bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RS‐1 enhances CRISPR‐mediated targeted knock‐in in bovine embryos
Authors: Lamas‐Toranzo I. , Martínez‐Moro A. , O´Callaghan E. , Millán‐Blanca G. , Sánchez J.M. , Lonergan P. , Bermejo‐Álvarez P.
Published: March 2020

Targeted knock‐in (KI) can be achieved in embryos by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐assisted homology directed repair (HDR). However, HDR efficiency is constrained by the competition of nonhomologous end joining. The objective of this study was to explore whether CRISPR‐assisted targeted KI rates can be improved in bovine embryos by exposure to the HDR enhancer RS‐1. In vitro produced zygotes were injected with CRISPR components (300 ng/µl Cas9 messenger RNA and 100 ng/µl single guide RNA against a noncoding region) and a single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) repair template (100 ng/µl). ssDNA template contained a 6 bp XbaI site insert, allowing targeted KI detection by restriction analysis, flanked by 50 bp homology arms. Following microinjection, zygotes were exposed to 0, 3.75, or 7.5 µM RS‐1 for 24 hr. No differences were noted between groups in terms of development or genome edition rates. However, targeted KI rates were doubled in the group exposed to 7.5 µM RS‐1 compared to the others (52.8% vs. 25% and 23.1%, for 7.5, 0, and 3.75 µM, respectively). In conclusion, transient exposure to 7.5 µM RS‐1 enhances targeted KI rates resulting in approximately half of the embryos containing the intended mutation, hence allowing direct KI generation in embryos.
TFT Technology: Advancements and Opportunities for Improvement
Authors: Wager John F.
Published: March 2020

For flat‐panel display backplane applications, oxide TFT technology has transitioned from a disruptive challenger to a maturing competitor with respect to a‐Si:H and LTPS. Here, we explore the most recent developments and the best options among the offerings.
Why we fail: Stakeholders' perceptions of the social and ecological barriers to reforestation in southern Malawi
Authors: Whittaker Abigail R.
Published: March 2020

Reversing deforestation is a pressing challenge for planetary health and global development, but the path to restoring forests on a globally significant scale is ill‐defined, and government implementation of afforestation projects often generates conflict with user groups. Understanding the needs and values of forest‐reliant stakeholders in developing countries and effectively engaging them in forest landscape restoration planning and implementation are critical steps towards meeting afforestation goals, and yet few examples of practical methods to include the poor in participatory environmental governance processes exist.

Inspired by an approach used to mediate other natural resource conflicts, I structured a series of stakeholder focus groups in the Zomba–Machinga region of southern Malawi around Systems Thinking and Bayesian Belief Networks. Through these focus groups, I engaged forest‐reliant households, academics and government staff in a participatory process to explore the conditions of past restoration failure; identify the barriers to future reforestation success; and develop proposed solutions.

Out of eight focus groups held, seven viewed poverty as the single greatest obstacle to afforestation success, and all seven perceived small business capacity building as one of the three most important factors in poverty alleviation, followed in order of frequency by improved agricultural practices (six of seven groups), and non‐forest employment (three of seven groups).

If each focus group could successfully implement the three factors they considered most important, the groups' perceptions that poverty could be alleviated ranged from a likelihood of 15.8%–62.3%, with differences among focus groups that underscored inequities in social agency and vocational opportunities of the participants based on age and gender.

This study illustrates where these diverse groups of stakeholders from a single region converge and diverge in their thinking, underscoring the importance of establishing durable participatory processes to work through conflicts, nurture trust and collaboratively develop solutions that are relevant to local conditions in order for global forest landscape restoration to succeed.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Study on machining deformation control of fiber‐metal laminates
Authors: Lei Jianhua , Liu Xueshu , Wang Qi , Zhang Mengen
Published: March 2020

When composite products are machined to designed shapes, geometrical deformations are generated with removal of materials, which is caused by release of residual stresses generated during the curing process of composite materials. Due to the uncontrollability of the deformation in machining process, both requirements of form and dimensional tolerances are difficult to meet. Inspired by the relationship between material removal and stress release of the slitting method, a deformation control methodology by introducing stress‐release‐groove in machining process was proposed. Residual stresses were firstly measured by using the slitting method and the distribution of residual stresses in thickness direction was estimated. Finite element model was then created and used to study the influence of machining process on geometrical deformation of the composite. It was found that the pre‐processing grooves can reduce the subsequent processing deformation and consequently improve the machining accuracy. To make the release of stress controllable, the influences of width, spacing, depth, and processing sequence of grooves on machining deformation were numerical studied.
The role of sonographic phenotyping in delivering an efficient noninvasive prenatal diagnosis service for FGFR3‐related skeletal dysplasias
Authors: Mellis Rhiannon , Chandler Natalie , Jenkins Lucy , Chitty Lyn S.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic yield of noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) for FGFR3‐related skeletal dysplasias and assess the accuracy of referrals based on sonographic findings to inform guidelines for referral.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed laboratory and referral records from 2012 to 2018 to ascertain all NIPD tests performed using our next generation sequencing panel to detect FGFR3 mutations. We calculated the diagnostic yield of the test overall and when sub‐divided according to the phenotypic features identified on ultrasound before testing. Pregnancy outcomes were ascertained wherever possible from referring centers.

