bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melanocytic and pseudomelanocytic nests coexist in interface dermatitis from head‐neck sun‐exposed skin: A report of three cases
Authors: Ferrara Gerardo , Bradamante Mirna , Broglia Irene , Petrillo Gianluca , Stefanato Catherine M.
Published: February 2020

Discrete junctional cellular aggregates (“nests”), partially staining with melanocytic markers, are described in lichenoid tissue reaction, mainly from chronically sun‐exposed skin. The concomitant epidermal flattening and papillary dermal fibrosis with melanophages, may raise the differential diagnosis to that of a regressing melanoma. We describe three cases of interface dermatitis of the head/neck area with clinicopathological features of melanotic discoid lupus erythematosus. These cases showed junctional aggregates, a few composed of inflammatory cells and colloid bodies (“pseudomelanocytic nests”), while others composed of S100‐ but MART‐1+, MITF+, and SOX‐10+ cells (“true melanocytic nests”); negativity of the melanocytic component for PRAME was a clue to benignity. True junctional melanocytic nesting may be induced by lichenoid dermatoses on chronically sun‐damaged skin. The presence of colloid bodies and of the double negativity for S100 (within nests) and PRAME (both within nests and single melanocytes), together with clinicopathological correlation, avoids misdiagnosis.
Contextualizing Internationalization Decision‐making Research in SMEs: Towards an Integration of Existing Studies
Authors: Elbanna Said , Hsieh Linda , Child John
Published: February 2020

This paper advances research on SME internationalization decision‐making through considering the relevance of its context. It systematically reviews empirical studies, together with conceptual papers and other reviews in related disciplines, in order to identify gaps in the literature. This provides the basis for an analytical framework that incorporates four aspects of context (decision, decision‐makers, firm and environment), two stages of the decision process (decision‐making and implementation), and two sets of outcomes (decision and organizational outcomes). The paper argues that greater theoretical integration is possible through examining the links between these factors in the light of insights from several perspectives. It also offers a number of specific contributions within its overall objective of advancing future research on decision‐making of internationalizing SMEs through its contextualization.
The mortality burden attributable to nontrauma fracture for privately insured adults with epilepsy
Authors: Whitney Daniel G. , Bell Sarah , McNamara Nancy A. , Hurvitz Edward A.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Individuals with epilepsy have poor bone development and preservation throughout the lifespan and are vulnerable to nontrauma fracture (NTFx) and post‐NTFx complications. However, no studies have examined the contribution of NTFx to mortality among adults with epilepsy. The objective was to determine whether NTFx is a risk factor for mortality among adults with epilepsy.

Methods

Data from 2011 to 2016 were obtained from Optum Clinformatics Data Mart, a nationwide claims database from a single private payer in the United States. Diagnosis codes were used to identify adults (≥18 years old) with epilepsy, NTFx, and covariates (demographics and pre‐NTFx cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer). Crude mortality rate per 100 person‐years was estimated. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined for mortality, comparing epilepsy and NTFx (EP + NTFx; n = 11 471), epilepsy without NTFx (EP without NTFx; n = 50 384), without epilepsy and with NTFx (without EP + NTFx; n = 423 041), and without epilepsy and without NTFx (without EP without NTFx; n = 6.8 million) after adjusting for covariates.

Results

The 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month crude mortality rates were highest among EP + NTFx (12‐month mortality rate = 8.79), followed by without EP + NTFx (12‐month mortality rate = 4.80), EP without NTFx (12‐month mortality rate = 3.06), and without EP without NTFx (12‐month mortality rate = 0.47). After adjustments, the mortality rate was elevated for EP + NTFx for all time points compared to EP without NTFx (eg, 12‐month HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.58‐1.85), without EP + NTFx (eg, 12‐month HR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.32‐1.51), and without EP without NTFx (eg, 12‐month HR = 5.23, 95% CI = 4.88‐5.60). Stratified analyses showed higher adjusted HRs of 12‐month mortality for EP + NTFx for all NTFx sites (ie, vertebral column, hip, extremities), all age categories (young, middle‐aged, older), and for both women and men.

Significance

Among adults with epilepsy and compared to adults without epilepsy, NTFx is associated with a higher 12‐month mortality rate. Findings suggest that NTFx may be a robust risk factor for mortality among adults with epilepsy.
Two New Endozoic Ciliates, Clevelandella lynni sp. n. and Nyctotherus galerus sp. n., Isolated from the Hindgut of the Wood‐feeding Cockroach Panesthia angustipennis (Illiger, 1801)
Authors: Pecina Lukáš , Vďačný Peter
Published: February 2020

