bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complications of Resection Arthroplasty in Two-Stage Revision for the Treatment of Periprosthetic Hip Joint Infection
Authors: Sigmund Irene K. , Winkler Tobias , Önder Nuri , Perka Carsten , Renz Nora , Trampuz Andrej
Published: December 2019

Little data is available regarding complications associated with resection arthroplasty in the treatment of hip periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). We assessed complications during and after two-stage revision using resection arthroplasty. In this retrospective study, 93 patients undergoing resection arthroplasty for hip PJI were included. Patients were assigned to a prosthesis-free interval of ≤10 weeks (group 1; 49 patients) or >10 weeks (group 2; 44 patients). The complication rates between groups were compared using the chi-squared test. The revision-free and infection-free survival was estimated using a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Seventy-one patients (76%) experienced at least one local complication (overall 146 complications). Common complications were blood loss during reimplantation (n = 25) or during explantation (n = 23), persistent infection (n = 16), leg length discrepancy (n = 13) and reinfection (n = 9). Patients in group 1 experienced less complications after reimplantation (p = 0.012). With increasing severity of acetabular bone defects, higher incidence of complications (p = 0.008), periprosthetic bone fractures (p = 0.05) and blood loss (p = 0.039) was observed. The infection-free survival rate at 24 months was 93.9% in group 1 and 85.9% in group 2. The indication for resection arthroplasty needs to be evaluated carefully, considering the high rate of complications and reduced mobility, particularly if longer prosthesis-free intervals are used.
The GALNT14 Genotype Predicts Postoperative Outcome of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chiang Chun-Cheng , Yeh Chau-Ting , Hwang Tsann-Long , Chu Yu-De , Lim Siew-Na , Chen Chun-Wei , Kuo Chia-Jung , Le Puo-Hsien , Chen Tsung-Hsing , Lin Wey-Ran
Published: December 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is notorious for its poor prognosis. The current mainstay of treatment for PDA is surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. However, it is difficult to predict the post-operative outcome because of the lack of reliable markers. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase14 (GALNT14) has been proven to predict the progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and response to chemotherapy in various types of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. However, its role in PDA has not been studied. This study aims to investigate whether the GALNT14 SNP genotype can be a prognostic marker for PDA. A cohort of one hundred and three PDA patients having received surgical resection were retrospectively enrolled. GALNT14 genotypes and the clinicopathological parameters were correlated with postoperative prognosis. The genotype analysis revealed that 19.4%, 60.2% and 20.4% of patients had the GALNT14 “TT”, “TG” and “GG” genotypes, respectively. The patients with the “GG” genotype had a mean OS time of 37.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.2–56.1) and those with the “non-GG” genotype had a mean OS time of 16.1 months (95% CI: 13.1–19.2). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the “GG” genotype had a significantly better OS compared to the “non-GG” genotype (p = 0.005). However, there was no significant difference between the “GG” and “non-GG” genotypes in PFS (p = 0.172). The baseline characteristics between patients with the “GG” and “non-GG” genotypes were compared, and no significant difference was found. Univariate followed by multivariate Cox proportional hazard models demonstrated the GALNT14 “GG” genotype, negative resection margin, and locoregional disease as independent predictors for favorable OS (p = 0.003, p = 0.037, p = 0.021, respectively). Sensitivity analysis was performed in each subgroup to examine the relationship of GALNT14 with different clinicopathological variables and no heterogeneity was found. The GALNT14 “GG” genotype is associated with favorable survival outcome, especially OS, in patients with resected PDA and could serve as a prognostic marker.
Enhanced Positioning Algorithm Using a Single Image in an LCD-Camera System by Mesh Elements’ Recalculation and Angle Error Orientation
Authors: de Francisco Ortiz Óscar , Estrems Amestoy Manuel , Sánchez Reinoso Horacio T. , Carrero-Blanco Martínez-Hombre Julio
Published: December 2019

In this article, we present a method to position the tool in a micromachine system based on a camera-LCD screen positioning system that also provides information about angular deviations of the tool axis during its running. Both position and angular deviations are obtained by reducing a matrix of LEDs in the image to a single rectangle in the conical perspective that is treated by a photogrammetry method. This method computes the coordinates and orientation of the camera with respect to the fixed screen coordinate system. The used image consists of 5 × 5 lit LEDs, which are analyzed by the algorithm to determine a rectangle with known dimensions. The coordinates of the vertices of the rectangle in space are obtained by an inverse perspective computation from the image. The method presents a good approximation of the central point of the rectangle and provides the inclination of the workpiece with respect to the LCD screen reference system of coordinates. A test of the method is designed with the assistance of a Coordinate Measurement Machine (CMM) to check the accuracy of the positioning method. The performed test delivers a good accuracy in the position measurement of the designed method. A high dispersion in the angular deviation is detected, although the orientation of the inclination is appropriate in almost every case. This is due to the small values of the angles that makes the trigonometric function approximations very erratic. This method is a good starting point for the compensation of angular deviation in vision based micromachine tools, which is the principal source of errors in these operations and represents the main volume in the cost of machine elements’ parts.
Low Temperature Characteristics of Hydrogen Storage Alloy LaMm-Ni4.1Al0.3Mn0.4Co0.45 for Ni-MH Batteries
Authors: Karwowska Malgorzata , Fijalkowski Karol J. , Czerwiński Andrzej A.
Published: December 2019

