bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating cardiac stimulation limits of MRI gradient coils using electromagnetic and electrophysiological simulations in human and canine body models
Authors: Klein Valerie , Davids Mathias , Schad Lothar R. , Wald Lawrence L. , Guérin Bastien
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Cardiac stimulation (CS) limits to gradient coil switching speed are difficult to measure in humans; instead, current regulatory guidelines (IEC 60601‐2‐33) are based on animal experiments and electric field–to‐dB/dt conversion factors computed for a simple, homogeneous body model. We propose improvement to this methodology by using more detailed CS modeling based on realistic body models and electrophysiological models of excitable cardiac fibers.

Methods

We compute electric fields induced by a solenoid, coplanar loops, and a commercial gradient coil in two human body models and a canine model. The canine simulations mimic previously published experiments. We generate realistic fiber topologies for the cardiac Purkinje and ventricular muscle fiber networks using rule‐based algorithms, and evaluate CS thresholds using validated electrodynamic models of these fibers.

Results

We were able to reproduce the average measured canine CS thresholds within 5%. In all simulations, the Purkinje fibers were stimulated before the ventricular fibers, and therefore set the effective CS threshold. For the investigated gradient coil, simulated CS thresholds for the x‐, y‐, and z‐axis were at least one order of magnitude greater than the International Electrotechnical Commission limit.

Conclusion

We demonstrate an approach to simulate gradient‐induced CS using a combination of electromagnetic and electrophysiological modeling. Pending additional validation, these simulations could guide the assessment of CS limits to MRI gradient coil switching speed. Such an approach may lead to less conservative, but still safe, operation limits, enabling the use of the maximum gradient amplitude versus slew rate parameter space of recent, powerful gradient systems.
Dynamic stochastic finite element method using time‐dependent generalized polynomial chaos
Authors: Lacour Maxime , Bal Guillaume , Abrahamson Norman
Published: August 2020

We present an intrusive formulation for the dynamic stochastic finite‐element method to propagate the epistemic uncertainty in material properties into a finite‐element system over time. The stochastic finite‐element method, originally developed for the static case, uses generalized polynomial chaos (gPC) expansions to represent the uncertainty in both material/load fields and displacement fields and solves for the unknown PC coefficients of displacement at each degree of freedom of the finite‐element system. In this case, the gPC basis used to represent the solution is optimal and can be kept the same throughout the static simulation; however, when integrating a stochastic system over time, it is proven that using gPC tends to break down for integrations over long times. The reason is that the solution's complexity increases in time, and the set of polynomials used in the gPC expansion to represent the solution, therefore, does not stay optimal. In this formulation, new stochastic variables and orthogonal polynomials are constructed as time progresses. These variables are obtained as the Kahrunen‐Loeve expansion of the finite‐element solution at the times of update, thus, optimally representing the distribution of the solution using a minimal set of orthogonal polynomials. The result from the method is a time‐domain polynomial chaos representation of the entire finite‐element solution. A fast post‐processing phase can be used to (a) obtain the probability distribution of the solution at each degree of freedom and (b) generate any number of time series realizations of the solution, which correspond to the same time series that would be obtained from a set of simulations based on direct Monte‐Carlo simulations of the uncertain material properties.
Urinary incontinence in young women: Risk factors, management strategies, help‐seeking behavior, and perceptions about bladder control
Authors: Lamerton Tayla J. , Mielke Gregore I. , Brown Wendy J.
Published: August 2020

Aim

The aim was to describe the characteristics of young adult women who report urinary incontinence (UI), the types of UI they experience, the strategies they use or consider important for managing UI, and help‐seeking behavior.

Methods

Data were from the 1989‐1995 Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health cohort (n = 8457) at age 22 to 27 (in 2017). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize: characteristics of young women who experience UI; the types of UI they experience; which strategies women use to manage UI; perceptions of bladder control; and the proportion of women who seek help (and reasons why not). Prevalence ratios for UI according to sample characteristics were calculated using Poisson regression models.

Results

At age 22 to 27, 11% (n = 986) of young women reported UI in the past month. Compared with women who did not have UI, those reporting UI were 7 kg heavier on average and were more likely to be in the obese body mass index category, report high psychological distress, and have at least one child. Most women with UI reported mixed symptoms of UI (stress and urge), and used a combination of strategies to self‐manage UI symptoms. Only one in five women had sought help or advice from a healthcare professional.

