bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new frog of theLeptodactylus fuscusspecies group (Anura: Leptodactylidae), endemic from the South American Gran Chaco
Authors: Schneider Rosio G. , Cardozo Dario E. , Brusquetti Francisco , Kolenc Francisco , Borteiro Claudio , Haddad Célio , Basso Nestor G. , Baldo Diego
Published: October 2019

A new species ofLeptodactylusfrog (Anura: Leptodactylidae) from the South American Gran Chaco, morphologically similar and previously confused with the widespreadLeptodactylus mystacinus, is described through the use of multiple sources of evidence (molecular, external morphology, coloration, osteology, bioacoustics, and behavior). The phylogenetic analysis with partial sequences of mitochondrial rDNA genes (12S and 16S) recovered the new species within theL. fuscusgroup, being highly divergent (>3% genetic distance in 16S). The new species was recovered as sister taxa ofL. mystacinus, from which it is distinguished by tympanum coloration, cephalic index, dorsum and legs coloration, and some osteological differences in nasals and prevomers. This new frog is characterized by a moderate body size (SVL 46.80–66.21 mm), distinctive color pattern (reddish dorsal surfaces of body with noticeable black stripes in the dorsolateral folds), a circular and dark tympanum with dark tympanic annuli, and behavior of males that call on top of fallen logs and tree branches close to the ground.
Why isn't parity a reality? No enforcement, so centers should sue, says lawyer
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2019

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Affordable Care Act of 2010 require insurance companies to provide parity for mental health and substance use disorders, but these laws, on the books for a decade, aren't being enforced. And insurance companies are taking advantage of this, leaving treatment centers one choice, according to attorney Matthew Lavin: to appeal until they win, and if they don't win, to sue.
AATOD opposes deregulation of buprenorphine treatment
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2019

The ease with which opioid use disorder patients can obtain buprenorphine in outpatient settings is attractive, for many reasons. Federal authorities have been concerned for years that without restrictions, the carefully built buprenorphine treatment system would fail due to diversion. Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are worried too. If it becomes easy for patients to get agonists to treat withdrawal or craving, the hard work of going to treatment will be unnecessary. All that will be needed is the medication. Here is the letter from AATOD's Mark Parrino to Congress on why this proposal will not work.
Bauakustische Messungen zur Untersuchung der Reduktion der Luftschallübertragung bei Trittschallanregung – Die störende Luftschallkomponente bei Trittschallmessungen
Authors: Mostböck Ines Zoe , Trenz Sandra , Cvetkovic Vibor , Arandjelovic Alexander
Published: October 2019

Im Zuge des Diplomprojektes an der HTL Spengergasse wurde ein Versuch ausgeführt, um die entstehende primäre Luftschallkomponente, die während der Messungen des Trittschalls von der Normschallquelle, dem sogenannten Norm‐Hammerwerk, produziert wird, zu minimieren. Bei der Messung des Trittschalls in einem Gebäude wird in einem Raum, dem sogenannten Senderaum, das Norm‐Hammerwerk platziert, welches mit kleinen Hämmern Trittschall produziert. Der entstehende Körperschall geht durch Wände, Decken und Böden und erreicht schließlich den Empfangsraum, in welchem das Schallpegelmessgerät platziert ist. Das Problem bei solchen Messungen liegt darin, dass durch das Norm‐Hammerwerk, welches stark auf den Boden hämmert, auch eine direkte Luftschallkomponente, der sogenannte primäre Luftschall, entsteht. Dieser kann über Öffnungen in der Wand, Durchbrüche oder auch durch andere bauliche Schwachstellen wie einer Tür, vom Senderaum in den Empfangsraum eindringen und somit die Messung verfälschen. Das Ziel des Diplomprojekts beinhaltet die Beantwortung der Fragestellung, ob und vor allem in welchen Frequenzbändern die störende, primäre Luftschallkomponente mit Hilfe von speziell entwickelten Abschirm‐Gehäusen reduziert werden kann.
Hydrodynamic interactions of filaments polymerizing against obstacles
Authors: Nazockdast Ehssan
Published: October 2019

Polymerization and depolymerization of cytoskeletal filaments against cellular structures can generate forces that are key to many cellular processes, such as cell motility and chromosomes movements during cell division. Motions generated by these forces induce global cytoplasmic flows and couple the dynamics of the polymerizing filaments and other bodies immersed in the fluid through their long‐range hydrodynamic interactions (HIs). Previous theoretical and computational studies have largely ignored HIs. We use three dimensional discrete simulations to study the relationship between polymerization forces and their resulting flows and HIs. As a model system, we choose a filament that is polymerizing against an obstacle, and is embedded in a cylindrical array of parallel filaments of the same length. We consider three distinct mechanical scenarios for the filaments within the array: (a) all of the filaments are polymerizing with the same velocity; (b) they are all fixed in space, and (c) they are freely suspended. We show that each of these conditions produce their unique cytoplasmic flows and each result in differentiable polymerization forces and velocities. We also study the effect of buckling of filaments on polymerization forces and velocities and discuss the effect of HIs on the onset of buckling transition. Finally, we show that HIs result in the bundling of the buckled filaments within the array.
Improving Aqueous Biphasic Hydroformylation of Unsaturated Oleochemicals Using a Jet‐Loop‐Reactor
Authors: Herrmann Norman , Bianga Jonas , Palten Markus , Riemer Tim , Vogt Dieter , Dreimann Jens M. , Seidensticker Thomas
Published: October 2019

