bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic Generation of Monodisperse Nanobubbles by Selective Gas Dissolution
Authors: Xu Jiang , Salari Alinaghi , Wang Yanjie , He Xiaolin , Kerr Liam , Darbandi Ali , de Leon Al C. , Exner Agata A. , Kolios Michael C. , Yuen Darren , Tsai Scott S. H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNanotechnology currently enables the fabrication of uniform solid nanoparticles and liquid nano‐emulsions, but not uniform gaseous nanobubbles (NBs). In this article, for the first time, a method based on microfluidics that directly produces monodisperse NBs is reported. Specifically, a two‐component gas mixture of water‐soluble nitrogen and water‐insoluble octafluoropropane as the gas phase are used in a microfluidic bubble generator. First, monodisperse microbubbles (MBs) with a classical microfluidic flow‐focusing junction is generated, then the MBs shrink down to ≈100 nm diameter, due to the dissolution of the water‐soluble components in the gas mixture. The degree of shrinkage is controlled by tuning the ratio of water‐soluble to water‐insoluble gas components. This technique maintains the monodispersity of the NBs, and enables precise control of the final NB size. It is found that the monodisperse NBs show better homogeneity than polydisperse NBs in in vitro ultrasound imaging experiments. Proof‐of‐concept in vivo kidney imaging is performed in live mice, demonstrating enhanced contrast using the monodisperse NBs. The NB monodispersity and imaging results make microfluidically generated NBs promising candidates as ultrasound contrast and molecular imaging agents.
Picture Books and Young Learners’ Reading Identities
Authors: Niland Amanda 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe International Literacy Association is a global advocacy organization, and literacy is viewed as a human right worldwide. This department highlights research and research‐to‐practice at the international level to bring global best teaching practices to the forefront. Topics may include best practices for literacy instruction in Europe or other continents/countries, partnership and collaborative projects between international schools/teachers, and advocacy.
Impact of high dietary energy on obesity and oxidative stress in domestic pigeons
Authors: Hosseinian Seyedeh Alemeh , Hasanzadeh Fereshteh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObesity is associated with increased risk of oxidative stress in humans and laboratory animals but information regarding obesity‐induced oxidative stress in birds is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of high‐energy diets (HED) on obesity and oxidative stress in domestic pigeons. Forty‐five adult clinically healthy‐domestic male pigeons were randomly assigned to three equal dietary groups including low (2,850 kcal/kg), medium (3,150 kcal/kg) and high (3,450 kcal/kg) energy diets (named low energy diet, medium‐energy diet and HED, respectively). All birds received formulated diets for 60 consecutive days. Several parameters such as feed intake, body weight (BW), average weight gain (AWG) and total weight gain were determined. Serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high‐, low‐ and very‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterols, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated at days 0, 30 and 60; and serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and cortisol were also measured at day 60. On day 60, five pigeons from each group were randomly euthanized and some parameters such as weight and relative weight of liver, breast muscle, and abdominal fat were determined. Furthermore, hepatic total fat content was also evaluated. BW, AWG, total weight, and circulating TG, TC, ALT, AST, ALP, MDA and cortisol in HED were significantly higher than other groups. Serum T‐AOC in HED was significantly lower than the other groups. In conclusion, this study showed that increasing dietary energy up to 3,450 kcal/kg in pigeons led to obesity and oxidative stress in them. Accordingly, it could be stated that HED and obesity induce oxidative stress in pigeon and controlling the dietary energy intake of pigeons is necessary to prevent oxidative stress in them.
Comparison of phytoplankton control measures in reducing cyanobacteria assemblage of reservoirs found in the arid region of Southern Africa
Authors: Sirunda Johannes , Oberholster Paul , Wolfaardt Gideon , Botes Marelize , Truter Christoff 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEcological restorations of reservoirs are implemented worldwide; however, minimal successes are reported and understood for warmer African lakes like Swakoppoort Dam, Namibia. The objectives of the study were (a) to establish the effectiveness of the two control measures in reducing cyanobacteria growths in comparison with untreated control areas and (b) to compare the results generated before and after control measures with the reference Von Bach Dam. During Phoslock® treatment, the average cyanobacteria cells and total phosphate (TP) were 90,521 cells/ml and 0.3 mg/L in the treated area and 55,338 cells/ml and 0.1 mg/L in the control area. During Solar Powered Circulation (SPC) treatment, the average cyanobacteria cells were on average 906,420 cells/ml in the treated areas and 121,891 cells/ml in the control area. The TP on average was 0.3 mg/L during SPC treatment, while during the combined treatment, the average cyanobacteria cells, TP, and total nitrogen (TN) were 18,387,226 cells/ml, 0.27 mg/L, and 2.41 mg/L before and 22,836,511 cells/ml, 0.42 mg/L, and 1.50 mg/L after treatment. This was higher compared to the reference site. PCA triplot indicates no grouping pattern, and the repeated‐measures mixed model analyses indicate that treatment had no significant effect on cyanobacteria cells. It was evident that the two control measures were ineffective in reducing cyanobacterial cells.Practitioner points

