bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Force chains and networks: wet suspensions through dry granular eyes
Authors: Radhakrishnan Rangarajan , Royer John R. , Poon Wilson C. K. , Sun Jin
Published: January 2020

Recent advances in shear-thickening suspension rheology suggest a relation between (wet) suspension flow below jamming and (dry) granular physics. To probe this connection, we simulated the contact force networks in suspensions of non-Brownian spheres using the discrete element method, varying the particle friction coefficient and volume fraction. We find that force networks in these suspensions show quantitative similarities to those in jammed dry grains. As suspensions approach the jamming point, the extrapolated volume fraction and coordination number at jamming are similar to critical values obtained for isotropically compressed spheres. Similarly, the shape of the distribution of contact forces in flowing suspensions is remarkably similar to that found in granular packings, suggesting potential refinements for analytical mean field models for the rheology of shear thickening suspensions.

Graphic abstract
Thirty years of CMV seroprevalence—a longitudinal analysis in a German university hospital
Authors: Hoehl Sebastian , Berger Annemarie , Ciesek Sandra , Rabenau Holger F.
Published: January 2020

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patient groups at risk. We have previously shown that the anti-CMV IgG seroprevalence in an urban region of Germany has changed over the last decades. Overall, a decline from 63.7 to 57.25% had been observed between 1988–1997 and 1998–2008 (p < 0,001). Here, we continuously follow the trends to the most recent decade 2009 to 2018. In a retrospective analysis, we determined the seroprevalence of CMV IgG antibodies in our patient cohort, stratified by gender and selected groups at risk (e.g., patients with HIV infection; women of childbearing age). The overall prevalence of anti-CMV IgG non-significantly declined further from 57.25% in 1998–2008 to 56.48% in 2009–2018 (p = 0.881). Looking at gender differences, overall CMV seroprevalence in males declined to 52.82% (from 55.54% in 1998–2008;p = 0.0254), while it non-significantly increased in females to 59.80%. The high seroprevalence in patients with a known HIV infection further increased from 87.46% in 1998–2008 to 92.93% in the current period (p = 0.9999). In women of childbearing age, no significant changes over the last three decades could be observed. The CMV seroprevalence in oncological patients was determined to be 60.64%. Overall, the former significant decline of CMV seroprevalence between the decades 1988–1997 and 1998–2008 in this urban region of Germany slowed down to a non-significant decrease of 0.77% (1998–2008 vs. 2009–2018). This might be an indicator that CMV seroprevalence has reached a plateau.
Changing epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a low endemicity area—new challenges for MRSA control
Authors: Junnila Jenna , Hirvioja Tiina , Rintala Esa , Auranen Kari , Rantakokko-Jalava Kaisu , Silvola Jaakko , Lindholm Laura , Gröndahl-Yli-Hannuksela Kirsi , Marttila Harri , Vuopio Jaana
Published: January 2020

The incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has increased sharply in Hospital District of Southwest Finland (HD). To understand reasons behind this, a retrospective, population-based study covering 10 years was conducted. All new 983 MRSA cases in HD from January 2007 to December 2016 were analysed. Several data sources were used to gather background information on the cases. MRSA cases were classified as healthcare-associated (HA-MRSA), community-associated (CA-MRSA), and livestock contact was determined (livestock-associated MRSA, LA-MRSA). Spa typing was performed to all available strains. The incidence of MRSA doubled from 12.4 to 24.9 cases/100000 persons/year. The proportion of clinical infections increased from 25 to 32% in the 5-year periods, respectively, (p < 0.05). The median age decreased from 61 years in 2007 to 30 years in 2016. HA-MRSA accounted for 68% of all cases, of which 32% associated with 26 healthcare outbreaks. The proportion of CA-MRSA cases increased from 13% in 2007 to 43% in 2016. Of CA-MRSA cases, 43% were among family clusters, 32% in immigrants and 4% were LA-MRSA. The Gini-Simpson diversity index for spa types increased from 0.86 to 0.95 from the first to the second 5-year period. The proportion of a predominant strain t172 decreased from 43% in 2009 to 7% in 2016. The rise in the proportion of CA-MRSA, the switch to younger age groups, the complexity of possible transmission routes and the growing spa-type diversity characterize our current MRSA landscape. This creates challenges for targeted infection control measures, demanding further studies.
Biases in health expectancies due to educational differences in survey participation of older Europeans: It’s worth weighting for
Authors: Spitzer Sonja
Published: January 2020