In two case studies, the reaction performance of the aqueous biphasic hydroformylation of two industrially relevant oleochemicals, namely methyl 10‐undecenoate (case 1) and methyl oleate (case 2), is significantly improved by the use of a Jet‐Loop Reactor concept. Based on previously reported studies, only the two green and benign co‐solvents, 1‐butanol and isopropanol are applied, respectively, in the absence of any additional auxiliary. Both reactions benefit highly from using this special piece of equipment, specifically designed for improving gas–liquid–liquid mixing to create large interfacial areas with no moving internals. In case 1, the loading of the co‐solvent 1‐butanol is successfully reduced. For the first time significant yields (>40% after 1 h) are obtained in the absence of any co‐solvent, which is very beneficial, since aldehyde products and substrate form a pure product phase enabling straightforward separation. In case 2, the loading of the substrate methyl oleate is successfully increased from 6 to 30 wt% still showing satisfying productivity. At 15 wt%, the yield of the desired internal aldehydes in the jet‐loop reactor is increased by a factor of five compared to a stirred tank reactor after 3 h.

Practical Applications: The production of aldehydes from hydroformylation of olefins is highly relevant for the chemical industry, since these can undergo numerous subsequent reactions, to form for instance alcohols, amines, and carboxylic acids. Generally, aldehydes from oleochemicals can serve as platform chemicals for gaining access to bifunctional molecules, which are interesting as polymer precursors. Performing hydroformylation with a water‐based solvent system enables efficient product separation from the aqueous catalyst phase for the realzation of more sustainable processes. By using the Jet‐Loop Reactor, the performance of the reaction system can be greatly improved addressing its practical relevance.
Poly(pyrrole‐co‐pyrrole‐2‐carboxylic acid)/Pyruvate Oxidase Based Biosensor for Phosphate: Determination of the Potential, and Application in Streams
Authors: Korkut Seyda , Göl Saliha , Kilic Muhammet Samet
Published: October 2019

A biosensor based on conductive poly(pyrrole‐co‐pyrrole‐2‐carboxylic acid) [Poly(Py‐co‐PyCOOH)] copolymer film coated gold electrode was developed for the quantitative phosphate determination. Enzyme pyruvate oxidase was immobilized chemically via the functional carboxylated groups of the copolymer. The potential to be applied which is deficiency of phosphate biosensor studies for precise phosphate detection was clarified by using differential pulse voltammetry technique. Performance of the sensing ability of the biosensor was improved by optimizing cofactor/cosubstrate concentrations, polymeric film density and pH. The biosensor showed a linearity up to phosphate concentration of 5 mM, operational stability with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.07 % (n=7) and accuracy of 101 % at −0.15 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Detection limit (LOD) and sensitivity were calculated to be 13.3 μM and 5.4 μA mM−1 cm−2, respectively by preserving 50 % of its initial response at the end of 30 days. It's performance was tested to determine phosphate concentrations in two streams of Zonguldak City in Turkey. Accuracy of phosphate measurement in stream water was found to be 91 %.
Automated label‐free detection of injured neuron with deep learning by two‐photon microscopy
Authors: Wang Shu , Lin Bingbing , Lin Guimin , Lin Ruolan , Huang Feng , Liu Weilin , Wang Xingfu , Liu Xueyong , Zhang Yu , Wang Feng , Lin Yuanxiang , Chen Lidian , Chen Jianxin
Published: October 2019

Stroke is a significant cause of morbidity and long‐term disability globally. Detection of injured neuron is a prerequisite for defining the degree of focal ischemic brain injury, which can be used to guide further therapy. Here, we demonstrate the capability of two‐photon microscopy (TPM) to label‐freely identify injured neurons on unstained thin section and fresh tissue of rat cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion model, revealing definite diagnostic features compared with conventional staining images. Moreover, a deep learning model based on convolutional neural network is developed to automatically detect the location of injured neurons on TPM images. We then apply deep learning‐assisted TPM to evaluate the ischemic regions based on tissue edema, two‐photon excited fluorescence signal intensity, as well as neuronal injury, presenting a novel manner for identifying the infarct core, peri‐infarct area, and remote area. These results propose an automated and label‐free method that could provide supplementary information to augment the diagnostic accuracy, as well as hold the potential to be used as an intravital diagnostic tool for evaluating the effectiveness of drug interventions and predicting potential therapeutics.
Optimal stimulation frequency for vibrational optical coherence elastography
Authors: Zhang Duo , Wang Jinjiang , Li Chunhui , Huang Zhihong
Published: October 2019

