bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IoT cloud platform for information processing in smart city
Authors: Chen Xiangcong , Zhang Shuqing , Ding Xiaohui , Kadry Seifedine Nimer , Hsu Ching‐Hsien
Published: August 2020

The construction of a sustainable transport network for people or goods will gain and harm mobility depending on their nature and implementation, using new technology and business models. The regular mobile handoff and replacement of connections allow the efficient mobility management of asynchronous wireless transfer mode (ATM) networks. Hence, the design of the broad spectrum usability network architecture for public ATM systems has been given considerable attention in the literature. Since it has been done on the critical subject of estimating user mobility and the prediction, which aims to improve communication efficiency and the bandwidth efficiency of the underlying system architecture, this article addresses the problem by developing the impact of hierarchical framework of service on transportation and traffic pattern (HFSTTP). The growth in mobile Internet and the use of mobile devices over the last decade allowed for omnipresent information on traffic. With the growing use of unique mobile apps, the number of routing users has evolved to be sufficiently large to interrupt the traffic flow pattern. Modern carriage systems and urban logistics improve the efficiency of the transport of goods and slow down the use of road infrastructure. Numerical examples of vehicle traffic include proof of ties between the network traffic and the routing decision‐making layer. The partnership between a cooperative control layer and a lower control layer to optimize freight transport is a second example. The congestion price in all over the world shows how to incorporate the social plan layer in future mobility services.
Perspective gastrointestinal endoscopy infection control strategy against COVID‐19: Workflow and space management for the operation of endoscopic centers
Authors: Onoyama Takumi , Isomoto Hajime
Published: August 2020

This Editorial refers to the article by S. Zhang et al., p 577‐586 of this issue.
Content of upper limb therapy for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Hoare Brian J
Published: August 2020

This commentary is on the original article by Figueiredo et al. on pages 1274–1281 of this issue.
Optimal Use of Echocardiography in Management of Thrombosis After Anterior Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Barbieri Andrea , Mantovani Francesca , Bursi Francesca , Faggiano Andrea , Boriani Giuseppe , Faggiano Pompilio
Published: August 2020

Despite advancement in therapy and management, left ventricular thrombus (LVT) after anterior myocardial infarction (MI) is sporadically encountered and remains associated with a very high risk of major cardiovascular events and mortality. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is considered the gold standard technique for LVT detection, but it is a time‐consuming and expensive test not available in all centers, especially when repeated examinations are necessary. Transthoracic echocardiography represents a useful tool to screen for LVT and to identify predictors of high risk of developing LVT. The advances in ultrasound technology and the use of contrast agents may potentially help clinicians to identify LVT and the use of sequential echocardiography for each patient with acute MI complicated by LVT may provide an opportunity to quantify regression and its correlation with outcomes to tailor the management of these patients. Hence, this narrative review focuses on the added value of echocardiographic‐guided LVT management in patients with recent anterior MI to reduce mortality and morbidity excess related to LVT based on current evidence.
Degree of left ventricular dilatation at end‐diastole: Correlation and prognostic utility of quantitative volumes by 2D‐echocardiography versus linear dimensions in patients with asymptomatic aortic regurgitation
Authors: Barbieri Andrea , Benfari Giovanni , Giubertoni Elisa , Manicardi Marcella , Bursi Francesca , Rossi Andrea , Maritan Luca , Venturi Gabriele , Boriani Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

Background

Guideline recommendations for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in asymptomatic patients with chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) have historically focused on linear dimensions without normalization for the body surface area (BSA). Values for grading the severity of end‐diastolic volume dilatation by 2D echocardiography remain to be established.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analyzed 543 consecutive asymptomatic patients with pure chronic moderate/severe AR (mean age 66 ± 17 years, 37.7% males). Applying the ASE/EACVI guidelines, BSA‐indexed LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDVi) and indexed LV end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDDi) were assessed. Then, we identified 192 patients with at least mild LV end‐diastolic dilatation by volumetric or linear measurements. The outcome endpoint was the combination of cardiac death, hospitalization for acute heart failure or AVR during a median follow‐up of 4.5 ± 3.6 years. Multivariable Cox regression analyses including age, LV ejection fraction (EF) and AR severity showed an independent prognostic value of the LVEDDi and LVEDVi (P < .001 and P < .01, respectively). Congruent severe LVEDDi and LVEDVi dilatation was associated with a higher event rate compared to discordant severe LV end‐diastolic dilatation or nonsevere LV dilatation (P = .001) even after landmark analysis (P = .02). In patients with EF > 50%, only the LVEDVi showed and independent prognostic value (P < .001).

