bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful extracorporeal membrane oxygenation assisted revascularisation in a high-risk elderly patient refused surgical treatment
Authors: Samalavičius Robertas , Puodžiukaitė Lina , Abraitis Vytautas , Norkienė Ieva , Ščupakova Nadežda , Pekarskienė Justina , Zorinas Aleksejus , Ručinskas Kęstutis , Šerpytis Pranas
Published: April 2020

Management of high-risk elderly patients requiring revascularisation remains a clinical challenge. We report a case of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) assisted complex percutaneous coronary intervention in a high-risk octogenarian. An 83-yearold female with signs of worsening heart failure was admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary care facility. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction of 20% with severe mitral regurgitation and mild aortic and tricuspid valve insufficiency. Three-vessel disease was found during coronary angiography. Due to the patient’s frailty, a high-risk surgery decision to proceed with ECMO assisted percutaneous coronary intervention was made during a heart team meeting. Following initiation of mechanical support, coronary lesions were treated with three drug-eluting stents. After the procedure, the patient was transferred to the ICU on ECMO support, where she was successfully weaned from the device 9 h later. Her ICU stay was four days. She was successfully discharged from the hospital after uneventful recovery. At one-year’s follow-up, the patient was clinically stable in an overall state of general well-being and with complete participation in routine activities; she had good exercise tolerance and no signs of ischemia. This report highlights the possibility of use of ECMO during PCI in high-risk elderly patients.
Tearing Plato to Pieces: Gianfrancesco Pico della Mirandola and Marsilio Ficino on the History of Platonism
Authors: Robichaud Denis J.-J.
Published: April 2020

This article considers Gianfrancesco Pico della Mirandola’s understanding of the history of Platonism in his Examen vanitatis. It analyzes his sources and methods for understanding the history of philosophy—genealogical source criticism, historiographical analysis, and comparative history—and argues that his approach is shaped by anti-Platonic Christian apologetics. It documents how Gianfrancesco Pico closely studies Marsilio Ficino’s and his uncle Giovanni Pico’s understandings of Platonism and its history, and how his contextualization of their work within the broader history of Platonism is part of a larger endeavour to turn the page and even close the book on this chapter of the Quattrocento. Although neither Ficino nor Gianfrancesco finds universal agreement among ancient Platonists, Ficino explains their history as one of inquiry and interpretation, in which Platonism and Christianity are inexorably united, whereas Gianfrancesco characterizes it as a history of lies and disagreements that threaten Christianity. In trying to protect sacred history, Gianfrancesco Pico helped develop the tools that would eventually critique it.
Praenotio, Prisca Haeresis, and Astrology: Gianfrancesco Pico della Mirandola between Savonarola and Giovanni Pico
Authors: Akopyan Ovanes
Published: April 2020

This article considers the place of Gianfrancesco Pico della Mirandola’s ideas within the astrological debates that arose in Renaissance Italy after the publication of the Disputationes adversus astrologiam divinatricem by Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, Gianfrancesco Pico’s famous uncle. Published posthumously in 1496, the Disputationes incited a rigorous discussion of the status of astrology in various intellectual circles in Renaissance Italy. Gianfrancesco Pico was the editor of his uncle Giovanni Pico’s Opera, and the younger Pico was also known as one of Girolamo Savonarola’s most ardent followers. This article will focus on Gianfrancesco’s two main anti-astrological treatises, the De rerum praenotione and the Quaestio de falsitate astrologiae. Gianfrancesco’s writings reveal his own elaborate ideological agenda and the ways in which he used, in a controversial manner, both his uncle’s and Savonarola’s arguments in consequent philosophical and astrological discussions.
Continuation of discussion on administrative responsibility of trustee in bankruptcy in light of preparation of the project of new Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation
Authors: Vinnitskiy Andrey
Published: April 2020

The subject of this research revolves the around the normative precepts pertaining to administrative responsibility of bankruptcy trustees (Part 2 and 3.1 of the Article 14.13 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation) in their systemic relation with other articles of the Code, regulatory norms of legislation on bankruptcy, as well as relevant provision of the legal doctrine. The author studies, generalizes and critically analyzes the vast case law of arbitration courts on the most important issues of administrative responsibility of bankruptcy trustees. The work employs the administrative practice of the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre and Cartography (Rosreestr). The conducted research allows making the following conclusions pertaining to administrative responsibility of bankruptcy trustees: 1) need for introduction of the concept of abuse of the right to initiate administrative prosecution of trustees; 2) impermissibility of the circumvention by the Rosreests authorities of the legislation on state control through the institution of administrative prosecution; 3) impermissibility of the frequently used extended interpretation of the Part 2 and 3.1 of the Article 14.13 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation; 4) reasonableness of clarification of the element of redundancy pertaining to the Part 3 .1 of the Article 14.13 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation; 5) fundamental impermissibility of the “mitigating requalification” of the act from the Part 3.1 to the Part 3 of the Article 14.13 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation. The conclusions are extrapolated to adjoining elements of administrative violations.  The author proposes consideration of the discovered general flaws of legal regulation in the context of work being conducted on preparation of the project of new Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation.
On administrative-legal status of the driving examiner and examinee in the case of a traffic accident during the driving test
Authors: Zeinalov Fazil Nazim ogly , Gubenkov Oleg Evgen'evich , Mikhaleva Irina Sergeevna
Published: April 2020

