bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turbulent closure analysis in heated separated and reattached flow using eddy-resolving data
Authors: Ellis Christopher D. , Xia Hao
Published: April 2020

In this study, we use Large-Eddy Simulations (LESs) to provide a platform to investigate the separated and reattached turbulent flow over a heated blunt plate at ReH = 21 600. The surface Nusselt number and flow field data show good agreement with the published experiments. The turbulence anisotropy resolved by the LES shows that, through the recirculation region, the anisotropy develops toward an axisymmetric contraction state in the near-wall profile. In the redeveloping region, profiles show progression toward the plane-strain state. Turbulent closures, providing simple models of the unknown turbulent correlations that arise from the Reynolds averaging of the Navier–Stokes equations, are routinely applied to complex flows, often with little known about their suitability. The eddy-resolved flow field is used to describe deficiencies in Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes modeling using an LES informed turbulence transport a priori analysis. The explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model showed improved agreement, capturing the elevated turbulent stresses in the recirculation region. Closures describing the turbulent heat flux are compared, and the Higher-Order Generalized GDH (HOGGDH) closure is discovered to show good agreement with those resolved by the LES, capturing the correct ratio of the streamwise to normal turbulent heat flux across the redeveloping boundary layer. An explicit algebraic scalar flux model is examined and shows good predictions of the turbulent heat flux angle but underpredicts the magnitude across the recirculation region. An optimal coefficient for the HOGGDH is described to reproduce the turbulent heat flux magnitude from the LES, showing a range of optimal values across the flow.
Radiation impact of swift heavy ion beams on double-interface CoFeB/MgO magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Wang Bi , Wang Zhaohao , Du Ao , Qiang You , Cao Kaihua , Zhao Yuanfu , Zheng Hongchao , Yan Shaohua , Zhai Pengfei , Liu Jie , Guo Gang , Bai Yumeng , Wang Jun , Zhao Weisheng
Published: April 2020

A double-interface CoFeB/MgO magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) has a high thermal stability barrier (E) and high-efficiency magnetization switching with the scaling of device dimensions. However, compared to a single-interface CoFeB/MgO MTJ, its more complicated film stacks and interfaces are more vulnerable to irradiation-induced swift heavy ions. We have studied the irradiation effects of Ta/Kr ions on double-interface CoFeB/MgO MTJs. Structural and physical analyses are performed through transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. 1907 MeV Ta-ion irradiation damages the interfaces of the double-interface MTJ, resulting in the irreversible decrease in coercivity, while 2060 MeV Kr-ion irradiation damages the bulk properties of the MTJ, leading to the decrease in saturation magnetization. However, the electronic properties of the double-interface MTJ are almost immune to Kr-ion irradiation.
Revealing the fundamentals of lithium-metal microbatteries
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: April 2020

Three experiments discovered properties of Li-metal microbatteries, which could improve their production and performance.
Improved charge–discharge cycling durability of PVDF dielectrics with MgO nanofillers
Authors: Shi Yunzhou , Zhang Li , Zhang Jie , Zhang Hui , Yue Zhenxing
Published: April 2020

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based dielectrics have drawn great attention for capacitor applications due to their high energy-storage density. However, compared to the constantly increasing energy-storage density made possible by different approaches, the issues of reliability, including their charge–discharge cycling durability, have not been adequately discussed and remain unsolved. In this study, the incorporation of a small amount of MgO nanoparticles, i.e., 5 wt. % MgO nanofillers, was proven to effectively improve the degradation of pure PVDF in the charge–discharge cycling test. The PVDF-5 wt. % MgO nanocomposites showed excellent stability after 1500 charge–discharge cycles at room temperature and 50 °C. Using the pulsed electro-acoustic method, the space charge suppression effect was observed in PVDF-5 wt. % MgO nanocomposites, which indicated that there was no distortion in the local electric field and helped enhance breakdown strength. At the same time, dielectric loss and AC conductivity were also significantly reduced, particularly at elevated temperatures. Such improvements in electrical properties are valuable, as they provide a direction for enhancing the reliability of PVDF-based composite dielectrics and enable their widespread application.
Ultra-sensitive, reusable, and superhydrophobic Ag/ZnO/Ag 3D hybrid surface enhanced Raman scattering substrate for hemoglobin detection
Authors: Pal Anil Kumar , Chandra Goutam Kumar , Umapathy Siva , Bharathi Mohan D.
Published: April 2020

