bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orthotics to Improve Pain in a Patient With Multiple Internal Fixations and Multilevel Thoracic Fusion
Authors: Lipton James A. , Kokoski Jordann E. , Lipton Arianna T.
Published: August 2020

The authors present the case of a 24-year-old man who sustained multiple injuries during a hard landing following a parachute jump. These injuries included a right sacral fracture, bilateral femoral fractures, a separated pubic symphysis, and compression fractures of the fifth and sixth thoracic vertebrae. He was treated with a right sacroiliac joint fixation, pubic symphysis fixation, open reduction internal fixation of his bilateral femurs, and fusion of the third through seventh thoracic vertebrae. The patient experienced back pain, bilateral hip pain, and bilateral knee pain resistant to chiropractic and medical treatments. The patient presented 2 years after his aforementioned surgical procedures for treatment of persistent postoperative pain at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation service at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Hampton, Virginia. His treatment involved gait correction achieved using a left-sided heel lift and a transition to custom molded orthotics that incorporated the lift. This treatment leveled his sacral base and resulted in a simultaneous decrease in his self-reported pain scores.
The Bayesian confidence intervals for measuring the difference between dispersions of rainfall in Thailand
Authors: Yosboonruang Noppadon , Niwitpong Sa-Aat , Niwitpong Suparat
Published: August 2020

The coefficient of variation is often used to illustrate the variability of precipitation. Moreover, the difference of two independent coefficients of variation can describe the dissimilarity of rainfall from two areas or times. Several researches reported that the rainfall data has a delta-lognormal distribution. To estimate the dynamics of precipitation, confidence interval construction is another method of effectively statistical inference for the rainfall data. In this study, we propose confidence intervals for the difference of two independent coefficients of variation for two delta-lognormal distributions using the concept that include the fiducial generalized confidence interval, the Bayesian methods, and the standard bootstrap. The performance of the proposed methods was gauged in terms of the coverage probabilities and the expected lengths via Monte Carlo simulations. Simulation studies shown that the highest posterior density Bayesian using the Jeffreys’ Rule prior outperformed other methods in virtually cases except for the cases of large variance, for which the standard bootstrap was the best. The rainfall series from Songkhla, Thailand are used to illustrate the proposed confidence intervals.
Effects of changes on gut microbiota in children with acute Kawasaki disease
Authors: Shen Jie , Ding Yinghe , Yang Zuocheng , Zhang Xueyan , Zhao Mingyi
Published: August 2020

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile illness of early childhood. The exact etiology of the disease remains unknown. At present, research on KD is mostly limited to susceptibility genes, infections, and immunity. However, research on the correlation between gut microbiota and KD is rare.

Methods

Children with a diagnosis of acute KD and children undergoing physical examination during the same period were included. At the time of admission, the subjects’ peripheral venous blood and feces were collected. Faecal samples were analyzed for bacterial taxonomic content via high-throughput sequencing. The abundance, diversity, composition, and characteristic differences of the gut microbiota in KD and healthy children were compared by alpha diversity, beta diversity, linear discriminant analysis and LDA effect size analysis. Blood samples were used for routine blood examination, biochemical analysis, and immunoglobulin quantitative detection.

Results

Compared with the control group, the community richness and structure of gut microbiota in the KD group was significantly reduced (Chao1 richness estimator, mean 215.85 in KD vs. mean 725.76 in control, p < 0.01; Shannon diversity index, mean 3.32 in KD vs. mean 5.69 in control, p < 0.05). LEfSe analysis identified two strains of bacteria significantly associated with KD: Bacteroidetes and Dorea. Bacteroidetes were enriched in healthy children (mean 0.16 in KD vs. mean 0.34 in control, p < 0.05). Dorea was also enriched in healthy children but rarely existed in children with KD (mean 0.002 in KD vs. mean 0.016 in control, p < 0.05). Compared with the control, IgA and IgG in the KD group decreased (IgA, median 0.68 g/L in KD vs. median 1.06 g/L in control, p < 0.001; IgG, median 6.67 g/L in KD vs. median 9.71 g/L in control, p < 0.001), and IgE and IgM levels were not significantly changed.

Conclusions

Dysbiosis of gut microbiota occurs in children with acute KD and may be related to the etiology or pathogenesis of KD. It is worth noting that for the first time, we found that Dorea, a hydrogen-producing bacterium, was significantly reduced in children with acute KD. Overall, our results provide a theoretical basis for the prevention or diagnosis of KD based on intestinal microecology.
Modulation of GABAergic dysfunction due to SCN1A mutation linked to Hippocampal Sclerosis
Authors: Ruffolo Gabriele , Martinello Katiuscia , Labate Angelo , Cifelli Pierangelo , Fucile Sergio , Di Gennaro Giancarlo , Quattrone Andrea , Esposito Vincenzo , Limatola Cristina , Giangaspero Felice , Aronica Eleonora , Palma Eleonora , Gambardella Antonio
Published: August 2020

