bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standardized Brain MRI Acquisition Protocols Improve Statistical Power in Multicenter Quantitative Morphometry Studies
Authors: George Allan , Kuzniecky Ruben , Rusinek Henry , Pardoe Heath R. ,   for the Human Epilepsy Project Investigators
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In this study, we used power analysis to calculate required sample sizes to detect group‐level changes in quantitative neuroanatomical estimates derived from MRI scans obtained from multiple imaging centers. Sample size estimates were derived from (i) standardized 3T image acquisition protocols and (ii) nonstandardized clinically acquired images obtained at both 1.5 and 3T as part of the multicenter Human Epilepsy Project. Sample size estimates were compared to assess the benefit of standardizing acquisition protocols.

METHODS

Cortical thickness, hippocampal volume, and whole brain volume were estimated from whole brain T1‐weighted MRI scans processed using Freesurfer v6.0. Sample sizes required to detect a range of effect sizes were calculated using (i) standard t‐test based power analysis methods and (ii) a nonparametric bootstrap approach.

RESULTS

A total of 32 participants were included in our analyses, aged 29.9 ± 12.62 years. Standard deviation estimates were lower for all quantitative neuroanatomical metrics when assessed using standardized protocols. Required sample sizes per group to detect a given effect size were markedly reduced when using standardized protocols, particularly for cortical thickness changes <.2 mm and hippocampal volume changes <10%.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of standardized protocols yielded up to a five‐fold reduction in required sample sizes to detect disease‐related neuroanatomical changes, and is particularly beneficial for detecting subtle effects. Standardizing image acquisition protocols across scanners prior to commencing a study is a valuable approach to increase the statistical power of multicenter MRI studies.
Effect of pond‐ or strip‐spawning on growth and carcass yield of channel catfish progeny, Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Bosworth Brian , Waldbieser Geoff , Garcia Andre , Lourenco Daniela
Published: October 2019

Accurate, unbiased phenotypic performance of progeny is critical for the development of fish‐breeding programs, and identification of possible environmental factors affecting phenotypes is an important aspect of genetic analysis. Catfish progeny can be produced by either natural pond‐spawning or hormone‐induced strip‐spawning. We determined the effects of pond‐spawning versus strip‐spawning on fingerling weight, harvest weight, and carcass yield of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, progeny. Progeny from 65 pond‐spawned full‐sib families and 29 strip‐spawned full‐sib families were reared in separate family tanks, then tagged as fingerlings, and then stocked communally in earthen ponds and harvested at ~17 months posthatch. A sample of fish from each full‐sib family was measured for carcass yield. Fingerling weight was not affected by sex or spawning type. Harvest weight was higher for males than for females and higher for pond‐spawned fish than for strip‐spawned fish. Carcass yield was higher for females than for males and higher for pond‐spawned fish than for strip‐spawned fish. Results indicate that strip‐spawning had substantial negative effects on progeny harvest weight and carcass yield. Accounting for the effect of strip‐spawning in breeding programs and the potential effects of strip‐spawning on commercial catfish production should be determined.
The Widmanstätten pattern
Authors: Tatum Jeremy B.
Published: October 2019

A table is provided to determine the angles within the Widmanstätten pattern as a function of orientation of the slice, and methods are provided to solve the inverse problem, namely to determine the orientation of the slice from measurements of the Widmanstätten pattern.
Darwin’s second ‘abominable mystery’: trait flexibility as the innovation leading to angiosperm diversity
Authors: Onstein Renske E.
Published: October 2019

The fact that angiosperms are so species‐rich and ecologically diverse – Darwin’s second abominable mystery – could be explained by their ability to ‘reinvent’ themselves by evolving functional traits repeatedly over time, space and taxonomic clades. These trait innovations may facilitate adaptation and increase diversification rates. In this article, I quantify this ‘trait flexibility’ by reviewing the literature on trait transition rates and trait‐dependent diversification rates in angiosperms and their extant sister clade, acrogymnosperms. I show that angiosperms indeed evolved elevated trait transition and trait‐dependent diversification rates compared to gymnosperms, and rates are highest within species‐rich angiosperm orders (e.g. Fabales, Lamiales). The (genetic) ability of certain angiosperm lineages to repeatedly evolve adaptive traits may have facilitated sustained high net diversification resulting from numerous episodic radiations.
Functional analysis of hisJ in Aeromonas veronii reveals a key role in virulence
Authors: Zhang Hai‐peng , Kang Yuan‐huan , Kong Ling‐cong , Ju An‐qi , Wang Yi‐ming , Muhammad Inam , Zhang Dong‐xing , Qian Ai‐dong , Shan Xiao‐feng , Ma Hong‐xia
Published: October 2019