The object of this research is the system of public legal relations in the area of ensuring traffic safety. The subject of this research is the legal norms that regulate the administrative legal status of the driving examiner and examinee during a driving test. This work aims to conduct the analysis of the normative legal base regulating the driving test, as well as the legal status of the parties present in the vehicle during the driving test. The novelty of this study is justified by the practical and scientific importance of the problems of law enforcement activity in the area of ensuring traffic safety, as well as the need for improvement of the legal framework regulating authority of police divisions and departments in Russia. The authors analyze the federal legislation regarding legal status of the driving examiner and examinee during a live driving test. Proposals are made on establishing administrative legal status of the examiner, development the definition of “practice driving”, and determination of relation of live driving test to practice driving.
Legal aspects of the system of organization of public administration of the territories in the Russian Federation
Authors: Lapina Marina Afanas'evna
Published: April 2020

The subject of this research is the legal norms of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, as well as laws and bylaws regulating the system of organization of state and municipal administration of the territories of the Russian Federation with their further development. A substantial place within legal regulation is allocated to the Strategy of Spatial Development of the Russian Federation until 2025, passed in 2019. The article elucidates the problems of organization of public administration of the newly created territorial units – spatial agglomerations. The goal consists in presenting the analysis of the correspondence of legislation in the area of organization of public administration of the newly created administrative-territorial units based on economic priorities. The novelty of this research consists in the proposed strategy of scientifically substantiated recommendations on legislative regulation of public administration of the territories of the Russian Federation, with consideration of newly created territorial units – spatial agglomerations. The conclusion is made on the need to develop a single system of optimal legal regimes per specific territorial unit, representing certain type of agglomeration of supraregional, regional and/or municipal level in different variations.
Agility-based exercise training compared to traditional strength and balance training in older adults: a pilot randomized trial
Authors: Lichtenstein Eric , Morat Mareike , Roth Ralf , Donath Lars , Faude Oliver
Published: April 2020

Background

In addition to generally high levels of physical activity, multi-component exercise training is recommended for the maintenance of health and fitness in older adults, including the prevention of falls and frailty. This training often encompasses serial sequencing of balance, strength, endurance and other types of exercise. Exercise training featuring integrative training of these components (i.e. agility training) has been proposed, as it more likely reflects real life challenges like stop-and-go patterns, cutting manoeuvers, turns and decision-making. In this study, we compared the efficacy of an agility-based training to the traditional strength and balance training approach with regard to selected risk factors for falls and frailty.

Methods

We trained twenty-seven community-dwelling healthy seniors (16♂; 11♀; age: 69.5 ± 5.3 y; BMI: 26.4 ± 3.7 kg/m2) for 8 weeks in a group setting with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 50 minutes. Participants were randomized into either the agility group (AGI; n = 12), that used the integrative multi-component training, or the traditional strength and balance group (TSB; n = 15). TSB performed balance and strength exercises separately, albeit within the same session. The training of both groups progressively increased in difficulty. Outcomes were static and dynamic balance (single leg eyes open stand, Y-balance test, reactive balance), lower limb (plantar flexion and dorsal extension) and trunk flexion and extension maximum strength and rate of torque development (RTD). In addition, we tested endurance by the six-minute walk test (6MWT). We calculated linear mixed effects models for between-groups comparisons as well as effect sizes (ES) with 95 % confidence intervals.

Results

Small ES in favor of AGI were found for plantar flexion strength (ES > 0.18[−0.27;0.89]) and RTD (ES > 0.43[−0.19;1.36]) as well as trunk extension RTD (ES = 0.35[−0.05;0.75]). No other parameters showed notable between group differences. Compliance was high in both groups (AGI: 90 ± 8% of sessions; TSB: 91 ± 7% of sessions).

Discussion

Agility-based exercise training seems at least as efficacious as traditional strength and balance training in affecting selected physical performance indicators among community-dwelling healthy seniors. In particular, lower limb and trunk extension explosive strength seem to benefit from the agility training.
Characterization of the mitochondrial genomes of two toads, Anaxyrus americanus (Anura: Bufonidae) and Bufotes pewzowi (Anura: Bufonidae), with phylogenetic and selection pressure analyses
Authors: Cai Yu-Ting , Li Qin , Zhang Jia-Yong , Storey Kenneth B. , Yu Dan-Na
Published: April 2020

