bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and physiological responses to successional water deficit and recovery in four warm‐temperate woody species
Authors: Li Qiang , Wang Ning , Liu Xiao , Liu Shuna , Wang Hui , Zhang Wenxin , Wang Renqing , Du Ning
Published: January 2019

Plant responses to drought and their subsequent rehydration can provide evidence for forest dynamics within the context of climate change. In this study, the seedlings of two native species (Vitex negundo var. heterophylla, Quercus acutissima) and two exotic species (Robinia pseudoacacia, Amorpha fruticosa) to China were selected in a greenhouse experiment. The gas exchange, stem hydraulic parameters, plant osmoprotectant contents and antioxidant activities of the seedlings that were subjected to sustained drought and rehydration (test group) as well as those of well‐irrigated seedlings (control group) were measured. The two native species exhibited a greater degree of isohydry with drought because they limited the stomatal opening timely from the onset of the drought. However, the two exotic species showed a more ‘water spender’‐like strategy with R. pseudoacacia showing anisohydric responses and A. fruticosa showing isohydrodynamic responses to drought. Severe drought significantly decreased the leaf gas exchange rates and hydraulic properties, whereas the instantaneous water use efficiency and osmoprotectant contents increased markedly. Most of the physiological parameters recovered rapidly after mild drought rehydration, but the water potential and/or supply of nonstructural carbohydrates did not recover after severe drought rehydration. The results demonstrate that the xylem hydraulic conductivity and shoot water potential jointly play a crucial role in the drought recovery of woody plants. In brief, the native species may play a dominant role in the future in warm‐temperate forests because they employ a better balance between carbon gain and water loss than the alien species under extreme drought conditions.
Eliciting, Applying And Exploring Multidimensional Welfare Weights: Evidence From The Field
Authors: Esposito Lucio , Chiappero‐Martinetti Enrica
Published: January 2019

By combining primary data on dimension importance collected in the field from three different samples and nationally representative survey data from the Dominican Republic, we offer a twofold contribution. The first one comes from an unincentivized questionnaire experiment, where the significance of the treatment effect shows that life domains are valued differently in a poverty vs a well‐being framework. This poses important questions on the anatomy of dimension importance and on the use of weights in empirical analyses, and opens the door to what we call a “concordance paradox” related to the very essence of the constructs of poverty and well‐being. As a second contribution, we employ the sets of weights collected in the field to assess the trend of multidimensional poverty and well‐being in the country. We find that the picking one set of weights or another is not a trivial choice, as they lead to opposite assessment results.
Social psychology and citizenship: A critical perspective
Authors: Andreouli Eleni
Published: January 2019

The paper advances a critical social psychological approach to the study of citizenship. It builds upon recent social psychological work on the subject, particularly in discursive and rhetorical psychology but also other critical approaches such as social representations theory. The paper also borrows insights from the interdisciplinary field of citizenship studies in order to conceptualise citizenship in both its conventional (enacting well‐established scripts of political action) and its transformative aspects (making rights claims that are disruptive of established scripts). The paper is divided in five sections. The first section considers the relationship between social psychology and citizenship; the second section offers a conceptualisation of citizenship that takes under consideration citizens' practices from the ground up and constraints posed by existing norms and laws; the third section considers the value of adding citizenship into the social psychological conceptual toolkit. The fourth more substantive section advances a critical social psychological approach to citizenship which focuses on the study of the different ways that “ordinary” political actors engage with political matters in the mundane practices of everyday life. The last section concludes the paper and makes some suggestions for future directions, such as the study of emerging forms of citizenship through a more nuanced examination of intersecting political affiliations.
Is fiscal revenue concentration ratio in China too high?
Authors: Fang Hongsheng , Shuai Wenjun , Yu Linhui , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2019

This paper challenges the viewpoint that fiscal revenue concentration ratio in China is too high. First, this paper estimates China's nominal and real fiscal revenue concentration ratios at both budgetary and full‐calibre levels, and makes an international comparison using all available data of the IMF's GFS database for both developed and developing countries, revealing five stylised facts that expresses serious doubts about the statement that fiscal revenue concentration ratio in China is too high. Second, the paper proposes four indicators to measure asymmetric degree of China's central fiscal revenue concentration ratio and expenditure concentration ratio to identify whether fiscal revenue concentration ratio in China is too high. The results show that: (i) central fiscal revenue concentration ratio is lower and (ii) compared with asymmetric degree of China's central budgetary fiscal revenue concentration ratio and expenditure concentration ratio, asymmetric degree of China's central full‐calibre fiscal revenue concentration ratio and expenditure concentration ratio is more serious, indicating that the central full‐calibre revenue concentration ratio is much lower. Therefore, this paper not only disproves the view that China's fiscal revenue concentration ratio is too high, but also shows that China's fiscal revenue concentration ratio, especially at a full‐calibre level, is much lower. Further international comparison shows that asymmetric degree of China's central fiscal revenue concentration ratio and expenditure concentration ratio is ranked third in the world, and Chinese central government has the lowest ability to undertake full‐calibre fiscal expenditure among the world's countries. Finally, following the State Council's guidance on properly increasing central authority, the paper argues that it is necessary for the central government to improve central fiscal revenue concentration ratio, especially at the full‐calibre level.
Freeform Surface Copy-and-Paste: A Mechanism for Transferring Brand-Identity Elements From One Object to Another
Authors: Dumont Charles , Wallace David R.
Published: January 2019

