bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusive Play Policies: Disabled Children And Their Access To Dutch Playgrounds
Authors: Van Melik Rianne , Althuizen Nick
Published: July 2020

Despite the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, many cities are still struggling to facilitate inclusive playgrounds. This paper contributes to our understanding of the everyday landscapes of disabled childhood, by investigating the play‐policy of Dutch municipalities via a mixed‐methods approach. Our online survey reveals that 90 per cent have a play‐policy, although the length and content of these documents vary extensively, and accessibility and inclusive play are often lacking. Additionally, we focus on the play‐policy of two municipalities in the east of the Netherlands. Interviews with civil servants, play professionals and families with disabled children show that municipalities willingly respond to parents’ requests for playground changes. Though resulting in tailor‐made adjustments, this also configures disability as an individual problem. Parents and policy‐makers also highlight different expectations regarding playground adjustments and investments. The paper therefore calls for open communication to avoid disabled children being involuntarily absent in public space.
Robust and fast reconstruction of complex roofs with active sampling from 3D point clouds
Authors: Dehbi Youness , Henn André , Gröger Gerhard , Stroh Viktor , Plümer Lutz
Published: July 2020

This article proposes a novel method for the 3D reconstruction of LoD2 buildings from LiDAR data. We propose an active sampling strategy which applies a cascade of filters focusing on promising samples at an early stage, thus avoiding the pitfalls of RANSAC‐based approaches. Filters are based on prior knowledge represented by (nonparametric) density distributions. In our approach samples are pairs of surflets—3D points together with normal vectors derived from a plane approximation of their neighborhood. Surflet pairs provide parameters for model candidates such as azimuth, inclination and ridge height, as well as parameters estimating internal precision and consistency. This provides a ranking of roof model candidates and leads to a small number of promising hypotheses. Building footprints are derived in a preprocessing step using machine learning methods, in particular support vector machines.
Skin flora and bacterial contamination of diversion pouch and recovered platelet components in Moroccan blood donors
Authors: EL Mehdaoui Fatna , Benajiba Mohammed , Boulahdid Safia , El Hattimy Faiçal , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , Alami Raouf
Published: July 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate bacterial reduction procedures used during whole‐blood donations in Morocco.

Background

Bacterial contamination still poses serious challenges to blood safety, especially in countries with limited resources.

Methods

In the first part of this study, we analysed 233 swab samples taken from blood donors' antecubital fossa. After donation, a second batch of samples was analysed from the diversion pouches of corresponding donors. In addition, we searched for the prevalence of bacterial contamination in 568 randomly chosen platelet components at their expiration date in order to control for the entire blood unit preparation process.

Results

The most frequently found bacterial species at the antecubital fossa of healthy blood donors were coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus, aerophilic Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp. and Micrococcus sp. After donation, 5.15% of the diversion pouches were contaminated with bacterial species, the most notable being Bacillus sp., aerophilic Corynebacterium, coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Of 568 platelet components, 18 were contaminated with three bacterial species: Bacillus sp., coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus and Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusion

All three bacterial species found in platelet components were detected on the skin of blood donors. Serious measures need to be taken and enforced to ensure blood safety.
Multifetal pregnancy reduction and selective termination
Authors: Beriwal Sridevi , Impey Lawrence , Ioannou Christos
Published: July 2020

Key content

Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) and selective termination (ST) are conceptually different procedures.

Essential prerequisites for delivering these interventions are detailed counselling, multidisciplinary input within a tertiary fetal medicine service, careful choice of operative technique and appropriate gestational age, depending on the type of pregnancy and indication.

Operative techniques that may be used are chemical, thermal, radiofrequency and laser, depending on chorionicity as well as other factors.

Intracardiac potassium chloride is appropriate to employ when there is independent chorionicity and carries a lower risk of pregnancy loss; vascular occlusion using radiofrequency ablation, bipolar coagulation or intrafetal laser can be employed in monochorionic fetuses and twin reversed arterial perfusion pregnancies, but carry a higher risk of pregnancy loss.

Women struggle with decision‐making, particularly with fetal reduction, and should be supported with frank discussion of the risks, but also emotionally: the need for emotional and psychological support may long outlast the pregnancy.

Learning objectives

To know the differences between first trimester MFPR, second trimester cord occlusion and third trimester ST.

To understand that MFPR is an intervention to reduce preterm birth‐related disability in high‐order multifetal pregnancies.

To understand procedural outcomes and complications of MFPR and ST to enable adequate planning for subsequent obstetric care.

Ethical issues

The decision to undergo ST to improve the chances of survival of one fetus over another may have consequences on the parental project and the grieving process.

Ethical questions are raised when MFPR occurs following in vitro fertilisation in which more than two embryos were intentionally transferred.

