bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansão da vegetação arbustivo-arbórea em áreas abertas alto-montanas adjacentes a fragmentos florestais, no Planalto Sul Catarinense
Authors: Dallabrida Juliana Pizutti , Silva Ana Carolina , Higuchi Pedro , Larsen Janaina Gabriela , Santos Guilherme Neto , Lima Carla Luciane , Rodrigues Júnior Luiz Carlos , Machado Felipe Domingos , Cruz Aline Pereira , Nunes Amanda da Silva
Published: April 2019

O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer os padrões demográficos da regeneração natural do componente arbustivo-arbóreo e determinar se esses são influenciados pelas variáveis ambientais, em três áreas de campo em regeneração natural, adjacentes a fragmentos florestais de Floresta Ombrófila Mista Alto-Montana, no Planalto Sul Catarinense. Foram instaladas três transecções, uma por área, de 20x100 m, subdividas em sub-parcelas de 10x10 m, perpendiculares à borda dos fragmentos, com sua extensão cobrindo a área de campo. Amostraram-se todos os indivíduos regenerantes arbustivo-arbóreos com 20 cm ou mais de altura. Em cada sub-parcela, foram coletados os seguintes dados ambientais: propriedades físico-químicas dos solos, grau de compactação dos solos e topografia. Um ano após o inventário, foram obtidas as taxas de dinâmica para as três comunidades e para as populações, e os padrões encontrados foram relacionados com as variáveis ambientais. Os dados foram analisados por meio de testes de Kruskal-Wallis, testes de comparações múltiplas, teste de qui-quadrado aplicado a tabela de contingência, teste de correlação, Análise de Componentes Principais (PCA) e modelos lineares mistos. Os resultados demonstraram que no período estudado, o processo de regeneração natural do componente arbustivo-arbóreo encontra-se em fase inicial e foi caracterizado pelo incremento na abundância de indivíduos, estabilidade na riqueza, independência espacial entre a mortalidade e o recrutamento e limitação do recrutamento em função da baixa fertilidade natural do solo e elevada disponibilidade de Al.
La evaluación de la Resolución de Problemas de Matemáticas de profesores de Secundaria en Colombia
Authors: Cárdenas Lizarazo Janeth A. , Blanco Nieto Lorenzo J.
Published: April 2019

Presentamos los resultados de una investigación sobre la evaluación de la resolución de problemas de matemáticas (RPM) que llevan a cabo los profesores de secundaria en Bogotá (Colombia). Los resultados se obtuvieron a través de latriangulación de los análisis estadísticos sobre las respuestas dadas por profesores a un cuestionario de elaboración propia y del análisis de contenido realizado sobre los instrumentos de evaluación y las intervenciones en los grupos de discusión en los que participaron algunos de estos profesores. Por lo tanto, la investigación utiliza herramientas de tipo cuantitativo y cualitativo.La triangulación se hizo a partir de las categorías comunes o afines entre los diferentes instrumentos de investigación y nos permitió acercarnos a las prácticas de evaluación de los profesores cuando decían que evalúan la RPM. Resultado de ello concluimos que existe cierto inmovilismo e inseguridad por parte del profesorado de Matemáticas al abordar la RPM y su evaluación en el aula justificada por el desconocimiento sobre este contenido y sobre otros instrumentos de evaluación que sean económicos y a la falta de materiales. Esta investigación forma parte de un proyecto de investigación más amplio (MEC18D502), del que derivó una tesis doctoral (Cárdenas, 2014).

This study presents the results of a research on the assessment of mathematical problem solving (MPS) developed by secondary teachers in Bogotá city (Colombia). These results were obtained by means of the triangulation of the statistical analysis over the answers given by teachers to a questionnaire prepared by the author, the content analysis of the assessment instruments and the interventions in the discussion groups in which some of these teachers participated. Therefore, the research uses quantitative and qualitative tools. The triangulation was carried out by defining the common or similar categories obtained through the different research instruments and allowed us to approach teachers’ evaluation practices. We concluded that there exist certain immobility and insecurity in the mathematics teachers surveyed when addressing MPS and its evaluation in the classroom. This is justified by the lack of information about this content, or other low-cost evaluation instruments, and by the lack of materials. This research is part of the research project (MEC18D502), from which a doctoral thesis was published (Cárdenas, 2014).
Challenges of Constructing a Multiple-Perspective Domain Analysis of Neurodiversity
Authors: Zolyomi Annuska
Published: April 2019

When constructing a domain analysis of a phenomenon, researchers will likely encounter complexity in the method and resulting outcome, such as a taxonomy or thesaurus. This paper reflects upon a recent endeavor to conduct a domain analysis of neurodiversity with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through the construction of this multi-faceted taxonomy, the researchers faced challenges regarding framing the perspectives represented by the taxonomy and addressing gaps and changes in the taxonomy. These challenges raise methodological, ethical, and technical issues. Ultimately, the researchers’ biases are inherent in their editorial decisions and are influential, yet often hidden, factors in the domain analysis.
Perspective, Voice, Reference, and Warrant: A Sample of Ameliorations to the Multi-Perspective Design Requirement and Some Arguments Against It
Authors: Tennis Joseph T.
Published: April 2019

In this concept paper I sketch these potential ameliorations at a high level and then work to address some foundational issues associated with attempts at communicating multiple perspectives in a single classification scheme. These include both Melanie Feinberg’s work on rhetorical stance of the classificationist (2010, 2012) and Birger Hjørland’s work on explicit philosophical grounding and classification scheme design (2013).
UTICAJ KONCENTRACIJE RASTVORA CEFALEKSINA NA SORPCIJU NA MODIFIKOVANO CELULOZNO VLAKNO
Authors: Djudjic Radana , Sailović Pero , Rodić Grabovac Branka , Rudić Boro
Published: April 2019