The goal of this work is to provide industrial designers with an intuitive mechanism for transferring brand-identity elements from one object to another, and to allow manual modifications of physical prototype details to be scanned and reincorporated back into original digital models. An algorithm to copy-and-paste freeform details from one freeform surface to another using displacement field and planar parameterization operators is presented. A tool based on the algorithm is developed such that, from the designer’s viewpoint, details from one surface can be mapped to another in two steps: the selection of the detail to transfer (copy); and the choice of the surface onto which the detail is to be mapped (paste). A proof of concept has been implemented and is used to demonstrate the capabilities of the framework.
Decision Matrix Reduction in Preliminary Design
Authors: Kaldate Amit , Thurston Deborah , Emamipour Hamidreza , Rood Mark
Published: January 2019

Matrix methods such as the house of quality (HOQ) are useful as a first step in organizing the information relating product attributes to engineering design parameters. However, they frequently result in a large number of elements, making it very difficult to focus attention on elements that bring maximum benefits. This paper presents a method for reducing a large set of engineering parameters to a more efficient subset. This subset offers the greatest potential for cost control, and is where product development, experimental, and optimization efforts should be focused. An example of a new air pollution control system illustrates the method. The most efficient set of engineering parameters are identified, and are then defined as decision variables in a cost minimization model. The optimal design identified by the method significantly reduces cost.
Steps Towards Geographically Dispersed Collaborative Student Design Projects
Authors: Gooch Shayne , Medland Tony
Published: January 2019

A need exists to teach undergraduate students the skills required for collaborative working in geographically dispersed teams. A program for running collaborative student engineering design projects between the Universities of Bath (United Kingdom) and Canterbury (New Zealand) was implemented in January 2002. This paper presents the approach to collaborative working on this first project. The paper shows that whilst the Universities run on different education programs, and are in different time zones, a path is found for the integration of a collaborative design project within the curriculum of both design courses. The primary forms of communication were email, project web pages and videoconferences. The results of the study provide a basis for further collaborative exchanges between the Universities.
Functional, Behavioral and Structural Features
Authors: Brown David C.
Published: January 2019

In this paper we examine the definition of the term “feature”, and “functional feature” in particular. The goal of the paper is to shed some light on the reason for the profusion of types of features that have been discussed in the literature, to revisit the general definition of the term, and to attempt a definition that uses concepts from Artificial Intelligence. By separating structure, behavior and function, and by defining function, alternative interpretations of “functional feature” are obtained.
Optimization of Pipeline Network Structure of CBM Fields Considering Three-Dimensional Geographical Factors
Authors: Duan Zhigang , Liao Qi , Wu Mengyu , Zhang Haoran , Liang Yongtu
Published: January 2019

Coalbed methane (CBM) has attracted much attention as a kind of new energy sources, with increasing demand in energy consumption. As a lot of wells are being developed in CBM, pipeline networks of CBM fields are characterized by their complex topological structures and high investment costs. Therefore, the optimization of the gathering pipeline network topology structure will be very useful in lowering the production costs. Although previous research has been done on topological structure optimization, most of them are conducted on two-dimension geographical conditions, whose performances are not very satisfing. In this paper, first of all, the result of two-dimensional topological structure optimization is given based on four sorts of connecting structures using Genetic Algorithm (GA). Then, considering geographic factors, a three-dimensional topological structure is obtained through ant colony algorithm (ACO).Taking a CBM field with 38 wells as an example, the paper has optimized the topological structure. The result shows that by using this method the investment cost is reduced by 16.3% compared with that of the original structure. The study provides a guideline for designing pipeline network structure in CBM fields and is also applicable to the analogous problem for similar mineral source.
Early Success for Pipeline Safety Research With Universities
Authors: Merritt James , Smith Robert
Published: January 2019

In 2013, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) implemented a new cooperative agreement program entitled the Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP). The CAAP initially was modeled after similar existing private and public sector based university programs where students themselves competed to participate in a limited number of publicized student intern programs. After just three years, CAAP is breathing further innovation into PHMSA’s pipeline safety research endeavors.

One difference between CAAP and the traditional university student research model is that the professors directing students under CAAP have control over the number and educational level of the students entering into the program. This promotes a “Team Approach,” which today’s pipeline industry sees as an added value when interviewing potential job applicants.

