bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized controlled clinical trial on the effect of oral immunoglobulin supplementation on neonatal dairy calves with diarrhea
Authors: Chung James J. , Rayburn Maire C. , Chigerwe Munashe
Published: May 2019

Background

Nonantibiotic alternatives providing local gut immunity have been recommended for managing calf diarrhea.

Animals

One hundred and two calves with diarrhea.

Hypothesis

Oral supplementation with immunoglobulins in calves with diarrhea will reduce time to resolution of diarrhea, number of treatment events, and mortality rate.

Methods

Randomized controlled trial. Calves were assigned into 1 of 3 groups. The treatment group was supplemented with 20 g of immunoglobulins in milk twice daily for 14 days. The placebo group was supplemented with 20 g of a product with similar nutritional value as the treatment group, but without immunoglobulins, in milk, twice daily for 14 days. The control group received no supplements. Medical treatments, time to resolution of diarrhea, and case fatality rates were compared.

Results

There was no difference in the proportion of treatment events (treatment, 79% versus placebo, 77% versus control, 71%) among groups (P = .69). The median time to resolution of diarrhea was not different between the treatment (10.5 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7, 13) and control (8 days; 95% CI, 5, 10) groups (P = .08) or between the placebo (6.5 days; 95% CI, 3, 9) and control groups (P = .89). Median time to resolution was shorter (P = .008) in the placebo compared to the treatment group (6.5 versus 10.5 days). Case fatality rates among groups (treatment, 12% versus placebo, 3% versus control, 3%) were not different (P = .36).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Expected benefits of conferring local gut immunity by immunoglobulin supplementation in calves with diarrhea were not evident.
Exploring the effects of pasture trees on plant community patterns
Authors: Jakobsson Simon , Plue Jan , Cousins Sara A. O. , Lindborg Regina
Published: May 2019

Questions

We aim to answer three questions: (a) what are the effects of canopy shading of different tree species on seed germination of eight understorey grassland species? (b) how is plant species’ occurrence in understorey communities affected by differences in canopy cover and does that depend on tree species composition? and (c) are there mechanistic links between the effects of trees on species’ germination and their occurrence in the understorey plant community?

Location

Semi‐natural wooded pastures in the biosphere reserve Östra Vätterbranterna, southern Sweden.

Methods

In this study, we examined the germination of eight grassland plant species in a seed sowing experiment under natural conditions in the field. Seeds were sown beneath and outside the canopy of two tree species within 48 plots split up by four wooded pasture sites. We combined observed germination responses with a plant community survey to assess the effects of canopy cover in relation to tree species composition on plant community responses. We analysed these data in relation to species’ seed mass and vegetative shade tolerance.

Results

Shade‐tolerant species germinated better beneath compared to outside tree canopies, without any clear advantage of large‐seeded over small‐seeded species. As expected, species’ shade tolerance was also positively related to canopy cover within the understorey plant community. Importantly, we found strong tree species‐specific effects of canopy shading on the species’ germination response, but not on their presence within the plant community. However, optimal canopy cover conditions for germination and for the mature plants differed across grassland species and depended on tree species.

Conclusions

Our results show that different tree species play key ecosystem engineering roles in shaping wooded grassland plant community composition at the germination stage. Management practices favouring specific tree species may therefore be highly relevant for targeted biodiversity conservation of wooded semi‐natural grasslands.
Into the Machine: Economic Tools, Sovereignty, and Joy in a Global Health Institution
Authors: Walker Alexis
Published: May 2019

Since the early 1990s, the World Bank and Inter‐American Development Bank have led efforts advocating the use of economic tools in setting priorities for health spending in poor countries. But while these powerful global health institutions present economic management as the key to improving health, they often fail to implement even their own policies requiring the use of economic tools for health project planning. In these institutions, economic tools operate beyond application for decision‐making, becoming simultaneously a site of tensions regarding sovereignty and sites of enjoyment for economists at development bank headquarters. This article traces the ways that economic tools are both deployed and left aside across development bank networks, and in the process are productive of both affect and power. Attention to frictions in the use of economic tools ought to help motivate more just global health governance, taking into account political considerations that are built into expert practice.
Influence of genetic drift on patterns of genetic variation: The footprint of aquaculture practices in Sparus aurata (Teleostei: Sparidae)
Authors: Cossu Piero , Scarpa Fabio , Sanna Daria , Lai Tiziana , Dedola Gian Luca , Curini‐Galletti Marco , Mura Laura , Fois Nicola , Casu Marco
Published: May 2019

