bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orexin deficiency modulates cognitive flexibility in a sex‐dependent manner
Authors: Durairaja Archana , Fendt Markus
Published: October 2020

Cognitive flexibility is an important executive function and refers to the ability to adapt behaviors in response to changes in the environment. Of note, many brain disorders are associated with impairments in cognitive flexibility. Several classical neurotransmitter systems including dopamine, acetylcholine and noradrenaline are shown to be important for cognitive flexibility, however, there is not much known about the role of neuropeptides. The neuropeptide orexin, which is brain‐widely released by neurons in the lateral hypothalamus, is a major player in maintaining sleep/wake cycle, feeding behavior, arousal, and motivational behavior. Recent studies showed a role of orexin in attention, cognition and stress‐induced attenuation of cognitive flexibility by disrupting orexin signaling locally or systemically. However, it is not known so far whether brain‐wide reduction or loss of orexin affects cognitive flexibility. We investigated this question by testing male and female orexin‐deficient mice in the attentional set shifting task (ASST), an established paradigm of cognitive flexibility. We found that orexin deficiency impaired the intra‐dimensional shift phase of the ASST selectively in female homozygous orexin‐deficient mice and improved the first reversal learning phase selectively in male homozygous orexin‐deficient mice. We also found that these orexin‐mediated sex‐based modulations of cognitive flexibility were not correlated with trait anxiety, narcoleptic episodes, and reward consumption. Our findings highlight a sexually dimorphic role of orexin in regulating cognitive flexibility and the need for further investigations of sex‐specific functions of the orexin circuitry.
The circadian geneCryptochrome 2influences stress‐induced brain activity and depressive‐like behavior in mice
Authors: Sokolowska Ewa , Viitanen Riikka , Misiewicz Zuzanna , Mennesson Marie , Saarnio Suvi , Kulesskaya Natalia , Kängsep Sanna , Liljenbäck Heidi , Marjamäki Päivi , Autio Anu , Callan Saija‐Anita , Nuutila Pirjo , Roivainen Anne , Partonen Timo , Hovatta Iiris
Published: October 2020

Cryptochrome 2 (Cry2) is a core clock gene important for circadian regulation. It has also been associated with anxiety and depressive‐like behaviors in mice, but the previous findings have been conflicting in terms of the direction of the effect. To begin to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of this association, we carried out behavioral testing, PET imaging, and gene expression analysis ofCry2−/−andCry2+/+mice. Compared toCry2+/+mice, we found thatCry2−/−mice spent less time immobile in the forced swim test, suggesting reduced despair‐like behavior. Moreover,Cry2−/−mice had lower saccharin preference, indicative of increased anhedonia. In contrast, we observed no group differences in anxiety‐like behavior. The behavioral changes were accompanied by lower metabolic activity of the ventro‐medial hypothalamus, suprachiasmatic nuclei, ventral tegmental area, anterior and medial striatum, substantia nigra, and habenula after cold stress as measured by PET imaging with a glucose analog. Although the expression of many depression‐associated and metabolic genes was upregulated or downregulated by cold stress, we observed no differences betweenCry2−/−andCry2+/+mice. These findings are consistent with other studies showing thatCry2is required for normal emotional behavior. Our findings confirm previous roles of Cry2 in behavior and extend them by showing that the effects on behavior may be mediated by changes in brain metabolism.
A new “sudden fright paradigm” to explore the role of (epi)genetic modulations of the DAT gene in fear‐induced avoidance behavior
Authors: Zelli Silvia , Brancato Anna , Mattioli Francesca , Pepe Martina , Alleva Enrico , Carbone Cristiana , Cannizzaro Carla , Adriani Walter
Published: October 2020

Alterations in dopamine (DA) reuptake are involved in several psychiatric disorders whose symptoms can be investigated in knock out rats for the DA transporter (DAT‐KO). Recent studies evidenced the role of epigenetic DAT modulation in depressive‐like behavior. Accordingly, we used heterozygous (HET) rats born from both HET parents (termed MIX‐HET), compared to HET rats born from WT‐mother and KO‐father (MAT‐HET), implementing the role of maternal care on DAT modulation. We developed a “sudden fright” paradigm (based on dark‐light test) to study reaction to fearful inputs in the DAT‐KO, MAT‐HET, MIX‐HET, and WT groups. Rats could freely explore the whole 3‐chambers apparatus; then, they were gently confined in one room where they experienced the fright; finally, they could freely move again. As expected, after the fearful stimulus only MAT‐HET rats showed a different behavior consisting of avoidance towards the fear‐associated chamber, compared to WT rats. Furthermore, ex‐vivo immuno‐fluorescence reveals higher prefrontal DAT levels in MAT‐HET compared to MIX‐HET and WT rats. Immuno‐fluorescence shows also a different histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes concentration. Since HDAC concentration could modulate gene expression, within MAT‐HET fore brain, the enhanced expression of DAT could well impair the corticostriatal‐thalamic circuit, thus causing aberrant avoidance behavior (observed only in MAT‐HET rats). DAT expression seems to be linked to a simply different breeding condition, which points to a reduced care by HET dams for epigenetic regulation. This could imply significant prefronto‐cortical influences onto the emotional processes: hence an excessively frightful response, even to mild stressful agents, may draw developmental trajectories toward anxious and depressed‐like behavior.
Tropical peatlands and their contribution to the global carbon cycle and climate change
Authors: Ribeiro Kelly , Pacheco Felipe S. , Ferreira José W. , de Sousa‐Neto Eráclito R. , Hastie Adam , Krieger Filho Guenther C. , Alvalá Plínio C. , Forti Maria C. , Ometto Jean P.
Published: October 2020

