bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Hydrophobicity and Elasticity of Bacterial Cellulose Films by Addition of Beeswax
Authors: Indriyati  , Frecilla Nicky , Nuryadin Beben Wahid , Irmawati Yuyun , Srikandace Yoice
Published: June 2020

In this paper, bacterial cellulose (BC) based films incorporated with beeswax (BW) are investigated to study their potential application as packaging material. The films are prepared from 200 g BC suspension, which has a dry weight of about 1 g. Different concentrations (10–40 wt% based on dry weight of BC suspension) of BW are added to enhance hydrophobicity and elasticity of BC‐based films. Carboxymethyl cellulose at 20 wt% and Tween 80 at 30 wt% based on dry weight of BC suspension are also added as the homogenizer and the surfactant, respectively. All components are mixed, degassed, casted, and dried in oven at 45 °C for 16–20 h. Contact angle measurements confirm significant enhancement of hydrophobicity of BC films from 53° without BW to 124° for addition of 40 wt% BW. Tensile testing reveals that elasticity of the films also increases according to percentage of elongation at break for about 38% by addition of 40 wt% BW, whereas tensile strength decreases for about a quarter. Scanning electron microscopy images show that BW covers the surface of BC network and penetrates the membrane pores. Moreover, addition of BW has no significant changes in total color difference and whiteness index of the films.
Development of Rubberized Asphalt Technology Based on Asphalt Cement (AC Pen 60) and Fresh Natural Rubber in Indonesia
Authors: Ramadhan Arief , Puspitasari Santi , Prastanto Henry , Falaah Asron Ferdian , Maspanger Dadi Rusadi , Andriani Woro , Faturrohman Muhammad Irfan , Sofyan Teddi Santo , Firdaus Yusep
Published: June 2020

Technology of rubberized asphalt is significantly increased for the last five years among three highest natural rubber producing countries. Fresh natural rubber which is used as asphalt cement additive, consists of pre‐vulcanized natural rubber latex (NRL), solid rubber compound, and master‐batch. Selection of fresh natural rubber types are strongly influenced by process‐ability, while dosage of fresh natural rubber determine rubberized asphalt properties. Mixing of pre‐vulcanized NRL with hot melted asphalt is run at stirred mixer, while addition of solid rubber compound and master‐batch into asphalt is conducted by using high shear mixer at 150 °C. Observation during rubberized asphalt production shows that mixing of solid rubber based asphalt additive was longer (12 h) than pre‐vulcanized NRL (4 h). Longer mixing time due to solid rubber tend to swell in the hot melted asphalt since there is polarity difference between rubber particles and asphalt. Analysis of rubberized asphalt physical property shows that pre‐vulcanized NRL produces highest elastic recovery value (40–70%) compared to rubberized asphalt based on solid rubber (25.8%). High elastic recovery indicates better resistance of rubberized asphalt against high traffic load and harsh environment. It can be concluded that during field trial test, usage of pre‐vulcanized NRL is more beneficial.
Bactericidal and virucidal activity of ethanol and povidone‐iodine
Authors: Sauerbrei Andreas
Published: June 2020

Ethanol and povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) are important microbicides that inactivate bacteria and viruses. The present study provides a review of literature data on the concentration‐dependent bactericidal and virucidal activity of ethanol and PVP‐I in vitro. A systematic search was performed using the meta‐database for biomedicine PubMed. Eventually, 74 studies with original data on the reduction of bacterial and viral infectivity using in vitro tests were analyzed. A safe bactericidal effect of ethanol can be expected at concentrations between 60% and 85%, and the exposure times vary between ≤0.5 and ≥5 min. Within an exposure of up to 5 min, 80%–90% ethanol also exerts virucidal/low‐level activity, which includes its action against enveloped viruses plus adeno‐, noro‐, and rotaviruses. For PVP‐I, the best bactericidal and virucidal/high‐level effect is present at a concentration range of approx. 0.08%–0.9% depending on the free iodine concentration. The maximum exposure times are 5 min for bacteria and 60 min for viruses. The available data may help optimize the significant inactivation of bacteria and viruses in various areas. However, as the conditions in application practice can vary, concrete recommendations for the application can only be derived to a limited extent.
New design of an adjustable compact microstrip lowpass filter using Z‐shaped resonators with low VSWR
Authors: Alizadeh Pahlavani Mahmoud , Moradkhani Masoud , Sayadi Ramin
Published: June 2020

