bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Modeling of Movie Merchandise Market: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Corn May
Published: October 2024

The mature development and the extension of the industry chain make the income structure of the film industry. The income of the traditional film industry depends on the box office and also includes movie merchandise, advertisement, home entertainment, book sales etc. Movie merchandise can even become more profitable than the box office. Therefore, market analysis and forecasting methods for multi-feature merchandise of multi-type films are particularly important. Traditional market research is time-consuming and labour-intensive, and its practical value is restricted. Due to the limited research method, more effective predictive analysis technology needs to be formed. With the rapid development of machine learning and big data, a large number of machine learning algorithms for predictive regression and classification recognition have been proposed and widely used in product design and industry analysis. This paper proposes a high-precision movie merchandise prediction model based on machine learning technology: WE model. This model integrates three machine learning algorithms to accurately predict the movie merchandise market. The WE model learns the relationship between the movie merchandise market and movie features by analyzing the main feature information of movies. After testing, the accuracy rate of prediction and evaluation in the merchandise market reaches 72.5%, and it has achieved a strong market control effect.
L’Étude pour le Palais hanté d’Edgar Poe de Florent Schmitt, entre référence poétique et quête d’autonomie1
Authors: Quesney Cécile
Published: October 2024

Pensionnaire à la villa Médicis à Rome entre 1901 et 1904, Florent Schmitt découvre le poème d’Edgar Poe, « Le Palais hanté », qui lui inspire une Étude symphonique d’après des sensations diverses (1904) rebaptisée peu après Étude symphonique pour le Palais hanté puis Étude pour le Palais hanté d’Edgar Poe. Si elle apparait dès le deuxième titre, l’association de l’oeuvre avec celle de l’écrivain américain n’en reste pas moins distancée, comme en témoigne l’« avertissement » que Schmitt écrit en 1905 : sa musique « ne s’attache pas à suivre littéralement le poème », mais veut rendre « comme une impression de la vision fantastique et imprécise que suscite la traduction de [Stéphane] Mallarmé ». Cet article propose de retracer la genèse de cette oeuvre puissamment suggestive et de mettre en évidence les points saillants de sa composition et de sa réception, en lien avec le poème qui l’a inspirée.
Closure results for arbitrarily partitionable graphs
Authors: Bensmail Julien
Published: October 2024

A well-known result of Bondy and Chvátal establishes that a graph of order \(n\) is Hamiltonian if and only if its \(n\)-closure (obtained through repeatedly adding an edge joining any two non-adjacent vertices with degree sum at least \(n\)) also is. In this work, we investigate such closure results for arbitrarily partitionable graphs, a weakening of Hamiltonian graphs being those graphs that can be partitioned into arbitrarily many connected graphs of arbitrary orders. Among other results, we establish closure results for arbitrary partitions into connected graphs of order at most 3, for arbitrary partitions into connected graphs of order exactly any \(\lambda\), and for the property of being arbitrarily partitionable in full.
Demography and predatory potential of Orius strigicollis on eggs of Plutella xylostella at two temperatures
Authors: Ur Rehman Shakeel , Jiang Xingfu , Saleem Mahnoor , Zhou Xingmiao , Chen Bangqing , Khan Khalid Ali , Ibrahim Ibrahim Osman , Ghramh Hamed A.
Published: October 2024

Background

The polyphagous predatory bug Orius strigicollis Poppius (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) is an active predator used to control many insect pests of agricultural crops. Orius species are significantly affected by the type of food and temperature.

Method

A study of O. strigicollis feeding on Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) eggs in climate chambers at 28 and 32 °C, 70 ± 5% relative humidity, 16:8 photoperiod, was conducted to determine the effects of different temperatures on the predation activity, biological characteristics and demographic parameters of O. strigicollis. Twosex-MS Charts were used to determine the age-stages and characteristics of this species.

Results

The results showed that the daily consumption of pre-adults on eggs of P. xylostella was highest at 28 °C, and at this temperature, there was a greater probability that O. strigicollis would survive to adulthood (42.5%) than at 32 °C (25.0%). It has also been found that at 28 °C there was a long oviposition period (9.38 days) and the greatest female fecundity (44.2 eggs/female) In addition to the highest life expectancy of O. strigicollis (16.96 days) at 28 °C, the intrinsic rate of increase (0.087 d−1) was also highest. According to our results, O. strigicollis has the potential to grow and develop on the eggs of P. xylostella at 28 °C and, therefore, could potentially be used as a biological control agent in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
Exploring the Role of Destination Resilience Plans in Promoting Tourism: A Literature Review
Authors: Caluza Cristina
Published: October 2024

