bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary Education Students’ Beliefs about Mathematics and Their Repercussions on Motivation
Authors: Rojo Robas Vanesa , Madariaga José María , Villarroel José Domingo
Published: March 2020

This research analyses the role of the affective dimension in learning mathematics during secondary education. In particular, the evolution of motivation and beliefs according to the students’ academic level, as well as the relationship between these two factors. The sample consisted of 202 students from all four years of secondary education, whose motivation and beliefs about mathematics and learning mathematics were evaluated. Beliefs were grouped into three categories: related to the specific classroom context, to mathematics, and to oneself as a learner of this subject. The results obtained indicate lower motivation and less favourable beliefs in 3rd year. From the beliefs analysed, those regarding the classroom context, and more specifically the teachers, have obtained the largest effect size.
Collaborative Learning Based on Harry Potter for Learning Geometric Figures in the Subject of Mathematics
Authors: Moreno-Guerrero Antonio-José , Rondón García Marina , Martínez Heredia Nazaret , Rodríguez-García Antonio-Manuel
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, education requires changes in the teaching and learning processes, through the implementation of innovative and motivating pedagogical actions, owing to the existing needs in society. Education, owing to the current needs of society, requires changes in the teaching and learning processes through the implementation of innovative and motivating pedagogical actions. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the collaborative method, based on the Harry Potter theme, with respect to the traditional method in the first year of Obligatory Secondary Education for the learning of geometric figures in the subject of mathematics. For this purpose, a quasi-experimental, quantitative, descriptive, and correlational study has been designed, using a standardized questionnaire as a technique to collect information. The sample is composed of 236 students from the first year of Obligatory Secondary Education distributed in eight groups (four control and four experimental) from a public high school in the city of Cádiz (Spain). The tests carried out show that collaborative learning generates improvements in the attitudes and mathematical dimensions. Therefore, the collaborative method, developed by means of the Harry Potter theme for students in the first year of Compulsory Secondary Education in the subject of mathematics, causes a better attitude of the student towards the teaching and learning process. Furthermore, it facilitates the acquisition of mathematical contents related to geometry, which does not directly affect the students’ grades because, although those of the experimental group are better than those obtained by the control group, the differences between the two are minimal.
Ekeland Variational Principle in the Variable Exponent Sequence Spaces ℓp(·)
Authors: Alfuraidan Monther R. , Khamsi Mohamed A.
Published: March 2020

In this work, we investigate the modular version of the Ekeland variational principle (EVP) in the context of variable exponent sequence spaces ℓ p ( · ) . The core obstacle in the development of a modular version of the EVP is the failure of the triangle inequality for the module. It is the lack of this inequality, which is indispensable in the establishment of the classical EVP, that has hitherto prevented a successful treatment of the modular case. As an application, we establish a modular version of Caristi’s fixed point theorem in ℓ p ( · ) .
A Mathematical Model of the Transition from Normal Hematopoiesis to the Chronic and Accelerated-Acute Stages in Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Parajdi Lorand Gabriel , Precup Radu , Bonci Eduard Alexandru , Tomuleasa Ciprian
Published: March 2020

A mathematical model given by a two-dimensional differential system is introduced in order to understand the transition process from the normal hematopoiesis to the chronic and accelerated-acute stages in chronic myeloid leukemia. A previous model of Dingli and Michor is refined by introducing a new parameter in order to differentiate the bone marrow microenvironment sensitivities of normal and mutant stem cells. In the light of the new parameter, the system now has three distinct equilibria corresponding to the normal hematopoietic state, to the chronic state, and to the accelerated-acute phase of the disease. A characterization of the three hematopoietic states is obtained based on the stability analysis. Numerical simulations are included to illustrate the theoretical results.
Wavelet Thresholding Risk Estimate for the Model with Random Samples and Correlated Noise
Authors: Shestakov Oleg
Published: March 2020

Signal de-noising methods based on threshold processing of wavelet decomposition coefficients have become popular due to their simplicity, speed, and ability to adapt to signal functions with spatially inhomogeneous smoothness. The analysis of the errors of these methods is an important practical task, since it makes it possible to evaluate the quality of both methods and equipment used for processing. Sometimes the nature of the signal is such that its samples are recorded at random times. If the sample points form a variational series based on a sample from the uniform distribution on the data registration interval, then the use of the standard threshold processing procedure is adequate. The paper considers a model of a signal that is registered at random times and contains noise with long-term dependence. The asymptotic normality and strong consistency properties of the mean-square thresholding risk estimator are proved. The obtained results make it possible to construct asymptotic confidence intervals for threshold processing errors using only the observed data.
A Fast Image Restoration Algorithm Based on a Fixed Point and Optimization Method
Authors: Hanjing Adisak , Suantai Suthep
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a new accelerated fixed point algorithm for solving a common fixed point of a family of nonexpansive operators is introduced and studied, and then a weak convergence result and the convergence behavior of the proposed method is proven and discussed. Using our main result, we obtain a new accelerated image restoration algorithm, called the forward-backward modified W-algorithm (FBMWA), for solving a minimization problem in the form of the sum of two proper lower semi-continuous and convex functions. As applications, we apply the FBMWA algorithm to solving image restoration problems. We analyze and compare convergence behavior of our method with the others for deblurring the image. We found that our algorithm has a higher efficiency than the others in the literature.
Effect of Small Variations in Zr Content on the Microstructure and Properties of Ferritic ODS Steels Consolidated by SPS
Authors: García-Junceda Andrea , Macía Eric , Garbiec Dariusz , Serrano Marta , Torralba José M. , Campos Mónica
Published: March 2020

