bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dispersion and Interaction of Charged Fluorescent Dyes in Protein‐Polymer Surfactant‐based Non‐Aqueous Liquid
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Anasua , Sharma Monika , Sharma Kamendra P. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractViscous, non‐aqueous liquid comprising stoichiometric conjugates of polymer surfactant‐bovine serum albumin (PSpBSA) is used as a host matrix for the dispersion of chemically distinct hydrophilic dyes. Using a combination of bright field polarized optical microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, we investigate the dispersion of dry and powdered cationic (Rhodamine 6G; Rh6G) and anionic (Fluorescein; FL) dyes in the PSpBSA liquid at room temperature. As the dyes disperse and dissolve in the PSpBSA liquid, it results in a pronounced increase in emission intensity of the former. Interestingly, a shift from 571 to 582 nm is observed in the emission maxima of Rh6G as it disperses in the PSpBSA solvent. Whilst no such red shift is found for the Rh6G dispersion in the aqueous solutions of either native BSA or polymer‐surfactant conjugated BSA, a similar shift occurs when Rh6G is dispersed in neat polymer‐surfactant (PS), suggesting the interaction of the dye with the PS chains. In the case of anionic FL, no shift is observed in its emission maximum as it disperses in the PSpBSA liquid. Furthermore, within 120 minutes of FL dispersion in the PSpBSA liquid, we observe a ≈26 % decrease in the tryptophan emission intensity (λexc.=285 nm; λemi.=330 nm) of BSA, which could be attributed to both static and dynamic quenching. Our findings provide a proof of concept of an alternative non‐aqueous solvent matrix which can dissolve and disperse charged fluorescent dyes, provide suitable binding sites, and show substantial photoluminescence. Thus, it can be envisaged for utilization as an alternative solvent medium for lasing dyes and related applications.
The Affinity of Some Lewis Bases for Hexafluoroisopropanol as a Reference Lewis Acid: An ITC/DFT Study
Authors: Milovanović Milan R. , Dherbassy Quentin , Wencel‐Delord Joanna , Colobert Françoise , Zarić Snežana D. , Djukic Jean‐Pierre 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTo figure out the possible role of 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoropropan‐2‐ol (HFIP) as well as to provide reference thermochemical data in solution, the formation of Lewis acid‐base complexes between HFIP (Lewis acid) and a series of 8 different Lewis bases (3 sulfoxides, 3 Nsp2 pyridine derivatives, 1 aromatic amine, 1 cyclic aliphatic ether) was examined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments and static density functional theory augmented with Dispersion (DFT−D) calculations. Measured ITC association enthalpy values (ΔHa) lie between −9.3 and −14 kcal mol−1. Computations including a PCM implicit solvation model produced similar exothermicity of association of all studied systems compared to the ITC data with ΔHa values ranging from −8.5 to −12.7 kcal mol−1. An additional set of calculations combining implicit and explicit solvation by chlorobenzene of the reactants, pointed out the relatively low interference of the solvent with the HFIP‐base complexation: its main effect is to slightly enhance the Gibbs energy of the HFIP‐Lewis base association. It is speculated that the interactions of bulk HFIP with Lewis bases therefore may significantly intervene in catalytic processes not only via the dynamic microstructuring of the medium but also more explicitly by affecting bonds’ polarization at the Lewis bases.
Management Practices to Reduce Crop Production and Nitrogen Losses from Waterlogging
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Singh Gurbir , Motavalli Peter P. , Nelson Kelly A. , Orlowski John M. , Golden Bobby R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFlooding is the most damaging abiotic stress, besides drought, that affects crop production. Waterlogging also promotes soil nitrogen (N) loss through processes such as denitrification, nitrate leaching, and runoff as well as reduces soil N mineralization rates. This article provides potential management strategies to reduce crop production and nitrogen losses from waterlogging. Earn 2.5 CEUs in Soil & Water Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/843.