In this article, an adjustable microstrip lowpass filter(LPF) with the cut‐off frequency (fc) at 1.59 GHz is designed and fabricated. The proposed structure is composed of a Z‐shaped resonator as basic resonator and a combination of modified T‐shaped and Z‐shaped resonators as suppressor units. To describe a theoretical design, the L‐C equivalent circuit of the basic resonator and also its transfer function are calculated precisely; then, the location of the first transmission zero (TZ) is accurately computed. Generating a deep TZ near the cutoff frequency leads to a high roll‐off rate of 195 dB/GH. The LPF also benefits from an extremely wide stopband from 1.72 to 23.67 GHz (15 fc). In passband region, the insertion loss and return loss of the LPF are 0.62 and 22.9 dB, respectively. The experimental results also show that maximum variation of group delay is only 0.53 ns regarding a negligible figure. The electrical size of the LPF is 0.187 × 0.083 (where λg is the guided wavelength at 1.59 GHz). Finally, the proposed LPF achieves a high figure of merit of 57 860 deemed a great accomplishment.
Cardiac MRI Myocardial Functional and Tissue Characterization Detects Early Cardiac Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Chemotherapy‐Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Naresh Nivedita K. , Misener Sol , Zhang Zhouli , Yang Cynthia , Ruh Alexander , Bertolino Nicola , Epstein Frederick H. , Collins Jeremy D. , Markl Michael , Procissi Daniele , Carr James C. , Allen Bradley A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Doxorubicin and doxorubicin‐trastuzumab combination chemotherapy have been associated with cardiotoxicity that eventually leads to heart failure and may limit dose‐effective cancer treatment. Current diagnostic strategies rely on decreased ejection fraction (EF) to diagnose cardiotoxicity.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore the potential of cardiac MR (CMR) imaging to identify imaging biomarkers in a mouse model of chemotherapy‐induced cardiotoxicity.

Methods

A cumulative dose of 25 mg/kg doxorubicin was administered over three weeks using subcutaneous pellets (n = 9, Dox). Another group (n = 9) received same dose of Dox and a total of 10 mg/kg trastuzumab (DT). Mice were imaged at baseline, 5/6 weeks and 10 weeks post‐treatment on a 7T MRI system. The protocol included short‐axis cine MRI covering the left ventricle (LV) and mid‐ventricular short‐axis tissue phase mapping (TPM), pre‐ and post‐contrast T1 mapping, T2 mapping and Displacement Encoding with Stimulated Echoes (DENSE) strain encoded MRI. EF, peak myocardial velocities, native T1, T2, extracellular volume (ECV), and myocardial strain were quantified. N = 7 mice were sacrificed for histopathologic assessment of apoptosis at 5/6 weeks.

Results

Global peak systolic longitudinal velocity was reduced at 5/6 weeks in Dox (0.6 ± 0.3 vs 0.9 ± 0.3, p = 0.02). In the Dox group, native T1 was reduced at 5/6 weeks (1.3 ± 0.2 ms vs 1.6 ± 0.2 ms, p = 0.02), and relatively normalized at week 10 (1.4 ± 0.1 ms vs 1.6 ± 0.2 ms, p > 0.99). There was no change in EF and other MRI parameters and histopathologic results demonstrated minimal apoptosis in all mice (~1–2 apoptotic cell/high power field), suggesting early‐stage cardiotoxicity.

Conclusions

In a mouse model of chemotherapy‐induced cardiotoxicity using doxorubicin and trastuzumab, advanced CMR shows promise in identifying treatment‐related decrease in myocardial velocity and native T1 prior to the onset of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and reduction of EF.
Education, human error, and road crash risk: An empirical investigation in the Indian states
Authors: Dash Devi Prasad , Sethi Narayan , Dash Aruna Kumar
Published: June 2020

This study examines the road accident rates from 29 Indian states and 6 Union Territories during 2006–2015. In this paper, we have employed several empirical techniques such as regression, generalized method of moments (GMM), and threshold regression models to examine how education and attitude of the drivers impact the road accident rates. In our empirical analysis, we demonstrate that lawless driving is found to be positive and statistically significant while incorporating both state and year effects. We also find some interesting result in the context of education and road accidents. We notice positive relationship between higher education and road accident rates across Indian states, which tells us highly educated people are more prone to road accidents as compared with less educated people. In the threshold analysis, the study discovers the positive relationship between road injury and accidents caused by people with higher education, in cases of considering road injury rate from drunken driving as the threshold variable. There appears to be a large number of behavioral issues emanating from higher education, which contributes significantly to the road accident rates in the Indian states. Hence, there is a need for policy intervention.
Effects of cryotherapy on high‐dose melphalan‐induced oral mucositis in pediatric patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kawaguchi Koji , Umeda Katsutsugu , Takachi Takayuki , Ogura Taemi , Horikoshi Yasuo , Saida Satoshi , Kato Itaru , Hiramatsu Hidefumi , Adachi Souichi , Takita Junko , Watanabe Kenichiro
Published: June 2020

Cryotherapy is a conventional method for preventing melphalan‐induced oral mucositis (OM) in adult patients. We retrospectively examined the clinical benefits of cryotherapy in 41 pediatric patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation using a melphalan‐etoposide‐carboplatin regimen. Twenty‐two patients received cryotherapy. The cumulative incidence of grade 3‐4 OM was significantly lower in the cryotherapy group (57.1%) than in the noncryotherapy group (89.5%; P = .041). Multivariate analyses identified cryotherapy and the melphalan dose as independent factors for the lower occurrence of OM. The present study demonstrates the clinically significant efficacy of cryotherapy for preventing melphalan‐induced OM in pediatric patients.
The use of video‐based instruction to promote independent performance of physical activity skills in students with developmental disabilities in a school and community setting
Authors: Bassette Laura , Titus‐Dieringer Shannon , Zoder‐Martell Kim , Cremeans McKenzie
Published: June 2020