Two different zirconium contents (0.45 and 0.60 wt.%) have been incorporated into a Fe-14Cr-5Al-3W-0.4Ti-0.25Y2O3 oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) steel in order to evaluate their effect on the final microstructure and mechanical properties. The powders with the targeted compositions were obtained by mechanical alloying (MA), and subsequently processed by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at two different heating rates: 100 and 400 °C·min−1. Non-textured bimodal microstructures composed of micrometric and ultrafine grains were obtained. The increase in Zr content led to a higher percentage of Zr nano-oxides and larger regions of ultrafine grains. These ultrafine grains also seem to be promoted by higher heating rates. The effective pinning of the dislocations by the Zr dispersoids, and the refining of the microstructure, have significantly increased the strength exhibited by the ODS steels during the small punch tests, even at high temperatures (500 °C).
Reduction and Nitridation of Iron/Vanadium Oxides by Ammonia Gas: Mechanism and Preparation of FeV45N Alloy
Authors: Liu Yongjie , Wang Yue , You Zhixiong , Lv Xuewei
Published: March 2020

The steel micro-alloyed with ferrovanadium nitride has extremely superior properties that make it widely utilized in structural components, construction and aircraft. The conventional methods for synthesizing ferrovanadium nitride include nitridation of pure ferrovanadium alloy or carbothermal nitridation of metallic oxides, using nitrogen or ammonia gas as nitrogen sources. In this study, ferrovanadium nitride (FeV45N) was prepared by direct reduction and nitridation of the corresponding metal oxides with ammonia as the reductant and nitrogen source. This method avoids the introduction of other impurity elements, except the negligible trace elements accompanied with the raw materials. The thermodynamics of the reduction and nitridation process were initially analyzed. During the subsequent ammonia reduction process, the FeV45N powders were successfully obtained at 1273 K for 6 h. The obtained powders were pressed into cylindrical briquettes by hot pressing (HP) at 1473 K for 1 h in vacuum. In the investigation, the X-ray diffraction and morphological analysis of the products was also carried out, and the reaction mechanisms were discussed in detail. The nitrogen content of the final product can reach 11.85 wt. %, and the residual oxygen content can be reduced to 0.25 wt. %. By sintering, the density of the alloy can reach 5.92 g/cm3.
Gut Microbial-Derived Metabolomics of Asthma
Authors: Lee-Sarwar Kathleen A. , Lasky-Su Jessica , Kelly Rachel S. , Litonjua Augusto A. , Weiss Scott T.
Published: March 2020

In this review, we discuss gut microbial-derived metabolites involved with the origins and pathophysiology of asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that is influenced by the microbiome. Although both gut and airway microbiomes may be important in asthma development, we focus here on the gut microbiome and metabolomic pathways involved in immune system ontogeny. Metabolite classes with existing evidence that microbial-derived products influence asthma risk include short chain fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and bile acids. While tryptophan metabolites and sphingolipids have known associations with asthma, additional research is needed to clarify the extent to which the microbiome contributes to the effects of these metabolites on asthma. These metabolite classes can influence immune function in one of two ways: (i) promoting growth or maturity of certain immune cell populations or (ii) influencing antigenic load by enhancing the number or species of specific bacteria. A more comprehensive understanding of how gut microbes and metabolites interact to modify asthma risk and morbidity will pave the way for targeted diagnostics and treatments.
Increased Expression of the Leptin Gene in Adipose Tissue of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease–The Possible Role of an Abnormal Serum Fatty Acid Profile
Authors: Korczyńska Justyna , Czumaj Aleksandra , Chmielewski Michał , Śledziński Maciej , Mika Adriana , Śledziński Tomasz
Published: March 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased level of leptin and an abnormal fatty acid (FA) profile in the serum. However, there are no data on the associations between them, and the reason for increased serum levels in patients with CKD is not well elucidated. Recently, we found that a CKD-related abnormal FA profile caused significant changes in the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to examine whether leptin gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of patients with CKD may contribute to increased serum levels of this adipokine and whether the abnormal serum FA profile observed in CKD patients has an impact on leptin gene expression in adipocytes. The FA profile was measured in serum samples from patients with CKD and controls by GC–MS. The relative mRNA levels of leptin were measured in SAT by Real-Time PCR. Moreover, the effect of the CKD-related abnormal FA profile on leptin gene expression was studied in in vitro cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Patients with CKD had higher concentrations of serum leptin than controls and higher expression level of the leptin gene in SAT. They also had increased serum monounsaturated FAs and decreased polyunsaturated FAs. The incubation of adipocytes with FAs isolated from CKD patients resulted in an increase of the levels of leptin mRNA. Increased leptin gene expression in SAT may contribute to elevated concentrations of these adipokine in patients with CKD. CKD-related alterations of the FA profile may contribute to elevated serum leptin concentrations in patients with CKD by increasing the gene expression of this adipokine in SAT.
Magnetic Domain Transition of Adjacent Narrow Thin Film Strips with Inclined Uniaxial Magnetic Anisotropy
Authors: Nakai Tomoo
Published: March 2020

