bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic Piezoelectric Atomizers: Electromechanical Modeling and Performance Testing
Authors: Dupuis Eric D. , Momen Ayyoub M. , Patel Viral K. , Shahab Shima
Published: November 2018

Ultrasonic atomization of bulk liquids has received extensive attention in the past few decades due to the ability to produce controlled droplet sizes, a necessity for many industries such as spray coating and aerosol drug delivery. Despite the increase in attention, one novel application of this technology has been overlooked until recently, and that is the moisture removal capabilities of atomization. The first ever ultrasonic dryer, created by researchers at Oak Ridge National Lab in 2016, applies the mechanisms of atomization to mechanically remove moisture from clothing. The process utilizes the ultrasonic vibrations created by a piezoelectric transducer in direct contact with a wet fabric to rupture the liquid-vapor boundary of the retained water. Once ruptured, smaller droplets are ejected from the bulk liquid and are actively removed from the fabric pores. The mechanisms of droplet ejection from this event are related to both capillary waves forming on the liquid surface (Capillary Wave Theory), as well as the implosion of cavitation bubbles formed from the hydraulic shocks propagating from the transducer (Cavitation Theory). In this work, we present an analytical model for predicting the moisture removal rate of a wet fabric exposed to ultrasonic vibrations, and connect the atomization events to a global variable, acceleration, in order to decouple the relationship between the transducer and applied voltage. The acceleration governing atomization is predicted using a verified numerical model. The numerical model is shown to assist in developing ultrasonic drying by means of efficiently evaluating transducer design changes.
Real-Time Detection of Ancient Architecture Features Based on Smartphones
Authors: Zou Zheng , Wang Niannian , Zhao Peng , Zhao Xuefeng
Published: November 2018

Due to the particularity of texture features in ancient buildings, which refers to the fact that these features have a high historical and artistic value, it is of great significance to identify and count them. However, the complexity and large number of textures are a big challenge for the artificial identification statistics. In order to overcome these challenges, this paper proposes an approach that uses smartphones to achieve a real-time detection of ancient buildings’ features. The training process is based on SSD-Mobilenet, which is a kind of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The results show that this method shows well performance in reality and can indeed detect different ancient building features in real time.
A Novel Method of Assessment for Monitoring Neuromuscular Fatigue in Australian Rules Football Players
Authors: Garrett Joel , Graham Stuart R. , Eston Roger G. , Burgess Darren J. , Garrett Lachlan J. , Jakeman John , Norton Kevin
Published: November 2018

Purpose: To compare the sensitivity of a submaximal run test (SRT) with a countermovement-jump test (CMJ) to provide an alternative method of measuring neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) in high-performance sport. Methods: A total of 23 professional and semiprofessional Australian rules football players performed an SRT and CMJ test prematch and 48 and 96 h postmatch. Variables from accelerometers recorded during the SRT were player load 1D up (vertical vector), player load 1D side (mediolateral vector), and player load 1D forward (anteroposterior vector). Meaningful difference was examined through magnitude-based inferences (effect size [ES]), with reliability assessed as typical error of measurements expressed as coefficient of variance. Results: A small decrease in CMJ height, ES −0.43 ± 0.39 (likely), was observed 48 h postmatch before returning to baseline 96 h postmatch. This was accompanied by corresponding moderate decreases in the SRT variables player load 1D up, ES −0.60 ± 0.51 (likely), and player load 1D side, ES −0.74 ± 0.57 (likely), 48 h postmatch before also returning to prematch baseline. Conclusion: The results suggest that in the presence of NMF, players use an alternative running profile to produce the same external output (ie, time). This indicates that changes in accelerometer variables during an SRT can be used as an alternative method of measuring NMF in high-performance Australian rules football and provides a flexible option for monitoring changes in the recovery phase postmatch.
Circulating, Cell-Free DNA for Monitoring Player Load in Professional Football
Authors: Haller Nils , Ehlert Tobias , Schmidt Sebastian , Ochmann David , Sterzing Björn , Grus Franz , Simon Perikles
Published: November 2018

Purpose: Player monitoring in elite sport settings is becoming increasingly important. Questionnaire-based methods and biomarkers such as circulating, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are suggested for load monitoring. cfDNA concentrations were shown to increase depending on total distance covered in football and were associated with overtraining in weight lifters. Thus, the objective of this study was to examine whether cfDNA is feasible as a monitoring tool in elite football players. Methods: Capillary blood samples from 22 male elite football players were collected over 4 mo of a regular season. Sampling was conducted the day before, 1 day after, or several days after regular-season games and/or training. In addition, each player filled in a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire including the items “general perceived exertion,” “muscular fatigue,” and “mental fatigue.” Performance during training and games was tracked by the Catapult system and with the OPTA system, respectively. Results: cfDNA values were significantly elevated in players the day after regular-season games (1.4-fold; P = .0004) in line with the scores of the VAS. Both parameters showed significantly higher values during midweek-game weeks. cfDNA concentrations correlated with training data, and VAS was correlated with the tracking of the season games. However, cfDNA and VAS did not correlate with each other. Conclusions: cfDNA concentrations at rest and VAS scores are influenced by previous load in professional football players. Future studies will reveal whether cfDNA might serve as a practically applicable marker for player load in football players.
Autocrine-based selection of ligands for personalized CAR-T therapy of lymphoma
Authors: Stepanov Alexey V. , Markov Oleg V. , Chernikov Ivan V. , Gladkikh Daniil V. , Zhang Hongkai , Jones Teresa , Sen’kova Alexandra V. , Chernolovskaya Elena L. , Zenkova Marina A. , Kalinin Roman S. , Rubtsova Maria P. , Meleshko Alexander N. , Genkin Dmitry D. , Belogurov Alexey A. , Xie Jia , Gabibov Alexander G. , Lerner Richard A.
Published: November 2018

