bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption process of naproxen onto peanut shell‐derived biosorbent: important role of n–π interaction and van der Waals force
Authors: Tomul Fatma , Arslan Yasin , Kabak Burcu , Trak Diğdem , Tran Hai Nguyen
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Low‐cost biosorbent (derived from peanut shells) with abundant oxygen‐containing functional groups can effectively adsorb the naproxen drug in solution. This study aimed to explore the main interactions responsible for adsorbing naproxen and develop several conventional methods for identifying primary adsorption mechanism. Some important operation parameters strongly effecting the adsorption process and mechanism were investigated and discussed.

RESULTS

A fast adsorption equilibrium can be reached at approximately 120 min. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity of biosorbent towards naproxen (Qomax; mg g−1) was 55.1 mg g−1. The study of adsorption thermodynamics indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous (∆G° ≈ −21 kJ mol−1) and exothermic (∆H° = −14.9 kJ mol−1), and van der Waals force played an important role in the adsorption mechanism. Another important contribution of n–π interaction between the carbonyl groups on the biosorbent's surface and the aromatic rings in naproxen molecules was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and a traditional method. Such n–π interaction cannot be well performed when carbonyl groups were oxidized into carboxylic groups under H2O2 treatment. Peanut shells exhibited an excellent adsorption capacity to various pollutants such as lead (Qomax = 167 mg g−1), cadmium (103 mg g−1), cobalt (88.8 mg g−1), diclofenac (56.1 mg g−1), and bisphenol A (24.5 mg g−1).

CONCLUSIONS

Simple methods were developed to identify the important role of van der Waals force and n–π interaction in the adsorption process of naproxen. Such methods might be applied to identify the similar adsorption mechanisms of other aromatic adsorbates onto other materials with similar properties. Peanut shells can serve as a promising biosorbent for eliminating naproxen and other pollutants from water environment. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Distribution and evolution of H1N1 influenza A viruses with adamantanes‐resistant mutations worldwide from 1918 to 2019
Authors: He Weijun , Zhang Weixu , Yan Huixin , Xu Hefeng , Xie Yuan , Wu Qizhong , Wang Chengmin , Dong Guoying
Published: November 2020

H1N1 influenza is a kind of acute respiratory infectious disease that has a high socioeconomic and medical burden each year around the world. In the past decades, H1N1 influenza viruses have exhibited high resistance to adamantanes, which has become a serious issue. To understand the up‐to‐date distribution and evolution of H1N1 influenza viruses with adamantanes‐resistant mutations, we conducted a deep analysis of 15875 M2 protein and 8351 MP nucleotides sequences. Results of the distribution analyses showed that 77.32% of H1N1 influenza viruses harbored‐resistance mutations of which 73.52% were S31N, And the mutant variants mainly appeared in North America and Europe and H1N1 influenza viruses with S31N mutation became the circulating strains since 2009 all over the world. In addition, 80.65% of human H1N1 influenza viruses and 74.61% of swine H1N1 influenza viruses exhibited adamantanes resistance, while the frequency was only 1.86% in avian H1N1 influenza viruses. Studies from evolutionary analyses indicated that the avian‐origin swine H1N1 influenza viruses replaced the classical human H1N1 influenza viruses and became the circulating strains after 2009; The interspecies transmission among avian, swine, and human strains over the past 20 years contributed to the 2009 swine influenza pandemic. Results of our study clearly clarify the historical drug resistance level of H1N1 influenza viruses around the world and demonstrated the evolution of adamantanes‐resistant mutations in H1N1 influenza viruses. Our findings emphasize the necessity for monitoring the adamantanes susceptibility of H1N1 influenza viruses and draw attention to analyses of the evolution of drug‐resistant H1N1 influenza variants.
High value of mid‐regional proadrenomedullin in COVID‐19: A marker of widespread endothelial damage, disease severity, and mortality
Authors: Spoto Silvia , Agrò Felice E. , Sambuco Federica , Travaglino Francesco , Valeriani Emanuele , Fogolari Marta , Mangiacapra Fabio , Costantino Sebastiano , Ciccozzi Massimo , Angeletti Silvia
Published: November 2020

The widespread endothelial damage due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) may lead to a disruption of the adrenomedullin (ADM) system responsible for vascular leakage, increased inflammatory status, and microvascular alteration with multi‐organs dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of mid‐regional proadrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) as a marker of SARS‐CoV2 related widespread endothelial damage, clinically identified by organs damage, disease severity and mortality. Patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection has been prospectively enrolled and demographic characteristic, clinical and laboratory data has been evaluated. In the overall population, 58% developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), 23.3% of patients died, 6.5% acute cardiac injury, 1.4% of patients developed acute ischemic stroke, 21.2% acute kidney injury, 11.8% acute liver damage, and 5.4% septic shock. The best MR‐proADM cut‐off values for ARDS development and mortality prediction were 3.04 and 2 nmol/L, respectively. Patients presenting with MR‐proADM values ≥2 nmol/L showed a significantly higher mortality risk. In conclusion, MR‐proADM values ≥2 nmol/L identify those patients with high mortality risk related to a multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. These patients must be carefully evaluated and considered for an intensive therapeutic approach.
Obesity aggravates COVID‐19: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Jun , Tian Congmin , Chen Ying , Zhu Chunyan , Chi Hongyu , Li Jiahao
Published: November 2020