Mitogenomes are useful in analyzing phylogenetic relationships and also appear to influence energy metabolism, thermoregulation and osmoregulation. Much evidence has accumulated for positive selection acting on mitochondrial genes associated with environmental adaptation. Hence, the mitogenome is a likely target for environmental selection. The family Bufonidae (true toads) has only nine complete and four partial mitogenomes published compared to the 610 known species of this family. More mitogenomes are needed in order to obtain a clearer understanding of the phylogenetic relationships within Bufonidae that are currently controversial. To date, no mitogenomes have been reported from the genera Anaxyrus and Bufotes. Anaxyrus americanus can live in low temperature environments and Bufotes pewzowi can live in high salinity environments. We sequenced the mitogenomes of these two species to discuss the phylogenetic relationships within Bufonidae and the selection pressures experienced by specimens living in low temperature or saline environments. Like other toads, the circular mitogenomes of both species contained the typical 37 genes. Anaxyrus americanus had the highest A+T content of the complete mitogenome among the Bufonidae. In addition, A. americanus showed a negative AT-skew in the control region, whereas Bufotes pewzowi showed a positive AT-skew. Additionally, both toad species had unique molecular features in common: an ND1 gene that uses TTG as the start codon, an extra unpaired adenine (A) in the anticodon arm of trnS (AGY), and the loss of the DHU loop in trnC. The monophyly of Bufonidae was corroborated by both BI and ML trees. An analysis of selective pressure based on the 13 protein coding genes was conducted using the EasyCodeML program. In the branch model analysis, we found two branches of A. americanus and Bufotes pewzowi that were under negative selection. Additionally, we found two positively selected sites (at positions 115 and 119, BEB value > 0.90) in the ND6 protein in the site model analysis. The residue D (119) was located only in A. americanus and may be related to adaptive evolution in low temperature environments. However, there was no evidence of a positively selected site in Bufotes pewzowi in this study.
Catalyzing rapid discovery of gold-precipitating bacterial lineages with university students
Authors: Riley Noah G. , Goller Carlos C. , Leggett Zakiya H. , Lewis Danica M. , Ciccone Karen , Dunn Robert R.
Published: April 2020

Intriguing and potentially commercially useful microorganisms are found in our surroundings and new tools allow us to learn about their genetic potential and evolutionary history. Engaging students from different disciplines and courses in the search for microbes requires an exciting project with innovative but straightforward procedures and goals. Here we describe an interdisciplinary program to engage students from different courses in the sampling, identification and analysis of the DNA sequences of a unique yet common microbe, Delftia spp. A campus-wide challenge was created to identify the prevalence of this genus, able to precipitate gold, involving introductory level environmental and life science courses, upper-level advanced laboratory modules taken by undergraduate students (juniors and seniors), graduate students and staff from the campus. The number of participants involved allowed for extensive sampling while undergraduate researchers and students in lab-based courses participated in the sample processing and analyses, helping contextualize and solidify their learning of the molecular biology techniques. The results were shared at each step through publicly accessible websites and workshops. This model allows for the rapid discovery of Delftia presence and prevalence and is adaptable to different campuses and experimental questions.
Assessing the Financial Statement (Ratios) of Anglogold-Ashanti Limited, Ghana
Authors: Bagina Regina Wompakeah
Published: April 2020

This study assessed the financial position of Anglogold –Ashanti ltd, Ghana by conducting various financial ratio analyses. The study used time series data for a period of 7 years (2008/09 to 2013/14) of Anglogold Ashanti Limited. The data was analysed using standard tool ratio analysis. This was applied to evaluating the financial performance. Among the ratios used are the Liquidity ratio, current or acid test ration, profitability ratio, gross margin, return on equity, debt to equity. Tables were used in the data presentation.  The study findings revealed that both current and the quick ratios has a fluctuating trend of continues increase for the study period (2009-2011), that is (1.68, 1.93, 1.33, 1.77, 0.53, 0.53) and (0.90, 0.89, 0.62, 1.06, 0.65, 0.67 0.84). Also, the higher the ratio the more solvent the business is. Although, the company’s ratio was high it did not always imply that there was solvency but also indicated that the company was holding excess liquid funds. The quick ratio was also in a fluctuating trend throughout the period 2008 – 14. The company liquidity position was not far from the normal standard; to some extent it was satisfactory. The total assets turnover ratio also indicated an increasing trend from the year 2008 – 14(0.56, 0.62, 0.73, 0.54, 0.56, 0.49 and 0.39. Based on the findings, the study concluded that, the company’s overall position is not at a good position, particularly the last year under review due to decreased profit level from the previous year. It is better for the organization not to diversify the funds to different sectors in the present market scenario. The study recommended the need for the company to increase its sales by more promotions and by quick movements of the finished goods.
Productivity and Economic Performance of NERICA Varieties under Two Harvest Modes and Rainfall Intensities in Uganda
Authors: Kaiira M. G. , Owere L. , Kagoda F. , Elesu M.
Published: April 2020

The productivity of upland rice is highly determined by the available soil moisture and nutrients. Droughts highly influence yields especially in the second 30 days growth period. A field experiment was conducted at the Uganda National Agricultural Research Institute, Ikulwe station during 2018B and 2019B seasons to determine the productivity and economic returns of four rice varieties under two harvest modes and rainfall intensities. The treatments included NERICA 1, 4 & 6 and NAMCHE 2 given 80 kg N and 30 kg P ha-1. Treatments were replicated three times under a randomised complete block design.  Data was collected on plant height, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width and number of tillers during vegetative stages in all treatments. The panicles m-2, sink size, panicle filling percentage and grain yields were determined at harvest. All the yield attributes and grain yield reduced during the droughty 2018B relative to the rainy 2019B. On the contrary, the number of tillers reduced in 2019. Correlation coefficient (r) for spikelets per m-2 were significant (>8.0) and positive (0.86) to grain yield during 2018 but were lower (0.13) in 2019. The r values were also positive, but not significant, for panicles m-2 (0.76) and for percent filled panicles (0.23) with respect to grain yield during 2018 and 2019 respectively. NERICA 4 & 6 produced higher grain yield under both moisture stress and high rainfall conditions. The results indicate that NERICA 4 and 6 varieties could be adopted and harvested at 75 days after rice emergence (DAE) for NERICA 4 and at 75 DAE and 90 DAE for NERICA 6 under low (630 mm) rainfall or harvested once at 90 DAE given high (1,500 mm) rainfall to get higher yields and Returns on Investment.
Accumulation of Heavy Metals by Vegetables Grown in Kembu Farms, Gombe, Nigeria
Authors: Magaji Buhari , Yirankiyuki Fai F. , Simon Simon Y.
Published: April 2020

Background: Contamination of vegetables with heavy metals is a health concern. Therefore, monitoring levels of heavy metals in vegetables can provide useful information for promoting food safety. The level of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in mg/kg) in vegetable samples from different farms in Kembu, Gombe, North Eastern Nigeria were assessed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry method.