Queue length‐based load balancing in data center networks
Authors: Ahmed Hasnain , Arshad Muhammad Junaid , Muhammad Shah , Ahmad Sarfraz , Zahid Amjad Hussain 
Published: July 2020

SummaryTraffic load balancing in data centers is an important requirement. Traffic dynamics and possibilities of changes in the topology (e.g., failures and asymmetries) make load balancing a challenging task. Existing end‐host–based schemes either employ the predominantly used ECN or combine it with RTT to get congestion information of paths. Both congestion signals, ECN and RTT, have limitations; ECN only tells whether the queue length is above or below a threshold value but does not inform about the extent of congestion; similarly, RTT in data center networks is on the scale of up to few hundreds of microseconds, and current data center operating systems lack fine‐grained microsecond‐level timers. Therefore, there is a need of a new congestion signal which should give accurate information of congestion along the path. Furthermore, in end‐host–based schemes, detecting asymmetries in the topology is challenging due to the inability to accurately measure RTT on the scale of microseconds.This paper presents QLLB, an end‐host–based, queue length–based load balancing scheme. QLLB employs a new queue length–based congestion signal that gives an exact measure of congestion along the paths. Furthermore, QLLB uses relative‐RTT to detect asymmetries in the topology. QLLB is implemented in ns‐3 and compared with ECMP, CONGA, and Hermes. The results show that QLLB significantly improves performance of short flows over the other schemes and performs within acceptable level, of CONGA and Hermes, for long flows. In addition, QLLB effectively detects asymmetric paths and performs better than Hermes under high loads.
Retracted: Artificial intelligence point‐to‐point signal communication network optimization based on ubiquitous clouds
Authors: Hong Lin , Deng Lianbing , Li Daming , Wang Harry Haoxiang 
Published: July 2020

SummaryAt present, the application of communication network has spread to every area of social life. The progress of network technology has driven the development of information technology industry and the advancement of cloud computing. With the application of artificial intelligence and deep learning technology, the network becomes more and more intelligent, so the application of artificial intelligence theory in communication network optimization modeling is more extensive. In this paper, we propose the ubiquitous clouds framework and apply the artificial intelligence optimization scheme to the point‐to‐point (P2P) signal transmission network optimization scheme. For different application scenarios, this paper analyzes and experiments the proposed method. The experimental results show that the proposed method makes full use of the advantages of communication network resources which improves the efficiency of communication network optimization and also reduces the optimization cost to a certain extent compared with the state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
In the foothill zone—Sabanejewia balcanica (Karaman 1922), in the lowland zone—Sabanejewia bulgarica (Drensky, 1928): Myth or reality?
Authors: Križek Peter , Mendel Jan , Fedorčák Jakub , Koščo Ján 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe status of golden loaches (genus Sabanejewia) in the region of Central Europe and Balkans is still ambiguous. The greatest controversy is caused by species Sabanejewia balcanica and S. bulgarica. Both species are characterized by a wide spectrum of morphological variability and overlapping of distinguishing features, which then lead to difficulties in their determination. Previous phylogenetic studies aimed on the resolving of their taxonomic status did not include samples from their type localities and so led to a lack of their true distribution in this region. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to identify taxonomic status of golden loaches populations in the region of the middle Danube basin and adjacent areas on the model territory of Slovakia. For this purpose, we used novelty approach (morphological, molecular, and microhabitat) and we also included the missing samples from the type localities of both species. Based on mtDNA all the Slovakian samples reflected haplotype richness revealed on the type locality of S. bulgarica, although the genetic distances from other representatives of the genus Sabanejewia occurring are not significant. Within the morphology, we have revealed a great measure of variability in studied populations, which is largely caused by different habitat conditions and thus representing a phenotypic plasticity of these fish.