This study deals a phenomenon of magnetic domain transition for the stepped magneto-impedance element. Our previous research shows that an element with 70° inclined easy axis has a typical characteristic of the domain transition, and the transition can be controlled by the normal magnetic field. In this paper, we apply this phenomenon and controlling method to the line arrangement adjacent to many body elements, in which mutual magnetic interaction exists. The result shows that the hidden inclined Landau–Lifshitz domain appears by applying a distributed normal field the same as an individual element.
A Frameshift Mutation in wcaJ Associated with Phage Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Tan Demeng , Zhang Yiyuan , Qin Jinhong , Le Shuai , Gu Jingmin , Chen Li-kuang , Guo Xiaokui , Zhu Tongyu
Published: March 2020

Phage therapy is a potential and promising avenue for controlling the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae, however, the rapid development of anti-phage resistance has been identified as an obstacle to the development of phage therapy. Little is known about the mechanism employed by MDR K. pneumoniae strains and how they protect themselves from lytic phage predation in vitro and in vivo. In this study, comparative genomic analysis shows undecaprenyl-phosphate glucose-1-phosphate transferase (WcaJ), the initial enzyme catalyzing the biosynthesis of colanic acid, is necessary for the adsorption of phage 117 (Podoviridae) to the host strain Kp36 to complete its lytic life cycle. In-frame deletion of wcaJ alone was sufficient to provide phage 117 resistance in the Kp36 wild-type strain. Complementation assays demonstrated the susceptibility of phage 117, and the mucoid phenotype could be restored in the resistant strain Kp36-117R by expressing the wild-type version of wcaJ. Remarkably, we found that bacterial mobile genetic elements (insA and insB) block phage 117 infections by disrupting the coding region of wcaJ, thus preventing phage adsorption to its phage receptor. Further, we revealed that the wcaJ mutation likely occurred spontaneously rather than adapted by phage 117 predation under unfavorable environments. Taken together, our results address a crucial evolutionary question around the mechanisms of phage–host interactions, increasing our current understandings of anti-phage defense mechanisms in this important MDR pathogen.
Beneficial Propionibacteria within a Probiotic Emmental Cheese: Impact on Dextran Sodium Sulphate-Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Rabah Houem , do Carmo Fillipe Luiz Rosa , Carvalho Rodrigo Dias de Oliveira , Cordeiro Barbara Fernandes , da Silva Sara Heloisa , Oliveira Emiliano Rosa , Lemos Luisa , Cara Denise Carmona , Faria Ana Maria Caetano , Garric Gilles , Harel-Oger Marielle , Le Loir Yves , Azevedo Vasco , Bouguen Guillaume , Jan Gwénaël
Published: March 2020

Backgrounds and Aims. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), including Ulcerative Colitis (UC), coincide with alterations in the gut microbiota. Consumption of immunomodulatory strains of probiotic bacteria may induce or prolong remission in UC patients. Fermented foods, including cheeses, constitute major vectors for bacteria consumption. New evidences revealed anti-inflammatory effects in selected strains of Propionibacterium freudenreichii. We thus hypothesized that consumption of a functional cheese, fermented by such a strain, may exert a positive effect on IBD. Methods. We investigated the impact of cheese fermented by P. freudenreichii on gut inflammation. We developed an experimental single-strain cheese solely fermented by a selected immunomodulatory strain of P. freudenreichii, CIRM-BIA 129. We moreover produced, in industrial conditions, an Emmental cheese using the same strain, in combination with Lactobacillus delbrueckii CNRZ327 and Streptococcus thermophilus LMD-9, as starters. Consumption of both cheeses was investigated with respect to prevention of Dextran Sodium Sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Results. Consumption of the single-strain experimental cheese, or of the industrial Emmental, both fermented by P. freudenreichii CIRM-BIA 129, reduced severity of subsequent DSS-induced colitis, weight loss, disease activity index and histological score. Both treatments, in a preventive way, reduced small bowel Immunoglobulin A (IgA) secretion, restored occludin gene expression and prevented induction of Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα), Interferon γ (IFNγ) and Interleukin-17 (IL-17). Conclusions. A combination of immunomodulatory strains of starter bacteria can be used to manufacture an anti-inflammatory cheese, as revealed in an animal model of colitis. This opens new perspectives for personalised nutrition in the context of IBD.
Metal Content of Stream Sediments as a Tool to Assess Remediation in an Area Recovering from Historic Mining Contamination
Authors: Gutiérrez Mélida , Qiu Xiaomin , Collette Zachary J. , Lurvey Zachary T.
Published: March 2020

