bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Main branch of ACN‐to‐RLN for management of laryngospasm due to unilateral vocal cord paralysis
Authors: Wang Wei , Sun Jianxiong , Tang Haihong , Gao Yingna , Chen Shicai , Li Meng , Zheng Hongliang 
Published: November 2019

Objectives/HypothesisThis study explored the feasibility and efficiency of main branch of ansa cervicalis nerve (ACN)‐to‐recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) anastomosis for management of paroxysmal laryngospasm due to unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP).MethodsThirteen patients who underwent main branch of ACN‐to‐RLN anastomosis for management of paroxysmal laryngospasm due to UVCP were enrolled in the present study. Multidimensional assessments, including videostroboscopy, voice assessment, and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG), were performed preoperatively and postoperatively.ResultsThis series was limited to UVCP with iatrogenic causes, including thyroidectomy, cervical spine surgery, and thoracic surgery. After main branch of ACN‐to‐RLN anastomosis, all cases showed significant airway improvement, and laryngospasm was completely abolished in 92.3% (12 of 13) of cases. Videostroboscopy showed that the bulging and paradoxical adduction of the affected vocal cord during a sniff were abolished immediately after operation, and there was no significant difference in vocal fold position or glottal closure before versus after the operation. LEMG showed that the postoperative recruitment and amplitude of voluntary motor unit potential in the affected thyroarytenoid muscle during a sniff were significantly decreased compared to preoperative values, and postoperative recruitment showed significant improvement during phonation compared to that preoperatively. Voice assessment showed that there were no significant differences in overall grade, roughness, breathiness, jitter (local), shimmer (local), noise‐to‐harmonics ratio, or maximum phonation time after the operation compared to the preoperative values.ConclusionsMain branch of ACN‐to‐RLN anastomosis could have long‐lasting efficacy in the management of paroxysmal laryngospasm due to UVCP, with no apparent compromise of voice quality.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:2412–2419, 2020
Agrobacterium‐mediated inoculation of asymptomatic Apple latent spherical virus as gene silencing vector in pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Xiong Ruyi , Pajak Aga , Wang Aiming , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki , Marsolais Frédéric , Todd Christopher D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractApple latent spherical virus (ALSV) has been developed into a virus‐induced gene silencing vector with a broad host range, including legumes. Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens, delivered via stem injection, we introduced ALSV vectors carrying a phytoene desaturase (PDS) sequence from Phaseolus vulgaris, resulting in highly uniform knockdown phenotypes on Pisum sativum L., 23 days postinoculation. The infection rate ranged from 7.6% to 36.3% on five different P. sativum varieties using Agrobacterium stem inoculation. Mechanical inoculation using infected pea sap improved the infection rates to 80% on P. sativum cultivar AAC Lacombe. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that ALSV virus RNA accumulated in roots, tendrils and leaves, accompanied by decreased PsPDS (Pisum sativum phytoene desaturase) expression level. ALSV virus RNA was also detected from sepals, petals, carpels, pods, and seed coats but not in embryos. This method simplifies the ALSV inoculation and improves the use of ALSV vectors for functional genomics in P. sativum.