The study investigates the critical importance of destination resilience in enhancing tourism, particularly in the wake of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary aim of the research is to analyze how effective governance, stakeholder engagement, resource management, and risk assessment contribute to the resilience of tourist destinations and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). To achieve this, the study employs a comprehensive literature review methodology, synthesizing existing research on destination resilience strategies and their implications for tourism promotion. The findings reveal that destination resilience plans significantly impact tourism performance, stakeholder participation, and sustainable development. Additionally, the study highlights the necessity of integrating innovative practices and technology to bolster the resilience of tourism sectors. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights for destination management organizations, policymakers, and industry researchers, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and collaboration to foster long-term sustainability and resilience in tourism. The study serves as a foundation for future investigations and policy-making in the realm of sustainable tourism, addressing existing gaps in the literature and offering practical recommendations for enhancing destination resilience.
Effect of Education on Hemineglect Following Acute Stroke: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Roy Dillu , Chippala Purusotham
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Hemineglect is a condition in which patients are unable to report, respond to, or orient themselves to significant stimuli in the opposite side of space after a brain lesion that cannot be attributed to sensory or motor dysfunction. Patient as well as the caregivers is unaware of the poststroke symptoms. Educating both patients and caregivers about hemineglect is crucial for effective management and support. By providing education, patients gain a better understanding on their condition, its impact on daily life and strategies to cope with it. Caregivers on the other hand can learn how to provide appropriate support, create a supportive environment and assist with rehabilitation exercises. Aim: To determine the effect of education on hemineglect in patients with acute stroke. Materials and Methods: This parallel active controlled, randomised controlled trial with 32 participants who were hospitalised in Justice K.S Hegde Hospital, Mangaluru, Karnataka was conducted between January 2023-January 2024. Allocation was done by sequentially numbered opaque and sealed envelope method. The selected participants were randomly divided into Experimental Group-A (16 participants) and Group-B (control16 participants). Group-A received education on cueing, environmental modification, shifting of representation of space and regarding sensory and perceptual awareness for 15 minutes once a day along with the standard care and control Group-B (16 participant) recieved the standard care only. Both the groups received standard care treatment for 40 minutes one session per day for five days. The Pre-post intervention evaluation was done for both groups using line bisection test, Catherine Bergego scale and Barthel Index. The collected data were summarised by using the descriptive statistics: frequency, percentage; mean and SD. The independent sample t-test was used to compare the effectiveness (Pre-Post) Line Bisection, Catherine Bergego Scale, and Barthel Index between groups. Results: Line bisection test, Catherine Bergego Scale and Barthel Index for the experimental group were 1.19±0.57, 8.13±2.16, -22.19±12.38, respectively and for the control group were 0.06±0.42, 2.50±2.92, -6.88±6.29. The group comparison of Line Bisection Test, Catherine Bergego Scale and Barthel Index were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that patient and caregiver education coupled with conventional physical therapy is effective in improving the perceptual awareness and reduction in the presence and severity of hemineglect following acute stroke.
Evaluation of Allelopathic Potential of Oxalis europea on Weed and Rice Growth
Authors: Mia Md. Liton , Siddika Most. Sumaiya , Chandro Sujon , Sium Md. Abdur Rahim , Alam Asraful , Salsabil Nishat , Sanet Md. Rakibul Hasan , Neshe Fauzia Akter , Islam Md. Shafiqul , Zaman Farhana
Published: October 2024

During the aman season (June–November) of 2019, an experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh, to examine the allelopathic potential of amrul shak (Oxalis europea) residues on weed management and crop performance of T. aman rice. Three cultivars, Binadhan-7, BR11, and BRRI dhan49, were used in the trial, together with five various amrul shak residues: no crop residues, 0.5 t ha-1, 1.0 t ha-1, 1.5 t ha-1, and 1.5 t ha-1 + farmers' practice (one hand weeding). The relationships between variety, amrul shak residues, and weed population, dry weight, and percent inhibitions were shown to be highly significant. For every weed species, the treatment with no agricultural residues had the largest weed population and dry weight (T1). Amrul Shak residues 1.5 t ha-1 + Farmers' practice (one-hand weeding) had the lowest dry weight and weed population of all the weed species (T5). The application of amrul shak residues @ 1.5 t ha-1 + Farmers' practice (one hand weeding) resulted in the highest percent inhibition of 78.63, 81.42, 77.87, and 78.75 in Shama (Echinochloa crusgalli), Panikachu (Monochoria vaginalis), Chesra (Scirpus juncoides), and Susni shak (Marsilea quadrifolia), respectively. The study's findings suggest that the residues of amrul shak have the ability to inhibit the growth of weeds. For the purpose of producing T. aman rice, amrul shak residues therefore present a promising supply of effective weed control tools.
An asymmetrical Cascaded 19-Level Inverter with Reduced Switches Count Using Phase Shift Frequency Modulation
Authors: Kumar Premshankar , Agrawal Dr. Deepak , Sonkar Dr. Shivkumar , Mishra Renuka P.
Published: October 2024