Two new ciliate species, Clevelandella lynni sp. n. and Nyctotherus galerus sp. n., were discovered in the hindgut of wood‐feeding panesthiine cockroaches. Their morphology was studied using standard methods, and their phylogenetic positions within the order Clevelandellida were determined using the 18S rRNA gene sequences. Clevelandella lynni is characterized by a prominent peristomial projection, a notched left body margin, a tear‐shaped to broadly ovoidal macronucleus, a karyophore attached to the right body margin, and by an adoral zone composed of on average 48 membranelles and extending about 51% of body length. The diagnostic features of N. galerus include a short posterior body projection, a spherical to broadly ellipsoidal macronucleus, a karyophore attached to the right and left body margins, refractile bodies densely packed anterior to the macronucleus, and an adoral zone composed of on average 57 membranelles and extending about 70% body length. The order Clevelandellida was consistently depicted as monophyletic in 18S rRNA gene phylogenies. Nyctotherus galerus was placed in the paraphyletic family Nyctotheridae, as sister taxon to all other Nyctotherus and Clevelandella species isolated from cockroaches. Clevelandella lynni fell in the monophyletic family Clevelandellidae, as sister taxon to C. panesthiae KC139718 but with very poor statistical support.
Antifungal activity of edible coating made from chitosan and lactoperoxidase system against Phomopsis sp. RP257 and Pestalotiopsis sp. isolated from mango
Authors: Mohamed Cissé , Elise N'guessan , Etienne Tia V. , Loiseau Gérard , Montet Didier
Published: February 2020

Lactoperoxidase system (LPOS) was incorporated into chitosan solutions (0.5, 1, and 1.5%) to protect mangoes against two strains of fungi. Coating solutions effectiveness in vitro (in Petri dish) and in vivo (on mango) were studied on fungal (Phomopsis sp. RP257 and Pestalotiopsis sp.) growth isolated from mango cv Amelie. In vitro, chitosan concentration at least 1% containing or not LPOS effectively inhibited Pestalotiopsis sp. growth at 100%. Presence of LPOS or Lactoperoxydase system with iodine (LPOSI) in chitosan at 0.5% increased the percentage of inhibition from 26 to 93%. Edible films with LPOS inhibited Phomopsis sp. RP257 particularly when LPOS was incorporated in chitosan concentrations of 1 and 1.5%. Iodine did not influenced antifungal activity of LPOS against Pestalotiopsis sp. but decreased activity antifungal toward Phomopsis sp. RP257. The properties (water vapor permeability and mechanical properties) of chitosan films were not significantly changed by the incorporation of the enzyme system. in vivo condition, chitosan coating at 1 and 1.5% with or without enzyme system was sufficient to inhibit totally (100%) Pestalotiopsis sp. and was 60% efficient against Phomopsis sp. with chitosan only at 1 and 1.5%. However, when coating solution mainly at 1 and 1.5% was enhanced by LPOS with or without iodine, it inhibited totally (100%) Phomopsis sp. RP257. The presence of iodine slightly reduced antifungal activity against Phomopsis sp. RP257.
Cold subduction zone in northern Calabria (Italy) revealed by lawsonite–clinopyroxene blueschists
Authors: Tursi Fabrizio , Bianco Caterina , Brogi Andrea , Caggianelli Alfredo , Prosser Giacomo , Ruggieri Giovanni , Braschi Eleonora
Published: March 2020

Lawsonite blueschists are important markers of cold subduction zones, subjected to intense fluid circulation. This is because lawsonite preservation in exhumed blueschists and eclogites is typically linked to cold exhumation paths, accompanied by hydration. In the Catena Costiera (Calabria, southern Italy), lawsonite–clinopyroxene blueschists of the Diamante–Terranova Unit, affected by ductile shearing and retrogression, are exposed. Blueschists contain zoned clinopyroxene crystals, showing core–rim compositional variation from diopside to omphacite and hosting primary inclusions of lawsonite and titanite. Thermodynamic modelling of phase equilibria in the NCKFMASHTO system revealed peak metamorphic conditions of 2.0–2.1 GPa and 475–490°C for the Alpine subduction in Calabria. The subsequent post‐peak metamorphic evolution mainly proceeded along a decompression and cooling path up to ~1.1 GPa and ~380°C. The final exhumation stages are recorded in the sheared blueschists where a mylonitic to ultramylonitic foliation developed at ~0.7 GPa and 290–315°C. Therefore, the P–T evolution of the Diamante–Terranova blueschists mostly occurred in the stability field of lawsonite, sustained by H2O‐saturated conditions during the exhumation path. The results of this study indicate that the blueschists underwent peak metamorphic conditions higher than previously thought, reaching a maximum depth of ~70 km under a very cold geothermal gradient (~6.6°C/km), during the Eocene subduction of the Ligurian Tethys oceanic crust in Calabria.
Environmental factors in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Björk A. , Mofors J. , Wahren‐Herlenius M.
Published: February 2020

