bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization and analysis of a bioelectricity generation supply chain under routine and disruptive uncertainty and carbon mitigation policies
Authors: Saghaei Mahsa , Dehghanimadvar Mohammad , Soleimani Hamed , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein
Published: May 2020

Increasing greenhouse gas emissions and negative environmental consequences have raised worldwide attention to ecological issues. The development of carbon regulations (CRs) beside carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems is part of carbon mitigation policies (CMPs), which are following in recent years to control and manage carbon liberation. Along with environemtal policies, the utilization of renewable energy resources have been promoted significantly. However, the economic opportunities for renewable energy development considering CMPs have not addressed extensively. In this study, a stochastic mathematical programming model has been presented to minimize cost and downside risk (DSR) of the bioelectricity generation supply chain considering the pre‐ and postdisaster conditions. The role of several CMPs on the economic behavior of the system has been analyzed by investigating the potential uncertainties on material availability, material quality, and consumer demand. To consider disruption effects, the postdisaster stage has been classified into several substages including damage, recovery, and back to the sustainability stages. Mississippi State after the Katrina Hurricane is addressed as a case study to examine the performance of the proposed model. The results demonstrated that the occurrence of disruptive uncertainties creates 8,978,502 $, 8,864,335 $ and 8,884,055 $ as the DSR, under carbon tax policy (CTP), carbon offset policy (COP), and CCS, respectively. The effect of disruptive scenario

with a 15% reduction of resource has led to the greatest postdisaster supply chain costs in comparison with other scenarios. Although the financial analysis showed CTP has the greatest DSR after the occurrence of disaster, this policy has the most investment attractions, as well as COP, with the internal rate of return (IRR) of 9%. While implementing the CCS policy with the IRR of 2% creates 7% missed opportunity costs compared with other CMPs.
Volatility specifications versus probability distributions in VaR forecasting
Authors: Garcia‐Jorcano Laura , Novales Alfonso
Published: May 2020

We provide evidence suggesting that the assumption on the probability distribution for return innovations is more influential for value‐at‐risk (VaR) performance than the conditional volatility specification. We also show that some recently proposed asymmetric probability distributions and the APARCH and FGARCH volatility specifications beat more standard alternatives for VaR forecasting, and they should be preferred when estimating tail risk. The flexibility of the free power parameter in conditional volatility in the APARCH and FGARCH models explains their better performance. Indeed, our estimates suggest that for a number of financial assets the dynamics of volatility should be specified in terms of the conditional standard deviation. We draw our results on VaR forecasting performance from (i) a variety of backtesting approaches, (ii) the model confidence set approach, as well as (iii) establishing a ranking among alternative VaR models using a precedence criterion that we introduce in this paper.
Extraction and structural analysis of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide with low molecular weight and its lipid‐lowering effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Ma Ping , Sun Congyong , Li Wenjing , Deng Wenwen , Adu‐Frimpong Michael , Yu Jiangnan , Xu Ximing
Published: May 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the prevalent and typical chronic liver diseases. In this study, we extracted a novel Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) with low molecular weight (MW) of 3.2 kDa through optimized “one‐step” purification process. The major monosaccharide components of ASP were mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galactose, arabinose, and xylose with weight ratio of 0.23:0.17:14.41:0.39:1.68:0.87, respectively. Herein, “small” ASP could serve as an effective therapeutic option for NAFLD both in free fatty acid‐induced L02 models and in high‐fat diet‐induced mice models. Results revealed that low MW ASP dose‐dependently decreased TG, TC in vitro and TG, TC, ALT, HDL‐C, and LDL‐C in vivo. Oil Red O‐positive area and Nile red fluorescence intensity decreased in ASP treatment groups both in vitro and in vivo which suggested ASP could reduce lipid accumulation and fatty regeneration. Hematoxylin–eosin staining results shown a decrease in hepatocytes ballooning indicating that ASP could ameliorate liver lipid degeneration. Briefly, a novel polysaccharide with low MW was successfully obtained which can prospectively act as NAFLD therapy.
Research advances on sake rice, koji, and sake yeast: A review
Authors: Zhang Kaizheng , Wu Wenchi , Yan Qin
Published: May 2020

Sake is the national alcoholic beverage of Japan, and its history can be traced back more than 1300 years. With the development and maturity of the sake‐brewing technique, a unique flavor and taste gradually formed, which led to its wide use in Japan and internationally. This paper reviews and discusses the research advances of sake rice, koji, and sake yeast. The various enzymes and involved genes of microbes in the rice koji, and the separation/breeding of sake yeasts are expounded particularly. Moreover, the fields where further research is required are presented. Therefore, this review presents recent comprehensive research details of sake's ingredients and the involved study perspectives.
Liquidity shocks, commodity financialization, and market comovements
Authors: Hu Conghui , Li Zhibing , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: May 2020

We explore whether and how liquidity factors influence risk transfers between commodity and stock markets using a composite liquidity index and five different types of liquidity measures. We find that liquidity shocks, including both funding liquidity and market liquidity, are positively associated with comovements between commodity and stock markets after 2000, although the relationship is insignificant before 2000. The structural change indicates that financialization creates a role for adverse liquidity shocks to increase cross‐market correlations. Further evidence shows that the effect of liquidity on cross‐market correlations is state‐dependent and intensifies when liquidity conditions deteriorate and asset returns sustain substantial declines. Our findings are not explained by business cycles.
Head and neck oncologic surgery in the COVID‐19 pandemic: Our experience in a deep south tertiary care center
Authors: Morrison Daniel R. , Gentile Christopher , McCammon Susan , Buczek Erin
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The ongoing worldwide pandemic due to COVID‐19 has forced drastic changes on the daily lives of the global population. This is most notable within the health care sector. The current paper outlines the response of the head and neck oncologic surgery (HNS) division within our academic otolaryngology department in the state of Alabama.

