bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic removal of organic pollutants and self‐cleaning performance of PES membrane incorporated sulfonated graphene oxide/ZnO nanocomposite
Authors: Boopathy Govardhanan , Gangasalam Arthanareeswaran , Mahalingam Ashok
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Membrane technology is highly applicable to water purification due to its simple operation process. During the treatment of organic wastewater, the organic compounds are deposited on the membrane surface, which leads to membrane fouling. To alleviate this problem, the membrane separation process could be combined with eco‐friendly photocatalytic technology. In this regard, facile synthesized nanomaterials, such as sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and SGO/ZnO (SGZ) are incorporated in a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane matrix used for antifouling analysis and degradation of organic pollutants in the presence of UV light irradiation.

RESULTS

X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis shows that ZnO is bound strongly within the SGO‐ZnO nanocomposite. The optical property was also altered for hybrid SGO‐ZnO nanocomposite as compared to the ZnO photocatalyst. The physicochemical characterization of PES‐SGO, PES‐ZnO, and PES‐SGZ nanocomposite membranes was studied. Hydrophilicity and water flux are improved with the addition of nanomaterials. Among the membranes, PES‐SGZ nanocomposite membranes exhibit maximum water flux and lower contact angle value of 152 L m−2 h−1 and 51.9°, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the membrane was assessed by organic pollutants under the UV light. The PES‐SGZ nanocomposite membrane revealed higher photocatalytic efficiency for crystal violet at 92.3% and ciprofloxacin at 95.1%.

CONCLUSION

The modified PES membranes enhanced antifouling and hydrophilic properties. Specifically, the PES‐SGZ nanocomposite membrane proved to be a superior material for the effective photodegradation of organic pollutants and it achieved a higher water flux. To conclude, the prepared photocatalytic membrane could have vast potential in the treatment of toxic organic industrial effluents. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Hsa_circ_0102272 serves as a prognostic biomarker and regulates proliferation, migration and apoptosis in thyroid cancer
Authors: Liu Jie , Zheng Xiong , Liu Hui
Published: May 2020

Background

Accumulating evidence shows that circRNAs comprise a class of non‐coding RNA exhibiting tremendous potential for cancer diagnosis and prognosis and they are also implicated in the pathogenesis of carcinogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate abnormally expressed circRNAs in thyroid cancer (TC).

Materials and methods

Five pairs of TC tissues and adjacent nornal specimens were used to analyze abnormal circRNA expression using high‐throughput sequencing. MTT and Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro. Cell migration and invasion were detected by a Transwell assay conducted in vitro.

Results

Fifty‐four circRNAs, including 19 down‐regulated and 35 up‐regulated, were significantly aberrantly expressed in TC tissues compared to para‐carcinoma tissues. Both sequencing and quantitative reverse transcriptse‐polymersase chain reaction analysis corroborated that hsa_circ_0102272 was dramatically elevated in TC tissues and cell lines compared to the control group. Patients with high expression of hsa_circ_0102272 showed significantly short overall survival and progression‐free survival compared to those patients with hsa_circ_0102272 low expression. In vitro experiments confirmed that knockdown of hsa_circ_0102272 could restrain cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as facilitate apoptosis of TC cells in vitro.

Conclusions

Hsa_circ_0102272 displays oncogenic function via repressing malignant biological properties and serves as a prognostic biomarker in TC patients.
Tocilizumab for the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Alattar Rand , Ibrahim Tawheeda B. H. , Shaar Shahd H. , Abdalla Shiema , Shukri Kinda , Daghfal Joanne N. , Khatib Mohamed Y. , Aboukamar Mohamed , Abukhattab Mohamed , Alsoub Hussam A. , Almaslamani Muna A. , Omrani Ali S.
Published: May 2020

Tocilizumab, an interleukin‐6 inhibitor, may ameliorate the inflammatory manifestations associated with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and thus improve clinical outcomes. This was a retrospective review of patients with laboratory‐confirmed severe COVID‐19 who received tocilizumab and completed 14 days of follow up. Twenty‐five patients were included, median age was 58 years (interquartile range, 50‐63) and the majority were males (92%). Co‐morbidities included diabetes mellitus (48%), chronic kidney disease (16%), and cardiovascular disease (12%). Fever (92%), cough (84%), and dyspnea (72%) were the commonest presenting symptoms. All patients received at least two concomitant investigational antiviral agents. Median oral temperature was on day 1, 3, and 7 was 38.0°C, 37.3°C (P = .043), and 37.0°C (P = .064), respectively. Corresponding median C‐reactive protein was 193 and 7.9 mg/L (P < .0001) and <6 mg/L (P = .0001). Radiological improvement was noted in 44% of patients by day 7% and 68% by day 14. Nine patients (36%) were discharged alive from intensive care unit and three (12%) died. The proportion of patients on invasive ventilation declined from (84%) at the time of tocilizumab initiation to 60% on day 7 (P = .031) and 28% on day 14 (P = .001). The majority (92%) of patients experienced at least one adverse event. However, it is not possible to ascertain which adverse events were directly related to tocilizumab therapy. In patients with severe COVID‐19, tocilizumab was associated with dramatic decline in inflammatory markers, radiological improvement and reduced ventilatory support requirements. Given the study's limitations, the results require assessment in adequately powered randomized controlled trials.
The management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Liu Jialin , Liu Siru
Published: May 2020

