bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discursive construction of the patient in online clinical cancer pathways information
Authors: Aasen Elin Margrethe , Crawford Paul , Dahl Berit Misund
Published: August 2020

Aim

To explore how the patient is constructed and socially positioned in discourses of web‐based pathways information available to people with cancer in Norway.

Design

Mixed qualitative and quantitative design, using Corpus‐Assisted Critical Discourse Analysis.

Methods

The study, conducted in January 2020, examined the language of one general and six specific web‐based cancer pathways information brochures. The approach combines analysis of word frequencies and concordance lines using corpus analysis software to identify the ‘linguistic fingerprint’ or ‘aboutness’ of the text prior to further qualitative critical discourse analysis.

Results

The analysis identified three core discourses which constructed the patient differently: (a) a participating active person, in a brief, inclusive discourse; (b) a passive person lacking knowledge or perception of their situation in dominant, medical and interprofessional expert discourse; and (c) reduced to a disease and a code in the pathways discourse.

Conclusion

This study offers insight into the construction of patients in online clinical pathways information for cancer treatment. The analysis revealed how governance systems such as New Public Management and its demands on efficiency and productivity influence the cancer pathways. The World Health Organization has promoted a person‐centred approach, emphasizing the importance of participation and a partnership of equals. A person‐centred approach to care was not evident in the discourse of the online documents. The dominant ideology of these pathways was paternalistic with patients constructed as passive persons who get standardized treatment.

Impact

This study gives new insight that can be valuable for nurses, other healthcare professionals and the government. The lack of a person‐centred focus in the cancer pathway information could have a negative impact on the patient's health outcomes by promoting a culture of inattention to the patients' needs and wishes among practitioners. The results may provide a stimulus for discussion about the role of patients in cancer treatment.
Identification of novel candidate pathogenic genes in pituitary stalk interruption syndrome by whole‐exome sequencing
Authors: Fang Xuqian , Zhang Yuwen , Cai Jialin , Lu Tingwei , Hu Junjie , Yuan Fei , Chen Peizhan
Published: August 2020

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a type of congenital malformation of the anterior pituitary, which leads to isolated growth hormone deficiency or multiple hypothalamic‐pituitary deficiencies. Many genetic factors have been explored, but they only account for a minority of the genetic aetiology. To identify novel PSIS pathogenic genes, we conducted whole‐exome sequencing with 59 sporadic PSIS patients, followed by filtering gene panels involved in pituitary development, holoprosencephaly and midline abnormality. A total of 81 heterozygous variants, distributed among 59 genes, were identified in 50 patients, with 31 patients carrying polygenic variants. Fourteen of the 59 pathogenic genes clustered to the Hedgehog pathway. Of them, PTCH1 and PTCH2, inhibitors of Hedgehog signalling, showed the most frequent heterozygous mutations (22%, seven missense and one frameshift mutations were identified in 13 patients). Moreover, five novel heterozygous null variants in genes including PTCH2 (p.S391fs, combined with p.L104P), Hedgehog acyltransferase (p.R280X, de novo), MAPK3 (p.H50fs), EGR4 (p.G22fs, combined with LHX4 p.S263N) and SPG11 (p.Q1624X), which lead to truncated proteins, were identified. In conclusion, genetic mutations in the Hedgehog signalling pathway might underlie the complex polygenic background of PSIS, and the findings of our study could extend the understanding of PSIS pathogenic genes.
Phylogenetic and Morphological Evolution of Green Euglenophytes Based on 18S rRNA
Authors: Wang Yanmei , Feng Jia , Lv Junping , Liu Qi , Nan Fangru , Liu Xudong , Xie Shulian
Published: August 2020

Green euglenophytes are a group of eukaryotes with ancient origin. In order to understand the evolution of the group, it is interesting to know which characteristics are more primitive. Here, a phylogenetic tree of green euglenophytes based on the 18S rRNA gene was constructed, and ancestral states were reconstructed based on eight morphological characters. This research clarifies the phylogenetic relationships of green euglenophytes and provides a basis for the study of the origin of these plants. The phylogenetic tree, which was constructed by Bayesian inference, revealed that: Eutreptia and Eutreptiella were sister groups and that Lepocinclis, Phacus, and Discoplastis were close relatives; Euglena, Cryptoglena, Monomorphina, and Colacium were closely related in addition to Trachelomonas and Strombomonas; and Euglena was not monophyletic. An ancestral reconstruction based on morphological characters revealed seven primitive character states: ductile surface, spirally striated, slightly narrowing or sharp elongated cauda, absence of a lorica, chloroplast lamellar, shield or large discoid, pyrenoid with sheath, and with many small paramylon grains. However, the ancestral state of the length of the flagellum could not be inferred. Euglena and Euglenaria, which both possessed all of the ancestral character states, might represent the most ancient lineages of green euglenophytes.
Nutritional management of chronic pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wiese Mats , Gärtner Simone , Doller Julia , Tran Quang Trung , Frost Fabian , Bannert Karen , Jaster Robert , Berlin Peggy , Valentini Luzia , Meyer Fatuma , Metges Cornelia C , Lamprecht Georg , Lerch Markus M , Aghdassi Ali A
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim

Malnutrition is a frequent complication of chronic pancreatitis. Adequate nutritional support is imperative, but there is still uncertainty about the optimal nutritional treatment. This work systematically compiles evidence from randomized controlled trials investigating dietary interventions in chronic pancreatitis and, in a further step, contrasts those findings with existing dietary recommendations.

