bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of the intensity‐curvature measurement approaches: Applications in magnetic resonance imaging of the human brain
Authors: Ciulla Carlo
Published: December 2019

This research describes signal processing techniques useful to highlight and contrast enhance human brain vessels detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The signal is here represented as multiplication between image intensity and the sum of second‐order partial derivatives of the model function fitted to MRI data. The implication of this novel and different concept is the introduction of the new variable called intensity‐curvature. The following six intensity‐curvature measurement approaches (ICMAs) can hence be calculated: classic‐curvature, intensity‐curvature functional (ICF), signal resilient to interpolation, resilient curvature, and intensity‐curvature terms (ICTs) before and after interpolation. This paper explores the use of ICMAs with applications in human brain MRI. Studying vasculature of the human brain is possible through two techniques apt to measure human brain MRI intensity‐curvature. The first technique is the inverse Fourier transformation procedure, which uses as k‐space filters the ICTs before and after interpolation. The other technique is called intensity‐curvature masking procedure, and it raises each ICMA to a power determining a nonlinear combination of ICMAs to sum up to MRI image intensity on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis. This paper reports that ICTs are k‐space filters, ICF is a high‐pass filter, and ICMAs are mask images. The major implication of these methodologies is effective k‐space filtering. The techniques here presented support visualization of human brain vessels. The advantage of these methods relies in speed of computation.
Boosting algal lipids: Diurnal shifts in temperature exceed the effects of nitrogen limitation
Authors: Mattsson Lina , Lindehoff Elin , Olofsson Martin , Legrand Catherine
Published: December 2019

Algal lipids have been observed to increase during autumn conditions (low light, low mean temperature, and diurnal shift in temperature), in large‐scale outdoor photobioreactors. In this paper, we tested the effect of diurnal shifts in temperature (DS) and nitrogen (N) limitation on algal BODIPY lipid fluorescence cell−1 (BPF). We show that DS increased BPF in algal biomass up to 28% more compared with N limitation, the standard stressor to boost neutral lipids (NL) in commercial production. Biomass yield was constant, regardless the DS range (6°C‐12°C). A combination of both stressors had an additive effect on algal BPF. A polyculture from an outdoor photobioreactor was cultivated under controlled conditions at different regimes of light, temperature, and N limitation. DSs were mimicking autumn conditions with a difference of 6°C, 10°C, and 12°C between day and night. Biomass and BPF were monitored over one to two weeks, and NLs were stained with a fluorescent marker (BODIPY) and detected with flow cytometry. Results indicate that, during autumn conditions, daily heating and cooling processes in contrast to N limitation do not challenge the trade‐off between biomass production and BPF. During seasons when day temperature is still relatively high, DSs are rapid BPF boosting stressors, while N limitation could be applied to boost BPF further during other seasons.
An assessment of the interaction for three Chrysanthemum indicum flavonoids and α‐amylase by surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Li Pao , Huang Zhao , She Yin , Qin Si , Gao Wanru , Cao Yanan , Liu Xia
Published: December 2019

This study evaluated the interaction of Chrysanthemum indicum (CI) flavonoids (luteolin, acacetin, and buddleoside) with α‐amylase. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay showed their equilibrium dissociation constants (KD) are 1.9695 ± 0.12, 2.9240 ± 0.20, and 3.2966 ± 0.08 mM at pH 6.0, respectively. Furthermore, their binding affinities were influenced by KCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2. Enzymatic kinetic studies revealed that three flavonoids exhibited noncompetitive α‐amylase inhibitory activity. The inhibitory sequence is luteolin > acacetin > buddleoside, which was in accordance with the results of binding affinity from SPR. 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl radical assay demonstrated that antioxidant activities of three flavonoids were inhibited significantly with α‐amylase. Meanwhile, the study reveals that hydroxyl on C′‐4, C′‐5, and C‐7 of flavonoids play an important role on the interaction of three flavonoids with α‐amylase. Also, SPR could be used as sensor for rapid screening inhibitors of α‐amylase and provide useful information for the application of C. indicum flavonoids in food and pharmaceutical area.
Quality of life in the FOXFIRE, SIRFLOX and FOXFIRE‐global randomised trials of selective internal radiotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Wolstenholme Jane , Fusco Francesco , Gray Alastair M. , Moschandreas Joanna , Virdee Pradeep S. , Love Sharon , Van Hazel Guy , Gibbs Peter , Wasan Harpreet S. , Sharma Ricky A.
Published: December 2019

Selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) is a liver‐directed treatment involving the injection of yttrium‐90 microspheres into the blood supply of liver tumours. There are very few studies assessing health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients treated with SIRT. Patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC) were randomised in the FOXFIRE (FFr; ISRCTN83867919), SIRFLOX (SF; NCT00724503) and FOXFIRE‐Global (FFrG; NCT01721954) trials of first‐line oxaliplatin–fluorouracil (FOLFOX) chemotherapy combined with SIRT versus FOLFOX alone. HRQOL was assessed using the three‐level EQ‐5D, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life (EORTC QLQ‐C30) and EORTC Colorectal Liver Metastases cancer module (EORTC QLQ‐LMC21) at baseline, ≤3 months, 6 months, 12 months and annually thereafter from randomisation, and at disease progression. Analyses were conducted on an intention‐to‐treat basis. In total, 554 patients were randomised to SIRT + FOLFOX and 549 patients to FOLFOX alone. HRQOL was statistically significant lower in SIRT + FOLFOX patients ≤3 months after SIRT administration in all three instruments, particularly global health, physical and role functioning and symptoms of fatigue, nausea/vomiting and appetite loss. By accepted thresholds, these differences were deemed not clinically important. Differences between SIRT + FOLFOX and FOLFOX alone over the 2‐year follow up and at disease progression were also not clinically important. Although there is some decrease in HRQOL for up to 3 months following SIRT, the addition of SIRT to FOLFOX chemotherapy does not change HRQOL to a clinically important degree in metastatic CRC patients.
Preventive effect of ursolic acid derivative on particulate matter 2.5‐induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease involves suppression of lung inflammation
Authors: Li Cuini , Chen Junxian , Yuan Weiwei , Zhang Wei , Chen Hong , Tan Hongtao
Published: December 2019

Respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with the presence of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in the air. In the present study, the effect of synthesized ursolic acid derivatives on mice model of PM2.5‐induced COPD was investigated in vivo. The mice model of COPD was established by the administration of 25 μL of PM2.5 suspension through intranasal route daily for 1 week. The levels of oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factors‐α and interleukin‐6 in the mice bronchoalveolar fluids increased markedly on administration with PM2.5. However, treatment with ursolic acid derivative caused a significant suppression in PM2.5‐induced increase in oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines in dose‐dependent manner. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed excessive inflammatory cell infiltration in pulmonary tissues in mice with COPD. The inflammatory cell infiltration was inhibited on treatment of the mice with ursolic acid derivative. The ursolic acid derivative treatment increased level of superoxide dismutase in mice with COPD. The lung injury induced by PM2.5 in mice was also prevented on treatment with ursolic acid derivative. Thus, ursolic acid derivative inhibits pulmonary tissues damage in mice through suppression of inflammatory cytokine and oxidative enzymes. Therefore, ursolic acid derivative can be of therapeutic importance for treatment of PM2.5‐induced COPD.
Green and ecofriendly synthesis of indole‐condensed benzimidazole chalcones in water and their antimicrobial evaluations
Authors: Dasari Gopala K. , Sunkara Satyaveni , Gadupudi Purna C. R.
Published: December 2019

An ecofriendly synthesis of novel benzimidazole‐substituted indole derivatives catalyzed by ZnO nanoparticles has been developed from simple condensation of acetyl benzimidazole and indole‐3‐carbaldehyde followed by Michael addition of indoles. This ZnO Nano particles (NP)‐catalyzed reaction has been carried out using both step‐wise and one‐pot methods, and both these methods provide excellent yield of product and less reaction time in water. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (Proton NMR), Carbon‐13 Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (13C‐NMR), and mass analysis and screened for their antibacterial activity against clinical strains that include Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.
The characterization of column heating effect in nanoflow liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (nanoLC‐MS)–based proteomics
Authors: Li Bolin , Guo Fang , Hu Hao , Liu Ping , Tan Minjia , Pan Jianyi , Zhai Linhui
Published: December 2019

Column heating strategy is often applied in nano–high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometer (nanoHPLC‐MS) platform for enhancing the analytical efficiency of peptides or proteins. Nonetheless, the influence effects of column heating in peptides or proteins identification still lack of deep understanding. In this study, a systematic comparison of room temperature (RT) and column heating of nanoHPLC was done. Based on the data, under column heating condition, the backpressure of nanoHPLC can be decreased. Due to the increase of resolution, the peak widths of precursor ion were narrowed. As a result, in MS/MS data acquisition part, more time was spared for MS1 detecting and MS2 fragmenting, which eventually resulted in increased identification of peptides and proteins. Moreover, we also proposed the application scope of column heating by evaluating its influence on sample detection. On one hand, column heating significantly increased the identification of membrane proteins due to more efficient elution of highly hydrophobic peptides compared with RT. On the other hand, heating was not suitable for analyzing short or/and hydrophilic peptides with low retention time, which would be eluted out during sample loading process under high temperature and missed by mass spectrometric detection. In conclusion, our study provides a reference for rational application of column heating in proteomics research.
Mitoprotective therapy prevents rapid, strain‐dependent mitochondrial dysfunction after articular cartilage injury
Authors: Bartell Lena R. , Fortier Lisa A. , Bonassar Lawrence J. , Szeto Hazel H. , Cohen Itai , Delco Michelle L.
Published: December 2019

Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) involves the mechanical and biological deterioration of articular cartilage that occurs following joint injury. PTOA is a growing problem in health care due to the lack of effective therapies combined with an aging population with high activity levels. Recently, acute mitochondrial dysfunction and altered cellular respiration have been associated with cartilage degeneration after injury. This finding is particularly important because recently developed mitoprotective drugs, including SS peptides, can preserve mitochondrial structure and function after acute injury in other tissues. It is not known, however, if cartilage injury induces rapid structural changes in mitochondria, to what degree mitochondrial dysfunction in cartilage depends on the mechanics of injury or the time frame over which such dysfunction develops. Similarly, it is unknown if SS‐peptide treatment can preserve mitochondrial structure and function after cartilage injury. Here, we combined fast camera elastography, longitudinal fluorescence assays, and computer vision techniques to track the fates of thousands of individual cells. Our results show that impact induces mechanically dependent mitochondrial depolarization within a few minutes after injury. Electron microscopy revealed that impact causes rapid structural changes in mitochondria that are related to reduced mitochondrial function, namely, fission and loss of cristae structure. We found that SS‐peptide treatment prior to impact protects the mitochondrial structure and preserves mitochondrial function at levels comparable with that of unimpacted control samples. Overall, this study reveals the vital role of mitochondria in mediating cartilage's peracute (within minutes) response to traumatic injury and demonstrates mitoprotection as a promising therapeutic strategy for injury‐induced cartilage damage.
Oncoplastic breast‐conserving surgery using chest wall perforator flaps: Three‐dimensional quantitative analysis of the percentage of breast volume excised and changes over time in flap volume
Authors: Fujimoto Hiroshi , Shiina Nobumitsu , Nagashima Takeshi , Sangai Takafumi , Sakakibara Junta , Takada Mamoru , Teranaka Ryotaro , Takishima Haduki , Kawasaki Yohei , Ohtsuka Masayuki
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives

We investigated the effects of oncoplastic breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) using chest wall perforator flaps (CWPFs) on the subsequent expected deformity and evaluated the longevity of flap volume.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed oncological and cosmetic outcomes of 33 women who had undergone the above procedure. We calculated the percentage of breast volume excised (PBVE) from computed tomography volumetry and compared it between a historical BCS alone and the study (flap) group. We also sequentially evaluated flap volumes by magnetic resonance imaging volumetry.

Results

Oncoplastic BCS using 25 lateral flaps and eight inferior flaps, depending on the site of the defect, was performed; mean PBVEs were 31.1% and 19.0%, respectively. No local and two distant recurrences occurred in a median follow‐up of 61 months. PBVE was 2.6 times larger in the flap than in the BCS alone group. Over half the patients in the BCS alone group had poor cosmetic results when PBVE exceeded 15%, whereas patients in the flap group achieved good cosmetic results with PBVE >25%. In most patients, 80% of flap volume was maintained 5 years after surgery.

Conclusions

CWPF improves cosmetic outcomes in patients with predicted deformity after BCS alone and maintains its volume for at least 5 years.
Factors Affecting Glucocorticoid and Thyroid Hormone Production of Island Foxes
Authors: Kozlowski Corinne P. , Clawitter Helen , Guglielmino Angela , Schamel Juliann , Baker Stacy , Franklin Ashley D. , Powell David , Coonan Timothy J. , Asa Cheryl S.
Published: December 2019

The island fox (Urocyon littoralis) is native to 6 of the 8 Channel Islands of California, USA. The species experienced a population decline in the 1990s but recovered after predatory golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) were relocated and feral pigs (Sus scrofa), a main food source for the eagles, were removed. As part of an ongoing conservation program, the National Park Service conducts yearly health surveys on foxes residing on Santa Rosa and San Miguel islands. In this study, we document non‐invasive measures of stress and nutritional status from fecal samples collected during surveys from 2009 to 2015. We collected samples defecated in traps overnight or during handling and measured concentrations of glucocorticoid (GC) and triiodothyronine (T3) metabolites using validated assays. We used generalized linear mixed models to assess the relationships between hormones, season, island, age class, sex, body condition, reproductive status, and ectoparasite presence. Overall, males had marginally lower fecal T3 concentrations than females. Concentrations of both hormones positively correlated with body condition. Fecal GC production varied seasonally; concentrations were highest from December to February and declined through the summer and fall. During summer, younger females and those with signs of recent reproduction had higher fecal GC concentrations than older females or those without evidence of reproduction. Fecal T3 concentrations did not vary in relation to season, age, or reproductive status, but on San Miguel Island were positively correlated with ectoparasite presence. There were no other significant differences between islands. Our results provide hormone data for island foxes and demonstrate that production varies in relation to seasonal and biological factors. These reference data will serve as a comparison for future health surveys and allow managers to identify factors associated with increased stress or reduced nutritional state. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Manifestations of Skull Base IgG4‐Related Disease: A Multi‐Institutional Study
Authors: Marinelli John P. , Marvisi Chiara , Vaglio Augusto , Peters Pierce A. , Dowling Eric M. , Palumbo Alessandro A. , Lane John I. , Appelbaum Eric N. , Sweeney Alex D. , Carlson Matthew L.
Published: December 2019

Objective

IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a recently recognized disease characterized by fibroinflammatory infiltrates rich in IgG4+ plasma cells that can present as isolated tumor‐like lesions of the head and neck. The objective of the current study was to describe the cranial base manifestations of IgG4‐RD.

