bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasensitive and Broadband All‐Optically Controlled THz Modulator Based on MoTe2/Si van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Qiao Jie , Wang Shanpeng , Wang Ziming , He Chuan , Zhao Shuqi , Xiong Xixi , Wang Shilei , Zhang Xixia , Tao Xutang
Published: May 2020

Despite the impressive progresses in terahertz (THz) sources and detection, there is still a big challenge for high performance active optoelectronic THz devices such as THz modulators. All‐optically controlled THz modulators with large modulation depth (MD) and wide modulation bandwidth are of great importance for the THz technology. Herein, a MoTe2/Si van der Waals (vdWs) heterostructure is rationally designed as all‐optical THz modulator by taking advantage of their similar band alignment and easy integration with Si complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS). The MoTe2/Si modulator presents an ultrasensitive THz modulation performance with a MD of 99.9% under a low illumination power of 300 mW at 1064 nm. This is a record MD for TMDCs‐based all‐optically controlled THz modulators to date. Moreover, the MoTe2/Si modulator exhibits broadband modulation performance with a wide frequency range from 0.3 to 2.0 THz. The high modulation performance under low illumination power is beneficial for practical application with low energy consumption and easy heat dissipation, which is advantageous to modulator chip. This work validates a facile protocol for fabricating high performance THz modulators and paves the way for their practical applications in THz technology.
Investigating the Tetragonal‐to‐Orthorhombic Phase Transition of Methylammonium Lead Iodide Single Crystals by Detailed Photoluminescence Analysis
Authors: Schötz Konstantin , Askar Abdelrahman M. , Köhler Anna , Shankar Karthik , Panzer Fabian
Published: May 2020

Here, the phase‐transition from tetragonal to orthorhombic crystal structure of the halide perovskite methylammonium lead iodide single crystal is investigated. Temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL) measurements in the temperature range between 165 and 100 K show complex PL spectra where in total five different PL peaks can be identified. All observed PL features can be assigned to different optical effects from the two crystal phases using detailed PL analyses. This allows to quantify the fraction of tetragonal phase that still occurs below the phase transition temperature. It is found that at 150 K, 0.015% tetragonal phase remain, and PL signatures are observed from quantum confined tetragonal domains, suggesting their size to be about 7–15 nm down to 120 K. The tetragonal inclusions also exhibit an increased Urbach Energy, implying a high degree of structural disorder. The results first illustrate how a careful analysis of the PL can serve to deduce structural information, and second, how structural deviations in halide perovskites have a significant impact on the optoelectronic properties of this promising class of semiconductors.
Spring triticale forage responses to seeding rate and nitrogen application
Authors: Obour Augustine K. , Holman Johnathon D. , Schlegel Alan J.
Published: May 2020

Growing spring forages could reduce soil erosion and increase cropping system profitability compared with summer fallow in a wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)–sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL. Moench ssp.Bicolor)–fallow system. Field experiments were conducted over four site‐years to evaluate seeding rate and nitrogen (N) application effects on spring triticale forage production. Seeding rates (60, 80, and 100 kg ha−1) were assigned to main plot treatments, and N rates (0, 11, 34, 56, and 78 kg N ha−1) were the subplots. Seeding rate had no effect on forage dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), or mineral nutrients. However, increasing seeding rate increased lignin, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations while decreasing in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and total digestible nutrients. Applying N increased forage DM, with optimum yield occurring at 56 kg N ha−1. The application of N fertilizer decreased ADF and NDF concentrations but increased CP, IVDMD, and total digestible nutrients. Similarly, tissue calcium, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations increased with N fertilizer application. Based on our findings, 56 kg N ha−1was adequate for spring triticale and seeding triticale forage at a lower rate of 60 kg ha−1had no detrimental effect on forage yield when harvested as hay.
Influence of temperature dependent viscosity and internal heating on the onset of convection in porous enclosures saturated with viscoelastic fluid
Authors: Yadav Dhananjay , Maqhusi Manal
Published: May 2020

The combined influence of temperature dependent viscosity and internal heat source on the onset of convection in porous enclosures saturated by a viscoelastic fluid is studied using linear and weak nonlinear stability theories. The enclosures are taken to be rectangular, square, and slender. For the viscoelastic fluid, the Oldroyd‐B type model is used, whereas the Darcy's model is taken for porous medium. The linear theory based on normal mode technique is used to find the criteria for the onset of marginal and oscillatory convections, and weakly nonlinear analysis based on minimal representation of truncated Fourier series is considered to discuss the convective heat transport in the system. It is observed that the beginning of convection will be oscillatory only if the strain retardation parameter is not greater than the stress relaxation parameter. The influence of raising the viscosity variation parameter, the internal heating parameter, and the stress relaxation parameter is to fast the onset of convection and also boost the heat transmission through the porous enclosures, but an opposite tendency is identified by raising the strain retardation parameter and the heat capacity ratio. The heat transmission decreases with the aspect ratio for rectangular enclosure, whereas this outcome is revered for the slender enclosure.
Not only the ‘Gold Train' – the ‘Underground Town' of Riese (Poland) – the ambiguity of interpretation ERT and GPR methods
Authors: Pasierb Bernadetta , Nawrocki Wiesław
Published: May 2020