The CAAP is intended to spur innovation through enabling an academic research focus on high risk and high payoff solutions for wide ranging pipeline safety challenges. The CAAP is different in focus, execution and reporting than PHMSA’s core program on Pipeline Safety Research. It is intended to potentially deliver desired technical or scientific/quantitative solutions that can be “handed-off” for further investigations in future year CAAP applications or used in PHMSA’s core Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) program, which employs partnerships with a variety of public/private organizations.

Another goal for CAAP is to expose undergraduate, MS and PhD research students to subject matter related to their educational area of focus, while addressing pipeline safety challenges. This approach is illustrating how their engineering or technical discipline is highly desired and needed across the pipeline field. The pipeline industry and federal/state regulators are all experiencing low numbers of entry level applications to positions that are engineering or technically focused. Public conferences, meetings and journals have identified similar shortfalls.

This paper will describe the level of CAAP investment and focus areas to date; illustrate how efforts to expose student research to industry enhances employment opportunities; and comment on where promising innovations are coming from due to these research endeavors.
The Reliability Estimation of Simplified Natural Gas Pipeline Compressor Stations Based on Statistics Principles
Authors: Fan Muwei , Wu Yang , Kong Wenhui , Gong Jing
Published: January 2019

With the rapid economic and rigorous requirement of environmental governance, natural gas serves as important energy source in industry consumption. In 2015, the total consumption of natural gas in China is approximately 142 billion m3. As the primary mode of natural gas transport, early pipeline operated for more than 20 years in China, and its reliability also attracts abundant concerns by the increasing potential risks. However, the process of pipeline reliability evaluating and estimation in China is still located under development. To solve the problem, a simplified reliability estimation method is introduced in this article. To begin with the main equipment of a compressing station, the filter, air cooler and compressors are three research objectives. Because of redundant design for enhancing reliability, the major equipment usually operates with a same spare unit. Thus, the simplified station is consisted by 3 main sections with multiple units as filter section, compressing section and cooling section. By assuming their reliability following normal distribution, the multivariate normal distribution model is available. Each unit is characterized by one dimension of the multivariate normal distribution. This article considers both relevant and irrelevant processes while the equipment is operating simultaneously and illustrates the results via two and three dimensions normal distribution calculation. Due to the model being singular function because of be established based on multivariate normal distribution and parameter estimation principles, the analytical solution is not available. Therefore, numerical computation is the compulsory solution. However, the reliability analysis of pipe is different from equipment and it has been studied for years in details from theory to experiments. Consequently, the reliability of pipe is analyzed by statistics method from collected operating data.

A pipeline with 25-years operating data in China is applied in the case study chapter for reliability estimation and analysis. According to the operating data collected by China National Petroleum Corporation, the failure rate of major equipment is estimated by determining the parameters of each distribution and fitted a curve like bathtub curve. Similarly, the failure rate of pipe is indicated as failures per 103 km • year. For comparing, the operating data is also fitted a curve to validate the result of the model with the purpose of reasonably estimating the whole period reliability. The result demonstrates that the model is available in practice if the parameters are determined properly.
Standardization of SENT (or SE(T)) Fracture Toughness Measurement: Results of a Round Robin on a Draft Test Procedure
Authors: Tiku Sanjay , Pussegoda Nick , Ghovanlou Morvarid , Tyson W. R. , Dinovitzer Aaron
Published: January 2019

Fracture toughness of steels is conventionally measured using bend specimens and provides a conservative estimate of toughness when the actual loading is in tension. There has been widespread interest in characterizing the toughness that occurs with reduced constraint to better reflect constraint conditions typical of a relatively shallow girth weld flaw. There is currently a standardized approach to measure fracture toughness in tension loaded specimens, however, it requires testing of multiple specimens to generate a resistance curve. Recent developments in fracture toughness testing and analysis of tension loaded specimens have led to publications by CANMET and Exxon Mobil Upstream Research Company toward development of a single-specimen procedure.

As part of an initiative to enhance the state of the art in strain based design and assessment methods, with the intent of providing support for the standardization of appropriate weld testing methods, BMT under a Pipeline research Council International (PRCI) project has combined the two single-specimen approaches and developed a recommended practice for fracture toughness testing using single-edge-notched tension SENT (or SE(T)) samples with fixed grip loading. The procedure has been assessed by means of a round robin test program involving laboratories from around the world. Girth welds were fabricated and base metal, heat affected zone and weld center line specimens were prepared and sent to round robin participants. For the round robin program all the participants used a double clip gauge arrangement for direct CTOD measurement and electric potential drop measurement or unloading compliance method for crack growth measurement. In this paper, the results of the round robin test program including comparison of J and CTOD resistance curves will be presented and discussed.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Prevention Measures for Third-Party Damage to Underground Pipelines Using a Hierarchical Fault Tree Model
Authors: Lu Dongliang , Stephens Mark
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a hierarchical fault tree model for analyzing the effectiveness of measures for the prevention of third-party mechanical damage to underground pipelines. The model consists of a high level failure model that provides an overall indication of the effectiveness of a damage prevention program; and lower level fault tree models that detail the effectiveness of individual damage prevention measures. The model developed in this paper is consistent with current damage prevention and data collection practices, and it presents information in a simple and intuitive format that facilitates analysis and interpretation.