Lead and zinc mining was booming in the early 1900s in and near Joplin, Missouri; a town within the Tri-State Mining District, USA. After the ore became depleted, mining companies moved out, leaving a profoundly disturbed land. Presently, over 90% of the land has been remediated. We collected sediment samples along two creeks flowing through the historically contaminated area that have been identified as major contributors of metals to downstream reservoirs, Center Creek (14 samples) and Turkey Creek (30 samples). Sediment metal content was determined by aqua regia extraction, the potentially bioavailable fraction by 0.11 M acetic acid extraction, and toxicity by ΣPEC-QCd,Pb,Zn. Zinc and lead content in sediments were high in both creeks notwithstanding remediation actions; e.g., median concentrations of 521 mg/kg Pb and 5425 mg/kg Zn in Center Creek, corresponding to 19 and 52 times the background concentration. The metals’ distribution followed no discernible pattern downstream. The potentially bioavailable fraction varied between 0.36% (Pb, Center Creek) and 4.96% (Zn, Turkey Creek). High toxicity was found in 40% of the samples in Turkey Creek and 78.5% of the samples in Center Creek. While this level of toxicity would likely affect aquatic organisms, its limited mobility under alkaline conditions suggests a lesser threat to humans. On the other hand, this high toxicity will likely persist in sediments for at least a few decades, based on their high metal content and low mobility.
Valorization of Rare Earth Elements from a Steenstrupine Concentrate Via a Combined Hydrometallurgical and Pyrometallurgical Method
Authors: Yun Yunbo , Stopic Srecko , Friedrich Bernd
Published: March 2020

Due to their unique characteristics, Lanthanides series (15 elements) together with scandium and yttrium are used as critical metals in numerous applications such as energy sources, catalysts, hybrid cars, medical technology, and military industry. The significance of rare earth elements has been continuously increasing because the global demand for producing high-tech devices is continuously rising. The recovery of rare earth oxide from concentrate based on eudialyte and steenstrupine was performed using a hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical method. Eudialyte and steenstrupine are a complex Na-Ca-zirconosilicate mineral containing rare earth elements (REEs), Zr, Hf and Nb, thus serving as a potential source of Zr. Because of the presence of silica in eudialyte, the main challenge in its processing is avoiding silica gel formation, which is an unfilterable solid residue. The influence of leaching temperature, time and solid–liquid ratio on leaching efficiency was studied in laboratory conditions. A new research strategy was developed in order to recover rare earth elements using hydrochloric acid, avoiding silica gel formation.
Fabrication of Hybrid Silver Microstructures from Vermiculite Templates as SERS Substrates
Authors: Pazos-Perez Nicolas , Guerrini Luca , Alvarez-Puebla Ramon A.
Published: March 2020

There is great interest in developing complex, 3D plasmonic materials with unusual structural properties. This can be achieved via template-assisted approaches exploiting scaffold elements to engineer unique plasmonic substrates, which would be otherwise impossible to synthesize. Herein, we present a novel, simple, and low-cost template-assisted method for producing interconnected 3-D silver microstructures by utilizing vermiculite, a well-known silicate, as both in-situ reductant and template for silver growth. The silicate network of the vermiculite can be easily removed by dissolution with hydrofluoric acid, which, simultaneously, leads to the formation of a magnesium fluoride skeleton supporting a plasmonically active silver film. Optical, morphological, and chemical properties of the materials were extensively investigated, revealing, for example, that hybrid silver microstructures can be exploited as valuable SERS substrates over a broad spectral range of excitation wavelengths.
Si Nanocrystals/ZnO Nanowires Hybrid Structures as Immobilized Photocatalysts for Photodegradation
Authors: Zhang Yaozhong , Mandal Rajib , Ratchford Daniel C. , Anthony Rebecca , Yeom Junghoon
Published: March 2020

Numerous semiconductor-based hybrid nanostructures have been studied for improved photodegradation performance resulting from their broadband optical response and enhanced charge separation/transport characteristics. However, these hybrid structures often involve elements that are rare or toxic. Here, we present the synthesis and material characterization of hybrid nanostructures consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) and silicon nanocrystals (Si-NCs), both abundant and environmentally benign, and evaluate them for photodegradation performance under various illumination conditions. When incorporating Si-NCs into the vertically-aligned ZnO NWs immobilized on substrates, the resulting photocatalysts exhibited a narrowed band gap, i.e., more responsive to visible light, and enhanced charge separation at the interface, i.e., more reactive species produced for degradation. Consequently, the hybrid Si-NCs/ZnO-NWs displayed a superior photodegradability for methylene blue under UV and white light in comparison to the pristine ZnO NWs. Based on the optical measurements, we hypothesize the band structures of Si-NCs/ZnO-NWs and the potential mechanism for the improved photodegradability.
Parent and Provider Perspectives on the Imprecise Label of “Human Milk Fortifier” in the NICU
Authors: Canvasser Jennifer , Hair Amy B. , Kim Jae H. , Taylor Sarah N.
Published: March 2020

