bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FGF‐21 biomarker detection at the sub‐nanogram per mL level in human serum using normal‐flow liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Gao Wenqing , Yang Jiaqian , Liu Rong , Yan Yinghua , Xie Chengyi , Yu Jiancheng , Tang Keqi
Published: April 2020

Rationale

Quantitative detection of the FGF‐21 biomarker at the sub‐nanogram per mL level in human serum has generally been achieved using nanoflow liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) due to its high sensitivity. However, a nano‐LC/MS/MS‐based assay can suffer from limited reproducibility and MS signal instability making it challenging to employ it as a robust analytical method for routine clinical applications.

Methods

To tackle these limitations, parallel reaction monitoring (PRM)‐based targeted protein quantification using normal‐flow liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution, accurate mass instrumentation was evaluated as a possible alternative. Different from the conventional selected reaction monitoring (SRM) using triple quadrupole MS, the proposed strategy used high‐resolution orbitrap MS coupled with conventional normal‐flow liquid chromatography. The primary goal of this assay development effort is to significantly improve the robustness of the LC/MS/MS‐based assay while maintaining high sensitivity by the use of high‐resolution MS and a large sample loading volume.

Results

The performance of the normal‐flow LC/MS/MS assay was evaluated by using it to quantify the FGF‐21 protein, a potential biomarker for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, in serum samples. Multiple replicated PRM sample quantification results demonstrated the excellent reproducibility and operational robustness of the assay. A limit of quantification of less than 0.4 ng/mL for FGF‐21 in a complex serum matrix could be achieved by using the heavy‐isotope‐labeled peptide technique, a result which is comparable with the sensitivity obtained using the nano‐LC/SRM MS‐based assay.

Conclusions

The strategy offered an effective alternative to nano‐LC/SRM MS for the quantification of protein biomarkers in a complex biomatrix with much improved reproducibility and operational robustness.
No‐till establishment improves the climate benefit of bioenergy crops on marginal grasslands
Authors: Ruan Leilei , Robertson G. Philip
Published: April 2020

Expanding biofuel production is expected to accelerate the conversion of unmanaged marginal lands to meet biomass feedstock needs. Greenhouse gas production during conversion jeopardizes the ensuing climate benefits, but most research to date has focused only on conversion to annual crops and only following tillage. Here we report the global warming impact of converting USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grasslands to three types of bioenergy crops using no‐till (NT) vs. conventional tillage (CT). We established replicated NT and CT plots in three CRP fields planted to continuous corn, switchgrass, or restored prairie. For the 2 yr following an initial soybean year in all fields, we found that, on average, NT conversion reduced nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions by 50% and CO2 emissions by 20% compared with CT conversion. Differences were higher in Year 1 than in Year 2 in the continuous corn field, and in the two perennial systems the differences disappeared after Year 1. In all fields net CO2 emissions (as measured by eddy covariance) were positive for the first 2 yr following CT establishment, but following NT establishment net CO2 emissions were close to zero or negative, indicating net C sequestration. Overall, NT improved the global warming impact of biofuel crop establishment following CRP conversion by over 20‐fold compared with CT (−6.01 Mg CO2e ha−1 yr−1 for NT vs. −0.25 Mg CO2e ha−1 yr−1 for CT, on average). We also found that Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates of N2O emissions (as measured by static chambers) greatly underestimated actual emissions for converted fields regardless of tillage. Policies should encourage adoption of NT for converting marginal grasslands to perennial bioenergy crops to reduce C debt and maximize climate benefits.
Bayesian modelling of zero‐inflated recurrent events and dependent termination with compound Poisson frailty model
Authors: Rahmati Maryam , Mahmoudi Mahmood , Mohammad Kazem , Mikaeli Javad , Zeraati Hojjat
Published: April 2020

The recurrent event data are encountered in many longitudinal studies. In many situations, there are a nonsusceptible fraction of subjects without any recurrent events, manifesting heterogeneity in risk among study participants. The frailty models have been widely used to account for this heterogeneity that does not rely on self‐reported survival data. Frailty is commonly modelled with a gamma distribution because of mathematical convenience, not based on biological reasons. One model that accommodates zero inflation and a continuous frailty is based on the compound Poisson model. On the other hand, dependent termination may occur, which could be correlated with the recurrent events. In this paper, we consider a joint model of recurrent event process and dependent termination under a Bayesian framework in which a shared compound Poisson frailty is used to account the association between the intensity of the recurrent event process and the hazard of the dependent termination. In addition, the proportion of participants insusceptible to the event is estimated. We assess model performance via simulation and apply the model to data from a cohort of achalasia patients. Simulation results suggest that misspecifying frailty distributions such as the gamma distribution when faced with zero‐inflated recurrent events may introduce bias in regression coefficients estimation.
Ensure future EU GDPR compliance with ongoing conversations, planning
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: April 2020