Vibrational optical coherence elastography (OCE) is a promising tool for extracting the mechanical property of soft tissue. Purpose of this study is focusing on settling the optimal frequency range for vibrational OCE with evenly distributed stress filed. A finite element model of 2% agar phantom was built by ANSYS with a vibration stimulation frequency range from 200 to 3000 Hz. Practical experiments were carried out for cross‐validation with the same frequencies and sample. Lateral and horizontal stress filed distributions under different frequencies were mathematically evaluated by coefficient of variance and degree of linearity. Results from simulation and practical experiment cross‐validated each other and 1000 Hz was set as the maximum ideal frequency for vibrational OCE, while the minimum frequency is set by theoretical calculation with a result of 250 Hz. An ex vivo biological sample was utilised to testify performance of vibrational OCE with excitation frequencies in and out of concluded optimal range, which showed that stiffness was better mapped out in optimal frequency range.
Mineral and Electrolyte Disorders With SGLT2i Therapy
Authors: Cianciolo Giuseppe , De Pascalis Antonio , Capelli Irene , Gasperoni Lorenzo , Di Lullo Luca , Bellasi Antonio , La Manna Gaetano
Published: October 2019

The newly developed sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) effectively modulate glucose metabolism in diabetes. Although clinical data suggest that SGLT2is (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, ertugliflozin, canagliflozin, ipragliflozin) are safe and protect against renal and cardiovascular events, very little attention has been dedicated to the effects of these compounds on different electrolytes. As with other antidiabetic compounds, some effects on water and electrolytes balance have been documented. Although the natriuretic effect and osmotic diuresis are expected with SGLT2is, these compounds may also modulate urinary potassium, magnesium, phosphate, and calcium excretion. Notably, they have had no effect on plasma sodium levels and promoted only small increases in serum potassium and magnesium concentrations in clinical trials. Moreover, SGLT2is may induce an increase in serum phosphate, FGF‐23, and PTH; reduce 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D; and generate normal serum calcium. Some published and preliminary reports, as well as unconfirmed reports have suggested an association with bone fractures. Some homeostasis perturbations are transient, whereas others may persist, suggesting that the administration of SGLT2is may affect electrolyte balances in exposed subjects. Although current evidence supports their safety, additional efforts are needed to elucidate the long‐term impact of these compounds on chronic kidney disease, mineral metabolism, and bone health. Indeed, the limited follow‐up studies and the heterogeneity of the case‐mix of different randomized controlled trials preclude a definitive answer on the impact of these compounds on long‐term outcomes such as the risk of bone fracture. Here we review the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in electrolyte handling and the available data on the clinical implications of electrolytes and mineral metabolism perturbations induced by SGLT2i administration. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Homogenization of a combined hourly air temperature dataset over Romania
Authors: Dumitrescu Alexandru , Cheval Sorin , Guijarro José A.
Published: October 2019

Daily and sub‐daily homogenization of climate variables have been intensively investigated in the last decades, but to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on homogenization of hourly temperature in Romania. This paper describes the creation of a homogenized hourly air temperature data set at a country scale by combining data from four independent meteorological networks. The air temperature measurements for the period 2009 and 2017 were obtained from the following networks: Romanian National Meteorological Administration (ANM), National Network for Monitoring Air Quality (RNMCA), Regional Basic Synoptic Network (RBSN), and Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report network (METAR). The climatological limits, persistence, temporal variation (step test), and spatial consistency were the quality control tests used to isolate the errors due to malfunctioning of the temperature sensors, data coding or transmission. The Climatol homogenization method was successfully applied for identifying and correcting any suspicious values. The missing data were filled by considering the similarities between each station and the reference series. Comparing the output with the original data, it is apparent that the removal of the break points, correction and homogenization resulted in a new data set with statistical properties very similar to the raw data, but more reliable for climate research due to the increased homogeneity. Eventually, the procedure can be implemented in operational use for collecting more data from other networks.
microRNAs in sudden hearing loss
Authors: Nunez Desmond A. , Wijesinghe Printha , Nabi Shahin , Yeh David , Garnis Cathie
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To compare the circulating microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles between sudden sensory neural hearing loss (SSNHL) patients and age‐matched normal hearing controls.

Study Design

Prospective cohort multi‐center study.

Methods

Patients presenting within 28 days of onset of SSNHL were prospectively recruited along with contemporaneous age‐matched controls. Pooled sera of four patient (n = 09, mean age = 53.0 years; 07, 55.0; 10, 52.9; 10, 51.6) and two control (09, 51.2 and 03, 50.0) groups were assessed using a TaqMan Low Density Array. The patients’ sera were also divided into two pools, untreated (04, 57.7) and treated (32, 52.6) for additional analysis. miRNA expression level was derived from cycle threshold (Ct) values normalized to a global mean. Inter‐group mean Ct differences with fold changes ≥2.0 and ≤0.5 atP < .05 were considered significant. Bioinformatic databases were used to identify putative target mRNAs or validated genes and their functional annotations.

Results

Thirty‐six SSNHL patients (mean age 53.0 ± standard deviation (SD) 15.2 years) and 12 controls (50.9 ± 11.9) were studied. Eight miRNAs hsa‐miR‐590‐5p/ ‐186‐5p/ ‐195‐5p/ ‐140‐3p/ ‐128‐3p/ ‐132‐3p/ ‐375‐3p, and ‐30a‐3p were identified as significantly differentially expressed in SSNHL patients. Most of these miRNAs were abundantly identified in the nervous system and the putative target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were enriched in signaling pathways such as phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase/protein Kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Ras and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK).