In uncomplicated twin pregnancies, MFPR to singleton may reduce the risk of late preterm birth, but the benefit in long‐term outcomes is less clear.
Model‐assisted identification of metabolic engineering strategies for Jatropha curcas lipid pathways
Authors: Correa Sandra M. , Alseekh Saleh , Atehortúa Lucía , Brotman Yariv , Ríos‐Estepa Rigoberto , Fernie Alisdair R. , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: July 2020

Efficient approaches to increase plant lipid production are necessary to meet current industrial demands for this important resource. While Jatropha curcas cell culture can be used for in vitro lipid production, scaling up the system for industrial applications requires an understanding of how growth conditions affect lipid metabolism and yield. Here we present a bottom‐up metabolic reconstruction of J. curcas supported with labeling experiments and biomass characterization under three growth conditions. We show that the metabolic model can accurately predict growth and distribution of fluxes in cell cultures and use these findings to pinpoint energy expenditures that affect lipid biosynthesis and metabolism. In addition, by using constraint‐based modeling approaches we identify network reactions whose joint manipulation optimizes lipid production. The proposed model and computational analyses provide a stepping stone for future rational optimization of other agronomically relevant traits in J. curcas.
Measuring the topological charges of acoustic vortices by apertures
Authors: Zhou Hongping , Li Jingjing , Gong Chaofan , Guo Kai , Guo Zhongyi
Published: July 2020

The acoustic vortex wave has exhibited high-potential applications such as communication. In this work, the authors propose an efficient method for quantitatively measuring the topological charge of an acoustic vortex through two kinds of annular apertures: an annular triangle aperture and an annular ellipse aperture. It is found that the characteristics of the diffraction pattern in the far-field are well related with the shape of apertures and the topological charges of the acoustic vortex wave. Therefore, the topological charge of acoustic vortex beams can be determined from the diffraction patterns, which provide an effective method for measuring the topological charge of acoustic vortex beams.
Impaired type I interferon activity and inflammatory responses in severe COVID-19 patients
Authors: Hadjadj Jérôme , Yatim Nader , Barnabei Laura , Corneau Aurélien , Boussier Jeremy , Smith Nikaïa , Péré Hélène , Charbit Bruno , Bondet Vincent , Chenevier-Gobeaux Camille , Breillat Paul , Carlier Nicolas , Gauzit Rémy , Morbieu Caroline , Pène Frédéric , Marin Nathalie , Roche Nicolas , Szwebel Tali-Anne , Merkling Sarah H. , Treluyer Jean-Marc , Veyer David , Mouthon Luc , Blanc Catherine , Tharaux Pierre-Louis , Rozenberg Flore , Fischer Alain , Duffy Darragh , Rieux-Laucat Frédéric , Kernéis Solen , Terrier Benjamin
Published: July 2020

Interferons interfere with lung repair

Interferons (IFNs) are central to antiviral immunity. Viral recognition elicits IFN production, which in turn triggers the transcription of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), which engage in various antiviral functions. Type I IFNs (IFN-α and IFN-β) are widely expressed and can result in immunopathology during viral infections. By contrast, type III IFN (IFN-λ) responses are primarily restricted to mucosal surfaces and are thought to confer antiviral protection without driving damaging proinflammatory responses. Accordingly, IFN-λ has been proposed as a therapeutic in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other such viral respiratory diseases (see the Perspective by Grajales-Reyes and Colonna). Broggi
et al.
report that COVID-19 patient morbidity correlates with the high expression of type I and III IFNs in the lung. Furthermore, IFN-λ secreted by dendritic cells in the lungs of mice exposed to synthetic viral RNA causes damage to the lung epithelium, which increases susceptibility to lethal bacterial superinfections. Similarly, using a mouse model of influenza infection, Major
et al.
found that IFN signaling (especially IFN-λ) hampers lung repair by inducing p53 and inhibiting epithelial proliferation and differentiation. Complicating this picture, Hadjadj
et al.
observed that peripheral blood immune cells from severe and critical COVID-19 patients have diminished type I IFN and enhanced proinflammatory interleukin-6– and tumor necrosis factor-α–fueled responses. This suggests that in contrast to local production, systemic production of IFNs may be beneficial. The results of this trio of studies suggest that the location, timing, and duration of IFN exposure are critical parameters underlying the success or failure of therapeutics for viral respiratory infections.

Science
, this issue p.
706
, p.
712
, p.
718
; see also p.
626
Performance of Four Fosfomycin Susceptibility Testing Methods against an International Collection of Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates
Authors: Smith Elizabeth C. , Brigman Hunter V. , Anderson Jadyn C. , Emery Christopher L. , Bias Tiffany E. , Bergen Phillip J. , Landersdorfer Cornelia B. , Hirsch Elizabeth B.
Published: July 2020

Fosfomycin has been shown to have a wide spectrum of activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria; however, breakpoints have been established only for
Escherichia coli
or
Enterobacterales
per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST), respectively. A lack of additional organism breakpoints limits clinical use of this agent and has prompted extrapolation of these interpretive categories to other organisms like
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
without supporting evidence.
Combination of CD8β Depletion and Interleukin-15 Superagonist N-803 Induces Virus Reactivation in Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected, Long-Term ART-Treated Rhesus Macaques
Authors: McBrien Julia B. , Wong Andrew K. H. , White Erick , Carnathan Diane G. , Lee John H. , Safrit Jeffrey T. , Vanderford Thomas H. , Paiardini Mirko , Chahroudi Ann , Silvestri Guido
Published: July 2020