An expansion of inverters to more than two layers to reduce distortion from the simple sinusoidal waveform is where the concept of a multilayer inverter arose. The incorporation of additional switches, which increases system size and expense and lowers system dependability owing to the increased component count, is a disadvantage of using multiple level inverters. When compared to a symmetrical H-bridged nineteen-level inverter, a nineteen-level inverter (19-LI) with fewer switches is provided in this work to rectify the problem of system becoming bulkier, costly and less reliable with less distortion. The sinusoidal carrier wave frequency modulation technique is used to control the gating of the switches. The MATLAB platform is used to build the concept, and the results are obtained under various loading condition and change in modulation index
Design of Advanced Wearable Device for Visually Impaired People
Authors: Benikireddy Krishna Prasad Reddy , Sai BR Jagadeeshwar , KMS Veerendranath , SK Reahan , K Sree Harshavardhan , Mariappan Ramasamy
Published: October 2024

According to WHO, 39 million individuals worldwide are predicted to be blind. They face numerous challenges in their daily lives. For many years, those affected have needed to rely on the traditional white cane, which is useful, but has a number of drawbacks. The primary challenger with dazed people is figuring out how to overcome their lack of vision by leveraging other senses such as sound and touch. A buzzer is also included in the framework to provide a warning sound and vibration signals. The framework employs sound and vibration signals to warn the customer of impending problems. The recurrence of both the sound and vibration signals increases as the distance between the glove and the obstacle decreases. As a result, the framework aids in the facilitation of the poor’s routing cycle. The framework, provides a low-cost, robust,compact, low-force use, and strong solution got routes with obvious quick reaction times
Effects of climate oscillations on wildland fire potential in the continental United States
Authors: Mason Shelby A. , Hamlington Peter E. , Hamlington Benjamin D. , Matt Jolly W. , Hoffman Chad M.
Published: June 2017

The effects of climate oscillations on spatial and temporal variations in wildland fire potential in the continental U.S. are examined from 1979 to 2015 using cyclostationary empirical orthogonal functions (CSEOFs). The CSEOF analysis isolates effects associated with the modulated annual cycle and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The results show that, in early summer, wildland fire potential is reduced in the southwest during El Niño but is increased in the northwest, with opposite trends for La Niña. In late summer, El Niño is associated with increased wildland fire potential in the southwest. Relative to the mean, the largest impacts of ENSO are observed in the northwest and southeast. Climate impacts on fire potential due to ENSO are found to be most closely associated with variations in relative humidity. The connections established here between fire potential and climate oscillations could result in improved wildland fire risk assessment and resource allocation.
Women and economic development
Authors: Boyle Elizabeth Heger , Svec Joseph
Published: June 2017

Since the era of decolonization in the mid twentieth century, international actors have committed themselves to promoting economic development within former colonies. Global development goals have typically focused on national modernization and economic growth. However, in recent decades feminist scholars and activists have explored how various strategies affect women and gender relations within countries. Even if strategies create economic growth at the national level – an outcome that cannot be taken for granted – the growth may not benefit all individuals within countries equally.
Peace Corps
Authors: Cobbs Elizabeth
Published: June 2017

The 1947 Marshall Plan for Europe and the 1950 British Colombo Plan for former colonies opened a new era in world history. Before this, humanitarian assistance mostly took the form of disaster relief conducted by private organizations like the Red Cross. In the era of decolonization and the Cold War, richer nations reached out to poorer ones to alleviate long‐term poverty. Both public and private organizations undertook this work.
Facework and Face Negotiation Theory
Authors: Ting‐Toomey Stella
Published: June 2017

The conflict face negotiation theory (FNT) explains the culture‐based, individual‐based, and situational‐based factors that shape communicators' tendencies in managing problematic face‐sensitive situations. The researching of face and facework can be found in a wide range of disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, sociology, linguistics/ESL, business management, international diplomacy, conflict mediation, and human communication studies, among others. The goal of the FNT theory is to provide a culture‐sensitive lens in explaining some of the key constructs in cross‐cultural comparative conflict situations. While the structure of FNT is expressed via the functional paradigm language, the theorist is open to any researchers who are interested in testing FNT via pluralistic methodologies—from critical advocacy methods, to the qualitative and quantitative research methods. FNT is a pragmatic theory that focuses on the question or problem being addressed and viewing the diverse methods as different yet mutually compatible conduits in investigating the multifarious nature of
face
.
Assessment of large copy number variants in patients with apparently isolated congenital left‐sided cardiac lesions reveals clinically relevant genomic events
Authors: Hanchard Neil A. , Umana Luis A. , D'Alessandro Lisa , Azamian Mahshid , Poopola Mojisola , Morris Shaine A. , Fernbach Susan , Lalani Seema R. , Towbin Jeffrey A. , Zender Gloria A. , Fitzgerald‐Butt Sara , Garg Vidu , Bowman Jessica , Zapata Gladys , Hernandez Patricia , Arrington Cammon B. , Furthner Dieter , Prakash Siddharth K. , Bowles Neil E. , McBride Kim L. , Belmont John W.
Published: June 2017

