bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geophytism in monocots leads to higher rates of diversification
Authors: Howard Cody Coyotee , Landis Jacob B. , Beaulieu Jeremy M. , Cellinese Nico
Published: August 2019

Geophytes, plants with buds on underground structures, are found throughout the plant tree of life. These below ground structures allow plants to inhabit highly seasonal and disturbance‐prone environments across ecosystems. Past researchers have hypothesised that the bulbous, cormous and tuberous habits promote diversification, but this had yet to be tested.

Using a comprehensive monocot data set of almost 13 000 taxa, we investigated the effects of the geophytic habit on diversification using both state‐dependent and state‐independent models.

We found that geophytes exhibit increased rates of diversification relative to nongeophytes. State‐dependent analyses recovered higher yet similar rates of diversification for bulbous, cormous and tuberous taxa compared with rhizomatous and nongeophytic taxa. However, the state‐independent model returned no difference in rates among the different traits.

Geophytism shows higher rates of diversification relative to nongeophytes but we found little support for the hypothesis that the evolution of the bulb, corm or tuber appears to provide a diversification increase relative to rhizomatous and nongeophytic taxa. Our broad‐scale analysis highlights the overall evolutionary importance of the geophytic habit (i.e. belowground bud placement). However, our results also suggest that belowground morphological diversity alone cannot explain this rate increase. In order to further test the evolutionary significance of these underground structures, future studies should consider these in combination with other biotic and abiotic factors.
The effect of Public Health/Pediatric Obesity interventions on socioeconomic inequalities in childhood obesity: A scoping review
Authors: Venturelli Francesco , Ferrari Francesca , Broccoli Serena , Bonvicini Laura , Mancuso Pamela , Bargellini Annalisa , Giorgi Rossi Paolo
Published: August 2019

Childhood obesity has a strong social gradient. This scoping review aims to synthesize the evidence on the impact on inequalities of non‐targeted interventions to reduce the prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity in high‐income countries. We updated a review by Hillier‐Brown, searching up to 31 December 2017 on MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, with no limitations on study design. Fifty‐eight studies describing 51 interventions were included: 31 randomized clinical trials and 27 non‐randomized trials, with sample sizes from 67 to 2,700,880 subjects. The majority were implemented in the school setting at a community level; the others were in health services or general population setting and targeting individuals or the system. Twenty‐nine interventions proved to be effective overall; seven others had an effect only in a subgroup, while 15 proved not to be effective. All types of included interventions can increase inequalities. Moreover, some interventions had opposite effects based on the socioeconomic characteristics. Any kind of intervention can reduce equity. Consequences are difficult to predict based on intervention construct. Complex interventions acting on multiple targets, settings, and risk factors are more effective and have a lower risk of increasing inequalities.
A person‐centred team approach targeting agitated and aggressive behaviour amongst nursing home residents with dementia using the Senses Framework
Authors: Gillis Katrin , Lahaye Hilde , Dom Stijn , Lips Dirk , Arnouts Heidi , Van Bogaert Peter
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The increase in agitated or aggressive behaviour amongst nursing home residents with dementia is a challenging problem. Such behaviour causes stress for both resident and caregiver. Many non‐pharmacological interventions have been studied, but these interventions disregard the resident's unfulfilled needs and are executed by a single, designated caregiver. This study tests a non‐pharmacological intervention, applied by the entire team and based on the resident's underlying needs.

Design

A pretest and post‐test interventional study design was used, in which 65 residents with dementia who expressed agitated or aggressive behaviour. Data were collected from December 2016 until March 2017.

Methods

The ABC method and the Senses Framework were used to assign residents to either therapeutic touch, group music sessions or a meaningful individual activity. All staff members applied the interventions. Data were collected by use of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory‐Nursing Home version (NPI‐NH) and the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI).

Results

The frequency of aggression, loss of decorum, depression and the severity of aggression decreased for all three interventions. However, the overall severity of fear also increased. The overall prevalence of agitated of residents decreased for the therapeutic touch, group music sessions and individual activities.

Conclusions

This study shows the possibilities of designing individualised interventions on the Senses Framework and the ABC method for addressing agitated and aggressive behaviour amongst nursing home residents with dementia. The framework presented in this study should be further explored.

Implications for practice

A team‐based approach is effective to reduce agitated or aggressive behaviour amongst nursing home residents.
Simplified adenine base editors improve adenine base editing efficiency in rice
Authors: Hua Kai , Tao Xiaoping , Liang Weiyi , Zhang Zhaoxia , Gou Runyu , Zhu Jian‐Kang
Published: August 2019

