bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of provocative electrophysiology testing in the management of pediatric patients after congenital heart surgery
Authors: Dionne Audrey , Kheir John N. , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Triedman John K. , Abrams Dominic J. , Alexander Mark E. , DeWitt Elizabeth S. , Mah Douglas Y. , Walsh Edward P. , Bezzerides Vassilios J.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To determine the impact of provocative electrophysiology testing in postoperative congenital heart disease (CHD) patients on the management of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and clinical outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective study including patients <18 years of age with surgery for CHD who had postoperative SVT between 2006 and 2017. Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with and without postoperative electrophysiology testing using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, Fisher's exact test, Kaplan‐Meier method with the log‐rank test, and Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

From 341 patients who had SVT after surgery for CHD, 65 (19%) had postoperative electrophysiology testing. There was no significant difference in baseline patient characteristics or surgical complexity between patients with and without electrophysiology testing. Patients with inducible SVT on electrophysiology testing were more likely to have recurrence of SVT prior to hospital discharge with an odds ratio 4.0 (95% confidence interval 1.3, 12.0). Patients who underwent postoperative electrophysiology testing had shorter intensive care unit (12 [6, 20] vs 16 [9, 32] days, HR 2.1 [95% CI 1.6, 2.8], P < .001) and hospital (25 [13, 38] vs 31 [18, 54] days, HR 1.8 [95% CI 1.4, 2.4], P < .001) length of stay.

Conclusion

Postoperative electrophysiology testing was associated with improved postoperative outcomes, likely related to the ability to predict recurrence of arrhythmia and tailored antiarrhythmic management.
When and How Different Motives Can Drive Motivated Political Reasoning
Authors: Bayes Robin , Druckman James N. , Goods Avery , Molden Daniel C.
Published: April 2020

It is commonly assumed that the effectiveness of political messages depends on people's motivations. Yet, studies of politically motivated reasoning typically only consider what partisans generally might want to believe and do not separately examine the different types of motives that likely underlie these wants. The present research explores the roles of distinct types of motives in politically motivated thinking and identifies the conditions under which motivated reasoners are persuaded by political messages. Results of an experiment with a large, representative sample of Republicans show that manipulations inducing motivations for either (1) forming accurate impressions, (2) affirming moral values, or (3) affirming group identity each increased beliefs in and intentions to combat human‐induced climate change, but only when also paired with political messages that are congruent with the induced motivation. We also find no evidence of a backlash effect even when individuals are provided with clearly uncongenial information and a motivation to reject it. Overall, our findings make clear that understanding when and why motivated political reasoning occurs requires a more complete understanding of both which motivations might be active among a group of partisans and how these motivations resonate with the messaging they receive.
Estimating organic surface horizon depth for peat and peaty soils across a Scottish upland catchment using linear mixed models with topographic and geological covariates
Authors: Finlayson Andrew , Marchant Ben P. , Whitbread Katie , Hughes Leanne , Barron Hugh F.
Published: April 2020

In order to evaluate and protect ecosystem services provided by peat and peaty soils, accurate estimations for the depth of the surface organic horizon are required. This study uses linear mixed models (LMMs) to test how topographic (elevation, slope, aspect) and superficial geology parameters can contribute to improved depth estimates across a Scottish upland catchment. Mean (n = 5) depth data from 283 sites (representing full covariate ranges) were used to calibrate LMMs, which were tested against a validation dataset. Models were estimated using maximum likelihood, and the Akaike Information Criterion was used to test whether the iterative addition of covariates to a model with constant fixed effects was beneficial. Elevation, slope and certain geology classes were all identified as useful covariates. Upon addition of the random effects (i.e. spatial modelling of residuals), the RMSE for the model with constant‐only fixed effects reduced by 24%. Addition of random effects to a model with topographic covariates (fixed effects = constant, slope, elevation) reduced the RMSE by 13%, whereas the addition of random effects to a model with topographic and geological covariates (fixed effects = constant, slope, elevation, certain geology classes) reduced the RMSE by only 3%. Therefore, much of the spatial pattern in depth was explained by the fixed effects in the latter model. The study contributes to a growing research base demonstrating that widely available topographic (and also here geological) datasets, which have national coverage, can be included in spatial models to improve organic horizon depth estimations.
The ARPANET Into the Internet: A Tale of Two Networks
Authors: Packard Noel
Published: April 2020

The Internet is a split civilian and military entity in physical and social construction. Investigating this split entity in all its manifestations is an important venture, but this study explores the split social construction of the ARPANET’s reported history. ARPANET/Internet literature shows a division between literature that does and does not include the history of the intelligence communities (IC) working relationship with the pre-privatized ARPANET. Two different genres of literature are discussed, charted in a Table and compared to aspects of the ARPANET’s known and reported developmental and privatization history. Different origin stories are discussed in a general way; then a pattern in the literature is explored, namely, how illegally and libelous spy data gathered in 1960s intelligence community (IC) operations and processed through the pre-privatized ARPANET, is acknowledged in indirect or secondhand ways, when ARPA demonstrated feasibility of the ARPANET ; while after pyritization the literature acknowledges IC spying through the commercialized Internet in firsthand and direct ways. The study examines how earlier and contemporary literature continues contesting the role that 1960s IC spy data played in demonstrating the feasibility of the ARPANET; a prerequisite test for the privatization of the ARPANET. Findings indicate ARPANET histories have excluded direct reporting about how ARPA and the IC demonstrated ARPANET’s feasibility prior to privatization. The conclusion is that understanding history about how ARPA and the IC demonstrated ARPANET’s feasibility, makes it easier to comprehend reports about how the Internet serves counterinsurgency purposes. The study confirms ongoing debates about the social construction of Internet history.
Going Underground at the Selected Site for Site Confirmation
Authors: Äikäs Timo
Published: April 2020

