bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reevaluating Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Essentiality in Channel Catfish
Authors: Trushenski Jesse T , Rombenso Artur N , Jackson Christopher J
Published: November 2019

Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus reportedly require alpha-linolenic acid (18:3[n-3]) for normal growth. However, contradicting studies suggest that elevated dietary levels of this fatty acid might cause growth inhibition, and diets containing linoleic acid (18:2[n-6]) alone or in combination with 18:0 and 18:1(n-9) may support growth as well as fish oil (FO)-based diets containing increased levels of long-chain (LC) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5[n-3]), docosahexaenoic acid (22:6[n-3]), and arachidonic acid (20:4[n-6]). Further complicating the understanding of essential fatty acid (EFA) requirements in Channel Catfish are conflicting reports suggesting that feeding LC-PUFAs can either enhance or suppress growth. We evaluated growth performance and fatty acid composition of juvenile Channel Catfish that were fed seven diets containing n-3 and n-6 C18 PUFAs and/or LC-PUFAs in different combinations: a positive control containing menhaden FO, a negative control containing hydrogenated soybean oil, and experimental diets containing hydrogenated soybean oil amended with ethyl esters of 18:3(n-3); 18:3(n-3) and 18:2(n-6); 22:6(n-3); 22:6(n-3) and 20:4(n-6); or 20:5(n-3), 22:6(n-3), and 20:4(n-6). After 18 weeks, we observed no differences in growth or conversion efficiency. However, fish that were fed diets supplemented with C18 PUFAs and LC-PUFAs numerically outperformed those fed the FO-based positive control feed. Tissue fatty acid profiles generally mirrored that of the diet provided, except that saturates were underrepresented in the tissues. Channel Catfish that received the EFA-free negative control feed or the diets supplemented with 18:3(n-3) and 18:2(n-6) or 20:4(n-6) and 22:6(n-3) developed elevated ratios of 22:5(n-6) : 22:6(n-3), whereas an elevated ratio of 20:3(n-9) : 20:4(n-6) was observed among fish that were fed the 22:6(n-3) supplemented diet. Our findings suggest that C18 PUFA and LC-PUFA diets appear to equally satisfy the EFA requirements of this species; however, intact dietary LC-PUFAs should be carefully balanced to avoid antagonistic effects of surplus n-3 LC-PUFA on n-6 LC-PUFA biosynthesis.
Protein expression and gene editing in monocots using foxtail mosaic virus vectors
Authors: Mei Yu , Beernink Bliss M. , Ellison Evan E. , Konečná Eva , Neelakandan Anjanasree K. , Voytas Daniel F. , Whitham Steven A.
Published: November 2019

Plant viruses can be engineered to carry sequences that direct silencing of target host genes, expression of heterologous proteins, or editing of host genes. A set of foxtail mosaic virus (FoMV) vectors was developed that can be used for transient gene expression and single guide RNA delivery for Cas9‐mediated gene editing in maize, Setaria viridis, and Nicotiana benthamiana. This was accomplished by duplicating the FoMV capsid protein subgenomic promoter, abolishing the unnecessary open reading frame 5A, and inserting a cloning site containing unique restriction endonuclease cleavage sites immediately after the duplicated promoter. The modified FoMV vectors transiently expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP) and bialaphos resistance (BAR) protein in leaves of systemically infected maize seedlings. GFP was detected in epidermal and mesophyll cells by epifluorescence microscopy, and expression was confirmed by Western blot analyses. Plants infected with FoMV carrying the bar gene were temporarily protected from a glufosinate herbicide, and expression was confirmed using a rapid antibody‐based BAR strip test. Expression of these proteins was stabilized by nucleotide substitutions in the sequence of the duplicated promoter region. Single guide RNAs expressed from the duplicated promoter mediated edits in the N. benthamiana Phytoene desaturase gene, the S. viridis Carbonic anhydrase 2 gene, and the maize HKT1 gene encoding a potassium transporter. The efficiency of editing was enhanced in the presence of synergistic viruses and a viral silencing suppressor. This work expands the utility of FoMV for virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS), virus‐mediated overexpression (VOX), and virus‐enabled gene editing (VEdGE) in monocots.
Solubilities of 2,6‐Diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyrazine‐1‐oxide in the Binary Mixtures of DMSO+H2O, DMF+H2O and NMP+H2O in the Temperature Range from 293.15 to 323.15 K under the Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Wang Yuqiao , Jin Shaohua , Li Tujuan , Lan Guanchao , Zhang Xiaopeng , Zhang Zhengzheng , Zhou Chang , Chen Yu
Published: November 2019

