bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen, water content, phosphorus and active iron jointly regulate soil organic carbon in tropical acid red soil forest
Authors: Bai Jinyue , Zong Mingming , Li Shiyu , Li Haixia , Duan Changqun , Feng Yuan , Peng Changhui , Zhang Xiaoling , Sun Di , Lin Chen , Shi Yucheng , Zheng Guangyu , Wang Haidong , Liu Daxiang , Li Fengrui , Huang Wuping
Published: April 2020

Increasing forest soil organic carbon (SOC) storage is important for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from terrestrial ecosystems and mitigating global climate change. Although the effects of altitude, temperature and rainfall on organic carbon have been studied extensively, it is difficult to increase SOC storage by changing these factors in actual forest management. This study determined the SOC, soil physical and chemical properties, nutrient elements, heavy metal elements, soil minerals and microbial biomass in the 0–140‐cm soil layer of the monsoon broad‐leaved forest in the acid red soil region of southwestern China by stratification. We tried to identify the soil factors affecting the SOC storage of the forest in the acid red soil region and determine the weights of the factors affecting the SOC, with the aim of improving the SOC retention capacity in forest management by changing the main soil factors affecting SOC storage. The results showed that the soil factors affecting the forest SOC storage in this area are total nitrogen (N, 22.7%) > soil water content (19.9%) > active iron (including poorly crystalline iron, Feo, 15.5%) > pH (9.5%) > phosphorus (P, 9.4%) > aluminium (Al, 8.9%) > silicon (Si, 7.1%) > sulphur (S, 6.8%). Of these factors, N, the water content, Feo, and P are practical factors for forest management, whereas the pH, Al, Si and S are not. SOC was significantly positively correlated with the soil N concentration, water content, active iron content and P concentration (p < .05). In acidic red soil areas, with active iron as the highlight, N, soil water content, phosphorus and active iron jointly regulate the forest SOC storage capacity. Consequently, in actual forest management, any measures to promote soil N and water content and to activate inactive iron can enhance the storage of SOC, as appropriate input of N and P fertiliser and irrigation in dry years and the dry season.

Highlights

The soil environmental factors affecting SOC storage in forest soil are quantified

Activation of inactive iron helps SOC storage in forest soil

Irrigation and N and P input are effective for helping SOC storage in forest soil

N, WC, P and Feo jointly regulate SOC in tropical acid red soil forest
Adenosine kinase and adenosine receptors A1R and A2AR in temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis and association with risk factors for SUDEP
Authors: Patodia Smriti , Paradiso Beatrice , Garcia Maria , Ellis Matthew , Diehl Beate , Thom Maria , Devinsky Orrin
Published: April 2020

Objective

The “adenosine hypothesis of SUDEP” (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) predicts that a seizure‐induced adenosine surge combined with impaired metabolic clearance can foster lethal apnea or cardiac arrest. Changes in adenosine receptor density and adenosine kinase (ADK) occur in surgical epilepsy patients. Our aim was to correlate the distribution of ADK and adenosine A2A and A1 receptors (A2AR and A1R) in surgical tissue from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis (TLE/HS) with SUDEP risk factors.

Methods

In 75 cases, patients were stratified into high‐risk (n = 16), medium‐risk (n = 11) and low‐risk (n = 48) categories according to the frequency of generalized seizures before surgery. Using whole‐slide scanning Definiens image analysis we quantified the labeling index (LI) for ADK, A2AR, and A1R in seven regions of interest: temporal cortex, temporal lobe white matter, CA1, CA4, dentate gyrus, subiculum, and amygdala and relative to glial and neuronal densities with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN).

Results

A1R showed predominant neuronal, A2AR astroglial, and ADK nuclear labeling in all regions but with significant variation. Compared with the low‐risk group, the high‐risk group had significantly lower A2AR LI in the temporal cortex. In HS cases with severe neuronal cell loss and gliosis predominantly in the CA1 and CA4 regions, significantly higher A1R was present in the amygdala in high‐risk than in low‐risk cases. There was no significant difference in neuronal loss or gliosis between the risk groups or differences for ADK labeling.

Significance

Reduced cortical A2AR suggests glial dysfunction and impaired adenosine modulation in response to seizures in patients at higher risk for SUDEP. Increased neuronal A1R in the high‐risk group could contribute to periictal amygdala dysfunction in SUDEP.
Ensemble feature selection in medical datasets: Combining filter, wrapper, and embedded feature selection results
Authors: Chen Chih‐Wen , Tsai Yi‐Hong , Chang Fang‐Rong , Lin Wei‐Chao
Published: April 2020