Peatlands are carbon‐rich ecosystems that cover 185–423 million hectares (Mha) of the earth's surface. The majority of the world's peatlands are in temperate and boreal zones, whereas tropical ones cover only a total area of 90–170 Mha. However, there are still considerable uncertainties in C stock estimates as well as a lack of information about depth, bulk density and carbon accumulation rates. The incomplete data are notable especially in tropical peatlands located in South America, which are estimated to have the largest area of peatlands in the tropical zone. This paper displays the current state of knowledge surrounding tropical peatlands and their biophysical characteristics, distribution and carbon stock, role in the global climate, the impacts of direct human disturbances on carbon accumulation rates and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Based on the new peat extension and depth data, we estimate that tropical peatlands store 152–288 Gt C, or about half of the global peatland emitted carbon. We discuss the knowledge gaps in research on distribution, depth, C stock and fluxes in these ecosystems which play an important role in the global carbon cycle and risk releasing large quantities of GHGs into the atmosphere (CO2 and CH4) when subjected to anthropogenic interferences (e.g., drainage and deforestation). Recent studies show that although climate change has an impact on the carbon fluxes of these ecosystems, the direct anthropogenic disturbance may play a greater role. The future of these systems as carbon sinks will depend on advancing current scientific knowledge and incorporating local understanding to support policies geared toward managing and conserving peatlands in vulnerable regions, such as the Amazon where recent records show increased forest fires and deforestation.
Current distributions and future climate‐driven changes in diatoms, insects and fish in U.S. streams
Authors: Pound Katrina L. , Larson Chad A. , Passy Sophia I.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Biodiversity on Earth is threatened by climate change. Despite the vulnerability of freshwater habitats to human impacts, most climate change projections have focused on terrestrial systems. Here, we examined how the current distributions and biodiversity of stream taxa might change under mitigated, stabilizing and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Location

Conterminous USA.

Time period

Present day to 2070.

Major taxa studied

Stream diatoms, insects and fish.

Methods

We developed species distribution models for 336 freshwater taxa from 1,227 distinct stream localities using water chemistry, watershed and climatic variables. Models based only on climate were used to project changes in the distributions and biodiversity of cold‐ versus warm‐water taxa under representative concentration pathways (RCPs) ranging from 2.6 to 8.5 W/m2.

Results

In all three organismal groups, climate emerged as the strongest predictor of species distributions, providing comparable explanatory power to water chemistry and watershed variables combined. The RCP‐based projections suggested a widespread expansion of warm‐water taxa, outpacing the decline of cold‐water taxa. Consequently, overall species richness would increase, but beta diversity would decrease drastically with the severity of climate change. A closer look at individual taxa and functional guilds revealed that vulnerable cold‐water taxa included: (a) diatom guilds forming the base and bulk of the biofilm; (b) environmentally sensitive insects, characteristic of unimpacted streams; and (c) ecologically and recreationally important salmonids, which were forecast to diminish dramatically in source habitats. Warm‐water fish projected to increase their distributions include bait bucket release minnows and dominant predators.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest potentially devastating impacts of climate change on stream ecosystems, with the restructuring of diatom, insect and fish communities, diminished distributions of functionally important taxa and widespread expansion of warm‐water taxa, giving rise to biotic homogenization. Given that the magnitude of these biotic shifts depends on the severity of climate change, appropriate current policy decisions are necessary to preserve freshwater ecosystems.
High prevalence of cryofibrinogenemia in patients with chilblains during the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Gómez‐Fernández Cristina , López‐Sundh Ana E. , González‐Vela Carmen , Ocejo‐Vinyals Javier Gonzalo , Mayor‐Ibarguren Ander , Salas‐Venero Carlos A. , Gutiérrez‐Larrañaga María , Tejerina‐Puente Ana , Fariñas María Carmen , Cabero‐Pérez María Jesús , López‐Hoyos Marcos , González‐López Marcos A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Many cutaneous manifestations have been described in possible association with the COVID‐19 pandemic, including acral lesions resembling chilblains. The underlying pathomechanisms of COVID‐19 chilblains are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, pathological, and laboratory findings of a series of patients who developed chilblains during the COVID‐19 outbreak and to investigate the possible factors that could be involved in the pathogenesis of these lesions.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study that included 54 patients who presented with chilblains during the highest peak in the incidence of COVID‐19 in Cantabria (northern Spain). Skin biopsies were performed on 10 of these patients who presented with recent lesions. Laboratory investigations, including immunological analysis, serological studies, and the assessment of cryoproteins, were also performed.

Results

Most patients presented erythematous plaques located on the toes and/or purpuric macules located on the feet. Histopathological findings were compatible with those of idiopathic chilblains. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed C3d and C4d deposits in the vessel walls in seven cases. The autoimmunity panel was negative in most of our series. Cryoprotein testing showed positive cryofibrinogen in two‐thirds (66.7%) of the patients assessed. On follow‐up, most patients presented almost complete resolution, although six patients required prednisone and antiaggregant drug treatment.

