bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of lacustrine dolomite in the late Miocene marginal lakes of the East Mediterranean (Northern Israel)
Authors: Shaked Gelband Dotan , Edelman‐Furstenberg Yael , Stein Mordechai , Starinsky Abraham
Published: May 2019

The study focuses on the formation of lacustrine dolomite in late Miocene lakes, located at the East Mediterranean margins (Northern Israel). These lakes deposited the sediments of the Bira (Tortonian) and Gesher (Messinian) formations that comprise sequences of dolostone and limestone. Dolostones are bedded, consist of small‐sized (<7 μm), Ca‐rich (52 to 56 mol %) crystals with relatively low ordering degrees, and present evidence for replacement of CaCO3 components. Limestones are comprised of a wackestone to mudstone matrix, freshwater macrofossils and intraclasts (mainly in the Bira Formation). Sodium concentrations and isotope compositions differ between limestones and dolostones: Na = ~100 to 150 ppm; ~1000 to 2000 ppm; δ18O = −3·8 to −1·6‰; −2·0 to +4·3‰; δ13C = −9·0 to −3·4‰; −7·8 to 0‰ (VPDB), respectively. These results indicate a climate‐related sedimentation during the Tortonian and early Messinian. Wet conditions and positive freshwater inflow into the carbonate lake led to calcite precipitation due to intense phytoplankton blooms (limestone formation). Dry conditions and enhanced evaporation led to precipitation of evaporitic CaCO3 in a terminal lake, which caused an increased Mg/Ca ratio in the residual waters and penecontemporaneous dolomitization (dolostone formation). The alternating lithofacies pattern reveals eleven short‐term wet–dry climate‐cycles during the Tortonian and early Messinian. A shift in the environmental conditions under which dolomite formed is indicated by a temporal decrease in δ18O of dolostones and Na content of dolomite crystals. These variations point to decreasing evaporation degrees and/or an increased mixing with meteoric waters towards the late Messinian. A temporal decrease in δ13C of dolostones and limestones and appearance of microbial structures in close association with dolomite suggest that microbial activity had an important role in allowing dolomite formation during the Messinian. Microbial mediation was apparently the main process that enabled local growth of dolomite under wet conditions during the latest Messinian.
A fine balance: Accommodation dominated control of contemporaneous cool‐carbonate shelf‐edge clinoforms and tropical reef‐margin trajectories, North Carnarvon Basin, Northwestern Australia
Authors: Anell Ingrid , Wallace Malcolm W.
Published: May 2019

The concurrent development of a cool‐carbonate Miocene clinoform system and the tropical reef which developed on its shelf in the North Carnarvon Basin is studied. The study, based on seismic interpretation and geometrical analysis, seeks to investigate how the architecture of the clinoforms develops in relation to the advance of the reef‐margin, providing a proxy for discussing contemporaneous shoreline versus shelf‐edge development. The progradation of the reef and shelf‐edge often display a closely mirrored development, although the reef twice advances an order of two to three times the concurrent advance of the shelf‐edge. The forced regression of the second advance, as compared to the normal regression during the first, is observed in proportionally higher input of sediment towards advance of the shelf‐edge and toe, along with a gentler slope. The inability of the shelf‐edge to keep pace with the reef‐margin (and by proxy the shoreline) during lower accommodation/sedimentation is a result of the increased volume of sediment required to match reef‐margin advance beyond the shelf‐edge. Increased accommodation/sedimentation ratios promote higher trajectories where the volumes on shelf and slope are more balanced and the development more closely matched. The observed matched development of reef and shelf‐edge during both limited and increased slope sedimentation, suggest that accommodation is the dominant control on the location and trajectory of both ‘shoreline’ and shelf‐edge, and that excess sediment is deposited along the slope.
Sewing Responsibility: Media Discourse, Corporate Deviance, and the Rana Plaza Collapse
Authors: Williamson Sarah Hupp , Lutz Jennifer
Published: May 2019

On the morning of April 24, 2013, Rana Plaza, an eight‐story building housing five garment factories collapsed killing 1,129 workers and injuring 2,500. It quickly emerged that U.S.‐ and European‐based retailers were sourcing items produced at Rana Plaza. This paper takes the Rana Plaza collapse as a case study of how media discourse constructs ideas about corporate deviance, responsibility, and risk management in the global supply chain. Guided by the crime news frame and global risk governance, newspaper articles from the U.S. and Bangladesh are used for a content analysis. This paper expands the literature of corporate crime and global risk governance to include the fast fashion industry. We find little evidence that either country discusses Rana Plaza as corporate deviance or the criminal condemnation of corporations. We find evidence that global risk governance is nationalized, as U.S. papers shift blame away from U.S. corporations and onto Bangladesh.
Laryngeal histoplasmosis in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Khalil Sarwat , Challener Douglas W. , Abu‐Saleh Omar , Sohail M. Rizwan
Published: May 2019

