bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of hydrophobic PVDF/PVC/nano-graphite composite membrane and its self-cleaning properties
Authors: Zhang Dashuai , Zhang Yan , Zhang Xiaopeng , Li Chen , Wang Lili , Shun Tianyi , Wu Hongting , Lin Qiang , Shi Zaifeng
Published: January 2020

In this study, novel physical blending modified membranes are prepared using the non-solvent induced phase separation method, the influences of nano-graphite and Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) incorporated into the hydrophobic performance of the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane were investigated. The composite membrane was prepared not only reduces the cost of producing PVDF membrane, but also enhances the hydrophobicity of the membrane. The addition of nano graphite and PVC accelerated the phase transformation of PVDF and changed the crystal structure of PVDF. Therefore, the surface roughness of the composite membrane is changed, and the hydrophobicity of the composite membrane is enhanced compared with the original PVDF membrane. the crystal structure and crystallinity of the composite membranes can be analyzed by WAXD and DSC, the surfaces morphology of the composite membranes were characterized by SEM and AFM, the wetting and hydrophobicity of the composite membrane by CA and SFE. The experimental results show that adding a small amount of nano inorganic substance (nano graphite) to the (PVDF-PVC) blend polymer is an effective method to prepare and improve the hydrophobic performance of the blend polymer membrane. The PVDF-PVC/nano-graphite prepared in the experiment not only improves the hydrophobic performance of the PVDF membrane, but also reduces the cost of the composite membrane through the addition of PVC. Meanwhile, the membrane has a durable self-cleaning performance, which widens the applications of PVDF membranes.
Study on modified Johnson-Cook constitutive material model to predict the dynamic behavior Mg-1Al-4Y alloy
Authors: Wang Jinhui , Yuan Xiaoguang , Jin Peipeng , Ma Hongbin , Shi Bo , Zheng Hongshan , Chen Tengyu , Xia Wenchao
Published: January 2020

An accurate prediction of high speed impact behavior of metals by considering the combined effects of strain, strain rate and temperature is essential for understanding dynamic impact deformation of metals. To understand the effect of strain, strain rate and temperature on the high-speed impact behavior of Mg-1Al-4Y alloy, the dynamic impact compression experiments for Mg-1Al-4Y alloy were carried out by split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The mechanical properties of Mg-1Al-4Y alloy specimens were studied at different strain rate and temperature. The number of {10–12} extension twins decreases with the strain rate increasing from the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technology, because of the formation of extension twins is suppressed with the strain rate increases, and dislocations become the main mode of dominant deformation. It is also found that the increase of strain rate has a positive effect on the strength of the material. But, the temperatures have a negative impact on the strength of the material. A modified Johnson-cook model has been presented, which shows good predictions with experimental results at different strain rates and temperatures. Especially, the predictions of the Johnson-cook equation are completely consistent with experimental results in small deformation stage.
Thermodynamic potential for quark-qluon plasma with finite quark mass and chemical potential
Authors: Gangopadhyay Mayukh Raj , Mathews Grant J , Olson J Pocahontas
Published: January 2020

We summarize the derivation of the finite temperature, finite chemical potential thermodynamic potential in the bag-model approximation to quantum chromodynamics (QCD) that includes a finite s-quark mass in the Feynman diagram contributions for both zero-order and two-loop corrections to the quark interaction. The thermodynamic potential for quarks in QCD is a desired ingredient for computations of the equation of state in the early universe, supernovae, neutron stars, and heavy-ion collisions. The 2-loop contributions are normally divergent and become even more difficult in the limit of finite quark masses and finite chemical potential. We describe various means to interpolate between the low and high chemical potential limits. Although physically well motivated, we show that the infinite series Padé rational polynomial interpolation scheme introduces spurious poles. Nevertheless, we show that lower order interpolation schemes such as polynomial interpolation reproduce the Padé result without the presence of spurious poles. We propose that in this way one can determine the equation of state for the two-loop corrections for arbitrary chemical potential, temperature and quark mass. This provides a new realistic bag-model treatment of the QCD equation of state. We compute the QCD phase diagram with up to the two-loop corrections. We show that the two-loop corrections decrease the pressure of the quark-gluon plasma and therefore increase the critical temperature and chemical potential of the phase transition. We also show, however, that the correction for finite s-quark mass in the two-loop correction serves to decrease the critical temperature for the quark-hadron phase transition in the early universe.
Visualization of correlations in hybrid discrete—continuous variable quantum systems
Authors: Rundle R P , Davies B I , Dwyer V M , Tilma Todd , Everitt M J
Published: January 2020