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus causing severe acute respiratory disease occurred in Wuhan, China. It is an emerging infectious disease with widespread and rapid infectiousness. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern on 31 January 2020. Severe COVID‐19 patients should be managed and treated in a critical care unit. Performing a chest X‐ray/CT can judge the severity of the disease. The management of COVID‐19 patients includes epidemiological risk and patient isolation; treatment entails general supportive care, respiratory support, symptomatic treatment, nutritional support, psychological intervention, etc. The prognosis of the patients depends upon the severity of the disease, the patient's age, the underlying diseases of the patients, and the patient's overall medical condition. The management of COVID‐19 should focus on early diagnosis, immediate isolation, general and optimized supportive care, and infection prevention and control.
Individualized prediction nomograms for disease progression in mild COVID‐19
Authors: Huang Jiaofeng , Cheng Aiguo , Lin Su , Zhu Yueyong , Chen Gongping
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has evolved into a pandemic rapidly. The majority of COVID‐19 patients are with mild syndromes. This study aimed to develop models for predicting disease progression in mild cases. The risk factors for the requirement of oxygen support in mild COVID‐19 were explored using multivariate logistic regression. Nomogram as visualization of the models was developed using R software. A total of 344 patients with mild COVID‐19 were included in the final analysis, 45 of whom progressed and needed high‐flow oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation after admission. There were 188 (54.7%) males, and the average age of the cohort was 52.9  ± 16.8 years. When the laboratory data were not included in multivariate analysis, diabetes, coronary heart disease, T   ≥  38.5℃ and sputum were independent risk factors of progressive COVID‐19 (Model 1). When the blood routine test was included the CHD, T ≥ 38.5℃ and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio were found to be independent predictors (Model 2). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of model 2 was larger than model 1 (0.872 vs 0.849, P = .023). The negative predictive value of both models was greater than 96%, indicating they could serve as simple tools for ruling out the possibility of disease progression. In conclusion, two models comprised common symptoms (fever and sputum), underlying diseases (diabetes and coronary heart disease) and blood routine test are developed for predicting the future requirement of oxygen support in mild COVID‐19 cases.
Execution quality and chargeback penalties in retail supply chains
Authors: Craig Nathan , DeHoratius Nicole , Klabjan Diego
Published: May 2020

Retailers procure inventory by placing purchase orders (POs) with suppliers. POs specify product price, quantity, quality, delivery times, and other aspects of the fulfillment process, such as carton labeling requirements and packaging formats. When servicing an order, a supplier may fail to meet the fulfillment terms, thus committing a fulfillment error and triggering a chargeback penalty. We collect supplier compliance manuals from 111 retailers to characterize fulfillment errors and chargebacks in practice. The majority of chargeback penalties listed by retailers pertain to execution quality: aspects of the fulfillment process beyond product price, quantity, quality, and delivery time. We use an empirically grounded analytical model in combination with game‐theoretic analysis to demonstrate that the chargebacks most commonly used in practice do a poor job coordinating supply chains around execution quality.
Osseodensification drilling vs conventional manual instrumentation technique for posterior lumbar fixation: Ex‐vivo mechanical and histomorphological analysis in an ovine model
Authors: Torroni Andrea , Lima Parente Paulo Eduardo , Witek Lukasz , Hacquebord Jacques Henri , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: May 2020

Lumbar fusion is a procedure associated with several indications, but screw failure remains a major complication, with an incidence ranging 10% to 50%. Several solutions have been proposed, ranging from more efficient screw geometry to enhance bone quality, conversely, drilling instrumentation have not been thoroughly explored. The conventional instrumentation (regular [R]) techniques render the bony spicules excavated impractical, while additive techniques (osseodensification [OD]) compact them against the osteotomy walls and predispose them as nucleating surfaces/sites for new bone. This work presents a case‐controlled split model for in vivo/ex vivo comparison of R vs OD osteotomy instrumentation in posterior lumbar fixation in an ovine model to determine feasibility and potential advantages of the OD drilling technique in terms of mechanical and histomorphology outcomes. Eight pedicle screws measuring 4.5 mm × 45 mm were installed in each lumbar spine of eight adult sheep (four per side). The left side underwent R instrumentation, while the right underwent OD drilling. The animals were killed at 6‐ and 12‐week and the vertebrae removed. Pullout strength and non‐decalcified histologic analysis were performed. Significant mechanical stability differences were observed between OD and R groups at 6‐ (387 N vs 292 N) and 12‐week (312 N vs 212 N) time points. Morphometric analysis did not detect significant differences in bone area fraction occupancy between R and OD groups, while it is to note that OD showed increased presence of bone spiculae. Mechanical pullout testing demonstrated that OD drilling provided higher degrees of implant anchoring as a function of time, whereas a significant reduction was observed for the R group.
Studies of supercontinuum generation in a photonic crystal fiber for use as Stokes beam in a single‐laser femtosecond micro‐CARS setup
Authors: Gagliardi Serena , Marrocco Michele , Rondino Flaminia , Palumbo Domenico , Merla Caterina , Falconieri Mauro
Published: May 2020

Photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) have gained popularity thanks to the use of their broad and efficient supercontinuum (SC) emission as Stokes source in ultrafast multiplex coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microscopy. Here, the infrared portion of the SC emitted by a widely used PCF is studied in a basic CARS experiment with a single laser oscillator operated at various conditions of power and chirp values. The dependence of the SC and CARS signal of reference cyclohexane sample on the operative conditions of the laser is examined and illustrated by means of statistical approaches that serve the purpose of defining and quantifying the reliability of CARS measurements in relation to the characteristic of the Stokes pulse coming from the fiber. Statistical techniques based on principal component analysis, on calculation of statistical momenta of the SC spectra, and on Allan variance studies are introduced to help to identify the best working regime. Principal component analysis was used to quantify the correlation of SC spectra with PCF input power, which is found to be stronger at high laser beam chirp values. First and second momenta of SC spectra allow identification of best operating conditions with respect to peak emission wavelength and spectral width. Finally, the behavior of Allan variance shows that the time stability of Stokes and CARS signals clearly depends on the chirp of the pump pulse, evidencing that high chirp conditions correspond to lower variance values at the expense of stability for longer measurement times.
Long‐Term Academic Outcomes of Triological Society Research Career Development Award Recipients
Authors: Dorismond Christina , Prince Andrew C. , Farzal Zainab , Zanation Adam M.
Published: May 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Each year, the Triological Society awards several Research Career Development Awards (CDAs) to support early‐career otolaryngologists. The objective of this study was to evaluate academic outcomes of CDA recipients including National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding acquisition and h‐index. A secondary objective was to appraise gender differences in outcomes among awardees.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Recipients' practice setting, degree type, academic rank, and leadership titles were determined through review of academic and private practice profiles in October 2019. NIH funding was assessed using the NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tool and the h‐index was calculated using the Scopus database.

Results

Between 2004 and 2019, 70 investigators received a CDA. Of the 65 awardees prior to 2019, 26 (40.0%) obtained NIH grants after the CDA. Having an MD/PhD or MD/master's was not associated with NIH funding attainment (P = .891) nor with higher funding total (P = .109). However, funding total was significantly higher for full professors compared to assistant professors (P = .022). The median h‐index among awardees was 16 (interquartile range = 11–21) and differed significantly by academic rank (P < .001). Moreover, 23 CDAs (32.9%) were awarded to women. However, fewer female recipients obtain NIH funding after the CDA compared to men (10.5% vs. 52.2%, P = .002), and they had significantly lower h‐indices than men (10 vs. 17, P < .001).

Conclusions

As a cohort, CDA awardees achieve higher academic success than academic otolaryngologists in general. However, female CDA recipients lag behind their male colleagues, highlighting the need for more research to uncover contributors to gender differences and ways to foster equity in research.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:288–293, 2021
Unsupervised biodiversity estimation using proteomic fingerprints fromMALDI‐TOF MSdata
Authors: Rossel Sven , Martínez Arbizu Pedro
Published: May 2020

Species identification using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) data strongly relies on reference libraries to differentiate species. Because comprehensive reference libraries, especially for metazoans, are rare, we explored the accuracy of unsupervised diversity estimations of communities using MALDI‐TOF MS data in the absence of reference libraries to provide a method for future application in ecological research. To discover the best analysis strategy providing high congruence with true community structures, we carried out a simulation with more than 30,000 analyses using different combinations of data transformations, dimensionality reductions, and cluster algorithms. Species profile, Hellinger, and presence/absence transformations were applied to raw data and dimensions were reduced using principal component analysis (PCA), t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding, and uniform manifold approximation and projection. To estimate biodiversity, data were clustered making use of partitioning around medoids, model‐based clustering, and K‐means clustering. The analyses were carried out on published mass spectrometry data of harpacticoid copepods. Most successful combinations (Hellinger transformation + PCA or raw data + partitioning around medoids) returned good values even for difficult species distributions containing numerous singleton species. Nevertheless, errors occurred most frequently because of such singleton taxa. Hence, replicative sampling in wide sampling areas for analysis is emphasized to increase the minimum number of specimens per species, thus reducing putative sources of errors. Our results demonstrate that MALDI‐TOF MS data can be used to accurately estimate the biodiversity of unknown communities using unsupervised learning methods. The provided approach allows the biodiversity comparison of sampled regions for which no reference libraries are available. Hence, especially data on groups which demand a time‐consuming identification or are highly abundant can be analyzed within short working time, accelerating ecological studies.
Nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase decreases 5‐fluorouracil sensitivity in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through metabolic reprogramming and promoting the Warburg effect
Authors: Cui Yanyan , Yang Dawei , Wang Wenjie , Zhang Luyu , Liu Hongtao , Ma Shanshan , Guo Wenna , Yao Minghao , Zhang Kun , Li Wencai , Zhang Yanting , Guan Fangxia
Published: May 2020

