bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loricaria cuffyi (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), a new species of loricariin catfish from the Guiana Shield
Authors: Londoño‐Burbano Alejandro , Urbano‐Bonilla Alexander , Thomas Matthew R.
Published: September 2020

Loricaria cuffyi n. sp. is described based on 36 specimens from the Essequibo and upper Negro River drainages in western Guyana and the upper Orinoco River drainage in Venezuela. The new species can be distinguished from sympatric and geographically proximate congeners by a postorbital notch that is inconspicuous, shallow and rounded, odontode ridges on the dorsum of head and predorsal weakly developed, abdominal plates tightly joined and completely covering the median abdominal space and pectoral girdle, higher anterior lateral plate counts, and coloration characteristics. The distribution of the new species adds to an interesting and well‐documented biogeographical pattern exhibited by other Guiana Shield loricariids influenced by the proto‐Berbice during the Cenozoic and recent configuration of drainages in the Guiana Shield. We present an update on the taxonomy of Loricaria, and discuss the biogeography and conservation status of the new species.
Soybean oil deacidification by liquid–liquid extraction using hydrous ethanol
Authors: de Sá Letícia Andrade , Capellini Maria Carolina , Rodrigues Christianne E. C. , Meirelles Antonio J. A.
Published: September 2020

Soybean oil (SO) was deacidified by liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) in a perforated rotating disc column using ethanol as solvent. The extraction assays were performed using two approaches: in the first, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effect of perforated discs' rotation speed and solvent hydration on the transfer of free fatty acids (TFFA), loss of neutral oil (LNO), and overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient (KR·a) in assays using refined SO. In second, the best conditions from RSM were used in the degummed SO deacidification; in this case, the influence of phospholipids on the LNO was observed. The maximization of the values of TFFA and LNO occurs for low water contents in the solvent, regardless of discs' rotation speed. Regarding KR·a, both independent variables influence this response. An increase in hydration of the solvent decreases the KR·a by decreasing the free fatty acid (FFA) diffusivity. The total deacidification of degummed SO by LLE is feasible using ethanol with 10 mass% water and a rotation speed of 150 rpm. These process conditions provided reduction on phosphorus, peroxide value, and FFA, along with a low loss of neutral oil, which was significantly lower than the values reported for the traditional process, alkali refining.

Practical applications

This study is useful to vegetable oil processors and researchers because it is addressed the issue of using a softer deacidification process than traditional methods, which permits to remove free fatty acids, avoiding excessive losses of neutral oil and minimizing the effluent generation when compared to chemical refining. Besides, this process can be accomplished at a temperature below the normal boiling point of the solvent and atmospheric pressure, softer conditions of pressure and temperature than physical method that uses desorption with water vapor, reducing the energy consumption of oil refining. This alternative deacidification process by liquid–liquid extraction uses ethanol, a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) solvent, which allows minimizing the losses of nutraceutical compounds present in the oil. In fact, this study provides data that can be used to design a renewable solvent‐based soybean oil deacidification process.
Relationship between zinc content and carbonic anhydrase activity in blood of anemic pregnant women in Turkey
Authors: Göktuğ Kadıoğlu Berrin , Nalçakan Aysel , Dilek Esra
Published: September 2020

Aims

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) in pregnancy plays an important part in gaseous exchange across the placenta. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between zinc content and the CA activity in blood of anemic and normal pregnant women in their third trimester, in Turkey.

Methods

The patients with hemoglobin values below 11 g/dL were accepted as anemic. CA enzyme activity and zinc levels in erythrocyte of anemic and non‐anemic pregnant women were carried out in 27 non‐anemic pregnant women and 31 anemic pregnant women. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) levels of the participants were also tested.

Results

Zinc levels were lower in the anemic group compared to the non‐anemic group (P = 0.049). Total CA enzyme activity was also lower in the anemic group (P = 0.044). MCV levels were found to be lower in the anemic group (P = 0.007). The decrease in these values was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This is the first study to evaluate the zinc content in red blood cells of anemic pregnant women in the third trimester and its relationship with carbonic anhydrase activity. CA isoenzymes to work healthily, providing iron and zinc supports is important for fetal development.
Patient‐reported outcome measures of edentulous patients restored with single‐implant mandibular overdentures: A systematic review
Authors: Fu Liangliang , Liu Gufeng , Wu Xiaoyi , Zhu Zhenzhen , Sun Huifang , Xia Haibin
Published: September 2020

Aim

To review the literatures concerning the effect of the single‐implant mandibular overdenture (SIMO) on patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and masticatory function in the fully edentulous patients.

Materials and Methods

Electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science) were searched, complemented with manual resources. Prospective studies published in English up to February 2020 reporting the effect of SIMO on PROMs and masticatory function in the edentulous patients were included. This review focused on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL), satisfaction and masticatory function outcomes.