Methods: Samples of vegetables including tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) were collected from production/farming sites in Kembu and analyzed for presence of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) after extraction by drying, grounding and acid digestion.

Results: The level of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd did not indicate excessive contamination that could be considered a serious health hazard to the consumers except for the tomato samples in which the level of Pb was higher than the minimum Pb permissible level for human consumption approved by WHO/FAO (2007) and EU (2006) and are thus, considered unsafe to be used.
Comparing the Efficiencies of the Removal of Cadmium from Industrial Wastewater Using Zeolites
Authors: Anang Michael Akrofi , Zugle Ruphino , Ntiri Baah Sefa-
Published: April 2020

The presence of heavy metals in industrial wastewater needed to be removed in other to control pollution which has been caused as a result of human and industrial activities. Several adsorbents have been used for the remediation process but with this particular research work, Zeolites were used. They were synthesized hydrothermally from various locally available raw materials namely rice husk, corn stalk, corn husk, and kaolin. They were characterized using their FTIR to determine the functional groups on the material synthesized and also their adsorptive activities were compared with industrially synthesized Zeolite X. A very strong peak at 1052 cm-1 is as a result of the asymmetric vibrations of the internal T-O tetrahedron with a weak symmetric T-O stretching vibration recorded at 797 cm-1. Another strong peak was observed at 445 cm-1 as a result of the O-T-O bending vibration which confirms the presence of a five-membered structure. The adsorptive properties of the synthesized Zeolites were evaluated by using them to remove Cadmium ions from solution and their percentage removals were determined. Similarly, their adsorption kinetics were also determined and was observed the R2 values to be 0.9093 and 0.9454 for Corn husk and Cornstalk for the first order and the second order with R2 values of 1 for rice husk, kaolin and corn stalk.
Evaluation of Bread Waste Fortified with Moringa Leaf Meal on Performance and Health Status of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Adegbenro Muyiwa , Oyedun Oluwagbenga Ifeoluwa , Aletor Valentine Ayobore
Published: April 2020

Aim: This study is to evaluate the effects of using bread waste fortified with moringa leaf meal on broiler chickens.

Methodology: Bread wastes were sun-dried and moringa leaves air-dried. The two dried products were milled separately. Thereafter, the meals were mixed in ratio 9:1 (9 kg Bread Waste + 1 kg Moringa Leaf) to produced fortified bread wastes. Four broiler starter diets and four finisher diets were formulated using fortified bread waste at graded levels of 0, 5, 10 and 15% and designated diets I, II, III and IV, respectively. Two hundred chicks were assigned to four dietary treatments of five replicates and ten chicks per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. Diets and water were fed to the broilers ad libitum from 0 - 28 days as starter phase and 29 - 56 days as finisher phase.

Results: Highest final weight gain and total weight gain (2.12 kg/bird and 2.07 kg/bird) and least feed conversion ratio (2.32) were observed in bird fed Diet I. The dressed weight, eviscerated weight, head, chest, drumstick, wing, thigh, back and shank were influenced significantly (P˂0.05) by the dietary treatments. Highest dressed weight (92.64%), eviscerated weight (79.52%), head (25.34 g/kg body weight), chest (206.53 g/kg body weight) and wing (83.10g/kg body weight) were recorded in bird fed Diet I. Only lymphocyte was influenced (P < .05) by the dietary treatments. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate varies: 2.33 - 3.33 mm/hour, packed cell volume: 26.67 - 28.67%, haemoglobin concentration: 9.23 - 9.88 g/100 ml and mean cell haemoglobin concentration: 34.41 - 34.61%. Cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase were influenced (P < 0.05) by the dietary treatments. The cholesterol: 22.57 - 32.78 mg/dl and alkaline phosphatase: 144.17-150.98 IU/I.

Conclusion: From the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that increasing levels of fortified bread wastes in broiler chicken diets up till 5% inclusion level can be practiced.
Awareness of Market Potentials and Utilization of Cashew Fruit: Perspectives of Cashew Farmers in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana
Authors: Ackah Nina Bernice , Ampadu-Ameyaw Richard , Appiah Alexander Henry Kwadwo , Annan Theophilus , Amoo-Gyasi Michael
Published: April 2020