Methods

The literature search (PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) included English and German full‐text articles, which had been published in peer‐reviewed journals. Two independent reviewers identified and selected studies. For meta‐analysis, forest plots with 95% confidence intervals were generated using a random‐effects model.

Results

Eleven randomized controlled trials fulfilled all selection criteria. In these trials, the following dietary interventions were tested: antioxidant treatment (n = 6), vitamin D supplementation (n = 3), supplementation with oral nutritional supplements (n = 1), and symbiotics supplementation (n = 1). Studies were of good methodological quality (mean Jadad score of 3.6) but heterogeneous in terms of interventions and study populations. Only for vitamin D, there was convincing evidence for efficacy of supplementation. We found no effect for antioxidant treatment on pain relief (standardized mean difference = −0.12; 95% confidence interval −0.73 to 0.48) and limited generalizability for interventions with oral nutritional supplements and symbiotics.

Conclusions

Nutritional management in chronic pancreatitis remains challenging. As well‐designed randomized controlled trials are scarce, in large part, recommendations can only be based on low‐level evidence studies or expert opinion. For now, consumption of a balanced diet remains the cornerstone recommendation for prevention, whereas more goal‐directed interventions are indicated for specific nutrient deficiencies.
Recurrence pattern and surveillance strategy for rectal neuroendocrine tumors after endoscopic resection
Authors: Chung Hye Gyo , Goh Myung Ji , Kim Eun Ran , Hong Sung Noh , Kim Tae Jun , Chang Dong Kyung , Kim Young‐Ho
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim

Endoscopic resection is highly effective treatment option for rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) as they usually present as small localized tumors. However, there are no well‐established surveillance strategies following endoscopic resection. We established our own protocol for the surveillance of rectal NETs after endoscopic resection since 2013. This study aimed to assess the outcome and to optimize the surveillance strategies after endoscopic resection.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with endoscopically treated rectal NETs between January 2013 and April 2018 at Samsung Medical Center. We analyzed 337 patients with a median follow‐up duration of 35.0 months (min–max: 12.0–88.3).

Results

A total of 329 (97.6%) patients had tumors ≤ 1 cm in size, and eight (2.4%) patients had tumors > 1 cm in diameter. Synchronous rectal NETs were diagnosed in nine (2.7%) patients. Thirteen (3.9%) patients were identified as having positive resection margins. Regardless of the salvage treatment, none of these patients developed recurrence. Metachronous rectal NETs were diagnosed in nine (2.7%) patients. Metachronous lesions were associated with the number of synchronous lesions at initial diagnosis (P < 0.001, hazard ratio = 1.75, 95% confidence interval = 1.38–2.23). Extracolonic metastasis was not detected in this study.

Conclusion

Although initial screening for detecting metastatic lesions using computed tomography is recommended, repeated imaging for detecting extracolonic recurrence was not necessary for small non‐metastatic rectal NETs. However, regular endoscopic follow‐up seems reasonable, especially in case of synchronous rectal NETs, for detecting metachronous rectal NETs.
Animal Spirits, Financial Markets, and Aggregate Instability
Authors: DAI WEI , WEDER MARK , ZHANG BO
Published: August 2020

This paper examines whether people's animal spirits were drivers of U.S. business cycle fluctuations. In the context of an estimated macroeconomy with endogenous financial market frictions, allowing for “psychological” or nonfundamental expectational shocks improves the fit of the model and, at the posterior mode, these shocks account for well over one‐third of output fluctuations. Exogenous financial frictions are considerably less important. U.S. data favor the indeterminacy model over versions of the economy in which animal spirits cannot play a role.
Selective linkage of mitochondrial enzymes to intracellular calcium stores differs between human‐induced pluripotent stem cells, neural stem cells, and neurons
Authors: Chen Huanlian , Cross Abigail C. , Thakkar Ankita , Xu Hui , Li Aiqun , Paull Dan , Noggle Scott A. , Kruger Laken , Denton Travis T. , Gibson Gary E.
Published: August 2020

Mitochondria and releasable endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium modulate neuronal calcium signaling, and both change in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The releasable calcium stores in the ER are exaggerated in fibroblasts from AD patients and in multiple models of AD. The activity of the alpha‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC), a key mitochondrial enzyme complex, is diminished in brains from AD patients, and can be plausibly linked to plaques and tangles. Our previous studies in cell lines and mouse neurons demonstrate that reductions in KGDHC increase the ER releasable calcium stores. The goal of these studies was to test whether the relationship was true in human iPSC‐derived neurons. Inhibition of KGDHC for one or 24 hr increased the ER releasable calcium store in human neurons by 69% and 144%, respectively. The effect was mitochondrial enzyme specific because inhibiting the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, another key mitochondrial enzyme complex, diminished the ER releasable calcium stores. The link of KGDHC to ER releasable calcium stores was cell type specific as the interaction was not present in iPSC or neural stem cells. Thus, these studies in human neurons verify a link between KGDHC and releasable ER calcium stores, and support the use of human neurons to examine mechanisms and potential therapies for AD.