Panic. Two years ago, that was a common feeling when it came to preparing to comply with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation.
Ultrasound‐guided sampling of the lateral abdominal vein in the grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus, Rafinesque 1810)
Authors: Otway Nicholas
Published: April 2020

The paired lateral abdominal veins (LAV) provide alternative venipuncture sites in grey nurse sharks (Carcharias taurus, Rafinesque 1810) and their efficacy was assessed using morphometrics, necropsies, ultrasound‐guided blood sampling and by comparing serum biochemistry between the LAV and caudal vein (CV) with values from the latter published previously. The mean length of the CV was 2.8% of total length (TL) whereas each LAV was 22.4% of TL and, when combined, was approximately 16 times longer than the CV. The mean tissue thickness overlying each LAV increased significantly (p < .001) with increasing TL and ranged from 3.5 to 33.8 mm in the smallest to largest shark. The mean internal diameter of the paired LAV also increased significantly (p < .001) with increasing TL and was equal to or exceeded the CV. Experienced SCUBA divers captured 56 free‐living grey nurse sharks and 46 healthy animals were sampled for blood from the LAV and CV with minimal risk to the animals or staff. Venipuncture of the LAV (n = 16) was easily accomplished using ultrasound guidance with a 38 mm/18‐gauge needle, whereas standard methods were used with the CV (n = 30). Serum biochemistry was compared (t‐tests) and none of the biochemical analytes differed significantly between the LAV and CV. The paired LAV produced representative blood samples and could also be used for fluid therapy and/or intravenous anaesthesia as has been done in other sharks. It is recommended that veterinary/husbandry staff familiarize themselves with the paired LAV and consider their use in the future.
Temperature response and brine availability to heated boreholes in bedded salt
Authors: Guiltinan Eric J. , Kuhlman Kristopher L. , Rutqvist Jonny , Hu Mengsu , Boukhalfa Hakim , Mills Melissa , Otto Shawn , Weaver Douglas J. , Dozier Brian , Stauffer Philip H.
Published: April 2020

There is a growing need for disposal of high‐level nuclear waste. To reduce uncertainty associated with brine availability to repository excavations in salt formations, a collaboration between Sandia, Los Alamos, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories is performing a series of borehole‐scale coupled process tests. Here, we report on the first round of the Brine Availability Test in Salt (BATS) project, a “shakedown” experiment called Phase 1s. Experimental testing included placing a resistive heater, a 260‐W radiative heater, and a 750‐W radiative heater within previously drilled horizontal boreholes at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) while monitoring temperature and water inflow. The experiments successfully achieved the targeted temperature of 120 °C when using the 750‐W radiative heater. Simulations using FEHM (Finite Element Heat and Mass transfer code) and TOUGH‐FLAC (Transport Of Unsaturated Groundwater and Heat–Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua) were able to accurately predict the coupled thermo–hydro–mechanical–chemical response of salt, matching the observed temperature and brine production. Due to the extremely low permeability of salt, these systems take many years to reach steady state when perturbed by mining activities. Long‐term numerical simulations are used to develop the initial pressure and saturation conditions. The inclusion of a damaged rock zone with higher permeability around the borehole also affects the saturation and pressure distributions and plays an important role in dissipating the potential for thermal pressurization. Knowledge gained from this round of experimentation and simulation will be used to conduct the next BATS project experiment in new boreholes at WIPP.
Ceramic membrane based hybrid process for the upgrade of rural water treatment plants: A pilot study
Authors: Chen Li , Li Jiabin , Fu Wanyi , Zhang Xihui
Published: April 2020

An integrated process with ozonation, ceramic membrane ultrafiltration, and activated carbon filtration is investigated for the treatment of drinking water in the rural area of China. A pilot‐scale experiment with a capacity of 20 m3/d is conducted, and a number of water quality parameters are evaluated, such as turbidity, color, organic matter (CODMn), manganese (Mn), geosmin (GSM), 2‐methylisoborneol (2‐MIB), and 37 kinds of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs). The result shows that the removal efficiency of all the evaluated parameters of this integrated process is much higher than that of the conventional treatment processes. In particular, the removal rate of PPCPs achieves 52.5%, which is twice higher than that of the conventional process. Moreover, ozone can oxidize manganese ions, degrade organic matters, and reduce membrane fouling. It is believed that the integrated treatment process developed in this study is efficient in upgrading the existing water treatment plants and ensuring the safety of drinking water in the rural areas around the world.
Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for trace determination of iron and some additional elements in biological samples
Authors: Gruber Andreas , Müller Riccarda , Wagner Alessa , Colucci Silvia , Spasić Maja Vujić , Leopold Kerstin
Published: April 2020

