bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Through the Looking Glass: Televised Politics in Contemporary Populist Italy
Authors: Giusto Salvatore
Published: June 2020

This article evaluates the role of political mediation played by national and local television networks within the social peripheries of Naples, Southern Italy. In the context of contemporary Italian populism, the management of this medium by simultaneously public and private —as well as formal and informal— power‐holders, such as the neoliberal state and the Camorra (a powerful criminal organization) have increasingly replaced civil society's historical role of mediation between centers and peripheries. The direct participation of the subaltern in the production and circulation of explicitly populist televised content is now strongly promoted and yet informally monitored by the Italian state authorities. The regimes of media production and social representation emerging from these mediatic processes have not triggered crises of cultural hegemony—exercised by the Italian neoliberal “establishment” over the lower classes—but instead furthered the sovereignty of the state and amplified its ability to arouse the political imaginary of both its most marginalized citizens and “middle‐class” cultural operators. Simultaneously, however, these regimes have also spawned new modes of socioeconomic mobility and forms of “political society,” which reproduce the mediacratic features of Italian state power among a plethora of local informal agencies, including ostensible “public enemies” such as the Camorra.
Banishing barberry: The history of Berberis vulgaris prevalence and wheat stem rust incidence across Britain
Authors: Barnes Gerry , Saunders Diane G. O. , Williamson Tom
Published: June 2020

Wheat stem rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), is a notoriously damaging disease of wheat and barley. Pgt requires two hosts to complete its lifecycle; undergoing asexual reproduction on cereal crops and completing sexual reproduction on Berberis spp. The latter stage of its lifecycle is of particular importance in temperate regions such as western Europe, where asexual urediniospores are unable to survive cold winter weather. In the past, the crucial role of Berberis in the lifecycle of stem rust led to intensive eradication campaigns, initially carried out by farmers in the face of hostile scientific opinion. In the United Kingdom, common barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is today a relatively rare plant. Stem rust is, however, currently experiencing a resurgence; at the same time, there has been a general increase in the prevalence of barberry and an upsurge in its planting which, in the United Kingdom, is associated with attempts to encourage the endangered barberry carpet moth (Pareulype berberata). This article situates current developments within a broader chronological framework, examining changing attitudes towards barberry and rust in England in the past and the history of the plant's use and cultivation. It assesses how widespread B. vulgaris really was in the environment historically, and thus the scale of its eradication. We suggest that Berberis was never widely established as an archaeophyte in the United Kingdom. Current attempts to re‐establish it are based on a misunderstanding of the plant's historical status and could potentially pose a serious threat to food security.
Effects of crocin on frozen‐thawed sperm apoptosis, protamine expression and membrane lipid oxidation in Yanbian yellow cattle
Authors: Lv YQ , Ji S , Chen X , Xu D , Luo XT , Cheng MM , Zhang YY , Qu XL , Jin Y
Published: June 2020

Glycerol is used as a bovine semen osmotic cryoprotectant that greatly improves the quality of frozen and thawed bovine sperm. However, high glycerol concentrations can have a toxic effect on frozen and thawed bovine sperm. Therefore, this experiment investigated the effect of replacing a portion of the glycerol in a cryoprotectant solution with crocin on the sperm apoptosis, protamine deficiency and membrane lipid oxidation of frozen and thawed Yanbian yellow cattle sperm. The experiment included a control group (6% glycerol) and four treatment groups: I (3% glycerol), II (3% glycerol +0.5 mM crocin), III (3% glycerol + 1 mM crocin) and IV (3% glycerol + 2 mM crocin). Computer assisted semen analysis was used to detect sperm motility, Hoechst 33,342, propidium iodide, and JC‐1 staining were used to analyse sperm viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, chromomycin A3 staining was used to detect protamine deficiency and DNA damage, flow cytometry was used for sperm membrane lipid disorder detection and analysis, and real‐time quantitative RT‐qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of protamine‐related genes (PRM2, PRM3), sperm acrosome‐associated genes (SPACA3), oxidative stress‐related genes (ROMO1) and apoptosis‐related genes (BCL2, BAX). Compared to the control group, replacing a portion of glycerol with 1 mM crocin significantly improved sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, membrane lipid disorders (p < .05) and viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, protamine deficiency (p < .01). The expression level of PRM2, PRM3, SPACA3 and BCL2 significantly increased (p < .05), while the expression levels of ROMO1 and BAX significantly decreased (p < .05). Accordingly, the BCL2/BAX ratio significantly increased (p < .05). In summary, the substitution of a portion of glycerol with crocin in cryoprotective solution improved the quality of Yanbian yellow cattle sperm after freezing and thawing.
Effects of barrier island salt marsh restoration on marsh bird occurrence in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Byerly Paige A. , Waddle J. Hardin , Romero Premeaux Alexis , Leberg Paul L.
Published: June 2020