Dobijanje zavoja sa biološkom aktivnošću predstavlja jedan od najinteresantnijih trendova u razvoju novih medicinskih materijala. U radu se ispituje uticaj koncentracije rastvora cefaleksina na sorpciju prilikom dobijanja biološki aktivnog vlakna. Sorpcija lijeka vršena je na uzorcima oksidovane celuloze (OC) sa različitim sadržajem karboksilnih grupa iz vodenog rastvora cefaleksina koncentracija c=1,7∙10-3, 3,4∙10-3 i 5,1∙10-3 mol/L  na sobnoj temperaturi (22 ± 2 °C) dok je desorpcija vršena u fiziološkom rastvoru. Količine vezanog i otpuštenog lijeka određivane su spektrofotometrijski u UV području. Utvrđeno je da sadržaj karboksilnih grupa na OC, pH vrijednost kao i koncentracija rastvora utiču na količinu vezanog lijeka. Rezultati provedenog eksperimenta pokazuju da je maksimalna količina vezanog lijeka (23,06 mg/g) dobijena prilikom sorpcije iz rastvora c=5,1∙10-3 mol/L.
THE INFLUENCE OF ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL APPLIED PER OS ON THE PHARMACODYNAMIC AND PHARMACOKINETIC PROPERTIES OF PARACETAMOL
Authors: Milanovic Isidora , Rašković Aleksandar , Vukmirović Saša , Stilinović Nebojša , Mikov Momir
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Rosemary essential oil can be used for treating dyspepsia, mild spasmodic disorders of thegastrointestinal tract, externally as analgetic in muscular and articular pain and minor peripheral circulatory disorders.It is important to explore its analgesic potential and its influence on the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokineticproperties of paracetamol. Methodology: Rosemary essential oil was applied to mice orally (doses: 10 and 20 mg/kgb.w.) for pharmacodynamic tests for seven days. Rats treated with rosemary essential oil for seven days orally (5 and10 mg/kg b.w.) were used for the examination of the influence of essential oil on the pharmacokinetic properties ofparacetamol (applied on the 7th day p.o. or i.v.). Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed in blood samples obtainedfrom rats' tail veins, with the HPLC method. Results: The essential oil of rosemary shows analgetic properties. Therosemary essential oil increases pharmacological effects of paracetamol and does not change paracetamolbioavailability. Conclusion: The herbal drugs could change the pharmacodynamic and the pharmacokinetic propertiesof classical drugs and they could also change the safety of classical drugs use in human population.
ANALIZA UTICAJA SASTAVA SIROVINE NA ENERGETSKU VRIJEDNOST DRVNOG PELETA NA PROSTORU BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE
Authors: Botić Tatjana , Drljača Dijana , Šinik Aleksandra
Published: April 2019

Šume i šumska zemljišta se prostiru na preko 50% ukupne površine Bosne i Hercegovine. Srazmjerno šumskom fondurazvijena je drvna industrija, posebno primarna prerada drveta, zbog ĉega BiH raspolaţe velikim koliĉinama, još uvijeknedovoljno iskorišćene, otpadne drvne biomase. U skladu sa postavljenim ciljem pribliţavanja zahtjevima EUpodsticanja proizvodnje i korišćenja obnovljivih izvora energije, BiH moţe ostvariti velike poslovne aktivnosti vezane zapreradu drvne biomase u drvni pelet. Cilj istraţivanja u ovom radu je bio ispitati uticaj hemijskog sastava i oblikasirovine najzastupljenijih vrsta drveća na prostoru BiH na kvalitet peleta od drvne biomase kao goriva.
Unapređenje kvaliteta BIH peleta u susret izazovima u industriji peleta
Authors: Ivanović Goran
Published: April 2019

Biomasa kao gorivo za grijanje je kroz pelet dobila veliku mobilnost i mogućnostlakšeg globalnog trgovanja. Evropska Unija je najveće svjetsko tržište za pelet. Naevropskom tržištu peleta pored EU proizvođača, susreću se ponude velikih proizvođačaiz SAD, Kanade, Brazila, Rusije, Bjelorusije, Ukrajine i Azije. U cilju održavanja nivoakvaliteta pelet, uspostavljen je ENplus standard kojim rukovodi EPC – European PelletCouncil. Ovaj standard je klasifikovao 3 nivoa kvaliteta peleta (A1, A2 i B), gdje su A1 iA2 pelet energent za grijanje objekata dok je B klasa peleta predviđena za industrijskuupotrebu. BiH proizvoči peleta bi uz svoju kvalitetnu sirovinsku bazu i kroz podizanje nivoakvaliteta peleta mogli bolje iskoristiti blizinu i potencijal EU tržišta. Trenutno u BiH postoji18 sertifikovanih proizvođača prema ENplus standardu od čega su tek 3 proizvođačauspjela dobiti A1 klasu kvaliteta dok ostali proizvode pelet u A2 klasi. Cilj ovog rada jeidentifikovati najčešće uzroke zašto mali broj BiH proizvođača uspijeva postići A1 nivokvaliteta. Pored toga analiziraćemo neophodnost podizanja nivoa kvaliteta BiH peletakao i potencijale za veće prihode BiH proizvođača od prodaje peleta u A1 klasi na tržištu EU.
Matematičko modelovanje proizvodnje etanola u toku fermentacije medovine
Authors: Papuga Sasa , Savić Aleksandar , Kisin Zvjezdana
Published: April 2019

