bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial to evaluate a web-based comprehensive sexual health and media literacy education program for high school students
Authors: Scull Tracy M. , Malik Christina V. , Morrison Abigail , Keefe Elyse M.
Published: January 2020

Background

School-based comprehensive sexual health education can improve adolescent health outcomes, and web-based programs are a promising approach to overcoming challenges associated with teacher-led formats by ensuring that students receive content that is consistent, unbiased, and medically accurate. However, many adolescents do not receive high-quality sexual health education and turn to the media for information about sex and relationships. Consumption of sexual media messages is related to early and risky sexual behaviors. Media literacy education (MLE) is a proven approach to adolescent sexual health promotion, yet there are no rigorously evaluated web-based MLE programs to promote sexual and relationship health among high school students.

Methods

This study will test the efficacy, in a randomized controlled trial, of Media Aware, a web-based comprehensive sexual health promotion program for high school students that uses an MLE approach. Participants will be students in 9th and 10th grade health classes in participating schools. Randomization will take place at the school level, and data collection will take place at three time points (i.e., pretest, posttest, and 3 months follow-up). Students in the intervention classrooms will receive Media Aware between pretest and posttest, and students in the delayed-intervention classrooms will receive Media Aware after study completion (i.e., after 3 months follow-up data collection). Students in the delayed-intervention classes will receive their standard health education programming, and teachers in the delayed-intervention classes will be asked to refrain from teaching sexual health or MLE during the study timeframe. The primary outcome variables are intentions, willingness, and behaviors related to sexual health and sexual activity.

Discussion

There are currently no evidence-based comprehensive sexual health programs for high school students that are web-based and use an MLE approach. Media Aware has the potential to be an engaging, less expensive, and effective sexual and relationship health program for high school students. Media Aware is unique in two important ways: (1) the web-based format reduces many of the challenges to fidelity of implementation associated with teacher-led sexual health education; and (2) the MLE approach addresses a commonly ignored influence on adolescent sexual and relationship health, namely, media.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04035694. Registered on 29 July 2019.

Contact for Scientific Queries: Tracy Scull, PhD (Principal Investigator); innovation Research & Training at 5316 Highgate Drive, Suite 121, Durham, North Carolina, USA 27713; tscull@irtinc.us.
Optimization of the antibiotic management of diabetic foot infections: protocol for two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Waibel Felix , Berli Martin , Catanzaro Sabrina , Sairanen Kati , Schöni Madlaina , Böni Thomas , Burkhard Jan , Holy Dominique , Huber Tanja , Bertram Maik , Läubli Karin , Frustaci Dario , Rosskopf Andrea , Botter Sander , Uçkay Ilker
Published: January 2020

Background

Few studies have addressed the appropriate duration of antibiotic therapy for diabetic foot infections (DFI) with or without amputation. We will perform two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to reduce the antibiotic use and associated adverse events in DFI.

Methods

We hypothesize that shorter durations of postdebridement systemic antibiotic therapy are noninferior (10% margin, 80% power, alpha 5%) to existing (long) durations and we will perform two unblinded RCTs with a total of 400 DFI episodes (randomization 1:1) from 2019 to 2022. The primary outcome for both RCTs is remission of infection after a minimal follow-up of 2 months. The secondary outcomes for both RCTs are the incidence of adverse events and the overall treatment costs. The first RCT will allocate the total therapeutic amputations in two arms of 50 patients each: 1 versus 3 weeks of antibiotic therapy for residual osteomyelitis (positive microbiological samples of the residual bone stump); or 1 versus 4 days for remaining soft tissue infection. The second RCT will randomize the conservative approach (only surgical debridement without in toto amputation) in two arms with 50 patients each: 10 versus 20 days of antibiotic therapy for soft tissue infections; and 3 versus 6 weeks for osteomyelitis. All participants will have professional wound debridement, adequate off-loading, angiology evaluation, and a concomitant surgical, re-educational, podiatric, internist and infectiology care. During the surgeries, we will collect tissues for BioBanking and future laboratory studies.

Discussion

Both parallel RCTs will respond to frequent questions regarding the duration of antibiotic use in the both major subsets of DFIs, to ensure the quality of care, and to avoid unnecessary excesses in terms of surgery and antibiotic use.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04081792. Registered on 4 September 2019.
DNA methylation changes in Down syndrome derived neural iPSCs uncover co-dysregulation of ZNF and HOX3 families of transcription factors
Authors: Laan Loora , Klar Joakim , Sobol Maria , Hoeber Jan , Shahsavani Mansoureh , Kele Malin , Fatima Ambrin , Zakaria Muhammad , Annerén Göran , Falk Anna , Schuster Jens , Dahl Niklas
Published: January 2020

Background

Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by neurodevelopmental abnormalities caused by partial or complete trisomy of human chromosome 21 (T21). Analysis of Down syndrome brain specimens has shown global epigenetic and transcriptional changes but their interplay during early neurogenesis remains largely unknown. We differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) established from two DS patients with complete T21 and matched euploid donors into two distinct neural stages corresponding to early- and mid-gestational ages.

