bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-point measurement approach to diagnostics of partly damaged insulator chains in high-voltage overhead lines
Authors: Kachesov V E , Shutovich A Ju , Kitova E T
Published: April 2020

A system for location of fault insulator strings is proposed. Insulation failure in a defective isolator results in the occurrence of a significant current discharge in the circuit, which achieves some amperes and whose main own oscillation frequency is in the range of 15-30 MHz. The exact location of the defective string of insulators can be determined by aerial inspection with two small aircraft equipped with synchronized oscillographs which record high-frequency electromagnetic pulses. Processing of the recorded waveforms with geo tags makes it possible to locate a defective insulator string. The selection of the useful signal from the recorded waveforms is performed using wavelet analysis based on the main antenna characteristics. It was found that the accuracy of the location depends to a large extent on the characteristics of the instruments of the satellite exact time system.
Optimization approach to reduce the negative impact of high harmonic components of currents and voltages in high-voltage mine networks
Authors: Zhilin E V , Prasol D A
Published: April 2020

The article presents an analysis of the work of the high-voltage mine network, which confirms the presence of higher harmonic components of currents and voltages of significant magnitude and their negative impact on the elements of the power supply system. The most pronounced higher harmonics of currents and voltages in the high-voltage mine network, as well as the most probable ranges of load currents and distortion currents are revealed. It is proved that the load change in the mine network as a function of time refers to random processes. The mathematical apparatus of the theory of random processes was used to study and predict load currents and distortion currents. The obtained quantitative values of trends of load currents and distortion currents were used in the estimation of power losses and in the calculation of parameters of filter compensating devices. An optimization approach is proposed to reduce the negative influence of higher harmonic components of currents and voltages, based on minimizing the target function of additional active power losses from the action of higher harmonics. To reduce the negative impact of higher harmonic components of currents and voltages in the high-voltage mine network, it is proposed to use two resonant passive filters tuned to the 11-th and 13-th harmonics, and a second-order broadband filter tuned to compensate harmonics, starting from the 23-rd and above.
Research and analysis of the low-temperature potential of heat networks
Authors: Batukhtin A G , Kobylkin M V , Rikker Yu O , Batukhtin S G
Published: April 2020

The article is devoted to the use of heat pump installations in heat supply systems with TPP. The technique of the primary assessment of the efficiency of heat pumps in district heating systems is considered, on the basis of which it was concluded that it is possible to get the maximum effect from the introduction of a heat pump in the inter-heating period to compensate for the HPU load when using a heat pump at a consumer and transferring the heat and power plant to the condensation mode from the condenser to the heating system. At the same time, for greater effect, the heating system must be cooled below 20 ° C in order to use the low-temperature potential of the heating network. Based on the findings, a comprehensive heat supply system has been developed that includes TPP and HPU installed at the consumer by the universal compensation system of hot water supply load (UCS-HWSL) scheme. Modernization of the basic heat supply system to the UCS-HWSL system with a lowered temperature schedule will allow improving the technical and economic indicators of the Chita TPP-1.
Economic effectiveness of the aspiration systems in fiber by-products recycling technology
Authors: Il’ina T N , Kuznetsova I A
Published: April 2020

The paper presents a wide variety of by-products with low bulk density and high dispersibility and ways of their utilization. To obtain compacted products from this type of materials the preliminary micro-granulation stage is necessary, which can be done by the roller compactor. It is suggested to carry out the process of powdered by-products compaction in the vibration-centrifugal granulator, which includes a device for pre-compacting and three drums, where sequentially conducted processes of pellet formation in waterfall-cascade mode, classification by vibration and compacting of the surface layer in the drum with toroid-shape chambers. The manufacturing technology of compacted products made of paper, cardboard and other fiber-type material wastes includes a waste shredding stage in the shredder and rotary crusher that follows by a pneumatic conveying of the gas-dispersion mix into the cyclone unit for dispersed phase settling. Therefore, the mentioned-above method of its compacting is acceptable for the collection in cyclone grinded particles. To increase the settling efficiency of the fiber type by-products it is worthwhile pre-compacting it, which follows with the microgranules obtaining by the pneumomechanical method in the airflow. The paper presents the technology of the granulated materials obtaining by pulp-and-paper waste recycling. It demonstrates the economic effectiveness of the introduction into the aspiration system of technological complex the pneumomechanical device for dispersed mix agglomeration using subquality products and bonding additives.
Problems of energy resources allocation at decision-making stages in architecture and urban planning activities
Authors: Vasilenko N A
Published: April 2020

