bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep deprivation as treatment for depression: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ioannou Michael , Wartenberg Constanze , Greenbrook Josephine T. V. , Larson Tomas , Magnusson Kajsa , Schmitz Linnea , Sjögren Petteri , Stadig Ida , Szabó Zoltán , Steingrimsson Steinn
Published: November 2020

Objective

To systematically review evidence on the efficacy and safety of sleep deprivation (SD) as a treatment option for patients with unipolar or bipolar depression.

Methods

A systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines was conducted. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Controlled trials were included in efficacy analysis, case series for evaluating complications and qualitative studies for patients’ experiences.

Results

Eight controlled studies (368 patients), one qualitative study and seven case series (825 patients) were included. One week after treatment start, SD combined with standard treatment did not reduce depressive symptoms compared with standard treatment (standardized mean difference, SMD = −0.29, [95% confidence interval, CI: −0.84 to 0.25], p = 0.29). When excluding a study in elderly patients in a post hoc analysis, the difference was statistically significant (SMD = −0.54 ([95% CI: −0.86 to −0.22], p < 0.001)) but it diminished two weeks after treatment start. No superiority of SD was found compared with antidepressants, but SD may be superior to exercise in certain settings. It is uncertain whether SD affects quality of sleep, quality of life, everyday functioning or length of stay. Apart from switch to mania (ranging between 2.7% and 10.7%), no other serious complications were reported.

Conclusion

Sleep deprivation has been studied in a wide range of settings resulting in divergent results for the short‐term efficacy on depressive symptoms. Post hoc analyses indicated that there may be a significant but transient effect in certain populations. Further studies should focus on identifying subgroups of responders as well as examining feasibility in routine clinical care.
Firing the monk when the ceremony is over: A study on the split between student protesters and their leaders after the 2014 Umbrella Movement
Authors: Chan Christian S. , Wong Christy Y.F. , Fan Alan Y.C.
Published: November 2020

The 2019 Anti‐Extradition Bill Movement in Hong Kong made international headlines as a leaderless movement. This leaderless feature may be an aftereffect of the 2014 Umbrella Movement, following which university students voted to disaffiliate with the movement’s leadership, the Hong Kong Federation of Students (HKFS). We conducted a study to examine the psychological factors that contributed to this disaffiliation, including the lack of perceived integrity‐based and competence‐based trustworthiness regarding the HKFS. We tested their indirect effects on the relationship between group identification with the movement protesters and the corresponding decision to disaffiliate with the leaders. This study recruited voters at a university in Hong Kong (N = 113) shortly after a referendum on whether to end ties with the HKFS. The results of an ordinal logistic regression suggest that lower perceived integrity‐based and competence‐based trustworthiness both significantly predicted the voting decision to disaffiliate with the leaders. Indirect effect analysis with bootstrapping found a significant indirect effect of voters’ group identification with Umbrella Movement protesters on the voting decision through perceived integrity, but not perceived competence.
Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis and natural orifice surgery extraction/minimal extraction site surgery in the obese
Authors: Lendzion Rebecca J. , Gilmore Andrew J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Despite advantages associated with laparoscopic colorectal surgery, there is significant morbidity associated with incisions required for specimen extraction and restoration of bowel continuity. In laparoscopic colorectal surgery, the length of the longest incision depends upon that required to facilitate extra‐corporeal steps. The purpose of this study was to analyse obese patients (body mass index >30 kg/m2) who have undergone laparoscopic small bowel or right‐sided colonic resection with intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA) and natural orifice surgery extraction (NOSE)/minimal extraction site (MES) surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of 11 obese patients who have undergone laparoscopic small bowel and right‐sided colonic resection with ICA and NOSE/MES was conducted.

Results

Mean body mass index was 40.4 kg/m2 (range 32.7–56 kg/m2) in 11 patients. Procedures performed were laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (7) – one with high anterior resection, pelvic peritonectomy, bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and greater omentectomy, small bowel resection (2), transverse colotomy (1) and segmental transverse colectomy (1). All colonic specimens were extracted via NOSE (vaginal colpotomy or transcolonic), except two requiring a miniaturized extraction wound. Small bowel specimens were extracted via a 12‐mm port hole, without extension. Mean operating time was 240 min (range 100–510 min). Mean time to discharge was 4 days (range 4–6 days). Complications included a superficial wound infection in a patient presenting with an obstructed tumour and a second patient developed a seroma following small bowel resection for an incarcerated hernia.

Conclusion

Obese patients can undergo laparoscopic small bowel and right‐sided colonic resection with ICA and NOSE/MES surgery and benefit from short length of stay and low morbidity.
Metabolic bone disease of prematurity—National survey of current neonatal and paediatric endocrine approaches
Authors: Chinoy Amish , Mughal Mohammed Zulf , Padidela Raja
Published: November 2020

Aim

This study aimed to identify current trends in the management of metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP) in the United Kingdom.

