bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytical model for the equivalent impedances of the domestic induction heating system with rectangular cross‐sectional windings
Authors: Yin Shuli , Ma Xikui
Published: June 2019

This study proposes an analytical model to evaluate the equivalent impedances of domestic induction heating systems. The method of separation of variables is employed to determine the vector potential produced by a filamentary coil under a semi‐infinite conductor. Then, based on the superposition principle of linear problems, the total vector potential of the coaxial, coplanar, connected‐in‐series rectangular cross‐sectional multi‐windings with same thicknesses, which are made of enamelled Litz wire, is derived by integrating the vector potential of filaments. Finally, the total voltage on the windings and the equivalent impedance of the induction heating system are obtained. The proposed analytical method is flexible to be used for calculating the equivalent impedance of multi‐windings with any number of windings in an induction heating system with any mixture of windings with different lengths in the radial direction, and any distance between two adjacent windings in the radial direction. The proposed generally analytical method is successfully verified by comparison with the finite element method and shows improvement with respect to the conventional analytical method.
Extended aeromagnetic compensation modelling including non‐manoeuvring interferences
Authors: Du Changping , Wang Haidong , Wang He , Xia Mingyao , Peng Xiang , Han Qi , Zou Pengyi , Guo Hong
Published: June 2019

Aeromagnetic compensation, elimination of magnetic interferences produced by the aircraft platform, plays a vital role in aeromagnetic applications. Conventional compensation methods are based on the Tolles–Lawson (T–L) model, which accounts for only the manoeuvring interferences. However, magnetic interferences due to other factors, such as currents from electrical systems and movable parts, are found significant in practice. In this study, the authors take these interference factors into consideration, including the strobe light and beacon light, the rudder and elevator. The magnetic interference from constant current is equivalent to the ‘permanent magnetisation’ and has been contained in the T–L model. The interferences due to the strobe and beacon lights are modelled to be proportional to the currents and their temporal variations. The model coefficients can be estimated in advance in a ground experiment. The interferences by the pivoting rudder and elevator are still characterised by the T–L model but in the local rudder or elevator coordinate systems, and the compensated coefficients can be obtained on the ground or in the sky. Onsite experiments both on the ground and in the sky are conducted to illustrate the proposed modelling, and improved compensation results are obtained.
Study of the impact of the incremental optical encoder sensor on the dynamic performance of velocity servosystems
Authors: Vazquez‐Gutierrez Yeny , O'Sullivan Dara L. , Kavanagh Richard C.
Published: June 2019

This study focuses on the impact of the dynamics of the incremental optical encoder, particularly, at low speed, when the phase margin of the closed‐loop system is reduced. This study presents an encoder simulation model, as well as a novel technique to measure experimentally the frequency response of the incremental optical encoder. Both the simulation model and the experimental technique rely on the similarities of an optical incremental encoder and a voltage‐controlled oscillator. The experimental and simulation results are compared with the small‐signal dynamics models of the encoder presented in the literature for the pulse count and elapsed time methods. The impact of the delay at low speed, on a realistic closed‐loop motor system, is experimentally demonstrated.
Standardization of Light Transmission Aggregometry for Diagnosis of Platelet Disorders: An Inter-Laboratory External Quality Assessment
Authors: Althaus Karina , Zieger Barbara , Bakchoul Tamam , Jurk Kerstin ,   On behalf of THROMKID-Plus Studiengruppe der Gesellschaft für Thrombose- und Hämostaseforschung (GTH) und der Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Onkologie und Hämatologie (GPOH)
Published: June 2019

Several in vitro platelet function tests are available for the diagnosis of inherited platelet function disorders. Currently, the light transmission aggregometry (LTA) is recommended as one of the first-step tests. LTA is available in most specialized hemostasis laboratories. Although the LTA is accepted as a ‘gold standard’ assay for the evaluation of platelet function, its standardization in the clinical practice is still challenging. The GTH-based THROMKID-Plus Study Group has performed an inter-laboratory trial in Germany and Austria. Five different agonists were selected according to the Scientific and Standardization Committee/International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis recommendations and shipped in 3 different sets (one should represent a healthy control and two should simulate platelet function disorders) to 15 specialized laboratories in Germany and Austria. Agonists were analyzed by APACT or PAP4/8 aggregometer using platelet-rich plasma from healthy donors. In addition, laboratory-internal platelet agonists were tested in platelet-rich plasma from a healthy donor. All laboratories (9 used APACT, 6 used PAP4/PAP8) showed very consistent data regarding the maximum percentage of aggregation induced by the tested agonists and identified the differential diagnosis of the simulated platelet function disorders with one exception, which was due to technical problems. In contrast, there was a high variability of the laboratory-internal inductors regarding reagent type, concentrations and pathological cut-off values. Our study showed that the shipment of agonists is suitable for an inter-laboratory survey of LTA. However, there is still a remarkable need for standardization of agonist reagents and their concentration as well as for definition of reference ranges.
Maternal Serum Lipid Trajectories and Association with Pregnancy Loss and Length of Gestation
Authors: Grantz Katherine L. , Elmi Angelo , Pugh Sarah J. , Catov Janet , Sjaarda Lindsey , Albert Paul S.
Published: June 2019

Objective We characterized lipid trajectories and investigated lipids and rate of pregnancy lipid change with the risk of pregnancy loss or preterm delivery <37 weeks.

