bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the thermal effect of a lithium iron phosphate battery cell and module
Authors: Zhou Shuwen , Song Zhenghao , Zhao Yuemin
Published: December 2020

Based on the theory of porous electrodes and the properties of lithium iron batteries, an electrochemical‐thermal coupling model of a single cell was established. The model was mainly used to study the temperature rise and temperature distribution characteristics in different regions of lithium iron batteries under different working conditions. In addition, a heat dissipation comparison analysis was carried out for different types of liquid cold runners, the optimal runner scheme was selected, and a structural optimization analysis was carried out. The simulation results show that the lithium iron battery discharges under the same ambient temperature and different C rates, and the battery temperature continuously increases with C. The temperature rise is mainly affected by Joule heat, and when the lithium iron battery is discharged at the same C but different ambient temperatures, the temperature rise of the lithium iron battery shows a decreasing trend with the increase in ambient temperature in a certain temperature range. The serial flow channel solution induces the best thermal behavior. Using the response surface optimization analysis, the three independent variable factors at which the temperature equilibrium R reaches the largest value under the liquid cooling module model are the rectangular flow channel length‐to‐width ratio, flow rate, and thermal conductivity.
Estimation of discharges of water flows and debris floods in a small watershed
Authors: Guo Xiaojun , Cui Peng , Chen Xingchang , Li Yong , Zhang Ju , Sun Yuqing
Published: December 2020

Floods in small mountainous watersheds cover a wide spectrum of flow. They can range from clear water flows and hyperconcentrated flows to debris floods and debris flows, and calculation of the peak discharge is crucial for predicting and mitigating such hazards. To determine the optimal approach for discharge estimation, this study compared water flow monitoring hydrographs to investigate the performance of five hydrological models that incorporate different runoff yields and influx calculation methods. Two of the models performed well in simulating the peak discharge, peak time, and total flow volume of the water flood. The ratio (γ) of the monitored debris flood discharge (Qd) to the simulated water flow discharge (Qw) was investigated. Qualitatively, γ initially increased with Qw but then decreased when Qw exceeded a certain threshold, which corresponded to rainfall of 95 and 120 mm in a 6‐ and 24‐h event with a normal distribution of precipitation, respectively. The decrease might be attributable to a threshold of sediment availability being reached, beyond which increased flow rate is not matched by increased sediment input in the large watershed. Uncertainty of hydrological calculation was evaluated by dividing the catchment into sub‐basins and adopting different rainfall time steps as input. The efficiency of using a distributed simulation exhibited marginal improvement potential compared with a lumped simulation. Conversely, the rainfall time step input significantly affected the simulation results by delaying the peak time and decreasing the peak discharge. This research demonstrates the applicability of a discharge estimation method that combines a hydrological water flow simulation and an estimation of γ. The results were verified on the basis of monitored flow densities and videos obtained in two watersheds with areas of 2.34 and 32.4 km2.
Wildfire and earth surface processes
Authors: Rengers F. K. , McGuire Luke A.
Published: December 2020

Wildfire is a landscape‐scale disturbance that changes the rate and magnitude of many earth surface processes. The impacts of fire on earth surface processes can vary substantially from place to place depending on a variety of site‐specific conditions, including topography, fire severity, regional climate, vegetation type, and soil type. This variation makes it critical to bring together scientists studying fire and earth surface processes from different perspectives and in different parts of the world. This special issue pulls together studies that present cutting‐edge research addressing the geomorphic and hydrologic impacts of wildfire across a range of spatial and temporal scales, including advances in managing some of the negative, short‐term effects of wildfire. Contributions to this collection cover the following themes: insights from field measurements, sediment and carbon redistribution, insights from process‐based modeling, post‐fire debris flows, and post‐fire mitigation. The work presented in this special issue will help to advance the capabilities of scientists and land managers to observe, simulate, and anticipate changes to earth surface processes following fire.
A systematic survey on internet of things: Energy efficiency and interoperability perspective
Authors: Rana Bharti , Singh Yashwant , Singh Pradeep Kumar
Published: December 2020

With the provision of rapid advancement in smart devices used in various technological fields exponentially increases the heterogeneity and energy consumption in internet of things (IoT). The technological leap in information and communication technology instigates the heterogeneity in smart devices, frameworks, architectures, communication technologies, and various industrial and nonindustrial applications. Therefore, a detailed taxonomy of IoT is proposed covering the diverse aspect of IoT lacking interoperability and energy efficiency. Existing research lacks the root causes of heterogeneity and energy consumption at the industrial and technological level. Keeping this in view, our research identified industrial integration and technological challenges. Moreover, we explore the effect on IoT devices when different types of energy harvesters are connected with IoT devices. Our comprehensive research addresses the various issues such as resource management, fog data analytics, energy consumption, heterogeneity, scalability, and the role of quality of service, data science, machine learning to accomplish interoperability and energy efficiency in IoT.
Exerted force estimation using a wearable sensor during manual material handling
Authors: Chihara Takanori , Sakamoto Jiro
Published: December 2020

