bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palynological investigation of selected species of family asteraceae using light and scanning electron microscopic techniques
Authors: Ali Nadia , Akhtar Naveed , Khan Shafqat Ali , Ul Uza Noor
Published: September 2020

Palynological study on 11 species of family asteraceae, that is,Sonchus asperL.,Gazania rigensL.,Helianthus annusL.,Dahlia pinnataCav.,Zinnia peruvianaL.,Tagetes erectusL.,Glebionis coronariaL.,Calendula officinaleL.,Osteospermum ecklonisL.,Centaurea cyanusL. andCosmos sulphureusCav. was carried out in Islamia College University Campus. The light microscopy showed that pollens were oblate‐sheroidal (C. cyanus), oblate (Z. peruviana), prolate‐spheroidal (H. annuus,T. erectus,G. coronaria,C. officinale,O. ecklonis,C. sulphureus) and spheroidal (S. asper,G. rigens,D. pinnata) in shape. The pollen was trizonocolporate, tricolporate and echinolophate type, all pollens had echinate ornamentation exceptG. reginswhich had reticulate ornamentation under SEM. Maximum Pollens were isopolar and asymmetrical while some were apolar and radially symmetric. The P/E ratio was larger inG. rigens(45/47 μm),T. erectus(45/40 μm) andC. officinale(40/45 μm) while others had smaller P/E diameter.C. sulphureushad 6 μm thick exine when compared to other taxa. The larger number of spines/echini were found on the exine surface ofH. annuusandS. asperand the distance between adjacent echini were 4–5 μm inC. cyanusandG. rigensthan others which had distance equal to 1–3 μm, while pores were visible on pollen surface ofC. cyanus,O. ecklonis,Z. peruviana,H. annuusandG. rigensunder light microscope and were invisible on other pollen surfaces. The pollen of family asteraceae members was of stenopalynous type.
On‐farm screw press and rotary drum treatment of dairy manure‐associated antibiotic residues and resistance
Authors: Oliver Jason P. , Hurst Jerod J. , Gooch Curt A. , Stappenbeck Ashley , Sassoubre Lauren , Aga Diana S.
Published: September 2020

An on‐farm solid–liquid separator (SLS) and rotary drum composter (RD) manure treatment system was monitored for its impact on antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Administered antibiotics were tracked, and treatment system mass flows were quantified. Total amounts of antibiotic residues and ARGs were calculated from measured concentrations and mass flows. Only oxytetracycline (OTC) and sulfadimethoxine (SDM) were detected in the manure treatment system influent. No β‐lactams were measured despite comprising ∼25% of the antibiotics administered. Nearly 80% of OTC and >90% of SDM partitioned into SLS liquid effluent (SL). The RD reduced the mass of OTC remaining in the SLS solid effluent (SS) significantly by 50%, whereas the mass of SDM appeared to increase after RD treatment. All four ARGs tested were detected in influent, with >70% of the sul1, blaOXA‐1, and intI1 genes (normalized by the 16S ribosomal RNA gene) partitioning into the SL. In contrast, about eight times more normalized tetO gene copies partitioned into the SS than in the SL. All ARGs remaining in the SS were significantly reduced by the RD treatment, with a noteworthy 98% reduction in normalized tetO gene copies. This study provides insight into on‐farm levels of antibiotic residues and ARGs in dairy manure, their partitioning during SLS treatment, and their fate after a high‐temperature RD treatment reaching 72.2 ± 0.18 °C near the outlet. It also notes the importance of mass‐flow standardization of data, and the need to work towards standardization of manure system sampling protocols for antibiotic residues and ARGs.
Kinetics of nitrous oxide mass transfer from porewater into root aerenchyma of wetland plants
Authors: Wang Simiao , Reid Matthew C.
Published: September 2020

The creation and/or restoration of wetlands is an important strategy for controlling the release of reactive nitrogen (N) via denitrification, but there can be tradeoffs between enhanced denitrification and the production of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. A knowledge gap in current understanding of belowground wetland N dynamics is the role of gas transfer through the root aerenchyma system of wetland plants as a shortcut emission pathway for N2O in denitrifying wetland soils. This investigation evaluates the significance of mass transfer into gas‐filled root aerenchyma for the N2O budget in wetland mesocosms planted with Sagittaria latifolia Willd. and Schoenoplectus acutus (Muhl. ex Bigelow) Á. Löve & D. Löve. Dissolved gas tracer push–pull tests with N2O and the nonreactive gas tracers helium, sulfur hexafluoride, and ethane were used to estimate first‐order rate constants for gas transfer into roots and microbial N2O reduction and thereby disentangle the effects of root‐mediated gas transport from microbial metabolism on N2O balances in saturated soils. Root‐mediated gas transport was estimated to account for up to 37% of overall N2O removal from the wetland soils. Rates of microbial N2O reduction varied widely based on the organic matter content of the soil media and served as a key control on the fraction of N2O that transferred into roots. This research identifies transport through root aerenchyma as a potential shortcut pathway for N2O emission from wetland soils and sediments and indicates that this process should be considered in both measurements and mechanistic modeling of belowground wetland N dynamics.
Safety of palbociclib concurrent with palliative pelvic radiotherapy: discussion of a case of increased toxicity and brief review of literature
Authors: Dasgupta Archya , Sahgal Arjun , Warner Ellen , Czarnota Gregory J.
Published: September 2020