Aquaculture finfish production based on floating cage technology has raised increasing concerns regarding the genetic integrity of natural populations. Accidental mass escapes can induce the loss of genetic diversity in wild populations by increasing genetic drift and inbreeding. Farm escapes probably represent an important issue in the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), which accounted for 76.4% of total escapees recorded in Europe during a 3‐year survey. Here, we investigated patterns of genetic variation in farmed and wild populations of gilthead sea bream from the Western Mediterranean, a region of long gilthead sea bream farming. We focused on the role that genetic drift may play in shaping these patterns. Results based on microsatellite markers matched those observed in previous studies. Farmed populations showed lower levels of genetic diversity than wild populations and were genetically divergent from their wild counterparts. Overall, farmed populations showed the smallest effective population size and increased levels of relatedness compared to wild populations. The small broodstock size coupled with breeding practices that may favour the variance in individual reproductive success probably boosted genetic drift. This factor appeared to be a major driver of the genetic patterns observed in the gilthead sea bream populations analysed in the present study. These results further stress the importance of recommendations aimed at maintaining broodstock sizes as large as possible and equal sex‐ratios among breeders, as well as avoiding unequal contributions among parents.
p.N345K mutation in TARDBP in a patient with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: An autopsy case
Authors: Takeda Takahiro , Iijima Mutsumi , Shimizu Yuko , Yoshizawa Hiroshi , Miyashiro Mayu , Onizuka Hiromi , Yamamoto Tomoko , Nishiyama Ayumi , Suzuki Naoki , Aoki Masashi , Shibata Noriyuki , Kitagawa Kazuo
Published: May 2019

We report the neuropathology of a patient with a family history of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and a p.N345K mutation in the transactivation response DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa (TDP‐43) gene (TARDBP). A 62‐year‐old man had bulbar palsy with progressive weakness in the extremities. Neurological examination revealed evident upper motor neuron signs and lower motor neuron involvement corroborated by needle electromyography. The patient was diagnosed as having probable ALS according to the revised El Escorial diagnostic criteria and was eventually diagnosed with familial ALS. At 65 years of age, respiratory failure became critical, and artificial ventilation was initiated. At 70 years of age, the patient died from a urinary tract infection. Histopathological investigation showed Bunina bodies in the remaining motor neurons and anterolateral funicular myelin pallor in the spinal cord. TDP‐43‐positive cytoplasmic inclusions were quite rare in the spinal cord motor neurons, being predominantly present in the glial cells (especially astrocytes) of the spinal cord anterior horn. Although the reason for the preferential vulnerability of spinal glial cells to TARDBP mutations remains unclear, our findings indicate that TARDBP p.N345K mutation could have an influence on the topography of TDP‐43 aggregation.
Genetic modification to improve disease resistance in crops
Authors: van Esse H. Peter , Reuber T. Lynne , van der Does Dieuwertje
Published: May 2019

Plant pathogens are a significant challenge in agriculture despite our best efforts to combat them. One of the most effective and sustainable ways to manage plant pathogens is to use genetic modification (GM) and genome editing, expanding the breeder's toolkit. For use in the field, these solutions must be efficacious, with no negative effect on plant agronomy, and deployed thoughtfully. They must also not introduce a potential allergen or toxin. Expensive regulation of biotech crops is prohibitive for local solutions. With 11–30% average global yield losses and greater local impacts, tackling plant pathogens is an ethical imperative. We need to increase world food production by at least 60% using the same amount of land, by 2050. The time to act is now and we cannot afford to ignore the new solutions that GM provides to manage plant pathogens.
Replacing iron‐folic acid with multiple micronutrient supplements among pregnant women in Bangladesh and Burkina Faso: costs, impacts, and cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Engle‐Stone Reina , Kumordzie Sika M. , Meinzen‐Dick Laura , Vosti Stephen A.
Published: May 2019

Consumption of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) during pregnancy offers additional benefits compared with iron‐folic acid (IFA) supplementation, but the tablets are more expensive. We estimated the effects, costs, and cost‐effectiveness of hypothetically replacing IFA supplements with MMS for 1 year in Bangladesh and Burkina Faso. Using baseline demographic characteristics from LiST and effect sizes from a meta‐analysis, we estimated the marginal effects of replacing IFA with MMS on mortality, adverse birth outcomes, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) averted. We calculated the marginal tablet costs of completely replacing MMS with IFA (assuming 180 tablets per covered pregnancy). Replacing IFA with MMS could avert over 15,000 deaths and 30,000 cases of preterm birth annually in Bangladesh and over 5000 deaths and 5000 cases of preterm birth in Burkina Faso, assuming 100% coverage and adherence. We estimated the cost per death averted to be US$175–185 in Bangladesh and $112–125 in Burkina Faso. Cost per DALY averted ranged from $3 to $15, depending on the country and consideration of subgroup effects. Our estimates suggest that this policy change would cost‐effectively save lives and reduce life‐long disabilities. Improvements in program delivery and supplement adherence would be expected to improve the cost‐effectiveness of replacing IFA with MMS.
Close relationships and health: The interactive effect of positive and negative aspects
Authors: Ross Kharah M. , Rook Karen , Winczewski Lauren , Collins Nancy , Dunkel Schetter Christine
Published: May 2019

