bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a review
Authors: Khdour Maher R
Published: February 2020

Objectives

This review surveys current pharmacotherapies available for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), emphasising their mechanisms of action.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review focusing on the ‘pharmacotherapy and treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy’ was conducted. The Database of International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, EMBASE, PubMed, OVID, Scopus, Google and Google Scholar were searched, and reference lists of relevant articles were also included.

Key findings

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is often inadequately treated, and the role of improving glycaemic control specifically in type-2 diabetes remains unclear. It is crucial to explore the mechanisms of action and effectiveness of available therapies. Major international clinical guidelines for the management of DPN recommend several symptomatic treatments. First-line therapies include tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, and anticonvulsants that act on calcium channels. Other therapies include opioids and topical agents such as capsaicin and lidocaine. The objectives of this paper are to review current guidelines for the pharmacological management of DPN and to discuss research relevant to the further development of pharmacological recommendations for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy is a highly prevalent, disabling condition, the management of which is associated with significant costs. Evidence supports the use of specific anticonvulsants and antidepressants for pain management in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. All current guidelines advise a personalised approach with a low-dose start that is tailored to the maximum response having the least side effects or adverse events.
Toward Modern Classification of Eustigmatophytes, Including the Description of Neomonodaceae Fam. Nov. and Three New Genera1
Authors: Amaral Raquel , Fawley Karen P. , Němcová Yvonne , Ševčíková Tereza , Lukešová Alena , Fawley Marvin W. , Santos Lília M. A. , Eliáš Marek
Published: February 2020

The class Eustigmatophyceae includes mostly coccoid, freshwater algae, although some genera are common in terrestrial habitats and two are primarily marine. The formal classification of the class, developed decades ago, does not fit the diversity and phylogeny of the group as presently known and is in urgent need of revision. This study concerns a clade informally known as the Pseudellipsoidion group of the order Eustigmatales, which was initially known to comprise seven strains with oval to ellipsoidal cells, some bearing a stipe. We examined those strains as well as 10 new ones and obtained 18S rDNA and rbcL gene sequences. The results from phylogenetic analyses of the sequence data were integrated with morphological data of vegetative and motile cells. Monophyly of the Pseudellipsoidion group is supported in both 18S rDNA and rbcL trees. The group is formalized as the new family Neomonodaceae comprising, in addition to Pseudellipsoidion, three newly erected genera. By establishing Neomonodus gen. nov. (with type species Neomonodus ovalis comb. nov.), we finally resolve the intricate taxonomic history of a species originally described as Monodus ovalis and later moved to the genera Characiopsis and Pseudocharaciopsis. Characiopsiella gen. nov. (with the type species Characiopsiella minima comb. nov.) and Munda gen. nov. (with the type species Munda aquilonaris) are established to accommodate additional representatives of the polyphyletic genus Characiopsis. A morphological feature common to all examined Neomonodaceae is the absence of a pyrenoid in the chloroplasts, which discriminates them from other morphologically similar yet unrelated eustigmatophytes (including other Characiopsis‐like species).
Multicenter retrospective evaluation of ileocecocolic perforations associated with diagnostic lower gastrointestinal endoscopy in dogs and cats
Authors: Woolhead Vanessa L. , Whittemore Jacqueline C. , Stewart Sarah A.
Published: February 2020

Background

Ileoscopy is increasingly performed in dogs and cats with gastrointestinal signs, but iatrogenic ileocecocolic (ICC) perforations have not been described.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To characterize endoscopic ICC perforations in dogs and cats.

Animals

Thirteen dogs and 2 cats.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series. Signalment, presentation, endoscopic equipment, colonic preparation, endoscopist's experience level, ileal intubation technique, method of diagnosis, perforation location, histopathology, management, and outcome data were collected and reviewed.

Results

Six ileal, 5 cecal, and 4 colonic perforations were identified between 2012 and 2019. Dogs weighed 2.4‐26 kg (median, 10.3 kg) and cats 4.6‐5.1 kg (median, 4.9 kg). Endoscopy was performed in dogs presented for vomiting (n = 4), as well as large (n = 5), mixed (n = 4), and small (n = 1) bowel diarrhea. Cats had large bowel diarrhea. Endoscopists included 1 supervised intern, 9 supervised internal medicine residents (2 first year, 6 second year, 1 third year), and 5 internal medicine diplomates. Diagnosis was delayed in 5 dogs, occurring 1‐5 days after endoscopy (median, 3 days); dogs were presented again with inappetence (n = 4), lethargy (n = 4), abdominal pain (n = 3), retching (n = 2), and syncope (n = 1). All animals underwent surgical correction. Histopathology did not identify lesions at the perforation site in any animal. Two dogs required a second surgery; 1 died 12 hours after surgery. Survival to discharge was 93%, with 78% surviving ≥8 months.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Iatrogenic endoscopic ICC perforation is not indicative of underlying disease and is associated with a good prognosis. Delayed diagnosis can occur. Therefore, perforation should be considered in the differential diagnosis for animals with clinical deterioration after endoscopy.
Pharmacokinetics of toltrazuril and its metabolites in pregnant and nonpregnant ewes and determination of their concentrations in milk, allantoic fluid, and newborn plasma
Authors: Al‐Qadri Razan F. , Abu‐Basha Ehab A. , Ababneh Mohammed M. , Bani Ismail Zuhair , Idkaidek Nasir M.
Published: February 2020