Nickel hydride batteries (Ni-MH) are known of their good performance and high reliability at temperatures below 0 °C, which is significantly dependent on electrolyte composition. Here we present the low temperature characteristics of pristine AB5-type alloy, LaMm-Ni4.1Al0.3Mn0.4Co0.45, determined in various alkali metal hydroxide solutions. We found that the combination of KOH with NaOH showed a significant effect of enhancement of low temperature performance of the electrode material and diffusion of hydrogen in the alloy. This 6M binary mixed NaOH/KOH electrolyte, comprising 4M KOH component and 2M NaOH component, made it possible to maintain 81.7% and 61.0% of maximum capacity at −20 °C and −30 °C, respectively, enhancing the hydrogen storage properties of the alloy after reheating to room temperature.
Correlation between Dental Vestibular–Palatal Inclination and Alveolar Bone Remodeling after Orthodontic Treatment: A CBCT Analysis
Authors: Maspero Cinzia , Gaffuri Francesca , Castro Iury O. , Lanteri Valentina , Ugolini Alessandro , Farronato Marco
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between dental vestibular–palatal inclination changes and the cortical bone remodeling after fixed orthodontic treatment using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Twenty-two patients with Angle Class I malocclusion, permanent dentition, and mild to moderate dental crowding were included in the present three-dimensional (3D) analysis. Bone dimensions were evaluated by CBCT scans obtained before and after orthodontic treatment, whereas the torque values were calculated by means of digital models using the 3D VistaDent software. A paired t-test was used to compare the changes between the pretreatment and post-treatment measurements. The correlations between variables were analyzed with linear regression analysis. A significant correlation between torque variations and bone thickness changes was observed for the apical buccal level of the anterior side (P < 0.05). Limited and not significant alveolar bone resorption for the apical thickness of anterior teeth occurred at ± 5 degrees of torque variation, while for tooth inclination exceeding +5 or −5 degrees, the bone remodeling was more evident. The present study demonstrated that anterior region was the most affected area by bone remodeling and that torque variation was highly related to apical bone thickness adaptation for maxillary and mandibular incisors and maxillary canines.
Pepsin-Soluble Collagen from the Skin of Lophius litulo: A Preliminary Study Evaluating Physicochemical, Antioxidant, and Wound Healing Properties
Authors: Zhang Wen , Zheng Jiawen , Tian Xiaoxiao , Tang Yunping , Ding Guofang , Yang Zuisu , Jin Huoxi
Published: December 2019

The structure of pepsin-solubilized collagen (PSC) obtained from the skin of Lophius litulon was analyzed using the sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SDS-PAGE results showed that PSC from Lophius litulon skin was collagen type I and had collagen-specific α1, α2, β, and γ chains. FTIR results indicated that the infrared spectrum of PSC ranged from 400 to 4000 cm−1, with five main amide bands. SEM revealed the microstructure of PSC, which consisted of clear fibrous and porous structures. In vitro antioxidant studies demonstrated that PSC revealed the scavenging ability for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), HO·, O2−·, and ABTS·. Moreover, animal experiments were conducted to evaluate the biocompatibility of PSC. The collagen sponge group showed a good biocompatibility in the skin wound model and may play a positive role in the progression of the healing process. The cumulative results suggest that collagen from the skin of Lophius litulon has potential applications in wound healing due to its good biocompatibility.
Siderophore (from Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002)-Chelated Iron Promotes Iron Uptake in Caco-2 Cells and Ameliorates Iron Deficiency in Rats
Authors: Feng Xue , Jiang Suisui , Zhang Fan , Wang Runfang , Zhao Yuanhui , Zeng Mingyong
Published: December 2019