In this work we construct Wigner functions for hybrid continuous and discrete variable quantum systems. We demonstrate new capabilities in the visualization of the interactions and correlations between discrete and continuous variable quantum systems, where visualizing the full phase space has proven difficult in the past due to the high number of degrees of freedom. Specifically, we show how to clearly distinguish signatures that arise due to quantum and classical correlations in an entangled Bell-cat state. We further show how correlations are manifested in different types of interaction, leading to a deeper understanding of how quantum information is shared between two subsystems. Understanding the nature of the correlations between systems is central to harnessing quantum effects for information processing; the methods presented here reveal the nature of these correlations, allowing a clear visualization of the quantum information present in these hybrid discrete-continuous variable quantum systems. The methods presented here could be viewed as a form of quantum state spectroscopy.
Selection of Patients for Angioplasty for Treatment of Atherosclerotic Renovascular Disease: Predicting Responsive Patients
Authors: Mishima Eikan , Suzuki Takehiro , Ito Sadayoshi
Published: January 2020

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) can cause secondary hypertension, progressive decline in renal function, and cardiac complications. Recent randomized controlled trials including the Cardiovascular Outcomes in Renal Atherosclerotic Lesions study have not reported the benefit of renal artery stenting compared with medical therapy alone to improve renal function or reduce cardiovascular and renal events in the enrolled patients with ARAS. However, observational evidence indicating the benefits of angioplasty in the selected high-risk patients with ARAS has been increasing. Thus, the timely correction of stenosis through angioplasty may have a beneficial effect in selected patients. However, optimal patient selection for angioplasty has been debated and can be challenging at times. Clinicians must identify the responsive patients who would benefit from angioplasty through risk stratification and the prediction of outcomes. Efforts have been made for the determination of predictors that can identify the subgroups of patients who would benefit from angioplasty. Lower age, more severe stenosis, preserved renal perfusion, and absence of diabetes or generalized atherosclerosis have been reported as the predictors for the improvement of hypertension after angioplasty. Global renal ischemia, rapidly declining renal function over 6–12 months, progressive shrinkage of the affected kidney, lower resistive index, and lower levels of albuminuria have been reported as predictors of improved or preserved renal function after angioplasty. This review discusses the identification of ARAS patients who will potentially respond well to angioplasty.
The Anti-Shibboleth: The Traumatic Character of the Shibboleth as Silence
Authors: McNamara Tim
Published: January 2020

This article discusses the familiar notion of the shibboleth in situations of exclusion, focusing on the non-use, rather than the use, of language, for which I propose the term the anti-shibboleth. The article begins with an introduction to the concept of the shibboleth, giving examples from situations of violent conflict and suppression such as the Holocaust and the Cambodian genocide, and goes on to develop the notion of the anti-shibboleth, using further examples from such contexts. It then considers the situation of Aboriginal Australians in the period up until 1967 in the light of the concept. The article concludes with a discussion of the way in which we may understand the anti-shibboleth theoretically, drawing on insights from poststructuralism.
Therapeutic potential of microRNA in tendon injuries
Authors: Giordano Lorenzo , Porta Giovanna Della , Peretti Giuseppe M , Maffulli Nicola
Published: January 2020

Introduction

The regulatory role of microRNA (miRNA) in several conditions has been studied, but their function in tendon healing remains elusive. This review summarizes how miRNAs are related to the pathogenesis of tendon injuries and highlights their clinical potential, focusing on the issues related to their delivery for clinical purposes.

Sources of data

We searched multiple databases to perform a systematic review on miRNA in relation to tendon injuries. We included in the present work a total of 15 articles.

Areas of agreement

The mechanism of repair of tendon injuries is probably mediated by resident tenocytes. These maintain a fine equilibrium between anabolic and catabolic events of the extracellular matrix. Specific miRNAs regulate cytokine expression and orchestrate proliferation and differentiation of stromal cell lines involved in the composition of the extracellular matrix.

Areas of controversy

The lack of effective delivery systems poses serious obstacles to the clinical translation of these basic science findings.

Growing point

In vivo studies should be planned to better explore the relationship between miRNA and tendon injuries and evaluate the most suitable delivery system for these molecules.

Areas timely for developing research

Investigations ex vivo suggest therapeutic opportunities of miRNA for the management of tendon injuries. Given the poor pharmacokinetic properties of miRNAs, these must be delivered by an adequate adjuvant transport system.
Geographic Variation in Pneumonia and Influenza in Long-Term Care Facilities: A National Study
Authors: Bosco Elliott , Zullo Andrew R , McConeghy Kevin W , Moyo Patience , van Aalst Robertus , Chit Ayman , Mwenda Kevin M , Panozzo Catherine A , Mor Vincent , Gravenstein Stefan
Published: January 2020

There is large county-level geographic variation in pneumonia and influenza hospitalizations among short-stay and long-stay long-term care facility residents in the United States. Long-term care facilities in counties in the Southern and Midwestern regions had the highest rates of pneumonia and influenza from 2013 to 2015. Future research should identify reasons for these geographic differences.
Deep Sequencing Reveals Occult Mansonellosis Coinfections in Residents From the Brazilian Amazon Village of São Gabriel da Cachoeira
Authors: Crainey James Lee , Costa Carlos Henrique Aguiar , de Oliveira Leles Lorena Ferreira , Ribeiro da Silva Túllio Romão , de Aquino Narzetti Luiz Henrique , Serra dos Santos Yago Vinícius , Costa Conteville Liliane , Costa Pessoa Felipe Arley , Carvajal Cortés José Joaquin , Vicente Ana Carolina Paulo , Rubio Muñoz José Miguel , Bessa Luz Sérgio Luiz
Published: January 2020

