bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Nature of Explanations Offered by Network Science: A Perspective From and for Practicing Neuroscientists
Authors: Bertolero Maxwell A. , Bassett Danielle S.
Published: May 2020

Network neuroscience represents the brain as a collection of regions and inter‐regional connections. Given its ability to formalize systems‐level models, network neuroscience has generated unique explanations of neural function and behavior. The mechanistic status of these explanations and how they can contribute to and fit within the field of neuroscience as a whole has received careful treatment from philosophers. However, these philosophical contributions have not yet reached many neuroscientists. Here we complement formal philosophical efforts by providing an applied perspective from and for neuroscientists. We discuss the mechanistic status of the explanations offered by network neuroscience and how they contribute to, enhance, and interdigitate with other types of explanations in neuroscience. In doing so, we rely on philosophical work concerning the role of causality, scale, and mechanisms in scientific explanations. In particular, we make the distinction between an explanation and the evidence supporting that explanation, and we argue for a scale‐free nature of mechanistic explanations. In the course of these discussions, we hope to provide a useful applied framework in which network neuroscience explanations can be exercised across scales and combined with other fields of neuroscience to gain deeper insights into the brain and behavior.
Estimation of the number of blood donors during the COVID‐19 incubation period across China and analysis of prevention and control measures for blood transfusion transmission
Authors: Yuan Zhaohu , Chen Dandan , Chen Xiaojie , Wei Yaming
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to estimate the number of blood donors during the COVID‐19 incubation period across China.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, we developed a predictive model to estimate the number of blood donors during the COVID‐19 incubation period among 34 provincial regions in China. Our main assumption was that blood donors of all ages in different regions have a stable blood donation intention and the same infection risk.

RESULTS

First, we estimated the number of blood donors during the COVID‐19 incubation period in Wuhan city, Hubei Province, and China, from December 31, 2019 to March 17, 2020. Second, we compared the number of blood donors during the COVID‐19 incubation period in all provinces across China. In addition, we found that if all RBCs, plasma, and cryoprecipitation were stored in isolation until the 14th day, the potential risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission through blood transfusion was reduced by at least 65.77% after the blood donor safely passed the COVID‐19 incubation period. Moreover, if the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was carried out on all platelets, the potential risk would be reduced by 77.48%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the risk is low, with the rapid spread of the COVID‐19 and the appearance of alarmingly high infectivity and a high fatality rate, appropriate measures should be taken by health departments to ensure the safety of clinical blood.
The founder principle and Namibian English
Authors: Stell Gerald
Published: May 2020

It is not clear which population group most qualifies as the ‘founders’ of Namibian English. While Namibia's historical Afrikaans‐speaking settler population has a tradition of Afrikaans‐English bilingualism, English as a lingua franca was first introduced after independence by returning Black Namibian exiles with mostly Oshiwambo as a first language. This study seeks to determine which ethnolinguistic group plays the largest part in shaping contemporary Namibian English. Based on phonetic and ethnographic data, the findings suggest a loosening continuum between a White variety aligned with South African models and more locally rooted varieties. This partly reflects local language ideologies, which among the Blacks involve the pursuit of a Namibian urban identity set against both Namibian Whiteness and traditional Namibian ethnicities.
Mythological heroism in the discourse of Kwame Nkrumah
Authors: Nartey Mark , Bhatia Aditi
Published: May 2020

This paper critically explores how an African independence leader uses his language to simultaneously construct heroes and villains, protagonists and antagonists forming part of an ideological mechanism that realizes an anti‐imperialist rhetoric and a discourse of resistance. It combines discourse‐historical analysis with discourse‐mythological analysis to examine a number of speeches delivered by Kwame Nkrumah, a pioneering Pan‐Africanist and Ghana's independence leader. The analysis demonstrates that archetypal traits of mythological heroism in Nkrumah's discourse are constructed through his identification of a ‘conspiratorial enemy’ and his sculpting of identities such as a ‘valiant leader’ and a ‘noble revolutionary’. The analysis also reveals that Nkrumah's language has identifiable features of Ghanaian English, including the use of Ghanaianisms, coinages/neologism, and idiomatic expressions, that helped him to (emotionally) connect with his audience and strengthen the persuasive impact of his speeches.
When mechanical work meets energetics: Obese versus non‐obese children walking
Authors: Oliveira Henrique Bianchi , da Rosa Rodrigo Gomes , Gomeñuka Natalia Andrea , Carvalho Alberito Rodrigo de , Costa Roberto Fernandes da , Peyré‐Tartaruga Leonardo Alexandre
Published: May 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The aim was to compare the cost of transport and mechanical work between obese and non‐obese children at different walking speeds.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Our data show that the cost of transport, mechanical efficiency and work are similar and directly mass dependent in obese and non‐obese children. The optimal walking speed (most economical walking speed) is reduced in obese children.

