bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollen morphological investigations of family Cactaceae and its taxonomic implication by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Majeed Salman , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Kilic Omer , Sultana Shazia , Raza Jamil , Yaseen Ghulam , Gul Hina , Mir Sehrosh , Lubna  , Jabeen Munazza
Published: March 2020

The family Cactaceae is the diversified group of angiosperm plants whose pollen statistics has been used for taxonomic identification. In this article, we present the pollen morphology of eight species belong to seven taxonomically complex genera of Cactaceae including Astrophytum, Cylindropuntia, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Mammillaria, Opuntia, and Thelocactus using light and scanning electron microscopy. The pollen grains were acetolyzed, measured, described, and electron photomicrographs were taken. Cactaceae can be characterized by presenting different palynomorphological features including pollen type, sculpturing, polar and equatorial diameter, aperture orientation, exine thickness, P/E ratio, and echini features. Four types of pollen shapes, that is, prolate spheroidal (three species), subprolate (two species), prolate (two species), and oblate spheroidal in Echinocereus reichenbachii were observed. The polar and equatorial diameter observed maximum in O. ficus indica 116.95 and 112.27 μm while minimum in M. compressa 38.42 and 21.05 μm. Pollen of two types, tricolpate in members of subfamily Cactioideae and pantoporate in the Opuntioideae were examined. The fertility percentage has been observed maximum in Opuntia macrocentra (83.84%) and minimum in Opuntia ficus‐indica (57.89%). Exine sculpturing showing great variations such as granulate, reticulate, granulate perforate and micro‐echinate foveolate ornamentation was examined only in Echinopsis eyriesii. A key to species, based on pollen micromorphological attributes, has been constructed for correct identification of complex cactus species.
Unique epidemiological and clinical features of the emerging 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID‐19) implicate special control measures
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Wang Yuyi , Chen Yan , Qin Qingsong
Published: March 2020

By 27 February 2020, the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused 82 623 confirmed cases and 2858 deaths globally, more than severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) (8273 cases, 775 deaths) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) (1139 cases, 431 deaths) caused in 2003 and 2013, respectively. COVID‐19 has spread to 46 countries internationally. Total fatality rate of COVID‐19 is estimated at 3.46% by far based on published data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC). Average incubation period of COVID‐19 is around 6.4 days, ranges from 0 to 24 days. The basic reproductive number (R0) of COVID‐19 ranges from 2 to 3.5 at the early phase regardless of different prediction models, which is higher than SARS and MERS. A study from China CDC showed majority of patients (80.9%) were considered asymptomatic or mild pneumonia but released large amounts of viruses at the early phase of infection, which posed enormous challenges for containing the spread of COVID‐19. Nosocomial transmission was another severe problem. A total of 3019 health workers were infected by 12 February 2020, which accounted for 3.83% of total number of infections, and extremely burdened the health system, especially in Wuhan. Limited epidemiological and clinical data suggest that the disease spectrum of COVID‐19 may differ from SARS or MERS. We summarize latest literatures on genetic, epidemiological, and clinical features of COVID‐19 in comparison to SARS and MERS and emphasize special measures on diagnosis and potential interventions. This review will improve our understanding of the unique features of COVID‐19 and enhance our control measures in the future.
Improving customer routing in contact centers: An automated triage design based on text analytics
Authors: Ilk Noyan , Shang Guangzhi , Goes Paulo
Published: March 2020

We propose an automated triage design for intelligent customer routing in live‐chat contact centers and demonstrate its implementation using a real‐world data set from an S&P 500 firm. The proposed design emerges as a synthesis of text analytics and predictive machine learning methods. Using numerical experiments based on the simulation of the firm's contact center, we demonstrate the service level, time, and labor cost benefits of the automated design over two other triage designs (i.e., customer choice triage and human expert triage) that are commonly employed in the real world. Through additional analyses, we explore the generalizability of the automated design for creating solutions for different types of communication channels. Our work has implications for managing customer relations under emerging communication technologies (e.g., live‐chat, e‐mail, and social media) and more broadly for demonstrating the use of text analytics and machine learning to improve Operations Management practice.
Platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β (PDGFRβ) lineage tracing highlights perivascular cell to myofibroblast transdifferentiation during post‐traumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Sono Takashi , Hsu Ching‐Yun , Negri Stefano , Miller Sarah , Wang Yiyun , Xu Jiajia , Meyers Carolyn A. , Peault Bruno , James Aaron W.
Published: March 2020

Pericytes ubiquitously surround capillaries and microvessels within vascularized tissues and have diverse functions after tissue injury. In addition to regulation of angiogenesis and tissue regeneration after injury, pericytes also contribute to organ fibrosis. Destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) phenocopies post‐traumatic osteoarthritis, yet little is known regarding the impact of DMM surgery on knee joint‐associated pericytes and their cellular descendants. Here, inducible platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β (PDGFRβ)‐CreERT2 reporter mice were subjected to DMM surgery, and lineage tracing studies performed over an 8‐week period. Results showed that at baseline PDGFRβ reporter activity highlights abluminal perivascular cells within synovial and infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) tissues. DMM induces a temporospatially patterned increase in vascular density within synovial and subsynovial tissues. Marked vasculogenesis within IFP was accompanied by expansion of PDGFRβ reporter+ perivascular cell numbers, detachment of mGFP+ descendants from vessel walls, and aberrant adoption of myofibroblastic markers among mGFP+ cells including α‐SMA, ED‐A, and TGF‐β1. At later timepoints, fibrotic changes and vascular maturation occurred within subsynovial tissues, with the redistribution of PDGFRβ+ cellular descendants back to their perivascular niche. In sum, PDGFRβ lineage tracing allows for tracing of perivascular cell fate within the diarthrodial joint. Further, destabilization of the joint induces vascular and fibrogenic changes of the IFP accompanied by perivascular to myofibroblast transdifferentiation.
Round Cell Sarcoma with EWSR1‐PATZ1 Gene Fusion in the Neck: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Park Ki W. , Cai Yi , Benjamin Tania , Qorbani Amir , George Jonathan
Published: March 2020

