bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raman and X‐ray fluorescence glaze characterisation of Maria Keil's decorative tile panels
Authors: Mortari Camila , Nobre Pais Alexandre , Esteves Lurdes , Gago da Câmara Alexandra , Carvalho Maria Luísa , Manso Marta
Published: August 2020

A set of decorative contemporary tile panels, created by the Portuguese artist Maria Keil (1914–2012) for the Lisbon metro stations, was studied under a noninvasive analytical methodology. This methodology combines X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ‐XRF) and Raman spectroscopy in microscopic (μ‐Raman) mode for an elemental and structural composition characterisation of the glaze (glass matrix and network modifiers such as fluxes, opacifiers and colouring agents). μ‐XRF quantitative evaluation of the glassy matrix shows that all glazes have a lead silicate glass base. Results obtained by the combined use of μ‐XRF and μ‐Raman show that a zirconium‐based opacifier was used. Naples yellow (Pb2Sb2O7), lead–tin yellow type II (Pb(Sn,Si)O3), Pb–Sn–Sb triple oxide, cobalt blue (CoAl2O4), chromium oxide (Cr2O3) and malayite sphene (CaO·SnO2·SiO2) have been identified by μ‐Raman as some of the colouring agents, either used by themselves or in mixtures for obtaining the desirable colours intended by the artist.
Survival outcomes after surgical management of sporadic or familial adenomatous polyposis associated duodenal cancer
Authors: Augustin Toms , Moslim Maitham A. , Cengiz Turgut Bora , El‐Hayek Kevin , Simon Robert , Bhatt Amit , Tang Andrew , Burke Carol A. , Matthew Walsh Richard
Published: August 2020

Background

Duodenal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients. In this study, we compare oncologic outcomes between sporadic and FAP‐associated duodenal cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective study, all patients who underwent surgeries between 2000 and 2014 for either sporadic or FAP duodenal cancer were identified. The patients were grouped based on diagnoses and perioperative and survival outcomes were compared.

Results

A total of 56 patients with duodenal cancer (43 sporadic, 13 FAP) who underwent surgery were identified. Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) was the most common procedure performed. The overall median survival was 7.5 years (1 year: 92%; 5 years: 58.1%). FAP patients had earlier tumor, node, and metastasis stage, less margin involvement, less perineural, and angiolymphatic invasion but had a comparable survival to sporadic patients. The median survival for FAP duodenal cancer was 7.4 vs 9.6 years for sporadic (P = .97) with similar utilization of adjuvant chemotherapy. Although not statistically significant, PD had an improved median survival compared to segmental duodenal resection (SDR) (9.6 years for PD vs 3.6 years for SDR, P = .17). Non‐periampullary location and presence of positive lymph nodes were significant predictors of mortality on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

FAP duodenal cancer has no survival advantage compared to sporadic duodenal cancer despite an improved stage of resection with extraampullary lesions having a worse survival.
Quantitative assessments of adenosine triphosphatase hydrolytic activity by ultrafiltration‐coupled ion‐pair reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Jing Changheng , Yu Fangzhi , Zhang Ning , Liu Yan , Wang Hailin
Published: August 2020

Adenosine triphosphate is a universal energy currency that can directly provide energy required for a multitude of biochemical reactions and biophysical actions through adenosine triphosphatase catalyzed hydrolysis. Adenosine triphosphatase activity is thus one important feature for the characterization of protein function and cell activity. Herein, we optimized ion‐pair reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography technique for highly efficient separation of adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, and adenosine monophosphate, and the method demonstrated good linearity. Moreover, by coupling a protein‐removable ultrafiltration, we developed a sensitive and robust approach for quantification of adenosine triphosphatase hydrolytic activity. By this assay, we demonstrated that RecA filaments‐catalyzed adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis approached a second‐order reaction, and its rate constant was estimated as 0.057 mM−1 min−1. In addition, we explored the effects of DNA length on this reaction and revealed that the increase of the length of single‐stranded DNA can promote the adenosine triphosphatase hydrolytic activity of RecA filaments. All these results confirm the feasibility of this new method in quantification of adenosine triphosphatase hydrolytic activity assays. Compared with previous complicated enzyme‐coupled or homogeneous colorimetric measurements, the developed approach with high resolution separation allows a simple reaction system for adenosine triphosphatase assay and a sensitive detection free of interference from background noise.
Critical success factors for food tourism destinations: A socio‐cultural perspective
Authors: Hiamey Stephen E. , Amenumey Edem K. , Mensah Ishmael
Published: August 2020

Eating the food of other cultures is fraught with many problems underpinned by many factors chief among them being sociocultural background. The study, therefore, through a socio‐cultural perspective, examines the factors necessary for food tourism development and promotion from tourists' perspectives. Using the tenets of grounded theory, 40 international tourists were interviewed at Cape Coast, Ghana. It was found that sensory characteristics and mediated by factors such as cultural/worldviews influence local food consumption. The findings support the position that the socio‐cultural background of tourists affects their evaluation of a destination's food, hence consumption. Implications of the study are also drawn.
The fifth shade of green: A novel approach to phytoplankton color index assessment in an oligotrophic system
Authors: Abualhaija Rana , Abualhaija Yousef , Tsolaki Eleni , Jimenez Carlos , Lange Manfred A.
Published: August 2020