We compared GABAergic function and neuronal excitability in the hippocampal tissue of seven sporadic MTLE patients with a patient carrying a SCN1A loss‐of‐function mutation. All had excellent outcome from anterior temporal lobectomy, and neuropathological study always showed characteristic hippocampal sclerosis (Hs). Compared to MTLE patients, there was a more severe impairment of GABAergic transmission, due to the lower GABAergic activity related to the NaV1.1 loss‐of‐function, in addition to the typical GABA‐current rundown, a hallmark of sporadic MTLE. Our results give evidence that a pharmacological rescuing of the GABAergic dysfunction may represent a promising strategy for the treatment of these patients.
3D Ordering at the Liquid–Solid Polar Interface of Nanowires
Authors: Zamani Mahdi , Imbalzano Giulio , Tappy Nicolas , Alexander Duncan T. L. , Martí‐Sánchez Sara , Ghisalberti Lea , Ramasse Quentin M. , Friedl Martin , Tütüncüoglu Gözde , Francaviglia Luca , Bienvenue Sebastien , Hébert Cécile , Arbiol Jordi , Ceriotti Michele , Fontcuberta i Morral Anna
Published: August 2020

The nature of the liquid–solid interface determines the characteristics of a variety of physical phenomena, including catalysis, electrochemistry, lubrication, and crystal growth. Most of the established models for crystal growth are based on macroscopic thermodynamics, neglecting the atomistic nature of the liquid–solid interface. Here, experimental observations and molecular dynamics simulations are employed to identify the 3D nature of an atomic‐scale ordering of liquid Ga in contact with solid GaAs in a nanowire growth configuration. An interplay between the liquid ordering and the formation of a new bilayer is revealed, which, contrary to the established theories, suggests that the preference for a certain polarity and polytypism is influenced by the atomic structure of the interface. The conclusions of this work open new avenues for the understanding of crystal growth, as well as other processes and systems involving a liquid–solid interface.
Single‐Step Scalable Fabrication of Zeolite MFI Hollow Fiber Membranes for Hydrocarbon Separations
Authors: Min Byunghyun , Yang Shaowei , Korde Akshay , Jones Christopher W. , Nair Sankar
Published: August 2020

Despite the high potential of zeolite MFI membranes for the separation of important hydrocarbons, their impact on industrial hydrocarbon separations has been limited by challenges in scalable fabrication methods and use of high‐cost membrane supports. Here a one‐step method for fabrication of highly selective and thin (<1 µm) MFI zeolite membranes on low‐cost α‐alumina hollow fiber supports is demonstrated. This is enabled by use of a highly concentrated silicate precursor gel containing MFI nanocrystals that induces a compact membrane layer at the support surface in a single‐step membrane synthesis. These one‐step crystallized MFI hollow fiber membranes show excellent characteristics for butane isomer separation (n‐butane permeance > 10−7 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 and n‐butane/i‐butane separation factors > 50 ), as well as for removal of natural gas liquids (butane, propane, and ethane) from methane at elevated feed pressures up to 9 bar. It is further demonstrated that the scalability of the current strategy by successful fabrication of a high‐quality ten‐membrane module in a single synthesis batch.
In Situ Visualization of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance‐Driven Hot Hole Flux
Authors: Lee Hyunhwa , Song Kyoungjae , Lee Moonsang , Park Jeong Young
Published: August 2020

Nonradiative surface plasmon decay produces highly energetic electron–hole pairs with desirable characteristics, but the measurement and harvesting of nonequilibrium hot holes remain challenging due to ultrashort lifetime and diffusion length. Here, the direct observation of LSPR‐driven hot holes created in a Au nanoprism/p‐GaN platform using photoconductive atomic force microscopy (pc‐AFM) is demonstrated. Significant enhancement of photocurrent in the plasmonic platforms under light irradiation is revealed, providing direct evidence of plasmonic hot hole generation. Experimental and numerical analysis verify that a confined |E|‐field surrounding a single Au nanoprism spurs resonant coupling between localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and surface charges, thus boosting hot hole generation. Furthermore, geometrical and size dependence on the extraction of LSPR‐driven hot holes suggests an optimized pathway for their efficient utilization. The direct visualization of hot hole flow at the nanoscale provides significant opportunities for harnessing the underlying nature and potential of plasmonic hot holes.
Designing Ceramic/Polymer Composite as Highly Ionic Conductive Solid‐State Electrolytes
Authors: Qian Shangshu , Chen Hao , Wu Zhenzhen , Li Dongsheng , Liu Xianhu , Tang Yongbing , Zhang Shanqing
Published: August 2020

The design and fabrication of solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) with high ionic conductivity is the most crucial obstacle for all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). However, though polymer SSEs have the advantages of effective interfacial contact, polymer ASSLBs have not been able to deliver performance comparable to conventional lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to slow ion transport within the polymer framework. In contrast, the high inherent ionic conductivity of ceramic SSEs is limited by the poor electrolyte/electrode interfacial contact. Therefore, the concept of ceramic/polymer composite electrolytes (C/PCEs) was proposed to combine the advantages of these two electrolytes and simultaneously overcome their weaknesses. This work reviews the recent progress in C/PCEs development according to the morphology of the ceramic components in C/PCEs. In this review, we investigate the inherent relationship between the structures of C/PCEs and the performance of the resultant SSEs, and subsequently conclude some general C/PCE design principles for future SSEs.
Scirrhous colon cancer presenting as a pseudokidney sign
Authors: Yamada Takayuki , Ohwada Susumu
Published: August 2020

This case presents ascending colon cancer with a typical pseudokidney sign on ultrasonography. The cancer extended from the ascending colon to the terminal ileum without intussusception. The pseudokidney sign may represent colon scirrhous cancer.
Effects of resistance exercise on treatment outcome and laboratory parameters of Takayasu arteritis with magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis: A randomized parallel controlled clinical trial
Authors: Li Guoce , Liu Fenghai , Wang Yan , Zhao Meng , Song Yancheng , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2020

Background

Elevated tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is correlated with refractory Takayasu arteritis (TA), and resistance exercise have been shown to inhibit TNF‐α.