This review aimed to evaluate the impact of obesity on the onset, exacerbation, and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19); and compare the effects of different degrees of obesity. PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched to find articles published between December 1, 2019, and July 27, 2020. Only observational studies with specific obesity definition were included. Literature screening and data extraction were conducted simultaneously by two researchers. A random‐effects model was used to merge the effect quantity. Sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta‐regression analysis were used to deal with the heterogeneity among studies. Forty‐one studies with 219,543 subjects and 115,635 COVID‐19 patients were included. Subjects with obesity were more likely to have positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test results (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.37–1.63, I2 = 69.2%); COVID‐19 patients with obesity had a higher incidence of hospitalization (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.33–1.78, I2 = 60.9%); hospitalized COVID‐19 patients with obesity had a higher incidence of intensive care unit admission (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.24–1.77, I2 = 67.5%), invasive mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.31–1.65, I2 = 18.8%), and in‐hospital mortality (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04–1.26, I2 = 74.4%). A higher degree of obesity also indicated a higher risk of almost all of the above events. The region may be one of the causes of heterogeneity. Obesity could promote the occurrence of the whole course of COVID‐19. A higher degree of obesity may predict a higher risk. Further basic and clinical therapeutic research needs to be strengthened.
A Theory of Planned Behavior Scale for Adherence to Trauma‐Focused Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatments
Authors: Meis Laura A. , Noorbaloochi Siamak , Hagel Campbell Emily M. , Erickson Emily P. G. , Velasquez Tina L. , Leverty David M. , Thompson Katie , Erbes Christopher
Published: November 2020

Evidence‐based psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure (CPT/PE), greatly reduce suffering for veterans, but many veterans fail to complete treatment. Developing a theory‐based understanding of adherence is necessary to inform interventions to improve treatment retention. We developed and tested a series of scales applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to CPT/PE adherence. The scales were administered in mailed surveys as part of a larger mixed‐methods study of veteran adherence to PE/CPT. Surveys were sent to 379 veterans who were initiating CPT/PE across four U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and 207 of their loved ones. Subsequent session attendance and homework compliance were coded via a review of electronic medical records. We examined item‐level characteristics, factor structure, and the convergent and discriminant validity of the resultant scales. The findings support four subscales: two related to attitudes (i.e., Treatment Makes Sense and Treatment Fits Needs), one related to perceived behavioral control over participation (i.e., Participation Control), and one related to perceived family attitudes about CPT/PE participation (i.e., Subjective Norms). Scale validity was supported through significant associations with theoretically relevant constructs, including intentions to persist in CPT/PE,rs = .19–.38; treatment completion,rs = .21–.25; practical treatment barriers,rs = −.19 to −.24; and therapeutic alliance,rs = .39–.57.
Electrical Actuation of Coated and Composite Fibers Based on Poly[ethylene‐co‐(vinyl acetate)]
Authors: Farhan Muhammad , Chaudhary Deeptangshu , Nöchel Ulrich , Behl Marc , Kratz Karl , Lendlein Andreas
Published: November 2020

Robots are typically controlled by electrical signals. Resistive heating is an option to electrically trigger actuation in thermosensitive polymer systems. In this study electrically triggerable poly[ethylene‐co‐(vinyl acetate)] (PEVA)‐based fiber actuators are realized as composite fibers as well as polymer fibers with conductive coatings. In the coated fibers, the core consists of crosslinked PEVA (cPEVA), while the conductive coating shell is achieved via a dip coating procedure with a coating thickness between 10 and 140 µm. The conductivity of coated fibers σ = 300–550 S m−1 is much higher than that of the composite fibers σ = 5.5 S m−1. A voltage (U) of 110 V is required to heat 30 cm of coated fiber to a targeted temperature of ≈ 65 °C for switching in less than a minute. Cyclic electrical actuation investigations reveal ε′rev = 5 ± 1% reversible change in length for coated fibers. The fabrication of such electro‐conductive polymeric actuators is suitable for upscaling so that their application potential as artificial muscles can be explored in future studies.
Robust Fabrication of Fluorescent Cellulosic Materials via Hantzsch Reaction
Authors: Wang Ruochun , Sun Siwen , Wang Bijia , Mao Zhiping , Xu Hong , Feng Xueling , Sui Xiaofeng
Published: November 2020

Hantzsch reaction is one of the typical multicomponent reactions (MCRs), and it is employed herein to endow cellulosic materials with fluorescent properties. For example, acetoacetyl (ACAC)‐bearing cotton fabric prepared via transesterification with tert‐butyl acetoacetate is subjected to an aqueous Hantzsch reaction with formaldehyde and ammonium acetate at ambient temperature. A strong fluorescent emission around 460 nm is achieved within 10 min. XPS, fluorescent spectroscopy, and elemental analysis are used to confirm the presence of 1,4‐dihydropyridine (DHP) rings on the surface of the fabric. TGA, SEM, XRD, and mechanical testing results show that the modification process has minimum impact on intrinsic properties of the fabric. The strategy is also shown to be generally applicable to various forms of cellulosic materials and different aldehydes. This fast and simple approach enriches the application of MCR in modification of cellulose and cellulose derivatives.
Thermal Simulation and Warping Deformation Experimental Study of PEEK in Material Extrusion
Authors: Han Jiang , Tong Ju , Tian Xiaoqing , Xia Lian , Ma Dingyifei
Published: November 2020