Results

Using the Illumina Infinium 450K array, we assessed the DNA methylation pattern of known CpG regions and promoters across the genome in trisomic neural iPSC derivatives, and we identified a total of 500 stably and differentially methylated CpGs that were annotated to CpG islands of 151 genes. The genes were enriched within the DNA binding category, uncovering 37 factors of importance for transcriptional regulation and chromatin structure. In particular, we observed regional epigenetic changes of the transcription factor genes ZNF69, ZNF700 and ZNF763 as well as the HOXA3, HOXB3 and HOXD3 genes. A similar clustering of differential methylation was found in the CpG islands of the HIST1 genes suggesting effects on chromatin remodeling.

Conclusions

The study shows that early established differential methylation in neural iPSC derivatives with T21 are associated with a set of genes relevant for DS brain development, providing a novel framework for further studies on epigenetic changes and transcriptional dysregulation during T21 neurogenesis.
Clear cell renal carcinoma synchronous with dedifferentiated liposarcoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Beltran Estefania , Garcia-Robledo Juan Esteban , Rodríguez-Rojas Lisa X. , Rengifo Martin , Perez Bladimir , Pachajoa Harry , Zambrano Angela R.
Published: January 2020

Background

Multiple primary malignant neoplasms are not frequent but are increasing in incidence. Some of them are associated with genetic syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau syndrome and Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma is one of the rarest soft tissue tumors, and clear cell renal carcinoma is the most frequent kidney cancer. The concomitant presence of these tumors is extremely rare; however, some cases have been reported, none of them presenting with liposarcoma of the limbs. We report an interesting case of a patient with synchronous multiple primary tumors presenting with a very rare liposarcoma associated with renal cell carcinoma (a very rare association). A review of the literature and a collection of similar cases published previously are also provided.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 62-year-old Hispanic man who presented to our institution with a left thigh mass compatible with dedifferentiated liposarcoma synchronous with metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma. Multiple treatment lines were provided with no response, with a further metastatic transformation. Genetic analysis by liquid biopsy showed some mutations that were not susceptible to targeted therapy. At the time of this report, the patient is undergoing palliative care because his nonresponsive metastatic disease persists.

Conclusions

We present the first reported case of clear cell renal carcinoma synchronous with dedifferentiated liposarcoma of a limb. The association between renal cell carcinoma and dedifferentiated liposarcoma is unusual, and there are few reports of this presentation in the literature. More research about these tumors along with genetic tests needs to be performed to seek a better understanding of the fundamental basis of this rare association.
The efficiency of routine infant immunization services in six countries: a comparison of methods
Authors: Menzies Nicolas A. , Suharlim Christian , Resch Stephen C. , Brenzel Logan
Published: January 2020

Background

Few studies have systematically examined the efficiency of routine infant immunization services. Using a representative sample of infant immunization sites in Benin, Ghana, Honduras, Moldova, Uganda and Zambia (316 total), we estimated average efficiency levels and variation in efficiency within each country, and investigated the properties of published efficiency estimation techniques.

Methods

Using a dataset describing 316 immunization sites we estimated site-level efficiency using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), and a published ensemble method combining these two approaches. For these three methods we operationalized efficiency using the Sheppard input efficiency measure, which is bounded in (0, 1), with higher values indicating greater efficiency. We also compared these methods to a simple regression approach, which used residuals from a conventional production function as a simplified efficiency index. Inputs were site-level service delivery costs (excluding vaccines) and outputs were total clients receiving DTP3. We analyzed each country separately, and conducted sensitivity analysis for different input/output combinations.

Results

Using DEA, average input efficiency ranged from 0.40 in Ghana and Moldova to 0.58 in Benin. Using SFA, average input efficiency ranged from 0.43 in Ghana to 0.69 in Moldova. Within each country scores varied widely, with standard deviation of 0.18–0.23 for DEA and 0.10–0.20 for SFA. Input efficiency estimates generated using SFA were systematically higher than for DEA, and the rank correlation between scores ranged between 0.56–0.79. Average input efficiency from the ensemble estimator ranged between 0.41–0.61 across countries, and was highly correlated with the simplified efficiency index (rank correlation 0.81–0.92) as well as the DEA and SFA estimates.

Conclusions

Results imply costs could be 30–60% lower for fully efficient sites. Such efficiency gains are unlikely to be achievable in practice – some of the apparent inefficiency may reflect measurement errors, or unmodifiable differences in the operating environment. However, adapted to work with routine reporting data and simplified methods, efficiency analysis could triage low performing sites for greater management attention, or identify more efficient sites as models for other facilities.
Well-posedness of stochastic modified Kawahara equation
Authors: Agarwal P. , Hyder Abd-Allah , Zakarya M.
Published: January 2020

In this paper we consider the Cauchy problem for the stochastic modified Kawahara equation, which is a fifth-order shallow water wave equation. We prove local well-posedness for data in $H^{s}(\mathbb{R})$Hs(R), $s\geq -1/4$s≥−1/4. Moreover, we get the global existence for $L^{2}( \mathbb{R})$L2(R) solutions. Due to the non-zero singularity of the phase function, a fixed point argument and the Fourier restriction method are proposed.
Investigating diagnostic sequencing techniques for CADASIL diagnosis
Authors: Dunn P. J. , Maksemous N. , Smith R. A. , Sutherland H. G. , Haupt L. M. , Griffiths L. R.
Published: January 2020

