bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting Gradient Layer Heat Extraction in Solar Ponds Through a Realistic Approach
Authors: Verma Sunirmit , Das Ranjan
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the concept of heat extraction from the gradient zone (GZ) in solar ponds has been analyzed in a more realistic manner to overcome the drawbacks of previously conducted studies. For this purpose, a net heat transfer coefficient has been invoked to investigate the heat transfer occurring from the GZ to the exchanger installed in this zone, in addition to the storage zone (SZ). Analytical solutions for temperature profiles in the GZ and the corresponding exchanger have been obtained which are further used to investigate various aspects of the thermal performance of the pond. The consideration of realistic heat transfer across the GZ exchanger reveals that the ideal thickness of GZ yielding maximum power output is always under-predicted by the idealized assumption of the literature. Unlike intuitive perception, the conventional assumption of an infinite heat transfer coefficient does not affect the pond stability because, for all practical purposes, the critical salt diffusion rate predicted by it is always larger than the actual critical value required for ensuring stable pond operation. However, as expected, the rate of exergy destruction caused by the pond’s operation is found to be underestimated by the idealized assumption. This study provides a useful analytical tool to make more realistic predictions on various performance parameters of solar ponds utilizing the heat stored in their GZ.
Symbolic Time Series Analysis for Anomaly Detection in Measure-Invariant Ergodic Systems
Authors: Ghalyan Najah F. , Ray Asok
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a novel framework of symbolic time series analysis (STSA) for anomaly detection in dynamical systems. The core concept is built upon a property of measure-preserving transformation (MPT) sequence, acting on a probability space with ergodic measure, that the eigenfunctions of these transformations would be time-invariant. As a result, unlike a standard STSA that is required to generate time-homogeneous Markov chains, the proposed MPT-based STSA is allowed to have time-inhomogeneous Markov chains, where the (possibly time-varying) state transition probability matrices have time-invariant eigenvectors. Such a time-invariance facilitates analysis of the dynamical system by using short-length time series of measurements. This is particularly important in applications, where the underlying dynamics and process anomalies need fast monitoring and control actions in order to mitigate any potential structural damage and/or to avoid catastrophic failures. The MPT-based STSA has been applied for low-delay detection of fatigue damage, which is a common source of failures in mechanical structures and which is known to have uncertain dynamical characteristics. The underlying algorithm has been validated with experimental data generated from a laboratory apparatus that uses ultrasonic sensors to detect fatigue damage in polycrystalline–alloy specimens. The performance of the proposed MPT-based STSA is evaluated by comparison with those of a standard STSA and a hidden Markov model (HMM) on the same experimental data. The results consistently show superior performance of the MPT-based STSA.
Early Design Stage Evaluation of Thermal Performance of Battery Heat Acquisition System of a Hybrid Electric Aircraft
Authors: Macdonald Malcolm , Annapragada S. Ravi , Sur Aritra , Mahmoudi Reza , Lents Charles , Jain Ankur
Published: January 2020

The electric energy and power storage, conversion and distribution (ESC&D) system of a hybrid electric aircraft, even at high efficiency, will reject significant heat at relatively low temperature. Thermal management systems (TMSs) can add excessive weight (heat exchangers and pumps) and impose excessive parasitic power consumption (pumps and fans) and drag (engine fan stream air and ram air) on the aircraft. Thus, effective low-weight thermal management of the ESC&D system is critical to realizing the potential benefits of a hybrid electric aircraft. This paper carries out early design stage benchmarking and evaluation of various thermal management approaches for the battery heat acquisition system of a hybrid electric aircraft. It is shown that the battery heat acquisition system based on state-of-the-art automotive electric vehicle design may be a third of the weight of the battery itself. Alternative approaches discussed here have the promise of reducing this weight by more than 60%.
Heat Transfer Efficiency Enhancement of Lithium-Ion Battery Packs by Using Novel Design of Herringbone Fins
Authors: Li Wei , Jishnu A.K. , Garg Akhil , Xiao Mi , Peng Xiongbin , Gao Liang
Published: January 2020

Battery thermal management system (BTMS) is a hot research area for electric vehicles (EVs). Common BTMS schemes include air cooling, liquid cooling, and phase-change materials (PCMs). Air cooling BTMS is widely used in EVs because of its simplicity, high efficiency, and low cost. However, past air cooling BTMS research focused on inlet flow, air channel design, and battery layout. Few studies have focused on improving the heat transfer efficiency of battery packs. This paper aimed to improve the heat transfer efficiency of air cooling BTMS by using herringbone fins. Both inline and staggered arrangements of lithium-ion cells were considered. Moreover, the effects of transverse pitch, longitudinal pitch, fin height, fin number, and inlet velocity were examined. Installation of herringbone fins with optimal values of parameters caused a decrease in average temperature of cells by 3.687 K in the inline arrangement and 4.15 K in the staggered arrangement. Furthermore, a significant improvement in temperature uniformity was also observed. The simulation results will be helpful for the design of air cooling BTMS.
Exploring the promise of broadband fisheries echosounders for species discrimination with quantitative assessment of data processing effects
Authors: Benoit-Bird Kelly J. , Waluk Chad M.
Published: January 2020

