bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of color tracking and gray tracking in color displays
Authors: Cheng Wei‐Chung , Wu Chih‐Lei , Badano Aldo
Published: April 2021

The goal of this study is to develop quantitative metrics for evaluating color tracking and gray tracking in a color display. Chromaticity consistency of red, green, or blue shades is color tracking, while chromaticity consistency of gray shades is gray tracking. Gray tracking and color tracking are the most important colorimetric responses of a color display because they directly indicate the color calibration quality and can therefore be used to compare color performance between displays. Two metrics, primary purity and gray purity, are defined to measure the color shift of the primary shades and gray shades of a color display, respectively. The area under the curves of primary purity and gray purity can then represent the quality of color tracking (C_AUC) and gray tracking (G_AUC), respectively. Fifteen displays including medical, professional‐grade, consumer‐grade, mobile, and special displays were tested to compare their C_AUC and G_AUC. The OLED displays have the greatest C_AUC values. The medical and professional‐grade displays have the greatest combinations of C_AUC and G_AUC values. Most consumer‐grade displays have lower C_AUC and G_AUC values, but some show better gray tracking than color tracking. The special displays exhibit particularly poor color and gray tracking.
Quantitative scoring methods of the Farnsworth D15 and Waggoner computerized D15 color vision tests in clinical practice
Authors: Almustanyir Ali , Alduhayan Reema , Alhassan Mosaad , Bokhary Kholoud , Alabdulkader Balsam
Published: April 2021

The Farnsworth D15 (FR‐D15) color vision test is generally used to determine whether individuals with color vision defects have good color discrimination to perform their jobs safely. The Waggoner computerized color vision test D15 (WC‐D15) is a computerized version of the FR‐D15 test. This study aimed to evaluate the color differences vectors analyses (CDV) quantitative scoring in clinical practice using the FR‐D15 and WC‐D15 color vision tests. Fifty‐nine individuals with congenital red‐green color vision deficiency participated in this study. All participants were screened with the Ishihara, Waggoner Pseudoisochromatic plates, and City University Tests. Participants also completed FR‐D15 and WC‐D15 tests. The number of crossings, and CDV indices, including the confusion index, total error score, specificity index, and angle were assessed. There were significant correlations between the number of crossings and each of the CDV parameters. Results of both D15 tests showed that defects classified by confusion angles improve with an increase in crossings. The correct diagnosis rate improved when the criterion of failure was relaxed compared to the generally accepted criteria of ≥2. A CDV angle of either 0° or −3° accurately classifies defects as protan or deutan. Quantitative measurements of the FR‐D15 and WC‐D15 color vision tests showed good results in detecting color vision deficiency and diagnosing the type of defect. The CDV parameters positively correlated with the traditional evaluation of the defect's presence by counting the crossings. It is more accurate for clinicians to interpret their results using the CDV parameters.
An adaptive and cost‐efficient migration to cloud approach in dynamic environments
Authors: Bushehrian Omid , Nabavi Seyyed Yahya
Published: April 2021

Due to the variety in available cloud providers along with the frequent changes in strategic objectives of an enterprise, migrating existing software components to the cloud has become a challenging decision in the software maintenance phase. “Financial” and “customer satisfaction” viewpoints are two important strategic objectives of all enterprises that greatly affect the decision about migration to the cloud. Moreover immense number of target cloud services with too many configurations and cost models has made the search space of possible migrations huge. Many existing approaches of software migration to the cloud have modeled the problem as deployment optimization of software components over available platforms, while in this research following a valid migration plan is intended rather than proposing a final optimal migration solution (deployment). A migration plan is a sequence of actions to be taken by the technical team to move the software components to the cloud stepwise. Since at each stage of the migration there might be many valid alternative paths to follow, a recommender module is proposed to direct the management by recommending the best migration plan out of all valid plans in a Labeled Transition System. The recommendation is based on the current state of the enterprise which is estimated using a two‐state Hidden Markovian Model by observing ambient signals. The empirical study showed that particularly in dynamic and changing conditions the proposed adaptive and plan‐oriented method succeeded in posing lower accrued maintenance costs on the enterprise over time with confidence 90% compared to the non‐adaptive method due to its reactive and self‐balancing nature.
Predicting the distribution of foraging seabirds during a period of heightened environmental variability
Authors: Evans Rhian , Lea Mary‐Anne , Hindell Mark A.
Published: April 2021

Quantifying the links between the marine environment, prey occurrence, and predator distribution is the first step towards identifying areas of biological importance for marine spatial planning. Events such as marine heatwaves result in an anomalous change in the physical environment, which can lead to shifts in the structure, biomass, and distribution of lower trophic levels. As central‐place foragers, seabirds are vulnerable to changes in their foraging grounds during the breeding season. We first quantified spatiotemporal variability in the occurrence and biomass of prey in response to an abrupt change in oceanography as a result of a marine heatwave event. Secondly, using multivariate techniques and machine learning, we investigated if differences in the foraging technique and prey of seabirds resulted in varying responses to changes in prey occurrence and the environment over a 2.5‐yr period. We found that the main variables correlated with seabird distribution were also important in structuring the occurrence and biomass of prey; sea‐surface temperature (SST), current speed, mixed‐layer depth, and bathymetry. Both zooplankton biomass and the occurrence of fish schools exhibited negative relationships with temperature, and temperature was subsequently an important variable in determining seabird distribution. We were able to establish correlations between the distribution of prey and the spatiotemporal distribution of albatross, little penguins and common‐diving petrels. We were unable to find a correlation between the distribution of prey and that of short‐tailed shearwaters and fairy prions. For high‐use coastal areas, the delineation of important foraging regions is essential to balance human use of an area with the needs of marine predators, particularly seabirds.
Effect of top and bottom blowing conditions on spitting in converter
Authors: Amano Shota , Sato Shingo , Takahashi Yukio , Kikuchi Naoki
Published: April 2021

