bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adversarial machine learning for cybersecurity and computer vision: Current developments and challenges
Authors: Xi Bowei
Published: April 2020

We provide a comprehensive overview of adversarial machine learning focusing on two application domains, that is, cybersecurity and computer vision. Research in adversarial machine learning addresses a significant threat to the wide application of machine learning techniques—they are vulnerable to carefully crafted attacks from malicious adversaries. For example, deep neural networks fail to correctly classify adversarial images, which are generated by adding imperceptible perturbations to clean images. We first discuss three main categories of attacks against machine learning techniques—poisoning attacks, evasion attacks, and privacy attacks. Then the corresponding defense approaches are introduced along with the weakness and limitations of the existing defense approaches. We notice adversarial samples in cybersecurity and computer vision are fundamentally different. While adversarial samples in cybersecurity often have different properties/distributions compared with training data, adversarial images in computer vision are created with minor input perturbations. This further complicates the development of robust learning techniques, because a robust learning technique must withstand different types of attacks.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Deep Learning

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Robust Methods
Image‐guided mathematical modeling for pharmacological evaluation of nanomaterials and monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Dogra Prashant , Butner Joseph D. , Nizzero Sara , Ruiz Ramírez Javier , Noureddine Achraf , Peláez María J. , Elganainy Dalia , Yang Zhen , Le Anh‐Dung , Goel Shreya , Leong Hon S. , Koay Eugene J. , Brinker C. Jeffrey , Cristini Vittorio , Wang Zhihui
Published: April 2020

While plasma concentration kinetics has traditionally been the predictor of drug pharmacological effects, it can occasionally fail to represent kinetics at the site of action, particularly for solid tumors. This is especially true in the case of delivery of therapeutic macromolecules (drug‐loaded nanomaterials or monoclonal antibodies), which can experience challenges to effective delivery due to particle size‐dependent diffusion barriers at the target site. As a result, disparity between therapeutic plasma kinetics and kinetics at the site of action may exist, highlighting the importance of target site concentration kinetics in determining the pharmacodynamic effects of macromolecular therapeutic agents. Assessment of concentration kinetics at the target site has been facilitated by non‐invasive in vivo imaging modalities. This allows for visualization and quantification of the whole‐body disposition behavior of therapeutics that is essential for a comprehensive understanding of their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Quantitative non‐invasive imaging can also help guide the development and parameterization of mathematical models for descriptive and predictive purposes. Here, we present a review of the application of state‐of‐the‐art imaging modalities for quantitative pharmacological evaluation of therapeutic nanoparticles and monoclonal antibodies, with a focus on their integration with mathematical models, and identify challenges and opportunities.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Photon pair production in gluon fusion: top quark effects at NLO with threshold matching
Authors: Chen Long , Heinrich Gudrun , Jahn Stephan , Jones Stephen P. , Kerner Matthias , Schlenk Johannes , Yokoya Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We present a calculation of the NLO QCD corrections to the loop-induced production of a photon pair through gluon fusion, including massive top quarks at two loops, where the two-loop integrals are calculated numerically. Matching the fixed-order NLO results to a threshold expansion, we obtain accurate results around the top quark pair production threshold. We analyse how the top quark threshold corrections affect distributions of the photon pair invariant mass and comment on the possibility of determining the top quark mass from precision measurements of the diphoton invariant mass spectrum.
Natural dark matter and light bosons with an alternative left-right symmetry
Authors: Frank Mariana , Fuks Benjamin , Özdal Özer
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We perform a consistent analysis of the alternative left-right symmetric model emerging from E
6 grand unification. We include a large set of theoretical and experimental constraints, with a particular emphasis on dark matter observables and collider signals. We show that the exotic neutrino inherent to this class of models, the scotino, is a viable candidate for dark matter satisfying relic density and direct detection constraints. This has strong implications on the scotino mass restricting it to lie in a narrow window, as well as on the spectrum of Higgs bosons, rendering it predictable, with a few light scalar, pseudoscalar and charged states. Moreover, we also show that the extra charged W′ gauge boson can be light, and investigate the most promising signals at the future high-luminosity upgrade of the LHC. Our findings show that the most optimistic cosmologically-favoured scenarios should be observable at 5σ, whilst others could leave visible hints provided the background is under good control at the systematical level.
Deligne categories in lattice models and quantum field theory, or making sense of O(N) symmetry with non-integer N
Authors: Binder Damon J. , Rychkov Slava
Published: April 2020

Abstract

When studying quantum field theories and lattice models, it is often useful to analytically continue the number of field or spin components from an integer to a real number. In spite of this, the precise meaning of such analytic continuations has never been fully clarified, and in particular the symmetry of these theories is obscure. We clarify these issues using Deligne categories and their associated Brauer algebras, and show that these provide logically satisfactory answers to these questions. Simple objects of the Deligne category generalize the notion of an irreducible representations, avoiding the need for such mathematically nonsensical notions as vector spaces of non-integer dimension. We develop a systematic theory of categorical symmetries, applying it in both perturbative and non- perturbative contexts. A partial list of our results is: categorical symmetries are preserved under RG flows; continuous categorical symmetries come equipped with conserved currents; CFTs with categorical symmetries are necessarily non-unitary.
Hidden-charm and bottom tetra- and pentaquarks with strangeness in the hadro-quarkonium and compact tetraquark models
Authors: Ferretti J. , Santopinto E.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