Congenital left‐sided cardiac lesions (LSLs) are a significant contributor to the mortality and morbidity of congenital heart disease (CHD). Structural copy number variants (CNVs) have been implicated in LSL without extra‐cardiac features; however, non‐penetrance and variable expressivity have created uncertainty over the use of CNV analyses in such patients. High‐density SNP microarray genotyping data were used to infer large, likely‐pathogenic, autosomal CNVs in a cohort of 1,139 probands with LSL and their families. CNVs were molecularly confirmed and the medical records of individual carriers reviewed. The gene content of novel CNVs was then compared with public CNV data from CHD patients. Large CNVs (>1 MB) were observed in 33 probands (∼3%). Six of these were de novo and 14 were not observed in the only available parent sample. Associated cardiac phenotypes spanned a broad spectrum without clear predilection. Candidate CNVs were largely non‐recurrent, associated with heterozygous loss of copy number, and overlapped known CHD genomic regions. Novel CNV regions were enriched for cardiac development genes, including seven that have not been previously associated with human CHD. CNV analysis can be a clinically useful and molecularly informative tool in LSLs without obvious extra‐cardiac defects, and may identify a clinically relevant genomic disorder in a small but important proportion of these individuals.
Adaptive Finite‐Time Robust Control of Nonlinear Delay Hamiltonian Systems Via Lyapunov‐Krasovskii Method
Authors: Yang Renming , Guo Rongwei
Published: June 2017

This paper investigates the adaptive finite‐time robust control problem of a class of nonlinear time‐delay Hamiltonian systems via the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii (L‐K) method, and proposes some delay‐dependent results on the issue. Different from existing works, this paper first presents a time‐varying finite‐time stability (FTS) criterion via an L‐K functional approach, and obtains two FTS conditions by constructing specific L‐K functionals. Then, the adaptive finite‐time robust control problem is investigated for nonlinear time‐delay port‐controlled Hamiltonian (PCH) systems, and a control design procedure is presented. Finally, the effectiveness of the results is demonstrated by an illustrative example.
Colloidal Stability of Metal Nanoparticles in Engine Oil under Thermal and Mechanical Load
Authors: Jendrzej Sandra , Gökce Bilal , Barcikowski Stephan
Published: June 2017

Extended colloidal stability and high dispersion degree of nanolubricants are required to avoid nanoparticle deposition in combustion engines and to reduce friction and wear. The simple and rapid one‐step technique of pulsed laser ablation in liquids is employed to synthesize precursor‐free and highly dispersed gold nanoparticles in lubricants while the colloidal stability is measured by optical spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A remarkable colloidal stability is determined under engine‐like and ambient conditions for nine months in terms of constant primary particle size. In contrast to additive‐free oils, almost no agglomeration is observed, which might be attributed to the attachment of engine oil additives or pyrolyzed/oxidized molecules to the nanoparticles preventing attractive nanoparticle interactions.
Dioxygen Activation: Potential Future Technical Applications in Reactive Bubbly Flows
Authors: Miska Andreas , Norbury Jonah , Lerch Markus , Schindler Siegfried
Published: June 2017

A dinuclear iron complex reacts with dioxygen to form a peroxido complex which has the potential to be used in homogeneous catalysis for selective oxidation of organic substrates. Previously, this complex has been investigated in organic solvents that seem less likely to be used on a larger scale in chemical industry. Transferring the reaction from organic solvents to aqueous solutions is difficult; however, first results indicated that derivatives of this complex should lead to the formation of a reactive oxidant from air in water. So far, the complexes investigated do not fulfill the requirements for their usage in a reactive bubbly flow system, but results of this work are promising for future applications.
Design and Synthesis of Cyclic Mismatch‐Binding Ligands (CMBLs) with Variable Linkers by Ring‐Closing Metathesis and their Photophysical and DNA Repeat Binding Properties
Authors: Mukherjee Sanjukta , Dohno Chikara , Nakatani Kazuhiko
Published: June 2017

Cyclophane‐containing bis(2‐amino‐1,8‐naphthyridine) moieties attached to variable linkers at the C2‐position (linker B) were synthesized as cyclic mismatch‐binding ligands (CMBLs). Ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) is used as a key step for the introduction of double bonds at the linker B. Decreasing the size of the linker of the substrate, formation of the RCM products with an increasing trans/cis (E/Z) ratio was observed with moderate to high overall yields. Concentration‐dependent fluorescence spectra were observed for CMBLs with longer linkers (n=3), whereas concentration‐independent spectra were observed for CMBLs with shorter linkers (n=2 and/or 1) with a marked exception of the E‐alkene 6 a. Concomitant changes in the absorption as well as in the fluorescence spectra were also observed for the CMBLs with an increasing hydrophobicity of the solvent. Absorption and fluorescence spectra of the CMBLs in solutions containing 99–100 % methanol resembled to that of the monomer. The binding behavior of these CMBLs with repeat DNA structures was investigated by using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay and circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The cyclic E‐alkenes 1 a (n=3) and 3 a (n=2) show an orthogonal binding relationship with d(CCTG)9 and d(CAG)9. However, the selectivity for the cyclic Z‐alkenes increased with decreasing the length of the linker from compound 2 b (n=3) to compound 7 b (n=1). These compounds display a large molecular diversity, which allowed the tuning of the binding affinity and selectivity of the CMBLs by varying the linkers towards various biologically significant repeat DNA structures.
Low‐Cost Carbazole‐Based Hole‐Transport Material for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Zhiliang , Li Hui , Zheng Xiaolu , Zhang Qi , Li Zhanfeng , Hao Yuying , Fang Guojia
Published: June 2017