Several cyclin‐dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors are indicated in the treatment of metastatic hormone receptor‐positive (HR)/ human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative breast cancer which includes palbociclib, ribociclib and abemaciclib. Pelvic radiation therapy (RT) is often indicated for symptomatic or progressive bone metastasis. There are limited data on concurrent use of CDK4/6 inhibitors with pelvic RT with few retrospective studies in the literature involving a small number of patients. The major side effects of these agents include haematological toxicities, while non‐haematological toxicities are less severe. There are concerns for an increased possibility of synergistic toxicity with concurrent use of CDK4/6 inhibitors with pelvic RT. Here we describe an instance of acute grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity and discuss the relevant literature. A 77‐year‐old lady treated with palliative conventional RT 30 Gy/ 10 fractions concurrently with palbociclib to left hemipelvis and proximal femur, developed severe pancolitis starting 5 days from last RT. She needed inpatient care for 3 weeks and recovered with mesalamine and supportive care. We also postulate a few strategies that can be adopted in patients receiving palliative RT in such a scenario. The agents should be stopped 1 week before, during and for a time (1 week minimally) after RT. A shorter course of 5 fractions (and ablative RT as indicated) can be considered to minimise treatment gaps. Highly conformal techniques (intensity‐modulated radiotherapy/ volumetric‐modulated arc therapy) can significantly reduce bowel dose and should be considered in patients with pre‐existing GI comorbidities or prior GI toxicity with these agents.
Low serum calcium and phosphorus and their clinical performance in detecting COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Yang Caiting , Ma Xiaoxia , Wu Jili , Han Jie , Zheng Zhe , Duan Huiping , Liu Qun , Wu Changxin , Dong Yongkang , Dong Li
Published: September 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of low serum calcium and phosphorus in discriminative diagnosis of the severity of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). We conducted a single‐center hospital‐based study and consecutively recruited 122 suspected and 104 confirmed patients with COVID‐19 during January 24 to April 25, 2020. Clinical risk factors of COVID‐19 were identified. The discriminative power of low calcium and phosphorus regarding the disease severity was evaluated. Low calcium and low phosphorus are more prevalent in severe or critical COVID‐19 patients than moderate COVID‐19 patients (odds ratio [OR], 15.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59–143.18 for calcium; OR, 6.90; 95% CI, 2.43–19.64 for phosphorus). The specificity in detecting the severe or critical patients among COVID‐19 patients reached 98.5% (95% CI, 92.0%–99.7%) and 84.8% (95% CI, 74.3%–91.6%) by low calcium and low phosphorus, respectively, albeit with suboptimal sensitivity. Calcium and phosphorus combined with lymphocyte count could obtain the best discriminative performance for the severe COVID‐19 patients (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.80), and combined with oxygenation index was promising (AUC = 0.71). Similar discriminative performances of low calcium and low phosphorus were found between suspected and confirmed COVID‐19 patient. Low calcium and low phosphorus could indicate the severity of COVID‐19 patients, and may be utilized as promising clinical biomarkers for discriminative diagnosis.
Prevalence of mycotoxigenic fungi and assessment of aflatoxin contamination: a multiple case study along the integrated corn‐based poultry feed supply chain in Malaysia
Authors: Nasaruddin Norafidah , Jinap Selamat , Samsudin Nik IP , Kamarulzaman Nitty H , Sanny Maimunah
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Corn, a main feed ingredient in the livestock industry, is one of the most susceptible crops to fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination. Livestock feeding on aflatoxin (AF)‐contaminated feed have been shown to experience feed refusal, and decreased growth rate, milk production, and feed efficiency. In poultry, AF poisoning causes weight loss, poor feed efficiency, and reduced egg production and egg weight. The present work therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of mycotoxigenic fungi and the occurrence of AF contamination along the integrated corn‐based poultry feed supply chain in Malaysia. A total of 51 samples were collected from different points along the feed supply chain from integrated poultry feed companies. The samples were subjected to mycological analyses (fungal isolation, enumeration, identification), and AFs were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with a fluorescence detector (HPLC‐FLD).

RESULTS

Samples collected from sampling point 1 (company A) and sampling point 9 (company B) yielded the highest total fungal load (>log 4 CFU g−1). The prevalent fungal genera isolated were Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium spp. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in 8.3% of corn samples, and 7.4% of corn‐based poultry feed samples along the feed supply chain, whereas AFs B2, G1, and G2 were not detected.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of mycotoxigenic fungi along the integrated poultry feed supply chain warrant continuous monitoring of mycotoxin contamination to reduce the exposure risk of mycotoxin intake in poultry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐resolution and high‐brightness full‐colour “Silicon Display” for augmented and mixed reality
Authors: Kawanishi Hidenori , Onuma Hiroaki , Maegawa Masumi , Kurisu Takashi , Ono Takashi , Akase Shigeyuki , Yamaguchi Shinji , Momotani Naoto , Fujita Yusuke , Kondo Yuhei , Kubota Kentaro , Yoshida Toshimi , Ikawa Yuta , Ono Tsuyoshi , Higashisaka Hiroyoshi , Hirano Yasuaki , Anzai Shinsuke
Published: September 2020

