bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“We need to slowly break down this barrier”: understanding the barriers and facilitators that Afro-Caribbean undergraduates perceive towards accessing mental health services in the UK
Authors: Sancho Tamara Nadine , Larkin Michael
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Undergraduates are highly susceptible to the development of mental health difficulties. Afro-Caribbean students are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of university yet are less likely than other ethnic groups to receive early intervention. This paper aims to understand the barriers and facilitators that Afro-Caribbean undergraduates perceive towards accessing mental health services in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical Incident Technique was used as the qualitative method because it explores the critical factors that contribute to or detract from a specific experience. Seventeen Afro-Caribbean undergraduates participated in five focus groups. This involved engaging in a novel psychosocial activity that incorporated vignettes to encourage the identification of barriers and facilitators to service access. The data were analysed thematically to generate categories of critical incidents and wish-list items.

Findings

Analysis revealed rich data from a sub-group rarely researched within UK literature. Fifteen barriers, eleven facilitators and five wish-list items were identified. The importance of mental health literacy, social networks, cultural sensitivity and concerns surrounding services underpinned many categories.

Originality/value

Findings provide a new perspective on barriers reported in previous literature. Novel facilitators were highlighted where, although psychological and sociocultural factors were deemed valuable, structural changes were most desired. Recommended changes illustrate innovative interventions that could make services accessible for young adult Afro-Caribbean populations. Future research should explore the barriers and facilitators identified by Afro-Caribbean undergraduates across various universities who have successfully accessed and engaged with services. This could provide a holistic perspective on viable facilitators enabling access despite the presence of barriers.
Guanxi HRM practices and employee creative performance
Authors: Yang Chen , Yang Fu
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The current study examines the relation of guanxi human resource management (HRM) practices with subjective evaluations of creative performance by direct supervisors, as well as conceptualizes the employee ambidextrous behavior as a mediator, and social comparison orientation and leader–member exchange (LMX) as moderators for understanding the relation.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 211 employee–supervisor dyads in China. Hierarchical regression analyses, Preacher and Hayes’ (2008) indirect effects PROCESS macro, and Preacheret al.'s (2007) moderated mediation analysis approach were conducted to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Guanxi HRM practices were negatively associated with employee creative performance, mediated by the employee ambidextrous behavior. The authors also found that social comparison orientation showed a strong moderating effect, such that it amplified the indirect relationship between guanxi HRM practices and employee creative performance via ambidextrous behavior. In contrast, LMX showed a weak moderating effect, such that it attenuated this indirect relationship.

Originality/value

This study provides evidence that the extent to which employee ambidextrous behavior mediates the relationship between guanxi HRM practices and creative performance depends on LMX and social comparison orientation. It represents a promising new direction for the guanxi HRM practices and creative performance literatures.
Plant ontogeny determines strength and associated plant fitness consequences of plant‐mediated interactions between herbivores and flower visitors
Authors: Rusman Quint , Lucas‐Barbosa Dani , Hassan Kamrul , Poelman Erik H.
Published: February 2020

Plants show ontogenetic variation in growth–defence strategies to maximize reproductive output within a community context. Most work on plant ontogenetic variation in growth–defence trade‐offs has focussed on interactions with antagonistic insect herbivores. Plants respond to herbivore attack with phenotypic changes. Despite the knowledge that plant responses to herbivory affect plant mutualistic interactions with pollinators required for reproduction, indirect interactions between herbivores and pollinators have not been included in the evaluation of how ontogenetic growth–defence trajectories affect plant fitness.

In a common garden experiment with the annual Brassica nigra, we investigated whether exposure to various herbivore species on different plant ontogenetic stages (vegetative, bud or flowering stage) affects plant flowering traits, interactions with flower visitors and results in fitness consequences for the plant.

Effects of herbivory on flowering plant traits and interactions with flower visitors depended on plant ontogeny. Plant exposure in the vegetative stage to the caterpillar Pieris brassicae and aphid Brevicoryne brassicae led to reduced flowering time and flower production, and resulted in reduced pollinator attraction, pollen beetle colonization, total seed production and seed weight. When plants had buds, infestation by most herbivore species tested reduced flower production and pollen beetle colonization. Pollinator attraction was either increased or reduced. Plants infested in the flowering stage with P. brassicae or Lipaphis erysimi flowered longer, while infestation by any of the herbivore species tested increased the number of flower visits by pollinators.

Our results show that the outcome of herbivore–flower visitor interactions in B. nigra is specific for the combination of herbivore species and plant ontogenetic stage. Consequences of herbivory for flowering traits and reproductive output were strongest when plants were attacked early in life. Such differences in selection pressures imposed by herbivores to specific plant ontogenetic stages may drive the evolution of distinct ontogenetic trajectories in growth–defence–reproduction strategies and include indirect interactions between herbivores and flower visitors.

