bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scoring system to facilitate diagnosis of Gaucher disease
Authors: Mehta Atul , Rivero‐Arias Oliver , Abdelwahab Magy , Campbell Samantha , McMillan Annabel , Rolfe Mark J. , Bright Jeremy R. , Kuter David J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Gaucher disease (GD) manifests heterogeneously and other conditions are often misdiagnosed in its place, leading to diagnostic delays. The Gaucher Earlier Diagnosis Consensus (GED‐C) initiative proposed a point‐scoring system (PSS) based on the signs and covariables that are most indicative of GD to help clinicians identify which individuals to test for GD.

Aims

To validate the PSS retrospectively in a test population including patients with GD and other conditions with overlapping manifestations.

Methods

Four cohorts of adults with GD, liver disease, haematological malignancy or immune thrombocytopenia were identified from hospital records. Clinical data were audited for GED‐C factors identified as potentially indicative of GD and aggregate scores calculated (sum of scores/number of factors) based on published PSS weightings. Threshold discriminatory PSS scores, sensitivity and specificity were determined by receiver‐operating characteristic analysis.

Results

Among 100 patients (GD, n = 25; non‐GD, n = 75), analyses based on 11 possible factors estimated group mean (standard deviation) PSS scores of: GD (n = 14), 1.08 (0.25); non‐GD (n = 38), 0.58 (0.31). Mean between‐group difference (95% confidence interval) was −0.49 (−0.68, −0.31) and area under the receiver‐operating characteristic analysis curve (95% confidence interval) was 0.88 (0.78, 0.97). A threshold PSS score of 0.82 identified all 14 patients with GD in the analysis set (100% sensitivity) and 27 of 38 patients in the non‐GD group (71% specificity). Patients with liver disease and haematological malignancy were most likely to have manifestations overlapping GD.

Conclusions

Preliminary validation of the GED‐C PSS discriminated effectively between patients with GD and those with overlapping signs.
Discussion of advance care planning on end‐of‐life decisions with lung cancer patients in Wuhan, China: attitude, timing and future directions
Authors: Hu Liya , Chu Qian , Fan Zeng , Chen Yuan
Published: November 2020

Background

Progress in advance care planning (ACP) in China has been hindered for decades compared with other countries.

Aims

To describe knowledge of ACP, end‐of‐life (EOL) care preferences and the predictors of patients' preference for ACP, as well as who should mention ACP among Chinese lung cancer patients.

Methods

Questionnaire‐based interviews were carried out. Two hundred and fifty‐eight lung cancer patients were recruited when first admitted to Tongji Hospital from October 2017 to November 2018. Social‐demographic factors, which might influence patients' preference on ACP decisions and who should mention ACP, were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 91.1% (n = 235) of patients favoured ACP on EOL issues. One hundred and sixty (60%) patients wanted to make EOL decisions on their own. Only 10% of patients were familiar with advance directions. Eighty‐two (31.8%) patients were familiar with do not resuscitate/do not intubate (DNR/DNI) directions. ACP was not mentioned in 92.2% of patients. Gender (male, OR = 4.87 (2.16–5.83)), tumour stage (Stage III, OR = 0.108 (0.06–0.51); Stage IV, OR = 1.780 (1.02–2.11)) and number of children (every increase in the number of children, OR = 0.267 (0.09–0.93)) were the significant predictors of preference for autonomous ACP. Female patients and patients currently receiving treatment are 2.743 and 1.8 times, respectively, more willing to need ACP initiated by doctors.

Conclusions

Chinese patients showed preferences towards ACP, but with inadequate knowledge. More assistance is needed with ACP for those patients, especially for females, patients with one child and those with early stage lung cancer. For female patients and patients receiving treatment, doctors may initiate ACP dialogue first.
Harnessing the power of social incentives to curb shirking in teams
Authors: Corgnet Brice , Gunia Brian , Hernán González Roberto
Published: November 2020

We study several solutions to shirking in teams, each of which triggers social incentives by reshaping the workplace social context. Using an experimental design, we manipulate social pressure at work by varying the type of workplace monitoring and the extent to which employees are allowed to engage in social interaction. This design allows us to assess the effectiveness as well as the appeal of each solution. Despite similar effectiveness in boosting productivity, only organizational systems involving social interaction (via chat) were comparably appealing to a baseline treatment. This suggests that solutions involving social interaction are more likely to be effective in the long‐run than solutions involving monitoring alone.
Systematic review: Investigating the prognostic performance of four non‐invasive tests in alcohol‐related liver disease
Authors: Rhodes Freya A , Trembling Paul , Panovska‐Griffiths Jasmina , Tanwar Sudeep , Westbrook Rachel H , Rodger Alison , Rosenberg William M
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim

Mortality of alcohol‐related liver disease (ArLD) is increasing, and liver fibrosis stage is the best mortality predictor. Non‐invasive tests (NITs) are increasingly used to detect fibrosis, but their value as prognostic tests in chronic liver disease, and in particular in ArLD, is less well recognized. We aimed to describe the prognostic performance of four widely used NITs (Fibrosis 4 test [FIB4], Enhanced Liver Fibrosis [ELF] test, FibroScan, and FibroTest) in ArLD.