Polyether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) is a high‐performance biomaterial, which can be used to fabricate dentures, mandible, and other human implants. However, when the material extrusion (MEX) method is employed to print parts using PEEK material, the parts are prone to warpage deformation, which affects the fabrication quality of PEEK parts. Moreover, the uneven temperature field adversely affects the crystallization of PEEK, causing the printed objects with hazel appearance which affects the beauty of the denture. In this paper, finite element analysis is initially performed to study the temperature and stress fields of PEEK under different printing parameters in MEX. Second, the response surface method is used to evaluate the accuracy of the simulation results. Furthermore, a mathematical model of the relationship between warping deformation and the affecting factors during MEX is obtained. The simulation and experimental results show that the temperature field, stress field, and final warping deformation are positively correlated with the extruded filament width, printing speed, and molding chamber temperature, while they are negatively correlated with the nozzle temperature. The impact of each parameter in a descending order is: extruded filament width, printing speed, molding chamber temperature, and nozzle temperature.
Fosmetpantotenate Randomized Controlled Trial in Pantothenate Kinase–Associated Neurodegeneration
Authors: Klopstock Thomas , Videnovic Aleksandar , Bischoff Almut Turid , Bonnet Cecilia , Cif Laura , Comella Cynthia , Correa‐Vela Marta , Escolar Maria L. , Fraser Jamie L. , Gonzalez Victoria , Hermanowicz Neal , Jech Robert , Jinnah Hyder A. , Kmiec Tomasz , Lang Anthony , Martí Maria J. , Mercimek‐Andrews Saadet , Monduy Migvis , Nimmo Graeme A.M. , Perez‐Dueñas Belen , Pfeiffer Helle Cecilie Viekilde , Planellas Lluis , Roze Emmanuel , Thakur Nivedita , Tochen Laura , Vanegas‐Arroyave Nora , Zorzi Giovanna , Burns Colleen , Greblikas Feriandas
Published: November 2020

Background

Pantothenate kinase–associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) currently has no approved treatments.

Objectives

The Fosmetpantotenate Replacement Therapy pivotal trial examined whether treatment with fosmetpantotenate improves PKAN symptoms and stabilizes disease progression.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter study evaluated fosmetpantotenate, 300 mg oral dose three times daily, versus placebo over a 24‐week double‐blind period. Patients with pathogenic variants of PANK2, aged 6 to 65 years, with a score ≥6 on the PKAN‐Activities of Daily Living (PKAN‐ADL) scale were enrolled. Patients were randomized to active (fosmetpantotenate) or placebo treatment, stratified by weight and age. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline at week 24 in PKAN‐ADL.

Results

Between July 23, 2017, and December 18, 2018, 84 patients were randomized (fosmetpantotenate: n = 41; placebo: n = 43); all 84 patients were included in the analyses. Six patients in the placebo group discontinued treatment; two had worsening dystonia, two had poor compliance, and two died of PKAN‐related complications (aspiration during feeding and disease progression with respiratory failure, respectively). Fosmetpantotenate and placebo group PKAN‐ADL mean (standard deviation) scores were 28.2 (11.4) and 27.4 (11.5) at baseline, respectively, and were 26.9 (12.5) and 24.5 (11.8) at week 24, respectively. The difference in least square mean (95% confidence interval) at week 24 between fosmetpantotenate and placebo was −0.09 (−1.69 to 1.51; P = 0.9115). The overall incidence of treatment‐emergent serious adverse events was similar in the fosmetpantotenate (8/41; 19.5%) and placebo (6/43; 14.0%) groups.

Conclusions

Treatment with fosmetpantotenate was safe but did not improve function assessed by the PKAN‐ADL in patients with PKAN. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Influence of closed incision negative‐pressure therapy on abdominal donor‐site morbidity in microsurgical breast reconstruction
Authors: Siegwart Laura C. , Sieber Laura , Fischer Sebastian , Maraka Spyridoula , Kneser Ulrich , Kotsougiani‐Fischer Dimitra
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Closed incision negative‐pressure therapy (CINPT) has been shown to shorten the time to heal in post‐bariatric abdominoplasty and to lower seroma rates in cosmetic abdominoplasty. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of CINPT on donor‐site morbidity following abdominal‐based free‐flap breast reconstruction.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed medical records from 225 women who had undergone 300 microsurgical free‐flap breast reconstructions from the abdomen from November 1, 2007 to March 31, 2019. Patients were grouped according to wound therapy, including 127 patients in the standard of care group and 98 patients in the CINPT group. Primary outcomes were minor (non‐operative) and major (operative) surgical site complications. Secondary outcomes were time to drain removal, in‐hospital length, and scar quality.

