bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atovaquone-Proguanil in Combination With Artesunate to Treat Multidrug-Resistant P. falciparum Malaria in Cambodia: An Open-Label Randomized Trial
Authors: Wojnarski Mariusz , Lon Chanthap , Vanachayangkul Pattaraporn , Gosi Panita , Sok Somethy , Rachmat Agus , Harrison Dustin , Berjohn Catherine M , Spring Michele , Chaoratanakawee Suwanna , Ittiverakul Mali , Buathong Nillawan , Chann Soklyda , Wongarunkochakorn Saowaluk , Waltmann Andreea , Kuntawunginn Worachet , Fukuda Mark M , Burkly Hana , Heang Vireak , Heng Thay Keang , Kong Nareth , Boonchan Threechada , Chum Bolin , Smith Philip , Vaughn Andrew , Prom Satharath , Lin Jessica , Lek Dysoley , Saunders David
Published: September 2019

Background

Recent artemisinin-combination therapy failures in Cambodia prompted a search for alternatives. Atovaquone-proguanil (AP), a safe, effective treatment for multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (P.f.), previously demonstrated additive effects in combination with artesunate (AS).

Methods

Patients with P.f. or mixed-species infection (n = 205) in Anlong Veng (AV; n = 157) and Kratie (KT; n = 48), Cambodia, were randomized open-label 1:1 to a fixed-dose 3-day AP regimen +/-3 days of co-administered artesunate (ASAP). Single low-dose primaquine (PQ, 15 mg) was given on day 1 to prevent gametocyte-mediated transmission.

Results

Polymerase chain reaction–adjusted adequate clinical and parasitological response at 42 days was 90% for AP (95% confidence interval [CI], 82%–95%) and 92% for ASAP (95% CI, 83%–96%; P = .73). The median parasite clearance time was 72 hours for ASAP in AV vs 56 hours in KT (P < .001) and was no different than AP alone. At 1 week postprimaquine, 7% of the ASAP group carried microscopic gametocytes vs 29% for AP alone (P = .0001). Nearly all P.f. isolates had C580Y K13 propeller artemisinin resistance mutations (AV 99%; KT 88%). Only 1 of 14 treatment failures carried the cytochrome bc1 (Pfcytb) atovaquone resistance mutation, which was not present at baseline. P.f. isolates remained atovaquone sensitive in vitro but cycloguanil resistant, with a triple P.f. dihydrofolate reductase mutation.

Conclusions

Atovaquone-proguanil remained marginally effective in Cambodia (≥90%) with minimal Pfcytb mutations observed. Treatment failures in the presence of ex vivo atovaquone sensitivity and adequate plasma levels may be attributable to cycloguanil and/or artemisinin resistance. Artesunate co-administration provided little additional blood-stage efficacy but reduced post-treatment gametocyte carriage in combination with AP beyond single low-dose primaquine.
Successful concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin plus etoposide after incomplete resection for advanced thymic carcinoma
Authors: Han Ling , Zhang Baozhu , Wu Shihai
Published: September 2019

The optimal therapy for advanced thymic carcinoma has long been controversial. Despite that complete (R0) resection is recommend as the first-line treatment, multidisciplinary approach including chemotherapy and radiotherapy should be considered for patients who lost the operation chance or received incomplete resection. Here, we present a case who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) after cytoreductive surgery. A complete response was observed and the patient has remained disease free for over 4 years. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate the efficacy of CCRT with cisplatin plus etoposide after incomplete surgery for advanced thymic carcinoma.
Subtemporal Transtentorial Approach in Mesencephalic and Perimesencephalic Lesions in Children—A Series of 20 Patients
Authors: Spennato Pietro , Chiaramonte Carmela , Russo Carmela , Onorini Nicola , Mirone Giuseppe , Mazio Federica , Di Martino Giuliana , Parlato Raffaele Stefano , Cinalli Giuseppe
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Midbrain and surrounding areas are among the most difficult regions to surgically approach in neurosurgery. The subtemporal approach is a well-known neurosurgical approach that is rarely described in children.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages of subtemporal approach in children.

METHODS

A total of 20 pediatric patients with intra-axial tumors involving the lateral midbrain or superior cerebellar peduncle or with extra-axial tumors in the middle incisural space/Meckel cave underwent subtemporal transtentorial approaches with the aim to remove (16 cases) or biopsy (4 cases) their lesions. These cases were retrospectively reviewed and the surgical approach described.

RESULTS

Total resection was achieved in 11 patients. In the 4 patients who underwent biopsies, a diagnosis was obtained. A total of 5 patients presented non-neoplastic lesions (dermoid tumors or cavernomas). A total of 9 patients harbored low-grade tumors and 6 high-grade tumors. Patients with low-grade tumors and non-neoplastic lesions are all alive with no evidence of disease or stable residue. Four patients affected by high grade tumors died. No patient suffered permanent neurological deficits related to the surgical approach. Three patients presented temporary neurological deficits following the procedure: one case of strabismus, one case of aphasia and hemiparesis, secondary to delayed, transient thrombosis of the Labbé vein, and 1 case of trigeminal neuralgia.