After decades of nonspecific lymphoma therapy, personalized approaches such as described here are on the horizon.
Paul G. Allen (1953–2018)
Authors: Horwitz Rick , Jones Allan , Daniel Tom
Published: November 2018

Cofounder of Microsoft, visionary, and philanthropist
Cell and fluid sampling microneedle patches for monitoring skin-resident immunity
Authors: Mandal Anasuya , Boopathy Archana V. , Lam Lionel K. W. , Moynihan Kelly D. , Welch Mary E. , Bennett Nitasha R. , Turvey Michelle E. , Thai Nikki , Van Jenny H. , Love J. Christopher , Hammond Paula T. , Irvine Darrell J.
Published: November 2018

A minimally invasive microneedle device allows repeated sampling of tissue-resident immune cell populations from the skin.
Enterovirus A71 Infection Activates Human Immune Responses and Induces Pathological Changes in Humanized Mice
Authors: Ke Yanyan , Liu Wai Nam , Her Zhisheng , Liu Min , Tan Sue Yee , Tan Yong Wah , Chan Xue Ying , Fan Yong , Huang Edwin Kunxiang , Chen Huiyi , En Chang Kenneth Tou , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Hann Chu Justin Jang , Chen Qingfeng
Published: November 2018

Despite causing self-limited hand-food-and-mouth disease in younger children, EV-A71 is consistently associated with severe forms of neurological complications and pulmonary edema. Nevertheless, only limited vaccines and drugs have been developed over the years, which is possibly due to a lack of models that can more accurately recapitulate human specificity, since human is the only natural host for wild-type EV-A71 infection. Our humanized mouse model not only mimics histological symptoms in patients but also allows us to investigate the function of the human immune system during infection. It was found that human T cell responses were activated, accompanied by an increase in the production of proinflammatory cytokines in EV-A71-infected humanized mice, which might contribute to the exacerbation of disease pathogenesis. Collectively, this model allows us to delineate the modulation of human immune responses during EV-A71 infection and may provide a platform to evaluate anti-EV-A71 drug candidates in the future.
Epstein-Barr Virus Infection of Cell Lines Derived from Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas Alters MicroRNA Loading of the Ago2 Complex
Authors: Ayoubian Hiresh , Ludwig Nicole , Fehlmann Tobias , Menegatti Jennifer , Gröger Laura , Anastasiadou Eleni , Trivedi Pankaj , Keller Andreas , Meese Eckart , Grässer Friedrich A.
Published: November 2018

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a highly aggressive tumor of lymphoid origin which is occasionally Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive. MicroRNAs are found in most multicellular organisms and even in viruses such as EBV. They regulate the synthesis of proteins by binding to their cognate mRNA. MicroRNAs are tethered to their target mRNAs by “Argonaute” proteins. Here we compared the overall miRNA content of the Ago2 complex by differential loading to the overall content of miRNAs in two DLBCL cell lines and their EBV-converted counterparts. In all cell lines, the Ago2 load was different from the overall expression of miRNAs. In addition, the loading of the Ago2 complex was changed upon infection with EBV. This indicates that the virus not only changes the overall content of miRNAs but also influences the expression of proteins by affecting the Ago complexes.
Tetherin Inhibits Nipah Virus but Not Ebola Virus Replication in Fruit Bat Cells
Authors: Hoffmann Markus , Nehlmeier Inga , Brinkmann Constantin , Krähling Verena , Behner Laura , Moldenhauer Anna-Sophie , Krüger Nadine , Nehls Julia , Schindler Michael , Hoenen Thomas , Maisner Andrea , Becker Stephan , Pöhlmann Stefan
Published: November 2018

Ebola virus and Nipah virus (EBOV and NiV) can cause fatal disease in humans. In contrast, infected fruit bats do not develop symptoms but can transmit the virus to humans. Why fruit bats but not humans control infection is largely unknown. Tetherin is an antiviral host cell protein and is counteracted by the EBOV glycoprotein in human cells. Here, employing model systems, we show that tetherin of fruit bats displays higher antiviral activity than human tetherin and is largely resistant against counteraction by the Ebola virus glycoprotein. Moreover, we demonstrate that induction of tetherin expression is critical for interferon-mediated inhibition of NiV but, for at present unknown reasons, not EBOV spread in fruit bat cells. Collectively, our findings identify tetherin as an antiviral effector of innate immune responses in fruit bats, which might allow these animals to control infection with NiV and potentially other viruses that cause severe disease in humans.
Draft Genome Assembly of a Potentially Zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum Isolate, UKP1
Authors: Nash John H. E. , Robertson James , Elwin Kristin , Chalmers Rachel A. , Kropinski Andrew M. , Guy Rebecca A.
Published: November 2018

