bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defence responses of native and invasive plants to the native generalist vine parasite Cassytha pubescens – anatomical and functional studies
Authors: Facelli Evelina , Wynn Noriko , Tsang Hong T. , Watling Jennifer R. , Facelli José M.
Published: June 2020

We investigated the responses of two invasive and two native host species to the parasitic vine Cassytha pubescens R.Br. using glasshouse experiments. We assessed growth of the parasite and its hosts, and anatomy and functionality of haustoria. Target hosts were infected using C. pubescens already established on a donor host. This enabled measurement of growth in target hosts that were detached (parasite connection severed) or not from the donor host. Haustorial connections to hosts were investigated using histological methods. We tested the functionality of haustoria in one invasive and one native host using radiolabelled phosphorus (32P). After it was severed from the donor host, C. pubescens grew poorly on the native host, Acacia myrtifolia (Sm.)Willd. This was likely due to a lack of effective functional haustorial development because although haustoria were firmly attached and morphologically alike those formed on the other hosts, their anatomy was different: their connections with the vascular system were not developed and there was no transfer of 32P from A. myrtifolia to the parasite. In contrast, the other three host species supported the growth of the parasite and had fully developed haustoria. Effective transfer of 32P from the invasive host to the parasite confirmed this. Our results suggest a range of defence mechanisms in C. pubescens hosts and are consistent with reports of strong detrimental effects on invasive hosts. Further, they amount to evidence for the potential use of a native parasite as biological control for invasive species.
Efficacy and welfare assessment of an encapsulated para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) formulation as a bait-delivered toxicant for feral cats (Felis catus)
Authors: Johnston Michael , Algar Dave , O'Donoghue Michael , Morris Jim , Buckmaster Tony , Quinn Julie
Published: July 2020

Abstract ContextFeral cats are invasive predators of small and medium-sized fauna throughout Australia. The only broad-scale population-management technique for feral cats currently available in Australia is poison baiting. As poison baits for feral cats must be surface-laid, this can lead to the unintended exposure of non-target species consuming the baits. Encapsulation of a toxin within a robust, controlled-release pellet implanted within the meat lure (the combination of which is termed the Curiosity® bait) substantially reduces the potential risk to non-target species. Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) has been shown to be an effective toxin to which cats are highly susceptible. AimsThe present study aimed to measure the efficacy of encapsulating PAPP toxin in a controlled-release pellet on feral cats in a pen situation and to document the observed behaviours through the toxication process. MethodsPen trials with captive cats were undertaken to document efficacy of encapsulating PAPP toxin in a controlled-release pellet and to assess the behaviours during toxicosis. These behaviours inform an assessment of the humaneness associated with the Curiosity bait using a published relative humaneness model. Key resultsThe trials demonstrated a 95% consumption of the toxic pellet and observed the pattern of behaviours exhibited during the intoxication process. There was a definitive delay in the onset of clinical signs and death followed at ~185min after the first definitive sign. The humaneness using the relative humaneness model was scored at ‘mild suffering’. ConclusionsThe encapsulating PAPP toxin in a controlled-release pellet for feral cats is effective. The feral cats display a range of behaviours through the toxication process, and these have been interpreted as mild suffering under the relative humaneness model. ImplicationsThe documented efficacy and behaviours of encapsulating PAPP toxin in a controlled-release pellet provides knowledge of how the PAPP toxin works on feral cats, which may assist in decision-making processes for conservation land managers controlling feral cats and whether to incorporate the use of the Curiosity® bait into existing management techniques.
Dynamic neural and glial responses of a head-specific model for traumatic brain injury inDrosophila
Authors: Saikumar Janani , Byrns China N. , Hemphill Matthew , Meaney David F. , Bonini Nancy M.
Published: July 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the strongest environmental risk factor for the accelerated development of neurodegenerative diseases. There are currently no therapeutics to address this due to lack of insight into mechanisms of injury progression, which are challenging to study in mammalian models. Here, we have developed and extensively characterized a head-specific approach to TBI inDrosophila, a powerful genetic system that shares many conserved genes and pathways with humans. TheDrosophilaTBI (dTBI) device inflicts mild, moderate, or severe brain trauma by precise compression of the head using a piezoelectric actuator. Head-injured animals display features characteristic of mammalian TBI, including severity-dependent ataxia, life span reduction, and brain degeneration. Severe dTBI is associated with cognitive decline and transient glial dysfunction, and stimulates antioxidant, proteasome, and chaperone activity. Moreover, genetic or environmental augmentation of the stress response protects from severe dTBI-induced brain degeneration and life span deficits. Together, these findings present a tunable, head-specific approach for TBI inDrosophilathat recapitulates mammalian injury phenotypes and underscores the ability of the stress response to mitigate TBI-induced brain degeneration.
Towards simpler and more transparent quantitative research reports
Authors: Vanhove Jan
Published: July 2020

The average quantitative research report in applied linguistics is needlessly complicated. Articles with over fifty
hypothesis tests are no exception, but despite such an onslaught of numbers, the patterns in the data often remain opaque to readers
well-versed in quantitative methods, not to mention to colleagues, students, and non-academics without years of experience in navigating
results sections. I offer five suggestions for increasing both the transparency and the simplicity of quantitative research reports: (1)
round numbers, (2) draw more graphs, (3) run and report fewer significance tests, (4) report simple rather than complex analyses when they
yield essentially the same results, and (5) use online appendices liberally to document secondary analyses and share code and data.
Stative Inquiries
Authors: García-Pardo Alfredo
Published: June 2020