Health expectancies are widely used by policymakers and scholars to analyse the number of years a person can expect to live in good health. Their calculation requires life tables in combination with prevalence rates of good or bad health from survey data. The structure of typical survey data, however, rarely resembles the education distribution in the general population. Specifically, low-educated individuals are frequently underrepresented in surveys, which is crucial given the strong positive correlation between educational attainment and good health. This is the first study to evaluate if and how health expectancies for 13 European countries are biased by educational differences in survey participation. To this end, calibrated weights that consider the education structure in the 2011 censuses are applied to measures of activity limitation in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. The results show that health expectancies at age 50 are substantially biased by an average of 0.3 years when the education distribution in the general population is ignored. For most countries, health expectancies are overestimated; yet remarkably, the measure underestimates health for many Central and Eastern European countries by up to 0.9 years. These findings highlight the need to adjust for distortion in health expectancies, especially when the measure serves as a base for health-related policy targets or policy changes.
Integrated model-driven development of self-adaptive user interfaces
Authors: Yigitbas Enes , Jovanovikj Ivan , Biermeier Kai , Sauer Stefan , Engels Gregor
Published: January 2020

Modern user interfaces (UIs) are increasingly expected to be plastic, in the sense that they retain a constant level of usability, even when subjected to context changes at runtime. Self-adaptive user interfaces (SAUIs) have been promoted as a solution for context variability due to their ability to automatically adapt to the context-of-use at runtime. The development of SAUIs is a challenging and complex task as additional aspects like context management and UI adaptation have to be covered. In classical model-driven UI development approaches, these aspects are not fully integrated and hence introduce additional complexity as they represent crosscutting concerns. In this paper, we present an integrated model-driven development approach where a classical model-driven development of UIs is coupled with a model-driven development of context-of-use and UI adaptation rules. We base our approach on the core UI modeling language IFML and introduce new modeling languages for context-of-use (ContextML) and UI adaptation rules (AdaptML). The generated UI code, based on the IFML model, is coupled with the context and adaptation services, generated from the ContextML and AdaptML model, respectively. The integration of the generated artifacts, namely UI code, context, and adaptation services in an overall rule-based execution environment, enables runtime UI adaptation. The benefit of our approach is demonstrated by two case studies, showing the development of SAUIs for different application scenarios and a usability study which has been conducted to analyze end-user satisfaction of SAUIs.
An integrated microfluidic chip for generation and transfer of reactive species using gas plasma
Authors: Ogunyinka Oladayo , Wright Alexander , Bolognesi Guido , Iza Felipe , Bandulasena Himiyage Chaminda Hemaka
Published: January 2020

Reactive species produced by atmospheric-pressure plasma (APP) are useful in many applications including disinfection, pretreatment, catalysis, detection and chemical synthesis. Most highly reactive species produced by plasma, such as ·OH, 1O2 and $$ {\text{O}}_{2}^{ \cdot - } $$O2·-, are short-lived; therefore, in situ generation is essential to transfer plasma products to the liquid phase efficiently. A novel microfluidic device that generates a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at the gas–liquid interface and disperses the reactive species generated using microbubbles of ca. 200 µm in diameter has been developed and tested. As the bubble size affects the mass transfer performance of the device, the effect of operating parameters and plasma discharge on generated bubbles size has been studied. The mass transfer performance of the device was evaluated by transferring the reactive species generated to an aqueous solution containing dye and measuring percentage degradation of the dye. Monodisperse microbubbles (polydispersity index between 2 and 7%) were generated under all examined conditions, but for gas flow rate exceeding a critical value, a secondary break-up event occurred after bubble formation leading to multiple monodisperse bubble populations. The generated microbubble size increased by up to ~ 8% when the device was operated with the gas plasma in the dispersed phase compared to the case without the plasma due to thermal expansion of the feed gas. At the optimal operating conditions, initial dye concentration was reduced by ~ 60% in a single pass with a residence time of 5–10 s. This microfluidic chip has the potential to play a significant role in lab-on-a-chip devices where highly reactive species are essential for the process.
Correction to: Alternative NADH dehydrogenase extends lifespan and increases resistance to xenobiotics in Drosophila
Authors: Gospodaryov Dmytro V. , Strilbytska Olha M. , Semaniuk Uliana V. , Perkhulyn Natalia V. , Rovenko Bohdana M. , Yurkevych Ihor S. , Barata Ana G. , Dick Tobias P. , Lushchak Oleh V. , Jacobs Howard T.
Published: January 2020

The article Alternative NADH dehydrogenase extends lifespan and increases resistance to xenobiotics in Drosophila, written by Dmytro V. Gospodaryov. Olha M. Strilbytska. Uliana V. Semaniuk. Natalia V. Perkhulyn. Bohdana M. Rovenko. Ihor S. Yurkevych. Ana G. Barata. Tobias P. Dick. Oleh V. Lushchak and Howard T. Jacobs, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 20 November 2019 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 27 January 2020 to © The Author(s) 2020 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The original article has been corrected.
Analysis of urban land cover influence to organic carbon and nutrients in surface water via impacted groundwater
Authors: Puczko Katarzyna , Jekatierynczuk-Rudczyk Elżbieta
Published: January 2020