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignant tumor with poor prognosis. And different individuals respond to the same drug differently. Increasing evidence has confirmed that metabolism reprogramming was involved in the drug sensitivity of tumor cells. However, the potential molecular mechanism of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) sensitivity remains to be elucidated in ESCC cells. In this study, we found that the 5‐FU sensitivity of TE1 cells was lower than that of EC1 and Eca109 cells. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis results showed that nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle were significantly different in these three cell lines. Nicotinamide N‐methyltransferase (NNMT), a key enzyme of nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, was significantly higher expressed in TE1 cells than that in EC1 and Eca109 cells. Therefore, the function of NNMT on 5‐FU sensitivity was analyzed in vitro and in vivo. NNMT downregulation significantly increased 5‐FU sensitivity in TE1 cells. Meanwhile, the glucose consumption and lactate production were decreased, and the expression of glycolysis‐related enzymes hexokinase 2, lactate dehydrogenase A, and phosphoglycerate mutase 1 were downregulated in NNMT knockdown TE1 cells. Besides, overexpression of NNMT in EC1 and Eca109 cells caused the opposite effects. Moreover, when glycolysis was inhibited by 2‐deoxyglucose, the roles of NNMT on 5‐FU sensitivity was weakened. In vivo experiments showed that NNMT knockdown significantly increased the sensitivity of xenografts to 5‐FU and suppressed the Warburg effect. Overall, these results demonstrated that NNMT decreases 5‐FU sensitivity in human ESCC cells through promoting the Warburg effect, suggesting that NNMT may contribute to predict the treatment effects of the clinical chemotherapy in ESCC.
Real matrix representations of complex split quaternions with applications
Authors: Erdoğdu Melek , Özdemir Mustafa
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we introduce 8×8 real matrix representations of complex split quaternions. Then, the relations between real matrix representations of split and complex split quaternions are stated. Moreover, we investigate some linear split and complex split quaternionic equations with split Fibonacci and complex split Fibonacci quaternion coefficients. Finally, we also give some numerical examples as applications of real matrix representation of complex split quaternions.
A four element, planar, compact UWB MIMO antenna with WLAN band rejection capabilities
Authors: Khan Muhammad S. , Iftikhar Adnan , Shubair Raed M. , Capobianco Antonio D. , Braaten Benjamin D. , Anagnostou Dimitris E.
Published: May 2020

A planar, compact UWB MIMO antenna with four elements that accomplish band rejection from 4.91 to 6.41 GHz is presented. Rejection is accomplished using an L‐C stub connected to the ground plane. The length of the stub is changed to reject the band starting from 2.5 GHz to above 8.8 GHz. The perpendicular placement of the elements enables polarization diversity and attains high isolation. Elements 3 and 4 are 180° mirrored transforms of elements 1 and 2 on the opposite corners of the substrate. The antenna measures 50 × 50 mm2 only with all four elements placed. The simulated results are validated by measurements of a fabricated prototype. The design attains the targeted specifications over the entire bandwidth of 2 to 12 GHz with a reflection coefficient better than −10 dB (except the rejected band), isolation more than 17 dB, low envelope correlation, low gain variation and strong rejection of the signals in the WLAN band. The small size and reduced complexity to obtain WLAN rejection makes the proposed design very useful for diversity applications and portable handheld devices with MIMO antennas as designed by panorama antenna.
Introduction of the snake antenna array: Geometry optimization of a sinusoidal dipole antenna for 10.5T body imaging with lower peak SAR
Authors: Steensma Bart , van de Moortele Pierre‐Francois , Ertürk Arcan , Grant Andrea , Adriany Gregor , Luijten Peter , Klomp Dennis , van den Berg Nico , Metzger Gregory , Raaijmakers Alexander
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To improve imaging performance for body MRI with a local transmit array at 10.5T, the geometry of a dipole antenna was optimized to achieve lower peak specific absorption rate (SAR) levels and a more uniform transmit profile.

Methods

Electromagnetic simulations on a phantom were used to evaluate the SAR and
‐performance of different dipole antenna geometries. The best performing antenna (the snake antenna) was simulated on human models in a 12‐channel array configuration for safety assessment and for comparison to a previous antenna design. This 12‐channel array was constructed after which electromagnetic simulations were validated by
‐maps and temperature measurements. After obtaining approval by the Food and Drug Administration to scan with the snake antenna array, in vivo imaging was performed on 2 volunteers.

