bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning in the prediction of medical inpatient length of stay
Authors: Bacchi Stephen , Tan Yiran , Oakden‐Rayner Luke , Jannes Jim , Kleinig Timothy , Koblar Simon
Published: October 2020

Length of stay (LOS) estimates are important for patients, doctors and hospital administrators. However, making accurate estimates of LOS can be difficult for medical patients. This review was conducted with the aim of identifying and assessing previous studies on the application of machine learning to the prediction of total hospital inpatient LOS for medical patients. A review of machine learning in the prediction of total hospital LOS for medical inpatients was conducted using the databases PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Of the 673 publications returned by the initial search, 21 articles met inclusion criteria. Of these articles the most commonly represented medical specialty was cardiology. Studies were also identified that had specifically evaluated machine learning LOS prediction in patients with diabetes and tuberculosis. The performance of the machine learning models in the identified studies varied significantly depending on factors including differing input datasets and different LOS thresholds and outcome metrics. Common methodological shortcomings included a lack of reporting of patient demographics and lack of reporting of clinical details of included patients. The variable performance reported by the studies identified in this review supports the need for further research of the utility of machine learning in the prediction of total inpatient LOS in medical patients. Future studies should follow and report a more standardised methodology to better assess performance and to allow replication and validation. In particular, prospective validation studies and studies assessing the clinical impact of such machine learning models would be beneficial.
First comparative assessment of the reproductive cycle of three species of Chiton on a temperate rocky shore of the southeastern Pacific
Authors: Brito María J. , Camus Patricio A. , Torres Felipe I. , Sellanes Javier , Ibáñez Christian M.
Published: October 2020

The present study provides the first assessment of the reproductive cycle of three common and widespread species of the genus Chiton, sympatric in rocky shores of Coquimbo, northern Chile (~30°S): C. granosus, C. cumingsii, and C. magnificus. From specimens seasonally sampled during a 2‐year period, a histological study was performed in order to describe the gonad structure and stages of gonadal development for each species. The morphological structure of the gonad was similar in the three species, with sexual cells developing from the gonad wall towards its center. The three species were gonochoric and iteroparous, with asynchronous gamete maturation at population level; in all seasons, sexual maturity was evident in small to large individuals of each species (≥25 mm in total length for C. cumingsii and C. granosus, and ≥47 mm for C. magnificus).
Pre‐release evaluation of Heikertingerella sp. as a potential biocontrol agent for Tecoma stans in South Africa
Authors: Madire Lulama , Simelane David , Olckers Terence
Published: October 2020

Native to Central America, Tecoma stans (L.) Juss ex Kunth var. stans (Bignoniaceae) is a small tree that is invasive in South Africa and neighbouring countries. The plant was targeted for biological control in South Africa in 2003, with two insect agents released and established so far. The root‐feeding flea beetle, Heikertingerella sp. (Coleoptera: Galerucinae: Alticini), was imported from Mexico as an additional biocontrol agent and its biology and host specificity was assessed under quarantine conditions. The beetle displayed a generation time (i.e. from adult to adult) of 49 to 67 days, ensuring four annual generations under laboratory conditions. The beetle's larval and adult stages inflicted high levels of damage on the root system and the leaves of T. stans, respectively. No‐choice tests with 40 test‐plant species revealed adult feeding on only two non‐target species, Tecoma × alata and T. capensis (Thunb.) Spach, with feeding four times higher on T. stans. Larvae developed to adulthood on T. stans only. Multi‐choice tests involving the three Tecoma species confirmed these trends, demonstrating that Heikertingerella sp. is host specific. Since T. × alata is a hybrid of T. stans with invasive tendencies, any unlikely attacks by Heikertingerella sp. would be inconsequential in South Africa. The native T. capensis, which suffered little leaf damage and produced no F1 adults, is also at minimal risk of attack. We conclude that Heikertingerella sp. is a suitable biocontrol agent for T. stans and that permission for its release in South Africa be sought.
Glycan expression as a tool for a deeper understanding of a reproductive gland in a skate of economic importance
Authors: Moya Ana Carolina , Acuña Francisco , Díaz Andrade María Constanza , Barbeito Claudio Gustavo , Galíndez Elena Juana
Published: October 2020

Atlantoraja platana is an oviparous skate endemic to the south‐west Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the skate species most exploited by local industrial bottom trawl fisheries. Oviparous elasmobranchs encapsulate their eggs in complex egg cases produced by the oviductal gland (OG). This organ is exclusively present in these fishes and comprises four distinct zones: club, baffle, papillary and terminal. The relative size and structural complexity of these zones correlate with mode of reproduction. Glycans are known to play major roles in reproduction so their distribution in each zone of the OG could explain the functional multiplicity of the gland in skates, but this topic has not been previously investigated. In this study, morphological, histochemical and lectin‐histochemical analysis revealed various novel aspects of A. platana's OG. The club, papillary and terminal zones positively stained for periodic acid Schiff's reagent (PAS) and Alcian Blue (AB), indicating the presence of neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides. However, the buffle zone was negative for PAS and AB stains, but was positive for all the lectins used. Each zone of the OG had a characteristic pattern of glycan expression. Finally, we confirmed the presence of sperm but not sperm storage. This is the first lectin‐histochemical study of the OG in chondrichtyan fish and it has proven to be an important tool to understand some of the mechanisms of fertility and reproductive success in economic important species such as A. platana.
The B‐mode sonographic evaluation of the post‐caesarean uterine wall and its methodology: A study protocol
Authors: Al Naimi Ammar , Mouzakiti Niki , Hondrich Marie , Louwen Frank , Bahlmann Franz
Published: October 2020

