nest. Our study confirms that, as a host of generalist entomopathogenic fungi, Myrmica rubra ants have developed a prophylactic avoidance and a differential management of prey depending on their infectious potential. We discuss the functional value as well as the possible cues underlying pathogen avoidance and prey discrimination in ants.
Infrared Wavefront Sensing for Adaptive Optics Assisted Galactic Center Observations with the VLT Interferometer and GRAVITY: Operation and Results
Authors: Hippler Stefan , Brandner Wolfgang , Scheithauer Silvia , Kulas Martin , Panduro Johana , Bizenberger Peter , Bonnet Henry , Deen Casey , Delplancke-Ströbele Françoise , Eisenhauer Frank , Finger Gert , Hubert Zoltan , Kolb Johann , Müller Eric , Pallanca Laurent , Woillez Julien , Zins Gérard ,   GRAVITY Collaboration
Published: July 2020

This article describes the operation of the near-infrared wavefront sensing based Adaptive Optics (AO) system CIAO. The Coudé Infrared Adaptive Optics (CIAO) system is a central auxiliary component of the Very Large Telescope (VLT) interferometer (VLTI). It enables in particular the observations of the Galactic Center (GC) using the GRAVITY instrument. GRAVITY is a highly specialized beam combiner, a device that coherently combines the light of the four 8-m telescopes and finally records interferometric measurements in the K-band on 6 baselines simultaneously. CIAO compensates for phase disturbances caused by atmospheric turbulence, which all four 8 m Unit Telescopes (UT) experience during observation. Each of the four CIAO units generates an almost diffraction-limited image quality at its UT, which ensures that maximum flux of the observed stellar object enters the fibers of the GRAVITY beam combiner. We present CIAO performance data obtained in the first 3 years of operation as a function of weather conditions. We describe how CIAO is configured and used for observations with GRAVITY. In addition, we focus on the outstanding features of the near-infrared sensitive Saphira detector, which is used for the first time on Paranal, and show how it works as a wavefront sensor detector.
Numerical Modeling of Fire Resistance Test as a Tool to Design Lightweight Marine Fire Doors: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kyaw Oo D’Amore Giada , Marinò Alberto , Kašpar Jan
Published: July 2020

Finite element analysis (FEA) is employed to simulate the thermo-resistance of a marine fire-proof door in the fire-resistance test defined by the International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures (2010 FTP Code) and required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for marine applications. The appropriate type of simulation adopted (i.e., steady or unsteady) is discriminated on the basis of a comparison between the numerical results and the experimental data. This appropriate model is used to evaluate the critical parameters affecting fire-proof door performance. A remarkable role of the thermal bridge at the door edges in fire resistance is assessed, along with the parameters that allow its reduction. These findings provide insight into how to design a thinner and lighter fire door.
Performance Characterization of Hot Mix Asphalt with High RAP Content and Basalt Fiber
Authors: Wu Zhengguang , Zhang Chen , Xiao Peng , Li Bo , Kang Aihong
Published: July 2020

Incorporating reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) into asphalt mixtures achieves astonishingly environmental and economic benefits. However, there is hesitation to use higher RAP content due to the concern regarding the deterioration in pavement performance, especially the cracking resistance. Basalt fiber has been considered an effective additive to reinforce the performance of asphalt mixtures and, subsequently, the reinforcement effect is also expected for high-RAP content mixtures. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of basalt fiber on the pavement performance of asphalt mixtures with 0%, 30%, 40%, and 50% RAP contents against high-temperature performance, moisture susceptibility, low-temperature and intermediate-temperature cracking resistance, based on the wheel-tracking test, the uniaxial penetration test, the freeze-thaw splitting test, the low-temperature bending beam test, the semicircular bend fracture test and the indirect tensile asphalt cracking test, respectively. In addition, a performance-space diagram was developed to determine the mixture performance shift caused by basalt fiber. The results showed that adding basalt fiber compensated for the detrimental effect caused by RAP, leading to significant enhancement in moisture susceptibility and low- and intermediate-temperature cracking resistance of mixtures with high RAP content, along with the enhancement in high-temperature performance, indicating that basalt fiber can contribute to the use of high RAP content.
Purely Iterative Algorithms for Newton’s Maps and General Convergence
Authors: Amat Sergio , Castro Rodrigo , Honorato Gerardo , Magreñán Á. A.
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is to study the local dynamical behaviour of a broad class of purely iterative algorithms for Newton’s maps. In particular, we describe the nature and stability of fixed points and provide a type of scaling theorem. Based on those results, we apply a rigidity theorem in order to study the parameter space of cubic polynomials, for a large class of new root finding algorithms. Finally, we study the relations between critical points and the parameter space.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Printable and Flexible Electronics for Sensors
Authors: Choi Jin-Woo , Song Edward
Published: July 2020

