bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide analyses of Liberibacter species provides insights into evolution, phylogenetic relationships, and virulence factors
Authors: Thapa Shree P. , De Francesco Agustina , Trinh Jessica , Gurung Fatta B. , Pang Zhiqian , Vidalakis Georgios , Wang Nian , Ancona Veronica , Ma Wenbo , Coaker Gitta
Published: February 2020

‘Candidatus Liberibacter’ species are insect‐transmitted, phloem‐limited α‐Proteobacteria in the order of Rhizobiales. The citrus industry is facing significant challenges due to huanglongbing, associated with infection from ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (Las). In order to gain greater insight into ‘Ca. Liberibacter’ biology and genetic diversity, we have performed genome sequencing and comparative analyses of diverse ‘Ca. Liberibacter’ species, including those that can infect citrus. Our phylogenetic analysis differentiates ‘Ca. Liberibacter’ species and Rhizobiales in separate clades and suggests stepwise evolution from a common ancestor splitting first into nonpathogenic Liberibacter crescens followed by diversification of pathogenic ‘Ca. Liberibacter’ species. Further analysis of Las genomes from different geographical locations revealed diversity among isolates from the United States. Our phylogenetic study also indicates multiple Las introduction events in California and spread of the pathogen from Florida to Texas. Texan Las isolates were closely related, while Florida and Asian isolates exhibited the most genetic variation. We have identified conserved Sec translocon (SEC)‐dependent effectors likely involved in bacterial survival and virulence of Las and analysed their expression in their plant host (citrus) and insect vector (Diaphorina citri). Individual SEC‐dependent effectors exhibited differential expression patterns between host and vector, indicating that Las uses its effector repertoire to differentially modulate diverse organisms. Collectively, this work provides insights into the evolution of ‘Ca. Liberibacter’ species, the introduction of Las in the United States and identifies promising Las targets for disease management.
The ethics of nudging: An overview
Authors: Schmidt Andreas T. , Engelen Bart
Published: February 2020

So‐called nudge policies utilize insights from behavioral science to achieve policy outcomes. Nudge policies try to improve people's decisions by changing the ways options are presented to them, rather than changing the options themselves or incentivizing or coercing people. Nudging has been met with great enthusiasm but also fierce criticism. This paper provides an overview of the debate on the ethics of nudging to date. After outlining arguments in favor of nudging, we first discuss different objections that all revolve around the worry that nudging vitiates personal autonomy. We split up this worry into different dimensions of autonomy, such as freedom of choice, volitional autonomy, rational agency, and freedom as nondomination. We next discuss worries that nudging is manipulative, violates human dignity, and prevents more important structural reform. Throughout, we will present responses that proponents of nudging can muster. On the whole, we conclude that the objections fail to establish that the nudge program as a whole should be rejected. At the same time, they give us important guidance when moving towards an ethical assessment of nudges on a case‐by‐case basis. Towards the end, we provide some possible ways forward in debates around the ethics of nudging.
Photodynamic Activity on Biofilm in Endotracheal Tubes of Patients Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Soares Rosane Bassi , Costa Denis Honorato , Miyakawa Walter , Delgado Maria Goretti Temoteo , Garcez Aguinaldo Silva , Yoshimura Tania Mateus , Ribeiro Martha Simões , Nunez Silvia Cristina
Published: February 2020

Ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) is an infection that arises after endotracheal intubation affecting patients under intensive care. The presence of the endotracheal tube (ETT) is a risk factor since it is colonized by multispecies biofilm. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) could be a strategy to decontaminate ETTs. We verify if methylene blue (MB) associated with external illumination of the ETT could be an alternative to destroy biofilm. We performed an in vitro and ex vivo study. In vitro study was performed with P. aeruginosa biofilm grew over ETT for 7 days. After treatment, the surviving cells were cultured for 3 days and the biofilm was analyzed by crystal violet absorbance. Ex vivo study employed ETT obtained from extubated patients. aPDT was performed with MB (100 µm) and red LED (λ = 640±20 nm). We quantified the biofilm thickness and used scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence technique to verify morphological and functional changes after aPDT. Our results showed that bacteria remain susceptible to aPDT after sequential treatments. We also attested that aPDT can reduce biofilm thickness, disrupt biofilm attachment from ETT surface and kill microbial cells. These data suggest that aPDT should be investigated to decrease VAP incidence via ETT decontamination.
Establishing the validity of a novel passive stress task
Authors: Griffin Siobhán M. , Howard Siobhán
Published: February 2020

Laboratory tasks used to elicit a cardiovascular stress response in the laboratory can involve either active or passive coping. However, in previous work, passive stress tasks often incorporate a distinct physical stress element, such as the handgrip or cold pressor task, meaning observed changes in cardiovascular parameters may be the result of the physical element of the stressor rather than truly reflecting psychological stress. The present study aimed to establish the validity of a psychological passive stressor; one more analogous to active tasks than those previously employed in laboratory studies. Twenty‐six young, healthy adults completed a speech task in the laboratory following a resting baseline period. Twelve months later, they were invited back to the laboratory and watched the video recording of their speech. Analyses confirmed that while both tasks elicited significant SBP and DBP change (allps < .001), only the active task was associated with HR and CO reactivity (bothps < .001), while only the passive task was associated with TPR reactivity (p = .028). Furthermore, the passive stressor was associated with a mixed hemodynamic profile, whereas the active stressor was associated with a clear myocardial profile. This study confirms that watching a video recording of oneself complete a speech task is associated with a more vascular response profile, a response associated with passive coping contexts.
Trafficking intensity index for soil compaction management in grasslands
Authors: Bondi Giulia , O‘Sullivan Lilian , Fenton Owen , Creamer Rachel , Marongiu Irene , Wall David P.
Published: February 2020