Niz autora je dokazalo da se modifikovana Gompertz-ova jednačina možeprimijeniti za matematičko modelovanje kinetike fermentacije različitih supstrata.U ovom radu se po prvi put analizira primjenjivost modifikovane Gompertz-ovejednačine za opisivanje kinetike nastanka etanola prilikom procesa fermentacijemedovine u laboratorijskim uslovima. Optimalni kinetički parametri su dobijenifitovanjem eksperimentalnih podataka u modifikovani Gompertzov-model, teprimjenom nelinearne regresione analize i ocjenom regresionih koeficijenatametodom najmanjih kvadrata. Numerička optimizacija parametara i njihova statističkaanaliza je izvršena primjenom matematičkih alata Solver i Regression iz programskogpaketa Microsoft Excel. Dobijeni matematički model opisuje nastanak etanola tokomfermentacije medovine, predviđa maksimalnu koncentraciju etanola, maksimalnubrzinu fermentacije i lag vrijeme produkcije etanola.
Уз темат о култури памћења и односу према историјским споменицима
Authors: Наградић Слободан
Published: April 2019

Текстови који се објављују на наредним страницама, у оквиру темата „Култура памћења и однос према историјским споменицима“ су ауторизована или раније припремљена излагања на „округлом столу“ под насловом КУЛТУРА ПАМЋЕЊА И ОДНОС ПРЕМА ИСТОРИЈСКИМ СПОМЕНИЦИМА, који је одржан у Бањој Луци 27. и 28. септембра 2018. године. Организатори и домаћини „округлог стола“ о реченој теми били су Републички завод за заштиту културно-историјског и природног насљеђа и Матица српска – Друштво чланова Матице српске у Републици Српској, а скуп је одржан у оквиру манифестације „Дани европског културног нас-љеђа у Републици Српској“, која се већ неколико година, традиционално, одржава у Републици Српској са респектабилним учешћем Републичког завода за заштиту културно-историјског и природног насљеђа.
НАДГРОБНИ СПОМЕНИЦИ ЖРТВАМА РАТА И ПОСЉЕРАТНИ НАЦИОНАЛНИ ИДЕНТИТЕТ
Authors: Влаисављевић Уго
Published: April 2019

”Ни на који начин”, устврдиће Албвакс [Halbwachs] у своме дјелу Колек-тивнo памћење, ”није индивидуално памћење, уколико се супротставља колективном памћењу, нужни и довољан услов повратка, призивања у свијест, обнове (rappel) и признавања, установљавања (reconnaissance) сје-ћања.”
ДРУШТВЕНО ПОЖЕЉНО ПАМЋЕЊЕ
Authors: Алексић Чеврљаковић Марија , Грујовић Брковић Катарина
Published: April 2019

Рад је заснован на искуствима стеченим кроз делатност ос-тварену на територији за коју је надлежан Завод за заштиту споменикакултуре у Краљеву. За потребе овог рада разматрани су меморијали по-свећени жртвама ратова за ослобођење и куће народних хероја Другогсветског рата, на чијим примерима је очигледан (дис)континуитет у кул-тури сећања. Покушали смо да прикажемо како одуство колективног па-мћења утиче на очување споменичког наслеђа, а самим тим и на одсуствоосећаја заједничког идентитета. Нагли резови у државним политикама,који су настајали као производ ратних дешавања, утицали су на напушта-ње старијих традиција и означавали су покушаје стварања нових без си-гурних ослонаца у народној традицији или личном доживљају заједнице.Збуњеност коју заједница осећа према местима некадашњег поштовањаје очигледна, а још је израженије неразумевање поштовања наизглед суп-ротстављених делова наслеђа. Све ово је створило народ без јасног иден-титета и поимања прошлости у претходних 150 година. Пројекат поиг-равања са колективним памћењем народа потпуно је успешно реализован,без јасних смерница шта и како даље...
Comparisons of WUE in twelve genotypes of winter wheat and the relationship between δ13C and WUE
Authors: Huang Guirong , Zhang Xinying , Wang Yajing , Feng Fu , Mei Xurong , Zhong Xiuli
Published: April 2019

Twelve winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes were examined for differences in grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and stable carbon isotope composition (δ13C) in flag leaves. The plants were subjected to rain-fed treatment and supplemental irrigation at the jointing and anthesis stages, during the 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 winter wheat growing seasons. The relationships between δ13C with grain yield and WUE were analyzed under two different water environments. The results indicated that there were significant differences in δ13C, grain yield, and WUE among wheat genotypes both under rain-fed and supplemental irrigation conditions. The δ13C values increased with grain-filling proceeding, the δ13C being lower under supplemental irrigation treatment than that under rain-fed treatment. The relationships between the average of δ13C with grain yield and WUE were significantly positive during three measurement periods (R2 = 0.5785 − 0.8258), whether under rain-fed or irrigation environments. This suggests that δ13C might be associated with the grain yield and WUE in winter wheat under rain-fed and supplemental irrigation conditions in the climate region of the northwest Huang-Huai-Hai Plain of China.
Understanding the NaCl-dependent behavior of hydrogen production of a marine bacterium,Vibrio tritonius
Authors: Al-saari Nurhidayu , Amada Eri , Matsumura Yuta , Tanaka Mami , Mino Sayaka , Sawabe Tomoo
Published: April 2019

