bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Functional Movement Screen Deep Squat Scoring and the Influence of Optimized Scoring Criteria: A 3-Dimensional Kinematic Approach
Authors: Scibek Eric P. , Moran Matthew F. , Edmond Susan L.
Published: February 2020

Context: The deep squat (DS) test is a component of the functional movement screen, which is used to assess the quality of fundamental movement patterns; however, the accuracy of the DS has not been studied. The DS is a complex, total body movement pattern with evaluation required at several points along the kinematic chain. Objective: To assess the accuracy of DS scoring by an athletic trainer, physical therapist, and exercise science professional via a comparative analysis with kinematic data (KD) and to identify scoring criteria that would improve agreement between raters and KD scores. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Motion analysis laboratory. Participants: A rater from each of 3 movement science disciplines rated the DS of 23 male college athletes (20.3 [1.2] y; 70.5 [3.5] kg). Interventions: Subjects were outfitted with reflective markers and asked to perform the DS. The DS performance was scored by 3 raters and kinematic analysis. Subsequently, the optimal set of criteria that minimized the difference between mode rater score and KD was determined via a Nelder–Mead simplex optimization routine. Main Outcome Measures: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated using SPSS (version 23; IBM, Armonk, NY) to determine tester agreement with the KD score and between the mode score and KD score. Results: Agreement was poor for the athletic trainer (ICC = .387), physical therapist (ICC = .298), exercise science professional (ICC = .378), and raters’ DS scores when compared with the KD. Agreement was poor for the mode score when compared with KD prior to optimization and good following optimization (ICC = .830), thereby allowing identification of specific scoring errors. Conclusions: Agreement for DS scores is poor when compared with KD; however, it may be improved with optimization of DS scoring criteria.
Effects of Self-Massage Using a Foam Roller on Ankle Range of Motion and Gastrocnemius Fascicle Length and Muscle Hardness: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yoshimura Akane , Schleip Robert , Hirose Norikazu
Published: February 2020

Context: Several studies have reported that self-massage using a foam roller (FR) increased joint range of motion (ROM) immediately. However, the mechanism of increasing ROM by the FR intervention has not been elucidated. Objective: To clarify the mechanism by investigating properties and morphological changes of muscles targeted by the FR intervention. Design: An interventional study. Setting: An athletic training laboratory. Participants: Ten male college volunteers with no injuries in their lower limbs (mean [SD]: age 23.8 [3.2] y, height 173.2 [4.9] cm, weight 69.5 [8.6] kg). Intervention: The FR intervention on the right plantar flexors for 3 minutes. Main Outcome Measures: Maximum ankle ROM, muscle hardness, and fascicle length of the gastrocnemius muscle at the neutral (0°), maximum dorsiflexion, and maximum plantar flexion positions. All measurements were conducted before (PRE) and after (POST) the FR intervention. Results: Dorsiflexion ROM increased significantly at POST (PRE: 13.6° [8.0°], POST: 16.6° [8.4°]; P < .001), although plantar flexion ROM did not change significantly between PRE and POST (PRE: 40.0° [6.1°], POST: 41.1° [4.9°]). There was no significant difference in muscle hardness and fascicle length between PRE and POST in any of the angles. Conclusions: Dorsiflexion ROM increased significantly by the FR intervention in the present study; however, muscle hardness and fascicle length did not change. FR may affect not only the muscle but also the fascia, tendon, and muscle-tendon unit. The FR protocol of the present study can be applied in clinical situations, because it was found to be effective to increase ROM.
Endocannabinoid genetic variation enhances vulnerability to THC reward in adolescent female mice
Authors: Burgdorf Caitlin E. , Jing Deqiang , Yang Ruirong , Huang Chienchun , Hill Matthew N. , Mackie Ken , Milner Teresa A. , Pickel Virginia M. , Lee Francis S. , Rajadhyaksha Anjali M.
Published: February 2020

A genetic variant in the endocannabinoid system enhances vulnerability to THC reward in adolescent females.
New connections: Targeted treatment options for SCLC
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: February 2020

Various studies reveal how we might effectively treat small cell lung cancer.
“
Candidatus
Desulfobulbus rimicarensis,” an Uncultivated Deltaproteobacterial Epibiont from the Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Shrimp
Rimicaris exoculata
Authors: Jiang Lijing , Liu Xuewen , Dong Chunming , Huang Zhaobin , Cambon-Bonavita Marie-Anne , Alain Karine , Gu Li , Wang Shasha , Shao Zongze
Published: February 2020

The shrimp
Rimicaris exoculata
represents the dominant faunal biomass at many deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This organism harbors dense bacterial epibiont communities in its enlarged cephalothoracic chamber that play an important nutritional role.
Deltaproteobacteria
are ubiquitous in epibiotic communities of
R. exoculata
, and their functional roles as epibionts are based solely on the presence of functional genes. Here, we describe “
Candidatus
Desulfobulbus rimicarensis,” an uncultivated deltaproteobacterial epibiont. Compared to campylobacterial and gammaproteobacterial epibionts of
R. exoculata
, this bacterium possessed unique metabolic pathways, such as the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, as well as sulfur disproportionation and nitrogen fixation pathways. Furthermore, this epibiont can be distinguished from closely related free-living
Desulfobulbus
strains by its reduced genetic content and potential loss of functions, suggesting unique adaptations to the shrimp host. This study is a genomic and transcriptomic analysis of a deltaproteobacterial epibiont and largely expands the understanding of its metabolism and adaptation to the
R. exoculata
host.
Are There 10
31
Virus Particles on Earth, or More, or Fewer?
Authors: Mushegian A. R.
Published: February 2020