Siderophores are iron chelators with low molecular weight secreted by microorganisms. Siderophores have the potential to become natural iron fortifiers. To explore the feasibility of the application of Synechococcus sp. PCC7002-derived siderophores as iron fortifiers, Synechococcus sp. PCC7002, as a carrier, was fermented to produce siderophores. The absorption mechanism and anemia intervention effect of siderophores-chelated iron (SCI) were studied through the polarized Caco-2 Cell monolayers and the rat model of iron-deficiency anemia, respectively. The results indicated that siderophores (from Synechococcus sp. PCC7002) had an enhancing effect on iron absorption in polarized Caco-2 cell monolayers. The main absorption site of SCI was duodenum with pH 5.5, and the absorption methods included endocytosis and DMT1, with endocytosis being dominant. The effect of sodium phytate on SCI was less than that of ferrous sulfate. Therefore, SCI could resist inhibitory iron absorption factors in polarized Caco-2 cell monolayers. SCI showed significantly higher relative bioavailability (133.58 ± 15.42%) than ferrous sulfate (100 ± 14.84%) and ferric citrate (66.34 ± 8.715%) in the rat model. Food intake, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit and serum iron concentration of rats improved significantly after Fe-repletion. Overall, this study indicated that siderophores derived from Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 could be an effective and feasible iron nutritive fortifier.
Migraine without Aura and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Young Females: Is Gut Microbiota to Blame?
Authors: Georgescu Doina , Iurciuc Mircea Stefan , Ionita Ioana , Dragan Simona , Muntean Mihaela , Ancusa Oana Elena , Reisz Daniela , Ionita Mihai , Lighezan Daniel
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives: Migraine with aura (MA) could be considered a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis and cardio-vascular events. However, less is known about the relation between migraine without aura (MWA) and atherosclerosis. Our study aimed to assess whether young female migraineurs, with alterations of gut microbiota could associate early atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods: We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional, pilot study concerning 105 consecutive young females having MWA, with recent normal brain scans, that were free of cardio-vascular risk factors, non-smokers, not on oral contraception, not pregnant, and without thyroid or parathyroid diseases, chronic organ failure, cancer, or on probiotic or antibiotic treatment. Consecutive to assessment of gut microbiota, patients were assigned to two groups: dysbiosis positive (n = 45) and dysbiosis negative (n = 60). All study participants underwent clinical examinations with an assessment of migraine severity, body mass index and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), as well as laboratory workups. Statistical analysis was performed using a chi-squared test (χ2), a two-tailed t-test and a nonparametric Spearman’s correlation test. Results: The dysbiosis positive migraineurs showed a significant increase in CIMT along with several anthropometrical, biological and clinical particularities. Significant positive correlations between dysbiosis and CIMT, glycosylated hemoglobin, migraine severity and duration, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and body mass index were found. Conclusions: Young female migraineurs with significant alterations of gut microbiota experienced early signs of atherosclerosis and displayed severe migraine disability, as well as multiple biological and clinical particularities.
Removal of Phosphorus from High-Phosphorus Manganese Ores by Ammonia-Ammonium Carbonate Leaching Method
Authors: Tu Zhongbing , Liang Xiaoping , Wang Yu , Wu Chengbo
Published: December 2019

High-phosphorus manganese ores provide an important source of manganese, which is regarded as an irreplaceable material in the steel industry. The ammonia-ammonium carbonate leaching method was proposed for the removal of phosphorus and extracting manganese from high-phosphorus manganese ore, both effectively and environmentally. To explore the dissolution behavior of phosphorus and manganese in the ammonia-ammonium carbonate solution, the effect of the ammonia-to-ammonium carbonate concentration ratio, the leaching temperature, and the liquid-to-solid ratio on manganese extraction and dephosphorization rate were investigated. In addition, the composition of precipitated manganiferous sample, which was obtained from high-phosphorus manganese ores by ammonia-ammonium carbonate leaching process, was also studied. The results indicated that more than 99.2% phosphorus was removed and more than 83.5% of manganese was extracted by ammonia-ammonium carbonate leaching under the following conditions: ammonia to ammonium carbonate concentrations: 14:2 mol/L; liquid/solid ratio: 5:1 mL/g; leaching temperature: 25 °C; The precipitated manganiferous sample has little impurities, Mn% is 44.12%, P% is 0.02%, P/Mn = 0.00045.
Chlamydia trachomatis Whole-Proteome Microarray Analysis of The Netherlands Chlamydia Cohort Study
Authors: Hufnagel Katrin , Hoenderboom Bernice , Harmel Christoph , Rohland Juliane K. , van Benthem Birgit H.B. , Morré Servaas A. , Waterboer Tim
Published: December 2019

Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) whole-proteome microarrays were utilized to identify antibody patterns associated with infection; pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal factor infertility, chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and ectopic pregnancy in a subsample of the Netherlands Chlamydia cohort study. Serum pools were analyzed on whole-proteome arrays. The 121 most reactive antigens identified during whole-proteome arrays were selected for further analysis with minimized microarrays that allowed for single sera analysis. From the 232 single sera; 145 (62.5%) serum samples were reactive for at least one antigen. To discriminate between positive and negative serum samples; we created a panel of in total 18 antigens which identified 96% of all microarray positive samples. Antigens CT_858; CT_813 and CT_142 were most reactive. Comparison of antibody reactivity’s among women with and without Ct related sequelae revealed that the reactivity of CT_813 and CT_142 was less common among women with PID compared to women without (29.0% versus 58.6%, p = 0.005 and 25.8% versus 50.6%, p = 0.017 respectively). CT_858 was less common among CPP cases compared to controls (33.3% versus 58.6; p = 0.028). Using a whole-proteome array to select antigens for minimized arrays allows for the identification of novel informative antigens as general infection markers or disease associated antigens
Epstein-Barr Virus BBRF2 Is Required for Maximum Infectivity
Authors: Masud H. M. Abdullah Al , Yanagi Yusuke , Watanabe Takahiro , Sato Yoshitaka , Kimura Hiroshi , Murata Takayuki
Published: December 2019