Good soil structure provides multiple benefits for society but in grass‐based production systems is underpinned by trafficking management regime. For Irish soils, there is no soil trafficking intensity index that considers the effect of geo‐climatic variability or differences in drainage classes on soil compaction risk. Grazing and machinery activity data were compiled across 38 managed grasslands along with common soil structural quality indicators in order to develop and validate a ‘soil trafficking intensity index for compaction (STICi)’. Two component indices of STICi were developed: (a) a grazing trafficking index (Gi, kg × year ha−1) and (b) a machinery trafficking index (Mi, kg × year ha−1). The average annual grazing trafficking pressure observed was 213,914 kg × year ha−1, and the average annual machinery trafficking pressure was 4,412 kg × year ha−1. These figures represent thresholds above which soils are at higher risk of compaction. Mi spanned a wider range (−2.1 ≤ Mi ≤ 2.8) compared with Gi (−1.32 ≤ Gi ≤ 1.06). STICi and components, when disaggregated by soil drainage class, were able to detect changes in direct indicators of soil structural quality, such as bulk density, total porosity, water holding capacity, water conductivity and visual soil assessment. STICi (Mi and Gi) were also related to indirect indicators, such as, soil carbon content, earthworms and microbial biomass. In general, poorly drained sites showed higher vulnerability to machinery trafficking intensity compared with grazing trafficking pressure. At national scale, STICi can be utilized to identify soils at risk of compaction and underpin targeted management advice for supporting sustainable grassland production.
HLA‐C expression level in both unstimulated and stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells is defined by allotype
Authors: Carey B. Sean , Poulton Kay V. , Poles Anthony
Published: February 2020

Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are present on the surface of all nucleated cells, with the level of expression dependent on the particular HLA locus, the cell type and cellular activation state. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are easily isolated from umbilical cords and may aid our understanding of HLA expression on the vascular endothelium in the setting of transplantation. Endothelial cells on the donor‐recipient interface form the barrier between transplanted organs and the host immune system. Increased knowledge of the variation in levels of individual HLA specificities may inform the assessment of transplant risk. HUVECs from 48 full term babies born consecutively following planned caesarean section were isolated, HLA typed and grown on gelatin coated culture wells. Once confluent, cells were stimulated with optimal concentrations of the cytokines TNF‐α and IFN‐γ for 24 hours and HLA‐C expression on both unstimulated and stimulated cells was quantified by flow cytometry using the fluorescent labelled monoclonal antibody DT‐9 PE. Unstimulated HLA‐C expression varied by over 60% between allotypes (ANOVA, P = .004). Following stimulation, HLA‐C levels increased over 15‐fold and showed the same variation of expression between allotypes (P < .001). Cell surface HLA‐C expression increases between 500% and 3125%, after stimulation for 24 hours. HLA‐C level varies between allotypes and cells expressing more HLA‐C at baseline tended to have corresponding higher levels of HLA‐C following cytokine stimulation (Pearson's correlation coefficient between unstimulated and stimulated expression, P = .002).
Urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio in cattle with subclinical renal disease
Authors: Katsoulos Panagiotis D. , Athanasiou Labrini V. , Psalla Dimitra , Marouda Christina , Papchianou Maria , Tsitsos Anestis , Boscos Constantin , Polizopoulou Zoe S.
Published: February 2020

Background

Urinalysis is not routinely used in bovine medicine, and there is no evidence as to whether urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UPC) could be used for the diagnosis of renal diseases in cattle.

Objective

The goal of the study was to determine alterations in UPCs observed with different subclinical renal diseases in clinically healthy cattle and to investigate whether UPC can efficiently differentiate cattle with and without subclinical renal pathology.

Methods

Kidney and urine samples from 57 clinically healthy adult dairy (44) and beef (13) cattle were collected after slaughter. Urinary protein and creatinine concentrations were measured in an automatic analyzer, and urinary‐specific gravity (USG) was measured using a temperature compensated refractometer. Kidney samples underwent histopathologic examination, and the cattle were classified as NL (no renal lesion) and L (lesions detected even in one kidney). Based on USG, the cattle were divided into the Normal USG (≥1.020) and Low USG (<1.020) groups. The cattle with either histopathologic lesions or low specific gravities were considered to have renal disease.

Results

Renal lesions were detected in 37 cattle. UPC values were significantly affected (P < .05) by USG values, and not by the type of lesion detected, breed, or age, and their interactions (P > .05). The analysis revealed that a UPC of ≥0.19 provided an optimal cut‐off point for the differentiation between normal animals and those with renal disease with 66.0% sensitivity and 90% specificity.