Conclusions

Obesity, parity, and high psychological distress are strong correlates of UI in young women. As the majority of women with UI do not seek help, the antenatal period may be a critical time for healthcare providers to identify those at risk, and encourage early prevention or effective management strategies. As physical activity is positively associated with better outcomes for obesity and psychological distress, there may also be concurrent improvements in UI if these issues are addressed.
Plowing with precedence in polynomial time
Authors: Castro Campos Rodrigo A. , Rodríguez Villalobos Cynthia A. , Zaragoza Martínez Francisco Javier
Published: August 2020

The plowing with precedence problem is a variant of the windy postman problem, where a plow is required to clean streets after a heavy snowfall with traversing costs depending on the direction of traversal as well as whether a street has been previously plowed or not. We prove that this problem can be solved in polynomial time under natural cost structures. We also propose heuristics for this problem, which compare favorably with the state of the art.
Conducting and utilizing evaluation for multiple accountabilities: A study of nonprofit evaluation capacities
Authors: Bryan Tara Kolar , Robichau Robbie Waters , L'Esperance Gabrielle E.
Published: August 2020

This article combines the evaluation capacity building and nonprofit accountability literature to examine how nonprofits use evaluation data to address stakeholder expectations. Our study investigates how staff competency, technological resources, learning climate, and strategic planning influence a nonprofit's ability to demonstrate upward, lateral, and downward accountabilities. Results indicate different combinations of evaluation capacities matter more for particular stakeholder groups. We argue a more integrative nonprofit accountability requires that managers and staff know how toutilizeevaluation results for internal and external audiences. Nuances between specific evaluative capacities and their influences on multiple accountabilities suggest several implications for practice.
New numerical simulation for fractional Benney–Lin equation arising in falling film problems using two novel techniques
Authors: Gao Wei , Veeresha Pundikala , Prakasha Doddabhadrappla Gowda , Baskonus Haci Mehmet
Published: August 2020

The pivotal aim of the present work is to find the numerical solution for fractional Benney–Lin equation by using two efficient methods, called q‐homotopy analysis transform method and fractional natural decomposition method. The considered equation exemplifies the long waves on the liquid films. Projected methods are distinct with solution procedure and they are modified with different transform algorithms. To illustrate the reliability and applicability of the considered solution procedures we consider eight special cases with different initial conditions. The fractional operator is considered in Caputo sense. The achieved results are drowned through two and three‐dimensional plots for different Brownian motions and classical order. The numerical simulations are presented to ensure the efficiency of considered techniques. The behavior of the obtained results for distinct fractional order is captured in the present framework. The outcomes of the present investigation show that, the considered schemes are efficient and powerful to solve nonlinear differential equations arise in science and technology.
Obesity Doubles Mortality in Patients Hospitalized for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Paris Hospitals, France: A Cohort Study on 5,795 Patients
Authors: Czernichow Sébastien , Beeker Nathanael , Rives‐Lange Claire , Guerot Emmanuel , Diehl Jean‐Luc , Katsahian Sandrine , Hulot Jean‐Sébastien , Poghosyan Tigran , Carette Claire , Jannot Anne‐Sophie ,   AP‐HP / Universities / INSERM COVID‐19 research collaboration and AP‐HP COVID CDR Initiative
Published: August 2020

Objective

Preliminary data from different cohorts of small sample size or with short follow‐up indicate poorer prognosis in people with obesity compared with other patients. This study aims to precisely describe the strength of association between obesity in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and mortality and to clarify the risk according to usual cardiometabolic risk factors in a large cohort.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study including 5,795 patients aged 18 to 79 years hospitalized from February 1 to April 30, 2020, in the Paris area, with confirmed infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Adjusted regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for the mortality rate at 30 days across BMI classes, without and with imputation for missing BMI values.

Results

Eight hundred ninety‐one deaths had occurred at 30 days. Mortality was significantly raised in people with obesity, with the following ORs for BMI of 30 to 35 kg/m2, 35 to 40 kg/m2, and >40 kg/m2: 1.89 (95% CI: 1.45‐2.47), 2.79 (95% CI: 1.95‐3.97), and 2.55 (95% CI: 1.62‐3.95), respectively (18.5‐25 kg/m2 was used as the reference class). This increase holds for all age classes.

Conclusions

Obesity doubles mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19.
Receding horizon path planning of automated guided vehicles using a time‐space network model
Authors: Xin Jianbin , Wei Liuqian , Wang Dongshu , Xuan Hua
Published: August 2020

Time‐space network (TSN) models have been widely used for collision‐free path planning of automated guided vehicles. However, existing TSN models are planned globally. The global method suffers from computational complexity and uncertainties cannot be dealt with in the dynamic environment. To address these limitations, this article proposes a new methodology to decompose the global planning problem into smaller local planning problems, which are planned in a receding horizon way. For the local problem, new decision variables and constraints are incorporated into the TSN framework. Extensive simulation experiments are carried out to show the potential of the proposed methodology. Simulation results show that the proposed method obtains competitive performances and computational times are considerably reduced, compared with the global method.
Effects of the Brookite Phase on the Properties of Different Nanostructured TiO2 Phases Photocatalytically Active Towards the Degradation of N‐Phenylurea
Authors: Freyria Francesca S. , Blangetti Nicola , Esposito Serena , Nasi Roberto , Armandi Marco , Annelio Vincenzo , Bonelli Barbara
Published: August 2020