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The mechanisms of action and use of botulinum neurotoxin type A in aesthetics: Key Clinical Postulates II
Authors: Nestor Mark S. , Arnold David , Fischer Daniel
Published: August 2020

Background

The literature on botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT‐A) is extensive, often contradictory, and confounded by a competitive market of products and research attempting to distinguish brand individuality.

Methods

A comprehensive review of literature on the principles of BoNT‐A in aesthetics as well as clinical examples.

Results

In 2017, the Eight Key Clinical Postulates were formulated as a guide for the aesthetic practitioner in understanding BoNT‐A pharmacodynamics and to compare different toxins. These are now updated to include (a) All type A toxins act identically; (b) The mathematical relationship between toxin and receptor is the basis of efficacy, and clinical efficacy is influenced by molecular potency and patient attributes including muscle mass, gender, age, and ethnicity; (c) Efficacy, onset, and duration are functions of “molecular potency” defined as the number of active 150 kDa molecules available for binding; (d) “Molecular potency” is difficult to objectively quantify for commercially available toxins; (e) Up to a point, increased molecular potency decreases time to onset and increases duration of effect, and the “Molecular Potency Quotient” is a construct for comparing molecular potency commercial cost; (f) The area of effect of a toxin injection is dependent upon molecular potency, diffusion (passive), and spread (active); (g) Differing reconstitution volumes; and (h) Increased number of injection sites can affect spread, onset, and duration of effect.

Conclusions

The principles of BoNT‐A use in aesthetics are complex yet understandable as outlined in the framework of the updated Eight Key Clinical Postulates and serves as a useful tool for providing the most effective treatment and interpreting research on present and future toxin formulations.
Palliative care needs experienced by Danish patients with end‐stage kidney disease
Authors: Boje Julie , Madsen Jens Kristian , Finderup Jeanette
Published: August 2020

Background

Patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) may have palliative care needs. A tool validated in a Danish context to identify such needs is lacking. The Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale—Renal (IPOS‐Renal) aims to identify patients' palliative care needs. The current study is the first phase of a research project translating and validating the IPOS‐Renal into Danish.

Objectives

To investigate palliative care needs among Danish patients with ESKD.

Design

A literature review was conducted using meta‐ethnography inspired by Noblit and Hare. A focus group with health care professionals (HCPs) and semi‐structured individual patient interviews were conducted and analysed using Malterud's principles of systematic text condensation.

Results

A synthesis of 15 studies, a focus group with 13 HCPs, and interviews with nine patients were conducted. We found that patients with ESKD experienced several symptoms related to physical, social, mental and existential and practical needs. The most prominent findings were fatigue, reduced physical functioning, dizziness, impaired memory, dependency on relatives or HCPs, social isolation and loss of identity.

Conclusion

The palliative care needs identified in the Danish patient population are substantiated by the IPOS‐Renal questionnaire. However, some Danish patients also appear to struggle with dizziness and impaired memory. These symptoms do not appear specifically in the IPOS‐Renal questionnaire but may have to be included in a Danish version.
Giraffe diurnal recumbent behavior and habitat utilization in Katavi National Park, Tanzania
Authors: Saito M. , Idani G.
Published: August 2020

Resting behaviors play an important role in animals’ daily activities by minimizing energy consumption. Although this may be equally important to other behavioral states for sustaining life, it has not been well studied in the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). This study characterized the bout duration, frequency, and age–sex class differences in diurnal recumbent behavior of free‐ranging giraffe. Additionally, it is currently unknown whether giraffe utilize shady or safe areas for diurnal recumbency, as many other animals do. Therefore, we also investigated this in the present study. Data were collected in Katavi National Park, Tanzania, during four time periods. The duration of recumbency bouts was calculated from 170 episodes, and the frequency of recumbency was determined by following 24 individuals for more than 10 h each. Habitat type was categorized into wooded grassland or miombo woodland, and habitat preference was analyzed based on 173.6 h of observations. We found no significant difference in the duration of recumbency bouts among the four age‐classes and between sexes in adults. On the other hand, calves (n = 2) rested more frequently than did other age‐groups, possibly due to differences in predation risk or activity budgets. Adult males had a higher frequency of recumbency compared to adult females, possibly because pregnant/nursing females were hindered in adopting this posture. We also found that giraffe primarily utilized the miombo woodland for daytime recumbency, likely because the high tree density reduces heat stress, and its seclusion from the river reduces predation risk.
Cell division is antagonized by the activity of peptidoglycan endopeptidases that promote cell elongation
Authors: Truong Thao T. , Vettiger Andrea , Bernhardt Thomas G.
Published: August 2020

A peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall composed of glycans crosslinked by short peptides surrounds most bacteria and protects them against osmotic rupture. In Escherichia coli, cell elongation requires crosslink cleavage by PG endopeptidases to make space for the incorporation of new PG material throughout the cell cylinder. Cell division, on the contrary, requires the localized synthesis and remodeling of new PG at midcell by the divisome. Little is known about the factors that modulate transitions between these two modes of PG biogenesis. In a transposon‐insertion sequencing screen to identify mutants synthetically lethal with a defect in the division protein FtsP, we discovered that mutants impaired for cell division are sensitive to elevated activity of the endopeptidases. Increased endopeptidase activity in these cells was shown to interfere with the assembly of mature divisomes, and conversely, inactivation of MepS was found to suppress the lethality of mutations in essential division genes. Overall, our results are consistent with a model in which the cell elongation and division systems are in competition with one another and that control of PG endopeptidase activity represents an important point of regulation influencing the transition from elongation to the division mode of PG biogenesis.
A Master Equation for Photochemical Rates
Authors: Bolton James R.
Published: August 2020

Traditionally, the general photochemical rate equation could be integrated only at two limits (high concentration and low concentration). In this paper, the general photochemical equation has been integrated to yield a master equation that is valid for any chromophore concentration. Hence, in future, data for all concentrations can be utilized in deriving the incident photon flux and/or the quantum yield for a photochemical reaction. Unfortunately, the master equation can only be used for monochromatic light sources.
Valuing Real Options in the Volatile Real World
Authors: Harikae Seiji , Dyer James S. , Wang Tianyang
Published: August 2020

Motivated by the real‐world challenges of real options evaluation faced by many companies when commodity prices exhibit dramatic volatility and project values can become negative, this study presents a framework for solving a multifactor real options problem by approximating the underlying stochastic process of project value with a generalized implied binomial tree. The proposed approach allows a flexible structure for stochastic processes with fat tail distributions, such as jump diffusion, regime switch or mean reversion and provides a more accurate estimate of the extreme downside risk by allowing negative values for the underlying project values. Our illustrative example shows that the value of a real option estimated by the proposed approach is more accurate and stable than the alternative lattice‐based approaches in the literature under a wide variety of underlying commodity process, which makes this a more robust approach for valuing complex real options under multiple sources of uncertainty in the volatile real world.
Asian American Christian theology: Topographies, trajectories, and possibilities
Authors: Koh SueJeanne
Published: August 2020

This article introduces some of the history, thematic issues, and communities of Asian American Christian theology. “Asian American Christian theology” here is understood as a more expansive rather than narrowly defined endeavor, including the work of biblical scholars, practical theologians, ethicists, systematic theologians, and historians. Employing Edward Said's concept of Orientalism in order to situate Asian Americans as both the racial and religious “other,” Asian American Christians have been simultaneously the “perpetual foreigner” and “heathen” in the white American, Christian imaginary. The article argues that Asian American Christian theology reflects this history and so vacillates in various intellectual, racial, and political spaces as a discourse invested in projects of belonging on the one hand and projects of solidarity on the other. The final section offers that a de‐Orientalization of Asian American Christian theology will require an increased attention to interreligious dialog and transpacific connections, which will play critical roles in Asian American Christianity's resistance to its domestication.
Nitrous oxide dynamics during denitrification along a hydrological gradient of subtropical grasslands
Authors: Hu Jing , Inglett Kanika S. , Wright Alan L. , Clark Mark W. , Reddy K. Ramesh
Published: August 2020

Nitrous oxide (N2O) dynamics during denitrification, including N2O production and reduction, particularly as related to soil depth, are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the rates of N2O production and reduction processes at various soil depths along a hydrological gradient in grazed subtropical grasslands. A batch incubation study was conducted on soils collected along a hydrological gradient representing isolated wetland (Center), transient edge (Edge) and pasture upland (Upland) in south‐central Florida. Significantly different N2O production and reduction rates between hydrological zones were observed for surface soils (0–10 cm) under ambient conditions, with average N2O production rates of 0.368, 0.178 and 0.003 N2O‐N kg−1 dry soil h−1 for Center, Edge and Upland, respectively, and average N2O reduction rates of 0.063, 0.132 and 0.002 N2O‐N kg−1 dry soil h−1. Nitrous oxide production and reduction in subsurface soils maintained low rates and showed small variations between depths and hydrological zones. Our results suggest that N2O dynamics were affected by depth, mainly through labile organic carbon (C) and microbial biomass C, being influenced by hydrological zone primarily through soil NO3‐ content. The spatial distribution of N2O fluxes from denitrification along the hydrological gradient is likely attributed to the differences in N2O production and reduction in surface soils.
Effects of riboflavin and ultraviolet light treatment on pathogen reduction and platelets
Authors: Yin Yundi , Li Ling , Gong Li , Xu Haixia , Liu Zhong
Published: August 2020

Background

Pathogen reduction technology has become an accepted method for limiting transfusion‐transmitted infections (TTIs). Riboflavin and ultraviolet light (RUV) treatment of platelets (PLTs) is an optional means of pathogen inactivation owing to its safety, effectiveness, and ease of use. However, the literature on effects of ultraviolet (UV) light spectra and doses on pathogen reduction is still contradictory.