The effect of top blowing and bottom blowing conditions on spitting behavior was investigated by water model experiments and numerical calculation. The results of the water model experiment showed that reducing the jet velocity by using a larger nozzle diameter was effective for reducing spitting. The numerical calculation indicated that interference between the top blown gas jet and the bottom blowing plume increases the gas velocity at the rim of the cavity, causing heavier spitting. A new index using the geometrical locations of the neighboring cavity and plume was proposed. The spitting rate decreased under conditions with lower interference by avoiding interaction between the top blown gas jet and the bottom blowing plume. The energy distribution in the blowing process was discussed based on a water model experiment using bath mixing time, bath vibration, and the spitting rate. The energy for spitting was explained convincingly by the difference between the energy input and the energy of bath vibration, cavity formation, and bath mixing. The results implied lower interference of the top and bottom gas resulted in lower energy for spitting generation.
Behavioral phenotypes of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Hermann Bruce P. , Struck Aaron F. , Dabbs Kevin , Seidenberg Mike , Jones Jana E.
Published: April 2021

Objective

To identity phenotypes of self‐reported symptoms of psychopathology and their correlates in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Method

96 patients with TLE and 82 controls were administered the Symptom Checklist 90‐Revised (SCL‐90‐R) to characterize emotional‐behavioral status. The nine symptom scales of the SCL‐90‐R were analyzed by unsupervised machine learning techniques to identify latent TLE groups. Identified clusters were contrasted to controls to characterize their association with sociodemographic, clinical epilepsy, neuropsychological, psychiatric, and neuroimaging factors.

Results

TLE patients as a group exhibited significantly higher (abnormal) scores across all SCL‐90‐R scales compared to controls. However, cluster analysis identified three latent groups: (1) unimpaired with no scale elevations compared to controls (Cluster 1, 42% of TLE patients), (2) mild‐to‐moderate symptomatology characterized by significant elevations across several SCL‐90‐R scales compared to controls (Cluster 2, 35% of TLE patients), and (3) marked symptomatology with significant elevations across all scales compared to controls and the other TLE phenotype groups (Cluster 3, 23% of TLE patients). There were significant associations between cluster membership and demographic (education), clinical epilepsy (perceived seizure severity, bitemporal lobe seizure onset), and neuropsychological status (intelligence, memory, executive function), but with minimal structural neuroimaging correlates. Concurrent validity of the behavioral phenotype grouping was demonstrated through association with psychiatric (current and lifetime‐to‐date DSM IV Axis 1 disorders and current treatment) and quality‐of‐life variables.

Significance

Symptoms of psychopathology in patients with TLE are characterized by a series of discrete phenotypes with accompanying sociodemographic, cognitive, and clinical correlates. Similar to cognition in TLE, machine learning approaches suggest a developing taxonomy of the comorbidities of epilepsy.
Optimizing Carbon Cycle Parameters Drastically Improves Terrestrial Biosphere Model Underestimates of Dryland Mean Net CO2 Flux and its Inter-Annual Variability
Authors: Mahmud Kashif , Biederman Joel , Scott Russ , Litvak Marcy , Kolb Thomas , Meyers Tilden , Krishnan Praveena , Bastrikov Vladislav , MacBean Natasha
Published: April 2021

Dryland ecosystems occupy ~40% of the land surface and
are thought to dominate the inter-annual variability (IAV) and long-term
trend of the global carbon (C) cycle. Therefore, it is imperative that
global terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs), which form the land
component of IPCC earth system models, are able to accurately simulate
dryland vegetation and biogeochemical processes. However, compared to
more mesic ecosystems, TBMs have not been widely tested or optimized
against in situ dryland ecosystem CO2 fluxes. Here, we address this gap
using a Bayesian data assimilation system and 89 site-years of daily net
CO2 flux (net ecosystem exchange - NEE) data from 12 southwest US
Ameriflux sites spanning forest, shrub and grass dryland ecosystems to
evaluate and optimize the C cycle related parameters of the ORCHIDEE
TBM. We find that the default (prior) model simulations drastically
underestimate both the mean annual NEE and the NEE IAV. By testing
different assimilation scenarios, we showed that optimizing phenology
parameters dramatically improves the model ability across all sites to
capture both the magnitude and sign of the NEE IAV. At high elevation
forested sites, which are a mean C sink, optimizing parameters related
to C allocation, respiration and turnover reduces the underestimate in
simulated mean annual NEE. Our study demonstrates that all TBMs need to
be calibrated specifically for dryland ecosystems before they are used
to determine dryland contributions to global C cycle variability and
long-term carbon-climate feedbacks.
Predictive Toxicity Models for Chemically Related Substances: A Case Study with Nonionic Alcohol Ethoxylate Surfactant
Authors: Bejarano Adriana C. , Wheeler James R.
Published: April 2021