Results

Of 1157 initially screened articles, 9 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 8 prospective studies involving 551 subjects fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two RCTs were graded as high risk of bias or some concern, while others were low risk. All prospective studies had adequate representativeness and assessment, but only one study had a controlled cohort. In general, the edentulous patients restored with SIMOs had improved OHRQoL and general satisfaction compared to those with conventional complete dentures (CCDs), but the outcome of masticatory function was controversial. Compared with two‐implant mandibular overdenture (TIMO), SIMO showed no significant differences regarding general satisfaction and satisfaction with speech, comfort, chewing ability, aesthetics and social life. Conflicting results were observed in OHRQoL and satisfaction with retention and stability. Better masticatory performance was observed in TIMO group than SIMO group.

Conclusion

Within the limitation of this review, SIMO is featured with better OHRQoL and satisfaction than CCD. SIMO and TIMO rendered similar patient satisfaction, but TIMO had better masticatory performance.
The Selves of Lindsey
Authors: Cahoone Lawrence
Published: September 2020

Kathleen Wallace’s The Network Self: Relation, Process, and Personal Identity (2019) presents an understanding of personal identity and selfhood. Its central conundrum is how a person or self can be a something that, while being related to and even constituted by many things, including endless experiences and events and social roles, hence subject to continuous change, can nevertheless sustain an identity capable of responsible agency and all the other moral and narrative predicates so crucial to us. In response Wallace creates a Cumulative Network Model of the self, rooted in the relational and social analysis of human individuality characteristic of the American philosophical tradition, that, while processural and complex in the extreme, is nevertheless capable of autonomy and responsibility. Her account provides a novel paradigm for the analysis of human self, but with its very complexity raises questions as to the relation between the referents of “person,” “self,” and “I.”
Kathleen Wallace and the Network Self
Authors: Pratt Scott L.
Published: September 2020

Kathleen Wallace makes an important contribution to the theoretical frameworks available to understanding the nature of selves. Drawing on the theory of natural complexes proposed by Justus Buchler, Wallace proposes the “cumulative network model” (CNM) of selves. This article provides an overview of CNM, suggests its relation to recent New Materialist theories of agency, ideas of power, and the American philosophical tradition, and proposes that it can serve as a new resource in discussions of pressing problems faced in today’s world.
The cost‐effectiveness of isavuconazole compared to voriconazole, the standard of care in the treatment of patients with invasive mould diseases, prior to differential pathogen diagnosis in Spain
Authors: Azanza José Ramón , Grau Santiago , Vázquez Lourdes , Rebollo Pablo , Peral Carmen , López‐Ibáñez de Aldecoa Alejandra , López‐Gómez Vanessa
Published: September 2020

Background

Invasive mould diseases are associated with high morbidity, mortality and economic impact. Its treatment is often started prior to differential pathogen diagnosis. Isavuconazole is approved for treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and invasive mucormycosis (IM) when amphotericin‐B is not indicated.

Objectives

To estimate the cost‐effectiveness of isavuconazole vs voriconazole for the treatment of adult patients with possible IA prior to differential pathogen diagnosis, in Spain.

Methods

A decision tree analysis was performed using the Spanish Healthcare System perspective. Among all patients with possible IA, it was considered that 7.81% actually had IM. Costs for laboratory analysis, management of adverse events, hospitalisation and drugs per patient, deaths and long‐term effects in life years (LYs) and quality‐adjusted LYs (QALYs) were considered. Efficacy data were obtained from clinical trials and utilities from the literature. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were conducted.

Results

In patients with possible IA and when compared to voricanozole, isavuconazole showed an incremental cost of 4758.53€, besides an incremental effectiveness of +0.49 LYs and +0.41 QALYs per patient. The Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio was 9622.52€ per LY gained and 11,734.79€ per QALY gained. The higher cost of isavuconazole was due to drug acquisition. Main parameters influencing results were mortality, treatment duration and hospitalisation days. The PSA results showed that isavuconazole has a probability of being cost‐effective of 67.34%, being dominant in 24.00% of cases.

Conclusions

Isavuconazole is a cost‐effective treatment compared to voriconazole for patients with possible IA for a willingness to pay threshold of 25,000€ per additional QALY.
Tooth ultrastructure of a novel COL1A2 mutation expanding its genotypic and phenotypic spectra
Authors: Intarak Narin , Budsamongkol Thunyaporn , Theerapanon Thanakorn , Chanamuangkon Theerapat , Srijunbarl Anucharte , Boonprakong Lawan , Porntaveetus Thantrira , Shotelersuk Vorasuk
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To investigate tooth ultrastructure and mutation of two patients in a family affected with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type IV and dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI).

Methods

Mutations were detected by whole exome and Sanger sequencing. The permanent second molar obtained from the proband (DGI1) and the primary first molar from his affected son (DGI2) were studied for their color, roughness, mineral density, hardness, elastic modulus, mineral content, and ultrastructure, compared to the controls.

Results

Two novel missense COL1A2 variants, c.752C > T (p.Ser251Phe) and c.758G > T (p.Gly253Val), were identified in both patients. The c.758G > T was predicted to be the causative mutation. Pulp cavities of DGI1 (permanent teeth) were obliterated while those of DGI2 (primary teeth) were wide. The patients’ teeth had darker and redder colors; reduced dentin hardness; decreased, disorganized, and scattered dentinal tubules and collagen fibers; and irregular dentinoenamel junction (DEJ), compared to controls. Lacunae‐like structures were present in DGI2.

