bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative effectiveness of immune system stimulators in calves’ vaccination
Authors: Andreeva Alfia , Nikolaeva Oksana , Altynbekov Oleg , Arslanova Yulia 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe work aimed to study the comparative effectiveness of the immunostimulants "Roncoleukin" and propolis milk for increasing the nonspecific and specific resistance and immunological reactivity of calves during vaccination against salmonellosis. A study of the “Roncoleukin” effect combined with propolis milk on the biochemical, immunological, and serological parameters of calves during vaccination against salmonellosis was carried out. The objects of research were calves from birth to 2 months of age of the Simmental breed. According to the principle of analogs, they were divided into four groups (control and three experimental), six heads each. All animals at 10 days of age were vaccinated against salmonellosis. The animals of the first experimental group were injected subcutaneously with “Roncoleukin” at birth. Then “Roncoleukin” was injected during vaccination against salmonellosis. The calves of the second experimental group were drunk with propolis milk before feeding. The animals of the third experimental group were drunk with propolis milk before feeding; “Roncoleukin” was injected during vaccination. The use of “Roncoleukin” and propolis milk contributes to correcting immunological parameters and the protein spectrum of the blood during vaccination. The most pronounced changes are observed in calves of the first and third experimental groups. “Roncoleukin” and propolis milk contribute to forming an active specific immune response in calves during vaccination against salmonellosis, which is expressed in an increase in the titer of anti‐salmonella antibodies. The maximum antibody titer level was established in calves of the first and third experimental groups, three times higher than the control value.
Multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and mortality in older patients with pacemakers
Authors: Goto Toshihiko , Mori Kento , Nakayama Takafumi , Yamamoto Junki , Shintani Yasuhiro , Wakami Kazuaki , Fukuta Hidekatsu , Seo Yoshihiro , Ohte Nobuyuki 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy and its association with all‐cause mortality in older patients with pacemakers are largely unknown. We aimed to clarify the prevalence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy, and its association with all‐cause mortality in patients ≥75 years of age with pacemakers.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated 256 patients aged ≥75 years (mean age 84.0 ± 5.3 years; 45.7% male) with newly implanted pacemakers. The study endpoint was all‐cause mortality (“with events”). Multimorbidity was defined as a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of ≥5 medications.ResultsDuring the follow‐up period (median, 3.1 years), 60 all‐cause deaths were reported. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.9 ± 1.9 vs. 1.7 ± 1.7, p < .001) and prevalence of multimorbidity (56.7% vs. 26.0%, p < .001) were significantly higher in deceased patients than in survivors. The number of drugs (6.9 ± 3.0 vs. 5.9 ± 3.3, p = .03) and the prevalence of polypharmacy (78.3% vs. 63.8%, p = .04) were significantly higher in patients with events than in those without events. The event‐free survival rate was significantly higher among patients without multimorbidity than in those with multimorbidity (log‐rank, p < .001), and was also significantly higher among patients without polypharmacy than in those with polypharmacy (log‐rank, p < .001). Multimorbidity (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.85–5.58; p < .001) and polypharmacy (HR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.03–3.77; p = .04) were independent predictors of all‐cause mortality.ConclusionsMultimorbidity and its associated polypharmacy, which are common in the older population, are prevalent in patients with pacemakers and are independent predictors of poor prognosis.