It remains an open question how well the increased bandwidth afforded by broadband echosounders can improve species discrimination in fisheries acoustics. Here, an objective statistical approach was used to determine if there is information available in dual channel broadband data (45–170 kHz) to allow discrimination between in situ echoes obtained from monospecific aggregations of three species (hake, Merluccius productus: anchovy, Engraulis mordax; and krill, Euphausiia pacifica) using a remotely operated vehicle. These data were used to explore the effects of processing choices on the ability to statistically classify the broadband spectra to species. This ability was affected by processing choices including the Fourier transform analysis window size, available bandwidth, and the method and scale of data averaging. The approach to normalizing the spectra and the position of individual targets in the beam, however, had little effect. Broadband volume backscatter and single target spectra were both used to successfully classify acoustic data from these species with ∼6% greater success using volume backscatter data. Broadband data were effectively classified to species while simulated multi-frequency narrowband data were categorized at rates near chance, supporting the presumption that greater bandwidth increases the information available for the characterization and classification of biological targets.
Consequences of Choosing Different Settings When Processing Hip-Based Accelerometry Data From Older Adults: A Practical Approach Using Baseline Data From the SITLESS Study
Authors: Wilson Jason J. , Skjødt Mathias , McMullan Ilona , Blackburn Nicole E. , Giné-Garriga Maria , Sansano-Nadal Oriol , Roqué i Figuls Marta , Klenk Jochen , Dallmeier Dhayana , McIntosh Emma , Deidda Manuela , Tully Mark A. , Caserotti Paolo , _ _
Published: January 2020

Accurately measuring older adults’ physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) using accelerometers is essential, as both are important markers of health. This study aimed to highlight how steps taken during data processing may affect key hip-based accelerometry outcomes in older adults, using a selection of baseline accelerometry data (n = 658) from the SITLESS study. Different analytical parameters tested included wear-time algorithms, use of low-frequency extension (LFE) filter, epoch length, and minimum and maximum daily wear-time thresholds. These were compared against vertical axis counts per minute (CPM), vector magnitude (VM) CPM, SB, light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA, step counts, and wear-time percentage. Differences in settings across the analytical parameters were assessed using paired sample t-tests and repeated measures ANOVAs using Bonferroni correction. Using the “Choi” versus “Troiano” wear-time algorithm resulted in a higher percentage wear-time. Most SB and PA outcomes were significantly different across wear-time algorithms (p < .001). This was similar when using the LFE filter versus normal filter (p < .001). Using 10-second epoch length increased daily SB time (between +75.7 and +79.2 minutes) compared to 60-second. Most SB and PA outcomes significantly changed comparing minimum-wear-time thresholds of 360, 480, 600, and 720 minutes per day (p < .001). Applying a log-diary with a ≥1140-minute threshold had a significant impact on vertical axis CPM, VM CPM, SB, and light PA outcomes (p < .001). This study demonstrates the potential variability in the number of participants being included in studies and reported SB and PA levels when processing older adults’ accelerometry data dependent on the analytical procedures utilized.
The Myc tag monoclonal antibody 9E10 displays highly variable epitope recognition dependent on neighboring sequence context
Authors: Schüchner Stefan , Behm Christian , Mudrak Ingrid , Ogris Egon
Published: January 2020

Recognition of Myc-tagged proteins by the widely used antibody 9E10 varies depending on sequences adjacent to the tag.
Paenipeptin Analogues Potentiate Clarithromycin and Rifampin against
mcr-1
-Mediated Polymyxin-Resistant Escherichia coli
In Vivo
Authors: Moon Sun Hee , Kaufmann Yihong , Huang En
Published: January 2020

Polymyxin resistance mediated by the
mcr-1
gene threatens the last-resort antibiotics. Linear lipopeptide paenipeptin analogues 1 and 15 disrupted the outer membrane of Gram-negative pathogens and potentiated clarithromycin and rifampin against
mcr-1
-positive
Escherichia coli
from the FDA-CDC Antimicrobial Resistance Isolate Bank. In the presence of paenipeptin, clarithromycin and rifampin resulted in over 3-log reduction of
E. coli
in vitro
.
The Cell Wall Integrity Pathway Contributes to the Early Stages of
Aspergillus fumigatus
Asexual Development
Authors: Rocha Marina Campos , Fabri João Henrique Tadini Marilhano , Simões Isabelle Taira , Silva-Rocha Rafael , Hagiwara Daisuke , da Cunha Anderson Ferreira , Goldman Gustavo Henrique , Cánovas David , Malavazi Iran
Published: January 2020