The objectives of this study were to determine the pharmacokinetics of toltrazuril and its metabolites in pregnant and nonpregnant ewes following a single oral dose and to determine the plasma concentrations of these compounds in milk, allantoic fluid, and newborn plasma. Eighteen healthy ewes were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6 each): pregnant ewes at 12–13 weeks of gestation (group A), nonpregnant ewes (group B), and pregnant ewes at 1–2 weeks before expected lambing date (group C). Ewes in all groups received a single oral dose of toltrazuril at 20 mg/kg body weight. In groups A and B, blood samples were collected at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 18 hr, every 6 hr to day 3, every 12 hr to day 7 and thereafter every 24 hr to day 14 post‐toltrazuril administration. In group C, parturition was induced 24–36 hr after toltrazuril administration then milk, allantoic fluid, and newborn plasma samples were collected immediately after birth. Drug metabolites were assayed using ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection method (UHPLC‐UV). The maximum concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC0–t), AUC to 24 and 48 hr (AUC0–24), and (AUC0–48) were significantly higher in pregnant ewes. Longer apparent half‐life (T1/2), significantly higher apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) and total clearance (Cl/F) were observed in nonpregnant ewes. The time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), mean residence time (MRT) and elimination rate constant (Kel) were similar in both groups. The AUC0–24 and AUC0–48 were significantly higher in nonpregnant ewes. The AUC0–t was significantly higher in pregnant ones. The ratio of plasma toltrazuril concentrations in ewes and toltrazuril concentrations in newborn lambs' plasma, allantoic fluid, and milk were 68%, 2.3%, and 5.3%, respectively. Results of this study showed that toltrazuril is well absorbed after a single oral dose in ewes with widespread distribution in different body tissues.
Comparisons of calcium sources between arboreal and ground‐dwelling land snails: implication from strontium isotope analyses
Authors: Ohta T. , Saeki I.
Published: February 2020

Calcium (Ca) is an essential element for many animal species, especially for land snails with shell structures. The availability of Ca imposes constraints on their growth and survival as well as their density and distribution. However, little is known about how they obtain Ca in a natural environment. For example, many species of land snails feed on lichens, but lichens have Ca in the form of calcium oxalate, making it difficult for animals to utilize. Therefore, we predicted that lichens or a representative food source of land snails is not necessarily a major source of Ca, and there may be another source for shell development. The strontium isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr) is a useful index for estimating the source of Ca. With this technique, we estimated Ca sources of an arboreal land snail, Euhadra brandtii sapporo, and tested the hypothesis described above. The data for the 87Sr/86Sr ratio show that E. brandtii sapporo did not obtain Ca from lichens and moss in tree canopies, although the data for the δ15N and δ13C show that the species’ main food source may be lichens and moss. We also conducted the isotope analysis of Ezohelix gainesi as a reference, which inhabits the forest floor. The data of δ15N and δ13C show E. gainesi may feed mainly on litter. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio was markedly different from that of arboreal E. brandtii sapporo, and this ground‐dwelling snail likely obtains Ca from ground litter or soil. Our results indicate that Ca sources are different between arboreal and ground‐dwelling land snails, and the former obtains Ca through something other than its major food sources, perhaps from stemflow and precipitation. Differences in the two species indicate that land snails utilize different Ca sources depending on their habitats.
Science and application of strigolactones
Authors: Aliche Ernest B. , Screpanti Claudio , De Mesmaeker Alain , Munnik Teun , Bouwmeester Harro J.
Published: February 2020

Strigolactones (SLs) represent a class of plant hormones that regulate developmental processes and play a role in the response of plants to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Both in planta hormonal roles and ex planta signalling effects of SLs are potentially interesting agricultural targets. In this review, we explore various aspects of SL function and highlight distinct areas of agriculture that may benefit from the use of synthetic SL analogues, and we identify possible bottlenecks. Our objective is to identify where the contributions of science and stakeholders are still needed to achieve harnessing the benefits of SLs for a sustainable agriculture of the near future.
Assembling film‐landscape relations: Performative practices ofThe Lord of the Ringstours
Authors: Le Heron Erena
Published: February 2020

The Lord of the Ringsentwined Middle‐earth with Aotearoa New Zealand in popular imagination. More than this, the films reached beyond the cinema into everyday practices and experiences of landscape, particularly through film tours. The paper argues that thinking of film‐landscape relations allows exploration of these co‐constitutive experiences. Through rich empirics, the paper illustrates the performative practices on film tours that enact film‐landscape relations. Situated within landscape literature, the paper employs assemblage thinking to productively hold in tension multiplicity, and the relational and enactive elements that were found in the research. Engagement with film‐landscape relations enriches geographic literatures on landscape and assemblage.
Varicella infection following vaccination in a pediatric kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Bobrowski Amy E. , Muller William J.
Published: February 2020