This monograph studies stative predicates from a neo-constructionist perspective and integrates them in a comprehensive theory of event and argument structure. It focuses on two sets of stative verbs: govern-type verbs and object experiencer psychological verbs. For govern-verbs, it shows how notions such as causativity and resultativity can also be ingredients of stative predicates and be derived syntactically. The consequences of this proposal are further pursued in a crosslinguistic investigation of adjectival passives, which are stative predicates of sorts. For object-experiencer psychological verbs, it is shown that their Experiencer theta-role can and should be derived as an aspectual entailment mediated by prepositional structure. In defending this view, this monograph reveals a syntactic parallelism between location verbs and object-experiencer psychological verbs in many languages that has hitherto gone unnoticed. This book will primarily appeal to researchers interested in lexical aspect and its connection to morphosyntax.
Analyses of time-related performance of betavoltaic batteries using TiT2
Authors: Li Xiaoyi , Lu Jingbin , Zheng Renzhou , Wang Yu , Xu Xu , Liu Yumin
Published: July 2020

The time effect of tritium silicon p–n junction betavoltaic batteries is considered in this work. For a titanium tritium (TiT2) source, the processes of decaying, tritium leaking, swelling and 3He releasing are contained in the calculation, and expressions of component and density changes are obtained. As time goes by, the self-absorption rate has a downward trend, while all electrical performances decrease, especially the short-circuit current (ISC
) and the maximum output power (Pmax
). At about 3.5 a, the battery begins to release gaseous 3He, and the expiry date of the battery is about 10.7 a, shorter than the half-life of tritium. The result indicated that for a tritium source, the time leads to a significant reduction in the electrical performance of the battery, which cannot be ignored in simulations and experiments.
Influences of Starch on Ceramic-Foam Fabrication: A Short Review
Authors: Yatim N.H , Rahman H.A.
Published: July 2020

Ceramic foams are high-value products with multiple functions, such as thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, fireproof and freezing tolerance. Wide-ranging ceramic-foam applications can reduce energy consumption and indoor fire hazards. The utilisation of ceramic materials in manufacturing requires appropriate methods to reduce the problems associated with these features. Ceramic foams have excellent thermal stability and structural resilience against organic solvents and chemical corrosion. They can also be used in various engineering applications. Natural additives such as starch, sucrose and yolk are used to control the pore structure of the products. These additives serve as foaming and binding agents to enhance the stability of foaming slurry. The use of starch strengthening in the ceramic fabrication is widespread because of its low cost and reduced impact on the environment. The effects of starch addition on the mechanical properties of ceramic foams include increased density, linear shrinkage and compressive strength, as well as decreased porosity and water absorption. These effects depend on the contents of starch and sintering temperature. This review focuses on the use of starch as a binding agent for ceramic-foam fabrication.
Effect of Mechanical Properties Under Temperature influence and sucrose composition on cockleshell structure.
Authors: Anpalagan Ranjhini , Kamarudin Kamarul-Azhar , Mohamed Hatta Mohamed Nasrul , Hussin Rosniza , Mohamad Zaleha
Published: July 2020

Cockle shell is one of the marine organisms that easily found in Malaysia. This invertebrate type of animal lived by depending on their shell that contains of high calcium carbonate which makes it so tough and can be explore for further application. In this study, a ceramic material was fabricated from cockle shell and sucrose as a binder. The cockle shell was crushed and milled into small size at around 160 μm -200 μm. The cockle shell powder then was mixed and compacted with sucrose binder by ratio of 10, 20, and 30 wt%. The drying process was carried out in 2 methods which are heating at 150°C for one hour and normal drying at room temperature for 1 day. The effect of binder percentage and drying method on flexural properties, density and porosity of ceramic were investigated. Flexural test result shows that the samples with oven drying produced better resistance compared with samples dried at room temperature and the highest strength was obtained by sample with 20wt% sucrose dried in oven. The sample with 20wt% sucrose dried in oven also has the highest values of density. 20 wt% sucrose binder has higher ultimate strength and higher maximum force. The comparisons of sample morphology were determined by scanning electron morphology (SEM).
Verification of the hydrostatic weighing system with existing gold purity instruments
Authors: Nor Fazrul Mohd , Tamuri Abd Rahman , Ismail Abd Khamim , Mazuki A.A.M.
Published: July 2020