Feature selection is a process aimed at filtering out unrepresentative features from a given dataset, usually allowing the later data mining and analysis steps to produce better results. However, different feature selection algorithms use different criteria to select representative features, making it difficult to find the best algorithm for different domain datasets. The limitations of single feature selection methods can be overcome by the application of ensemble methods, combining multiple feature selection results. In the literature, feature selection algorithms are classified as filter, wrapper, or embedded techniques. However, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no study focusing on combining these three types of techniques to produce ensemble feature selection. Therefore, the aim here is to answer the question as to which combination of different types of feature selection algorithms offers the best performance for different types of medical data including categorical, numerical, and mixed data types. The experimental results show that a combination of filter (i.e., principal component analysis) and wrapper (i.e., genetic algorithms) techniques by the union method is a better choice, providing relatively high classification accuracy and a reasonably good feature reduction rate.
Cell‐intrinsic metabolic regulation of mononuclear phagocyte activation: Findings from the tip of the iceberg
Authors: van Teijlingen Bakker Nikki , Pearce Edward J.
Published: April 2020

We have only recently started to appreciate the extent to which immune cell activation involves significant changes in cellular metabolism. We are now beginning to understand how commitment to specific metabolic pathways influences aspects of cellular biology that are the more usual focus of immunological studies, such as activation‐induced changes in gene transcription, post‐transcriptional regulation of transcription, post‐translational modifications of proteins, cytokine secretion, etc. Here, we focus on metabolic reprogramming in mononuclear phagocytes downstream of stimulation with inflammatory signals (such as LPS and IFNγ) vs alternative activation signals (IL‐4), with an emphasis on work on dendritic cells and macrophages from our laboratory, and related studies from others. We cover aspects of glycolysis and its branching pathways (glycogen synthesis, pentose phosphate, serine synthesis, hexose synthesis, and glycerol 3 phosphate shuttle), the tricarboxylic acid pathway, fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, and mitochondrial biology. Although our understanding of the metabolism of mononuclear phagocytes has progressed significantly over the last 10 years, major challenges remain, including understanding the effects of tissue residence on metabolic programming related to cellular activation, and the translatability of findings from mouse to human biology.
Emergence of a consonant bias during the first year of life: New evidence from own‐name recognition
Authors: Von Holzen Katie , Nazzi Thierry
Published: April 2020

Recent evidence suggests that during the first year of life, a preference for consonant information during lexical processing (consonant bias) emerges, at least for some languages like French. Our study investigated the factors involved in this emergence as well as the developmental consequences for variation in consonant bias emergence. In a series of experiments, we measured 5‐, 8‐, and 11‐month‐old French‐learning infants orientation times to a consonant or vowel mispronunciation of their own name, which is one of the few word forms familiar to infants at this young age. Both 5‐ and 8‐month‐olds oriented longer to vowel mispronunciations, but 11‐month‐olds showed a different pattern, initially orienting longer to consonant mispronunciations. We interpret these results as further evidence of an initial vowel bias, with consonant bias emergence by 11 months. Neither acoustic‐phonetic nor lexical factors predicted preferences in 8‐ and 11‐month‐olds. Finally, counter to our predictions, a vowel bias at the time of test for 11‐month‐olds was related to later productive vocabulary outcomes.
Premature loss of primary anterior teeth and its consequences to primary dental arch and speech pattern: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nadelman Patricia , Bedran Natália , Magno Marcela Baraúna , Masterson Daniele , de Castro Amanda Cunha Regal , Maia Lucianne Cople
Published: April 2020

Background

Information about the functional and morphological consequences that occur following the premature loss of anterior teeth is still insufficient.

Aim

To evaluate the consequences in children's speech and arch integrity following premature loss of primary anterior teeth compared to those without premature losses.

Design

Electronic searches were performed based on the PECO criteria. Observational studies in children (P) who suffered premature loss or extraction of primary anterior teeth (E) compared to children presenting normal occlusion development (C) and the consequences to speech and dental arch perimeter (O) were included. Risk of bias and data extraction were performed. The meta‐analysis evaluated the influence of premature loss of primary anterior teeth in articulatory speech disorders (distortion, omission, and substitution) and space loss in the dental arches. Random‐ and fixed‐effect models were used, and heterogeneity was tested. The certainty of evidence was estimated using the GRADE approach.

Results

From a total of 2.234 studies, six studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and four in speech disorders meta‐analysis. Despite it was not possible to perform space loss meta‐analysis due to the absence of available data, qualitative analysis showed that there was no space loss after premature loss of mandibular primary incisors; a space loss, however, could be observed in children who lost primary canines at an early stage of dental development. For speech disorders results, children who lost anterior tooth presented higher chance of suffering speech distortion, than children without tooth loss (OR 5.466 [1.689, 17.692] P = .005) with low certainty of evidence. On the other hand, there were no statistically differences between premature loss of primary anterior teeth and omission (OR (a) 1.157 [0.439, 3.049] P = .767 and (OR (b) 1.393 [0.434, 4.70] P = .577) or substitution (OR (a) 1.071 [0.581, 1.974] P = .827 and OR (b) 1.218 [0.686, 2.163] P = .5), both with very low certainty of evidence.