Results

Analysis of patient demographics showed an equal distribution with regard to the age, smoking status, prevalence of diabetes mellitus, preoperative chemotherapy, and previous abdominal surgery in both groups. Significantly more patients with obesity (29.6 vs. 15.8%; p = .01) and bilateral breast reconstruction (40.8 vs. 27.6%; p = .04) were included in the CINPT group. Compared to standard of care, the CINPT group had a lower incidence of major surgical site complications (26.0 vs. 11.2%; p = .001). There was no difference in minor surgical site complications and secondary outcomes between groups.

Conclusion

The CINPT represents a reliable tool to reduce surgical site complications on the abdominal donor‐site in abdominal‐based free‐flap breast reconstruction.
A self‐similar solution to time‐fractional Stefan problem
Authors: Kubica A. , Ryszewska K.
Published: November 2020

We derive the fractional version of one‐phase one‐dimensional Stefan model. We assume that the diffusive flux is given by the time‐fractional Riemann‐Liouville derivative; that is, we impose the memory effect in the examined model. Furthermore, we find a special solution to this problem.
Schrödinger networks and their Cartesian products
Authors: Abodayeh K. , Anandam V.
Published: November 2020

A Schrödinger network is a suitable infinite graph on which certain potential‐theoretic aspects of the discrete Schrödinger equation can be studied. It is shown that the positive solutions of this discrete equation can be represented as integrals. The Cartesian product of Schrödinger networks, which has a bearing on Markov chains, is investigated. Also, we give a characterization of minimal positive harmonic functions on the the Cartesian product of Schrödinger networks.
An optimized b‐value distribution for triexponential intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) in the liver
Authors: Riexinger Andreas , Martin Jan , Wetscherek Andreas , Kuder Tristan Anselm , Uder Michael , Hensel Bernhard , Laun Frederik Bernd
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To find an optimized b‐value distribution for reproducible triexponential intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) exams in the liver.

Methods

A numeric optimization of b‐value distributions was performed using the triexponential IVIM equation and 27 different IVIM parameter sets. Starting with an initially optimized distribution of 6 b‐values, the number of b‐values was increased stepwise. Each new b‐value was chosen from a set of 64 predefined b‐values based on the computed summed relative mean error of the fitted triexponential IVIM parameters. This process was repeated for up to 100 b‐values. In simulations and in vivo measurements, optimized b‐value distributions were compared to 4 representative distributions found in literature.

Results

The first 16 optimized b‐values were 0, 0.3, 0.3, 70, 200, 800, 70, 1, 3.5, 5, 70, 1.2, 6, 45, 1.5, and 60 in units of s/mm2. Low b‐values were much more frequent than high b‐values. The optimized b‐value distribution resulted in a higher fit stability compared to distributions used in literature in both, simulation and in vivo measurements. Using more than 6 b‐values, ideally 16 or more, increased the fit stability considerably.

Conclusion

Using optimized b‐values, the fit uncertainty in triexponential IVIM can be largely reduced. Ideally, 16 or more b‐values should be acquired.
Musculoskeletal pain and loneliness, social support and social engagement among older adults: Analysis of the Oxford Pain, Activity and Lifestyle cohort
Authors: Nicolson Philippa J. A. , Williamson Esther , Morris Alana , Sanchez‐Santos Maria T. , Bruce Julie , Silman Alan , Lamb Sarah E.
Published: November 2020

Background

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is common in older adults. Physical and psychological consequences of MSK pain have been established, but it is also important to consider the social impact. We aimed to estimate the association between MSK pain and loneliness, social support and social engagement.

Methods

We used baseline data from the Oxford Pain, Activity and Lifestyle study. Participants were community‐dwelling adults aged 65 years or older from across England. Participants reported demographic information, MSK pain by body site, loneliness, social support and social engagement. We categorised pain by body regions affected (upper limb, lower limb and spinal). Widespread pain was defined as pain in all three regions. We used logistic regression models to estimate associations between distribution of pain and social factors, controlling for covariates.

Results

Of the 4977 participants analysed, 4193 (84.2%) reported any MSK pain, and one‐quarter (n = 1298) reported widespread pain. Individuals reporting any pain were more likely to report loneliness (OR [odds ratio]: 1.62; 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.32–1.97) or insufficient social support (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.08–2.19) compared to those reporting no pain. Widespread pain had the strongest association with loneliness (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.53–2.46) and insufficient social support (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.14–2.54). Pain was not associated with social engagement.