Although studies have shown the influence of gait biomechanics on the metabolic economy in obese adults and adolescents, little is known regarding obese children. We compared the metabolic cost of transport, apparent mechanical efficiency and gait biomechanics (assessed by mechanical energy fluctuations) in obese children (n = 12; mean ± SD: 8.6 ± 0.51 years of age, 1.38 ± 0.04 m, 44.6 ± 6.65 kg, 24.1 ± 3.50 kg m−2) and age‐ and sex‐matched non‐obese children (n = 12, 7.8 ± 0.90 years of age, 1.31 ± 0.08 m, 26.8 ± 2.24 kg, 16.4 ± 1.40 kg m−2) while walking at different speeds (from 1 to 5 km h−1) on a treadmill. We found that the mechanical efficiency was higher at 3 km h−1 compared with the remaining speeds for both groups (P < 0.05). Although the internal mechanical work has been greater in obese compared with non‐obese children at 4 and 5 km h−1, the external, total mechanical work and the mechanical efficiency remained similar between obese and non‐obese children at all speeds. Likewise, the cost of transport was similar in the two groups, although the optimal walking speed was an average of 0.4 km h−1 slower in obese children. Clearly, these results show that the walking economy is associated with the total mechanical work in obese and non‐obese children. Finally, the reduced functional mobility in obese children observed in previous studies seems to be associated with a reduction in optimal walking speed in comparison to non‐obese children.
Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Swirling Hot Co-Flow on MILD Combustion of a Hydrogen–Methane Blend
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Mahmood , Kamali Reza , Sotoudeh Freshteh , Karimi Nader , Jeung In-Seuck
Published: May 2020

This paper examines the effects of swirl hot co-flow on the combustion behavior of a moderate or intense low oxygen dilution (MILD) burner fueled by a mixture of methane and hydrogen. Toward this goal, the realizable k-ɛ turbulence model, GRI. 2.11 reaction mechanism, and the discrete ordinates radiation model are incorporated into a computational modeling of the reactive flow. The numerical results are, first, favorably compared against the existing experimental data. Subsequently, a number of swirl co-flows are implemented, and structures of the resultant reactive flows are investigated systematically. The outcomes indicate that increasing the swirl velocity leads to the reduction of ignition delay and significantly enhances the reaction completion. The analysis of the spatial distribution of hydroxyl and formyl (OH and HCO) radicals reveals that swirling MILD combustion radially extends the reaction zone in comparison with the conventional MILD combustion. Yet, it reduces the length of the reactive region and allows for the occurrence of heat release in a shorter axial distance from the outlet fuel nozzle. Further, the addition of swirl reduces the production of carbon monoxide through its influences upon flow temperature and generation of formyl radical. However, it is found that swirling hot co-flow intensifies NOx emissions by strengthening of prompt and thermal mechanisms of NOx production. Reducing the temperature of the recycled flue gas is deemed to be an effective way of resolving this issue.
PTFE Modification to Enhance Boiling Performance of Porous Surface
Authors: Wang Ya-Qiao , Luo Jia-Li , Heng Yi , Mo Dong-Chuan , Lyu Shu-Shen
Published: May 2020

Boiling heat transfer is one of the most effective methods to meet the challenge of heat dissipation of high heat flux devices. A wetting hybrid surface has been shown to have better performance than the hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface. This kind of wetting hybrid modification is always carried out on a plain or flat surface. In this paper, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powders were coated on a superhydrophilic microcopper dendrite fin surface to build a wetting hybrid surface. The pool-boiling experimental results showed that after applying the coating, the wall superheat dramatically decreased to 8 K, which is 9 K lower than that on the original surface at 250 W·cm−2, and has a better performance than a silicon pin-fin-based wetting hybrid surface.
Impact Analysis of Inline Inspection Accuracy on Pipeline Integrity Planning
Authors: Xie Mingjiang , Sutherland Jeff , Fang Bingyan , Gu Bill , Tian Zhigang
Published: May 2020

Integrity planning methods and inline inspection (ILI) tool performance have a great impact on a pipeline integrity management program. In pipeline integrity planning, risk and integrity assessments are performed to schedule integrity activities like ILI for the purpose of reducing risks and ensuring reliable and safe operations. In this paper, a method is developed for analyzing the impact of ILI tool accuracy on pipeline integrity planning, which is of great importance but has not been systematically studied before. Crack inspection and threat of fatigue cracking are used as the working case for the analysis, although the approach could potentially be used for any pipeline threat type. The Paris' law degradation model is used for the crack growth and subsequent severity and risk assessment. We investigated the impact of ILI tool accuracy on the cost rate, as well as the associated inspection intervals. The impact on long-term cost rate was also investigated considering new defect generation and continuous growth. Sensitivity analyses were performed. The optimal inspection intervals and the corresponding total cost rates with respect to different ILI tool accuracy and different input parameters were obtained and compared. The proposed method can support integrity management program planning by linking risks with integrity plan costs associated with ILI accuracy and optimal re-assessment intervals. The contributions of this paper mainly include the investigation of the problem of how ILI tool accuracy impacts integrity planning, the development of the method for analyzing pipelines with cracks, and the verification and validation with the examples.
Study on Fuel and Injection Influence on a Spark Ignition Aeropiston Engine
Authors: Xiaogang Wang , Bolan Liu , Xiyang Yu , Chao Yan , Fei Yu , Zhenfeng Zhao
Published: May 2020