In the critical care of preterm infants, feeding is complex and potentially harmful to an immature gastrointestinal system. Parents have expressed the desire to be fully informed about what is being fed to their child, as this places them in the best position to nurture their child’s health. In the parent-engaged setting of the Necrotizing Enterocolitis Symposium, NICU parents expressed concern and confusion about how cow’s milk product and donor human milk product both carry the label “Human Milk Fortifier” (HMF). Accordingly, two online surveys were developed to characterize how the label HMF is used and interpreted in the NICU by parents and providers. Of 774 United States participants, only 21.9% of providers reported consistently describing the source of HMF to parents, and only 20.6% of parents whose child received an HMF product report knowing the source. Parents expressed that they were “not given information” regarding HMF, while both parents and healthcare providers expressed that “the label (HMF) is misleading”. This study documents the ambiguity around the label HMF as well as the need for more specific language and clearer communication.
Mixed Aetiology of Diarrhoea in Infants Attending Clinics in the North-West Province of South Africa: Potential for Sub-Optimal Treatment
Authors: Chukwu Martina O. , Abia Akebe Luther King , Ubomba-Jaswa Eunice , Dewar John Barr , Obi C.L.
Published: March 2020

Routine diagnostic methods for the aetiologic agents of diarrhoea in most developing countries are usually not sensitive enough, leading to under-diagnosis. Thus, this study investigated possible mixed diarrhoeal aetiology by using cultures and real-time polymerase chain reactions (PCR) in children younger than four years old in the Northwest Province, South Africa. In total, 505 stool samples were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic children who were attending three clinics and the Brits hospital in Madibeng District, between September 2016 and December 2017. Rotavirus, norovirus, Campylobacter, Arcobacter, and diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) were targeted. Campylobacter spp. (24.6%), Arcobacter (15.8%) and DEC (19.6%) were detected using PCR; only Campylobacter spp. (29.7%) and DEC (26.9%) were detected through the culture. Campylobacter jejuni (36%), Campylobacter coli (28%), Campylobacter upsalensis (12%), and Arcobacter butzleri (15.8%) were the only spp. of Campylobacter and Arcobacter identified. The eaeA gene (31.4%) of enteropathogenic E. coli/enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EPEC/EHEC) was the most prevalent DEC virulence gene (VG) identified. Rotavirus and norovirus were detected at 23.4% and 20%, respectively. Mixed viral aetiology (7.3%) and the co-infection of A. butzleri and Campylobacter (49%) were recorded. A mixed bacterial-viral aetiology was observed in 0.6% of the specimens. Sensitive diagnostic procedures like PCR should be considered to provide the best treatment to children experiencing diarrhoea.
Effects of Inactivated Mycobacterium bovis Vaccination on Molokai-Origin Wild Pigs Experimentally Infected with Virulent M. bovis
Authors: Nol Pauline , Wehtje Morgan E. , Bowen Richard A. , Robbe-Austerman Suelee , Thacker Tyler C. , Lantz Kristina , Rhyan Jack C. , Baeten Laurie A. , Juste Ramón A. , Sevilla Iker A. , Gortázar Christian , Vicente Joaquín
Published: March 2020

The wild pig population on Molokai, Hawaii, USA is a possible reservoir for bovine tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, and has been implicated in decades past as the source of disease for the island’s domestic cattle. Heat-inactivated vaccines have been effective for reducing disease prevalence in wild boar in Spain and could prove useful for managing M. bovis in Molokai wild pigs. We designed an experiment to test this vaccine in wild pigs of Molokai genetics. Fifteen 3–4-month-old pigs were orally administered 106–107 colony forming units (cfu) of heat-inactivated M. bovis (Vaccinates; n = 8; 0.2 mL) or phosphate buffered saline (Controls; n = 7; 0.2 mL). Each dose was administered in a 0.5 mL tube embedded in a fruit candy/cracked corn mix. Boosters were given seven weeks post-prime in the same manner and dose. Nineteen weeks post-prime, pigs were orally challenged with 1 × 106 cfu of virulent M. bovis. Twelve weeks post-challenge, pigs were euthanized and necropsied, at which time 23 different tissues from the head, thorax, and abdomen were collected and examined. Each tissue was assigned a lesion score. Ordinal lesion score data were analyzed using non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Effect size was calculated using Cohen’s d. Four of eight Vaccinates and four of seven Controls had gross and microscopic lesions, as well as culture-positive tissues. Vaccinates had statistically lower lesion scores than Controls in the following areas: gross thoracic lesion scores (p = 0.013 Cohen’s d = 0.33) and microscopic thoracic lesion scores (p = 0.002, Cohen’s d = 0.39). There were no differences in head lesion scores alone, both gross and microscopic, nor were there differences when comparing combined gross and microscopic head and thoracic lesion scores. These results are indicative that this vaccination protocol affords a modest degree of infection containment with this vaccine in Molokai wild pigs.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Rhododendron rex Subsp. rex Inferred from Microsatellite Markers and Chloroplast DNA Sequences
Authors: Zhang Xue , Liu Yuan-Huan , Wang Yue-Hua , Shen Shi-Kang
Published: March 2020