Methods

Applying systematic review methodology, we searched four databases from inception to May 2020. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to search using Medical Subject Heading terms and keywords. The first and second reviewers independently screened results, extracted data, and performed risk‐of‐bias assessment using Quality in Prognosis Studies tool.

Results

Searches produced 25 088 articles. After initial screening, 1020 articles were reviewed independently by both reviewers. Eleven articles remained after screening for eligibility: one on ELF, four on FibroScan, four on FIB4, one on FIB4 + FibroScan, and one on FibroTest + FIB4. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for outcome prediction ranged from 0.65 to 0.76 for FibroScan, 0.64 to 0.83 for FIB4, 0.69 to 0.79 for FibroTest, and 0.72 to 0.85 for ELF. Studies scored low–moderate risk of bias for most domains but high risk in confounding/statistical reporting domains. The results were heterogeneous for outcomes and reporting, making pooling of data unfeasible.

Conclusions

This systematic review returned 11 papers, six of which were conference abstracts and one unpublished manuscript. While the heterogeneity of studies precluded direct comparisons of NITs, each NIT performed well in individual studies in predicting prognosis in ArLD (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves >0.7 in each NIT category) and may add value to prognostication in clinical practice.
The effects of knowledge and self‐management of patients with early‐stage chronic kidney disease: Self‐efficacy is a mediator
Authors: Chuang Li‐Ming , Wu Shu‐Fang Vivienne , Lee Mei‐Chen , Lin Li‐Ju , Liang Shu‐Yuan , Lai Pao‐Chin , Kao Mei‐Chin
Published: November 2020

Aim

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship among knowledge, self‐efficacy, and self‐management of patients with early‐stage chronic kidney disease (ESCKD).

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional correlational study design. This study used purposive sampling to enroll a total of 130 patients with ESCKD. The research instruments included Chronic Kidney Disease Self‐Care Knowledge Scale, Chronic Kidney Disease Self‐Efficacy Instrument, Chronic Kidney Disease Self‐Management Scale, and so on. This study used the statistical software SPSS 20.0 to perform statistical analyses, such as descriptive statistical analysis, independent samples t test, one‐way analysis of variance, Pearson product–moment correlation coefficient analysis, and multiple hierarchical regression analysis.

Results

The knowledge of patients with early kidney disease was moderate (55.10%), self‐efficacy was moderate (54.44%), and self‐management was moderate (61.11%). The disease knowledge and self‐efficacy (r = .59, p < .01) were significantly positively correlated with self‐management (r = .50, p < .01); the intervening effect of self‐efficacy on self‐management (z = 4.58, p < .001) reached statistically significant difference. Self‐efficacy was the most significant predictor for self‐management and explained 49% of the total variance.

Conclusions

This study suggested that self‐efficacy was a mediator and predictor for self‐management. The research results may serve as reference for related administrative authorities or medical personnel to develop self‐efficacy strategies with theoretical basis, as well as appropriate self‐efficacy improvement schemes, to transform the methods for enhancing disease knowledge to improve the intervention with self‐efficacy language or method and increase patients' disease self‐management.
Localizing the transnational call center industry: Training creole speakers in Dominica to serve Pidgin speakers in Hawai‘i
Authors: Higgins Christina , Furukawa Gavin K.
Published: November 2020

This study considers whether localized language training for call centers can fruitfully challenge the homogenizing principles of call center practices by examining a training program that aimed to familiarize offshore call center workers with Pidgin, the creole language that is widely spoken in Hawaiʻi. Call center agents in Dominica were familiarized with key aspects of Pidgin relevant to call center work, including the expression of empathy in response to customer complaints. The analysis focuses on how we drew awareness to the pragmatics of Pidgin empathy through Pidgin contextualization cues in scenarios we devised. We then examine how the call center agents displayed their awareness of these cues in role plays. The agents readily demonstrated their understandings in talk about pragmatic differences during our instruction, but the role play interactions revealed the limits of their ability to deploy similar locally appropriate pragmatics due to the homogenizing confines of call center business practices.

Dis pepah try see local kine training for call centah can mek stuff bettah, cuz the way big company stay like make all da call centah same kine. We go look one training program we wen make for teach people no live Hawaiʻi about Pidgin. Call centah workah in Dominica wen learn abaut Pidgin stuff can use you work call centah, like how for show feeling wen customah call for make huhu. Da analysis tawk about how we wen get dem fo look how local people show feeling using small kine stuff. Den we stay tawk how da call center people wen show deir manaʻo of dis small kine stuff wen dey make pretend fo be customah and call centah workah. Da call centah people wen quick show they akamai abaut dis wen dey wen tawk abaut how people ack diffrent but wen dey waz make pretend dey no can make same like Hawaiʻi people cuz da way all da call centah like mek everbady all same.
Geographic variations in dental sealant utilization by Medicaid enrollees
Authors: Okunseri Christopher E. , Okunseri Elaye , Garcia Raul I. , Visotcky Alexis , Szabo Aniko
Published: November 2020

Objective

To investigate geographical variations and their relationship to race/ethnicity in dental sealant utilization for first molars among Wisconsin Medicaid enrollees from 2010 to 2013.