The long-term programme aimed at selection of a site for a deep repository was initiated in Finland in 1983. This programme has come to end and a new phase aimed at implementation of the geological disposal of spent fuel has been started. In this new phase the first milestone is the application for a construction license for the disposal facility around 2010 and thereafter, as a second step, the operation license in 2020. To fulfil the needs for detailed design of the disposal system, an underground rock characterisation facility, “ONKALO”, will be constructed at the representative depth at Olkiluoto. The excavation of this facility will start the work for underground characterisation, testing and demonstration which is planned to be a continuous activity throughout the whole life cycle of the deep repository.
Externalities and Internalisation of Radioactive Waste Producing Activities: The Analogy With Environmental Practices
Authors: Kunsch Pierre L.
Published: April 2020

All human activities generate negative externalities, in particular the use of radioactive material for electricity production and radioisotope applications. Both activities produce radioactive waste, which can, therefore, be considered as being specific externalities. The purpose of the paper is to investigate these externalities and to identify appropriate internalisation instruments. Analogue cases in environmental management are discussed. In general the nuclear externalities are not internalised in the management costs charged by Radioactive Waste agencies (RAWA). The paper explores the possibility of having an internalisation of all costs as requested by the strict application of the Polluter Pays Principle.

In the case of electricity production a comparison is made between the externalities attributed to nuclear waste and those in relation with CO2-emissions from the combustion of fossil fuel. A brief overview is given on the evaluation approach in ExternE (“Externalities of Energy”). The evaluations are the basis for the design of a carbon tax applicable to fossil fuels for reducing CO2-emissions. A similar tax could be charged on radioactive waste management. Beyond the internalisation objective, the tax proceeds could finance the technological R&D for improving the conditions of storage and disposal, and provide compensations to local residents in the vicinity of nuclear waste management facilities.

The management of spent radioisotope equipment in medicine, research, or industry is shown to have similar features to the management of packages, spent electrical appliances, and the disposal of batteries. In general the price of management of the spent material is not included in the purchase price. In case of spent radioisotope equipment, the externality mainly represents the risk of this material becoming a hazard for the public health. It is recommended to internalise the full costs of management to eliminate this risk. Moreover spent material should be registered and RAWA should maintain detailed inventories on their national territories. In order to induce the free return of spent material to the RAWA, deposit refund systems could be set in place as in the package or battery market. A surcharge is paid by purchase, which is refunded to the buyers when they return the product for recycling or proper disposal.

The paper concludes by describing lessons and possible implications of the previously discussed environmental tax or surcharge systems on the way the Polluter-Pays Principle is applied in radioactive waste management.
Dismantling of a Nuclear Fuel Fabric - Release of Building Rubble and Site: An Overview
Authors: Aberl Elisabeth T. , Lehmann Karl-Heinz
Published: April 2020

Uranium fuel rods were produced in the nuclear fuel site. The buildings should be dismantled after decontamination and the site should be released for industrial use. The individual dose to the critical group is limited to an annual value of about 10 μSv. The determined specific activity for remediation of the site was a mean value of 60 mBq/g total activity. For the building rubble and soil primarily two pathways, disposal at a landfill and refill of a disused salt mine, were considered. As a result of the investigations the total activity for the disposal at a landfill had to be limited to about 6,6 GBq. For the refill of the salt mine the estimated individual dose fell below the dose limit in the range of 10 μSv/y.
Long Lived Radiation Sources and Waste in Near Surface Repository: Legacy of the Past, Challenge of Today
Authors: Ormai Péter , Bérci Károly , Takáts Ferenc , Juhász László
Published: April 2020

In the near surface repository highly active sources and spent sealed radiation sources (SSRS) consisting of long half-life and alpha-emitting materials have been disposed of. Based on the results of a safety assessment it is clear that the SSRS could result in high doses to individuals who intrude into the facility and high doses following any future disruption of the facility by natural processes. Intervention alternatives that are being considered cover the whole range of options from extension of the facility to terminate operation. The possible future scenarios to improve the overall safety of the site and to extend the existing disposal capacity are discussed.
The Potential Application of Soil Washing to the Treatment of Radioactively Contaminated Soils, Rubble and Rocks From UKAEA’s Sites
Authors: Pearl Mike
Published: April 2020

Laboratory and pilot scale tests have been carried out to assess the potential application of soil washing to the treatment of radioactively contaminated soil, rubble and rocks from its sites.