Methods

Review of all cases at three tertiary‐referral centers since disease description in 2003.

Results

Eleven patients were identified at a median age at presentation of 58 years (IQR, 38–65; 55% male). Ten (91%) patients had isolated skull base masses without systemic disease. Cranial neuropathies were commonly observed in the abducens (45%), trigeminal (18%), and facial nerves (18%). Lesions frequently involved the cavernous sinus (55%; 6/11) with extension to the petroclival junction in 50% (3/6). Infiltration of the internal auditory canal was present in 27% (3/11) with one case demonstrating erosion of the bony labyrinth. Preliminary clinical diagnoses commonly included nasopharyngeal cancer, pituitary macroadenoma, cholesteatoma, and meningioma / multiple meningioma syndrome. Local biopsy demonstrated >30 IgG4‐positive plasma cells per high‐powered field or an IgG4:IgG ratio greater than 40% in all cases. Rapid and durable clinical improvement was seen in 91% following corticosteroid and rituximab therapy.

Conclusions

IgG4‐RD nonspecifically presents as a rare cause of the skull base mass. Often presenting without concomitant systemic disease, local diagnostic biopsies are required. Obtaining adequate tissue specimen is complicated by densely fibrotic cranial base lesions that are frequently in close proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Primary medical therapy with corticosteroids and rituximab is effective in most patients.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2574–2580, 2020
Priming skepticism: Unintended consequences of one‐sided persuasion knowledge access
Authors: Isaac Mathew S. , Grayson Kent
Published: December 2019

Scholars have historically assumed that consumers' persuasion knowledge is invariably linked to skepticism about advertising and marketing. As a result, studies have often used skepticism‐focused stimuli to prompt persuasion knowledge access. However, as originally conceptualized, persuasion knowledge also includes an understanding of persuasion tactics that are trusted and believed, which suggests that accessing persuasion knowledge does not necessarily make consumers more skeptical. In this paper, we propose that, for at least some persuasion knowledge research questions, skepticism‐focused interventions may be too “one‐sided” because they bias participants to consider only the skeptical side of persuasion knowledge. The purpose of the present research is to test whether the “one‐sided” persuasion knowledge interventions that are used in persuasion knowledge research encourage skepticism more than balanced interventions that focus consumers on the negative and positive motives that may underlie persuasive communication. Across three experiments with three distinct subject pools and over 2,500 participants, we demonstrate that one‐sided versus balanced manipulations of persuasion knowledge can have differential effects on consumer skepticism. This is an important finding because skepticism‐focused operationalizations are frequently employed in persuasion knowledge research.
Marketing capabilities and innovation. How do they affect the financial results of hotels?
Authors: Revilla‐Camacho María‐Ángeles , Palacios‐Florencio Beatriz , Garzón Dolores , Prado‐Román Camilo
Published: December 2019

From the point of view of firms’ managers, the knowledge of the factors which explain their firms’ financial results is considered of great usefulness to propose the most appropriate and profitable marketing strategies and actions. This research sets out from this central idea and proposes a model of relationships that considers the marketing results, the marketing capabilities, and the innovation capability as key factors for achieving good financial results. This model is verified via an empirical investigation carried out among 200 directors of hotel establishments in Andalusia, a region in the south of Spain which is one of the country's main tourist destinations. The results indicate that innovation capability is strongly conditioned by marketing capabilities and resources and that this innovation capability affects the financial results of the firms analyzed. Likewise, it is deduced that a market‐oriented management philosophy contributes to the development of these marketing capabilities. The implications for management are considered very relevant as they must lead these firms to invest in the development of marketing resources and capabilities, and apply a market‐oriented management philosophy if they wish to improve their financial results.
Fifty shades of food: The influence of package color saturation on health and taste in consumer judgments
Authors: Kunz Sonja , Haasova Simona , Florack Arnd
Published: December 2019

When evaluating food products, consumers rely on visual cues on packages to infer their healthiness and tastiness. We assumed that color, specifically color saturation, is one such cue, similarly relevant for both healthiness and tastiness inferences. We conducted three studies in which we manipulated the color of pictures of product packages. Participants viewed pictures from the category of snacks (Study 1a) and drinks (Studies 1b and 2), available at a supermarket's online store and rated each product on the dimensions of healthiness and tastiness. In two studies, we showed one group of participants product pictures only as grayscale images, whereas another group viewed the pictures in full color. In a third study, we showed participants product pictures once with increased and once with decreased color saturation. We consistently found a positive correlation between healthiness and tastiness. Presenting pictures of products as grayscale images weakened the healthy‐tasty correlation. Products with increased compared with decreased color saturation were rated as both healthier and tastier, mediated by the products' perceived freshness.
Emery‐Dreifuss muscular dystrophy
Authors: Heller Scott A. , Shih Renata , Kalra Raghav , Kang Peter B.
Published: December 2019