Conclusions

Older adults commonly report MSK pain, which is associated with loneliness and perceived insufficiency of social support. This finding highlights to clinicians and researchers the need to consider social implications of MSK pain in addition to physical and psychological consequences.
Pareto‐optimization of three‐agent scheduling to minimize the total weighted completion time, weighted number of tardy jobs, and total weighted late work
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Yuan Jinjiang , Ng Chi To , Cheng Tai Chiu E.
Published: November 2020

We consider three‐agent scheduling on a single machine in which the criteria of the three agents are to minimize the total weighted completion time, the weighted number of tardy jobs, and the total weighted late work, respectively. The problem is to find the set of all the Pareto‐optimal points, that is, the Pareto frontier, and their corresponding Pareto‐optimal schedules. Since the above problem is unary NP‐hard, we study the problem under the restriction that the jobs of the first agent have inversely agreeable processing times and weights, that is, the smaller the processing time of a job is, the greater its weight is. For this restricted problem, which is NP‐hard, we present a pseudo‐polynomial‐time algorithm to find the Pareto frontier. We also show that, for various special versions, the time complexity of solving the problem can be further reduced.
Body Fatness Influences Associations of Body Composition and Energy Expenditure with Energy Intake in Healthy Women
Authors: Casanova Nuno , Beaulieu Kristine , Oustric Pauline , O’Connor Dominic , Gibbons Catherine , Duarte Cristiana , Blundell John , Stubbs R. James , Finlayson Graham , Hopkins Mark
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the influence of body fatness on the associations of body composition and energy expenditure (EE) with energy intake (EI).

Methods

Data from 93 women (BMI = 25.5 [SD 4.2] kg/m2) recruited for two studies (Study 1,n = 48, BMI = 25.0‐34.9 kg/m2; Study 2,n = 45, BMI = 18.5‐24.9 kg/m2) were examined. Body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and test meal EI were assessed during a laboratory probe day. Physical activity, total daily EE (TDEE), and self‐reported free‐living 24‐hour EI were collected during 7 days.

Results

In the whole sample, fat‐free mass (r = 0.45;P < 0.001), RMR (r = 0.41;P < 0.001), and TDEE (r = 0.39;P < 0.001), but not fat mass (r = 0.17;P = 0.11), were positively associated with free‐living 24‐hour EI. Body fat percentage moderated the associations of RMR (β = −1.88;P = 0.02) and TDEE (β = −1.91;P = 0.03) with mean free‐living 24‐hour EI. Fat mass was negatively associated with test meal EI only in the leaner group (r = −0.43;P = 0.004), and a weak nonlinear association was observed in the whole sample (r2 = 0.092;P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Body fat percentage appears to moderate the associations between EE and daily EI. Furthermore, the negative association between fat mass and test meal EI observed in leaner individuals was absent in those with higher body fatness. Therefore, higher levels of body fatness may weaken the coupling between EE and EI.
Efficacy of a combined insecticide–rodenticide product on ectoparasite and commensal rodent mortality
Authors: Hinds Lyn A , Grice David , Watson Duncan M , Jacob Jens
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Ectoparasites may transfer zoonotic pathogens from rodents to humans or livestock when rodents are managed with rodenticides. This could be minimized using a product combining a rodenticide with a delayed action and a systemic insecticide/acaricide that rapidly kills ectoparasites. Such a combination was tested in commensal pest rodent species to assess efficacy and timing of responses in rodents, and fleas and ticks feeding on them. Ticks or fleas attached to rats (Rattus norvegicus) and house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) were exposed to a product containing brodifacoum (50 ppm) and fipronil (40 ppm) for three days.

RESULTS

98–100% of fleas on treated rodents died within one to two days after first exposure, whereas >90% fleas survived on control rodents. The effect persisted for four or more days after bait uptake. Ticks started to succumb to the effect of the combination product within one day (mice) and within four days (rats) of first exposure, with all ticks dying by Day (D)8. Tick survival in control rodents was 90–100%. Rodent mortality began at D3 (rats) and D4 (mice) after first consumption of product and all were dead by D9 (rats) and D7 (mice).

CONCLUSION

This product effectively killed ectoparasites and rodents. Flea mortality was swift and complete, generally within one day of exposure, whereas it took ticks up to four days to die, but before the rats and house mice died. The combination product might help to prevent ectoparasites migrating from dying rodents to another host. Field trials are warranted. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Low reduction of invasive ant colony productivity with an insect growth regulator
Authors: Yeeles Peter , Strain Angela , Lenancker Pauline , Lach Lori
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Insect growth regulators (IGRs) generally are considered to have safer eco‐toxicological profiles than the more commonly used neurotoxins and metabolic inhibitors, and are extremely effective against several insect groups, including some invasive ant species. However, use of an IGR product in a large‐scale eradication program for a widespread invasive ant (Anoploepis gracilipes; yellow crazy ant) was ineffective. We tested the IGR in question (active ingredient: (S)‐methoprene) onA. gracilipescolonies in a laboratory environment to evaluate efficacy.