Predictive toxicity models, including interspecies correlation estimation (ICE) models, are reliable alternatives to animal toxicity testing. The ICE models describe mathematical relationships facilitating toxicity prediction from one surrogate test species to a species of unknown sensitivity. The ICE models were developed from curated aquatic toxicity data for 19 nonionic alcohol ethoxylate (AE) surfactants manufactured through the same process. Comparison of AE–ICE predictions with observed values from external validation datasets indicates a reasonable predictive accuracy. Model predictions were also closer to observed values than predictions from previously published ICE models for other substance groups. Comparison of acute fifth percentile hazard concentrations (HC5s) from species sensitivity distributions enhanced with AE–ICE predictions with chronic HC5s published elsewhere produced an acute-to-chronic ratio of 5, which was used to estimate chronic HC5s. With both acute and chronic HC5s for 14 AE substances, regressions were made relative to their respective liposome–water partitioning coefficients (log K  lipw), resulting in HC5–log K  lipw relationships useful in estimating HC5s for AE substances with known composition but with limited or unavailable toxicity data. The findings from this case study further demonstrate that ICE models are viable alternatives to toxicity testing and could be used as weight of evidence in hazard assessment evaluations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2071–2080. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

Interspecies correlation estimation-enhanced species sensitivity distributions for essentially linear alcohol ethoxylates with similar alkyl chain lengths but varying degrees of ethoxylation. EO = ethoxylation number; HC5 = 5th percentile hazard concentration.
Uptake, Tissue Distribution, and Elimination of 8:2 Polyfluoroalkyl Phosphate Diesters in Mytilus galloprovincialis
Authors: Cui Wenjie , Tan Zhijun , Chen Jiaqi , Wu Haiyan , Geng Qianqian , Guo Mengmeng , Zhai Yuxiu
Published: April 2021

Although the distribution of 8:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diester (8:2 diPAP) in aquatic environments has been reported, details on its uptake, tissue specificity, and elimination in bivalve mollusks remain to be clarified. The present study is the first report on the accumulation and elimination of 8:2 diPAP in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). The tissue-specific accumulation and depuration of 8:2 diPAP and its metabolites were investigated via semistatic seawater exposure (8:2 diPAP at a nominal concentration of 10 μg/L), through water-borne exposure with static daily renewal over a 72-h exposure period and a 360-h depuration period. The digestive gland was found to be the target organ where accumulation and biotransformation primarily occur. The bioaccumulation factor values (mL/g dry wt) in different organs were in the following order: digestive gland (1249) > adductor muscle (315) > gills (289) > gonad (82.9) > mantle (33.0). Moreover, the distribution of 8:2 diPAP among tissues may be related to the total protein content. The 8:2 diPAP tended to be excreted in feces. The compounds 8:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid, 8:2 fluorotelomer unsaturated carboxylic acid, 7:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, and perfluoroheptanoic acid were detected and quantified as phase I metabolites, and the concentration of all phase I metabolites relative to the 8:2 diPAP concentration (72 h) was 0.304 mol%. A phase II metabolite, 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol conjugated with sulfate, was detected but not quantitated in the digestive gland. A biotransformation pathway of 8:2 diPAP in M. galloprovincialis was proposed on the basis of the results obtained in the present study and previous studies. These findings improve our understanding of the accumulation of perfluorocarboxylic acids in bivalve mollusks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1990–2002. © 2021 SETAC
Acute and Chronic Toxicity Testing of Drinking Water Treatment Residuals in Freshwater Systems
Authors: Zhou Lang , Wallace Samuel M. , Kroll Kevin J. , Denslow Nancy D. , Gaillard Jean-François , Meyer Peter , Bonzongo Jean-Claude J.
Published: April 2021

The beneficial use of drinking water treatment residuals (DWTRs) faces barriers due primarily to uncertainties and concerns about their potential environmental impacts. We used total and water leachable toxic metal concentrations and 2 benthic organism–based bioassays to identify suitable DWTR substrates for introduction to freshwater systems. Using total metal contents and the consensus probable effect concentration concept, 3 DWTRs were selected and used in elutriate and toxicity studies. The concentrations of water leachable Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn were below the US Environmental Protection Agency's ambient water quality criteria. Using the long-term 65-d life cycle Chironomus tentans test and 4 different endpoints (survival, adult emergence, egg case production, and number of eggs produced per female), no statistical differences were found between the DWTR treatments and the controls. Similarly, results obtained using the 10-d Hyalella azteca test showed no toxicity. However, although both survival and growth were recorded in all bioassays, the results of the 10-d C. tentans and the 28-d H. azteca tests were ambiguous. For C. tentans, 2 of the 3 DWTRs resulted in significantly lower survival rates compared to the controls. For H. azteca, no significant growth differences were observed between controls and DWTR treatments, but 2 of the 3 DWTRs resulted in significantly lower survival rates than the controls. Overall, these results suggest that certain DWTR substrates could be suitable for introduction to aquatic systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2003–2012. © 2021 SETAC
Analyzing the features of energy consumption and carbon emissions in the Upper Yangtze River Economic Zone
Authors: Chen Lu , Li Xin , Yang Yunqi , Wang Minxi
Published: April 2021

