bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seeing the Confetti Colors in a New Light Utilizing Flow Cytometry and Imaging Flow Cytometry
Authors: Hagert Cecilia Fahlquist , Bohn Anja Bille , Wittenborn Thomas R. , Degn Søren E.
Published: May 2020

Stochastic multicolor transgenic labeling systems, such as the Brainbow reporters, have emerged as powerful tools in lineage tracing experiments. Originally designed for large‐scale mapping of neuronal projections in densely populated tissues, they have been repurposed for diverse uses. The Brainbow 2.1‐derived Confetti reporter was used, for example, to define stem cell clonality and dynamics in crypts of the intestinal mucosa, T‐cell clonality, microglial heterogeneity, and B‐cell clonal evolution in germinal centers. Traditionally, read‐outs have relied on imaging in situ, providing information about cellular localization within tissue stroma. However, recent applications of the technique have moved into hematopoietically derived motile cell types, for example, T and B lymphocytes and their progeny, creating an unmet need to survey larger populations of cells ex vivo to determine labeling densities or skews in color representation over time to read‐out clonal expansion and selection effects. Originally designed for imaging methods, these reporters encode information in the spectral properties of fluorophores and their subcellular localization, making them poorly suited to traditional flow cytometry analyses. The advent of high‐content imaging and imaging flow cytometry have recently closed the gap between flow cytometry and imaging. We analyzed a 10‐color biallelic Confetti reporter using flow and imaging flow cytometry. Beyond its use as a high‐throughput method for measuring reporter labeling densities and color distributions over time, it also opens the door to new avenues of research relying on similar read‐outs, for example, tumor heterogeneity and clonal dynamics. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Nanoparticles generation using monodisperse droplets by an ultrasonic transducer
Authors: Fujimoto Nozomu , Kanda Takefumi , Katsuta Masaya , Sakata Yusaku , Yamada Yoshiaki , Seno Norihisa , Nakazaki Yoshiaki , Otoyama Takafumi
Published: May 2020

In recent years, a production of nanoparticles has been required in many fields such as production process for electronic materials, foods, and medicine. By using recrystallization process, nanoparticles can be formed by quenching a solution. We have generated monodisperse droplets by using an ultrasonic torsional transducer and a micropore plate to form fine nanoparticles by quenching droplets. In this nanoparticle production system, formed nanoparticles have a diameter of 79.9 nm when the applied voltage for the transducer and the diameter of micropore to generated micro droplets were 100 Vp‐p and 50 μm. We have successfully obtained fine nanoparticles from monodisperse droplets generated by using the ultrasonic torsional transducer. This result shows that the proposed system is effective for the miniaturization of the alum particles.
Anaemia, iron status, and gender predict the outcome in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Kurz Katharina , Lanser Lukas , Seifert Markus , Kocher Florian , Pölzl Gerhard , Weiss Günter
Published: May 2020

Aims

Anaemia and iron deficiency (ID) are frequently found in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and associated with adverse outcome. However, it is unclear whether absolute [transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20%, ferritin <100 μg/L] or inflammation‐driven functional ID (TSAT <20%, ferritin >100 μg/L) with and without anaemia had similar or different consequences for such patients.

Methods and results

Within this retrospective cohort study, 2223 patients (1601 men and 622 women) with CHF, referred to our department, between 2000 and 2018, were followed for a median time of 84 months. Anaemia was found in 393 patients and was an independent predictor for an adverse outcome [HR 2.164 (95% CI 1.865–2.512), P < 0.001]. In 674 patients with available parameters of iron metabolism, ID was present in 228 patients and was associated with an unfavourable outcome [HR 1.499 (95% CI 1.158–1.940), P = 0.002]. ID was best predicting an adverse outcome in men ≤59 years, with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, preserved kidney function, no inflammation, and a body mass index (BMI) ≥25.5 kg/m2. Functional ID in women and absolute ID in men were associated with poor prognosis. Of note, TSAT <20% but not low ferritin levels were predictive for an adverse outcome. Anaemic patients with high ferritin levels, advanced inflammation, older age, low BMI, male gender, and reduced glomerular filtration rate had the worst prognosis.

Conclusions

Anaemia and low tissue iron availability as reflected by TSAT <20% are negative predictors of outcome in patients with CHF. Systemic inflammation, renal function, BMI, age, and gender are important contributors for the clinical course.
Tuning the Optical Properties of Magnetic Materials
Authors: Reczyński Mateusz , Nakabayashi Koji , Ohkoshi Shin‐ichi
Published: May 2020

The development of new technologies requires research on novel functional materials. In recent years, controlling the optical properties of magnetic materials has been investigated in fields such as chemistry, physics, and materials science. This brief review surveys optical property tuning in molecular magnetic materials with an emphasis on cyanido‐bridged coordination polymers. In this article, particular interest is devoted to materials exhibiting drastic colour changes, photoinduced magnetisation, and tuneable photoemission properties. Additionally, synthetic approaches employed to prepare these materials along with the mechanisms of switching their optical and magnetic properties are presented.
Hollow Reticular Shaped Highly Ordered Rice Husk Carbon for the Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and Uric Acid
Authors: Haque Md. Aminul , Hasan Md. Mahedi , Islam Tamanna , Razzak Md. Abdur , Alharthi Nabeel H. , Sindan Abdullah , Karim Mohammad R. , Basha Shaik Inayath , Aziz Md. Abdul , Ahammad A. J. Saleh
Published: May 2020

