bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the otic bacterial microbiota in dogs with otitis externa compared to healthy individuals
Authors: Korbelik Juraj , Singh Ameet , Rousseau Joyce , Weese J. Scott
Published: March 2019

Background

Otitis externa is a common multifactorial disease in dogs. The diversity of the cutaneous microbiota in dogs appears to decrease in diseased states. However, little is known about the microbiota of the canine ear and how it is altered by disease.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the otic bacterial microbiota in dogs with otitis externa compared to healthy dogs.

Animals

Samples were collected from 18 dogs with clinical and cytological evidence of otitis externa, and eight clinically normal dogs without cytological evidence of otitis externa.

Methods and materials

DNA from each sample was isolated and Illumina® sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene amplicons was performed. Sequences were processed using the bioinformatics software MOTHUR.

Results

Bacteria from 27 different phyla were identified. Affected ears had significantly decreased alpha diversity when compared to healthy ears. Community structure and membership also differed between the two groups. Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis identified 153 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that were differentially abundant. Eleven OTUs were over‐represented in the affected ears, including Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas and Parvimonas.

Conclusions

The otic bacterial microbiota is much more complex than has been identified with previous culture‐based studies; otitis externa is accompanied by broad and complex differences in the microbiota.
Thermographic evaluation of primary closure and second intention healing in dairy calves
Authors: Ferreira Claudia A. , le Jeune Sarah S. , Rayburn Maire C. , Chigerwe Munashe
Published: March 2019

Objective

To evaluate the suitability of infrared thermography in assessing healing of surgically created wounds that are managed by primary closure or second intention in neonatal dairy calves during a 3‐week period.

Study design

Randomized clinical trial.

Animals

Six Jersey bull calves.

Methods

Two skin patches approximately 10 cm2 were shaved on each hind limb of all calves. The dorsal patch was designated the wound creation site, and the ventral patch was the control. The wound creation sites were randomly assigned for either primary closure or healing by second intention. Wounds were created by using an 8‐mm biopsy punch. Thermographic imaging was performed prior to wound creation and at 0 minutes; 15 minutes; 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours; and 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days postwounding.

Results

There were no differences in skin temperature changes observed between wounds that were managed by primary closure or second intention (P = .9934) at any time. Time after wound creation had an effect on the skin temperature (P < .0001), with skin temperature consistently warmer (P < .05) 2, 4, and 8 hours after creation of wounds compared with subsequent times.

Conclusion

Infrared thermography was unable to detect differences in wound healing by primary closure or second intention in this model.

Clinical significance

Thermographic monitoring to detect differences in wound healing was not evident in this model. This model might be useful in monitoring temporal changes during early wound repair.
Reliability of the Bates‐Jensen wound assessment tool for pressure injury assessment: The pressure ulcer detection study
Authors: Bates‐Jensen Barbara M. , McCreath Heather E. , Harputlu Deniz , Patlan Anabel
Published: March 2019

The Bates‐Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) is used to assess wound healing in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate BWAT use among nursing home residents with pressure injury. Findings and reliability estimates from the BWAT related to pressure injury characteristics (stage, anatomic location) and natural history (resolved, persisted) among 142 ethnically and racially diverse residents are reported. In this prospective 16‐week study, 305 pressure injuries among 142 participants (34% prevalence) are described by stage, anatomic location, and BWAT scores. Visual and subepidermal moisture assessments were obtained from sacrum, buttock, ischial, and heel ulcers weekly. Participants were 14% Asian, 28% Black, 18% Hispanic, 40% White with a mean age of 78 ± 14 years, and were 62% female; 80% functionally dependent (bed mobility extensive/total assistance) and at risk (Braden Scale score 14 ± 2.7). The reliability coefficient for BWAT score (all participants, all anatomic locations) was high (r = 0.90; p < 0.0001; n = 1,161 observations). Weighted Kappas for characteristics ranging from 0.46 (skin color surrounding wound) to 0.79 (undermining) were consistent for all participants. BWAT scores showed strongest agreement coefficients for stage 4 pressure injury (r = 0.69), pressure injuries among Asian and White ethnicity/racial groups (r = 0.89, and r = 0.91, respectively), and sacrum anatomic location (r = 0.92) indicating scores are better correlated to fair skin tones. Lower agreement coefficients were demonstrated for stage 2 pressure injury (r = 0.38) and pressure injuries among African American and Hispanic ethnicity/racial groups (r = 0.88 and 0.87, respectively). BWAT scores were significantly different by pressure injury stage (F = 496.7, df = 6, p < 0.001) and anatomic location (F = 33.76, df = 8, p < 0.001). BWAT score correlated with pressure injury natural history (ulcer resolved 18.4 ± 7.4, ulcer persisted 24.9 ± 10.0; F = 70.11, df = 2, p < 0.001), but not with comorbidities. The BWAT provides reliable, objective data for assessing pressure injury healing progress.
Constitución de cajas menores en entidades territoriales. Un límite a la discrecionalidad administrativa
Authors: Lucas Ortegón Cesar Augusto
Published: March 2019