Conclusions

We reported the novel causative mutation, c.758G > T (p.Gly253Val), in COL1A2 for OI type IV and DGI. The DGI dentin demonstrated inferior mechanical property and ultrastructure, suggesting severe disturbances of dentin formation. These could contribute to fragility and prone to infection of DGI teeth. This study expands phenotypic and genotypic spectra of COL1A2 mutations.
Isolation, not locality
Authors: Demarest Heather , Hicks Michael Townsen
Published: September 2020

There is a long tradition of preferring local theories to ones that posit lawful or causal influence at a spacetime distance. In this paper, we argue against this preference. We argue that nonlocality is scientifically unobjectionable and that nonlocal theories can be known. Scientists can gather evidence for them and confirm them in much the same way that they do for local theories. We think these observations point to a deeper constraint on scientific theorizing and experimentation: the (quasi‐) isolation of causal or lawful influence. We argue that this requirement ought to replace the locality desideratum in science. We then explore the possibility that the order of explanation has been reversed: perhaps it is isolatable influence that determines what counts as local in the first place.
Mental health symptoms, spiritual well‐being and meaning in life among older adults living in nursing homes and community dwellings
Authors: Aydın Adeviye , Işık Abdullah , Kahraman Nilgün
Published: September 2020

Background

Ageing is a process involving physical, social, psychological, spiritual and cultural changes. The elderly's personal characteristics may change, and the place where they live can lead to differences in their individual life expectations. Nursing home or community dwelling, where the elderly live can affect their psychological and spiritual well‐being and their search for meaning in life. This study aimed to determine mental health symptoms, spiritual well‐being and meaning in life among older adults living in nursing homes and community dwellings.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in three provinces of Turkey with the highest population of elderly people aged 60 and above. A total of 144 elderly people (71 living in nursing homes and 73 in community dwellings) participated in the study. The Descriptive Information Form, Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Spiritual Well‐Being Scale and Meaning in Life Questionnaire were used for data collection. For the statistical analysis, the Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U‐test and Spearman correlation analysis were applied.

Results

About 42.3% of the elderly living in nursing homes were aged 80 and above, while 61.6% of those living in community dwellings were in the age range of 60–69 years. The hostility score in the community‐dwelling elders was statistically higher than that of elders living in nursing homes. However, the harmony with nature score was lower in the community‐dwelling elders. Negative relationships were found between total spiritual well‐being and depression, anxiety, negative self and somatisation. Meanwhile, existing meaning in life found positive relationships among transcendence and harmony with nature.

Conclusions

The awareness of healthcare workers is very important in helping the elderly make sense of the changes they experience. Moreover these healthcare workers should undergo systematic training to help the elderly prepare for old age by making sense of preserving mental integrity and seeking meaning in their lives.
Intramammary antibiotics with complementary acupuncture decreases milk serum N‐acetyl‐beta‐D‐glucosaminidase concentrations in dairy cattle with subclinical mastitis
Authors: Ryan Elise Lauren , Klopfenstein Joseph J. , Kutzler Michelle Anne
Published: September 2020

The objective of this research is to determine whether intramammary antibiotics with complementary acupuncture can reduce bovine mammary inflammation due to subclinical mastitis. Lactating cows were selected based on milk with a somatic cell count (SCC) greater than 500,000 cells/ml. Pre‐ and post‐treatment milk samples were collected to determine SCC, aerobic bacterial content, milk ion conductivity, total protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and N‐acetyl‐beta‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAGase) concentrations. Milk serum was prepared from milk samples by double centrifugation. Concentrations of LDH and NAGase were determined using commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Cows being treated with intramammary antibiotics were separated by random assignment to the acupuncture group (n = 10) and a no‐acupuncture (control) group (n = 9). Both the acupuncture and control group were restrained for 30 min in a head catch 12 hr apart for a total of four times. For front quarters affected by subclinical mastitis, the acupuncture points used were spleen (SP) 12, SP 17, SP 18, SP 21, stomach (ST) 18 and conception vessel (CV) 12. For rear quarters affected by subclinical mastitis, the acupuncture points used were bladder (BL) 30, BL 30‐1, BL 49, kidney (KI) 10, conception vessel (CV) 2 and CV 3. All parameters were compared using a Student t test. Significance was defined as p < .05. Compared to control cows, complementary acupuncture treatment reduced NAGase enzymatic activity in quarters of cows with subclinical mastitis. The reduction in NAGase suggests that complementary acupuncture treatment may be associated with healing of the damaged mammary epithelial cells, which are the primary source of NAGase activity in milk serum.
How accurate is the assessment of certified nursing assistants on resident's oral self‐care function in three North Carolina assisted‐living facilities?
Authors: Chen Xi , D'Souza Violet , Comnick Carissa L , Xie Xianjin
Published: September 2020

Aims

To examine the association between the assessments of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) on resident's oral self‐care function and resident's oral hygiene outcomes in three North Carolina assisted‐living (AL) facilities.