Live viral vaccines have historically been avoided in children after solid organ transplantation. Multiple reports of safety and immunogenicity, largely in the pediatric liver transplant population, have led to a reconsideration of this recommendation. Here, we report the case of a 4‐year‐old boy who inadvertently received the live attenuated MMR‐varicella vaccine (MMRV) at a routine well‐child visit 16 months after receiving a living donor kidney transplant. This was not known until after he was admitted with rash and documented disseminated varicella infection 5 weeks later. He was treated with intravenous acyclovir followed by oral therapy and recovered fully. This case and its discussion illustrate what is still unknown about the risk‐to‐benefit ratio of live viral vaccination in any individual transplant recipient. Criteria to determine which patients should receive these vaccines should be evaluated before their use after transplant becomes routine, and all recipients and their families should be counseled to have a low threshold to seek medical care for any febrile illness or rash after live viral vaccination.
A Coauthorship Analysis of Internationalization in Political Psychology Through the Lens of ISPP Dissemination Activities
Authors: Quayle Michael , Pautz Nikolas , Mhlongo Brian
Published: February 2020

Internationalization is a key aim of the International Society of Political Psychology (ISPP). This article uses bibliometric techniques to explore international collaborations in the Society's core activities, namely the journalPolitical Psychologyand annual meetings. We explore how authors from different regions of the world are interconnected through coauthorship, using country information extracted from authors' affiliation and coded as Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) or non‐WEIRD. Study 1 analyzes coauthorship in the Society's journalPolitical Psychologyfrom 1985–2014 (30 years), with 1151 authors from 42 countries and 1337 coauthorship ties between them. Study 2 mapped the coauthorship relationships for annual meetings for which documentation was available, eventually collecting data from 2006 to 2014 (9 years). In total, 4260 authors from 74 countries were represented, with 6884 collaborative ties. Annual meetings reflected more international collaboration than the journal on several dimensions, including a large internationally connectedgiant componentof collaborating authors evident in annual meetings, but not the journals. In annual meetings, there were more collaborations between WEIRD and non‐WEIRD authors. However, even at annual meetings, deep internationalization involving non‐WEIRD authors was rare, and the activities of the Society primarily represent academics from WEIRD countries, particularly the United States.
Evaluation of internet addiction and fear of missing out among nursing students
Authors: Kargın Maral , Türkben Polat Hilal , Coşkun Şimşek Didem
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study was conducted to evaluate the internet addiction and fear of missing out (FoMO) among nursing students.

Design and Methods

This descriptive study was conducted with 511 nursing students who consent to participate.

Results

It was found that 3.8% (14 students) of the students participating in the research were “pathological internet users.” There was a positive correlation between internet addiction and FoMO (r = .332; P = .000).

Practice Implications

The finding that addiction increases with the increase in the use of social media show us that the excessive use of social media is another risk that threatens the mental health of persons.
Topological relations between a directed line and a directed region
Authors: Shen Jingwei , Huang Yang , Chen Min
Published: February 2020

Representing the topological relations between directed spatial objects has gained increasing attention in recent years. Although topological relations between directed lines and other types of spatial objects, such as regions and bodies, have been widely investigated, few studies have focused on the topological relations between directed lines and directed regions. This research focuses on the representation and application of directed line–directed region (DLDR) topological relations, and may contribute to spatial querying and spatial analyses related to directed spatial objects or time‐varying objects. Compared with other topological relation models, a DLDR model that considers the starting and ending points of the directed line and the front and back faces of directed regions is proposed in this research to describe the topological relations between directed lines and directed regions. DLDR topological relations are presented, the completeness of the 111 DLDR topological relations is proved, and the topological relations based on the 9‐intersection model (9IM), 9+‐intersection model (9+‐IM), and DLDR model are compared. The formalism of the DLDR model and the corresponding geometric interpretations of the 111 DLDR topological relations are presented, seven propositions are stated to prove the completeness of the 111 DLDR topological relations, and the case study shows that more detailed topological relation information can be obtained based on the DLDR model.
Investigation on the Horn-Like Vortices in Stator Corner Separation Flow in an Axial Flow Pump
Authors: Wang Chaoyue , Wang Fujun , Tang Yuan , Wang Benhong , Yao Zhifeng , Xiao Ruofu
Published: February 2020

Stator corner separation flow existing in the guide-vane domain has significant effects on the characteristics of an axial-flow pump. The objective of this paper is to investigate the vortical structures in stator corner separation flow. Transient numerical simulation with a proof experiment was conducted for an axial-flow pump. Structural features of the vortices and their effects on velocity moment attenuation and pressure fluctuations in the guide-vane domain were analyzed. Horn-like vortices are found in the stator corner separation flow. A full cycle of the horn-like vortex evolution, “inception-growth-development-decay,” is presented. During this transit process, the vortex tube is gradually elongated and deformed, which forms an oblique separation line on the vane suction surface. High velocity moment always exists in the flow passages of the guide-vane domain, and the uniformity of main flows is gradually reduced. Meanwhile, periodic pressure fluctuations arise. The maximum amplitude of pressure fluctuations in the flow passages occurs in the region where the horn-like vortex cores at the “growth” stage lie in, which is approximately 3.39 times higher than that in the vaneless region between the impeller and guide-vane. The dominant frequency of pressure fluctuations in the flow passages is approximately 0.75 times the rotating frequency, which is close to the frequency of the full cycle of the horn-like vortex evolution. Horn-like vortices have remarkable effects on the flow fields, and more attention should be paid to them.
Numerical Modeling of Static and Rotordynamic Characteristics for Three Types of Helically Grooved Liquid Annular Seals
Authors: Li Zhigang , Fang Zhi , Li Jun , Feng Zhenping
Published: February 2020