Conclusions

In a cohort of asymptomatic patients with AR, the presence of severe LV volume and diameter dilatation on the basis of the cutoff values proposed by current recommendations and normalized for BSA may be instrumental in the identification of patients at increased risk of clinical progression regardless of EF.
Feedback‐dependent neuronal properties make focal dystonias so focal
Authors: Sedov Alexey , Usova Svetlana , Popov Valentin , Tomskiy Alexey , Jinnah Hyder A. , Shaikh Aasef G.
Published: August 2020

Focal dystonia, by definition, affects a specific body part; however, it may have a widespread neural substrate. We tested this hypothesis by examining the intrinsic behaviour and the neuronal properties that are modulated by changes in the physiological behaviour of their connections, that is feedback dependence, of the isolated pallidal neurons. During deep brain stimulation surgery in 12 patients with isolated cervical dystonia (without hand involvement), we measured spontaneous as well as evoked single‐unit properties in response to fist making (hand movement) or shoulder shrug (neck movements). We measured the activity of isolated neurons that were only sensitive to the neck movements, hand movement, or not responsive to hand or neck movements. The spontaneous firing behaviour, such as the instantaneous firing rate and its regularity, was comparable in all three types of neurons. The neck movement‐sensitive neurons had prominent bursting behaviour in comparison with the hand neurons. The feedback dependence of the neck movement‐sensitive neurons was also significantly impaired when compared to hand movement‐sensitive neurons. Motor‐evoked change in firing rate of neck movement‐sensitive neurons rapidly declined; the decay time constant was much shorter compared to hand movement‐sensitive neurons. These results suggest that in isolated cervical dystonia, at the resolution of single neurons, the deficits are much widespread, affecting the neurons that drive the neck movement as well as the hand movements. We speculate that clinically discernable dystonia occurs when additional abnormality is added to baseline dysfunctional network, and one source of such abnormality may involve feedback.
Home, sweet home: how mucus accommodates our microbiota
Authors: Wang Benjamin X. , Wu Chloe M. , Ribbeck Katharina
Published: August 2020

As a natural environment for human–microbiota interactions, healthy mucus houses a remarkably stable and diverse microbial community. Maintaining this microbiota is essential to human health, both to support the commensal bacteria that perform a wide array of beneficial functions and to prevent the outgrowth of pathogens. However, how the host selects and maintains a specialized microbiota remains largely unknown. In this viewpoint, we propose several strategies by which mucus may regulate the composition and function of the human microbiota and discuss how compromised mucus barriers in disease can give rise to microbial dysbiosis.
A guide to measuring phagosomal dynamics
Authors: Levin‐Konigsberg Roni , Mantegazza Adriana R.
Published: August 2020

Phagocytosis is an essential mechanism for immunity and homeostasis, performed by a subset of cells known as phagocytes. Upon target engulfment, de novo formation of specialized compartments termed phagosomes takes place. Phagosomes then undergo a series of fusion and fission events as they interact with the endolysosomal system and other organelles, in a dynamic process known as phagosome maturation. Because phagocytes play a key role in tissue patrolling and immune surveillance, phagosome maturation is associated with signaling pathways that link phagocytosis to antigen presentation and the development of adaptive immune responses. In addition, and depending on the nature of the cargo, phagosome integrity may be compromised, triggering additional cellular mechanisms including inflammation and autophagy. Upon completion of maturation, phagosomes enter a recently described phase: phagosome resolution, where catabolites from degraded cargo are metabolized, phagosomes are resorbed, and vesicles of phagosomal origin are recycled. Finally, phagocytes return to homeostasis and become ready for a new round of phagocytosis. Altogether, phagosome maturation and resolution encompass a series of dynamic events and organelle crosstalk that can be measured by biochemical, imaging, photoluminescence, cytometric, and immune‐based assays that will be described in this guide.
The politics of social assistance in South Africa: How protests and electoral politics shape the Child Support Grant
Authors: Yörük Erdem , Gençer Alper Şükrü
Published: August 2020

Since the 1990s, South Africa, like many other countries from the Global South, has provided extensive social assistance for the poor. The literature on these policies, however, is largely dominated by structuralist accounts, and it largely overlooks political factors. We conducted quantitative analyses regarding the South African flagship Child Support Grant (CSG) program and investigated how contentious and electoral political dynamics jointly shape the provision of this program. Based on a logistic regression analysis, we measured the effect of protest participation, voting preference, and their interaction on the likelihood of CSG receipt. Our analysis showed that CSG receipt is much higher among “uncontentious supporters” of ANC and “contentious nonsupporters,” as well as those who join violent protests. This lends support for our argument that CSG is being used as a tool for electoral politics and containment of unrest, providing fresh evidence for political mediation theories of social policy.
Development and content validation of the percutaneous nephrolithotomy assessment score
Authors: Quirke Kate , Aydın Abdullatif , Bultitude Matthew , Sarıca Kemal , Glass Jonathan , Khan Azhar , Marsh Howard , Al‐Hayek Samih , Wiseman Oliver , Patterson Jake , Makanjuola Jonathan , Skolarikos Andreas , Somani Bhaskar , Khan Muhammad Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar , Ahmed Kamran
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To develop and content validate a percutaneous nephrolithotomy assessment score, taking into consideration the procedure‐specific risks.