Emery‐Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is a rare muscular dystrophy, but is particularly important to diagnose due to frequent life‐threatening cardiac complications. EDMD classically presents with muscle weakness, early contractures, cardiac conduction abnormalities and cardiomyopathy, although the presence and severity of these manifestations vary by subtype and individual. Associated genes include EMD, LMNA, SYNE1, SYNE2, FHL1, TMEM43, SUN1, SUN2, and TTN, encoding emerin, lamin A/C, nesprin‐1, nesprin‐2, FHL1, LUMA, SUN1, SUN2, and titin, respectively. The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database recognizes subtypes 1 through 7, which captures most but not all of the associated genes. Genetic diagnosis is essential whenever available, but traditional diagnostic tools can help steer the evaluation toward EDMD and assist with interpretation of equivocal genetic test results. Management is primarily supportive, but it is important to monitor patients closely, especially for potential cardiac complications. There is a high potential for progress in the treatment of EDMD in the coming years.
Aeroacoustic source term computation based on radial basis functions
Authors: Schoder Stefan , Roppert Klaus , Weitz Michael , Junger Clemens , Kaltenbacher Manfred
Published: December 2019

In low Mach number aeroacoustics, the known disparity of length scales makes it possible to apply well‐suited simulation models using different meshes for flow and acoustics. The workflow of these hybrid methodologies include performing an unsteady flow simulation, computing the acoustic sources, and simulating the acoustic field. Therefore, hybrid methods seek for robust and flexible procedures, providing a conservative mesh to mesh interpolation of the sources while ensuring high computational efficiency. We propose a highly specialized radial basis function interpolation for the challenges during hybrid simulations. First, the computationally efficient local radial basis function interpolation in conjunction with a connectivity‐based neighbor search technique is presented. Second, we discuss the computation of spatial derivatives based on radial basis functions. These derivatives are computed in a local‐global approach, using a Gaussian kernel on local point stencils. Third, radial basis function interpolation and derivatives are used to compute complex aeroacoustic source terms. These ingredients are necessary to provide flexible source term calculations that robustly connect flow and acoustics. Finally, the capabilities of the presented approach are shown in a numerical experiment with a co‐rotating vortex pair.
Intramolecular photo‐driven electron transfer in the series of DMABN related compounds with para‐substituted acceptors. Study of the rate constants by Marcus theory
Authors: Volchkov Valery V. , Khimich Mikhail N. , Rusalov Mikhail V. , Gostev Fedor E. , Shelaev Ivan V. , Nadtochenko Viktor A. , Gromov Sergey P. , Melnikov Mikhail Ya.
Published: December 2019

A series of DMABN‐related compounds with two‐band fluorescence was studied by steady‐state absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, time‐resolved absorption spectroscopy upon excitation with a 30‐fs laser pulse, and by TDDFT and xMCQDPT2 quantum chemical methods. The efficiency of the intramolecular electron transfer was found to depend on the excitation wavelength in MeCN. The reaction is described by a two‐state scheme (LE↔CT); the Stevens‐Ban method gives underestimated values for the reaction enthalpy ΔH (SB). The spectral luminescence and kinetic parameters, rate constants, and barriers for the forward (k1, Ea) and reverse (k−1, Ed) electron transfer were calculated. The Marcus plot for k1 versus the driving force (−ΔG) and the total reorganization energy (λ) were calculated for six compounds. It was shown that without a barrier, the 1/k1 value (267 fs) is close to the mean solvation time in MeCN (260 fs), ie, the reaction rate is completely determined by the solvent. The results of conformational analysis for all studied compounds are consistent with the twisted intramolecular charge transfer model of structural relaxation.
Sublethal effects of spirodiclofen on biological and demographic parameters of the citrus leprosis mite Brevipalpus yothersi (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)
Authors: Amaral Ingrid , Melville Cirano C , Rocha Claudiane M , Della Vechia Jaqueline F , Prado Thais J , Andrade Daniel J
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Brevipalpus yothersi Baker is one of the main vectors of citrus leprosis. Knowing the biology of this mite species when under chemical control is extremely important to understand its population dynamics, and then to solve problems of management of this pest. Therefore, we assessed the effects of one sublethal dose of spirodiclofen (0.48 ppm) on biological and demographic parameters of B. yothersi under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, comparing them with non‐exposed mite population.

RESULTS

Under laboratory conditions, where citrus fruits were used as a substrate, the duration of developmental stages (pre‐egg‐laying and egg‐laying) and mite longevity showed no differences between treatments. However, the number of laid eggs increased in acaricide‐treated fruits. In the greenhouse experiment, where citrus plants were used as a substrate, the instantaneous growth rate (ri) of mites was positive in all untreated plots. In contrast, in treated plants, ri was negative in 12 experimental units, and mite populations were suppressed in five of them. Moreover, mite population dynamics had a positive ri in three treated plants.