This paper presents an object-oriented approach for analysing and characterising the urban landscape structure and its influence on the quality of surface waters and shallow groundwater. We investigated springs, streams and ponds from an urban area. The land cover classification was adopted with the conceptual framework of urban land cover (HERCULES model). This study has demonstrated that water quality in the urban area is strongly related to land cover, and the degree of its transformation is not the same in all types of waters. The land with forests and shrubs does not have many extreme values in water chemical characteristics. Statistical analyses indicated that the main environmental factors influencing water chemistry are impermeable surfaces such as buildings. They are an essential element which deteriorates water quality. The patches with buildings and pavements were characterised by a wide gradient of nutrient concentration in rivers and ponds. Shallow groundwater had a limited effect on surface water quality.
Why is it hard to solve environmental problems? The perils of institutional reductionism and institutional overload
Authors: Young Oran R. , Stokke Olav Schram
Published: January 2020

Many efforts to solve environmental problems arising at the international or transnational level meet with limited success or even end in outright failure. But some efforts of this sort succeed. We construct an analytical model of such efforts leading to the conclusion that an ability to steer a course that avoids the twin perils of institutional reductionism and institutional overload is necessary to achieve success in this realm. We examine a range of risk factors or conditions likely to push processes of regime formation and implementation into one or the other of these pitfalls. We then analyze response strategies or procedures that negotiators and administrators can adopt to steer a course between the two perils, taking into account distinctive features of specific problems. We turn to marine issues to illustrate our reasoning. But the argument is applicable to the entire range of efforts to create and implement international environmental regimes.
2019 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS expert consensus statement on catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Cronin Edmond M. , Bogun Frank M. , Maury Philippe , Peichl Petr , Chen Minglong , Namboodiri Narayanan , Aguinaga Luis , Leite Luiz Roberto , Al-Khatib Sana M. , Anter Elad , Berruezo Antonio , Callans David J. , Chung Mina K. , Cuculich Phillip , d’Avila Andre , Deal Barbara J. , Bella Paolo Della , Deneke Thomas , Dickfeld Timm-Michael , Hadid Claudio , Haqqani Haris M. , Kay G. Neal , Latchamsetty Rakesh , Marchlinski Francis , Miller John M. , Nogami Akihiko , Patel Akash R. , Pathak Rajeev Kumar , Saenz Morales Luis C. , Santangeli Pasquale , Sapp John L. , Sarkozy Andrea , Soejima Kyoko , Stevenson William G. , Tedrow Usha B. , Tzou Wendy S. , Varma Niraj , Zeppenfeld Katja
Published: January 2020

Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and come in a variety of forms, from single premature ventricular complexes to sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Rapid developments have taken place over the past decade in our understanding of these arrhythmias and in our ability to diagnose and treat them. The field of catheter ablation has progressed with the development of new methods and tools, and with the publication of large clinical trials. Therefore, global cardiac electrophysiology professional societies undertook to outline recommendations and best practices for these procedures in a document that will update and replace the 2009EHRA/HRS Expert Consensus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias. An expert writing group, after reviewing and discussing the literature, including a systematic review and meta-analysis published in conjunction with this document, and drawing on their own experience, drafted and voted on recommendations and summarized current knowledge and practice in the field. Each recommendation is presented in knowledge byte format and is accompanied by supportive text and references. Further sections provide a practical synopsis of the various techniques and of the specific ventricular arrhythmia sites and substrates encountered in the electrophysiology lab. The purpose of this document is to help electrophysiologists around the world to appropriately select patients for catheter ablation, to perform procedures in a safe and efficacious manner, and to provide follow-up and adjunctive care in order to obtain the best possible outcomes for patients with ventricular arrhythmias.
Finite element analysis of Tumor Treating Fields in a patient with posterior fossa glioblastoma
Authors: Lok Edwin , San Pyay , Liang Olivia , White Victoria , Wong Eric T.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are alternating electric fields at 200 kHz that disrupt tumor cells as they undergo mitosis. Patient survival benefit has been demonstrated in randomized clinical trials but much of the data are available only for supratentorial glioblastomas. We investigated a series of alternative array configurations for the posterior fossa to determine the electric field coverage of a cerebellar glioblastoma.

Methods

Semi-automated segmentation of neuro-anatomical structures was performed while the gross tumor volume (GTV) was manually delineated. A three-dimensional finite-element mesh was generated and then solved for field distribution.

Results

Compared to the supratentorial array configuration, the alternative array configurations consist of posterior displacement the 2 lateral opposing arrays and inferior displacement of the posteroanterior array, resulting in an average increase of 46.6% electric field coverage of the GTV as measured by the area under the curve of the electric field-volume histogram (EAUC). Hotspots, or regions of interest with the highest 5% of TTFields intensity (E5%), had an average increase of 95.6%. Of the 6 posterior fossa configurations modeled, the PAHorizontal arrangement provided the greatest field coverage at the GTV when the posteroanterior array was placed centrally along the patient’s posterior neck and horizontally parallel, along the longer axis, to the coronal plane of the patient’s head. Varying the arrays also produced hotspots proportional to TTFields coverage.