A low‐cost carbazole‐based small‐molecule material, 1,3,6,8‐tetra(N,N‐p‐dimethoxyphenylamino)‐9‐ethylcarbazole, was designed and synthesized through a facile three‐step synthetic route. The material was characterized and applied as a hole‐transport material (HTM) for low‐temperature‐processed planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Devices based on this new HTM exhibit a high power‐conversion efficiency of 17.8 % that is comparable to that of PSCs based on the costly 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis[N,N‐di(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino]‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD) (18.6 %) .
Support your library to boost cultural offerings on your campus
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: June 2017

Unless you have been fortunate enough to have had a philanthropist bestow upon you the monies to build an art gallery or you are at a large state university with tons of funds, you are probably like me: You have little to no art at your college. And so, we rely on our library to be the center of all things art. If you've read my series Leadership is an Art, you know I love art and what it can teach on many levels (see Nov. 2014, Feb. 2015, and June 2015 issues).
From 3D grassy vegetation point cloud to hydraulic resistance: Application to close‐range estimation of Manning coefficients for intermittent open channels
Authors: Vinatier F. , Bailly J.‐S. , Belaud G.
Published: June 2017

The understanding of interrelations between biotic and abiotic processes in intermittent open channels is currently of primary importance to better assess the services and disservices they provide. A large body of literature attempts to characterize vegetation functional traits affecting hydraulic rugosity, through the introduction of the blockage factor of flow by vegetation. However, this factor has multiple definitions and is still difficult to assess in the fields with actual and diverse vegetation covers, especially for grassy plants of ditches. Our study aims at predicting flow resistance from 3D vegetation characteristics using a close‐range laser scanner. Flow resistance and vegetation 3D characteristics were defined using Manning coefficient and blockage factors, respectively. We tested combined effects of flow discharge against plant species and densities characterizing intermittent channels in a channel flume. Our results showed a variability of Manning coefficient describing flow rugosity against species and densities, with a highest rugosity for sclerophyllous species than herbaceous ones. Different blockage factors were calculated on the basis of scan clouds linked to Manning coefficients using nonlinear equation. The best relationship (R2 = .9) was found for nonlinear equation relating Manning coefficients to a simplified blockage factor figuring the mean vegetation height deduced from the projection of the scan point cloud to the channel frontal area. The introduction of a coefficient to correct underestimated values issued from herbaceous species considering their reconfiguration under hydrodynamic loading is thus discussed.
What drives riparian vegetation encroachment in braided river channels at patch to reach scales? Insights from annual airborne surveys (Drôme River, SE France, 2005–2011)
Authors: Räpple Bianca , Piégay Hervé , Stella John C. , Mercier Dimitri
Published: June 2017

Understanding riparian vegetation encroachment and its drivers is crucial for predicting alluvial river channel morphodynamics in different hydro‐climatic contexts. We investigated fine‐scale vegetation encroachment patterns and underlying physical controls along the Drôme River, France, following a 50‐year flood in 2003. Our study addressed the following questions: (a) What is the relative timing and the respective importance of vegetation patch recruitment versus patch expansion? (b) How well do regional/climatic factors explain the spatio‐temporal patterns of recruitment and expansion versus local and reach‐scale variation in geomorphic position and habitat? Along a 3‐km reach, we analysed a chronosequence of high‐resolution aerial images acquired yearly between 2005 and 2011. From each image series, we digitized patches of newly recruited vegetation and their lateral extent in following years to determine their expansion. This was complemented by elevation and plant structure data from airborne LiDAR data and field observations. The initial post‐flood vegetated area doubled within 6 years, with a pronounced recruitment peak in 2006–2007. Patch expansion showed a positive linear relationship to growing season temperature. Vegetation encroachment was greatest in a slightly aggrading sub‐reach compared to an incising sub‐reach. Initially, it occurred principally along low flow channel margins and on bar surfaces, later in intermittent channels. Our results confirmed that extensive recruitment can succeed floods with recurrence intervals smaller than 1‐in‐5 to 10 years, when the flood history resets the geomorphic framework. Recruitment extent depends in part on local hydrological connectivity, whereas higher temperatures can boost plant growth where there is a perennial water supply.
Timing of stressors alters interactive effects on a coastal foundation species
Authors: Bible Jillian M. , Cheng Brian S. , Chang Andrew L. , Ferner Matthew C. , Wasson Kerstin , Zabin Chela J. , Latta Marilyn , Sanford Eric , Deck Anna , Grosholz Edwin D.
Published: June 2017