Synthesis. Plant ontogeny can define the direct and indirect consequences of herbivory. Our study shows that the ontogenetic stage of plant individuals determined the effects of herbivory on plant flowering traits, interactions with flower visitors and plant fitness.
Carbohydrate and bioactive compounds composition of starchy tropical fruits and tubers, in relation to pre and postharvest conditions: A review
Authors: Rinaldo Dominique
Published: February 2020

In some tropical countries, people are suffering from both undernourishment and noncommunicable disorders, such as overweight/obesity. Starchy tropical fruits and tubers are of particular interest for their carbohydrate content and for the micronutrients they provide. The present study summarizes the content in carbohydrate, phenolics, carotenoids, and vitamin C, as well as the antioxidant activity of a wide range of tropical fruits and tubers. The energy content of fruits and tubers studied is in the range of 1,200 to 1,800 kJ/100 g of dry weight. They are thus important staple foods and, due to their diversity and seasonality, they can provide energy all year long by alternating the resources in the human diet. Starchy fruit and tuber crops have antiobesity properties as they are bulky, rich in moisture, and contain less than 2% of fat. Noncolored fruit and tubers provide total phenolics at about 20 to 140 mEq/100 g fresh weight. They thus have a high antioxidant capacity, as related to their total phenolic content but also to the presence of carotenoids, such as lutein, mostly in Dioscorea bulbifera and cocoyam. Yellow and orange‐fleshed varieties contain more total phenolics and also more provitamin A carotenoids than noncolored fleshed ones. The contents in total phenolic and carotenoid greatly vary with the species and variety. The influence of pre and postharvest conditions on micronutrient content is discussed. Further studies on new processing methods are needed to maximize polyphenols and carotenoids retention in the foods and increase the bioaccessibility of these compounds.

Practical Application

This paper provides information on the nutritional quality of starchy tropical fruits and tubers. Nutritional quality is studied from the point of view of providing energy and bioactive compounds. The paper aims to promote the use of local resources in tropical areas, which could ultimately limit the adverse effects of food globalization on noncommunicable disorders. It could also lead to tropical countries being less dependent on food imports.
Addition of short course radiotherapy in newly diagnosed locally advanced rectal cancers with distant metastasis
Authors: Jain Shanu , Engineer Reena , Ostwal Vikas , Ramaswamy Anant , Chopra Supriya , Desouza Ashwin , Lewis Shirley , Arya Supreeta , Patil Prachi , Saklani Avanish
Published: February 2020

Aim

To study the outcomes of patients presenting with locally advanced rectal cancers with distant metastasis (mLARC), treated with short course radiotherapy (SCRT).

Method

Between May 2012 and August 2015, 70 patients diagnosed with mLARC, treated with SCRT (25 Gy/5#) and three to six cycles of CAPOX chemotherapy (CT), were assessed for surgical feasibility for the primary and metastatic sites.

Results

Sixty‐five patients could complete the planned SCRT and three to six cycles of CT. Response rate and disease control rate for the primary was 68% and 97%, respectively. Radiologically, CRM became free in 44 (72%) patients out of 61 initially involved. Fifty‐two (74%) were planned to receive treatment with a potentially curative intent and 18 (26%) with palliative intent. Of those treated with curative intent, 34 (65%) underwent primary tumor resection (PTR). Successful intervention for metastatic disease was done in 27 (52%) patients. At a median follow up of 43 months, the median overall survival (OS) for patients undergoing PTR was 36 months versus 12 months for those in which the tumor was still unresectable or had distant progression (P < .001). Of the operated patients, 56% were alive at the end of 3 years. The median pelvic recurrence free survival was 29 months. Symptom control in the form of pain and bleeding control was observed in 80%.

Conclusion

The addition of SCRT to CT in mLARC can downstage the primary tumor to undergo surgery, thereby, achieving better loco‐regional control and survival. It achieves good palliation in patients unable to undergo surgery due to extensive primary or metastatic disease.
The impact of fluid optimisation before induction of anaesthesia on hypotension after induction
Authors: Khan A. I. , Fischer M. , Pedoto A. C. , Seier K. , Tan K. S. , Dalbagni G. , Donat S. M. , Arslan‐Carlon V.
Published: February 2020