Methods

Wisconsin Medicaid dental claims for sealants in children aged 6‐16 years were analyzed. County‐level population density, urban influence code, presence of dental health professional shortage areas, and population‐per‐dentist ratio were considered as geographic predictors. Descriptive statistics and mixed effects Poisson regression models were used to examine the effect of county level covariates on the number of dental sealants received per person‐year (PY) of eligibility adjusting for patient‐level characteristics. Over‐dispersion was modeled by a random residual effect, and all models adjusted for single‐year age and gender interaction and race/ethnicity main effect.

Results

Medicaid claims for sealants on first permanent molars for 2010–2013 totaled 288,019 over 1,130,000 PY. The age‐ and gender‐standardized rate of first molar sealant applications per 100 PY were 27.9, 25.7, and 16.6 for White, Hispanic, and Black children, respectively. County‐specific rates ranged from a low of 8.9 per 100 PY to a high of 62.6 per 100 PY. In the multivariate analysis after adjusting for geography, compared to Whites, Hispanics had highest rates (rate ratio (RR) = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.30‐1.37) of dental sealant utilization followed by Blacks (RR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.21‐1.29). Population density was the only significant geographic predictor (RR = 0.56 per 10‐fold increase, 95% CI = 0.45‐0.69).

Conclusions

Substantial geographic variability in the utilization of sealants for first molars was identified. Lower population density was the main geographical predictor of high sealant utilization.
Juvenile‐onset motor polyneuropathy in Siberian cats
Authors: Crawford Kelly C. , Dreger Dayna L. , Shelton G. Diane , Ekenstedt Kari J. , Lewis Melissa J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Polyneuropathies are infrequently described in cats. There is a genetic predisposition in several breeds.

Objective

To clinically characterize a novel motor polyneuropathy in a family of Siberian cats.

Animals

Thirteen closely related Siberian cats, 4 clinically affected and 9 clinically unaffected individuals.

Methods

Retrospective study. Clinical data and pedigree information were obtained from the medical records and breeder. Electrodiagnostic testing and muscle and peripheral nerve biopsy samples were obtained from 1 affected cat. Follow‐up information was obtained for all affected cats.

Results

Onset of signs was 4 to 10 months in affected cats. Clinical signs were progressive or waxing/waning neuromuscular weakness (4/4), normal sensory function (4/4), and variably decreased withdrawal reflexes (3/4). All cats returned to normal neurologic function within 1 to 4 weeks. All cats had a recurrence of weakness (3/4 had 1 recurrent episode, 1/4 had 3 relapses) from which they recovered fully. In 1 cat, electromyography and motor nerve conduction studies showed multicentric spontaneous activity, normal motor nerve conduction velocity, reduced compound muscle action potential amplitude, and polyphasia. Histologic evaluation of muscle and nerve in that cat showed mild muscle atrophy consistent with recent denervation, endoneurial and perineurial edema, and mild mononuclear cell infiltration within intramuscular nerve branches and a peripheral nerve. Pedigree analysis suggests an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, although neither a genetically complex/polygenic condition nor an acquired inflammatory polyneuropathy can be ruled‐out.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

We describe a motor polyneuropathy in juvenile Siberian cats characterized by self‐limiting weakness with potential relapse.
Population structure, inbreeding and stripe pattern abnormalities in plains zebras
Authors: Larison Brenda , Kaelin Christopher B. , Harrigan Ryan , Henegar Corneliu , Rubenstein Daniel I. , Kamath Pauline , Aschenborn Ortwin , Smith Thomas B. , Barsh Gregory S.
Published: November 2020

One of the most iconic wild equids, the plains zebra occupies a broad region of sub‐Saharan Africa and exhibits a wide range of phenotypic diversity in stripe patterns that have been used to classify multiple subspecies. After decades of relative stability, albeit with a loss of at least one recognized subspecies, the total population of plains zebras has undergone an approximate 25% decline since 2002. Individuals with abnormal stripe patterns have been recognized in recent years but the extent to which their appearance is related to demography and/or genetics is unclear. Investigating population genetic health and genetic structure are essential for developing effective strategies for plains zebra conservation. We collected DNA from 140 plains zebra, including seven with abnormal stripe patterns, from nine locations across the range of plains zebra, and analyzed data from restriction site‐associated and whole genome sequencing (RAD‐seq, WGS) libraries to better understand the relationships between population structure, genetic diversity, inbreeding, and abnormal phenotypes. We found that genetic structure did not coincide with described subspecific variation, but did distinguish geographic regions in which anthropogenic habitat fragmentation is associated with reduced gene flow and increased evidence of inbreeding, especially in certain parts of East Africa. Further, zebras with abnormal striping exhibited increased levels of inbreeding relative to normally striped individuals from the same populations. Our results point to a genetic cause of stripe pattern abnormalities, and dramatic evidence of the consequences of habitat fragmentation.
Creation of accurate 3D models of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) using 3D photogrammetry
Authors: Irschick Duncan J. , Martin Johnson , Siebert Ursula , Kristensen Jakob H. , Madsen Peter T , Christiansen Fredrik
Published: November 2020