Methods

We tested the effectiveness of killing Escherichia coli following RUV exposure with one broad‐spectrum and two narrow‐spectrum light sources centered at 311 and 365 nm and at successively higher doses by limited dilution survival assays. After comparing the effectiveness of E coli and phage inactivation (n = 6) and the changes in PLT count and metabolism caused by RUV treatment with optimized UV light at increasing doses, we confirmed our results by using four model virus systems that represent common TTIs, as well as PLT function and activation assays at an optimized light dose.

Results

The narrow‐spectrum UV, centered at 311 nm, optimally reduced the E coli titer with a light dose ≥8.11 J/mL, resulting in the same trend of E coli and phage reduction at different light doses. At 8.11 J/mL, 311‐nm narrow‐spectrum UV had a good inactivation effect on E coli and phages, eliminating many viruses, and resulted in acceptable PLT quality after RUV treatment and during storage for 4 days.

Conclusions

Our data suggest restricting exposure to narrow‐spectrum UV centered at 311 nm can increase E coli elimination and potentially optimize virus titer reduction without significantly compromising PLT quality.
Additive Manufacturing Review: Early Past to Current Practice
Authors: Beaman J. J. , Bourell D. L. , Seepersad C. C. , Kovar D.
Published: August 2020

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a set of manufacturing processes that are capable of producing complex parts directly from a computer model of the part. This review provides a history of the early antecedents of these processes. In addition, the different classes of AM processes and their commercialization are presented and discussed along with their fields of use. This paper emphasizes AM processes that produce production quality parts. The review also addresses design issues and the commercial state of the art for production of polymer, metal, and ceramic parts. A main emphasis of this paper is the development and motivations for AM especially during its nascent years. The paper is written for the general readership of manufacturing professionals and researchers.
Design of a Deep Post Gripping Perception Framework for Industrial Robots
Authors: Zoghlami Firas , Kurrek Philip , Jocas Mark , Masala Giovanni , Salehi Vahid
Published: August 2020

The use of flexible and autonomous robotic systems is a possible solution for automation in dynamic and unstructured industrial environments. Pick and place robotic applications are becoming common for the automation of manipulation tasks in an industrial context. This context requires the robot to be aware of its surroundings throughout the whole manipulation task, even after accomplishing the gripping action. This work introduces the deep post gripping perception framework, which includes post gripping perception abilities realized with the help of deep learning techniques, mainly unsupervised learning methods. These abilities help robots to execute a stable and precise placing of the gripped items while respecting the process quality requirements. The framework development is described based on the results of a literature review on post gripping perception functions and frameworks. This results in a modular design using three building components to realize planning, monitoring and verifying modules. Experimental evaluation of the framework shows its advantages in terms of process quality and stability in pick and place applications.
Effect of Blowing Ratio on Mist-Assisted Air Film Cooling of a Flat Plate: An Experimental Study
Authors: Pabbisetty Mallikarjuna Rao , Prasad B. V. S. S. S.
Published: August 2020

A novel mist-assisted air film cooling scheme is proposed by Li and Wang (2006, “Simulation of Film Cooling Enhancement With Mist Injection,” ASME J. Heat Transfer, 128, pp. 509–519) to increase the film cooling effectiveness of a gas turbine cooled vane/blade. This scheme is further investigated experimentally in this article to determine the effect of the blowing ratio. The coolant is made to pass through the film holes on a flat plate mounted in a test facility. Tiny water droplets, characterized by Rosin-Rammler mean diameter of about 36.7 μm measured with a phase Doppler particle analyzer (PDPA) system is introduced into the cooling air. The effectiveness values are evaluated by measuring the plate surface temperature with the infrared (IR) camera. The maximum percentage of the mist-assisted film cooling effectiveness is 26% more than air film cooling effectiveness when 2.1% of mist is added to the air. In addition, the coolant coverage on the plate is found to be much better with mist cooling in both the streamwise and the spanwise directions. The net enhancement due to the mist-assisted air film cooling effectiveness (Δη) decreases with the increasing values of the blowing ratio in the range of 0.55–2.58 at a density ratio of 2.2.
Generalizability of Convolutional Encoder–Decoder Networks for Aerodynamic Flow-Field Prediction Across Geometric and Physical-Fluidic Variations
Authors: Tangsali Kaustubh , Krishnamurthy Vinayak R. , Hasnain Zohaib
Published: August 2020

The generalizability of a convolutional encoder–decoder based model in predicting aerodynamic flow field across various flow regimes and geometric variation is assessed. A rich master dataset consisting of 11,000+ simulations including cambered, uncambered, thin, and thick airfoils simulated at varying angles of attack is generated. The various Mach and Reynolds number (Re) chosen allows analysis across compressible, incompressible, low, and high Re flow regimes. Multiple studies are carried out with the model trained on datasets that are categorized based on the aforementioned parameters. In each study, the loss of prediction accuracy by training the model on a larger dataset (generalizability), versus a smaller categorically sorted dataset, is evaluated. Largely disparate flow features across the Re range lead to a 25.56% loss, while the generalization across Mach range led to an average of 23.95% loss. However, flow-field changes induced due to geometric variation exhibited a better generalization potential, through an increased accuracy of 12.4%. The encoder–decoder architecture allows extraction of relevant geometric features from largely different geometries (geometric generalization) providing a better out-of-sample prediction accuracy in comparison to physics-based generalization. It is shown that, through user-informed choice of training data (removal of geometrically similar samples), computational costs incurred in generating training data can be reduced. This is important for the application of such methods in the design optimization of platforms and components that require the analysis of the fluid flows.
Effect of Hydrophobic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on the Properties of Oil-Based Drilling Fluid
Authors: Alvi Muhammad Awais Ashfaq , Belayneh Mesfin , Fjelde Kjell Kåre , Saasen Arild , Bandyopadhyay Sulalit
Published: August 2020

Lately, nanoparticles (NPs) have shown the potential to improve the performance of oil well fluids significantly. Several studies have reported the ability of NPs to produce improved properties of both water and oil-based drilling fluids. In this study, hydrophobic iron oxide NPs were synthesized by thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl in an inert atmosphere, and its performance was tested in the oil-based drilling fluid with 90/10 oil-to-water ratio (base fluid). Oil-based drilling fluids treated with nanofluids were formulated by adding 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt% iron oxide NPs in hexane solution to the base drilling fluid. The base fluid and the nanofluid-treated drilling fluids were evaluated by characterizing their rheological properties at different temperatures, viscoelastic properties, lubricity, filtrate loss, static and dynamic settling, and separation properties. Results showed that 0.5 wt% iron oxide dispersed in hexane reduced the high pressure high temperature (HPHT) filtrate loss by 70%, filter cake thickness by 55%, and the coefficient of friction by 39%. Moreover, the nanofluid based drilling fluid reduced the free oil layer caused by syneresis during aging at high temperature by 16.3% compared to the base fluid. This study has shown that hydrophobic iron oxide NPs have the potential to improve the properties of oil-based drilling fluid.
Some Mathematical Problems Related to the Rubik’s Snake
Authors: Hou Songming , Chen Yu , Li Zilong
Published: August 2020

We proved several theorems about the Rubik’s snake toy, which has a chain-like structure with applications in robot design. These mathematical theories can guide people to design beautiful shapes using the Rubik’s snake. We presented an example for shape design to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Die Design Architecture for Enhancing Tool Life Via Manipulation of the Elastic Strain Field of the Dies During Extrusion Processes
Authors: Ngaile Gracious , Rodrigues Daniel Santiago
Published: August 2020

Forging and extrusion tools are often subjected to a combination of cyclic thermo-mechanical, chemical, and tribological loads. Strategies for minimizing these loads are critical for preventing premature tool failure and increasing productivity. A die design architecture for extrusion that minimizes the residual contact pressure at the die-workpiece interface during the ejection stroke is proposed. The underlying principle of this die design is that during the extrusion stroke, a tapered die can move in the direction of the extrusion load, thus inducing negative radial elastic strain on the die. When the extrusion load is removed, the elastic strain energy stored in the die is released, thus repositioning the die to its initial state. With this design architecture, the workpiece can be ejected at no load. The process was validated using finite element (FE) warm forging/extrusion simulations for a constant velocity (CV) joint and pinion gear shaft. These simulations showed that in addition to reducing residual contact pressure, which enhances tribological conditions, the new die design can easily lower die stresses, thus increasing die fatigue life. The FE simulations for CV joint and pinion gear shaft demonstrated residual pressure in certain locations of the die ranging from 30% to 100% of the pressure induced during the extrusion stroke. The case studies simulated showed that a total energy saving of up to 15% can be achieved with the proposed die setup.
Characteristics of Dolutegravir and Bictegravir Plasma Protein Binding: a First Approach for the Study of Pharmacologic Sanctuaries
Authors: Gelé Thibaut , Gouget Hélène , Furlan Valérie , Becker Pierre-Hadrien , Taburet Anne-Marie , Lambotte Olivier , Barrail-Tran Aurélie
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to characterize
in vitro
dolutegravir (DTG) and bictegravir (BIC) binding. They had a preferential binding to human serum albumin (HSA) with two classes of albumin sites. Human alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (HAAG) binding of DTG and BIC showed an atypical nonlinear binding. The low-affinity site on HSA, the main plasma binding protein, suggests that the high protein binding rate should not impair passive diffusion.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates from High-Risk Men in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Maduna Liteboho D. , Kock Marleen M. , van der Veer Brian M. J. W. , Radebe Oscar , McIntyre James , van Alphen Lieke B. , Peters Remco P. H.
Published: August 2020