The hierarchical fault tree approach developed in this paper is shown to be a useful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of various measures to prevent third-party damage and for identifying weak links in current damage management practices. It can also serve to inform the development of new damage prevention techniques and to identify information priorities relevant for future data collection and interpretation efforts aimed at reducing the frequency of third-party damage events.
A compact perfectly matched layer algorithm for acoustic simulations in the time domain with smoothed particle hydrodynamic method
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhang Xinyu , Liu G. R. , Zhang Wenping
Published: January 2019

This paper focuses on the development of absorbing boundary conditions and their implementation in the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method for wave propagation problems. A compact perfectly matched layer (C-PML) approach is formulated for transient acoustic problems in an infinite space using SPH models with a computational domain of finite dimensions. The proposed approach is based on the concept of fictitious physical damping acting within the additional perfectly matched layers (PMLs) to absorb outgoing waves to practically eliminate the reflection of waves from the boundary of the finite computational domain. To reduce the amount of computations resulting from the layers and improve the computational stability with respect to time, the C-PML algorithm uses the time exponential differencing scheme with small PML domains implemented in an SPH code for transient analyses of waves propagating in acoustic media. Tests of Gaussian pulse sound wave propagation are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The results show that the C-PML algorithm with SPH can absorb the outgoing wave with fewer layers than the conventional PML algorithm. The influence of the thickness of the PML layers, attenuation coefficient, and smoothing length on the C-PML algorithm are analyzed.
Association of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations With Glucose Profiles in Male Collegiate Football Athletes
Authors: Sun Xiaomin , Cao Zhen-Bo , Tanisawa Kumpei , Oshima Satomi , Higuchi Mitsuru
Published: January 2019

Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations are associated with a high risk of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. However, it is unknown whether this is the case for American collegiate football and rugby football athletes. This study investigated the associations between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and glucose profiles in male collegiate football athletes. Thirty-four collegiate athletes (13 American football players and 21 rugby football players) aged 21 years were recruited. Their body fat percent and visceral fat area were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. The participants completed an oral glucose tolerance test (75 g glucose) with venous blood samples obtained at time points 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min for the determination of plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations. Fasting serum 25(OH)D concentrations were also measured. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 17.6% and 58.8%, respectively. The serum 25(OH)D concentrations were negatively associated with the increments in the areas under the curve (iAUC) for glucose (r = −.429, p = .011) and were borderline significantly correlated with the Matsuda index (r = −.303, p = .082). No relationships were observed between the serum 25(OH)D concentrations and other glucose profiles. Multiple stepwise regression analysis of glucose iAUC concentrations as the dependent variable indicated that the serum 25(OH)D concentrations, but not body fat indicators, were independently associated with glucose iAUC (β = −0.390, p = .025). The serum 25(OH)D concentrations were only an independent predictor for glucose iAUC in male collegiate football athletes, suggesting that increased 25(OH)D concentrations would be helpful for maintaining glucose homeostasis.
Japan's exit from whaling group may benefit whales
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: January 2019

Commercial whaling will replace a controversial research program, but the market for whale meat is declining.
Invertible promoters mediate bacterial phase variation, antibiotic resistance, and host adaptation in the gut
Authors: Jiang Xiaofang , Hall A. Brantley , Arthur Timothy D. , Plichta Damian R. , Covington Christian T. , Poyet Mathilde , Crothers Jessica , Moses Peter L. , Tolonen Andrew C. , Vlamakis Hera , Alm Eric J. , Xavier Ramnik J.
Published: January 2019

Switching ON resistance

Clonal bacterial colonies will often grow dissimilar patches, similar to a tortoiseshell pattern. These differing phenotypes arise by reversible mechanisms called phase variation. Jiang
et al.
developed an algorithm to survey bacterial genomes for invertible promoters that cause phase variation. Inverted repeats signal the presence of these promoters, which can flip between ON and OFF states catalyzed by phage integrase analogs called invertases. Invertible promoters linked to antibiotic resistance genes were widespread among vertebrate gut–associated organisms, including Bacteroidetes, Spirochaetes, and Verrucomicrobia. These bacteria are thus equipped and prepared for sudden environmental stress, including antibiotic exposure.