Characterization of dendritic cells in human and experimental myocarditis
Authors: Pistulli Rudin , Andreas Elise , König Sebastian , Drobnik Stefanie , Kretzschmar Daniel , Rohm Ilonka , Lichtenauer Michael , Heidecker Bettina , Franz Marcus , Mall Gita , Yilmaz Atilla , Schulze P. Christian 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimsDendritic cells (DCs) are central mediators of adaptive immunity, and there is growing evidence of their role in myocardial inflammatory disease. We hypothesized that plasmacytoid and myeloid DCs are involved in the mechanisms of myocarditis and analysed these two main subtypes in human myocarditis subjects, as well as in a murine model of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM).Methods and resultsCirculating DCs were analysed by flow cytometry in patients with acute myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and controls. Myocardial biopsies were immunostained for the presence of DCs and compared with non‐diseased controls. In a mouse model of acute myocarditis induced through synthetic cardiac myosine peptide injection, effects of immunomodulation including DC inhibition through MCS‐18 versus placebo treatment were tested at the peak of inflammation (Day 21), as well as 1 week later (partial recovery). Circulatory pDCs and mDCs were significantly reduced in myocarditis patients compared with controls (P < 0.01 for both) and remained so even after 6 months of follow‐up. Human myocarditis biopsies showed accumulation of pDCs (two‐fold CD304+/three‐fold CD123+, all P < 0.05) compared with controls. Myocardial pDCs and mDCs accumulated in EAM (P for both <0.0001). MCS‐18 treatment reduced pDC levels (P = 0.009), reduced myocardial inflammation (myocarditis score reduction from 2.6 to 1.8, P = 0.026), and improved ejection fraction (P = 0.03) in EAM at Day 21 (peak of inflammation). This effect was not observed during the partial recovery of inflammation on Day 28.ConclusionsCirculating DCs are reduced in human myocarditis and accumulate in the inflamed myocardium. MCS‐18 treatment reduces DCs in EAM, leading to amelioration of inflammation and left ventricular remodelling during the acute phase of myocarditis. Our data further elucidate the role of DCs and their specific subsets in acute inflammatory cardiomyopathies.
Effect of melatonin on heart failure: design for a double‐blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sadeghi Masoumeh , Khosrawi Saeid , Heshmat‐Ghahdarijani Kiyan , Gheisari Yousof , Roohafza Hamidreza , Mansoorian Marjan , Hoseini Shervin Ghaffari 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimsCurrent studies indicate that melatonin can counteract renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and sympathetic over activity in heart failure (HF) and might have a protective and repairing effect on cardiovascular injuries, skeletal muscle weakness, and metabolic abnormalities, which are common pathological processes in patients with HF. The MeHR trial (Melatonin for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) aims to evaluate the effect of oral melatonin on myocardial, skeletal muscle, and metabolic dysfunctions in HF, which leads to lower quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality in these patients.Methods and resultsThis is a double‐blind randomized clinical trial with two parallel arms of 1:1 allocation, which recruits 90 outpatients with HF with reduced ejection fraction. Participants receive 10 mg tablets of melatonin or placebo for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes are changes in echocardiographic indexes of HF and serum levels of N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide. Secondary outcome is a composite clinical endpoint score including all‐cause mortality, hospitalization for HF, and change in the quality of life during the study. Other outcomes are the evaluation of melatonin attributable adverse effects, flow‐mediated vasodilation, skeletal muscle mass, exercise capacity, and serum markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolism. Statistical analysis will include simple unadjusted analyses for the detection of differences between groups and changes in outcomes and also a generalized linear mixed model to explore potential associations between outcomes and participant characteristics.ConclusionsThe results of this comprehensive study might elucidate the safety of oral melatonin in patients with HF and provide some evidence on its effectiveness as an adjunctive therapy to enhance the well‐being of these patients.