In the northern Gulf of Mexico, salt marshes are threatened by sea level rise, erosion, and loss of protective barrier islands. These barrier islands provide critical habitat for wildlife, including globally significant populations of marsh and shorebirds. We investigated salt marsh restoration on two Louisiana barrier islands using presence of eight marsh bird species as an index to evaluate restoration success. Land loss was extensive for both islands prior to restoration, with submerged marsh restored by backfilling sediment into the marsh platform. Restoration methods were similar between the two islands, although Raccoon Island was built to a higher elevation (1.1 m) than Whiskey Island (0.8 m). Avian presence was estimated via passive acoustic monitoring and point counts. To evaluate restoration success, we modeled influence of habitat covariates on index species presence in restored and reference (intact) sites over three breeding seasons and modeled occupancy for six species. On Whiskey Island, index richness was higher in restored sites. Marsh specialists Seaside Sparrows (Ammospiza maritima) and Least Bitterns (Ixobrychus exilis) had higher occupancy in restored areas on Whiskey, while generalist species showed no response to site. These results are likely due to a strong association between habitat and vegetation type, with restored sites dominated by Spartina alterniflora and reference sites by Avicennia germinans. On Raccoon Island, species richness was low across all sites. Our results suggest that restoration efforts were successful in creating salt marsh habitat on Whiskey but not Raccoon as of the time of our study.
Nudging the nudger: Toward a choice architecture for regulators
Authors: Dudley Susan E. , Xie Zhoudan
Published: June 2020

Behavioral research has shown that individuals do not always behave in ways that match textbook definitions of rationality but are subject to cognitive biases that may lead to systematic errors in judgments and decisions. Recognizing that regulators are not immune from these cognitive irrationalities, this article explores how the institutional framework or “choice architecture” in which they operate interacts with those biases. By examining five cognitive biases that may be prevalent among regulators, it discusses the extent to which the institutions regulators face reinforce or counteract the influence of cognitive biases in regulatory decision making. Just as behavioral insights can help design a choice architecture to frame individual decisions in ways that encourage welfare‐enhancing choices, consciously designing regulators' institutional frameworks with behavioral insights in mind could lead to more public‐welfare‐enhancing policies. The article concludes with some modest ideas for improving regulators' choice architecture and suggestions for further research.
A 21st Century Low‐Carbon Transition in U.S. Electric Power: Extent, Contributing Factors, and Implications
Authors: Murray Brian C. , Niver William H.
Published: June 2020

The U.S. electric power sector has experienced a substantial shift of the generation mix since the turn of the century, moving from heavy reliance on coal‐powered generation to one drawing more from natural gas and, more recently, renewables. This transition has been forged by a mix of macroeconomic factors (recession and recovery); technological breakthroughs (horizontal drilling coupled with hydraulic fracturing; improvements in natural gas plant efficiency); clean energy policies at federal, state, and local levels of government; and private sector demands for carbon‐free energy sources. These factors have combined to reduce carbon emissions from electric power generation substantially this century. In this article we examine the extent of this transition, its causes, as well as the distinct American institutional factors steering it, including energy and environmental federalism, electoral politics, and the political economy of clean energy policy enactment and resistance.
Monoclonal antibody therapy that targets phospholipid‐binding protein delays lupus activity in MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Mihaylova Nikolina , Bradyanova Silviya , Chipinski Petroslav , Chausheva Stela , Kyurkchiev Dobroslav , Tchorbanov Andrey I.
Published: June 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune syndrome characterized by the development of autoantibodies to a wide range of antigens. Together with B cells, respective self‐reactive T cells have an important contribution in disease progression as being responsible for inflammatory cytokines secretion, B cell activation and promoting amplification of the autoimmune response. Annexin A1 is expressed by many cell types and binds to phospholipids in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. Abnormal expression of annexin A1 was found on activated B and T cells in both murine and human autoimmunity suggesting its potential role as a therapeutic target. In the present study, we have investigated the possibility to suppress autoimmune manifestation in spontaneous mouse model of lupus using anti‐annexin A1 antibody. Groups of lupus‐prone MRL/lpr mice were treated with the anti‐annexin A1 monoclonal antibody, and the disease activity and survival of the animals were following up. Flow cytometry, ELISA assays, and histological and immunofluorescence kidney analyses were used to determine the levels of Annexin A1 expression, cytokines, anti‐dsDNA antibodies and kidney injuries. The administration of this monoclonal antibody to MRL/lpr mice resulted in suppression of IgG anti‐dsDNA antibody production, modulated IL‐10 secretion, decreased disease activity and prolonged survival compared with the control group.
Range‐expansion technology and fatigue performance study on the self‐sensing steel strand with an embedded fibre Bragg grating sensor
Authors: Qin H.Y. , Shen Q.X. , Zhu W.X. , Zhang H.L.
Published: June 2020

For the protection of a fragile optical fibre with a fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensor, the encapsulating method of embedding the FBG sensor in a longitudinal groove set in the central wire of the steel strand is presented. According to the theoretical analysis of the strain transfer and sensing capacity between the embedded FBG sensor and substrate, the requirements for the cross‐sectional size of the groove and bond‐length of the optical fibre to the self‐sensing steel strand are discussed. A prepressure technology is proposed to overcome the problem of low ultimate tensile strain of FBGs. Experiments for range‐expansion with different prepressure values were carried out. The results showed that a prepressure of 30% Pc produced the optimum range expansion of the FBG sensor with a maximum strain measurement of 12,361 με, which was 1.3 times higher than the yield strain of the strands. The analyses of the fatigue performance and static load tests on self‐sensing steel strands were also carried out. The results indicated that the self‐sensing steel strand exhibited good performance after fatigue loading operation of 2 million cycles with a maximum stress of 0.45 σb and a stress amplitude of 250 MPa. Moreover, the decrease in the monitoring strain sensitivity of the FBG was calculated to be below 3.5%, whereas the experimental data showed good linearity and repeatability. Therefore, for effective lifetime monitoring of steel strands under fatigue loading, it is suggested that the FBG sensors need to be placed under a certain prepressure before the construction and service of self‐sensing steel strand.
Island Geographies of Separation and Cohesion: The Coronavirus (COVID‐19) Pandemic and the Geopolitics of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland)
Authors: Grydehøj Adam , Kelman Ilan , Su Ping
Published: June 2020

Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) is an Arctic highly autonomous subnational island jurisdiction (SNIJ) of Denmark, its former coloniser. The coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic of 2020 has influenced both Kalaallit Nunaat’s relations with the outside world and relations between people and places within the territory. The Kalaallit Nunaat government’s response to the pandemic, including both internal and external travel bans and restrictions on movement, has focused on eradicating the disease from the territory. This strategy, however, is challenged both by the SNIJ’s economic reliance on Denmark and by the Danish government’s own strategy of mitigating the disease. This paper explores the ways in which the coronavirus pandemic has altered how the people of Kalaallit Nunaat interact with the people of Denmark and with one another, ultimately shedding light on the relationship between islands, disease, and geopolitics more generally.
Simultaneous coccidioidomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report and literature review
Authors: Puing Alfredo G. , Couture‐Cossette Antoine , Wang Aileen X. , Zygourakis Corinna C. , Cheng Xingxing , Stevens Bryan A. , Banaei Niaz , Novoa Roberto A. , Ho Dora Y. , Subramanian Aruna K.
Published: June 2020

Advances in solid organ transplantation have improved the survival of end‐stage organ disease at the expense of an increased risk for opportunistic infections. Unusual clinical presentations and the possibility of concurrent infections make diagnosing invasive fungal infection (IFI) more difficult. Here, we present a case of simultaneous vertebral infection caused by Coccidioides immitis‐posadasii and subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Nigrograna mackinnonii in a kidney transplant recipient. The diagnosis of both infections required invasive procedures to obtain tissue and a high index of suspicion that more than one IFI could be present. A multidisciplinary team approach for the management of immunocompromised patients with suspected or diagnosed IFI is warranted.
Cryptococcal pericarditis in a heart transplant recipient
Authors: Mann Sarah , Tobolowsky Farrell , Purohit Suneet , Henao‐Martínez Andres , Bajrovic Valida , Ramanan Poornima , Wolfel Eugene , Khazanie Prateeti , Barron Michelle , Madinger Nancy , Benamu Esther
Published: June 2020

We present a case of Cryptococcus neoformans pericarditis in a cardiac transplant recipient. This article reviews the diagnosis, treatment, and complications of cryptococcosis specifically in transplant patients. While pericarditis is a rare manifestation of Cryptococcus infection, this case highlights that cryptococcosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for solid organ transplant and immunocompromised patients presenting with pericardial effusions.
Incidental COVID‐19 in a heart‐kidney transplant recipient with malnutrition and recurrent infections: Implications for the SARS‐CoV‐2 immune response
Authors: Serrano Oscar K. , Kutzler Heather L. , Rochon Caroline , Radojevic Joseph A. , Lawlor Michael T. , Hammond Jonathan A. , Gluck Jason , Feingold Andrew D. , Jaiswal Abhishek
Published: June 2020

The clinical course and outcomes of immunocompromised patients, such as transplant recipients, with COVID‐19 remain unclear. It has been postulated that a substantial portion of the disease burden seems to be mediated by the host immune activation to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Herein, we present a simultaneous heart‐kidney transplant (SHKT) recipient who was hospitalized for the management of respiratory failure from volume overload complicated by failure to thrive, multiple opportunistic infections, and open non‐healing wounds in the setting of worsening renal dysfunction weeks prior to the first case of SARS‐CoV‐2 being detected in the state of Connecticut. After his third endotracheal intubation, routine nucleic acid testing (NAT) for SARS‐CoV‐2, in anticipation of a planned tracheostomy, was positive. His hemodynamics, respiratory status, and ventilator requirements remained stable without any worsening for 4 weeks until he had a negative NAT test. It is possible that the immunocompromised status of our patient may have prevented significant immune activation leading up to clinically significant cytokine storm that could have resulted in acute respiratory distress syndrome and multisystem organ failure.
First results of a ferritin‐based blood donor deferral policy in the Netherlands
Authors: Vinkenoog Marieke , van den Hurk Katja , van Kraaij Marian , van Leeuwen Matthijs , Janssen Mart P.
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Whole blood donors are at risk of becoming iron deficient. To monitor iron stores, Sanquin implemented a new deferral policy based on ferritin levels, in addition to the traditional hemoglobin measurements.