EWSR1‐PATZ1 is a rare gene fusion recently recognized to occur in round and spindle cell sarcomas. To date, fewer than 20 cases have been described in the literature. However, no dedicated case reports have detailed its presentation in the head and neck region. We recently cared for a 52‐year‐old woman with an isolated, single right level 5A cervical mass. Excisional biopsy at an external hospital revealed pathology results consistent with EWSR1‐PATZ1 polyphenotypic round and spindle cell sarcoma. The patient subsequently underwent surgical excision of the tumor and right neck lymph node dissection followed by adjuvant chemoradiation. Laryngoscope, 2020
Regeneration of macronutrients and trace metals during phytoplankton decay: An experimental study
Authors: Hollister Adrienne P. , Kerr Makenzie , Malki Kema , Muhlbach Eric , Robert Maya , Tilney Charles L. , Breitbart Mya , Hubbard Katherine A. , Buck Kristen N.
Published: March 2020

Macronutrients and trace metals are incorporated into phytoplankton during growth and regenerated back into the water column when phytoplankton decay, a process that contributes to the distributions of dissolved trace metals and macronutrients in depth profiles. To study this, we incubated mixed Gulf of Mexico phytoplankton assemblages and monocultures of the diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia dolorosa and the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis in the dark. Over 6 months, macronutrients (phosphate, silicic acid, nitrate + nitrite, nitrite, ammonium), chlorophyll‐a, particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, and prokaryotes were monitored alongside dissolved manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). Results were compared to depth profiles to evaluate the role of regeneration in trace metal cycling. In contrast to water‐column distributions, silicic acid and phosphate were closely coupled in experiments containing diatoms, indicating a shared regeneration pathway. Nitrification and nitrifying prokaryotes were only observed near the end of a subset of the experiments. Of the trace metals, Cd was most tightly coupled with phosphate. Regeneration of Mn was followed by rapid drawdown, consistent with Mn‐oxide formation. Iron (Fe), Cu, and Pb typically remained low until Mn was depleted, suggesting either scavenging to Mn‐oxides or otherwise delayed regeneration of these elements. Cobalt (Co) and Ni were largely conservative, but behaved like nutrients in the experiment using more offshore water low in Cd and Zn. Although experimental conditions were limited in their representation of the water column, these incubations provide novel insight into macronutrient and trace metal regeneration in the oceans.
Mechanochromic Polymers Based on Microencapsulated Solvatochromic Dyes
Authors: Calvino Céline , Henriet Emma , Muff Livius F. , Schrettl Stephen , Weder Christoph
Published: March 2020

The development of polymers with built‐in sensors that provide readily perceptible optical warning signs of mechanical events has received considerable interest. A simple and versatile concept to bestow polymers with mechanochromic behavior is the incorporation of dye‐filled microcapsules. Such capsules release their cargo when their shell is damaged, and the dye is subsequently activated through a chemical or physical change that causes a chromogenic response. Here, we report the preparation of fluorescent poly(urea‐formaldehyde) microcapsules containing solutions of a solvatochromic cyanostilbene dye and their integration in different polymers. When objects made from such composites are damaged, the dye solution is released from the containers, diffuses into the matrix, and the solvent evaporates. As a result, the polarity around the dye molecules changes, and this leads to a change of the fluorescence color. Alternatively, the dye is blended into the polymer matrix, microcapsules are loaded with a solvent, and the release of the latter triggers the color change. Both mechanisms afford ratiometric signals because the capsules that remain intact or dye molecules that are not exposed to the solvent can be used as a built‐in reference; therefore, a quantitative assessment of the damage inflicted on the material is a priori possible.
PYCR1 knockdown inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion by affecting JAK/STAT signaling pathway in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gao Yawen , Luo Lihua , Xie Yangchun , Zhao Yu , Yao Jie , Liu Xianling
Published: March 2020