All the levels of architecture and urban planning activities (management, designing, execution of construction works) bring up various questions of the optimal distribution of energy resources. This paper shows that the energy resources allocation is connected with different classes of tasks in optimal decisions making and belongs to mathematical programming problems. Optimization tasks at the stages of scientific research, substantiation and version design should be performed on the basis of dynamic system models of the type «population ↔ environment». The article justifies the need for deductive approach and system methods and evaluation criteria of energy resources distribution at the stages of design and quality evaluation of architectural objects. It is demonstrated that in architectural theory and practice, for the purpose of quantitative measurement of the quality of architectural and construction activity products, the scientific research of the new area – architectural metrology – is needed. The energy interpretation of the general optimality criterion of integral architectural objects as systems, functioning in accordance with general system principles, is discussed.
Hydrogen permeability of surface-modified Pd-Ag membranes at low temperatures
Authors: Petriev I S , Lutsenko I S , Voronin K A , Pushankina P D , Baryshev M G
Published: April 2020

Hydrogen-permeable membranes of the Pd77% Ag33% alloy were obtained. Membranes were modified with a catalytically active coating, which consist of a crystalline nanostructured palladium black. Membranes were obtained by magnetron sputtering using mosaic targets. The surface modification with a catalytically active coating was performed by electrochemical deposition from an aqueous solution of H2PdCl4. The low-temperature kinetic characteristics of the hydrogen permeability of metallic Pd77% Ag23% membranes with a modifying coating of crystallized palladium black were analysed. During the analysis of the obtained experimental data about the kinetic characteristics of the obtained membranes, it was revealed that the surface effects are the limiting stage of hydrogen transport through palladium membranes at low temperatures. It was experimentally confirmed that the high specific surface of the synthesized catalysts causes the acceleration of the kinetic characteristics of hydrogen transport. The possibility of intensifying the processes of hydrogen transport through metallic membranes by creating active centers of chemisorption and dissociation on their surface is shown.
Electricity in retail markets as a commodity in smart energy systems
Authors: Zatsarinnaya Yu N , Logacheva A G , Grigoreva M O
Published: April 2020

Currently, the worldwide trend has been the transition of many countries to low-carbon energy sources. These changes are dictated both by external factors, such as the rapid growth of information and communication technologies, as well as the general policy of world powers advocating a clean environment and ensuring energy independence for the future. In Russia, the introduction of small generating capacities on renewable energy sources has great prospects due to the huge number of regions that are difficult to access for electricity supply. But the integration of generating capacities based on renewable energy sources requires not only the availability of special technical and legislative means, but also the competent selection of a tariff for a prosumer. This article presents the concept of an intelligent system that allows individual households to be involved in a progressive type of energy consumption and generation and creates a new type of energy system and market participant - prosumer. Two systems are offered for households equipped with solar panels. It is proposed to extend the practice of settlements at unregulated prices to individuals and households with the possibility of choosing the most favorable price category for the considered prosumer.
Resource-saving optimal control of energy-intensive process of work part thermochemical treatment
Authors: Derevyanov M Yu , Livshits M Yu , Yakubovich E A
Published: April 2020

Paper discusses approach to the resource-saving optimal control algorithms development, which includes problem oriented mathematical modeling of the process, determination of the tolerance limits for controlling action changes and condition of thermochemical treatment process as a subject under control, optimality criteria formalization and determination. Specified and solved critical problems for resource-saving optimal control of energy-intensive thermochemical process of work parts treatment on the maximum accuracy and speed of operation criteria. Alternance optimization method was used for optimal control problems solution, which allows to determine not only interval of constancy size but also maximum achievable control accuracy in every subset of intervals. Analytical mathematical model of vacuum carburizing in an acetylene atmosphere with variable coefficients of mass transfer was developed, which takes into consideration different mechanisms of carbon mass transfer from the atmosphere into the work part surfaces at the saturation and diffusion stages. Dependences of the carburization accuracy on the optimal control parameters were constructed. Influence of the technological constraints on the control quality was analyzed. Suggested approach demonstrated high energy efficiency.
Secondary energy component in energy-saving processes of cement production
Authors: Panova O A , Goncharov A A , Konovalov V M , Besedin P V , Cherkasov R A
Published: April 2020

Problems of energy saving in the firing of raw sludge is an important factor in the long-term development of cement production. An integrated approach to the study of the properties of raw materials and additives makes it possible to find ways to save fuel and energy resources. Reducing the moisture content in the sludge by the use of plasticizing reagents is one way to solve the problem of reducing energy consumption during firing of sludge. Reducing the moisture content of raw sludge from 41% to 35.5% makes it possible to reduce energy consumption by 23.3 kilograms of equivalent fuel per ton of clinker. The most effective type and concentration of plasticizing reagent was selected. A decrease in the moisture content and an increase in flowability were studied on a model raw sludge based on kaolinite-montmorillonite clay, chalk and pyrite cinder – a coal -alkaline reagent (0.1 wt.%). The studied reagents were arranged in the following sequence according to the effectiveness of increasing the flowability of sludge: coal-alkaline reagent, Polyplast SP-1, calcium lignosulfonate (LST), Viscocrete20HE, Linamix PK.
Discrimination of Chuanminshen violaceum Sheh et Shen from different regions based on fatty acid profiles of roots and leaves
Authors: Zhang Qing , Tian Junrui , Wan Chong , Dong Hongmin , Wu Dingtao , Liu Shuxiang , Qin Wen
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this paper was to construct a reliable methodology to discriminate the geographical origins of Chuanminshen violaceum Sheh et Shan planted in different regions in Sichuan, China.