Aeromonas veronii is an important aquatic zoonotic pathogen in humans and animals. In recent years, extracellular proteins from bacteria have been found to be the major pathogenic factors for aquatic animals. The aim of this study was to systematically analyze the extracellular proteins of nine sources of A. veronii and the effects of hisJ on virulence. We screened only the common proteins from nine different sources of A. veronii by liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry and identified the gene hisJ. We then constructed ΔhisJ (deleted) and C‐hisJ (complemented) variants of A. veronii TH0426 to assess the biological function of hisJ. While the ΔhisJ strain did not show altered growth (P > 0.05), we observed that it had reduced colony formation and biofilm formation and reduced adhesion to and invasion of epithelioma papulosum cyprini cells by 2.0‐, 1.9‐, and 10.8‐fold, respectively. Additionally, infection experiments on zebrafish and mouse infection experiments showed that the virulence of the ΔhisJ strain was decreased by 865‐fold (P < 0.001) compared with the wild‐type strain; virulence of the complemented C‐hisJ strain was reduced only 2.8‐fold. Furthermore, in the context of hisJ deletion, flagella of A. veronii TH0426 were easily detached and the expression of virulence genes was downregulated. A persistence test (of bacterial colonies in crucian carp) showed that the number of bacteria in the immune organs of the ΔhisJ‐infected group was lower than that in the wild‐type–infected group. Overall, these results show that hisJ affects flagellar shedding, virulence, biofilm formation, adhesion, and invasion of A. veronii TH0426, and that hisJ is closely associated with virulence and plays a crucial role in its pathogenicity of A. veronii TH0426.
Relationships between Morphological Changes of Lower Limbs and Gender During Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lu Yang , Zheng Zhan‐le , Lv Ji , Hao Rui‐zheng , Yang Yi‐ping , Zhang Ying‐ze
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the dynamic changes of key morphology indicators of the lower extremities in the coronal plane with progressing medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with an emphasis on gender‐dependent regional differences.

Methods

The radiographs of patients with non‐traumatic knee pain and varying degrees of genu varus were reviewed. Radiographs were studied in 1538 lower limbs of 883 consecutive patients who visited our hospital from January to July 2017; all patients had long‐standing anteroposterior image‐splicing radiographs taken of their lower limbs. Morphological indicators of bones and joints that can change the alignment of lower limbs or reflect cartilage wear and soft‐tissue relaxation were selected and measured with the help of picture archiving and communication systems. After comparing the data of different genders, the data of males and females was separated into three age groups, <40 years, 40–60 years, >60 years respectively, and then compared among age groups using the Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Scatterplots of age and all the measurements were drawn to determine the strength of the relations. The Pearson correlation test was performed to reveal correlations of measurements and age.

Results

Femoral bowing angle (FBA) and joint line convergence angle (JLCA) have obvious differences between different genders (P = 0.001, 0.000, respectively). This suggests that females have greater femoral curvature and joint space angle than males. Significant differences were found in hip‐knee‐ankle angle (HKA), FBA, distal femoral valgus resection angle (DFVRA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), JLCA, and minimum joint space width (min‐JSW) by age groups in females (P = 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.003, 0.002, respectively). The difference of mechanical medial distal femoral angle (mMDFA) was significant with P values less than 0.05 deemed significant (P = 0.030). Significant correlations were found between age and all measurements (r = −0.166, 0.253, 0.270, −0.147, 0.089, −0.105, −0.076, respectively, P < 0.01). Whereas, the difference in min‐JSW by age group was the only significant one in males (P = 0.001), and no significant correlation was found between age and measurements (r = −0.107, 0.041, 0.134, −0.067, 0.079, −0.134, −0.098, respectively, P > 0.01).

Conclusions

As KOA progressed, both dynamic deformation of lower extremities and degeneration of articular cartilage could be found in females, while no obvious dynamic deformations were found in males. Dynamic deformation of lower extremities was the important feature and the major causative factor of KOA in females.
Genomic analysis reveals low tumor mutation burden which may be associated with GNAQ/11 alteration in a series of primary leptomeningeal melanomas
Authors: Fortin Ensign Shannon , Bollin Kathryn , Millis Sherri Z. , Hinds Brian R. , Kosty Michael , Uchiyama Christopher
Published: October 2019

Primary central nervous system melanoma is rare and characterized by a variable prognosis, and no current treatment guidelines exist. We describe the clinical course of a 70‐year‐old female patient diagnosed with primary leptomeningeal melanoma (LMN) whose case represents the diagnostic and management challenges of this tumor. Targeted genomic sequencing of 315 genes from this tumor revealed GNAQ Q209L mutation and low (4 mutations/Megabase) tumor mutation burden (TMB). Wild‐type NRAS, KIT, and BRAF were also observed. A cohort of 4,787 melanomas was subsequently analyzed to identify additional primary central nervous system melanomas, of which 10 additional tumors met pathologic criteria (0.21% of total melanoma cohort). These tumors were genomically assessed according to the same targeted sequencing panel, and 6 of the tumors were also found to harbor a GNAQ mutation. All 10 tumors had low (less than or equal to 2 mutations/Megabase) TMB indicating a potential trend between G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) alterations and low TMB in LMNs. GPCR alterations were found to significantly correlate with TMB across the cohort of 4,787 melanomas, supporting this potential finding in the limited LMN subset.
Yoga therapy as an adjunct to traditional tooth brushing training methods in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ramassamy Eswari , Gajula Shivashankarappa Prathima , Adimoulame Sanguida , Meena Ramanathan , Elangovan Harikrishnan , Govindasamy Ezhumalai
Published: October 2019

Aim

To evaluate if yoga could be an adjunct to regular training methods in training brushing skill to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods

Seventy‐two children with ASD aged 7‐15 years were selected and divided into two groups (N = 36). Children in Group I received visual pedagogy and video modeling and children in Group II received visual pedagogy and video modeling with yoga. Plaque and gingival indices (PI and GI) were recorded at baseline and at the end of first, second, third, and sixth month. The scores were summarized as mean and standard deviation and inter‐group comparison was done using independent t‐test.