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease in which exocrine organs, primarily the salivary and lacrimal glands, are targets of chronic inflammation, leading to severe dryness of eyes and mouth. Fatigue and arthralgia are also common, and extraglandular manifestations involving the respiratory, nervous and vascular systems occur in a subset of patients. Persistent activation of the type I interferon system, and autoreactive B and T cells with production of disease‐associated autoantibodies are central to the pathogenesis. Genetic polymorphisms that associate with an increased risk of SS have been described, though the risk‐increase contributed by the respective variant is generally low. It is thus becoming increasingly clear that genetics cannot alone account for the development of SS and that other, presumably exogenous, factors must play a critical role. Relatively few studies have investigated exposure to potential risk factors prior to SS disease onset. Rather, many factors have been studied in prevalent cases. In this review, we summarize current literature on exogenous factors in the pathogenesis of SS including infections, hormones, smoking, solvents and additional compounds. We delineate for which factors there is current evidence of increased disease risk, and for which our present knowledge is confined to suggesting their role in SS pathogenesis. Finally, we outline future perspectives in the continued search for environmental risk factors for SS, a research area of great importance considering the possibilities for preventive measures.
Parenting Practices, Family Obligation, and Adolescents’ Academic Adjustment: Cohort Differences with Social Change in China
Authors: Bi Xinwen , Zhang Liang , Yang Yiqun , Zhang Wenxin
Published: February 2020

This study examined possible changes in the functions of parenting practices across different historical time points in terms of the effects of parenting practices on adolescents’ academic adjustment and their indirect effects via family obligation values. This study used a time‐lagged design that recruited Chinese high school students in 2010 (N = 1,040) and 2018 (N = 1,302). Structured equation modeling revealed the total effects of acceptance/involvement and strictness/supervision on academic adjustment and their indirect effects through family obligation values were positive and statistically equivalent across cohorts. However, the indirect effect of psychological autonomy granting on academic adjustment through family obligation values was negative in 2010 (in rural) but was not statistically significant in 2018 (urban and rural). These findings indicate that along with the sociodemographic change toward Gesellschaft (e.g., more urbanized, wealthier, higher level of education), psychological autonomy granting tends to exert less negative influence on adolescents’ adjustment in the later cohort.
Lower urinary tract symptoms and related factors in female university students
Authors: Gücük Sebahat , Ural Ülkü M. , Kayhan Mehmet , Gücük Adnan
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Our study aims to determine the symptoms and frequency of lower urinary tract in female university students and its related factors.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted between January and June 2017. To determine their sociodemographic characteristics and toilet habits, the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire, a 21‐item questionnaire, was applied to female university students accepting to participate in the study using the face‐to‐face interview method.

Results

The study was completed with 1091 individuals. The mean age of the participants was 20.27±1.69 years. The question “Do you feel a sudden urination sensation and run to the toilet?” was answered by 1.1% (n: 12) of the participants with “Always,” while 34.8% (n: 380) replied “Never.” In terms of feeling a sudden urination sensation, 0.5% (n: 6) of the participants stated that they “always” experience micturition, while 15.0% (n: 164) answered with “Seldom.” The complaint of being unable to empty their bladder completely while urinating was higher in students with constipation problems (P .04) and a body mass index (BMI) > 24.9 (P .02).

Conclusions

Lower urinary tract complaints are a common problem. We believe that routine medical screening should be performed for female university students whose living conditions change when they start university; besides, we suggest that well‐attended and repeatable training programs for healthy living behaviors, urinary habits, and hygiene should be organized for university students.
Efficacy and safety of direct‐acting antiviral‐based treatment in hepatitis C virus infected patients with chronic renal function impairment: An updated systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Hongling , Hu Xiao , Pu Lei , Ren Song , Feng Yunlin
Published: February 2020

Objective

To further determine the efficacy and safety of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA)‐based treatments in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients with renal function impairment.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies. All studies assessing the efficacy and safety of DAA‐based treatments against HCV infection in patients with renal impairment and HCV infection were eligible for inclusion. Outcomes assessed included efficacy outcomes and safety outcomes. Summary estimates were obtained using an inverse‐variance weighted random effect model and Freeman‐Tukey double arcsine transformation.

Results

Twenty‐seven studies (n = 1048 participants) were included. The majority of included studies were of fair quality with Newcastle‐Ottawa scale scores between 4 and 6. The pooled virologic response rates at the end of treatment or 4, 12, 24 weeks after treatment (ie, EOTR, SVR4, SVR12 and SVR24 rates) were 97.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 94.0%‐99.0%), 80.9% (95% CI, 49.3%‐98.7%), 94.1% (95% CI, 91.6%‐96.3%) and 89.6% (95% CI, 75.5%‐98.1%), respectively. The pooled relapse rate was 6.4% (95% CI, 3.4%‐10.4%). The pooled incidence of adverse events and severe adverse events leading to discontinuation were 47.6% (95% CI, 35.0%‐60.4%) and 2.9% (95% CI, 1.4%‐5.0%), respectively. High heterogeneity among studies exists for SVR4 and SVR24 rates. Formal statistical testing did not identify the presence of publication bias for all measured outcomes except the relapse rate.

Conclusion

The results support the efficacy and safety of DAA‐based treatments in this population. Future studies with better design, larger sample size and longer follow up will be the next step.

