bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the effect of load level and carriageway slab thickness on fatigue performance of concrete T-girder bridges
Authors: Liu Zizheng , Yu Tianlai , Zhang Linlin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The effects of fatigue load level and plate thickness on the fatigue performance of reinforced concrete T-beam bridges.

Design/methodology/approach

Fatigue load tests were performed based on the fatigue damage theory of reinforced concrete, combined with finite element model analysis. The other conditions are controlled separately, and the fatigue performance of the T-beam bridge carriageway slab under different fatigue load levels and different plate thicknesses is studied.

Findings

The fatigue process of the carriageway slab of a reinforced concrete T-beam bridge is divided into three stages: fatigue damage generation, fatigue damage development and fatigue failure. Under certain other conditions, as the fatigue load level increases, the fatigue damage of the carriageway slab accelerates; as the thickness of the carriageway slab increases, the fatigue resistance of the carriageway slab improves.

Research limitations/implications

Tests and simulations have been carried out, but have not been applied to actual engineering for the time being.

Practical implications

Increasing the thickness of the carriageway slab in actual engineering is conducive to improving the fatigue performance of the bridge, and heavy-duty traffic has a greater impact on the durability of the bridge.

Social implications

It has certain reference value for bridge design, inspection and subsequent maintenance and reinforcement.

Originality/value

The originality of this article lies in designing and carrying out static and cyclic load tests separately, while introducing material damage models based on a large number of references and combining finite element analysis to consider the impact of a specific factor on fatigue performance. The test and analysis results can provide reference for bridge design and inspection.
Event impacts associated with residents' satisfaction and behavioral intentions: a pre-post study of the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games
Authors: Zhang Jingxian (Cecilia) , Byon Kevin K. , Xu Kaijuan , Huang Haiyan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to (1) explore the positive and negative sociocultural, economic, and environmental impacts on satisfaction, and behavioral intentions; and (2) examine the changes in relationships among event impacts, satisfaction and behavioral intentions of host city residents before and after a major sporting event.

Design/methodology/approach

We used panel data to estimate how resident responses change over time. The data were collected three months before (Nbefore = 266) and three months after (Nafter = 266) the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games. Data were analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling (SEM) and invariance tests.

Findings

A significant relationship exists between negative and positive perceived sociocultural, economic, and environmental impacts, satisfaction and behavioral intentions. In addition, findings suggest that the effect of the sociocultural impacts on satisfaction and of satisfaction on behavioral intentions strengthened after the event. The relationship between positive environmental impacts and satisfaction was reduced across the two points in time. Our results indicate that residents’ assessment regarding the sporting event partially changed over the whole six-month course of the study.

Originality/value

This study differs from most recent research in that it examines the sociocultural, economic, and environmental event impacts in modeling residents’ satisfaction and testing the influence of negative event impacts on residents’ satisfaction and behavioral intentions. The current study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the changes that occur regarding the relationships among event impacts, satisfaction and behavioral intentions across the same respondents over time.
Inside the incubator – business relationship creations among incubated firms
Authors: Öberg Christina , Klinton Markus , Stockhult Helen
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Incubators, as providers of advice and resources, suggest fostering the development of early-idea firms. Literature and practice seem to suggest an ever-increasing amount of incubator support. The creation of business relationships is at the heart of any business development, and this paper addresses whether a laissez-faire incubator fosters the creation of business relationships. The purpose of this paper is to explore the creation of business relationships among incubated firms during and after their time in the incubator along with the roles that these relationships play for the incubated firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirically, the paper is based on retrospective interviews with representatives of all incubated firms in a university incubator. A total of fifteen interviews were conducted with representatives of the incubated firms, the incubator and its owners, complemented by secondary data sources.

Findings

The paper points out three antecedents for business relationship creation: the lack of experience and connections; convenience; and trust based on the interactions with others in the incubator. These antecedents are connected to the roles of transforming businesses and of adaptation in the dyadic relationships. The laissez-faire incubator helped through the learning-by-doing among the incubated firms, which made them focus on business relationship creation from early on.

Originality/value

Most incubator research portrays the unilateral transfer of knowledge from the incubator to the incubated firm, with the latter being a service taker rather than a co-producer. The paper adds knowledge about business relationships among firms in incubators and the roles that these business relationships could play for the firms. The focus on an incubator providing limited support is of high practical relevance, given the trend of incubators facilitating more and more services.
Tourism entrepreneurs' expectation from the provincial government in touristic city – Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Devkota Niranjan , Paudel Udaya Raj , Bhandari Udbodh
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper explores entrepreneurs' expectation from the new provincial government to protect sociocultural values for promoting touristic city – Pokhara, Nepal.

Design/methodology/approach

The purposive sampling technique was applied to source the information from the respondents resided at Pokhara. Structured questionnaire techniques and cross-sectional descriptive method were used to collect data from 393 tourism entrepreneurs to explore their understanding and existing situations.