We have prepared activated porous carbon material through simple pyrolysis method from rice husks (rhAC) for sensitive detection of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). The prepared rhAC material was thoroughly characterized using various spectroscopic, microscopic, and electroanalytical techniques. Analysis of the voltammetric data showed that the analytes followed a first order reaction kinetics while following a 2e−/2H+ transfer process. We have discussed the possible oxidation mechanism for the analytes based on the results from our experimental analysis. The rhAC_GCE sensor was tested for interference, reproducibility, and stability. The sensor was also tested to evaluate its applicability in real life.
Efficient Direct‐Methanol Fuel Cell Based on Graphene Quantum Dots/Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes Composite
Authors: Gizem Güneştekin Büşra , Medetalibeyoglu Hilal , Atar Necip , Lütfi Yola Mehmet
Published: May 2020

Direct‐methanol fuel cells are proton‐exchange fuel cell in which methanol is used as the fuel. The important advantage of these fuel cells is the simplicity of transport and storage of methanol. In this study, methanol fuel cell electrocatalysts including graphene quantum dots (GQDs), functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNTs) and GQDs/f‐MWCNTs composite were synthesized. The structures of synthesized electrocatalysts were highlighted by scanning electron microscope (SEM), raman spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) method. After that, the effective surface areas (ESA) of GQDs, f‐MWCNTs and GQDs/f‐MWCNTs were calculated. Finally, GQDs/f‐MWCNTs composite modified glassy carbon electrode (GQDs/f‐MWCNTs/GCE) showed highest current signals for methanol oxidation than those of comparable GQDs/GCE and f‐MWCNTs/GCE.
Too much of a good thing? A systematic review about the conditions of learning in governance networks
Authors: Riche Cécile , Aubin David , Moyson Stéphane
Published: May 2020

Learning is decisive for successful problem solving in governance networks: it is by acquiring, interpreting and diffusing information that public and private actors build joint action and innovative policy solutions. Yet, little is known about the conditions that lead to learning in such context. Following the PRISMA approach, we systematically reviewed 40 public administration studies that provide evidence about the individual, interpersonal and structural conditions of learning in governance networks. We find that learning is conditioned to a balanced configuration of these characteristics, where too much of a single condition may be harmful. Still, some mixes of conditions appear more effective than others, especially the joint presence of trust between and diversity of participants, a skillful leader centrally positioned, and an appropriate blend of formal and informal institutional rules. We conclude with several avenues for future research.
Distinct evolution history of magmatic oxygen fugacity and its control on associated porphyry Cu deposits under subduction and collisional settings
Authors: Yang Zhen , Fu Yong
Published: May 2020

Porphyry deposits occur not only in subduction zones, but also in collisional belts worldwide. The magmatic oxygen fugacity (ƒo2) is an important element for the formation of porphyry, and influences the processes in source, migration, and precipitation of Cu and other chalcophile elements. Magmatic sulphur exists mainly as sulphate () at higher oxygen fugacity, which combines with chalcophile elements (e.g., Cu, Au) as ion complexes then formed the ore‐bearing magma. In contrast, magmatic sulphur exists mainly as sulphide (S2−), sulphide will precipitate easily. A magmatic event usually involves multiple intrusive activities. These porphyries have various ƒo2 evolutions, implying that they are formed in different formation environments or dynamic mechanisms. In a subduction setting, plates begin to dehydrate and then partial melting occurs in the early stage of subduction. Following the extensive dehydration, partial melting occurs as the plate diving deeper. As a result, the later magma is more oxidative than the earlier one. While under the collisional setting, porphyritic magma is likely related to the previous arc magmatism of subduction or juvenile mantle components in the thickened lower crust. The hydrous and metalliferous fertile magma formed. Then, reduction of water supply is the possible factor that leads to the gradually decrease of ƒo2. As a result of this study, metallogenic elements are usually developed in later porphyritic magma at a subduction environment, but in the early porphyritic magma at a collisional environment. This can provide guidance for prospecting of porphyry deposits in multi‐phases of porphyritic magma districts.
Identification of genes associated with cancer stem cell characteristics in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through co‐expression network analysis
Authors: Pei Su , Chen Long , Yang Yunli , Zhu Xiaodong
Published: May 2020

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a type of invasive malignancy and the seventh most common cancer in the worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are self‐renewal cells in tumors and can produce heterogeneous tumor cells, which play an important role in the development of HNSCC. In our research, we aimed to identify genes related to the CSCs characteristics in HNSCC.

Methods

Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression‐based stiffness index (mRNAsi) can be used as a quantitative characterization of CSCs. We used one‐class logistic regression machine learning algorithm (OCLR) to calculate the mRNAsi and investigate the relationship between mRNAsi and clinical characteristics of HNSCC. Then, a weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to screen hub genes related to mRNAsi of HNSCC.

