bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Antitumor Mechanism of a Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System: Graphene Oxide/Chitosan Oligosaccharide/γ‐Polyglutamic Acid Composites for Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Liu Baoqing , Che Chengchuan , Liu Jinfeng , Si Meiru , Gong Zhijin , Li Yuan , Zhang Junming , Yang Ge
Published: November 2019

This study focused on the design of a novel pH responsive nanoparticle drug delivery system (NDDS) with high biocompatibility and water solubility. The designed system was used for doxorubicin (DOX) delivery at tumor sites in a controlled manner. These innovative nanoparticles are soluble in physiological solutions besides water. In this study, pretreated γ‐polyglutamic acid (γ‐PGA) aqueous solutions were loaded into composites of graphene oxide (GO) covalently linked with chitosan oligosaccharide (CO) to fabricate GO‐CO‐γ‐PGA via amidation. The characterizations of the synthesized samples were carried out by using fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), ultraviolet– visible spectrophotometer (UV‐Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and zeta potential. Furthermore, drug loading and release behaviors from GO‐CO‐γ‐PGA were studied. The DOX loading in the constructed nanocarriers (GO‐CO‐γ‐PGA‐DOX) resulted in controlled and sustained release. The results of cell experiments revealed that the synthesized composites, which were easily transferred into cells, showed low toxicity and exhibited excellent antitumor effect due to its good connection with DOX. In addition, the composite nanoparticles caused the cell cycle arrest of Hela cells at the G2/M phase. Western blot results indicated that GO‐CO‐γ‐PGA‐DOX downregulated the expression of Bcl‐2 protein but upregulated Bax protein expression, which triggered the release of cytochrome C (Cytc). This condition further activated caspase‐3, cleaved the substrate of poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP), and caused cell apoptosis. These results demonstrated that GO‐CO‐γ‐PGA‐DOX induces apoptosis via the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Hence GO‐CO‐γ‐PGA composites have promising application in the field of biomedicine.
Approaches towards 3‐Substituted‐3‐hydroxyoxindole and Spirooxindole‐Pyran Derivatives in a Reaction of Isatin with Acetylacetone in Aqueous Media
Authors: Chandran R. , Prabhakaran S. M. , Kumar Vaneet , Thakar Snehal Rajendra , Tiwari Keshri Nath
Published: November 2019

The synthetic utility of C1 and C3 nucleophilic behavior of acetylacetone in a reaction with isatin for two distinct pharmaceutically relevant scaffolds 3‐substituted 3‐hydroxyoxindole and spirooxindole‐pyran in water is presented. The protocol offers environmentally benign conditions, wide substrate scope, and good to the very good chemical yield of products. The developed methodology has the potential to generate a library of useful synthetic compounds that are of pharmaceutical interest. A plausible mechanism for the formation of products based on the outcome of the reaction is also rationalized.
Effects of Membrane Additives on PEMFC Conditioning
Authors: Zhao Nana , Yuan Xiao‐Zi , Girard Francois , Wang Keping , Li Jing , Shi Zhiqing , Xie Zhong
Published: November 2019

Durability and cost are the major hurdles preventing fuel cell technology from large‐scale commercialization. Membrane degradation due to insufficient chemical stability is one of the main factors affecting fuel cell durability. Using additives as scavenger, the membrane durability can be dramatically enhanced. However, membrane additives normally result in lengthened conditioning, subsequently adding to capital and operational expenditure. It is crucial to understand the root causes of prolonged conditioning process from membrane additives. In this study, four membranes with or without additives were conditioned in a fuel cell and analyzed using various techniques. It is found that the cell voltage exhibits a U‐shaped curve and slow ramping up during conditioning at a constant current, instead of monotonically increasing to a steady state. Experiments also revealed that mostly additives might be overdosed and the releasing of extra additives causes catalyst layer contamination and requires longer conditioning time.
Concentrating Single Cells in Picoliter Droplets for Phospholipid Profiling on a Microfluidic System
Authors: Zhang Weifei , Li Nan , Lin Ling , Huang Qiushi , Uchiyama Katsumi , Lin Jin‐Ming
Published: November 2019

Cellular membranes are composed of a variety of lipids in different amounts and proportions, and alterations of them are usually closely related to various diseases. To reveal the intercellular heterogeneity of the lipid variation, an integrated microfluidic system is designed, which consists of droplet‐based inkjet printing, dielectrophoretic electrodes, and de‐emulsification interface to achieve on‐line single‐cell encapsulation, manipulation, and mass spectrometry (MS) detection. This integrated system effectively improves the single‐cell encapsulation rate, and meanwhile reduces the matrix interference and continuous oil phase interference to the MS detection. Using this system, the heterogeneities between the normal and cancer cells are compared, and the heterogeneity of the same cells before and after the drug treatment changed obviously, indicating that this system can be used as a promising tool for studying the link between the alterations of lipid homeostasis and various diseases.
A Dual‐Gate MoS2 Photodetector Based on Interface Coupling Effect
Authors: Liao Fuyou , Deng Jianan , Chen Xinyu , Wang Yin , Zhang Xinzhi , Liu Jian , Zhu Hao , Chen Lin , Sun Qingqing , Hu Weida , Wang Jianlu , Zhou Jing , Zhou Peng , Zhang David Wei , Wan Jing , Bao Wenzhong
Published: November 2019

