bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical study of reservoir permeability effects on gravity changes associated with CO2 geological storage: implications for gravimetric monitoring feasibility
Authors: Goto Hiroki , Ishido Tsuneo , Sorai Masao
Published: April 2020

Gravimetric methods are used for monitoring the migration of CO2 stored in the reservoir. Reservoir permeability is crucial for injectivity and potentially important for gravity changes associated with CO2 storage. Nevertheless, its effects on gravity changes have not been investigated systematically. After conducting numerical simulations of CO2 injection and storage using models with varying permeability conditions (50–1000 mD), we calculated surface gravity changes. Results show that two mechanisms affect gravity decrease, related to differences in CO2 density and in CO2 spatial patterns. Under low‐permeability conditions, gravity decrease is minimal during injection because of increases in pressure and the resulting relative high density of CO2. Gravity decrease is enhanced after injection ceases because of the pressure release and resulting CO2 expansion. These effects are strong at shallow depths, at which CO2 is near the critical point and highly compressible. Under higher permeability conditions, rapid spreading of the CO2 plume causes smaller gravity reduction rate after some decades of injection. After injection ceases, upward CO2 migration because of buoyancy and plume spreading increase gravity above the injection zone. The time required for gravity change detection depends on permeability. Detection during injection can be made earlier under higher permeability conditions and under lower permeability conditions after injection ceases. These points suggest that permeability affects the feasibility of gravimetric methods. Moreover, designing monitoring programs based on permeability and depth conditions is necessary for successful monitoring. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitrate removal and young stream water fractions at the catchment scale
Authors: Benettin Paolo , Fovet Ophélie , Li Li
Published: April 2020

Despite extensive research on nitrate export and removal, nutrient contamination remains a major threat to water bodies worldwide. At the local scale, nitrate removal is governed by biogeochemical conditions that vary in space and time, making integration to entire landscapes critical. Water transit times have often been used to describe solute transport, but the relation between water age and nitrate removal at the catchment scale is still poorly understood. We test the hypothesis that nitrate removal peaks when the fraction of young water in discharge is at its minimum, because nitrate removal occurs mostly under dry conditions where deeper, older groundwater dominates streamflow. We tested this hypothesis by exploring a detailed water quality record from the Kervidy–Naizin catchment (FR) and comparing the dynamics of nitrate to those of a conservative solute (chloride). We find that estimates of nitrate removal are consistent with previous estimates at the site and they show a good (inverse) correlation with the fraction of streamflow that is younger than 2.5 months. However, this young water fraction cannot be used to predict nitrate removal in the winter–spring period, when no removal is observed regardless of streamflow age. While this leads us to reject our hypothesis during the winter period, it also suggests that water age distributions and their correlation with nitrate removal can possibly reveal distinct sources of stream water at different hydrologic regimes and relevant biogeochemical reactions.
Infertility and ovarian cancer risk: Evidence from nine prospective cohort studies
Authors: Jiang Yu‐Ting , Gong Ting‐Ting , Zhang Jia‐Yu , Li Xiu‐Qin , Gao Song , Zhao Yu‐Hong , Wu Qi‐Jun
Published: April 2020

Epidemiological studies have investigated the relationship between infertility and the risk of ovarian cancer (OC); however, the results have been inconsistent. We therefore conducted the first meta‐analysis to update and quantify the aforementioned association based on prospective cohort studies. Studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases up to January 8, 2020. We extracted data from the studies and performed quality assessments. Summary relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random‐effects model. Publication bias, and subgroup, meta‐regression and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Nine prospective cohort studies with a total of 10 383 OC cases and 6 278 830 participants were included in the present study. The summary RR of the association between infertility and the risk of OC was 1.51 (95% CI: 1.35‐1.69), with low heterogeneity. Positive associations were observed in most subgroup analyses stratified by predefined factors, including region, duration of follow‐up, study quality, causes of infertility, invasiveness of OC, infertility treatment status and adjustment of potential confounding parameters. No significant publication bias was detected. Our findings suggest that infertility in women were associated with an increased risk of OC.
AI4SE and SE4AI: A Research Roadmap
Authors: McDermott Tom , DeLaurentis Dan , Beling Peter , Blackburn Mark , Bone Mary
Published: April 2020

In 2019, the Research Council of the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC), a US Defense Department sponsored University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), developed a roadmap structuring and guiding artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy research. This paper presents that roadmap and key underlying Digital Engineering transformation aspects both enabling traditional systems engineering practice automation (AI4SE), and encourage new systems engineering practices supporting a new wave of automated, adaptive, and learning systems (SE4AI).
Test and Evaluation for Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Freeman Laura
Published: April 2020

Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) leveraging statistical machine learning (ML) into complex systems poses numerous challenges to traditional test and evaluation (T&E) methods. As AI handles varying decision levels, the underlying ML needs confidence to ensure testable, repeatable, and auditable decisions. Additionally, we need to understand failure modes and failure mitigation techniques. We need AI assurance–certifying ML and/or AI algorithms function as intended and are vulnerability free, either intentionally or unintentionally designed or inserted as data/algorithm parts. T&E provides a process for AI assurance. This article highlights existing test and evaluation methods, the key challenges embedded‐AI exacerbates, and themes based for how T&E will evolve to provide AI system assurance.
Direct and indirect effects of continuous treatments based on generalized propensity score weighting
Authors: Huber Martin , Hsu Yu‐Chin , Lee Ying‐Ying , Lettry Layal
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes semi‐ and nonparametric methods for disentangling the total causal effect of a continuous treatment on an outcome variable into its natural direct effect and the indirect effect that operates through one or several intermediate variables called mediators jointly. Our approach is based on weighting observations by the inverse of two versions of the generalized propensity score (GPS), namely the conditional density of treatment either given observed covariates or given covariates and the mediator. Our effect estimators are shown to be asymptotically normal when the GPS is estimated by either a parametric or a nonparametric kernel‐based method. We also provide a simulation study and an empirical illustration based on the Job Corps experimental study.
Family planning in a life‐cycle model with income risk
Authors: Ejrnæs Mette , Jørgensen Thomas H.
Published: April 2020

Several US states have recently restricted the access to abortions. We study fertility intentions and how family planning and abortions are used as mechanisms to control fertility among couples facing income risk. We formulate and estimate a life‐cycle consumption‐saving model with uninsurable income risk and imperfect contraceptive control that matches fertility behavior in the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) well. We use the estimated model to investigate how family planning and abortions are used to control fertility in our model. Our simulations suggest that income risk affects family planning and that abortion is used to control fertility due to the presence of income risk. This indicates that the availability of abortions might play a role as an insurance mechanism.
Missed opportunities to prevent HIV infections among pre‐exposure prophylaxis users: a population‐based mixed methods study, San Francisco, United States
Authors: Spinelli Matthew A , Laborde Nicole , Kinley Patrick , Whitacre Ryan , Scott Hyman M , Walker Nicole , Liu Albert Y , Gandhi Monica , Buchbinder Susan P
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective, although PrEP adherence and persistence has been variable during real world implementation. Little is known about missed opportunities to enhance PrEP adherence among individuals who later HIV seroconverted after using PrEP. The goal of this analysis was to identify all HIV infections among individuals who had accessed PrEP in an integrated health system in San Francisco, and to identify potentially intervenable factors that could have prevented HIV infection through in‐depth interviews with people who HIV seroconverted after using PrEP.

Methods

We identified individuals who initiated PrEP in an integrated safety‐net public health system and performed in‐depth chart review to determine person‐time on and after stopping PrEP over six years. We identified all PrEP seroconversions using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System and then calculated HIV incidence while using PrEP and during gaps in use. We then performed in‐depth interviews with those who seroconverted.

Results

Overall, 986 initiated PrEP across the San Francisco Department of Public Health from July 2012 to November 2018. Data were gathered from 895 person‐years on PrEP and 953 after stopping PrEP. The HIV incidence was 7.5‐fold higher after stopping PrEP compared to while on PrEP (95% CI 1 to 336). Of the eight individuals who HIV seroconverted; only one was taking PrEP at the time of seroconversion but was using on‐demand PrEP inconsistently. All eight agreed to qualitative interviews. Major barriers to PrEP persistence included substance use, mental health and housing loss; difficulty accessing PrEP due to cost, insurance, and the cost and time of medical visits; difficulty weighing PrEP’s benefit versus self‐perceived risk; and entering a primary partnership. The individual who developed HIV using on‐demand PrEP reported confusion about the dosing regimen and which sexual encounters required accompanying PrEP dosing.

Conclusions

HIV incidence during gaps in PrEP use was nearly eight‐fold higher than while on PrEP in this large cohort in San Francisco. Many individuals who stop PrEP remain at risk of HIV, and participants reported that proactive outreach could potentially have prevented HIV infections. Individuals using non‐daily PrEP may require additional education and support in the United States.
Ex vivo IL-15 replenishment augments bone marrow precursor cell-mediated adaptive immunity via PI3K-Akt pathway
Authors: Zhang Li Xiao , Chen Rui Ling , Liao Xiao Yan , You Xiang , Gao Feng Guang
Published: April 2020