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a cerebral small vessel disease caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene. Our laboratory has been undertaking genetic diagnostic testing for CADASIL since 1997. Work originally utilised Sanger sequencing methods targeting specific NOTCH3 exons. More recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based technologies such as a targeted gene panel and whole exome sequencing (WES) have been used for improved genetic diagnostic testing. In this study, data from 680 patient samples was analysed for 764 tests utilising 3 different sequencing technologies. Sanger sequencing was performed for 407 tests, a targeted NGS gene panel which includes NOTCH3 exonic regions accounted for 354 tests, and WES with targeted analysis was performed for 3 tests. In total, 14.7% of patient samples (n = 100/680) were determined to have a mutation. Testing efficacy varied by method, with 10.8% (n = 44/407) of tests using Sanger sequencing able to identify mutations, with 15.8% (n = 56/354) of tests performed using the NGS custom panel successfully identifying mutations and a likely non-NOTCH3 pathogenic variant (n = 1/3) identified through WES. Further analysis was then performed through stratification of the number of mutations detected at our facility based on the number of exons, level of pathogenicity and the classification of mutations as known or novel. A systematic review of NOTCH3 mutation testing data from 1997 to 2017 determined the diagnostic rate of pathogenic findings and found the NGS-customised panel increases our ability to identify disease-causing mutations in NOTCH3.
Assessment of PIT tag retention, growth and post-tagging survival in juvenile lumpfish, Cyclopterus lumpus
Authors: D’Arcy Jack , Kelly Suzanne , McDermott Tom , Hyland John , Jackson Dave , Bolton-Warberg Majbritt
Published: January 2020

Background

Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags are used to study the movement and behaviour in populations of a wide variety of fish species and for a number of different applications from fisheries to aquaculture. Before embarking on long-term studies, it is important to collect information on both short- and medium-term survival and tag retention for the species in question. In this study, 90 juvenile lumpfish (10–20 g, 30 fish per replicate tank) were implanted with 12.5-mm FDX PIT tags.

Results

Tag retention, growth rates and survival were compared to those of fish subjected to handling only (90 fish, 30 per replicate tank). Overall survival was 100% during the 28-day monitoring period, and tag retention was 99%.

Conclusions

Results indicate that retention rates of 12.5-mm PIT tags in juvenile lumpfish are high, and there is no significant effect on growth rates or survival in a hatchery environment.
Applications of plant growth promoting bacteria and Trichoderma spp. for controlling Orobanche crenata in faba bean
Authors: El-Dabaa Mahmoud Ahmed Touny , Abd-El-Khair Hassan
Published: January 2020

Background

Orobanche crenata is an obligate root parasite belonging to Orbanchaceae. Broomrape causes great damage to the faba bean. Several attempts were applied for controlling parasitic weeds. So, the aim of this work is to study the application of Trichoderma spp. as well as three rhizobacteria species in comparison to herbicidal effect of Glyphosate (Glialka 48% WSC) for controlling broomrape infesting faba bean (Vicia faba).

Materials and methods

Three pot experiments were carried out in the greenhouse of the National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt during two successive winter seasons. Trichoderma inocula were adjusted to 3.6 × 108 propagules/ml and the bacterium inocula were adjusted at 107–109 colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml. All treatments were applied, before 1 week of sowing, at rate of 50 ml per pot in experiments I and II, while 100 ml per pot in experiment III.

Results

Trichoderma spp. (T. harzianum, T. viride and T. vierns) as well as three rhizobacteria species (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus) enhanced the growth parameters in faba bean plants, i.e. shoot length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight and leaf number in the first experiment when applied without O. crenata infection. In the second experiment, all bio-control could protect plants against O. crenata infection, where it had better juvenile number reduction, than glyphosate after 2 months of application. Both B. subtilis and B. pumilus had the highest reduction to juvenile fresh weight, while their effect was equal to herbicide for juvenile dry weight, respectively. The bio-control agents had high effects until the 4th month, but it was less than that of the herbicide. In experiment III, the bio-control agents could highly reduce the juvenile parameters after 2 months, as well as juvenile fresh weight and juvenile dry weight after 4 months, than the herbicide, respectively. The bio-control agents were effective until 6 months, but less than the herbicide effect. All bio-control treatments highly increased the plant growth parameters, than the herbicide.

Conclusion

The application of Trichoderma spp. as well as rhizobacteria species could play an important role in controlling broomrape in faba bean as a natural bioherbicide.
Improved efficacy of neonicotinoid in tablet formulation on the control of tomato chlorosis virus by controlling the vector Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Li Lei , Hu Zhihong , Dai Tan , Liu Panqing , Chen Chen , Liu Pengfei , Guo Jiajin , Liu Hucheng , Li Songlin , Hao Jianjun , Liu Xili
Published: January 2020