Adenine base editors (ABEs) have been exploited to introduce targeted adenine (A) to guanine (G) base conversions in various plant genomes, including rice, wheat and Arabidopsis. However, the ABEs reported thus far are all quite inefficient at many target sites in rice, which hampers their applications in plant genome engineering and crop breeding. Here, we show that unlike in the mammalian system, a simplified base editor ABE‐P1S (Adenine Base Editor‐Plant version 1 Simplified) containing the ecTadA*7.10‐nSpCas9 (D10A) fusion has much higher editing efficiency in rice compared to the widely used ABE‐P1 consisting of the ecTadA‐ecTadA*7.10‐nSpCas9 (D10A) fusion. We found that the protein expression level of ABE‐P1S is higher than that of ABE‐P1 in rice calli and protoplasts, which may explain the higher editing efficiency of ABE‐P1S in different rice varieties. Moreover, we demonstrate that the ecTadA*7.10‐nCas9 fusion can be used to improve the editing efficiency of other ABEs containing SaCas9 or the engineered SaKKH‐Cas9 variant. These more efficient ABEs will help advance trait improvements in rice and other crops.
Genome‐wide expression quantitative trait locus analysis in a recombinant inbred line population for trait dissection in peanut
Authors: Huang Li , Liu Xia , Pandey Manish K. , Ren Xiaoping , Chen Haiwen , Xue Xiaomeng , Liu Nian , Huai Dongxin , Chen Yuning , Zhou Xiaojing , Luo Huaiyong , Chen Weigang , Lei Yong , Liu Kede , Xiao Yingjie , Varshney Rajeev K. , Liao Boshou , Jiang Huifang
Published: August 2019

The transcriptome connects genome to the gene function and ultimate phenome in biology. So far, transcriptomic approach was not used in peanut for performing trait mapping in bi‐parental populations. In this research, we sequenced the whole transcriptome in immature seeds in a peanut recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and explored thoroughly the landscape of transcriptomic variations and its genetic basis. The comprehensive analysis identified total 49 691 genes in RIL population, of which 92 genes followed a paramutation‐like expression pattern. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis identified 1207 local eQTLs and 15 837 distant eQTLs contributing to the whole‐genome transcriptomic variation in peanut. There were 94 eQTL hot spot regions detected across the genome with the dominance of distant eQTL. By integrating transcriptomic profile and annotation analyses, we unveiled a putative candidate gene and developed a linked marker InDel02 underlying a major QTL responsible for purple testa colour in peanut. Our result provided a first understanding of genetic basis of whole‐genome transcriptomic variation in peanut and illustrates the potential of the transcriptome‐aid approach in dissecting important traits in non‐model plants.
Symplastic hemangioma developing over an infantile hemangioma during propranolol treatment
Authors: Downey Camila , Pino Guillermo , Zambrano María José , Kramer Daniela , Cervilla Katari , González Sergio
Published: August 2019

We describe a case of a 6‐month‐old female patient with a segmental, superficial, infantile hemangioma (IH) on the forehead being treated with propranolol 2 mg/kg/d for 5 months, who developed a symplastic hemangioma (SH) over the preexisting lesion, highlighting the need to consider SH in the differential diagnosis of vascular lesions arising over preexisting vascular anomalies in children.
Recalcitrant granulomatous periorificial dermatitis with good response to low‐dose oral isotretinoin
Authors: Rodriguez‐Garijo Nuria , Querol‐Cisneros Elena , Tomas‐Velazquez Alejandra , Estenaga Angela , Moreno‐Artero Ester , Idoate Miguel Angel , Paricio Jose Joaquín , España Agustin
Published: August 2019

Granulomatous periorificial dermatitis is a clinical variant of periorificial dermatitis. We present the case of an 18‐year‐old girl with several reddish papular lesions in the perioral, perinasal, and periorbital regions unresponsive to conventional therapy. After 6 months of therapy with low‐dose oral isotretinoin, the lesions fully remitted.
Active BR signalling adjusts the subcellular localisation of BES1/HSP90 complex formation
Authors: Samakovli D. , Roka L. , Plitsi P.‐K. , Kaltsa I. , Daras G. , Milioni D. , Hatzopoulos P.
Published: August 2019

Heat shock proteins 90 (HSP90) are essential and play critical roles in the adaptation of organisms to diverse stimuli. In plants, HSP90 are involved in auxin, jasmonate and brassinosteroid (BR) signalling pathways. The BR‐promoted activation of the BES1 transcription factor regulates BR‐responsive genes.

Using genetic, physiological, fluorescence live cell imaging, molecular and biochemical approaches, such as phenotypic analysis, co‐immunoprecipitation assay, yeast‐two hybrid and Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), we studied complex formation between BES1 and HSP90 under control conditions and active BR signalling. Further, we determined the effect of the pharmacological inhibition of HSP90 ATPase activity on hypocotyl elongation of bes1-D mutant.

We determined that HSP90 interact with BES1 in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. During active BR signalling, nuclear complexes were absent while cytoplasmic HSP90/BES1 complexes were prominent. Our results showed that the hypocotyl length of bes1‐D mutants was highly reduced when HSP90 was challenged by the geldanamycin (GDA) inhibitor of the ATPase activity of HSP90. Active BR signalling could not rescue the GDA effect on the hypocotyl elongation of bes1-D.