Creating accurate 3D models of marine mammals is valuable for assessment of body condition, computational fluids dynamics models of locomotion, and for education. However, the methods for creating 3D models are not well‐developed. We used photography and video to create 3D photogrammetry models of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena).We accessed one live adult female (155.5 cm total length), and two dead animals, one juvenile (110 cm total length) and one calf (88 cm total length). We accessed the two dead individuals through a stranding network in Germany, and the live individual through the Fjord and Baelt research center in Denmark. For all porpoises, we used still photographs from hand‐held cameras, drone video, and synchronized GoPro videos to create 3D photogrammetric models. We used Blender software, and other 3D reconstruction software, to recreate the 3D body meshes, and confirmed the accuracy of each of the 3D body meshes by comparing digital measures on the 3D models to original measures taken on the specimens. We also provide a colored, animated version of the live harbor porpoise for educational purposes. These open‐access 3D models can be used to develop methods to study body morphometrics and condition, and to study bioenergetics and locomotion costs.
The molecular–physiological functions of mineral macronutrients and their consequences for deficiency symptoms in plants
Authors: de Bang Thomas Christian , Husted Søren , Laursen Kristian Holst , Persson Daniel Pergament , Schjoerring Jan Kofod
Published: November 2020

The visual deficiency symptoms developing on plants constitute the ultimate manifestation of suboptimal nutrient supply. In classical plant nutrition, these symptoms have been extensively used as a tool to characterise the nutritional status of plants and to optimise fertilisation. Here we expand this concept by bridging the typical deficiency symptoms for each of the six essential macronutrients to their molecular and physiological functionalities in higher plants. We focus on the most recent insights obtained during the last decade, which now allow us to better understand the links between symptom and function for each element. A deep understanding of the mechanisms underlying the visual deficiency symptoms enables us to thoroughly understand how plants react to nutrient limitations and how these disturbances may affect the productivity and biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems. A proper interpretation of visual deficiency symptoms will support the potential for sustainable crop intensification through the development of new technologies that facilitate automatised management practices based on imaging technologies, remote sensing and in‐field sensors, thereby providing the basis for timely application of nutrients via smart and more efficient fertilisation.
Attributes of dysgeusia and anosmia of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in hospitalized patients
Authors: Samaranayake Lakshman Perera , Fakhruddin Kausar Sadia , Mohammad Osman Elfadil , Panduwawala Chamila , Bandara Nihal , Ngo Hien Chi
Published: November 2020

Objectives

While chemosensory dysfunctions, dysgeusia and anosmia/hyposmia, are recognized as distinctive symptoms of COVID‐19, their temporality of presentation and association with the patient age, gender, disease severity, and comorbidities has been sparsely studied. Hence, we evaluated the latter associations of chemosensory dysfunction, in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Materials and Methods

Information on chemosensory dysfunction and history of chronic systemic comorbidities, if any, was obtained from 149 COVID‐19 patients in an infectious disease hospital in UAE, using their medical records, as well as from a face‐to‐face questionnaire survey. Additionally, a modified SNOT‐22 questionnaire that measures disease‐specific quality of life in patients with upper respiratory tract affections was also administered.

Results

Chemosensory dysfunction was reported by 94.6% of the cohort, and anosmia with dysgeusia was significantly more in males than females with severe COVID‐19. Males with moderate COVID‐19 and systemic comorbidities were more likely to present with chemosensory dysfunction in comparison with females. SNOT‐22 questionnaire revealed that nasal blockage and runny nose were more prevalent in mild/moderate, than in the severe, state of COVID‐19.

Conclusion

Our data confirm the commonality of chemosensory dysfunction during COVID‐19 progression, and the significantly more pronounced combined dysfunction in males with severe COVID‐19, and comorbidities.
Below‐ and aboveground traits explain local abundance, and regional, continental and global occurrence frequencies of grassland plants
Authors: Lachaise Tom , Bergmann Joana , Rillig Matthias C. , van Kleunen Mark
Published: November 2020

Plants vary widely in how common or rare they are, but whether commonness of species is associated with functional traits is still debated. This might partly be because commonness can be measured at different spatial scales, and because most studies focus solely on aboveground functional traits.

We measured five root traits and seed mass on 241 central European grassland species, and extracted their specific leaf area, height, mycorrhizal status and bud‐bank size from databases. Then we tested if trait values are associated with commonness at seven spatial scales, ranging from abundance in 16‐m2grassland plots, via regional and European‐wide occurrence frequencies, to worldwide naturalization success.

At every spatial scale, commonness was associated with at least three traits. The traits explained the greatest proportions of variance for abundance in grassland plots (42%) and naturalization success (41%) and the least for occurrence frequencies in Europe and the Mediterranean (2%). Low root tissue density characterized common species at every scale, whereas other traits showed directional changes depending on the scale. We also found that many of the effects had significant non‐linear effects, in most cases with the highest commonness‐metric value at intermediate trait values. Across scales, belowground traits explained overall more variance in species commonness (19.4%) than aboveground traits (12.6%).