Aim

The aim of this study is to utilize the niche measurement guidelines outlined by Jordans et al. in order to establish normal values and accurate description of caesarean section scars in a normal population. After defining the normal distribution, abnormal pregestational scar characteristics will be identified for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

This is a prospective observational multicenter clinical study where women with a history of only one caesarean section and yet open family planning are enrolled. The uterine length, cervical length, niche length, niche depth, niche width, residual myometrial thickness, endometrial thickness, scar to internal os distance, anterior myometrial thickness superior and inferior to the scar and the posterior myometrial thickness opposite the scar, superior and inferior to it are measured in a pregestational uterus. The lower uterine segment is measured over a length of 3 cm during subsequent pregnancy and followed up until delivery.

Results

Data from 500 patients will yield normal distribution curves for all predefined measurements. Establishing a correlation between deviations from the normal measures and adverse events would be instrumental for counseling women regarding subsequent pregnancy and mode of delivery.

Conclusion

This study will demonstrate the changes of the post‐caesarean scar from a non‐pregnant uterus until delivery and can confirm the importance of the scar characteristics in predicting pregnancy outcome.
The Lived Experience of Managerialization: Understanding Values Conflict in Non‐profits through a Pragmatic Institutionalism
Authors: Beaton Erynn E. , DeJordy Rich , Foster Pacey
Published: October 2020

Non‐profit organizations are increasingly adopting business practices, an institutional phenomenon called managerialization. Sometimes those business practices cause conflict with, or drift from, the non‐profit’s mission. We investigate the micro‐foundations of this phenomenon by focusing attention on the lived experiences of organization members and advancing a pragmatic institutionalism. Empirically, we explore how managerialization is experienced in a contemporary non‐profit, the Promenade Conservancy. We find that staff primarily experience managerialization through the interplay of a shared set of values. Consistent with existing research, we find conflict between the social and business values of the organization, which we refer to as inter‐domain conflict. Surprisingly, however, staff experienced more salient intra‐domain conflict among values associated with the social mission, which complicates traditional macro theories of intuitional conflict. Our pragmatic approach to institutions reveals the importance of shared values in people’s inhabited institutional experiences. We suggest that a pragmatic institutionalism provides a necessary lens to explore questions of moral agency in institutional research and increases its practical relevance.
Analysis of Different Illuminance of the Room Lighting Condition on the Accuracy (Trueness and Precision) of An Intraoral Scanner
Authors: Revilla‐León Marta , Subramanian Sai Ganesh , Att Wael , Krishnamurthy Vinayak R.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To measure the influence of illuminance of the ambient light between 1000 lux (room light) and 10 000 lux (chair light) on the accuracy of an intraoral scanner (IOS).

Material and methods

A typodont was digitized using an extraoral scanner to obtain a reference standard tessellation language (STL) file. Ten groups were created based on the different illuminance of the ambient light conditions tested starting from 1000 lux (no chair light) to 10000 lux (chair light) in increments of 1000 lux by increasing the distance between the chair light and the mannequin, with the room light turned on. Ten digital scans per group were obtained (n = 10) using an IOS (Trios 3; 3Shape). The accuracy of the digital scans was evaluated with respect to the reference mesh of the typodont using a 3D mesh processing software. Kruskal‐Wallis and pair‐wise comparison tests were used to analyze the data (α = 0.05).

Results

Significant difference for trueness and precision values were found among the groups (p < 0.001). The 1000‐lux group exhibited the lowest discrepancy values with a median of 26.33 μm and an interquartile range (IQR) of 40.04 μm (11.97‐52.00) (p < 0.001); while the 5000‐lux group obtained the highest discrepancy values with a median of 46.38 μm and an IQR of 99.94 μm (19.05‐118.98) (p < 0.001). The pair‐wise multi‐comparison showed no difference between the 8000‐ and 4000‐lux groups (p = 0.287). In all groups, the IQR was higher than the mean errors from the control mesh, suggesting that the relative precision was low.