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the gammaherpesvirinae, which causes infectious mononucleosis and several types of cancer. BBRF2 is an uncharacterized gene of EBV and is expressed during the lytic phase. To evaluate its function, BBRF2-knockout EBV was prepared using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology and the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Although viral gene expression, DNA synthesis, and progeny secretion were not affected, the infectivity of progeny viruses was significantly reduced by the disruption of BBRF2. When expressed alone, BBRF2 protein localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm, while the coexpression of an interacting partner, BSRF1, resulted in its relocalization to the cytoplasm. Interestingly, the coexpression of BBRF2 protected BSRF1 from proteasome/ubiquitin-dependent degradation. Therefore, BBRF2, together with BSRF1, augments viral infectivity.
Introduction of NGS in Environmental Surveillance for Healthcare-Associated Infection Control
Authors: Comar Manola , D’Accolti Maria , Cason Carolina , Soffritti Irene , Campisciano Giuseppina , Lanzoni Luca , Bisi Matteo , Volta Antonella , Mazzacane Sante , Caselli Elisabetta
Published: December 2019

The hospital environment significantly contributes to the onset of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), representing the most frequent and severe complications related to health care. The monitoring of hospital surfaces is generally addressed by microbial cultural isolation, with some performance limitations. Hence there is need to implement environmental surveillance systems using more effective methods. This study aimed to evaluate next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies for hospital environment microbiome characterization, in comparison with conventional and molecular methods, in an Italian pediatric hospital. Environmental samples included critical surfaces of randomized rooms, surgical rooms, intensive care units and delivery rooms. The resistome of the contaminating population was also evaluated. NGS, compared to other methods, detected with higher sensitivity the environmental bacteria, and was the only method able to detect even unsearched bacteria. By contrast, however, it did not detect mycetes, nor it could distinguish viable from dead bacteria. Microbiological and PCR methods could identify and quantify mycetes, in addition to bacteria, and PCR could define the population resistome. These data suggest that NGS could be an effective method for hospital environment monitoring, especially if flanked by PCR for species identification and resistome characterization, providing a potential tool for the control of HAI transmission.
Berberis aristata, Elaeis guineensis and Coffea canephora Extracts Modulate the Insulin Receptor Expression and Improve Hepatic Steatosis in NAFLD Patients: A Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Cossiga Valentina , Lembo Vincenzo , Guarino Maria , Tuccillo Concetta , Morando Federica , Pontillo Giuseppina , Fiorentino Andrea , Caporaso Nicola , Morisco Filomena
Published: December 2019

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. A reduction in insulin receptor (IR) expression has been reported in these patients. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of a mixture of plant extracts consisting of Berberis aristata, Elaeis guineensis and decaffeinated green coffee by Coffea canephora on the improvement of glycaemic profile, through the modulation of IR levels, and of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients. Forty-nine patients with a grade of steatosis S1-S2 were randomly allocated to the treatment with plant extracts or placebo for six months. Hepatic steatosis was evaluated using transient elastography with CAP (controlled attenuation parameter). Glucose, insulin, and IR levels were measured in serum samples. At the end of the study, patients treated with plant extracts displayed a significant reduction of serum glucose (p < 0.001), insulin levels (p < 0.01), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index (p < 0.001), and CAP value (p < 0.01) compared to placebo. Moreover, the IR expression was increased significantly in the plant extracts group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). The combination of plant extracts increases serum IR levels, determining amelioration of glycemic profile and improvement of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients.
Nutritional and Pharmacological Targeting of the Calcium-Sensing Receptor Influences Chemically Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Elajnaf Taha , Iamartino Luca , Mesteri Ildiko , Müller Christian , Bassetto Marcella , Manhardt Teresa , Baumgartner-Parzer Sabina , Kallay Enikö , Schepelmann Martin
Published: December 2019

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is the main regulator of extracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. It has diverse functions in different tissues, including the intestines. Intestine-specific knockout of the CaSR renders mice more susceptible to dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. To test our hypothesis that the CaSR reduces intestinal inflammation, we assessed the effects of nutritional and pharmacological agonists of the CaSR in a colitis model. We treated female Balb/C mice with dietary calcium and protein (nutritional agonists of the CaSR) or pharmacological CaSR modulators (the agonists cinacalcet and GSK3004774, and the antagonist NPS-2143; 10 mg/kg), then induced colitis with DSS. The high-protein diet had a strong pro-inflammatory effect—it shortened the colons (5.3 ± 0.1 cm vs. 6.1 ± 0.2 cm normal diet, p < 0.05), lowered mucin expression and upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-γ, (4.2-fold, p < 0.05) compared with the normal diet. Cinacalcet reduced mucin expression, which coincided with an increase in tumor necrosis factor-α (4.4-fold, p < 0.05) and IL-6 (4.9-fold, p < 0.05) in the plasma, compared with vehicle. The CaSR antagonist, NPS-2143, significantly reduced the cumulative inflammation score compared with the vehicle control (35.3 ± 19.1 vs. 21.9 ± 14.3 area under the curve, p < 0.05) and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells. While dietary modulation of the CaSR had no beneficial effects, pharmacological inhibition of the CaSR may have the potential of a novel add-on therapy in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Application of Thin-Layer Chromatography in Combination with Densitometry for the Determination of Diclofenac in Enteric Coated Tablets
Authors: Parys Wioletta , Pyka-Pająk Alina , Dołowy Małgorzata
Published: December 2019