With radioactively contaminated soils it was difficult to clean to a free release level (<0.4 Bq/g), although it was possible to clean to a risk based target, or to a waste categorised as Very Low Radioactive Material.

With radioactively contaminated rubble and rocks, wet scrubbing in a tumbling mill was very effective at removing surface contamination so that the products could be disposed as free release material or Very Low Radioactive Material.
Commercial Spent Nuclear Fuel Integrity During Long-Term Dry Storage
Authors: Stewart Leroy , McKinnon Mikal A.
Published: April 2020

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management conducted spent nuclear fuel integrity and cask performance tests from 1984–1996 at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL). Between 1994 and 1998, DOE also initiated a Spent Fuel Behavior Project that involved enhanced surveillance, monitoring, and gas-sampling activities for intact fuel in a GNS CASTOR V/21 cask and for consolidated fuel in a Sierra Nuclear VSC-17 cask. The results of these series of tests are reported in this paper. Presently, DOE is involved in a cooperative project to perform destructive evaluations of fuel rods that have been stored in the CASTOR V/21 cask. The results of those evaluations are presented elsewhere in these proceedings in a paper entitled “Examination of Spent PWR Fuel Rods after 15 years in Dry Storage”.
Disposal of Non-Standard Radioactive Waste in the Mochovce L/ILW Repository
Authors: Salzer Peter , Hanušík Václav , Krištofová Kristína
Published: April 2020

Packages of the non-standard radioactive waste have been, in present conditions of the Slovak Republic, defined as packages intended to be dispose by the producer and originally not covered by “the limits and conditions” of the Mochovce near surface repository, particularly waste acceptance criteria concerning the form of waste. Wastes cemented directly (homogeneous) to standard concrete containers reinforced by metal fibres (FRCs) or conditioned into 2001 drums before (heterogeneous: drums are inserted into FRCs and the FRCs void spaces are filled by cement mortar) were originally the only acceptable radioactive waste form in Mochovce repository. However, there has been an intention to dispose another, so-called “non-standard” types of waste: large metal pieces of waste transported and placed directly into repository vaults (i.e. cut into dimensions of individual vault). Second types of non-standard waste have been: dewatered spent ion exchange resins and storage tanks bottom sludge in drums, inserted into FRC with subsequent backfilling by cement mortar. Third group of these is represented by incinerator ashes in drums inserted to FRC directly or after compaction, again with subsequent backfilling of FRCs void spaces.

As an answer for this challenge, the ALARA approach has been applied for pre-disposal management optimization of large metal pieces of waste. Four examples of waste arising from the Slovak decommissioned plant A-1 have been evaluated for various options of its management. This step is predominant to achieve a decision concerning disposal of the latter kind of waste. Regarding the disposal of mentioned dewatered waste and incinerator ashes in FRC, a new model has been applied to the assessment of long-term behavior of source term in the repository safety analyses. The new approach is sensitive to the form of waste package on the contrary to the source term model applied heretofore.
Last Developments About Spent Fuel Management in Belgium
Authors: Wittebolle V.
Published: April 2020

In Belgium 57% of the electricity is presently generated by 7 nuclear units of the PWR type located in Doel and Tihange. Their total output amounts to 5632 MWe. Part of the spent fuel unloaded from the first three units has been sent till 2000 for reprocessing in the Cogema facility at La Hague. As the reprocessing of the spent fuel produced by the last four units is not covered by the contracts concluded with Cogema, Synatom, the Belgian utilities’ subsidiary in charge of the front- and back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle for all PWR reactors in Belgium, decided to study the possible solutions for a temporary storage of this spent fuel.

End of 1993, the Belgian government decided that reprocessing (closed cycle) and direct disposal (open cycle) of spent fuel had to be considered as equal options in the back-end policy for nuclear fuel in Belgium. The resolution further allowed continued execution of a running reprocessing contract (from 1978) and use of the corresponding Pu for MOX in Belgian NPP’s, but requested a reprocessing contract concluded in 1990 (for reprocessing services after 2000) not to be executed during a five-year period. During this period priority was to be given to studies on the once-through cycle as an option for spent fuel management. Figure 1 is a chart showing the two alternatives for the spent fuel cycle in Belgium.

In this context, Synatom entrusted Belgatom1 to develop a dedicated flask (called “bottle”) for direct disposal of spent fuel, to perform a design study of an appropriate encapsulation process and to prepare a preliminary feasibility study of a complete spent fuel conditioning plant. Meanwhile preparation works were made for the construction of an interim storage facility on both NPP sites of Doel and Tihange in order to meet increasing storage capacity needs.

For selecting the type of interim storage facility, Belgatom performed a technical-economical analysis. Considerations of design and safety criteria as well as flexibility, reversibility, technical constraints, global economical aspects and construction time led to adopt dry storage with dual purpose casks (in operation since end 1995) for the Doel site and wet storage in a modular pool for the Tihange site (in operation since 1997).

In parallel, ONRAF/NIRAS, the Belgian Agency for the management of radioactive waste and enriched fissile materials and the Belgian nuclear research centre, SCK•CEN, conduct underground investigations in view of geological disposal.