This study tested the hypothesis that PI3K-Akt activity contributes to the superior immune function of IL-15-administrated bone marrow precursor cells (BMPC). Our previous studies revealed that PI3K-Akt play vital role in dendritic cells (DCs) cross-presentation and DC-based CTL priming. Despite the fact that IL-15 serves multiple functions in its therapeutic potential for the induction and maintenance of T cell response, the exact role of PI3K-Akt in IL-15 increased adaptive immunity is still poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that ex vivo IL-15 administration increased BMPC capability of antigen uptake and the expression of costimulatory molecules (such as CD80 and 4-1BB(CD137) ligand [4-1BBL]) and MHC class I molecule via PI3K-Akt pathway. Importantly, PI3K-Akt activity was not only necessary for IL-15 augmented BMPC cross-presentation and CTL priming, but also facilitated IL-15 increased therapeutic potential of the cytolytic capacity and maintenance of BMPC-activated T cells. Thus, these data suggested that PI3K-Akt activity contribute to the superior immune function of IL-15-administrated BMPC and thereby might be therapeutic potential for adaptive immunity.
Ex-vivo drug testing predicts chemosensitivity in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Lin Lihui , Tong Yin , Straube Jasmin , Zhao Jinyan , Gao Yanting , Bai Ping , Li Jia , Wang Juan , Wang Hongling , Wang Xiaorui , Huang Sheng , Xu Wen , Song Xianmin , Li Li
Published: April 2020

The majority of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients will respond to standard chemotherapy, however, resistance is a prevalent problem contributing to incomplete responses, refractory disease, and ultimately patient death. Therefore, choosing more sensitive and effective chemotherapy regimens is of key clinical importance. In order to explore this issue, we investigated and optimized PharmaFlow, an automated flow cytometry method for evaluating the sensitivity of leukemia cells to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs ex vivo. We examined bone marrow samples from 38 Chinese AML patients and incubated them for 48 or 72 h with a panel of 7 single drugs and 6 combinations with cytarabine at different concentrations. Leukemic cell depletion was assessed by PharmaFlow and drug response parameter, called PharmaFlow score, was estimated using population pharmacodynamic models. We identified that most chemotherapeutic drugs and combinations could effectively eliminate pathological cells ex vivo. Estimated drug activities strongly correlated with the patients’ duration to achieve clinical remission and PharmaFlow chemosensitivity measured ex vivo was highly predictive of the clinical outcome after chemotherapy. Applying a classification model, we determined a PharmaFlow score of 89.4 as the threshold to predict response to chemotherapy. Using this threshold, we found that in 84.2% of cases patient's cell response ex vivo predicted the observed clinical response and performed similarly or better than prognostic subgroups determined by cytogenetic characteristics. PharmaFlow has the potential to predict chemosensitivity for de novo, secondary and relapsed AML patients prior to treatment and may guide clinicians to tailor treatments and improve patient outcome.
Cumulative Trauma Exposure and Mindfulness in College Students
Authors: Im Sungjin , Greenlaw Megan , Lee Jungeun
Published: April 2020

The authors evaluated the cumulative effects of multiple trauma exposure and examined discrete mindfulness facets concerning trauma‐related outcomes among undergraduate students (N = 157). By using self‐report questionnaires, the authors found that higher trauma exposure was associated with more severe trauma symptomatology and psychological distress as well as lower quality of life. Furthermore, 4 mindfulness facets differentially predicted trauma outcomes. The authors discuss implications for college counseling counselors and researchers.
Relational‐Cultural Theory–Based Interventions With LGBTQ College Students
Authors: Flores Carlos A. , Sheely‐Moore Angela I.
Published: April 2020

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community members can encounter daily challenges living in a heterosexist society, including the college milieu. The authors apply the tenets of relational‐cultural theory (RCT) to LGBTQ college students. Furthermore, a case study is included to highlight ways counselors can infuse RCT strategies when working with this population.
Elastic fibers in orthopedics: Form and function in tendons and ligaments, clinical implications, and future directions
Authors: Hill Jeffrey Ryan , Eekhoff Jeremy D. , Brophy Robert H. , Lake Spencer P.
Published: April 2020

Elastic fibers are an essential component of the extracellular matrix of connective tissues. The focus of both clinical management and scientific investigation of elastic fiber disorders has centered on the cardiovascular manifestations due to their significant impact on morbidity and mortality. As such, the current understanding of the orthopedic conditions experienced by these patients is limited. The musculoskeletal implications of more subtle elastic fiber abnormalities, whether due to allelic variants or age‐related tissue degeneration, are also not well understood. Recent advances have begun to uncover the effects of elastic fiber deficiency on tendon and ligament biomechanics; future research must further elucidate mechanisms governing the role of elastic fibers in these tissues. The identification of population‐based genetic variations in elastic fibers will also be essential. Minoxidil administration, modulation of protein expression with micro‐RNA molecules, and direct injection of recombinant elastic fiber precursors have demonstrated promise for therapeutic intervention, but further work is required prior to consideration for orthopedic clinical application. This review provides an overview of the role of elastic fibers in musculoskeletal tissue, summarizes current knowledge of the orthopedic manifestations of elastic fiber abnormalities, and identifies opportunities for future investigation and clinical application.
Intralipid Increases Nitric Oxide Release from Human Endothelial Cells During Oxidative Stress
Authors: Weihrauch Dorothee , Shumpert Stephen D. , Larson Michael E. , McVey Natalie , Krolikowski John G. , Bamkole Omoshalewa , Riess Matthias L.
Published: April 2020

Background

Intralipid (ILP), a lipid emulsion, protects organs against ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. We hypothesized that ILP activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and increases NO release from endothelial cells (ECs) through a fatty‐acid translocase cluster of differentiation (CD36) mediated endocytotic mechanism, acting as a potentially protective paracrine signal during oxidative stress.

