bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic pricing in a trade‐in program with replacement and new customers
Authors: Xiao Yongbo , Wang Liming , Chen Jian
Published: June 2020

Trade‐in programs have been widely adopted to enhance repeat purchase from replacement customers. Considering that a market consists of replacement and new segments, we study the joint and dynamic decisions on the selling price of new product (hereafter, “selling price”) and the trade‐in price involved in the program. By adopting a vertical product differentiation choice model, we investigate two scenarios in this paper. In the base model, the manufacturer has sufficiently large production capacity to fulfill the customer demand. We characterize the structural properties of the joint pricing decisions and compare them with the optimal pricing policy under regular selling. We further propose a semi‐dynamic trade‐in program, under which the new product is sold at a fixed price and the trade‐in price can be adjusted dynamically. Numerical experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of the dynamic and semi‐dynamic trade‐in programs. In an extended model, we consider the scenario in which the manufacturer stocks a batch of new products in the beginning of the selling horizon and the inventory cannot be replenished. Following a revenue management framework, we characterize the structural properties with respect to time period and inventory level of new products.
Highly efficient general method for sensitivity analysis of eigenvectors with repeated eigenvalues without passing through adjacent eigenvectors
Authors: Yoon Gil Ho , Donoso Alberto , Carlos Bellido José , Ruiz David
Published: June 2020

It is well known that the sensitivity analysis of the eigenvectors corresponding to multiple eigenvalues is a difficult problem. The main difficulty is that for given multiple eigenvalues, the eigenvector derivatives can be computed for a specific eigenvector basis, the so‐called adjacent eigenvector basis. These adjacent eigenvectors depend on individual variables, which makes the eigenvector derivative calculation elaborate and expensive from a computational perspective. This research presents a method that avoids passing through adjacent eigenvectors in the calculation of the partial derivatives of any prescribed eigenvector basis. As our method fits into the adjoint sensitivity analysis , it is efficient for computing the complete Jacobian matrix because the adjoint variables are independent of each variable. Thus our method clarifies and unifies existing theories on eigenvector sensitivity analysis. Moreover, it provides a highly efficient computational method with a significant saving of the computational cost. Additional benefits of our approach are that one does not have to solve a deficient linear system and that the method is independent of the existence of repeated eigenvalue derivatives of the multiple eigenvalues. Our method covers the case of eigenvectors associated to a single eigenvalue. Some examples are provided to validate the present approach.
Error estimation for proper generalized decomposition solutions: A dual approach
Authors: Reis Jonatha , Moitinho de Almeida J. P. , Díez Pedro , Zlotnik Sergio
Published: June 2020

The proper generalized decomposition is a well‐established reduced order method, used to efficiently obtain approximate solutions of multi‐dimensional problems in a procedure that controls the effects of the “curse of dimensionality.” The question of assessing the quality of the solutions obtained and adapting the approximations assumed, for example, the finite element meshes used, so that the best result is obtained at minimal cost, remains a relevant challenge. This article deals with finite element solutions for solid mechanics problems, using the error obtained from a dual analysis, the difference between complementary solutions, to bound the error in the solutions and to drive an optimal adaptivity process, which obtains meshes with errors significantly lower than those obtained using a uniform refinement.
Stat2 loss disrupts damage signalling and is protective in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Heath Helen , Britton Gary , Kudo Hiromi , Renney George , Ward Malcolm , Hutchins Robert , Foster Graham R , D Goldin Robert , Alazawi William
Published: June 2020

The severity of sterile inflammation, as seen in acute pancreatitis, is determined by damage‐sensing receptors, signalling cascades and cytokine production. Stat2 is a type I interferon signalling mediator that also has interferon‐independent roles in murine lipopolysaccharide‐induced NF‐κB‐mediated sepsis. However, its role in sterile inflammation is unknown. We hypothesised that Stat2 determines the severity of non‐infective inflammation in the pancreas. Wild type (WT) and Stat2−/− mice were injected i.p. with caerulein or l‐arginine. Specific cytokine‐blocking antibodies were used in some experiments. Pancreata and blood were harvested 1 and 24 h after the final dose of caerulein and up to 96 h post l‐arginine. Whole‐tissue phosphoproteomic changes were assessed using label‐free mass spectrometry. Tissue‐specific Stat2 effects were studied in WT/Stat2−/− bone marrow chimera and using Cre‐lox recombination to delete Stat2 in pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1)‐expressing cells. Stat2−/− mice were protected from caerulein‐ and l‐arginine‐induced pancreatitis. Protection was independent of type I interferon signalling. Stat2−/− mice had lower cytokine levels, including TNF‐α and IL‐10, and reduced NF‐κB nuclear localisation in pancreatic tissue compared with WT. Inhibition of TNF‐α improved (inhibition of IL‐10 worsened) caerulein‐induced pancreatitis in WT but not Stat2−/− mice. Phosphoproteomics showed downregulation of MAPK mediators but accumulation of Ser412‐phosphorylated Tak1. Stat2 deletion in Pdx1‐expressing acinar cells (Stat2flox/Pdx1‐cre) reduced pancreatic TNF‐α expression, but not histological injury or serum amylase. WT/Stat2−/− bone marrow chimera mice were protected from pancreatitis irrespective of host or recipient genotype. Stat2 loss results in disrupted signalling in pancreatitis, upstream of NF‐κB in non‐acinar and/or bone marrow‐derived cells. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Development and characterization of graphite nanoplatelets filled copolymer of benzoxazine and epoxy
Authors: Barjasteh Ehsan , Narongdej Poom , Shipley Wade , Denk Jack
Published: June 2020

