bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Still blurry? Economic salience, position and voting for radical right parties in Western Europe
Authors: ROVNY JAN , POLK JONATHAN
Published: September 2019

Do radical right parties present blurry economic stances, or have they clarified their positions while moving towards the economic left? This article questions the strategic behaviour of radical right parties in Western Europe. It shows that although radical right parties have increased their discussion of economic issues, and expert placements of this party family on the economic dimension have become more centrist over time, the uncertainty surrounding these placements continues to be higher for the radical right than any other party family in Europe. The article then moves on to examine to what extent voter‐party congruence on redistribution, immigration and other issues of social lifestyle predict an individual's propensity to vote for the radical right compared to other parties. Although redistribution is the component of economic policy where the radical right seems to be centrist, the findings indicate that it remains party‐voter congruence on immigration that drives support for radical right parties, while the congruence level for redistribution has an insignificant effect. The article concludes that while radical right parties seem to have included some clearly left‐leaning economic proposals, which shifted the general expert views of these parties to the economic centre, their overall economic profiles remain as blurry as ever.
Postoperative discomfort after implant placement according to the All‐on‐4 concept with or without Zygoma implants: A prospective clinical study
Authors: Korsch Michael , Baum Alexandra , Bartols Andreas
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to assess patients' postoperative discomfort after implantations according to the All‐on‐4 concept with and without using Zygoma implants.

Material and methods

Three treatment groups were formed for this prospective study: All‐on‐4 rehabilitation in the maxilla (group 1, N = 25), All‐on‐4 rehabilitation in the maxilla using at least two Zygoma implants (group 2, N = 25), and All‐on‐4 rehabilitation in the mandible (group 3, N = 20). Principal outcome parameters were postoperative pain (100 mm VAS) and perceived swelling (100 mm VAS). Also, the use of analgesics was documented.

Results

The worst postoperative pain of 21.3 (SD 18.9) VAS was observed in group 2, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (mixed ANOVA p = .791). The postoperative total intake of painkillers was significantly higher in group 2 than in the other groups (p < .001). On postoperative day 28, the mean pain scores in all groups declined to values below 5 VAS. Postoperative perceived swelling in group 2 was significantly more severe than it was in group 1 and 3 (p < .001).

Conclusions

The use of Zygoma implants in All‐on‐4 surgical interventions had an essential effect on postoperative swelling, but less so on postoperative pain. The slightly increased, but statistically not significantly different postoperative pain in group 2 was compensated by an overall higher postoperative intake of painkillers compared to the other groups.
Ablation of striatal somatostatin interneurons affects MSN morphology and electrophysiological properties, and increases cocaine‐induced hyperlocomotion in mice
Authors: Gazan Adeline , Rial Daniel , Schiffmann Serge N.
Published: September 2019

The striatum is mainly composed by medium spiny neurons (95 %) (MSNs). Although outnumbered, in other brain regions such as the hippocampus and the cortex, somatostatin interneurons (SSTi) are known to control and fine‐tune the activity of principal cells. This information is still fragmented for the striatum. Here, we questioned the striatal functional consequences of the selective ablation of SSTi in the striatum at the behavioural and cellular levels. We identified increased excitability coupled with decreased distal spine density in MSNs from SSTi‐ablated mice. Although the ethological behavioural analysis did not reveal differences between the groups, SSTi‐ablated mice were significantly more sensitive to the locomotor effects of cocaine without changes in motivation. This was accompanied by increased expression of the dopamine transporter (DAT) in the ventral striatum. Altogether, we show that SSTi are important players in the maintenance of MSN excitability and spine density impacting on mechanisms towards hyperdopaminergic states.
Assessment of sorghum genetic resources of Ethiopia for anthracnose (Colletotrichum sublineolum Henn.) resistance and agronomic traits
Authors: Mengistu Girma , Shimelis Hussein , Laing Mark , Lule Dagnachew
Published: September 2019

Sorghum anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum sublineolum Henn. is one of the key diseases limiting sorghum production and productivity. Development of anthracnose‐resistant sorghum genotypes possessing yield‐promoting agronomic traits is an important breeding goal in sorghum improvement programs. The objective of this study was to determine the responses of diverse sorghum genetic resources for anthracnose resistance and agronomic traits to identify desirable lines for breeding. A total of 366 sorghum collections and three standard checks were field evaluated during the 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons. Lines were artificially inoculated with a virulent pure isolate of the pathogen. Anthracnose disease severity was assessed to calculate the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). Agronomic traits such as panicle length (PL), panicle width (PW), head weight (HW) and thousand grain weight (TGW) were measured. Lines showed highly significant differences (p < .001) for anthracnose severity, AUDPC and agronomic traits. Among the collections 32 lines developed levels of disease severity between 15% and 30% in both seasons. The following sorghum landraces were selected: 71708, 210903, 74222, 73955, 74685, 74670, 74656, 74183, 234112, 69412, 226057, 214852, 71420, 71484, 200126, 71557, 75120, 71547, 220014, 228179, 16212, 16173, 16133, 69088, 238388, 16168 and 71570. These landraces had a relatively low anthracnose severity possessing farmer‐preferred agronomic traits. The selected genotypes are useful genetic resources to develop anthracnose‐resistant sorghum cultivars.
Effect of Photobiomodulation on Repairing Pressure Ulcers in Adult and Elderly Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Petz Francislene de Fatima Cordeiro , Félix Jorge Vinicius Cestari , Roehrs Hellen , Pott Franciele Soares , Stocco Janislei Giseli Dorociaki , Marcos Rodrigo Labat , Meier Marineli Joaquim
Published: September 2019