The small Raman scattering cross section of hemoglobin (Hb) molecules limits its application using a Raman spectroscopy based optical biosensor. Label-free surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection and degradation of Hb have been achieved using 3D reusable superhydrophobic SERS substrates based on a Ag/ZnO/Ag hybrid structure. The fabrication process follows the decoration of thermally evaporated non-spherical like Ag nanoparticles on hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods on a catalytic ultra-thin Ag film. From SERS point of view, these 3D SERS substrates exhibit four important characteristics such as a higher surface to volume ratio, surface plasmon resonance in the broad wavelength region of the visible spectrum, a strong electric field at the Ag–ZnO interface due to the formation of a Schottky barrier, and the superhydrophobic surface. The SERS substrates not only performed an outstanding Raman enhancement effect due to the above factors but also displayed multiple recyclabilities owing to their excellent self-cleaning property via a UV light assisted photocatalytic degradation process. The quantitative SERS analysis has been performed by a linear regression method and resulted in 10−13.42M and 10−7.24M limit of detection for Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) and Hb molecules, respectively, with an enhancement factor of 6 × 1011. The effect of the 3D hybrid structure toward higher SERS activity has been compared with that of 2D SERS substrates, and the SERS mapping of Rh6G molecules proves good homogeneity of the 3D SERS substrates. These ultra-sensitive 3D SERS substrates with reusable capability open the possibility of their use toward biosensors for the early detection of diseases.
Why are ATP-driven microtubule minus-end directed motors critical to plants? An overview of plant multifunctional kinesins
Authors: Ali Iftikhar , Yang Wei-Cai
Published: April 2020

In plants, microtubule and actin cytoskeletons are involved in key processes including cell division, cell expansion, growth and development, biotic and abiotic stress, tropisms, hormonal signalling as well as cytoplasmic streaming in growing pollen tubes. Kinesin enzymes have a highly conserved motor domain for binding microtubule cytoskeleton assisting these motors to organise their own tracks, the microtubules by using chemical energy of ATP hydrolysis. In addition to this conserved binding site, kinesins possess non-conserved variable domains mediating structural and functional interaction of microtubules with other cell structures to perform various cellular jobs such as chromosome segregation, spindle formation and elongation, transport of organelles as well as microtubules-actins cross linking and microtubules sliding. Therefore, how the non-motor variable regions specify the kinesin function is of fundamental importance for all eukaryotic cells. Kinesins are classified into ~17 known families and some ungrouped orphans, of which ~13 families have been recognised in plants. Kinesin-14 family consisted of plant specific microtubules minus end-directed motors, are much diverse and unique to plants in the sense that they substitute the functions of animal dynein. In this review, we explore the functions of plant kinesins, especially from non-motor domains viewpoint, focussing mainly on recent work on the origin and functional diversity of motors that drive microtubule minus-end trafficking events.
Overexpression of NtSnRK2.2 enhances salt tolerance in Nicotiana tabacum by regulating carbohydrate metabolism and lateral root development
Authors: Liu Minghong , Wang Jian , Gou Jianyu , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Zhigang , Yang Xiaoliang , Sun Shuguang
Published: April 2020

SnRK2 is a plant-specific protein kinase family implicated in environmental stress tolerance. Individual SnRK2 genes have acquired distinct regulatory properties in response to various environmental stresses. In this study, NtSnRK2.2, a SnRK2 subclass II member in Nicotiana tabacum L., was cloned and characterised. Sequence alignment analysis showed that SnRK2.2 exhibits widespread sequence differences across Nicotiana species. The tissue expression pattern of NtSnRK2.2 showed a root-predominant expression. To investigate its biological function, NtSnRK2.2 was overexpressed in tobacco, which subsequently resulted in increased soluble sugars and more lateral roots under a normal condition. A salt-stress tolerance assay showed that NtSnRK2.2-overexpressing plants exhibited enhanced salt tolerance, which was further confirmed based on its better root architecture and increase in soluble sugars, thereby implying that NtSnRK2.2 is a multifunctional regulatory factor in plants. Together, our results indicated the possible role played by NtSnRK2.2 in maintaining metabolic homeostasis via the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism in response to environmental stress.
From carrion to Christmas beetles: the broad dietary niche of the red fox in a hybrid coastal ecosystem in south-eastern Queensland
Authors: O'Connor Julie M. , Srivastava Sanjeev K. , Tindale Neil W. , Burnett Scott E.
Published: April 2020

The diet of the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was investigated through analysis of 1185 scats collected between 2010 and 2014 from coastal south-east Queensland, Australia. By both frequency of occurrence and volume, its diet was dominated by terrestrial arthropods, marine arthropods, vegetation and birds, although the remains of the short-tailed shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) consumed as carrion dominated the latter. Terrestrial arthropods, primarily insects of the order Coleoptera, were eaten all year (61% frequency of occurrence, FO) but varied seasonally (35–67%FO), mostly due to the consumption of large numbers of Christmas beetles (Anoplognathus spp.) in the summer months. Marine arthropods consisted almost entirely of ghost crabs (Ocypode spp.) and seasonal variation in consumption was evident (33–72%FO) and likely correlated with ghost crab abundance. Fruit and berries were an important food item for foxes all year but also varied seasonally (30–65%FO). The opportunistic diet of this fox population is discussed in the context of dietary differences, but common opportunism, reported in other Australian and overseas studies.
The Curious Addition of Non-Religious Characters toThe Martyrdom of Imam Husain
Authors: Deacon E. Lucy
Published: April 2020

The rule of the Qajar dynasty was a vibrant period for the Iranian taʿziyeh tradition; the genre’s anonymous dramatists not only developed the verse of the central plays of the Karbala cycle but innovated new narrative content. This study investigates one such innovation, the curious appearance of two new characters in the climactic play The Martyrdom of Imam Husain. They are the Dervish of Kabul and Sultan Qais of India, both of whom Husain encounters shortly before his martyrdom and neither of whom were previously mentioned in historical literature or religious traditions pertaining to Karbala. Through analysis of fifteen taʿziyeh renditions of Husain’s martyrdom dating from 1204/1790 to the 1950s, including rare manuscripts, this study provides a date window for the incorporation of these characters and argues that they were added to complete a trilogy of trials faced by Husain at Karbala. It also traces their literary origins and considers their social significance.
Suppressed-gap millimetre wave kinetic inductance detectors using DC-bias current
Authors: Zhao Songyuan , Withington S , Goldie D J , Thomas C N
Published: April 2020

In this study, we evaluate the suitability of using DC-biased aluminium resonators as low-frequency kinetic inductance detectors capable of operating in the frequency range of 50–120 GHz. Our analysis routine for supercurrent-biased resonators is based on the Usadel equations and gives outputs including density of states, complex conductivities, transmission line properties, and quasiparticle lifetimes. Results from our analysis confirm previous experimental observations on resonant frequency tuneability and retention of high quality factor. Crucially, our analysis suggests that DC-biased resonators demonstrate significantly suppressed superconducting density of states gap. Consequently these resonators have lower frequency detection threshold and are suitable materials for low-frequency kinetic inductance detectors.
Procalcitonin in special patient populations: Guidance for antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Smith Susan E , Muir Justin , Kalabalik-Hoganson Julie
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Procalcitonin (PCT) is an endogenous hormone that increases reliably in response to bacterial infection, and measurement of serum PCT levels is recommended to help guide antimicrobial therapy. The utility of PCT assessment in special patient populations (eg, patients with renal dysfunction, cardiac compromise, or immunocompromised states and those undergoing acute care surgery) is less clear. The evidence for PCT-guided antimicrobial therapy in special populations is reviewed.

In the presence of bacterial infection, nonneuroendocrine PCT is produced in response to bacterial toxins and inflammatory cytokines, resulting in markedly elevated levels of serum PCT. Cytokine induction in nonbacterial inflammatory processes activated by acute care surgery may alter the interpretation of PCT levels. The reliability of PCT assessment has also been questioned in patients with renal dysfunction, cardiac compromise, or immunosuppression. In many special populations, serum PCT may be elevated at baseline and increase further in the presence of infection; thus, higher thresholds for diagnosing infection or de-escalating therapy should be considered, although the optimal threshold to use in a specific population is unclear. Procalcitonin-guided antimicrobial therapy may be recommended in certain clinical situations.

Conclusion

Procalcitonin may be a reliable marker of infection even in special populations with baseline elevations in serum PCT. However, due to unclear threshold values and the limited inclusion of special populations in relevant clinical trials, PCT levels should be considered along with clinical criteria, and antibiotics should never be initiated or withheld based on PCT values alone. Procalcitonin measurement may have a role in guiding de-escalation of antibiotic therapy in special populations; however, the clinician should be aware of disease states and concomitant therapies that may affect interpretation of results.
The midterm results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair with a precurved fenestrated endograft in zone 0–1
Authors: Furuta Akihisa , Azuma Takashi , Yokoi Yoshihiko , Domoto Satoru , Niinami Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for the treatment of aortic arch disease remains challenging due to certain anatomical and haemodynamic features. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm results of TEVAR with a second-generation fenestrated endograft for aortic arch disease.

METHODS

This non-randomized, interventional study was part of a multicentre clinical trial conducted between 2010 and 2011 and was designed to assess the effectiveness of a second-generation precurved fenestrated endograft for aortic arch disease. Midterm data collected during the fifth postoperative year from 205 patients treated with this endograft with the proximal landing of zone 0 or 1 were assessed regarding survival, reoperation and complications.

RESULTS

The initial and technical success rates were 94% and 91%, respectively. Ninety-seven percent of patients were treated using zone 0. The rate of in-hospital deaths was 3%. Overall survival was 71% at 5 years; thoracic aorta-related death-free survival rates at 1 and 5 years after surgery were 99.5% and 97.8%, respectively. Aneurysm-related event-free survival rates at 1 and 5 years after surgery were 86.8% and 77.1%, respectively. Reoperation-free survival rates at 5 years were 86.6%. The most frequent reason for reoperation was type Ia endoleak (5%), followed by type II endoleak (2%). Incidences of cerebral infarction, device migration, spinal cord ischaemia and supra-aortic branch stenosis were 6%, 1%, 1% and 1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The precurved fenestrated endograft provided appropriate conformability to the aortic arch and made zone 0 landing possible with simplified, less-invasive manipulations. The midterm results of TEVAR with this endograft suggest this method is a valuable endovascular treatment option for aortic arch disease.

Clinical trial registration number

UMIN000007213.
Oncological outcomes after lobe-specific mediastinal lymph node dissection via multiport video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Mun Mingyon , Nakao Masayuki , Matsuura Yosuke , Ichinose Junji , Okumura Sakae
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

We retrospectively investigated oncological outcomes after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy with lobe-specific mediastinal lymph node dissection (MLND).