CONCLUSIONS

Spirodiclofen sublethal dose had no negative effect on the offspring of B. yothersi females. However, it is not safe for citrus leprosis mite since it may increase egg number per female in some conditions. Biological and demographic differences could influence mite population dynamics in the field, requiring appropriate management strategies to improve citrus leprosis control. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Relevance of the ecological traits of parasitoid wasps and nectariferous plants for conservation biological control: a hybrid meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Pingyang , Zheng Xusong , Xie Gang , Chen Guihua , Lu Zhongxian , Gurr Geoff
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Ecosystem services are key to human survival. In agriculture, they offer potential to intensify production while reducing reliance on hazardous inputs, including pesticides. Nectar plants can nourish natural enemies of pests and thereby promote the ecosystem service of biological control. To date, however, the selection of optimal plants has been reliant on laborious testing of multiple candidate species for use in each new agroecosystem. We report a hybrid meta‐analysis of published literature, employing Bayesian network analysis.

RESULTS

The hybrid meta‐analysis identified the particular plant and parasitoid traits that were most predictive of promoted or suppressed parasitoid longevity. Integrating trait effects identified a combination of plant‐parasitoid traits that had the highest impact on parasitoid longevity: compound umbel or raceme inflorescence form and shallow corolla, together with high potential fecundity of the parasitoid.

CONCLUSION

Unlike earlier analyses focusing on taxonomic categories, we analyzed effect sizes in relation to the ecological traits of parasitoids and plants. This generated the first generalizable guidelines for selecting nectar plants as well as appropriate parasitoid targets for the enhancement of biological control. Within the guidelines, optimal outcomes resulted when plants with compound umbel or raceme inflorescences and shallow corollas were combined with fecund parasitoids. More widely, this type of ecological trait‐based meta‐analysis opens a new avenue for optimizing the delivery of other types of ecosystem services. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A generally weighted moving average control chart for zero‐inflated Poisson processes
Authors: Alevizakos Vasileios , Koukouvinos Christos
Published: December 2019

Zero‐inflated Poisson (ZIP) model is very useful in high‐yield processes where an excessive number of zero observations exist. This model can be viewed as an extension of the standard Poisson distribution. In this paper, a one‐sided generally weighted moving average (GWMA) control chart is proposed for monitoring upward shifts in the two parameters of a ZIP process (regarded as ZIP‐GWMA chart). The design parameters of the proposed chart are provided, and through a simulation study, it is shown that the ZIP‐GWMA performs better than the existing control charts under shifts in both parameters. Moreover, an illustrative example is presented to display the application of the proposed chart on practitioners.
Design of new organic superacids with fused and isolated pyrrole and cyclopentadiene rings and assessment of effect of –BX2(X = H, F, Cl, CN) substituents on the acidity enhancement: A DFT analysis
Authors: Parsazadeh Hasibeh , Valadbeigi Younes , Rouhani Morteza
Published: December 2019

New classes of organic Brønsted acids were designed with pyrrole and cyclopentadiene scaffolds, and their acidity was assessed theoretically by the B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) method. The hydrogen atom of NH group in pyrrole was substituted by an –BX2(X = H, F, Cl, CN, CF3). The boron atom stabilizes the conjugated bases by interaction with the center of negative charge after deprotonation. The acidity of the compounds was promoted by substitution of the hydrogen atoms of the rings with CN moiety as a strong electron withdrawing group. Also, after deprotonation, delocalization of the negative charge in both pyrrole and cyclopentadiene rings causes stability of the conjugated bases and consequently enhances the acidity. The charge delocalization in the neutral acids and their conjugated bases was compared using nucleus‐independent chemical shift index. Enthalpies and Gibbs free energies of deprotonation in gas phase, ∆Hacidand ∆Gacid, were used as a measure of acidity. Both compounds with isolated and fused pyrrole and cyclopentadiene rings were investigated and it was found that the formers are more acidic. Using these strategies, several acids and superacids with wide range of acidity with ∆Gacidvalues of 244 to 328 kcal mol−1were obtained.
Off‐road ground robot path energy cost prediction through probabilistic spatial mapping
Authors: Quann Michael , Ojeda Lauro , Smith William , Rizzo Denise , Castanier Matthew , Barton Kira
Published: December 2019

Energy is an important factor in planning for ground robots, particularly in off‐road environments where the terrain significantly impacts energy usage. Unfortunately, energy costs in these environments are variable and uncertain, making planning difficult. In this paper, we present a method, based on Gaussian process regression (GPR) and known vehicle modeling information, for predicting future path energy costs. The method uses data, collected by a robot operating in a 3D environment with varying terrains, to build a map from inputs (including position, heading, slope, and satellite imagery) to power consumption. The energy costs of future paths are predicted through the summation of power predictions. Importantly, correlations in those predictions are considered to avoid overconfidence. Experimental cross‐validation results demonstrate improved accuracy of path energy cost predictions against a baseline approach, as well as the effect of Gaussian process inputs and kernel choice. Additionally, we show how vehicle modeling can aid in predicting energy costs, particularly when data on the environment is sparse.
The influence of fibroblast growth factor 2 on the senescence of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells during long-term culture
Authors: Cheng Yin , Lin Kai-Hsuan , Young Tai-Horng , Cheng Nai-Chen
Published: December 2019