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), as a form of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is the most frequently diagnosed lung cancer worldwide. To date, a few biomarkers have been reported to provide valuable information in guiding LUAD treatment. The aim of our study was to explore the functional role of pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) in LUAD. Based on Oncomine database, we found that PYCR1 was highly expressed in LUAD tissues. We also confirmed an abnormal increase of PYCR1 expression in LUAD cell lines and patients' tissues. Through Kaplan‐Meier plotter database, we further studied the prognostic values of PYCR1. The outcomes indicated that overexpressed PYCR1 associated with poor prognosis among LUAD patients. To further study the function of PYCR1 in LUAD, cell counting kit‐8, colony‐forming, scratch wound healing, and Transwell assays were conducted. The results suggested that knockdown of PYCR1 curbed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in LUAD cell lines. Subsequently, we identified 50 top genes positively and negatively correlated with PYCR1 in LUAD, and conducted biological pathway enrichment analysis of these genes. Among those enriched pathways, we selected JAK/STAT signaling pathway for further analysis. The results of Western blot assays revealed that PYCR1 knockdown significantly increased the expression of Bcl‐2 and c‐Myc, and the phosphorylation level of JAK2 and STAT3. Taken together, this study unearthed that PYCR1 knockdown could inhibit tumor growth and affect the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in LUAD. This study may contribute to a better understanding of PYCR1 in LUAD and provide a potential biomarker for cancer prognosis.
AANEM survey of training in electrodiagnostic medicine in U.S. residency programs
Authors: Donofrio Peter D. , Govindarajan Raghav
Published: March 2020

Background

Little literature exists describing resident training in peripheral electrodiagnosis (EDX).

Methods

U.S. residency programs in neurology and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) were surveyed by the AANEM (American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine) on specific features of EDX training.

Results

Ninety‐seven programs responded to the survey. Training duration was 4–8 weeks in most neurology programs; training averaged 22 weeks in PM&R programs. EDX experience was required in all PM&R and in 90% of neurology programs. Results varied greatly for the residency years of training, pulling of residents for other responsibilities, participation in continuity clinics, number of teaching physicians, number of needle examinations performed, organization of nerve conduction training, written/oral examinations, muscle/nerve biopsy reviews, and training materials.

Conclusions

This survey demonstrated large variability in training of neurology and PM&R residents in peripheral EDX.
Small‐fiber neuropathy associated with autoinflammatory syndromes in children and adolescents
Authors: Shinkarevsky Fleitman Iris , Nevo Yoram , Harel Liora , Amarilyo Gil , Dori Amir , Agmon‐Levin Nancy , Kachko Ludmyla , Zaks Hoffer Gal , Dabby Ron , Rabie Malcolm , Aharoni Sharon
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Small‐fiber neuropathy is rare in children. It has been associated with several autoimmune disorders, but there are no reports of an autoinflammatory etiology.

Methods

The data of four children/adolescents presenting with erythromelalgia and neuropathic pain from 2014 to 2019 were collected retrospectively from the electronic database of a pediatric medical center.

Results

Results of clinical and/or electrophysiological evaluation excluded large nerve fiber involvement. Skin biopsy results confirmed small‐fiber neuropathy. According to genetic analysis, two patients were heterozygous and one was homozygous for mutations in the familial Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene. Behcet disease was diagnosed in the fourth patient. Treatment with anti–interleukin‐1 agents, intravenous immunoglobulin, and glucocorticoids was beneficial.

Discussion

The diagnosis of small‐fiber neuropathy should be considered in children/adolescents presenting with erythromelalgia. A thorough investigation is required to reveal the underlying disorder. Clinicians should be alert to the peripheral neurological manifestations of autoinflammatory syndromes because effective treatments are available.
Quality of electrodiagnostic testing for carpal tunnel syndrome: adherence to quality measures
Authors: Aragaki Dixie , Basu Aashna , Conlon Craig , Shetty, MD, MS Kanaka D. , Robbins Michael , Benner Douglas , Nuckols Teryl K.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Research has shown that quality of health‐care services is often suboptimal. Little is known about the quality of electrodiagnostic testing.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 477 adults with workers' compensation claims for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) from 30 occupational health clinics and evaluated whether electrodiagnostic testing adhered to five process‐oriented quality measures.

Results

Among patients who had surgery for CTS, nearly all underwent recommended preoperative electrodiagnostic testing (measure #1, 170 of 174, 97.7%). Most electrodiagnostic tests included essential components (measure #2, 295 of 379, 77.8%). However, few reports documented skin temperature (measure #3, 93 of 379, 24.5%) and criteria were seldom met for interpreting test findings as consistent with CTS (measure #4, 41 of 284, 14.4%) or “severe” CTS (measure #5, 8 of 46, 17.4%).

Discussion

Most patients underwent testing before surgery, but test quality was often suboptimal. This work lays the groundwork for future efforts to monitor and improve the quality of electrodiagnostic testing for CTS.
Purchase and retrieval competition for seasonal produce
Authors: Zhang Jian , He Shuang , Zhang Juliang , Cheng T. C. Edwin
Published: March 2020

We study the competition problem of purchase and multiretrieval of perishable seasonal produce, where wholesalers purchase and stock their products in the first period, and then retrieve and sell them in subsequent periods. We first consider the duopoly case and assume that the prices are exogenous and fluctuate. In each period, after the price realization, the wholesalers retrieve some stock from their warehouses to satisfy their demands. One wholesaler's unsatisfied customers can switch to another and be satisfied by its left retrieved products. Any unsold retrieved stock has no salvage value and any unsatisfied demand is lost. The unretrieved stock is carried to the next period at a perishable rate. The wholesalers compete for the substitute demand by determining their own purchase and retrieval quantities. We show the existence and uniqueness of a pure‐strategy Nash equilibrium, and that the Nash equilibrium strategy has the simple “sell‐down‐to” structure. We also consider the general N‐person game and show the existence of the Nash equilibrium, and characterize the structure of the equilibrium strategy for the symmetric case. In addition, we consider the case with endogenous prices, and show that the problem reduces to a repeated newsvendor game with price and inventory competition. We derive the conditions under which a unique Nash equilibrium exists and characterize the equilibrium strategy. Finally, we conduct numerical studies to examine the impacts of the model parameters on the equilibrium outcomes and to generate managerial insights.
“Chlorine Sweeps” Save Time, Money in Hunt for Closed Valves
Authors: Nebgen Wesley , Lavake Thomas , Klidies Jennifer
Published: March 2020