METHODS

Ferritin levels are determined in every fifth donation, as well as in all first‐time donors. Donors with ferritin levels <15 ng/mL (WHO threshold) are deferred for 12 months; those ≥15 and ≤30 ng/mL for 6 months. The first results were analyzed and are presented here.

RESULTS

The results show that 25% of women (N = 20151, 95% CI 24%‐25%) and 1.6% of men (N = 10391, 95% CI 1.4%‐1.8%) have ferritin levels ≤30 ng/mL at their first blood center visit. For repeat (non‐first‐time) donors, these proportions are higher: 53% of women (N = 28329, 95% CI 52%‐54%) and 42% of men (N = 31089, 95% CI 41%‐43%). After a 6‐month deferral, in 88% of returning women (N = 3059, 95% CI 87%‐89%) and 99% of returning men (N = 3736, 95% CI 98%‐99%) ferritin levels were ≥15 ng/mL. After a 12‐month deferral, in 74% of returning women (N = 486, 95% CI 70%‐78%) and 95% of returning men (N = 479, 95% CI 94%‐97%) ferritin levels increased to ≥15 ng/mL.

CONCLUSION

Deferral of donors whose pre‐donation ferritin levels were ≤30 ng/mL might prevent donors from returning with ferritin levels <15 ng/mL. This policy is promising to mitigate effects of repeated donations on iron stores.
The importance of heterogeneity in determining the effects of preferential trade agreements on Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Hiraide Norikatsu , Shen Leilei , Silva Peri
Published: June 2020

This paper investigates the importance of PTA formation in attracting inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI). In particular, we examine the heterogeneous effects of different types of PTAs (FTAs or CUs) on the extensive and intensive margins of FDI and on how the interdependence among various PTAs may affect a country's ability to attract FDI inflows. We find that the larger the preferential markets to which a country has access, the larger the FDI inflows the country receives. Furthermore, we find that the type of PTA matters in determining FDI inflows. In this case, we find that the formation of CUs tends to promote more FDI inflows than the formation of FTAs. Our findings also indicate that the formation of PTAs significantly affects FDI through the intensive margin, rather than through the extensive margin. Importantly, notice that these effects are driven by the preferential markets to which a country has access and that have not established a PTA with the FDI‐originating (home) country, confirming that PTA interdependence matters in determining FDI inflows.
Guidance for the procurement of COVID‐19 convalescent plasma: differences between high‐ and low‐middle‐income countries
Authors: Bloch Evan M. , Goel Ruchika , Wendel Silvano , Burnouf Thierry , Al‐Riyami Arwa Z. , Ang Ai Leen , DeAngelis Vincenzo , Dumont Larry J. , Land Kevin , Lee Cheuk‐kwong , Oreh Adaeze , Patidar Gopal , Spitalnik Steven L. , Vermeulen Marion , Hindawi Salwa , Van den Berg Karin , Tiberghien Pierre , Vrielink Hans , Young Pampee , Devine Dana , So – Osman Cynthia
Published: June 2020

Background and objectives

COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) has been used, predominantly in high‐income countries (HICs) to treat COVID‐19; available data suggest the safety and efficacy of use. We sought to develop guidance for procurement and use of CCP, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) for which data are lacking.

Materials and methods

A multidisciplinary, geographically representative group of individuals with expertise spanning transfusion medicine, infectious diseases and haematology was tasked with the development of a guidance document for CCP, drawing on expert opinion, survey of group members and review of available evidence. Three subgroups (i.e. donor, product and patient) were established based on self‐identified expertise and interest. Here, the donor and product‐related challenges are summarized and contrasted between HICs and LMICs with a view to guide related practices.

Results

The challenges to advance CCP therapy are different between HICs and LMICs. Early challenges in HICs related to recruitment and qualification of sufficient donors to meet the growing demand. Antibody testing also posed a specific obstacle given lack of standardization, variable performance of the assays in use and uncertain interpretation of results. In LMICs, an extant transfusion deficit, suboptimal models of donor recruitment (e.g. reliance on replacement and paid donors), limited laboratory capacity for pre‐donation qualification and operational considerations could impede wide adoption.

Conclusion

There has been wide‐scale adoption of CCP in many HICs, which could increase if clinical trials show efficacy of use. By contrast, LMICs, having received little attention, require locally applicable strategies for adoption of CCP.
Rough Surface Turbulent Boundary Layer Heat Transfer Using Generalized Reynolds Analogies
Authors: Sucec James
Published: June 2020

Stanton number, St, calculations as a function of position, x, are made for turbulent, external boundary layer flow over aerodynamically rough surfaces and also for a fully developed duct flow with rough top and bottom surfaces. This is accomplished with three different forms of generalized Reynolds analogies from the literature and also with a new data correlation developed with the aid of the thermal inner and outer layers. Comparison of these predicted values of St with experimental data, from the literature, is made for several favorable equilibrium, one nonequilibrium, and a zero pressure gradient as well as a duct flow over “real” roughness patterns. Predictions compare reasonably well with the data for some of the generalized Reynolds analogies.
Bosniak classification of cystic renal masses: utility of contrastenhanced ultrasound using version 2019
Authors: Lee Chau Hung , Liu Joel Jing Kai , Zheng Yuxin , Tan Cher Heng
Published: June 2020

Aim: To compare the latest 2019 version of Bosniak classification (BCnew) against Bosniak classification prior to 2019 (BCold) using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and to compare CEUS against contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) based on BCnew.Material and methods: Patients who had both CEUS and CECT of the kidneys performed within three months of each other were included. CECT and CEUS images of renal cysts were retrospectively analysed by two independent readers using BCnew, extrapolating the BCnew criteria to CEUS. Where histopathology was not available, 3-year imaging follow-up was used as a reference standard.Results: Forty-nine patients with a total of 54 cysts were included. Using BCnew, Bosniak category between CEUS and CECT and both readers was concordant in 18 cysts (33.3%). Bosniak category between CEUS and CT was concordant in 27 cysts (50%) in reader 1 and in 33 cysts (61%) for reader 2. Based on Cohen’s weighted kappa statistic (k), inter-observer agreement was moderate for CEUS (k=0.49) and fair for CECT (k=0.36). Agreement between CEUS and CECT for both readers was fair (reader 1, k=0.24; reader 2, k=0.37). Compared to using BCold, almost half of the benign cysts were assigned to a lower Bosniak category with CEUS using BCnew (reader 1, 42.6%; reader 2, 50%).Conclusions: CEUS assessment based on BCnew more appropriately assigns benign renal cysts to a lower category than CEUS based on BCold. Readers tend to grade renal cysts to a higher Bosniak category with BCnew but with greater inter-reader agreement on CEUS than on CECT
Description of a new species of Aponychus and redescriprion of Tetranychus armipenis (Tetranychidae)

Authors: Ferla Júlia Jantsch , Toldi Maicon , Wurlitzer Wesley Borges , Ferla Noeli Juarez
Published: June 2020

Spider mite surveys conducted in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, allowed us to provide the redescription of Tetranychus armipenis Flechtmann & Baker (Tetranychidae) from specimens collected on native plant species from Pampa biome, Rio Grande do Sul state. A new species of spider mite, Aponychus mauritianum sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on specimens collected from Solanum mauritianum Scop. (Solanaceae) in the municipality of Lajeado in the same state. New hosts for Atrichoproctus uncinatus Flechtmann and Schizotetranychus oryzae Rossi de Simons are also reported.
Three-dimensional source localization using sparse Bayesian learning on a spherical microphone array
Authors: Ping Guoli , Fernandez-Grande Efren , Gerstoft Peter , Chu Zhigang
Published: June 2020

The identification of acoustic sources in a three-dimensional (3D) domain based on measurements with an array of microphones is a challenging problem: it entails the estimation of the angular position of the sources (direction of arrival), distance relative to the array (range), and the quantification of the source amplitudes. A 3D source localization model using a rigid spherical microphone array with spherical wave propagation is proposed. In this study, sparse Bayesian learning is used to perform localization in 3D space and examine the use of principal component analysis to denoise the measurement data. The performance of the proposed method is examined numerically and experimentally, which is tested both in a free-field and in a reverberant environment. The numerical and experimental investigations demonstrate that the approach offers accurate localization in a 3D domain, resolving closely spaced sources and making it possible to identify sources located at different ranges.
Morphological and Motility Features of the Stable Bleb-Driven Monopodial Form of
Entamoeba
and Its Importance in Encystation
Authors: Krishnan Deepak , Ghosh Sudip Kumar
Published: June 2020

Entamoeba histolytica
and its reptilian counterpart and encystation model
Entamoeba invadens
formed a polarized monopodial morphology when treated with pentoxifylline. This morphology was propelled by retrograde flow of the cell surface resulting from a cyclic sol-gel conversion of cytoplasm and a stable bleb at the leading edge. Pentoxifylline treatment switched the unpolarized, adherent trophozoites to the nonadherent, stable bleb-driven form and altered the motility pattern from slow and random to fast, directionally persistent, and highly chemotactic.
Segmental arterial mediolysis: a commonly overlooked aetiology of acute abdominal pain
Authors: Roy Moni , Roy Ashish Kumar , McCrate Mary E
Published: June 2020

Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is an uncommon condition and commonly missed diagnostic aetiology of acute abdominal pain, initially described in 1976. SAM is a non-inflammatory, non-atherosclerotic vasculopathy mostly involving the abdominal arteries with notable asymmetric involvement of the walls of the mesenteric arteries and their branches. Clinical presentation ranges from postprandial abdominal discomfort suggestive of mesenteric ischaemia to intra-abdominal bleeding. Pathophysiological explanation and prognosis of these cases are not well understood and therefore no clear guidelines for management exist. In this case report, we emphasise the imaging modalities used to reach the diagnosis and the management options available.
Neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2: COVID-19 presenting with an acute manic episode
Authors: Mawhinney Jamie A , Wilcock Catherine , Haboubi Hasan , Roshanzamir Shahbaz
Published: June 2020

A 41-year-old man with no significant medical history presented with acute behavioural disruption on the background of a 1-day history of severe headache and a 10-day history of dry cough and fever. He was sexually disinhibited with pressured speech and grandiose ideas. His behaviour worsened, necessitating heavy sedation and transfer to intensive care for mechanical ventilation despite no respiratory indication. Investigations confirmed that he was positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Neuroimaging and a lumbar puncture were normal. Initial screening for SARS-CoV-2 in the cerebrospinal fluid was negative although no validated assay was available. The patient’s mental state remained abnormal following stepdown from intensive care. Psychiatric assessment found features consistent with acute mania, and he was detained under the Mental Health Act. This case indicates the need to consider COVID-19 in a wider series of clinical presentations and to develop a validated assay for SARS-CoV-2 in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Novel RNASEH2C mutation in multiple members of a large family: insights into phenotypic spectrum of Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome
Authors: Lhamtsho Dema , Rajesh Uddandam , Saxena Apoorv , Bhardwaj Girish , Sondhi Vishal
Published: June 2020

Background

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) is a genetic inflammatory disorder that presents with early infantile encephalopathy. We report the clinical and molecular details of multiple members of a family with AGS secondary to a novel RNASEH2C mutation, highlighting the evolution of phenotypic abnormalities in AGS.

Methods

Between February 2018 and June 2019, a pedigree tree was constructed for 141 members of a family. The clinical and radiological details of 14 symptomatic children were chronicled and compared with the asymptomatic family members. Genetic analysis was performed on 23 individuals (six symptomatic). This involved whole exome sequencing for one patient and confirmation of the identified indel variant in other family members.

Results

The symptomatic children were diagnosed as AGS secondary to a novel indel variation in exon 2 of the RNASEH2C gene (chr11:65487843_65487846delinsGCCA). Clinically, between the ages of 2 and 6 months, the symptomatic children developed irritability (14/14), unexplained fever (9/14), chill blains (12/14), sleep irregularities (14/14) and developmental delay (14/14), with deterioration to vegetative state at a median (IQR) age of 10.5 months (9.25–11). In addition, chill blains were observed in 5/17 (29.4%) carrier individuals. Neuroimaging demonstrated a gradual progression of calcification involving basal ganglia, periventricular white matter and dentate nucleus. Three patients also demonstrated presence of subependymal germinolytic cysts.

Conclusion

This report highlights a novel founder RNASEH2C mutation and the phenotypic evolution of AGS. In addition, we report chill blains in one-third of RNASEH2C mutation carriers. Neuroradiologically, the report illustrates novel MRI findings and demonstrates a progression pattern of disease. These findings will aid in earlier suspicion and diagnosis of AGS.
Improving VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis prescribing rate in medical patients: integrating risk assessment tool into the workflow
Authors: Preston Hannah , Swan Iain , Davies Lauren , Dummer Simon , Veiraiah Aravindan , Beh Yuan Ye , Lockman Ann
Published: June 2020

Medical inpatients often have important risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). In our institution, VTE prophylaxis in this group was underused. The main barriers identified were inattention to VTE prophylaxis, competing priorities and lack of confidence in the decision-making. We aimed to improve the rate of VTE prophylaxis use by introducing a paper-based risk assessment tool, with actionable management recommendations within the prescription chart. The rationale was that an assessment tool at the point of prescribing can reduce steps between decision-making and prescribing process, thus promoting confidence and acting as a reminder. A total of 552 prescription charts completed over a period of 29 weeks were examined during the baseline period. In the postintervention period, 871 charts completed over 40 weeks period were examined. The risk assessment tool was completed in 51% of the cases examined in the postintervention period. The introduction of the risk assessment tool was associated with a significant change in the pattern of VTE pharmacological prophylaxis use. The change occurred when the form was made highly visible and enclosed in the prescription chart. The pharmacological prophylaxis use was higher with a completed assessment form than without (mean (SD) 97.5% (7.6%) vs 70.1% (19.4%); p<0.0001). The rate of appropriate prophylaxis decision was 98.2% (SD 5.2%) with a completed assessment form, and 80.7% (SD 17.9%) when it was not used. The qualitative interviews revealed positive themes; many users found it useful, easy and convenient to use. Our data have shown that a paper-based VTE risk assessment tool placed within the prescription chart could substantially improve the rate of appropriate assessment and VTE prophylaxis implementation. This suggests that tool clearly needs to be a seamless integration into the workflow to capture users’ attention and mitigate the influence of time perception.
Public transit and depression among older adults: using agent-based models to examine plausible impacts of a free bus policy
Authors: Yang Yong , Langellier Brent A , Stankov Ivana , Purtle Jonathan , Nelson Katherine L , Reinhard Erica , Van Lenthe Frank J , Diez Roux Ana V
Published: June 2020

Background

Daily transport is associated with mental health. A free bus policy (FBP) may be effective in promoting the use of public transit in older adults and be associated with reductions in depressive symptoms.

Methods

We developed an agent-based model and grounded it using empirical data from England to examine the impact of an FBP on public transit use and depression among older adults. We also used the model to explore whether the impact of the FBP bus use and depression is modified by the type of income segregation or by simultaneous efforts to improve attitudes towards the bus, to reduce waiting times or to increase the cost of driving via parking fees or fuel price.

Results

Our model suggests that improving attitudes towards the bus (eg, campaigns that promote bus use) could enhance the effect of the FBP, especially for those in proximity to public transit. Reducing wait times could also significantly magnify FPB impacts, especially in those who live in proximity to public transit. Contrary to expectation, neither fuel costs nor parking fees significantly enhanced the impact of the FBP. The impact of improving attitudes towards the bus and increasing bus frequency was more pronounced in the lower-income groups in an income segregation scenario in which destination and public transit are denser in the city centre.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the beneficial mental health effects of an FBP for older adults can be magnified when combined with initiatives that reduce bus waiting times and increased spatial access to transit.
Long‐term outcome of a combined surgical approach for repair of femoral avulsion fracture of the caudal cruciate ligament in a dog
Authors: Bourbos Alexandros , Cinti Filippo , Baroni Massimo , Piola Valentina , Pisani Guido
Published: June 2020

A four‐month‐old male boxer dog was presented with a one‐week history of acute right hindlimb lameness after an injury. Physical and radiographic examinations confirmed a femoral avulsion fracture of the caudal cruciate ligament. Surgical repair was elected using a combination of arthroscopy and arthrotomy to place a monofilament absorbable suture material through the parallel bone tunnels to reduce the avulsed bone fragment. The last follow‐up examination 2.5 years postoperatively showed good to excellent limb function and mild periarticular changes.
Research on asphalt mixture force chain identification criteria based on computational granular mechanics
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Pan Yuanyuan , Zhao Yongli , Zhou Jian , Li Jing , Han Dongdong
Published: June 2020

The difference in force chains can be used to evaluate asphalt mixture skeleton structure. In this study, different asphalt mixture discrete element method models were established via the two-dimensional particle flow code software to analyze force chain identification criteria. And then, the force chain lengths of different asphalt mixtures were quantified preliminarily. Results indicate that the average contact force [Formula: see text] needs to be set as the contact force threshold value. The recommended angle threshold value is 45°. For asphalt mixtures, less than 50% aggregate content is involved in transferring external loading. Whether the aggregate is located on the force chains should be regarded as an important criterion to judge whether the aggregate is involved in the asphalt mixture skeleton composition. Although dense-graded asphalt concrete will generate many force chains, most of them are short length force chains that are not conducive to transferring load.
Jet tagging made easy
Authors: Aguilar-Saavedra J. A. , Zaldívar B.
Published: June 2020

We develop taggers for multi-pronged jets that are simple functions of jet substructure (so-called ‘subjettiness’) variables. These taggers can be approximately decorrelated from the jet mass in a quite simple way. Specifically, we use a Logistic Regression Design (LoRD) which, even being one of the simplest machine learning classifiers, shows a performance which surpasses that of simple variables used by the ATLAS and CMS Collaborations and is not far from more complex models based on neural networks. Contrary to the latter, our method allows for an easy implementation of tagging tasks by providing a simple and interpretable analytical formula with already optimised parameters.
Dark-sector physics in the search for the rare decays $$K^+\rightarrow \pi ^+ \nu {\bar{\nu }}$$ and $$K_L\rightarrow \pi ^0 \nu {\bar{\nu }}$$
Authors: Fabbrichesi Marco , Gabrielli Emidio
Published: June 2020

We compute the contribution of the decays $$K_L \rightarrow \pi ^0 Q {\bar{Q}}$$

K
L

→

π
0

Q

Q

¯

and $$K^+ \rightarrow \pi ^+ Q {\bar{Q}}$$

K
+

→

π
+

Q

Q

¯

, where Q is a dark fermion of the dark sector, to the measured widths for the rare decays $$K^+\rightarrow \pi ^+ \nu {\bar{\nu }}$$

K
+

→

π
+

ν

ν

¯

and $$K_L\rightarrow \pi ^0 \nu {\bar{\nu }}$$

K
L

→

π
0

ν

ν

¯

. The recent experimental limit for $$\varGamma (K^+ \rightarrow \pi ^+ \nu {\bar{\nu }})$$

Γ
(

K
+

→

π
+

ν

ν

¯

)

from NA62 sets a new and very strict bound on the dark-sector parameters. A branching ratio for $$K_L \rightarrow \pi ^0 Q {\bar{Q}}$$