Conclusions

Premature loss of primary anterior teeth may affect children phonation causing speech distortion. Consequences of space loss to primary dental arch still need to be further studied. Despite the speech distortion results, included articles present low‐level evidence‐based quality, thus new studies should be performed.
Using Card Games to study cultural differences in men’s social talk about prostate cancer
Authors: Fry Sarah L. , Kelly Daniel , Hopkinson Jane
Published: April 2020

Aim

To report the Card Games approach used to study men's talk about their risk for prostate cancer and as a method of data collection to analyse patterns of talk among distinct cultural groups.

Design

A constructivist grounded theory approach using focus groups to analyse men's social talk about prostate cancer.

Methods

Data were collected using three focus groups with African‐Caribbean, Somali, and White British men. The focus groups were conducted in a location of the men's choice with a focus group facilitator and observer. Four Card Games were given to the men to encourage social talk.

Results

The African‐Caribbean men had the most democratic talk with the use of agreement and disagreement and the Somali men were the most inclusive of others and used the most humour. The White British men were competitive in their talk and the least inclusive of each other's views.

Conclusion

The Card Games revealed differences in the pattern of talk, which provided insight into how men may use social talk to develop their understanding of prostate cancer risk. This is useful for healthcare professionals as it provides a grounding for structuring discussions with men about prostate cancer, while understanding of how risk‐related knowledge may be reconstructed in social talk and interactions.

Impact

The methodology discussed in this paper addressed the use of focus group to analyse talk of men from culturally diverse groups. The use of Card Games allowed the talk between the men to take centre stage and this allowed differences in the social talk of the men to become apparent. The use of this methodology could have an impact on approaches to researching cultural understandings of cancer risk, which may provide evidence on effective delivery of sociocultural relevant health education relating to cancer screening.
A novel lncRNA PLK4 up‐regulated by talazoparib represses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by promoting YAP‐mediated cell senescence
Authors: Jia Yan , Jin Huanhuan , Gao Liyuan , Yang Xiang , Wang Feixia , Ding Hai , Chen Anping , Tan Shanzhong , Zhang Feng , Shao Jiangjuan , Wang Shijun , Zheng Shizhong
Published: April 2020

A growing number of studies recognize that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential to mediate multiple tumorigenic processes, including hepatic tumorigenesis. However, the pathological mechanism of lncRNA‐regulated liver cancer cell growth remains poorly understood. In this study, we identified a novel function lncRNA, named polo‐like kinase 4 associated lncRNA (lncRNA PLK4, GenBank Accession No. RP11‐50D9.3), whose expression was dramatically down‐regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cells. Interestingly, talazoparib, a novel and highly potent poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase 1/2 (PARP1/2) inhibitor, could increase lncRNA PLK4 expression in HepG2 cells. Importantly, we showed that talazoparib‐induced lncRNA PLK4 could function as a tumour suppressor gene by Yes‐associated protein (YAP) inactivation and induction of cellular senescence to inhibit liver cancer cell viability and growth. In summary, our findings reveal the molecular mechanism of talazoparib‐induced anti‐tumor effect, and suggest a potential clinical use of talazoparib‐targeted lncRNA PLK4/YAP‐dependent cellular senescence for the treatment of HCC.
Understanding patients’ experiences of being mechanically ventilated in the Intensive Care Unit: Findings from a meta‐synthesis and meta‐summary
Authors: Danielis Matteo , Povoli Arianna , Mattiussi Elisa , Palese Alvisa
Published: April 2020

Aims and objectives

To synthesise the evidence reported in qualitative studies concerning the lived experiences of adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Background

Critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the ICU have been reported to suffer from severe physical and emotional responses such as hopelessness, anxiety, high levels of frustration and stress. Recent improvements in the field of mechanical ventilation and sedative medications as experienced by patients that can inform nursing care have not been summarised to date.

Design

A systematic review of qualitative studies followed by a meta‐synthesis and a meta‐summary was performed.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched by two authors in June 2019. A total of nine studies were included and evaluated based on their methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist.

Results

A total of 24 codes emerged from the abstraction process, which were categorised into 11 categories and four themes: (a) “The effect of the intense stress on the body's systems,” (b) “The induced negative emotional situations,” (c) “The feeling of being cared for in a hospital setting” and (d) “The perceived support from the family and loved ones.” Furthermore, the most frequent codes across studies were “Being afraid,” “Feeling supervised,” “Feeling comforted,” “Failing to communicate,” and “Experiencing difficulties in breathing,” with an intensity of 66.6%.

Conclusion

Patients receiving mechanical ventilation have expressed a general sense of vulnerability, of which critical care nurses need to be aware.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings suggest the need for improvements at the nursing, unit, educational and policy levels; furthermore, more research is also required at the international levels given the current trends towards no sedation protocols for the management of ICU patients: listening to their experiences becomes imperative, in order to ensure an awake, comfortable and ventilator‐tolerant patient.
Effects of Health Belief Model based nursing interventions offered at home visits on lymphedema prevention in women with breast cancer: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cal Ayse , Bahar Zuhal , Gorken Ilknur
Published: April 2020

Background

Lymphedema is an important morbidity due to its physical and psychological restrictions and financial burden in women having breast cancer surgery. The study was performed to examine effects of Health Belief Model (HBM) based nursing interventions given at home visits on prevention of lymphedema in women having breast surgery.