Biohydrogen is one of the most suitable clean energy sources for sustaining a fossil fuel independent society. The use of both land and ocean bioresources as feedstocks show great potential in maximizing biohydrogen production, but sodium ion is one of the main obstacles in efficient bacterial biohydrogen production.Vibrio tritoniusstrain AM2 can perform efficient hydrogen production with a molar yield of 1.7 mol H2/mol mannitol, which corresponds to 85% theoretical molar yield of H2production, under saline conditions. With a view to maximizing the hydrogen production using marine biomass, it is important to accumulate knowledge on the effects of salts on the hydrogen production kinetics. Here, we show the kinetics in batch hydrogen production ofV. tritoniusstrain AM2 to investigate the response to various NaCl concentrations. The modified Han–Levenspiel model reveals that salt inhibition in hydrogen production usingV. tritoniusstarts precisely at the point where 10.2 g/L of NaCl is added, and is critically inhibited at 46 g/L. NaCl concentration greatly affects the substrate consumption which in turn affects both growth and hydrogen production. The NaCl-dependent behavior of fermentative hydrogen production ofV. tritoniuscompared to that ofEscherichia coliJCM 1649 reveals the marine-adapted fermentative hydrogen production system inV. tritonius.V. tritoniusAM2 is capable of producing hydrogen from seaweed carbohydrate under a wide range of NaCl concentrations (5 to 46 g/L). The optimal salt concentration producing the highest levels of hydrogen, optimal substrate consumption and highest molar hydrogen yield is at 10 g/L NaCl (1.0% (w/v)).
Prevalence of Liver-fibrosis Using FIB-4 in HIV-patients on Anti-retroviral Therapy in Nigeria and CD4 and TNF as Predictors
Authors: Iruolagbe Josephine , Ohanador Robinson , Amene-Imananagha Beatrice , Abubakar Audu , Jessica Obetta , Obianemmie A. W.
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Liver disease remains a severe complication in HIV patients despite advances in treatment with anti-retroviral drugs.

The aim of this study was to analyze and report the prevalence and predictors of liver fibrosis in Nigerian HIV-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy and whether levels of TNF-α and CD4 count are associated with liver fibrosis as measured by FIB-4, we also try to explore the level of liver enzymes dysfunction using liver enzyme biomarkers, Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and categorizing participants using gender (male, female) and age to ascertain if gender and age will be associated with liver fibrosis in Nigerian HIV-infected patients) on Anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs in university of port Harcourt teaching hospital.

Materials and Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted with a sample of 210 patients who were tested using randomized selection. Data on patients’ age and gender were collected, and blood samples were obtained for CD4, TNF, and LFT profiles. Extent of liver fibrosis was determined using the FIB-4, a non-invasive measuring index, to determine the presence and extent of fibrosis by categorizing as follows: FIB-4 value >3.25 as a proxy for advanced or severe  fibrosis, FIB-4 value between 1.45 and 3.25 in which fibrosis status is considered as significant fibrosis; FIB-4 value<1.45 considered as no fibrosis or absence of significant fibrosis, FIB-4=[age×AST (IU/liter)/platelet count (109/liter)×ALT (IU/liter)1/2].

Results: The prevalence of liver fibrosis reported was 21% was a slight male dominance in the prevalence ratio. Liver fibrosis correlated negatively with lower CD4 counts and elevated liver function biomarkers and TNF-alpha.

Conclusion: The prevalence of liver fibrosis is high from this study. Increasing in age with elevated liver function biomarkers, TNF-alpha and reduced CD4 counts can be considered as predictors for liver fibrosis. Males are more likely to be affected than females.
Determination of Selected Water Quality Parameters in River Sio, Busia County, Kenya
Authors: Ondoo K. O. , Kiptoo J. K. , Onditi A. O. , Shivaji S. M. , Omondi B. E. , Ogilo J. K.
Published: April 2019

Water samples were taken from five sampling points and their quality assessed through analysis of physical and chemical characteristics. Turbidity, temperature, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen and total suspended solids were determined on site during sample collection, using potable meters. Anions were determined using UV/Visible spectroscopy while heavy metals were determined using flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) in accordance with AWWA standard methods. Turbidity was the highest recorded parameter during the wet season with a mean of 481.83 NTU. 53% of the parameters showed significant seasonal variation (P<0.5) with the mean concentration of 56 % of the parameters being higher during the wet season. The parameters that exceeded the WHO limit were turbidity, phosphates, lead, iron, nickel, chromium and cobalt indicating poor quality of water in River Sio. Poor agricultural practices, domestic and industrial wastewater are the main factors that contribute to pollution of the River. The study proposes proper land use, proper treatment and disposal of sewage and use of organic manure and biological control as means of preventing water and soil pollution.
Strategies for Increasing the Apple Epidermis Red Colored with Physiogrow® Color
Authors: Gabardo Gentil Carneiro , Freitas Lucas Pessoa de , Contini Rafael Hermenegildo , Farina Eder , Santos Keli Cristina dos , Souza Verônica Niara de , Furtado Ligia de Lara
Published: April 2019

Aims: Evaluate different dosages and number of applications of the commercial product Physiogrow® Color on the percentage of red coloration of the epidermis, productivity and fruit quality in 'Royal Gala' apple trees, in the Midwest region of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Study Design: The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with five replications. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the municipality of Fraiburgo-SC, Brazil (latitude 27º01'S, longitude 50º77’ W, altitude 950 meters), during the growing seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019.