Conclusions

The UPC calculation is a useful tool for the differentiation of normal cattle and those with renal disease. A UPC of less than 0.19 is associated with the absence of renal damage, whereas higher values raise suspicion for renal disease.
Flow Structures and Unsteady Behaviors of Film Cooling from Discrete Holes Fed by Internal Crossflow
Authors: Qenawy Mohamed , Chen Han , Peng Di , Liu Yingzheng , Zhou Wenwu
Published: February 2020

The flow structures and unsteady behaviors of a flat plate film cooling flow behind a single row of circular holes fed by internal crossflow were extensively investigated. The investigation was achieved experimentally using fast-response pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) at a high frame rate and numerically using large-eddy simulation (LES). During the experiment, the coolant flow was discharged from discrete holes (i.e., a row of circular holes with 3D spacing, 6.5D entry length, and 35 deg incline angle) via a crossflow channel. Two blowing ratios (M = 0.4 and 0.8) were tested at a density ratio of DR = 0.97. The measured unsteadiness caused by the predicted flow structure over the coolant surface was identified by spatial correlation. The unsteady signatures were decomposed and demonstrated by proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). The results reveal that the flow structure plays the main role in cooling performance and its instability. The internal flow produced a vortex tube structure that was responsible for the shear vortex (i.e., Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities) between the coolant and the mainstream at the hole exit. The internal crossflow forced the legs of the counter-rotating vortex pair (CRVP) to spread laterally, and the coolant to fluctuate asymmetrically around the discrete holes. This unsteady behavior may potentially cause high thermal stress and leads to blade cracking over a long time.
A New Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimization Formulation With the Acquisition Function for Convergence and Diversity
Authors: Shu Leshi , Jiang Ping , Shao Xinyu , Wang Yan
Published: February 2020

Bayesian optimization is a metamodel-based global optimization approach that can balance between exploration and exploitation. It has been widely used to solve single-objective optimization problems. In engineering design, making trade-offs between multiple conflicting objectives is common. In this work, a multi-objective Bayesian optimization approach is proposed to obtain the Pareto solutions. A novel acquisition function is proposed to determine the next sample point, which helps improve the diversity and convergence of the Pareto solutions. The proposed approach is compared with some state-of-the-art metamodel-based multi-objective optimization approaches with four numerical examples and one engineering case. The results show that the proposed approach can obtain satisfactory Pareto solutions with significantly reduced computational cost.
RELATIVE CASING MOTION EFFECT ON SQUEALER TIP COOLING PERFORMANCE AT TIGHT TIP CLEARANCE
Authors: Zhu Diwei , Zhang Qiang , Lu Shaopeng , Teng Jinfang
Published: February 2020

The effect of relative motion between the casing and turbine blade tip has been recognized as an important factor for tip aerothermal performance evaluation. Tight tip clearance is becoming one of the main objectives of engine manufacturers. This paper provides some insights on the topic that the impact of casing motion on the blade tip thermal performance could be different between nominal and tight tip clearances. A typical squealer tip geometry was employed, with coolant holes on the cavity floor near the pressure side rim. Three tip clearances, 1.1%, 0.6% and 0.2% of the span, are compared. The CFD method was validated against experimental data in the previous study. The results suggest that, in the tight tip situation, the effect of casing motion on cooling efficiency and flow structure is distinguished from the larger clearance situations. The scraping effect drives the leakage flow towards the blade suction surface, inducing high thermal load at tight clearance. The findings in this study highlight the importance of relative casing motion, especially at tight clearance.
Effect of Thermal Load on Evaporation Loss of Natural Draft Counter-Flow Wet Cooling Towers
Authors: Yuan Wei , Sun Fengzhong , Chen Xuehong , Liu Ruqing
Published: February 2020

Based on the Merkel method, a mathematical model for calculating the evaporation loss of natural draft counterflow wet cooling towers (NDWCTs) was established. Taking the NDWCTs of the representative 300 MW and 600 MW power plants as the experimental objects, the calculated values obtained by the mathematical method were in good agreement with field experiment. Then, the effect of thermal load on evaporation loss of NDWCT was analyzed. The results showed that with the thermal load of NDWCT increasing, the evaporation loss increased, while the rate of evaporation loss caused by per unit change in temperature decreased. When the thermal load is the same, the evaporation loss was basically equal no matter by changing the mass flowrate or the inlet water temperature.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Additively Manufactured Inconel 718 Coupons With Lattice Structure
Authors: Parbat Sarwesh , Min Zheng , Yang Li , Chyu Minking
Published: February 2020

