bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual Commissioning Modeling and Simulation of Assembly System for Quasi Natural Language Programming
Authors: Yang Yajie , Zhang Zhijing , Shi Ming Kuan
Published: April 2020

This paper focuses on a kind of quasi natural language programming for automatic assembly system, and studies the modeling and simulation of virtual assembly prototype, including the modeling of mechanical system, control system and the error model of assembly prototype. A multi-domain model is formed based on interfaces between different professional modeling and analysis software. Based on this model, the quasi natural language program is simulated and commissioned. At the same time, the script program is run on the physical prototype to verify the consistency of the assembly system prototype. Tested by experiments, the virtual commissioning modeling and simulation technology of the assembly system can approximately restore the assembly process of the real prototype, perform lifecycle management on the development of the equipment, and improve the commissioning speed and production quality.
The wind load prediction and comparative study of asmmetric semi-submersible lifting platform based on CFD
Authors: Yao Zhenqiu , Tang Xiangyu , Ling Hongjie
Published: April 2020

In order to accurately predict the wind load of asymmetric offshore structures, this paper studied the wind load of an asymmetric semi-submersible lifting platform based on the CFD software FINE/MARINE, and calculated the wind load of operation state, lifting state and survival state respectively, and compared the results with those of China Classification Society(CCS) specification. The results show that under the same wind speed, the change of wind direction angle has a great influence on the distribution of wind field around the platform. The specification calculation can not fully consider the influence of the shielding effect between the components of the superstructure, therefore, the results are larger than the numerical simulation value. In addition, the wind field distribution near the platform can be used to analyze the variation of wind load, which provides an effective method for wind load prediction and wind field analysis of asymmetric offshore structures.
The State Analysis of Five-axis NC Machine with Large Torque Mechanical Spindle Based on Hilbert Transform
Authors: Fu Yaohuimei , Xia Yuanmeng , Chen Xuezhen , Zhao Guobo , Zhang Yun
Published: April 2020

Only five-axis machine with large torque mechanical spindle is capable to complete the process of titanium alloy aerospace structure in general. But mechanical spindle is too complex to locate the fault rapidly when the part shows anomalies or damage, and this reduces high-value machine’s utilization rate as well as brings difficulties in solving part’s quality problems. Pointing at surface quality problems and spindle component’s wearing down that emerge frequently, this paper simulates various parameters in NC(numerically controlled) machining process and monitors spindle states of a five-axis machine with large torque mechanical spindle, then amplitude, time-frequency, and frequency curvature characteristics of the tested signals are obtained by Hilbert Transform and fast identification of key component’s wearing down is realized. The results show that the state analysis method of five-axis NC machine with large torque mechanical spindle based on Hilbert transform presented in this paper has strong engineering application value.
Gas drainage radius evaluation and well pattern optimization of multilayer gas reservoirs
Authors: Liu Zhijun , Mao Zhenglin , Zhang Haobo , Zhang Yongbin , Liu Qian , Wen Zhonglin
Published: April 2020

In the development process of shenmu gas field, there are “few wells and low production of reserves; Many wells, high development investment and easy cross-well interference”, it is particularly important to optimize the well spacing of development well pattern. In view of this problem, on the basis of deepening geological understanding, it is necessary to clarify the gas drainage radius of each well, and combine various methods to demonstrate and optimize the well spacing of gas field well pattern.
Mechanism design and kinematics simulation of 3-DOF parallel mechanism with low coupling degree
Authors: Xie J , Zuo F F , Li Y P , Yang Q Z
Published: April 2020

According to the topological design theory of parallel mechanism(PM) based on the position and orientation characteristic(POC), a new PM with two translational degree of freedom(DOF) and one rotational DOF (2T1R) was proposed. The topological characteristics of the PM was analyzed, including POC set, DOF and coupling degree. Based on analytic method, the solving modeling was established, and the forward and inverse solutions were obtained. Then the correctness of the position solution was verified by Matlab. Velocity and acceleration formulas of PM were calculated by Jacobian matri, and simulation curves of velocity and acceleration was put forword. Kinematic analysis shows that the 2T1R PM has both translational and rotational characteristics, moreover, the moving platform has stable output and good dynamic characteristics.
Study on the Atmospheric Environmental Efficiency of the Silk Road Economic Belt of China Based on Energy conservation and Emission Reduction
Authors: Yin Nini , Yan Pengcheng
Published: April 2020

Based on SBM-Undesirable model, this paper evaluated air environmental efficiency of 8 provinces of the Silk Road Economic Belt of China during the period of 2010—2017, and investigated the temporal-variation and energy conservation and emission reduction potential. Empirical analysis shows that the overall atmospheric environmental efficiency of Silk Road Economic Belt is still at low point but presents a mild rising trend over the period 2010—2017, regional differences are remarkable, and it has great potential of energy conservation and emission reduction in the future.
The research on the management strategy of exclusive parts for satellite integration
Authors: Chen Zou
Published: April 2020