This article presents the results of a geophysical survey conducted in the Sowie Mountains within the Walim commune (Poland) in order to verify the discovery of the ‘Underground Town' of Riese. Project Riese was the biggest mining and construction project of Nazi Germany. The facility was designed as a convenient and secure location for a headquarters, an armaments factory, and warehouses for goods stolen during World War II. The discovery was made in 2015 with the application of the mysterious KS‐700 apparatus, the same as was used to ‘discover' the ‘Gold Train', which is ground penetrating radar (GPR) according to the manufacturer. It was one of the reasons why the verification surveys of the underground sites and the KS‐700 apparatus made use of the GPR method. The depth range of the GPR method was limited to 5 m due to the strong attenuation of electromagnetic waves. It was thus concluded that the underground structures detected by the ‘discoverers' were probably a result of apparatus errors, in which near‐surface reflections are received repeatedly and recorded as returning from a depth far greater than the actual object.

Therefore, the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method proved to be conclusive. The three obtained characteristics and extremely high‐resistivity anomalies indicated the existence of underground tunnels. A thorough analysis of the results and acquired data, as well as of the literature, has proven that it is impossible to interpret them unambiguously as data from the subsurface but as a result of the influence of the surrounding objects. At other sites where the KS‐700 apparatus recorded numerous ‘underground cavities', the ERT cross‐sections did not yield a correlated image. Additionally, neither the analysis of the local geological structure with regard to the existence of an underground town nor the drilled boreholes confirmed the ‘discoverer's' results.
Uncrossable and undilatable lesions—A practical approach to optimizing outcomes in PCI
Authors: McQuillan Conor , Jackson Matthew W. P. , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Egred Mohaned
Published: May 2020

Uncrossable lesions are those that cannot be crossed with a balloon after successful guidewire crossing. These lesions are challenging and are commonly encountered in tortuous and calcified arteries as well as chronic total occlusions. They are the second most common barrier to successful PCI in CTO intervention after inability to cross the CTO segment with a guidewire. Procedures involving balloon uncrossable lesions during routine and CTO PCI utilise longer procedural times, radiation dose and contrast volumes with a lower likelihood of procedural success. In this article, we describe a pragmatic approach of managing balloon uncrossable lesions utilising the most contemporary equipment available in an algorithmic fashion beginning with simple, cost effective techniques right up to complex strategies for advanced operators. In addition, some of these lesions, even when crossed by any technique, they may remain difficult to dilate and prepare for stent insertion. We describe an approach of how to manage these undilatable lesions.
Recurrent spontaneous clearance of psoriasis during exacerbations of concomitant chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Magen Eli , Chikovani Tinatin
Published: May 2020

In this case report, we describe a patient with a chronological relationship between exacerbations of chronic spontaneous urticaria and remissions of concomitant generalized plaque psoriasis.
Isolation and Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles from Cell Culture Conditioned Medium for Immunological Studies
Authors: Swatler Julian , Dudka Wioleta , Piwocka Katarzyna
Published: May 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, membranous particles that have recently emerged as one the most important mediators of intercellular communication. They can contain a variety of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids and thus are responsible for modulation of multiple biological processes, including immune response and regulation of immune cells. Immunomodulatory activity of different EVs can be reliably assessed using EVs isolated from cell culture conditioned medium and added to in vitro or ex vivo cultures of immune cells. This article describes protocols for isolation of EVs from cell culture supernatants by differential ultracentrifugation and density gradient centrifugation. It also provides tools and protocols that enable characterization and validation of isolated particles, as well as analysis of interactions between EVs of interest and different subpopulations of human immune cells. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of extracellular vesicles by differential ultracentrifugation

Basic Protocol 2: Isolation of extracellular vesicles by density gradient centrifugation

Support Protocol 1: Imaging of extracellular vesicles using transmission electron microscopy

Support Protocol 2: Detection of extracellular vesicle protein markers by Western blotting

Support Protocol 3: Measurement and counting of extracellular vesicles by nanoparticle tracking analysis

Basic Protocol 3: Analysis of extracellular vesicle uptake or association by different subpopulations of lymphocytes in vitro
DNA content and ploidy estimation of Festuca ovina accessions by flow cytometry
Authors: Qiu Yinjie , Hamernick Sierra , Ortiz Joan Barreto , Watkins Eric
Published: May 2020

Festuca ovina L. is a fine fescue that is used as a low‐input turfgrass. The ploidy levels of F. ovina accessions held by the USDA National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) are unknown, limiting the use of the germplasm in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to determine DNA content and estimate ploidy of these accessions. Among 127 accessions, we identified a wide range of ploidy levels from diploid to octoploid. We also found the accessions with higher ploidy levels usually had larger seed size. These results will be informative to plant breeders and researchers using germplasm from the F. ovina collection and point to challenges in maintaining polyploid, outcrossing germplasm seed stocks in common nurseries.
Corporate social responsibility and brand passion among consumers: Theory and evidence
Authors: Gilal Faheem Gul , Channa Nisar Ahmed , Gilal Naeem Gul , Gilal Rukhsana Gul , Gong Zhenxing , Zhang Na
Published: May 2020

