bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional increases in brain signal variability are associated with pain intensity reductions following repeated eccentric exercise bouts
Authors: Boissoneault Jeff , Sevel Landrew , Stennett Bethany , Alappattu Meryl , Bishop Mark , Robinson Michael 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundTraditional pain interventions limit fluctuations in pain sensation, which may paradoxically impair endogenous pain modulatory systems (EPMS). However, controlled exposures to clinically relevant pain (e.g. delayed onset muscle soreness [DOMS]) may build capacity in the EPMS. Emerging evidence suggests that regional signal variability (RSV) may be an important indicator of efficiency and modulatory capacity within brain regions. This study sought to determine the role of RSV in both susceptibility to and trainability of pain response following repeated DOMS inductions.MethodsBaseline and follow‐up resting‐state fMRI was performed on 12 healthy volunteers ~40 days apart. Between scanning visits, participants received four weekly DOMS inductions in alternating elbow flexors and were supplied seven days of post‐induction pain ratings. Voxel‐wise standard deviation of signal intensity was calculated to measure RSV. Associations among DOMS‐related pain and RSV were assessed with regression. Relationships among baseline and change measurements were probed (i.e. susceptibility to DOMS; trainability following multiple inductions).ResultsSignificant association between baseline RSV in left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and right cerebellum and reductions in DOMS‐related pain unpleasantness were detected. Furthermore, increases in RSV were associated with reduced DOMS pain intensity (left lingual gyrus, right MTG, left MTG, left precuneus) and unpleasantness (left MTG, right SFG).DiscussionFindings suggest that RSV may be an indicator of EPMS resilience and responsivity to training, as well as an indicator that is responsive to training. Involved regions underlie cognitive, affective and representation processes. Results further clarify the potential role of RSV as an indicator of pain modulation and resilience.SignificanceRegional signal variability may be an important indicator of endogenous pain modulatory system responsivity to training following repeated bouts of clinically relevant pain and may in fact be responsive to training itself.
Methyl chitosan coating for glycoform analysis of glycoproteins by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Jia Yaru , Cao Jinfeng , Zhou Jinping , Zhou Ping 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCE is a promising technique for the analysis of glycosylated proteins, especially at the intact level. In the present study, the utility of CE for the separation of protein glycoforms is developed by using methyl chitosan as capillary coating. Methyl chitosan, in contrast to the polymers commonly used for coating, bears different types of amine groups, allowing for tunable charge states for various applications. The addition of methyl chitosan in background electrolyte can modulate the EOF and improve the separation performance. The methyl chitosan‐coated capillary provided good separation of acidic or basic glycosylated proteins. Five ribonuclease B glycoforms were resolved by CE in less than 18 min, and the profile was essentially in agreement with that obtained by MALDI‐TOF MS. The recombinant human erythropoietin glycoforms were well separated within 9 min. The developed method shows a great potential in protein glycoform analysis.
Capillary electrophoresis–based immunoassay and aptamer assay: A review
Authors: Nevídalová Hana , Michalcová Lenka , Glatz Zdeněk 
Published: January 2020

AbstractOver the last two decades, the group of techniques called affinity probe CE has been widely used for the detection and the determination of several types of biomolecules with high sensitivity. These techniques combine the low sample consumption and high separation power of CE with the selectivity of the probe to the target molecule. The assays can be defined according to the type of probe used: CE immunoassays, with an antibody as the probe, or aptamer‐based CE, with an aptamer as the probe. Immunoassays are generally divided into homogeneous and heterogeneous groups, and homogeneous variant can be further performed in competitive or noncompetitive formats. Interacting partners are free in solution at homogeneous assay, as opposed to heterogeneous analyses, where one of them is immobilized onto a solid support. Highly sensitive fluorescence, chemiluminescence or electrochemical detections were typically used in this type of study. The use of the aptamers as probes has several advantages over antibodies such as shorter generation time, higher thermal stability, lower price, and lower variability. The aptamer‐based CE technique was in practice utilized for the determination of proteins in biological fluids and environmentally or clinically important small molecules. Both techniques were also transferred to microchip. This review is focused on theoretical principles of these techniques and a summary of their applications in research.
Electricity generation potential of sewage sludge in sediment microbial fuel cell using Ti–TiO2 electrode
Authors: Taşkan Banu , Taşkan Ergin , Hasar Halil 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study is to increase the electricity generation capacity of sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) using sewage sludge as a substrate source in anode media via an attractive electrode material. For this purpose, several electrochemical and molecular techniques have been employed to evaluate the performance of SMFC. The max power density and charge transfer resistance of SMFC running on sewage sludge were 187 mW/m2 and 84.7 Ω, respectively. The polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) analysis indicated that bacteria in anode biofilm belonged to the Clostridia, d‐proteobacteria, g‐proteobacteria, and b‐proteobacteria. Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence in situ hybridization observations demonstrated that a viable biofilm was formed on the anode surface and the abundance of bacteria was significantly higher than archaea. Consequently, this study showed that sewage sludge could be used as a substrate in the anode media of SMFC for producing high power density.