This paper deals with numerical predictions of the leakage flowrates, drag power, and rotordynamic force coefficients for three types of helically grooved liquid annular seals, which include a liquid annular seal with helically grooved stator (GS/SR seal), one with helically grooved rotor (SS/GR seal), and one with helical grooves on stator and rotor (GS/GR seal). A novel transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based perturbation method was proposed for the predictions of the leakage flowrates, drag power, and rotordynamic force coefficients of helically grooved liquid annular seals. This method is based on the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solution with the mesh-deformation technique and the multiple reference frame theory. The time-varying fluid-induced forces acting on the rotor/stator surface were obtained as a response to the time-dependent perturbation of the seal stator surface with the periodic motion, based on the multiple-frequency elliptical-orbit stator whirling model. The frequency-independent rotordynamic force coefficients were determined using curve fit and fast Fourier transform (FFT) in the frequency domain. The CFD-based method was adequately validated by comparisons with the published experiment data of leakage flowrates and fluid response forces for three types of helically grooved liquid annular seals. Based on the transient CFD-based perturbation method, numerical results of the leakage flowrates, drag powers, and rotordynamic force coefficients were presented and compared for three types of helically grooved liquid annular seals at five rotational speeds (n = 0.5 krpm, 1.0 krpm, 2.0 krpm, 3.0 krpm, and 4.0 krpm), paying special attention to the effective stiffness coefficient and effective damping coefficient.
Assessing Sensorimotor Problems Via Bayesian Theory and Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Baca José , Martinez Juan , King Scott A.
Published: February 2020

This work introduces a novel framework that combines Bayesian Statistics for motor control with a probabilistic graphical model to estimate sensorimotor problems. This problem is relevant because as we age, our motor skills tend to decay. A person with this type of problems finds difficult to perform even simple tasks such as walking, cooking, and driving. They become challenging activities due to the alterations to the motor control, which might lead to accidents or injuries. Therefore, the continuous assessment of the sensorimotor functions of a person could help in identifying potential problems at an early stage. This framework aims to provide a substantial estimation of the presence, or absence, of a sensorimotor problem over time. Our strategy is based on the integration of three main components, i.e., data collection during the execution of basic activities via mixed reality, estimation of coordination under uncertainty via Bayesian statistics, and the probability estimation of a sensorimotor problem at different instances of time via hidden Markov model (HMM).
Effect of forming gas annealing on hydrogen content and surface morphology of titanium oxide coated crystalline silicon heterocontacts
Authors: Nakagawa Yuta , Gotoh Kazuhiro , Wilde Markus , Ogura Shohei , Kurokawa Yasuyoshi , Fukutani Katsuyuki , Usami Noritaka
Published: February 2020

Crystalline silicon (c-Si) heterojunction solar cells using carrier-selective contacts have drawn considerable attention due to their high power conversion efficiency with a simple fabrication process. Titanium oxide (TiOx) is one of the most promising materials that can provide excellent surface passivation as well as carrier-selective transport. In this study, the authors fabricate the TiOx/SiOx/c-Si heterocontacts by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and investigate the effect of the forming gas annealing (FGA) on hydrogen content and surface morphology by utilizing nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) and atomic force microscope (AFM) measurements, respectively. The highest effective carrier lifetime (τeff) of 891 μs is realized for TiOx/SiOx/c-Si heterocontacts after FGA at 400 °C for 3 min, indicating that high surface passivation performance is obtained. NRA clarifies that the hydrogen content in the TiOx/SiOx/c-Si heterocontacts decreases with increasing FGA temperature and duration. With increasing FGA temperature and duration, also the surfaces of the TiOx/SiOx/c-Si heterocontacts are roughened, which means enhanced crystallization of the TiOx/SiOx/c-Si heterocontacts. From the NRA and AFM analyses, the authors conclude that there is a trade-off relationship between the hydrogen content in the TiOx/SiOx/c-Si heterocontacts and the crystallization of the TiOx layers.
The Secreted Acid Phosphatase Domain-Containing GRA44 from Toxoplasma gondii Is Required for c-Myc Induction in Infected Cells
Authors: Blakely William J. , Holmes Michael J. , Arrizabalaga Gustavo
Published: February 2020

Approximately one-third of humans are infected with the parasite
Toxoplasma gondii
.
Toxoplasma
infections can lead to severe disease in those with a compromised or suppressed immune system. Additionally, infections during pregnancy present a significant health risk to the developing fetus. Drugs that target this parasite are limited, have significant side effects, and do not target all disease stages. Thus, a thorough understanding of how the parasite propagates within a host is critical in the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.
Toxoplasma
replication requires that it enter the cells of the infected organism. In order to survive the environment inside a cell,
Toxoplasma
secretes a large repertoire of proteins, which hijack a number of important cellular functions. How these
Toxoplasma
proteins move from the parasite into the host cell is not well understood. Our work shows that the putative phosphatase GRA44 is part of a protein complex responsible for this process.
LncRNA MALAT1 regulates diabetic cardiac fibroblasts through the Hippo–YAP signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Jiangwen , Xu Liang , Zhan Xiaorong
Published: February 2020