Most health research focuses on the independent associations of positive or negative aspects of close relationships with health outcomes. A small but growing literature has begun to examine interactive effects of positive and negative aspects. These interactive effects frequently predict health independently or above‐and‐beyond main effects of either the positive or the negative aspects, suggesting unique relationship processes or emergent features of these close relationship patterns. Our goal in this review is to lay out the existing approaches to studying the interactive effects of positive and negative aspects of close relationships and to review available evidence linking these interactive effects to health outcomes. We conclude by discussing important unresolved issues and highlighting critical directions for future research.
On Matrix‐Clause Intervention in Accusative‐and‐Infinitive Constructions
Authors: Neeleman Ad , Payne Amanda
Published: May 2019

One of the strongest arguments for a raising‐to‐object analysis of English accusative‐and‐infinitive constructions comes from the fact that adverbials and particles belonging to the matrix clause can intervene between the embedded subject and the embedded predicate. We reevaluate this argument in the light of a neglected alternative analysis, namely that matrix‐clause intervention is the result of extraposition of the embedded predicate. We show that this analysis gives a better account of matrix‐clause intervention than raising to object. Our arguments are based on the scopal properties of the embedded subject and on the order among multiple intervening elements. We also consider various mixed analyses that feature both raising to object and extraposition. These turn out to be conceptually awkward and empirically flawed.
The time course of emotion recognition in speech and music
Authors: Nordström Henrik , Laukka Petri
Published: May 2019

The auditory gating paradigm was adopted to study how much acoustic information is needed to recognize emotions from speech prosody and music performances. In Study 1, brief utterances conveying ten emotions were segmented into temporally fine-grained gates and presented to listeners, whereas Study 2 instead used musically expressed emotions. Emotion recognition accuracy increased with increasing gate duration and generally stabilized after a certain duration, with different trajectories for different emotions. Above-chance accuracy was observed for ≤100 ms stimuli for anger, happiness, neutral, and sadness, and for ≤250 ms stimuli for most other emotions, for both speech and music. This suggests that emotion recognition is a fast process that allows discrimination of several emotions based on low-level physical characteristics. The emotion identification points, which reflect the amount of information required for stable recognition, were shortest for anger and happiness for both speech and music, but recognition took longer to stabilize for music vs speech. This, in turn, suggests that acoustic cues that develop over time also play a role for emotion inferences (especially for music). Finally, acoustic cue patterns were positively correlated between speech and music, suggesting a shared acoustic code for expressing emotions.
SOCE, mitochondria, and inflammation
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: May 2019

Store-operated calcium entry regulates mitochondrial function to support pathogenic T
H
17 cells and promote inflammation.
Host-Pathogen Interactions in Gram-Positive Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Grousd Jennifer A. , Rich Helen E. , Alcorn John F.
Published: May 2019

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite broad literature including basic and translational scientific studies, many gaps in our understanding of host-pathogen interactions remain.
Transition of Bacterial Diversity and Composition in Tongue Microbiota during the First Two Years of Life
Authors: Kageyama Shinya , Asakawa Mikari , Takeshita Toru , Ihara Yukari , Kanno Shunsuke , Hara Toshiro , Takahashi Ichiro , Yamashita Yoshihisa
Published: May 2019

Evaluating the development of oral microbiota during infancy is important for understanding the subsequent colonization of bacterial species and the process of formation of mature microbiota in the oral cavity. We examined tongue microbiota longitudinally collected from 8 infants and found that drastic compositional shifts in tongue microbiota occur before the age of 1 year, and then bacterial diversity and overall bacterial composition reach levels comparable to those in adults by the age of 2 years. These results may be helpful for preventing the development of various diseases associated with oral microbiota throughout life.
Agent-Based Modeling Demonstrates How Local Chemotactic Behavior Can Shape Biofilm Architecture
Authors: Sweeney Emily G. , Nishida Andrew , Weston Alexandra , Bañuelos Maria S. , Potter Kristin , Conery John , Guillemin Karen
Published: May 2019

Most bacteria exist in aggregated, three-dimensional structures called biofilms. Although biofilms play important ecological roles in natural and engineered settings, they can also pose societal problems, for example, when they grow in plumbing systems or on medical implants. Understanding the processes that promote the growth and disassembly of biofilms could lead to better strategies to manage these structures. We had previously shown that
Helicobacter pylori
bacteria are repulsed by high concentrations of a self-produced molecule, AI-2, and that
H. pylori
mutants deficient in AI-2 sensing form larger and more homogeneously spaced biofilms. Here, we used computer simulations of biofilm formation to show that local
H. pylori
behavior of repulsion from high AI-2 could explain the overall architecture of
H. pylori
biofilms. Our findings demonstrate that it is possible to change global biofilm organization by manipulating local cell behaviors, which suggests that simple strategies targeting cells at local scales could be useful for controlling biofilms in industrial and medical settings.
Models of care for chronic conditions in low/middle-income countries: a ‘best fit’ framework synthesis
Authors: Lall Dorothy , Engel Nora , Devadasan Narayanan , Horstman Klasien , Criel Bart
Published: May 2019