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) exhibit great potential in regenerative medicine, and in vitro expansion is frequently necessary to obtain a sufficient number of ASCs for clinical use. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a common supplement in the ASC culture medium to enhance cell proliferation. To achieve clinical applicability of ASC-based products, prolonged culture of ASCs is sometimes required to obtain sufficient quantity of ASCs. However, the effect of FGF2 on ASCs during prolonged culture has not been previously determined. In this study, ASCs were subjected to prolonged in vitro culture with or without FGF2. FGF2 maintained the small cell morphology and expedited proliferation kinetics in early ASC passages. After prolonged in vitro expansion, FGF2-treated ASCs exhibited increased cell size, arrested cell proliferation, and increased cellular senescence relative to the control ASCs. We observed an upregulation of FGFR1c and enhanced expression of downstream STAT3 in the initial passages of FGF2-treated ASCs. The application of an FGFR1 or STAT3 inhibitor effectively blocked the enhanced proliferation of ASCs induced by FGF2 treatment. FGFR1c upregulation and enhanced STAT3 expression were lost in the later passages of FGF2-treated ASCs, suggesting that the continuous stimulation of FGF2 becomes ineffective because of the refractory downstream FGFR1 and the STAT3 signaling pathway. In addition, no evidence of tumorigenicity was noted in vitro and in vivo after prolonged expansion of FGF2-cultured ASCs. Our data indicate that ASCs have evolved a STAT3-dependent response to continuous FGF2 stimulation which promotes the initial expansion but limits their long-term proliferation.

Significance statement Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASC) is a valuable cell source for regenerative medicine, and prolonged cell expansion may be desired to develop ASC-based products. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a common supplement in the culture medium to enhance ASC proliferation. However, the effect of FGF2 on the ASC aging process during prolonged culture has not been well studied. This study found that although FGF2 maintains cellular morphology and enhances cell proliferation in the early passages of ASC culture, continuous FGF2 supplement exerts adverse effects on the late passages. The information is important for large-scale ASC production for clinical use.
Stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium from patients with age-related macular degeneration exhibit reduced metabolism and matrix interactions
Authors: Gong Jie , Cai Hui ,   NYSCF Global Stem Cell Array Team, Noggle Scott , Paull Daniel , Rizzolo Lawrence J. , Del Priore Lucian V. , Fields Mark A.
Published: December 2019

Modeling age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is challenging, because it is a multifactorial disease. To focus on interactions between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane, we generated RPE from AMD patients and used an altered extracellular matrix (ECM) that models aged Bruch's membrane. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from fibroblasts isolated from AMD patients or age-matched (normal) controls. RPE derived from iPSCs were analyzed by morphology, marker expression, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), and phagocytosis of rod photoreceptor outer segments. Cell attachment and viability was tested on nitrite-modified ECM, a typical modification of aged Bruch's membrane. DNA microarrays with hierarchical clustering and analysis of mitochondrial function were used to elucidate possible mechanisms for the observed phenotypes. Differentiated RPE displayed cell-specific morphology and markers. The TER and phagocytic capacity were similar among iPSC-derived RPE cultures. However, distinct clusters were found for the transcriptomes of AMD and control iPSC-derived RPE. AMD-derived iPSC-RPE downregulated genes responsible for metabolic-related pathways and cell attachment. AMD-derived iPSC-RPE exhibited reduced mitochondrial respiration and ability to attach and survive on nitrite-modified ECM. Cells that did attach induced the expression of complement genes. Despite reprogramming, iPSC derived from AMD patients yielded RPE with a transcriptome that is distinct from that of age-matched controls. When challenged with an AMD-like modification of Bruch's membrane, AMD-derived iPSC-RPE activated the complement immune system.

Significance statement Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease of primates, which confounds efforts to model the disease in laboratory animals or in culture. The present culture model mimics aspects of the disease, as demonstrated by using stem cells derived from patients. The disease involves interactions between the retinal pigment epithelium, a layer of cells necessary for the function of photoreceptors, and the extracellular matrix upon which the epithelium sits. The differences observed between epithelia derived from normal and AMD patients were exacerbated when cells were cultured on a mimetic for diseased matrix. This model provides a robust platform for developing therapeutics.
Temporal determinization of mutating finite automata: Reconstructing or restructuring
Authors: Lamperti Gianfranco
Published: December 2019