Science
, this issue p.
181
Response to Comment on “Impacts of species richness on productivity in a large-scale subtropical forest experiment”
Authors: Bruelheide Helge , Chen Yuxin , Huang Yuanyuan , Ma Keping , Niklaus Pascal A. , Schmid Bernhard
Published: January 2019

Yang
et al
. have raised criticism that the results reported by us would not be relevant for natural forests. We argue that productivity is positively related to species richness also in subtropical natural forests, and that both the species pools and the range of tree species richness used in our experiment are representative of many natural forests of this biome.
Pharmacokinetic Data Are Predictive of
In Vivo
Efficacy for Cefixime and Ceftriaxone against Susceptible and Resistant
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Strains in the Gonorrhea Mouse Model
Authors: Connolly Kristie L. , Eakin Ann E. , Gomez Carolina , Osborn Blaire L. , Unemo Magnus , Jerse Ann E.
Published: January 2019

There is a pressing need for drug development for gonorrhea. Here we describe a pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) analysis of extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant gonococcal strains in a murine genital tract infection model.
Biocide Exposure Induces Changes in Susceptibility, Pathogenicity, and Biofilm Formation in Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Henly E. L. , Dowling J. A. R. , Maingay J. B. , Lacey M. M. , Smith T. J. , Forbes S.
Published: January 2019

Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) is a frequent cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). Biocides have been incorporated into catheter coatings to inhibit bacterial colonization while, ideally, exhibiting low cytotoxicity and mitigating the selection of resistant bacterial populations.
The Mode of Action of Chicory Roots on Skatole Production in Entire Male Pigs Is neither via Reducing the Population of Skatole-Producing Bacteria nor via Increased Butyrate Production in the Hindgut
Authors: Li Xiaoqiong , Jensen Bent Borg , Canibe Nuria
Published: January 2019

Castration is practiced to avoid the development of boar taint, which negatively affects the taste and odor of pork, and undesirable aggressive behavior. Due to animal welfare issues, alternatives to surgical castration are sought, though. Boar taint is a result of high concentrations of skatole and androstenone in back fat. Skatole is produced by microbial fermentation in the large intestine, and therefore, its production can be influenced by manipulation of the microbiota. Highly fermentable dietary fiber reduces skatole production. However, various theories have been proposed to explain the mode of action. In order to search for other alternatives, more efficient or less expensive, to reduce skatole via feeding, it is important to elucidate the mechanism behind the observed effect of highly fermentable dietary fiber on skatole. Our results indicate that highly fermentable dietary fiber does not affect skatole production by reducing the number of skatole-producing bacteria or stimulating butyrate production in the large intestine.
An Automated Immunoblot Method for Detection of IgG Antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus: a Potential Supplemental Antibody Confirmatory Assay
Authors: Kodani Maja , Martin Miranda , de Castro Vivianne Landgraf , Drobeniuc Jan , Kamili Saleem
Published: January 2019

An estimated 41,200 people were newly infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 2016 in the United States. Screening tests for antibodies to HCV may generate up to 32% false positivity in low-risk populations.
Tactic Response of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 toward Insoluble Electron Acceptors
Authors: Oram Joseph , Jeuken Lars J. C.
Published: January 2019

Previous hypotheses of tactic behavior of exoelectrogenic bacteria are based on techniques that do not accurately control the electrochemical potential, such as chemical-in-plug assays or microscopy tracking experiments in two-electrode cells. Here, we have revisited previous experiments and, for the first time, performed microscopy cell-tracking experiments in three-electrode electrochemical cells, with defined electrode potentials. Based on these experiments, taxis toward electrodes is observed to switch at about −0.2 V versus standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), coinciding with the reduction potential of flavins.
Trophic Specialization Results in Genomic Reduction in Free-Living Marine
Idiomarina
Bacteria
Authors: Qin Qi-Long , Li Yi , Sun Lin-Lin , Wang Zhi-Bin , Wang Shi , Chen Xiu-Lan , Oren Aharon , Zhang Yu-Zhong
Published: January 2019

The streamlining hypothesis is usually used to explain the genomic reduction events in free-living bacteria like SAR11. However, we find that the genomic reduction phenomenon in the bacterial genus
Idiomarina
is different from that in SAR11. Therefore, we propose a new hypothesis to explain genomic reduction in this genus based on trophic specialization that could result in genomic reduction, which would be not uncommon in nature. Not only can the trophic specialization hypothesis explain the genomic reduction in the genus
Idiomarina
, but it also sheds new light on our understanding of the genomic reduction processes in other free-living bacterial lineages.
Management of cavernous abdominal wall defects post radical cystectomy in adult exstrophy complex
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Nayyar Rishi , Seth Amlesh , Gupta Deepti
Published: January 2019