Determination of gold bar purity remains one of the most challenging tasks in gold industry. Currently, the existing instruments have a limitation to determine the purity, which in turn have produced inaccurate gold purity measurement. For example, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique has a limitation to penetrate the gold bar and XRF was only used to determine the surface purity. Therefore, an improved non-destructive method and precise technique has been developed to determine the gold purity. Gold density measurement can verify the purity of the gold and in this study, the density of gold bar was calculated using a custom made hydrostatic weighing system (HWS). Several measurements of density were carried out for gold bar and tungsten bar. Using HWS, the density of gold bar and tungsten bar were 19.268 g/ml and 19.206 g/ml respectively. The expanded uncertainty was also evaluated and the value was 0.006 g/ml. The new developed HWS method was also verified with existing density measurement instruments where the same density results has been obtained but the existing instruments have produced bigger uncertainty of 0.2 g/ml. Thus, this study demonstrates that the developed HWS is appropriate to be used to measure the density of gold bar accurately. Furthermore, the new developed system of HWS have shown better measurement with smaller uncertainty and hence the improvement in gold bar purity measurement.
Verification of Mathematical Model for Upper Limb Spasticity with Clinical Data
Authors: Yee J , Low C Y , Ong P , Soh W S , Hanapiah F A , Zakaria N A Che , Enzberg S von , Asmar L , Dumitrescu R
Published: July 2020

Healthcare providers in the field of physical and rehabilitation medicine play a vital role to help patients suffering spasticity readapting themselves to their normal daily activities. Mathematical modeling of spasticity has the potential to avoid the issue of variability in the assessment of spasticity using the Modified Ashworth scale (MAS). In this work, an existing mathematical model for upper limb spasticity is verified using clinical data sets of upper limb spasticity collected in Malaysia at the level of MAS 1+. The data set consists of torque values measured at each elbow angle as the elbow extends from a full flexion position to a full extension position during slow and fast stretch of the forearm. The aim is to find out the capability of the mathematical model and lay a foundation for the future work on data-driven modeling of upper limb spasticity based on the Modified Ashworth Scale.
Bottleneck-Based Heuristic for Permutation Flowshop Scheduling
Authors: Isa N.A. , Bareduan S.A. , Zainudin A.S.
Published: July 2020

This paper addresses the permutation flowshop scheduling problem with objective of makespan minimization. It proposes a heuristic that apply bottleneck-based identification technique and Nawaz, Enscore and Ham (NEH) insertion technique. This experiment was carried out using measurement of four-machines and six-jobs simulated in Microsoft Excel Simple Programming. The computational result show that bottleneck-based (BNB) achieved 60 % and more of optimum solution and heuristic validation result prove that the proposed heuristic resulting to be much better than existing heuristic by achieving more best solution of 6 sets out of 10 sets replication.
Crystallinity of nanocellulose isolated from the flower waste of pine tree (Pinus merkusii)
Authors: Aisiyah Mahrullina Mahirotul , Masruri Masruri , Srihardyastutie Arie
Published: July 2020

Pine flower is an agricultural waste that has high cellulose content. Cellulose is a major material for making nanocellulose. Nanocellulose has been isolated from the flower waste of the pine tree (Pinus merkusii). The process was initiated by delignification and bleaching process with sodium hydroxide 6% and sodium hypochlorite 6% followed by hydrolysis with acetic acid under stirring at 45°C for 1 hour. Three different concentrations of acetic acid (10%, 30%, and 60%) were studied toward nanocellulose crystallinity. Nanocellulose was characterized by FTIR, XRD spectroscopy, and TEM analysis. The result shows that the % yield of nanocellulose was 87.4%, 94.2%, and 91.8% respectively. Nanocellulose has high crystallinity as indicated by the crystallinity index. Besides, the nanocellulose width is 12.82 – 21.36 nm and the length is 267.12 – 326.87 nm.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of Pinostrobin as Copper Corrosion Inhibitor at 1 M H2SO4 Medium
Authors: Hadisaputra Saprizal , Purwoko Agus Abhi , Hakim Aliefman , Wati Rosita , Asnawati Dina , Prananto Yuniar Ponco
Published: July 2020

The effect of variations in concentration and temperature on the efficiency of pinostrobin corrosion inhibition of copper in 1M H2SO4 was studied using an experimental and theoretical approach. Pinostrobin was isolated from the Boesenbergia rotunda L rhizome and was tested for corrosion inhibition of copper in acidic medium. Variations in the concentration of 300 ppm, 400 ppm, and 500 ppm and temperature (308 K, 318 K, and 328 K) were carried out in the weight loss method of corrosion inhibition test. Pinostrobin crystals were isolated with a yield of 57.65 %, a melting point of 98.5 °C and with a purity of 100 %. The optimum corrosion inhibition efficiency of pinostrobin is 65.71 % at a concentration of 500 ppm and a temperature of 328 K. The activation energy value of Ea < 80 kJ.mol−1 indicates the adsorption of pinostrobin on copper surfaces is physical and spontaneously ΔG°ads < -20 kJ.mol−1. The effect of substituent on the efficiency of corrosion inhibition from pinostrobin was studied using density functional theory. The addition of NH2 increased the efficiency of corrosion inhibition to 73.07 %, whereas the addition of NO2 substituents decreased the efficiency of inhibition to 60.97 %. Experimental and theoretical studies have a good correlation in explaining the efficiency of corrosion inhibition from pinostrobin.
Antioxidant and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Activities of Kecapi (Sandoricum koetjape (Burm.f) Merr.) Leaf Extract
Authors: Hamzah Fajar Nur , Subandi  , Sujarwo Wawan , Septama Abdi Wira , Mozef Tjandrawati
Published: July 2020