The number of virus particles on Earth is frequently reported in the scientific literature and in general-interest publications as being on the order of 10
31
, with some confusion about whether this is a high or low estimate. This number is often given without a source, although it should be attributed to a paper by Hendrix et al. published in 1999 (R. W. Hendrix, M. C. Smith, R. N. Burns, M. E. Ford, and G. F. Hatfull, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 96:2192–2197, 1999,
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.96.5.2192
).
Next-Generation Sequencing in a Direct Model of HIV Infection Reveals Important Parallels to and Differences from
In Vivo
Reservoir Dynamics
Authors: Pinzone Marilia Rita , Bertuccio Maria Paola , VanBelzen D. Jake , Zurakowski Ryan , O’Doherty Una
Published: February 2020

The major implication of our work is that the decay of intact proviruses
in vitro
is extremely rapid, perhaps as a result of enhanced expression. Gaining a better understanding of why intact proviruses decay faster
in vitro
might help the field identify strategies to purge the reservoir
in vivo
. When used wisely,
in vitro
models are a powerful tool to study the selective pressures shaping the viral landscape. Our finding that massively deleted sequences rarely succeed in integrating has several ramifications. It demonstrates that the total HIV DNA can differ substantially in character from the integrated HIV DNA under certain circumstances. The presence of unintegrated HIV DNA has the potential to obscure selection pressures and confound the interpretation of clinical studies, especially in the case of trials involving treatment interruptions.
Lassa Virus, but Not Highly Pathogenic New World Arenaviruses, Restricts Immunostimulatory Double-Stranded RNA Accumulation during Infection
Authors: Mateer Elizabeth J. , Maruyama Junki , Card Galen E. , Paessler Slobodan , Huang Cheng
Published: February 2020

Arenavirus NPs contain a highly conserved DEDDh ExoN motif, through which LASV NP degrades virus-derived, immunostimulatory dsRNA in biochemical assays to eliminate the danger signal and inhibit the innate immune response. Nevertheless, the function of NP ExoN in arenavirus infection remains to be defined. In this study, we discovered that LASV potently restricts dsRNA accumulation during infection and minigenome replication. In contrast, although the NPs of JUNV and MACV also harbor the ExoN motif, dsRNA readily formed during JUNV and MACV infections, accompanied by IFN and PKR responses. Interestingly, LASV NP alone was not sufficient to limit dsRNA accumulation. Instead, both LASV NP and L protein were required to restrict immunostimulatory dsRNA accumulation. Our findings provide novel and important insights into the mechanism for the distinct innate immune response to these highly pathogenic arenaviruses and open new directions for future studies.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus marisflavi CK-NBRI-03, Isolated from Agricultural Soil
Authors: Gupta Mayank , Chauhan Puneet Singh , Sopory Sudhir K. , Singla-Pareek Sneh L. , Adlakha Nidhi , Pareek Ashwani , Kaur Charanpreet
Published: February 2020

Here, we report the 4.34-Mb draft genome assembly of
Bacillus marisflavi
CK-NBRI-03 (or P3), a Gram-positive bacterium, with an average G+C content of 48.66%. P3 was isolated from agricultural soil from the Badaun (midwestern plain zone) region of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Along-strike variations in sediment provenance within the Nanaimo basin reveal mechanisms of forearc basin sediment influx events
Authors: Coutts Daniel S. , Matthews William A. , Englert Rebecca G. , Brooks Morgan D. , Boivin Marie-Pier , Hubbard Stephen M.
Published: February 2020

The along-strike variability in sediment provenance within the Nanaimo basin is important for understanding the tectonic evolution of North America’s Late Cretaceous Pacific margin, providing context for paleogeographic reconstructions. Here, we provide 35 point-counted sandstone samples and 22 new detrital zircon samples from the Nanaimo basin. These new detrital zircon samples compose a portion of a basin-wide data set (N = 49, n = 10,942) that is leveraged to discern spatio-temporal changes in sediment provenance. Provenance data demonstrates that the majority of Nanaimo basin strata were sourced from regions within and east of the Coast Mountains Batholith, while only the southernmost Nanaimo basin, exposed in the San Juan Islands, was supplied sediment from the North Cascade thrust system. Additionally, near-identical age modes and synchronous changes in detrital zircon facies are used to hypothesize a correlation between the Nanaimo Group and the protolith of the Swakane Gneiss. These observations, along with previously identified events in the Cordillera, are used to define two basin-wide events that affected the Nanaimo basin: the first at 84 Ma and the second at 72 Ma. The first event is correlated to the onset of Kula-Farallon spreading, which affected basin subsidence, introduced Proterozoic detrital zircon to the central and southern Nanaimo basin, and uplifted the North Cascade thrust system. The second basin-wide event, which is speculated to have been driven by increased rates of subduction and obliquity, resulted in localized high-flux events in the arc, increased exhumation of the Cascade Crystalline Core, underplating of the Swakane Gneiss, and coarse-grained sedimentation across the basin. The data presented here provides added context for the evolution of the basin and provides insight into the protracted geodynamics of forearc basins undergoing oblique subduction.
Lifestyle and sociodemographic risk factors for gastroschisis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Baldacci Silvia , Santoro Michele , Coi Alessio , Mezzasalma Lorena , Bianchi Fabrizio , Pierini Anna
Published: February 2020