School psychologists are well‐positioned to assist practitioners in engaging students in physical activity (PA) which can increase student access to improved well‐being and associated health benefits. This may be of particular importance for adolescents with moderate to severe developmental disabilities (DD; autism and intellectual disability) who display various deficits in performing PA skills. Previous research suggests video‐based instruction (VBI) effectively facilitated independence associated with PA skills in people with DD, however, additional research is warranted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree a VBI impacted acquisition of skills in individuals with DD at school, and, subsequently, in a community setting. Multiple probe design was used to assess the effect of the intervention in four participants. The results indicate the intervention was effective in teaching three participants to perform the circuit in the school setting and transfer the skills to the community setting; however, maintenance was variable. Implications related to practice for school psychologists, teachers, and other practitioners, as well as, limitations and future research directions are discussed.
A series of dual‐reporter vectors for ratiometric analysis of protein abundance in plants
Authors: Khosla Aashima , Rodriguez‐Furlan Cecilia , Kapoor Suraj , Van Norman Jaimie M. , Nelson David C.
Published: June 2020

Ratiometric reporter systems enable comparisons of the abundance of a protein of interest, or “target,” relative to a reference protein. Both proteins are encoded on a single transcript but are separated during translation. This arrangement bypasses the potential for discordant expression that can arise when the target and reference proteins are encoded by separate genes. We generated a set of 18 Gateway‐compatible vectors termed pRATIO that combine a variety of promoters, fluorescent, and bioluminescent reporters, and 2A “self‐cleaving” peptides. These constructs are easily modified to produce additional combinations or introduce new reporter proteins. We found that mScarlet‐I provides the best signal‐to‐noise ratio among several fluorescent reporter proteins during transient expression experiments in Nicotiana benthamiana. Firefly and Gaussia luciferase also produce high signal‐to‐noise in N. benthamiana. As proof of concept, we used this system to investigate whether degradation of the receptor KAI2 after karrikin treatment is influenced by its subcellular localization. KAI2 is normally found in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of plant cells. In N. benthamiana, karrikin‐induced degradation of KAI2 was only observed when it was retained in the nucleus. These vectors are tools to easily monitor in vivo the abundance of a protein that is transiently expressed in plants, and will be particularly useful for investigating protein turnover in response to different stimuli.
Upconversion in Detail: Multicolor Emission of Yb/Er/Tm‐Doped Nanoparticles under 800, 975, 1208, and 1532 nm Excitation Wavelengths
Authors: Tymiński Artur , Martín Inocencio R. , Grzyb Tomasz
Published: June 2020

Spectroscopic properties of YPO4 nanoparticles doped with Yb3+, Tm3+, and Er3+ ions have been studied in detail. These multiemitting materials are promising not only for photonic or electronic use but especially for anticounterfeiting applications. The nanopowders are synthesized by the facile coprecipitation method with annealing in the air atmosphere at 1000 °C. The structural and morphological studies reveal pure tetragonal nanocrystallites with an average size of 20–30 nm. Most interestingly, under NIR excitation, the samples exhibit intense upconversion (UC) luminescence where the color can be tuned by changing the laser source, switching the excitation wavelengths between 800, 975, 1208, and 1532 nm, double‐wavelength excitation, and by changing laser power density. As a result, a very high color shift, being the result of intensity changes in the emission bands of Er3+ (green and red) and Tm3+ (blue and red) is obtained. The luminescence lifetimes, temporal evolution, and the pump power dependences are also measured to propose the mechanisms responsible for the observed UC emission.
Successful spontaneous pregnancy after pelvic radiotherapy for a sacral giant cell tumor: A case report
Authors: Saparmin Fatimahtulzahrah , Jeyasingam Vaishnavi
Published: June 2020

Giant cell tumors are rare benign bone tumors that are locally destructive, but rarely metastasize. Here, we report the case of a young girl with an inoperable sacral giant cell tumor who received radical pelvic radiotherapy and thereafter had unassisted conception with successful delivery.
Optical Observation of Quasiperiodic Heisenberg Antiferromagnets in Two Dimensions
Authors: Inoue Takashi , Yamamoto Shoji
Published: June 2020

A spin‐wave analysis of magnetic Raman scattering in an antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model on the 2D Penrose lattice of point symmetry is made. Following the Shastry–Shraiman perturbation scheme for a strongly correlated Hubbard model, fourth‐order effective Raman operators are obtained. Within the second‐order mechanism, there is one and only Raman active mode of symmetry, yielding a spectral weight independent of light polarization. Considering the fourth‐order scatterings as well, activates and as well as modes and therefore results in polarization‐dependent Raman spectra. With the use of linearly and circularly polarized lights, all the symmetry species can separately be extracted from observations. Though the linear spin‐wave theory, i.e., the harmonic oscillator approximation, is far from quantitative, the and Raman intensities are well describable with two magnon interactions. The Raman‐active mode owes much to higher‐order magnon–magnon interactions as well.
IQC‐synthesis under structural constraints
Authors: Cavalcanti Vinícius M. G. B. , Simões Alberto M.
Published: June 2020