Conclusions

A 1000‐lux illumination lighting condition is recommended to maximize the scanning accuracy of the IOS tested; the chair light should be avoided. Furthermore, the scanning accuracy response under the illuminance range tested presented a lack of monotonicity.
Dual pathology in a patient with temporal lobe epilepsy associated with neocortical glial scar after brain abscess and end folium sclerosis/hippocampal sclerosis type 3
Authors: Miyata Hajime , Sudo Saeko , Kuwashige Haruka , Miyao Satoru , Nakamoto Hidetoshi , Kubota Yuichi , Yoshida Yasuji
Published: October 2020

End folium sclerosis or hippocampal sclerosis (HS) type 3 is often associated with another coexisting epileptogenic lesion (dual pathology); however, the pathogenesis of HS type 3 remains elusive. A 46‐year‐old man presented with medically intractable focal aware seizures and focal impaired awareness seizures (FIAS) with occasional focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures (FBTCS) two years after surgical treatment with extensive cranial reconstruction for a brain abscess in the right temporal lobe associated with intracranial extension of ipsilateral cholesteatoma. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at age 49 revealed atrophy of the right cerebral hemisphere including the hippocampus and amygdala. The patient's first epilepsy surgery was a lateral temporal lobectomy, in which the mesial temporal structures were preserved because no epileptiform discharge was detected on the intraoperative electrocorticogram. However, FIAS with FBTCS started 15 months after the operation. The second surgery, amygdalohippocampectomy, at age 52, resulted in the patient being seizure‐free again for one year before seizures of the right lateral temporal origin recurred. He underwent a third surgery, resection of the Heschl's and supramarginal gyri, at age 53, but he continued to have drug‐resistant epilepsy over two years after that. Histopathological examination revealed dual pathology consisting of glial scar in the lateral temporal lobe and ipsilateral HS type 3 with an unusually severe lesion in the subiculum. No significant inflammatory change was observed. The clinicopathological features in the present case indicate that HS developed secondarily in the context of neocortical epilepsy due to glial scar, suggesting a role of repetitive abnormal electrical input from neocortical epileptogenic lesions into the hippocampus finally via the perforant pathway in the pathogenesis of HS type 3. Severe hippocampal atrophy on preoperative MRI together with its silent electrocorticogram recording at initial epilepsy surgery may represent clinically pre‐epileptogenic HS in a seizure‐free “silent or latent period” before completion of hippocampal epileptogenesis to the extent that clinical epileptic seizures occur.
Utility of the Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale (BITSS) and Bristol Stool Scale in non‐toilet‐trained children: A large comparative study
Authors: Velasco‐Benitez Carlos A. , Llanos‐Chea Alejandro , Saps Miguel
Published: October 2020

Background

One of the criteria for functional constipation (FC) in Rome IV criteria is the presence of hard or painful bowel movements. In adults and children, the Rome IV criteria recommend the use of the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS). This scale is thought not to be appropriate for evaluation of stool consistency in young children. The Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale (BITSS) was developed as a scale for children wearing diapers. There are no prior studies comparing BITSS with BSS in a clinical setting. Our main aim was that BITSS behaves differently than the BSS as it reflects better stool characterization by parents.

Methods

Surveys were provided to parents of participants in two cities from Colombia which included the Rome IV‐validated questionnaire and stool consistency assessment using pictures for BSS and BITSS.

Key Results

A total of 666 responses were obtained for non‐toilet‐trained children, mean age was 16.6 months. Detection for normal stools was higher using BSS (58.6%) when compared to BITSS (13.6%), and conversely was more likely to be abnormal through BITSS (86.4%) than BSS (41.4%) (p < 0.0001). BITSS (57.4%) was better than BSS (25.3%) identifying hard stools in FC (p = 0.000). For hard stools per parental classification, BITSS’ definition was better than BSS (75.8% vs 44%, respectively, p = 0.000).

Conclusions

The BITSS and BSS behave differently. The BITSS seems to be more sensitive to detect hard stools and FC than BSS. More studies are needed to better define whether BITSS is appropriate to replace BSS in non‐toilet‐trained infants and toddlers.
The celery genome sequence reveals sequential paleo‐polyploidizations, karyotype evolution and resistance gene reduction in apiales
Authors: Song Xiaoming , Sun Pengchuan , Yuan Jiaqing , Gong Ke , Li Nan , Meng Fanbo , Zhang Zhikang , Li Xinyu , Hu Jingjing , Wang Jinpeng , Yang Qihang , Jiao Beibei , Nie Fulei , Liu Tao , Chen Wei , Feng Shuyan , Pei Qiaoying , Yu Tong , Kang Xi , Zhao Wei , Cui Chunlin , Yu Ying , Wu Tong , Shan Lanxing , Liu Man , Qin Zhiji , Lin Hao , Varshney Rajeev K. , Li Xiu‐Qing , Paterson Andrew H. , Wang Xiyin
Published: October 2020

Celery (Apium graveolens L. 2n = 2x = 22), a member of the Apiaceae family, is among the most important and globally grown vegetables. Here, we report a high‐quality genome sequence assembly, anchored to 11 chromosomes, with total length of 3.33 Gb and N50 scaffold length of 289.78 Mb. Most (92.91%) of the genome is composed of repetitive sequences, with 62.12% of 31 326 annotated genes confined to the terminal 20% of chromosomes. Simultaneous bursts of shared long‐terminal repeats (LTRs) in different Apiaceae plants suggest inter‐specific exchanges. Two ancestral polyploidizations were inferred, one shared by Apiales taxa and the other confined to Apiaceae. We reconstructed 8 Apiales proto‐chromosomes, inferring their evolutionary trajectories from the eudicot common ancestor to extant plants. Transcriptome sequencing in three tissues (roots, leaves and petioles), and varieties with different‐coloured petioles, revealed 4 and 2 key genes in pathways regulating anthocyanin and coumarin biosynthesis, respectively. A remarkable paucity of NBS disease‐resistant genes in celery (62) and other Apiales was explained by extensive loss and limited production of these genes during the last ~10 million years, raising questions about their biotic defence mechanisms and motivating research into effects of chemicals, for example coumarins, that give off distinctive odours. Celery genome sequencing and annotation facilitates further research into important gene functions and breeding, and comparative genomic analyses in Apiales.
The soybean plasma membrane‐localized cation/H+ exchanger GmCHX20a plays a negative role under salt stress
Authors: Jia Qi , Li Man‐Wah , Zheng Chengwen , Xu Yiyue , Sun Song , Li Zhong , Wong Fuk‐Ling , Song Junliang , Lin Wei‐Wei , Li Qinghua , Zhu Yebao , Liang Kangjing , Lin Wenxiong , Lam Hon‐Ming
Published: October 2020