High‐brightness micro‐LED display bonded onto silicon backplane has been successfully demonstrated. The 0.38‐inch full‐colour active matrix LED microdisplay system consists of 352 × 198 pixels. Each pixel is 24 μm square composed of red, green, and blue (RGB) subpixels corresponding to a pixel resolution of 1053 ppi. Quantum‐dot materials are formed on III‐nitride blue micro‐LED array to convert blue light into red and green for full‐colour operation. We have confirmed that this microdisplay, which we call “Silicon Display” has wide colour gamut exceeding 120% of sRGB. We describe the advantage of this colour‐converting approach for the full‐colour micro‐LEDs. Progress toward higher resolution is also described. Brightness of more than 30 000 cd/m2 has been confirmed at a driving current density of 4 A/cm2 for 3000 ppi blue monochrome micro‐LED prepared for full‐colour Silicon Display. We believe our “Silicon Display” is ideally suited for near‐to‐eye displays for augmented and mixed reality.
Vascularization of the human intervertebral disc: A scoping review
Authors: Fournier Dale E. , Kiser Patti K. , Shoemaker J. Kevin , Battié Michele C. , Séguin Cheryle A.
Published: September 2020

Intervertebral discs (IVDs) are often referred to as the largest avascular structures of the human body, yet a collective resource characterizing the vascularization of the IVD does not exist. To address this gap, the objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive search of the literature to review and summarize current knowledge of the prevalence and localization of blood supply in human IVDs, with a scoping review. A comprehensive search of peer‐reviewed publications on the topic of IVD vascularization in humans was conducted across six electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and BIOSIS Previews. Studies of humans were included regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, and health status, with the exception of IVD herniation. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts and full‐texts according to eligibility criteria. The review was conducted and reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Our search yielded 3122 articles, with 22 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The study samples ranged in age from fetal to >90 years and included both sexes, various health statuses, and used different methodologies (eg, histology, medical imaging, and gross dissection) to assess vasculature. Overall, consistent observations were that (a) the nucleus pulposus of the IVD is avascular throughout life, (b) both the cartilage endplates and annulus fibrosus receive considerable blood supply early in life that diminishes over the lifespan, and (c) vascular ingrowth into the cartilage endplates and inner layers of the annulus fibrosus is commonly associated with damaged or disrupted tissue, irrespective of age. Histology and immunohistochemistry are often used to report vascularization of the IVD. The body of the current literature suggests that the IVD should not be generalized as an avascular tissue. Instead, vascularization of the IVD differs based on the constituent tissues, their age, and state of degeneration or damage.
Laryngology Quality of Life Questionnaire Associations: Towards Reducing Survey Burden
Authors: Young VyVy N. , Jordan Kristiana M. , Schneider Sarah L. , Lazar Ann , Dwyer Christopher D. , Rosen Clark A.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Outcomes in laryngology focus primarily on patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). The increasing number of questionnaires may lead to survey fatigue. We sought to determine the relationship between the newest questionnaire, Laryngopharyngeal Universal Measure of Perceived Sensation (LUMP), and other laryngology PROMs.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Patients undergoing laryngology multidisciplinary evaluation prospectively completed laryngology questionnaires. Average summed scores between standard laryngology PROMs (ie, VHI‐10, RSI, DI, CSI, EAT‐10) and LUMP were compared. Expert consensus panel identified the most clinically relevant statements which were then compared to LUMP summed scores, in increasingly additive fashion.

Results

Four hundred eighty patients (259 female) were assessed. Average age was 57.1 ± 17.7 years. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for each PROM in comparison to LUMP ranged from moderate to poor correlation: 0.64 (RSI), 0.55 (EAT‐10), 0.50 (DI), 0.48 (CSI), and 0.34 (VHI‐10). ICC for combinations of the five most clinically relevant individual items ranged from 0.29–0.53.

Conclusions

Patients with self‐reported globus had statistically significantly higher scores across all PROMs. RSI had moderate correlation with LUMP, and the five selected expert consensus items demonstrated weaker correlation. While RSI may serve as a moderately selective clinical proxy for the LUMP questionnaire, LUMP remains a validated tool with increased specificity for quantification of globus which may be especially important in the research setting. There is continued question about the need for multiple laryngologic PROMs to evaluate patient complaints, and survey reduction remains an area of interest to decrease respondent fatigue, optimize patient care, and quantify interventional success.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1561–1565, 2021
Management of the Disrupted Airway in Children
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Chung , Schweiger Claudia , Hart Catherine K. , Smith Matthew , Varela Patricio , Gutierrez Carlos , Ormaechea Martin , Cohen Aliza P. , Rutter Michael J.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Our objective was to gather data that would enable us to suggest more specific guidelines for the management of children with airway disruption.

Study Design

Retrospective case series with data from five tertiary medical centers.

Methods

Children younger than 18 years of age with a disrupted airway were enrolled in this series. Data pertaining to age, sex, etiology and location of the disruption, type of injury, previous surgery, presence of air extravasation, management, and outcome were obtained and summarized.