Management of chronic conditions is a challenge for healthcare delivery systems world over and especially for low/middle-income countries (LMIC). Redesigning primary care to deliver quality care for chronic conditions is a need of the hour. However, much of the literature is from the experience of high-income countries. We conducted a synthesis of qualitative findings regarding care for chronic conditions at primary care facilities in LMICs. The themes identified were used to adapt the existing chronic care model (CCM) for application in an LMIC using the ‘best fit’ framework synthesis methodology. Primary qualitative research studies were systematically searched and coded using themes of the CCM. The results that could not be coded were thematically analysed to generate themes to enrich the model. Search strategy keywords were: primary health care, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, chronic disease, developing countries, low, middle-income countries and LMIC country names as classified by the World Bank. The search yielded 404 articles, 338 were excluded after reviewing abstracts. Further, 42 articles were excluded based on criteria. Twenty-four studies were included for analysis. All themes of the CCM, identified a priori, were represented in primary studies. Four additional themes for the model were identified: a focus on the quality of communication between health professionals and patients, availability of essential medicines, diagnostics and trained personnel at decentralised levels of healthcare, and mechanisms for coordination between healthcare providers. We recommend including these in the CCM to make it relevant for application in an LMIC.
Size, composition and distribution of human resource for health in India: new estimates using National Sample Survey and Registry data
Authors: Karan Anup , Negandhi Himanshu , Nair Rajesh , Sharma Anjali , Tiwari Ritika , Zodpey Sanjay
Published: May 2019

Objectives

We provide new estimates on size, composition and distribution of human resource for health in India and compare with the health workers population ratio as recommended by the WHO. We also estimate size of non-health workers engaged in health sector and the size of technically qualified health professionals who are not a part of the health workforce.

Design

Nationally representative cross-section household survey and review of published documents by the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence.

Setting

National.

Participants

Head of household/key informant in a sample of 101 724 households.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the number and density of health workers,and the secondary outcome was the percentage of health workers who are technically qualified and the percentage of individuals technically qualified and not in workforce.

Results

The total size of health workforce estimated from the National Sample Survey (NSS) data is 3.8 million as of January 2016, which is about 1.2 million less than the total number of health professionals registered with different councils and associations. The density of doctors and nurses and midwives per 10 000 population is 20.6 according to the NSS and 26.7 based on the registry data. Health workforce density in rural India and states in eastern India is lower than the WHO minimum threshold of 22.8 per 10 000 population. More than 80% of doctors and 70% of nurses and midwives are employed in the private sector. Approximately 25% of the currently working health professionals do not have the required qualifications as laid down by professional councils, while 20% of adequately qualified doctors are not in the current workforce.

Conclusions

Distribution and qualification of health professionals are serious problems in India when compared with the overall size of the health workers. Policy should focus on enhancing the quality of health workers and mainstreaming professionally qualified persons into the health workforce.
Treatment of military cases of cerebrospinal fever during WWI: the concerted efforts of the RAMC, MRC and Lister Institute to make serum therapy work
Authors: Wawrzynczak Edward J
Published: May 2019

Cerebrospinal fever was rare in the British Army prior to World War I. An outbreak of the disease on Salisbury Plain in late 1914 posed new challenges. The War Office established the Central Cerebrospinal Fever Laboratory at the Royal Army Medical (RAM) College early in 1915 to conduct research, develop diagnostic tests and coordinate the military response. The Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) set up dedicated cerebrospinal wards for the hospitalisation and treatment of patients. The new Medical Research Committee (MRC) supported bacteriological studies of epidemic strains of the meningococcus responsible for the outbreak. The Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine, an independent research institution, acted as a key supplier of antimeningococcus serum. The mortality of military patients during 1915 was poor because the testing infrastructure was still developing, the RAMC had limited experience of treating cases, and the therapeutic serums available at the time seemed ineffective. The survival rate of home troops improved during the war—through the concerted efforts of the RAMC, MRC and Lister Institute—due to timely diagnosis, and early, intensive and prolonged treatment with improved serums. The Official History of the War highlights subsequent trials undertaken with strain-specific MRC serums in late 1918 and 1919 but fails to acknowledge that in late 1917/early 1918 the Lister Institute supplied the RAM College with large quantities of an efficacious multivalent serum and corresponding monovalent serums that were not included in a formal trial.
Parental occupational exposure to benzene and the risk of childhood and adolescent acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a population-based study
Authors: Heck Julia E , He Di , Contreras Zuelma Arellano , Ritz Beate , Olsen Jørn , Hansen Johnni
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Only a small number of studies have reported on the association of parental occupational exposure to benzene and risk of childhood and adolescent leukaemias. We examined associations with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in this population-based study in Denmark.