In this study, graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) were dispersed in a copolymer matrix consisting of bisphenol‐A based benzoxazine (BZ) and bi‐functional cycloaliphatic epoxy (CER), using two solvent‐free techniques: ultrasonication and three‐roll mill (3RM). The effects of GNP addition on the tensile performance, storage modulus, glass‐transition temperature (Tg), and electrical conductivity were evaluated. A maximum increase of nearly 46% and 20% in tensile modulus and strength, respectively, was found at 1.8 wt% of GNP content dispersed using the ultrasonication technique. In comparison, a superior enhancement with 55% and 37% increase in the tensile modulus and strength could be obtained at a lower GNP content, 0.9 wt%, dispersed via 3RM calendering, respectively. In the electrical conductivity measurement, a percolation threshold was achieved in the range between 0.6 wt% and 0.9 wt% of GNP content using the 3RM technique, which was in agreement with the predicted values. The theoretical stiffness obtained from the simplified Halpin‐Tsai model corresponded with the experimental data at low fractions. The incorporation of GNPs into the BZ/CER copolymer resulted in the full recovery of all the performance losses from the addition of CER to BZ. Choosing a proper dispersing technique, the 3RM calendering in this case, could lead to a minimum required GNP content for achieving superior nanocomposite performances.
Ultrasound features of fetal toxoplasmosis: A contemporary multicenter survey in 88 fetuses
Authors: Codaccioni Camille , Picone Olivier , Lambert Véronique , Maurice Paul , Pomar Léo , Winer Norbert , Guibaud Laurent , Lavergne Rose‐Anne , Saliou Anne‐Hélène , Quinio Dorothée , Benachi Alexandra , Noel Catherine , Ville Yves , Cuillier Fabrice , Pomares Christelle , Ferret Nicole , Filisetti Denis , Weingertner Anne‐Sophie , Vequeau‐Goua Valérie , Cateau Estelle , Benoist Guillaume , Wallon Martine , Dommergues Marc , Villena Isabelle , Mandelbrot Laurent
Published: June 2020

Objective

To describe the lesions detected by prenatal ultrasound examination in congenital toxoplasmosis (CT).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all cases of fetal infection with Toxoplasma gondii with ultrasound anomalies described by fetal medicine experts in 2009 to 2019 in 30 French centers.

Results

Eighty‐eight cases of CT were included. Forty‐five (51.1%) had one or more cerebral signs only, 35 (39.8%) had cerebral plus extracerebral signs and 8 (9.1%) had extracerebral signs only. The main cerebral signs were intracranial hyperechogenic nodular foci (n = 60) of which 20 were isolated, ventriculomegalies (n = 44) which generally increased during follow‐up, and periventricular abscesses (n = 12). The main extracerebral signs were hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly (n = 14), small for gestational age (n = 14), ascites (n = 14, including 2 with hydrops), and hyperechogenic bowel (n = 11). Maternal infection occurred mostly in the first or second trimester (81 cases), periconceptionally in one and in the third trimester in six cases. The first ultrasound signs were detected after a median of 7 weeks (range: 1.4; 24.0) following maternal toxoplasmosis seroconversion.

Conclusion

While no sign was specific of CT, there were typical associations of cerebral signs with or without extracerebral signs. Detailed ultrasound examination could improve prognostic evaluation, as well as diagnosis of CT in settings lacking serological screening.
Enhanced mechanical and flame retardancy properties of vinyl ester resin systems with the synthesis of two flame retardants with vinyl group
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Weiwei , Zhang Wenchao , Yang Rongjie
Published: June 2020

Two PEPA‐based (PEPABFR) and DOPO‐based (DOPOBFR) flame retardants with vinyl groups were synthesized successfully via 1‐oxyphospha‐4‐hydroxymethyl‐2,6,7‐trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (PEPA) or 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene 10‐oxide (DOPO) with isocyanoethyl methacrylate using a one‐pot method. Their structures were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR and 31P NMR spectroscopies and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The mechanical performance, thermal properties and flame retardant performance of systems with 15 wt% synthetic flame retardants were investigated using bending tests, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurements and cone calorimeter tests. The results show that the bending strength and flexural modulus are improved significantly. The LOI increases to 29.3% and 30.7% with incorporation to 15 wt% PEPABFR and 15% wt% DOPOBFR from the 20.3% corresponding to pure vinyl ester resin (VER). The peak heat release rate decreases by 16.9% and 39.3% and total heat release decreases by 20.1% and 36.4% for VER/PEPABFR and VER/DOPOBFR systems. Furthermore, the flame retardancy mechanism of the flame retardants was studied using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound‐Guided Iliopsoas Tendon Release: A Cadaveric Investigation
Authors: Johnson Wade O. , Sellon Jacob L. , Moore Brittany J. , Levy Bruce A. , Lachman Nirusha , Finnoff Jonathan T.
Published: June 2020

Background

The iliopsoas is a common source of anterior hip pain. Refractory cases may require surgical intervention, with reported complication rates ranging from 3% to 50%. Development of a minimally invasive, outpatient method of iliopsoas tendon release is desirable and may reduce costs, lower complications, and improve recovery time.