RESULTS

We found that treatment with (S)‐methoprene resulted in lower egg production with subsequently decreased numbers of larvae, pupae, and workers over the 135 days of the experiment. None of the treated colonies died, and the number of worker ants in treated colonies was 36% of that seen in control colonies 135 days post‐treatment. Treated queen egg production was 39% lower than queens in control colonies, but we saw no effect of treatment on the internal physiology of dissected queens. Treatment had no effect on worker activity levels.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that although (S)‐methoprene treatment reduced production of larvae, pupae and workers in treated colonies, the magnitude of reduction was lower than might be expected considering the responses of other species against which this IGR has been tested. Our findings highlight a need for testing species‐specific responses to IGR‐based insecticides in a controlled environment, before broad‐scale field applications that could result in suboptimal management of the target species. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Robust functional expression of insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors provides new insights into neonicotinoid actions and new opportunities for pest and vector control
Authors: Matsuda Kazuhiko
Published: November 2020

Neonicotinoids are selective modulators of insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). These widely deployed insecticides interact with the orthosteric sites of nAChRs, not only to activate nAChRs on their own, but also to block the desensitizing component of nAChR responses. To date recombinant vertebrate or insect/vertebrate hybrid nAChRs have been deployed to understand the mechanism of selectivity and diversity of neonicotinoid actions as well as to show that both α/α and α/non‐α interfaces are involved in the interactions with neonicotinoids. However, many of the fine details of insecticide interactions with sites on nAChRs remain to be resolved. The breakthrough of functional expression of insect nAChRs allows such questions to be addressed, not only for neonicotinoids but for other insecticides targeting insect nAChRs. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Forficula auricularia (Dermaptera) in orchards: Monitoring seasonal activity, the effect of pesticides, and the perception of European fruit growers on its role as a predator or pest
Authors: Jana Niedobová , Michal Skalský , Jana Ouředníčková , Radek Michalko
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

We investigated several aspects that could affect the role of the European earwig (Forficula auricularia) as a generalist predator in orchards: (i) seasonal activity in apple orchards, (ii) effectiveness of two cardboard trap types (roll vs tape) to enhance earwig densities, (iii) the effect of pesticides (chlorpyrifos‐methyl, spinosad, indoxacarb, spirotetramat, pirimicarb, sulphur, fluopyram tebuconazole) on earwig survival and behaviour, and (iv) the perception of European fruit growers of the earwigs’ role as a predator or pest.

RESULTS

The highest activity of earwigs in apple trees was observed in summer. Roll traps were a more effective capture method than tape traps. The roll traps also significantly increased earwig abundances in trees. Only the earwigs exposed to the insecticides indoxacarb, spinosad and chlorpyrifos‐methyl had significantly higher mortality and more erratic behaviour than earwigs from the control treatment. Earwigs from orchards with long‐term (>10 years) application of chlorpyrifos‐methyl had significantly lower mortality when exposed to this insecticide than earwigs from nonsprayed orchards. The fruit growers perceived earwigs as natural enemies of aphids and psyllids but also as pests. However, they regarded the damage caused by earwigs as economically unimportant without the necessity for management against them.

CONCLUSION

Fruit growers can increase earwig densities by installing rolled cardboard bands around trees. The highest seasonal activity of European earwigs coincides with applications of insecticides in orchards. This could disturb the earwigs' potential to suppress pest populations because several insecticides widely used in orchards have lethal and sublethal effects on earwigs even though they seem to develop some degree of pesticide resistance over time. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Distribution‐free composite Shewhart‐GWMA Mann‐Whitney charts for monitoring the process location
Authors: Mabude Kutele , Malela‐Majika Jean‐Claude , Aslam Muhammad , Chong Zhi Lin , Shongwe Sandile C.
Published: November 2020

The Mann‐Whitney (MW) statistic is one of the most recommended two‐sample statistical tests when the assumption of normality fails to hold due to its robustness and fascinating properties especially when small sample sizes are involved. In order to improve the sensitivity of the generally weighted moving average (GWMA) monitoring scheme toward the detection of large shifts, in this paper, a new distribution‐free phase II composite Shewhart‐GWMA (CSG) scheme is proposed using the MW U statistic. The performance of the proposed scheme is investigated using the average run‐length (ARL) and average extra quadratic loss (AEQL) values through extensive simulations. The performance of this newly proposed monitoring scheme is found to be superior when compared to numerous memory‐type MW schemes (some existing and others introduced in this paper) in many situations. An illustrative example is given to demonstrate the implementation of the CSG MW U scheme using real‐life data.
Dynamic failure analysis of renewable energy systems in the remote offshore environments
Authors: Nitonye Samson , Adumene Sidum , Sigalo Barivure Marvin , Orji Charles Ugochukwu , Kpegele Le‐ol Anthony
Published: November 2020

For effective integrity management of marine renewable energy systems in the dynamic and uncertain ocean environments, understanding the failure dynamics is crucial. The cost of investment in marine/offshore renewable energy infrastructures and the associated cost due to failure and loss of energy production necessitate a predictive monitoring methodology that is dynamic and adaptive. This paper presents an integrated multi‐state pure‐birth‐pure‐death Markovian‐net profit value model for the offshore turbine subsystem failure analysis and its cost‐based consequences. The integrated model captures the offshore turbine subsystem's dynamic failure states and its economic implications due to the cost of energy loss and downtime for the period under consideration. The model applies a phase‐type exponential distribution to describe the monotonic state of failure. The methodology is demonstrated with an offshore wind turbine gearbox, and it captures the dynamic state of the system and its failure mechanisms. The cumulative effect of the subelements deterioration decreases the gearbox performance by over 35% within the first 2 years of operation.
Isolation, detection, and quantification of hydrolyzable tannins of the biosynthetic pathway by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Saha Sanjib , Imran Iqbal Bin
Published: November 2020

Rationale

Hydrolyzable tannins (HTs) are widely distributed complex secondary metabolites with potential bioactivities and health‐promoting benefits. A highly sensitive compound‐specific ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) method is required for their successful detection and quantification in order to advance the study of these compounds.