CONCLUSION

The subtemporal approach represents a feasible approach for mesencephalic and perimesencephalic lesions in children. It provides an ample and direct access, with excellent outcomes and acceptable postoperative morbidity.
The Global Politics of Access to Medicines
Authors: Moon Suerie , 't Hoen Ellen
Published: September 2019

Access to medicines has been a fierce battleground in global health, with the most polarising debates focused on medicine prices and the role of patent monopolies. The way ‘access to medicines’ has been framed has evolved considerably since the 1970s, when the focus was primarily on rational use of generic drugs widely available in developing countries. In the 1990s the advent of the WTO TRIPS Agreement clashed directly with a growing global HIV crisis; the politics of ‘access to medicines 1.0’ that emerged centred squarely on antiretrovirals for HIV/AIDS and intellectual property rules. Subsequently, significant ideational and political shifts have resulted in an ‘access politics 2.0,’ characterised by an expansion of concerns to all diseases, tighter linkages between innovation and access concerns, and shifting political dynamics as high-income countries began to experience directly the challenge of high drug prices. These shifts imply a more complex and potentially more consequential politics of access to medicines in the future.
Studying Populations of Online Communities
Authors: Mako Hill Benjamin , Shaw Aaron
Published: September 2019

While the large majority of published research on online communities consists of analyses conducted entirely within individual communities, this chapter argues for a population-based approach, in which researchers study groups of similar communities. For example, although there have been thousands of papers published about Wikipedia, a population-based approach might compare all wikis on a particular topic. Using examples from published empirical studies, the chapter describes five key benefits of this approach. First, it argues that population-level research increases the generalizability of findings. Next, it describes four processes and dynamics that are only possible to study using populations: community-level variables, information diffusion processes across communities, ecological dynamics, and multilevel community processes. The chapter concludes with a discussion of a series of limitations and challenges.
Coping Models of Stress and Resilience
Authors: Compas Bruce E. , Vreeland Allison , Henry Lauren
Published: September 2019

This chapter provides a review of research on the role of processes of coping as a source of resilience to the adverse effects of stress in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Advances in research on models of coping that distinguish responses based on stressor controllability are emphasized. Important similarities between models of coping and emotion regulation are highlighted to encourage integration of research on these two topics. Findings from research on the association between coping and symptoms of psychopathology in adulthood, childhood, and adolescence are reviewed. Directions for future research, including the implications of research on coping for the development of preventive interventions and treatments, are highlighted.
Associations Between the Specialty of Opioid Prescribers and Opioid Addiction, Misuse, and Overdose Outcomes
Authors: Lobo Carroline P , Cochran Gerald , Chang Chung-Chou H , Gellad Walid F , Gordon Adam J , Jalal Hawre , Lo-Ciganic Wei-Hsuan , Karp Jordan F , Kelley David , Donohue Julie M
Published: September 2019

Objective

To examine associations between opioid prescriber specialty and patient likelihood of opioid use disorder (OUD), opioid misuse, and opioid overdose.

Design

Longitudinal retrospective study using Pennsylvania Medicaid data (2007–2015).

Methods

We constructed an incident cohort of 432,110 enrollees initiating prescription opioid use without a history of OUD or overdose six months before opioid initiation. We attributed patients to one of 10 specialties using the first opioid prescriber’s specialty or, alternatively, the specialty of the dominant prescriber writing the majority of the patient’s opioid prescriptions. We estimated adjusted rates for OUD, misuse, and overdose, adjusting for demographic variables and medical (including pain) and psychiatric comorbidities.

Results

The unadjusted incidence rates of OUD, misuse, and overdose were 7.13, 4.73, and 0.69 per 100,000 person-days, respectively. Patients initiating a new episode of opioid treatment with Pain Medicine/Anesthesiology (6.7 events, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.5 to 8.2) or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R; 6.1 events, 95% CI = 5.1 to 7.2) had higher adjusted rates for OUD per 100,000 person-days compared with Primary Care practitioners (PCPs; 4.4 events, 95% CI = 4.1 to 4.7). Patients with index prescriptions from Pain Medicine/Anesthesiology (15.9 events, 95% CI = 13.2 to 19.3) or PM&R (15.8 events, 95% CI = 13.5 to 18.4) had higher adjusted rates for misuse per 100,000 person-days compared with PCPs (9.6 events, 95% CI = 8.8 to 10.6). Findings were largely similar when patients were attributed to specialty based on dominant prescriber.

Conclusions

Differences in opioid-related risks by specialty of opioid prescriber may arise from differences in patient risk factors, provider behavior, or both. Our findings inform targeting of opioid risk mitigation strategies to specific practitioner specialties.
A Cross-Sectional Examination of Patients’ Perspectives About Their Pain, Pain Management, and Satisfaction with Pain Treatment
Authors: Lee Shinduk , Smith Matthew Lee , Dahlke Deborah Vollmer , Pardo Nicole , Ory Marcia G
Published: September 2019

Objective

Empirical studies show conflicting findings about the relationship between pain relief and patient satisfaction. To address this research gap, this study examines the differential effects of pain relief on patient satisfaction based on patients’ perceptions about pain management.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 178 adults with self-reported chronic noncancer pain (i.e., pain that typically lasts >12 weeks that is not due to cancer). Participants rated their satisfaction with pain care, pain relief, and perceptions about participation in their treatment decisions and confidence in their physicians. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine whether patients’ perceptions moderated the effects of pain on patient satisfaction. All models were adjusted for age, education, and frequency of chronic pain. Based on the preliminary analyses, separate models were performed for participants who reported low (median or lower) and high (greater than median) pain relief.