Conclusion

These findings suggest the possible cellular signaling pathways that underlie the disruption of auditory signal transmission in SSNHL.

Level of Evidence

2Laryngoscope, 130:E416–E422, 2020
Readability of patient‐reported outcome measures for chronic rhinosinusitis and skull base diseases
Authors: Lee Saangyoung E. , Farzal Zainab , Kimple Adam J. , Senior Brent A. , Thorp Brian D. , Zanation Adam M. , Ebert Charles S.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Outcome measures in healthcare that presume a higher level of patient health and overall literacy may inadequately estimate the disease experiences of less‐educated patients and further disadvantage them. Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are widely used communication tools for clinical practice and are often used to evaluate and guide management for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and skull base diseases. However, their readability and subsequent incomprehensibility for patients have not been assessed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the readability of commonly used PROMs for these conditions and whether they meet recommended readability levels.

Methods

Three readability measures, Gunning Fog, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and FORCAST were used in the evaluation of commonly used PROMs for CRS and skull base disease. PROMs with sixth‐grade readability level or lower were considered to meet health literacy experts' recommendations.

Results

A total of 11 PROMs were reviewed (8 CRS, 3 skull base). Gunning Fog consistently estimated the easiest readability, whereas FORCAST the most difficult. One hundred percent of CRS and 67% of skull base PROMs were above National Institutes of Health and health literacy experts' recommended reading levels. PROMs developed more recently had easier readability.

Conclusion

PROMs are important clinical tools in otolaryngology that help guide management of disease for improved patient‐centered care. Like many other fields of medicine, those used in otolaryngology are beyond recommended reading levels. Development of PROMs in the future should meet recommended readability levels to fully assess the disease experience of our patients.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2305–2310, 2020
q‐pseudoconvex and q‐holomorphically convex domains
Authors: Ioniţă George‐Ionuţ , Preda Ovidiu
Published: October 2019

In this article we prove a global result in the spirit of Basener's theorem regarding the relation between q‐pseudoconvexity and q‐holomorphic convexity: we prove that any open subset with smooth boundary, strictly q‐pseudoconvex, is ‐holomorphically convex; moreover, assuming that Ω verifies an additional assumption, we prove that it is q‐holomorphically convex. We also prove that any open subset of is n‐holomorphically convex.
Chitin deacetylases Cod4 and Cod7 are involved in polar growth of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Xie Mingming , Zhao Xiaobing , Lü Yang , Jin Cheng
Published: October 2019

Chitin is one of the key components of fungal cell wall, and chitin deacetylases (CDAs) have been found in fungi; however, their functions remain unknown. Aspergillus fumigatus is known to cause fatal invasive aspergillosis (IA) among immunocompromised patients with a high mortality rate. Although the A. fumigatus cell wall has long been taken as a unique target for drug development, its dynamic remodeling is complicated and not well understood. Seven putative CDAs are annotated in the A. fumigatus genome. In this study, we analyzed the function of the putative CDAs, Cod4 and Cod7, in A. fumigatus. Biochemical analysis of recombinant proteins showed that Cod4 preferentially deacetylated (GlcNAc)4 and was less active on chitooligosaccharides with DP > 5, whereas Cod7 was unable to catalyze deacetylation. Simulation of three‐dimensional structure revealed that both Cod4 and Cod7 shared a similar folding pattern with HyPgdA from Helicobacter pylori and, similar to HyPgdA, a substitution of Thr8 by Ala8 in Cod7 abolished its CDA activity. Deletion of the cod4, cod7, or both in A. fumigatus led to polarity abnormality and increased conidiation. Furthermore, the expression level of the genes related to polarity was upregulated in the mutants. Our results demonstrated that Cod4 and Cod7 were involved in polarity, though Cod4 was inactive.
Evidence of persistent improvements with long‐term subcutaneous immunoglobulin in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Barnett Carolina , Sadeghian Hamid
Published: October 2019

See article on pages 662–667 in this issue.
Network modelling, citizen science and targeted interventions to predict, monitor and reverse bee decline
Authors: Lander Tonya
Published: October 2019

Societal Impact Statement

The global decline in pollinating insect populations has rightly received widespread news coverage as it imperils ecosystem function and human food security. Reversing and addressing this decline is an urgent global priority. However, in many locations we do not know what species are present, how large or small species populations are, or what types of specific resources the populations require. By adopting novel network analyses approaches and by working with monitoring programs, such as Oxford Plan Bee, we may be able to dramatically improve our ability to predict species extinctions and facilitate targeted conservation action to maintain abundant, diverse and stable pollinator communities.