The changes we found in the relationships between traits and commonness, when going from one spatial scale to another, could at least partly explain the maintenance of trait variation in nature. Most importantly, our study shows that within grasslands, belowground traits are at least as important as aboveground traits for species commonness. Therefore, belowground traits should be more frequently considered in studies on plant functional ecology.
His bundle pacing: Tips and tricks
Authors: Ravi Venkatesh , El Baba Mohammad , Sharma Parikshit S.
Published: November 2020

His bundle (HB) pacing is an established modality for achieving physiological pacing with a low risk of long‐term lead‐related complications. The development of specially designed lead and delivery tools has improved the feasibility and safety of HB pacing (HBP). Knowledge of the anatomy of HB region and the variations is essential for successful implantation. Newer delivery systems have further improved procedural outcomes. Challenging implant cases can be successfully performed by reshaping the current sheaths, using “sheath in sheath” technique or “two‐lead implantation technique.” Special attention to the lead parameters at implant, programming, and follow‐up is necessary for successful long‐term outcomes with HBP. Widespread use of HBP by electrophysiologists and further advances in dedicated delivery systems and leads are essential to further improve the effectiveness of the implantation.
The Pediatric Craniofacial Collaborative Group (PCCG) Consensus Conference Methodology
Authors: Derderian Courtney K. , Derderian Christopher A. , Fernandez Allison , Glover Chris D. , Goobie Susan , Hansen Jennifer K. , King Michael , Kugler Jane , Lang Shih‐Shan , Meier‐Haran Petra , Nelson Olivia , Reddy Srijaya K. , Reid Russell , Ricketts Karene , Rottgers Stephen A. , Singh Davinder , Szmuk Peter , Taicher Brad M. , Taylor Jesse , Stricker Paul A.
Published: November 2020

Objective

This article describes the methodology used for the Pediatric Craniofacial Collaborative Group (PCCG) Consensus Conference.

Design

This is a novel Consensus Conference of national experts in Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery and Anesthesia, who will follow standards set by the Institute of Medicine and using the Research and Development/University of California, Los Angeles appropriateness method, modeled after the Pediatric Critical Care Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative. Topics related to pediatric craniofacial anesthesia for open cranial vault surgery were divided into twelve subgroups with a systematic review of the literature.

Setting

A group of 20 content experts met virtually between 2019 and 2020 and will collaborate in their selected topics related to perioperative management for pediatric open cranial vault surgery for craniosynostosis. These groups will also identify where future research is needed.

Conclusions

Experts in pediatric craniofacial surgery and anesthesiology are developing recommendations on behalf of the Pediatric Craniofacial Collaborative Group for perioperative management of patients undergoing open cranial vault surgery for craniosynostosis and identifying future research priorities.
Directly quantifying multiple interacting influences on plant competition
Authors: Trinder Clare J. , Brooker Rob W. , Davidson Hazel , Robinson David
Published: November 2020

When plants compete what influences that interaction? To answer this we measured belowground competition directly, as the simultaneous capture of soil ammonium and nitrate by co‐existing herbaceous perennials, Dactylis glomerata and Plantago lanceolata, under the influence of: species identity; N uptake and biomass of focal and neighbour plants; location (benign lowland versus harsher upland site); N availability (low or high N fertilizer); N ion, ammonium or nitrate production (mineralisation) rate, and competition type (intra‐ or interspecific), as direct effects or pairwise interactions in linear models. We also measured biomass as an indirect proxy for competition. Only three factors influenced both competitive N uptake and biomass production: focal species identity, N ion and the interaction between N ion and neighbour N uptake. Location had little effect on N uptake but a strong influence on biomass production. N uptake increased linearly with biomass only in isolated plants. Our results support the view that measuring resource capture or biomass production tells you different things about how competitors interact with one another and their environment, and that biomass is a longer‐term integrative proxy for the outcomes of multiple separate interactions—such as competition for N—occurring between plants.
Plant intraspecific competition and growth stage alter carbon and nitrogen mineralization in the rhizosphere
Authors: Sun Yue , Zang Huadong , Splettstößer Thomas , Kumar Amit , Xu Xingliang , Kuzyakov Yakov , Pausch Johanna
Published: November 2020

Plant roots interact with rhizosphere microorganisms to accelerate soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization for nutrient acquisition. Root‐mediated changes in SOM mineralization largely depend on root‐derived carbon (root‐C) input and soil nutrient status. Hence, intraspecific competition over plant development and spatiotemporal variability in the root‐C input and nutrients uptake may modify SOM mineralization. To investigate the effect of intraspecific competition on SOM mineralization at three growth stages (heading, flowering, and ripening), we grew maize (C4 plant) under three planting densities on a C3 soil and determined in situ soil C‐ and N‐mineralization by 13C‐natural abundance and 15N‐pool dilution approaches. From heading to ripening, soil C‐ and N‐mineralization rates exhibit similar unimodal trends and were tightly coupled. The C‐to‐N‐mineralization ratio (0.6 to 2.6) increased with N availability, indicating that an increase in N‐mineralization with N depletion was driven by microorganisms mining N‐rich SOM. With the intraspecific competition, plants increased specific root lengths as an efficient strategy to compete for resources. Root morphologic traits rather than root biomass per se were positively related to C‐ and N‐mineralization. Overall, plant phenology and intraspecific competition controlled the intensity and mechanisms of soil C‐ and N‐ mineralization by the adaptation of root traits and nutrient mining.
“Rotten Row is Rotten to the Core”: The Material and Sensory Politics of Harare's Magistrates’ Courts after 2000
Authors: Verheul Susanne
Published: November 2020