Methods

Data with regard to case numbers and types were obtained during the pandemic and compared with time matched data. Our overall approach to managing previously scheduled and new cases, personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization, outpatient clinic, and resident involvement is summarized.

Discussion

Our HNS division saw a 55% reduction in surgical volume during the peak of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We feel that an early and cohesive strategy to triaging surgical cases, PPE usage, and minimizing exposure of personnel is essential to providing care for HNS patients during this pandemic.
Rapid human‐derived iPSC osteogenesis combined with three‐dimensionally printed Ti6Al4V scaffolds for the repair of bone defects
Authors: Yu Lingjia , Yang Yong , Zhang Bin , Bai Xiaofeng , Fei Qi , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2020

Human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are an alternative source of mesenchymal stem cells used for bone regeneration. However, the current osteogenically induced methods for iPSCs are slow and complex. We have used retinoic acid (RA) to induce osteogenic iPSCs within 10 days and assess whether a rapid differentiation could improve the osteogenic potential of the three‐dimensionally printed Ti6Al4V (3DTi) scaffolds. First, the osteogenic differentiation of iPSCs was induced with RA, and the osteogenic potential of iPSCs was evaluated using standard assays. In addition, a 5‐mm mandibular bone defect was generated in rats and was repaired with 3DTi scaffolds that were seeded with iPSC‐induced osteoblasts. The capacity of seeded scaffolds for the enhancement of bone regeneration in vivo was assessed. Finally, we tested the potential mechanisms of RA‐dependent iPSC bone induction and its effect on the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. The results showed that iPSCs could form osteocytes within 10 days. Animal experiments confirmed that rapid osteo‐induced iPSCs could enhance the bone regeneration and osteointegration capacity of the 3DTi scaffolds. Mechanistically, RA could activate the AKT/GSK3β/β‐catenin pathway during the process of iPSCs osteogenesis. The rapid osteoinduction of iPSCs combined with 3DTi scaffolds is a safe, effective, and reproducible method for repairing mandibular bone defects.
A Novel Study Design Using Continuous Intravenous and Intraduodenal Infusions of Midazolam and Voriconazole for Mechanistic Quantitative Assessment of Hepatic and Intestinal CYP3A Inhibition
Authors: Li Xia , Junge Lisa , Taubert Max , von Georg Anabelle , Dahlinger Dominik , Starke Chris , Frechen Sebastian , Stelzer Christoph , Kinzig Martina , Sörgel Fritz , Jaehde Ulrich , Töx Ulrich , Goeser Tobias , Fuhr Uwe
Published: May 2020

The extent of a drug‐drug interaction (DDI) mediated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A inhibitors is highly variable during a dosing interval, as it depends on the temporal course of victim and perpetrator drug concentrations at intestinal and hepatic CYP3A expression sites. Capturing the time course of inhibition is therefore difficult using standard DDI studies assessing changes in area under the curve; thus, a novel design was developed. In a 4‐period changeover pilot study, 6 healthy men received intraduodenal or intravenous infusions of the CYP3A substrate midazolam (MDZ) at a rate of 0.26 mg/h for 24 hours. This was combined with intraduodenal or intravenous infusion of the CYP3A inhibitor voriconazole (VRZ), administered at rates of 7.5 mg/h from 8 to 16 hours and of 15 mg/h from 16 to 24 hours, after starting midazolam administration. Plasma and urine concentrations of VRZ, MDZ, and its major metabolites were quantified by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and analyzed by semiphysiological population pharmacokinetic nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling. A model including mechanism‐based inactivation of the metabolizing enzymes (maximum inactivation rate constant kinact, 2.83 h−1; dissociation rate constant , 9.33 μM) described the pharmacokinetics of VRZ well. By introducing competitive inhibition by VRZ on primary and secondary MDZ metabolism, concentration‐time profiles, MDZ and its metabolites were captured appropriately. The model provides estimates of local concentrations of substrate and inhibitor at the major CYP3A expression sites and thus of the respective dynamic extent of inhibition. A combination of intravenous and intraduodenal infusions of inhibitors and substrates has the potential to provide a more accurate assessment of DDIs occurring in both gut wall and liver.
Prediction Model for Intermediate‐Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Response to Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Jia Fei , Wu Baolin , Yan Ruifang , Li Lei , Wang Kaiyu , Han Dongming
Published: May 2020

Background

The outcome of intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is greatly heterogeneous. Current means for predicting HCC response to TACE are lacking.