The exstrophy–epispadias complex represents a spectrum of genitourinary malformations ranging from simple glanular epispadias to an overwhelming multisystem defect, cloacal exstrophy. Neonatal total reconstruction of bladder exstrophy–epispadias complex is the treatment of choice. An adult patient presenting with untreated exstrophy is very rare. Malignant transformation, commonly adenocarcinoma, in such cases is a known complication due to mucosal metaplasia of urothelium. Management in such cases necessitates a radical surgical procedure that often results in a massive defect in the anterior abdominal wall. Providing a cover for such defects is a challenging task for the reconstructive surgeon. Local skin flaps and wide mobilisation of the rectus muscle are the usually employed techniques for closure of such defects. However, these may be inadequate in extremely large defects such as those encountered in our patients. We, hereby, describe our technique of closure of the abdominal wall defect using a pedicled anterolateral thigh flap.
Fulminant Guillain-Barré syndrome in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Coomes Eric Anthony , Haghbayan Hourmazd , Spring Jenna , Mehta Sangeeta
Published: January 2019

A 45-year-old man with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus presented with progressive weakness and areflexia. Electromyogram revealed reduced motor and sensory amplitudes without demyelinating features. He was clinically diagnosed with the acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Despite intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, he deteriorated with loss of all voluntary motor function and cranial nerve reflexes. Concomitant investigations revealed class V lupus nephritis. Therapy was initiated with plasma exchange, glucocorticoids and further immunosuppression, with gradual neurological recovery. We present the first documented case of fulminant Guillain-Barré syndrome as a neuropsychiatric manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, highlighting how immune-mediated polyneuropathy via diffuse deafferentation may mimic the outward appearance of brain death. While glucocorticoids are not indicated in idiopathic Guillain-Barré, when this neurological disorder is a consequence of systemic lupus erythematosus, immunomodulatory treatment should be initiated to prevent neurological deterioration.
Rare case of Hashimoto’s encephalitis mimicking grief reaction
Authors: Giannopoulou Angeliki , Ahmad Sajjad , Sarkar Chandranath , Kalhan Atul
Published: January 2019

A 46-year-old woman was admitted with tonic-clonic seizures. She was noticed to be withdrawn and low in mood for few months. She had reduced level of consciousness with hyper-reflexia and myoclonus. Metabolic, vasculitic, autoimmune, paraneoplastic and septic screen were normal. Lumbar puncture showed raised protein in the cerebrospinal fluid but the cytology, bacterial and viral screens were negative. A CT of the head revealed global brain swelling consistent with encephalitis which was empirically treated with antibiotics and antiviral therapy. Despite this she continued to have altered sensorium. She had moderately raised titres of antithyroid peroxidise antibodies suggestive of an underlying diagnosis of Hashimoto’s encephalitis. She displayed a significant improvement in her cognitive functions with high-dose steroids which was further in keeping with this rare diagnosis.
Dilemma of the giant abdominal cyst
Authors: Ng Zi Qin , Pradhan Sharin , Wijesuriya Ruwan
Published: January 2019

Giant abdominal cyst can lead to various non-specific symptoms such as abdominal bloating, nausea/vomiting, constipation due to its mass effect. In rarer circumstances, it can lead to bowel obstruction, hydronephrosis and even abdominal compartment syndrome. Hereby, we present a case of giant abdominal cyst in a young woman where its origin was a diagnostic dilemma despite exhausting all imaging techniques. A laparotomy was performed and the giant cyst was found to be originating from the left ovary. The final histopathology confirmed it as an ovarian benign serous cystadenoma. The patient made a fully recovery without any complications.
Suspected ST segment elevation myocardial infarction referred for primary angioplasty: a masquerader
Authors: Yennu Nandan Abhivrath , Singh Abhinav , Mukundu Nagesh Navin , Gandhi Manish M
Published: January 2019

A 50-year-old man collapsed at the roadside with retrosternal pain, shortness of breath and generalised weakness. An ECG in the emergency department was reported as demonstrating ST segment elevation of up to 1.5 mm in leads V1 to V3, leading to a diagnosis of an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. He was immediately transferred to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. Introduction of a coronary catheter produced signs that raised suspicion of aortic dissection. An aortogram revealed a grossly dilated aortic root of 7.3 cm with a type A ascending aortic dissection. The patient was urgently transferred to the cardiothoracic surgical centre and underwent emergency aortic root and ascending aorta replacement. Following a 20-day hospital admission, and postoperative atrial fibrillation, the patient made a steady and full recovery.
Leucoencephalopathy with brain stem and spinal cord involvement and lactate elevation: a novel mutation in the DARS2 gene
Authors: Yelam Anudeep , Nagarajan Elanagan , Chuquilin Miguel , Govindarajan Raghav
Published: January 2019

Leucoencephalopathy with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and lactate elevation (LBSL) is a very rare autosomal recessive, slowly progressive neurological disorder characterised by distinctive clinical findings including cerebellar, pyramidal and dorsal column dysfunction. This is caused by a mutation in the DARS2 gene, which encodes mitochondrial aspartyl-tRNA synthetase. MRI shows distinctive abnormalities in the cerebral white matter and specific brain stem and spinal cord tracts. Here, we present a case of LBSL, with a novel c.1192-2A>G mutation.
Retrospective analysis of complications associated with dorsal root ganglion stimulation for pain relief in the FDA MAUDE database
Authors: Sivanesan Eellan , Bicket Mark C , Cohen Steven P
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives

Dorsal root ganglion stimulation is an emerging therapy in the treatment of chronic pain. Compared with traditional spinal cord stimulation, it allows a discretely targeted stimulation profile and may act via differing mechanisms of action. Despite these advantages, little is known about the complications associated with this new modality.