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) based photodetectors have shown great potential for the next generation optoelectronics. However, most of the reported MoS2 photodetectors function under the photogating effect originated from the charge‐trap mechanism, which is difficult for quantitative control. Such devices generally suffer from a poor compromise between response speed and responsivity (R) and large dark current. Here, a dual‐gated (DG) MoS2 phototransistor operating based on the interface coupling effect (ICE) is demonstrated. By simultaneously applying a negative top‐gate voltage (VTG) and positive back‐gate voltage (VBG) to the MoS2 channel, the photogenerated holes can be effectively trapped in the depleted region under TG. An ultrahigh R of ≈105 A W−1 and detectivity (D*) of ≈1014 Jones are achieved in several devices with different thickness under Pin of 53 µW cm−2 at VTG = −5 V. Moreover, the response time of the DG phototransistor can also be modulated based on the ICE. Based on these systematic measurements of MoS2 DG phototransistors, the results show that the ICE plays an important role in the modulation of photoelectric performances. The results also pave the way for the future optoelectrical application of 2D TMDs materials and prompt for further investigation in the DG structured phototransistors.
Alkyl Bridge Length to Bias the Kinetics and Stability of Consecutive Supramolecular Polymerizations
Authors: Greciano Elisa E. , Alsina Silvia , Ghosh Goutam , Fernández Gustavo , Sánchez Luis
Published: November 2019

Herein, the impact of alkyl bridge length is unraveled on the self‐assembly of N‐annulated perylenetetracarboxamides 1–4 that cooperatively form supramolecular polymers. Spectroscopic studies in different solvents as media for the self‐assembly demonstrate the impact that the length of the bridge separating the two amide groups of compounds 1–4 exerts on the supramolecular polymerization process: i) in MCH/Tol (8/2), compounds 1–3 exhibit a consecutive process that, however, it is not operative for 4; ii) the presence of three methylene units in 2, which can induce a parallel distribution of the amide groups, notably decreases the stability of the corresponding aggregates in Tol; iii) increasing the spacer length accelerates the conversion of the metastable, intramolecularly H‐bonded monomeric species, which prevents to develop seeded supramolecular polymerizations; iv) the presence of a spacer with five methylene units in 4 hinders the formation of the corresponding 10‐membered pseudo‐cycle; and v) only the higher relative stability of the inactivated monomeric species of 1 enables pathway complexity, with a kinetically controlled self‐assembly to yield nanoparticles and a thermodynamically controlled supramolecular polymerization to achieve fibrillar structures. The results presented herein expand the knowledge on the structure/property relationship for self‐assembling units to provide pathway complexity and to bias the kinetics and stability of the supramolecular aggregates.
Sodium Salicylate Mediated Ionic Liquid Based Catanionic Coacervates as Membrane‐Free Microreactors for the Selective Sequestration of Dyes and Curcumin
Authors: Shah Ankit , Kuddushi Muzammil , Ray Debes , Aswal Vinod K , Malek Naved I.
Published: November 2019

Designing artificial protocells to sequester the biomolecules within its compartments is a challenging task and can be achieved through the use of surfactant‐based coacervates. Surfactant structures could be tailored to achieve the highest sequestration through coacervate droplets, irrespective of the polarity, charge and type of the analytes. Herein, we designed a morpholinium‐based ester‐functionalized ionic‐liquid‐based surfactant (ILBS) with a higher surface activity than its analogous conventional surfactant to form complex catanionic coacervates over the broad range of sodium salicylate (NaSal) concentrations. The spherically shaped micellar aggregates of the investigated ILBS are transformed into cylindrical shapes and again in the spherically shaped micellar aggregates depending on the NaSal concentration, which forms the coacervate droplets. The complex catanionic coacervates have been studied for their stability in the presence of mono and divalent cations, pH, temperature, viscosity and with respect to time. The microfluidic channel of 100 μm internal diameter was designed to obtain coacervate droplets with a maximum size of 100 μm. The coacervates were designed based on the NaSal concentration; cationic, neutral and anionic to exhibit selective and non‐selective encapsulation of the model charged dyes. We speculate that the strategically designed coacervate droplets could mimic membrane‐free protocells, which are applicable in multiple biomimetic operations.
Investigation of wind turbine wake superposition models using Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes simulations
Authors: Vogel Christopher R. , Willden Richard H. J.
Published: November 2019

It is well accepted that the wakes created by upstream turbines significantly impact on the power production and fatigue loading of downstream turbines and that this phenomenon affects wind farm performance. Improving the understanding of wake effects and overall efficiency is critical for the optimisation of layout and operation of increasingly large wind farms. In the present work, the NREL 5‐MW reference turbine was simulated using blade element embedded Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes computations in sheared onset flow at three spatial configurations of two turbines at and above rated flow speed to evaluate the effects of wakes on turbine performance and subsequent wake development. Wake recovery downstream of the rearward turbine was enhanced due to the increased turbulence intensity in the wake, although in cases where the downstream turbine was laterally offset from the upstream turbine this resulted in relatively slower recovery. Three widely used wake superposition models were evaluated and compared with the simulated flow‐field data. It was found that when the freestream hub‐height flow speed was at the rated flow speed, the best performing wake superposition model varied depending according to the turbine array layout. However, above rated flow speed where the wake recovery distance is reduced, it was found that linear superposition of single turbine velocity deficits was the best performing model for all three spatial layouts studied.
Improved roughness model for turbulent flow in 2D viscous‐inviscid panel methods
Authors: Olsen Anders Smærup , Ramos‐García Néstor , Bak Christian
Published: November 2019