Purpose

To investigate whether the combination of parameters derived from amide proton transfer (APT) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging, and morphological characteristics of tumor can establish a better prediction model than the univariant model for HCC response to TACE.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

56 patients with intermediate‐stage HCC (50 males and six females).

Field Strength/Sequences

3.0T; T2‐weighted‐fast spin echo, 3D liver acquisition with volume flex, single‐shot fast spin echo‐planar imaging (EPI), spin echo‐EPI.

Assessment

Pretreatment APT signal intensities (SIs), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true molecular diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) for tumor, peritumoral, and normal tissues were measured. Follow‐up MRI scanning was performed, and the patients were classified as responders or nonresponders based on the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) criteria.

Statistical Tests

The imaging parameters were compared among the three tissues and between the two groups using analysis of variance (ANOVA) or two‐sample t‐test. The prediction model's variables were derived from univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to explore the predictive performance.

Results

Based on the logistic regression analysis results, we established a prediction model that integrated the APT SI and D values in the tumor tissue and the tumor size. ROC analyses revealed that the model was better able to predict tumor response to TACE (area under the ROC curve = 0.851) than the individual parameters on their own.

Data Conclusion

A prediction model incorporating pretreatment APT SI, D in the tumor tissue and tumor size may be useful for predicting the response of intermediate‐stage HCC to TACE.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2020;52:1657–1667.
Precise analysis of the effect of basal core promoter/precore mutations on the main phenotype of chronic hepatitis B in mouse models
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhao Zhong Hua , Lv Xiao Qin , Tang Yu Wei , Cao Min , Xiang Qin , Wu Yue , Zhang Hua Tang , Lai Guo Qi
Published: May 2020

High replication and mutation rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) often lead to reduced or suppressed hepatitis B e antigen expression. The most common mutations are genomic variations in the basal core promoter (BCP) and pre‐core (PC) regions. However, the effect of BCP/PC mutations on HBV phenotype in vivo remains unclear. We compared and analyzed BCP/PC mutations and BCP/PC reverse mutations in mouse models. In addition to terminating the expression of HBeAg, BCP/PC mutations also resulted in a significant decrease in HBsAg, HBV DNA, and cccDNA in the early stage, and an obvious increase in serum alanine aminotransferase throughout the transfection period. In both groups, serum HBV DNA was positively correlated with intracellular HBV DNA and cccDNA. Further, we found that interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and L‐10 levels were significantly lower in the BCP/PC(M) group than in the BCP/PC(R) group at 4 weeks post‐injection. However, IL‐1β was significantly lower in the BCP/PC(M) group than in the BCP/PC(R) group at 26 weeks post‐injection. In summary, we precisely analyzed the effect of BCP/PC mutations on the phenotype in vivo, which is important to evaluating disease progression and treatment responses of variable chronic hepatitis B patients.
Coagulation and heparin requirements during ablation in patients under oral anticoagulant drugs
Authors: Maury Philippe , Belaid Slimane , Ribes Agnès , Voglimacci‐Stephanopoli Quentin , Mondoly Pierre , Blaye Marie , Mandel Franck , Monteil Benjamin , Carrié Didier , Galinier Michel , Bongard Vanina , Rollin Anne , Voisin Sophie
Published: May 2020

Background

Anticoagulation during catheter ablation should be closely monitored with activated clotting time (ACT). However vitamin K antagonists (VKA) or direct oral anticoagulant drugs (DOAC) may act differently on ACT and on heparin needs. The aim of this study was to compare ACT and heparin requirements during catheter ablation under various oral anticoagulant drugs and in controls.

Methods

Sixty consecutive patients referred for ablation were retrospectively included: group I (n = 15, VKA), group 2 (n = 15, uninterrupted rivaroxaban), group 3 (n = 15, uninterrupted apixaban), and group 4 (n = 15, controls). Heparin requirements and ACT were compared throughout the procedure.

Results

Heparin requirements during the procedure were significantly lower in patients under VKA compared to DOAC, but similar between DOAC patients and controls.

Activated clotting time values were significantly higher in patients under VKA compared to DOAC and similar in DOAC patients versus controls. Furthermore, anticoagulation control as evaluated by the number/proportion of ACT> 300 as well as the time passed over 300 seconds was significantly better in patients under VKA versus DOAC, without significant differences between DOAC and controls. Finally, the number of patients/ACT with excessive ACT values was significantly higher in VKA versus DOAC patients versus controls.

There was no significant difference between rivaroxaban and apixaban for ACT or heparin dosing throughout the procedure.

Conclusion

Vitamin K antagonists allowed less heparin requirement despite reaching higher ACT values and more efficient anticoagulation control (with more excessive values) compared to patients under DOAC therapy and to controls. There was no difference in heparin requirements or ACT between DOAC patients and controls.
Efficacy of Argentinean propolis extracts on control of potato soft rot caused by Erwinia carotovora subsp.
Authors: Sampietro Diego Alejandro , Bertini Sampietro Maria Sofia , Vattuone Marta Amelia
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Erwinia carotovora subsp. cause the potato soft rot, which is a major disease in agriculture. Antibacterial agents currently applied on potato soft rot often offer a restricted control and have several disadvantages. Propolis has shown a wide range of antimicrobial activity, although its effect has not been investigated on E. carotovora subsp. In this work, we tested extracts from propolis samples of Northwest Argentina against E. carotovora subsp.