Materials and methods

Fatty acid profiles of roots and leaves of C. violaceum planted in various regions of Sichuan Province in China, namely Guangyuan (GY), Langzhong (LZ), Jintang (JT), Bazhong (BZ), and Shuangling (SL), were determined using GC-MS followed by multivariate statistical analyses, including orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis.

Results

Leaves of C. violaceum showed the highest contents of hexadecatrienoic acid (3.21 g/kg), linoleic acid (6.62 g/kg), and α-linolenic acid (7.24 g/kg), which were all higher than those contained in roots. Chuanminshen violaceum samples collected from LZ, JT, and GY could be clearly distinguished based on fatty acid profiles of leaves and those collected from LZ, GY, and BZ could be clearly distinguished based on fatty acid profiles of roots.

Conclusions

Chemometric method is used as a potential approach for analyses of fatty acid profiles of roots and leaves to control the quality of C. violaceum and their powered products.
Analysis of a 10-year period of lead removal in a referral centre
Authors: Marinheiro Rita , Neves José Pedro , Morgado Francisco , Madeira Márcio , Magro Pedro , Carmo Pedro , Adragão Pedro
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to analyse all lead extraction procedures (transvenous or open surgery) performed in our centre and the short- and long-term follow-up data from these patients.

METHODS

All lead extractions performed from 2008 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed for patient characteristics and indications for device implantation; indications for lead extraction; techniques used; peri- and postprocedural complications and short- and long-term follow-up data.

RESULTS

A total of 159 patients (282 leads) were included [age 70 (62–78) years; 72% men]. The median follow-up time was 57 (25–90) months. Patients with lead explants were excluded. The most common indication for lead removal was infection (77%). A surgical approach was necessary in 14 patients (9%) owing to unsuccessful transvenous removal (n = 3), large vegetation in the lead (n = 4), concomitant valvular endocarditis (n = 2), other indications for open surgery (n = 4) and complicated transvenous removal (n = 1). Removal was tried for 282 leads. Of those, 256 were completely removed. Clinical success was achieved in 155 individual patients (98%). Complications occurred in 6 patients: 3 persistent infections, 1 stroke and 2 blood vessel ruptures. The procedure-related mortality rate was 2% (n = 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Lead removal was associated with a high success rate and low all-cause complication and mortality rates. Emergency surgery because of acute complications was rare, and open-heart surgery was most frequently elective and not associated with a worse outcome.
Effect of cattle breed and basal diet on digestibility, rumen bacterial communities, and eating and rumination activity
Authors: Carvalho Pedro H V , Pinto Ana C J , Millen Danilo D , Felix Tara L
Published: April 2020

The objectives of this study were to compare ruminal total tract digestibility, bacterial communities, and eating and rumination activity between Holstein and Angus steers fed grain- or forage-based diets. Six Holstein steers (average body weight [BW] = 483 ± 23 kg) and six Angus steers (average BW = 507 ± 29 kg), previously fitted with rumen cannulae, were fed in a crossover design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of four treatments: 1) Holsteins fed a grain-based diet, 2) Holsteins fed a forage-based diet, 3) Angus fed a grain-based diet, and 4) Angus fed a forage-based diet. Each period was 35 d with 26 d of diet adaptation and 9 d of sample collection. On days 1 and 2 of collection, feeding activity was recorded for 48 h. On day 3, rumen contents were sampled to measure ruminal pH at 0, 3, 6, 12, and 18 h after feeding. A portion of the strained ruminal fluid was subsampled at 0, 3, and 6 h for volatile fatty acids (VFA) analysis. Rumen contents were subsampled at 3 h for analysis of bacterial communities. From day 4 to 8, total fecal excretion, feed, and refusals samples were collected and analyzed for dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and starch. On days 8 and 9 (0 and 3 h post-feeding, respectively), total reticulorumen evacuation was conducted and contents were weighed. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedures in SAS (v9.4 SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Repeated measures were used to analyze changes in ruminal pH and VFA over time. There were no interactions of diet × breed (P ≥ 0.07). While the main effects of diet were expected, unique to these data is the fact that bacterial diversity and richness were reduced (P < 0.01) in cattle fed grain-based diets. There was no main effect (P > 0.34) of breed on total tract DM, organic matter, and starch digestibility, but Angus cattle had greater (P = 0.01) NDF digestibility than Holsteins. The increased NDF digestibility may be associated with a numerical (P = 0.08) increased numbers of bacterial species in Angus steers compared with Holstein steers. Holstein steers also spent more time (P ≤ 0.05) ruminating than Angus steers. There was no effect (P > 0.80) of breed on reticulorumen content at feeding time; however, Holstein steers had greater (P = 0.04) reticulorumen content on a wet basis 3 h post-feeding. Although Holstein steers spent more time ruminating, Angus steers were better able to digest NDF when compared with Holsteins, regardless of basal diet, and this improvement may be related to changes in bacterial communities in the rumen or to rumination activity.
Influence of Moonlight on Male Mating Aggregations of Nyssomyia whitmani, a Vector of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Brazil
Authors: Brito Gildene Silva , Aguiar João Vitor Castro , de Sousa de Almeida Mayara , Silva Ponte Islana , Costa Neta Benedita Maria , Silva Francinaldo Soares
Published: April 2020

Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho) is the sandfly vector of causative agents of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in South and Central America. It is widely spread throughout Brazil, in a close association with domestic animals. Almost nothing is known about male mating aggregations in N. whitmani, let alone the influence of moonlight on this behavior. Thus, the influence of moonlight on male N. whitmani aggregations was investigated by using non-attractant suction traps deployed in chicken cages under full moon and new moon nights. In this 18-night study, 2,160 specimens and seven species were collected. The most frequent species was N. whitmani accounting for 91.48% of the total sample. The abundance of males of N. whitmani was significantly higher in the presence than in the absence of moon. The sex ratio on new moon nights was 1:1 (M:F) and on full moon nights was male-biased (1.7:1). Based on this study, an influence of moonlight on male mating aggregations of N. whitmani was verified. The extent of this influence on increasing sandfly aggregation at hosts, the moonlight influence on the early flight activity of male sandflies and the use of chickens as aggregation sites for males of N. whitmani, are all discussed.
Identifying the links between consumer food waste, nutrition, and environmental sustainability: a narrative review
Authors: Conrad Zach , Blackstone Nicole Tichenor
Published: April 2020

Emerging research demonstrates unexpected relationships between food waste, nutrition, and environmental sustainability that should be considered when developing waste reduction strategies. In this narrative review, we synthesize these linkages and the evidence related to drivers of food waste and reduction strategies at the consumer level in the United States. Higher diet quality is associated with greater food waste, which results in significant quantities of wasted resources (e.g., energy, fertilizer) and greenhouse gas emissions. Food waste also represents waste of micronutrients that could otherwise theoretically fill nutritional gaps for millions of people. To make progress on these multiple fronts simultaneously, nutrition professionals must expand beyond their traditional purview, into more interdisciplinary arenas that make connections with food waste and environmental sustainability.
Early amplified respiratory bioactive lipid response is associated with worse outcomes in pediatric influenza-related respiratory failure
Authors: Anania Veronica G , Randolph Adrienne G , Yang Xiaoying , Nguyen Allen , Newhams Margaret M , Mathews W Rodney , Rosenberger Carrie M , McBride Jacqueline M
Published: April 2020

Background

Biomarkers are needed for early identification of patients at risk of severe complications from influenza infection, including prolonged respiratory failure and death. Eicosanoids are bioactive lipid mediators with pro- and anti-inflammatory properties produced in response to infection. This study assessed the relationships between the host bioactive lipid response, influenza viral load, and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Influenza positive, intubated children <18 years old were enrolled across 26 U.S. PICUs. Mass spectrometry was used to measure >100 lipid metabolites in endotracheal and nasopharyngeal samples. Influenza viral load was measured by quantitative PCR.

Results

Age and bacterial co-infection were associated with multiple bioactive lipids (p<0.05). Influenza viral load was lower in patients with bacterial co-infection compared to those without, and pro-inflammatory bioactive lipids positively correlated with viral load in bacterially co-infected children (p<0.05). Lipids associated with disease resolution correlated with viral load in patients without bacterial co-infection (p<0.01). After adjusting for age and bacterial co-infection status, elevated pro- and anti-inflammatory lipids measured early in the ICU course were associated with higher mortality, whereas influenza viral load and endotracheal cytokine levels were not associated with clinical outcomes. Prostaglandin E2, arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid measured within 72 hours of PICU admission predicted death or prolonged (≥28 days) mechanical ventilator support (AUC 0.72-0.79, p<0.02), not explained by admission illness severity.