Reflections on the history of research on large wood in rivers
Authors: Swanson Frederick J. , Gregory Stanley V. , Iroumé Andres , Ruiz‐Villanueva Virginia , Wohl Ellen 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTDynamics and functions of large wood have become integral considerations in the science and management of river systems. Study of large wood in rivers took place as monitoring of fish response to wooden structures placed in rivers in the central United States in the early 20th century, but did not begin in earnest until the 1970s. Research has increased in intensity and thematic scope ever since. A wide range of factors has prompted these research efforts, including basic understanding of stream systems, protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems, and environmental hazards in mountain environments. Research and management have adopted perspectives from ecology, geomorphology, and engineering, using observational, experimental, and modelling approaches. Important advances have been made where practical information needs converge with institutional and science leadership capacities to undertake multi‐pronged research programmes. Case studies include ecosystem research to inform regulations for forest management; storage and transport of large wood as a component in global carbon dynamics; and the role of wood transport in environmental hazards in mountain regions, including areas affected by severe landscape disturbances, such as volcanic eruptions. As the field of research has advanced, influences of large wood on river structures and processes have been merged with understanding of streamflow and sediment regimes, so river form and function are now viewed as involving the tripartite system of water, sediment, and wood. A growing community of researchers and river managers is extending understanding of large wood in rivers to climatic, forest, landform, and social contexts not previously investigated. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geomorphic process signatures reshaping sub‐humid Mediterranean badlands: 2. Application to 5‐year dataset
Authors: Llena Manel , Smith Mark W. , Wheaton Joseph M. , Vericat Damià 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBadland landscapes exhibit high erosion rates and represent the main source of fine sediments in some catchments. Advances in high‐resolution topographic methods allow analysis of topographic changes at high temporal and spatial scales. We apply the Mapping Geomorphic Processes in the Environment (MaGPiE) algorithm to infer the main geomorphic process signatures operating in two sub‐humid badlands with contrasting morphometric attributes located in the Southern Pyrenees. By interrogating a 5‐year dataset of seasonal and annual topographic changes, we examine the variability of geomorphic processes at multiple temporal scales. The magnitude of geomorphic processes is linked to landform attributes and meteorological variables. Morphometric differences between both adjacent badlands allow us to analyse the role of landform attributes in the main geomorphic process reshaping landscapes subjected to the same external forcing (i.e. rainfall and temperature).The dominant geomorphic process signatures observed in both badlands are different, despite their close proximity and the same rainfall and temperature regimes. Process signatures determining surface lowering in the gently sloping south‐facing badland, characterized by lower connectivity and more vegetation cover, are driven by surface runoff‐based processes, both diffuse (causing sheet washing) and concentrated (determining cutting and filling, rilling and gullying). The steeper, more connected north‐facing slopes of the other badland are reshaped by means of gravitational processes, with mass wasting dominating topographic changes. In terms of processes determining surface raising, both mass wasting and cutting and filling are most frequently observed in both badlands. There is a clear near‐balanced feedback between both surface‐raising and ‐lowering processes that becomes unbalanced at larger temporal scales due to the thresholds overcome, as the volume associated with surface lowering becomes higher than that associated with raising‐based processes. Rainfall variables control surface flow processes, while those variables associated with low temperature have a significant relation with mass movement‐based processes and other localized processes such as regolith cohesion loss. Finally, our results point out that morphometry (slope and connectivity) together with vegetation cover are key factors determining geomorphic processes and associated topographic changes. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A sustainable food security approach: Controlled land application of sewage sludge recirculates nutrients to agricultural soils and enhances crop productivity
Authors: Eid Ebrahem M. , Alamri Saad A.M. , Shaltout Kamal H. , Galal Tarek M. , Ahmed Mohamed T. , Brima Eid I. , Sewelam Nasser 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe food security in today's world is endangered by several threats, including accelerated increases in the world's population, depletion of the Earth's resources, exaggerated environmental pollution, and foreseen climatic changes. As a strategy to diminish these threats, the wise disposal of the huge amounts of sewage sludge (SS) to agricultural soils as a bio‐fertilizer represents a worthy practice for recirculating valuable nutrients to food chains via crop plants. The current study was designed to scientifically test the feasibility of SS application to agricultural soils without causing environmental or health threats. Different SS amendment doses of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g/kg were supplied for soil‐grown barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants. Our results show that all of the SS amendment doses improved the postharvest soil properties and enhanced barley growth, with the best results obtained at the 40 g/kg dose. At this amendment dose, the organic matter (OM) content increased to 6.7% compared with 1.4% in control soil. Analysis of the postharvest soils showed that the concentrations of the investigated heavy metals (HMs) (Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Pb) were within the allowable limits for agricultural soils at all of the SS amendment doses, except for Co. All of the SS amendment rates enhanced barley growth and yield parameters, including shoot and root lengths and dry weights, spike weight and number of spikes per plant. Up to the 40 g/kg amendment dose, the concentrations of the investigated HMs in the harvested plant tissues were within safe limits, with most of the absorbed HMs persisting in roots. Taking these results together, the current study suggests that controlled application of SS to agricultural soils represents an eco‐friendly SS disposal procedure, which can recycle macro‐ and micronutrients to food chains and hence provide a promising approach for sustainable food security.