In spite of its nutritional and economic values, Cashew apple has received low patronage in terms of commercialization and utilization and policy focus. This has led to underutilization and wastage of fresh fruits, which could contribute to farmer’s income. This study explored the state of awareness of the market potential and consumption of cashew apple among farm households in selected areas of Brong Ahafo in Ghana. A total 200 respondents were randomly interviewed in addition to a Focus group discussion. The results indicate there is a large number of farmers with long years of farming and trading in cashew yet trading has mainly been focused on the nuts and not fresh fruits which is nutritive. Contrary to literature in the study area apples has some level of patronage in home consumption, but attempts at exploiting cashew apple market potentials among farmers is low or nonexistent.
Exosome‐associated polysialic acid modulates membrane potentials, membrane thermotropic properties, and raft‐dependent interactions between vesicles
Authors: Sapoń Karolina , Gawrońska Iga , Janas Teresa , Sikorski Aleksander F. , Janas Tadeusz
Published: April 2020

In mammals, polysialic acid (polySia) attached to a small number of transmembrane protein carriers occurs on the surface of plasma membranes of neural, cancer, immune, and placental trophoblast cells. Here, our goal was to demonstrate the presence of polySia on exosomes and its effect on membrane properties. We isolated exosomes and found that polysialylated exosomes in fetal bovine serum originate mostly from placental trophoblasts, while in calf bovine serum, they originate from immune cells. Enzymatic removal of polySia chains from the exosomal surface makes the membrane surface potential more positive, transmembrane potential more negative, and reduces the activation energy for membrane anisotropy changes. We demonstrate for the first time that exosomes could interact through polySia–raft interactions. We suggest that polysialylation of exosomal membrane can have a thermo‐protecting effect and can modulate exosome–plasma membrane interactions.
Lymphocyte‐specific protein 1 (LSP1) regulates bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST‐2)‐mediated intracellular trafficking of HIV‐1 in dendritic cells
Authors: Kulkarni Rutuja , Jiang Shuxian , Birrane Gabriel , Prasad Anil
Published: April 2020

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) subverts intracellular trafficking pathways to avoid its degradation and elimination, thereby enhancing its survival and spread. The molecular mechanisms involved in intracellular transport of HIV‐1 are not yet fully defined. We demonstrate that the actin‐binding protein lymphocyte‐specific protein 1 (LSP1) interacts with the interferon‐inducible protein bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST‐2) in dendritic cells (DCs) to facilitate both endocytosis of surface‐bound HIV‐1 and the formation of early endosomes. Analysis of the molecular interaction between LSP1 and BST‐2 reveals that the N terminus of LSP1 interacts with BST‐2. Overall, we identify a novel mechanism of intracellular trafficking of HIV‐1 in DCs centering on the LSP1/BST‐2 complex. We also show that the HIV‐1 accessory protein Vpu subverts this pathway by inducing proteasomal degradation of LSP1, augmenting cell–cell transmission of HIV‐1.
ATP regulates the activity of an alternative oxidase in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Luévano‐Martínez Luis Alberto , Girard Richard M. B. M. , Alencar Mayke Bezerra , Silber Ariel Mariano
Published: April 2020

The reduced mitochondrial respiratory chain from the bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei is composed of only a membrane‐bound glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and an alternative oxidase. Since these enzymes are not proton pumps, their functions are restricted to the maintenance of the redox balance in the glycosome by means of the dihydroxyacetone phosphate/glycerol‐3‐phosphate shuttle. Additionally, an F1Fo‐ATP synthase functions as an ATP‐hydrolysing enzyme to establish the proton motive force necessary to maintain the basic functions of mitochondria. In this report, we studied the interplay between the alternative oxidase and ATP synthase, and we found that, in addition to its role as a proton pump, ATP synthase contributes to maintain safe levels of ATP to prevent the inhibition of the alternative oxidase by ATP.
An expert–novice comparison of feature choice
Authors: Robson Samuel G. , Searston Rachel A. , Edmond Gary , McCarthy Duncan J. , Tangen Jason M.
Published: April 2020

Perceptual experts have learned to rapidly and accurately perceive the structural regularities that define categories and identities within a domain. They extract important features and their relations more efficiently than novices. We used fingerprint examination to investigate expert–novice differences in feature choice. On each fingerprint within our set, experts and novices selected one feature they thought was most useful for distinguishing a particular print and one feature they thought was least useful. We found that experts and novices often differed in the features they chose, and experts tended to agree more with each other. However, any such expert–novice difference appeared to depend on the image at hand typically emerging when salient or more conspicuous features of a fingerprint were unclear. We suggest that perceptual training ought to direct attention to useful features with the understanding that what is useful may change depending on the clarity of the stimuli.
Trace‐Level, Multi‐Gas Detection for Food Quality Assessment Based on Decorated Silicon Transistor Arrays
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Bariya Mallika , Fahad Hossain M. , Wu Jingbo , Han Rui , Gupta Niharika , Javey Ali
Published: April 2020