Methods

A nationwide electronic survey was disseminated to all neonatal networks across the United Kingdom, as well as to paediatric endocrinologists for comparison. Weighted averages were used to compare relative importance placed on screening and diagnostic investigations (1 = not important, 5 = essential).

Results

Sixty‐nine individuals responded from 53 neonatal units. Greatest emphasis was placed on levels of serum phosphate and alkaline phosphatase for screening (weighted average 4.5 and 4.6, respectively), diagnosis (weighted average 4.1 and 4.5, respectively) and monitoring (93% and 97% of neonatal responders, respectively) of MBDP by neonatologists. Although similar results were obtained for endocrinologists, significantly greater emphasis was placed on plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) level for screening, diagnosis and monitoring (p < 0.001 for each). Phosphate supplementation was reported almost universally by neonatal responders (99%), but was significantly less for endocrine responders (62%) for the treatment of MBDP (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There is an under‐utilisation of plasma PTH as a screening, diagnostic and monitoring investigation to guide appropriate supplementation for MBDP by neonatologists.
Prevalence and correlates of suicidal behavior among a national population‐based sample of adults in Kiribati
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Suicidal behavior is an underresearched cause of death in the Western Pacific region. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behavior in a population‐based survey among 18‐69 year‐old persons in Kiribati.

Method

Cross‐sectional nationally representative data of 2156 18‐69 year old persons (37 years were the median age) from the “2015‐16 Kiribati STEPS survey” were analyzed.

Results

The results indicate that 5.1% of participants had ever attempted suicide and 9.5% engaged in past 12‐month suicidal behavior (ideation, planning, and/or attempts). In adjusted logistic regression analysis, cohabiting, psychological distress, and having had a heart attack, angina, or stroke were associated with lifetime suicide attempts. Female sex, younger age, lower education, psychological distress, heart attack, angina or stroke, and high physical activity were positively associated with past 12‐month suicidal behavior. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, alcohol family problems, alcohol dependence, family members attempted suicide, and sedentary behavior (3 to <6 hours/day) were associated with lifetime suicide attempts and/or past 12‐month suicidal behavior.

Conclusion

Almost one in 10 participants were engaged in suicidal behavior in the past 12 months and several factors were detected which could be targeted in intervention activities.
Risk factors for postoperative pneumonia after laparoscopic gastrectomy in patients aged 75 years and over with gastric cancer
Authors: Kimura Ryuichiro , Moriyama Taiki , Ohuchida Kenoki , Shindo Koji , Nagai Shuntaro , Ohtsuka Takao , Nakamura Masafumi
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The proportion of patients aged 75 years and over who undergo minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer is increasing. However, the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) in this age group is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate whether LG is safe and effective in patients aged 75 years and over.

Methods

The study included 728 patients with early and advanced gastric cancer who underwent curative LG between 2009 and 2017; 166 of these patients (22.8%) were aged 75 or over. All surgeries were performed laparoscopically. Selected clinical factors were compared between the 166 patients aged 75 years and over and the 562 patients aged under 75 years.

Results

There were significant differences in presence of comorbidity, respiratory function and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status scores between the older and younger groups. The older patients more frequently developed complications than the younger ones, particularly postoperative pneumonia. According to multivariate analyses of all participants, age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and D2 lymphadenectomy were independent risk factors for postoperative pneumonia. Advanced stage and D2 lymphadenectomy were independent risk factors in the older group, whereas only COPD was an independent risk factor in the younger group.

Conclusions

LG for gastric cancer can be safely performed in patients aged over 75 years with an acceptable complication rate. However, the present data suggest that care should be taken in selecting LG with D2 lymphadenectomy to treat advanced cancer in these patients because the risk of postoperative complications, especially postoperative pneumonia, increases.
Finance, Discipline and the Labour Share in the Long‐Run: France (1911–2010) and Sweden (1891–2000)
Authors: Gouzoulis Giorgos
Published: November 2020

There is an ongoing debate within political economy on how finance affects capital–labour relations. Industrial relation scholars have demonstrated that financialization empowers capital and induces the liberalization of industrial relations. Additionally, meso and macro level studies show that finance reduced the labour share during neoliberalism. However, the literature is relatively limited and does not extend to the pre‐WWII period. Considering finance as historically integral to capitalism, this paper estimates the impact of finance on the labour shares of France (1911–2010) and Sweden (1891–2000). The results show that mortgage debt decreases the labour shares of both countries, thus, the financialization of households induces industrial discipline historically. However, the negative effect is substantially smaller in Sweden where housing finance is state‐led and bargaining coordination is centralized over the last century.
Relationships between familiness, innovation and organizational performance in Polish family businesses
Authors: Ingram Tomasz , Kraśnicka Teresa , Głód Grzegorz
Published: November 2020