Methods and results

Sixty‐five dentate AL residents were included in this secondary analysis. CNAs were asked to rate the AL residents’ overall oral self‐care function using a 6‐point Likert scale. Their assessments were then compared with the objective, performance‐based Dental Activities Test and the oral hygiene and gingival health measures. The analysis showed that nearly 90% of the participants presented with at least one untreated decayed or broken tooth. On average, nearly two‐thirds of the surfaces were covered by soft deposits (Debris Index = 1.83, SD = 0.60). Generalized mild to moderate inflammation (Gingival Index = 1.51, SD = 0.53) commonly presented on residents’ gingiva. CNAs were able to accurately identify the residents with substantial impairment in oral self‐care function, yet they tended to overestimate the oral self‐care function of residents with mild to moderate impairment. CNAs assessments were also not significantly correlated with residents’ oral hygiene measures.

Conclusion

CNAs failed to identify and provide assistance to AL residents with impaired oral self‐care function, contributing to poor oral oral hygiene in these vulnerable individuals.
Liver transplant evaluation for fulminant liver failure due to acute hepatitis A infection: Case series and literature review
Authors: Navarro Maria Eugenia D. , Yao Christine C. , Whiteley Adam , Movahedi Babak , Devuni Deepika , Barry Curtis , Zacharias Isabel , Theodoropoulos Nicole M. , Bozorgzadeh Adel , Martins Paulo N.
Published: September 2020

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver damage ranging from mild illness to fulminant hepatic failure, constituting 0.35% of all cases of fulminant liver failure. While rates of spontaneous remission are higher for hepatitis A, recent outbreaks attributable to vaccine shortages in highly populated urban cities plagued by insufficient affordable housing and inaccessible sanitation, and changes in the epidemiology of viral strains have resulted in increased hospitalizations and deaths. While the prognosis for patients with FHF has improved since the introduction of transplantation, the decision to transplant is often difficult to reach. We present five patients with HAV and subsequent FHF, one of whom successfully received a liver transplant. We have reviewed all published cases of HAV FHF in the literature and report ten patients, seven of whom received liver transplantation. There are few predictive models that attempt to distinguish between fulminant hepatitis A and spontaneous recovery. Patients found to have positive hepatitis A IgM, encephalopathy, worsening LFT’s and coagulation should be monitored closely and referred to transplant centers urgently for management.
Emergency paediatric blood transfusion practices in Mozambique
Authors: Reggiani Giulia , Muhelo Arlindo , Cavaliere Elena , Pizzol Damiano , Frigo Anna Chiara , Da Dalt Liviana
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To analyse adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) indications for transfusion requests and capacity to meet the demand in the paediatric emergency units of a tertiary hospital in Mozambique.

Background

Severe anaemia is a relevant paediatric problem in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Transfusion can be a life‐saving intervention, but in this setting, blood supply is often limited, and there is a high risk of transfusion‐related complications.

Methods/materials

Data were gathered from transfusion request forms (n = 3161) sent from the Pediatric Emergency Unit (n = 2319) and Neonatology (n = 842) to the blood bank of the Central Hospital of Beira for the years 2015 to 2016.

Results

We found that 22% of transfusion recipients had haemoglobin levels greater than WHO recommendations. For patients within the WHO guidelines, 3% were not given transfusions.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that there may be room for education on when transfusion should be given. By optimising the allocation of limited blood supply, all children with an effective indication for transfusion could probably receive it. This objective could be achieved through the implementation of national transfusion guidelines and health care provider training.
Provision of COVID‐19 Convalescent Plasma in a Resource‐Constrained State
Authors: Ipe Tina S. , Le Tuan , Quinn Brian , Kellar Stan , Clark Melisa , Carlisle Suzanna , Rassmann Anja , Hennigan Steve , Ridenour Terry , Roberts Anthony , Avery David , Ryan Stefanie , Pearson Shanna , Kothari Atul , Patil Naveen
Published: September 2020

Background

Arkansas is a rural state of 3 million people. It is ranked fifth for poverty nationally. The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in Arkansas occurred on 11 March 2020. Since then, approximately 8% of all Arkansans have tested positive. Given the resource limitations of Arkansas, COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) was explored as a potentially lifesaving, therapeutic option. Therefore, the Arkansas Initiative for Convalescent Plasma was developed to ensure that every Arkansan has access to this therapy.

Study Design and Method

This brief report describes the statewide collaborative response from hospitals, blood collectors, and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) to ensure that CCP was available in a resource‐limited state.

Results

Early contact tracing by ADH identified individuals who had come into contact with “patient zero” in early March. Within the first week, 32 patients tested positive for COVID‐19. The first set of CCP collections occurred on 9 April 2020. Donors had to be triaged carefully in the initial period, as many had recently resolved their symptoms. From our first collections, with appropriate resource and inventory management, we collected sufficient CCP to provide the requested number of units for every patient treated with CCP in Arkansas.