Results

On average, patients reported moderate patient satisfaction with their pain care (score of 5.54 out of 10, with a higher score indicating greater patient satisfaction). Among patients who reported low pain relief, the level of pain relief (P < 0.001) and confidence in their physicians (P = 0.031) were positively associated with satisfaction after adjusting for other covariates and control variables. Among patients who reported high pain relief, the level of pain relief (P = 0.002) positively predicted satisfaction after adjusting for other covariates and control variables. Patients’ confidence in their physicians positively moderated the effects of pain relief on satisfaction among patients who reported low pain relief (P = 0.006), but not among patients who reported high pain relief (P = 0.275).

Conclusions

Interventions to improve patients’ confidence in their physician’s pain management may enhance the effects of pain relief on patient satisfaction, particularly among patients who experience low levels of pain alleviation during their pain treatment.
Mathematical and Moral Disagreement
Authors: Jonas Silvia
Published: September 2019

The existence of fundamental moral disagreements is a central problem for moral realism and has often been contrasted with an alleged absence of disagreement in mathematics. However, mathematicians do in fact disagree on fundamental questions, for example on which set-theoretic axioms are true, and some philosophers have argued that this increases the plausibility of moral vis-à-vis mathematical realism. I argue that the analogy between mathematical and moral disagreement is not as straightforward as those arguments present it. In particular, I argue that pluralist accounts of mathematics render fundamental mathematical disagreements compatible with mathematical realism in a way in which moral disagreements and moral realism are not.1
BIOPHYSICAL SIMULATION TOOL PARTRAC: MODELLING PROTON BEAMS AT THERAPY-RELEVANT ENERGIES
Authors: Friedland Werner , Kundrát Pavel , Becker Janine , Eidemüller Markus
Published: September 2019

The biophysical simulation tool PARTRAC has been primarily developed to model radiation physics, chemistry and biology on nanometre to micrometre scales. However, the tool can be applied in simulating radiation effects in an event-by-event manner over macroscopic volumes as well. Benchmark simulations are reported showing that PARTRAC does reproduce the macroscopic Bragg peaks of proton beams, although the penetration depths are underestimated by a few per cent for high-energy beams. PARTRAC also quantifies the increase in DNA damage and its complexity along the beam penetration depth. Enhanced biological effectiveness is predicted in particular within distal Bragg peak parts of therapeutic proton beams.
Racial, Religious, and Civic Dimensions of Anti-Muslim Sentiment in America
Authors: Gerteis Joseph , Hartmann Douglas , Edgell Penny
Published: September 2019

This paper examines anti-Muslim sentiment in America. Existing research has documented rising hostility to Muslims in Western countries, but has been much less clear about what drives such sentiments or exactly what sort of “other” Muslims are understood to be. Our interest is in the cultural construction of Muslims as a problematic or incompatible “other.” We explore the extent, content, and correlates of such views. Building from recent work in critical race theory and the study of cultural boundaries in national belonging, we argue that Muslims are distinct in being culturally excluded on religious, racial, and civic grounds at the same time. Using nationally representative survey data with specially designed measures on views of Muslims and other groups, we show that nearly half of Americans embrace some form of anti-Muslim sentiment, and that such views are systematically correlated with social location and with understandings of the nature of American belonging.
Transcriptional changes in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and mammary gland underlying decreased lactation performance in mice under heat stress
Authors: Han Jialiang , Shao Juanjuan , Chen Qiong , Sun Huizeng , Guan Leluo , Li Yongxin , Liu Jianxin , Liu Hongyun
Published: September 2019

Because of climate change, heat stress (HS) causes more and more impacts on dairy animals to decrease lactation performance. The neuroendocrine system is key in regulating systemic physiological processes and milk synthesis. However, the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis response to HS is still unclear. In this study, a group of lactating mice underwent a daily 2‐h heat treatment (36°) for 14 d to explore possible cross‐talk between the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis and mammary gland under HS. Transcriptome analyses by multitissue RNA‐Seq indicated the possible mechanisms of reduced lactation performance in animals under HS. In the hypothalamus, the cAMP signaling pathway was activated to resist neuronal death, and the expression of downstream genes was increased to promote cell survival under HS. Reduced food intake might be caused by down‐regulated appetite‐related peptide, whereas up‐regulated neuropeptide Y acted to attenuate reduced food intake. In pituitary, energy stress from lower food intake might result in reduced secretion of prolactin and growth hormone. Under HS, the mammary gland may undergo hypoxic stress, causing mammary epithelial cell apoptosis. Together, these data showed systemic changes in tissues to accommodate the effects of HS on lactation.—Han, J., Shao, J., Chen, Q., Sun, H., Guan, L., Li, Y., Liu, J., Liu, H. Transcriptional changes in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and mammary gland underlying decreased lactation performance in mice under heat stress. FASEB J. 33, 12588–12601 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Lack of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor accelerates aging in mice
Authors: Bravo‐Ferrer Isabel , Cuartero Maria I. , Medina Violeta , Ahedo‐Quero Dalia , Peña‐Martinez Carolina , Pérez‐Ruíz Alberto , Fernández‐Valle M. Encarnación , Hernández‐Sánchez Catalina , Fernández‐Salguero Pedro M. , Lizasoain Ignacio , Moro María A.
Published: September 2019