In two recent papers, we used the hadro-quarkonium model to study the properties of hidden-charm and bottom tetraquarks and pentaquarks. Here, we extend the previous results and calculate the masses of heavy-quarkonium-kaon/hyperon systems. We also compute the spectrum of hidden-charm and bottom tetraquarks with strangeness in the compact tetraquark (diquark-antidiquark) model. If heavy-light exotic systems with non-null strangeness content were to be observed experimentally, it might be possible to distinguish among the large variety of available theoretical pictures for tetra- and pentaquark states and, possibly, rule out those which are not compatible with the data.
Unitary quantization of a scalar charged field and Schwinger effect
Authors: Garay Luis J. , Martín-Caro Alberto García , Martín-Benito Mercedes
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Quantum field theory in curved spacetimes suffers in general from an infinite ambiguity in the choice of Fock representation and associated vacuum. In cosmological backgrounds, the requirement of a unitary implementation of the field dynamics in the physical Hilbert space of the theory is a good criterion to ameliorate such ambiguity. In- deed, this criterion, together with a unitary implementation of the symmetries of the equations of motion, leads to an equivalence class of unitarily equivalent quantizations that, even though it is still formed by an infinite number of Fock representations, is unique. In this work, we apply the procedure developed for fields in cosmological settings to analyze the quantization of a scalar field in the presence of an external electromagnetic classical field in a flat background. We find a natural Fock representation that admits a unitary implementation of the quantum field dynamics. It automatically allows to define a particle number density at all times in the evolution with the correct asymptotic behavior, when the electric field vanishes. Moreover we show the unitary equivalence of all the quantizations that fulfill our criteria, so that they form a unique equivalence class. Although we perform the field quantization in a specific gauge, we also show the equivalence between the procedures taken in different gauges.
Hypergeometric series representations of Feynman integrals by GKZ hypergeometric systems
Authors: Klausen René Pascal
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We show that almost all Feynman integrals as well as their coefficients in a Laurent series in dimensional regularization can be written in terms of Horn hypergeometric functions. By applying the results of Gelfand-Kapranov-Zelevinsky (GKZ) we derive a formula for a class of hypergeometric series representations of Feynman integrals, which can be obtained by triangulations of the Newton polytope ∆
G
corresponding to the Lee- Pomeransky polynomial G. Those series can be of higher dimension, but converge fast for convenient kinematics, which also allows numerical applications. Further, we discuss possible difficulties which can arise in a practical usage of this approach and give strategies to solve them.
The Kreuzer-Skarke axiverse
Authors: Demirtas Mehmet , Long Cody , McAllister Liam , Stillman Mike
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We study the topological properties of Calabi-Yau threefold hypersurfaces at large h
1,1. We obtain two million threefolds X by triangulating polytopes from the Kreuzer-Skarke list, including all polytopes with 240 ≤ h
1,1 ≤ 491. We show that the Kähler cone of X is very narrow at large h
1,1, and as a consequence, control of the α′ expansion in string compactifications on X is correlated with the presence of ultralight axions. If every effective curve has volume ≥ 1 in string units, then the typical volumes of irreducible effective curves and divisors, and of X itself, scale as (h
1,1)
p
, with 3 ≲ p ≲ 7 depending on the type of cycle in question. Instantons from branes wrapping these cycles are thus highly suppressed.
Dynamic in vitro intestinal barrier model coupled to chip-based liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for oral bioavailability studies
Authors: Santbergen Milou J. C. , van der Zande Meike , Gerssen Arjen , Bouwmeester Hans , Nielen Michel W. F.
Published: April 2020

In oral bioavailability studies, evaluation of the absorption and transport of drugs and food components across the intestinal barrier is crucial. Advances in the field of organ-on-a-chip technology have resulted in a dynamic gut-on-a-chip model that better mimics the in vivo microenvironment of the intestine. Despite a few recent integration attempts, ensuring a biologically relevant microenvironment while coupling with a fully online detection system still represents a major challenge. Herein, we designed an online technique to measure drug permeability and analyse unknown product formation across an intestinal epithelial layer of Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cells cultured on a flow-through Transwell system, while ensuring the quality and relevance of the biological model. Chip-based ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) was coupled to the dynamic Transwell system via a series of switching valves, thus allowing alternating measurements of the apical and basolateral sides of the in vitro model. Two trap columns were integrated for online sample pre-treatment and compatibility enhancement. Temporal analysis of the intestinal permeability was successfully demonstrated using verapamil as a model drug and ergotamine epimers as a model for natural toxins present in foods. Evidence was obtained that our newly developed dynamic system provided reliable results versus classical static in vitro models, and moreover, for the first time, epimer-specific transport is shown for ergotamine. Finally, initial experiments with the drug granisetron suggest that metabolic activity can be studied as well, thus highlighting the versatility of the bio-integrated online analysis system developed.
Determination of fiber saturation point of rattan (Calamus simplicifolius) using the LF-NMR and two conventional methods
Authors: Yang Limei , Tian Genlin , Yang Shumin , Shang Lili , Liu Xing’e , Jiang Zehui
Published: April 2020