The effects of climate‐driven stressors on organismal performance and ecosystem functioning have been investigated across many systems; however, manipulative experiments generally apply stressors as constant and simultaneous treatments, rather than accurately reflecting temporal patterns in the natural environment. Here, we assessed the effects of temporal patterns of high aerial temperature and low salinity on survival of Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida), a foundation species of conservation and restoration concern. As single stressors, low salinity (5 and 10 psu) and the highest air temperature (40°C) resulted in oyster mortality of 55.8, 11.3, and 23.5%, respectively. When applied on the same day, low salinity and high air temperature had synergistic negative effects that increased oyster mortality. This was true even for stressor levels that were relatively mild when applied alone (10 psu and 35°C). However, recovery times of two or four weeks between stressors eliminated the synergistic effects. Given that most natural systems threatened by climate change are subject to multiple stressors that vary in the timing of their occurrence, our results suggest that it is important to examine temporal variation of stressors in order to more accurately understand the possible biological responses to global change.
Pregnancy outcome in women undergoing liver biopsy during pregnancy: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Ludvigsson Jonas F. , Marschall Hanns‐Ulrich , Hagström Hannes , Höijer Jonas , Stephansson Olof
Published: June 2017

Liver biopsy is an important procedure in the investigation of liver disease. We examined pregnancy outcomes in women who underwent liver biopsy during pregnancy. In a nationwide population‐based cohort study we linked data from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry (for births between 1992 and 2011) with those from the Swedish Patient Registry. We identified 23 pregnancies exposed to liver biopsy. We calculated relative risks (RRs) for adverse pregnancy outcomes according to liver biopsy status using 1,953,887 unexposed pregnancies with and without a record of liver disease as reference. Our main outcome measures were stillbirth and preterm birth. There were no stillbirths in pregnancies exposed to liver biopsies compared with 0.3% stillbirths in unexposed pregnancies, and 3/23 (13%) exposed pregnancies were preterm (RR, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.9‐7.5). Compared to women with a record of liver disease, preterm birth was not increased in those exposed to liver biopsy (RR, 0.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.1‐6.0). Except for an increased risk of small for gestational age birth in pregnancies exposed to liver biopsy (RR, 5.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.8‐14.8), other adverse pregnancy outcomes were independent of liver biopsy status when the analysis was restricted to women with a diagnosis of liver disease. Compared with unexposed sibling pregnancies, pregnancies with a liver biopsy were 7 days shorter, but birth weights did not differ between the siblings (–67 g; P > 0.05). Conclusion: Apart from a moderately increased risk of preterm birth and small for gestational age, there was no association between liver biopsy during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcome; potential excess risks should be weighed against the advantages of having a liver biopsy that may influence clinical management of the patient and indirectly fetal health. (Hepatology 2017).
Critical Partnerships in Literacy
Authors: Ewaida Marriam , Gaffney Katherine , Garcia Frances
Published: June 2017

Often coauthored by university‐ and school‐based educators, preservice teachers, and youths, this department column considers how literacies are best developed through context‐crossing partnerships among university, school, and community constituents.
Perceived weight discrimination and high‐risk health‐related behaviors
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Terracciano Antonio
Published: June 2017

Objective

Perceived weight discrimination has been associated with several health‐risk behaviors related to eating and physical activity. The purpose of this research is to test whether weight discrimination is associated with nonweight‐related high‐risk behaviors that put the individual's health at risk.

Methods

As part of a larger survey on health and well‐being, participants (N = 5,163) reported on their experiences with weight discrimination and their engagement in four high‐risk behaviors: current cigarette smoking, driving while intoxicated, risky sexual/drug use behaviors, and seat belt use. Logistic regression was used to test the association between weight discrimination and each behavior, controlling for relevant demographics and BMI.

Results

Perceived weight discrimination was associated with increased risk of cigarette smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36‐1.99), driving while intoxicated (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.60‐2.54), risky sexual/drug use behaviors (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.69‐2.80), and not using a seat belt (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.15‐2.03). With the exception of seat belt use, all associations remained significant controlling for depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

The results of this research indicate that the harmful associations between weight discrimination and health‐risk behaviors are not limited to behaviors related to eating and physical activity but extend to high‐risk behaviors that may contribute to the association between weight discrimination and poor health.
Exercise's effect on mobility disability in older adults with and without obesity: The LIFE study randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Lovato Laura , Handing Elizabeth P. , Blair Steven , Botoseneanu Anda , Guralnik Jack M. , Liu Christine , King Abby , Marsh Anthony P. , Pahor Marco , Rejeski W. Jack , Spring Bonnie , Manini Todd
Published: June 2017

Objective

Some data suggest that obesity blunts the benefits of exercise on mobility in older adults. This study tested the homogeneity of the effect of a physical activity intervention on major mobility disability (MMD) across baseline obesity classifications in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study. LIFE randomized 1,635 sedentary men and women aged 70 to 89 years to a moderate‐intensity physical activity (PA) or health education program.