K
L

→

π
0

Q

Q

¯

within the reach of the KOTO sensitivity is possible. The Grossman–Nir bound is weakened by the asymmetric effect of the different kinematic cuts enforced by the NA62 and KOTO experiments. This last feature holds true for all models where the decay into invisible states takes place through a light or massless intermediate state.
Quark stars with isotropic matter in Hořava gravity and Einstein–æther theory
Authors: Panotopoulos Grigorios , Vernieri Daniele , Lopes Ilidio
Published: June 2020

We study non-rotating and isotropic strange quark stars in Lorentz-violating theories of gravity, and in particular in Hořava gravity and Einstein-æther theory. For quark matter we adopt both linear and non-linear equations of state, corresponding to the MIT bag model and color flavor locked state, respectively. The new structure equations describing hydrostatic equilibrium generalize the usual Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equations of Einstein’s general relativity. A dimensionless parameter$$\nu $$νmeasures the deviation from the standard TOV equations, which are recovered in the limit$$\nu \rightarrow 0$$ν→0. We compute the mass, the radius as well as the compactness of the stars, and we show graphically the impact of the parameter$$\nu $$νon the mass-to-radius profiles for different equations of state describing quark matter. The energy conditions and stability criteria are also considered, and they are all found to be fulfilled.
Rest frame vacuum of the Proca field in the de Sitter expanding universe
Authors: Cotăescu Ion I.
Published: June 2020

The general plane wave solutions of the Proca field in conformal charts of the de Sitter expanding universe are derived for arbitrary polarizations showing how the frequencies can be separated in rest frames, defining thus the rest frame vacuum of this field.
Auxiliary Dictionary of Diversity Learning for Face Recognition with a Single Sample Per Person
Authors: Gan Weifa , Yang Huixian , Zeng Jinfang , Chen Fan
Published: June 2020

Face recognition for a single sample per person is challenging due to the lack of sufficient sample information. However, using generic training set to learn an auxiliary dictionary is an effective way to alleviate this problem. Considering generic training sample of diversity, we proposed an algorithm of auxiliary dictionary of diversity learning (ADDL). We first produced virtual face images by mirror images, square block occlusion and grey transform, and then learned an auxiliary dictionary of diversity using a designed objective function. Considering patch-based method can reduce the influence of variations, we seek extended sparse representation with l2-minimization for each probe patch. Experimental results in the CMUPIE, Extended Yale B and LFW datasets demonstrate that ADDL performs better than other related algorithms.
Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption of Porous CoO–Co@RGO Composites with Optimized Impedance Matching Derived from Metal-Organic Frameworks
Authors: Meng Ying , Lu Shibin , Wu Yaodong , Zi Zhenfa , Ma Yuan , Lu Haisheng , Chen Xuemei , Song Ziwen
Published: June 2020

In this study, we have successfully synthesized porous CoO–Co@RGO composites using GO and Co-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as precursors. Due to particular structures and advantageous characteristics, the synthesized porous CoO–Co@RGO composites exhibit outstanding electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing properties with a filler loading of 10[Formula: see text]wt.% in wax matrix. The maximum reflection loss (RL) of the prepared porous CoO–Co@RGO was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB with 2.1[Formula: see text]mm thickness, and the effective absorption bandwidth as wide as 6.24[Formula: see text]GHz (11.76–18[Formula: see text]GHz), which covers the full Ku-band. Remarkably, the achieved all values of[Formula: see text]RL were under [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB with 1.0–5.0[Formula: see text]mm thickness, the corresponding to bandwidth range can be tuned to 13.84[Formula: see text]GHz (4.16–18[Formula: see text]GHz). The superior absorbing performance is attributed to suitable magnetic loss, high dielectric loss and large attenuation mainly caused by conduction loss and polarization relaxation.
Approximations of Genocchi polynomials of complex order
Authors: Corcino Cristina B. , Corcino Roberto B.
Published: June 2020

Approximation formulas for the Genocchi polynomials of complex order are obtained using contour integration with the contour avoiding branch cuts. An alternative expansion is also obtained by expanding a function involving the generating function in a two-point Taylor expansion.
Isomorphisms of bi-Cayley graphs on Dihedral groups
Authors: Arezoomand Majid , Behmaram Afshin , Ghasemi Mohsen , Raeighasht Parivash
Published: June 2020

For a group [Formula: see text] and a subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] the bi-Cayley graph BCay[Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] with respect to [Formula: see text] is the bipartite graph with vertex set [Formula: see text] and edge set [Formula: see text]. A bi-Cayley graph BCay[Formula: see text] is called a BCI-graph if for any bi-Cayley graph BCay[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] implies that [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. A group [Formula: see text] is called a [Formula: see text]-BCI-group if all bi-Cayley graphs of [Formula: see text] with valency at most [Formula: see text] are BCI-graphs. In this paper, we characterize the [Formula: see text]-BCI dihedral groups for [Formula: see text]. Also, we show that the dihedral group [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] is prime) is a [Formula: see text]-BCI-group.
HEDGING UNDER PRICE, OUTPUT AND BASIS RISKS: EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: ALGHALITH MOAWIA , LALLOO RICARDO
Published: June 2020

This paper is the first to consider hedging under price, output and basis risks using a general framework. In doing so, it provides significant empirical results pertaining to the US.