Hypothesis

We aimed to explore the effect of resistance exercise in the clinical management of TA.

Methods

This clinical trial enrolled a total of 342 acute TA patients, who were subsequently randomized to undergo either resistance exercise or relaxation control twice per week for 12 weeks. The disease activity was defined using the primary outcome of Birmingham Vascular Activity Score (BVAS). Secondary outcomes included levels of plasma TNF‐α and C‐reactive protein (CRP), and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Results

BVAS scores along with other laboratory parameters obtained from the patients in the resistance exercise group showed a gradual decline throughout the course of the trial. By contrast, outcomes appeared largely unaltered in the relaxation control group patients. Analyses also revealed that plasma TNF‐α displayed strong linear correlations with ESR, BVAS scores, and plasma CRP levels.

Conclusion

Resistance exercise could substantially improve treatment outcomes as well as laboratory parameters in patients with acute TA, probably through decreasing TNF‐α.
High frequency of exon 20 S768I EGFR mutation detected in malignant pleural effusions: A poor prognosticator of NSCLC
Authors: D'Souza George , Dhar Chirag , Kyalanoor Vishal , Yadav Lokendra , Sharma Mugdha , Nawaz S Mohammad , Srivastava Sweta
Published: August 2020

Background

Lung cancer is the cause of a fourth of all cancer‐related deaths. About a third of all lung adenocarcinoma tumours harbour mutations on exons 18 to 21 of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. Detection of these mutations allows for targeted therapies in the form of EGFR Tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Recently, “liquid biopsies” have emerged as an alternative to conventional tissue mutation detection.

Aim

In this pilot study, we attempted to optimize EGFR mutation detection from malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) as “liquid biopsies” when tissue biopsies were unavailable. Resulting mutations were then to be mapped on the EGFR gene and explored using cBioPortal, a public cancer genomic database.

Methods and results

We first attempted a direct sequencing approach and showed that single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were likely to be missed in MPEs. We then switched to and optimized an EGFR mutant‐specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction‐based assay. This assay was piloted on n = 10 pleural effusion samples (one non‐malignant pleural effusion as a negative control). 5/9 (55.55%) samples harboured EGFR mutations with 2/9 (22.22%) being exon 19 deletions and 3/9 (33.33%) the S768I mutation. The frequency of the S768I SNV in our study was significantly higher than that observed in other studies (~0.2%). Utilizing cBioPortal data, we report that patients with S768I have a shorter median survival time (6 months vs 38 months), progression‐free survival time (8 months vs 44 months) and lower tumor mutation count compared to patients with other EGFR mutations.

Conclusions

The shorter survival of patients with the S768I SNV predicts aggressive disease and poor prognosis as a result of this mutation. Studies in larger cohorts and/or animal models are necessary to confirm these findings.
Canola yield, forage accumulation, and nutritive value in dual‐purpose and companion cropping
Authors: Holman Johnathon , Assefa Yared , Stamm Michael , Obour Augustine K.
Published: August 2020

Winter canola (Brassica napus L.) production has increased in the Great Plains as producers seek a rotational and alternative crop to winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L). However, limited information is available if canola could be used for dual‐purpose without significantly affecting grain yield. The objectives of this study were to (a) investigate dual‐purpose potential and (b) impact of companion crops on growth, survival, biomass, and grain yield of canola. The study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 at Garden City, KS. The experimental design of the study was a randomized complete block design with split‐plot arrangement. Main plot treatments were a factorial of canola cultivars (Griffin or Wichita) and companion crop treatments (none, spring triticale [× Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus], winter triticale, radish [Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus (L.) Domin], and turnip [Brassica rapa var. rapa L.]), and the split‐plot treatments were single‐purpose (grain only) or dual‐purpose (grain and forage) management. Averaged across cultivars and years, grain yield was 70% greater when canola was used for single‐purpose (grain‐only) compared with dual‐purpose. Griffin grain yield tended to be relatively greater than Wichita in dual‐purpose use. Averaged across the two years, turnip as a companion crop decreased canola yield by 38% but resulted in greater forage accumulation. In conclusion, dual‐purpose canola has a grain yield penalty, but effects may vary by cultivar. Companion cropping did not benefit canola and in some cases negatively affected grain yield. When grain production is the primary objective, both companion cropping and forage use should be avoided.
Dietary supplementation of extracts of red sea weed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) improves growth, intestinal morphology, expression of intestinal genes and immune responses in broiler chickens
Authors: Paul Shyam Sundar , Vantharam Venkata Hemanth Giri Rao , Raju Mantena VLN , Rama Rao Savaram V , Nori Sri Sailaja , Suryanarayan Shrikumar , Kumar Vikas , Perveen Zeba , Prasad Cadaba Srinivas
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Effects of supplementation of dried alkaline (referred to as MVP1) and aqueous (referred to as PBD1) extracts of Kappaphycus alvarezii, were evaluated in broiler (Vencobb 400) chickens (1–35 days post‐hatch). In experiment I, each of the seven diets (basal diet with three levels (0.5, 1.5 or 5.0 g kg−1 diet) of MVP1 or PBD1 and a negative control was fed to 12 pen replicates containing five birds in each. In experiment II, each of three diets [a negative control, and PBD1 at two levels (1.0 or 1.5 g kg−1 diet)] was fed to 16 pen replicates of five chicks in each.