Conclusions

The Arkansas Initiative, a statewide effort to ensure CCP for every patient in a resource‐limited state, required careful coordination among key players. Collaboration and resource management was crucial to meet the demand of CCP products and potentially save lives.
In vivo imaging comparison of unilateral circular retinal plaques in retriever dogs to dysplasia and detachment in the English Springer Spaniel
Authors: Osinchuk Stephanie C. , Sandmeyer Lynne S. , Grahn Bruce H.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To compare the scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FA) findings in retrievers with a single unilateral circular retinal plaque to those of an English springer spaniel with bilateral retinal dysplasia.

Procedures

A retrospective record review identified three dogs with circular retinal plaques that underwent SLO and OCT; in two of the three dogs, FA was also completed. Morphologic changes, lesion measurements, and angiogram characteristics were documented. An English springer spaniel with bilateral retinal dysplasia that had undergone SLO, OCT, and FA was used for comparison.

Results

Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy of the retriever dogs revealed circular retinal plaques with a dark periphery located in the tapetal retina. OCT revealed a thickening of the nerve fiber layer corresponding to the circular pattern observed on SLO. Within the circular plaque, the retina was predominantly of normal architecture. FA revealed variable hypofluorescence of both the rim and the center of the circular lesion throughout the early angiogram phases. In the late recirculation phase, small multifocal areas of hyperfluorescence were observed. OCT of geographic retinal dysplasia in the English springer spaniel revealed disorganization of both inner and outer retinal layers, and retinal detachment.

Conclusions

Circular plaques observed in the tapetal retina are predominantly formed by a thickening of inner retina, while retinal dysplasia has disorganization of both inner and outer retinal layers. Further etiologic research is needed, including pedigree mapping to determine whether retinal plaques are an acquired or inherited condition.
Pengguna Dadah Wanita di Malaysia: Pengalaman Penagihan dan Hubungan Kekeluargaan
Authors: Ibrahim Fauziah , Zakaria Ezarina , Nen Salina , Sarnon Norulhuda , Saim Nor Jana
Published: September 2020

Women involvement in drug abuse has adverse impacts not only to the nation but also impose great challenges to achieve stable family structures. Therefore, this article aims to explore the experiences of women drug user in Malaysia with reference to their drug abuse activity and identify the level of family relationship they possess. This research used quantitative method and cross-sectional survey. A total of 120 women at the Center of Drugs Recovery and Narcotic Rehabilitation (PUSPEN), Bachok, Kelantan were chosen using stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The results of the study showed that 39.5 percent of women inmates started getting involved in drug activities at the age of 15-20 years, 79 percent had been arrested for the first time to undergo a rehabilitation process, majority of them (54.6 percent) reported to use drugs on regular basis and more than half of the respondents (63 percent) admitted that they obtained drugs supplies from drug dealers. Analysis of drug using pattern reveals that syabu (75.6 percent) and heroin (61.3 percent) are the most popular drugs used by the inmates. Finding also showed that majority (60.5 percent) of drug inmates engaged in moderate level of family relationship. Findings from this research yielded wide implications to improve drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation programs in an institution, particularly among women drug users in Malaysia
Respiratory cerebrospinal fluid flow is driven by the thoracic and lumbar spinal pressures
Authors: Lloyd Robert A. , Butler Jane E. , Gandevia Simon C. , Ball Iain K. , Toson Barbara , Stoodley Marcus A. , Bilston Lynne E.
Published: September 2020

Key points

Respiration plays a key role in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the central nervous system.

During inspiration increased venous return from the cranium is believed to draw CSF rostrally. However, this mechanism does not explain why CSF has also been observed to move caudally during inspiration.

We show that during inspiration decreased intrathoracic pressure draws venous blood from the cranium and lumbar spine towards the thorax. We also show that the abdominal pressure was associated with rostral CSF displacement. However, a caudal shift of cervical CSF was seen with low abdominal pressure and comparably negative intrathoracic pressures.

These results suggest that the effects of epidural blood flow within the spinal canal need to be considered, as well as the cranial blood volume balance, to understand respiratory‐related CSF flow. These results may prove useful for the treatment of CSF obstructive pathology and understanding the behaviour of intrathecal drug injections.