Objective

To describe and evaluate the safety and reproducibility of an ultrasound‐guided (USG) iliopsoas tendon release using a spinal needle in a cadaveric model.

Design

Prospective, cadaveric laboratory investigation.

Setting

Academic Institution Procedural Skills Laboratory.

Participants

Five unembalmed cadaveric specimens (three female, two male), 69 to 93 years of age (mean 83.2 years), with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.5 kg/m2 (range 19.2 to 30.3 kg/m2).

Interventions

Two operators each performed five USG iliopsoas tendon releases. Three additional investigators dissected the pelves to assess completeness of tendon release and damage to adjacent structures.

Main Outcome Measures

Successful transection, completeness (%) of the tendon transection, damage to adjacent structures, and procedural time.

Results

Nine of 10 releases achieved the target release of ≥75% tendon transection. One procedure achieved 50% tendon release. No injury to adjacent structures was identified. The mean duration of the procedure was 6.19 minutes.

Conclusions

USG iliopsoas tendon release can be performed in a cadaveric model, consistently achieve the desired percentage of tendon release, does not result in injury to adjacent neurovascular structures, and takes approximately 6 minutes to perform. Although results cannot be generalized to a clinical setting, due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, it is likely that this procedure can be performed safely in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia, will cost less, and will facilitate a more rapid recovery when compared to standard surgical procedures. Further research is warranted for clinical application.
Cardiomyocyte Proteome Remodeling due to Isoproterenol‐Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy during the Compensated Phase
Authors: Parreira Ricardo Cambraia , Gómez‐Mendoza Diana Paola , de Jesus Itamar Couto Guedes , Lemos Rafael Pereira , Santos Anderson Kennedy , Rezende Cristiana Perdigão , Figueiredo Henrique César Pereira , Pinto Mauro Cunha Xavier , Kjeldsen Frank , Guatimosim Silvia , Resende Rodrigo Ribeiro , Verano‐Braga Thiago
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Although the pathophysiological response of cardiac tissue to pro‐hypertrophic stimulus is well characterized, a comprehensive characterization of the molecular events underlying the pathological hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes during the early compensated cardiac hypertrophy is currently lacking.

Experimental design

A quantitative label‐free proteomic analysis of cardiomyocytes isolated was conducted from mice treated subcutaneously with isoproterenol (ISO) during 7 days in comparison with cardiomyocytes from control animals (CT).

Results

Canonical pathway analysis of dysregulated proteins indicated that ISO‐hypertrophy drives the activation of actin cytoskeleton and integrin‐linked kinase (ILK) signaling, and inhibition of the sirtuin signaling. Alteration in cardiac contractile function and calcium signaling are predicted as downstream effects of ISO‐hypertrophy probably due to the upregulation of key elements such as myosin‐7 (MYH7). Confocal microscopy corroborated that indeed ISO‐treatment led to increased abundance of MYH7. Potential early markers for cardiac hypertrophy as APBB1, GOLGA4, HOOK1, KATNA1, KIFBP, MAN2B2, and SLC16A1 are also reported.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The data consist in a complete molecular mapping of ISO‐induced compensated cardiac hypertrophy model at cardiomyocyte level. Marker candidates reported may assist early diagnosis of cardiac hypertrophy and ultimately heart failure.
The association between serum sex steroid hormone concentrations and intraprostatic inflammation in men without prostate cancer and irrespective of clinical indication for biopsy in the placebo arm of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial
Authors: Chadid Susan , Barber John R. , Nelson William G. , Gurel Bora , Lucia M. Scott , Thompson Ian M. , Goodman Phyllis J. , Stanczyk Frank Z. , Parnes Howard L. , Lippman Scott M. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Platz Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Intraprostatic inflammation is an emerging prostate cancer risk factor. Estrogens are pro‐inflammatory while androgens are anti‐inflammatory. Thus, we investigated whether serum sex steroid hormone concentrations are associated with intraprostatic inflammation to inform mechanistic links among hormones, inflammation, and prostate cancer.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study among 247 men in the placebo arm of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial who had a negative end‐of‐study biopsy, most (92.7%) performed without clinical indication per trial protocol. Serum estradiol, estrone, and testosterone were previously measured by immunoassay in pooled baseline and Year 3 serum. Free estradiol and free testosterone were calculated. Inflammation was visually assessed (median of three prostate biopsy cores per man). Polytomous or logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of some or all cores inflamed (both vs none) or any core inflamed (vs none) by hormone tertile, adjusting for age, race, and family history. We evaluated effect modification by waist circumference and body mass index (BMI).