Methods

We queried the MAUDE (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience) database for all entries named ‘Dorsal root ganglion stimulator for pain relief’ reported between May 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017. We verified these data through the Office of the Freedom of Information Act at the US Food and Drug Administration. We then eliminated duplicate entries and categorized each complication based on the event description. A secondary analysis was performed to characterize the serious adverse events and the severity of new neurologic symptoms and infections.

Results

We identified 979 unique episodes following our process of deduplication. Almost half (47%) of entries were categorized as device-related complications, a quarter (28%) as procedural complications, with the remainder as patient complaints (12%), serious adverse events (2.4%), and ‘other’ complications (4.6%). The majority of complications were managed surgically with revision (n = 488; 49.8%) rather than explant (n = 161; 16.4%) events, respectively.

Conclusions

The ‘Dorsal root ganglion stimulator for pain relief’ device has been publicized as a breakthrough in neuromodulation technologies. As with any new technology, we must proceed with caution and re-evaluate effectiveness as information becomes available. The MAUDE database has provided safety data unique for this device that will aid in informed consent and further refinement of this innovative therapy.
Self-reported cumulative medical opioid exposure and subjective responses on first use of opioids predict analgesic and subjective responses to placebo-controlled opioid administration
Authors: Bruehl Stephen , Stone Amanda L , Palmer Cassandra , Edwards David A , Buvanendran Asokumar , Gupta Rajnish , Chont Melissa , Kennedy Mary , Burns John W
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives

To expand the evidence base needed to enable personalized pain medicine, we evaluated whether self-reported cumulative exposure to medical opioids and subjective responses on first opioid use predicted responses to placebo-controlled opioid administration.

Methods

In study 1, a survey assessing cumulative medical opioid exposure and subjective responses on first opioid use was created (History of Opioid Medical Exposure (HOME)) and psychometric features documented in a general sample of 307 working adults. In study 2, 49 patients with chronic low back pain completed the HOME and subsequently rated back pain intensity and subjective opioid effects four times after receiving saline placebo or intravenous morphine (four incremental doses) in two separate double-blinded laboratory sessions. Placebo-controlled morphine effects were derived for all outcomes.

Results

Two HOME subscales were supported: cumulative opioid exposure and euphoric response, both demonstrating high test–retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients > 0.93) and adequate internal consistency (Revelle’s Omega Total = 0.73–0.77). In study 2, higher cumulative opioid exposure scores were associated with significantly greater morphine-related reductions in back pain intensity (p=0.02), but not with subjective drug effects. Higher euphoric response subscale scores were associated with significantly lower overall perceived morphine effect (p=0.003), less sedation (p=0.04), greater euphoria (p=0.03) and greater desire to take morphine again (p=0.02).

Discussion

Self-reports of past exposure and responses to medical opioid analgesics may have utility for predicting subsequent analgesic responses and subjective effects. Further research is needed to establish the potential clinical and research utility of the HOME.

Trial registration number

NCT02469077.
A multicenter, randomized comparison between 2, 5, and 8 mg of perineural dexamethasone for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block
Authors: Bravo Daniela , Aliste Julian , Layera Sebastián , Fernández Diego , Leurcharusmee Prangmalee , Samerchua Artid , Tangjitbampenbun Amornrat , Watanitanon Arraya , Arnuntasupakul Vanlapa , Tunprasit Choosak , Gordon Aida , Finlayson Roderick J , Tran De Q
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives

This multicenter, randomized trial compared 2, 5, and 8 mg of perineural dexamethasone for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block. Our research hypothesis was that all three doses of dexamethasone would result in equivalent durations of motor block (equivalence margin=3.0 hours).

Methods

Three hundred and sixty patients undergoing upper limb surgery with ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block were randomly allocated to receive 2, 5, or 8 mg of preservative-free perineural dexamethasone. The local anesthetic agent (35 mL of lidocaine 1%-bupivacaine 0.25% with epinephrine 5 µg/mL) was identical in all subjects. Patients and operators were blinded to the dose of dexamethasone. During the performance of the block, the performance time, number of needle passes, procedural pain, and complications (vascular puncture, paresthesia) were recorded. Subsequently a blinded observer assessed the success rate (defined as a minimal sensorimotor composite score of 14 out of 16 points at 30 min), onset time as well as the incidence of surgical anesthesia (defined as the ability to complete surgery without local infiltration, supplemental blocks, intravenous opioids, or general anesthesia). Postoperatively, the blinded observer contacted patients with successful blocks to inquire about the duration of motor block, sensory block, and postoperative analgesia. The main outcome variable was the duration of motor block.