Histoplasma capsulatum is an endemic fungus that most oftenly causes a self‐limiting illness but can result in severe infections in immunocompromised patients including pulmonary or extra‐pulmonary disease. Rarely it can also cause a chronic progressive infection of the larynx. Herein, we report a case of laryngeal histoplasmosis in a kidney transplant patient who presented with progressive symptoms of several weeks of hoarseness, dysphagia and odynophagia. Laryngoscopic examination revealed thick plaques in the oropharynx with surrounding hyper‐erythema and histopathology showed numerous intracellular yeasts forms consistent with H capsulatum. Patient was initiated on treatment with itraconazole. Infection of the larynx due to H capsulatum is highly uncommon and therefore can result in an inappropriate or delayed diagnosis. A review of literature showed four previously reported cases of laryngeal histoplasmosis in patients with solid organ transplant. This is the first case series of laryngeal histoplasmosis in transplant recipients.
Enhancement of vitamin B6 levels in rice expressing Arabidopsis vitamin B6 biosynthesis de novo genes
Authors: Mangel Nathalie , Fudge Jared B. , Li Kuan‐Te , Wu Ting‐Ying , Tohge Takayuki , Fernie Alisdair R. , Szurek Boris , Fitzpatrick Teresa B. , Gruissem Wilhelm , Vanderschuren Hervé
Published: May 2019

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is vital for key metabolic reactions and reported to have antioxidant properties in planta. Therefore, enhancement of vitamin B6 content has been hypothesized to be a route to improve resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Most of the current studies on vitamin B6 in plants are on eudicot species, with monocots remaining largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated vitamin B6 biosynthesis in rice, with a view to examining the feasibility and impact of enhancing vitamin B6 levels. Constitutive expression in rice of two Arabidopsis thaliana genes from the vitamin B6 biosynthesis de novo pathway, AtPDX1.1 and AtPDX2, resulted in a considerable increase in vitamin B6 in leaves (up to 28.3‐fold) and roots (up to 12‐fold), with minimal impact on general growth. Rice lines accumulating high levels of vitamin B6 did not display enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress (salt) or biotic stress (resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae infection). While a significant increase in vitamin B6 content could also be achieved in rice seeds (up to 3.1‐fold), the increase was largely due to its accumulation in seed coat and embryo tissues, with little enhancement observed in the endosperm. However, seed yield was affected in some vitamin B6‐enhanced lines. Notably, expression of the transgenes did not affect the expression of the endogenous rice PDX genes. Intriguingly, despite transgene expression in leaves and seeds, the corresponding proteins were only detectable in leaves and could not be observed in seeds, possibly pointing to a mode of regulation in this organ.
Hematologic, biochemical, hormonal, and redox status alterations during reproductive activity in adult rams of two breeds
Authors: Oikonomidis Ioannis L. , Brozos Christos , Kiossis Evangelos , Kritsepi‐Konstantinou Maria
Published: May 2019

Background

Reproduction is a crucial, energy‐consuming physiologic activity, which can temporarily disturb the homeostatic balance of the organism. Although rams are commonly placed in intense breeding programs on contemporary sheep farms, the clinicopathologic and redox status alterations have not been adequately studied during reproductive activity.

Objectives

The objective was to investigate the clinicopathologic and redox status changes in rams during reproductive activity.

Methods

Thirty‐seven (19 Chios and 18 Florina breed) adult, healthy rams were individually mated with ten estrus‐synchronized ewes of the same breed. Blood samples were collected prior to mating, during mating, and postmating. CBC (Advia 120), cytologic blood smear evaluation, biochemical analyses (Flexor E, AVL 9180 Electrolyte Analyzer), and thyroxine measurements (Immulite 1000) were performed. The reactive oxygen metabolites (d‐ROMs) test, the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) test, and oxidative stress index were used to assess redox status. The linear mixed effects model (statistical language R) was used for statistical analyses.

Results

Many, mostly breed‐independent, clinicopathologic changes were detected during reproductive activity. Conversely, redox status alterations were found to be breed‐dependent.

Conclusions

Intense reproductive activity was related to mild, acute muscle damage in both breeds and mild oxidative stress in Florina rams, whereas Chios rams exhibited oxidative stress resistance. The observed clinicopathologic and redox status alterations were generally consistent with those reported during various forms of physical activity and exercise in animals and humans. Intense reproductive activity does not seem to be physiologically innocuous; however, it appears to be a relatively mild muscle‐damaging physical activity.
The in vitro antibacterial activity of the anthelmintic drug oxyclozanide against common small animal bacterial pathogens
Authors: Levinson Matthew R. , Blondeau Joseph M. , Rosenkrantz Wayne S. , Plowgian Curtis B.
Published: May 2019

Background

Repurposing existing drugs is one approach to address the growing concerns of multi‐drug resistant bacterial pathogens in veterinary medicine. Oxyclozanide is in the anthelmintic drug class salicylanilide, which has been used primarily as a treatment and preventative for Fasciola hepatica in ruminants. The antimicrobial activity of oxyclozanide has been studied in human medicine; its activity against common small animal bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus pseudintermedius has yet to be determined.

