bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sedative Efficacy of Tobacco Extract, Clove Oil, Tricaine Methanesulfonate, and Ketamine: Effects on Hematological Parameters and Blood Biochemical Profile in Sterlet
Authors: Delafkar Khayyam , Sattari Masoud , Khara Hossein , Poursaeid Samaneh , Falahatkar Bahram
Published: May 2019

This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of four sedatives, including tobacco extract, clove oil, tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222), and ketamine, in juvenile Sterlet Acipenser ruthenus by use of two experiments. First, fish with an average weight (±SD) of 64.1 ± 3.4 g were exposed to immersion at six concentrations of each sedative, including clove oil at 14, 35, 56, 77, 98, and 119 mg/L; MS-222 at 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 mg/L; ketamine at 35, 37.5, 40, 42.5, 45, and 50 mg/L; and tobacco extract at 375, 450, 525, 600, 675, and 700 mg/L. Induction time (deep induction) and recovery time were measured, and the concentrations inducing lower induction time and recovery (i.e., optimum concentrations) of each sedative were obtained as follows: 56 mg/L for clove oil, 60 mg/L for MS-222, 45 mg/L for ketamine, and 675 mg/L for tobacco extract. To evaluate the impact of the selected concentration of each sedative on physiological responses of Sterlet, the hematological indices, plasma cortisol, glucose, and lactate concentrations were measured. Additionally, one nonexposed group was considered as a control group. Significant changes were revealed in all hematological parameters except for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and monocytes percent. Biochemical parameters were measured at 0, 1, 3, and 6 h after induction. Significant changes were found in cortisol and lactate levels for all treatments except clove oil. Glucose concentration changed significantly only in the control group. Given that fish sedated with clove oil did not indicate changes in blood chemistry, clove oil may be the more effective sedative according to our results.
Evaluation of Anal Spines, Dorsal Spines, and Scales as Potential Nonlethal Surrogates to Otoliths for Estimating Ages of Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass
Authors: Blackwell Brian G. , Kaufman Todd M. , Moos Tyrel S.
Published: May 2019

We compared the precision of age estimates from anal spines, dorsal spines, otoliths, and scales and evaluated the agreement of age estimates from nonlethal structures (i.e., anal spines, dorsal spines, and scales) to estimates obtained from otoliths for Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides and Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu collected in northeastern South Dakota glacial lakes. Reader agreement and coefficient of variation (CV) significantly differed across structures for both species. Otoliths had the highest complete and partial (i.e., at least two of three agree) reader agreement rates, while scales had the lowest for both species along with dorsal spines for Smallmouth Bass. Mean CV for otolith age estimates was 2.0% for Largemouth Bass and 2.3% for Smallmouth Bass; CV means for the nonlethal structures ranged from 8.0% to 15.2% for Largemouth Bass and from 10.0% to 10.7% for Smallmouth Bass. Age estimates derived from anal spines and dorsal spines underestimated ages of both species relative to otoliths. Otolith and scale age estimates were similar through age 9 for Largemouth Bass and through age 7 for Smallmouth Bass. Scale ages generally coincided with otolith ages for Largemouth Bass < 35 cm TL and for Smallmouth Bass < 31 cm TL. Neither anal spines nor dorsal spines proved to be a good nonlethal alternative for estimating ages, while scales may have utility for younger cohorts of both species. We recommend that otoliths be the standard structure for estimating Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass ages when sacrificing fish is acceptable. If sacrificing fish is a concern, then scales may be used as a surrogate for estimating ages of Largemouth Bass < 35 cm TL and Smallmouth Bass < 34 cm TL.
Impact of LUTS on treatment‐related behaviors and quality of life: A population‐based study in Brazil
Authors: Soler Roberto , Averbeck Márcio A. , Koyama Mitti A. H. , Gomes Cristiano M.
Published: May 2019

Aims

To report on the impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on treatment‐related behaviors and quality of life in Brazilian adults greater than or equal to 40 years.

Methods

Data were from a computer‐assisted telephone survey conducted in Brazil between 1 September and 31 December 2015 (Brazil LUTS study). Participants were adults greater than or equal to 40 years with landlines living in major cities from five geographical regions in Brazil. Participants rated how often they experienced individual LUTS during the previous month and associated bother, and the impact on quality of life (QoL), treatment seeking, treatment, treatment satisfaction, and treatment discontinuation. Multiple logistic regression models were adjusted to analyze the simultaneous effects of predictor variables on each dependent variable.

Results

When the presence of LUTS was defined as symptoms occurring less than half the time or more, one‐quarter of respondents sought treatment but 6% fewer actually received treatment. Of these, around 25% reported dissatisfaction with treatment and almost 10% reported treatment discontinuation. The occurrence of some symptoms and, in particular, the resultant bother were significantly related to worse QoL and to treatment‐related outcomes, such as treatment seeking, actual treatment, treatment dissatisfaction, and treatment discontinuation. Symptoms of all three categories were associated with all these domains for both sexes.