Cryptosporidium parvum
is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that causes food and waterborne gastrointestinal disease and whose major animal reservoirs are cattle and small ruminants. We report here on a draft whole-genome sequence of a zoonotic isolate of
C. parvum
isolated from a person with cryptosporidiosis.
Onset age of deglaciation following the Last Glacial Maximum in New York State based on radiocarbon ages of mammalian megafauna
Authors: Feranec Robert S. , Kozlowski Andrew L.
Published: November 2018

Developing accurate chronologies is important for understanding the formation and evolution of glacial environments in the Quaternary. Radiocarbon dating is a prominent technique for creating chronologies for glacial events during the late Pleistocene, and although radiocarbon dates from vertebrate fossils are relatively abundant, these dates have been underutilized for timing glacial events. Here, the utility of using radiocarbon dates from large mammal fossils for dating glacial events is explored further. Specifically, this study examines the potential of exclusive use of dated mammal remains to establish a chronology of deglaciation in New York State after the Last Glacial Maximum. We predict the earliest occurrence dates of megafauna to represent a minimum age for the initiation of deglaciation because glacial ice would have needed to have melted for plants and animals to begin to inhabit the state. We also predict dates to progress to more recent ages from south to north following recession of the Laurentide ice sheet. The data support these predictions. The earliest occurrence dates for mammoth and caribou, the suspected first large mammal species to occur within the state, are between 17,470 and 16,430 calibrated yr B.P. These dates imply first occurrence of large mammals in New York State and thus a minimum age of deglaciation beginning ca. 17,000 calibrated yr B.P. Because of the likely delay between the timing of deglaciation and the first mammal inhabitants of the state, this date must be viewed as a minimum age, with deglaciation having occurred sometime prior to this age. Comparing south to north, as an indicator of glacial regression, dates from New York State south of 42°N latitude are earlier compared to dates collected north of this latitude. This progression of dates from south to north supports the prediction that megafauna expanded northward following recession of the Laurentide ice sheet, and it implies that radiocarbon-dated mammalian megafauna data are useful, even exclusively, in identifying the timing of certain glacial events.
Hydrogeologic modeling supported by geologic mapping in three dimensions: Do the details really matter?
Authors: Medina Cristian R. , Letsinger Sally L. , Olyphant Greg A.
Published: November 2018

A detailed geologic framework model was utilized for groundwater analysis using a fully three-dimensional variably saturated flow model. The geologic framework model, which was developed by a team of glacial geologists from federal and state geological surveys, was fully three-dimensional and did not contain the usual (unrealistic) assumption of widespread aquifer layers separated by leaky aquitard layers of equal extent. The goal of the analysis was to explore the implications of the new generation of geologic framework models for regional groundwater flow, and particularly, groundwater–surface water interactions. A transient numerical simulation, using infiltration at the ground surface as a boundary condition, revealed rich flow complexity, including: (1) widespread, yet patchy, recharge areas with rates that vary through several orders of magnitude, with the recharge rates being statistically correlated to hydraulic conductivity of the vadose zone sediments, elevation, and ground surface slope; (2) the predominance of local flow systems, resulting in an abundance of seepage zones along the sides of the incised (postglacial) stream valleys, and other manifestations of the high water table and strong groundwater–surface water interaction, such as kettle lakes and wetlands; and (3) existence of partially confined aquifers owing to partial burial of deltaic deposits by moraines and lake-bottom deposits having slow vertical permeability. Taken together, these findings support the need for, and value of, high-resolution geologic framework models and the potential fruitful outcome of strong collaboration between glacial geologists and groundwater modelers.
Beginning with mineralogy: Ellen Swallow Richards and earth system science
Authors: Schneiderman Jill S.
Published: November 2018

In this paper, I examine the work of Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards who is known more commonly to some individuals as the founder of the field of home economics. Richards’ first scientific studies focused on the compositions of ore minerals and later evolved into studies of water, air, and food quality. The first woman to earn a degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she achieved the position of Instructor of Sanitary Chemistry there. Throughout her lifelong career as a scientist, Richards’ work ranged so widely that it is difficult to classify her among any particular group of scientists. Herein I focus on Richards’ scientific work within both the context of the existing knowledge of her time and twenty-first-century developments in science of “the environment.” Rather than reinscribe Richards as the doyen of home economics—an antiquated field of study—I trace her evolution as a scientist and resituate Richards as a source of inspiration for present-day earth scientists who dedicate themselves to the idea that scientific work should be undertaken for the public good.
How female geologists were written out of history: The micropaleontology breakthrough
Authors: Gries Robbie Rice
Published: November 2018

In 1921, exploration for oil and gas was substantially assisted by the discovery that foraminifera could be used to more accurately correlate subsurface strata. This changed everything. It was at a time when the petroleum industry did not have the benefit of geophysical logging tools or seismic mapping capabilities. Micropaleontology was quickly embraced by industry and almost instantly expanded to global use.