Methods

This prospective international study utilized the Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis to systematically outline percutaneous nephrolithotomy and failure modes for each step. A total of 25 h was spent observing percutaneous nephrolithotomy carried out by six expert surgeons. Hazard analysis scoring was carried out by 11 experts. It was determined if the steps were single point weaknesses. Single point weaknesses and those assigned a hazard score ≥4 were included in the percutaneous nephrolithotomy assessment score. The tool was then content validated by 16 experts from 10 countries.

Results

Application of the Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis identified 64 failure modes; 37 failure modes had a hazard score ≥4. After adaptations based on expert feedback the final percutaneous nephrolithotomy assessment score was developed containing 10 phases, 21 processes and 47 subprocesses. All participants agreed that the tool contained pertinent procedural steps.

Conclusions

This study has developed and shown the international content validity of a novel percutaneous nephrolithotomy assessment score. The tool can be utilized in modular operating room training to quantify operator progress, and can be used in conjunction with other modules as part of a complete percutaneous nephrolithotomy curriculum for trainees.
Outcomes and costs of skilled support for people with severe or profound intellectual disability and complex needs
Authors: Beadle‐Brown Julie , Beecham Jennifer , Leigh Jennifer , Whelton Rebecca , Richardson Lisa
Published: August 2020

Background

With increasing reductions in funding for social care across many countries, the need to ensure that resources are used to best effect is becoming increasingly important, in particular for those with severe and complex needs.

Methods

In order to explore the outcomes and costs of skilled support for this group of people, quality of life was assessed for 110 people in 35 services in England. Information on costs was also collected.

Results

People who received consistently good active support experienced better outcomes in terms of several quality of life domains. Good support did not require significantly more staff time, and there was no evidence of higher total costs for those receiving good support.

Conclusions

The inclusion of active support in government guidance and local commissioning practices related to people with severe intellectual disabilities is likely to improve user outcomes. Observation should be an important element in measuring service quality.
Immediate versus delayed temporization at posterior single implant sites: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Joseph , Lerman Gila , Bittner Nurit , Fan Weijia , Lalla Evanthia , Papapanou Panos N.
Published: August 2020

Aims

We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the clinical outcomes of two loading protocols involving either immediate or delayed prosthetic temporization of single implants placed at posterior, healed sites.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐nine patients in need of single implants at premolar or molar sites were randomized to receive a temporary crown either immediately after implant placement or 3 months later. Randomization was stratified by sex, implant location (premolar/molar) and arch (maxilla/mandible). Final implant screw‐retained zirconia crowns with angulated screw channels were delivered at 5 months after surgery. Radiographic bone levels (primary outcome), peri‐implant mucosal margin levels and peri‐implant probing depths were recorded at baseline, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Results

Both treatment arms showed similar patterns of soft tissue and bone re‐modelling from the implant platform over 12 months [mean bone level change 1.6 mm (SD 1.0 mm) in the delayed, and 1.2 mm (SD 1.3 mm) in the immediate temporization group], with the majority of changes occurring within the first 6 months.

Conclusions

Immediate or delayed temporization of single implants placed at posterior healed sites resulted in largely similar 1‐year outcomes with respect to peri‐implant bone levels and soft tissue changes.
Identification of truncated C‐terminal fragments of the Alzheimer’s disease amyloid protein precursor derived from sequential proteolytic pathways
Authors: Mosser Sebastien , Gerber Hermeto , Fraering Patrick C.
Published: August 2020

Recent evidence supports the emerging hypothesis that the amyloid‐β precursor protein C‐terminal fragments (APP‐CTFs) and dysregulations in both their qualitative and quantitative productions may actively and directly contribute to the neuronal toxicity in early phases of Alzheimer's disease (AD). These new findings revealed the urgent needs and gaps in better understanding the metabolism and full spectrum of APP‐CTFs. In this study, we characterized by mass spectrometry the full patterns of APP‐CTFs in different cell types and in the brain of an AD APPPS1 mouse model. In these systems, we first discovered a series of 71–80 amino acids long N‐terminally truncated APP‐CTFs of unknown functions. We next demonstrated that these N‐terminally truncated APP‐CTFs are sequentially produced by the proteolytic processing of APP‐C80, by an as yet unidentified protease. Finally, these N‐terminally truncated APP‐CTFs are likely protein substrates recognized and processed by the γ‐secretase complex, leading to the production of N‐terminally truncated Aβ peptides. Together, our findings provide new insights into the metabolism of APP and offer potential new strategies to modulate the production of toxic Aβ peptides in AD.

