bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Swarm intelligence‐based secure high‐order optimal density selection for industrial internet‐of‐things (IIoT) data on cloud environment
Authors: Primya T. , Subashini G.
Published: September 2021

Industrial internet‐of‐things (IIoT) cloud computing gives users with the ease of outsourcing calculations and carrying the risk of privacy disclosure. To solve this issue, secure high‐order clustering algorithm by fast search (SHOCFS) technique is introduced recently. The major factors of SHOCFS algorithm are speed improvement and detecting optimal density peaks. The optimal selection of density points in the SHOCFS algorithm still becomes an important issue to be considered. The swallow swarm optimization (SSO) is introduced in the proposed work for choosing optimal density peaks in clustering algorithm. This paper motivates to design a new secure cloud service system for cloud in IIoT environment. The secure high‐order optimal density selection (SHODS3O‐CFS) approach is proposed in hybrid cloud environment. The major contribution of the work is to develop an optimization‐based secure clustering algorithm for finding the best density points in clustering algorithm. It may reduce the overlapping peak points in the cluster and increase the security of system in hybrid cloud. The experimental results of the proposed algorithm and existing methods are measured via clustering metrics such as accuracy, clustering center quality, and speed ratio. The metrics like clustering center quality, Rand index (RI), encryption time (ms), and speedup ratio have been used to measure the results of the proposed system and existing methods. From the results, it is concluded that the proposed work has achieved higher average RI of 93.4%, which is 29.68% and 17.4% higher when compared with the privacy preservation high‐order clustering algorithm by fast search (PPHOCFS) and SHOCFS methods.
The color of greater flamingo feathers fades when no cosmetics are applied
Authors: Chiale Maria Cecilia , Rendón Miguel A. , Labaude Sophie , Deville Anne‐Sophie , Garrido‐Fernández Juan , Pérez‐Gálvez Antonio , Garrido Araceli , Rendón‐Martos Manuel , Béchet Arnaud , Amat Juan A.
Published: September 2021

Greater flamingos use cosmetic coloration by spreading uropygial secretions pigmented with carotenoids over their feathers, which makes the plumage redder. Because flamingos inhabit open environments that receive direct solar radiation during daytime, and carotenoids bleach when exposed to solar radiation, we expected that the plumage color would fade if there is no maintenance for cosmetic purposes. Here, we show that the concentrations of pigments inside feathers and on the surface of feathers were correlated, as well as that there was a correlation between the concentrations of pigments in the uropygial secretions and on the surface of feathers. There was fading in color (becoming less red) in feathers that received direct solar radiation when there was no plumage maintenance, but not so in others maintained in darkness. When we controlled for the initial color of feathers, the feathers of those individuals with higher concentration of pigments on the feather surfaces were those that lost less coloration after experimental exposure of feathers to sunny conditions. These results indicate that exposure to sunlight is correlated with the fading of feather color, which suggests that individuals need to regularly apply makeup to be more colorful. These results also reinforce the view that these birds use cosmetic coloration as a signal amplifier of plumage color. This may be important in species using highly variable habitats, such as wetlands, since the conditions experienced when molting may differ from those when the signal should be functional, usually months after molting.
The mitogenome of Halotydeus destructor (Tucker) and its relationships with other trombidiform mites as inferred from nucleotide sequences and gene arrangements
Authors: Thia Joshua A. , Young Neil D. , Korhnen Pasi K. , Yang Qiong , Gasser Robin B. , Umina Paul A. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: September 2021

The redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor (Tucker, 1925: Trombidiformes, Eupodoidea, Penthaleidae), is an invasive mite species. In Australia, this mite has become a pest of winter pastures and grain crops. We report the complete mitogenome for H. destructor, the first to represent the family Penthaleidae, superfamily Eupodoidea. The mitogenome of H. destructor is 14,691 bp in size, and has a GC content of 27.87%, 13 protein‐coding genes, two rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes. We explored evolutionary relationships of H. destructor with other members of the Trombidiformes using phylogenetic analyses of nucleotide sequences and the order of protein‐coding and rRNA genes. We found strong, consistent support for the superfamily Tydeoidea being the sister taxon to the superfamily Eupodoidea based on nucleotide sequences and gene arrangements. Moreover, the gene arrangements of Eupodoidea and Tydeoidea are not only identical to each other but also identical to that of the hypothesized arthropod ancestor, showing a high level of conservatism in the mitogenomic structure of these mite superfamilies. Our study illustrates the utility of gene arrangements for providing complementary information to nucleotide sequences with respect to inferring the evolutionary relationships of species within the order Trombidiformes. The mitogenome of H. destructor provides a valuable resource for further population genetic studies of this important agricultural pest. Given the co‐occurrence of closely related, morphologically similar Penthaleidae mites with H. destructor in the field, a complete mitogenome provides new opportunities to develop metabarcoding tools to study mite diversity in agro‐ecosystems. Moreover, the H. destructor mitogenome fills an important taxonomic gap that will facilitate further study of trombidiform mite evolution.
Feeding habits and novel prey of larval fishes in the northern San Francisco Estuary
Authors: Jungbluth Michelle J. , Burns Jillian , Grimaldo Lenny , Slaughter Anne , Katla Aspen , Kimmerer Wim
Published: September 2021