Results

Twenty children with a mean age of 4.4 years (range 1 day–14.75 years) were included in the study. All were evaluated by flexible endoscopy and/or microlaryngoscopy in the operating room. Twelve (60%) children had tracheal involvement; seven had bronchial involvement; and one had involvement of the cricoid cartilage. Nine children had air extravasation, and all these children required surgical repair. Of the 11 who did not have air extravasation, only one underwent surgical repair. Complete healing of the disrupted airway was seen in all cases.

Conclusion

This series suggests that if there is no continuous air extravasation demonstrated on imaging studies or clinical examination, nonoperative management may allow for spontaneous healing without sequelae. However, surgical repair may be considered in those patients with continuous air extravasation unless a cuffed tube can be placed distal to the site of injury. For children in whom airway injury occurs in a previously operated area, the risk of extravasation is reduced. This risk is also diminished if positive pressure ventilation can be avoided or minimized.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:921–924, 2021
Comparing Caliper versus Computed Tomography Measurements of Cranial Dimensions in Children
Authors: Wu Grace T. , Audlin Jason R. , Grewal Jeewanjot S. , Tatum Sherard A.
Published: September 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

We have found no study assessing the accuracy of caliper cranium measurements compared to computed tomography (CT) measurements of the head. The objective of this study was to assess the reliability of caliper measurements in comparison to CT measurements.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

This study includes all patients evaluated for head shape abnormality between 2010 and 2019 at a single academic medical center. Eighty‐nine patients who had CT head scans were identified, and their caliper measurements of anterior–posterior and transverse head dimensions were documented.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the CT and caliper measurements.

Conclusion

Caliper measurements are a simple and reliable way to assess cranial vault proportionality with growth after cranial vault reconstruction.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:773–775, 2021
Research on the Interfacial Interaction between Polyacetylene and Silver Nanowire
Authors: Zhang Danhui , Liang Ruquan , Liu Zhongkui , Yang Houbo , Shi Jianhui , Song Yuanmei , Zhang Dengbo , Liu Anmin
Published: September 2020

The interfacial interaction between silver nanowire and polyacetylene is demonstrated using a molecular dynamic simulation. The simulation results display that polyacetylene can radially intertwine silver nanowire when polyacetylene reaches a certain length. However, when the silver nanowire is fine enough, the polyacetylene can spiral‐enwind silver nanowire and also make the silver atom recombination. The final configurations are very stable. The simulations also show that the van der Waals force plays an important role in the fabrication of the polyacetylene/silver nanowire core/shell composite nanostructures. A series of effect factors such as the diameter of silver nanowire, the lattice plane of silver, the length of polyacetylene, and the chain number of polymer are also displayed in detail. Moreover, the interaction between polyacetylene and different metal nanowires (platinum, gold, copper, and iron) are exhibited, too. It is expected that this work will be conducive to better understand the interaction between polymer and metal nanowires and also provide the theoretical support for fabrication of high performance nanocomposites.
Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Tan Ai Huey , Lim Shen‐Yang , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Loke Mun Fai , Tan Jiun Yan , Ang Ban Hong , Chin Kok Ping , Mohammad Adnan Amni Fatihah , Ong Shawna Mei Chien , Ibrahim Aimi Izzah , Zulkifli Nusyaibah , Lee Jing Kun , Lim Wan Ting , Teo Yong Teck , Kok Yong Leng , Ng Tze Ying , Tan Aaron Guan Siang , Zulkifle Intan Maisara , Ng Chin Khoon , Ee Soon Sean , Arafin Shuhaina , Mohamad Shukori Khairunnisa , Vadivelu Jamunarani S. , Marras Connie , Fox Susan H. , Lang Anthony E.
Published: September 2020

Background

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection has been associated with worse motor function in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the effects of HP eradication on PD symptoms.

Methods

In this parallel‐group, double‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled, single‐center trial, patients with PD with positive HP urea breath test and serology were block randomized (1:1) to receive standard eradication triple therapy or identically appearing placebo capsules for 1 week. Prespecified motor (International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Unified PD Rating Scale [MDS‐UPDRS], timed tests, and home‐based wearable sensor measurements), nonmotor (Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire and Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and quality‐of‐life (Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐39) outcome measures were assessed at weeks 6, 12, 24, and 52. The primary outcome was the baseline‐to‐week 12 change in ON medication MDS‐UPDRS motor scores. Lactulose‐hydrogen breath testing for concomitant small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was performed at baseline and repeated at week 24, together with the urea breath test.

Results

A total of 310 patients were screened for eligibility and 80 were randomly assigned, of whom 67 were included in the full‐analysis set (32 treatment group patients, 35 placebo patients). HP eradication did not improve MDS‐UPDRS motor scores at week 12 (mean difference 2.6 points in favor of placebo, 95% confidence interval: −0.4 to 5.6, P = 0.089). There was no significant improvement in any motor, nonmotor, or quality‐of‐life outcome at weeks 12 and 52. Both the full‐analysis and per‐protocol analyses (based on eradication status) supported these conclusions. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth status did not influence treatment results.