Conclusions

This study shows, for the first time to our knowledge, a high prevalence of cryofibrinogenemia in patients with chilblains during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Cryofibrinogenemia could be implicated in the pathogenesis of chilblains related to COVID‐19.
Effects of yeast fermentation on transforming the volatile compounds of unsalted pork hydrolysate
Authors: Li Xinzhi , Lee Pin‐Rou , Taniasuri Fransisca , Liu Shao‐Quan
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the possibility of transforming unsalted pork hydrolysate into a liquid seasoning by studying volatile compound production through yeast fermentation. The yeasts used included a typical soya sauce yeast and three wine yeasts. The yeasts inoculated in the glucose supplementary pork hydrolysate increased by approximately 2.0 log of CFU mL−1 within 24 hours at 30°C without adding salt. Yeast fermentation largely depleted the abundant aldehydes (hexenal) present in unfermented pork hydrolysate to trace levels with the formation of ethanol, corresponding alcohols and carboxylic acids. The wine yeasts showed higher production of fruity esters such as ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate, whereas the soya sauce yeast produced more ketones such as acetone and 2‐heptanone. This study revealed a potential method of producing a value‐added meat hydrolysate from pork by‐product.
Physicochemical and physiological changes during the ripening of Banana (Musaceae) fruit grown in Colombia
Authors: Moreno Jhon Larry , Tran Thierry , Cantero‐Tubilla Borja , López‐López Karina , Becerra Lopez Lavalle Luis Augusto , Dufour Dominique
Published: October 2020

The physicochemical and physiological attributes of three contrasting commercial varieties of Musaceae, Dominico Harton (plantain), Guineo (cooking banana) and Gros Michel (dessert banana), were evaluated and statistically analysed during post‐harvest ripening. Quality attributes differed markedly among varieties, both in fresh fruits and during ripening. Variety (V) had a significant effect (P < 0.001) on all attributes except total soluble solids (TSS), carotenes and total chlorophyll. Storage time (ST) had a significant effect on all attributes except colour parameter b* and total carotenes. Starch levels decreased significantly (P < 0.001) during ripening, with nearly complete hydrolysis in Gros Michel, followed by Guineo and Dominico Harton. Discriminant analysis showed that central diameter, TSS of the pulp, colour parameter a* and total starch had the highest weight in the differentiation among varieties. These results point out which parameters may help improve current methods for monitoring ripening of bananas, in particular the commercially important varieties in this study.
An optimised low‐salinity seawater decolourising method produces decolourised seaweed (Kappaphycuz alvarezii) as semi‐refined carrageenan raw material:
Authors: Abdillah Annur Ahadi , Alamsjah Mochammad Amin , Charles Albert Linton
Published: October 2020

Semi‐refined carrageenan (SRC) production from decolourised Kappaphycuz alvarezii treated by chemicals (CaCO3) drives the search for ‘greener’ decolourisation methods to sustainably supply cheaper and energy efficient products. Therefore, a decolourisation method of low‐salinity seawater (LSS) (3, 9 and 15 g/L) was investigated to replace CaCO3. In addition, decolourised seaweed colour powder (DSP) and SRC colour, yield, viscosity and gel strength were used to screen the salinity treatments. SRC prepared from LSS (3 g/L) treatment demonstrated similar colour and physical properties to CaCO3 treatments, which indicated low‐salinity seawater (3 g/L) could replace CaCO3 as a decolourising agent. Moreover, purity of SRC (3 g/L salinity) were confirmed by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy‐energy‐dispersive x‐ray (SEM‐EDX), and its functional group by fourier transform infrared (FTIR). In this study, waste seawater from LSS (3 g/L) exhibited radical scavenging properties. This decolourising method could be easily adopted by smallholder seaweed farmers in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Impact of different temperature abuse scenarios on sensory quality and off‐odour formation in ready‐to‐eat salad leaves
Authors: Raffo Antonio , Senatore Massimo , Moneta Elisabetta , Paoletti Flavio , Peparaio Marina , Saggia Civitelli Eleonora
Published: October 2020

Packages of ready‐to‐eat (RTE) wild rocket and lettuce baby leaves were subjected during 8 days of cold storage to a chronic temperature abuse (CTA) at sub‐optimal storage temperature (10 °C) or to a short‐term (6 h) abuse at ambient temperature (STA) to evaluate the impact of two temperature abuse scenarios on gas composition within the packages, leaf sensory quality and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In both species, the CTA scenario had a markedly higher impact on gas composition, sensory quality and off‐odour formation than the STA, and the limit of sensory acceptability was reached in the CTA scenario 4 days or more earlier than in the STA. Sulphur compounds were the main responsible for off‐odour perception in both leafy salads. Results from the present study may be useful in the assessment of critical points in the cold chain of RTE fresh produce and in prioritising actions towards improved cold‐chain management.
Evaluation of STA‐NeoPTimal, an extraction thromboplastin reagent with ISI close to 1
Authors: Carta Mariarosa , Bonente Francesca , Teresa Comberlato Maria , Pellizzari Tania , Marotto Elena , Marzari Emanuela , Giavarina Davide
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The prothrombin time (PT) is the most requested test to investigate patients with congenital or acquired coagulopathies or to monitor oral anticoagulant therapy. However, thromboplastins can show markedly different responsiveness to the defects induced by vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy and are thus characterized by their ISI (International Sensitivity Index). INR results are optimal for patients under VKA but for patients screened for other reasons expressing PT results as ratio can be more appropriate. As it is very difficult to define the PT results reporting unit from the PT testing request, it would be ideal to use a thromboplastin with ISI = 1. The study aims to compare our reference PT reagent with two candidate thromboplastins with ISI close to 1.