Background

Gastroschisis is strongly associated with young maternal age. This association suggests the need for further investigations on non-genetic risk factors. Identifying these risk factors is a public health priority in order to develop prevention strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence and health consequences in offspring.

Objective

To systematically assess and quantitatively synthesise the available epidemiological studies to evaluate the association between non-genetic risk factors and gastroschisis.

Methods

Literature from PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus was searched for the period 1990–2018. Epidemiological studies reporting risk estimates between lifestyle and sociodemographic risk factors and gastroschisis were included. Two pairs of reviewers independently extracted information on study characteristics following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and MOOSE (Meta-analysis Of Oservational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. Relative risk (RR) estimates were calculated across the studies and meta-analysis was performed using random-effects model.

Results

We identified 58 studies. Meta-analyses were conducted on 29 studies. Maternal smoking (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.74), illicit drug use (RR 2.14, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.07) and alcohol consumption (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.70) were associated with an increased risk of gastroschisis. A decreased risk among black mothers compared with non-Hispanic white mothers (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.63) was found. For Hispanic mothers no association was observed.

Conclusions

Exposure to smoking, illicit drugs and alcohol during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of gastroschisis. A significantly decreased risk for black mothers was observed. Further epidemiological studies to assess the potential role of other environmental factors are strongly recommended.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018104284.
Clinical characteristics of infective endocarditis in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody or antiphospholipid antibody: a retrospective study in Shanghai
Authors: Zhou Zhuochao , Ye Junna , Teng Jialin , Liu Honglei , Cheng Xiaobing , Sun Yue , Su Yutong , Chi Huihui , Wang Fan , Yang Chengde , Jin Wei
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study aimed to characterise rheumatic manifestations and autoantibodies in 432 patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE) in Shanghai.

Design, setting and participants

A retrospective study was conducted in Ruijin Hospital from 1997 to 2017. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of a total of 432 patients were analysed. In addition, the differences between patients with positive and negative antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies as well as the survival rates of these patients were compared.

Results

A total of 432 patients, including 278 male patients and 154 female patients, were included. The mean age of the patients was 46±16 years. A total of 346 patients (80%) had cardiac surgery, and 55 patients (13%) died in the hospital. Among the IE patients, 104 were tested for either ANCA or aPL and were analysed in different groups. Twenty-one (24%) positive ANCA patients were proteinase 3-ANCA positive. Compared with the ANCA-negative group, patients with positive ANCA had higher IgM (p=0.048), lower haemoglobin (p=0.001) and a higher likelihood of arthritis (p=0.003). Twenty-one (40%) aPL-positive patients had a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate than was found in the aPL-negative group (p=0.003). In addition, the survival rate of the ANCA-positive IE patients was lower (p=0.032) than that of the ANCA-negative group, while there was no difference between patients with or without aPL antibodies (p=0.728).

Conclusion

This study supports the claim that rheumatic manifestations and autoantibodies are frequently present in patients with IE and might lead to early misdiagnosis. Physicians should pay more attention to the measurement of autoantibodies in these patients.
Patient data-sharing for immigration enforcement: a qualitative study of healthcare providers in England
Authors: Papageorgiou Vasiliki , Wharton-Smith Alexandra , Campos-Matos Ines , Ward Helen
Published: February 2020

Aim

To explore healthcare providers’ perceptions and experiences of the implications of a patient data-sharing agreement between National Health Service (NHS) Digital and the Home Office on access to NHS services and quality of care received by migrant patients in England.

Design

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis and constant-comparison approach.

Participants

Eleven healthcare providers and one non-clinical volunteer working in community or hospital-based settings who had experience of migrants accessing NHS England services. Interviews were carried out in 2018.

Setting

England.

Results

Awareness and understanding of the patient data-sharing agreement varied among participants, who associated this with a perceived lack of transparency by the government. Participants provided insight into how they thought the data-sharing agreement was negatively influencing migrants’ health-seeking behaviour, their relationship with clinicians and the safety and quality of their care. They referred to the policy as a challenge to their core ethical principles, explicitly patient confidentiality and trust, which varied depending on their clinical specialty.