Three young women were responsible for this technological breakthrough—Alva Ellisor, Esther Applin née Richards, and Hedwig Kniker. They were hired by Texas oil companies in 1920–1921 for the express purpose of using paleontology, specifically macropaleontology, to try to solve the Gulf Coast stratigraphic problems. They were encouraged to collaborate—in itself an unusual phenomenon in the highly competitive oil and gas business—which they did with grace and skill and which led to their discovery of foraminifera as a major biostratigraphic tool. However, their role was downplayed over time, and by 1975 credit for this important technology was shifted to four men—men who had themselves failed to recognize the application, in fact one had ridiculed the idea, but who quickly embraced it when the women presented their evidence.

It is time to recognize their revolutionary contribution to the improved economics of oil-finding as well as to the sciences of biostratigraphy and paleontology.
Tectonostratigraphy and processes of frontal accretion with horst-graben subduction at the Japan Trench
Authors: Chester Frederick M. , Moore J. Casey
Published: November 2018

Recent seismic reflection data across the Japan Trench show that frontal accretion involves offscraping sediments on top of horsts and scooping-up sediment from grabens. However, seismic profiling does not illuminate the structure within the accretionary prism, and thus the processes of accretion and prism growth are unknown. Key data from scientific drilling at Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Site C0019 that penetrated the prism in the region of large displacement during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake support a model in which frontal accretion occurs by imbricate thrusting, folding, and stacking of thrust sheets that are composed of semicoherent-sediment strata. Using palinspastic restoration techniques, we conclude that out-of-sequence thrusting and duplex development during the underthrusting of horsts can form and displace hanging-wall ramps along the plate-boundary detachment, which helps to explain the formation of some unexpected tectonostratigraphic relations at C0019, such as the emplacement of a thick section of the youngest sediments at the base of the accretionary prism, and numerous juxtapositions of different-age sediments within the basal plate-boundary fault zone.
Emplacement of a layered mafic intrusion in the Shimanto accretionary complex of southwest Japan: Evidence from paleomagnetic and magnetic fabric analysis
Authors: Kodama K. , Byrne T. , Lewis J.C. , Hibbard J.P. , Sato M. , Koyano T.
Published: November 2018

A 200-m-thick, near-vertical, middle Miocene (ca. 14 Ma), gabbroic sheeted intrusion in the Muroto area of the Shimanto accretionary complex of southwest Japan yields anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) showing a magnetic foliation for the minimum axis (Kmin) oblique (by ~70°) to the perpendicular of the intrusive contact. Assuming the Kmin axis represents the paleovertical axis, these data suggest that the gabbroic sheet was not intruded into the host sediments horizontally. Paleomagnetic measurements of the gabbroic intrusion show an in situ mean direction of reversed polarity (declination/inclination [Dec/Inc] = 287°/–65°, α95 = 3°) that is considerably different from the expected, reversed-polarity dipole-field direction of this region (Dec/Inc = 0°/–56°). A structural analysis combining the paleomagnetic and AMS data led to the determination of a unique pole of rotation, around which the dike can be back-rotated to its initial orientation. The magnitude of rotation necessary for the in situ paleomagnetic direction to be back-rotated to the expected direction is ~60°, which is consistent with the rotation required for the Kmin axis to be vertical. This consistency can be regarded as independent support for our interpretation of the AMS results and the reliability of the paleomagnetic data. Consequently, we propose that the Muroto gabbro was intruded when the paleo–trench-fill sediments had been tilted landward by ~20°, presumably by accretion, and that the gabbro might have been intruded as a sill-like sheet along a structurally weak zone, possibly part of the frontal thrust plane in the Shimanto accretionary prism.
Normal faults at same depth as thrust faults in an exhumed accretionary complex, Kayo Formation, Okinawa Islands, Japan
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Ueda Dai , Motomiya Yuhei , Tobe Kota , Saiki Ayaka , Morita Kiyohiko , Ujiie Kohtaro
Published: November 2018

We describe and interpret a system of well-preserved normal and reverse faults in the Kayo Formation of the Miocene Shimanto belt, an exhumed accretionary complex exposed on Okinawa Island. The normal and reverse fault systems both strike NE-SW, suggesting systematic horizontal stress variations between compression and extension. Temperature and pressure conditions for the normal and reverse fault systems were estimated from the densities of water in fluid inclusions in the veins along the faults, and previously reported maximum paleotemperature based on values of vitrinite reflectance and illite crystallinity. The fluid inclusion analyses yielded similar estimates for water density in both normal and reverse fault systems. The minimum geothermal gradient was constrained to a narrow range of 40–50 °C/km. These results suggest that the normal and reverse fault systems developed at a similar depth within the seismogenic zone. This can be interpreted as a change between horizontal compression and horizontal extension occurring at a maximum depth of 3.8–7.5 km below the seafloor, assuming lithostatic fluid pressure. This 90° rotation of the principal stress could be controlled by the seismic cycle, as exemplified by the rotation of stresses that occurred after the Tohoku-Oki earthquake.
Fluid-related deformation processes at the up- and downdip limits of the subduction thrust seismogenic zone: What do the rocks tell us?
Authors: Fagereng Åke , Diener Johann F.A. , Ellis Susan , Remitti Francesca
Published: November 2018