Adopting a social identity theory perspective, this research aims to examine the impact of customers' perceptions associated with corporate social responsibility (CSR) on brand attachment and brand trust and, consequently, consumer brand passion. Additionally, it delves into the mediating roles of brand attachment and brand trust. To this end, a survey entailing a sample of N = 266 young consumers living in Pakistan was used, and exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and mediation analysis techniques were employed as methods to assess the hypothesized relationships among variables using both AMOS 24.0 and SPSS 24.0. Our findings delineate that customers' perception of a firm's CSR activities significantly increases brand attachment and brand trust; brand attachment and brand trust, and consumer perception of CSR, affect consumer brand passion, and brand attachment and brand trust play a fully mediating role in these relationships. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Comparative effectiveness of dapagliflozin vs DPP‐4 inhibitors on a composite endpoint of HbA1c, body weight and blood pressure reduction in the real world
Authors: Morieri Mario Luca , Consoli Agostino , Sesti Giorgio , Purrello Francesco , Avogaro Angelo , Fadini Gian Paolo ,   for the DARWIN‐FUP network
Published: May 2020

Background

Treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) should aim at preventing or delaying complications through the control of glycaemia and cardiovascular risk factors. We herein compared the SGLT‐2 inhibitor dapagliflozin vs DPP‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i) on a composite endpoint of glycaemic and extraglycaemic effectiveness.

Methods

This was a multicentre, retrospective real‐world study conducted at 56 outpatient clinics in Italy. We collected data on patients newly started on dapagliflozin or DPP‐4i in 2015‐2017. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients attaining a simultaneous reduction of HbA1c ≥0.5%, body weight ≥2 kg, systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥2 mmHg. Confounding by indication was addressed by propensity score matching (PSM) or multivariable adjustment (MVA).

Results

Patients initiating dapagliflozin (n = 2091) or DPP‐4i (n = 2144) differed for most clinical characteristics. After PSM, two well‐balanced groups of 1149 patients each were compared. The primary endpoint was reached in a greater proportion of patients who received dapagliflozin (17.6%) compared to DPP‐4i (11.7%), with a relative risk of 1.50 (1.21‐1.86; P < .001). Similar results were obtained in the as‐treated and intention‐to‐treat datasets or using MVA in place of PSM. The beneficial effect of dapagliflozin was mainly due to its greater effectiveness on body weight and, to a lesser extent, on SBP. The change in HbA1c did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

T2D patients initiating the SGLT2i dapagliflozin had a greater probability of attaining a composite endpoint of clinically relevant reductions in HbA1c, body weight and SBP, compared to similar patients initiating a DPP‐4i in the same period and healthcare setting.
Denning in brown bears
Authors: González‐Bernardo Enrique , Russo Luca Francesco , Valderrábano Esther , Fernández Ángel , Penteriani Vincenzo
Published: May 2020

Hibernation represents an adaptation for coping with unfavorable environmental conditions. For brown bears Ursus arctos, hibernation is a critical period as pronounced temporal reductions in several physiological functions occur.

Here, we review the three main aspects of brown bear denning: (1) den chronology, (2) den characteristics, and (3) hibernation physiology in order to identify (a) proximate and ultimate factors of hibernation as well as (b) research gaps and conservation priorities.

Den chronology, which varies by sex and reproductive status, depends on environmental factors, such as snow, temperature, food availability, and den altitude. Significant variation in hibernation across latitudes occurs for both den entry and exit.

The choice of a den and its surroundings may affect individual fitness, for example, loss of offspring and excessive energy consumption. Den selection is the result of broad‐ and fine‐scale habitat selection, mainly linked to den insulation, remoteness, and availability of food in the surroundings of the den location.

Hibernation is a metabolic challenge for the brown bears, in which a series of physiological adaptations in tissues and organs enable survival under nutritional deprivation, maintain high levels of lipids, preserve muscle, and bone and prevent cardiovascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis.

It is important to understand: (a) proximate and ultimate factors in denning behavior and the difference between actual drivers of hibernation (i.e., factors to which bears directly respond) and their correlates; (b) how changes in climatic factors might affect the ability of bears to face global climate change and the human‐mediated changes in food availability; (c) hyperphagia (period in which brown bears accumulate fat reserves), predenning and denning periods, including for those populations in which bears do not hibernate every year; and (d) how to approach the study of bear denning merging insights from different perspectives, that is, physiology, ecology, and behavior.
Gut microbiomes of sympatric Amazonian wood‐eating catfishes (Loricariidae) reflect host identity and little role in wood digestion
Authors: McCauley Mark , German Donovan P. , Lujan Nathan K. , Jackson Colin R.
Published: May 2020