The paper describes the methodology that Belgatom has developed to provide the utilities with appropriate solutions (reracking, dry storage in casks, wet storage in ponds, etc.) and how Belgatom demonstrated also the feasibility of spent fuel conditioning with a view to direct disposal in clay layers.

The spent fuel storage facilities in operation in Belgium and designed and built by Belgatom are then briefly presented.
Drying of Spent Nuclear Fuels and Fuel Debris Dried in a Vacuum Furnace
Authors: Christensen Allan B. , Wendt Kraig M.
Published: April 2020

Spent nuclear fuels and fuel debris stored underwater must eventually be prepared for dry storage (e.g., repository disposition). This preparation involves some degree of fuel drying. Primary considerations for a fuel drying process are the containment configuration of the spent fuel material and the type of fuel material (e.g., oxide, metal, hydride, alloy, carbide, epoxied, debris). The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory has built and operated three heated vacuum drying systems and placed into interim dry storage all of these fuel types. The drying systems and process have been tested and modeled so that the extent of dryness can be predicted and used to plan and perform drying operations. This paper presents this drying method.
Model of a Dry Storage Facility for a Medium Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Bace Mile , Trontl Kresimir , Pevec Dubravko
Published: April 2020

The intention was to model a dry storage facility that could satisfy the needs of a medium nuclear power plant similar to the NPP Krsko. The attention has been focused on radiation dose rate analyses and criticality calculations. Using the SCALE 4.4 code package and modified QAD-CGGP code, we modeled a facility that satisfies the basic criteria for public radiation protection. The capacity of the storage is 1,400 spent fuel assemblies which is adequate for a forty years medium NPP lifetime.
Progress and Experience From the Decommissioning of the Eurochemic Reprocessing Plant
Authors: Lewandowski Patrick , Teunckens Lucien , Walthéry Robert , Millen Danny , Baumann Sven
Published: April 2020

Belgoprocess started the industrial decommissioning of the main process building of the former Eurochemic reprocessing plant in 1990, after completion of a pilot project. Two small storage buildings for end products from reprocessing were dismantled to verify the assumptions made in a previous paper study on decommissioning, to demonstrate and develop dismantling techniques and to train personnel. Both buildings were emptied and decontaminated to background levels. They were demolished and the remaining concrete debris was disposed of as industrial waste, and green field conditions restored.

The main process building is a large rectangular construction of about 80 m long, 27 m wide and 30 m high. About 106 individual cell structures have to be dismantled, involving the removal and decontamination of equipment from each cell, the decontamination of the cell walls, ceilings and floors, the dismantling of the ventilation system. These activities are followed by a complete monitoring of all surfaces in view of the unconditional release of the remaining structures. About 1,500 Mg of metal structures, and 12,500 m3 of concrete with 55,000 m2 of concrete surfaces have to be removed and/or to be decontaminated.

The paper presents a status overview of the decommissioning and decontamination activities at the former Eurochemic reprocessing plant on the nuclear site of Dessel in Belgium. The specific Belgoprocess approach will be highlighted, in which the decommissioning activities are carried out on an industrial scale with special emphasis on cost minimisation, the use of technology on an industrial representative scale. The specific alpha contamination of equipment and building surfaces require that the decommissioning work is done with adequate protective clothing. Adapted breathing and cooling air systems have been provided to enable the operators to carry out the decommissioning tasks in acceptable working conditions.
Impact Assessment Analysis for Surface Storage of Radioactive Waste Addressing Radiotoxicity and Chemotoxicity: Application to an Existing Radium-Waste Surface Storage Facility
Authors: Mallants Dirk , Dierckx Ann , Wang Lian , Volckaert Geert
Published: April 2020

Radioactive wastes often contain considerable amounts of non-radiological and potentially toxic components such as heavy metals, organics, etc. The present study discusses an impact assessment methodology applied to the surface repository located at Olen (Belgium) containing various wastes from radium and uranium production. The impact assessment considered leaching to groundwater and use of groundwater for production of drinking water and irrigation. Leaching of radionuclides and non-radiological components from the storage facility was calculated using numerical models of water flow and contaminant transport. Results showed that leaching from the waste forms containing the highest concentration in radium, uranium, lead, and arsenic (i.e., various uranium mill tailings and radium sources and needles) did not lead to unacceptable concentrations in the groundwater when a reasonable leaching period was considered.
Hybrid Probabilistic and Possibilistic Safety Assessment: Methodology and Application
Authors: Kato Kazuyuki , Amano Osamu , Ikeda Takao , Yoshida Hideji , Takase Hiroyasu
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a unified methodology to handle variability and ignorance by using probabilistic and possibilistic techniques respectively. The methodology has been applied to the safety assessment of geological disposal of high level radioactive waste. Ignorances associated with scenarios, models and parameters were defined in terms of fuzzy membership functions derived through a series of interviews to the experts, while variability was formulated by means of probability density functions (pdfs) based on available data sets. The exercise demonstrated the applicability of the new methodology and, in particular, its advantage in quantifying ignorances based on expert opinion and in providing information on the dependence of assessment results on the level of conservatism. In addition, it was shown that sensitivity analysis can identify key parameters contributing to uncertainties associated with results of the overall assessment. The information mentioned above can be utilized to support decision making and to guide the process of disposal system development and optimization of protection against potential exposure.
Principles and Limitations for Natural Attenuation of Radionuclides in Former Uranium Mining and Milling Sites
Authors: Dudel Ernst Gert , Brackhage Carsten , Clemens Claudia , Dienemann Holger , Mkandawire Martin , Rotsche Joachim , Weiske Arndt
Published: April 2020

Development of a self-sustainable remediation process seems to require an approach that uses the entire ecosystem functions. Selected effects have been documented in four case studies both in forests and wetlands: I) In the course of vegetation and soil development on experimental plots forested since 1963, concentration of RNs was reduced from >1000 Bq/kg to <200 Bq/kg in the top soil due to dilution by accumulation of organic carbon; II) in the stem wood of spruce and alder as few as 13–54 mg U/ha had been fixed; III) wetland compartments acted as strong sinks (> 1000 Bq/kg in organic matter); IV) water quality below a natural wetland — working as a filter within an uranium mineralisation hot spot in Malawi (SE-Africa) (> 2000 Bq/kg soil) — demonstrated no difference to a reference brook within the catchment.
The Development and Implementation of Successful Waste Characterization and Management Programs
Authors: Moody David W. , Peters Kevin J.
Published: April 2020

Consideration of established waste management programs is beneficial to organizations and agencies in the developmental stages of such programs. The intent of this paper is to facilitate the development of comprehensive, efficient and integrated waste characterization programs to ensure regulatory, technical and quality compliance. In the developmental phase, the components needed for each characterization activity, such as characterization technique, qualification of instrumentation and personnel, and input and output documentation, are designed for the program. Indoctrination, training and application of designed characterization processes implement the components. Internal assessments and audits are performed to verify successful implementation and ensure ongoing program improvement.
Predictive relation for the α-relaxation time of a coarse-grained polymer melt under steady shear
Authors: Giuntoli Andrea , Puosi Francesco , Leporini Dino , Starr Francis W. , Douglas Jack F.
Published: April 2020

Shear suppression of α-relaxation and dynamic heterogeneity in a model glass-forming polymer melt.
The NALCN channel complex is voltage sensitive and directly modulated by extracellular calcium
Authors: Chua H. C. , Wulf M. , Weidling C. , Rasmussen L. P. , Pless S. A.
Published: April 2020

NALCN is the voltage-sensing, pore-forming subunit of a constitutively active, extracellular calcium-regulated complex.
Finite-temperature violation of the anomalous transverse Wiedemann-Franz law
Authors: Xu Liangcai , Li Xiaokang , Lu Xiufang , Collignon Clément , Fu Huixia , Koo Jahyun , Fauqué Benoît , Yan Binghai , Zhu Zengwei , Behnia Kamran
Published: April 2020

The anomalous Lorenz ratio of the topological antiferromagnet Mn
3
Ge becomes lower than the Sommerfeld value above 100 K.
IL-23 and IL-2 activation of STAT5 is required for optimal IL-22 production in ILC3s during colitis
Authors: Bauché David , Joyce-Shaikh Barbara , Fong Julie , Villarino Alejandro V. , Ku Karin S. , Jain Renu , Lee Yu-chi , Annamalai Lakshmanan , Yearley Jennifer H. , Cua Daniel J.
Published: April 2020

Cooperation between STAT5 and STAT3 enables maximal induction of IL-22 in ILC3s.
Building the lac Operon: A Guided-Inquiry Activity Using 3D-Printed Models
Authors: Gordy Claire L. , Sandefur Conner I. , Lacara Tessa , Harris Felix R. , Ramirez Melissa V.
Published: April 2020

Undergraduate biology courses rely heavily on visual representation of information. Students view images of plants, animals, and microbes, interpret data presented in graphs, and use drawings to understand how cells and molecules interact in three dimensions. Traditional teaching approaches exclude students with visual impairments and disadvantage students with disabilities that affect their interpretation and processing of visual and spatial information, and also students who simply do not identify as “visual learners.” By using new technologies to develop tactile teaching tools (TTTs) that can be employed in classrooms, we aim to create inclusive learning environments and more effectively instruct diverse learners. The advent of affordable and accessible 3D printing technology makes it possible to create tactile models that represent molecules, cells, and entire organisms more accurately than traditional visual representations. We describe the assessment of a 3D gene expression puzzle as a guided inquiry learning activity in which students must correctly assemble a series of components in order to achieve an output. Upon completion of the puzzle, the TTT provides tactile feedback through vibration to signal transcriptional activation. Analysis of pre- and postassessment performance demonstrated statistically significant increases in individual students’ paired assessment scores in two different classroom implementations, with a greater effect size at a rural minority-serving institution than an urban R1 university. These encouraging preliminary data suggest that TTTs with guided-inquiry learning disproportionately benefit disadvantaged student populations and could serve as a tool in leveling the playing field when teaching abstract biological concepts in diverse educational settings.
Phosphorylation of the Human Papillomavirus E2 Protein at Tyrosine 138 Regulates Episomal Replication
Authors: Jose Leny , Androphy Elliot J. , DeSmet Marsha
Published: April 2020