Results

In all, 51.4% had some and 26.3% had all cores inflamed. Free (P‐trend = .11) but not total estradiol was suggestively inversely associated with all cores inflamed. In men with waist circumference greater than or equal to 102 cm (P‐trend = .021) and BMI ≥ 27.09 kg/m2 (P‐trend = .0037) free estradiol was inversely associated with any core inflamed. Estrone was inversely associated with all cores inflamed (T3: OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.14‐0.95, P‐trend = .036). Total (T3: OR = 1.91, 95% CI 0.91‐4.02, P‐trend = .11) and free (T3: OR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.01‐4.74, P‐trend = .05) testosterone were positively associated with any core inflamed, especially free testosterone in men with waist circumference less than 102 cm (T3: OR = 3.51, 95% CI 1.03‐12.11, P‐trend = .05).

Conclusions

In this first study in men without prostate cancer and irrespective of clinical indication for biopsy, contrary to the hypothesis, circulating estrogens appeared to be inversely associated, especially in heavy men, whereas androgens appeared to be positively associated with intraprostatic inflammation.
Development and initial clinical correlation of a DNA methylation‐based blood test for prostate cancer
Authors: Carson Jacob J. K. , Di Lena Michael A. , Berman David M. , Siemens D. Robert , Mueller Christopher R.
Published: June 2020

Background

One of the principle limitations for more precise management of advanced prostate cancer is the lack of accurate biomarkers allowing estimation of tumor burden, ongoing assessment of progression, and response to treatment. Although prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) performs modestly, nonsecreting cancers including those with early castrate‐resistance warrant investigation of other predictive biomarkers. The objectives of these studies were to develop and perform initial validation of a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) methylation assay.

Methods

Methylation DETection of Circulating Tumor DNA (mDETECT) is a highly multiplexed targeted sequencing DNA methylation‐based ctDNA blood test that captures the vast majority of prostate cancer phenotypes due to a careful development process that ensures that each probe region is methylated in at least 50% of all methylation‐based subtypes and is not methylated in normal tissues. Next‐generation sequencing of targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products whose amplification is biased towards methylated DNA ensures the specificity of the assay by identifying multiple tumor‐specific methylated CpG residues in each read.

Results

The final test is comprised of 46 PCR probes to 40 regions. It is relatively resistant to contaminating normal DNA and as a result functions in both serum and plasma samples. The assay was initially validated in a variety of prostate cancer cell lines to ensure specificity. Using a small number of longitudinal samples from prostate cancer patients initiating androgen deprivation therapy, the ability of mDETECT to track tumor burden was assessed compared with PSA. The mDETECT test signal generally paralleled that of PSA increasing and decreasing commensurate with tumor evolution in these patients. In two cases it appeared to anticipate clinical progression by a number of months compared to PSA and in a PSA nonproducing case, it was able to track tumor progression.

Conclusions

mDETECT offers a promising tool for the assessment of prostate cancer burden based on the sensitive detection of prostate‐specific ctDNA and requires further validation.
The actin cytoskeleton orchestra in Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Rath Pragyan Parimita , Gourinath Samudrala
Published: June 2020

Years of evolution have kept actin conserved throughout various clades of life. It is an essential protein starring in many cellular processes. In a primitive eukaryote named Entamoeba histolytica, actin directs the process of phagocytosis. A finely tuned coordination between various actin‐binding proteins (ABPs) choreographs this process and forms one of the virulence factors for this protist pathogen. The ever‐expanding world of ABPs always has space to accommodate new and varied types of proteins to the earlier existing repertoire. In this article, we report the identification of 390 ABPs from Entamoeba histolytica. These proteins are part of diverse families that have been known to regulate actin dynamics. Most of the proteins are primarily uncharacterized in this organism; however, this study aims to annotate the ABPs based on their domain arrangements. A unique characteristic about some of the ABPs found is the combination of domains present in them unlike any other reported till date. Calponin domain‐containing proteins formed the largest group among all types with 38 proteins, followed by 29 proteins with the infamous BAR domain in them, and 23 proteins belonging to actin‐related proteins. The other protein families had a lesser number of members. Presence of exclusive domain arrangements in these proteins could guide us to yet unknown actin regulatory mechanisms prevalent in nature. This article is the first step to unraveling them.
Numerous severely twisted N‐acetylglucosamine conformations found in the protein databank
Authors: Hendrickx Johann , Tran Vinh , Sanejouand Yves‐Henri
Published: June 2020

Taking advantage of the known planarity of the N‐acetyl group of N‐acetylglucosamine, an analysis of the quality of carbohydrate structures found in the protein databank was performed. Few obvious defects of the local geometry of the carbonyl group were observed. However, the N‐acetyl group was often found in the less favorable cis conformation (12% of the cases). It was also found severely twisted in numerous instances, especially in structures with a resolution poorer than 1.9 Å determined between 2000 and 2015. Though the automated PDB‐REDO procedure has proved able to improve nearly 85% of the structural models deposited to the PDB, and does prove able to cure most severely twisted conformations of the N‐acetyl group, it fails to correct its high rate of cis conformations. More generally, for structures with a resolution poorer than 1.6 Å, it produces N‐acetylglucosamine models in slightly poorer agreement with experimental data, as measured using real‐space correlation coefficients. Significant improvements are thus still needed, at least as far as this carbohydrate structure is concerned.
Using restraints in EROS‐DOCK improves model quality in pairwise and multicomponent protein docking
Authors: Ruiz Echartea Maria Elisa , Ritchie David W. , Chauvot de Beauchêne Isaure
Published: June 2020