Water exists in lignocellulosic materials throughout the whole process from the plant growth to raw materials processing and utilization. The fiber saturation point (FSP) is the inflection point of the physical and mechanical properties of lignocellulosic materials and has an important influence on their physical and mechanical properties. This paper investigates the FSP of Calamus simplicifolius by the low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) method and two conventional methods including the saturated salt solution method and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) method. The average FSP values determined by the LF-NMR method, the saturated salt solution method and the DVS method are 38.15%, 32.54% and 28.96%, respectively. The study showed that the FSP values determined by the LF-NMR method were higher than those determined by the two conventional methods. The two conventional methods are simple and cost-effective and are able to directly measure whether the rattan properties are changing with moisture content. From the thermodynamics standpoint, even within the ideal solution limit, free water is present at relative humidity (RH) of less than 100%. Therefore, extrapolation to 100% RH was not strictly correct. The amount of water in rattan in different states could be quantified by the LF-NMR method, and the FSP value was determined by the ratio of the measurements above and below the water melting point. Furthermore, the LF-NMR method is faster and non-destructive compared to the two conventional methods.
Submammary placement of neurostimulator devices: broadening the spectrum of cosmetic techniques
Authors: Petrou Ilias G. , Momjian Shahan , Modarressi Ali
Published: April 2020

Deep brain neurostimulators (DBS) have enabled thousands of individuals to overcome movement disorders, thus offering them a new chance for social integration while enhancing their self-esteem. A classic DBS consists of a central implantable pulse generator (IPG) and its respective wires and leads that extend to the scalp to reach the brain. The classic positioning of the generator is currently subcutaneous, usually just below the clavicle or in the abdominal wall. As DBS systems are of a substantial size, this subcutaneous placement leads to unsightly and visible devices, particularly in thin patients. We report two cases of female patients who benefited from our technique to hide the IPG under the breast parenchyma. IPGs were placed through an inframammary incision in a subglandular pocket, similar to the technique used for implant-based breast augmentation. In the first case, the devices were implanted in a subglandular pocket and replaced 5 years later due to battery life limitation. In the second case, the devices were replaced from a subclavicular position to a submammary one. No major or minor complications were observed. Both patients reported an excellent level of satisfaction with the aesthetic and functional outcome. Despite the significant quality of life improvement of patients with DBS, the ideal implantation of the generator should also take into consideration the comfort and cosmetic aspects. Our approach has the potential to markedly improve the aesthetic outcome of such an intervention.

Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.
A Survey of Perceptions of Surgical Trainees on Feedback During Training in West Africa
Authors: Nasir Abdulrasheed A. , Ameh Emmanuel A. , Ojo Emmanuel O.
Published: April 2020

Background

Feedback has become an integral part of learning within the medical profession, particularly as training becomes more trainees’‐centered. Feedback from the trainees about their training and trainers is essential for effective and high‐quality training. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate trainees’ perceptions on feedback on their postgraduate training and trainers in West Africa.

Methods

Cross‐sectional self‐administered written survey of junior and senior registrar attending the annual revision and update course of the West African College of Surgeons. Information sought included sociodemographic variables, perception on feedback, opportunity to give feedback, trainee–trainers relationship and their opinion on different aspects of the postgraduate program where they would like to give feedback.

Results

The response rate was 81.5% (66/81). Median age was 33 years. Sixty trainees (90.9%) were junior registrars. Sixty‐four (97%) trainees would like to give feedback about their training and trainers. Only 18 (27.3%) trainees have had opportunity of giving feedback about their training. Most trainees (90.9%) would like to give feedback on patient care and learning environment; 89.4% would like to give feedback on their training curriculum and 87.9% would like to give feedback on their operating room experiences. Most trainees (81.8%) believed trainee feedback is of critical importance to training. With regard to trainees‐trainer relationship, 39 (59.1%) trainees were either unsatisfied or reported just a fair relationship.