Diclofenac belongs to the drug class non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs widely used in Europe as well as all over the world. Thus, it is important to conduct research on its quality control of available pharmaceutical preparations like for example enteric coated tablets. Among various analytical techniques, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is ideal for this task due to their short time analysis, ease of operation and low cost. Hence, the aim of this study was to develop the optimal conditions of analysis and quantitative determination of diclofenac sodium in enteric tablets by using TLC in combination with densitometry. Of all chromatographic systems tested, the best is the one which consists of silica gel 60F254 and cyclohexane: chloroform:methanol:glacial acetic acid (6:3:0.5:0.5 v/v) as the mobile phase, which allows the successful separation of examined diclofenac sodium as active component and the largest number (twelve) of its degradation products as potential impurities of its pharmaceutical products. This indicates that the newly developed method is more effective than previously reported assays by Starek and Krzek. Linearity range was found to be 4.00–18.00 μg/spot for diclofenac sodium. The results of the assay of enteric tablet formulations equals 98.8% of diclofenac sodium in relation to label claim is in a good agreement with pharmaceutical requirements.
The Impact of Drought Stress on Antioxidant Responses and Accumulation of Flavonolignans in Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn)
Authors: ElSayed Abdelaleim I. , El-hamahmy Mohamed A. M. , Rafudeen Mohammed S. , Mohamed Azza H. , Omar Ahmad A.
Published: December 2019

Biosynthesis and accumulation of flavonolignans in plants are influenced by different environmental conditions. Biosynthesis and accumulation of silymarin in milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) were studied under drought stress with respect to the antioxidant defense system at the physiological and gene expression level. The results revealed a reduction in leaf chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, and glutathione contents. In contrast, H2O2, proline, and antioxidative enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR), were increased. These results confirmed that milk thistle undergoes oxidative stress under drought stress. Furthermore, transcription levels of APX, SOD, CAT, 1-Cys-Prx, and PrxQ were significantly increased in milk thistle under drought stress. Overall this suggests that protection against reactive oxygen species and peroxidation reactions in milk thistle are provided by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Flavonolignans from milk thistle seeds after different drought treatments were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and showed that severe drought stress enhanced the accumulation of silymarin and its components compared with seeds from the control (100% water capacity). Silybin is the major silymarin component and the most bioactive ingredient of the milk thistle extract. Silybin accumulation was the highest among all silymarin components in seeds obtained from drought-stressed plants. The expression of the chalcone synthase (CHS) genes (CHS1, CHS2, and CHS3), which are associated with the silybin biosynthetic pathway, was also increased during drought stress. These results indicated that milk thistle exhibits tolerance to drought stress and that seed derived from severe drought-stressed plants had higher levels of silymarin.
Disentangling the Contributions of Plant Taxonomic and Functional Diversities in Shaping Aboveground Biomass of a Restored Forest Landscape in Southern China
Authors: Hanif Md. Abu , Yu Qingshui , Rao Xingquan , Shen Weijun
Published: December 2019

Restoration is essential for supporting key ecosystem functions such as aboveground biomass production. However, the relative importance of functional versus taxonomic diversity in predicting aboveground biomass during restoration is poorly studied. Here, we used a trait-based approach to test for the importance of multiple plant diversity attributes in regulating aboveground biomass in a 30-years-old restored subtropical forest in southern China. We show that both taxonomic and functional diversities are significant and positive regulators of aboveground biomass; however, functional diversity (FD) was more important than taxonomic diversity (species richness) in controlling aboveground biomass. FD had the strongest direct effect on aboveground biomass compared with species richness, soil nutrients, and community weighted mean (CWM) traits. Our results further indicate that leaf and root morphological traits and traits related to the nutrient content in plant tissues represent the existence of a leaf and root economic spectrum, and the acquisitive resource use strategy influenced aboveground biomass. Our results suggest that both taxonomic and FD play a role in shaping aboveground biomass, but FD is more important in supporting aboveground biomass in this type of environments. These results imply that enhancing FD is important to restoring and managing degraded forest landscapes.
Expression of Arabidopsis Hexokinase in Tobacco Guard Cells Increases Water-Use Efficiency and Confers Tolerance to Drought and Salt Stress
Authors: Lugassi Nitsan , Yadav Brijesh Singh , Egbaria Aiman , Wolf Dalia , Kelly Gilor , Neuhaus Efrat , Raveh Eran , Carmi Nir , Granot David
Published: December 2019