Methods

Benzene was largely banned from Danish workplaces after 1975, thus this case-control study focused on the immediately prior years. Paediatric cancer cases (<age 20) were ascertained from the Danish Cancer Registry among children born 1968–1974, and controls were selected from population records. Paternal occupation within the 3 months preconception and maternal pregnancy occupation were identified from nationwide pension fund records. Blinded, we assigned benzene exposure using a job-exposure matrix that had been developed for the Danish population. Risk for ALL was estimated using conditional logistic regression. In an exploratory analysis, we also examined other cancers with at least five case parents exposed.

Results

We identified 217 employed case fathers and 169 employed case mothers, of which 22 (10.1%) and 11 (6.5%), respectively, were exposed to benzene (vs 6.7% and 2.9% of control fathers and mothers). Most exposed parents worked as machine or engine mechanics, or in the shoe industry. Maternal occupational exposure to benzene in pregnancy was related to increased risk of ALL in offspring (adjusted OR=2.28, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.41), while paternal preconceptional benzene exposure was not as strongly associated (adjusted OR=1.40, 95% CI 0.88 to 2.22).

Conclusions

Our study supports an increased risk for ALL with parental occupational benzene exposure.
Paradoxical arthritis occurring during anti-TNF in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: histological and immunological features of a complex synovitis
Authors: Alivernini Stefano , Pugliese Daniela , Tolusso Barbara , Bui Laura , Petricca Luca , Guidi Luisa , Mirone Luisa , Rapaccini Gian Ludovico , Federico Francesco , Ferraccioli Gianfranco , Armuzzi Alessandro , Gremese Elisa
Published: May 2019

Objective

Paradoxical arthritis under tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNF-i) for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been described. This study aims to evaluate the histological features of paired synovial tissue (ST) and colonic mucosa (CM) tissue in patients with IBD developing paradoxical arthritis under TNF-i.

Methods

Patients with IBD without history of coexisting joint involvement who developed arthritis under TNF-i were enrolled. Each patient underwent ST biopsy and ileocolonoscopy with CM biopsies. ST and CM paired samples were stained through immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD68, CD21, CD20, CD3 and CD117. Clinical and immunological parameters (anticitrullinated peptides antibodies (ACPA)-immunoglobulin (Ig)M/IgA rheumatoid factor (RF)) were collected. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ACPA/IgM-RF/IgA-RF negative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were enrolled as comparison.

Results

10 patients with IBD (age 46.0±9.7 years, 13.2±9.9 years of disease duration, 2.5±1.6 years of TNF-i exposure, six with Crohn’s disease and four with ulcerative colitis, respectively) were studied. At ST level, IHC revealed that patients with IBD with paradoxical arthritis showed more similar histological findings in terms of synovial CD68+, CD21+, CD20+, CD3+and CD117+cells compared with PsA than ACPA/IgM-RF/IgA-RF negative RA. Analysing the CM specimens, patients with IBD showed the presence of CD68+, CD3+, CD117+and CD20+cells in 100%, 70%, 60% and 50% of cases, respectively, despite endoscopic remission. Finally, addition of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and switch to ustekinumab were more effective than swapping into different TNF-i in patients with IBD with paradoxical arthritis.

Conclusion

Patients with IBD may develop histologically proven synovitis during TNF-i, comparable to PsA. The inhibition of inflammatory pathways alternative to TNF (IL12/1L23) may be an effective therapeutic option for severe paradoxical articular manifestations.
Reply to the comment by Bailey et al. on “Long-term decline of sugar maple following forest harvest, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire”
Authors: Battles John J. , Cleavitt Natalie L. , Johnson Chris E. , Fahey Timothy J.
Published: May 2019

Sugar maple decline in eastern North America is caused by a complex combination of factors, with soil nutrition being one of several important determinants. Given the complexity of sugar maple population dynamics and the geographic extent of the species, we support Bailey et al.’s (2019, Can. J. For. Res. 49(7), doi: 10.1139/cjfr-2018-0207 ) argument to interpret results from Cleavitt et al. (2018, Can. J. For. Res. 48(1): 23–31, doi: 10.1139/cjfr-2017-0233 ) with due caution. The experiment at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest represents an atypical application of contemporary forest practice in the White Mountain National Forest; however, some comments in Bailey et al. (2019) missed the point; others inaccurately characterized our paper. Cleavitt et al.’s (2018) 30-year record of vegetation recovery following whole-tree harvest documented a worrisome inability of a sugar maple population that successfully established after harvest to maintain its position in the understory. This lack of persistence on base-poor soils such as those in the mid and upper elevations of Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest suggests that the successful recruitment of sugar maple is not guaranteed.
Use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and photogrammetric image analysis to quantify spatial proximity in beef cattle
Authors: Mufford Justin T. , Hill David J. , Flood Nancy J. , Church John S.
Published: May 2019