Sandoricum koetjapehas been used as folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases. The study was undertaken to determine antioxidant property ofS. koetjapeextract. The xanthine oxidase inhibitory effect was also evaluated. The dried powder ofS. koetjapeleaves was extracted with methanol. The extract was then successively partitioned with different solvents: n-hexane, ethyl acetate, buthanol and water. Phytochemical, total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid compounds (TFC) were analysed. DPPH scavenging assay was conducted to evaluate antioxidant activity. Xanthine oxidase inhibitor were determined using spectrophotometer. The results showed that amongst of tested extract, methanol extract contained high amount of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. For antioxidant and XO inhibitor, ethyl acetate fraction revealed strong activity with IC50values of 3.70 and 50.18 µg/mL, respectively. XO inhibition by ethyl acetate extract was found to be a competitive inhibition that mimics inhibition mechanism of allopuriol. LC-MS/MS chromatogram exhibited that the extract contains dehydrotumulosic acid, methyl ophiopogonanone A, quercetin-4′-glucoside, luteolin-7-β-D-glucopyranosid and neokurarinol. The result of this study indicated that the potency ofS. koetjapeextract as antioxidant and XO inhibitor.
Synthesis of ZnO/rGO/TiO2 Composite and Its Photocatalytic Activity for Rhodamine B Degradation
Authors: Nurdiansah Haniffudin , Firlyana Rena Eka , Susanti Diah , Purwaningsih Hariyati
Published: July 2020

Nowadays the growth of the textile industry in Indonesia is increasing. An example of dangerous textile waste is Rhodamine-B. Therefore, a method to treat Rhodamine B waste is needed. One method that can be used is photocatalysis. ZnO and TiO2 semiconductors are known as good photocatalyst material because they have a small band gap energy. In addition, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has a potential due to its good conductivity and large surface area. This study aims to synthesize ZnO/rGO/TiO2 composite. Analysis of the composite shows peaks correspond to diffraction pattern of ZnO, TiO2, and rGO. Based on scanning electron microscope analysis, the surface morphology of the composite was in the form of sheets (rGO), agglomerates (TiO2), and hexagonal nanorod (ZnO). Further confirmation by EDX analysis shows elemental compositions of Zn, Ti, O, C (18.44, 7.44, 46.01, 28.11, respectively). FTIR analysis resulting in bands of C-O at 998 cm−1, Ti-O-Ti at 506 cm−1, and Zn-O at 497 cm−1. Photocatalysis test using the composite gave the optimum value of Rhodamine-B degradation of 94.72 % under UV light irradiation for 5 hours.
Preparation of Cyperus diffusus Vahl cellulose–polyanniline composite for dye removal
Authors: Burhan Ricky Jenihansen , Falahudin Aswin , Salprima Yudha S. , Gustian Irfan
Published: July 2020

C. diffusus Vahl cellulose was used as an alternative in the preparation of cellulose-polyaniline composites. This involved the use of sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, and sulfuric acid as reagents for the isolation of C. diffusus Vahl cellulose. The isolated material was analysed using Fourier Transforms Infrared (FTIR) and the results showed the it has similar peaks pattern with the original cellulose as observed with 3333 cm−1 for OH stretching, 2889 cm−1 for C-H vibration, and several other indicators. The powder produced was used as a reaction partner for in-situ synthesis of C. diffusus Vahl cellulose-Polyaniline (C. diffusus Vahl cellulose-PANI) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) using ammonium persulfate (NH4)2S2O8) as the oxidator. The solid material product was effective in metanil yellow adsorption from the corresponding solution up to 99%.
The Effect of Zr Addition on Microstructures and Hardness Properties of Zn-Zr Alloys for Biodegradable Orthopaedic Implant Applications
Authors: Ghani Fahmi Moh Waqyan , Trinanda Achmad Fauzi , Pratiwi Rizki Yuni , Astutiningtyas Sotya , Zakiyuddin Ahmad
Published: July 2020

The development of Mg and Fe based biomaterials in the past decade has been extensively studied as biodegradable material for medical applications. The development of this material is limited in terms of its suitability for clinical applications. Zn-based alloys began to be an alternative to be studied as a substitute for Mg and Fe based biomaterials. Zn-based alloys have a moderate degradation rate but have low mechanical properties, so other elements need to be added to improve their mechanical properties. In this study, the added element is zirconium (Zr) with a composition variation of 0.5%, 1%, and 2%. The alloying method used was casting with a temperature of 550°C. The results of the microstructure analysis, the addition of Zr to Zn alloys will form precipitates in the side of the grain boundaries and more addition of Zr composition, the smaller grain size formed. The grain size from pure Zn until the addition of 2% Zr in the sequence are 266.40 µm, 20.16 µm, 16.70 µm, and 15.85 µm. The XRD analysis, from the addition of Zr, will form the Zn phase and the intermetallic phase Zn22 Zr. The hardness value obtained from pure Zn until 2% Zr in the sequence are 35.162 HV, 41.988 HV, 42.324 HV, 57.112 HV.
Blending Polymer Cellulose Acetate/Polysulfone For Resistance of Protein Fouling
Authors: Indarti Dwi , Putra Dana Iswara , Piluharto Bambang , Setyawan D.
Published: July 2020