Nanoengineered Advanced Materials for Enabling Hydrogen Economy: Functionalized Graphene–Incorporated Cupric Oxide Catalyst for Efficient Solar Hydrogen Production
Authors: Dalapati Goutam Kumar , Masudy‐Panah Saeid , Moakhar Roozbeh Siavash , Chakrabortty Sabyasachi , Ghosh Siddhartha , Kushwaha Ajay , Katal Reza , Chua Chin Sheng , Xiao Gong , Tripathy Sudhiranjan , Ramakrishna Seeram 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCupric oxide (CuO) is a promising candidate as a photocathode for visible‐light‐driven photo‐electrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, the stability of the CuO photocathode against photo‐corrosion is crucial for developing CuO‐based PEC cells. This study demonstrates a stable and efficient photocathode through the introduction of graphene into CuO film (CuO:G). The CuO:G composite electrodes are prepared using graphene‐incorporated CuO sol–gel solution via spin‐coating techniques. The graphene is modified with two different types of functional groups, such as amine (NH2) and carboxylic acid (COOH). The COOH‐functionalized graphene incorporation into CuO photocathode exhibits better stability and also improves the photocurrent generation compare to control CuO electrode. In addition, COOH‐functionalized graphene reduces the conversion of CuO phase into cuprous oxide (Cu2O) during photo‐electrochemical reaction due to effective charge transfer and leads to a more stable photocathode. The reduction of CuO to Cu2O phase is significantly lesser in CuO:G‐COOH as compared to CuO and CuO:G‐NH2 photocathodes. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) by CuO, CuO:G‐NH2 and CuO:G‐COOH is also investigated. By integrating CuO:G‐COOH photocathode with a sol–gel‐deposited TiO2 protecting layer and Au–Pd nanostructure, stable and efficient photocathode are developed for solar hydrogen generation.
Promoting cervical screening among women experiencing homelessness and socio‐economic disadvantage in Sydney
Authors: Lovell Renee C. , Botfield Jessica R. , Cheng Yan , Tilley Donna M. , Fazio Alice , Estoesta Jane 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIssue AddressedAustralia's national cervical screening program has reduced rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. However, these benefits have not been experienced by all women. A Cervical Cancer Screening Project was implemented with lay health educators to address inequitable screening access by women experiencing socio‐economic disadvantage.MethodsResources and a training program were developed and piloted with the specialist homelessness services workforce in Sydney, NSW. Data was collected to inform their development and evaluation through interviews, focus groups, self‐administered surveys and analysis of NSW Pap Test Register data.ResultsWomen reported low familiarity with the term ‘cervical screening’. They identified a good patient‐doctor relationship, and seeing a female practitioner, as screening enablers. While the majority reported having cervical screening before, NSW Pap Test Register data showed only 74% had screened previously and of those, 69% were overdue. Homelessness service workers expressed interest in talking with clients about cervical screening, and reported increased knowledge and confidence following training.ConclusionThe homelessness sector is an appropriate venue to access women who are disadvantaged and under‐screened. However, increasing workforce capacity to discuss screening does not lead to increased screening for women accessing these services. Further efforts are required.So What?Access to cervical screening by women experiencing disadvantage remains a challenge. Sustained multi‐faceted health promotion efforts are required to increase access. These should be informed by additional research exploring barriers and enablers for this group of women.
Inherent irreversibility in a reactive and radiating magnetic nanoliquid film along a slippery inclined heated surface with convective cooling
Authors: Eegunjobi Adetayo S. , Makinde Oluwole D. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this study, the electrically conducting nanoliquid film on a slippery inclined heated surface with convective cooling under the effect of the reactive and radiating magnetic field is numerically investigated. The nonlinear constructing governing differential equations are then converted into a set of dimensionless ordinary differential equations by similarity variables, and the systems are numerically solved by shooting method together with the Runge‐Kutta method. Some of the parameters involved in the flow system are then examined graphically and discussed with respect to the velocity, temperature, entropy generation rate, skin friction, Nusselt number, and the Bejan number profile.