While evaluating the physical workload on workers, the force exerted needs to be estimated in a convenient way because biomechanical analysis for physical workload evaluation requires data on both posture and exerted force. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of exerted force estimation using a wearable device that can be easily utilized even by ordinary workers. We measured eight electromyograms (EMGs) on the forearm and the forearm posture with an armband type wearable sensor during manual material handling with varying holding weights and heights. The measurement results showed that the EMGs monotonically increased with an increase in weight. In addition, the EMGs varied with the holding height even when the same weight was held. We constructed an estimation function of the weight using multiple regression analysis. Two sets of explanatory variables were used to investigate the effectiveness of the forearm posture data: the eight EMGs (i.e., SET 1) and the eight EMGs and the two forearm angles (i.e., SET 2). Multiple regression analysis showed that the accuracy of SET 2 was better than that of SET 1. In addition, the average absolute error of the estimation function with SET 2 was 1.49 kg; thus, we concluded that the accuracy of this estimation function has sufficient accuracy for the evaluation of physical workload.
The impact of childhood experience of starvations on the health of older adults: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Diao Li , Xu Ling
Published: December 2020

This paper used pooled cross‐sectional data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey to comprehensively investigate how childhood experiences of starvation affect the health of older Chinese adults. The study found that the childhood experience of starvation was negatively correlated with self‐rated health, functional health and cognitive health among older adults. After using the model and variable substitution methods to address the endogeneity problems caused by omitted variables, the negative effects of childhood experiences of starvation on the health of older adults were still present. The Karlson–Holm–Breen decomposition method was used to test the mediation effects, and it was found that childhood experiences of starvation had adverse effects on the health of older adults through endowment insurance, household income, education and nutrition. Consequently, the government should strengthen nutrition or other related health interventions for children and make longer‐term plans for improving the health of older adults.
Nonlinear convection flow of dissipative Casson nanofluid through an inclined annular microchannel with a porous medium
Authors: Idowu Amos S. , Akolade Mojeed T. , Oyekunle Timothy L. , Abubakar Jos U.
Published: December 2020

The nonlinear convection study on the flow of a dissipative Casson nanofluid through a porous medium of an inclined micro‐annular channel is presented. The cylindrical surfaces were conditioned to temperature increase and velocity slip effects. A uniform magnetic field strength was applied perpendicular to the cylinder surface. The heat source and Darcy number influence are explored in the examination of the blood rheological model (Casson) through the annular cylinder. Appropriate dimensionless variables are imposed on the dimensional equations encompassing Casson nanofluid rheology through an annular microchannel. The resulting systems of equations were solved and computed numerically via Chebyshev‐based collocation approach. Thus, the solutions of flow distributions, volumetric flow rate, and other flow characteristics were obtained. The result shows that both nonlinear convection parameters decrease the nanoparticle volume fraction, whereas they increase the energy and momentum distributions. Moreover, the volumetric flow rate is upsurged significantly by a wider porous medium, annular gap, a higher Casson parameter, and nonlinear convection influence.
Hydrologic variability in black ash wetlands: Implications for vulnerability to emerald ash borer
Authors: Cianciolo Thomas R. , Diamond Jacob S. , McLaughlin Daniel L. , Slesak Robert A. , D'Amato Anthony W. , Palik Brian J.
Published: December 2020

Black ash (Fraxinus nigra) wetlands are widespread, forested landscape features in the western Great Lakes region. However, the future of these ecosystems is threatened due to impending spread of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB), which results in tree mortality, decreased transpiration, and potential shifts to wetter, non‐forested conditions. The vulnerability to such ecohydrologic shifts likely varies according to local hydrologic regimes controlled by landscape settings, but this site‐dependent vulnerability and our ability to predict it is unknown. Here, we assessed vulnerability potential as a function of site hydrology in 15 undisturbed black ash wetlands from their three most common hydrogeomorphic settings in northern Minnesota: lowland, depression, and transition. Further, we used high‐resolution (1‐cm) surface elevation models to assess spatial variability of water levels at a subset of 10 sites. Although we observed similar ET and groundwater exchange rates among settings, lowland sites were generally drier because of elevated landscape position and greater water level drawdowns (via lower specific yield). We predict that such drier sites will exhibit greater water level increases following EAB‐induced ash mortality, compared to wetter sites where open water evaporation and shallow‐rooted understory transpiration will offset losses in tree transpiration. Moreover, compared to wetter sites, drier sites exhibited minimal microtopographic variation, limiting the number of elevated microsites for tree establishment and eventual canopy recovery after ash loss. These results suggest that site wetness is a simple and effective predictor of black ash wetland vulnerability to hydrologic regime change. To that end, we assessed the ability of common terrain metrics to predict site wetness, providing a potential tool to target vulnerable areas for active management efforts.
Sex discrepancy in the reduction of mucosal‐associated invariant T cells caused by obesity
Authors: Liu Jianyun , Nan Hongmei , Brutkiewicz Randy R , Casasnovas Jose , Kua Kok Lim
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Gut microbiota has been reported to contribute to obesity and the pathology of obesity‐related diseases but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a unique subpopulation of T cells characterized by the expression of a semi‐invariant T cell receptor (TCR) α chain (Vα19 in mice; Vα7.2 in humans). The expansion and maturation of MAIT cells require the gut microbiota and antigen‐presenting molecule MR1, suggesting that MAIT cells may play a unique role in bridging gut microbiota, obesity, and obesity‐associated inflammation.