Multiplexed gas detection at room temperature is critical for practical applications, such as for tracking the complex chemical environments associated with food decomposition and spoilage. An integrated array of multiple silicon‐based, chemical‐sensitive field effect transistors (CSFETs) is presented to realize selective, sensitive, and simultaneous measurement of gases typically associated with food spoilage. CSFETs decorated with sensing materials based on ruthenium, silver, and silicon oxide are used to obtain stable room‐temperature responses to ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and humidity, respectively. For example, one multi‐CSFET sensor signal changes from its baseline by 13.34 in response to 1 ppm of NH3, 724.45 under 1 ppm H2S, and 23.46 under 80% relative humidity, with sensitive detection down to 10 ppb of NH3 and H2S. To demonstrate this sensor for practical applications, the CSFET sensor array is combined with a custom‐printed circuit board into a compact, fully integrated, and portable system to conduct real‐time monitoring of gases generated by decomposing food. By using existing silicon‐based manufacturing methodologies, this room‐temperature gas sensing array can be fabricated reproducibly and at low cost, making it an attractive platform for ambient gas measurement needed in food safety applications.
A Transfer Method for High‐Mobility, Bias‐Stable, and Flexible Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Peng Boyu , Ji Xudong , Jiao Xuechen , Chu Ming , Liu Jinyu , Li Yang , Chen Ming , Zhou Zhiwen , Zhang Cuiping , Miao Qian , Dong Huanli , Huang Baoling , Hu Wenping , Feng Shien‐Ping , Li Wendi , Chan Paddy K. L.
Published: April 2020

Substrates are crucial to the growth of organic semiconductor thin films and crystals, and thus the performance of the organic field‐effect transistors. To date, there has been no single substrate that can fulfill the demand for low‐voltage operation, large‐area crystal growth, bias stress stability, and mechanical flexibility at the same time. Here, a novel transfer method is reported, which separates the growth of the organic semiconductor active layers and the rest of the fabrication steps of the field‐effect transistors, so that high‐mobility active layers and bias‐stable dielectric substrates are combined. With the proposed transfer method, both vacuum sublimated thin films and solution‐processed crystals show remarkable improvement in the bias stability. With the high‐k dielectric and ultraflexible substrate, the device can operate at 2 V and shows no degradation in the carrier mobility when the bending radius is down to 215 mm. It is believed that this transfer method can advance the fabrication techniques of high‐performance organic field‐effect transistors, especially for their conformal or ultraflexible applications.
LncRNA UCA1 Antagonizes Arsenic‐Induced Cell Cycle Arrest through Destabilizing EZH2 and Facilitating NFATc2 Expression
Authors: Dong Zheng , Gao Ming , Li Changying , Xu Ming , Liu Sijin
Published: April 2020

Arsenic (As) is a widespread metalloid contaminant, and its internal exposure is demonstrated to cause serious detrimental health problems. Albeit considerable studies are performed to interrogate the molecular mechanisms responsible for As‐induced toxicities, the exact mechanisms are not fully understood yet, especially at the epigenetic regulation level. In the present study, it is identified that long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) urothelial cancer associated 1 (UCA1) alleviates As‐induced G2/M phase arrest in human liver cells. Intensive mechanistic investigations illustrate that UCA1 interacts with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and accelerates the latter's protein turnover rate under normal and As‐exposure conditions. The phosphorylation of EZH2 at the Thr‐487 site by cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is responsible for As‐induced EZH2 protein degradation, and UCA1 enhances this process through increasing the interaction between CDK1 and EZH2. As a consequence, the cell cycle regulator nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFATc2), a downstream target of EZH2, is upregulated to resist As‐blocked cell cycle progress and cytotoxicity. In conclusion, the findings decipher a novel prosurvival signaling pathway underlying As toxicity from the perspective of epigenetic regulation: UCA1 facilitates the ubiquitination of EZH2 to upregulate NFATc2 and further antagonizes As‐induced cell cycle arrest.
Ultrathin PEDOT:PSS Enables Colorful and Efficient Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lu Jianxun , Feng Wenjing , Mei Guanding , Sun Jiayun , Yan Chuanzhong , Zhang Di , Lin Kebin , Wu Dan , Wang Kai , Wei Zhanhua
Published: April 2020

Recently, metal halide perovskite light‐emitting diodes (Pero‐LEDs) have achieved significant improvement in device performance, especially for external quantum efficiency (EQE). And EQE is mostly determined by internal quantum efficiency of the emitting material, charge injection balancing factor (ηc), and light extraction efficiency (LEE) of the device. Herein, an ultrathin poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (UT‐PEDOT:PSS) hole transporter layer is prepared by a water stripping method, and the UT‐PEDOT:PSS can enhance ηc and LEE simultaneously in Pero‐LEDs, mostly due to the improved carrier mobility, more matched energy level alignment, and reduced photon loss. More importantly, the performance enhancement from UT‐PEDOT:PSS is quite universal and applicable in different kinds of Pero‐LEDs. As a result, the EQEs of Pero‐LEDs based on 3D, quasi‐3D, and quasi‐2D perovskites obtain enhancements of 42%, 87%, and 111%, and the corresponding maximum EQE reaches 17.6%, 15.0%, and 6.8%, respectively.
Achieving High Alignment of Conjugated Polymers by Controlled Dip‐Coating
Authors: Li Qi‐Yi , Yao Ze‐Fan , Lu Yang , Zhang Song , Ahmad Zachary , Wang Jie‐Yu , Gu Xiaodan , Pei Jian
Published: April 2020