This article analyzes how state power and authority were established and critiqued through the performative, material, and sensory characteristics of Harare's Criminal Magistrates’ Courts in Zimbabwe. Drawing on courtroom observations and interviews conducted with human rights lawyers and their clients between 2010 and 2018, this article shows how Zimbabwe's deteriorating political and economic situation after 2000 caused a decline of the material conditions in court. Lawyers and their clients played on this decline to emphasize how the state failed to display its authority. Simultaneously, these material conditions highlighted the ruling party's (ZANU‐PF) preoccupation with law's coercive rather than legitimating utility. A focus on material attributes, however, does not suffice in examining the ways in which court proceedings impose and challenge the authority of the law and of the state. The sensory dimensions of courtrooms also require attention. Within the courtroom, it was vital for actors to engage the visual, auditory, and—importantly—the olfactory reminders of the horrific conditions in police detention and prison. By doing so, lawyers and their clients reasserted and questioned not only the authority of law but also the control certain state actors exerted on and over the bodies and emotions of Zimbabwean citizens within legal spaces.
Uterine, vaginal and placental blood flows increase with dynamic changes in serum metabolic parameters and oxidative stress across gestation in buffaloes
Authors: Elmetwally Mohammed A. , Elshopakey Gehad E. , Eldomany Wael , Eldesouky Ashraf , Samy Alaa , Lenis Yasser Y. , Chen Dong‐bao
Published: November 2020

The aims of the present study were to determine uterine, vaginal and placental blood flows by Doppler ultrasound cross‐buffalo gestation and to evaluate the relationships among reproductive Doppler parameters and serum metabolic parameters as well as oxidative stress. Uterine (UA) and vaginal (VA) arteries were scanned every month, and placentome was scanned from month 4 till 8 in gestation. Time‐averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (SD) and arterial diameter (AD) were used for accessing UA and VA hemodynamics. Time‐averaged maximum velocity positively correlated with and AD, and both negatively correlated with their PI, RI and SD in UA and VA. TAMV and AD increased constantly in pregnancy, with maximum increase in months 4 and 9. Pulsatility index, RI and AD of UA decreased between months 4 and 9, while PI, RI and AD of VA decreased between months 5 and 9 and then increased in month 10 in pregnancy. Time‐averaged maximum velocity of placentome blood flow increased exponentially from months 4 to 8, but decreased at the last two months in pregnancy. Serum lipids were significantly higher in the first month compared to all other months, while glucose was significantly lower in months 9 and 10. Malondialdehyde increased from month 3 till term, but peaked in month 5 and 10. Glutathione and catalase were highest in the first month and remained after. Time‐averaged maximum velocity and AD for both UA and VA negatively correlated with serum lipids, glucose, catalase and glutathione, while positively correlated with malondialdehyde and total protein. Thus, increases in uterine blood flow (UtBF), vaginal blood flow (VaBF) and placental blood flow (PaBF) are associated with increased metabolism and oxidative stress in buffalo pregnancy.
Updated Characterization of Outbreak Response Strategies for 2019–2029: Impacts of Using a Novel Type 2 Oral Poliovirus Vaccine Strain
Authors: Kalkowska Dominika A. , Pallansch Mark A. , Wilkinson Amanda , Bandyopadhyay Ananda S. , Konopka‐Anstadt Jennifer L. , Burns Cara C. , Oberste M. Steven , Wassilak Steven G. F. , Badizadegan Kamran , Thompson Kimberly M.
Published: November 2020

Delays in achieving the global eradication of wild poliovirus transmission continue to postpone subsequent cessation of all oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) use. Countries must stop OPV use to end all cases of poliomyelitis, including vaccine‐associated paralytic polio (VAPP) and cases caused by vaccine‐derived polioviruses (VDPVs). The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) coordinated global cessation of all type 2 OPV (OPV2) use in routine immunization in 2016 but did not successfully end the transmission of type 2 VDPVs (VDPV2s), and consequently continues to use type 2 OPV (OPV2) for outbreak response activities. Using an updated global poliovirus transmission and OPV evolution model, we characterize outbreak response options for 2019–2029 related to responding to VDPV2 outbreaks with a genetically stabilized novel OPV (nOPV2) strain or with the currently licensed monovalent OPV2 (mOPV2). Given uncertainties about the properties of nOPV2, we model different assumptions that appear consistent with the evidence on nOPV2 to date. Using nOPV2 to respond to detected cases may reduce the expected VDPV and VAPP cases and the risk of needing to restart OPV2 use in routine immunization compared to mOPV2 use for outbreak response. The actual properties, availability, and use of nOPV2 will determine its effects on type 2 poliovirus transmission in populations. Even with optimal nOPV2 performance, countries and the GPEI would still likely need to restart OPV2 use in routine immunization in OPV‐using countries if operational improvements in outbreak response to stop the transmission of cVDPV2s are not implemented effectively.
The Role of Fairness in Early Characterization of New Technologies: Effects on Selective Exposure and Risk Perception
Authors: Song Hwanseok , Lu Hang , McComas Katherine A.
Published: November 2020