Neotropical wood‐eating catfishes (family Loricariidae) can occur in diverse assemblages with multiple genera and species feeding on the same woody detritus. As such, they present an intriguing system in which to examine the influence of host species identity on the vertebrate gut microbiome as well as to determine the potential role of gut bacteria in wood digestion. We characterized the gut microbiome of two co‐occurring catfish genera and four species:Panaqolus albomaculatus,Panaqolus gnomus,Panaqolus nocturnus,andPanaque bathyphilus, as well as that of submerged wood on which they feed. The gut bacterial community did not significantly vary across three gut regions (proximal, mid, distal) for any catfish species, although interspecific variation in the gut microbiome was significant, with magnitude of interspecific difference generally reflecting host phylogenetic proximity. Further, the gut microbiome of each species was significantly different to that present on the submerged wood. Inferring the genomic potential of the gut microbiome revealed that the majority of wood digesting pathways were at best equivalent to and more often depleted or nonexistent within the catfish gut compared to the submerged wood, suggesting a minimal role for the gut microbiome in wood digestion. Rather, these fishes are more likely reliant on fiber degradation performed by microbes in the environment, with their gut microbiome determined more by host identity and phylogenetic history.
Warming acts through earlier snowmelt to advance but not extend alpine community flowering
Authors: Jabis Meredith D. , Winkler Daniel E. , Kueppers Lara M.
Published: May 2020

Large‐scale warming will alter multiple local climate factors in alpine tundra, yet very few experimental studies examine the combined yet distinct influences of earlier snowmelt, higher temperatures and altered soil moisture on alpine ecosystems. This limits our ability to predict responses to climate change by plant species and communities. To address this gap, we used infrared heaters and manual watering in a fully factorial experiment to determine the relative importance of these climate factors on plant flowering phenology, and response differences among plant functional groups. Heating advanced snowmelt and flower initiation, but exposed plants to colder early‐spring conditions in the period prior to first flower, indicating that snowmelt timing, not temperature, advances flowering initiation in the alpine community. Flowering duration was largely conserved; heating did not extend average species flowering into the latter part of the growing season but instead flowering was completed earlier in heated plots. Although passive warming experiments have resulted in warming‐induced soil drying suggested to advance flower senescence, supplemental water did not counteract the average species advance in flowering senescence caused by heating or extend flowering in unheated plots, and variation in soil moisture had inconsistent effects on flowering periods. Functional groups differed in sensitivity to earlier snowmelt, with flower initiation most advanced for early‐season species and flowering duration lengthened only for graminoids and forbs. We conclude that earlier snowmelt, driven by increased radiative heating, is the most important factor altering alpine flowering phenology. Studies that only manipulate summer temperature will err in estimating the sensitivity of alpine flowering phenology to large‐scale warming. The wholesale advance in flowering phenology with earlier snowmelt suggests that alpine communities will track warming, but only alpine forbs and graminoids appear able to take advantage of an extended snow‐free season.
Spironolactone dose in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: findings from TOPCAT
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Rossello Xavier , Pocock Stuart J. , Rossignol Patrick , Claggett Brian L. , Rouleau Jean‐Lucien , Solomon Scott D. , Pitt Bertram , Pfeffer Marc A. , Zannad Faiez
Published: May 2020

Aims

Spironolactone up‐titration may be limited by side effects that could be minimized at lower than target doses, but whether lower than target doses remain efficacious is unknown. In TOPCAT, spironolactone (or placebo) were started at 15 mg/day, and increased up to a maximum of 45 mg/day. The prognostic implications related to spironolactone dose are yet to be reported. We aimed to assess the average spironolactone/placebo doses provided during the trial, overall and within high‐risk subgroups (e.g. elderly, renal dysfunction, high potassium); discontinuation rates; and the efficacy of lower than target doses in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods and results

Overall, 1767 patients from ‘TOPCAT‐Americas’ were included. Linear, logistic and Cox regressions were applied. Patients randomized to spironolactone received lower doses than placebo: 22.5 (15.0–27.5) mg/day vs. 27.5 (17.5–27.5) mg/day (P < 0.001). Patients aged ≥75 years, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and with potassium levels >4.5 mmol/L, received lower spironolactone doses (median ≈ 20 mg/day). This pattern of dose differences was not observed in patients taking placebo, where the between‐subgroup placebo doses were similar (spironolactone–placebo by subgroup Pinteraction < 0.05). Among patients taking spironolactone, 25.4% discontinued the drug during the first year, compared with 18.3% of the patients taking placebo (P < 0.001). Discontinuation rates in the aforementioned high‐risk subgroups reached 30% during the first year. Spironolactone reduced the primary outcome of heart failure hospitalization/cardiovascular death without significant heterogeneity between the study subgroups (Pinteraction > 0.1). Spironolactone discontinuation was associated with a two to fourfold higher risk of subsequent events.