Protein docking algorithms aim to predict the 3D structure of a protein complex from the structures of its separated components. In the past, most docking algorithms focused on docking pairs of proteins to form dimeric complexes. However, attention is now turning towards the more difficult problem of using docking methods to predict the structures of multicomponent complexes. In both cases, however, the constituent proteins often change conformation upon complex formation, and this can cause many algorithms to fail to detect near‐native binding orientations due to the high number of atomic steric clashes in the list of candidate solutions. An increasingly popular way to retain more near‐native orientations is to define one or more restraints that serve to modulate or override the effect of steric clashes. Here, we present an updated version of our “EROS‐DOCK” docking algorithm which has been extended to dock arbitrary dimeric and trimeric complexes, and to allow the user to define residue‐residue or atom‐atom interaction restraints. Our results show that using even just one residue‐residue restraint in each interaction interface is sufficient to increase the number of cases with acceptable solutions within the top 10 from 51 to 121 out of 173 pairwise docking cases, and to successfully dock 8 out of 11 trimeric complexes.
Cover Image, Volume 76, Issue 7
Authors: Li Dan‐Ting , Dai Yi‐Ting , Chen Xuan , Wang Xin‐Qiu , Li Ze‐Dong , Moussian Bernard , Zhang Chuan‐Xi
Published: June 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article Ten fatty acyl‐CoA reductase family genes were essential for the survival of the destructive rice pest, Nilaparvata lugens by Dan‐Ting Li et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5765.

image
Resistance monitoring to four insecticides and mechanisms of resistance in Lygus lineolaris Palisot de Beauvois (Hemiptera: Miridae) populations of southeastern USA cotton
Authors: Dorman Seth J , Gross Aaron D , Musser Fred R , Catchot Beverly D , Smith Ronald H , Reisig Dominic D , Reay‐Jones Francis PF , Greene Jeremy K , Roberts Phillip M , Taylor Sally V
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Economically damaging infestations of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), have become more frequent in Virginia and North Carolina cotton since 2013 and 2010, respectively. Foliar insecticide use has increased dramatically in response. Efficacy data (LC50) are needed to evaluate L. lineolaris susceptibility and resistance levels (RR50) to commonly used and recommended insecticides for managing this pest in the southeastern USA.

RESULTS

Elevated resistance levels to acephate and bifenthrin were measured in L. lineolaris populations collected from wild and cultivated hosts in Virginia, North Carolina and northern Alabama when compared to a susceptible laboratory population. High levels of bifenthrin resistance were observed in 2018 and 2019. Mixed‐function oxidase and esterase (EST) inhibitors, piperonyl butoxide and S,S,S‐Tributyl phosphotrithioate, respectively, had a synergistic effect on bifenthrin with resistant populations of L. lineolaris. Bifenthrin‐resistant L. lineolaris populations expressed elevated levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) monooxygenase and general EST activity. Results suggest that insecticide resistance is present in some locations and that CYP450 and EST activity in L. lineolaris contribute to pyrethroid resistance in the southeastern USA.

CONCLUSIONS

Results can serve as a baseline for continued monitoring of L. lineolaris insecticide resistance and inform insecticide resistance management strategies that help southeastern USA cotton producers to minimize inputs and slow resistance development. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Note to chew on: insect damage to musical instruments
Authors: Stanhope Jessica , Weinstein Philip
Published: June 2020

Insects have a diverse range of ecologies that leaves many pre‐adapted to exploiting manufactured products as food sources, including musical instruments. To review what is known and to make recommendations for preventing and managing insect damage to musical instruments, we conducted a systematic search and a narrative review of the area. Of 339 papers, only eight peer‐reviewed publications met the inclusion criteria, and all were on xylophagous insects causing damage to wooden instruments. To supplement this material, we report a case of damage to the key pads (composed of felt enclosed in fish buoyancy bladder skin) of a clarinet by carpet beetles (Anthrenus verbasci (Dermestidae)), the first reported case of non‐woody damage and the first instance of insect damage rendering an instrument unplayable. To avoid such damage, regular inspection of instruments is recommended, and rapid treatment of any insect infestations in the immediate environment that could extend to affecting stored instruments. Instruments themselves can be extremely expensive, and if insects are still present these should only be treated by an expert; instrument cases can be more easily dealt with by heat treatment (black plastic bag in the sun) or application of a residual insecticide. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Two classic mutations in the linker‐helix IIL45 and segment IIS6 of Apolygus lucorum sodium channel confer pyrethroid resistance
Authors: Wang Likui , Lin Lianyun , Wang Hao , Duan Wenbo , Li Fen , Zhang Kun , Cao Peng , Yuchi Zhiguang , Wu Shaoying
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Pyrethroids are classified as type I and type II for distinct symptomology. Voltage‐gated sodium channel is a primary target of pyrethroids. Mutations of the insect sodium channel have been identified to result in resistance to pyrethroids. Double mutation (L1002F/M906I) was detected in field‐strain of Apolygus lucorum (Meyer‐Dür). Although, it was illuminated the function of the same position mutation in other pests, it is necessary to demonstrate the role in A. lucorum .