The “shock and kill” HIV cure strategy attempts to reverse and eliminate the latent viral infection that prevents eradication of the virus. Latency-reversing agents tested in clinical trials to date have failed to affect the HIV viral reservoir. IL-15 superagonist N-803, currently involved in a clinical trial for HIV cure, was recently shown by our laboratory to induce robust and persistent induction of plasma viremia during ART in three
in vivo
animal models of HIV infection. These results suggest a substantial role for CD8
+
lymphocytes in suppressing the latency reversal effect of N-803 by promoting the maintenance of viral latency. In this study, we tested whether the use of a CD8β-targeting antibody, which would specifically deplete CD8
+
T cells, would yield similar levels of virus reactivation. We observed the induction of plasma viremia, which correlated with the efficacy of the CD8 depletion strategy.
Impact of Facultative Bacteria on the Metabolic Function of an Obligate Insect-Bacterial Symbiosis
Authors: Blow Frances , Ankrah Nana Y. D. , Clark Noah , Koo Imhoi , Allman Erik L. , Liu Qing , Anitha Mallappa , Patterson Andrew D. , Douglas Angela E.
Published: July 2020

Although microbial colonization of the internal tissues of animals generally causes septicemia and death, various animals are persistently associated with benign or beneficial microorganisms in their blood or internal organs. The metabolic consequences of these persistent associations for the animal host are largely unknown. Our research on the facultative bacterium
Hamiltonella
, localized primarily to the hemolymph of pea aphids, demonstrated that although
Hamiltonella
imposed no major reconfiguration of the aphid metabolome, it did alter the metabolic relations between the aphid and its obligate intracellular symbiont,
Buchnera
. Specifically,
Buchnera
produced more histidine in
Hamiltonella-
positive aphids to support both
Hamiltonella
demand for histidine and
Hamiltonella
-induced increase in host demand. This study demonstrates how microorganisms associated with internal tissues of animals can influence specific aspects of metabolic interactions between the animal host and co-occurring microorganisms.
Vitamin Biosynthesis by Human Gut Butyrate-Producing Bacteria and Cross-Feeding in Synthetic Microbial Communities
Authors: Soto-Martin Eva C. , Warnke Ines , Farquharson Freda M. , Christodoulou Marilena , Horgan Graham , Derrien Muriel , Faurie Jean-Michel , Flint Harry J. , Duncan Sylvia H. , Louis Petra
Published: July 2020

Microbes in the intestinal tract have a strong influence on human health. Their fermentation of dietary nondigestible carbohydrates leads to the formation of health-promoting short-chain fatty acids, including butyrate, which is the main fuel for the colonic wall and has anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. A good understanding of the growth requirements of butyrate-producing bacteria is important for the development of efficient strategies to promote these microbes in the gut, especially in cases where their abundance is altered. The demonstration of the inability of several dominant butyrate producers to grow in the absence of certain vitamins confirms the results of previous
in silico
analyses. Furthermore, establishing that strains prototrophic for thiamine or folate (butyrate producers and non-butyrate producers) were able to stimulate growth and affect the composition of auxotrophic synthetic communities suggests that the provision of prototrophic bacteria that are efficient cross feeders may stimulate butyrate-producing bacteria under certain
in vivo
conditions.
Selection for Reducing Energy Cost of Protein Production Drives the GC Content and Amino Acid Composition Bias in Gene Transfer Agents
Authors: Kogay Roman , Wolf Yuri I. , Koonin Eugene V. , Zhaxybayeva Olga
Published: July 2020

Kin selection and group selection remain controversial topics in evolutionary biology. We argue that these types of selection are likely to operate in bacterial populations by showing that bacterial gene transfer agents (GTAs), but not related viruses, evolve under conditions of positive selection for the reduction of the energy cost of GTA particle production. We hypothesize that GTAs are dedicated devices mediating the survival of bacteria under conditions of nutrient limitation. The benefits conferred by GTAs under nutritional stress conditions appear to include horizontal dissemination of genes that could provide bacteria with enhanced capabilities for nutrient utilization and increases of nutrient availability occurring through the lysis of GTA-producing bacteria.
Tracking Recombination Events That Occur in Conjugative Virulence Plasmid p15WZ-82_Vir during the Transmission Process
Authors: Yang Xuemei , Ye Lianwei , Chan Edward Wai-Chi , Zhang Rong , Chen Sheng
Published: July 2020

Although they are often nonconjugative, large virulence plasmids are increasingly detected in clinical
K. pneumoniae
and contribute to the hypervirulence phenotype of this organism. In this study, we demonstrated that the virulence-encoding region that originated from virulence plasmid pLVPK actively interacted with different types of plasmids via homologous recombination to generate new conjugative plasmids. This report provides insights into the evolution of self-transmissible plasmids carrying genetic elements encoding both hypervirulent and multidrug-resistant phenotypes, which facilitate the rapid development of clinical
K. pneumoniae
strains that are hypervirulent and multidrug resistant.
Supplemental Material: Calcareous nannofossils anchor chronologies for Arctic Ocean sediments back to 500 ka
Authors: O’Regan Matt , al. et
Published: July 2020

Supplemental information with notes on taxonomy, and Figure S1 and Table S1 showing calcareous nannofossil abundances in core LRG12-3PC.
Risk of invasive candidiasis with prolonged duration of ICU stay: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhidan , Zhu Ran , Luan Zhenggang , Ma Xiaochun
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay prior to onset of invasive candidiasis (IC)/candidaemia.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched through June 2019 to identify relevant studies.