Intra‐operative hypotension is a known predictor of adverse events and poor outcomes following major surgery. Hypotension often occurs on induction of anaesthesia, typically attributed to hypovolaemia and the haemodynamic effects of anaesthetic agents. We assessed the efficacy of fluid optimisation for reducing the incidence of hypotension on induction of anaesthesia. This prospective trial enrolled 283 patients undergoing radical cystectomy and randomly allocated them to goal‐directed fluid therapy (n = 142) or standard fluid therapy (n = 141). Goal‐directed fluid therapy patients received fluid optimisation based on stroke volume response to passive leg raise before induction; those with positive passive leg raise received intravenous crystalloid fluid boluses until stroke volume was optimised. Baseline mean arterial pressure was measured on the morning of surgery and on arriving in the operating theatre. This post‐hoc analysis defined haemodynamic instability as either a > 30% relative drop in mean arterial pressure compared with baseline or absolute mean arterial pressure < 55 mmHg, within 15 min of induction. Forty‐two (30%) goal‐directed fluid therapy patients underwent fluid optimisation after finding an intravascular fluid deficit via passive leg raise testing; 106 (75%) goal‐directed fluid therapy and 112 (79%) standard fluid therapy patients met criteria for haemodynamic instability. There was no significant difference in the incidence of haemodynamic instability between the goal‐directed fluid therapy and standard fluid therapy groups using absolute mean arterial pressure drop below 55 mmHg (p = 0.58) or using pre‐surgical testing or pre‐surgical mean arterial pressure values as baseline (p = 0.21, p = 0.89, respectively); however, the difference in the incidence of haemodynamic instability was significant using the operating theatre baseline mean arterial pressure (p = 0.004). We conclude that fluid optimisation before induction of general anaesthesia did not significantly impact haemodynamic instability.
Long‐term outcome of adhesive fragment reattachment in crown‐root fractured teeth
Authors: Soliman Sebastian , Lang Lisa‐Marie , Hahn Britta , Reich Sebastian , Schlagenhauf Ulrich , Krastl Gabriel , Krug Ralf
Published: February 2020

Background/Aims

Adhesive fragment reattachment (AFR) is one treatment option for crown‐root fractured teeth. However, there are no studies investigating the long‐term outcome of this approach. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long‐term outcome of AFR and periodontal health in crown‐root fractured teeth by assessing complications and periodontal status.

Materials and Methods

Data regarding 41 patients with 51 traumatized teeth (TT) were included. Periodontal health was assessed by recording the pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BoP), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) in the TT and in one unaffected control tooth (CT). Complications were classified as “restorative,” “endodontic,” and “additional root fracture.” Based on these complications, the outcome was graded as “success,” “partial success,” “survival,” and “failure.” Statistics was performed by t test, chi‐square test and logistic regression models.

Results

After 8.5 ± 4.6 years, 76.5% (39/51) of the TT had functionally survived. Functional survival of the reattached fragments was 66.7% (26/39) after 9.5 ± 3.7 years. PPD (TT: 4.11 ± 2.03; CT: 2.08 ± 0.65), CAL (TT: 4.78 ± 2.19; CT: 2.42 ± 1.03), and BoP values (TT: 77.4%; CT: 22.6%) were higher in TT than in CT. GI scores > 0 were found in 83.3% of the TT and in 27.8% of the CT. PI scores did not differ between TT and CT. Of the complications, 56.8% were “restorative,” 22.7% “endodontic,” and 20.5% “additional root fractures.” Eleven (27.5%) TT were without complications and rated as “success.”

Conclusions

AFR in crown‐root fractured teeth showed a high survival rate and occasionally compromised periodontal health. However, due to the high complication rate, it should be considered as a long‐term temporary treatment to postpone other invasive therapy options. AFR can be a valuable way to avoid early loss of crown‐root fractured teeth, especially in young patients. Moisture control and additional root fractures significantly influenced the outcome.
Update on the association between alpha‐synuclein and tau with mitochondrial dysfunction: Implications for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Feng Si‐Tong , Wang Zhen‐Zhen , Yuan Yu‐He , Sun Hong‐Mei , Chen Nai‐Hong , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2020

The critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathological mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease (PD), is well established. Compelling evidence indicates that Parkinson's proteins (e.g., α‐synuclein, Parkin, PINK1, DJ‐1, and LRRK2) are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in PD. Significantly, there is a possible central role of alpha‐synuclein (α‐Syn) in the occurrence of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress by the mediation of different signaling pathways. Also, tau, traditionally considered as the main component of neurofibrillary tangles, aggregates and amplifies the neurotoxic effects on mitochondria by interacting with α‐Syn. Moreover, oxidative stress caused by mitochondrial dysfunction favors assembly of both α‐Syn and tau and also plays a key role in the formation of protein aggregates. In this review, we provide an overview of the relationship between these two pathological proteins and mitochondrial dysfunction in PD, and also summarize the underlying mechanisms in the interplay of α‐Syn aggregation and phosphorylated tau targeting the mitochondria, to find new strategies to prevent PD processing.
Synthesis, characterization, and aging resistance of the polyurethane dimethacrylate layer for dental restorations
Authors: Guo Xiaowei , Cheng Qiuli , Wang Han , Yu Gaigai , Tian Zilu , Shi Zuosen , Cui Zhanchen , Zhu Song
Published: February 2020