Neonicotinoid insecticides are used for preventing insects from transmitting plant viruses. This group of chemicals are easily taken up by plants and translocated to different tissues and are applicable for soil treatment in sustained-release tablets, which greatly reduces environmental contamination compared to foliar spray. The goal of this study was to examine the efficacy of thiamethoxam, acetamiprid and nitenpyram in tablet formulation against whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, the vector of tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Effective 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, and nitenpyram on B. tabaci were 2.18, 0.46 and 0.18 μg/g plant tissue, respectively. In vitro test showed that tablets of 10 mg nitenpyram applied in seedbed with thiamethoxam transplanting treatment showed 80.9% control of B. tabaci on tomato and 75.5% of ToCV after 32 days of transplanting. Therefore, neonicotinoid tablets were an effective strategy of soil treatment in controlling viruliferous insects and ToCV with reduced environmental contamination.
Patterns of lower limb muscular activity and joint moments during directional efforts using a static dynamometer
Authors: Lalumiere Mathieu , Villeneuve Cloé , Bellavance Cassandra , Goyette Michel , Bourbonnais Daniel
Published: January 2020

Background

Strength and coordination of lower muscle groups typically identified in healthy subjects are two prerequisites to performing functional activities. These physical qualities can be impaired following a neurological insult. A static dynamometer apparatus that measures lower limb joint moments during directional efforts at the foot was developed to recruit different patterns of muscular activity. The objectives of the present study were to 1) validate joint moments estimated by the apparatus, and 2) to characterize lower limb joint moments and muscular activity patterns of healthy subjects during progressive static efforts. Subjects were seated in a semi-reclined position with one foot attached to a force platform interfaced with a laboratory computer. Forces and moments exerted under the foot were computed using inverse dynamics, allowing for the estimation of lower limb joint moments.

To achieve the study’s first objective, joint moments were validated by comparing moments of various magnitudes of force applied by turnbuckles on an instrumented leg equipped with strain gauges with those estimated by the apparatus. Concurrent validity and agreement were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients and Bland and Altman analysis, respectively. For the second objective, joint moments and muscular activity were characterized for five healthy subjects while exerting progressive effort in eight sagittal directions. Lower limb joint moments were estimated during directional efforts using inverse dynamics. Muscular activity of eight muscles of the lower limb was recorded using surface electrodes and further analyzed using normalized root mean square data.

Results

The joint moments estimated with the instrumented leg were correlated (r > 0.999) with those measured by the dynamometer. Limits of agreement ranged between 8.5 and 19.2% of the average joint moment calculated by both devices. During progressive efforts on the apparatus, joint moments and patterns of muscular activity were specific to the direction of effort. Patterns of muscular activity in four directions were similar to activation patterns reported in the literature for specific portions of gait cycle.

Conclusion

This apparatus provides valid joint moments exerted at the lower limbs. It is suggested that this methodology be used to recruit muscular activity patterns impaired in neurological populations.
Impact of High-Quality Goals-of-Care Discussions on Oncologist Productivity
Authors: Pintova Sofya , Leibrandt Ryan , Smith Cardinale B. , Adelson Kerin B. , Gonsky Jason P. , Egorova Natalia , Franco Rebeca , Bickell Nina A.
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE:

To study factors that have an impact on the conduct of high-quality goals of care (GoC) discussions and productivity of oncologists among four different practice settings in patients with advanced cancer.

METHODS:

Solid-tumor oncologists from community, academic, municipal, and rural hospitals were randomly assigned to receive a coaching model of communication skills to help them facilitate a GoC discussion with newly diagnosed patients with advanced cancer who had a less-than-2-year prognosis. Patients were surveyed after the first restaging visit regarding the quality of the GoC discussion on a scale of 0 to 10 (0, worst; 10, best) with a score of 8 or better indicating a high-quality GoC discussion. Productivity was measured by work revenue value units (wRVUs) per hour for the day each oncologist saw the study patient after imaging.

RESULTS:

The four sites differed significantly in the socioeconomic patient populations they served and in the characteristics of the oncologists who cared for the patients. Overall median productivity across the four sites was 3.6 wRVU/hour, with the highest observed in the community hospital (4.3 wRVU/hour) and the lowest in the rural setting (2.9 wRVU/hour; P < .001). There was no significant difference in productivity observed when high-quality GOC discussion occurred versus when it did not (3.6 v 3.7 wRVU/hour; P = .86).

CONCLUSION:

Despite differences in patient populations and oncologists’ characteristics between the four practice settings, the conduct of high-quality GoC discussions did not affect productivity.
Intravenous Amisulpride Does Not Meaningfully Prolong the QTc Interval at Doses Effective for the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Fox Gabriel M. , Albayaty Muna , Walker Joanna L. , Xue Hongqi , Darpo Borje
Published: January 2020

Background:

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are significant issues in surgical patients, and additional treatment options are needed. Dopaminergic antiemetics have been popular for their efficacy, but their use has been limited by safety concerns, especially the potential for torsade de pointes arising from QT interval prolongation. Intravenous (IV) amisulpride, a dopamine D2 and D3 antagonist shown to be effective at preventing and treating PONV at doses of 5 and 10 mg, respectively, has a dose-dependent effect on QT but at 5 mg is not associated with clinically meaningful prolongation of the heart rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval. This study was designed to evaluate the QT effect of a 10-mg dose of amisulpride, alone and when simultaneously coadministered with ondansetron, an antiemetic of a different class, also known to prolong the QT interval.

METHODS:

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-period, crossover study, healthy male and female volunteers 18–65 years of age received IV, in a random sequence: (1) amisulpride 10 mg given twice, 2 hours apart; (2) amisulpride 10 mg and ondansetron 4 mg, given simultaneously; and (3) placebo.