Utility staff in Corpus Christi, Texas, developed a method to identify unexpectedly closed valves that affect water quality. By analyzing changes in chlorine residuals from selected hydrants and mapping the data, staff can verify the valves’ position and open them, improving quality and system hydraulics.
TPU/PLA nanocomposites with improved mechanical and shape memory properties fabricated via phase morphology control and incorporation of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes nanofillers
Authors: Guo Yi , Yan Lei , Zeng Zhu , Chen Lin , Ma Mingxue , Luo Rui , Bian Jun , Lin Hailan , Chen Daiqiang
Published: March 2020

Shape memory polymer nanocomposites based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/polylactic acid (PLA) blends filled with pristine multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and modified MWCNTs─COOH were fabricated by direct melt blending technique and investigated for its morphology, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and shape memory properties. Morphological characterizations by using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) revealed better dispersion of MWCNTs─COOH in the polymer blend, which is attributed to the improved interfacial interactions between the polymer blends and MWCNTs‐COOH. Loading of the MWCNTs‐COOH in the TPU/PLA blends resulted in the significant improvements in the mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elastic modulus and these effects are more pronounced on increasing the MWCNTs─COOH loading amount, when compared to the pristine MWCNTs filled system. Thermal analysis showed that the glass transition temperature of the blends increases slightly with increasing loading of both pristine and modified MWCNTs in the system. The resistance of nanocomposites decreased from 2 × 1012 Ω to 3.2 × 1010 Ω after adding 3% MWCNTs─COOH. The shape memory performance tests showed that the enhancement of shape recovery by 252% could be achieved at 3% MWCNTs loading, when compared to that of TPU/PLA blends.
“They can even make waiting in line fun”: A quantitative content analysis of autistic children's friendship conceptualizations
Authors: Malloy Caitlin , Cuda Josephine , Kim So Yoon , Bottema‐Beutel Kristen
Published: March 2020

We explored third‐ to fifth‐grade children's friendship concepts in 20 autistic and 21 nonautistic students matched for mental age. Transcripts of semi‐structured interviews were coded for definitions of friendship, friendship expectations, and friendship transgressions (i. e., violations of friendship expectations), and subjected to quantitative content analysis. Findings demonstrated that children's definitions of friendship were largely aligned with their views on friendship expectations and transgressions. Kindness was significantly less salient to autistic children's definitions of friendship than for their nonautistic peers; otherwise, the two groups showed conceptualizations of friendship that were quite similar. Findings have implications for practitioners and researchers seeking to support autistic children's friendship experiences and bring to light important considerations for researchers seeking to better understand autistic friendship experiences.
Mesomorphic properties of linear and branched new triphenylene‐based poly(ester‐ether)s
Authors: Suburu Matias E. G. , Cecchi Florencia , D'Accorso Norma , Cukiernik Fabio Daniel
Published: March 2020

A series of main chain discotic liquid crystal polymers, synthesized following a new approach based on the incorporation of triphenylene units in both comonomers, show ordered columnar mesophases in a very wide thermal range, including room temperature. The introduction of branching points based on the same kind of triphenylene units increases their thermal range and gives rise to glassy low‐temperature phases. Room temperature extrusion of these polymers yields fibers with molecules oriented perpendicular to the mechanical stress, and an orientational order parameter close to 0.5, which slightly increases for branched polymers.
Clinical and CT features in pediatric patients with COVID‐19 infection: Different points from adults
Authors: Xia Wei , Shao Jianbo , Guo Yu , Peng Xuehua , Li Zhen , Hu Daoyu
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To discuss the different characteristics of clinical, laboratory, and chest computed tomography (CT) in pediatric patients from adults with 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) infection.

Methods

The clinical, laboratory, and chest CT features of 20 pediatric inpatients with COVID‐19 infection confirmed by pharyngeal swab COVID‐19 nucleic acid test were retrospectively analyzed during 23 January and 8 February 2020. The clinical and laboratory information was obtained from inpatient records. All the patients were undergone chest CT in our hospital.

Results

Thirteen pediatric patients (13/20, 65%) had an identified history of close contact with COVID‐19 diagnosed family members. Fever (12/20, 60%) and cough (13/20, 65%) were the most common symptoms. For laboratory findings, procalcitonin elevation (16/20, 80%) should be pay attention to, which is not common in adults. Coinfection (8/20, 40%) is common in pediatric patients. A total of 6 patients presented with unilateral pulmonary lesions (6/20, 30%), 10 with bilateral pulmonary lesions (10/20, 50%), and 4 cases showed no abnormality on chest CT (4/20, 20%). Consolidation with surrounding halo sign was observed in 10 patients (10/20, 50%), ground‐glass opacities were observed in 12 patients (12/20, 60%), fine mesh shadow was observed in 4 patients (4/20, 20%), and tiny nodules were observed in 3 patients (3/20, 15%).