In the present paper, two lattice geometries suitable for near surface and double wall cooling were developed and tested. The first type of unit cell consisted of six ligaments of 0.5 mm diameter joined at a common vertex near the middle. The second type of unit cell was derived from the first type by adding four mutually perpendicular ligaments in the middle plane. Two lattice configurations, referred to as L1 and L2, respectively, were obtained by repeating the corresponding unit cell in streamwise and spanwise directions in an inline fashion. Test coupons consisting of these lattice geometries embedded inside rectangular cooling channel with dimensions of 2.54 mm height, 38.07 mm width, and 38.1 mm in length were fabricated using Inconel 718 powder and selective laser sintering (SLS) process. The heat transfer and pressure drop performance was then evaluated using steady-state tests with constant wall temperature boundary condition and for channel Reynolds number ranging from 2800 to 15,000. The lattices depicted a higher heat transfer compared with a smooth channel and both the heat transfer and pressure drop increased with a decrease in the porosity from L1 to L2. Steady-state conjugate numerical results revealed formation of prominent vortical structures in the inter-unit cell spaces, which diverted the flow toward the top end wall and created an asymmetric heat transfer between the two end walls. In conclusion, these lattice structures provided an augmented heat transfer while favorably redistributing the coolant within channel.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Phase Change Heat Transfer in the Presence of Rayleigh–Benard Convection
Authors: Parsazadeh Mohammad , Duan Xili
Published: February 2020

This research investigates the melting rate of a phase change material (PCM) in the presence of Rayleigh–Benard convection. A scaling analysis is conducted for the first time for such a problem, which is useful to identify the parameters affecting the phase change rate and to develop correlations for the solid–liquid interface location and the Nusselt number. The solid–liquid interface and flow patterns in the liquid region are analyzed for PCM in a rectangular enclosure heated from bottom. Numerical and experimental results both reveal that the number of Benard cells is proportional to the ratio of the length of the rectangular enclosure over the solid–liquid interface location (i.e.,, the liquified region aspect ratio). Their effect on the local heat flux is also analyzed as the local heat flux profile changes with the solid–liquid interface moving upward. The variations of average Nusselt number are obtained in terms of the Stefan number, Fourier number, and Rayleigh number. Eventually, the experimental and numerical data are used to develop correlations for the solid–liquid interface location and average Nusselt number for this type of melting problems.
Combined Effect of Number of Players and Dribbling on Game-Based-Drill Demands in Basketball
Authors: Ferioli Davide , Rucco Diego , Rampinini Ermanno , La Torre Antonio , Manfredi Marco M. , Conte Daniele
Published: February 2020

Purpose: To examine the physiological, physical, and technical demands of game-based drills (GBDs) with regular dribble (RD) or no dribble (ND) involving a different number of players (3 vs 3, 4 vs 4, and 5 vs 5). Methods: Ten regional-level male basketball players performed 6 full-court GBD formats (each consisting of 3 bouts of 4 min and 2 min rest) on multiple occasions. The physiological and perceptual responses were measured through heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. Video-based time–motion analysis was performed to assess the GBD physical demands. The frequencies of occurrence and the duration were calculated for high-intensity, moderate-intensity, low-intensity, and recovery activities. Technical demands were assessed with a notional-analysis technique. A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess statistical differences between GBD formats. Results: A greater perceptual response (rating of perceived exertion) was recorded during 3 versus 3 than 5 versus 5 formats (P = .005). Significant interactions were observed for the number of recovery (P = .021), low-intensity activity (P = .007), and all movements (P = .001) completed. Greater time was spent performing low-intensity and high-intensity activities during RD than ND format. Greater technical demands were observed for several variables during 3 versus 3 than 4 versus 4 or 5 versus 5. A greater number of turnovers (P = .027), total (P ≤ .001), and correct passes (P ≤ .001) were recorded during ND than RD format. Conclusions: The number of players predominantly affected the perceptual response to GBD, while both the number of players and rule modification (RD vs ND) affected activities performed during GBD. Reducing the number of players increases the GBD technical elements, while ND format promotes a greater number of turnovers and passes.
The Prevalence and 5-Year Incidence Rate of Low Physical Activity in an Urban Population of 10,000 in Southeastern Iran: Relationship With Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Najafipour Hamid , Kahnooji Masoomeh , Baneshi Mohammad Reza , Yeganeh Mahboobeh , Ahmadi Gohari Milad , Shadkam Farokhi Mitra , Mirzazadeh Ali
Published: February 2020

Background: Because of high prevalence of coronary artery diseases (CADs) in Iran and their relationship with low physical activity (LPA), this study aimed to measure the epidemic size of LPA, its incidence rate, and its relationship with other CAD risk factors in Kerman, Iran. Methods: About 10,000 adults were randomly recruited through single-stage cluster sampling. Demographic characteristics, biochemical variables, smoking, opium use, mental status, and physical activities were assessed. The relationship between LPA and 7 other CAD risk factors was measured. Five-year incidence rate of LPA was calculated according to the data from the physically active participants in the first phase of the study (n = 3416) who attended the second phase after 5 years. Results: The prevalence of low, moderate, and intense physical activity was 47.2%, 34.8%, and 18.0%, respectively. LPA rose from 45.1% to 62.2% after the age of 25 years. Women had higher LPA than men. Participants with LPA had significantly higher chance of cigarette smoking, diabetes, overweight/obesity, hypertension, and opium addiction. Five-year incidence rate of LPA was 5.1 persons/100 person-years among physically active population. Conclusion: Almost half of the studied population suffering from LPA was at risk of CAD. Such risky lifestyle pattern while worsened in the last 5 years makes the emerging of CAD epidemic unavoidable, if appropriate timely interventions not being in place accordingly.
Safety benefits of ‘biased’ opioids scrutinized
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: February 2020