RESULTS:

Thirty subjects were enrolled, and 29 completed all 3 treatment periods. The largest mean placebo-corrected change-from-baseline QT interval corrected for heart rate using Fridericia’s formula (QTcF) (ΔΔQTcF) after the first and second amisulpride dose was 5.2 milliseconds (90% confidence interval [CI], 3.53–6.96 milliseconds) and 8.0 milliseconds (90% CI, 5.49–10.58 milliseconds), respectively. After coadministration of amisulpride and ondansetron, the largest mean ΔΔQTcF was 7.3 milliseconds (90% CI, 5.48–9.16 milliseconds). The slope of the amisulpride concentration–change-from-baseline QTcF (ΔQTcF) relationship was 0.006 ms/ng/mL (90% CI, 0.0020–0.0098). No QTc outliers (absolute QTcF value >480 milliseconds or increase from baseline >30 milliseconds) were seen in any period.

CONCLUSIONS:

A 10-mg dose of IV amisulpride, given alone or in combination with ondansetron, does not have a clinically significant effect on the QT interval.
New Q Waves and T-Wave Inversions Following Endovascular Surgery Lead to Diagnosis of Clinically Silent Myocardial Infarction Despite Negative Preoperative Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation: A Case Report
Authors: Delaney Daniel J. , Warner Paul A. , Ritter Matthew J.
Published: January 2020

In this case, a 79-year-old male presented with new anteroseptal Q waves and T-wave inversions across the precordial leads following an otherwise uneventful endovascular repair of his thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient had no history of cardiac disease and had undergone a dobutamine stress echocardiogram within the preceding 6 months that showed no evidence of inducible ischemia. Nevertheless, routine postoperative electrocardiogram (EKG) revealed new Q waves and T-wave inversions and transthoracic echocardiogram that demonstrated akinesis of the left ventricle (LV) apex with chronic-appearing apical thrombus. We will further discuss preoperative evaluation of cardiovascular risk along with postoperative interpretation of EKG abnormalities.
ULTRA-TRACE DETERMINATION OF NEPTUNIUM-237 AND PLUTONIUM ISOTOPES IN URINE SAMPLES BY COMPACT ACCELERATOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
Authors: Dai Xiongxin , Christl Marcus , Kramer-Tremblay Sheila , Synal Hans-Arno
Published: January 2020

Ultra-trace analysis of actinides, such as Pu isotopes and 237Np, in bioassay samples is often needed for radiation protection programs at nuclear facilities. Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), particularly the compact ETH Zurich system “Tandy”, has evolved over the years as one of the most sensitive, selective, and robust techniques for actinide analysis. Employment of the AMS technique can reduce the demands on sample preparation chemistry and increase sample analysis throughput, due to very low instrumental detection limit, high rejection of interferences, and low susceptibility to adverse sample matrices.

Initial research and development tests were performed to explore and demonstrate the analytical capability of AMS for Pu and Np urine bioassay. In this study, urine samples spiked with femtogram levels of Np and Pu isotopes were prepared and measured using compact ETH AMS system and the results showed excellent analytical capability for measuring Np and Pu isotopes at femtogram/litre levels in urine.
O ato de fala descortês irônico na rede social digital Facebook
Authors: Santana Katiuscia Cristina
Published: January 2020

As manifestações de cortesia e de descortesia têm sido estudadas tanto no âmbito da conversação face a face quanto na conversação virtual. No entanto, percebe-se ainda uma lacuna nos estudos no que diz respeito à descortesia, sobretudo no mundo virtual. Nota-se a ausência de um estudo dos elementos verbais e dos não-verbais nas interações on-line que a desencadeiam. Os exemplos transcritos neste trabalho, provenientes da rede social Facebook, reproduzem a escrita original do emissor e do receptor. Como critério de escolha do corpus, buscou-se exemplos de descortesia provenientes do uso da ironia em um grupo da rede social Facebook e, com base nos exemplos, percebeu-se a necessidade de discutir o Princípio de Cortesia e das Estratégias Gerais da Cortesia de Leech (1983; 2014). A Pragmática fornecerá o suporte teórico para este artigo, já que ela considera a linguagem como uma ação e como produto de uma intenção dentro de um contexto sociocultural e situacional específico. Para compreender a dinâmica de uma conversação virtual, encontramos amparo teórico na Teoria dos Atos de Fala, de Austin (1990 [1969]) e de Searle (2002 [1979]). Por meio da análise de alguns exemplos, observa-se que o uso da ironia na interação é um fator crucial para manifestações descorteses na interação.
Grinding Kinetics of Lotus Leaf Powder in a Stirred Media Mill
Authors: Yu Jianfeng , Zhao Jiang , Wang Li
Published: January 2020

Stirred media mills are invoked as high energy utilization equipment to prepare superfine particles with a narrow particle size distribution. In this study, the effects of the stirrer tip speed and the grinding media diameter on the particle size distribution of lotus leaf powder (LLP) were investigated. The stress intensity and stress number, which were determined by the stirrer tip speed and grinding media diameter, were applied to estimate the wet grinding kinetics of LLP. The stress conditions with the minimum specific energy consumption were a grinding media diameter of 1.4 mm and stirrer tip speed of 8.4 m s-1. Additionally, FT-IR measurements of the samples confirmed that the chemical structures of the active ingredients were not damaged with reduction in particle size, which indicated the mildness of the grinding process.