Realizing high polymer chain orientation and ordered thin‐film microstructures is beneficial for efficient charge transport of conjugated polymers. However, achieving a high alignment degree remains a challenge due to the sensitive nature of polymers to the processing conditions. By simply varying concentrations during a dip‐coating method, the component of polymer aggregates that adopt the planar backbones is enlarged and the ensuing assembly process is promoted. Herein, highly oriented polymer thin films of an isoindigo‐based conjugated polymer (PII‐2T) are prepared to enhance polymer orientation resulting in a drastic booming in carrier mobilities of organic field‐effect‐transistors (OFETs). The maximum mobility from aligned polymer films increases by up to 8.3 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is tenfold beyond the value evaluated from the unaligned direction or traditional spin‐coated samples. The enhanced orientation can also reduce the adverse effects of the contact resistance and facilitate charge transport in transistors. This work demonstrates that the highly aligned conjugated polymer films can be approached by the dip‐coating method while offers a latent cornerstone toward understanding the critical role of processing‐related parameters in determining morphology of solution‐coated thin films.
Emergency Medicine Resident Education on Caring for Patients With Disabilities: A Call to Action
Authors: Rotoli Jason , Backster Anika , Sapp Richard W. , Austin Zachery A. , Francois Czestochowa , Gurditta Kunali , Mirus Carl , McClure Poffenberger Cori
Published: April 2020

People with disabilities constitute a marginalized population who experience significant health care disparities resulting from structural, socioeconomic, and attitudinal barriers to accessing health care. It has been reported that education on the care of marginalized groups helps to improve awareness, patient–provider rapport, and patient satisfaction. Yet, emergency medicine (EM) residency education on care for people with disabilities may be lacking. The goal of this paper is to review the current state of health care for patients with disabilities, review the current state of undergraduate and graduate medical education on the care of patients with disabilities, and provide suggestions for an improved EM residency curriculum that includes education on the care for patients with disabilities.
Air–water interfacial synthesis of metal–organic framework hollow fiber membranes for water purification
Authors: Wu Wufeng , Jia Miaomiao , Su Jingyi , Li Zhanjun , Li Wanbin
Published: April 2020

In this study, we report a novel air–water interfacial self‐crystallization (AWISC) method for scalable depositing continuous metal–organic framework (MOF) layers on modification‐free polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fibers. Through importing MOF precursors into porous hollow fiber substrates with outer diameters of 1.2 mm and evaporating aqueous solutions under mild conditions, the metal ions and linkers close to solution surface can be concentrated firstly, thus the crystallization of MOFs will preferentially occur at interface of air and liquid precursors. The formed crystals can block off the pores of substrates to form defect‐free MOF membranes. The prepared ZIF‐8 membranes exhibit superior performance in molecular separation, with high rejections of 94.1 ∼ 99.5% for small molecules (molecular weight: 320 ∼ 800 Da) and large permeance up to 50 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. Moreover, by combining AWISC and microfluidic processing, the high‐performance ZIF‐8 hollow fiber membranes with long length of 30 cm can be easily fabricated in scalability.
Novel continuous process for methacrolein production in numerous droplet reactors
Authors: Zhao Hui , Ran Ran , Wang Lei , Li Chunshan , Zhang Suojiang
Published: April 2020

A continuous process for methacrolein production was constructed by filling w/o Pickering emulsions in a column reactor. Ionic liquid (IL‐[HDEA]Ac) with secondary amine was designed to catalyze propionaldehyde condensation with formaldehyde through the Mannich reaction. Emulsion droplets encapsulated with IL aqueous solution were stabilized with modified SiO2 nanoparticles and dispersed in cyclohexane, which could be observed as numerous reactors. The properties of SiO2 stabilizer, such as wettability, surface groups, and the effect on interfacial tension were investigated. The characteristics of emulsion influenced by stabilizer properties and content were systematically studied. The droplet size, IL concentration and liquid hourly space velocity were optimized. The droplets were evaluated at 0.5 hr−1 for 150 hr without IL leakage and obvious activity decreasing, indicating the excellent stability of the emulsion system. The continuous process showed a 1.25‐fold enhancement in catalysis efficiency and less equipment compared to batch process.
Hopper discharge of cohesive powders using pulsated airflow
Authors: Zhu Lizhuo , Lu Haifeng , Poletto Massimo , Liu Haifeng , Deng Zhiwen
Published: April 2020

An aerated hopper with pulsated aeration was designed to study the effect of square‐wave pulsated airflow on the discharge characteristics of cohesive and non‐cohesive powders. Experiments were carried out with pulsation frequencies between 0 (continuous) and 50 Hz. Two flow patterns were observed at different aeration rates and pulsation frequencies: intermittent and smooth. For non‐cohesive powders, pulsated aeration has a worsening effect on discharge flow. For cohesive powders, results revealed that pulsated aeration can reduce the minimum aeration necessary to allow continuous discharge. And the maximum discharge rate that can be attained applying pulsated aeration is higher than that of continuous aeration and it is significantly more uniform. The aggregates size of the powder was estimated and used to understand the stabilizing mechanism of pulsated aeration on the aggregative discharge. The model value of the minimum aeration rate and the discharge rate were obtained and compared with the experimental values.
Phase equilibrium and diffusivities of hydrofluorocarbons in a synthetic polyol ester lubricant
Authors: Morais Ana Rita C. , Simoni Luke D. , Douglas Justin T. , Scurto Aaron M. , Shiflett Mark B.
Published: April 2020