Study Design In a secondary analysis of 337 women with one to two prior losses assigned to placebo in a randomized controlled trial at four centers (2007–2012), cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides were measured up to 6 months prepregnancy (time 0) and pregnancy up to 7 visits. Trajectories were created using linear mixed models. Multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for maternal characteristics and cholesterol was performed.

Results Lipids decreased from prepregnancy to 4 to 5 weeks, followed by an increase, and were biphasic or triphasic depending on the lipid component. Between 4 and 8 weeks, for every 1-unit increase in HDL-C, there was a 22% decreased odds of loss <14 weeks (odds ratio: 0.78; 95% confidence interval: 0.60, 0.99) and 24% decreased odds of loss or preterm delivery 14 to <37 weeks (odds ratio: 0.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.60, 0.96).

Conclusion There were no associations with other lipid components or other time points. An impaired rise of HDL-C early in pregnancy may signal maladaptation to pregnancy that is associated with pregnancy loss or preterm delivery.
Inverted kinetics seen in concerted charge transfer
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: June 2019

A counterintuitive phenomenon has now been observed in a new realm.
Flows of volcanic rock and gas ride a carpet of air
Authors: Lopatka Alex
Published: June 2019

The two-phase fluid drives hot gas to its base to lower frictional forces.
Questions surround NASA’s shutdown of an international cosmic-ray instrument
Authors: Kramer David
Published: June 2019

The detector aboard the International Space Station could be turned back on if a new proposal passes peer review. But it’s unclear who might operate it.
Corrigendum to: Physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of the meat of lambs fed cassava silage and dry tamarind (Tamarindus indica)
Authors: dos Santos N. J. A. , Barbosa A. M. , Voltolini T. V. , Menezes D. R. , Souza C. M. , Bezerra L. R. , Lanna D. P. D. , Ribeiro C. V. D. M. , Oliveira R. L.
Published: June 2019

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of the addition of dry tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) residue to cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) silage on the carcass traits, quality and fatty acid profile of lamb meat. Forty 6-month-old (±2 days) castrated lambs (crossbred Santa Ines × mixed breed) with initial bodyweights of 22.1 ± 3.0 kg were used in a completely randomised design with four treatments (0, 100, 200 or 300 g/kg of DM of dry tamarind residue) and 10 replicates (animals). There was a significant increase in hot carcass weight (P P = 0.04); however, there were no effects on final bodyweight, average daily weight gain, slaughter weight, weights of other commercial cuts, shear force, lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), chroma (C*), lipid profile, ash content, initial and final pH value and cooking weight loss. There was a significant (P P = 0.01) and stearic (C18:0; P = 0.01) fatty acid concentrations (total saturated fatty acids, ΣSFA) (P = 0.03) and the ratio of ΣSFA to unsaturated fatty acids (ΣSFA:ΣUFA; P = 0.04). However, there were linear increases in the C18:2 cis9, cis12 concentration (P = 0.04), polyunsaturated fatty acid n-6 concentration (P = 0.05), ΣUFA (P = 0.03) and the Σn-6:Σn-3 ratio (P = 0.01) in the lamb meat. Dry tamarind can be added to cassava up to a level of 300 g/kg of DM without any negative effects on the performance or meat quality, and it increases the yield of the loin cut, polyunsaturated fatty acid n–6 and ΣUFA, which makes the lamb meat healthier.
Circuit-specific control of the medial entorhinal inputs to the dentate gyrus by atypical presynaptic NMDARs activated by astrocytes
Authors: Savtchouk Iaroslav , Di Castro Maria Amalia , Ali Rugina , Stubbe Hiltrud , Luján Rafael , Volterra Andrea
Published: June 2019

Significance

We previously identified a mechanism controlling transmitter release probability at perforant path (PP)–granule cell excitatory synapses, a memory-related circuit that goes awry in Alzheimer’s disease and temporal lobe epilepsy. We found that the mechanism involves activation of presynaptic
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate receptors (pre-NMDARs) by astrocytes but could not explain its specificities, notably why pre-NMDARs were activated in conditions in which classical NMDARs are not. We show that pre-NMDARs (
i
) contain an atypical subunit, GluN3a, responsible for their properties and (
ii
) are localized in PP terminals facing astrocytes, restricted to a subset of PP afferents and controlling only the synapses made by those afferents. This circuit-specific modulatory mechanism by astrocytes may be important for memory processing and its alterations in pathological conditions.
Hypoxia-induced switch in SNAT2/SLC38A2 regulation generates endocrine resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Morotti Matteo , Bridges Esther , Valli Alessandro , Choudhry Hani , Sheldon Helen , Wigfield Simon , Gray Nicki , Zois Christos E. , Grimm Fiona , Jones Dylan , Teoh Eugene J. , Cheng Wei-Chen , Lord Simon , Anastasiou Dimitrios , Haider Syed , McIntyre Alan , Goberdhan Deborah C. I. , Buffa Francesca , Harris Adrian L.
Published: June 2019