Measurements of phytoplankton color index (PCI), an indicator of phytoplankton biomass, represent one of the largest datasets acquired through the continuous plankton recorder (CPR) survey. PCI has been used to describe changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of phytoplankton, especially in the North Atlantic, where the methodology was developed and primarily applied. The method functions by grouping samples, based on their color shade, into four categories. Each category is assigned a numerical value to aid spatial and temporal averaging. Recently a CPR has been operated in the Eastern Mediterranean, one of the most oligotrophic areas of the global oceans. To capture the specific characteristics of the area, an additional greenness grading is introduced. In this study, we use satellite‐derived chlorophyll a (Chl a) data to examine whether PCI categories can be distinguished within the low and narrow range of Chl a values found in the study area and to calculate the range of Chl a concentrations expressed by each category. Furthermore, a newly calculated numerical system for the general use of PCI in oligotrophic areas and previously calculated PCI numerical value systems utilizing a variety of in situ, laboratory and remote sensing experiments, were tested for their applicability in the area. Present results indicate the feasibility of employing PCI measurements to provide an estimate of Chl a concentration in the Eastern Mediterranean. This provides confidence in the implementation of a new category system for PCI, as well as the use of the new PCI numerical system for the assessment of phytoplankton in oligotrophic waters.
The influence of management team continuation on inefficient investment after family firms inheritance
Authors: Wu Jiong , Wang Feifei , Xu Xing
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to explore how the executive team continuation affects the successor's investment decisions. To this end, we use data of Chinese A‐share listed heritage family enterprises. The findings reveal that executive team continuation has a negative impact on inefficient investment. At the same time, the successor's control rights have a moderating effect on the relationship between the executive team continuation and the successor's investment decisions. In addition, further research shows that the heterogeneity of senior executives' tenure, the number of independent directors, and the distribution of senior executives' professional backgrounds are conducive to explaining the internal mechanism of the continuation of the management team.
Genotypic and clinical analysis of 49 Chinese children with hepatic glycogen storage diseases
Authors: Liang Yan , Du Caiqi , Wei Hong , Zhang Cai , Zhang Min , Hu Minghui , Fang Feng , Luo Xiaoping
Published: August 2020

Background

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) is a relatively rare inborn metabolic disorder, our study aims to investigate the genotypic and clinical feature of hepatic GSDs in China.

Methods

The clinical and genotypic data of 49 patients with hepatic GSDs were collected retrospectively and analyzed.

Results

After gene sequencing, 49 patients were diagnosed as GSDs, including GSD Ia (24 cases), GSD IIIa (11 cases), GSD IXa (8 cases), GSD VI (3 cases) and GSD Ib (3 cases). About 45 gene variants of G6PC, AGL, PHKA2, PYGL, and SLC37A4 were detected; among which, 22 variants were unreported previously. c.648G>T (p. Leu216Leu) of G6PC exon 5 is the most common variant for GSD Ia patients (20/24,83.33%）, splice variant c.1735+1G>T of AGL exon 13 is relatively common among GSD IIIa, while novel variant accounts for the majority of GSD IXa and GSD VI patients. As for clinical features, there was no significant difference in the onset age among group GSD Ia, GSD IIIa, and GSD IXa, but the age at diagnosis and average disease duration from diagnosis of GSD Ia were significantly higher than GSD IIIa and GSD IXa. Body weight of GSD patients was basically normal, but growth retardation was relatively common among them, especially for GSD Ia patients; and renomegaly was only found in GSD Ia. Besides, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, lactic acid, and uric acid in GSD Ia were significantly higher than those with GSD IIIa and IXa (p < 0.05); but ALT, AST, CK, and LDH of GSD III and GSD IXa were significantly higher when compared to GSD Ia (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

All hepatic GSDs patients share similarity in clinical and biochemical spectrum, but delayed diagnosis and biochemical metabolic abnormalities were common in GSD Ia. For family with GSD proband, pedigree analysis and genetic testing is strongly recommended.
Polarization insensitive penta‐bandstop frequency selective surface for closely placed bands
Authors: Farooq Umer , Iftikhar Adnan , Shafique Muhammad Farhan , Mughal Muhammad Junaid , Fida Adnan , Khalid Sohail
Published: August 2020

This article reports on a single layer penta‐bandstop frequency selective surface (FSS) for multiband shielding applications. The proposed unit cell incorporates five independent resonant elements that are realized on a single‐sided FR4 substrate to suppress GSM ‐ 0.9 GHz, GPS ‐ 1.5 GHz, GSM ‐ 1.8 GHz, Wi‐Max ‐ 3.5 GHz, and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) ‐ 5.7 GHz frequency bands. The proposed single layer unit cell has compact lattice periodicity of order 0.11 λo × 0.11 λo. The design is not only polarization‐insensitive, but it also offers high angular stability up to 45°. A detailed parametric analysis is conducted to establish a relationship between geometrical parameters and FSS spectral response. Additionally, an equivalent lumped circuit model is also derived to further elaborate on the underlying resonance mechanism. A prototype is fabricated and tested to validate the performance of the proposed FSS. The measured results are in good agreement with simulated ones. The proposed FSS has the uniqueness of suppressing 0.9 GHz GSM band that has never been reported in a pentaband design. The proposed FSS is a potential candidate for radio frequency (RF) shielding, electromagnetic wave suppression, and data security applications in secure installations.
DICOM re‐encoding of volumetrically annotated Lung Imaging Database Consortium (LIDC) nodules
Authors: Fedorov Andrey , Hancock Matthew , Clunie David , Brochhausen Mathias , Bona Jonathan , Kirby Justin , Freymann John , Pieper Steve , J. W. L. Aerts Hugo , Kikinis Ron , Prior Fred
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The dataset contains annotations for lung nodules collected by the Lung Imaging Data Consortium and Image Database Resource Initiative (LIDC) stored as standard DICOM objects. The annotations accompany a collection of computed tomography (CT) scans for over 1000 subjects annotated by multiple expert readers, and correspond to “nodules ≥ 3 mm”, defined as any lesion considered to be a nodule with greatest in‐plane dimension in the range 3–30 mm regardless of presumed histology. The present dataset aims to simplify reuse of the data with the readily available tools, and is targeted towards researchers interested in the analysis of lung CT images.