Design

The study had an experimental design.

Methods

The study included 72 women receiving radiotherapy after breast surgery, of whom 37 formed the intervention group and 35 formed the control group. The sample was based on Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). Data were collected with a personal information questionnaire, Quick‐Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (Q‐DASH), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life for Breast Cancer 23 (EORTC QLQ‐BR23), Strategies Used by Patients to Promote Health (SUPPH), Arm Circumference Form at three home visits at 3‐month intervals.

Results

HBM based nursing interventions regularly offered at home visits were found to create positive changes in behaviour of lymphedema prevention and improve upper extremity functions, reduce side‐effects, relieve arm and breast symptoms, enhance the quality of life, increase self‐efficacy and lower the frequency of lymphedema and costs.

Conclusion

The HBM based nursing interventions regularly offered at home visits can create positive changes in behaviour of lymphedema prevention and prevent lymphedema in women receiving radiotherapy after breast surgery. Considering costs of treatment for lymphedema, these interventions can be considered as cost‐effective.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nursing interventions directed towards behaviour of preventing lymphedema and follow‐ups in the long‐term should be supported by home visits and reminders through phone calls. Nurses should perform HBM based interventions regularly at home visits to prevent lymphedema. These interventions were found to reduce financial burden and were cost‐effective.
Computerised occlusal analysis of mini‐dental implant‐retained mandibular overdentures: A 1‐year prospective clinical study
Authors: Kabbua Phongkamon , Aunmeungtong Weerapan , Khongkhunthian Pathawee
Published: April 2020

Occlusal analysis is a substantial tool for the functional improvement evaluation after using implant‐retained overdenture comparing to complete denture without dental implant retaining. To evaluate occlusal pattern, chewing force distribution in mini‐dental implant‐retained mandibular overdentures by computerised occlusal analysis system and to compare patient satisfaction after 1‐year function. Thirty‐one patients wearing complete dentures were included in the study. Prior to mini‐dental implant‐retained treatment, all patients were assessed for occlusion and force distribution using computerised occlusal analysis system (T‐Scan®), and then, all patients received two mini‐dental implant‐retained mandibular overdentures. Mini‐dental implants were immediately loaded using low vertical profile attachments (Equator®). T‐Scan® was used to evaluate chewing force and force distribution at 1 day, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. The patient satisfactions before implant placement and after 1 year were evaluated using questionnaires which included satisfaction of denture quality, psychosocial behaviour and chewing efficiency modified from the validated questionnaires. Clinical evaluation of two mini‐dental implant‐retained mandibular overdentures showed 100% success rate after 1 year. T‐Scan® demonstrated that maximum occlusal contact force increased continuously. The force distribution; the tooth contact number increased over the period. At 1‐year follow‐up, overall patient satisfaction was significantly greater than before receiving mini‐dental implant treatment (P < .001). Using computerised occlusal analysis, mini‐dental implants improve complete denture function significantly in terms of maximum occlusal contact force, tooth contact number without the impairment of force distribution. The oral function of the patients has been enhanced.
Changes in occlusal surface area and occlusal force distribution following the wear of vacuum‐formed, hawley and bonded retainers: A controlled clinical trial
Authors: Alkan Özer , Kaya Yeşim
Published: April 2020

To evaluate the changes in occlusal surface area (OSA) and occlusal force distribution (OFD) following the wear of Vacuum‐formed (VFR), Hawley (HR) and Bonded (BR) retainers, using T‐Scan III. A total of 60 subjects using three different maxillary and mandibular orthodontic retainers, VFR (n:20), HR (n:20) and BR (n:20), were included in this study. The changes in OSA and OFD were evaluated using the T‐Scan III. The evaluations were made 2 hours after debonding orthodontic appliances (T0) and in the 3rd (T1) and 6th (T2) months of the retention phase. For left (LDA), right (RDA) and posterior dental arches (PDA), intragroup comparison of OSA showed significant increase in the VFR and HR groups at T1‐T2 and T0‐T2 time intervals and in the BR group at T0‐T1 and T0‐T2 time intervals. For the anterior dental arch (ADA), only the increase in the HR group at T0‐T1 and T0‐T2 time intervals was found significant. When compared between the groups, the changes between HR and BR groups detected at T1‐T2 time interval for the RDA and at T0‐T1 and T0‐T2 time intervals for the ADA were found significant. Intragroup comparison of OFD displayed significant changes only in the BR group. At T0‐T1 time interval, the decrease in the ADA and the increase in the PDA were found significant. Also, intergroup OFD comparison exhibited significant differences between HR and BR groups at T0‐T1 time interval for ADA and PDA. Although no significant differences were found between the VFR group, the increase in OSA occurred faster in the PDA in the BR group, whereas in the ADA it was significant only in the HR group.
A nurse‐driven analgesia and sedation protocol reduces length of PICU stay and cumulative dose of benzodiazepines after corrective surgery for tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Hanser Anja , Neunhoeffer Felix , Hayer Tobias , Hofbeck Michael , Schlensak Christian , Mustafi Migdat , Kumpf Matthias , Michel Jörg
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Analgesia and sedation protocols are reported to reduce the requirement of sedative and analgesic agents, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay. However, these studies often were conducted based on inhomogeneous cohorts. The aim of this study was the evaluation of a nurse‐driven analgesia and sedation protocol in a homogenous population of infants following corrective surgery for tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