Conclusion

Spironolactone (but not placebo) was used at lower doses among the elderly, those with renal dysfunction and with higher potassium levels. The effect of spironolactone was homogeneous across these subgroups. In patients unable to tolerate target doses, a low‐dose strategy should be preferred to stopping treatment.
Power, identity, and belonging: A mixed‐methods study of the processes shaping perceptions of EU integration in a prospective member state
Authors: Obradović Sandra , Sheehy‐Skeffington Jennifer
Published: May 2020

What is at stake, psychologically, when a nation considers joining a supranational body such as the European Union? This article addresses this question from the perspective of power, identity, and belonging vis‐à‐vis superordinate groups. Taking a mixed‐methods approach, using focus group (N = 67) and survey (N = 1,192) data, we explore the psychosocial dynamics that shape perceptions of European Union (EU) integration in a prospective member state, Serbia. Findings from the qualitative study highlighted the role of power imbalances in triggering concerns of compatibility in the present, and in shaping the expected consequences for national identity continuity in an EU future. The survey functioned to explore these relationships further, enabling the testing of two moderated mediation models. The first showed that perceptions of national powerlessness predicted lower perceptions that Serbia was representative of Europe, and this was associated with weaker identification as European. In the second model, perceptions of the EU as a hierarchy‐enhancing union predicted heightened fears of Serbian identity discontinuity in an EU future, which in turn had downstream consequences for support for working toward EU accession. Both indirect pathways were stronger among high national identifiers, yielding insight into when national and supranational identification can work in harmony. This mixed‐methods study sheds light on the importance of social psychological processes concerning hierarchy and groups in understanding citizens’ attitudes toward prospective large‐scale political change.
Evaluation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Response in LMH 3D Spheroids
Authors: Sharin Tasnia , Crump Doug , O'Brien Jason M.
Published: May 2020

In the present study, we investigated whether the immortalized chicken hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, leghorn male hepatoma (LMH), had a comparable aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) response to primary chicken embryonic hepatocytes (CEHs) when used in a well-established assay for chemical screening and prioritization. The LMH cells were grown as 2-dimensional (2D) confluent cells and 3D spheroids to determine the optimal cell culture states for chemical screening. Cytochrome P450 1A4 and 1A5 (CYP1A) activity and gene expression were compared between CEHs and LMH cells grown in 2 culture states following exposure to the dioxin-like compound 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB-126). The CYP1A activity was measured using the ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) assay, and changes in mRNA expression associated with the AhR pathway were determined using a custom-designed polymerase chain reaction array. Among LMH cell culture states (i.e., 2D vs 3D), EROD induction was observed only in 3D LMH spheroids. Similarly, 3D spheroids had the greatest number of changes in AhR-related genes compared with confluent cells. Overall, these results suggest that LMH cells grown as 3D spheroids have a metabolic and gene expression profile that is comparable to that of CEH, and may represent a suitable animal-free alternative for in vitro screening of chemicals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1693–1701. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

Comparison of cell viability, cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A metabolic activity, CYP1A4 and 1A5 messenger (m)RNA expression, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mediated gene expression between leghorn male hepatoma cells grown as 2D and 3D cells following exposure to 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB-126). EROD = ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase.
Influence of supercritical fluid extraction parameters in preparation of black chokeberry extracts on total phenolic content and cellular viability
Authors: Wenzel Jonathan , Wang Lihua , Horcasitas Sebastian , Warburton Alyssa , Constine Scott , Kjellson Anna , Cussans Kirsten , Ammerman Michelle , Samaniego Cheryl S.
Published: May 2020

Black chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa), deciduous shrubs of the Rosaceae family, are native to northeastern North America. Chokeberry fruits are cultivated to make jellies, juices, and wines. Black chokeberry pulp is rich in phenolics and other antioxidants and exhibits potential for health and food packaging benefits. Chokeberries’ in vitro antioxidant activity is among the highest values of all berries, though chokeberry extraction techniques frequently employ environmentally unfavorable solvents or are time‐inefficient. Batch extraction of antioxidants from chokeberry pomace using supercritical carbon dioxide with an ethanol modifier was used to examine the effects of plant loading, pressure, temperature, and percent ethanol by weight. Effects on total phenolic content (TPC) and the optimal conditions for extractions within these ranges are reported. Multivariate analyses reveal the following relationships of extraction conditions upon TPC: Temperature is directly proportional, percent ethanol by weight is inversely proportional, and chokeberry loads can be increased to enhance antioxidant activity, though not through a linear relationship. In studies involving 0.5 g plant load, the conditions 24.9MPa, 68°C, 90wt‐% CO2, and 10wt‐% ethanol generated the highest TPC value, 3.42 ± 0.20 mg gallic acid equivalents/gram chokeberry. Chokeberry extracts displayed antiproliferative effects on the SKBr3 breast cancer line and the 52KO MEF line, although TPC was not predictive of cellular responses. HPLC‐MS data suggest cyanidin hexose and cyanidin pentose compounds as well as quercetin deoxyhexose–hexose as components of the more favorable extraction product that reflected a significant decrease in viability for the extract in comparison with ethanol control in the SKBr3 breast cancer line.
Effect of the nanoencapsulated sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) extract with carboxymethylcellulose on quality and shelf life of chicken nugget
Authors: Bahrami Feridoni Sahba , Khademi Shurmasti Dariush
Published: May 2020