Significance

The hypoxic microenvironment in solid tumors is known to reduce the efficacy of anticancer treatments in many cancer types, including breast cancer. This study shows hypoxia induces an amino acid transporter, SNAT2, which then causes resistance to antihormone therapy. We show major interplay between genes induced by estrogen receptor and hypoxia. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α compensates for the loss of expression of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) for maintaining SNAT2 expression under hypoxia or endocrine therapies. SNAT2 overexpression produces complete resistance to antiestrogen therapy in vivo and is induced in tamoxifen resistance, and its expression is associated with poor survival in breast cancer and resistance to endocrine therapy in ERα
+
luminal B patients. Our findings thus have revealed a previously unidentified mechanism for antiestrogen resistance driven by tumor metabolism.
Possible cooption of a VEGF-driven tubulogenesis program for biomineralization in echinoderms
Authors: Morgulis Miri , Gildor Tsvia , Roopin Modi , Sher Noa , Malik Assaf , Lalzar Maya , Dines Monica , Ben-Tabou de-Leon Shlomo , Khalaily Lama , Ben-Tabou de-Leon Smadar
Published: June 2019

Biomineralization is the process by which living organisms use minerals to form hard structures that protect and support them. Biomineralization is believed to have evolved rapidly and independently in different phyla utilizing preexisting components. The mechanistic understanding of the regulatory networks that drive biomineralization and their evolution is far from clear. Sea urchin skeletogenesis is an excellent model system for studying both gene regulation and mineral uptake and deposition. The sea urchin calcite spicules are formed within a tubular cavity generated by the skeletogenic cells controlled by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. The VEGF pathway is essential for biomineralization in echinoderms, while in many other phyla, across metazoans, it controls tubulogenesis and vascularization. Despite the critical role of VEGF signaling in sea urchin spiculogenesis, the downstream program it activates was largely unknown. Here we study the cellular and molecular machinery activated by the VEGF pathway during sea urchin spiculogenesis and reveal multiple parallels to the regulation of vertebrate vascularization. Human VEGF rescues sea urchin VEGF knockdown, vesicle deposition into an internal cavity plays a significant role in both systems, and sea urchin VEGF signaling activates hundreds of genes, including biomineralization and interestingly, vascularization genes. Moreover, five upstream transcription factors and three signaling genes that drive spiculogenesis are homologous to vertebrate factors that control vascularization. Overall, our findings suggest that sea urchin spiculogenesis and vertebrate vascularization diverged from a common ancestral tubulogenesis program, broadly adapted for vascularization and specifically coopted for biomineralization in the echinoderm phylum.
Stress transforms lateral habenula reward responses into punishment signals
Authors: Shabel Steven J. , Wang Chenyu , Monk Bradley , Aronson Sage , Malinow Roberto
Published: June 2019

Neuronal activity in the lateral habenula (LHb), a brain region implicated in depression [C. D. Proulx, O. Hikosaka, R. Malinow,Nat. Neurosci.17, 1146–1152 (2014)], decreases during reward and increases during punishment or reward omission [M. Matsumoto, O. Hikosaka,Nature447, 1111–1115 (2007)]. While stress is a major risk factor for depression and strongly impacts the LHb, its effect on LHb reward signals is unknown. Here we image LHb neuronal activity in behaving mice and find that acute stress transforms LHb reward responses into punishment-like neural signals; punishment-like responses to reward omission also increase. These neural changes matched the onset of anhedonic behavior and were specific to LHb neurons that distinguished reward and its omission. Thus, stress distorts LHb responsivity to positive and negative feedback, which could bias individuals toward negative expectations, a key aspect of the proposed pathogenesis of depression [A. T. Beck,Depression: Clinical, Experimental, and Theoretical Aspects, sixth Ed (1967)].
Ontogenetic variation in salinity tolerance and ecophysiology of coastal dune plants
Authors: Lum Tiffany D , Barton Kasey E
Published: June 2019

Background and Aims

Global climate change includes shifts in temperature and precipitation, increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and sea level rise, which will drastically impact coastal ecosystems. The aim of this study is to quantify salinity tolerance and to identify physiological mechanisms underlying tolerance across wholeplant ontogeny in two widespread native coastal plant species in Hawaiʻi, Jacquemontia sandwicensis (Convolvulaceae) and Sida fallax (Malvaceae).

Methods

At the seed, seedling, juvenile and mature ontogenetic stages, plants were exposed to high salinity watering treatments. Tolerance was assayed as the performance of stressed compared with control plants using multiple fitness metrics, including germination, survival, growth and reproduction. Potential physiological mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance were measured at each ontogenetic stage, including: photosynthesis and stomatal conductance rates, leaf thickness, leaf mass per area and biomass allocation.