Printable and flexible electronic materials have gained a tremendous amount of interest both in academia and in industry, due to their potential impact in many areas, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, diagnostics, wearables, renewable energy, and defense, to name a few [...]
Editorial for the Special Issue on IMCO 2019
Authors: Bourouina Tarik , Zhang Xuming
Published: July 2020

This special issue is a collection of 12 technical papers and two reviews that are expanded into full-length articles from the conference abstracts of the 9th International Multidisciplinary Conference on Optofluidics (IMCO 2019) held in Hong Kong in 14–17 June 2019 [...]
Dynamism of PI4-Phosphate during Interactions with Human Erythrocytes in Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Watanabe Natsuki , Nakada-Tsukui Kumiko , Maehama Tomohiko , Nozaki Tomoyoshi
Published: July 2020

Phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPs) are involved in many cellular events as important secondary messengers. In Entamoeba histolytica, a human intestinal protozoan parasite, virulence-associated mechanisms such as cell motility, vesicular traffic, trogo- and phagocytosis are regulated by PIPs. It has been well established that PI3P, PI4P, and PI(3,4,5)P3 play specific roles during amoebic trogo- and phagocytosis. In the present study, we demonstrated the nuclear localization of PI4P in E. histolytica trophozoites in steady state with immunofluorescence imaging and immunoelectron microscopy, using anti-PI4P antibodies and PI4P biosensors [substrate of the Icm/ Dot type IV secretion system (SidM)]. We further showed that the nuclear PI4P decreased after a co-culture with human erythrocytes or Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. However, concomitant changes in the localization and the amount of PI(4,5)P2, which is the expected major metabolized (phosphorylated) product of PI4P, were not observed. This phenomenon was specifically caused by whole or ghost erythrocytes and CHO cells, but not artificial beads. The amount of PIP2 and PIP, biochemically estimated by [32P]-phosphate metabolic labeling and thin layer chromatography, was decreased upon erythrocyte adherence. Altogether, our data indicate for the first time in eukaryotes that erythrocyte attachment leads to the metabolism of nuclear PIPs, and metabolites other than PI(4,5)P2 may be involved in the regulation of downstream cellular events such as cytoskeleton rearrangement or transcriptional regulation.
Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of Lithium and Rare Earth Elements in High-Sulfur Coal from the Donggou Mine, Chongqing, Southwestern China
Authors: Zou Jianhua , Cheng Longfei , Guo Yuanchen , Wang Zhengcheng , Tian Heming , Li Tian
Published: July 2020

Coal and coal by-products are considered as the potential raw materials for critical elements (e.g., rare earth elements, Li, Ga, Ge, etc.), which have attracted much attention in recent years. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, and controlling geological factors of lithium and rare earth elements in the Lopingian (Wujiaping Formation) coal from the Donggou Mine, southeastern Chongqing Coalfield, China. Results indicate that lithium and rare earth elements are significantly enriched in the Donggou coals, which could be new potential alternative sources for critical elements. Concentrations of lithium and rare earth elements in the Donggou coals gradually increase from top to bottom. Lithium is mainly associated with kaolinite, while rhabdophane, florencite, goyazite, and xenotime are the main hosts of rare earth elements. The controlling geological factor is the groundwater leaching of underlying tuff, and to a lesser extent, the terrigenous clastic materials input from the top layer of the Kangdian Upland. This study provides mineralization information for lithium and rare earth elements exploration in coal measures.
Hybrid Orthorhombic Carbon Flakes Intercalated with Bimetallic Au-Ag Nanoclusters: Influence of Synthesis Parameters on Optical Properties
Authors: Butt Muhammad Abdullah , Mamonova Daria , Petrov Yuri , Proklova Alexandra , Kritchenkov Ilya , Manshina Alina , Banzer Peter , Leuchs Gerd
Published: July 2020

Until recently, planar carbonaceous structures such as graphene did not show any birefringence under normal incidence. In contrast, a recently reported novel orthorhombic carbonaceous structure with metal nanoparticle inclusions does show intrinsic birefringence, outperforming other natural orthorhombic crystalline materials. These flake-like structures self-assemble during a laser-induced growth process. In this article, we explore the potential of this novel material and the design freedom during production. We study in particular the dependence of the optical and geometrical properties of these hybrid carbon-metal flakes on the fabrication parameters. The influence of the laser irradiation time, concentration of the supramolecular complex in the solution, and an external electric field applied during the growth process are investigated. In all cases, the self-assembled metamaterial exhibits a strong linear birefringence in the visible spectral range, while the wavelength-dependent attenuation was found to hinge on the concentration of the supramolecular complex in the solution. By varying the fabrication parameters one can steer the shape and size of the flakes. This study provides a route towards fabrication of novel hybrid carbon-metal flakes with tailored optical and geometrical properties.
Toxicity, Bioaccumulation and Biotransformation of Glucose-Capped Silver Nanoparticles in Green Microalgae Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Mariano Stefania , Panzarini Elisa , Inverno Maria D. , Voulvoulis Nick , Dini Luciana
Published: July 2020