RESULTS

Ethanolic propolis extracts (EPEs) from samples of Santiago del Estero province, particularly from sample 4 (EPE4), showed the highest antibacterial activity, which was associated with the highest content of flavonoids. 2′,4′‐Dihydroxychalcone, 2′,4′‐dihydroxy‐3′‐methoxychalcone, galangin, and pinocembrin were identified as antibacterial constituents of EPE4. 2′,4′‐Dihydroxychalcone showed an antibacterial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC = 0.3–1.2 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) mL−1; minimum bactericidal concentration, MBC = 0.6–4.8 μg GAE mL−1) lower than that of bacterimycin (MIC = 2.4–9.6 μg mL−1; MBC = 19.2–38.4 μg GAE mL−1) and streptocycline (MIC = 19.2–38.4 μg mL−1; MBC = 38.4–76.8 μg mL−1). Preventive assays on unwounded and wounded potatoes showed that their immersion in EPE4 containing 87.5 μg GAE mL−1 or streptocycline containing 40 μg mL−1 was equally effective in controlling potato soft rot, reducing the disease incidence by 64.6–67.0% (unwounded tubers) and 88.0–86.0% (wounded tubers) and the disease severity by 49.8–49.8% (unwounded tubers) and 54.5–68.5% (wounded tubers).

CONCLUSIONS

Flavonoid‐rich propolis extracts from Northwest Argentina efficiently reduced in vivo the incidence and severity of potato soft rot caused by E. carotovora subsp.
Metabolomics study of polysaccharide extracts from Polygonatum sibiricum in mice based on 1H NMR technology
Authors: Li Tingting , Xu Sheng , Bi Jianli , Huang Shengtang , Fan Baolei , Qian Chunqi
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Polygonatum sibiricum Liliaceae perennial herb, as a commonly used medicine and food homologous plant, has been widely used in clinical practice of Chinese medicine since ancient times, with a history of 2000 years. As the main active ingredient, P. sibiricum polysaccharides have important pharmacological effects in blood sugar reduction and antitumor, antioxidant and liver protection.

RESULTS

Mouse models of P. sibiricum polysaccharides were used in combination with 1H NMR to investigate the metabolic regulation mechanism in mouse tissue and blood. The metabolite maps of the control group and the drug group in the liver had significant changes. The main differential metabolites were glucose 6‐phosphate, inositol, lactose, glutamylglycine, galactose, rhamnose, cis‐aconitic acid and histidine, indicating that there was definite correlation between the metabolic detection based on 1H NMR and the metabolic characteristics of P. sibiricum. The common differential metabolites obtained by overall metabolism analysis were 3‐hydroxybutyric acid, d‐ribose, adenosine phosphate, inositol, fructose 6‐phosphate, histidine, aspartic acid and cis‐aconitic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

This work forms the basis for identification of metabolic states combined with metabolic pathways, which could be used as diagnostic and prognostic indicators, providing therapeutic targets for new diseases. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
An environmentally friendly sodium dodecyl sulfate‐synergistic microwave‐assisted extraction followed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array method for the simultaneous extraction and determination of iridoids, phenylpropanoids, and lignans from Eucommiae Cortex
Authors: Guo Jiading , Li Jin , Yang Xuejing , Wang Hui , He Jun , Liu Erwei , Gao Xiu‐mei , Chang Yan‐xu
Published: May 2020

A simple and green sodium dodecyl sulfate‐synergistic microwave‐assisted extraction method was developed to extract and determine the iridoids, phenylpropanoids, and lignans in Eucommiae Cortex followed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. The biodegradable solution (sodium dodecyl sulfate) was used as a promising alternative to organic solvents. The response surface methodology provided the optimum extraction conditions (2 mg/mL sodium dodecyl sulfate, 1100 W microwave power, and 6 min extraction time). The recoveries of three types of components ranged from 95.0 to 105% (RSDs < 5%). The intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy were less than 3.40% and within the range of 97.1‐105%, respectively. Compared with other extraction methods, this newly established method was more efficient and environmental friendly. The results demonstrated that sodium dodecyl sulfate‐synergistic microwave‐assisted extraction followed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array method was applicable for the simultaneous extraction and determination of these three types of compounds for quality evaluation of Eucommiae Cortex.
Development of a Novel High‐Performance Thin Layer Chromatography–Based Method for the Simultaneous Quantification of Clinically Relevant Lipids from Cells and Tissue Extracts
Authors: Pinault Michelle , Guimaraes Cyrille , Ben Hassen Céline , Gutierrez‐Pajares Jorge L. , Chevalier Stéphan , Goupille Caroline , Bernard‐Savary Pierre , Frank Philippe G.
Published: May 2020