Conclusions

Our finite element modeling showed that the alternative array configurations offer an improved TTFields coverage to the cerebellar tumor compared to the conventional supratentorial configuration.
A probabilistic projection of beneficiaries of long-term care insurance in Germany by severity of disability
Authors: Vanella Patrizio , Heß Moritz , Wilke Christina B.
Published: January 2020

Demographic aging puts social insurance systems under immense pressure as frailty risks increase with age. The statutory long-term care insurance in Germany (GPV), whose society has been aging for decades due to low fertility and decreasing mortality, faces massive future pressure. The present study presents a stochastic outlook on long-term care insurance in Germany until 2045 by forecasting the future number of frail persons who could claim insurance services by severity level with theory-based Monte Carlo simulations. The simulations result in credible intervals for age-, sex- and severity-specific care rates as well as the numbers of persons for all combinations of age, sex and severity by definition of the GPV on an annual basis. The model accounts for demographic trends through time series analysis and considers all realistic epidemiological developments by simulation. The study shows that increases in the general prevalence of disabilities, especially for severe disabilities, caused by the demographic development in Germany are unavoidable, whereas the influence of changes in age-specific care risks does not affect the outcome significantly. The results may serve as a basis for estimating the future demand for care nurses and the financial expenses of the GPV.
Research progress on human infection with avian influenza H7N9
Authors: Wu Xiaoxin , Xiao Lanlan , Li Lanjuan
Published: January 2020

Since the first case of novel H7N9 infection was reported, China has experienced five epidemics of H7N9. During the fifth wave, a highly pathogenic H7N9 strain emerged. Meanwhile, the H7N9 virus continues to accumulate mutations, and its affinity for the human respiratory epithelial sialic acid 2–6 receptor has increased. Therefore, a pandemic is still possible. In the past 6 years, we have accumulated rich experience in dealing with H7N9, especially in terms of virus tracing, epidemiological research, key site mutation monitoring, critical disease mechanisms, clinical treatment, and vaccine development. In the research fields above, significant progress has been made to effectively control the spread of the epidemic and reduce the fatality rate. To fully document the research progress concerning H7N9, we reviewed the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of H7N9, the key gene mutations of the virus, and H7N9 vaccine, thus providing a scientific basis for further monitoring and prevention of H7N9 influenza epidemics.
Recent Advances in Immobilization Strategies for Biomolecules in Sensors Using Organic Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Li Le , Wang Siying , Xiao Yin , Wang Yong
Published: January 2020

Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) are fabricated using organic semiconductors (OSCs) as the active layer in the form of thin films. Due to its advantages of high sensitivity, low cost, compact integration, flexibility, and printability, OFETs have been used extensively in the sensing area. For analysis platforms, the construction of sensing layers is a key element for their efficient detection capability. The strategy used to immobilize biomolecules in these devices is especially important for ensuring that the sensing functions of the OFET are effective. Generally, analysis platforms are developed by modifying the gate/electrolyte or OSC/electrolyte interface using biomolecules, such as enzymes, antibodies, or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to ensure high selectivity. To provide better or more convenient biological immobilization methods for researchers in this field and thereby improve detection sensitivity, this review summarizes recent developments in the immobilization strategies used for biological macromolecules in OFETs, including cross-linking, physical adsorption, embedding, and chemical covalent binding. The influences of biomolecules on device performance are also discussed.
Maternal mycotoxin exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Kyei Nicholas N. A. , Boakye Daniel , Gabrysch Sabine
Published: January 2020

Mycotoxin exposure from food occurs globally but is more common in hot humid environments, especially in low-income settings, and might affect pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to synthesize the evidence from epidemiological studies on the relationship between maternal or fetal exposure to different mycotoxins and the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Multiple databases were systematically searched up to December 2018 to identify studies that assessed the association between mycotoxin exposure in pregnant women or fetuses and at least one pregnancy outcome. Studies were appraised and results were synthesized using standard methods for conducting systematic reviews. This review identified and included 17 relevant studies. There is some evidence to suggest that exposure to various Aspergillus mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxin) during pregnancy may impair intrauterine fetal growth and promote neonatal jaundice. Findings were inconclusive concerning the influence of aflatoxin exposure on perinatal death and preterm birth. Only two studies assessed effects of maternal exposure to Fusarium mycotoxins (e.g., fumonisin) on adverse pregnancy outcomes. These studies found that maternal fumonisin exposure may be associated with hypertensive emergencies in pregnancy and with neural tube defects. Studies using grain farming and weather conditions as a proxy measure for mycotoxin exposure found that such exposure was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and late-term miscarriage. In conclusion, there is already some evidence to suggest that exposure to mycotoxins during pregnancy may have detrimental effects on pregnancy outcomes. However, given the limited number of studies, especially on effects of Fusarium mycotoxins, more studies are needed for a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of different mycotoxins on maternal and fetal health and to guide public health policies and interventions.
Stronger Lie derivations on MA-semirings
Authors: Ahmed Yaqoub , Dudek Wieslaw A.
Published: January 2020