Quality Assessment, Functional Potentials, and Safety Evaluation of Stored Egyptian Honey as an Environmental Pollution Bioindicator
Authors: Hamad Gamal M. , Hafez Elsayed E. , Abdelmotilib Neveen M. , Abdel-Hmeed Khaled M. , Ali Safwat H. , Darwish Amira M.G. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Egyptian honeys are distinguished by their variety, properties, and therapeutic applications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the quality and the functional and safety characteristics of Egyptian honey as a sensitive environmental bioindicator collected from 9 different locations in Egypt that were exposed to various air pollution sources, either stationary, mobile, or area sources, and stored for 6 mo at ambient temperature (22 ± 2 °C) compared with Codex Alimentarius international standards. Physicochemical properties, sugar profile via high performance liquid chromatography, functional potentials (antioxidant and antimicrobial), and safety parameters (microbiological quality, aflatoxins, and heavy metal pollutants) were assessed. The results revealed that honey obtained from Shabshir Hessa, El Gharbia Governorate (GSH-1), showed the best quality with the highest monosaccharide and phenolic and flavonoid content (73.07%, 363.07, and 15.33 mg/g, respectively) and clear of biotic and abiotic contaminants, reflecting good hygienic, environmental conditions and apiarian practices. The other 8 honey samples reflected inferior quality in physicochemical parameters either of low monosaccharide content (40.46–50.25%), high hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) values as in Borg El-Arab Industrial Zone, Alexandria Governorate (BAI-9), and Nubaria Desert Road, Alexandria Governorate (NDR-4; 50.83 and 48.25 mg/kg), or of high acidity as in Agricultural Road, El Gharbia Governorate (GAR-3), and NDR-4 (74.72 and 68.47 mEq/kg) attributable to contaminated locations (fermentations) or thermal treatment (HMF). Furthermore, safety assessment revealed that coliform counts exceeded 2.5 log10cfu/g in 6 samples—Chemicals Company, Kafr El Zayyat Governorate (KZC-2); GAR-3; NDR-4; Mansoura Fertilizer Talkha Company, Daqahlia Governorate (MFT-5); Gharbaniyat Cement Company, Beheira Governorate; and BAI-9—and the highest counts of yeast and molds in Abees Ceramic Company, Alexandria Governorate (3.72 log10cfu/g), which was reflected in its total aflatoxins (679.83 μg/kg). Samples MFT-5; GAR-3; Kafr El-Sheikh Petroleum Company, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate; and KZC-2 exceeded the lead permissible limit (0.75, 0.61, 0.57, and 0.51 mg/kg, respectively) as a result of inferior hygienic quality and the negative effects of environmental pollutants. The results ring alarm bells about how we should take substantial steps toward stringent standards for quality control practices of honey production operations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1894–1907. © 2020 SETAC
Ultrasonic and microwave treatment improved jujube juice yield
Authors: Yu Youwei , Cheng Xiaowen , Zhang Chenxing , Zhang Jingru , Zhang Shaoying , Xu Jianguo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe methods to leaching juice from dried jujube using six treatments and some factors related with juice yield such as total soluble solids (TSS), pectinase activity, pectin contents, galacturonic acid, and the microstructure morphology of cell were investigated. Six treatments including natural leaching, ultrasonic, microwave, ultrasonic before microwave, ultrasonic after microwave, and pressing directly were applied to extract juice. The group which treating with ultrasonic before microwave displayed its total soluble solids (TSS) was 16 °Brix, which was 6.67% higher than that of natural leaching. And its total soluble solids (TSS) reached to equilibrium in 2 hr, which was faster than that of natural leaching. The mechanism of improving the production efficiency of juice yield using ultrasonic combined with microwave was explored accordingly. The content of pectin and galacturonic acid increased by 58.52% and 59.01%, respectively, which were the highest among all samples. The activity of pectinase was 9.71 μg/(h·g), which was significantly decreased 40.23% as compared to natural leaching. And the treated cells became shriveled and pitted, which led to the leakage of the contents of cell. Thus, the result showed that treating with ultrasonic before microwave displayed the best juice yield. Ultrasonic cooperate with microwave was an efficient method to leaching juice from dried jujube.
Dynamic programming for valuing American options under a variance‐gamma process
Authors: Ben‐Ameur Hatem , Chérif Rim , Rémillard Bruno 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLévy processes provide a solution to overcome the shortcomings of the lognormal hypothesis. A growing literature proposes the use of pure‐jump Lévy processes, such as the variance‐gamma (VG) model. In this setting, explicit solutions for derivative prices are unavailable, for instance, for the valuation of American options. We propose a dynamic programming approach coupled with finite elements for valuing American‐style options under an extended VG model. Our numerical experiments confirm the convergence and show the efficiency of the proposed methodology. We also conduct a numerical investigation that focuses on American options on S&P 500 futures contracts.