Recrystallization is usually required for the application of 2,6‐Diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyrazine‐1‐oxide (LLM‐105) as an energy material due to its poor crystal morphology. The study of its solubilities in binary solvent mixtures can provide primary support for optimizing the recrystallization and spheroidization conditions of LLM‐105. In the current work, the solubilities of LLM‐105 in the binary mixtures of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)+H2O, N,N‐dimethyl‐formamide (DMF)+H2O and 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) +H2O were measured by the gravimetric method in the temperature range from 293.15 K to 323.15 K under the atmospheric pressure. The results suggest that the solubility of LLM‐105 increases with the increase of temperature and the concentration of the solvent. The experimental data were then fitted with the modified Apelbalt equation, (CNIBS)/Redlich‐Kister equation and Jouyban‐Acree equation. All models fit the experimental data well, indicating that they can be used to predict the solubilities of LLM‐105 in the binary solvent mixtures. The thermodynamic parameters of the dissolution including enthalpy, standard entropy and Gibbs energy were calculated from the experimental data. It was found that the dissolutions of LLM‐105 in all test solvents were endothermic.
Identification of neuromuscular targets for restoration of walking ability after stroke: Precursor to precision rehabilitation
Authors: Hancock Nicola J. , Shepstone Lee , Rowe Philip , Pomeroy Valerie M.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Restoration of walking is a priority for stroke survivors and key target for physical therapies. Upright pedalling (UP) can provide functional walking‐like activity using a variety of muscle synergies; it is unclear which synergies might be most useful for recovery of walking. Objectives here were as follows:

to examine whether neuromuscular measures derived during UP might identify targets for walking rehabilitation after stroke and

to determine test–retest repeatability and concurrent validity of the measures.

Design

This was a prospective correlational study.

Setting

The study was carried out in a movement science laboratory.

Participants

The participants were 18 adults with stroke (StrS) and 10 healthy older adults (HOA).

Intervention/measurement

StrS and HOA took part in two identical measurement sessions. During UP, surface electromyography and kinematic data were recorded and then processed to derive three measures:

reciprocal activity of quadriceps and hamstrings;

percentage muscle activity “on” according to crank angle; and

smoothness of movement.

Results

HOA and StrS demonstrated differences in reciprocal muscle activity (p = .044) and quadriceps activity according to crank angle (p = .034) but pedalled similarly smoothly (p = .367). For muscle activation according to crank angle in StrS, intraclass correlation coefficients (95% confidence interval) showing acceptable repeatability were 0.46 [0.32, 0.58] affected quadriceps; 0.43 [0.28, 0.56] affected hamstrings; and 0.67 [0.56, 0.75] unaffected quadriceps.

Conclusion

Muscle activation according to crank angle is a promising measure of lower limb impairment during functional activity after stroke; subsequent investigation should determine magnitude of variance between testing sessions. Reciprocal activity of quadriceps and hamstrings muscles and quadriceps activity according to crank angle are both potential targets for physical therapies to improve motor recovery. Further investigations are warranted.
Cycloxaprid: a novel cis‐nitromethylene neonicotinoid insecticide to control Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Cui Li , Wang Qiyuan , Wang Qinqin , Wang Li , Yuan Huizhu , Rui Changhui
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Bemisia tabaci is a worldwide insect pest with high ability to develop resistance to many insecticides. Cycloxaprid is a novel cis‐configuration neonicotinoid insecticide that is effective against a wide range of imidacloprid‐resistant pests.

RESULTS

The lethal and sublethal effects of cycloxaprid on B. tabaci B were estimated. Cycloxaprid showed higher toxicity against adult, nymph and egg of B. tabaci B than imidacloprid. And cycloxaprid provided better efficacies against B. tabaci than imidacloprid in fields. Moreover, cycloxaprid was similarly toxic to the relatively susceptible and imidacloprid‐resistant populations. The LC50 of cycloxaprid against the resistant adult, nymph and egg were 6.2, 11.5 and 111.3 mg L−1, respectively, while they were 5.7, 8.9 and 129.4 mg L−1 for the susceptible population. In addition, when resistant adult of B. tabaci B was treated with LC30 of cycloxaprid (3.2 mg L−1), the net reproductive rate and female ratio of F1 generation B. tabaci were reduced. Moreover, the age‐specific fecundity demonstrated the highest fecundity sharply decreased in cycloxaprid (7.0 offspring/ day) treated group compared with the control (26.0 offspring/ day).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that cycloxaprid is a promising insecticide for the management of B. tabaci and insecticide‐induced resurgence might not occur after exposure of B. tabaci to low sublethal concentrations of cycloxaprid. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The improved resistance against gypsy moth in Larix olgensis seedlings exposed to Cd stress association with elemental and chemical defenses
Authors: Jiang Dun , Wang Gui‐rong , Yan Shan‐chun
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Cadmium (Cd), as an environmental pollutant, can endanger various biological and chemical characteristics of plants in multiple aspects. In this study, the effects of Cd contamination or exposure for 30 and 60 days at 1, 2, 4 mg kg−1 concentrations on the resistance of Larix olgensis seedlings to the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) larvae were investigated.

RESULTS

Our results showed that Cd stress did not significantly affect the growth and biomass parameters of the larch seedlings, which might be attributed to the scavenging mechanism of reactive oxygen species (e.g. superoxide dismutase and peroxidase). Regarding the phytochemical defense, we found that Cd stress significantly changed the contents or activities of protease inhibitors (such as trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors) and secondary metabolites (tannins and phenolic acids) in L. olgensis seedling needles; however, their response trends varied with Cd exposure concentrations with a significant increase at low concentrations and a significant decrease at high concentrations. Moreover, both chemical and elemental defenses contributed to the resistance of L. olgensis seedlings to the gypsy moth larvae, and their synergistic effects (between toxic elements and organic metabolites) could provide an overall improved defense of L. olgensis seedlings even at low concentrations of single components, resulting in a detrimental effect on the growth of gypsy moth larvae.