Papillomavirus (PV) is a double-stranded DNA tumor virus infecting the cutaneous and mucosal epithelium. The PV E2 protein associates with a number of cellular factors to mediate replication of the HPV genome. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) regulates HPV replication through phosphorylation of tyrosine 138 in the HPV E2 protein. Employing a quasivirus infection model and selection for G418 resistant genomes, we demonstrated that Y138 is a critical residue for Brd4 association and that inability to complex with Brd4 does not support episomal replication.
Supplemental material: Detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology and Hf isotope geochemistry of Paleozoic and Triassic passive margin strata of western North America
Authors: Gehrels George , Pecha Mark
Published: April 2020

Geosphere, February 2014, v. 10, p. 49-65, doi:10.1130/GES00889.1, Supplemental Tables - Zipped file containing 13 Excel table files. Table 1: Alaska U-Pb data. Table 2: Northern British Columbia U-Pb data. Table 3: Southern British Columbia U-Pb data. Table 4: Nevada-Utah U-Pb data. Table 5: Southern California U-Pb data. Table 6: Sonora U-Pb data. Table 7: Hf standard data. Table 8: Alaska Hf data. Table 9: Northern British Columbia Hf data. Table 10: Southern British Columbia Hf data. Table 11: Nevada-Utah Hf data. Table 12: Southern California Hf data. Table 13: Sonora Hf data.
Supplemental material: The Confusion Range, west-central Utah: Fold-thrust deformation and a western Utah thrust belt in the Sevier hinterland
Authors: Greene David C.
Published: April 2020

Geosphere, February 2014, v. 10, p. 148-169, doi:10.1130/GES00972.1, Plate 4 - Cross section of the south central Confusion Range, C–C′.
Supplemental material: The Confusion Range, west-central Utah: Fold-thrust deformation and a western Utah thrust belt in the Sevier hinterland
Authors: Greene David C.
Published: April 2020

Geosphere, February 2014, v. 10, p. 148-169, doi:10.1130/GES00972.1, Plate 6 - Strike-parallel cross section of the western Confusion Range, E–E′.
Approach to exaggerated startle reflex: a case of hyperekplexia minor
Authors: Hakeem Haris , Khurshid Ramsha , Siddiqui Fowzia , Bhatti Danish Ejaz
Published: April 2020

A broad set of conditions may present with an exaggerated startle reflex in clinics. This, combined with the overall rarity of these disorders, may pose diagnostic uncertainty in the mind of the treating physician. Herein, we report a case of a patient who presented to us with the complaint of exaggerated startle reflex and outline a simple approach towards characterisation of these disorders.
Pericardial relapse of multiple myeloma
Authors: Jamison Lee S , Mo Clifton Craig , Kwok Mary
Published: April 2020

In patients who experience relapse of multiple myeloma, upwards of 30% can have extramedullary disease. The presence of extramedullary multiple myeloma is typically associated with adverse cytogenetics and a poor prognosis. Organs most commonly involved include the liver, skin, central nervous system, pleural effusions, kidney, lymph nodes, and pancreas. We present the case of a 53-year-old man with IgA kappa multiple myeloma with the adverse cytogenetic findings of t(4;14) and 1q21 gain who had achieved a stringent complete (sCR) response after initial therapy with carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone. Stringent complete response is defined as the normalization of the free light chain ratio in the serum and an absence of clonal cells in the bone marrow in additiion to criteria needed to achieve complete response. Prior to undergoing a planned autologous stem cell transplant, this patient experienced cardiac tamponade secondary to extramedullary relapse of his multiple myeloma which was limited to the pericardium. In response, his treatment regimen was transitioned to pomalidomide, bortezomib, dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide for three cycles after which he again achieved sCR and ultimately underwent autologous stem cell transplant. Post-transplant consolidation therapy was administered in the form of pomalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone, followed by pomalidomide and bortezomib maintenance, which he has continued to receive for 3 years without evidence of disease progression.
Ovoid palatal patch: a clue to anti-TIF1γ dermatomyositis
Authors: Franciosi Ellen , Blankenship Kaitlin , Houk Laura , Rashighi Mehdi
Published: April 2020

An 80-year-old woman presented with a several-year history of progressive hair loss and scalp pruritus. No other rashes or muscle weakness were noted on examination. Scalp biopsy showed interface dermatitis, dense perivascular and periadnexal lymphocytic infiltrate, mucin and scarring alopecia. Laboratory analysis did not show evidence of myositis. The patient was started on hydroxychloroquine for possible cutaneous lupus erythematosus. On follow-up, she presented with a new violaceous rash on the superior eyelids and a well-defined oval patch on the mid-hard palate suspicious for dermatomyositis. Myositis-specific autoantibodies revealed presence of anti-transcriptional intermediary factor-1γ (anti-TIF1γ) in the serum. Anti-TIF1γ autoantibody-positive dermatomyositis is a newly recognised subtype of dermatomyositis that is highly associated with amyopathic disease and has an increased risk of malignancy, making prompt diagnosis crucial. This case highlights the utility of a thorough oral exam in patients suspected to have connective tissue disease as the distinctive ovoid palatal patch is nearly pathognomonic for anti-TIF1γ dermatomyositis.
LynxacarusandDemodexinfestation in a captive jaguar (Panthera onca) in La Democracia, Belize
Authors: Jimenez Isabel Angelica , Odom Margaret R , Childs‐Sanford Sara E , Lucio‐Forster Araceli , Bowman Dwight D
Published: April 2020