Findings

About 85.5% of the respondents argue that the new government system has affected their business and 58.27% feel procedural complexities due to new political administrative system. Natural beauty, growing pollution, unmanaged urbanizations, good flow of the tourists and sustainability of the touristic city resulted as main aspects of Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threats. The entrepreneurs expect that newly formed provincial government should provide business security, formulate appropriate tax policy and provision for business insurance scheme for smooth operation, growth and sustainability of their tourism entrepreneurship.

Research limitations

The research was taken in Pokhara, only the entrepreneurs mostly resided at Lakeside were taken and wider research across the whole city would give a more balanced perspective.

Practical implication

Recommendations are made with the aim of uplifting entrepreneurship milieu in the touristic city Pokhara in order to promote tourism business of Pokhara.

Social implication

This research can help local authority to take local residents' and entrepreneurs' experience into consideration for creating better plan and policies for the well-being of Pokhara.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to provide data from the perspective of entrepreneurs' expectation from newly formed Gandaki provincial government in Pokhara, Nepal.
I think of college as setting a good foundation for my future
Authors: Hines Erik M. , Harris Paul C. , Mayes Renae D. , Moore III James L.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Little attention is given to black male experiences and decision-making process around college-going. A qualitative study (interpretive phenomenological analysis [IPA]) was conducted using a strengths-based perspective to understand the experiences of three first-generation black men college students attending a predominately white institution. Superordinate themes include perceived benefits to attending college, barriers to college admission and attendance and influential programs and supports. Recommendations for school counselors helping black males are included.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a narrative approach to illustrate the stories and experiences captured by the three young men who participated in the study. Hays and Singh (2012) suggested using a narrative approach for telling the stories of marginalized groups. IPA (Smith, 1996) was the approach used to identify superordinate themes, because the authors wanted to better understand the participants’ K-16 experiences. As a qualitative approach, IPA provides detailed examinations of personal lived experiences on its own terms rather than pre-existing theoretical preconceptions.

Findings

The participants’ accounts clustered around three superordinate themes: perceived benefits to college, barriers to college admission and attendance and influential programs and supports.

Originality/value

Although there are studies that provide insight on the factors that impact first-generation, black men’s success in attending college, there are few studies that have used a strengths-based perspective to investigate key experiences that lead to college enrollment. Those experiences that lead first-generation black male to attend college are pivotal and provide insight into important points of intervention and support. School counselors and other educators can use these insights to inform practices and the creation of supports for black men in their respective schools.
Climate and soil nutrients differentially drive multidimensional fine root traits in ectomycorrhizal‐dominated alpine coniferous forests
Authors: Ding JunXiang , Kong Deliang , Zhang Ziliang , Cai Qin , Xiao Juan , Liu Qing , Yin Huajun
Published: April 2020

Fine root traits vary greatly with environmental changes, but the understanding of root trait variation and its drivers is limited over broad geographical scales, especially for ectomycorrhizal (ECM)‐dominated conifers in alpine forests. Herein, the covariation patterns of and environmental controls for fine root traits among ECM‐dominated conifers were examined to test whether and how climate and soil nutrients differentially affect fine root trait variations.

Eight traits of first‐ and second‐order roots were measured, that is, root diameter (RD), specific root length (SRL), branching intensity (BRI), root tissue density (RTD), mycorrhizal colonization rate (MCR) and concentrations of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), across 76 alpine coniferous populations on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, China.

Our results showed that variations of the fine root traits fell into two major dimensions: the first dimension (32.39% of the total variance) was mainly represented by RD and SRL, potentially conveying a trade‐off between root life span and efficiency of resource foraging; the second dimension (23.70% of the variance) represented coordinated variation for root nutrients (i.e. N and P) and RTD, which depicts the conservation‐acquisition trade‐off in resource uptake, that is, root economic spectrum. Variations in RD and SRL were mainly driven by climatic variables, characterized by a significant increase in RD and a decrease in SRL with increasing mean annual precipitation. In contrast, variations in fine root nutrients (i.e. N and P) and RTD were primarily driven by soil fertility, showing a significant increase in root N and P concentrations but a decrease in RTD with increasing soil resource levels.

Synthesis. Our study clearly shows two distinct dimensions of the variation of fine root traits in ECM‐dominated alpine coniferous forests, providing further evidence of the inherent multidimensionality of root traits. Moreover, our findings highlight different roles of climatic and soil variables in driving the variation of fine root traits, potentially leading to the multidimensionality of root traits. This study provides new insights for understanding and predicting shifts in plant belowground strategies in climate‐sensitive alpine forests world‐wide.
Morphological responses of three persistent native anuran species after forest conversion into monoculture pine plantations: tolerance or prosperity?
Authors: GANGENOVA Elena , GIOMBINI Mariano I. , ZURITA Gustavo A. , MARANGONI Federico
Published: April 2020