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major diabetes-related microvascular disease. LncRNA MALAT1 is widely expressed in cardiomyocytes responding to hypoxia and high levels of glucose (high glucose). In this study, cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were transfected with si-MALAT1 and exposed to high glucose. CFs in the high glucose groups were treated with 30 mmol/L glucose, and the control CFs were treated with 5.5 mmol/L glucose. The expression of MALAT1 in the nucleus and cytoplasm of CFs was detected. The biological behavior of CFs, as well as collagen production, activity of the Hippo–YAP pathway, and nuclear localization of YAP were measured. Mouse models of DCM were established to observe the pathological changes to myocardium and determine the levels of collagen I, Bax, and Bcl-2. The interaction between MALAT1 and YAP was analyzed, and CREB expression in the high-glucose treated CFs was detected. MALAT1 was upregulated in high-glucose CFs and located in the nucleus. High-glucose increased collagen production, inflammation, cell proliferation, cell invasiveness, and phosphorylation of MST1 and LATS1, and also promoted nuclear translocation of YAP. These trends in high-glucose treated CFs and the DCM mice were reversed by transfection with si-MALAT1. MALAT1 positively regulated the nuclear translocation of YAP by binding to CREB. CREB levels were increased in the high-glucose CFs, but decreased after silencing MALAT1. These results indicate that si-MALAT1 reduces inflammation and collagen accumulation in high-glucose CFs and DCM mice via the Hippo–YAP pathway and CREB.
Phase space Heisenberg-limited estimation of the average phase shift in a Mach–Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Gatto Dario , Facchi Paolo , Tamma Vincenzo
Published: February 2020

We address the problem of distributed quantum metrology with a single squeezed-vacuum source by using the formalism of quantum mechanics in phase space. In particular, we demonstrate Heisenberg-limited sensitivity in the measurement of the average of two arbitrary phase shifts in the arms of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. We obtain exact results for the measurement probability at the interferometer output for any value of the phases, which give us insight into the emergence of Heisenberg-limited sensitivity for periodical values of the phases.
Hadamard Completely Positive Semigroups
Authors: Benatti Fabio
Published: February 2020

We review the Gorini, Kossakowski, Sudarshan derivation of the generator of a completely positive norm-continuous semigroup when the constituent maps act on density matrices according to the Hadamard product rule.
Quantum Markov Semigroups of Low Density Limit: the Generic Case
Authors: Accardi Luigi , Guerrero-Poblete Fernando
Published: February 2020

We investigate the structure of quantum Markov generators that describe the reduced dynamics of a test particle interacting with a dilute Bose gas in the low density limit. These generators, called low density limit type generators (LDL), differ from the weak coupling limit type generators (WCL) studied in [4, 5] because of the presence of the T-operator that describes the change in momentum of the gas particle due to collisions with the test particle. We propose a general definition of Markov generator of stochastic limit type that includes (almost) all generators arising in the stochastic limit approach and we prove that the associated semigroups as well as their invariant states (or weights) have a very special structure which extends the explicit representation for the generic quantum Markov semigroups of weak coupling limit type, due to Accardi, Hachicha and Ouerdiane [7]. We also investigate the structure of invariant states and give conditions on the T - operator for the existence of a unique invariant state and of equilibrium states.
Reading a Qubit Quantum State with a Quantum Meter: Time Unfolding of Quantum Darwinism and Quantum Information Flux
Authors: Lorenzo Salvatore , Paternostro Mauro , Palma G. Massimo
Published: February 2020

Quantum non-Markovianity and quantum Darwinism are two phenomena linked by a common theme: the flux of quantum information between a quantum system and the quantum environment it interacts with. In this work, making use of a quantum collision model, a formalism initiated by Sudarshan and his school, we will analyse the efficiency with which the information about a single qubit gained by a quantum harmonic oscillator, acting as a meter, is transferred to a bosonic environment. We will show how, in some regimes, such quantum information flux is inefficient, leading to the simultaneous emergence of non-Markovian and non-darwinistic behaviours.
A scenario-based assessment of the tsunami hazard in Palermo, northern Sicily, and the southern Tyrrhenian Sea
Authors: Dignan Jack , Micallef Aaron , Mueller Christof , Sulli Attilio , Zizzo Elisabetta , Spatola Daniele
Published: February 2020