Cation/H+‐exchanger (CHX) perform diverse functions in plants, including being a part of the protective mechanisms to cope with salt stress. GmCHX1 has been previously identified as the causal gene in a major salt‐tolerance quantitative trait locus (QTL) in soybean, but little is known about another close paralog, GmCHX20a, found in the same QTL. In this study, GmCHX20a was characterized along with GmCHX1. The expression patterns of the two genes and the direction of Na+ flux directed by overexpression of these two transporters are different, suggesting that they are functionally distinct. The ectopic expression of GmCHX20a led to an increase in salt sensitivity and osmotic tolerance, which was consistent with its role in increasing Na+ uptake into the root. Although this seems counter‐intuitive, it may in fact be part of the mechanism by which soybean could counter act the effects of osmotic stress, which is commonly manifested in the initial stage of salinity stress. On the other hand, GmCHX1 from salt‐tolerant soybean was shown to protect plants via Na+ exclusion under salt stress. Taken together these results suggest that GmCHX20a and GmCHX1 might work complementally through a concerted effort to address both osmotic stress and ionic stress as a result of elevated salinity.
A prosopographical study of early modern English schoolmasters, c.1480–c.1650
Authors: Hansen Emily
Published: October 2020

The late fifteenth to the mid‐seventeenth centuries marked an important time in the development of education in England, as new grammar schools were founded and existing ones re‐founded: teaching in these schools was, in theory, an important job. Yet in practice, teaching was not generally well paid or highly regarded, its qualifications and training being loosely defined and non‐standard. Previous studies of schoolmasters have focussed on this gap between theory and practice, evident in many aspects of early modern English education. This article intends to expand upon this appraisal of early modern teaching, by approaching the schoolmasters themselves as a prosopographical category. Who were these grammar school masters? What was their education level and social standing? What did their career patterns look like, and how did they become schoolmasters? Grammar school foundation documents and rules, outlining the hiring and conduct of the schoolmaster, as well as schoolmasters’ wills, are some of our most important sources, as are the schoolmasters’ biographies found in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Approaching schoolmasters in this way will broaden our understanding not just of early modern schoolmasters and their work specifically, but also of wider educational developments during the early modern period.
Species delimitation and invasion history of the balsam woolly adelgid, Adelges (Dreyfusia) piceae (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea: Adelgidae), species complex
Authors: Havill Nathan P. , Griffin Brian P. , Andersen Jeremy C. , Foottit Robert G. , Justesen Mathias J. , Caccone Adalgisa , D'Amico Vincent , Elkinton Joseph S.
Published: October 2020

The Adelges (Dreyfusia) piceae (Ratzeburg) species complex is a taxonomically unstable group of six species. Three of the species are cyclically parthenogenetic [Ad. nordmannianae (Eckstein), Ad. prelli (Grossmann), and Ad. merkeri (Eichhorn)] and three are obligately asexual [Ad. piceae, Ad. schneideri (Börner), and Ad. nebrodensis (Binazzi & Covassi)]. Some species are high‐impact pests of fir (Abies) trees, so stable species names are needed to communicate effectively about management. Therefore, to refine species delimitation, guided by a reconstruction of their biogeographic history, we genotyped adelgids from Europe, North America, and the Caucasus Mountains region with 19 microsatellite loci, sequenced the COI DNA barcoding region, and compared morphology. Discriminant analysis of principal components of microsatellite genotypes revealed four distinct genetic clusters. Two clusters were morphologically consistent with Ad. nordmannianae. One of these clusters consisted of samples from the Caucasus Mountains and northern Turkey, and the other included samples from this region as well as from Europe and North America, where Ad. nordmannianae is invasive. A third cluster was morphologically consistent with Ad. piceae, and included individuals from Europe, where it is native, and North America, where it is invasive. In North America, the majority of Ad. piceae individuals were assigned to two geographically widespread clones, suggesting multiple introductions. The fourth cluster included individuals morphologically consistent with Ad. prelli or Ad. merkeri. However, based on genetic assignments, hybrid simulations, and approximate Bayesian computation, we find it likely that these are contemporary hybrids between Ad. nordmannianae and Ad. piceae that arose independently in Europe and North America, so we propose that Ad. prelli and Ad. merkeri are invalid. Finally, we synonymise Ad. schneideri (syn.n.) with Ad. nordmannianae and designate Ad. nebrodensis as subspecies Ad. piceae nebrodensis (stat.n.). Our revised taxonomy therefore recognises two species: Ad. nordmannianae and Ad. piceae, which we estimate to have diverged recently, during one of the last two interglacial periods. Finally, we comment on this species complex being in the midst of transition between sexual and asexual reproduction, a pattern that is probably common in Adelgidae.
Distribution of HLA‐DQ risk genotypes for celiac disease in Ethiopian children
Authors: Gudeta Adugna N. , Ramelius Anita , Balcha Taye T. , Girma Alemayehu , Ilonen Jorma , Agardh Daniel
Published: October 2020