Results

The results indicated that the score of mRNAsi in HNSCC tissues is higher than in paracancer tissues, while the mRNAsi was not statistically correlated with the prognosis and clinical characteristics of HNSCC. Six positive and six negative hub genes related to mRNAsi of HNSCC were selected, which may act as therapeutic targets for inhibiting CSCs within HNSCC.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our research selected 12 hub genes related to mRNAsi of HNSCC through weighted gene co‐expression network analysis. These genes may become therapeutic targets to inhibit the CSCs of HNSCC in the future.
Lipid Remodeling in Hepatocyte Proliferation and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hall Zoe , Chiarugi Davide , Charidemou Evelina , Leslie Jack , Scott Emma , Pellegrinet Luca , Allison Michael , Mocciaro Gabriele , Anstee Quentin M. , Evan Gerard I. , Hoare Matthew , Vidal‐Puig Antonio , Oakley Fiona , Vacca Michele , Griffin Julian L.
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

Hepatocytes undergo profound metabolic rewiring when primed to proliferate during compensatory regeneration and in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the metabolic control of these processes is not fully understood. In order to capture the metabolic signature of proliferating hepatocytes, we applied state‐of‐the‐art systems biology approaches to models of liver regeneration, pharmacologically and genetically activated cell proliferation, and HCC.

Approach and Results

Integrating metabolomics, lipidomics, and transcriptomics, we link changes in the lipidome of proliferating hepatocytes to altered metabolic pathways including lipogenesis, fatty acid desaturation, and generation of phosphatidylcholine (PC). We confirm this altered lipid signature in human HCC and show a positive correlation of monounsaturated PC with hallmarks of cell proliferation and hepatic carcinogenesis.

Conclusions

Overall, we demonstrate that specific lipid metabolic pathways are coherently altered when hepatocytes switch to proliferation. These represent a source of targets for the development of therapeutic strategies and prognostic biomarkers of HCC.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis of the Fe2O3/g‐C3N4 nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Ali , Iliyat Maryam , Atashkadi Mojdeh , Ranjbar Mehdi , Habibi‐Yangjeh Aziz
Published: May 2020

The preparation and photocatalytic performance of the Fe2O3/g‐C3N4 nanocomposites with different weight percentage of iron was investigated in this study. Samples were successfully synthesized using melamine and ferric nitrate as the precursors via the green and facile microwave‐assisted method. The physicochemical and structural properties of the Fe2O3‐doped g‐C3N4 were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The photocatalytic activity of the Fe2O3/g‐C3N4 catalysts was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) at room temperature under visible light irradiation. As expected, the as‐synthesized samples exhibited considerable improvement in the photodegradation of MB. The Fe2O3/g‐C3N4 (1.0 wt%) nanocomposite had superior photocatalytic activity, with almost 70% degradation efficiency within 90 min of irradiation. The enhanced performance was ascribed to the separation and migration of the photoinduced electron–hole pairs and taking part of the charge carriers in the chemical redox reactions at the surface of the photocatalyst. In this work, the effect of Fe weight percentage on the degradation potential was also studied, and the photocatalytic mechanism was proposed with the main reactive species •OH.
A possible role for inducible arginase isoform (AI) in the pathogenesis of chronic venous leg ulcer
Authors: Abd El‐Aleem Seham A , Abd‐Elghany Manal Ismail , Ali Saber Entesar , Jude Edward B. , Djouhri Laiche
Published: May 2020

Chronic venous ulcer (CVU) is a major cause of chronic wounds of lower extremities and presents a significant financial and resource burden to health care systems worldwide. Defects in the vasculature, matrix deposition, and re‐epithelialization are the main histopathological changes believed to impede healing. Supplementation of the amino acid arginine that plays a crucial role in the interactions that occur during inflammation and wound healing was proven clinically to improve acute wound healing probably through enhancing activity of inducible arginase (AI) locally in the wounds. However, the possible mechanism of arginine action and the potential beneficial effects of AI/arginine in human chronic wounds remain unclear. In the present study, using biopsies, taken under local anesthesia, from adult patients (n = 12, mean age 55 years old) with CVUs in lower extremities, we investigated the correlation between AI distribution in CVUs and the histopathological changes, mainly proliferative and vascular changes. Our results show a distinct spatial distribution of AI along the ulcer in the epidermis and in the dermis with the highest level of expression being at the ulcer edge and the least expression towards the ulcer base. The AI cellular immunoreactivity, enzymatic activity, and protein levels were significantly increased towards the ulcer edge. Interestingly, a similar pattern of expression was encountered in the proliferative and the vascular changes with strong correlations between AI and the proliferative activity and vascular changes. Furthermore, AI cellular distribution was associated with increased proliferative activity, inflammation, and vascular changes. Our findings of differential expression of AI along the CVU base, edge, and nearby surrounding skin and its associations with increased proliferative activity and vascular changes provide further support to the AI implication in CVU pathogenesis. The presence of high levels of AI in the epidermis of chronic wounds may serve as a molecular marker of impaired healing and may provide future targets for therapeutic intervention.
Pediatric Smoflipid Therapy: Patient Response and Safety Concerns
Authors: Huff Katie A. , Breckler Francine , Cruse Wendy , Szeszycki Elaina , Vanderpool Charles
Published: May 2020

Background

Intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) occurs in ≤85% of neonates receiving prolonged parenteral nutrition. Strategies for treatment of IFALD include alternative lipid therapies, such as Smoflipid (Fresenius Kabi). In this study, we reviewed our institutional Smoflipid use, including predictors of patient response and safety concerns.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients who received Smoflipid therapy over a 2‐year period at Riley Hospital for Children. Forty‐two patients (89%) had cholestasis at the start of Smoflipid therapy and were included in group analysis. We compared patients based on response to Smoflipid therapy, identifying associations and predictors of patient response. We also documented patient safety concerns, including essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD), rapid infusion, and compatibility/access issues.