Species loss by habitat replacement operating as an ecological filter is a well‐known consequence of modern human activities. In contrast, the ecological and evolutionary response of species overcoming those filters in converted habitats has not been thoroughly explored. Species that persist are subject to novel and potentially stressful conditions that may induce certain morphological changes. We evaluated changes in the functional morphology of three anuran species persisting after the conversion of areas of the Atlantic Forest into pine plantations. We specifically evaluated differences in body size and body condition indices, head width, and hind legs’ length between adult individuals from both habitats and sexes. Habitat conversion and sexual dimorphism affected the morphology of the three anurans, with varying effects upon species and traits. Regarding the effect of habitat conversion, Elachistocleis bicolor increased body condition in plantations with no changes in the other traits, Physalaemus cuvieri showed only a marginal increment in residual body mass in plantations, and Odontophrynus americanus exhibited a substantial increment in body size while maintaining its body condition in plantations. Remarkably, none of the results suggested these persistent anurans were stressed by forest conversion. This study shows that habitat conversion may induce intraspecific morphological changes in ecologically relevant traits of persistent species, and that disturbed areas do not necessarily imply stressful, low quality habitats affecting all persistent native species negatively.
Gentrification and Blight: Relationship to Involuntary Displacement
Authors: Rybeck Rick
Published: April 2020

Because homelessness is visible in cities with high levels of gentrification, the media have linked the two phenomena. But the displacement taking place in most American cities is due more to blight than to gentrification. This article examines both sources of displacement and traces them to the same source: land speculation. In declining cities, land speculation causes parcels to be held vacant in prime locations, leading to disinvestment and an inadequate supply of affordable commercial and residential buildings. In cities with booming economies, land speculation leads to redevelopment of entire neighborhoods where land appreciates in value due to new commercial or residential demand. The solution to gentrification and blight as sources of displacement is to increase land value return and recycling to stabilize urban economies and avoid the boom‐bust cycles that are so detrimental to cities.
Making the Prevention of Homelessness a Priority: The Role of Social Innovation
Authors: Gaetz Stephen
Published: April 2020

Mass homelessness emerged in Canada in the wake of neoliberal policies that reduced government production of housing and other supportive measures. Efforts to reduce homelessness have occurred in three stages: 1) an emergency response in the 1990s that consisted mostly of investment in shelters, soup kitchens, and day programs, 2) the implementation of community plans to end homelessness, combined with the adoption of Housing First as a strategy that seeks to provide reliable shelter as a first step to anyone without it, followed by other remedial services, and 3) the recent development in Canada of early intervention strategies to prevent homelessness from its inception. The second stage was highly successful in dealing with the situation of chronically homeless adults, and many communities have begun to see reductions in homelessness. However effective, this approach does not break the cycle by intercepting potentially homeless individuals in their youth, which is when it begins for many people. Canada is at the beginning stages of the move towards a stronger focus on prevention, aided by a social innovation agenda to identify, design, test, and evaluate preventive interventions to determine which ones will be most strategically effective, setting the stage for implementation and going to scale.
Life cell imaging microscopy of embryo and early development of the Kol tooth‐carp, Aphanius darabensis (Teleostei: Aphaniidae)
Authors: Esmaeili Hamid Reza , Asrar Tayebeh
Published: April 2020

Information on early egg and embryogenesis is of critical importance in order to understand the basic biology, phylogenetic affinity, dietary requirement as well as environmental and ecological preference of a particular organism including fishes. Herein, we described and illustrated the life cell imaging microscopy of embryo and early development of larvae in the laboratory‐reared fish, the Kol tooth‐carp Aphanius darabensis. In A. darabensis, like several other teleost fishes, especially aphaniid, development and embryogenesis of the species initiate with external fertilization of sticky, spherical and transparent macrolecithal/telolecithal eggs with a mean diameter of 0.945–1.196 mm, and it continues with meroblastic/radial cleavage, blastulation/blastula formation, gastrulation/gastrula formation (in the result of epibolic cell migration) and organogenesis, leading to a hatched larvae of 4.5–5.2 mm in length with attached yolk sac at approximately 142 hr (at 24 ± 1°C) after fertilization which have been discussed in details. This study provides basic data for further research on reproductive biology, breeding, behaviour and conservation management of this endemic species.
Antibody‐based immunotherapy for treatment of immunoglobulin light‐chain amyloidosis
Authors: Parrondo Ricardo D. , Majeed Umair , Sher Taimur
Published: April 2020