Food limitation can dampen the survival and growth of fish species during early development. To investigate prey diversity important to the planktivorous larval longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) and Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) from the San Francisco Estuary, we used DNA metabarcoding analysis of the cytochrome oxidase I gene on the guts of these fishes and on environmental zooplankton samples, in comparison with results from abundance analyses of zooplankton samples. Overall, both fish consumed the prey that were commonly available and relatively abundant: Diets were dominated by arthropods but also included soft‐bodied and difficult to identify organisms. Prey taxa substantially overlapped between the two species (Schoener's index = 0.66), and alpha diversity analysis suggested high variability in the content of guts from different individuals. Abundant prey taxa in both fish species included the copepods Eurytemora carolleeae, Acanthocyclops americanus, and A. robustus; Acanthocyclops spp. are difficult to distinguish morphologically. Differential abundance analysis suggested that both species consumed the most abundant zooplankton in lower proportions than their availability in the environment. A few uncommon prey observed in the diets may hint at feeding strategies employed by the larvae, such as herring DNA in the longfin smelt diets, suggesting feeding on eggs near substrates or schooling behavior. Herring consumed the small (<0.5 mm) copepod Limnoithona tetraspina much more frequently (30%) than did smelt (2%), possibly indicating differences in foraging behavior or sensory abilities. Among the unexpected prey found in the diets was the cnidarian Hydra oligactis, the polychaete Dasybranchus sp., and the copepod Mesocyclops pehpeiensis, a species not previously described in the San Francisco Estuary. Our findings illustrate the power of molecular methods in revealing feeding patterns and novel plankton diversity that can be undetectable with complementary morphological analysis methods.
Operando Monitoring of Electrode Temperatures During Overcharge‐Caused Thermal Runaway
Authors: Li Bing , Parekh Mihit H. , Pol Vilas G. , Adams Thomas E. , Fleetwood James , Jones Casey M. , Tomar Vikas
Published: September 2021

Lithium‐ion batteries’ (LIBs) failure due to abusive cycling conditions can result in thermal runaway, which calls for reliable real‐time battery thermal safety monitoring. Herein, an effective method for LIB thermal runaway detection using a resistant temperature detector (RTD) is compared with a conventional battery surface temperature measurement. A direct electrode temperature measurement technique based on additive manufacturing‐enabled application of miniature RTDs for measurement of internal temperature within large‐capacity Li‐ion pouch cells is used. The miniature RTDs are embedded in a customized electrochemically inactive polymeric substrate for real‐time thermal safety monitoring during overcharge abuse. Electrode temperature profiles under different conditions of overcharge (at 1 and 5 C rate, charged until battery explosion) are analyzed and mechanisms of heat generation in LIBs during overcharge‐induced thermal runaway are investigated. The internal RTDs detect the onset temperature of the solid−electrolyte interface decomposition ≈10 s earlier than the sensors attached to the battery surface. A maximum temperature gradient of ≈200 °C is observed between the electrode and the battery surface during overcharge‐induced thermal runaway. The internal RTDs are shown as a possible guide for sensor placement location to capture the maximum temperature within the LIBs during abuse events.
Narratives in an authoritarian environment: Narrative strategies, plots, and characters in Moscow’s public transport reforms debate
Authors: Uldanov Artem , Gabriichuk Tatiana , Karateev Dmitry , Makhmutova Maria
Published: September 2021

This article draws on the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) to analyze the recent debates over Moscow's public transport policy. Despite a proliferation of NPF implementations in recent years, applications in authoritarian institutional settings remain rare. We seek to fill this gap by examining how the actors combine narrative strategies, characters, and plots to advocate their vision of public transport development in Moscow. To this end, this study tests NPF meso‐level hypotheses on narrative strategies and their connections with plots and characters used in the context of Russian electoral authoritarian regime. The results show that the NPF hypotheses are applicable for the analysis of policy debates in an authoritarian context. While the governmental coalition uses an angel shift strategy—focusing on heroes, beneficiaries, and stories of control—to contain the scope of conflict, the opposing coalition implies a devil shift strategy with a specific attention to villains, victims, and different plots to expand the scope of conflict.
An explicit finite volume scheme on staggered grids for the Euler equations: Unstructured meshes, stability analysis, and energy conservation
Authors: Goudon Thierry , Llobell Julie , Minjeaud Sebastian
Published: September 2021

We set up a numerical strategy for the simulation of the Euler equations, in the framework of finite volume staggered discretizations where numerical densities, energies, and velocities are stored on different locations. The main difficulty relies on the treatment of the total energy, which mixes quantities stored on different grids. The proposed method is strongly inspired, on the one hand, from the kinetic framework for the definition of the numerical fluxes, and, on the other hand, from the discrete duality finite volume (DDFV) framework, which has been designed for the simulation of elliptic equations on complex meshes. The time discretization is explicit and we exhibit stability conditions that guaranty the positivity of the discrete densities and internal energies. Moreover, while the scheme works on the internal energy equation, we can define a discrete total energy which satisfies a local conservation equation. We provide a set of numerical simulations to illustrate the behavior of the scheme.
The Sport Fish Restoration Program as a Funding Source to Manage and Monitor Bowfishing and Monitor Inland Commercial Fisheries
Authors: Scarnecchia Dennis L , Schooley Jason D , Lackmann Alec R , Rider Steven J , Riecke Dennis K , McMullen Joseph , Ganus J Eric , Steffensen Kirk D , Kramer Nicholas W , Shattuck Zachary R
Published: September 2021