Conclusions

A perceived lack of transparency during the policy development process can result in suspicion or mistrust towards government among the health workforce, patients and public, which is underpinned by a notion of power or control. The patient data-sharing agreement was considered a threat to some of the core principles of the NHS and its implementation as adversely affecting healthcare access and patient safety. Future policy development should involve a range of stakeholders including civil society, healthcare professionals and ethicists, and include more meaningful assessments of the impact on healthcare and public health.
Effectiveness and harms of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) for acute respiratory failure: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Baldomero Arianne K , Melzer Anne , Greer Nancy , Majeski Brittany N , Macdonald Roderick , Wilt Timothy J
Published: February 2020

Introduction

High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) use in adults hospitalised with acute respiratory failure (ARF) is increasing. However, evidence to support widespread use of HFNO compared with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and conventional oxygen therapy (COT) is unclear. This protocol describes the methods for a systematic evidence review regarding the comparative effectiveness and harms of HFNO compared with NIV or COT for the management of ARF in hospitalised adult patients.

Methods and analysis

We will search MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library for randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) of adult patients hospitalised with ARF or who developed ARF while hospitalised. ARF will be defined as SpO2<90%, PaO2:FiO2ratio ≤300, PaO2≤60 mm Hg, or PaCO2≥45 mm Hg. The intervention is HFNO (humidified oxygen, flow rate ≥20 L/min) compared separately to NIV or COT. The critical outcomes are: all-cause mortality, hospital-acquired pneumonia, intubation/reintubation (days of intubation), intensive care unit admission/transfers, patient comfort and hospital length of stay. The important outcomes are: delirium, 30-day hospital readmissions, barotrauma, compromised nutrition (enteral or parenteral nutrition), gastric dysfunction, functional independence at discharge and skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. We will calculate risk ratios and Peto ORs (for rare events) and corresponding 95% CIs for categorical outcomes. Mean and standardised mean difference will be calculated for continuous outcomes. Where possible and appropriate, meta-analysis will be performed for each outcome.

Conclusion

This systematic review will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness and harms of HFNO compared with NIV or COT for the management of ARF in hospitalised adult patients to inform clinical practice and to identify research gaps in the management of ARF in hospitalised adults. The results will inform the work of the American College of Physicians-Clinical Guidelines Committee in their development of a clinical guideline related to use of HFNO in adult patients with ARF.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval will be needed because we will be using data from previously published studies in which informed consent was obtained by the primary investigators. We will publish our results in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019146691
Individual factors associated with baseball pitching performance: scoping review
Authors: Mercier Marie-Andrée , Tremblay Mathieu , Daneau Catherine , Descarreaux Martin
Published: February 2020

Background

Ball velocity, accuracy and game statistics represent three methods used to measure pitching performance. However, individual determinants of pitching performance are more elusive.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to classify the performance factors associated with baseball pitchers, to identify the methods used to quantify their abilities through all features of the game and to document relationships between performance factors and indicators.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

Electronic searches of MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, SportDiscus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane and of grey literature were undertaken from inception to January 2019.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Cross-sectional studies that investigated the relationship between performance indicators and individual performance factors in healthy baseball pitchers were selected.

Results

Thirty-four cross-sectional studies investigating individual potential factors of pitching performance met the inclusion criteria. The primary performance factors investigated were kinematic, kinetic, timing outcomes, personal characteristics, physical tests and range of motion. Shoulder horizontal adduction (SHA), upper torso forward flexion, maximal shoulder external rotation, upper torso rotation angle, upper torso lateral flexion, lead knee flexion (LKF) and forward trunk tilt (FTT) were identified as key kinematic features associated with increased ball velocity. Shoulder proximal force and peak elbow proximal forces were associated with greater ball velocity. Individual performances in jumping tests and body weight (BW) are also associated with pitching performance.

Summary/conclusion

Based on studies presenting low and moderate risk of bias, we conclude that BW, age and kinematics, such as FTT, LKF, SHA and lateral trunk tilt, are associated with pitching performance.
Still no place for depot triamcinolone in hay fever?
Authors: Wan Yuet
Published: February 2020

Topics for DTB review articles are selected by DTB’s editorial board to provide concise overviews of medicines and other treatments to help patients get the best care. Articles include a summary of key points and a brief overview for patients.
Interferon gamma inhibits CXCL8–CXCR2 axis mediated tumor-associated macrophages tumor trafficking and enhances anti-PD1 efficacy in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhang Mingjie , Huang Lifeng , Ding Guoping , Huang Huilian , Cao Guoliang , Sun Xu , Lou Neng , Wei Qiang , Shen Tao , Xu Xiaodong , Cao Liping , Yan Qiang
Published: February 2020

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a common malignancy of the digestive system and is characterized by poor prognosis and early metastasis. Tumor immune escape plays an important role in PC progression. Programmed death 1 (PD1) blockade therapy is a promising treatment for patients with PC, but is yet to achieve significant clinical effects so far. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a soluble dimeric cytokine that is closely associated with tumor immune surveillance and cytotoxicity. IFN-γ suppresses a variety of tumor-derived cytokines in PC, such as CXCL8. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of combined anti-PD1 and IFN-γ treatment in PC.

Methods

BxPC-3 and Panc-1 human PC cell lines were used to construct a murine PC model. Blood samples (n=44) and surgical resection specimens (n=36) from human patients with PC were also collected. χ2test, two-tailed unpaired t-test or Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate p values.