Familiness, perceived as family members' involvement in and influence on the functioning of the family business, constitutes the distinguishing feature of every family firm. In the paper, we empirically test the relationships between familiness, innovation input and output and organizational performance in a post‐transition economy using data from 200 Polish family firms. Our research results reveal that high levels of ownership, management and control of the firm by the family members, perceived as part of familiness, lead to increased firm performance. Second, results show that the increase in the degree of familiness lowers the innovation input. We also found out that increases in the transgenerational orientation of a family business and family–employee bonds lead to decreased innovation output and higher family business identity generate higher innovation output.
The impact of infrastructure investments on income inequality: Evidence from US states
Authors: Hooper Emma , Peters Sanjay , Pintus Patrick A.
Published: November 2020

Our analysis of US state‐level data on an annual frequency, from 1976 to 2008, sheds new light on a plausible causal link between infrastructure investments, namely public spending on highways, and income inequality. This causal relationship is drawn out using the number of seats in the US House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations (HRCA) as an instrument to identify quasi‐random variations in state‐level spending on highways. An exogenous pattern which emerges when a state gains an additional member to the HRCA is that it is allocated with new federal grants. This increase in federal transfers for infrastructure financing results in slashing of expenditures on highways and a crowding‐out effect of federal funding for state investments on highways. Spending cuts on highways produced by a new HRCA member being attained by a state can unwittingly cause income inequality to rise over a short 2‐year time horizon. Similar challenges with decentralized development to finance infrastructure via federal transfers to state and sub‐national governments may be encountered by other industrially advanced, emerging and low‐income developing economies. US data over the mentioned period reveal a strong positive correlation with state spending on highways and wages paid for construction jobs. Suggestive evidence indicates that the construction sector also plays an important role in the transmission channel from a rise in state spending on highways to lowering income inequality, albeit during specific intervals, as opposed to on a long‐term basis.
Modelling spatial and temporal soil organic carbon dynamics under climate and land management change scenarios, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Mesfin Shimbahri , Gebresamuel Girmay , Haile Mitiku , Zenebe Amanuel
Published: November 2020

Soil organic carbon (SOC) depletion is a threat for the present and future agricultural production in Ethiopia. Hence, investigation of the influence of land management and climate change on SOC is required to facilitate climate change mitigation practices. For this study, croplands of the Atsela‐Sesat and Ayba sites from the Alaje district and the Tsigea site from the Raya Azebo district in northern Ethiopia were selected. The RothC model was used to predict future SOC trends and evaluate impacts of climate and land‐management change scenarios on SOC stocks. The RothC model was run for two scenarios, (i) business as usual (scenario 1) and (ii) improved crop residue and manure management (scenario 2), to predict SOC stock changes in the cropland under current and future climate change. The current SOC content and SOC stock of the croplands are 14.4 g kg−1 and 26.7 t ha−1 in Atsela‐Sesat, 14.8 g kg−1 and 27.9 t ha−1 in Ayba and 14.8 g kg−1 and 26.9 t ha−1 in Tsigea, respectively. The RothC model‐predicted SOC accumulation for this century in scenario 1 was 0.26 t C ha−1 in Alaje and 0.18 t C ha−1 in Raya Azebo, whereas in scenario 2 it was 0.52 t C ha−1 in Alaje and 0.36 t C ha−1 in Raya Azebo. Although the predicted SOC accumulation in scenario 2 is higher than in scenario 1 and the baseline scenario, it still has a decreasing trend due to climate change. However, the organic carbon return into the soil is generally small and thus it will not be possible to improve soil productivity and attain food security. Therefore, future soil fertility strategies need to include both organic and inorganic fertilizer application. These findings will help to assist land managers to make informed decisions during land‐management practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Highlights

Land management and climate changes influence cropland SOC stocks in northern Ethiopia

RothC model predicts future SOC trends and dynamics

Appropriate land management increased SOC accumulation and reduced impacts of climate change

Findings help to assist land managers to make informed decisions to mitigate climate change impacts
Non‐disclosure of HIV serostatus to sexual partners: Prevalence, risk factors and clinical impact in patients with HIV
Authors: Morkphrom E , Ratanasuwan W , Sittironnarit G , Rattanaumpawan P
Published: November 2020

Objective

To determine the prevalence, risk factors and impact of non‐disclosure of HIV serostatus to sexual partners among HIV‐positive patients at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study to enrol HIV‐positive adults with one or more regular sexual partners during the past 3 months. We obtained personal information via anonymous questionnaire and clinical data of those receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for ≥12 months via chart‐review.