Methods

The levels of human MAIT cells from obese patients, as well as mouse MAIT cells from obese mouse models, were determined by flow cytometry. By comparing to controls, we analyzed the change of MAIT cells in obese subjects.

Results

We found obese patients had fewer circulating MAIT cells than healthy‐weight donors and the difference was more distinct in male patients. Consistently, male mice (but not female mice) have shown reduced MAIT cells in the liver and adipose tissue after a 10‐week Western diet compared to mice on a control diet. We also explored the possibility of utilizing high‐throughput technology (i.e., quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qPCR]), other than flow cytometry, to determine the expression levels of the invariant TCR of human MAIT cells. But a minimal correlation (R2 = 0.23, p = .11) was observed between qPCR and flow cytometry data.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that there is a sex discrepancy in the impact of obesity on MAIT cells: MAIT cells in male (but not female) humans and male mice are reduced by obesity.
Prospective longitudinal study of immune checkpoint molecule (ICM) expression in immune cell subsets during curative conventional therapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)
Authors: von Witzleben Adrian , Fehn Adrian , Grages Ayla , Ezić Jasmin , Jeske Sandra S. , Puntigam Lisa K. , Brunner Cornelia , Kraus Johann M. , Kestler Hans A. , Doescher Johannes , Brand Matthias , Theodoraki Marie‐Nicole , Ottensmeier Christian H. , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Schuler Patrick J. , Laban Simon
Published: December 2020

Programmed‐death‐1 (PD1) antibodies are approved for recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Multiple drugs targeting costimulatory and coinhibitory immune checkpoint molecules (ICM) have been discovered. However, it remains unknown how these ICM are affected by curative conventional therapy on different immune cell subsets during the course of treatment. In the prospective noninterventional clinical study titled “Immune Response Evaluation to Curative conventional Therapy” (NCT03053661), 22 patients were prospectively enrolled. Blood samples were drawn at defined time points throughout curative conventional treatment and follow‐up. Immune cells (IC) from the different time points were assessed by multicolor flow cytometry. The following ICM were measured by flow cytometry: PD1, CTLA4, BTLA, CD137, CD27, GITR, OX40, LAG3 and TIM3. Dynamics of ICM expression were assessed using nonparametric paired samples tests. Significant changes were noted for PD1, BTLA and CD27 on multiple IC types during or after radiotherapy. Nonsignificant trends for increased expression of OX40 and GITR from baseline until the end of RT were observed on CD4 T cells and CD4+ CD39+ T cells. In patients with samples at recurrence of disease, a nonsignificant increase of TIM3 and LAG3 positive CD4+ CD39+ T cells was evident, accompanied by an increase of double positive cells for TIM3/LAG3. Potential future targets to be combined with RT in the conventional treatment and anti‐PD1/PD‐L could be BTLA agonists, or agonistic antibodies to costimulatory ICM like CD137, OX40 or GITR. The combination of cetuximab with CD27 agonistic antibodies enhancing ADCC or the targeting of TIM3/LAG3 may be another promising strategy.
Minimally invasive management of pyoperitoneum in a COVID‐19 patient: A therapeutic dilemma
Authors: Chawla Latika , Rajaram Shalini , Arora Shivani , Chauhan Udit , Mishra Juhi
Published: December 2020

A case report of successful minimally invasive management of puerperal sepsis with pyoperitoneum and acute peritonitis in a COVID‐19‐positive patient.
Testicular rupture successfully treated with a tunica vaginalis flap
Authors: Yokokawa Shuhei , Tabei Tadashi , Kobayashi Kazuki
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Testicular injury with a tunica albuginea tear is typically reconstructed by primary closure. We herein describe the successful use of a tunica vaginalis flap for reconstruction of a ruptured testis for which primary closure was not possible.

Case presentation

A 21‐year‐old man visited our hospital with scrotal swelling after a baseball struck his left testis. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography indicated a left tunica albuginea tear, and emergency surgery was performed. Primary closure of the tunica albuginea was impossible since a tight closure could cause secondary damage. A vascular pedicle flap was prepared by shaping the tunica vaginalis to replace the tunica albuginea. He was discharged 2 days postoperatively. Ultrasonography showed normal size and blood flow in the ruptured testis at the 2‐week and 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

A testicular vaginalis flap should be considered when primary closure is difficult in cases of testicular rupture with tunica albuginea damage.
Development and nationwide implementation of a postdischarge responsive parenting intervention program for very preterm born children: The TOP program
Authors: Jeukens‐Visser Martine , Koldewijn Karen , van Wassenaer‐Leemhuis Aleid G. , Flierman Monique , Nollet Frans , Wolf Marie‐Jeanne
Published: December 2020