Acquisition and validation methods

Open source tools were utilized to parse the project‐specific XML representation of LIDC‐IDRI annotations and save the result as standard DICOM objects. Validation procedures focused on establishing compliance of the resulting objects with the standard, consistency of the data between the DICOM and project‐specific representation, and evaluating interoperability with the existing tools.

Data format and usage notes

The dataset utilizes DICOM Segmentation objects for storing annotations of the lung nodules, and DICOM Structured Reporting objects for communicating qualitative evaluations (nine attributes) and quantitative measurements (three attributes) associated with the nodules. The total of 875 subjects contain 6859 nodule annotations. Clustering of the neighboring annotations resulted in 2651 distinct nodules. The data are available in TCIA at https://doi.org/10.7937/TCIA.2018.h7umfurq.

Potential applications

The standardized dataset maintains the content of the original contribution of the LIDC‐IDRI consortium, and should be helpful in developing automated tools for characterization of lung lesions and image phenotyping. In addition to those properties, the representation of the present dataset makes it more FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) for the research community, and enables its integration with other standardized data collections.
A 32‐channel receive array coil for bilateral breast imaging and spectroscopy at 7T
Authors: Del Bosque Romina , Cui Jiaming , Ogier Stephen , Cheshkov Sergey , Dimitrov Ivan E. , Malloy Craig , Wright Steven M. , McDougall Mary
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This work describes the construction and evaluation of a bilateral 32‐channel receive array for breast imaging at 7T.

Methods

The receive array consisted of 32 receive coils, placed on two 3D‐printed hemispherical formers. Each side of the receive array consisted of 16 receive loops, each loop having a corresponding detachable board with match/tune capacitors, active detuning circuitry, and a balun. Coil performance was evaluated on homogeneous canola oil phantoms using a Philips Achieva 7T system. Array coil performance was compared with a bilateral forced current excitation volume coil in transmit/receive mode and with a previously reported 16‐channel unilateral coil with a similar design.

Results

The 32‐channel array had an increase in average SNR throughout both phantoms by a factor of five as compared with the volume coil, with SNR increases up to 10 times along the periphery and three times in the center. Noise measurements showed low interelement noise correlation (average: 5.4%; maximum: 16.8%). Geometry factor maps were acquired for various acceleration factors and showed mean geometry factors <1.2, for combined acceleration factors of up to six.

Conclusions

The improvements achieved demonstrate the clear potential for use in dynamic contrast‐enhanced or diffusion‐weighted MR studies, while maintaining diagnostically relevant spatial and temporal resolutions.
Using Genetic Data to Estimate Capture Rate of Wisconsin and Leech Lake Strains of Muskellunge Stocked in Four Wisconsin Lakes
Authors: Larson Wesley A. , Hill Thompson , Rowe David , Oele Daniel , Gerbyshak Joseph , Bergman Jennifer
Published: August 2020

Many inland fisheries are supported by stocking hatchery-produced fish, and fisheries managers often face difficult decisions regarding strain selection. Stocking evaluations that are designed to quantify differences in strain performance provide valuable data for designing stocking programs. Here, we used genetic tools to investigate the capture rate of two strains of Muskellunge that were stocked in Wisconsin lakes. We genotyped a total of 1,011 Muskellunge at 13 microsatellites and used the data from five reference populations to assign fish that were stocked in four Wisconsin lakes to their strain of origin. The strains that were stocked in these lakes were derived from Wisconsin populations in the upper Chippewa River and Wisconsin River drainages and from Leech Lake, Minnesota. The Muskellunge from Leech Lake demonstrated much lower capture rates than the Wisconsin strain, but the results were variable, with a 10% capture rate of fish from the Leech Lake strain in Lake Monona and a 2% capture rate in Lake Wissota, despite similar stocking rates (~25%) in both lakes. We hypothesized that the higher capture rates of Muskellunge from the Wisconsin strain could be due the adaptative advantages of the Wisconsin strain in these waters and suggest that managers continue to stock the nearest native (i.e., Wisconsin) strain to achieve the highest return on investment.
New strategies for determining backward perturbation bound of approximate two‐sided Krylov subspaces
Authors: Wang Yunjie , Wu Gang
Published: August 2020