Este artículo analiza si en Colombia las entidades territoriales pueden, mediante acto administrativo, constituir y reglamentar el funcionamiento de cajas menores a la luz del principio de autonomía que les confiere la Constitución Política; o si, por el contrario, deben ceñirse a lo que establece el Presupuesto de Rentas y Ley de Apropiaciones, lo cual implicaría la ilegalidad absoluta de las cajas menores constituidas por entes territoriales y por ende la ilegalidad de los actos que se celebren con base en ellas. Se utilizó una metodología de tipo inductivo, en la cual se avanzó a partir del análisis normativo y jurisprudencial de lacaja menor como institución jurídica, así como un estudio del principio de autonomía territorial y sus límites. Se concluye que las entidades territoriales están imposibilitadas constitucional y legalmente para instituir y reglamentar cajas menores.
Free Vibrations and Energy Transfer Analysis of the Vibrating Piezoelectric Gyroscope Based on the Linear and Nonlinear Decoupling Methods
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Xiao-Dong , Zhang Wei , Ren Yuan , Yang Tianzhi
Published: March 2019

The present research is concerned with the free vibrations and energy transfer of a vibrating gyroscope, which is composed of a flexible beam with surrounded piezoelectric films in a rotating space. The governing equations involve nonlinear curvature, and rotary inertia of an in-extensional rotating piezoelectric beam is obtained by using the transformation of two Euler angles and the extended Hamilton principle. The gyroscopic effect due to the rotating angular speed is investigated in the frame of complex modes based on the invariant manifold method. The effects of angular speed, initial values, and electrical resistance to the nonlinear natural frequencies of a rotating piezoelectric beam are studied by both linear and nonlinear decoupling methods. The results reveal that the rotation causes one nonlinear frequency to bifurcate into a pair of frequencies: one forward and one backward nonlinear frequencies. The variation of the frequency with the angular speed is used to measure the angular speed. Finally, the energy transfer due to nonlinear coupling under 1:1 internal resonance condition and the energy transfer due to the linear gyroscopic decoupling are investigated.
Associations of Motor Symptom Severity and Quality of Life to Motor Task Performance in Upper and Lower Extremities Across Task Complexity in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Malling Anne Sofie B. , Morberg Bo M. , Wermuth Lene , Gredal Ole , Bech Per , Jensen Bente R.
Published: March 2019

The authors examined the associations between the performance of upper- and lower-extremity motor tasks across task complexity and motor symptom severity, overall disease severity, and the physical aspects of quality of life in persons with Parkinson’s disease. The performance was assessed for three lower-extremity tasks and two upper-extremity tasks of different levels of complexity. The motor symptoms and overall disease severity correlated significantly with all motor tasks with higher correlation coefficients in the complex tasks. Thus, the strength of the association between disease severity or severity of motor symptoms and motor performance is task-specific, with higher values in complex motor tasks than in simpler motor tasks. Mobility-related and activity-of-daily-living-related quality of life correlated with lower-extremity tasks of low and medium complexity and with the complex upper-extremity task, respectively; this suggests that Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 is capable of differentiating between the impact of gross and fine motor function on quality of life.
The Mouse Inhalation Model of
Cryptococcus neoformans
Infection Recapitulates Strain Virulence in Humans and Shows that Closely Related Strains Can Possess Differential Virulence
Authors: Mukaremera Liliane , McDonald Tami R. , Nielsen Judith N. , Molenaar Christopher J. , Akampurira Andrew , Schutz Charlotte , Taseera Kabanda , Muzoora Conrad , Meintjes Graeme , Meya David B. , Boulware David R. , Nielsen Kirsten
Published: March 2019

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) causes high rates of HIV-related mortality, yet the
Cryptococcus
factors influencing patient outcome are not well understood. Pathogen-specific traits, such as the strain genotype and degree of antigen shedding, are associated with the clinical outcome, but the underlying biology remains elusive.
Development and Multicentric Validation of a Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Rapid Detection of MCR-1-Producing
Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Volland Hervé , Dortet Laurent , Bernabeu Sandrine , Boutal Hervé , Haenni Marisa , Madec Jean-Yves , Robin Frédéric , Beyrouthy Racha , Naas Thierry , Simon Stéphanie
Published: March 2019

Colistin has become a last-resort antibiotic for the treatment of infections caused by highly drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, it has been widely used in the livestock sector.
Impact of Early Antiretroviral Therapy on Detection of Cell-Associated HIV-1 Nucleic Acid in Blood by the Roche Cobas TaqMan Test
Authors: Jagodzinski Linda L. , Manak Mark M. , Hack Holly R. , Liu Ying , Malia Jennifer A. , Freeman Joanna , Phanuphak Nittaya , de Souza Mark , Kroon Eugène D. , Colby Donn J. , Chomchey Nitiya , Lally Michelle A. , Michael Nelson L. , Ananworanich Jintanat , Peel Sheila A.
Published: March 2019

The Roche Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 test, v2.0 (the CAP/CTM assay), was used to quantify cell-associated HIV-1 (CAH) nucleic acid in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from well-characterized clinical specimens from HIV-1-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Chronically infected individuals on ART with no detectable plasma HIV-1 RNA demonstrated average CAH burdens of 3.2 HIV-1 log
10
copies/million cells.
DncV Synthesizes Cyclic GMP-AMP and Regulates Biofilm Formation and Motility in
Escherichia coli
ECOR31
Authors: Li Fengyang , Cimdins Annika , Rohde Manfred , Jänsch Lothar , Kaever Volkhard , Nimtz Manfred , Römling Ute
Published: March 2019