Conclusions

HP eradication does not improve clinical outcomes in PD, suggesting that there is no justification for routine HP screening or eradication with the goal of improving PD symptoms. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Use of submental and submandibular free vascularized lymph node transfer for treatment of scrotal lymphedema: Report of two cases
Authors: Phan Robert , Seifman Marc A. , Dhillon Raminder , Lim Pelicia , Hunter‐Smith David J. , Rozen Warren M.
Published: September 2020

Genital lymphedema is a rare condition in males that can lead to difficulty in voiding, sexual function, hygiene, and mobility. Only several methods of treatment have been developed and studied, primarily focusing on restoring patency of diseased lymph channels or resection of affected tissue. We are the first to describe the surgical technique and our experience of using free submental and submandibular arterio‐venous vascularized lymph node transfer specifically for the treatment of scrotal edema. We report on two patients who have undergone selective neck dissection of submental and submandibular lymph nodes based off the facial artery and vein. These vascularized lymph nodes were then transferred to the groin, with anastomosis to the deep inferior epigastric perforator artery and vein. The first patient, a 63 year old had initial pretreatment measurement of the anal verge to base of penis was 18 cm in length, and maximum circumference of scrotum 27 cm for the first patient, and 31–42 cm, respectively, for the second patient, a 66 year old. At 9‐month review for the first patient and 6‐month review for the second patient, both donor and recipient site wounds had healed. The anal verge to base of penis length had decreased to 16 cm, while maximum circumference of scrotum had decreased to 23 cm, and 25–38 cm, respectively, for the second patient. We have had good success with reducing the burden on patients using this novel technique, and hence it should be considered as a viable treatment methodology in appropriately selected patients.
A mathematical analysis and simulation for Zika virus model with time fractional derivative
Authors: Farman Muhammad , Ahmad Aqeel , Akgül Ali , Saleem Muhammad Umer , Rizwan Muhammad , Ahmad Muhammad Ozair
Published: September 2020

Zika is a flavivirus that is transmitted to humans either through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes or through sexual transmission. Zika has been associated with congenital anomalies, like microcephalus. We developed and analyzed the fractional‐order Zika virus model in this paper, considering the vector transmission route with human influence. The model consists of four compartments: susceptible individuals are x1(t), infected individuals are x2(t), x3(t) shows susceptible mosquitos, and x4(t) shows the infected mosquitos. The fractional parameter is used to develop the system of complex nonlinear differential equations by using Caputo and Atangana–Baleanu derivative. The stability analysis as well as qualitative analysis of the fractional‐order model has been made and verify the non‐negative unique solution. Finally, numerical simulations of the model with Caputo and Atangana Baleanu are discussed to present the graphical results for different fractional‐order values as well as for the classical model. A comparison has been made to check the accuracy and effectiveness of the developed technique for our obtained results. This investigative research leads to the latest information sector included in the evolution of the Zika virus with the application of fractional analysis in population dynamics.
Survival of Advanced-Fingerlings of Florida Largemouth Bass Stocked in Small Florida Lakes
Authors: Thompson Brandon C. , Porak Wesley F. , Pouder William F. , Camp Edward V.
Published: September 2020

Numerous stocking evaluations of pellet-reared advanced-fingerling (80–120 mm TL) Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides have assessed the contribution of stocked fish to the wild population, but few studies have quantified longer-term (1–2 years) survival. Hatchery researchers have developed spawning Florida Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides floridanus (hereafter, "Florida Bass") out of season (i.e., in fall), allowing for a similar-sized product to be stocked earlier in the spring. Managers are interested in whether poststocking survival is improved by new culture techniques and whether survival can be affected by conditioning (acclimating to the natural environment) the fish before stocking. In this study, we stocked 11 small (<100 ha) lakes in central Florida with pellet-reared advanced-fingerling (mean 105 mm TL) Florida Bass that were spawned out of season, and we conducted mark–recapture population estimates at 1 and 2 years poststocking to assess survival. In the second year of the study, four lakes were stocked a second time with two treatments of Florida Bass (naïve and conditioned) to test for the effects of conditioning the fish on survival within the stocked lakes in 0.1-ha predator-limited enclosures for 7 d. At 1 year poststocking, survival ranged from 0.0% to 8.2% (values were <2.5% for all but one lake) and averaged 1.8%. At 2 years poststocking, survival ranged from 0.0% to 2.4% and averaged 0.9%. From the restocked lakes in year 2, we found no effect of conditioning (P = 0.57) on the number of stocked Florida Bass that were caught at 1 year poststocking, and survival ranged from 0.1% to 1.5% for the naïve treatment and 0.2% to 1.4% for the conditioned treatment. Despite improved culture techniques and the attempt to acclimate the stocked fish to the wild, survival averaged <2% at 1 year poststocking. Knowledge of projected Florida Bass survival can help managers make informed stocking decisions that are more likely to meet their desired outcome.
Hydromechanical couplings of reinforced tensioned members of steel fiber reinforced concrete by dual lattice model
Authors: Pham Duc Tho , Sorelli Luca , Fafard Mario , Vu Minh‐Ngoc
Published: September 2020