Design and Methods

This retrospective analysis was conducted in a cardiac PICU of a tertiary referral center. Two cohorts of patients who underwent corrective surgery for TOF below the age of 7 months, were retrospectively evaluated before and after implementation of a nurse‐driven analgesia and sedation protocol. We compared peak and cumulative doses of midazolam, morphine, and clonidine, length of PICU stay and time on mechanical ventilation.

Results

A total of 33 patients were included in the preimplementation period and 32 during the postimplementation period. Implementation of the nurse‐driven analgesia and sedation protocol had no effect on time on mechanical ventilation (72 hr [24–141] vs. 49 hr [24–98]), but significantly on length of PICU stay (7 days [5–14] vs. 5 days [4–7]). Cumulative doses of midazolam (7.37 mg/kg [4.70–17.65] vs. 5.0 mg/kg [2.70–9.12]) as well as peak doses of midazolam (0.22 mg·kg−1·hr−1 [0.20–0.33] vs. 0.15 mg·kg−1·hr−1 [0.13–0.20]) and morphine (50.0 µg·kg−1·hr−1 [39.7–79.9] vs. 42.5 µg·kg−1·hr−1 [29.7–51.8]) were significantly reduced. The postimplemantation group showed no increase in postoperative complications and adverse events.

Practice Implications

The implementation of a nurse‐driven analgesia and sedation protocol is safe in infants following corrective surgery for TOF. It reduces significantly the length of PICU stay, cumulative and peak doses of midazolam and peak doses of morphine.
ACVIM consensus statement guidelines for the classification, diagnosis, and management of cardiomyopathies in cats
Authors: Luis Fuentes Virginia , Abbott Jonathan , Chetboul Valérie , Côté Etienne , Fox Philip R. , Häggström Jens , Kittleson Mark D. , Schober Karsten , Stern Joshua A.
Published: April 2020

Cardiomyopathies are a heterogeneous group of myocardial disorders of mostly unknown etiology, and they occur commonly in cats. In some cats, they are well‐tolerated and are associated with normal life expectancy, but in other cats they can result in congestive heart failure, arterial thromboembolism or sudden death. Cardiomyopathy classification in cats can be challenging, and in this consensus statement we outline a classification system based on cardiac structure and function (phenotype). We also introduce a staging system for cardiomyopathy that includes subdivision of cats with subclinical cardiomyopathy into those at low risk of life‐threatening complications and those at higher risk. Based on the available literature, we offer recommendations for the approach to diagnosis and staging of cardiomyopathies, as well as for management at each stage.
Judging competence, providing feedback and changing organisations
Authors: Mattick Karen , Gallen Derek
Published: April 2020

Reflecting on Pack et al.'s work, Mattick and Gallen argue training experiences and outcomes offer perspective on organisational culture and can inform program development as much as trainee development.
Acculturation and health behaviors among older Chinese immigrants in the United States: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Mao Weiyu , Li Jia , Xu Ling , Chi Iris
Published: April 2020

Older immigrants tend to experience rapid deterioration in health after immigration. Changes in health behaviors over the course of acculturation are considered attributable factors. However, much remains unknown when it comes to acculturation experiences and health behaviors among older immigrants. This study explored acculturation in three domains (behavioral, cognitive, and identificational) and described how each domain of acculturation could influence various health behaviors among community‐dwelling older Chinese immigrants in the United States. In this qualitative descriptive study, trained bilingual interviewers conducted in‐depth individual interviews with 24 participants in the greater Los Angeles area. Acculturation experiences emerged from qualitative content analysis, such as high dependence on Chinese behavioral patterns and intraethnic networks and limited intergroup interactions (behavioral acculturation), strong maintenance of Chinese cultural values and some American cultural learning (cognitive acculturation), and strong identification with Chinese ethnicity (identificational acculturation). Behavioral acculturation and cognitive acculturation may influence various health behaviors, including eating/diet, exercise, chronic disease, and mental health management. By recognizing the unique acculturation experiences, interventions could be developed to promote healthy behaviors in achieving optimal health in this population.
Early clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical findings in suspected acute graft‐versus‐host disease and their association with patient outcomes
Authors: García‐Romero Maria Teresa , Sáez‐de‐Ocariz Marimar , Hernández‐Zepeda Carolina , Reyes Montserrat , García de la Puente Silvestre , Ridaura‐Sanz Cecilia , López‐Hernández Gerardo , Olaya‐Vargas Alberto
Published: April 2020

Background/Objectives

Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) is a serious condition after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), frequently involving skin, gut, and liver. It can be difficult to diagnose early, yet this is vital for adequate management. We sought to identify initial clinical and histopathological features in children with suspected GVHD and the association with clinical course and outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients with skin biopsies for suspected aGVHD from 2006 to 2016. We collected demographic and clinical information, histologic, and immunohistochemical (IHC) findings, and outcomes during follow‐up. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify risk factors associated with remission, development of severe/life‐threatening aGVHD, and mortality.