The ability of bacteria to sense and respond to environmental signals is critical for survival. Bacteria use cyclic dinucleotides as second messengers to regulate a number of physiological processes, such as the fundamental life style transition between motility and sessility (biofilm formation). cGAMP, which is synthesized by a dinucleotide cyclase called DncV, is a newly discovered second messenger involved in virulence and chemotaxis in the
Vibrio cholerae
biovar El Tor causing the current 7th cholera pandemic. However, to what extent cGAMP exists and participates in physiological processes in other bacteria is still unknown. In this study, we found an elevated cGAMP level to possibly regulate biofilm formation and motility in the animal commensal
E. coli
strain ECOR31. Thus, we detected a novel role for cGAMP signaling in regulation of physiological processes other than those previously reported in proteobacterial species.
Identifying Small Proteins by Ribosome Profiling with Stalled Initiation Complexes
Authors: Weaver Jeremy , Mohammad Fuad , Buskirk Allen R. , Storz Gisela
Published: March 2019

Proteins comprised of 50 or fewer amino acids have been shown to interact with and modulate the functions of larger proteins in a range of organisms. Despite the possible importance of small proteins, the true prevalence and capabilities of these regulators remain unknown as the small size of the proteins places serious limitations on their identification, purification, and characterization. Here, we present a ribosome profiling approach with stalled initiation complexes that led to the identification of 38 new small proteins.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for refractory epilepsy and medication refusal
Authors: Howard Caoimhe , Macken William L , Connolly Ann , Keegan Maria , Coghlan David , Webb David W
Published: March 2019

Objective

Current guidelines for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement focus largely on maintaining enteral feeding when oral feeding is no longer possible or adequate with an emphasis on nutrition and quality of life (QOL). Previous publications have also alluded to potential benefits in medication adherence, for example, in children with HIV, renal disease and neurodisability. We describe a cohort of children with refractory epilepsy who refused oral medication and in whom PEG tube placement was initiated for the purpose of drug administration.

Design

We identified children from the medical records of two tertiary paediatric units over a 9-year period who had PEG tube placement for administration of antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy and collected demographic and clinical details from chart reviews. We assessed parent-reported changes in seizure control and QOL using a structured questionnaire.

Results

Ten patients met the inclusion criteria. All families reported an improvement in ease of administering medications and eight reported a significant improvement in QOL. Nine children had a decrease in seizure frequency (lasting more than 12 months) following PEG tube placement, including two who underwent surgical intervention for their epilepsy during that period. Four had either a decrease in the number of drugs administered or their doses and four went on to receive fluids and nutrition through their tube on a regular basis. Seven reported PEG complications, which did not require removal of the PEG.

Conclusions

This case series of children with resistant epilepsy demonstrates improvement in seizure control and QOL following PEG tube placement for AED administration.
Effects of camera-based mirror visual feedback therapy for patients who had a stroke and the neural mechanisms involved: protocol of a multicentre randomised control study
Authors: Ding Li , Wang Xu , Guo Xiaoli , Chen Shugeng , Wang Hewei , Cui Xiao , Rong Jifeng , Jia Jie
Published: March 2019

Introduction

As a combination of visual stimulation and motor imagery, mirror visual feedback (MVF) is an effective treatment for motor impairment after stroke; however, few studies have investigated its effects on relevant cognitive processes such as visual perception and motor imagery. Camera-based MVF (camMVF) overcomes the intrinsic limitations of real mirrors and is recognised as an optimal setup. This study aims to investigate the effects of camMVF as an adjunct treatment for stroke patients, compare camMVF outcomes with those of conventional therapy and elucidate neural mechanisms through which MVF influences cognition and brain networks.

Methods and analysis

This will be a multicentre, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial including 90 patients randomised into three groups: camera-based mirror visual feedback intervention group (30), shielded mirror visual feedback intervention group (30) and conventional group (30). Patients in each group will receive a 60 min intervention 5 days per week over 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Limb subscale measurement. Secondary outcomes include the modified Ashworth Scale, Grip Strength test, Modified Barthel Index, Functional Independence Measure, Berg Balance Scale, 10-metre walking test, hand-laterality task and electroencephalography .

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was granted by the Huashan Hospital Institutional Review Board on 15 March (KY2017-230). We plan to submit the results to a peer-reviewed journal and present them at conferences, rehabilitation forums and to the general public.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-INR-17013644; Pre-results.
Newly qualified doctors’ perceived effects of assistantship alignment with first post: a longitudinal questionnaire study
Authors: Wells Stephanie E , Bullock Alison , Monrouxe Lynn V
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Growing evidence supports the role of student assistantships in enhancing graduates’ preparedness for practice. However, there is limited evidence concerning the impact of aligning assistantships with graduates’ first doctor post. The aims of our study were to determine newly-qualified doctors’ views on the value their assistantship experience, effects on anxiety levels, confidence and preparedness for increased responsibilities, exploring change over time and whether effects differ according to assistantship alignment.