Conclusions

This is the first population‐based study carried out in South America showing that treatment seeking and treatment rates for LUTS are low. Since the LUTS prevalence is high, this reinforces the importance of a comprehensive medical assessment, focusing on the resulting bother, for more appropriate and personalized patient management.
On entropy stable schemes for degenerate parabolic multispecies kinematic flow models
Authors: Bürger Raimund , Méndez Paul E. , Parés Carlos
Published: May 2019

Entropy stable schemes for the numerical solution of initial value problems of nonlinear, possibly strongly degenerate systems of convection–diffusion equations were recently proposed in Jerez and Parés's study. These schemes extend the theoretical framework of Tadmor's study to convection–diffusion systems. They arise from entropy conservative schemes by adding a small amount of viscosity to avoid spurious oscillations. The main condition for feasibility of entropy conservative or stable schemes for a given model is that the corresponding first‐order system of conservation laws possesses a convex entropy function and corresponding entropy flux, and that the diffusion matrix multiplied by the inverse of the Hessian of the entropy is positive semidefinite. As a new contribution, it is demonstrated in the present work, first, that these schemes can naturally be extended to initial‐boundary value problems with zero‐flux boundary conditions in one space dimension, including an explicit bound on the growth of the total entropy. Second, it is shown that these assumptions are satisfied by certain diffusively corrected multiclass kinematic flow models of arbitrary size that describe traffic flow or the settling of dispersions and emulsions, where the latter application gives rise to zero‐flux boundary conditions. Numerical examples illustrate the behavior and accuracy of entropy stable schemes for these applications.
A linear, decoupled fractional time‐stepping method for the nonlinear fluid–fluid interaction
Authors: Li Jian , Huang Pengzhan , Zhang Chong , Guo Gaihui
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a linear decoupled fractional time stepping method is proposed and developed for the nonlinear fluid–fluid interaction governed by the two Navier–Stokes equations. Partitioned time stepping method is applied to two‐physics problems with stiffness of the coupling terms being treated explicitly and is also unconditionally stable. As for each fluid, the velocity and pressure are respectively determined by just solving one vector‐valued quasi‐elliptic equation and the Possion equation with homogeneous Neumann boundary condition per time step. Therefore, the cost of the fluid–fluid interaction is dominant to solve four simple linear equations, which greatly reduces the computational cost of the whole system. The method exploits properties of the fluid–fluid system to establish its stability and convergence with the same results as the standard scheme. Finally, numerical experiments are presented to show the performance of the proposed method.
Duty on fish: Zooarchaeological evidence from Kastre Castle and customs station site between Russia and Estonia
Authors: Lõugas Lembi , Rannamäe Eve , Ehrlich Freydis , Tvauri Andres
Published: May 2019

The majority of medieval and early modern fish, bird, and mammal remains in Estonia originate from urban contexts, but a promising site for archaeological faunal finds outside the towns appears to be Kastre (Varbek) in central‐eastern Estonia. The site was a castle and customs station that belonged to the Tartu (Dorpat) bishop and was first founded at the end of the 14th century on the bank of the Emajõgi River, between Lake Peipsi and Tartu town. River traffic was controlled there; inter alia trade between the Hanseatic towns of Novgorod in western Russia and Tartu, historical sources show, “duty on fish” was collected there in the 15th and 16th centuries. Large numbers of fish, mammal, and bird remains were gathered from the castle during archaeological excavations in 2001 and analysed for the current study. Faunal material reflects animal products consumed most probably by the castle staff, whereas the evidence of fish processing in the castle may refer to the value added to fish for resale. Any direct connection to the customs tax by the faunal remains has not been proven but indirectly hypothesized. Thus, a large amount of fish remains including long‐distance imports, together with the evidence of fur processing and presence of farm animals in the castle, may indicate the duty taken on the trade and/or fishing rights on the Emajõgi River.
Comparison and optimization of genetic tools used for the identification of ancient fish remains recovered from archaeological excavations and museum collections in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Puncher Gregory Neils , Cariani Alessia , Cilli Elisabetta , Massari Francesco , Leone Agostino , Morales‐Muñiz Arturo , Onar Vedat , Toker Nezir Yaşar , Bernal Casasola Dario , Moens Tom , Tinti Fausto
Published: May 2019

Among the many fish species commercially exploited since prehistoric times, Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is one of the most economically significant, having left an indelible imprint on several civilizations including the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. Here, we describe our efforts to identify tuna specimens among the remains of 345 fish vertebrae and bones in several large collections from the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea, dating from the Late Iron Age (2nd century BCE) to the early 20th century (1911–1927). Unfortunately, ancient fish specimens are often mislabelled, which can cause a great deal of confusion among zoologists. Protocols were developed and optimized to overcome the unique challenges related to the compromised integrity of genetic material preserved in ancient bones. Three DNA isolation protocols were compared to maximize yields, and as reported for other faunal remains, a silica spin column‐based method was proven most effective. Endogenous DNA was successfully extracted from the majority of bones and amplified using polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) and an assortment of four primer pairs targeting nuclear (internal transcribed spacer) and mitochondrial sequences (cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 and control region). Protocols targeting mitochondrial markers were more successful than those focused on nuclear targets. Due to the restricted length of the extracted DNA molecules, character‐based keys containing diagnostic nucleotide substitutions were defined and used to identify 231 samples to genera, of which 171 were identified to species level. The success rate of assignment of specimens to species level varied between location and collection, reflecting variation in DNA preservation between different sites and environments. The methods detailed herein can be used to identify other ancient fish specimens and provide information about historical human diets, trade, species distribution, and biodiversity. The same tools can be applied to the analysis of processed food items with highly damaged DNA.
Beinaglutide showed significant weight‐loss benefit and effective glycaemic control for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in a real‐world setting: a 3‐month, multicentre, observational, retrospective, open‐label study
Authors: Zhang Y. L. , Zhou C. , Li X. F. , Yang M. N. , Tao L. , Zheng X. Y. , Jia Y. S.
Published: May 2019