Results

We included 42 patients, 15 females. Skin manifestations occurred 51 days (median) after HSCT. On biopsy, 76.2% had mild (stage 1‐2) skin aGVHD; during the course of the disease, severity and systemic involvement increased to global grade III/IV in 66.6%. All patients received treatment; 15 are in remission from aGVHD and 23 have died. Histologic features were diagnostic in 83.3%. On bivariate and multivariate analysis, we identified initial clinical and histologic findings that were associated with the measured outcomes: odds of remission from aGVHD were increased when focal vacuolar changes were found on skin biopsy (OR 6.028; 95%CI:1.253‐28.992) but decreased by initial hepatic aGVHD (OR 0.112; 95%CI: 0.017‐0.748); severe/life‐threatening aGVHD was associated with initial gastrointestinal aGVHD (OR 6.054; 95%CI:1.257‐29.159); and odds of mortality were decreased with male donor (OR 0.056; 95%CI:0.004‐0.804), nulliparous female donor (OR 0.076; 95%CI:0.009‐0.669), and focal vacuolar changes on skin biopsy (OR 0.113; 95%CI:0.017‐0.770).

Conclusions

We found novel indicators predictive of remission, severity, and mortality in children with aGVHD. Further studies of this condition in children are needed.
Cycle Optimization Potential of Composite Cycle and Turbocompound Aero-Engines
Authors: Klein Felix , Staudacher Stephan
Published: April 2020

Fair comparison of future aircraft engine concepts requires the assumption of similar technological risk and a transparent book keeping of losses. A 1000 km and a 7000 km flight mission of a single-aisle airplane similar to the Aribus A321neo LR have been used to compare composite cycle engines, turbocompound engines and advanced gas turbines as potential options for an entry-into-service time frame of 2050+. A 2035 technology gas turbine serves as reference. The cycle optimization has been carried out with a peak pressure ratio of 250 and a maximum cycle temperature of 2200 K at cruise as boundary conditions. With the associated heat loss and the low efficiency of the gas exchange process limiting piston component efficiency, the cycle optimization filtered out composite cycle concepts. Taking mission fuel burn (MFB) as the most relevant criterion, the highest MFB reduction of 13.7% compared to the 2035 reference gas turbine is demonstrated for an air-cooled turbocompound concept with additional combustion chamber. An intercooled, hectopressure gas turbine with pressure gain combustion achieves 20.6% reduction in MFB relative to the 2035 reference gas turbine.
Control of Chip Formation and Improved Chip Ejection in Drilling With Modulation-Assisted Machining
Authors: Guo Yang , Mann James B.
Published: April 2020

Drilling with modulation-assisted machining (MAM) superimposes a low-frequency oscillation onto the drill feed motion. The otherwise continuous cutting in the drilling process is converted into a series of discrete cutting events. The result is a discrete chip formation process and concurrent improvement in chip ejection. The discrete chip formation and ejection in drilling with MAM were investigated via systematic experiments in OFHC Cu and Ti6Al4V using a two-flute twist drill and a single-flute gun drill. Drilling thrust force and chip morphologies for various modulation conditions are examined. The continuous cutting and discrete cutting regimes of modulation-assisted drilling are compared with conditions determined by a kinematic model. The results show that chip formation in the continuous cutting regime with MAM can influence chip breakage by random fracture at thin sections of the chip, but in this regime the resulting chip size is variable and not controlled. In contrast, when MAM conditions operate in the regime of discrete cutting, the deformed chip size can be directly controlled. The ability to control the chip size improves chip ejection and drilling process stability. A set of modulation conditions for enhanced performance of chip ejection are proposed. The study shows that modulation-assisted machining offers distinct advantages as a method for deep-hole drilling applications.
Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal Thermoelectric Collector Using Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm With Simulated Annealing
Authors: Gupta Anmol , Agrawal Sanjay , Pal Yash
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a mathematical model of a single-channel photovoltaic thermal (PVT) air collector incorporated with a thermoelectric (TE) module has been presented. The overall electrical energy obtained from the photovoltaic thermal-thermoelectric (PVT-TE) collector is 5.78% higher than the PVT collector. Further, the grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) and hybrid grasshopper optimization algorithm with simulated annealing (GOA-SA) have been proposed and implemented to optimize the parameters of opaque PVT-TE collector. Although there are different parameters that influence the performance of PVT-TE system, yet in this study only four parameters, viz., length of the channel (L), width of the channel (b), mass flowrate of air in the channel (mair), and temperature of air at the inlet of channel (Tair,i) are considered for optimization. The simulation result demonstrates that the hybrid GOA-SA algorithm turned out to be an exceptionally effective method for optimal tuning of the parameters of the PVT-TE system. The result explicitly shows that the average value of overall electrical efficiency and exergy gain are 15.27% and 27.0565 W, respectively, when the parameters are optimized by the suggested GOA-SA algorithm which is way ahead with respect to the outcomes obtained with that of the calculated values or using GOA algorithm alone.
Ionic migrations during poling process in lanthanum aluminate investigated by time of flight-secondary ions mass spectrometry and piezoresponse force microscopy combined methodology
Authors: Moreno Maiglid A. , Chevalier Nicolas , Barnes Jean-Paul , Gautier Brice
Published: April 2020