CONCLUSION

These findings call for an urgent need to adjust and optimize pest control strategies in heavy metal polluted areas based on the effects of heavy metal stress on woody plant resistance to pest insects. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The Effect of AlN Buffer Layer on AlGaN/GaN/AlN Double‐Heterostructure High‐Electron‐Mobility Transistor
Authors: Choi Uiho , Jung Donghyeop , Lee Kyeongjae , Kwak Taemyung , Jang Taehoon , Nam Yongjun , So Byeongchan , Nam Okhyun
Published: November 2019

Herein, the effect of crystal quality of AlN buffer layer on AlGaN/GaN/AlN double‐heterostructure high‐electron‐mobility transistor (DH‐HEMT) is investigated. The material quality of the GaN channel and the AlGaN barriers, such as the dislocation density and the interface roughness, deteriorates, and the 2D electron gas (2DEG) mobility decreases as the threading dislocation density (TDD) of the AlN buffer increases. It is also revealed that the thickness and the Al mole fraction of the AlGaN barrier are affected by the strain variation of the GaN channel depending on the TDD of the AlN buffer. The variation of the compressive strain of the GaN channel is responsible for the 2DEG density change by affecting the barrier condition and the piezoelectric polarization charge. Low‐temperature Hall effect measurement reveals that the interface roughness scattering is a dominant factor for the mobility of the DH‐HEMT, which is ≈2–6 × 103 cm2 (V s)−1.
Tune‐out and magic wavelengths for hydrogenlike and screened‐hydrogenlike atoms
Authors: Wang Yu‐Shu , Kar Sabyasachi , Ho Yew Kam
Published: November 2019

The tune‐out and magic wavelengths (TMWs) for the hydrogenlike and screened‐hydrogenlike atoms (Z = 1‐8) are calculated using a variational method. The first three tune‐out wavelengths for each of the nS (n = 1, 2, 3) states and the first three magic wavelengths for each of the 1S‐nS (n = 2, 3) transitions of the hydrogenlike atoms in terms of nuclear charge Z, and the first TMWs for the above mentioned states or transitions of the screened‐hydrogenlike atoms in terms of the screening parameter
μ and Z are presented. All the results for the TMWs are reported for the first time in the literature except the magic wavelengths for the hydrogen atom. The magic wavelengths for hydrogen atom are in agreement with the available data. The precise estimation of the TMWs would be helpful for the design of the ion‐trapping experiment of the hydrogenic systems. Our study is expected to be useful for the measurements of the hydrogenic 1S‐2S and 1S‐3S transitions spectroscopy for the improved accuracy.
Mechanism for hydrolysis of double six‐membered ring tetraborate anion
Authors: Zhou Hongxia , Zhu Fayan , Liu Hongyan , Zhang Wenqian , Zhou Yongquan , Fang Chunhui
Published: November 2019

[B4O5(OH)42−] is a representative borate anion with a double six‐membered ring structure, but there is limited knowledge about the hydrolysis mechanisms of [B4O5(OH)42−]. Density functional theory‐based calculations show that the tetraborate ion undergoes three‐step hydrolysis to form [B(OH)4−] and an ring intermediate, [B3O2(OH)6−]. Other new structures, such as linear trimer, branched tetraborate, analogous linear tetraborate, are observed, but they are not stable in neutral systems and change to ring structures. [B3O2(OH)6−] hydrolyzes to [B(OH)4−] and [B(OH)3] in the last two steps. The structure of borate anion and the coordination environment of the bridge oxygen atom control the hydrolysis process. [B4O5(OH)42−] always participates in the hydrolysis reaction, even with a decrease in concentration. [B3O3(OH)4−], [B(OH)4−], and [B(OH)3] have different roles in “water‐poor” and “water‐rich” zones. Concentration and pH of solution are the key factors that affect the distribution of borate ions.
Distributed resilient estimation over sensor networks for nonlinear time‐delayed systems with stochastic perturbations
Authors: Han Fei , Ding Derui , Yang Fan , Gao Wei
Published: November 2019

This paper is concerned with the distributed resilient estimation problem for a class of nonlinear time‐delayed systems subject to stochastic perturbations. The plant and the measurements are disturbed by two Gaussian white stochastic processes with known statistical information, respectively. In addition, a resilient estimator is designed for each node by means of the parameter uncertainties and Bernoulli‐distributed random variables. Then, a novel exponential‐bounded performance index is put forward to measure the disturbance rejection level of the distributed estimators against the external disturbances and the impact of the initial values. A new vector dissipation definition including multiple vectors of energy storage functions is established to deal with the time‐delay estimation error dynamics. Within the framework of local performance analysis inspired by this new definition of vector dissipation, sufficient conditions in terms of recursive linear matrix inequalities are constructed for each node to guarantee the desirable performance index. Next, a local optimization problem subject to a set of recursive linear matrix inequalities is presented for each node to minimize the upper bound in the performance index, where the calculations can be conducted on every node in a distributed manner and the estimator gains are also calculated. Finally, an illustrative simulation example is provided to verify the applicability of the proposed estimators.
Time‐varying feature selection for longitudinal analysis
Authors: Xue Lan , Shu Xinxin , Shi Peibei , Wu Colin O. , Qu Annie
Published: November 2019