Results

Sixteen patients (38%) with cholestasis had resolution with Smoflipid. Those patients with resolution were older at initiation (58 vs 33.5 days; P = .010), treated with Smoflipid for longer (85.5 vs 41 days; P = .001), and had lower direct bilirubin at the start of Smoflipid therapy (3.7 vs 5.2 mg/dL; P = .035). We identified multiple safety concerns, including EFAD (54%), rapid infusion (17%), and missed doses (51%). No patient characteristics were found to correlate with Smofllpid therapy and diagnosis of EFAD.

Conclusion

In our patient population, Smoflipid therapy led to cholestasis resolution in patients with lower direct bilirubin or less‐severe IFALD. Use of Smoflipid is also associated with significant safety concerns, and its use should be coupled with close monitoring in pediatric patients, particularly in neonates.
Diagnosis of zinc and boron availability in emerging vegetable‐based crop rotations in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Shova , Becker Mathias , Lamers John P. A. , Wimmer Monika A.
Published: May 2020

Background: Nepal's traditional rice–wheat rotation systems are subject to continuing changes. Changing consumer demand currently drives a replacement of wheat by high‐value vegetables during the dry season, while emerging water shortages lead to a substitution of rice by maize in the wet season. Hence, associated changes in soil aeration status and shifting conditions of soil nutrient supply to match crop nutrient demand are expected to increase the requirements for the principle limiting micro‐nutrients such as boron (B) and zinc (Zn).

Aim: Our aim was to investigate the changes in B and Zn availability as well as crop yields and nutrient uptake after system shifts from rice to maize and from wheat to vegetables.

Method: We analyzed the B and Zn availability in rice‐ and maize‐based systems as well as crop yields and the nutrient uptake by wheat, cauliflower, and tomato during the dry season in Nepal. Plants were grown at two field sites (midhills vs. lowland) and under greenhouse conditions using soils from the field sites.

Results: A change from irrigated rice to maize reduced soil C and N contents with resulting decreases in dry season crop yields. Low soil Zn after rice cultivation led to shortage in Zn uptake by vegetables in both greenhouse and field experiments. The shift from wheat to vegetables increased the demand for B and to a lesser extent for Zn, and consequently vegetables showed visual symptoms of B deficiency. Boron concentrations in dry biomass were below the critical limits with < 10 mg B kg−1 in wheat, < 21 mg B kg−1 in cauliflower, and < 23 mg B kg−1 in tomato.

Conclusions: Soils in larger parts of Nepal are low in available B and that the ongoing system shifts increase in the demand for B and Zn in the currently emerging and more diversified production systems.
Boron and zinc fertilizer applications are essential in emerging vegetable‐based crop rotations in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Shova , Becker Mathias , Lamers John P. A. , Wimmer Monika A.
Published: May 2020

Background: Since recently, the traditional rice–wheat rotation systems in Nepal are subject to drastic changes. Progressing urbanisation and shifting consumer preferences drive a replacement of wheat by high‐value vegetables during the cold dry season, particularly in the peri‐urban fringes, while emerging water shortages prevent permanent soil flooding during the monsoon season, leading to partial substitution of lowland rice by less water‐consuming upland crops. Associated changes in soil aeration status affect soil nutrient availability while particularly vegetables enhance the demand for the critically limiting micronutrients boron (B) and zinc (Zn).

Aim: In both rice‐ (anaerobic) and maize‐based (aerobic) systems we assessed the differential response of traditional winter wheat in comparison to cauliflower and tomato to applied B and Zn fertilizers.

Methods: Experiments were conducted (1) in a pot trial with two contrasting soil types (Acrisol vs. Fluvisol) and (2) in field validation trials at two contrasting sites (representing lowland vs. mid‐hills) in Nepal.

Results: The on‐going shift from flooded rice to aerobic maize during the wet season negatively affected dry matter accumulation and grain yield of the dry season wheat, but not of cauliflower and tomato. While Zn application tended to increase wheat yields under field conditions, B application induced no significant effect, irrespective of the soil or production site. However, low to moderate applications of B (2.0–4.4 kg ha−1) and Zn (3.3–4.4 kg ha−1) nearly doubled biomass accumulation and nutrient uptake of vegetables and increased the economic yields of cauliflower and tomato between 8 and > 100%. These responses were generally more pronounced in the Fluvisol than the Acrisol. While overall yields of wheat and temperate vegetables were higher in the cool mid‐hills the relative yield responses to applied B were more pronounced in the lowland than the mid‐hill sites. On average, the partial factor productivities of applied fertilizer were low to moderate in wheat, with 1 and 8 € increase in net revenue per € of investment in B and Zn, respectively. In the vegetables, this partial factor productivity increased to about 4 € €−1 investment with Zn, and reached about 43 € €−1 investment in B, irrespective of the production site.