Key Results

Salinity tolerance varied between species and across ontogeny but, overall, salinity tolerance increased across ontogeny. For both species, salinity exposure delayed flowering. Physiological and morphological leaf traits shifted across plant ontogeny and were highly plastic in response to salinity. Traits enhancing performance under high salinity varied across ontogeny and between species. For J. sandwicensis, water use efficiency enhanced growth for juvenile plants exposed to high salinity, while chlorophyll content positively influenced plant growth under salinity in the mature stage. For S. fallax, transpiration enhanced plant growth only under low salinity early in ontogeny; high transpiration constrained growth under high salinity across all ontogenetic stages.

Conclusions

That salinity effects vary across ontogenetic stages indicates that demographic consequences of sea level rise and coastal flooding will influence population dynamics in complex ways. Furthermore, even coastal dune plants presumably adapted to tolerate salinity demonstrate reduced ecophysiological performance, growth and reproduction under increased salinity, highlighting the conservation importance of experimental work to better project climate change effects on plants.
A Longitudinal Study of Grammatical-Gender Marking in French as an Additional Language
Authors: Edmonds Amanda , Gudmestad Aarnes , Metzger Thomas
Published: June 2019

This investigation responds to the need for longitudinal data-driven research on additional-language (AL) acquisition by examining grammatical-gender marking among AL learners of French during a 21-month period, which included an academic year abroad (LANGSNAP corpus). The analysis of oral production consists of a generalized linear mixed model that examines a range of linguistic and extralinguistic factors shown to be important for gender marking in previous research, as well as a random effect for participant. Results show evidence of both change across time and consistency in the interlanguage. Drawing on variationism and usage-based approaches, we argue that longitudinal investigations that are focused on how learners use their additional language have much to offer our understanding of AL acquisition processes.
Scaling tree-based automated machine learning to biomedical big data with a feature set selector
Authors: Le Trang T , Fu Weixuan , Moore Jason H
Published: June 2019

Motivation

Automated machine learning (AutoML) systems are helpful data science assistants designed to scan data for novel features, select appropriate supervised learning models and optimize their parameters. For this purpose, Tree-based Pipeline Optimization Tool (TPOT) was developed using strongly typed genetic programing (GP) to recommend an optimized analysis pipeline for the data scientist’s prediction problem. However, like other AutoML systems, TPOT may reach computational resource limits when working on big data such as whole-genome expression data.

Results

We introduce two new features implemented in TPOT that helps increase the system’s scalability: Feature Set Selector (FSS) and Template. FSS provides the option to specify subsets of the features as separate datasets, assuming the signals come from one or more of these specific data subsets. FSS increases TPOT’s efficiency in application on big data by slicing the entire dataset into smaller sets of features and allowing GP to select the best subset in the final pipeline. Template enforces type constraints with strongly typed GP and enables the incorporation of FSS at the beginning of each pipeline. Consequently, FSS and Template help reduce TPOT computation time and may provide more interpretable results. Our simulations show TPOT-FSS significantly outperforms a tuned XGBoost model and standard TPOT implementation. We apply TPOT-FSS to real RNA-Seq data from a study of major depressive disorder. Independent of the previous study that identified significant association with depression severity of two modules, TPOT-FSS corroborates that one of the modules is largely predictive of the clinical diagnosis of each individual.

Availability and implementation

Detailed simulation and analysis code needed to reproduce the results in this study is available at https://github.com/lelaboratoire/tpot-fss. Implementation of the new TPOT operators is available at https://github.com/EpistasisLab/tpot.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Parallel pathways of seizure generalization
Authors: Dabrowska Natalia , Joshi Suchitra , Williamson John , Lewczuk Ewa , Lu Yanhong , Oberoi Samrath , Brodovskaya Anastasia , Kapur Jaideep
Published: June 2019

Generalized convulsive status epilepticus is a life-threatening emergency, because recurrent convulsions can cause death or injury. A common form of generalized convulsive status epilepticus is of focal onset. The neuronal circuits activated during seizure spread from the hippocampus, a frequent site of seizure origin, to the bilateral motor cortex, which mediates convulsive seizures, have not been delineated. Status epilepticus was initiated by electrical stimulation of the hippocampus. Neurons transiently activated during seizures were labelled with tdTomato and then imaged following brain slice clearing. Hippocampus was active throughout the episode of status epilepticus. Neuronal activation was observed in hippocampus parahippocampal structures: subiculum, entorhinal cortex and perirhinal cortex, septum, and olfactory system in the initial phase status epilepticus. The tdTomato-labelled neurons occupied larger volumes of the brain as seizures progressed and at the peak of status epilepticus, motor and somatosensory cortex, retrosplenial cortex, and insular cortex also contained tdTomato-labelled neurons. In addition, motor thalamic nuclei such as anterior and ventromedial, midline, reticular, and posterior thalamic nuclei were also activated. Furthermore, circuits proposed to be crucial for systems consolidation of memory: entorhinal cortex, retrosplenial cortex, cingulate gyrus, midline thalamic nuclei and prefrontal cortex were intensely active during periods of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. As the episode of status epilepticus waned, smaller volume of brain was activated. These studies suggested that seizure spread could have occurred via canonical thalamocortical pathway and many cortical structures involved in memory consolidation. These studies may help explain retrograde amnesia following seizures.
Vector-mediated l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine delivery reverses motor impairments in a primate model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Rosenblad Carl , Li Qin , Pioli Elsa Y. , Dovero Sandra , Antunes André SLM , Agúndez Leticia , Bardelli Martino , Linden R. Michael , Henckaerts Els , Björklund Anders , Bezard Erwan , Björklund Tomas
Published: June 2019