Trace elements are essential for life and their concentration in cells and tissues must be tightly maintained and controlled to avoid pathological conditions. Established methods to measure the concentration of trace elements in biological matrices often provide only single element information, are time-consuming, and require special sample preparation. Therefore, the development of straightforward and rapid analytical methods for enhanced, multi-trace element determination in biological samples is an important and raising field of trace element analysis. Herein, we report on the development and validation of a reliable method based on total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis to precisely quantify iron and other trace metals in a variety of biological samples, such as the liver, parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells, and bone marrow–derived macrophages. We show that TXRF allows fast and simple one-point calibration by addition of an internal standard and has the potential of multi-element analysis in minute sample amounts. The method was validated for iron by recovery experiments in homogenates in a wide concentration range from 1 to 1600 μg/L applying well-established graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) as a reference method. The recovery rate of 99.93 ± 0.14% reveals the absence of systematic errors. Furthermore, the standard reference material “bovine liver” (SRM 1577c, NIST) was investigated in order to validate the method for further biometals. Quantitative recoveries (92–106%) of copper, iron, zinc, and manganese prove the suitability of the developed method. The limits of detection for the minute sample amounts are in the low picogram range.
Scratch resistance of PEG-impregnated green wood: a method for evaluation of swollen wood properties
Authors: Fortino Stefania , Metsäjoki Jarkko , Ronkainen Helena , Bjurhager Ingela , Heinemann Sabine , Salminen Lauri I.
Published: April 2020

This work proposes an experimental approach to study the scratch resistance of green wood under the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) impregnation. To this end, small-scale green spruce samples are stabilized against water by using the technique of PEG impregnation to prevent water to seep out of the wood during experimental tests. Scratches are performed in the radial-longitudinal and tangential-longitudinal planes of cubic wood samples by using two different indenter tips under constant and progressive normal loads. Scratch testing has previously been used mainly to characterize the abrasion resistance of coatings. Since PEG simulates the swelling effect of water in wood, this paper shows that the scratch tests on PEG-impregnated green wood can be adopted as a simple technique to understand the scratch resistance in swollen wood and the related mechanisms. The scratch test results, quantified in terms of frictional forces and permanent residual depths, reveal that the scratch resistance of wood samples depends on their PEG concentration and density, as well as on the indenter tip size and material, and on the normal force and direction during scratching. Due to the lack of literature on the scratch tests of wood, the results presented in this paper will serve as a scientific reference for future studies on the scratch resistance of untreated or treated dry wood and other wood-based products.
Impacts of biofilms on the conversion of cellulose
Authors: Brethauer Simone , Shahab Robert L. , Studer Michael H.
Published: April 2020

Lignocellulose is a widely available renewable carbon source and a promising feedstock for the production of various chemicals in biorefineries. However, its recalcitrant nature is a major hurdle that must be overcome to enable economic conversion processes. Deconstruction of lignocellulose is part of the global carbon cycle, and efficient microbial degradation systems have evolved that might serve as models to improve commercial conversion processes. Biofilms—matrix encased, spatially organized clusters of microbial cells and the predominating lifestyle in nature—have been recognized for their essential role in the degradation of cellulose in nature, e.g., in soils or in the digestive tracts of ruminant animals. Cellulolytic biofilms allow for a high concentration of enzymes at the boundary layer between the solid substrate and the liquid phase and the more complete capture of hydrolysis products directly at the hydrolysis site, which is energetically favorable. Furthermore, enhanced expression of genes for carbohydrate active enzymes as a response to the attachment on solid substrate has been demonstrated for cellulolytic aerobic fungi and anerobic bacteria. In natural multispecies biofilms, the vicinity of different microbial species allows the creation of efficient food webs and synergistic interactions thereby, e.g., avoiding the accumulation of inhibiting metabolites. In this review, these topics are discussed and attempts to realize the benefits of biofilms in targeted applications such as the consolidated bioprocessing of lignocellulose are highlighted.

Key Points

Multispecies biofilms enable efficient lignocellulose destruction in the biosphere.

Cellulose degradation by anaerobic bacteria often occurs by monolayered biofilms.

Fungal biofilms immobilize enzymes and substrates in an external digestion system.

Surface attached cultures typically show higher expression of cellulolytic enzymes.
Outcome of Permanent Vascular Access with Vein ≤ 2.2 mm in Diameter
Authors: Hussain Tahir , Farooqui Fareeha
Published: April 2020

Objective

End‐stage renal disease patients with vein diameter of ≤2.2 mm can undergo autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation with the acceptable results.

Methods

This observational retrospective study of prospectively collected data analyzed end‐stage renal disease patients with a vein diameter of ≤ 2.2 mm, who underwent AVF formation at Shifa International Hospital Islamabad from January 2009 to December 2017. The fistulae were observed for immediate success and maturity at 3 months. The chi‐square test was used to determine the effect of vein diameter on final maturity. All data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results

The total number of patients with vein diameter of ≤2.2 mm was 38, with a mean age of 46.76 ± 12.790 years. Vein diameters ranged from 1.6 to 2.2 mm. Immediate success was observed in 35 (92.1%) cases. Veins of 31 (81.6%) patients showing maturity at 3 months and were used for hemodialysis. The overall success rate for the small caliber veins was 82%.