The durability of concrete structures strongly depends on the water and chloride penetration in cracked concrete during its service life. This work aims at modeling the damage effect of tension stiffening behavior on the permeability for concrete tie specimen under tensile load by a dual lattice model, which considers hydromechanical couplings. Three concrete materials, including normal strength concrete (NSC), steel fiber reinforced concretes (SFRC), and ultra high‐performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), are considered. The hydromechanical lattice model is based on a dual element network modeling: the water transport and the mechanical response. The fiber bridging effect is considered by means of the cohesive law of Mazars. The water flow in the damaged conduit elements is proportional to the cube of the crack width, which results from the damage variable. Experimental results available in open literature for both NSC and SFRC tie specimens are used to analyze and validate the proposed model. Considering a UHPFRC tie specimen, the model well predicted the load drops due to macrocrack occurrence, load hardening, and permeability evolution. Based on the present results, the current lattice hydromechanical model is a useful tool for predicting the service life of steel bar reinforcing concrete structure with and without steel fiber reinforcement.
A stable non‐ordinary state‐based peridynamic model for laminated composite materials
Authors: Fang Guodong , Liu Shuo , Liang Jun , Fu Maoqing , Wang Bing , Meng Songhe
Published: September 2020

Non‐ordinary state‐based peridynamics (NOSBPD) has instability issue due to zero‐energy modes during nodal integration. A zero‐energy mode controlling scheme of NOSBPD for laminated composite materials is derived by using the linearized bond‐based peridynamics, which forms a stable force state formulation corresponding to the non‐uniform deformation. The proposed controlling scheme does not include any controlling parameter to avoid the complex parametric adjustment. A critical stretch continuously varying with the angle between fiber and bond directions is further proposed for the failure analysis of laminated composite materials with arbitrary fiber angles. The improved NOSBPD model adopts the explicit integration method to solve static problems. Several numerical examples are conducted to validate the proposed scheme suppressing the oscillation caused by zero‐energy modes.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Behavioral Weight Loss and Stepped Care for Binge‐Eating Disorder: 12‐Month Follow‐up
Authors: Grilo Carlos M. , White Marney A. , Ivezaj Valentina , Gueorguieva Ralitza
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aimed to examine longer‐term effects of behavioral weight loss (BWL) and Stepped Care for binge‐eating disorder and obesity through 12‐month follow‐up after completing treatments.

Methods

A total of 191 patients with binge‐eating disorder/obesity were randomized to 6 months of BWL (n = 39) or Stepped Care (n = 152). Within Stepped Care, patients began BWL (1 month), treatment responders continued BWL, nonresponders switched to cognitive behavioral therapy, and all were randomized (double‐blind) to weight‐loss medication or placebo (5 months). Patients were independently assessed throughout/after treatment and at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups.

Results

Intent‐to‐treat analyses of remission rates revealed that BWL and Stepped Care did not differ significantly at posttreatment (74.4% vs. 66.5%), 6‐month follow‐up (38.2% vs. 33.3%), or 12‐month follow‐up (44.7% vs. 41.0%). Mixed models of binge‐eating frequency indicated significant reductions through posttreatment but no significant changes or differences between BWL and Stepped Care during follow‐up. Mixed models revealed significant weight loss with no differences between BWL and Stepped Care (5.1% vs. 5.8%) at posttreatment and significant time effects (larger percent weight loss at 6‐month than at 12‐month follow‐up) with no differences between BWL and Stepped Care (−5.1% vs. −5.2% and −3.4% vs. −5.0%, respectively).

Conclusions

Binge‐eating improvements and weight loss produced by BWL and adaptive Stepped Care did not differ significantly 12 months after completing treatments.
A Novel Approach to Assess Metabolic Flexibility Overnight in a Whole‐Body Room Calorimeter
Authors: McDougal David H. , Marlatt Kara L. , Beyl Robbie A. , Redman Leanne M. , Ravussin Eric
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate a novel approach for determining the effects of energy‐standardized dinner meals (high‐fat and low‐fat) on respiratory exchange ratio (RER) dynamics and metabolic flexibility.

Methods

Using a randomized crossover study design, energy expenditure, RER, and macronutrient oxidation rates were assessed in response to a single dinner meal during an overnight stay in a whole‐body room calorimeter. Eight healthy adults completed two overnight chamber stays while fed either a high‐fat (60% fat, 20% carbohydrate [CHO], 20% protein; food quotient [FQ] = 0.784) or low‐fat (20% fat, 60% CHO, 20% protein; FQ = 0.899) dinner containing 40% of daily energy requirements.

Results

Following the low‐fat meal, CHO oxidation first increased before decreasing, resulting in a 12‐hour RER:FQ ratio close to 1.0 (0.986 ± 0.019, P = 0.06) and therefore resulting in a 12‐hour equilibrated fat balance (29 ± 76 kcal/12 hours). Following the high‐fat meal, participants had a RER:FQ ratio above 1.0 (1.061 ± 0.017, P < 0.01), resulting in a significant positive 12‐hour fat balance of 376 ± 142 kcal/12 hours. Various RER trajectory parameters were significantly different following the high‐fat and low‐fat meals.