A new controller synthesis technique enabling the design of control systems satisfying prescribed structural constraints as well as stability and performance specifications given in terms of integral quadratic constraints (IQC) is presented. The proposed approach relies on a nonsmooth optimization technique to solve the IQC feasibility problem directly in the frequency domain. As corroborated by the two numerical examples presented, the technique allows the synthesis of control laws of great practical utility (eg, PID, decentralized, and reduced‐order output feedback controllers) for a large class of systems presenting, for example, slope‐restricted nonlinearities, time‐varying delays, and uncertain parameters with bounded rates of variation.
Corporations and sustainable development goals communication on social media: Corporate social responsibility or just another buzzword?
Authors: ElAlfy Amr , Darwish Kareem M. , Weber Olaf
Published: June 2020

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) introduced by the United Nations in 2015 are a framework for a sustainable world. Corporations also use the SDGs as a guideline for corporate sustainability. Based on corporate sustainability theory and legitimacy theory, the paper analyzes whether and how firms communicate about the SDGs on social media to increase their legitimacy or because they are linked to the firms' core business. The study analyzed more than 24,000 SDG‐related tweets from Standard and Poor 500 companies. The results show that firms post tweets about the SDGs that are related to their core businesses and impacts. Hence, the SDGs are communicated in a way that addresses strategic corporate sustainability and social responsibility. These results contribute to the research by clarifying the role of the SDGs in regard to corporate strategy and legitimacy.
Facile Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐4,6‐dimethoxypyrimidine over Lewis Acidic Ionic Liquid Catalysts
Authors: Huang Wu , Ding Jing , Wan Hui , Guan Guofeng
Published: June 2020

2‐amino‐4,6‐dimethoxypyrimidine (ADMP) is an important intermediate for the synthesis of sulfonylurea herbicides. As the most critical step in the ADMP synthesis, ADMP prepared by cyclization of 3‐amino‐3‐methoxy‐N‐cyano‐2‐propaneamidine (AMCP) are rarely reported, especially its reaction mechanism. Here, a Lewis acidic ionic liquid catalyst was firstly introduced to increase reaction rate. The Et3NHCl‐2ZnCl2 catalyst possesses excellent catalytic performance and good stability. The yield of ADMP can reach up to 94.8% under 50 °C for 3 h. And the catalytic mechanism was studied. The anion of Et3NHCl‐2ZnCl2 is conducive to ring formation, and the cation is conducive to hydrogen transfer during rearrangement. The stronger Lewis acidity of the catalyst is conducive to cyclization. This work firstly introduces Lewis acidic ionic liquids into the process of AMCP catalytic cyclization to ADMP, which can open novel vistas for the more economically and faster preparation for ADMP.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis on Noise Characteristics of Parallel Multiple Jets Obliquely Impinging on a Flat Surface in the Steel Slab Scarfing
Authors: Li Yiming , Liu Xingan , Yue Xiang , Li Zhongqiu , Li Baokuan
Published: June 2020

Scarfing applications cause severe noise pollution in metallurgical engineering. To determine the noise characteristics generated by parallel multiple impinging jets in the slab scarfing process, a physical experiment is performed, and a 3D mathematical model is established. Mutual attraction of the parallel multiple jets is recorded, and its influence on the acoustic properties is revealed. The effects of impact height, impact angle, and Reynolds number on the multi‐jet impingement are analyzed. The results indicate that the parallel multiple jets combine in pairs in the upstream. The multi‐jet impingement increases the magnitude of dipole acoustic source, and the noise directivity presents two peaks above the impacted surface. As the impact height increases, the noise intensity first increases to later decrease, and the noise propagation is deflected along the axial direction. As the impact angle decreases, the noise intensity gradually increases, and the spectrum shifts toward higher frequencies. The jet Reynolds number only affects the noise intensity, but has little influence on the spectrum and directivity. The results of this research may provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of guidelines to reduce noise pollution in slab scarfing processes.
Graphical method for the construction of pairs of 3D skew funiculars in equilibrium with coplanar loads and controlled supports' positions
Authors: Boulic Léa
Published: June 2020

Two‐dimensional (2D) funicular structures can be easily generated and controlled by means of simple geometric constructions. These geometric constructions derive from reciprocal relationships between the form and force diagrams of a structure, which form the basis of graphic statics. Unlike in 2D space, in 3D space, similar geometric constructions cannot always be established for the design of three‐dimensional (3D) funicular structures. In some specific cases though, purely geometric procedures requiring no numerical approximations can be defined. In particular, this contribution explores the geometric transformation of 2D funicular structures as a means to graphically generate 3D funicular structures in equilibrium with coplanar loads. A fully graphical method for the construction of such pairs of 3D skew funiculars in equilibrium with coplanar loads and with control over the position of the supports is presented. It is based on geometrical linear relationships between the original and the transformed structures. Ultimately, it is shown how such pairs of 3D skew funiculars can be applied to the design of bridge and roof structures for instance.
Can task‐based language teaching be “authentic” in foreign language contexts? Exploring the case of China
Authors: Kessler Matt , Solheim Ian , Zhao Mengfei
Published: June 2020