We propose time‐varying coefficient model selection and estimation based on the spline approach, which is capable of capturing time‐dependent covariate effects. The new penalty function utilizes local‐region information for varying‐coefficient estimation, in contrast to the traditional model selection approach focusing on the entire region. The proposed method is extremely useful when the signals associated with relevant predictors are time‐dependent, and detecting relevant covariate effects in the local region is more scientifically relevant than those of the entire region. Our simulation studies indicate that the proposed model selection incorporating local features outperforms the global feature model selection approaches. The proposed method is also illustrated through a longitudinal growth and health study from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Incorporating retesting outcomes for estimation of disease prevalence
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Aiyi , Li Qizhai , Albert Paul S.
Published: November 2019

Group testing has been widely used as a cost‐effective strategy to screen for and estimate the prevalence of a rare disease. While it is well‐recognized that retesting is necessary for identifying infected subjects, it is not required for estimating the prevalence. For a test without misclassification, gains in statistical efficiency are expected from incorporating retesting results in the estimation of the prevalence. However, when the test is subject to misclassification, it is not clear how much gain should be expected. There are a number of theoretical challenges in addressing this issue, including (1) enumerating the potential test results from retesting individual subjects in a group, (2) the dependence among these test results and the test result from testing at the group level, and (3) differential misclassification due to pooling of biospecimens. Overcoming some of these challenges, we show that retesting subjects in either positive or negative groups can substantially improve the efficiency of the estimation and that retesting positive groups yields higher efficiency than retesting a same number or proportion of negative groups.
Exact interval estimators for some commonly used measures of binary agreement
Authors: Lui Kung‐Jong
Published: November 2019

We develop exact interval estimators for some commonly used classical measures of agreement in binary responses. We apply Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the performance of these estimators. When the measure of agreement is homogeneous, we note that extending the results presented here to accommodate stratified analysis is straightforward. We use the data taken from a survey studying the agreement of religious identifications and the data taken from a study assessing the diagnostic performance of Whooley questions for major depression disorder to illustrate the use of these interval estimators.
Improving Photovoltaic Performance Using Perovskite/Surface‐Modified Graphitic Carbon Nitride Heterojunction
Authors: Li Zhen , Wu Shengfan , Zhang Jie , Yuan Yufei , Wang Zilong , Zhu Zonglong
Published: November 2019

Passivation strategies are considered as one of the most efficient methods to suppress nonradiative recombination of organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs), leading to tremendous photovoltaic performance. An innovative 2D polymer, graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), as well as various organic groups (amino, sulfonic, nitrato, and hydroxy group), are widely used as passivation agents, according to the previous reports. Anchoring g‐C3N4 and the aforementioned organic groups as additives in perovskite can both heal charged defects around the grain boundaries by passivating the charge recombination center. In addition, the crystalline quality can also be enhanced by the incorporation of g‐C3N4, leading to improved conductivity of perovskite light absorber films that is beneficial for benign charge extraction efficiency. Inspired by the underlining mechanisms, a series of novel passivation molecules, functionalized g‐C3N4 (F‐C3N4) with assorted organic groups, is designed herein, yielding a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.08% for NO3‐C3N4‐based p‐i‐n structure PSC, in comparison with that of PSC without passivation (17.85%). These findings present an efficient strategy to understand and design multiple facets of applications of novel passivation molecules to further improve the PCE of PSCs.
Identification of Chochukei (Zhang Zhongjing) as the revolutionist of decoctions
Authors: Kawamoto Toshinori , Nishijima Hiroaki , Ohishi Masako , Isuzugawa Kazuto , Furihata Ryuji , Nemoto Yukio
Published: November 2019

Aim

This study verifies Chochukei (Zhang Zhongjing) as the revolutionist of decoctions.

Methods

We compared the frequency of decoctions in both the Shokanzatsubyoron (Shanghanzabinglun) and recovered literature from before the Shokanzatsubyoron, furthermore we examined the administrations of pills, powders and decoctions.

Results

Concerning the preparation forms in three recently recovered Chinese pharmaceutical texts dating back to before the later Han, the Gojunibyoho (Wushierbingfang), the Rokujubyoho (Liushibingfang) and the Buikandaiikan (Wuweihandaiyijian), the rate of decoctions was less than 10% in each one. The most frequently used formulas were powders, followed by pills, whereas the basic preparation form in the Shokanzatsubyoron by Chochukei from the end of the later Han was decoctions. Also, decoctions were given at a higher rate in this text, compared to the pharmaceutical literature of later ages. Focusing on the contents of the Shokanzatsubyoron, Chochukei refuted pills and powders, and specified to take decoctions. In addition, a transitional process was taking place from pills and powders to decoctions; the form of decoctions was considered superior, as decoctions realize a maximal therapeutic effect by reducing the burden on patients, allowing many medicines to be taken, and enhancing the strength of the medicinals by taking them warm.