Blending polymer CA/PSf was prepared using N.N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as solvent and PEG400 as an additive in membrane fabrication. The phase inversion method using immersion precipitation process was carried out to make the membrane CA/PSf. Membrane CA/PSf characterized by measuring the contact angle of the membrane to determine the membrane hydrophilicity. Performance of membrane is measured using water flux and rejection of dextran 70 kDa and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) 67 kDa. The contact angle of the membrane CA/PSf which amounted to 50° until 63°, so it can be categorized as hydrophilic membranes, because the value of the contact angle is lower than 90°. The resulting water flux membranes CA/PSf from 3.8708 L.m−2.h−1 to 10.462 L.m−2.h−1. Dextran rejection generated which is equal from 40.24% to 89.53%, while the BSA rejection of membrane from 36.21% to 81.68%. Increasing the composition of PSf produces contact angle and water flux increased, but the rejection of dextran and BSA decreased. Resilience fouling membranes CA/PSf is measured by Relative water Flux Reduction (RFR) and Fouling Resistance. RFR membranes CA/PSf which amounted from 9.445% to 32.75%, while the membrane fouling resistant CA/PSf ranged from 0.6725 to 0.9055. RFR is higher when the amount of PSf increased and indicating that their membranes are prone to fouling, it also can be evidenced by the decreased value of resistance fouling when the composition of PSf increase.
Swelling Effect Observation of The Copper Phthalocyanine Layer on QCM and Its Effect on Surface Roughness and Morphology Changes
Authors: Oktafiansyah Rahmad , Herry Santjojo D J Djoko , Sakti Setyawan P , Zafirah Tyas N , Ghufron Muhammad , Khusnah N F , Masruroh
Published: July 2020

Copper Phthalocyanine (CuPc) is one material often used for the active layer on Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor. One important mechanism which can shorten the recovery time in the sensor is the swelling effect. The swelling effect is studied by observing the morphology of the layer and subsequent changes in QCM frequency during surface contact with three kinds of solution. The solutions used in this study were distilled water, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and Tris-HCl. The results of frequency measurements indicate a swelling effect which was shown by the decrease of the frequency change after the injection process. The most significant change in frequency occurs in PBS solutions. This change occurs as PBS has a higher molecular weight and ionic strength than distilled water and Tris-HCl. SEM results show that the swelling of the CuPc layer changes the microstructure layer. A decrease in the roughness of the CuPc layer was also observed due to the presence of buffer solution molecules that diffuse through the layer. Upon diffusion of the solution molecules into the CuPc layer, a continuous decrease in the QCM frequency occurs. Further, the diffusion caused the CuPc microstructure to become more tenuous.
Accelerating cosmologies in an integrable model with noncommutative minisuperspace variables
Authors: Kan Nahomi , Kuniyasu Masashi , Shiraishi Kiyoshi , Takimoto Kohjiroh
Published: July 2020

We study classical and quantum noncommutative cosmology with a Liouville-type scalar degree of freedom. The noncommutativity is imposed on the minisuperspace variables through a deformation of the Poisson algebra. In this paper, we investigate the effects of noncommutativity of minisuperspace variables on the accelerating behavior of the cosmic scale factor. The probability distribution in noncommutative quantum cosmology is also studied and we propose a novel candidate for interpretation of the probability distribution in terms of noncommutative arguments.
Flexoelectric-like radial polarization of single-walled nanotubes from first-principles
Authors: Bennett Daniel
Published: July 2020

Flexoelectricity is the polar response of an insulator to strain gradients such as bending. While the size dependence makes it weak in bulk systems in comparison to piezoelectricity, it can play a bigger role in nanoscale systems such as thin films and nanotubes (NTs). In this paper we demonstrate using first-principles calculations that the walls of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and transition metal dichalcogenide nanotubes (TMD NTs) are polarized in the radial direction, the strength of the polarization increasing as the size of the NT decreases. This is reminiscent of a flexoelectric response in bulk insulators, the strain gradient being achieved by bending the 2D monolayers into NTs. For CNTs and TMD NTs with chiral indices (n, m), the radial polarization of the walls P
R diverges below

C

(

n
,
m

)

/
a
=

n

2

+
n
m
+

m

2

∼
10

, where C(n, m) is the circumference and a is the monolayer lattice constant. For CNTs, P
R drops to zero above this value but for TMD NTs there is a non-zero polarization, which is ionic rather than electronic. The size dependence of P
R in the TMD NTs is interesting: it increases gradually and reaches a maximum of P
R ∼ 100  C  cm−2 at C(n, m)/a ∼ 15, then decreases until C(n, m)/a ∼ 10 where it starts to diverge. Measurements of the radial strain on the bonds with respect to the monolayers shows that this polarization is the result of a larger strain on the outer bonds than the inner bonds, but did not explain the peculiar size dependence. These results suggest that while the walls of smaller CNTs and TMD NTs are polarized, the walls of larger TMD NTs are also polarized due to a difference in strain on the inner and outer bonds.
Optimal couplings between sparse block models
Authors: Hirst James
Published: July 2020

We study the problem of coupling a stochastic block model with a planted bisection to a uniform random graph having the same average degree. Focusing on the regime where the average degree is a constant relative to the number of vertices

n
n

, we show that the distance to which the models can be coupled undergoes a phase transition from

O
(

n

)

O(\sqrt {n})

to

Ω
(
n
)