An 8.5‐year‐old female jaguar (Panthera onca) was presented for evaluation of hypersalivation and maxillary soft tissue swelling. On physical examination, the patient was thin and had multiple small areas of alopecia and excoriations throughout the hair coat along the trunk, tail, hocks, pinnae and bridge of the nose. A skin scraping of affected areas was collected; samples contained hairs with hair‐clasping listrophorid mites consistent with the genusLynxacarus. Otic cytology revealed elongated mites consistent with the genusDemodex. The jaguar was treated with subcutaneous ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) and four months later was treated with one dose of topical Frontline Plus (10 mg/kg fipronil and 9 mg/kg S‐methoprene). Six months from initial diagnosis, clinical resolution of alopecia and excoriations was evident, and samples from 11 locations did not reveal any ectoparasites. This is the first report of the recovery of mites of the generaLynxacarusandDemodexfrom a jaguar.
Detection of a novel haemoplasma species in fattening pigs with skin alterations, fever and anaemia
Authors: Stadler Julia , Ade Julia , Ritzmann Mathias , Hoelzle Katharina , Hoelzle Ludwig E
Published: April 2020

Background

In a fattening farm in Southern Germany, skin alterations (urticaria, haemorrhagic diathesis) and high fever were observed in 30% of the pigs 2 weeks after arrival. Feed intake was severely compromised in affected pigs.

Methods

After detailed clinical observation, blood samples from affected pigs were collected for haematological, PCR and serological investigations. In addition, pathological investigations were performed on one pig.

Results and conclusion

Analysis of blood parameters revealed a normocytic, normochromic anaemia. A novel porcine haemoplasma species was detected in blood samples of affected pigs and spleen sample of the necropsied pig by PCR. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rDNA showed 99% identity to a novel porcine haemoplasma (‘Candidatus (Ca.) M. haemosuis’) species which has recently been described in China. Interestingly, this is the first report of ‘Ca. M. haemosuis’ in pigs with clinical signs resembling those of Mycoplasma (M) suis and the first description of this novel haemoplasma species outside Asia. On‐farm affected pigs were treated with oxytetracycline and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Clinical signs improved after implementation of treatment and optimisation of management procedures. This case might indicate that other porcine haemoplasma species than M suis can induce fever and skin alterations and may have an economic impact on affected farms.
Association analysis of GH1 and CRP loci polymorphisms with reproductive traits in native Pulawska gilts and sows
Authors: Babicz M. , Pastwa M. , Kozubska-Sobocińska A. , Danielak-Czech B. , Skrzypczak E. , Kropiwiec-Domańska K.
Published: April 2020

The objective of the study was to analyse the association of growth hormone (GH1) and C-reactive protein (CRP) loci polymorphisms with reproductive traits in native Pulawska gilts and sows. In the GH1 locus, two mutations were identified: one in the second intron [single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) = rs340429823 in.742C>T, MspI], and one in the second exon (SNP = rs340087546 c.566G>A, HaeII). In the CRP locus, two mutations were found in exon 2 (SNP = rs340175625, NM_213844.2: c.1271A>G, BstNI; and SNP = rs80928546, NM_213844.2: c.788C>T, HinfI). Analysis of sexual activity showed that intensity of external estrus signs differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) and was the most manifested in gilts with the CT (GH1_MspI) genotype during the second estrus. In case of the CRP gene, statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found in terms of the duration of farrowing. The longest farrowings were reported for the GG (CRP_HinfI) and the TT (CRP_BstNI) genotypes and the shortest for the AA (CRP_HinfI) and CC (CRP_BstNI). The most numerous first litters were produced by sows with the AA genotype (CRP_HinfI), with significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between the AA and GG genotypes. In turn, the CC homozygotes (CRP_BstNI) differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in terms of the number of piglets born and reared to day 21 in the second litters compared to the other genotype groups.
Cassia tora Seed Improves Pancreatic Mitochondrial Function Leading to Recovery of Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Ko Eun , Um Min Young , Choi Moonsung , Han Taewon , Kim In-Ho , Shin Sooim
Published: April 2020