METHODS

Between April 2008 and December 2016, a total of 660 patients underwent VATS lobectomy with lobe-specific MLND for clinical T1-3N0M0 non-small-cell lung cancer, of which 54 (8.2%) patients had pathological node-positive disease (18 N1 and 36 N2). We evaluated their oncological outcomes.

RESULTS

The predominant histological type was adenocarcinoma (87%). Six (33%) patients in the pN1 and 11 (31%) patients in the pN2 received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 51.6 months. Postoperative recurrence was observed in 5 (28%) pN1 and 22 (61%) pN2 patients. One (6%) pN1 and 12 (33%) pN2 patients experienced locoregional recurrence. None of the pN1 patient experienced local recurrence at the dissected zone, whereas 11 (31%) pN2 patients had lymph node recurrence, including four at the dissected area and three in the area omitted from dissection in the lobe-specific MLND. The 5-year overall survival rates were 88.1% in the pN1 patients and 80.0% in the pN2 patients; the 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 63.9% in the pN1 patients and 34.8% in the pN2 patients. In pN2 patients, pathological T classification was a prognostic factor for overall survival (P < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (P = 0.034), and single-station N2 disease was also prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence at the omitted zone is an issue for this type of MLND. For pN1 patients, adequate MLND is an important factor for curative treatment. However, for pN2 patients, systemic treatment after recurrence may also contribute to survival.
Metal-induced bacterial interactions promote diversity in river-sediment microbiomes
Authors: Cyriaque Valentine , Géron Augustin , Billon Gabriel , Nesme Joseph , Werner Johannes , Gillan David C , Sørensen Søren J , Wattiez Ruddy
Published: April 2020

Anthropogenic metal contamination results in long-term environmental selective pressure with unclear impacts on bacterial communities, which comprise key players in ecosystem functioning. Since metal contamination poses serious toxicity and bioaccumulation issues, assessing their impact on environmental microbiomes is important to respond to current environmental and health issues. Despite elevated metal concentrations, the river sedimentary microbiome near the MetalEurop foundry (France) shows unexpected higher diversity compared with the upstream control site. In this work, a follow-up of the microbial community assembly during a metal contamination event was performed in microcosms with periodic renewal of the supernatant river water. Sediments of the control site were gradually exposed to a mixture of metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) in order to reach similar concentrations to MetalEurop sediments. Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons was performed. Metal-resistant genes, czcA and pbrA, as well as IncP plasmid content, were assessed by quantitative PCR. The outcomes of this study support previous in situ observations showing that metals act as community assembly managers, increasing diversity. This work revealed progressive adaptation of the sediment microbiome through the selection of different metal-resistant mechanisms and cross-species interactions involving public good-providing bacteria co-occurring with the rest of the community.
Dementia Caregiving Research: Expanding and Reframing the Lens of Diversity, Inclusivity, and Intersectionality
Authors: Dilworth-Anderson Peggye , Moon Heehyul , Aranda María P
Published: April 2020

This forum expands and reframes the lens of dementia caregiving research among diverse racial and ethnic groups to better understand the unique needs, stressors, and strengths of multicultural and racial-ethnic family caregivers in the United States. By providing more diverse and inclusive knowledge on caregiving to older adults in the United States, we can create a new path forward with regards to caregiving research. Throughout the article, major questions and answers are supported by critiquing some of the caregiving literature. Discussions are provided to help create inclusive ways of conceptualizing caregiving research and using methodological approaches to reflect the diversity of caregivers and care recipients in the United States. Expanding and reframing the conceptual and methodological lens of diversity, inclusivity and intersectionality can provide evidence to support effective policy, practice, and care in addressing the needs of diverse groups of caregivers and older adults living with dementia.
Laboratory information system requirements to manage the COVID-19 pandemic: A report from the Belgian national reference testing center
Authors: Weemaes Matthias , Martens Steven , Cuypers Lize , Van Elslande Jan , Hoet Katrien , Welkenhuysen Joris , Goossens Ria , Wouters Stijn , Houben Els , Jeuris Kirsten , Laenen Lies , Bruyninckx Katrien , Beuselinck Kurt , André Emmanuel , Depypere Melissa , Desmet Stefanie , Lagrou Katrien , Van Ranst Marc , Verdonck Ann K L C , Goveia Jermaine
Published: April 2020

Objective

The study sought to describe the development, implementation, and requirements of laboratory information system (LIS) functionality to manage test ordering, registration, sample flow, and result reporting during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Materials and Methods

Our large (>12 000 000 tests/y) academic hospital laboratory is the Belgian National Reference Center for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing. We have performed a moving total of >25 000 SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction tests in parallel to standard routine testing since the start of the outbreak. A LIS implementation team dedicated to develop tools to remove the bottlenecks, primarily situated in the pre- and postanalytical phases, was established early in the crisis.

Results

We outline the design, implementation, and requirements of LIS functionality related to managing increased test demand during the COVID-19 crisis, including tools for test ordering, standardized order sets integrated into a computerized provider order entry module, notifications on shipping requirements, automated triaging based on digital metadata forms, and the establishment of databases with contact details of other laboratories and primary care physicians to enable automated reporting. We also describe our approach to data mining and reporting of actionable daily summary statistics to governing bodies and other policymakers.

Conclusions

Rapidly developed, agile extendable LIS functionality and its meaningful use alleviates the administrative burden on laboratory personnel and improves turnaround time of SARS-CoV-2 testing. It will be important to maintain an environment that is conducive for the rapid adoption of meaningful LIS tools after the COVID-19 crisis.
Mining reported adverse events induced by potential opioid-drug interactions
Authors: Chen Jinzhao , Wu Gaoyu , Michelson Andrew , Vesoulis Zachary , Bogner Jennifer , Corrigan John D , Payne Philip R O , Li Fuhai
Published: April 2020

Objective

Opioid-based analgesia is routinely used in clinical practice for the management of pain and alleviation of suffering at the end of life. It is well-known that opioid-based medications can be highly addictive, promoting not only abuse but also life-threatening overdoses. The scope of opioid-related adverse events (AEs) beyond these well-known effects remains poorly described. This exploratory analysis investigates potential AEs from drug-drug interactions between opioid and nonopioid medications (ODIs).

Materials and Methods

In this study, we conduct an initial exploration of the association between ODIs and severe AEs using millions of AE reports available in FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). The odds ratio (OR)-based analysis and visualization are proposed for single drugs and pairwise ODIs to identify associations between AEs and ODIs of interest. Moreover, the multilabel (multi-AE) learning models are employed to evaluate the feasibility of AE prediction of polypharmacy.

Results

The top 12 most prescribed opioids in the FAERS are identified. The OR-based analysis identifies a diverse set of AEs associated with individual opioids. Moreover, the results indicate many ODIs can increase the risk of severe AEs dramatically. The area under the curve values of multilabel learning models of ODIs for oxycodone varied between 0.81 and 0.88 for 5 severe AEs.

Conclusions

The proposed data analysis and visualization are useful for mining FAERS data to identify novel polypharmacy associated AEs, as shown for ODIs. This approach was successful in recapitulating known drug interactions and also identified new opioid-specific AEs that could impact prescribing practices.
MDMA Intoxication in a Potential Organ Donor with Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Castro André L , Tarelho Sónia , Almeida Dina , Sousa Lara , Franco João Miguel , Teixeira Helena M
Published: April 2020

Amphetamine and its derivatives’ consumption is still an important public health issue, namely in terms of compounds variability and disposition to consumers. However, some of them, like 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), still live in the illicit market, with continuous success. Nevertheless, there is always new information and data on MDMA intoxication, both in vivo and in postmortem context. The authors report an intoxication case with MDMA, in an 18-year-old male, considered a potential organ donor after a cardiac arrest. Whole blood samples were collected in vivo, at the emergency room (ER), and postmortem, at the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences. After a general screening procedure, samples were extracted by solid phase extraction (OASIS® MCX), followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The whole blood postmortem sample was positive for lidocaine (<500 ng/mL), compatible with the ER intervention, and positive for MDMA (2278 ng/mL) and methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) (49 ng/mL), while whole blood samples collected in vivo (during the maintenance of the individual under advanced life support), were positive for MDMA (504–1918 ng/mL) and MDA (20–89 ng/mL). Samples were negative for other substances, namely ethanol, other drugs of abuse and medicines. Results interpretation is pivotal to understand the behavior of the substance. Thus, in this case, MDMA postmortem behavior should be carefully evaluated, considering as possible influencers, in the specific context of the case, the time lapse between death verification, maintenance of the advanced life support and body manipulation for organ collection purposes. Also referred and discussed is the antemortem/postmortem ratio of MDMA obtained values, compared with literature references. There is no doubt that death was due to MDMA intoxication, but information from the analysis performed on the in vivo samples suggests that this type of sample should also be considered, in a complementary role, whenever possible.
US Forest Service Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act: Fast, Variable, Rarely Litigated, and Declining
Authors: Fleischman Forrest , Struthers Cory , Arnold Gwen , Dockry Mike , Scott Tyler
Published: April 2020

Abstract

This paper draws on systematic data from the US Forest Service’s (USFS) Planning, Appeals and Litigation System to analyze how the agency conducts environmental impact assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We find that only 1.9 percent of the 33,976 USFS decisions between 2005 and 2018 were processed as Environmental Impact Statements, the most rigorous and time-consuming level of analysis, whereas 82.3 percent of projects fit categorical exclusions. The median time to complete a NEPA analysis was 131 days. The number of new projects has declined dramatically in this period, with the USFS now initiating less than half as many projects per year as it did prior to 2010. We find substantial variation between USFS units in the number of projects completed and time to completion, with some units completing projects in half the time of others. These findings point toward avenues for improving the agency’s NEPA processes.
World War II Soldiers of Color in James Baldwin’s Tell Me How Long the Train’s Been Gone and Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless Me, Ultima
Authors: Fernandez Jose
Published: April 2020

Critics have explored James Baldwin's Tell Me How Long the Train's Been Gone (1968) and Rudolfo Anaya's Bless Me, Ultima (1972) through the emergence of their protagonists as artists, while other scholars have focused on Tell Me How Long's emphasis on black nationalism or Bless Me, Ultima's engagement with Mexican American identity; however, the tensions between art and social protest in both novels has not been explored by scholars in relation to the novels' treatment of the experience of soldiers of color in World War II. This article focuses on the novels' depiction of the military service by soldiers of color, their transformation by those experiences, and how the protests and activism against the racism and discrimination experienced by soldiers of color contributed to the long civil rights movement. I argue that through the war experiences of the protagonists' older brothers in Tell Me How Long and Bless Me, Ultima, both narratives similarly present the contributions and experiences of soldiers of color during the war effort as they faced the dilemma of fighting a war for their country only to be denied full citizenship rights at home, which increased their social activism. Tell Me How Long describes the heroic service of an African American in battle in the Italian front that has a historical antecedent in the 92nd Infantry Division known as the Buffalo Soldiers, while Bless Me, Ultima focuses on the effects of the mobilization period in Mexican American communities in the Southwest and the war's psychological effects on returning soldiers.
The curious activity in the nucleus of NGC 4151: jet interaction causing variability?
Authors: Williams D R A , Baldi R D , McHardy I M , Beswick R J , Panessa F , May D , Moldón J , Argo M K , Bruni G , Dullo B T , Knapen J H , Brinks E , Fenech D M , Mundell C G , Muxlow T W B , Pahari M , Westcott J
Published: April 2020

A key characteristic of many active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is their variability, but its origin is poorly understood, especially in the radio domain. Williams et al. (2017) reported a ∼50 per cent increase in peak flux density of the AGN in the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 at 1.5 GHz with the e-MERLIN array. We present new high-resolution e-MERLIN observations at 5 GHz and compare these to archival MERLIN observations to investigate the reported variability. Our new observations allow us to probe the nuclear region at a factor three times higher resolution than the previous e-MERLIN study. We separate the core component, C4, into three separate components: C4W, C4E, and X. The AGN is thought to reside in component C4W, but this component has remained constant between epochs within uncertainties. However, we find that the Eastern-most component, C4E, has increased in peak flux density from 19.35 ± 1.10 to 37.09 ± 1.86 mJy beam−1, representing an 8.2σ increase on the MERLIN observations. We attribute this peak flux density increase to continue interaction between the jet and the emission line region (ELR), observed for the first time in a low-luminosity AGNs such as NGC 4151. We identify discrete resolved components at 5 GHz along the jet axis, which we interpret as areas of jet–ELR interaction.
Evaluating the impact of binary parameter uncertainty on stellar population properties
Authors: Stanway E R , Chrimes A A , Eldridge J J , Stevance H F
Published: April 2020

Binary stars have been shown to have a substantial impact on the integrated light of stellar populations, particularly at low metallicity and early ages – conditions prevalent in the distant Universe. But the fraction of stars in stellar multiples as a function of mass, their likely initial periods and distribution of mass ratios are all known empirically from observations only in the local Universe. Each has associated uncertainties. We explore the impact of these uncertainties in binary parameters on the properties of integrated stellar populations, considering which properties and time-scales are most susceptible to uncertainty introduced by binary fractions and whether observations of the integrated light might be sufficient to determine binary parameters. We conclude that the effects of uncertainty in the empirical binary parameter distributions are likely smaller than those introduced by metallicity and stellar population age uncertainties for observational data. We identify emission in the He ii 1640 Å emission line and continuum colour in the ultraviolet–optical as potential indicators of a high-mass binary presence, although poorly constrained metallicity, dust extinction, and degeneracies in plausible star formation history are likely to swamp any measurable signal.
Prevalence of Alternative Diagnoses and Implications for Management in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Patients
Authors: Macki Mohamed , Mahajan Abhimanyu , Shatz Rhonna , Air Ellen L , Novikova Marina , Fakih Mohamed , Elmenini Jaafar , Kaur Manpreet , Bouchard Kenneth R , Funk Brent A , Schwalb Jason M
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Following Bayes theorem, ventriculomegaly and ataxia confer only a 30% chance of idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). When coupled with positive responses to best diagnostic testing (extended lumbar drainage), 70% of patients recommended for shunting will not actually have NPH. This is inadequate clinical care.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the proportion of alternative and treatable diagnoses in patients referred to a multidisciplinary NPH clinic.

METHODS

Patients without previously diagnosed NPH were queried from prospectively collected data. At least 1 neurosurgeon, cognitive neurologist, and neuropsychologist jointly formulated best treatment plans.

RESULTS

Of 328 total patients, 45% had an alternative diagnosis; 11% of all patients improved with treatment of an alternative diagnosis. Of 87 patients with treatable conditions, the highest frequency of pathologies included sleep disorders, and cervical stenosis, followed by Parkinson disease. Anti-cholinergic burden was a contributor for multiple patients. Of 142 patients undergoing lumbar puncture, 71% had positive responses and referred to surgery. Compared to NPH patients, mimickers were statistically significantly older with lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score and worse gait parameters. Overall, 26% of the original patients underwent shunting. Pre-post testing revealed a statistically significant improved MoCA score and gait parameters in those patients who underwent surgery with follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Because the Multidisciplinary NPH Clinic selected only 26% for surgery (corroborating 30% in Bayes theorem), an overwhelming majority of patients with suspected NPH will harbor alternative diagnoses. Identification of contributing/confounding conditions will support the meticulous work-up necessary to appropriately manage patients without NPH while optimizing clinical responses to shunting in correctly diagnosed patients.
VEDA: VERA data analysis software for VLBI phase-referencing astrometry
Authors: Nagayama Takumi , Hirota Tomoya , Honma Mareki , Kurayama Tomoharu , Adachi Yuuki , Tamura Yoshiaki , Kanya Yukitoshi
Published: April 2020

We present the VEra Data Analyzer (VEDA) software package for Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) phase-referencing observations and parallax measurements. The Japanese VLBI project VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry (VERA) provides high-precision astrometric results at the 10 μas level. To achieve this precision, accurate calibration of the atmospheric phase fluctuation, the instrumental phase, and the source structural effect is required. VEDA specializes in phase-referencing data analysis, including these calibrations. In order to demonstrate its performance we analyzed H2O maser observations of W 3(OH) and Orion KL with VERA. Their parallaxes were obtained to be 0.527 ± 0.016 mas and 2.459 ± 0.029 mas, respectively. We also analyzed their data using AIPS, which is widely used for VLBI data analysis, and confirmed that the parallaxes obtained using VEDA and AIPS are coincident within 10 μas. VEDA is available for high-precision parallax and proper motion measurements of Galactic maser sources.
Symmetry Fundamentalism: A Case Study from Classical Physics
Authors: Schroeren David
Published: April 2020

Physicists have suggested what I call symmetry fundamentalism: the view that symmetries are fundamental aspects of physical reality and that these aspects are more fundamental than what one might ordinarily think of as the fundamental building blocks of the world, such as elementary particles. The goal of this paper is to develop an ontology for classical particle mechanics that provides a precise instance of symmetry fundamentalism.
Not all world leaders use Twitter in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: impact of the way of Angela Merkel on psychological distress, behaviour and risk perception
Authors: Teufel Martin , Schweda Adam , Dörrie Nora , Musche Venja , Hetkamp Madeleine , Weismüller Benjamin , Lenzen Henrike , Stettner Mark , Kohler Hannah , Bäuerle Alexander , Skoda Eva-Maria
Published: April 2020

At a time of growing governmental restrictions and ‘physical distancing’ in order to decelerate the spread of COVID-19, psychological challenges are increasing. Social media plays an important role in maintaining social contact as well as exerting political influence. World leaders use it not only to keep citizens informed but also to boost morale and manage people’s fears. However, some leaders do not follow this approach; an example is the German Chancellor. In a large online survey, we aimed to determine levels of COVID-19 fear, generalized anxiety, depression, safety behaviour, trust in government and risk perception in Germany. A total of 12 244 respondents participated during the period of restraint and the public shutdown in March 2020. Concurrent with the German Chancellor’s speech, a reduction of anxiety and depression was noticeable in the German population. It appears that, in addition to using social media platforms like Twitter, different—and sometimes more conservative—channels for providing information can also be effective.
Use of rheumatoid arthritis impact of disease (RAID) in routine care; identification of DAS28 remission and unmet patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Mistry Jatin , Sharif Mohammed , Prideaux Amy , Smith Catherine , Sumbwanyambe Malama , Sibley Margaret , Carpenter Lewis , Sweeney Melissa , Kiely Patrick
Published: April 2020

Objective

The aim was to assess how the patient-reported outcome RA impact of disease (RAID) relates to DAS28 categories in routine care, its utility in identifying patients in DAS28 remission (RDAS) or low disease activity (LDAS) and the burden of unmet patient-reported needs in those achieving RDAS/LDAS.

Methods

DAS28 and RAID scores were collected from patients with established RA attending for routine review. The relationship between RAID and DAS28 was assessed with univariate pairwise correlation and mixed-effects linear regression analyses. RAID <2 was defined as a patient-acceptable state.

Results

One hundred and ninety-eight patients were assessed, with 220 observations, using DAS28-CRP categories: 47.5% RDAS, 14.1% LDAS, 31.8% moderate DAS (MDAS) and 6.6% high DAS (HDAS). Both patient visual analog scale score and tender joint count exhibited a high statistical association with RAID using linear regression (P < 0.0001). The mean RAID score per DAS28-CRP category was RDAS 1.84, LDAS 4.78, MDAS 5.60 and HDAS 7.68, with a statistically significant increase in RAID per unit increase in DAS-CRP or DAS28-ESR on linear regression (P  < 0.001). Of 66 patients with RAID <2, 64 (97%) were in RDAS and 65 (98.5%) in RDAS/LDAS. Of 134 patients in RDAS/LDAS, RAID was ≥2 in 69 (51.5%), with fatigue and sleep being the worst-scoring domains.