As a vital resource endowment area and ecological barrier area in China, low‐carbon development in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River is of great significance. This paper compiled the emission inventory in the Upper Yangtze River Economic Zone in the IPCC regional emission accounting method framework and used the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) model to evaluate economic development and carbon emissions. Finally, this paper used the time series method to predict carbon emissions to 2030. We find that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increased rapidly from 2004 to 2012. The average annual growth rate reached 9.16%. After 2012, carbon emissions in the region no longer grow steadily but fluctuate or even decline. The secondary industry contributed 79.77%, the tertiary industry contributed 17.78%, and the primary industry only 2.45% from 2000 to 2015. From the industrial sector and energy consumption, thermoelectricity production and supply division and nonmetallic mineral products industry are the sectors with the most CO2 emissions, accounting for 35.54% and 13.34%, respectively. Raw coal and coke are the main factors causing emissions. Nearly 61.32% of the carbon dioxide produced by raw coal comes from the electricity production sector. However, from 2011 to 2015, the CO2 emissions of raw coal decreased year by year, down by 23.32%. The impact of economic growth on carbon dioxide emissions supports the EKC hypothesis. The CO2 emissions in the Upper Yangtze River Economic Zone will decline after 2020, but Chongqing has shown an upward trend. With the above results, provinces and cities can optimize the regional industrial structure based on sectoral carbon emissions. The study area needs to develop clean energy to optimize the coal‐led energy consumption structure. Provinces and cities in the district can learn from each other's advanced emission reduction experience. © 2021 The Authors. Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
P–T–t path of the Boroujerd Complex, north‐west Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone, western Iran: Insights from phase equilibrium modelling and thermobarometry
Authors: Rahmani Javanmard Somayeh , Verdecchia Sebastián O. , Yakymchuk Chris , Broekmans Maarten A. T. M.
Published: April 2021

Variations in the pressures and temperatures of metamorphism reflect the complexity of collisional orogenic systems. In the north‐west Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone of western Iran, migmatites in the Boroujerd area record earlier dynamothermal metamorphism followed by the development of a contact metamorphic aureole induced by the Jurassic Boroujerd Batholith. Integrated micro‐textural observations, mineral compositions, and the results of phase equilibrium modelling indicate that peak metamorphic temperatures reached 640–660°C in andalusite schists and ~700°C in cordierite–sillimanite migmatites. The pressure does not exceed 3.5 kbar, implying a maximum depth of ~13 km. A hairpin clockwise P–T path in the Boroujerd region was inferred from mineral relations (e.g., replacement of andalusite1 by sillimanite in the migmatites in the heating stage, which was followed by a retrograde episode with growth of andalusite2) and P–T pseudosections. Metamorphism of the Boroujerd area was coeval with voluminous intermediate–mafic magmatism, which provided the heat necessary for partial melting. This study demonstrates that metamorphic sequences of the north‐west Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone developed under similar metamorphic conditions in the Lower to Middle Jurassic and record an extensional back‐arc setting related to the subduction of Neo‐Tethys.
Source rock evaluation of the Central Gulf of Suez, Egypt: A 1D basin modelling and petroleum system analysis
Authors: Gawad Esam A. , Fathy Mohamed , Reda Mohamed , Ewida Hatem
Published: April 2021

Geochemical studies were applied to evaluate the possible source rocks of Cretaceous–Eocene formations in the October oil field, including pyrolysis analysis data such as total organic carbon (TOC %), generating source potential (S2), production index (PI), oxygen, and hydrogen indices (OI, HI) and (Tmax). Three source rocks are characterized by fair to good and very good TOC%, which are Thebes, Duwi, and Abu Qada formations with kerogen type I and type II, respectively, and some samples are in the type III region reflecting the degree of maturation and can generate oil and gas. 1D basin models were constructed for five wells to simulate the multi‐tectonic phases and multiple burial histories, migration path, and event chart in the study area. The sedimentation rates from Cretaceous to Palaeocene age are characterized by low burial rate sedimentation, low to medium in the Eocene age, and high burial rate and rapid sedimentation in the Miocene and post‐Miocene age. The petroleum system of the October oil field was studied, and two petroleum systems can be recognized, according to the integration studies between the source rock evaluation and petroleum basin modelling.
The effect of arm support and control modes on muscle fatigue, eye fatigue, and posture changes in mobile game use among young adults
Authors: Guo Fu , Liu Li , Li Mingming , Greene Runyu L.
Published: April 2021

Background

The popularity of mobile gaming among adults has raised concerns about the adverse health effects of localized muscle and eye fatigue. This study aimed to investigate how arm support and mobile game control characteristics affect muscle and eye fatigue, and postural changes.

Methods

Twelve subjects, ages 21–24 years old, were recruited to play a mobile game for 60 min. Participants used two postures (sitting with and without arm support) and two game control modes (touch and rocker). Electromyography measured the abductor pollicis brevis, the upper trapezius, and the extensor carpi radialis muscles. A motion capture system was employed to assess postural changes. Self‐reported fatigue was measured using Borg's scale and Heuer's questionnaire.