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand‐activated transcription factor, largely known for its role in xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification as well as its crucial role as a regulator of inflammation. Here, we have compared a cohort wild‐type and AhR‐null mice along aging to study the relationship between this receptor and age‐associated inflammation, termed as “inflammaging,” both at a systemic and the CNS level. Our results show that AhR deficiency is associated with a premature aged phenotype, characterized by early inflammaging, as shown by an increase in plasma cytokines levels. The absence of AhR also promotes the appearance of brain aging anatomic features, such as the loss of the white matter integrity. In addition, AhR–/– mice present an earlier spatial memory impairment and an enhanced astrogliosis in the hippocampus when compared with their age‐matched AhR+/+ controls. Importantly, we have found that AhR protein levels decrease with age in this brain structure, strongly suggesting a link between AhR and aging.—Bravo‐Ferrer, I., Cuartero, M. I., Medina, V., Ahedo‐Quero, D., Peña‐Martínez, C., Pérez‐Ruíz, A., Fernández‐Valle, M. E., Hernández‐Sánchez, C., Fernández‐Salguero, P. M., Lizasoain, I., Moro, M. A. Lack of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor accelerates aging in mice. FASEB J. 33, 12644–12654 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Fungi form interkingdom microbial communities in the primordial human gut that develop with gestational age
Authors: Willis Kent A. , Purvis John H. , Myers Erin D. , Aziz Michael M. , Karabayir Ibrahim , Gomes Charles K. , Peters Brian M. , Akbilgic Oguz , Talati Ajay J. , Pierre Joseph F.
Published: September 2019

Fungal and bacterial commensal organisms play a complex role in the health of the human host. Expansion of commensal ecology after birth is a critical period in human immune development. However, the initial fungal colonization of the primordial gut remains undescribed. To investigate primordial fungal ecology, we performed amplicon sequencing and culture‐based techniques of first‐pass meconium, which forms in the intestine prior to birth, from a prospective observational cohort of term and preterm newborns. Here, we describe fungal ecologies in the primordial gut that develop complexity with advancing gestational age at birth. Our findings suggest homeostasis of fungal commensals may represent an important aspect of human biology present even before birth. Unlike bacterial communities that gradually develop complexity, the domination of the fungal communities of some preterm infants by Saccromycetes, specifically Candida, may suggest a pathologic association with preterm birth.—Willis, K. A., Purvis, J. H., Myers, E. D., Aziz, M. M., Karabayir, I., Gomes, C. K., Peters, B. M., Akbilgic, O., Talati, A. J., Pierre, J. F. Fungi form interkingdom microbial communities in the primordial human gut that develop with gestational age. FASEB J. 33, 12825–12837 (2019). www.fasebj.org
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy in sickle cell disease: where are we now?
Authors: Tanhehco Yvette C. , Bhatia Monica
Published: September 2019

Purpose of review

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common monogenic disorder that is characterized by an A to T substitution in the β-globin gene that leads to the production of hemoglobin S (HbS). Polymerization of HbS leads to significant morbidity including vaso-occlusion, pain, hemolytic anemia, and end organ damage. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is the only curative treatment; however, suitable donors are not always readily available. This study reviews the current status of allo-HCT and autologous cellular therapies for SCD.

Recent findings

Alternative sources of allogeneic stem cells from unmatched donors such as cord blood and haploidentical donors are gaining traction. Early experience has shown that better conditioning regimens and graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis are needed before these donor sources can gain widespread use. Clinical trials are underway to determine the feasibility and efficacy of autologous transplantation with gene modified hematopoietic stem cells. Gene therapy strategies include HbS gene correction, gene addition, and hemoglobin F induction. Preliminary results are very encouraging.

Matched sibling allo-HCT for patients with SCD results in more than 90% overall survival and more than 80% event-free survival. Because only 25–30% of patients have a matched sibling donor, alternative donor options such as matched unrelated donors, related haploidentical donors and unrelated umbilical cord blood donors are being considered. Clinical trials investigating various strategies for gene therapy followed by autologous transplantation are underway. One major challenge is obtaining sufficient hematopoietic stem cells for gene therapy. Studies are being conducted on the optimal mobilization regimen and collection strategy.
Current landscape for chimeric antigen receptor T cells in lymphomas
Authors: Skarbnik Alan P.
Published: September 2019

Purpose of review

CART cell therapy has changed the treatment landscape for relapsed/refractory aggressive lymphomas. In this article, we review the CART constructs most studied in lymphoma and their applicability.

Recent findings

Results of ZUMA-1, JULIET and TRANSCEND trials will be reviewed. Real-world data will also be reviewed.