Spark ignition aeropiston engines have good prospects due to light weight and high power to weight ratio. Both gasoline and kerosene can be utilized on these engines by using either traditional port fuel injection (PFI) or the novel air-assisted fuel injection (A2FI). In this article, the effects of different fuels and injection methods on the performance of a four-cylinder opposed aeropiston engine were studied. The spray performance test rig and the engine performance test rig were established. First, the influence of different injection methods on engine performance were compared, which indicated that A2FI is superior to PFI in engine power and starting performance. Furthermore, the fuel performance comparison by using A2FI was conducted, which demonstrates that kerosene is inferior to gasoline in terms of spray characteristics and power performance. Finally, detailed working characteristics of A2FI system using kerosene were studied, which indicated that the stable and reliable operation of the spark-ignition operation can be realized and the kerosene's spark-ignition combustion process can be optimized similar to that of gasoline. Results shows that the use of kerosene combined with A2FI is the best technical way to achieve ideal working process of the spark ignition aeropiston engine.
A Novel Single-Passage Transonic Wind Tunnel for Turbine-Vane Film Cooling
Authors: Qenawy Mohamed , Yuan Lin , Liu Yingzheng , Peng Di , Wen Xin , Zhou Wenwu
Published: May 2020

Wind-tunnel testing of turbines cascade is an important technique for quantifying the realistic conditions of turbine-vane film cooling. However, the complex and expensive facilities needed for the multipassage design of such wind tunnels have prompted the introduction of the single-passage design strategy. In this contribution, detailed procedures for building a novel single-passage transonic wind-tunnel using additive manufacturing are presented. In addition, the detailed flow structure caused by the passage was investigated. The proposed design was evaluated step-by-step using an integrated model that successively comprised two-dimensional (2D) periodic passage simulation, 2D single-passage simulation, three-dimensional (3D) single-passage simulation, construction, and testing. The proposed design was found to achieve flow periodicity at transonic flow conditions with relatively low-flow consumption. The results were validated by comparison to the available literature data. In addition, an endwall-cooling configuration was successfully deployed using fast-response pressure-sensitive paint (fast-PSP). This study, combined with the help of commercial software and 3D printing, shed light upon strategies for time- and cost-reduction in linear cascade design, which could benefit the turbomachinery community.
Nearly Efficiency-Droop-Free AlGaN-Based Deep-Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diode Without Electron-Blocking Layer
Authors: Jia Hongfeng , Yu Huabin , Ren Zhongjie , Xing Chong , Liu Zhongling , Kang Yang , Sun Haiding
Published: May 2020

An aluminum-rich AlGaN layer is commonly implemented to act as an electron-blocking layer (EBL) to block electron overflow from the active region in the conventional deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs). Herein, we propose a DUV LED device architecture with specially designed band-engineered quantum barriers (QBs) to “serve” as an alternative approach to alleviate such overflow effect, suppressing the electron leakage, and facilitating the electron and hole injection into the active region for efficient radiative recombination. Intriguingly, a much smaller efficiency droop with a significant enhancement of light output power (LOP) by nearly 50% can be achieved at the injection current level of 120 mA in such EBL-free device, in comparison with the conventional EBL-incorporated DUV LED structure. Thus, the EBL-free device architecture provides us an alternative path toward the realization of efficient DUV light emitters.
Nonoperative Treatment of a Patient With Shoulder Pain and a History of Sternoclavicular Fracture-Dislocation
Authors: Villalba Federico Jose , Martínez Melina Soledad
Published: May 2020

A 59-year-old male was referred to physical therapy due to shoulder pain. Computed axial tomography reveled a previous sternoclavicular injury, consistent with fracture-dislocation. This report describes the rehabilitation process of the patient with shoulder pain and a history of sternoclavicular joint fracture-dislocation. Thoracic mobility exercises, glenohumeral mobilizations, muscle strengthening, neuromuscular reeducation, and pain science education were used. The patient exhibited improvement in regard to pain, mobility, muscle strength, and self-reported questionnaires.
Meiosis occurs normally in the fetal ovary of mice lacking all retinoic acid receptors
Authors: Vernet Nadège , Condrea Diana , Mayere Chloé , Féret Betty , Klopfenstein Muriel , Magnant William , Alunni Violaine , Teletin Marius , Souali-Crespo Sirine , Nef Serge , Mark Manuel , Ghyselinck Norbert B.
Published: May 2020

Functional oocytes are produced in the complete absence of retinoic acid receptors.
Tipping points of Mississippi Delta marshes due to accelerated sea-level rise
Authors: Törnqvist Torbjörn E. , Jankowski Krista L. , Li Yong-Xiang , González Juan L.
Published: May 2020

The geologic record shows that Mississippi Delta marshes are unlikely to keep up with the present-day rate of sea-level rise.
Interfacing gene circuits with microelectronics through engineered population dynamics
Authors: Din M. Omar , Martin Aida , Razinkov Ivan , Csicsery Nicholas , Hasty Jeff
Published: May 2020

A new approach connects synthetic biology with microelectronics via engineered microbial population dynamics.
Multimodal mapping of neural activity and cerebral blood flow reveals long-lasting neurovascular dissociations after small-scale strokes
Authors: He Fei , Sullender Colin T. , Zhu Hanlin , Williamson Michael R. , Li Xue , Zhao Zhengtuo , Jones Theresa A. , Xie Chong , Dunn Andrew K. , Luan Lan
Published: May 2020

Ministrokes induce long-lasting neurovascular dissociations.
IRF5 guides monocytes toward an inflammatory CD11c
+
macrophage phenotype and promotes intestinal inflammation
Authors: Corbin Alastair L. , Gomez-Vazquez Maria , Berthold Dorothée L. , Attar Moustafa , Arnold Isabelle C. , Powrie Fiona M. , Sansom Stephen N. , Udalova Irina A.
Published: May 2020

The transcription factor IRF5 promotes macrophage differentiation in
Helicobacter
-driven intestinal inflammation in mice.
The Concerted Action of Two B3-Like Prophage Genes Excludes Superinfecting Bacteriophages by Blocking DNA Entry into Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Carballo-Ontiveros Marco Antonio , Cazares Adrián , Vinuesa Pablo , Kameyama Luis , Guarneros Gabriel
Published: May 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a Gram-negative bacterium frequently isolated from infected immunocompromised patients, and the strains are resistant to a broad spectrum of antibiotics. Recently, the use of phages has been proposed as an alternative therapy against multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, this approach may present various hurdles. This work addresses the problem that pathogenic bacteria may be lysogenized by phages carrying genes encoding resistance against secondary infections, such as those used in phage therapy. Discovering phage genes that exclude superinfecting phages not only assigns novel functions to orphan genes in databases but also provides insight into selection of the proper phages for use in phage therapy.
Factors associated with hospital admission and critical illness among 5279 people with coronavirus disease 2019 in New York City: prospective cohort study
Authors: Petrilli Christopher M , Jones Simon A , Yang Jie , Rajagopalan Harish , O’Donnell Luke , Chernyak Yelena , Tobin Katie A , Cerfolio Robert J , Francois Fritz , Horwitz Leora I
Published: May 2020

Objective

To describe outcomes of people admitted to hospital with coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) in the United States, and the clinical and laboratory characteristics associated with severity of illness.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Single academic medical center in New York City and Long Island.

Participants

5279 patients with laboratory confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) infection between 1 March 2020 and 8 April 2020. The final date of follow up was 5 May 2020.

Main outcome measures

Outcomes were admission to hospital, critical illness (intensive care, mechanical ventilation, discharge to hospice care, or death), and discharge to hospice care or death. Predictors included patient characteristics, medical history, vital signs, and laboratory results. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors for adverse outcomes, and competing risk survival analysis for mortality.

Results

Of 11 544 people tested for SARS-Cov-2, 5566 (48.2%) were positive. After exclusions, 5279 were included. 2741 of these 5279 (51.9%) were admitted to hospital, of whom 1904 (69.5%) were discharged alive without hospice care and 665 (24.3%) were discharged to hospice care or died. Of 647 (23.6%) patients requiring mechanical ventilation, 391 (60.4%) died and 170 (26.2%) were extubated or discharged. The strongest risk for hospital admission was associated with age, with an odds ratio of >2 for all age groups older than 44 years and 37.9 (95% confidence interval 26.1 to 56.0) for ages 75 years and older. Other risks were heart failure (4.4, 2.6 to 8.0), male sex (2.8, 2.4 to 3.2), chronic kidney disease (2.6, 1.9 to 3.6), and any increase in body mass index (BMI) (eg, for BMI >40: 2.5, 1.8 to 3.4). The strongest risks for critical illness besides age were associated with heart failure (1.9, 1.4 to 2.5), BMI >40 (1.5, 1.0 to 2.2), and male sex (1.5, 1.3 to 1.8). Admission oxygen saturation of <88% (3.7, 2.8 to 4.8), troponin level >1 (4.8, 2.1 to 10.9), C reactive protein level >200 (5.1, 2.8 to 9.2), and D-dimer level >2500 (3.9, 2.6 to 6.0) were, however, more strongly associated with critical illness than age or comorbidities. Risk of critical illness decreased significantly over the study period. Similar associations were found for mortality alone.

Conclusions

Age and comorbidities were found to be strong predictors of hospital admission and to a lesser extent of critical illness and mortality in people with covid-19; however, impairment of oxygen on admission and markers of inflammation were most strongly associated with critical illness and mortality. Outcomes seem to be improving over time, potentially suggesting improvements in care.
The cost-effectiveness of using results-based financing to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality in Malawi
Authors: Chinkhumba Jobiba , De Allegri Manuela , Brenner Stephan , Muula Adamson , Robberstad Bjarne
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Results-based financing (RBF) is being promoted to increase coverage and quality of maternal and perinatal healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. Evidence on the cost-effectiveness of RBF is limited. We assessed the cost-effectiveness within the context of an RBF intervention, including performance-based financing and conditional cash transfers, in rural Malawi.

Methods

We used a decision tree model to estimate expected costs and effects of RBF compared with status quo care during single pregnancy episodes. RBF effects on maternal case fatality rates were modelled based on data from a maternal and perinatal programme evaluation in Zambia and Uganda. We obtained complementary epidemiological information from the published literature. Service utilisation rates for normal and complicated deliveries and associated costs of care were based on the RBF intervention in Malawi. Costs were estimated from a societal perspective. We estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios per disability adjusted life year (DALY) averted, death averted and life-year gained (LYG) and conducted sensitivity analyses to how robust results were to variations in key model parameters.

Results

Relative to status quo, RBF implied incremental costs of US$1122, US$26 220 and US$987 per additional DALY averted, death averted and LYG, respectively. The share of non-RBF facilities that provide quality care, life expectancy of mothers at time of delivery and the share of births in non-RBF facilities strongly influenced cost-effectiveness values. At a willingness to pay of US$1485 (3 times Malawi gross domestic product per capita) per DALY averted, RBF has a 77% probability of being cost-effective.

Conclusions

At high thresholds of wiliness-to-pay, RBF is a cost-effective intervention to improve quality of maternal and perinatal healthcare and outcomes, compared with the non-RBF based approach. More RBF cost-effectiveness analyses are needed in the SSA region to complement the few published studies and narrow the uncertainties surrounding cost-effectiveness estimates.
Simulation past, present and future—a decade of progress in simulation-based education in the UK
Authors: Higham Helen
Published: May 2020

This review will present developments in simulation-based education (SBE) over the past decade with a focus on activity in the UK’s National Health Service and the role of the national society (the Association for Simulation Practice in Healthcare). The article covers the evolution of strategic changes for the use of SBE in the UK and the operational challenges faced by clinicians and other faculty in SBE. The expansion of the evidence base to support SBE in healthcare both in technical skills and, more broadly, in interprofessional team training is explored. Finally, the wider role of simulation in patient safety and healthcare systems, including testing pathways and the development of cognitive aids and involvement of patients in SBE is considered.
Sex-based impact of carotid plaque in patients with chest pain undergoing stress echocardiography
Authors: Ahmadvazir Shahram , Pradhan Jiwan , Khattar Rajdeep Singh , Senior Roxy
Published: May 2020

Objective

Women with suspected angina without history of coronary artery disease (CAD) less frequently have flow-limiting stenosis (FL-CAD) and more often have microvascular disease, affecting predictive accuracy of stress echocardiography (SE) for detection of FL-CAD. We postulated that carotid plaque burden (CPB) assessment would improve detection of FL-CAD and risk stratification.

Methods

Consecutive consenting patients assessed by SE on clinical grounds for new-onset chest pain also underwent simultaneous carotid ultrasound. Patients were followed for major adverse events (MAE): all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction and unplanned revascularisation. Carotid plaque presence and burden (CPB) were assessed.

Results

After a mean of 2617±469 days (range 17–3740), of 591 recruited patients, 573 (97%) outcome data (314 females) were obtainable. Despite lower pretest probability of CAD in females versus males (14.9±0.8 vs 20.5±1.3, respectively, p<0.0001), prevalence of myocardial ischaemia was similar (p=0.08). Females also had lower prevalence of both carotid plaque (p<0.0001) and FL-CAD (p<0.05). CPB improved the positive predictive value of SE for detection of FL-CAD (from 34.5% to 60%) in females but not in males. Absence of CPB in females with myocardial ischaemia ruled out FL-CAD in 93% versus 57% in males. CPB was the only independent predictor of MAE (p=0.012) in females, whereas in males both SE (p<0.0001) and CPB (p=0.003) remained significant.

Conclusion

In females with new-onset stable angina without a history of cardiovascular disease, CPB improved the predictive accuracy of myocardial ischaemia for flow-limiting CAD. However, CPB provided incremental risk stratification in both sexes.
Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts are associated with different immunopathological mechanisms in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Han Bobby Kwanghoon , Wysham Katherine D , Cain Kevin C , Tyden Helena , Bengtsson Anders A , Lood Christian
Published: May 2020

Objective

Neutrophils contribute to the SLE pathogenesis. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is reported to correlate with disease activity in SLE. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether NLR reflects underlying immunopathogenic activity in SLE, as well as to determine the contribution of each component of NLR, neutrophil and lymphocyte count.

Methods

Data were obtained from a cohort of patients with SLE (n=141) recruited at Lund University, Sweden. NLR levels were compared between patients with SLE and healthy controls (n=79). The relationship between NLR and clinical and immunological markers was examined using Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression analysis. High NLR was defined as above the 90th percentile of healthy individuals.

Results

Patients with SLE had elevated neutrophil count (p=0.04) and reduced lymphocyte count (p<0.0001), resulting in elevated NLR as compared with healthy controls (p<0.0001). Patients with high NLR had more active disease, and were more frequently on prednisone use and immunosuppressive medicines. High NLR was associated with immune complex (IC)-driven disease with presence of antidouble-stranded DNA antibodies (p=0.006), circulating ICs (p=0.02) and type I interferon (IFN) activity (p=0.009). Further, high NLR was associated with neutrophil abnormalities, including enrichment for low-density granulocytes (LDGs) (p=0.001), and increased levels of the serum neutrophil activation marker, calprotectin (p=0.02). Assessing the individual components within NLR, that is, neutrophil and lymphocyte count, high neutrophil count was associated with neutrophil activation markers (p<0.0001), whereas low lymphocyte count was associated with type I IFN activity and elevated numbers of LDGs (p=0.006 and p=0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

NLR is elevated in patients with SLE as compared with healthy individuals, and is associated with key immunopathological events, including type I IFN activity and neutrophil activation. Neutrophil and lymphocyte count reflected different aspects of the pathogenesis of SLE. Further studies are needed to determine the causality of the associations.
What healthcare professionals owe us: why their duty to treat during a pandemic is contingent on personal protective equipment (PPE)
Authors: Schuklenk Udo
Published: May 2020

Healthcare professionals’ capacity to protect themselves, while caring for infected patients during an infectious disease pandemic, depends on their ability to practise universal precautions. In turn, universal precautions rely on the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). During the SARS-CoV2 outbreak many healthcare workers across the globe have been reluctant to provide patient care because crucial PPE components are in short supply. The lack of such equipment during the pandemic was not a result of careful resource allocation decisions in the global north, where the short supply could be explained through their high cost. Instead, they were the result of democratically elected governments prioritising low tax regimes over an adequate resourcing of their healthcare delivery systems. Such decisions were made despite global health experts warning about the high probability of pandemics like SARS-CoV2 occurring during our lifetimes. Avoidable allocation decisions by democratically elected political leaders resulted in a lack of sufficient PPE for healthcare professionals. After discussing and discounting various ethical arguments in support of a professional obligation to treat, even without or with suboptimal PPE, I conclude that these policy decisions were sufficiently grave that they provide a sound ethical rationale to justify healthcare workers’ refusal to provide care to infected patients.
Spirometry performed as part of the Manchester community-based lung cancer screening programme detects a high prevalence of airflow obstruction in individuals without a prior diagnosis of COPD
Authors: Balata Haval , Harvey Jonathan , Barber Phil V , Colligan Denis , Duerden Rebecca , Elton Peter , Evison Matthew , Greaves Melanie , Howells John , Irion Klaus , Karunaratne Devinda , Mellor Stuart , Newton Tom , Sawyer Richard , Sharman Anna , Smith Elaine , Taylor Ben , Taylor Sarah , Tonge Janet , Walsham Anna , Whittaker James , Vestbo Joergen , Booton Richard , Crosbie Phil A
Published: May 2020

Background

COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in populations eligible for lung cancer screening. We investigated the role of spirometry in a community-based lung cancer screening programme.

Methods

Ever smokers, age 55–74, resident in three deprived areas of Manchester were invited to a ‘Lung Health Check’ (LHC) based in convenient community locations. Spirometry was incorporated into the LHCs alongside lung cancer risk estimation (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Study Risk Prediction Model, 2012 version (PLCOM2012)), symptom assessment and smoking cessation advice. Those at high risk of lung cancer (PLCOM2012 ≥1.51%) were eligible for annual low-dose CT screening over two screening rounds. Airflow obstruction was defined as FEV1/FVC<0.7. Primary care databases were searched for any prior diagnosis of COPD.

Results

99.4% (n=2525) of LHC attendees successfully performed spirometry; mean age was 64.1±5.5, 51% were women, 35% were current smokers. 37.4% (n=944) had airflow obstruction of which 49.7% (n=469) had no previous diagnosis of COPD. 53.3% of those without a prior diagnosis were symptomatic (n=250/469). After multivariate analysis, the detection of airflow obstruction without a prior COPD diagnosis was associated with male sex (adjOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.47; p<0.0001), younger age (p=0.015), lower smoking duration (p<0.0001), fewer cigarettes per day (p=0.035), higher FEV1/FVC ratio (<0.0001) and being asymptomatic (adjOR 4.19, 95% CI 2.95 to 5.95; p<0.0001). The likelihood of screen detected lung cancer was significantly greater in those with evidence of airflow obstruction who had a previous diagnosis of COPD (adjOR 2.80, 95% CI 1.60 to 8.42; p=0.002).

Conclusions

Incorporating spirometry into a community-based targeted lung cancer screening programme is feasible and identifies a significant number of individuals with airflow obstruction who do not have a prior diagnosis of COPD.
Persistence of immunity in children immunised with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and impact on nasopharyngeal carriage: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Janapatla Rajendra Prasad , Hsu Mei-Hua , Chen Chyi-Liang , Wei Sung-Hsi , Yu Ming-Jia , Su Lin-Hui , Lin Tzou-Yien , Chiu Cheng-Hsun
Published: May 2020

In 500 children aged ≤10 years after 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)13 immunisation in different schedules, serotypes 19A-specific and 19F-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) were predicted to persist above 0.35 µg/mL for ≥10 years in all groups, likely due to PCV13-induced memory with natural boosting from residual diseases and colonisation. Generally, serotype-specific IgG could persist above 0.35 µg/mL longer (≥5 years) in the catch-up group than in the 2+1 and 3+1 immunisation groups. 14.5% of the carriage isolates belonged to PCV13 serotypes; statistical analysis revealed that a high serum IgG level (>10.96 µg/mL) will be required to eliminate the point-prevalence nasopharyngeal carriage of serotype 19A.
Cycling reduces blood glucose excursions after an oral glucose tolerance test in pregnant women: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Andersen Mette Bisgaard , Ovesen Per Glud , Daugaard Merete , Ostenfeld Eva Bjerre , Fuglsang Jens
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an acute bout of cycling immediately after oral glucose intake on glucose metabolism in pregnant women at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Fifteen pregnant women with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 were enrolled in a randomized crossover controlled study and underwent two oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) ingesting 75 g of glucose followed by either 20 min of stationary cycling at moderate intensity (65%–75% maximal heart rate) or rest. Using continuous glucose monitors, glucose was measured up to 48 h after the OGTT. Glucose, insulin, and C-peptide were determined at baseline and after 1 and 2 h. One hour after glucose intake, mean blood glucose was significantly lower after cycling compared with rest (p = 0.002). Similarly, mean glucose peak level was significantly lower after cycling compared with after rest (p = 0.039). Lower levels of insulin and C-peptide were observed after 1 h (p < 0.01). Differences in glucose measurements after 2 h and up to 48 h were not statistically different. We found that 20 min of cycling at moderate intensity after glucose intake reduced blood glucose excursions in pregnant women at risk for GDM. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03644238.

Novelty Bullets In pregnant women, we found that cycling after glucose intake resulted in significantly lower glucose levels compared with rest. The exercise intervention studied is feasible for pregnant women and could be readily used to reduce glucose excursions.
Remotely piloted aircraft systems and forests: a global state of the art and future challenges
Authors: Eugenio Fernando Coelho , Schons Cristine Tagliapietra , Mallmann Caroline Lorenci , Schuh Mateus Sabadi , Fernandes Pablo , Badin Tiago Luis
Published: May 2020

Remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) platforms are able to optimize the process of acquiring aerial images and improve the quality of the products generated in terms of spatial and temporal resolution. The exponential advance of the use of RPAS platforms in forestry, especially from the year 2010, is noteworthy. In this review, we present the global state of the art of the development and applications of RPAS technology in forestry, structured from a systematic review. Our results reveal a trend towards the use of multirotor RPAS platforms compared with fixed-wing platforms and that sensors that register in the visible spectral range are still the most widely used. More recent research has shown applications geared especially for areas such as forest inventory, with many innovations based on the detection of individual trees. Special focus has also been given to new alternatives for pest and disease mapping and phenological phenomena that occur at short intervals, as well as the monitoring of fires and postharvest areas. Therefore, there is a great potential for the use of RPAS platforms in a wide range of forest applications, whether linked to the productive sector or to the conservation of biodiversity, with great advances for spatiotemporal forest monitoring and expectations of further progress for the coming years.
Dirac spin and angular momentum of stationary axisymmetric space–time in the teleparallel gravity
Authors: Mourad M.F.
Published: May 2020

In the framework of a teleparallel equivalent to general relativity, stationary axisymmetric space–time in the teleparallel gravity for two different sets of tetrad fields have been investigated. For these sets, we have obtained the expressions for the torsion vector, torsion axial-vector and the angular momentum of the solution. We found that the obtained expressions of the torsion axial-vector and the angular momentum are, in general, quite different in both sets of tetrad fields, while the expressions for the torsion vector have the same value. Moreover, the vector part connected with Dirac spin has been evaluated as well. Finally, special cases of the stationary axisymmetric space–time are discussed.
Optical properties of a Brane-World black hole as photons couple to the Weyl tensor
Authors: Zhang He-Xu , Li Cong , He Peng-Zhang , Fan Qi-Qi , Deng Jian-Bo
Published: May 2020

In this article, we have investigated the equations of motion of the photons coupled to Weyl tensor by the geometric optics approximation and the corresponding shadow in a Brane-World black hole spacetime. It is shown that there exists a double shadow for a black hole since the coupling photons with different polarization directions propagate along different paths in the spacetime. Furthermore, we discuss the effects of the metric parameter $$\alpha $$α related to the cosmological constant, X-cold dark matter parameter $$\beta $$β and the coupling parameter $$\lambda $$λ on the umbra (the overlap region of the double shadow) and the penumbra. We also obtain the finite-distance corrections to the deflection angle of light in the Brane-World black hole spacetime as the photons coupled to Weyl tensor by using a recent geometric method.
Emergent collective dynamics of bottom-heavy squirmers under gravity
Authors: Rühle Felix , Stark Holger
Published: May 2020

We present the results of hydrodynamic simulations using the method of multi-particle collision dynamics for a system of squirmer microswimmers moving under the influence of gravity at low Reynolds numbers. In addition, the squirmers are bottom-heavy so that they experience a torque which aligns them along the vertical. The squirmers interact hydrodynamically by the flow fields of a stokeslet and rotlet, which are initiated by the acting gravitational force and torque, respectively, and by their own flow fields. By varying the ratio of swimming to bulk sedimentation velocity and the torque, we determine state diagrams for the emergent collective dynamics of neutral squirmers as well as strong pushers and pullers. For low swimming velocity and torque we observe conventional sedimentation, while the sedimentation profile becomes inverted when their values are increased. For neutral squirmers we discover convective rolls of circulating squirmers between both sedimentation states, which sit at the bottom of the system and are fed by plumes made of collectively sinking squirmers. At larger torques porous clusters occur that spawn single squirmers. The two latter states can also occur transiently starting from a uniform squirmer distribution and then disappear in the long-time limit. For strong pushers and pullers only weak plume formation is observed.