Genetic diversity is vital to the sustainable utilization and conservation of plant species. Rhododendron rex subsp. rex Lévl. is an endangered species endemic to the southwest of China. Although the natural populations of this species are facing continuous decline due to the high frequency of anthropogenic disturbance, the genetic information of R. rex subsp. rex is not yet elucidated. In the present study, 10 pairs of microsatellite markers (nSSRs) and three pairs of chloroplast DNA (cpDNAs) were used in the elucidation of the genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history of 11 R. rex subsp. rex populations. A total of 236 alleles and 12 haplotypes were found. A moderate genetic diversity within populations (HE = 0.540 for nSSRs, Hd = 0.788 for cpDNA markers), high historical and low contemporary gene flows, and moderate genetic differentiation (nSSR: FST = 0.165***; cpDNA: FST = 0.841***) were detected among the R. rex subsp. rex populations. Genetic and geographic distances showed significant correlation (p < 0.05) determined by the Mantel test. The species exhibited a conspicuous phylogeographical structure among the populations. Using the Bayesian skyline plot and species distribution models, we found that R. rex subsp. rex underwent a population demography contraction approximately 50,000–100,000 years ago. However, the species did not experience a recent population expansion event. Thus, habitat loss and destruction, which result in a population decline and species inbreeding depression, should be considered in the management and conservation of R. rex subsp. rex.
The Influence of New and Artificial Aged Microplastic and Leachates on the Germination of Lepidium sativum L.
Authors: Pflugmacher Stephan , Sulek Amalia , Mader Hannah , Heo Jeongin , Noh Ji Hyeon , Penttinen Olli-Pekka , Kim YoungJun , Kim Sanghun , Esterhuizen Maranda
Published: March 2020

With the increase in environmental monitoring and assessing, we are gaining insight into the extent of microplastic pollution in our environment. The threat posed by microplastics to biota could come, e.g., from leached substances. As some plastic materials have been decaying in nature for extended periods already, the toxic effects of leaching compounds need to be investigated. It is furthermore essential to understand the adverse effects of new plastic and how these effects differ from the effects elicited by old plastic material. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of exposure to leachates from new and artificial aged polycarbonate as well as new and aged polycarbonate granules on various germination parameters of Lepidium sativum were studied. Germination, root, and shoot length, as well as the calculated germination rate index as a measure for germination speed, was negatively influenced in substrate-free and substrate containing exposures. From an ecological and agricultural point of view, this implies possible yield losses with less germinating seeds, slower plant germination speed, and smaller seedlings in general.
Foliar Pre-Treatment with Abscisic Acid Enhances Olive Tree Drought Adaptability
Authors: Brito Cátia , Dinis Lia-Tânia , Ferreira Helena , Moutinho-Pereira José , Correia Carlos M.
Published: March 2020

Water is the most widely limiting factor for plants distribution, survival and agricultural productivity, their responses to drought and recovery being critical for their success and productivity. Olea europaea L. is a well-adapted species to cyclic drought events, still at considerable expense of carbon reserves and CO2 supply. To study the role of abscisic acid (ABA) as a promoter of drought adaptability, young potted olive trees subjected to three drought-recovery cycles were pre-treated with ABA. The results demonstrated that ABA pre-treatment allowed the delay of the drought effects on stomatal conductance (gs) and net photosynthesis (An), and under severe drought, permitted the reduction of the non-stomatal limitations to An and the relative water content decline, the accumulation of compatible solutes and avoid the decline of photosynthetic pigments, soluble proteins and total thiols concentrations and the accumulation of ROS. Upon rewatering, ABA-sprayed plants showed an early recovery of An. The plant ionome was also changed by the addition of ABA, with special influence on root K, N and B concentrations. The improved physiological and biochemical functions of the ABA-treated plants attenuated the drought-induced decline in biomass accumulation and potentiated root growth and whole-plant water use efficiency after successive drought-rewatering cycles. These changes are likely to be of real adaptive significance, with important implications for olive tree growth and productivity.
Effects of Monoterpenes of Trachyspermum ammi on the Viability of Spermatogonia Stem Cells In Vitro
Authors: Omidpanah Sahar , Aliakbari Fereshte , Nabavi Seyed Mohammad , Vazirian Mahdi , Hadjiakhoondi Abbas , Kurepaz-mahmoodabadi Mahdieh , Manayi Azadeh
Published: March 2020

Trachyspermum ammi (Apiaceae) plants have several medicinal and condimentary applications and are considered an aphrodisiac agent in Iranian Traditional Medicine. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of oil from Iranian T. ammi plants on the viability of spermatogonial stem cells in vitro. The essential oil of T. ammi fruits was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the amount of thymol was calculated by a gas-chromatography method. Spermatogonial stem cells were isolated from the testes of mice using enzyme digestion. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to assess the gene expressions of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (Plzf), DNA-binding protein inhibitor (ID-4), tyrosine-protein kinase (c-Kit), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and Bcl2-associated X protein (BAX). The number and diameter of colonies were also measured in the treated cells. The amount of thymol in the oil was 130.7 ± 7.6 µg/mL. Flow cytometry analysis showed that 92.8% of all cells expressed stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (Stra8), a spermatogonial stem cell marker. Expression of Plzf and ID-4 genes significantly increased in the treatment groups, while c-Kit and BAX decreased, and Bcl2 increased in the presence of essential oil. The numbers and diameters of cells were also improved by the application of the plant oil. These data indicated that monoterpenes from the oil of T. ammi improved the quality and viability of spermatogonia cells in the cell culture.
Preparation and Performance of Ultra-Fine Polypropylene Antibacterial Fibers via Melt Electrospinning
Authors: Li Qiu-Sheng , He Hong-Wei , Fan Zuo-Ze , Zhao Ren-Hai , Chen Fu-Xing , Zhou Rong , Ning Xin
Published: March 2020