Lipids such as cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and fatty acids play important roles in the regulation of cellular metabolism and cellular signaling pathways and, as a consequence, in the development of various diseases. It is therefore important to understand how their metabolism is regulated to better define the components involved in the development of various human diseases. In the present work, we describe the development and validation of a high‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method allowing the separation and quantification of free cholesterol, cholesteryl esters, nonesterified fatty acids, and triacylglycerols. This method will be of interest as the quantification of these lipids in one single assay is difficult to perform.
Generalized boundary triples, I. Some classes of isometric and unitary boundary pairs and realization problems for subclasses of Nevanlinna functions
Authors: Derkach Volodymyr , Hassi Seppo , Malamud Mark
Published: May 2020

With a closed symmetric operator A in a Hilbert space a triple of a Hilbert space and two abstract trace operators Γ0 and Γ1 from to is called a generalized boundary triple for if an abstract analogue of the second Green's formula holds. Various classes of generalized boundary triples are introduced and corresponding Weyl functions are investigated. The most important ones for applications are specific classes of boundary triples for which Green's second identity admits a certain maximality property which guarantees that the corresponding Weyl functions are Nevanlinna functions on , i.e. , or at least they belong to the class of Nevanlinna families on . The boundary condition determines a reference operator . The case where A0 is selfadjoint implies a relatively simple analysis, as the joint domain of the trace mappings Γ0 and Γ1 admits a von Neumann type decomposition via A0 and the defect subspaces of A. The case where A0 is only essentially selfadjoint is more involved, but appears to be of great importance, for instance, in applications to boundary value problems e.g. in PDE setting or when modeling differential operators with point interactions. Various classes of generalized boundary triples will be characterized in purely analytic terms via the Weyl function and close interconnections between different classes of boundary triples and the corresponding transformed/renormalized Weyl functions are investigated. These characterizations involve solving direct and inverse problems for specific classes of operator functions . Most involved ones concern operator functions for which
defines a closable nonnegative form on . It turns out that closability of does not depend on and, moreover, that the closure then is a form domain invariant holomorphic function on while itself need not be domain invariant. In this study we also derive several additional new results, for instance, Kreĭn‐type resolvent formulas are extended to the most general setting of unitary and isometric boundary triples appearing in the present work.

In part II of the present work all the main results are shown to have applications in the study of ordinary and partial differential operators.
A sensitive on‐chip probe–based portable nuclear magnetic resonance for detecting low parasitaemia plasmodium falciparum in human blood
Authors: Gupta Manish , Singh Kundan , Lobiyal Daya Krishan , Safvan Cholakka Parambath , Sahu Bhuban Kumar , Yadav Preeti , Singh Shailja
Published: May 2020

Malaria elimination programmes are dependent on a rapid, cost‐effective and portable diagnostic tool to detect and quantify malaria parasites in human blood. Herein, we report a cost‐effective and portable nuclear magnetic resonance (pNMR) for malaria diagnosis. In this present study, we have developed and characterized a sensitive and low‐cost novel on‐chip NMR probe. This NMR probe has improved mismatching problem between radiofrequency (RF) coil and transmission line that results in enhancement in NMR sensitivity. Developed pNMR represents a rapid, cost‐effective and highly sensitive method to detect very low parasitaemia plasmodium falciparum (0.0001%) in infected human blood in comparison with other available malaria diagnosis techniques. The experimental results show that very low parasitic load can be detected rapidly by the change in the transverse relaxation rate (T2) of NMR, suggesting a good sensitivity. A good linear relationship with a correlation coefficient of 0.94 between the change in transverse relaxation rate (ΔT2) and the different parasitaemia (%) has been observed, indicating that pNMR is a potential tool for real‐time, reusable and high‐sensitivity analysis of malaria parasite in human blood.
Nonlinear sensors for biomaterials—Principles and applications
Authors: Brantley William A.
Published: May 2020

Certain laboratory testing methods for the characterization of biomaterials, which can be regarded as essentially nonlinear sensors, have become widely adopted in recent decades. These techniques, namely dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and temperature‐modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC), employ similar fundamental approaches in their different analyses, wherein materials are subjected to alternating (sinusoidal) stress, electrical potential and temperature change, respectively, and both the linear (in‐phase) and nonlinear (out‐of‐phase) responses are analysed to yield novel information unavailable with the corresponding traditional linear analytical techniques. This review article discusses the general experimental procedures and underlying principles for these three nonlinear analytical techniques and the type of information obtained with each approach, compared with that from the corresponding linear tests, and presents examples from the literature about their wide‐ranging application. While the focus is on dental biomaterials, additional examples for medical biomaterials are provided to illustrate further examples of the novel information that can be obtained from the use of these three nonlinear tests. The underlying philosophical similarity (analyses of nonlinear responses to different types of sinusoidal physical inputs) of these three sensor techniques is emphasized.
Study: Soaring rates found among youth, adolescents seeking MH care in EDs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2020

Although the total number of emergency department (ED) visits has remained relatively stable over the past decade, the number of ED visits by children and adolescents with mental health disorders has soared, say researchers of a new study published online May 11 in Pediatrics.
SAMHSA provides ongoing support for MH, SUD community amid COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2020