Abiotic stresses such as drought and saline water impose major limitations on plant growth. Modulation of stomatal behavior may help plants cope with such stresses by reducing both water loss and salt uptake. Hexokinase (HXK) is a sugar-phosphorylating enzyme involved in guard cells’ sugar-sensing, mediating stomatal closure and coordinating photosynthesis with transpiration. We generated transgenic tobacco lines expressing the Arabidopsis hexokinase1 (AtHXK1) under the guard cell-specific promoter KST1 and examined those plants using growth room and greenhouse experiments. The expression of AtHXK1 in tobacco guard cells reduced stomatal conductance and transpiration by about 25% with no negative effects on photosynthesis or growth, leading to increased water-use efficiency. In addition, these plants exhibited tolerance to drought and salt stress due to their lower transpiration rate, indicating that improved stomatal function has the potential to improve plant performance under stress conditions.
UWB Channel Impulse Responses for Positioning in Complex Environments: A Detailed Feature Analysis
Authors: Kram Sebastian , Stahlke Maximilian , Feigl Tobias , Seitz Jochen , Thielecke Jörn
Published: December 2019

Radio signal-based positioning in environments with complex propagation paths is a challenging task for classical positioning methods. For example, in a typical industrial environment, objects such as machines and workpieces cause reflections, diffractions, and absorptions, which are not taken into account by classical lateration methods and may lead to erroneous positions. Only a few data-driven methods developed in recent years can deal with these irregularities in the propagation paths or use them as additional information for positioning. These methods exploit the channel impulse responses (CIR) that are detected by ultra-wideband radio systems for positioning. These CIRs embed the signal properties of the underlying propagation paths that represent the environment. This article describes a feature-based localization approach that exploits machine-learning to derive characteristic information of the CIR signal for positioning. The approach is complete without highly time-synchronized receiver or arrival times. Various features were investigated based on signal propagation models for complex environments. These features were then assessed qualitatively based on their spatial relationship to objects and their contribution to a more accurate position estimation. Three datasets collected in environments of varying degrees of complexity were analyzed. The evaluation of the experiments showed that a clear relationship between the features and the environment indicates that features in complex propagation environments improve positional accuracy. A quantitative assessment of the features was made based on a hierarchical classification of stratified regions within the environment. Classification accuracies of over 90% could be achieved for region sizes of about 0.1 m 2 . An application-driven evaluation was made to distinguish between different screwing processes on a car door based on CIR measures. While in a static environment, even with a single infrastructure tag, nearly error-free classification could be achieved, the accuracy of changes in the environment decreases rapidly. To adapt to changes in the environment, the models were retrained with a small amount of CIR data. This increased performance considerably. The proposed approach results in highly accurate classification, even with a reduced infrastructure of one or two tags, and is easily adaptable to new environments. In addition, the approach does not require calibration or synchronization of the positioning system or the installation of a reference system.
Investigation of Stability and Power Consumption of an AlGaN/GaN Heterostructure Hydrogen Gas Sensor Using Different Bias Conditions
Authors: Choi June-Heang , Kim Hyungtak , Sung Hyuk-Kee , Cha Ho-Young
Published: December 2019

A Pd-functionalized hydrogen gas sensor was fabricated on an AlGaN/GaN-on-Si heterostructure platform. The AlGaN layer under the Pd catalyst area was partially recessed by plasma etching, which resulted in a low standby current level enhancing the sensor response. Sensor stability and power consumption depending on operation conditions were carefully investigated using two different bias modes: constant voltage bias mode and constant current bias mode. From the stability point of view, high voltage operation is better than low voltage operation for the constant voltage mode of operation, whereas low current operation is preferred over high current operation for the constant current mode of operation. That is, stable operation with lower standby power consumption can be achieved with the constant current bias operation. The fabricated AlGaN/GaN-on-Si hydrogen sensor exhibited excellent sensing characteristics; a response of 120% with a response time of < 0.4 s at a bias current density of 1 mA/mm at 200 °C. The standby power consumption was only 0.54 W/cm2 for a sensing catalyst area of 100 × 24 μm2.
Quartz Tuning Fork Resonance Tracking and application in Quartz Enhanced Photoacoustics Spectroscopy
Authors: Rousseau Roman , Maurin Nicolas , Trzpil Wioletta , Bahriz Michael , Vicet Aurore
Published: December 2019