Design

We conducted a longitudinal cross-sectional online questionnaire study examining experiences of aligned and non-aligned assistantships across the transition from medical student to newly-qualified doctor. The questionnaire was distributed to final year medical students within Wales, UK (n=351) and those commencing their first post in Wales, UK (n=150) in June 2015 at Time 1 (T1), and repeated in September 2015 (1 month following transition, T2) and January 2016 (T3).

Results

Response rates at T1 were 50% (n=251, aligned=139, non-aligned=112), T2 36% (n=179, aligned=83, non-aligned=96) and T3 28% (n=141, aligned=69, non-aligned=72): 15% (n=73, aligned=36, non-aligned=37) completed all questionnaires. Paired longitudinal analysis was undertaken where possible. Significant differences were observed between participants on aligned and non-aligned assistantships in terms of the value they place on their assistantship experiences, their anxiety, confidence levels and preparedness for responsibility.

Conclusion

Although not sustained, aligned assistantships seem to provide graduates with additional benefits during the August transition. Further work is required to establish what it is about the aligned assistantship programme that works and why.
Risk of dementia after Parkinson’s disease in Taiwan: a population-based retrospective cohort study using National Health Insurance claims
Authors: Liu Chih-Ching , Sun Yu , Lee Pei-Chen , Li Chung-Yi , Hu Susan C
Published: March 2019

Objectives

A nationwide cohort study on the risk of dementia onset after first diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is lacking. This study aims to assess 11 years of incidence and the HRs for developing dementia in patients with PD compared with matched controls.

Design

A population-based cohort study.

Setting

National Health Insurance database in Taiwan.

Participants

A total of 5932 patients with PD were identified, and 29 645 age-matched, sex-matched and index year-matched PD-free individuals were randomly selected.

Outcome measures

All subjects were linked to the claim data to identify the first diagnosis of dementia. The Poisson assumption was used to estimate the incidence rate. Cause-specific hazards models with a partitioning of time at 1 year to account for proportionality were used to estimate the risk of dementia onset.

Results

The median duration from the first diagnosis of PD to the development of dementia was 9.02 years. In the first partition (≦ 1 year), the incidence of dementia in the PD and control groups was 114.49 and 9.76 per 1000 person-years, respectively, with an adjusted HR of 6.43 (95% CI 5.46 to 7.57). In the second partition (>1 year), the incidence of dementia in the PD and control groups was 30.99 and 10.83 per 1000 person-years, with an adjusted HR of 2.42 (95% CI 2.23 to 2.61). Notably, in the second partition, both men and women aged <70 years had the highest HR (3.82, 95% CI 2.79 to 5.22 and 4.27, 95% CI 3.25 to 5.63, respectively).

Conclusions

This study noted an increased risk of dementia after a diagnosis of PD. The magnitude of effect estimation was higher in men in the first partition but was similar in both genders in the second partition. PD patients aged <70 years have the highest risk of dementia in any given partition time.
In situ stress states and lateral deformations of soil–bentonite cutoff walls during consolidation process
Authors: Tong Xing , Li Yu-Chao , Ke Han , Li Ying , Pan Qian
Published: March 2019

A long-term in situ test was performed on two soil–bentonite (SB) cutoff walls with different dimensions. The total stresses and pore pressures in the walls were monitored for 8 months, and the lateral wall deformations were monitored for 15 months. The monitoring results revealed that the primary consolidation of the presented SB cutoff walls took approximately 8 months. In the first 5 days, the stress states of the walls were nearly isotropic. The total stresses were less than the geostatic stress, and the lateral wall deformations were negligible. As the consolidation developed, the total horizontal stresses in the walls decreased and then remained unchanged at most depths after 1 month, while the stresses at the bottoms continued decreasing. The nonlinear profiles of the horizontal effective stresses in the cutoff walls were similar to the active earth pressure distributions behind the retaining walls moving in translation mode. The trench sidewall movements were found in translation mode within a specific depth range. Obvious dependencies of the horizontal effective stress and the horizontal strain on the wall height were observed. Comparison with the literature illustrates the influence of backfill properties on the consolidation behavior of the SB cutoff walls.
The effects of dentate crest and a row of consecutive orifices along and below the crest edge on labyrinth weir efficiency
Authors: Ahmadi Zobeideh , Mohseni Movahed Seyed Asadollah , Mozaffari Javad
Published: March 2019