Methods

Human umbilical‐vein ECs were exposed to 1% ILP for 2 hours followed by oxidative stress with 0.2‐mM hydrogen peroxide for 2 hours. Western blots were conducted with anti‐CD36, dynamin‐2, src‐kinase‐1, eNOS, and phospho‐eNOS; equal protein loading was confirmed with β‐actin. CD36 immunoprecipitation was probed for caveolin‐1 to determine if CD36 and caveolin‐1 were complexed on the cell membrane. NO was measured by fluorescence of ECs.

Results

ILP caused a 227% increase in CD36 expression vs controls. Immunoprecipitation indicated a CD36/caveolin‐1 complex on ECs’ membrane with exposure to ILP. Dynamin‐2 increased 52% and src‐kinase‐1 340% after ILP treatment vs control cells. eNOS phosphorylation was confirmed by a 63% increase in the phospho‐eNOS/eNOS ratio in ILP‐treated cells, and NO fluorescence increased 102%.

Conclusion

ILP enters ECs via endocytosis by a CD36/caveolin‐1 cell membrane receptor complex, which in turn is pulled into the cell by dynamin‐2 activity. Upregulation of src‐kinase‐1 and eNOS phosphorylation suggest downstream mediators. Subsequent NO release from ECs serve as a paracrine signal to neighboring cells for protection against IR injury. Student t‐test was utilized for single comparisons and analysis of variance with Bonferroni‐Dunn post hoc modification for multiple comparisons; P < .05 was considered statistically significant.
Effect of bonding temperature on microstructure and intermetallic compound formation of diffusion bonded magnesium/aluminum joints
Authors: Mofid M.A. , Loryaei E.
Published: April 2020

The diffusion bonding of two dissimilar alloys Aluminum 5083 and Magnesium AZ31 was carried out at 420 °C, 430 °C,440 °C and 450 °C for bonding time of 60 min. In order to characterize the microstructure evolution in the joint zone, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and x‐ray diffraction were applied. The results show that joint formation is attributed to the solid‐state diffusion of magnesium and aluminum into Aluminum 5083 and Magnesium AZ31 alloys followed by eutectic formation and constitutional liquation along the interface. At bonding temperature of 430 °C diffusion induced grain coarsening was observed at the interface. With increase in bonding temperature, the atomic diffusivity increases, results in easier and speeder chemical bonding. In bonding temperature of 440 °C the weld had an irregular shaped region in the weld center, having a different microstructure from the two base materials. The irregular shaped region contained a large volume of intermetallic compound Al12Mg17 and showed significantly higher hardness in the weld center. The present study suggests that constitutional liquation resulted in the intermetallic compound Al12Mg17 in the weld center.
New‐generation, non‐SSRI antidepressants: Drug‐drug interactions and therapeutic drug monitoring. Part 2: NaSSAs, NRIs, SNDRIs, MASSAs, NDRIs, and others
Authors: Protti Michele , Mandrioli Roberto , Marasca Camilla , Cavalli Andrea , Serretti Alessandro , Mercolini Laura
Published: April 2020

After the development of “classical” tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, numerous other classes of antidepressant drugs have been introduced onto the market. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class is the best‐known one, but many others exist, usually identified by their mechanism of activity. In this second part of the review, focused on new‐generation antidepressants not included among selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the following classes are considered: noradrenergic and selective serotonergic antidepressants; norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors; serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors; melatonergic agonists and selective serotonergic antagonists; norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors; and so forth. These different mechanisms underlie tolerability and safety profiles that can be very different among the classes, with each one providing significant advantages and disadvantages in comparison with others. The main characteristics of the following antidepressants are described: mianserin, mirtazapine, setiptiline, reboxetine, viloxazine, teniloxazine, atomoxetine, nefazodone, agomelatine, bupropion, esketamine, and tianeptine. The paper is focused on their metabolism and interactions, but also includes brief notes on analytical methods useful for their therapeutic drug monitoring.
Managing an altered social context—Patients experiences of staying away from home while undergoing proton beam therapy
Authors: Möllerberg Marie‐Louise , Langegård Ulrica , Ohlsson‐Nevo Emma , Fransson Per , Johansson Birgitta , Ahlberg Karin , Sjövall Katarina
Published: April 2020

Aim

To illuminate the experience of an altered social context for patients with primary brain tumours living away from home while undergoing proton beam therapy.

Design

A descriptive, qualitative cross‐sectional interview study.

Methods

Nineteen patients were interviewed between December 2015–August 2016, either during (N = 7) or before and after (N = 12) their proton beam therapy. A hermeneutical analysis was performed.

Results

Participants made adjustments to achieve control and well‐being during the treatment period. The analysis also revealed two interrelated patterns that helped participants adjust: being part of the family from a distance and seeking affinity.