SUMMARY AT A GLANCE

This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of direct‐acting antiviral based therapies in hepatitis C infection in patients with renal impairment. The majority of studies were of fair quality only. These therapies were found to be highly efficacious although there were high rates of adverse events.
Technologies in caregiving: professionals’ strategies for engaging with new technology
Authors: Højlund Holger , Villadsen Kaspar
Published: March 2020

This article explores the adoption of new technology in organisations that provide senior citizen care. Inspired by Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory, we study how technology reduces complexity by identifying client needs and ensuring predictability in service delivery. However, how technologies are adopted in practice is not determined by technology since it is also structured by care‐workers' continuous decision‐making. Against this backdrop, we explore how technologies alter the conditions for decision‐making in two settings of elderly care, and we describe how care workers seek to adapt technologies to their practical needs as well as conception of care ethics. Developing a systems theory approach, the article eschews a priori assumptions of technological constraint on care‐workers’ professional autonomy, offering a more open‐ended exploration of diversified strategies for coping with new technology. Our case studies show that employees develop diversified strategies for technology adoption, including both non‐usage, heated resistance, excessive embrace, and creative adaption.
Accounting for Heterogeneity in Network Formation Behaviour: An Application to Vietnamese SMEs
Authors: Hoshino Tadao , Shimamoto Daichi , Todo Yasuyuki
Published: February 2020

Network formation is often characterized by homophily, i.e. the tendency of agents to connect with others who have similar attributes. However, while most agents are homophilous, others could be heterophilous; they aim to create ties with dissimilar agents. This study provides empirical evidence supporting this hypothesis by applying a random coefficient approach to data on the information‐sharing networks of small‐ and medium‐sized Vietnamese enterprises. In particular, we find that firms tend to form heterophilous links with respect to business type and gender ratio. One possible reason for the heterophily is that firms can obtain useful and performance‐improving information from such dissimilar partners.
Intramuscular dexmedetomidine and oral chloral hydrate for pediatric sedation for electroencephalography: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Joo Eun‐Young , Kim Yeon Ju , Park Yong‐Seok , Park Jihoon , Song Myung Hee , Hahm Kyung‐Don , Choi In‐Cheol
Published: February 2020

Background

Intramuscular dexmedetomidine can be used for pediatric sedation without requiring intravenous access and has advantages for electroencephalography by inducing natural sleep pathway, but only a limited number of studies compared the efficacy of intramuscular dexmedetomidine with oral chloral hydrate.

Aims

To compare the efficacy and safety of intramuscular dexmedetomidine and oral chloral hydrate used for sedation during electroencephalography in pediatric patients.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients who underwent sedation for electroencephalography between January 2015 and December 2016. Initial doses of dexmedetomidine and chloral hydrate were 3 mcg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively; second doses (1 mcg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively) were administered if adequate sedation was not achieved. Demographic data, time of sedative administration, time of sedation and awakening, and time of arrival at recovery room and discharge were analyzed.

Results

Out of a total of 1239 patients, 125 patients had received dexmedetomidine and 1114 had received chloral hydrate. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the dexmedetomidine and chloral hydrate groups each had 118 patients. Testing completion rate with a single dose of medication was higher in the dexmedetomidine group (91.5% vs 71.2%; mean difference [95% CI] 20.3 [10.8‐29.9];P < .0001; Pearson chi‐square value = 16.09). Sedation onset time was shorter in the dexmedetomidine group as well (16.6 ± 13.0 minutes vs 41.5 ± 26.8 minutes; mean difference [95% CI] 24.8 [19.1‐30.6];P < .0001; T = 8.27). On the contrary, the duration of recovery was longer in the dexmedetomidine group (35.5 ± 40.2 minutes vs 18.5 ± 30.7 minutes; mean difference [95% CI] 18.6 [8.8‐28.5];P = .0002; T = −2.82). Total residence time was not significantly different between the two groups (125.8 ± 40.6 minutes vs 122.1 ± 42.2 minutes, mean difference [95% CI] 5.21 [6.1‐16.5],P = .3665 T = 0.04).

Conclusions

Intramuscular dexmedetomidine showed higher sedation success rate and shorter time to achieving the desired sedation level compared with oral chloral hydrate and thus may be an effective alternative for oral chloral hydrate in pediatric patients requiring sedation for electroencephalography.
A Bayesian approach to triaxial strain tomography from high‐energy X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Hendriks J. N. , Wensrich C. M. , Wills A.
Published: February 2020

Diffraction of high‐energy X‐rays produced at synchrotron sources can provide rapid strain measurements, with high spatial resolution, and good penetrating power. With an uncollimated diffracted beam, through‐thickness averages of strain can be measured using this technique, which poses an associated rich tomography problem. This paper proposes a Gaussian process (GP) model for three‐dimensional strain fields satisfying static equilibrium and an accompanying algorithm for tomographic reconstruction of strain fields from high‐energy X‐ray diffraction. This method can achieve triaxial strain tomography in three dimensions using only a single axis of rotation. The method builds upon recent work where the GP approach was used to reconstruct two‐dimensional strain fields from neutron‐based measurements. A demonstration is provided from simulated data, showing the method is capable of rejecting realistic levels of Gaussian noise.
EFFECTS OF PEBAX COATING CONCENTRATIONS ON CO2/CH4 SEPARATION OF RGO/ZIF-8 PES MEMBRANES
Authors: Jamil Najihah , Othman Nur Hidayati , Shahrudin Munawar Zaman , Mohd Razlan Mohd Rizuan , Alias Nur Hashimah , Marpani Fauziah , Woe Jye Lau , Goh Pei Sean , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: March 2020