RESULTS

Concentrations of total phenolics, phycobillins and free radical scavenging activity were higher (P < 0.01) whereas carrageenan was lower in PBD1 than in MVP1. In the experiment I, PBD1 at 1.5 g kg−1 diet improved (P < 0.05) body weight (BW) (7.11% higher). In the experiment II, both the treatments improved (P < 0.01) BW (9.18% and 8.47%, respectively) compared to the control. The group fed with PBD1@ 1.0 g kg−1 had higher (P < 0.05) haemagglutination inhibition titre, expression of intestinal claudin 2, TLR2A, NOD1, avian beta defensin 4, interleukin 2 and interleukin 6 genes than control. Treatments did not influence feed efficiency or levels of most of the antioxidant enzymes. Villus width and crypt depth were significantly higher in the group fed with 1.5 g kg−1 of PBD1.

CONCLUSION

Supplementing dried aqueous extract of K. alvarezii at 1 g kg−1 diet may be an effective strategy to increase growth and immunity in broiler chickens. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Severe Choreo‐Ballism Episodes Due to PRRT2 Gene Mutations—A Vignette
Authors: Pandey Sanjay , Chouksey Anjali , Bhattad Sonali
Published: August 2020

View Supplementary Video 1
Magnetic resonance angiography reveals increased arterial blood supply and tumorigenesis following high fat feeding in a mouse model of triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Mustafi Devkumar , Valek Rebecca , Fitch Michael , Werner Victoria , Fan Xiaobing , Markiewicz Erica , Fernandez Sully , Zamora Marta , Mueller Jeffrey , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Conzen Suzanne D. , Brady Matthew J. , Karczmar Gregory S.
Published: August 2020

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed malignancy among women globally. Past MRI studies have linked a high animal fat diet (HAFD) to increased mammary cancer risk in the SV40Tag mouse model of triple‐negative breast cancer. Here, serial MRI examines tumor progression and measures the arterial blood volume feeding mammary glands in low fat diet (LFD) or HAFD fed mice.

Virgin female C3(1)SV40Tag mice (n = 8), weaned at 3 weeks old, were assigned to an LFD (n = 4, 3.7 kcal/g, 17.2% kcal from vegetable oil) or an HAFD (n = 4, 5.3 kcal/g, 60% kcal from lard) group. From ages 8 to 12 weeks, weekly fast spin echo MR images and time‐of‐flight (TOF) MR angiography of inguinal mammary glands were acquired at 9.4 T. Following in vivo MRI, mice were sacrificed. Inguinal mammary glands were excised and fixed for ex vivo MRI and histology. Tumor, blood, and mammary gland volumes for each time point were measured from manually traced regions of interest; tumors were classified as invasive by histopathology‐blinded observers.

Our analysis confirmed a strong correlation between total tumor volume and blood volume in the mammary gland. Tumor growth rates from weeks 8‐12 were twice as high in HAFD‐fed mice (0.42 ± 0.14/week) as in LFD‐fed mice (0.21 ± 0.03/week), p < 0.004. Mammary gland blood volume growth rate was 2.2 times higher in HAFD mice (0.29 ± 0.11/week) compared with LFD mice (0.13 ± 0.06/week), p < 0.02. The mammary gland growth rate of HAFD‐fed mice (0.071 ± 0.011/week) was 2.7 times larger than that of LFD‐fed mice (0.026 ± 0.009/week), p < 0.01.

This is the first non‐invasive, in vivo MRI study to demonstrate a strong correlation between an HAFD and increased cancer burden and blood volume in mammary cancer without using contrast agents, strengthening the evidence supporting the adverse effects of an HAFD on mammary cancer. These results support the potential future use of TOF angiography to evaluate vasculature of suspicious lesions.
Finite‐time optimal pinning control and synchronization for partially interdependent networks
Authors: Wang Yujuan , Tu Lilan , Guo Tianjiao
Published: August 2020