Ever since its introduction 40 years ago l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) therapy has retained its role as the leading standard medication for patients with Parkinson’s disease. With time, however, the shortcomings of oral l-DOPA treatment have become apparent, particularly the motor fluctuations and troublesome dyskinetic side effects. These side effects, which are caused by the excessive swings in striatal dopamine caused by intermittent oral delivery, can be avoided by delivering l-DOPA in a more continuous manner. Local gene delivery of the l-DOPA synthesizing enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase and guanosine-tri-phosphate-cyclohydrolase-1, offers a new approach to a more refined dopaminergic therapy where l-DOPA is delivered continuously at the site where it is needed i.e. the striatum. In this study we have explored the therapeutic efficacy of adeno-associated viral vector-mediated l-DOPA delivery to the putamen in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated rhesus monkeys, the standard non-human primate model of Parkinson’s disease. Viral vector delivery of the two enzymes, tyrosine hydroxylase and guanosine-5’-tri-phosphate-cyclohydrolase-1, bilaterally into the dopamine-depleted putamen, induced a significant, dose-dependent improvement of motor behaviour up to a level identical to that obtained with the optimal dose of peripheral l-DOPA. Importantly, this improvement in motor function was obtained without any adverse dyskinetic effects. These results provide proof-of-principle for continuous vector-mediated l-DOPA synthesis as a novel therapeutic strategy for Parkinson’s disease. The constant, local supply of l-DOPA obtained with this approach holds promise as an efficient one-time treatment that can provide long-lasting clinical improvement and at the same time prevent the appearance of motor fluctuations and dyskinetic side effects associated with standard oral dopaminergic medication.
Breeding origins and migratory connectivity at a northern roost of Vaux’s Swift, a declining aerial insectivore
Authors: Smith Ellis L , Reudink Matthew W , Marra Peter P , Mckellar Ann E , Van Wilgenburg Steven L
Published: June 2019

Populations of Vaux’s Swift (Chaetura vauxi), like those of many aerial insectivores, are rapidly declining. Determining when and where populations are limited across the annual cycle is important for their conservation. Establishing the linkages between wintering and breeding sites and the strength of the connections between them is a necessary first step. In this study, we analyzed 3 stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H) from feathers collected during spring migration from Vaux’s Swifts that perished during a stopover on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. We previously analyzed claw tissue (grown during winter) from the same individuals, revealing that the swifts likely wintered in 2 or 3 locations/habitats. Here, we used stable isotope analysis of flight feathers presumed to have been grown on, or near, the breeding grounds to determine the likely previous breeding locations and presumed destinations for the swifts. Stable isotope values (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H) showed no meaningful variation between age classes, sexes, or with body size. Surprisingly, ~26% of the birds sampled had feather isotope values that were not consistent with growth on their breeding grounds. For the remaining birds, assigned breeding origins appeared most consistent with molt origins on Vancouver Island. Overall, migratory connectivity of this population was relatively weak (rM = 0.07). However, the degree of connectivity depended on how many winter clusters were analyzed; the 2-cluster solution suggested no significant connectivity, but the 3-cluster solution suggested weak connectivity. It is still unclear whether low migratory connectivity observed for Vaux’s Swift and other aerial insectivores may make their populations more or less vulnerable to habitat loss; therefore, further efforts should be directed to assessing whether aerial insectivores may be habitat limited throughout the annual cycle.
Higher Sedation Requirements Among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy for Disease Activity Assessment or Dysplasia Surveillance
Authors: Weber Andrew T , Ather Nimah , Tran Vivy , Sauk Jenny , Ha Christina
Published: June 2019

Background and Aims

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require colonoscopy for diagnosis, disease activity assessment, and dysplasia surveillance. Few studies have evaluated anesthesia needs of IBD patients during procedures. This study aimed to examine sedation requirements of IBD patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of IBD and non-IBD patients presenting for colonoscopy between August 2015 and December 2016 was undertaken. Data collected included patient and procedure focused variables. Sedation was categorized as intravenous conscious sedation (IVCS) or monitored anesthesia care (MAC).