The subduction thrust interface represents a zone of concentrated deformation coupled to fluid generation, flow, and escape. Here, we review the internal structure of the megathrust as exposed in exhumed accretionary complexes, and we identify a deformation sequence that develops as material entering the trench is subducted through the seismogenic zone. Initial ductile flow in soft sediment generates dismembered, folded, and boudinaged bedding that is crosscut by later brittle discontinuities. Veins formed along early faults, and filling hydrofractures with the same extension directions as boudins in bedding, attest to fluid-assisted mass transfer during the shallow transition from ductile flow to brittle deformation. In higher-metamorphic-grade rocks, veins crosscut foliations defined by mineral assemblages stable at temperatures beyond those at the base of the seismogenic zone. The veins are, however, themselves ductilely deformed by diffusion and/or dislocation creep, and thus they record fracture and fluid flow at a deeper brittle-to-ductile transition.

The results of numerical models and mineral equilibria modeling show that compaction of pore spaces may occur over a wide zone, as underconsolidated sediments carry water under the accretionary prism to the region where the last smectite breaks down at a temperature of ≤150 °C. However, at temperatures above clay stability, no large fluid release occurs until temperatures reach the zone where lawsonite and, subsequently, chlorite break down, i.e., generally in excess of 300 °C. In thermal models and strength calculations along overpressured subduction interfaces, where phyllosilicates form an interconnected network that controls rheology, as is generally observed, the deep brittle-viscous transition—analogous to the base of the seismogenic zone—occurs at temperatures less than 300 °C. We therefore suggest that the seismogenic zone does not produce fluids in significant volumes; however, major fluid release occurs at or near the base of the seismogenic zone. These deep fluids are either trapped, thus enabling embrittlement and features such as episodic tremor and slow slip, or flow updip along a permeable interface. Overall, we highlight fluid production as spatially intermittent, but fluid distribution as controlled also by the permeability of a deforming zone, where secondary porosity is both generated and destroyed, commonly in sync with the generation and movement of fluids.
Association between factors related to family planning/sexual and reproductive health and contraceptive use as well as consistent condom use among internal migrant population of reproductive ages in three cities in China, based on Heckprobit selection models
Authors: Xu Shuang-Fei , Wu Jun-Qing , Li Yu-Yan , Yu Chuan-Ning , Zhao Rui , Zhou Ying , Li Yi-Ran , Zhang Jun-Guo , Jin Meng-Hua
Published: November 2018

Objective

With the increased population mobility and the transition in population policy, scholars are quite concerned about family planning/sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and related factors among internal migrant population of reproductive age. Therefore, the proposed study was designed to explore the association between factors related to family planning/SRH and contraceptive use as well as consistent condom use among the above-described population in China.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Three municipalities in China, namely Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing.

Participants

Among the 6545 participants, 2099, 2414 and 2031 subjects came from Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing, respectively.

Results

A total of 6545 eligible participants were included as the full sample, 6188 of whom who had intercourse in the last 3 months were selected as the subsample. Among the subsample, 80.88% (5005/6188) adopted any form of contraceptive methods and 49.14% (3041/6188) consistently used condom in the last three sexual intercourses. Meanwhile, the involved participants had a better mastery of knowledge on SRH than on contraception (p<0.0001). The results of the Heckprobit models revealed that the factors associated with both contraceptive use and consistent condom use were relationship with the first intercourse partner, communication frequency with spouse/sexual partners on sex, actual number of children and knowledge on SRH, while knowledge on contraception and age at first intercourse were associated with contraceptive use and consistent condom use, respectively (p<0.05).

Conclusions

In the current study, we revealed a high-level contraceptive prevalence, a relatively low-level consistent condom use and a poor mastery of knowledge on contraception and SRH. The Heckprobit selection model specified the existence of selection bias, providing evidence on the association between the factors on family planning/SRH and contraceptive use as well as consistent condom use, respectively. Our findings indicated that health institutions should offer appropriate technology and high-quality family planning/SRH services for the internal migrant population in China.
Goal-directed fluid therapy in urgent GAstrointestinal Surgery—study protocol for A Randomised multicentre Trial: The GAS-ART trial
Authors: Voldby Anders Winther , Aaen Anne Albers , Møller Ann Merete , Brandstrup Birgitte
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Intravenous fluid therapy during gastrointestinal surgery is a life-saving part of the perioperative care. Too little fluid may lead to hypovolaemia, decreased organ perfusion and circulatory shock. Excessive fluid administration increases postoperative complications, worsens pulmonary and cardiac function as well as the healing of surgical wounds. Intraoperative individualised goal-directed fluid therapy (GDT) and zero-balance therapy (weight adjusted) has shown to reduce postoperative complications in elective surgery, but studies in urgent gastrointestinal surgery are sparse. The aim of the trial is to test whether zero-balance GDT reduces postoperative mortality and major complications following urgent surgery for obstructive bowel disease or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract compared with a protocolled standard of care.