Key findings of the article:
Two phytoplankton control measures were found ineffective to reduce the cyanobacterial cell numbers.
High cell numbers of cyanobacteria were recorded at the treatment areas compared to untreated control areas during both treatments.
The combined effect of the two control measures was ineffective as more cyanobacterial cells were recorded during the treatment.
During control measure treatment, the Swakoppoort Dam was hypertrophic, which could be due to a malfunctioned WWTP upstream.
The inefficiency of the control measures could be due to small treatment area, higher nutrients, or treatment period.
The implications of the results to water/wastewater practice:
The selection of appropriate mitigation measures considering treatment area for dams with high nutrient situated in warmer arid environments.
There is a need to understand the trophic relationships, climatic conditions, and the sources of the internal and external nutrients to manage water quality.
Focus on point and non‐point sources of nutrients as the root causes of the degradation of Swakoppoort Dam water.
Variables’ classification via equivalence relations for the trophic state of a Mediterranean ecosystem
Authors: Ellina Georgia , Papaschinopoulos Garyfalos , Papadopoulos Basil K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe trophic state of an aquatic body is influenced by many biotic and abiotic factors. When lots of parameters affect a phenomenon, such as eutrophication, it is difficult to distinguish which are the ones that affect the ecosystem the most. In this paper, we propose an alternative way for data analysis, in order to avoid complex systems with many variables. For the examined Mediterranean shallow lake, the studied parameters are water temperature (°C), ammonia (NH4‐N) (mg/L), dissolved oxygen (mg/L), turbidity (NTU), pH, conductivity (mS/cm), and chlorophyll‐a (μg/L). We formed groups with the variables above based on fuzzy equivalence relations and from each group we chose the parameter influence the studied phenomenon the most. Numerical results of fuzzy linear regression showed strong agreement with the proposed method above and pH, NH4‐N, and dissolved oxygen are the variables influence this ecosystem more than the others.Practitioner points

When having many parameters in a studied ecosystem, we propose a way we can distinguish the most representative ones, the parameters that influence more the phenomenon we study each time.
Formation of groups in variables can be applied to many case studies in order to have a clear idea of our data and the relevance of each of them in our dependent one.
Fuzzy linear regression can be used in order to check the final results and ensure that the equivalence relations are a such a good method used in the data analysis while the researchers save time in long procedures of analyzing parameters not very close involved to the phenomenon investigated every time.
Characteristics of pediatric thoracic trauma: in view of before and after the establishment of a regional trauma center
Authors: Jung Pil Young , Chung Jae Sik , Youn Youngin , Kim Chang Wan , Park Il Hwan , Kim Oh Hyun , Byun Chun Sung 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Pediatric thoracic trauma differs from those of adult in terms of the small anatomy and rapid tissue recovery. Therefore, it is important to know the characteristics of the pediatric thoracic trauma to improve treatment results. In addition, this study examined the changes in pediatric thoracic trauma features and results from the establishment of a level 1 regional trauma center.