Previous research suggests that when individuals have limited knowledge to make sense of new or emerging technologies, they may rely more on available cues, such as the fairness of those managing the risks, when developing their attitudinal and behavioral responses to the technology. To examine this further, we designed an online experiment (N = 1,042) to test the effects of risk managers’ nonoutcome fairness on individuals’ selective exposure to additional information and perceived risk. As the study context, we used the development of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which uses drilling to tap deep underground sources of heat for district heating and electricity and remains low in familiarity among the U.S. public. The results suggest that participants who read about the fair risk manager were subsequently more likely to have positive attitudes toward EGS development. In turn, those with more positive attitudes were more likely to select and read positively valenced articles about EGS, resulting in an indirect effect of the fairness condition. Although this study also explored whether uncertainty moderated this fairness effect on information seeking, it found no evidence. Additionally, when participants were exposed to information featuring fair risk managers, perceived risk decreased, an effect that was mediated by beliefs that EGS was controllable and not dreadful. These results underscore the importance of using practices that will increase nonoutcome fairness in the introduction of new technologies.
A Non-Parametric Hawkes Process Model of Primary and Secondary Accidents on a UK Smart Motorway
Authors: Kalair Kieran , Connaughton Colm , Alaimo Di Loro Pierfrancesco
Published: November 2020

A self-exciting spatiotemporal point process is fitted to incident data from the UK National Traffic Information Service to model the rates of primary and secondary accidents on the M25 motorway in a 12-month period during 2017–2018. This process uses a background component to represent primary accidents, and a self-exciting component to represent secondary accidents. The background consists of periodic daily and weekly components, a spatial component and a long-term trend. The self-exciting components are decaying, unidirectional functions of space and time. These components are determined via kernel smoothing and likelihood estimation. Temporally, the background is stable across seasons with a daily double peak structure reflecting commuting patterns. Spatially, there are two peaks in intensity, one of which becomes more pronounced during the study period. Self-excitation accounts for 6–7% of the data with associated time and length scales around 100 min and 1 km, respectively. In-sample and out-of-sample validation are performed to assess the model fit. When we restrict the data to incidents that resulted in large speed drops on the network, the results remain coherent.
Effects of cryotherapy on the regeneration process and muscular mechanical properties after lacerative injury model
Authors: dos Santos Haupenthal Daniela Pacheco , de Bem Silveira Gustavo , Zaccaron Rubya Pereira , Corrêa Maria Eduarda Anastácio Borges , de Souza Priscila Soares , Filho Mário Cesar Búrigo , de Roch Casagrande Laura , de Melo Cardoso Mariana , Rigo Flávia Karine , Haupenthal Alessandro , Silveira Paulo Cesar Lock
Published: November 2020

Cryotherapy is a therapeutic modality widely used for the treatment of muscle injuries to control pain and inflammatory processes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cryotherapy on the inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters and mechanical properties of, and pain in, the skeletal muscles of rats with lacerative muscle injury. The rats were anesthetized with 4% isoflurane and subjected to gastrocnemius muscle laceration injury. After injury, all animals in the intervention groups received cryotherapy treatment for 20 minutes using plastic bags containing crushed ice. The protocol comprised three daily applications at 3‐hour intervals on the day of injury, with reapplication 24 hours later. Seventy‐two male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: sham, muscle injury (MI), and MI + cryotherapy (MI + cryo). Muscle mechanical properties were analyzed by mechanical tensile testing on day 7 after injury. The MI + cryo group showed reduced TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, and IL1β levels; elevated IL4, IL6, and IL10 levels; reduced oxidant production and carbonyl levels; and elevated sulfhydryl contents. Animals that underwent tissue cooling showed superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels close to those of the animals in the sham group. The MI and MI + cryo groups showed reduced values of the evaluated mechanical properties and lower mechanical thresholds compared to those of the animals from the sham group. Our results demonstrated that the proposed cryotherapy protocol reduced the inflammatory process and controlled oxidative stress but did not reverse the changes in the mechanical properties of muscle tissues or provide analgesic effects within the time frame analyzed.
Buffy coat platelets coming to America: Are we ready?
Authors: Gammon Richard R. , Devine Dana , Katz Louis M. , Quinley Eva , Wu YanYun , Rowe Kathleen , Razatos Anna , Min Kyungyoon , Reichenberg Stefan , Smith Roxane
Published: November 2020

Background

Buffy coat (BC) platelets (PLTs) have been used globally for many years. In 2004 Canadian Blood Services (CBS) made the decision to transition from PLT‐rich plasma (PRP) to BC PLTs. We reviewed the benefits and manufacture process of BC and the implementation challenges involved.