Methods/analysis

This study is a multicentre, randomised controlled trial with planned inclusion of 310 patients. The randomisation procedure is stratified by hospital and by obstructive bowel disease and perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients are allocated into either ‘the standard group’ or ‘the zero-balance GDT group’. The latter receive intraoperative GDT (guided by a stroke volume algorithm) and postoperative zero-balance fluid therapy based on body weight and fluid charts. The protocolled treatment continues until free oral intake or the seventh postoperative day.

The primary composite outcome is death, unplanned reoperations, life-threatening thromboembolic and bleeding complications, a need for mechanical ventilation or dialysis. Secondary outcomes are additional complications, length of hospital stay, length of stay in the intensive care unit, length of mechanical ventilation, readmissions and time to death. Follow-up is 90 days.

We plan intention-to-treat analysis of the primary outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

The Danish Scientific Ethics Committee approved the GAS-ART trial before patient enrolment (J: SJ-436). Enrolment of patients began in August 2015 and is proceeding. We expect to publish the GAS-ART results in Summer 2019.

Trial registration number

EudraCT 2015-000563-14.
Use of platelet-rich plasma in regenerative medicine: technical tools for correct quality control
Authors: Graiet Hajer , Lokchine Anna , Francois Pauline , Velier Melanie , Grimaud Fanny , Loyens Maxime , Berda-Haddad Yael , Veran Julie , Dignat-George Francoise , Sabatier Florence , Magalon Jeremy
Published: November 2018

Background/aims

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are used in sports medicine and have been the subject of increased clinical interest. However, there have been very few reports of the composition of initial whole blood and the final PRP product. The objective of this study was to provide technical tools to perform a correct characterisation of platelets, leucocytes and red blood cells (RBCs) from whole blood and PRP.

Methods

Blood and PRP were obtained from 26 healthy volunteers and prepared according to the varying parameters encountered within PRP process preparation and quantification (harvesting method, anticoagulant used, sampling method, counting method). Concentrations were measured at t=0, t=1, t=6 and t=24 hours.

Results

Sampling of blood in Eppendorf tubes significantly decreased platelet concentration over time, whereas sampling in Microvette EDTA-coated tube kept platelet concentration stable until 24 hours. A non-significant difference was observed in platelet counts in PRP with impedance (median (IQR): 521.8 G/L (505.3–524.7)) and fluorescence (591.5 G/L (581.5–595.8)) methods. Other studied parameters did not influence platelet concentrations in blood or PRP samples. Leucocytes and RBC counts were similar whatever the anticoagulant, sampling, harvesting and counting methods used for both blood and PRP samples.

Conclusions

Systematic sampling of blood and PRP in EDTA-coated tubes for quality control is recommended. The use of a validated counter for PRP sample should also be taken into account.
Impact of the Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG) on endoscopy services in the UK and beyond
Authors: Siau Keith , Green John T , Hawkes Neil D , Broughton Raphael , Feeney Mark , Dunckley Paul , Barton John Roger , Stebbing John , Thomas-Gibson Siwan
Published: November 2018

The Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG) was initially established in 1994 to standardise endoscopy training across specialties. Over the last two decades, the position of JAG has evolved to meet its current role of quality assuring all aspects of endoscopy in the UK to provide the highest quality, patient-centred care. Drivers such as changes to healthcare agenda, national audits, advances in research and technology and the advent of population-based cancer screening have underpinned this shift in priority. Over this period, JAG has spearheaded various quality assurance initiatives with support from national stakeholders. These have led to the achievement of notable milestones in endoscopy quality assurance, particularly in the three major areas of: (1) endoscopy training, (2) accreditation of endoscopy services (including the Global Rating Scale), and (3) accreditation of screening endoscopists. These developments have changed the landscape of UK practice, serving as a model to promote excellence in endoscopy. This review provides a summary of JAG initiatives and assesses the impact of JAG on training and endoscopy services within the UK and beyond.
Four years of orthopaedic activities in Chinese Role 2 Hospital of eastern Mali peacekeeping area
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Li Z , Cao X , Li B
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The Chinese Role 2 Hospital (CHN-Role 2H) Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) was founded in July 2013 as part of the Chinese commitment to Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). It provides medical care for approximately 5200 personnel of the whole Sector East of MINUSMA including UN military personnel, UN police and UN civilian staff. The aim of this study was to determine the orthopaedic surgical activity over a 4-year period to facilitate the training of future Chinese military surgical teams.

Materials and methods

Surgical records of all patients operated on at the CHN-Role 2H between 28 March 2014 to 28 March 2018 were identified, and all orthopaedic activity were analysed.

Results

During this period, 1190 patients underwent 2024 surgical procedures. Orthopaedic procedures represented 961/2024 (47.5%) of all the procedures. Battle injury (BI) represented 43% of patients. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were responsible for 15.8 % casualties. Fractures (49%) and soft tissue injures (43%) were the most common injuries, with 61% of the fractures being open. Damage control surgery including debridement (23.52%) and external fixation (17.90%) were the most frequently performed interventions.