Our results reveal that the constitutively active BES1 in the bes1‐D mutant is hypersensitive to GDA. The interaction of HSP90 with BES1 argues that HSP90 facilitate the nuclear metastable conformation of BES1 to regulate BR‐dependent gene expression, and our data show that HSP90 assist in the compartmentalised cycle of BES1 during active BR signalling.
Alien worlds, alien laws, and the Humean conceivability argument
Authors: Chan Lok‐Chi , Braddon‐Mitchell David , Latham Andrew James
Published: August 2019

Monism is our name for a range of views according to which the connection between dispositions and their categorical bases is intimate and necessary, or on which there are no categorical bases at all. In contrast, Dualist views hold that the connection between dispositions and their categorical bases is distant and contingent. This paper is a defence of Monism against an influential conceivability argument in favour of Dualism. The argument suggests that the apparent possibility of causal behaviour coming apart from categorical bases is best explained by Dualism. We argue that Monism can explain the apparent possibility as well, if we take metaphysically alien laws – namely, laws whose metaphysical nature is alien to the actual world – into account.
Evaluation of Multicriteria Decision Analysis Algorithms in Food Safety: A Case Study on Emerging Zoonoses Prioritization
Authors: Garre Alberto , Boué Geraldine , Fernández Pablo S. , Membré Jeanne‐Marie , Egea Jose A.
Published: August 2019

Decision making in food safety is a complex process that involves several criteria of different nature like the expected reduction in the number of illnesses, the potential economic or health‐related cost, or even the environmental impact of a given policy or intervention. Several multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) algorithms are currently used, mostly individually, in food safety to rank different options in a multifactorial environment. However, the selection of the MCDA algorithm is a decision problem on its own because different methods calculate different rankings. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of different uncertainty sources on the rankings of MCDA problems in the context of food safety. For that purpose, a previously published data set on emerging zoonoses in the Netherlands was used to compare different MCDA algorithms: MMOORA, TOPSIS, VIKOR, WASPAS, and ELECTRE III. The rankings were calculated with and without considering uncertainty (using fuzzy sets), to assess the importance of this factor. The rankings obtained differed between algorithms, emphasizing that the selection of the MCDA method had a relevant impact in the rankings. Furthermore, considering uncertainty in the ranking had a high influence on the results. Both factors were more relevant than the weights associated with each criterion in this case study. A hierarchical clustering method was suggested to aggregate results obtained by the different algorithms. This complementary step seems to be a promising way to decrease extreme difference among algorithms and could provide a strong added value in the decision‐making process.
The pipeline of antiviral T‐cell therapy: what's in the clinic and undergoing development
Authors: Fatic Alyssa , Zhang Nan , Keller Michael D. , Hanley Patrick J.
Published: August 2019

KEY IDEAS

Virus‐specific T cells allow targeting of multiple pathogens in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and have demonstrated potential efficacy for cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr Virus, and adenovirus.

Novel targets may include BK virus, JC virus, varicella zoster virus, human herpesvirus 6, Aspergillus, human parainfluenza virus‐3, herpes simplex virus Type I, Zika virus, and mycobacteria.

Generation of patient‐specific products and third‐party products may expand feasibility of therapy.
Evaluation of the radiographic liver length/11th thoracic vertebral length ratio as a method for quantifying liver size in cats
Authors: An Gayeon , Kwon Dohoon , Yoon Hyounglok , Yu Jin , Bang Sohyun , Lee Youngjae , Jeon Seokho , Jung Jaihyun , Chang Jinhwa , Chang Dongwoo
Published: August 2019

Abdominal radiography is a standard diagnostic test for cats with suspected liver disease, however, absolute measurements of radiographic liver size can be affected by other factors such as positioning, radiographic technique, and obesity. This prospective and retrospective, analytical, cross‐sectional study evaluated the liver length/11th thoracic vertebral length (LL/T11) ratio as a method for minimizing these outside effects. In a prospectively recruited sample of 25 clinically healthy cats, measurements of radiographic LL/T11 ratio were compared with CT measurements of liver volume. Effects of radiographic technical factors (body posture, recumbency state, and beam center to LL/T11 ratio) and observer were also tested. In a retrospectively recruited sample of 324 cats with no evidence of liver disease, radiographic measurements of the LL/T11 ratio were performed using right lateral radiographs and compared among signalment groups (age, sex, body weight, and body condition score). There was a strong significant correlation between the LL/T11 ratio and CT liver volume (P < .001), and this ratio was not affected by radiographic technical factors. The reference value of the LL/T11 ratio was 4.22 ± 0.54 and the LL/T11 ratio did not differ among signalment groups. Findings supported the use of the LL/T11 ratio as a novel quantitative index of radiographic liver size in cats. Future studies in clinically affected cats are needed to further validate this method.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Willianms Ellery
Published: August 2019