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Leptin signalling on arcuate NPY neurones controls adiposity independent of energy balance or diet composition
Authors: Zhang Lei , Reed Felicia , Herzog Herbert
Published: August 2020

Central action of the adipocyte hormone leptin via the neuropeptide Y (NPY) system is considered critical for energy homeostatic control. However, the precise mechanisms for this control are still not clear. To specifically investigate how leptin signalling on the NPY neurone contributes to the control of energy homeostasis, we generated an inducible adult‐onset NPY neurone‐specific leptin receptor (Lepr) knockout model and performed a comprehensive metabolic phenotyping study. Here, we show that the NPY neurone subpopulation that is directly responsive to leptin is not required for the inhibition of fasting‐induced hyperphagia by leptin, although it is essential for the regulation of adiposity independent of changes in energy balance or diet composition. Furthermore, under obesogenic conditions such as a high‐fat diet, a lack of Lepr signalling on NPY neurones results in significant increases in food intake and concomitant reductions in energy expenditure, leading to accelerated accumulation of fat mass. Collectively, these findings support the notion that Lepr‐expressing NPY neurones act as the key relay point where peripheral adipose storage information is sensed, and corresponding responses are initiated to protect adipose reserves.
The association between bacterial infections and the risk of coronary heart disease in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Simonsen J. R. , Järvinen A. , Harjutsalo V. , Forsblom C. , Groop P.‐H. , Lehto M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Diabetes increases the risk of infections and coronary heart disease (CHD). Whether infections increase the risk of CHD and how this applies to individuals with diabetes is unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the association between bacterial infections and the risk of CHD in type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Individuals with type 1 diabetes (n = 3781) were recruited from the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study (FinnDiane), a prospective follow‐up study. CHD was defined as incident events: fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention, identified through national hospital discharge register data. Infections were identified through national register data on all antibiotic purchases from outpatient care. Register data were available from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2015. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activity was measured from serum samples at baseline. Data on traditional risk factors for CHD were collected during baseline and consecutive visits.

Results

Individuals with an incident CHD event (n = 370) had a higher mean number of antibiotic purchases per follow‐up year compared to those without incident CHD (1.34 [95% CI: 1.16–1.52], versus 0.79 [0.76–0.82], P < 0.001), as well as higher levels of LPS activity (0.64 [0.60–0.67], versus 0.58 EU mL−1 [0.57–0.59], P < 0.001). In multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, the mean number of antibiotic purchases per follow‐up year was an independent risk factor for incident CHD (HR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.14–1.29, P < 0.0001). High LPS activity was a risk factor for incident CHD (HR 1.93 [1.34–2.78], P < 0.001) after adjusting for static confounders.

Conclusion

Bacterial infections are associated with an increased risk of incident CHD in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
U.S. Media Enjoyment without Strong Media Literacy Undermines Adolescents' and Mothers' Reported Efforts to Reduce Unhealthy Eating in Jamaica
Authors: Ferguson Gail M. , Nelson Michelle R. , Fiese Barbara H. , Meeks Gardner Julie M. , Koester Brenda ,   JUS Media? Programme Study Team
Published: August 2020

We investigate whether media literacy and media use can moderate the association between U.S. media enjoyment and unhealthy eating among remotely acculturating “Americanized” adolescents and their mothers in Jamaica (n = 164 individuals/82 dyads; Madolescent.age = 12.83, SD = 0.48, 48% female; Mmother_age = 39.25, SD = 5.71). Socioeconomically diverse participants completed questionnaires reporting their degree of enjoyment of U.S. media (i.e., remote acculturation), media literacy (i.e., critical thinking about food media/advertising), and adherence to national dietary guidelines to reduce sugar/fat. Multilevel modeling showed that enjoying U.S. media and consuming high levels of U.S. TV plus Jamaican TV are associated with lower efforts to reduce sugar and fat. However, high media literacy, whether one’s own or a close family member’s, weakens or nullifies that association.
A more powerful non‐attribute‐specified sensory discrimination method: The paired unspecified tetrad with different order (AB and BA) pairs
Authors: Bi Jian , Kuesten Carla
Published: August 2020

The unspecified tetrad is a powerful non‐attribute‐specified sensory discrimination method widely used for sensory analysis and consumer research. A paired version of the method is proposed and explored in this article. It is the paired unspecified tetrad with different order (AB and BA) pairs. An analytical and a simulation‐derived psychometric function of the new method are produced. The paired unspecified tetrad with AB and BA pairs is more powerful than the conventional unspecified tetrad and the paired versions of the triangle and duo‐trio methods. A weakness of the paired version of the unspecified tetrad versus the conventional unspecified tetrad is that the new method involves in more adaption, fatigue, or memory factors.

Practical Applications

The paired unspecified tetrad with different order (AB and BA) pairs has wide potential applications, especially for visual or manual inspection of food or nonfood products to detect before–after treatment effects, but may not be suitable for food tasting considering the adaption, fatigue, or memory factors.
Effect of essential oils or saponins alone or in combination on productive performance, intestinal morphology and digestive enzymes' activity of broiler chickens
Authors: Youssef Ibrahim M. I. , Männer Klaus , Zentek Jürgen
Published: August 2020