Conclusion

Although end‐stage renal disease patients present late with very small diameter veins, these veins should still be accommodated for permanent vascular access, because their maturity rates are still acceptable, even though these are lower than those of patients with adequate sized veins.
The immobilisation and reactivity of Fe(CN)63−/4− in an intrinsically microporous polyamine (PIM-EA-TB)
Authors: Wang Lina , Malpass-Evans Richard , Carta Mariolino , McKeown Neil B. , Marken Frank
Published: April 2020

Protonation of the molecularly rigid polymer of intrinsic microporosity PIM-EA-TB can be coupled to immobilisation of Fe(CN)63−/4− (as well as immobilisation of Prussian blue) into 1–2 nm diameter channels. The resulting films provide redox-active coatings on glassy carbon electrodes. Uptake, transport, and retention of Fe(CN)63−/4− in the microporous polymer are strongly pH dependent requiring protonation of the PIM-EA-TB (pKA ≈ 4). Both Fe(CN)64− and Fe(CN)63− can be immobilised, but Fe(CN)64− appears to bind tighter to the polymer backbone presumably via bridging protons. Loss of Fe(CN)63−/4− by leaching into the aqueous solution phase becomes significant only at pH > 9 and is likely to be associated with hydroxide anions directly entering the microporous structure to combine with protons. This and the interaction of Fe(CN)63−/4− and protons within the molecularly rigid PIM-EA-TB host are suggested to be responsible for retention and relatively slow leaching processes. Electrocatalysis with immobilised Fe(CN)63−/4− is demonstrated for the oxidation of ascorbic acid.
Model predictive scheduling of semi-cyclic discrete-event systems using switching max-plus linear models and dynamic graphs
Authors: van den Boom Ton J. J. , Muijsenberg Marenne van den , De Schutter Bart
Published: April 2020

In this paper we discuss scheduling of semi-cyclic discrete-event systems, for which the set of operations may vary over a limited set of possible sequences of operations. We introduce a unified modeling framework in which different types of semi-cyclic discrete-event systems can be described by switching max-plus linear (SMPL) models. We use a dynamic graph to visualize the evolution of an SMPL system over a certain period in a graphical way and to describe the order relations of the system events. We show that the dynamic graph can be used to analyse the structural properties of the system. In general the model predictive scheduling design problem for SMPL systems can be recast as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) problem. In order to reduce the number of optimization parameters we introduce a novel reparametrization of the MILP problem. This may lead to a decrease in computational complexity.
NMR Shift and Relaxation and the Electronic Spin of Superconducting Cuprates
Authors: Avramovska Marija , Pavićević Danica , Haase Jürgen
Published: April 2020

Very recently, by inspecting large sets of data across all families of superconducting cuprates, it became obvious that the prevailing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) interpretation of cuprate properties is not adequate, as it does not account for the differences between the families, as well as common characteristics beyond simple temperature dependence. From the most abundant planar Cu shift data, one concludes readily on two electronic spin components with different doping and temperature dependencies. Their uniform response that causes NMR spin shifts consists of a doping-dependent component due to planar O, and another due to spin in the planar copper 3d(x2 − y2) orbital, where the latter points opposite the field direction. Planar Cu relaxation was found to be rather ubiquitous (except for La2−xSrxCuO4), and Fermi liquid-like, i.e., independent of doping and material, apart from the sudden drop at the superconducting transition temperature, Tc. Only the relaxation anisotropy is doping and material dependent. We showed previously that one can understand the shifts within a two-component scenario, but we failed with a model to account for the relaxation. Here, we suggest a slightly different shift scenario, still based on the two components, by introducing different hyperfine couplings, and, importantly, we are able to account for the Cu nuclear relaxation and its anisotropy for all materials, including also La2−xSrxCuO4. The results represent a solid framework for theory.
Archaeomagnetic investigations in Bolgar (Tatarstan)
Authors: Kosareva Lina R. , Kuzina Dilyara M. , Nurgaliev Danis K. , Sitdikov Airat G. , Luneva Olga V. , Khasanov Damir I. , Suttie Neil , Spassov Simo
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study is to provide a well-dated point for a future palaeosecular variation (PSV) reference curve for western Russia. For this purpose archaeomagnetic and magnetic property analyses were carried out on a pottery kiln unearthed at the UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Bolgar, having a rather precise age dating. The archaeological context provided an age between 1340 and 1360 C.E. The characteristic remanence vector was determined through alternating field demagnetisation and Thellier-Thellier palaeointensity experiments. Some innovations were introduced regarding palaeointensity. The check testing the equality of blocking and unblocking temperature was redefined. This allowed waiving the commonly used additional zero-field cooling steps during the Thellier-Thellier experiment. Another innovation concerns the calculation of archaeointensity at structure level. A Bayesian approach was introduced for averaging individual specimen archaeointensities using a prior probability distribution of unknown uncertainties. Next, an additional prior probability distribution was used to correct for cooling rate effects. This resulted in a lower uncertainty compared to common practice and in eluding time consuming cooling rate experiments. The complex magnetic mineralogy consists of maghaemite, multi-domain haematite and Al-substituted haematite. Some samples contained also some non-stoichiometric magnetite. The magnetic mineralogy was determined through hysteresis loops, backfield and remanence decay curves, measurements of the frequency dependence of magnetic susceptibility and through low temperature magnetisation curves. Accompanying high-temperature thermomagnetic analyses revealed an excellent thermo-chemical stability of the studied specimens. Directions obtained from alternating field demagnetisation and those extracted from archaeointensity experiments are congruent and have low uncertainties. The obtained archaeomagnetic results are fairly in agreement with global geomagnetic field models and contemporary PSV data of the wider area. The geomagnetic field vector obtained for ancient Bolgar is of high quality, deserving thus its inclusion in a future PSV reference curve for European Russia.
The Clavicle Continues to Grow during Adolescence and Early Adulthood
Authors: Hughes Jessica L. , Newton Peter O. , Bastrom Tracey , Fabricant Peter D. , Pennock Andrew T.
Published: April 2020