The biggest challenge surrounding application of polymeric membranes for gas separation is their trade–off between gas permeation and selectivity. Therefore, the use of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) comprising inorganic materials embedded into a polymer matrix can overcome this issue. In this work, PES flat sheet membrane and MMMs consists of 10 wt.% of rGO/ZIF-8 hybrid nanofillers were fabricated via dry/wet phase inversion process. Dip‐coating technique was then used to deposit PEBAX selective layer onto the surface of rGO/ZIF-8 PES support. The effects of PEBAX coating solution concentrations (2, 3 and 4 wt.%) on the permselectivity of CO2 and CH4 were investigated. The as-prepared rGO/ZIF-8 nanofillers and MMMs were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (SEM) prior to gas separation performance study. Gas permeation testing was carried out at operating pressure of 1, 3 and 5 bar using CO2 and CH4 gasses. It was observed that the prepared PES membranes and rGO/ZIF-8 PES MMMs did not have any selectivity towards the gases although their permeability was high. As the concentration of PEBAX coating solution increased, thicker coating layer was formed. Therefore, the permeability of CO2 rapidly dropped but the CO2/CH4 selectivity increased significantly up to 38.4.  Results indicated that the use of 2 wt.% of PEBAX was not effective to form homogenous coating layers on PES membrane and to cover any defects on membrane surfaces, thus, possessing low selectivity of CO2/CH4. The high gas separation performances obtained in this work was due to the synergistic effect rGO and ZIF-8 crystals. In the rGO/ZIF-8 MMMs, the dispersibility are enhanced due to the presence of distorted rGO sheets, while the ZIF-8 component ensure the porosity of the nanofillers and permit gas interactions with the metallic sites and functional groups on the organic linker. These sites facilitate the reactive adsorption leading to enhanced CO2 adsorption as compared to CH4.
Assessments of High-Efficient Regenerative Evaporative Cooler Effects on Desiccant Air Cooling Systems
Authors: Caliskan Hakan , Lee Dae-Young , Hong Hiki
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the effects of regenerative evaporative coolers on the dry desiccant air cooling system are assessed. Thermodynamic analysis is performed point by point on the unmodified (ɛ = 0.67) and modified (ɛ = 1) regenerative evaporative cooler supported systems. It is found that the effectiveness and efficiency of the system were significantly increased by modification. Effectiveness of the system increases from 0.95 to 2.16 for the wet bulb and from 0.63 to 1.43 for dew point effectivenesses, while the exergy efficiency increases from 18.40% to 41.93%. Exergy and energy performances of the system increase 1.28 times and 0.61 times, respectively. Finally, sustainability is increased by 40% with the modification of the regenerative evaporative cooler. Also, changing the regenerative evaporative cooler of the solid desiccant wheel with the effective one can increase the overall system efficiency and performance without changing the sensible heat and desiccant wheels.
The Effect of Surface Thermal Radiation on Heat Transfer in a Ventilated Cavity
Authors: Navarro J. M. A. , Hinojosa J. F. , Piña-Ortiz A. , Xamán J.
Published: February 2020

In this work, experimental and numerical results were obtained to analyze the effect of surface thermal radiation on heat transfer by mixed convection in a ventilated cavity. Experimental temperature profiles were obtained at six different depths and heights consisting of 14 thermocouples each. Five turbulence models were evaluated against experimental data. The radiative heat transfer model was solved with the discrete ordinate method. The effect of thermal radiation on experimental heat transfer coefficients is significant; it increases between 87% (Re = 30,372 and Ra = 3.04 × 1011) and 110% (Re = 6021 and Ra = 2.27 × 1011), when the emissivity of the walls increases from 0.03 to 0.98.
Reduced Glucose Tolerance and Skeletal Muscle GLUT4 and IRS1 Content in Cyclists Habituated to a Long-Term Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet
Authors: Webster Christopher C. , van Boom Kathryn M. , Armino Nur , Larmuth Kate , Noakes Timothy D. , Smith James A. , Kohn Tertius A.
Published: February 2020

Very little is known about how long-term (>6 months) adaptation to a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet affects insulin signaling in healthy, well-trained individuals. This study compared glucose tolerance; skeletal muscle glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) content; and muscle enzyme activities representative of the main energy pathways (3-hydroxyacetyl-CoA dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, citrate synthase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase, phosphorylase) in trained cyclists who followed either a long-term LCHF or a mixed-macronutrient (Mixed) diet. On separate days, a 2-hr oral glucose tolerance test was conducted, and muscle samples were obtained from the vastus lateralis of fasted participants. The LCHF group had reduced glucose tolerance compared with the Mixed group, as plasma glucose concentrations were significantly higher throughout the oral glucose tolerance test and serum insulin concentrations peaked later (LCHF, 60 min; Mixed, 30 min). Whole-body insulin sensitivity was not statistically significantly different between groups (Matsuda index: LCHF, 8.7 ± 3.4 vs. Mixed, 12.9 ± 4.6; p = .08). GLUT4 (LCHF: 1.13 ± 0.24; Mixed: 1.44 ± 0.16; p = .026) and IRS1 (LCHF: 0.25 ± 0.13; Mixed: 0.46 ± 0.09; p = .016) protein content was lower in LCHF muscle, but enzyme activities were not different. We conclude that well-trained cyclists habituated to an LCHF diet had reduced glucose tolerance compared with matched controls on a mixed diet. Lower skeletal muscle GLUT4 and IRS1 contents may partially explain this finding. This could possibly reflect an adaptation to reduced habitual glucose availability rather than the development of a pathological insulin resistance.
The Effects of Endurance-Based Skills-Specific Running Loads on Same-Day Resistance-Training Performance in Professional Australian Rules Football Players
Authors: Ritchie Dean , Keogh Justin , Stern Steven , Reaburn Peter , O’Connor Fergus , Bartlett Jonathan D.
Published: February 2020