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of essential oils or saponins alone or in combination on productive performance, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzymes' activity in broilers. Four hundred one‐day‐old male broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four treatments, each with 5 replicates. The birds were fed experimental diets contained either no phytogenic feed additives (control) or were supplemented with 25.0 mg/kg of an essential oil blend from star anise, rosemary, thyme and oregano (essential oils); 46.0 mg/kg of a Quillaja saponin blend (saponins); or a combination of both phytogenic preparations (essential oils plus saponins). The experiment lasted for 42 days. Body weight, feed intake and weight gain were recorded weekly, and the feed conversion ratio was calculated, throughout the experiment. Intestinal morphology and digestive enzymes' activity were determined at the end of the experiment. It was found that the body weight was increased by all dietary supplements at the end of the experiment. There was no change in performance parameters among the treatments during the starter period. At the grower period and the overall experiment, the weight gain of birds was higher in all supplemented groups compared to the control, but the feed conversion was better in the essential oils with saponins treatment. Supplementation of essential oils or saponins alone or in combination increased the villus height and the villus/crypt ratio of the intestine. There was an increase in trypsin, chymotrypsin and elastase activities in the essential oils plus saponins group only. The obtained results indicate that the phytogenic feed additives, especially essential oils with saponins, can be considered as new promising agents in promoting the growth performance of broilers. The effect could be related to its improving impact in intestinal development and increasing the protease enzymes' activity, resulting in increased protein digestibility and absorption of dietary nutrients.
Identification and characterization of the enzymes responsible for the metabolism of the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, flunixin meglumine and phenylbutazone, in horses
Authors: Knych Heather K. , Finno Carrie J. , Baden Russell , Arthur Rick M. , McKemie Daniel S.
Published: August 2020

The in vivo metabolism and pharmacokinetics of flunixin meglumine and phenylbutazone have been extensively characterized; however, there are no published reports describing the in vitro metabolism, specifically the enzymes responsible for the biotransformation of these compounds in horses. Due to their widespread use and, therefore, increased potential for drug–drug interactions and widespread differences in drug disposition, this study aims to build on the limited current knowledge regarding P450‐mediated metabolism in horses. Drugs were incubated with equine liver microsomes and a panel of recombinant equine P450s. Incubation of phenylbutazone in microsomes generated oxyphenbutazone and gamma‐hydroxy phenylbutazone. Microsomal incubations with flunixin meglumine generated 5‐OH flunixin, with a kinetic profile suggestive of substrate inhibition. In recombinant P450 assays, equine CYP3A97 was the only enzyme capable of generating oxyphenbutazone while several members of the equine CYP3A family and CYP1A1 were capable of catalyzing the biotransformation of flunixin to 5‐OH flunixin. Flunixin meglumine metabolism by CYP1A1 and CYP3A93 showed a profile characteristic of biphasic kinetics, suggesting two substrate binding sites. The current study identifies specific enzymes responsible for the metabolism of two NSAIDs in horses and provides the basis for future study of drug–drug interactions and identification of reasons for varying pharmacokinetics between horses.
The phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris utilizes the divergently transcribed pobA/pobR locus for 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid recognition and degradation to promote virulence
Authors: Chen Bo , Li Rui‐Fang , Zhou Lian , Qiu Jia‐Hui , Song Kai , Tang Ji‐Liang , He Ya‐Wen
Published: August 2020

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is the causal agent of black rot in crucifers. Our previous findings revealed that Xcc can degrade 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (4‐HBA) via the β‐ketoadipate pathway. This present study expands on this knowledge in several ways. First, we show that infective Xcc cells induce in situ biosynthesis of 4‐HBA in host plants, and Xcc can efficiently degrade 4‐HBA via the pobA/pobR locus, which encodes a 4‐hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase and an AraC‐family transcription factor respectively. Next, the transcription of pobA is specifically induced by 4‐HBA and is positively regulated by PobR, which is constitutively expressed in Xcc. 4‐HBA directly binds to PobR dimers, resulting in activation of pobA expression. Point mutation and subsequent isothermal titration calorimetry and size exclusion chromatography analysis identified nine key conserved residues required for 4‐HBA binding and/or dimerization of PobR. Furthermore, overlapping promoters harboring fully overlapping −35 elements were identified between the divergently transcribed pobA and pobR. The 4‐HBA/PobR dimer complex specifically binds to a 25‐bp site, which encompasses the −35 elements shared by the overlapping promoters. Finally, GUS histochemical staining and subsequent quantitative assay showed that both pobA and pobR genes are transcribed during Xcc infection of Chinese radish, and the strain ΔpobR exhibited compromised virulence in Chinese radish. These findings suggest that the ability of Xcc to survive the 4‐HBA stress might be important for its successful colonization of host plants.
Molecular detection and identification of piroplasms (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing ticks from northwest Spain
Authors: Remesar S. , Díaz P. , Prieto A. , García‐Dios D. , Panadero R. , Fernández G. , Brianti E. , Díez‐Baños P. , Morrondo P. , López C. M.
Published: August 2020

Anaplasma phagocytophilum and some piroplasm species are pathogens mainly transmitted by Ixodes ricinus. Considering that this tick species is predominant in north‐western Spain, individual specimens (652 nymphs, 202 females and 202 males) and 23 larval pools were processed to determine the prevalence of these pathogens in questing I. ricinus from that region. Additionally, Dermacentor marginatus, Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes frontalis and Ixodes acuminatus were individually analysed. The groESL operon as well as the 16S rRNA and msp2 genes of Anaplasma were analysed. Similarly, piroplasms were identified at the 18S rRNA gene and the ITS1 of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. Babesia venatorum (1.5%), A. phagocytophilum (0.7%), Babesia microti (0.3%) and Theileria sp. OT3 (0.2%) were detected in I. ricinus. A single I. frontalis (8.3%) tested positive to A. phagocytophilum. Although a low percentage of I. ricinus were infected with A. phagocytophilum and piroplasms, a potentially human pathogenic variant of A. phagocytophilum was detected, and both Babesia species found were zoonotic. Since the vector of Theileria sp. OT3 remains unknown, further investigations are needed to unravel the role of I. ricinus in the transmission of this piroplasm.
Operationalist and inferentialist pragmatism: Implications for nursing knowledge development and practice
Authors: Younas Ahtisham
Published: August 2020

Philosophical inquiries in nursing are useful for analysing and critiquing existing practices, exploring contextual factors affecting practice, adapting to and sustaining ongoing changes in knowledge development, and facilitating the linkages between theory, research and practice. Nurse scholars used several philosophical schools of thought to guide knowledge development and practice. Pragmatism has been described as essential for bridging the theory–practice gap, for engaging in the inquiry‐based practice and for translating knowledge into practice. The existing descriptions of pragmatism rely on rudimentary descriptions of “what works” and “inquiry‐based action" aspects. However, the operationalist and inferentialist aspects of pragmatism and their worth for nursing knowledge development and practice are yet to be discussed. This paper explores the operationalist and inferentialist pragmatism and highlights the implications of these aspects for nursing knowledge development and practice. It has been argued that the dual aspect of pragmatism offers an approach to develop practical lines of action, evaluate actions in terms of their usefulness and assimilate already learned actions with the new actions. I suggested that moving beyond the rudimentary understanding of pragmatism and embracing and utilizing the dual aspect of pragmatism can bring more significant benefits for nursing. Embracing the dual aspect of pragmatism can enable nurses in developing philosophical reflexivity, emphasizing the experiential context of nursing, generating actionable and ready to use knowledge, and utilizing nursing theories to their fullest potential.
Reproductive biology ofSyagrus coronata(Arecaceae): sex‐biased insect visitation and the unusual case of scent emission by peduncular bracts
Authors: Barbosa C. M. , Maia A. C. D. , Martel C. , Regueira J. C. S. , Navarro D. M. do A. F. , Raguso R. A. , Milet‐Pinheiro P. , Machado I. C.
Published: August 2020

Several monoecious species of palms have developed complex strategies to promote cross‐pollination, including the production of large quantities of floral resources and the emission of scents that are attractive to pollinators.Syagrus coronataconstitutes an interesting model with which to understand the evolution of plant reproductive strategies in a monoecious species adapted to seasonally dry forests.

We monitored blooming phenology over 1 year, during which we also collected and identified floral visitors and putative pollinators. We identified potential floral visitor attractants by characterizing the scent composition of inflorescences as well as of peduncular bracts, during both male and female phases, and the potential for floral thermogenesis.

Syagrus coronataproduces floral resources throughout the year. Its inflorescences are predominantly visited by a diverse assortment of small‐sized beetles, whose richness and abundance vary throughout the different phases of anthesis. We did not find evidence of floral thermogenesis. A total of 23 volatile compounds were identified in the scent emitted by the inflorescences, which did not differ between male and female phases; whereas the scent of the peduncular bracts was composed of only 4‐methyl guaiacol, which was absent in inflorescences.

The composition of floral scent chemistry indicates that this palm has evolved strategies to be predominantly pollinated by small‐sized weevils. Our study provides rare evidence of a non‐floral scent emitting structure involved in pollinator attraction, only the second such case specifically in palms. The peculiarities of the reproductive strategy ofS. coronatamight play an important role in the maintenance of pollination services and pollen dispersion.
The fungal elicitor AsES requires a functional ethylene pathway to activate the innate immunity in strawberry
Authors: Perato S. M. , Furio R. N. , Tomas‐Grau R. H. , Caro M. P. , Hael‐Conrad V. , Díaz‐Ricci J. C. , Martinez‐Zamora M. G.
Published: August 2020

Acremonium strictum Elicitor Subtilisin (AsES) is a fungal elicitor that activates innate immunity, conferring disease resistance in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.), Arabidopsis and other plant species. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the involvement of the ethylene (ET) signalling pathway in AsES‐mediated immune response in strawberry.

Ethylene production and expression of the genes responsible for ET synthesis, perception and response were measured after AsES treatment. ROS (H2O2) accumulation and immunity induced by AsES were studied after ET perception was blocked by 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP).

Biochemical and molecular results showed that AsES induced a marked increase in local and systemic biosynthesis of ET, both in a biphasic manner. Blocking of ET perception by 1‐MCP prior to AsES induction reduced production of ROS (H2O2) and prevented AsES from eliciting defence against fungal pathogens having different lifestyles, such as Botrytis cinerea (necrotrophic) and Colletotrichum acutatum (hemibiotrophic).

These findings contribute to elucidate the mode of action of the novel elicitor subtilase, AsES, specifically regarding the role of ET signalling in the activation of plant innate immunity, in addition to the multitude of processes regulated by ET in plants.
Unraveling the concept of local seeds in restoration ecology
Authors: Dupré la Tour Alice , Labatut Julie , Spiegelberger Thomas
Published: August 2020

Scientific works converge toward the importance of using seeds of local origin in restoration to limit biodiversity loss and increase ecosystem resilience. Efforts are made to define what should be considered as local seeds. However, the concept of local seeds remains complex to delimit both scientifically and operationally, and carries non‐neutral assumptions that impact restoration activities. This article aims to unravel the concept by examining its construction using a social science approach crossed with ecology. The interest for the genetic origin of plant material has developed since the 1990–2000s, in a context of international debates on biodiversity conservation. The delimitation of the local seeds concept necessarily integrates paradoxical assumptions: one of the major ones is that the local character of a plant is relative to both the reference ecosystem and the species considered. Moreover, it also depends on the objectives of restoration, the feasibility of the chosen method for restoration and the regulations. To overcome these paradoxes, compromises and translations are made to delineate collectively and operationally what is local. By adding a cross perspective between social sciences and restoration ecology to the debate, we highlight that the constructions of the local seeds concept integrate a diversity of ecological, sociotechnical, and economic assumptions that are not neutral for restoration. This perspective on the concept, its ambiguities, and its contingencies leads us to to underline the importance of reflexive and integrative approaches to work at different scales on standards for the use of local seeds in restoration.
Machine‐learning prediction models for pedestrian traffic flow levels: Towards optimizing walking routes for blind pedestrians
Authors: Cohen Achituv , Dalyot Sagi
Published: August 2020

Navigation and orientation while walking in urban spaces pose serious challenges for blind pedestrians, sometimes even on a daily basis. Research shows the practicability of computerized weighted network route planning algorithms based on OpenStreetMap mapping data for calculating customized routes for blind pedestrians. While data about pedestrians and vehicle traffic flow at different times throughout the day influence the route choices of blind pedestrians, such data do not exist in OpenStreetMap. Quantifying the correlation between spatial structure and traffic flow could be used to fill this gap. As such, we investigated machine‐learning methods to develop a computerized model for predicting pedestrian traffic flow levels, with the objective of enriching the OpenStreetMap database. This article presents prediction results by implementing six machine‐learning algorithms based on parameters relating to the geometrical and topological configuration of streets in OpenStreetMap, as well as points‐of‐interest such as public transportation and shops. The Random Forest algorithm produced the best results, whereby 95% of the testing data were successfully predicted. These results indicate that machine‐learning algorithms can accurately generate necessary temporal data, which when combined with the available crowdsourced open mapping data could augment the reliability of route planning algorithms for blind pedestrians.
Risks associated with perioperative anaemia and perioperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing neurosurgical operation
Authors: Liu Junting , Lin Jie , Guan Xiaozhen , Liu Li , Pan Xue , Zhou Lingling , Luo Yuanyuan , Wang Deqing
Published: August 2020

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of preoperative anaemia and the risks associated with perioperative anaemia and blood transfusion in patients who underwent neurological surgery.

Background

Perioperative anaemia has an important impact on neurosurgery patients. The prevalence and risks of perioperative anaemia and blood transfusion in Chinese patients are still unknown.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to predict adverse outcomes of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and different levels of anaemia. Anaemia and transfusion were compared as independent variables by using a 1:1 match on propensity score.

Results

The prevalence of preoperative anaemia in neurosurgical patients was 20.05%; 10.33% patients received RBC transfusion. Perioperative RBC and plasma transfusion rates (P < .001) and average hospital costs (P = .0365) were higher in preoperative moderate‐to‐severe anaemia patients than in no anaemia patients. Perioperative RBC transfusion patients had longer hospital length of stay (LOS) (P < .001) and higher average hospital costs (P < .001) than no‐transfusion patients. The rates of return to the operating room (OR) within 30 days and intensive care unit stay did not demonstrate any significant difference in anaemia and transfusion cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion

The status of preoperative anaemia in Chinese neurosurgical patients is associated with increased transfusion rates and hospital costs. Perioperative RBC transfusion is associated with increased length and cost of hospitalisation.
Preoperative identification of cardiac surgery patients at risk of receiving a platelet transfusion: The Australian Cardiac Surgery Platelet Transfusion (ACSePT) risk prediction tool
Authors: Flint Andrew W. J. , Bailey Michael , Reid Christopher M. , Smith Julian A. , Tran Lavinia , Wood Erica M. , McQuilten Zoe K. , Reade Michael C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Platelet (PLT) transfusions are limited and costly resources. Accurately predicting clinical demand while limiting product wastage remains difficult. A PLT transfusion prediction score was developed for use in cardiac surgery patients who commonly require PLT transfusions.

Study Design and Methods

Using the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database, significant predictors for PLT transfusion were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Using a development data set containing 2005 to 2016 data, the Australian Cardiac Surgery Platelet Transfusion (ACSePT) risk prediction tool was developed by assigning weights to each significant predictor that corresponded to a probability of PLT transfusion. The predicted probability for each score was compared to actual PLT transfusion occurrence in a validation (2017) data set.

Results

The development data set contained 38 independent variables and 91 521 observations. The validation data set contained 12 529 observations. The optimal model contained 23 variables significant at P < .001 and an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68‐0.69). ACSePT contained nine variables and had an area under the ROC curve of 0.66 (95% CI, 0.65‐0.66) and overall predicted probability of PLT transfusion of 19.8% for the validation data set compared to an observed risk of 20.3%.

Conclusion

The ACSePT risk prediction tool is the first scoring system to predict a cardiac surgery patientʼs risk of receiving a PLT transfusion. It can be used to identify patients at higher risk of receiving PLT transfusions for inclusion in clinical trials and by PLT inventory managers to predict PLT demand.
Measuring fifty years of trade globalisation
Authors: Palan Nicole , Simoes Nadia , Crespo Nuno
Published: August 2020

Although trade globalisation is a multi‐faceted phenomenon, researchers often capture its magnitude by trade volume alone. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon, we propose measures that also account for the interconnectedness of countries, for geographical distance and for the role of individual sectors in bilateral trade. We also improve upon existing indices by moving from a country‐level analysis (internationalisation) to a truly global perspective (globalisation). We measure trade globalisation using data from CHELEM (CEPII) over a period of 50 years, covering 72 countries for the sub‐period 1967–90 and 84 countries for 1994–2016. The results show substantial increases in all dimensions of globalisation, despite substantial differences between the measures, highlighting the need to analyse globalisation with a comprehensive set of indicators. Regarding the number of positive bilateral trade flows, globalisation was almost completed by 2016. The importance of distance also diminished throughout the period analysed, but neighbouring countries still share stronger trade relations. Results indicate that trade globalisation for high‐tech sectors varies significantly from the evolution seen in other sectors, especially large, low‐tech sectors. The latter tend to show the highest level of trade globalisation over the whole period, but the former group could catch up considerably in the future.
Legal Obstacles for Chinese Companies Investing in the Infrastructure Construction in the Europea Union: From a Labour Law Perspective
Authors: Liu Kai
Published: August 2020

Annual infrastructure investment by Chinese companies in Europe continues to climb. However, the legal obstacles arising from the labour law system of the European Union has been not paid sufficient attention to. This research has taken use of a legal analyzing approach, to probe into on the one hand, the EU labour law framework; and on the other hand, to analyze the specific aspects of the labour law filed which would lead to the legal obstacles against the Chinese companies investing in the infrastructure construction.
Comparative Study of Thermal and Hydraulic Performance of Three-Fluid Tubular Heat Exchanger With CuO–Water Nanofluid: Single-Phase and Multi-Phase Approaches
Authors: Amanuel Tarikayehu , Mishra Manish
Published: August 2020

Comparative analysis of the thermal and hydraulic performance of three-fluid tubular heat exchanger has been carried out numerically. Single-phase and multi-phase approaches for the turbulent flow of CuO–water nanofluids have been applied. The effect of Reynolds number (2500–10,000) and volume concentration of nanoparticles (0–3%) on the overall performance of the selected heat exchanger has been investigated. The numerical simulation has been performed using a finite volume approach in commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software for two flow arrangements (parallel and counter). Nusselt number was found to increase with the growth in Reynolds number as well as volume concentration of nanoparticles in both the flow arrangements. Particularly, for a maximum volume concentration of nanoparticles (φ = 3%), single-phase approach resulted in an increase of 8.94% for parallel and 11.52% for counterflow arrangements. However, multi-phase approach produced a remarkable increase of 30.37% for parallel and 32.04% for counterflow arrangement. Single-phase approach was applied for treating the nanofluids as homogenous fluids with effective thermophysical properties, meaning that the entire suspension is assumed to act as a single unit with the same velocity. However, the multi-phase model was applied to separately treat the two phases with different velocities.
Joule Heating in Rectangular Conductors
Authors: Wang C. Y.
Published: August 2020

Analytic solution for nonuniform internal Joule heating in a wire of rectangular cross section is obtained. The eigenvalues for convective or weak radiative boundary conditions are accurately estimated by asymptotic expansions. The problem is governed by the aspect ratio, the convection parameter β, and a nonuniform parameter α which relates to the slope of the electric resistivity. There exists a maximum α above which the conductor would fail due to high temperature.