Mitochondrial metabolism plays a crucial role in insulin resistance and insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Some studies have focused on how Cassia tora extracts affect insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. However, the effects of Cassia tora extracts on mitochondrial dysfunction associated with insulin secretion have not been well explained. In this study, well-known effective compounds extracted from Cassia tora using 70% ethanol were administered to a high-fat diet (HFD) fed mouse to examine the effects of Cassia tora ethanolic extracts (CSEE) on mitochondrial dysfunction in the pancreas. Furthermore, we examined how CSEE regulates the basal mechanism of insulin secretion through mitochondrial functions. Our experimental data suggest that pancreatic mitochondrial metabolism in HFD mice is enhanced to compensate for constrained glucose consumption. HFD-fed mice treated with CSEE showed improved pancreatic mitochondrial functions resulting in alleviation of insulin resistance at target tissue as well as basal hyperinsulinemia.
An Iterative Solution Technique to Minimize the Average Transportation Cost of Capacitated Transportation Problem with Bounds on Rim Conditions
Authors: Xie Fanrong , Li Zuoan
Published: April 2020

The average transportation cost minimization of capacitated transportation problem with bounds on rim conditions (CTPBRC) is an important optimization problem due to the requirement of low unit cost consumption in production system. In the literature, there is only one approach to solving a special case of this problem, but it is not applicable to the general case. In this paper, this problem is reduced to a series of finding the minimum cost maximum flow in a network with lower and upper arc capacities, and two iterative algorithms are proposed as more generalized solution method for this problem as compared to the existing approach. Computational experiments on randomly generated instances validate that the two iterative algorithms are generally able to find the minimum average transportation cost solution to CTPBRC efficiently for the general case, in which one iterative algorithm has higher efficiency than the other for large size instances.
Gödel-type universes in bumblebee gravity
Authors: Jesus W. D. R. , Santos A. F.
Published: April 2020

The bumblebee field coupled with gravity is considered. This gravitational theory exhibits spontaneous breaking of Lorentz symmetry. The Gödel-type universe is introduced and then the causality and its violation are studied. Causal and noncausal Gödel-type solutions are obtained for different content of matter. In addition, when the coupling constant, which controls the interaction between the bumblebee field and the gravitational field, is zero the bumblebee potential may be associated with the value of the cosmological constant of the general relativity. Furthermore, the case with the nonzero coupling constant is also investigated.
Synthesis, photoinduced amination and topological indices of novel porphyrin dyads
Authors: Yaseen Muhammad , Rashid Muhammad A. , Iqbal Muhammad A. , Farooq Zahid , Idrees Muhammad , Qayyum Muhammad A. , Intisar Azeem , Mahmood Mian HR. , Khan Ibrahim , Latif Muhammad
Published: April 2020

Transition-metal-catalyzed homo and hetero coupling is a rapidly growing area of research. This work refers to the nickel-catalyzed photoinduced amination study of [Formula: see text]-bromotetraarylporphyrin and its Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes. The selective mono [Formula: see text]-bromination of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4[Formula: see text]-isopropylphenyl)porphyrin was achieved with [Formula: see text]-bromosuccinimide. Under similar conditions, [Formula: see text]-bromination of Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4[Formula: see text]-isopropylphenyl)porphyrin successfully afforded the corresponding 2-bromometalloporphyrins. The [Formula: see text]-bromoporphyrin/metalloporphyrins were coupled with three different amines through the creation of the C–N bond by using an economical and air-tolerant photoactive catalyst (NiBr[Formula: see text] · 3H2O) at room temperature under 365 nm radiations. Nickel-catalyzed amination yields are compared with the traditional Buchwald–Hartwig amination yields. Due to the low operational cost, photoinduced nickel-catalyzed C–N couplings were found to be more economical than the Buchwald–Hartwig amination procedure, although the latter afforded higher yields. The nickel-catalyzed photoamination reaction was also extended for the one-pot synthesis of pyridine-3,5-diamine bridged porphyrin dyad. The intramolecular cyclization of the pyridine-3,5-diamine-bridged porphyrin dyad afforded a novel quinolino-fused porphyrin dyad. Degree- and distance-based topological indices of the newly synthesized porphyrins were calculated and correlated with their molar refractivity. All newly synthesized porphyrins are characterized by UV-vis, FTIR,1H NMR, elemental analysis and mass spectrometry.
Lateral Behaviors of Nested Tube Systems Under Quasi-Static Condition
Authors: Tran TrongNhan , Eyvazian Arameh , Estrada Quirino , Le DucHieu , Nguyen NhatTan , Le HuuSon
Published: April 2020

A study is made to investigate the compression behavior of different nested tube systems made of mild steel under lateral compression. The nested tube systems including stacked groups of circular, rectangular and square tubes are built for application in narrow compressive zones. The deformation mode of these systems is observed and their lateral compression behavior are identified. The desirable stepwise energy absorption is obtained by designing the nested tube system. The load response revealed that there is no appearance of the peak compressive load in the case of a circular-circular tube (CCT) system, while a circular-rectangular tube (CRT) system offers bigger peak compressive load compared with that of a circular-square tube (CST). The energy absorptions of CCT and CRT systems are smallest and greatest, respectively. This study also estimates the energy absorption capacity of these system. By implementing the “plastic hinge line” concept of the modified simplified super folding element (MSSFE) theory and superposition principle, the analytical models predicting compressive load of the nested tube systems are introduced. The analytical investigations are compared with the data obtained from tests on these systems. Excellent correlation is observed between the theoretical and experimental data.