Summary

Pollination is fundamentally important to ecosystem function and human food security. Recent reports of dramatic insect declines, and pollinator decline in particular, have increased public awareness and political motivation to act to protect pollinators. This article maps commonly proposed management interventions onto known drivers of bee decline, and identifies forage and nest site provision as a tractable management intervention that can simultaneously address multiple drivers of decline. However, it is recognized that there are gaps in the knowledge of exactly how much and which types of forage resources are necessary to support wild pollinator populations. A novel network analysis approach based on quantified floral resources and pollination services is proposed, which would illuminate the types and quantities of floral resources and pollinators necessary to maintain a diverse and abundant plant–pollinator community. The approach would also facilitate the prediction of species extinctions in plant–pollinator communities and help target conservation interventions. Finally, Oxford Plan Bee is introduced as a new, citizen‐science‐based project to monitor solitary bee populations, and provide empirical data to validate predictions from the proposed network approach. The over‐arching aim of the described network analysis approach and the Oxford Plan Bee project is to facilitate effective, evidence‐based conservation action to protect pollinators and the plants they pollinate into the future.
Gut microbiota metabolic potential correlates with body size between mulberry‐feeding lepidopteran pest species
Authors: Chen Bosheng , Xie Sen , Zhang Xiancui , Zhang Nan , Feng Huihui , Sun Chao , Lu Xingmeng , Shao Yongqi
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Many insect pests rely on microbial symbionts to obtain nutrients or for defence, thereby allowing them to exploit novel food sources and degrade environmental xenobiotics, including pesticides. Although Lepidoptera is one of the most diverse insect taxa and includes important agricultural pests, lepidopteran microbiotas, particularly functional traits, have not been studied widely. Here, we provide a comprehensive characterization of the gut microbiota across multiple mulberry‐feeding lepidopteran species, resolving both community structure and metabolic potential.

RESULTS

Our results indicate abundant bacteria inside the gut of larval Lepidoptera. However, even though they were fed the same diet, the structures of the bacterial communities differed in four major mulberry pest species, suggesting host‐specific effects on microbial associations. Community‐level metabolic reconstructions further showed that although taxonomic composition varied greatly, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism and membrane transporter were key functional capabilities of the gut bacteria in all samples, which may play basic roles in the larval gut. In addition, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) of gut bacterial‐predicted gene ontologies revealed specialized features of the microbiota associated with these mulberry pests, which were divided into two distinct clusters (macrolepidopterans and microlepidopterans). This pattern became even more prominent when further Lepidoptera species were involved.

CONCLUSIONS

A suite of gut microbiota metabolic functions significantly correlated with larval size; the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism were specifically enriched in large species, while small larvae had enhanced nucleotide metabolism. Our report paves the way for uncovering the correlation between host phenotype and microbial symbiosis in this notorious insect pest group. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A bacterium against the tiger: preliminary evidence of fertility reduction after release of Aedes albopictus males with manipulated Wolbachia infection in an Italian urban area
Authors: Caputo Beniamino , Moretti Riccardo , Manica Mattia , Serini Paola , Lampazzi Elena , Bonanni Marco , Fabbri Giulia , Pichler Verena , della Torre Alessandra , Calvitti Maurizio
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Novel tools are needed to reduce the nuisance and risk of exotic arbovirus transmission associated with the colonization of temperate regions by Aedes albopictus. The incompatible insect technique (IIT) is a population suppression approach based on cytoplasmic incompatibility between males with manipulated endosymbionts and wild females. Here, we present the results of the first field experiment in Europe to assess the capacity of an Ae. albopictus line (ARwP) deprived of its natural endosymbiont Wolbachia and transinfected with a Wolbachia strain from the mosquito Culex pipiens, to sterilize wild females.

RESULTS

We released ∼ 4500 ARwP males weekly for 6 weeks in a green area within urban Rome (Italy) and carried out egg (N = 13 442), female (N = 128) and male (N = 352) collections. Egg (N = 13 783) and female (N = 48) collections were also carried out at two untreated control sites. The percentage of viable eggs during release was, on average, significantly lower in treated sites than in control sites, with the greatest difference (16%) seen after the fourth release. The ARwP to wild male ratio in the release spots between day 3 after the first ARwP male release and day 7 after the last release was, on average, 7:10. Released males survived up to 2 weeks. Approximately 30% of females collected in the release spots showed 100% sterility and 20% showed strongly reduced fertility compared with control sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support the potential of IIT as a tool contributing to Ae. albopictus control in the urban context, and stress the need for larger field trials to evaluate the cost‐efficacy of the approach in suppressing wild populations. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Theoretical Modeling of Triple‐Barrier Resonant‐Tunneling Diodes Based on AlGaN/GaN Heterostructures
Authors: Rong Taotao , Yang Lin-An , Zhao Ziyue , Zhang Kai , Hao Yue
Published: October 2019

Herein, the performance of asymmetric triple‐barrier resonant‐tunneling diodes (TBRTDs) based on AlGaN/GaN heterostructures is investigated using numerical simulation. TBRTD can yield the current–voltage characteristics exhibiting two negative differential resistance (NDR) regions. Investigations show that the peak‐to‐valley current ratio (PVCR) can approach the value as high as 12.3 and the peak current density remains at a high value of 2 × 105 A cm−2 for the first NDR region, whereas the PVCR has a value of 2 and the peak current density can reach as high as the value of 9 × 105 A cm−2 for the second NDR region. Analysis shows that the introduction of the second quantum well (QW2) beside the main quantum well (QW1) can suppress the leakage current and alters the electron tunneling, which significantly improve PVCR and the reproducibility of NDR characteristic. An appropriate adjustment of QW2 and the Al component in the barrier can effectively modulate the number of NDR regions and their performances, which gives us great flexibility in device design.
Synthesis, Structure, and Luminescence Properties of a {Mo6I8} Complex with (C6F5)2PO2 Ligands
Authors: Mironova Alina D. , Mikhajlov Maxim A. , Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Brylev Konstantin A. , Gushchin Artem L. , Eltsov Ilia V. , Stass Dmitri V. , Goryunov Evgeny I. , Brel Valery K. , Sokolov Maxim N.
Published: October 2019