Results

PD1/PD-L1 signaling was overexpressed in PC tumor-bearing mice. Anti-PD1 prevented tumor growth if initiated early after tumor inoculation; however, delayed anti-PD1 treatment showed limited benefit. Murine PC model had a preferential expansion of CXCR2+CD68+macrophages, and these cells showed an immunosuppressive nature (M2 polarization). PC tumors overexpressed CXCL8 and tumor-derived CXCL8 deficiency prohibited the trafficking of CXCR2+CD68+macrophages. IFN-γ suppressed the expression of tumor-derived CXCL8, and combined with IFN-γ treatment, delayed anti-PD1 treatment showed significant antitumor effects. Thus, we conclude that murine CXCR2+CD68+macrophages traffic to PC tumors by tumor-derived CXCL8 and mediate local immunosuppression, which limits the efficacy of PD1 blockade therapy. IFN-γ suppresses tumor-derived CXCL8 and inhibits the tumor trafficking of CXCR2+CD68+macrophages by blocking the CXCL8–CXCR2 axis to enhance anti-PD1 efficacy. Human PC also produces high levels of CXCL8. Patients with PC present elevated CXCR2 expression on peripheral and tumor-infiltrating CD68+macrophages, which are associated with advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that IFN-γ is a translatable, therapeutic option to improve the efficacy of PD1 blockade therapy by preventing trafficking of CXCR2+CD68+macrophages via blocking the CXCL8–CXCR2 axis.
Reducing door-to-reperfusion time in acute stroke endovascular therapy using magnetic resonance imaging as a screening modality
Authors: Sakamoto Yuki , Suzuki Kentaro , Abe Arata , Aoki Junya , Kanamaru Takuya , Takayama Yohei , Katano Takehiro , Kutsuna Akihito , Suda Satoshi , Nishiyama Yasuhiro , Nito Chikako , Kimura Kazumi
Published: February 2020

Background

The feasibility of performing MRI first for patients with suspected hyperacute stroke in real-world practice has not been fully examined. Moreover, most past studies of reducing door-to-reperfusion time (DRT) in endovascular treatment (EVT) were conducted using CT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of an MRI-first policy and to examine the effects of a quality improvement (QI) process for reducing DRT using MRI.

Methods

From January 2013 to December 2018, consecutive patients with acute stroke who came to hospital directly and were treated with emergent EVT were prospectively enrolled into the present study. In principle, MRI was performed first for patients with suspected acute stroke. A step-by-step QI process for decreasing DRT was adopted during this period. Time metrics for EVT were compared between specific time periods.

Results

A total of 180 patients (71 women; median age 76 years (range 69–64); National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 17 (range 10–23)) were included in the present study. More patients in the late phase were managed with the MRI-first policy (p<0.001). DRT (199 min in Phase 1, 135 min in Phase 2, 129 min in Phase 3, and 121 min in Phase 4, p<0.001) was significantly reduced across the phases. The percentage of patients with DRT <120 min increased significantly across time periods (p<0.001). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage did not increase across phases (p=0.575).

Conclusion

An MRI-first policy was feasible, and DRT decreased considerably with a step-by-step QI process. This process may be applicable to other hospitals.
Epidemiological study of dogs with diabetes mellitus attending primary care veterinary clinics in Australia
Authors: Yoon Samuel , Fleeman Linda M , Wilson Bethany J , Mansfield Caroline S , McGreevy Paul
Published: February 2020

Background

The objectives of this study were to establish the prevalence, risk factors and comorbidities/sequelae for diabetes mellitus (DM) in Australian dogs presented to first‐opinion veterinary practices.

Methods

Electronic patient records of dogs (n=134,329) attending 152 veterinary clinics during 2017 were sourced through VetCompass Australia. They included 418 dogs with DM; a prevalence of 0.36 per cent (95 per cent CI 0.33 per cent to 0.39 per cent) in Australian dogs attending these veterinary clinics. By comparing with the reference group of rarer breeds and unidentified crossbreeds, multivariable modelling was used to reveal breeds (and their crosses) with significantly higher odds of having DM.