Business and Management Studies (BMS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether BMS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 5, Number 3 Abdul-Kahar Adam, University of Education, Winneba, GhanaAndrzej Niemiec, Poznań University of Economics and Business, PolandAthina Qendro, Robert Gordon University, UKFlorin Peci, University of Peja, KosovoGabriela O. Chiciudean, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaIulia Cristina Muresan, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaJason Caudill, King University, USAJulia Stefanova, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, BulgariaKherchi Ishak, UHBC University, AlgeriaMarica Ion Dumitrasco, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, MoldovaMike Rayner, University of Portsmouth, UKMohammad Soliman, Fayoum University, EgyptMythili Kolluru, College of Banking and Financial Studies, OmanSandeep Kumar, Tecnia Institute of Advanced Studies, Affiliated to GGSIP University Delgi, IndiaZeki Atıl Bulut, Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey  Ellery WillianmsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Business and Management StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://bms.redfame.com
Computational Investigation of the Effective Mechanical Behavior for 3D Pre-Buckled Auxetic Lattices
Authors: Albertini Frederic , Dirrenberger Justin , Molotnikov Andrey , Sollogoub Cyrille
Published: August 2019

Negative Poisson’s ratio materials, or auxetics, have drawn attention for the past 30 years. The auxetic effect could lead to improved mechanical properties such as acoustic damping, indentation resistance, or crashworthiness. In this work, two 3D auxetic lattices are introduced. Auxeticity is achieved by design through pre-buckling of the lattice struts. The influence of geometrical parameters on the effective elastic properties is investigated using computational homogenization method with periodic boundary conditions. Effective Young’s modulus is 3D mapped to reveal anisotropy and identify spatial orientations of interest. The effective Poisson ratio is computed for various geometric configurations to characterize auxeticity. Finally, the influence of effective elastic properties on energy dissipation under compression is explored for elastoplastic lattices with different loading directions, using finite element simulations. Results suggest that loading 3D auxetic lattices along their stiffest direction maximizes their crashworthiness.
Persistence of Hepatitis B Virus DNA and the Tempos between Virion Secretion and Genome Maturation in a Mouse Model
Authors: Wu Szu-Yao , Chang Ya-Shu , Chu Tien-Hua , Shih Chiaho
Published: August 2019

Chronic infection with human hepatitis B virus (HBV) could lead to cirrhosis and hepatoma. At present, there is no effective treatment to eradicate the virus from patients. HBV in chronic carriers does not exist as a single homogeneous population. The most frequent naturally occurring mutation in HBV core protein occurs at amino acid 97, changing an isoleucine to leucine (I97L). One dogma in the field is that only virions containing a mature genome are preferentially secreted into the medium. Here, we demonstrated that mutant I97L can secrete immature genome in mice. Although viral DNA of mutant I97L with immature genome is less persistent than wild-type HBV in time course experiments, viral DNA of mutant P130T with genome hypermaturation, surprisingly, is more persistent. Therefore, virion secretion regulated by genome maturity could influence viral persistence. It remains an open issue whether virion secretion could be a drug target for HBV therapy.
Controls on the formation of microbially induced sedimentary structures and biotic recovery in the Lower Triassic of Arctic Canada
Authors: Wignall Paul B. , Bond David P.G. , Grasby Stephen E. , Pruss Sara B. , Peakall Jeffrey
Published: August 2019

Microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS) are reportedly widespread in the Early Triassic and their occurrence is attributed to either the extinction of marine grazers (allowing mat preservation) during the Permo-Triassic mass extinction or the suppression of grazing due to harsh, oxygen-poor conditions in its aftermath. Here we report on the abundant occurrence of MISS in the Lower Triassic Blind Fiord Formation of the Sverdrup Basin, Arctic Canada. Sedimentological analysis shows that mid-shelf settings were dominated by deposition from cohesive sand-mud flows that produced heterolithic, rippled sandstone facies that pass down dip into laminated siltstones and ultimately basinal mudrocks. The absence of storm beds and any other “event beds” points to an unusual climatic regime of humid, quiet conditions characterized by near continuous run off. Geochemical proxies for oxygenation (Mo/Al, Th/U, and pyrite framboid analysis) indicate that lower dysoxic conditions prevailed in the basin for much of the Early Triassic. The resultant lack of bioturbation allowed the development and preservation of MISS, including wrinkle structures and bubble textures. The microbial mats responsible for these structures are envisaged to have thrived, on sandy substrates, within the photic zone, in oxygen-poor conditions. The dysoxic history was punctuated by better-oxygenated phases, which coincide with the loss of MISS. Thus, Permo-Triassic boundary and Griesbachian mudrocks from the deepest-water settings have common benthos and a well-developed, tiered burrow profile dominated by Phycosiphon. The presence of the intense burrowing in the earliest Triassic contradicts the notion that bioturbation was severely suppressed at this time due to extinction losses at the end of the Permian. The notion that Early Triassic MISS preservation was caused by the extinction of mat grazers is not tenable.
The effect of diagenesis on carbon isotope values of fossil wood
Authors: Lukens William E. , Eze Peace , Schubert Brian A.
Published: August 2019