Conclusion

From an examination of the existing pharmaceutical literature, we could establish that Chochukei developed decoctions that abstract the essence from crude drugs by adding water. He recognized that decoctions were more effective than pills and powders, the main medication in earlier times. We deduce that he was the ‘revolutionist of decoctions’ who developed and established the form of decoctions.
2020: an anniversary year for urology
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: November 2019

In this editorial, Roger Kirby, Editor‐in‐Chief on Trends in Urology and Men's Health, discusses why 2020 is an important anniversary year for urology.
Penile lengthening and the treatment options available
Authors: Kwok Abigail , Parnham Arie , Lucky Marc
Published: November 2019

Penile lengthening can restore normal functioning length and improve a patient's quality of life. Determining the underlying pathology is central to guiding choice of treatment, which will vary depending on individual patient circumstances.
The diagnosis and management of haematospermia
Authors: Gallagher William , Ramsden Alistair
Published: November 2019

Haematospermia is rarely associated with malignancy, especially in patients under 40, but causes significant anxiety. Here the authors provide an update on developments in diagnosis and management of the condition.
Droughts in medieval and early modern England, part 2: Impacts
Authors: Pribyl Kathleen , Cornes Richard C.
Published: November 2019

A barley crop in Sheringham, Norfolk showing signs of drought stress brought on by the dry conditions experienced in the growing season 2011. As with modern varieties, old barley varieties were liable to suffer from drought.
Stopover duration of spring migrating dabbling ducks in the Wabash river valley
Authors: Williams Benjamin R. , Benson Thomas J. , Yetter Aaron P. , Lancaster Joseph D. , Hagy Heath M.
Published: November 2019

Waterfowl use stopover sites during spring migration to rest and replenish nutrient reserves prior to their arrival on breeding grounds. Estimating the extent to which an individual remains at a stopover site before dispersing (i.e., stopover duration) is essential for managers to develop wetland habitat objectives needed to ensure sufficient resources are available to meet the needs of migrating waterfowl. Our objectives were to determine average stopover duration of dabbling ducks in the Wabash River Valley (WRV) of Illinois and Indiana, USA, identify factors that may influence that duration, and evaluate how those duration values compare with those currently used by the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture (UMRGLRJV). We estimated stopover duration of 39 mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and 62 green‐winged teal (A. crecca) between January and April 2016–2017 in the WRV. Estimated stopover duration for mallards and green‐winged teal was 17.0 days (95% CI = 12.6–22.9). Our estimate is substantially shorter than current estimates used by the UMRGLRJV for conservation planning and could affect conservation objectives for waterfowl. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Immunochromatographic antibody screening for diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi in South Texas meso‐mammals
Authors: Kramm Mathew M. , Montalvo Andrea E. , Parker Israel D. , Lopez Roel R. , Gorchakov Rodeon , Nolan Melissa S.
Published: November 2019

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) is caused by the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), a zoonotic parasite found in meso‐mammal species in South Texas, USA. Chagas disease is of growing concern in vertebrate species, and not well‐understood. Protocols for detection of mammalian T. cruzi infection are available, but have poor specificity and sensitivity and require a secondary disease confirmation assay. The utility of combining an antibody‐based and a DNA‐based assay for simultaneous T. cruzi infection detection has been largely underexplored. Our objectives were to evaluate commercially available single‐use Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. DPP® (Dual Path Platform) immunochromatographic rapid detection assay device for the detection of antibodies to T. cruzi in meso‐mammal species as compared with standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for T. cruzi DNA. In May and June 2016, we tested the device on whole blood serum from 50 meso‐mammals including raccoons (Procyon lotor), Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), fox squirrels (Sciurus niger), rock squirrels (Otospermophilus variegatus), a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), a nine‐banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), and a ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) in central Texas. Our results showed the Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. DPP® immunochromatographic rapid detect assay system identified infection in 74% of meso‐mammals that tested positive by PCR. This testing device shows promise as an effective first‐line T. cruzi antibody detection device to mass screen for disease infection in meso‐mammals. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of breeding chronology on white‐tailed deer productivity in Alabama
Authors: Turner Mark A. , Gulsby William D. , Ditchkoff Stephen S. , Gray William N. , Cook Christopher W.
Published: November 2019