CART cell therapy is evolving and becoming safer. Increased uptake of this modality outside of clinical trials is expected.
Leveraging the zebrafish to model organ transplantation
Authors: Cavalcante Luciana Da Silveira , Toner Mehmet , Uygun Korkut , Tessier Shannon N.
Published: September 2019

Purpose of review

The availability of organs for transplant fails to meet the demand and this shortage is growing worse every year. As the cost of not getting a suitable donor organ can mean death for patients, new tools and approaches that allows us to make advances in transplantation faster and provide a different vantage point are required. To address this need, we introduce the concept of using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a new model system in organ transplantation. The zebrafish community offers decades of research experience in disease modeling and a rich toolbox of approaches for interrogating complex pathological states. We provide examples of how already existing zebrafish assays/tools from cancer, regenerative medicine, immunology, and others, could be leveraged to fuel new discoveries in pursuit of solving the organ shortage.

Recent findings

Important innovations have enabled several types of transplants to be successfully performed in zebrafish, including stem cells, tumors, parenchymal cells, and even a partial heart transplant. These innovations have been performed against a backdrop of an expansive and impressive list of tools designed to uncover the biology of complex systems that include a wide array of fluorescent transgenic fish that label specific cell types and mutant lines that are transparent, immune-deficient. Allogeneic transplants can also be accomplished using immune suppressed and syngeneic fish. Each of these innovations within the zebrafish community would provide several helpful tools that could be applied to transplant research.

We highlight some examples of existing tools and assays developed in the zebrafish community that could be leveraged to overcome barriers in organ transplantation, including ischemia–reperfusion, short preservation durations, regeneration of marginal grafts, and acute and chronic rejection.
Increasing Caregiver Access to Programming
Authors: Serwe Katrina M. , Schloer Latasha , Vigna Sara
Published: September 2019

Family caregivers can benefit from education-based wellness programs, but many face barriers to attending such programs. The purpose of this research was to explore telehealth as a delivery format for an education-based caregiver wellness program. This qualitative research examined the caregiver experience of a specific program called Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC). The traditionally in-person program was delivered via telehealth in four states. Twelve caregivers participated in focus groups the week after completing the telehealth PTC program. Three major themes emerged from the focus groups: Knowledge Gained, Interrelatedness, and Technology Pros and Cons. All affirmed a positive experience of the telehealth delivered PTC program. Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the program and knowledge gained including relaxation techniques, communication skills, resources to support caregiving, and goal setting for self-care. Furthermore, participants were appreciative of the opportunity to connect with other caregivers from the comfort of their home.
Sex in the city: sexual selection and urban colonization in passerines
Authors: Iglesias-Carrasco Maider , Duchêne David A. , Head Megan L. , Møller Anders P. , Cain Kristal
Published: September 2019

Urbanization leads to a rapid and drastic transformation of habitats, forcing native fauna to manage novel ecological challenges or to move. Sexual selection is a powerful evolutionary force, which is sometimes predicted to enhance the ability of species to adapt to novel environments because it allows females to choose high-quality males, but other times is predicted to reduce the viability of populations because it pushes males beyond naturally selected optima. However, we do not know whether or how sexual selection contributes to the likelihood that animals will establish in urban areas. We use a comparative analysis of passerine birds to test whether traits associated with pre- and post-mating sexual selection predict successful colonization of urban areas. We found that plumage dichromatism was negatively associated with urban tolerance, but found no relationship with sexual size dimorphism or testes mass relative to body mass. While we cannot determine the exact reason why species with high plumage dichromatism occur less in cities, it is likely that urban areas increase the costs of expressing bright coloration due, for instance, to dietary constraints, limited male parental care or increased predation.
To help or punish in the face of unfairness: men and women prefer mutually-beneficial strategies over punishment in a sexual selection context
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn , Quigley Erin , Powell Georgia , Stewart Liam , Harrison Freya , Tallentire Holly
Published: September 2019

Consistent with a sexual selection account of cooperation, based on female choice, men, in romantic contexts, in general display mutually-beneficial behaviour and women choose men who do so. This evidence is based on atwo-choice-architecture(cooperate or not). Here we extend this to include punishment options using afour-choice-architecture(‘punishing a transgressor’, ‘compensating a victim’, ‘both punishing and compensating’ or ‘doing nothing’). Both compensation (a self-serving mutually-beneficial behaviour) and self-serving punishment, are associated with positive mate qualities. We test which is preferred by males and chosen by female undergraduates. We further explore effects of trait empathy and political ideology on these preferences. In a series of three studies using a third-party punishment and compensation (3PPC) game we show (Study One), that romantically-primed undergraduate males, express a preference to either ‘compensate’ or ‘both compensate and punish’, and undergraduate women find males who ‘compensate’ or ‘compensate and punish’ the most attractive (Studies Two and Three). Compensating men are perceived as compassionate, fair and strong by undergraduate women (Study Three). High trait empathy (Studies One and Three) and a left-wing political ideology (Study Three) are associated with a preference for compensation. Thus, self-serving mutually-beneficial behaviour can be preferred over self-serving punishment as a signal of mate quality in undergraduates. Implications for the evolution of cooperation are discussed with respect to sexual selection.
The effect of a multi-target protocol on cetacean detection and abundance estimation in aerial surveys
Authors: Lambert C. , Authier M. , Dorémus G. , Gilles A. , Hammond P. , Laran S. , Ricart A. , Ridoux V. , Scheidat M. , Spitz J. , Van Canneyt O.
Published: September 2019