Conclusions

This proof‐of‐concept study provides an alternative approach to quantify metabolic flexibility in response to a high‐fat dinner and it can be used to derive indexes of metabolic flexibility, such as the 12‐hour RER:FQ ratio or the 12‐hour fat balance.
A gradient algorithm for solution of the optimal control problem for hybrid switching systems
Authors: Salehi Hojat Allah , Tavassoli Babak
Published: September 2020

In this article, an algorithm is presented for solving the optimal control problem for the general form of a hybrid switching system. The cost function comprises terminal, running and switching costs. The controlled system is an autonomous hybrid switching system with jumps either at some switching times or some time varying switching manifolds. The proposed algorithm is an extension of the first‐order gradient method for the conventional optimal control problem. The algorithm requires a low computational effort. The system's dynamical equations together with a set of algebraic equations are solved at each iteration in order to find the descent direction. The convergence of algorithm is proved and examples are provided to demonstrate the efficiency of the algorithm for different types of hybrid switching system optimal control problems.
Nonfragile H∞ fault detection for fuzzy discrete systems under stochastic communication protocol
Authors: Ren Weijian , Sun Shibo , Huo Fengcai , Lu Yang
Published: September 2020

In this article, considering one type of fuzzy discrete‐time networked control systems (NCSs) under stochastic communication protocol (SCP), a fuzzy‐based nonfragile H∞ filter is developed to detect the subsistent fault signal. The Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) mathematical model is employed to approximate the nonlinearities in the concerned fuzzy NCSs. The SCP is adopted to decide which sensor gets the access to the communication network at certain time instant, and the scheduling model of which is constructed as a Markov chain. Taking into account that the filter gain parameters in real practice may suffer fluctuations during the implementation, a modified nonfragile fuzzy filter is designed to detect the fault occurred in the signal transmission. By using the strong centralized stochastic analysis technique and the matrix calculation method, a Lyapunov function is adopted to derive sufficient conditions under which the filtering error dynamics is stochastically stable and the H∞ performance is satisfied. Then, the desired nonfragile fuzzy fault detection filter is realized by solving a certain linear matrix inequality. Finally, the effectiveness of the develop fault detection scheme is verified in the simulation example.
New ion exchange membrane derived from sulfochlorated polyether sulfone for electrodialysis desalination of brackish water
Authors: Mabrouk Walid , Lafi Ridha , Fauvarque Jean François , Hafiane Amor , Sollogoub Cyrille
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this work is to study the desalination of brackish water using a new ion exchange membrane, made from sulfochlorated polyethersulfone (Cl‐PES), and crosslinked using aminated polyethersulfone (NH2‐PES) as a crosslinking reagent. This membrane, named ClNH2 membrane, has been obtained by reaction between Cl‐PES with 1.3 SO2Cl groups per monomer unit and 0.2 equivalent amount of NH2‐PES. ClNH2 membrane has been characterized in terms of contact angle, transport number, intrinsic conductivity, and water uptake (as a function of temperature). Electrodialysis performances of the newly synthetized membranes have been measured using an electrodialysis cell at a laboratory scale and compared to commercial membranes. All the experiments have been performed using synthetic brackish water solutions prepared from sodium chloride salts with different concentrations (varying from 0.5 to 5.0 g/L). The concentration of different water samples obtained has been found to be below the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water.
In search of the emotional experience of innovative products across categories
Authors: Ren Jingyuan , Liu Kun , Shen Wangbing , Luo Jing
Published: September 2020

Although the innovative designs deliver, superior customer value has long been noted. However, the emotional experience of innovative products brings remains mostly unknown. This work focuses on two kinds of innovative products: function innovation (FI) and design innovation (DI), to uncover the mystery of the emotional experience, these two types of innovative designs bring. Participants in Study 1 were required to subjectively report their practical, emotional experience of the two kinds of innovative designs. The result showed that the emotional experience of innovation products might be a mixture of emotionality. Also, FI and DI products may cause different emotional experiences performance. Multidimensional scaling was employed in Study 2 to simplify the dimensions of these reported emotions to investigate the difference of emotion dimensions distribution that FI and DI brings. The results showed that DI products mainly reflected strong arouse than FI in positive emotions. However, DI product brings more negative emotions than positive emotions. Whereas, FI product did not show the quantitative differences between positive and negative emotions. In Study 3, the difference between FI and DI in emotion intensity was investigated, and the result indicates that both FI and DI products can bring high‐intensity positive emotion. However, the DI brings higher intensity negative emotion and lower intensity positive emotion than FI. These studies demonstrate the first direct evidence of the essence of the difference between FI and DI emotion experience and suggest possible guidance for consumers to avoid the effect of the emotions when choosing innovative products.
Methacrylate‐functionalized POSS as an efficient adhesion promoter in olefin‐based adhesives
Authors: Hanifpour Ahad , Bahri‐Laleh Naeimeh , Nekoomanesh‐Haghighi Mehdi
Published: September 2020