Polypropylene (PP) fibers are employed commonly as the raw material of technical textiles (nonwovens), and the research focuses on fine-denier fibers and their functionalities. In this work, antibacterial PP masterbatches with different dosage (1–5 wt.%) of nano-ZnO particles as the antibacterial agent were prepared via a twin-screw extruder. The as-prepared PP masterbatches were electrospun on a home-made electrospinning device to afford ultra-fine PP fibers. The morphologies of as-spun ultrathin PP fibers with 16 μm of average diameter were observed by SEM. The structure and element distribution were characterized by means of energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier-transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. There was some zinc obviously distributed on the surface when a dosage of ZnO more than 1 wt.% was used, which contributed to the antibacterial activity. The crystallinity of PP fibers was not affected strongly by the dosage of ZnO based on the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) heating curves, while thermal decomposition improved with the increase in ZnO content, and the mechanical strength decreased predictably with the increase in inorganic ZnO content.
The Importance of the Mixing Energy in Ionized Superabsorbent Polymer Swelling Models
Authors: Fennell Eanna , Kamphus Juliane , Huyghe Jacques M.
Published: March 2020

The Flory–Rehner theoretical description of the free energy in a hydrogel swelling model can be broken into two swelling components: the mixing energy and the ionic energy. Conventionally for ionized gels, the ionic energy is characterized as the main contributor to swelling and, therefore, the mixing energy is assumed negligible. However, this assumption is made at the equilibrium state and ignores the dynamics of gel swelling. Here, the influence of the mixing energy on swelling ionized gels is quantified through numerical simulations on sodium polyacrylate using a Mixed Hybrid Finite Element Method. For univalent and divalent solutions, at initial porosities greater than 0.90, the contribution of the mixing energy is negligible. However, at initial porosities less than 0.90, the total swelling pressure is significantly influenced by the mixing energy. Therefore, both ionic and mixing energies are required for the modeling of sodium polyacrylate ionized gel swelling. The numerical model results are in good agreement with the analytical solution as well as experimental swelling tests.
Effect of Pre-Corrected pH on the Carbohydrate Hydrolysis of Bamboo during Hydrothermal Pretreatment
Authors: Huang Lingzhi , Yang Zeguang , Li Mei , Liu Zhaomeng , Qin Chengrong , Nie Shuangxi , Yao Shuangquan
Published: March 2020

To confirm the prospects for application of pre-corrected pH hydrothermal pretreatment in biorefineries, the effects of pH on the dissolution and degradation efficiency of carbohydrates were studied. The species composition of the hydrolysate was analyzed using high efficiency anion exchange chromatography and UV spectroscopy. The result showed that the greatest balance between the residual solid and total dissolved solids was obtained at pH 4 and 170 °C. Maximum recovery rates of cellulose and lignin were as expected, whereas hemicellulose had the least recovery rate. The hemicellulose extraction rate was 42.19%, and the oligomer form accounted for 93.39% of the product. The physicochemical properties of bamboo with or without pretreatment was characterized. Compared with the traditional hydrothermal pretreatment, the new pretreatment bamboo has higher fiber crystallinity and thermal stability. In the pretreatment process, the fracture of β-aryl ether bond was inhibited and the structural dissociation of lignin was reduced. The physicochemical properties of bamboo was protected while the hemicellulose was extracted efficiently. It provides theoretical support for the efficient utilization of all components of woody biomass.
Structural Features of Three Hetero-Galacturonans from Passiflora foetida Fruits and Their in Vitro Immunomodulatory Effects
Authors: Song Ya , Wen Peng , Hao Huili , Zhu Minqian , Sun Yuanming , Zou Yuxiao , Requena Teresa , Huang Riming , Wang Hong
Published: March 2020

Passiflora foetida is a horticultural plant and vital traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In our previous study, the characterization and immuno-enhancing effect of fruits polysaccharide 1 (PFP1), a water-eluted hetero-mannan from wild Passiflora foetida fruits, were investigated. Herein, another three salt-eluted novel polysaccharides, namely PFP2, PFP3, and PFP4, were obtained and structurally characterized. The results showed that PFP2, PFP3, and PFP4 were three structurally similar hetero-galacturonans with different molecular weights of 6.11 × 104, 4.37 × 104, and 3.48 × 105 g/mol, respectively. All three of these hetero-galacturonans are mainly composed of galacturonic acid, galactose, arabinose (75.69%, 80.39%, and 74.30%, respectively), and other monosaccharides including mannose, fucose, glucose, ribose, xylose, and glucuronic acid (24.31%, 19.61, and 25.70%, respectively), although differences in their backbone structure exist. Additionally, immunomodulatory assay indicated that the three hetero-galacturonans possess the ability to promote the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in RAW264.7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Especially, PFP3 displayed a stronger enhancing effect than PFP2 and PFP4 at the minimum effective concentration. Therefore, the results suggested that the obtained three salt-eluted hetero-galacturonans, especially PFP3, could be utilized as immunomodulatory effectivity ingredients in nutritional/pharmaceutical industries.
Water Sources Diagram and Its Applications
Authors: Calixto Ewerton Emmanuel da Silva , Pessoa Fernando Luiz Pellegrini , Mirre Reinaldo Coelho , Francisco Flávio da Silva , Queiroz Eduardo Mach
Published: March 2020