Different sol‐gel synthesis methods were used to obtain four nanostructured mesoporous TiO2 samples for an efficient photocatalytic degradation of the emerging contaminant N‐phenylurea under either simulated solar light (1 Sun) or UV light. Particularly, two TiO2 samples were obtained by means of as many template‐assisted syntheses, whereas other two TiO2 samples were obtained by a greener template‐free procedure, implying acidic conditions and, then, calcination at either 200 °C or 600 °C. In one case, anatase was obtained, whereas in the other three cases mixed crystalline phases were obtained. The four TiO2 samples were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (followed by Rietveld analysis); Transmission Electron Microscopy; N2 adsorption/desorption at −196 °C; Diffuse Reflectance UV/Vis spectroscopy and ζ‐potential measurements. A commercial TiO2 powder (i. e., Degussa P25) was used for comparison. Differences among the synthesized samples were observed not only in their quantitative phase composition, but also in their nanoparticles morphology (shape and size), specific surface area, pore size distribution and pHIEP (pH at isoelectric point), whereas the samples band‐gap did not vary sizably. The samples showed different photocatalytic behavior in terms of N‐phenylurea degradation, which are ascribed to their different physico‐chemical properties and, especially, to their phase composition, stemming from the different synthesis conditions.
Factors driving financial development in top and bottom globalized developing economies: Does economic globalization matter?
Authors: Pal Shreya , Kumar Mahalik Mantu
Published: August 2020

The “globalization‐led financial development” hypothesis of Mishkin (2009) postulates that globalization through the channel of institutional quality can improve financial development in developing economies. In this context, our study is motivated to examine the effects of economic globalization and institutional quality on financial development in top and bottom globalized developing countries using the panel data of 1984–2016. We consider a sample of 15 European and Central Asian and 4 South Asian countries as top and bottom globalized developing regions. Economic growth, government investment and inflation are also included as a set of control variables in financial development function. The battery of panel cointegration tests (Pedroni, 2004; Westerlund, 2007) is utilized, indicating the presence of long‐run association between the series. The findings from using Pesaran's et al. (2001) panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model indicate that economic globalization and institutional quality promote financial development in both the developing regions but the effect of economic globalization on financial development is higher in top globalized developing region than the bottom globalized developing region. Economic globalization also enhances financial market and impedes the development of financial institutions in top globalized developing region, while it performs the opposite in bottom globalized developing region. We find the varying effects of government investment and inflation on financial development, while economic growth enhances it in heterogeneous developing regions. These results are robust across alternative panel techniques. Our findings suggest that economic globalization is an instrument for the policymakers to improve developing countries’ financial development in the long‐run.
The impact of capital inflows on economic growth of Ghana: Does quality of institutions matter?
Authors: Duodu Emmanuel , Baidoo Samuel Tawiah
Published: August 2020

The economic growth of most developing countries has been abysmal, and, therefore, has attracted the attention of researchers and policy think tanks. The present study contributes by estimating the impact of different forms of capital inflows on economic growth with evidence from Ghana. The study further examines the interaction effects of these inflows and quality of institutions on economic growth. The capital inflows considered in the study are foreign direct investment, remittances, foreign aid and external debt. Using annual time series data, spanning 1984–2018, the autoregressive distributed lag model is employed for the analysis. The results without interaction terms show that remittances have a positive impact on economic growth, whereas external debt and foreign direct investment impact economic growth negatively in the long run. Foreign aid exerts an insignificant impact in both the short and long run. However, the results reveal that external debt significantly impacts economic growth positively when interacted with quality of institutions variable in the long run. The results further reveal that remittances have a positive impact on economic growth in the long run when interacted with quality of institutions variable. It is, therefore, concluded that the quality of institutions in Ghana is crucial for economic growth. Important policy implications aimed at improving economic growth have been provided based on the findings.
Great enhancement of efficiency of intumescent flame retardants by titanate coupling agent and polysiloxane
Authors: Guo Xiaorong , Geng Jiangtao , Sun Bin , Xu Qi , Li Yibo , Xie Shiwei , Xue Yuanyuan , Yan Hong
Published: August 2020