A remarkable feature of the human pathogen
Aspergillus fumigatus
is its ability to produce impressive amounts of infectious propagules known as conidia. These particles reach immunocompromised patients and may initiate a life-threatening mycosis. The conidiation process in
Aspergillus
is governed by a sequence of proteins that coordinate the development of conidiophores. This process requires the remodeling of the cell wall so that the conidiophores can rise and withstand the chains of conidia. The events regulating cell wall remodeling during conidiation are currently unknown. Here, we show that the cell wall integrity pathway (CWIP) components RlmA and MpkA directly contribute to the activation of the conidiation cascade by enabling transcription or phosphorylation of critical proteins involved in asexual development. This study points to an essential role for the CWIP during conidiation and provides further insights into the complex regulation of asexual development in filamentous fungi.
Genetic and Biochemical Analysis of CodY-Mediated Cell Aggregation in Staphylococcus aureus Reveals an Interaction between Extracellular DNA and Polysaccharide in the Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Mlynek Kevin D. , Bulock Logan L. , Stone Carl J. , Curran Luke J. , Sadykov Marat R. , Bayles Kenneth W. , Brinsmade Shaun R.
Published: January 2020

Staphylococcus aureus
remains a global health concern and exemplifies the ability of an opportunistic pathogen to adapt and persist within multiple environments, including host tissue. Not only does biofilm contribute to persistence and immune evasion in the host environment, it also may aid in the transition to invasive disease. Thus, understanding how biofilms form is critical for developing strategies for dispersing biofilms and improving biofilm disease-related outcomes. Using biochemical, genetic, and cell biology approaches, we reveal a synergistic interaction between PIA and eDNA that promotes cell aggregation and biofilm formation in a CodY-dependent manner in
S. aureus
. We also reveal that envelope-associated lipoproteins mediate attachment of the biofilm matrix to the cell surface.
Identification of Natural Molecular Determinants of Ross River Virus Type I Interferon Modulation
Authors: Liu Xiang , Mutso Margit , Cherkashchenko Liubov , Zusinaite Eva , Herrero Lara J. , Doggett Stephen L. , Haniotis John , Merits Andres , Herring Belinda L. , Taylor Adam , Mahalingam Suresh
Published: January 2020

By identifying natural Ross River virus (RRV) amino acid determinants for type I interferon (IFN) modulation, this study gives further insight into the mechanism of type I IFN modulation by alphaviruses. Here, the crucial role of type I IFN in the early stages of RRV disease pathogenesis is further demonstrated. This study also provides a comparison of the roles of different parts of the RRV nonstructural region in type I IFN modulation, highlighting the importance of nonstructural protein 1 (nsP1) and nsP2 in this process. Three substitutions in nsP1 and nsP2 were found to be independently associated with enhanced type I IFN sensitivity, and four independent substitutions in nsP2 were important in elevated type I IFN induction. Such evidence has clear implications for RRV immunobiology, persistence, and pathology. The identification of viral proteins that modulate type I IFN may also have importance for the pathogenesis of other alphaviruses.
A Single Amino Acid at Position 431 of the PB2 Protein Determines the Virulence of H1N1 Swine Influenza Viruses in Mice
Authors: Xu Chengzhi , Xu Bangfeng , Wu Yunpu , Yang Shiman , Jia Yunhui , Liang Wenhua , Yang Dawei , He Likun , Zhu Wenfei , Chen Yan , Yang Huanliang , Yu Benliang , Wang Dayan , Qiao Chuanling
Published: January 2020

The frequent reassortment among different influenza viruses in pigs adds complexity to the epidemiology of swine influenza. The diverse viral virulence phenotypes underline the need to investigate the possible genetic determinants for evaluating the pandemic potential to human public health. Here, we found that multiple genotypes of influenza viruses cocirculate in the swine population in Liaoning Province, China. Furthermore, we pinpointed a single amino acid at position 431 in the PB2 protein which plays a critical role in the virulence of H1N1 viruses in mice and found that the alteration of viral polymerase activities is the cause of the different virulence. Our study further indicated that the virulence of influenza virus is a polygenic trait, and the newly identified virulence-related residue in the PB2 provides important information for broadening knowledge on the genetic basis of viral virulence of influenza viruses.
Characterization of
Mollivirus kamchatka
, the First Modern Representative of the Proposed
Molliviridae
Family of Giant Viruses
Authors: Christo-Foroux Eugene , Alempic Jean-Marie , Lartigue Audrey , Santini Sebastien , Labadie Karine , Legendre Matthieu , Abergel Chantal , Claverie Jean-Michel
Published: January 2020

Virology has long been viewed through the prism of human, cattle, or plant diseases, leading to a largely incomplete picture of the viral world. The serendipitous discovery of the first giant virus visible under a light microscope (i.e., >0.3 μm in diameter), mimivirus, opened a new era of environmental virology, now incorporating protozoan-infecting viruses. Planet-wide isolation studies and metagenome analyses have shown the presence of giant viruses in most terrestrial and aquatic environments, including upper Pleistocene frozen soils. Those systematic surveys have led authors to propose several new distinct families, including the
Mimiviridae
,
Marseilleviridae
,
Faustoviridae
,
Pandoraviridae
, and
Pithoviridae
. We now propose to introduce one additional family, the
Molliviridae
, following the description of
M. kamchatka
, the first modern relative of
M. sibericum
, previously isolated from 30,000-year-old arctic permafrost.
Draft Genome Sequences of Eight Strains of Campylobacter helveticus Isolated from Cats and a Dog in New Zealand
Authors: Bojanić Krunoslav , Midwinter Anne C. , Acke Els , Marshall Jonathan C. , Cornelius Angela J. , Biggs Patrick J.
Published: January 2020