Neisseria gonorrhoeae
antimicrobial drug resistance has emerged worldwide; however, the situation in sub-Saharan Africa is not well documented. We investigated the molecular epidemiology and occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
infections in two core transmission groups of men in Johannesburg, South Africa. We recruited men who have sex with men (MSM) presenting with urethral discharge and men with recurrent episodes of urethral discharge.
Histone Modifications and Other Facets of Epigenetic Regulation in Trypanosomatids: Leaving Their Mark
Authors: Saha Swati
Published: August 2020

Histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) modulate several eukaryotic cellular processes, including transcription, replication, and repair. Vast arrays of modifications have been identified in conventional eukaryotes over the last 20 to 25 years. While initial studies uncovered these primarily on histone tails, multiple modifications were subsequently found on the central globular domains as well. Histones are evolutionarily conserved across eukaryotes, and a large number of their PTMs and the functional relevance of these PTMs are largely conserved.
Type IX Secretion System Cargo Proteins Are Glycosylated at the C Terminus with a Novel Linking Sugar of the Wbp/Vim Pathway
Authors: Veith Paul D. , Shoji Mikio , O’Hair Richard A. J. , Leeming Michael G. , Nie Shuai , Glew Michelle D. , Reid Gavin E. , Nakayama Koji , Reynolds Eric C.
Published: August 2020

Porphyromonas gingivalis
and
Tannerella forsythia
, two pathogens associated with severe gum disease, use the type IX secretion system (T9SS) to secrete and attach toxic arrays of virulence factor proteins to their cell surfaces. The proteins are tethered to the outer membrane via glycolipid anchors that have remained unidentified for more than 2 decades. In this study, the first sugar molecules (linking sugars) in these anchors are identified and found to be novel compounds. The novel biosynthetic pathway of these linking sugars is also elucidated. A diverse range of bacteria that do not have the T9SS were found to have the genes for this pathway, suggesting that they may synthesize similar linking sugars for utilization in different systems. Since the cell surface attachment of virulence factors is essential for virulence, these findings reveal new targets for the development of novel therapies.
The ClpX and ClpP2 Orthologs of Chlamydia trachomatis Perform Discrete and Essential Functions in Organism Growth and Development
Authors: Wood Nicholas A. , Blocker Amanda M. , Seleem Mohamed A. , Conda-Sheridan Martin , Fisher Derek J. , Ouellette Scot P.
Published: August 2020

Chlamydia trachomatis
is the leading cause of infectious blindness globally and the most reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection both domestically and internationally. Given the economic burden, the lack of an approved vaccine, and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for treatment of infections, an understanding of chlamydial growth and development is critical for the advancement of novel targeted antibiotics. The Clp proteins comprise an important and conserved protease system in bacteria. Our work highlights the importance of the chlamydial Clp proteins to this clinically important bacterium. Additionally, our study implicates the Clp system playing an integral role in chlamydial developmental cycle progression, which may help establish models of how
Chlamydia
spp. and other bacteria progress through their respective developmental cycles. Our work also contributes to a growing body of Clp-specific research that underscores the importance and versatility of this system throughout bacterial evolution and further validates Clp proteins as drug targets.
Negative Interplay between Biofilm Formation and Competence in the Environmental Strains of
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: She Qianxuan , Hunter Evan , Qin Yuxuan , Nicolau Samantha , Zalis Eliza A. , Wang Hongkai , Chen Yun , Chai Yunrong
Published: August 2020

The soil bacterium
Bacillus subtilis
can form robust biofilms, which are important for its survival in the environment.
B. subtilis
also exhibits natural competence. By investigating competence development in
B. subtilis
in situ
during biofilm formation, we reveal that robust biofilm formation often greatly reduces the frequency of competent cells within the biofilm. We then characterize a cross-pathway regulation that allows cells in these two developmental events to undergo mutually exclusive cell differentiation during biofilm formation. Finally, we discuss potential biological implications of limiting competence in a bacterial biofilm.
Coronary artery spasm following dobutamine stress echocardiogram
Authors: Judenherc Haouzi Annick , Schwartz Stefani , Liszka Edward
Published: August 2020

A 53-year-old woman with atypical chest pain underwent a dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE) and developed a coronary spasm (CS) with severe pain and dramatic ST-segment elevation 9 min after dobutamine infusion was discontinued. The spasm resolved after sublingual nitroglycerin administration. The same-day coronary angiogram showed non-significant stenosis in the three coronary territories. Retrospectively, we found that the patient had vasospastic angina (VSA), a condition that has been strongly associated with the development of dobutamine-induced CS. Mechanisms of dobutamine-induced CS are not fully understood and include endothelial dysfunction leading to deficient nitric oxide-mediated coronary vasodilation in response to increased myocardial oxygen demand as well as imbalance between β1 and β2 adrenergic effects of dobutamine. Dobutamine-induced CS has also been much more frequently reported in patients from Asian descent with VSA. VSA should be systemically recognised in patients considered for DSE and, if present, other modalities of stress imaging should be discussed.
Immune-related pneumonitis associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in lung cancer: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Xinru , Zhang Zhonghan , Hou Xue , Zhang Yaxiong , Zhou Ting , Liu Jiaqing , Lin Zhihuan , Fang Wenfeng , Yang Yunpeng , Ma Yuxiang , Huang Yan , Zhao Hongyun , Zhang Li
Published: August 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have dramatically revolutionized lung cancer treatment, providing unprecedented clinical benefits. However, immune-related pneumonitis (IRP) caused by ICIs has aroused widespread concern due to its high rate of discontinuation and mortality. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aims to compare the risks of IRP among different regimens for advanced lung cancer.