Time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) has been used to obtain the composition in depth of a few nanometers thick layer of lanthanum aluminate prepared by molecular beam epitaxy. The electrical properties of the films were probed by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) and Kelvin Force Microscopy (KFM). From PFM images, the sample under study behaves exactly as if it was ferroelectric although it is amorphous: this is a major artefact of this technique. This effect has often been related to the migration of oxygen vacancies within the sample, which modifies the molar volume under the AFM tip. ToF-SIMS results show that this effect may rather be due to the migration of lanthanum instead of oxygen vacancies. The authors also show that scanning with the tip of an atomic force microscope induces some chemical modifications at the surface. This combined methodology (ToF-SIMS, PFM, and KFM) allows one to better understand the contrast mechanisms at play during scanning probe experiments, especially when high electric fields and ionic migrations are involved.
Source localization in the deep ocean using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Liu Wenxu , Yang Yixin , Xu Mengqian , Lü Liangang , Liu Zongwei , Shi Yang
Published: April 2020

In deep-sea source localization, some of the existing methods only estimate the source range, while the others produce large errors in distance estimation when estimating both the range and depth. Here, a convolutional neural network-based method with high accuracy is introduced, in which the source localization problem is solved as a regression problem. The proposed neural network is trained by a normalized acoustic matrix and used to predict the source position. Experimental data from the western Pacific indicate that this method performs satisfactorily: the mean absolute percentage error of the range is 2.10%, while that of the depth is 3.08%.
Optimizing Interval Training Through Power-Output Variation Within the Work Intervals
Authors: Bossi Arthur H. , Mesquida Cristian , Passfield Louis , Rønnestad Bent R. , Hopker James G.
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Maximal oxygen uptake () is a key determinant of endurance performance. Therefore, devising high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that maximizes stress of the oxygen-transport and -utilization systems may be important to stimulate further adaptation in athletes. The authors compared physiological and perceptual responses elicited by work intervals matched for duration and mean power output but differing in power-output distribution. Methods: Fourteen cyclists ( 69.2 [6.6] mL·kg−1·min−1) completed 3 laboratory visits for a performance assessment and 2 HIIT sessions using either varied-intensity or constant-intensity work intervals. Results: Cyclists spent more time at during HIIT with varied-intensity work intervals (410 [207] vs 286 [162] s, P = .02), but there were no differences between sessions in heart-rate- or perceptual-based training-load metrics (all P ≥ .1). When considering individual work intervals, minute ventilation () was higher in the varied-intensity mode (F = 8.42, P = .01), but not respiratory frequency, tidal volume, blood lactate concentration [La], ratings of perceived exertion, or cadence (all F ≤ 3.50, ≥ .08). Absolute changes (Δ) between HIIT sessions were calculated per work interval, and Δ total oxygen uptake was moderately associated with (r = .36, P = .002). Conclusions: In comparison with an HIIT session with constant-intensity work intervals, well-trained cyclists sustain higher fractions of when work intervals involved power-output variations. This effect is partially mediated by an increased oxygen cost of hyperpnea and not associated with a higher [La], perceived exertion, or training-load metrics.
Pole Length’s Influence on Performance During Classic-Style Snow Skiing in Well-Trained Cross-Country Skiers
Authors: Trøen Erik , Rud Bjarne , Karlsson Øyvind , Carlsen Camilla Høivik , Gilgien Matthias , Paulsen Gøran , Tosterud Ola Kristoffer , Losnegard Thomas
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To investigate how self-selected pole length (PL) of ∼84% (PL84%) compared with ∼90% (PL90%) of body height influenced performance during a 700-m time trial with undulating terrain on snow. Methods: Twenty-one cross-country skiers, 7 of whom were women, performed 4 trials at a maximal effort in a counterbalanced fashion with PL84% and PL90% separated by 20-minute breaks between trials. In trials I and II, only double poling was allowed, while in trials III and IV, skiers used self-selected classical subtechniques. Continuous speed, cyclic parameters, and heart rate were collected using microsensors in addition to a post-time-trial rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results: The 700-m times with only double poling were significantly shorter with PL90% than PL84% (mean ± 95% confidence limits –1.6% ± 1.0%). Segment analyses showed higher speed with PL90% in uphill sections than with PL84% (3.7% ± 2.1%), with the greatest difference found for the female skiers (5.6% ± 2.9%). In contrast, on flat terrain at high skiing speeds, speed was reduced with PL90% compared with PL84% (–1.5% ± 1.4%); this was only significant for the male skiers. During free choice of classical subtechniques, PL did not influence performance in any segments, choice of subtechnique, or cycle rate during the trials. No differences in rating of perceived exertion or heart rate between PLs were found. Conclusions: PL90% improved performance in uphills at low speeds when using double poling but hindered performance on flat terrain and at higher speeds compared with self-selected PLs. Choice of PL should, therefore, be based on racecourse topography, preferred subtechniques, and the skier’s physiological and technical abilities.
The Video Coach—Reflections on the Use of ICT in High-Performance Sport
Authors: Bennett Blake
Published: April 2020