Conclusions

This study has shown that many of the trainees lack opportunity of giving feedback on their training but considered feedback critical to their training. Trainees would like to give feedback on patient care, curriculum, learning environment and operative room experience. Trainee feedback should be encouraged in surgical training in West Africa.
Imaging dopamine function and microglia in asymptomatic LRRK2 mutation carriers
Authors: Gersel Stokholm Morten , Garrido Alicia , Tolosa Eduardo , Serradell Mónica , Iranzo Alex , Østergaard Karen , Borghammer Per , Møller Arne , Parbo Peter , Stær Kristian , Brooks David J. , Martí Maria José , Pavese Nicola
Published: April 2020

Neuroinflammation (microglial activation) and subclinical nigrostriatal dysfunction have been reported in subjects at risk of Parkinsonism. Eight non-manifesting carriers (NMCs) of LRRK2 G2019S mutation had 11C-PK11195 and 18F-DOPA PET to assess microglial activation and striatal dopamine system integrity, respectively. Comparisons were made with healthy controls. Five LRRK2-NMCs had subclinical reductions of putaminal 18F-DOPA uptake. Three of them had significantly raised nigral 11C-PK11195 binding bilaterally. These findings indicate that nigrostriatal dysfunction and neuroinflammation occur in LRRK2-NMCs. Studies in larger cohorts with appropriate follow-up are needed to elucidate the significance of neuroinflammation in the premotor phase of LRRK2-PD.
Effectiveness of fingolimod in real-world relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis Italian patients: the GENIUS study
Authors: Comi Giancarlo , Pozzilli Carlo , Morra Vincenzo Brescia , Bertolotto Antonio , Sangalli Francesca , Prosperini Luca , Carotenuto Antonio , Iaffaldano Pietro , Capobianco Marco , Colombo Delia , Nica Mihaela , Rizzoli Sara , Trojano Maria
Published: April 2020

Background

Fingolimod is the first oral agent approved for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). We aimed to evaluate fingolimod effectiveness in a real-world sample of RRMS patients.

Methods

A retrospective, multicentre study in patients treated with fingolimod, whom clinical and radiological data were collected in the 2 years preceding and following the initiation of fingolimod.

Results

Out of 414 patients, 56.8% received prior first-line injectable disease-modifying therapies, 25.4% were previously treated with natalizumab, 1.2% with immunosuppressant agents, and 16.7% were treatment naive. The annualized relapse rate decreased by 65% in the first year and by 70% after two years of treatment. Age ≤ 40 years, ≥ 1 relapse in the 24 months before fingolimod initiation and previous treatment with natalizumab were risk factors for relapses. Overall, 67.9% patients had no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) after 1 year and 54.6% after 2 years of treatment. A higher proportion of naïve (81.2% in 1 year and 66.7% after 2 years) or first-line injected patients (70.2% and 56.6%) achieved NEDA-3 than those previously treated with natalizumab (54.3% and 42.9%).

Conclusions

Fingolimod appeared to be effective in naive patients and after first-line treatment failure in reducing risk of relapse and disease activity throughout the 2-year follow-up.
Too Much Feeling: S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders (1967), Conflicting Emotions, Identity, and Socialization
Authors: Wistisen Lydia
Published: April 2020

This article argues that emotions are utilized for norm breaking, identity formation, and socialization in S.E. Hinton’s YA novelThe Outsiders(1967). Drawing on the history of emotions studies, it investigates how emotional expressions are utilized to negotiate and contest given emotional norms on the one hand, and Young Adult literary conventions on the other. The point of departure is intersectional and focuses on the relationship between emotion, power, and socialization. In particular, the article considers how intersections of age, gender, and class relate to depictions of feeling and establishing of new emotional norms. The article shows that the feelings that the main character Pony expresses are part of a reiterative process of negotiation of power; they work as instruments for changing emotional norms connected to his age, class, and gender.
Cost-effectiveness of Practice Team-Supported Exposure Training for Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia in Primary Care: a Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Brettschneider Christian , Gensichen Jochen , Hiller Thomas S , Breitbart Jörg , Schumacher Ulrike , Lukaschek Karoline , Teismann Tobias , Margraf Jürgen , König Hans-Helmut
Published: April 2020

Background

Primary care is the main treatment setting for panic disorder and should be supplemented by collaborative care programs. However, shortage of mental health professionals prevents collaborative care programs from being effectively implemented. The PARADISE study showed the efficacy of a self-managed, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)-oriented exposure training for patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia in primary care delivered by the family practice team.

Objective

To assess the cost-effectiveness of the PARADISE intervention.

Design

Cost-effectiveness analysis from the societal perspective based on data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial over a time horizon of 12 months.

Participants

Four hundred nineteen adult panic disorder patients with or without agoraphobia.

Interventions

A self-managed, CBT-oriented exposure training for patients with panic disorder with or without agoraphobia in primary care delivered by the primary care practice team in comparison to routine care.

Main Measures

Total costs from the societal perspective. Direct costs and disease-specific costs. Quality-adjusted life years based on the EQ-5D-3L. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves.

Key Results

Patients in the intervention group caused lower costs (mean, €1017; 95% confidence interval [-€3306; €1272]; p = 0.38) and gained on average more QALY (mean, 0.034 QALY (95% confidence interval [0.005; 0.062]; p = 0.02). Therefore, the intervention dominated the control treatment. The probability of cost-effectiveness of the intervention at a willingness-to-pay margin of €50,000 per QALY was 96%. Results from supplementary analyses considering direct or disease-specific costs instead of total costs showed comparable results.