This article explores a long‐standing criticism of the task‐based language teaching (TBLT) approach regarding the applicability of TBLT to curricula in English as a foreign language (EFL) settings and, specifically, whether authentic tasks can be designed for EFL learners. To further investigate this issue, the authors explored the EFL context of China and examined students enrolled at two universities in different provinces. Data include (1) focus groups, (2) questionnaires (N = 555) surveying students’ second language (L2) English use outside of the classroom for nonacademic purposes, and (3) semistructured interviews (N = 7) examining teachers’ perspectives regarding their students’ L2 English use outside of class. The results show that a large majority of the students did engage in numerous L2 English tasks and activities outside of the classroom for nonacademic purposes. Despite this widespread use by students, the teachers themselves appeared largely unaware of students’ engagement in such activities. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to criticisms of TBLT regarding task authenticity and in relation to the design of curricula in similar EFL settings.
Evaluation of Noninvasive Survey Methods for Detecting Endangered Shrews
Authors: Tennant Erin N. , Cypher Brian L. , Saslaw Lawrence R. , Westall Tory L. , Mohay Jacklyn L. , Kelly Erica C. , Van Horn Job Christine L.
Published: June 2020

Using traditional capture methods, shrews typically have low capture and high trap‐mortality rates. To reduce effects from live‐trapping and attempt to increase detection success, we investigated 3 potential noninvasive survey methods for shrews (Soricidae): track tubes, scat tubes, and camera traps. These 3 techniques were tested in areas of the San Joaquin Valley, California, USA, with high detection rates of shrews during previous live‐trapping surveys. We found that Reconyx camera traps specifically modified with a close focal distance resulted in the greatest number of positive detections and outperformed all other survey methods. Scat tubes also resulted in positive detections but were less reliable and required more expertise. Track tubes resulted in no positive detections. Use of camera traps is highly recommended for conducting presence–absence surveys for shrews. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Predicting Patterns of Plant Diversity and Endemism in the Tropics Using Remote Sensing Data: A Study Case from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Paz Andrea , Reginato Marcelo , Michelangeli Fabián A. , Goldenberg Renato , Caddah Mayara K. , Aguirre-Santoro Julián , Kaehler Miriam , Lohmann Lúcia G. , Carnaval Ana
Published: June 2020

We combine remote sensing (RS) measurements of temperature and precipitation with phylogenetic and distribution data from three plant clades with different life forms, i.e., shrubs and treelets (tribe Miconieae, Melastomes), epiphytes (Ronnbergia-Wittmackiaalliance, Bromeliaceae), and lianas (“Fridericiaand Allies” clade, Bignoniaceae), to predict the distribution of biodiversity in a tropical hot spot: the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We assess (i) how well RS-derived climate estimates predict the spatial distribution of species richness (SR), phylogenetic diversity (PD), and phylogenetic endemism (PE) and (ii) how they compare to predictions based on interpolated weather station information. We find that environmental descriptors derived from RS sources can predict the distribution of SR and PD, performing as well as or better than weather station-based data. Yet performance is lower for endemism and for clades with a high number of species of small ranges. We argue that this approach can provide an alternative to remotely monitor megadiverse groups or biomes for which species identification through RS are not yet feasible or available.
Epilogue: Toward a Global Biodiversity Monitoring System
Authors: Geller Gary N. , Cavender-Bares Jeannine , Gamon John A. , McDonald Kyle , Podest Erika , Townsend Phil A. , Ustin Susan
Published: June 2020

Monitoring the ongoing declines in biodiversity and ecosystem health is essential for formulating societal responses. The Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) was created in 2008 to develop a global monitoring network, but that is a huge task with much remaining work. Fortunately, satellite remote sensing can help by providing periodic, global data that is not otherwise available. Continued advances – many of which are discussed in this book’s 19 chapters – in science as well as sensor and computational technology have an increasingly important role. However, taking advantage of these requires bringing together a variety of elements and disciplines, and it is with this in mind that a conceptual system architecture is here suggested. Key elements of this cloud-based architecture include: explicit support for collaboration, particularly across disciplines, to facilitate development of new algorithms; access to a wide variety of data, including satellite, airborne, and in situ; recognition of the importance of integrating across sensors and scales; and access to significant CPU cycles for generating heavy products such as time series. Such a system would build upon GEO BON and contribute to its mission by being the core of its RS activities; like GEO BON itself, it would be a coordinated effort among many international players.
Linking Leaf Spectra to the Plant Tree of Life
Authors: Meireles José Eduardo , O’Meara Brian , Cavender-Bares Jeannine
Published: June 2020

Evolutionary trees recount the history of how biological diversity came to be and how evolution gave rise to the incredible variation in plant form and function that can be captured by spectral reflectance. Understanding plant spectra in light of evolution is thus important for assessing biodiversity and critical for explaining how spectral diversity is generated. Here, we focus on leaf spectra and how they are linked to the plant tree of life. We review what evolutionary trees (phylogenies) are and how to interpret them. We then describe how to model the evolution of quantitative traits, discuss which evolutionary processes are involved, and explain specific concepts and metrics, such as phylogenetic signal and evolutionary rates, and how they can be applied to reflectance spectra. Next, we describe a framework that links phylogenies and leaf spectra by coupling models of evolution and radiative transfer models. In doing so, we review some of the challenges of subjecting spectra to evolutionary analyses. We then discuss how spectra can help us to understand leaf evolution and to differentiate plant taxa at different phylogenetic scales from populations to lineages, advancing our potential to remotely detect biodiversity.
Sustainable Climate Change Adaptation in Developing Countries: Role of Perception Among Rural Households
Authors: Fasina Oluwatosin Oluwasegun , Okogbue Emmanuel Chilekwu , Ishola Oluwatosin Omowunmi , Adeeko Abiodun
Published: June 2020