Success in sport relies on access to high-quality coaching, yet in many sports organisations—particularly those with limited financial resources—access to coaching expertise can be problematic. Although coaching capability may exist within a sports organisation, access to and retention of coaching staff for high-performance teams can be inconsistent and dependent on a number of factors, such as conflicts of interest or lucrative contracts. In the current article, a self-study methodology guided an initiative to connect several high-performancekendōathletes and their coach via video calling/conferencing technologies. Termed the “Video Coach,” a description of the methods used is provided to demonstrate the ways in which easily accessible technologies can enable consistency in the coach–athlete exchange. The “Video Coach” approach has potential application at a high-performance level where the face-to-face exchange between coach and athlete(s) is limited; however, the initial findings suggest that success requires rapport and pedagogical skills that ensure athletes benefit from the experience.
Surprising Consequences of Researching John Wooden’s Teaching Practices: The Backstory of the 1976 Study of the Legendary University of California, Los Angeles Basketball Coach
Authors: Gallimore Ronald
Published: April 2020

During John Wooden’s final coaching season, two psychologists systematically recorded his specific teaching acts during UCLA basketball practices. Results were presented in a 1976 Psychology Today article, which garnered little media or public attention. At the time, Coach Wooden never responded to three requests for comments—twice to prepublication manuscripts and once to the published version. This memoir recounts the backstory of the study and reports some unanticipated and surprising consequences 25 years later. First, Coach Wooden handed out photocopies of the article, and second, a review of research indicated that the 1976 study was one of the earliest systematic studies of coaching.
Infant Leg Activity Intensity Before and After Naps
Authors: Trujillo-Priego Ivan A. , Zhou Judy , Werner Inge F. , Deng Weiyang , Smith Beth A.
Published: April 2020

Wearable sensors are being used to measure intensity of infant physical activity across full days. The variability of infant activity intensity within and across days is important to study given the potential impact of physical activity on developmental trajectories. Using retrospective data, we analyzed the intensity of leg movements in 10 typically developing infants pre- and post-naptimes. Leg movement data were captured from 20 minutes before and after multiple events of naps across seven days for each infant. We hypothesized that leg movement intensity would be lower before a nap than after a nap potentially due to lower arousal and increased fatigue prior to attaining sleep. However, our results showed that leg movement intensity was not significantly different when comparing the 20-minute period pre- and post-naps (F(1,7) = 3.91,p = .089,). Our results are a first step in describing patterns of infant activity across days and highlights the need for further research regarding infant energy expenditure and physical activity.
Oral Fosfomycin Treatment for Enterococcal Urinary Tract Infections in a Dynamic
In Vitro
Model
Authors: Abbott Iain J. , van Gorp Elke , van der Meijden Aart , Wijma Rixt A. , Meletiadis Joseph , Roberts Jason A. , Mouton Johan W. , Peleg Anton Y.
Published: April 2020

There are limited treatment options for enterococcal urinary tract infections, especially vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus
(VRE). Oral fosfomycin is a potential option, although limited data are available guiding dosing and susceptibility. We undertook pharmacodynamic profiling of fosfomycin against
E. faecalis
and
E. faecium
isolates using a dynamic
in vitro
bladder infection model. Eighty-four isolates underwent fosfomycin agar dilution susceptibility testing (
E. faecalis
MIC
50/90
32/64 μg/ml;
E. faecium
MIC
50/90
64/128 μg/ml).
Chromogenic Detection of Aminoglycoside Phosphotransferases
Authors: Amoroso Ana M. , Gutkind Gabriel O.
Published: April 2020

A coupled chromogenic reaction (based on an agar overlay combining NADH, pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphoenolpyruvate, ATP, and kanamycin sulfate with thiazolyl blue-phenazine methosulfate for detection of NADH consumption) was optimized for the detection of aminoglycoside phosphotransferases (APHs). When used after analytical isoelectrofocusing of bacterial extracts from APH-producing strains, this method revealed one band in each of two strains with a genetically confirmed APH (3′) I and two bands in another strain with both APH (3′) I and APH (3′) VI, whereas no bands were detected in susceptible control strains or in aminoglycoside-resistant microorganisms without APH genes.