Conclusion

It is important that patients receiving treatment far from home find a way to remain a part of their family and find affinity in the altered social context. Health professionals can prepare patients for the treatment period and can implement interventions to promote well‐being for both patients and their relatives.
The Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Bariatric Surgery: Redefining Psychosocial Care
Authors: Sockalingam Sanjeev , Leung Samantha E. , Cassin Stephanie E.
Published: April 2020

The global outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease has had a tremendous psychological impact on individuals around the world. Individuals with obesity are susceptible to distress and psychological sequalae secondary to this pandemic, which can have detrimental effects on obesity management. In particular, individuals undergoing bariatric surgery could experience increased emotional distress, resulting in increased eating psychopathology, mental health exacerbation, and difficulties with self‐management. Addressing these challenges requires novel approaches to redefining psychosocial care before and after bariatric surgery. Emerging evidence suggests that the remote delivery of care using virtual care models, including mobile and online modalities, could extend the reach of psychosocial services to individuals after bariatric surgery and mitigate weight regain or impairment in quality of life. Because of this pandemic, the rapid integration of virtual psychosocial care in bariatric surgery programs to address patients’ needs will create new opportunities for clinical and implementational scientific research.
The effect of filler localization on the properties of biopolymer blends, recent advances: A review
Authors: Mochane Mokgaotsa J. , Sefadi Jeremia S. , Motsoeneng Teboho S. , Mokoena Tilsetso E. , Mofokeng Tladi G. , Mokhena Teboho C.
Published: April 2020

In recent times, the field of biopolymer (BP) blends has been the focus of intensive fundamental and applied researches. Such BP combinations possess unique properties that are different from those of the individual components. However, most polyester polymers are thermodynamically immiscible because of their poor interactions. In the past, a third component, known as a well‐defined diblock or triblock copolymer, whose chemical structure is identical to that of the main components, was usually used as a compatibilizer in order to emulsify the interfacial phase, decreasing the interfacial tension and refining the phase size. Currently, nanofillers are used to improve the phase morphologies of immiscible BP blends. The main advantage of using nanofillers, when compared to copolymers, is that the former can simultaneous act as nano‐reinforcements and compatibilizers. In this review, the addition of nanofillers as the third component in the BP blend systems are reported in relation to their morphologies, barrier properties, shape memory, thermal, and mechanical properties. The effects of selectively localized nanofillers on the properties of the BP blends are also explored, with the aim of establishing the relationships between the localization of the fillers and the overall properties of the BP blends. Furthermore, the effect of the processing techniques on the localization of the nanofillers/BP blend is also reported. The review article discusses recent progress from 2014 up to 2019 on filler localization of BP blend nanocomposites.
Surface‐functionalization of activated carbon with polyglucosamine polymer for efficient removal of cadmium ions
Authors: Berber Mohamed R.
Published: April 2020

In this work, a polymer‐activated carbon composite was prepared by grafting polyglucosamine polymer on the surface of activated carbon, which was produced by a carbonation/calcination/oxidation process of the Date palm pits. The obtained composite was confirmed by different techniques, including, X‐ray, infrared, thermal analysis, scanning electron spectroscopy, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller protocol surface area measurements. Subsequently, a comprehensive adsorption study was performed to assess the synergetic effect of the composite structure on the adsorption behavior of Cd2+ ions. The adsorption capacity of Cd2+ ions reached 35.0 mg/g at optimum adsorption conditions of pH 5.5, a composite dose of 200 mg, and a contact time 120 minutes. The kinetic, isothermal, and thermodynamics results indicated chemisorption, an exothermic, and a spontaneous adsorption process. The adsorption mechanism of the composite correlated to the functional groups (NH2 and COOH) and the cavities of the composite (surface area 699.11 m2/g, pore volume 0.28 cm3/g), which potentially contributed to the capture of the Cd2+ ions. From the recyclability point of view, the composite was able to maintain around 89% of its initial adsorption capacity after the third adsorption‐desorption cycle.
Application of liquid‐phase microextraction to the analysis of plant and herbal samples
Authors: Diuzheva Alina , Locatelli Marcello , Tartaglia Angela , Goga Michal , Ferrone Vincenzo , Carlucci Giuseppe , Andruch Vasil
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The analysis of plant and herbal samples is a challenging task for analytical chemists due to the complexity of the matrix combined with the low concentration of analytes. In recent years different liquid‐phase microextraction (LPME) techniques coupled with a variety of analytical equipment have been developed for the determination of both organic and inorganic analytes.

Objective

Over the past few years, the number of research papers in this field has shown a markedly growing tendency. Therefore, the purpose of this review paper is to summarise and critically evaluate research articles focused on the application of LPME techniques for the analysis of plant and herbal samples.

Results

Due to the complex nature of the samples, the direct application of LPME techniques to the analysis of plants has not often been done. LPME techniques as well as their modalities have been commonly applied in combination with other pretreatment techniques, including a solid–liquid extraction technique supported by mechanical agitation or auxiliary energies for plant analysis. Applications and the most important parameters are summarised in the tables.