The quartz tuning fork (QTF) is a piezoelectric transducer with a high quality factor that was successfully employed in sensitive applications such as atomic force microscopy or Quartz-Enhanced Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy (QEPAS). The variability of the environment (temperature, humidity) can lead to a drift of the QTF resonance. In most applications, regular QTF calibration is absolutely essential. Because the requirements vary greatly depending on the field of application, different characterization methods can be found in the literature. We present a review of these methods and compare them in terms of accuracy. Then, we further detail one technique, called Beat Frequency analysis, based on the transient response followed by heterodyning. This method proved to be fast and accurate. Further, we demonstrate the resonance tracking of the QTF while changing the temperature and the humidity. Finally, we integrate this characterization method in our Resonance Tracking (RT) QEPAS sensor and show the significant reduction of the signal drift compared to a conventional QEPAS sensor.
Finite-Time Attitude Stabilization Adaptive Control for Spacecraft with Actuator Dynamics
Authors: Wang Chunbao , Ye Dong , Mu Zhongcheng , Sun Zhaowei , Wu Shufan
Published: December 2019

For the attitude stabilization of spacecraft with actuator dynamics, this paper proposed a finite-time control law. Firstly, the dynamic property of the actuator is analyzed by an example. Then, a basic control law is derived to achieve the finite-time stability using the double fast terminal sliding mode manifold. When there is no prior knowledge of time matrix of the actuator, an adaptive law is proposed to estimate the unknown information. An adaptive control law is derived to guarantee the finite-time convergence of the attitude, and a Lyapunov-based analysis is provided. Finally, simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control law to the attitude stabilization with the actuator dynamics. The results show that the high-precision attitude control performance can be achieved by the proposed scheme.
Evaluating the Performance of Multiple Imputation Methods for Handling Missing Values in Time Series Data: A Study Focused on East Africa, Soil-Carbonate-Stable Isotope Data
Authors: Hassani Hossein , Kalantari Mahdi , Ghodsi Zara
Published: December 2019

In all fields of quantitative research, analysing data with missing values is an excruciating challenge. It should be no surprise that given the fragmentary nature of fossil records, the presence of missing values in geographical databases is unavoidable. As in such studies ignoring missing values may result in biased estimations or invalid conclusions, adopting a reliable imputation method should be regarded as an essential consideration. In this study, the performance of singular spectrum analysis (SSA) based on L 1 norm was evaluated on the compiled δ 13 C data from East Africa soil carbonates, which is a world targeted historical geology data set. Results were compared with ten traditionally well-known imputation methods showing L 1 -SSA performs well in keeping the variability of the time series and providing estimations which are less affected by extreme values, suggesting the method introduced here deserves further consideration in practice.
Strength, Carbon Footprint and Cost Considerations of Mortar Blends with High Volume Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Onn Chiu Chuen , Mo Kim Hung , Radwan Mohammed K. H. , Liew Wen Hong , Ng Chee Guan , Yusoff Sumiani
Published: December 2019

Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) is a by-product obtained from the iron making process and has suitable properties to be utilized as high volume cement replacement to produce sustainable concrete. This study focuses on investigating the influence of GGBFS replacement level (0%–70%) and water/binder ratio (0.45 and 0.65) on the performance of cement mortar blends. In order to characterize the engineering performance, the compressive strength of the mortar blends was evaluated. Whereas to ascertain the carbon footprint, environmental life cycle assessment was conducted. Besides the compressive strength and carbon footprint, the materials cost for each mortar blends was computed. Based on the compressive strength/carbon footprint ratio analysis, it was found that increased replacement level of GGBFS gave better performance while the cost efficiency analysis shows that suggested GGBFS replacement level of up to 50%. Overall, in considering the strength performance, carbon footprint and materials cost, the recommended GGBFS replacement level for cement blends is 50%. In addition, when the binder content is kept constant, mortar blends with lower water/binder ratio is preferable when considering the same parameters.
Factors Influencing Consumers’ Decision to Purchase Food in Environmentally Friendly Packaging: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go from Here?
Authors: Popovic Igor , Bossink Bart A. G. , van der Sijde Peter C.
Published: December 2019

While many food producers invest in adopting sustainable and/or environmentally friendly packaging for regular foods, such as milk or juice, it remains unclear why consumers choose to buy regular food in such packaging, especially when it is more expensive and other alternatives are available. The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic literature review of all studies on the predictors of consumer food purchasing in environmentally friendly packaging published in the period 1994–2019. The guiding research question of this study is: Which factors influence the consumers’ decision to purchase food in environmentally friendly packaging? To review the extant research on the factors influencing consumers’ decision to purchase food in environmentally friendly packaging, we employed a systematic literature review methodology. The review revealed that, although the extant research is growing, it is very limited in terms of the theories utilized to explain consumer purchasing behavior and in the range of the tested predictors of consumers’ purchasing of foods in environmentally friendly packaging. Among the existing explanations are demographics, consumer attitudes, knowledge about the environmental effects of packaging, visual designs, functionality, cross-cultural differences, and affordability. The paper is concluded with a discussion of the implications of this systematic literature review for future research and practice. Among the leading recommendations are: (a) to go beyond Ajzen’s theoretical explanations of consumer purchasing behaviors; (b) to examine a broader set of predictors; (c) to draw on more interconnected complex models that include both internal and external factors; (d) to conduct cross-cultural comparative studies; (e) to address the gap between attitudes and behaviors; and (f) to consider the role of organizations and government in the transition to more sustainable consumer purchasing behavior, rather than only searching for individual predictors of behaviors.
Sustainability of Coastal Agriculture under Climate Change
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Tharani , Hasan Md , Haque A. , Jayasinghe Sadeeka , Kumar Lalit
Published: December 2019