Background

As more adults undergo surgical fixation of clavicle fractures with improved outcomes, interest is renewed in managing clavicle fractures in adolescents. The medial clavicular physis does not fuse until 23 to 25 years of age, but studies report minimal clavicular growth during adolescence—studies that employed cross-sectional methodologies, which cannot not capture growth in patients over time. The assumption that clavicle length at each stage is uniform, as is the final overall length, may not be accurate if the age groups studied comprise various ethnicities, socioeconomic status, or height.

Questions/Purposes

We sought to quantify longitudinal clavicular growth on serial radiographs in adolescents and young adults. Our hypothesis was that substantial clavicular growth would be seen beyond the age of 12 years.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal case series of non-syndromic patients in a single orthopedic clinic and analyzed serial radiographic images of the clavicles. For ethical reasons, only patients with non-neuromuscular scoliosis and kyphosis (in whom the existing standard of care includes serial thoracic radiographs) were considered for inclusion. Patients ages 10 to 25 years old were included in the study if three or more serial thoracic radiographs over a minimum 5 years were available that captured the entire length of at least one non-rotated clavicle. Three types of radiographs were included for analysis: digital low-dose-radiation stereoradiographic (EOS Imaging, Paris, France), non-EOS digital, and non-EOS printed. The overall longitudinal growth, yearly growth, and the yearly growth percentage were calculated for each clavicle.

Results

Fifty-seven patients (22 male and 35 female) met the inclusion criteria. In male patients, at ages 12 to 15 years, the clavicular growth was 4.9 mm/year, or 4%/year; at ages 16 to 19 years, growth was 3.2 mm/year, or 2.4%/year; and at ages 20 to 25 years, growth was 1.7 mm/year, or 1.1%/year. In female patients, at ages 12 to 15 years, growth was 4.7 mm/year, or 4%/year; at 16 to 19 years, growth was 2.2 mm/year, or 1.7%/year; and at ages 20 to 25 years, growth was 0.2 mm/year or 0.1%/year. We could not detect the age of terminal growth in either sex because growth was ongoing in most patients in the oldest group.

Conclusion

We found substantial clavicular growth potential after age 18 years, when growth is thought to be nearly finished, as well as remodeling potential even up to age 25 years. Further research is needed, but our findings suggest that strategies for managing clavicle fracture in adults may not be applied universally to adolescents and young adults.
The Role of CARD9 in Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Tian Cheng , Tuo Ya-li , Lu Yi , Xu Chuan-rui , Xiang Ming
Published: April 2020

Caspase recruitment domain containing protein 9 (CARD9) is an adaptor protein that plays a critical role in pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)-mediated activation of NF-?B and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). This elicits initiation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and leads to inflammatory responses, which has been recognized as a critical contributor to chronic inflammation. Current researches demonstrate that CARD9 is strongly associated with metabolic diseases, such as obesity, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and so on. In this review, we summarize CARD9 signaling pathway and the role of CARD9 in metabolic diseases.
Polysubstituted Phenyl Glucosides Produced by the Fungus Metarrhizium anisopliae
Authors: Wang Wen-jing , Dai Chong , Wang Jian-ping , Zhu Hu-cheng , Chen Chun-mei , Zhang Yong-hui
Published: April 2020