Methods

We compared 3 different thromplastins: two rabbit brain extracted based reagents (STA‐Neoplastine CI Plus, with ISI = 1.26, routinely used in our laboratory and STA‐NeoPTimal with ISI = 1.01) and a recombinant thromboplastin (STA‐Neoplastine R with ISI = 0.97). The comparison was done on 175 samples: 75 from individuals without coagulation defects and 100 from patients under VKA.

Results

STA‐NeoPTimal and STA‐Neoplastine R well correlate to our reference, STA‐Neoplastine CI Plus: regression equations are y = 1.186x‐0.1351, r2 = .9454 and y = 1.1432x‐0.1554, r2 = .9951, respectively. The lowest bias on INR results was obtained with STA‐NeoPTimal reagent (interval: −0.7/+0.4).

Conclusion

We conclude that STA‐NeoPTimal can be used in the laboratory as it gives results comparable to those obtained with STA‐Neoplastine CI Plus. Besides, thanks to its ISI = 1, it guarantees reporting a PT ratio equal to INR which avoids errors.
End‐of‐life intravenous chemotherapy administration patterns in the treatment of Queensland lung and pancreas cancer patients: a 10‐year retrospective analysis
Authors: Allen Michael J. , Dunn Nathan , Guan Tracey , Harrington John , Walpole Euan
Published: October 2020

Background

End‐of‐life (EOL) chemotherapy administration rates for solid tumours are 12–20% and are associated with a reduced quality of life, increased hospitalisation and incidence of death within an acute care facility.

Aim

We sought to determine the rate of EOL chemotherapy in government and private hospitals and determine the impact on hospitalisations and location of death in lung and pancreatic cancer patients.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Queensland Oncology Repository between 2005 and 2014. Lung (n = 16 501) and pancreatic cancer (n = 4144) deaths were analysed. EOL chemotherapy was determined to be within 30 days of death. Demographics, location of treatment and death are reported.

Results

Chemotherapy was administered to 6518 (40%) lung cancer and 1694 (41%) pancreatic cancer patients. A total of 1474 (9%) and 477 (12%) patients, respectively, received EOL chemotherapy. EOL chemotherapy was more common in males and those with distant metastatic disease, while less likely in the elderly and those with a lower socioeconomic status. EOL chemotherapy was more prevalent in large hospitals and was more common in private compared with government hospitals for pancreatic cancer (30 vs 26%; P < 0.001), while it was similar for lung cancer (24 vs 22%; P = 0.115). Death after EOL chemotherapy compared with all cancer deaths was more common in an acute care facility (lung cancer: 60 vs 37%; P < 0.001; pancreatic cancer: 53 vs 36%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

EOL chemotherapy rates were similar to Australian yet marginally lower than international rates, with variation dependent on the size and type of facility and increased the rate of deaths within an acute care facility.
The prices and quality of new and remanufactured products in a new market segment
Authors: Qiao Haike , Su Qin
Published: October 2020

This paper studies the optimal prices and quality of new and remanufactured products, and especially discusses the quality adjustment of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in a new market segment that consists of the indifferent segment and the new product only segment. Consumers in the first segment have the same willingness to pay for new and remanufactured products, while consumers in the second segment are only willing to purchase new products. We use the proportion of consumers in the indifferent segment accounting for all consumers to segment the market. We present game models and employ backward induction to derive the optimal prices and quality in three scenarios: the monopolist OEM no‐remanufacturing, the monopolist OEM remanufacturing, and an OEM no‐remanufacturing but an independent remanufacturer (IR) remanufacturing. When the OEM or the IR remanufactures, we find that the OEM cannot lower the product quality. In addition, we compare the optimal quality between the unsegmented and segmented market for each scenario. The results show the OEM should increase its product quality under certain conditions after the OEM realizes that there is a segmented market. Furthermore, we conduct numerical analyses to discuss the impact of related parameters on practitioners’ profits, which provides more guidelines for practitioners.
Conservation status, ex situ priorities and emerging threats to small carnivores
Authors: Willcox D.
Published: October 2020