Results

A total of 328 HIV‐positive participants were enrolled. Approximately half were female and in the symptomatic HIV stage at diagnosis, with an average age 44.08 ± 8.59 years. Approximately one‐third of participants (35.7%) reported that they had not disclosed their HIV serostatus to their sexual partners. The non‐disclosure group had a higher rate of poor ART adherence owing to fear of revealing their HIV serostatus to their partner (12.0% vs. 1.9%; P < 0.001), as compared with the disclosure group. Rates of immunological and virological failure did not differ between groups. Multivariate analysis [adjusted odds ratio (OR); 95% confidence interval (CI); P‐value] revealed having an occupation as a teacher (4.08; 1.40–16.61; P = 0.01) and reporting acquisition of HIV infection through blood transfusion (4.08; 1.31–12.68; P = 0.02) were independent risk factors. Furthermore, a longer duration of the sexual relationship (0.997; 0.994–0.999; P = 0.02), having a seropositive sexual partner (0.57; 0.33–0.99; P = 0.04), living in their partner’s house (0.53; 0.31–0.90; P = 0.02) and having a higher mean Pictorial Thai Self‐Esteem Scale (PTSS) score (0.62; 0.38–0.99; P = 0.05) were identified as independent protective factors.

Conclusions

We found a high prevalence of HIV serostatus non‐disclosure, which was associated with poorer ART adherence. Appropriately focusing interventions on high‐risk populations with aforementioned risk factors is important for improved HIV care.
Structural characterisation and antioxidant activity of melanoidins from high‐temperature fermented apple
Authors: Zhu Zuoyi , Zhang Yu , Wang Wei , Huang Zhongping , Wang Junhong , Li Xue , Sun Suling
Published: November 2020

High‐temperature fermented apple is a new fermented product with characteristic black appearance, which is prepared through natural fermentation of whole fresh apple at controlled high temperature (60–90 °C) and humidity (relative humidity of 50–90%). In this work, melanoidins from high‐temperature fermented apple were obtained by ultrafiltration and subsequent diafiltration. The structural characterisation of melanoidins was investigated in the present study. Results showed that the molecular weight of the obtained melanoidins was about 179 kDa and the melanoidins were comprised primarily of furans by pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activities of the high‐temperature fermented apple and its melanoidins were evaluated by ABTS, DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, ferric reducing antioxidant power and Fe2+‐chelating assays. Both high‐temperature fermented apple and its melanoidins showed extremely high antioxidant activities in scavenging hydroxyl radicals. High correlation between the antioxidant activity assayed methods and the physicochemical characteristics of melanoidins was obtained. The contribution of melanoidins to the total antioxidant capacity of high‐temperature fermented apple was determined.
Optimized Langendorff perfusion system for cardiomyocyte isolation in adult mouse heart
Authors: Li Haotong , Liu Chungeng , Bao Minghui , Liu Weijing , Nie Yu , Lian Hong , Hu Shengshou
Published: November 2020

With the rapid development of single‐cell sequencing technology, the Langendorff perfusion system has emerged as a common approach to decompose cardiac tissue and obtain living cardiomyocytes to study cardiovascular disease with the mechanism of cardiomyocyte biology. However, the traditional Langendorff perfusion system is difficult to master, and further, the viability and purity of cardiomyocytes are frequently unable to meet sequencing requirements due to complicated devices and manipulate processes. Here, we provide an optimized Langendorff perfusion system with a simplified and standardized operating protocol which utilizes gravity as the perfusion pressure, includes a novel method for bubbles removing and standardizes the criteria for termination of digestion. We obtained stable cardiomyocyte with high viability and purity after multiple natural gravity sedimentation. The combination of the optimized Langendorff perfusion system and the multiple natural gravity sedimentation provides a stable system for isolating adult mouse heart, which will provide higher‐quality cardiomyocytes for further experiments.
Itch processing in the brain
Authors: Najafi P. , Dufor O. , Ben Salem D. , Misery L. , Carré J.‐L.
Published: November 2020

Itch is a sensation defined as the urge to scratch. The central mechanisms of itch are being increasingly studied. These studies are usually based on experimental itch induction methods, which can be classified into the following categories: histamine‐induced, induction by other non‐histamine chemicals (e.g. cowhage), physically induced (e.g. electrical) and mentally induced (e.g. audio‐visual). Because pain has been more extensively studied, some extrapolations to itch can be proposed and verified by experiments. Recent studies suggest that the itch‐processing network in the brain could be disrupted in certain diseases. This disruption could be related to the implication of new regions or the exclusion of already engaged brain regions from itch‐processing network in the brain.
Differences in laboratory reporting standards leading to a difficult prenatal diagnosis for a patient with suspected 4p duplication
Authors: Shinsaka Mamiko , Takai Yasushi , Shigematsu Kosuke , Huang Haipeng , Ohkubo Takashi , Seki Hiroyuki
Published: November 2020