On an additively inverse MA-semiring S we consider the additive mapping $$f:S\rightarrow S$$

f
:
S
→
S

satisfying the identity $$f(xy)=[x,f(y)]$$

f
(
x
y
)
=
[
x
,
f
(
y
)
]

, where [a, b] is a commutator of a and b. We investigate the properties of such a mapping and determine the commutativity of S using this mapping.
Experimental analyses of synthetic jet control effects on aerodynamic characteristics of helicopter rotor
Authors: Ma Y.Y. , Zhao Q.J. , Chen X. , Zhao G.Q.
Published: January 2020

Experimental analyses of synthetic jet control (SJC) effects on aerodynamic characteristics of rotor in steady state and in hover were conducted. To ensure the structural strength of rotor and enough interior space for holding the synthetic jet actuators (SJAs), a particular blade with a frame-covering structure was designed and processed, and the experiment was conducted with low free stream velocities and rotor rotation speeds. There were three test conditions. In steady state, there were three free stream velocities (10m/s, 15m/s and 20m/s). In hover state, the rotor was worked with two rotation speeds of 180RPM and 240RPM. In forward flight, the rotor was worked with a rotation speed of 180RPM and a free stream velocity of 7.5m/s. To measure the synthetic jet control effect on rotor in stall, the range of collective pitch was set from 10° to 28° in steady state. The aerodynamic forces and sectional velocity field were measured by using the six-component balance and the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system in the wind tunnel. Flow control effects on the blade based on the synthetic jets (SJ) were experimentally investigated with different jet parameters, such as jet locations, jet angles, and jet velocities. In steady state, the jet closer to the leading edge, and the jet angle of 90° had more advantages in improving the aerodynamic characteristics. Furthermore, the aerodynamic forces and sectional velocity field measurement of rotor in hover were conducted, it showed that SJAs could increase flow velocity at the upper surface, which led to lower upper surface pressure. As a result, the normal forces of rotor with two rotation speeds were increased significantly. These results indicated that the synthetic jet has a capability of increasing the normal force and delaying or preventing the stall of rotor.
Coffee and controversy: How applied psychology can revitalize sexual harassment and racial discrimination training
Authors: Hayes Theodore L. , Kaylor Leah E. , Oltman Kathleen A.
Published: January 2020

Training has shown little effectiveness in altering harassing or discriminatory behavior. Limitations of prior intervention efforts may reflect poor conceptualization of the problems involved, poor training intervention design, approaches that engender cynicism, or misunderstanding psychological principles of attitude and behavior change. Interventions should capitalize on behavioral science models and tools at multiple levels from a broad array of disciplines to explain harassment and bias, and then to defeat these behaviors. Measures to ensure fair treatment should focus on leadership socialization, organizational culture and climate, increased professional competence, and integration with organizational approaches to corporate social responsibility and performance.
Quantifying parameter uncertainty in a large-scale glacier evolution model using Bayesian inference: application to High Mountain Asia
Authors: Rounce David R. , Khurana Tushar , Short Margaret B. , Hock Regine , Shean David E. , Brinkerhoff Douglas J.
Published: January 2020

The response of glaciers to climate change has major implications for sea-level change and water resources around the globe. Large-scale glacier evolution models are used to project glacier runoff and mass loss, but are constrained by limited observations, which result in models being over-parameterized. Recent systematic geodetic mass-balance observations provide an opportunity to improve the calibration of glacier evolution models. In this study, we develop a calibration scheme for a glacier evolution model using a Bayesian inverse model and geodetic mass-balance observations, which enable us to quantify model parameter uncertainty. The Bayesian model is applied to each glacier in High Mountain Asia using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. After 10,000 steps, the chains generate a sufficient number of independent samples to estimate the properties of the model parameters from the joint posterior distribution. Their spatial distribution shows a clear orographic effect indicating the resolution of climate data is too coarse to resolve temperature and precipitation at high altitudes. Given the glacier evolution model is over-parameterized, particular attention is given to identifiability and the need for future work to integrate additional observations in order to better constrain the plausible sets of model parameters.
Drivers of hunting in the savannahs of Amapá: implications for conservation
Authors: Silvestre Saulo M. , Calle-Rendón Bayron R. , de Toledo José J. , Hilário Renato R.
Published: January 2020