In this study, polyurethane dimethacrylate (PUDMA) was synthetized from different components and incorporated into a direct resin composite restoration system with the aim to buffer tooth–resin interfacial stresses and maintain the marginal adaptation. The tensile strength, elongation at fracture (ε), and thermal stability of the PUDMA layer were characterized, showing a tensile strength of 22 MPa, an ε of 112%, and a thermal decomposition temperature of about 282°C. In addition, the degree of conversion, water sorption/solubility, hydrophobicity, microtensile bond strength (μTBS), marginal leakage, and cytotoxicity in vitro were evaluated for the PUDMA layer. The data were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA, except for leakage depths (which were analyzed using the Wilcoxon paired‐rank test). The level of significance was set at 0.05. Compared with dental adhesives, PUDMA displayed a higher degree of conversion, lower water sorption/solubility, and improved hydrophobicity and biocompatibility in vitro. After thermocycling, the μTBS of the restoration system containing PUDMA had increased compared with the μTBS at 24 h. Restorations containing PUDMA showed lower leakage depths than those which did not contain PUDMA. In conclusion, because of its hydrophobic and elastic nature, the PUDMA layer, when used as an intermediate between tooth and resin restoratives, may buffer interfacial stresses, improve the stability and durability of the bonding interface, and reduce microleakage.
Pharmacological screening and transcriptomic functional analyses identify a synergistic interaction between dasatinib and olaparib in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Corrales‐Sánchez Verónica , Noblejas‐López María del Mar , Nieto‐Jiménez Cristina , Pérez‐Peña Javier , Montero Juan Carlos , Burgos Miguel , Galán‐Moya Eva M. , Pandiella Atanasio , Ocaña Alberto
Published: February 2020

Identification of druggable vulnerabilities is a main objective in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), where no curative therapies exist. Gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) and a pharmacological evaluation using a library of compounds were used to select potential druggable combinations. MTT and studies with semi‐solid media were performed to explore the activity of the combinations. TNBC cell lines (MDAMB‐231, BT549, HS‐578T and HCC3153) and an additional panel of 16 cell lines were used to assess the activity of the two compounds. Flow cytometry experiments and biochemical studies were also performed to explore the mechanism of action. GSEA were performed using several data sets (GSE21422, GSE26910, GSE3744, GSE65194 and GSE42568), and more than 35 compounds against the identified functions were evaluated to discover druggable opportunities. Analyses done with the Chou and Talalay algorithm confirmed the synergy of dasatinib and olaparib. The combination of both agents significantly induced apoptosis in a caspase‐dependent manner and revealed a pleotropic effect on cell cycle: Dasatinib arrested cells in G0/G1 and olaparib in G2/M. Dasatinib inhibited pChk1 and induced DNA damage measured by pH2AX, and olaparib increased pH3. Finally, the effect of the combination was also evaluated in a panel of 18 cell lines representative of the most frequent solid tumours, observing a particularly synergism in ovarian cancer. Breast cancer, triple negative, dasatinib, olaparib, screening.
The reciprocal impacts of adversity and personality traits: A prospective longitudinal study of growth, change, and the power of personality
Authors: Rakhshani Andrew , Furr R. Michael
Published: February 2020

Objective

We integrate the study of post‐traumatic growth with personality science by examining the reciprocal effects of adversity and core personality traits. We implemented conceptual (i.e., incorporating personality traits into the study of adversity‐related growth, examining trait‐specific and configural personality change, and adopting a cumulative approach to adversity) and methodological (i.e., three‐wave prospective design, assessing many life events, sampling from populations likely to experience adversity) innovations to advance the study of personality development and of the generality of adversity‐related growth.

Method

A diverse sample (41% nonwhite, 48% low‐income, 68% female, Mage = 44, 30% diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder) participated in a three‐wave prospective longitudinal study (N = 258–128 across waves). Participants completed a personality inventory and a battery of life‐event surveys (including 105 events) at each wave.

Results

Personality was generally stable from trait‐specific and configural perspectives, and all traits were correlated with adversity. All traits, particularly Extraversion and Conscientiousness, predicted adversity. Adversity predicted increases in Emotionality and decreases in Agreeableness.

Conclusions

Although personality growth is not the typical response to adversity within a 3‐year period, findings underscore the real‐world impact of personality, and they provide some support for developmental theories emphasizing the effects of life events.
Depression symptoms and recurrent aphthous stomatitis—Evidence from a population‐based study in Indonesia
Authors: Hariyani Ninuk , Bramantoro Taufan , Nair Rahul , Singh Ankur , Sengupta Kaushik
Published: February 2020

Objectives

This study aims to report the prevalence and distribution of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) among Indonesian adults and to test the relationship between symptom of depression and RAS.

Methods

Data from the 2007 Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS 2007) were analysed to assess the association between symptom of depression and RAS. The prevalence of RAS in the previous month was self‐reported. Symptom of depression was measured using the 10‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES‐D) scale. The distribution of RAS according to age, sex and level of stress was also presented in the bivariate analysis. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to test associations between symptom of depression and RAS, controlling for age, sex and the stress level.

Results

The previous month prevalence of RAS in Indonesian population was 12%. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) from the logistic regression models indicate that, for each unit increase in the CES‐D depression score (range: 0–30), there was a 9% increase in the odds of having RAS (OR: 1.09, 95%CI: 1.08–1.10). Being older and being male was related with lower prevalence of RAS.