Not all obstetric care facilities offer sufficient genetic counseling in Japan. When necessary, patients are referred to tertiary perinatal care centers for genetic counseling and further testing. Because each facility typically has an exclusive contract with a laboratory, the additional testing required may be performed at a different laboratory. With no reporting standards for normal chromosomal variants, differences between laboratories impede result interpretation, and clinical errors may occur. We present a case of a patient diagnosed with 46,XX,?dup (4)(p12p12) variant over two pregnancies. During the first pregnancy, the variant was determined to be a de novo, leading the parents to terminate the pregnancy. During the second pregnancy, further analysis revealed no 4p duplication, and we diagnosed as a normal variant, 4cenh+, inherited from the mother. Differences in reporting standards for a normal variant made evaluation of this patient difficult. Medical staff should be aware of this issue, and reporting standards should be standardized.
Maternal condition as an underlying cause of perinatal mortality: Prospective cohort study
Authors: Wasim Tayyiba , Bushra Natasha , Iqbal Hafiza I. , Mumtaz Anila , Khan Khalid S.
Published: November 2020

Aim

To compare the distribution of various causes of perinatal mortality in a public hospital in low‐middle‐income country setting.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2018 at a large public hospital, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Services Hospital, in Lahore, Pakistan. We applied the World Health Organization's perinatal mortality coding in the International Classification of Diseases. All stillbirths after 28 weeks' gestation weighing more than 1 kg were identified and followed up till delivery. All live births were followed up till discharge or early neonatal death. A multidisciplinary group of obstetricians, pediatricians, midwife and related healthcare professionals was established to assess each case of fatality. The associated maternal conditions were identified for each of the antepartum, intrapartum and neonatal deaths.

Results

Of 11 850 births, there were 690 perinatal deaths, with 240 stillbirths (antepartum 167, intrapartum 73) and 450 early neonatal deaths (perinatal mortality rate 58.2/1000 births). Among antepartum deaths, hypoxia accounted for 70 (42%) cases. Among intrapartum deaths, an acute event was responsible for 50 (68%) cases. Among neonatal deaths (450, 65% of total), low birthweight and prematurity contributed to 152 (34%) cases. A maternal condition was found in 183 (76%) of stillbirths and 355 (79%) patients with neonatal death.

Conclusion

In our study, the most important causes of perinatal deaths were maternal in origin. There was an excess in the distribution of neonatal causes of perinatal deaths. These data should inform policy and practice.
Perfusion‐MRI is a Poor Indicator of Hemodynamic Compromise in Vertebrobasilar Disease in the VERiTAS Study
Authors: See Alfred P. , Stapleton Christopher J. , Du Xinjian , Charbel Fady T. , Amin‐Hanjani Sepideh ,   for the VERiTAS Study Group
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Dynamic susceptibility perfusion MR imaging (DSC MRP) has been used to assess changes in cerebral perfusion attributable to vascular stenosis or occlusion that may predict stroke risk. However, DSC MRP is not validated for identifying hemodynamic compromise in the posterior circulation. We investigated the clinical utility of DSC MRP in vertebrobasilar (VB) atherosclerotic disease in the observational VERiTAS study.

METHODS

VERiTAS enrolled patients with symptomatic ≥50% VB stenosis/occlusion. Posterior circulation hemodynamic status was designated as low or normal based on large vessel flow measured using quantitative magnetic resonance angiography (QMRA) and was predictive of future stroke risk. In this study, DSC MRP conducted concurrently with QMRA was used to evaluate posterior circulation perfusion. The primary outcome was the mean transit time (MTT) and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in the posterior circulation normalized to the anterior circulation, compared between patients with low and normal blood flow as determined on QMRA.

RESULTS

Twenty‐six subjects had 47 DSC MRP studies for review. There was no statistically or clinically significant difference in the rCBV ratio (1.02 vs. .96 P = .89), or MTT ratio (1.04 vs. 1.04 P = .96) relative to normal or low VB territory flow.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we did not find that DSC MRP adequately distinguished between patients with low or normal flow status based on large‐vessel flow measurements.
Cytauxzoon felis cytochrome b gene mutation associated with atovaquone and azithromycin treatment
Authors: Hartley Ashley N. , Marr Henry S. , Birkenheuer Adam J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Atovaquone and azithromycin (A&A) with supportive care improve survival rates in cats with cytauxzoonosis. Resistance to atovaquone via parasite cytochrome b gene (cytb) mutations occurs in other Apicomplexan protozoans but is not described in Cytauxzoon felis.

Objective

To serially characterize the C. felis cytb sequences from a cat that remained persistently infected after A&A treatment.

Animal

A cat with naturally occurring C. felis infection.

Methods

Case report of the anemic cat persistently infected with C. felis before, during and after A&A treatment. Cytauxzoon felis cytb genes were amplified and sequenced before, during and after A&A treatment.