Methods

Phase II and III randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were searched from electronic databases. The rates of grade 1–5 IRP and grade 3–5 IRP were systematically extracted. An NMA was conducted among chemotherapy, ICIs monotherapy, dual ICIs combination, and ICIs+chemotherapy. Subgroup analysis was also compared based on specific types of ICIs.

Results

Twenty-five RCTs involving 17,310 patients were eligible for inclusion. Compared with chemotherapy, ICI-based regimens were associated with an increased risk of grade 1–5 IRP and grade 3–5 IRP. Compared with ICIs+chemotherapy, ICIs monotherapy (grade 1–5: OR 2.14, 95% credible interval 1.12 to 4.80; grade 3–5: 3.03, 1.491 to 6.69) and dual ICIs combination (grade 1–5: 3.86, 1.69 to 9.89; grade 3–5: 5.12, 2.01 to 13.68) were associated with a higher risk of grade 1–5 IRP and grade 3–5 IRP. No significant difference was found between dual ICIs combination and ICIs monotherapy in grade 1–5 IRP (1.85, 0.91 to 3.37) or in grade 3–5 IRP (1.65, 0.81 to 3.37). Besides, compared with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors (2.56, 1.12 to 6.60), a lower risk of grade 1–5 IRP was observed in programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors.

Conclusion

Compared with chemotherapy, using ICIs is associated with an increased risk of IRP. ICIs+chemotherapy is associated with a lower risk of IRP compared with dual ICIs combination and ICIs monotherapy. PD-1 inhibitors are associated with a higher risk of 1–5 grade IRP compared with PD-L1 inhibitors.
Comparative construct validity of three presenteeism instruments in workers with musculoskeletal complaints: a prospective cohort study
Authors: van der Burg Lennart , Sepriano Alexandre , Landewé Robert , Geuskens Goedele , Ottenheijm Ramon , Dinant Geert-Jan , Boonen Annelies
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To compare the construct validity of three presenteeism instruments, using health and economic outcomes as external references, among working persons reporting musculoskeletal complaints.

Methods

Data from the prospective Study on Transitions in Employment, Ability and Motivation were used. Presenteeism measurement comprised a global rating of work-ability, and two instruments indicating at-work productivity, and was assessed yearly over 6 years of follow-up. Longitudinal associations between measures of health and subsequent presenteeism, and between presenteeism and subsequent days of sick leave were assessed using generalised estimating equation models. The effect of groups of contextual factors (socio-demographic, lifestyle, personal and work-related factors) was investigated by assessing the change in explained variability.

Results

In total, 4523 persons were analysed. The association between physical health and work-ability was stronger than both at-work productivity measures; 10 points increase in physical health (0–100, higher is better) was associated with 0.79 points (95% CI 0.75 to 0.84) better work-ability (0–10, higher is better) in the subsequent year. Besides, work-ability best predicted sick leave; one point higher work-ability was associated with 4 days less sick leave (95% CI −5.09 to −3.63) the subsequent year. Personal factors improved model fit for models on health and work-ability, but conflicting results were seen for both at-work productivity instruments.

Conclusion

Work-ability showed higher construct validity against health and economic outcomes as compared to at-work productivity, which shows that work-ability is different to productivity (losses). Personal factors are especially relevant when interpreting the relation between health and work-ability or self-reported quantity of work.
Chronic uterine abscess in a Bolivian grey titi monkey (Plecturocebus donacophilus)
Authors: Kaye Sarrah
Published: August 2020

An 11‐year‐old, reproductively active female Bolivian grey titi monkey (Plecturocebus donacophilus) in a zoological institution was presented for abdominal distension without concurrent clinical signs. Physical examination and imaging studies detected a uterine mass. Preoperative bloodwork revealed anaemia and hyperglobulinaemia. Hysterectomy was performed, but the patient died under anaesthesia. Histopathological examination found a chronic uterine abscess with effacement of the uterine wall and generalised inflammation consistent with sepsis. This case documents an uncommon reproductive tract lesion in a New World primate, and demonstrates the value of routine reproductive health monitoring in non‐human primates, as not all pathologies will have clinical signs perceptible by caretakers. Earlier diagnosis may have resulted in an improved outcome in this case. Uterine abscess could be a differential diagnosis in cases of abdominal mass effect or distension in female titi monkeys.