Modified intumescent flame retardants (MIFRs) and polysiloxane (APID) have been used in combination to enhance the flame retardancy of polypropylene (PP). The IFR system was composed of melamine (MEL), ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and pentaerythritol (PER). Aimed to improve the thermal stability of the IFR and its dispersivity in PP, titanate coupling agent NDZ‐201 was used to modify the IFRs via ball milling. MIFRs and APID have a cooperative effect on the flame retardant properties of PP. With 25 wt.% of MIFR and APID, the flame retardant sample (PPMA) was rated V0 for UL‐94, the LOI value was 34.3%, and the peak heat release rate (PHRR) was reduced by 80% in cone calorimeter test. In addition, APID could improve the compatibility of MIFR with the PP matrix, thereby increasing the mechanical properties of PP blends. The flame retardant effect of APID and MIFR in PP was presented in the condensed phase resulting in a rigid, thermally stable and expanded carbon layer due to different char structures.
Multiregional whole‐genome sequencing of hepatocellular carcinoma with nodule‐in‐nodule appearance reveals stepwise cancer evolution
Authors: Takeda Haruhiko , Takai Atsushi , Kumagai Ken , Iguchi Eriko , Arasawa Soichi , Eso Yuji , Shimizu Takahiro , Ueda Yoshihide , Taura Kojiro , Uemoto Shinji , Kita Ryuichi , Haga Hironori , Marusawa Hiroyuki , Fujimoto Akihiro , Seno Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Recent genetic analyses revealed genetic heterogeneity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although it remains unclear how genetic alterations contribute to the multistage progression of HCC, especially the early step from hypovascular liver nodules to hypervascular HCC. We conducted multiregional whole‐genome sequencing on HCCs with a nodule‐in‐nodule appearance, consisting of inner hypervascular HCC surrounded by hypovascular HCC arising from a common origin, and identified point mutations, structural variations, and copy‐number variations in each specimen. According to the genetic landscape of the inner and outer regions, together with the pathological and radiological findings, we examined the stepwise evolution of cancer cells from slow‐growing HCC to rapid‐growing HCC. We first demonstrated that most tumor cells consisting of hypovascular well‐differentiated HCCs already harbored thousands of point mutations and even several structural variations, including chromosomal translocations and chromothripsis, as the trunk events. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT)‐associated aberrations, including promoter mutations, chromosomal translocation, and hepatitis B virus DNA integration, as well as abnormal methylation status, were commonly detected as the trunk aberrations, while various liver cancer‐related genes, which differed in each case, had additionally accumulated in the inner dedifferentiated nodules. Further, differences in the trunk and branch mutational signatures suggested a multistep contribution to the mutagenesis in each case. In conclusion, genomic alterations associated with the TERT gene could be the key driver events to form the hypovascular HCC, and additional case‐specific driver mutations accumulate during the progression phase, forming intra‐ and inter‐tumoral heterogeneity, confirming the importance of genetic testing before targeting therapy. These data shed light on the process of multistep hepatocarcinogenesis and will be helpful toward investigating new therapeutic strategies for HCC. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on influence of fiber length and fiber weight proportion in mechanical behavior of Calotropis gigantea fiber‐epoxy composites
Authors: G Ramesh , K Subramanian , S Sathiyamurthy , S Jayabal
Published: August 2020

Present day's global issues focus on solutions to global warming using environment‐friendly biodegradable materials as an alternate to reduce the depletion rate of fossil materials. As the research literature encourages alternate materials for plastics, in composite material formation, this work envisages the use of Calotropis gigantea (CG) fiber as a reinforcement material. CG fiber is chosen in this work, as it is abundantly available in India and does not carry any great vegetation value. Using compression molding, samples of different fiber lengths (25, 50, 75, 100, 125,and 150 mm) with different fiber weight proportions (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) were made and subjected to tensile, fractural and impact tests. The composite with the blend of fiber length 100 mm and fiber weight proportion 40% recorded the highest value than the other combinations. Further, results show that, the mechanical properties of CG fiber are comparable with the other natural fiber alternatives experimented and reported earlier in the research literature. Morphology study of the broken surface of the specimens using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows the nature of the fiber breakage. The overall results disclose that the CG fiber can be a potential reinforcing material in polymer composites, making it suitable for manufacturing automobile interior, exterior accessories, and domestic appliances.
Experimental investigation on the mechanical and morphological behavior of Prosopis juliflora bark fibers/E‐glass/carbon fabrics reinforced hybrid polymeric composites for structural applications
Authors: Madhu Puttegowda , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , Khan Anish , Al Otaibi Ahmed , Al‐Zahrani Salma Ahmed , Pradeep Shivanna , Gupta Manoj Kumar , Boonyasopon Pawinee , Siengchin Suchart
Published: August 2020

The present world scenario demands for the utilization of natural fiber‐reinforced polymeric composites as opposed to synthetic fiber‐reinforced composites mainly due to their environmental friendly behavior, availability in abundance, cost‐effectiveness, and lightweight and moderately high‐strength properties. Along with the above said advantages, the ease of manufacturing of natural fibers has made the researchers around the globe to exploit several locally available natural fibers to understand their feasibility as reinforcement phases in different polymeric composites and their suitability in various commercial and engineering applications. This research investigation has been conducted to discover a better natural/synthetic fiber‐reinforced polymer hybrid composite for commercial engineering applications. This research investigation intends to recognize the effect of laminate stacking sequence of Prosopis juliflora fibers (PJFs)/E‐glass/carbon fabrics reinforced hybrid epoxy composites under five different composite designations. Manual hand layup method is used as the fabrication method, while studies on physical, mechanical, and morphological properties have been conducted in this research work. From the results obtained, it is obvious that the properties of PJFs/E‐glass/carbon fabrics reinforced epoxy composites enhanced due to the hybridization with the addition of E‐glass and carbon fabrics in PJFs and augments its suitability in the use of engineering structural applications.
Effect of boundary support conditions on impact behavior of silicone pin‐reinforced polymer sandwich composite structure
Authors: Chauhan Shivanku , Sahu Sonika , Ansari Mohd. Z.
Published: August 2020