Methodology: The treatments  were: Control (No application), Physiogrow® color (4, 8 and 12 L ha-1) 7 days before harvest (DBH), Physiogrow® Color 2 L ha-1 (30 DAC) + 2 L ha-17 DBH, Physiogrow® Color 4 L ha-1 (30 DBH) + 4 L ha-17 DBH, and Physiogrow® Color 6 L ha-1 (30 DBH) + 6 L ha-1 7 DBH. The variables evaluated were: Production (kg plant-1 and fruits plant-1), average fresh fruit mass (g), classification of fruits by percentage of red coloration of the epidermis (<50%, 50-80% and > 80%), firmness of the pulp (lb in-2) and soluble solids (°Brix). The harvest was carried out on January 25, 2018 and February 16, 2019, first and second year, respectively. Plant production, as well as pulp firmness of fruits, were not affected by treatments, in both years. Physiogrow® Color promoted better distribution of fruits in categories of greater red coloration of the epidermis and reduction of the percentage of fruits in the category with coloration inferior to 50%, although a different behavior among the harvests was observed. The application of Physiogrow® Color 8 L ha-1 7 DBH contributes to the improvement of the coloration of ‘Royal Gala’ apples.
Anti-microbial Properties of Valeriana officinalis, Satureja bachtiarica and Thymus daenensis Methanolic Extracts against Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Khademian Raheleh , Karimzadeh Fatemeh , Moradi Parisa , Asghari Behvar
Published: April 2019

Aims: Helicobacter pylori infection spreads widely in the world and has several complications including gastric cancer. The aim of this work is to investigate the antimicrobial properties of Valeriana officinalis L., Satureja bachtiarica and Thymus daenensis extracts against H. pylori.

Methods: The disk diffusion test was used in this experiment. Methanolic extract was isolated from Valeriana officinalis L., Satureja bachtiarica and Thymus daenensis. Ten clinical isolates of H. pylori were used in this experiment, which was obtained at Alzahra hospital, Tehran, Iran from individual patients with gastrointestinal disorders. H. pylori strains were identified using the checking of bacterial growth (0.5 – 1 mm), Gram staining, urease test, catalase test and the drug resistance standard was performed on them. To determine the MIC of the extracts, disk diffusion (Kirby-Bauer) test in agar was used.

Results: The clinical strains showed the highest susceptibility to tetracycline (10%). The inhibition zone diameter was the highest at 10% concentration of methanolic extracts of Valeriana officinalis L., Satureja bachtiarica and Thymus daenensis and had the highest growth inhibitory effect at higher concentrations.

Conclusion: The methanolic extracts of Valeriana officinalis L., Satureja bachtiarica and Thymus daenensis herbs showed high anti-H. pylori effects in high concentrations and among them, Satureja bachtiarica showed the highest antibacterial effect.
Earth Thermal Emissions and Global Warming
Authors: Nawaz Rizwan , Sharif Adel , Rehman Wasim
Published: April 2019

When fossil fuels are extracted from the earth, they are naturally replaced by a layer of water. Water has high thermal conductivity as compared to coal, oil, and gas. This will increase the heat transfer rate from the underground in all directions but most importantly towards the surface of the earth and seas due to the greater temperature difference.  Additionally, heat losses and thermal emissions from boreholes will be even higher and given that there are more than 4 million onshore hydrocarbon wells (producing and non-producing) around the world, the heat emissions could be significant.  Added to this is the heat from thousands of coal mines across the world.  We review the literature and report on temperature trends observed in areas subject to fossil fuel extraction.  We find that land and sea areas subject to fossil fuel extraction are experiencing relatively high rates of temperature rise.   We examine the case of the Arctic in some detail and compare sea-ice extent change in both the Arctic and Antarctica. We find that despite increasing levels of CO2 observed in the Polar Regions, sea-ice extent is shrinking in the Arctic and expanding in the Antarctic.  We believe that a possible cause of shrinking sea-ice in the Arctic could be geothermal heat rising to the surface as a direct result of fossil fuel extraction in regions such as Siberia and Alaska. To provide a crude approximation of the heat released from the earth’s interior and subsequent impact on global average temperature as a result of earth insulation loss, we use worldwide oil and gas production data from 2007 until 2017.  We find the subsequent impact on global surface temperature over this period to be 0.026°C compared with an observed temperature rise of 0.15°C.  This amounts to 17% of total warming observed over the period attributable to earth insulation loss, which is significant.  We end by making some suggestions on further research necessary to fully understand the possible effect of earth insulation loss on rising global temperature.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Authors: Seewoo Bhedita J , Etherington Sarah J , Rodger Jennifer
Published: April 2019

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is gaining increasing prominence as a non‐invasive neuromodulation technique for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has therapeutic potential for a range of psychiatric disorders (e.g. depression, schizophrenia) as well as neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease. The approach has advantages over pharmacological or electroconvulsive therapy due to its painlessness and limited side effects. The magnitude, duration and direction (increase or decrease) of TMS‐induced changes in brain excitability vary depending on the strength and timing of stimulation and the interaction of stimulation coil geometry with brain structures. The outcomes of TMS stimulation can also depend on the characteristics (e.g. age, exercise status) of the individual being treated. Despite increasing clinical use of rTMS, the cellular and network mechanisms underlying the clinical application of rTMS remain elusive and will need to be better understood to enable optimisation of clinical outcomes.

Key Concepts

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non‐invasive brain stimulation technique that uses a varying magnetic field to induce currents in the cortex and modulate brain function.

Single TMS pulses can be used to evoke immediate sensory or motor responses and test the speed or efficacy of conduction in a particular neural pathway.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) produces more subtle modulation of brain function that lasts beyond the end of stimulation.

Common rTMS protocols include regular trains of pulses at different frequencies (usually 1 or 10 Hz) or complex pulse trains that mimic endogenous patterns of activity in different brain regions (e.g. continuous and intermittent theta burst stimulation, biomimetic high‐frequency stimulation).

rTMS has been found to induce plasticity in the brain, with higher frequency (10–20 Hz) stimulus patterns generally associated with strengthening of cortical pathways, whereas low frequency (1 Hz) patterns usually depress the activity of a pathway.

rTMS is established as an effective therapy for major depression and for neuropathic pain and shows promise in treating some symptoms of stroke, Parkinson's Disease and schizophrenia.