Given a nonsymmetric matrix and two unit norm vectors, the two‐sided Krylov subspace methods construct a pair of bases for two Krylov subspaces with respect to A and AT, respectively. In practical calculations, however, the two subspaces spanned by the computed bases may not be Krylov subspaces. Given two subspaces and , in [G. Wu et al, Toward backward perturbation bounds for approximate dual Krylov subspaces, BIT, 53 (2013), pp. 225‐239], the authors considered how to determine a backward perturbation E whose norm is as small as possible, such that and are Krylov subspaces of A + E and (A + E)T, respectively. However, as the two bases used are biorthonormal, their results are nonoptimal in terms of unitarily invariant norms, and the perturbation bound can be greatly overestimated. In this work, we revisit this problem and use orthonormal bases instead of biorthonormal bases to derive new perturbation bounds. We propose two new strategies, the first one focuses on choosing optimal orthonormal basis matrices, and the second one resorts to solving small‐sized generalized Sylvester matrix equations. Numerical experiments show that our bounds improve the existing one substantially.
Outcomes in children with hemophilia A with inhibitors: Results from a noninterventional study
Authors: Oldenburg Johannes , Shima Midori , Kruse‐Jarres Rebecca , Santagostino Elena , Mahlangu Johnny , Lehle Michaela , Selak Bienz Nives , Chebon Sammy , Asikanius Elina , Trask Peter , Mancuso Maria Elisa , Jiménez‐Yuste Victor , von Mackensen Sylvia , Levy Gallia G.
Published: August 2020

Background

Data regarding management of pediatric persons with hemophilia A (PwHA) with factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors are limited. This prospective noninterventional study (NCT02476942) evaluated annualized bleeding rates (ABRs), safety, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric PwHA with FVIII inhibitors.

Procedure

PwHA aged <12 years with current FVIII inhibitors and high‐titer inhibitor history were enrolled. Participants remained on usual treatment; no interventions were applied. Outcomes included ABR, safety, and HRQoL.

Results

Twenty‐four PwHA aged 2‐11 years (median 7.5) were enrolled and monitored for 8.7‐44.1 weeks (median 23.4). In the episodic (n = 10) and prophylactic (n = 14) groups, respectively, 121 of 185 (65.4%) and 101 of 186 (54.3%) bleeds were treated using activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC) and/or recombinant activated FVII (rFVIIa). ABRs (95% confidence interval) were 19.4 (13.2‐28.4) and 18.5 (14.2‐24.0) for treated bleeds, and 32.7 (20.5‐52.2) and 33.1 (22.4‐48.9) for all bleeds, respectively. Most prophylactic group participants (92.9%) were prescribed aPCC; 50% adhered to their prescribed treatment regimen. Adherence to prophylactic rFVIIa was not assessed. Serious adverse events included hemarthrosis (12.5%) and mouth hemorrhage (12.5%); the most common nonserious adverse event was viral upper respiratory tract infection (12.5%). HRQoL showed functional impairment at baseline; scores remained stable throughout, with little intergroup variation.

Conclusions

ABRs remained high in pediatric PwHA with inhibitors receiving standard treatment. This study demonstrates the need for more effective treatments, with reduced treatment burden, to prevent bleeds, increase prophylaxis adherence, and improve patient outcomes.
Tissue ionome response to rhizosphere pH and aluminum in tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.), a species adapted to acidic soils
Authors: Yamashita Hiroto , Fukuda Yusuke , Yonezawa Shiori , Morita Akio , Ikka Takashi
Published: August 2020

The growth of tea plants (Camellia sinensis L.) is promoted by the presence of aluminum (Al), a beneficial element under acidic conditions, but the influence of rhizosphere pH on this interaction is not known. To understand the mechanisms underlying the adaptation to acidic rhizosphere conditions, we evaluated ionome profiles and the effect of pH on tea growth in hydroponic culture. The optimum pH for tea growth was around pH 4.2, and growth was inferior under a pH less than 3.8 or higher than 5.0. Under the optimum pH growth and Al accumulation were markedly stimulated by Al treatment. Al content and accumulation in new and mature leaves and new roots (the predominant tissues that accumulate minerals in tea plants) gradually declined with decrease in pH, especially in new roots. Ionome profiles drastically altered Al treatment, but changes were more pronounced in new roots than in new or mature leaves and did not depend on pH. Although the uptake of most cationic minerals in new roots was decreased by Al treatment, cationic mineral contents in new and mature leaves were not decreased by Al. In contrast to other plant species, the content and accumulation of manganese, despite it being a cationic nutrient, were significantly increased by Al treatment. These results indicated that one role of Al as a beneficial element was to maintain the shoot nutrient status by effectively utilizing Al‐limited elements in the roots.
Reduction‐sensitive carrier containing disulfide bond based on Pluronic F68 with cholesterol for drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Yichen , Fan Xiaoshan , Yu Yongjie , Li Wenqiang , Huang Hongpan , Zhang Weiwei , Hu Zhiguo , Li Zibiao
Published: August 2020