This study aims to investigate the effects of methacrylate‐functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (MA‐POSS) on polyolefin‐based adhesives. The so called adhesive was synthesized by the cooligomerization of 1‐decene/9‐decene‐1‐ol monomers using a Ti amine bis‐phenolate catalyst, [Ti{2,2′‐(OC6H2‐4,6‐tBu2)2NHC2H4NH(OiPr)2], which was subsequentlyacrylated via a simple reaction with methacryloyl chloride. Different weight fractions of MA‐POSS nanoparticles were solution blended with synthesized adhesive and undergone curing reaction with blue light. Observation of a unique tan δ peak in dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) curve was clear evidence that two employed moieties were miscible and only one hybrid polymeric phase was created. Most noticeably, significant increase in mechanical parameters was detected in the lower inclusion compositions, 0.2‐1 wt% of MA‐POSS, where flexural strength and flexural modulus were increased up to 99 and 110%, respectively. Furthermore, thermal stability of the synthesized nanocomposite enhanced dramatically by increasing MA‐POSS weight fraction. Influence of employed nanoparticles on adhesion properties of synthesized nanocomposites was evaluated with tensile shear bond strength and pull off analysis. According to the adhesion results, the MA‐POSS causes an adhesion promotion on the fabricated adhesive/POSS nanocomposites.
Antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of synthetic polymyxin‐mimetic lipopeptides
Authors: Huwaitat Rawan , Coulter Sophie M. , Porter Simon L. , Pentlavalli Sreekanth , Laverty Garry
Published: September 2020

The increasing emergence of multidrug‐resistant bacteria is a huge problem to society providing significant risks to public health. This has been further escalated by a decline in the clinical translation of new antibacterial drug classes since the 1980s. In this article, we describe the synthesis, antibacterial/antibiofilm activity and in vitro toxicity of synthetic low molecular weight lipopeptides mimetics of polymyxin. C12‐KTKCKFLKKC‐NH2 and C14‐KTKCKFLKKC‐NH2 lipopeptides demonstrated activity against both planktonic and biofilm forms of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Peptide‐outer membrane interaction was studied using lipopolysaccharide neutralization and N‐phenyl‐1‐napthylamine assays. C12‐conjugated peptide significantly neutralized lipopolysaccharide at concentrations lower than minimum inhibitory concentration values against Gram‐negative E coli, by an average of 90% and demonstrated up to double the outer membrane permeabilization ability of 10 mg/mL polymyxin B. Polymyxin‐mimetic lipopeptides have the potential to undergo further in vitro and in vivo study to enable clinical translation and help alleviate the current antimicrobial crisis.
Surface electroanalytical approaches to organic polymeric coatings
Authors: Caldona Eugene B , Smith Dennis W , Wipf David O
Published: September 2020

Surface characterization techniques for organic polymeric coatings are numerous and diverse. Many of these techniques can provide physical information about how coating systems perform under certain environmental conditions, but they provide less mechanistic information on how they function as corrosion barriers. Since many coating failures are initiated from ionic diffusion through the coating and the subsequent reactivity at the coating–metal interface is mostly electrochemical in nature, the utility of electrochemical‐based techniques is therefore more appropriate. This mini‐review highlights five of the most commonly used electroanalytical techniques for the evaluation of corrosion protection properties for polymer coatings on metals: open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical noise and scanning electrochemical microscopy. These techniques can perform their own unique approach of examining the protection performance of polymer coatings, but the elucidation of coating degradation and mechanism of corrosion at the coating–metal interface is their common objective. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Dwarfism of high‐monolignol Arabidopsis plants is rescued by ectopic LACCASE overexpression
Authors: Perkins Mendel L. , Schuetz Mathias , Unda Faride , Smith Rebecca A. , Sibout Richard , Hoffmann Natalie J. , Wong Darren C. J. , Castellarin Simone D. , Mansfield Shawn D. , Samuels Lacey
Published: September 2020

Lignin is a key secondary cell wall chemical constituent, and is both a barrier to biomass utilization and a potential source of bioproducts. The Arabidopsis transcription factors MYB58 and MYB63 have been shown to upregulate gene expression of the general phenylpropanoid and monolignol biosynthetic pathways. The overexpression of these genes also results in dwarfism. The vascular integrity, soluble phenolic profiles, cell wall lignin, and transcriptomes associated with these MYB‐overexpressing lines were characterized. Plants with high expression of MYB58 and MYB63 had increased ectopic lignin and the xylem vessels were regular and open, suggesting that the stunted growth is not associated with loss of vascular conductivity. MYB58 and MYB63 overexpression lines had characteristic soluble phenolic profiles with large amounts of monolignol glucosides and sinapoyl esters, but decreased flavonoids. Because loss of function lac4 lac17 mutants also accumulate monolignol glucosides, we hypothesized that LACCASE overexpression might decrease monolignol glucoside levels in the MYB‐overexpressing plant lines. When laccases related to lignification (LAC4 or LAC17) were co‐overexpressed with MYB63 or MYB58, the dwarf phenotype was rescued. Moreover, the overexpression of either LAC4 or LAC17 led to wild‐type monolignol glucoside levels, as well as wild‐type lignin levels in the rescued plants. Transcriptomes of the rescued double MYB63‐OX/LAC17‐OX overexpression lines showed elevated, but attenuated, expression of the MYB63 gene itself and the direct transcriptional targets of MYB63. Contrasting the dwarfism from overabundant monolignol production with dwarfism from lignin mutants provides insight into some of the proposed mechanisms of lignin modification‐induced dwarfism.