Conclusions

A higher score of depression was related to a higher prevalence of RAS. This association was persistent even after controlling for age, sex and the level of stress.
A Prospective, randomized comparative study between ultrasound‐guided posterior quadratus lumborum block and ultrasound‐guided ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block for pediatric inguinal herniotomy
Authors: Samerchua Artid , Leurcharusmee Prangmalee , Panichpichate Kachain , Bunchungmongkol Nutchanart , Wanvoharn Mullika , Tepmalai Kanokkan , Khorana Jiraporn , Chantakhow Sireekarn
Published: February 2020

Background

Ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block is commonly performed to control postherniotomy pain. The posterior quadratus lumborum block has been recently described as an effective analgesic technique for pediatric low abdominal surgery. No data were found regarding the use of posterior quadratus lumborum block in comparison with the traditional ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block in pediatric inguinal surgery.

Aim

This randomized assessor‐blinded study compared postoperative analgesic effects between ultrasound‐guided posterior quadratus lumborum block and ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block in pediatric inguinal herniotomy.

Methods

One‐ to seven‐year‐old children scheduled for unilateral open herniotomy were randomly assigned to receive either ultrasound‐guided posterior quadratus lumborum block with 0.25% bupivacaine 0.5 mL/kg or ultrasound‐guided ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block with 0.25% bupivacaine 0.2 mL/kg after induction of general anesthesia. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who received postoperative oral acetaminophen. The required fentanyl in the recovery room, 24‐hour acetaminophen consumption, success rate of regional blocks, block performance data, block‐related complications, postoperative pain intensity, and parental satisfaction were assessed.

Results

This study included 40 patients after excluding four cases who were ineligible. The number of patients who required postoperative oral acetaminophen was significantly lower in the posterior quadratus lumborum block group (15.8% vs 52.6%; OR: 5.9; 95% CI: 1.3, 27.3; P = .022). The pain scores at 30 minutes, 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours were similar between groups. There was no evidence of between‐group differences in block performance time, the number of needle passes, block‐related complications, and parental satisfaction.

Conclusion

The posterior quadratus lumborum block with 0.25% bupivacaine 0.5 mL/kg provided better pain control than the ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block with 0.25% bupivacaine 0.2 mL/kg after open herniotomy in children. The ultrasound guidance technique for the posterior quadratus lumborum block is safe and as simple as the ultrasound‐guided ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve block for pediatric patients.
Genomic signatures and candidate genes of lint yield and fibre quality improvement in Upland cotton in Xinjiang
Authors: Han Zegang , Hu Yan , Tian Qin , Cao Yiwen , Si Aijun , Si Zhanfeng , Zang Yihao , Xu Chenyu , Shen Weijuan , Dai Fan , Liu Xia , Fang Lei , Chen Hong , Zhang Tianzhen
Published: February 2020

Xinjiang has been the largest and highest yield cotton production region not only in China, but also in the world. Improvements in Upland cotton cultivars in Xinjiang have occurred via pedigree selection and/or crossing of elite alleles from the former Soviet Union and other cotton producing regions of China. But it is unclear how genomic constitutions from foundation parents have been selected and inherited. Here, we deep‐sequenced seven historic foundation parents, comprising four cultivars introduced from the former Soviet Union (108Ф, C1470, 611Б and KK1543) and three from United States and Africa (DPL15, STV2B and UGDM), and re‐sequenced sixty‐nine Xinjiang modern cultivars. Phylogenetic analysis of more than 2 million high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphisms allowed their classification two groups, suggesting that Xinjiang Upland cotton cultivars were not only spawned from 108Ф, C1470, 611Б and KK1543, but also had a close kinship with DPL15, STV2B and UGDM. Notably, identity‐by‐descent (IBD) tracking demonstrated that the former Soviet Union cultivars have made a huge contribution to modern cultivar improvement in Xinjiang. A total of 156 selective sweeps were identified. Among them, apoptosis‐antagonizing transcription factor gene (GhAATF1) and mitochondrial transcription termination factor family protein gene (GhmTERF1) were highly involved in the determination of lint percentage. Additionally, the auxin response factor gene (GhARF3) located in inherited IBD segments from 108Ф and 611Б was highly correlated with fibre quality. These results provide an insight into the genomics of artificial selection for improving cotton production and facilitate next‐generation precision breeding of cotton and other crops.
Extraction of bubble size and number data from an acoustically-excited bubble chain
Authors: Roshid Md Mamunur , Manasseh Richard
Published: February 2020