Results: A total of

522 consecutive colonoscopies (212 IBD, 310 non-IBD) between August 2015 and December 2016 met criteria for inclusion. In total, 323 cases utilized IVCS (56 IBD, 267 non-IBD) and 196 used MAC (155 IBD, 41 non-IBD). Compared with non-IBD patients (13.2%), more IBD patients (73.1%) required MAC (P < 0.01). For IVCS cases, IBD patients required more midazolam (5.73 mg versus non-IBD 4.31 mg; P <0.01) and opioid (IBD 157.59 µg fentanyl equivalents versus non-IBD 119.41 µg; P < 0.01). Diphenhydramine was more frequently added to IVCS for IBD cases (IBD 25.0% versus non-IBD 1.9%; P < 0.01). For MAC cases, propofol dosage was not significantly different between groups (IBD 355.64 mg versus non-IBD 317.104 mg; P = 0.29). IBD colonoscopies took longer (IBD 22.7 versus non-IBD 17.2 min; P < 0.01) and more patients had recent narcotic use (IBD 21.2% versus non-IBD 9.0%; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

IBD patients required more IVCS, including greater diphenhydramine use with longer procedure times compared with non-IBD patients. These findings suggest MAC should be considered for IBD procedural sedation.
Evidence of Disturbed Gut Microbial Metabolic Activity in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Sundqvist Tommy , Stenhammar Lars , Tjellström Bo , Magnusson Karl-Eric , Midtvedt Tore , Norin Elisabeth , Högberg Lotta
Published: June 2019

Background

Dysbiosis, that is, disturbed gut microbial balance, is well documented in Crohn’s disease (CD). We aimed at studying CD-linked dysbiosis in children by analyzing fecal microbe-associated characteristics, previously not reported in children.

Methods

This observational study included 28 children with active CD and healthy controls. We assessed the following three indicators of gut microbiota metabolism in the feces: the presence of tryptic activity, the conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol, and the conversion of bilirubin to urobilinogen.

Results

The fecal tryptic activity was significantly higher in children with active CD compared to the control group (P < 0.01). The fecal coprostanol of the CD children was close to zero and differed significantly from the controls (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the children with CD had very low fecal urobilinogen, differing significantly from the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The significant differences in levels of fecal bacterial metabolites in patients with active CD compared to healthy controls reflect major perturbation of gut microbial functions and have not previously been reported in children. This fits well with the prevailing concept of a dysbiotic gut microbiota in CD and may have important clinical implications by bringing the dysbiosis back into balance.
Distribution of the Specialist Aphid Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Response to Host Plant Semiochemical Induction by the Gall Fly Eurosta solidaginis (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Thomas Austin M , Williams Ray S , Swarthout Robert F
Published: June 2019

Many plants use terpenoids and other volatile compounds as semiochemicals. Reception of plant volatiles by conspecifics may trigger a defensive phytochemical response. These same compounds can also function as host recognition signals for phytophagous insects. In this experiment, we find that when the specialist gall-forming fly Eurosta solidaginis (Fitch; Diptera: Tephritidae) attacks its tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima (L.; Asterales: Asteraceae)) host plant, the fly indirectly induces a phytochemical response in nearby tall goldenrod plants. This phytochemical response may, in turn, act as a positive signal attracting the goldenrod specialist aphid Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum (Olive; Hemiptera: Aphididae). Laboratory-based experiments exposing ungalled tall goldenrod plants to the volatiles released by E. solidaginis galls demonstrated a consistent increase in foliar terpenoid concentrations in ungalled plants. Analysis of tall goldenrod stem and gall tissue chemistry revealed induction of terpenoids in gall tissue, with a simultaneous decrease in green leaf volatile concentrations. Field experiments demonstrated a consistent spatial relationship in tall goldenrod foliar terpenoid concentrations with distance from an E. solidaginis gall. Both laboratory and field experiments establish consistent induction of the terpene β-farnesene, and that this compound is a strong positive predictor of U. nigrotuberculatum aphid presence on goldenrod plants along with plant biomass and several other foliar terpenoids. These findings suggest E. solidaginis induced phytochemistry, especially β-farnesene, may be acting as a kairomone, driving aphid distribution in the field.
Early growth, mortality, and partial migration of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) larvae and juveniles in the St. Lawrence estuary, Canada
Authors: Vanalderweireldt Lucie , Winkler Gesche , Mingelbier Marc , Sirois Pascal
Published: June 2019

After being extirpated from the St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE), striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were reintroduced in 2002, and by 2008 they were naturally reproducing. The increase of this reintroduced population prompted the need to document its nursery habitats utilization, which contribute to species recruitment. We analysed mortality-dispersion rates and the growth of larvae and juveniles in relation to their occurrence and migration patterns. From June to September 2014, we collected striped bass distributed in four estuarine habitats: the upstream freshwater section (UP), the oligohaline (O-ETM) and the mesohaline (M-ETM) estuarine turbidity maximum zone, and the downstream polyhaline section (DOWN). Based on otolith microstructure and microchemistry, 305 back-calculated growth and 36 migration trajectories have been reconstructed. The UP and the O-ETM provided optimal conditions wherein which larvae and juveniles exhibited fastest growth. In the SLE, we emphasized the co-existence of a freshwater resident contingent and two migrant contingents to the M-ETM and DOWN. We propose that migrants adopt an adaptive migration behaviour to avoid suboptimal conditions and strong intraspecific competition from resident in the upstream habitats. The potential advantage of a downstream migration later in the season might be an adaptative strategy to promote their survival during the early life stages.
Dialogic remedies
Authors: Roach Kent
Published: June 2019