Results

Arm support had a significant effect on muscle fatigue and posture, including a lower rating of perceived exertion in the shoulder (p < .05) and arm (p < .01), an increase in neck and trunk forward flexion between 22% and 34%, an increase in forearm bearing angle of 97.63%, and a decrease in upper arm bearing angle of 25.94% in the group without arm support. Blink for touch mode was 10.57% higher than for rocker mode.

Conclusion

Arm support was effective in reducing fatigue in the arm and shoulder, but not in the hand. Compared to rocker mode, touch mode increased the visual burden and accelerated visual fatigue. This study provides an understanding of the association between playing mobile games and fatigue, which can help prevent muscle and visual fatigue in mobile gaming.
Fostering Youth’s Queer Activism in Secondary Classrooms: Youth Choice and Queer‐Inclusive Curriculum
Authors: Schey Ryan
Published: April 2021

Previous research has revealed that U.S. schools are hostile and unsafe for queer youth, yet school‐based supports, such as LGBTQ‐inclusive curriculum, are associated with more welcoming schools. Studies focusing on inclusive curriculum have implicitly characterized this curriculum didactically, in other words, as a direct intervention into the homophobia, transphobia, and ignorance of straight, cisgender students. Drawing on a yearlong literacy ethnography at a public high school in a Midwestern U.S. city, I explored the complex layers of queer‐inclusive curriculum’s significance. Focusing on two illustrative Socratic seminar assignments from a sophomore humanities course, I argue that the queer‐inclusive curriculum was consequential less because it functioned didactically and more because it fostered a classroom context where youth’s already existing queer activism could flourish. These classroom examples suggest the importance of literacy educators collaborating with youth to offer choice alongside curriculum that represents religiously and racially diverse queer communities, queer joy, and possibilities beyond binaries.
A novel PPRC1 point mutation in a Chinese family with premature ovarian failure: A case study
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Jin , Gu Yu , Fu Wei
Published: April 2021

Background

Patients with premature ovarian failure (POF) have an at least 6‐month history of amenorrhea and elevated follicle‐stimulating hormone levels in plasma. Most of the POF causes are idiopathic and hereditary, and chromosomal abnormalities have been associated with POF development. A pedigree study was performed on a family with idiopathic POF to observe the possible link between gene mutation and POF development.

Methods

In total, eight women were diagnosed with POF and seven POF patients and five non‐POF members from the same family were evaluated by whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. An apoptotic assay, senescence staining, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and overexpression of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator‐related 1 (PPRC1) gene were performed to examine the association of POF in vitro.

Results

Through whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing, a novel point mutation (NM_015062: c.2902C>T:p.Thr958Ile) was identified and verified in the PPRC1 gene on chromosome 10 (10q24.32). The point mutation only presented in all the seven POF cases and not in non‐POF cases or public databases. Subsequent expression of PPRC1 in COV434 granulosa cells showed that PPRC1 might be involved in regulating granulosa cell apoptosis but not senescence‐associated POF development.

Conclusions

A novel point mutation in the PPRC1 gene was identified by the pedigree study and by sequence analysis of the case series with idiopathic POF in the present study. The subsequent PPRC1 expression analysis showed that PPRC1 was not involved in senescence‐associated POF development. Further studies will be needed to confirm the link between PPRC1 gene mutation and POF.
Changes in the multi‐scale structure and physicochemical properties of starch during potato growth
Authors: Yang Liping , Liu Yong , Yang Jianting , Du Chuanlai , Zhai Ligong
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Growth stage contributes critically to the physicochemical properties of starches, which make achieving desired functional properties by controlling the growth period possible. Thus, this study investigated the changes in multiscale structure and physicochemical properties of potatoes starches harvested at different growth stages.

RESULTS

The amylose and phosphate content varied over the growth period, with the ranges 2.756–2.998 g kg−1 and 0.0058–0.0077 g kg−1, respectively. The starch granules were round or oval, and the size increased with growth. X‐Ray diffraction indicated the B‐type crystalline structure of samples. Time‐dependent changes in crystallinity were observed. The weight‐average molecular weight (Mw) showed a tendency to decrease first and then increase, and presented the lowest Mw (1.105 × 108 g mol−1) at 35 days. A higher proportion of long chains were noted in starch from earlier harvested potatoes than that in later harvested ones. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that starch gelatinization temperature decreased, and gelatinization enthalpy decreased from 16.39 to 14.89 J g−1. All samples possessed weak elastic gel‐like structure, and starches harvested at early stage possessed highest viscosity and stronger gel behaviour. Resistant starch showed a decreasing trend on the whole, and presented highest value (10.69%) at earliest harvest time. Starch from the potatoes harvested at 35 days after tuberization exhibited excellent light transmittance (up to 62.47%).