Light intensity distribution in images from rigid endoscopes used in minimal access sinus surgery
Authors: Abel Eric W. , Fotiadis Nikolaos , White Paul S. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectives/HypothesisTo investigate the pattern of intensity levels in images generated by the two most commonly used rigid endoscopes angulations in sinus surgery: 0° and 30°.MethodsAn enclosed light box containing an optical square grid, under endoscope illumination set just below saturation level, was used for measuring light distribution levels across test images. Endoscopes with 0° and 30° angulations were tested at 10 mm from the grid, typical for sinus surgery. The grid was set perpendicular to the axis of the shaft of the endoscope. The grayscale light intensity (GLI) levels (0 = black, 255 = white) in each of the grid squares were quantified from the digitized images.ResultsLight intensity was highly non‐uniform for both endoscopes. The brightest area of the field of view was at the center for the 0° endoscope and at about 20% of the image diameter proximally from the center for the 30° endoscope. For the 0° endoscope with a maximum value of about 230 GLI (90% of white saturation) at the center the minimum value was about 100 GLI at the periphery. The 30° endoscope with a similar maximum GLI value of 226 had a minimum of under 50 GLI at the most distant periphery, too dark for clear grid line definition.ConclusionThere are wide variations in light intensity across the image circle and much reduced illumination of the field edge. Surgeons should be aware of this fact so that accommodation can be made when surgical manipulation is performed away from the center of the endoscope field. This is especially relevant in angled cavities such as the frontal sinus recess, where the degree of angulation necessitates “edge of field” surgery.
Finite volume method with the Soner boundary condition for computing the signed distance function on polyhedral meshes
Authors: Hahn Jooyoung , Mikula Karol , Frolkovič Peter , Basara Branislav 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA cell‐centered finite volume method with the Soner boundary condition is proposed to compute the signed distance function from a given surface in general three‐dimensional (3D) computational domains discretized by polyhedral cells. The governing equation is the bidirectional time‐relaxed eikonal equation and the proposed numerical method is based on the semi‐implicit inflow‐implicit and outflow‐explicit scheme. Numerical experiments confirm the second order accuracy in and ‐norms for chosen examples with smooth solutions. The inclusion of the Soner boundary condition has proven necessary for numerical solutions to reach the viscosity solution of the eikonal equation starting from various initial conditions in general 3D domains.
Higher order weak Galerkin methods for the Navier–Stokes equations with large Reynolds number
Authors: Zhao Wenju 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this article, we provide a class of numerical schemes to solve the steady state and non‐steady state Navier–Stokes equations with large Reynolds number. The high order weak Galerkin methods are numerically proposed and tested. We numerically find that the stabilizing term has a great impact on the robustness of the Jacobian matrices associated with the Newton's method in the procedure of solving the discrete nonlinear systems generated by weak Galerkin discretizations, especially for the case with large Reynolds number. The numerical investigations of several benchmarks are then carried out to demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of our proposed numerical methods. The errors for the Taylor–Green vortex flow are computed and compared with different weak Galerkin techniques. The lid driven flow and the flow around a cylinder are further numerically investigated and compared with existing references. The Navier–Stokes equations with large Reynolds number can be efficiently solved by the high order weak Galerkin methods with proper stabilizers.
ALADIN‐—An open‐source MATLAB toolbox for distributed non‐convex optimization
Authors: Engelmann Alexander , Jiang Yuning , Benner Henrieke , Ou Ruchuan , Houska Boris , Faulwasser Timm 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis article introduces an open‐source software for distributed and decentralized non‐convex optimization named ALADIN‐. ALADIN‐ is a MATLAB implementation of tailored variants of the Augmented Lagrangian Alternating Direction Inexact Newton (ALADIN) algorithm. It is user interface is convenient for rapid prototyping of non‐convex distributed optimization algorithms. An improved version of the recently proposed bi‐level variant of ALADIN is included enabling decentralized non‐convex optimization with reduced information exchange. A collection of examples from different applications fields including chemical engineering, robotics, and power systems underpins the potential of ALADIN‐.
Observer‐based control with enlarged domain of attraction for one‐sided Lipschitz systems subject to input saturation
Authors: Shahbazzadeh Majid , Salehifar Homa , Jalil Sadati Seyed 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis article deals with the problem of observer‐based controller (OBC) design for a class of nonlinear systems in the presence of input saturation. The nonlinearities are assumed to satisfy the one‐sided Lipschitz and the quadratically inner‐bounded conditions. Sufficient conditions for the existence of OBC are derived by Lyapunov stability theory. The designed OBC not only ensures the asymptotic stability of the overall closed‐loop system with a domain of attraction as large as possible, but also guarantees the actuator saturation avoidance. This problem is converted into a linear matrix inequality optimization problem by judicious use of Young's relation for straightforward computation of the OBC gains. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed design method is demonstrated by simulation results.
Dissection of physiological, transcriptional, and metabolic traits in two tall fescue genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance
Authors: Kang Yun , Talukder Shyamal , An Zewei , Torres‐Jerez Ivone , Krom Nick , Huhman David , Udvardi Michael , Saha Malay C. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is an important cool‐season perennial forage grass that forms mutualistic symbioses with fungal endophytes. Physiological, biochemical and transcriptional comparisons were made between two tall fescue genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance (tolerant, T400, and sensitive, S279), either with or without endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala). Drought stress was applied by withholding watering until plants reached mild, moderate and severe stresses. Physiological characterization showed that T400 had narrower, thicker leaves, and lower leaf conductance under well‐watered conditions, compared to S279. After severe drought and recovery, endophytic T400 had greater shoot and root biomass than other plant types. Under drought, leaf osmotic pressure increased much more in T400 than S279, consistent with accumulation of metabolites/osmolytes, especially proline. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis indicated that T400 had more active organic acid metabolism than S279 under drought, and implicated the role of endophyte in stimulating protein metabolism in both genotypes. Overall T400 and S279 responded to endophyte differently in aspects of physiology, gene transcription and metabolites, indicating plant genotype‐specific reactions to endophyte infection.
Selenious acid‐doped polyaniline synthesis and characterization by chemical oxidative solid‐state polymerization of aniline with SeO2 as an oxidizing agent
Authors: Perumal Manimegalai , Jesuraj Dominic , Konda Kannan Satheesh Kumar 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe current study describes a novel one‐step chemical oxidative solid‐state polymerization of aniline at room temperature using selenium dioxide. Selenium dioxide works as both oxidizing agent and dopant for the polymerization of aniline in solid‐state synthesis. The optimum polymerization conditions, such as reaction time and oxidant‐to‐monomer ratio, were investigated to synthesize selenious acid‐doped polyaniline (PANI‐SA) with high yield and conductivity. Various techniques were used to characterize the prepared PANI‐SA. The X‐ray diffraction pattern of PANI‐SA reveals that the polymer has an amorphous structure. The four‐probe method was used to measure conductivity. The conductivity increases as the oxidant mole ratio increases, but the conductivity decreases as the oxidant mole ratio increases further. Our results demonstrate that for a 24 h reaction time, an oxidant‐to‐monomer mole ratio of 1:1.5 leads to the highest conductivity of 0.488 S cm−1. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Evaluation of key parameters for developing a Metarhizium rileyi‐based biopesticide against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize: laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials
Authors: Faria Marcos , Souza Daniela Aguiar , Sanches Marcio Martinello , Schmidt Francisco Guilherme Vergolino , Oliveira Charles Martins , Benito Norton Polo , Lopes Rogerio Biaggioni 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium rileyi is known to cause natural infections in some caterpillars. In this multiyear study, we carried out laboratory, greenhouse and three field trials with the aim of developing a sustainable option for control of the fall armyworm (FAW) in maize. Association of M. rileyi with Spodoptera frugiperda baculovirus (SfMNPV) and delivery strategies were also investigated.RESULTSThe selected isolate (CG381) was effective in the laboratory at a low concentration (~ 4 × 103 conidia cm−2), killing >95% of FAW larvae within 8 days. In the greenhouse assay, applications of conidia suspended in water or as dry powder in maize whorls (~ 6.3 × 106 conidia per plant) produced similar larval mortalities (88%–96%). In the field trials, conventional spraying of unformulated conidia (0.6 and 1.2 × 1012 conidia ha−1) caused low larval mortalities (27–31%). Simultaneous application of either unformulated or oil‐based formulations of M. rileyi conidia and S. frugiperda baculovirus (SfMNPV) to plant rows caused larval mortalities comparable with each of the pathogens applied alone. However, when a formulation containing both pathogens was sprayed directly into the whorls, the overall mortality of S. frugiperda larvae due to pathogens (mostly to M. rileyi infections) reached ~ 59%, twofold higher than the other treatments with conventional spraying, whereas in the control, the overall mortality was only 1%.CONCLUSIONOptimizing exposure of S. frugiperda larvae to an inoculum of virulent entomopathogens through directed applications to maize whorls is critical to produce satisfactory mortality levels and is promising for integrated pest management.