\Omega (n)

as the planted bisection in the block model varies. This settles half of a conjecture of Bollobás and Riordan and has some implications for sparse graph limit theory. In particular, for certain ranges of parameters, a block model and the corresponding uniform model produce samples which must converge to the same limit point. This implies that any notion of convergence for sequences of graphs with

Θ
(
n
)

\Theta (n)

edges which allows for samples from a limit object to converge back to the limit itself must identify these models.
Burnout, Mental Health, and Quality of Life Among Employees of a Malaysian Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Woon Luke Sy-Cherng , Tiong Chea Ping
Published: July 2020

Burnout and mental health issues are common among healthcare workers. Burnout and mental ill-health may also adversely affect quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout, mental ill-health, and QOL among employees of Hospital Bentong in Pahang state, Malaysia. This was a 2-week, cross-sectional online survey for Hospital Bentong employees. It consisted of (i) sociodemographic data, (ii) respondents’ perceptions, (iii) Malay-version Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), (iv) 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale (DASS-21), and (v) WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument. In total, 52.4% of hospital employees (N = 251) participated in the study. The burnout rates were 17.5% (personal burnout), 13.9% (work burnout), and 6.0% (client burnout). The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress were 18.7, 38.6, and 12.0%, respectively. In multivariate regression analysis, personal burnout was associated with Malay ethnicity [odds ratio (OR) = 4.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.41–18.17], management and professional position (OR = 3.89, 95% CI = 1.34–11.29), and having financial problem (OR = 3.29, 95% CI = 1.53–7.06). Work burnout was associated with management and professional position (OR = 7.26, 95% CI = 1.84–28.59), having problem with colleagues (OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.08–7.50), and having financial problem (OR = 4.41, 95% CI = 1.82–10.72), while age (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.00–1.25) and male gender (OR = 7.14, 95% CI = 2.00–25.55) were significant factors for client burnout. There were moderate-to-strong correlations between CBI, DASS-21, and WHOQOL-BREF scores (P values <0.01). In mediation analysis, mental ill-health was shown to have significant mediating effect in the relationship between burnout and poor QOL. Such findings need to be replicated across different hospital settings. Studies on effectiveness strategies to manage identified issues will be required.
Associations between phytohormones and cellulose biosynthesis in land plants
Authors: Wang Liu , Hart Bret E , Khan Ghazanfar Abbas , Cruz Edward R , Persson Staffan , Wallace Ian S
Published: July 2020

Background

Phytohormones are small molecules that regulate virtually every aspect of plant growth and development, from basic cellular processes, such as cell expansion and division, to whole plant environmental responses. While the phytohormone levels and distribution thus tell the plant how to adjust itself, the corresponding growth alterations are actuated by cell wall modification/synthesis and internal turgor. Plant cell walls are complex polysaccharide-rich extracellular matrixes that surround all plant cells. Among the cell wall components, cellulose is typically the major polysaccharide, and is the load-bearing structure of the walls. Hence, the cell wall distribution of cellulose, which is synthesized by large Cellulose Synthase protein complexes at the cell surface, directs plant growth.

Scope

Here, we review the relationships between key phytohormone classes and cellulose deposition in plant systems. We present the core signalling pathways associated with each phytohormone and discuss the current understanding of how these signalling pathways impact cellulose biosynthesis with a particular focus on transcriptional and post-translational regulation. Because cortical microtubules underlying the plasma membrane significantly impact the trajectories of Cellulose Synthase Complexes, we also discuss the current understanding of how phytohormone signalling impacts the cortical microtubule array.

Conclusion

Given the importance of cellulose deposition and phytohormone signalling in plant growth and development, one would expect that there is substantial cross-talk between these processes; however, mechanisms for many of these relationships remain unclear and should be considered as the target of future studies.
Connection, isolation and reconnection: Quaternary climatic oscillations and the Andes shaped the phylogeographical patterns of the Patagonian beeCentris cineraria(Apidae)
Authors: Sosa-Pivatto María , Camps Gonzalo A , Baranzelli Matías C , Espíndola Anahí , Sérsic Alicia N , Cosacov Andrea
Published: July 2020

The joint effect of the Andes as a geographical barrier and the Quaternary glaciations as promoters of genetic divergence remains virtually unexplored in southern South America. To help fill this knowledge gap, in this study we investigated the demographic history of Centris cineraria, a solitary bee mainly distributed in Patagonia. We used mitochondrial and nuclear markers and performed phylogeographical and dating analyses, adjusted spatio-temporal diffusion and species distribution models, and used Approximate Bayesian Computation to identify likely historical demographic scenarios. Our results revealed that during glacial periods the Andes represented a barrier due to the extent of the ice-sheets and the occurrence of unsuitable habitats, while interglacials allowed for gene flow across the Andes. Secondary contact between previously isolated lineages was evident across at least two low-altitude Andean areas, the northern one being a putative glacial refugium. Our findings also suggest that C. cineraria has persisted in situ in four periglacial refugia located along a north–south transect, congruent with the maximum extent of the ice sheet during the Greatest Patagonian Glaciation. As the first phylogeographical study of Patagonian insects, our work reveals that the interaction between Quaternary climatic oscillations and the Andes as a barrier was the main driver of the spatial and demographic history of C. cineraria.
Clinical utility of wide-area transepithelial sampling with three-dimensional computer-assisted analysis (WATS3D) in identifying Barrett’s esophagus and associated neoplasia
Authors: Kaul Vivek , Gross Seth , Corbett F Scott , Malik Zubair , Smith Michael S , Tofani Christina , Infantolino Anthony
Published: July 2020