Observing that suicide is the 10th‐leading cause of death in this country and noting the accompanying stressors now evident as a result of the pandemic, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced last week an emergency $40 million grant program to prevent suicide.
A novel low‐radar cross section microstrip antenna based on slotted frequency selective surface
Authors: Huang Xujing , Wan Guobin , Wang Nan , Ma Xin
Published: May 2020

A novel low‐radar cross section (RCS) microstrip antenna with radiation performance and antenna volume maintained is proposed in this paper. Different from other antenna RCS reduction methods, the proposed antenna applies shaping method on frequency selective surface (FSS) ground plate to achieve further RCS reduction. In order to obtain the effect of subtracting square slots, an antenna with normal FSS ground is designed as reference antenna. The modified antenna with slotted FSS ground shows more significant RCS reduction compared with reference antenna in the frequency range 4 to 7.5 GHz, the maximum RCS reduction is 14.62 dBsm at 4.22 GHz. And the gain of the modified antenna is increased about 0.2 dB in contrast with the reference antenna. Besides, the modified and reference antenna are fabricated and measured. It is shown that the simulation and measured results are in good agreement.
Design and simulation of a W‐band gyrotron oscillator based on self‐consistent nonlinear theory
Authors: Geng Zhihui , Zhang Rui , Yang Xiudong , Liao Yunfeng , Xu Shouxi
Published: May 2020

Based on the self‐consistent nonlinear theory, a W‐band continuous wave 30 kW fundamental harmonic gyrotron oscillator is designed and simulated. With a 30.0 kV, 3.0 A electron beam, the output power of more than 35 kW is obtained and the maximum electronic efficiency is equal to 40.3%. The effects of electron beam voltage, beam current, magnetic field intensity, guiding center radius, and velocity spread on electron efficiency and output power are analyzed in detail. In addition, the images of correlative electron clustering states in the process of beam‐wave interaction are presented intuitively.
Technical Note: Rapid multiexponential curve fitting algorithm for voxel‐based targeted radionuclide dosimetry
Authors: Jackson Price , McIntosh Lachlan , Hofman Michael S. , Kong Grace , Hicks Rodney J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Dosimetry in nuclear medicine often relies on estimating pharmacokinetics based on sparse temporal data. As analysis methods move toward image‐based three‐dimensional computation, it becomes important to interpolate and extrapolate these data without requiring manual intervention; that is, in a manner that is highly efficient and reproducible. Iterative least‐squares solvers are poorly suited to this task because of the computational overhead and potential to optimize to local minima without applying tight constraints at the outset.

Methodology

This work describes a fully analytical method for solving three‐phase exponential time‐activity curves based on three measured time points in a manner that may be readily employed by image‐based dosimetry tools. The methodology uses a series of conditional statements and a piecewise approach for solving exponential slope directly through measured values in most instances. The proposed algorithm is tested against a purpose‐designed iterative fitting technique and linear piecewise method followed by single exponential in a cohort of ten patients receiving 177Lu‐DOTA‐Octreotate therapy.

Results

Tri‐exponential time‐integrated values are shown to be comparable to previously published methods with an average difference between organs when computed at the voxel level of 9.8 ± 14.2% and −3.6 ± 10.4% compared to iterative and interpolated methods, respectively. Of the three methods, the proposed tri‐exponential algorithm was most consistent when regional time‐integrated activity was evaluated at both voxel‐ and whole‐organ levels. For whole‐body SPECT imaging, it is possible to compute 3D time‐integrated activity maps in <5 min processing time. Furthermore, the technique is able to predictably and reproducibly handle artefactual measurements due to noise or spatial misalignment over multiple image times.

Conclusions

An efficient, analytical algorithm for solving multiphase exponential pharmacokinetics is reported. The method may be readily incorporated into voxel‐dose routines by combining with widely available image registration and radiation transport tools.
Methodological considerations for examining the relationship between sperm morphology and motility
Authors: Hook Kristin A. , Fisher Heidi S.
Published: May 2020

Sperm cells of all taxa share a common goal to reach and fertilize an ovum, yet sperm are one of the most diverse cell types in nature. While the structural diversity of these cells is well recognized, the functional significance of variation in sperm design remains elusive. An important function of spermatozoa is a need to migrate toward the ova, often over long distances in a foreign environment, which may include a complex and hostile female reproductive tract. Several comparative and experimental studies have attempted to address the link between sperm morphology and motility, yet the conclusions drawn from these studies are often inconsistent, even within the same taxa. Much of what we know about the functional significance of sperm design in internally fertilizing species has been gleaned from in vitro studies, for which experimental parameters often vary among studies. We propose that discordant results from these studies are in part due to a lack of consistency of methods, conditions that do not replicate those of the female reproductive tract, and the overuse of simple linear measures of sperm shape. Within this review, we provide a toolkit for imaging, quantifying, and analyzing sperm morphology and movement patterns for in vitro studies and discuss emerging approaches. Results from studies linking morphology to motility enhance our understanding of the evolution of adaptive sperm traits and the mechanisms that regulate fertility, thus offering new insights into methods used in assisted reproductive technologies in animal science, conservation and public health.
A localizing gradient damage enhancement with micromorphic stress‐based anisotropic nonlocal interactions
Authors: Negi Alok , Kumar Sachin , Poh Leong Hien
Published: May 2020