Results

Cytauxzoon felis was detected before, during and after A&A treatment including samples collected 570 days after treatment. After A&A treatment, the cat's anemia improved slightly. Cytb sequencing revealed only wild‐type cytb methionine (M128) in samples collected before treatment. In samples collected after treatment, the cytb coded for isoleucine (M128I) and valine (M128I) at 2‐ and 4‐months after treatment. These M128I and M128V mutations persisted even after a repeat treatment course with a higher dose atovaquone combined with the standard dose of azithromycin.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This report documents C. felis atovaquone resistance associated with M128 cytb mutations. This study suggests parasites with mutations of cytb M128 can be selected and impart resistance to A&A treatment even with higher atovaquone dosing.
Judgments in Scripture and the Creed: Reflections on Identity and Difference
Authors: Sarisky Darren
Published: November 2020

The article considers whether Nicene trinitarian doctrine is present within biblical texts. It focuses on some terminology that David Yeago has developed for approaching this question. The article argues that in order for his distinction between judgments and concepts to work, it is necessary to amplify the acknowledgement of difference that is inchoate in his assertation that the Bible and the Creed are basically the same rather than fully and completely identical. Three specific domains of difference receive attention: the Creed is a retrospective claim about Jesus’ nature and mission, while the Old Testament prefigures Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises; the Bible consists of several different literary genres, while the Creed is a single sort of writing; and Scripture is a long, internally differentiated text, while the Creed attempts a summary of leading themes. In order fully to recognize these differences, it is necessary to emend the ecclesiology that underpins Yeago’s thesis. Without modifying the relationship between the Spirit and the church, it remains impossible to give the three areas of difference due acknowledgement, and there is pressure to fall back on an established prior understanding of the text.
Ranking, and Other Properties, of Elite Swimmers Using Extreme Value Theory
Authors: Spearing Jess , Tawn Jonathan , Irons David , Paulden Tim , Bennett Grace
Published: November 2020

The International Swimming Federation (FINA) uses a very simple points system with the aim to rank swimmers across all swimming events. The points acquired is a function of the ratio of the recorded time and the current world record for that event. With some world records considered ‘better’ than others however, bias is introduced between events, with some being much harder to attain points where the world record is hard to beat. A model based on extreme value theory is introduced, where swim times are modelled through their rate of occurrence, and with the distribution of the best times following a generalised Pareto distribution. Within this framework, the strength of a particular swim is judged based on its position compared to the whole distribution of swim times, rather than just the world record. This model also accounts for the date of the swim, as training methods improve over the years, as well as changes in technology, such as full body suits. The parameters of the generalised Pareto distribution, for each of the 34 individual long course events, will be shown to vary with covariates, leading to a novel single unified description of swim quality over all events and time. This structure, which allows information to be shared across all strokes, distances, and genders, improves the predictive power as well as the model robustness compared to equivalent independent models. A by-product of the model is that it is possible to estimate other features of interest, such as the ultimate possible time, the distribution of new world records for any event, and to correct swim times for the effect of full body suits. The methods will be illustrated using a dataset of the best 500 swim times for each event in the period 2001–2018.
Intrinsic plasticity of cerebellar stellate cells is mediated by NMDA receptor regulation of voltage‐gated Na+ channels
Authors: Alexander Ryan P.D. , Bowie Derek
Published: November 2020

Key points

We show that NMDA receptors (NMDARs) elicit a long‐term increase in the firing rates of inhibitory stellate cells of the cerebellum

NMDARs induce intrinsic plasticity through a Ca2+‐ and CaMKII‐dependent pathway that drives shifts in the activation and inactivation properties of voltage‐gated Na+ (Nav) channels

An identical Ca2+‐ and CaMKII‐dependent signalling pathway is triggered during whole‐cell recording which lowers the action potential threshold by causing a hyperpolarizing shift in the gating properties of Nav channels.

Our findings open the more general possibility that NMDAR‐mediated intrinsic plasticity found in other cerebellar neurons may involve similar shifts in Nav channel gating.

Memory storage in the mammalian brain is mediated not only by long‐lasting changes in the efficacy of neurotransmitter receptors but also by long‐term modifications to the activity of voltage‐gated ion channels. Activity‐dependent plasticity of voltage‐gated ion channels, or intrinsic plasticity, is found throughout the brain in virtually all neuronal types, including principal cells and interneurons. Although intrinsic plasticity has been identified in neurons of the cerebellum, it has yet to be studied in inhibitory cerebellar stellate cells of the molecular layer which regulate activity outflow from the cerebellar cortex by feedforward inhibition onto Purkinje cells. The study of intrinsic plasticity in stellate cells has been particularly challenging as membrane patch breakthrough in electrophysiology experiments unintentionally triggers changes in spontaneous firing rates. Using cell‐attached patch recordings to avoid disruption, we show that activation of extrasynaptic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) elicits a long‐term increase in the firing properties of stellate cells by stimulating a rise in cytosolic Ca2+ and activation of Ca²⁺/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). An identical signalling pathway is triggered during whole‐cell recording which lowers the action potential threshold by causing a hyperpolarizing shift in the gating properties of voltage‐gated sodium (Nav) channels. Together, our findings identify an unappreciated role of Nav channel‐dependent intrinsic plasticity in cerebellar stellate cells which, in concert with non‐canonical NMDAR signalling, provides the cerebellum with an unconventional mechanism to fine‐tune motor behaviour.
Experimental Investigation of Composite Phase Change Material Heat Sinks for Enhanced Passive Thermal Management
Authors: Miers Collier S. , Marconnet Amy
Published: November 2020