The present study presents a modified expression for the turbulent skin friction coefficient (Cf) in 2D viscous‐inviscid panel methods. The modified Cf expression includes surface roughness effects and is therefore believed to be an improvement to the modelling of leading edge roughness (LER) effects on airfoils. The basis for the study is the two‐equation viscous formulation used in 2D viscous‐inviscid panel methods, where the standard integral momentum and kinetic energy shape parameter equations are solved together with a number of turbulent closures. One of the closures relates the skin friction coefficient with the shape parameter and the momentum thickness Reynolds number. The relation is derived from Coles' law of the wake, which reasonably accurately describes any 2D turbulent boundary layer velocity profile. This is used to derive a new Cf‐expression with the Prandtl‐Schlichting sand grain roughness effect included, which is implemented in the Q3UIC code. Simulations on a NACA63‐418 profile with sand grain roughness on the forward part are compared with measurements and show an improved agreement with the measurements.
Evaluation of an acoustic deterrent to reduce bat mortalities at an Illinois wind farm
Authors: Romano W. Brad , Skalski John R. , Townsend Richard L. , Kinzie Kevin W. , Coppinger Karyn D. , Miller Myron F.
Published: November 2019

From 2014 to 2016, GE Renewable Energy and California Ridge Wind Energy tested an ultrasonic bat deterrent system during the autumn bat migration period at an operating wind farm in Illinois, USA. The deterrent system consisted of air‐jet ultrasonic emitters mounted on nacelles and towers in a different configuration each year. Each year we conducted a randomized block experiment to determine whether the acoustic deterrent reduced bat mortalities at the wind farm. Effectiveness was based on estimates of bat mortalities during 3‐day trials. The operation of the acoustic deterrent resulted in significant overall bat fatality reductions of 29.2% ( = 7.5%) and 32.5% ( = 6.8%) in 2014 and 2015, respectively. All‐bat fatality rates were not reduced in 2016; however, annual all‐bat effectiveness estimates were influenced by species composition. We analyzed deterrent effectiveness for eastern red (Lasiurus borealis), hoary (Lasiurus cinereus), and silver‐haired (Lasionycteris noctivagans) bats, the 3 species most commonly found during the carcass searches. Hoary bats were consistently deterred each year, but annual deterrent effectiveness varied for eastern red and silver‐haired bats. © 2019 The Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Numerical realization of helical vortices: application to vortex instability
Authors: Brynjell-Rahkola Mattias , Henningson Dan S.
Published: November 2019

The need to numerically represent a free vortex system arises frequently in fundamental and applied research. Many possible techniques for realizing this vortex system exist but most tend to prioritize accuracy either inside or outside of the vortex core, which therefore makes them unsuitable for a stability analysis considering the entire flow field. In this article, a simple method is presented that is shown to yield an accurate representation of the flow inside and outside of the vortex core. The method is readily implemented in any incompressible Navier–Stokes solver using primitive variables and Cartesian coordinates. It can potentially be used to model a wide range of vortices but is here applied to the case of two helices, which is of renewed interest due to its relevance for wind turbines and helicopters. Three-dimensional stability analysis is performed in both a rotating and a translating frame of reference, which yield eigenvalue spectra that feature both mutual inductance and elliptic instabilities. Comparison of these spectra with available theoretical predictions is used to validate the proposed baseflow model, and new insights into the elliptic instability of curved Batchelor vortices are presented. Furthermore, it is shown that the instabilities in the rotating and the translating reference frames have the same structure and growth rate, but different frequency. A relation between these frequencies is provided.
Long-term impact of lipofilling in hybrid breast reconstruction: retrospective analysis of two cohorts
Authors: Calabrese Sarah , Zingaretti Nicola , De Francesco Francesco , Riccio Michele , De Biasio Fabrizio , Massarut Samuele , Almesberger Daria , Parodi Pier Camillo
Published: November 2019

Lipofilling has recently gained popularity as a tool in primary treatment of breast cancer, and its association with two-stage implant breast reconstruction is considered as standard treatment in many centers. However, no data are available about the long-term results of the association of lipofilling in combination with expander-implant reconstruction. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients treated between January 2010 and December 2014. Two groups were compared. Group 1 had a standard expander-implant two-stage reconstruction. Group 2 underwent hybrid breast reconstruction (HBR). Patient characteristics, hospitalization, outcomes, reoperation details, outpatient visits, and evaluation questionnaires were taken into consideration. Intergroup comparison was performed using Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Two hundred fourteen patients were evaluated: 130 patients in group 1 and 84 patients in group 2. Group 2 showed significant benefits over group 1 in terms of capsular contracture rate, breast pain, and displacement/rotation of the implant (p = 0.005). The HBR protocol is associated with lower rate of capsular contracture, less breast pain at long follow-up times, and lower overall rates of revision surgery compared to standard expander-implant reconstruction. A specific cost analysis will help further clarify the advantages of this protocol over a standard procedure.