Although overhunting is amongst the main threats to biodiversity, wild meat is culturally and nutritionally important for many communities. Conservation initiatives should therefore address the drivers of hunting, rather than its practice alone. Here we gathered information from structured interviews with 68 local households to assess the drivers of hunting in a highly threatened Amazonian savannah complex, the Cerrado of Amapá in Brazil. We used regression models to evaluate the influence of socio-economic parameters and spatial variables on hunting prevalence and frequency. The only identified driver of hunting prevalence was forest cover, whereas five variables had significant effects on hunting frequency. The positive effect of forest cover and the negative effect of hunter's age on hunting frequency suggest that logistical and physical feasibility are important drivers of hunting frequency. Furthermore, we suggest that the negative effect of distance to urban centres may be related to the profitability of hunting. We base this on the negative effect of river length in the vicinity of households and per capita monthly income on hunting frequency, which corroborates the tendency of hunting frequency to decrease when alternatives to wild meat are more readily available. We argue that to reduce unsustainable hunting it is necessary both to raise awareness amongst local communities and involve them in the creation of management plans that conserve biodiversity and meet economic and social needs.
Each/Every: CADA's Radically Democratic Dramaturgy of Dissent
Authors: Thompson Jennifer Joan
Published: January 2020

We are therefore saying that the work of expanding the habitual levels of life is the only valid art installation / the only exhibition / the only work of art that lives.

We are artists and we feel ourselves participating in the grand aspirations of all, presuming today, with South American love, the gliding of eyes over these lines.

Oh, South America.

In this way, together, we construct the beginning of the work: a recognition in our minds; erasing the trades: life as a creative act …

That is the art / the work / this is the work of art that we propose.

—¡Ay Sudamérica!,Colectivo Acciones de Arte, July 1981

At 11a.m.on 11 September 1973, the Chilean Air Force bombed the presidential palace, La Moneda, as part of an attack that ended the presidency of Salvador Allende, suspended democracy, and initiated the repressive military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Eight years later, on 12 July 1981, in the midst of dictatorship, six airplanes again flew over Santiago in military formation. This time, however, the planes did not drop bombs. Instead, they scattered four hundred thousand pamphlets with a text that urged Chileans to claim their space, thoughts, and lives by asserting the potential for artistry within all people. This art action, titled¡Ay Sudamérica!(Oh, South America!) and orchestrated by the Colectivo Acciones de Arte (Art Actions Collective, or CADA), subversively re-created a central moment from the violent history of the military coup in order to disturb and articulate an alternative course for that history (Fig. 1). In doing so, CADA challenged the regime's conception of Chilean citizenship by calling for an expanded space of existence and invoking the possibility of an artistic and contestatory subjectivity within everyone.
Effects of obesity on cholesterol metabolism and its implications for healthy ageing
Authors: Mc Auley Mark Tomás
Published: January 2020

The last few decades have witnessed a global rise in the number of older individuals. Despite this demographic shift, morbidity within this population group is high. Many factors influence healthspan; however, an obesity pandemic is emerging as a significant determinant of older people’s health. It is well established that obesity adversely affects several metabolic systems. However, due to its close association with overall cardiometabolic health, the impact that obesity has on cholesterol metabolism needs to be recognised. The aim of the present review is to critically discuss the effects that obesity has on cholesterol metabolism and to reveal its significance for healthy ageing.
Everolimus for cardiac rhabdomyomas in children with tuberous sclerosis. The ORACLE study protocol (everOlimus for caRdiac rhAbdomyomas in tuberous sCLErosis): a randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase II trial
Authors: Stelmaszewski Erica V. , Parente Daniella B. , Farina Alberto , Stein Anna , Gutierrez Anthony , Raquelo-Menegassio Antonio F. , Manterola Carla , de Sousa Carolina F. , Victor Carolina , Maki Dina , Morón Elias M. , de Abrantes Fabiano F. , Iqbal Fatima , Camacho-Vilchez Jazmin , Jimenez-Pavón Joanna , Polania Juan P. , Thompson Lorenzo , Bonanato Lygia , Diebold Matthias , Da Silva Maria V. C. P. , Nashwan Mariam W. J. , Galvani Marianna A. G. , Idris Osama E. A. , Danos Pierina , Ortiz-Lopez Rocio , Mahmoud Rofida A. A. , Gresse Sergio , Loss Karla L.
Published: January 2020

Introduction:

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a rare genetic disorder leading to the growth of hamartomas in multiple organs, including cardiac rhabdomyomas. Children with symptomatic cardiac rhabdomyoma require frequent admissions to intensive care units, have major complications, namely, arrhythmias, cardiac outflow tract obstruction and heart failure, affecting the quality of life and taking on high healthcare cost. Currently, there is no standard pharmacological treatment for this condition, and the management includes a conservative approach and supportive care. Everolimus has shown positive effects on subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, renal angiomyolipoma and refractory seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex. However, evidence supporting efficacy in symptomatic cardiac rhabdomyoma is limited to case reports. The ORACLE trial is the first randomised clinical trial assessing the efficacy of everolimus as a specific therapy for symptomatic cardiac rhabdomyoma.