A double-platform protocol was implemented in the Bay of Biscay and English Channel during the SCANS-III survey (2016). Two observation platforms using different protocols were operating on board a single aircraft: the reference platform (Scans), targeting cetaceans, and the ‘Megafauna’ platform, recording all the marine fauna visible at the sea surface (jellyfish to seabirds). We tested for a potential bias in small cetacean detection and density estimation when recording all marine fauna. At a small temporal scale (30 s, roughly 1.5 km), our results provided overall similar perception probabilities for both platforms. Small cetacean perception was higher following the detection of another cetacean within the previous 30 s in both platforms. The only prior target that decreased small cetacean perception during the subsequent 30 s was seabirds, in the Megafauna platform. However, at a larger scale (study area), this small-scale perception bias had no effect on the density estimates, which were similar for the two protocols. As a result, there was no evidence of lower performance regarding small cetacean population monitoring for the multi-target protocol in our study area. Because our study area was characterized by moderate cetacean densities and small spatial overlap of cetaceans and seabirds, any extrapolation to other areas or time requires caution. Nonetheless, by permitting the collection of cost-effective quantitative data for marine fauna, anthropogenic activities and marine litter at the sea surface, the multi-target protocol is valuable for optimizing logistical and financial resources to efficiently monitor biodiversity and study community ecology.
Effects of temperature gradient and particle size on self-ignition temperature of low-rank coal excavated from inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Wang Yongjun , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhang Hemeng , Sasaki Kyuro
Published: September 2019

This study investigates the effects of temperature gradient and coal particle size on the critical self-ignition temperature
T
CSIT
of a coal pile packed with low-rank coal using the wire-mesh basket test to estimate
T
CSIT
based on the Frank–Kamenetskii equation. The values of
T
CSIT
, the temperature gradient and the apparent activation energy of different coal pile volumes packed with coal particles of different sizes are measured. The supercriticality or subcriticality of the coal is assessed using a non-dimensional index

I
HR

based on the temperature gradient at the temperature cross-point between coal and ambient temperatures for coal piles with various volumes and particle sizes. The critical value

I
HRC

at the boundary between supercriticality and subcriticality is determined as a function of pile volume. The coal status of supercritical or subcritical can be separated by critical value of

I
HR

as a function of pile volume. Quantitative effects of coal particle size on
T
CSIT
of coal piles are measured for constant pile volume. It can be concluded that a pile packed with smaller coal particles is more likely to undergo spontaneous combustion, while the chemical activation energy is not sensitive to coal particle size. Finally, the effect of coal particle size on
T
CSIT
is represented by the inclusion of an extra term in the equation giving
T
CSIT
for a coal pile.
Preparation and regeneration of iron-modified nanofibres for low-concentration phosphorus-containing wastewater treatment
Authors: Luo Ying , Liu Min , Chen Ying , Wang Tingting , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2019

In this study, nanocellulose (CNFs) was prepared by a mechanical shearing method, a simple and pollution-free process. Iron hydroxide was loaded on nanocellulose, a natural macromolecule derived from bamboo, to produce the second-generation iron-loaded nanocellulose for the removal of low-concentration phosphorus from wastewater. We found that the best modified ferric salt was ferric chloride. When the mass ratio of Fe(OH)
3
and CNFs was 1.5 : 1, freeze-drying with liquid nitrogen yielded the best adsorption performance. The adsorption process of Fe(OH)
3
@CNFs followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics and belonged to chemical adsorption. Regeneration experiments showed that after 10 cycles of adsorption–regenerations of the adsorbent, the phosphorus adsorption efficiency was still stable at 80% of the initial material. The prepared adsorbent was characterized by the BET surface area measurement, scanning electron microscopy and FT-IR. The surface morphology, pore size and elements of materials before and after iron loading were analysed. Compared with other adsorbents, the phosphorus removal performances of the second-generation iron-loaded nanocellulose were superior. Compared with the first-generation material, the second-generation adsorbent is simpler and more environmentally friendly.
Gone girl: Richardson's ground squirrel offspring and neighbours are resilient to female removal
Authors: Freeman Angela R. , Wood Thomas J. , Bairos-Novak Kevin R. , Anderson W. Gary , Hare James F.
Published: September 2019

Within matrilineal societies, the presence of mothers and female kin can greatly enhance survival and reproductive success owing to kin-biased alarm calling, cooperation in territory defence, protection from infanticidal conspecifics, joint care of young and enhanced access to resources. The removal of mothers by predators or disease is expected to increase the stress experienced by offspring via activation of their hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, increasing circulating glucocorticoids and reducing offspring survival and reproductive success. Yet, few studies have removed mothers in the post-weaning period to examine the assumed physiological and fitness consequences associated with these mortality events. We examined how the loss of a mother affects juvenile Richardson's ground squirrels' (Urocitellus richardsonii) faecal glucocorticoid metabolites and their survival. Given that neighbours are often close kin, we further hypothesized that conspecific removal would similarly diminish the fitness of neighbouring individuals. Upon removing the mother, we detected no impact on offspring or neighbouring conspecific faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in the removal year, or on overwinter survival in the following year. Furthermore, no impact on neighbour reproductive success was detected. Given the high predation rates of ground squirrels in wild populations, resilience to a changing social environment would prove adaptive for both surviving kin and non-kin.
Two variations on (
A
3
×
A
1
×
A
1
)
(1)
type discrete Painlevé equations
Authors: Shi Yang
Published: September 2019