Conclusion

The PARADISE intervention is cost effective. This conclusion is valid for total costs, generic health care (direct) costs, disease-specific health care costs.

Trial Registration

German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00004386

Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN64669297
Dry Metal Forming Using Volatile Lubricants Injected into the Forming Tool Through Flow-Optimized, Laser-Drilled Microholes
Authors: Henn Manuel , Reichardt Gerd , Weber Rudolf , Graf Thomas , Liewald Mathias
Published: April 2020

A novel tribologic system was developed in which volatile lubricants (carbon dioxide—CO2 or nitrogen—N2) were used as a substitute for mineral oil-based lubricants in deep drawing processes. This process allows an intermediate medium to be introduced into the tool contact surfaces under high pressure by flow-optimized, laser-drilled microholes. This eliminates the need for subsequent cost-intensive cleaning processes as volatile lubricants evaporate while expanding to ambient pressure without leaving any residue. This article gives an overview of the current findings to enable and characterize the novel tribologic system. The areas of microhole laser drilling by ultrashort pulsed laser radiation, characterization of the novel tribologic system and realization of the system using a prototype tool will be described.
Discussion on the Hot-Spot and Notch Stress Based Fatigue Assessment Methods Based on Test Results
Authors: Mecséri B. J. , Kövesdi B.
Published: April 2020

The focus of the current paper is the investigation of different local stress calculation methods for fatigue design. To evaluate the accuracy and applicability of the hot-spot and effective notch stress (ENS) fatigue assessment methods an experimental and numerical research program is carried out at the BME Department of Structural Engineering, in Hungary. Two types of structural details are tested using 32 test specimens, a cruciform and a gusset plate type joint. The test results and the accompanying numerical calculation results are statistically evaluated and compared. Analysing the results of the fatigue tests and numerical calculations, it is concluded, that both the hot-spot and the ENS method could be used for fatigue design of the cruciform joints according to the recommendation of the IIW (Hobbacher in Recommendations for fatigue design, Springer, Paris, 2004). However, the rules of the ENS method needs improvement, if used for the design of gusset plate type joint. According to the current results, the ENS method can be adjusted to make applicable for the gusset plate joints as well, recommendation for that is presented in the current paper.
Printing Dynamics: Nip Pressure and Its Relationship with Materials’ Viscoelasticity
Authors: Yang Li
Published: April 2020

A theoretical framework of nip dynamics of conventional printing, including dynamic models deducted from nip geometry, printing speed, and physics laws, is proposed. Different from previous works, the present work focuses at obtaining the nip pressure from a given nip geometric setting, the common way in full-scale printing. The effects of viscoelastic characteristics of paper substrate and print form (rubber and/or polymer) on the nip pressure, which become pronounced in a full-scale printing process due to high speed, are accounted and illustrated by three physical models, e.g., Maxwell model, Kelvin–Voigt model, and Burgers model. Details of the nip dynamic features, shape, amplitude, duration, and effective nip width, etc., have been worked out. The viscoelastic nature of the materials was found to be responsible for the so-called speed-hardening, asymmetric nip profile, variations in the nip amplitude and effective nip width, etc. It was also found that how the viscoelastic properties of the materials affect the nip dynamics depend on the how the elastic components and the viscos count parts are connected with each other. The framework is applicable to calendaring, gravure, offset, and flexography.
Climate-Related Hazards and Internal Migration Empirical Evidence for Rural Vietnam
Authors: Berlemann Michael , Tran Thi Xuyen
Published: April 2020

In this paper we employ commune-level data from Vietnam to study whether three types of natural disasters have an impact on emigration figures. We thereby distinguish between temporary and permanent emigration and also differentiate between the effects of recently occurring disaster events and changes in medium-term disaster trends. We find that episodic droughts and flood events tend to cause emigration from the affected communes. While droughts primarily cause temporary migration, flood events tend to induce permanent moves out of the affected regions. Whenever drought or flood events are perceived to have become more severe over the last decade, we also find systematically higher emigration from the affected communes. Episodic typhoons or worsening typhoon trends remain without any significant effect in both the short- and the long-run.
Trends in Snakebites Related to Texas Tropical Storms and Hurricanes, 2000–2017
Authors: Schulte Joann , Haynes Ashley , Smith Eric Anthony , Fleming John , Kleinschmidt Kurt , Roth Brett
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Anecdotal media reports suggest an increase in snakebites after hurricanes. After Hurricane Harvey, several households called Texas poison control centers to report snakebites that occurred when rising water flooded homes. Patterns of snakebite before and after hurricane landfalls have not been well studied.

Methods

We reviewed retrospective surveillance data from the Texas Poison Control Network to examine snakebites possibly related to tropical storms/hurricanes that hit Texas between 2000 and 2017. For that assessment, we compared 2 groups of counties: those designated for individual assistance (impact counties) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and all others (nonimpact counties). Typically, counties with individual assistance declarations are those in which damage is worse and resident return may be delayed.