As an important component of satellites, the demand characteristics of exclusive parts for integration are short cycle, large quantity and low cost. It is urgent to solve the problem of meeting the demand with the current production capacity without affecting the quality level. Based on the analysis of the management strategy of the exclusive parts, it is indicated that the root cause of the problems such as the left backup and the structural shortage is the separated management system. It is also indicated the generality of some exclusive parts. In this paper, the general strategy is proposed to form a unified management system for general exclusive parts for integration, which is conducive to the full use of resources, and cost reduction.
Parametric Energy Consumption Modeling for Cathode Coating Manufacturing of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Kai , Su Yongjian , Liu Weiwei , Deng Yelin
Published: April 2020

In the process of manufacturing the positive electrode coating for lithium batteries, the slow and energy-consuming drying process greatly restricts the shortening of the production cycle and the improvement of energy efficiency of power lithium batteries. The purpose of this paper is to calculate the evaporation rate of N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) solvent under different drying parameters in the first stage of evaporation and to predict the main energy consumption changes in the drying process in this stage. This research shows that, in the first evaporation stage of lithium battery coating manufacturing, when the inlet wind speed changes at 2∼12m s−1, the evaporation rate of NMP solvent obtained in the coating will change in 1.18 × 10−3 ∼2.88 × 10−3 g min−1 cm−2. For every 1m s−1 increase in wind speed, the energy consumption of electric heating increases by 57.60kW on average.
Research on the Impact of upgrading of consumption structure on energy intensity under the background of urban and rural dual economy
Authors: Li Yan , Li Yuan , Chen Tao , Hu Ying-Ying
Published: April 2020

Based on the current situation of dual economic structure of urban and rural areas in China, this paper takes urban and rural areas as two independent research objects, and constructs the panel threshold regression model of consumption structure upgrading on energy consumption intensity. The results show that the upgrading of regional urban residents’ consumption structure has double threshold effect on energy intensity, and the upgrading of urban residents’ consumption structure has a restraining effect on energy intensity. With the upgrading of per capita income, it first decreases and then increases; the upgrading of regional rural residents’ consumption structure has a double threshold effect on energy intensity, the upgrading of rural residents’ consumption structure will significantly inhibit the energy intensity when the per capita income of residents is in the maximum range. In addition, under the threshold of per capita income, compared with rural areas, the upgrading of consumption structure of urban residents has a more prominent effect on the inhibition of energy intensity.
Research and Field Application of Oil-paper Insulation Material Aging State Based on FDS
Authors: Li Dandan , Fan Yongqiang , Wang Yaping , Yue Yonggang , Reng Ming
Published: April 2020

The effects of three factors, such as aging degree, water content and temperature, on the dielectric response characteristics of oil-paper insulating materials were studied by setting up a frequency-domain dielectric response experimental platform. In this paper, the frequency domain dielectric spectrum (FDS) test is carried out for the on-site transformer paper insulated casing, and it is found that the method is more abundant than the traditional power frequency dielectric loss method, which is less affected by the work frequency electromagnetic field, and can realize the nondestructive measurement of the aging state of the oil-grease insulation.
An insulation diagnosis method for battery pack based on battery model
Authors: Zhang Yanhui , Chen Qingpeng , Liu Xiao , Yang Zhile , Guo Shifeng , Feng Wei
Published: April 2020

The collision and components aging of electric vehicles may lead to dramatic decrease of insulation performance in the complex application environment, which will reduce the insulation between battery pack and chassis, and will affect the performance of on-board equipment and electronic control unit, resulting in heat accumulation effect of leakage circuit and even vehicle fire. Therefore, it is critical to develop a real-time, accurate and reliable detection device to monitor the insulation resistance of the high-voltage system of electric vehicles, which is beneficial to the normal operation of electrical equipment, the safe operation of vehicles and the personal safety of passengers. In this work, an online estimation method of insulation resistance based on battery model is proposed.
Research and application on rapid recognition of CNC machine tools’ running state
Authors: Li Mengmei , Xia Yuanmeng , Chen Xuezhen
Published: April 2020

A rapid recognition of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tools’ running state based on time domain characteristic parameters and frequency domain correlation coefficient was proposed. The experiment proved the accuracy and efficiency of the mentioned method, which made the states recognition rate reach 93.33% and the identification efficiency improve 66.67%. In this scenario, a theoretical foundation is established for the condition-based maintenance of CNC machine tools.
Design and achievement of hardware-in-the-loop simulation system for strapdown semi-active laser seeker
Authors: Zhou Wenbin , Zhang Chunxi , Wang Siyuan , Ran Longjun
Published: April 2020