Highlights

A stirred media mill was initially applied for preparing superfine lotus leaf powder.

The stress conditions with the minimum specific energy consumption were determined.

The active ingredients were not denatured during the grinding process. Keywords: Grinding kinetics, Lotus leaf, Stirred media mill, Stress intensity.
Sensing System for Real-Time Measurement of Seed Spacing, Depth, and Geo-Location of Corn: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Badua Sylvester , Sharda Ajay , Flippo Daniel
Published: January 2020

Proper seed placement during planting is critical for achieving uniform emergence, which optimizes the crop for maximum yield potential. While uniform plant spacing and seeding depth are often used by corn growers to determine the performance of precision planters, these parameters can be influenced by factors other than machinery, such as seed germination, insects, diseases, and soil properties (e.g., temperature and moisture). Currently, the ideal way to determine planter performance is to manually measure plant spacing and seeding depth. However, this process is both cost- and labor-intensive and prone to human errors. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and test a proof-of-concept sensing and measurement (SAM) system to measure seed spacing and seeding depth and provide the geo-location of each planted seed. The system consisted of a high-speed camera, light section sensor, potentiometer, and survey-grade real-time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) unit. Results demonstrated the potential of the proof-of-concept SAM system for measuring seed spacing, seeding depth, and geo-location of corn seeds. Results showed that seed spacing can be calculated using the generated stitched images, achieving a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.63 cm and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.87 when compared to actual seed spacing measurements. Likewise, 98% of the recorded seeding depths were within the acceptable tolerance of ±10% error. Finally, GPS coordinates were recorded for individual images, which can be used to locate individual seeds and provide detailed information on missing plants (no seeds).

Highlights

Calculated seed spacing showed an RMSE of 0.63 cm and an R2 of 0.87.

98% of the recorded seeding depth was within the acceptable error of ±10%.

GPS coordinates were recorded for individual images. Keywords: High-speed camera, Image mosaic, Light section sensor, Proof of concept, Seeding depth, Seed spacing.
Process-Based Design Strengthens theAnalysis of Stream and Floodplain Systems under a Changing Climate
Authors: Fox Garey  A.
Published: January 2020

Highlights

Stream-riparian interactions and preferential flow remain two “unsolved” problems in hydrology.

Using mechanistic approaches enables analysis of stream and floodplain systems under future climatic extremes.

Engineers should verify stream restoration designs with models that consider stream-riparian interactions.

Riparian buffer design models should consider preferential flow and be more widely used for site-specific design. Keywords: . Climate Variability, Floodplain, Preferential flow, Process-based design, Riparian buffer, Stream restoration, Streambank erosion, Vegetative Filter Strip.
Effects of Formic and Levulinic Acids on Butyric Acid Synthesis by Clostridium tyrobutyricum in Xylose Media
Authors: Liu Ying , Geng Yingxi , Zhao Renyong , Zheng Huabao , Yuan Wenqiao
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Weak acids released during hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass are potential inhibitors of microorganism fermentation. In this study, the effects of formic and levulinic acids on butyric acid synthesis by were investigated. With the addition of 1.2 to 4.8 g L-1 of formic acid, increased lag time, decreased cell density, and lower butyric acid productivity were observed. Up to 15% and 56% reduction in peak cell density and butyric acid productivity, respectively, were caused by formic acid addition, whereas there was no significant difference in butyric acid yield between the control and formic acid treated groups (except for the 2.4 g formic acid L-1 treatment). Levulinic acid did not show any notable effects on within the investigated concentration range (0 to 4.8 g L-1). Overall, showed strong tolerance of both formic and levulinic acids, but neither of these acids could be metabolized by the microbe.

Highlights

Formic acid had dosage-dependent inhibitory effects on C. tyrobutyricum.

Levulinic acid had no effects on cell growth or butyrate synthesis.

Neither formic acid nor levulinic acid was metabolized by C. tyrobutyricum.

C. tyrobutyricum showed strong tolerance to formic acid and levulinic acid. Keywords: Butyric acid, Clostridium tyrobutyricum, Formic acid, Levulinic acid, Lignocellulosic hydrolysate, Xylose.
Reproductive Biology of Coral Catshark Atelomycterus marmoratus (Anonymous [Bennett], 1830) in Seribu Islands, Indonesia
Authors: Oktaviyani Selvia , WANWAN KURNIAWAN  , FAHMI
Published: January 2020