The intestinal microbiota of lake anchovy varies according to sex, body size, and local habitat in Taihu Lake, China
Authors: Jiang Min , Xu Mengyuan , Ying Congping , Yin Denghua , Dai Pei , Yang Yanping , Ye Kun , Liu Kai 
Published: November 2019

AbstractLake anchovy (Coilia ectenes taihuensis) is a sedentary, dominant fish species that forms an unmanaged fishery in Taihu Lake, eastern China. The environment and developmental stage of lake anchovy are likely important drivers of their gut microbiome, which is linked to host health and development. To investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and three defined factors (fish sex, fish body size, and the local habitat), high‐throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was used to study the microorganisms of 184 fish samples and four water samples collected in Taihu Lake. Four dominant bacterial phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Planctomycetes, and Cyanobacteria) were present in all fish samples. We compared the microbial communities of males and females and found that the relative abundance of Corynebacteriaceae was significantly higher in males than in females, while the opposite trend was detected for Sphingomonadaceae. We also discovered that the relative abundance of Firmicutes was positively correlated with fish body size and that the proportions of Proteobacteria and Tenericutes were lower in larger fish than in fish of other sizes. Finally, we found that the difference in microbial richness between eastern and northern Taihu Lake was the most marked. Lake anchovy was rich in Lactobacillus and Clostridium in the eastern site, while those in the northern site had the highest abundance of Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium, suggesting that the local habitat may also influence the intestinal microbiome. These findings will not only help researchers understand the community composition of the intestinal microflora of lake anchovy but also contribute to the protection of fish resources in Lake Taihu and the sustainable use of lake anchovy.
A multi‐criteria decision analysis for the public distribution system of food grains in Indian Punjab: Towards decentralized food policies in developing countries
Authors: Grover Abhay K. , Chopra Shweta , Krejci Caroline C. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn 2014, the government of the state of Indian Punjab amended its existing system of public distribution of food grains by launching the “new atta‐daal (wheat‐pulses) scheme”. Instead of distributing subsidized food grains monthly to its underprivileged citizens, the state started distributing grains on a biannual basis (i.e., every 6 months). The state claims that the new system yields logistical and monetary benefits that favour the state treasury; however, beneficiaries have voiced concerns regarding grain handling and one‐time payments. To achieve a beneficial outcome for multiple stakeholders with conflicting objectives, a formal analysis of different policy alternatives is necessary. This research paper applies multi‐criteria decision analysis to evaluate alternative public grain distribution schemes for the district of Ludhiana in Indian Punjab. First, an objectives hierarchy and measures for the decision problem were developed using emergent codes from qualitative data collected via semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions, and guided conversations with 40 participants representing eight different stakeholders. Using the rank‐order method, weights were then assessed to identify the relative importance of these measures. Five feasible grain distribution policy alternatives were generated, and data describing the performance of these alternatives with respect to each measure were collected via Likert scale surveys of over 300 beneficiary households across 14 different villages (rural) and localities (urban) of Ludhiana district in Punjab. Value functions were assigned to each measure to identify the best performing alternative, and sensitivity analysis was performed to establish the robustness of the final solution. Overall, beneficiaries preferred a 6‐monthly distribution system with improvements, such as better communication and disciplined distribution.
Urological presentations of adult primary tethered cord syndrome
Authors: Son Hee Seo , Kim Jang Hwan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimsTo investigate the urological presentations of patients initially diagnosed with closed spinal dysraphism in adulthood: adult primary tethered cord syndrome (ApTCS).MethodsPatients with ApTCS who underwent subsequent untethering were studied. Urological presentations were evaluated grouped by symptom onset period of either after (group 1) or before (group 2) the completion of physical growth.ResultsOf the 43 patients, median age at diagnosis and initial untethering was 35.5 (18.4‐67.2) years. At diagnosis, 90.7% (39/43) had urological symptoms and 18.6% (8/43) initially consulted a urologist without noticeable neurological symptoms. Enuresis was observed in 16.3% (7/43) and common among patients without significant neurological symptoms (62.5%, 5/8). Urgency urinary incontinence and frequency prevailed in group 1. Stress urinary incontinence and straining to void prevailed in group 2. Among 26 patients with pre‐ and post‐operative urodynamics, detrusor overactivity predominated in group 1 and acontractile detrusor predominated in group 2. Glomerular filtration rate ≥90 mL/min/1.73m2 was noted in 86.0% (37/43) and 84.9% (73/86) of renal units were morphometrically intact. More patients in group 2 (93.3%) relied on assisted emptying than in group 1 (53.6%).ConclusionsIn ApTCS, enuresis was prevalent among patients without noticeable neurological symptoms. Over 80% in both groups had favorable renal function. Bladder conditions were different based on symptom onset period. Significantly more patients whose symptoms developed before completion of growth relied on assisted emptying. Proper discerning might be crucial in ApTCS which has a potential of misdiagnosis even in the modern developed era.