The carbon isotope (δ13C) value of modern and fossil wood is widely used as a proxy for environmental and climatic change. Many researchers who study stable carbon isotopes in modern and recently deceased trees chemically extract cellulose (δ13Ccell) rather than analyzing whole wood (δ13Cwood) due to concerns that molecular variability across tree rings could influence δ13Cwood values, and that diagenesis may preferentially degrade cellulose over lignin. However, the majority of deep-time researchers analyze δ13Cwood without correcting for possible diagenetic effects due to cellulose loss. We measured δ13Ccell, δ13Cwood, and cellulose content of 38 wood fossils that span ∼50 m.y. in age from early Eocene to late Miocene, using variability across such a large range of geologic ages and settings as a natural laboratory in diagenesis. For comparison with our measurements, we produced a literature compilation of 1210 paired δ13Ccell and δ13Cwood values made on fossil and modern trees. We report that, on average, the apparent enrichment factor (ε) between δ13Ccell and δ13Cwood (ε = δ13Ccell – δ13Cwood) is 1.4‰ ± 0.4‰ larger in deep-time samples than Holocene wood, and this can be explained by loss of cellulose during degradation, independent of atmospheric chemistry or climate conditions during growth. A strong linear correlation exists between δ13Cwood and δ13Ccell in both deep-time (r2 = 0.92) and Holocene (r2 = 0.87) samples, suggesting that either substrate can provide a reliable record of environmental conditions during growth. However, diagenetic effects must be corrected if δ13Cwood values are compared to extant trees or across long time scales, where cellulose content may vary.
Early start of 20th-century Arctic sea-ice decline recorded in Svalbard coralline algae
Authors: Hetzinger Steffen , Halfar Jochen , Zajacz Zoltán , Wisshak Max
Published: August 2019

The fast decline of Arctic sea ice is a leading indicator of ongoing global climate change and is receiving substantial public and scientific attention. Projections suggest that Arctic summer sea ice may virtually disappear within the course of the next 50 or even 30 yr with rapid Arctic warming. However, limited observational records and lack of annual-resolution marine sea-ice proxies hamper the assessment of long-term changes in sea ice, leading to large uncertainties in predictions of its future evolution under global warming. Here, we use long-lived encrusting coralline algae that strongly depend on light availability as a new in situ proxy to reconstruct past variability in the duration of seasonal sea-ice cover. Our data represent the northernmost annual-resolution marine sea-ice reconstruction to date, extending to the early 19th century off Svalbard. Algal records show that the decreasing trend in sea-ice cover in the high Arctic had already started at the beginning of the 20th century, earlier than previously reported from sea-ice reconstructions based on terrestrial archives. Our data further suggest that, although sea-ice extent varies on multidecadal time scales, the lowest sea-ice values within the past 200 yr occurred at the end of the 20th century.
Rapid response of New England (USA) rivers to shifting boundary conditions: Processes, time frames, and pathways to post-flood channel equilibrium
Authors: Renshaw Carl E. , Magilligan Francis J. , Doyle Helen G. , Dethier Evan N. , Kantack Keith M.
Published: August 2019

The time scale of channel recovery from disturbances indicates fluvial resiliency. Quantitative predictions of channel recovery are hampered by multiple possible recovery pathways and stable states and limited long-term observations that provide benchmarks for testing proposed metrics. We take advantage of annual channel-change measurements following Tropical Storm Irene’s 2011 landfall in New England (eastern USA) to document geomorphic recovery processes and pathways toward equilibrium. A covariate metric demonstrates that channels can adjust rapidly to ongoing boundary condition shifts, but that they adjust along a continuum of possible stable states. Moreover, the covariate equilibrium metric indicates sensitivity to warm-season high discharges that, in this region, are increasing in frequency. These data also show that the channels are resilient in that they are able to recover an equilibrium form within 1–2 yr of disturbances.
Evaluation of the causal effects between dopamine infusion changeover and fluctuations in mean arterial pressure in neonates
Authors: Kirupakaran Katherine , de Sousa Paula , Le Roux Celine , Redwood Lauren , Rabe Heike , Patel Bhavik Anil
Published: August 2019

Objective

To evaluate whether changing dopamine infusions every 12 hours and preparing these infusions 30 min before administration reduces blood pressure fluctuations in preterm and term neonates.

Design

This was a retrospective study using data from live patients on the neonatal unit and prospective study exploring stability of infusions in a laboratory-based neonatal ward simulation.

Setting

Single-centre study in a tertiary neonatal surgical unit in a university teaching hospital.

Patients

Neonates who received more than one subsequent dopamine infusion and had invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring, during their admission in the neonatal unit, were included.

Interventions

As part of the Quality Improvement project, the standard operating procedure (SOP) was changed, and dopamine infusions were prepared by nursing staff and left to rest for 30 min before administering to the neonate. Additionally, infusions were replaced every 12 hours.

Main outcome measures

The percentage change in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the percentage loss in the drug concentration during infusion during changeover.

Results

Our findings indicate that up to 15% of the initial dopamine concentration is lost after 24 hours. This results in a sharp variation in the dopamine concentration during infusion changeover that correlates with observed rapid fluctuations in MAP. In changing the SOP, no significant difference in the concentration of dopamine and MAP were observed over 12 hours.