Climate change adaptation entails exploiting not only economically but also environmentally beneficial strategies by all stakeholders. However, the successful implementation of adaptation actions is also subject to the perception of climate change, usually influenced by knowledge, experiences, and sociocultural factors including gender relations, among the target group. This paper analyzes the perception of climate change among rural households in Southwest Nigeria and ascertains the coping and adaptation strategies in use among the households. A total of 239 respondents were interviewed across the vegetative zones available in the study area. Findings revealed that 54.8% were involved in crop farming. About 51.0% and 45.6% practiced change in sowing date and harvest date, respectively. Respondents’ perception had a significant relationship with adaptation measures such as change in harvest date (χ2 = 56.753, p = 0.026), planting improved varieties (χ2 = 55.866, p = 0.031), and mixed cropping (χ2 = 55.433, p = 0.042). Respondents had a favorable perception of climate change. The study concluded that although their perception of climate change was favorable and indicated their understanding of its negative effects on their livelihoods, it did not take cognizance of women’s insecure access to production resources. It recommended the development of easily accessible weather forecasts to aid livelihood decisions and enlightenment on improved women’s access to production resources and biodiversity protection.
Carving out OPE space and precise O(2) model critical exponents
Authors: Chester Shai M. , Landry Walter , Liu Junyu , Poland David , Simmons-Duffin David , Su Ning , Vichi Alessandro
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We develop new tools for isolating CFTs using the numerical bootstrap. A “cutting surface” algorithm for scanning OPE coefficients makes it possible to find islands in high-dimensional spaces. Together with recent progress in large-scale semidefinite programming, this enables bootstrap studies of much larger systems of correlation functions than was previously practical. We apply these methods to correlation functions of charge-0, 1, and 2 scalars in the 3d O(2) model, computing new precise values for scaling dimensions and OPE coefficients in this theory. Our new determinations of scaling dimensions are consistent with and improve upon existing Monte Carlo simulations, sharpening the existing decades-old 8σ discrepancy between theory and experiment.
Influence of metals and metalloids on the composition and fluorescence quenching of the extracellular polymeric substances produced by the polymorphic fungus Aureobasidium pullulans
Authors: Song Wenjuan , Yang Yuyi , Liang Xinjin , Liu Feixue , Gadd Geoffrey Michael
Published: June 2020

Aureobasidium pullulans is a ubiquitous and widely distributed fungus in the environment, and exhibits substantial tolerance against toxic metals. However, the interactions between metals and metalloids with the copious extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by A. pullulans and possible relationships to tolerance are not well understood. In this study, it was found that mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se), as selenite, not only significantly inhibited growth of A. pullulans but also affected the composition of produced EPS. Lead (Pb) showed little influence on EPS yield or composition. The interactions of EPS from A. pullulans with the tested metals and metalloids depended on the specific element and their concentration. Fluorescence intensity measurements of the EPS showed that the presence of metal(loid)s stimulated the production of extracellular tryptophan-like and aromatic protein-like substances. Examination of fluorescence quenching and calculation of binding constants revealed that the fluorescence quenching process for Hg; arsenic (As), as arsenite; and Pb to EPS were mainly governed by static quenching which resulted in the formation of a stable non-fluorescent complexes between the EPS and metal(loid)s. Se showed no significant interaction with the EPS according to fluorescence quenching. These results provide further understanding of the interactions between metals and metalloids and EPS produced by fungi and their contribution to metal(loid) tolerance.

Key points

• Metal(loid)s enhanced production of tryptophan- and aromatic protein-like substances.

• Non-fluorescent complexes formed between the EPS and tested metal(loid)s.

• EPS complexation and binding of metal(loid)s was dependent on the tested element.

• Metal(loid)-induced changes in EPS composition contributed to metal(loid) tolerance.
Web-based Simulation for Contrast Transfer Function and Envelope Functions
Authors: Jiang Wen , Chiu Wah
Published: June 2020

We have implemented a Web-based simulation program for the contrast transfer function and envelope functions in Java and JavaScript. The simulation provides interactive controls of all the parameters in those functions. In addition to the predefined functions, users can easily define new functions that use any of the parameters in the preset functions. The most useful feature of this new simulation program is the convenient, universal accessibility through Web browsers on any computer platform that supports Java, such as Netscape and Internet Explorer.
Improved X-ray Spectrum Simulation for Electron Microprobe Analysis
Authors: Duncumb Peter , Barkshire Ian R. , Statham Peter J.
Published: June 2020

The accurate calculation of characteristic peak intensity is essential for interpreting X-ray spectra in electron microprobe analysis. Conventionally, the measured intensity from a standard of known composition is used as a reference to simplify the calculation. However, if no such standard is available, then all factors influencing X-ray generation and X-ray detection efficiency must be included. If the intensity and energy distribution of the background radiation can also be calculated, the investigator can simulate an entire spectrum from an assumed composition, gaining powerful benefits in setting up an experiment and in confirming the results. The study presented here demonstrates a fast method of spectrum simulation, suitable for energydispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and assesses the accuracy using 309 spectra from samples of known composition. These include K, L, and M lines from elements of atomic number 6–92, excited by beam energies in the range of 5–30 keV. The RMS error between 360 measured and calculated peak intensities was found to be 7.1%. Central to the method is the use of the ratio of peak intensity/total background intensity, which allows spectra to be compared from instruments of differing collection efficiency, thereby easing the collection of data over a wide range of conditions.
Improved Technique for Electron Microscope Visualization of Yeast Membrane Structure
Authors: Bauer Christoph , Herzog Volker , Bauer Matthias F.
Published: June 2020

Yeast cells represent a powerful model system in cell biology mainly due to their amenability to genetic manipulations. Increasingly, studies focus on mutant genes resulting in alterations of cellular structures and organelles. To ascertain the phenotypic changes involved, it is often desirable to use the resolving power of electron microscopy. In contrast to higher eukaryotic cells, yeast cells are particularly difficult to preserve mainly due to the presence of a thick cell wall that acts as a barrier against diffusion of fixatives. Although several procedures are targeted to overcome these difficulties, none of them have become established as a standard procedure. As a consequence, electron microscopy is still not used routinely as a tool in yeast cell biology. This prompted us to develop an easy-to-follow protocol for yeast transmission electron microscopy that should be useful in all cases where membrane integrity and organelle morphology is emphasized. One means of making the yeast cytoplasm more attainable to fixation and staining solutions is by enzymatic digestion of the cell wall. Following this approach, we were able to reliably preserve yeast cells and their cellular organelles. Enzymatic treatment with zymolyase 20T to partially remove the yeast cell wall allowed the fixation, preservation, and visualization of the yeast cytoplasm revealing detailed ultrastructure. The advancement of this technique is demonstrated with mitochondria as a model organelle. Our studies on various yeast mutants clearly show the power of the enzymatic digestion technique in visualizing subtle changes of membrane structure and organelle morphology.
Three-dimensional Investigation of Ceramic/Metal Heterophase Interfaces by Atom-probe Microscopy
Authors: Rüsing Järg , Sebastian Jason T. , Hellman Olof C. , Seidman David N.
Published: June 2020

The results of a three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) analysis, on a subnanometer scale, of a ceramic/metal heterophase interface, MgO/Cu, are presented. Segregation of Ag, from the Cu (Ag) matrix, at MgO/Cu interfaces is investigated and the Gibbsian interfacial excess of silver is determined; the range is 2.33 × 1018 to 5.81 × 1018 m−2. Also, silver segregation at the same MgO/Cu interfaces is analyzed employing a new approach that utilizes a proximity histogram or proxigram.
TelePresence Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Youngblom Janey H. , Youngblom James J. , Wilkinson Jerry
Published: June 2020

The advent of the Internet has allowed the development of remote access capabilities to a growing variety and number of microscopy systems. To date, the confocal microscope has not been included among these systems. At the California State University (CSU) Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, we have established a remote access confocal laser scanning microscope facility that allows users with virtually any type of computer platform to connect to our system. Our Leica TCS NT confocal system is accessible to any authorized user via the Internet by using a free software program called VNC (Virtual Network Computing). Once connectivity is established, remote users are able to control virtually all the functions to conduct real-time image analysis and quantitative assessments of their specimen. They can also move the motorized stage to view different regions of their specimen by using a software program associated with the stage. At the end of the session, all files generated during the session can be downloaded to the user’s computer from a link on the CSU confocal website. A number of safeguard features have been developed to ensure security and privacy of data acquired during a remote session.
Today’s and Tomorrow’s Instruments
Authors: Conty Claude
Published: June 2020

This article will discuss the importance of Raimond Castaing’s thesis on
the genesis of a nondestructive and truly quantitative microanalytical
method that assisted the scientific community in moving forward in the
development of microanalytical instruments. I will also share with you my
recollection of the decades of improvement in the electron probe
microanalyzer (EPMA), that has allowed us to reach our present level of
instrument sophistication, and I will explore with you my thoughts on the
future evolution of this technique. To conclude, I will present the current
status of related microanalysis techniques developed under Castaing in Orsay
in the 1960s, as Castaing’s interest in microanalysis was not limited to
electron probe microanalysis alone.
Feasibility of intraoperative ultrasound of the small bowel during Crohn’s disease surgery
Authors: Celentano V. , Beable R. , Ball C. , Flashman K. G. , Reeve R. , Fogg C. , Harper M. , Higginson A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Intraoperative assessment of the extent and location of Crohn’s disease is not standardised and relies on a mixture of surgeons’ experience, tactile feedback and macroscopic appearance. To overcome this variability, we developed a protocol for full intraoperative ultrasound scan of the small bowel and we here report the results of “Assessing the Feasibility and Safety of Using Intraoperative Ultrasound in Ileocolic Crohn’s Disease—The IUSS CROHN Study”.

Methods

This is a prospective single centre observational study with enrolment of all patients undergoing elective surgery for terminal ileal Crohn’s disease from January 2019 to March 2020. Patients underwent laparoscopic ileocolic resection, according to a standardised technique. Ultrasound intraoperative quantitative assessment was performed according to the METRIC (MREnterography or ulTRasound in Crohn’s disease) scoring guide.

Results

Intraoperative ultrasound was successfully performed in 6 patients from the ileocaecal valve to the proximal jejunum. The median time required was 23.5 min (range 17–37 min) as compared to 6.5 min (5–12 min) required for the macroscopic evaluation performed by the surgeon. In 3 patients, intraoperative ultrasound identified more disease than surgical evaluation.

Conclusions

This feasibility study demonstrated the safety of intraoperative ultrasound and allowed the development of a standardised protocol for intraoperative ultrasound and the data collection required to inform a randomised multicentre study.
Statin use and breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women treated with adjuvant aromatase inhibitors: a Danish population-based cohort study
Authors: Harborg Sixten , Heide-Jørgensen Uffe , Ahern Thomas P. , Ewertz Marianne , Cronin-Fenton Deirdre , Borgquist Signe
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To examine the association between statin use and risk of breast cancer recurrence in a national Danish cohort of postmenopausal breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitors (AI) in the adjuvant setting.

Patients and methods

We enrolled all postmenopausal patients diagnosed with stage I–III estrogen receptor positive breast cancer during the years 2007–2017, assigned adjuvant AI treatment, and registered in both the Danish Breast Cancer Group database and the Danish Cancer Registry. We ascertained incident statin exposure (≥ 1 prescription post-diagnosis) from the Danish National Prescription Registry and modeled statins as a time-varying exposure lagged by 6 months. Follow-up began 7 months after diagnosis and continued to the first event of recurrence, death, emigration, 5 years elapsed, or 25th September 2018. We estimated incidence rates of recurrence at 5 years and used Cox regression models to compute crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), comparing statin exposure with non-exposure.

Results

We enrolled 14,773 eligible patients. During the 5 years of follow-up, there were 32 recurrences in 3163 person-years of follow-up among statin-exposed patients, and 612 recurrences in 45,655 person-years among unexposed patients (incidence rate per 1000 person-years: 10.12 [95% CI 6.92–14.28] and 13.40 [95% CI 12.36–14.51], respectively). In multivariable models, any statin exposure was associated with a reduced rate of 5-year breast cancer recurrence (adjusted HR 0.72 [95% CI 0.50–1.04]). Considering only lipophilic statins as exposure the results were similar (adjusted HR 0.70 [95% CI 0.48–1.02]).

Conclusions

Statin use was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence among postmenopausal patients diagnosed with early stage breast cancer who received adjuvant AI therapy.
Pressure dependence of side chain 1H and 15N-chemical shifts in the model peptides Ac-Gly-Gly-Xxx-Ala-NH2
Authors: Beck Erlach Markus , Koehler Joerg , Munte Claudia E. , Kremer Werner , Crusca Edson , Kainosho Masatsune , Kalbitzer Hans Robert
Published: June 2020

For interpreting the pressure induced shifts of resonance lines of folded as well as unfolded proteins the availability of data from well-defined model systems is indispensable. Here, we report the pressure dependence of 1H and 15N chemical shifts of the side chain atoms in the protected tetrapeptides Ac-Gly-Gly-Xxx-Ala-NH2 (Xxx is one of the 20 canonical amino acids) measured at 800 MHz proton frequency. As observed earlier for other nuclei the chemical shifts of the side chain nuclei have a nonlinear dependence on pressure in the range from 0.1 to 200 MPa. The pressure response is described by a second degree polynomial with the pressure coefficients B1 and B2 that are dependent on the atom type and type of amino acid studied. A number of resonances could be assigned stereospecifically including the 1H and 15N resonances of the guanidine group of arginine. In addition, stereoselectively isotope labeled SAIL amino acids were used to support the stereochemical assignments. The random-coil pressure coefficients are also dependent on the neighbor in the sequence as an analysis of the data shows. For Hα and HN correction factors for different amino acids were derived. In addition, a simple correction of compression effects in thermodynamic analysis of structural transitions in proteins was derived on the basis of random-coil pressure coefficients.
Effect of different activation agents on the pollution removal efficiency of date seed activated carbon: process optimization using response surface methodology
Authors: Al Subhi Hajar , Adeeb Mohammed Salim , Pandey Mukesh , Al Sadeq Hafez , Kumar Deepak , Shukla Sudheer Kumar
Published: June 2020

Activated carbons are currently one of the most widely used materials for water and wastewater treatment because of their high specific surface area and moderate cost. This study is about the comparison of different activation methods on the pollution removal efficiency of date seed activated carbon using response surface methodology (RSM). The date seeds were carbonized in a muffle furnace at 300 °C for 1 h to produce carbon. Then, the chemical activation was carried out using 1 N solution of H3PO4, HNO3, H2SO4 separately for 24 h. Activated carbons were ground in a grinder to convert it to powder form, and after that, it was sieved using 75 microns sieve. Physical properties like pore size and surface area were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pollution removal studies were carried using the Jar test, and the experiments were designed using RSM. The results show that the maximum COD reduction of 98.58% was obtained when H2SO4 was used as an activation agent. The results show that the carbon activated by H2SO4 shows the highest removal than its counterparts. The optimum dose was optimized using RSM and found to be 300 mg/l, and the optimum reaction time was 10 min. By this set of conditions, 96.3% of COD removal could be achieved. The results are confirmed by SEM studies, which show a high surface area, more pores, and the presence of a high amount of carbon in the AC prepared using H2SO4.