Aims

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of beinaglutide on body weight, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a real‐world setting in China.

Materials and methods

This was a multicentre, observational, retrospective, open‐label study conducted in China. Data were collected from T2DM patients who started treatment with beinaglutide between 2017 and 2018.

Results

A total of 314 patients were included in the study. After 3 months of treatment with beinaglutide, there were significant reductions in body weight (−10.05 kg [95% confidence interval −9.29 to −10.80]), HbA1c (−2.87% [−2.62 to −3.11]), 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose (−5.46 mmol L−1 [−4.96 to −5.95]) and fasting plasma glucose (−3.04 mmol L−1 [−2.78 to −3.31]) (all p < 0.0001). In addition, 84.96% and 72.18% of the patients achieved weight loss of ≥5% and ≥10%, respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that weight loss was significantly greater in patients with ≥28 kg m−2 of baseline body mass index and 0.60 mg of beinaglutide doses (p = 0.007 and p < 0.0001, respectively). HbA1c reductions were significantly greater in patients with ≥9.0% baseline HbA1c and in those administered 0.40–0.48 mg of beinaglutide doses (all p < 0.0001). Weight loss at 3 months was positively correlated with baseline BMI and the dose of beinaglutide. Positive determinants for HbA1c reduction after 3 months were baseline HbA1c and the dose of beinaglutide.

Conclusions

These observational results confirmed the benefits of beinaglutide in weight loss and glycaemic control and support the use of beinaglutide as an effective treatment for T2DM.
Institutional and policy issues experienced in the implementation of Botswana's national disability policy
Authors: Omotoye Abiodun Marumo Tito
Published: May 2019

People with disabilities (PWDs) are often subjected to economic and social exclusion. Despite the Government of Botswana's efforts to uplift marginalised and vulnerable groups, PWDs remain disenfranchised as a result of social, physical, and legislative barriers. This paper assesses policy and institutional factors that contribute to and or hinder the implementation of Botswana's national disability policy. Data were collected using secondary data sources and analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis of determinants of policy impact (ADEPT) approach, which aims to explain and influence policy development and policy impact implementation with four determinants (goals, obligations, resources, and opportunities), was adopted. The study's findings show that 22 years after its adoption, the National Policy on Care for People with Disabilities has not resulted in the desired policy outcomes, let alone achieved its objective of improving the lives of PWDs. Although the policy has the potential to be an important tool in achieving social inclusion and protecting the rights of PWDs, implementation gaps remain, essentially limiting its effectiveness.
Posttraumatic stress in young children with cancer: Risk factors and comparison with healthy peers
Authors: Tillery Rachel , Willard Victoria W. , Long Alanna , Phipps Sean
Published: May 2019

Objective

The most commonly occurring childhood cancers are diagnosed during the preschool years; yet limited psycho‐oncology research has focused on this developmental time period. The primary objective was to examine rates of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in young children with cancer and compare these findings with those of children without a history of serious illness (comparisons). The secondary aim was to examine risk and modifiable factors associated with PTSS.

Method

Ninety‐seven caregivers of patients (n = 50) and comparisons (n = 47) aged three to six years completed diagnostic interviews for the assessment of PTSD. They also completed a survey measure of PTSS adapted from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL‐PTSD), along with measures of their child's temperament and their own current psychological functioning.

Results

On the CBCL‐PTSD, no differences in PTSS were observed between children with cancer and comparisons, although many in both groups appeared at risk, with approximately 34% of children with cancer and 27% of comparisons meeting threshold scores for probable PTSD. However, using a “gold‐standard” clinical‐interview assessment, only three children in the patient group and no children in the comparison group met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Parental distress and child temperament were significantly associated with PTSS scores.

Conclusion

Findings indicate PTSD is relatively infrequent in children with cancer, and survey measures may overestimate rates of PTSD in young children. However, other emotional or behavioral issues may be present. Ultimately, screening for potential emotional/behavioral concerns in young children with cancer is indicated, and interventions should continue to target caregiver distress.
A case of malignant rhabdoid tumor mimicking yolk sac tumor
Authors: Kubota Yasuo , Arakawa Yuki , Sekiguchi Masahiro , Watanabe Kentaro , Hiwatari Mitsuteru , Kishimoto Hiroshi , Nakazawa Atsuko , Yoshida Akihiko , Ogawa Seishi , Hanada Ryoji , Oka Akira , Takita Junko , Koh Katsuyoshi
Published: May 2019

Malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRTs) are rare, highly aggressive embryonal neoplasms caused by biallelic alterations of the SMARCB1 gene. MRTs may occur in any soft tissue, but extracranial extrarenal MRTs are extremely rare. Diagnosis of MRTs in unusual locations and with an uncharacteristic cytomorphology that mimics other tumors is difficult. This was an atypical case of MRT in a 15‐year‐old female with tumors that closely resembled yolk sac tumors. It was extremely challenging to diagnose the tumors without confirming the SMARCB1 status.
Novel heterozygous mutation in the PTEN gene associated with ovarian germ cell tumor complicated by growing teratoma syndrome and overgrowth in a two‐year‐old female
Authors: Tullius Brian P. , Shankar Suma P. , Cole Stacey , Triano Vivien , Aradhya Swaroop , Huang Eric C. , Sanchez Thomas , Pawar Anjali
Published: May 2019

Growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) is a condition in which mature teratoma with negative tumor markers arises at the site of a treated malignant germ cell tumor. Pathogenic variants in PTEN have been reported to cause autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndromes and are associated with germ cell tumors. We report the association of a novel heterozygous pathogenic variant in PTEN and very early onset ovarian germ cell tumor complicated by GTS as well as overgrowth syndrome. This marks the youngest reported patient to have developed GTS following treatment of her primary malignant ovarian germ cell tumor.
Effects of pharmacist participation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) network and CKD manual distribution on drug‐related kidney injury
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuo , Nakayama Isao , Kawakatsu Yutaro , Yamamoto Takumi , Ishigami Naoyuki , Watanuki Kei , Okabe Takayoshi , Yokoyama Hidetaro
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors carry a risk of normotensive ischemic acute kidney injury in dehydration and concurrent nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Although the estimated number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is 20 000, Fujieda, Japan, has only three nephrologists. On 25 March 2016, we reorganized the CKD network to include pharmacists and distributed a CKD manual. We assessed effects of pharmacist participation in the CKD network and CKD manual distribution on patient hospitalizations because of drug‐related kidney injury.

Methods

Changes in the prevalence of RAS inhibitor–related estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) declines of greater than or equal to 30% and hyperkalemia of greater than or equal to 6.0 mEq/L in 129 hospitalized CKD patients, drug prescriptions of 14 150 hospitalized patients, and annual medical checkup data in 36 042 citizens were investigated before and after pharmacist participation.

Results

After pharmacist participation, patient hospitalizations due to RAS inhibitor–related eGFR declines decreased (71.4% to 38.1%, P = .03) and hyperkalemia declined (38.1% to 9.5%, P = .03). Pharmacist participation influenced the decrease in RAS inhibitor–related eGFR declines (P = .03). NSAID prescriptions decreased (13.4% to 11.8%, P = .003) and acetaminophen prescriptions increased (6.6% to 8.0%, P = .002) among 14 150 hospitalized patients, whereas RAS inhibitor prescriptions decreased (43.2% to 39.4%, P = .002) among 6930 hospitalized patients with eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. A significant number of citizens shifted from CKD stage G3a‐3b to G1‐2.

Conclusions

Pharmacist participation in the CKD network and CKD manual distribution decreased both hospitalizations due to RAS inhibitor–related kidney injury and citizens with CKD stage G3a‐3b.
Thermoplastic encapsulations of a sensor platform by high‐temperature injection molding up to 360°C
Authors: Werner Valerie M. K. , Krumpholz Roman , Rehekampff Christoph , Scherzer Tim , Eblenkamp Markus
Published: May 2019

For bioprotective encapsulated Internet of Things (IoT) electronics for the medical market, especially for cost‐effective, single or multiple use, injection molding will be of major importance. The stresses from the production process pose special challenges for electronics. The aim of the study was the simulative and experimental characterization of the load spectrum from the injection molding process and its effects on electronics. General recommendations for the encapsulation of IoT electronics in polymer matrices were derived. A microcontroller‐controlled temperature sensor board and a suitable injection mold were developed. Eight circumferential NTC‐sensors measured the prevailing thermal load directly on the component during overmolding. A simulation model allowed statements on the loads to be made about individual components, validated in experimental tests. In addition to PP and PMMA, PSU with a melt temperature of 360°C was tested. The temperature influence of the melt could be described as a function of the component position. The loss of adhesion, shrinkage, distortion, cavities, and delamination were analyzed using micrograph analysis. Complete functionality of the electronics was ensured after encapsulation. Optimization strategies were developed for the design of both IoT electronics and the injection mold. Novel concepts such as interlayer or backfill vias could be derived for future research approaches. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1315–1331 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Safer plasticized polyvinyl chloride synthetic leathers for the automotive industry: Evaluation of alternatives to antimony compounds as flame retardants
Authors: Zattini Giorgio , Ballardini Sergio , Benelli Tiziana , Mazzocchetti Laura , Giorgini Loris
Published: May 2019

Automotive interiors materials, like plasticized polyvinyl chloride (pPVC) synthetic leathers (SLs), require additives for improving their flame behavior. The preferred flame retardant (FR) used in pPVC is antimony trioxide (Sb2O3, ATO), though the use of antimony poses several issues, for both human health and the environment, related to its extraction, processing, and use. In order to investigate alternatives to ATO in high‐performance pPVC SLs, various commercial FRs have been selected and tested in a typical, highly plasticized formulation. These additives have been used either alone or combined to evaluate synergistic effects. Samples have been tested to assess mechanical properties, thermal stability, and flame resistance. Data have been compared with those of neat pPVC and a foil with 2 phr of ATO. Several FRs are effective in improving the flame response compared with neat pPVC, without compromising the other properties, in detail calcium hypophosphite and mixtures containing zinc hydroxystannate (ZHS). Finally, aluminum hydroxide and ZHS (ATH + ZHS) yields the cheaper among the alternatives here proposed, even though higher than ATO (+193%) whose price/performance ratio is difficult to overcome. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2488–2497, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Using Dynamic Panel Models to Study Age–Related Differences and Time–Related Changes in Personality
Authors: Wagner Jenny , Lüdtke Oliver , Voelkle Manuel C.
Published: May 2019

Along with an increasing interest in the plasticity and role of personality across the adult lifespan comes the need for a diverse set of innovative statistical approaches to study it. With this paper, we set out to illustrate some of the possibilities and challenges in modelling age–related differences and time–related changes in personality psychology by means of dynamic panel models. To this end, we first distinguish between the study of age–related differences and time–related changes and demonstrate how the treatment of age and time as either discrete or continuous variables implies important modelling choices. Second, we present a selection of four example cases that address the topic of age moderation in diverse matters and with different objectives. Based on our cross–tabulation of age and time as discrete and continuous variables, the first two example cases represent fairly well–established models (cases A and B), whereas the remaining cases are used to illustrate current developments in the field (cases C and D). We close the paper with some final remarks on current limitation and future research directions. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology
Exploratory analysis of treatment response trajectories in the PRISM trial: Models of psychosocial care
Authors: Lau Nancy , Bradford Miranda C. , Steineck Angela , Junkins Courtney C. , Yi‐Frazier Joyce P. , McCauley Elizabeth , Rosenberg Abby R.
Published: May 2019

Objective

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer are at high risk of negative psychosocial outcomes. Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM), a novel, brief, skill‐based intervention, has demonstrated efficacy in improving psychosocial well‐being for AYAs. We utilized data from a recent randomized trial of PRISM versus usual care (UC) to categorize and explore group differences in change trajectories of patient reported outcomes (PROs) over time.

Methods

One hundred English‐speaking AYAs (aged 12‐25 years old) with cancer were randomized to PRISM versus UC. At enrollment and 6 months later, AYAs completed validated PROs measuring resilience (Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale [CDRISC‐10]), hope (Hope Scale), benefit finding (Benefit and Burden Scale for Children), cancer‐specific quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life [PedsQL] Cancer Module), and distress (Kessler‐6). Patient response trajectories were categorized as “improved,” “consistently well,” “consistently at risk,” or “deteriorated” using minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) or established measure cutoffs for all PROs. Positive response trajectories consisted of the first two categories (“improved” and “consistently well”), and negative response trajectories consisted of the latter two categories (“consistently at risk” and “deteriorated”).

Results

Across all PROs, more patients in the PRISM arm “improved” in psychosocial well‐being over time, and fewer PRISM recipients “deteriorated” over time. Across all PROs, a greater proportion of PRISM participants (vs UC) experienced positive response trajectories. Across all PROs, a greater proportion of UC participants experienced negative response trajectories.

Conclusions

PRISM shows evidence of both a prevention effect and an intervention effect. Thus, PRISM may serve as a viable prevention and early intervention model for psychosocial care.
Topical dsRNA delivery induces gene silencing and mortality in the pea aphid
Authors: Niu Jinzhi , Yang Wan‐Jun , Tian Yuan , Fan Jia‐Yao , Ye Chao , Shang Feng , Ding Bi‐Yue , Zhang Jun , An Xin , Yang Li , Chang Teng‐Yu , Christiaens Olivier , Smagghe Guy , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

With the growing number of available aphid genomes and transcriptomes, an efficient and easy‐to‐adapt tool for gene function study is urgently required. RNA interference (RNAi), as a post‐transcriptional gene silencing mechanism, is important as a research tool for determining gene functions and has potential as a novel insect control strategy. However, these applications have been hampered by the lack of effective dsRNA delivery approaches in aphids.