Evaluation of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the treatment of pressure ulcers in adults and the elderly. Systematic review, based on the recommendations of the handbook, proposed by Cochrane. The search was carried out in databases, records of randomized clinical trials, list of references cited in the selected articles, as well as a manual search in meetings and specialized journals. A total of 1342 studies were identified, 18 were preselected and 5 were included in this review. Clinical heterogeneity of the participants was observed, in addition to variation in the laser parameters and predominance of studies of low methodological quality. PBMT with the use of laser (658 nm; 4 J cm−2;50 mw) showed complete wound healing (P < 0.001) when compared to lasers (990 nm and 808 nm). However, there was no statistically significant difference in relation to time to complete wound healing and in area reduction compared to standard care. PBMT in the infrared wavelength showed efficacy in the healing of the pressure ulcer, similar to the standard care presented in the different studies. PBMT (658 nm) was effective in promoting healing when compared to standard care. Laser can be a therapy of choice in the treatment of pressure ulcers, since no evidence has been found to refute its clinical application.
Changes in preschool children’s social engagement positively predict changes in social competence: A three‐year longitudinal study of portuguese children
Authors: Santos António J. , Daniel João R. , Antunes Marta , Coppola Gabrielle , Trudel Marcel , Vaughn Brian E.
Published: September 2019

To test the hypothesis that social engagement is a foundational aspect of other peer social competence indicators during early childhood, 160 Portuguese preschool children (“3‐year‐olds”) were observed at least in two different school years, using a battery of validated social competence assessments based on direct observations and child interviews. Multilevel growth models tested whether social engagement predicted initial values and linear changes in the other social competence indicators. Results were consistent with the hypothesis, insofar as both initial values and changes in social engagement significantly predicted initial values and changes in other social competence indicators. Additionally, the number of children's reciprocated friendships was also predicted by social engagement. These results are discussed from the perspectives of conceptual frameworks that consider individual differences in social competence during early childhood as a consequence of attachment histories and/or emotional competence.
Investigation and response to an outbreak of leptospirosis among raspberry workers in Australia, 2018
Authors: Katelaris Anthea L. , Glasgow Keira , Lawrence Kerryn , Corben Paul , Zheng Anthony , Sumithra Suhasini , Turahui John , Terry Janet , van den Berg Debra , Hennessy Daneeta , Kane Stacey , Craig Scott B. , Heading Ellena , Burns Mary‐Anne , Corner Hanisah L. , Sheppeard Vicky , McAnulty Jeremy
Published: September 2019

Background

In 2018, an outbreak of leptospirosis was identified among raspberry workers from a mixed‐berry farm in New South Wales, Australia. Initial testing had not revealed a cause, but eventually leptospirosis was detected via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Further serological testing detected Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Arborea, of which rodents are the predominant reservoir. Leptospirosis is rare in Australia, with outbreaks usually related to flooding. We conducted an investigation to identify risk factors for infection, to inform control measures.

Methods

Cases were detected through laboratory notifications, hospital‐based syndromic surveillance, awareness‐raising among farm employees and clinician alerts. Confirmed cases had a four‐fold rise in antibody titre or single titre ≥400 on microscopic agglutination test, and a positive IgM. Probable cases had a positive Leptospira PCR or IgM, and possible cases had a clinically compatible illness. We conducted a case–control study among raspberry workers on the farm and compared reported exposures between cases and seronegative controls. We assessed environmental risks on‐site and tested rodents for leptospirosis.

Results

We identified 84 cases over a 5‐month period (50 confirmed, 19 probable and 15 possible). Compared with controls, cases were less likely to wear gloves and more recently employed. Cases also more commonly reported always having scratched hands, likely from the thorns on raspberry plants. We observed evidence of rodent activity around raspberry plants and three of thirteen trapped mice tested positive for Leptospira Arborea. Control measures included enhanced glove use, doxycycline prophylaxis and rodent control.