Conclusions

Delaying administration of dopamine infusions by 30 min after preparation combined with changing infusions 12 hourly has reduced MAP fluctuations. Therefore, the risks associated with MAP fluctuations, including intraventricular haemorrhages, are reduced.
Systemic mastocytosis: variable manifestations can lead to a challenging diagnostic process
Authors: Nallamilli Susanna , O’Neill Aideen , Wilson Andrew , Sekhar Mallika , Lambert Jonathan
Published: August 2019

Systemic mastocytosis results from proliferation and activation of an abnormal mast cell clone. It is a heterogeneous disorder with clinical manifestations ranging from skin lesions alone to aggressive multi-organ infiltration and decreased survival. Given these varied manifestations, diagnosis can be difficult. We describe the case of a woman who presented with rash and diarrhoea and had a history of anaphylactic reactions. Over a protracted period, the patient’s symptoms were investigated by a number of specialties including gastroenterology, dermatology, immunology and haematology. Morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular analysis of bone marrow samples ultimately led to a diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis. Management with leukotriene and histamine antagonists resulted in significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. The case serves to highlight the protean manifestations of systemic mastocytosis, the tests available to diagnose it and the agents available to treat it.
Direct puncture of the V3 segment of the vertebral artery in acute basilar artery stroke: an alternative approach in desperate circumstances
Authors: O’Reilly Sean Thomas , Rennie Ian , McIlmoyle Jim , Smyth Graham
Published: August 2019

A patient in his mid-40s presented with acute basilar artery thrombosis 7 hours postsymptom onset. Initial attempts to perform mechanical thrombectomy (MT) via the femoral and radial arterial approaches were unsuccessful as the left vertebral artery (VA) was occluded at its origin and the right VA terminated in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory, without contribution to the basilar system. MT was thus performed following ultrasound-guided direct arterial puncture of the left VA in its V3 segment, with antegrade advancement of a 4 French radial access sheath. First pass thrombolyisis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 3 recanalisation achieved with a 6 mm Solitaire stent retriever and concurrent aspiration on the 4 French sheath. Vertebral closure achieved with manual compression.
Milk-induced hypertriglyceridaemia and acute pancreatitis after discontinuation of treatment for type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Jain Neel Gautam , Hargreaves Anya
Published: August 2019

A 39-year-old man with a background of type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with extreme hypertriglyceridaemia (114.4 mmol/L) and acute pancreatitis, attributed to excessive dairy intake. At his peak, he was drinking up to 6 pints of full fat milk a day. He was treated with an insulin regimen and was counselled on the danger his diet posed to his health. He recovered well, but this case highlights the impact that dietary and lifestyle factors can have on health, sometimes with life-threatening results.
Optimized maintenance model for wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Kaddoura Khalid , Zayed Tarek , Chen Zhi , Qasem Altayeb , Atabay Serter
Published: August 2019

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are facing significant deterioration due to aging and improper maintenance. Statistics Canada reported that 22% and 14% of the wastewater treatment plants in Alberta and Ontario, respectively, are in poor and very poor conditions. Because of the non-capital and capital improvement requirements for any WWTP, intervention decision-making tools are paramount. The objectives of this research were to develop an integrated condition rating model for the WWTP and an optimized maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement (MR&R) intervention model. The condition assessment model was applied on case studies and the indices supplied by the operators were used to compare the results of model through the mean absolute error (MAE) calculation, which was minimal. To optimize the intervention decisions for various units of the WWTP, the binary integer programming was used. These models are expected to enhance the evaluation of WWTPs and facilitate intervention plans based on an optimized methodology.
CP-Violation phase analysis via nontrivial correlation of quarks and leptons in 3 + 1 scenario
Authors: Sharma Gazal , Chauhan B. C.
Published: August 2019

The existence and mysterious nature of sterile neutrinos are revolutionizing physics from the particle level to the cosmological scales. The recent results from the MiniBooNE experiment at Fermi-lab observed far more [Formula: see text] appearance than expected, which have provided a hint about the possible existence of sterile neutrinos. The results, if confirmed in future experiments, will have significant implications for cosmology and astroparticle physics. This will require new neutrino mass models to accommodate these additional degrees of freedom. In respect to that, this work is just an extension of our recent work toward the CP phase analysis of Quark-Lepton Complementarity (QLC) model in a [Formula: see text] scenario. The parametrization of CKM4 and PMNS4 using Monte Carlo Simulation is used to estimate the texture of nontrivial correlation matrix [Formula: see text]. As such, we have successfully investigated the constrained values for sterile neutrino parameters, and also predicted the values for Dirac CP-Violation phase and the CP re-phasing invariant [Formula: see text]. The results obtained are consistent with the data available from various experiments, like No[Formula: see text]A, MINOS, SuperK and IceCube-DeepCore. Furthermore, this analysis would be very important in view of growing sterile neutrino experiments.
De Sitter and bounce solutions from anisotropy in extended gravity cosmology
Authors: Mishra B. , Ribeiro G. , Moraes P. H. R. S.
Published: August 2019