For partially interdependent networks composed of two subnetworks, the finite‐time optimal pinning control problem is investigated. Among them, only a part of the nodes between the two subnetworks are interdependent on each other. In the network, the coupling relationship between any two nodes of the network is a continuous nonlinear function. Based on the pinning control, the optimal control theory, Kalman's controllability rank conditions, and introducing the Lagrange function and applying controllers to the partial nodes of the network, we propose some characterization indicators which ensure that the two subnetworks of partially interdependent networks can synchronize to the equilibrium points of their isolate systems, separately. Finally, some numerical simulations are performed on the partially interdependent networks including two small world subnetworks. The results show that the optimal pinning control method proposed in this article can greatly reduce the control costs and achieve the ideal synchronous status quickly.
Properties of sugarcane fiber/polyurethane‐crosslinked epoxy composites under different interfacial treatments
Authors: Liu Kuan‐Liang , Lai Sun‐Mou , Han Jin‐Lin , Hsieh Kuo‐Huang
Published: August 2020

The effect of the ultrasonic/mechanical stirring method (physical treatment) and 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane (GPS, chemical treatment) modifications on the sugarcane fiber (SGF)/epoxy composites was investigated to improve the interfacial interaction between fiber and epoxy resin. An optimum concentration GPS at 2 wt% was found for the best improvement in tensile strength at 40 wt% SGF content based on the evaluation of GPS content, indicating the role of GPS as an effective coupling agent. Overall, the best improvement in tensile strength was observed for GPS‐modified cases, and particularly tensile strength reached up to 32.9 MPa at 50 wt% of fiber content. In addition, three types of Polyurethane (PU)‐modified epoxy with different polyols at various SGFs contents were investigated. In all cases, the tensile strength of SGF/PU‐epoxy cases was higher than that of SGF/epoxy cases due to the relatively lower viscosity of PU‐epoxy to easily wet the SGF surface. In general, impact strength for samples without physical or chemical treatment also ranked the lowest value in most cases. The enhanced interfacial interaction between SGF and epoxy for surface‐modified cases was suggested through the morphology observation, dynamical mechanical analysis, and the onset degradation improvement in thermal stability.
Biodegradable Catalase‐Modified Micelles as Ultrasound Contrast Agents for Inflammation Detection
Authors: Su Peifeng , Wu Hongxin , Wang Zhen , Lei Hongxiang , Zhang Shiyu , Wang Shuanghu , Li Yingjia , Tu Yingfeng , Peng Fei
Published: August 2020

Overproduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a characteristic feature for inflammation and cancer. Ultrasonography is a safe and effective clinical diagnosis method to identify inflammation, yet a fully biodegradable ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) system that is able to reflect the pathophysiological level of H2O2 at diseased tissue with high sensitivity is still scarce. Herein, a self‐assembled biodegradable catalase‐modified poly(ethylene glycol)44‐b‐poly(lactic acid)100 (PEG‐b‐PLA) micelle (Cat‐PEG‐PLA) is presented as a sensitive ultrasound contrast agent. It is found that the imaging effect of Cat‐PEG‐PLA is remarkable with an obvious enhancement of ultrasound echogenic signal even in an ultralow (0.33 × 10−3 m) inflammation‐relevant H2O2 concentration environment, close to or even lower than the reported lowest ultrasound detectable concentration limits. The ultrasonography of collagen‐induced arthritis rat model’s articular cavity by the Cat‐PEG‐PLA micelle platform is demonstrated, showing highly promising results. Therefore, with superior detection sensitivity and contrast, the system detects H2O2 in arthritis rat model with full biodegradability, providing a novel, safe, and translatable platform for arthritis diagnosis.
Synergism and unintended effects of the association between imidacloprid and sodium chloride (NaCl) on the management of Euschistus heros
Authors: Rodrigues Hígor S , Haddi Khalid , Campos Mateus O , Ferreira‐Filho Noelio A , Guedes Raul Narciso C , Newland Philip L , Oliveira Eugênio E
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The use of insecticidal solutions containing sodium chloride (NaCl) has been proposed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to managing stink bug infestations of Neotropical soybean fields. The potential sublethal and undesirable effects of this practice have, however, been overlooked, especially with novel insecticides. Here, we have evaluated experimentally whether the addition of NaCl (0.5% w/v) to imidacloprid‐containing solutions could alter insecticide toxicity and modify the reproductive responses of the Neotropical brown stink bug Euschistus heros.

RESULTS

Adding NaCl to imidacloprid solutions significantly increased imidacloprid toxicity against E. heros. The exposure to E. heros to sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid affected the insect's mating abilities in a concentration‐dependent manner. The addition of NaCl to solutions containing imidacloprid at concentrations as low as 0.126 μg a.i. cm−2 (i.e. the equivalent to 3% of field rate recommendation) also impacted the sexual behavior of E. heros, reducing mating duration. NaCl‐exposed stink bugs, however, exhibited higher fecundity and fertility rates than those insects that were unexposed to NaCl or those that were exposed to sublethal levels of imidacloprid only.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of low amounts of NaCl resulted in a higher toxicity of imidacloprid. This practice, however, can also lead to undesirable effects as increasing reproductive output of E. heros that can potentially compromise the management of these insect pests.
Design of linear parameter varying quadratic regulator in polynomial chaos framework
Authors: Hsu Shao‐Chen , Bhattacharya Raktim
Published: August 2020

We present a new theoretical framework for designing linear parameter varying (LPV) controllers in the polynomial chaos (PC) framework. We assume the scheduling variable to be random and apply the PC approach to synthesize the controller for the resulting linear stochastic dynamical system. Two algorithms are presented that minimize the performance objective with respect to the stochastic system. The first algorithm is based on the Galerkin projection, and the second algorithm is based on the stochastic collocation. LPV controllers from both algorithms are shown to compare with Monte Carlo method and ROLMIP for a nonlinear missile system.
Fatal injuries and economic development in the population sample of Central and Eastern European Countries: the perspective of adolescents
Authors: Miovsky Michal , Gavurova Beata , Ivankova Viera , Rigelsky Martin , Sejvl Jaroslav
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Researches consider the young generation (adolescents) to be the population group whose mortality from injury has the lowest effect on economic growth. The objective was to evaluate the relations between economic indicators and preventable injury mortality in Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs), with a primary focus on adolescents.