Results

Eleven named tropical storms/hurricanes struck Texas between 2000 and 2017; 9 received individual assistance declarations. During the 18 y, 2037 snakebites were reported in the 30 d after and the 30 d before landfalls in 9 storms; 132 (6%) occurred poststorm in impact counties, and 13 of 132 (9%) of the case narratives mentioned hurricanes as a contributing factor. Impact counties were not statistically more likely to report snakebites in the 30 d after landfall for any of the 9 storms or overall, nor did we find differences in patient demographic characteristics, type of snake, and care patterns post- and prestorm.

Conclusions

There was no evidence of increases in snakebites after hurricanes in Texas during the study period. More detailed evaluations may be warranted in other regions that experience hurricanes and have venomous snake populations.
Impact of sea-ice thickness initialized in April on Arctic sea-ice extent predictability with the MIROC climate model
Authors: Ono Jun , Komuro Yoshiki , Tatebe Hiroaki
Published: April 2020

The impact of April sea-ice thickness (SIT) initialization on the predictability of September sea-ice extent (SIE) is investigated based on a series of perfect model ensemble experiments using the MIROC5.2 climate model. Ensembles with April SIT initialization can accurately predict the September SIE for greater lead times than in cases without the initialization – up to 2 years ahead. The persistence of SIT correctly initialized in April contributes to the skilful prediction of SIE in the first September. On the other hand, errors in the initialization of SIT in April cause errors in the predicted sea-ice concentration and thickness in the Pacific sector from July to September and consequently influence the predictive skill with respect to SIE in September. The present study suggests that initialization of the April SIT in the Pacific sector significantly improves the accuracy of the September SIE forecasts by decreasing the errors in sea-ice fields from July to September.
Development of a Mobile Laboratory for Sudden Onset Disasters
Authors: Marr Ian , Francis Joshua R. , Stephens Dianne P. , Marshall Kristy , Read David J. , Baird Rob W. , Coatsworth Nicholas
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

Clinical diagnostics in sudden onset disasters have historically been limited. We set out to design, implement, and evaluate a mobile diagnostic laboratory accompanying a type 2 emergency medical team (EMT) field hospital.

Methods:

Available diagnostic platforms were reviewed and selected against in field need. Platforms included HemoCue301/WBC DIFF, i-STAT, BIOFIRE FILMARRAY multiplex rt-PCR, Olympus BX53 microscopy, ABO/Rh grouping, and specific rapid diagnostic tests. This equipment was trialed in Katherine, Australia, and Dili, Timor-Leste.

Results:

During the initial deployment, an evaluation of FilmArray tests was successful using blood culture identification, gastrointestinal, and respiratory panels. HemoCue301 (n = 20) hemoglobin values were compared on Sysmex XN 550 (r = 0.94). HemoCue WBC DIFF had some variation, dependent on the cell, when compared with Sysmex XN 550 (r = 0.88-0.16). i-STAT showed nonsignificant differences against Vitros 250. Further evaluation of FilmArray in Dili, Timor-Leste, diagnosed 117 pathogens on 168 FilmArray pouches, including 25 separate organisms on blood culture and 4 separate cerebrospinal fluid pathogens.

Conclusion:

This mobile laboratory represents a major advance in sudden onset disaster. Setup of the service was quick (< 24 hr) and transport to site rapid. Future deployment in fragmented health systems after sudden onset disasters with EMT2 will now allow broader diagnostic capability.
THE FREE ENERGY OF THE TWO-DIMENSIONAL DILUTE BOSE GAS. I. LOWER BOUND
Authors: DEUCHERT ANDREAS , MAYER SIMON , SEIRINGER ROBERT
Published: April 2020

We prove a lower bound for the free energy (per unit volume) of the two-dimensional Bose gas in the thermodynamic limit. We show that the free energy at density$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}$and inverse temperature$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$differs from the one of the noninteracting system by the correction term$4\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B}\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}^{2}|\ln \,a^{2}\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}|^{-1}(2-[1-\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}_{\text{c}}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}]_{+}^{2})$. Here,$a$is the scattering length of the interaction potential,$[\cdot ]_{+}=\max \{0,\cdot \}$and$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}_{\text{c}}$is the inverse Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless critical temperature for superfluidity. The result is valid in the dilute limit$a^{2}\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}\ll 1$and if$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}\gtrsim 1$.
Do infants of breast-feeding mothers benefit from additional long-chain PUFA from fish oil? A 6-year follow-up
Authors: Meldrum Suzanne J. , Heaton Alexandra E. , Foster Jonathan K. , Prescott Susan L. , Simmer Karen
Published: April 2020