Results

The results revealed that breeds (and their crosses) with significantly higher odds of having DM were Australian terriers (ORs=7.93 (95 per cent CI 2.83 to 22.27)), Siberian huskies (OR=6.24 (95 per cent CI 2.51 to 15.54)), English springer spaniels (OR=5.37 (95 per cent CI 1.48 to 19.53)), West Highland white terriers (OR=4.85 (95 per cent CI 2.55 to 9.25)), miniature schnauzers (OR=3.47 (95 per cent CI 1.16 to 10.35)), all types of poodles (OR=3.41 (95 per cent CI 2.07 to 5.61)), bichon frises (OR=3.41 (95 per cent CI 1.65 to 7.01)), schnauzers (OR=3.18 (95 per cent CI 1.42 to 7.11)) and cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS; OR=1.84 (95 per cent CI 1.08 to 3.13)). Breeds with lower risk were German shepherd dogs (OR=0.11 (95 per cent CI 0.01 to 0.84)), golden retrievers (OR=0.09 (95 per cent CI 0.01 to 0.68)) and boxers (no cases identified). Fisher’s exact tests showed that labradoodles were diagnosed significantly more often than purebred Labradors (P=0.04) and did not differ significantly from poodles (P=0.81). Cavoodles did not differ significantly from either CKCS (p~1.00) or poodles (P=0.12). Spoodles were significantly less diagnosed than poodles (P=0.003) but did not differ from cocker spaniels (P=0.66). Desexed male dogs had a higher odds of DM than entire male (OR=0.62 (95 per cent CI 0.39 to 0.98)) and desexed female dogs (OR=0.76 (95 per cent CI 0.61 to 0.96)). Comorbidities/sequelae associated with canine DM included suspected pancreatitis (OR 10.58 (95 per cent CI 5.17 to 22.78)), cataracts (OR 9.80 (95 per cent CI 5.65 to 17.35)), hyperadrenocorticism (OR 6.21 (95 per cent CI 3.29 to 11.88)), urinary tract infection (OR 5.09 (95 per cent CI 1.97 to 13.41)) and hypothyroidism (OR 4.10 (95 per cent CI 1.08 to 15.58)).

Conclusions

Breeds at most risk included Australian terriers and Siberian huskies as previously reported, as well as, for the first time, English springer spaniels. In contrast to other populations where there is female predisposition for DM, desexed male dogs in Australia were at increased risk for DM compared with both entire males and desexed females. This predisposition for desexed males to develop DM warrants further investigation.
Prednisolone therapy for chronic hepatitis in English springer spaniels: a prospective study of 12 cases
Authors: Bayton William , Watson Penny J , Bexfield Nicholas H
Published: February 2020

Background

English springer spaniels (ESS) show an increased risk of chronic hepatitis (CH). In a previous study of 68 ESS with CH, in which only one dog received corticosteroids, a median survival time of 189 days was noted. Some ESS with CH appear to improve with prednisolone treatment; therefore, we aimed to investigate the response to prednisolone in this breed.

Participants

ESS with histologically confirmed idiopathic CH were treated with prednisolone 1–2 mg/kg/day. Nine female and three male ESS were enrolled (median age at diagnosis of five years). Patients were monitored clinically and had biochemistry samples taken to assess markers of hepatocellular damage and function.

Results

The mean starting dose of prednisolone was 1.1 mg/kg/day. All symptomatic patients showed an initial clinical improvement. Two cases were euthanased while receiving prednisolone. The median time since diagnosis is 1715 days (range: 672–2105 days) and the remaining patients are clinically well, with seven patients still receiving a mean dose of 0.4 mg/kg prednisolone every other day. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant (P<0.05) reductions in serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin following 2–4 weeks of prednisolone treatment.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates improved clinical and biochemical parameters when some ESS with CH are managed with prednisolone and standard supportive treatments.
Experimental study of one-dimensional compression creep in crushed dry coral sand
Authors: Wang Jiabo , Fan Pengxian , Wang Mingyang , Dong Lu , Ma Linjian , Gao Lei
Published: February 2020

Understanding the time-dependent deformation behaviour of backfill coral sand is important to the long-term stability of engineering facilities built on reefs and reclaimed land. A series of one-dimensional compression tests (with no lateral strain) were carried out on crushed coral sand with a variety of grading and relative densities (50%, 70%, and 90%) sampled from the South China Sea. Axial pressure was applied in stepped loading form: 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 kPa. Each level loading was applied for 3 days and then completely unloaded until the deformation was stable, after which the next loading level was applied. The test results indicate: (i) the deformation of coral sand is much larger than silica sand and involves a larger proportion of time-dependent and plastic deformation; (ii) the total deformation of coral sand and proportion of irreversible deformation decreases as the relative density increases; (iii) coral sands of better grading tend to deform less in total and have larger proportions of elastic and time-dependent deformation; and (iv) the grading of coral sand changes during the deformation process due to particle breakage. Based on the test results, the relationships between particle breakage and pressure, relative density, and grading, as well as the grain-scale mechanism of the deformation, are discussed.
Lower Cretaceous stratigraphic characteristics and tectonic control of the eastern depression, North Yellow Sea Basin, North China
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Cheng Rihui , Shen Yanjie , Wang Liaoliang , Hu Xiaoqiang , Xiao Huizhong
Published: February 2020

The Lower Cretaceous of the eastern depression in the North Yellow Sea Basin is a set of residual strata that can be divided into K1sq1 and K1sq2 sequences. There are four lithology–lithofacies architectures summarized in the third-order sequences of wells W5, W3, W1, W9, W16, W7, W8, and W10, and they are the coarse–fine–coarse, asymmetric coarse–fine, asymmetric fine–coarse, and interbedded coarse and fine. F1, F4, F6, and F7, which are strike-slip faults, were dominant during the Early Cretaceous, and controlled the eastern depression to undergo right-lateral movement from transtension to transpression. The tectonic movement controlled different stratigraphic structure in different areas, and the fan bodies deposited along the basin margin and progradated into the basin center. The sequence models under extensional and strike-slip setting were established respectively. The transtension–transpression movement controlled the development of the sandstones in the Lower Cretaceous and improved the quality of the reservoir rocks.
Phase-coherent caloritronics with ordinary and topological Josephson junctions
Authors: Hwang Sun-Yong , Sothmann Björn
Published: February 2020