Evaluation of Polaron Transport in Solids from First‐principles
Authors: Natanzon Yuriy , Azulay Amram , Amouyal Yaron 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPolarons are formed in polar or ionic solids, either molecular or crystalline, due to local distortions of the lattice induced by charge carriers. Polaron hopping is the primary mechanism of charge transport in these materials, such as functional ceramic compounds, with applications in photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, two‐dimensional electron gas transistors, magnetic sensors, spin valve devices, and memories. Understanding the fundamental physics of polaron hopping is, therefore, of prime technological importance. This article provides a brief physical background of polarons and their hopping mechanism, focusing on first‐principles calculations of polaron properties. Herein, we review recent selected studies applying the density functional theory (DFT), and describe the merits and challenges in applying DFT for such calculations, highlighting the need to address both electronic and vibrational aspects. The vibrational component of the polaron is evaluated based on structural and total energy calculations, whereas the electronic component is derived from both total energy and electron density calculations. To address the most compelling challenge of calculating polaron properties using DFT, which is the issue of electron localization, we propose to employ calculations of selected vibrational properties, such as the sound velocity, shear modulus, and Grüneisen parameter, to represent the polaron hopping energy; all of which originate from the stiffness of inter‐atomic bonds. Such methodology is expected to be more straightforward than the existing ones, however demands standardization.
Spatial distribution of the relative risk of Zika virus disease in Colombia during the 2015–2016 epidemic from a Bayesian approach
Authors: Flórez‐Lozano Karen , Navarro‐Lechuga Edgar , Llinás‐Solano Humberto , Tuesca‐Molina Rafael , Sisa‐Camargo Augusto , Mercado‐Reyes Marcela , Ospina‐Martínez Martha , Prieto‐Alvarado Franklyn , Acosta‐Reyes Jorge 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the spatial distribution of the risk of Zika virus disease in each region of Colombia during the 2015–2016 epidemic.MethodsAn ecological study was designed to estimate the risks for each Colombian region using first‐order neighbors, covariate effects, and three adjacent periods of time (beginning, development, and end of the epidemic) to analyze the spatial distribution of the disease based on a Bayesian hierarchical model.ResultsSpatial distribution of the estimated risks of Zika virus disease showed that it increased in a strip that crosses the central area of the country from west to east. Analysis of the three time periods showed greater risk of the disease in the central and southern zones—Arauca and Santander—where the increase in risk was four times higher during the peak phase compared with the initial phase of the outbreak.ConclusionIn the identified high‐risk areas, integrated surveillance systems for Zika virus disease and its complications must be strengthened to provide up‐to‐date and accurate epidemiological information. This information would allow those involved in policy and decision making to identify new outbreaks and risk clusters, enabling more focused and accurate measures to target at‐risk populations.
Aconitine induces cardiotoxicity through regulation of calcium signaling pathway in zebrafish embryos and in H9c2 cells
Authors: Li Mengting , Xie Xiaofang , Chen Haimei , Xiong Qiuyun , Tong Rongsheng , Peng Cheng , Peng Fu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFuzi, the processed lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., is a traditional herbal medicine that is well known for its excellent pharmacological effects and acute toxicity. Aconitine is one of the diester‐diterpene alkaloids and well‐known for its arrhythmogenic effects. However, the effects of aconitine in zebrafish have rarely been studied. Therefore, we investigated the effects of aconitine on zebrafish embryos and H9c2 cells. Zebrafish embryos at 48 hours postfertilization were exposed to aconitine, and then, cardiac function and apoptosis were measured. Through transcriptomic analysis, the cardiotoxicity of aconitine in zebrafish embryos was involved in regulating Ca2+ signal pathways. A reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was performed to verify the expression of Ca2+ pathway‐related genes after 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours of treatment. Meanwhile, intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and cell apoptosis were observed in H9c2 cells treated with half‐maximal inhibitory concentration values of aconitine for 30 minutes. The protein levels of troponin T (TnT), caspase 3, Bcl‐2 and Bax were detected by western blot analysis. In vivo, 2.0 and 8.0 μm aconitine decreased the heart rate and inhibited the contraction of ventricles and atria in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Furthermore, aconitine increased expression of cacna1c, RYR2, atp2a2b, Myh6, troponin C, p38, caspase 3, Bcl‐2 and Bax for 12 hours. In vitro, 1.5 and 4.5 mm aconitine caused intracellular Ca2+ ion oscillation, increased rates of apoptosis, inhibited TnT and Bcl‐2 protein expression, and promoted caspase 3 and Bax protein expression. These data confirmed that aconitine at various concentrations induced cardiac dysfunction and apoptosis were related to the Ca2+ signaling pathway.