The draft genome sequences for eight isolates of
Campylobacter helveticus
isolated from companion animals are described and compared with that of the type strain. On average, the genomes are 1,825,025 bp long and have a GC content of 34.4% and 1,885 coding DNA sequences (CDSs). CRISPRs were detected in only one isolate and phages in none.
Reference Human Rotavirus A Genome Sequence from a Previously Vaccinated Child with Diarrhea in Nigeria
Authors: Faleye T. O. C. , George U. E. , Simsek C. , Arowolo O. A. , Adewumi O. M. , Matthijnssens J. , Adeniji J. A.
Published: January 2020

In 2018, a 26-month-old girl, fully vaccinated with Rotarix in 2016, presented with fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. A rapid test showed that her feces contained rotavirus A (RVA). VP7 reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and Illumina sequencing showed that a G1P[8] strain with a Wa-like genotype constellation was the etiologic agent. This is the first near-complete RVA genome sequence from Nigeria.
Complete Genome Sequence of XaF13, a Novel Bacteriophage of Xanthomonas vesicatoria from Mexico
Authors: Solís-Sánchez Guillermo Alejandro , Quiñones-Aguilar Evangelina Esmeralda , Fraire-Velázquez Saul , Vega-Arreguín Julio , Rincón-Enríquez Gabriel
Published: January 2020

The phytopathogenic bacterium
Xanthomonas vesicatoria
is the causative agent of bacterial spot disease in various Solanaceae family members. Here, we describe the complete genome sequence of XaF13, a novel filamentous phage that infects the phytopathogenic bacterium
X. vesicatoria
. The 7,045-bp genome is predicted to encode 14 open reading frames, 7 of which are related to those of other filamentous
Xanthomonas
phages.
Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of a Recombinant Human Norovirus Strain Identified as Subtype GII.p12_GII.3
Authors: Park Byung-Joo , Ahn Hee-Seop , Han Sang-Hoon , Go Hyeon-Jeong , Lyoo Eu-Lim , Choi Changsun , Myoung Jinjong , Lee Joong-Bok , Park Seung-Yong , Song Chang-Seon , Lee Sang-Won , Choi In-Soo
Published: January 2020

A human norovirus (HuNoV) strain was obtained from a patient with acute gastroenteritis, and its complete coding sequence was determined. The coding-complete viral genome, with three open reading frames, was 7,565 bp long, with a GC content of 49.9%. The genotype of the HuNoV strain obtained in this study was identified as GII.p12_GII.3.
Whole-Genome Sequences of 66 Incompatibility Group FIB Plasmid-Carrying Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Isolates from Food Animal Sources
Authors: Aljahdali Nesreen H. , Foley Steven L. , Han Jing , Sanad Yasser M. , Nayak Rajesh , Khajanchi Bijay K.
Published: January 2020

Sixty-six
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium isolates carrying incompatibility group FIB (IncFIB) plasmids were sequenced to further characterize the IncFIB plasmid-encoded factors associated with virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. In addition to the IncFIB plasmid, many of these isolates harbored additional plasmids encoding virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes.
Complete Genome Sequences of 11 Newcastle Disease Virus Isolates of Subgenotype VII.2 from Indonesia
Authors: Goraichuk Iryna V. , Williams-Coplin Dawn , Wibowo Michael H. , Durr Peter A. , Asmara Widya , Artanto Sidna , Dimitrov Kiril M. , Afonso Claudio L. , Suarez David L.
Published: January 2020

We report the complete genome sequences of 11 virulent Newcastle disease viruses. The isolates were obtained from vaccinated broiler and layer chickens in three different provinces of Indonesia in 2013 and 2014. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all isolates belong to subgenotype VII.2 in the class II cluster.
Pulmonary haemorrhage in Weil’s disease
Authors: Boertjes Emma , Hillebrand Stefanie , Bins Janneke Elisabeth , Oswald Laurien
Published: January 2020

Leptospirosisis a zoonosis caused by spirochaetes from the speciesLeptospira. The more severe form of leptospirosis, known as Weil’s disease, is characterised by the triad of jaundice, renal impairment and haemorrhages. Pulmonary involvement occurs in 20%–70% of the patients, with severity ranging from non-productive cough to respiratory failure mainly due to pulmonary haemorrhage. Recognition of Weil’s disease in patients presenting with pulmonary symptoms can be difficult. This case illustrates a classic case of pulmonary haemorrhagic involvement in Weil’s disease.
Rapidly progressing HELLP syndrome and massive liver destruction in a 22-year-old female pregnant with monochorionic diamniotic gemelli
Authors: Brøsen Julie , Stærk Dorte , Feldthusen Anne-Dorthe , Rasmussen Allan , Damholt Mette Brimnes
Published: January 2020

Haemolysis Elevated Liver parameters and Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome can present with abdominal pain as the only symptom. It can be rapid with failure of multiple organs and is a cause of maternal death. A 22-year-old female pregnant with twins contacted her local hospital due to abdominal pain. Within 20 hours of the debut of the abdominal pain, a caesarean section was performed, the patient was re-operated due to the suspicion of abdominal bleeding. Bescause she was hypotensive and blood tests showed signs of liver destruction and acidosis, she was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). During an admission of 40 days, the patient received 5 plasmapheresis treatments and 10 courses of haemodialysis. CT scans showed massive liver haematomas intraparenchymal and subcapsular. The CT scan images are very interesting and included in the case report.