We provide a brief and comprehensive overview over recent developments in the field of phase-coherent caloritronics in ordinary and topological Josephson junctions. We start from the simple case of a short, one-dimensional superconductor-normal metal-superconductor (S-N-S) Josephson junction and derive the phase-dependent thermal conductance within the Bogoliubov-de Gennes formalism. Then, we review the key experimental breakthroughs that have triggered the recent growing interest into phase-coherent heat transport. They include the realization of thermal interferometers, diffractors, modulators and routers based on superconducting tunnel junctions. Finally, we discuss very recent theoretical findings based on superconductor-topological insulator-superconductor (S-TI-S) Josephson junctions that show interesting heat transport properties due to the interplay between topological band structures and superconductivity.
Multiscale community estimation based on temporary local balancing strategy
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Cai Shi-Min , Zhang Yi-Cheng
Published: February 2020

Community division in complex networks has become one of the hot topics in the field of network science. Most of the methods developed based on network topology ignore the dynamic characteristics underlying the structure. By exploring the diffusion process in the network based on random walk, this paper sums up the general rule with temporal characteristics as a temporary local balancing strategy which can be used in the community division. The strategy divides the network into different communities according to the duration of a stable local balancing state in the diffusion process. The longer the duration, the more stable the structure of the community in that state. Applying the strategy to computer-generated and real-world networks, respectively, it is proved that these temporary local balancing states existing in the diffusion process can reveal the internal community structure of the network. In addition, the modular structure appears at different time scales of diffusion process, similar to the hierarchical organization, and also provides a new perspective for multiscale network community detection.
A Case-Based Reasoning Approach for the Cybersecurity Incident Recording and Resolution
Authors: Nunes Raul Ceretta , Colomé Marcelo , Barcelos Fabio André , Garbin Marcelo , Paulus Gustavo Bathu , Silva Luis Alvaro De Lima
Published: February 2020

Intelligent computing techniques have a paramount importance to the treatment of cybersecurity incidents. In such Artificial Intelligence (AI) context, while most of the algorithms explored in the cybersecurity domain aim to present solutions to intrusion detection problems, these algorithms seldom approach the correction procedures that are explored in the resolution of cybersecurity incident problems that already took place. In practice, knowledge regarding cybersecurity resolution data and procedures is being under-used in the development of intelligent cybersecurity systems, sometimes even lost and not used at all. In this context, this work proposes the Case-based Cybersecurity Incident Resolution System (CCIRS), a system that implements an approach to integrate case-based reasoning (CBR) techniques and the IODEF standard in order to retain concrete problem-solving experiences of cybersecurity incident resolution to be reused in the resolution of new incidents. Different types of experimental results so far obtained with the CCIRS show that information security knowledge can be retained with our approach in a reusable memory improving the resolution of new cybersecurity problems.
Evaluation Techniques for Chatbot Usability: A Systematic Mapping Study
Authors: Ren Ranci , Castro John W. , Acuña Silvia T. , de Lara Juan
Published: February 2020

Background: The use of chatbots has increased considerably in recent years. These are used in different areas and by a wide variety of users. Due to this fact, it is essential to incorporate usability in their development. Aim: Our objective is to identify the state-of-the-art in chatbot usability and applied human–computer interaction techniques, to analyze how to evaluate chatbot usability. Method: We have conducted a systematic mapping study, by searching the main scientific databases. The search retrieved 170 references and 21 articles were retained as primary studies. Results: The works were categorized according to four criteria: usability techniques, usability characteristics, research methods and type of chatbots. Conclusions: Chatbot usability is still a very incipient field of research where the published studies are mainly surveys, usability tests, and rather informal experimental studies. Hence, it becomes necessary to perform more formal experiments to measure user experience, and exploit these results to provide usability-aware design guidelines.
A COMPREHENSIVE MODEL FOR OIL–WATER RELATIVE PERMEABILITIES IN LOW-PERMEABILITY RESERVOIRS BY FRACTAL THEORY
Authors: SU HAIBO , ZHANG SHIMING , SUN YEHENG , WANG XIAOHONG , YU BOMING , WANG YUE , YU MINGLI , YANG MINGLIN , MENG WEI , YI HONGXIA , YU JINBIAO , SUN ZHIGANG
Published: February 2020