This study provides information on the reproductive biology of the coral catshark caught in the waters around Seribu Islands, Indonesia. A total of 257 coral catsharks were collected from February 2017 to January 2018. The total length of coral catshark ranged from 170 to 585 mm for females and 255-575 mm for males, respectively. The total weight of females ranged from 85 to 640 g and males from 100 to 620 g The sex ratio between females and males was 0.45 and it was not significantly different from the expected 1:1 ratio. The growth pattern of coral catsharks in Seribu Island was negatively allometric and the population was dominated by mature sharks. The mean size at first maturity was estimated to be 557 mm for females and 514 mm for males, based on to the relationship between the proportion between maturity stage and total length. The ovulation season was estimated occur from October to March, whereas September to April was mating season based on monthly variations of gonadosomatic index (GSI) values and the occurrence of egg cases in uterus.
Antimicrobial activities and phylogenetic study of bacteria associated with Cyperus rotundus rhizosphere from Cemoro Sewu Plateau, Indonesia
Authors: AMBARWATI AMBARWATI , WAHYUONO SUBAGUS , MOELJOPAWIRO SUKARTI , SEMBIRING LANGKAH , YUWONO TRIWIBOWO
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Ambarwati A, Wahyuono S, Moeljopawiro S, Sembiring L, Yuwono T. 2019. Antimicrobial activities and phylogenetic study of bacteria associated with Cyperus rotundus rhizosphere from Cemoro Sewu Plateau, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2206-2212. A study has been conducted to investigate the activity of bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of Purple Nut Sedge (Cyperus rotundus) from Cemoro Sewu Plateu, Indonesia as antimicrobial agent and the molecular relatedness between the isolates with other bacteria based on phylogenetic tree analysis. A total of six bacteria were obtained and tested for their capability to inhibit the growth of test organisms using agar block method and characterized molecularly using 16S rDNA sequence analysis. It was observed that the six isolates demonstrated the ability to inhibit at least one of four test microorganisms growth, with a diameter of inhibition zone ranging from 8-35 mm. The CRC32 isolate was the best isolate in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 with a diameter inhibition zone of 26 mm (strong), while isolate CRA8 was the best anti-Candida (showing 35 mm of inhibition zone). The phylogenetic tree analysis resulted in two genera, four isolates belonging to Bacillus, while the other two isolates were known related to Paenibacillus genus. BLAST analysis on the CRC 32 isolate revealed that it is closely related with Paenibacillus peroriae strain 3763 with 99% sequence similarities and CRA8 isolates demonstrated the highest similarity with Paenibacillus sonchi strain X19-5 (97%). The results of this study demonstrated that the bacterial isolates from plant rhizosphere of Cemoro Sewu Plateau were the members of the Bacillus and Paenibacillus genera and demonstrated the potential as antimicrobial agent.
Population and habitat use of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and five ungulate species in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand
Authors: MENKHAM KUSUMA , SUKMASUANG RONGLARP , PLA-ARD MANANYA , CHARASPET KHWANRUTAI , PANGANTA TARAPONE , TRISURAT YUNGYUT , BHUMPAKPHAN NARIS
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Menkham K, Sukmasuang R, Pla-Ard M, Charaspet K, Panganta T, Trisurat Y, Bhumpakphan N. 2019. Population and habitat use of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and five ungulate species in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand. Biodiversitas 20: 2213-2221. This study on the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) population, habitat use and the diel activity patterns of elephants and five species of large even-toed ungulates was conducted between March 2017 and March 2018 in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chachoengsao Province using intensive camera trapping. Fifty-eight camera traps were deployed, adding up to a total of 4,463 trap nights and revealing 1,760 independent encounters. Six species of mammals were recorded, including the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and five species of large even-toed ungulates; the gaur (Bos gaurus), the banteng (Bos javanicus), the sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), the wild boar (Sus scrofa), and the muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak). The abundance analysis reflected that the probability occupancy of the elephant was 0.92 (SE = 0.04); in dry seasons 0.97 (SE = 0.04) and in wet seasons 0.90 (SE = 0.83). The population of elephants within the study site of 87.95 km2 was within 79.51-334.15 individuals. The elephant age classes were identified as adult, sub-adult, juvenile, and calf with percentages of 77.85%, 5.71%, 9.28%, and 7.14%, respectively. The adult male to adult female sex-ratio was 1: 1.39 and the adult female per calf ratio was 1: 0.12. The percentage of the calf to adult female ratio was 9.17%. Maximum Entropy analysis revealed that saltlicks and artificial water sources were the environmental factors that had the most influence on the probability of occurrence of the elephant (all year). We found that the diel activity pattern of the elephants was strongly nocturnal (85% recorded between 18.00-05.59 hours). Temporal overlapping was seen between elephants and gaurs, bantengs and sambar deer in order. Suggestions for area management include improvement of water sources, salt licks, grassland management, and providing education, publicization, and strict control to decrease human activities within the protected area. There also should be continuous studies to monitor the population and the ecology of these species.
Accurate angle estimation based on moment for multirotation computation imaging
Authors: Zuo Qin , Geng Yong , Shen Cheng , Tan Jiubin , Liu Shutian , Liu Zhengjun
Published: January 2020

In a multirotation computation imaging system, the fidelity of the reconstructed result is limited by the accuracy of the estimated rotation angles. Here, an accurate angle detection method using image moment is proposed to estimate angles of diffraction images. The second moment of a digital image is adopted as the rotational inertia in order to estimate angles of diffraction images. Compared with previous versions based on Radon/Hough transform, it has higher accuracy and is simultaneously time-saving, which is verified in both simulation and experiment. The angle error of moment method is narrowed down within 0.1°, or even less, and it also can perform well in sample diversity or when slightly out of focus.
Diagnosis of methylglyoxal in blood by using far-infrared spectroscopy and o-phenylenediamine derivation
Authors: Wu Xu , Dai Yang , Wang Liping , Peng Yan , Lu Lin , Zhu Yiming , Shi Yijue , Zhuang Songlin
Published: January 2020