Do public health activities pay for themselves? The effect of county‐level public health expenditures on county‐level public assistance medical care benefits in California
Authors: Brown Timothy Tyler , Murthy Vishnu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis study estimates the effect of county‐level public health expenditures in reducing county‐level public assistance medical care benefits (public assistance medical care benefits is a measure compiled by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis and includes Medicaid and other medical vendor payments). The effect is modeled using a static panel model and estimated using two‐stage limited information maximum likelihood and a valid instrumental variable. For every $1 invested in county‐level public health expenditures, public assistance medical care benefits are reduced by an average of $3.12 (95% confidence interval: −$5.62, −$0.94). Because Medicaid in California is financed via an approximate 50% match of federal dollars with state dollars, savings to the state are approximately one‐half of this, or $1.56 for every $1 invested in county‐level public health expenditures.
Validation of a Simple Quality‐of‐Life Score for Identification of Minimal and Prediction of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Lauridsen Mette Munk , Jepsen Peter , Wernberg Charlotte Wilhelmina , Schaffalitzky de Muckadell Ove B. , Bajaj Jasmohan S. , Vilstrup Hendrik 
Published: July 2020

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is underdiagnosed because most clinics refrain from psychometric testing. Diagnostic activities need to go up so patients with MHE can get the treatment their condition requires. The sickness impact profile questionnaire for covert hepatic encephalopathy (SIPCHE) score is based on quality‐of‐life outcomes and has been proposed as a simple, patient‐administered diagnostic score for grade 1 and MHE. Validate the SIPCHE for MHE identification and overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) prediction. 110 patients with liver cirrhosis (age 60 years, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score of 11.4, 80% blue‐collar) provided information for SIPCHE scoring: gender, age, and four SIP statements: “I do not maintain balance (physically),” “I act irritable or impatient with myself,” “I am not doing any of the usual physical recreation or activities,” and “I am eating much less than usual.” MHE was diagnosed using an abnormal continuous reaction time test and/or portosystemic encephalopathy syndrome test score. Patients were followed for 2.7 years on average. SIPCHE score positivity had high sensitivity (82%) but low specificity (38%) for MHE detection. Patients with an abnormal SIPCHE had a higher incidence of OHE during follow‐up (35% vs. 14%, P = 0.05). OHE prediction sensitivity was 87% and exclusion sensitivity was 85%. The patients with an abnormal SIPCHE had twice as many subsequent episodes of OHE, and despite their high mortality, also a higher risk. An abnormal SIPCHE had a high sensitivity and low specificity for MHE identification. An abnormal SIPCHE was associated with a more than doubled risk of OHE, even with death as a competing event. SIPCHE could be used as a high‐sensitivity, low‐cost, surrogate marker of MHE in clinics without availability of psychometric tests and allow more patients to benefit from anti‐MHE treatment.
Adolescents’ views on high school food environments
Authors: Ronto Rimante , Carins Julia , Ball Lauren , Pendergast Donna , Harris Neil 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIssue addressedThis study explored adolescents’ views on high school food environments and potential strategies to help them to make informed food choices.MethodsFifteen focus groups were conducted with 131 adolescents aged 12‐17 years from three high schools in South East Queensland, Australia. Adolescents were asked how their school food environment (dis)encouraged them to eat healthy and what schools could do to help them eat healthier. All focus groups were audio recorded. Data were analysed using content and thematic data analysis methods.ResultsFour major themes emerged: food availability and affordability; food related policy and regulations; nutrition education; and attitudes, preferences and practices. Adolescents stated that nutrition education within the school curriculum and positive role modelling by peers and school staff in healthy eating were the major factors in helping them to make informed food choices. In contrast, high availability, affordability, fundraising, peer pressure, positive attitudes and negative role modelling towards unhealthy foods impacted unhealthy dietary behaviours.ConclusionsEmerging results indicate that adolescents do not perceive the current high school food environments as helping them to make healthy food choices. Adolescents suggested limiting unhealthy foods in high schools by implementing strict food and beverage policies, compulsory nutrition education classes and changing attitudes towards healthy foods as strategies to improve high school food environments.So what?This study highlights the importance of high school food environments in impacting adolescents’ food choices. Strategies identified by adolescents inform public health practitioners and school authorities on how high school food environments could be tailored to help them in making better food choices.