Conclusions

Children with influenza-related complications have early bioactive lipid responses that may reflect lung disease severity. Respiratory bioactive lipids are candidate prognostic biomarkers to identify children with the most severe clinical outcomes.
Incidence of Active Tuberculosis in Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Fujita Kohei , Yamamoto Yuki , Kanai Osamu , Okamura Misato , Hashimoto Masayuki , Nakatani Koichi , Sawai Satoru , Mio Tadashi
Published: April 2020

Although it ameliorates lung cancer, immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) presents complications of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis. Incidence of tuberculosis during immunotherapy remains unclear. We found that 1.7% of patients developed active tuberculosis during immunotherapy at our institution. In patients with a positive interferon-gamma release assay status before ICI therapy, physicians should pay close attention to developing tuberculosis.
Non-Abelian U -duality for membranes
Authors: Sakatani Yuho , Uehara Shozo
Published: April 2020

The $T$-duality of string theory can be extended to the Poisson–Lie $T$-duality when the target space has a generalized isometry group given by a Drinfel’d double. In M-theory, $T$-duality is understood as a subgroup of $U$-duality, but the non-Abelian extension of $U$-duality is still a mystery. In this paper we study membrane theory on a curved background with a generalized isometry group given by the $\mathcal E_n$ algebra. This provides a natural setup to study non-Abelian $U$-duality because the $\mathcal E_n$ algebra has been proposed as a $U$-duality extension of the Drinfel’d double. We show that the standard treatment of Abelian $U$-duality can be extended to the non-Abelian setup. However, a famous issue in Abelian $U$-duality still exists in the non-Abelian extension.
Sex Differences in Verbal Memory Predict Functioning Through Negative Symptoms in Early Psychosis
Authors: Buck Gabriella , Lavigne Katie M , Makowski Carolina , Joober Ridha , Malla Ashok , Lepage Martin
Published: April 2020

Verbal memory (VM) is one of the most affected cognitive domains in first-episode psychosis (FEP) and is a robust predictor of functioning. Given that healthy females demonstrate superior VM relative to males and that female patients show less-severe illness courses than male patients, this study examined whether normative sex differences in VM extend to FEP and influence functioning. Four hundred and thirty-five patients (299 males, 136 females) with affective or nonaffective psychosis were recruited from a catchment-based specialized FEP intervention service and 138 nonclinical controls (96 males, 42 females) were recruited from the same community. One of the two neurocognitive batteries comprising six cognitive domains (VM, visual memory, working memory, attention, executive function, processing speed) were administered at baseline. In patients, positive and negative symptoms were evaluated at baseline and functioning was assessed at 1-year follow-up. Patients were more impaired than controls on all cognitive domains, but only VM showed sex differences (both patient and control males performed worse than females), and these results were consistent across batteries. In patients, better baseline VM in females was related to better functioning after 1 year, mediated through fewer baseline negative symptoms. Supplemental analyses revealed these results were not driven by affective psychosis nor by age and parental education. Thus, normative sex differences in VM are preserved in FEP and mediate functioning at 1-year follow-up via negative symptoms. This study highlights the importance of investigating sex effects for understanding VM deficits in early psychosis and suggests that sex may be a disease-modifying variable with important treatment implications.
Multiple Network Dysconnectivity in Adolescents with Psychotic Experiences: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study
Authors: O’Neill Aisling , Carey Eleanor , Dooley Niamh , Healy Colm , Coughlan Helen , Kelly Clare , Frodl Thomas , O’Hanlon Erik , Cannon Mary
Published: April 2020

Abnormal functional connectivity (FC, the temporal synchronization of activation across distinct brain regions) of the default mode (DMN), salience (SN), central executive (CEN), and motor (MN) networks is well established in psychosis. However, little is known about FC in individuals, particularly adolescents, reporting subthreshold psychotic experiences (PE) and their trajectory over time. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the FC of these networks in adolescents with PE. In this population-based case-control study, 24 adolescents (mean age = 13.58) meeting the criteria for PE were drawn from a sample of 211 young people recruited and scanned for a neuroimaging study, with a follow-up scan 2 years later (n = 18, mean age = 15.78) and compared to matched controls drawn from the same sample. We compared FC of DMN, SN, CEN, and MN regions between PE and controls using whole-brain FC analyses. At both timepoints, the PE group displayed significant hypoconnectivity compared to controls. At baseline, FC in the PE group was decreased between MN and DMN regions. At follow-up, dysconnectivity in the PE group was more widespread. Over time, controls displayed greater FC changes than the PE group, with FC generally increasing between MN, DMN, and SN regions. Adolescents with PE exhibit hypoconnectivity across several functional networks also found to be hypoconnected in established psychosis. Our findings highlight the potential for studies of adolescents reporting PE to reveal early neural correlates of psychosis and support further investigation of the role of the MN in PE and psychotic disorders.
An International Perspective on Definitions and Terminology Used to Describe Serious Reportable Patient Safety Incidents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hegarty Josephine , Flaherty Sarah Jane , Saab Mohamad M. , Goodwin John , Walshe Nuala , Wills Teresa , McCarthy Vera J.C. , Murphy Siobhan , Cutliffe Alana , Meehan Elaine , Landers Ciara , Lehane Elaine , Lane Aoife , Landers Margaret , Kilty Caroline , Madden Deirdre , Tumelty Mary , Naughton Corina
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Patients are unintentionally, yet frequently, harmed in situations that are deemed preventable. Incident reporting systems help prevent harm, yet there is considerable variability in how patient safety incidents are reported. This may lead to inconsistent or unnecessary patterns of incident reporting and failures to identify serious patient safety incidents. This systematic review aims to describe international approaches in relation to defining serious reportable patient safety incidents.