Mouse studies challenge premise of efforts to reduce painkillers' fatal side effect.
The First Thousand Days: early, integrated and evidence-based approaches to improving child health: coming to a population near you?
Authors: Darling Jonathan C , Bamidis Panagiotis D , Burberry Janice , Rudolf Mary C J
Published: February 2020

The ‘First Thousand Days’ refers to the period from conception to the child’s second birthday. It is increasingly gaining traction as a concept to guide public health policy. It is seen as a crucial window of opportunity for interventions that improve child and population health. This review outlines the origin and growth of the First Thousand Days concept, and the evidence behind it, particularly in the areas of brain development and cognition; mental and emotional health; nutrition and obesity; programming and economic benefits. The review then describes UK experience of use of the concept to inform policy, and a recent government inquiry that mandates more widespread implementation.
Appendiceal Crohn’s disease: a rare differential of right iliac fossa pain
Authors: Crellin Adam James , Musbahi Omar , Onwu Natasha , Singh Sandeep
Published: February 2020

A 30-year-old man with a history of severe right iliac fossa pain was referred to the surgical emergency unit. His symptoms began 3 days prior as mild, non-specific abdominal pain which progressively localised to the right iliac fossa and worsened in severity. Investigations were suggestive of acute appendicitis, and therefore a laparoscopic appendicectomy was planned. Laparoscopy revealed a thickened, necrotic appendix with a mass at the base of the appendix, in keeping with the appearance of an appendiceal malignancy. Subsequently a right hemicolectomy was performed. Histology revealed active chronic inflammation and granulomas highly suggestive of appendiceal Crohn’s disease. Since, the patient has made a good recovery and presently shows no further signs of Crohn’s disease. This case is demonstrative of one of many rare findings on histological examination of the appendix. It emphasises the need for a wide differential when investigating right iliac fossa pain.
Solitary neurofibroma of maxilla: a rare clinical entity
Authors: Grewal Meetkamal , Saini Nitin , Gautam Swati , Garg Preeti
Published: February 2020

Neurofibroma (NF) is a benign tumour of the peripheral nervous system which is rare in head and neck region. Head and neck NF are mostly located in the soft tissue and rarely seen intraosseously. These may present either as solitary lesions or as part of the generalised syndrome of neurofibromatosis or von Recklinghausen's disease of the skin. The intraosseous ones are most commonly seen as solitary lesions, rather than part of neurofibromatosis. The following report describes a unique case of a solitary neurofibroma of the maxilla without generalised syndrome of neurofibromatosis in a male patient.
Multiple liver abscesses caused byStreptococcus intermediusbacteremia in the setting of a routine dental cleaning
Authors: Hanna Angy , Imam Zaid , Odish Fadi , Dalal Bhavin
Published: February 2020

Streptococcus intermediusis a Gram-positive cocci, normally found in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. It has been associated with deep-seated purulent abscesses commonly in the brain or liver in immunocompromised patients. Here, we discuss the case of a 21-year-old immunocompetent patient that presented with septic shock in the setting of multiple pyogenic liver abscesses with positive blood cultures forS. intermedius. The patient had a dental cleaning 3 months prior to admission. The abscesses resolved with ultrasound guided drainage and antibiotic therapy.
Mendelian randomization study of serum uric acid levels and diabetes risk: evidence from the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort
Authors: Keerman Mulatibieke , Yang Fen , Hu Hua , Wang Jing , Wang Fei , Li Zhaoyang , Yuan Jing , Yao Ping , Zhang Xiaomin , Guo Huan , Yang Handong , He Meian
Published: February 2020

Objective

Limited Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have assessed the causal relationship between serum uric acid levels and diabetes risk. Here we investigated causality between the serum uric acid concentration and diabetes risk in Chinese population.

Research design and methods

The observational analysis, based on the Dongfeng-Tongji prospective cohort (n=15 195) we tested the association of serum uric acid levels with incident diabetes risk. In the instrumental variable analysis, we examined the association of the genetic risk score (GRS) of serum uric acid with diabetes risk in case-control design (2539 cases and 4595 controls) via MR analysis.

Results

During a mean (SD) follow-up of 4.5 (0.5) years, 1156 incident diabetes cases were identified. Compared with those in the lowest quintile of serum uric acid levels, the HRs of incident diabetes were 1.19 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.48), 1.12 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.40), 1.38 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.70), and 1.51 (95% CI 1.23 to 1.87) for Q2, Q3, Q4 and Q5, respectively (P-trend <0.001). The GRS was strongly associated with serum uric acid levels (β=0.17, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.19;P=2.81×10-67). However, no significant association was observed between the GRS and diabetes risk (OR=1.01, 95 CI 0.95 to 1.06;P=0.75).

Conclusions

Even though serum uric acid levels were significantly associated with increased incident diabetes risk, the results did not provide evidence for a causal relationship between them.
High risk of microscopic colitis after Campylobacter concisus infection: population-based cohort study
Authors: Nielsen Hans Linde , Dalager-Pedersen Michael , Nielsen Henrik
Published: February 2020

Objective

Microscopic colitis (MC) encompasses the two histopathological distinct entities of collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC). In this Danish population-based cohort study, we examined the risk of MC following stool culture with Campylobacter concisus, C. jejuni, non-typhoidal Salmonella or a culture-negative stool test.