Reaction of [Mo6I8(CH3COO)6]2– with bis(pentafluorophenyl)phosphinic acid HO(O)P(C6F5)2 yielded a new bright‐red luminescent complex [{Mo6I8}(O2P(C6F5)2)6]2–, isolated as (Bu4N)(H5O2)[{Mo6I8}(O2P(C6F5)2)6]·3(Et2O)·1.5(acetone). It was characterized by X‐ray analysis, CV, ESI‐mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy.
Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy in the Management of Postoperative Leakage After Esophagectomy
Authors: Jeon Jae Hyun , Jang Hyo Joon , Han Ji Eun , Park Young Soo , Seong Yong Won , Cho Sukki , Jheon Sanghoon , Kim Kwhanmien
Published: October 2019

Background

Postoperative leakage after esophagectomy is associated with significant life‐threatening complications. Recently, endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) was introduced and has been successfully used as a new treatment option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EVT for the management of postoperative leakage after esophagectomy.

Methods

A total of 22 patients were treated with either intraluminal or intracavitary EVT for the management of postoperative leakage from May 2012 to April 2018. The location of leakage was intrathoracic in 17 patients and cervical in five patients. The outcomes of EVT were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Complete postoperative leakage closure was achieved in 19 of 22 patients. The median duration of EVT application was 14 days (range 2–103), and a median number of three EVT systems (range 1–14) were used. In 19 patients who were successfully managed with EVT, oral feeding was possible a median of 15 days after the first day of treatment. There were no cases of mortality related to postoperative leakage.

Conclusions

EVT is a well‐tolerated and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of various types of postoperative leakage after esophagectomy.
Viscosity dynamics and the production of extracellular polymeric substances and soluble microbial products during anaerobic digestion of pulp and paper mill wastewater sludges
Authors: Ekstrand Eva-Maria , Svensson Bo H. , Šafarič Luka , Björn Annika
Published: October 2019

The production processes of the pulp and paper industry often run in campaigns, leading to large variations in the composition of wastewaters and waste sludges. During anaerobic digestion (AD) of these wastes, the viscosity or the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and soluble microbial products (SMP) may be affected, with the risk of foam formation, inefficient digester mixing or poor sludge dewaterability. The aim of this study was to investigate how viscosity and production of EPS and SMP during long-term AD of pulp and paper mill sludge is affected by changes in organic loading rate (OLR) and hydraulic retention time (HRT). Two mesophilic lab-scale continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) were operated for 800 days (R1 and R2), initially digesting only fibre sludge, then co-digesting fibre sludge and activated sludge. The HRT was lowered, followed by an increase in the OLR. Reactor fluids were sampled once a month for rheological characterization and analysis of EPS and SMP. The production of the protein fraction of SMP was positively correlated to the OLR, implicating reduced effluent qualities at high OLR. EPS formation correlated with the magnesium content, and during sulphate deficiency, the production of EPS and SMP increased. At high levels of EPS and SMP, there was an increase in viscosity of the anaerobic sludges, and dewatering efficiency was reduced. In addition, increased viscosity and/or the production of EPS and SMP were important factors in sludge bulking and foam formation in the CSTRs. Sludge bulking was avoided by more frequent stirring.
Skill-based curiosity for intrinsically motivated reinforcement learning
Authors: Bougie Nicolas , Ichise Ryutaro
Published: October 2019

Reinforcement learning methods rely on rewards provided by the environment that are extrinsic to the agent. However, many real-world scenarios involve sparse or delayed rewards. In such cases, the agent can develop its own intrinsic reward function called curiosity to enable the agent to explore its environment in the quest of new skills. We propose a novel end-to-end curiosity mechanism for deep reinforcement learning methods, that allows an agent to gradually acquire new skills. Our method scales to high-dimensional problems, avoids the need of directly predicting the future, and, can perform in sequential decision scenarios. We formulate the curiosity as the ability of the agent to predict its own knowledge about the task. We base the prediction on the idea of skill learning to incentivize the discovery of new skills, and guide exploration towards promising solutions. To further improve data efficiency and generalization of the agent, we propose to learn a latent representation of the skills. We present a variety of sparse reward tasks in MiniGrid, MuJoCo, and Atari games. We compare the performance of an augmented agent that uses our curiosity reward to state-of-the-art learners. Experimental evaluation exhibits higher performance compared to reinforcement learning models that only learn by maximizing extrinsic rewards.
The digit ratio (2D:4D) and economic preferences: no robust associations in a sample of 330 women
Authors: Parslow Elle , Ranehill Eva , Zethraeus Niklas , Blomberg Liselott , von Schoultz Bo , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén , Johannesson Magnus , Dreber Anna
Published: October 2019