Conclusions: While the application of Zn fertilizers can moderately improve the performance of traditional rice–wheat rotations, B and to a lesser extent Zn application become essential and highly profitable when shifting towards vegetable cropping. The demand for B and Zn fertilizers is foreseen to dramatically increase with progressing urbanisation and the associated shifts in production systems of Nepal.
Characterization and analysis of an oil‐in‐water emulsion stabilized by rapeseed protein isolate under pH and ionic stress
Authors: Wu Jin , Xu Feiran , Wu Ying , Xiong Wenfei , Pan Mengmeng , Zhang Na , Zhou Qi , Wang Shijie , Ju Xingrong , Wang Lifeng
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Presently, identifying natural compounds as emulsifiers is a popular topic in the food industry. Rapeseed protein isolate (RPI) is a natural plant protein with excellent emulsifying properties, but it has not been systematically developed and utilized.

RESULTS

This study investigated the surface hydrophobicity, wettability, and protein solubility of RPI to further explain its emulsifying behavior in emulsion systems. Nanoemulsions stabilized by RPI at varying protein concentration, pH, and ionic strength were prepared. The size distribution, zeta potential, flocculation index, creaming index, microstructure, rheology, and protein secondary structure of emulsions were measured. The emulsion stabilized by 20 g L−1 RPI at pH 10.0, 200 mmol L−1 ionic strength revealed an appropriate droplet size of 555 nm and the most internal gel strength without creaming phenomenon. Circular dichroism spectroscopy showed a positive correlation between emulsion stability and α‐helix ratio, indicating the environment factors affected emulsion stability by acting on its hydrogen bonds.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that RPI is a practical emulsifier for stabilizing nanoemulsions. About 20 g L−1 RPI can stabilize 100 mL L−1 oil in water; stable emulsions can be formed at most pH conditions (except 7.0); ion addition will aggravate the emulsion flocculation, but also increase the internal gel strength. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Defoliation timing for optimal leaf nutrition in dual‐use amaranth production systems
Authors: Hoidal Natalie , Jacobsen Sven‐Erik , Odone Arnesta , Alandia Gabriela
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Amaranth leaves can provide important nutrients to small‐scale farming families growing amaranth for seed. Amaranth is known to be tolerant to defoliation, but there is little guidance on when defoliation should be performed for optimal nutritional benefits. This series of experiments assessed tolerance to defoliation at different points throughout the vegetative stage of development, in addition to the nutritional benefits and flavor of amaranth leaves at each stage.

RESULTS

Overall, timing of defoliation had no impact on seed yield or quality. Fifty percent defoliation at any point did not significantly reduce seed yield, whereas 100% defoliation throughout development reduced seed yield. The nutritional value of amaranth leaves differed substantially throughout development, with the highest concentrations of iron mid‐way through vegetative development, and the highest levels of vitamin A, magnesium, and copper at the end of the vegetative development stage. Palatability was highest in young leaves, and decreased as plants aged. We also found that neither timing nor intensity of defoliation had an influence on branching, which can negatively influence ease of harvest.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that amaranth leaves are a nutritious food source that provides vital nutrients at different concentrations throughout development. Farmers who wish to harvest both leaves and seeds can harvest up to 50% of the leaves at any point during vegetative development or bud formation while maintaining seed yield. Leaf harvest timing can thus be tailored to nutritional needs, although palatability decreases with plant age. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The Efficacy and Safety of CO2 Laser Treatment for Sexual Function and Vaginal Laxity Improvement in Pre‐Menopausal Women
Authors: Lauterbach Roy , Dabaja Hanin , Matanes Emad , Gruenwald Ilan , Lowenstein Lior
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives

Vaginal laxity lacks standardized diagnosis and severity criteria. It is considered as a subjective complaint that reflects decreased sexual satisfaction due to vaginal loosening. Treatment modalities have included physiotherapy and plastic surgery. Recently, laser treatments have also gained popularity as a means of relieving gynecological complaints such as pelvic organ prolapse, stress urinary incontinence, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of CO2 laser treatment in women for whom a decrease in sexual sensation during intercourse and vaginal loosening were their primary complaints.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

For this prospective study, women with reported vaginal laxity and decreased sensation during intercourse were recruited from the Sexual Dysfunction Clinic in our health care campus. Each participant received three outpatient treatments with laser therapy, according to the same protocol. Treatment efficacy was assessed by changes in the Vaginal Health Index (VHI) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

Results

Overall, 84 pre‐menopause women, with a mean age of 47.7 years, were included in the study. Mean VHI and FSFI were increased significantly at 3 months post‐treatment and decreased again at 6 months post‐treatment: 11.8 ± 1.6, 13.5 ± 1.1, and 11.8 ± 1.2, respectively, P = 0.013; and 21.3 ± 1.7, 29.9 ± 1.6, and 22.5 ± 1.8, respectively, P = 0.022. The rate of sexual intercourse doubled during the period of maximal treatment effect (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