Level of Evidence: Level III, risk/prognostic, therapeutic study.
Microbial response to acid stress: mechanisms and applications
Authors: Guan Ningzi , Liu Long
Published: November 2019

Microorganisms encounter acid stress during multiple bioprocesses. Microbial species have therefore developed a variety of resistance mechanisms. The damage caused by acidic environments is mitigated through the maintenance of pH homeostasis, cell membrane integrity and fluidity, metabolic regulation, and macromolecule repair. The acid tolerance mechanisms can be used to protect probiotics against gastric acids during the process of food intake, and can enhance the biosynthesis of organic acids. The combination of systems and synthetic biology technologies offers new and wide prospects for the industrial applications of microbial acid tolerance mechanisms. In this review, we summarize acid stress response mechanisms of microbial cells, illustrate the application of microbial acid tolerance in industry, and prospect the introduction of systems and synthetic biology to further explore the acid tolerance mechanisms and construct a microbial cell factory for valuable chemicals.
Clinical and Biochemical Features of Pheochromocytoma Characteristic of Von Hippel–Lindau Syndrome
Authors: Li Shimena R. , Nicholson Kristina J. , Mccoy Kelly L. , Carty Sally E. , Yip Linwah
Published: November 2019

Background

Approximately 30% of patients with apparent sporadic pheochromocytoma (Pheo) may later prove to have an inherited predisposition syndrome, most commonly Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease. Our aim was to compare the clinical and biochemical features of Pheo in VHL to those in sporadic disease to identify differences that may be used to guide management and surveillance of Pheo in VHL patients.

Methods

Data of all patients who had adrenalectomy for histologic Pheo from 2000 to 2018 (QIIRB1749) were retrospectively reviewed. VHL patients were diagnosed by standard clinical criteria and/or genetic testing. Patients were classified as having sporadic Pheo (sPheo) if they had no family/personal history consistent with an associated genetic disorder and/or had negative testing for VHL, MAX, MEN1, NF1, RET and SDHAF2/B/C/D/A mutations.

Results

Of 175 patients, 38 (22%) had VHL and 137 (78%) had sPheo including 27 (20%) with negative genetic testing. Compared to sPheo, VHL Pheo patients were younger (mean 25.9 vs. 51.2 years, p < 0.001), less symptomatic (55% vs. 72%, p = 0.074), less hypertensive (46% vs. 64%, p = 0.043) and were more likely to have normal plasma metanephrines (85% vs. 25%, p < 0.001). VHL‐related Pheos were smaller (median 2.8 cm vs. 4.4 cm, p < 0.001) but more often multifocal (>1 adrenal Pheo) (16% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Recurrence >6 months from initial resection was common in VHL (40% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), median time to recurrence 15 years, (range 1–38 years).

Conclusions

Compared to those with sporadic Pheo, patients with VHL are more likely to be young, asymptomatic and normotensive and to have small, multifocal, normetanephrine‐secreting tumors. Because recurrence is common in VHL and arises up to 38 years later, continued surveillance is advised.
What is the Operative Cost of Managing Acute Appendicitis in the NHS: The Impact of Stump Technique and Perioperative Imaging
Authors: Clement K. D. , Emslie K. , Maniam P. , Wilson M. S. J.
Published: November 2019

Background

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency that is typically managed with laparoscopic appendicectomy in UK centres. A number of variables influence the cost of managing this condition. Our aim was to identify the major influencing factors in our centre by performing a cumulative cost analysis.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the costs associated with 99 cases of acute appendicitis managed with laparoscopic appendicectomy at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, from January 2014 to February 2016. Costs were categorised according to blood tests, imaging, medications, operative costs and length of stay.

Results

Our cohort included 66 males, 33 females and 28 paediatric cases. The total cost was £220030.52 with a mean of £2222.53 per patient. The factor with the greatest influence on overall cost was operative time (53.2%) followed by length of stay (39.2%). There was no cost difference between adults and children (p = 0.24) or males and females (p = 0.38). Mean cost in adults ≥50 years was greater than those <50 years (£2899.32 vs £2152.97, p = 0.008) and greater in those who underwent imaging as opposed to no imaging (£2789.53 vs £2010.65, p = 0.0001). For appendiceal stump technique, polymer clips were cheaper (£1844.70) than ligatures (£2380.11, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Operative time (53.2%) and length of stay (39.2%) had the greatest impact on the cost in our cohort. Older patients have a greater overall cost, and this is associated with increased utilisation of imaging. Further studies assessing the safety and feasibility of methods to reduce operative time and to investigate the safety of reducing length of stay are required.
Decision-making based on 3D printed models in laparoscopic liver resections with intraoperative ultrasound: a prospective observational study
Authors: Witowski Jan , Budzyński Andrzej , Grochowska Anna , Ballard David H. , Major Piotr , Rubinkiewicz Mateusz , Złahoda-Huzior Adriana , Popiela Tadeusz J. , Wierdak Mateusz , Pędziwiatr Michał
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate impact of 3D printed models on decision-making in context of laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) performed with intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) guidance.