Methyglyoxal (MGO) is an important pathological factor for diabetic cardiovascular complications. Conventional methods for MGO detection in biological samples, such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV spectrometry, LC-fluorescence spectrometry, and HPLC-mass spectrometry, are time-consuming, high-cost, and complicated. Here, we present a method for MGO quantitative detection based on far-IR spectral analyses. Our method uses o-phenylenediamine (OPD) to produce a chemical reaction with MGO, which results in multiple fingerprint feature changes associated with the molar ratio of MGO and OPD. We use the linear relationship between MGO concentration and peak intensity of the reaction product to quantitatively determine MGO concentration. The corresponding linear detectable range is 5∼2500 nmol/mL nmol per mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. This quantitative method is also tested by blood samples with adjusted MGO concentrations, and shows 95% accuracy with only 30s testing time. Our method provides a fast, simple and economical approach to determining MGO concentration in blood.
Photobiomodulation of lymphatic drainage and clearance: perspective strategy for augmentation of meningeal lymphatic functions
Authors: Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya Oxana , Abdurashitov Arkady , Dubrovsky Alexander , Klimova Maria , Agranovich Ilana , Terskov Andrey , Shirokov Alexander , Vinnik Valeria , Kuzmina Anna , Lezhnev Nikita , Blokhina Inna , Shnitenkova Anastassia , Tuchin Valery , Rafailov Edik , Kurths Jurgen
Published: January 2020

There is a hypothesis that augmentation of the drainage and clearing function of the meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) might be a promising therapeutic target for preventing neurological diseases. Here we investigate mechanisms of photobiomodulation (PBM, 1267 nm) of lymphatic drainage and clearance. Our results obtained at optical coherence tomography (OCT) give strong evidence that low PBM doses (5 and 10 J/cm2) stimulate drainage function of the lymphatic vessels via vasodilation (OCT data on the mesenteric lymphatics) and stimulation of lymphatic clearance (OCT data on clearance of gold nanorods from the brain) that was supported by confocal imaging of clearance of FITC-dextran from the cortex via MLVs. We assume that PBM-mediated relaxation of the lymphatic vessels can be possible mechanisms underlying increasing the permeability of the lymphatic endothelium that allows molecules transported by the lymphatic vessels and explain PBM stimulation of lymphatic drainage and clearance. These findings open new strategies for the stimulation of MLVs functions and non-pharmacological therapy of brain diseases.
Method for single-shot fabrication of chiral woodpile photonic structures using phase-controlled interference lithography
Authors: Sarkar Swagato , Samanta Krishnendu , Joseph Joby
Published: January 2020

In this report, we propose a large-area, scalable and reconfigurable single-shot optical fabrication method using phase-controlled interference lithography (PCIL) to realize submicrometer chiral woodpile photonic structures. This proposed technique involves a 3 + 3 double-cone geometry with beams originated from a computed phase mask displayed on a single spatial light modulator. Simulation studies show the filtering response of such structures for linearly polarized plane wave illumination, with structural features tunable through a single parameter of interference angle. Further, these single chiral woodpile structures show dual chirality on illumination with both right circularly and left circularly polarized light through simulation. Experimentally fabricated patterns on photoresist show resemblance to the desired chiral woodpile structures.
Mode insensitive switch for on-chip interconnect mode division multiplexing systems
Authors: Zhang Guowu , Mojaver Hassan Rahbardar , Das Alok , Liboiron-Ladouceur Odile
Published: January 2020

A mode insensitive switch is proposed and experimentally demonstrated on a silicon-on-insulator platform using a balanced Mach–Zehnder interferometer structure with a mode insensitive phase shifter for on-chip mode division multiplexing interconnects. Switching the first three quasi-transverse electric (TE) modes, consuming less than 40 mW power is demonstrated. The whole system exhibits approximately

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3.7

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5.2

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B

insertion loss for the TE0, TE1, and TE2 modes at 1550 nm, respectively. The corresponding crosstalk is less than

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9

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,

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8

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10.3

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, and

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) within the wavelength range of 40 nm (1535–1575 nm) for the cross (bar) states, respectively. The extinction ratios (ERs) for the cross (bar) states are 20.1 (19.5), 22.8 (33.7), and 15.4 dB (18.1 dB) for the TE0, TE1, and TE2 modes at 1550 nm, respectively. The payload transmission is also conducted using non-return-to-zero pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS)-31 data signals at 10 Gb/s for single-mode transmission and simultaneous three-mode transmissions. For all the scenarios, open eyes are observed.
Method to eliminate pseudoscopic issue in an integral imaging 3D display by using a transmissive mirror device and light filter
Authors: Zhang Han-Le , Deng Huan , Ren Hui , Yang Xin , Xing Yan , Li Da-Hai , Wang Qiong-Hua
Published: January 2020

We propose an optical method to eliminate pseudoscopic issue in the integral imaging three-dimensional (3D) display by using a transmissive mirror device (TMD) and a light filter. Object light rays passing through the TMD can form an undistorted and depth inverted real image. Therefore, the TMD can eliminate the pseudoscopic issue existing in the traditional integral imaging. However, two ghost images appeared in integral imaging using the TMD. After studying the causes of the ghost images, a light filter is designed and fabricated to eliminate the ghost images. Integral imaging using TMD is developed, and it presents a high quality 3D image without a pseudoscopic issue.