According to the work characteristics of semi-active laser-guided weapon system, at first, the optical characteristics of the laser received by seeker were analyzed; and mathematical model of the optical signal power received by seeker was established. Secondly, a hardware-in-the-loop simulation(HILS) system was designed for strapdown seeker. In order to simulate energy and laser spot’s continuous variations, a high-precision continuous dynamic laser energy attenuation system and a digital micromirror device(DMD) spot projection system were designed respectively. In the end, the HILS system was used to evaluate the performances of strapdown seeker and the seeker was tested for response coherence among the four quadrants, field of view(FOV), linear field of view, minimum received optical power, and angle measurement accuracy.
Effect of various exercises on frailty among older adults with subjective cognitive concerns: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Huang Chi Hsien , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Makino Taeko , Uemura Kazuki , Hayashi Takahiro , Kitada Tomoharu , Inoue Aiko , Shimada Hiroyuki , Kuzuya Masafumi
Published: April 2020

Background

Physical exercise has been linked to reduced frailty, but there is insufficient evidence of beneficial effects in community-dwelling older adults with subjective cognitive concerns.

Objective

This study aimed to clarify the effects of physical exercise in this population.

Design

Single-blind randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Community sports centres.

Participants

Residents aged 65–85 years were screened using the Kihon checklist; those with subjective cognitive concerns were invited for eligibility assessment. In total, 415 community-dwelling older adults were enrolled and randomised.

Methods

This trial investigated the effects of aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT) and combined training (AT+RT) programs on reducing frailty. All participants were randomised into one of the three intervention groups or the control group. Participants in the intervention groups underwent a group training program and self-paced home training for 26 weeks. The control group received lectures about health promotion. A 95-item frailty index (FI) was utilised to determine the effects of training. Participants were followed up at weeks 26 and 52.

Results

At baseline, mean age of all participants (47% women) was 72.3 ± 4.6 years, with a mean FI score of 0.3 ± 0.1. Compared with control group, AT improved total FI by 0.020 (CI −0.039 to −0.001, effect size −0.275) and the depression and anxiety component of FI by 0.051 (CI −0.084 to −0.018, effect size −0.469) at week 26, but the effects waned at week 52. No significant differences in FI were found in RT and AT+RT groups at weeks 26 and 52.

Conclusions

A 26-week AT reduced frailty modestly, especially in the depression and anxiety component, in older adults with subjective cognitive concerns.
Discrimination and Deterrence with Enforcer Liability
Authors: Mungan Murat C
Published: April 2020

Taste-based discrimination (i.e. discrimination due to racist preferences) receives more attention than statistical discrimination in the enforcement literature, because the latter allows enforcers to increase their “success rates.” I show here that when enforcers’ incentives can be altered via liabilities and rewards, all types of discrimination reduce deterrence. Moreover, adverse effects of statistical discrimination on deterrence are more persistent than similar effects due to taste-based discrimination. I identify crime minimizing liabilities and rewards when enforcers engage in racial discrimination and consider the robustness of the analysis in alternative settings.
Spatiotemporal Integrity and Spontaneous Nonlinear Dynamic Properties of the Salience Network Revealed by Human Intracranial Electrophysiology: A Multicohort Replication
Authors: Das Anup , Menon Vinod
Published: April 2020

The salience network (SN) plays a critical role in cognitive control and adaptive human behaviors, but its electrophysiological foundations and millisecond timescale dynamic temporal properties are poorly understood. Here, we use invasive intracranial EEG (iEEG) from multiple cohorts to investigate the neurophysiological underpinnings of the SN and identify dynamic temporal properties that distinguish it from the default mode network (DMN) and dorsolateral frontal–parietal network (FPN), two other large-scale brain networks that play important roles in human cognition. iEEG analysis of network interactions revealed that the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex, which together anchor the SN, had stronger intranetwork interactions with each other than cross-network interactions with the DMN and FPN. Analysis of directionality of information flow between the SN, DMN, and FPN revealed causal outflow hubs in the SN consistent with its role in fast temporal switching of network interactions. Analysis of regional iEEG temporal fluctuations revealed faster temporal dynamics and higher entropy of neural activity within the SN, compared to the DMN and FPN. Critically, these results were replicated across multiple cohorts. Our findings provide new insights into the neurophysiological basis of the SN, and more broadly, foundational mechanisms underlying the large-scale functional organization of the human brain.
The Changing Patterns of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China: A Tempogeographic Analysis of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Epidemic
Authors: Tang Weiming , Liao Huipeng , Marley Gifty , Wang Zaisheng , Cheng Weibin , Wu Dan , Yu Rongbinand
Published: April 2020

Background

Evaluating whether an infectious disease has reached a turning point is important for planning additional intervention efforts. This study aimed to analyze the changing patterns and the tempogeographic features of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in China, to provide further evidence for real-time responses.