Remedies have in the past and should in the future occupy a central place in constitutional theory. It is a sign of its maturity that dialogic theories of judicial review have produced new remedies such as suspended declarations of invalidity and declarations of incompatibility. Dialogic remedies, like dialogic theories in general, are vulnerable to critiques from judicial constitutionalists that they weaken the role of courts. This article responds by outlining a two-track approach to remedies inspired in part by Alexander Bickel. In the first track, successful litigants should generally receive some tangible remedy from a court, but in the second track, courts should generally defer to the superior ability of legislatures and the executive to select among a range of systemic remedies to produce better compliance with rights in the future. Such an approach follows the aspirations of dialogic theories in drawing on the distinctive and complementary strengths of judicial and political constitutionalism. The two-track approach is applied to remedial decisions involving both laws and executive actions. Examples include a Canadian decision that employed a suspended declaration of invalidity but also allowed judicial exemptions from an assisted suicide offense and South African cases that prevent evictions and provide remedies for individual students while ordering engagement to achieve systemic housing and educational remedies.
High colonization rate of a novel carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella lineage among migratory birds at Qinghai Lake, China
Authors: Liao Xiaoping , Yang Run-Shi , Xia Jing , Chen Liang , Zhang Rongmin , Fang Liang-Xing , Lei Fumin , Song Gang , Jia Ling , Han Lu , Bai Shuancheng , Bai Rina , Sun Jian , Liu Ya-Hong
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The emergence of carbapenemase-positive Enterobacteriaceae poses a serious threat to public health worldwide. Here we conducted a molecular surveillance study on carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) colonization among migratory birds at Qinghai Lake in China.

Methods

A total of 420 samples from migratory birds and their surrounding environment were collected at three sites along the Qinghai Lake bird island. Carbapenem-non-susceptible isolates were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS. Carbapenemase producers were determined by Carba NP testing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, transfer ability and PFGE were also performed, and 46 isolates from different pulsotypes were analysed by WGS.

Results

Three hundred and fifty isolates were carbapenemase producers based on Carba NP testing, while 233 Klebsiella spp. and 2 Escherichia coli isolates were NDM-5-carriers. PFGE was performed and showed that the isolates were grouped into five pulsotypes; among these, type A was predominant (86.7%, n = 202) and belonged to a novel Klebsiella lineage, ST1697. WGS analysis indicated that ST1697 strains may be a hybrid of the recombination of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae genomes.

Conclusions

This high frequency of carbapenemase producers in migratory birds is unexpected. These results provide new insight into the spread of antibiotic resistance, and highlight that continued vigilance for MDR carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in migratory birds is urgently needed.
Advancing health equity and access using telemedicine: a geospatial assessment
Authors: Khairat Saif , Haithcoat Timothy , Liu Songzi , Zaman Tanzila , Edson Barbara , Gianforcaro Robert , Shyu Chi-Ren
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Health disparity affects both urban and rural residents, with evidence showing that rural residents have significantly lower health status than urban residents. Health equity is the commitment to reducing disparities in health and in its determinants, including social determinants.

Objective

This article evaluates the reach and context of a virtual urgent care (VUC) program on health equity and accessibility with a focus on the rural underserved population.

Materials and Methods

We studied a total of 5343 patient activation records and 2195 unique encounters collected from a VUC during the first 4 quarters of operation. Zip codes served as the analysis unit and geospatial analysis and informatics quantified the results.

Results

The reach and context were assessed using a mean accumulated score based on 11 health equity and accessibility determinants calculated for each zip code. Results were compared among VUC users, North Carolina (NC), rural NC, and urban NC averages.

Conclusions

The study concluded that patients facing inequities from rural areas were enabled better healthcare access by utilizing the VUC. Through geospatial analysis, recommendations are outlined to help improve healthcare access to rural underserved populations.
Economic Valuation of Bee Pollination Services for Passion Fruit (Malpighiales: Passifloraceae) Cultivation on Smallholding Farms in São Paulo, Brazil, Using the Avoided Cost Method
Authors: Popak Allan E , Markwith Scott H
Published: June 2019