Optimisation and expansion of the therapeutic utility of rTMS will require a better scientific understanding of the physiological mechanisms by which pulsed magnetic fields modulate the function of and interactions between neurons.
Eliminating Tip Dendrite Growth by Lorentz Force for Stable Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Wang Aoxuan , Deng Qibo , Deng Lijun , Guan Xuze , Luo Jiayan
Published: April 2019

Lithium metal anodes are deemed as the “Holy Grail” for next generation high energy density batteries, due to the reported highest specific capacity (3860 mAh g−1) and the lowest negative electrochemical potential (−3.04 V vs the standard hydrogen electrode). However, the notorious tip‐induced dendrite growth leads to low Coulombic efficiency, restricted lifespan, and even catastrophic short‐circuits, blocking the roadmap of their commercialization. Here, a magnetic field is introduced into the lithium plating process. The Li+ concentrated around the tips by the uneven electric field distribution can be taken off the hotpots by the Lorentz force and the tip dendrite growth can be eliminated. The relationship between current density and magnetic flux intensity is established by monitoring the deposited lithium morphology as well as the electrochemical performance, which is confirmed by mathematic modeling and COMSOL Multiphysics simulation. It is also demonstrated that the Lorentz force–induced tip dendrite elimination can be utilized practically by assembling permanent magnet‐containing prototype coin cell. It is anticipated that this physical approach can be applied to other high energy density systems as well.
Artificial Microbial Arenas: Materials for Observing and Manipulating Microbial Consortia
Authors: Wondraczek Lothar , Pohnert Georg , Schacher Felix H. , Köhler Angela , Gottschaldt Michael , Schubert Ulrich S. , Küsel Kirsten , Brakhage Axel A.
Published: April 2019

From the smallest ecological niche to global scale, communities of microbial life present a major factor in system regulation and stability. As long as laboratory studies remain restricted to single or few species assemblies, however, very little is known about the interaction patterns and exogenous factors controlling the dynamics of natural microbial communities. In combination with microfluidic technologies, progress in the manufacture of functional and stimuli‐responsive materials makes artificial microbial arenas accessible. As habitats for natural or multispecies synthetic consortia, they are expected to not only enable detailed investigations, but also the training and the directed evolution of microbial communities in states of balance and disturbance, or under the effects of modulated stimuli and spontaneous response triggers. Here, a perspective on how materials research will play an essential role in generating answers to the most pertinent questions of microbial engineering is presented, and the concept of adaptive microbial arenas and possibilities for their construction from particulate microniches to 3D habitats is introduced. Materials as active and tunable components at the interface of living and nonliving matter offer exciting opportunities in this field. Beyond forming the physical horizon for microbial cultivates, they will enable dedicated intervention, training, and observation of microbial consortia.
Alkali Atoms Diffusion Mechanism in CuInSe2 Explained by Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations
Authors: Kormath Madam Raghupathy Ramya , Kühne Thomas D. , Henkelman Graeme , Mirhosseini Hossein
Published: April 2019

Adaptive kinetic Monte Carlo simulation (aKMC) is employed to study the dynamics and the diffusion of point defects in the CuInSe2 lattice. The aKMC results show that lighter alkali atoms can diffuse into the CuInSe2 grains, whereas the diffusion of heavier alkali atoms is limited to the Cu‐poor region of the absorber. The key difference between the diffusion of lighter and heavier alkali elements is the energy barrier of the ion exchange between alkali interstitial atoms and Cu. For lighter alkali atoms like Na, the interstitial diffusion and the ion‐exchange mechanism have comparable energy barriers. Therefore, Na interstitial atoms can diffuse into the grains and replace Cu atoms in the CuInSe2 lattice. In contrast to Na, the ion‐exchange mechanism occurs spontaneously for heavier alkali atoms like Rb and the further diffusion of these atoms depends on the availability of Cu vacancies. The outdiffusion of alkali substitutional atoms from the grains results in the formation of Cu vacancies which in turn increases the hole concentration in the absorber. In this respect, Na is more efficient than Rb due to the higher concentration of Na substitutional defects in the CuInSe2 grains.
Environmental and Nutritional Effects Regulating Adipose Tissue Function and Metabolism Across Generations
Authors: Sun Wenfei , von Meyenn Ferdinand , Peleg‐Raibstein Daria , Wolfrum Christian
Published: April 2019

The unabated rise in obesity prevalence during the last 40 years has spurred substantial interest in understanding the reasons for this epidemic. Studies in mice and humans have demonstrated that obesity is a highly heritable disease; however genetic variations within specific populations have so far not been able to explain this phenomenon to its full extent. Recent work has demonstrated that environmental cues can be sensed by an organism to elicit lasting changes, which in turn can affect systemic energy metabolism by different epigenetic mechanisms such as changes in small noncoding RNA expression, DNA methylation patterns, as well as histone modifications. These changes can directly modulate cellular function in response to environmental cues, however research during the last decade has demonstrated that some of these modifications might be transmitted to subsequent generations, thus modulating energy metabolism of the progeny in an inter‐ as well as transgenerational manner. In this context, adipose tissue has become a focus of research due to its plasticity, which allows the formation of energy storing (white) as well as energy wasting (brown/brite/beige) cells within the same depot. In this Review, the effects of environmental induced obesity with a particular focus on adipose tissue are discussed.
A Novel Ultra‐Sensitive Semiconductor SERS Substrate Boosted by the Coupled Resonance Effect
Authors: Yang Lili , Peng Yusi , Yang Yong , Liu Jianjun , Huang Haoliang , Yu Bohan , Zhao Jimin , Lu Yalin , Huang Zhengren , Li Zhiyuan , Lombardi John R.
Published: April 2019