CONCLUSION

Potato starches harvested at different growth period presented extremely different structures and physicochemical properties. The results will provide fundamental data in terms of changes of potato starch during growth which will affect the choice of harvest time. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Preparation of High Strength and Toughness Aramid Fiber by Introducing Flexible Asymmetric Monomer to Construct Misplaced‐Nunchaku Structure
Authors: Xu Ruopei , Qiu Yue , Tang Siyi , Yang Cheng , Dai Yu , Zhang Dajie , Gao Yue , Gao Kexiong , Luo Longbo , Liu Xiangyang
Published: April 2021

High performance fibers with high strength and toughness have great potential in composites, but contradiction between tensile strength and elongation at break makes the preparation to become a current challenge. Herein, an asymmetric structure of more flexible diamine, 3,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (3,4′‐ODA), is introduced into heterocyclic aramid (PBIA) fibers to replace rigid symmetric p‐phenylenediamine (PDA). By studying the properties of copolymer (mPEBA) fibers with different ratios of diamine, it is found that the mPEBA fiber reached the optimal mechanical properties with the 30% content of 3,4′‐ODA. Compared with homopolymerized heterocyclic aramid fibers, the tensile strength and elongation at break of mPEBA fiber are improved by 26.2% and 38.7%, respectively. Results of X‐ray diffraction show that the introduction of 3,4′‐ODA structure can increase stretchability of mPEBA fibers, improving the orientation degree during hot‐drawing. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm that 3,4′‐ODA structure undergoes a conformation transformation to form a straightened chain during hot‐drawing, while symmetrical 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (4,4′‐ODA) cannot form the same conformation. The misplaced‐nunchaku structure is formed based on the special meta‐para position of 3,4′‐ODA, achieving the synergy of high strength and high toughness.
Nehari manifold and bifurcation for a ψ‐Hilfer fractional p‐Laplacian
Authors: Sousa J. Vanterler da C.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we discuss the bifurcation from infinity for nonlinear problem with a fractional p‐Laplacian in ψ‐fractional space
, whose bifurcation is directly linked to the signal
with 1 < q < p − 1.
Parameter identification in multidimensional hyperbolic partial differential equations using wavelet collocation method
Authors: Priyadarshi Gopal , Rathish Kumar Bayya Venkatesulu
Published: April 2021

In this article, we have proposed a highly efficient and accurate collocation method based on Haar wavelet for the parameter identification in multidimensional hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs). In the proposed method, highest order derivative is represented in terms of Haar wavelet and required term of the PDE is obtained using successive integration. Due to compact support and orthogonality of Haar wavelet, this method leads to significant reduction in the computational cost. Cubic spline interpolation and Taylor series approximation are used for the parameter identification. Error analysis is carried out in order to prove the convergence of the method. The obtained numerical results and central processing unit (CPU) time ensure the efficiency and accuracy of the method.
Neimark–Sacker, flip, and transcritical bifurcation in a close‐to‐symmetric system of difference equations with exponential terms
Authors: Mylona Chrysoula , Papaschinopoulos Garyfalos , Schinas Christos J.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we study the conditions under which the following close‐to‐symmetric system of difference equations with exponential terms:whereai,bi,ci,di, andki, for , are real constants and the initial valuesx0andy0are real numbers, undergoes Neimark–Sacker, flip, and transcritical bifurcation. The analysis is conducted applying center manifold theory and the normal form bifurcation analysis.
An easy‐to‐use and general nuclear magnetic resonance method for the determination of partition coefficients of drugs and natural products
Authors: Barthel Cédric , Massiot Georges , Lavaud Catherine
Published: April 2021

The lipophilicity of a drug is an important parameter for its eventual development by the pharmaceutical industry. It is usually measured by HPLC following partition of the compound between water and 1‐octanol. We present here an alternative, simple, sensitive and quantitative 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method for the experimental measurement of partition coefficients of natural compounds and pharmaceutical drugs. It is based on measuring concentrations in the water phase, before and after partitioning and equilibration between water and octanol, using the ERETIC (Electronic Reference To Access In Vivo Concentration) technique. The signal to noise ratio is improved by a Water Suppression by Excitation Sculpting sequence. Quantification is based on an electronic reference signal and does not need addition of a reference compound. The log P values of 22 natural metabolites and four pharmaceutical drugs were determined and the experimental results are in excellent agreement with literature data. The experiments were run on ~2 mg material. This technique proved to be robust, reproducible and suitable for log P values between −2 and +2.
Structural determination of four manufacturing impurities of D&C Red No. 33
Authors: Mazzola Eugene P. , Weisz Adrian , Ridge Douglas P. , Donnelly Sarah E. , Zhang Hanwen , Gonzalez Raquel M. , Ackerman Luke K. , Reese Kristen L. , Ridge Clark D.
Published: April 2021

Four manufacturing impurities of D&C Red No. 33 isolated by counter‐current chromatography were analyzed by NMR and ESI mass spectrometry. Three of these impurities were reported previously with minimal details of structural determination. All four are structurally related to the main component of the dye. The fourth exhibited an unusual discrepancy between the NMR structure and its chemical formula suggested by ESI‐MS results. Structural determination and assignment of the main component and four impurities are discussed as well as resolution of the discrepancy between the NMR and ESI‐MS results of the fourth impurity.
Disposed young: Nonadult element representation and bone positioning in complex mortuary programmes in Chalcolithic Cyprus
Authors: Lorentz Kirsi O. , Casa Bianca , Miyauchi Yuko
Published: April 2021