Madagascar contains the highest concentration of threatened carnivore species anywhere in the world. The country's deteriorating protected‐area network makes it a priority for small carnivore conservation, and several species may need some form of ex situ action. Small carnivores in South East Asia are under significant pressure from hunting to supply the illegal wildlife trade, as well as habitat loss, and the interactions between these two factors. Owston's civet Chrotogale owstoni is the conservation priority from this region. The rapidly declining status of Large‐spotted civet Viverra megaspila needs careful monitoring, as it may warrant intervention soon. Otters (Lutrinae) in Asia are in decline and there may exist as yet undescribed conservation units that are extremely threatened. Hairy‐nosed otter Lutra sumatrana is not yet a priority for ex situ conservation because of low feasibility; efforts should focus on managing the populations of Smooth‐coated otter Lutrogale perspicillata and Asian small‐clawed otter Aonyx cinereus already in human care. The future of European mink Mustela lutreola and Black‐footed ferret Mustela nigripes will depend on ongoing support to conservation‐breeding efforts, as well as threat reduction. To a lesser extent, Red panda Ailurus fulgens conservation is also dependent on continued support to its integrated conservation plan. There are no obvious candidate species for ex situ conservation of small carnivores from Africa, though the bushmeat trade, planned large‐scale infrastructure projects and a growing transnational wildlife trade link to Asia may change this assessment in the near future. It is unclear what role ex situ conservation would have for Pygmy raccoon Procyon pygmaeus: the main threat to this species is hurricanes. A speculative assessment of emerging threats to small carnivores includes: infrastructural development in the tropics, illegal wildlife trade networks that include Latin American, African and Asian markets, and the growing Vietnamese and Chinese diasporas that operate in other Asian countries, Africa and Latin America, and the interactions between all of these factors.
The development of the Red panda Ailurus fulgens EEP: from a failing captive population to a stable population that provides effective support to in situ conservation
Authors: Kappelhof J. , Weerman J.
Published: October 2020

The Red panda Ailurus fulgens is an Endangered small carnivore that occurs in Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and the People's Republic of China. Wild populations of Red pandas have declined by 50% over the last three generations as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting and poaching. In 1979 an international studbook was established for the species to monitor the demographically small and unstable population in human care. At that time the breeding results were poor. In 1985 a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) was initiated and from then onwards the Red panda population started to grow as improved breeding techniques were utilized. As at 31 December 2019 there were 407 Red pandas: 177.228.2 (♂♂.♀♀.??) in the EEP housed at 182 institutions. The EEP developed in stages over four decades, from a small population of Red pandas with low breeding success and high mortality, to a popular breeding programme with high breeding success and direct links to in situ conservation. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as mean kinship and genetic diversity, climate change and its effects on juvenile mortality, and the welfare of individuals housed in long‐term bachelor groups. These issues are highlighted to encourage future research into the conservation of this species with some indications given of what zoos can do to find solutions to the most‐pressing challenges.
Multivariate adaptability and stability of soya bean genotypes for abiotic stresses
Authors: Steiner Fábio , Zuffo Alan Mario , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo , Aguilera Jorge González , Teodoro Larissa Pereira Ribeiro
Published: October 2020

Drought stress, salinity and aluminium toxicity are considered the most critical abiotic factors limiting the growth of soya bean plants, accounting for the low yield of the crop in the Cerrado region. Our hypothesis is that soya bean cultivars have differential morphological responses to stressful environmental conditions. Thus, an experiment was carried out with the purpose of identifying and recommending soya bean genotypes that simultaneously combine adaptability and stability for morphological traits when subjected to stressful environmental conditions. Drought, saline and aluminium stresses were induced in seeds of 25 soya bean cultivars. Seed germination, and length and dry mass of the seedlings were measured. For each trait, adaptability and stability were evaluated by the Lin & Binns method and simultaneously considering all traits for the set of environments. There was significant GxE interaction for all traits evaluated. The genotypes 97R50 IPRO, BMX Bônus IPRO and 98R31 IPRO simultaneously combine adaptability and stability for all traits measured. These genotypes can be cultivated both under optimal and abiotic stress conditions, such as those investigated in this study. Additionally, they can be used as parents in crossing blocks aiming at obtaining genotypes resistant to drought, saline and aluminium toxicity stresses.
Electromagnetic water enhanced metabolism and agro‐physiological responses of potato (Solanum tuberosum L) under saline conditions
Authors: Akrimi Rawaa , Hajlaoui Hichem , Batelli Giorgia , Ruggiero Alessandra , Badri Mounawer , Grillo Stefania , Mhamdi Mahmoud
Published: October 2020

Saline irrigation compromises the utility of agricultural soil, limiting ion uptake and productivity worldwide. Electromagnetic water might provide a possible solution to enhance ion mobilization. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of saline irrigation on yield, metabolism and some physiological traits of potato over two growing seasons. The drip experiment treatments comprised the following: saline water (SW), electromagnetic saline water (MSW) and ground water (C) applied to three potato varieties (Spunta, Bellini and Alaska) since vegetative growth stage (12 days after planting). Results showed that soil salinity was reduced by 25% under MSW relative to SW. Both C and MSW had a promotional effect on root growth. Tuber number was increased with MSW in Spunta and Alaska. The highest values of photosynthesis, water status attributes and ion content of Alaska variety were associated with an elevated StSOS1 expression level. The effective osmotic adjustment with proline for Spunta and Alaska varieties was associated with differential expression of proline synthesis (StP5CS1) and catabolism (StP5CDH) genes. Accordingly, Alaska seems to be more resistant to salinity than Spunta and Bellini, and electromagnetic water may be useful to enhance potato production in areas suffering from water salinization.
Zeolites‐containing geopolymers obtained from biomass fly ash: Influence of temperature, composition, and porosity
Authors: Simão Lisandro , De Rossi Andreia , Hotza Dachamir , Ribeiro Manuel J. , Novais Rui M. , Klegues Montedo Oscar R. , Raupp‐Pereira Fabiano
Published: October 2020