Fish-oil supplements are marketed as enhancing intelligence and cognitive performance. However, empirical data concerning the utility of these products in healthy term infants are mixed, particularly with respect to lasting effects into childhood. We evaluated whether fish-oil supplementation during infancy leads to better neurocognitive/behavioural development at 6 years. We conducted a double-blind randomised controlled trial of supplementation with n-3 long-chain PUFA in 420 healthy term infants. Infants received either fish oil (containing at least 250 mg DHA and at least 60 mg EPA) or placebo (olive oil) daily from birth to 6 months of age. Neurodevelopmental follow-up was conducted at a mean age of 6 years (sd 7 months), whereby 335 children were assessed for language, executive functioning, global intelligence quotient and behaviour. No significant differences were observed between the groups for the main neurocognitive outcomes. However in parent-report questionnaire, fish-oil supplementation was associated with negative externalising (P = 0·035, d = 0·24) and oppositional/defiant behaviour (P = 0·006, d = 0·31), particularly in boys (P = 0·01, d = 0·45; P = 0·004, d = 0·40). Our results provide evidence that fish-oil supplementation to predominantly breast-fed infants confers no significant cognitive or behavioural benefit to children at 6 years.
A reworked isolated deposit of the Kos Plateau Tuff and its significance for dating raised marine terraces, Kos, Greece
Authors: Piper David J.W. , Pe-Piper Georgia
Published: April 2020

The 161-ka Kos Plateau Tuff (KPT) eruption deposited widespread unwelded ignimbrites, but the Dikeos and Sympetro mountains on the SE of Kos Island blocked all but the most energetic pyroclastic flows. KPT remnants north of Sympetro mountain comprise reworked tuffite containing pumice and lithic clasts that petrologically and geochemically resemble those found in KPT unit E tephra, and reworked accretionary lapilli similar to those in KPT unit F. Tuffite is found only downslope from a 375-m-high pass between the Dikeos and Sympetro mountains, which was breached at the eruption climax by pyroclastic flows that then accelerated down the 10° north slope of Sympetro. The tuffite crops out in the palaeocliffs of a prominent terrace at an elevation of 75 m, interpreted as the transgressive ravinement surface of the first interglacial marine highstand after the KPT eruption during marine isotope stage (MIS) 5e. A similar ravinement surface cuts KPT deposits in central Kos at elevations of up to 135 m and implies post-MIS 5e uplift rates of 0.7–1.0 m ka−1, confirmed by the elevation of a previously reported raised beach beneath the KPT. A Holocene raised beach on the east coast of Kos contains pumice clasts from the Yali-4 eruption at 4–3 ka. Its elevation of 2 m above sea level is consistent with the elevation of the local MIS 5e terrace. Its present erosion results from the blocking of discharge from ephemeral streams by human infrastructure. Our study provides the first integrated chronologic and neotectonic interpretation of the prominent plateau and terrace surfaces on Kos Island.
The Enemy of My Enemy: When Firms Support Climate Change Regulation
Authors: Kennard Amanda
Published: April 2020

Policies to mitigate global climate change entail significant economic costs. Yet a growing number of firms lobby in favor of regulation to mitigate carbon emissions. Why do firms support environmental regulations that directly increase production costs? This question is all the more puzzling in a globalized economy where regulation may undermine the competitiveness of domestic firms at home and abroad. By imposing differential costs on participants in the domestic market, policies designed to mitigate carbon emissions shift market share toward firms with low anticipated adjustment costs. I develop and test a model of climate change policymaking in the presence of market competition and open borders. Heterogeneity in adjustment costs induces a preference for regulation among low-cost firms. Firms facing import pressure—or export competition—may prefer stringent regulation if costs are sufficiently asymmetric. Firms embedded in global value chains also benefit if regulation raises the costs of domestically produced intermediate goods.
Contrasting effects of high-starch and high-sugar diets on ruminal function in cattle
Authors: Francesio Andrea , Viora Lorenzo , Denwood Matt J. , Tulley Will , Brady Nicola , Hastie Peter , Hamilton Andrew , Davison Christopher , Michie Craig , Jonsson Nicholas N.
Published: April 2020

The experiment reported in this research paper aimed to determine whether clinical and subclinical effects on cattle were similar if provided with isoenergetic and isonitrogenous challenge diets in which carbohydrate sources were predominantly starch or sugar. The study was a 3 × 3 Latin square using six adult Jersey cows with rumen cannulae, over 9 weeks. In the first 2 weeks of each 3 week experimental period cows were fed with a maintenance diet and, in the last week, each animal was assigned to one of three diets: a control diet (CON), being a continuation of the maintenance diet; a high starch (HSt) or a high sugar (HSu) diet. Reticuloruminal pH and motility were recorded throughout the study period. Blood and ruminal samples were taken on day-1 (TP-1), day-2 (TP-2) and day-7 (TP-7) of each challenge week. Four clinical variables were recorded daily: diarrhoea, inappetence, depression and ruminal tympany. The effects of treatment, hour of day and day after treatment on clinical parameters were analysed using linear mixed effects (LME) models. Although both challenge diets resulted in a decline in pH, an increase in the absolute pH residuals and an increase in the number of minutes per day under pH 5.8, systemic inflammation was only detected with the HSt diet. The challenge diets differentially modified amplitude and period of reticuloruminal contractions compared with CON diet and both were associated with an increased probability of diarrhoea. The HSu diet reduced the probability of an animal consuming its complete allocation. Because the challenge diets were derived from complex natural materials (barley and molasses respectively), it is not possible to assign all the differential effects to the difference in starch and sugar concentration: non-starch components of barley or non-sugar components of molasses might have contributed to some of the observations. In conclusion, substituting much of the starch with sugar caused no substantial reduction in the acidosis load, but inflammatory response was reduced while feed rejection was increased.
Control ofDermanyssus gallinae(De Geer 1778) and other mites with volatile organic compounds, a review
Authors: Gay Marie , Lempereur Laetitia , Francis Frédéric , Caparros Megido Rudy
Published: April 2020