Water Sources Diagram (WSD) has proved to be one of the most efficient methods to reduce industrial freshwater consumption and to provide a minimum amount of wastewater to be treated. Different types of industry have been benefited from the use of this technique, which resulted in great savings in the design of the effluent treatment systems. Among the successful case studies, we mention herein applications in systems with wastewater treatment, thermal and water plants’ integration, oil refineries, petrochemicals, batch processes, pulp and paper plants, and textile plants. The degree of WSD maturity motivated researchers to not only improve WSD algorithms, but also extend the concept of the Sources Diagram to Source/Sink types of process. This paper presents a background of WSD progress as well as insights into future perspectives using the Sources Diagrams’ concept.
The Effect of Tamarind Seed Gum on the Qualities of Gluten-Free Cakes
Authors: Wu Shao-Chi , Shyu Yung-Shin , Tseng Yi-Wen , Sung Wen-Chieh
Published: March 2020

The effect of 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% cold-water soluble tamarind seed gum on batter density, viscosity, and volume of gluten-free layer cakes made with rice flour was evaluated herein. It was observed that the addition of 0.4% tamarind seed gum gave better cake batter volume and was similar to cakes made with wheat flour. Texture profile analysis, color, proximate composition, water activity, total phenolics content, shelf life, and a sensory evaluation of a gluten-free cake with 0.4% tamarind seed gum were compared to a cake made with wheat flour and rice flour. Gluten-free cakes made with 0.4% tamarind seed gum had higher dietary fiber, sensory scores (appearance, texture, and overall acceptability), and longer shelf life than that of the control. Incorporation of 0.4% tamarind seed gum is recommended for gluten-free baked products as it results in more desirable sensory scores and a longer shelf life.
A Monte Carlo-Based Outlier Diagnosis Method for Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Rofatto Vinicius Francisco , Matsuoka Marcelo Tomio , Klein Ivandro , Roberto Veronez Maurício , da Silveira Luiz Gonzaga
Published: March 2020

An iterative outlier elimination procedure based on hypothesis testing, commonly known as Iterative Data Snooping (IDS) among geodesists, is often used for the quality control of modern measurement systems in geodesy and surveying. The test statistic associated with IDS is the extreme normalised least-squares residual. It is well-known in the literature that critical values (quantile values) of such a test statistic cannot be derived from well-known test distributions but must be computed numerically by means of Monte Carlo. This paper provides the first results on the Monte Carlo-based critical value inserted into different scenarios of correlation between outlier statistics. From the Monte Carlo evaluation, we compute the probabilities of correct identification, missed detection, wrong exclusion, over-identifications and statistical overlap associated with IDS in the presence of a single outlier. On the basis of such probability levels, we obtain the Minimal Detectable Bias (MDB) and Minimal Identifiable Bias (MIB) for cases in which IDS is in play. The MDB and MIB are sensitivity indicators for outlier detection and identification, respectively. The results show that there are circumstances in which the larger the Type I decision error (smaller critical value), the higher the rates of outlier detection but the lower the rates of outlier identification. In such a case, the larger the Type I Error, the larger the ratio between the MIB and MDB. We also highlight that an outlier becomes identifiable when the contributions of the measures to the wrong exclusion rate decline simultaneously. In this case, we verify that the effect of the correlation between outlier statistics on the wrong exclusion rate becomes insignificant for a certain outlier magnitude, which increases the probability of identification.
Physical Fitness after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Influence of Graft, Age, and Sex
Authors: Csapo Robert , Pointner Helmut , Hoser Christian , Gföller Peter , Raschner Christian , Fink Christian
Published: March 2020

Functional tests are used to facilitate return-to-sports decisions after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This study presents comprehensive physical fitness test data acquired in highly active patients within the first year after ACLR, for comparison between different grafts, age groups, and sexes. The outcomes from a specific seven-item test battery and isokinetic strength test data were extracted from a patient database. Results were compared to normative data from age- and sex-matched controls and between subgroups of patients. A total of 245 patients (94 women, 23.8 ± 8.4 years, pre-injury Tegner 7.4 ± 1.6) were tested 185 ± 44 days after surgery. In 116 patients (47.3%), one or more test results were classified as “poor” or “very poor” after comparison with normative data, with failures being most frequent during single-leg squat jump and plyometric strength tests. Test failures were more prevalent in adults than in adolescents <19 years (61.4%–62.2% vs. 24.5%, p < 0.001) and in men (61.6% vs. 24.5%, p < 0.001), but no differences were found between grafts. Isokinetic knee extensor strength was lower by 24.1% on the injured side. Six months after ACLR, nearly 50% of highly active patients presented with strength and functional fitness deficits. These deficits are particularly prevalent in older patients and men.