Objective

The aim of this study was to measure and establish the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and mutant prevention concentration (MPC) of oxyclozanide against S. pseudintermedius and other common small animal bacterial pathogens.

Methods and materials

The MIC and MPC of oxyclozanide were determined from eighteen meticillin sensitive S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) isolates and eleven meticillin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), as well as single isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis.

Results

The MIC of the eighteen meticillin‐sensitive S. pseudintermedius isolates was 0.5–1 μg/mL and the MPC ranged between 16 and 32 μg/mL. The MIC of the eleven meticillin‐resistant strains of S. pseudintermedius ranged from 0.5 to 2 μg/mL with a MPC ranging between 16 and 32 μg/mL. A single isolate of meticillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) had an MIC of 1 μg/mL and MPC 16 μg/mL. No inhibition of growth was seen at the concentrations tested for bacterial isolate strains E. coli, P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Oxyclozanide demonstrated in‐vitro antibacterial activity against meticillin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential use of oxyclozanide as a topical bactericidal agent.
The structural classification of field boundaries in Mediterranean arable cropping systems allows the prediction of weed abundances in the boundary and in the adjacent crop
Authors: Cirujeda A , Pardo G , Marí A I , Aibar J , Pallavicini Y , González‐Andújar J L , Recasens J , Solé‐Senan X O
Published: May 2019

Boundary structure can hinder or facilitate disturbance of the boundary vegetation by farming practices, such as herbicide and fertiliser drift and occasional cultivation; this may affect their potential role as a weed reservoir. It would be relevant for researchers, farmers and legislators to know whether relationships exist between boundary structure and weed abundance and frequency in boundaries and adjacent fields. In this study, we present a classification of arable field boundaries based on five descriptors: presence of a bank, width, percentage cover of woody and evergreen perennials (WEP), presence of a stonewall and presence of trees. Five types of boundaries are identified, ranging from structurally simple ones (flat, narrow, dominated by annual species) to structurally complex ones (presence of a bank, more than 3 m wide, dominated by WEP). Data from three Spanish regions were used to validate this classification, and the five boundary classes contained different plant communities. Structurally simple, flat and narrow boundaries contained many of the weed species found also in the field centre and with high abundance. More complex, wider boundaries with a slope and a WEP >60%, had a lower probability of hosting the main weeds present in the field centres. Assessment of weed frequency and abundance gave complementary information. The proposed classification of field boundaries may be easily used by farmers and allows adjustment of field margin management to risks posed by the field boundary, in terms of hosting common weeds of arable crops.
Undergraduate Students’ Difficulties in Solving Derivative and Integral Mathematical Problems
Authors: Hashemi Nourooz , Abu Mohd Salleh , Kashefi Hamidreza
Published: May 2019

Undergraduate students often experienced difficulty in solving problem related to derivative and integral topics. The main goal of this study was to investigate the reasons of students’ difficulties in solving derivative and integral problems based on mathematical thinking approach. The participants of the study consisted of 63 undergraduate students. A test contained derivative and integral problems was given to students and the results was analyzed by quantitative and qualitative methods. Results revealed that the reasons of students’ difficulties in solving problems were inability to use suitable problem solving framework, weakness in recalling previous knowledge in entry and attack steps of specialization and generalization, weakness in making connection between embodied and symbolic worlds of mathematical thinking and using symbolic world rather than embodied world.
Drilling Rate of Penetration Prediction of High-Angled Wells Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Abbas Ahmed K. , Rushdi Salih , Alsaba Mortadha , Al Dushaishi Mohammed F.
Published: May 2019

Predicting the rate of penetration (ROP) is a significant factor in drilling optimization and minimizing expensive drilling costs. However, due to the geological uncertainty and many uncontrolled operational parameters influencing the ROP, its prediction is still a complex problem for the oil and gas industries. In the present study, a reliable computational approach for the prediction of ROP is proposed. First, fscaret package in a R environment was implemented to find out the importance and ranking of the inputs’ parameters. According to the feature ranking process, out of the 25 variables studied, 19 variables had the highest impact on ROP based on their ranges within this dataset. Second, a new model that is able to predict the ROP using real field data, which is based on artificial neural networks (ANNs), was developed. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between input parameters and ROP, this model was used to check the effect of the weight on bit (WOB), rotation per minute (rpm), and flow rate (FR). Finally, the simulation results of three deviated wells showed an acceptable representation of the physical process, with reasonable predicted ROP values. The main contribution of this research as compared to previous studies is that it investigates the influence of well trajectory (azimuth and inclination) and mechanical earth modeling parameters on the ROP for high-angled wells. The major advantage of the present study is optimizing the drilling parameters, predicting the proper penetration rate, estimating the drilling time of the deviated wells, and eventually reducing the drilling cost for future wells.
Experimental Investigation of Thermal Performance of a Multipurpose PV Solar Collector Wall With Phase Change Material
Authors: Chantawong Preeda
Published: May 2019