Study Design and Methods

A literature review was performed in the following areas: BC efficacy, donor population shifts, production and good stewardship of PLTs, logistic considerations with overnight holds, advantages of the overnight hold, the CBS experience, licensure and standards, and changes needed to produce BC PLTs in the United States. The aim was to analyze current practice and identify possible actions for blood centers and hospitals.

Results

Implementation of BC would offer an additional source of PLTs to address the growing elderly population and the declining apheresis donor base. Substantial logistic, operational, and financial benefits were seen when CBS transitioned to BC with overnight hold.

Conclusions

Buffy coat blood products are widely used throughout the world. Recent conversion from PRP to BC by CBS showed that conversion can be accomplished with planning, communication, and partnership from all stakeholders. In conclusion, BC PLTs are worth serious consideration in the United States, but regulatory barriers in the United States will need to be addressed.
Measurement and Analysis of Buoyancy-Induced Heat Transfer in Aero-Engine Compressor Rotors
Authors: Jackson Richard W. , Luberti Dario , Tang Hui , Pountney Oliver J. , Scobie James A. , Sangan Carl M. , Owen J. Michael , Lock Gary D.
Published: November 2020

The flow inside cavities between corotating compressor disks of aero-engines is driven by buoyancy, with Grashof numbers exceeding 1013. This phenomenon creates a conjugate problem: the Nusselt numbers depend on the radial temperature distribution of the disks, and the disk temperatures depend on the Nusselt numbers. Furthermore, Coriolis forces in the rotating fluid generate cyclonic and anticyclonic circulations inside the cavity. Such flows are three-dimensional, unsteady, and unstable, and it is a challenge to compute and measure the heat transfer from the disks to the axial throughflow in the compressor. In this paper, Nusselt numbers are experimentally determined from measurements of steady-state temperatures on the surfaces of both disks in a rotating cavity of the Bath compressor-cavity rig. The data are collected over a range of engine-representative parameters and are the first results from a new experimental facility specifically designed to investigate buoyancy-induced flow. The radial distributions of disk temperature were collected under carefully controlled thermal boundary conditions appropriate for analysis using a Bayesian model combined with the equations for a circular fin. The Owen-Tang buoyancy model has been used to compare predicted radial distributions of disk temperatures and Nusselt numbers with some of the experimentally determined values, taking account of radiation between the interior surfaces of the cavity. The experiments show that the average Nusselt numbers on the disk increase as the buoyancy forces increase. At high rotational speeds, the temperature rise in the core, created by compressibility effects in the air, attenuates the heat transfer, and there is a critical rotational Reynolds number for which the Nusselt number is a maximum. In the cavity, there is an inner region dominated by forced convection and an outer region dominated by buoyancy-induced flow. The inner region is a mixing region, in which entrained cold throughflow encounters hot flow from the Ekman layers on the disks. Consequently, the Nusselt numbers on the downstream disk in the inner region tend to be higher than those on the upstream disk.
Identifying, Correcting, and Avoiding Errors in CAD Models Which Affect Interoperability
Authors: Gu Hong , Chase Thomas R. , Cheney Douglas C. , Bailey Thomas (Tim) , Johnson Douglas
Published: November 2020

Interoperability characterizes the ability of CAD models to accurately represent objects in concurrent engineering environments. The diagnostic set of available software for interoperability testing is described. This set is utilized to develop a visual catalog of possible interoperability errors.

The value of utilizing interoperability testing software is appraised by way of a real-world case study. Numerous significant errors are identified in a suite of 140 parts. “Geometry errors” are shown to be more common than “topology errors”.

The case study suggests that sensitizing the designer to the nature of typical errors leads to improvement in initial model quality. Example errors are described to illustrate their nature and how to eliminate them. Informal guidelines to improve quality upon initial design are deduced. The development of errors due to inconsistent system accuracy settings during data exchange is explored.
A Conceptual Design Information Structure and its Formation Process Based on Protocol Analysis of the Design Meeting in CAD Models Which Affect Interoperability
Authors: Kurakawa Kei
Published: November 2020

This paper reports the models of the designer’s thought process based on a protocol analysis from the viewpoint of design information structure and its formation process, which can be a fundamental part of practical design support tools. A series of four design meetings in a company, with intervals of several weeks, were observed to derive these models. The models consist of information elements derived from the cognitive design problem-solving process, and represent the conceptual design process by the derivation relationship among the information elements. The scenario is considered as an important information element to promote the evolution of product design. The proposed models are proven by protocol analysis with statistics and a transitional view of the coding scheme based on the models.
S-CIMS: Towards Integrated and Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Zhang Genbao , Liu Ying , Tan Wei , Huang Zhongquan
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes to introduce the concept of sustainable development into computer integrated manufacturing systems, known as sustainable CIMS (S-CIMS), which can realize an integrated and environmentally conscious manufacturing. After the concepts of CIMS and cleaner production are briefly presented, the concept of S-CIMS is put forward. Then the information flow, which is the foundation of information integration, and the material flow in S-CIMS are discussed. The cleaner production subsystem is a new subsystem added to S-CIMS and therefore we give it a brief description. Finally, an environmental information management system supporting life cycle management developed by the authors is presented.