Metarhizosides A–G (1–7), seven new polysubstituted phenyl glucosides, were isolated from the extracts of solid rice medium of a marine-derived fungus Metarrhizium anisopliae. Compounds 1–7 all contain a polysubstituted phenyl group and the sugar unit is identified as 4′-O-methyl-β-D-glucopyranose. Their structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and chemical method. These compounds were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by using LPS-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and the cytotoxicities against four human cancer cell lines.
Kinetic Characterization of Tyrosinase-catalyzed Oxidation of Four Polyphenols
Authors: Liu Wan-yu , Zou Cong-ming , Hu Jian-hua , Xu Zi-jun , Si Lu-qin , Liu Jun-jun , Huang Jian-geng
Published: April 2020

Phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid and caffeic acid are widely distributed in fruits, vegetables and traditional Chinese medicines with a wide range of biological activities. Tyrosinase plays a critical role in the food industry, but recent studies have proposed unexplored aspects of clinical application. Tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation of four polyphenols as well as its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the current work, we investigated the kinetic properties of tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation of the four polyphenols of interest. To measure the unstable o-quinone products, an analytical method using 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone (MBTH) was established. The optimal incubation time, buffer pH, temperature and enzyme concentration for the enzyme activity in the presence of each polyphenol of interest were investigated. Under the final optimized conditions, the kinetics and substrate specificity of four polyphenols were examined. Kinetic data showed that tyrosinase had the greatest substrate affnity to chlorogenic acid compared with its isomers and caffeic acid. The catalytic effciency with chlorogenic acid was 8- to 15-fold higher than that with the other 3 polyphenols. Molecular docking study demonstrated that the tight binding of chlorogenic acid at the peripheral site should be the major reason for the specifcity to chlorogenic acid. In light of this, the rational design of high-affnity inhibitors against tyrosinase may focus on the binding of both the Cu site and peripheral site. This study will supply a basis for the selection of phenolic acids in food industry and health care.
Erratum to: Protein Phosphatase 2A as a Drug Target in the Treatment of Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wei Hui , Zhang Hui-liang , Xie Jia-zhao , Meng Dong-li , Wang Xiao-chuan , Ke Dan , Zeng Ji , Liu Rong
Published: April 2020

The article “Protein Phosphatase 2A as a Drug Target in the Treatment of Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease”, written by Hui WEI, Hui-liang ZHANG, Jia-zhao XIE, Dong-li MENG, Xiao-chuan WANG, Dan KE, Ji ZENG, Rong LIU, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 13 March 2020 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed to © The Author(s) 2020 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

The original article has been corrected.

Corresponding authors: Dan KE, E-mail: kedan@hust.edu.cn; Ji ZENG, E-mail: whzjmicro@163.com
Career Adaptability and Vocational Identity of Commercial Apprentices in the German Dual System
Authors: Kirchknopf Sebastian
Published: April 2020

The construct of career adaptability has recently gained importance in research on vocational development and has led to a variety of theoretical and empirical approaches. Alongside with vocational identity it has been theorised as the crucial meta-competency of modern career construction. Due to its roots in adolescent career development, career adaptability is not limited to the vocational adjustments of working adults, but is also highly relevant for the pre-occupational orientation processes of adolescents initially developing a vocational identity. Despite the recent increase in empirical research on career adaptability, the field of vocational education has been largely neglected so far. Therefore, a quantitative survey among nearlyN = 400 commercial apprentices within the German dual system of VET has been conducted. This study focuses on the replication of the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS) among commercial apprentices within the German dual system, and its discrimination against alternative operationalisations of career adaptability. Furthermore, the relationship between career adaptability and vocational identity (operationalised as occupational and organisational identification) was explored. Results showed that the four-dimensional structure of career adaptability covered by the CAAS could be largely replicated in the dual system. In addition, it was found that the CAAS can in part be separated from alternative operationalisations. Finally, the results confirmed career adaptability positively predicts both foci of identification in a cognitive and affective manner. This indicates that career adaptability can be seen as a beneficial factor for vocational education and training as it fosters the vocational ties of apprentices in terms of their identity.
How Physical Presence Overrides Emotional (Coping) Effects in HRI: Testing the Transfer of Emotions and Emotional Coping in Interaction with a Humanoid Social Robot
Authors: Spekman Marloes L. C. , Konijn Elly A. , Hoorn Johan F.
Published: April 2020