Eligibility criteria

Adult patients who had been admitted to the ICU and developed an IC infection.

Data extraction and synthesis

The following data were extracted from each article: length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, duration of ICU admission prior to candidaemia onset, percentage of patients who received antibiotics and duration of their antibiotic therapy prior to candidaemia onset, and overall mortality. In addition to the traditional meta-analyses, meta-regression was performed to explore possible mediators which might have contributed to the heterogeneity.

Results

The mean age of patients ranged from 28 to 76 years across selected studies. The pooled mean duration of ICU admission before onset of candidaemia was 12.9 days (95% CI 11.7 to 14.2). The pooled mean duration of hospital stay was 36.3±5.3 days (95% CI 25.8 to 46.7), and the pooled mean mortality rate was 49.3%±2.2% (95% CI 45.0% to 53.5%). There was no significant difference in duration of hospital stay (p=0.528) or overall mortality (p=0.111), but a significant difference was observed in the mean length of ICU stay (2.8 days, p<0.001), between patients with and withoutCandida albicans. Meta-regression analysis found that South American patients had longer duration of ICU admission prior to candidaemia onset than patients elsewhere, while those in Asia had the shortest duration.

Conclusions

Patients with IC are associated with longer ICU stay, with the shortest duration of ICU admission prior to the candidaemia onset in Asia. This shows a more proactive strategy in the diagnosis of IC should be considered in caring for ICU patients.
Meniscal tear outcome Study (METRO Study): a study protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study exploring the factors which affect outcomes in patients with a meniscal tear
Authors: Ahmed Imran , Bowes Mike , Hutchinson Charles E , Parsons Nicholas , Staniszewska Sophie , Price Andrew James , Metcalfe Andrew
Published: July 2020

Introduction

This study is designed to explore the baseline characteristics of patients under 55 years of age with a meniscal tear, and to describe the relationship between the baseline characteristics and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) over 12 months. Research has highlighted the need for a trial to investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic meniscectomy in younger patients. Before this trial, we need to understand the patient population in greater detail.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre prospective cohort study. Participants aged between 18 and 55 years with an MRI confirmed meniscal tear are eligible for inclusion. Baseline characteristics including age, body mass index, gender, PROMs duration of symptoms and MRI will be collected. The primary outcome measure is the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool at 12 months. Secondary outcome measures will include PROMs such as EQ5D, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and patient global impression of change score at 3, 6 and 12 months.

Ethics and dissemination

The study obtained approval from the National Research Ethics Committee West Midlands—Black Country research ethics committee (19/WM/0079) on 12 April 2019. The study is sponsored by the University of Warwick. The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication.

Trial registration number

UHCW R&D Reference: IA428119. University of Warwick Sponsor ID: SC.08/18–19
Australian treatment outcome study: protocol for the 18–20-year follow-up of a prospective longitudinal cohort examining the natural history of heroin dependence and associated mortality, psychiatric and physical health, and health service use
Authors: Marel Christina , Mills Katherine , Visontay Rachel , Wilson Jack , Darke Shane , Ross Joanne , Slade Tim , Haber Paul S , Haasnoot Katherine , Keaveny Madeleine , Tremonti Chris , Teesson Maree
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Opioid dependence is a global health priority, currently making the biggest contribution to drug-related deaths. The chronic, long-term persistence of heroin dependence over the life course requires investigation in prospective longitudinal studies, to better understand patterns and predictors of remission and relapse, as well as the impact of changes in substance use on a range of physical and mental health outcomes. Such knowledge is critical in order to identify modifiable risk factors that can be targeted for intervention. Crucial unanswered questions include the following: What are the long-term rates of mortality? What are the long-term patterns and predictors of heroin use, remission, psychiatric health and health service use? What are the long-term physical health consequences of heroin use?

Methods and analysis

The 18–20-year follow-up of the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS) cohort will examine the natural history of heroin dependence of an existing cohort of 615 people with heroin dependence, who were recruited into the study in 2001–2002. Five waves of follow-up interviews have since been completed, at 3-month, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 10–11-year post-baseline. At the 18–20-year follow-up, the ATOS cohort is (on average) approaching their 50s and an average of 30 years have passed since they first used heroin. The 18–20-year follow-up will consist of: (1) a structured interview; (2) physical health assessment; and (3) data linkage. The results of this follow-up will improve our understanding and management of age-related disorders in this population, which if not addressed in the immediate future, has the capacity to overwhelm treatment centres and aged care facilities.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted for the study (Sydney Local Health District Royal Prince Alfred Zone, Human Research Ethics Committee X18-0512 & HREC/18/RPAH/733). The results of the study will be disseminated through published manuscripts, bulletins and technical reports, as well as conference, seminars, webinar and workshop presentations.
Changing speed of reduction in under-5 mortality rates over the 20th century
Authors: Karlsson Omar , Dribe Martin , Subramanian S V
Published: July 2020

Background

Declines from high levels of under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) first occurred in Western Europe. Knowledge and technologies gained from early mortality reductions could accelerate the U5MR decline for countries that followed. We explored whether average annual reduction (AAR) in U5MR increased between countries over time in the 20th century.

Methods

We used U5MR time series from the Human Mortality Database and United Nations for 110 countries experiencing a decline from 100 to 50 under-5 deaths per 1000 live births during the 20th century.

Results

Between 1907 and 1938, the AAR was 2.61 (95% CI 2.09, 3.13) deaths per 1000 live births per year on average and increased by 0.06 (95% CI 0.02, 0.10) deaths for each year that passed before the decline started. Countries going through the decline in 1938–1968 and 1968–1999 showed an AAR of 3.96 and 3.67 (95% CI 3.37, 4.54 and 3.26, 4.07), respectively, with no increase in AAR.

Conclusions

Acceleration in U5MR reduction was apparent in today’s high-income countries, indicating that greater similarities and capacity may have facilitated the adaptation of mortality reducing knowledge and technologies. Greater emphasis on simple and individual-level interventions or more difficult circumstances may also explain the lack of acceleration in mortality reduction after 1950.
Human papilloma viruses infection among adolescent females perinatally infected with HIV in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Tchounga Boris , Horo Apollinaire , Boni Simon , Tanon Aristophane , Folquet Madeleine Amorissani , Garrigue Isabelle , Leroy Valeriane , Dabis François , Ekouevi Didier , Jaquet Antoine
Published: July 2020

Background

Cervical cancer prevention strategies recommend human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination for female adolescents prior to their sexual debut. While HIV is a major risk factor for HPV infection in women of childbearing age, its prevalence among HIV-infected adolescent female is mostly unknown. This study aimed to describe the HPV prevalence and correlates among perinatally HIV-infected adolescent females prior to HPV immunisation.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to June 2016, in the four major paediatric HIV clinics of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. All HIV-infected females aged 11–16 years were approached to participate in the study. A questionnaire assessing sexual behaviours and genital hygiene practices was administered to participants completed with a systematic vaginal swab collection. HPV genotyping was performed using the Anyplex II HPV28 Detection (Seegene). A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the presence of HPV infection. HPV immunisation was proposed free of charge to all participants.

Results

A total of 250 participants were included, with a median age of 13 years (IQR 11–14). Among them, 237 (94.8%) were on antiretroviral treatment with a median CD4 count of 660 (IQR 439–914) cells/mm
3
. The overall prevalence of at least one HPV was 3.6% (95% CI 1.6 to 6.7) and the prevalence of at least one carcinogenic HPV was 2.8% (95% CI 0.7 to 4.8). Vaginal cleansing was reported by 75 (30%) of participants, with a median age at initiation of 12 years (IQR 10–13). Sexual activity was self-reported by 12 (4.8%) participants with a median age at sexual debut of 11 years (IQR 10–14). HPV infection was associated with vaginal cleansing (adjusted OR=7.0 (95% CI 1.4 to 31.6)).

Conclusion

The reported low prevalence of carcinogenic HPV infections supports the appropriateness of HPV immunisation in this population. The reported association between cleansing practices and HPV infection deserves further prospective longitudinal studies.
Clinical features and long‐term follow‐up of 70 cases of canine idiopathic eosinophilic lung disease
Authors: Casamian‐Sorrosal Domingo , Silvestrini Paolo , Blake Rachel , Kortum Andre , Watson Penny J , Martínez Yolanda , Lopez Alvarez Jordi , Keegan Sarah
Published: July 2020

Background

Canine idiopathic eosinophilic lung disease (ELD) is sparsely documented in the literature.

Methods

Clinical presentation and outcome of dogs diagnosed with ELD (eosinophilic bronchitis or eosinophilic bronchopneumonia) were reviewed. Subgroups were made based on chronicity of clinical signs and findings of thoracic imaging: NCI (no changes in thoracic imaging), BRON (bronchial/peribronchial pattern), INT (bronchointerstitial/interstitial/alveolar).

Results

Seventy cases were included. There were more young to adult, crossbreed and female dogs. Compared with the other two groups NCI dogs showed lower bronchoalveolar lavage fluid eosinophilic pleocytosis and absence of circulating eosinophilia, bronchiectasis or death due to respiratory disease. All dogs responded clinically to corticosteroids. Median treatment duration was four months. Remission (no clinical signs after treatment discontinuation for >one month) and long‐term remission (>six months) was achieved in 60 per cent, and 51 per cent of patients, respectively. Relapse occurred in 26 per cent of cases after remission but was rare (3 per cent) after long‐term remission. The one‐year, two‐year and four‐year survival to death due to respiratory disease was 98 per cent, 97 per cent and 91 per cent, respectively.

Conclusion

Prognosis and initial clinical response for ELD was generally good although achievement of long‐term remission was only seen in 51 per cent of dogs. Different outcomes based on chronicity of signs, corticosteroid dose, thoracic imaging abnormalities and other clinical variables were not appreciated.
Kidney structure and function in dilating vesicoureteral reflux patients with anorectal malformation
Authors: Miyake Yuichiro , Koga Hiroyuki , Lane Geoffrey J , Yamataka Atsuyuki
Published: July 2020

Background

We assessed the impact of anorectal malformation (ARM) on the kidneys of children with dilating vesicoureteral reflux (D-VUR) ≥grade III using a simple dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy scan based renal dysfunction score (RDS).

Methods

The medical records of 121 patients with D-VUR treated between 2000 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. After excluding patients with secondary D-VUR (n=18), presence of ARM was used to create two groups: ARM+ (n=12 cases; 15 ureters) and ARM– (n=91 cases; 131 ureters). Types of ARM, grades of D-VUR, bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) and RDS were compared.

Results

Patient demographics, mean follow-up, grades of D-VUR and history of urinary tract infections were not significantly different. BBD was significantly higher in ARM+ (41.7% versus 7.7%, p=0.0006). RDS was significantly higher in ARM+ (p=0.036). Grades of D-VUR were significantly lower in ARM– with low RDS (p=0.008). During follow-up, changes in DMSA uptake over time were not observed in ARM+.

Conclusions

While renal cortical lesions were correlated with grade of D-VUR in ARM– and RDS was significantly higher in ARM+, BBD did not appear to contribute to progressive renal dysfunction as is commonly believed. In fact, no progression in renal cortical lesions was observed in ARM+ based on RDS data. Renal cortical lesions may possibly be a feature of ARM, a topic that warrants further study.
Social-ecological changes and implications for understanding the declining beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) harvest in Aklavik, Northwest Territories
Authors: Worden Elizabeth , Pearce Tristan , Gruben Michelle , Ross Dorothy , Kowana Clarence , Loseto Lisa
Published: July 2020

Subsistence is the basis for food access for Inuvialuit in the western Canadian Arctic and has strong economic, dietary, and cultural importance. Inuvialuit harvest beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas, 1776)) from the eastern Beaufort beluga population during summer months within parameters established through co-management. Over the past thirty years there has been a dramatic decline in the number of beluga harvested by Inuvialuit from the community of Aklavik, Northwest Territories. This paper investigates the potential drivers of change, both social and ecological, affecting the beluga harvest. Data were collected using 32 semi-directed interviews and experiential learning. Results revealed that ecological changes, notably coastal erosion at preferred whaling camps and unpredictable and severe weather have made harvesting more difficult, expensive, and often impractical. These changes are being experienced together with social changes including the loss of elders and their knowledge, and changing values and motivations for harvesting beluga. We conclude that no one driver is responsible for the decline in the beluga harvest, but rather it is the result of multiple social-ecological changes operating across scales that affect the feasibility of the harvest and motivation to participate.

Isumatuyut ikayuqtuat avvakuyaa niqimun pimagaa Inuvialuit uataani Canadian Arcticmi nakuuyuq manik, niqilu, inuusiq nakuruallaktuaq. Inuvialuit katitait qilalugaq (Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas, 1776)) kivanmun Beaufort qilalugaq suli auyaqmi savaktiit. Sivulliqmi inuinnaq-qulit ukiuqmi mikliyuat tapqua qilalugaq katitait Inuvialuit Aklavik, Northwest Territoriesmi. Una makpiraaq ilisaqtuat anguniaqtuat, iluqatik inuuniarvikmi imaqmilu, tutqaanaittuq qilalugaq katitait. Kisitchiun katitait atugaa inuinnaq-qulit-malruknik apiqsiyuat asulu ilisaqtuat. Taimaagaa takupkagaa imaqmilu allauyuaq, taamna sallirq maqaigaa nuna taamna qilalugaqmun tanmaaq asulu allauyuaq silakluk asiin katitait tutqaanaittuq, akituyuqlu tutqaanaittuq. Taamna allauyuat illisaktuat atautchikun inuuniarvik ila tuquyuat innait asulu ilisimaruat, allauyuat pitqusiqlu ikayuqtuaq katitait qilalugaq. Uvagut taimagaa anguniaqti mikliyuat qilalugaq katitait taimagaa inugiaktut inuuniarvikmi imaqmilu allauyuaq savaktuat tutqaanaittuq asulu katitait ikayuqtuat ila taputiyaa.
On Siegel paramodular forms corresponding to skew-holomorphic Jacobi cusp forms
Authors: Miyazaki Takuya
Published: July 2020