Methods:

ORACLE is a phase II, prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre protocol trial. A total of 40 children with symptomatic cardiac rhabdomyoma secondary to tuberous sclerosis complex will be randomised to receive oral everolimus or placebo for 3 months. The primary outcome is 50% or more reduction in the tumour size related to baseline. As secondary outcomes we include the presence of arrhythmias, pericardial effusion, intracardiac obstruction, adverse events, progression of tumour reduction and effect on heart failure.

Conclusions:

ORACLE protocol addresses a relevant unmet need in children with tuberous sclerosis complex and cardiac rhabdomyoma. The results of the trial will potentially support the first evidence-based therapy for this condition.
Ductal arterial spasm: a nightmare
Authors: Phyu Hnin L. , Oo Khin M.
Published: January 2020

Ductal arterial spasm is a very potentially dangerous incidence during percutaneous device closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which, otherwise, is a very safe catheter intervention. It is essential to notice its occurrence before device sizing and deploying. Without awareness, it can mislead device selection and can result in serious complication. In this report, we shared our nightmare of ductal spasm during transcatheter closure of PDA in two children which had led to death in one patient.
Perceived Usability and Acceptability of Videoconferencing for Delivering Community-Based Rehabilitation to Individuals with Acquired Brain Injury: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Ownsworth Tamara , Theodoros Deborah , Cahill Louise , Vaezipour Atiyeh , Quinn Ray , Kendall Melissa , Moyle Wendy , Lucas Karen
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

There is limited research on the use of telerehabilitation platforms in service delivery for people with acquired brain injury (ABI), especially technologies that support delivery of services into the home. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perspectives of rehabilitation coordinators, individuals with ABI, and family caregivers on the usability and acceptability of videoconferencing (VC) in community-based rehabilitation. Participants’ experiences and perceptions of telerehabilitation and their impressions of a particular VC system were investigated.

Methods:

Guided by a theory on technology acceptance, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants from a community-based ABI service, including 13 multidisciplinary rehabilitation coordinators, 9 individuals with ABI, and 8 family caregivers. During the interview, they were shown a paper prototype of a telehealth portal for VC that was available for use. Interview transcripts were coded by two researchers and analysed thematically.

Results:

The VC was used on average for 2% of client consultations. Four major themes depicted factors influencing the uptake of VC platforms; namely, the context or impetus for use, perceived benefits, potential problems and parameters around use, and balancing the service and user needs. Participants identified beneficial uses of VC in service delivery and strategies for promoting a positive user experience.

Conclusions:

Perceptions of the usability of VC to provide services in the home were largely positive; however, consideration of use on a case-by-case basis and a trial implementation was recommended to enhance successful uptake into service delivery.
Psychoeducational Interventions for Problematic Anger in Chronic Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Study of Treatment Enactment
Authors: Hart Tessa , Vaccaro Monica J. , Fann Jesse R. , Maiuro Roland D. , Neuberger Shira , Sinfield Steven
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

Treatment enactment, a final stage of treatment implementation, refers to patients’ application of skills and concepts from treatment sessions into everyday life situations. We examined treatment enactment in a two-arm, multicenter trial comparing two psychoeducational treatments for persons with chronic moderate to severe traumatic brain injury and problematic anger.

Methods:

Seventy-one of 90 participants from the parent trial underwent a telephone enactment interview at least 2 months (median 97 days, range 64–586 days) after cessation of treatment. Enactment, quantified as average frequency of use across seven core treatment components, was compared across treatment arms: anger self-management training (ASMT) and personal readjustment and education (PRE), a structurally equivalent control. Components were also rated for helpfulness when used. Predictors of, and barriers to, enactment were explored.

Results:

More than 80% of participants reported remembering all seven treatment components when queried using a recognition format. Enactment was equivalent across treatments. Most used/most helpful components concerned normalizing anger and general anger management strategies (ASMT), and normalizing traumatic brain injury-related changes while providing hope for improvement (PRE). Higher baseline executive function and IQ were predictive of better enactment, as well as better episodic memory (trend). Poor memory was cited by many participants as a barrier to enactment, as was the reaction of other people to attempted use of strategies.

Conclusions:

Treatment enactment is a neglected component of implementation in neuropsychological clinical trials, but is important both to measure and to help participants achieve sustained carryover of core treatment ingredients and learned material to everyday life.
An Exploration of the Impact of Group Treatment for Aphasia on Connected Speech
Authors: Mason Catherine , Nickels Lyndsey , McDonald Belinda
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Group treatment enables people with aphasia to practise communication skills outside the typical clinician–patient dyad. While there is evidence that this treatment format can improve participation in everyday communication, there is little evidence it impacts linguistic abilities. This project aimed to investigate the effects of ‘typical’ group treatment on the communication skills of people with aphasia with a focus on word retrieval in discourse.

Methods:

Three people with aphasia took part in a 6-week group therapy programme. Each week focused on a different topic, and three topics also received a home programme targeting word retrieval. The six treated topics were compared with two control topics, with regard to language production in connected speech. Semistructured interviews were collected twice prior to treatment and twice following the treatment and analysed using (a) word counts; (b) the profile of word errors and retrieval in speech; (c) a measure of propositional idea density, and (d) perceptual discourse ratings.