A previous randomized controlled trial has suggested the effectiveness of a Dutch postdischarge responsive parenting program for very preterm (VPT) infants, indicating that nationwide implementation was justified. This paper describes the development and nationwide implementation of the intervention, known as the TOP program, which consisted of three phases. In the preparation phase (2006–2010), a theory of change and the structure of the TOP program were developed, and funding for phase two, based on a positive Business Case, was obtained. In the pilot implementation phase (2010–2014), intervention strategies were developed for a real‐world setting, capacity and adoption were increased, systematic evaluations were incorporated, and sustained funding was obtained. In the full‐implementation phase (2014–2019), all Dutch Healthcare Insurers reimbursed the TOP program, enabling VPT infants to participate in the program without charge. By 2018, the number of interventionists that provided the TOP program had increased from 37 to 91, and all level III hospitals and 65% of regional hospitals in the Netherlands referred VPT infants. Currently, the program reaches 70% of the Dutch target population and parental satisfaction with the TOP program is high. After a 12‐year implementation period, the TOP program forms part of routine care in the Netherlands.
Novel therapeutic regimens for urethane‐induced early lung cancer in rats: Combined cisplatin nanoparticles with vitamin‐D3
Authors: Radwan Eman , Ali Maha , Faied Soad M. A. , Omar Hossam M. , Mohamed Wael S. , Abd‐Elghaffar Sary Kh. , Sayed Ayat A.
Published: December 2020

Lung cancer remains incurable; therefore, novel therapeutical approaches are of great demand. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of cisplatin nanoparticles combined with vitamin‐D3 on urethane‐induced early lung cancer in rats and to clarify the underlying signaling mechanisms. Early lung cancer was induced in male Wistar rats by urethane. Rats were divided into six groups: I‐control, II‐cancer untreated, III‐cancer + free cisplatin, IV‐cancer + cisplatin nanoparticles, V‐cancer + free cisplatin + vitamin‐D3, VI‐cancer + cisplatin nanoparticles + vitamin‐D3. Inflammation, proliferation, and apoptosis were evaluated together with the levels of tumor marker CK‐19 along with histological assessment. Treatment of lung cancer with either free or nanoparticles of cisplatin alone demonstrated significant suppression in the expression of inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic and tumor markers compared to rats with lung cancer. Moreover, vitamin‐D3 supplementation with either cisplatin forms lead to a further decrease of all markers, markedly with cisplatin nanoparticles. The present study shows the synergistic effect of cisplatin‐nanoparticles combined with vitamin‐D3 as a new therapy regimen against lung cancer. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer duration are needed to confirm these results.
Characterization of G protein‐coupled estrogen receptors in Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes
Authors: Miyaoku Kaori , Ogino Yukiko , Lange Anke , Ono Ayaka , Kobayashi Tohru , Ihara Masaru , Tanaka Hiroaki , Toyota Kenji , Akashi Hiroshi , Yamagishi Genki , Sato Tomomi , Tyler Charles R. , Iguchi Taisen , Miyagawa Shinichi
Published: December 2020

The G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor 1 (Gper1) is a membrane‐bound estrogen receptor that mediates non‐genomic action of estrogens. A Gper1‐mediating pathway has been implicated in reproductive activities in fish, including oocyte growth, but Gper1 has been characterized in only a very limited number of fish species. In this study, we cloned and characterized two genes encoding medaka (Oryzias latipes) Gper1s, namely, Gper1a and Gper1b, and phylogenic and synteny analyses suggest that these genes originate through a teleost‐specific whole genome duplication event. We found that Gper1a induced phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) in 293T cells transfected with medaka Gper1s on exposure to the natural estrogen, 17β‐estradiol (E2) and a synthetic Gper1 agonist (G‐1), and treatment with both E2 and G‐1 also decreased the rate of spontaneous maturation in medaka oocytes. These findings show that the processes for oocyte growth and maturation are sensitive to estrogens and are possibly mediated through Gper1a in medaka. We also show that 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2), one of the most potent estrogenic endocrine‐disrupting chemicals, and bisphenol A (BPA, a weak environmental estrogen) augmented phosphorylation of MAPK through medaka Gper1s in 293T cells. Interestingly, however, treatment with EE2 or BPA did not attenuate maturation of medaka oocytes. Our findings support that Gper1‐mediated effects on oocytes are conserved among fish species, but effects of estrogenic endocrine‐disrupting chemicals on oocytes acting through Gper1 may be divergent among fish species.
QMCube (QM3): An all‐purpose suite for multiscale QM/MM calculations
Authors: Martí Sergio
Published: December 2020

QMCube (QM3) is a suite written in the Python programming language, initially focused on multiscale QM/MM simulations of biological systems, but open enough to address other kinds of problems. It allows the user to combine highly efficient QM and MM programs, providing unified access to a wide range of computational methods. The suite also supplies additional modules with extra functionalities. These modules facilitate common tasks such as performing the setup of the models or process the data generated during the simulations. The design of QM3 has been carried out considering the least number of external dependencies (only an algebra library, already included in the distribution), which makes it extremely portable. Also, the modular structure of the suite should help to expand and develop new computational methods.
Religiousness, meaning, and quality of life: Test of a mediational model among adults seeking a spiritually integrated inpatient program
Authors: Hinkel Hannah M. , Isaak Steven L. , Abernethy Alexis D. , Witvliet Charlotte V. O. , Schnitker Sarah A. , Root Luna Lindsey M. , Currier Joseph M.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Religious beliefs and practices may augment a sense of meaning in life that could support quality of life (QOL) in physical, social, and emotional domains amid mental health crises. However, these associations have not been thoroughly tested among persons with serious mental illness (SMI).