The Sport Fish Restoration Program (SFR) has been a stable and highly successful funding program supporting state fisheries research, propagation, and management activities since its inception in 1950. The expanding sport of bowfishing in the past 2 decades, and research over a comparable time period showing very long lifespans of underappreciated native fish species, opens the door to some new ways to classify, manage, and fund monitoring of these natives under the SFR program, while encouraging sport and commercial take of invasives. Evidence from bowfishing and from changes in angling patterns for some nongame species indicates that the time has come to consider reclassifying underappreciated native species into some form of sport status (entirely separate from non-native invasives) and thereby potentially expanding the scope of species projects financed with SFR funds. Reclassification will also function to upgrade the status of underappreciated native species taken within agencies, with bowfishers and anglers, and with the public. It then opens the door to improved, and necessary, monitoring of inland commercial fisheries (often targeting the same species), an activity which has needed improvement and a reliable funding source for decades. We suggest that our approach is a comparatively straightforward one that is scientifically defensible and implementable within the existing state–federal management jurisdictions and institutions.
Occurrence and associated factors of aflatoxin M1 in raw cow milk in South Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Admasu Fitalew Tadele , Melak Addisu , Demissie Biruk , Yenew Chalachew , Habtie Mezgebu Legesse , Bekele Tigist Tefera , Feyesa Teka Obsa , Chanie Ermias Sisay , G/Medhin Markeshaw Tiruneh , Malik Tabarak , Dejenie Tadesse Asmamaw
Published: September 2021

Aflatoxin M1 is the most significant toxin of milk and milk products. It is immunosuppressive, mutagenic, and carcinogenic compounds to humans. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the concentration of aflatoxin M1 and its determinants in raw cow milk sample intended for human consumption in South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. A cross‐sectional study was conducted on a total of 100 dairy farmers from January to February 2020. Around 50 ml, 100 raw milk samples were collected for aflatoxin M1 analysis. A simple random sampling technique was applied to get the households. Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were used to see the association between predictor and outcome variables. From the 100 dairy farmers who had participated, 38% had heard about aflatoxin in the milk sample. Aflatoxin M1 was detected in the 99(99%) raw milk samples, of these 41 (41%) exceeded the limit of the European Union. The logistic regression analysis result showed that residence, awareness about the level of aflatoxin in the milk sample, management mold‐contaminated animal feed, animal feed storage facility, and grazing systems were significantly associated with the high level of aflatoxin in the milk sample. Almost all milk samples analyzed were positive for aflatoxin M1, and 41% of samples were above the limit set by European Union. Many easily manageable and preventable factors were associated with higher levels of aflatoxin M1 in the milk sample than the European Union limit, which suggests continuous monitoring of milk and milk products is necessary.
Ovarian germ cell tumor/mastocytosis with KIT mutation: A unique clinicopathological entity
Authors: Xiao Peifang , Chen Ping , Lang Xingping , An Qi , Yang Chunxiao , Chen Si , Wang Kai , Chen Nan , Hao Yang , Ding Jingwen , Li Zhiheng , Hu Shaoyan , Xiao Sheng
Published: September 2021

Most tumors are sporadic and originated from somatic mutations. Some rare germline mutations cause familial tumors, often involving multiple tissues or organs. Tumors from somatic mosaicism during embryonic development are extremely rare. We describe here a pediatric patient who developed both an ovarian germ cell tumor and systemic mastocytosis. Targeted DNA next‐generation sequencing analysis revealed similar genomic changes including the same KIT D816V mutation in both tissues, suggesting a common progenitor cancer cell. The KIT mutated cells are likely from early embryonic development during germ cell migration. A literature search found additional eight similar cases. These diseases are characterized by pediatric‐onset, all‐female, neoplastic proliferation in both gonad and bone marrow, and a common oncogenic cause, that is, KIT mutation, constituting a clinically and genetically homogenous disease entity. Importantly, the association of germ cell tumors with hematopoietic neoplasms suggests that the primordial germ cells are the primitive hematopoietic stem cells, a much‐debated and unsettled question.
Variability of tree transpiration across three zones in a southeastern U.S. Piedmont watershed
Authors: Boggs Johnny L. , Sun Ge , Domec Jean‐Christophe , McNulty Steven G.
Published: September 2021