Results

Of 335 tests, 261 were referred because of sonographic findings, of which 80 (31.3%) had a mutation. The diagnostic yield when short limbs were the only abnormal sonographic feature reported was 17.9% (30/168), increasing to 48.9% (23/47) in the presence of one, and 82.6% (19/23) in the presence of two or more characteristic features in addition to short limbs.

Conclusions

Accurate sonographic phenotyping can maximise the diagnostic yield of NIPD in fetuses suspected to have FGFR3‐related skeletal dysplasias. We suggest that clear guidelines for referral are necessary to increase benefits, decrease costs by preventing unnecessary NIPD, and potentially allow first‐line broader spectrum testing for fetuses where the aetiology may be more heterogeneous.
Executive Summary: Therapeutic Monitoring of Vancomycin for Serious Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections: A Revised Consensus Guideline and Review of the American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists
Authors: Rybak Michael J. , Le Jennifer , Lodise Thomas P. , Levine Donald P. , Bradley John S. , Liu Catherine , Mueller Bruce A. , Pai Manjunath P. , Wong‐Beringer Annie , Rotschafer John C. , Rodvold Keith A. , Maples Holly D. , Lomaestro Benjamin M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Recent vancomycin PK/PD and toxicodynamic studies enable a reassessment of the current dosing and monitoring guideline in an attempt to further optimize the efficacy and safety of vancomycin therapy. The area‐under‐the‐curve to minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC) has been identified as the most appropriate pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target for vancomycin. The 2009 vancomycin consenus guidelines recommended specific trough concentrations as a surrogate marker for AUC/MIC. However, more recent toxicodynamic studies have reported an increase in nephrotoxicity associated with trough monitoring.

Methods and Results

This is the executive summary of the new vancomycin consensus guidelines for dosing and monitoring vancomycin therapy and was developed by the American Society of Health‐Systems Pharmacists, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists vancomycin consensus guidelines committee.

Conclusions

The recommendations provided in this document are intended to assist the clinician in optimizing vancomycin for the treatment of invasive MRSA infections in adult and pediatric patients. An AUC/MIC by broth microdilution (BMD) ratio of 400 to 600 (assuming MICBMD of 1 mg/L) should be advocated as the target to achieve clinical efficacy while improving patient safety for patients with serious MRSA infections. In such cases, AUC‐guided dosing and monitoring is the most accurate and optimal way to manage vancomycin therapy.
In vitro antimicrobial effects and mechanism of air plasma‐activated water on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm
Authors: Xu Zimu , Zhou Xiaoxia , Yang Weishu , Zhang Yudi , Ye Zhengxin , Hu Shuheng , Ye Chaobin , Li Yunxia , Lan Yan , Shen Jie , Ye Xiaodong , Yang Fan , Cheng Cheng
Published: March 2020

The deactivation effects and mechanism of plasma‐activated water (PAW) against Staphylococcus aureus biofilm and the inhibitory effect on the biofilm regrowth capacity for the surviving S. aureus post PAW treatment were investigated in vitro. Systematic measurements on bacterial cultivability, metabolic capacity, membrane integrity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration under two different experimental categories were carried out after PAW treatment. Considerable deactivation effects were discovered on biofilm S. aureus on both prolonging the PAW inducement or treatment time. The rising concentration of intracellular ROS and the PAW‐contained RS might exert synergistic effects in deactivating the biofilm S. aureus. Moreover, the biomass, bacterial cultivability and metabolic capacity of the regrown S. aureus biofilm all significantly declined along with the increasing PAW inducement or treatment time. Therefore, except for the short‐term rapid inactivation effects on the biofilm, the PAW treatment could also exert long‐term inhibitory effects on the regeneration of S. aureus biofilm.
Respiratory viruses: What is their role in acute exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis?
Authors: Hizal Mina , Yalcin Ebru , Alp Alpaslan , Ozden Meltem , Karakaya Jale , Eryilmaz Polat Sanem  , Tugcu Gokcen , Dogru Deniz , Ozcelik Ugur , Kiper Nural
Published: March 2020

Background

Respiratory viruses (RVs) are frequently present in the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) during pulmonary exacerbations (PEx).

Method and Objectives

This prospective, longitudinal study was performed to examine the role of RVs in acute exacerbations in children with CF. Sputum samples or additional midturbinate swabs were tested from all children using a polymerase chain reaction panel. The primary aims of the study were to determine the prevalence and etiologic role of RVs in exacerbations of CF and to compare changes with RV‐positive and RV‐negative infections. The secondary aims were to determine the predictive factors for RV‐related exacerbations.

Results

From 50 patients with PEx, 23 (48.9%) sputum samples were virus‐positive. With a combination of sputum and swab, viral positivity increased to 56%. The virus‐positive group presented more frequently with hypoxia (oxygen saturation <93%) than the virus‐negative group (P = .048). Virus‐positive exacerbations were not associated with an increase in colonization rates or greater lung function decline over 12 months.

Conclusions

RVs frequently present during PEx of CF. However, predicting viral infections is difficult in this group. Only the presence of hypoxia may raise the suspicion of an accompanying viral agent. The combination of sputum and nasal swab samples increases the diagnostic yield in viral infections of CF. Despite their high frequency, the presence of RVs had no impact on clinical outcomes, such as a decline in lung function and increased colonization rates.
Extracorporeal and advanced therapies for progressive refractory near‐fatal acute severe asthma in children
Authors: Medar Shivanand S. , Peek Giles J. , Rastogi Deepa
Published: March 2020

Asthma is the most common chronic illness and is one of the most common medical emergencies in children. Progressive refractory near‐fatal asthma requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation can lead to death. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can provide adequate gas exchange during acute respiratory failure although data on outcomes in children requiring ECMO support for status asthmaticus is sparse with one study reporting survival rates of nearly 85% with asthma being one of the best outcome subsets for patients with refractory respiratory failure requiring ECMO support. We describe the current literature on the use of ECMO and other advanced extracorporeal therapies available for children with acute severe asthma. We also review other advanced invasive and noninvasive therapies in acute severe asthma both before and while on ECMO support.
Feedback stabilization of linear systems with multiple controllers via bumpless transfer inputs and combined switching
Authors: Wang Miaomiao , Sun Zhendong
Published: March 2020

For a linear system with multiple controllers, we address the problem of stabilization by means of bumpless transfer inputs and combined switching. The main idea is to design combined switching signals consisting of both state‐feedback logic and time‐driven mechanism. The discontinuities of the control signal during controller switching is compensated over the dwell time intervals, and the compensator is designed so that switching signal keeps unchanged. The state trajectories of the compensated system are proved to be bounded and convergent. A numerical example is presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Brief mindfulness session improves mood and increases salivary oxytocin in psychology students
Authors: Bellosta‐Batalla Miguel , del Carmen Blanco‐Gandía María , Rodríguez‐Arias Marta , Cebolla Ausiàs , Pérez‐Blasco Josefa , Moya‐Albiol Luis
Published: March 2020

Mindfulness‐based interventions (MBI) have been shown to be effective in increasing empathy in health professionals. Yet, more research is needed to analyse the specific influence of mindfulness exercises on biological variables involved in empathy, such as the biological system of oxytocin activity. In this study, we analyse the effects of a brief mindfulness session on positive and negative affect, state anxiety and salivary oxytocin (sOXT) in psychology students (N = 68). In the experimental group (n = 42), a mindfulness session was performed that included different guided meditation exercises. In the control group (n = 26), an emotion recognition exercise was carried out, along with a series of creative activities. Results showed that the mindfulness session was effective, because there was a significant reduction in negative affect (d = −.56, p < .001) and state anxiety (d = −.54, p = .007) in the experimental group. Likewise, there was an increase in sOXT (d = .99, p < .001) in this group, compared with the control group. Guided mindfulness meditation practice could be useful to reach an emotional and biological state that facilitates empathy. In this regard, the increase in sOXT after the mindfulness session adds further evidence about the biological mechanisms underlying the benefits of MBI on empathy.
Acute Phase Response as a Biological Mechanism‐of‐Action of (Nano)particle‐Induced Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Hadrup Niels , Zhernovkov Vadim , Jacobsen Nicklas Raun , Voss Carola , Strunz Maximilian , Ansari Meshal , Schiller Herbert B. , Halappanavar Sabina , Poulsen Sarah S. , Kholodenko Boris , Stoeger Tobias , Saber Anne Thoustrup , Vogel Ulla
Published: March 2020

Inhaled nanoparticles constitute a potential health hazard due to their size‐dependent lung deposition and large surface to mass ratio. Exposure to high levels contributes to the risk of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as of lung cancer. Particle‐induced acute phase response may be an important mechanism of action of particle‐induced cardiovascular disease. Here, the authors review new important scientific evidence showing causal relationships between inhalation of particle and nanomaterials, induction of acute phase response, and risk of cardiovascular disease. Particle‐induced acute phase response provides a means for risk assessment of particle‐induced cardiovascular disease and underscores cardiovascular disease as an occupational disease.
Time‐dependent model and life prediction for reinforcement corrosion in magnesium oxychloride cement concrete
Authors: Gong Wei , Wang Nan , Zhang Na , Chen Guangfeng
Published: March 2020

An effective approach to make better use of the salt‐brine resistance of magnesium oxychloride cement concrete (MOCC) and reduce “magnesium damage” (the concentrate of magnesium resources) that destroys the ecological balance in salt lake areas is to apply MOCC widely. However, the first problem is the high chloride ion content in MOCC, which corrodes reinforcement easily. Concrete cover depth, the experimental environment, and surface treatment of rebar were considered factors study in reinforcement corrosion in MOCC. Based on the tests conducted, a time‐dependent model for reinforcement corrosion in MOCC was proposed, and its life time (initial corrosion and initial cracking time) was calculated and verified in tests. The results showed that proper coating could inhibit reinforcement corrosion and increase the service life of rebar significantly. Further, the salt lake environment had little influence on reinforcement corrosion in MOCC. For exposed rebar in MOCC, the larger the concrete cover depth, the more serious the reinforcement corrosion, while, for coated rebar, the converse was true. All cases of reinforcement corrosion in MOCC conformed to the logarithmic‐type time‐dependent model before concrete cracking. Accordingly, reinforcement corrosion in MOCC and the excess of magnesium resources are expected to be solved.
Online Live Working Safety Monitoring and Early Warning Based on Spatial Cross‐Border Prevention
Authors: Ruan Huaping , Zou Dehua , Wang Wei , He Zhihang , Yan Yu
Published: March 2020

Manually monitoring the safety of personnel working on high‐voltage lines is difficult and unreliable. To overcome this problem, this paper proposes an online high‐voltage live safety monitoring and early warning system based on spatial cross‐border prevention. To develop the proposed system, following analysis of high‐voltage typical live working modes and the minimum approach distance, we divide the safe operation space and use a time‐of‐flight (TOF) depth camera to measure the live working distance in real time. This enables us realize safety early warning by detecting the boundary crossing and intrusion of the safe operation space. Subsequently, we analyze the ambient light and noise that affect the imaging quality of the TOF camera, evaluate the confidence of the depth image pixels, and apply a purpose‐designed adaptive filter guided by a confidence map to repair the depth images. The results of field experiments conducted verify that the proposed system accurate and reliable of this system through field experiments. Compared with manual observations, the system can significantly improve the effectiveness of real‐time live working safety monitoring, and can effectively prevent the occurrence of live working personal injury accidents. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The association in Kampo medicine between Oketsu (blood stasis) and sublingual vein width of the tongue on a tongue image analyzing system
Authors: Morita Akira , Murakami Aya , Watanabe Yuki , Tamura Yutaka , Suganami Akiko , Shiko Yuki , Kawasaki Yohei , Nakaguchi Toshiya , Ochi Sadayuki , Okudaira Kazuho , Hirasaki Yoshiro , Namiki Takao
Published: March 2020

Aim

Regarding tongue diagnosis, the sublingual vein is known as one of the sites of Oketsu (blood stasis) findings; however, the association between blood stasis and sublingual vein width based on measurement of the diameter of the vein using quantitative methods is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between blood stasis and sublingual vein width.

Method

This retrospective cross‐sectional study included 38 patients of 20 years old and over (median age, 68.7 ± 11.3 years; 14 men and 24 women) who visited the Department of Kampo Medicine at Chiba University Hospital from May to August 2017. We reviewed the blood stasis score, and the width of the sublingual vein measured using a Tongue Image Analyzing System (TIAS), patients' physical findings, and blood test results. We classified the patients into non‐blood stasis (NBS) and blood stasis (BS) using Terasawa's diagnostic criteria for blood stasis.

Result

The sublingual vein width in BS was significantly greater than that in NBS. Approximately 80% of the BS patients had a sublingual vein width greater than 3.0 mm.

Conclusion

The present study showed, for the first time, that patients with blood stasis tend to have a larger sublingual vein width based on an objective method. Moreover, TIAS, which can quantify tongue‐related information objectively, may be considered useful for training and as a diagnostic aid.
Ensemble flood forecasting: Current status and future opportunities
Authors: Wu Wenyan , Emerton Rebecca , Duan Qingyun , Wood Andrew W. , Wetterhall Fredrik , Robertson David E.
Published: March 2020

Ensemble flood forecasting has gained significant momentum over the past decade due to the growth of ensemble numerical weather and climate prediction, expansion in high performance computing, growing interest in shifting from deterministic to risk‐based decision‐making that accounts for forecast uncertainty, and the efforts of communities such as the international Hydrologic Ensemble Prediction Experiment (HEPEX), which focuses on advancing relevant ensemble forecasting capabilities and fostering its adoption. With this shift, comes the need to understand the current state of ensemble flood forecasting, in order to provide insights into current capabilities and areas for improvement, thus identifying future research opportunities to allow for better allocation of research resources. In this article, we provide an overview of current research activities in ensemble flood forecasting and discuss knowledge gaps and future research opportunities, based on a review of 70 papers focusing on various aspects of ensemble flood forecasting around the globe. Future research directions include opportunities to improve technical aspects of ensemble flood forecasting, such as data assimilation techniques and methods to account for more sources of uncertainty, and developing ensemble forecasts for more variables, for example, flood inundation, by applying techniques such as machine learning. Further to this, we conclude that there is a need to not only improve technical aspects of flood forecasting, but also to bridge the gap between scientific research and hydrometeorological model development, and real‐world flood management using probabilistic ensemble forecasts, especially through effective communication.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Methods

Science of Water > Water Extremes
SU(3)F analysis for beauty baryon decays
Authors: Dery Avital , Ghosh Mitrajyoti , Grossman Yuval , Schacht Stefan
Published: March 2020

Abstract

We perform a general SU(3)F analysis of $$ b\to c\overline{c}s(d) $$
b
→
c

c
¯

s

d

decays of members of the beauty baryon antitriplet to a member of the light baryon octet and a singlet. Under several reasonable assumptions we found $$ \left|\mathcal{A}\left({\Xi}_b^0\to \Lambda S\right)/\mathcal{A}\left({\Xi}_b^0\to {\Xi}^0S\right)\right|\approx 1/\sqrt{6}\left|{V}_{cb}^{\ast }{V}_{cd}/\left({V}_{cb}^{\ast }{V}_{cs}\right)\right| $$

A

Ξ
b
0

→
Λ
S

/
A

Ξ
b
0

→

Ξ
0

S

≈
1
/

6

V
cb
∗

V
cd

/

V
cb
∗

V
cs

and $$ \left|\mathcal{A}\left({\Lambda}_b\to {\Sigma}^0S\right)/\mathcal{A}\left({\Lambda}_b\to \Lambda S\right)\right|\sim 0.02 $$

A

Λ
b

→

Σ
0

S

/
A

Λ
b

→
Λ
S

∼
0.02
. These two relations have been recently probed by LHCb for the case of S = J/ψ. The former agrees with the measurement, while for the latter our prediction lies close to the upper bound set by LHCb.
Connected monads weakly preserve products
Authors: Gumm H. Peter
Published: March 2020

If F is a (not necessarily associative) monad on Set, then the natural transformation $$F(A\times B)\rightarrow F(A)\times F(B)$$F(A×B)→F(A)×F(B) is surjective if and only if $$F(\varvec{1})=\varvec{1}$$F(1)=1. Specializing F to $$F_{\mathcal {V}}$$FV, the free algebra functor for a variety $$\mathcal {V},$$V, this result generalizes and clarifies an observation by Dent, Kearnes and Szendrei in 2012.
Spatial interactive projections in robot-based inspection systems
Authors: Bauer Philipp , Fink Fridolin , Magaña Alejandro , Reinhart Gunther
Published: March 2020

Due to major technological improvements over the last decades and a significant decrease in costs, electronic projection systems show great potential for providing innovative applications across industries. In most cases, projectors are used to display entire images onto contiguous plane surfaces, but with no active consideration of their three-dimensional environment. Since spatial interactive projections promise new possibilities to display information in the manufacturing industry, we developed a practical approach to how common projection systems can be integrated into a working space and interact with their environment. In order to display information in a spatially dependent manner, a projection model was introduced along with a calibration method for mapping. Subsequently, the approach was validated in the context of robot-based optical inspection systems where texture projections are applied onto sheet metal parts as references features, exclusively to designated regions. The results show that accurate region-specific projections were possible within the calibrated projection volume. In addition, the accuracy and computing speed were investigated to identify limitations. Our approach for interactive projections supports the transfer to other application areas, enables us to rethink current manual and automated procedures and processes in which visualized information benefits the task of interest, and provides new functionalities for manufacturing industries.
Around the nonlinear Ryll-Nardzewski theorem
Authors: Wiśnicki Andrzej
Published: March 2020

Suppose that Q is a $$\hbox {weak}^{*}$$weak∗ compact convex subset of a dual Banach space with the Radon–Nikodým property. We show that if (S, Q) is a nonexpansive and norm-distal dynamical system, then there is a fixed point of S in Q and the set of fixed points is a nonexpansive retract of Q. As a consequence we obtain a nonlinear extension of the Bader–Gelander–Monod theorem concerning isometries in L-embedded Banach spaces. A similar statement is proved for weakly compact convex subsets of a locally convex space, thus giving the nonlinear counterpart of the Ryll-Nardzewski theorem.
Song-type switching rate in the chaffinch carries a message during simulated intrusion
Authors: Deoniziak Krzysztof , Osiejuk Tomasz S.
Published: March 2020

Birds communicate their motivation and willingness to escalate a territorial conflict with a variety of agonistic signals. One of these, song-type switching, has been suggested to be a conventional signal in male–male interactions. However, this behavior does not show a consistent pattern across species. In this study, we asked whether variation in song-switching rate carries a message for song receivers among territorial chaffinches, Fringilla coelebs. Chaffinch song is well described, but only a few studies have focused on the communicative function of song-type switching or bout duration. Using data from playback experiments, we show here that variation in song-type switching rate affects the response of chaffinches. In response to the low switching rate treatment, territorial males began to sing later, produced fewer songs and more rain calls, decreased flight intensity, and spent more time close to the speaker than during playback of songs with a high switching rate. Our results provide strong evidence that the song-type switching rate is an agonistic signal in the chaffinch and that territorial males exhibit a stronger response toward rivals that sing with a lower song-type switching rate. A secondary purpose of our study was to determine the receivers’ response with respect to their own song rate and song repertoire. We found that the reaction of tested males was correlated with their own spontaneous song rate. This implies that a male’s response to stimuli may be predicted on the basis of his own song output.

Significance statement

Using playback experiments, we show that birds’ responses to simulated territorial intrusion vary not only with the type of stimulus but also with the tested males’ spontaneous song output. We found that, from the perspective of the song receiver, variation in switching rate carries a message for territorial chaffinches. Our findings add a new example of agonistic signaling in which territorial males exhibit a stronger response toward rivals singing with lower song-type switching rate, which up to now has only been demonstrated in a few species. Moreover, our results show that a male’s response to playback could be predicted using his song output. This may be associated with motivation and willingness to escalate a conflict and could possibly also indicate a male’s quality.
Epigenetic lifestyle of Epstein-Barr virus
Authors: Buschle Alexander , Hammerschmidt Wolfgang
Published: March 2020

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a model of herpesvirus latency and epigenetic changes. The virus preferentially infects human B-lymphocytes (and also other cell types) but does not turn them straight into virus factories. Instead, it establishes a strictly latent infection in them and concomitantly induces the activation and proliferation of infected B cells. How the virus establishes latency in its target cells is only partially understood, but its latent state has been studied intensively by many. During latency, several copies of the viral genome are maintained as minichromosomes in the nucleus. In latently infected cells, most viral genes are epigenetically repressed by cellular chromatin constituents and DNA methylation, but certain EBV genes are spared and remain expressed to support the latent state of the virus in its host cell. Latency is not a dead end, but the virus can escape from this state and reactivate. Reactivation is a coordinated process that requires the removal of repressive chromatin components and a gain in accessibility for viral and cellular factors and machines to support the entire transcriptional program of EBV’s ensuing lytic phase. We have a detailed picture of the initiating events of EBV’s lytic phase, which are orchestrated by a single viral protein – BZLF1. Its induced expression can lead to the expression of all lytic viral proteins, but initially it fosters the non-licensed amplification of viral DNA that is incorporated into preformed capsids. In the virions, the viral DNA is free of histones and lacks methylated cytosine residues which are lost during lytic DNA amplification. This review provides an overview of EBV’s dynamic epigenetic changes, which are an integral part of its ingenious lifestyle in human host cells.
Inter-observer reproducibility of classical lobular neoplasia (B3 lesions) in preoperative breast biopsies: a study of the Swiss Working Group of breast and gynecopathologists
Authors: Moskovszky Linda , Berger Barbara , Fleischmann Achim , Friedrich Thomas , Helmchen Birgit , Körner Meike , Rau Tilman T. , Varga Zsuzsanna
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Classical type of lobular neoplasia (LN) spans a spectrum of disease, including atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), classical lobular neoplasia (LN), and the three-tiered classification of lobular intraepithelial neoplasia (LIN-1, -2, -3). This study addressed inter-observer variability of classical lobular neoplasias (LN) (B3 lesions) in preoperative breast biopsies among breast and gynecopathologists

Methods

A retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted. 40 preoperative digital images of breast core/vacuum biopsies were analyzed by eight experienced breast- and gynecopathologists. Evaluation criteria were ALH, LCIS, LN classic, LIN-1, LIN-2, LIN-3, focal B3 (one focus), extensive B3 (> one focus). Kappa-index and Chi-square tests were used for statistics. Digital scanned slides were provided to each participant. Agreement between the categories was defined as at least six of eight (cut-off 75%) concordant diagnoses.

Results

The highest agreement between eight pathologists was reached using the category lobular neoplasia (LN, classical), 26/40 (65%) cases were diagnosed as such. Agreements in other categories was low or poor: 12/40 (30%) (ALH), 9/40 (22%) (LCIS), 8/40 (20%) (LIN-1), 8/40 (20%) (focal B3), 3/40 (7.5%) (LIN-2), and 2/40 (5%) (extensive B3). Chi-square-test (classical LN versus the other nomenclatures) was significant (p = 0.001137).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that among Swiss breast pathologists, the most reproducible diagnosis for B3 lobular lesions is the category of classical LN. These data further support lack of consistent data in retrospective studies using different terminologies. Validation of reproducible nomenclature is warranted in further studies. This information is useful especially in view of retro- and prospective data analysis with different diagnostic categories.
Embedded screen-printed transducers in bulk polymer microfluidic devices
Authors: Hintermüller Marcus A. , Offenzeller Christina , Knoll Marcel , Hilber Wolfgang , Jakoby Bernhard
Published: March 2020

We present a low-cost method to fabricate microfluidic devices with embedded transducers suitable for rapid prototyping on a lab scale and potentially also for mass production. To achieve this goal, a method for fabricating passive microfluidic devices using a solvent bonding technique for sealing is introduced. To avoid clogging, liquid metal (gallium) is utilized as a sacrificial layer during this bonding process. A sensor fabrication method compatible with the rapid prototyping ambitions is screen printing. Sensors based on thermal, capacitive and mechanical effects are fabricated by screen printing and are embedded into channels. The proposed processing methods can be easily adapted to achieve specific requirements associated with different tasks in lab-on-a-chip devices.
Studying the effects of bismuth on the electrochemical properties of lead dioxide layers by using the in situ EQCM technique
Authors: Broda Balázs , Inzelt György
Published: March 2020

The charge-discharge characteristics and the aging mechanism of PbO2 layers doped with bismuth in contact with sulfuric acid solutions were studied by using combined cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) techniques. For this purpose, thick lead dioxide layers (non-doped and doped with Bi) were electrodeposited on gold substrate from aqueous solutions of Pb(NO3)2 dissolved in nitric acid and they were investigated in sulfuric acid media. Based on the electrochemical and the mass change responses, it is concluded that during the electrodeposition, bismuth influences the structure of the PbO2 formed. Bi(III) also inhibits the oxidation of lead sulfate and affects the reduction kinetics of lead dioxide. During successive cyclization (aging), the presence of bismuth accelerates the hydration of PbO2.
Litigation claims following laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repairs
Authors: Varley R. , Lo C. , Alkhaffaf B.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Groin hernia repair is the most frequently performed general surgical operation in the UK. Complications from laparoscopic and open repair are well recognised; however, potential differences are yet to be considered in relation to litigation.

Methods

Administrative data were obtained and analysed from the NHS Litigation Authority for inguinal hernia-related claims from 1995 to 2016. Claims identified as using an open or laparoscopic approach were compared.

Results

880 claims were made, 760 had been settled. 88 laparoscopic and 241 open procedures were identified; 65% laparoscopic and 63% open hernia claims were found to be in favour of the claimant. Payouts totalled to 4.1GBP/4.8EUR/5.3USD million and 9.4GBP/11.0EUR/12.1USD million for laparoscopic (mean 82,824GBP/96,579EUR/106,453USD) and open (mean 66,796GBP/77,892EUR/85,852USD) approaches, respectively. The most common reasons for claim initiation were visceral/vascular injury (54%) in the laparoscopic group, and testicular complications or chronic pain (35%) in the open group. Additional procedures were necessary for 48% and 44% of laparoscopic and open claims, respectively. The highest average payouts were associated with visceral injury, (laparoscopic 116,482GBP/135,820EUR/149,715USD; open 199,103GBP/232,246EUR/255,905USD) and vascular injury (laparoscopic 88,624GBP/103,369EUR/113,892USD; open 64,460GBP/75,163EUR/82,870USD). Additional procedures resulted in an average payout of 93,352GBP/108,917EUR/120,008USD (laparoscopic) and 60,408GBP/70,506EUR/77,657USD (open). The most common additional procedures were corrective visceral/vascular repairs, orchidectomy and recurrent hernia repair.

Conclusions

The rate of litigation for clinical negligence in inguinal hernia surgery in the UK is increasing. Whilst there has been a recent increase in laparoscopic hernia repair claims, the volume and burden of claims related to open procedures remain greater.
A retrospective analysis of budget impact models submitted to the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics in Ireland
Authors: Lamrock Felicity , McCullagh Laura , Tilson Lesley , Barry Michael
Published: March 2020

Background

The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) is a National HTA Agency in Ireland responsible for assessment of comparative clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and potential budget impact of drugs on behalf of the Health Service Executive. This research aims to assess if the budget impact models submitted to the NCPE have accurate predicted utilisation, assess if the models are consistent in the parameters included, and determine if probabilistic sensitivity analyses would aid the characterization of uncertainty.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of budget impact models that had been submitted (January 2010–December 2017 inclusive) to the NCPE was performed. The input parameters in the budget impact model were recorded. For each drug, annual realised utilisation was compared with what had been predicted by the respective budget impact model. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was also performed on each model.

Results

A total of 12 models were included; each model pertained to one drug for one indication. Of the 12 models, six underpredicted and six overpredicted the annual realised utilisation. There were a range of different parameters included in each of the budget impact models. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis did not improve the characterization of uncertainty.