Results

Inter‐group comparison of mean plaque and gingival indices scores were statistically significant at second month (P = .039 for PI and P = .009 for GI). The scores were statistically significant even at third month (P = .001 for PI and P = .002 for GI) and sixth month (P = .001 PI and GI), with children in Group II demonstrating better oral hygiene.

Conclusion

Yoga training can be used as an adjunct to enhance tooth brushing learning capabilities of children with ASD in addition to visual modeling and pedagogy.
Multiple‐output quantile regression through optimal quantization
Authors: Charlier Isabelle , Paindaveine Davy , Saracco Jérôme
Published: October 2019

A new nonparametric quantile regression method based on the concept of optimal quantization was developed recently and was showed to provide estimators that often dominate their classical, kernel‐type, competitors. In the present work, we extend this method to multiple‐output regression problems. We show how quantization allows approximating population multiple‐output regression quantiles based on halfspace depth. We prove that this approximation becomes arbitrarily accurate as the size of the quantization grid goes to infinity. We also derive a weak consistency result for a sample version of the proposed regression quantiles. Through simulations, we compare the performances of our estimators with (local constant and local bilinear) kernel competitors. The results reveal that the proposed quantization‐based estimators, which are local constant in nature, outperform their kernel counterparts and even often dominate their local bilinear kernel competitors. The various approaches are also compared on artificial and real data.
Mutations in the miR396 binding site of the growth‐regulating factor gene VvGRF4 modulate inflorescence architecture in grapevine
Authors: Rossmann Susanne , Richter Robert , Sun Hequan , Schneeberger Korbinian , Töpfer Reinhard , Zyprian Eva , Theres Klaus
Published: October 2019

Bunch rot caused by Botrytis cinerea infections is a notorious problem in grapevine cultivation. To produce high quality fruits, grapevine plants are treated with fungicides, which is cost intensive and harmful to the environment. Conversely, loose cluster bunches show a considerably enhanced physical resilience to bunch diseases. With the aim to identify genetic determinants that modulate the development of bunch architecture, we have compared loose and compact 'Pinot noir' clones. Loose cluster architecture was found to be correlated with increased berry size, elongated rachis and elongated pedicels. Using transcriptome analysis in combination with whole genome sequencing, we have identified a growth‐regulating factor gene, VvGRF4, upregulated and harbours heterozygous mutations in the loose cluster clones. At late stages of inflorescence development, the mRNA pools of loose cluster clones contain predominantly mRNAs derived from the mutated alleles, which are resistant to miR396 degradation. Expression of the VvGRF4 gene and its mutated variants in Arabidopsis demonstrates that it promotes pedicel elongation. Taken together, VvGRF4 modulates bunch architecture in grapevine 'Pinot noir' clones. This trait can be introduced into other cultivars using marker‐assisted breeding or CRISPR‐Cas9 technology. Related growth‐regulating factors or other genes of the same pathway may have similar functions.
Plasma membrane integrity and oxidative stress index outcomes of canine progenitor epidermal keratinocytes (CPEKs) exposed to virgin coconut oil (VCO)
Authors: Boyd Megan , Morris Jordan M. , Santoro Domenico
Published: October 2019

Background

There is a rapidly growing market for topical use of virgin coconut oil (VCO). Studies of topical use in dogs are lacking.

Hypothesis/Objective

The objective of this study was to measure the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, a plasma membrane disruption marker) and production of nitrite (Griess reaction, an oxidative stress marker) from a canine keratinocyte cell line after exposure to VCO as an initial toxicity screening to suggest future studies.

Methods and materials

Canine progenitor epidermal keratinocytes (CPEKs) were plated onto permeable transwell membranes and cultured with undiluted organic VCO or control media. Following a 24 h incubation, an LDH assay and a Griess reaction were performed on the collected subnatants.

Results

Exposure of CPEKs to VCO significantly increased LDH release compared to controls, 62.29 ± 16.32% versus 8.88 ± 5.82% (P = 0.0056) and there was no significant difference in production of nitrite compared to controls, 2.47 ± 1.56 μmol/L versus 1.42 ± 0.95 μmol/L (P = 0.086).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Based on this study VCO induced an increased disruption of plasma membrane integrity, as measured by LDH. However, VCO did not induce increased oxidative stress, as measured by nitrite production. Based on these preliminary data, further studies to assess the toxicity of VCO are needed.
ERGONOMIC POSTURE ASSESSMENT OF BUTCHERS: A SMALL ENTERPRISE STUDY IN MALAYSIA FOOD INDUSTRY
Authors: Mahmood Salwa , Hardan Muhammad Nazreen , Samat Muhammad Khairul , Jiran Nur Syamimi , Shaari Muhammad Farid
Published: October 2019

The development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is crucial for improving the economy of a rural area. However, this can cause working posture problems, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). This is especially true for butchers, who work in SMEs that still depend on manual handling processes without standard operating procedures. Posture analysis evaluations using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) tools have been used to analyse the working postures of butchers working in SMEs. The aim of this study was to identify butchers’ risks of working posture problems, and to propose an ergonomic workstation designed to reduce MSDs and CTDs. This study was focused on smoked meat preparation. The butchers there spend 5–8 hours a day cutting and trimming meat. The assessment was conducted using RULA and REBA worksheets. The RULA score for the meat trimming process was 7, with a score of 6 for the meat cutting process. As for REBA, the score was 5 for both the meat trimming and meat cutting processes. Based on these scores, the butchers were at higher risks for MSDs and CTDs. Therefore, a new ergonomic workstation design was proposed based on the principles of motion economy.
On Selberg’s eigenvalue conjecture for moduli spaces of abelian differentials
Authors: Magee Michael
Published: October 2019