Conclusions

This is the largest known outbreak of leptospirosis in Australia. Workers were likely exposed through scratches inflicted during harvesting, which became contaminated with environmental leptospires from mice. Leptospirosis should be considered an occupational risk for raspberry workers, requiring protective measures. Chemoprophylaxis may assist in controlling outbreaks. PCR assists in the early diagnosis and detection of leptospirosis and should be included in surveillance case definitions.
Experimental observations of diurnal acoustic propagation effects in seagrass meadows on the Dongsha Atoll
Authors: Chang Andrea Y. Y. , Chiu Linus Y. S. , Mok Michael H.-K. , Soong Keryea , Huang Wei-Jhe
Published: September 2019

Large regions with seagrass meadows have been discovered on Dongsha Atoll located in the South China Sea. The aim of this study is the estimation of acoustic propagation loss in the frequency range of individual bubble resonance due to the gas content of seagrass in seagrass meadows. Specifically, this study seeks to (a) investigate the attenuation of the mid-frequency (2–8 kHz) signal induced by the gas content in a seagrass meadow and (b) present the diurnal variation of sound attenuation. The results demonstrate that >40 dB diurnal variations of mid-frequency propagation loss was observed in shallow seagrass meadow region.
Colicin U from Shigella boydii Forms Voltage-Dependent Pores
Authors: Dolejšová Tereza , Sokol Albert , Bosák Juraj , Šmajs David , Konopásek Ivo , Mikušová Gabriela , Fišer Radovan
Published: September 2019

Currently, a dramatic increase in antibiotic resistance is driving researchers to find new antimicrobial agents. The large group of toxins called bacteriocins appears to be very promising from this point of view, especially because their narrow killing spectrum allows specific targeting against selected bacterial strains. Colicins are a subgroup of bacteriocins that act on Gram-negative bacteria. To date, some colicins are commercially used for the treatment of animals (1) and tested as a component of engineered species-specific antimicrobial peptides, which are studied for the potential treatment of humans (2). Here, we present a thorough single-molecule study of colicin U which leads to a better understanding of its mode of action. It extends the range of characterized colicins available for possible future medical applications.
Glycoconjugates: What It Would Take To Master These Well-Known yet Little-Understood Immunogens for Vaccine Development
Authors: Avci Fikri , Berti Francesco , Dull Peter , Hennessey John , Pavliak Viliam , Prasad A. Krishna , Vann Willie , Wacker Michael , Marcq Olivier
Published: September 2019

Glycoconjugate vaccines are a critical component of the medical arsenal against infectious diseases. This established field continues, however, to experience failures in the clinic. The lack of fundamental understanding of factors controlling clinical efficacy of glycoconjugate vaccines is discussed while key parameters demanding focused and collaborative research are identified.
PP10 A rapid response falls service – a new solution to a growing problem?
Authors: Charlton Karl
Published: September 2019

Background

Falls are frequent in older people and are the primary cause of injury in adults aged 65+. Falls are associated with high mortality, morbidity and immobility. Many people who fall become frequent fallers, increasing the risk of serious injury; subsequently falls prevention is an NHS priority. A new rapid response falls service comprising of a Paramedic and Occupational Therapist was launched on 30thNovember 2018 but no evidence exists to determine the clinical or cost effectiveness of this intervention. This research aims to:

Evaluate the rate of hospital admission for patients who pass through the intervention

Evaluate the cost effectiveness of the intervention.

Determine the prevalence of risk factors for falling in the study group & determine any differences between those admitted to hospital and those who are not

Methods

This study is an observational, prospective cohort study and aims to recruit all patients who pass through the intervention who meet the eligibility criteria. Calculations indicate a sample size of 677. With informed consent, we will collect anonymised data relating to each patient, their care episode and ambulance despatch data. These data will answer the aims of this study and provide detail on how various patient groups differ. Research ethics committee and HRA approval has been granted.

Results

Interim results will be presented in the form of graphs, frequencies, percentages and mean values to demonstrate the rate of hospital admission, cost effectiveness of the intervention and disease prevalence for the study group. A narrative will contextualise findings to date and generate discussion. We will provide the rate of consent, dissent and withdrawal for the cohort.

Conclusions

A summary of findings to date will be provided as well as implications for patients and the NHS. Limitations of this work will be discussed and opportunities for future research highlighted.
PP15 Predicting variations of calls to an ambulance service in the UK caused by circulating infections using-deep learning methods
Authors: Reich Thilo , Budka Marcin
Published: September 2019

Background

Digital patient records in the ambulance service have opened up new opportunities for prehospital care. Previously it was demonstrated that prehospital pyrexia numbers are linked to an increase in overall calls to the ambulance service. This study aims to predict the future number of calls using deep-learning methods.

Methods

Temperature readings for 280,447 patients were generously provided by the South Western Ambulance Service Trust. The data covered the time between 05/01/2016 and 30/04/2017 with overall 44,472 patients being pyretic. A rolling window of 10 days was applied to daily sums for both pyretic and apyretic patients. These windows were used as input features to train machine-learning algorithms predicting the number of calls 10 days ahead. Algorithms tested include Linear Regression (LR), basic Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) architectures. A genetic approach was used to optimise the architecture, in which parameters were randomly modified and over several generations the best performing algorithm will be selected to be further manipulated. To assess performance the Mean Average Percentage Error (MAPE) was used.

Results

The initial analysis showed that the total patient number and pyretic patient numbers are correlated. The best performing algorithms with varying numbers of hidden units had the following MAPE in comparison to simple LR: LR=19.4%, LSTM (104 units) = 6.1%, RNN (79 units)=6.01%, GRU (80 units)=5.97%.

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest that deep-learning methods allow to predict the variations in total number of calls caused by circulating infections. Further investigations will aim to confirm these findings. Once fully verified these algorithms could play a major role in operational planning of any ambulance service by predicting increases in demand.
PP25 ‘I wish there was CPAP in every box’: internet-based survey responses of clinicians recruiting to a pilot randomised controlled trial of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for patients with acute respiratory failure
Authors: Miller Joshua , Keating Samuel , Fuller Gordon , Goodacre Steve
Published: September 2019

Background

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is not in widespread use in UK ambulance services, but could benefit patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). As a new treatment in this context, clinician acceptability is an important factor in the feasibility of conducting definitive research in the prehospital arena.

Methods

As part of a pilot randomised controlled trial (the ACUTE study), recruiting clinicians were emailed after enrolling patients to either the CPAP or standard-care arm, and were asked to complete an optional, anonymous, internet-based survey. The survey used a mixture of closed questions, Likert-scaled answers and free text to explore staff views on both the treatment and the trial procedures. Quantitative responses were analysed descriptively, and qualitative answers thematically.

Results

Recruiting clinicians for all 77 patients were sent survey links, with 40 email responses received. Respondents felt confident diagnosing ARF and determining trial eligibility. CPAP-arm respondents found the equipment easy-to-use and felt it did not delay transport to hospital. Most standard-care respondents said they would have liked CPAP to be available to their patients. Respondents described varying responses from receiving hospital staff.

Conclusions

Prehospital CPAP seems acceptable to clinicians. Limitations of this survey are that it was targeted only at clinicians who have already opted to take part in the trial, and so may exclude a body of staff who find the treatment unacceptable at face value. Not all clinicians who enrolled patients completed the survey, which could suggest a response bias or simply a reflection of its optional nature within the trial. Future pilot studies could mandate an acceptability survey, and also seek the views of staff not taking part in the interventional study. Trial teams may need to better explain the rationale of comparing a new intervention with standard care, and offer more widespread hospital staff awareness sessions.
PP31 Strategies to manage emergency ambulance telephone callers with sustained high needs – an evaluation using linked data (STRETCHED)
Authors: Porter Alison , Edwards A , Edwards BM , Evans BA , Gripper PC , Hughes H , John A , Khanom A , Petterson R , Philips CJ , Scott J , Tee A , Watkins A , Snooks H
Published: September 2019

Background

Ambulance services across the UK have recognised a clinical and operational problem with persistent high users of the 999 service, but there is a lack of evidence about what works in this setting and how. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and efficiency of multi-agency case management approaches to the care of people who frequently call the emergency ambulance service, and gain understanding of barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Methods

We will carry out a mixed methods evaluation using anonymised linked routine data outcomes in a ‘natural experiment’ cohort design in four UK ambulance services, with one case management intervention site and one control site within each service. We will describe the epidemiology of ‘frequent calling’; assess the effects of case management on process, outcomes, safety and costs up to six months for 300 high users per service (n-1200); and examine the views of stakeholders, including patients, through qualitative methods. We will synthesise quantitative and qualitative findings, informed by a logic model describing predicted mechanisms of change.

Results

We received confirmation of NIHR grant funding for this study in 2018 so do not yet have results to report.

Conclusions

Telephone callers with sustained high needs represent a significant, high profile policy challenge to emergency ambulance services. Such callers may be indicative of gaps elsewhere in the health care system, which could be more effectively addressed by pro-active care. The STRETCHED study provides the opportunity to contribute to the currently sparse evidence base on interventions for this patient group.
OP4 Accessing unplanned and emergency health services – experiences of asylum seekers, refused asylum seekers and refugees living in wales
Authors: Khanom Ashrafunnesa , Evans Bridie , Alonazi Wedad , Glendenning Alex , Jones Matthew , John Ann , Khan Talha , Kingston Mark Rhys , Manning Cathrin , Moyo Sam , Porter Alison , Rhydderch Melody , Rungua Grace , Russell Daphne , Russell Ian , Scott Rebecca , Williams Victoria , Snooks Helen
Published: September 2019

Background

Numbers of asylum seekers and refugees living in Wales have increased sharply. Many are liable to have unmet health needs and difficulty accessing services. We investigated the experience of, and access to, unplanned and emergency health services by asylum seekers, refugees and those refused asylum living in Wales.

Method

We surveyed 210 asylum seekers, refused asylum seekers and refugees and conducted eight focus groups with 57 participants (with interpreters present when necessary) to explore experiences. We used descriptive statistics to analyse survey data and framework analyses to analyse interview data.

Results

Survey data showed awareness of unscheduled health services was mixed. Best known was the 999 ambulance service (72% reportedly had heard of and could contact this outside daytime hours). NHS111 was familiar to 36% but just a quarter (26%) had heard of and could contact GP out-of-hours services. Fewer than half of respondents (44%) knew of the Emergency Department. 26% reported using a health service out-of-hours. Focus group respondents with little English reported difficulty explaining their health needs, particularly in emergencies and when seeking telephone help through 999 and 111 calls. Others said they used emergency services if they did not know how to access routine and out-of-hours care or if they felt their efforts to see a GP did not resolve their problem.

Conclusion

Language barriers and poor knowledge of UK health systems mean asylum seekers, refused asylum seekers and refugees use emergency health services to meet needs which could be seen and treated in routine primary services. Language barriers using phone lines may also result in paramedic attendance or conveyance to Emergency Departments because health needs are not clearly identified. Better information and support may help this population access services which match their needs and support their health more effectively.
PP9 Managing alcohol intoxication in the night-time economy: staff and patient perspectives
Authors: Irving Andy , Allen Davina , Blake Joanne , Moore Simon , Goodacre Steve
Published: September 2019

Background

Alcohol-related harms arising in the Night-Time Economy (NTE) impose a substantial burden on emergency services (ES) especially ambulance services engaged in both street level care and transportation of acutely intoxicated patients to a hospital Emergency Department (ED). Alcohol Intoxication Management Services (AIMS) are intended as an alternative care pathway for intoxicated patients who would normally use emergency services and are often run by ambulance services in partnership with other agencies. Despite growing policy interest in AIMS as an alternative pathway it is not known what their users think of them nor the experiences of frontline staff engaged in and around AIMS.

Methods

As part of a mixed-method study semi-structured interviews were followed by a survey of users recruited from six different AIMS. A parallel ethnographic component used observations and interviews with ambulance staff in two cities with AIMS and one without.

Results

Surveys and interviews found AIMs users retrospectively viewed the decision to take them to AIMS favourably and highly rated the care they received, especially the friendly, non-judgemental atmosphere created between ambulance staff and other agents involved in AIMS. A majority of AIMS survey respondents said they would not have called emergency services (85%) or gone to the ED (75.6%). Ethnographic work showed ambulance personnel considered AIMS to have a positive impact on ES, freeing capacity to attend to other emergencies. Ambulance staff without AIMS worked to avoid conveyance to ED but this could result in extended periods risk assessing individuals at street level, which meant they felt unavailable to address other emergency calls.

Conclusions

AIMS are viewed very positively by their users and the ambulance staff involved. Findings from surveys, interviews and ethnography suggest that AIMS and EDs are managing different patient groups in different ways, and thus may represent complementary rather than competing alternatives care pathways.
Multi-scale selection models predict breeding habitat for two Arctic-breeding raptor species
Authors: Galipeau Philippe , Franke Alastair , Leblond Mathieu , Bêty Joel
Published: September 2019

Raptors are important environmental indicators because they are apex predators and can be sensitive to disturbance. Few studies have addressed habitat preferences of tundra-nesting raptors, and those that exist have focused on fine-scale characteristics. With increasing economic development predicted to occur throughout the Canadian Arctic, the investigation of raptor breeding habitat at broad spatial scales is required. We modeled breeding habitat selection for two raptor species on north Baffin Island, NU, Canada. During aerial surveys conducted over six breeding seasons, we documented 172 peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus tundrius) and 160 rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus) nesting sites. We used these locations in conjunction with remote sensing data to build habitat selection models at three spatial scales. Topography, distance to water, and normalized difference vegetation index explained selection at all scales; slope aspect was also important at the finest scale. To validate landscape scale models, we conducted a validation survey that resulted in the detection of 45 new nests (peregrine falcon n = 21, rough-legged hawk n = 24). We did not detect any new nests in areas where model-predicted occurrence was expected to be low. Conversely, we found more than half of previously undetected nests in areas where model-predicted occurrence was expected to be high.
Comparative leaf anatomy of Baccharis (Asteraceae) from high-altitude grasslands in Brazil: taxonomic and ecological implications
Authors: Ornellas Thales , Heiden Gustavo , de Luna Bruna Nunes , Barros Claudia Franca
Published: September 2019

Baccharis L. is an important genus in the high-altitude environments of South America. In the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, the greatest richness is found at montane and high-montane ecological refuges, known as high-altitude grasslands. The high altitude provides several environmental factors that turn the high-altitude grasslands into singular tropical habitats. In this article we describe the leaf anatomy of six shrubby species of Baccharis, pointing out ecological aspects of the structures, and testing the use of statistical analyses to compare the species. Using light and scanning electron microscopy, we compared the anatomical features of the leaves and performed a cluster and principal component analyses. The results show novel features in the leaf anatomy for the genus, such as an undulated cuticle, three secretory ducts in the midrib, secretory ducts associated with the xylem, and biseriate glandular trichomes with an irregular organization of the cells. Our statistical analyses indicate that the anatomical features of the leaves, especially trichomes, are useful for distinguishing the different species, whereas others, such as isobilateral mesophyll, amphistomatic leaves, and an epidermis with thick cell walls correlate with their high-elevation habitat.
Optical solitons and stability analysis for the generalized fourth-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Tang Xiao-Song , Li Biao
Published: September 2019

We consider a generalized fourth-order nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation. Based on the ansatz method, its bright, dark single-soliton is constructed under some constraint conditions. Furthermore, combining the Riccati equation extension approach, we also derive some exact singular solutions. With several parameters to play with, we display the dynamic behaviors of bright, dark single-soliton. Finally, the condition for the modulational instability (MI) of continuous wave solutions for the equation is generated. It is hoped that our results can help enrich the nonlinear dynamics of the NLS equations.
A Nonsmooth Extension of Samuelson’s Multiplier-Accelerator Model
Authors: Piiroinen Petri T. , Raghavendra Srinivasan
Published: September 2019

Dynamical-systems approaches have historically been used in business-cycle theory to generate sustained oscillations in macroeconomic variables. We aim to contribute to this literature by extending the original Samuelson multiplier-accelerator model with a discontinuous stabilization policy in terms of government expenditure. We show that the nonsmoothness yields dynamics in terms of periodic orbits and irregular fluctuations, not found in the original Samuelson model. We also note with particular interest that our model is able to generate localized nonstationary dynamics, which is in contrast to the most standard models found in the literature.
Periodic Solutions of an Impact-Driven Frequency Up-Conversion Piezoelectric Harvester
Authors: Abedini Amin , Onsorynezhad Saeed , Wang Fengxia
Published: September 2019

Frequency up-conversion has been proved to be an effective approach to increase the output power of a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH). The proposed system can convert low-frequency vibration from ambient sources to the resonant vibration of the PEH hence can improve the output power efficiency. Frequency up-conversion technologies are introduced via impact or nonimpact magnetic forces to initiate the repeated free oscillations of the piezoelectric generator.

No matter impact- or nonimpact-driven PEHs, most studies focus on either finite element simulation or experimental demonstration of PEHs electric power generations. Few, if any, study the effects of the impact-induced discontinuous dynamics on power generation efficiency. In this work, the energy harvesting performance of a piezoelectric beam upon interaction with a softer driving beam was studied. The discontinuous dynamics behind this impact-driven PEH was investigated, and strategies exploited to further improve the power efficiency of the frequency up-conversion process.

Based on the linear elastic and linear mechanical-electrical constitutive laws, the lumped parameter models were built for both the driving beam and the piezoelectric driven beam. The numerical solution of the output power is obtained based on the vibration amplitude, frequency, and the electrical load. The soft beam is subjected to a sinusoidal base excitation, and the piezoelectric beam was excited via impacting with the soft driving beam. Based on the discontinuous dynamics theory, the performance of the energy harvesting of the impact-driven system was studied for period-1 and period-2 motions. Based on the stability and bifurcation analysis of periodic solutions, bifurcation diagrams of impact velocities, times, displacements and harvested power versus the frequency of the base excitation were also obtained, and compared to the power generation of a piezoelectric beam with base excitation.
A Mathematical Model for the Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Algal Blooms
Authors: Tiwari Pankaj Kumar , Samanta Sudip , Ferreira Jocirei D. , Misra Arvind Kumar
Published: September 2019

The increase of nutrients in lakes typically stimulates the growth of algae in this environment. Therefore, it is important to understand the connection between nutrient concentration and algal biomass to manage the water pollution caused by excessive plant nutrients. It is worth observing that phosphorus and nitrogen are often considered as the principal limiting nutrients for aquatic algal production due to their short supply compared to cellular growth requirements. In freshwaters, phosphorus is the least abundant among the nutrients needed in large quantity by photosynthetic organisms, hence this is the primary nutrient that limits their growth. The purpose of this work is to compare the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus on the growth of algae in lakes. By using a sensitivity analysis technique, we found that the sources of phosphorus provide a greater risk for bloom of algae than that of nitrogen. Therefore, to reduce the occurrence of algal bloom more attention should be paid for the control of phosphorus input into the lake but the inflow of nitrogen cannot be ignored. The existence of a transcritical bifurcation is discussed and its direction is investigated by applying the projection method technique. Further, to make the system more realistic, time delay involved in the conversion of detritus into nutrients is considered. We show that for increasing values of time delay, the system undergoes an Andronov–Hopf-bifurcation. Some simulations are presented to verify the analytical findings. The results of our study can be helpful for the policy makers to mitigate algal blooms from lakes.
Fixed-Time Synergetic Control for a Seven-Dimensional Chaotic Power System Model
Authors: Wang Jiangbin , Liu Ling , Liu Chongxin , Liu Jian
Published: September 2019

Differing from the existing literature that only focus on controlling some simple chaotic power system models, this paper aims to control chaotic oscillations in complex seven-dimensional power system model. First, based on fixed-time stability theory, a novel fixed-time synergetic controller is proposed to make its macro variable enter into an invariant manifold within a fixed-time upper bound by a constant, depending only on control parameters that can be changed by the designer and calculated theoretically. The presented controller can eliminate chattering and achieve exact convergence of the macro variable. Then, the proposed control method is applied to suppress chaos in the seven-dimensional power system model. Based on the important idea that chaotic oscillation in a power system is caused by its excess energy, a model of energy storage device controller is employed in the controller design process to absorb active power from the entire controlled system. Finally, several simulation examples are given to confirm the effectiveness, the superiority and the robustness of the proposed control scheme. Compared with the existing literature, a relatively general method of suppressing chaotic oscillations in power systems is developed.
Dynamical Behavior and Bifurcation Analysis of the SIR Model with Continuous Treatment and State-Dependent Impulsive Control
Authors: Li Qian , Xiao Yanni
Published: September 2019

In this study, we propose a state-dependent impulsive model describing the susceptible individuals-triggered interventions. We find that the model with susceptible individuals-guided impulsive interventions can exhibit very complex dynamical behaviors with rich biological meanings. We note that this formulated impulsive model has disease-free periodic solution, and we can investigate the threshold dynamics by defining the control reproduction number. We study the existence and stability of the disease-free periodic solution (DFPS) for [Formula: see text]. Our results show that, even if the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text], the DFPS can still be stable when the threshold level of susceptible population [Formula: see text], indicating that with a proper chosen [Formula: see text], the state-dependent impulsive strategy can effectively control the development of the infectious disease and eradicate the disease eventually. By employing the bifurcation theory, we investigate the bifurcation phenomenon near the DFPS with respect to some key parameters, and observe that a positive order-1 periodic solution can bifurcate from the DFPS via a transcritical bifurcation. By utilizing numerical simulation, we further explore the existence and stability of the positive order-[Formula: see text] periodic solutions, and found the feasibility of stable positive order-1, order-2 and order-3 periodic solutions, that imply the existence of chaos. In particular, we find that there can be three positive order-1 periodic solutions simultaneously, in which one is stable and the other two are unstable. Our finding indicates that the comprehensive strategy combining continuous treatment with state-dependent impulsive vaccination and isolation plays a crucial role in controlling the prevalence and further spread of the infectious diseases.
On Nonlinear Motions of Two-Degree-of-Freedom Nonlinear Systems with Repeated Linearized Natural Frequencies
Authors: An Hua-Zhen , Yang Xiao-Dong , Liang Feng , Zhang Wei , Yang Tian-Zhi , Ren Yuan
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we investigate systematically the vibration of a typical 2DOF nonlinear system with repeated linearized natural frequencies. By application of Descartes’ rule of signs, we demonstrate that there are 14 types of roots describing different modal motions for varying nonlinear parameters. The method of multiple scales is used to obtain the amplitude-phase portraits by introducing the energy ratios and phase differences. The typical nonlinear in-unison and elliptic out-of-unison modal motions are located for the 14 types of roots and then validated by numerical simulations. It is found that the normal in-unison modal motions, elliptic out-of-unison modal motions are analogous to the polarization of classical optic theory. Further, some kinds of periodic and chaotic motions under out-of-unison and in-unison excitations are investigated numerically. The result of this study offers a detailed discussion of nonlinear modal motions and responses of 2DOF systems with cubic nonlinear terms.
CD44 contributes to hyaluronan-mediated insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of high-fat-fed C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Hasib Annie , Hennayake Chandani K. , Bracy Deanna P. , Bugler-Lamb Aimée R. , Lantier Louise , Khan Faisel , Ashford Michael L. J. , McCrimmon Rory J. , Wasserman David H. , Kang Li
Published: September 2019

Extracellular matrix hyaluronan is increased in skeletal muscle of high-fat-fed insulin-resistant mice, and reduction of hyaluronan by PEGPH20 hyaluronidase ameliorates diet-induced insulin resistance (IR). CD44, the main hyaluronan receptor, is positively correlated with type 2 diabetes. This study determines the role of CD44 in skeletal muscle IR. Global CD44-deficient ( cd44−/−) mice and wild-type littermates ( cd44+/+) were fed a chow diet or 60% high-fat diet for 16 wk. High-fat-fed cd44−/−mice were also treated with PEGPH20 to evaluate its CD44-dependent action. Insulin sensitivity was measured by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (ICv). High-fat feeding increased muscle CD44 protein expression. In the absence of differences in body weight and composition, despite lower clamp insulin during ICv, the cd44−/−mice had sustained glucose infusion rate (GIR) regardless of diet. High-fat diet-induced muscle IR as evidenced by decreased muscle glucose uptake (Rg) was exhibited in cd44+/+mice but absent in cd44−/−mice. Moreover, gastrocnemius Rg remained unchanged between genotypes on chow diet but was increased in high-fat-fed cd44−/−compared with cd44+/+when normalized to clamp insulin concentrations. Ameliorated muscle IR in high-fat-fed cd44−/−mice was associated with increased vascularization. In contrast to previously observed increases in wild-type mice, PEGPH20 treatment in high-fat-fed cd44−/−mice did not change GIR or muscle Rg during ICv, suggesting a CD44-dependent action. In conclusion, genetic CD44 deletion improves muscle IR, and the beneficial effects of PEGPH20 are CD44-dependent. These results suggest a critical role of CD44 in promoting hyaluronan-mediated muscle IR, therefore representing a potential therapeutic target for diabetes.
Potential Launch Opportunities for a SmallSat Mission around the Moon Injected during a Lunar Flyby En Route to Mars
Authors: Song Yongjun , Song Young-Joo , Lee Seongwhan , Kim Kap-Sung , Jin Ho
Published: September 2019