Design

We identified patients with a first-time positive stool culture with C. concisus, C. jejuni, non-typhoidal Salmonella or negative stool test, from 2009 through 2013 in North Denmark Region, Denmark, and matched each with 10 population comparisons. All subjects were followed up until 1 March 2018 using Systematised Nomenclature of Medicine codes from The Danish Pathology Register for incident diagnoses of CC and LC. We computed risk and adjusted HRs with 95% CIs for MC among patients and comparisons.

Results

We identified 962 patients with C. concisus, 1725 with C. jejuni, 446 with Salmonella and 11 825 patients with culture-negative stools. The MC risk and HR versus comparisons were high for patients with C. concisus (risk 6.2%, HR 32.4 (95% CI 18.9 to 55.6)), less for C. jejuni (risk 0.6%, HR 3.7 (95% CI 1.8 to 7.7)), low for Salmonella (risk 0.4%, HR 2.2 (95% CI 0.5 to 10.8)) and for patients with negative stool testing (risk 3.3%, HR 19.6 (95% CI 16.4 to 23.4)). After exclusion of the first year of follow-up, the HRs were 9.3 (95% CI 4.1 to 20.1), 2.2 (95% CI 0.9 to 5.4), 1.3 (95% CI 0.2 to 11.1) and 5.6 (95% CI 4.6 to 7.2), respectively.

Conclusion

A high risk of MC was observed following C. concisus in stools. Further studies are needed to elucidate any underlying biological mechanisms.
Systems change for suicide prevention among adolescents: a rural Wisconsin county approach
Authors: Kohlbeck Sara , Fumo Nicole , Hargarten Stephen
Published: February 2020

Background

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in Wisconsin. Between the years 2012 and 2016, rural counties in Wisconsin had statistically significantly higher rates of suicide than urban counties. Counties in northern and western Wisconsin have some of the highest rates of suicide, with several counties having rates nearly double the state suicide rate for the same time period.

Study aim

This study investigates the utility of a systems-level, primary prevention suicide prevention strategy in reducing suicide in a rural Wisconsin county. This project focuses upstream to promote behavioural health resiliency and decrease risk factors for suicide.

Results

County-level suicide rates decreased over time. Youth Risk Behaviour Survey results demonstrate that the percentage of students in the high school who report that they have an adult in the school to turn to for support increased by 11%. In addition, the number of students reporting a suicide attempt over the past 12 months decreased from 8.4% to 7.2%. Trust among project partners remained above 75% across the three survey timepoints, and the results demonstrated that power became more equally dispersed over time. There was an increase in community knowledge in where to go for help in an emotional crisis.

Discussion

Systems change to prevent suicide is a complex undertaking but can affect change at the county level. In our study county, we learnt that a strong implementation body (our Partnership Council) and buy-in from key partners is essential in creating change at the systems level.
Virtual simulation with Sim&Size software for Pipeline Flex Embolization: evaluation of the technical and clinical impact
Authors: Piergallini Lorenzo , Cagnazzo Federico , Conte Giorgio , Dargazanli Cyril , Derraz Imad , Lefevre Pierre-Henri , Gascou Gregory , Mantilla Daniel , Riquelme Carlos , Bonafe Alain , Costalat Vincent
Published: February 2020

Introduction

During flow diversion, the choice of the length, diameter, and location of the deployed stent are critical for the success of the procedure. Sim&Size software, based on the three-dimensional rotational angiography (3D-RA) acquisition, simulates the release of the stent, suggesting optimal sizing, and displaying the degree of the wall apposition.

Objective

To demonstrate technical and clinical impacts of the Sim&Size simulation during treatment with the Pipeline Flex Embolization Device.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent aneurysm embolization with Pipeline at our department were retrospectively enrolled (January 2015–December 2017) and divided into two groups: treated with and without simulation. Through univariate and multivariate models, we evaluated: (1) rate of corrective intervention for non-optimal stent placement, (2) duration of intervention, (3) radiation dose, and (4) stent length.

Results

189 patients, 95 (50.2%) without and 94 (49.7%) with software assistance were analyzed. Age, sex, comorbidities, aneurysm characteristics, and operator’s experience were comparable among the two groups. Procedures performed with the software had a lower rate of corrective intervention (9% vs 20%, p=0.036), a shorter intervention duration (46 min vs 52 min, p=0.002), a lower median radiation dose (1150 mGy vs 1558 mGy, p<0.001), and a shorter stent length (14 mm vs 16 mm, p<0.001).