Oil–water relative permeability curve is an important parameter for analyzing the characters of oil and water seepages in low-permeability reservoirs. The fluid flow in low-permeability reservoirs exhibits distinct nonlinear seepage characteristics with starting pressure gradient. However, the existing theoretical model of oil–water relative permeability only considered few nonlinear seepage characteristics such as capillary pressure and fluid properties. Studying the influences of reservoir pore structures, capillary pressure, driving pressure and boundary layer effect on the morphology of relative permeability curves is of great significance for understanding the seepage properties of low-permeability reservoirs. Based on the fractal theory for porous media, an analytically comprehensive model for the relative permeabilities of oil and water in a low-permeability reservoir is established in this work. The analytical model for oil–water relative permeabilities obtained in this paper is found to be a function of water saturation, fractal dimension for pores, fractal dimension for tortuosity of capillaries, driving pressure gradient and capillary pressure between oil and water phases as well as boundary layer thickness. The present results show that the relative permeabilities of oil and water decrease with the increase of the fractal dimension for tortuosity, whereas the relative permeabilities of oil and water increase with the increase of pore fractal dimension. The nonlinear properties of low-permeability reservoirs have the prominent significances on the relative permeability of the oil phase. With the increase of the seepage resistance coefficient, the relative permeability of oil phase decreases. The proposed theoretical model has been verified by experimental data on oil–water relative permeability and compared with other conventional oil–water relative permeability models. The present results verify the reliability of the oil–water relative permeability model established in this paper.
A REMARK ON SELF-SIMILAR SUBSETS OF UNIFORM CANTOR SETS WITH SMALL HAUSDORFF DIMENSION
Authors: RAO HUI , WEN ZHI-YING , ZENG YING
Published: February 2020

Recently there are several works devoted to the study of self-similar subsets of a given self-similar set, which turns out to be a difficult problem. Let [Formula: see text] be an integer and let [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the uniform Cantor set defined by the following set equation: [Formula: see text] We show that for any [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] essentially have the same self-similar subsets. Precisely, [Formula: see text] is a self-similar subset of [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] is a self-similar subset of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] (similarly [Formula: see text]) is the coding map from the symbolic space [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text].
ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT SECTIONING ALTERS CENTER OF PRESSURE WITHIN THE TIBIOFEMORAL JOINT: AN IN VITRO STUDY
Authors: Noginova Julia , Hoch Matthew C. , Weinhandl Joshua , Bawab Sebastian , Ringleb Stacie I.
Published: February 2020

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries often lead to secondary injuries, joint degradation, and were linked to osteoarthritis. There is little known about how ACL rupture affects the loading and contact characteristics within the tibiofemoral joint. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in tibiofemoral joint contact pressure and center of pressure (COP) during dynamic motion before and after ACL sectioning in vitro. Six intact cadaveric knees were manipulated through three full cycles of motion ranging from 30∘ to 120∘ of flexion in a custom-built device. A pressure sensor inserted in the tibiofemoral joint measured contact pressure of the medial and lateral compartments as well as COP characteristics of the whole joint before and after the ACL was sectioned. There was a significant decrease in lateral-compartment peak pressure, medial and lateral mean pressure, and total contact area after the ACL was sectioned. In both intact and ACL deficient knees, a posterior-lateral shift in COP was observed during flexion and a medial-anterior shift when returning to extension. Plotting the COP trajectory through the flexion-extension cycle resulted in a distinct hysteresis curve due to the viscoelastic soft tissue properties. Following sectioning, the COP trajectory had a diminished area compared to the intact condition. The diminished area of contact pressure may be more problematic than the overall magnitude when the integrity of the ACL is compromised. The centralized pressure distribution to a smaller surface area over time may cause focal damage to the cartilage leading to osteoarthritis.
Generalized linking theorem with applications to nonautonomous Hamiltonian systems and Dirac equations on compact spin manifold
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Li Chong , Li Shujie
Published: February 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a Riemannian manifold with finite volume and [Formula: see text] be a linear topological space. We consider the strongly indefinite superlinear problem [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a self-adjoint linear operator, [Formula: see text] is a real Hilbert space with the compact embedding [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. We obtain the existence of two solutions provided that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for a certain choice of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we prove that, if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] small enough, there exist prescribed number of nontrivial solutions. As applications, the corresponding results hold true for nonautonomous Hamiltonian systems and Dirac equations on compact spin manifold.
New quantum constacyclic codes with length n=2(qm+1)
Authors: Wang Junli , Li Ruihu , Liu Yang , Song Hao
Published: February 2020

By studying the properties of [Formula: see text]-cyclotomic cosets, the maximum designed distances of Hermitian dual-containing constacyclic Bose–Chaudhuri–Hocquenghem (BCH) codes with length [Formula: see text] are determined, where [Formula: see text] is an odd prime power and [Formula: see text] is an integer. Further, their dimensions are calculated precisely for the given designed distance. Consequently, via Hermitian Construction, many new quantum codes could be obtained from these codes, which are not covered in the literature.
Quantum search on Hanoi network
Authors: Giri Pulak Ranjan , Korepin Vladimir
Published: February 2020

Hanoi network (HN) has a one-dimensional periodic lattice as its main structure with additional long-range edges, which allow having efficient quantum walk algorithm that can find a target state on the network faster than the exhaustive classical search. In this paper, we use regular quantum walks and lackadaisical quantum walks, respectively, to search for a target state. From the curve fitting of the numerical results for HN of degrees three and four, we find that their running time for the regular quantum walks are followed by amplitude amplification scales as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. For the search by lackadaisical quantum walks, the running time scales are as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively.