bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nickel allergy and allergic contact dermatitis: A clinical review of immunology, epidemiology, exposure, and treatment
Authors: Ahlström Malin G. , Thyssen Jacob P. , Wennervaldt Michael , Menné Torkil , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: May 2019

Nickel is the most frequent cause of contact allergy worldwide and has been studied extensively. This clinical review provides an updated overview of the epidemiology, exposure sources, methods for exposure quantification, skin deposition and penetration, immunology, diagnosis, thresholds for sensitization and elicitation, clinical pictures, prevention, and treatment. The implementation of a nickel regulation in Europe led to a decrease in the prevalence of nickel allergy, and changes in the clinical picture and disease severity. Nevertheless, the prevalences of nickel allergy in the European general population are approximately 8% to 19% in adults and 8% to 10% in children and adolescents, with a strong female predominance. Well‐known consumer items such as jewellery and metal in clothing are still the main causes of nickel allergy and dermatitis, although a wide range of items for both private and occupational use may cause dermatitis. Allergic nickel dermatitis may be localized to the nickel exposure site, be more widespread, or present as hand eczema. Today, efficient methods for exposure quantification exist, and new insights regarding associated risk factors and immunological mechanisms underlying the disease have been obtained. Nevertheless, questions remain in relation to the pathogenesis, the persistent high prevalence, and the treatment of severe cases.
Quantifying data quality in a citizen science monitoring program: False negatives, false positives and occupancy trends
Authors: Cruickshank Sam S. , Bühler Christoph , Schmidt Benedikt R.
Published: May 2019

Data collected by volunteers are an important source of information used in species management decisions, yet concerns are often raised over the quality of such data. Two major forms of error exist in occupancy datasets; failing to observe a species when present (imperfect detection—also known as false negatives), and falsely reporting a species as present (false‐positive errors). Estimating these rates allows us to quantify volunteer data quality, and may prevent the inference of erroneous trends. We use a new parameterization of a dynamic occupancy model to estimate and adjust for false‐negative and false‐positive errors, producing accurate estimates of occupancy. We validated this model using simulations and applied it to 12 species datasets collected from a 15‐year, large‐scale volunteer amphibian monitoring program. False‐positive rates were low for most, but not all, species, and accounting for these errors led to quantitative differences in occupancy, although trends remained consistent even when these effects were ignored. We present a model that represents an intuitive way of quantifying the quality of volunteer monitoring datasets, and which can produce unbiased estimates of occupancy despite the presence of multiple types of observation error. Importantly, this allows the quality of volunteer monitoring data to be assessed without relying on comparisons with expert data.
A proposal for a 360° information system model for private health care organizations
Authors: Magalhães Duarte , Martins José , Branco Frederico , Au‐Yong‐Oliveira Manuel , Gonçalves Ramiro , Moreira Fernando
Published: May 2019

At a time when communication, new media, and digitalization are transversal to the whole of society, private health care organizations have the possibility of making their business processes evolve. The objective is thus to seize the benefits associated to the active use of patients' electronic health records (EHRs) as the basis for personalized health care. In order to initially validate the health care sector acceptance of a 360° health care information system (HIS), focused on collecting patients' data to create the necessary knowledge for delivering personalized health care procedures and initiatives, a focus group involving a set of health‐related professionals was performed. Despite recognizing the immense possibilities associated to EHR and its direct incorporation on a 360° HIS, the referred professionals still highlighted their concerns relative to the maintenance of adequate security and privacy levels. With this in mind, a proposal for a 360° HIS model is presented, and its main functional blocks are described with a focus on triggering patient/customer loyalty.
Cruciform specimens' experimental analysis in ultrasonic fatigue testing
Authors: Costa Pedro R. , Montalvão Diogo , Freitas Manuel , Baxter Richard , Reis Luis
Published: May 2019

In this paper, two special aluminium cruciform specimens are designed and tested in an ultrasonic fatigue machine. They were designed based on Single‐Input‐Multiple‐Output (SIMO) modal analysis to induce in‐plane biaxial stress combinations (in‐phase tension‐tension [T‐T] and out‐of‐phase compression‐tension [C‐T]) when at resonance at 20 kHz. The geometries were subjected to both numerical analysis and experimental testing to understand if they can indeed create the intended biaxial state of stresses. Both numerical and experimental results showed an impact of nearby resonant modes of noninterest on the correct functioning of the specimens, especially regarding the T‐T specimen where a large deviation from the mode of interest was measured. This means that future work includes re‐designing T‐T specimens taking into account these mode shapes. Only out‐of‐phase specimens demonstrated to work properly and tests until failure were conducted. The first failure results showed to be consistent with literature when out‐of‐phase biaxial stress is applied cyclically.
An economic analysis of urban infrastructure development project in the northern Indian city of Bharatpur
Authors: Mohapatra Dipti Ranjan
Published: May 2019

Rajasthan Urban Sector Development Program involved investment in water supply, sewerage, sanitation, and drainage, solid waste management (SWM), and etc. in major cities in the state of Rajasthan in India. This program was an initiative of the Government of Rajasthan and the Government of India carried out with a loan arrangement from Asian Development Bank. The phase II of the program was implemented in 15 cities of Rajasthan including Bharatpur with total investment of 1868.40 million Indian Rupees. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the economic viability of the infrastructure investments in Bharatpur in water supply, sewerage, sanitation, and drainage, SWM, and measure the impact on urban poor. Water supply, sewerage, sanitation, and drainage, and SWM subprojects are economically viable with internal rate of return (IRR) of 85.72%, 22.87%, and 39.34%, respectively. The sensitivity analysis shows above 12% IRR for all the above‐mentioned subprojects. The distribution of project benefits to the urban poor in Bharatpur is significant with poverty impact ratio of 9%.
The role of weight stigma in parental weight talk
Authors: Pudney Ellen V. , Himmelstein Mary S. , Puhl Rebecca M.
Published: May 2019

Background

Many parents engage in “weight talk” with their child, such as encouraging their child to lose weight or making comments about their own weight or others' weight. What parents say to their children about weight can affect children's well‐being, yet little is known about parental characteristics that may be at play regarding this common practice.

Objectives

This study examined the role of weight stigma in parental weight talk, and whether internalized weight bias mediates the relationship between parents' experiences of weight stigma and weight‐based conversations and comments.

Methods

A sample of 453 parents (Mage = 35.07) with children 2 to 17 years old (Mage = 8.76) completed surveys measuring parental experiences with weight stigma, weight bias internalization, and frequency of different types of parental weight talk. Mediations were tested via the PROCESS macro.

Results

Independent of controls (parent BMI, child BMI percentile, parent and child sex, parent and child age, race, income, and education), experienced weight stigma was indirectly associated with greater frequency of weight‐based conversations (β = .08) and comments about oneself (β = .08) and others (β = .04) via parents' internalized weight bias.

Conclusions

These findings offer novel insights for understanding parental weight talk and can inform pediatric providers working with families on weight‐related issues.
The role of evidence in consumer choice of non-prescription medicines
Authors: Bevan Marc , Ng Yee Ching , Cooper Joyce , Robertson Jane , Walkom Emily , Chiu Simon , Newby David A
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To identify factors influencing Australian consumer decision-making and attitudes towards non-prescription medicine (NPM) purchases, pharmacy's role in providing these medications and views around sources of evidence for effectiveness of these products.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey of a general population sample of 1731 adults using an Australian online consumer panel stratified by gender, age and location (State/Territory). Beliefs about NPM purchases and evidence of their efficacy were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale (strongly disagree-strongly agree). Non-parametric measures (Ridit analysis and Mann–Whitney U-test) were used to explore associations between responses and previous experience with medicines.

Key findings

The most important factors when purchasing NPMs were effectiveness and safety. However, personal experience was the most common method of determining effectiveness. Most respondents believed buying NPMs in pharmacies gave access to advice, but were less likely to agree that pharmacies were associated with safe and effective treatments. Around half the respondents agreed that it is wrong to sell treatments lacking scientific evidence; many also agreed that it is up to consumers to decide what they want even without scientific evidence. Individuals experiencing an ineffective NPM were less likely to trust scientific evidence of efficacy as the sole source of effectiveness information; regular prescription medicine users often agreed that scientific evidence is needed to support effectiveness.

Conclusions

Consumers have conflicting views regarding the need for scientific evidence and the desire for patient autonomy in NPM purchases. This presents a challenge for pharmacists wishing to maintain professional obligations to provide evidence-based treatments to consumers.
Shift of paradigm needed towards improving human–elephant coexistence in monoculture landscapes in Sabah
Authors: Othman N. , Goossens B. , Cheah C. P. I. , Nathan S. , Bumpus R. , Ancrenaz M.
Published: May 2019

This article outlines the contemporary situation of the Bornean elephantElephas maximus borneensisin Sabah (Malaysian Borneo), and focuses on the existing challenges that need to be addressed to enable people and elephants to coexist, particularly in man‐made landscapes dominated by oil‐palm plantations. Bornean elephants are confined mostly to Sabah, to the north‐east 5% of the Borneo Island. Sabah started to expand its commercial plantation sector in the early 1980s and is the largest producer of palm oil in Malaysia, contributingc. 10% of global output for this commodity. The rapid pace of plantation expansion has resulted in the loss of the majority of lowland areas that are also needed by large mammal species to sustain breeding populations. Elephants are extreme lowland/floodplain specialists, and they still attempt to use their former and preferred habitat, which is now mostly dominated by oil‐palm plantations. At the time of writing, the land‐use planning system favoured by the government insufficiently incorporates the ecological and management needs for elephants across the entire landscape. This article also highlights the need for better collaboration and coordination between stakeholders to address the increasing rate of human–elephant conflicts in Sabah.
Updated taxonomic list and conservation status of chondrichthyans from the exclusive economic zone of Venezuela, with first generic and specific records
Authors: Ehemann Nicolás R. , González‐González Lorem D. V. , Tagliafico Alejandro , Weigmann Simon
Published: May 2019

Using the last taxonomic review of chondrichthyans of the world, we selected the species distributed in the north‐western Atlantic Ocean (NWA) and compared it with the available published literature related to the class Chondrichthyes in the Venezuelan exclusive economic zone. We also revised information from worldwide databases such as: FAO (NWA‐31 area), GBIF, iSpecies, IUCN and OBIS, as well as available museum collection databases. The taxonomic validity was checked using the Catalogue of Fishes of the California Academy of Sciences and recent references. The past published Venezuelan lists of chondrichthyans combined included nine orders, 30 families and 108 species. The updated list with 12 orders, 36 families and 122 species increased by three new orders, six families, three shark genera, nine shark species (one replacing another species), one chimaera genus, two chimaera species, three batoid genera and six batoid species (two replacing other species). Four holotype specimens (two sharks and two rays) are deposited in Venezuelan Museums. Most of the species have an IUCN conservation status, including four species catalogued as Critically Endangered, six as Endangered and 18 species as Vulnerable. Deep‐sea fisheries, scientific exploration and taxonomic/genetic revisions might add future increments to the Venezuelan chondrichthyan list.
Fruit of the forest ‐ larval sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus are fuelled by allochthonous resources
Authors: Hayden Brian , Ferron Myriam , Cunjak Richard A. , Samways Kurt
Published: May 2019

We used stable isotopes of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen to quantify the trophic position and resource use of larval sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus, four benthic macroinvertebrate functional feeding guilds (scraper, shredder, collector and predator) and other fishes in three rivers in eastern Canada. Larval lamprey and most invertebrate guilds foraged as primary consumers in all rivers whereas all other fishes predominantly foraged as secondary consumers. Larval lamprey obtained 75–85% of their resources from allochthonous derived material. This level exceeded all invertebrate guilds, which assimilated approximately 50% allochthonous and 50% autochthonous materials and fishes, which predominantly assimilated between 25% and 60% allochthonous material. Larval lamprey occupied a unique position within the river food webs analysed and show remarkable fidelity to a trophic niche specialising on terrestrially derived detritus.
MTNR1B loss promotes chordoma recurrence by abrogating melatonin‐mediated β‐catenin signaling repression
Authors: Liu Lei , Wang Tingting , Yang Xiaoming , Xu Caixia , Liao Zhiheng , Wang Xudong , Su Deying , Li Yongyong , Zhou Hang , Qiu Xianjian , Chen Yuyu , Huang Dongsheng , Lian Chengjie , Su Peiqiang
Published: May 2019

Chordoma is an extremely rare malignant bone tumor with a high rate of relapse. While cancer stem cells (CSCs) are closely associated with tumor recurrence, which depend on its capacity to self‐renew and induce chemo‐/radioresistance, whether and how CSCs participate in chordoma recurrence remains unclear. The current study found that tumor cells in recurrent chordoma displayed more dedifferentiated CSC‐like properties than those in corresponding primary tumor tissues. Meanwhile, MTNR1B deletion along with melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B) down‐regulation was observed in recurrent chordoma. Further investigation revealed that activation of Gαi2 by MTNR1B upon melatonin stimulation could inhibit SRC kinase activity via recruiting CSK and SRC, increasing SRC Y530 phosphorylation, and decreasing SRC Y419 phosphorylation. This subsequently suppressed β‐catenin signaling and stemness via decreasing β‐catenin p‐Y86/Y333/Y654. However, MTNR1B loss in chordoma mediated increased CSC properties, chemoresistance, and tumor progression by releasing melatonin's repression of β‐catenin signaling. Clinically, MTNR1B deletion was found to correlate with patients’ survival. Together, our study establishes a novel convergence between melatonin and β‐catenin signaling pathways and reveals the significance of this cross talk in chordoma recurrence. Besides, we propose that MTNR1B is a potential biomarker for prediction of chordoma prognosis and selection of treatment options, and chordoma patients might benefit from targeting MTNR1B/Gαi2/SRC/β‐catenin axis.
B.A.R.C.O.S. (Brazilian Argentine Hepatitis C Collaborative Observational Study): Effectiveness and clinical outcomes of HCV treatment with daclatasvir and sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin
Authors: Ridruejo Ezequiel , Cheinquer Hugo , Marciano Sebastián , Mendizabal Manuel , Piñero Federico , Wolff Fernando H. , de Araujo Alexandre , Coelho Borges Silvia , Kliemann Dimas , Fleck Alfeu , de Maman Ítalo , Nader Lysandro A. , Garrastazul Patricia , Bermúdez Carla , Haddad Leila , Gadano Adrián , Silva Marcelo
Published: May 2019

Real‐world data evaluating the effectiveness of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment have been reported from different regions. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of daclatasvir (DCV) and sofosbuvir (SOF) ± ribavirin (RBV) in a prospective multicentre cohort study including patients from Argentina and Brazil who received DCV/SOF ± RBV for 12 or 24 weeks from 2015 to 2018. Multivariable logistic regression models were carried out to identify factors associated with failure to achieve sustained virologic response (SVR) as a primary end point, and to death, decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or liver transplantation (LT) as a composite secondary end point. From a total of 1517 patients treated with DCV/SOF, 906 completed 12 weeks post‐treatment evaluation and were included in the analysis. Overall SVR12 rate was 96.1% (95% CI: 94.6%‐97.2%), and 95% (95% CI: 92.8%‐96.6%) in patients with cirrhosis. LT recipients and presence of cirrhosis were independently associated with failure to achieve SVR. During post‐SVR12 follow‐up, cumulative incidence of the secondary end point was 2.4% (95% CI: 1.5%‐3.6%); two patients died from nonliver‐related causes and two from HCC, five underwent LT, 12 developed HCC and 17 patients developed hepatic decompensation. Independent variables associated with these composite secondary end points were prior to HCV treatment and presence of cirrhosis. In conclusion, although the high pangenotypic effectiveness of DCV/SOF ± RBV was confirmed in our real‐life cohort, patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis showed higher risk of non‐SVR and complication appearance during treatment or after achieving SVR.
Relationship between early‐life nutrition and ages at menarche and first pregnancy, and childbirth rates of young adults: Evidence from APCAPS in India
Authors: Nandi Arindam , Behrman Jere R. , Black Maureen M. , Kinra Sanjay , Laxminarayan Ramanan
Published: May 2019

India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) provides daily supplementary nutrition and other public health services to women and children. We estimated associations between exposure to early‐childhood ICDS nutrition and adult reproductive outcomes. During 1987–1990, a balanced protein–calorie supplement called “upma”—made from locally available corn–soya ingredients—was rolled out by subdistricts near Hyderabad and offered to pregnant women and children under age 6 years. In a controlled trial, 15 villages received the supplement and 14 did not. We used data from a 2010–2012 resurvey of adults born during the trial (n = 715 in intervention and n = 645 in control arms). We used propensity score matching methods to estimate the associations between birth in an intervention village and menarcheal age, age at first pregnancy, and fertility of adults. We found that women born in the intervention group during the trial, as compared with the control group, had menarche 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI: 0.22, 0.68]; p < .001) years later and first pregnancy 0.53 (95% CI [0.04, 1.02]; p < .05) years later. Married women from the intervention group had menarche 0.36 (95% CI [0.09, 0.64]; p < .01) years later, first cohabitation with partner 0.8 (95% CI [0.27, 1.33]; p < .01) years later, and first pregnancy 0.53 (95% CI [0.04, 1.02]; p < .05) years later than married women in the control group. There was no significant difference between intervention and control group women regarding whether they had at least one childbirth or the total number of children born. The findings were similar when we employed inverse propensity score weighted regression models.
Cardiac rehabilitation program and health literacy levels: A cross‐sectional, descriptive study
Authors: Machado Bárbara , Fernandes Ana , Cruzeiro Susana , Jesus Rui , Araújo Nuno , Araújo Isabel
Published: May 2019

In Portugal, cardiovascular diseases stand out among the main causes of morbidity, disability, and mortality, with an expectation of growth up to the year 2025. A descriptive, exploratory study was carried out with patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program from an institution in the northern region of Portugal; 103 participants were randomly selected for the study. The data collection took place from February to April 2017. The majority of respondents presented a low level of literacy (inadequate and problematic). The profiles of the participants were characterized by the predominance of married males, with a mean age of 69 years. The participants considered doctors and nurses as the professionals who contribute the most to the increase of their health literacy. These health professionals have the opportunity and the responsibility to increase the health literacy levels of patients. It is known that low levels of health literacy are a problem throughout the European Union. Portugal's general population reflects this reality, and this study contributed to the conclusion that cardiac rehabilitation patients also present worrying levels of health literacy.
Tracing the Gender Gap in Political Interest Over the Life Span: A Panel Analysis
Authors: Fraile Marta , Sánchez‐Vítores Irene
Published: May 2019

Despite recent advances in gender equality in political representation and the availability of resources, this article shows that there is a persistent gender gap in declared political interest over the life cycle. Using evidence from the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS), we track the gender gap through the life span of citizens. At age 15, there is already a substantial gender gap of 20 percentage points in the probability of respondents reporting being politically interested, pointing to gendered socialization processes as the key explanation for such differences. In the following 10 years, as people develop into adults and unravel their political orientations, the extent of the gender gap continues to grow by about 10 additional percentage points. Following these formative years, attitudes crystallize and so does the gender gap, remaining at the same size (around 30 percentage points of difference between women and men) over the life course. These findings suggest that the development of gender roles during early childhood is a crucial phase in the source of the gender gap, deserving further attention from scholars.
Role of Vessel Microstructure in the Longevity of End-to-Side Grafts
Authors: Ramezanpour Mehdi , Rikhtegar Nezami Farhad , Ramezanpour Nahid , Kabinejadian Foad , Maerefat Mehdi , Holzapfel Gerhard A. , Bull Joseph L.
Published: May 2019