The author reports an experimental investigation of the thermal performance of a multipurpose photovoltanic (PV) solar wall with phase change material (PVSW-PCM). The PVSW-PCM configuration was made of double layers. The external layer consists of a 12 Wp photovoltaic panel attached to a 15 cm thick PCM tank integrating water pipes. The internal wall is an ordinary clear glass pane. There is an 8 cm air gap between the two layers. The PVSW-PCM was integrated into the southern side of a small house of 4.05 m3 volume built by autoclaved aerated concrete block walls 0.07 m thick. On top of the external layer, three glass blocks (3 × 0.2 × 0.2 cm2) are installed to ensure indoor illumination. The absorbed solar radiation by the PV panel and PCM heats the water in the pipes and the air in the gap. The hot water produced is stored in a 10 liters tank located near the roof. At the inner lower part (room side) and the external upper part (ambient) of the gap, a small DC fan (12 V, 0.48 A) box was installed. The fans were connected to the PV panel directly to enhance indoor ventilation. The investigation considered both natural (fans OFF) and PV assisted ventilation. Another similar house without the PVSW-PCM referred to as glass wall (GW) was built and used as a reference for comparison. The experimental results revealed that the indoor temperature of the PVSW-PCM house was considerably lower than that of the GW house. Moreover, the PVSW-PCM could produce hot water temperature of 55–62 °C and induce a ventilation rate proportional to the intensity of solar radiation. Indoor illumination was sufficient for general house use. Therefore, the PVSW-PCM offers a new alternative for architects and engineers to reduce electric energy use for producing hot water and ventilation and save electrical energy consumption of air conditioner, as the indoor temperature is lower than that of the conventional house.
The genus Graminaseius Chant & McMurtry (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in Turkey with descriptions of two new species and re-description of Graminaseius graminis (Chant)
Authors: Doker Ismail , Kazak Cengiz , Karut Kamil
Published: May 2019

Graminaseius graminis (Chant) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is the only known species of Graminaseius Chant & McMurtry from Turkey, so far. However, recent surveys indicated that there are two new species present in the country. Graminaseius recebi sp. nov. and Graminaseius neograminis sp. nov. are described and illustrated based on the material collected from eastern Mediterranean and north-western (European part) regions of Turkey, respectively. The new species described here might get misidentified as G. graminis in some previous studies. Therefore, the latter is also re-described and illustrated to show differences between all these three species, based on the material collected from western Turkey (Aegean region).
Convergent Co-option of the Retroviral
gag
Gene during the Early Evolution of Mammals
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Gong Zhen , Han Guan-Zhu
Published: May 2019

Retroviruses occasionally can infect host germ lines, forming endogenous retroviruses. Vertebrates, in turn, recruited retroviral genes for their own biological functions, a process formally known as co-option or exaptation. To date, co-opted retroviral
gag
genes have rarely been reported. In this study, we identified two co-opted retroviral
gag
genes, designated
wucaishi1
(
wcs1
) and
wucaishi2
(
wcs2
), in mammals. The co-option of
wcs1
and
wcs2
occurred before the origin of modern placentals and before the origin of modern marsupials, respectively. Our study indicates that retroviral
gag
gene co-option might have occurred more frequently than previously thought during the evolutionary course of vertebrates.
Genomewide Profiling of the Enterococcus faecalis Transcriptional Response to Teixobactin Reveals CroRS as an Essential Regulator of Antimicrobial Tolerance
Authors: Darnell Rachel L. , Knottenbelt Melanie K. , Todd Rose Francesca O. , Monk Ian R. , Stinear Timothy P. , Cook Gregory M.
Published: May 2019

Teixobactin is a new antimicrobial with no known mechanisms of resistance. Understanding how resistance could develop will be crucial to the success and longevity of teixobactin as a new potent antimicrobial. Antimicrobial tolerance has been shown to facilitate the development of resistance, and we show that
E. faecalis
is intrinsically tolerant to teixobactin at high concentrations. We subsequently chose
E. faecalis
as a model to elucidate the molecular mechanism underpinning teixobactin tolerance and how this may contribute to the development of teixobactin resistance.
Effects of Dairy Manure-Based Amendments and Soil Texture on Lettuce- and Radish-Associated Microbiota and Resistomes
Authors: Guron Giselle K. P. , Arango-Argoty Gustavo , