bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
French guidelines on the use of systemic treatments for moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis in adults
Authors: Amatore F. , Villani A.‐P. , Tauber M. , Viguier M. , Guillot B. ,   the Psoriasis Research Group of the French Society of Dermatology (Groupe de Recherche sur le Psoriasis de la Société Française de Dermatologie)
Published: February 2019

These guidelines were developed by the psoriasis research group of the French Society of Dermatology with the aim of providing updated decision‐making algorithms for the systemic treatment of adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. Our algorithms were generated after rigorous evaluation of existing guidelines on the treatment of psoriasis and of publications concerning new systemic treatments, not yet incorporated into existing guidelines. A total of nine existing guidelines and 53 publications related to new systemic treatments were found to meet our criteria for use in the generation of the algorithms. We have proposed two new algorithms to assess therapeutic responses, both of which incorporate emerging criteria for evaluating treatment goals. Updated therapeutic strategy algorithms, incorporating both established and new systemic therapies, were also generated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, together with recommendations for the treatment of particular forms of psoriasis and treatment of patients with comorbidities.
Six‐year follow‐up of vitiligo patients successfully treated with autologous non‐cultured melanocyte–keratinocyte transplantation
Authors: Altalhab S. , AlJasser M.I. , Mulekar S.V. , Al Issa A. , Mulekar S. , Diaz J. , Diallo A. , Ezzedine K.
Published: February 2019

Background

Although autologous non‐cultured melanocyte–keratinocyte transplantation is a treatment option for stable vitiligo, there is lack of long‐term maintenance data for this specific treatment.

Objective

To search for factors associated with long‐term maintenance of patients with stable vitiligo successfully treated with melanocyte–keratinocyte transplantation.

Methods

This was a single‐centre retrospective study including stable vitiligo patients who underwent successful melanocyte–keratinocyte transplantation in the National Center for Vitiligo, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 1 January 2004 and 30 June 2015. Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate factors associated with relapse at 6 years of followup. Co‐variates included, gender, type of vitiligo, age at vitiligo onset, age at surgical procedure, disease duration, disease stability, affected body surface area, treated surface area, fingertip involvement, type of recipient area treatment and recurrence defined as the onset of new lesions on previously untreated areas. The risk of developing relapse defined as re‐appearance of more than 10% depigmentation in a previously treated and repigmented site was considered as the main outcome.

Results

In total, 602 patients were included in the study of whom 410 (67%) were women. Mean age was 24.25 years [4.0–67.0]. Affected body surface area of less than 1% (adjusted HR = 0.37; P = 0.04) and mechanical dermabrasion (adjusted HR = 0.26; P = 0.03) were independently associated with lower rates of relapse. On the contrary, non‐segmental type of vitiligo (adjusted HR = 2.11; P = 0.03) and fingertip involvement (adjusted HR = 3.75; P = 0.01) were independently associated with higher rates of relapse.

Conclusions

Criteria for selecting patients with stable vitiligo for surgery should include careful assessment of vitiligo type including body surface area of vitiligo and involvement of fingertip before undergoing surgical procedure.
Acceptability of Drosophila suzukii as prey for common predators occurring in cherries and berries
Authors: Englert Camilla , Herz Annette
Published: February 2019

The invasive cherry vinegar fly, Drosophila suzukii, has been identified in Europe as a destructive fruit pest since its arrival in 2008. In the present laboratory study, three predatory insects (Orius majusculus, Chrysoperla carnea, and Forficula auricularia) naturally occurring on fruit crops in Europe were investigated for their ability to attack and feed on D. suzukii within and outside fruits. The predators were provided with various D. suzukii life stages (eggs, larvae, pupae or adults) exposed or within infested cherries. The anthocorid bug O. majusculus fed on eggs and larvae, but was not able to attack pupae. Larvae of the lacewing C. carnea preyed upon D. suzukii eggs, larvae and pupae and also captured adult flies. The European earwig F. auricularia was the most voracious predator of these three tested species. Although the earwigs were not able to catch adult flies, they readily preyed upon every other developmental stage. Adult O. majusculus or third instar larvae of C. carnea significantly reduced the offspring of D. suzukii from infested cherries, when these contained the egg stage of the pest. None of the predators were able to attack early larval stages inside the cherries. But pupae that protruded from the fruit epicarp or that had pupated outside the fruit were accessible to lacewing larvae and earwigs and significantly reduced by them. Orius bugs, lacewing larvae and earwigs were able, under laboratory conditions, to capture and prey upon various life stages of the invasive pest, if not completely concealed inside the fruit. Our findings suggest that these generalist predators may have some control capacity on infested fruit in cultivated fruit crops and also in non‐crop habitats.
An epistemological problem for integration in EBM
Authors: Lawson‐Frost Sasha
Published: February 2019

Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) calls for medical practitioners to “integrate” our best available evidence into clinical practice. A significant amount of the literature on EBM takes this integration to be unproblematic, focusing on questions like how to interpret evidence and engage with patient values, rather than critically looking at how these features of EBM can be implemented together. Other authors have also commented on this gap in the literature, for example, identifying the lack of clarity about how patient preferences and evidence from trials is supposed to be integrated in practice. In this paper, I look at this issue from an epistemological perspective, (looking at how different types of knowledge in EBM can be used to make sounds judgements). In particular, I introduce an epistemological issue for this integration problem, which I call the epistemic integration problem. This is essentially the problem of how we can use information that is both general (eg, about a population sample) and descriptive (eg, about what expected outcomes are) to reach clinical judgements that are individualized (applying to a particular patient) and normative (about what is best for their health).
The taste system in fishes and the effects of environmental variables
Authors: Kasumyan Alexander O.
Published: February 2019

The adaptability of the taste system in fish has led to a large variety in taste bud morphology, abundance and distribution, as well as in taste physiology characteristics in closely related species with different modes of life and feeding ecology. However, the modifications evoked in the sense of taste, or gustation, particularly during ontogeny when fishes are subject to different environmental variables, remain poorly studied. This review paper focusses on current knowledge to show how plastic and resistant the taste system in fishes is to various external factors, linked to other sensory inputs and shifts in physiological state of individuals. Ambient water temperature is fundamental to many aspects of fish biology and taste preferences are stable to many substances, however, the taste‐cell turnover rate strongly depends on water temperature. Taste preferences are stable within water salinity, which gives rise to the possibility that the taste system in anadromous and catadromous fishes will only change minimally after their migration to a new environment. Food‐taste selectivity is linked to fish diet and to individual feeding experience as well as the motivation to feed evoked by attractive (water extracts of food) and repellent (alarm pheromone) odours. In contrast, starvation leads to loss of aversion to many deterrent substances, which explains the consumption by starving fishes of new objects, previously refused or just occasionally consumed. Food hardness can significantly modify the final feeding decision to swallow or to reject a grasped and highly palatable food item. Heavy metals, detergents, aromatic hydrocarbons and other water contaminants have the strongest and quickest negative effects on structure and function of taste system in fish and depress taste perception and ability of fishes to respond adequately to taste stimuli after short exposures. Owing to phenotypic plasticity, the taste system can proliferate and partially restore the ability of fishes to respond to food odour after a complete loss of olfaction. In general, the taste system, especially its functionality, is regarded as stable over the life of a fish despite any alteration in their environment and such resistance is vital for maintaining physiological homeostasis.
Establishment of tooth blood supply and innervation is developmentally regulated and takes place through differential patterning processes
Authors: Shadad Omnia , Chaulagain Rajib , Luukko Keijo , Kettunen Paivi
Published: February 2019

Teeth are richly supported by blood vessels and peripheral nerves. The aim of this study was to describe in detail the developmental time‐course and localization of blood vessels during early tooth formation and to compare that to innervation, as well as to address the putative role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is an essential regulator of vasculature development, in this process. The localization of blood vessels and neurites was compared using double immunofluorescence staining on sections at consecutive stages of the embryonic (E) and postnatal (PN) mandibular first molar tooth germ (E11‐PN7). Cellular mRNA expression domains of VEGF and its signaling receptor VEGFR2 were studied using sectional radioactive in situ hybridization. Expression of VEGF mRNA and the encoded protein were studied by RT‐PCR and western blot analysis, respectively, in the cap and early bell stage tooth germs, respectively. VEGFR2 was immunolocalized on tooth tissue sections. Smooth muscle cells were investigated by anti‐alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) antibodies. VEGF showed developmentally regulated epithelial and mesenchymal mRNA expression domains including the enamel knot signaling centers that correlated with the growth and navigation of the blood vessels expressing Vegfr2 and VEGFR2 to the dental papilla and enamel organ. Developing blood vessels were present in the jaw mesenchyme including the presumptive dental mesenchyme before the appearance of the epithelial dental placode and dental neurites. Similarly, formation of a blood vessel plexus around the bud stage tooth germ and ingrowth of vessels into dental papilla at E14 preceded ingrowth of neurites. Subsequently, pioneer blood vessels in the dental papilla started to receive smooth muscle coverage at the early embryonic bell stage. Establishment and patterning of the blood vessels and nerves during tooth formation are developmentally regulated, stepwise processes that likely involve differential patterning mechanisms. Development of tooth vascular supply is proposed to be regulated by local, tooth‐specific regulation by epithelial–mesenchymal tissue interactions and involving tooth target expressed VEGF signaling. Further investigations on tooth vascular development by local VEGF signaling, as well as how tooth innervation and development of blood vessels are integrated with advancing tooth organ formation by local signaling mechanisms, are warranted.
Myd88 plays a major role in the keratinocyte response to infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Polak David , Zigron Asaf , Eli‐Berchoer Luba , Shapira Lior , Nussbaum Gabriel
Published: February 2019

Aim

To explore the role of keratinocyte myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) expression in the adhesion of Porphyromonas gingivalis to the cells and its subsequent invasion and intracellular survival.

Materials and Methods

Primary mouse keratinocytes from wild‐type (WT) or Myd88−/− mice were infected with P gingivalis alone or co‐infected with Fusobacterium nucleatum. Bacterial adhesion and invasion were measured using fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry, and intracellular survival in keratinocytes was quantified by an antibiotic protection assay. Keratinocyte expression of antimicrobial peptides was measured by real‐time PCR.

Results

In the absence of MyD88, P gingivalis adherence, invasion, and intracellular survival were enhanced compared with WT keratinocytes. The presence of F nucleatum during infection increased the adhesion of P gingivalis to WT keratinocytes but reduced the adhesion to Myd88−/− keratinocytes. Fusobacterium nucleatum improved mildly the invasion and survival of P gingivalis in both cell types. Baseline expression of beta‐defensin 2, 3, 4 and RegIII‐γ was elevated in Myd88−/− keratinocytes compared to WT cells; however, following infection beta‐defensin expression was strongly induced in WT cells but decreased dramatically in the MyD88 deficient cells.

Conclusion

In the absence of MyD88 expression, P gingivalis adhesion to keratinocytes is improved, and invasion and intracellular survival are increased. Furthermore, keratinocyte infection by P gingivalis induces antimicrobial peptide expression in a MyD88‐dependent manner. Thus, MyD88 plays a key role in the interaction between P gingivalis and keratinocytes.
Readability of consent forms in veterinary clinical research
Authors: Sobolewski Josey , Bryan Jeffrey N. , Duval Dawn , O'Kell Allison , Tate Deborah J. , Webb Tracy , Moore Sarah
Published: February 2019

Background

“Readability” of consent forms is vital to the informed consent process. The average human hospital consent form is written at a 10th grade reading level, whereas the average American adult reads at an 8th grade level. Limited information currently exists regarding the readability of veterinary general medical or clinical research consent forms.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The goal of this study was to assess the readability of veterinary clinical trial consent forms from a group of veterinary referral centers recently involved in a working group focused on veterinary clinical trial review and consent. We hypothesized that consent forms would not be optimized for client comprehension and would be written above the National Institutes of Health‐recommended 6th grade reading level.

Animals

None.

Methods

This was a prospective study assessing a convenience sample of veterinary clinical trial consent forms. Readability was assessed using 3 methods: the Flesch‐Kincaid (F‐K) Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), and the Readability Test Tool (RTT). Results were reported as mean (±SD) and compared across specialties.

Results

Fifty‐three consent forms were evaluated. Mean FRES was 37.5 ± 6.0 (target 60 or higher). Mean F‐K Grade Level was 13.0 ± 1.2 and mean RTT grade level was 12.75 ± 1.1 (target 6.0 or lower). There was substantial agreement between F‐K and RTT grade level scores (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.8).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

No form evaluated met current health literacy recommendations for readability. A simple and readily available F‐K Microsoft‐based approach for evaluating grade level was in substantial agreement with other methods, suggesting that this approach might be sufficient for use by clinicians and administrators drafting forms for future studies.
Petrology and geochemistry of olivine‐phyric shergottites LAR 12095 and LAR 12240: Implications for their petrogenetic history on Mars
Authors: Dunham Emilie T. , Balta J. Brian , Wadhwa Meenakshi , Sharp Thomas G. , McSween Harry Y.
Published: February 2019

Larkman Nunatak (LAR) 12095 and LAR 12240 are recent olivine‐phyric shergottite finds. We report the results of petrographic and chemical analyses of these two samples to understand their petrogenesis on Mars. Based on our analyses, we suggest that these samples are likely paired and are most similar to other depleted olivine‐phyric shergottites, particularly Dar al Gani (DaG) 476 and Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 005 (and samples paired with those). The olivine megacryst cores in LAR 12095 and LAR 12240 are not in equilibrium with the groundmass olivines. We infer that these megacrysts are phenocrysts and their major element compositions have been homogenized by diffusion (the cores of the olivine megacrysts have Mg# ~70, whereas megacryst rims and groundmass olivines typically have Mg# ~58–60). The rare earth element (REE) microdistributions in the various phases (olivine, low‐ and high‐Ca pyroxene, maskelynite, and merrillite) in both samples are similar and support the likelihood that these two shergottites are indeed paired. The calculated parent melt (i.e., in equilibrium with the low‐Ca pyroxene, which is one of the earliest formed REE‐bearing minerals) has an REE pattern parallel to that of melt in equilibrium with merrillite (i.e., one of the last‐formed minerals). This suggests that the LAR 12095/12240 paired shergottites represent the product of closed‐system fractional crystallization following magma emplacement and crystal accumulation. Utilizing the europium oxybarometer, we estimate that the magmatic oxygen fugacity early in the crystallization sequence was ~IW. Finally, petrographic evidence indicates that LAR 12095/12240 experienced extensive shock prior to being ejected from Mars.
Retrospective eDNA assessment of potentially harmful algae in historical ship ballast tank and marine port sediments
Authors: Shaw Jennifer L. A. , Weyrich Laura S. , Hallegraeff Gustaaf , Cooper Alan
Published: February 2019

Microalgal bloom events can cause major ecosystem disturbances, devastate local marine economies, and endanger public health. Therefore, detecting and monitoring harmful microalgal taxa is essential to ensure effective risk management in waterways used for fisheries, aquaculture, recreational activity, and shipping. To fully understand the current status and future direction of algal bloom distributions, we need to know how populations and ecosystems have changed over time. This baseline knowledge is critical for predicting ecosystem responses to future anthropogenic change and will assist in the future management of coastal ecosystems. We explore a NGS metabarcoding approach to rapidly identify potentially harmful microalgal taxa in 63 historic and modern Australian marine port and ballast tank sediment samples. The results provide a record of past microalgal distribution and important baseline data that can be used to assess the efficacy of shipping guidelines, nutrient pollution mitigation, and predict the impact of climate change. Critically, eDNA surveys of archived sediments were able to detect harmful algal taxa that do not produce microscopic fossils, such as Chattonella, Heterosigma, Karlodinium, and Noctiluca. Our data suggest a potential increase in Australian harmful microalgal taxa over the past 30 years, and confirm ship ballast tanks as key dispersal vectors. These molecular mapping tools will assist in the creation of policies aimed at reducing the global increase and spread of harmful algal taxa and help prevent economic and public‐health problems caused by harmful algal blooms.
Sustainable livelihoods approaches to inform government‐local partnerships and decision‐making in vulnerable environments
Authors: Edwards Peter , Sharma‐Wallace Lisa , Barnard Tim , Velarde Sandra J. , Warmenhoven Tui , Fitzgerald Gerard , Harrison Duncan , Garrett Loretta , Porou Tina , Pohatu Pia
Published: February 2019

Sustainable livelihoods approaches used in international development are applied to a vulnerable New Zealand catchment. The Waiapu Catchment has a high proportion of indigenous residents, and is one of the most remote and deprived areas in the country. Linear and centralised approaches to indigenous development have failed to bring about desired changes. We identify “capitals” (social, human/political, physical, natural, financial and cultural) present in the catchment. From this assessment, we propose capital‐based holistic approaches to bring about community‐led change. The assessment and resulting approaches can be used in other vulnerable environments around the world.
The heart rate variability‐derived Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation (NIPE™) Index in pediatric surgical patients from 0 to 2 years under sevoflurane anesthesia—A prospective observational pilot study
Authors: Weber Frank , Roeleveld Hilde G. , Geerts Noortje J. E. , Warmenhoven Annejet T. , Schröder Rosalie , de Leeuw Thomas G.
Published: February 2019

Background

The heart rate variability‐derived Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation (NIPE™) Index is a continuous noninvasive tool to assess pain and discomfort in infants <2 years. Initial studies focused on pain monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit environment.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of the NIPE in infants under sevoflurane anesthesia. The primary objective of this study was to compare the NIPE and heart rate as tools to help recognize the need for additional opioid drugs. Secondary objectives were the course of the NIPE and heart rate around specific standardized noxious procedural mile‐stones.

Methods

NIPE and heart rate values recorded during a 120 seconds interval before the anesthetist's decision to administer additional opioid due to the perceived insufficient antinociception and during a 120 seconds interval after drug administration were analyzed by means of a repeated measures ANOVA. The same analyses were performed for datasets around per protocol administration of morphine for postoperative analgesia, performance of a caudal block and surgical incision.

Results

In patients with a NIPE value <50, an additional opioid drug administration resulted in a rise of NIPE values, reaching a maximum increase of 5.1 (95% CI: 0.22‐9.99) units 120 seconds after drug administration (P = 0.041). There was no evidence of a change in heart rate during these two 120 seconds periods. Per protocol administration of morphine, caudal block, and surgical incision did not result in changes of the NIPE, which was around 65 units on these occasions, and heart rate.

Conclusion

In infants anesthetized with sevoflurane, NIPE values <50 might be indicative of insufficient antinociception. The results of this observational pilot study might suggest that the NIPE could be a better measure of the nociception/antinociception balance than heart rate.
Safe pediatric procedural sedation and analgesia by anesthesiologists for elective procedures: A clinical practice statement from the European Society for Paediatric Anaesthesiology
Authors: Zielinska Marzena , Bartkowska‐Sniatkowska Alicja , Becke Karin , Höhne Claudia , Najafi Nadia , Schaffrath Eva , Simic Dusica , Vittinghoff Maria , Veyckemans Francis , Morton Neil
Published: February 2019

The growing number of medical procedures performed in children that require cooperation of patients, lack of movement, anxiolysis or/and analgesia triggers the increased need for procedural sedation. This document presents the consensus statement of the European Society for Paediatric Anaesthesiology about the principles connected with the safe management of procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) by anaesthesiologists for elective procedures in children. It does not aim to provide a legal statement on how and by whom PSA should be performed. The document highlights that any staff taking part in sedation of children must be appropriately trained with the required competencies and must be able to demonstrate regularly that they have maintained their knowledge, skills and clinical experience. The main goal of creating this document was to reflect the opinions of the community of the paediatric anaesthesiologists in Europe regarding how PSA for paediatric patients should be organized to make it safe.
Skewed B cell receptor repertoire and reduced antibody avidity in patients with DOCK8 deficiency
Authors: Tang Wenjing , Dou Ying , Qin Tao , Ding Yuan , Tang Xuemei , Zhao Xiaodong , An Yunfei
Published: February 2019

DOCK8 immunodeficiency syndrome (DIDS) is a combined immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent viral infections, severe atopy and early onset malignancy. Immunological abnormalities include lymphopenia, CD8+ T‐cell cytoskeleton dysfunction, defective B cell memory and variable serum immunoglobulin levels. Here, we analyse the B cell receptor repertoire (BCR) characteristics and antibody avidity of four DIDS patients, attempt to understand the dysregulated humoral immunity in DIDS patients with a normal antibody titre and suggest a scientific basis for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement therapy for these patients. We analysed BCR characteristics, including somatic hypermutation (SHM) frequency, using deep sequencing of multiplex PCR products derived from BCR heavy chain CDR3 regions from DIDS patients and controls. The antibody avidity of human tetanus and hemophilus influenza B antibodies was determined by ELISA using thiocyanate elution. IVIG replacement treatment and infection conditions were investigated retrospectively. We found skewing of the BCR repertoire and decreased antibody avidity in patients with DIDS. DIDS patients had fewer negatively charged amino acids than healthy controls. The SHM frequency of the IGHV3 gene was lower in patients with DIDS. Patients received regular IVIG therapy, resulting in fewer and less severe infections. We conclude that although IgG levels are normal in most DIDS patients, IVIG replacement therapy is still necessary.
Local Chapter Outposts: A Dilemma for Federated Social Movement Organizations*
Authors: Rodgers Diane M.
Published: February 2019

Although there has been a significant shift toward decentralized forms of social movement organizations (SMOs), the federated form is still quite active and deserves further study. In particular, the role of the local chapter in relation to its national office can be explored from new angles for additional insights into federated SMOs. I address the specific issue of isolation that is problematic for some chapters of federated SMOs. I consider these chapters to be “outposts”; isolated from national headquarters geographically, socially, culturally, politically or due to communication barriers. This outpost status creates specific difficulties over control, autonomy, coordination, and resources. “SMO Outposts” are often not able or willing to carry out national goals, strategy or tactics in the prescribed manner expected from headquarters. However, SMO Outposts may also experience unexpected opportunities. My typology of SMO Outposts clarifies their characteristics and presents the challenges and opportunities they encounter under various modes of isolation. This provides for a fuller assessment of the success, organizing capability and adaptation of federated SMOs.
Identification of two novel HLA class II alleles, HLA‐DQB1*02:139 and HLA‐DQB1*02:140, in northern Chinese individuals
Authors: Zhou Yunli , Zhang Qian , Wang Yan , Wang Linlin , Liu Keyao
Published: February 2019

Two novel HLA‐DQB1 alleles, HLA‐DQB1*02:139 and HLA‐DQB1*02:140, characterized using a sequence‐based typing in northern Chinese individuals.
Sodium citrate contributes to the platelet storage lesion
Authors: Getz Todd M. , Turgeon Annette , Wagner Stephen J.
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Sodium citrate has become the preferred anticoagulant used for apheresis collection and has been included in commercial platelet additive solutions (PASs) since PAS‐II. It was suggested that citrate be included in PASs to prevent spontaneous aggregation. Reports in cell lines and cord blood have demonstrated that concentrations of citrate present in PAS formulations (10 mM) cause apoptosis. We evaluated whether the removal of citrate from PAS‐III could improve platelet storage.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Study 1 evaluated the effects of a citrate dose response on the storage of platelets in 65% PAS containing sodium chloride, sodium acetate, and phosphate. Study 2 compared the cell quality and function of platelets stored in 65% citrate‐free PAS‐III or PAS‐III containing 10 mM of citrate. Measurements included cell count, blood gases, flow cytometry analysis of surface activation markers, and aggregation.

RESULTS

Study 1 identified that inclusion of citrate in PAS resulted in a dose‐dependent increase in glucose utilization, lactate formation, P‐selectin expression, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. Study 2 showed similar results in which platelets stored in citrate‐free PAS‐III benefited through better maintenance of glucose utilization with less lactate production, P‐selectin expression, PS exposure, and ROS formation compared to citrate‐containing PAS‐III. Platelets stored in citrate‐free PAS‐III had aggregation responses that were at least 10% greater than those platelets stored in PAS‐III.

CONCLUSION

Storage of apheresis platelets in citrate‐free PAS‐III improved multiple storage parameters including glucose utilization, lactate production, P‐selection expression, PS exposure, and ROS formation and resulted in a modest increase in aggregation.
VAMPIRE® fundus image analysis algorithms: Validation and diagnostic relevance in hypertensive cats
Authors: Cirla Alessandro , Drigo Michele , Ballerini Lucia , Trucco Emanuele , Barsotti Giovanni
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To validate a retinal imaging software named VAMPIRE® (Vascular Assay and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina) in feline patients and test the clinical utility in hypertensive cats.

Animals studied

One hundred and five healthy cats were enrolled. They represented the normal dataset used in the validation (group 1). Forty‐three hypertensive cats with no noticeable retinal abnormalities were enrolled for the clinical validity of the software (group 2).

Procedures

Eleven points (4 veins, 4 arteries, and 3 arterial bifurcations) were measured for each digital image. Repeatability and reproducibility of measurements were assessed using two independent operators. Data were statistically analyzed by the Mann‐Whiney and Tukey box plot. Significance was considered when P < 0.05.

Results

Two hundred and ten retinal images were analyzed for a total of 2310 measurements. Total mean was 9.1 and 6.1 pixels for veins and arteries, respectively. First, second, and third arteriolar bifurcations angles were 73.6°, 76.9°, and 85.4°, respectively. A comparison between groups 1 and 2 showed a statistically significant reduction in arteriolar diameter (mean 3.3 pixels) and branch angle (55°, 47.8° and 59.9°) associated with increasing vein diameter (mean 24.15 pixels).

Conclusions

Current image analysis techniques used in human medicine were investigated in terms of extending their use to veterinary medicine. The VAMPIRE® algorithm proved useful for an objective diagnosis of retinal vasculature changes secondary to systemic hypertension in cats, and could be an additional diagnostic test for feline systemic hypertension.
Miniature Fiber Optic Acoustic Pressure Sensors With Air-Backed Graphene Diaphragms
Authors: Dong Qian , Bae Hyungdae , Zhang Zhijian , Chen Yongyao , Wen Zhongshan , Olson Douglas A. , Yu Miao , Liu Haijun
Published: February 2019

Graphene has been known to possess exceptional mechanical properties, including its extremely high Young’s modulus and atomic layer thickness. Although there are several reported fiber optic pressure sensors using graphene film, a key question that is not well understood is how the suspended graphene film interacts with the backing air cavity and affects the sensor performance. Based on our previous analytical model, we will show that the sensor performance suffers due to the significantly reduced mechanical sensitivity by the backing cavity. To remedy this limitation, we will, through experimental and numerical methods, investigate two approaches to enhance the sensitivity of fiber optic acoustic pressure sensors using graphene film. First, a graphene–silver composite diaphragm is used to enhance the optical sensitivity by increasing the reflectivity. Compared with a sensor with pure graphene diaphragm, graphene–silver composite can enhance the sensitivity by threefold, while the mechanical sensitivity is largely unchanged. Second, a fiber optic sensor is developed with enlarged backing air volume through the gap between an optical fiber and a silica capillary tube. Experimental results show that the mechanical sensitivity is increased by 10× from the case where the gap side space is filled. For both approaches, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is improved due to the enhanced sensitivity, and comsol Thermoviscous acoustics simulation compares well with the experimental results. This study is expected to not only enhance the understanding of fluid–structural interaction in sensor design but also benefit various applications requiring high-performance miniature acoustic sensors.
Reduction of Hybrid FE-SEA Model for the Mid-Frequency Vibration of Vibro-Acoustic Systems Using Dynamic Condensation Approach
Authors: Gao Ruxin , Zhang Yahui , Kennedy David
Published: February 2019

In this paper, an improved hybrid finite element (FE)-statistical energy analysis (SEA) method is proposed for the mid-frequency vibration of vibro-acoustic systems. Within the framework of the hybrid FE-SEA method, the present method reduces the size of the total dynamic matrix of a vibro-acoustic system by employing dynamic condensation to reduce the order of the dynamic matrix of the acoustic cavity. A fast algorithm is introduced to obtain the dynamic flexibility matrix of the slave degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) of the acoustic cavity FE model, thereby avoiding the direct inverse computation of a large dynamic stiffness matrix at each frequency point of interest. The first numerical example illustrates the validity and efficiency of the present method, while the convergence and accuracy analysis of the proposed method is investigated numerically by the second example.
Campbell Diagram Computation for a Drillstring Immersed in Curved Wells
Authors: Nguyen Khac-Long , Tran Quang-Thinh , Andrianoely Marie-Ange , Manin Lionel , Dufour Régis , Menand Stéphane , Mahjoub Mohamed
Published: February 2019

The drilling operations use a rotary slender structure introduced inside the drill well. The nonlinear dynamics with bit-bouncing, stick-slip phenomena, and pulsating mud flow may yield the premature wear and damage of drilling equipment and should be investigated to improve the reliability of drilling operations. This work presents the beam element formulation to model the drilling nonlinear dynamics. The well-pipe contacts are modeled by the radial elastic stops. The fluid–structure interactions are considered. The first step consists in computing the static position of structure to determine the contact points and calculate the preloaded state. These results are then considered to calculate the Campbell diagram. The potentially unstable speeds of rotation are identified. The results show that the modal coupling phenomena strongly occur for the three-dimensional well. The well-pipe contacts modify the modes in rotation, and the rotating fluid induces a strong deviation of the flexural mode curves.
Application of Boundary Element Method for Determination of the Wavemaker Driving Signal
Authors: Khait Anatoliy , Shemer Lev
Published: February 2019

A method for the generation of steep nonlinear broad-banded wave trains having an arbitrary prescribed shape is developed. It is shown that the second-order contributions to the velocity field are negligible in deep water, while the second-order bound components of the surface elevation are significant. This fact allows improvement of an iterative method of the wavemaker driving signal adjustment that increases the accuracy of excitation of wave train with the prescribed free waves’ spectrum. The decomposition of the complex amplitude spectrum of the surface elevation into free and bound components is based on the approach adopted in the derivation of the Zakharov model. The iterative adjustment of the driving signal is carried out using the numerical wave tank based on the boundary element method. It is demonstrated that accurate wave train excitation is attained for different values of the wave steepness. The method allows decreasing the number of iterations needed for the driving signal adjustment. The surface elevation values measured in the laboratory wave tank agree closely with those obtained in the numerical simulations. The measured and the simulated frequency spectra are in agreement as well.
Basic Characteristics of the Primary Conversion of an Oscillating Water Column Type Wave Energy Converter Installed on a Wave-Dissipating Double Caisson
Authors: Ikoma Tomoki , Masuda Koichi , Eto Hiroaki , Shibuya Shogo
Published: February 2019

Several types of oscillating water column (OWC) type wave energy converters (WECs) are researched and developed in the world. They are floating types and fixed types. In case of a fixed type, wave-dissipating caissons could be replaced by WECs of an OWC type. In OWC types, installation of the projecting walls (PWs) is useful in order to improve power take-off (PTO) performance. In this study, a double-dissipating caisson was used as an OWC type WEC with PWs. A front caisson of the double caisson seems to be the area surrounded by PWs and a back caisson can be seen as an OWC. The paper studied the basic property of the primary conversion from wave power to pneumatic power from model tests in a wave tank. It was found that the wave height strongly affects the behaviors of OWC motion and air pressure. Finally, the primary conversion was affected by wave height. Besides, the concept of use of a double caisson was useful for the primary conversion over 80% evaluated using test data.
Controller Design, Analysis, and Experimental Validation of a Robotic Serpentine Tail to Maneuver and Stabilize a Quadrupedal Robot
Authors: Rone William S. , Saab Wael , Kumar Anil , Ben-Tzvi Pinhas
Published: February 2019

This paper analyzes how a multisegment, articulated serpentine tail can enhance the maneuvering and stability of a quadrupedal robot. A persistent challenge in legged robots is the need to account for propulsion, maneuvering, and stabilization considerations when generating control inputs for multidegree-of-freedom spatial legs. Looking to nature, many animals offset some of this required functionality to their tails to reduce the required action by their legs. By including a robotic tail on-board a legged robot, the gravitational and inertial loading of the tail can be utilized to provide for the robot's maneuverability and stability, while the legs primarily provide the robot's propulsion. System designs for the articulated serpentine tail and quadrupedal platform are presented, along with the dynamic models used to represent these systems. Outer-loop controllers that implement the desired maneuvering and stabilizing behaviors are discussed, along with an inner-loop controller that maps the desired tail trajectory into motor torque commands for the tail. Case studies showing the tail's ability to modify yaw-angle heading during locomotion (maneuvering) and to reject a destabilizing external disturbance in the roll direction (stabilization) are considered. Simulation results utilizing the tail's dynamic model and experimental results utilizing the tail prototype, in conjunction with the simulated quadrupedal platform, are generated. Successful maneuvering and stabilization are demonstrated by the simulated results and validated through experimentation.
Developing Computationally Efficient Nonlinear Cubature Kalman Filtering for Visual Inertial Odometry
Authors: Nguyen Trung , Mann George K. I. , Vardy Andrew , Gosine Raymond G.
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a computationally efficient sensor-fusion algorithm for visual inertial odometry (VIO). The paper utilizes trifocal tensor geometry (TTG) for visual measurement model and a nonlinear deterministic-sampling-based filter known as cubature Kalman filter (CKF) to handle the system nonlinearity. The TTG-based approach is developed to replace the computationally expensive three-dimensional-feature-point reconstruction in the conventional VIO system. This replacement has simplified the system architecture and reduced the processing time significantly. The CKF is formulated for the VIO problem, which helps to achieve a better estimation accuracy and robust performance than the conventional extended Kalman filter (EKF). This paper also addresses the computationally efficient issue associated with Kalman filtering structure using cubature information filter (CIF), the CKF version on information domain. The CIF execution avoids the inverse computation of the high-dimensional innovation covariance matrix, which in turn further improves the computational efficiency of the VIO system. Several experiments use the publicly available datasets for validation and comparing against many other VIO algorithms available in the recent literature. Overall, this proposed algorithm can be implemented as a fast VIO solution for high-speed autonomous robotic systems.
Investigating Discrepancies in Vibration Bending Fatigue Behavior of Additively Manufactured Titanium 6Al-4V
Authors: Scott-Emuakpor Onome , Holycross Casey , George Tommy , Sheridan Luke , Carper Emily , Beck Joseph
Published: February 2019

The vibration bending fatigue life uncertainty of additively manufactured titanium (Ti) 6Al-4V specimens is studied. In this investigation, an analysis of microscopic discrepancies between ten fatigued specimens paired by stress amplitude is correlated with the bending fatigue life scatter. Through scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis of fracture surfaces and grain structures, anomalies and distinctions such as voids and grain geometries are identified in each specimen. These data along with previously published results are used to support assessments regarding bending fatigue uncertainty. The understanding gained from this study is important for the future development of a predictive vibration bending fatigue life model.
Investigation of the Pressure Drop Across Packed Beds of Spherical Beads: Comparison of Empirical Models With Pore-Level Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Otaru A. J. , Kennedy A. R.
Published: February 2019

This study uses novel methods, combining discrete element method (DEM) simulations for packing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of fluid flow, to simulate the pressure drop across rigid, randomly packed beds of spheres ranging from 1 to 3 mm in diameter, with porosities between 0.34 and 0.45. This modeling approach enables the combined effect of void fraction and particle size to be studied in more depth than that has been previously possible and is used to give insight into the ability of the well-established Ergun equation to predict the pressure drop behavior. The resulting predictions for pressure drop as a function of superficial velocity were processed to yield coefficients α and β in the Ergun equation and were found to be in keeping with equivalent data in the literature. Although the scatter in α with structural variations was very small, the scatter in β was large (±20%), leading to inaccuracies when used to predict pressure drop data at velocities beyond the Darcy regime. Evaluation of the packed particle structures showed that regions of poor packing, in samples with high porosity and large particle sizes, lead to lower β values. The findings bring strong support to the belief that a generalized model, such as that by Ergun, cannot yield a unique value for β, even for identical spheres.
Geometrical, Fresnel, and Fraunhofer Regimes of Single-Slit Diffraction
Authors: Davidović Milena , Božić Mirjana
Published: February 2019

Tecently, Panuski and Mungan presented the results of their study of light diffraction from a variable-width single slit by observing and measuring the diffraction pattern on an observation screen placed at a fixed distance. In this way, the authors were able to demonstrate to students the important near-field effects for single-slit diffraction, which most often have been neglected in introductory courses. In this paper, we show that there exists very good agreement between observed data and theoretical calculations by plotting intensity from single slits using a method with Fresnel-Kirchhoff integrals (Fig. 1). In addition to these comparisons, and with the evaluation of the Fresnel numbers, we argue that Panuski and Mungan demonstrated not only the near-field Fresnel, but also the far-field Fraunhofer regimes as well as the transition between the two. Furthermore, with a greater increase in the slit width, the transition to the geometric regime can be demonstrated (Fig. 2).
U.S. science adviser sees smaller federal role
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: February 2019

In first public remarks, Kelvin Droegemeier calls partnerships key to research preeminence.
South African law may impede human health research
Authors: Nordling Linda
Published: February 2019

Data protection measure may block reuse of data in biobanks.
NASA probe to make all-sky infrared map
Authors: Mann Adam
Published: February 2019

Mission to seek clues to the big bang and capture the combined glow of all galaxies.
The little reactors that could
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: February 2019

Billed as safe and cheap, NuScale's small reactors aim to revive the ailing nuclear industry and help save a warming planet.
Catalytic reductive [4 + 1]-cycloadditions of vinylidenes and dienes
Authors: Zhou You-Yun , Uyeda Christopher
Published: February 2019

Five-membered rings for two nickels

The Diels-Alder reaction is widely used to make six-membered rings by adding four-carbon dienes to two-carbon alkenes. It would seem straightforward to likewise access five-membered rings from dienes and one-carbon sources, or carbenes, but that does not tend to work. Instead, the carbene adds to just half of the diene to form a cyclopropane. Zhou and Uyeda now show that a catalyst with two nickel centers can steer this reaction toward the cyclopentyl products (see the Perspective by Johnson and Weix). A chiral version of the catalyst rendered the reaction enantioselective in intramolecular cases.

Science
, this issue p.
857
; see also p.
819
U-Pb constraints on pulsed eruption of the Deccan Traps across the end-Cretaceous mass extinction
Authors: Schoene Blair , Eddy Michael P. , Samperton Kyle M. , Keller C. Brenhin , Keller Gerta , Adatte Thierry , Khadri Syed F. R.
Published: February 2019

Two timelines for extinction

The Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction that wiped out the nonavian dinosaurs 66 million years ago was correlated with two extreme events: The Chicxulub impact occurred at roughly the same time that massive amounts of lava were erupting from the Deccan Traps (see the Perspective by Burgess). Sprain
et al.
used argon-argon dating of the volcanic ash from the Deccan Traps to argue that a steady eruption of the flood basalts mostly occurred after the Chicxulub impact. Schoene
et al.
used uranium-lead dating of zircons from ash beds and concluded that four large magmatic pulses occurred during the flood basalt eruption, the first of which preceded the Chicxulub impact. Whatever the correct ordering of events, better constraints on the timing and rates of the eruption will help elucidate how volcanic gas influenced climate.

Science
, this issue p.
866
, p.
862
; see also p.
815
Extracellular vesicles in parasite survival
Authors: Ofir-Birin Yifat , Regev-Rudzki Neta
Published: February 2019

Extracellular vesicles facilitate cell-cell communication in the host-parasite interaction