A labyrinth weir is one of the most effective ways of increasing weir discharge efficiency compared with a linear overflow structure. In this study, two proposed models of labyrinth weir, one with a dentate crest and another with a row of orifices along and below the crest edge were compared with a simple labyrinth weir, measuring their effects on the discharge coefficient. Experiments on nine labyrinth weir models were conducted in the hydraulic laboratory flume. These experiments indicated that creation of both dentate crest edge and row of consecutive orifices led to an increased discharge coefficient of between 11 to 25.3% and 31.6 to 52.9%, respectively, relative to simple labyrinth weir. By increasing the upstream head water, the discharge coefficient for the labyrinth weir model with dentate crest and the model with a row of consecutive orifices are closer together and eventually will converge.
Influence of glyphosate/dicamba application rate and timing on the control of glyphosate-resistant waterhemp in glyphosate/dicamba-resistant soybean
Authors: Hedges Brittany K. , Soltani Nader , Robinson Darren E. , Hooker David C. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of premixed glyphosate/dicamba application timing and rate on glyphosate-resistant (GR) waterhemp control. Glyphosate/dicamba applied to 5-, 15-, and 25-cm-tall plants, controlled GR waterhemp 81%, 73%, and 61% at 2 wk after application (WAA) and 61%, 68%, and 72% at 8 WAA, respectively.
Gene expression patterns indicate that a high-fat–high-carbohydrate diet causes mitochondrial dysfunction in fish
Authors: Prisingkorn Wassana , Jakovlić Ivan , Yi Shao-Kui , Deng Fang-Yu , Zhao Yu-Hua , Wang Wei-Min
Published: March 2019

Expensive and unsustainable fishmeal is increasingly being replaced with cheaper lipids and carbohydrates as sources of energy in aquaculture. Although it is known that the excess of lipids and carbohydrates has negative effects on nutrient utilization, growth, metabolic homeostasis, and health of fish, our current understanding of mechanisms behind these effects is limited. To improve the understanding of diet-induced metabolic disorders (both in fish and other vertebrates), we conducted an eight-week high-fat–high-carbohydrate diet feeding trial on blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala), and studied gene expression changes (transcriptome and qPCR) in the liver. Disproportionately large numbers of differentially expressed genes were associated with mitochondrial metabolism, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s), and functional categories indicative of liver dysfunction. A high-fat–high-carbohydrate diet may have caused mitochondrial dysfunction, and possibly downregulated the mitochondrial biogenesis in the liver. While the relationship between diet and neurodegenerative disorders is well-established in mammals, this is the first report of this connection in fish. We propose that fishes should be further explored as a potentially promising model to study the mechanisms of diet-associated neurodegenerative disorders in humans.
Scaled Subprofile Modeling and Convolutional Neural Networks for the Identification of Parkinson’s Disease in 3D Nuclear Imaging Data
Authors: Manzanera Octavio Martinez , Meles Sanne K. , Leenders Klaus L. , Renken Remco J. , Pagani Marco , Arnaldi Dario , Nobili Flavio , Obeso Jose , Oroz Maria Rodriguez , Morbelli Silvia , Maurits Natasha M.
Published: March 2019

Over the last years convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown remarkable results in different image classification tasks, including medical imaging. One area that has been less explored with CNNs is Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) is a PET technique employed to obtain a representation of brain metabolic function. In this study we employed 3D CNNs in FDG-PET brain images with the purpose of discriminating patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) from controls. We employed Scaled Subprofile Modeling using Principal Component Analysis as a preprocessing step to focus on specific brain regions and limit the number of voxels that are used as input for the CNNs, thereby increasing the signal-to-noise ratio in our data. We performed hyperparameter optimization on three CNN architectures to estimate the classification accuracy of the networks on new data. The best performance that we obtained was [Formula: see text] and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [Formula: see text] on the test set. We believe that, with larger datasets, PD patients could be reliably distinguished from controls by FDG-PET scans alone and that this technique could be applied to more clinically challenging tasks, like the differential diagnosis of neurological disorders with similar symptoms, such as PD, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
A new quantum operator for distance
Authors: Katz Daniel
Published: March 2019

We introduce a new semirelativistic quantum operator for the length of the worldline a particle traces out as it moves. In this article the operator is constructed in a heuristic way and some of its elementary properties are explored. The operator ends up depending in a very complicated way on the potential of the system it is to act on so as a proof of concept we use it to analyze the expected distance traveled by a free Gaussian wave packet with some initial momentum. It is shown in this case that the distance such a particle travels becomes light-like as its mass vanishes and agrees with the classical result for macroscopic masses. This preliminary result has minor implications for the Weak Equivalence Principle (WEP) in quantum mechanics. In particular it shows that the logical relationship between two formulations of the WEP in classical mechanics extends to quantum mechanics. That our result is qualitatively consistent with the work of others emboldens us to start the task of evaluating the new operator in nonzero potentials. However, we readily acknowledge that the looseness in the definition of our operator means that all of our so-called results are highly speculative. Plans for future work with the new operator are discussed in the last section.
A parameter estimation method for fractional-order nonlinear systems based on improved whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Ren Gong , Yang Renhuan , Yang Renyu , Zhang Pei , Yang Xiuzeng , Xu Chuangbiao , Xu Baoguo , Zhang Huatao , Lu Yaosheng , Cai Yanning
Published: March 2019

Compared to the integer-order systems, the system characteristics of the fractional system are closer to the system characteristics of the real engineering system, the study found beyond that, strictly speaking, various physical phenomena in nature are nonlinear. The problem of parameter estimation problem of fractional-order nonlinear systems can be transformed into the problem of parameter optimization problem by constructing an appropriate fitness function. This paper proposes a hybrid improvement algorithm based on whale optimization algorithm (WOA) to solve this problem and verify it both in Lorenz system and Lu system. The simulation result shows that the hybrid improved algorithm is superior to genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) and WOA in convergence speed and accuracy.
LASER SURFACE HARDENING OF AISI 1055 STEEL IN WATER SUBMERGED CONDITION
Authors: MAHARJAN NIROJ , ZHOU WEI , ZHOU YU , WU NAIEN
Published: March 2019

Underwater laser hardening might produce better surface mechanical properties than conventional laser hardening in air due to additional cooling effect by water. However, it has not been studied in detail. This study investigates the effect of water layer on laser surface hardening of AISI 1055 steel. It is found that laser surface hardening is feasible with water layer up to 3[Formula: see text]mm above the steel surface. A higher surface hardness is achieved during underwater processing. This is attributed to fast cooling by water which facilitates complete martensitic transformation. Nevertheless, the hardened area is smaller than that in conventional laser hardening in air due to attenuation of laser energy. Above 3[Formula: see text]mm, the laser beam is severely attenuated due to formation of vapor plume. Furthermore, it is found that surface oxidation cannot be prevented completely even during underwater treatment, and the water movement results in random distribution of metal slag on the surface.
Irreducible products of characters
Authors: Chang Huimin , Jin Ping
Published: March 2019

We introduce the notion of Fitting characters for arbitrary finite groups, and prove that under some conditions the product of these characters is irreducible and the unique factorization of this form also holds. Moreover, we show that any nonlinear quasi-primitive character of solvable groups can be uniquely factored (up to multiplication by linear characters) as the product of certain Fitting characters on some extension groups.
Asymmetric Networks and Access Charges
Authors: Correa Alexander
Published: March 2019

In order to suggest an appropriate regulatory regime in the context of firm asymmetry, this study has developed a mathematical model that allows to elucidate comparisons of three different regulatory scenarios. In the unregulated market, the low-cost firm is more likely to become dominant in the market. Symmetric regulation has an immediate effect on off-net prices, which fall to the level of its marginal costs. Finally, asymmetric regulation is a highly effective way of promoting market entry. Asymmetric regulation can generate higher social welfare.
Organoid Models for Cancer Research
Authors: Clevers Hans , Tuveson David A.
Published: March 2019

Organoid cultures have emerged as powerful model systems accelerating discoveries in cellular and cancer biology. These three-dimensional cultures are amenable to diverse techniques, including high-throughput genome and transcriptome sequencing, as well as genetic and biochemical perturbation, making these models well suited to answer a variety of questions. Recently, organoids have been generated from diverse human cancers, including breast, colon, pancreas, prostate, bladder, and liver cancers, and studies involving these models are expanding our knowledge of the etiology and characteristics of these malignancies. Co-cultures of cancer organoids with non-neoplastic stromal cells enable investigation of the tumor microenvironment. In addition, recent studies have established that organoids have a place in personalized medicine approaches. Here, we describe the application of organoid technology to cancer discovery and treatment.
Corrosive Environment Assessment and Corrosion-Induced Rockbolt Failure Analysis in a Costal Underground Mine
Authors: Guo Qifeng , Pan Jiliang , Wang Min , Cai Meifeng , Xi Xun
Published: March 2019

As an effective ground-reinforcing system, rockbolts have been widely used in underground excavations. Corrosion of rockbolts has been one of the most reasons for rockbolts system failure. In this paper, the chemical composition and pH values of the groundwater in Sanshandao Gold mine are first tested. Corrosion of the slotted rockbolts used in roadways of the mine is analysed. The corrosion rate of rockbolts is evaluated based on experimental results from similar corrosive conditions. A time-dependent analytical model on anchoring force degradation caused by corrosion of the rockbolt is developed. Furthermore, the effects of corrosion rate and geometric parameters of the slotted rockbolts on anchoring force degradation are discussed. Suggestions on rockbolts support design in corrosive conditions are given. It has been found that, with the corrosion time increasing, the anchoring force between the rock and the rockbolt gradually decreases. The larger the corrosion rate is, the faster the anchoring force decreases. For long-term service roadways under corrosive conditions, a slotted rockbolt with a smaller radius and thicker wall can enhance the anchoring force.
Flexural Capacity of Steel‐Concrete Composite Beams under Hogging Moment
Authors: Liu Jing , Ding Fa-xing , Liu Xue-mei , Yu Zhi-wu , Tan Zhe , Huang Jun-wen
Published: March 2019

This study investigates the flexural strength of simply supported steel‐concrete composite beams under hogging moment. A total of 24 composite beams are included in the experiments, and ABAQUS software is used to establish finite element (FE) models that can simulate the mechanical properties of composite beams. In a parametric study, the influences of several major parameters, such as shear connection degree, stud arrangement and diameter, longitudinal and transverse reinforcement ratios, loading manner, and beam length, on flexural strength were investigated. Thereafter, three standards, namely, GB 50017, Eurocode 4, and BS 5950, were used to estimate the flexural strength of the composite beams. These codes were also compared with experimental and numerical results. Results indicate that GB 50017 may provide better estimations than the other two codes.
Research on Improved Equivalent Diagonal Strut Model for Masonry‐Infilled RC Frame with Flexible Connection
Authors: Yang Guang , Zhao Erfeng , Li Xiaoya , Norouzzadeh Tochaei Emad , Kan Kan , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2019