Methods

MMD, defined as the inability to walk 400 m, was determined over an average follow‐up of 2.6 years. Participants were divided into four subgroups: (1) nonobese (BMI < 30 kg/m2; n = 437); (2) nonobese with high waist circumference (WC > 102 cm [men], > 88 cm [women]; n = 434); (3) class 1 obesity (30 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 35 kg/m2; n = 430); and (4) class 2 + obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2; n = 312). Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to test an obesity by intervention interaction.

Results

The PA intervention had the largest benefit in participants with class 2 + obesity (hazard ratio 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.48, 0.98). However, there was no statistically significant difference in benefit across obesity categories.

Conclusions

A structured PA program reduced the risk of MMD even in older adults with extreme obesity.
Change in Use of Sleep Medications After Gastric Bypass Surgery or Intensive Lifestyle Treatment in Adults with Obesity
Authors: Ng Winda L. , Peeters Anna , Näslund Ingmar , Ottosson Johan , Johansson Kari , Marcus Claude , Shaw Jonathan E. , Bruze Gustaf , Sundström Johan , Neovius Martin
Published: June 2017

Objective

To examine the change in use of hypnotics and/or sedatives after gastric bypass surgery or intensive lifestyle modification in adults with obesity.

Methods

Adults with obesity who underwent gastric bypass surgery or initiated intensive lifestyle modification between 2007 and 2012 were identified through the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry and a Swedish commercial weight loss database. The two cohorts were matched on BMI, age, sex, education, history of hypnotics and/or sedatives use, and treatment year (surgery n = 20,626; lifestyle n = 11,973; 77% women, mean age 41 years, mean BMI 41 kg/m2). The proportion of participants with filled hypnotics and/or sedatives prescriptions was compared yearly for 3 years.

Results

In the matched treatment cohorts, 4% had filled prescriptions for hypnotics and/or sedatives during the year before treatment. At 1 year follow‐up, following an average weight loss of 37 kg and 18 kg in the surgery and intensive lifestyle cohorts, respectively, this proportion had increased to 7% in the surgery cohort but remained at 4% in the intensive lifestyle cohort (risk ratio 1.7; 95% CI: 1.4‐2.1); at 2 years, the proportion had increased to 11% versus 5% (risk ratio 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7‐2.4); and at 3 years, it had increased to 14% versus 6% (risk ratio 2.2; 95% CI: 1.9‐2.6).

Conclusions

Gastric bypass surgery was associated with increased use of hypnotics and/or sedatives compared with intensive lifestyle modification.
Graphene oxide decorated sisal fiber/MAPP modified PP composites: Toward high‐performance biocomposites
Authors: Chen Juan , Huang Zhen , Lv Wenxiao , Wang CuiCui
Published: June 2017

In this study, sisal fiber (SF) was treated with graphene oxide (GO) by means of physical absorption method. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was used to modify PP matrix. The GO‐SF/MAPP‐PP composites with different fiber loading were fabricated by using extrusion compounding and injection molding techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of the fracture surface demonstrated that the interface adhesion between SF and PP matrix was enhanced by the combination treatment of GO and MAPP. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results demonstrated that GO could play a role of β‐nucleating agent for PP crystallization. The combination treatment of GO and MAPP also displayed an effective enhancement on mechanical properties, melting temperature and water resistance of the GO‐SF/MAPP‐PP composite, which is an useful method to fabricate high performance natural fiber reinforced bio‐composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E113–E121, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Using Personalized Medicine in the Management of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Elk Nina , Iwuchukwu Otito F.
Published: June 2017

Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide problem with an immense pharmacoeconomic burden. The multifactorial and complex nature of the disease lends itself to personalized pharmacotherapeutic approaches to treatment. Variability in individual risk and subsequent development of diabetes has been reported in addition to differences in response to the many oral glucose lowering therapies currently available for diabetes pharmacotherapy. Pharmacogenomic studies have attempted to uncover the heritable components of individual variability in risk susceptibility and response to pharmacotherapy. We review the current pharmacogenomics evidence as it relates to common oral glucose lowering therapies and how they can be utilized in the management of polygenic and monogenic forms of diabetes. Evidence supports the use of genetic testing and personalized approaches to the treatment of monogenic diabetes of the young. The data are not as robust for the current application of pharmacogenetic approaches to the treatment of polygenic type 2 diabetes mellitus, but there are suggestions as to future applications in this regard. We reviewed pertinent primary literature sources as well as current evidence‐based guidelines on diabetes management.
Human‐robot collaborative site‐specific sprayer
Authors: Berenstein Ron , Edan Yael
Published: June 2017