Methods

The analyses included health indicators of preventable injury mortality and economic indicators that represent human development and economic growth in the CEECs from 1990 to 2016. The analytical process involved a population group divided by age (0–14 years: children, 15–24 years: adolescents, 25–74 years: adults) and gender. Descriptive analysis, cluster analysis and primarily panel regression analysis were used.

Results

Significant effects of economic indicators on drowning were found in all analysed relations. In the group of adolescents, significant effects of fatal falls were found. Overall, it can be concluded that the effects of fatal injuries are not homogenous between age and gender groups.

Conclusions

The effects of years and individual countries should be taken into account in the cross-sectional analyses. In terms of economic growth, public policies should focus on drowning in children, on falls in adolescents and on transport accidents, fire injuries and poisoning in adults.
Unsupervised evaluation of multiple node ranks by reconstructing local structures
Authors: Krasanakis Emmanouil , Papadopoulos Symeon , Kompatsiaris Yiannis
Published: August 2020

A problem that frequently occurs when mining complex networks is selecting algorithms with which to rank the relevance of nodes to metadata groups characterized by a small number of examples. The best algorithms are often found through experiments on labeled networks or unsupervised structural community quality measures. However, new networks could exhibit characteristics different from the labeled ones, whereas structural community quality measures favor dense congregations of nodes but not metadata groups spanning a wide breadth of the network. To avoid these shortcomings, in this work we propose using unsupervised measures that assess node rank quality across multiple metadata groups through their ability to reconstruct the local structures of network nodes; these are retrieved from the network and not assumed. Three types of local structures are explored: linked nodes, nodes up to two hops away and nodes forming triangles. We compare the resulting measures alongside unsupervised structural community quality ones to the AUC and NDCG of supervised evaluation in one synthetic and four real-world labelled networks. Our experiments suggest that our proposed local structure measures are often more accurate for unsupervised pairwise comparison of ranking algorithms, especially when few example nodes are provided. Furthermore, the ability to reconstruct the extended neighborhood, which we call HopAUC, manages to select a near-best among many ranking algorithms in most networks.
The Precariousness of Protection: Civilian Defense Groups Countering Boko Haram in Northeastern Nigeria
Authors: Agbiboa Daniel E.
Published: August 2020

For all the academic and policy interest in Nigeria’s Boko Haram insurgency, the coping strategies of civilians who survive amid everyday violence have received relatively little attention. Focusing on the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), a pro-government militia fighting Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria, Agbiboa explores how and why the group emerged, the nature of its relationship with the state and local communities, and how counterinsurgent vigilantism affects the prospects for peace. A focus on vigilantes and civil militias vis-à-vis the state points to the vital role of civil-military cooperation for effective counterinsurgency campaigns and for reducing state violence against civilians. At the same time, it underscores the precariousness of protection both in terms of increasing the targeting of civilians by vengeful insurgents as well as the tendency for civilian defense groups to “turn bad” and become threats to the communities they were expected to protect.
Design of Hybrid Reconstruction Scheme for Compressible Flow Using Data-Driven Methods
Authors: Salazar A. , Xiao F.
Published: August 2020

Existing numerical schemes used to solve the governing equations for compressible flow suffer from dissipation errors which tend to smear out sharp discontinuities. Hybrid schemes show potential improvements in this challenging problem; however, the solution quality of a hybrid scheme heavily depends on the criterion to switch between the different candidate reconstruction functions. This work presents a new type of switching criterion (or selector) using machine learning techniques. The selector is trained with randomly generated samples of continuous and discontinuous data profiles, using the exact solution of the governing equation as a reference. Neural networks and random forests were used as the machine learning frameworks to train the selector, and it was later implemented as the indicator function in a hybrid scheme which includes THINC and WENO-Z as the candidate reconstruction functions. The trained selector has been verified to be effective as a reliable switching criterion in the hybrid scheme, which significantly improves the solution quality for both advection and Euler equations.
Pricing Models for German Wine: Hedonic Regression vs. Machine Learning
Authors: Niklas Britta , Rinke Wolfram
Published: August 2020