Little is known about the effect of preceding endurance-exercise bouts on subsequent resistance-training (RT) performance in team-sport players. Purpose: To examine the effect of prior skills/endurance training and different recovery time periods on subsequent same-day RT performance in professional Australian football players. Methods: Sport-specific endurance-running loads (duration [in minutes], total distance [in meters], mean speed [in meters per minute], high-speed running >15 km·h−1, and relative high-speed running [>75% and >85% of maximal velocity]) were obtained for 46 professional Australian football players for each training session across an entire competitive season. RT was prescribed in 3 weekly mesocycles with tonnage (in kilograms) lifted recorded as RT performance. Endurance and RT sessions were interspersed by different recovery durations: ∼20 min and 1, 2, and 3 h. Fixed- and mixed-effect linear models assessed the influence of skills/endurance-running loads on RT performance. Models also accounted for season period (preseason vs in-season) and recovery duration between concurrent training bouts. Results: An increase in high-speed running and distance covered >75% and >85% of maximal velocity had the greatest reductions on RT performance. In-season total distance covered displayed greater negative effects on subsequent RT performance compared with preseason, while ∼20-min recovery between skills/endurance and RT was associated with greater reductions in RT performance, compared with 1-, 2-, and 3-h recovery. Conclusions: Sport-specific endurance-running loads negatively affect subsequent same-day RT performance, and this effect is greater in-season and with shorter recovery durations between bouts.
Cheap balloon-borne telescopes aim to rival space observatories
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: February 2020

Stable pointing system enables SuperBIT to deliver images almost as sharp as those from the Hubble Space Telescope.
Drug Effect of Clofazimine on Persisters Explains an Unexpected Increase in Bacterial Load in Patients
Authors: Faraj Alan , Svensson Robin J. , Diacon Andreas H. , Simonsson Ulrika S. H.
Published: February 2020

Antituberculosis (anti-TB) drug development is dependent on informative trials to secure the development of new antibiotics and combination regimens. Clofazimine (CLO) and pyrazinamide (PZA) are important components of recommended standard multidrug treatments of TB. Paradoxically, in a phase IIa trial aiming to define the early bactericidal activity (EBA) of CLO and PZA monotherapy over the first 14 days of treatment, no significant drug effect was demonstrated for the two drugs using traditional statistical analysis.
Co-occurrence of Plasmid-Mediated Tigecycline and Carbapenem Resistance in Acinetobacter spp. from Waterfowls and Their Neighboring Environment
Authors: Cui Chao-Yue , Chen Chong , Liu Bao-Tao , He Qian , Wu Xiao-Ting , Sun Ruan-Yang , Zhang Yan , Cui Ze-Hua , Guo Wen-Ying , Jia Qiu-lin , Li Cang , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Liao Xiao-Ping , Chen Liang , Liu Ya-Hong , Sun Jian
Published: February 2020

Tigecycline serves as one of the antibiotics of last resort to treat multidrug-resistant (including carbapenem-resistant) pathogens. However, the recently emerged plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance mechanism, Tet(X), challenges the clinical efficacy of this class of antibiotics. In this study, we detected 180
tet
(X)-harboring
Acinetobacter
isolates (8.9%,
n
 = 180) from 2,018 samples collected from avian farms and adjacent environments in China.
Gut Epithelial Metabolism as a Key Driver of Intestinal Dysbiosis Associated with Noncommunicable Diseases
Authors: Shelton Catherine D. , Byndloss Mariana X.
Published: February 2020

In high-income countries, the leading causes of death are noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. An important feature of most NCDs is inflammation-induced gut dysbiosis characterized by a shift in the microbial community structure from obligate to facultative anaerobes such as
Proteobacteria
. This microbial imbalance can contribute to disease pathogenesis by either a depletion in or the production of microbiota-derived metabolites. However, little is known about the mechanism by which inflammation-mediated changes in host physiology disrupt the microbial ecosystem in our large intestine leading to disease.
Two New SGI1-LK Variants Found in Proteus mirabilis and Evolution of the SGI1-HKL Group of
Salmonella
Genomic Islands
Authors: de Curraize Claire , Siebor Eliane , Varin Véronique , Neuwirth Catherine , Hall Ruth M.
Published: March 2020