Sampling error during screening and surveillance endoscopy is a well-recognized problem. Wide-area transepithelial sampling with three-dimensional computer-assisted analysis (WATS3D), used adjunctively to forceps biopsy (FB), has been shown to increase the detection of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and BE-associated neoplasia. We evaluated the clinical utility of WATS3D and its impact on the management of patients with BE and dysplasia. Between 2013 and 2018, 432 consecutive patients who had a WATS3D positive and an accompanying FB negative result were identified. Physicians were contacted to determine if the WATS3D result impacted their decision to enroll patients in surveillance or increase the frequency of surveillance, recommend ablation, and/or initiate or increase the dose of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). WATS3D directly impacted the management of 97.8% of 317 BE patients; 96.2% were enrolled in surveillance and 60.2% were started on PPIs or their dose was increased. WATS3D impacted the management of 94.9% and 94.1% of the 98 low-grade dysplasia and 17 high-grade dysplasia patients, respectively. As a result of WATS3D, 33.7% of low-grade dysplasia and 70.6% of high-grade dysplasia patients underwent endoscopic therapy. More than 37% of all dysplasia patients were enrolled in a surveillance program, and nearly 30% were scheduled to be surveilled more frequently. PPIs were either initiated, or the dose was increased in more than 54% of all dysplasia patients. We demonstrate that WATS3D has high clinical utility. By prompting physicians to change their clinical management in patients with negative FB results, WATS3D, used adjunctively to FB, directly impacts patient management, and improves patient outcomes.
Test–retest reliability of left and right ventricular systolic function by new and conventional echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance parameters
Authors: Houard Laura , Militaru Sebastian , Tanaka Kaoru , Pasquet Agnès , Vancraeynest David , Vanoverschelde Jean-Louis , Pouleur Anne-Catherine , Gerber Bernhard L
Published: July 2020

Aims 

Reproducible evaluation of left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function is crucial for clinical decision-making and risk stratification. We evaluated whether speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking (cMR-FT) global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential strains allow better test–retest reproducibility of LV and RV systolic function than conventional cMR and echocardiographic parameters.

Methods and results 

Thirty healthy volunteers and 20 chronic heart failure patients underwent cMR and STE twice on separate days to evaluate test–retest coefficient of variation (CV), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and estimated sample sizes for significant changes in LV and RV function. Among LV parameters, cMR-left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) had the highest reproducibility (CV = 6.7%, ICC = 0.98), significantly better than cMR-FT-GLS (CV = 15.1%, ICC = 0.84), global circumferential strains (CV = 11.5%, ICC = 0.94) and echocardiographic LVEF (CV = 11.3%, ICC = 0.93). STE-LV-GLS (CV = 8.9%, ICC = 0.94) had significantly better reproducibility than cMR-FT-LV-GLS. Among RV parameters, STE-RV-GLS (CV = 7.3%, ICC = 0.93) had significantly better CV than cMR-right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) (CV = 13%, ICC = 0.82). cMR-FT-RV-GLS (CV = 43%, ICC = 0.39) performed poorly with significantly lower reproducibility than all other RV parameters. Owing to their superior interstudy reproducibility, cMR-LVEF (n = 12), cMR-RVEF (n = 41), STE-LV-GLS and STE-RV-GLS (both n = 14) were the parameters allowing the lowest calculated sample sizes to detect 10% change in LV or RV systolic function.

Conclusion 

STE-LV-GLS and STE-RV-GLS showed higher test–retest reliability than other echocardiographic measurements of LV and RV function. They also allowed smaller calculated sample sizes, supporting the use of STE-LV and RV-GLS for longitudinal follow-up of LV and RV function.
Use of potassium-binder patiromer for up-titration of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibition therapy in a patient with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction followed in a multidisciplinary integrated chronic care management programme: a case report
Authors: Jiménez-Marrero Santiago , Enjuanes Cristina , Yun Sergi , Comín-Colet Josep
Published: June 2020

Background

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a growing epidemic. The cornerstone of pharmacological therapy in CHF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is the inhibition of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). One of the adverse effects of RAAS blockade is the development of hyperkalaemia, which often limits the optimization of recommended, Class I treatments. In this context, potassium binders patiromer or sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (ZS-9) provide an opportunity to optimize the pharmacological management of these patients.

Case summary

We present a case report illustrating our real-life experience using the potassium-binder patiromer in a patient with HFrEF, in whom recurrent hyperkalaemia (up to 6.3 mmol/L with low doses of enalapril) was preventing titration of RAAS inhibition therapies. Use of patiromer allowed re-introducing ramipril (subsequently switched to sacubitril/valsartan) and eplerenone. Serum potassium levels remained normal with patiromer 16.8 g/24 h, and the patient’s tolerance to patiromer was excellent.