Compliance mismatch between the graft and the host artery of an end-to-side (ETS) arterial bypass graft anastomosis increases the intramural stress in the ETS graft–artery junction, and thus may compromise its long-term patency. The present study takes into account the effects of collagen fibers to demonstrate how their orientations alter the stresses. The stresses in an ETS bypass graft anastomosis, as a man-made bifurcation, are compared to those of its natural counterpart with different fiber orientations. Both of the ETS bypass graft anastomosis and its natural counterpart have identical geometric and material models and only their collagen fiber orientations are different. The results indicate that the fiber orientation mismatch between the graft and the host artery may increase the stresses at both the heel and toe regions of the ETS anastomosis (the maximum principal stress at the heel and toe regions increased by 72% and 12%, respectively). Our observations, thus, propose that the mismatch between the collagen fiber orientations of the graft and the host artery, independent of the effect of the suture line, may induce aberrant stresses to the anastomosis of the bypass graft.
On the oxidation behavior of cathodic arc evaporated Al-Cr-Fe and Al-Cr-Fe-O coatings. I
Authors: Koller Christian Martin , Kirnbauer Alexander , Dalbauer Valentin , Kolozsvári Szilárd , Ramm Jürgen , Mayrhofer Paul-Heinz
Published: May 2019

Arc evaporated Fe-alloyed intermetallic Al-Cr and corresponding substoichiometric oxides [by introducing either 50 or 100 sccm O2 per active source (p.a.s.) during the deposition] were investigated with respect to their oxidation behavior after annealing in ambient air between 900 and 1300 °C for different durations. The authors could thereby show that depending on the initial coating morphology and chemical composition, significantly different microstructures evolve. The intermetallic coatings initially form metastable alumina scales, which transform into the thermodynamically stable corundum (α-Al2O3) structure during annealing in ambient atmosphere. Coatings prepared with 50 sccm O2 p.a.s. show α-Al2O3 already after 3 h at Tox = 900 °C, whereas (Al1–x–yCrxFey)2O3 solid solutions are only detected after oxidation of the coating grown with 100 sccm O2 p.a.s. for higher oxidation temperatures. Thereby, the presence of Fe (in particular, 5 at. %) leads to the formation of one (Al1–x–yCrxFey)2O3 solid solution without additional α-Al2O3 fractions.
New route for selective etching in remote plasma source: Application to the fabrication of horizontal stacked Si nanowires for gate all around devices
Authors: Pargon Erwine , Petit-Etienne Camille , Youssef Laurène , Thomachot Gaspard , David Sylvain
Published: May 2019

This letter proposes a new route to achieve selective etching using remote plasma (RP) source processes that offer purely chemical etching by the action of plasma neutral species only. The proposed approach relies on cycling a two-step process comprising a surface treatment step and an etching step. The concept is based on the strong sensitivity of plasma neutrals' absorption to the chemistry of the substrate. By modifying the material surface state with a treatment, the etching can be delayed or even suppressed, converting a nonselective surface into one for which the etching process is area selective. This approach has been applied to the isotropic and selective removal of SiGe relative to Si in order to fabricate horizontal stacked-Si nanowires for gate all around devices. The RP process alternates an oxidation step using remote He/O2 plasma and a short etching step using remote NH3/NF3/O2 plasma. Real-time ellipsometry measurements indicate that in remote NH3/NF3/O2 plasma, there exists an incubation time before the etching starts, which is greater on Si than on SiGe films, allowing highly selective SiGe etching in the transient regime. Moreover, the Si surface modification through oxidation can inhibit reactive sites, and thus delay or even suppress the Si etching, allowing infinite SiGe over Si selectivity. By using this approach, 10 nm-thick horizontal stacked-Si nanowires could be obtained.
Potential cues for the “level discrimination” of a noise band in the presence of flanking bands
Authors: Richards Virginia M. , Carney Laurel H.
Published: May 2019

To evaluate the ability of a restricted range of auditory-nerve fibers to encode a large perceptual dynamic range, Viemeister [(1983). Science 221, 1206–1208] examined the detection of a change in the level of a high-frequency band of noise flanked by more intense fixed-level noise maskers. Here, stimuli and procedures similar to Viemeister's were used, but random manipulations of level and notch cutoff frequency were included to evaluate predictions of energy-based models. The results indicate that cues other than the change in level per se are available, and suggest the potential contribution of changes in pitch/timbre for this task.
The application of a multi-reference control strategy to noise cancelling headphones
Authors: Cheer Jordan , Patel Vinal , Fontana Simone
Published: May 2019

Active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones have seen significant commercial success and a number of control strategies have been proposed, including feedforward, feedback, and hybrid configurations, using both analogue and digital implementations. Irrespective of the configuration or implementation approach, the strategies proposed in the open-literature have focused on implementations where the control system for each ear of the headphones operates independently. In this paper, a multi-reference ANC strategy is proposed and investigated for noise cancelling headphones. As with standard feedforward ANC headphones, the system utilises a single error microphone and single reference microphone on each cup; however, in the proposed configuration, the left and right reference microphones are used to achieve control at both the left and right ear cups. The performance of this controller design is compared to a standard single reference feedforward controller implementation under a variety of different sound field conditions. Although the proposed strategy requires an increased computational demand, it is shown that there is a significant control advantage for noise sources originating from the side of the user, whilst the performance for front and rear sources is maintained.
Hydration Marker Diagnostic Accuracy to Identify Mild Intracellular and Extracellular Dehydration
Authors: Owen Julian A. , Fortes Matthew B. , Ur Rahman Saeed , Jibani Mahdi , Walsh Neil P. , Oliver Samuel J.
Published: May 2019

Identifying mild dehydration (≤2% of body mass) is important to prevent the negative effects of more severe dehydration on human health and performance. It is unknown whether a single hydration marker can identify both mild intracellular dehydration (ID) and extracellular dehydration (ED) with adequate diagnostic accuracy (≥0.7 receiver-operating characteristic–area under the curve [ROC-AUC]). Thus, in 15 young healthy men, the authors determined the diagnostic accuracy of 15 hydration markers after three randomized 48-hr trials; euhydration (water 36 ml·kg−1·day−1), ID caused by exercise and 48 hr of fluid restriction (water 2 ml·kg−1·day−1), and ED caused by a 4-hr diuretic-induced diuresis begun at 44 hr (Furosemide 0.65 mg/kg). Body mass was maintained on euhydration, and dehydration was mild on ID and ED (1.9% [0.5%] and 2.0% [0.3%] of body mass, respectively). Urine color, urine specific gravity, plasma osmolality, saliva flow rate, saliva osmolality, heart rate variability, and dry mouth identified ID (ROC-AUC; range 0.70–0.99), and postural heart rate change identified ED (ROC-AUC 0.82). Thirst 0–9 scale (ROC-AUC 0.97 and 0.78 for ID and ED) and urine osmolality (ROC-AUC 0.99 and 0.81 for ID and ED) identified both dehydration types. However, only the thirst 0–9 scale had a common dehydration threshold (≥4; sensitivity and specificity of 100%; 87% and 71%, 87% for ID and ED). In conclusion, using a common dehydration threshold ≥4, the thirst 0–9 scale identified mild intracellular and ED with adequate diagnostic accuracy. In young healthy adults’, thirst 0–9 scale is a valid and practical dehydration screening tool.
Estimated Sweat Loss, Fluid and Carbohydrate Intake, and Sodium Balance of Male Major Junior, AHL, and NHL Players During On-Ice Practices
Authors: Gamble Alexander S.D. , Bigg Jessica L. , Vermeulen Tyler F. , Boville Stephanie M. , Eskedjian Greg S. , Jannas-Vela Sebastian , Whitfield Jamie , Palmer Matthew S. , Spriet Lawrence L.
Published: May 2019

Several previous studies have reported performance decrements in team sport athletes who dehydrated approximately 1.5–2% of their body mass (BM) through sweating. This study measured on-ice sweat loss, fluid intake, sodium balance, and carbohydrate (CHO) intake of 77 major junior (JR; 19 ± 1 years), 60 American Hockey League (AHL; 24 ± 4 years), and 77 National Hockey League (NHL; 27 ± 5 years) players. Sweat loss was calculated from pre- to post-exercise BM plus fluid intake minus urine loss. AHL (2.03 ± 0.62 L/hr) and NHL (2.02 ± 0.74 L/hr) players had higher sweat rates (p < .05) than JR players (1.63 ± 0.58 L/hr). AHL (1.23 ± 0.69%; p = .006) and NHL (1.29% ± 0.63%; p < .001) players had ∼30% greater BM losses than JR players (0.89% ± 0.57%). There was no difference in fluid intake between groups (p > .05). Sodium deficits (sodium loss − intake) were greater (p < .05) in AHL (1.68 ± 0.74 g/hr) and NHL (1.56 ± 0.84 g/hr) players compared with JR players (1.01 ± 0.50 g/hr). CHO intake was similar between groups (14–20 g CHO/hr), with 29%, 32%, and 40% of JR, AHL, and NHL players consuming no CHO, respectively. In summary, sweat rates were high in all players, but the majority of players (74/77, 54/60, and 68/77 of JR, AHL, and NHL, respectively) avoided mild dehydration (>2% BM) during 60 min of practice. However, ∼15%, 41%, and 48% of the JR, AHL, and NHL players, respectively, may have reached mild dehydration and increased risk of performance decrements in a 90-min practice.
Laboratory Performance Evaluation of Pristine and Used Headgear for Girls’ Lacrosse
Authors: Kelshaw Patricia M. , Gould Trenton E. , Jesunathadas Mark , Cortes Nelson , Caswell Amanda , Edwards Elizabeth D. , Caswell Shane V.
Published: May 2019

Girls’ lacrosse participation and head injury rates have increased within the past decade. In response, optional headgear was implemented following the recently developed ASTM International lacrosse headgear performance standards. It remains unknown how lacrosse headgear responds to blunt impacts after use. Our purpose was to compare the peak linear acceleration between girls’ lacrosse headgear conditions (pristine and used) during blunt impacts. Pristine headgear (n = 10) were tested in their original condition and used headgear (n = 10) were worn for an entire competitive season. A Cadex Monorail Impactor impacted all headgear following ASTM standards (F1446-15b, F2220-15, and F3137-15) in the required testing locations. A 2 × 7 repeated-measures analysis of variance compared peak linear acceleration among headgear conditions and impact locations with a simple effects analysis planned comparison. There was no difference between headgear conditions for peak linear acceleration (pristine: 47.12 [13.92] g; used: 46.62 [14.84] g; F = 2.11, P > .05). A main effect for impact location (F = 983.52, P < .01), and an interaction effect of condition and impact location (F = 12.79, P < .01) were observed. All headgear, regardless of condition, met the ASTM performance standard. This suggests that headgear performance may not degrade subsequent to a single season of high school girls’ lacrosse.
Detection of ammonia on Pluto’s surface in a region of geologically recent tectonism
Authors: Dalle Ore C. M. , Cruikshank D. P. , Protopapa S. , Scipioni F. , McKinnon W. B. , Cook J. C. , Grundy W. M. , Schmitt B. , Stern S. A. , Moore J. M. , Verbiscer A. , Parker A. H. , Singer K. N. , Umurhan O. M. , Weaver H. A. , Olkin C. B. , Young L. A. , Ennico K. ,   New Horizons Surface Composition Science Theme Team
Published: May 2019

Ammonia in water ice found in a tectonic region on Pluto is a clue to the geological and geochemical history of the dwarf planet.
Depicting brighter possibilities for treating blindness
Authors: Sahel José-Alain , Bennett Jean , Roska Botond
Published: May 2019

Advances in preclinical research are now being translated into innovative clinical solutions for blindness.
Draft Genome Sequences of Helcococcus ovis Strains Isolated at Time of Metritis Diagnosis from the Uterus of Holstein Dairy Cows
Authors: Cunha Federico , Jeon Soo Jin , Kutzer Peter , Jeong KwangCheol Casey , Galvão Klibs N.
Published: May 2019

Helcococcus ovis
is an emerging pathogen implicated in the pathogenesis of metritis in dairy cows. Herein, we report the first draft genome sequences of four
Helcococcus ovis
isolates from the uterus of dairy cows with metritis.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain M7D1, Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Desert Bloom Plants
Authors: Poblete-Morales Matías , Plaza Nicolas , Almasia Romina , Corsini Gino , Silva-Moreno Evelyn
Published: May 2019

We announce the draft genome sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. strain M7D1, isolated from the rhizosphere of a plant in the Atacama Desert bloom event. The genome sequence had 6,170,633 bp with a G+C content of 59.9%.
Outcomes following surgical versus endovascular treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Goyal Anshit , Cesare Joseph , Lu Victor M , Alvi Mohammed Ali , Kerezoudis Panagiotis , Brinjikji Waleed , Nasr Deena , Lanzino Guiseppe , Bydon Mohamad
Published: May 2019

Although surgical resection is associated with a complete cure in most cases of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVF), there has been an increasing trend towards embolisation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing surgical resection with endovascular treatment in terms of success of treatment, rate of recurrence and complications. A literature search was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Strength of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group system. Surgical outcomes such as initial treatment failure, late recurrence, neurological improvement and complications were compared between the two approaches. We included 57 studies with 2029 patients, of which 32 studies with 1341 patients directly compared surgery (n=590) and embolisation (n=751). Surgery was found to be associated with significantly lower odds of initial treatment failure (OR: 0.15, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.24, I20%, p<0.001) and late recurrence (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.39, I20%, p<0.001). The odds of neurological improvement following surgery were also significantly higher compared with embolisation alone (OR: 2.73, CI:1.67 to 4.48, I2:49.5%, p<0.001). No difference in complication rates was observed between the two approaches (OR 1.78, 95% CI 0.97 to 3.26, I20%, p=0.063). Onyx was associated with significantly higher odds of initial failure/late recurrence as compared with n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (OR: 3.87, CI: 1.73 to 8.68, I2:0%, p<0.001). Surgery may be associated with superior outcomes for SDAVFs in comparison to endovascular occlusion. Newer embolisation agents like Onyx have not conferred a significant improvement in occlusion rate.
Validity of age estimates from muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) fin rays and associated effects on estimates of growth
Authors: Crane Derek P. , Cornett Marinda R. , Bauerlien Cory J. , Hawkins Michael L. , Isermann Daniel A. , Hansbarger Jeff L. , Kapuscinski Kevin L. , Meerbeek Jonathan R. , Simonson Timothy D. , Kampa Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2019

Accurate age estimates are critical for understanding life histories of fishes and developing management strategies for fish populations. However, validation of age estimates requires known-age fish, which are often lacking. We used known-age (ages 1–25) muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) to determine the precision and accuracy of age estimates from fin rays. We also determined whether fin location (anal or pelvic), fin ray number, and preparation methods affected accuracy and precision. Lastly, we determined whether von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated from fin ray ages were similar to parameters estimated from known ages. Precision and accuracy of age estimates from anal and pelvic rays were similar and estimates were relatively precise (coefficient of variation = 8.5%) and accurate (mean absolute difference from known age = 0.85 years) for ages 4–15, but ages were overestimated for younger fish and underestimated for older fish. Growth models based on estimated age were similar to models based on known age. Anal and pelvic rays offer a nonlethal alternative for age estimation of muskellunge ages 4–15 and for producing reliable estimates of growth.
Inverse problem of sprays with scalar curvature
Authors: Li Ying , Mo Xiaohuan , Yu Yaoyong
Published: May 2019

Every Finsler metric on a differential manifold induces a spray. The converse is not true. Therefore, it is one of the most fundamental problems in spray geometry to determine whether a spray is induced by a Finsler metric which is regular, but not necessary positive definite. This problem is called inverse problem. This paper discuss inverse problem of sprays with scalar curvature. In particular, we show that if such a spray [Formula: see text] on a manifold is of vanishing [Formula: see text]-curvature, but [Formula: see text] has not isotropic curvature, then [Formula: see text] is not induced by any (not necessary positive definite) Finsler metric. We also find infinitely many sprays on an open domain [Formula: see text] with scalar curvature and vanishing [Formula: see text]-curvature, but these sprays have no isotropic curvature. This contrasts sharply with the situation in Finsler geometry.
A weakly coupled Hirota equation and its rogue waves
Authors: Zhou Huijuan , Li Chuanzhong
Published: May 2019

The Hirota equation, a modified nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation, takes into account higher-order dispersion and time-delay corrections to the cubic nonlinearity. Its wave propagation is like in the ocean and optical fibers can be viewed as an approximation which is more accurate than the NLS equation. By considering the potential application of two mode nonlinear waves in nonlinear fibers under a certain case, we use the algebraic reductions from the Lie algebra [Formula: see text] to its commutative subalgebra [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to define a weakly coupled Hirota equation (called Frobenius Hirota equation) including its Lax pair, in this paper. Afterwards, Darboux transformation of the Frobenius Hirota equation is constructed. The Darboux transformation implies the new solutions of ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) generated from the known solution ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). The new solutions ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) provide soliton solutions, breather solutions of the Frobenius Hirota equation. Further, rogue waves of the Frobenius Hirota equation are given explicitly by a Taylor series expansion of the breather solutions. In particular, by choosing different parameter values for the rogue waves, we can get different images.
Fifth-order b-family Novikov (FObFN) model with pseudo-peakons and multi-peakons
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Liu Quansheng , Qiao Zhijun
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we discuss a fifth-order [Formula: see text]-family peakon model with cubic nonlinearity, called the fifth-order [Formula: see text]-family Novikov (FObFN) model. Interesting solutions are provided including explicit single pseudo-peakons, two-peakons, and [Formula: see text]-peakon solutions. In particular, detailed dynamical interactions of two-peakons and three-peakons are investigated numerically.
A new cheiracanthid acanthodian from the Middle Devonian (Givetian) Orcadian Basin of Scotland and its biostratigraphic and biogeographical significance
Authors: Den Blaauwen Jan L. , Newman Michael J. , Burrow Carole J.
Published: May 2019

A number of partial articulated specimens of
Cheiracanthus peachi
nov. sp. have been collected from the Mey Flagstone Formation and Rousay Flagstone Formation within the Orcadian Basin of northern Scotland. The new, robust-bodied species is mainly distinguished by the scale ornament of radiating grooves rather than ridges. Compared to other
Cheiracanthus
species in the Orcadian Basin,
C. peachi
nov. sp. has quite a short range making it a useful zone fossil. As well as describing the general morphology of the specimens, we have also described and figured SEM images of scales and histological sections of all elements, enabling identification of other, isolated remains. Of particular biological interest is the identification of relatively robust, tooth-like gill rakers. Finally, the species has also been identified from isolated scales in Belarus, where it appears earlier and has a longer stratigraphical range, implying the species evolved in the marine deposits of the east and migrated west into the Orcadian Basin via the river systems.
Metabolic acidosis augments exercise pressor responses in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Sprick Justin D. , Morison Doree Lynn , Fonkoue Ida T. , Li Yunxiao , DaCosta Dana , Rapista Derick , Choi HyunKyu , Park Jeanie
Published: May 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients experience augmented blood pressure (BP) reactivity during exercise that is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Exaggerated exercise pressor responses in CKD are in part mediated by augmented sympathetic nerve activation due to heightened muscle mechanoreflex. One mechanism that may lead to sensitization of the muscle mechanoreflex in CKD is metabolic acidosis. We hypothesized that CKD patients with low serum [bicarbonate] would exhibit exaggerated increases in arterial BP, greater reductions in muscle interstitial pH, and fatigue earlier during exercise compared with CKD patients with normal serum bicarbonate concentration ([bicarbonate]). Eighteen CKD participants with normal serum [bicarbonate] (≥24 mmol/l, normal-bicarb) and 9 CKD participants with mild metabolic acidosis ([bicarbonate] range 20–22 mmol/l, low-bicarb) performed rhythmic handgrip (RHG) exercise to volitional fatigue at 40% of maximal voluntary contraction. BP, heart rate, and muscle interstitial pH using near infrared spectroscopy were measured continuously. While mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased with exercise in both groups ( P ≤ 0.002), CKD with low-bicarb had an exaggerated MAP response compared with CKD with normal-bicarb (+5.9 ± 1.3 mmHg/30 s vs. +2.6 ± 0.5 mmHg/30 s, P = 0.01). The low-bicarb group reached exhaustion earlier than the normal-bicarb group (179 ± 21 vs. 279 ± 19 s, P = 0.003). There were no differences in the change in muscle interstitial pH during exercise between groups ( P = 0.31). CKD patients with metabolic acidosis have augmented exercise-induced increases in BP and poorer exercise tolerance. There was no difference in change in muscle interstitial pH between groups, however, suggesting that augmented exercise BP responses in metabolic acidosis are not due to impaired muscle-buffering capacity.