Conclusion

Orthopaedic surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the CHN-Role 2H in Mali. The complexity and severity of injuries demonstrate the urgent need for tailored training and extended skill sets for deploying military orthopaedic surgeons.
Effect of one session of mirror therapy on phantom limb pain and recognition of limb laterality in military traumatic lower limb amputees: a pilot study
Authors: Wareham Andrew P , Sparkes V
Published: November 2018

Up to 70 % of military amputees suffer phantom limb pain (PLP), which is difficult to treat. PLP has been attributed to cortical reorganisation and associated with impaired laterality. Repeated sessions of mirror therapy (MT) can benefit PLP; however, anecdotal evidence suggests one MT session could be effective. In a one-group pretest and post-test design, 16 UK military unilateral lower limb amputees (median age: 31.0, 95% CI 25.0 to 36.8 years) undertook one 10 min MT session. Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain and laterality (accuracy and reaction time) measurements were taken pre-MT and post-MT. Median VAS PLP did not differ significantly between pre-MT 15 mm (2–53 mm) and post-MT 12 mm (1–31) (p=0.875) scores. For the amputated limb, there were no significant differences between pre-MT and post-MT scores for laterality accuracy, 95.3%, 95% CI 90.5% to 97.6% and 96.7%, 95% CI 90.0% to 99.4%, respectively (p=0.778), or reaction time, 1.42 s, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.11 s and 1.42 s, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.02 s, respectively (p=0.629). Laterality was also not different between limbs for accuracy, p=0.484, or reaction time, p=0.716, and did not correlate with PLP severity. No confounding variables predicted individual responses to MT. Therefore, one 10 min MT session does not affect laterality and is not effective as standard treatment for PLP in military lower limb amputees. However, substantial PLP improvement for one individual and resolution of a stuck phantom limb for another infers that MT may benefit specific patients. No correlation found between PLP and laterality implies associated cortical reorganisation may not be the main driver for PLP. Further research, including neuroimaging, is needed to help clinicians effectively target PLP.
Three cusps are better than two: bicuspid aortic valve and implications for military service
Authors: Williams Andrew , Awadalla M
Published: November 2018

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiac malformation. It is an aortopathy and is associated with other congenital heart disease. Although there is no mortality increase with BAV, the natural history increases the risk of aortic valve disease, aortic dilatation and infective endocarditis over the time frame of a full military career. Military service theoretically increases the risk of aortic dilatation and endocarditis in BAV. Conversely, there are some who have BAV who would not suffer any complications during their military career. Currently, potential UK Army recruits undergo personal/family history and physical examination plus an ECG and, although this goes beyond American Heart Association guidelines, it does not screen specifically for BAV. This would necessitate a transthoracic echo for each potential recruit but would be a considerable increase in resources–both time and financial. In addition to the recruitment medical, military personnel undergo frequent medicals, which could identify those who develop significant valvular disease. Those with mild valve disease are at lowest risk of complication. Those with aortic dilatation only remain a concern.
Updated Diploma in Immediate Medical Care: applicability to military and civilian clinicians
Authors: O'Sullivan Oliver , Osborne L , Pells G
Published: November 2018

The Diploma in Immediate Medical Care (DipIMC) is the entry-level interprofessional civilian qualification for prehospital emergency care (PHEC) in the UK. It is designed to test the knowledge, skills and behaviours of PHEC practitioners. Military personnel are eligible to enter, dependent on the level of PHEC experience they have. The DipIMC examination has changed in recent years; this paper aims to update aspiring candidates on the application process, recommended preparation and skill-set required to pass.
Impact of method parameters on the performance of suspect screening for the identification of trace organic contaminants in surface waters
Authors: Segura Pedro A. , Racine Mathieu , Gravel Alexia , Eysseric Emmanuel , Grégoire Anne-Marie , Rawach Diane , Teysseire François-Xavier
Published: November 2018

The performance of a suspect screening method to detect diverse small-molecule trace organic contaminants (TOCs) was systematically evaluated using a set of 39 model compounds. Experiments showed that ionization efficiency, ion transfer parameters, and chromatography could affect the detection of TOCs. As expected, compounds with low ionization yields and poorly retained compounds in chromatographic columns are more difficult to identify in the samples at environmental concentrations. Similarly, TOCs with large deviations from the average mass of the compounds screened were not transmitted efficiently in the mass spectrometer thus negatively affecting their detection. The suspect screening method was validated in terms of recovery and limits of identification of the model compounds using three different types of solid-phase extraction cartridges (reversed phase with polar groups, mixed-mode anion exchange, and mixed mode cation exchange). Experiments showed that more than two-thirds of the model compounds had recoveries >75% with each of the three cartridges, and comparison of limits of identification showed that more than one-half of the model compounds could be identified at concentrations between 6 and 100 ng L−1. However, it was observed that the amount of co-extracted compounds was higher in mixed-mode ion exchangers compared with the reversed-phase cartridge. Application of the suspect screening method using the three different cartridges to surface water samples showed that between 0 to 3% of the positive matches found by the peak identification algorithm were classified as probable structures. Solutions to improve suspect screening of TOCs are proposed and discussed.
Cortical Thickness and Surface Area Networks in Healthy Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease and Behavioral Variant Fronto-Temporal Dementia
Authors: Vuksanović Vesna , Staff Roger T , Ahearn Trevor , Murray Alison D , Wischik Claude M
Published: November 2018