Spatial proximity is an important metric in cattle behaviour, which is used to study social structure, dyadic relationships, as well as grazing and maternal behaviours. We developed an efficient, novel, non-invasive method to quantify the spatial proximity of beef cattle by using UAV-based image acquisition and photogrammetric analysis. Orthomosaics constructed by images obtained from UAVs were used to measure, with an accuracy of ±1.96 m (95% likelihood), the inter-individual distances between cows and calves. Aerial videos of the calves and their dams, held in a 5 ha pasture, were made over four days using UAVs. We used two UAVs to video-capture the following: (i) the location of all individuals (UAV flown at 100 m) and (ii) the identity of cow–calf pairs (UAV flown at 15–30 m). Still-images extracted from the UAV-acquired video screenshots were used to produce orthomosaics. The orthomosaics captured all the cows and calves in a single image, from which we measured the distance between related and non-related cow–calf pairs. This UAV-based orthomosaic method clearly showed that members of related pairs were closer than non-related ones, and that the distance was greater in the evening, demonstrating the utility of UAVs to accurately measure cattle spatial proximity.
Electroweak physics at CEPC
Authors: Liang Zhijun
Published: May 2019

The Circular Electron–Positron Collider (CEPC) project aims to build a Circular Electron–Positron Collider capable of precision physics measurements at center-of-mass energies ranging from 90 GeV to 240 GeV. The CEPC will have a total circumference of at least one hundred kilometers and at least two interaction points. In its 10 years operation at 240 GeV, it will collect more than one million Higgs events. CEPC will also run at the [Formula: see text] pole for two years, producing more than 300 billion [Formula: see text] bosons in two years. It will also collect data around the [Formula: see text] threshold for one year, in order to perform the [Formula: see text] boson mass measurement with high precision. These datasets will boost the precision of electroweak measurements by orders of magnitude. An overview is presented of the potential of CEPC to advance precision studies of electroweak physics with an emphasis on the opportunities in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] physics.
Probing new physics effects in the precision measurement of the di-boson at the LHC
Authors: Liu Da , Wang Lian-Tao
Published: May 2019

We have summarized the results about the precision measurements with the di-boson processes [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] at the HL-LHC by using the effective field theory approach. We have focused on the semi-leptonically decaying channels and make projections on the reach on the mass scale for different new physics scenarios.
An Efficient Decision-Making Approach for the Planning of Diagnostic Services in a Segmented Healthcare System
Authors: Mendoza-Gómez Rodolfo , Ríos-Mercado Roger Z. , Valenzuela-Ocaña Karla B.
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we address a decision-making problem related to the requirement of costly equipment by medical diagnostic services in a segmented public healthcare system comprising several institutions and private providers. The problem is motivated by a real-world case of the Mexican healthcare system. The aim of this study is to determine which hospitals can provide the service, their capacity levels, the allocation of demand in each institution, and the referral of patients to other institutions or private providers while minimizing annual investment costs and operating costs required to satisfy demand. A mixed-integer linear programming model that takes into account different characteristics such as patient acuity levels, types of equipment, and demand variation through time is introduced. The model was empirically assessed to evaluate its impact on the decision-making process. A sensitivity analysis to evaluate solution behavior for variations of critical parameters was performed. The results showed that some values could generate a significant effect on the total costs for the service coverage and in the efficiency of the service, whereas overall results indicated the usefulness of the model. While this model is valuable to aid this decision-making problem, it is limited to medium-size instances of up to 90 facilities. To solve the problems with larger instances, a two-phase heuristic algorithm is proposed. In the first phase, the method uses a greedy construction mechanism, and in the second phase, it attempts to improve the solution. Empirical evidence on large instances shows that good solutions with low computing times are reached in comparison with the exact method.
A necessary condition ensuring the strong hyperbolicity of first-order systems
Authors: Abalos Fernando
Published: May 2019

We study strong hyperbolicity of first-order partial differential equations for systems with differential constraints. In these cases, the number of equations is larger than the unknown fields, therefore, the standard Kreiss necessary and sufficient conditions of strong hyperbolicity do not directly apply. To deal with this problem, one introduces a new tensor, called a reduction, which selects a subset of equations with the aim of using them as evolution equations for the unknown. If that tensor leads to a strongly hyperbolic system we call it a hyperbolizer. There might exist many of them or none. A question arises on whether a given system admits any hyperbolization at all. To sort-out this issue, we look for a condition on the system, such that, if it is satisfied, there is no hyperbolic reduction. To that purpose we look at the singular value decomposition of the whole system and study certain one parameter families ([Formula: see text]) of perturbations of the principal symbol. We look for the perturbed singular values around the vanishing ones and show that if they behave as [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text], then there does not exist any hyperbolizer. In addition, we further notice that the validity or failure of this condition can be established in a simple and invariant way. Finally, we apply the theory to examples in physics, such as Force-Free Electrodynamics in Euler potentials form and charged fluids with finite conductivity. We find that they do not admit any hyperbolization.
Novel oxidation state — zinc(III) in chelate with 3,7,11,15-tetraazaporphine and one fluorine ligand: Quantum-chemical modeling
Authors: Mikhailov Oleg V. , Chachkov Denis V.
Published: May 2019

Based on the results of a quantum chemical calculation using the DFT method, the possibility of the existence of a zinc heteroligand complex with 3,7,11,15-tetraazaporphine and fluoride ion with an oxidation state of Zn(III), unusual for the given element, is shown. Data on the structural parameters and multiplicity of the ground state of this complex are also presented.
Mid- to late Permian microfloristic evidence in the metamorphic successions of the Northern Apennines: insights for age-constraining and palaeogeographical correlations
Authors: Spina Amalia , Capezzuoli Enrico , Brogi Andrea , Cirilli Simonetta , Liotta Domenico
Published: May 2019

Recent studies on the stratigraphy of Paleozoic successions belonging to key sectors of the inner Northern Apennines provide data that can be used to propose new hypotheses about the palaeogeography of the western Mediterranean domain during post-Hercynian times. We report here the first evidence of mid- to late Permian (Guadalupian–Lopingian) palynomorphs in the chronostratigraphically highly debated metamorphic units of the Northern Apennines (the Rio Marina Formation, the Mt Calamita Formation and the Le Cetine Formation) and consider the stratigraphic implications for the Tuscan ‘basement’ to which the study rocks belong and their palaeogeographical attribution considering their Gondwana affinity. These results agree with the interpretation that the Alpine Tethyan sedimentary cycle was already active during the mid- to late Permian.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the ‘Apennines and Tyrrhenian system’ collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/the-apennines-tyrrhenian-system
Barriers to Ensuring Access to Affordable Prescription Drugs
Authors: Mello Michelle M.
Published: May 2019

High and rising prescription drug costs have become a preoccupying policy problem in the United States. Notwithstanding broad, bipartisan interest in finding effective policy solutions, several aspects of the drug affordability problem make it an uncommonly difficult one to solve. This article reviews the moral, market, and political factors contributing to the difficulty. Among the moral problems is lack of agreement about how to weigh the fundamental tradeoff involved in regulating drug prices—affordability versus incentives for innovation—and about what constitutes a fair price. Market-related factors include the lack of price transparency and a myriad of perverse incentives in the system through which prescription drugs are supplied to patients. Finally, current policy choices are constrained by past political compromises, and an atmosphere of scandal focusing on egregious instances of price gouging has made rational deliberation about fixes to deeper problems in the system difficult.
Ascertaining the Trajectory of Wood-Based Bioenergy Development in the United States Based on Current Economic, Social, and Environmental Constructs
Authors: Masum Md Farhad H. , Sahoo Kamalakanta , Dwivedi Puneet
Published: May 2019

Wood-based bioenergy development could play a vital role in attaining energy independence, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring rural prosperity in the United States. An understanding of policies supporting wood-based bioenergy development coupled with the current status of production of various wood-based bioenergy products would better the prospects of wood-based bioenergy development in the United States. An understanding of the economic feasibility, social acceptability, and environmental externalities would contribute to effective policy prescriptions for establishing the US bioeconomy. Based on a comprehensive review of existing studies, we show that the heat and electricity derived from woody feedstocks that would prevail in the future as a commercial-level conversion technology for wood-based ethanol production are still under development. Society in general is positive about the use of woody feedstocks for bioenergy development. The production cost of wood-based ethanol and electricity generation has not reduced over time, indicating a need for targeted policy support focusing on sharing the production cost of wood-based bioenergy products. Wood-based bioenergy development could meet the need for sustainable energy production without affecting existing roundwood markets with the advent of advanced silvicultural treatments and efficient biotechnologies.
An Algorithm for Solving a Class of Multiplayer Feedback‐Nash Differential Games
Authors: Herrera de la Cruz Jorge , Ivorra Benjamin , Ramos Ángel M.
Published: May 2019

In this work, we introduce a novel numerical algorithm, called RaBVItG (Radial Basis Value Iteration Game) to approximate feedback‐Nash equilibria for deterministic differential games. More precisely, RaBVItG is an algorithm based on value iteration schemes in a meshfree context. It is used to approximate optimal feedback Nash policies for multiplayer, trying to tackle the dimensionality that involves, in general, this type of problems. Moreover, RaBVItG also implements a game iteration structure that computes the game equilibrium at every value iteration step, in order to increase the accuracy of the solutions. Finally, with the purpose of validating our method, we apply this algorithm to a set of benchmark problems and compare the obtained results with the ones returned by another algorithm found in the literature. When comparing the numerical solutions, we observe that our algorithm is less computationally expensive and, in general, reports lower errors.
Finding Optimal Load Dispatch Solutions by Using a Proposed Cuckoo Search Algorithm
Authors: Nguyen Thang Trung , Nguyen Cong-Trang , Van Dai Le , Vu Quynh Nguyen
Published: May 2019