Most patients with celiac disease are positive for either HLA‐DQA1*05:01‐DQB1*02 (DQ2.5) or DQA1*03:01‐DQB1*03:02 (DQ8). Remaining few patients are usually DQA1*02:01‐DQB1*02 (DQ2.2) carriers. Screenings of populations with high frequencies of these HLA‐DQA1‐DQB1 haplotypes report a 1% to 3% celiac disease prevalence. The aim was to determine the prevalence of HLA‐DQ risk haplotypes for celiac disease in Ethiopian children. Dried blood spots collected from 1193 children from the Oromia regional state of Ethiopia were genotyped for HLA‐DQA1 and DQB1 genotyping using an asymmetric polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a subsequent hybridization of allele‐specific probes. As references, 2000 previously HLA‐genotyped children randomly selected from the general population in Sweden were included. DQ2.2 was the most common haplotype and found in 15.3% of Ethiopian children, which was higher compared with 6.7% of Swedish references (P < .0001). Opposed to this finding, DQ2.5 and DQ8 occurred in 9.7% and 6.8% of Ethiopian children, which were less frequent compared with 12.8% and 13.1% of Swedish references, respectively (P < .0001). The DQ2.5‐trans genotype encoded by DQA1*05‐DQB1*03:01 in combination with DQ2.2 occurred in 3.6% of Ethiopian children, which was higher compared with 1.3% of Swedish references (P < .0001). However, when children with moderate high to very high‐risk HLA genotypes were grouped together, there was no difference between Ethiopian children and Swedish references (27.4% vs 29.0%) (P = .3504). The frequency of HLA risk haplotypes for celiac disease is very similar in Ethiopian and Swedish children. This finding of importance will be useful in future screening of children for celiac disease in Ethiopia.
Complications and outcomes of swine that underwent cesarean section for resolution of dystocia: 110 cases (2013‐2018)
Authors: Lozier Joseph W. , VanHoy Grace M. , Jordan Brianna A. , Muir Andrew J. T. , Lakritz Jeffrey , Hinds C. Austin , Niehaus Andrew J.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To report the surgical survival of dams and piglets and follow‐up survival and future breeding potential of swine that underwent cesarean section for correction of dystocia.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Animals

One hundred ten client‐owned, female swine. All swine included in this study were breeding stock for market pigs to be used for exhibition purposes.

Methods

Medical records of swine that underwent cesarean section at The Ohio State University Hospital for Farm Animals for resolution of dystocia between January of 2013 and July of 2018 were reviewed. Signalment, history, number of piglets per litter, treatments, and surgical procedure were recorded. Follow‐up information (survival, complications, and additional pregnancies) was obtained via telephone interview.

Results

A fetus was not palpable in 77 of 110 (70%) cases at presentation. The median litter size was eight piglets (range, 1‐14), with medians of five (range, 0‐13) live and one dead (range, 0‐11) piglets per litter. Follow‐up was available for 52 dams, of which 39 (75%) survived. Complications were recorded in 20 of 52 (38.46%) cases and included incisional seroma formation, lethargy, and anorexia. Twenty‐three dams became pregnant and farrowed after the cesarean section, with no reported complication in 13 of these.

Conclusion

Cesarean section in swine is associated with a good prognosis for recovery from the procedure and a fair to guarded prognosis for future breeding.

Clinical significance

Cesarean section may be considered for resolution of dystocia in swine. However, owners should be advised that nearly half of sows require assistance in subsequent deliveries.
Energy Efficiency Improvement in K-12 Schools: A Case Study in Florida
Authors: Doiphode Ganesh , Najafi Hamidreza , Migliori Mariana
Published: October 2020

K-12 schools are responsible for over 1.4% of the total annual energy consumption in the United States. In a collaboration between Florida Institute of Technology and Brevard Public Schools (BPS), three schools are identified for a case study in Melbourne, FL, representing the hot and humid climate. A simple and replicable energy audit procedure is developed and conducted for the three schools to establish an understanding on the baseline energy consumption and energy end users and identify and evaluate effective energy efficiency measures (EEMs). Several EEMs are investigated and five EEMs associated with lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and on-site solar power generation are selected for detailed analysis. It is determined that implementing the five recommendations will result in total of 58% reduction in the schools’ energy cost with an overall payback period of 8.4 years. The benefits of such project for schools are discussed from energy, economic, environmental, and educational perspectives. The results of this study provide insights regarding prioritizing energy efficiency projects in K-12 schools in hot and humid climate. The developed approach can be conveniently used for energy assessment in other schools and can serve as a method for training engineering students to perform energy audit.
Wear Problems of High-Speed Wheel/Rail Systems: Observations, Causes, and Countermeasures in China
Authors: Zhai Wanming , Jin Xuesong , Wen Zenfeng , Zhao Xin
Published: October 2020