Quantifying the spatial variability of species‐specific tree transpiration across hillslopes is important for estimating watershed‐scale evapotranspiration (ET) and predicting spatial drought effects on vegetation. The objectives of this study are to (1) assess sap flux density (Js) and tree‐level transpiration (Ts) across three contrasting zones a (riparian buffer, mid‐hillslope and upland‐hillslope, (2) determine how species‐specific Js responds to vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and (3) estimate watershed‐level transpiration (Tw) using Ts derived from each zone. During 2015 and 2016, we measured Js in eight tree species in the three topographic zones in a small 12‐ha forested watershed in the Piedmont region of central North Carolina. In the dry year of 2015, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) Js rates were significantly higher in the riparian buffer when compared to the other two zones. In contrast, Js rates in tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and red maple (Acer rubrum) were significantly lower in the buffer than in the mid‐hillslope. Daily Ts varied by zone and ranged from 10 to 93 L/day in the dry year and from 9 to 122 L/day in the wet year (2016). Js responded nonlinearly to VPD in all species and zones. Annual Tw was 447, 377 and 340 mm based on scaled‐Js data for the buffer, mid‐hillslope and upland‐hillslope, respectively. We conclude that large spatial variability in Js and scaled Tw was driven by differences in soil moisture at each zone and forest composition. Consequently, spatial heterogeneity of vegetation and soil moisture must be considered when accurately quantifying watershed level ET.
Effects of 4‐nonylphenol on adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and C3H/10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wu Shuang , Xiao Qianqian , Kang Chenping , Hu Hong , Hou Xiaohong , Wei Xuetao , Hao Weidong
Published: September 2021

Obesogens are a subset of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) that cause obesity. The typical EDC 4‐nonylphenol (4‐NP) has been identified as an obesogen. However, the in vitro effects of 4‐NP on adipogenesis remain unclear. In this study, 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and C3H/10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used to investigate the influence of 4‐NP on adipogenesis. The differentiation protocols for 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes and C3H/10T1/2 MSCs took 8 and 12 days, respectively, beginning at Day 0. In differentiated 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes, 20 μM 4‐NP decreased cell viability on Days 4 and 8. Exposure to 4‐NP inhibited triglyceride (TG) accumulation and adipogenic marker expression on Days 0–8, but the inhibitory effects were weaker on Days 2–8. The protein expression of pSTAT3 or STAT3 decreased on Days 0–8 and 2–8. Conversely, 4‐NP promoted TG accumulation and the adipogenic marker expression in C3H/10T1/2 adipocytes. The opposing effects were attributed to physiological differences between the two cell lines. The 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes are dependent on mitotic clonal expansion (MCE) to drive differentiation, while C3H/10T1/2MSCs and human preadipocytes are not. Additionally, 4‐NP downregulated β‐catenin expression in C3H/10T1/2 adipocytes. Accordingly, we hypothesized that 4‐NP promotes adipogenesis. The role of the canonical Wnt pathway in the promotion of adipogenesis by 4‐NP requires further validation. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms and appropriate risk management of 4‐NP.
Gender diversity inclusive board structure and firm performance: Evidence from West Africa
Authors: Tuo Siele Jean , Chang Li , Tesfagebreal Mebrahtu , Edjoukou Akadje Jean Roland
Published: September 2021

We analyze the relationship of board structure features with non‐financial firm's performance among West African listed companies. The data was collected though content analysis of annual reports and audited financial statement of 109 West African listed companies over 2002–2017 by utilized three financial performance proxies, namely return on assets, return on equity, and Tobin Q. We employed several model specification tests and regression methods including pooled OLS, fixed effects and GMM two stage models. The results indicate statistically positive relationship between board size and firm performance but only significant with Tobin's Q and positive significant effect of women directorship and women chief executive officer on firm performance. Independent director has statistically positive significant effect on firm financial performance. Paradoxically, women independent directors has negative significant impact on financial performance. Findings imply that corporations should have a board structure including women executives’ directors, woman CEO and men independent directors as a way to enhance firm's performance. This paper contributes to developing countries scant literature on determinants financial performance and corporate governance practices by provides evidence on why and how corporation should have independent directors and gender diversity inclusive board structure to enhance firm's performance ones in developing countries.
Facile Co3O4 nanoparticles deposited on polyvinylpyrrolidine for efficient water oxidation in alkaline media
Authors: Mugheri Abdul Qayoom , Tahira Aneela , Aftab Umair , Nafady Ayman , Vigolo Brigitte , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: September 2021

To develop an inexpensive, earthabundant, efficient, and stable catalyst is very crucial for the realization of renewable energy for practical applications, but it is a difficult task. In this research study, we have deposited Co3O4 nanoparticles on polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP) through electro‐spun technique followed by carbonization. The structure and composition studies were carried by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and powder X‐ray diffraction techniques. The Co3O4 nanoparticles are deposited on the nanofibers of PVP with improved surface area and conductivity; therefore, the hybrid material has shown an excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. The onset potential for the presented OER catalyst is about 1.46 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, and an overpotential of 280 mV is needed to reach a current density of 10 mAcm−2. The Co3O4 nanoparticles are highly durable for 20 hr and very stable. The low charge transfer resistance of 29.23 Ω is offered by the Co3O4 hybrid material, which facilitated the OER kinetics in alkaline media. These obtained OER results may be utilized for the overall water splitting and the synthetic strategy is low cost, thus it favors the mass production of functional materials for diverse electrochemical applications.
Seven tumor‐associated autoantibodies as a serum biomarker for primary screening of early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Ping , Lu Wei , Chen Tingting
Published: September 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze the levels of tumor‐associated autoantibodies (TAAbs) in lung diseases and determine their diagnostic efficiency in early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the levels of 7‐TAAbs in 177 newly diagnosed early‐stage NSCLC patients, 202 patients with lung benign diseases and 137 healthy cases. The levels of a panel of 7‐TAAbs, including p53, GAGE7, PGP9.5, CAGE, MAGE A1, SOX2, GBU4‐5, were measured by ELISA.