This article examines whether there are different hedonic price models for different German wines by grape variety, and identifies influential factors that focus on weather variables and direct and indirect quality measures for wine prices. A log linear regression model is first applied only for Riesling, and then machine learning is used to find hedonic price models for Riesling, Silvaner, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Machine learning exhibits slightly greater explanatory power, suggests adding additional variables, and allows for a more detailed interpretation of results. Gault&Millau points are shown to have a significant positive impact on German wine prices. The log linear approach suggests a huge effect of different quality categories on the wine prices for Riesling with the highest price premiums for Auslese and “Beerenauslese/Trockenbeerenauslese/Eiswein (Batbaice),” while the machine learning model shows, that additionally the alcohol level has a positive effect on wines in the quality categories “QbA,” “Kabinett,” and “Spätlese,” and a mostly negative one in the categories “Auslese” and “Batbaice.” Weather variables exert different affects per grape variety, but all grape varieties have problems coping with rising maximum temperatures in the winter and with rising minimum and maximum temperatures in the harvest season. (JEL Classifications: C45, L11, Q11)
Social capital across the life course: Accumulation, diminution, or segregation?
Authors: Volker Beate
Published: August 2020

This study examines changes in individual social capital during adult life within a 19-year period. Social capital theory and life course theory are combined, and it is argued that changes in social networks do not necessarily go together with changes in social capital: while personal networks are known to decline in size with age, social capital can be expected to accumulate, in particular for those who had a better starting position and therefore more resources to share. Panel data from the survey of the social networks of the Dutch (SSND) (1999–2018) at four points of measurement are employed to inquire into this argument. Social capital is measured by the position generator instrument, and three indicators, that is, resource extensity, mean prestige access, and resource range are analyzed. Results of fixed effect models show that, on average, people maintain access to social capital, and that men and higher educated gain social capital through their life as opposed to women and lower educated. Implications for the understanding of the reproduction of social inequality are discussed. The paper concludes with a reflection upon the value of ego-centered network analysis in the era of big data and data science.
The incidence of non-affective psychotic disorders in Chile between 2005 and 2018: results from a national register of over 30 000 cases
Authors: González-Valderrama Alfonso , Jongsma Hannah E. , Mena Cristián , Castañeda Carmen Paz , Nachar Rubén , Undurraga Juan , Crossley Nicolás , Aceituno David , Iruretagoyena Barbara , Gallardo Carlos , Mondaca Pilar , Monje Matías , Irarrazaval Matías , Zavala Cynthia , Valmaggia Lucia , Kirkbride James B.
Published: August 2020

Background

Evidence suggests the incidence of non-affective psychotic disorders (NAPDs) varies across persons and places, but data from the Global South is scarce. We aimed to estimate the treated incidence of NAPD in Chile, and variance by person, place and time.

Methods

We used national register data from Chile including all people, 10–65 years, with the first episode of NAPD (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision: F20–F29) between 1 January 2005 and 29 August 2018. Denominators were estimated from Chilean National Census data. Our main outcome was treated incidence of NAPD and age group, sex, calendar year and regional-level population density, multidimensional poverty and latitude were exposures of interest.

Results

We identified 32 358 NAPD cases [12 136 (39.5%) women; median age-at-first-contact: 24 years (interquartile range 18–39 years)] during 171.1 million person-years [crude incidence: 18.9 per 100 000 person-years; 95% confidence interval (CI) 18.7–19.1]. Multilevel Poisson regression identified a strong age–sex interaction in incidence, with rates peaking in men (57.6 per 100 000 person-years; 95% CI 56.0–59.2) and women (29.5 per 100 000 person-years; 95% CI 28.4–30.7) between 15 and 19 years old. Rates also decreased (non-linearly) over time for women, but not men. We observed a non-linear association with multidimensional poverty and latitude, with the highest rates in the poorest regions and those immediately south of Santiago; no association with regional population density was observed.

Conclusion

Our findings inform the aetiology of NAPDs, replicating typical associations with age, sex and multidimensional poverty in a Global South context. The absence of association with population density suggests this risk may be context-dependent.
An Exploratory Inquiry into the Relationship between Temporality and Composition
Authors: Maestri Eric
Published: August 2020

In this article, I explore the relationship between the temporality of the composer and that of the music composed. This investigation starts with a fundamental presumption: composers, generally speaking, thinkin the future– their compositions will be performed and perceived at a different and later time than that of the compositional act, and will be listened by other persons. The hypothesis I develop in this article is that the musical work determines a deferred relationship between the listener and the composer, and that the compositional act is basically a dialogical act. Paul Ricœur’s theory ofmimesisis helpful in analysing this dialogical mechanism through the notion of ‘temporal configuration’. By drawing on this theoretical framework, I interviewed five composers in order to make explicit the imbrication of the composer’s and listener’s temporalities in the musical work. This exploratory inquiry allowed for a concrete analysis, articulated in the words of the composers, of how they conceive the relationship between their compositional temporality and that expressed by their work.
Timescales and the Factors Influencing Time Perception
Authors: Pasoulas Aki
Published: August 2020

This article explores timescales within absolute and psychological times, and identifies the many factors that affect our perception of time passing and estimation of durations, which inevitably influence our perception of musical structures; in particular, it discusses listening experiences, and theoretical approaches to psychological states and emotional responses. It proposes a process according to which the time-influencing factors operate between listener and music. The discussion is approached through the lens of the electroacoustic composer and makes references to short excerpts from the author’s work and related repertoire. However, as the article discusses time in relation to sound structures, it is also relevant to other time-based sound art and music.
Demand for bio-based fertilizers from dairy manure in Washington State: a small-scale discrete choice experiment
Authors: Hills Karen , Yorgey Georgine , Cook Joseph
Published: August 2020