J.-C. Yoccoz proposed a natural extension of Selberg’s eigenvalue conjecture to moduli spaces of abelian differentials. We prove an approximation to this conjecture. This gives a qualitative generalization of Selberg’s $\frac{3}{16}$ theorem to moduli spaces of abelian differentials on surfaces of genus ${\geqslant}2$.
Performance Analysis of Photovoltaic-Heat Pump (PV/T) Combined Systems: A Comparative Numerical Study
Authors: Ozakin Ahmet Numan , Yakut Kenan , Khalaji Mansour Nasiri
Published: October 2019

In this study, the performance of the combined system of photovoltaic-heat pump (PV/T) and effects of a newly designed evaporator on the performance of the combined system were numerically investigated. The coefficient of performance (COP) value of the heat pump and electrical efficiency of the photovoltaic system were determined considering the studies carried out at the same resource temperature. ansys Fluent software was used in the numerical analysis. According to the results, the electrical efficiency increased as expected. The maximum electrical efficiency obtained for photovoltaic system was 2.5% higher than those without cooling systems and the COP of the heat pump system was determined to be 4.75 at its maximum. The maximum exergetic efficiency of the combined system was calculated to be 55.5% at 6 m/s of refrigerant velocity.
Selective YAP/TAZ inhibition in fibroblasts via dopamine receptor D1 agonism reverses fibrosis
Authors: Haak Andrew J. , Kostallari Enis , Sicard Delphine , Ligresti Giovanni , Choi Kyoung Moo , Caporarello Nunzia , Jones Dakota L. , Tan Qi , Meridew Jeffrey , Diaz Espinosa Ana M. , Aravamudhan Aja , Maiers Jessica L. , Britt Rodney D. , Roden Anja C. , Pabelick Christina M. , Prakash Y. S. , Nouraie Seyed Mehdi , Li Xiaoyun , Zhang Yingze , Kass Daniel J. , Lagares David , Tager Andrew M. , Varelas Xaralabos , Shah Vijay H. , Tschumperlin Daniel J.
Published: October 2019

Pharmacologic stimulation of a G protein–coupled receptor preferentially expressed on fibroblasts reverses experimental lung and liver fibrosis.
Comparative Investigation into Formycin A and Pyrazofurin A Biosynthesis Reveals Branch Pathways for the Construction of
C
-Nucleoside Scaffolds
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Peichao , Xu Gudan , Zhou Wenting , Gao Yaojie , Gong Rong , Cai You-Sheng , Cong Hengjiang , Deng Zixin , Price Neil P. J. , Mao Xiangzhao , Chen Wenqing
Published: October 2019

FOR-A and PRF-A are
C
-nucleoside antibiotics known for their unusual chemical structures and remarkable biological activities. Deciphering the enzymatic mechanism for the construction of a
C
-nucleoside scaffold during FOR-A/PRF-A biosynthesis will not only expand the biochemical repertoire for novel enzymatic reactions but also permit target-oriented genome mining of FOR-A/PRF-A-related
C
-nucleoside antibiotics. Moreover, the availability of FOR-A/PRF-A biosynthetic gene clusters will pave the way for the rational generation of designer FOR-A/PRF-A derivatives with enhanced/selective bioactivity via synthetic biology strategies.
The Nature of Antibacterial Adaptive Immune Responses against Staphylococcus aureus Is Dependent on the Growth Phase and Extracellular Peptidoglycan
Authors: Balraadjsing Payal P. , Lund Lisbeth D. , Souwer Yuri , Zaat Sebastian A. J. , Frøkiær Hanne , de Jong Esther C.
Published: October 2019

Staphylococcus aureus
has evolved different strategies to evade the immune response, which play an important role in its pathogenesis. The bacteria express and shed various cell wall components and toxins during different stages of growth that may affect the protective T cell responses to extracellular and intracellular
S. aureus
. However, if and how the dendritic cell (DC)-mediated T cell response against
S. aureus
changes during growth of the bacterium remain elusive.
Eruption age and duration of the ∼9 km3 Burney Mountain dacite dome complex, northern California, USA
Authors: Downs Drew T. , Clynne Michael A. , Champion Duane E. , Muffler L.J. Patrick
Published: October 2019