CO2 laser treatment has both a statistically and clinically significant effect on participants’ complaints and sex‐life, which wanes by 6 months post‐treatment. Laser therapy seems to be safe in the short term, with no serious adverse events reported in the current study. Further studies are warranted to determine the long‐term safety and the efficacy of maintenance laser treatments. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Reversal of Clar's Aromatic‐Sextet Rule in Ultrashort Single‐End‐Capped [5,5] Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Monaco Guglielmo , Scott Emeritus Lawrence T. , Zanasi Riccardo
Published: May 2020

The three‐fold HOMO‐LUMO gap oscillation, typical of finite length armchair carbon nanotubes (CNT), has a major effect on the magnetic response of ultrashort, single‐end‐capped [5,5] carbon nanotubes to a perturbing magnetic field parallel to the main symmetry axis. For the CNT's containing 40, 70, and 100 carbon atoms, for which 100 % of the C=C double bonds can be grouped into aromatic‐sextets, i. e., fully or complete Clar networks, large paratropic (antiaromatic) global circulations around the cylindrical axis are predicted at the DFT level of calculation. Local and semi‐global diatropic (aromatic) currents of strengths not larger than that of the benzene molecule are determined for a perpendicular perturbing magnetic field. CNTs of intermediate lengths do not display this enhanced antiaromatic response. The paratropic current flow clearly shows that these complete Clar networks can be viewed as stacked cycloparaphenylene belts, each providing a double
annulene circuit as a consequence of the quinoidal resonance structure that results from their closure. Paradoxically, the fully aromatic Clar structure itself is responsible for the enhanced global antiaromaticity.
Oxygen Vacancy‐Induced Topological Hall Effect in a Nonmagnetic Band Insulator
Authors: Ojha Shashank Kumar , Gogoi Sanat Kumar , Patidar Manju Mishra , Patel Ranjan Kumar , Mandal Prithwijit , Kumar Siddharth , Venkatesh Radhakrishnan , Ganesan Vedachalaiyer , Jain Manish , Middey Srimanta
Published: May 2020

The discovery of skyrmions has recently sparked tremendous interest in topologically nontrivial spin textures. The signature of the noncoplanar nature of magnetic moments can be observed as topological Hall effect (THE) in electrical measurement. Realization of such nontrivial spin textures in new materials and through new routes is an ongoing endeavor due to their huge potential for future ultra‐dense, low‐power memory applications. In this work, oxygen vacancy (OV)‐induced THE and anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in a 5d0 system KTaO3 are reported. The observation of weak antilocalization behavior and THE in the same temperature range strongly implies the crucial role of spin–orbit coupling (SOC) behind the origin of THE. Ab initio calculations reveal the formation of the magnetic moment on Ta atoms around the OV and Rashba‐type spin texturing of conduction electrons. In the presence of Rashba SOC, the local moments around vacancy can form bound magnetic polarons (BMPs) with noncollinear spin texture, resulting in THE. Scaling analysis between transverse and longitudinal resistance establishes skew scattering‐driven AHE in the present case. This study opens a route to realize topological phenomena through defect engineering.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral γ‐ and δ‐Amino Esters Using Trichlorosilane Activated with a Lewis Base Catalyst
Authors: Hasdemir Belma , Yaşa Hasniye , Yıldız Tülay , Küçük Hatice Başpınar , Onar Hülya Çelik
Published: May 2020

Novel chiral γ‐ and δ‐ amino esters 2 a–k were synthesized by enantioselective reduction of N‐aryl γ‐ and δ‐imino esters with aryl, substituted aryl, and heteroaryl groups 1 a–k using trichlorosilane activated with optically active N‐pivaloyl L‐proline I in high yields (50%–98%) with enantioselectivities (10%–84% enantiomeric excess). The structures of the chiral amino esters 2 a–k were clarified by infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The enantiomeric excess of these compounds were identified by chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography using a Chiralpak AD−H column. The highest ee of 84% and highest yield of 98% were found for 2 d.
Defining the Need for Genetic Stock Assignment when Describing Stock Demographics and Dynamics: an Example using Lake Whitefish in Lake Michigan
Authors: Isermann Daniel A. , Belnap Matthew J. , Turnquist Keith N. , Sloss Brian L. , VanDeHey Justin A. , Hansen Scott P. , Caroffino David C.
Published: May 2020