Methods
Data of 168 patients’ ≤ 15 years old diagnosed with thoracic trauma between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results
Pedestrian traffic accidents were the most common cause of chest injury. The average injury severity score was 17.1 ± 12.4 and the average pediatric trauma score was 5.6 ± 4.1. Lung contusion was the most common in 134 cases. There were 48 cases of closed thoracostomy. There was one thoracotomy for cardiac laceration, one case for extracorporeal membranous oxygenation, and six cases for embolization. Of all, 25 patients died, providing a mortality rate of 14.9%. In addition, independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality were hemopneumothorax and cardiac contusion. Since 2014, when the level 1 regional trauma center was established, more severely injured thoracic trauma patients came. However, the mortality was similar in the two periods.

Conclusions
Understanding the clinical features of pediatric thoracic trauma patients can help in efficient treatment. In addition, as the severity of pediatric thoracic trauma patients has increased due to the establishment of the regional trauma center, so pediatric trauma center should be organized in regional trauma center to improve the outcomes of pediatric thoracic trauma.
Percutaneous operative treatment of fragility fractures of the pelvis may not increase the general rate of complications compared to non-operative treatment
Authors: Gericke Laura , Fritz Annemarie , Osterhoff Georg , Josten Christoph , Pieroh Philipp , Höch Andreas 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Despite an increasing number of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) over the last 2 decades, controversy persists on their therapy with special regard to potential complications. Therefore, the present study compared the complication rates and in-hospital mortality of non-operative therapy, percutaneous treatment and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of pelvic fractures in elderly patients.

Methods
All consecutive patients treated for FFP between January 2013 and December 2017 aged 65 years or older were retrospectively identified from an institutional database. Demographic data and specific patient data were collected with a special focus on pre-existing comorbidities. General and surgical complications, hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality rates were compared.

Results
379 patients (81.3 ± 7.5 years; 81% female) were identified, 211 (55.7%) were treated non-operatively, 74 (19.5%) percutaneously and 94 (24.8%) with ORIF. The rate of general complications did not differ between treatment groups (non-operative: 21.8%; percutaneous: 28.4%; ORIF: 33.0%; p = 0.103). Surgery-related complications were twofold more frequent in the ORIF group as than in the percutaneously treated group (18.1% vs. 9.5%). The LOS differed significantly (non-operatively: 8.9 ± 7.1 days; percutaneous: 16.6 ± 8.2 days; ORIF: 19.3 ± 12.8 days; p < 0.001). Hospital mortality rate was higher in patients with ORIF (5.3%) than percutaneous treatment (0%) (p = 0.044).

Conclusions
Complication rates and hospital mortality in elderly patients with FFPs are high and associated with long LOS. For surgical treatment of FFPs, the complication rate and mortality can be significantly reduced using percutaneous procedures compared to ORIF. Therefore, percutaneous surgery should be preferred where possible.
Discovery of a major QTL for root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) resistance in cultivated sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Oloka Bonny Michael , da Silva Pereira Guilherme , Amankwaah Victor A. , Mollinari Marcelo , Pecota Kenneth V. , Yada Benard , Olukolu Bode A. , Zeng Zhao-Bang , Craig Yencho G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractKey messageUtilizing a high-density integrated genetic linkage map of hexaploid sweetpotato, we discovered a major dominant QTL for root-knot nematode (RKN) resistance and modeled its effects. This discovery is useful for development of a modern sweetpotato breeding program that utilizes marker-assisted selection and genomic selection approaches for faster genetic gain of RKN resistance.AbstractThe root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood] (RKN) causes significant storage root quality reduction and yields losses in cultivated sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]. In this study, resistance to RKN was examined in a mapping population consisting of 244 progenies derived from a cross (TB) between ‘Tanzania,’ a predominant African landrace cultivar with resistance to RKN, and ‘Beauregard,’ an RKN susceptible major cultivar in the USA. We performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using a random-effect QTL mapping model on the TB genetic map. An RKN bioassay incorporating potted cuttings of each genotype was conducted in the greenhouse and replicated five times over a period of 10 weeks. For each replication, each genotype was inoculated with ca. 20,000 RKN eggs, and root-knot galls were counted ~62 days after inoculation. Resistance to RKN in the progeny was highly skewed toward the resistant parent, exhibiting medium to high levels of resistance. We identified one major QTL on linkage group 7, dominant in nature, which explained 58.3% of the phenotypic variation in RKN counts. This work represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the genetic architecture of RKN resistance and sets the stage for future utilization of genomics-assisted breeding in sweetpotato breeding programs.
An evolutionary Haar-Rado type theorem
Authors: Rainer Rudolf , Siltakoski Jarkko , Stanin Thomas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we study variational solutions to parabolic equations of the type $$\partial _t u - \mathrm {div}_x (D_\xi f(Du)) + D_ug(x,u) = 0$$