The increasing pressure on healthcare systems calls for innovative solutions, such as social robots. However, healthcare situations often are highly emotional while little is known about how people’s prior emotional state may affect the perception and acceptance of such robots. Following appraisal theories of emotion, the appraisal of coping potential related to one’s emotions was found to be important in acting as mediator between emotional state and perceptions of a robot (Spekman et al. in Comput Hum Behav 85:308–318, 2018.10.1016/j.chb.2018.03.043; in Belief in emotional coping ability affects what you see in a robot, not the emotions as such, Dissertation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 2018), though this has not yet been tested in relation toactualemotional coping nor in anactualencounter with a robot. Hence, the current study focused on how actual emotional coping influences subsequent robot perceptions in two experiments. In Study 1 (N = 101) and Study 2 (N = 110) participants encountered a real humanoid robot after a manipulation to induce various emotions and coping potential. Manipulations in both studies were effective, yet the results in Study 1 were potentially confounded by a novelty effect of participants’ first encounter with a real robot that talked to them. Therefore, in Study 2, participants interacted briefly with the robot before the actual experiment. Results showed an interaction effect of prior emotions and (manipulated) coping potential on robot perceptions, but not the effects expected based on previous studies. An actual interaction with a robot thus seems to provoke different reactions to the robot, thereby overruling any emotional effects. These findings are discussed in light of the healthcare context in which these social robots might be deployed.
Coordinating maintenance windows and train traffic: a case study
Authors: Lidén Tomas
Published: April 2020

This paper concerns a case study for optimal planning and coordination of railway maintenance windows and train traffic. The purpose is to validate a previously presented optimization model on a demanding real-life problem instance and to obtain results that apply in similar planning situations. A mixed integer linear programming model is used for a 913 km long, single-track railway line through the northern part of Sweden, with traffic consisting of 82 trains per day, most of which are freight trains. Cyclic 1-day schedules are produced, which show that 2 h long maintenance windows can be scheduled with small adjustments of the train traffic. The sensitivity for cost changes is studied, which shows that the train costs must increase by more than 30% in order to change the structure of the window solutions. Resource efficient window schedules are obtained by assigning maintenance teams to all windows while respecting crew work and rest time restrictions. A comparison with manually constructed plans from the Swedish Transport Administration indicates that larger window volumes can be scheduled at a lower cost and with solution structures which are deemed reasonable and useful as guidance for constructing the real window patterns. Finally, we estimate that using an integrated planning approach (where maintenance and trains are jointly planned) instead of a sequential approach (where a train timetable has precedence over the maintenance windows), will give maintenance cost savings of 11–17%, without incurring any large cost increases for the train traffic. The paper also presents a method for achieving cyclic schedules without any period-deciding variables, and discusses the consequences of the aggregated capacity usage model that has been adopted.
Potential of Fish Pond Sediments Composts as Organic Fertilizers
Authors: Dróżdż D. , Malińska K. , Kacprzak M. , Mrowiec M. , Szczypiór A. , Postawa P. , Stachowiak T.
Published: April 2020

Increased fish pond production is associated with the generation of various waste including fish pond sediments. Fish pond sediments could be a valuable source of nutrients for growing plants, however they require further processing in order to be applied to soil. Composting is considered one of the methods for processing fish pond sediments. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential of organic fish pond sediments to be managed through laboratory composting with selected waste materials and evaluate the fertilizing potential of the obtained compost. The scope included: (1) analysis of organic fish pond sediments, (2) laboratory composting of organic fish pond sediments with wheat straw and green grass, (3) analysis of the obtained composts, (4) preparation of growing media with selected additives, (5) analysis of the properties of the prepared growing media and (6) analysis of the effect of the investigated growing media on the growth ofPhaseolus vulgaris L.in pot experiments. The addition of cardboard waste and woodchips derived biochar to the obtained compost improved significantly the growth of the roots ofCardamine L. Also, the content of carbon and nitrogen in the compost mixtures increased. The addition of M1 (compost from organic fish pond sediments and 1% of biochar) to the soil had a significant impact on the growth of white beans.

Graphic Abstract
Covid-19 pandemic by the “real-time” monitoring: the Tunisian case and lessons for global epidemics in the context of 3PM strategies
Authors: Chaari Lotfi , Golubnitschaja Olga
Published: April 2020

Covid-19 is neither the first nor the last viral epidemic which societies around the world are, were and will be affected by. Which lessons should be taken from the current pandemic situation? The Covid-19 disease is still not well characterised, and many research teams all over the world are working on prediction of the epidemic scenario, protective measures to populations and sub-populations, therapeutic and vaccination issues, amongst others. Contextually, countries with currently low numbers of Covid-19-infected individuals such as Tunisia are intended to take lessons from those countries which already reached the exponential phase of the infection distribution as well as from those which have the exponential phase behind them and record a minor number of new cases such as China. To this end, in Tunisia, the pandemic wave has started with a significant delay compared with Europe, the main economic partner of the country. In this paper, we do analyse the current pandemic situation in this country by studying the infection evolution and considering potential protective strategies to prevent a pandemic scenario. The model is predictive based on a large number of undetected Covid-19 cases that is particularly true for some country regions such as Sfax. Infection distribution and mortality rate analysis demonstrate a highly heterogeneous picture over the country. Qualitative and quantitative comparative analysis leads to a conclusion that the reliable “real-time” monitoring based on the randomised laboratory tests is the optimal predictive strategy to create the most effective evidence-based preventive measures. In contrast, lack of tests may lead to incorrect political decisions causing either unnecessary over-protection of the population that is risky for a long-term economic recession, or under-protection of the population leading to a post-containment pandemic rebound. Recommendations are provided in the context of advanced predictive, preventive and personalised (3P) medical approach.
Promoting Participation in DCD: Physical Activity Levels and the Social Network
Authors: Steenbergen Bert , Bekhuis Hidde , van Abswoude Femke
Published: April 2020