We investigate the consequences of incepting the Bianchi type I metric in the [Formula: see text] gravity theory field equations. We particularly derive solutions for a matter-dominated universe. From such a scenario, it is possible to predict a late-time de Sitter universe. Moreover, depending on the numerical fitting function for the scale factor, the universe is predicted to bounce and evade the Big Bang singularity.
Machine Learning and Nature Inspired Based Phishing Detection: A Literature Survey
Authors: Akinyelu Andronicus A.
Published: August 2019

Phishing detection remains one of the most challenging problems currently faced by cyber users as sophisticated phishing schemes evolves rapidly. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of different phishing detection techniques with a focus of identifying gaps and proffering solutions to the current phishing detection problems. As shown in the survey, numerous techniques have been proposed to tackle phishing, including Machine Learning (ML) based, Nature Inspired (NI) based, heuristic-based, blacklist-based and whitelist-based techniques. However, ML-based techniques outperform other techniques in terms of classification accuracy due to their ability to analyze data contents, extract unknown or concealed patterns from the data and consequently turn the patterns into meaningful information for decision making. Unfortunately, ML algorithms cannot effectively handle big datasets, hence they can be combined with NI algorithms to build fast and improved models for phishing detection. Although, some surveys on phishing detection techniques exist, very few focused on ML-based and NI-based techniques. Therefore, this study presents a survey on ML-based and NI-based phishing detection techniques. The survey reveals the various shortcomings of phishing detection techniques, including limited dataset, use of third-party services (age of domain, search engine query, etc.), use of small feature set, use of classification rules, use of blacklist and whitelist, etc. There is an obvious need for efficient and reliable solutions for phishing detection. The recent success and prevalence of deep learning provides a rare opportunity for researchers seeking to design improved and effective phishing detection techniques. This study aims to empower the research community with suitable solutions and motivating insights that can be used to effectively tackle the phishing detection problem. It provides a good picture of the current state-of-the-art on phishing detection and serves as a reliable springboard for further studies.
Constructive Lazy Wolf Search Algorithm for Feature Selection in Classification
Authors: Fredrick David H. Benjamin , Suruliandi A. , Raja S. P.
Published: August 2019

Data mining integrates statistical analysis, machine learning and database technology to extract hidden patterns and relationships from data. The presence of irrelevant, redundant and inconsistent attributes in the data ushers poor classification accuracy. In this paper, a novel bio-inspired heuristic swarm optimization algorithm for feature selection, namely Constructive Lazy Wolf Search Algorithm is proposed based on the backbone of the Wolf Search Algorithm. It is based on the behavior of the real wolves, which search for their food and consequently survive the attacks of the threats by avoiding them. Based on the study conducted on the behavior of wolves two natural factors, namely laziness and health are introduced for attaining highest efficiency. Restricting and controlling the wolves’ behavior by allowing only healthy and constructive lazy wolves to take part in the search reduces the search time and complexity required to search for the best fitness. The proposed algorithm is then applied on a prisoner dataset for crime propensity prediction along with a few benchmark datasets to prove the stability in the improved performance compared with other bio-inspired optimization algorithms. The accuracy achieved by fine-tuning the proposed algorithm was 98.19% providing accurate crime prevention.
Combined Method of Artificial Intelligence Regression Forecasting Models Under Fluctuating Errors
Authors: Liu Hongjiu , Liu Qingyang , Hu Yanrong
Published: August 2019

Because precisions of different multiple-regression methods are different for the same samples, how to improve accuracy of forecasting has therefore generated wide interest. This paper attempted to improve precision of forecast by combining multiple linear regression and three artificial intelligence regressive models. In our study, a novel frame of model combination is proposed by fluctuating degree, complementarity and compatibility. Complementarity is available to judge which models can be combined to decease the errors and establish its sets. The assigned weights of each single model in complementary sets are calculated by fluctuating degree. Compatibility, superiors and inferiors of a combined model are evaluated by MAE, RMSE and MAPE. The empirical case of predicting electric demand demonstrated that the combined models based on fluctuating degree increase predicting precision of sample period and extrapolative forecast if there exists complement between different single-models.
Generation of high-intensity KeV isolated attosecond pulse via multi-color inhomogeneous beams superposition
Authors: Liu Hang , Kapteyn Henry J. , Liu Katheryn , Feng April Y.
Published: August 2019

A potential scheme to obtain the high-intensity KeV isolated attosecond pulses (IAPs) from the high-order harmonic generation (HHG) has been proposed and studied via the superposition of the multi-color inhomogeneous laser beams. The scheme can be separated into three steps. Firstly, with the superposition of two-color mid-infrared field and a few-cycle infrared field at the proper delay time and the carrier envelope phase, the optimal HHG spectrum can be found. Secondly, with the help of the positive inhomogeneous effect in space, the harmonic emission peaks (HEPs) from the positive half-cycle can be well selected. Secondly, by properly adding a unipolar pulse with the positive peak, the harmonic cutoff can be extended to the KeV region and the harmonic plateau is only contributed by the single HEP. Thirdly, with the introduction of the UV pulse, the signal of the harmonic plateau can be enhanced by at least 500 dB due to the UV-resonance-enhancement-ionization. Finally, through the Fourier transformation of some selected harmonics, the sub-35 as IAPs in the KeV region can be obtained.
Defect solitons supported by nonlinear fractional Schrödinger equation with a defective lattice
Authors: Meng Yunji , Ning Renxia , Ma Kun , Jiao Zheng , Lv Haijiang , Liu Youwen
Published: August 2019