∂
t

u
-

div
x

(

D
ξ

f

(
D
u
)

)

+

D
u

g

(
x
,
u
)

=
0

, where u attains time-independent boundary values $$u_0$$

u
0

on the parabolic boundary and f, g fulfill convexity assumptions. We establish a Haar-Rado type theorem: If the boundary values $$u_0$$

u
0

admit a modulus of continuity $$\omega $$
ω
and the estimate $$|u(x,t)-u_0(\gamma )| \le \omega (|x-\gamma |)$$

|
u

(
x
,
t
)

-

u
0

(
γ
)

|
≤
ω
(
|
x
-
γ
|
)

holds, then u admits the same modulus of continuity in the spatial variable.
Chemotherapy-induced bowel ischemia: diagnostic imaging overview
Authors: Reginelli Alfonso , Sangiovanni Angelo , Vacca Giovanna , Belfiore Maria Paola , Pignatiello Maria , Viscardi Giuseppe , Clemente Alfredo , Urraro Fabrizio , Cappabianca Salvatore 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCancer patients need multimodal therapies to treat their disease increasingly. In particular, drug treatment, as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or various associations between them are commonly used to increase efficacy. However, the use of drugs predisposes a percentage of patients to develop toxicity in multiple organs and systems. Principle chemotherapy drugs mechanism of action is cell replication inhibition, rapidly proliferating cells especially. Immunotherapy is another tumor therapy strategy based on antitumor immunity activation trough agents as CTLA4 inhibitors (ipilimumab) or PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors as nivolumab. If, on the one hand, all these agents inhibit tumor growth, on the other, they can cause various degrees toxicity in several organs, due to their specific mechanism of action. Particularly interesting are bowel toxicity, which can be clinically heterogeneous (pain, nausea, diarrhea, enterocolitis, pneumocolitis), up to severe consequences, such as ischemia, a rare occurrence. However, this event can occur both in vessels that supply intestine and in submucosa microvessels. We report drug-related intestinal vascular damage main characteristics, showing the radiological aspect of these alterations. Interpretation of imaging in oncologic patients has become progressively more complicated in the context of “target therapy” and thanks to the increasing number and types of therapies provided. Radiologists should know this variety of antiangiogenic treatments and immunotherapy regimens first because they can determine atypical features of tumor response and then also because of their eventual bowel toxicity.
Factors Affecting Patient Outcomes in Acute Appendicitis in Rural Areas: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Özkurt Enver 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe most common surgical emergency both in developed and non‐developed countries is acute appendicitis and it has a time‐dependent clinical course. In this observational cohort study, we aim to investigate the factors affecting patient outcomes in acute appendicitis at a rural hospital.MethodsThis observational cohort study was held between November 2012 and May 2014 at a rural hospital. Patients’ pre‐operative, perioperative, and post‐operative data were collected prospectively. Patients were followed‐up for 12‐months.ResultsA total of 151 patients were recorded. Factors significantly associated with complicated cases (abscess/perforation) were referral region as remote towns (OR:7.94, 95%CI [3.46–18.23]; p < 0.001), referral season as winter (OR:2.47, %95CI [1.14–5.36]; p = 0.022), pre‐operative hospital delay (OR:6.52, 95%CI [3.49–12.20]; p < 0.001), and duration of referral (OR:1.01, 95%CI [1.00–1.01]; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, only pre‐operative hospital delay remained as a significant factor (OR:5.87, 95%CI [2.85 – 12.07]; p < 0.001).Factors affecting length of hospital stay (LoHS) were referral region as remote towns (95%CI, β = 3.10 [2.28–3.93], t = 1.91; p < 0.001), abscess/perforation (95%CI, β = 4.70 [4.04–5.36], t = 14.05; p < 0.001), pre‐operative hospital delay (95%CI, β = 1.25 [0.87–1.62], t = 6.58; p < 0.001), and duration of referral (95%CI, β = 0.011 [0.01–0.14], t = 7.34; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, all four factors stayed significant. The rate of complicated appendicitis was significantly high in winter than other seasons for patients referring from remote towns (75% vs 33%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis observational cohort study is the only study specifically focused on the effect of season and region on abscess/perforation rates, LoHS, and accessibility to hospital in patients with acute appendicitis.
Agroinfiltration for transient gene expression and characterisation of fungal pathogen effectors in cool-season grain legume hosts
Authors: Debler Johannes W. , Henares Bernadette M. , Lee Robert C. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Key message
Modified pEAQ-HT-DEST1 vectors were used for agroinfiltration in legumes. We demonstrate protein expression and export in pea, lentil, and faba bean; however, the method for chickpea was not successful.