The reduction‐sensitive amphiphilic polymer chol‐SS‐F68‐SS‐Chol (F68‐CDEC. chol, SS and F68 represent cholesterol, disulfide bond and Pluronic F68, respectively) was easily synthesized by two steps of esterification reactions. The self‐assembly behavior of the polymer was studied by fluorescence spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering and TEM. Impressively, the critical micelle concentration of F68‐CDEC was 58‐fold smaller than that of F68. Besides, the drug loading content (LC = 20.25%) was higher than that of F68 (LC = 13.42%). In vitro release experiments showed that the reductant dithiothreitol triggered rapid disintegration of micelles with an accumulated drug amount of 55%, compared with an accumulated drug amount of 20% in phosphate‐buffered saline solution. These good abilities were further proved by cell uptake experiments. More importantly, almost no cytotoxicity was observed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay and immunofluorescence staining experiments. There are reasons to believe that the polymer F68‐CDEC can be used as a reduction‐sensitive drug delivery material. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Progressive task‐oriented circuit training for cognition, physical functioning and societal participation in individuals with dementia
Authors: Gbiri Caleb Ademola Omuwa , Amusa Biliafeez Francisca
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives

Dementia is commonly associated with cognitive deficit, functional decline and societal participation restriction across multiple domains of functioning. The decline impacts not only on the individual, but also on their informal caregivers, healthcare and the social system. This clinical random controlled study investigated the efficacy of 12‐week Progressive Task‐oriented circuit training on cognition, physical functioning and societal participation of individuals with dementia.

Methods

This study involved 31 individuals living with dementia recruited from a tertiary health institution in Lagos Nigeria. They were randomized into two groups: Progressive Task‐oriented circuit training (involved in 12‐week circuit training, two times a week for 70 min per session consisting of six workstations) and Control group (training with conventional treatment and home programmes). They were assessed at baseline, mid‐intervention and post‐intervention using Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐Cognition (ADAS‐Cog), Bristol ADLs, Community integration Questionnaire, 6‐min walk test. Data analysed using the independent‐samples t tests, paired t tests, Friedman two‐way analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney U test (p ≤ .05).

Results

Participants were aged 69.61 ± 3.44 years. There was significant improvement from baseline to post‐intervention in cognition (30.77 ± 1.02 vs. 28.77 ± 3.30), physical functioning (28.19 ± 3.90 vs. 25.84 ± 6.26) and societal participation (3.64 ± 0.73 vs. 5.59 ± 2.76). However, the progressive Task‐oriented circuit training had more significant improvement than the control group within the group in cognition (p = .000), physical functioning (p = .000), and societal participation (p = .000). There was no statistical difference within the Control group with cognition (p = .097), Physical functioning (p = 1.000). Meanwhile there was statistically significant effect between both groups on cognition, physical functioning and societal participation post‐intervention (p < .005).

Conclusion

Although both Task‐oriented Circuit Training and conventional treatment with home exercise programmes are efficacious, Progressive Task‐oriented Circuit Training is more efficacious in enhancing and developing therapeutic strategies to train cognition, improve functional performance and societal participation in the rehabilitation of individuals with dementia.
Do patients with low back pain remember physiotherapists' advice? A mixed‐methods study on patient‐therapist communication
Authors: Supp Georg , Schoch Wolfgang , Baumstark Manfred W. , May Stephen
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to determine if the advice physiotherapists think they provide to patients with low back pain (LBP) is what the patients remember and take away from the clinical encounter. The secondary aim was to determine which factors may influence the retention of this advice.

Methods

The first component of the study used questionnaires completed by patients and therapists after the initial visit. Related questionnaires of patients and therapists were screened for inconsistencies. The second component of the study involved semi‐structured interviews.

Results

Ninety pairs of questionnaires were completed. Therapists provided patients with one (N = 90), two (N = 85) or three (N = 51) items of advice regarding the management of their LBP. All patients remembered the first item of advice, 92% remembered a second, and 67% remembered the third piece of advice. All items of advice were deemed either ‘relevant’ or ‘very relevant’ by 97% of the patients. After the analysis of 14 interviews, data saturation was reached. Four themes emerged from the data analysis of the interviews: (a) Evaluation type, (b) Exercise factors, (c) Patient concerns about their diagnosis, and (d) Patient expectations.

Discussion

In most cases, patients remembered what therapists told them and considered that the advice provided was relevant. Based on the qualitative data, patients were more likely to remember what therapists said when: (a) shared decision making was used during the initial encounter, (b) prescribed exercises were simple to perform and few in number, (c) patients' concerns about their diagnosis were addressed, and (d) patients' expectations were identified and addressed.
The antifeedant, insecticidal and insect growth inhibitory activities of triterpenoid saponins fromClematis aethusifoliaTurcz againstPlutella xylostella(L.)
Authors: Tian Xiaolin , Li Yantao , Hao Nan , Su Xiaozhou , Du Juan , Hu Jiajun , Tian Xiangrong
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella(L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a global insect pest of crops, leading to a reduction of agricultural products in productivity and quality. Plant saponins are rich sources for the discovery of candidates to control insect pests. This study focused on discovery of triterpenoid saponins fromClematis aethusifoliaTurcz and evaluation of their antifeedant, insecticidal and insect growth inhibitory activities against the 3rd instar larvae ofP. xylostella.