Nonadult inhumations have the potential to give insights into the attitudes of past societies toward age. Adult individuals have been afforded complex mortuary programs in Chalcolithic cemeteries in western Cyprus. This study explores what mortuary practices applied to nonadult individuals at Souskiou‐Laona, a Middle Chalcolithic site with complex mortuary programs that include articulated, semi‐articulated, and fully commingled individuals. The latter were organised into elaborate bonestacks enveloping the feet of the latest articulated individuals interred. Ninety‐two archaeologically intact mortuary contexts were excavated at Souskiou‐Laona cemetery, containing 203 individuals (31 articulated skeletons and 172 individuals as commingled and/or semi‐articulated remains). Twenty‐four of these are nonadults. Bone preservation is poor, with high levels of fragmentation and surface erosion. Nonadult remains were analysed for bone element representation using the Bone Representation Index (BRI), and the positioning of nonadult skeletal elements within tombs and in relation to adult remains. Further comparisons were made between nonadults recovered from the cemetery, and nonadults recovered from primary burials in the contemporaneous settlement nearby. BRI results indicate that several nonadults present skeletal elements from all parts of the body, including small and fragile bones. The primary mortuary program afforded to nonadults at Souskiou‐Laona cemetery involved primary inhumation of the body in tombs, intentional disarticulation of skeletal remains after decomposition, and subsequent integration into the bonestack as part of the communal whole. Bone elements of nonadults were incorporated into the bonestacks, not as localized entities. To our knowledge, Souskiou‐Laona is the first Middle Chalcolithic cemetery for which detailed data on commingled bone element positioning have been documented in Cyprus, and the only cemetery for which both nonadult BRI and bone element positioning data is available in the wider region.
Non‐rhabdomyosarcoma soft‐tissue sarcoma
Authors: Milgrom Sarah A. , Million Lynn , Mandeville Henry , Safwat Akmal , Ermoian Ralph P. , Terezakis Stephanie
Published: April 2021

Non‐rhabdomyosarcoma soft‐tissue sarcomas (NRSTS) comprise 4% of childhood cancers and consist of numerous histologic subtypes. Prognostic factors associated with poor outcome include high histologic grade, large tumor size, presence of metastases, and unresectability. Complete surgical resection is critical for the best oncologic outcomes and is prioritized in treatment algorithms. The use of radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy is based upon factors such as resectability, histologic grade, tumor size, and stage. North American and European trials are defining a risk‐based approach to NRSTS to limit treatment‐related toxicity and to maximize therapeutic efficacy. In this paper, we summarize the current roles of surgery, RT, and chemotherapy in NRSTS and describe ongoing research that is advancing the care of NRSTS patients.
Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Eaton Bree R. , Claude Line , Indelicato Daniel J. , Vatner Ralph , Yeh Brian , Schwarz Rudolf , Laack Nadia
Published: April 2021

Ewing sarcoma is a rare tumor that requires complex multidisciplinary management. This report describes the general management and standard radiotherapy guidelines in both North America (Children's Oncology Group) and Europe (International Society of Pediatric Oncology). Standard treatment involves multiagent induction chemotherapy followed by local treatment with surgery, definitive radiation, or a combination of surgery and radiation followed by additional chemotherapy and consolidation local treatment to metastatic sites. The data supporting the role of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation and specific radiation therapy guidelines are presented.
A rare manifestation of choriocarcinoma syndrome in a child with primary intracranial germ cell tumor and extracranial metastases: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Keenan Camille , Ramirez Nicole , Elijovich Lucas , Klimo Paul , Bag Asim K. , Acharya Sahaja , Upadhyaya Santhosh A.
Published: April 2021

Choriocarcinoma syndrome is an uncommon, potentially fatal complication of germ cell tumors (GCTs) in adults, but it is not well documented in children. Pediatric central nervous system (CNS) GCTs comprise a rare group of malignancies not usually associated with extra‐CNS metastatic disease. Here, we report the case of a pediatric patient with a suprasellar mixed GCT and pulmonary metastases who presented with intratumoral hemorrhage and stroke. Choriocarcinoma syndrome developed soon after initiating chemotherapy. The primary tumor and pulmonary metastases were successfully treated using a multidisciplinary approach, including neurovascular intervention, chemotherapy, and craniospinal irradiation.
Effect of coupling agent quantity on composite interface structure and properties of fiber metal laminates
Authors: Zhu Wei , Xiao Hong , Wang Jian , Li Xiudong
Published: April 2021

Epoxy silane coupling agent A‐187 and amine silane coupling agent A‐1387 were used to modify the interface of carbon‐reinforced aluminum laminates (CARE), respectively. The effects of the type and content of coupling agent on the microstructure and mechanical properties of CARE were investigated. Results show that with the increase in the content of two coupling agents, the wettability first increases and then decreases. When the mass fraction of the two coupling agents is 1%, good wetting property is obtained, and the interlaminar shear and flexural strengths of the CARE plate are the best. Compared with epoxy coupling agent A‐187, amine coupling agent A‐1387 had better wettability to aluminum alloy surface and highly contributed to the improvement of interface structure and properties, which then increased the interlaminar shear and flexural strengths by 19.1% and 8.9%, respectively.
Registration of ‘R13‐13997’ soybean cultivar
Authors: Florez‐Palacios L. , Da Silva M. P. , Acuña A. , Wu C. , Rogers D. , Mozzoni L. , Carlin J. F. , Chen P.
Published: April 2021