By considering the normalizers of reflection subgroups of types
A
(1)
1
and
A
(1)
3
in

W
~

(

D
5

(
1
)

)

, two subgroups:

W
~

(

A
3

×

A
1

)

(
1
)

⋉

W

(

A
1

(
1
)

)

and

W
~

(

A
1

×

A
1

)

(
1
)

⋉

W

(

A
3

(
1
)

)

can be constructed from a (
A
3
 × 
A
1
 × 
A
1
)
(1)
type subroot system. These two symmetries arose in the studies of discrete Painlevé equations (Kajiwara K, Noumi M, Yamada Y. 2002
q
-Painlevé systems arising from
q
-KP hierarchy.
Lett. Math. Phys.
62
, 259–268; Takenawa T. 2003 Weyl group symmetry of type
D
(1)
5
in the
q
-Painlevé V equation.
Funkcial. Ekvac.
46
, 173–186; Okubo N, Suzuki T. 2018 Generalized
q
-Painlevé VI systems of type (
A

2
n
+1

 + 
A
1
 + 
A
1
)
(1)
arising from cluster algebra. (
http://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/1810.03252
)), where certain non-translational elements of infinite order were shown to give rise to discrete Painlevé equations. We clarify the nature of these elements in terms of Brink-Howlett theory of normalizers of Coxeter groups (Howlett RB. 1980 Normalizers of parabolic subgroups of reflection groups.
J. London Math. Soc. (2)
21
, 62–80; Brink B, Howlett RB. 1999 Normalizers of parabolic subgroups in Coxeter groups.
Invent. Math.
136
, 323–351). This is the first of a series of studies which investigates the properties of discrete integrable equations via the theory of normalizers.
On the crest factor for dissipative partial differential equations
Authors: Bartuccelli Michele V.
Published: September 2019

In this work, we have introduced and then computed the so-called
crest factor
associated with solutions of dissipative partial differential equations (PDEs). By taking two paradigmatic dissipative PDEs, we estimated in an explicit and accurate manner the values of the crest factor of their solutions. We then analysed and compared the estimates as a function of the positive parameter which appears in the PDEs in space dimensions one and two. These estimates shed some light on the dynamics of the fluctuations of the solutions of the two model PDEs, and therefore provide a criterion for discerning between small and large potential excursions in space for the solution of any dissipative PDE. Being able to detect between small and large intermittent fluctuations is one of the hallmarks of turbulence. We believe that the crest factor is an appropriate tool for extracting space fluctuation features in solutions of dissipative PDEs.
Anti-parasite treatment results in decreased estimated survival with increasing lead (Pb) levels in the common eiderSomateria mollissima
Authors: Morrill A. , Provencher J. F. , Gilchrist H. G. , Mallory M. L. , Forbes M. R.
Published: September 2019

Field experiments where parasites are removed through treatment and contaminant levels in host tissues are recorded can provide insight into the combined effects of parasitism and contaminants in wild populations. In 2013 and 2014, we treated northern common eider ducks (Somateria mollissima) arriving at a breeding colony with either a broad-spectrum antihelminthic (PANACUR®) or distilled water, and measured their blood lead (Pb) levels. Breeding propensity and clutch sizes were inversely related to Pb in both treatment groups. In comparison, a negative effect of Pb on resight probability the following year was observed only in the anti-parasitic treatment (APT) group. These contrasting patterns suggest a long-term benefit to survival of intestinal parasitism in eiders experiencing Pb exposure. The arrival date of hens explained some, but not all, of the effects of Pb. We weigh the merits of different hypotheses in explaining our results, including protective bioaccumulation of Pb by parasites, condition-linked thresholds to costly reproduction and the direct effects of APT on eider health. We conclude that variation in helminth parasitism influences survival in this migratory bird in counterintuitive ways.
Experimentally disentangling intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of natal dispersal in a nocturnal raptor
Authors: Fattebert Julien , Perrig Marco , Naef-Daenzer Beat , Grüebler Martin U.
Published: September 2019

Equivocal knowledge of the phase-specific drivers of natal dispersal remains a major deficit in understanding causes and consequences of dispersal and thus, spatial dynamics within and between populations. We performed a field experiment combining partial cross-fostering of nestlings and nestling food supplementation in little owls (Athene noctua). This approach disentangled the effect of nestling origin from the effect of the rearing environment on dispersal behaviour, while simultaneously investigating the effect of food availability in the rearing environment. We radio-tracked fledglings to quantify the timing of pre-emigration forays and emigration, foray and transfer duration, and the dispersal distances. Dispersal characteristics of the pre-emigration phase were affected by the rearing environment rather than by the origin of nestlings. In food-poor habitats, supplemented individuals emigrated later than unsupplemented individuals. By contrast, transfer duration and distance were influenced by the birds' origin rather than by their rearing environment. We found no correlation between timing of emigration and transfer duration or distance. We conclude that food supply to the nestlings and other characteristics of the rearing environment modulate the timing of emigration, while innate traits associated with the nestling origin affect the transfer phases after emigration. The dispersal behaviours of juveniles prior and after emigration, therefore, were related to different determinants, and are suggested to form different life-history traits.
Spatio-temporal ecological niche modelling of multigenerational insect migrations
Authors: Menchetti Mattia , Guéguen Maya , Talavera Gerard
Published: September 2019