RESULTS

Here, we developed a convenient and efficient dsRNA delivery method, topical RNAi, in aphids. An investigation of its dose and time‐dependent RNAi efficiencies revealed that with as little as 60 ng dsRNA per adult pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), the indicator gene, Aphunchback, could be significantly silenced within 2 h of exposure. The method was further validated by successfully silencing other different genes, and it was also efficient toward two other aphid species, Aphis citricidus and Myzus persicae. Furthermore, a noticeable mortality was also observed in pea aphids using topical RNAi‐mediated gene silencing, within 4 days post‐dsRNA application for four out of seven tested genes.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the currently used dsRNA delivery methods in aphids, microinjection and ingestion, topical RNAi is time‐ and cost‐effective, which could greatly influence RNAi‐based gene functional studies and potential candidate gene selection for developing RNAi‐based aphid control strategies in the future. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel combination of a biosurfactant with entomopathogenic fungi enhances efficacy against Bemisia whitefly
Authors: do Nascimento Silva Jaqueline , Mascarin Gabriel M , de Paula Vieira de Castro Rui , Castilho Leda R , Freire Denise MG
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Microbial surfactants are multifunctional surface‐active molecules that have been overlooked in formulating microbial biopesticides. We report a novel approach using the biosurfactant rhamnolipid (RML) against the destructive cosmopolitan insect pest Bemisia tabaci, as well as the combined action of RML with aerial conidia of two entomopathogenic fungi, Cordyceps javanica and Beauveria bassiana. RML was also tested as a suspension agent to improve the recovery rate of conidia from solid substrate for fungal preparations.

RESULTS

The recovery rate of conidia increased dramatically (two to five times) with RML compared with a standard surfactant (Tween 80). Spraying solutions of 0.075% and 0.1% (w/v) RML on B. tabaci third instar nymphs induced 100% mortality within 4 days. Conidial suspensions at 5 × 106 conidia/mL amended with RML at 0.01% or 0.05% markedly increased nymphal mortalities and considerably reduced LC50. Conidial suspensions of B. bassiana with 0.05% RML added were more effective against whitefly nymphs (87.3% mortality) than C. javanica + RML (51.4% mortality).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that this bacterium‐based RML improved the recovery rate of hydrophobic conidia, and that mixtures of RML with fungal spore suspensions increased their insecticidal activity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhancement of the Spin Pumping Effect by Magnon Confluence Process in YIG/Pt Bilayers
Authors: Noack Timo B. , Vasyuchka Vitaliy I. , Bozhko Dmytro A. , Heinz Björn , Frey Pascal , Slobodianiuk Denys V. , Prokopenko Oleksandr V. , Melkov Gennadii A. , Kopietz Peter , Hillebrands Burkard , Serga Alexander A.
Published: May 2019

The experimental investigation of the spin pumping process by dipolar‐exchange magnons parametrically excited in in‐plane magnetized yttrium iron garnet/platinum bilayers is presented. The electric voltage generated in the platinum layer via the inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) results from contributions of two opposite spin currents formed by the longitudinal spin Seebeck effect and by the spin pumping from parametric magnons. In the field‐dependent measurements of the spin pumping‐induced component of the ISHE‐voltage, a clearly visible sharp peak is detected at high pumping powers. It is found that the peak position is determined by the process of confluence of two parametrically excited magnons into one magnon possessing twice the frequency and the sum of the wavevectors of the initial magnons. It is demonstrated that under the action of a rather strong parametric pumping field this confluence process results in the increase of the total number of magnons in the magnetic sample, and thus leads to the enhancement of the spin pumping effect.
Online porous graphic carbon chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for post‐translational modification analysis
Authors: Chen Rui , Stupak Jacek , Williamson Sam , Twine Susan M. , Li Jianjun
Published: May 2019

Rationale

Porous graphic carbon chromatography (PGC) has a different mechanism in the retention of tryptic peptides compared with reversed‐phase chromatography and in this study we show that coupling PGC with tandem mass spectrometry offer advantages for the quantitation of phosphorylation stoichiometry and characterization of site‐specific glycosylation.

Methods

Digests of protein standards (horse myoglobin, bovine fetuin and β‐casein) were analyzed with a capillary liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) system by coupling an Agilent 1100 HPLC system to a Synapt G2‐Si HDMS (Waters). Peptides were separated using a HyperCarb PGC column (300 μm i.d. × 100 mm) packed with 3 μm particles. MS/MS data were collected in data‐dependent mode and three MS/MS scans were acquired after the full MS scan. RAW data were transformed to .mgf by PLGS (Waters) and searched against the Swissprot database by Mascot. Chromatograms and MS/MS spectra of identified compounds were extracted with Masslynx (Waters) and imported to Origin for analysis. Glycan composition and peptide sequence were manually annotated.

Results

PGC/MS/MS enabled accurate quantitation of the stoichiometry of specific phosphorylation sites from β‐casein by efficient separation of the phosphopeptide and its non‐phosphorylated counterpart, which cannot be achieved by reversed‐phase chromatography. PGC/MS/MS also enabled comprehensive characterization of protein sialoglycosylation as isomeric glycopeptides with different combinations of α2‐3‐ and α2‐6‐linked sialic acids can be separated and the ratios of each combination were verified by exoglycosidase digestion.

