bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fitness characteristics of the European lineages of Phytophthora ramorum
Authors: Harris Anna R. , Brasier Clive M. , Scanu Bruno , Webber Joan F.
Published: October 2020

As an introduced pathogen, Phytophthora ramorum exists as four near‐clonal evolutionary lineages, of which only EU1 and EU2 are established in the UK. EU1 has become widespread since the first findings in 2002 whereas EU2, detected in 2011, has a more limited distribution. Both lineages are epidemic in plantation‐grown larch, sporulating asexually on needles, but also causing heavy dieback and mortality. To understand whether EU1 and EU2 pose different threats to forest health, we compared their growth characteristics on agar, pathogenicity on several hosts, and sporulation on Japanese larch needles. When pathogenicity was evaluated by measuring colonization at 20 °C in mature bark (phloem) of Japanese and European larch (Larix kaempferi and L. decidua), English oak (Quercus robur), and beech (Fagus sylvatica), Japanese larch was the most susceptible and oak the least susceptible. On average, EU2 isolates produced significantly larger lesions than EU1 isolates in Japanese larch and oak although not in the other hosts. With tests using young saplings of Japanese and European larch, damaging bark lesions formed at both 10 °C and 20 °C, but EU2 was significantly more pathogenic at 20 °C on both hosts compared with EU1. In contrast, both lineages caused similar amounts of necrosis on inoculated leaves of rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum). Moreover, EU2 isolates usually sporulated less abundantly on larch needles compared with EU1 isolates, suggesting a trade‐off in pathogenicity and sporulation between lineages. As EU2 tends to have smaller sporangia than EU1, this could also reduce the inoculum potential of EU2.
The autonomic nervous system in its natural environment: Immersion in nature is associated with changes in heart rate and heart rate variability
Authors: Scott Emily E. , LoTemplio Sara B. , McDonnell Amy S. , McNay Glen D. , Greenberg Kevin , McKinney Ty , Uchino Bert N. , Strayer David L.
Published: October 2020

Stress Recovery Theory (SRT) suggests that time spent in nature reduces stress. While many studies have examined changes in stress physiology after exposure to nature imagery, nature virtual reality, or nature walks, this study is the first to examine changes in heart rate (HR) and vagally mediated HR variability, as assessed by Respiratory Sinus Arrythmia (RSA), after a longer duration of nature exposure. Consistent with SRT, we hypothesized that immersion in nature would promote stress recovery, as indexed by an increase in RSA and a decrease in HR. We also predicted that exposure to nature would improve self‐reported mood. We used a within‐subjects design (N = 67) to assess changes in peripheral physiology before, during, and after a 5‐day nature trip. Results demonstrated a significant decrease in RSA and a significant increase in HR during the trip compared to before or after the trip, suggesting that immersion in nature is associated with a shift toward parasympathetic withdrawal and possible sympathetic activation. These results were contrary to our hypotheses and may suggest increased attentional intake or presence of emotions associated with an increase in sympathetic activation. We also found an improvement in self‐reported measures of mood during the trip compared to before or after the trip, confirming our hypotheses and replicating previous research. Implications of this study are discussed in the context of SRT.
Letter from the UK
Authors: Russell Anne‐Marie
Published: October 2020

See related Letter
A Comparative Study of the Introduction of Restrictions to Large‐Scale Mining in Four Latin American Countries
Authors: Cisneros Paúl
Published: October 2020

Institutions are important to enhance the contribution of mining industries not only to economic growth, but also to environmental justice and equality. In this paper, we study the processes by which four Latin American countries modified their existing institutions to manage the effects or large‐scale mining in their territories. We focus on the political struggles to introduce legislation to restrict the geographical expansion of large‐scale mining in their territories. To this end, we integrate a leading theory of the policy process with theoretical insights from studies of environmental governance and political settlements. Our findings show that processes of policy change followed distinct paths with common elements. The elements that link the initial conditions with change are policy learning, challenges to dominant policy images, conflict expansion, and the involvement of veto players. We also observe that the outputs of the reforms diverge significantly. Three contextual variables contributed to the variability of the outputs of these reforms; the degree of cohesion of elites, the degree of development of environmental institutions, and the relative dependency on mineral revenues. During the processes of policy making, these institutions offered different opportunities and constraints for policy challengers to advance their agenda and for dominant actors to maintain the status quo. The new policy designs offer opportunities for countries to deal with the effects of mining on sensitive ecosystems but political instability threatens the long‐term institutionalization of these reforms.
Development and screening of EMS mutants with altered seed oil content or fatty acid composition in Brassica napus
Authors: Tang Shan , Liu Dong‐Xu , Lu Shaoping , Yu Liangqian , Li Yuqing , Lin Shengli , Li Long , Du Zhuolin , Liu Xiao , Li Xiao , Ma Wei , Yang Qing‐Yong , Guo Liang
Published: October 2020