This article presents a localizing gradient damage model with evolving micromorphic stress‐based anisotropic nonlocal interactions. The objective is to model mesh independent fracture behavior of quasi‐brittle materials, and to avoid the issues associated with the existing gradient‐enhanced damage models. In the proposed model, an evolving anisotropic nonlocal interaction domain governs the spatial diffusive behavior, which helps to maintain a localized damage bandwidth during the final stages of loading. The anisotropy in nonlocal interactions is captured through an anisotropic gradient tensor, which defines the orientation of the diffusive interaction domain based on the principal stresses at a given material point. In this article, a smooth micromorphic stress tensor is utilized for the determination of principal stress states, to enforce a properly oriented interaction across the bandwidth of the damage process zone throughout the loading process. The proposed approach also enables the usage of low order finite elements without any oscillatory micromorphic or nonlocal equivalent strain response in the later stages of deformation. The accuracy and performance of the proposed model are demonstrated numerically in plane strain/stress for mode‐I, mode‐II, and mixed‐mode loading conditions.
Time‐intensive geoelectrical monitoring under winter wheat
Authors: Blanchy Guillaume , Virlet Nicolas , Sadeghi‐Tehran Pouria , Watts Christopher W. , Hawkesford Malcolm J. , Whalley William R. , Binley Andrew
Published: May 2020

Several studies have explored the potential of electrical resistivity tomography to monitor changes in soil moisture associated with the root water uptake of different crops. Such studies usually use a set of limited below‐ground measurements throughout the growth season but are often unable to get a complete picture of the dynamics of the processes. With the development of high‐throughput phenotyping platforms, we now have the capability to collect more frequent above‐ground measurements, such as canopy cover, enabling the comparison with below‐ground data. In this study hourly direct‐current resistivity data were collected under the Field Scanalyzer platform at Rothamsted Research with different winter wheat varieties and nitrogen treatments in 2018 and 2019. Results from both years demonstrate the importance of applying the temperature correction to interpret hourly electrical conductivity data. Crops which received larger amounts of nitrogen showed larger canopy cover and more rapid changes in electrical conductivity, especially during large rainfall events. The varieties showed contrasted heights although this does not appear to have influenced electrical conductivity dynamics. The daily cyclic component of the electrical conductivity signal was extracted by decomposing the time series. A shift in this daily component was observed during the growth season. For crops with appreciable difference in canopy cover, high‐frequency direct‐current resistivity monitoring was able to distinguish the different below‐ground behaviours. The results also highlight how coarse temporal sampling may affect interpretation of resistivity data from crop monitoring studies.
Investigating wheat consumption based on multiple evidences: Stable isotope analysis on human bone and starch grain analysis on dental calculus of humans from the Laodaojing cemetery, Central Plains, China
Authors: Tao Dawei , Zhang Guowen , Zhou Yawei , Zhao Haizhou
Published: May 2020

The introduction and spread of wheat contributed to the transformation of the tradition millets agriculture in North China. However, when and how wheat came to be a staple crop in China is still unclear. Stable isotope data from some archaeological sites suggested that the dietary change from C4 based diet to C3/C4 mixed diet occurred during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770–221 BC) on the Central Plains of China. However, the role of each C3 crop (wheat, rice and soybean) in human diet is not well understood in this key period. Some scholars have argued that wheat made the biggest contribution to human diet among the C3 crops. To further investigate the dietary role of wheat and agricultural economy in the Eastern Zhou on the Central Plains of China, combined methods of stable isotope analysis on human bones and starch grain analysis on human dental calculus were conducted at Laodaojing cemetery during the Warring States period.

The mean δ13C values (−14.7 ± 2‰, n = 24) and mean δ15N values (9.1 ± 0.9‰, n = 24) of individuals from Laodaojing cemetery suggest that Laodaojing humans had a reliance on the mixture of C3/C4 foods and a certain proportion of animal protein was consumed. Given that the small elevation of δ15N values (<3‰) of Laodaojing humans, the contribution of domesticated animals to the mixed C3/C4 diet of Laodaojing population is relatively limited. Combined with starch grains extracted from human dental calculus, we argue that C3 and C4 foods at Laodaojing were mainly derived from wheat and millets respectively.

Temporal investigations of stable isotope data and archaeobotanical evidences from the late Longshan period to Eastern Zhou Dynasty show the importance of wheat increased in agricultural economy slowly since its introduction into the Central Plains of China. Until the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, wheat as a C3 crop played an important dietary role in human diet of the Central Plains. A transformation from millet‐based to millets/wheat‐based agricultural economy occurred along with the shift of dietary pattern during this period.
Observer error in bone disease description: A cautionary note
Authors: Biehler‐Gomez Lucie , Indra Lara , Martino Federica , Campobasso Carlo Pietro , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: May 2020