Immunoglobulin light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis is a clonal plasma cell disorder characterised by production and deposition of misfolded monoclonal light chains in vital organs with potential to cause irreversible organ damage. The treatment of AL amyloidosis has evolved along the lines of multiple myeloma (MM) owing to clonal plasma cells being at the root of both disease processes. Treatment with melphalan and autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation, as well as proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents, are the standard of care for AL amyloidosis. While these treatment modalities are highly effective against the neoplastic plasma cells, patients often relapse and those with advanced disease may be unable to tolerate these treatments due to side‐effects. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates and chimeric antigen receptor T cells have revolutionised the treatment armamentarium for MM. These novel immunotherapy agents are in the early phases of evaluation and clinical development for patients with AL amyloidosis. The present review aims to discuss the role of novel immunotherapies currently in development and their potential for use in the treatment of AL amyloidosis.
The effect of summer drought on the predictability of local extinctions in a butterfly metapopulation
Authors: van Bergen Erik , Dallas Tad , DiLeo Michelle F. , Kahilainen Aapo , Mattila Anniina L. K. , Luoto Miska , Saastamoinen Marjo
Published: April 2020

The ecological impacts of extreme climatic events on population dynamics and community composition are profound and predominantly negative. Using extensive data of an ecological model system, we tested whether predictions from ecological models remain robust when environmental conditions are outside the bounds of observation. We observed a 10‐fold demographic decline of the Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia) metapopulation on the Åland islands, Finland in the summer of 2018 and used climatic and satellite data to demonstrate that this year was an anomaly with low climatic water balance values and low vegetation productivity indices across Åland. Population growth rates were strongly associated with spatiotemporal variation in climatic water balance. Covariates shown previously to affect the extinction probability of local populations in this metapopulation were less informative when populations were exposed to severe drought during the summer months. Our results highlight the unpredictable responses of natural populations to extreme climatic events.
Feminist solidarity building as embodied agonism: An ethnographic account of a protest movement
Authors: Smolović Jones Sanela , Winchester Nik , Clarke Caroline
Published: April 2020

Feminist solidarity, after early and idealistic conceptions of an all‐encompassing sisterhood, has become preoccupied with understanding and theorizing differences between women. This study develops an account of solidarity as embodied agonism, where difference and contest are experienced and negotiated through the body. Difference and contest are reframed within feminist solidarity projects as resources for, rather than inhibitors to, generating collective agency. This is done through an ethnography of a protest movement in Montenegro, which drew together diverse groups of women, and bring our data into conversation with theories of agonistic democratic practice and embodied performativity. Embodied agonistic solidarity is theorized as a participative and inclusive endeavour driven by conflictual encounters, constituted through the bodies, language and visual imagery of assembling and articulating subjects. Our account of solidarity is presented as constituted through three dimensions, each of which represents a different emphasis on sensory experience: exposing, which is to make one's body open to the hardship of others, enabling alliances between unlikely allies to emerge; citing, which is to draw on others’ symbolic resources and to publicly affirm them; inhabiting, which is to embody the deprivations of others, enabling alliances to grow and persist.
Assessment of low plasma concentrations of apixaban in the periprocedural setting
Authors: Lessire Sarah , Dincq Anne‐Sophie , Siriez Romain , Pochet Lionel , Sennesael Anne‐Laure , Vornicu Ovidiu , Hardy Michael , Deceuninck Olivier , Douxfils Jonathan , Mullier François
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Estimation of residual apixaban plasma concentrations may be requested in the management of emergencies. This study aims at assessing the performance of specific anti‐Xa assays calibrated with apixaban on real‐life samples with low apixaban plasma concentrations (<30 ng/mL) and on‐treatment ranges, with and without interference of low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH).

Methods

The performance of the STA®‐Liquid Anti‐Xa assay (STA® LAX) and the low and normal procedures of the Biophen®Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors (DiXaI) assay was tested on 134 blood samples, collected from patients on apixaban, wherefrom 74 patients received LMWH after apixaban cessation. The results were compared with the liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) measurements.

Results

The Biophen®DiXaI, Biophen®DiXaI LOW, and STA®LAX showed very good correlation with LC‐MS/MS measurements in patients without LMWH administration (Spearman r .95, .99, and .98, respectively). Their limits of quantitation were defined at 48, 24, and 12 ng/mL, respectively. The Bland‐Altman test measured mean bias (SD) at 5.6 (13.1), −2.5 (5.0), and −0.8 (6.1) ng/ml, respectively. The Spearman r of the Biophen®DiXaI decreased to 0.64 in presence of low apixaban concentrations. The Spearman r of the Biophen®DiXaI LOW and STA®LAX decreased to 0.39 and 0.26, respectively, in presence of LMWH.

Conclusions

The accuracy of the low methodologies (Biophen®DiXaI LOW and STA®LAX) is slightly improved for low apixaban plasma concentrations, compared with the normal procedure of Biophen®DiXaI. The interference of LMWH on the low methodologies is measurable, however, less important than the previously reported interference of LMWH on rivaroxaban calibrated specific anti‐Xa assays.
Time as a barrier to evidence uptake—A qualitative exploration of the concept of time for clinical practice guideline uptake by physiotherapists
Authors: Stander Jessica , Grimmer Karen , Brink Yolandi
Published: April 2020

Background

Lack of time has consistently been reported as a major barrier to effective research evidence uptake into clinical practice. There has been no research to our knowledge that explores time as a barrier within the transtheoretical model of stages of change (SoC), to better understand the processes of physiotherapists' uptake of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). This article explores the concept of lack of time as a barrier for CPG uptake for physiotherapists at different SoC.