Palermo is a populous city situated on the northern coast of Sicily, bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea. This central part of the Mediterranean Sea features dramatic bathymetry, numerous subaqueous landslides and is also the epicentre to many subaqueous earthquakes. As such, the region is an area prone to tsunamis. This investigation uses the Cornell Multi-Grid Coupled Tsunami (COMCOT) tsunami modelling package to simulate five near-field landslides, and five near-field earthquakes regarded as worst-case credible scenarios for Palermo. The seismic simulations produced waves on a very small scale, the largest being
c.
5 cm at its maximum height, and none of the earthquake-generated tsunami waves produced any measurable inundation. The landslide simulations produced larger waves ranging from 1.9 to 12 m in maximum height, two of which resulted in inundation in areas surrounding the Port of Palermo. Sensitivity analysis identified that fault width and dislocation as well as landslide-specific gravity did have significant influence over maximum wave height, inundation and maximum run-up wave height. There are methodological issues limiting the extent to which this study forms a comprehensive tsunami hazard assessment of Palermo, such as gaps in bathymetric data, computational restrictions and lack of a probabilistic element. These issues are counteracted by the fact that this study does serve as a robust first step in identifying that landslides in the region may produce larger tsunami waves than earthquakes, and that the directionality of mass movement is critical in landslide-driven tsunami propagation in the southern Tyrrhenian region.
Aeromagnetic modelling of Precambrian subsurface structures of the Tasiast area, NW Mauritania
Authors: Aïfa Tahar , Lo Khalidou
Published: February 2020

The NW sector of Mauritania represents the Archaean province of the Reguibat Shield. It is mainly composed of the typical Archaean cratonic association of granitoid gneisses, greenstone belts and granites. The greenstone belts contain high mineral potential, mainly gold. This is particularly the case of the Chami Greenstone Belt, which hosts the large Tasiast gold mine. The gold deposits are hosted along a NS oriented shear zone with a surface of 70 × 15 km
2
.

In this study, a subsurface structural model is proposed based on the application of suitable computations on a high-resolution reduced-to-the-pole aeromagnetic anomaly map of the northern Chami area. Upward continuations, apparent magnetic susceptibility, directional derivatives, analytical signal, 3D Euler deconvolution and spectral analyses were performed to build this model. They were used to decipher the main evidenced structural features with the main NNE–SSW, NW–SE and ∼120° N directions, identified on most all computed maps combined with
in situ
measurements. They probably correspond to mafic dykes, faults and shears rooted up to 5 km in depth, particularly to the north, SW and NE, and southwards and westwards by spectral analyses and 3D Euler deconvolution, respectively. The basement is deeper towards the west and south and crops out towards the NE in agreement with the geological observations. In addition, the high values of magnetic susceptibility (

χ
m

) measured
in situ
on banded iron formations (25.7–35 × 10
−3
SI) SW of Akjoujt could be the origin of metallotect sources associated with magnetic minerals for exploration of gold-bearing and base metals.
Cobalt–nickel–copper arsenide, sulfarsenide and sulfide mineralization in the Bou Azzer window, Anti-Atlas, Morocco: one century of multi-disciplinary and geological investigations, mineral exploration and mining
Authors: Ikenne Moha , Souhassou Mustapha , Saintilan Nicolas J. , Karfal AbdelHaq , Hassani Abdelfattah E. L. , Moundi Younes , Ousbih Mehdi , Ezzghoudi Mohamed , Zouhir Mohamed , Maacha Lhou
Published: February 2020

The Bou Azzer mining district in the central part of the Anti-Atlas belt, Morocco, is renowned worldwide for its serpentinized Neoproterozoic ophiolitic complex that hosts peculiar cobalt-dominated and nickel-rich Co–Ni–Fe arsenide and sulfarsenide deposits with significant credits of gold and copper. The Bou Azzer central mine and its satellite deposits, which are spatially associated with serpentinite bodies and tectonically controlled, generally form breccias at the contact between serpentinites and more competent rock types (e.g. diorite) but may also comprise anastomosing vein and tension gashes networks rooted in the serpentinites and breaching into the competent rocks. A consensus on a genetic model for Bou Azzer has not been reached given the most controversial and still highly debated topics dealing with the absolute age of mineralization, and the identification of the source(s) of metals and arsenic. Here, within the geological framework of the Bou Azzer window and the geodynamic history in the Anti-Atlas, we summarize the key features of ore mineralogy, textures, paragenetic sequence and district-scale metal zonation. Using knowledge based on the current state of research – until high-precision and robust geochronological data are produced and permit a refinement of the genetic model – the key parameters for the origin of the Bou Azzer ores are: (1) arsenides of Ni and Co, which are followed by Co–Ni-sulfarsenides and Cu-sulfides, initiating a sequence of mineralization with precipitation controlled by the parameters mentioned in (2)–(4); (2) hydrothermal high salinity fluids (>30 wt% total salt eq.) fostering leaching of Co and Ni from debated source rocks and their transport as highly soluble chloride complexes; (3) dilution and cooling of those fluids from <320 to <200°C; (4) variable redox conditions that would control the progressive oxidation of As from the arsenide stage (As
1−
) to the sulfarsenide stage (As
3+
); (5) unlike Neoproterozoic metalliferous and As-rich black shales, serpentinites fail to convincingly stand as a robust source of As despite being a reasonable source rock for Ni and Co; (6) the controversial U–Pb and Sm–Nd dates of brannerite and carbonate, respectively, although arguing in favour of an Hercynian timing of mineralization, do not preclude the possibility of a primary Pan-African mineralization (<615 Ma) and/or at
c.
540 Ma, followed by remobilization of a pre-existing mineralization during Hercynian events.
The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Cattle Production and Health: Driver or Passenger?
Authors: O'Hara Eóin , Neves André L.A. , Song Yang , Guan Le Luo
Published: February 2020