Detailed knowledge about the thermophysical properties of refrigerant/lubricant systems, such as solubility and diffusivity, are required for the design, operation, and long‐term reliability of heating, ventilation, air‐conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. Herein, vapor–liquid equilibrium of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (R‐134a), pentafluoroethane (R‐125), and difluoromethane (R‐32) in a polyol ester oil (ISO VG 32) were measured using a gravimetric microbalance at temperatures ranging from 248.15 to 348.15 K and up to 1.0 MPa of pressure. The experimental solubility data of each refrigerant/lubricant system were successfully modeled using the nonrandom two liquid activity coefficient model. A one‐dimensional diffusion equation was applied on time‐dependent absorption data to determine binary diffusion coefficients (D) for the refrigerants in the ISO VG 32 lubricant. Finally, Stokes–Einstein diffusing radius calculations support the hypothesis that HFCs dissolve into ISO VG 32 lubricant as individual molecules rather than associated complexes.
Simulation‐based equations of state for the Lennard‐Jones fluid: Apparent success and hidden failure
Authors: Alsaifi Nayef M.
Published: April 2020

In this work, we utilize concepts from bifurcation theory to pinpoint hidden defects in accurate multiparameter simulation‐based equations of state for the Lennard‐Jones (LJ) fluid. The proposed bifurcation diagrams track the evolution of volume roots as temperatures vary at constant pressure. We critically evaluate four distinct types of LJ‐based equations of state: modified Benedict‐Webb‐Rubin equation (with three different parameter sets), Kolafa and Nezbeda, Mecke et al, and Thol et al. For each model, we mainly construct two bifurcation diagrams at subcritical and supercritical isobars. The unphysical behaviors associated with the studied equations involve spurious two‐phase separation regions, distorted volume‐temperature behavior, unphysical branches, unphysical turning points, and multiplicity in volume roots. Our proposed bifurcation diagram provides a reliable and simple technique to pinpoint hidden defects in equations of state‐based merely on temperature, volume, and pressure without the need of their partial derivatives or thermodynamic potentials.
Selective removal of magnesium from lithium‐rich brine for lithium purification by synergic solvent extraction using β‐diketones and Cyanex 923
Authors: Li Zheng , Binnemans Koen
Published: April 2020

In the production of battery‐grade and high‐purity Li2CO3, it is essential to remove magnesium impurities. The state‐of‐the‐art solvent extraction (SX) process using Versatic Acid 10 and D2EHPA co‐extracts 3.3–5.5% lithium, while removing 86–98% magnesium. Here, we demonstrate that synergic SX systems containing a β‐diketone (HPMBP, HTTA or HDBM) and Cyanex 923 are highly selective for magnesium extraction over lithium (separation factor α > 1,000). The extracted magnesium and lithium complexes have the stoichiometry of [Mg∙A2∙(C923)2] and [Li∙A
x∙(C923)2] (x = 1, 2), respectively (A represents deprotonated β‐diketone). The three β‐diketone synergic SX systems all considerably outperformed the Versatic Acid 10 system for magnesium removal from a synthetic solution containing 24 g L−1 Li and 0.24 g L−1 Mg. In a three‐stage batch counter‐current extraction, the HPMBP and Cyanex 923 synergic SX system removed 100% magnesium with only 0.6% co‐extraction of lithium. This excellent Mg/Li separation is the best result reported so far.
Response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in myeloid neoplasms associated with PCM1‐JAK2, BCR‐JAK2 and ETV6‐ABL1 fusion genes
Authors: Schwaab Juliana , Naumann Nicole , Luebke Johannes , Jawhar Mohamad , Somervaille Tim C.P. , Williams Mark S. , Frewin Rebecca , Jost Philipp J. , Lichtenegger Felix S. , La Rosée Paul , Storch Nicola , Haferlach Torsten , Horny Hans‐Peter , Fabarius Alice , Haferlach Claudia , Burchert Andreas , Hofmann Wolf‐Karsten , Cross Nicholas C.P. , Hochhaus Andreas , Reiter Andreas , Metzgeroth Georgia
Published: April 2020

We report on 18 patients with myeloid neoplasms and associated tyrosine kinase (TK) fusion genes on treatment with the TK inhibitors (TKI) ruxolitinib (PCM1‐JAK2, n = 8; BCR‐JAK2, n = 1) and imatinib, nilotinib or dasatinib (ETV6‐ABL1, n = 9). On ruxolitinib (median 24 months, range 2‐36 months), a complete hematologic response (CHR) and complete cytogenetic response (CCR) was achieved by five of nine and two of nine patients, respectively. However, ruxolitinib was stopped in eight of nine patients because of primary resistance (n = 3), progression (n = 3) or planned allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo SCT, n = 2). At a median of 36 months (range 4‐78 months) from diagnosis, five of nine patients are alive: four of six patients after allo SCT and one patient who remains on ruxolitinib. In ETV6‐ABL1 positive patients, a durable CHR was achieved by four of nine patients (imatinib with one of five, nilotinib with two of three, dasatinib with one of one). Because of inadequate efficacy (lack of hematological and/or cytogenetic/molecular response), six of nine patients (imatinib, n = 5; nilotinib, n = 1) were switched to nilotinib or dasatinib. At a median of 23 months (range 3‐60 months) from diagnosis, five of nine patients are in CCR or complete molecular response (nilotinib, n = 2; dasatinib, n = 2; allo SCT, n = 1) while two of nine patients have died. We conclude that (a) responses on ruxolitinib may only be transient in the majority of JAK2 fusion gene positive patients with allo SCT being an important early treatment option, and (b) nilotinib or dasatinib may be more effective than imatinib to induce durable complete remissions in ETV6‐ABL1 positive patients.