Brassica napus is an important oilseed crop in the world, and the mechanism of seed oil biosynthesis in B. napus remains unclear. In order to study the mechanism of oil biosynthesis and generate germplasms for breeding, an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutant population with ~100 000 M2 lines was generated using Zhongshuang 11 as the parent line. The EMS‐induced genome‐wide mutations in M2−M4 plants were assessed. The average number of mutations including single nucleotide polymorphisms and insertion/deletion in M2−M4 was 21 177, 28 675 and 17 915, respectively. The effects of the mutations on gene function were predicted in M2−M4 mutants, respectively. We screened the seeds from 98 113 M2 lines, and 9415 seed oil content and fatty acid mutants were identified. We further confirmed 686 mutants with altered seed oil content and fatty acid in advanced generation (M4 seeds). Five representative M4 mutants with increased oleic acid were re‐sequenced, and the potential causal variations in FAD2 and ROD1 genes were identified. This study generated and screened a large scale of B. napus EMS mutant population, and the identified mutants could provide useful genetic resources for the study of oil biosynthesis and genetic improvement of seed oil content and fatty acid composition of B. napus in the future.
SlRLK‐like is a malectin‐like domain protein affecting localization and abundance of LeEIX2 receptor resulting in suppression of EIX‐induced immune responses
Authors: Sussholz Orian , Pizarro Lorena , Schuster Silvia , Avni Adi
Published: October 2020

The first line of plant defense occurs when a plant pattern recognition receptor (PRR) recognizes microbe‐associated molecular patterns. Plant PRRs are either receptor‐like kinases (RLKs), which have an extracellular domain for ligand binding, a single‐pass transmembrane domain, and an intracellular kinase domain for activating downstream signaling, or receptor‐like proteins (RLPs), which share the same overall structure but lack an intracellular kinase domain. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) LeEIX2 is an RLP that binds ethylene‐inducing xylanase (EIX), a fungal elicitor. To identify LeEIX2 receptor interactors, we conducted a yeast two‐hybrid screen and found a tomato protein that we termed SlRLK‐like. The interaction of LeEIX2 with SlRLK‐like was verified using co‐immunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. The defense responses induced by EIX were markedly reduced when SlRLK‐like was overexpressed in Nicotiana benthamiana or Nicotiana tabacum, and knockout of SlRLK‐like using the CRISPR/Cas9 system increased EIX‐induced ethylene production and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate synthase (SlACS2) gene expression in tomato. Co‐expression of SlRLK‐like with LeEIX2 led to a reduction in its abundance, apparently through an endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation process. Notably, truncation of SlRLK‐like protein revealed that the malectin‐like domain is sufficient and essential for its function. Moreover, SlRLK‐like associated with the RLK FLS2, resulting in its degradation and concomitantly a reduction of the flagellin 22 (flg22)‐induced burst of reactive oxygen species. In addition, SlRLK‐like co‐expression with other RLPs, Ve1 and AtRLP23, also led to a reduction in their abundance. Our findings suggest that SlRLK‐like leads to a decreased stability of various PRRs, leading to a reduction in their abundance and resulting in attenuation of defense responses.
Interspecific introgression and natural selection in the evolution of Japanese apricot (Prunus mume)
Authors: Numaguchi Koji , Akagi Takashi , Kitamura Yuto , Ishikawa Ryo , Ishii Takashige
Published: October 2020

Domestication and population differentiation in crops involve considerable phenotypic changes. The logs of these evolutionary paths, including natural/artificial selection, can be found in the genomes of the current populations. However, these profiles have been little studied in tree crops, which have specific characters, such as long generation time and clonal propagation, maintaining high levels of heterozygosity. We conducted exon‐targeted resequencing of 129 genomes in the genus Prunus, mainly Japanese apricot (Prunus mume), and apricot (Prunus armeniaca), plum (Prunus salicina), and peach (Prunus persica). Based on their genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms merged with published resequencing data of 79 Chinese P. mume cultivars, we inferred complete and ongoing population differentiation in P. mume. Sliding window characterization of the indexes for genetic differentiation identified interspecific fragment introgressions between P. mume and related species (plum and apricot). These regions often exhibited strong selective sweeps formed in the paths of establishment or formation of substructures of P. mume, suggesting that P. mume has frequently imported advantageous genes from other species in the subgenus Prunus as adaptive evolution. These findings shed light on the complicated nature of adaptive evolution in a tree crop that has undergone interspecific exchange of genome fragments with natural/artificial selections.
Tomato transcriptional repressor MYB70 directly regulates ethylene‐dependent fruit ripening
Authors: Cao Haohao , Chen Jing , Yue Min , Xu Chan , Jian Wei , Liu Yudong , Song Bangqian , Gao Yanqiang , Cheng Yulin , Li Zhengguo
Published: October 2020