Mansonella ozzardi and Mansonella perstans infections both cause mansonellosis but are usually treated differently. Using a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and deep sequencing, we reveal the presence of mansonellosis coinfections that were undetectable by standard diagnostic methods. Our results confirm mansonellosis coinfections and have important implications for the disease’s treatment and diagnosis.
Carrier-Induced Hyporesponsiveness to Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines: Unraveling the Influence of Serotypes, Timing, and Previous Vaccine Dose
Authors: Dagan Ron , Jiang Qin , Juergens Christine , Trammel James , Gruber William C , Scott Daniel A
Published: January 2020

Background

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) elicit lower immune response against serotypes carried before or at the time of vaccination (hyporesponsiveness) in infants. The limited studies conducted to date did not permit comprehensive insights regarding this phenomenon. This study, the largest ever conducted with both carriage and serologic endpoints, attempted to add insight on serotype-specific hyporesponsiveness in relation to the number of PCV doses administered before carriage acquisition.

Methods

In a double-blind randomized clinical trial (n = 1754 infants), 7-valent or 13-valent PCV was administered at ages 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. New acquisition was defined based on nasopharyngeal swabs at ages 2, 4, 6, 7, and 12 months. Serotype-specific immunoglobulin G levels were obtained 1 month after the infant series and 1 month after the toddler dose.

Results

A lower immune response after the infant series and the toddler dose was consistently observed for carriers of serotypes 6A, 6B, 18C, and 19F at predefined time points, with a similar trend observed in carriers of serotype 23F. In contrast, carriage of serotypes 9V, 14, and 19A did not generally affect immune responses. For some but not all serotypes, hyporesponsiveness was decreased with an increased number of vaccine doses received before acquisition. A complex interrelationship between carriage and immune response was observed between cross-reacting serotypes.

Conclusions

Carrier-induced hyporesponsiveness to PCVs is common, differs among serotypes, and depends on timing of carriage acquisition and prior number of administered PCV doses.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT00508742.
Antigen Microarrays for Serodiagnosis of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Mezzasoma Letizia , Bacarese-Hamilton Tito , Di Cristina Manlio , Rossi Ruggero , Bistoni Francesco , Crisanti Andrea
Published: January 2020

Background: Progress in robotic printing technology has allowed the development of high-density nucleic acid and protein arrays that have increased the throughput of a variety of assays. We generated protein microarrays by printing microbial antigens to simultaneously determine in human sera antibodies directed against Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 (ToRCH antigens).

Methods: The antigens were printed on activated glass slides with high-speed robotics. The slides were incubated first with serum samples and subsequently with fluorescently labeled secondary antibodies. Human IgG and IgM bound to the printed antigens were detected by confocal scanning microscopy and quantified with internal calibration curves. Both microarrays and commercial ELISAs were utilized to detect serum antibodies against the ToRCH antigens in a panel of characterized human sera.

Results: The detection limit (mean + 2 SD) of the microarray assay was 0.5 pg of IgG or IgM bound to the slides. Within-slide, between-slide, and between-batch precision profiles showed CVs of 1.7–18% for all antigens. Overall, >80% concordance was obtained between microarray assays and ELISAs in the classification of sera; for T. gondii, CMV, and HSV1, concordance exceeded 90%.

Conclusions: The microarray is a suitable assay format for the serodiagnosis of infectious diseases and can be easily optimized for clinical use. The ToRCH assay performs equivalently to ELISA and may have potentially important advantages in throughput, convenience, and cost.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen, Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen, CYFRA 21-1, and Neuron-specific Enolase in Squamous Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Kulpa Jan , Wójcik Ewa , Reinfuss Marian , Kołodziejski Leszek
Published: January 2020

Background: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag), and CYFRA 21-1 are the most useful markers for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a tumor maker of choice for SCLC. The determination of NSE in NSCLC could allow selection of patients with neuroendocrine features. NSCLC patients whose tumors have neuroendocrine properties may be more responsive to chemotherapy; however, these tumors have been reported to be more aggressive. Tumor markers are not suitable for diagnosis; their principal applications are in monitoring of therapy and prognosis.

Methods: Tumor markers were measured in 200 untreated patients with squamous cell lung cancer (SQC) and a reference group (n = 220; 124 healthy persons and 96 patients with nonmalignant lung disease). CEA and SCC-Ag were measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassays on Abbott AxSYM and IMx analyzers. CYFRA 21-1 and NSE were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassays on the Roche Elecsys 2010.

Results: CEA, SCC-Ag, CYFRA 21-1, and NSE were increased above the cutoffs in 26%, 32%, 67%, and 28% of tested patients, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for CYFRA 21-1 was higher than those for CEA, SCC-Ag, and NSE (SQC vs controls). CYFRA 21-1 and CEA were significantly higher in advanced SQC than in early stages of disease (P <0.0001 and P <0.0004, respectively). In multivariate analysis of survival, CYFRA 21-1 was an independent but nonspecific prognostic factor in the operable group of SQC patients, whereas NSE was an independent prognostic factor in the advanced stages of disease.