It is accepted that during inspiration, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows rostrally to compensate for decreased cranial blood volume, caused by venous drainage due to negative intrathoracic pressure. However, this mechanism does not explain observations of caudal CSF displacement during inspiration. Determining the drivers of respiratory CSF flow is crucial for understanding the pathophysiology of CSF flow disorders. To quantify the influence of respiration on CSF flow, real‐time phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to record CSF and blood flow, while healthy subjects (5:5 M:F, 25–50 years) performed either a brief expiratory or inspiratory effort between breaths. Transverse images were taken perpendicular to the spinal canal in the middle of the C3 and L2 vertebrae. The same manoeuvres were then performed after a nasogastric pressure catheter was used to measure the intrathoracic and abdominal pressures. During expiratory‐type manoeuvres that elevated abdominal and intrathoracic pressures, epidural blood flow into the spinal canal increased and CSF was displaced rostrally. With inspiratory manoeuvres, the negative intrathoracic pressure drew venous blood from C3 and L2 towards the thoracic spinal canal, and cervical CSF was displaced both rostrally and caudally, despite the increased venous drainage. Regression analysis showed that rostral displacement of CSF at both C3 (adjusted R2 = 0.53; P < 0.001) and L2 (adjusted R2 = 0.38; P < 0.001) were associated with the abdominal pressure. However, with low abdominal pressure and comparably negative intrathoracic pressure, cervical CSF flowed caudally. These findings suggest that changes in both the cranial and spinal pressures need to be considered to understand respiratory CSF flow.
Microbial metabolite protects against infection
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: September 2020

Commensal-derived
d
-lactate promotes pathogen capture and clearance by Kupffer cells in the liver.
Genetic Control of Neonatal Immune Tolerance to an Exogenous Retrovirus
Authors: Cullum Emily , Dikiy Stanislav , Beilinson Helen A. , Kane Melissa , Veinbachs Alessandra , Beilinson Vera M. , Denzin Lisa K. , Chervonsky Alexander , Golovkina Tatyana
Published: September 2020

This work describes a previously unknown genetic mechanism that allows neonates to respond to infections as efficiently as adults.
Supplemental Material: Climate of the Last Glacial Maximum on the western Olympic Peninsula based on insect paleoecology
Authors: Ashworth Allan , al. et
Published: September 2020

Age-depth model data, images of fossil insect and plant macroscopic remains, lists of skeletal elements for fossil insects, and locality and derived climate data for Olophrum boreale and Olophrum consimile
Analytic torsions associated with the Rumin complex on contact spheres
Authors: Kitaoka Akira
Published: September 2020

We explicitly write down all eigenvalues of the Rumin Laplacian on the standard contact spheres, and express the analytic torsion functions associated with the Rumin complex in terms of the Riemann zeta function. In particular, we find that the functions vanish at the origin and determine the analytic torsions.
Generalized torsion elements and hyperbolic links
Authors: Teragaito Masakazu
Published: September 2020

In a group, a generalized torsion element is a non-identity element whose some non-empty finite product of its conjugates yields the identity. Such an element is an obstruction for a group to be bi-orderable. We show that the Weeks manifold, the figure-eight sister manifold, and the complement of Whitehead sister link admit generalized torsion elements in their fundamental groups. In particular, the Whitehead sister link, which is the pretzel link of type [Formula: see text], can be generalized to hyperbolic pretzel links of type [Formula: see text]. These give the first examples of hyperbolic links whose link groups admit generalized torsion elements.
Analysis of Factors Affecting the Accuracy of Moving Force Identification
Authors: Chen Zhen , Deng Lu , Kong Xuan
Published: September 2020

In this study, the influence of the static component in the total force and the effective frequency bandwidth on the accuracy of force identification has been investigated. The acceleration and bending moment responses at different locations of a simply supported beam under different moving forces are numerically measured. The fast Fourier transformation is also introduced to analyze the frequency-domain component of the dynamic responses of the beam. Simulation results show that the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle, such as the frequency of dynamic vehicle load, have significant effect on the proportion of static component in the total vehicle load; the higher the proportion of static component in the total force, the higher the identification accuracy. In addition, the wider the effective frequency bandwidth, the higher the identification accuracy. The numerical results also show that both the proportion of static component in the total force and the effective frequency bandwidth vary with the type and location of measurement. To more accurately identify the moving force, it is necessary to analyze first the static component and frequency characteristics of the measured responses and to select appropriate type and location of measurement.
Dynamical Complexity of FHN Neuron System Driven by Correlated Noises and Periodic Signal
Authors: Guo Yongfeng , Dong Qiang , Wang Linjie , Lou Xiaojuan
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the dynamical complexity of FHN neuron system under the co-excitation of correlated noises and periodic signals is studied by means of information theory measures. Based on the definition of statistical complexity and normalized Shannon entropy, as well as the Bandt–Pompe algorithm, the total statistical complexity and the total normalized Shannon entropy of the FHN neuron system are calculated. Because the potential function of the system is asymmetric, we also calculate the statistical complexity and the normalized Shannon entropy in two different potential wells respectively. Moreover, the effects of additive noise intensity, multiplicative noise intensity, noise correlation time, cross-correlation strength and amplitude on dynamical complexity are analyzed.
Bivariate continuous q-Hermite polynomials and deformed quantum Serre relations
Authors: Riley Casper W. , Kolb Stefan , Yakimov Milen
Published: September 2020