RESULTS

Seven triterpenoid saponins (1–7) were isolated for the first time from then‐BuOH extract ofC. aethusifolia. Monodesmosides1,2, and5with a free 28‐COOH group showed much higher antifeedant activity (DC50were 733.67–844.77 μg mL–1at 24 h, and 737.19–748.28 μg mL–1at 48 h) than bidesmosides3–4and6–7(DC50were 1284.35–2053.98 μg mL–1at 24 h, and 1183.72–1990.96 μg mL–1at 48 h). Similarly, monodesmosides1,2, and5(LC50were 1462.78–1785.96 μg mL–1) showed stronger insecticidal activity than bidesmosides3–4and6–7(LC50were 2219.22–3050.51 μg mL–1) againstP. xylostellaat 72 h. These results suggest the 28‐COOH group is an important functional group for their antifeedant and insecticidal activity. Besides, monodesmosides1,2, and5showed insect growth inhibitory activity againstP. xylostellathrough reduction of larval growth and percentage of pupation, associated with prolongation of larval and pupal stages.

CONCLUSION

The present results provide evidence that triterpenoid saponins fromC. aethusifolia, particularly those monodesmosidic saponins with a free 28‐COOH group, have the potential to be developed as pesticides to controlP. xylostella.
Cytochrome P450‐mediated herbicide metabolism in plants: current understanding and prospects
Authors: Dimaano Niña Gracel , Iwakami Satoshi
Published: August 2020

Cytochrome P450s (P450s) have been at the center of herbicide metabolism research as a result of their ability to endow selectivity in crops and resistance in weeds. In the last 20 years, ≈30 P450s from diverse plant species have been revealed to possess herbicide‐metabolizing function, some of which were demonstrated to play a key role in plant herbicide sensitivity. Recent research even demonstrated that some P450s from crops and weeds metabolize numerous herbicides from various chemical backbones, which highlights the importance of P450s in the current agricultural systems. However, due to the enormous number of plant P450s and the complexity of their function, expression and regulation, it remains a challenge to fully explore the potential of P450‐mediated herbicide metabolism in crop improvement and herbicide resistance mitigation. Differences in the substrate specificity of each herbicide‐metabolizing P450 are now evident. Comparisons of the substrate specificity and protein structures of P450s will be beneficial for the discovery of selective herbicides and may lead to the development of crops with higher herbicide tolerance by transgenics or genome‐editing technologies. Furthermore, the knowledge will help design sound management strategies for weed resistance including the prediction of cross‐resistance patterns. Overcoming the ambiguity of P450 function in plant xenobiotic pathways will unlock the full potential of this enzyme family in advancing global agriculture and food security. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Protective neighboring effect from ash trees treated with systemic insecticide against emerald ash borer
Authors: de Andrade Rafael B , Abell Kristopher , Duan Jian J , Shrewsbury Paula , Gruner Daniel S
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennisFairmaire) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is now the most destructive invasive species in North America. While biocontrol using parasitoids shows promising results in natural forests, strategies are needed to protect high‐value trees against invasive EAB populations. Emamectin benzoate is a commonly used systemic insecticide for the protection of valuable trees. Methods that optimize its use allow for reduced quantities of insecticide to be released in the environment and save time and money in efforts to protect ash trees from EAB. We hypothesize that a treated tree can also offer a protective neighboring effect to nearby untreated ash trees, allowing for an optimized spatial planning of insecticide applications.

RESULTS

We sampled 896 untreated ash trees, in the vicinity of treated trees, in Maryland and Washington DC. We recorded signs of EAB infestation (canopy condition, exit holes, wood pecks, epicormic growth, and bark splits). Two subsequent yearly samplings were made of 198 and 216 trees, respectively. We also present a novel proximity index for this particular application. Results show consistent decrease in EAB infestation signs in untreated trees as proximity to treated trees increases.

CONCLUSION

Results support that a neighboring effect occurs. However, proximity to treated trees must be high for a tree to be safely left untreated. This proximity seems rare in forests, but can happen in urban/planted landscapes. Future studies should test and validate these findings, and could lead to a more precise recommended safe index tailored across multiple ash species and geographic regions.
Use of zoophytophagous mirid bugs in horticultural crops: Current challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Pérez‐Hedo Meritxell , Riahi Chaymaa , Urbaneja Alberto
Published: August 2020

In recent years, the use of predatory mirid bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) in horticultural crops has increased considerably. Mirid bugs are zoophytophagous predators, that is, they display omnivorous behavior and feed on both plants and arthropods. Mirid bugs feed effectively on a wide range of prey, such as whiteflies, lepidopteran eggs and mites. In addition, the phytophagous behavior of mirid bugs can activate defenses in the plants on which they feed. Despite the positive biological attributes, their use still presents some constraints. Their establishment and retention on the crop is not always easy and economic plant damage can be caused by some mirid species. In this review, the current strategies for using zoophytophagous mirid bugs in horticultural crops, mainly Nesidiocoris tenuis, Macrolophus pygmaeus and Dicyphus hesperus, are reviewed. We discuss six different approaches which, in our opinion, can optimize the efficacy of mirids as biocontrol agents and help expand their use into more areas worldwide. In this review we (i) highlight the large number of species and biotypes which are yet to be described and explore their applicability, (ii) present how it is possible to take advantage of the mirid‐induced plant defenses to improve pest management, (iii) argue that genetic selection of improved mirid strains is feasible, (iv) explore the use of companion plants and the use of alternative foods to improve the mirid bug management, and finally (vi) discuss strategies for the expansion of mirid bugs as biological control agents to horticultural crops other than just tomatoes. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Score and deviance residuals based on the full likelihood approach in survival analysis
Authors: Halabi Susan , Dutta Sandipan , Wu Yuan , Liu Aiyi
Published: August 2020