Genetic stock assignment is not routinely used when describing the dynamics and demographics of individual stocks supporting mixed‐stock fisheries, and capture location and timing are often used as alternative assignment methods. However, variation in stock demographics and dynamics may not be accounted for if stock assignments based on capture location or timing do not accurately reflect genetic assignments. We used Lake Whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis in Lake Michigan as a model fishery to determine whether stock mixing could undermine efforts to describe stock status when using October capture location as a proxy for genetic stock assignment. Accuracy of stock assignments based on October capture location ranged from 54% to 100% among management zones. Metrics describing length and age distributions, weight at length, fecundity, and growth varied among genetic stocks. Stock‐specific metrics were typically similar between stock assignment methods (capture location versus genetics) because only one or two genetic stocks were collected in most locations and the majority of those fish were from spatially proximal stocks with similar metrics. However, more extensive mixing of Lake Whitefish stocks has been documented; thus, using capture location for stock assignment could result in incorrect conclusions regarding stock status and harvest management depending on stock composition. Ambiguity in genetic stock assignments was a problem in two management zones, where between 23% and 42% of Lake Whitefish did not assign to a specific stock with a probability of at least 0.70. In the future, using genomic techniques rather than microsatellites may provide different conclusions regarding genetic stock structure; these differences could affect the accuracy of using capture location for stock assignment. Use of capture location as a proxy for genetic stock assignment may not be warranted for all mixed‐stock fisheries but may be appropriate when stock mixing is limited or is restricted to stocks with consistently similar characteristics.
“Unflushables”: Establishing a global agenda for action on everyday practices associated with sewer blockages, water quality, and plastic pollution
Authors: Alda‐Vidal Cecilia , Browne Alison L. , Hoolohan Claire
Published: May 2020

The disposal of unflushable products via the toilet is an enduring problem and increasing contributor to environmental and infrastructural challenges such as fatbergs, water quality and plastic pollution. Rising scientific and public interest in “throw‐away” cultures, and renewed government pressure for water and sewerage companies to act as custodians of water resources, raises questions about how and why impactful disposal practices occur and what might be done to change them. To date there has been little systematic research on unflushable products, and little is known about the routines and practices through which unflushable products find their way into wastewater systems. This paper reviews social science research including historical, sociological, and anthropological studies of cleanliness and hygiene, as well as sociotechnical approaches to the study of household practices and infrastructures to understand the challenges of unflushables. Based on this research, the paper offers a new conceptualization of the unflushables challenge. We argue that unflushables are a distributed problem, one that is not the direct consequence of either individual behavior, product design or infrastructural decline, but the outcome of myriad social, cultural and material developments in society. These include diversity in “flushing” cultures, gendered expectations in cleanliness practices; the evolution of conventions around cleanliness and hygiene; infrastructural imaginaries and expectations; and political dimensions of infrastructural development and maintenance. We demonstrate how social science research is essential in defining a new global research agenda on unflushables that further aids the design of new intervention and policy pathways.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water

Science of Water > Water Quality
Interactions of Beams with Surroundings
Authors: Brugger M. , Burkhardt H. , Goddard B. , Cerutti F. , Alia R. G.
Published: May 2020

With the exceptions of Synchrotron Radiation sources, beams of accelerated particles are generally designed to interact either with one another (in the case of colliders) or with a specific target (for the operation of Fixed Target experiments, the production of secondary beams and for medical applications). However, in addition to the desired interactions there are unwanted interactions of the high energy particles which can produce undesirable side effects. These interactions can arise from the unavoidable presence of residual gas in the accelerator vacuum chamber, or from the impact of particles lost from the beam on aperture limits around the accelerator, as well as the final beam dump. The wanted collisions of the beams in a collider to produce potentially interesting High Energy Physics events also reduces the density of the circulating beam and can produce high fluxes of secondary particles.
Introduction
Authors: Weinar Agnieszka , Klekowski von Koppenfels Amanda
Published: May 2020

This Chapter is an introduction to the Reader. It sets out the main themes of the book and presents the logic of the Reader
New quantum toroidal algebras from 5D $$\mathcal{N}$$ = 1 instantons on orbifolds
Authors: Bourgine Jean-Emile , Jeong Saebyeok
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Quantum toroidal algebras are obtained from quantum affine algebras by a further affinization, and, like the latter, can be used to construct integrable systems. These algebras also describe the symmetries of instanton partition functions for 5D

$$\mathcal{N}$$

N

= 1 supersymmetric quiver gauge theories. We consider here the gauge theories defined on an orbifold S
1
× ℂ2/ℤ
p
where the action of ℤ
p
is determined by two integer parameters (ν
1
, ν
2). The corresponding quantum toroidal algebra is introduced as a deformation of the quantum toroidal algebra of

$$\mathfrak{gl}$$

gl

(p). We show that it has the structure of a Hopf algebra, and present two representations, called vertical and horizontal, obtained by deforming respectively the Fock representation and Saito’s vertex representations of the quantum toroidal algebra of

$$\mathfrak{gl}$$

gl

(p). We construct the vertex operator intertwining between these two types of representations. This object is identified with a (ν
1
, ν
2)-deformation of the refined topological vertex, allowing us to reconstruct the Nekrasov partition function and the qq-characters of the quiver gauge theories.
The planar limit of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 superconformal field theories
Authors: Fiol Bartomeu , Martínez-Montoya Jairo , Fukelman Alan Rios
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We obtain the perturbative expansion of the free energy on S
4 for four dimensional Lagrangian