This case presents a good prognosis after a rapid progression of HELLP in spite of a dramatic clinical presentation. This topic is of great interest to a wide spectre of clinicians, as an early multidisciplinary approach is necessary.
The multi-sectorial emergency response to a cholera outbreak in Internally Displaced Persons camps in Borno State, Nigeria, 2017
Authors: Ngwa Moise Chi , Wondimagegnehu Alemu , Okudo Ifeanyi , Owili Collins , Ugochukwu Uzoma , Clement Peter , Devaux Isabelle , Pezzoli Lorenzo , Ihekweazu Chikwe , Jimme Mohammed Abba , Winch Peter , Sack David A
Published: January 2020

Introduction

In August 2017, a cholera outbreak started in Muna Garage Internally Displaced Persons camp, Borno state, Nigeria and >5000 cases occurred in six local government areas. This qualitative study evaluated perspectives about the emergency response to this outbreak.

Methods

We conducted 39 key informant interviews and focus group discussions, and reviewed 21 documents with participants involved with surveillance, water, sanitation, hygiene, case management, oral cholera vaccine (OCV), communications, logistics and coordination. Qualitative data analysis used thematic techniques comprising key words in context, word repetition and key sector terms.

Results

Authorities were alerted quickly, but outbreak declaration took 12 days due to a 10-day delay waiting for culture confirmation. Outbreak investigation revealed several potential transmission channels, but a leaking latrine around the index cases’ house was not repaired for more than 7 days. Chlorine was initially not accepted by the community due to rumours that it would sterilise women. Key messages were in Hausa, although Kanuri was the primary local language; later this was corrected. Planning would have benefited using exercise drills to identify weaknesses, and inventory sharing to avoid stock outs. The response by the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency was perceived to be slow and an increased risk from a religious festival was not recognised. Case management was provided at treatment centres, but some partners were concerned that their work was not recognised asking, ‘Who gets the glory and the data?’ Nearly one million people received OCV and its distribution benefited from a robust infrastructure for polio vaccination. There was initial anxiety, rumour and reluctance about OCV, attributed by many to lack of formative research prior to vaccine implementation. Coordination was slow initially, but improved with activation of an emergency operations centre (EOC) that enabled implementation of incident management system to coordinate multisectoral activities and meetings held at 16:00 hours daily. The synergy between partners and government improved when each recognised the government’s leadership role.

Conclusion

Despite a timely alert of the outbreak, delayed laboratory confirmation slowed initial response. Initial responses to the outbreak were not well coordinated but improved with the EOC. Understanding behaviours and community norms through rapid formative research should improve the effectiveness of the emergency response to a cholera outbreak. OCV distribution was efficient and benefited from the polio vaccine infrastructure.
Alcohol and drug use disorders in patients with cancer and caregivers: effects on caregiver burden
Authors: Webber Kath , Davies Andrew Neil , Leach Charlotte , Bradley Anna
Published: January 2020

Background

The estimated prevalence of alcohol use disorders in patients with advanced cancer is reported as 4%–38%. There are limited data regarding alcohol and drug use disorders in caregivers of patients with cancer and the effects on other issues.

Aim

To establish the prevalence of alcohol and drug use disorders in a large cohort of patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers.

To evaluate the relationship between alcohol and drug use disorders and patient symptoms and caregiver burden.

Design

The patient with cancer and caregiver completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool, CAGE questionnaire and Drug Abuse Screening Test. The patient completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale–Short Form, and the caregiver completed the Zarit Burden Questionnaire.

Statistical analysis compared cases and non-cases of alcohol and drug use disorders with symptom and burden score.

Setting/participants

Patients with cancer, and their caregivers, were recruited from 11 UK sites, 6 hospices and 5 hospitals.

Results

Five hundred and seven patients and their caregivers were recruited. Twenty-seven patients (5%) and 44 caregivers (9%) screened positively for alcohol use disorders on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool. Thirty patients (6%), and 16 caregivers (3%), screened positively for drug abuse problems on the Drug Abuse Screening Test.

There was a significantly higher carer burden score in caregivers screening positively for alcohol and drug abuse problems.

Conclusions

The prevalence of alcohol use disorders in patients with cancer and caregivers was lower than reported in previous studies. Caregiver burden scores were significantly higher in carers screening positively for alcohol and drug use disorders.