Recent achievements in semiconductor surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates have greatly expanded the application of SERS technique in various fields. However, exploring novel ultra‐sensitive semiconductor SERS materials is a high‐priority task. Here, a new semiconductor SERS‐active substrate, Ta2O5, is developed and an important strategy, the “coupled resonance” effect, is presented, to optimize the SERS performance of semiconductor materials by energy band engineering. The optimized Mo‐doped Ta2O5 substrate exhibits a remarkable SERS sensitivity with an enhancement factor of 2.2 × 107 and a very low detection limit of 9 × 10−9 m for methyl violet (MV) molecules, demonstrating one of the highest sensitivities among those reported for semiconductor SERS substrates. This remarkable enhancement can be attributed to the synergistic resonance enhancement of three components under 532 nm laser excitation: i) MV molecular resonance, ii) photoinduced charge transfer resonance between MV molecules and Ta2O5 nanorods, and iii) electromagnetic enhancement around the “gap” and “tip” of anisotropic Ta2O5 nanorods. Furthermore, it is discovered that the concomitant photoinduced degradation of the probed molecules in the time‐scale of SERS detection is a non‐negligible factor that limits the SERS performance of semiconductors with photocatalytic activity.
Multiwavelength studies of gravitational wave sources: Physics and phenomenology
Authors: Tanvir N. R.
Published: April 2019

The discovery of binary neutron star merger GW170817 from its gravitational wave (GW) signature, together with its accompanying electromagnetic (EM) emission spanning gamma‐ray to radio, marked the birth of GW + EM multimessenger astrophysics. The radioactively powered thermal kilonova, which dominated the ultraviolet to infrared in the hours to weeks after the merger, indicates that such mergers are the site of heavy‐element nucleosynthesis, likely extending to the third r‐process peak. The prompt gamma‐ray flash, and late‐time nonthermal (X‐ray to radio) emission, indicate that the merger also produced an ultrarelativistic jet, thus tying this event to the phenomena of short‐duration gamma‐ray bursts. In the future, observations of further mergers promise to establish their contribution to global nucleosynthesis, allow investigation of jet launching and structure, provide independent estimates of the cosmological parameters, constrain the neutron star equation of state, and address questions of fundamental physics.
Reducing surgical mortality in Scotland by use of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
Authors: Ramsay G , Haynes A B , Lipsitz S R , Solsky I , Leitch J , Gawande A A , Kumar M
Published: April 2019

Background

The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist has been implemented widely since its launch in 2008. It was introduced in Scotland as part of the Scottish Patient Safety Programme (SPSP) between 2008 and 2010, and is now integral to surgical practice. Its influence on outcomes, when analysed at a population level, remains unclear.

Methods

This was a population cohort study. All admissions to any acute hospital in Scotland between 2000 and 2014 were included. Standardized differences were used to estimate the balance of demographics over time, after which interrupted time-series (segmented regression) analyses were performed. Data were obtained from the Information Services Division, Scotland.

Results

There were 12 667 926 hospital admissions, of which 6 839 736 had a surgical procedure. Amongst the surgical cohort, the inpatient mortality rate in 2000 was 0·76 (95 per cent c.i. 0·68 to 0·84) per cent, and in 2014 it was 0·46 (0·42 to 0·50) per cent. The checklist was associated with a 36·6 (95 per cent c.i. –55·2 to –17·9) per cent relative reduction in mortality (P < 0·001). Mortality rates before implementation were decreasing by 0·003 (95 per cent c.i. –0·017 to +0·012) per cent per year; annual decreases of 0·069 (–0·092 to –0·046) per cent were seen during, and 0·019 (–0·038 to +0·001) per cent after, implementation. No such improvement trends were seen in the non-surgical cohort over this time frame.

Conclusion

Since the implementation of the checklist, as part of an overall national safety strategy, there has been a reduction in perioperative mortality.
Long-term results from a randomized comparison of open transinguinal preperitoneal hernia repair and the Lichtenstein method (TULIP trial)
Authors: Bökkerink W J V , Koning G G , Malagic D , Hout L , Laarhoven C J H M , Vriens P W H E
Published: April 2019

Background

The short-term results of the TULIP trial comparing transinguinal preperitoneal (TIPP) inguinal hernia repair with the Lichtenstein method have been reported with follow-up of 1 year. After TIPP repair, fewer patients had chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP); they had better health status and lower costs. The present study reports the long-term outcomes of this trial.

Methods

All surviving patients initially randomized in the TULIP trial were contacted. Patients were interviewed by telephone and sent a questionnaire. Those reporting any complaints were invited for outpatient review. Chronic pain, hernia recurrence and reoperation were documented, along with any sensory change or disturbance of sexual activity.

Results

Of 302 patients initially randomized, 251 (83·1 per cent) were included in the analysis (119 TIPP, 132 Lichtenstein), with a median follow-up of 85 (range 74–117) months. Of 25 patients with chronic postoperative inguinal pain after 1 year, only one, who underwent Lichtenstein repair, still had groin pain at long-term follow-up. The overall hernia recurrence rate was 2·8 per cent (7 patients), with no difference between the groups.