Conclusion: CYFRA 21-1 is an independent prognostic factor in earlier stages and NSE in the advanced stages of SQC.
Primary Standardization of Assays for Anticonvulsant Drugs: Comparison of Accuracy and Precision
Authors: Wilson John F , Watson Ian D , Williams John , Toseland Pat A , Thomson Alison H , Sweeney Grace , Smith Brian L , Sandle Lance N , Ramsey John D , Capps Nigel E
Published: January 2020

Background: The accuracy and precision of methods for the measurement of the anticonvulsants phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, carbamazepine, ethosuximide, and valproate in human serum were assessed in 297 laboratories that were participants in the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Scheme (UKNEQAS).

Methods: We distributed lyophilized, serum-based materials containing low, medium, and high weighed-in concentrations of the drugs. The 297 participating laboratories received the materials on two occasions, 7 months apart. Expected concentrations were determined by gas chromatography or HPLC methods in five laboratories using serum-based NIST reference materials as calibrators.

Results: In general, bias was consistent across concentrations for a method but often differed in magnitude for different drugs. Bias ranged from −1.9% to 8.6% for phenytoin, −2.7% to 3.1% for phenobarbital, −2.7% to 0.5% for primidone, −8.6% to 0.3% for carbamazepine, −5.6% to 2.0% for ethosuximide, and −7.2% to 0.1% for valproate. Intralaboratory sources of imprecision significantly exceeded interlaboratory sources for many drug/method combinations. The mean CVs for intra- and interlaboratory errors for the different drugs were 6.3–7.8% and 3.3–4.2%, respectively.

Conclusions: For these long-established and relatively high-concentration analytes, the closed analytical platforms generally performed no better than open systems or chromatography, where use of calibrators prepared in house predominated. To improve the accuracy of measurements, work is required principally by the manufacturers of immunoassays to ensure minimal calibration error and to eliminate batch-to-batch variability of reagents. Individual laboratories should concentrate on minimizing dispensing errors.
Impact of Subgroup Prevalences on Partitioning of Gaussian-distributed Reference Values
Authors: Lahti Ari , Hyltoft Petersen Per , Boyd James C
Published: January 2020

Background: The aims of this report were to examine how unequal subgroup prevalences in the source population may affect reference interval partitioning decisions and to develop generally applicable guidelines for partitioning gaussian-distributed data.

Methods: We recently proposed a new model for partitioning reference intervals when the underlying data distribution is gaussian. This model is based on controlling the proportions of the subgroup distributions that fall outside each of the common reference limits, using the distances between the reference limits of the subgroup distributions as functions to these proportions. We examine the significance of the unequal prevalence effect for the partitioning problem and quantify it for distance partitioning criteria by deriving analytical expressions to express these criteria as a function of the ratio of prevalences. An application example, illustrating various aspects of the importance of the prevalence effect, is also presented.

Results: Dramatic shrinkage of the critical distances between reference limits of the subgroups needed for partitioning was observed as the ratio of prevalences, the larger one divided by the smaller one, was increased from unity. Because of this shrinkage, the same critical distances are not valid for all ratios of prevalences, but specific critical distances should be used for each particular value of this ratio. Although proportion criteria used in determining the need for reference interval partitioning are not dependent on the prevalence effect, this effect should be accounted for when these criteria are being applied by adjusting the sample sizes of the subgroups to make them correspond to the ratio of prevalences.

Conclusions: The prevalences of subgroups in the reference population should be known and observed in the calculations for every reference interval study, irrespective of whether distance or proportion criteria are being used to determine the need for reference interval partitioning. We present detailed methods to account for the prevalences when applying each of these types of criteria. Analytical expressions for the distance criteria, to be used when high precision is needed, and approximate distances, to be used in practical work, are derived. General guidelines for partitioning gaussian distributed data are presented. Following these guidelines and using the new model, we suggest that partitioning can be performed more reliably than with any of the earlier models because the new model not only offers an improved correspondence between the critical distances and the critical proportions, but also accounts for the prevalence effect.
S100B Protein in Biological Fluids: A Tool for Perinatal Medicine
Authors: Michetti Fabrizio , Gazzolo Diego
Published: January 2020