Trial registration number

Trial registered National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network Portfolio (CPMS ID 30723) IRAS ID 198753.
Anaesthetic management of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion using an Amplatz canine duct occluder (ACDO) in a dog
Authors: Binetti Anna , Smets Pascale , Bosmans Tim , Schauvliege Stijn
Published: January 2020

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common diagnosed congenital disease in dogs that usually causes heart failure and death unless corrected at a young age. A 2.5‐year‐old female intact Coton de Tuléar was referred and diagnosed with a left to right shunt PDA. Closure of the PDA was performed via a minimally invasive approach by means of an Amplatz canine duct occluder device. In this case report, we describe a successful anaesthetic protocol that included premedication using a combination of acepromazine and methadone, induction with propofol and midazolam and maintenance with isoflurane in oxygen, as well as a lidocaine constant rate constant rate infusion for intraoperative analgesic and cardiovascular support. This protocol provided excellent intraoperative cardiopulmonary stability and a smooth and rapid recovery.
Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Mongolian lambs fed native grass or hay with or without concentrate on the Inner Mongolian Plateau
Authors: Du Shuai , You Sihan , Bao Jian , Ge Gentu , Jia Yushan , Cai Yimin
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of native grass on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Mongolian lambs fed Inner Mongolia native grass in three forms: grass, hay, and hay with concentrate (HC). Sixty Mongolian noncastrated male lambs, in good health and with the same age (6 mo) and similar body weights (mean, 28.63 ± 0.19 kg), were randomly divided into three treatments. There were four replicates in each treatment, with five lambs in one pen as a replicate. Compared with the HC group, the intake of the grass group was higher (P < 0.05) and that of the hay group was lower (P < 0.05). The hay group had a gain of −58.67 g d−1, compared with 42.33 g d−1 for the HC group and 80.00 g d−1 for the grass group. The carcass weight, net meat mass, loin muscle area, and fat thickness (a measure of fat tissue thickness) were greater in the grass and HC groups than in the hay group (P < 0.05). Compared with the hay group, the protein and calcium contents, marbling score, and water loss rate were greater in the grass and HC groups (P < 0.05), whereas the fat, phosphorus, cholesterol contents, and b* score were lower for the latter groups (P < 0.05). These results suggest that feeding of native grass hay with concentrate could improve the growth performance and meat quality of Mongolian lambs and achieve results similar to those observed in grass-fed lambs.
Interaction Between Thermal Field and Two-Dimensional Functionally Graded Materials: A Structural Mechanical Example
Authors: Tang Ye , Zhong Shun , Yang Tianzhi , Ding Qian
Published: January 2020

The buckling and free vibration of a Euler–Bernoulli beam composed of two-directional functionally graded materials (FGMs) in thermal environment are analyzed. The material properties and temperature distributions are considered to be continuously varied along both axial and thickness directions. Such two-directional FGMs provide the basis of a promising strategy to tune the dynamic behavior of a structure in a controlled fashion, achieving tunable response as desired. The dynamic equation of the beam and relevant boundary conditions are derived based on Hamilton’s principle. The generalized differential quadrature method is used for determining the exact buckling configuration and the natural frequencies of the beam with different boundary conditions. Numerical results are presented to examine the effects of material gradations on the critical buckling temperature. It is concluded that both temperature change and material properties have significant influences on the natural frequency, which suggests that it is possible to tailor or tune the dynamic behaviors of a beam by using man-made FGMs in a complex environment.
SSL-SVD
Authors: Hu Zhengdi , Xu Guangquan , Zheng Xi , Liu Jiang , Li Zhangbing , Sheng Quan Z. , Lian Wenjuan , Xian Hequn
Published: January 2020

Recommendation systems have been widely used in large e-commerce websites, but cold start and data sparsity seriously affect the accuracy of recommendation. To solve these problems, we propose SSL-SVD, which works to mine the sparse trust between users and improve the performance of the recommendation system. Specifically, we mine sparse trust relationships by decomposing trust impact into fine-grained factors and employing the Transductive Support Vector Machine algorithm to combine these factors. Then, we incorporate both social trust and sparse trust information into the SVD++ model, which can effectively utilize the explicit and implicit influence of trust for rating prediction in the recommendation system. Experiments show that our SSL-SVD increases the trust density degree of each dataset by more than 65% and improves the recommendation accuracy by up to 4.3%.
Enhancement of Bifunctional Effect for LiNO3/glyme Electrolyte by Using Dual Solvent System for Li-O2 Batteries
Authors: Hayashi Yoshiya , Yamada Shinya , Ishikawa Taro , Takamuki Yasuhiko , Sohmiya Minoru , Otsuska Hiromi , Ito Kimihiko , Kubo Yoshimi , Saito Morihiro
Published: January 2020

Recently, LiNO3-based electrolytes using tetraglyme (G4) solvent (LiNO3/G4) have attracted increasing attention for non-aqueous rechargeable Li-air (O2) batteries (LAB) because of the bifunctional effect of NO3
− anion as both redox mediator (RM) at air electrode and additive to form Li2O layer on the surface of Li metal negative electrode (NE), which suppresses Li dendrite growth and electrolyte decomposition. However, the dissociation degree of LiNO3 salt was quite low, which causes to low ionic conductivity and the above effects of NO3
− would not work effectively in the electrolyte. In this study, we tried to apply dual solvent system to the LiNO3/G4 electrolyte. Namely, acetonitrile and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with relatively high dielectric constant and low viscosity were mixed with G4 solvent to increase the number per volume and mobility of Li+ and NO3
− as carrier ions for reduction of the large overpotential during charge process and enhancement of the power density. The DMSO mixed electrolyte greatly reduced the large charge overpotential and relative stable operation for the LAB (Li ∣ O2) cells. Furthermore, the Li2O passivation layer formed by NO3
− anion effectively suppressed the electrolyte decomposition at Li metal NE. These effects were enhanced especially at higher rate of discharge/charge operation.
LDL induces cholesterol loading and inhibits endothelial proliferation and angiogenesis in Matrigels: correlation with impaired angiogenesis during wound healing
Authors: Bogachkov Yedida Y. , Chen Lin , Le Master Elizabeth , Fancher Ibra S. , Zhao Yan , Aguilar Victor , Oh Myung-Jin , Wary Kishore K. , DiPietro Luisa A. , Levitan Irena
Published: January 2020

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but its effect on angiogenesis and wound healing is not well understood. In this study, using a combination of mass spectrometry and laurdan two-photon imaging, we show that elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), like those seen in hypercholesterolemic patients, lead to an increase in both free cholesterol and cholesterol esters, as well as increase in lipid order of endothelial cell membranes. Notably, these effects are distinct and opposite to the lack of cholesterol loading and the disruption of lipid order observed in our earlier studies in response to oxidized LDL (oxLDL). The same pathological level of LDL leads to a significant inhibition of endothelial proliferation and cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, whereas oxLDL enhances endothelial proliferation in S phase of the cycle. LDL but not oxLDL suppresses the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 while enhancing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Furthermore, we show that aged (8–10 mo) hypercholesterolemic apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice display delayed wound closure compared with age-matched C57/BL6 wild-type controls following a skin punch biopsy. The delay in wound healing is associated with a decreased expression of cluster of differentiation 31 platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule endothelial marker and decreased angiogenesis within the wound bed. Furthermore, decreased endothelial responsiveness to the growth factors VEGF and basic fibroblast growth factor is observed in ApoE−/− mice in Matrigel plugs and in Matrigels with high levels of LDL in wild-type mice. We propose that plasma hypercholesterolemia is antiangiogenic due to elevated levels of LDL.
Age-related changes in sound onset and offset intensity coding in auditory cortical fields A1 and CL of rhesus macaques
Authors: Ramamurthy Deepa L. , Recanzone Gregg H.
Published: January 2020

Inhibition plays a key role in shaping sensory processing in the central auditory system and has been implicated in sculpting receptive field properties such as sound intensity coding and also in shaping temporal patterns of neuronal firing such as onset- or offset-evoked responses. There is substantial evidence supporting a decrease in inhibition throughout the ascending auditory pathway in geriatric animals. We therefore examined intensity coding of onset (ON) and offset (OFF) responses in auditory cortex of aged and young monkeys. A large proportion of cells in the primary auditory cortex (A1) and the caudolateral field (CL) displayed nonmonotonic rate-level functions for OFF responses in addition to nonmonotonic coding of ON responses. Aging differentially affected ON and OFF responses; the magnitude of effects was generally greater for ON responses. In addition to higher firing rates, neurons in old monkeys exhibited a significant increase in the proportion of monotonic rate-level functions and had higher best intensities than those in young monkeys. OFF responses in young monkeys displayed a range of intensity coding relationships with ON responses of the same cells, ranging from highly similar to highly dissimilar. Dissimilarity in ON/OFF coding was greater in CL and was reduced with aging, which was largely explained by a preferential decrease in the percentage of cells with nonmonotonic coding of ON and OFF responses. The changes we observed are consistent with previously demonstrated alterations in inhibition in the ascending auditory pathway of primates and could be involved in age-related deficits in the temporal processing of sounds.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Aging has a major impact on intensity coding of neurons in auditory cortex of rhesus macaques. Neural responses to sound onset and offset were affected to different extents, and their rate-level functions became more mutually similar, which could be accounted for by the loss of nonmonotonic intensity coding in geriatric monkeys. These findings were consistent with weakened inhibition in the central auditory system and could contribute to auditory processing deficits in elderly subjects.
Human in vitro systems for examining synaptic function and plasticity in the brain
Authors: Lee Kevin , Park Thomas I.-H. , Heppner Peter , Schweder Patrick , Mee Edward W. , Dragunow Michael , Montgomery Johanna M.
Published: January 2020

The human brain shows remarkable complexity in its cellular makeup and function, which are distinct from nonhuman species, signifying the need for human-based research platforms for the study of human cellular neurophysiology and neuropathology. However, the use of adult human brain tissue for research purposes is hampered by technical, methodological, and accessibility challenges. One of the major problems is the limited number of in vitro systems that, in contrast, are readily available from rodent brain tissue. With recent advances in the optimization of protocols for adult human brain preparations, there is a significant opportunity for neuroscientists to validate their findings in human-based systems. This review addresses the methodological aspects, advantages, and disadvantages of human neuron in vitro systems, focusing on the unique properties of human neurons and synapses in neocortical microcircuits. These in vitro models provide the incomparable advantage of being a direct representation of the neurons that have formed part of the human brain until the point of recording, which cannot be replicated by animal models nor human stem-cell systems. Important distinct cellular mechanisms are observed in human neurons that may underlie the higher order cognitive abilities of the human brain. The use of human brain tissue in neuroscience research also raises important ethical, diversity, and control tissue limitations that need to be considered. Undoubtedly however, these human neuron systems provide critical information to increase the potential of translation of treatments from the laboratory to the clinic in a way animal models are failing to provide.
Microstimulation of dorsal premotor and primary motor cortex delays the volitional commitment to an action choice
Authors: Thura David , Cisek Paul
Published: January 2020

Humans and other animals are faced with decisions about actions on a daily basis. These typically include a period of deliberation that ends with the commitment to a choice, which then leads to the overt expression of that choice through action. Previous studies with monkeys have demonstrated that neural activity in sensorimotor areas correlates with the deliberation process and reflects the moment of commitment before movement initiation, but the causal roles of these regions are challenging to establish. Here, we tested whether dorsal premotor (PMd) and primary motor cortex (M1) are causally involved in the volitional commitment to a reaching choice. We found that brief subthreshold microstimulation in PMd or M1 delayed commitment to an action but not the initiation of the action itself. Importantly, microstimulation only had a significant effect when it was delivered close to and before commitment time. These results are consistent with the proposal that PMd and M1 participate in the commitment process, which occurs when a critical firing rate difference is reached between cells voting for the selected option and those voting for the competing one.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The neural substrates of decisions between actions are typically investigated by correlating neural activity and subjects’ decision behavior, but this does not establish causality. In a reaching decision task, we demonstrate that subthreshold microstimulation of the monkey dorsal premotor cortex or primary motor cortex delays the deliberation duration if applied shortly before choice commitment. This result suggests a causal role of the sensorimotor cortex in the determination of decisions between actions.
Bidens pilosa Extract Administered after Symptom Onset Attenuates Glial Activation, Improves Motor Performance, and Prolongs Survival in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Kosuge Yasuhiro , Kaneko Erina , Nango Hiroshi , Miyagishi Hiroko , Ishige Kumiko , Ito Yoshihisa
Published: January 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive paralysis resulting from the death of upper and lower motor neurons. There is currently no effective pharmacological treatment for ALS, and the two approved drugs riluzole and edaravone have limited effects on the symptoms and only slightly prolong the life of patients. Therefore, the development of effective therapeutic strategies is of paramount importance. In this study, we investigated whether Miyako Island Bidens pilosa (MBP) can alleviate the neurological deterioration observed in a superoxide dismutase-1 G93A mutant transgenic mouse (G93A mouse) model of ALS. We orally administered 2 g/kg/day of MBP to G93A mice at the onset of symptoms of neurodegeneration (15 weeks old) until death. Treatment with MBP markedly prolonged the life of ALS model mice by approximately 20 days compared to that of vehicle-treated ALS model mice and significantly improved motor performance. MBP treatment prevented the reduction in SMI32 expression, a neuronal marker protein, and attenuated astrocyte (detected by GFAP) and microglia (detected by Iba-1) activation in the spinal cord of G93A mice at the end stage of the disease (18 weeks old). Our results indicate that MBP administered after the onset of ALS symptoms suppressed the inflammatory activation of microglia and astrocytes in the spinal cord of the G93A ALS model mice, thus improving their quality of life. MBP may be a potential therapeutic agent for ALS.
Using Eye Aspect Ratio to Enhance Fast and Objective Assessment of Facial Paralysis
Authors: Feng Jialing , Guo Zhexiao , Wang Jun , Dan Guo
Published: January 2020

A rapid and objective assessment of the severity of facial paralysis allows rehabilitation physicians to choose the optimal rehabilitation treatment regimen for their patients. In this study, patients with facial paralysis were enrolled as study objects, and the eye aspect ratio (EAR) index was proposed for the eye region. The correlation between EAR and the facial nerve grading system 2.0 (FNGS 2.0) score was analyzed to verify the ability of EAR to enhance FNGS 2.0 for the rapid and objective assessment of the severity of the facial paralysis. Firstly, in order to accurately calculate the EAR, we constructed a landmark detection model based on the face images of facial paralysis patients (FP-FLDM). Evaluation results showed that the error rate of facial feature point detection in patients with facial paralysis of FP-FLDM is 17.1%, which was significantly superior to the landmark detection model based on normal face images (NF-FLDM). Secondly, in this study, the Fréchet distance was used to calculate the difference in bilateral EAR of facial paralysis patients and to verify the correlation between this difference and the corresponding FNGS 2.0 score. The results showed that the higher the FNGS 2.0 score , the greater the difference in bilateral EAR. The correlation coefficient between the bilateral EAR difference and the corresponding FNGS 2.0 score was 0.9673, indicating a high correlation. Finally, through a 10-fold crossvalidation, we can know that the accuracy of scoring the eyes of patients with facial paralysis using EAR was 85.7%, which can be used to enhance the objective and rapid assessment of the severity of facial paralysis by FNGS 2.0.