At ∼9 km3, the six dacite domes (db1–db6) of Burney Mountain, northern California, USA, constitute the most voluminous Quaternary dome complex in the Cascades volcanic arc. Whole-rock geochemistry, electron microprobe, and petrographic data indicate that the domes are magmatically related, which when integrated with geomorphology and stratigraphic superposition, indicate early (db1, db2, and db3) and late (db4, db5, and db6) erupted groups. We present 40Ar/39Ar ages of 271.9 ± 4.6 ka (db1), 280.8 ± 8.2 and 281.7 ± 6.8 ka (db2), and 290.2 ± 6.0 ka (db3) along with a previous age of 280 ± 12 ka (db1). These ages scatter over 20 k.y., whereas remanent magnetic directions are similar between 53.3–59.0° inclination and 352.7–355.9° declination. The latter data set indicates that the dacite domes were emplaced over a geologically brief time interval, not thousands of years. Crystal-size distribution patterns of plagioclase were used to calculate residence times, which we use to infer the duration over which the eruptions likely occurred. Three slopes represent three populations of plagioclase crystals (fine-grained groundmass, coarse-grained groundmass, and phenocrysts). A commonly used growth rate for plagioclase in dacitic magmas (10−10 mm/s) yields 9–10 yr of growth for the coarse-grained groundmass (early erupted domes of db1, db2, and db3), whereas plagioclase in the fine-grained groundmass (late erupted domes of db4, db5, and db6) grew over 4–5 yr. All plagioclase phenocrysts have apparent residence times of 26–36 yr; however, they contain high anorthite (An)>70 resorbed cores with sieve textures, which have euhedral, lower An<65 overgrowth rims. Similarities in chemistry between groundmass plagioclase and phenocryst overgrowth rims indicate that they grew concurrently, and we therefore propose that both have similar residence times. Thus, the Burney Mountain dacite dome complex was emplaced during a single eruptive episode over the course of years to decades at 281.1 ± 4.8 ka (weighted mean age).
Behavioural difficulties in early childhood and risk of adolescent injury
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Amrita , Tingay Karen , Akbari Ashley , Griffiths Lucy , Bedford Helen , Cortina-Borja Mario , Walton Suzanne , Dezateux Carol , Lyons Ronan A , Brophy Sinead
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate long-term associations between early childhood hyperactivity and conduct problems (CP), measured using Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and risk of injury in early adolescence.

Design

Data linkage between a longitudinal birth cohort and routinely collected electronic health records.

Setting

Consenting Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) participants residing in Wales and Scotland.

Patients

3119 children who participated in the age 5 MCS interview.

Main outcome measures

Children with parent-reported SDQ scores were linked with hospital admission and Accident & Emergency (A&E) department records for injuries between ages 9 and 14 years. Negative binomial regression models adjusting for number of people in the household, lone parent, residential area, household poverty, maternal age and academic qualification, child sex, physical activity level and country of interview were fitted in the models.

Results

46% of children attended A&E or were admitted to hospital for injury, and 11% had high/abnormal scores for hyperactivity and CP. High/abnormal or borderline hyperactivity were not significantly associated with risk of injury, incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% CI of the high/abnormal and borderline were 0.92 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.14) and 1.16 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.52), respectively. Children with borderline CP had higher injury rates compared with those without CP (IRR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.57).

Conclusions

Children with high/abnormal hyperactivity or CP scores were not at increased risk of injury; however, those with borderline CP had higher injury rates. Further research is needed to understand if those with difficulties receive treatment and support, which may reduce the likelihood of injuries.
Incidence of necrotising enterocolitis before and after introducing routine prophylacticLactobacillusandBifidobacteriumprobiotics
Authors: Robertson Claire , Savva George M , Clapuci Raducu , Jones Jacqueline , Maimouni Hassan , Brown Eleanor , Minocha Ashish , Hall Lindsay J , Clarke Paul
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare rates of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), late-onset sepsis, and mortality in 5-year epochs before and after implementation of routine daily multistrain probiotics administration in high-risk neonates.

Design

Single-centre retrospective observational study over the 10-year period from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2017.

Setting

Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK.

Patients

Preterm neonates at high risk of NEC: admitted to NICU within 3 days of birth at <32 weeks’ gestation or at 32–36 weeks’ gestation and of birth weight <1500 g.

Intervention

Prior to 1 January 2013 probiotics were not used. Thereafter, dual-speciesLactobacillus acidophilusandBifidobacterium bifidumcombination probiotics were routinely administered daily to high-risk neonates; from April 2016 triple-species probiotics (L. acidophilus, B. bifidum,andB. longumsubspeciesinfantis) were used.

Main outcome measures

Incidence of NEC (modified Bell’s stage 2a or greater), late-onset sepsis, and mortality.

Results

Rates of NEC fell from 7.5% (35/469 neonates) in the pre-implementation epoch to 3.1% (16/513 neonates) in the routine probiotics epoch (adjusted sub-hazard ratio=0.44, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.85, p=0.014). The more than halving of NEC rates after probiotics introduction was independent of any measured covariates, including breast milk feeding rates. Cases of late-onset sepsis fell from 106/469 (22.6%) to 59/513 (11.5%) (p<0.0001), and there was no episode of sepsis due toLactobacillusorBifidobacterium. All-cause mortality also fell in the routine probiotics epoch, from 67/469 (14.3%) to 47/513 (9.2%), although this was not statistically significant after multivariable adjustment (adjusted sub-hazard ratio=0.74, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.12, p=0.155).

Conclusions

Administration of multispeciesLactobacillusandBifidobacteriumprobiotics has been associated with a significantly decreased risk of NEC and late-onset sepsis in our neonatal unit, and no safety issues. Our data are consistent with routine use ofLactobacillusandBifidobacteriumcombination probiotics having a beneficial effect on NEC prevention in very preterm neonates.
Parents of babies who participated in an invasive clinical study report a positive experience: the Glucose in Well Babies (GLOW) study
Authors: Cumberpatch Alana R , Weston Philip J , Harding Jane E , Harris Deborah L
Published: October 2019

Objective

There is a paucity of data about normal blood metabolite concentrations in healthy babies, in part because of a reluctance to undertake non-therapeutic invasive testing in newborns. The Glucose in Well Babies study (GLOW) sought to describe blood glucose, lactate and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations in healthy term babies over the first 5 postnatal days. We also sought to understand both parents’ experience of participation in this invasive non-therapeutic study.