To Nicolás Andruskiewitsch on his 60th birthday, with admiration

We introduce bivariate versions of the continuous [Formula: see text]-Hermite polynomials. We obtain algebraic properties for them (generating function, explicit expressions in terms of the univariate ones, backward difference equations and recurrence relations) and analytic properties (determining the orthogonality measure). We find a direct link between bivariate continuous [Formula: see text]-Hermite polynomials and the star product method of [S. Kolb and M. Yakimov, Symmetric pairs for Nichols algebras of diagonal type via star products, Adv. Math. 365 (2020), Article ID: 107042, 69 pp.] for quantum symmetric pairs to establish deformed quantum Serre relations for quasi-split quantum symmetric pairs of Kac–Moody type. We prove that these defining relations are obtained from the usual quantum Serre relations by replacing all monomials by multivariate orthogonal polynomials.
Unitary units of the group algebra of modular groups
Authors: Balogh Zsolt Adam
Published: September 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be the group algebra of the modular group [Formula: see text] over a finite field [Formula: see text] of characteristic two. We calculate the order of the ∗-unitary subgroup of the group algebra [Formula: see text] and describe the structure of the ∗-unitary subgroup in the case when [Formula: see text].
Estimations of the Spatial Distributions of Probabilities of the Occurrence of Destructive Earthquakes in the Sichuan Area Based on the Markov Chain–Linear Kriging Coupling Model
Authors: Yuan Xue , Dan Hu , Bin Liu , Ling Zeng , Yuan Liang
Published: September 2020

An earthquake is one of the most serious natural disasters to human beings. The damage from destructive earthquakes is enormous, and the predictions and estimations of earthquakes are urgent challenges in global science fields. In view of the shortcomings of the Markov chain model and the kriging methods in the estimation of the probabilities of the occurrence of earthquakes, the Markov chain–linear kriging coupling model has been established. The model has been applied to estimate the spatial distribution of probabilities of the occurrence of destructive earthquakes of Ms4.5 and Ms6.0 and above in the Sichuan area. According to the estimations of this model, the maximum probabilities of the occurrence of earthquakes of Ms4.5 and Ms6.0 and above in the Changning area of Yibin are 9.59% and 0.46%, respectively, which are close to the frequencies of occurrences of earthquakes of corresponding magnitude in the series of earthquakes that occurred in June 2019 in the region. The validation indicates that the average standard errors of this model for estimating the probabilities of the occurrence of earthquakes of Ms4.5 and Ms6.0 and above are 4.96% and 0.81%, respectively, which are lower than the probability kriging, and the estimation of this model highlighted the high value region of the probabilities.
Heterogeneous Educational Data Classification at the Course Level
Authors: Phuc Nguyen Hua Gia , Chau Vo Thi Ngoc
Published: September 2020

Nowadays, teaching and learning activities in a course are greatly supported by information technologies. Forums are among information technologies utilized in a course to encourage students to communicate with lecturers more outside a traditional class. Free-styled textual posts in those communications express the problems that the students are facing as well as the interest and activeness of the students with respect to each topic of a course. Exploiting such textual data in a course forum for course-level student prediction is considered in our work. Due to hierarchical structures in course forum texts, we propose a solution in this paper which combines a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) and a loss function to extract the features from textual data in such a manner that more correct recognitions of instances of the minority class which includes students with failure can be supported. In addition, other numeric data are examined and used for the task so that all the students with and without posts can be predicted in the task. Therefore, our work is the first one that defines and solves this prediction task with heterogeneous educational data at the course level as compared to the existing works. In the proposed solution, Random Forests are suggested as an effective ensemble model suitable for our heterogeneous data when many single prediction models which are random trees can be built for many various subspaces with different random features in a supervised learning process. Experimental results in an empirical evaluation on two real datasets show that a heterogeneous combination of textual and numeric data with a Random Forest model can enhance the effectiveness of our solution to the task. The best accuracy and [Formula: see text]-measure values can be obtained for early predictions of the students with either success or failure. Such better predictions can help both students and lecturers beware of students’ study and support them in time for ultimate success in a course.
Chasing the 400 kyr pacing of deep-marine sandy submarine fans: Middle Eocene Aínsa Basin, Spanish Pyrenees
Authors: Cantalejo Blanca , Pickering Kevin T. , Miller Ken G. , Niocaill Conall Mac
Published: September 2020