Methods

Focusing on 248 adults who had recently enrolled in a spiritually integrated acute psychiatric hospitalization program, we incorporated structural equation modeling to examine whether (1) religiousness would be associated with better overall QOL; and (2) inpatients’ sense of meaning in life would at least partially account for the religiousness‐QOL link.

Results

Religiousness was linked indirectly with QOL at the time of admission: religiousness was associated with greater meaning in life, and a higher degree of meaning in life was associated with QOL.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the crucial role of religiousness for meaning and wellness among many individuals with SMI who seek stabilization and healing.
Translational evaluation of training structures in equivalence‐based instruction
Authors: Oliveira Juliana S. C. D. , Freitas Luiz , Tomlinson Gregory Michael , Petursdottir Anna Ingeborg
Published: December 2020

We used a laboratory preparation to evaluate the claim that equivalence‐based instruction (EBI) is an efficient form of instruction due to eliminating the need for emergent relations to be taught. Three groups of college students received training to establish 3 stimulus classes with 4 members in each class. Two groups received either a linear series (EBI‐LS) or a 1‐to‐many training structure (EBI‐OTM group). A control group received complete instruction (CI) that targeted all possible relations between the members of each class. The EBI‐OTM group required fewer trials to complete instruction compared to CI, whereas EBI‐LS did not. The EBI‐OTM and the CI groups performed equally well on a posttest that followed initial attainment of the mastery criterion, whereas the EBI‐LS group performed more poorly than the other 2. The groups' performance on a function transfer test did not differ. The results support the claim that compared to CI, EBI is an efficient form of instruction when it follows an OTM structure. However, they also suggest this efficiency advantage cannot be attributed to the fewer relations that need to be taught in EBI, as the EBI‐OTM and the EBI‐LS groups were trained on the same number of relations.
Humanized liver mouse model with transplanted human hepatocytes from patients with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency
Authors: Sugahara Go , Yamasaki Chihiro , Yanagi Ami , Furukawa Suzue , Ogawa Yuko , Fukuda Akinari , Enosawa Shin , Umezawa Akihiro , Ishida Yuji , Tateno Chise
Published: December 2020

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is a metabolic and genetic disease caused by dysfunction of the hepatocytic urea cycle. To develop new drugs or therapies for OTCD, it is ideal to use models that are more closely related to human metabolism and pathology. Primary human hepatocytes (HHs) isolated from two patients (a 6‐month‐old boy and a 5‐year‐old girl) and a healthy donor were transplanted into host mice (hemi‐, hetero‐OTCD mice, and control mice, respectively). HHs were isolated from these mice and used for serial transplantation into the next host mouse or for in vitro experiments. Histological, biochemical, and enzyme activity analyses were performed. Cultured HHs were treated with ammonium chloride or therapeutic drugs. Replacement rates exceeded 80% after serial transplantation in both OTCD mice. These highly humanized OTCD mice showed characteristics similar to OTCD patients that included increased blood ammonia levels and urine orotic acid levels enhanced by allopurinol. Hemi‐OTCD mice showed defects in OTC expression and significantly low enzymatic activities, while hetero‐OTCD mice showed residual OTC expression and activities. A reduction in ammonium metabolism was observed in cultured HHs from OTCD mice, and treatment with the therapeutic drug reduced the ammonia levels in the culture medium. In conclusion, we established in vivo OTC mouse models with hemi‐ and hetero‐patient HHs. HHs isolated from the mice were useful as an in vitro model of OTCD. These OTC models could be a source of valuable patient‐derived hepatocytes that would enable large scale and reproducible experiments using the same donor.
Assessment of CMIP6 models' skill for tropical Indian Ocean sea surface temperature variability
Authors: Halder Subrota , Parekh Anant , Chowdary Jasti S. , Gnanaseelan Chellappan , Kulkarni Ashwini
Published: December 2020