Results:

Two participants showed no significant improvements; one participant showed significant improvement on discourse ratings.

Conclusions:

This study provides limited support for group treatment, leading to improved communication as measured by semistructured interviews, even when supplemented with a home programme. We suggest that either group treatment, as implemented here, was not an effective approach for improving communication for our participants and/or that outcome measurement was limited by difficulty assessing changes in connected speech.
Impact of Combined Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Speech-language Therapy on Spontaneous Speech in Aphasia: A Randomized Controlled Double-blind Study
Authors: Guillouët Elodie , Cogné Mélanie , Saverot Elisabeth , Roche Nicolas , Pradat-Diehl Pascale , Weill-Chounlamountry Agnès , Ramel Vanessa , Taratte Catherine , Lachasse Anne-Gaëlle , Haulot Jean-Arthur , Vaugier Isabelle , Barbot Frédéric , Azouvi Philippe , Charveriat Sophie
Published: January 2020

Objective:

Aphasia recovery depends on neural reorganization, which can be enhanced by speech-language therapy and noninvasive brain stimulation. Several studies suggested that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) associated with speech-language therapy may improve verbal performance evaluated by analytic tests, but none focused on spontaneous speech. We explored the effect of bihemispheric tDCS on spontaneous speech in patients with poststroke aphasia.

Methods:

In this multicentric controlled randomized cross-over double-blind study, we included 10 patients with poststroke aphasia (4 had aphasia >6 months and 6 with aphasia <6 months). We combined the sessions of speech-language therapy and bihemispheric tDCS (2 mA, 20 min). After three baseline speech evaluations (1/week), two different conditions were randomly consecutively proposed: active and sham tDCS over 3 weeks with 1 week of washout in between. The main outcome measure was the number of different nouns used in 2 min to answer the question “what is your job.”

Results:

There was no significant difference between conditions concerning the main outcome measure (p = .47) nor in the number of verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, repetitions, blank ideas, ideas, utterances with grammatical errors or paraphasias used. Other cognitive functions (verbal working memory, neglect, or verbal fluency) were not significantly improved in the tDCS group. No adverse events occurred.

Conclusion:

Our results differed from previous studies using tDCS to improve naming in patients with poststroke aphasia possibly due to bihemispheric stimulation, rarely used previously. The duration of the rehabilitation period was short given the linguistic complexity of the measure. This negative result should be confirmed by larger studies with ecological measures.
Simulation study of proton arc therapy with the compact single-room MEVION-S250 proton therapy system
Authors: Ferguson Sven , Ahmad Salahuddin , Ali Imad
Published: January 2020

Aim:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of proton arc therapy (PAT) using the double-scattering MEVION-S250 proton system. The treatment planning and dose delivery parameters from PAT were compared with conventional treatment planning techniques.

Materials and methods:

PAT was simulated with multiple conformal and fixed-aperture beams (5–15) using the MEVION-S250-double-scattering proton system. Conformal apertures were simulated with the Eclipse-treatment-planning system: (a) using a static single aperture that provides the best average conformal circular or rectangular apertures to cover the tumour from different angular views (SPAT), and (b) dynamic conformal apertures of the tumour shape at each irradiation angle that can be obtained from a multi-leaf-collimator system (DPAT).

Results:

The DPAT and SPAT plans provided superior dose coverage and sparing of normal tissues in comparison with conventional plans (CPT). The entrance normal tissue and skin doses (<40%) were lowered significantly by delivering dose from different directions over a wider angular view compared to conventional plans that have large entrance dose from only two fields. While the mean and minimum doses from PAT and CPT were comparable, the maximum doses from arc plans were lower than the maximum doses in conventional plans. The SPAT and DPAT plans had comparable dose parameters for regularly shaped targets. The heterogeneity index (HI) was superior in PAT plans which improved with increasing number of beams in arc plans for the different treatment sites. The conformality index (CI) depends on the treatment site and complexity of the shape of the planning target volume where for brain, pancreatic and lung tumours, PAT plans conformality was comparable and sometimes superior to CPT; and HI and CI were generally better in DPAT compared to SPAT.

Conclusions:

PAT plans have superior dose coverage and sparing of normal tissues compared to CPT plans using the MEVION double-scattering system as shown in this simulation study. Ideally, conformal proton arcs require beam shaping and dose delivery with the gantry moving; however, the MEVION double-scattering system lacks a multi-leaf collimator system and cannot deliver dose during gantry rotation. The single aperture conformal proton therapy technique is more time and cost effective compared with conventional techniques that are used currently with the MEVION proton therapy system because of the elimination of the need for patient-specific compensators. In present study, PAT was simulated with the MEVION double-scattering proton therapy system; however, it can be performed also with other proton therapy systems.