Results

No intergroup differences were observed in terms of technical execution (performance time/number of needle passes/procedural pain complications), onset time, success rate, and surgical anesthesia. Furthermore, all three doses of dexamethasone provided similar durations of motor block (14.9–16.1 hours) and sensory block. Although 5 mg provided a longer analgesic duration than 2 mg, the difference (2.7 hours) fell within our pre-established equivalence margin (3.0 hours).

Conclusions

2, 5, and 8 mg of dexamethasone provide clinically equivalent sensorimotor and analgesic durations for ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block. Further trials are required to compare low (ie, 2 mg) and ultra-low (eg, 0.5–1 mg) doses of perineural dexamethasone for brachial plexus blocks.

Trial registration number

TCTR20150624001.
Novel enantioselective synthesis of (S)-ketamine using chiral auxiliary and precursor Mannich base
Authors: Gohari Seyed Jamaladdin , Javidan Abdollah , Moghimi Abolghasem , Taghizadeh Mohammad Javad , Iman Maryam
Published: January 2019

Ketamine has been extensively used as an anesthetic drug. Chiral auxiliaries such as tert-butanesulfinamide (TBSA) can be used for the asymmetric synthesis of (S)-ketamine. Condensation of TBSA with ketones provides tert-butanesulfinylimines in consistently high yields. The tert-butanesulfinyl group actuates the imine for nucleophilic addition, is a potent chiral directing group, and after nucleophilic addition is easily dissociated by intervention with acid solution. To prepare 2-(N-piperidinomethyl)-1-phenylcyclohexylamine (1), we started with the cyclohexanone and using Mannich reaction achieved an aminoketone. Then, we made the sulfiniylamin (2) by the condensation of TBSA with aminoketone. By using salts such as Ti(OEt)4, we obtained N-tert-butanesulfinylketimine in 85% yield. Next, we provided a new chiral center (3) using Grignard reagent as nucleophile at −78 °C (80% yield). Finally, after many steps, the (S)-ketamine synthesized under ozonolysis conditions, with good yield and enantioselectivity (75% yield and 75% ee).
Determinants of home-range size of imperiled New England cottontails (Sylvilagus transitionalis) and introduced eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus)
Authors: Cheeseman Amanda E. , Cohen Jonathan B. , Ryan Sadie J. , Whipps Christopher M.
Published: January 2019

In fragmented habitat, population persistence depends in part on patch quality and patch size relative to home-range size. The imperiled New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis (Bangs, 1895)) is an obligate user of shrublands in the northeastern United States, a highly fragmented and declining ecosystem. New England cottontail conservation efforts have targeted habitat creation; however, efforts are hindered by a limited knowledge of seasonal space use and its relationship to habitat quality, which could help inform minimum patch-size requirements and implications of competition with non-native eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus (J.A. Allen, 1890)). To address these uncertainties, we modeled home-range areas for both species as a function of season, patch size, sex, and two indicators of forage and cover availability. Home range was generally inversely correlated with measures of forage and cover resources and the response differed by season and species and did not vary with patch size. Instead, inclusion of matrix habitat within home ranges increased with decreasing patch size, placing individuals within smaller patches at a high risk of mortality. These risks may be mitigated in patches >7 ha and absent in patches >20–25 ha where predicted inclusion of matrix is lower or absent.
Clustering-Based Transductive Semi-Supervised Learning for Learning-to-Rank
Authors: Rahangdale Ashwini , Raut Shital
Published: January 2019

Learning-to-rank (LTR) is a very hot topic of research for information retrieval (IR). LTR framework usually learns the ranking function using available training data that are very cost-effective, time-consuming and biased. When sufficient amount of training data is not available, semi-supervised learning is one of the machine learning paradigms that can be applied to get pseudo label from unlabeled data. Cluster and label is a basic approach for semi-supervised learning to identify the high-density region in data space which is mainly used to support the supervised learning. However, clustering with conventional method may lead to prediction performance which is worse than supervised learning algorithms for application of LTR. Thus, we propose rank preserving clustering (RPC) with PLocalSearch and get pseudo label for unlabeled data. We present semi-supervised learning that adopts clustering-based transductive method and combine it with nonmeasure specific listwise approach to learn the LTR model. Moreover, each cluster follows the multi-task learning to avoid optimization of multiple loss functions. It reduces the training complexity of adopted listwise approach from an exponential order to a polynomial order. Empirical analysis on the standard datasets (LETOR) shows that the proposed model gives better results as compared to other state-of-the-arts.