The present study examines the ability of Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) models in representing the dominant modes of tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) sea surface temperature (SST) variability on the interannual and decadal time scale. Historical simulations from 27 CMIP6 models are assessed against Extended Reconstructed SST over the period of 1854 to 2014. Spectrum analysis reveals that many models reproduce interannual and decadal variability of TIO SST but underestimate the amplitude of variability with some disparity in the periodicity. All models can reproduce the dominant basin‐wide mode of interannual and decadal variability of TIO SST reasonably well. Skill score analysis of TIO SST variability reveals that KACE‐1‐0‐G has highest skill, followed by FGOALS‐f3‐L, EC‐Earth3‐Veg‐LR, ACCESS‐ESM1‐5, CanESM5‐CanOE on the interannual timescale and FGOALS‐f3‐L, CanESM5‐CanOE, KACE‐1‐0‐G and CanESM5, respectively, showed highest skills for decadal variability. It is found that variations in radiation and latent heat flux are primarily responsible for interannual variability in TIO SST, the basin‐wide warming, in the observations. Taylor diagram analysis reveals that all the models exhibit better skill for the radiative flux; however, skill for the latent heat and momentum flux varies from model to model. It is important to note that the models in which the latent heat flux and zonal wind are better represented have produced better TIO SST variability compared to other models. A higher discrepancy in latent heat and zonal momentum flux leads to improper wind‐evaporation‐SST and wind‐circulation‐SST feedback, which in turn restricts the model skill. Besides, model that has realistic central and eastern Pacific SST variability show better skill for TIO SST variability in both interannual and decadal time scales. The present study advocates that better representation of latent heat flux and zonal wind in coupled models is important for the accurate simulation of interannual and decadal variability in TIO SST.
Untangling drivers for supplier environmental and social responsibility: An investigation in Philips Lighting's Chinese supply chain
Authors: Villena Verónica H. , Wilhelm Miriam , Xiao Cheng‐Yong
Published: December 2020

This study unpacks the environmental and social dimensions of supplier responsibility and links each dimension to distinct drivers. Using stakeholder theory and the relational view, we distinguish between two main drivers: stakeholder pressures (i.e., from regulatory agencies, buying firms, and nongovernmental organizations) and relational mechanisms offered by multinational companies (MNCs) (i.e., lean trainings and relational capital). We used a multi‐method research design to study how these drivers uniquely influence supplier responsibility in an emerging‐country context. An in‐depth case study with Philips Lighting and 10 of its Chinese suppliers reveals causal inferences that link stakeholder and relational drivers with each responsibility dimension (environmental vs. social). Audit and survey data from Philips Lighting's 134 Chinese suppliers, complemented with four archival databases, bolster these inferences. Overall, the results show that supplier environmental responsibility can be fostered through both stakeholder pressures and relational drivers; whereas, supplier social responsibility is much harder to address. The integrated methods offer a fuller, more comprehensive understanding of the specifics of supplier responsibility in China and also provide recommendations for MNCs that seek to improve it.
Distinct vasculotropic versus osteotropic features ofS. agalactiaeversusS. aureusimplant‐associated bone infection in mice
Authors: Masters Elysia A. , Hao Stephanie P. , Kenney H. Mark , Morita Yugo , Galloway Chad A. , de Mesy Bentley Karen L. , Ricciardi Benjamin F. , Boyce Brendan F. , Schwarz Edward M. , Oh Irvin
Published: December 2020

Osteomyelitis is a devastating complication of orthopaedic surgery and commonly caused byStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) and Group BStreptococcus(GBS,S. agalactiae). Clinically,S. aureusosteomyelitis is associated with local inflammation, abscesses, aggressive osteolysis, and septic implant loosening. In contrast,S. agalactiaeorthopaedic infections generally involve soft tissue, with acute life‐threatening vascular spread. While preclinical models that recapitulate the clinical features ofS. aureusbone infection have proven useful for research, no animal models ofS. agalactiaeosteomyelitis exist. Here, we compared the pathology caused by these bacteria in an established murine model of implant‐associated osteomyelitis. In vitro scanning electron microscopy and CFU quantification confirmed similar implant inocula for both pathogens (~105CFU/pin). Assessment of mice at 14 days post‐infection demonstrated increasedS. aureusvirulence, asS. agalactiaeinfected mice had significantly greater body weight, and fewer CFU on the implant and in bone and adjacent soft tissue (p < 0.05). X‐ray, µCT, and histologic analyses showed thatS. agalactiaeinduced significantly less osteolysis and implant loosening, and fewer large TRAP+osteoclasts thanS. aureuswithout inducing intraosseous abscess formation. Most notably, transmission electron microscopy revealed that although both bacteria are capable of digesting cortical bone,S. agalactiaehave a predilection for colonizing blood vessels embedded within cortical bone whileS. aureusprimarily colonizes the osteocyte lacuno‐canalicular network. This study establishes the first quantitative animal model ofS. agalactiaeosteomyelitis, and demonstrates a vasculotropic mode ofS. agalactiaeinfection, in contrast to the osteotropic behavior ofS. aureusosteomyelitis.
Chronic subacromial impingement leads to supraspinatus muscle functional and morphological changes: Evaluation in a murine model
Authors: Croen Brett J. , Carballo Camila B. , Wada Susumu , Zhang Xueying , Patel Saral , Deng Xiang‐Hua , Rodeo Scott A.
Published: December 2020

Muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration have been directly correlated with higher rates of incomplete or failed healing following surgical repair of the rotator cuff. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinically relevant functional and morphological changes in the supraspinatus muscle at various time points in this model of rotator cuff tendinopathy. Subacromial impingement was induced in 47, male C57BL/6 mice (total 94 limbs) by implantation of a metal clip in the subacromial space. Specimens were evaluated at 4, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Gait analysis was used to measure various kinematic parameters. Supraspinatus muscle wet weight, histology, and quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis of genes related to muscle atrophy and adipogenesis were performed to characterize the structural, cellular, and molecular changes. Muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration was evident beginning at 6 weeks, with progression out to 12 weeks. Gait analysis identified significant functional changes in many aspects of gait and abnormal stance tracing as early as 4 weeks, verifying alterations in upper extremity function. We have demonstrated that clinically relevant changes to the supraspinatus muscle are seen starting 6 weeks after induction of subacromial impingement. Furthermore, the gait analysis provides key functional outcome measurements that may be useful for future evaluation of new therapeutic strategies.
In vitro assays for evaluating phytate degradation in non‐ruminants: chances and limitations
Authors: Sommerfeld Vera , Santos Regiane R
Published: December 2020

The positive effects of phytases on the environment, animal welfare and animal feed costs have resulted in the continuous development and improvement of these enzymes in the non‐ruminant feed market. To test the efficacy of these phytases, a large number of experimental animals are necessary, antagonising the animal welfare aspect of these enzymes. In the present review, we summarise the most prominent available in vitro assays for evaluating phytase enzymes and how far they can reduce the number of in vivo experiments. Several in vitro assays exist that differ in their setup, extent and conditions depending on the animal of interest and the research question. With the in vitro assays described, it is not possible to fully replace in vivo trials. However, for the investigation of phytase effects in feedstuffs, the use of an in vitro assay has several advantages. In vitro assays have the potential to be used for ranking feed enzymes and as screening tools. Applying in vitro protocols will result in a reduction in the number of animals or treatments usually necessary for an in vivo trial, thus acting towards the three Rs. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Responses of rice qualitative characteristics to elevated carbon dioxide and higher temperature: implications for global nutrition
Authors: Wei Lianlian , Wang Weilu , Zhu Jianguo , Wang Zhiqin , Wang Jianqing , Li Chunhua , Zeng Qing , Ziska Lewis H
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Protein and some minerals of rice seed are negatively affected by projected carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. However, an in‐depth assessment of rice quality that encompasses both CO2 and temperature for a wide range of nutritional parameters is not available. Using a free‐air CO2 enrichment facility with temperature control, we conducted a field experiment with two levels of CO2 (ambient; ambient + 200 ppm) and two levels of temperature (ambient; ambient + 1.5 °C). An in‐depth examination of qualitative factors indicated a variable nutritional response.

RESULTS

For total protein, albumin, glutelin, and prolamin, elevated CO2 reduced seed concentrations irrespective of temperature. Similarly, several amino acids declined further as a function of higher temperature and elevated CO2 relative to elevated CO2 alone. Higher temperature increased the lipid percentage of seed; however, elevated CO2 reduced the overall lipid content. At the nutrient elements level, whereas elevated CO2 reduced certain elements, a combination of CO2 and temperature could compensate for CO2 reductions but was element dependent.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these data are, at present, the most detailed analysis of rising CO2/temperature on the qualitative characteristics of rice. They indicate that climate change is likely to significantly impact the nutritional integrity of rice, with subsequent changes in human health on a global basis. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Stability and antibacterial activity of Thymus daenensis L. essential oil nanoemulsion in mayonnaise
Authors: Mansouri Sadaf , Pajohi‐Alamoti Mohammadreza , Aghajani Narjes , Bazargani‐Gilani Behnaz , Nourian Alireza
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

There is a growing demand in the food industry for the replacement of synthetic preservatives with their natural alternatives. This has led to the development of novel methods such as encapsulation of plants essential oil with appropriate physicochemical stability, and antibacterial and organoleptic properties. This study aimed to prepare an optimal nanoemulsion of Thymus daenensis L. essential oil for use as a natural preservative in mayonnaise.

RESULTS

The analysis of droplet diameter, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation rate, and intrinsic stability showed that out of nine T. daenensis essential oil‐containing nanoemulsions, two preparations of A and B had high stability scores. In vitro antibacterial tests showed the adverse effect of Tween 80 volume on the antibacterial properties of nanoemulsions. One nanoemulsion (essential oil:Tween 80, ratio 1:1, 15 min sonication) was considered to be optimal based on its long‐term stability and antibacterial effects on Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. However, compared to the optimal nanoemulsion, the pure essential oil showed more antibacterial effects. The bacterial control in mayonnaise was close to equal for sodium benzoate (in maximum limit 1 g kg−1) and the optimal nanoemulsion (½ MIC) for 24 h. The optimal nanoemulsion achieved significantly higher sensory scores (taste, appearance, and mouthfeel) than the pure essential oil in mayonnaise (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated similar antibacterial effects for the optimal nanoemulsion and sodium benzoate. The optimal nanoemulsion, due to its desirable sensorial attributes, long‐term stability, and slow release of volatile compounds, can be considered an appropriate alternative to synthetic preservatives.
Plasma miR‐409‐3p promotes acute cerebral infarction via suppressing CTRP3
Authors: Song Xian‐Dong , Li Shi‐Xing , Zhu Min
Published: December 2020