Methods

A six‐step process is presented to determine the best‐fit SoC for 31 physiotherapy interviewees. This process used an amalgamation of interview findings and socio‐demographic data, which was layered onto the SoC and previously identified time‐barriers to CPG uptake (few staff, high workload, access to CPGs, evidence‐based practice as priority in clinical practice, ‘time is money’ attitude and knowledge on the use of CPGs).

Results

The analysis process highlighted the complexities of assigning individuals to a SoC. A model of time management for better CPG uptake is proposed which is a novel approach to assist evidence implementalists and clinicians alike to determine how to progress through the SoC and barriers to improve CPG uptake.

Conclusions

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt at exploring the construct of (lack of) time for CPG uptake in relation to the physiotherapists' readiness to behaviour change. This study shows that ‘lack of time’ is a euphemism for quite different barriers, which map to different stages of readiness to embrace current best evidence into physiotherapy practice. By understanding what is meant by ‘lack of time’, it may indicate specific support required by physiotherapists at different stages of changing these behaviours.
Cranial shape evolution of extant and fossil crocodile newts and its relation to reproduction and ecology
Authors: Pogoda Peter , Zuber Marcus , Baumbach Tilo , Schoch Rainer R. , Kupfer Alexander
Published: April 2020

The diversity of the vertebrate cranial shape of phylogenetically related taxa allows conclusions on ecology and life history. As pleurodeline newts (the genera Echinotriton, Pleurodeles and Tylototriton) have polymorphic reproductive modes, they are highly suitable for following cranial shape evolution in relation to reproduction and environment. We investigated interspecific differences externally and differences in the cranial shape of pleurodeline newts via two‐dimensional geometric morphometrics. Our analyses also included the closely related but extinct genus Chelotriton to better follow the evolutionary history of cranial shape. Pleurodeles was morphologically distinct in relation to other phylogenetically basal salamanders. The subgenera within Tylototriton (Tylototriton and Yaotriton) were well separated in morphospace, whereas Echinotriton resembled the subgenus Yaotriton more than Tylototriton. Oviposition site choice correlated with phylogeny and morphology. Only the mating mode, with a random distribution along the phylogenetic tree, separated crocodile newts into two morphologically distinct groups. Extinct Chelotriton likely represented several species and were morphologically and ecologically more similar to Echinotriton and Yaotriton than to Tylototriton subgenera. Our data also provide the first comprehensive morphological support for the molecular phylogeny of pleurodeline newts.
Chronic performance of Riata 1580 and Endotak 0158 ICD leads: A single center 10‐year experience
Authors: Cobb Vanessa , Ezzat Vivienne , Higgins Fiona , Lambiase Pier , Lowe Martin , Segal Oliver , Chow Anthony
Published: April 2020

Background

The long‐term performance of the Riata family of leads has recently come under increasing scrutiny. We aimed to determine the long‐term performance of the Riata 1580 leads compared with Endotak 0158 leads.

Methods

All patients with Riata 1580 or Endotak 0158 leads implanted from 2003 to 2008 at the Heart Hospital, UCLH were analyzed. Significant electrical changes were as follows: threshold increase >1 V at a set pulse width between pacing checks, persistent R wave fall to <2 mV or reduction in R wave >50%, noise, pacing impedance change to <300 Ω or >1500 Ω, high voltage (HV) change to <20 Ω or >200 Ω, HV change ± 15 Ω, pacing impedance change >400 Ω over 12 months.

Results

333 Riata and 356 Endotak leads were implanted. Median follow‐up time + interquartile range were calculated, after exclusion of censored events including loss to follow‐up: Riata 3652 + 655 days, Endotak 3730 + 810 days. A total of 51 (15.9%) Riata leads and 21 (6.3%) Endotak leads were affected. A greater risk of failure was found for the Riata lead compared with the Endotak lead (P = .0001). An additional time‐dependent effect was found, with the Riata lead 1.9 times more likely to fail in the first 6 years following lead implantation and 5.3 times more likely to fail after 6 years.

Conclusions

Riata leads have a higher risk of failure compared to Endotak leads over time. The importance of careful ongoing performance surveillance late in the leads’ lifetime is reflected in this 10‐year follow‐up study.
Perioperative apnea in infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: A systematic review
Authors: van den Bunder Fenne A. I. M. , van Wijk Lotte , van Woensel Job B. M. , Stevens Markus F. , van Heurn L. W. Ernest , Derikx Joep P. M.
Published: April 2020

Background

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) leads to excessive vomiting and metabolic alkalosis, which may subsequently cause apnea. Although it is generally assumed that metabolic derangements should be corrected prior to surgery to prevent apnea, the exact incidence of perioperative apneas in infants with IHPS and the association with metabolic alkalosis are unknown. We performed this systematic review to assess the incidence of apnea in infants with IHPS and to verify the possible association between apnea and metabolic alkalosis.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane library to identify studies regarding infants with metabolic alkalosis, respiratory problems, and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. We conducted a descriptive synthesis of the findings of the included studies.