In this research, compositional and processing parameters were varied to obtain zeolites‐containing geopolymers using mainly biomass fly ash wastes. In addition to curing temperatures, another primary factor affecting the typologies of the resulting zeolites was composition. The mixture composition used in the synthesis crucially affects the nature of the zeolitic crystalline phases in the geopolymeric matrix. Using 10 mol/L NaOH solution, faujasite‐type zeolites produced in geopolymers show a surface area of ~100 m2/g (BET), while those prepared by 8 mol/L NaOH solution have a much lower surface area of ~19 m2/g.
Surface resistivity and bonding strength of atmosphere plasma sprayed copper‐coated alumina substrate
Authors: Liu Guanghua , Zhong Xiqiang , Xing Yan , Li Tianjun , Pan Wei
Published: October 2020

Ceramic substrate metallization is widely used in electronic device packaging and ceramic circuit board. Currently used methods of ceramic metallization are thick film technology (TFC), activity metal blazing (AMB), direct bonded copper (DBC), and direct plated copper (DPC) etc Here we report a facile approach for the metallization of alumina substrate using an atmosphere plasma spray (APS) process. The APS‐coated copper layer is dense, high purity, and attached very firmly with alumina substrate. The maximum bonding strength is 9.02 MPa, which is higher than that obtained by conventional methods. With EDS mapping, it is found that element interdiffusion occurred at the interface region during coating, which may be one of the reason of high bonding strength. The high dense and purity Cu layer demonstrates quite lower surface resistivity as 8.7 × 10−5Ω⋅mm. The influence of APS current on the quality of Cu coating has been systematically investigated, and the results proved that the method is efficient and economical.
Synthesis of YB2C2 by high‐energy ball milling and reactive spark plasma sintering
Authors: Nguyen Van‐Quyet , Kim Jun‐Seop , Lee Sea‐Hoon
Published: October 2020

X‐ray pure yttrium diborodicarbide (YB2C2) was synthesized for the first time via modified spark plasma sintering (SPS) using Y2O3, B4C, and carbon as starting materials. Homogeneous intermixing of the raw powder by high energy ball milling (HEBM) promoted the formation of YB2C2 powder with layered structure by boro/carbo‐thermal reduction. The average particle size of the synthesized powder at an optimum synthesis temperature (1625℃) was 568 nm. Small amount of YB2C was formed by consuming YB4 at and above 1625°C. The metal basis purity of the synthesized YB2C2 powder was 99.84%. X‐ray pure YB2C2 was obtained by densifying the synthesized YB2C2 powder at 1900°C for 60 minutes at a pressure of 80 MPa using SPS. This study reports a simple method for the fabrication of X‐ray pure rare earth metal diborodicarbides (ReB2C2).
Synthesis and enhanced supercapacitor performance of carbon self‐doping graphitic carbon nitride/NiS electrode material
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Yang Huafang , Zhu Han , Wang Lixi , Fu Zhenxiao , Zhang Qitu , Zhu Haikui
Published: October 2020

The thermal oxidation carbon self‐doped graphitic carbon nitride/NiS (TC‐g‐C3N4/NiS) composites with high electrochemical performance were synthesized by combining nickel sulfide with carbon self‐doping carbon nitride through a hydrothermal method. The graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) could improve charge fluidity by carbon self‐doping process, and be etched by further heat treatment, which provides conditions for the introduction of NiS particles. NiS particles uniformly adhered to the layers of g‐C3N4, thus avoiding particle aggregation. The as‐prepared active composite maintains high specific capacitance (1162 F/g at the current density of 1 A·g−1) and shows great cycle stability (capacitance retention rate of 82.0% after 8000 cycles). The conductivity of active composite has also been improved. Moreover, the assembled TC‐g‐C3N4/NiS//AC exhibit a relatively high‐energy density of 27 Wh/kg and exhibits excellent cycling performance with a capacity retention rate of 87.9% after 8000 cycles. Hence one can see that TC‐g‐C3N4/NiS composites have broad application prospects in the field of supercapacitors.
Shock‐driven depolarization behaviors and electrical output in BiAlO3‐doped Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Xiong Zhengwei , Liu Gaomin , Nie Hengchang , Liu Yi , Gao Zhipeng , Liu Qian , Chen Xuefeng , Li Jun , Fang Leiming , Yang Qiang , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Tang Jinlong , Wang Genshui , Dong Xianlin
Published: October 2020

Ferroelectric materials under shock compression can generate current and power by a drastic change of the remnant polarizations and surface bound charge. This behavior has been employed in applications involving nuclear fusion trigger, energy storage devices, and high pulse power sources. Despite the large power output in lead‐containing ferroelectrics, lead‐free materials are highly desirable owing to the environmental concerns. Herein, the phase transition behaviors and current outputs of 0.92Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐0.08BiAlO3 (BNT‐8BA) materials are studied under high pressure. The BNT‐8BA ferroelectric ceramics can be completely depolarized from polar to the nonpolar state under shock compression, resulting in a current output in the external circuit. The phase‐transition‐induced depolarization pressures of BNT‐8BA are lower than those of the pure Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 under both dynamic and static high‐pressure loads. These results can allow the understanding of the high‐pressure behavior of BNT‐8BA for application as ferroelectric pulsed power supply.
Thermally activated giant piezoelectricity and enhanced interface elastic strain‐mediated magnetoelectric coupling
Authors: Du Qin , Wang Wenli , Wang Zhiguang , Su Wei , Deng Zhiyuan , Wu Jingen , Ma Ming , Hu Zhongqiang , Zhou Ziyao , Liu Ming
Published: October 2020