Conclusion

Procalcitonin elevation and consolidation with surrounding halo signs were common in pediatric patients which were different from adults. It is suggested that underlying coinfection may be more common in pediatrics, and the consolidation with surrounding halo sign which is considered as a typical sign in pediatric patients.
Study of TATP: Impact of TATP Sublimation on the Content of Residual Acid in TATP Crystals and on TATP's Properties
Authors: Matyáš Robert , Chýlková Jaromíra
Published: March 2020

The impact of four inorganic acids (hydrochloric, sulfuric, nitric and perchloric) and six organic acids (formic, acetic, citric, tartaric, oxalic and ascorbic) on the acid concentration in raw TATP crystals and the behavior of TATP during heating have been studied. The residual acid content in solid TATP depends on the type of acid and on its concentration in the reaction mixture. Increasing the concentration of acid in the reaction mixture leads to a higher acid content in TATP crystals. Sublimation of TATP during storage also has a significant impact on the acid concentration in TATP crystals. Sublimation of TATP gradually increases the content of non‐volatile acid in TATP crystals (sulfuric and solid organic acids) while the content of volatile acids (hydrochloric, nitric) does not significantly change during TATP sublimation. The increasing sulfuric acid content in TATP crystals during sublimation decreases thermal stability of TATP and the start of TATP decomposition was observed even at 45 °C. The concentration of volatile hydrochloric and nitric acids does not change significantly in TATP crystals during sublimation and, therefore, the sublimation process does not have an impact on TATP's thermal stability in these cases.
The “PSIMT” model for emergency supplies process management: A case study of Shanghai Chemical Industry Park
Authors: Kong Shengli , Jia Yin , Ding Wensheng
Published: March 2020

After the emergency occurred, emergency supplies are an important guarantee for the emergency response activities in chemical park. Rapid procurement and rational transfer of emergency supplies are the key to improve the efficiency of emergency response. Based on the construction needs and development trends of the “smart park” concept, an integrated process of emergency supplies management is proposed in this article. It covers all aspects of emergency supply, such as procurement, storage, inspection, maintenance, and transshipment. Meanwhile, taking Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP) as a case, an Emergency Supply Reserve Management System (ESRMS) is puts forward according to the current management model of the park. In order to realize dynamic management, maintenance, procurement, transshipment, and other functions the software platform is developed. According to the research results, the role of supplies in emergency response activities was systematically expounded, which strengthened the central position of Emergency Response Center (ERC) of chemical park. It can provide some reference for the management of similar chemical parks.
Resistance of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to spinetoram: inheritance and cross‐resistance to spinosad
Authors: Lira Ewerton C , Bolzan Anderson , Nascimento Antonio RB , Amaral Fernando SA , Kanno Rubens H , Kaiser Ingrid S , Omoto Celso
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

The use of spinosyn insecticides is one of the major control strategies of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) in Brazil. In this study, we selected a spinetoram‐resistant strain from a field‐population of S. frugiperda to characterize the inheritance of the resistance and cross‐resistance relationship between spinosyn insecticides.

RESULTS

The values of LC50 (95% CI) obtained from concentration–response bioassays were 0.63 (0.55–0.73) μg spinetoram mL−1 for the susceptible strain (SUS), and 1170.96 (1041.61–1323.89) μg spinetoram mL−1 for the strain resistant to spinetoram (SPT‐R). These values resulted in a resistance ratio of 1844‐fold. The SPT‐R strain showed cross‐resistance with spinosad (resistance ratio = 1196‐fold). The reciprocal crosses showed LC50 values of 3.91 (2.97–5.84) and 5.37 (4.52–6.52) μg spinetoram mL−1, suggesting that the resistance of S. frugiperda to spinetoram is autosomal and incompletely recessive. The backcrosses of the F1 progeny with the SPT‐R strain suggest a resistance with polygenic effect. Estimates of the effective number of loci with equal contributions to the resistance effect were from 1.18 to 1.76, suggesting that resistance to spinetoram is associated with a few genes.

CONCLUSION

The inheritance pattern of resistance of S. frugiperda to spinetoram was characterized as autosomal, incompletely recessive and polygenic. Cross‐resistance between spinosyns was confirmed in S. frugiperda. The importance of this information for implementing insect resistance management strategies is discussed in this paper. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Virial relations in density embedding
Authors: Jiang Kaili , Mosquera Martín A. , Oueis Yan , Wasserman Adam
Published: March 2020

The accuracy of charge‐transfer excitation energies, solvatochromic shifts, and other environmental effects calculated via various density‐embedding techniques depend critically on the approximations employed for the nonadditive noninteracting kinetic energy functional, . Approximating this functional remains an important challenge in electronic‐structure theory. To assist in the development and testing of approximations for , we derive two virial relations for fragments in molecules. These establish separate connections between the nonadditive kinetic energies of the noninteracting and interacting systems of electrons, and quantities such as the electron‐nuclear attraction forces, the partition (or embedding) energy and potential, and the Kohn‐Sham potentials of the system and its parts. We numerically verify both relations on diatomic molecules.
A case of primary pleural synovial sarcoma with endobronchial recurrence
Authors: Wan Jen Lye , Lam Yoke Fong , Foong Kit Weng , Abdul Ghani Norsalwa , Lachmanan Kumaresh
Published: March 2020

Primary pleural synovial sarcoma (PPSS) is an extremely rare malignancy without a known cause. The diagnosis is made after excluding metastasis from an extra‐thoracic sarcoma. We report a case of a 67‐year‐old gentleman who presented with an incidental finding of a left lung mass on a routine chest X‐ray. A computed tomography (CT) of the thorax and whole‐body positron emission tomography (PET)‐CT was done confirming a left lung mass with no other extra‐thoracic involvement. A lobectomy was performed with a diagnostic and therapeutic intent. The histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry study revealed a pleural‐based tumour with features suggestive of synovial sarcoma. Subsequently, he underwent post‐operative radiotherapy. However, three months later, he developed an endobronchial recurrence, complicated by post‐obstructive pneumonia resulting in his demise. This case highlights a rare form of malignancy with a rare site of recurrence.
Status monitoring of ion sputter relevant parameters of an XPS depth profiling instrument
Authors: Scheithauer Uwe
Published: March 2020

An X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) instrument is utilized for sputter depth profiling of thin films. Relevant instrumental parameters are the ion gun sputter rate, the contamination level of the sputter ion gun, and the purity of the sputter ion gun gas supply as well as the vacuum quality of the instrument at the sample position. A long‐term recording of these instrumental parameters ensures the reliability of the measured depth profile data.

The ion gun sputter rate was estimated using the standard ISO conform depth profiling of a SiO2 reference layer of known thickness. Two new procedures are developed to determine the other relevant parameters. Gases that are emitted by the ion sputter gun get implanted into a Si target. An analysis of the implanted gases allows judging on the contamination level of the sputter gun and the purity of the sputter gun gas supply. The vacuum condition of an XPS microprobe at the sample position is monitored by the recontamination of a sputtered Ti surface by adsorbed residual gas particles.
Ultrasound Promoted Oxamate Synthesis: A Chemoselective and Direct Approach from Amines
Authors: Rathi Jyoti Omprakash , Shankarling Ganapati Subray
Published: March 2020

Ultrasound (US) assisted, catalyst and oxidant free, chemoselective protocol for the synthesis of diverse oxamates from oxalic acid and amines with alcohol is demonstrated efficiently. In situ formation of the corresponding esters from oxalic acid and alcohols reacts with amines and augments the formation of desired oxamates in remarkable yields under the employed reaction conditions. This protocol is amine‐selective, can tolerate other functional groups and also applicable for gram‐scale synthesis. When compared with conventional (NUS) method, the US method is found to be more superior in terms of reaction time and total energy consumption (84‐87% of energy is saved). The synthesized products are well characterized by 1H, 13C, and IR spectroscopic techniques.
Microwave‐Assisted/Pd‐Catalyzed Domino Synthesis of 2,3,4‐Triiodoanisole from 3‐Anisic Acid: A Superior Substrate for Regioselective Synthesis of 2,3‐Diiodobiphenyls
Authors: Al‐Zoubi Raed M. , Al‐Jammal Walid K. , McDonald Robert
Published: March 2020

An efficient, clean and versatile strategy for the synthesis of 2,3,4‐triiodoanisole via one‐pot microwave‐assisted/Pd‐catalyzed domino C‐H iodination/ipso‐iododecarboxylation of 3‐anisic acid is presented. Significantly, the product is crystalline and bench stable solid which can be performed in good isolated yield. This report described a protocol for the first synthesis of hitherto unknown 2,3,4‐triiodoanisole that is catalytic, clean and scalable. Remarkably, the Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions on the later compound were also demonstrated as a precursor providing 2,3‐diiodo‐4‐methoxybiphenyl and iodinated terphenyl derivatives in good yields and in excellent site‐selectivity.
Confined Bubble‐Propelled Microswimmers in Capillaries: Wall Effect, Fuel Deprivation, and Exhaust Product Excess
Authors: Khezri Bahareh , Novotný Filip , Moo James Guo Sheng , Nasir Muhammad Zafir Mohamad , Pumera Martin
Published: March 2020

Self‐propelled autonomous nano/microswimmers are at the forefront of materials science. These swimmers are expected to operate in highly confined environments, such as between the grains of soil or in the capillaries of the human organism. To date, little attention is paid to the problem that in such a confined environment the fuel powering catalytic nano/microswimmers can be exhausted quickly and the space can be polluted with the product of the catalytic reaction. In addition, the motion of the nano/microswimmers may be influenced by the confinement. These issues are addressed here, showing the influence of the size of the capillary and length of the micromotor on the motion and the influence of the depletion of the fuel and excess of the exhaust products. Theoretical modeling is provided as well to bring further insight into the observations. This article shows challenges that these systems face and stimulates research to overcome them.
Vorgespannte Schraubverbindungen aus nichtrostendem Stahl
Authors: Stranghöner Natalie , Jungbluth Dominik , Afzali Nariman , Abraham Christoph
Published: March 2020

Die Verwendung von vorgespannten Schraubverbindungen aus nichtrostendem Stahl ist in vielen Sonderfällen aus Gründen der Gebrauchstauglichkeit oder der Tragfähigkeit wünschenswert, z. B. beim Einsatz in besonders korrosiver Umgebung oder in Konstruktionen aus nichtrostendem Stahl. Die Verwendung von Schraubengarnituren aus nichtrostendem Stahl ist jedoch aus mehreren Gründen durch DIN EN 1090‐2 auf nicht vorgespannte Verbindungen beschränkt. Ressentiments bestehen nach wie vor gegenüber dem Einsatz in vorgespannten Verbindungen aufgrund befürchteter hoher Vorspannkraftverluste sowie der Problematik des Kaltverschweißens (Fressen). Darüber hinaus existieren am Markt derzeit keine Garnituren analog zur Normenreihe DIN EN 14399, welche seitens des Herstellers auf die Eignung zum Vorspannen geprüft werden und auch eine entsprechende kalibrierte Schmierung aufweisen. DIN EN 14399‐1 ist zudem auf den Einsatz von Schrauben aus Kohlenstoffstahl beschränkt, sodass auch hier normativ eine Verfahrensprüfung für den Einsatz durchzuführen ist. Der vorgestellte Beitrag soll einen Einblick in die Möglichkeiten der Verwendung von Schraubverbindungen aus nichtrostendem Stahl in vorgespannten Verbindungen im Allgemeinen und in gleitfesten Verbindungen im Speziellen geben. Ferner wird dem Anwender eine Hilfestellung und ein Leitfaden für das Vorgehen innerhalb einer Verfahrensprüfung durch die „Bolt Tightening Qualification Procedure“ (BTQP) als Ergänzung zu den Regelungen der DASt‐Richtlinie 024 gegeben.
Indikation, Prozedere und Outcome der präklinischen Notfallthorakotomie – eine systematische Literaturrecherche
Authors: Schimrigk J. , Baulig C. , Buschmann C. , Ehlers J. , Kleber C. , Knippschild S. , Leidel B. A. , Malysch T. , Steinhausen E. , Dahmen J.
Published: March 2020

Hintergrund

Die präklinische Notfallthorakotomie („prehospital resuscitative thoracotomy“,PHRT) ist eine von den aktuellen Reanimationsleitlinien des European Resuscitation Council (ERC) empfohlene, kontrovers diskutierte Maßnahme zur Akutbehandlung des traumatischen Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstands („traumatic cardiac arrest“, TCA). Ziel dieser Arbeit ist das vollständige Abbilden und Zusammenfassen der vorhandenen Literatur mit der zugrunde liegenden Hypothese, dass vorhandene Publikationen die Machbarkeit und das Überleben nach PHRT bei Patienten mit TCA mit gutem neurologischen Outcome zeigen.

Methode

Es erfolgte eine systematische Literaturrecherche in den DatenbankenPubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, SpringerLink und Cochrane. Die Studienauswahl, Datenextraktion und Bewertung des Verzerrungspotenzials wurden unabhängig von 2 Autoren durchgeführt. Als primärer Endpunkt wurde das Outcome der Patienten mit TCA nach präklinischer Notfallthorakotomie gewählt.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 4616 Publikationen gesichtet, 21 Veröffentlichungen mit insgesamt 287 Patienten konnten eingeschlossen werden. Für eine detaillierte deskriptive Analyse eigneten sich 15 Publikationen mit insgesamt 205 Patienten. Der TCA dieser Patienten war am häufigsten durch eine Perikardtamponade, thorakale Gefäßverletzungen und schwere extrathorakale Mehrfachverletzungen verursacht. In 24 % der Fälle trat ein TCA im Beisein des Notarztes auf. Die „Clamshell“-Thorakotomie (53 %) wurde präklinisch häufiger als die anterolaterale Thorakotomie (47 %) angewandt. 12 % (25/205) der PHRT-Patienten nach TCA verließen lebend das Krankenhaus, 9 % (n = 19/205) mit gutem und 1 % (n = 3/205) mit schlechtem neurologischen Outcome (nach Glasgow Outcome Scale, GOS).

Schlussfolgerung

Die Prognose des TCA scheint deutlich besser zu sein als lange angenommen. Maßgeblich für den Erfolg von Reanimationsbemühungen beim TCA scheint die unverzügliche, teils invasive Therapie aller reversiblen Ursachen zu sein. Die von der ERC-Reanimationsleitlinien für den TCA empfohlenen Maßnahmen scheinen insbesondere für die Präklinik bisher unzureichend umgesetzt. Eine besondere Kontroverse hinsichtlich der Empfehlungen der Leitlinie besteht zur Frage, ob eine PHRT erfolgreich angewandt werden kann und deren flächendeckende Einführung in Deutschland sinnvoll erscheint. Die vorliegende systematische Übersichtsarbeit unterstreicht trotz Leitlinienempfehlung den Mangel an hochwertiger Evidenz zur PHRT, wobei eine Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeit bis zur Entlassung aus dem Krankenhaus von 12 %, in 75 % davon mit gutem neurologischen Outcome berichtet wird. Das Verzerrungspotenzial der Ergebnisse der einzelnen Publikationen sowie auch dieses Reviews ist hoch. Weitere systematische Forschung im Bereich der präklinischen Traumareanimation ist insbesondere auch zur Akzeptanz der Leitlinienvorgaben erforderlich.
Correction to: Methodology to estimate ionospheric scintillation risk maps and their contribution to position dilution of precision on the ground
Authors: Koulouri Alexandra , Smith Nathan D. , Vani Bruno C. , Rimpiläinen Ville , Astin Ivan , Forte Biagio
Published: March 2020

Correction to: Journal of Geodesy (2020) 94:22
A revalidation and critique of assumptions about urinary sample collection methods, specimen quality and contamination
Authors: Collins Linda , Sathiananthamoorthy Sanchutha , Rohn Jennifer , Malone-Lee James
Published: March 2020

Introduction and hypothesis

Midstream urine (MSU) is key in assessing lower urinary tract syndrome (LUTS), but contingent on some assumptions. The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of contamination and the quality of substrates obtained from four different collections: MSU, catheter specimen urine (CSU), a commercial MSU collecting device (Peezy) and a natural void. Contamination was quantified by differential, uroplakin-positive, urothelial cell counts.