The reinforced concrete (RC) frame with masonry infill wall is one of the most common structural systems in many countries. It has been widely recognized that the infill wall has significant effects on the seismic performance of RC frame structure. During the Wenchuan earthquake (China 2008), a lot of infilled RC frame structures suffered serious damages due to the detrimental effects brought about by the infill wall rigidly connected to the surrounding frame. In order to solve this problem, flexible connection, introduced by Chinese designers, is recommended by the updated Chinese seismic design code, because of its effect to reduce the unfavorable interaction between infill wall and frame. Although infilled RC frame structure with flexible connection has a lot of advantages, but because of the lack of research, this structure type is seldom used in practical engineering. Therefore, it is of great significance to scientifically investigate and analyze the effects of flexible connection on structure behaviors of infilled RC frame. In this study, a macrofinite element numerical simulation method for infilled RC frame with flexible connection was investigated. Firstly, the effects of connection between infill wall and surrounding frame on in‐plane behaviors of infilled RC frame were discussed. Secondly, based on deeply studying the equivalent diagonal strut models for infilled RC frame with rigid connection, an improved equivalent diagonal strut model for infilled RC frame with flexible connection was proposed. Employed with inversion analysis theory, the parameter in the proposed model was estimated through artificial fish swarm algorithm. Finally, applied with the existing experiment results, a case study was conducted to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed model.
Survey of Anticoagulation Practices with the Impella Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device at High-Volume Centers
Authors: Reed Brent N. , DiDomenico Robert J. , Allender J. Erin , Coons James C. , Cox Jenna F. , Johnson Daniel , Oliphant Carrie S. , Jennings Douglas L.
Published: March 2019

Objectives. To characterize anticoagulation practices with the Impella percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD). Background. Managing anticoagulation in patients being supported by the Impella pVAD is made challenging by several unique features of the device. These include the release of a dextrose-based purge solution containing unfractionated heparin (UFH), the need to concurrently administer systemic anticoagulation with intravenous UFH, and the lack of an alternative strategy in patients with contraindications to UFH. Methods. To characterize anticoagulation practices with the Impella pVAD, we conducted a survey of centers in the United States performing a high volume of Impella cases, which we defined as > 1 per month. Centers were contacted via email or phone and individuals who agreed to participate were provided with a link to complete the survey online. The primary measures of interest were variations in practice across centers and variations from the manufacturer’s recommendations. Results. Practices varied considerably among respondents (65 of 182 centers, or 35.7%) and often diverged from manufacturer recommendations. Approximately half of centers (52.4%) reported using a UFH concentration of 50 units/mL in the purge solution, whereas most of the remaining centers (41.3%) reported using lower concentrations. Strategies for the initiation and adjustment of systemic therapy also varied, as did practices for routinely monitoring for hemolysis. Nearly one-fifth of centers (16.7%) had not developed an alternative strategy for the purge solution in patients with contraindications to UFH. Most centers (58.4%) reported using argatroban or bivalirudin in this scenario, a strategy that diverges from the manufacturer’s recommendations. Conclusions. Given these findings, studies to determine a systematic approach to anticoagulation with the Impella device are warranted.
Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Dromedary Camels and Small Ruminants in Mandera and Wajir Counties of Kenya
Authors: Omani R. N. , Gitao G. C. , Gachohi J. , Gathumbi P. K. , Bwihangane B. A. , Abbey K. , Chemweno V. J.
Published: March 2019

A study was conducted to determine the presence of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in camel population kept together with small ruminants in Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, and Wajir counties of Kenya. This was done in the wake of a disease with unknown etiology “Camel Sudden Death Syndrome” camels in the horn of Africa. Thirty-eight (38) samples, 12, 8, 15, and 3 samples, were collected from Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, and Marsabit, respectively, from 25 camels, 7 goats, and 4 sheep. One camel in Mandera and one goat in Wajir were confirmed positive for PPR virus (PPRV) through reverse Polymerase Chain Reaction. The analysis of sequences revealed closest nucleotide identities of obtained sequences from both goat and camel to the lineage III of PPRV albeit with 60.29% of nucleotide identity. This study establishes that camels in the study area suffer with PPR manifest clinical signs that are mainly characterized by inappetence, loss of body condition, and general weakness terminally leading to diarrhea, conjunctivitis, and ocular nasal discharges preceding death. These clinical signs are similar to those observed in small ruminants with slight variations of manifestations such as keratoconjunctivitis as well as edema of the ventral surface of the abdomen. This shows that camels could be involved in the epidemiology of PPR in the region and that PPRV could be involved in the epidemics of Camel Sudden Death syndrome. There is therefore a need for resources to be dedicated in understanding the role camels play in the epidemiology of PPR and the role of the disease in Camels Sudden death syndrome.
Thickness Induced Line-Defect Reconfigurations in Thin Nematic Cell
Authors: Ambrožič M. , Kralj S.
Published: March 2019

We studied the impact of the cell thickness on configurations of line disclinations within a plane-parallel nematic cell. The Lebwohl-Lasher semimicroscopic approach was used and (meta)stable nematic configurations were calculated using Brownian molecular dynamics. Defect patterns were enforced topologically via boundary conditions. We imposed periodic circular nematic surface fields at each confining surface. The resulting structures exhibit line defects which either connect the facing plates or remain confined within the layers near confining plates. The first structure is stable in relatively thin cells and the latter one in thick cells. We focused on structures at the threshold regime where both structures compete. We demonstrated that “history” of samples could have strong impact on resulting nematic configurations.
Different Contributions of Dyslipidemia and Obesity to the Natural History of Type 2 Diabetes: 3-Year Cohort Study in China
Authors: Liu Lu , Guan Xiaoling , Yuan Zhongshang , Zhao Meng , Li Qiu , Zhang Xu , Zhang Haiqing , Zheng Dongmei , Xu Jin , Gao Ling , Guan Qingbo , Zhao Jiajun , the REACTION Study Group
Published: March 2019

Aim. It is known that different stages of type 2 diabetes represent distinct pathophysiological changes, but how the spectrum of risk factors varies at different stages is not yet clarified. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of different metabolic variables on the natural history of type 2 diabetes. Methods. A total of 5,213 nondiabetic (normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and prediabetes) Chinese older than 40 years participated this prospective cohort study, and 4,577 completed the 3-year follow-up. Glycemic status was determined by standard oral glucose tolerance test both at enrollment and follow-up visit. Predictors for conversion in glycemic status were studied in a corresponding subcohort using the multiple logistic regression analysis. Results. The incidence of prediabetes and diabetes of the cohort was 93.6 and 42.2 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. After a 3-year follow-up, 33.1% of prediabetes patients regressed to NGT. The predictive weight of body mass index (BMI), serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure in different paths of conversions among diabetes, prediabetes, and NGT differed. Specifically, BMI was the strongest predictor for regression from prediabetes to NGT, while triglyceride was most prominent for onset of diabetes. One SD increase in serum triglyceride was associated with a 1.29- (95% CI 1.10–1.52; P=0.002) or 1.12- (95% CI 1.01–1.27; P=0.039) fold higher risk of diabetes for individuals with NGT or prediabetes, respectively. Conclusion. Risk factors for different stages of diabetes differed, suggesting personalized preventive strategies for individuals with different basal glycemic statuses.
A Methodology for Assessing the Favourability of Geopressured-Geothermal Systems in Sedimentary Basin Plays: A Case Study in Abruzzo (Italy)
Authors: Santilano Alessandro , Trumpy Eugenio , Gola Gianluca , Donato Assunta , Scrocca Davide , Ferrarini Federica , Brozzetti Francesco , de Nardis Rita , Lavecchia Giusy , Manzella Adele
Published: March 2019

We exploit the concept of the geothermal favourability, widely used for hydrothermal and EGS systems, to present an innovative methodology for assessing geopressured-geothermal resources occurring in terrigenous units in sedimentary basin plays. Geopressured-geothermal systems are an unconventional resource for power trigeneration exploiting three forms of energy from hydrocarbons, hydrothermal fluids, and well-head overpressure. This paper is intended to be a practical analytical framework for the systematic integration of the relevant data required to assess geopressured-geothermal resources. For this purpose, innovative parameters were also implemented in the methodology. The final result is the favourability map for identifying prospective areas to be further investigated for the appraisal of the geopressured-geothermal potential. We applied our methodology to the foredeep-foreland domains of the Apennines thrust belt in the Abruzzo region (central Italy). We analysed hundreds of deep hydrocarbon wells in order to create 3D geological and thermo-fluid dynamic models at a regional scale as well as to obtain information on the pressure regimes and on the chemistry of the system. The final favourability map for the Abruzzo case study is a first attempt at ranking these kinds of unconventional geothermal resources in a region that has been historically explored and exploited mostly for hydrocarbons.
Effects of Local Ischemic Compression on Upper Limb Latent Myofascial Trigger Points: A Study of Subjective Pain and Linear Motor Performance
Authors: Esparza Danilo , Aladro-Gonzalvo Arian R. , Rybarczyk Yves
Published: March 2019

Objective. To analyse the effect of the manual ischemic compression (IC) on the upper limb motor performance (MP) in patients with LTrPs. Materials and Methods. A quasiexperimental study was performed in twenty subjects allocated to either patients group with LTrPs (PG, n=10) or healthy group with no symptoms (HG, n=10). Subjective pain and linear MP (movement time and Fitts’ Law) were assessed before and after a linear tapping task. Data were analysed with mixed factorial ANOVA for intergroup linear motor performance differences and dependent t-student test for intragroup pain differences. Results. PG had a linear MP lower than the HG before treatment (p < 0.05). After IC, the PG showed a significant decrease of pain (4.07 ± 1.91 p < 0.001). Furthermore, the movement time (15.70 ± 2.05 p < 0.001) and the Fitts’ Law coefficient (0.80 ± 0.53 p < 0.001) were significantly reduced. However, one IC session did not allow the PG to get the same MP than the HG (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The results suggest the IC effectiveness on pain and MP impairment in subjects with LTrPs. However, the MP of these patients is only partially improved after the IC application.