Methods

In this study, 36 HTs belonging to the HT biosynthetic pathway covering 13 major branches were extracted by cold extraction and fractionated by Sephadex LH‐20 size‐exclusion chromatography. Followed fractionation, the HTs were purified by semipreparative HPLC so that they could be used for the development of a UHPLC/QqQ‐MS/MS multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method for their characterization. The cone voltage and collision energy for each HT were extensively optimized during the development of the MRM method.

Results

The developed method was very useful for the detection and quantification of marker tannins with a low limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ), depending on the size and complexity of the structures of the HTs. Each isolated compound was successfully identified and characterized by UHPLC/ESI‐Orbitrap‐MS/MS analysis. In addition, a new methodology for cold extraction and fractionation by Sephadex LH‐20 chromatography has been developed for the targeted extraction of HTs.

Conclusions

This study has provided a compound‐specific MRM method for the detection and quantification of representative HTs from diverse phytochemical samples that can thus be used in large‐scale screening tests to pinpoint the major biosynthetic branches of HTs utilized by plants to accumulate specific types of HTs.
Scalable consensus filtering for uncertain systems over sensor networks with Round‐Robin protocol
Authors: Han Fei , Wang Zidong , Chen Guanrong , Dong Hongli
Published: November 2020

This article is concerned with the scalable distributedH∞‐consensus filtering problem for a class of discrete time‐varying systems over sensor networks with the Round‐Robin protocol (RRP). The challenge comes from the fact that the time‐varying parameters of the network are subject to randomly occurring norm‐bounded uncertainties and the measurement outputs of the sensor nodes are saturated due to the sector nonlinearities. For preventing data collisions and saving energy, the RRP determines which neighboring node can access the shared network for information transmission at each time step. AnH∞performance index is proposed to characterize the disturbance attenuation level of the resulting filtering error dynamics. By stochastic analysis in combination with the recursive matrix inequality approach, a distributed filtering algorithm is developed for each individual sensor node to ensure the prespecified estimation performance. Finally, an illustrative simulation example is shown to verify the effectiveness and applicability of the theoretical results.
Meta‐analysis of quantile intervals from different studies with an application to a pulmonary tuberculosis data
Authors: Ozturk Omer , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy
Published: November 2020

After the completion of many studies, experimental results are reported in terms of distribution‐free confidence intervals that may involve pairs of order statistics. This article considers a meta‐analysis procedure to combine these confidence intervals from independent studies to estimate or construct a confidence interval for the true quantile of the population distribution. Data synthesis is made under both fixed‐effect and random‐effect meta‐analysis models. We show that mean square error (MSE) of the combined quantile estimator is considerably smaller than that of the best individual quantile estimator. We also show that the coverage probability of the meta‐analysis confidence interval is quite close to the nominal confidence level. The random‐effect meta‐analysis model yields a better coverage probability and smaller MSE than the fixed‐effect meta‐analysis model. The meta‐analysis method is then used to synthesize medians of patient delays in pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis in China to provide an illustration of the proposed methodology.
Plasmonic Titanium Nitride Facilitates Indium Oxide CO2 Photocatalysis
Authors: Nguyen Nhat Truong , Yan Tingjiang , Wang Lu , Loh Joel Yi Yang , Duchesne Paul N. , Mao Chengliang , Li Pei‐Cheng , Ali Feysal M. , Xia Meikun , Ghoussoub Mireille , Kherani Nazir P. , Lu Zheng‐Hong , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: November 2020

Nanoscale titanium nitride TiN is a metallic material that can effectively harvest sunlight over a broad spectral range and produce high local temperatures via the photothermal effect. Nanoscale indium oxide‐hydroxide, In2O3−x(OH)y, is a semiconducting material capable of photocatalyzing the hydrogenation of gaseous CO2; however, its wide electronic bandgap limits its absorption of photons to the ultraviolet region of the solar spectrum. Herein, the benefits of both nanomaterials in a ternary heterostructure: TiN@TiO2@In2O3−x(OH)y are combined. This heterostructured material synergistically couples the metallic TiN and semiconducting In2O3−x(OH)y phases via an interfacial semiconducting TiO2 layer, allowing it to drive the light‐assisted reverse water gas shift reaction at a conversion rate greatly surpassing that of its individual components or any binary combinations thereof.
Nanometric Chemical Analysis of Beam‐Sensitive Materials: A Case Study of STEM‐EDX on Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kosasih Felix Utama , Cacovich Stefania , Divitini Giorgio , Ducati Caterina
Published: November 2020