RESULTS

In this study, we examined the effects of mutations on channel gating and pyrethroid sensitivity in Xenopus oocytes. L1002F, M906I and L1002F/M906I all shifted the voltage dependence of activation in the depolarizing direction. L1002F, M906I and L1002F/M906I all reduced the amplitude of tail currents induced by type I (bifenthrin and permethrin) and type II (λ‐cyhalothrin and deltamethrin). The double mutation, L1002F/M906I, reduced integral channel modification by 10‐fold compared with the L1002F and M906I mutations alone, respectively. Computational analysis based on the model of dual pyrethroid receptors, the two resistance mutations, L1002F and M906I are facing two opposite sides of this newly identified pocket. Both mutations affect the optimal binding of the ligands by changing the shape of the pocket but in different ways.

CONCLUSION

Our results illustrate the distinct effect of mutations on pyrethroids. It is predicted with computer modeling that these mutations allosterically affect pyrethroid binding. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Sensitivity of Pythium spp. and Phytopythium spp. and tolerance mechanism of Pythium spp. to oxathiapiprolin
Authors: Miao Jianqiang , Liu Xiaofei , Du Xiaoran , Li Guixiang , Li Chengcheng , Zhao Deyou , Liu Xili
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Oxathiapiprolin, developed by DuPont, is the only commercial oxysterol‐binding protein inhibitor (OSBPI) of oomycete pathogens. Although the activity of oxathiapiprolin on some Pythium spp. and Phytopythium spp. has been reported, it has not been tested on many other species, and little is known about the mechanisms of Pythium spp. that are tolerant to it.

RESULTS

Oxathiapiprolin exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on mycelial growth of Phy. litorale, Phy. helicoides and Phy. chamaehyphon, with EC50 values ranging from 0.002 to 0.013 μg mL−1. It also showed good effectiveness against Py. splendens and two Py. ultimum isolates, with EC50 values ranging from 0.167 to 0.706 μg mL−1, but showed no activity against 14 other Pythium spp. Oxathiapiprolin provoked a slight upregulation of PuORP1 in Py. ultimum, but it did not lead to PaORP1‐1 or PaORP1‐2 overexpression in Py. aphanidermatum. Transformation and expression of PuORP1, PaORP1‐1 or PaORP1‐2 in the sensitive wild‐type Phytophthora sojae isolate P6497 confirmed that either the PuORP1, PaORP1‐1 or PaORP1‐2 was responsible for the observed oxathiapiprolin tolerance.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that oxathiapiprolin had excellent activity against Phytopythium spp. but displayed a differentiated activity against different Pythium spp. ORP1s in Pythium spp. are positively related to the tolerance of Pythium species to oxathiapiprolin. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Temporospatial modulation of Lymantria dispar immune system against an entomopathogenic fungal infection
Authors: Bai Jianyang , Xu Zhe , Li Lu , Ma Wei , Xu Letian , Ma Ling
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Lymantria dispar is an economically impactful forest pest worldwide. The entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana shows great promise in pest management due to its high lethality in Lymantria dispar. A complete understanding of the immune interactions between the pest and the pathogenic fungus is essential to actualizing biological pest management.

RESULTS

Following the infection of Lymantria dispar by Beauveria bassiana spores, we performed a time‐course analysis of transcriptome in Lymantria dispar fat bodies and hemocytes to explore host immune response. A total of 244 immunity‐related genes including pattern recognition receptors, extracellular signal modulators, immune pathways (Toll, IMD, JNK and JAK/STAT), and response effectors were identified. We observed contrasting tissue and time‐specific differences in the expression of immune genes. At the early stage of infection, several recognition receptors and effector genes were activated, while the signal modulation and effector genes were suppressed at later stages. Further enzyme activity‐based assays coupled with gene expression analysis of prophenoloxidase revealed a significant upregulation of phenoloxidase activity at 48‐ and 72‐h post‐infection. Moreover, fungal infection led to dysbiosis in gut microbiota that seems to be partially attributed to reduced gut hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) amount, which indicates a significant impact of fungal infection on host gut microbes.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides a comprehensive sequence resource and crucial new insights about an economically important forest pest. Specifically, we elucidate the complicated multipartite interaction between host and fungal pathogen and contribute to a better understanding of Lymantria dispar anti‐fungal immunity, resulting in better tools for biological pest control. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Discovery of a species‐specific novel antifungal compound against Fusarium graminearum through an integrated molecular modeling strategy
Authors: Fu Weitao , Wu Ningjie , Ke Di , Chen Yun , Xu Tianming , Tang Guangfei
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The cyanoacrylate fungicide phenamacril targeting fungal myosin I has been widely used for controlling Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat caused by the pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum worldwide. Therefore, there is great interest in the discovery and development of novel FgMyo1 inhibitors through structure‐based drug design for the treatment of FHB.