Graphical abstract
Triple mixed-spin Ising model
Authors: Albayrak Erhan
Published: May 2020

The A, B and C atoms with spin-1/2, spin-3/2 and spin-5/2 are joined together sequentially on the Bethe lattice in the form of ABCABC[Formula: see text] to simulate a molecule as a triple mixed-spin system. The spins are assumed to be interacting with only their nearest-neighbors via bilinear exchange interaction parameter in addition to crystal and external magnetic fields. The order-parameters are obtained in terms of exact recursion relations, then from the study of their thermal variations, the phase diagrams are calculated on the possible planes of our system. It is found that the model gives only second-order phase transitions in addition to the compensation temperatures.
Numerical analysis of Copper-water and Copper-Oxide-water nanofluids flow over a stretching sheet
Authors: Ahmad Salman , Ijaz Khan M. , Hayat T. , Alsaedi A.
Published: May 2020

Main objective of this paper is to investigate comparative analysis of Copper-water and Copper Oxide-Water nanofluids flow due to a stretchable plate. Magnetic field is applied in transverse direction. Energy equation contains impacts of viscous dissipation and Joule heating. Appropriate dimensionless variables are used to transform the nonlinear PDEs system into dimensionless form. The dimensionless PDEs system is solved numerically by FDM (Finite difference method). Impacts of flow variables including Reynolds number, nanoparticles fraction, Hartmann number and Eckert number on velocity, surface drag force, Nusselt number and temperature are analyzed. Obtained outcomes show that velocity increases through Reynolds number and time while it decreases with Hartmann number. Temperature enhances with Eckert number while it decays with time. Skin friction increases for both Hartmann number and Reynolds number. Nusselt number decreases through nanopartical fraction. Comparative analysis of Copper-water and Copper Oxide-Water nanofluids shows that velocity and temperature are higher in Copper-water when compared with Copper Oxide-Water. For higher nanopartical fraction, the velocity and temperature decrease.
FOURIER SERIES REPRESENTATION OF FRACTAL INTERPOLATION FUNCTION
Authors: PAN XUEZAI , WANG MINGGANG , SHANG XUDONG
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this research is to show how the complicated and irregular fractal interpolation function is represented by Fourier series. First, on the closed interval [0,1], even prolongation is operated to the fractal interpolation function generated by iterated function system constituted by affine transform and Fourier cosine series representation of fractal interpolation function is proved. Second, for fractal interpolation function, odd prolongation is done and Fourier sine series formula of fractal interpolation function is proved. Final, Fourier series expansion of fractal interpolation function on the closed interval [Formula: see text] is proved. The result shows that complex fractal interpolation function can be represented by Fourier sine series and Fourier cosine series, so relatively simple Fourier series can be used to represent relatively complicated fractal interpolation function.
ASSESSING GLOBAL AND NATIONAL ECONOMIC LOSSES FROM CLIMATE CHANGE: A STUDY BASED ON CGEM-IAM IN CHINA
Authors: WANG TIANPENG , TENG FEI , ZHANG XILIANG
Published: May 2020

Integrated assessment models (IAMs) have been widely used to inform policymaking on climate change. However, few Chinese IAMs have merely been involved in international model comparison. In this study, we develop an IAM, namely, CGEM-IAM, by coupling a global recursive dynamic CGE model with a simple climate model and establishing a climate impact assessment module based on a system of indirect damage functions. By using the CGEM-IAM, we analyze economic losses due to climate impacts under various scenarios. Results reveal that under the baseline scenario, the global annual loss due to climate change will reach $1628 billion (constant 2011 USD) in 2050, which represents approximately 0.79% of the global GDP in that year. The achievement of current commitments by countries promotes the slight reduction of the annual economic losses to $1398 billion in 2050. Under the 2-degree scenario, approximately 50% of the economic losses could be avoided. Developing countries and regions are vulnerable to the negative impact of climate change and could suffer from 85% of global economic losses, whereas China accounts for approximately 1% of global total climate impacts. Although the climate damage estimated by CGEM-IAM is comparable with the IAMs DICE and FUND models at the aggregate level, they are inconsistent at the sector distribution. Therefore, additional efforts should compare multiple models at the regional and sectoral levels in detail.
An acceleration scheme for deep learning-based BSDE solver using weak expansions
Authors: Naito Riu , Yamada Toshihiro
Published: May 2020

This paper gives an acceleration scheme for deep backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) solver, a deep learning method for solving BSDEs introduced in Weinan et al. [Weinan, E, J Han and A Jentzen (2017). Deep learning-based numerical methods for high-dimensional parabolic partial differential equations and backward stochastic differential equations, Communications in Mathematics and Statistics, 5(4), 349–380]. The solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations are quickly estimated using technique of weak approximation even if the dimension is high. In particular, the loss function and the relative error for the target solution become sufficiently small through a smaller number of iteration steps in the new deep BSDE solver.