A mutating finite automaton (MFA) is a nondeterministic finite automaton (NFA) that changes its morphology over discrete time by a sequence of mutations. This results in a sequence of NFAs, the initial NFA, and one mutated NFA for each mutation. Some application domains, including model‐based diagnosis of discrete‐event systems in artificial intelligence and model‐based testing in software engineering, require temporal determinization of MFAs. Determinizing an MFA temporally means generating a deterministic finite automaton (DFA) that is equivalent to the mutated NFA as soon as a mutation occurs. Since, in computation time, the classical Subset Construction determinization algorithm may be less than optimal when applied to MFAs, a conservative algorithm is proposed, called Subset Restructuring, which, instead of constructing the new DFA from scratch based on the mutated NFA, generates the new DFA by updating the previous DFA based on the mutation occurred. Subset Restructuring is sound and complete, thereby yielding the same DFA generated by Subset Construction. Results from massive experimentation indicate the viability of Subset Restructuring, especially so when large MFAs change by small mutations.
Erosion of Cu–W contact material of SF6 circuit breakers when making capacitor bank
Authors: Ding Can , Li Chengxi , Fang Chunhua
Published: December 2019

For an SF6 circuit breaker in capacitor bank‐making operation, the inrush current may cause serious erosion to its arcing contacts. In order to observe the characteristics of this erosion, an arc extinguish chamber of SF6 circuit breaker with Cu–W arcing contacts was designed, and experiments of capacitor bank making were carried out. The prebreakdown arcing duration and inrush current were measured, and the mass loss of the contact after 100 times of operation was calculated. Power–frequency‐withstanding voltage was measured after every 20 operations. The surface status, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) of the contact material were recorded. The characteristics and mechanism of arcing contact erosion in SF6 circuit breaker in the making process were then analyzed. Compared to the case of breaking high current, this analysis found two major mechanisms that lead to severe arcing contact erosion in the case of capacitor bank making operation, namely, the arc erosion due to prebreakdown current and the erosion of arc heated contact due to friction. The erosion after contact caused by mechanical friction occupies a relatively larger proportion in the mass loss of contact materials. Under the conditions of 3 m/s making velocity, 18 kA current peak, and less than 2 ms arcing duration, the mechanical wear mass loss rate is greater than 1.0 mg/C. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Prevention of stillbirth: impact of two‐stage screening for vasa previa
Authors: Zhang W. , Geris S. , Beta J. , Ramadan G. , Nicolaides K. H. , Akolekar R.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a two‐stage ultrasound screening strategy for detection of vasa previa and to estimate the potential impact of screening on prevention of stillbirth.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of data from prospective screening for vasa previa in singleton pregnancies, undertaken at the Fetal Medicine Unit at Medway Maritime Hospital, UK, between 2012 and 2018. Women booked for prenatal care and delivery in our hospital had routine ultrasound examinations at 11–13 and 20–22 weeks' gestation. Those with velamentous cord insertion at the inferior part of the placenta at the first‐trimester scan and those with low‐lying placenta at the second‐trimester scan were classified as high‐risk for vasa previa and had transvaginal sonography searching specifically for vasa previa, at the time of the 20–22‐week scan. The management and outcome of cases with suspected vasa previa is described. We excluded cases of miscarriage or termination at < 24 weeks' gestation.

Results

The study population of 26 830 singleton pregnancies included 21 (0.08%; 1 in 1278) with vasa previa. In all cases of vasa previa, the diagnosis was made at the 20–22‐week scan and confirmed postnatally by gross and histological examination of the placenta. At the 11–13‐week scan, cord insertion was classified as central in 25 071 (93.4%) cases, marginal in 1680 (6.3%), and velamentous in 79 (0.3%). In 16 (76.2%) of the 21 cases of vasa previa, cord insertion at the first‐trimester scan was classified as velamentous at the inferior part of the placenta, in two cases (9.5%) as marginal and in three cases (14.3%) as central. The 21 cases of vasa previa were managed on an outpatient basis with serial scans for measurement of cervical length and elective Cesarean section at 34 weeks' gestation; all babies were liveborn but there was one neonatal death. In the study population, there were 83 stillbirths, none of which had evidence of vasa previa on postnatal examination. On the assumption that, if we had not diagnosed prenatally all 21 cases of vasa previa in our population, half of these cases would have resulted in stillbirth, then the potential impact of screening is prevention of 10.6% (10/94) of stillbirths.

Conclusion

A two‐stage strategy of screening for vasa previa can be incorporated into routine clinical practice, and such a strategy could potentially reduce the rate of stillbirth. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Saving the Safety‐Net Hospital: Entangled Rhetorics of Life and Death in Hospital Advertising
Authors: Hutter Liz
Published: December 2019

This article examines the public discourse around Grady Memorial, a safety‐net hospital in Atlanta, GA, navigating financial vulnerability, its historical obligation to provide health care for the underserved, and the conflicting needs of its diverse stakeholders. Using a rhetorical analysis I examine the use of near‐death metaphors to frame the complexity and precarity of Grady's situation in coverage of its near‐closure crisis in 2007 and in an iteration of its 2013 advertising campaign. The analysis shows that while saving patients’ lives and saving the livelihood of health‐care institutions are interdependent processes, the language and images used to talk about Grady prioritize its role as a medical provider over its importance as a civic institution. In order to sustain both the medical and civic support a safety‐net hospital provides its community, an implication of the analysis suggests the need for systematic research to understand stakeholders’ attitudes and perceptions toward its health‐care institutions.