Models of the human brain as a complex network of inter-connected sub-units are important in helping to understand the structural basis of the clinical features of neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of this study was to characterize in a systematic manner the differences in the structural correlation networks in cortical thickness (CT) and surface area (SA) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and behavioral variant Fronto-Temporal Dementia (bvFTD). We have used the baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data available from a large population of patients from three clinical trials in mild to moderate AD and mild bvFTD and compared this to a well-characterized healthy aging cohort. The study population comprised 202 healthy elderly subjects, 213 with bvFTD and 213 with AD. We report that both CT and SA network architecture can be described in terms of highly correlated networks whose positive and inverse links map onto the intrinsic modular organization of the four cortical lobes. The topology of the disturbance in structural network is different in the two disease conditions, and both are different from normal aging. The changes from normal are global in character and are not restricted to fronto-temporal and temporo-parietal lobes, respectively, in bvFTD and AD, and indicate an increase in both global correlational strength and in particular nonhomologous inter-lobar connectivity defined by inverse correlations. These inverse correlations appear to be adaptive in character, reflecting coordinated increases in CT and SA that may compensate for corresponding impairment in functionally linked nodes. The effects were more pronounced in the cortical thickness atrophy network in bvFTD and in the surface area network in AD. Although lobar modularity is preserved in the context of neurodegenerative disease, the hub-like organization of networks differs both from normal and between the two forms of dementia. This implies that hubs may be secondary features of the connectivity adaptation to neurodegeneration and may not be an intrinsic property of the brain. However, analysis of the topological differences in hub-like organization CT and SA networks, and their underlying positive and negative correlations, may provide a basis for assisting in the differential diagnosis of bvFTD and AD.
External energy paradigm for black holes
Authors: Ha Yuan K.
Published: November 2018

A new paradigm for black holes is introduced. It is known as the External Energy Paradigm. The paradigm asserts that all energies of a black hole are external quantities; they are absent inside the horizon. These energies include constituent mass, gravitational energy, electrostatic energy, rotational energy, heat energy, etc. As a result, quantum particles with charges and spins cannot exist inside the black hole. To validate the conclusion, we derive the moment of inertia of a Schwarzschild black hole and find that it is exactly equal to mass [Formula: see text] (Schwarzschild radius)2, indicating that all mass of the black hole is located at the horizon. This remarkable result can resolve several long-standing paradoxes in black hole theory; such as why entropy is proportional to area and not to volume, the singularity problem, the information loss problem and the perplexing firewall controversy.
Thermodynamic stability, half-metallic and optical nature of graphene-like Mn2 ZrZ (Z = Ge, Si): Ab initio study
Authors: Anjami Arash , Boochani Arash , Elahi Seyed Mohammad , Akbari Hosein
Published: November 2018

Half-metallic, optical and thermodynamic phase diagrams of two-dimensional Mn2ZrZ (Z = Ge, Si) have been calculated by density functional theory (DFT) framework with full-potential linear augmented plane-wave (FP-LAPW) method. The spin-polarized electronic computations show that these layers have metallic behavior with a spin polarization less than 100%. It is observed that with increasing thickness of the layers, both the thermodynamic and energy stabilities increased, and the graphene-like layers of Mn2ZrGe with a thickness of 7.6955 Å and Mn2ZrSi with a thickness of 7.551 Å are completely stable thermodynamically. The optical responses of Mn2ZrZ (Z = Ge, Si) have anisotropy at infrared region versus the optical direction and have high metallic nature in this optical range. The plasmonic frequencies have occurred after the visible edge and the refraction index becomes lower than one after the ultra-violet edge.
Watermelon Ripeness Detection via Extreme Learning Machine with Kernel Principal Component Analysis Based on Acoustic Signals
Authors: Zhang Yinghao , Deng Xiaoyan , Xu Zhou , Yuan Peipei
Published: November 2018

Many investigations have proved that the acoustics method is intuitive and effective for determining watermelon ripeness. The objective of this work is to drive a new robust acoustics classification scheme KPCA-ELM, which is based on the kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) and extreme learning machine (ELM). Acoustic signals are sampled by a microphone from unripe, ripe and over-ripe watermelon samples, which are randomly divided into two sample sets for training and testing. A set of basic signals is first obtained via KPCA of the training sample. Thus, any given signal can be represented as a linear combination of basis signals, and the coefficients of linear combination are extracted as the features of a signal. Corresponding to the unripe, ripe and over-ripe watermelons, a three-class ELM identification model is constructed based on the training data. The scheme presented in this paper is tested with the testing sample and an accuracy of 92% is achieved. To further evaluate the scheme performance, a comparison of ELM and SVM is conducted in terms of the classification results. The results reveal that the proposed scheme can classify faster than SVM, while ELM is better than SVM in accuracy.