Lowering in water absorption capacity and mechanical degradation of sisal/epoxy composite by sodium bicarbonate treatment and PLA coating
Authors: Sahu Parul , Gupta M. K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn view of environmental imbalance due to numerous use of manmade fibers and plastic products, demand of natural fibers reinforced biocomposites have been increased. The products prepare by these biocomposites have been used in the various applications. However, their utilizations are not found suitable in the applications where high strength and high water resistance are required. The prime aim of the present study is to improve the water resistance capacity and mechanical performance of aged sisal biocomposites. In this context, hand lay‐up process was used to prepare the epoxy‐based biocomposites by reinforcing the surface modified sisal fibers consisted of eco‐friendly sodium bicarbonate treatment and poly (lactic acid) coating. The highest water absorption, thickness swelling, and sorption, diffusion and permeability coefficients of the fabricated sisal composites were studied. Moreover, the effect of water absorption on tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness properties of the sisal composites was also investigated. It was noticed that treated and coated sisal composite revealed the best water resistant behavior than all other the composites. This composite exhibited 30% lower water absorption capacity than that of pure sisal composite. Further, lowest degradation in mechanical properties, that is, tensile strength (3.59%), flexural strength (33.18%), and hardness (11.96%) was observed for treated and coated sisal composite.
Case study of MW‐sized power generation at St. Eustatius island combining photovoltaics, battery storage, and gensets
Authors: Garralaga Rojas Enrique , Sadri Hamed , Krueger Wiebke 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe present the design and performance results of a MW‐sized photovoltaic (PV), battery energy storage system (BESS), and diesel genset hybrid system, which has been now in operation for over 2 years. Built in two phases, the power generation of the island features a cumulated diesel genset power of 5.3 MVA, a PV system size of 4.15 MWp, and battery of 5 MVA and 5.9 MWh. The hybrid system reaches a renewable penetration over 46%, setting a milestone in the energy transition from fossil fuel towards MW‐sized renewable‐based power generation. The usage of voltage‐controlled grid‐forming inverters allows to switch off thermal power generation for 9 to 11 hours daily depending on the amount of solar irradiation and load featuring diesel savings of more than 1.7 million liters of diesel per year. During nighttime, the battery system is still active and has served already to avoid over 10 grid blackouts and automatically control the genset‐based generation. Furthermore, the hybrid system allows for substantial reduction in operational expenditures, spare parts, and maintenance intervals. The system also features a relevant impact on frequency, grid stability, and harmonics, hence increasing the power quality of the island. Thanks to appropriate system design based on experience and proprietary software, it is possible to predict the performance accurately and provide projections on savings.
Swelling Resistance and Mechanical Performance of Physical Crosslink‐Based Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Hydrogel Film with Various Molecular Weight
Authors: Ma Wenzhong , Zhang Peng , Zhao Bao , Wang Siyuan , Zhong Jing , Cao Zheng , Liu Chunlin , Gong Fanghong , Matsuyama Hideto 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTThe present work aimed to develop polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel films with physically crosslinking through controllable entanglement density of the polymer chains. The viscoelasticity of PVA aqueous solutions was investigated over a broad range in molecular weight. The chain length between the crosslinks in the hydrogel () and entanglement density was determined by the plateau modulus (G'). The value of () increased with the PVA molecular weight, which can be attributed to the enhanced entanglement associated with the hydrogen bonds between inter‐ and interchains. The melting and crystallization of the transparent PVA hydrogel films showed that the crystallinity was below 30%, which indicated that microcrystallites formed. Therefore, the entanglement effect and microcrystallization enhanced the stable crosslinked hydrogel network, which further improved by an increase in the molecular weight. Altogether, the PVA with the molecular weight higher than 88,000 g/mol can be envisioned as a promising material for preparing the hydrogel film possessing excellent performance. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1673–1683
Preparation and Combustion Performance of B/PVDF/Al Composite Microspheres
Authors: Cheng Long , Huang Chuan , Yang Yue , Li Yifan , Meng Yingyi , Li Yanchun , Chen Houhe , Song Dongming , Artiaga Ramón 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn order to solve the problems that boron nanoparticles (B NPs) are easy to agglomerate, low in combustion efficiency and difficult to ignite, 80 nm B NPs were doped with 50 nm aluminum nanoparticles (Al NPs) by electrospraying using 10 wt % PVDF as binders. The prepared B/PVDF/Al composite microspheres with diameter of 1∼5 μm were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Elemental maps confirmed the uniform distribution of B and Al NPs with the coating of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The thermal properties were tested by thermogravimetry‐differential scanning calorimetry (TG‐DSC), and the combustion process of samples in air was recorded by a high‐speed camera. The results showed that PVDF can reacted with the oxide layer on the surface of Al (Al2O3) and B (B2O3) NPs to promote the combustion and energy release of B/PVDF/Al. In addition, the thermal reactivity of B/PVDF/Al increased as the Al NPs content increases. Al NPs could reduce the ignition energy of B/PVDF/Al, allowing it to burn stably in air. A thermal reaction mechanism was proposed to explain qualitatively the four‐stage pattern of B/PVDF/Al decomposition observed in TG‐DSC curves.
In vitro metabolism of sunscreen compounds by liquid chromatography/high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Guesmi Amal , Ohlund Leanne , Sleno Lekha 
Published: November 2019

RationaleExposure to UV light can induce adverse effects on human health, such as photo‐aging, immunosuppression, and cancer. Sunscreens are used to prevent the absorption of UV rays, but certain UV‐filtering compounds have been shown to disrupt endocrine systems or act as carcinogens. To assess the effects of the exposure to such compounds, it is important to study the pathways by which they are biotransformed in the body.MethodsLiquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS/MS) was employed to evaluate the oxidative metabolism and, specifically, the formation of reactive metabolites of six active ingredients commonly used in sunscreen formulations: oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and octinoxate. In vitro incubations were performed with human and rat liver microsomes in the presence of β‐nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and glutathione. An LC/HRMS/MS method was developed to identify metabolites employing a biphenyl reversed‐phase column for separating parent molecules, metabolites, and glutathione (GSH) adducts.ResultsEach tested compound resulted in the formation of several metabolites, including at least one GSH adduct. Compounds containing ester groups were hydrolyzed, and some metabolites of the free acid forms were also detected. High‐resolution MS/MS data was crucial for the structural elucidation of metabolites and GSH adducts. Fragmentation pathways were proposed for all parent compounds, as well as each described metabolite and adduct.ConclusionsThe results of this study will help better understand the metabolism and detoxification pathways of these xenobiotics.
Interlaboratory test for stable carbon isotope analysis of dissolved inorganic carbon in geothermal fluids
Authors: Verma Mahendra P. , van Geldern Robert , Carvalho Matheus C. , Grassa Fausto , Delgado‐Huertas Antonio , Monvoisin Gaël , Carrizo Daniel 
Published: November 2019

RationaleStable carbon isotope ratios have many applications in natural sciences. In the first worldwide interlaboratory proficiency test, the discrepancies in measuredδ13CDICvalues of natural waters were up toσ = ±3‰. Therefore, we continued the investigation on the analytical data quality assurance of individual laboratories and internal consistency among laboratories worldwide.MethodsWe designed and performed an interlaboratory comparison exercise forδ13C analyses of ten water and two solid samples (Na2CO3, CaCO3), including two synthetic samples prepared by dissolving the carbonates individually. Three laboratories analyzed an additional sample set to assess solution stability, at least one month after the first set analysis period. Theδ13C values were measured using dual inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometry (DI‐IRMS) or continuous flow (CF)‐IRMS.ResultsTheδ13C values of solid Na2CO3and its aqueous solution were −5.06 ± 0.21‰ and 5.32 ± 0.24‰, respectively, while theδ13C value of solid CaCO3was −4.49 ± 0.93‰. Similarly, the lake water has a consistent value (2.45 ± 0.19‰). Theδ13C values of geothermal water have a wide dispersion among individual laboratory measurements and among those of different laboratories; however, a trend exists in theδ13C values measured at the three sampling points of each well.ConclusionsTheδ13C values of solid Na2CO3and its solution, and lake water (i.e. DIC concentration samples >100 mg/L carbon) are consistent among all the participating laboratories. The dispersion in theδ13C values of solid CaCO3is associated with its lower chemical affinity than that of Na2CO3. The poor reproducibility in theδ13C values of geothermal fluids, collected at three points of a geothermal well, despite overall consistent trends regarding their collection points suggests inadequate sample handling (atmospheric CO2exchange) and/or inappropriate analytical approaches (incomplete H3PO4acid reaction).
Strategies for Constructing Upconversion Luminescence Nanoprobes to Improve Signal Contrast
Authors: Li Zhen , Liang Tao , Wang Qirong , Liu Zhihong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractLanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) can convert two or more lower‐energy near‐infrared photons to a single photon with higher energy, which makes them particularly suitable for constructing nanoprobes with large imaging depth and minimal interference of autofluorescence and light scattering from biosamples. Furthermore, they feature excellent photostability, sharp and narrow emissions, and large anti‐Stokes shift, which confer them the capability of long‐period bioimaging and real‐time tracking. In recent years, UCNPs‐based nanoprobes (UC‐nanoprobes) have been attracting increasing interest in biological and medical research. Signal contrast, the ratio of signal intensity after and before the reaction of the probe and target, is the determinant factor of the sensitivity of all reaction‐based probes. This progress report presents the methods of constructing UC‐nanoprobes, with a focus fixed on recent strategies to improve the signal contrast, which have kept on promoting the bioapplication of this type of probe.
Enzyme‐Resistant Starch Spherulites
Authors: Ziegler Gregory R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEnzyme resistant starch spherulites have the potential to be used as time‐release matrices for the delivery of nutrients and active pharmaceutical ingredients to the lower gastrointestinal tract if their enzyme resistance can be predictably controlled. Here, the modification of resistant starch content of spherulites using amylose of varying molecular weight is demonstrated. Starch spherulites made from common corn starch amylose of DP 642 and DP 120 exhibit 24% and 34% B‐type crystallinity and 36.6% and 61.7% resistant starch content, respectively. Though fewer in number and with a tendency to clump, spherulites maintain their approximate size, shape, and birefringence after hydrolysis with α‐amylase and amyloglucosidase for up to 48 h. Enzyme digestion for 16 h caused a near doubling in dissolution enthalpy of the residue and also in enzyme resistance when the residue is digested for an additional 16 h. Atomic force microscopy reveals that the spherulites comprise a dense periphery with fine structure similar to native starch granules.
Value chain and stakeholder‐driven product platform design
Authors: Choi Sung Chun , Suh Eun Suk , Park Chan Jung 
Published: November 2019

AbstractProduct platform design and development is an arduous process that involves multiple stakeholders both inside and outside of a company. However, owing to its benefits, product platform has been widely implemented in the industry. Although numerous methodologies for product platform option generation, selection, and optimization have been proposed and demonstrated through various case studies, only a few researchers have explored and demonstrated a product platform design process that considered various value chain impacts. Herein, a value chain and stakeholder‐driven product platform design process is introduced. The process is demonstrated through a case study, where different water purifier product platform options were generated and evaluated for their effects on value chain, such as organization structure, production line configuration, economic effect, and preferences of different stakeholders.