RESULTS

In this study, the binding mechanism of phenamacril with FgMyo1 was predicted by an integrated molecular modeling strategy. The predicted key phenamacril‐binding residues of FgMyo1 were further experimentally validated by point mutagenesis and phenamacril sensitivity assessment. Four novel key residues responsible for phenamacril binding were identified, highlighting the reliability of the theoretical predictions. The subsequent optimization of phenamacril derivatives led to the discovery of a novel compound (10) which shows better activity than phenamacril against conidial germination of F. graminearum, but not against other fungal species. Moreover, 10 also inhibits conidial germination of phenamacril‐resistant strains effectively. Further experiments illustrated that application of 10 could dramatically inhibit deoxynivalenol biosynthesis.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our results further optimize and develop the binding model of phenamacril‐myosin I. Furthermore, 10 was found and has the potential to be developed as a species‐specific fungicide for management of FHB. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Isoflucypram, the first representative of a new succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicide subclass: Its chemical discovery and unusual binding mode
Authors: Desbordes Philippe , Essigmann Bernd , Gary Stephanie , Gutbrod Oliver , Maue Michael , Schwarz Hans‐Georg
Published: June 2020

Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) have played a crucial role in disease control to protect cereals as well as fruit and vegetables for more than a decade. Isoflucypram, the first representative of a newly installed subclass of SDHIs inside the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) family of complex II inhibitors, offers unparalleled long‐lasting efficacy against major foliar diseases in cereals. Herein we report the chemical optimization from early discovery towards isoflucypram and the first hypothesis of its altered binding mode in the ubiquinone binding site of succinate dehydrogenase. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Molybdenum Contacts to MoS2 Field‐Effect Transistors: Schottky Barrier Extraction, Electrical Transport, and Low‐Frequency Noise
Authors: Kwon Jiseok , Delker Collin J. , Janes David B. , Harris Charles T. , Das Suprem R.
Published: June 2020

MoS2 has great interest for nanoscale electronic devices, including transistors and sensors. Defect‐free structure, clean interface with the gate dielectric, and metals with suitable metal–semiconductor junctions are key for reliable devices. Molybdenum is shown as an excellent electrode for MoS2 field‐effect transistors (FETs), but the correlation among device current, field‐effect mobility, and the low‐frequency noise (LFN) with number of atomic layers is not studied. Furthermore, the impact of Mo/MoS2 Schottky barrier on electronic injection and scattering in the device needs to be understood. Herein, by studying the FETs with channels of different numbers of atomic‐layer thicknesses, it is shown that a molybdenum metal contact to MoS2 provides reliable current injection with low Schottky barrier height, low contact resistance, low electron–phonon scattering, and negligible impurity scattering. The mobility and LFN are optimal at a channel thickness of ≈12 atomic layers, which is consistent with the “mobility maximum window” in MoS2 transistors with prior studies using other contact metals.
Influence of ZnO Cap Layer Morphology on the Electrical Properties and Thermal Stability of Al‐Doped ZnO Films
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Fei Ziqi , Huang Huang , Lü Tieyu , Mu Rui
Published: June 2020

Herein, ZnO cap layers are prepared by chemical vapor deposition on Al‐doped ZnO (AZO) films and demonstrate a reduction in the electrical resistivity of the films. When prepared at 600 °C, a continuous ZnO cap layer is formed and leads to an increase in a Hall mobility from 22 to 37 cm2 V−1s−1, resulting in a resistivity of 5.1 × 10−4 Ω cm, which is superior to those of nanoparticle and nanorod morphologies formed at lower and higher substrate temperatures, respectively. Furthermore, the continuous ZnO cap layers successfully prevent decreases in the carrier concentration and Hall mobility during annealing at the temperatures of up to 600 °C in air, resulting in a figure of merit (FOM) of 1.6 × 10−2 Ω−1, which is approximately one order of magnitude better than those of uncapped films annealed in Ar. The improvement is due to the cap layer having proper morphology to provide sufficient protection for restructuring of the AZO grain boundaries, thereby reducing the defect density and sacrificing its structural order to suppress Zn desorption in AZO and environmental oxygen migration into AZO during annealing. Using ZnO as a cap layer also reduces the possibility of introducing unexpected band offset at the interface due to extrinsic elements.
Recycled Glass and Ce‐Doped‐Y3Al5O12 Nanoparticles Phosphor‐in‐Glass for White Light‐Emitting Diodes Applications
Authors: Salazar-Valenzuela Ernesto Abraham , Alvarado-Rivera Josefina , Chapa Christian , Álvarez-Ramos Mario Enrique
Published: June 2020

A series of nanocomposites of recycled soda‐lime glass from a glass container and Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce) phosphor nanoparticles are fabricated by the two‐step low‐temperature co‐sintering technology. A transparent glass bottle from a commercial beverage is used as glass frit source and mixed with YAG:Ce nanoparticles. Afterward, the powders are pressed to obtain pellets with phosphor concentrations in the range of 2.5–15 wt%. The pellets are sintered at 800 and 900 °C. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that YAG:Ce nanoparticles are conserved even after sintering at 900 °C. The XRD analysis shows that YAG:Ce nanoparticles are conserved even after sintering at 900 °C. The emission spectra of the Ce3+ ions of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) nanoparticles combined with the transmitted blue light exhibit color tuning related to the phosphor concentration and the sintering temperature. A tonality shift from cold‐white light toward yellowish‐green region is observed according to the estimated CIE 1931 chromaticity. Thus, recycled glass from a commercial glass container and YAG:Ce nanoparticles phosphor‐in‐glass (PiG) can be an eco‐friendly and low‐cost alternative as color converters.
Assimilating visible satellite images for convective‐scale numerical weather prediction: A case‐study
Authors: Scheck Leonhard , Weissmann Martin , Bach Liselotte
Published: June 2020