Following declines in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations during the 19th century, many areas throughout the southeastern United States were restocked from various sources. As a result, some populations remain genetically distinct, and phenotypic traits of source populations, including breeding chronology, have been conserved. For example, average conception dates vary by ≥60 days between populations within some Alabama, USA, counties. Although deer have achieved and maintained sustainable densities across much of the southeastern United States for several decades, it is unclear whether this restocking legacy has demographic consequences relevant to management. Therefore, we analyzed a data set containing information on 270 yearling (1.5 yr old) and 2,116 adult (≥2.5 yr old) female deer collected during 1995–2017 to determine potential effects of breeding chronology on in utero productivity. Parameter estimates from a generalized linear mixed model indicated yearling productivity decreased approximately 16% (95% CL = 0–29%) for each 30‐day increase in mean site‐specific parturition date. We did not observe a similar relationship for adults. We believe the relationships we observed for yearlings may result from an interaction between parturition and plant phenology. Specifically, on sites with relatively late parturition dates, fawns are born near the end of the growing season when suboptimal nutritional conditions may negatively affect productivity during their first year of life. Variation in reproductive output of large ungulates is primarily driven by young females, so managers should be aware that productivity of late‐breeding deer populations may be less than average, especially if those populations are behaving in a density‐dependent manner. In addition, these findings emphasize the importance of considering the potential demographic implications of wildlife translocations resulting from differences in timing of life‐history traits. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
On algebraic trigonometric integro splines
Authors: Eddargani Salah , Lamnii Abdellah , Lamnii Mohamed
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we present a new kind of quadratic approximation operator reproducing of both algebraic and trigonometric functions. It is called integro quadratic splines interpolant, which agree with the given integral values of a univariate real‐valued function over the same intervals, rather than the functional values at the knots. Efficient approximations of fractional integrals and fractional Caputo derivatives based on this interpolant, are constructed and well studied. The general approximation error is studied too, and the super convergence property is also derived when the interval is equally partitioned. Numerical examples illustrate that our method is very effective and our quadratic algebraic trigonometric integro spline has higher approximation ability than others.
All higher-curvature gravities as Generalized quasi-topological gravities
Authors: Bueno Pablo , Cano Pablo A. , Moreno Javier , Murcia Ángel
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Generalized quasi-topological gravities (GQTGs) are higher-curvature extensions of Einstein gravity characterized by the existence of non-hairy generalizations of the Schwarzschild black hole which satisfy gttgrr = –1, as well as for having second-order linearized equations around maximally symmetric backgrounds. In this paper we provide strong evidence that any gravitational effective action involving higher-curvature corrections is equivalent, via metric redefinitions, to some GQTG. In the case of theories involving invariants constructed from contractions of the Riemann tensor and the metric, we show this claim to be true as long as (at least) one non-trivial GQTG invariant exists at each order in curvature-and extremely conclusive evidence suggests this is the case in general dimensions. When covariant derivatives of the Riemann tensor are included, the evidence provided is not as definitive, but we still prove the claim explicitly for all theories including up to eight derivatives of the metric as well as for terms involving arbitrary contractions of two covariant derivatives of the Riemann tensor and any number of Riemann tensors. Our results suggest that the physics of generic higher-curvature gravity black holes is captured by their GQTG counterparts, dramatically easier to characterize and universal. As an example, we map the gravity sector of the Type-IIB string theory effective action in AdS5 at order 𝒪 (α′3) to a GQTG and show that the thermodynamic properties of black holes in both frames match.
The anisotropic chiral boson
Authors: Fuentealba Oscar , González Hernán A. , Pino Miguel , Troncoso Ricardo
Published: November 2019

Abstract

We construct the theory of a chiral boson with anisotropic scaling, characterized by a dynamical exponent z that takes positive odd integer values. The action reduces to that of Floreanini and Jackiw in the isotropic case (z = 1). The standard free boson with Lifshitz scaling is recovered when both chiralities are nonlocally combined. Its canonical structure and symmetries are also analyzed. As in the isotropic case, the theory is also endowed with a current algebra. Noteworthy, the standard conformal symmetry is shown to be still present, but realized in a nonlocal way. The exact form of the partition function at finite temperature is obtained from the path integral, as well as from the trace over $$ \hat{u} $$

u
̂

(1) descendants. It is essentially given by the generating function of the number of partitions of an integer into z-th powers, being a well-known object in number theory. Thus, the asymptotic growth of the number of states at fixed energy, including subleading correc- tions, can be obtained from the appropriate extension of the renowned result of Hardy and Ramanujan.
Calibration of multiple cameras for large-scale experiments using a freely moving calibration target
Authors: Muller K. , Hemelrijk C. K. , Westerweel J. , Tam D. S. W.
Published: November 2019

Obtaining accurate experimental data from Lagrangian tracking and tomographic velocimetry requires an accurate camera calibration consistent over multiple views. Established calibration procedures are often challenging to implement when the length scale of the measurement volume exceeds that of a typical laboratory experiment. Here, we combine tools developed in computer vision and non-linear camera mappings used in experimental fluid mechanics, to successfully calibrate a four-camera setup that is imaging inside a large tank of dimensions $$\sim 10 \times 25 \times 6 \; \mathrm {m}^3$$∼10×25×6m3. The calibration procedure uses a planar checkerboard that is arbitrarily positioned at unknown locations and orientations. The method can be applied to any number of cameras. The parameters of the calibration yields direct estimates of the positions and orientations of the four cameras as well as the focal lengths of the lenses. These parameters are used to assess the quality of the calibration. The calibration allows us to perform accurate and consistent linear ray-tracing, which we use to triangulate and track fish inside the large tank. An open-source implementation of the calibration in Matlab is available.

Graphic abstract
Objectively measured versus self-reported occupational physical activity and multisite musculoskeletal pain: a prospective follow-up study at 20 nursing homes in Denmark
Authors: Neupane Subas , Karstad Kristina , Hallman David M. , Rugulies Reiner , Holtermann Andreas
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To explore the prospective association of objectively measured and self-reported occupational physical activity (OPA) with multisite musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among Danish eldercare workers.