This paper estimates the economic value of ecosystem services provided by Brazilian native bee, Xylocopa spp. Latreille (Hymenoptera: Apidae), pollination on a scale relevant to individual smallholder farmers that produce yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims). The study areas are located in the vicinity of Pedro de Toledo and Itariri (Sao Paulo State—Brazil), in the Atlantic Forest region. The local economy is based on family farms, small stores, and ecotourism. The value was obtained using the ecological economics Avoided Cost Method, also known as replacement cost. Farms from this region informally hire temporary day laborers to supplement natural pollination with manual pollination of passion fruit flowers, so the cost of contracting temporary laborers was used to estimate the economic value of bee pollination. The value of pollination services was estimated at US$ 2,583.00 per hectare over 2 yr of P. edulis farming. Our estimates based on passion fruit farmer surveys and ecological valuation over 2 yr suggest that manual pollination accounts for 44–48% of production costs and results in a loss of ~58% of profits when wild bee pollination services are not available and manual pollination is required. We suggest that smallholder farmers follow the suggestions of previous studies and conserve adequate forest habitat for bee nesting and foraging, plan pesticide use around flowering and pollination, and supplement bee populations to maximize the benefit of the pollination ecosystem service and profits.
Revisiting the Role of the Security Council Concerning the International Criminal Court’s Crime of Aggression
Authors: Trahan Jennifer
Published: June 2019

This article revisits the role of the United Nations (UN) Security Council in making referrals of the crime of aggression to the International Criminal Court (ICC). It examines the increase in significance of the role of the Security Council caused by the apparent jurisdictional limitations in the resolution activating the ICC’s jurisdiction over the crime when cases are initiated through State Party referral or proprio motu. Since these jurisdictional limitations seemingly decrease the possibility for ICC crime of aggression cases to be initiated without Security Council referral, they also render the Prosecutor less able to play a role in prevention or providing early warning regarding the crime. This increases the need for the Security Council to fulfil this prevention or early warning function, which is entirely appropriate given the Security Council’s primary responsibility under the UN Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security. The General Assembly may, although to a lesser extent, be able to play a similar role.
Prospective Investigation of Serum Metabolites, Coffee Drinking, Liver Cancer Incidence, and Liver Disease Mortality
Authors: Loftfield Erikka , Rothwell Joseph A , Sinha Rashmi , Keski-Rahkonen Pekka , Robinot Nivonirina , Albanes Demetrius , Weinstein Stephanie J , Derkach Andriy , Sampson Joshua , Scalbert Augustin , Freedman Neal D
Published: June 2019

Background

Coffee has been consistently associated with lower risk of liver cancer and chronic liver disease, suggesting that coffee affects mechanisms underlying disease development.

Methods

We measured serum metabolites using untargeted metabolomics in 1:1 matched nested case-control studies of liver cancer (n = 221 cases) and fatal liver disease (n = 242 cases) in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention cohort (n = 29 133). Associations between baseline coffee drinking and metabolites were identified using linear regression; conditional logistic regression models were used to identify associations with subsequent outcomes.

Results

Overall, 21 metabolites were associated with coffee drinking and also each subsequent endpoint; nine metabolites and trigonelline, a known coffee biomarker, were identified. Tyrosine and two bile acids, glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA) and glycocholic acid (GCA), were inversely associated with coffee but positively associated with both outcomes; odds ratios (ORs) comparing the 90th to 10th percentile (modeled on a continuous basis) ranged from 3.93 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.00 to 7.74) for tyrosine to 4.95 (95% CI = 2.64 to 9.29) for GCA and from 4.00 (95% CI = 2.42 to 6.62) for GCA to 6.77 (95% CI = 3.62 to 12.65) for GCDCA for liver cancer and fatal liver disease, respectively. The remaining six metabolites and trigonelline were positively associated with coffee drinking but inversely associated with both outcomes; odds ratio ranged from 0.16 to 0.37. Associations persisted following diet adjustment and for outcomes occurring greater than 10 years after blood collection.

Conclusions

A broad range of compounds were associated with coffee drinking, incident liver cancer, and liver disease death over 27 years of follow-up. These associations provide novel insight into chronic liver disease and liver cancer etiology and support a possible hepatoprotective effect of coffee.
Featured Article: The Relationship Between Parent and Child Distress in Pediatric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bakula Dana M , Sharkey Christina M , Perez Megan N , Espeleta Hannah C , Gamwell Kaitlyn L , Baudino Marissa , Delozier Alexandria M , Chaney John M , Matt Alderson R , Mullins Larry L
Published: June 2019

Objective

Parents and children affected by pediatric cancer are at risk for psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. A link is believed to exist between parent and child distress; however, no systematic analysis of this relationship has occurred. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between parent and child distress among families affected by pediatric cancer.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using EBSCO (searching PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Academic search Premiere, and Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition) and PubMed. The initial search yielded a total of 29,118 articles. Inclusion criteria were that studies assessed the relation between parent and child distress in the context of pediatric cancer, were written in English, and were published in peer-reviewed journals. 28 articles met inclusion criteria.

Results

A statistically significant association was found between overall parent and child distress (r = .32, p < .001), such that increased parent-reported distress was associated with increased distress in their children. Significant relationships were also present among each type of parental distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and global distress; rs = .31–.51, ps < .001) and overall child distress. Moderation analyses via meta-regression indicated that parent proxy-report of child symptoms was associated with a stronger relationship between parent and child distress than child self-report of their own distress.

Conclusions

Aligned with the social–ecological framework, familial factors appear to be highly relevant in understanding distress following pediatric cancer diagnosis. Indeed, greater parent distress was associated with greater child distress.