Climatic and non-climatic stressors, such as temperature increases, rainfall fluctuations, population growth and migration, pollution, land-use changes and inadequate gender-specific strategies, are major challenges to coastal agricultural sustainability. In this paper, we discuss all pertinent issues related to the sustainability of coastal agriculture under climate change. It is evident that some climate-change-related impacts (e.g., temperature and rainfall) on agriculture are similarly applicable to both coastal and non-coastal settings, but there are other factors (e.g., inundation, seawater intrusion, soil salinity and tropical cyclones) that particularly impact coastal agricultural sustainability. Coastal agriculture is characterised by low-lying and saline-prone soils where spatial competition with urban growth is an ever-increasing problem. We highlight how coastal agricultural viability could be sustained through blending farmer perceptions, adaptation options, gender-specific participation and integrated coastal resource management into policy ratification. This paper provides important aspects of the coastal agricultural sustainability, and it can be an inspiration for further research and coastal agrarian planning.
Maximising the Edges of Natural and Human Systems: The Case for Sociotones
Authors: East May
Published: December 2019

In many fields of fundamental and applied ecology, the transition or edge between two distinct biological communities is known as ‘ecotone’. The ecotone concept was first introduced in the early 20th century, describing the edge between two ecological systems which disappear in a transition zone but in opposite directions. This paper examines the evolution of the concept and its different applications over time. It explores the characteristics of ecotones as biodiverse enriched ecological niches occurring at multiple spatial scales. The paper goes further by proposing the concept of sociotone or social systems in tension, first by postulating a series of principles through which many possible interpretations may arise and secondly, by describing the societal interface where diverse worldviews, intentions and experiences meet. The concept is tested against a territory of social tensions between newcomers and stakeholders in Sicily providing evidence of a field of dynamic socio-economic transformations and prospects. The paper concludes by positioning sociotone as a possible framework to realise the systemic potential of multicultural globalised societies.
Fault Classifications in Distribution Systems Consisting of Wind Power as Distributed Generation Using Discrete Wavelet Transforms
Authors: Patcharoen Theerasak , Ngaopitakkul Atthapol
Published: December 2019

This paper proposed a fault type classification algorithm in a distribution system consisting of multiple distributed generations (DGs). The study also discussed the changing of signal characteristics in the distribution system with DGs during the occurrence of different fault types. Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT)-based signal processing has been used to construct a classification algorithm and a decision tree to classify fault types. The input data for the algorithm is extracted from the three-phase current signal under normal conditions and during fault occurrence. These signals are recorded from the substation, load, and DG bus. The performance of the proposed classifying algorithm has been tested on a simulation system that was modeled after part of Thailand’s 22 kV distribution system, with a 2-MW wind power generation as the DG, connected to the distribution line by PSCAD software. The parameters that were taken into consideration consisted of the fault type, location of the fault, location of DG(s), and the number of DGs, to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm under various conditions. The result of the simulation indicated significant changes in current signal characteristics when installing DGs. In addition, the proposed algorithm has achieved a satisfactory accuracy in terms of identifying and classifying fault types when applied to a distribution system with multiple DGs.
Evaluation of Sediment Trapping Efficiency of Vegetative Filter Strips Using Machine Learning Models
Authors: Bae Joo Hyun , Han Jeongho , Lee Dongjun , Yang Jae E , Kim Jonggun , Lim Kyoung Jae , Neff Jason C , Jang Won Seok
Published: December 2019

The South Korean government has recently focused on environmental protection efforts to improve water quality which has been degraded by nonpoint sources of water pollution from runoff. In order to take care of environmental issues, many physically-based models have been used. However, the physically-based models take a large amount of work to carry out site simulations, and there is a need to find faster and more efficient approaches. For an alternative approach for sediment management using the physically-based models, the machine learning-based models were used for estimating sediment trapping efficiency of vegetative filter strips. The seven nonlinear regression algorithms of machine learning models (e.g., decision tree, multilayer perceptron, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machine, random forest, AdaBoost and gradient boosting) were applied to select the model which best estimates the sediment trapping efficiency of vegetative filter strips. The sediment trapping efficiencies calculated by the machine learning models showed similar results as those of vegetative filter strip modeling system (VFSMOD-W) model. As a result of the accuracy evaluation among the seven machine learning models, the multilayer perceptron model-derived the best fit with VFSMOD-W model. It is expected that the sediment trapping efficiency of the vegetative filter strips in various cases in agricultural fields in South Korea can be predicted easier, faster and accurately by the machine learning models developed in this study. Machine learning models can be used to evaluate sediment trapping efficiency without complicated physically-based model design and high computational cost. Therefore, decision makers can maximize the quality of their outputs by minimizing their efforts in the decision-making process.