Quantitative chemical analysis on the nanoscale provides valuable information on materials and devices which can be used to guide further improvements to their performance. In particular, emerging families of technologically relevant composite materials such as organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskites and metal‐organic frameworks stand to benefit greatly from such characterization. However, these nanocomposites are also vulnerable to damage induced by analytical probes such as electron, X‐ray, or neutron beams. Here the effect of electrons on a model hybrid halide perovskite is investigated, focusing on the acquisition parameters appropriate for energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM‐EDX). The acquisition parameters are systematically varied to examine the relationship between electron dose, data quality, and beam damage. Five metrics are outlined to assess the quality of STEM‐EDX data and severity of beam damage, further validated by dark field STEM imaging. Loss of iodine through vacancy creation is found to be the primary manifestation of electron beam damage in the perovskite specimen, and iodine content is seen to decrease exponentially with electron dose. This work demonstrates data acquisition and analysis strategies that can be used for studying electron beam damage and for achieving reliable quantification for a broad range of beam‐sensitive materials.
Indo‐AsianEriolaenaexpanded to include two Malagasy genera, and other generic realignments based on molecular phylogenetics of Dombeyoideae (Malvaceae)
Authors: Dorr Laurence J. , Wurdack Kenneth J.
Published: November 2020

Molecular phylogenetic analyses of Malvaceae subfamily Dombeyoideae based on a 6‐marker dataset sampling all 21 currently accepted genera (including extinctAstyria) yielded improved resolution and evidence for multiple generic circumscription problems. The taxonomy of the subfamily is adjusted with the synonymization of 10 genera (eight in current use) and the description of one new one, for a revised Dombeyoideae comprised of 14 genera and supported by morphological, anatomical, and/or palynological evidence.Eriolaenais expanded from a narrow Indo‐Asian group to include the Malagasy endemic generaHelmiopsisandHelmiopsiella, and a recently described species from continental Africa. A conspectus is presented of the new broadly circumscribedEriolaenawith 27 species (28 taxa, including 3 new Malagasy species and 16 new combinations) and defined by a unique winged‐seed morphology. A new monotypic Malagasy genus (Hafotra), resolved as sister toEriolaena, is described. A conspectus is presented of a broadly circumscribed Mascarene‐MalagasyRuizia(+AstyriaandTrochetia, with 13 new combinations). Two other genera are expanded and recircumscribed:Melhania(+TrochetiopsisandParamelhania, with one new name and two new combinations) andCorchoropsis(+Paradombeya, with two new combinations). Additionally, two genera are typified, and 21 names are lectotypified.
Controlled‐Potential‐Based Electrochemical Sulfide Sensors: A Review
Authors: Shah Syed Shaheen , Aziz Md. Abdul , Oyama Munetaka , Al‐Betar Abdul‐Rahman F.
Published: November 2020

Due to their potential applications in industry and potent toxicity to the environment, sulfides and their detection have attracted the attention of researchers. To date, a large number of controlled‐potential techniques for electrochemical sulfide sensors have been developed, thanks to their simplicity, reasonable limit of detection (LOD), and good selectivity. Different researchers have applied different strategies for developing selective and sensitive sulfide sensors. However, there has been no systematic review on controlled‐potential techniques for sulfide sensing. In light of this absence, the main aim of this review article is to summarize various strategies for detecting sulfide in different media. The efficiencies of the developed sulfide sensors for detecting sulfide in its various forms are determined, and the essential parameters, including sensing strategies, working electrodes, detection media, pH, LOD, sensitivity, and linear detection range, are emphasized in particular. Future research in this area is also recommended. It is expected that this review will act as a basis for further research on the fabrication of sulfide sensors for practical applications.
Mining germplasm panels and phenotypic datasets to identify loci for resistance to Phytophthora sojae in soybean
Authors: Van Kyujung , Rolling William , Biyashev Ruslan M. , Matthiesen Rashelle L. , Abeysekara Nilwala S. , Robertson Alison E. , Veney Deloris J. , Dorrance Anne E. , McHale Leah K. , Saghai Maroof M. A.
Published: November 2020

Phytophthora sojae causes Phytophthora root and stem rot of soybean and has been primarily managed through deployment of qualitative Resistance to P. sojae genes (Rps genes). The effectiveness of each individual or combination of Rps gene(s) depends on the diversity and pathotypes of the P. sojae populations present. Due to the complex nature of P. sojae populations, identification of more novel Rps genes is needed. In this study, phenotypic data from previous studies of 16 panels of plant introductions (PIs) were analyzed. Panels 1 and 2 consisted of 448 Glycine max and 520 G. soja, which had been evaluated for Rps gene response with a combination of P. sojae isolates. Panels 3 and 4 consisted of 429 and 460 G. max PIs, respectively, which had been evaluated using individual P. sojae isolates with complex virulence pathotypes. Finally, Panels 5–16 (376 G. max PIs) consisted of data deposited in the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection from evaluations with 12 races of P. sojae. Using these panels, genome‐wide association (GWA) analyses were carried out by combining phenotypic and SoySNP50K genotypic data. GWA models identified two, two, six, and seven novel Rps loci with Panels 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. A total of 58 novel Rps loci were identified using Panels 5–16. Genetic and phenotypic dissection of these loci may lead to the characterization of novel Rps genes that can be effectively deployed in new soybean cultivars against diverse P. sojae populations.