Perovskite materials with compositions in the vicinity of the steep morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) exhibit various intriguing properties including giant piezoelectricity and large dielectric constant. Aside from composition, the phase configuration of the perovskites is also strongly related to the ambient temperature. Here, we report a giant piezoelectricity of 10 980 pm/V at 93°C in the 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.3PbTiO3 (PMN‐PT) single crystals which is more than five times larger than that at room temperature. The enhanced piezoelectricity can be attributed to the instability of the thermally induced tetragonal phase which can be converted to the orthorhombic phase by the external electric field in the <011> oriented single crystal. The transverse piezoelectricity has been investigated by measuring the electric‐field‐dependent ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) field in the CoFeB/PMN‐PT magnetoelectric (ME) heterostructures. The ME coupling coefficient has been increased from 49.3 to 476 Oe cm/kV as temperature increased from 25 to 90°C. The findings reveal that both longitudinal and transverse piezoelectricity in the PMN‐PT single crystals can be greatly enhanced by proper setting of ambient temperature, indicating an effective route for the design of strain‐mediated tunable devices with ultralow driving voltage.
Cross‐sector service use patterns among children with developmental disabilities in a district in Canada
Authors: McLennan John D. , Bahadur Alexander , Cobigo Virginie , Hrycko Sophia , Fulford Casey
Published: October 2020

Background

There is a lack of information about cross‐sector service use by children with developmental disabilities despite their need for services from multiple sectors.

Methods

Responses to service use questions from a parent‐completed survey on school‐aged children who attended clinics specific for those with developmental disabilities at a Canadian children's hospital were examined.

Results

School meetings were the most common of three professional meeting types attended in the last 12 months (64.9%) for the sample of 205 children. Recreational services were the most common of five service types received in the same time period (79.0%). Using ordinal logistic regression models, a higher number of behavioural difficulties was the only variable consistently related to indices of more meeting types (school, physician, other) attended and more service types received (recreation, respite, etc.).

Conclusions

The service relationship with behavioural problems, and not socio‐demographic variables, is consistent with a needs‐based oriented delivery system.
Association of septal late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance with ventricular tachycardia ablation targets in nonischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kuo Ling , Liang Jackson J. , Han Yuchi , Frankel David S. , Santangeli Pasquale , Callans David J. , Zado Erica S. , Marchlinski Francis E. , Desjardins Benoit , Nazarian Saman
Published: October 2020

Background

Ablation of septal substrate‐associated ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) is challenging. We sought to standardize the characterization of septal substrates on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and to examine the association of that substrate with VT exit and isthmus sites on invasive mapping.

Methods

LGE‐CMR was performed before electroanatomic mapping and ablation for VT in 20 NICM patients. LGE extent and distribution were quantified using myocardial signal‐intensity Z scores (SI‐Z). The SI‐Z thresholds correlating to previously validated voltage thresholds, for abnormal tissue and dense scar were defined.

Results

Bipolar and unipolar (electrogram) voltage amplitude measurements from the LV and RV were negatively associated with SI‐Z from LGE‐CMR imaging (p < .05). SI‐Z thresholds for appropriate CMR identification of septal substrates were determined to be greater than −.15 for border zone and greater than .03 for a dense scar. Among all patients, 34 critical VT sites were identified with SI‐Z distribution in the range of −.97 to .06. Thirty (88.2%) critical sites were located in the dense LGE, 1 (2.9%) in the border zone, and 3 (8.9%) in healthy tissue but within 7 mm of LGE. Of note, critical VT sites were all located at the basal septum close to valves (distance to aortic valve: 17.5 ± 31.2 mm, mitral valve: 21.2 ± 8.7 mm) in nonsarcoidosis cases.

Conclusions

Critical sites of septal VT in NICM patients are predominantly in the CMR defined dense scar when using standardized signal‐intensity thresholds.
Association of crossing capillaries in the finger nailfold with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shikama Maiko , Sonoda Nao , Morimoto Akiko , Suga Sayaka , Tajima Tetsuya , Kozawa Junji , Maeda Norikazu , Otsuki Michio , Matsuoka Taka‐Aki , Shimomura Iichiro , Ohno Yuko
Published: October 2020

Aims/Introduction

Crossing capillaries in the finger nailfold might potentially be a novel diabetic retinopathy (DR) biomarker that could be assessed non‐invasively in the clinical setting. However, the association between crossing capillaries and DR is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association between the percentage of crossing capillaries in the finger nailfold and DR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled 108 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (aged 40–75 years) who visited the outpatient diabetic clinic at Osaka University Hospital, Osaka, Japan, between May and October 2019. Capillary morphology was assessed using nailfold capillaroscopy based on the simple capillaroscopic definitions of the European League Against Rheumatism Study Group. Details of DR and other laboratory data were obtained from medical records. The association between the tertile of the percentage of the crossing capillary and DR was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

After adjusting for age, sex, diabetes duration, glycated hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and use of renin–angiotensin system inhibitor and antihyperlipidemic medication, the percentage of crossing capillaries was significantly associated with DR (multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios for increasing tertiles of the percentage of crossing capillary: 1 [reference], 2.05 [95% confidence interval 0.53–7.94], and 4.33 [95% confidence interval 1.16–16.21]; P‐trend = 0.028).