Abstract
Agroinfiltration is a valuable research method for investigating virulence and avirulence effector proteins from pathogens and pests, where heterologous effector proteins are transiently expressed in plant leaves and hypersensitive necrosis responses and other effector functions can be assessed. Nicotiana benthamiana is widely used for agroinfiltration and the characterisation of broad-spectrum effectors. The method has also been used in other plant species including field pea, but not yet developed for chickpea, lentil, or faba bean. Here, we have modified the pEAQ-HT-DEST1 vector for expression of 6 × histidine-tagged green-fluorescent protein (GFP) and the known necrosis-inducing broad-spectrum effector necrosis and ethylene-inducing peptide (Nep1)-like protein (NLP). Modified pEAQ-based vectors were adapted to encode signal peptide sequences for apoplast targeting of expressed proteins. We used confocal microscopy to assess the level of GFP expression in agroinfiltrated leaves. While at 3 days after infiltration in N. benthamiana, GFP was expressed at a relatively high level, expression in field pea and faba bean at the same time point was relatively low. In lentil, an expression level of GFP similar to field pea and faba bean at 3 days was only observed after 5 days. Chickpea leaf cells were transformed at low frequency and agroinfiltration was concluded to not be successful for chickpea. We concluded that the pEAQ vector is suitable for testing host-specific effectors in field pea, lentil, and faba bean, but low transformation efficiency limits the utility of the method for chickpea.
Analysis and Optimal Velocity Control of a Stochastic Convective Cahn–Hilliard Equation
Authors: Scarpa Luca 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA Cahn–Hilliard equation with stochastic multiplicative noise and a random convection term is considered. The model describes isothermal phase-separation occurring in a moving fluid, and accounts for the randomness appearing at the microscopic level both in the phase-separation itself and in the flow-inducing process. The call for a random component in the convection term stems naturally from applications, as the fluid’s stirring procedure is usually caused by mechanical or magnetic devices. Well-posedness of the state system is addressed, and optimisation of a standard tracking type cost with respect to the velocity control is then studied. Existence of optimal controls is proved, and the Gâteaux–Fréchet differentiability of the control-to-state map is shown. Lastly, the corresponding adjoint backward problem is analysed, and the first-order necessary conditions for optimality are derived in terms of a variational inequality involving the intrinsic adjoint variables.
Intensity pattern types in broadband Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) lasers operating beyond the ultra-stable regime
Authors: Schmidt Mark , Grill Christin , Lotz Simon , Pfeiffer Tom , Huber Robert , Jirauschek Christian 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe report on the formation of various intensity pattern types in detuned Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) lasers and identify the corresponding operating conditions. Such patterns are a result of the complex laser dynamics and serve as an ideal tool for the study of the underlying physical processes as well as for model verification. By numerical simulation we deduce that the formation of patterns is related to the spectral position of the instantaneous laser lineshape with respect to the transmission window of the swept bandpass filter. The spectral properties of the lineshape are determined by a long-term accumulation of phase-offsets, resulting in rapid high-amplitude intensity fluctuations in the time domain due to the narrow intra-cavity bandpass filter and the fast response time of the semiconductor optical amplifier gain medium. Furthermore, we present the distribution of the duration of dips in the intensity trace by running the laser in the regime in which dominantly dips form, and give insight into their evolution over a large number of roundtrips.