Conclusions

PGC has demonstrated superior separation of peptides with phosphorylation and glycosylation and can be used as an alternative in the proteomic characterization of post‐translational modifications (PTMs) by polar groups.
Modular field robot deployment for inspection of dilapidated buildings
Authors: Cordie Troy P. , Bandyopadhyay Tirthankar , Roberts Jonathan , Dunbabin Matthew , Greenop Kelly , Dungavell Ross , Steindl Ryan
Published: May 2019

Robotic inspection often relies on building custom platforms for each new deployment; this is a luxury that urban search and rescue (USAR) robots do not have when time is of critical importance. A significant factor for robots deployed in disaster areas is the varying size of voids and access ways in their path. These situations require platforms that can quickly reconfigure on location. With these challenges in mind, we present the NeWheel system: An in‐field reconfigurable robotic platform that allows mobility changes before, and during, deployment. The NeWheel platform also has the advantage of being small enough to be person‐deployable and to travel as checked luggage on a commercial flight. This field report presents the results and learnings from three field trips on Peel Island located off the coast of Brisbane, Australia. These field trips featured the deployment of the NeWheel system in multiple configurations to inspect and map inside historic dilapidated buildings. It demonstrates the potential of the NeWheel in buildings cluttered with debris and with unstable flooring whether they are historically important or in USAR contexts.
Seasonal effects of a hydropeaking dam on a downstream benthic macroinvertebrate community
Authors: Mihalicz Jordan E. , Jardine Timothy D. , Baulch Helen M. , Phillips Iain D.
Published: May 2019

As more hydroelectric dams regulate rivers to meet growing energy demands, there is ongoing concern about downstream effects, including impacts on downstream benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) communities. Hydropeaking is a common hydroelectric practice where short‐term variation in power production leads to large and often rapid fluctuations in discharge and water level. There are key knowledge gaps on the ecosystem impacts of hydropeaking in large rivers, the seasonality of these impacts, and whether dams can be managed to lessen impacts. We assessed how patterns of hydropeaking affect abundance, taxonomic richness, and relative tolerance of BMIs in the Saskatchewan River (Saskatchewan, Canada). Reaches immediately (<2 km) downstream of the dam generally had high densities of BMIs and comparable taxonomic diversity relative to upstream locations but were characterized by lower ratios of sensitive (e.g., Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) to tolerant (e.g., Chironomidae) taxa. The magnitude of effect varied with seasonal changes in discharge. Understanding the effects of river regulation on BMI biodiversity and river health has implications for mitigating the impacts of hydropeaking dams on downstream ecosystems. Although we demonstrated that a hydropeaking dam may contribute to a significantly different downstream BMI assemblage, we emphasize that seasonality is a key consideration. The greatest differences between upstream and downstream locations occurred in spring, suggesting standard methods of late summer and fall sampling may underestimate ecosystem‐scale impacts.
Sound level measurements from audio recordings provide objective distance estimates for distance sampling wildlife populations
Authors: Yip Daniel A. , Knight Elly C. , Haave‐Audet Elène , Wilson Scott J. , Charchuk Connor , Scott Chris D. , Sólymos Péter , Bayne Erin M.
Published: May 2019

Distance sampling is widely used to estimate animal population densities by accounting for imperfect detection of individuals with increasing distance from an observer. Distance sampling assumes that distances are measured without error; however, it is often applied to human estimated distances, which are known to be inconsistent, inaccurate, and biased. We present an objective technique for estimating distance to vocalizing individuals that relies on the relative sound level (RSL) of the vocalization extracted from autonomous recording unit (ARU) recordings and show the error is less than human estimated error extracted from a literature case study.RSLpredicted distances can be obtained by manual measurement in sound viewing software, or automatically with automated signal recognition software. We built calibration datasets of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) and Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor) recorded at known distances and used regression ofRSLfrom those recordings to predict distance. There was no error bias ofRSLpredicted distances when compared to known distances for Common Nighthawk, minimal error bias for Ovenbird, and error from allRSLpredicted distances was less than human estimated error extracted from the literature. We then simulatedARUpoint count surveys with a known density and estimated that density with distance sampling to test whetherRSLdistance prediction does not violate the assumption that distances are measured without error. There was no difference in density estimates from known distance and density estimates obtained fromRSLpredicted distance, while density estimates contaminated with human estimated error were significantly lower than density estimates from known distance. We found that a calibration dataset of approximately 300 vocalizations was suitable to minimize error for both species, and so conclude thatRSLdistance prediction is an accessible method of improving distance estimates relative to human estimation. We provide general recommendations on how to collect calibration recordings for the application ofRSLdistance prediction to other species and areas.
Study on multistage anodization for high‐modulus carbon fiber
Authors: Fu Yingpiao , Lu Yike , You Ting , Wu Jianglu , Cao Weiyu
Published: May 2019