Methods

Daily data on COVID-19 cases between 31 December 2019 and 26 February 2020 were collected and analyzed for Hubei and non-Hubei regions in China. Observed trends for new and cumulative cases were analyzed through joinpoint regression analysis. Spatial analysis was applied to show the geographic distribution and changing patterns of the epidemic.

Results

By 26 February 2020, 78 630 confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported in China. In Hubei, an increasing trend (slope = 221) was observed for new cases between 24 January and 7 February 2020, after which a decline commenced (slope = −868). However, as the diagnosis criteria changed, a sudden increase (slope = 5530) was observed on 12 February, which sharply decreased afterward (slope = −4898). In non-Hubei regions, the number of new cases increased from 20 January to 3 February and started to decline afterward (slope = −53). The spatial analysis identified Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Changsha, Nanchang, Wenzhou, Shanghai, Xinyang, Jining, and Beijing as the hotspots outside of Hubei Province in China.

Conclusions

The joinpoint regression analysis indicated that the epidemic might be under control in China, especially for regions outside of Hubei Province. Further improvement in the response strategies based on these new patterns is needed.
Dispute Settlement in the Belt and Road Initiative: Progress, Issues, and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Wang Jiangyu
Published: April 2020

Policy-makers in China for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initially did not consider dispute settlement very seriously, but they have realized in recent years that this is an issue that might have to form a critical part of BRI transactions and projects. This introduction gives an overview of the types of disputes emerging out of the BRI deals and critically examines China’s efforts to build institutions and rules for resolving BRI disputes. In this context, it introduces the articles contained in this special issue and presents a future research agenda for moving the study of BRI dispute settlement to the next level.
Blood stream infection and outcomes in recipients of a left ventricular assist device
Authors: Angleitner Philipp , Matic Aleksa , Kaider Alexandra , Dimitrov Kamen , Sandner Sigrid , Wiedemann Dominik , Riebandt Julia , Schlöglhofer Thomas , Laufer Günther , Zimpfer Daniel
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to investigate associations between blood stream infection [≥1 positive blood culture (BC)] and outcomes in recipients of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed all adult recipients of a continuous-flow LVAD between 2006 and 2016 at the Division of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna (n = 257; devices: Medtronic HeartWare® HVAD®, Abbott HeartMate II®, Abbott HeartMate 3™). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality during follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the risk of stroke and pump thrombus during follow-up as well as the probability of heart transplantation (HTx). Risk factors for the development of ≥1 positive BC were evaluated additionally.

RESULTS

The incidence of ≥1 positive BC during the first year of LVAD support was 32.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 26.4–37.9]. Multivariable Cox proportional cause-specific hazards regression analysis showed that a positive BC was associated with significantly increased all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 5.51, 95% CI 3.57–8.51; P < 0.001]. Moreover, a positive BC was associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.24–4.68; P = 0.010). There was no association with the risk of pump thrombus or the probability of HTx. Independent risk factors for a positive BC included preoperative albumin and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation/intra-aortic balloon pump support.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood stream infection is common and associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality and stroke at any given time during LVAD support. Effective strategies of prevention and treatment are necessary.
Minimally invasive access type related to outcomes of sutureless and rapid deployment valves
Authors: Andreas Martin , Berretta Paolo , Solinas Marco , Santarpino Giuseppe , Kappert Utz , Fiore Antonio , Glauber Mattia , Misfeld Martin , Savini Carlo , Mikus Elisa , Villa Emmanuel , Phan Kevin , Fischlein Theodor , Meuris Bart , Martinelli Gianluca , Teoh Kevin , Mignosa Carmelo , Shrestha Malakh , Carrel Thierry P , Yan Tristan , Laufer Guenther , Di Eusanio Marco
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

Minimally invasive surgical techniques with optimal outcomes are of paramount importance. Sutureless and rapid deployment aortic valves are increasingly implanted via minimally invasive approaches. We aimed to analyse the procedural outcomes of a full sternotomy (FS) compared with those of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) and further assess MICS, namely ministernotomy (MS) and anterior right thoracotomy (ART).

METHODS

We selected all isolated aortic valve replacements in the Sutureless and Rapid Deployment Aortic Valve Replacement International Registry (SURD-IR, n = 2257) and performed propensity score matching to compare aortic valve replacement through FS or MICS (n = 508/group) as well as through MS and ART accesses (n = 569/group).

RESULTS

Postoperative mortality was 1.6% in FS and MICS patients who had a mean logistic EuroSCORE of 11%. Cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times were shorter in the FS group than in the MICS group (mean difference 3.2 and 9.2 min; P < 0.001). Patients undergoing FS had a higher rate of acute kidney injury (5.6% vs 2.8%; P = 0.012). Direct comparison of MS and ART revealed longer mean cross-clamp and CPB times (12 and 16.7 min) in the ART group (P < 0.001). The postoperative outcome revealed a higher stroke rate (3.2% vs 1.2%; P = 0.043) as well as a longer postoperative intensive care unit [2 (1–3) vs 1 (1–3) days; P = 0.009] and hospital stay [11 (8–16) vs 8 (7–12) days; P < 0.001] in the MS group than in the ART group.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this non-randomized international registry, FS resulted in a higher rate of acute kidney injury. The ART access showed a lower stroke rate than MS and a shorter hospital stay than all other accesses. All these findings may be related to underlying patient risk factors.
Dynamic Systems, Contextual Influences, and Multiple Timescales: Emotion Regulation as a Resilience Resource
Authors: Bergeman Cindy S , Blaxton Jessica , Joiner Raquael
Published: April 2020

We need to understand how psychosocial resources develop, identify the influences that threaten their maintenance, detect the circumstances under which these resources are used, and elucidate the factors that support and promote their growth. Three important components to studying the development of resilience include its dynamic nature, context, and timescale of measurement. Dynamic systems (DS) approaches focus on physiological and psychological structures underling the development of resilience by explicitly mapping parameters of change onto their corresponding aspects of functioning. Previous research has captured emotion regulation within individuals, across traits, and in close personal relationships to show how these methods depict dynamic regulation/resilience resources and their influence on outcomes of interest. The use of multi-time scaled data informs how daily emotion regulation is disrupted in the context of stress to produce dysregulation and disease later in the life course. This approach can also reveal how resilience resources counteract these adverse processes and allow others to thrive and be well. Researchers must not only explore short-term variation in constructs of interest, but also explore how these shorter-term fluctuations contribute to longer-term changes. The confluence of DS, contextual influences, and multiple timescales provides an important set of tools to better understand development.
Seasonal and interannual variation in spatio-temporal models for index standardization and phenology studies
Authors: Thorson James T , Adams Charles F , Brooks Elizabeth N , Eisner Lisa B , Kimmel David G , Legault Christopher M , Rogers Lauren A , Yasumiishi Ellen M
Published: April 2020

Climate change is rapidly affecting the seasonal timing of spatial demographic processes. Consequently, resource managers require information from models that simultaneously measure seasonal, interannual, and spatial variation. We present a spatio-temporal model that includes annual, seasonal, and spatial variation in density and then highlight two important uses: (i) standardizing data that are spatially unbalanced within multiple seasons and (ii) identifying interannual changes in seasonal timing (phenology) of population processes. We demonstrate these uses with two contrasting case studies: three bottom trawl surveys for yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean from 1985 to 2017 and pelagic tows for copepodite stage 3+ copepod (Calanus glacialis/marshallae) densities in the eastern Bering Sea from 1993 to 2016. The yellowtail analysis illustrates how data from multiple surveys can be used to infer density hot spots in an area that is not sampled one or more surveys. The copepod analysis assimilates seasonally unbalanced samples to estimate an annual index of the seasonal timing of copepod abundance and identifies a positive correlation between this index and cold-pool extent. We conclude by discussing additional potential uses of seasonal spatio-temporal models and emphasize their ability to identify climate-driven shifts in the seasonal timing of fish movement and ecosystem productivity.
Non-ischaemic intramyocardial dissection following total arch replacement
Authors: Wakatabe Makoto , Kotani Sohsyu , Inoue Yoshito
Published: April 2020

Intramyocardial dissection (ID) is a rare left ventricular (LV) disorder characterized by myocardial fibre dissection and neocavitation. In this study, we present a rare case of a 66-year-old woman who had a history of sarcoidosis with non-ischaemic ID following total arch replacement. ID developed suddenly in the free wall of the LV and expanded rapidly to form an LV aneurysm. We successfully performed LV reconstructive surgery to prevent ID rupture.
Ecological efficiency management of tourism scenic spots based on carbon footprint analysis
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2020

The analysis of carbon footprint plays an important role in the management of tourism scenic spots. This paper first introduced the calculation method of carbon footprint and ecological efficiency value of tourism scenic spots, then analyzed the general situation of tourism scenic spots in Jiangsu province and collected the data of 2013–17 to calculate the carbon footprint and ecological efficiency value. The results showed that the carbon footprint of tourism scenic spots in Jiangsu province was increasing year by year, of which the traffic carbon footprint accounted for the largest proportion, 60%. The value of ecological benefits of accommodation was the largest, followed by catering, activities and transportation, and accommodation created the highest economic benefits. According to the calculation results, some suggestions were put forward for the ecological efficiency management of tourism scenic spots in Jiangsu province, which is conducive to the better development of tourism scenic spots.
Rapid diagnostic tests for common infection syndromes: less haste, more speed
Authors: Patel S V , Pulcini C , Demirjian A , van Hecke O
Published: April 2020

Rapid diagnostic tests, which accurately distinguish bacterial from viral infections, are being heralded as the solution to antibiotic overuse, which is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance. We have concerns that this approach is oversimplistic. Rapid diagnostic tests are complex interventions, with clinical context, patient flow, access and timing affecting their impact. There is little robust evidence that they reduce antibiotic prescribing in real-world settings. We suggest that prior to introducing these costly tests, emphasis should be placed on optimizing the implementation of efficient evidence-based antimicrobial stewardship interventions, such as increasing the use of proven automated clinical infection syndrome prediction tools by clinicians, supporting patients to self-care by providing them with high-quality safety-netting resources, providing front-line clinicians with individual prescribing data to facilitate peer benchmarking and setting specific and purposeful antibiotic prescribing targets to improve the quality of antimicrobial prescribing. The stakes are high and time is running out; let’s start by getting the basics right.
Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater: a case report, review and recommendations
Authors: Kleinschmidt Thomas K , Christein John
Published: April 2020

Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of the ampulla of Vater is a rare presentation of biliary obstruction. Here, we present a case of NET and discuss the current recommendations that necessitate different management and surgical treatment than other sites. A 56-year-old Caucasian female presented with 2 years of right upper quadrant pain. Workup revealed a well-differentiated 2.2 cm NET at the ampulla with 0 MF/10 HPF, Stage 1A T2NOMO. Whipple procedure performed with 2.2 cm ampullary NET with 1 of the 15 lymph node metastases and <2 mitoses in 10 HPF. TNM classification: Stage IV T2N1MO. Regardless of tumor size, NETs metastasize in half of cases. Local excisions including endoscopic and laparoscopic ampullectomy were recommended only for poor surgical candidates. Ampullary NETs behave more aggressively than nonampullary NETs and their biological behaviors are irrespective of size. For patients of acceptable surgical risk, we recommend radical resection utilizing Whipple procedure.
Philosophy of energy and energy transition in the age of the petro-Anthropocene†
Authors: Heurtebise Jean-Yves
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this article is to present the multidimensional issue of an ‘energy transition’ from a philosophical, that is, conceptual and analytical, point of view. The argument of this article is that ‘energy transition’ is not simply a technological and economic problem but also an epistemological, cultural, anthropological and even metaphysical one. Energy transition does not only consist of changing the kind of energy that is produced and consumed to power our modern middle-income societies, from fossil fuels to renewable energies. Energy transition asks us to understand what is implied in cultural and social terms by such a shift from ‘grey’ to ‘green’ sources of energy that does not only entail qualitative transformation but also could imply quantitative curtailment. What will be the consequences of our necessary departure from ‘petromodernity’, that is, from the mode of living that came with fossil fuels in modern times that shape our current age of the Anthropocene? To address this question, different dimensions of the philosophy of energy will be studied: epistemological, phenomenological, anthropological, critical and metaphysical. In conclusion, we will, first, propose the notion of a ‘negative energy tax’ to address the problems of ‘energy injustice’. We will then refer to Bataille to provide an ontology of energy that can help to redefine our assumptions and expectations regarding energy spending.
The sequence and thresholds of leaf hydraulic traits underlying grapevine varietal differences in drought tolerance
Authors: Dayer Silvina , Herrera José Carlos , Dai Zhanwu , Burlett Régis , Lamarque Laurent J , Delzon Sylvain , Bortolami Giovanni , Cochard Hervé , Gambetta Gregory A
Published: April 2020

Adapting agriculture to climate change is driving the need for the selection and breeding of drought-tolerant crops. The aim of this study was to identify key drought tolerance traits and determine the sequence of their water potential thresholds across three grapevine cultivars with contrasting water use behaviors, Grenache, Syrah, and Semillon. We quantified differences in water use between cultivars and combined this with the determination of other leaf-level traits (e.g. leaf turgor loss point, π TLP), leaf vulnerability to embolism (P50), and the hydraulic safety margin (HSM P50). Semillon exhibited the highest maximum transpiration (Emax), and lowest sensitivity of canopy stomatal conductance (Gc) to vapor pressure deficit (VPD), followed by Syrah and Grenache. Increasing Emax was correlated with more negative water potential at which stomata close (Pgs90), π TLP, and P50, suggesting that increasing water use is associated with hydraulic traits allowing gas exchange under more negative water potentials. Nevertheless, all the cultivars closed their stomata prior to leaf embolism formation. Modeling simulations demonstrated that despite a narrower HSM, Grenache takes longer to reach thresholds of hydraulic failure due to its conservative water use. This study demonstrates that the relationships between leaf hydraulic traits are complex and interactive, stressing the importance of integrating multiple traits in characterizing drought tolerance.
Gametophyte-specific DEAD-box RNA helicase 29 is required for functional maturation of male and female gametophytes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Dan , Wang Yameng , Zhang Wen , Li Na , Dai Bo , Xie Fei , Sun Yang , Sun Mengxiang , Peng Xiongbo
Published: April 2020

The maturation of male and female gametophytes together with its impact on plant sexual reproduction has not received much attention, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the process are largely unknown. Here, we show that Arabidopsis DEAD-box RNA helicase 29 (RH29) is critical for the functional maturation of both male and female gametophytes. Homozygous rh29 mutants could not be obtained, and heterozygous mutant plants were semi-sterile. Progression of the cell cycle in rh29 female gametophytes was delayed. Delayed pollination experiments showed that rh29 female gametophytes underwent cell-fate specification but were unable to develop into functional gametophytes. Functional specification but not morphogenesis was also disrupted in rh29 male gametophytes, causing defective pollen tube growth in the pistil. RH29 was highly and specifically expressed in gametophytic cells. RH29 shares high amino acid sequence identity with yeast Dbp10p, which partially rescues the aborted-ovules phenotype of rh29/RH29 plants. RH29 is essential for the synthesis of REGULATORY PARTICLE TRIPLE A ATPase 5a (RPT5a), a subunit of the regulatory particle of the 26S proteasome. Our results suggest that gametophyte functional maturation is a necessary process for successful fertilization and that RH29 is essential for the functional maturation of both male and female gametophytes.
The effects of parasite exposure on mortality from aquatic contaminants, carbaryl and elevated salinity, in a freshwater crustacean
Authors: Ilmain Juliana K , Searle Catherine L
Published: April 2020

Freshwater pollution is a major global concern. Common methods for determining the effects of contaminants on freshwater organisms involve short-term laboratory experiments with otherwise healthy organisms. However, in natural systems, organisms are commonly exposed to parasites, which could alter their ability to survive exposure to aquatic contamination. We used a freshwater crustacean (Daphnia dentifera) to quantify the effects of parasite exposure on mortality from two common freshwater contaminants (elevated salinity [NaCl] and carbaryl). In our salinity trial, both parasite exposure and elevated salinity reduced survival in an additive manner. In our carbaryl trial, exposure to carbaryl reduced survival and we found a less-than-additive (i.e. antagonistic) interaction between carbaryl and the parasite; the parasite only reduced survival in the control (no carbaryl) treatments. Our results demonstrate that parasites and contaminants can jointly affect mortality in aquatic organisms in an additive or less-than-additive manner.
Toward experimental observations of induced Compton scattering by high-power laser facilities
Authors: Tanaka Shuta J , Yamazaki Ryo , Kuramitsu Yasuhiro , Sakawa Youichi
Published: April 2020

Induced Compton scattering (ICS) is a nonlinear interaction between intense electromagnetic radiation and a rarefied plasma. Although the magnetosphere of pulsars is a potential site at which ICS occurs in nature, ICS signatures have not been discovered so far. One of the reasons for the non-detection of ICS signatures is that we still do not possess a concrete understanding of such nonlinear plasma interactions because of their nonlinear nature and the lack of experimental confirmations. Here, we propose a possible approach to understand ICS experimentally in laboratories, specifically, with the use of the up-to-date short-pulse lasers. We find that the scattered light of ICS has characteristic signatures in its spectrum. The signatures will be observed in some current laser facilities. The characteristic spectrum is quantitatively predictable and we can diagnose the properties of the scattering plasma from the signatures.
Documented early circulation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Florida, USA, since February 2020
Authors: Miglietta Alessandro , Levi Miriam
Published: April 2020

In this Update, we document the circulation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Florida, USA, since February 2020. On 8th March 2020, a confirmed case of COVID-19 was notified to the Health Authority of Central Tuscany, Florence, Italy. The patient developed symptoms on 3rd March while staying in Miami where he arrived on 12th February. The case returned to Italy on 6th March and was admitted to a local hospital of Florence on 7th March with fever (38.2°C/100.4°F), cough and breathing difficulties. First COVID-19 cases in Florida where confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on 2nd March as imported cases. Therefore, this event documents COVID-19 circulation in Florida at least since mid-February 2020.
A novel approach to management of sleep-associated problems in patients with breast cancer (MOSAIC) during chemotherapy : A pilot study
Authors: Palesh Oxana , Solomon Natalie , Hofmeister Elisa , Jo Booil , Shen Hanyang , Cassidy-Eagle Erin , Innominato Pasquale F , Mustian Karen , Kesler Shelli
Published: April 2020

Study Objectives

This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to assess the preliminary effects of Brief Behavioral Therapy for Cancer-Related Insomnia (BBT-CI) delivered by trained research staff in comparison to a sleep hygiene pamphlet control and to assess moderators of treatment effect in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

Of 74 participants recruited, 37 were randomized to BBT-CI and 37 were randomized to the control condition. Trained staff members delivered the intervention during chemotherapy treatments to reduce patients’ burden. Insomnia was assessed with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), anxiety was assessed with the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, symptom burden was assessed with the Symptom Inventory (SI), and study staff recorded previous treatments and surgeries received by patients.

Results

Patients randomized to BBT-CI showed significantly greater improvements in their ISI scores compared to the sleep hygiene group. Additionally, several treatment moderators were identified. The effect of BBT-CI was greater among individuals with lower baseline state-trait anxiety, with previous surgery for cancer, and with higher baseline somatic symptom severity.

Conclusions

BBT-CI shows preliminary efficacy compared to the sleep hygiene handout on insomnia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A large-phase III RCT needs to be conducted to replicate the preliminary findings.
Neurologic Complications of Immunotherapy
Authors: Schiess Desi , Raj Karuna , Shah Bhavya , Yu Frank , Agarwal Amit
Published: April 2020

Immunotherapy enhances a patient's own immune system to fight against malignancy and has become increasingly popular during the last decade. Tumor cells can escape destruction by the patient's immune system by overexpression of immunosuppressive molecules such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor, and its ligand PD-L1. Immunotherapy agents target these inhibitors and basically reactivate the cytotoxic lymphocytes to destroy the tumor cells. Immunotherapy agents currently are FDA-approved for advanced malignancies including melanoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. In addition, they have shown beneficial promise in the treatment of other malignancies such as high-grade gliomas.1 As of 2018, the common immune checkpoint blocking antibodies approved by the FDA for immunotherapy include ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab; however, exponential growth of these agents is expected in the next few years when many new agents will receive approval and cover a wider range of malignancies. Considering that immunotherapy seeks to harness the patient's own immune system to fight cancer, increased inflammatory changes are expected. The inflammatory changes may involve the skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, endocrine, and neurologic systems and together are known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
One Academic Health System’s Early (and Ongoing) Experience Responding to COVID-19: Recommendations From the Initial Epicenter of the Pandemic in the United States
Authors: Kim Christopher S. , Lynch John B. , Cohen Seth , Neme Santiago , Staiger Thomas O. , Evans Laura , Pergam Steven A. , Liu Catherine , Bryson-Cahn Chloe , Dellit Timothy H.
Published: April 2020

On January 19, 2020, the first case of a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States was reported in Washington State. On February 29, 2020, a patient infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) passed away in a hospital in Seattle-King County, the first reported COVID-19-related death in the United States. That same day, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in the county reported that several of its residents tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and that many staff had symptoms compatible with COVID-19.

The University of Washington Medicine health system (UW Medicine), which is based in Seattle-King County and provides quaternary care for the region, was one of several health care organizations called upon to address this growing crisis. What ensued was a series of swiftly enacted decisions and activities at UW Medicine, in partnership with local, state, and national public health agencies, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tapping into the multipronged mission areas of academic medicine, UW Medicine worked to support the community, innovate in science and clinical practice; lead policy and practice guideline development; and adopt changes as the crisis unfolded. In doing so, health system leaders had to balance their commitments to students, residents and fellows, researchers, faculty, staff, and hospital and health center entities, while ensuring that patients continued to receive cutting-edge, high-quality, safe care. In this Invited Commentary, the authors highlight the work and challenges UW Medicine has faced in responding to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Attending to the Emotional Well-Being of the Health Care Workforce in a New York City Health System During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ripp Jonathan , Peccoralo Lauren , Charney Dennis
Published: April 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an enormous strain on health care workers, and its potential impact has implications for the physical and emotional well-being of the workforce. As hospital systems run well over capacity, facing possible shortages of critical care medical resources and personal protective equipment as well as clinician deaths, the psychological stressors necessitate a strong well-being support model for staff. At the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) in New York City, health care workers have been heroically providing frontline care to COVID-19 patients while facing their own appropriate fears for their personal safety in the setting of contagion. This moral obligation cannot be burdened by unacceptable risks; the health system’s full support is required to address the needs of its workforce.

In this Invited Commentary, the authors describe how an MSHS Employee, Faculty, and Trainee Crisis Support Task Force—created in early March 2020 and composed of behavioral health, human resources, and well-being leaders from across the health system—used a rapid needs assessment model to capture the concerns of the workforce related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The task force identified 3 priority areas central to promoting and maintaining the well-being of the entire MSHS workforce during the pandemic: meeting basic daily needs; enhancing communications for delivery of current, reliable, and reassuring messages; and developing robust psychosocial and mental health support options. Using a work group strategy, the task force operationalized the rollout of support initiatives for each priority area. Attending to the emotional well-being of health care workers has emerged as a central element in the MSHS COVID-19 response, which continues to be committed to the physical and emotional needs of a workforce that courageously faces this crisis.