Ruminant production systems face significant challenges currently, driven by heightened awareness of their negative environmental impact and the rapidly rising global population. Recent findings have underscored how the composition and function of the rumen microbiome are associated with economically valuable traits, including feed efficiency and methane emission. Although omics-based technological advances in the last decade have revolutionized our understanding of host-associated microbial communities, there remains incongruence over the correct approach for analysis of large omic data sets. A global approach that examines host/microbiome interactions in both the rumen and the lower digestive tract is required to harness the full potential of the gastrointestinal microbiome for sustainable ruminant production. This review highlights how the ruminant animal production community may identify and exploit the causal relationships between the gut microbiome and host traits of interest for a practical application of omic data to animal health and production.
Probiotic supplementation increases carbohydrate metabolism in trained male cyclists: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial
Authors: Pugh Jamie N. , Wagenmakers Anton J. M. , Doran Dominic A. , Fleming Simon C. , Fielding Barbara A. , Morton James P. , Close Graeme L.
Published: February 2020

We hypothesized that probiotic supplementation (PRO) increases the absorption and oxidation of orally ingested maltodextrin during 2 h endurance cycling, thereby sparing muscle glycogen for a subsequent time trial (simulating a road race). Measurements were made of lipid and carbohydrate oxidation, plasma metabolites and insulin, gastrointestinal (GI) permeability, and subjective symptoms of discomfort. Seven male cyclists were randomized to PRO (bacterial composition given in methods) or placebo for 4 wk, separated by a 14-day washout period. After each period, cyclists consumed a 10% maltodextrin solution (initial 8 mL/kg bolus and 2 mL/kg every 15 min) while exercising for 2 h at 55% maximal aerobic power output, followed by a 100-kJ time trial. PRO resulted in small increases in peak oxidation rates of the ingested maltodextrin (0.84 ± 0.10 vs. 0.77 ± 0.09 g/min; P = 0.016) and mean total carbohydrate oxidation (2.20 ± 0.25 vs. 1.87 ± 0.39 g/min; P = 0.038), whereas fat oxidation was reduced (0.40 ± 0.11 vs. 0.55 ± 0.10 g/min; P = 0.021). During PRO, small but significant increases were seen in glucose absorption, plasma glucose, and insulin concentration and decreases in nonesterified fatty acid and glycerol. Differences between markers of GI damage and permeability and time-trial performance were not significant ( P > 0.05). In contrast to the hypothesis, PRO led to minimal increases in absorption and oxidation of the ingested maltodextrin and small reductions in fat oxidation, whereas having no effect on subsequent time-trial performance.
On the nature of high-amplitude propagating pressure waves in the human colon
Authors: Milkova Natalija , Parsons Sean P. , Ratcliffe Elyanne , Huizinga Jan D. , Chen Ji-Hong
Published: February 2020

Characterization of high-amplitude propagating pressure waves (HAPWs or HAPCs) plays a key role in diagnosis of colon dysmotility using any type of colonic manometry. With the introduction of high-resolution manometry, more insight is gained into this most prominent propulsive motor pattern. Here, we use a water-perfused catheter with 84 sensors with intervals between measuring points of 1 cm throughout the colon, for 6–8 h, in 19 healthy subjects. The catheter contained a balloon to evoke distention. We explored as stimuli a meal, balloon distention, oral prucalopride, and bisacodyl injection, with a goal to optimally evoke HAPWs. We developed a quantitative measure of HAPW activity, the “HAPW Index.” Our protocol elicited 290 HAPWs. 21% of HAPWs were confined to the proximal colon with an average amplitude of 75.3 ± 3.3 mmHg and an average HAPW Index of 440 ± 58 mmHg·m·s. 29% of HAPWs started in the proximal colon and ended in the transverse or descending colon, with an average amplitude of 87.9 ± 3.1 mmHg and an average HAPW Index of 3,344 ± 356 mmHg·m·s. Forty-nine percent of HAPWs started and ended in the transverse or descending colon with an average amplitude of 109.3 ± 3.3 mmHg and an average HAPW Index of 2,071 ± 195 mmHg·m·s. HAPWs with and without simultaneous pressure waves (SPWs) initiated the colo-anal reflex, often abolishing 100% of anal sphincter pressure. Rectal bisacodyl and proximal balloon distention were the most optimal stimuli to evoke HAPWs. These measures now allow for a confident diagnosis of abnormal motility in patients with colonic motor dysfunction.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY High-amplitude propagating pressure waves (HAPWs) were characterized using 84 sensors throughout the entire colon in healthy subjects, taking note of site of origin, site of termination, amplitude, and velocity, and to identify optimal stimuli to evoke HAPWs. Three categories of HAPWs were identified, including the associated colo-anal reflex. Proximal balloon distention and rectal bisacodyl were recognized as reliable stimuli for evoking HAPWs, and a HAPW Index was devised to quantify this essential colonic motor pattern.
Altered renal hemodynamics is associated with glomerular lipid accumulation in obese Dahl salt-sensitive leptin receptor mutant rats
Authors: McPherson Kasi C. , Shields Corbin A. , Poudel Bibek , Johnson Ashley C. , Taylor Lateia , Stubbs Cassandra , Nichols Alyssa , Cornelius Denise C. , Garrett Michael R. , Williams Jan M.
Published: February 2020