Methods

This was a single blind, crossover study conducted in two phases. First, we compared the MSU with CSU using urine culture, pyuria counts and differential counting of epithelial cells after immunofluorescence staining for uroplakin III (UP3). Second, we compared the three non-invasive (MSU, Peezy MSU™, natural void) methods using UP3 antibody staining only.

Results

The natural void was best at collecting bladder urinary sediment, with the majority of epithelial cells present derived from the urinary tract. CSU sampling missed much of the urinary sediment and showed sparse culture results. Finally, the MSU collection methods did not capture much of the bladder sediment.

Conclusion

We found little evidence for contamination with the four methods. Natural void was the best method for harvesting shed urothelial cells and white blood cells. It provides a richer sample of the inflammatory exudate, including parasitised urothelial cells and the microbial substrate. However, if the midstream sample is believed to be important, the MSU collection device is advantageous.
Aggregation shapes of amphiphilic ring polymers: from spherical to toroidal micelles
Authors: Jehser Martin , Likos Christos N.
Published: March 2020

The self-assembly of Janus ring polymers is studied via a coarse-grained molecular dynamics employing a bead spring model including bending rigidity contributions to the Hamiltonian. We examine the formation and the morphology of amphiphilicity-driven clusters in the system using the number density ρN, the temperature T, the fraction of solvophobic monomers α, and the stiffness of the polymer rings κ as control parameters. We present a quantitative analysis of several characteristics for the formed clusters of Janus rings. Measured quantities include the distribution of the cluster size MC and the shape of the clusters in the form of the prolate/oblate factor Q and shape factors sf. We demonstrate Janus rings form polymorphic micelles that vary from a spherical shape, akin to that known for linear block copolymers, to a novel type of toroidal shape, and we highlight the role played by the key physical parameters leading to the stabilization of such structures.
Laparoscopic management of type II Mirizzi syndrome
Authors: Senra Fátima , Navaratne Lalin , Acosta Asunción , Martínez-Isla Alberto
Published: March 2020

Background

Mirizzi syndrome is an uncommon complication of longstanding gallstone disease. Pre-operative diagnosis is challenging, and to date, there is no consensus on the standard management for this condition. Until recently open cholecystectomy was the standard of care for type II Mirizzi syndrome (McSherry classification). The objective of this study was to assess the incidence and management of type II Mirizzi syndrome in patients with proven or suspected choledocholithiasis undergoing laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration and present our experience in the laparoscopic management of this rare condition over the last 21 years.

Methods

Prospective data collection of eleven cases of type II Mirizzi syndrome amongst a series of 425 laparoscopic bile duct explorations was performed between 1998 and 2019. Demographic, clinical, diagnostic, intra-operative, and post-operative data were recorded.

Results

The incidence of type II Mirizzi syndrome was 2.6% in 425 laparoscopic CBD explorations. All operations were completed laparoscopically with closure of the defect over a decompressed CBD (T-tube n = 3, antegrade stent n = 5, transcystic drain n = 2), and in one case a non-drained duct was closed with Endoloop. Stone clearance rate was 100% (11 cases). In two patients the transinfundibular approach was used in conjunction with holmium laser lithotripsy to enable choledochoscopy and successful stone clearance. Three patients were complicated in the post-operative period with bile leak (n = 2) and lower respiratory tract infection (n = 1). An incidental gallbladder carcinoma was found in one patient.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic management of type II Mirizzi syndrome is feasible and safe when performed by experienced laparoscopic foregut surgeons. Laparoscopy and choledochoscopy can be combined with novel approaches and techniques to increase the likelihood of treatment success.
New indices for assessing changes in seasons and in timing characteristics of air temperature
Authors: Hekmatzadeh Ali Akbar , Kaboli Sadegh , Torabi Haghighi Ali
Published: March 2020

Previous studies examining climate change and changes in the timing of seasons have used a fixed temperature threshold for season onset. In this study, the timing of seasons was determined using non-fixed threshold methods. Twelve new timing indices were defined to account for shifts in seasons and season onset day, thermal centroid day, and length. The Mann-Kendall test, Theil-Sen’s slope estimator, sequential Mann-Kendall test, and least square linear regression were used to assess trends. The timing indices were examined using data from two meteorological stations in Iran with 50 years of records. Spatio-temporal variations in each index over 30 years (1987–2016) were then determined for Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran. Trend analysis for several indices indicated that the timing of seasons had probably changed in the south and west of the study area, while mountainous regions showed non-significant trends. Based on the hottest and coldest 90-day periods (summer and winter, respectively), during the three decades studied, spring lengthened by 5–10 days/decade in the plain region of Khuzestan province and autumn shortened by about 5–8 days/decade. The centroid of winter occurred earlier, by 2–5 days/decade, in the plains area, while the thermal centroid of summer did not change significantly. Overall, the difference between the thermal centroid of winter and summer (Cwin-sum) in the plains area significantly decreased, by 6–8 days/decade, in the 30-year period.