Design, setting, patients and interventions

Eligible babies were healthy, term, appropriately grown singletons born in a birthing centre, hospital or home within the greater Hamilton area and then discharged home. Babies had subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring placed soon after birth, up to 14 heel-prick blood samples, twice-daily home visits and parents were asked to record all feeds. At study completion, both parents were asked to independently complete a questionnaire about their experience.

Results

All eligible babies completed the study and every parent completed the questionnaire (65 fathers, 66 mothers). Parents reported they liked contributing to improving healthcare (126/131, 96%) and support from the GLOW team (119/131, 91%). Nearly all (127/131, 97%) would participate in GLOW again if they had another eligible baby, and all would recommend GLOW to family and friends. Two-thirds of parents (87/131, 66%) reported that participation had made them more likely to contribute to clinical research in the future.

Conclusions

Non-therapeutic studies involving invasive procedures in healthy term babies are feasible, and parents were positive about their experience.
Severe hypercalcaemia due to household cleaner ingestion
Authors: Satyarengga Medha , Silver Kristi D
Published: October 2019

We report the case of a 59-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease who presented with symptomatic severe hypercalcaemia (calcium 15.8 mg/dL) and acute kidney injury. Evaluation revealed that the hypercalcaemia was not mediated by parathyroid hormone (PTH), PTH-related peptide or 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D. Adrenal insufficiency was subsequently diagnosed and was initially thought to be the aetiology of the hypercalcaemia. He was treated with intravenous fluid, pamidronate and started on hydrocortisone with resolution of his hypercalcaemia. Over the next several months, despite adherence to hydrocortisone therapy, the patient continued to have recurrent severe hypercalcaemia requiring hospitalisation. Additional laboratory evaluation showed similar results to the initial evaluation. On further questioning, the patient admitted to routinely ingesting the household cleaning product Comet, which contains a large amount of calcium. Psychiatric assessment confirmed the diagnosis of pica. The patient eventually discontinued ingestion of Comet with resolution of his hypercalcaemia.
Septicemia secondary toVibrio cholerae(non-O1/non-O139) in wound
Authors: Azeem Ahad , Nogles Teryn , Cherazard Regine
Published: October 2019

A 63-year-old woman with a prior history of chronic lower extremity lymphedema came to the hospital for evaluation of new-onset left leg pain and swelling associated with haemorrhagic blisters and foul-smelling discharge. Relevant history included a recent trip to a Hudson River Valley beach in New York 1 week prior to hospitalisation. Laboratory evaluation revealed significant leukocytosis and lactic acidosis. She was found to have sepsis and bacteremia secondary toVibrio cholerae(serotype non-O1, non-O139). During a prolonged intensive care unit course requiring intravenous pressor support and broad-spectrum antibiotics, she underwent debridement of her left foot eschar along with skin grafting. Once clinically stable and improved, she was discharged to a subacute rehabilitation centre with close follow-up for wound care.V. choleraeinfection is rare and often benign but can be transmitted from contaminated seawater to individuals with underlying chronic illness and cause severe symptoms, including sepsis.
Extracranial epidural emphysema associated with pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in a greyhound
Authors: Lorek Andrea , Dominguez Elisabet
Published: October 2019

The presence of air in the vertebral canal (extracranial epidural emphysema) has been described in veterinary medicine in isolated case reports mainly associated with intervertebral disc disease. This case of a nine‐year‐old male neutered greyhound describes a different aetiology where the presence of extensive epidural emphysema was associated with pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema following thoracotomy for a lung lobectomy. The extracranial epidural emphysema was managed conservatively by sealing of the thoracotomy site and treating the pneumothorax. Extracranial epidural emphysema should be considered as a possible complication of thoracic surgery if extensive subcutaneous emphysema and/or pneumomediastinum develops.
A Fault Diagnosis Method for One‐Dimensional Vibration Signal Based on Multiresolution tlsDMD and Approximate Entropy
Authors: Dang Zhang , Lv Yong , Li Yourong , Wei Guoqian
Published: October 2019

Dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) has certain advantages compared with the traditional fault signal diagnosis method. By exploiting the strength of DMD algorithm in signal processing, this paper proposes a joint fault diagnosis scheme to extract the spatial and temporal patterns and evaluate them for the complexity to diagnose the fault for one‐dimensional mechanical signal. The multiscale method is adopted to decompose the reconstructed matrix of standard DMD modes into multiple scales with a given level parameter. Total least squares DMD algorithm is performed on each level to solve the noise sensitivity problem. Approximate entropy (ApEn) is performed on the grouped multiscale spatiotemporal modes that represent the dynamic characteristic information of the original signal. ApEn values are used as a fault recognizer to identify fault types. By applying the algorithm on three experimental mechanical vibration data, we verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The result demonstrates that the proposed scheme can effectively recognize different fault forms as a fault diagnosis method.
Bifurcation Analysis of Three‐Strategy Imitative Dynamics with Mutations
Authors: Hu Wenjun , Tian Haiyan , Zhang Gang
Published: October 2019