Conclusions

A higher percentage of crossing capillaries in the nailfold was associated with a higher risk of DR, independent of traditional risk and inhibiting factors, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Skin‐Related complications of Klippel–Trenaunay Syndrome: a retrospective review of 410 patients
Authors: Anderson K.R. , Nguyen H. , Schoch J.J. , Lohse C.M. , Driscoll D.J. , Tollefson M.M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Little is known about skin‐related complications in Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome (KTS), a complex vascular anomaly defined by capillary malformation (CM), venous malformation (VM) ± lymphatic malformation (LM) and limb overgrowth. Reported skin‐related complications of KTS include ulceration, vascular ectasias (blebs), bleeding and infection.

Objective

To determine the spectrum, prevalence and predictors of skin‐related complications in KTS.

Methods

A retrospective review of 410 patients fulfilling KTS criteria was performed to assess for the presence of skin‐related complications.

Results

Skin‐related complications were present in 45% of patients. Most prevalent were CM‐related complications including blebs, bleeding, thickening (25%), cellulitis (22%) and ulceration (21%). Features positively associated with skin‐related complications were presence of LM (OR 17.17; P < 0.001), VM on the buttocks/perineum/genitalia (OR 1.92; P = 0.009), CM on the feet (OR 1.77; P = 0.039) and male sex (OR 1.63; P = 0.034). Features negatively associated with skin‐related complications were CM on the trunk (OR 0.59; P = 0.029) and tissue hypertrophy of the hands (OR 0.27; P = 0.025).

Conclusion

Skin‐related complications affect nearly half of patients with KTS. Those with lymphatic involvement or malformation presence in the undergarment area or feet are most at risk.
Combined effects of rearing and testing temperatures on sperm traits
Authors: Iglesias‐Carrasco Maider , Harrison Lauren , Jennions Michael D. , Head Megan L.
Published: October 2020

Temperature experienced during early development can affect a range of adult life‐history traits. Animals often show seemingly adaptive developmental plasticity—with animals reared at certain temperatures performing better as adults at those temperatures. The extent to which this type of adaptive response occurs in gonadal tissue that affects sperm traits is, however, poorly studied. We initially reared male mosquito fish (Gambusia holbrooki) at either 18°C or 30°C, and then measured their sperm reserves as adults. We also looked at the velocity of their sperm, at both the matched and mismatched temperatures. Although males reared at 30°C were larger than those initially reared at 18°C, there was no detectable effect of rearing temperature on absolute sperm number. Sperm swam faster at 30°C than 18°C regardless of the male's rearing temperature. Therefore, we found no evidence of adaptive developmental plasticity. Rearing temperature did, however, significantly influence the relationship between male body size and sperm velocity. Larger males had faster sperm when reared at the warmer temperature and slower sperm when reared at the cooler temperature. This suggests that rearing temperature could alter the relationship between pre‐copulatory sexual selection and post‐copulatory sexual selection as male size affects mating success. Finally, there was a positive correlation between velocities at the two test temperatures, suggesting that temperature experienced during sperm competition is unlikely to affect a male's relative fertilization success.
Indirect effects of weeds on rice plants via shared heteropteran herbivores
Authors: Shimada Naoto , Sugiura Shinji
Published: October 2020

In agricultural ecosystems, weeds indirectly affect crops via phytophagous insects that feed on both weeds and crops. In paddy fields, heteropteran insects are among the most serious pests of rice plants. In some heteropterans, the proboscis is used to suck rice ears, inducing black spots on the grains (i.e., pecky rice). Even a low proportion of pecky rice (>0.1%) significantly decreases the market price of rice; in Japan, this problem has led to severe economic losses. Because heteropterans feed on the reproductive organs of weeds as well as rice plants, various weeds that grow around paddy fields may increase the populations of heteropterans that cause pecky rice. To clarify which types of weeds can be used by heteropterans causing pecky rice, we investigated the interactions between plants (including rice plants) and heteropterans in an agricultural landscape in Hyogo, Japan. We observed 833 individuals of 27 heteropteran species (13 families) feeding on the reproductive organs of 35 plant species (Poales: three families) including rice plants from June to October 2019. All heteropteran species were native, whereas six of 35 plant species were non‐native. We found 12 heteropteran species on rice plants; nine of the 12 heteropteran species fed on weeds (a total of 32 species) as well as rice plants, whereas the other three species fed exclusively on rice plants. Heteropterans fed on native weeds throughout the growing seasons (June–October), but on non‐native weeds only before rice plants bloomed (June–July). Therefore, diverse weed species that grow around paddy fields are food resources for heteropteran insects and they might indirectly increase the incidence of pecky rice.