The aim of this paper is to examine the accuracy of pathological description on human bones. Ten participants (five forensic pathologists and five anthropologists) were asked to describe 30 bone lesions through observation of the real specimens and photographic images, including character of the lesion, the aspect of the margins and the presence of periosteal new bone, according to recognized and accepted pathological terminology on dry bone. Results were analysed using statistical analysis and interobserver and intraobserver agreements were tested. The anthropologists showed slightly more consistent and accurate results compared with the forensic pathologists, and overall results were better when assessed on the real specimens. Lesion descriptions showed important contradictions and inaccuracies, particularly in the evaluation of the character of the lesion and periosteal new bone, with dramatic potential consequences for the diagnosis of bone disease. This study shows the considerable pitfalls in the assessment of basic pathological bone manifestations and demonstrates the importance of continuing efforts in the standardization of pathological terminology on dry bone.
A Psychometric Network Perspective on the Validity and Validation of Personality Trait Questionnaires
Authors: Christensen Alexander P. , Golino Hudson , Silvia Paul J.
Published: May 2020

This article reviews the causal implications of latent variable and psychometric network models for the validation of personality trait questionnaires. These models imply different data generating mechanisms that have important consequences for the validity and validation of questionnaires. From this review, we formalize a framework for assessing the evidence for the validity of questionnaires from the psychometric network perspective. We focus specifically on the structural phase of validation, where items are assessed for redundancy, dimensionality, and internal structure. In this discussion, we underline the importance of identifying unique personality components (i.e. an item or set of items that share a unique common cause) and representing the breadth of each trait's domain in personality networks. After, we argue that psychometric network models have measures that are statistically equivalent to factor models but we suggest that their substantive interpretations differ. Finally, we provide a novel measure of structural consistency, which provides complementary information to internal consistency measures. We close with future directions for how external validation can be executed using psychometric network models. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology
Registration of ‘Fritz’, a two‐row spring barley
Authors: Rustgi Sachin , Brouwer Brook , von Wettstein Diter , Reisenauer Patrick E. , Lyon Steve , Ankrah Nii , Jones Stephen , Guy Stephen O. , Chen Xianming
Published: May 2020

‘Fritz’ (Reg. no. CV‐370, PI 678422), a two‐row spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar developed and tested as 2004NZ151, was released in 2016 by Washington State University (WSU). It was derived from a complex cross: ‘Apexant.499’/‘Alexis’ (Ca 803111)//‘Baronesse’ (2000NZ304)/3/‘Cellar’ and selected through the single‐seed descent method to F4. Fritz was tested in field trials in Pullman, WA, and in multi‐environment trials at 8 to 10 locations per year by the WSU Variety Testing Program from 2008–2012 in eastern Washington. Fritz was also tested in western Washington multi‐environment trials from 2010 to 2014. In all three eastern Washington rainfall zones during the 2011 and 2012 trial years, Fritz yielded more than or equivalent to the leading feed barley cultivars ‘Bob’, ‘Baronesse’, and ‘Champion’. Fritz yielded more than all other cultivars tested in the western Washington Mount Vernon Conventional Trial in 2013 and 2014.  Fritz yielded more than the leading two‐row malting cultivars ‘AC Metcalfe’ and ‘CDC Copeland’ at all western Washington environments tested in 2013 and 2014. Fritz was found to have moderate resistance to the prevailing races of stripe rust and leaf rust, as well as resistance to powdery mildew. Fritz exhibited grain protein concentration and test weight similar to Baronesse, which testifies to its use as feed barley.
Current thermal state of permafrost in the southern Peruvian Andes and potential impact from El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
Authors: Yoshikawa Kenji , Úbeda Jose , Masías Pablo , Pari Walter , Apaza Fredy , Vasquez Pool , Ccallata Beto , Concha Ronald , Luna Gonzalo , Iparraguirre Joshua , Ramos Isabel , De la Cruz Gustavo , Cruz Rolando , Pellitero Ramón , Bonshoms Martí
Published: May 2020

Tropical high‐mountain permafrost has a unique thermal regime due to its exposure to strong solar radiation and to rough surface snow morphology, which reduce ground heat transfer from the surface. Latent heat transfer and higher albedo that occur during the snow‐covered season contribute to positive feedback that supports the presence of permafrost. This preliminary study reports on the thermal state characteristics of tropical mountain permafrost in Peru. This work also evaluates the potential combined impact of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the mountain permafrost of the Coropuna and Chachani volcanic complexes, both located at the western edge of the southern Peruvian Altiplano. Temperature monitoring boreholes were established at 5,217 m at Coropuna and 5,331 m at Chachani, and electrical resistivity was surveyed in both sites. This 7‐year discontinuous record of permafrost temperature data encompasses historically extreme El Niño/La Niña events. Our results show that the current lower‐altitude permafrost boundary (~5,100 m a.s.l.) is critically influenced by the balance of wet and dry seasons: permafrost tends to deplete during drought years. Typical permafrost thickness was 10–20 m and contained ice‐rich pore spaces. The presence of permafrost and its thermal resistance depends on ice content and on higher albedo, usually due to: (a) hydrothermal alteration, which transforms the volcanic rocks into surfaces with ideal albedo for permafrost resilience; and (b) sublimation of the snow cover, forming ice‐pinnacles named penitentes.