Results

The serum levels of p53, GAGE7, PGP9.5, CAGE, MAGE A1, SOX2, and GBU4‐5 were not statistically different among NSCLC, benign and healthy groups (p > 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of 7‐TAAbs was all lower than 0.70. The sensitivity of combined detection was the highest (23.73%), while the specificity was the lowest (88.79%). The positive rates of PGP9.5, SOX2, and combined detection were significantly different among the three groups (p < 0.05). Among them, PGP9.5 and combined detection were significantly different between the NSCLC and benign groups (p < 0.05), PGP9.5, SOX2 and combined detection were significantly different between the NSCLC and healthy groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The diagnostic efficiency of 7‐TAAbs in early‐stage NSCLC was not high, so it cannot be used alone as a screening method for NSCLC.
Prediction of Moxifloxacin Concentrations in Tuberculosis Patient Populations by Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Litjens Carlijn H. C. , Verscheijden Laurens F. M. , Bolwerk Celine , Greupink Rick , Koenderink Jan B. , van den Broek Petra H. H. , van den Heuvel Jeroen J. M. W. , Svensson Elin M. , Boeree Martin J. , Magis‐Escurra Cecile , Hoefsloot Wouter , van Crevel Reinout , van Laarhoven Arjan , van Ingen Jakko , Kuipers Saskia , Ruslami Rovina , Burger David M. , Russel Frans G. M. , Aarnoutse Rob E. , te Brake Lindsey H. M.
Published: September 2021

Moxifloxacin has an important role in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). Unfortunately, coadministration with the cornerstone TB drug rifampicin results in suboptimal plasma exposure. We aimed to gain insight into the moxifloxacin pharmacokinetics and the interaction with rifampicin. Moreover, we provided a mechanistic framework to understand moxifloxacin pharmacokinetics. We developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model in Simcyp version 19, with available and newly generated in vitro and in vivo data, to estimate pharmacokinetic parameters of moxifloxacin alone and when administered with rifampicin. By combining these strategies, we illustrate that the role of P‐glycoprotein in moxifloxacin transport is limited and implicate MRP2 as transporter of moxifloxacin‐glucuronide followed by rapid hydrolysis in the gut. Simulations of multiple dose area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) of moxifloxacin (400 mg once daily) with and without rifampicin (600 mg once daily) were in accordance with clinically observed data (predicted/observed [P/O] ratio of 0.87 and 0.80, respectively). Importantly, increasing the moxifloxacin dose to 600 mg restored the plasma exposure both in actual patients with TB as well as in our simulations. Furthermore, we extrapolated the single dose model to pediatric populations (P/O AUC ratios, 1.04‐1.52) and the multiple dose model to children with TB (P/O AUC ratio, 1.51). In conclusion, our combined approach resulted in new insights into moxifloxacin pharmacokinetics and accurate simulations of moxifloxacin exposure with and without rifampicin. Finally, various knowledge gaps were identified, which may be considered as avenues for further physiologically based pharmacokinetic refinement.
Home‐based aerobic exercise and resistance training for severe chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Uchiyama Kiyotaka , Adachi Keika , Muraoka Kaori , Nakayama Takashin , Oshida Takuma , Yasuda Marie , Hishikawa Akihito , Minakuchi Hitoshi , Miyashita Kazutoshi , Tokuyama Hirobumi , Wakino Shu , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: September 2021

Background

The potential effects of aerobic and resistance training in patients with severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) are not fully elucidated. This study investigated the effects of a home‐based exercise programme on physical functioning and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with Stage 4 CKD, equivalent to estimated glomerular filtration rate of 15–30 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Methods

Forty‐six patients with Stage 4 CKD (median age, 73 years; 33 men) were randomly assigned to exercise (n = 23) and control (n = 23) groups. Exercise group patients performed aerobic exercise at 40–60% peak heart rate thrice weekly and resistance training at 70% of one‐repetition maximum twice weekly at home for 6 months. Control patients received no specific intervention. Primary outcomes were distance in incremental shuttle walking test and HRQOL assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life—Short Form questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included kidney function assessed with combined urea and creatinine clearance, urinary biomarkers, and anthropometric and biochemical parameters associated with CKD.