Evolutionary game dynamics is an important research, which is widely used in many fields such as social networks, biological systems, and cooperative behaviors. This paper focuses on the Hopf bifurcation in imitative dynamics of three strategies (Rock‐Paper‐Scissors) with mutations. First, we verify that there is a Hopf bifurcation in the imitative dynamics with no mutation. Then, we find that there is a critical value of mutation such that the system tends to an unstable limit cycle created in a subcritical Hopf bifurcation. Moreover, the Hopf bifurcation exists for other kinds of the considered mutation patterns. Finally, the theoretical results are verified by numerical simulations through Rock‐Paper‐Scissors game.
Gastroscopic Panoramic View: Application to Automatic Polyps Detection under Gastroscopy
Authors: Shi Chenfei , Xue Yan , Jiang Chuan , Tian Hui , Liu Bei
Published: October 2019

Endoscopic diagnosis is an important means for gastric polyp detection. In this paper, a panoramic image of gastroscopy is developed, which can display the inner surface of the stomach intuitively and comprehensively. Moreover, the proposed automatic detection solution can help doctors locate the polyps automatically and reduce missed diagnosis. The main contributions of this paper are firstly, a gastroscopic panorama reconstruction method is developed. The reconstruction does not require additional hardware devices and can solve the problem of texture dislocation and illumination imbalance properly; secondly, an end-to-end multiobject detection for gastroscopic panorama is trained based on a deep learning framework. Compared with traditional solutions, the automatic polyp detection system can locate all polyps in the inner wall of the stomach in real time and assist doctors to find the lesions. Thirdly, the system was evaluated in the Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University. The results show that the average error of the panorama is less than 2 mm, the accuracy of the polyp detection is 95%, and the recall rate is 99%. In addition, the research roadmap of this paper has guiding significance for endoscopy-assisted detection of other human soft cavities.
Nonvolcanic Carbon Dioxide Emission at Continental Rifts: The Bublak Mofette Area, Western Eger Rift, Czech Republic
Authors: Kämpf Horst , Broge Alena Sophie , Marzban Pouria , Allahbakhshi Masoud , Nickschick Tobias
Published: October 2019

This study presents the results of gas flux measurements of cold, mantle-derived CO2release at the Bublák mofette field (BMF), located inside of the N-S directed Počátky Plesná fault zone (PPFZ). The PPFZ is presently seismically active, located in the eastern part of the Cheb Basin, western Eger Rift, Central Europe. The goal of the work was to identify the linkage between tectonics and gas flux. The investigated area has a size of 0,43 km2in which 1.115 locations have been measured. Besides classical soil CO2gas flux measurements using the closed chamber method (West Systems), drone-based orthophotos were used in combination with knowledge of plant zonation to find zones of high degassing in the agriculturally unused part of the BMF. The highest observed soil CO2gas flux is 177.926,17 g m-2 d-1, and the lowest is 0,28 g m-2 d-1. Three statistical methods were used for the calculation of the gas flux: arithmetic mean, kriging, and trans-Gaussian kriging. The average CO2soil degassing of the BMF is 30 t d-1for an area of 0,43 km2. Since the CO2soil degassing of the Hartoušov mofette field (HMF) amounts to 23 t d-1for an area of 0,35 km2, the average dry degassing values of the BMF and HMF are in the same magnitude of order. The amount of CO2flux from wet mofettes is 3 t d-1for the BMF and 0,6 t d-1for the HMF. It was found that the degassing in the BMF and HMF is not in accordance with the pull-apart basin interpretation, based on the direction of degassing as well as topography and sediment fill of the suggested basins. En-echelon faults inside of the PPFZ act as fluid channels to depth (CO2conduits). These structures inside the PPFZ show beginning faulting and act as tectonic control of CO2degassing.
Use of Hydrocolloid Gums to Modify the Pasting, Thermal, Rheological, and Textural Properties of Sweet Potato Starch
Authors: Shahzad Syed Ali , Hussain Shahzad , Alamri Mohamed S. , Mohamed Abdellatif A. , Ahmed Ali S. , Ibraheem Mohamed A. , Abdo Qasem Akram A.
Published: October 2019

Effect of hydrocolloids (arabic, xanthan, cress seed, fenugreek, flaxseed, and okra gums) at 0.5 and 2.0% concentrations on sweet potato starch pasting, viscoelastic, textural, and thermal properties was studied. Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) measurements showed that the final viscosity was increased as a function of gum irrespective of their concentration except with cress seed gum. Dynamic rheological data revealed that the magnitude of the moduli was increased as a function of angular frequency and no crossovers were perceived among them. Consistency coefficient (k) was decreased by the addition of any gum and also with increasing concentration of gums except with xanthan gum at 25°C. Flow behavior index (n) data showed that starch gum blends possessed more pseudoplastic shear thinning behavior than those for the control at 25°C and pseudoplasticity was further increased with increasing concentration of xanthan, fenugreek, flaxseed, and okra gums. Texture analysis data displayed that after overnight storage of starch gels at room temperature, hardness was significantly increased by the addition of gums except for xanthan. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) profile showed that enthalpy was decreased by the inclusion of xanthan gum.
Effects of Oxygen Content on the Ablation Behavior of Silicone Rubber-Based Insulation Material
Authors: Shi Yi-ang , Zha Bai-lin , Su Qing-dong , Jia Xu-dong
Published: October 2019