Conclusion

Both TIPP and Lichtenstein hernia repairs are durable. Patients with chronic postoperative inguinal pain after 1 year can be reassured that the groin pain tends to fade over time.
SIRT3 elicited an anti‐Warburg effect through HIF1α/PDK1/PDHA1 to inhibit cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis
Authors: Xu Lei , Li Yang , Zhou Lixing , Dorfman Robert Gregory , Liu Li , Cai Rui , Jiang Chenfei , Tang Dehua , Wang Yuming , Zou Xiaoping , Wang Lei , Zhang Mingming
Published: April 2019

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an extremely invasive malignancy with late diagnosis and unfavorable prognosis. Surgery and chemotherapy are still not effective in improving outcomes in CCA patients. It is crucial to explore a novel therapeutic target for treating CCA. An NAD‐dependent deacetylase also known as Sirtuin‐3 (SIRT3) has been shown to regulate cellular metabolism in various cancers dynamically. However, the biological function of SIRT3 in CCA remains unclear. In this study, bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify the differentially expressed genes and pathways enriched. CCA samples were collected for immunohistochemical analysis. Three human CCA cell lines (HuCCT1, RBE, and HCCC9810) were used to explore the molecular mechanism of SIRT3 regulation of metabolic reprogramming and malignant behavior in CCA. A CCA xenograft model was then established for further validation in vivo. The data showed that SIRT3 expression was decreased and glycolysis was enhanced in CCA. Similar metabolic reprogramming was also observed in SIRT3 knockout mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SIRT3 could play an anti‐Warburg effect by inhibiting the hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF1α)/pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1)/pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDHA1) pathway in CCA cells. CCA cell proliferation and apoptosis were regulated by SIRT3‐mediated metabolic reprogramming. These findings were further confirmed in CCA clinical samples and the xenograft model. Collectively, this study suggests that in the inhibition of CCA progression, SIRT3 acts through an anti‐Warburg effect on the downstream pathway HIF1α/PDK1/PDHA1.
Methylation analysis of Gasdermin E shows great promise as a biomarker for colorectal cancer
Authors: Ibrahim Joe , Op de Beeck Ken , Fransen Erik , Croes Lieselot , Beyens Matthias , Suls Arvid , Vanden Berghe Wim , Peeters Marc , Van Camp Guy
Published: April 2019

In addition to its implication in hereditary hearing loss, the Gasdermin E (GSDME) gene is also a tumor suppressor involved in cancer progression through programmed cell death. GSDME epigenetic silencing through methylation has been shown in some cancer types, but studies are yet to fully explore its diagnostic/prognostic potential in colorectal cancer on a large‐scale. We used public data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to investigate differences in GSDME methylation and expression between colorectal cancer and normal colorectal tissue, and between left‐ and right‐sided colorectal cancers in 432 samples. We also explored GSDME's diagnostic capacity as a biomarker for colorectal cancer. We observed differential methylation in all 22 GSDME CpGs between tumor and normal tissues, and in 18 CpGs between the left‐ and right‐sided groups. In the cancer tissue, putative promoter probes were hypermethylated and gene body probes were hypomethylated, while this pattern was inversed in normal tissues. Both putative promoter and gene body CpGs correlated well together but formed distinct methylation patterns with the putative promoter exhibiting the most pronounced methylation differences between tumor and normal tissues. Clinicopathological parameters, excluding age, did not show any effect on CpG methylation. Although the methylation of 5 distinct probes was a good predictor of gene expression, we could not identify an association between GSDME methylation and expression in general. Survival analysis showed no association between GSDME methylation and expression on 5‐year patient survival. Through logistic regression, we identified a combination of 2 CpGs, that can discriminate between cancer and normal tissue with high accuracy (AUC = 0.95) irrespective of age and tumor stage. We also validated our model in 3 external methylation datasets, from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and similar results were reached. Our results suggest that GSDME is a promising biomarker for the detection of colorectal cancer.
Diastereoselective Sonochemical Synthesis of Spirocyclopropaneoxindoles and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Pourshab Maryam , Asghari Sakineh , Tajbakhsh Mahmoud , Khalilpour Asieh
Published: April 2019

An efficient diastereoselective synthesis of spirocyclopropaneoxindoles is reported using three‐component reactions of various phenacylidenetriphenylphosphorane, isatins and phenacyl bromide under ultrasonic irradiation. The structures of synthesized spirocyclopropaneoxindoles were characterized by their spectral data. The antioxidant activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay. Among the products, those with NH group in their structure exhibited higher antioxidant activities than other derivatives. Also, in vitro cytotoxicity of compounds 4b, 4e, 4j, 4k were examined against heLa cancer cell lines using MTT assay. The results revealed that compound 4j with chlorine substituent on phenyl group displayed higher cytotoxicity activity (IC50=4.50±0.30 μg/mL) after 48 h.
Primary bilateral fronto‐temporoparietal decompressive craniectomy—An alternative treatment for severe traumatic brain injury: Case report and technical note
Authors: Pérez‐Alfayate Rebeca , Sallabanda‐Diaz Kita
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

Bilateral fronto‐temporoparietal decompressive craniectomy provides bigger area of the decompression that decreases the brain tissue herniation; therefore, it leads to a decrease in the neuronal stretching effect that is probably related to functional outcomes.
Intraluminal bezoar caused obstruction and pancreatitis: A case report
Authors: Ebrahimian Saba , Ebrahimian Shadi , Nadri Sedigheh
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

Acute pancreatitis from bezoar‐induced obstruction is rare. We present an uncommon case report of a man with manifestations of Rapunzel syndrome with no known history of mental disorders. Surgical removal of the bezoar through gastrostomy and enterotomy in the absence of a psychiatric undertone will undoubtedly prevent a relapse.