Because of the strong chemical inertness of high‐modulus carbon fiber (HMCF), the surface treatment of HMCF becomes less effective. In this work, multistage anodization method was applied to modify HMCF. NH4HCO3 and (NH4)2SO4 were used as electrolytes to study the influence of electrolyte type on the oxidation effect in the multistage oxidation process. The HMCF was treated by multistage anodization in the following three ways: NH4HCO3 → NH4HCO3, (NH4)2SO4 → (NH4)2SO4, and NH4HCO3 → (NH4)2SO4. In order to compare with the multistage anodization methods, HMCF was also anodized by NH4HCO3 and (NH4)2SO4 using single anodization method, respectively. The treated HMCFs were characterized in detail using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), and dynamic contact angle analysis, respectively. The results of XPS exhibited that HMCF modified by multistage anodization showed more functional groups on its surface. More sp2 hybridized bonds were converted into sp3 hybridized bonds after modification by multistage anodization, especially when (NH4)2SO4 was used as electrolyte. The results of SEM/AFM indicated that HMCF modified by multistage showed a greater surface roughness. Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) was used to observe the interfacial properties of HMCF between epoxy resin. The results showed that ILSS of untreated carbon fiber composite was only 27.3 MPa; it was increased to 71.8 and 78.6 MPa after treated with single anodization by NH4HCO3 and (NH4)2SO4, respectively. After modification by multistage anodization, the ILSS increased in different degrees compared with single anodization method. Especially, the ILSS reached 93.1 MPa when the method of using NH4HCO3 followed by (NH4)2SO4 was used to treat HMCF.
Quantifying risk stratification provided by diagnostic tests and risk predictions: Comparison to AUC and decision curve analysis
Authors: Katki Hormuzd A.
Published: May 2019

A property of diagnostic tests and risk models deserving more attention is risk stratification, defined as the ability of a test or model to separate those at high absolute risk of disease from those at low absolute risk. Risk stratification fills a gap between measures of classification (ie, area under the curve (AUC)) that do not require absolute risks and decision analysis that requires not only absolute risks but also subjective specification of costs and utilities. We introduce mean risk stratification (MRS) as the average change in risk of disease (posttest‐pretest) revealed by a diagnostic test or risk model dichotomized at a risk threshold. Mean risk stratification is particularly valuable for rare conditions, where AUC can be high but MRS can be low, identifying situations that temper overenthusiasm for screening with the new test/model. We apply MRS to the controversy over who should get testing for mutations in BRCA1/2 that cause high risks of breast and ovarian cancers. To reveal different properties of risk thresholds to refer women for BRCA1/2 testing, we propose an eclectic approach considering MRS and other metrics. The value of MRS is to interpret AUC in the context of BRCA1/2 mutation prevalence, providing a range of risk thresholds at which a risk model is “optimally informative,” and to provide insight into why net benefit arrives to its conclusion.
Solution‐Processable Photonic Inks of Mie‐Resonant Hollow Carbon–Silica Nanospheres
Authors: Kim Seung‐Hyun , Hwang Victoria , Lee Sang Goo , Ha Jong‐Wook , Manoharan Vinothan N. , Yi Gi‐Ra
Published: May 2019

Hollow carbon–silica nanospheres that exhibit angle‐independent structural color with high saturation and minimal absorption are made. Through scattering calculations, it is shown that the structural color arises from Mie resonances that are tuned precisely by varying the thickness of the shells. Since the color does not depend on the spatial arrangement of the particles, the coloration is angle independent and vibrant in powders and liquid suspensions. These properties make hollow carbon–silica nanospheres ideal for applications, and their potential in making flexible, angle‐independent films and 3D printed films is explored.
Characterizing application scheduling on edge, fog, and cloud computing resources
Authors: Varshney Prateeksha , Simmhan Yogesh
Published: May 2019

Cloud computing has grown to become a popular distributed computing service offered by commercial providers. More recently, edge and fog computing resources have emerged on the wide‐area network as part of Internet of things (IoT) deployments. These three resource abstraction layers are complementary, and offer distinctive benefits. Scheduling applications on clouds has been an active area of research, with workflow and data flow models offering a flexible abstraction to specify applications for execution. However, the application programming and scheduling models for edge and fog are still maturing, and can benefit from learnings on cloud resources. At the same time, there is also value in using these resources cohesively for application execution. In this article, we offer a taxonomy of concepts essential for specifying and solving the problem of scheduling applications on edge, fog, and cloud computing resources. We first characterize the resource capabilities and limitations of these infrastructure and offer a taxonomy of application models, quality‐of‐service constraints and goals, and scheduling techniques, based on a literature review. We also tabulate key research prototypes and papers using this taxonomy. This survey benefits developers and researchers on these distributed resources in designing and categorizing their applications, selecting the relevant computing abstraction(s), and developing or selecting the appropriate scheduling algorithm. It also highlights gaps in literature where open problems remain.
The legacy of Ludwig von Bertalanffy and its relevance for our time
Authors: Hammond Debora
Published: May 2019

This paper provides a brief overview of Ludwig von Bertalanffy's contributions to the evolution of the fields of biology and systems theory and the significance of his work in relation to contemporary developments across a broad spectrum of disciplines. In documenting some of the ways in which his insights have remained relevant, inspiring scholars and practitioners in a variety of fields, it also addresses the philosophical and ethical implications inherent in Bertalanffy's work. Perhaps one of the most striking dimensions of his writing is his passionate critique of mechanistic science, which he sees as dehumanizing and as responsible for many of the challenges confronting humanity. In contrast, he emphasized the humanistic orientation of his conception of general systems theory as an approach that could provide guidelines and support for addressing these challenges.