Methods

Multiple electronic and gray literature databases were searched for articles published between 2009 and 2019. Empirical studies, reviews, national reports, and policies were included. A narrative synthesis was conducted because of study heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 50 articles were included. There was wide variation in the terminology used to represent serious reportable patient safety incidents. Several countries defined a specific subset of incidents, which are considered sufficiently serious, yet preventable if appropriate safety measures are taken. Terms such as “never events,” “serious reportable events,” or “always review and report” were used. The following dimensions were identified to define a serious reportable patient safety incident: (1) incidents being largely preventable; (2) having the potential for significant learning; (3) causing serious harm or have the potential to cause serious harm; (4) being identifiable, measurable, and feasible for inclusion in an incident reporting system; and (5) running the risk of recurrence.

Conclusions

Variations in terminology and reporting systems between countries might contribute to missed opportunities for learning. International standardized definitions and blame-free reporting systems would enable comparison and international learning to enhance patient safety.
Three-dimensional motion perception: comparing speed and speed change discrimination for looming stimuli
Authors: Lee Abigail R. I. , Ales Justin M. , Harris Julie M.
Published: April 2020

Judging the speed of objects moving in three dimensions is important in our everyday lives, because we interact with objects in a three-dimensional world. However, speed perception has been seldom studied for motion in depth, particularly when using monocular cues such as looming. Here, we compared speed discrimination, and speed change discrimination, for looming stimuli, to better understand what visual information is used for these tasks. For the speed discrimination task, we manipulated the distance and duration information available, to investigate if participants were specifically using speed information. For speed change discrimination, total distance and duration were held constant, hence they could not be used to successfully perform that task. We found speed change discrimination thresholds were consistently higher than those for speed discrimination. Evidence suggested that participants used a variety of cues to complete the speed discrimination task, not always solely relying on speed. Further, our data suggested that participants may switch between cues on a trial to trial basis. We conclude that speed change discrimination for looming is more difficult than speed discrimination, and that naїve participants may not always exclusively use speed for speed discrimination.
Synaptic RTP801 Contributes to Motor Learning Dysfunction in Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Martín-Flores Núria , Pérez-Sisqués Leticia , Creus-Muncunill Jordi , Masana Mercè , Ginés Sílvia , Alberch Jordi , Pérez-Navarro Esther , Malagelada Cristina
Published: April 2020

RTP801/REDD1 is a stress responsive protein that mediates mutant huntingtin (mhtt) toxicity in cellular models and is up regulated in Huntington’s disease (HD) patients’ putamen. Here, we investigated whether RTP801 is involved in motor impairment in HD by affecting striatal synaptic plasticity.

Ectopic mhtt was over expressed in cultured rat primary neurons. The protein levels of RTP801 were assessed in homogenates and crude synaptic fractions from human postmortem HD brains and mouse models of HD. Striatal RTP801 expression was knocked down with adeno-associated viral particles containing a shRNA in the R6/1 mouse model of HD and motor learning was then tested.

Ectopic mhtt elevated RTP801 in synapses of cultured neurons. RTP801 was also up regulated in striatal synapses from HD patients and mouse models. Knocking down RTP801 in the R6/1 mouse striatum prevented motor learning impairment. RTP801 silencing normalized the Ser473 Akt hyperphosphorylation by downregulating Rictor and it induced synaptic elevation of calcium permeable GluA1 subunit and TrkB receptor levels, suggesting an enhancement in synaptic plasticity.

These results indicate that mhtt-induced RTP801 mediates motor dysfunction in a HD murine model, revealing a potential role in the human disease. These findings open a new therapeutic framework focused on the RTP801/Akt/mTOR axis.
Island songbirds as windows into evolution in small populations
Authors: Leroy Thibault , Rousselle Marjolaine , Tilak Marie-Ka , Caizergues Aude E. , Scornavacca Céline , Recuerda María , Fuchs Jérôme , Illera Juan Carlos , De Swardt Dawie H. , Blanco Guillermo , Thébaud Christophe , Milá Borja , Nabholz Benoit
Published: April 2020