Conclusion

This review summarises the application of the LPME procedure and shows the major benefits of LPME, such as the low volume of solvents used, high enrichment factor, simplicity of operation and wide selection of applicable detection techniques. We can expect further development of microextraction analytical methods that focus on direct sample analysis with the application of green extraction solvents while fully automating procedures for the analysis of plant materials.
Integrating structural and evolutionary data to interpret variation and pathogenicity in adapter protein complex 4
Authors: Gadbery John E. , Abraham Abin , Needle Carli D. , Moth Christopher , Sheehan Jonathan , Capra John A. , Jackson Lauren P.
Published: April 2020

Genetic variation in the membrane trafficking adapter protein complex 4 (AP‐4) can result in pathogenic neurological phenotypes including microencephaly, spastic paraplegias, epilepsy, and other developmental defects. We lack molecular mechanisms responsible for impaired AP‐4 function arising from genetic variation, because AP‐4 remains poorly understood structurally. Here, we analyze patterns of AP‐4 genetic evolution and conservation to identify regions that are likely important for function and thus more susceptible to pathogenic variation. We map known variants onto an AP‐4 homology model and predict the likelihood of pathogenic variation at a given location on the structure of AP‐4. We find significant clustering of likely pathogenic variants located at the interface between the β4 and N‐μ4 subunits, as well as throughout the C‐μ4 subunit. Our work offers an integrated perspective on how genetic and evolutionary forces affect AP‐4 structure and function. As more individuals with uncharacterized AP‐4 variants are identified, our work provides a foundation upon which their functional effects and disease relevance can be interpreted.
A community‐based hierarchical user authentication scheme for Industry 4.0
Authors: Sinha Akash , Shrivastava Gulshan , Kumar Prabhat , Gupta Deepak
Published: April 2020

The vision of Industry 4.0 is characterized by the amalgamation of cyber‐physical systems and industrial Internet of Things. Such a complex ecosystem urges for the requirement of novel security protocol and mechanisms for access control so as to allow the smart devices to authorize external entities and granting them access rights without depending on centralized authentication entities. The work proposed in this article aims to utilize a community‐based hierarchical approach to define the procedure for obtaining access rights in the Industry 4.0 ecosystem. The proposed scheme considers a hierarchy of authorizing devices that work in collaboration for providing access control of the smart end devices to the users. The adoption of hierarchical structure ensures that the access rights are eventually given to only those users that have passed multiple levels of successful authorization. The proposed scheme also combats any infringement of users identity since the authorizing entities involved in the proposed system work in close collaboration for user authentication. The proposed user authentication scheme has been validated using burrows‐abadi‐needham (BAN)‐logic and is proved to be secure against a variety of security attacks.
Retelling Stories of Desire in TESOL: English, Imagination, and Encounters in Tourism
Authors: Sharma Bal Krishna
Published: April 2020

This article investigates the language learning desire of multilingual tourism workers. The data were drawn from two sites in Nepal: an English for occupational purposes class and workplace interactions during treks. The article shows that the male tourism workers use their claims of heterosexual relationships with foreign female tourists as resources to build and boast their masculine identity and homosociality among their peers. The workers’ ability to communicate in tourist languages functions not only as a transactional tool, but also as a resource to enhance their language learning desire and investment in order to imagine, establish, and sustain heterosexual romantic relationships. Their relationships of intimacy combine with the opportunity for economic benefits and spatial mobility made largely possible by their ability to communicate in English and other international languages. The research contributes to our understanding of the connection between language learning, multilingualism, and desire in the context of intercultural contact.
Emodin protected against synaptic impairment and oxidative stress induced by fluoride in SH‐SY5Y cells by modulating ERK1/2/Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway
Authors: Lai Chencen , Chen Qian , Ding Yuanting , Liu Heng , Tang Zhi
Published: April 2020

Excessive fluoride exposure contributes to neurotoxic effects. Emodin exhibits antioxidative functions in the central nervous system (CNS); however, its neuroprotective mechanism against fluoride remains to be elucidated. Our aim was to explore the neuroprotective efficacy and the possible mechanisms of emodin. In our study, synaptic proteins and oxidative stress damage were examined after human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells were treated with high doses of NaF for 24 hours. Moreover, pretreatment with emodin was used to shed light on the neuroprotective effects in NaF‐induced toxicity in SH‐SY5Y cells. We found that NaF significantly lowered the protein expressions of SNAP 25, synaptophysin and PSD 95 in SH‐SY5Y cells. In addition, NaF exposure increased the protein expression of p‐ERK1/2 and decreased the protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO‐1, as well as facilitated increasing ROS, 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE), and 8‐Hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG). Pretreatment with emodin significantly recovered these alterations caused by NaF. These data implied that the neuroprotective effects of emodin and pointed to the promising utilization for protecting against neurotoxicity induced by fluoride.
The progression of carotid atherosclerosis and imaging markers of dementia
Authors: Baradaran Hediyeh , Demissie Serkalem , Himali Jayandra J. , Beiser Alexa , Gupta Ajay , Polak Joseph F. , DeCarli Charles , Seshadri Sudha , Romero Jose R.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

We studied the association of carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) with hippocampal volume (HV) in community dwelling individuals, testing the hypothesis that persons with carotid atherosclerosis progression would have lower HV.