Assuming the proportional hazards model and non‐informative censoring, the full likelihood approach is used to obtain two new residuals. The first residual is based on the ideas used in obtaining score‐type residuals similar to the partial likelihood approach. The second type of residual is based on the concept of deviance residuals. Extensive simulations are conducted to compare the performance of the residuals from the full likelihood‐based approach with those of the partial likelihood method. We demonstrate through simulation studies that the full likelihood‐based residuals are more efficient than their partial likelihood counterpart in identifying potential outliers when the censoring proportion is high. The graphical techniques are used to illustrate the applications of these residuals using some examples.
Evaluating thetime‐dependentpredictive accuracy forevent‐to‐timeoutcome with a cure fraction
Authors: Wang Ziwen , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: August 2020

In medical studies, it is often observed that a portion of subjects will never experience the event of interest and thus can be treated as cured or long‐term survivors. Many populations of early‐stage cancer patients contain both uncured and cured individuals that should be modeled using cure models. In prognostic studies, the cure status (uncure or cure) is an issue of interest for medical practitioners, and the disease status (death or alive) of an individual is not a fixed characteristic and it varies along the time. These statuses are usually predicted by a prognostic risk score. The time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is a powerful tool to evaluate these predicting performances dynamically. In the context with a cure fraction, quantifying and estimating the predictive performances of the risk score is a challenge since the disease status and cure status are both unknown among individuals who are censored. In this paper, to assess the predictive accuracy for the survival outcome with a cure fraction, we propose a time‐dependent ROC curve semi‐parametric estimator based on the sieve maximum likelihood (ML) estimation under the mixture cure model. We also apply a Bernstein‐based smoothing method in the estimation procedure, and this estimator can lead to substantial gain in efficiency. In addition, we derive the time‐dependent area under the ROC curve (AUC) to summarize the discriminatory capacity of the risk score globally. Finally, we evaluate the finite sample performance of the proposed methods by extensive simulations and illustrate the estimation using two real data sets, one from a melanoma study and the other from stomach cancer.
Celastrol alleviates metabolic disturbance in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice through increasing energy expenditure by ameliorating metabolic inflammation
Authors: Yang Xueping , Wu Fan , Li Lingli , Lynch Ernest C. , Xie Linglin , Zhao Yan , Fang Ke , Li Jingbin , Luo Jinlong , Xu Lijun , Zou Xin , Lu Fuer , Chen Guang
Published: August 2020

Celastrol, a natural triterpene, has been shown to treat obesity and its related metabolic disorders. In this study, we first assessed the relationship between the antiobesity effects of celastrol and its antiinflammatory activities. Our results showed that celastrol can reduce weight gain, ameliorate glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia without affecting food intake in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice. A CLAMS was used to clarify the improvement of metabolic profiles was attribute to increased adipose thermogenesis after celastrol treatment. Further studies found that celastrol decreased the infiltration of macrophage as well as its inflammatory products (IL‐1β, IL‐18, MCP‐1α, and TNF‐α) in liver and adipose tissues, which also displayed an obvious inhibition of TLR3/NLRP3 inflammasome molecules. This study demonstrated that celastrol could be a potential drug for treating metabolic disorders, the underlying mechanism is related to ameliorating metabolic inflammation, thus increasing body energy expenditure.
Chemical composition and pharmacological properties of Macaranga‐type Pacific propolis: A review
Authors: Shahinozzaman Md , Obanda Diana N. , Tawata Shinkichi
Published: August 2020

Propolis, a resinous substance, is collected from plants and processed by honeybees to seal holes and cracks in beehives, protecting them from microbial infection. Based on the plant source and geographical location, propolis is categorized into seven groups. Of these, Pacific propolis, found in the Pacific islands, originates from Macaranga spp. and is, therefore, known as Macaranga‐type Pacific propolis. Okinawa propolis and Taiwanese propolis, which are both Macaranga‐type propolis, are rich in prenylated flavonoids from the same botanical source, Macaranga tanarius, and are used locally as traditional remedies. They are reported to have a wide range of pharmacological benefits, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammation, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti‐Alzheimer's, anti‐melanogenic, and longevity‐extending effects. However, not much is known about their mode of action, and recently, the extract of Okinawa propolis and its major prenylated flavonoids were found to selectively inhibit the oncogenic kinase, p21‐activated kinase 1 (PAK1). PAK1 enables cross‐talking among several signaling pathways, causing many diseases/disorders. The existing results reviewed here support the use of Macaranga‐type Pacific propolis for the effective development of safe herbal drugs and functional foods. Furthermore, its mode of action by modulating PAK1 can be explored, and the geographical and seasonal effects on its chemistry and biology, and its pharmacokinetics and toxicology should be studied as well.
Three‐level designs: Evaluation and comparison for screening purposes
Authors: Alomair Mohammed , Georgiou Stelios , Stylianou Stella
Published: August 2020