Ethylene is a key plant hormone controlling the ripening of climacteric fruits, and several transcription factors acting as important regulators of fruit ripening have been identified in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), a model for climacteric fruits. The vast majority of these transcription factors are transcriptional activators, however, and the associated transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of most regulators are unclear. Here, we report on a tomato transcriptional repressor (termed SlMYB70) that negatively regulates fruit ripening by directly modulating ethylene biosynthesis. As an EAR motif‐containing MYB transcription factor‐encoding gene, SlMYB70 displayed a ripening‐associated expression pattern and was responsive to ethylene. RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated repression of SlMYB70 accelerated fruit ripening, but overexpression of SlMYB70 delayed fruit ripening. Ethylene production was noticeably increased and decreased in SlMYB70‐RNAi and SlMYB70‐overexpressing lines, respectively, compared with wild‐type tomatoes. SlMYB70 was proven to be a transcriptional repressor, dependent on the EAR repression motif, and to repress the transcription of two ethylene biosynthesis genes in fruit ripening, namely SlACS2 and SlACO3. The promoters of SlACS2 and SlACO3 are directly bound by SlMYB70, which was verified using a combination of yeast one‐hybrid chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative polymerase chain reaction and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. These results suggest that SlMYB70 negatively regulates fruit ripening via the direct transcriptional repression of ethylene biosynthesis genes, which provides insights into the ethylene‐mediated key regulatory hierarchy in climacteric fruit ripening, and also highlights different types of transcriptional regulation of fruit ripening.
A Numerical Study to Control the Combustion Performance of a Syngas-Fueled HCCI Engine at Medium and High Loads Using Different Piston Bowl Geometry and Exhaust Gas Recirculation
Authors: Ali Kabbir , Kim Changup , Lee Yonggyu , Oh Seungmook , Kim Kiseong
Published: October 2020

This study aims to analyze the effect of piston bowl geometry on the combustion and emission performance of the syngas-fueled homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine, which operates under lean air–fuel mixture conditions for power plant usage. Three different piston bowl geometries were used with a reduction of piston bowl depth and squish area ratio of the baseline piston bowl with the same compression ratio of 17.1. Additionally, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used to control the maximum pressure rise rate (MPRR) of syngas-fueled HCCI engines. To simulate the combustion process at medium load (5 bar indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP)) and high loads of (8 and 10 bar IMEP), ansys forte cfd package was used, and the calculated results were compared with Aceves et al.’s Multi-zone HCCI model, using the same chemical kinetics set (Gri-Mech 3.0). All calculations were accomplished at maximum brake torque (MBT) conditions, by sweeping the air–fuel mixture temperature at the inlet valve close (TIVC). This study reveals that the TIVC of the air–fuel mixture and the heat loss rate through the wall are the main factors that influence combustion phasing by changing the piston bowl geometry. It also finds that although pistons B and C give high thermal efficiency, they cannot be used for the combustion process, due to the very high MPRR and NOx emissions. Even though the baseline piston shows high MPRR (23 bar/degree), it is reduced, and reveals an acceptable range of 10–12 bar/degree, using 30% EGR.
Gas Turbine Evaporative Cooling: A Novel Method for Combined Cycle Plant Part Load Optimization
Authors: Carmona Jose
Published: October 2020

In power plant engineering, gas turbine (GT) evaporative cooling is traditionally thought as one of the few power augmentation alternatives for existing plants.

For most combined cycle plants operating at part load, the GT Inlet Guide Vanes (IGV) will throttle the air flow to the combustor to maintain the turbine exhaust temperature (TET) as high as possible, thus maximizing the overall combined cycle efficiency. The IGV air throttling results in a reduction of the turbine inlet air temperature (TIT) due to a reduction on the mass of fuel burned in the combustors as the available combustion air decreases due to IGV throttling to maintain an optimum air to fuel ratio, resulting on a lower TET compared with the same GT at base load. The compounded result of these effects limits the maximum steam production capacity on the heat recovery steam generator, particularly for the high-pressure section, hampering the efficiency of the steam turbine.

The methodology developed in the subject study aims at counteracting the afore-mentioned effects by optimizing the evaporative cooler air/water ratio which results in the lower possible heat rate for full load and part load operation. By dynamically controlling the air/water ratio, a preheating effect can be achieved in the compressor inlet air, which results on higher exhaust gas temperature, thus augmenting the high-pressure steam production on the heat recovery steam generator and accordingly the steam turbine efficiency.

For a newly built 907 MWe Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant, application of the evaporative cooling part load optimization methodology presented in this study could lead to a potential reduction of up to 158kJ/kWh on heat rate and 9.318 g/kWh of CO2 emissions if compared with the same plant without dynamic control of the evaporative cooler air/water ratio.
Energy Recovery for Dual-Stirling Liquid Air Energy Storage Prototype
Authors: Bailey Nicholas A. , Pollman Anthony G. , Paulo Eugene P.
Published: October 2020

Islanded, renewably powered microgrids require energy storage or emergency generation to overcome intermittency. Batteries and fossil fuel generators have traditionally filled these roles. However, liquid air energy storage (LAES) is a promising alternative. Using power in excess of immediate demand, a LAES system can liquefy and cryogenically store ambient air. When renewable generation abates, the liquid air can be expanded through a turbine to provide power to the microgrid. This study explores energy recovery from a dual Stirling cycle LAES system. Liquid air is generated by a commercial Stirling cryocooler and stored in a vacuum dewar. A second Stirling engine utilizes the temperature difference between the liquid air and surroundings to run a small electric generator. This paper focuses on energy recovery from the cryogenic liquid air through the Stirling engine using a series of experiments. Liquid air volume as a function of time and power for varying loads were measured and used to quantify the energy recovered from the stored liquid air. Energy efficiency is calculated and recommendations for design improvements are presented. Follow-on work will include design and operation of an updated dual-Stirling LAES system. This work is part of a larger effort to determine the feasibility of different energy storage methods for small, mobile applications as well as fixed infrastructure energy storage systems.
Technical Evaluation and Applications of Heat Recovery From Simple Cycle Gas Turbine Exhaust Systems
Authors: Faqihi Bouria , Ghaith Fadi A.
Published: October 2020

In the Gulf Cooperation Council region, approximately 70% of the thermal power plants are in a simple cycle configuration while only 30% are in combined cycle. This high simple to combined cycle ratio makes it of a particular interest for original equipment manufacturers to offer exhaust heat recovery upgrades to enhance the thermal efficiency of simple cycle power plants. This paper aims to evaluate the potential of incorporating costly-effective new developed heat recovery methods, rather than the complex products which are commonly available in the market, with relevant high cost such as heat recovery steam generators.

In this work, the utilization of extracted heat was categorized into three implementation zones: use within the gas turbine flange-to-flange section, auxiliary systems and outside the gas turbine system in the power plant. A new methodology was established to enable qualitative and comparative analyses of the system performance of two heat extraction inventions according to the criteria of effectiveness, safety and risk and the pressure drop in the exhaust. Based on the conducted analyses, an integrated heat recovery system was proposed. The new system incorporates a circular duct heat exchanger to extract the heat from the exhaust stack and deliver the intermediary heat transfer fluid to a separate fuel gas exchanger. This system showed superiority in improving the thermodynamic cycle efficiency, while mitigating safety risks and avoiding undesired exhaust system pressure drop.
Improving the Energy Capacity and Cost Effectiveness of Flywheel Rotors in Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems by Varying Their Shape, Speed and Size
Authors: Kale Vaishnavi , Secanell Marc
Published: October 2020

Flywheel energy storage systems (FESS) are an excellent short duration grid energy storage solution; however, their cost and energy storage capacity are typical barriers to their widespread commercialization. FESS can be designed by optimizing the shape of the flywheel rotor, choice of rotor material, operating speed and rotor radius. This study optimizes the flywheel rotor shape at various operating speeds and outer radii. It is found that the energy capacity of the rotor can be improved by choosing an ideal combination of operating speed and rotor radius. Our earlier work showed that including the cost of the FESS as an optimization objective could significantly alter the FESS design [1]. Therefore, the cost effectiveness of the FESS is also studied by comparing rotors made from different materials on an energy-per-cost basis, while the cost ratio of the materials is varied.
Basic Design and Blade Structural Analysis of a Small Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine for Low Wind Speeds
Authors: Krishnanunni A. R. , Datta N. , Chambhare H. S. , Swaroop D.
Published: October 2020

The basic design and blade structural analysis of a 250 W rooftop-mounted horizontal-axis wind turbine for low wind speeds is presented. A simplified non-dimensional design is first undertaken to optimize the aerodynamic performance. The non-dimensional power curve vs. the design tip speed ratio is computed with the open-source wind turbine design software QBlade. SD7062 airfoil is chosen for the blade section; and its aerodynamic efficiency is obtained for various angles of attack using XFLR5. The design process also gives the optimal chord length and pitch distribution, leading to the blade geometry. The 22-month weather data at the site has been analyzed to obtain the best-fit Weibull distribution. The blade sizing is based on the maximum power coefficient before the stall regulation happens. An attempt is made to enhance the power capture by using a concentrator, whose aerodynamic efficacy is analyzed. The blades are fabricated from Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic, which reduces both weight and cost. The configuration for the laminate is finalized after several bending and tensile tests of five distinct GFRP samples. This is followed by the structural analysis of the blade. The root stresses and tip deflection are analyzed for extreme-wind conditions, along with the free vibration frequencies.
Integration of Novel Geometry Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Into a Residential Furnace/Boiler
Authors: Hartwell Alexander R. , Ahn Jeongmin
Published: October 2020

Increasing prevalence of extreme weather events and other climate related natural disasters is leading to the increased frequency of power outages. Resilient non-grid dependent power supply for residences is becoming increasingly desirable in order to maintain building management system operation during these events. One potential option for low-maintenance on-site power generation comes from the integration of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) into the combustion chamber of a residential furnace/boiler yielding a combined heat and power (CHP) system. Fuel-rich combustion of natural gas or propane within furnaces/boilers provides the necessary heat as well as fuel for the SOFCs. As a result, the addition of fuel cells into this chamber is possible. The combustion chamber/heat exchanger geometry, however, introduces issues with existing fuel cell geometries that must be addressed before integration is possible.

This work presents the development of novel anode supported tubular SOFCs with internal cathode and the study of their subsequent integration into a furnace/boiler including model exhaust tests as well as individual cell testing. The proposed system has tremendous potential to effect power distribution to residences, and the novel fuel cell designed in this project has many potential applications.
Hydrothermal Enhancement of Horizontal Ground Source Heat Pump
Authors: DiCarlo Anthony A.
Published: October 2020

This study investigates a novel method for controlling the thermal conductivity of soil to enhance the performance of a horizontal ground source heat pump (GSHP). The method calls for irrigation lines to be buried in parallel with the ground pipes for the distribution of water in the area around the pipes thereby contributing to and controlling the soil’s moisture content. The controlled distribution of water within the porous soil promotes heat paths improving the performance of the GSHP system based on the transient seasonal spatial-temporal conditions. A computational fluid dynamics model of the porous soil is developed to simulate the hydro-thermal phenomenon over a short duration (40 hours) during winter conditions. The model is employed to investigate the heat transfer rate between the ground and pipes when the soil’s moisture content is modified and how this affects performance.
Characterizing Premixed Syngas Combustion and Flame Dynamics in Micro Scales
Authors: Pokharel Sunita , Ayoobi Mohsen , Akkerman V’yacheslav
Published: October 2020

Syngas can potentially replace most of conventional fuels, due to its lower emission rates in the case of lean combustion with acceptable energy densities, and can be used in small-scale combustion-related devices. However, with various constituents having various burning characteristics, syngas combustion at micro scales can be more complicated than that of conventional gaseous fuels. It is therefore highly important to understand syngas combustion characteristics. In this work, premixed syngas combustion in a horizontal, two-dimensional microchannel of length 20 mm and width 2 mm is simulated with detailed chemistry, with axisymmetric boundary condition on the lower wall of the computational domain and a fixed temperature gradient on the upper wall to account for the conjugate heat transfer. The simulations are run with varying inlet velocities ranging from 0.1 m/s to 3.0 m/s. The flame shape and dynamics were similar for all the cases, however, not all cases resulted in a stable flame. Two different types of results, i.e., (i) stable flame and (ii) flames with repetitive ignition and extinction (FRIE) are observed. The ignition, extinction, and FRIE events have been characterized in various cases. In addition, the FRIE phenomenon is analyzed by investigating the FRIE periods (the time intervals between the two consecutive ignitions). Similar to the ignition delays, the FRIE periods are found to be dependent on the inlet velocity. The loci of ignition and of a stabilized flame (in stable cases) are found to be further away from the inlet as the inlet velocity increases.
The Effect of Generator Gas Purity on Heat Rate
Authors: McPhearson John
Published: October 2020

This document is designed to explain all aspects of losses associated with operation of a Hydrogen cooled generator when less than pure (100%) Hydrogen is the cooling gas. It will also give a formula which allows the user to calculate the financial impact for the utility when operating at lower purities.
The Change in Boiler and Steam Turbine Failure Modes With Minimum Load Operation: Using Modeling to Predict Susceptibility With Validation Through Plant Testing
Authors: Reid Thomas , Malloy James , Scoffone Matthew , Reid Stephen , Fabricius Andreas
Published: October 2020

Reducing the minimum load at which a unit can reliably operate is one method to manage changes in market demands and avoid inherent concerns over frequent on and off cycling. For this reason, it is now becoming common practice for plants to develop new lower minimum load levels that are well below conventional targets provided when the unit was first commissioned. For many plants, the criteria for successful operation were not based on optimizing minimum load levels. In fact, most conventional steam plants were commissioned during an era when full base load operation was expected throughout the life of the plant. Base load availability was the key driver not parameters that promoted unit flexibility. As a result, there are opportunities for plants to lower minimum load levels, but it is important for owners to understand the trade-offs and risks that come with such operation.

TG Advisers (Turbine - Generator) and Tetra Engineering (Boiler) partnered on an analytical assessment and process simulation for a US site with four vintage boilers and steam turbines, the boilers having been converted from coal to gas-firing some years earlier. The boilers were modeled at different load points using boiler and power plant process simulation software. Key issues analyzed were superheat steam temperature, stability of natural circulation, and maintenance of minimum flow velocities. Secondary factors included cold end condensation and the potential for accumulation of dissolved solids in the circuit.

Utilizing the results of Tetra’s boiler model, TGA completed off-design modeling and calculations for the steam turbine and balance of plant equipment. Examples of primary interest was the impact of the predicted steam conditions and superheat, resulting thermal transient cycles, and LP blading concerns influenced by moisture content and back pressure control. Finally, balance of plant equipment was reviewed to ensure acceptable operating points for key equipment such as boiler feed pumps, feedwater heaters, and hood spray systems.

Following computer simulations, a plant testing plan was developed, and plant testing was completed. The paper will review analytical predictions and actual plant testing as well as overall lessons learned from the project. Through these analytical and testing efforts the minimum load was reduced from the current practice of 65 MW to 31 MW.
The effects of target-masker sex mismatch on linguistic release from masking
Authors: Williams Brittany T. , Viswanathan Navin
Published: October 2020

Listeners often experience challenges understanding an interlocutor (target) in the presence of competing talkers (maskers). However, during linguistic release from masking (LRM), this difficulty decreases for native language targets (English) when paired with different language maskers (e.g., Dutch). There is considerable evidence that the linguistic similarity between target-masker pairs determines the size of LRM. This study investigated whether and how LRM is affected when the streams also differed in talker sex. Experiment 1 investigated intelligibility for English targets in sex-matched and mismatched conditions with Dutch or English maskers. While typical LRM effects were obtained when sex was matched, opposite effects were detected when sex was mismatched. In experiment 2, Mandarin maskers were used to increase linguistic dissimilarity and elicit stronger LRM effects. Despite the greater linguistic dissimilarity, the surprising reverse LRM effect in the sex-mismatch condition persisted. In experiment 3, the target stream was held constant and talker sex and language were manipulated in the masker. Here, expected LRM effects were obtained for both the sex-matched and sex-mismatched conditions. This indicated that the locus of the dissimilarities and not just relative properties affect LRM. Broadly, this study suggests that using naturally varying listening situations advances understanding of factors underlying LRM.
Regional chronostratigraphic synthesis of the Cenomanian-Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2) interval, Western Interior Basin (USA): New Re-Os chemostratigraphy and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology
Authors: Jones Matthew M. , Sageman Bradley B. , Selby David , Jicha Brian R. , Singer Brad S. , Titus Alan L.
Published: October 2020

Fluctuations in depositional conditions during the onset of severe climate events in Earth history predispose stratigraphic archives to hiatuses, often hindering complete reconstructions of paleoclimate events and their triggers. Several studies have proposed that a hiatus of unknown duration exists at the base of Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2) in the North American Western Interior Basin at the base Turonian global boundary stratotype section and point (GSSP) in Pueblo, Colorado, which potentially influences integrated radioisotopic, biostratigraphic, and astrochronologic age models of the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary interval. To quantify the duration of this hiatus, refine the chronology of OAE2, and assess marine geochemical perturbations associated with the onset of the event, we present new 40Ar/39Ar dates from regional bentonites along with a new proximal-distal chemostratigraphic transect of the epeiric Western Interior Basin (WIB), including initial osmium isotope (Osi) and stable carbon isotope (δ13C) data. The new 40Ar/39Ar age determinations confirm and further constrain previous estimates of Cenomanian-Turonian boundary timing. Further, the regional chemostratigraphic synthesis demonstrates the conformity of the OAE2 successions correlated to Pueblo, shows that the duration of the lag between the onset of the Osi and δ13C excursions is ∼60 k.y., and thus constrains the magnitude of the pre-OAE2 hiatus in Pueblo to less than this value. The new astronomically tuned, conformable Osi record across the onset of OAE2 captures a geologically rapid onset of large igneous province volcanism, consistent with other records, such that the addition of CO2 to the ocean-atmosphere system may have driven changes in marine carbonate chemistry. Additionally, the refined chronostratigraphy of OAE2 and the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary in the central WIB improves correlation with other records, such as those in the Eagle Ford Group, Texas. The correlations highlight that discrepancies among OAE2 age models from globally distributed sections commonly stem from differing definitions of the event and uncertainties associated with astronomical tuning, in addition to stratigraphic preservation.
Fifteen-minute consultation: How to interpret and manage ventilator alarms in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Mitra Nipa , Belteki Gusztav
Published: October 2020

Modern neonatal intensive care units use a large number of monitoring and therapeutic devices. Most of them have alarms with varying degree of standardisation. Mechanical ventilator alarms alert clinicians about technical problems with equipment, acute deterioration of the patient, changes in his or her clinical condition or in respiratory mechanics. However, frequent ventilator alarms interfere with developmental care and they may lead to alarm fatigue, missed alarms and clinical incidents. In this article, we discuss the most important ventilator alarms and their clinical significance. We also provide advice how to respond to ventilator alarms and how to set alarm limits.
A Body shape index significantly predicts MRI-defined abdominal adipose tissue depots in non-obese Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Anoop Shajith , Krakauer Jesse , Krakauer Nir , Misra Anoop
Published: October 2020

Introduction

We aimed to determine the correlations of volumes of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SCAT) (anterior, posterior, superficial and deep), total SCAT, intraperitoneal adipose tissue, retroperitoneal abdominal adipose tissue (RPAT), total intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT), pancreatic volume, liver span, total body fat (TBF) and truncal fat mass (TFM) with anthropometric indices,viz., A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Hip Index, their Z scores and Anthropometric Risk Index in non-obese (body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2) Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Research design and methods

Non-obese patients with T2DM (cases;n, 85) and BMI-matched, healthy subjects (controls;n, 38) underwent anthropometry, dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA) for estimation of TBF, TFM and 1.5 T MRI for estimation of volumes of abdominal adipose tissue depots, pancreas and liver span. Spearman’s correlation analysis and Receiver Operator Characteristic curve analysis were applied.