Many studies report on the association between 2D:4D, a putative marker for prenatal testosterone exposure, and economic preferences. However, most of these studies have limited sample sizes and test multiple hypotheses (without preregistration). In this study we mainly replicate the common specifications found in the literature for the association between the 2D:4D ratio and risk taking, the willingness to compete, and dictator game giving separately. In a sample of 330 women we find no robust associations between any of these economic preferences and 2D:4D. We find no evidence of a statistically significant relation for 16 of the 18 total regressions we run. The two regression specifications which are statistically significant have not previously been reported and the associations are not in the expected direction, and therefore they are unlikely to represent a real effect.
Louis Pasteur ou l’entreprise scientifique au temps du capitalisme industriel
Authors: Galvez-Behar Gabriel
Published: October 2019

Résumés

Une économie politique critique de la science s’est récemment développée pour analyser le tournant néo-libéral qui la caractérise. Ce courant tend pourtant à négliger la longue durée de l’histoire économique des sciences qui permet de comprendre les évolutions récentes. Cet article montre, à travers l’étude de l’entreprise scientifique de Louis Pasteur, comment la question du partage de la valeur du travail scientifique se pose dès l’essor du capitalisme industriel auxixe siècle. Il étudie la manière dont Pasteur défend sa propriété scientifique, manifestant une forme de revendication sur le contrôle de ses découvertes. L’étude du lien entre le développement de la science industrielle et le capitalisme permet d’abord de comprendre la logique d’action au cœur de l’entreprise scientifique pasteurienne qui s’affirme dès le début de sa carrière, aux prises avec le capitalisme nordiste. Cette logique se renforce ensuite dans les années 1860, alors que la distinction entre science et industrie est formalisée sur le plan juridique. Elle est un moyen, pour Pasteur, de faire valoir sa propriété scientifique et ses droits, autant économiques que scientifiques, sur les fruits de son travail. Est enfin examinée la façon dont ces derniers sont réinvestis, soit pour créer une société commerciale, soit pour fonder l’Institut éponyme. L’entreprise pasteurienne apparaît ainsi comme un processus d’accumulation qui se nourrit de cette ambivalence créatrice.
Association between chlorhexidine gluconate concentrations and resistant bacterial bioburden on skin
Authors: Nadimpalli Gita , O’Hara Lyndsay M. , Leekha Surbhi , Calfee David P. , Miller Loren G. , Pineles Lisa , Blanco Natalia , Johnson J. Kristie , Harris Anthony D. ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: October 2019

We studied the association between chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) concentration on skin and resistant bacterial bioburden. CHG was almost always detected on the skin, and detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus on skin sites was infrequent. However, we found no correlation between CHG concentration and bacterial bioburden.
Temperature-Dependent Electrical Conductivity and Thermal Radiation Effects on MHD Peristaltic Motion of Williamson Nanofluids in a Tapered Asymmetric Channel
Authors: Hasona W. M.
Published: October 2019

This paper is intended for dealing with the peristaltic flow of an electrically conducting Williamson nanofluid in a tapered asymmetric channel through a porous medium with heat and mass transfer. In the current paper, temperature-dependent electrical conductivity formulation was introduced for the first time in peristaltic literature. The flow is pervaded by an oblique uniform magnetic field. The present investigation includes the influences of thermal radiation, Joule heat, viscous dissipation, Hall Current, 1st order chemical reaction, and Dofour and Soret numbers. Current problem is reformulated under the molds of low Reynolds number and long wavelength approximation. Afterwards, semi analytical solutions have been evaluated for the distributions of velocity, temperature, nanoparticle concentrations as well as longitudinal pressure gradient. Solutions can be obtained by using multi-step differential transform method (MS-DTM), a reliable and powerful technique that improve accuracy and overcome drawbacks raised in using the standard differential transform method (DTM). Detailed comparisons have been made at different values of 𝑥 through graphs by Ms-DTM. The graphically results were prepared to visualize the effects of various physical parameters of interest. The semi-analytical results had shown that, as the thermal radiation increases, the nanoparticles diameter and concentration of fluid increase (thermal radiation is a decreasing function in temperature when the temperature decreases the diameter of the nanoparticles increases i.e. the volume of nanoparticle and its concentration increases and become more effective near to tumor tissues). Consequently, it can be used as agents for radiation therapy, generate localized raises in radiation doses and selectively target tumor cells for localized damage (Radiotherapy of oncology).
Spatial Distribution of 14C in Tree Leaves from Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Varga Tamás , Jull A J Timothy , Lisztes-Szabó Zsuzsa , Molnár Mihály
Published: October 2019

The increase of fossil-fuel-derived CO2 in the atmosphere has led to the dilution of the atmospheric radiocarbon concentration, but due to the costly instrumentation, the continuous atmospheric 14C/12C data is incomplete in developing countries, such as in Indonesia. These data give useful information about the level of local and regional fossil emissions. In this study, 14C AMS measurements of local vegetation and woody plant species samples have been used to estimate the rate of fossil-fuel-derived carbon in the plants, which fix the CO2 from the atmosphere by photosynthesis. Evergreen leaf samples were collected in September 2018 on the island of Bali in different, diverse districts in local and urban areas. The samples from the densely populated areas show observable fossil fuel emissions and show that the Δ14C level is close to zero ‰, similar to the natural level.
Radiocarbon Pretreatment Comparisons of Bald Cypress (Taxodium Distichum) wood samples from a massive buried deposit on the Georgia Coast, USA
Authors: Napora Katharine G , Cherkinsky Alexander , Speakman Robert J , Thompson Victor D , Horan Robert , Jacobs Craig
Published: October 2019