Results

Improvement in incremental shuttle walking test was significantly greater in the exercise group compared with controls (39.4 ± 54.6 vs. −21.3 ± 46.1; P < 0.001). Among Kidney Disease Quality of Life domains, significant mean differences were observed between the exercise group and the control group in work status, quality of social interaction, and kidney disease component summary outcomes (12.76 ± 5.76, P = 0.03; 5.97 ± 2.59, P = 0.03; and 4.81 ± 1.71, P = 0.007, respectively). There were greater reductions in natural log (ln)‐transformed urinary excretion of liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein, ln serum C‐reactive protein, and acylcarnitine to free carnitine ratio in the exercise group compared with controls, with significant between‐group differences of −0.579 ± 0.217 (P = 0.008), −1.13 ± 0.35 (P = 0.003), and −0. 058 ± 0.024 (P = 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions

Our 6 month home‐based exercise programme improved aerobic capacity and HRQOL in patients with Stage 4 CKD, with possible beneficial effects on kidney function and CKD‐related parameters.
Identification of novel, non‐edible oil seeds via scanning electron microscopy as potential feedstock for green synthesis of biodiesel
Authors: Rozina  , Ahmad Mushtaq , Zafar Muhammad , Yousaf Zainab , Ullah Sher Aman , Sultana Shazia , Bibi Farhana
Published: September 2021

In the present era, environmental glitches associated with extensive emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) and energy crises caused by exhausting fossil fuel reservoirs has diverted researcher's interest toward alternative and renewable energy sources. Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable, and sustainable alternative to petro‐diesel. Biodiesel synthesized from non‐edible seed oils is preferred due its cost effectiveness and eco‐friendly nature. Hence, our present study focused on investigation and identification of micromorphological characters of six novel, non‐edible seed oil feedstock for biodiesel production via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results of light microscopy of seeds revealed distinct variation in seed size (15.8–1.8 mm in length and 9.4–1.1 in width), shape (round to Cuneiform), and color (from black to yellowish green). Non‐edible seed oil content fall in range of 28–38% (wt/wt). Free fatty acid (FFA) content varied from 0.56 to 2.06 mg KOH/g. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate correlation between three significant variables of seed oil yielding feedstock such as potential for biodiesel synthesis, oil content, and FFA content via principal component analysis. Ultra morphological investigation of seeds surfaces via SEM exhibited distinctive variation in surface sculpturing, cell arrangement, cell shape, periclinal wall shape, margins, protuberances, and anticlinal wall shape. Seed surface sculpturing varied from reticulate, semitectate, wrinkled, rugose, papillate, perforate, and striate. Periclinal wall arrangements confirmed variation from glabrous, raised, depressed, elevated, smooth, pentagonal, entire, and ripple margins. Whereas, anticlinal walls pattern demonstrated variation from angular, smooth, wavy, deep, dentate, entire, irregular, puzzled, elongated, curved, and depressed. Finally, it was concluded from obtained results that SEM could be a possible useful tool in disclosing veiled micromorphological characters of non‐edible oil yielding seeds, which provides useful information to researchers for their correct, authentic identification, and classification in modern synthetic system.
One‐pot three‐component reaction; synthesis of new symmetrically bridge 4,4′‐(1,4‐phenylene)di‐pyrimidines under solvent free conditions
Authors: Mohamed Asmaa H. , Abdelmeged Hager S. , Shaker Raafat M. , Abdel‐Latif Fathy F.
Published: September 2021

The present article describes a facile one‐pot synthesis of a new series of 4,4′‐(1,4‐phenylene)‐dipyrimidines (6a–c and 10a, b) by the reaction of terephthalaldehyde (1), 2‐acetylthiophene, and/or nitriles with S‐benzylthiouronium chloride 3a. And also, the di‐pyrimidinones 13a‐d were obtained by the reaction of different amidines 3a–d and ethyl cyanoacetate (11) with terephthalaldehyde (1) under solvent‐free conditions in the existence of sodium hydroxide which is found to be a more efficient base for these reactions. The final products were characterized by spectral data and elemental analysis, IR, MS, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy.
A convenient synthetic approach to a novel class of aryldifluoromethyl pyrimidine derivatives containing strobilurin motif as insecticidal agents
Authors: Hao Shulin , Cai Zengfei , Zhang Wenliang , Cao Yangyang , Du Xiaohua
Published: September 2021

A series of aryldifluoromethyl pyrimidine compounds containing strobilurin were synthesized through bioelectronic isometric design with azoxystrobin as the lead compound and a convenient approach to aryldifluoromethylpyrimidine intermediates was developed, which features mild reaction conditions and simple operation. The title compounds and aryldifluoromethylpyrimidine intermediates were characterized by NMR and HRMS. Both 7c and 7l of the preliminary screening tests showed 100% inhibition against Mythimna separata at 100 mg/L. At 20 mg/L, the lethal rate of 7l against Mythimna separata can be up to 80%.
Temperature variability over urban, town, and rural areas: The case of Pakistan
Authors: Sajjad Sajjad Hussain , Blond Nadège , Mohsin Tanzina , Shakrullah Khadija , Clappier Alain
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the evolution of temperatures at several locations in Pakistan. Data on annual and seasonal minimum (Tn) and maximum (Tx) temperatures from 1950 to 2013 of urban (16 stations), town (11 stations), and rural (nine stations) areas are analysed to establish the mean decadal rate of change in urban, town, and rural temperatures. The homogeneity of the data was assessed using HOMER 2.6. To measure the temporal intensity of change in temperature, the data were split into two different periods: 1950–1981 (P1, phase of less urbanization) and 1982–2013 (P2, phase of highly urbanized period) and were analysed separately for both phases of 32 years each. The per decade changes of annual minimum and maximum temperatures (dTna and dTxa, respectively) over most stations show an increase in temperatures. The trends of annual and seasonal dTn and dTx observed over urban, town, and rural stations during P2 are significantly higher than those observed during P1. The increase in minimum temperatures is more significant than that in maximum temperature, and it is also more significant on urban stations than the town and rural stations. However, the maximum temperatures increase more at town stations than urban and rural stations. Overall, the tendencies in temperatures reflect less change in summer temperatures than other seasons of the year over the whole period.
Light‐Triggered Unique Shape Transformation of Giant Polymersomes with Tubular Protrusions
Authors: Ren Kaixuan , Blosser Matthew C. , Malmstadt Noah
Published: September 2021