Present study investigates the effect of pinned and fixed boundary conditions on deformation characteristics of silicone rubber pin‐reinforced polymer sandwich composite under rigid plate impact. These boundary conditions represent two different structural applications of the sandwich which consists of a soft polyurethane foam core, embedded with four silicone pins for reinforcement, placed in between two hard acrylic faceplates. Compression test were conducted on foam at different strain rates and the results obtained for quasi‐static case was later used in numerical analysis for procedure validation and impact simulation using finite element analysis software ABAQUS. Results for deformation, contact force generated and stresses induced are obtained. Quasi‐static compression results show good conformity between experimental and numerical results for foam. Impact results show that both boundary conditions have negligible effect on deformation and contact force but pinned condition produces much higher stresses than fixed one. The study also found that pin‐reinforcement significantly affects the impact behavior and the post‐impact recovery.
Sleep medications and sleep disturbances across middle aged pre‐ or peri‐menopausal women of different race and ethnicities: A SWAN pharmacoepidemiology cohort study
Authors: Solomon Daniel H. , Ruppert Kristine , Kazlauskaite Rasa , Lian Pam , Kravitz Howard M.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Sleep disturbances are common, particularly in middle aged women. Prescription medications for this indication are increasingly used, despite uncertain safety. This study assessed prescription medication use for sleep among a cohort of women with and without sleep disturbances.

Methods

We examined reports of sleep disturbance and sleep medication use among pre‐ and early peri‐menopausal womenassessed annually or biennially since 1996. Women self‐reported medications at visits, and we identified medications that have been used primarily for sleep disturbances. They reported on difficulties falling and staying asleep, and early morning wakening. Sleep medication use across 20 years of follow‐up was examined for all women and by race/ethnicity. Women who reported data for both sleep disturbance and sleep medication use were included in the analyses..

Results

Among participants in a cohort of 3302 women who were enrolled prior to their menopause transition, 3082 women were included in the analytic sample and 2531 (82%) reported sleep disturbances. They were more likely to endorse higher anxiety and pain scores and more comorbid conditions than women without sleep disturbances. Baseline characteristics were similar among women who did and did not use sleep medications. Among women reporting a sleep disturbance at baseline, 2.5% reported sleep medication use, increasing to 8% over 20 years. However, the proportion of women reporting sleep medication use who did not report a sleep disturbance remained low, approximately 1% to 2% over the entire follow‐up. Increases in sleep medication use was observed across women of all race/ethnicities.

Conclusions

The use of sleep medications among women reporting sleep disturbance grew over the last 20 years. Growth was observed across women of all race/ethnicities.
Perovskite modules with 99% geometrical fill factor using point contact interconnections design
Authors: Rakocevic Lucija , Schöpe Gunnar , Turan Bugra , Genoe Jan , Aernouts Tom , Haas Stefan , Gehlhaar Robert , Poortmans Jef
Published: August 2020

Thin‐film photovoltaic technology, based on hybrid metal halide perovskites, has achieved 25.2% and 16.1% certified power conversion efficiencies for solar cell and solar module devices, respectively. Still, the gap between power conversion efficiency of small area solar cells and large area solar modules is greater than for any other photovoltaic technology. Analysis of loss mechanisms in n‐i‐p solution processed devices defined layer inhomogeneity loss and inactive area loss as the two most prominent loss mechanisms in upscaling. In this study, we focus on minimizing inactive area loss. We analyze the point contact interconnections design and demonstrate it on perovskite thin‐film solar modules to achieve a geometrical fill factor of up to 99%. Numerical and analytical simulations are utilized to optimize interconnections and solar module design and balance inactive area loss, series resistance loss, and contact resistance loss.
A high maternal genome excess causes severe seed abortion leading to ovary abscission in Nicotiana interploidy‐interspecific crosses
Authors: He Hai , Yokoi Shuji , Tezuka Takahiro
Published: August 2020

Seed abortion and ovary abscission, two types of postzygotic reproductive barriers, are often observed in interspecific and/or interploidy crosses in plants. However, the mechanisms underlying these reproductive barriers remain unclear. Here, we show that the distinct types of seed developmental abnormalities (type I and type II seed abortion) occur in a phased manner as maternal to paternal genome dosage increases and that type II seed abortion is followed by ovary abscission. We revealed that these two types of seed developmental abnormalities are observed during seed development in the interploidy‐interspecific crosses of Nicotiana suaveolens and N. tabacum. Moreover, in the cross showing type II seed abortion, several events, such as changes in abscission‐related gene expression and lignin deposition, occurred in the ovary abscission zone, eventually leading to ovary abscission. Notably, successive increases in maternal ploidy using ploidy manipulated lines resulted in successive type I and type II seed abortions, and the latter was accompanied by ovary abscission. Conversely, both types of seed abortion and ovary abscission could be overcome with a ploidy manipulation technique that balances parental ploidy levels. We thus concluded that a high maternal genome excess cross may cause severe seed developmental defects and ovary abscission. Based on our findings, we propose a model explaining the abortion phenomena, where an interaction between the promotive and inhibitive effects of the parental genomes determines the developmental destiny of seeds.