In this work, the concept of a multipurpose mission that can explore both the Moon and Mars with a single launch is proposed, and potential launch opportunities are analyzed to establish an early‐phase trajectory concept. The proposed mission applies the concept of a piggyback ride to a small‐sized lunar probe, i.e., the daughtership, of the main Mars orbiter, i.e., the mothership. For the trajectory design, the Earth‐Moon‐Mars gravity assist (EMMGA) trajectory is adopted for the mothership to reach Mars, and the daughtership is assumed to be released from the mothership during lunar flyby. To investigate the early‐phase feasibility of the proposed mission, the launch windows have been analyzed and the associated delta‐Vs have been directly compared with the solutions obtained for typical Earth‐Mars direct (EMD) transfer options. The identified launch windows (in the years 2031 and 2045) could be the strongest candidates for the proposed conceptual mission. Under the current assumptions, up to approximately 15% (in 2031) and 9% (in 2045), more dry mass is expected to be delivered to Mars by appropriately selecting one of the currently available launch vehicles, regardless of whether the EMMGA transfer option is used. For missions around the Moon using a SmallSat in 2031, the feasibility of a lunar orbiter case and an impactor case is briefly analyzed based on the delta‐Vs required to divert the SmallSat from the mothership. Although the current work is performed under numerous assumptions for a simplified problem, the narrowed candidate launch window from the current work represents a good starting point for more detailed trajectory design optimization and analysis to realize the proposed conceptual mission.
Small Intestine Metastasis from Endometrial Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Makki Maryam M. , Alshaikh Mohammed Omar , Saber Amir R. , Eltayeb Yousif H.
Published: September 2019

Small bowel metastasis from malignant tumors is generally rare and underreported. Numerous cases might be overlooked. Direct spread is more frequent and comes from colon, ovary, stomach, and uterus. Less commonly, hematogenous distant metastasis from melanoma, lung, and breast is encountered. Melanoma represents the most frequent primary source, while uterus is a less common source. In this report, we present a case of small bowel metastatic tumor from uterus presenting with profound anemia and impending obstruction.
Increased Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Veterans With Mental Illness
Authors: Vance Mary C. , Wiitala Wyndy L. , Sussman Jeremy B. , Pfeiffer Paul , Hayward Rodney A.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Although previous studies have demonstrated an association between various mental illnesses and cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CVD) risk, few have compared the strength of association between different mental illnesses and CVD risk.

Methods and Results:

We assessed the association of psychiatric diagnoses (psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder) with major CVD outcomes (CVD events and CVD mortality) over 5 years, using a national primary prevention cohort of military veterans receiving care in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Data were linked from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Death Index databases. We used multiple logistic regression to examine how the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis at baseline (2005–2009) was associated with CVD outcomes over the next 5 years (January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2014) stratified by sex, adjusting for other psychiatric diagnoses, as well as age, race, conventional CVD risk factors as calculated by the Veterans Affairs Risk Score-CVD, and antipsychotic and anticonvulsant/mood stabilizer medication prescriptions. Approximately 1.52 million men and over 94 000 women met our inclusion criteria. In the fully adjusted model, among men, we found that depression, psychosis, and bipolar disorder were predictive of both CVD events and CVD mortality, with psychosis having the largest effect size (eg, adjusted odds ratio, 1.48; CI, 1.41–1.56;
P
<0.001 for psychosis and CVD mortality). Among women, only psychosis and bipolar disorder were predictive of both CVD events and CVD mortality, again with psychosis having the largest effect size (eg, adjusted odds ratio, 1.97; CI, 1.52–2.57;
P
<0.001 for psychosis and CVD mortality). Anxiety was associated with only CVD mortality in men, and depression was associated with only CVD events in women.

Conclusions:

Consistent with the hypothesis that chronic stress leads to greater CVD risk, multiple mental illnesses were associated with an increased risk of CVD outcomes, with more severe mental illnesses (eg, primary psychotic disorders) having the largest effect sizes even after controlling for other psychiatric diagnoses, conventional CVD risk factors, and psychotropic medication use.