‘R13‐13997’ (Reg. no. CV‐539, PI 695314) is an early Maturity Group V (relative maturity 5.4), determinate, conventional soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar developed and released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2020. R13‐13997 was evaluated across 62 environments in Arkansas and other southern states and yielded higher than the check cultivars in most test environments. Across the 62 test environments, R13‐13997 yielded on average 4,371 kg ha−1 compared with 4,243 kg ha−1 for the check mean. It has white flowers, tawny pubescence, and tan pod walls at maturity. Seeds of R13‐13997 have yellow cotyledons with dull yellow seed coats and black hila. Seeds average 408 g kg−1 protein and 226 g kg−1 oil, on a dry‐weight basis. R13‐13997 is resistant to stem canker and frogeye leaf spot; moderately susceptible to soybean cyst nematode races 2, 3, and 5 and peanut root‐knot nematode; and susceptible to southern root‐knot nematode. The high yield potential, broad adaptation, and adequate disease resistance package make R13‐13997 an appealing choice for southern soybean growers and breeders.
Rheological, thermal, and electrical characterization polyamide/polypropylene blend composites containing hybrid filler: Boron nitride and reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Seyed Esfahani Seyed Armin , Ghahramani Nikoo , Mehranpour Milad , Nazockdast Hossein
Published: April 2021

In this study, the microstructural development and its effect on the thermal conductivity of polyamide6 (PA6)/polypropylene (PP) blends containing boron nitride (BN) and reduced graphene oxide (rGo) as hybrid fillers were investigated. Blend samples were prepared using the masterbatch method to localize BN and rGo in the matrix phase (PA6). Dynamic rheological results were consistent with selective localization of the fillers in PA6 as evidenced by nonterminal behavior (3D network) PP/PA‐BN at low frequencies. Compared with the case where the matrix phase (PA6) was only filled with BN particles, thermal conductivity measurements showed that replacing 10% and 15% BN particles with rGo nanoparticles yielded higher thermal conductivity. The hybrid fillers had a synergetic effect on the heat conductive network, forming a more efficient percolating network of BN and rGo in the matrix phase (PA6). A comparison between the BN‐filled PA6 blend and the BN‐rGo‐filled PA6 blend revealed higher thermal conductivity in the PP/PA6‐BN‐rGo sample with co‐continuous morphology than in the PP/PA6‐BN sample with matrix‐disperse morphology.
Evaluation of microbial species inactivation and purification of pond sewage by a custom‐built air surface discharge plasma
Authors: Liu Zhijie , Xu Dehui , Pang Bolun , Wang Sitao , Wang Shuai , Gao Yuting , Peng Sansan , Chen Hailan , Kong Michael G.
Published: April 2021

The presence of the hazardous microbial species in pond sewage is a serious threat to the aquatic environment and human health, and an effective purification method is urgently needed. Here, we reported the evaluation and purification effect of sewage by a custom‐built air surface discharge plasma. Results show that the most sensitive bacterial flora mainly includes Cyanobium, Candidatus, and Proteobacteria, based on inactivation map by the DNA sequence. The inactivation of microbial species by plasma treatment would reach beyond 5‐log reduction and the water turbidity would be effectively improved. Identification of the significance of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species with scavengers indicates that the purification effect is closely linked to the key agents ONOO− and H2O2. This study would contribute to an in‐depth insight into decontamination and provide a potential alternative for sewage purification.
Childhood asthma and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adulthood: The Busselton Health Study
Authors: Ng Christopher A. C. M. , Knuiman Matthew W. , Murray Kevin , Divitini Mark L. , Musk Arthur W. (Bill) , James Alan L.
Published: April 2021

Background

Long‐term childhood asthma studies that investigate adult outcomes other than respiratory morbidity are lacking. This study examines the associations of childhood asthma and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality in adulthood.

Methods

A cohort of 4430 school children (aged 17 years) who attended the Busselton Health Study between 1967 and 1983 were analyzed. Self‐reported history of doctor‐diagnosed asthma was determined based on the questionnaire. Subsequent CVD events (hospital admissions or death) up to 2014 were identified using the Western Australia Data Linkage System. Cox regression models were used to investigate the impact of childhood asthma on CVD events and mortality in adulthood. A subgroup of 2153 participants who re‐attended a survey in young adulthood was also analyzed.

Results

A total of 462 (10%) of the cohort had childhood asthma. During follow‐up, 867 participants experienced a CVD event and 22 participants died from CVD. Childhood asthma was not associated with the risk of CVD events in adulthood (HR, 1.12; 95% CI: 0.91–1.39; p = .2833) and this persisted after adjustment for confounders. Childhood asthma was not associated with coronary heart disease events (HR, 0.72; 95% CI: 0.40–1.30; p = .2761), heart failure events (HR, 0.55; 95% CI: 0.07–4.13; p = .5604) or CVD mortality (HR, 0.91; 95% CI: 0.21–3.89; p = .8987) in adulthood.

Conclusion

Childhood asthma is not associated with the risk of CVD events and mortality in adulthood.
Decreased Work Productivity Due to Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis. What is the Cost?
Authors: Kristensen J. K. , Nielsen C.
Published: April 2021

A decrease of 7,2 % in productivity was found in patients suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis. A correction of this could more than pay for the treatment with botulinum-toxins, even 3 or 4 times a year.