Light‐triggered unique shape transformation of calcein‐loaded giant polymersomes with tubular protrusions, which serve as a reservoir membrane area during the shape transformation, is reported here. Under irradiation at the excitation wavelength of calcein, the tubular protrusions form strings of budded vesicles and then reintegrate into the mother vesicle. The initial giant polymersomes transform to two connected spherical vesicles via two pathways to alleviate the osmotic pressure imbalance across the vesicle membrane. The two connected spherical vesicles further transform to a mother vesicle with an inner daughter vesicle after switching off the light to relieve the bending energy. The finding provides a promising platform to mimic cell morphology changes.
Discard Mortality of Red Snapper Released with Descender Devices in the U.S. South Atlantic
Authors: Runde Brendan J. , Bacheler Nathan M. , Shertzer Kyle W. , Rudershausen Paul J. , Sauls Beverly , Buckel Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2021

Fishery regulations mandate the release of many caught fish, elevating the importance of having accurate estimates of discard mortality. Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus are overfished and undergoing overfishing in the southeast U.S. Atlantic, in part due to the high number of releases that die from discard mortality. We used acoustic telemetry to track the fine-scale movements of hook-and-line-caught Red Snapper released with descender devices at a hard-bottom site off North Carolina, USA. Movement characteristics of known-fate (live and dead) Red Snapper were used to infer fates of other individuals, from which we generated a proportional mortality estimate of 0.08 (95% CI = 0.00–0.17) for successfully descended Red Snapper with no hook trauma. This best-case mortality estimate was then used in a simulation to estimate overall Red Snapper discard mortality for the recreational fishery in the southeast U.S. Atlantic based on hooking location and a depth of approximately 37 m. For this fishery, we estimated the median proportional rate of discard mortality to be 0.13 (2.5% and 97.5% percentiles = 0.10, 0.17) if all released individuals were descended. This estimate is lower than the discard mortality values (˜0.2–0.3 for the recreational fishery) used in the current Red Snapper stock assessment, but it is likely not reflective of the current reality given that descender use is not 100% in this region; this estimate is also depth specific. Increased use of descender devices will reduce discard mortality for Red Snapper, enhancing efforts to rebuild this stock.
Gastric Evacuation Rates of Spiny Dogfish, Goosefish, and Summer Flounder: Implications for Multispecies Models
Authors: Stehlik Linda L. , Rosendale John , Phelan Beth A. , Hare Jonathan A.
Published: September 2021

The gastric evacuation rates of Spiny Dogfish Squalus acanthias, Summer Flounder Paralichthys dentatus and Goosefish Lophius americanus held at two different temperatures were determined in the laboratory by gastric lavage. Overall, exponential models provided the best fit for the evacuation rates. The Spiny Dogfish, an elasmobranch, evacuated more slowly than the Summer Flounder (a teleost) but the Goosefish, also a teleost, had the slowest evacuation rate of the three species. The Goosefish evacuation rate was nearly ten times slower than that of Summer Flounder. Evacuation was more rapid at the higher temperature tested in all three species. At 15°C, Summer Flounder had the highest average evacuation rate (0.094 exponential rate of decline), followed by Spiny Dogfish (0.063 exponential rate of decline), and then Goosefish (0.018 exponential rate of decline). Among the three species, activity levels and feeding behaviors are also very different, contributing to differences in evacuation rate. Species-specific parameters of evacuation rate should be considered to better inform multispecies and ecosystem models and to more accurately estimate consumption and prey removal rather than using broad taxonomic groupings as in current common practice.
Reducing axial truncation artifacts in iterative cone‐beam CT for radiation therapy using a priori preconditioned information
Authors: Cai Meng , Byrne Mikel , Archibald‐Heeren Ben , Metcalfe Peter , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Wang Yang
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) is increasingly utilized in radiation therapy for image guidance and adaptive applications. While iterative reconstruction algorithms have been shown to outperform traditional filtered back‐projection methods in improving image quality and reducing imaging dose, they cannot handle data truncation in the axial view, which frequently occurs in the full‐fan partial‐trajectory acquisition mode. This proof‐of‐concept study presents a novel approach on truncation artifact reduction by utilizing a priori preconditioned information as the initial input for the iterative algorithm.

Methods

Projections containing axial truncation were used for image reconstruction in extended axial field‐of‐view (AFOV) using the conjugate gradient least‐squares (CGLS) algorithm. A priori information in the form of a planning fan‐beam CT (FBCT) was repositioned in the expected CBCT imaging geometry, then further processed to dampen high‐density features and convolved with a cubic Gaussian kernel to ensure differentiability for the gradient descent method. Anatomical and positional differences between the estimated and the actual imaging object were introduced to verify the efficacy of the proposed method.

Results

Extending the reconstruction AFOV alone could partially reduce truncation artifact. Using a priori information directly resulted in ghosting artifact when there were anatomical and positional differences between the estimated and the actual imaging object. Using a priori preconditioned information was shown to effectively reduce truncation artifact and recover peripheral information.

Conclusions

Using a priori preconditioned information can effectively alleviate truncation artifact and assist recovery of peripheral information in iterative CBCT reconstruction.
Spectroscopy‐based multi‐parametric quantification in subjects with liver iron overload at 1.5T and 3T
Authors: Simchick Gregory , Zhao Ruiyang , Hamilton Gavin , Reeder Scott B. , Hernando Diego
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the precision profile (repeatability and reproducibility) of quantitative STEAM‐MRS and to determine the relationships between multiple MR biomarkers of chronic liver disease in subjects with iron overload at both 1.5 Tesla (T) and 3T.

Methods

MRS data were acquired in patients with known or suspected liver iron overload. Two STEAM‐MRS sequences (multi‐TE and multi‐TE‐TR) were acquired at both 1.5T and 3T (same day), including test–retest acquisition. Each acquisition enabled estimation of R1, R2, and FWHM (each separately for water and fat); and proton density fat fraction. The test–retest repeatability and reproducibility across acquisition modes (multi‐TE vs. multi‐TE‐TR) of the estimates were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients, linear regression, and Bland‐Altman analyses. Multi‐parametric relationships between parameters at each field strength, across field strengths, and with liver iron concentration were also evaluated using linear and nonlinear regression.

Results

Fifty‐six (n = 56) subjects (10 to 73 years, 37 males/19 females) were successfully recruited. Both STEAM‐MRS sequences demonstrated good‐to‐excellent precision (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.81) for the quantification of R1water, R2water, FWHMwater, and proton density fat fraction at both 1.5T and 3T. Additionally, several moderate (R2 = 0.50 to 0.69) to high (R2 ≥ 0.70) correlations were observed between biomarkers, across field strengths, and with liver iron concentration.

Conclusions

Over a broad range of liver iron concentration, STEAM‐MRS enables rapid and precise measurement of multiple biomarkers of chronic liver disease. By evaluating the multi‐parametric relationships between biomarkers, this work may advance the comprehensive MRS‐based assessment of chronic liver disease and may help establish biomarkers of chronic liver disease.
Perceived stress and its predictors in women with threatened preterm labour: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Najjarzadeh Maryam , Abbasalizadeh Shamsi , Mohammad‐Alizadeh‐Charandabi Sakineh , Asghari‐Jafarabadi Mohammad , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: September 2021

Aim

To determine prevalence and predictors of perceived stress in women with threatened preterm labour.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

We recruited 409 women with threatened preterm labour, hospitalized at two tertiary hospitals. We assessed their socio‐demographic and obstetrics characteristics, and their perceived stress, perceived social support, experience of violence using validated scales. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the predictors.

Results

Data from all recruited women were analysed. Most of them had borderline (36%) or high (42%) level stress. Overall, 17 predictors were identified explaining 89.5% of variation in the stress score. Predictors of the higher stress score included: urban living, experience of sexual and psychological violence, perceived insufficient social support, experience of vaginal bleeding during current pregnancy, abnormal results in initial pregnancy tests, having multiple roles at home, being less than 28 weeks pregnant, being parous, sleep disorders, history of health problems, insufficient income and unwanted pregnancy.
Evidence‐based insomnia treatment strategy using novel orexin antagonists: A review
Authors: Kishi Taro , Nishida Maika , Koebis Michinori , Taninaga Takehiro , Muramoto Kenzo , Kubota Naoki , Moline Margaret , Sakuma Kenji , Okuya Makoto , Nomura Ikuo , Iwata Nakao
Published: September 2021

Most conventional insomnia medications are gamma‐aminobutylic acid receptor agonists. However, physical dependence is a concern and one of the major limiting factors for long‐term treatment. The dual orexin receptor antagonists, suvorexant and lemborexant, were recently approved for treating chronic insomnia, giving a novel pharmacotherapeutic option. Because there are no comparative studies on these drugs, a network meta‐analysis was conducted, which is suitable for comparing interventions. According to this analysis, 5‐ and 10‐mg lemborexant were superior to 20‐mg suvorexant because of the greater improvement in initiating sleep after 1‐week administration. Furthermore, 5‐mg lemborexant (not 10 mg) and suvorexant were similarly well tolerated, without requiring discontinuation due to adverse events. We also overviewed the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of lemborexant and suvorexant that may support these clinical outcomes. When compared to suvorexant, lemborexant quickly binds to the orexin receptors. The time to reach the maximum concentration after multiple administrations is shorter for lemborexant than for suvorexant. Considering these results, we recommend 5‐mg lemborexant as an initial treatment for insomnia, followed by 10‐mg lemborexant or suvorexant.