Methods

The study population consisted of eldercare workers in 20 Danish nursing homes (N = 553, response rate 59%, 525 female). Baseline data were collected in 2013–2014 and the 1-year follow-up was completed in 2016. At baseline, we measured objective OPA by a thigh-worn ActiGraph GT3X + accelerometer during work and self-reported OPA by a questionnaire survey. Information on musculoskeletal pain during the past four weeks in seven different body sites was reported by a structured questionnaire at baseline (n = 389) and by SMS and telephone interview during follow-up (n = 284). MSP was defined as having pain in two or more body sites. Using log-binomial models we calculated risk ratios (RRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate the association between objectively measured and self-reported OPA and MSP.

Results

We found statistically significant positive associations between self-reported OPA (RR for high OPA 1.24, 95% CI 1.05–1.46) and MSP while there was no significant association found between objective OPA and MSP.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that self-reported, but not objectively measured OPA is positively associated with MSP. This finding highlights the need for better understanding, use, and interpretation of self-reported and objectively measured OPA in the study of MSP.
Placement of TOF-Cuff® on the lower leg for neuromuscular and blood pressure monitoring during anesthetic induction for shoulder surgeries
Authors: Dullenkopf Alexander , Horn Katja , Steurer Marc P. , Hess Florian , Welter JoEllen
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare two devices for neuromuscular monitoring during anesthetic induction. TOF-Cuff® was installed on the lower leg stimulating the tibial nerve, while the more conventional TOF-Scan® was installed over the ulnar nerve at the wrist.

Methods

Twenty adult patients were enrolled in this prospective, controlled study. Train-of-four (TOF) was recorded every 15 s until TOF ratio of 0%. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was assessed with TOF-Cuff® and with standard anesthesia monitoring from the brachial artery. MAP was measured before and after anesthetic induction. Time to TOF ratio = 0% was compared with one-sample t test and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

Patients received 0.53 ± 0.09 mg atracurium per kg body weight intravenously. Mean time to TOF ratio = 0% was 150.8 s (± 43.7) for TOF-Scan®, and 174.4 s (± 42.7) for TOF-Cuff® (p = 0.1356). Bias was − 15.9 (95% confidence interval − 37.5 to 5.6) with 95% limits of agreement of − 95.2 to 63.3. Twenty-five percent of the patients had a technical issue with a TOF-Cuff® measurement. For MAP, mean difference was 1.4 (95% confidence interval − 2.4 to 5.2) with 95% limits of agreement of − 22.7 to 25.5.

Conclusion

The time from administration of a common dose of atracurium to a TOF ratio of 0% assessed with TOF-Cuff® stimulating the tibial nerve compared to TOF-Scan® stimulating the ulnar nerve showed large limits of agreement in Bland–Altman analysis. There was a high failure rate with TOF-Cuff® measurements on the lower leg.
ISSLS prize in clinical science 2020: the reliability and interpretability of score change in lumbar spine research
Authors: Parai C. , Hägg O. , Lind B. , Brisby H.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

A statistically significant score change of a PROM (Patient-Reported Outcome Measure) can be questioned if it does not exceed the clinically Minimal Important Change (MIC) or the SDC (Smallest Detectable Change) of the particular measure. The aim of the study was to define the SDC of three common PROMs in degenerative lumbar spine surgery: Numeric Rating Scale (NRSBACK/LEG), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Euroqol-5-Dimensions (EQ-5DINDEX) and to compare them to their MICs. The transition questions Global Assessment (GABACK/LEG) were also explored.

Methods

Reliability analyses were performed on a test–retest population of 182 symptomatically stable patients, with similar characteristics as the Swespine registry population, who underwent surgery for degenerative lumbar spine conditions 2017–2018. The MIC values were based on the entire registry (n = 98,732) using the ROC curve method. The ICC for absolute agreement was calculated in a two-way random-effects single measures model. For categorical variables, weighted kappa and exact agreement were computed.

Results

For the NRS, the SDC exceeded the MIC (NRSBACK:3.6 and 2.7; NRSLEG: 3.7 and 3.2, respectively), while they were of an equal size of 18 for the ODI. The gap between the two estimates was remarkable in the EQ-5DINDEX, where SDC was 0.49 and MIC was 0.10. The GABACK/LEG showed an excellent agreement between the test and the retest occasion.

Conclusion

For the tested PROM scores, the changes must be considerable in order to distinguish a true change from random error in degenerative lumbar spine surgery research.

Graphic abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Prevalence and impact of insomnia in children and adolescents with body dysmorphic disorder undergoing multimodal specialist treatment
Authors: Sevilla-Cermeño Laura , Rautio Daniel , Andrén Per , Hillborg Maria , Silverberg-Morse Maria , Lahera Guillermo , Mataix-Cols David , Fernández de la Cruz Lorena
Published: November 2019

Pediatric body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is challenging to treat. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of insomnia in youth with BDD and explore its impact on clinical outcomes. Sixty-six children and adolescents with BDD consecutively referred to a specialist clinic completed a range of clinical measures, including the Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale Modified for BDD-Adolescent Version (BDD-YBOCS-A), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Patients with clinical insomnia (ISI score ≥ 9) were compared to the rest of the sample on socio-demographic and clinical features. Fifty-six patients who received multimodal treatment were re-assessed post-treatment. A mixed-model ANOVA was performed to compare treatment outcomes between the insomnia vs. no insomnia groups, and Chi-squared tests were used to compare response and remission rates. According to the ISI, 48% of the sample qualified as having insomnia at baseline. These participants showed significantly higher self-reported BDD symptom severity, more depressive symptoms, and more functional impairment in daily activities. Patients with insomnia improved less on the BDD-YBOCS-A than those without insomnia, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. The rates of responders and remitters were lower in the insomnia group, compared to the non-insomnia group. Insomnia is prevalent in pediatric BDD, and is associated with more severe psychopathology and worse functioning in daily activities. Furthermore, youth experiencing BDD and insomnia may benefit from multimodal treatment to a lesser extent than those without insomnia. If these results are replicated in larger samples, treatment refinements for pediatric BDD could include specific modules to directly target insomnia.
Dotinurad: a clinical pharmacokinetic study of a novel, selective urate reabsorption inhibitor in subjects with hepatic impairment
Authors: Kumagai Yuji , Sakaki Masashi , Furihata Kenichi , Ito Takayoshi , Inoue Kazuaki , Yoshida Takafumi , Matsumoto Shigeki , Furuno Kazuki , Hagino Atsushi
Published: November 2019

Background

Dotinurad is a novel, selective urate reabsorption inhibitor, which reduces serum uric acid levels by inhibiting the urate transporter 1 (URAT1). We compared the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety of dotinurad in subjects with hepatic impairment and normal hepatic function.

Methods

This was a multicenter, open-label, single dose study. A total of 24 subjects were divided into four groups: the normal hepatic function group and the mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment groups. The primary endpoints were changes in plasma dotinurad levels and PK parameters.

Results

The geometric mean ratio of the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) [two-sided 90% confidence interval (CI)] of dotinurad in in the mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment groups relative to that in the normal hepatic function group was 0.840 (0.674–1.047), 0.798 (0.653–0.976), and 0.747 (0.570–0.979), respectively, showing a lower Cmax in the moderate and severe hepatic impairment groups. Following adjustment for body weight, only the moderate hepatic impairment group had a lower Cmax than the normal hepatic function group. No meaningful differences in other PK parameters were observed between the groups. Regarding the PD of dotinurad, the changes in serum uric acid levels after dosing were similar in all groups. As for safety, no noteworthy concerns were raised in relation to any group.

Conclusion

The study revealed no clinically meaningful influence of hepatic impairment on the PK, PD, or safety of dotinurad. These findings indicate possibility that dotinurad can be used without dose adjustment in patients with hepatic impairment.
Apc.LaeA and Apc.VeA of the velvet complex govern secondary metabolism and morphological development in the echinocandin-producing fungusAspergillus pachycristatus
Authors: Lan Nan , Yue Qun , An Zhiqiang , Bills Gerald F
Published: November 2019

The impact of the global secondary metabolite regulators LaeA and VeA on echinocandin B production and morphological development was evaluated in the industrial production strain Aspergillus pachycristatus NRRL 11440. Other representative secondary metabolites were examined as well to determine if the velvet complex functions as in A. nidulans and other species of fungi. Genetic methods used for gene manipulations in A. nidulans were applied to A. pachycristatus. Separate deletions of genes Apc.laeA and Apc.veA resulted in similar yet differing phenotypes in strain NRRL 11440. Disruption of Apc.laeA and Apc.veA significantly reduced, but did not eliminate, the production of echinocandin B. Similar to what has been observed in A. nidulans, the production of sterigmatocystin was nearly eliminated in both mutants. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR analyses confirmed that selected genes of both the echinocandin B and sterigmatocystin gene clusters were down-regulated in both mutant types. The two mutants differed with respect to growth of aerial hyphae, pigmentation, development of conidiophores, conidial germination rate, and ascospore maturation. Further functional annotation of key regulatory genes in A. pachycristatus and related Aspergillus species will improve our understanding of regulation of echinocandin production and co-produced metabolites.
A priori predictions of type I and type V isotherms by the rigid adsorbent lattice fluid
Authors: Verbraeken Maarten C. , Brandani Stefano
Published: November 2019

Adsorbents exhibiting non type I adsorption behaviour are becoming increasingly more important in industrial applications, such as drying and gas separation. The ability to model these processes is essential in process optimisation and intensification, but requires an accurate description of the adsorption isotherms under a range of conditions. Here we describe how the Rigid Adsorbent Lattice Fluid is capable of a priori predictions both type I and type V adsorption behaviour in silicalite-1. The predictions are consistent with experimental observations for aliphatic (type I) and polar (type V) molecules in this hydrophobic material. Type V behaviour is related to molecular clustering and the paper discusses the model parameters governing the presence/absence of this behaviour in the predicted isotherms. It is found that both the solid porosity and the adsorbate interaction energy/energy density are deciding factors for the isotherm shape. Importantly, the model, whilst thermodynamically consistent, is macroscopic and thus computationally light and requires only a small number of physically meaningful parameters.