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 superconformal field theories, to all orders in the ’t Hooft coupling, in the planar limit. We do so by using supersymmetric localization, after rewriting the 1-loop factor as an effective action involving an infinite number of single and double trace terms. The answer we obtain is purely combinatorial, and involves a sum over tree graphs. We also apply these methods to the perturbative expansion of the free energy at finite N , and to the computation of the vacuum expectation value of the 1/2 BPS circular Wilson loop, which in the planar limit involves a sum over rooted tree graphs.
Integrable boundary conditions in the antiferromagnetic Potts model
Authors: Robertson Niall F. , Pawelkiewicz Michal , Jacobsen Jesper Lykke , Saleur Hubert
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We present an exact mapping between the staggered six-vertex model and an integrable model constructed from the twisted affine

$$ {D}_2^2 $$

D
2
2

Lie algebra. Using the known relations between the staggered six-vertex model and the antiferromagnetic Potts model, this mapping allows us to study the latter model using tools from integrability. We show that there is a simple interpretation of one of the known K -matrices of the

$$ {D}_2^2 $$

D
2
2

model in terms of Temperley-Lieb algebra generators, and use this to present an integrable Hamiltonian that turns out to be in the same universality class as the antiferromagnetic Potts model with free boundary conditions. The intriguing degeneracies in the spectrum observed in related works ([12, 13]) are discussed.
A cold forging process for producing thin-walled hollow balls from tube using a plastic insert
Authors: Samołyk Grzegorz , Winiarski Grzegorz , Gontarz Andrzej
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates a cold forging process for producing hollow balls made of an aluminium alloy. The forging with an outside diameter of 30 mm is formed from a tube section with a 2-mm wall thickness. Preliminary tests have shown that in traditional die forging, the use of a billet with such a small relative thickness not only limits the range of applicable geometric parameters but also causes buckling. The authors propose to solve this problem by using an additional tool that has an active effect on the inner surface of the workpiece, and thus makes it possible to control the forging process conditions. The tool is a plastic insert, i.e., an additional flexible core made of a low-melting alloy. Theoretical and experimental results presented in this paper provide a considerable insight into the cold forging process for thin-walled hollow balls. The effects of the plastic insert geometry and dimensions on the forging process are also examined. A solution is proposed to ensure that the forged part meets all requirements.
Impact of Gut Bacteria on the Infection and Transmission of Pathogenic Arboviruses by Biting Midges and Mosquitoes
Authors: Möhlmann Tim W. R. , Vogels Chantal B. F. , Göertz Giel P. , Pijlman Gorben P. , ter Braak Cajo J. F. , te Beest Dennis E. , Hendriks Marc , Nijhuis Els H. , Warris Sven , Drolet Barbara S. , van Overbeek Leo , Koenraadt Constantianus J. M.
Published: May 2020

Tripartite interactions among insect vectors, midgut bacteria, and viruses may determine the ability of insects to transmit pathogenic arboviruses. Here, we investigated the impact of gut bacteria on the susceptibility of Culicoides nubeculosus and Culicoides sonorensis biting midges for Schmallenberg virus, and of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes for Zika and chikungunya viruses. Gut bacteria were manipulated by treating the adult insects with antibiotics. The gut bacterial communities were investigated using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA, and susceptibility to arbovirus infection was tested by feeding insects with an infectious blood meal. Antibiotic treatment led to changes in gut bacteria for all insects. Interestingly, the gut bacterial composition of untreated Ae. aegypti and C. nubeculosus showed Asaia as the dominant genus, which was drastically reduced after antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, antibiotic treatment resulted in relatively more Delftia bacteria in both biting midge species, but not in mosquitoes. Antibiotic treatment and subsequent changes in gut bacterial communities were associated with a significant, 1.8-fold increased infection rate of C. nubeculosus with Schmallenberg virus, but not for C. sonorensis. We did not find any changes in infection rates for Ae. aegypti mosquitoes with Zika or chikungunya virus. We conclude that resident gut bacteria may dampen arbovirus transmission in biting midges, but not so in mosquitoes. Use of antimicrobial compounds at livestock farms might therefore have an unexpected contradictory effect on the health of animals, by increasing the transmission of viral pathogens by biting midges.
Thyroid surgery in children and young adults: potential overtreatment and complications
Authors: Staubitz Julia I. , Bode Julia , Poplawski Alicia , Watzka Felix , Pohlenz Joachim , Lang Hauke , Musholt Thomas J.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Thyroid nodules in the pediatric population are more frequently associated with malignant thyroid disease than in adult cohorts. Yet, there is a potential risk of surgical overtreatment. With this single center study, an analysis of potential overtreatment for suspected malignant thyroid disease in children and young adults was aimed for.

Methods

In a period from 2005 to 2018, 155 thyroid operations in children and young adults performed at the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany, were analyzed (patient age 3–20 years, 117 female). Cases were categorized for preoperative diagnosis: non-malignant (group I, n = 45) and malignant thyroid disease (group II, n = 110). Postoperative parameters (histology, complication rates) were assessed and compared between groups.

Results

91.1% of group I were histologically benign. 44.5% of group II harbored malignancy. Permanent hypoparathyroidism was documented in group I (2.7%) and in group II (1.4%, p = 1.000). Wound infections were absent in group I but observed in group II (0.9%, p = 1.000). Transient vocal cord palsy was recorded only in group I (2.3%, 2/85 vs. 0/177 nerves at risk, p = 0.104). Permanent vocal cord palsies were absent.

Conclusion

Preoperative diagnoses were correct in over 90% of group I and in nearly 45% of group II. The high proportion of carcinomas in group II ruled out the issue of potential overtreatment. The risk of severe postoperative complications was equally low in both patient groups.