Dermanyssus gallinae(De Geer 1778), commonly named the poultry red mite (PRM), is considered to be the most harmful ectoparasite in poultry farms in Europe. This species feeds on the blood of laying hens, but spends most of its time hidden in cracks and crevices around hen nests. To control PRM populations in poultry houses, chemical pesticides are currently used; however, concern is growing regarding the harmful residues found in eggs and hens, along with the increased resistance of mites against several compounds. Alternatives to synthetic compounds are now being explored, including vaccines, biological control, physical control and semiochemical control based on the chemical ecology of PRM. This review focused on the different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) identified fromD. gallinaeand other mite species that have been discovered to control them. Pheromones (aggregation pheromone, sex pheromone and alarm pheromone) and kairomones promoting attraction behaviour inD. gallinaeand other mite species are presented, while VOCs from essential oils and plant extracts with repellent properties are also explored. Finally, devices using VOCs on PRM in the field are described, with devices that have been tested on other Acari species being mentioned as potential directions for the future control of PRM.
Does the unified protocol really change neuroticism? Results from a randomized trial
Authors: Sauer-Zavala Shannon , Fournier Jay C. , Jarvi Steele Stephanie , Woods Brittany K. , Wang Mengxing , Farchione Todd J. , Barlow David H.
Published: April 2020

Background

Neuroticism is associated with the onset and maintenance of a number of mental health conditions, as well as a number of deleterious outcomes (e.g. physical health problems, higher divorce rates, lost productivity, and increased treatment seeking); thus, the consideration of whether this trait can be addressed in treatment is warranted. To date, outcome research has yielded mixed results regarding neuroticism's responsiveness to treatment, perhaps due to the fact that study interventions are typically designed to target disorder symptoms rather than neuroticism itself. The purpose of the current study was to explore whether a course of treatment with the unified protocol (UP), a transdiagnostic intervention that was explicitly developed to target neuroticism, results in greater reductions in neuroticism compared to gold-standard, symptom focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocols and a waitlist (WL) control condition.

Method

Patients with principal anxiety disorders (N = 223) were included in this study. They completed a validated self-report measure of neuroticism, as well as clinician-rated measures of psychological symptoms.

Results

At week 16, participants in the UP condition exhibited significantly lower levels of neuroticism than participants in the symptom-focused CBT (t(218) = −2.17, p = 0.03, d = −0.32) and WL conditions(t(207) = −2.33, p = 0.02, d = −0.43), and these group differences remained after controlling for simultaneous fluctuations in depression and anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

Treatment effects on neuroticism may be most robust when this trait is explicitly targeted.
The learning curve in transcatheter aortic valve implantation clinical studies: A systematic review
Authors: Thivilliers Anne-Pauline , Ladarré Rémi , Merabti Océane , François Caroline , Fontenay Sarah , van den Brink Hélène , Pineau Judith , Prognon Patrice , Borget Isabelle , Martelli Nicolas
Published: April 2020

Background

Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation (TAVI) has become an essential alternative to surgical aortic-valve replacement in the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, and this procedure requires technical expertise. The aim of this study was to identify prospective studies on TAVI from the past 10 years, and then to analyze the quality of information reported about the learning curve.

Materials and methods

A systematic review of articles published between 2007 and 2017 was performed using PubMed and the EMBASE database. Prospective studies regarding TAVI were included. The quality of information reported about the learning curve was evaluated using the following criteria: mention of the learning curve, the description of a roll-in phase, the involvement of a proctor, and the number of patients suggested to maintain skills.

Results

A total of sixty-eight studies met the selection criteria and were suitable for analysis. The learning curve was addressed in approximately half of the articles (n= 37, 54 percent). However, the roll-in period was mentioned by only eight studies (12 percent) and with very few details. Furthermore, a proctorship was disclosed in three articles (4 percent) whereas twenty-five studies (37 percent) included authors that were proctors for manufacturers of TAVI.

Conclusion

Many prospective studies on TAVI over the past 10 years mention learning curves as a core component of successful TAVI procedures. However, the quality of information reported about the learning curve is relatively poor, and uniform guidance on how to properly assess the learning curve is still missing.