Significance statement

We demonstrate that a stepwise increase in maternal ploidy results in a stepwise increase in seed abortion severity, leading to ovary abscission in plants. We propose a model explaining the abortion phenomena, where an interaction between the promotive and inhibitive effects of the parental genomes determines the developmental destiny of seeds.
Tunable polymer microgel particles and their study using microscopy and real‐time deformability cytometry
Authors: Sinjari Sheilan , Freitag Jessica S. , Herold Christoph , Otto Oliver , Smith David M. , Stöver Harald D. H.
Published: August 2020

We report the preparation and mechanical properties of highly swellable, spherical polymer microgels synthesized by precipitation copolymerization of divinylbenzene‐55 (DVB), 4‐methylstyrene (4MS), and maleic anhydride (MA) at different cross‐linker contents, in a range of methylethylketone (MEK) and heptane solvent mixtures. Microgels were characterized by optical and confocal microscopy, and their mechanical properties tested using real‐time deformability cytometry (RT‐DC), a technique developed to analyze cell properties by measuring deformation under shear stress. Hydrolysis of anhydride groups gave microgels with diameters ranging from 10 to 22 μm when swollen in saline, depending on vol% MEK and cross‐linker loading. Young's moduli of the microgels could be tuned from 0.8 to 10 kPa by adjusting cross‐linker content and MEK/heptane solvent composition, showing an inverse relationship between the effects of vol% MEK and %DVB on microgel properties. These microgels also show strain‐stiffening in response to increasing shear stresses. Extension of the RT‐DC method to the study of polymer colloids thus enables high‐throughput analysis of microgels with tunable mechanical characteristics.
Examination of factors contributing to help‐seeking behavior in accessing psychosocial support services among Japanese cancer patients: An application of the segmentation approach
Authors: Matsui Tomoko , Hirai Kei , Gondo Yasuyuki , Sato Shinichi
Published: August 2020

Objective

Various psychosocial support services for cancer patients are available in Japan; however, their utilization rate is low. The present study aimed to examine factors contributing to help‐seeking behavior in the use of psychosocial support services among cancer outpatients at three stages: Precontemplation (without adjustment disorder or major depression), Precontemplation (with adjustment disorder or major depression), and Contemplation.

Methods

We conducted a web‐based questionnaire survey at two points with a panel of cancer outpatients. We collected data on demographic information, physical status, the use of and intention to use psychosocial support services, psychological distress, attitude toward using psychosocial support services for cancer patients, and social support.

Results

In total, 395 cancer patients were analyzed. In the Precontemplation (without adjustment disorder or major depression) stage, resistance to help‐seeking (OR = 0.726, P = .011) and future prospects of the Brief Cancer‐Related Worry Inventory (OR = 1.012, P = .019) were significant. In the Precontemplation (with adjustment disorder or major depression) stage, only recommendation by medical staff or family (OR = 0.000, P = .026) had a significant effect. In the Contemplation stage, only social and interpersonal problems (OR = 0.942, P = .080) showed a significant (negative) trend.

Conclusions

This study showed that contributing factors differed by stage. To encourage the use of psychosocial support services, it is desirable to recommend the use and to develop interventions for promoting, with responding to patients' conditions and intentions rather than responding to everyone in the same way.
Physicochemical surface analysis and germination at different irrigation conditions of DBD plasma‐treated wheat seeds
Authors: Molina Ricardo , Lalueza Alba , López‐Santos Carmen , Ghobeira Rouba , Cools Pieter , Morent Rino , de Geyter Nathalie , González‐Elipe Agustín R.
Published: August 2020

Plasma treatment is increasingly being explored as an effective presowing treatment improving seed germination. This study examines the synergetic effect of the irrigation condition and the physicochemical surface properties of wheat seeds subjected to atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge plasma activation on their water uptake and germination. Extensive surface analysis revealed a remarkably enhanced wettability of plasma‐treated seeds due to the insertion of oxygen‐containing functionalities on their surface. However, long plasma exposures damaged the outermost layers of the pericarp due to a pronounced oxidative etching effect. Although the seed germination capacity was not affected by the plasma treatments, short plasma exposures were shown to enhance water uptake and accelerate seed germination, especially under water‐scarcity conditions.
Quantification of dose in plasma immersion ion implantation of polymer bone scaffolds: Probe diagnostics of a pulsed dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Katsifis Georgio A. , Suchowerska Natalka , McKenzie David R.
Published: August 2020