We sampled individual growth rings from three ancient remnant bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) trees from a massive buried deposit at the mouth of the Altamaha River on the Georgia Coast to determine the best technique for radiocarbon (14C) dating pretreatment. The results of our comparison of traditional ABA pretreatment and holocellulose and α-cellulose fractions show no significant differences among the pretreatments (<1 sigma) thereby suggesting that ABA pretreatment will prove sufficient for the development of a high-resolution 14C tree-ring chronology based on these ancient bald cypresses which will indicate whether the U.S. Southeast is subject to a regional radiocarbon offset.
Association between dietary insulin index and load and psychological disorders
Authors: Anjom-Shoae Javad , Hassanzadeh Keshteli Ammar , Afshar Hamid , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Adibi Peyman
Published: October 2019

The present study was carried out to determine whether the dietary insulin index (DII) and dietary insulin load (DIL) are related to psychological disorders in a cross-sectional study among adults. A total of 3172 Iranian adults (age range of 18–55 years) were included. Data on dietary intakes were collected using a validated dish-based 106-item semi-quantitative FFQ. DII and DIL were calculated using food insulin index values published earlier. To assess depression and anxiety, an Iranian validated version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used. Furthermore, psychological distress was examined using the General Health Questionnaire. Among women, a significant positive association was seen; such that women in the highest quartile of DIL had higher odds of depression than those in the lowest quartile (OR 1·84; 95 % CI 1·14, 2·96). In terms of DII, in the fully adjusted model, women in the top quartile of DII were more likely to be depressed compared with those in the bottom quartile (OR 1·65; 95 % CI 1·05, 2·58). In conclusion, we found a significant positive association between DIL and DII and odds of depression among women, but not in men. However, such findings were not seen for anxiety and psychological distress.
Association between the total fertility rate and under-five child sex ratio in India: a panel study among districts of the major states
Authors: Yadav Ajit Kumar , Singh Akansha , Ram Faujdar
Published: October 2019

This study examined the relationship between the total fertility rate and under-five child sex ratio to understand the role of fertility in the phenomenon of missing girls in India. Using data from the last four decennial censuses for the fifteen major states of India and their districts, covering more than 90% of the population of India, the study showed that there was a major decline in the female to male child sex ratio from 1981 to 2011 in most of the major Indian states and their districts. The panel regression model showed that the total fertility rate was significantly associated with the under-five child sex ratio at the district level for the 30-year period from 1981 to 2011 in India, even after controlling for other factors and any other unobserved heterogeneity. This indicates that areas of India with the highest fertility had the higher female to male child sex ratio, while low-fertility districts had a more male-biased sex ratio.
Overview of the role of kinetoplastid surface carbohydrates in infection and host cell invasion: prospects for therapeutic intervention
Authors: Valente Maria , Castillo-Acosta Víctor M. , Vidal Antonio E. , González-Pacanowska Dolores
Published: October 2019

Kinetoplastid parasites are responsible for serious diseases in humans and livestock such as Chagas disease and sleeping sickness (caused byTrypanosoma cruziandTrypanosoma brucei, respectively), and the different forms of cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis (produced byLeishmaniaspp). The limited number of antiparasitic drugs available together with the emergence of resistance underscores the need for new therapeutic agents with novel mechanisms of action. The use of agents binding to surface glycans has been recently suggested as a new approach to antitrypanosomal design and a series of peptidic and non-peptidic carbohydrate-binding agents have been identified as antiparasitics showing efficacy in animal models of sleeping sickness. Here we provide an overview of the nature of surface glycans in three kinetoplastid parasites,T. cruzi,T. bruceiandLeishmania. Their role in virulence and host cell invasion is highlighted with the aim of identifying specific glycan–lectin interactions and carbohydrate functions that may be the target of novel carbohydrate-binding agents with therapeutic applications.
Filtering Friendship throughPhronesis: ‘One Thought too Many’?
Authors: Kristjánsson Kristján
Published: October 2019

An adequate moral theory must – or so many philosophers have argued – be compatible with the attitudes and practical requirements of deep friendship. Bernard Williams suggested that the decision procedure required by both deontology and consequentialism inserts a fetishising filter between the natural moral motivation of any normal person to prioritise friends and the decision to act on it. But this injects ‘one thought too many’ into the moral reaction mechanism. It is standardly assumed that virtue ethics is somehow immune to this objection. The present article explores this assumption and finds it wanting in various respects. Virtue ethics filters friendship throughphronesisand thus inserts an extra thought into the mechanism in question. To escape Williams's curse, the only way is to argue that the extra thought required by virtue ethics is not ‘one thought too many’. The article closes with an attempt to show that, contra deontology, the friendship motivation in virtue ethics is derived from the moral virtue, not the intellectual filter, and, contra consequentialism,phronesisdoes not require the maximisation of value. The presumed advantage of virtue ethics must lie in the content of its filter rather than the filter's non-existence.