The diagnosis of perinatal insults currently relies on adequate documentation of general medical and obstetric factors and on radiologic and laboratory assessments. The measurement of brain constituents such as S100B protein may offer an alternative and direct indicator of cell damage in the nervous system when clinical and radiologic assessments are still silent and has the additional advantage of providing a quantitative indicator of the extent of brain lesions. S100B protein has been measured by several immunoassays in biological fluids (i.e., cerebrospinal fluid, blood, amniotic fluid, and urine) from fetuses and newborns at high risk of perinatal brain damage. S100B protein in biological fluids increased at an early stage when standard monitoring procedures were still silent in the study populations that later developed brain damage. S100B concentration was also significantly correlated with the extent of brain lesions. S100B protein appears to satisfy the criteria for a marker for brain injuries in perinatal medicine: (a) simple to perform measurements with good reproducibility; (b) detection in a variety of biological fluids, possibly reducing perinatal stress related to testing; (c) possible use in longitudinal monitoring because of its 1-h half-life; and (d) well-established use as an early and quantitative marker of brain lesions/damage. Finally, because of the neurotrophic role putatively played by S100B, its measurement in biological fluids at pre-/perinatal ages makes it a candidate for the laboratory evaluation of brain maturation.
Analysis of Carnitine Biosynthesis Metabolites in Urine by HPLC–Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Vaz Frédéric M , Melegh Bela , Bene Judit , Cuebas Dean , Gage Douglas A , Bootsma Albert , Vreken Peter , van Gennip Albert H , Bieber Loran L , Wanders Ronald JA
Published: January 2020

Background: We developed a method to determine the urinary concentrations of metabolites in the synthetic pathway for carnitine from N6-trimethyllysine and applied this method to determine their excretion in control individuals. In addition, we investigated whether newborns are capable of carnitine synthesis from deuterium-labeled N6-trimethyllysine.

Methods: Urine samples were first derivatized with methyl chloroformate. Subsequently, the analytes were separated by ion-pair, reversed-phase HPLC and detected online by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Stable-isotope-labeled reference compounds were used as internal standards.

Results: The method quantified all carnitine biosynthesis metabolites except 4-N-trimethylaminobutyraldehyde. Detection limits were 0.05–0.1 μmol/L. The interassay imprecision (CV) for urine samples with added compounds was 6–12%. The intraassay imprecision (CV) was 1–5% (3–10 μmol/L). Recoveries were 94–106% at 10–20 μmol/L and 98–103% at 100–200 μmol/L. The mean (SD) excretions of N6-trimethyllysine and 3-hydroxy-N6-trimethyllysine were 2.8 (0.8) and 0.45 (0.15) mmol/mol creatinine, respectively. γ-Butyrobetaine and carnitine excretions were more variable with values of 0.27 (0.21) and 15 (12) mmol/mol creatinine, respectively. After oral administration of deuterium-labeled N6-trimethyllysine, all urines of newborns contained deuterium-labeled N6-trimethyllysine, 3-hydroxy-N6-trimethyllysine, γ-butyrobetaine, and carnitine.

Conclusions: HPLC in combination with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry allows rapid determination of urinary carnitine biosynthesis metabolites. Newborns can synthesize carnitine from exogenous N6-trimethyllysine, albeit at a low rate.
Instruments for Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose: Comparisons of Testing Quality Achieved by Patients and a Technician
Authors: Skeie Svein , Thue Geir , Nerhus Kari , Sandberg Sverre
Published: January 2020

Background: Instruments for self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) are increasingly used by patients with diabetes. The analytical quality of meters in routine use is poorly characterized.

Methods: We compared SMBG performance achieved by patients and by a medical laboratory technician. Imprecision was calculated from duplicate measurements, and deviation as the difference between the first measurement and the mean of duplicate laboratory-method results (calibrated with NIST material). Analytical quality for five groups of SMBG instruments was compared with quality specifications for BG measurements. All participants completed a questionnaire assessing both SMBG training and use of the meters.

Results: We recruited 159 SMBG users from a hospital outpatient clinic and 263 others from 65 randomly selected general practices (total of 422). Most (two thirds) used insulin. CVs for the five meter types were 7%, 11%, 18%, 18%, and 20% in the hands of patients and 2.5–5.9% for the technician. For three of five meter types, patients’ BG measurements had larger deviations from the laboratory results than did the technician’s results. The technician’s performance could not predict the patients’. No instrument when used by patients (but two operated by the technician) met published quality specifications. The analytical quality of patients’ results was not related to whether they had chosen the instruments on advice from healthcare personnel (one-third of patients), were only self-educated in SMBG (50%), or performed SMBG fewer than seven times/week (62%).

Conclusions: The analytical quality of SMBG among patients was poorer than, and could not be predicted from, the performance of the meters in the hands of a technician. We suggest that new instruments be tested in the hands of patients who are trained on meter use in a routine way.
Reception Theory, New Humanism, and T. S. Eliot
Authors: Hiscock Matthew
Published: January 2020

T. S. Eliot has been a major, if challenging, figure for students of reception and the Classical Tradition, and is implicated in an important debate on historicist versus aestheticist models of reception study. This article challenges assumptions about his position on, and practice of, reception. The politics implicit in theorists’ references to Eliot is teased out, and the position he took in response to inter-war New Humanism is shown to be predominantly historicist. An analysis of The Family Reunion (1939) then suggests that the Modernist-poetic approach he therefore took to the Oresteia broke so decisively with existing models of reception as to have called the fact of reception into question. The play is also shown to build on H.D.’s experiments in translation and to respond to Aeschylean receptions by Robinson Jeffers and Eugene O’Neill. It is further suggested that it anticipates several aspects of recent Reception Theory.
First Insights into the Chemical Ecology of an Invasive Pest: Olfactory Preferences of the Viburnum Leaf Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Desurmont Gaylord A , Morelon Stéphanie P G , Benrey Betty
Published: January 2020