We investigate numerically the existence and stability of defect solitons in nonlinear fractional Schrödinger equation. For positive defects, defect solitons are only existent in the semi-infinite gap and are stable in their whole existence domain irrespective of Lévy index. For moderate deep defects, defect solitons are existent in both the semi-infinite gap and first gap, and their instability domains occur in the low-power region of the semi-infinite gap. While for deep enough defects, stable defect solitons can be found in the second gap. Increasing the strength of defect (or Lévy index) will narrow (or broaden) the existence and stability domains.
Moderate deviation principle for multivalued stochastic differential equations
Authors: Zhang Hua
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we prove a moderate deviation principle for the multivalued stochastic differential equations whose proof are based on recently well-developed weak convergence approach. As an application, we obtain the moderate deviation principle for reflected Brownian motion.
Photodynamic activity of new photosensitizers obtained from 5,10,15,20-tetrapentafluorophenylporphyrin
Authors: Malacarne Miryam C. , Banfi Stefano , Alberton Anna S. , Caruso Enrico
Published: August 2019

The commercially available tetrapentafluorophenylporphyrin has been used as parent compounds for the synthesis of six new tetraarylporphyrins. These new porphyrins were obtained following aromatic nucleophilic substitution of the para-position fluorine atoms by means of molecules bearing an oxygen or sulphur anion, providing either tri- or tetra-substituted derivatives which were isolated as pure compounds after a single step of column chromatography purification. These new porphyrins, first analyzed to determine the photobleaching stability and the octanol/water repartition values, were studied as photosensitizers against the HCT116 cancer cell line with irradiation by a blue LED device. The intrinsic toxicity of these compounds was negligible, whereas the photodynamic efficacy was found to be directly related to the cellular uptake of the photosensitizer that was correlated with the hydrophilicity of the substituent. In fact, the PSs lacking of any polar groups were found to be poorly efficient while the photosensitizer bearing four hydroxyl groups showed the greatest photodynamic activity, thus confirming the importance of the presence of polar appendixes to properly interact with the cells, thus exerting the desired photo-killing effect.
Future Prospects of Gamma–Gamma Collider
Authors: Takahashi Tohru
Published: August 2019

Gamma–gamma colliders based on backward Compton scattering have been discussed mainly as an option for high energy electron–positron linear colliders, aiming to play a complementary role in energy frontier physics. The flexibility of gamma-ray beam by the Compton scheme, however, allows us to apply them to physics in a wide energy range, from MeV to TeV. In this paper, we review the future prospects of gamma–gamma colliders including recent discussions about Higgs boson factories and mid- and low-energy colliders as well as the option for electron–positron linear colliders.
The International Committee for Future Accelerators (ICFA): History and the Future
Authors: Bhat Pushpalatha C. , Rubinstein Roy
Published: August 2019

In this paper we trace the origins of the International Committee for Future Accelerators (ICFA), and outline its structure and mandate, its activities and accomplishments. We also discuss ICFA’s anticipated activities related to the future directions of the field of particle physics.
From the Bronx to Batavia and Beyond: Leon Max Lederman (1922–2018)
Authors: Kolb Adrienne W. , Kolb Edward W.
Published: August 2019

Leon Max Lederman was a towering figure in the world of elementary particle physics in the second half of the 20th century. His experiments shaped our understanding of the world of particle physics. Included in the long list of his accolades was the 1988 Nobel Prize in Physics, which he shared with Melvin Schwartz and Jack Steinberger for the discovery that the muon neutrino is distinct from the electron neutrino. Among his many science leadership roles, he served for a decade as Director of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Lederman was a spokesperson and champion for science and one of the most visible physicists of his generation. In his remarkable career Lederman journeyed from his youth in the Bronx, NY, to the directorship of Fermilab in Batavia, IL, to become an international proponent for physics beyond any one institution.
Genome Editing and Hematologic Malignancy
Authors: Emmer Brian T. , Ginsburg David
Published: August 2019

The modern genomic era has seen remarkable advancement in our understanding of the molecular basis for disease, yet translation of basic discoveries into new disease treatments has arguably lagged behind. Recently, breakthroughs in genome editing technologies have created hope for their potential to directly treat the genetic causes of disease. Like any therapeutic intervention, genome editing should be considered in light of its potential risks and benefits. In this review, we highlight the promise of genome editing therapies, as well as the conceptual and technical barriers to their clinical application, with a special emphasis on hematologic malignancies.