Results

Thirteen studies were included for analysis. Six studies described preoperative apnea, three studies described postoperative apnea, and four studies described both. All studies were of low quality or had other research questions. We found an incidence of 27% of preoperative and 0.2%‐16% of postoperative apnea, respectively. None of the studies examined the association between apnea and metabolic alkalosis in infants with IHPS.

Conclusions

Infants with IHPS may have a risk to develop perioperative apnea. However, the incidence rates should be interpreted with caution because of the low quality and quantity of the studies. Therefore, further studies are required to determine the incidence of perioperative apnea in infants with IHPS. The precise underlying mechanism of apnea in these infants is still unknown, and the role of metabolic alkalosis should be further evaluated.
Arbuscular mycorrhiza influences carbon‐use efficiency and grain yield of wheat grown under pre‐ and post‐anthesis salinity stress
Authors: Eroğlu Ç. G. , Cabral C. , Ravnskov S. , Bak Topbjerg H. , Wollenweber B.
Published: April 2020

Soil salinity severely affects and constrains crop production worldwide. Salinity causes osmotic and ionic stress, inhibiting gas exchange and photosynthesis, ultimately impairing plant growth and development. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) have been shown to maintain light and carbon use efficiency under stress, possibly providing a tool to improve salinity tolerance of the host plants. Thus, it was hypothesized that AM will contribute to improved growth and yield under stress conditions.

Wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) were grown with (AMF+) or without (AMF−) arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation. Plants were subjected to salinity stress (200 mm NaCl) either at pre‐ or post‐anthesis or at both stages. Growth and yield components, leaf chlorophyll content as well as gas exchange parameters and AMF colonization were analysed.

AM plants exhibited a higher rate of net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and lower intrinsic water use efficiency. Furthermore, AM wheat plants subjected to salinity stress at both pre‐anthesis and post‐anthesis maintained higher grain yield than non‐AM salinity‐stressed plants.

These results suggest that AMF inoculation mitigates the negative effects of salinity stress by influencing carbon use efficiency and maintaining higher grain yield under stress.
Bidirectional associations between fitness and fatness in youth: A longitudinal study
Authors: Perez‐Bey Alejandro , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Ortega Francisco B. , Martinez‐Gomez David , Mota Jorge , Veiga Oscar L. , Lavie Carl J. , Castro‐Piñero José
Published: April 2020

The aim was to examine the bidirectional association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and fatness in a 2‐year longitudinal study conducted in young people. A total of 1082 children (512 females) and 727 adolescents (342 females) with complete data at baseline and follow‐up were included. CRF was determined by the 20‐m shuttle run test. Height and weight were measured, and body mass index and fat mass index (kg/m2) were calculated. Triceps and subscapular skinfolds were assessed to compute body fat percentage. Bidirectionality was tested by including CRF and each fatness index as exposures and outcomes, alternatively, in different regression models. CRF was prospectively associated with fatness index levels (ß from −0.186 to −0.528; P < .001), remaining significant in children after adjusting for baseline fatness indices. Fatness indices were prospectively associated with CRF (ß from −0.207 to −0.479; P < .001), with no substantial changes observed in children and female adolescents when baseline CRF was considered. Changes in CRF were prospectively associated with several fatness indices, regardless of body fatness at baseline (ß from −0.062 to −0.220; P < .05). Body fatness changes were associated with future CRF levels, independently of baseline CRF, especially in children of both sexes and male adolescents (ß from −0.079 to −0.260; P < .05). Overall, a bidirectional association was observed between CRF and fatness in children and adolescents. The attainment of optimal CRF and fatness levels in early ages should be promoted since it could result in favorable future fatness and CRF levels, respectively, which are two key determinants of health status.
Current standards and the latest developments in the treatment of thalassaemia
Authors: Teawtrakul Nattiya
Published: April 2020

Thalassaemia syndrome is an autosomal recessive inherited disease caused by impaired productions of the globin chains leading to chronic anaemia. In the last few decades, red blood cell transfusion, iron chelation therapy and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation are three main treatment modalities in this disease. Advances in understanding the underlying basis of the thalassaemia disease have introduced several new innovative therapeutic approaches including modulating of erythropoiesis, modulating of iron metabolism and gene therapy. Preclinical studies of several novel therapeutic agents showed promising results. Currently, there are multiple ongoing clinical studies of these novel therapies in patients with thalassaemia. This review aims to summarize the key points of current standard treatment and the latest developments in the treatment of thalassaemia.
Estimation of Friction and States for Robust Control of Position Servo
Authors: Kurode Shailaja , Tamhane Bhagyashri
Published: April 2020

Friction is an inherent nonlinearity in electromechanical systems. It adversely affects the system performance. The key challenge is to get its accurate information as it is not measurable. This paper proposes a two-observer concept for friction and state estimation. Novelty of proposal includes finite time convergent estimations of the friction component and the system states. These estimations are used to design a robust control for accurate position tracking in servosystem. It is shown that accurate friction and state estimations are obtained, and control efforts are reduced while achieving precise performance. Tracking performance is improved using proposed control. The outcome of the proposed methodology is validated through computer simulations and experimentations.
Top EU scientist ousted over plans for coronavirus research
Authors: Wallace Nicholas
Published: April 2020

European Research Council president resigns over spat about agency's role in guiding funding to specific fields.
Response to Comment on “Light-induced lattice expansion leads to high-efficiency solar cells”
Authors: Tsai Hsinhan , Nie Wanyi , Mohite Aditya D.
Published: April 2020

Rolston
et al
. suggest through a convective heating scheme that the mechanism of light-induced lattice expansion is from light-induced thermal heating. We bring out key differences in the physical observables that are not discussed and different from what is observed in the original paper by Tsai
et al
.
Repairing damaged brains
The Future of Brain Repair
Jack Price
MIT Press, 2020. 288 pp.
Authors: Woolfson Adrian
Published: April 2020

Stem cell therapies slowly gain traction as viable treatments for brain disorders
What tree rings can tell us
Tree Story: The History of the World Written in Rings
Valerie Trouet
Johns Hopkins University Press, 2020. 256 pp.
Authors: Daniels Lori
Published: April 2020

From ancient timbers to mountaintop forests, trees hold important climate clues
Earth Day at 50
Authors: Turner James Morton , Isenberg Andrew C.
Published: April 2020

The spring of 2020 will be remembered for the coronavirus pandemic. But at this moment, it is worth remembering that 50 years ago, the United States confronted a very different crisis. That April, millions of Americans participated in Earth Day “teach-ins” across the nation. These events galvanized Democrats and Republicans into action: President Nixon and Congress worked together to pass a blitz of science-based policies that aimed to protect public health and the environment—including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act—with large bipartisan majorities.
The moment to see the poor
Authors: von Braun Joachim , Zamagni Stefano , Sorondo Marcelo Sánchez
Published: April 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has illuminated inequities that have put poor people—in both low-income nations and in rich countries—at the greatest risk of suffering. Pope Francis recently pointed to that in an interview: “This is the moment to see the poor.”
Dissecting the Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Binding Domain of the PhaF Phasin: Rational Design of a Minimized Affinity Tag
Authors: Mato Aranzazu , Blanco Francisco G. , Maestro Beatriz , Sanz Jesús M. , Pérez-Gil Jesús , Prieto M. Auxiliadora
Published: April 2020

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biocompatible, nontoxic, and biodegradable biopolymers with exceptional applications in the industrial and medical fields. The complex structure of the PHA granule can be exploited as a toolbox to display molecules of interest on their surface. Phasins, the most abundant group of proteins on the granule, have been employed as anchoring tags to obtain functionalized PHA beads for high-affinity bioseparation, enzyme immobilization, diagnostics, or cell targeting. Here, a shorter module based on the previously designed BioF tag has been demonstrated to maintain the affinity for the PHA granule, with higher stability and similar functionalization efficiency. The use of a 67% shorter peptide, which maintains the binding properties of the entire protein, constitutes an advantage for the immobilization of recombinant proteins on the PHA surface both
in vitro
and
in vivo
.
Bacterial Pigment Prodigiosin Demonstrates a Unique Antiherpesvirus Activity That Is Mediated through Inhibition of Prosurvival Signal Transducers
Authors: Suryawanshi Rahul K. , Koujah Lulia , Patil Chandrashekhar D. , Ames Joshua M. , Agelidis Alex , Yadavalli Tejabhiram , Patil Satish V. , Shukla Deepak
Published: April 2020

In this article, we provide a new role for a commonly found bacterial pigment in controlling herpes simplex virus infection, for which diverse and multimodal antiviral agents are needed to prevent drug resistance.
Serratia marcescens
is a red pigment (prodigiosin)-producing Gram-negative bacillus that is naturally found in soil and water. It is associated with many kinds of human infections, including wound and eye infections, and meningitis. Taking cues from previous studies on prodigiosin, including possible proapoptotic anticancer properties, we investigated how it might affect HSV infection. Interestingly, we found that it is a potent virucidal compound that disrupts host signaling pathways needed for HSV growth and survival. The mode of antiviral action suggests potentially broad activity against enveloped viruses. Our results also indicate that interactions with commensal bacteria may inhibit HSV infection, underscoring the importance of studying these microbial metabolites and their implications for viral pathogenesis and treatment.
Ca
2+
Ions Promote Fusion of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus with Host Cells and Increase Infectivity
Authors: Straus Marco R. , Tang Tiffany , Lai Alex L. , Flegel Annkatrin , Bidon Miya , Freed Jack H. , Daniel Susan , Whittaker Gary R.
Published: April 2020

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a major emerging infectious disease with zoonotic potential and has reservoirs in dromedary camels and bats. Since its first outbreak in 2012, the virus has repeatedly transmitted from camels to humans, with 2,468 confirmed cases causing 851 deaths. To date, there are no efficacious drugs and vaccines against MERS-CoV, increasing its potential to cause a public health emergency. In order to develop novel drugs and vaccines, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms that enable the virus to infect host cells. Our data have found that calcium is an important regulator of viral fusion by interacting with negatively charged residues in the MERS-CoV FP region. This information can guide therapeutic solutions to block this calcium interaction and also repurpose already approved drugs for this use for a fast response to MERS-CoV outbreaks.
Effective diabetes complication management is a step toward a carbon-efficient planet: an economic modeling study
Authors: Fordham Ric , Dhatariya Ketan , Stancliffe Rachel , Lloyd Adam , Chatterjee Mou , Mathew Mevin , Taneja Loveleen , Gains Mike , Haagen Panton Ulrik
Published: April 2020

Background

The management of diabetes-related complications accounts for a large share of total carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions. We assessed whether improving diabetes control in people with type 2 diabetes reduces CO2e emissions, compared with those with unchanging glycemic control.

Methods

Using the IQVIA Core Diabetes Model, we estimated the impact of maintaining glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at 7% (53 mmol/mol) or reducing it by 1% (11 mmol/mol) on total CO2e/patient and CO2e/life-year (LY). Two different cohorts were investigated: those on first-line medical therapy (cohort 1) and those on third-line therapy (cohort 2). CO2e was estimated using cost inputs converted to carbon inputs using the UK National Health Service’s carbon intensity factor. The model was run over a 50-year time horizon, discounting total costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) up to 5% and CO2e at 0%.

Results

Maintaining HbA1cat 7% (53 mmol/mol) reduced total CO2e/patient by 18% (1546 kgCO2e/patient) vs 13% (937 kgCO2e/patient) in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively, and led to a reduction in CO2e/LY gain of 15%–20%. Reducing HbA1cby 1% (11 mmol/mol) caused a 12% (cohort 1) and 9% (cohort 2) reduction in CO2e/patient with a CO2e/LY gain reduction of 11%–14%.

Conclusions

When comparing people with untreated diabetes, maintaining glycemic control at 7% (53 mmol/mol) on a single agent or improving HbA1cby 1% (11 mmol/mol) by the addition of more glucose-lowering treatment was associated with a reduction in carbon emissions.
Is development aid to strengthen health systems during protracted conflict a useful investment? The case of South Sudan, 2011–2015
Authors: Valadez Joseph James , Berendes Sima , Odhiambo Jackline , Vargas William , Devkota Baburam , Lako Richard , Jeffery Caroline
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Is achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 (building peaceful societies) a precondition for achieving SDG 3 (health and well-being in all societies, including conflict-affected countries)? Do health system investments in conflict-affected countries waste resources or benefit the public’s health? To answer these questions, we examine the maternal, newborn, child and reproductive health (MNCRH) service provision during protracted conflicts and economic shocks in the Republic of South Sudan between 2011 (at independence) and 2015.

Methods

We conducted two national cross-sectional probability surveys in 10 states (2011) and nine states (2015). Trained state-level health workers collected data from households randomly selected using probability proportional to size sampling of villages in each county. County data were weighted by their population sizes to measure state and national MNCRH services coverage. A two-sample, two-sided Z-test of proportions tested for changes in national health service coverage between 2011 (n=11 800) and 2015 (n=10 792).

Results

Twenty-two of 27 national indicator estimates (81.5%) of MNCRH service coverage improved significantly. Examples: malaria prophylaxis in pregnancy increased by 8.6% (p<0.001) to 33.1% (397/1199 mothers, 95% CI ±2.9%), institutional deliveries by 10.5% (p<0.001) to 20% (230/1199 mothers, ±2.6%) and measles vaccination coverage in children aged 12–23 months by 11.2% (p<0.001) to 49.7% (529/1064 children, ±2.3%). The largest increase (17.7%, p<0.001) occurred for mothers treating diarrhoea in children aged 0–59 months with oral rehydration salts to 51.4% (635/1235 children, ±2.9%). Antenatal and postnatal care, and contraceptive prevalence did not change significantly. Child vitamin A supplementation decreased. Despite significant increases, coverage remained low (median of all indicators = 31.3%, SD = 19.7) . Coverage varied considerably by state (mean SD for all indicators and states=11.1%).

Conclusion

Health system strengthening is not a uniform process and not necessarily deterred by conflict. Despite the conflict, health system investments were not wasted; health service coverage increased.