The viburnum leaf beetle (VLB), Pyrrhalta viburni (Paykull), is an invasive chrysomelid in North America where it infests native Viburnum shrubs in woody areas and managed landscapes. Despite its invasive and destructive nature, little is known about the chemical ecology of this beetle, and efficient chemical lures for monitoring and trapping this insect have yet to be developed. Using two of the main host plants of VLB in its native range, Viburnum opulus L. (Caprifoliaceae) and V. lantana L., we examined the olfactory preferences of adult females of VLB under laboratory conditions and measured volatile emissions of Viburnum twigs with and without VLB damage. VLB females had a clear preference for V. opulus and V. lantana twigs compared to blank odor sources. In addition, twigs with foliar damage and fresh egg masses were found to be more attractive than noninfested twigs in V. opulus when VLB infestation was recent, but not when twigs had been infested for several weeks. Chemical analyses revealed consistent treatment-specific blends of compounds, which may be used for the elaboration of attractive lures. Future research should focus on the identification of these compounds and on exploring the olfactory preferences of VLB with Viburnum species present in North America.
Predictors of patient satisfaction and outpatient health services in China: evidence from the WHO SAGE survey
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Wenhua , Haggerty Jeannie , Schuster Tibor
Published: January 2020

Background

Patient satisfaction is an essential indicator in medical practise and research. To monitor the health and well-being of adult populations and the ageing process, the World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE), compiling longitudinal information in six countries including China as one major data source.

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify potential predictors for patient satisfaction based on the 2007–10 WHO SAGE China survey.

Methods

Data were analysed using random forests (RFs) and ordinal logistic regression models based on 5774 responses to predict overall patient satisfaction on their most recent outpatient health services visit over the last 12 months. Potential predictor variables included access to care, costs of care, quality of care, socio-demographic and health care characteristics and health service features. Increase of the mean-squared error (incMSE) due to variable removal was used to assess relative importance of the model variables for accurately predicting patient satisfaction.

Results

The survey data suggest low frequency of dissatisfaction with outpatient services in China (1.8%). Self-reported treatment outcome of the respective visit of a care facility demonstrated to be the strongest predictor for patient satisfaction (incMSE +15%), followed by patient-rated communication (incMSE +2.0%), and then income, waiting time, residency and patient age. Individual patient satisfaction in the survey population was predicted with 74% accuracy using either logistic regression or RF.

Conclusions

Patients’ perceived outcomes of health care visits and patient communication with health care professionals are the most important variables associated with patient satisfaction in outpatient health services settings in China.
An Ancient Baboon Genome Demonstrates Long-Term Population Continuity in Southern Africa
Authors: Mathieson Iain , Abascal Federico , Vinner Lasse , Skoglund Pontus , Pomilla Cristina , Mitchell Peter , Arthur Charles , Gurdasani Deepti , Willerslev Eske , Sandhu Manj S , Dewar Genevieve
Published: January 2020

Baboons are one of the most abundant large nonhuman primates and are widely studied in biomedical, behavioral, and anthropological research. Despite this, our knowledge of their evolutionary and demographic history remains incomplete. Here, we report a 0.9-fold coverage genome sequence from a 5800-year-old baboon from the site of Ha Makotoko in Lesotho. The ancient baboon is closely related to present-day Papio ursinus individuals from southern Africa—indicating a high degree of continuity in the southern African baboon population. This level of population continuity is rare in recent human populations but may provide a good model for the evolution of Homo and other large primates over similar timespans in structured populations throughout Africa.
Effective Peer Leader Attributes for the Promotion of Walking in Older Adults
Authors: Kritz Marlene , Thøgersen-Ntoumani Cecilie , Mullan Barbara , McVeigh Joanne , Ntoumanis Nikos
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives

Peer-led interventions are promising for the promotion of physical activity behavior in older adults. However, little is known about the attributes of effective older peer leaders in such intervention programs. The objective was to determine what older adults perceive to be effective peer leader attributes.

Research Design and Methods

A mixed-methods concurrent triangulation design was used. Participants, aged 60 years and older, were recruited from retirement villages and existing walking groups in Western Australia. They were predominantly white, Australian-born, female, healthy retirees. The sample consisted of four groups of older adults: those who had taken part in past peer-led walking programs (experienced walkers; n = 18), those interested in joining as walkers in a peer-led walking intervention (inexperienced walkers; n = 43), those interested to take on a peer leader role (inexperienced peer leaders; n = 25), and those who had already served as peer leaders (experienced peer leaders; n = 15). Questionnaires measured perceived effective leadership attributes, and physical activity was measured using ActivPAL devices (N = 101; Mage [SD] = 75.36 [7.59]). Semistructured interviews were conducted with the majority of participants (N = 68; Mage [SD] = 74.68 [7.78]).

Results

Overall, participants described an effective peer leader as optimistic, compassionate, and friendly, but differences in perceptions were apparent between the groups.