Conclusion

RAID functions well as a patient-reported outcome in routine care. Patients with RAID <2 have a high likelihood of being in RDAS/LDAS and, if pre-screened, could avoid a clinic visit. Analysis of RAID domains provides individualized targets for holistic care in RA management, with fatigue and sleep problems dominating unmet needs in those in RDAS/LDAS.
D-Penicillamine prolongs survival and lessens copper-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Abolaji Amos Olalekan , Fasae Kehinde Damilare , Iwezor Chizim Elizabeth , Farombi Ebenezer Olatunde
Published: April 2020

D-penicillamine (DPA) is an amino-thiol that has been established as a copper chelating agent for the treatment of Wilson’s disease. DPA reacts with metals to form complexes and/or chelates. Here, we investigated the survival rate extension capacity and modulatory role of DPA on Cu2+-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Adult Wild type (Harwich strain) flies were exposed to Cu2+ (1 mM) and/or DPA (50 μM) in the diet for 7 days. Additionally, flies were exposed to acute Cu2+ (10 mM) for 24 h, followed by DPA (50 μM) treatment for 4 days. Thereafter, the antioxidant status [total thiol (T-SH) and glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione S-transferase and catalase activities] as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level and acetylcholinesterase activity were evaluated. The results showed that DPA treatment prolongs the survival rate of D. melanogaster by protecting against Cu2+-induced lethality. Further, DPA restored Cu2+-induced depletion of T-SH level compared to the control (P < 0.05). DPA also protected against Cu2+ (1 mM)-induced inhibition of catalase activity. In addition, DPA ameliorated Cu2+-induced elevation of acetylcholinesterase activity in the flies. The study may therefore have health implications in neurodegenerative diseases involving oxidative stress such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Effects of Q-Switched Laser Treatments on Acquired Bilateral Nevus of Ota-Like Macules: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Zeng Rong , Liu Yu-Zhen , Lin Tong , Guo Li-Fang , Ge Yi-Ping , Zhang Meng-Li , Yang Yin , Wu Qiu-Ju , Wu Yu-Le , Li Min
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Q-switched lasers, including 1064-nm Nd:YAG nanosecond laser (QSNYL), 755-nm alexandrite nanosecond laser (QSAL), and 694-nm nanosecond ruby laser (QSRL), are clinically available for the treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules (ABNOM). However, no reliable evidence from large-scale comparative studies identifies which type of laser works best. This study aims to determine the differences in the effectiveness, complications, and risk factors of QSNYL, QSAL, and QSRL in the treatment of ABNOM, further to provide evidence for clinician to make optimal choice according to the condition of patients.

Methods:

We collected the data from 685 ABNOM patients, including clinical features, medical treatments, and follow-up, since 1999 to 2014. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare therapeutic differences between the three groups. The risk factors were analyzed using univariate analysis (χ
2 test) and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results:

The overall treatment efficiency of the QSNYL group (52.5%) and QSAL group (51.9%) was higher than that of the QSRL group (39.5%) (χ
2 = 17.468, P < 0.001). The onset time of the QSRL and QSAL groups was shorter than that of the QSNYL group. The factors influencing efficacy in the QSNYL group were age at first treatment, number of treatments, coexistence with melasma, and the presence of hyperpigmentation; in the QSAL group was the number of treatments; and in the QSRL group was the number of treatments and hyperpigmentation. The prevalence of hyperpigmentation in the QSNYL group (30.5%) and the QSAL group (27.5%) was lower than that of the QSRL group (47.3%) (χ
2 = 6.576, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The QSNYL, QSAL, and QSRL are all effective and safe treatments for ABNOM. Considering the overall efficacy, duration of treatment, side effects, and risk factors, the QSAL is an optimal choice for ABNOM treatment.
Characteristics of Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Infectious Granuloma at a Signal Center in China: A Five-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Yan Zhen-Zhen , Mei You-Ming , Jiang Hai-Qing , Shen Yong-Nian , Cui Pan-Gen , Liu Wei-Da , Fu Mei-Hua , Wang Hong-Sheng , Sun Jian-Fang
Published: April 2020

Objective:

Cutaneous and subcutaneous infectious granuloma (CSIG) is a broad group of inflammatory conditions that share important similarities in granulomatous reaction pattern and nonspecific clinical presentation. Here, we conducted the retrospective study to identify the clinical, pathological, and epidemiological correlations of CSIG cases at a signal center in China.

Methods:

Data of patients diagnosed with CSIG between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015 were retrospectively collected, including socio-demographic information, pathogen diagnosis, clinical features, pathological results, treatment, and prognosis.

Results:

This study included 256 patients (137 males and 119 females) with a mean age of 52 years. Infections were more common in those aged over 40 years old (76.17%). The most common pathogens were Mycobacterium leprae (26.56%), Sporothrix schenckii (23.83%), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (15.63%). Mycobacterium marinum (8.98%) accounted for 51.11% of nontuberculous mycobacterial contagion. Lesions were most common in the distal extremities (32.03%). The predominant clinical forms were plaques (61/142, 42.96%) and nodules (41/142, 28.87%).

Conclusions:

Various pathogens were responsible for the CSIG cases in this study, with M. leprae being the most common. CSIG should be considered as a likely diagnosis for patients with lesions on exposed parts of the body that present as plaques or nodules and has a history of trauma.