In an attempt to understand the relative importance of climate and tectonics in modulating coarse-grained sediment flux to a tectonically active basin during what many researchers believe to be a greenhouse period, we have studied the Middle Eocene deep-marine Aínsa Basin, Spanish Pyrenees. We use orbital tuning of many spectral gamma-ray-logged fine-grained siliciclastic sections, already shown to contain Milankovitch frequencies, in conjunction with a new high-resolution palaeomagnetic study through the basin sediments, to identify polarity reversals in the basin as anchor points to allow the conversion of a depth-stratigraphy to a chronostratigraphy. We use these data, in conjunction with a new age model incorporating new biostratigraphic data, to pace the development of the deep-marine sandy submarine fans over
c
. 8 million years. Timing for the sandy submarine fans shows that, unlike for the fine-grained interfan sediments, coarse-grained delivery to the basin was more complex. Approximately 72% of the sandy fans are potentially coincident with the long-eccentricity (400 kyr) minima and, therefore, potentially recording changing climate. The stratigraphic position of some sandy fans is at variance with this, specifically those that likely coincide with a period of known increased tectonic activity within the Aínsa Basin, which we propose represents the time when the basin was converted into a thrust-top basin (Gavarnie thrust sheet), presumably associated with rapid uplift and redeposition of coarse clastics into deep-marine environments. We also identify sub-Milankovitch climate signals such as the
c
. 41.5 Ma Late Lutetian Thermal Maximum. This study demonstrates the complex nature of drivers on deep-marine sandy fans in a tectonically active basin over
c
. 8 Myr. Findings of this study suggest that, even during greenhouse periods, sandy submarine fans are more likely linked with times of eccentricity minima and climate change, broadly consistent with the concept of lowstand fans. However, hysteresis effects in orogenic processes of mountain uplift, erosion and delivery of coarse siliciclastics via fluvial systems to coastal (deltaic) and shallow-marine environments likely contributed to the complex signals that we recognize, including the 2–3 Myr time gap between the onset of deep-marine fine-grained sediments in the early development of the Aínsa Basin and the arrival of the first sandy fans.

Supplementary Materials
: Filtered records for each of the analysed gamma-ray logged sections. Anchor points, SARs tables and graphs and alternative tuning sections are available at:
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5132975
Influence Maximization
Authors: Guo Jianxiong , Wu Weili
Published: September 2020

Influence maximization problem attempts to find a small subset of nodes in a social network that makes the expected influence maximized, which has been researched intensively before. Most of the existing literature focus only on maximizing total influence, but it ignores whether the influential distribution is balanced through the network. Even though the total influence is maximized, but gathered in a certain area of social network. Sometimes, this is not advisable. In this article, we propose a novel seeding strategy based on community structure, and formulate the Influence Maximization with Community Budget (IMCB) problem. In this problem, the number of seed nodes in each community is under the cardinality constraint, which can be classified as the problem of monotone submodular maximization under the matroid constraint. To give a satisfactory solution for IMCB problem under the triggering model, we propose the IMCB-Framework, which is inspired by the idea of continuous greedy process and pipage rounding, and derive the best approximation ratio for this problem. In IMCB-Framework, we adopt sampling techniques to overcome the high complexity of continuous greedy. Then, we propose a simplified pipage rounding algorithm, which reduces the complexity of IMCB-Framework further. Finally, we conduct experiments on three real-world datasets to evaluate the correctness and effectiveness of our proposed algorithms, as well as the advantage of IMCB-Framework against classical greedy method.
Checkpoints in searching for rational solutions of linear ordinary difference and differential systems
Authors: Abramov Sergei A. , Khmelnov Denis E. , Ryabenko Anna A.
Published: September 2020

It is quite common that search algorithms for those solutions of difference and differential equations and systems that belong to a fixed class of functions are designed so that nonexistence of solutions of the desired type is detected only in the last stages of the algorithm. However, performing additional tests on the intermediate results makes it possible to stop the algorithm as soon as these tests imply that no solutions of the desired type exist. This gives an opportunity to save time and other computing resources. So, it makes sense to equip algorithms with checkpoints and some tests. We consider these questions in connection with the search for rational solutions of linear homogeneous difference and differential systems with polynomial coefficients, and propose a scheme equipped with such checkpoints and tests, and also report results of experiments with our implementation of the scheme in Maple.
The Sage package comb_walks for walks in the quarter plane
Authors: Jiménez-Pastor Antonio , Bostan Alin , Chyzak Frédéric , Lairez Pierre
Published: September 2020

We present in this extended abstract a new software designed to work with generating functions that count walks in the quarter plane. With this software we offer a cohesive package that brings together all the required procedures for manipulating these generating functions, as well as a unified interface to deal with them. We also display results that this package offers on a public webpage.
Review of Elements of Parallel Computing
Authors: Amoretti Michele
Published: September 2020

As the title clearly states, this book is about parallel computing. Modern computers are no longer characterized by a single, fully sequential CPU. Instead, they have one or more multicore/manycore processors. The purpose of such parallel architectures is to enable the simultaneous execution of instructions, in order to achieve faster computations. In high performance computing, clusters of parallel processors are used to achieve PFLOPS performance, which is necessary for scientific and Big Data applications.

Mastering parallel computing means having deep knowledge of parallel architectures, parallel programming models, parallel algorithms, parallel design patterns, and performance analysis and optimization techniques. The design of parallel programs requires a lot of creativity, because there is no universal recipe that allows one to achieve the best possible efficiency for any problem.

The book presents the fundamental concepts of parallel computing from the point of view of the algorithmic and implementation patterns. The idea is that, while the hardware keeps changing, the same principles of parallel computing are reused. The book surveys some key algorithmic structures and programming models, together with an abstract representation of the underlying hardware. Parallel programming patterns are purposely not illustrated using the formal design patterns approach, to keep an informal and friendly presentation that is suited to novices.
Open Problems Column
Authors: Gasarch William
Published: September 2020

This issue's Open Problem Column is by Scott Aaronson and is on The Busy Beaver Frontier.