Phase change materials (PCMs) are effective at storing thermal energy and are attractive for use in electronics to smooth temperature peaks during periods of high demand; however, the use of PCMs has been somewhat limited due to the poor thermal properties of the materials. Here, we propose a design for a tunable composite PCM heat sink for passive thermal management in electronic systems and develop an improved test platform to directly compare performance between different designs and PCMs. The composite design leverages high conductivity pathways, which are machined into aluminum heat sinks, and back-filled with PCMs. Two package sizes are considered with several internal fin structures. All designs are evaluated using a test platform with realistic power profiles, controlled interfacial loading, and in situ temperature measurement. The composite PCM heat sinks are benchmarked against solid aluminum packages of the same size. This study focuses on three commercially available PCMs. Performance is evaluated based on (1) the time it takes the test heater chip below each composite PCM package to reach the cut-off temperature of 95 °C and (2) the period of a full melt-regeneration cycle. A range of heat fluxes are considered in this study spanning 6.8–14.5 W cm−2. The isokite design with PlusICE S70 extends the time to reach 95 °C by 36.2% when compared to the solid package, while weighing 17.3% less, making it advantageous for mobile devices.
Discussion: “Selective-Compliance-Based Lagrange Model and Multilevel Noncollocated Feedback Control of a Humanoid Robot” (Spyrakos-Papastavridis, E., Dai, J. S., Childs, P. R. N., and Tsagarakis, N. G., 2018, ASME J. Mech. Rob., 10(3), p. 031009)
Authors: Medrano-Cerda Gustavo A.
Published: November 2020

The present comment concerns the above paper. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4039394]
A Piezocomposite Actuated Propeller With an Onboard Power Generator
Authors: Shah Bharg , Bilgen Onur
Published: November 2020

This paper presents an application of a novel piezocomposite rotor system on a model-scale helicopter. The piezocomposite rotor concept can be implemented on various rotary systems, including small unmanned aerial vehicles, and tandem rotor, multi-rotor, single-rotor and other rotary systems. Based on authors’ previous research, a new design of the so-called solid-state rotor concept is implemented on a single degree of the freedom apparatus that the derived from the model-scale helicopter. An electromagnetic power generator is used to convert the mechanical energy due to the rotation of the generator into electrical energy, and this is used to actuate the piezocomposite blades. The actuation by the piezocomposite actuators on the rotor blade results in a change of the camber of the rotor blade. The change in camber generates an increase of thrust.
Harnessing Kinetic Energy From Human Motions With a High-Efficiency Wearable Electromagnetic Energy Harvester
Authors: Peng Yan , Zhang Dong , Luo Jun , Xie Shaorong , Pu Huayan , Li Zhongjie
Published: November 2020

Recent years have witnessed explosive increase in the number of wearable devices in the market and industry. However, hardly have these devices gained the ability to capture energy from hosts and then get self-charged. In this paper, we design and build a novel wearable electromagnetic energy harvester to scavenge the kinetic energy of human ankle during walking or running. The design is composed of mainly three parts: a spring-mass system, rolling ball pair and the electromagnetic transduction mechanism. The harvester adopts an array of alternating south- and north-pole magnets. This arrangement allows the array exhibits a unique phenomenon, i.e. abrupt magnetic flux density changes within the array. Because of this phenomenon, the harvester displays excellent performance such as relatively high voltage and high power output. We then conducted FEM analysis to validate the hypothetical abrupt flux density changes. A prototype was fabricated for experimental studies. We investigated open-circuit voltage output, current output, and power as well as charging performance into energy storage components. The result shows that harvester possesses excellent performance with the maximum output voltage of 8.64V, peak-peak power of 700mW and the highest volume power density of 24.9mW/cm3. The energy harvester, as a renewable portable power source, can be of great significance for powering smart wearable electronic devices and health care monitoring sensors.
Spatial Statistical Methods for Complexity-Based Point Cloud Analysis
Authors: Dargahi Mozhgan Momtaz , Lattanzi David
Published: November 2020