Results

Simulation results on a phantom indicate a lower SAR and a higher transmit efficiency for the snake antenna compared to the fractionated dipole array. Similar results are found on a human body model: when comparing the trade‐off between uniformity and peak SAR, the snake antenna performs better for all imaging targets. Simulations and measurements are in good agreement. Preliminary imaging result were acquired in 2 volunteers with the 12‐channel snake antenna array.

Conclusion

By optimizing the geometry of a dipole antenna, peak SAR levels were lowered while achieving a more uniform transmit field as demonstrated in simulations on a phantom and a human body model. The array was constructed, validated, and successfully used to image 2 individuals at 10.5T.
In situ decompression vs conservative treatment for mild ulnar neuropathy at the elbow
Authors: Pompe Sander M. , Schreuder Tobien , Teunissen Laurien L. , Visser Leo H. , Beekman Roy
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The best treatment strategy for mild ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is not known, due to lack of trials comparing surgery vs conservative treatment.

Methods

We recruited patients with clinical symptoms and signs of mild UNE and an electrophysiologically or sonographically confirmed diagnosis. Patients were randomly allocated to either in situ decompression or conservative treatment. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with subjective symptom improvement at short‐term (3 months) and long‐term (6‐12 months) follow‐up.

Results

One hundred seventeen patients were included: 56 and 61 patients were allocated to surgery and conservative treatment, respectively. A larger proportion of surgically treated patients showed improvement at short‐term follow‐up (85% vs 50%; odds ratio, 5.6; P < .001), but no differences were observed at long‐term follow‐up.

Discussion

In situ decompression for mild UNE may result in faster relief of symptoms when compared with conservative treatment, but at long‐term follow‐up no differences were observed.
Trends and Effects of a Recreational Lake Sturgeon Fishery in the St. Clair System
Authors: Briggs Andrew S. , Hessenauer Jan-Michael , Thomas Michael V. , Utrup Brad E. , Wills Todd C.
Published: May 2020

One frequently desired outcome of Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens rehabilitation is to create a recreational fishery for the species. However, few waterbodies offer a recreational fishery where anglers can catch Lake Sturgeon regularly. Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River (hereafter, “St. Clair system”) contain large, stable populations of Lake Sturgeon, and a recreational fishery allowing harvest has been present since 1950. Over the last several decades, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has monitored the recreational Lake Sturgeon fishery in the St. Clair system by using numerous methods to assess angler participation, harvest rates, and population effects of the fishery. Lake Sturgeon anglers in the St. Clair system are predominantly male (89%) and largely reside in the three nearest counties (72%), although the geographic footprint of Lake Sturgeon anglers appears to be increasing. Estimates of angler abundance, trends in angler recapture of tagged Lake Sturgeon, sturgeon harvest data, and reported capture of MDNR “Master Angler”-sized Lake Sturgeon by anglers all indicated that angling effort in this Lake Sturgeon fishery has steadily increased since monitoring began. Despite increasing angler participation, the recreational fishery has had no detectable population-level effect on Lake Sturgeon in the St. Clair system. Harvest rates of tagged Lake Sturgeon are low, with most anglers practicing catch and release. Recapture rates of angler-caught fish in comparison to MDNR survey-caught fish suggested that hooking mortality is low. Additionally, apparent survival estimates of Lake Sturgeon have been constant. Information gained from monitoring the recreational Lake Sturgeon fishery in the St. Clair system will be valuable to managers assessing whether to establish a sturgeon fishery in other systems.
Parameter estimation in the Hermitian and skew‐Hermitian splitting method using gradient iterations
Authors: Zou Qinmeng , Magoulès Frédéric
Published: May 2020

This article presents enhancement strategies for the Hermitian and skew‐Hermitian splitting method based on gradient iterations. The spectral properties are exploited for the parameter estimation, often resulting in a better convergence. In particular, steepest descent with early stopping can generate a rough estimate of the optimal upper bound. This is better than an arbitrary choice since the latter often causes stability problems or slow convergence. In addition, delayed gradient methods are considered as inner solvers for the splitting method. Experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed estimation strategies and show that delayed gradient methods are competitive with conjugate gradient in low precision.
Direct Relationship Between Metabolic Flexibility Measured During Glucose Clamp and Prolonged Fast in Men
Authors: Fernández‐Verdejo Rodrigo , Castro‐Sepulveda Mauricio , Gutiérrez‐Pino Juan , Malo‐Vintimilla Lorena , López‐Fuenzalida Antonio , Olmos Pablo , Santos José L. , Galgani José E.
Published: May 2020

Objective

This study aimed to determine the relationship between metabolic flexibility (MetFlex) measured during a euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp and a prolonged fast. This study also analyzed the association between MetFlex and metabolic health.