Members of the SGI1-HKL subgroup of SGI1-type integrative mobilizable elements have a characteristic alteration in their backbone. They are widely distributed among multiply antibiotic-resistant
Salmonella enterica
serovars and
Proteus mirabilis
isolates. The SGI1-K type, found in the globally disseminated multiply antibiotic-resistant
Salmonella enterica
serovar Kentucky clone ST198 (sequence type 198), and various configurations in the original SGI1-LK group, found in other multiresistant
S. enterica
serovars and
Proteus mirabilis
isolates, have complex and highly plastic resistance regions due to the presence of IS
26
. However, how these complex forms arose and the relationships between them had not been analyzed. Here, a hypothetical progenitor, SGI1-LK0, that can be formed from the simpler SGI1-H is proposed, and the pathways to the formation of new variants, SGI1-LK1 and SGI1-LK2, found in
P. mirabilis
and other reported configurations via homologous recombination and IS
26
-mediated events are proposed. This led to a better understanding of the evolution of the SGI1-HKL group.
An electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) for the inactivation ofRhizoctonia solaniin fertigation solutions
Authors: Lévesque Serge , Graham Thomas , Bejan Dorin , Lawson Jamie , Zhang Ping , Dixon Mike
Published: February 2020

Boron-doped diamond anodes and stainless-steel cathodes were employed in an electrochemical flow cell and evaluated for inactivation efficacy on the plant pathogen Rhizoctonia solani J.G. Kühn [Thanatephorus cucumeris (A.B. Frank) Donk] in hydroponic fertigation water. The electrochemical system showed promise as an electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) in that significant reductions in R. solani (AG-8) were achieved; however, to achieve complete inactivation the system required supplemental chloride (20 mg L−1), while using 9.09 mA cm−2. The chloride allowed for low levels of free chlorine (≤0.17 mg L−1) that were more active in the bulk solution, complementing the electrode surface EAOP reactions. Perchlorate production was an initial concern but was found to be negligible under the conditions tested. Small but significant increases in nitrate, ammonium, and sulphate were observed following treatment. These increases are hypothesized to originate from the degradation of proteins and amino acids released during pathogen cell disruption.
Long-term rotation impacts soil total macronutrient levels and wheat response to applied nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur in a Luvisolic soil
Authors: Dyck Miles F. , Puurveen Dick
Published: March 2020

Over the last 20–30 yr, increased intensification and diversity of crop rotations, along with increasingly higher yielding crop cultivars on the Northern Great Plains, has increased nutrient removal from cropping systems, but also increased crop residues returned to the soil, affecting soil nutrient cycling, soil carbon (C) and nutrient balances. The University of Alberta Breton Classical Plots, established in 1929, consist of two crop rotations of varying diversity and intensity: (1) wheat–fallow (WF); and (2) 5 yr, cereal–forage. Superimposed on these rotations are eight fertility treatments, including a check (control), manure, balanced (NPKS), and nutrient exclusion treatments. Soil total C, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) levels were measured on soil samples (0–15 cm) collected from both rotations in 2013. Wheat yields and N uptake for the 2007–2018 growing seasons from both rotations were compared. In the 5 yr rotation, soil total C, N, and S, wheat yield and wheat N uptake were greater than the WF rotation. Soil total P levels were not different between the two rotations, but soil total K was higher in the WF rotation. Despite higher soil S and comparable soil P, wheat yield and N uptake response to applied P and S was greater in the 5 yr rotation compared with the WF rotation. Response to applied N in the 5 yr rotation was muted because of significant inputs of biologically fixed N. Wheat also responded to applied K in the 5 yr rotation. These results highlight the need to replace exported nutrients.
Designing Personalized Learning Environments — The Role of Learning Analytics
Authors: Klašnja-Milićević Aleksandra , Ivanović Mirjana , Stantić Bela
Published: February 2020

Learning analytics, as a rapidly evolving field, offers an encouraging approach with the aim of understanding, optimizing and enhancing learning process. Learners have the capabilities to interact with the learning analytics system through adequate user interface. Such systems enables various features such as learning recommendations, visualizations, reminders, rating and self-assessments possibilities. This paper proposes a framework for learning analytics aimed to improve personalized learning environments, encouraging the learner’s skills to monitor, adapt, and improve their own learning. It is an attempt to articulate the characterizing properties that reveals the association between learning analytics and personalized learning environment. In order to verify data analysis approaches and to determine the validity and accuracy of a learning analytics, and its corresponding to learning profiles, a case study was performed. The findings indicate that educational data for learning analytics are context specific and variables carry different meanings and can have different implications on learning success prediction.
Widespread mass-wasting processes off NE Sicily (Italy): insights from morpho-bathymetric analysis
Authors: Casalbore Daniele , Clementucci Romano , Bosman Alessandro , Chiocci Francesco Latino , Martorelli Eleonora , Ridente Domenico
Published: February 2020