The present study examined whether development of renal injury in the nondiabetic obese Dahl salt-sensitive leptin receptor mutant (SSLepRmutant) strain is associated with elevations in glomerular filtration rate and renal lipid accumulation. Baseline mean arterial pressure at 6 wk of age was similar between Dahl salt-sensitive wild-type (SSWT) and SSLepRmutant rats. However, by 18 wk of age, the SSLepRmutant strain developed hypertension, while the elevation in mean arterial pressure was not as severe in SSWTrats (192 ± 4 and 149 ± 6 mmHg, respectively). At baseline, proteinuria was fourfold higher in SSLepRmutant than SSWTrats and remained elevated throughout the study. The early development of progressive proteinuria was associated with renal hyperfiltration followed by a decline in renal function over the course of study in the SSLepRmutant compared with SSWTrats. Kidneys from the SSLepRmutant strain displayed more glomerulosclerosis and glomerular lipid accumulation than SSWTrats. Glomeruli were isolated from the renal cortex of both strains at 6 and 18 wk of age, and RNA sequencing was performed to identify genes and pathways driving glomerular injury. We observed significant increases in expression of the influx lipid transporters, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 16 (Cxcl16) and scavenger receptor and fatty acid translocase (Cd36), respectively, and a significant decrease in expression of the efflux lipid transporter, ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 2 ( Abca2; cholesterol efflux regulatory protein 2), in SSLepRmutant compared with SSWTrats at 6 and 18 wk of age, which were validated by RT-PCR analysis. These data suggest an association between glomerular hyperfiltration and glomerular lipid accumulation during the early development of proteinuria associated with obesity.
Clarithromycin-Associated Acute Liver Failure Leading to Fatal, Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage from Profound Coagulopathy: Case Report and Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Edhi Ahmed I. , Hakim Seifeldin , Shams Christienne , Bedi Damanpreet , Amin Mitual , Cappell Mitchell S.
Published: February 2020

While erythromycin has caused numerous cases of acute liver failure (ALF), clarithromycin, a similar macrolide antibiotic, has caused only six reported cases of ALF. A new case of clarithromycin-associated ALF is reported with hepatic histopathology and exclusion of other etiologies by extensive workup, and the syndrome of clarithromycin-associated ALF is better characterized by systematic review. A 60-year-old nonalcoholic man, with normal baseline liver function tests, was admitted with diffuse abdominal pain and AST = 499 U/L and ALT = 539 U/L, six days after completing a 7-day course of clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for suspected upper respiratory infection. AST and ALT each rose to about 1,000 U/L on day-2 of admission, and rose to ≥6,000 U/L on day-3, with development of severe hepatic encephalopathy and severe coagulopathy. Planned liver biopsy was cancelled due to coagulopathies. Extensive evaluation for infectious, immunologic, and metabolic causes of liver disease was negative. Abdominal computerized tomography and abdominal ultrasound with Doppler were unremarkable. The patient developed massive, acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding associated with coagulopathies. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was planned after massive blood product transfusions, but the patient rapidly expired from hemorrhagic shock. Autopsy revealed a golden-brown heavy liver with massive hepatic necrosis and sinusoidal congestion. Rise of AST/ALT to about 1,000 U/L each was temporally incompatible with shock liver because this rise preceded the hemorrhagic shock, but the subsequent AST/ALT rise to ≥6,000 U/L each may have had a component of shock liver. The six previously reported cases were limited by failure to exclude hepatitis E (4), lack of liver biopsy (2), and uninterpretable liver biopsy (1) and by confounding potential etiologies including disulfiram, israpidine, or recent acetaminophen use (3), clarithromycin overdose (1), active alcohol use (1), and severe heart failure (1). Review of 6 previously reported and current case of clarithromycin-associated ALF revealed that patients had AST and ALT values in the thousands. Five patients died and 2 survived.
Influence of Local Deformation Mode of Cable‐Stayed Bridge on Unballasted Tracks: Experimental Research
Authors: Sheng Xingwang , Zheng Weiqi , Wu Jianxian , Zhang Handong
Published: February 2020

The complex local deformation modes of the cable‐stayed bridge influence the deformation characteristics of the unballasted tracks laid on it. In this work, a large‐scale segment model of a cable‐stayed bridge was fabricated, and the maximum upward bending deformation mode of the cable‐stayed bridge was realized by multipoint loading on the segment model to study the deformation behaviors of the unballasted tracks. Experimental results indicated that the nonlinear behaviors of the rubber isolation layers are apparent with the loading increased, and the interlayer behaviors of the unballasted track can be improved by the rubber isolation layer. Besides, the relative tensile deformations at interlayers of the unballasted track are inevitable. It is noted that no void and silt form at interlayers of the unballasted tracks with rubber isolation layers due to the precompressions of the rubber material. However, it is entirely possible to produce some diseases such as voids and silts at interlayers of the unballasted track with the geotextile isolation layers paved on the cable‐stayed bridge. Furthermore, it is feasible to use the elastic isolation layer to improve the interlayer deformation characteristics because a particular elastic buffer is provided at interlayers of the unballasted track.