We demonstrate the ability of plasma immersion ion implantation to treat all surfaces of a porous polymer structure designed to act as a bone scaffold. We prove that the internal pore surfaces receive ion bombardment by examining the ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrum of a thin polymer sheet placed inside pores of different diameters and locations. The current–voltage characteristics of a Langmuir probe in a pulsed dielectric barrier discharge are studied and interpreted to give measurements of the ion current drawn from plasma in the pores. An existing one‐dimensional model of the plasma is adapted and combined with the Langmuir probe measurements to predict the ion dose to the pore surfaces. Our prediction agrees with measurements from UV absorption.
Study on ice nucleation temperature and water freezing in saline soils
Authors: Wan Xusheng , Liu Enlong , Qiu Enxi
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a computational model of the freezing point of soil and the nucleation rate of ice based on the soil volume for saline soils. Physicochemical methods and crystallization theory are used to explore the macroscopic mechanism of water freezing induced by ice crystallization, and the influence of water undercooling is discussed with regard to different soil volumes and salt contents. Growth sites, shapes, and sizes of ice crystals are determined by an assumption of heterogeneous nucleation, and the contact angle is introduced to represent a wide range of soils. The relationship between the initial contact angle and the salt content is analyzed quantitatively through an indoor cooling test and thermal difference analysis. Moreover, the van Genuchten model is applied to provide an equation for the unfrozen water content in salty soils, and the probability of ice formation is introduced to investigate the variation of contact angle during the soil freezing process. This study shows that the initial radius of an ice crystal decreases as the salt concentration decreases. The temperature of ice nucleation is determined mainly by the contact angle of ice crystals, which decreases as the soil volume increases and results in decreased supercooling.
Latent class analysis to identify clinical profiles among indigenous infants with bronchiolitis
Authors: Niu Hongqi , Chang Anne Bernadette , Oguoma Victor Maduabuchi , Wang Zhiqiang , McCallum Gabrielle Britt
Published: August 2020

Objective

Better phenotyping of the heterogenous bronchiolitis syndrome may lead to targeted future interventions. This study aims to identify severe bronchiolitis profiles among hospitalized Australian Indigenous infants, a population at risk of bronchiectasis, using latent class analysis (LCA).

Methods

We included prospectively collected clinical, viral, and nasopharyngeal bacteria data from 164 Indigenous infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis from our previous studies. We undertook multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) followed by LCA. The best‐fitting model for LCA was based on adjusted Bayesian information criteria and entropy R2.

Results

We identified five clinical profiles. Profile‐A's (23.8% of cohort) phenotype was previous preterm (90.7%), low birth‐weight (89.2%) and weight‐for‐length z‐score <−1 (82.7% from combining those with z‐score between −1 and −2 and those in the z‐score of <−2 group) previous respiratory hospitalization (39.6%) and bronchiectasis on chest high‐resolution computed tomography scan (35.4%). Profile‐B (25.3%) was characterized by the oxygen requirement (100%) and marked accessory muscle use (45.5%). Infants in profile‐C (7.0%) had the most severe disease, with oxygen requirement and bronchiectasis in 100%, moderate accessory muscle use (85% vs 0%‐51.4%) and bacteria detected (93.1% vs 56.7%‐72.0%). Profile‐D (11.6%) was dominated by rhinovirus (49.4%), mild accessory muscle use (73.8%), and weight‐for‐length z‐score <−2 (36.0%). Profile‐E (32.2%) included bronchiectasis (13.8%), RSV (44.0%), rhinovirus (26.3%) and any bacteria (72%).

Conclusion

Using LCA in Indigenous infants with severe bronchiolitis, we identified five clinical profiles with one distinct profile for bronchiectasis. LCA can characterize distinct phenotypes for severe bronchiolitis and infants at risk for future bronchiectasis, which may inform future targeted interventions.
Structuration of multilocus genotypes associated with insecticide resistance of the peach potato aphid,Myzus persicae(Sulzer), in potato fields in southern Belgium
Authors: Mingeot Dominique , Hautier Louis , Jansen Jean‐Pierre
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The peach potato aphid,Myzus persicae, has developed resistance to many insecticides. In Belgium,M. persicaeis one of the most common aphids in potato fields and one of the most effective virus vectors. We monitored resistance mutations to pyrethroids, carbamates and neonicotinoids and related these results to microsatellite genotyping to provide information to support the choice of management tactics.

RESULTS

Most of the 254 aphids tested (97.6%) displayed at least one mutation conferring resistance to pyrethroids (L1014F, M918L and M918T) and 36.2% additionally carried the modified acetylcholinesterase (MACE) carbamates resistance making them resistant to two insecticide action modes. Ten mutation combinations were detected, two of which were frequent and a strong linkage was found between MACE and M918L mutations. The R81T mutation conferring resistance to neonicotinoids was not detected. Microsatellites highlighted a moderate genetic diversity [69 multilocus genotypes (MLG) detected], severe deviations from Hardy–Weinberg expectations, a highly significant excess of heterozygotes and linkage disequilibrium between all pairs of loci. A structuration of MLGs in association with the mutation combinations was observed. Genetic differentiation was mainly not significant between sampling locations and most MLGs were geographically widespread. These results suggest the likely coexistence of parthenogenesis (obligatory or facultative) and sexual reproduction, and the existence of ‘old’ parthenogenetic overwintering asexual lineages.