Results

The Z score of ABSI (Z_ABSI) showed significantly positive correlation with volumes of all depots of abdominal SCAT, total IAAT and RPAT in cases. Area under the curve for Z_ABSI (0.87) showed higher sensitivity: 82.0 %, specificity: 81.5 %, at a predictive cut-off value of 0.49 for abdominal adiposity.

Conclusion

In non-obese Asian Indians with T2DM, the Z_ABSI showed significant correlation with IAAT and SCAT and higher predictive accuracy for abdominal adiposity.

Highlights of the study

This is the first MRI-based study in the context of ABSI in non-obese (BMI <25 kg/m2) Asian Indians with T2DM. Findings indicate that Z_ABSI has high predictive accuracy for abdominal adiposity in non-obese Asian Indians. The Z_ABSI index showed significantly positive correlation with volumes of adipose tissue depots,viz., abdominal SCAT, total IAAT and RPAT in cases.
Community engagement for COVID-19 prevention and control: a rapid evidence synthesis
Authors: Gilmore Brynne , Ndejjo Rawlance , Tchetchia Adalbert , de Claro Vergil , Mago Elizabeth , Diallo Alpha A , Lopes Claudia , Bhattacharyya Sanghita
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Community engagement has been considered a fundamental component of past outbreaks, such as Ebola. However, there is concern over the lack of involvement of communities and ‘bottom-up’ approaches used within COVID-19 responses thus far. Identifying how community engagement approaches have been used in past epidemics may support more robust implementation within the COVID-19 response.

Methodology

A rapid evidence review was conducted to identify how community engagement is used for infectious disease prevention and control during epidemics. Three databases were searched in addition to extensive snowballing for grey literature. Previous epidemics were limited to Ebola, Zika, SARS, Middle East respiratory syndromeand H1N1 since 2000. No restrictions were applied to study design or language.

Results

From 1112 references identified, 32 articles met our inclusion criteria, which detail 37 initiatives. Six main community engagement actors were identified: local leaders, community and faith-based organisations, community groups, health facility committees, individuals and key stakeholders. These worked on different functions: designing and planning, community entry and trust building, social and behaviour change communication, risk communication, surveillance and tracing, and logistics and administration.

Conclusion

COVID-19’s global presence and social transmission pathways require social and community responses. This may be particularly important to reach marginalised populations and to support equity-informed responses. Aligning previous community engagement experience with current COVID-19 community-based strategy recommendations highlights how communities can play important and active roles in prevention and control. Countries worldwide are encouraged to assess existing community engagement structures and use community engagement approaches to support contextually specific, acceptable and appropriate COVID-19 prevention and control measures.
Responsibility for vitamin D supplementation of elderly care home residents in England: falling through the gap between medicine and food
Authors: Williams Joseph , Williams Carol
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Daily vitamin D supplements are recommended for elderly care home residents; however, they are rarely given and vitamin D deficiency in care homes is widespread. This study aimed to understand the determinants of current practice and perceived responsibility for the vitamin D status of residents.

Methods

Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants in two areas of Southern England including care home managers, general practitioners (GPs) and public health professionals. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Results

Inductive thematic analysis identified four themes: framing of vitamin D supplements as medicines; professional and sector boundaries whereby GPs are perceived as responsible for the vitamin D status of residents and care home managers felt unable to administer over-the-counter vitamin tablets; low awareness of national guidance; and ethical and practical issues. This results in vitamin D supplements requiring prescription by medical professionals and few residents receiving them.

Conclusion

The medical framing of vitamin D supplements in care homes is a practical barrier to implementation of longstanding nutrition guidelines. A paradigm shift is needed so that vitamin D is understood as a protective nutrient as well as a medicine, and a public health as well as a medical responsibility. Vitamin D is important for musculoskeletal health. Possible links with COVID-19 are still being investigated. The pandemic has drawn attention to conditions in care homes and there is an opportunity to revise current guidance on vitamin D supplementation which will have lasting benefit for this vulnerable group.
PREventive effect of FENestration with and without clipping on post-kidney transplantation lymphatic complications (PREFEN): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Golriz Mohammad , Sabagh Mohammadsadegh , Mohammadi Sara , Ghamarnejad Omid , Khajeh Elias , Mieth Markus , Al-Saeedi Mohammed , Diener Markus K , Mihaljevic André L , Morath Christian , Zeier Martin , Kulu Yakup , Mehrabi Arianeb
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Peritoneal fenestration is an effective preventive method for reducing the rate of lymphatic complications in kidney transplantation (KTx). The size of the fenestration plays an important role in its effectiveness. A large peritoneal window is no longer indicated, due to herniation and difficulties in performing biopsies. Small preventive fenestration is effective but will be closed too early. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether metal clips around the edges of a small fenestration result in optimal effects with minimum fenestration size.