Methods

Eighteen healthy men (mean [SD]: 22 [2] years old; BMI: 22 [1] kg/m2) performed two sessions: (1) euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp (2 mIU/kg of insulin per minute) and (2) ~20‐hour fast. Clamp MetFlex corresponded to the change in (Δ) respiratory quotient (RQ) (ΔRQ = postchallenge RQ − prechallenge RQ) adjusted for M value and prechallenge RQ. Prolonged fast MetFlex corresponded to the ΔRQ adjusted for the Δβ‐hydroxybutyrate and prechallenge RQ.

Results

MetFlex during the clamp related directly with MetFlex during prolonged fast (r = 0.59, P = 0.014). Using the median of MetFlex for each challenge, this study split participants into high or low MetFlex. Participants with high or low MetFlex to both challenges were identified. Participants with high MetFlex had 3% lower serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol than participants with low MetFlex (P = 0.021).

Conclusions

Measuring MetFlex during a clamp or a prolonged fast produces similar results, despite challenging the oxidation of different substrates. An impaired MetFlex in response to these challenges may be an early event in the development of abnormal lipid metabolism.
Infinite horizon optimal control for mean‐field stochastic delay systems driven by Teugels martingales under partial information
Authors: Yang Bixuan , Wu Jinbiao
Published: May 2020

In this article, we discuss an infinite horizon optimal control of the stochastic system with partial information, where the state is governed by a mean‐field stochastic differential delay equation driven by Teugels martingales associated with Lévy processes and an independent Brownian motion. First, we show the existence and uniqueness theorem for an infinite horizon mean‐field anticipated backward stochastic differential equation driven by Teugels martingales. Then applying different approaches for the underlying system, we establish two classes of stochastic maximum principles, which include two necessary conditions and two sufficient conditions for optimality, under a convex control domain. Moreover, compared with the finite horizon optimal control, we add the transversality conditions to the two kinds of stochastic maximum principles. Finally, using the stochastic maximum principle II, we settle an infinite horizon optimal consumption problem driven by Teugels martingales associated with Gamma processes.
Social‐emotional competence trajectories from a school‐based child trauma symptom intervention in a disadvantaged community
Authors: Hutchison Morica , Russell Beth S. , Wink Mackenzie N.
Published: May 2020

Childhood exposure to traumatic experiences and subsequent psychological symptoms increase the risk for lifelong behavioral and mental health problems, including depression diagnoses, reduced adaptive coping strategies, substance abuse, and early death, with negative impacts on children's social development and academic achievement. Social‐emotional competence (SEC) is a key component of resilience to trauma exposure, and early deficits predict increased problem behaviors include delinquency and substance use. SEC is a protective factor that moderates the relationship between risks associated with trauma and subsequent outcomes. The current study used a longitudinal experimental design (treatment vs. comparison) to examine outcomes from a trauma‐informed initiative in a disadvantaged community with high trauma exposure rates for K‐8th grade students (n = 245). The intervention focused on bolstering children's social‐emotional skills and resilience while reducing trauma symptoms and improving academic performance through multimodal programming. Hierarchical Linear Modeling indicated significant improvements in SEC from the intervention group, in contrast to the comparison group (B = 3.42, t = 3.04, p < .01), with gender effects indicating females see the greatest benefit (B = 3.52, t = 4.27, p < .01). Results indicated the significance of addressing SEC for children in disadvantaged communities, particularly those indicating a trauma history and resulting symptomology, as well as boys, who indicated reduced treatment effects.
Registration of soybean germplasm lines R10‐2436 and R10‐2710 with drought tolerance traits and high yield under moderate water stress
Authors: Manjarrez‐Sandoval Pedro , Chen Pengyin , Mozzoni Leandro , Florez‐Palacios Liliana , Orazaly Moldir , Wu Chengjun , Sinclair Thomas R. , Carter Thomas E. , Purcell Larry C. , King C. Andy
Published: May 2020

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] lines R10‐2436 (Reg. no. GP‐439, PI 692971) and R10‐2710 (Reg. no. GP‐440, PI 692972) are high‐yielding and drought‐tolerant conventional germplasm released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in February 2017. R10‐2436 and R10‐2710 have a relative maturity of 5.6 and 5.8, respectively. R10‐2436 is an F4–derived line from the cross R01‐52F × R02‐6268F, and R10‐2710 is an F2–derived line from R01‐52F × ‘USDA‐N7002’. In 6 yr of testing, R10‐2436 and R10‐2710 significantly outyielded the maturity group 5 check mean under moderate water‐deficit stress in Stuttgart, AR (2,893, 2,889, and 2,506 kg ha−1, respectively) and were on a par with the checks under full irrigation in Stuttgart (4,644, 4,511, and 4,613 kg ha−1, respectively) and in five additional irrigated Arkansas environments. The water‐deficit treatment consisted of normal irrigation until blooming, after which irrigation was suspended for the rest of the season. In greenhouse pot studies, both releases exhibited sustained nitrogen fixation during a dry‐down cycle. This trait was presumably inherited from their ancestor ‘Jackson’. R10‐2436 also exhibited slow wilting in multiple drought‐stressed environments in Arkansas and North Carolina, likely inherited from PI 416937. Because of their yield potential under drought and irrigation, as well as their good agronomic characteristics, R10‐2436 and R10‐2710 can be easily incorporated in applied breeding programs to transfer drought tolerance into elite high‐yielding cultivars.
Theoretical investigation of excited state charge and proton transfer mechanism for the novel 10‐methyl‐indolo[2,3‐a]‐indolo[2,3‐a′]acridone molecule
Authors: Yang Guang , Chen Kaifeng , Jin Xiaofeng , Yang Dapeng
Published: May 2020