Optimal load dispatch (OLD) is an important engineering problem in power system optimization field due to its significance of reducing the amount of electric generation fuel and increasing benefit. In the paper, an improved cuckoo search algorithm (ICSA) is proposed for determining optimal generation of all available thermal generation units so that all constraints consisting of prohibited power zone (PPZ), real power balance (RPB), power generation limitations (PGL), ramp rate limits (RRL), and real power reserve (RPR) are completely satisfied. The proposed ICSA method performance is more robust than conventional Cuckoo search algorithm (CCSA) by applying new modifications. Compared to CCSA, the proposed ICSA approach can obtain high quality solutions and speed up the solution search ability. The ICSA robustness is verified on different systems with diversification of objective functions as well as the considered constraint set. The results from the proposed ICSA method are compared to other algorithms for comparison. The result comparison analysis indicates that the proposed ICSA approach is more robust than CCSA and other existing optimization approaches in finding solutions with significant quality and shortening simulation time. Consequently, it should lead to a conclusion that the proposed ICSA approach deserves to be applied for finding solutions of OLD problem in power system optimization field.
Normal 3T MR Anatomy of the Prostate Gland and Surrounding Structures
Authors: Sklinda K. , Frączek M. , Mruk B. , Walecki J.
Published: May 2019

Development on new fast MRI scanners resulted in rising number of prostate examinations. High-spatial resolution of MRI examinations performed on 3T scanners allows recognition of very fine anatomical structures previously not demarcated on performed scans. We present current status of MR imaging in the context of recognition of most important anatomical structures.
Cosmological Analysis of Modified Holographic Ricci Dark Energy in Chern-Simons Modified Gravity
Authors: Ali Sarfraz , Amir M. Jamil
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we study the cosmological analysis of the modified holographic Ricci dark energy model and reconstruct different scalar field models in the context of Chern-Simons modified gravity. We investigate the deceleration parameter, which shows that the universe is in the accelerating expansion phase. The equation of state parameter in this case also favors the fact that dark energy is the dominant component of universe, which is responsible for the accelerated expansion. A number of scalar fields, such as quintessence, tachyon, K-essence, and dilaton models, are reconstructed using modified holographic Ricci dark energy model in the context of dynamical CS modified gravity. The quintessence and K-essence models represent exponentially increasing behaviors, while tachyon model shows decreasing behavior. Unfortunately, the dilaton model has no numerical solution for modified holographic Ricci dark energy model in the framework of dynamical Chern-Simons modified gravity.
Serum Tumour Markers in Testicular Germ Cell Tumours: Frequencies of Elevated Levels and Extents of Marker Elevation Are Significantly Associated with Clinical Parameters and with Response to Treatment
Authors: Dieckmann Klaus-Peter , Simonsen-Richter Hanna , Kulejewski Magdalena , Anheuser Petra , Zecha Henrik , Isbarn Hendrik , Pichlmeier Uwe
Published: May 2019

Introduction. Although serum tumor markers beta human chorionic gonadotropin (bHCG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are well-established tools for the management of testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs), there are only few data from contemporary cohorts of primary GCT patients regarding these biomarkers. Our aim was to evaluate marker elevations in testicular GCTs and to document their associations with various clinical characteristics.Patients and Methods. A total of 422 consecutive patients with GCTs were retrospectively analysed regarding serum levels of bHCG, AFP, and LDH during the course of treatment. Additionally, the following characteristics were recorded: histology, age, laterality, clinical stage (CS), pT-stage, and tumour size. Marker elevations were first tabulated in dichotomized way (elevated: yes/no) in various subgroups and second as continuous measured serum values. Descriptive statistical methods were employed to look for differences among subgroups and for associations of elevations with clinical parameters.Results. In all GCT patients, the frequencies of elevated levels of bHCG, AFP, LDH, and bHCG or AFP were 37.9%, 25.6%, 32.9%, and 47.6%; in pure seminomas 28%, 2.8%, 29.1%, and 30.3%; and in nonseminoma 53.0%, 60.1%, 38.7%, and 73.8%. Significant associations were noted with pT-stages >pT1, clinical stages >CS1, tumour size, and younger age. Frequencies of marker elevations dropped significantly after treatment, but LDH levels remained elevated in 30.5%-34.1%. Relapsing patients (n=27) had elevated levels of bHCG, AFP, and LDH in 25.9%, 22.2%, and 29.6%, respectively, thirteen of whom with a changed marker pattern.Conclusions. The classical GCT-biomarkers correlate with treatment success. Clinical utility is limited due to proportions of < 50% of patients with elevated levels and the low specificity of LDH. The elevation rates are significantly associated with histology, clinical and pT-stages, tumour size, and younger age. Individual marker patterns may change upon relapse. Clinically, ideal biomarkers are yet to be found.