By extending arguments by Gritsenko, we construct a lifting of skew-holomorphic Jacobi cusp forms of odd weight [Formula: see text] and index [Formula: see text] to Siegel paramodular forms of degree [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]-integrability.
A digital readout interface for a surface micromachined MEMS accelerometer with a novel loop compensator
Authors: Chen Dongliang , Yin Liang , Fu Qiang , Zhang Yufeng , Liu Xiaowei
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a novel digital readout interface for capacitive MEMS accelerometer. The digitalization is fulfilled by incorporating a 1-bit [Formula: see text] (sigma-delta) modulator into the closed servo loop. It both realizes a direct digital output efficiently and linearizes the electrostatic feedback force. To maintain the stability and improve loop linearity, a discrete-time proportional integral and differential (PID) compensator is used. It improves the in-band gain, enhances quantization noise suppressing ability and maintain the high-frequency phase margin at the same time. Thus the linearity and noise performance are improved. The whole chip is fabricated using 0.35 [Formula: see text]m CMOS-BCD technology. Test results show that, the linearity is better than 0.1% and the noise floor is as low as 1 [Formula: see text]g/[Formula: see text].
NEW METHOD TO CALCULATE THE ENERGY AND FRACTAL DIMENSION OF THE DAILY ELECTRICAL LOAD
Authors: TABARES-OSPINA HECTOR A. , ANGULO FABIOLA , OSORIO MAURICIO
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a method to calculate the degree of fluctuation of the daily electrical load-curve using fractal dimension, which is a quantitative estimator of spatial complexity. The conventional methods for forecasting have not studied such a variable, being a new parameter that can be included to characterize the electrical load. The method of fractal dimension also allows us to propose a new numerical method to calculate the integral of a function, using the trapezoid rule, but splitting the curve with fractal segments, to discover other observations, which allows the elevation of new theoretical approaches. The results are compared with the other methods such as the conventional trapezoid rule and the box-counting. It is then a new contribution that expands the universal knowledge on the subject. The case study is the daily electrical load-curve, where the energy demanded corresponds to the area of the [Formula: see text] region bounded by the curve.
COMPUTATIONAL MODELING AND THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF NONLINEAR FRACTIONAL ORDER PREY–PREDATOR SYSTEM
Authors: ALI AMJAD , SHAH KAMAL , ALRABAIAH HUSSAM , SHAH ZAHIR , RAHMAN GHAUS UR , ISLAM SAEED
Published: July 2020

In this work, we investigate a nonlinear fractional order Lotka–Voltera prey–predator model. It is also worth mentioning that we develop some results about the existence of the solution through fixed point theory. After investigating the existence results, we also develop a suitable technique with the help of Laplace transform coupled with Adomain decomposition in order to obtain the approximate solutions for the underlying model. Here, it should be kept in mind that we study the proposed model subject to variable coefficients. The results obtained via the aforesaid techniques are illustrated graphically via Matlab-16 corresponding to different fractional order by taking two cases.

Reviewers list:

Prof. Dumitru Baleanu (Cancaya University Ankara Turkey), Email: dumitru@cankaya.edu.tr , Dr. Anwar Zeb (COMSAT, University Pakistan), Email: anwar@cuiatd.edu.pk , Prof. J. F. Gómez-Aguilar (CONACyT-Tecnológico Nacional de México/CENIDET. Interior Internado Palmira S/N, Col. Palmira, C. P. 62490, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México), Email: jgomez@cenidet.edu.mx .
A NEW STABLE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF THE MANDELBROT SET DURING THE ITERATION PROCESS
Authors: YU DAKUAN , TA WURUI
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we focus on the periodic points during the iteration process to understand the convergence characteristics of the Mandelbrot set. A new internal structure of the Mandelbrot set is obtained. In addition, the influences of the number of initial iteration points and computational accuracy on this structure are investigated. The results show that the new internal structure is stable no matter how the computational accuracy and the number of initial iteration points change. However, the boundaries of subsets of the Mandelbrot set are sensitive to the computational accuracy. This finding reveals the true convergence structure of the Mandelbrot set during numerical simulations, which differs from the theoretical convergence point distribution. Thus, it helps us further understand the convergence mechanism of the Mandelbrot set.
Communication-efficient estimation of high-dimensional quantile regression
Authors: Wang Lei , Lian Heng
Published: July 2020

Distributed estimation has received increasing attention in the last several years and is particularly useful in the big data setting. Both mean regression and quantile regression has been investigated recently. In this paper, we consider distributed quantile regression with high dimension using a lasso penalty for sparse modeling. We extend a previous communication-efficient approach resulting in a method for distributed quantile regression without the need to smooth the loss or the gradient of the loss. The method is simple to implement and we present some numerical studies with encouraging performances.
An Integrated Decision-Making Framework to Appraise Water Losses in Municipal Water Systems
Authors: Zyoud Shaher H. , Fuchs-Hanusch Daniela
Published: July 2020

To mitigate the acute water shortage problems, water utilities are combating to find potential solutions. Water losses management in Water Supply Networks (WSNs) is amongst the prominent solutions. This work intends to develop a decision support framework to diagnose the criticality of WSNs according to an associated Water Loss Risk Index (WLRI) at pipe and zone levels. It utilized the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to evaluate the influential factors that contribute to water losses. The Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation Technique (FSET) has been utilized to assess WLRI at pipe level and Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) operator has been used to aggregate the individual WLRI values for each zone. The framework is extended by incorporating Monte Carlo simulation model to generate the final ranking of zones. The outcomes of this simulation showed fair stability in terms of ranking the scrutinized zones. The integration of this framework in water losses management practices and planning policies of water utilities has a large potential in improving water supply services and the performance of WSNs.
Homology of warped product submanifolds in the unit sphere and its applications
Authors: Ali Akram , Mofarreh Fatemah , Ozel Cenap , Othman Wan Ainun Mior
Published: July 2020

In this work, several pinched conditions on the Laplacian and gradient of the warping function are found in consideration of warped product submanifolds structure that force to homology groups vanish with no stable currents. Also, it is proved that a warped product pointwise semi-slant submanifold [Formula: see text] that is compact and oriented in an odd-dimensional spheres [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], has no stable integral [Formula: see text]-currents and [Formula: see text]-currents, respectively, and their homology groups are null, provided squared norm of the gradient for warping function satisfies some extrinsic restrictions including the Laplacian of the warping function, pointwise slant functions in addition to dimension of fiber of warped product immersions. Moreover, under assumption of extrinsic condition on the warping function, it is show [Formula: see text] being homeomorphic to a standard sphere [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and homotopic to a standard sphere [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. Further, the same results are generalized for contact CR-warped product submanifolds of same ambient spaces.
Development of synthetic protocols for porphyrins and their analogs based on distorted structures — a SPP/JPP Young Investigator Award paper
Authors: Hiroto Satoru
Published: July 2020

Creation of novel [Formula: see text]-conjugated molecules is an important research topic. I describe in this account an approach to this aim that is based on the use of the distorted conformation of porphyrins. Planarization of distorted molecules enables the synthesis of heteroatom-containing porphyrin derivatives. Furthermore, dearomatization reaction proves effective to construct distorted conformations from planar [Formula: see text]-conjugated molecules under mild reaction conditions. According to this protocol, we have succeeded in the synthesis of heteroatom-containing curved-[Formula: see text] conjugated molecules that had never been achieved by conventional protocols. In particular, a nitrogen-embedded buckybowl is the first example of a buckybowl having a heteroatom in its central position, which exhibits unique properties due to the incorporation of the heteroatom in its curved [Formula: see text]-surface.
Analytical Solutions for Functionally Graded Sandwich Plates Bonded by Viscoelastic Interlayer Based on Kirchhoff Plate Theory
Authors: Yang Zhiyuan , Wu Peng , Liu Weiqing , Fang Hai
Published: July 2020

In this paper, an analytical solution for functionally graded sandwich plate adhesively bonded by viscoelastic interlayer is proposed to research its time-dependent behavior. The Kirchhoff plate theory is employed to describe the mechanical property of each gradient layer with elastic modulus defined as the arbitrary function through the thickness direction. The standard linear solid model is applied to simulate the viscoelasticity of the interlayer with considering the strain memory effect. By the use of the vibrational method and the Laplace transformation, the solutions of stresses and displacements are solved analytically. The validation study indicates that the present solution is correct and more effective than the finite element solution because of the fine mesh both in the geometric shape and the time step. In addition, the influences of the geometry and material parameters on the time-dependent behavior of the sandwich plate are investigated in detail.
Surface Effects on Large Deflection of Nanobeams Subjected to a Follower Load
Authors: Xing Yun , Han Yi , Liu Hua , Yang Jialing
Published: July 2020

As a basic element of the micro/nanodevices, nanobeams have remarkable physical properties and have attracted considerable attention in the previous studies. However, previous publications did not study the large deformation problem of nanobeams under follower loading when the surface effect becomes significant and especially for the influence of surface effect on mechanical behaviors of the nanobeams under follower loading remains unclear. In this paper, we investigated the large deformation behavior of nanobeams subjected to follower loads in consideration of the surface effects. The mechanical model of large deflection of extensible cantilever nanobeams under follower loading is presented in combination with the surface elasticity and residual surface stress, and then a MATLAB program of shooting method with a technique for determining the initial value was developed to solve the problems. The results indicate that the surface effects have an important influence on the large deflection of nanobeams under follower loading: when the surface residual stress is positive, the maximums of displacement in horizontal and vertical directions and the rotation angle of the free end become lager, but the corresponding follower force related to those maximums becomes smaller. When the residual surface stress is negative, the results are the opposite. In addition, the influence of the cross-sectional dimension of the nanobeams under follower loading on surface effects was discussed. This work is beneficial to understand the mechanism of large deformation of nanobeams with surface effects subjected to follower loads, and can also provide inspirations to design advanced nanomaterials and nanoscaled devices.
Hydrogen Generation from Hydrolysis of Sodium Borohydride Using Nanosized NiB Amorphous Alloy Catalysts
Authors: Yuan Hongjing , Huo Weitao , Hao Yongchao , Wang Yanna , Qiao Weiye , Wang Tianqi , Zhu Xipan
Published: July 2020

Generation of hydrogen by sodium borohydride solution had attracted lots of attention. A serial of nanosized NiB catalysts were prepared using the chemical reduction method through introducing AlCl3 into the preparation. Catalytic performance of NiB catalysts were investigated in the hydrolysis of alkaline NaBH4 solution. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that NiB catalysts possessed amorphous alloy structure, and the particle size could be adjusted by the AlCl3 amount. Catalytic performance showed that NiB catalyst with smaller particle size had much higher activity. The NiB catalyst also displayed high stability, the catalytic activity could retain about 84% of its initial value after four cycles.