Due to their limited ranges and inherent isolation, island species have long been recognized as crucial systems for tackling a range of evolutionary questions, including in the early study of speciation [1,2]. Such species have been less studied in the understanding of the evolutionary forces driving DNA sequence evolution. Island species usually have lower census population sizes (N) than continental species and, supposedly, lower effective population sizes (Ne). Given that both the rates of change caused by genetic drift and by selection are dependent uponNe, island species are theoretically expected to exhibit (i) lower genetic diversity, (ii) less effective natural selection against slightly deleterious mutations [3,4], and (iii) a lower rate of adaptive evolution [5–8, see also Note S1]. Here, we have used a large set of newly sequenced and published whole genome sequences of Passerida bird species or subspecies (14 insular and 11 continental) to test these predictions. We empirically confirm that island species exhibit lower census size andNe, supporting the hypothesis that the smaller area available on islands constrains the upper bound ofNe. In the insular species, we find significantly lower nucleotide diversity in coding regions, higher ratios of non-synonymous to synonymous polymorphisms, and lower adaptive substitution rates. Our results provide robust evidence that the lowerNeexperienced by island species has affected both the ability of natural selection to efficiently remove weakly deleterious mutations and also the adaptive potential of island species, therefore providing considerable empirical support for the nearly neutral theory. We discuss the implications for both evolutionary and conservation biology.
Neonicotinoids disrupt memory, circadian behaviour and sleep
Authors: Tasman Kiah , Hidalgo Sergio , Buhl Edgar , Rands Sean A. , Hodge James J.L.
Published: April 2020

Globally, neonicotinoids are still the most used insecticides, despite their well-documented sub-lethal effects on beneficial insects1. Neonicotinoids are agonists at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, the main mediator of synaptic transmission in the insect brain2–5, making them highly potent neurotoxins and insecticides6,7. Memory, circadian rhythmicity and sleep are essential for efficient foraging in many pollinating insects, and involve nicotinic acetylcholine receptor signalling2,4,8–10. The effect of field-relevant concentrations of European Union-banned neonicotinoids: imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam, as well as the currently unbanned thiacloprid were tested onDrosophilamemory, circadian rhythms and sleep. Field-relevant concentrations of imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam disrupted learning, behavioural rhythmicity and sleep whilst thiacloprid exposure only affected sleep. Exposure to imidacloprid and clothianidin directly affected neurophysiology, preventing the day/night remodelling and accumulation of pigment dispersing factor neuropeptide in the dorsal terminals of clock neurons. Knockdown of the neonicotinoid susceptible Dα1 and Dβ2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in the mushroom bodies or clock neurons recapitulated the neonicotinoid like deficits in memory or circadian/sleep behaviour demonstrating that neonicotinoid effects are likely mediated in the mushroom body and clock circuitry. Disruption to learning, circadian rhythmicity and sleep are likely to have far-reaching detrimental effects on beneficial insects in the field.
Neural responses to happy, fearful and angry faces of varying identities in 5- and 7-month-old infants
Authors: Bayet Laurie , Perdue Katherine L. , Behrendt Hannah F. , Richards John E. , Westerlund Alissa , Cataldo Julia K. , Nelson Charles A.
Published: April 2020

Facial emotion processing is an important social skill that develops throughout infancy and early childhood. Here we investigate the neural underpinnings of the ability to process facial emotion across changes in facial identity in cross-sectional groups of 5- and 7-month-old infants. We simultaneously measured neural metabolic, behavioral, and autonomic responses to happy, fearful, and angry faces of different female models using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), eye-tracking, and heart rate measures. We observed significant neural activation to these facial emotions in a distributed set of frontal and temporal brain regions, and longer looking to the mouth region of angry faces compared to happy and fearful faces. No differences in looking behavior or neural activations were observed between 5- and 7-month-olds, although several exploratory, age-independent associations between neural activations and looking behavior were noted. Overall, these findings suggest more developmental stability than previously thought in responses to emotional facial expressions of varying identities between 5- and 7-months of age.
More than just front or back: Parietal-striatal-thalamic circuits predict consciousness level
Authors: Afrasiabi Mohsen , Redinbaugh Michelle J. , Phillips Jessica M. , Kambi Niranjan A. , Mohanta Sounak , Raz Aeyal , Haun Andrew M. , Saalmann Yuri B.
Published: April 2020

Major theories of consciousness disagree on the key neural substrates. In Global Neuronal Workspace Theory and Higher-order Theories, consciousness depends on frontal cortex, whereas Integrated Information Theory and Recurrent Processing Theory highlight posterior contributions. Most theories omit subcortical influences. To test these theories, we performed simultaneous frontal, parietal, striatal and thalamic recordings from awake, sleeping and anesthetized macaques, further manipulating consciousness with deep-brain thalamic stimulation. Information theoretic measures and machine learning approaches suggested parietal cortex, striatum and thalamus contribute more to consciousness level than frontal cortex. While these findings provide greater support for Integrated Information Theory than the others, the theory does not incorporate subcortical structures such as the striatum. We therefore propose that thalamo-striatal circuits have a cause-effect structure to generate integrated information.