Methods

Nineteen patients with liver malignances (74% were colorectal cancer metastases) were prospectively qualified for LLR or radiofrequency ablation in a single center from April 2017 to December 2018. Models were 3DP in all cases based on CT and facilitated optical visualization of tumors’ relationships with portal and hepatic veins. Planned surgical extent and its changes were tracked after CT analysis and 3D model inspection, as well as intraoperatively using IOUS.

Results

Nineteen patients were included in the analysis. Information from either 3DP or IOUS led to changes in the planned surgical approach in 13/19 (68%) patients. In 5/19 (26%) patients, the 3DP model altered the plan of the surgery preoperatively. In 4/19 (21%) patients, 3DP independently changed the approach. In one patient, IOUS modified the plan post-3DP. In 8/19 (42%) patients, 3DP model did not change the approach, whereas IOUS did. In total, IOUS altered surgical plans in 9 (47%) cases. Most of those changes (6/9; 67%) were caused by detection of additional lesions not visible on CT and 3DP.

Conclusions

3DP can be helpful in planning complex and major LLRs and led to changes in surgical approach in 26.3% (5/19 patients) in our series. 3DP may serve as a useful adjunct to IOUS.

Key Points

• 3D printing can help in decision-making before major and complex resections in patients with liver cancer.

• In 5/19 patients, 3D printed model altered surgical plan preoperatively.

• Most surgical plan changes based on intraoperative ultrasonography were caused by detection of additional lesions not visible on CT and 3D model.
Fiber laser-driven gas plasma-based generation of THz radiation with 50-mW average power
Authors: Buldt Joachim , Mueller Michael , Stark Henning , Jauregui Cesar , Limpert Jens
Published: November 2019

We present on THz generation in the two-color gas plasma scheme driven by a high-power, ultrafast fiber laser system. The applied scheme is a promising approach for scaling the THz average power but it has been limited so far by the driving lasers to repetition rates up to 1 kHz. Here, we demonstrate recent results of THz generation operating at a two orders of magnitude higher repetition rate. This results in a unprecedented THz average power of 50 mW. The development of compact, table-top THz sources with high repetition rate and high field strength is crucial for studying nonlinear responses of materials, particle acceleration or faster data acquisition in imaging and spectroscopy.
Cepaea spp. as a source of Brachylaima mesostoma (Digenea: Brachylaimidae) and Brachylecithum sp. (Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae) larvae in Poland
Authors: Żbikowska Elżbieta , Marszewska Anna , Cichy Anna , Templin Julita , Smorąg Anna , Strzała Tomasz
Published: November 2019

Parasite diagnostics were carried out on 11 Polish populations ofCepaeaspp. In three of them, coming from the roadside ditches of a village (Rytel, northern Poland), very high (up to 60%) prevalence ofBrachylaima mesostomawas observed. This study provides the first molecular evidence of the presence ofB. mesostomainsideCepaeaspp. in Europe. In a few snails from a population found in a private garden in a small town (Chełmża, northern Poland), larvae ofBrachylecithumsp. were present. Cercariae and/or metacercariae ofB. mesostomawere observed in both species ofCepaea:C. hortensisandC. nemoralis, whereas larvae ofBrachylecithumsp. were found only inC. nemoralis. Both species of parasites inhabited snail hepatopancreas whose structure was significantly damaged by larvae. There was no significant connection between parasite invasion and snail host morphotype. The research did not allow the reasons for the high prevalence ofB. mesostomainCepaeaspp. to be explained, and also did not explicitly indicate how the parasite invadedCepaeaspp. individuals making them, at the same time a second intermediate host. However, it poses important questions about the life cycle of the parasite that may threaten extensively kept small-size farms of poultry.
Maternal effect determines drought resistance of eggs in the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis
Authors: Le Hesran Sophie , Groot Thomas , Knapp Markus , Bukovinszky Tibor , Nugroho Jovano Erris , Beretta Giuditta , Dicke Marcel
Published: November 2019

The ability of an organism to adapt to short-term environmental changes within its lifetime is of fundamental importance. This adaptation may occur through phenotypic plasticity. Insects and mites, in particular, are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, especially during the juvenile stages. We studied the role of phenotypic plasticity in the adaptation of eggs to different relative humidity conditions, in the predatory mitePhytoseiulus persimilis, used worldwide as a biological control agent of the spider miteTetranychus urticae. The biocontrol efficacy ofP. persimilisdecreases under dry conditions, partly becauseP. persimiliseggs are sensitive to drought. We exposedP. persimilisadult females from two different strains to constant and variable humidity regimes and evaluated the hatching rate of their eggs in dry conditions, as well as the survival and oviposition rates of these females. Whereas the eggs laid byP. persimilisfemales exposed to constant high humidity did not survive in dry conditions, females exposed to constant low humidity started laying drought-resistant eggs after 24 h of exposure. Survival and oviposition rates of the females were affected by humidity: females laid fewer eggs under constant low humidity and had a shorter lifespan under constant high and constant low humidity. The humidity regimes tested had similar effects across the twoP. persimilisstrains. Our results demonstrate that transgenerational phenotypic plasticity, called maternal effect, allowsP. persimilisfemales to prepare their offspring for dry conditions.
Multigrid solvers for immersed finite element methods and immersed isogeometric analysis
Authors: de Prenter F. , Verhoosel C. V. , van Brummelen E. H. , Evans J. A. , Messe C. , Benzaken J. , Maute K.
Published: November 2019

Ill-conditioning of the system matrix is a well-known complication in immersed finite element methods and trimmed isogeometric analysis. Elements with small intersections with the physical domain yield problematic eigenvalues in the system matrix, which generally degrades efficiency and robustness of iterative solvers. In this contribution we investigate the spectral properties of immersed finite element systems treated by Schwarz-type methods, to establish the suitability of these as smoothers in a multigrid method. Based on this investigation we develop a geometric multigrid preconditioner for immersed finite element methods, which provides mesh-independent and cut-element-independent convergence rates. This preconditioning technique is applicable to higher-order discretizations, and enables solving large-scale immersed systems at a computational cost that scales linearly with the number of degrees of freedom. The performance of the preconditioner is demonstrated for conventional Lagrange basis functions and for isogeometric discretizations with both uniform B-splines and locally refined approximations based on truncated hierarchical B-splines.
Diurnal patterns of ambient temperature but not precipitation influence incubation behavior in Great Tits
Authors: Schöll Eva Maria , Aparisi Manuel Polo , Hille Sabine Marlene
Published: November 2019

Environmental conditions affect incubation behavior, but whilst the effect of ambient temperature is studied and still controversially discussed, the role of precipitation is unknown. Here, we analyzed the effect of local ambient temperature and precipitation on incubation behavior of female Great Tits (Parus major) and accounted for diurnal patterns of weather conditions. We monitored the incubation behavior of females using temperature data loggers, thus identifying periods of staying inside nest boxes incubating, and leaving nest boxes (off-bout). In total, 685 single off-bouts were analyzed between the first 8 days of incubation directly after clutches were completed. Our study showed that whilst precipitation had no effect on incubation behavior, number and duration of off-bouts were negatively related to ambient temperature, which varied throughout the day. We showed that females took longer off-bouts during low-temperature early mornings, which may result from the need to forage after fasting during the night. Thus, foraging in the early morning seemed to outcompete energy requirements during these cold temperature periods. In addition, females spent less time off the nest as incubation progressed. Our results emphasize that patterns of incubation behavior cannot be understood without taking into account varying temperature conditions throughout the day.
Rubinisphaera italica sp. nov. isolated from a hydrothermal area in the Tyrrhenian Sea close to the volcanic island Panarea
Authors: Kallscheuer Nicolai , Jogler Mareike , Wiegand Sandra , Peeters Stijn H. , Heuer Anja , Boedeker Christian , Jetten Mike S. M. , Rohde Manfred , Jogler Christian
Published: November 2019

Planctomycetes is a fascinating phylum of mostly aquatic bacteria, not only due to the environmental importance in global carbon and nitrogen cycles, but also because of a unique cell biology. Their lifestyle and metabolic capabilities are not well explored, which motivated us to study the role of Planctomycetes in biofilms on marine biotic surfaces. Here, we describe the novel strain Pan54T which was isolated from algae in a hydrothermal area close to the volcanic island Panarea in the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Sicily in Italy. The strain grew best at pH 9.0 and 26 °C and showed typical characteristics of planctomycetal bacteria, e.g. division by polar budding, formation of aggregates and presence of stalks and crateriform structures. Phylogenetically, the strain belongs to the genus Rubinisphaera. Our analysis suggests that Pan54T represents a novel species of this genus, for which we propose the name Rubinisphaera italica sp. nov. We suggest Pan54T (= DSM 29369 = LMG 29789) as the type strain of the novel species.
Recent changes in the frequency of plant species and vegetation types in Scania, S Sweden, compared to changes during the twentieth century
Authors: Tyler Torbjörn , Andersson Stefan , Fröberg Lars , Olsson Kjell-Arne , Svensson Åke , Olsson Ola
Published: November 2019

Based on data from three surveys of the vascular flora of the province of Scania, southernmost Sweden, conducted 1938–1971, 1987–2006 and 2008–2015, we analyse the change in frequency of individual species and groups of species associated with particular vegetation types. A majority of all species have experienced a change in frequency since 1938, and this turnover has continued in recent decades. The species showing the most dramatic declines since 1987 represent a mixture of arable weeds, grassland species and ruderals, but excludes forest species. In contrast, a majority of the most increasing species are escapes from cultivation that thrive under shaded conditions. The vegetation types showing the largest decreases since 1987 are all open seminatural grasslands and wetlands, while the vegetation types performing best are wooded. All vegetation types increasing since 1987 also increased during the 1900s; however, species of wooded types performed relatively better in recent decades, as opposed to the minimal increase observed for species of vegetation strongly influenced by human activities. Among decreasing vegetation types, those that have received much attention from conservationists, e.g. sand-steppe and calcareous fens tend to perform relatively better now than during the 1900s, while those that have received less attention, e.g. poor fens, oligotrophic waters and heaths, now comprise the most rapidly declining vegetation types. A majority of the species that decreased 1938–1996 also decreased 1987–2015, but, in general, species shown to have increased during the 1900s have not continued to increase.
Competences for Environmental Sustainability: A Systematic Review on the Impact of Absorptive Capacity and Capabilities
Authors: Dzhengiz Tulin , Niesten Eva
Published: November 2019

Responsible management competences are the skills of managers to deal with the triple bottom line, stakeholder value and moral dilemmas. In this paper, we analyse how managers develop responsible management competences and how the competences interact with capabilities at the organisational level. The paper contributes to the responsible management literature by integrating research on absorptive capacity and organisational learning. By creating intersections between these disparate research streams, this study enables a better understanding of the development of responsible management competences. The paper is a systematic literature review on environmental competences, which are a type of responsible management competences referring to the managerial skills aimed at improving environmental sustainability. The findings demonstrate that managers who are able to recognize and acquire external knowledge develop environmental competences, and organisations capable of assimilating, transforming and exploiting knowledge develop environmental capabilities. The paper establishes that a dynamic and recursive relation exists between environmental competences and capabilities. Antecedents and contextual conditions specific to a sustainability context, such as eco-centric values and stakeholder pressures, influence the development of environmental competences. The study shows that environmental competences have a positive direct effect on environmental performance, and an indirect effect as a mediator between environmental capabilities and performance.
A detached leaf assay to rapidly screen for resistance of maize to Bipolaris maydis, the causal agent of southern corn leaf blight
Authors: Aregbesola Elizabeth , Ortega-Beltran Alejandro , Falade Titilayo , Jonathan Gbolagade , Hearne Sarah , Bandyopadhyay Ranajit
Published: November 2019

Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB), caused by the fungus Bipolaris maydis, is a disease that significantly affects maize productivity across the globe. A detached leaf assay (DLA) was developed to rapidly assess maize resistance to SCLB. Several experiments were conducted to: (i) identify a highly virulent B. maydis isolate; and to determine the most appropriate (ii) phytohormone to maintain viability of maize leaf tissue, (iii) leaf age for the assay, and (iv) inoculum concentration. Once optimized, the DLA was compared with screenhouse and field experiments. Use of DLA required a maximum of 28 days for resistance assessment, in contrast to screenhouse and field tests at a minimum of 33 and 72 days, respectively. DLA positively correlated with screenhouse (r = 0.48, P = 0.08) and field experiments (r = 0.68, P = 0.008). Assessments of diverse B. maydis strains and host genotypes indicated that the DLA could be used to detect both highly virulent SCLB strains and highly resistant maize genotypes. Here we report that DLA is a rapid, reliable technique to screen maize resistance to SCLB. Use of this tool in maize breeding programs can speed up the process of identification of sources of resistance to multiple variants of SCLB.
Correction to: Kwakwaka’wakw “Clam Gardens”
Authors: Deur Douglas , Dick Adam , Recalma-Clutesi Kim , Turner Nancy J.
Published: November 2019

The article Kwakwaka’wakw “Clam Gardens”, written by Douglas Deur, Adam Dick, Kim Recalma-Clutesi, Nancy J. Turner, was originally published Online First without Open Access.
Spatio-temporal aspects of the interplay of cancer and the immune system
Authors: Zhdanov Vladimir P.
Published: November 2019

The conventional mean-field kinetic models describing the interplay of cancer and the immune system are temporal and predict exponential growth or elimination of the population of tumour cells provided their number is small and their effect on the immune system is negligible. More complex kinetics are associated with non-linear features of the response of the immune system. The generic model presented in this communication takes into account that the rates of the birth and death of tumour cells inside a tumour spheroid can significantly depend on the radial coordinate due to diffusion limitations in the supply of nutrients and/or transport of the species (cells and proteins) belonging to the immune system. In this case, non-trivial kinetic regimes are shown to be possible even without appreciable perturbation of the immune system.
Trends for Neonatal Deaths in Nepal (2001–2016) to Project Progress Towards the SDG Target in 2030, and Risk Factor Analyses to Focus Action
Authors: Kc Ashish , Jha Anjani Kumar , Shrestha Mahendra Prasad , Zhou Hong , Gurung Abhishek , Thapa Jeevan , Budhathoki Shyam Sundar
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Nepal has made considerable progress on improving child survival during the Millennium Development Goal period, however, further progress will require accelerated reduction in neonatal mortality. Neonatal survival is one of the priorities for Sustainable Development Goals 2030. This paper examines the trends, equity gaps and factors associated with neonatal mortality between 2001 and 2016 to assess the likelihood of Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) target being reached in Nepal by 2030.

Methods

This study used data from the 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys. We examined neonatal mortality rate (NMR) across the socioeconomic strata and the annual rate of reduction (ARR) between 2001 and 2016. We assessed association of socio-demographic, maternal, obstetric and neonatal factors associated with neonatal mortality. Based on the ARR among the wealth quintile between 2001 and 2016, we made projection of NMR to achieve the ENAP target. Using the Lorenz curve, we calculated the inequity distribution among the wealth quintiles between 2001 and 2016.

Results

In NDHS of 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016, a total of 8400, 8600, 13,485 and 13,089 women were interviewed respectively. There were significant disparities between wealth quintiles that widened over the 15 years. The ARR for NMR declined with an average of 4.0% between 2001 and 2016. Multivariate analysis of the 2016 data showed that women who had not been vaccinated against tetanus had the highest risk of neonatal mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–9.55), followed by women who had no education (AOR 1.87; 95% CI 1.62–2.16). Further factors significantly associated with neonatal mortality were the mother giving birth before the age of 20 (AOR 1.76; CI 95% 1.17–2.59), household air pollution (AOR 1.37; CI 95% 1.59–1.62), belonging to a poorest quintile (AOR 1.37; CI 95% 1.21–1.54), residing in a rural area (AOR 1.28; CI 95% 1.13–1.44), and having no toilet at home (AOR 1.21; CI 95% 1.06–1.40). If the trend of neonatal mortality rate of 2016 continues, it is projected that the poorest family will reach the ENAP target in 2067.

Conclusions

Although neonatal mortality is declining in Nepal, if the current trend continues it will take another 50 years for families in the poorest group to attain the 2030 ENAP target. There are different factors associated with neonatal mortality, reducing the disparities for maternal and neonatal care will reduce mortality among the poorest families.
A concise nodal-based derivation of the floating frame of reference formulation for displacement-based solid finite elements
Authors: Zwölfer Andreas , Gerstmayr Johannes
Published: November 2019

The Floating Frame of Reference Formulation (FFRF) is one of the most widely used methods to analyze flexible multibody systems subjected to large rigid-body motion but small strains and deformations. The FFRF is conventionally derived via a continuum mechanics approach. This tedious and circuitous approach, which still attracts attention among researchers, yields so-called inertia shape integrals. These unhandy volume integrals, arising in the FFRF mass matrix and quadratic velocity vector, depend not only on the degrees of freedom, but also on the finite element shape functions. That is why conventional computer implementations of the FFRF are laborious and error prone; they require access to the algorithmic level of the underlying finite element code or are restricted to a lumped mass approximation. This contribution presents a nodal-based treatment of the FFRF to bypass these integrals. Each flexible body is considered in its spatially discretized state ab initio, wherefore the integrals are replaced by multiplications by a constant finite element mass matrix. Besides that, this approach leads to a simpler and concise but rigorous derivation of the equations of motion. The steps to obtain the inertia-integral-free equations of motion (in 2D and 3D spaces) are presented in a clear and comprehensive way; the final result provides ready-to-implement equations of motion without a lumped mass approximation, in contrast to the conventional formulation.
Effect of unfocused extracorporeal shockwave therapy on bone mineral content of twelve distal forearms of postmenopausal women: a clinical pilot study
Authors: Koolen Marianne K. E. , Kruyt Moyo C. , Öner Fetullah C. , Schaden Wolfgang , Weinans Harrie , van der Jagt Olav P.
Published: November 2019

Summary

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy showed a pronounced effect on bone mass in previous animal studies. We showed in this pilot study that a single treatment with unfocused shockwave therapy in unselected patients does not show side effects. Although our study did not show any effect of shockwave on BMD, the limited sample size does not definitively exclude this and a study with 174 subjects per group would be needed to show an effect size of 0.3 with a power of 80%.

Purpose

Unfocused extracorporeal shockwave therapy might stimulate bone formation to reduce the fracture risk. In this study, we assessed the safety of unfocused extracorporeal shockwave therapy and its effects on bone mass.

Methods

A clinical pilot study with twelve female patients free of bone disease undergoing elective surgery of the lower extremity or elective spinal surgery under general anesthesia received 3.000 electrohydraulic-generated unfocused extracorporeal shockwaves (energy flux density 0.3 mJ/mm2) to one distal forearm. The contralateral forearm served as a control. We examined the effect on bone mass with the use of repeated dual energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements and we measured patient discomfort around the therapy.

Results

No difference in bone mineral content and density was measured 6 and 12 weeks after therapy. shockwave therapy occasionally caused transient erythema or mild hematoma, but no discomfort in daily life or (late) adverse events.

Conclusions

Unfocused extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a safe treatment, but no increase in bone mass on the forearm was found at 0.3 mJ/mm2energy flux density. In this study, we were not able to demonstrate that a single treatment with unfocused shockwave therapy in unselected patients had any effect in terms of bone mineral density (BMD) or bone mineral content (BMC). A power analysis indicated that 174 patients per group are required to show an effect size of 0.3 with a power of 80%.
Built Environment Interventions to Increase Active Travel: a Critical Review and Discussion
Authors: Aldred Rachel
Published: November 2019

Purpose of Review

To review the literature on built environment interventions to increase active travel, focusing on work since 2000 and on methodological choices and challenges affecting studies.

Recent Findings

Increasingly, there is evidence that built environment interventions can lead to more walking or cycling. Evidence is stronger for cycling than for walking interventions, and there is a relative lack of evidence around differential impacts of interventions. Some of the evidence remains methodologically weak, with much work in the ‘grey’ literature.

While evidence in the area continues to grow, data gaps remain. Greater use of quasi-experimental techniques, improvements in routine monitoring of smaller schemes, and the use of new big data sources are promising. More qualitative research could help develop a more sophisticated understanding of behaviour change.