Methods

We studied 1376 Framingham Offspring participants with two carotid ultrasounds and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs). We used multivariable linear regression analyses to relate CIMT progression and HV and total brain volume. Regression models were adjusted for demographics and vascular risk factors, time interval between imaging examinations, and baseline CIMT. We assessed effect modification by hypertension treatment (HRx).

Results

Participants with higher ICA IMT progression had significantly lower HV after adjustment for vascular risk factors and baseline IMT (standardized beta ± standard error: −0.067 ± 0.027, P = .01). We observed weaker association between ICA IMT change and HV among subjects treated for hypertension (β = −0.047, P = .19 vs β = −0.096, P = .026).

Discussion

Cumulative vascular risk factor exposure, reflected by CIMT progression, may increase the risk of neurodegeneration.
Deep learning with knowledge transfer for explainable anomaly prediction in wind turbines
Authors: Chatterjee Joyjit , Dethlefs Nina
Published: April 2020

The last decade has witnessed an increased interest in applying machine learning techniques to predict faults and anomalies in the operation of wind turbines. These efforts have lately been dominated by deep learning techniques which, as in other fields, tend to outperform traditional machine learning algorithms given sufficient amounts of training data. An important shortcoming of deep learning models is their lack of transparency—they operate as black boxes and typically do not provide rationales for their predictions, which can lead to a lack of trust in predicted outputs. In this article, a novel hybrid model for anomaly prediction in wind farms is proposed, which combines a recurrent neural network approach for accurate classification with an XGBoost decision tree classifier for transparent outputs. Experiments with an offshore wind turbine show that our model achieves a classification accuracy of up to 97%. The model is further able to generate detailed feature importance analyses for any detected anomalies, identifying exactly those components in a wind turbine that contribute to an anomaly. Finally, the feasibility of transfer learning is demonstrated for the wind domain by porting our “offshore” model to an unseen dataset from an onshore wind farm. The latter model achieves an accuracy of 65% and is able to detect 85% of anomalies in the unseen domain. These results are encouraging for application to wind farms for which no training data are available, for example, because they have not been in operation for long.
City‐scale urban sustainability: Spatiotemporal mapping of distributed solar power for New York City
Authors: Taminiau Job , Byrne John
Published: April 2020

Research into urban sustainability increasingly deploys advanced analytics and large‐scale data to investigate possible sustainable energy options. This paper reviews several available data‐driven approaches that answer urban sustainability questions. One such approach is applied to identify energy consumption and rooftop photovoltaic (PV) generation potential in New York City at the electricity network level with the objective of improving the city's resilience to expected impacts of climate change. Electric system resilience is, in part, dependent on the spatial and temporal distribution of consumption and potential sustainable energy generation which is investigated here by separating the city into 68 electricity networks and evaluating their generation‐consumption interaction pattern. The analysis reveals that New York City could be home to about 10 GWp of rooftop solar installations—sufficient to cover approximately 25% of annual city electricity consumption and 53% of daylight hour consumption. Localized electricity import–export dimensions are explored for each of the 68 electricity networks and we identify an excess 3.1 TWh electricity supply per year if the entire technical potential of rooftop solar PV is deployed. This excess electricity supply is roughly equivalent to an annual $734 million value which could benefit low‐income areas in the city.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure ≥ Economics and Policy

Photovoltaics ≥ Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Infrastructure ≥ Systems and Infrastructure

Photovoltaics ≥ Economics and Policy
Postmortem veterinary toxicology: Animal death investigation and the veterinary diagnostic laboratory
Authors: Romano Megan C. , Dorman David C. , Gaskill Cynthia L.
Published: April 2020

Postmortem veterinary toxicology shares challenges with human postmortem toxicology, including the necessity of analyzing a wide variety of sometimes very degraded samples for many disparate compounds. In veterinary toxicology, additional factors must be considered to formulate an appropriate testing strategy for each case. Major qualitative and quantitative species differences in response to some toxicants result in different toxicological differential lists for a given clinical presentation. The animal's environment will also influence the types of xenobiotics to which it might be exposed. Diagnostic veterinary toxicologists are veterinary medical specialists who apply their knowledge of veterinary medicine, toxicology, and analytical chemistry, to formulate and interpret results of a toxicologic testing strategy in potential poisoning cases. Animal death investigations require collaboration between veterinary diagnostic laboratory personnel (e.g., veterinary pathologists, veterinary toxicologists, and analytical chemists), veterinary practitioners, and animal owners to successfully diagnose poisoning cases.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology > Post‐Mortem Toxicology