Assessing the predictive performance of population pharmacokinetic models for intravenous polymyxin B in critically ill patients
Authors: Hanafin Patrick O. , Nation Roger L. , Scheetz Marc H. , Zavascki Alexandre P. , Sandri Ana M. , Kwa Andrea L. , Cherng Benjamin P. Z. , Kubin Christine J. , Yin Michael T. , Wang Jiping , Li Jian , Kaye Keith S. , Rao Gauri G. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPolymyxin B (PMB) has reemerged as a last‐line therapy for infections caused by multidrug‐resistant gram‐negative pathogens, but dosing is challenging because of its narrow therapeutic window and pharmacokinetic (PK) variability. Population PK (POPPK) models based on suitably powered clinical studies with appropriate sampling strategies that take variability into consideration can inform PMB dosing to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity and resistance. Here we reviewed published PMB POPPK models and evaluated them using an external validation data set (EVD) of patients who are critically ill and enrolled in an ongoing clinical study to assess their utility. Seven published POPPK models were employed using the reported model equations, parameter values, covariate relationships, interpatient variability, parameter covariance, and unexplained residual variability in NONMEM (Version 7.4.3). The predictive ability of the models was assessed using prediction‐based and simulation‐based diagnostics. Patient characteristics and treatment information were comparable across studies and with the EVD (n = 40), but the sampling strategy was a main source of PK variability across studies. All models visually and statistically underpredicted EVD plasma concentrations, but the two‐compartment models more accurately described the external data set. As current POPPK models were inadequately predictive of the EVD, creation of a new POPPK model based on an appropriately powered clinical study with an informed PK sampling strategy would be expected to improve characterization of PMB PK and identify covariates to explain interpatient variability. Such a model would support model‐informed precision dosing frameworks, which are urgently needed to improve PMB treatment efficacy, limit resistance, and reduce toxicity in patients who are critically ill.
Generalized exponential‐dispersion process model for degradation analysis under nonlinear condition
Authors: Duan Fengjun , Wang Guanjun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe regular exponential‐dispersion (ED) process with a nonlinear path can be used to model degradation processes of many products, while it has the shortage that the degradation increment is only age‐dependent, which limits its application in some circumstances. To overcome this shortage, two extensions of the ED process are suggested. For many degradation phenomena with self‐modulating mechanisms, the degradation increment during the next time interval may depend on the current degradation state. To describe this degradation phenomenon, an improved ED process model with state‐dependent degradation increment and a nonlinear path is proposed. Further, as an extension of the regular ED process and the improved ED process models, the generalized improved ED process is introduced, in which the degradation increment during an interval is both age‐ and state‐dependent. For the three discussed models, the MLE method is applied to estimate the model parameters. The numerical integration and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation methods are used to evaluate the reliability. Finally, two sets of fatigue crack size data are used to illustrate the proposed models and methods.