Methods and analysis

This trial has been initiated in July 2019 and is expected to last for 2 and a half years. All patients older than 18 years, who receive kidneys from deceased donors, will be included. The kidney recipients will be randomly allocated to either a control arm (small fenestration alone) or an intervention arm (small fenestration with clipping). All fenestrations will be round, maximum 2 cm, and close to the kidney hilum. Clipping will be performed with eight metal clips around the peritoneal window (360°) in every 45° in an oblique position. The primary endpoint is the incidence of symptomatic post-KTx lymphatic complications, which require interventional treatment within 6 months after KTx. Secondary endpoints are intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, including blood loss, operation time, severity grade of lymphocele/lymphorrhea and relative symptoms.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol study received approval from the Ethics Committee of the University of Heidelberg (Registration Number S-318/2017). A Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials checklist is available for this protocol. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03682627).
Cost of nitric oxide therapy in neonates
Authors: Hoyle Emily , Spierson Hannah , Cordon David , Brady Joanne , Subhedar Nimish V
Published: October 2020

A retrospective observational cohort study was performed to review the cost of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy in a UK neonatal intensive care setting over a 4-year period. 188 neonates with a median (IQR) gestational age and birth weight of 27 (24–37) weeks and 980 (695–2812) g, respectively, were treated with iNO. The median (IQR) duration of iNO therapy was 60 (22–129) hours. The mean cost of iNO therapy was approximately £820 per baby treated equivalent to £8.50 per hour of therapy. Alternative pricing models suggested a calculated cost of iNO therapy of between approximately £950 and £1350 per baby.
Factors associated with unscheduled care use by cancer decedents: a systematic review with narrative synthesis
Authors: Mills Sarah E E , Geneen Louise J , Buchanan Deans , Guthrie Bruce , Smith Blair H
Published: October 2020

Background

People who die from cancer (cancer decedents) may experience unpleasant and distressing symptoms which cause them to present to unscheduled care. Unscheduled care is unplanned care delivered by general practitioner out-of-hours and emergency departments. Use of unscheduled care can disrupt treatment plans, leading to a disjointed patient care and suboptimal outcomes.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to identify factors associated with unscheduled care use by cancer decedents.

Method

Systematic review with narrative synthesis of seven electronic databases (PubMed; Medline; Embase; Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Web of Science; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) from inception until 01 January 2020. All observational and experimental studies were included, irrespective of their research design.

Results

The search yielded 238 publications included at full-text, of which 47 were included in the final review and synthesis. Unscheduled care use by cancer decedents was influenced by multiple factors, synthesised into themes: demography, clinical and patient, temporal, prescribing and systems. Cancer decedents who were older, men, had comorbidities, or lung cancer, were most likely to use unscheduled care. Unscheduled care presentations were commonly due to pain, breathlessness and gastrointestinal symptoms. Low continuity of care, and oncology-led care were associated with greater unscheduled care use. Access to palliative care, having an up-to-date palliative care plan, and carer education were associated with less unscheduled care use.

Conclusion

The review identifies multiple factors associated with unscheduled care use by cancer decedents. Understanding these factors can inform future practice and policy developments, in order to appropriately target future interventions, optimise service delivery and improve the patient journey.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016047231.
Pitfalls in the diagnosis of lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma, facts and an opinion
Authors: Sina Niloofar , Saeed-Kamil Zaid , Ghazarian Danny
Published: October 2020

Lentigo maligna/lentigo maligna melanoma (LM/LMM) affects chronically sun-damaged skin of the head and neck with a slow radial growth phase. It is characterised by predominantly lentiginous proliferation of small, but atypical melanocytes with occasional upward scatter in an atrophic epidermis. It is not uncommon for pathologists to receive partial or scouting biopsies to assess for LM. This makes the interpretation of symmetry and circumscription of the lesions challenging. Therefore, both cytologic and architectural criteria should be taken into consideration to render an accurate diagnosis of melanoma. Moreover, pathologists should be vigilant to avoid missing invasion, as this can change the treatment plan and prognosis. Herein, we aim to discuss important pitfalls in the diagnosis of LMM and its invasive component. Some of these caveats are differentiating between true invasion versus adnexal involvement by the in situ component or an incidental intradermal nevus, detection of microinvasion and multifocal invasion, and recognition of desmoplastic/spindle cell melanoma component.