The NE Sicilian continental margin is largely affected by canyons and related landslide scars. Two main types of submarine canyons are recognizable: the first type carves the shelf up to depths <20 m, a few hundred metres from the coast, acting as a main collector for sediments transported by hyperpycnal flows and/or littoral drift. These canyons mostly have a V-shaped cross-section and are characterized by a strong axial incision, where a network of dendritic gullies carving the canyon flanks converges. The second type of canyon occurs where the shelf is wider, hindering the direct connection between the subaerial and submarine drainage system. This setting exhibits canyon heads mostly confined to the shelf break, characterized by a weaker axial incision of the canyon and U-shaped cross-section. A total of 280 landslide scars are recognized in the study area and these are divided into three groups according to their morphology and location. A morphometric analysis of these scars is performed to investigate which parameters might be key factors in controlling instability processes and how they correlate with each other. We also try to assess the possible tsunamigenic potential associated with these landslide events by coupling the morphometric analysis with semi-empirical relationships available in the literature.
Efficient DropBox Deployment toward Improving Post-Disaster Information Exchange in a Smart City
Authors: Das Nabanita , Basu Souvik , Bit Sipra Das
Published: February 2020

In the face of a disaster, the already installed gadgets in a smart city can be leveraged to gather post-disaster situational information. However, owing to the typical disruption of cellular and Internet connectivity during disasters, the possibility of transmitting situational information using conventional communication infrastructure is almost ruled out. The networking research community has strongly proposed the use of delay tolerant networks (DTN) in such challenged network scenario. In this article, we exploit the movement of volunteers carrying smartphones in such a scenario to form a DTN and propose a utility-based DropBox deployment scheme toward improving post-disaster situational information exchange. In this scheme, DropBoxes are deployed across the network at high utility locations. Since the effectiveness of the proposed scheme can be evaluated accurately considering an appropriate post-disaster mobility model suitable for smart cities, we present a human movement model for a post-disaster scenario in a smart city. This movement model is shown to have better performance over other competing movement models in a post-disaster smart city environment. An extensive simulation is performed using ONE simulator to evaluate the comparative performance of the proposed DropBox deployment scheme with some state-of-the-art existing deployment schemes using the presented movement model. Simulation results justify the proposed DropBox deployment scheme improves network performances in terms of delivery ratio, overhead ratio, and average residual energy at the cost of tolerable latency.
Long-Term Exchange Rate Probability Density Forecasting Using Gaussian Kernel and Quantile Random Forest
Authors: Gyamerah Samuel Asante , Moyo Edwin
Published: February 2020

In the midst of macro-economic uncertainties, accurate long-term exchange rate forecasting is crucial for decision-making and planning. To measure the uncertainty associated with exchange rate and obtaining additional information of future exchange rate, a hybrid model based on quantile regression forest and Gaussian kernel (GQRF) is constructed. Quarterly dataset of KSh/USD exchange rate and macro-economic variables from 2007 to 2016 are used. The forecast horizon spans from 2013 to 2016. With a prediction interval coverage probability and prediction interval average width of 95% and 29.6493%, the constructed model has a very high coverage probability. The method of determining the probabilistic forecasts is very significant to achieve forecasts with correct coverage. The probability density forecasting model for the exchange rate gave significant information–the probability distribution of the forecasted results. In this way, uncertainties around the forecast can be evaluated because the complete exchange rate distribution are forecasted. GQRF is efficient as it can uphold the uncertainty about the variance linked to each point, which is important for exchange rate forecasting. Using the constructed model, the probabilities of exceedance such as the probability of future exchange rate exceeding the average exchange rate for the year can be computed. This paper also adds to the scarce literature of exchange rate probability density forecasting using machine learning techniques.
A Novel Analytical Solution for the Brazilian Test with Loading Arcs
Authors: Gutiérrez-Moizant R. , Ramírez-Berasategui M. , Santos-Cuadros S. , García-Fernández C. C.
Published: February 2020

This research study presents a new theoretical model to calculate the indirect tensile strength for the Brazilian disk with loading arcs, based on numerical simulations, two-dimensional elasticity theory, and Griffith failure criterion. The new expression incorporates a no uniform contact pressure distribution determined by the results of the simulations with the finite element method. A computational experiment design has been developed to test the accuracy of the predictions made with the proposed model. This study demonstrates that the stresses predicted with the new model are closer to those determined by the finite element models than other theoretical solutions available in the literature. Additionally, a comparative analysis with experimental results obtained by other authors also indicates that the new model provides a more accurate magnitude of the indirect tensile strength.
How Price-Based Frequency Regulation Impacts Stability in Power Grids: A Complex Network Perspective
Authors: Ji Peng , Zhu Lipeng , Lu Chao , Lin Wei , Kurths Jürgen
Published: February 2020

With the deregulation of modern power grids, electricity markets are playing a more and more important role in power grid operation and control. However, it is still questionable how the real-time electricity price-based operation affects power grid stability. From a complex network perspective, here we investigate the dynamical interactions between price-based frequency regulations and physical networks, which results in an interesting finding that a local minimum of network stability occurs when the response strength of generators/consumers to the varying price increases. A case study of the real world-based China Southern Power Grid demonstrates the finding and exhibits a feasible approach to network stability enhancement in smart grids. This also provides guidance for potential upgrade and expansion of the current power grids in a cleaner and safer way.