In this study, the antioxidant properties of sour tea extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) were investigated in both free and nanoencapsulated forms to increase the quality and shelf life of chicken nugget during a 9‐day refrigerated storage period. For this purpose, the extract was prepared using ultrasound and quantities of phenolic and anthocyanin compounds, and antioxidant properties (DPPH free radical scavenging, FRAP) of extract was examined. The results showed that the value of phenolic compounds and anthocyanin compounds were 626.57 mg/g gallic acid and 379.11 µg/ml, respectively, and the extract had high antioxidant activity. Maltodextrin‐whey protein concentrate was used for nanoencapsulation of the extract. Then, to investigate the effect of sour tea extract (free and nanoencapsulated forms) with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) on quality and shelf life of chicken nugget, five treatments, including T1: control, T2: CMC, T3: CMC +1,000 ppm extract, T4: CMC +1,000 ppm nano extract; and T5: CMC +TBHQ, were prepared. First, physicochemical properties of nugget were measured. The results showed that CMC and sour tea extract reduced oil uptake, moisture content, frying percentage, frying efficiency, and soft texture of fried chicken nugget, and overall the best results were observed in CMC treatment with both extract and nano‐extract (p < .05). Then, peroxide value (PV), total volatile nitrogen base (TVB‐N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), and sensory indexes were evaluated in treatments stored at refrigerator for 9 days. The results showed that sour tea extract has antioxidant properties and coating of extract increased its antioxidant properties as nugget containing 1,000 ppm the nanoencapsulated sour tea extract with CMC delayed oxidative spoilage and organoleptic changes of chicken nugget (p < .05). Therefore, it seems that the nanoencapsulated sour tea extract with CMC can be used as a natural preservative in meat and meat products.
HBV‐RNA Co‐amplification May Influence HBV DNA Viral Load Determination
Authors: Maasoumy Benjamin , Geretti Anna Maria , Frontzek André , Austin Harrison , Aretzweiler Gudrun , Garcia‐Álvarez Monica , Leuchter Susanne , Simon Christian O. , Marins Ed G. , Canchola Jesse A. , Cornberg Markus , Delgado Rafael , Wedemeyer Heiner
Published: May 2020

Despite effective hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA suppression, HBV RNA can circulate in patients receiving nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NAs). Current assays quantify HBV DNA by either real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which uses DNA polymerase, or transcription‐mediated amplification, which uses reverse‐transcriptase (RT) and RNA polymerase. We assessed the effect of RT capability on HBV‐DNA quantification in samples from three cohorts, including patients with quantified HBV RNA. We compared the HBV‐DNA levels by real‐time PCR (cobas HBV, Roche 6800/8800; Xpert HBV, Cepheid), transcription‐mediated amplification (Aptima HBV, Hologic), and real‐time PCR with added RT capability (cobas HBV+RT). In the first cohort (n = 45) followed over 192 weeks of NA therapy, on‐treatment HBV‐DNA levels were higher with cobas HBV+RT than cobas HBV (mean difference: 0.14 log10 IU/mL). In a second cohort (n = 50) followed over 96 weeks of NA therapy, HBV‐DNA viral load was significantly higher with the cobas HBV+RT and Aptima HBV compared with the cobas HBV test at all time points after initiation of NA therapy (mean difference: 0.65‐1.16 log10 IU/mL). A clinically significant difference was not detected between the assays at baseline. In a third cohort (n = 53), after a median of 2.2 years of NA therapy, we detected HBV RNA (median 5.6 log10 copies/mL) in 23 patients (43.4%). Median HBV‐DNA levels by Aptima HBV were 2.4 versus less than 1 log10 IU/mL in samples with HBV RNA and without HBV RNA, respectively (P = 0.0006). In treated patients with HBV RNA, Aptima HBV measured higher HBV‐DNA levels than Xpert HBV and cobas HBV. Conclusion: Tests including an RT step may overestimate HBV DNA, particularly in samples with low viral loads as a result of NA therapy. This overestimation is likely due to amplification of HBV RNA and may have an impact on clinical decisions.
The effect of mixed nanoadditive‐blended diesel–water emulsion on the performance, combustion, and emission characteristics of a DI diesel engine
Authors: Rajammagari Hussain Vali , Mohmad Marouf Wani
Published: May 2020

The present paper examines the impact of mixed nanoadditive (Al2O3 and ZnO) incorporated diesel–water emulsion on the combustion, performance, and emission of a single‐cylinder diesel engine under varying load conditions. The test fuels consist of constant fuel ratio of 88% diesel, 10% water, and 2% surfactant. Also, different concentrations of mixed nanoadditives—50 ppm, 100 ppm, and 150 ppm—are added to the test fuel. The ultrasonicator bath is employed for agitation or stirring of test fuels. The test results indicate that the mixed nanoadditives in diesel–water emulsion improve combustion characteristics, brake thermal efficiency, and brake‐specific fuel consumption, whereas the maximum improvement is achieved at full load. It is also determined from the test results that the nanoadditive‐blended test fuel showed a noticeable decrement in CO, NOx, and hydrocarbon emissions as compared with neat diesel. The optimum results are obtained for D88S2W10ZA150 blend. Owing to the higher surface‐to‐volume ratio, enhanced atomization rate, high catalytic behavior, and shortened ignition delay are possible reasons to improve diesel engine working characteristics.
Double diffusive LTNE porous convection with Cattaneo effects in the solid
Authors: Hema Muniyappa , Shivakumara Inapura Siddagangaiah , Ravisha Mallappa
Published: May 2020