Conclusion

This research has demonstrated that budget impact models submitted to a national HTA agency have limited accuracy in predicting realised utilisation, and there is inconsistency among the parameters included. An electronic budget impact template for applicants has been developed, as a more systematic approach, for their submissions to the NCPE.
Mechanisms of Motivational Interviewing for Antiretroviral Medication Adherence in People with HIV
Authors: Hogan Ailbhe , Catley Delwyn , Goggin Kathy , Evangeli Michael
Published: March 2020

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV requires strict regimen adherence. Motivational interviewing (MI) can improve ART adherence. MI process studies have rarely focussed on ART adherence. Such studies may facilitate MI modifications to improve outcomes. This study employed a single group pre and post-test design with 62 adults with HIV (16 female; mean age 40 years). Therapist use of MI-consistent (MICO) methods, MI spirit, and client change and sustain talk were coded from an MI session. Relationships were assessed with ART schedule adherence. MICO methods positively correlated with change and sustain talk and were negatively associated with proportion of change talk. No variables were associated with ART adherence change. Mediation analysis did not support the MI model of change. This may be due to the fact that ART adherence is determined by both motivational and non-motivational factors. It may also be that bidirectional relationships exist between therapist and client speech.
State-of-the-art and challenges of railway and road vehicle dynamics with multibody dynamics approaches
Authors: Bruni S. , Meijaard J. P. , Rill G. , Schwab A. L.
Published: March 2020

A review of the current use of multibody dynamics methods in the analysis of the dynamics of vehicles is given. Railway vehicle dynamics as well as road vehicle dynamics are considered, where for the latter the dynamics of cars and trucks and the dynamics of single-track vehicles, in particular motorcycles and bicycles, are reviewed. Commonalities and differences are shown, and open questions and challenges are given as directions for further research in this field.
Intersectionality: A pathway towards inclusive education?
Authors: Bešić Edvina
Published: March 2020

This article aligns with recent international approaches to inclusive education and argues for a broadened understanding of the term, specifically in the context of Austria, which currently focuses only on children with disabilities. The article not only sets out the thesis of intersectionality, but calls for the adoption of an intersectional lens in inclusive education in order to identify the interaction of multiple factors that lead to discriminatory processes in schools towards different student groups. Inclusive education means opening access to a wide range of educational and social opportunities for all children, not only those with disabilities or identified special education needs. The current system, in which children possess one identity marker, does not provide the support children need. Furthermore, it also reinforces inequalities not only within the education system, but also within society at large.
Image quality of a portable X-ray device (Nomad Pro 2) compared to a wall-mounted device in intraoral radiography
Authors: Nitschke Julia , Schorn Lara , Holtmann Henrik , Zeller Uwe , Handschel Jörg , Sonntag David , Lommen Julian
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether a handheld (HH) X-ray device (Nomad Pro 2) is capable of producing equivalent or even superior X-ray image quality in comparison to a wall-mounted (WM) dental X-ray unit (Heliodent Plus) on the basis of objectifiable image quality parameters.

Methods

Anatomical, radiological and biological dental X-ray image quality parameters of a handheld dental X-ray device (Nomad Pro 2, Kavo Kerr, Biberach, Germany) were compared to a standard wall-mounted dental X-ray unit (Heliodent Plus, Sirona Dental Systems, Bensheim, Germany) using a maxillofacial phantom. In addition, the effect of different operators (dentists, dental students, dental assistants) on the dental X-ray image quality was measured.

Results

HH and WM devices showed comparable image quality for anterior teeth, premolars, molars and bitewing images. During the two-month investigational period, the radiation exposure level for the operator of the Nomad Pro 2 was 0.1 mSv for 203 images. Dentists as the highest trained personnel enrolled in the study achieved better image quality with the Nomad Pro 2 as compared to dental students and dental assistants, especially in the molar region.

Conclusions

A HH device delivers a comparable image quality to a WM device. In addition, there seem to be short learning curves with regard to image acquisition when using a handheld device, which is further minimised by the previous training of the operating personnel. HH dental X-ray devices, such as the Nomad Pro 2 are a promising adjunct for dental radiology in cases where WM units are of limited practicability.
A Robust Effect Size Index
Authors: Vandekar Simon , Tao Ran , Blume Jeffrey
Published: March 2020

Effect size indices are useful tools in study design and reporting because they are unitless measures of association strength that do not depend on sample size. Existing effect size indices are developed for particular parametric models or population parameters. Here, we propose a robust effect size index based on M-estimators. This approach yields an index that is very generalizable because it is unitless across a wide range of models. We demonstrate that the new index is a function of Cohen’s d, <mml:math xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content">R2\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$R^2$$\end{document}, and standardized log odds ratio when each of the parametric models is correctly specified. We show that existing effect size estimators are biased when the parametric models are incorrect (e.g., under unknown heteroskedasticity). We provide simple formulas to compute power and sample size and use simulations to assess the bias and standard error of the effect size estimator in finite samples. Because the new index is invariant across models, it has the potential to make communication and comprehension of effect size uniform across the behavioral sciences.