A self-designed oxygen-kerosene ablation system was employed to research the ablation properties of silicone rubber-based insulation material under different oxygen-rich conditions, that is, 0%, 5.00%, 7.71%, 17.01%, and 18.50%. The morphology of posttest specimens was analyzed via a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the ablation rates were calculated. Experimental results showed that when the particle concentration was a fixed value, the mass and the linear ablation rates increased first and then decreased with the rise of oxygen content; the maximum values were 0.572 g/s and 0.933 mm/s, respectively. Under high oxygen-rich conditions, the formation of silicone rubber restricted the further increase of the ablation rates, filling more gaps of the reaction layer with liquid silicone rubber. Meanwhile, the thickness of the liquid glass layer attached to the surface was increased, which acted as a buffer against the impacts and erosion of particles and retarded the consumption and recession of materials. Excess oxygen spread to the edge of the ablation pit and reacted. Finally, these led to the increase in diameter of the ablation pit and the decrease of two types of ablation rates.
Influence of Water Inrush from Excavation Surface on the Stress and Deformation of Tunnel‐Forming Structure at the Launching‐Arrival Stage of Subway Shield
Authors: Lv Shusheng , Liu Wen , Zhai Shihong , Chen Peishuai
Published: October 2019

The launching‐arrival stage of the shield is the most dangerous construction stage in subway construction. During the conversion process of the soil and air medium in the shield machine, water inrush at the excavation surface often occurs because of the effect of groundwater. Previous research has focused on the overall stress and deformation of existing tunnels caused by water inrush from the excavation face of the shield machine excavation stage. However, the stress and deformation states of the segments and anchors at different assembly locations of the tunnel, as well as the interaction between the soil reinforcement region and the segments and anchors in the launching‐arrival stage have not been considered in previous studies. In this study, the inrush model of the launching‐arrival stage of the subway shield was established by utilizing the equivalent refinement modeling technology and ABAQUS simulation analysis with consideration of the fluid‐solid coupling effect of water and soil to study the influences of different water head differences on the mechanical and deformation properties of segments and anchors in shield construction under the conditions of water inrush on the excavation surface. The results showed that the water inflow from the tunnel excavation surface caused significant surface subsidence at the tunnel portal, vertical convergence at the cross section of the shield tunnel, and significant increases in the axial and shear forces on the bolt. In addition, based on the existing subway regulation, combined with the simulation results of soil reinforcement measures at different depths, the emergency control criterion for controlling water inrush on the excavation surface was established by using the depth of soil reinforcement. The minimum depth of the reinforced soil from the ground surface at 15 m is recommended to ensure construction safety of the subway shield at the launching‐arrival stage.
Chinese Currency Exchange Rates Forecasting with EMD‐Based Neural Network
Authors: Wang Jying-Nan , Du Jiangze , Jiang Chonghui , Lai Kin-Keung
Published: October 2019

The Chinese currency, RMB, is developing as an international currency. Therefore, the effective strategy for trading RMB exchange rates would be attractive to international investors and policymakers. In this paper, we have constructed hybrid EMD‐MLP models to forecast RMB exchange rates and developed a trading strategy based on these models. Empirical results show that the proposed hybrid EMD‐MLP ∗ model always performs best based on both NMSE and Dstat criteria when the forecasting period is greater than five days. Moreover, we compare the models’ performance using different horizons and find that accuracy will increase with the growth of the forecasting horizons; however, the NMSE will become larger. Lastly, we adopt the best performing model to develop trading strategies with longer forecasting horizons when considering the number of profitable trading activities. If we consider a 0.3% transaction cost, the developed strategy will bring an annual return exceeding 10%, as well as enough trading opportunities.
Handling Noise in Protein Interaction Networks
Authors: Correia Fernanda B. , Coelho Edgar D. , Oliveira José L. , Arrais Joel P.
Published: October 2019

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) can be conveniently represented as networks, allowing the use of graph theory for their study. Network topology studies may reveal patterns associated with specific organisms. Here, we propose a new methodology to denoise PPI networks and predict missing links solely based on the network topology, the organization measurement (OM) method. The OM methodology was applied in the denoising of the PPI networks of two Saccharomyces cerevisiae datasets (Yeast and CS2007) and one Homo sapiens dataset (Human). To evaluate the denoising capabilities of the OM methodology, two strategies were applied. The first strategy compared its application in random networks and in the reference set networks, while the second strategy perturbed the networks with the gradual random addition and removal of edges. The application of the OM methodology to the Yeast and Human reference sets achieved an AUC of 0.95 and 0.87, in Yeast and Human networks, respectively. The random removal of 80% of the Yeast and Human reference set interactions resulted in an AUC of 0.71 and 0.62, whereas the random addition of 80% interactions resulted in an AUC of 0.75 and 0.72, respectively. Applying the OM methodology to the CS2007 dataset yields an AUC of 0.99. We also perturbed the network of the CS2007 dataset by randomly inserting and removing edges in the same proportions previously described. The false positives identified and removed from the network varied from 97%, when inserting 20% more edges, to 89%, when 80% more edges were inserted. The true positives identified and inserted in the network varied from 95%, when removing 20% of the edges, to 40%, after the random deletion of 80% edges. The OM methodology is sensitive to the topological structure of the biological networks. The obtained results suggest that the present approach can efficiently be used to denoise PPI networks.