The impact of Cattaneo heat flux law in the solid on the onset of double‐diffusive Darcy porous convection with local thermal nonequilibrium temperatures is investigated. The Fourier law of heat transfer is invoked for the fluid, whereas the Cattaneo heat flux law used to transfer heat in solid skeleton alters the temperature equation from parabolic to hyperbolic. The results are obtained for porous skeletons of aluminum and copper oxides. Both Cattaneo and solute concentration effects reinforce in controlling the onset of oscillatory convection and some novel consequences are observed. Compared with the results perceived in the absence of solute concentration, a manifestation of oscillatory convection with scaled‐interphase heat transfer coefficient as well as solid thermal relaxation time parameter initiates earlier in its presence. The effect of increasing interphase heat transfer coefficient and the Lewis number is to delay and hasten the onset of stationary and oscillatory convection. Besides, the increase in the value of solid thermal relaxation time parameter advances the oscillatory onset. Although the increase in the solute Darcy–Rayleigh number is to delay the stationary onset, it shows a twofold behavior on the onset of oscillatory convection. Before the onset of oscillatory convection, the size of the convection cell gets narrower and after which it becomes much wider. The existing results are retrieved as limiting cases from the current study.
Nox4 Expression Is Not Required for OVX‐Induced Osteoblast Senescence and Bone Loss in Mice
Authors: Chen Jin‐Ran , Lazarenko Oxana P , Zhao Haijun , Wankhade Umesh D , Pedersen Kim , Watt James , Ronis Martin J J
Published: May 2020

Estrogen deficiency and aging play critical roles in the pathophysiology of bone as a result of increased oxidative stress. It has been suggested that prevention of NADPH oxidase‐ (Nox‐) dependent accumulation of ROS may be an approach to potentially minimize bone loss caused by these conditions. Using ovariectomized (OVX) and Nox4 gene‐deletion mouse models, we investigated the role of Nox4 in OVX‐induced bone loss and osteoblast senescence signaling. Six‐month‐old WT C57Bl6 mice were allocated to a sham control group, OVX, and OVX plus E2 treatment group for 8 weeks. Decreased bone mass including BMD and BMC were found in the OVX group compared with the sham control (p < 0.05); E2 treatment completely reversed OVX‐induced bone loss. Interestingly, the prevention of OVX‐induced bone loss by E2 was associated with the elimination of increased senescence signaling in bone osteoblastic cells from the OVX group. E2 blunted OVX‐induced p53 and p21 overexpression, but not p16 and Nox4 in bone. In addition, 8‐ and 11‐month‐old Nox4 KO female mice were OVX for 8 weeks. Significant bone loss and increased bone osteoblastic cell senescence signaling occurred not only in Nox4 KO OVX mice compared with sham‐operated animals, but also in 11‐month‐old Nox4 KO sham mice compared with 8‐month‐old Nox4 KO sham mice (p < 0.05). These data suggest that Nox4‐mediated ROS in bone osteoblastic cells may be dispensable for sex steroid deficiency‐induced bone loss and senescence. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Amino Acid Sensor Eif2ak4/GCN2 Is Required for Proliferation of Osteoblast Progenitors in Mice
Authors: Hu Guoli , Yu Yilin , Tang Yuning J , Wu Colleen , Long Fanxin , Karner Courtney M
Published: May 2020

Skeletal stem/progenitor cells (SSPC) are critical regulators of bone homeostasis by providing a continuous supply of osteoblasts throughout life. In response to inductive signals, SSPC proliferate before osteoblast differentiation. Proliferation requires the duplication of all cellular components before cell division. This imposes a unique biosynthetic requirement for amino acids that can be used for biomass production. Thus, the ability to sense and respond to amino acid availability is likely a major determinant for proliferation. Using a cellular and genetic approach, we demonstrate the amino acid sensor GCN2 is required to support the robust proliferative capacity of SSPC during bone homeostasis. GCN2 ablation results in decreased postnatal bone mass due primarily to reduced osteoblast numbers. Decreased osteoblast numbers is likely attributed to reduced SSPC proliferation as loss of GCN2 specifically affected proliferation in cultured bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) without impacting osteoblast differentiation in vitro. Mechanistically, GCN2 regulates proliferation by increasing amino acid uptake downstream of the transcriptional effector ATF4. Collectively, these data suggest amino acid sensing through the GCN2/ATF4 pathway is indispensable for robust SSPC proliferation necessary for bone homeostasis. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
How do geneticists and prospective parents interpret and negotiate an uncertain prenatal genetic result? An analysis of clinical interactions
Authors: Lou Stina , Petersen Olav Bjørn , Lomborg Kirsten , Vogel Ida
Published: May 2020