A novel acridone derivative, 10‐methyl‐indolo[2,3‐a]‐indolo[2,3‐a′]acridone (13), was reported by Fang and coworkers [J. Org. Chem. 2019, 84, 3832] in a previous paper. Spectroscopic studies on excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) of 13 were mentioned, while the mechanism of ESIPT for 13 is deficiency. In this present work, based on the time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), we investigated the ESIPT mechanism of 13 theoretically. The primary bond lengths, bond angles and the infrared (IR) vibrational spectra involved in the formation of hydrogen bonds verified that the intramolecular hydrogen bond should be strengthened, which manifests the tendency of excited state proton transfer. The redistribution of charge resulting from photoexcitation process reveals the driving force for ESIPT process. According to the results of theoretical potential energy curves along N‐H coordinate, an about 14.825 kcal/mol barrier has been found in the S0 state. However, a low barrier of 6.708 kcal/mol was calculated in the S1 state, which demonstrates that the proton transfer process is more likely to occur in the excited state. In other words, the proton transfer was facilitated by photoexcitation. Particularly, the study about ESIPT mechanism of 13 should be helpful for further understanding property of acridone derivatives.
Lewis acids and bases as molecular dopants for organic semiconductors
Authors: Bridges Colin R. , Baumgartner Thomas
Published: May 2020

Controlling the concentration of charge carriers (mobile electrons and holes) in organic semiconductors is vital to precisely controlling their electronic properties. Significant efforts have gone into understanding how molecular dopants induce charge carriers in organic semiconductors. The most widely used doping mechanisms occur via electron transfer (i.e., oxidation or reduction of the semiconductor) or via reaction with a strong Brønsted acid. Recently, strong Lewis acids have been observed to induce p‐type charge carriers in organic semiconductors with greater efficiency than classical dopants. The mechanism of Lewis‐acid doping could not easily be unified with either classical doping methods and has been under intense scrutiny over the past 5 years. Very recently, the Lewis‐acid doping effects have been shown to be due to water impurities in commercial Lewis acids forming strong Brønsted acids. This means that many studies on doping using Lewis acids may be occurring via a Brønsted‐acid doping mechanism. This recent revelation explains some observations in literature, but not all, and there are still unanswered questions. The nature of the Lewis acid and organic semiconductor can significantly impact the doping mechanism and the doping efficiency. Additionally, strong evidence for alternative doping mechanisms using Lewis acids not involving water has been shown. Lewis‐acid doping has mostly been studied as a p‐type dopant method on Lewis‐basic polymers. There is growing literature showing Lewis bases can also act as n‐type dopants, excluding Brønsted‐acid doping as a possible mechanism. In this tutorial review, we will present a brief overview on molecular doping of organic semiconductors, survey the literature on p‐type and n‐type Lewis doping, outline several proposed mechanisms, and speculate on some possible mechanisms using literature observations.
Trifluoromethyloxadiazoles: inhibitors of histone deacetylases for control of Asian soybean rust
Authors: Winter Christian , Fehr Marcus , Craig Ian R , Grammenos Wassilios , Wiebe Christine , Terteryan‐Seiser Violeta , Rudolf Georg , Mentzel Tobias , Quintero Palomar Maria Angelica
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Trifluoromethyloxadiazoles (TFMOs) are selective inhibitors of class II histone deacetylases (HDACs). To date, class II HDACs have not been addressed as target enzymes by commercial fungicides.

RESULTS

Antifungal testing of a broad variety of TFMOs against several important plant pathogens showed activity against only rusts, and especially Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the cause of Asian soybean rust. A structure–activity relationship was established, leading to highly active fungicides that inhibit fungal class II and HOS3‐type HDACs of Aspergillus nidulans. Studies of the enzyme–inhibitor binding mode using protein structural information based on the crystal structure of human HDAC4 argue that TFMOs inhibit these enzymes only after undergoing hydration.