CONCLUSION

The results of this monitoring at a regional scale provide useful information on insecticide resistance, genetic diversity and reproductive modes, and highlight the need to reduce the insecticide selection pressure and to implement mitigating techniques.
Transcriptome differential co‐expression reveals distinct molecular response of fall‐armyworm strains to DIMBOA
Authors: Silva‐Brandão Karina Lucas , Murad Natália Faraj , Peruchi Aline , Martins Carlos Henrique Zanini , Omoto Celso , Figueira Antonio , Brandão Marcelo Mendes , Trigo José Roberto
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

2,4‐dihydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐one (DIMBOA), the main benzoxazinoid found in corn, elicits variable larval responses from different pest moths. For the widespread and highly polyphagous Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the fall‐armyworm (FAW), DIMBOA acts as a feeding stimulant and improves larval growth at low concentrations. The FAW present two host plant‐related strains, corn and rice strains, related to host preference on corn and other Graminae or rice. Based on both host preference and strain divergence of the FAW on corn, a cereal containing DIMBOA, and rice, lacking this compound, we question if corn and rice strains larvae respond equally toward DIMBOA. We evaluated differential expression in the transcriptome of both midgut and fat body larval tissues of the two strains reared on either DIMBOA‐enriched artificial diet or control diet and inferred Bayesian networks.

RESULTS

We found differences in performance between corn and rice strain larvae reared on DIMBOA, as well as several differentially regulated contigs annotated as esterases, peptidases, transferases and reductases, all of them known for being related to responses of lepidopterans and other insects to DIMBOA. We also found a UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase very similar to others found in many lepidopterans occupying a central hub within a transferase Bayesian network, suggesting that it is essential to an effective response to DIMBOA in FAW.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that there is an intrinsic cost for FAW rice strain larvae to metabolize corn‐originated hydroxamic acids, which could have resulted in the partial host‐associated genetic isolation found at FAW field populations.
Construction of oxime ester derivatives of osthole from Cnidium monnieri, and evaluation of their agricultural activities and control efficiency
Authors: Ren Zili , Lv Min , Li Tianze , Hao Meng , Li Shaochen , Xu Hui
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

In order to discover natural‐product‐based pesticidal candidates, a series of coumarin‐like derivatives containing oxime ester fragments at the C‐8 position were prepared by structural modification of osthole, a natural plant product isolated from Cnidium monnieri. Their pesticidal activities were evaluated against two typically fruit trees/crop‐threatening agricultural pests, Mythimna separata Walker and Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval.

RESULTS

Osthole was regioselectively oxidized by selenium dioxide to give the E‐isomer, (2′E)‐3′‐formaldehydylosthole (2). Four key steric structures of 2, (2'E, 4'E)‐(o‐chloropyrid‐3‐ylcarbonyl)oximinylosthole (4o), (2'E, 4'E)‐(styrylcarbonyl)oximinylosthole (4t), and (2'E, 4'E)‐(acetyl)oximinylosthole (4w) were undoubtedly confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. Against T. cinnabarinus, it is noteworthy that (2′E, 4′E)‐(p‐chlorophenylcarbonyl)oximinylosthole (4c) exhibited over three‐fold more potent acaricidal activity of the precursor osthole, with especially good control efficiency observed in the glasshouse. Against M. separata, compounds 4c and (2′E, 4′E)‐(p‐nitrophenylcarbonyl)oximinylosthole (4f) showed the most pronounced growth inhibitory activity. The relationships between their structures and agricultural activities also were studied.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that compound 4c could be further structurally modified as pesticidal agents. It will lay the foundation for future application of osthole derivatives as pesticides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
International postgraduate students' labour mobility in the United Kingdom: A cross‐classified multilevel analysis
Authors: Zhan Meng , Downey Chris , Dyke Martin
Published: August 2020

This article models the migration flows of international students who have graduated from master's and doctoral programmes in UK universities. Previously, access to sufficient data from the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) data set on the destinations of higher education (HE) international students has been difficult, despite the fact that international student numbers have grown substantially. Two 1‐year extracts from the DLHE data set were analysed (2013/2014 and 2014/2015) using cross‐classified multilevel modelling in order to estimate influences on ‘stay rate’: the likelihood of highly skilled graduates remaining in the United Kingdom for work after graduation. The home domicile and the UK higher education institution (HEI) attended for study were modelled as random effects that allowed the variance in stay rate to be partitioned between the student, higher levels of domicile and HEI attended. Variance at the domicile level was estimated to be 1.67 times greater than variance at HEI level, indicating that home country is a better predictor of stay rates than the HEI attended. The cross‐classified model was a better fit to data than simpler, two‐level hierarchical models (students nested in domicile or students nested in HEI attended). A number of student, domicile‐ and HEI‐level factors were added to the models. At HEI level, attending a Russell Group university and university location outside London were factors that led to significantly lower likelihood of graduates staying in the United Kingdom for work. At the domicile level, none of four factors (GDP, unemployment rates, English language and commonwealth affiliation) were significant in predicting stay rates.