The use of bio-based fertilizers derived from dairy manure can provide a valuable source of fertility, improve soil health and provide an outlet for manure from dairy operations. We conducted a small-scale discrete choice survey of crop farmers and crop consultants in Washington State to determine the attributes that were important to them in the potential use of a bio-based fertilizer product derived from dairy manure. Of the attributes examined, distribution channel was not statistically significant. Respondents preferred air-dried or pelletized forms to wet forms, though there was no statistically significant difference between air-dried and pelletized forms. As expected, uptake increased as price decreased. Our results imply that respondents would be willing to pay 23 and 39% more for an air-dried or pelletized product, respectively, than for a ‘semi-wet’ product. Our results indicate that there are other important attributes beyond the ones in the survey that led respondents to stay with their current fertilizer regime. Qualitative responses in the survey pointed to the need for field trial results and data on nitrogen release from the bio-based fertilizer. Greater understanding of willingness-to-pay and attributes important to potential end users is important for the development of markets for bio-based fertilizers.
Health economics and emergence from COVID-19 lockdown: the great big marginal analysis
Authors: Donaldson Cam , Mitton Craig
Published: August 2020

Despite denials of politicians and other advisors, trade-offs have already been apparent in many policy decisions addressing the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and its social and economic consequences. Here, we illustrate why it is important, from a wellbeing perspective, to recognise such trade-offs, and provide a framework, based on the economic concept of ‘marginal analysis’, for doing so. We illustrate its potential through consideration of optimising the balance between reducing the reproductive rate (R) of the virus and further opening of the economy. The framework accommodates both perspectives in the health-vs-economy debate whereby, depending on where we are within the marginal analysis framework, either health issues are allowed to dominate or, below some threshold of R and/or background level of infection, health and economic considerations can be traded off against each other. Given the inevitability of such trade-offs, the framework exposes crucial questions to be addressed, such as: the critical value of R and/or background infection, above which health considerations predominate, and which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction; and the value of lives forgone resulting from the small increases in R and/or background infection levels that may have to be tolerated as the economy is gradually opened.
Imaging of Martian Circulation Patterns and Atmospheric Tides Through MAVEN/IUVS Nightglow Observations
Authors: Schneider N. M. , Milby Z. , Jain S. K. , González‐Galindo F. , Royer E. , Gérard J.‐C. , Stiepen A. , Deighan J. , Stewart A. I. F. , Forget F. , Lefèvre F. , Bougher S. W.
Published: August 2020

We report results from a study of two consecutive Martian years of imaging observations of nitric oxide ultraviolet nightglow by the Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph (IUVS) on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission spacecraft. The emission arises from recombination of N and O atoms in Mars' nightside mesosphere. The brightness traces the reaction rate as opposed to the abundance of constituents, revealing where circulation patterns concentrate N and O and enhance recombination. Emissions are brightest around the winter poles, with equatorial regions brightening around the equinoxes. These changes offer clear evidence of circulation patterns transitioning from a single cross‐equatorial cell operating during solstice periods to more symmetric equator‐to‐poles circulation around the equinoxes. Prominent atmospheric tides intensify the emissions at different longitudes, latitude ranges, and seasons. We find a strong eastward‐propagating diurnal tide (DE2) near the equator during the equinoxes, with a remarkably bright spot narrowly confined near (0°, 0°). Wave features at the opposite winter poles are dissimilar, reflecting different circulation patterns at perihelion versus aphelion. LMD‐MGCM simulations agree with the patterns of most observed phenomena, confirming that the model captures the dominant physical processes. At the south winter pole, however, the model fails to match a strong wave‐1 spiral feature. Observed brightnesses exceed model predictions by a factor of 1.9 globally, probably due to an underestimation of the dayside production of N and O atoms. Further study of discrepancies between the model and observations offers opportunities to improve our understanding of chemical and transport processes controlling the emission.
Laser-induced graphitization of a forest-based ink for use in flexible and printed electronics
Authors: Edberg Jesper , Brooke Robert , Hosseinaei Omid , Fall Andreas , Wijeratne Kosala , Sandberg Mats
Published: August 2020

Laser-induced graphitization (LIG) is a method of converting a carbon-rich precursor into a highly conductive graphite-like carbon by laser scribing. This method has shown great promise as a versatile and low-cost patterning technique. Here we show for the first time how an ink based on cellulose and lignin can be patterned using screen printing followed by laser graphitization. Screen printing is one of the most commonly used manufacturing techniques of printed electronics, making this approach compatible with existing processing of various devices. The use of forest-based materials opens the possibility of producing green and sustainable electronics. Pre-patterning of the ink enables carbon patterns without residual precursor between the patterns. We investigated the effect of the ink composition, laser parameters, and additives on the conductivity and structure of the resulting carbon and could achieve low sheet resistance of 3.8 Ω sq−1 and a high degree of graphitization. We demonstrated that the process is compatible with printed electronics and finally manufactured a humidity sensor which uses lignin as the sensing layer and graphitized lignin as the electrodes.