Toxicology > Plants and Poisons
Challenges Regarding the Protection of Animals During Warfare
Authors: de Hemptinne Jérôme
Published: April 2020

The chapter turns to the treatment of animals in one of the two classical divisions of international law, the laws of war, examining the protection of animals during hostilities. De Hemptinne explains that international humanitarian law (IHL) does not contain explicit rules to mitigate the suffering of animals in armed conflict. However, the overall evolution of law’s approach to animals, notably its recognition of them as sentient beings, appears to allow for a progressive interpretation of IHL so as to constrain acts of violence against animals in war. The rules on the protection of civilian objects and on the environment, the proportionality principle, or the options for declaring demilitarized zones could all be activated to this end.
Rights of and Over Animals in the ius naturae et gentium (Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries)
Authors: Brett Annabel
Published: April 2020

The chapter examines different theological and philosophical paradigms of rights in the early modern period. It shows that, contrary to initial appearances, animals were not totally excluded from any kind of right, and that violence against them was not always regarded as legitimate. Remarkably, one of the founders of the discipline of the law of nature and law of nations (ius naturae et gentium), Samuel Pufendorf (1632–1694), acknowledged animal pain—although he did not translate this acknowledgment into a moral wrong of doing violence to animals, or grant animals moral rights.
Cross-Border Forms of Animal Use by Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Kirchner Stefan
Published: April 2020

The chapter discusses animal use by indigenous peoples that involve crossing state borders, using the example of reindeer herding by indigenous Sámi in Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Animals play important cultural, economic, and spiritual roles for indigenous communities. This particular form of interaction between humans and animals is, however, not sufficiently recognized by contemporary laws. The risk of overruling the interests of migratory animals, and of the pastoralist (semi-)nomadic human communities depending on them, is exacerbated when the herds cross boundaries.
Corruption Gone Wild: Transnational Criminal Law and the International Trade in Endangered Species
Authors: Ivory Radha
Published: April 2020

The chapter sketches how the topics of corruption and endangered animal trafficking have been intertwined in hard and soft international law, including by United Nations Security Council resolutions. The legal documents depict corruption as enabling the illegal wildlife trade, and, concomitantly, portray the illegal wildlife trade as prompting official corruption. Ivory cautions against linking the two legal frameworks and reform agendas. Notably, the linkage implies that animal products are legitimate commodities when traded in an uncorrupted global market. The linkage may also focus too much attention on the criminal individuals who contribute to animal extinction, rather than on the large-scale environmental changes caused by industrialization and urbanization. Finally, the twinning of the two discourses could amplify the demonization of low-level bribery and poaching that are typically associated with the Global South. A combined anti-corruption/wildlife trafficking debate may distract from the opportunities for illicit investment and excessive consumption in the Global North, which enable and drive the crimes.
Three-dimensional higher-order Schrödinger algebras and Lie algebra expansions
Authors: Kasikci Oguzhan , Ozdemir Nese , Ozkan Mehmet , Zorba Utku
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We provide a Lie algebra expansion procedure to construct three-dimensional higher-order Schrödinger algebras which relies on a particular subalgebra of the four-dimensional relativistic conformal algebra. In particular, we reproduce the extended Schrödinger algebra and provide a new higher-order Schrödinger algebra. The structure of this new algebra leads to a discussion on the uniqueness of the higher-order non-relativistic algebras. Especially, we show that the recent d-dimensional symmetry algebra of an action principle for Newtonian gravity is not uniquely defined but can accommodate three discrete parameters. For a particular choice of these parameters, the Bargmann algebra becomes a subalgebra of that extended algebra which allows one to introduce a mass current in a Bargmann-invariant sense to the extended theory.
Impact of electroweak corrections on neutral Higgs boson decays in extended Higgs sectors
Authors: Krause Marcel , Mühlleitner Margarete
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Precision predictions play an important role in the search for indirect New Physics effects in the Higgs sector itself. For the electroweak (EW) corrections of the Higgs bosons in extended Higgs sectors several renormalization schemes have been worked out that provide gauge-parameter-independent relations between the input parameters and the computed observables. Our recently published program codes 2HDECAY and ewN2HDECAY al- low for the computation of the EW corrections to the Higgs decay widths and branching ratios of the Two-Higgs-Doublet Model (2HDM) and the Next-to-Minimal-2HDM (N2HDM) for different renormalization schemes of the scalar mixing angles. In this paper, we present a comprehensive and complete overview over the relative size of the EW corrections to the branching ratios of the 2HDM and N2HDM neutral Higgs bosons for different applied renormalization schemes. We quantify the size of the EW corrections of Standard Model (SM)- and non-SM-like Higgs bosons and moreover also identify renormalization schemes that are well-behaved and do not induce unnaturally large corrections. We furthermore pin down decays and parameter regions that feature large EW corrections and need further treatment in order to improve the predictions. Our study sets the scene for future work in the computation of higher-order corrections to the decays of non-minimal Higgs sectors.