Modern remote sensing technologies now provide the basis for flexible and highly accurate three-dimensional geometric modeling of structures in the form of point clouds. To date, most efforts are focused on how to use these point clouds to form a digital twin of an asset, but these models can also be used to augment and improve condition assessment and structural health monitoring (SHM). However, point cloud analytics require unique approaches given the complexity and scale of the data. To illustrate these capabilities, we propose a new SHM method that leverages 3D point cloud data and the evolution of this data over time. Taking inspiration from recent work on the use of complexity measures for sensor driven SHM, here we adapt the concept for spatial analysis of 3D digital twins. The fundamental assumption that underpins the approach presented here is that, as a structure degrades in integrity, the randomness of the data increases when compared against the null model of the homogeneous Poisson process, otherwise described as ‘complete spatial randomness’ (CSR). In spatial point analysis, points from a baseline model are generated and placed within a normalized Cartesian reference frame. The spatial randomness of this baseline is considered the null model of the homogeneous Poisson process. In subsequent 3D models of an asset, spatial complexity metrics are recomputed on a local neighborhood level, with increased complexity corresponding to potential damage or degradation of the asset. Another question of interest is to provide a suitable mathematical model for this underlying temporal evolution. Compared to more conventional analytical approaches that can only detect data anomalies via a single computation, this complexity-based approach enables us to further integrate multi-level information, in the form of first and second order moment metrics, to evaluate data anomalies in more depth. In this method we use the variation of the first and second moments of the average intensity of the points in space. A first order metric of a point pattern represents the density change across the study region such as Quadrat density or Kernel density. The second-order metric of the point pattern considers the distance between points, effectively quantifying how points are distributed relative to one another. Examples include Ripley’s K-function, the L-function or Baddeley’s J-function. This analytical approach was tested on a variety of laboratory scale specimens with varying levels of damage and degradation. The results show that this new technique provides rapid analytical capabilities for finding damage and quantifying both damage and evolution in point clouds. Ongoing work seeks to scale up these measures to full-scale specimens, and to explore methods of using the results for damage prognosis through statistical time-series modeling of the evolution of the complexity metrics.
Design Optimization of Shape Memory Alloy-Based Adaptive Building Skins for Thermal Regulation
Authors: Fang Yudong , Peraza Hernandez Edwin A.
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a design study of adaptive skins that enable thermal regulation for buildings. The skins consist of rectangular panels that adaptively open and close driven by shape memory alloy (SMA) wires in response to the variation of the environment temperature. The SMA wires are used as both thermal sensors and actuators that inspect the environmental temperature and provide a corresponding actuation response. When temperature is low, the SMA wires are stable in their elongated martensitic configuration, keeping the panels closed to maintain the building interior warm by reducing incoming airflow from the exterior. When temperature reaches the SMA austenite transformation values, the SMA wires transform into their contracted austenitic configuration and open the panels. This permits cooling of the building interior by allowing circulation of incoming airflow from the exterior. This repeatable response allows the skins to adaptively regulate the indoor temperature. The performance of the adaptive skins is evaluated using finite element analysis. Metallic and laminated fiber-reinforced composite plates are explored as material options for the panels. The adaptive skins are parameterized using design variables including the dimensions of the panels, the ply thickness and orientation angles in the case of fiber-reinforced panels, and the radii of the SMA wires. By employing genetic algorithms, these design variables are optimized to maximize the achievable opening area of the panels while satisfying material failure constraints.
Optimization of Rapid State Estimation in Structures Subjected to High-Rate Boundary Change
Authors: Scheppegrell James , Moura Adriane G. , Dodson Jacob , Downey Austin
Published: November 2020

Many structures are subjected to varying forces, moving boundaries, and other dynamic conditions. Whether part of a vehicle, building, or active energy mitigation device, data on such changes can represent useful knowledge, but also presents challenges in its collection and analysis. In systems where changes occur rapidly, assessment of the system’s state within a useful time span is required to enable an appropriate response before the system’s state changes further. Rapid state estimation is especially important but poses unique difficulties.

In determining the state of a structural system subjected to high-rate dynamic changes, measuring the frequency response is one method that can be used to draw inferences, provided the system is adequately understood and defined. The work presented here is the result of an investigation into methods to determine the frequency response, and thus state, of a structure subjected to high-rate boundary changes in real-time.

In order to facilitate development, the Air Force Research Laboratory created the DROPBEAR, a testbed with an oscillating beam subjected to a continuously variable boundary condition. One end of the beam is held by a stationary fixed support, while a pinned support is able to move along the beam’s length. The free end of the beam structure is instrumented with acceleration, velocity, and position sensors measuring the beam’s vertical axis. Direct position measurement of the pin location is also taken to provide a reference for comparison with numerical models.

This work presents a numerical investigation into methods for extracting the frequency response of a structure in real-time. An FFT based method with a rolling window is used to track the frequency of a data set generated to represent the range of the DROPBEAR, and is run with multiple window lengths. The frequency precision and latency of the FFT method is analyzed in each configuration. A specialized frequency extraction technique, Delayed Comparison Error Minimization, is implemented with parameters optimized for the frequency range of interest. The performance metrics of latency and precision are analyzed and compared to the baseline rolling FFT method results, and applicability is discussed.