Modelling ecological niches of migratory animals requires incorporating a temporal dimension, in addition to space. Here, we introduce an approach to model multigenerational migratory insects using time-partitioned environmental variables (by months and years) and time- and behaviour-partitioned records (breeding records to model reproductive habitat). We apply this methodology to modelling the Palearctic-African migratory cycle of the Painted Lady butterfly (
Vanessa cardui
), based on data encompassing 36 years (646 breeding sites from 30 countries). Each breeding record is linked to a particular time (month and year), and the associated values of the bioclimatic variables are used for an ensemble modelling strategy, to finally obtain monthly projections. The results show obligated movements, mostly latitudinal, for the species' successive generations across the overall range, and only scattered locations show high probabilities of reproduction year-round. The southernmost reproductive areas estimated for the Palearctic-African migratory pool reach equatorial latitudes from December to February. We thus propose a potential distribution for the winter ‘missing generations' that would expand the
V. cardui
migration cycle to encompass about 15 000 km in latitude, from northernmost Europe to equatorial Africa. In summer, Europe represents the major temporary resource for
V. cardui
, while January and February show the lowest overall suitability values, and they are potentially the most vulnerable period for the species to suffer yearly bottlenecks. In summary, we demonstrate the potential of the proposed niche modelling strategy to investigate migratory movements of insects.
Multiple transmission routes sustain high prevalence of a virulent parasite in a butterfly host
Authors: Majewska Ania A. , Sims Stuart , Schneider Anna , Altizer Sonia , Hall Richard J.
Published: September 2019

Understanding factors that allow highly virulent parasites to reach high infection prevalence in host populations is important for managing infection risks to human and wildlife health. Multiple transmission routes have been proposed as one mechanism by which virulent pathogens can achieve high prevalence, underscoring the need to investigate this hypothesis through an integrated modelling-empirical framework. Here, we examine a harmful specialist protozoan infecting monarch butterflies that commonly reaches high prevalence (50–100%) in resident populations. We integrate field and modelling work to show that a combination of three empirically-supported transmission routes (vertical, adult transfer and environmental transmission) can produce and sustain high infection prevalence in this system. Although horizontal transmission is necessary for parasite invasion, most new infections post-establishment arise from vertical transmission. Our study predicts that multiple transmission routes, coupled with high parasite virulence, can reduce resident host abundance by up to 50%, suggesting that the protozoan could contribute to declines of North American monarchs.
Modified Long-Axis In-Plane Ultrasound Versus Short-Axis Out-of-Plane Ultrasound For Radial Arterial Cannulation: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Jiebo , Zhang Liangcheng , Huang Qijian , Lai Zhongmeng , Wu Guohua , Lin Lei , Liu Junle , Weng Xianfeng
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Given a low first-pass success rate of the conventional SAX (short-axis) or LAX (long-axis) approach, ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation in adults with radial artery diameter less than 2.2 mm may be still challenging.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of modified long-axis in-plane(M-LAIP) versus short-axis out-of-plane (SAOP) or conventional palpation(C-P) approaches for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized and controlled trial.

SETTING

Operating room in a tertiary university hospital, from 1 July 2018 to 24 November 2018.

PATIENTS

A total of 201 patients (age 18 to 85 years, the diameter of the radial artery less 2.2 mm) were included. Patients with history of forearm surgery, ulnar artery occlusion, abnormal Allen test, etc, were excluded from this study.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients were randomized 1:1:1 to M-LAIP, SAOP or C-P.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the cannulation success rate. Secondary outcomes included first location time and cannulation time, number of attempts.

RESULTS

The cannulation success rate was significantly higher in the M-LAIP group than in the SAOP group or C-P group (first success rate: 80.3% vs 53.8% or 33.8%; p =0.000; total success rate: 93.9% vs 78.5% or 50.8%; p =0.000). First location time (s) was significantly longer in the M-LAIP group compared with the SAOP group (31(28-35[12-44]) vs 15(14-17[10-21]); p =0.000) and the C-P group (31(28-35[12-44]) vs 12(8-13.5 [6-37]); p =0.000). However, the time of cannulation in the M-LAIP group (29(24-45[16-313])) was significantly shorter than that in the SAOP group (45(28.5-135.5[14-346]), p =0.002) and in the C-P group(138(27-308[12-363]), p =0.000). The number of attempts decreased in the M-LAIP group compared with SAOP or C-P group (1.29±0.63 vs 1.8±0.89 or 2.22±0.93, p =0.000).

CONCLUSION

The M-LAIP procedure for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation can offer a higher success rate of the first-attempt and total cannulation, fewer attempts and less time of cannulation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, number: ChiCTR-IOR-17011474).