bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ant colony optimization based Information‐Centric networking delivery strategy via flow analysis and scheduling
Authors: Chen Lei
Published: September 2020

Information‐Centric Networking (ICN) has been deeply investigated in recent years since it shows the rich and wide application value in some emerging fields, such as Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile communication. Because of the feature of in‐network caching, there exists several content providers in ICN network. Under the situation, it is obvious that there are multiple paths from an interest requester to these content providers; that is to say, the routing of ICN aims to select a path from these paths, which guaranteeing the selected path is optimal according the requirements of users and network status. Especially during the phase of content delivery, the elephant flows usually cause the serious load unbalance and network congestion due to the unreasonable scheduling even though the proportion of elephant flows is very low. In this paper, the content delivery strategy of ICN is proposed with the load balance consideration, in which Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is used to schedule the optimal path based on the dynamically analyzed network status, called ACOF. The simulation results show that ACOF efficiently improves delivery latency, bandwidth utilization and load balance over the simulated network topology.
Prostaglandylinositol cyclic phosphate, the natural antagonist of cyclic AMP
Authors: Wasner Heinrich K.
Published: September 2020

While searching for a counterpart to cyclic AMP, a new compound was found to inhibit adenylate cyclase. It was identified as prostaglandyl‐(15‐4′)‐myo‐inositol (1′:2′‐cyclic)‐phosphate (cyclic PIP). The substrates for its biosynthesis are prostaglandin E (PGE) and the novel inositol phosphate, guanosine diphospho‐4‐myo‐inositol 1:2‐cyclic phosphate (n‐IP). The basic regulatory properties of cyclic PIP are to inhibit dose‐dependently protein kinase A (PKA) and to seven‐fold activate protein ser/thr phosphatase holoenzyme. These regulations occur as rapidly as the activation of PKA by cyclic AMP. Such regulatory properties are essential for the meticulous regulation of the equilibrium between the phospho‐ and de‐phospho‐form of interconvertible enzymes. The synthesis of cyclic PIP is stimulated by insulin and noradrenaline (α‐receptor action). The insulin‐stimulated cyclic PIP synthase is active in a tyrosine‐phosphorylated state. A comparable characterization of the adrenaline‐stimulated cyclic PIP synthase is still incomplete. In streptozotocin‐diabetic rats, the hormonal stimulation of cyclic PIP synthesis decreases with time. Cyclic PIP synthesis is activated by biguanides as metformin two to four‐fold and by antihypertensive drugs two‐fold. Inhibition of cyclic PIP synthesis leads to a metabolic state as observed in early‐stage type‐2 diabetes. In summary, all living cells synthesize cyclic PIP, which switches on anabolism, whereas cyclic AMP triggers catabolism.
Nuclear‐mitochondrial crosstalk: On the role of the nuclear receptor liver receptor homolog‐1 (NR5A2) in the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism, cell survival, and cancer
Authors: Michalek Svenja , Brunner Thomas
Published: September 2020

Liver receptor homolog‐1 (LRH‐1, NR5A2) is an orphan nuclear receptor with widespread activities in the regulation of development, stemness, metabolism, steroidogenesis, and proliferation. Many of the LRH‐1‐regulated processes target the mitochondria and associated activities. While under physiological conditions, a balanced LRH‐1 expression and regulation contribute to the maintenance of a physiological equilibrium, deregulation of LRH‐1 has been associated with inflammation and cancer. In this review, we discuss the role and mechanism(s) of how LRH‐1 regulates metabolic processes, cell survival, and cancer in a nuclear‐mitochondrial crosstalk, and evaluate its potential as a pharmacological target.
Tracking heavy‐water‐incorporated confocal Raman spectroscopy for evaluating the effects of PEGylated emulsifiers on skin barrier
Authors: Liu Yali , Lunter Dominique Jasmin
Published: September 2020

The class of PEGylated emulsifiers finds broad application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. We target on one of the categories of polyethylene glycol (PEG) alkyl ethers with different lipophilic and hydrophilic chain length and aim to examine their effects on the skin comprehensively. In this study, we employed confocal Raman spectroscopy for skin depth profiling and imaging. A unique probe of heavy water (D2O) was incorporated, which can be tracked percutaneously and simultaneously monitor the effects caused by emulsifiers. According to the results, most of the PEGylated emulsifiers caused changes in skin lipid content/organization and induced the alteration in relative water content/hydrogen bonding structure. The results obtained from the depth profiling analysis provided the possibility to estimate the least penetration depth of emulsifiers. Among them, PEG‐20 ethers displayed the most penetration ability. Meanwhile, it is interesting to find that the treatment of emulsifiers also affected the spatial distribution of D2O whose differences were in line with the molecular skin variations. In particular, the isotopic H/D substitution in the skin was highlighted in detail. This result supports the possibility to use D2O as an excellent and cost‐effective probe to evaluate the skin barrier function.
Pinitol attenuates LPS‐induced pneumonia in experimental animals: Possible role via inhibition of the TLR‐4 and NF‐κB/IκBα signaling cascade pathway
Authors: Fan Yingying , Wang Jian , Feng Zhihui , Cao Ke , Xu Hao , Liu Jiankang
Published: September 2020

Pneumonia is a chronic disorder of the respiratory system associated with worsening quality of life and a significant economic burden. Pinitol, a plant cyclic polyol, has been documented for immune‐inflammatory potential. The aim of present investigation was to evaluate the potential and possible mechanism of action of pinitol against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced pneumonia in the experimental animal model. Pneumonia was induced in Sprague‐Dawley rats by intratracheal administration of LPS (2 mg/kg). Animals were treated with either vehicle or dexamethasone or pinitol (5 or 10 or 20 mg/kg). Potential of pinitol against LPS‐induced pulmonary insult was assessed based on behavioral, biochemical, molecular, and ultrastructural studies. Intratracheal instillation of LPS induced significant (P < .05) inflammatory infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue reflected by elevated pleural effusion volume, lung edema, BALF polymorphonuclear leukocytes count and lung myeloperoxidase levels, which was attenuated by pinitol (10 and 20 mg/kg) administration. Pinitol also markedly (P < .05) inhibited LPS‐induced alterations in electrocardiographic, hemodynamic changes, right ventricular, and lung function tests. The LPS‐induced downregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf‐2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), whereas upregulated transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, NOD‐, LRR‐, and pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs) lung messenger RNA expressions were significantly (P < .05) inhibited by pinitol. Western blot analysis suggested pinitol markedly (P < .05) decreased nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (IkBα), toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4), and cyclooxygenase‐II (COX‐II) protein expressions in the lung. These findings were further supported by histological and ultrastructural analyses of lung tissue that show pinitol significantly (P < .05) ameliorates LPS‐induced aberrations in lung tissue. In conclusion, pinitol attenuated LPS‐induced pneumonia via inhibition of TLR‐4 to downregulate the NF‐κB/IκBα signaling cascade and thus ameliorated the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, ILs, NLRP3, and TGF‐β), inflammatory mediators (COX‐II and iNOs) and elevated oxidative stress (Nrf‐2 and HO‐1).
Comparison of the diagnostic efficacy between two PCR test kits for SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid detection
Authors: Lu Yu , Li Limin , Ren Shan , Liu Xin , Zhang Lanzuo , Li Wei , Yu Hongli
Published: September 2020

Background

To compare the diagnostic efficacy between two different real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test kits for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) nucleic acid detection and provide references for laboratories.

Methods

Throat swab samples from 18 hospitalized patients were clinically diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and 100 hospitalized patients without COVID‐19 were collected. SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid was detected in throat swab samples with RT‐PCR test kits from Sansure Biotech Inc (Hunan, China) and Shanghai BioGerm Medical Biotechnology Co., Ltd.(Shanghai, China). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and kappa value were analyzed, and three parallel tests were performed with three weakly positive samples.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and kappa value of the Sansure PCR kit were 0.833, 1.000, 1.000, 0.971, and 0.894, respectively, and the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and kappa value of the BioGerm PCR kit were 0.944, 1.000, 1.000, 0.990, and 0.966, respectively. For the three parallel tests, the coefficient of variation value of the BioGerm PCR kit in all three samples was the smallest for both the ORF1ab and N gene.

Conclusion

The detection efficacy of the BioGerm PCR kit for SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid detection was relatively higher than that of the Sansure PCR kit.
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT) in the treatment of perfectionism: A case study
Authors: Little J. Nicole , Codd R. Trent
Published: September 2020

We present the case of an adult male (“Jake”) with chronic Anorexia Nervosa, buttressed by dysfunctional levels of perfectionism and aggravated by long‐standing mood and anxiety disturbance, successfully treated with Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT). RO DBT is an evidence‐based, transdiagnostic psychotherapy designed to address perfectionistic overcontrolled coping through teaching flexibility, openness, and healthy self‐doubt. We illustrate this treatment approach by means of describing its application to this case, including discussing core RO DBT treatment strategies and providing sample dialogues. Also demonstrated are the importance of case conceptualization strategies specific to overcontrolled individuals, unique challenges with attending to alliance ruptures with this population such as difficulty discriminating when they occur, and the importance of prioritizing social signaling as a treatment target. Jake's Anorexia Nervosa was in remission at the conclusion of treatment.
Absolute Bioavailability of Microdosed Midazolam After Buccal Administration Is Dependent on Buccal Exposure Time
Authors: Grass Jana , Rose Peter , Burhenne Jürgen , Blank Antje , Haefeli Walter Emil , Mikus Gerd
Published: September 2020

Midazolam is an established probe drug to assess cytochrome P450 3A activity (phenotyping). Microdosed midazolam is increasingly used for this purpose; a buccal formulation might be of advantage, but buccal absorption might occur. We therefore tested in a single‐center, open‐label clinical trial with 12 healthy volunteers the absolute bioavailability of 10 μg of midazolam after buccal administration in relation to buccal exposure time. In relation to a drinking solution, there was an increase of midazolam exposure (area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity) with increasing buccal exposure time with an apparent saturation at 100‐second buccal exposure. Absolute bioavailability increased from 27.8% (95% confidence interval, 23.5‐32.9) for the drinking solution (0 seconds) to 66.1% (95% confidence interval, 60.0‐72.8) after 100‐second buccal exposure with no further increase after 150 seconds. A Hill equation described the time dependency of midazolam bioavailability with maximal bioavailability as 64.5% and buccal exposure time resulting in half maximal bioavailability increase as 16 seconds. In conclusion, midazolam bioavailability is highly dependent on buccal exposure time, and even a few seconds of buccal exposure will increase bioavailability due to buccal absorption. This needs to be taken into account for any buccal administration of midazolam.
Sonographic appearance of a large lipoma of the spermatic cord presenting clinically as an inguinoscrotal hernia
Authors: Sim Woo Yeol , Park Noh Hyuck
Published: September 2020

Lipoma of the spermatic cord or the round ligament is called inguinal canal lipoma. It may present as an inguinal herniating mass of fat tissue, with or without an accompanying herniating sac. There are few reports about large lipomas of the spermatic cord. We describe a case of a large spermatic cord pure lipoma, initially suspected to be an inguinal hernia upon physical examination. We diagnosed the lipoma with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient subsequently underwent left orchiectomy.
In an era of uncertainty: Impact of COVID‐19 on dental education
Authors: Hung Man , Licari Frank W. , Hon Eric S. , Lauren Evelyn , Su Sharon , Birmingham Wendy C. , Wadsworth Lori L. , Lassetter Jane H. , Graff Tyler C. , Harman William , Carroll William B. , Lipsky Martin S.
Published: September 2020

Purpose/Objectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic arguably represents the worst public health crisis of the 21st century. However, no empirical study currently exists in the literature that examines the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on dental education. This study evaluated the impact of COVID‐19 on dental education and dental students’ experience.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was administrated to professional dental students that focused on their experiences related to COVID‐19. The survey included questions about student demographics, protocols for school reopening and student perceptions of institutional responses, student concerns, and psychological impacts.

Results

Among the 145 respondents, 92.4% were pre‐doctoral dental students and 7.6% were orthodontic residents; 48.2% were female and 12.6% students lived alone during the school closure due to the pandemic. Students’ age ranged from 23 to 39 years. Younger students expressed more concerns about their emotional health (P = 0.01). In terms of the school's overall response to COVID‐19, 73.1% students thought it was effective. The majority (83%) of students believed that social distancing in school can minimize the development of COVID‐19. In general, students felt that clinical education suffered after transitioning to online but responded more positively about adjustments to other online curricular components.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic significantly impacted dental education. Our findings indicate that students are experiencing increased levels of stress and feel their clinical education has suffered. Most students appear comfortable with technology adaptations for didactic curriculum and favor masks, social distancing, and liberal use of sanitizers.
Engaging thieno[2,3‐b]indole‐2,3‐dione for the efficient synthesis of spiro[indoline‐3,4′‐thiopyrano[2,3‐b]indole] by reaction with N‐substituted isatilidenes
Authors: Thomas Noble V. , Sathi Vidya , Deepthi Ani , Sudheendran Leena Sruthi , Chopra Sidharth
Published: September 2020

A simple and efficient method, proceeding through a new mechanistic pathway, for the synthesis of spiro[indoline‐3,4‐thiopyrano[2.3‐b]indole derivatives have been developed by exploiting the reaction of thieno[2,3‐b]indole‐2,3‐dione with N‐substituted isatilidenes. The compounds synthesized have been screened for antibacterial activity. The generality of the reaction and mechanistic rationale are presented.
Development and validation of a simplified nomogram predicting individual critical illness of risk in COVID‐19: A retrospective study
Authors: Xu Ranran , Cui Junwei , Hu Liu , Wang Yiru , Wang Tao , Ye Dawei , Lv Yongman , Liu Qingquan
Published: September 2020

This study aims to screen useful predictors of critical cases among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients and to develop a simple‐to‐use nomogram for clinical utility. A retrospective study was conducted that consisted of a primary cohort with 315 COVID‐19 patients and two validation cohorts with 69 and 123 patients, respectively. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risks of progression to critical. An individualized prediction model was developed, and calibration, decision curve, and clinical impact curves were used to assess the performance of the model. External validations for the predictive nomogram were also provided. The variables of age, comorbid diseases, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, d‐dimer, C‐reactive protein, and platelet count were estimated to be independent predictors of progression to critical, which were incorporated to establish a model of the nomogram. It demonstrated good discrimination (with a C‐index of 0.923) and calibration. Good discrimination (C‐index, 0.882 and 0.906) and calibration were also noted on applying the nomogram in two validation cohorts. The clinical relevance of the nomogram was justified by the decision curve and clinical impact curve analysis. This study presents an individualized prediction nomogram incorporating six clinical characteristics, which can be conveniently applied to assess an individual's risk of progressing to critical COVID‐19.
Inactivation of SARS‐CoV‐2 and HCoV‐229E in vitro by ColdZyme® a medical device mouth spray against the common cold
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Ágústa , Scheving Reynir , Lindberg Fredrik , Stefansson Bjarki
Published: September 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic calls for effective and safe treatments. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causing COVID‐19 actively replicates in the throat, unlike SARS‐CoV, and shows high pharyngeal viral shedding even in patients with mild symptoms of the disease. HCoV‐229E is one of four coronaviruses causing the common cold. In this study, the efficacy of ColdZyme® (CZ‐MD), a medical device mouth spray, was tested against SARS‐CoV‐2 and HCoV‐229E in vitro. The CZ‐MD provides a protective glycerol barrier containing cod trypsin as an ancillary component. Combined, these ingredients can inactivate common cold viruses in the throat and mouth. The CZ‐MD is believed to act on the viral surface proteins that would perturb their entry pathway into cells. The efficacy and safety of the CZ‐MD have been demonstrated in clinical trials on the common cold.

Method of Study

The ability of the CZ‐MD to inactivate SARS‐CoV‐2 and HCoV‐229E was tested using an in vitro virucidal suspension test (ASTM E1052).

Results

CZ‐MD inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 by 98.3% and HCoV‐229E by 99.9%.

Conclusion

CZ‐MD mouth spray can inactivate the respiratory coronaviruses SARS‐CoV‐2 and HCoV‐229E in vitro. Although the in vitro results presented cannot be directly translated into clinical efficacy, the study indicates that CZ‐MD might offer a protective barrier against SARS‐CoV‐2 and a decreased risk of COVID‐19 transmission.
Pilot Study to Investigate Enteral Feeding Practices and the Incidence of Underfeeding Among Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patients at a Specialist Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zaher Sara A. , AL‐Subaihi Raghad , AL‐Alshaya Aeshah , AL‐Saggaf Manar , AL Amoudi Mariam O. , Babtain Hala , Neyaz Arwa
Published: September 2020

Background

Enteral nutrition (EN) is an essential therapeutic intervention. Many studies internationally have reviewed feeding practices in intensive care units (ICUs) and recorded the incidence of underfeeding in these settings, yet none were performed in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia. The purpose of the study is to assess the adequacy of EN delivery and investigate the enteral feeding practices in the ICU at a specialized tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

In this observational study, we prospectively monitored energy and protein delivery for 6 consecutive days in critically ill patients. Malnutrition was assessed by Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS‐2002) scores. Underfeeding was identified by comparing the intake against the calculated requirements. Patients were categorized into early and late EN starters to investigate whether the time of EN initiation impacts the cumulative nutrition intake.

Results

This study included 43 patients. About 44% (19 of 43) of the patients were malnourished on admission to ICU, and the prevalence of underfeeding was >90%. The median cumulative intake of energy and protein was 39% and 31% of the estimated requirements, respectively. Patients who started early EN had statistically higher cumulative energy and protein intake (P‐value = .00). Patients treated with inotropes received less energy and protein compared with those who did not receive inotropes (P‐value = .00). Higher NRS‐2002 score was associated with fewer ventilation‐free hours (r = −0.369, P‐value = .045).

Conclusion

Protein underfeeding remains a significant problem in ICU settings. The time of EN initiation plays a major role in determining when the nutrition requirements will be met. Therefore, it is crucial to implement effective feeding protocols to ensure early initiation of EN when permissible.
Should authors cite sources suggested by peer reviewers? Six antidotes for handling potentially coercive reviewer citation suggestions
Authors: McLeod Sam
Published: September 2020

Key points

Reviewers should carefully consider suggesting citations, particularly to their own work.

I compile a typology of potentially coercive forms of citation suggestions.

Authors should not feel compelled to cite inappropriate sources or sources for inappropriate reasons.

Six guiding principles for managing Reviewer Citation Suggestions (RCSs) are proposed.
The relevance of environment vs. composition on dissolved organic matter degradation in freshwaters
Authors: Catalán Núria , Pastor Ada , Borrego Carles M. , Casas‐Ruiz Joan Pere , Hawkes Jeffrey A. , Gutiérrez Carmen , von Schiller Daniel , Marcé Rafael
Published: September 2020

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition exerts a direct control on its degradation and subsequent persistence in aquatic ecosystems. Yet, under certain conditions, the degradation patterns of DOM cannot be solely explained by its composition, highlighting the relevance of environmental conditions for DOM degradation. Here, we experimentally assessed the relative influence of composition vs. environment on DOM degradation by performing degradation bioassays using three contrasting DOM sources inoculated with a standardized bacterial inoculum under five distinct environments. The DOM degradation kinetics modeled using reactivity continuum models showed that composition was more important than environment in determining the bulk DOM decay patterns. Changes in DOM composition resulted from the interaction between DOM source and environment. The role of environment was stronger on shaping the bacterial community composition, but the intrinsic nature of the DOM source exerted stronger control on the DOM degradation function.
Harnessing Evanescent Waves by Bianisotropic Metasurfaces
Authors: Li Lin , Yao Kan , Wang Zuojia , Liu Yongmin
Published: September 2020

The exponentially decaying nature of evanescent waves renders it difficult to capture, extract and engineer the wealth of energy and information that they can carry. Utilizing the out‐of‐plane electric dipoles and in‐plane magnetic diploes produced by a bianisotropic C‐aperture metasurface, in this work, it is shown that evanescent waves can be effectively molded. More specifically, it is demonstrated that the phase, polarization state or beam profile of the emission from evanescent waves can be controlled via the orientation of C‐aperture nanostructures. The work opens a new avenue for metasurfaces to work in the critical near‐field region to efficiently harness evanescent waves, and promises many potential applications, including on‐chip free‐electron light sources, tabletop particle detectors and near‐field energy harvesting.
Temporary/Permanent Dual Cross‐Link Gels Formed of a Bioactive Lactose‐Modified Chitosan
Authors: Sacco Pasquale , Furlani Franco , Marfoglia Andrea , Cok Michela , Pizzolitto Chiara , Marsich Eleonora , Donati Ivan
Published: September 2020

Mounting evidences have recognized that dual cross‐link and double‐network gels can promisingly recapitulate the complex living tissue architecture and overcome mechanical limitations of conventional scaffolds used hitherto in regenerative medicine. Here, dual cross‐link gels formed of a bioactive lactose‐modified chitosan reticulated via both temporary (boric acid‐based) and permanent (genipin‐based) cross‐linkers are reported. While boric acid rapidly binds to lactitol flanking diols increasing the overall viscosity, a slow temperature‐driven genipin binding process takes place allowing for network strengthening. Combination of frequency and stress sweep experiments in the linear stress–strain region shows that ultimate gel strength, toughness, and viscoelasticity depend on polymer‐to‐genipin molar ratio. Notably, herewith it is demonstrated that linear stretching correlates with strain energy dissipation through boric acid binding/unbinding dynamics. Strain‐hardening effect in the nonlinear regime, along with good biocompatibility in vitro, points at an interesting role of present system as biological extracellular matrix substitute.
Symmetries and special solutions of a parabolic chemotaxis system
Authors: Bruzón M. S. , Gandarias M. L. , Torrisi M. , Tracinà R.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we consider a class of chemotaxis models with two arbitrary constitutive functions g(u) and f(v). After having performed a complete symmetry group classification with respect to them the reduced systems are derived. By considering g(u) of the logistic form, wide classes of exact solutions are found.
Gastrointestinal Digestion of Food Proteins under the Effects of Released Bioactive Peptides on Digestive Health
Authors: Fernández‐Tomé Samuel , Hernández‐Ledesma Blanca
Published: September 2020

The gastrointestinal tract represents a specialized interface between the organism and the external environment. Because of its direct contact with lumen substances, the modulation of digestive functions by dietary substances is supported by a growing body of evidence. Food‐derived bioactive peptides have demonstrated a plethora of activities in the organism with increasing interest toward their impact over the digestive system and related physiological effects. This review updates the biological effects of food proteins, specifically milk and soybean proteins, associated to gastrointestinal health and highlights the study of digestion products and released peptides, the identification of the active form/s, and the evaluation of the mechanisms of action underlying their relationship with the digestive cells and receptors. The approach toward the modifications that food proteins and peptides undergo during gastrointestinal digestion and their bioavailability is a crucial step for current investigations on the field. The recent literature on the regulation of digestive functions by peptides has been mostly considered in terms of their influence on gastrointestinal motility and signaling, oxidative damage and inflammation, and malignant cellular proliferation. A final section regarding the actual challenges and future perspectives in this scientific topic is critically discussed.
Movement Dynamics of Nonnative Burbot in the Upper Green River System and Implications for Management
Authors: Brauer Tucker A. , Quist Michael C. , Rhea Darren T. , Laughlin Troy W. , Waring Erik
Published: September 2020

Burbot Lota lota were illegally introduced to the Green River, Wyoming, in the mid-1990s and pose a threat to recreational fisheries and native fish conservation. Although much is known about Burbot population dynamics, little is known about their movement patterns. Our objectives were to describe the movement dynamics of Burbot in the upper Green River system to provide information on the ecology of Burbot and insight on possible management actions. In total, 875 Burbot were tagged with PIT tags in the upper Green River and Fontenelle Reservoir; their movements were tracked from August 2016 to March 2018. Additionally, 22 Burbot were tagged with radio transmitters in Fontenelle Reservoir in November 2017, and 13 Burbot were tagged with radio transmitters in the upper Green River in November 2018. Of these fish, 11 Burbot tagged in Fontenelle Reservoir and all river-tagged Burbot were tracked as they migrated into the Green River and associated tributaries during the spawning season. Upstream and downstream movements of Burbot tagged with PIT tags in Fontenelle Reservoir and the upper Green River peaked during December–January and were synchronized with river temperatures reaching 0°C. Of the total number of PIT-tagged Burbot, 10–15% of those tagged in Fontenelle Reservoir were detected in the Green River during the spawning season and 15% of those tagged in the Green River were detected moving downstream toward Fontenelle Reservoir during the spawning period. Movements of radiotelemetered Burbot were synchronized with river ice-up in mid-December. Maximum upstream distance traveled by adfluvial Burbot was 5.8 km. Fluvial Burbot primarily migrated downstream during the spawning period, and maximum downstream distance traveled was 17.7 km. Detection data suggest that both fluvial and adfluvial Burbot occupy the same reaches during the spawning period and areas near Fontenelle Reservoir are important for spawning. Results of this study will assist with the management of Burbot in this system by shedding light on Burbot movement patterns and identifying areas of high Burbot use for targeted suppression efforts. Results also contribute to our understanding of the variability in Burbot ecology.
On the efficiency limits of artificial and ultrafast light‐funnels
Authors: Albrecht Andreas , Pfennig Dominik , Nowak Julia , Grunwald Matthias , Walla Peter Jomo
Published: September 2020

Many researchers are recently working on artificial light‐harvesters that funnel energy onto high‐performance photovoltaics. However, similar to the theoretical photovoltaic Shockley‐Queisser limit, there are also physical limits in the maximum efficiency of funneling light energy. Unfortunately, they are very complex and depend on many opposing molecular as well as macroscopic structure factors. For example, higher pigment concentrations absorb more sun‐light but lead also to higher, intrinsic reabsorption losses. Molecular orientations increasing incoming light absorption can also increase re‐emission losses back into the same direction. Larger spectral absorption ranges collect more sunlight but simultaneously increase losses due to lower emission photon energies. Larger macroscopic areas of light‐harvesting material decrease the need for expensive photovoltaic materials but also increase molecular re‐absorption losses. Larger pools of energy funneling molecules increase light concentration but also increase energy transfer losses. For finding the optimal overall molecular and macroscopic structure these opposing effects need to be varied within physical feasible boundaries. Here, we present a theoretical assessment that include all necessary molecular and macroscopic parameters and that provided optimized light‐harvesting structures representing a new efficiency bench mark. For highest efficiencies, our results indicate that combined organic molecule/quantum particle systems share many of the optimum spectroscopic characteristics.
Quantum Fourier transform revisited
Authors: Camps Daan , Van Beeumen Roel , Yang Chao
Published: September 2020

The fast Fourier transform (FFT) is one of the most successful numerical algorithms of the 20th century and has found numerous applications in many branches of computational science and engineering. The FFT algorithm can be derived from a particular matrix decomposition of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) matrix. In this paper, we show that the quantum Fourier transform (QFT) can be derived by further decomposing the diagonal factors of the FFT matrix decomposition into products of matrices with Kronecker product structure. We analyze the implication of this Kronecker product structure on the discrete Fourier transform of rank‐1 tensors on a classical computer. We also explain why such a structure can take advantage of an important quantum computer feature that enables the QFT algorithm to attain an exponential speedup on a quantum computer over the FFT algorithm on a classical computer. Further, the connection between the matrix decomposition of the DFT matrix and a quantum circuit is made. We also discuss a natural extension of a radix‐2 QFT decomposition to a radix‐d QFT decomposition. No prior knowledge of quantum computing is required to understand what is presented in this paper. Yet, we believe this paper may help readers to gain some rudimentary understanding of the nature of quantum computing from a matrix computation point of view.
A virtual interface‐coupled extended finite element method for three‐dimensional contact problems
Authors: Fang Huangcheng , Zhang Dingli , Zhou Mozhen , Fang Qian , Wen Ming , Hu Xinyu
Published: September 2020

In this article, we propose a virtual interface‐coupled technique to model the arbitrary discontinuous interface based on the three‐field dual mortar method. The computational domain is divided into several subdomains and the enriched nodes are individually introduced to construct the approximation of the displacement field. This method provides a flexible way to describe the multiple‐body contact with nonconforming mesh in the extended finite element method (XFEM). An independent virtual interface is employed to replace the XFEM discontinuous interface. The connect condition between the virtual interface and discontinuous interface is imposed using the dual Lagrange multiplier method. Due to the bi‐orthogonality condition, the Lagrange multipliers can be locally eliminated at a very low computational cost. The resulting system matrix is symmetric positive definite and well‐conditioned. Furthermore, the contact and natural boundary conditions can be directly imposed on the virtual interface. Several numerical experiments are performed and the results show that the proposed method provides an effective, robust, and fast way to simulate three‐dimensional contact behaviors of nonconforming interfaces.
An alternating direction method of multipliers algorithm for symmetric model predictive control
Authors: Danielson Claus
Published: September 2020

This article presents an alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) algorithm for solving large‐scale model predictive control (MPC) problems that are invariant under the symmetric‐group. Symmetry was used to find transformations of the inputs, states, and constraints of the MPC problem that decompose the dynamics and cost. We prove an important property of the symmetric decomposition for the symmetric‐group that allows us to efficiently transform between the original and decomposed symmetric domains. This allows us to solve different subproblems of a baseline ADMM algorithm in different domains where the computations are less expensive. This reduces the computational cost of each iteration from quadratic to linear in the number of repetitions in the system. In addition, we show that the memory complexity for our ADMM algorithm is also linear in number of repetitions in the system, rather than the typical quadratic complexity. We demonstrate our algorithm for two case studies; battery balancing and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In both case studies, the symmetric algorithm reduced the computation‐time from minutes to seconds and memory usage from tens of megabytes to tens or hundreds of kilobytes, allowing the previously nonviable MPCs to be implemented in real time on embedded computers with limited computational and memory resources.
Determining interlinkages between the measures of financial literacy: An MCDM approach
Authors: Pramahender  , Himanshu  , Kandpal Vinay
Published: September 2020

The purpose behind this research work is to recognise the measures of financial literacy, examine their relative importance and develop causal linkages among them. The study has employed the method of DEMATEL to achieve the objective. For this study, the interviews were conducted with experts from India between March and May of the year 2019. Three main measures and nine sub‐measures were identified. The results of the research work pointed out that financial knowledge gets the top priority. Among sub‐measures, financial education, financial experience, financial behaviour and financial awareness are on the top in the priority list. On the basis of R–C values, the measures have been classified into groups based on cause and effect relationships.
Prevalence and management of constipation in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia in U.S. children's hospitals
Authors: Belsky Jennifer A. , Stanek Joseph R. , O'Brien Sarah H.
Published: September 2020

Background

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) suffer from a litany of chemotherapy‐induced side effects. Constipation secondary to vinca alkaloids, environmental changes, and opioid use is a common issue for children newly diagnosed with leukemia.

Procedure

We analyzed data from 48 children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System, extracting patients 1‐21 years of age with ALL hospitalized from October 2015 through September 2019. Our objective was to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment of constipation in hospitalized children with ALL.

Results

We identified 4647 unique patients with an ALL induction admission. Constipation was the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis with 1576 (33.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.6%‐35.3%) patients diagnosed during induction admission and 19.8% in post‐induction admissions. The most commonly administered constipation medications were poly‐ethyl glycol (n = 3385, 89.6%), followed by senna (n = 1240, 32.8%), lactulose (n = 916, 24.2%), and docusate (n = 914, 24.2%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed the following variables to be significantly associated with the presence of a constipation diagnosis: age < 6 years at induction (compared with those ≥12 years; odds ratios [OR] = 1.32 [95% CI: 1.13‐1.55]; P = < 0.001), female sex (OR = 1.16 [95% CI: 1.02‐1.31]; P = 0.024), increased length of hospitalization (OR = 1.03 [95% CI: 1.02‐1.04]; P < 0.0001), use of non‐fentanyl opioids for one or two days (OR = 1.28 [95% CI: 0.99‐1.65]; P = 0.056), and use of non‐fentanyl opioids > 2 days (OR = 1.53 [95% CI: 1.19‐1.95]; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A large portion of hospitalized children with ALL experience constipation and required medications. Increased attention should be paid to constipation prophylaxis and treatment in ALL patients, particularly at the start of induction therapy.
Characterization of the spatial distribution of alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica, and its natural enemies, using geospatial models
Authors: Shrestha Govinda , Rijal Jhalendra P , Reddy Gadi V P
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Understanding the spatio‐temporal dynamics of prey and predator distributions can provide valuable insights into pest management strategies and conservation of natural enemies in agro‐ecosystems. The alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), is an economically important pest of alfalfa throughout the western United States. Coccinellids and nabids are among the most important natural enemies of this species, contributing to the biological control of H. postica in alfalfa fields. The spatio‐temporal dynamics of H. postica and these two predator groups were investigated using 81 (= 9 × 9 grid) sample points in each of five alfalfa fields in north‐central Montana. The data were analyzed using variogram and spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE).

RESULTS

Variogram analysis revealed the spatial dependence (aggregation) of H. postica in 17 of 19 sampling times for larvae, and three of 12 sampling times for adults. Using SADIE, statistically significant aggregation distribution was evident in four of 19 sampling times for larvae, and five of 12 sampling times for adults of H. postica. Combined variogram and SADIE showed strong evidence of spatial aggregation of H. postica larval population (~95%) while a moderate level of aggregation in the adult population (~67%) of the sampling times analyzed. The average aggregation distances based on the range value of the variogram were 22.3 m and 14.7 m for larvae and adults, respectively. Based on variogram results, populations of natural enemies, coccinellids and Nabis spp. were found spatially aggregated in 57.9% and 5.6% of the sampling times, respectively. SADIE further supported the variogram results as coccinellid populations (52.6% of sampling times) were highly aggregated in contrast with the Nabis spp. populations (5.6% of sampling times) in alfalfa fields. There was no evidence of significant spatial synchrony between H. postica and its predators, coccinellids and Nabis spp.

CONCLUSION

Our study was able to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of H. postica and its two natural enemies (coccinellids and nabids) in irrigated alfalfa fields. The possible implications of these findings for integrated pest management (IPM) of alfalfa weevil populations are discussed.
Identification and application of bacterial volatiles to attract a generalist aphid parasitoid: from laboratory to greenhouse assays
Authors: Goelen Tim , Vuts József , Sobhy Islam S , Wäckers Felix , Caulfield John C , Birkett Michael A , Rediers Hans , Jacquemyn Hans , Lievens Bart
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that microorganisms emit volatile compounds that affect insect behaviour. However, it remains largely unclear whether microbes can be exploited as a source of attractants to improve biological control of insect pests. In this study, we used a combination of coupled gas chromatography‐electroantennography (GC–EAG) and Y‐tube olfactometer bioassays to identify attractive compounds in the volatile extracts of three bacterial strains that are associated with the habitat of the generalist aphid parasitoid Aphidius colemani, and to create mixtures of synthetic compounds to find attractive blends for A. colemani. Subsequently, the most attractive blend was evaluated in two‐choice cage experiments under greenhouse conditions.

RESULTS

GC–EAG analysis revealed 20 compounds that were linked to behaviourally attractive bacterial strains. A mixture of two EAG‐active compounds, styrene and benzaldehyde applied at a respective dose of 1 μg and 10 ng, was more attractive than the single compounds or the culture medium of the bacteria in Y‐tube olfactometer bioassays. Application of this synthetic mixture under greenhouse conditions resulted in significant attraction of the parasitoids, and outperformed application of the bacterial culture medium.

CONCLUSION

Compounds isolated from bacterial blends were capable of attracting parasitoids both in laboratory and greenhouse assays, indicating that microbial cultures are an effective source of insect attractants. This opens new opportunities to attract and retain natural enemies of pest species and to enhance biological pest control.
The innate immune response in Zika virus infection
Authors: Rodrigues de Sousa Jorge , Azevedo Raimunda do Socorro da Silva , Quaresma Juarez Antônio Simões , Vasconcelos Pedro Fernando da Costa
Published: September 2020

Zika virus (ZIKV; Flaviviridae, Flavivirus) was discovered in 1947 in Uganda, Africa, from the serum of a sentinel Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). It is an enveloped, positive‐sense, single‐stranded RNA virus, which encodes a single polyprotein that is cleaved into 10 individual proteins. In 2015, the Zika‐epidemic in Brazil was marked mainly by the exponential growth of microcephaly cases and other congenital defects. With regard to host–pathogen relationships, understanding the role of the immune response in the pathogenesis ZIKV infection is challenging. The innate immune response is the first‐line immunological defence, in which pathogen‐associated molecular patterns are recognized by pattern‐recognition receptors that trigger macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells and endothelial cells to produce several mediators, which modulate viral replication and immune evasion. In this review, we have summarized current knowledge on the innate immune response against ZIKV.
Environmental control of macrophyte traits and interactions with metabolism and hydromorphology in a groundwater‐fed river
Authors: Reitsema Rosanne E. , Preiner Stefan , Meire Patrick , Hein Thomas , Dai Yanran , Schoelynck Jonas
Published: September 2020

Macrophytes are important organisms in running water systems, having a decisive role in ecological processes and interactions. Their temporal and spatial distribution in streams can be highly variable, and this is often determined by flow velocity. In this study, macrophyte growth, morphology and nutrient stoichiometry were studied monthly during one growing season in reaches with different flow velocity and flow velocity distribution and, as a result, different distributional plant patterns in an Austrian lowland stream, dominated by evergreen macrophyte species, Berula erecta. Flow velocity, water depth, fine sediment layer depth and metabolism were measured in the stream and the correlation with plant biomass and morphological traits was tested. We aimed to study differences between reaches with different distributional plant patterns and whether common interactions between macrophytes and flow velocity can also be observed when vegetation is evergreen. Plant biomass showed seasonal variation, with the highest values in June and the lowest in February. In the reach with low flow velocity and homogeneous macrophyte distribution, biomass peaked in summer and plant morphology changed with the seasons, whereas biomass and morphology in the reach with high flow velocity and patchy distribution were more constant throughout the year. Plant carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus content were higher in spring and autumn than in summer, whereas biogenic silica accumulated over the course of the growth season. Stream metabolism was strongly correlated with macrophyte biomass, and this correlation was stronger in the reach with homogeneous macrophyte distribution than in the reach with a patchy distribution. Moreover, average leaf area and stem length were positively correlated with fine sediment layer depth, and negatively with flow velocity. The results stress the importance of macrophyte growth and morphology in river processes like metabolism, hydromorphology and nutrient dynamics: especially plant morphology plays an important role in macrophyte–flow interactions.
9‐3: Advanced Process and Structure of Backplane for Micro LED Display
Authors: Xie Hua-fei , Mei Xue-ru , Lu Ma-cai , Liu Ming-gang , Liu Nian , Wen Lei , Wu Si-jia , Fan Yong , Chen Shu-jhih , Lee Chia-yu , Zhang Sheng-dong , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2020

Five process improvements for protecting the Micro LED display from HTHHO were evaluated by measuring the Vth shift of top‐gate IGZO TFT backplane. The results showed that the Vth value of Micro LED backplane was placed at HTHHO (60 °C, 90% RH) for 1000h drifted less than 1.5V after protected by the inorganic/ organic film of TF‐1/TF‐2.