Discussion and Implications

Our findings advance knowledge about important characteristics of an effective older peer leader, which can inform peer leader training, recruitment of peer leaders, and future scale development.
Conflicting perceptions on the life-history covariates of density-dependent recruitment based on information-generating equations
Authors: Munyandorero Joseph
Published: January 2020

The stock–recruit steepness (h) and compensation ratio are alternative measures of the degree of density-dependent recruitment. They relate similarly to the longevity-related life-history traits (LRLHTs), but studies using information-generating equations and describing such relationships convey three conflicting perceptions. Perception 1 is that h and the compensation ratio decrease as longevity increases and are highest in short-lived, high-productivity species. This perception, usually believed to be inherent in the definition of steepness, is not substantiated by the very definition and, hence, theoretically is wrong. Perception 2 is that h and the compensation ratio increase with longevity and are highest in long-lived, low-productivity species; this perception may occur when the relationships between natural mortality and other LRLHTs are strong, and is most likely correct. Perception 3 is that h and the compensation ratio are independent of LRLHTs; this perception may be caused by the lack of the relationships between natural mortality and other LRLHTs, and is a distortion of perception 2.
Increasing use of the Impella®-pump in severe cardiogenic shock: a word of caution
Authors: Vasin Sergey , Philipp Alois , Floerchinger Bernhard , Rastogi Priyank , Lunz Dirk , Mueller Thomas , Schmid Christof , Camboni Daniele
Published: January 2020

Impella® pumps are increasingly utilized in patients in cardiogenic shock. We report on a case series where Impella support was insufficient, and a switch to venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) became necessary. ECMO patients with previous Impella devices were identified utilizing our institutional ECMO database. Since 2014, 10 patients with a mean age of 62 ± 3 years were identified. Despite correct placement of all Impella pumps, cardiogenic shock persisted with progressive multi-organ failure (Impella type 2.5/CP n = 6/4 patients). Femoro-femoral VA ECMO was implanted percutaneously on the contralateral side with the Impella initially left on standby but retracted into the descending aorta for transport reasons after a mean support time of 20 ± 8 h. All patients were able to unload their heart by left ventricular ejection with a blood pressure amplitude of 15 ± 3 mmHg on VA ECMO support. After VA ECMO implantation haemodynamic parameters improved significantly within 24 h of support (mean serum lactate levels decreased from 92 ± 17 to 44 ± 10 mg/dl, P = 0.031). Survival to hospital discharge was 70%. These data indicate that the Impella 2.5® and CP® might not be sufficient in profound cardiogenic shock. Comparative studies are necessary to specify which patient population benefits from which type of circulatory support.
Preventive replacement with defaulting
Authors: Alotaibi N M , Cavalcante C A V , Lopes R S , Scarf P A
Published: January 2020

This paper models age replacement and block replacement when there is the possibility of defaulting on the planned maintenance. A default occurs when a planned preventive replacement is not executed, and we discuss how defaults can arise in practice. Our aim is to study the robustness of block replacement and age replacement, bearing in mind that (a) these policies are frequently used in practice, (b) in the standard scenario (no defaulting) age replacement has a lower economic cost rate than block-replacement and (c) block replacement is simple to manage because component age does not have to be monitored. We model defaults as independent Bernoulli trials. We prove that a cost-minimizing critical age for replacement in the age policy with defaulting exists if the time to failure distribution has an increasing failure rate. A numerical study of the policies indicates that: age replacement is effective if maintenance control is good, that is, when there is only a small chance of defaulting; block replacement is relatively robust to defaulting (postponement), but less so to lack of knowledge about component reliability.
Side Deposit with Regular Texture Food for Clinical Cases In-Home
Authors: Taylor Tessa
Published: January 2020

Objective Research has shown effectiveness of nonremoval of the spoon and physical guidance in increasing consumption and decreasing inappropriate mealtime behavior. The side deposit has been used to treat passive refusal in 2 studies (1 in a highly specialized hospital setting) using lower manipulated-texture foods on an infant gum brush. Methods We extended the literature by using regular texture bites of food with a finger prompt and side deposit (placing bites inside the side of the child’s mouth via the cheek) in an intensive home-based program setting in Australia, demonstrating that attention and tangible treatments alone were ineffective prior, fading the tangible treatment, showing caregiver training, and following up. 2 male children with autism spectrum disorder (with texture/variety selectivity; one with liquid dependence) participated in their homes. We used a reversal design to replicate effectiveness of the side deposit added to a treatment package. Results For both participants, we observed a >98% decrease in latency to acceptance, a 100% decrease in inappropriate mealtime behavior, and a 100% increase in consumption with the side deposit added. Variety was increased to over 85 regular texture foods. 100% of admission goals were met. Caregivers were trained to high procedural integrity and the protocol was generalized to school and the community. Gains maintained to 3 and 1.5 years. Conclusion This is important work in adding to the literature and support for the side deposit and expanding to regular texture, as well as replicating and extending empirically supported treatments for feeding internationally to the home setting.
Infrared properties of planetary nebulae with [WR] and wels central stars
Authors: Muthumariappan C , Parthasarathy M
Published: January 2020