Abnormal expression of miR‐409‐3p has been found in several neurodevelopmental disorders, but whether it is dysregulated in the patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) has not been evaluated. The current study mainly focused on the clinical significance and the underlying mechanism of plasma miR‐409‐3p in the progression of ACI. The level of plasma miR‐409‐3p was determined in ACI patients (n = 80) and healthy controls (n = 30). Pearson correlation assay was performed to evaluate the association and cardiovascular risk factors. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of plasma miR‐409‐3p levels in patients with ACI. Dual luciferase reporter assay and western blot were performed to determine the possible target gene of miR‐409‐3p. Our data showed that the expression of plasma miR‐409‐3p in the ACI group was higher than that in the healthy controls. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between plasma miR‐409‐3p and the NIHSS score. ROC analysis indicated that plasma miR‐409‐3p could differentiate plasma miR‐409‐3p in ACI patients from healthy controls. Then, we explored the possible target genes of miR‐409‐3p. Interestingly, C1q and TNF‐related 3 (CTRP3), a novel adipose tissue‐derived secreted factor, was found to be a target gene of miR‐409‐3p. We found that knockdown of CTRP3 significantly induced PC12 cell apoptosis, even in PC12 cells transfected with miR‐409‐3p inhibitor. These data suggested that miR‐409‐3p induced PC12 cell apoptosis by targeting CTRP3. Altogether, elevated plasma miR‐409‐3p is correlated with disease severity and may be efficient for the early diagnosis of ACI.
Compensation Rates for Otolaryngologic Procedures Under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule in 2018
Authors: Kondamuri Neil S. , Miller Ashley L. , Rathi Vinay K.
Published: December 2020

Objective/Hypothesis

Medicare reimbursement for physician work depends on the estimated time and intensity – which encompasses technical skill, cognitive load, and stress – required to perform services. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) quantitatively expresses intensity estimates as compensation rates per unit time. This study aimed to characterize compensation rates under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for operative procedures commonly performed by otolaryngologists.

Study Design

This study was a retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis.

Methods

This study was a retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis of fiscal year 2018 PFS specifications and publicly available Medicare Part B utilization data for the top 100 highest‐volume procedures furnished by otolaryngologists to Medicare beneficiaries in inpatient and ambulatory surgical center (ASC) settings between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. Co‐primary outcomes were the estimated 1) total compensation rate ($/min) and 2) intraservice (i.e., “skin‐to‐skin” time) compensation rate ($/min) for each included procedure.

Results

The analytic sample included 147 unique procedure types (settings non‐mutually exclusive): 82 inpatient procedure types (n = 33,907 procedures) and 95 ASC procedure types (n = 34,765 procedures). In the inpatient setting, median total compensation rate and intraservice compensation rates were $1.50/min (interquartile range [IQR]: $1.19/min–$1.65/min) and $2.27/min (IQR: $1.69/min–$2.68/min), respectively. In the ASC setting, median total compensation rate and intraservice compensation rates were $1.48/min (interquartile range [IQR]: $1.27/min–$1.77/min) and $2.39/min (IQR: $1.82/min–$2.91/min), respectively. At the service line level, volume‐weighted total (inpatient: $1.91/min, ASC: $1.90/min) and intraservice (inpatient: $3.84/min, ASC: $3.37/min) compensation rates were highest for rhinologic procedures.

Conclusions

Compensation rates under the Medicare PFS varied widely for operative procedures commonly performed by otolaryngologists.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:E1785–E1791, 2021
“Minor crimes” against wildlife: Small offenses, lasting impact, and a proposed solution
Authors: Minton Elizabeth A. , Sisneros‐Kidd Abigail M. , Monz Christopher
Published: December 2020

Past research has examined why people engage in negative consumer behaviors, but research has not adequately examined what drives minor crimes against wildlife, which is important given their prevalence and impact on the welfare of wildlife. We address this need for research with two studies that examine minor crimes against wildlife in the context of wildlife jams (i.e., traffic jams caused by wildlife in and around roadways that obstruct the normal flow of traffic). Study 1 introduces a research methodology very new to the field of marketing by using participant observation and geospatial data to characterize actual behaviors of people during wildlife jam events in a national park setting. Study 2 begins with a pre‐test identifying the primary reasons for participation in wildlife jams before the main study tests a message‐based intervention strategy to reduce wildlife jams using five conditions (no message, standard message, attitudes‐based message, norms‐based message, control‐based message). Results reveal that a norms‐based message reduced intentions to participate in wildlife jams the most, while all messaging tactics were more effective than no message. Findings build on the theory of planned behavior, and suggestions for decreasing consumer harm to wildlife are discussed.