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most widely used nanomaterials in consumer products. When discharged into the aquatic environment AgNPs can cause toxicity to aquatic biota, through mechanisms that are still under debate, thus rendering the nanoparticles (NPs) effects evaluation a necessary step. Different aquatic organism models, i.e., microalgae, mussels, Daphnia magna, sea urchins and Danio rerio, etc. have been largely exploited for NPs toxicity assessment. On the other hand, alternative biological microorganisms abundantly present in nature, i.e., microalgae, are nowadays exploited as a potential sink for removal of toxic substances from the environment. Indeed, the green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris is one of the most used microorganisms for waste treatment. With the aim to verify the possible involvement of C. vulgaris not only as a model microorganism of NPs toxicity but also for the protection toward NPs pollution, we used these microalgae to measure the AgNPs biotoxicity and bioaccumulation. In particular, to exclude any toxicity derived by Ag+ ions release, green chemistry-synthesised and glucose-coated AgNPs (AgNPs-G) were used. C. vulgaris actively internalised AgNPs-G whose amount increases in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The internalised NPs, found inside large vacuoles, were not released back into the medium, even after 1 week, and did not undergo biotransformation since AgNPs-G maintained their crystalline nature. Biotoxicity of AgNPs-G causes an exposure time and AgNPs-G dose-dependent growth reduction and a decrease in chlorophyll-a amount. These results confirm C. vulgaris as a bioaccumulating microalgae for possible use in environmental protection.
Thermodynamics of Adsorbed Methane Storage Systems Based on Peat-Derived Activated Carbons
Authors: Men’shchikov Ilya , Shkolin Andrey , Khozina Elena , Fomkin Anatoly
Published: July 2020

Two activated carbons (ACs) were prepared from peat using thermochemical K2SO4 activation at 1053–1133 K for 1 h, and steam activation at 1173 K for 30 (AC-4) and 45 (AC-6) min. The steam activation duration affected the microporous structure and chemical composition of ACs, which are crucial for their adsorption performance in the methane storage technique. AC-6 displays a higher micropore volume (0.60 cm3/g), specific BET surface (1334 m2/g), and a lower fraction of mesopores calculated from the benzene vapor adsorption/desorption isotherms at 293 K. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) investigations of ACs revealed their heterogeneous morphology and chemical composition determined by the precursor and activation conditions. A thermodynamic analysis of methane adsorption at pressures up to 25 MPa and temperatures from 178 to 360 K extended to impacts of the nonideality of a gaseous phase and non-inertness of an adsorbent made it possible to evaluate the heat effects and thermodynamic state functions in the methane-AC adsorption systems. At 270 K and methane adsorption value of ~8 mmol/g, the isosteric heat capacity of the methane-AC-4 system exceeded by ~45% that evaluated for the methane-AC-6 system. The higher micropore volume and structural heterogeneity of the more activated AC-6 compared to AC-4 determine its superior methane adsorption performance.
Graphene Plasmon Resonances for Electrically-Tunable Sub-Femtometer Dimensional Resolution
Authors: Wu Zhiyong , Zhang Lei , Zhang Min , Li Irene Ling , Su Hong , Zhao Huancheng , Ruan Shuangchen , Liang Huawei
Published: July 2020

A coupled graphene structure (CGS) is proposed to obtain an electrically tunable sub-femtometer (sub-fm) dimensional resolution. According to analytical and numerical investigations, the CGS can support two branches of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs), which park at the dielectric spacer between two pieces of graphene. The coupled efficiencies of the odd-order modes are even four orders of magnitude higher than that of the even-order modes. In particular, a sub-fm resolution for detecting the change in the spacer thickness can be reached using the lowest order LSPR mode. The LSPR wavelength and the dimensional differential resolution can be electrically-tuned from 9.5 to 33 μm and from 4.3 to 15 nm/pm, respectively, by modifying the chemical potential of the graphene via the gate voltage. Furthermore, by replacing the graphene ribbon (GR) at the top of the CGS with multiple GRs of different widths, a resonant frequency comb in the absorption spectrum with a tunable frequency interval is generated, which can be used to detect the changes in spacer thicknesses at different locations with sub-fm resolution.