One Sentence Summary

Parietal, but not frontal, circuits incorporating striatum and thalamus predict consciousness.
A chemical strategy to control protein networks in vivo
Authors: Ziegler Michael J. , Yserentant Klaus , Middel Volker , Dunsing Valentin , Gralak Antoni J. , Pakari Kaisa , Bargstedt Jörn , Kern Christoph , Chiantia Salvatore , Strähle Uwe , Herten Dirk-Peter , Wombacher Richard
Published: April 2020

Direct control of protein interaction by chemically induced protein proximity (CIPP) holds great potential for cell- and synthetic biology as well as therapeutic applications. However, toxicity, low cell-permeability and lack of orthogonality currently limit the use of available chemical inducers of proximity (CIP). We present ‘Mandi’, a novel CIP and demonstrate its applicability in cell culture systems as well as living organisms for protein translocation, protein network shuttling and manipulation of endogenous proteins.
Deciphering the scopolamine challenge rat model by preclinical functional MRI
Authors: Somogyi Gergely , Hlatky Dávid , Spisák Tamás , Spisák Zsófia , Nyitrai Gabriella , Czurkó András
Published: April 2020

During preclinical drug testing, the systemic administration of scopolamine (SCO), a cholinergic antagonist, is widely used. However, it suffers important limitations, like non-specific behavioural effects partly due to its peripheral side-effects. Therefore, neuroimaging measures would enhance its translational value. To this end, in Wistar rats, we measured whisker-stimulation induced functional MRI activation after SCO, peripherally acting butylscopolamine (BSCO), or saline administration in a cross-over design. Besides the commonly used gradient-echo echo-planar imaging (GE EPI), we also used an arterial spin labeling method in isoflurane anesthesia. With the GE EPI measurement, SCO decreased the evoked BOLD response in the barrel cortex (BC), while BSCO increased it in the anterior cingulate cortex. In a second experiment, we used GE EPI and spin-echo (SE) EPI sequences in a combined (isoflurane + i.p. dexmedetomidine) anesthesia to account for anesthesia-effects. Here, we also examined the effect of donepezil. In the combined anesthesia, with the GE EPI, SCO decreased the activation in the BC and the inferior colliculus (IC). BSCO reduced the response merely in the IC. Our results revealed that SCO attenuated the evoked BOLD activation in the BC as a probable central effect in both experiments. The likely peripheral vascular actions of SCO with the given fMRI sequences depended on the type of anesthesia or its dose.
β-arrestin mediates communication between plasma membrane and intracellular GPCRs to regulate signaling
Authors: DeNies Maxwell S. , Smrcka Alan , Schnell Santiago , Liu Allen P.
Published: April 2020

It has become increasingly apparent that G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) localization is a master regulator of cell signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in this process are not well understood. To date, observations of intracellular GPCR activation can be organized into two categories: a dependence on OCT3 cationic channel-permeable ligands or the necessity of endocytic trafficking. Using CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) as a model, we identified a third mechanism of intracellular GPCR signaling. We show that independent of membrane permeable ligands and endocytosis, upon stimulation, plasma membrane and internal pools of CXCR4 are post-translationally modified and collectively regulateEGR1transcription. We found that β-arrestin-1 (arrestin 2) is necessary to mediate communication between plasma membrane and internal pools of CXCR4. Notably, these observations may explain that while CXCR4 overexpression is highly correlated with cancer metastasis and mortality, plasma membrane localization is not. Together these data support a model were a small initial pool of plasma membrane-localized GPCRs are capable of activating internal receptor-dependent signaling events.
Ephaptic coupling in white matter fibre bundles modulates axonal transmission delays
Authors: Schmidt Helmut , Hahn Gerald , Deco Gustavo , Knösche Thomas R.
Published: April 2020

Axonal connections are widely regarded as faithful transmitters of neuronal signals with fixed delays. The reasoning behind this is that extra-cellular potentials caused by spikes travelling along axons are too small to have an effect on other axons. Here we devise a computational framework that allows us to study the effect of extracellular potentials generated by spike volleys in axonal fibre bundles on axonal transmission delays. We demonstrate that, although the extracellular potentials generated by single spikes are of the order of microvolts, the collective extracellular potential generated by spike volleys can reach several millivolts. As a consequence, the resulting depolarisation of the axonal membranes increases the velocity of spikes, and therefore reduces axonal delays between brain areas. Driving a neural mass model with such spike volleys, we further demonstrate that only ephaptic coupling can explain the reduction of stimulus latencies with increased stimulus intensities, as observed in many psychological experiments.

Author summary

Axonal fibre bundles that connect distant cortical areas contain millions of densely packed axons. When synchronous spike volleys travel through such fibre bundles, the extracellular potential within the bundles is perturbed. We use computer simulations to examine the magnitude and shape of this perturbation, and demonstrate that it is sufficiently strong to affect axonal transmission speeds. Since most spikes within a spike volley are positioned in an area where the extracellular potential is negative (relative to a distant reference), the resulting depolarisation of the axonal membranes accelerates the spike volley on average. This finding is in contrast to previous studies of ephaptic coupling effects between axons, where ephaptic coupling was found to slow down spike propagation. Our finding has consequences for information transmission and synchronisation between cortical areas.