Wear problems of wheel/rail systems occurring on the Chinese high-speed railway network in the last decade are summarized and explained together with the corresponding experience of treating them. Focus is placed on uneven wear because even wear is not an urgent issue due to its very low wear rate for the Chinese high-speed railway systems. Two typical problems of longitudinal uneven wear, namely, wheel polygonization and rail corrugation, are introduced in terms of their characteristics, consequences, causes and initiation mechanisms. Next, wheel hollow wear and flange/gauge side wear, as typical problems of lateral uneven wear, are similarly discussed. Validated countermeasures against all these problems are presented at the end of this paper together with further proposals under testing or consideration. This work is principally based on first-hand data collected from field observations, monitoring tests and dynamic measurements, but typical numerical approaches and results are also presented to help explain the observed phenomena.
Basic Microstructural Characterization of Second Phases in Homogeneous Weld Joint Made of X6CrNiNbN25-20 Steel After Long-Term Exposure Time at 973 K
Authors: Řehořek Jakub , Namburi Hygreeva Kiran
Published: October 2020

New blocks of fossil fuel power plants designed for steam temperatures above 873 K require advanced stainless steels as material for superheater or reheater systems. Weld joints are critical parts in fossil power units. Great attention is paid to the exploitation of new steel grades with higher material properties. In the austenitic steels family, the superior grade is undoubtedly HR3C steel (X6CrNiNbN25-20). A detailed knowledge on stability and microstructure composition during thermal exposure of the weld joints made from HR3C is necessary in order to use them in fossil fuel power plants with ultrasupercritical (USC) and new advanced ultrasupercritical (A-USC) steam parameters. The aim of the paper is to identify critical minor phases in HR3C steel, which allow acceleration of creep damage. The σ-phase and rough carbides M23C6 type is considered as such a phases in this steel. In this study, the σ-phase is identified and studied in more detail in relation to the development of creep damage at 973 K. Experimental material of the homogeneous HR3C weld joints in two states: in the as-welded state (AW) and after the postweld heat treatment (PWHT). Weld joints were manufactured by orbital welding using the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) method, heat input Qs = 1600 J/mm, interpass 423 K, three beads. Nickel-base alloy UTP A6170 Co (equivalent to Thermanit 617) was used as a filler material. The PWHT was carried out at the temperature of 1503 K for 15 min. Stress rupture tests were performed on the cross-weld (CW) joints of tubes ø 38 × 6.3 mm at 973 K with times to rupture up to nearly 22,000 h. The polished surface of the longitudinal sections was subjected to color etching in Murakami (30 g K3(Fe(CN)6), 30 g KOH, 60 ml H2O) in order to highlight the σ-phase. Several microscopic techniques were used for the study. The results were supplemented by creep, grain size, and microhardness data hardness vickers (HV) 0.5. The PWHT specimens exhibited an average σ-phase size of approximately 5 μm as well as AW specimens in specimens with short time to rupture (tr). However, tr such as 20,000 h, the average σ-phase size already reached dangerous border 10 μm. The AW specimens as opposed to the PWHT specimens did not show a noticeable growth of austenitic grains in the heat-affected zone (HAZ). In specimens after PWHT, the average grain size in HAZ was more than twice that of the body material (BM). It is worth noting that creep ductility values of specimens in the state after PWHT are very low, which is the result of coarse-grained structure in the HAZ and accelerated precipitation of σ-phase particles along grain boundaries during creep at 973 K.
Simulation Study of a Shield-Free Directional Gamma-Ray Detector Using Small-Angle Compton Scattering
Authors: Kitayama Yoshiharu , Terasaka Yuta , Sato Yuki , Torii Tatsuo
Published: October 2020

Gamma-ray imaging is a technique for visualizing the spatial distribution of radioactive materials. Gamma-ray imaging has recently been applied to research on environmental restoration and decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS). In this paper, we present an elemental technology study of the gamma-ray imager using small-angle scattering (GISAS), which is intended for application at the FDNPS decommissioning site. GISAS consists of a set of directional gamma-ray detectors that do not require a shield. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of a shield-free directional gamma-ray detector by simulation. The simulation result suggests that by measuring scattered-electron energies of several keV using a scatterer detector, gamma rays with ultrasmall-angle scattering could be selected. Using Compton scattering kinematics, a shield-free detector with a directivity of about 10 deg may be feasible. By arranging the directional gamma-ray detectors in an array, we expect to be able to realize the GISAS, which is small, light, and capable of quantitative measurement.
Morphological abnormalities in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from the Republic of Korea

Authors: Chong Sung-Tae , Kim Heung-Chul , Suh Sang-Jae , Klein Terry A. , Robbins Richard G.
Published: October 2020

Tick-borne disease surveillance was conducted by tick drag among uncut grasses/herbaceous vegetation and mixed forest habitats from 2018–2020 at US Army Garrison Humphreys, Pyeongtaek, the Republic of Korea (ROK). While identifying ticks collected in the spring of 2020, teratological anomalies were observed in nymphs of Haemaphysalis longicornis (in one specimen, partial twinning of the posterior idiosoma, resulting in 2 anuses; in a second, asymmetry of the idiosoma) and Ixodes nipponensis (7 legs). These teratological observations in H. longicornis and I. nipponensis are reported for the first time in the ROK.
The influence of droplet concentration on phase change and inertial cavitation thresholds associated with acoustic droplet vaporization
Authors: Yang Yanye , Yang Dongxin , Zhang Qi , Guo Xiasheng , Raymond Jason L. , Roy Ronald A. , Zhang Dong , Tu Juan
Published: October 2020

Acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) is an important process that enables the theragnostic application of acoustically activated droplets, where the nucleation of inertial cavitation (IC) activity must be precisely controlled. This Letter describes threshold pressure measurements for ADV and acoustic emissions consistent with IC activity of lipid-shelled non-superheated perfluoropentane nanodroplets over a range of physiologically relevant concentrations at 1.1-MHz. Under the frequency investigated, results show that the thresholds were relatively independent of concentration for intermediate concentrations (105, 106, and 107 droplets/ml), thus indicating an optimal range of droplet concentrations for conducting threshold studies. For the highest concentration, the difference between the threshold for IC and the threshold for ADV was greatly reduced, suggesting that it might prove difficult to induce ADV without concomitant IC in applications that employ higher concentrations.
Common insecticide disrupts aquatic communities: A mesocosm-to-field ecological risk assessment of fipronil and its degradates in U.S. streams
Authors: Miller Janet L. , Schmidt Travis S. , Van Metre Peter C. , Mahler Barbara J. , Sandstrom Mark W. , Nowell Lisa H. , Carlisle Daren M. , Moran Patrick W.
Published: October 2020

Study shows that a common insecticide frequently detected in U.S. streams is more toxic than previously thought.
Evaluation of the Xpert Carba-R NxG Assay for Detection of Carbapenemase Genes in a Global Challenge Set of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates
Authors: Gill Christian M. , Asempa Tomefa E. , Tickler Isabella A. , dela Cruz Caitlin , Tenover Fred C. , Nicolau David P.
Published: October 2020

The growing prevalence and diversity of carbapenemase producers among carbapenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(CRPA) isolates warrants an expansion of detection capabilities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the commercially available Xpert Carba-R (Carba-R) and the research-use-only Xpert Carba-R NxG (Carba-R NxG) in a global collection of
P. aeruginosa
. The challenge set included 123
P. aeruginosa
clinical isolates from 12 countries.
Novel Strategy for Rapidly and Safely Distinguishing Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus cereus by Use of Peptide Mass Fingerprints Based on Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wei Jianchun , Zhang Huijuan , Zhang Huifang , Zhang Enmin , Zhang Binghua , Zhao Fei , Xiao Di
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to construct a rapid, high-throughput, and biosafety-compatible screening method for
Bacillus anthracis
and
Bacillus cereus
based on matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). MALDI-TOF MS coupled to ClinProTools was used to discover MALDI-TOF MS biomarker peaks and generate a classification model based on a genetic algorithm (GA) to differentiate between different
Bacillus anthracis
and
Bacillus cereus
isolates.
Comparison of Upper Respiratory Viral Load Distributions in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Children Diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pediatric Hospital Testing Programs
Authors: Kociolek Larry K. , Muller William J. , Yee Rebecca , Dien Bard Jennifer , Brown Cameron A. , Revell Paula A. , Wardell Hanna , Savage Timothy J. , Jung Sarah , Dominguez Samuel , Parikh Bijal A. , Jerris Robert C. , Kehl Sue C. , Campigotto Aaron , Bender Jeffrey M. , Zheng Xiaotian , Muscat Emily , Linam Matthew , Abuogi Lisa , Smith Christiana , Graff Kelly , Hernandez-Leyva Ariel , Williams David , Pollock Nira R.
Published: October 2020

The distribution of upper respiratory viral loads (VL) in asymptomatic children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is unknown. We assessed PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values and estimated VL in infected asymptomatic children diagnosed in nine pediatric hospital testing programs. Records for asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with positive clinical SARS-CoV-2 tests were reviewed. Ct values were (i) adjusted by centering each value around the institutional median Ct value from symptomatic children tested with that assay and (ii) converted to estimated VL (numbers of copies per milliliter) using internal or manufacturer data.
Clergy as a frontline mental health service: a UK survey of medical practitioners and clergy
Authors: Heseltine-Carp William , Hoskins Mathew
Published: October 2020

Background

Christian clergy have often been identified as ‘frontline mental health workers’ and gatekeepers to mental health services. However, despite this, collaboration between clergy and mental health services remains poor, with some US clergy referring on as little as 10% of cases.

Aims

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the collaborative relationship between UK clergy and medical practitioners, with the purpose of identifying key issues that should be addressed to improve such collaboration between the two services.

Methods

We surveyed 124 clergy, 48 general practitioners and 13 psychiatrists in Wales. Part 1 of the survey covered four main themes: demographics; types of mental health cases seen by clergy and practitioners; referral rates between clergy and mental health services; attitude and relationship between clergy and mental health services. Part 2 was directed at clergy only and assessed how sensitive clergy were in identifying and referring on mental health disorders by using seven virtual case vignettes.

Results

Clergy frequently encountered mental health cases and around 60%–80% regularly referred on to a healthcare professional. Clergy appeared very effective at identifying and referring on high risk scenarios, such as psychosis, suicidal ideation and substance misuse, however were less effective at identifying and referring on clinical depression and anxiety. Clergy rarely received referrals from medical professionals. Both medical professionals and clergy felt they needed to engage in a more collaborative relationship, and around of one-third of practitioners were prepared to offer training to clergy.

Conclusion

Most clergy in Wales regularly encounter mental health cases and appear effective at recognising and referring on mental health disorders; however, a large minority do not (20%–40%). Clergy generally do not receive referrals from mental health professionals, despite the proven benefits. Therefore, improving collaboration, developing spiritual training for mental health professionals, and mental health training for clergy is likely useful, a notion that many clergy and medical professionals deem important and are prepared to support.
Peripheral nerve blocks for headache disorders
Authors: Fernandes Linford , Randall Marc , Idrovo Luis
Published: October 2020

Headache is a common neurological referral and a frequent cause for acute hospital admissions. Despite peripheral nerve blocks being widely used in headache and pain services to treat patients with headache disorders, there is no readily accessible resource with instructions for the delivery of peripheral nerve blocks. Here we provide a practical approach for administering peripheral nerve blocks and cover the current evidence base for such procedures in different headache disorders. We provide instructions and an audiovisual guide for administering greater and lesser occipital, supratrochlear, supraorbital and auriculotemporal nerves blocks, and give information on their adverse effects and potential complications. This information will provide a reference for headache practitioners when giving peripheral nerve blocks safely to people with headache.
Ranking ecosystem impacts on Chesapeake Bay blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) using empirical Gaussian Graphical Models
Authors: Liang Dong , Nesslage Geneviève M. , Wilberg Michael J. , Miller Thomas J.
Published: October 2020

Moving toward ecosystem-based fisheries management requires integration of biotic and abiotic factors into our understanding of population dynamics. Using blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in the Chesapeake Bay as a model system, we applied Gaussian Graphical Models (GGMs) to understand the influence of climatic, water quality, and biotic variables on estimates of key indices of blue crab recruitment for 1990–2017. Variables included the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Susquehanna River discharge, wind forcing, hypoxic volume, submerged aquatic vegetation, and the catch per unit effort of striped bass (Morone saxatilis). Direct effects of age‐1+ crabs and summer salinity on recruitment were significant. Phase of the NAO in summer and spring, summer and winter discharge, and hypoxic volume indirectly affected the recruitment. A simulation study showed that GGM model selection achieved nominal coverage and outperformed structural equation modeling (SEM) and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS). GGMs have the potential to improve ecosystem-based management of blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay. Specifically, the approach can be used to examine ecosystem impacts on blue crab productivity and to improve forecasts of blue crab recruitment.
Protective effects of BiP inducer X (BIX) against diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats
Authors: Idari Gholamreza , Karimi Pouran , Ghaffari Samad , Hashemy Seyed Isaac , Mashkani Baratali
Published: October 2020

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is associated with impaired endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function, development of ER stress, and induction of cardiac cell apoptosis. Preventive effects of BiP inducer X (BIX) were investigated against DC characteristic changes in a type 2 diabetes rat model. To establish diabetes, a high-fat diet and a single dose of streptozotocin were administered. Then, animals were assigned into the following groups: control, BIX, diabetic animals monitored for one, two, and three weeks. Diabetic rats were treated with BIX for one, two, and three weeks. Expressions of various ER stress and apoptotic markers were assessed by immunoblotting method. CHOP gene expression was assessed by Real-time PCR. Tissue expression of BiP was evaluated by immunohistochemistry method. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to assess histological changes in the left ventricle. Cardiac cell apoptosis was examined using TUNEL assay. BIX administration suppressed the activation of the ER stress markers and cleavage of procaspase-3 in the diabetic rats. Likewise, tissue expression of BiP protein was increased, while CHOP mRNA levels were decreased. These results were accompanied by reducing cardiac fibrosis and myocardial cell apoptosis suggesting protective effects of BIX against the development of DC by decreasing cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis.
A note on oscillating neutrino states in quantum field theory
Authors: Blasone Massimo , Smaldone Luca
Published: October 2020

In a recent paper [Eur. Phys. J. C 80, 68 (2020)], a definition of oscillating neutrino states in quantum field theory was proposed. We show that such definition can be derived as a particular case of the Blasone–Vitiello approach, when mass vacuum is chosen as the physical vacuum. We discuss some problems of such an approach, which appears to be mathematically inconsistent and physically not acceptable.
A novel type of soliton solutions for the Fokas–Lenells equation arising in the application of optical fibers
Authors: Khan Yasir
Published: October 2020

The Fokas–Lenells (FL) equation is analyzed in this paper as an ironic physical function in optical fibers. A class of FL-equation soliton solutions is constructed by He’s variational principle. Besides, the fractal model of FL and its theory of variation are established. This paper focuses on the innovative research frontiers of FL equation.