Since their introduction by Box and Hunter, resolution criteria have been widely used when comparing regular fractional factorials designs. In this article, we investigate how a generalized resolution criterion can be used to assess some recently developed three‐level screening designs, such as definitive screening designs (DSDs) and screening designs from weighing matrices. The aim of this paper is to capture the projection properties of those three‐level screening designs, complementing the work of Deng and Tang, who used generalized resolution and minimum aberration criteria for ranking different two‐level designs, particularly Plackett‐Burman and other nonregular factorial designs. An advantage of generalized resolution, extended here to work on three‐level designs, is that it offers a useful criterion for ranking three‐level screening designs, whereas the Deng and Tang resolution is used mainly for the assessment of two‐level designs. In addition, we applied a projection estimation capacity (PEC) criterion to select three‐level screening designs with desirable properties. Practical examples and the best projections of the designs are presented in tables.
Sensing mechanism elucidation of a chemosensor based on a metal‐organic framework selective to explosive aromatic compounds
Authors: Hidalgo‐Rosa Yoan , Treto‐Suárez Manuel A. , Schott Eduardo , Zarate Ximena , Páez‐Hernández Dayán
Published: August 2020

Theoretical elucidation of the turn‐off mechanism of the luminescence of a chemosensor based on a metal‐organic framework (MOF) [Zn2(OBA)4(BYP)2] (BYP: 4,4′‐bipyridine; H2OBA: 4,4′‐oxybis[benzoic acid]), selective to nitrobenzene (NB) via quantum chemical computations, is presented. The electronic structure and optical properties of Zn‐MOF were investigated through the combination of density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT methods. Our results indicate that the fluorescence emission is governed by a linker (BPY)‐to‐linker (OBA) charge transfer (LLCT) involving orbitals π‐type. Next, the interaction with the analyte was analyzed, where very interesting results were obtained, that is, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital is now composed of orbitals from NB, which changes the emissive state of the Zn‐MOF. This suggests that the LLCT process is blocked, inducing the fluorescence quenching. Otherwise, the Morokuma‐Ziegler energy decomposition and natural orbitals for chemical valence on the Zn‐MOF‐NB interactions were studied in detail, which illustrate the possible channels of charge transfer between Zn‐MOF and NB. Finally, we believe that this proposed methodology can be applied to different chemosensor‐analyte systems to evidence the molecular and electronic factors that govern the sensing mechanisms.
Association of dengue disease severity and blood group: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hashan Mohammad Rashidul , Ghozy Sherief , El‐Qushayri Amr Ehab , Pial Rejwana Haque , Hossain Md Anwar , Al Kibria Gulam Muhammed
Published: August 2020

Dengue disease encompasses various clinical manifestations including dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). In this article, we aimed to systematically review and analyze the association between different blood groups and severity of dengue. We searched nine databases for eligible papers reporting prevalence, distribution, and frequency of blood group type among dengue patients. Network meta‐analysis using R software was used to analyze the data. Of a total of 63 reports screened, we included 10 studies with total sample size 1977 patients (1382 DF and 595 DHF). Blood group O was found to have the worst outcome with the highest risk of developing DF (P‐score = 0.01) followed by group B (P‐score = 0.34), group A (P‐score = 0.64), and group AB (P‐score = 1), respectively. Blood group O also had the worst outcome with highest risk of developing DHF (P‐score = 0.1) followed by group B (P‐score = 0.29), group A (P‐score = 0.61), and group AB (P‐score = 1), respectively. There was a significant increase (P‐value <.001) in the overall odds risk of dengue infection among patients with Rhesus‐positive blood groups [OR = 540.03; (95% CI = 151.48‐1925.18)]. However, there was no significant difference in the odds risk of DF when compared to DHF according to Rhesus status (P‐value = .954). This study identified the O blood group as a potential risk factor in predicting clinical severity in dengue patients which may be helpful in evaluating patients for their likely need for critical care.
A Combined Ordered Macro‐Mesoporous Architecture Design and Surface Engineering Strategy for High‐Performance Sulfur Immobilizer in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Guihua , Luo Dan , Gao Rui , Hu Yongfeng , Yu Aiping , Chen Zhongwei
Published: August 2020

The practical application of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is hindered by the “shuttle” of lithium polysulfides (LiPS) and sluggish Li–S kinetics issues. Herein, a synergistic strategy combining mesoporous architecture design and defect engineering is proposed to synthesize multifunctional defective 3D ordered mesoporous cobalt sulfide (3DOM N‐Co9S8−x) to address the shuttling and sluggish reaction kinetics of polysulfide in Li–S batteries. The unique 3DOM design provides abundant voids for sulfur storage and enlarged active interfaces that reduce electron/ion diffusion pathways. Meanwhile, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy shows that the surface defect engineering tunes the CoS4 tetrahedra to CoS6 octahedra on Co9S8, endowing abundance of S vacancies on the Co9S8 octahedral sites. The ever‐increasing S vacancies over the course of electrochemical process further promotes the chemical trapping of LiPS and its conversion kinetics, rendering fast and durable Li–S chemistry. Benefiting from these features, the as‐developed 3DOM N‐Co9S8−x/S cathode delivers high areal capacity, superb rate capability, and excellent cyclic stability with ultralow capacity fading rate under raised sulfur loading and low electrolyte content. This design strategy promotes the development of practically viable Li–S batteries and sheds lights on the material engineering in related energy storage application.