Triple Product Overall Water Splitting – An Environment Friendly and New Direction Water Splitting in Sea‐Water Mimicking Electrolyte
Authors: Samo Imran Ahmed , Mughal Waqas , Shakeel Muhammad , Samo Kamran Ahmed , Chen Congtian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHydrogen production is highly desirable which is well‐organized water‐electrolysis system using sea‐water, but it is a big challenge to manage it by the use of conventional catalysts. The present study demonstrates the efficient triple‐product water‐electrolysis system, which operates for >100 h in highly chloride containing alkaline electrolyte (6 M NaOH with saturated NaCl). While sea‐water exhibits salinity of ∼3.5 %, where Cl− followed by Na+ is predominant specie. The water electrolysis system with nafion membrane also produces triple product. The water‐electrolysis system produces environmentally friendly triple product using NiMo as cathode and NiFe LDH as anode such as H2, O2, and crystalline NaCl.
An Fe‐MIL100 Based Drug Delivery System for pH and Glutathione Dual‐Responsive Drug Release
Authors: Qi Xiuyu , Li Shanshan , Song Xue‐Zhi , Gong Yishu , Guo Zhaoming , Cui Changhao , Wang Xiaofeng , Tan Zhenquan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFe‐MIL100 with high Fe(II) content is synthesized at room temperature via a green synthesis process and used to form drug delivery system DOX@PEG‐MIL100 by loading doxorubicin (DOX) and coating with polyethyleneglycol (PEG). This drug delivery system shows pH and glutathione (GSH) dual‐responsive drug release behavior in response to tumor microenvironment and a high cytotoxicity in tumor cell line.
Contribution of the mutation rs8193069 in TLR4 to mastitis resistance and performance in Holstein cows in southern China
Authors: Chen Hongbo , Liu Chenhui , Xiang Min , Yu Jie , Xia Yu , Hu Xiuzhong , Wang Dingfa , Tao Bifei , Zhang Yongjin , Cheng Lei 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBovine mastitis has become increasingly important issues for farmers and consumers, leading to large economic losses in the dairy industry worldwide. Because treatment of mastitis is difficult and costly, improved mastitis resistance through selective breeding would be advantageous. The toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an important player in recognising pathogens and activating immune responses. However, its roles in mastitis occurrence and the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this study, a single nucleotide polymorphism, rs8193069 (T → C) in TLR4 gene was detected in a Holstein cow resource population in southern China. Association analysis with 5‐year production traits, haematology, and biochemistry parameters revealed that individuals with genotype CC had significantly lower somatic cell counts (SCC), lower fat percentage, but higher 305‐day milk (p < 0.05) and total milk yield (p < 0.01). Both genotypes CC and CT had lower lymphocyte counts (#LYMPH) (p < 0.01) and basophil counts (#BASO) (p < 0.05) than TT. Genotype CC had a less level of triglyceride (p < 0.01) and creatine kinase (p < 0.05) than CT. Further analysis based on the production data revealed significant positive correlations between SCC and #LYMPH. Analysis of TLR4 protein structure and properties suggested that the missense mutation on the 674th amino acid from Thr to Ile reduced the flexibility and hydrophilicity of TIR domain, implying a weakened binding ability of TLR4 to its adaptors. In conclusion, allele C of rs8193069 was the major allele in Holstein cows that indicated a greater genetic potential to mastitis resistance and milk yields, probably via the LPS‐TLR4 inflammatory signalling. This study offers a marker to improve mastitis resistance in the dairy cow population in southern China.
Our Digital Mirror
Authors: Prem Erich 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe digital world has a strong tendency to let everything in its realm appear as resources. This includes digital public discourse and its main creators, humans. In the digital realm, humans constitute the economic end and at the same time provide the means to fulfill that end. A good example is the case of online public discourse. It exemplifies a range of challenges from user abuse to amassment of power, difficulties in regulation, and algorithmic decision-making. At its root lies the untamed perception of humans as economic and information resources. In this way, digital technology provides us with a mirror that shows a side of what we are as humans. It also provides a starting point to discuss such questions as who would we like to be – including digitally, which purpose should we pursue, and how can we live the digital good life?