Conclusions

In our experience, the use of the virtual simulation during Pipeline treatment significantly reduced the need for corrective intervention, the procedural time, the radiation dose, and the length of the stent.
Imaging of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)
Authors: Mader Reuven , Baraliakos Xenofon , Eshed Iris , Novofastovski Irina , Bieber Amir , Verlaan Jorrit-Jan , Kiefer David , Pappone Nicola , Atzeni Fabiola
Published: February 2020

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a condition characterised by calcification and ossification of ligaments and entheses. The condition usually affects the axial skeleton, in particular, at the thoracic segment, though also other portions of the spine are often involved. DISH often involves also peripheral tendinous and/or entheseal sites either alone, or in association with the involvement of peripheral joints. At times, new bone formation involves the bone itself, but sometimes it involves joints not usually affected by osteoarthritis (OA) which result in bony enlargement of the epiphysis, joints space narrowing and a reduced range of motion. Because of the entheseal involvement, DISH can be mistaken for seronegative spondyloarthropathies or for a "simple" OA. Furthermore, other implications for the recognition of DISH include spinal fractures, difficult intubation and upper endoscopies, decreased response rates in DISH with concomitant spondyloarthritides, and increased likelihood to be affected by metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. This Atlas is intended to show the imaging finding in DISH in patients diagnosed with the condition by the Resnick classification criteria.
Shuxuetong for Prevention of recurrence in Acute Cerebrovascular events with Embolism (SPACE) trial: rationale and design
Authors: Gu Hong-Qiu , Xie Xue-Wei , Jing Jing , Meng Xia , Lv Wei , Yu Jian-Dong , Lv Xiang-Ping , Li Hao , Wang Yi-Long , Wang Yong-Jun
Published: February 2020

Backgrounds

Embolic stroke is one of the main mechanisms of ischaemic stroke. Even if treated with recommended antithrombotic agents, stroke recurrence remains high. The Shuxuetong injection, a purified extract of traditional Chinese medicine widely used for thrombus diseases in clinical practice in China, could be a promising agent to prevent stroke recurrence.

Aims

To describe the design of the Shuxuetong injection for prevention of recurrence in acute ischaemic stroke with embolism mechanisms.

Design

The Shuxuetong for Prevention of recurrence in Acute Cerebrovascular events with Embolism (SPACE) trial is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, superiority trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shuxuetong injection in reducing recurrence or silent new ischaemic lesions on patients with acute embolic stroke within 10 days. An estimated 2416 patients with embolic stroke within 72 hours of symptom onset from 80 hospitals will be randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving Shuxuetong injection or placebo injection for 10 days. The primary endpoint is symptomatic or asymptomatic new cerebral infarction within 10 days after randomisation.

Conclusion

The SPACE Trial will provide valuable evidence for the efficacy and safety of Shuxuetong injection for the prevention of stroke recurrence in patients with imaging-defined embolic stroke.

Clinical trial registration

NCT03090113
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Severe nutritional deficiencies and osteopenia in a dog fed a homemade raw diet
Authors: Hall Georgina , Breheny Craig , Khan Zohra , Schwarz Tobias , Mellanby Richard J
Published: February 2020

A seven‐month‐old male entire Bulldog presented for a three‐week history of progressive lethargy, exercise intolerance, hindlimb paresis, muscle atrophy and hyperaesthesia. The dog had initially been raised on the bitch’s milk before maternal illness resulted in him transitioning onto milk replacer. He was weaned onto commercial puppy food until four months of age before being transitioned onto a homecooked diet. This diet comprised of raw meat, collected weekly from a local abattoir, homecooked cereals and vegetables. The patient was oxygen‐dependent on presentation, requiring 40 per cent inspired oxygen concentration to maintain normoxaemia. Investigations revealed marked osteopenia with concurrent severe hypovitaminosis D, hypocalcaemia and hyperparathyroidism; hypovitaminosis A; hypothyroidism and concurrent severe pneumonia. Despite intensive medical care, nutritional interventions and escalating oxygen therapy, the dog was euthanased due to a deterioration in respiratory function. This case report highlights the severe clinical complications associated with the consumption of a nutritionally incomplete diet.
Mechanical response of the real tree root architecture under lateral load
Authors: Ramos-Rivera Johnatan , Rahardjo Harianto , Tsen-Tieng Daryl Lee , Xuefeng Nong , King Fong Yok
Published: February 2020

The impact of climate change on tree stability is often associated with a higher risk of windthrow due to higher frequency and greater magnitude of extreme climatic conditions. Higher lateral loads due to an increase in maximum wind and rainfall reduce tree anchorage because of a decrease in soil matric suction and consequently the overall strength in the system of trunk, root, and soil. This study compared the mechanical response of trees with different root architectures using static loading tests conducted in the field and numerical analysis of laser-scanned root systems. For this case, mature trees of Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss., Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr., and Syzygium grande (Wight) Wight ex Walp. were tested and analyzed. The root system models consisted of root system architectures obtained using 3-D laser scanning. A parametric analysis was conducted by varying the modulus of elasticity of the soil (Es) from 2.5 to 25 MPa, and the results were compared with those of the static loading tests to obtain the overall mechanical responses of the root–soil systems. The results showed important dependencies of the mechanical responses of the root–soil system on the root architecture in withstanding the lateral load. The numerical models also allowed estimation of the effective leeward and windward anchorage zones with different soil elastic moduli and rooting architectures to define the extent of the tree root protection zones.
Analyses of conditions for generating beta oscillations in the Cortex–Subthalamic Nucleus–Globus Pallidus model
Authors: Zhao Jing-Yi , Liu Quan-Sheng , Bi Yuan-Hong , Yang Zhuo-Qin
Published: February 2020