We report the infrared (IR) properties of planetary nebulae (PNe) with Wolf–Rayet (WR) type and wels central stars known to date and compare them with the IR properties of a sample of PNe with H-rich central stars. We use near-, mid-, and far-IR photometric data from archives to derive the IR properties of PNe. We have constructed IR colour–colour diagrams of PNe using measurements from 2MASS, IRAS, WISE, and Akari bands. [WR] PNe have a larger near-IR emission from the hot dust component and also show a tendency for stronger 12 μm emission as compared to the other two groups. Cool asymptotic giant branch dust properties of all PNe are found to be similar. We derived the dust colour temperatures, dust masses, dust-to-gas mass ratios, IR luminosities, and IR excess (IRE) of PNe for these three groups. [WR] PNe and wels-PNe tend to have larger mean values for dust mass when compared to the third group. The average dust-to-gas mass ratio is found to be similar for the three groups of PNe. While there is a strong correlation of dust temperature and IR luminosity with the age for the three groups of PNe, the dust mass, dust-to-gas mass ratios, and IRE are found to be non-varying as the PNe evolve. [WR] PNe and wels-PNe show very similar distribution of excitation classes and also show similar distribution with Galactic latitude.
A complete catalogue of dusty supernova remnants in the Galactic plane
Authors: Chawner H , Gomez H L , Matsuura M , Smith M W L , Papageorgiou A , Rho J , Noriega-Crespo A , De Looze I , Barlow M J , Cigan P , Dunne L , Marsh K
Published: January 2020

We search for far-infrared (FIR) counterparts of known supernova remnants (SNRs) in the Galactic plane (360° in longitude and $b = \pm \, 1^{\circ }$) at 70–500 μm with Herschel. We detect dust signatures in 39 SNRs out of 190, made up of 13 core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe), including 4 Pulsar Wind Nebulae (PWNe), and 2 Type Ia SNe. A further 24 FIR detected SNRs have unknown types. We confirm the FIR detection of ejecta dust within G350.1−0.3, adding to the known sample of ∼ 10 SNRs containing ejecta dust. We discover dust features at the location of a radio core at the centre of G351.2+0.1, indicating FIR emission coincident with a possible Crab-like compact object, with dust temperature and mass of Td  = 45.8 K and Md  = 0.18 M⊙, similar to the PWN G54.1+0.3. We show that the detection rate is higher among young SNRs. We produce dust temperature maps of 11 SNRs and mass maps of those with distance estimates, finding dust at temperatures $15\, \lesssim \, T_d\, \lesssim \, 40$ K. If the dust is heated by shock interactions the shocked gas must be relatively cool and/or have a low density to explain the observed low grain temperatures.
ExoMol molecular line lists – XXXVII. Spectra of acetylene
Authors: Chubb Katy L , Tennyson Jonathan , Yurchenko Sergei N
Published: January 2020

A new ro-vibrational line list for the ground electronic state of the main isotopologue of acetylene, 12C2H2, is computed as part of the ExoMol project. The aCeTY line list covers the transition wavenumbers up to 10 000 cm−1 (λ > 1 $\mu$m), with lower and upper energy levels up to 12 000 and 22 000 cm−1 considered, respectively. The calculations are performed up to a maximum value for the vibrational angular momentum, Kmax = Lmax  =  16, and maximum rotational angular momentum, J = 99. Higher values of J were not within the specified wavenumber window. The aCeTY line list is considered to be complete up to 2200 K, making it suitable for use in characterizing high-temperature exoplanet or cool stellar atmospheres. Einstein-A coefficients, which can directly be used to calculate intensities at a particular temperature, are computed for 4.3 billion (4 347 381 911) transitions between 5 million (5 160 803) energy levels. We make comparisons against other available data for 12C2H2, and demonstrate this to be the most complete line list available. The line list is available in electronic form from the online CDS and ExoMol data bases.
Search for L5 Earth Trojans with DECam
Authors: Markwardt Larissa , Gerdes D W , Malhotra R , Becker J C , Hamilton S J , Adams F C
Published: January 2020

Most of the major planets in the Solar system support populations of co-orbiting bodies, known as Trojans, at their L4 and L5 Lagrange points. In contrast, Earth has only one known co-orbiting companion. This paper presents the results from a search for Earth Trojans (ETs) using the DECam instrument on the Blanco Telescope at CTIO. This search found no additional Trojans in spite of greater coverage compared to previous surveys of the L5 point. Therefore, the main result of this work is to place the most stringent constraints to date on the population of ETs. These constraints depend on assumptions regarding the underlying population properties, especially the slope of the magnitude distribution (which in turn depends on the size and albedo distributions of the objects). For standard assumptions, we calculate upper limits to a 90 per cent confidence limit on the L5 population of NET < 1 for magnitude H < 15.5, NET = 60–85 for H < 19.7, and NET = 97 for H = 20.4. This latter magnitude limit corresponds to Trojans ∼300 m in size for albedo 0.15. At H = 19.7, these upper limits are consistent with previous L4 ET constraints and significantly improve L5 constraints.