Discussion

In patients with HFrEF and recurrent hyperkalaemia, optimal RAAS inhibition is often discontinued. In this context, novel potassium binders such as patiromer or ZS-9 have been shown to be effective in lowering potassium and maintaining normokalaemia, with a good safety profile and patient tolerance, all of which make them promising alternative options. Our preliminary experience suggests that patiromer may be a helpful and well-tolerated treatment option, which may aid in achieving optimal RAAS inhibition in HFrEF patients with recurrent hyperkalaemia. Registries of HFrEF patients will help better understand whether therapies such as patiromer have prognostic benefits through facilitating optimal RAAS blockade.
The cost-effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in low surgical risk patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Tam Derrick Y , Azizi Paymon M , Fremes Stephen E , Chikwe Joanna , Gaudino Mario , Wijeysundera Harindra C
Published: July 2020

Aims

The economic value of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in low surgical risk patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis is not known. Our objective was to determine the cost-effectiveness of balloon-expandable TAVR and self-expandable TAVR relative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in low-risk patients.

Methods and results

A fully probabilistic Markov cohort model was constructed to estimate differences in costs and effectiveness [quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)] over the patient’s life-time time from the third-party payer’s perspective. Clinical outcomes modelled were alive/well (no complications), permanent stroke, ≥moderate paravalvular leak, new pacemaker, rehospitalization, and death. A network meta-analysis of the PARTNER 3 and Evolut Low Risk trial was performed to compare balloon-expandable TAVR, self-expandable TAVR, and SAVR for the efficacy inputs. Incremental-cost effectiveness ratios (ICER) were calculated. The total life-time costs in the balloon-expandable TAVR, self-expandable-TAVR, and SAVR arms were $37  330 ± 4724, $39 660 ± 4862, and $34 583 ± 6731, respectively, and total life-time QALYs gained were 9.15 ± 3.23, 9.13 ± 3.23, and 9.05 ± 3.20, respectively. The ICERs for balloon-expandable TAVR and self-expandable TAVR against SAVR were $27 196/QALY and $59 641/QALY, respectively. Balloon-expandable TAVR was less costly and more effective than self-expandable TAVR. There was substantial uncertainty, with 53% and 58% of model iterations showing balloon-expandable TAVR to be the preferred option at willingness-to-pay thresholds of $50 000/QALY and $100  000/QALY, respectively.

Conclusion

Compared with SAVR, TAVR, particularly with balloon-expandable prostheses may be a cost-effective option for patients with severe aortic stenosis at low surgical risk.
Underplanting is a practical silvicultural method for regenerating and diversifying conifer stands in Britain
Authors: Stokes Victoria , Kerr Gary , Connolly Thomas
Published: July 2020

There is a strong policy move in Britain to improve forest resilience to climate change by increasing stand structural and species diversity. Although currently little used in Britain, the technique of underplanting allows regeneration and diversification of stands while avoiding some of the disadvantages of clearfelling. Two experiments were examined: (1) the growth and survival of five underplanted conifer species of differing shade tolerance in a shelterwood and (2) compared performance of underplanted and open-grown Douglas-fir seedlings on restocking sites. Underplanted Sitka spruce, Norway spruce, noble fir, European silver fir and Douglas-fir were all able to survive and grow. However increased exposure following overstorey removal resulted in some damage and ‘socketing’, especially to taller seedlings, particularly Douglas-fir. This may be linked to poor root development when growing under an overstorey. Microclimate conditions on some underplanted sites were more sheltered from extreme climatic conditions, and in some cases this improved survival of Douglas-fir seedlings. However, seedling growth rates were reduced compared with those on open sites probably due to lower light levels. Underplanting may help to improve establishment success of some species, particularly in exposed areas. However, the shelter benefits of underplanting must be carefully balanced against the trade-off with lower light, and underplanting is likely to be more successful where low canopy density is maintained.
Sleep Difficulties and Cognition for 10 Years in a National Sample of U.S. Older Adults
Authors: Robbins Rebecca , Sonnega Amanda , Turner Robert W , Jean-Louis Girardin , Butler Mark , Osorio Ricardo S , Langa Kenneth M
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives

Sleep difficulties are common among older adults and are associated with cognitive decline. We used data from a large, nationally representative longitudinal survey of adults aged older than 50 in the United States to examine the relationship between specific sleep difficulties and cognitive function over time.

Research Design and Methods

Longitudinal data from the 2004–2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study were used in the current study. We examined sleep difficulties and cognitive function within participants and across time (n = 16 201). Sleep difficulty measures included difficulty initiating sleep, nocturnal awakenings, early morning awakenings, and waking up feeling rested from rarely/never (1) to most nights (3). The modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status was used to measure cognitive function. Generalized linear mixed models were used with time-varying covariates to examine the relationship between sleep difficulties and cognitive function over time.

Results

In covariate-adjusted models, compared to “never” reporting sleep difficulty, difficulty initiating sleep “most nights” was associated with worse cognitive function over time (Year 2014: b = −0.40, 95% CI: −0.63 to −0.16, p < .01) as was difficulty waking up too early “most nights” (Year 2014: b = −0.31, 95% CI: −0.56 to −0.07, p < .05). In covariate-adjusted analyses, compared to “never” reporting waking up feeling rested, cognitive function was higher among those who reported waking up feeling rested “some nights” (Year 2010: b = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.40, p < .05).

Discussion and Implications

Our findings highlight an association between early morning awakenings and worse cognitive function, but also an association between waking up feeling rested and better cognitive function over time.