Spraying pesticides is a key element of agriculture worldwide, since 30% to 35% of crop losses can be prevented when harmful insects and diseases are eliminated by applying pesticides. Site‐specific spraying can help reduce pesticide application; however, target detection is limited due to the complex agricultural environment. This paper presents a human‐robot collaborative sprayer designed for site‐specific targeted spraying. The robotic sprayer platform, the framework, and tools for the robotic sprayer to collaborate with a remote human operator for the target detection and spraying tasks are detailed. An experiment to evaluate the elements of the collaborative human‐robot framework working in sync was designed, implemented, and evaluated. The collaborative spraying system shows a 50% reduction of sprayed material. The experiment also proves the feasibility of human‐robot collaboration for the complex task of spraying specific targets considering both the True Positive (TP) and False Positive (FP) rates.
Probability distributions of rain attenuation obtainable with linear combining techniques in space‐to‐Earth links using time diversity
Authors: Matricciani Emilio
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this paper is to show how the complementary probability distribution of rain attenuation is drastically changed in the lower rain attenuation range by applying linear combining techniques, namely, equal‐gain combining and the maximal‐ratio combining, discussed in the historical paper by Brennan in 1959. These combing techniques can also be applied to the Automatic Repeat Request techniques. Defined the instantaneous processing gain and the equivalent attenuation in the 3 cases, we show examples of time series of the various parameters, based on the experimental rain attenuation time series recorded with the ITALSAT 18.7 GHz beacon, in a 37.8° slant path in Spino d'Adda (Italy). Then, we report long‐term complementary probability distribution functions of the instantaneous gain and equivalent attenuation, by simulating rain attenuation time series at 19.7 and 39.4 GHz, path elevation angle 35.5°, with the Synthetic Storm Technique, using on‐site measured rain rate time series of 10 years, by simulating the ALPHASAT link at Spino d'Adda. Similar results are also found at different frequencies and elevation angles in Tampa (Advanced Communications Technology Satellite, ACTS result test), the Isle of Guam, and Prague. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) As expected, the instantaneous time diversity gain can be large when the delay time is large and rain attenuation is large; (2) scintillation affects time diversity links as the direct links; (3) equal‐gain and maximal‐ratio combining can add up to 3 dB to the selection diversity gain when the time diversity gain is very small; and (4) equal‐gain and maximal‐ratio combining reduce the fraction of time of rain attenuation in an average year to a value less than the probability of exceeding 3 dB in the link without diversity.
Endochondral Ossification in Critical-Sized Bone Defects via Readily Implantable Scaffold-Free Stem Cell Constructs
Authors: Dang Phuong N. , Herberg Samuel , Varghai Davood , Riazi Hooman , Varghai Daniel , McMillan Alexandra , Awadallah Amad , Phillips Lauren M. , Jeon Oju , Nguyen Minh K. , Dwivedi Neha , Yu Xiaohua , Murphy William L. , Alsberg Eben
Published: June 2017

The growing socioeconomic burden of musculoskeletal injuries and limitations of current therapies have motivated tissue engineering approaches to generate functional tissues to aid in defect healing. A readily implantable scaffold-free system comprised of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells embedded with bioactive microparticles capable of controlled delivery of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) was engineered to guide endochondral bone formation. The microparticles were formulated to release TGF-β1 early to induce cartilage formation and BMP-2 in a more sustained manner to promote remodeling into bone. Cell constructs containing microparticles, empty or loaded with one or both growth factors, were implanted into rat critical-sized calvarial defects. Micro-computed tomography and histological analyses after 4 weeks showed that microparticle-incorporated constructs with or without growth factor promoted greater bone formation compared to sham controls, with the greatest degree of healing with bony bridging resulting from constructs loaded with BMP-2 and TGF-β1. Importantly, bone volume fraction increased significantly from 4 to 8 weeks in defects treated with both growth factors. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of types I, II, and X collagen, suggesting defect healing via endochondral ossification in all experimental groups. The presence of vascularized red bone marrow provided strong evidence for the ability of these constructs to stimulate angiogenesis. This system has great translational potential as a readily implantable combination therapy that can initiate and accelerate endochondral ossification in vivo. Importantly, construct implantation does not require prior lengthy in vitro culture for chondrogenic cell priming with growth factors that is necessary for current scaffold-free combination therapies.
Forced‐ and Self‐Rotation of Magnetic Nanorods Assembly at the Cell Membrane: A Biomagnetic Torsion Pendulum
Authors: Mazuel François , Mathieu Samuel , Di Corato Riccardo , Bacri Jean‐Claude , Meylheuc Thierry , Pellegrino Teresa , Reffay Myriam , Wilhelm Claire
Published: June 2017

In order to provide insight into how anisotropic nano‐objects interact with living cell membranes, and possibly self‐assemble, magnetic nanorods with an average size of around 100 nm × 1 µm are designed by assembling iron oxide nanocubes within a polymeric matrix under a magnetic field. The nano–bio interface at the cell membrane under the influence of a rotating magnetic field is then explored. A complex structuration of the nanorods intertwined with the membranes is observed. Unexpectedly, after a magnetic rotating stimulation, the resulting macrorods are able to rotate freely for multiple rotations, revealing the creation of a biomagnetic torsion pendulum.