The passive-acoustic measurement of bubbly flows could potentially deliver data useful to many industrial and environmental applications. However, acoustic interactions between bubbles complicate interpretations of measured frequencies in terms of the bubble sizes that are of practical interest. Experiments were undertaken on the emissions of a bubble chain when a just-formed bubble at one end of the chain created a sound pulse. This is an idealised paradigm for many applications. The chain was a one-dimensional line of bubbles fixed with known bubble sizes and inter-bubble spacings. Frequencies naturally emitted by the chain were measured for various bubble sizes and spacings, including cases such that the bubbles were close to touching. Semi-empirical fits were found relating the bubble size and number to the lowest and highest-measurable peak frequencies. It was found that all data collapsed onto two curves, one for the lowest-peak and one for the highest-peak frequency. This was confirmed by running numerical simulations for wider ranges of parameters than available experimentally. The results suggest that for a bubble chain, measurements of two peak frequencies could be used to determine the bubble size and also the number of interacting bubbles.
Rare case: paraneoplastic syndrome affecting peripheral nerves, associated with anti-collapsin-response mediator protein-5 (anti-CRMP5) antibodies, as early manifestation of small cell lung cancer confined to a solitary lymph node without evidence of lung mass on routine CT thorax
Authors: Khan Umar , Warriach Sanval Ahmed , O'Brien Aiden , Boers Peter
Published: February 2020

A 69-year-old woman presented with 9 months history of progressively worsening upper and lower limb weakness leading to reduced functional status. She was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy (predominantly sensory) initially and had received immunoglobulins and pulsed steroid therapy with no benefit. She was following up with respiratory team for surveillance of hamartoma in left lower lobe. Investigations included a battery of serum samples and tissue samples on two different occasions. Anti-HU and anti-CV2 antibodies were found positive in serum. Sural nerve biopsy raised suspicion of paraneoplastic phenomenon. CT thorax abdomen and pelvis was carried out to identify a primary neoplastic source; however no lesion was identified except for the previously documented hamartoma in the left lower lobe. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan was carried out that identified a single fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid focus either in the mid oesophagus or in the left para oesophageal region below the left main bronchus. Gastroscopy showed evidence of inflammation only. Bronchoscopy/endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided lymph node biopsy turned out be small cell lung carcinoma on histological analysis. She was then referred to oncology services, and received 4 cycles of carboplatin/etoposide chemotherapy followed by 30 fractions of radiotherapy. She finished chemotherapeutic treatment without any complications. So far her symptoms have not settled, but not worsening anymore and she continues physiotherapy to regain limb function.
Diagnosing peritoneal tuberculosis
Authors: Koff Alan , Azar Marwan Mikheal
Published: February 2020

Peritoneal tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most challenging forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis to diagnose. This challenge can be compounded in low incidence regions, and in patients with cirrhosis in whom the presence of ascites alone may not prompt further investigation. A delay in the diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal tuberculosis may lead to worse clinical outcomes. This case describes a 64-year-old Italian male with decompensated cirrhosis being evaluated for liver transplantation, who developed abdominal pain and a persistent inflammatory ascites with peritoneal thickening despite antibiotic therapy. Peritoneal tuberculosis was suspected, although non-invasive and invasive direct mycobacterial testing remained negative. A constellation of positive QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test, elevated ascitic adenosine deaminase and dramatic symptomatic and radiographic response to empiric anti-tuberculous therapy confirmed the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis. This paper will review the approach to the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis.
Quality improvement model (IHI) as a strategy to implement a sepsis protocol in a public hospital in Brazil
Authors: Nates Leidy Katerine Calvo , Neto Antônio Capone , Pereira Adriano José , Silva Eliézer
Published: February 2020

A major challenge for hospitals in low-income and middle-income countries is to improve management of patients diagnosed with sepsis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model as a strategy to implement a managed sepsis protocol aimed at reducing sepsis mortality. We performed a longitudinal, prospective, non-randomised study using PDSA cycles for translating and implementing improvement actions and tools. Baseline case mortality/case fatality data were collected, and compliance rates were evaluated according to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines (3-hour care-bundle). Sepsis multidisciplinary work teams were designated and were responsible to develop Driver Diagrams and implement process changes in the intensive care unit, wards and emergency department. Satisfaction levels of healthcare professionals were assessed (balance variables). The study was carried out in a public quaternary hospital, in São Paulo city, Brazil (Hospital Municipal da Vila Santa Catarina). The number of patients with sepsis studied was 416 who were followed over a 15-month period. The data analyses were carried out by statistical process control. Case fatality rates were kept below a prespecified target of 25% (15.9%) during the period. Satisfaction level of the participating staff was high (95.2%) and 71% of participants reported no work overload. The IHI model was found to be a feasible and useful strategy for implementing a sepsis management clinical protocol.
Optical wave solutions of the higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the non-Kerr nonlinear term via modified Khater method
Authors: Attia Raghda A. M. , Lu Dianchen , Ak Turgut , Khater Mostafa M. A.
Published: February 2020

This research paper studies the optical soliton wave solutions of the model of sub-10-fs-pulse propagation by the implementation of the modified Khater method. This model describes the dynamics of light pulses that represent a higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the non-Kerr nonlinear term. The validity of this model depends on one primary hypothesis, which is the carrier wavelength of the soliton is much shorter than the spatial width. This means that the amplitude of the soliton frequency must be less than the carrier frequency. The shorter femtosecond pulses ([Formula: see text]100 fs) are desired to increase the bit rate of pulse propagation. The losing of distribution in such short-wavelength pulses through waveguides is a negligible loss. Our solitary analytical wave solutions are approved with the waveguide made of highly nonlinear optical materials.
Quantum frequency estimation with conditional states of continuously monitored independent dephasing channels
Authors: Albarelli Francesco , Rossi Matteo A. C. , Genoni Marco G.
Published: February 2020

We discuss the problem of estimating a frequency via [Formula: see text]-qubit probes undergoing independent dephasing channels that can be continuously monitored via homodyne or photo-detection. We derive the corresponding analytical solutions for the conditional states, for generic initial states and for arbitrary efficiency of the continuous monitoring. For the detection strategies considered, we show that: (i) in the case of perfect continuous detection, the quantum Fisher information (QFI) of the conditional states is equal to the one obtained in the noiseless dynamics; (ii) for smaller detection efficiencies, the QFI of the conditional state is equal to the QFI of a state undergoing the (unconditional) dephasing dynamics, but with an effectively reduced noise parameter.
ELSA
Authors: Azari Elham , Vrudhula Sarma
Published: February 2020

The next significant step in the evolution and proliferation of artificial intelligence technology will be the integration of neural network (NN) models within embedded and mobile systems. This calls for the design of compact, energy efficient NN models in silicon. In this article, we present a scalable application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design of an energy-efficient Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) accelerator, named ELSA, which is suitable for energy-constrained devices. It includes several architectural innovations to achieve small area and high energy efficiency. To reduce the area and power consumption of the overall design, the compute-intensive units of ELSA employ approximate multiplications and still achieve high performance and accuracy. The performance is further improved through efficient synchronization of the elastic pipeline stages to maximize the utilization. The article also includes a performance model of ELSA, as a function of the hidden nodes and timesteps, permitting its use for the evaluation of any LSTM application. ELSA was implemented in register transfer level (RTL) and was synthesized and placed and routed in 65nm technology. Its functionality is demonstrated for language modeling—a common application of LSTM. ELSA is compared against a baseline implementation of an LSTM accelerator with standard functional units and without any of the architectural innovations of ELSA. The article demonstrates that ELSA can achieve significant improvements in power, area, and energy-efficiency when compared to the baseline design and several ASIC implementations reported in the literature, making it suitable for use in embedded systems and real-time applications.
Design and Optimization of Energy-Accuracy Tradeoff Networks for Mobile Platforms via Pretrained Deep Models
Authors: Jayakodi Nitthilan Kanappan , Belakaria Syrine , Deshwal Aryan , Doppa Janardhan Rao
Published: February 2020

Many real-world edge applications including object detection, robotics, and smart health are enabled by deploying deep neural networks (DNNs) on energy-constrained mobile platforms. In this article, we propose a novel approach to trade off energy and accuracy of inference at runtime using a design space called Learning Energy Accuracy Tradeoff Networks (LEANets). The key idea behind LEANets is to design classifiers of increasing complexity using pretrained DNNs to perform input-specific adaptive inference. The accuracy and energy consumption of the adaptive inference scheme depends on a set of thresholds, one for each classifier. To determine the set of threshold vectors to achieve different energy and accuracy tradeoffs, we propose a novel multiobjective optimization approach. We can select the appropriate threshold vector at runtime based on the desired tradeoff. We perform experiments on multiple pretrained DNNs including ConvNet, VGG-16, and MobileNet using diverse image classification datasets. Our results show that we get up to a 50% gain in energy for negligible loss in accuracy, and optimized LEANets achieve significantly better energy and accuracy tradeoff when compared to a state-of-the-art method referred to as Slimmable neural networks.
Theory of Multicomponent Phenomena in Cation-Exchange Membranes: Part I. Thermodynamic Model and Validation
Authors: Crothers Andrew R. , Darling Robert M. , Kusoglu Ahmet , Radke Clayton J. , Weber Adam Z.
Published: February 2020

We present and validate a mathematical model for multicomponent thermodynamic activity in phase-separated cation-exchange membranes (e.g., perfluorinated sulfonic-acid ionomers). The model consists of an expression for the free energy of the membrane and of the surrounding electrolyte solution. A modified Stokes-Robinson ionic solvation framework treats the solution-like non-idealities resulting from hydration, electrostatics, ion association, and physical interactions in bulk solution and in ionomer hydrophilic domains. Inside the membrane, a mechanics-based composite approach accounts for the swelling of the hydrophobic matrix. Treating the membrane microstructure as a disordered system of domains calculates steric exclusion of ions. Electroneutrality guarantees that the charge of mobile ions in the membrane is equal to the charge on polymer groups. Osmotic coefficients for electrolytes from literature parameterize solution-like interactions while mechanical and X-ray scattering characterization gives most membrane-specific parameters. Model predictions compare favorably to measured membrane thermodynamics (i.e., water and ion uptake) in dilute and concentrated binary and ternary salt electrolytes and in water vapor. Interactions between ions in the membrane are similar to those present in bulk electrolytes. Our results reveal that water and ion uptake is dictated by a balance between solution-like energetics and membrane swelling.
Estimation of the Oxidative Deterioration of Turbine Oil Using Membrane Patch Color
Authors: Kon Tomohiko , Honda Tomomi , Sasaki Akira
Published: February 2020

Lubricating oils degrade into two main products: oxidation products and solid particles. Oxidation products, called varnish, of turbine oils for power generation have become a particularly serious problem in recent years. The first step in determining the potential to produce varnish is to determine the remaining life of the antioxidant in the oil, but even though turbine oil may have antioxidants of sufficient longevity, varnish problems still occur frequently. Accordingly, to prevent varnish, it is necessary to diagnose oil oxidation products. Thus, the authors have developed a diagnostic method using membrane patch color, but the relationship between membrane patch color and the remaining life of turbine oils has yet to be clarified. This paper investigates a new method for estimating the oxidative degradation of turbine oils that uses membrane patch color and the dry turbine oxidation stability test (dry TOST) based on oxidation products and the remaining life of the turbine oils. Sample oils were prepared and degraded by oxidation in the laboratory using a dry TOST apparatus, and the membrane patch color was measured using a colorimetric patch analyzer (CPA). The relationship between membrane patch color and the rotating pressure vessel oxidation test (RPVOT) residual rate was then investigated. The results show that the new estimation method using the CPA and dry TOST is able to monitor the decrease of the RPVOT residual rate from the early stages of oxidative deterioration.
Stem Water Content for Crape Myrtle in Response to Drought, Cold, and Disease Stress
Authors: Gao Chao , Zhao Yue , Zhao Yandong
Published: February 2020

The abiotic and biotic stresses including drought, cold, and disease stress are linked by the fact that they all decrease the availability of water to plant cells. In previous studies, some physiological factors related with plant water status, such as stem sap flow, leaf transpiration rate, and water potential, were used to assess the effects of these stresses on plants. But there are few studies about the effects of these stresses on stem water content (StWC) which can be measured by a novel SWR sensor. In this study, crape myrtle was selected as an experimental subject and its StWC was observed in four experiments including no stress, drought, cold, and disease stress. Before conducting stress experiments, the StWC and environmental and physiological parameters were synchronously monitored under unstressed conditions on a typical day in summer. In the experiment of drought stress, the StWC was monitored under different gradients of soil moisture. In the experiment of cold stress, the StWC was monitored in warm and cold weather, respectively. In the experiment of disease stress, the StWC was monitored under different frequencies of disease treatment. The results showed that the correlation coefficients between StWC and PAR and VPD were larger than 0.5 and the correlation coefficients between StWC and Pn, Tr, Gs, and Ci were larger than 0.8 under no stress. The diurnal mean of StWC decreased firstly, then remained stable for a period of time, and eventually continued to fall under drought stress. On the whole, there was a negative correlation between the diurnal mean of StWC and the degree of drought stress. The StWC showed opposite diurnal variation rules in warm and cold weather. There was a positive correlation between the diurnal range of StWC and the degree of cold stress. The diurnal minimum, maximum, and mean of StWC showed a positive correlation with the health level of plants and the diurnal range of StWC showed a negative correlation with the health level of plants. In conclusion, the StWC can be used as a qualitative evaluation index of the degree of the three types of stress.
Effect of Interleukin and Hepcidin in Anemia of Chronic Diseases
Authors: Yacoub Maha F. , Ferwiz Hala Fouad , Said Fadwa
Published: February 2020

Background. Anemia of chronic disease (ACD) also termed as the anemia of inflammation has been found to be associated with inflammations, chronic infections, and cancers, particularly in old age. Recent studies revealed that interleukin-6 (IL-6), a proinflammatory cytokine, and hepcidin, an antimicrobial hepatic peptide, play a key role in ACD pathogenesis. Patients and Methods. The study included 40 subjects with chronic diseases and 40 normal subjects of the same age group. Red cell indices, levels of IL-6 and hepcidin, and iron profile were measured in all participants using Bayer ADVIA 120, VITROS 5600, Integrated System/2008, and ELISA assay, respectively. Results. The level of hemoglobin was considerably less in patients of chronic diseases referred to as “cases” than the normal subjects or “controls” (8.7 ± 1.5 vs. 13.2 ± 0.9). Red blood corpuscle (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT) level, serum iron, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and serum total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were found to be significantly lower in the cases as compared to controls (p<0.001). Serum IL-6 and hepcidin levels were substantially higher in the cases than in the controls (p<0.001 and p<0.02, respectively). Conclusion. This study detected a significant increase in serum IL-6 and hepcidin levels in patients with ACD than the controls. These findings offer an insight into the role played by both cytokine and peptide in the pathogenesis of ACD and thus provide a rationale for future use of novel drugs inhibiting their effects on iron metabolism.