Variants of unknown significance (VUS) and susceptibility loci (SL) are a challenge in prenatal genetic counseling. The aim of this study was to explore how such uncertain genetic results are communicated, negotiated, and made meaningful by genetics healthcare providers and couples in the actual clinical setting where results are delivered. The study was based on an anthropological approach and the material consisted of observations and audio‐recordings from 16 purposively sampled genetic counseling sessions where prenatal testing had identified an inherited or de novo VUS or SL result. Field notes and transcripts from audio‐recordings were analyzed using thematic analysis. The analysis identified a number of specific interpretations and strategies that clinical geneticists and couples collectively used for dealing with the ambiguity of the result. Thus, the analysis resulted in a total of three themes, each with 3–4 subthemes. The theme ‘Setting the scene’ describes the three‐stage structure of the consultation. The theme ‘Dealing with uncertainty’ includes ‘normalizing strategies’ that emphasized the inherent uncertainty in human life in general and ‘contextualizing strategies’ that placed the result in relation to the surrounding society, where technological developments lead to new and unforeseen challenges. The theme ‘Regaining control’ includes interpretations that made the knowledge useful by focusing on the value of being prepared for potential, future challenges. Other strategies were to book an extra scan—to reconfirm fetal structural health and to reconnect to the pregnancy. Finally, inquiring about the sex was clearly a way for the couple to signal their investment in the pregnancy. Based on the analysis, we propose that these interpretations served to transform and reduce ambiguity through a process of reconfiguring the biomedical information into knowledge that resonated with the couples' lifeworlds. In this process, both geneticist and couples drew on wider social and moral concerns about uncertainty and responsibility.
A rising trend of double tropopauses over South Asia in a warming environment: Implications for moistening of the lower stratosphere
Authors: Fadnavis Suvarna , Sioris Christopher E. , Wagh Neeraj , Chattopadhyay Rajib , Tao Mengchu , Chavan Prashant , Chakroborty Tanusri
Published: May 2020

The water vapour variation in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) is of high significance due to its impact on global warming. In this article, we present an association of occurrence frequency of double tropopauses (DTs) with convective clouds and transport of water vapour in the UTLS over subtropical South Asia using multiple multi‐decadal datasets (e.g., radiosonde temperature profiles (1977–2017), Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (2003–2017), ERA‐Interim reanalysis (1979–2017) and Microwave Limb Sounder (2004–2016). The diagnostic analysis of temperature, water vapour and potential vorticity indicates that convective clouds occurring during DTs enhance water in the altitude layer near the DTs. DTs are frequent (~5–55%) over the subtropical South Asia (25°–30°N) and associated with an enhancement of water vapour mixing ratios by ~5–40% (0.2–7.5 ppmv) above the lower tropopause. The radiosonde observations show a positive trend (~0.27 ± 0.12 to 0.4 ± 0.2%/year) in the occurrence of DTs during last 45 years, enhancing the moisture during DT days (trend 0.04 ± 0.02 to 0.26 ± 0.24 ppmv/decade above the tropopause). The convective injection of anomalously high water vapour mixing ratios in DT conditions and moistening trends in the UTLS may be consequences of global warming. The increasing trend in the water vapour in the UTLS may enhance long‐wave radiation coming back down to warm the troposphere and exacerbate the global warming effect.
A Comparison of Creativity‐Relevant Personal Characteristics in Adolescents Across Personality Profiles
Authors: Mammadov Sakhavat
Published: May 2020

The present research investigated personality profiles in early and middle adolescents (N = 168) and compared the emerged profiles by creative ideation, motivational autonomy, and self‐efficacy in self‐regulation. Cluster analyses revealed three profiles: Resilients, Flexibles, and Averages. The personality types described in the literature were only partially replicable. Resilients had low scores on neuroticism and high scores on the other Big Five traits. Flexibles had high scores on openness and extraversion and average scores on neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Averages had average scores on most personality traits. Resilients and Flexibles scored significantly higher than Averages on creative ideation and autonomous motivation. Resilients had stronger self‐efficacy for self‐regulation than Flexibles and Averages. The findings were discussed in terms of their relevance to personality and creativity literature.
Incidence of retrograde peri‐implantitis in sites with previous apical surgeries: A retrospective study
Authors: Saleh Muhammad H.A. , Khurshid Hadiya , Travan Suncica , Sinjab Khaled , Bushahri Ali , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: May 2020

Background

Retrograde peri‐implantitis (RPI) is a rapidly progressing periapical infection that forms around the implant apex. It is usually associated with sites adjacent to teeth with apical lesions; previous endodontic failures, retained root fragments, etc. This study aimed to study the incidence of RPI in sites with a history of apical surgeries.

Methods

Patients with sites treated for both apicoectomy and implant placement presenting to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry from 2001 to 2016 were screened. A total of 502 apicoectomies were performed, only 25 of these fit the predetermined eligibility criteria and were thus included in this retrospective analysis.

Results

Implants that were placed in sites with a previous apical surgery had a cumulative survival rate of 92%. The incidence of peri‐implantitis was 8%, while the incidence of RPI was 20%. There was an increased trend for RPI in cases where the cause of extraction was persistent apical periodontitis (35.7%), but this increase didn't reach the level of statistical significance (P = 0.061).

Conclusion

Implants placed in sites with previous apical surgery are not at an increased risk of implant failure or RPI.