Analyzing the conditions for generating beta oscillation in basal ganglia plays a key role in understanding the mechanism of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this paper, we consider a Cortex–STN–GPe model, which consists of the external segment of globus pallidus (GPe), subthalamic nucleus (STN) and cortex including excitatory and inhibitory neurons. We obtain the stability boundary conditions for the model through theoretical analyses, and discuss the influence of two inputs to cortex and GPe on oscillations by numerical simulation. Our results reveal that the model can oscillate for large connection weight between STN and GPe, much larger input to the cortex, and most input values to the GPe. Furthermore, the effects of parameters in the cortical circuit on the amplitude and frequency of the beta oscillation are analyzed. We show that larger delay and larger firing rate of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the cortex make the model oscillate easily. We hope that our results will be helpful for further understanding the mechanisms of beta oscillations in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and may apply to some studies of neural oscillations.
A new longitudinal car-following control scheme of AVs towards the non-connected situation
Authors: Li Yang , Zhao Min , Sun Dihua , Chen Jin , Liu Weining
Published: February 2020

Connected cooperative driving is known as the promising way to mitigate traffic congestion, enhance driving safety and improve fuel economy. However, before vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology became widely applied, vehicles could not always communicate with the front cars due to the uncertainty of vehicle type and communication function. Towards the non-connected situation and making the most of the on-board sensors of the automated vehicles (AVs), an auto-regression (AR) model was adopted to predict the velocity of the preceding vehicle at the next moment, then a new longitudinal car-following control scheme is given from the perspective of cyber physical system to improve the longitudinal following performance. The sufficient condition ensuring a better performance is acquired by local stability analysis and the impact of velocity prediction errors of the AR model is analyzed through a nonlinear partial differential equation. The experiments based on the US-101 dataset and numerical simulations were carried out and the results are in great agreement with the theoretical analysis, which reveals that applying AR model to predicting the velocity of the preceding vehicle at the next moment can improve the car-following performance of AVs without the support of communication devices.
Elastic softening of group IVA (Si, Ge and Sn) materials by electron and lithium doping
Authors: Ye Lei , Wang Zhiguo
Published: February 2020

Mechanically stable electrode materials are very important for the safety of the development of lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Group IVA (Si, Ge and Sn) based materials have emerged as alternative anode materials for LIBs with high storage capacity. In this work, the mechanical stability of group IVA (Si, Ge and Sn) materials after Li insertion was investigated using density functional theory. The results of Li insertion and electron doping into group IVA (Si, Ge and Sn) materials were compared. It was shown that both Li insertion and electron doping lead to significant volume expansion and elastic softening, the elastic constants [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] decrease with the increase of Li and electron concentration. A brittle to ductile transition occurs in Si and Ge materials by electron and Li doping. The results reveal the mechanism of the decrease of mechanical stability of group IV materials upon lithiation is due to the electron-doping effect.
Coexistent multiple-stability of a fractional-order delayed memristive Chua’s system based on describing function
Authors: Ding Dawei , Luo Jun , Shan Xiangyu , Hu Yongbing , Yang Zongli , Ding Lianghui
Published: February 2020

In this paper, in order to analyze the coexistent multiple-stability of system, a fractional-order memristive Chua’s circuit with time delay is proposed, which is composed of a passive flux-controlled memristor and a negative conductance as a parallel combination. First, the Chua’s circuit can be considered as a nonlinear feedback system consisting of a nonlinear block and a linear block with low-pass properties. In the complex plane, the nonlinear element of the system can be approximated by a variable gain called a describing function. Second, compared with conventional computation, the describing function can accurately predict the hidden dynamics, fixed points, periodic orbits, unstable behaviors of the system. By using this method, the full mapping of the system dynamics in parameter spaces is presented, and the coexistent multiple-stability of the system is investigated in detail. Third, using bifurcation diagram, phase diagram, time domain diagram and power spectrum diagram, the dynamical behaviors of the system under different system parameters and initial values are discussed. Finally, based on Adams–Bashforth–Moulton (ABM) method, the correctness of theoretical analysis is verified by numerical simulation, which shows that the fractional-order delayed memristive Chua’s system has complex coexistent multiple-stability.
Generalized Hybrid Continuous Mode for Designing Broadband Power Amplifiers
Authors: Gan Decheng , Shi Weimin , Haider Muhammad Furqan
Published: February 2020

It has been widely validated that continuous working modes are powerful theories for designing broadband power amplifier (BPA). Theoretically, the conduction angle of all continuous-mode power amplifiers (PAs) is 180∘(class-B-biased). However, in practice, these PAs are always biased in class-AB condition. Thus, continuous-mode PAs biased in class-AB condition should be researched. This paper generalizes the theory of hybrid continuous mode (HCM) for implementing broadband power amplifiers. The intrinsic drain current waveform of HCM biased above the pinch-off point (conduction angle is larger than 180∘) is first derived. Then, the impedance space of the generalized HCM (class-AB-biased) is explored and analyzed. The conclusion is that the generalized HCM possesses a shifted fundamental impedance space along with the enlargement of conduction angle. For validating the proposed theory, a broadband PA working over 1.6–3.0[Formula: see text]GHz is implemented. Experimental results indicate that the designed BPA achieves a saturation power of 40.3–42.7[Formula: see text]dBm and a drain efficiency of 64.3–74.4%.