Purpose of Review

Physical inactivity is a worldwide problem, also affecting children with motor problems, such as developmental coordination disorder. We try to understand what motivates children to start, continue, and stop having an active lifestyle and explore the role that the social network of the child can have to stimulate an active lifestyle.

Recent Findings

Social network theory is useful for understanding individual and group behavior related to physical activity. Social networks, ranging from peers and parents to teachers and medical professionals were shown to play an important role in bringing about sustainable behavioral change. Up to now, little systematic research has been done into how social networks can be used to keep children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) physically active and motivated.

Future studies should more systematically examine and target the social network of the child with DCD. This social network can then be used to develop interventions for a sustained physical active lifestyle leading to increased participation in the society.
Atmospheric Correction of Multispectral VNIR Remote Sensing Data: Algorithm and Inter‐sensor Comparison of Aerosol and Surface Reflectance Products
Authors: Mishra Manoj K. , Rathore Pradyuman S. , Misra Arundhati , Kumar Raj
Published: April 2020

Optical imaging satellites, such as SPOT and Cartosat‐2S, provide visible/near infrared (VNIR) multispectral data at very high spatial resolution. The applications of these data sets are associated with precise mapping, monitoring, and change detection of Earth's surface, given that the measurements can be compensated for atmospheric effects. Existing atmospheric correction (AC) algorithms use visible and shortwave infrared channels and therefore cannot be used for AC of data from VNIR sensors. This article describes an algorithm for aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval and AC of VNIR imaging data. The AOD algorithm relies on the fact that for vegetated surfaces there exists a visible/NIR surface reflectance relationship due to the absorption of solar radiation by photosynthetic pigments in visible bands, while high reflectance in NIR bands governed by structural discontinuities in the leaves of healthy vegetation. We then describe how retrieved AOD is used to derive surface reflectance. To test the algorithm, the aerosol and surface reflectance products generated from 106 Cartosat‐2S data sets are compared with MODIS‐terra products. The algorithm significantly removes the haze from the images making surface feature visible. The comparison of Cartosat‐2S and MODIS‐terra AOD involving >1,500 data points shows good correlation of 0.95 with a relative difference of ≤25%. Similarly, the comparison of surface reflectance involving >4,500 data points shows good correlation ranging from 0.75 to 0.86 with a relative difference ranging from 24% to 37%. The normalized difference vegetation index shows a correlation of 0.89, with a relative difference of ≤18%. Results show that the given algorithm may be useful for AC of data from VNIR sensors.
Deformation Structures From Splay and Décollement Faults in the Nankai Accretionary Prism, SW Japan(IODP NanTroSEIZE Expedition 316): Evidence for Slow and Rapid Slip in Fault Rocks
Authors: Fabbri O. , Goldsby D. L. , Chester F. , Karpoff A. M. , Morvan G. , Ujiie K. , Yamaguchi A. , Sakaguchi A. , Li C. F. , Kimura G. , Tsutsumi A. , Screaton E. , Curewitz D.
Published: April 2020

Drilling during IODP NanTroSEIZE Expedition 316 led to the recovery of cores from the basal décollement in the frontal part of the Nankai accretionary prism and from a splay fault branching from the décollement at 25‐km landward of the prism toe. The core from the splay fault shows a main shear zone and two secondary shear zones. The main shear zone can be divided into two subzones. The upper subzone consists of a 1.2‐mm thick foliated gouge zone truncated downward by a through‐going fault encompassing a 0.4‐mm thick weakly foliated gouge interval. A nearby 200‐μm thick granular injection vein is interpreted as derived from the fault. The lower subzone consists of a foliated clayey gouge. A 70‐μm thick granular injection vein is also observed along this subzone. In the basal décollement core, microstructures consist of foliated gouge along a flat‐lying shear zone and seven flat‐lying or gently dipping secondary or incipient shear zones above. A redox front lies beneath the main shear zone. The shear zone and the redox front are truncated by a fault surface outlined by microbreccia developed at the expense of the overlying foliated gouge. Foliated gouge from the shear zones is tentatively interpreted as resulting from slow slip or aseismic creep. The weakly foliated gouge, the microbreccia, and the granular injection veins are interpreted as resulting from coseismic slip. The presence of the redox front beneath the main shear zone of the décollement fault core is interpreted as a consequence of oxidizing fluid flow along the microbreccia‐bearing fault.