CONCLUSION

Fungal class II HDACs are potential target enzymes for the control of at least some biotrophic crop diseases, in particular Asian soybean rust. As with any novel mode‐of‐action, class II HDAC fungicides would offer the potential to control fungal isolates that show reduced sensitivity toward existing commercial fungicides.
Drainage of middle lobe vein into anomalous right lower lobe vein: management during thoracoscopic lobectomy
Authors: Amore Dario , Saglia Alessandro , Casazza Dino , Valente Tullio , Imitazione Pasquale , Curcio Carlo
Published: May 2020

Variations in pulmonary venous anatomy should not be underestimated by thoracic surgeons prior to or during major lung resections in order to avoid serious surgical complications. Here, we report a case of middle lobe vein draining into a right inferior lobar vein formed by two anomalous trunks lying on the superior surface of the common basal bronchus: in such instance, to avoid compromising the middle lobe vein drainage during a thoracoscopic right lower lobectomy, the two main tributaries of the lower lobe vein were individually identified and dissected peripherally from the anterior aspect after division of the major fissure. A careful hilar dissection and a precise surgical strategy can help surgeons perform correct procedures in presence of pulmonary vascular anomalies.
Electrochemical detection characteristics of the composite films of boron‐doped nanocrystalline diamond and amorphous carbon prepared using the coaxial arc plasma deposition method
Authors: Hara Takeshi , Hashiguchi Hiroki , Ogishima Masumi , Fujimoto Daisuke , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2020

In this study, we applied coaxial arc plasma deposition in vacuum and without substrate heating to prepare composite films of boron‐doped nanocrystalline diamond and amorphous carbon (B‐doped NCD/a‐C) exhibiting electrochemical characteristics similar to those exhibited by the conductive polycrystalline diamond electrodes. Furthermore, we confirmed that the deposited films can be used to determine the current density owing to various concentrations of potassium ferricyanide (K3[Fe(CN6)]). Moreover, the concentration of K3[Fe(CN6)] and its current density were strongly correlated. Based on these experimental results, the deposited films were highly valuable as electrodes for electrochemical sensors. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Characterizing soil piping networks in loess‐derived soils using ground‐penetrating radar
Authors: Got J.‐B. , Bielders C. L. , Lambot S.
Published: May 2020

Soil piping remains a relatively unexplored phenomenon despite its substantial impacts on water and sediment transfer at the watershed scale at numerous locations around the world. One of the main limitations regarding the study of this singular process is the characterization of the pipe networks (in terms of number, position, dimensions, and connectivity of pipes). In this context, noninvasive subsurface imaging using ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) has proven to be a promising technique. This study used two three‐dimensional (3D), high‐resolution GPR surveys performed in loess‐derived soils to characterize small pipe networks with little prior information about their location. The adopted methodology relies on high spatial resolution scanning, 3D subsurface imaging, and automated detection of reflection hyperbolas using a 200‐MHz center‐frequency antenna. Two small watersheds affected by piping were investigated at Sippenaeken and Kluisbergen (Belgium). Over the two scanned zones, results revealed significant subsurface continuous patterns. Even though the most obvious patterns corresponded to recent or past anthropic activities (e.g., artificial drainage pipes), validation tests confirmed that the chosen methodology can be used for pipe network characterization because some important continuity patterns were related to soil piping: for instance, a fairly small pipe (approximately 10–15 cm in diameter) was detected and validated for more than 100 m. Nevertheless, the high variability in size, depth, and orientation of the pipes imply that GPR may only be truly efficient when using very high spatial resolution scanning, which limits its application to specific conditions not always met in piped areas.
Supporting champions in river management
Authors: Mould Simon , Fryirs Kirstie , Lovett Siwan , Howitt Richard
Published: May 2020

River champions are people working for better water and river management in a range of capacities, and who are particularly influential and effective in driving progress. The championship concept is not new, but tends to emphasize the bold and highly visible leader. This archetypal champion is at odds with the more humble and quieter forms of leadership that we frequently encounter in our work and communities. These less‐visible champions are in danger of being overlooked. A more inclusive characterization of championship can enrich existing conceptualizations. We argue that many river champions lead quietly and are effective because they build and use social capital to influence others. They are well‐connected and can help to bridge scales of management. We advocate that championship must be recognized and supported within and beyond institutions. This can be enacted by rewarding people for their time in ways that are meaningful and appropriate (i.e., not only financially) and by prioritizing connection between people. We offer specific examples of how this can be done in a river management setting. By recognizing and supporting river champions in all their forms, we can maximize their value as a critical component of participatory water and river management systems.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness.

Engineering Water > Planning Water.

Human Water > Water Governance.
6D (1,1) gauged supergravities from orientifold compactifications
Authors: Dibitetto Giuseppe , Fernández-Melgarejo Jose J. , Nozawa Masato
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We study dimensional reductions of M-theory/type II strings down to 6D in the presence of fluxes and spacetime filling branes and orientifold planes of different types. We classify all inequivalent orientifold projections giving rise to $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 1) supergravities in 6D and work out the embedding tensor/fluxes dictionary for each of those. Finally we analyze the set of vacua for the different classes of reductions and find an abundance of “no-scale” type Minkowski vacua, as well as a few novel examples of (A)dS extrema.