Satellite images in the visible spectral range contain high‐resolution cloud information, but have not been assimilated directly before. This paper presents a case‐study on the assimilation of visible Meteosat SEVIRI images in a convective‐scale data assimilation system based on a local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) in a near‐operational set‐up. For this purpose, a fast look‐up table‐based forward operator is used to generated synthetic satellite images from the model state. Single‐observation experiments show that the assimilation of visible reflectances improves cloud cover under most conditions and often reduces temperature and humidity errors. In cycled experiments for two summer days with convective precipitation, the assimilation strongly reduces the errors of cloud cover and improves the precipitation forecast. While these results are promising, several issues are identified that limit the efficacy of the assimilation process. First, the linearity assumption of the LETKF can lead to errors as reflectance is a nonlinear function of the model state. Second, errors can arise from the fact that visible reflectances alone are ambiguous and only weakly sensitive to the water phase and cloud‐top height. And lastly, it is not obvious how to localise vertical covariances as visible reflectances are sensitive to clouds at all heights. For the latter reason, no vertical localisation was used in this study. To investigate the robustness of the results, the horizontal localisation scale, the assigned observation error and the spatial density of observations were varied in sensitivity experiments. The best results were obtained for an observation error close to the Desroziers estimate. High observation density combined with small localisation radii resulted in the smallest 1 hr forecast error. These settings were also beneficial for 3 hr forecasts, but forecasts at that lead time were less sensitive to the observation density and the localisation scale.
Approaches toward improving the modelling of midlatitude cyclones entering at the lateral boundary corner in the limited area WRF model
Authors: Imberger Marc , Guo Larsén Xiaoli , Davis Neil , Du Jianting
Published: June 2020

Lateral boundaries can have a large effect on the introduction of external large‐scale structures in limited area models. This case study of a midlatitude cyclone using the advanced Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model examines challenges in simulating the storm intensity (characterised by sea level pressure, relative vorticity and wind speed) when a storm centre enters close to the lateral boundary corner in the outermost model domain. A domain shift, nudging techniques, adjustments of the WRF relaxation layer and the influence of the boundary condition update frequency are investigated as possible solutions. The update frequency of the lateral boundary conditions is found to be the most efficient in improving the storm intensity, while adjustments to the relaxation layer or nudging techniques did not overcome the lack of sufficiently updated lateral boundary conditions. This suggests that the modelling of the storm intensification requires sufficiently high temporal resolution.
Misspecification analysis of two‐phase gamma‐Wiener degradation models
Authors: Liu Kai , Zou Tian‐Ji , Dang Wei , Lv Cong‐Min , Xin Min‐Cheng , Li Peng
Published: June 2020

A degradation model is used to analyze degradation data and product reliability. Owing to model uncertainty, the assumed degradation model may be improper, which can create a difference between the evaluated and actual product reliabilities. Thus, model misspecification analysis is essential. Recent studies on misspecification analysis have mainly considered single‐phase degradation models; two‐phase degradation models have not been investigated intensively. In this study, an approach to model misspecification analysis was developed for a two‐phase gamma‐Wiener process, where the change point was assumed to be known. The gamma and Wiener processes in a two‐phase degradation model may be incorrectly assumed, so five misspecified degradation models were considered: the two‐phase Wiener process, two‐phase gamma process, two‐phase Wiener‐gamma process, one‐phase Wiener process, and one‐phase gamma process. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed to examine the effects of model misspecification on the relative bias and relative variability. A case study was performed to examine the effects of model misspecification on the evaluated mean time to failure and median lifetime of a product for different sample sizes, termination time, and change points. The results clearly demonstrated the effects of model misspecification on the evaluated reliability of a product.
Is it possible to synthesize bulk salt compounds?
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Yong
Published: June 2020

The existence and stability of bulk salt compounds are theoretically investigated in this study. This undertaking is carried out to address the following challenge: synthesizing a bulk salt compound containing a noble gas lighter than Kr. The reliability of theoretical calculations on systems is assessed by benchmark calculations of the well‐known salt. In the benchmark calculations, a two‐pronged evaluation strategy, including direct and indirect evaluation methods, is used to theoretically investigate the spectroscopic constants of cation and the existence and stability of the salt. The validity of the theoretical calculation methods in the benchmark calculations of salt allows us to adopt a similar methodology to effectively predict the existence and stability of salt compounds. Calculations based on the Born‐Haber cycle using estimated lattice energies and some necessary ancillary thermochemical data show that salt compounds can be synthesized, and their upper‐limit stable temperatures are estimated to be −237.589, −197.76, and −80.539°C. The salt compound is the most promising candidate. Calculations also show that the salt compounds cannot be stabilized.
Absence of laws regarding sperm and oocyte donation in Japan and the impacts on donors, parents, and the people born as a result
Authors: Hibino Yuri , Allan Sonia
Published: June 2020

An absence of any statutory law in Japan regarding donor conception creates uncertainty about the status of donors in relation to the child(ren) born as a result. Laws that provide for certainty regarding the status of the donor are called for, as are laws that address donor anonymity. It would be pragmatic to introduce a prospective system that requires open donation, allowing information to be recorded and released to donor‐conceived people upon request. For past donations, a voluntary register should be established, which would allow those people who are seeking information to register this.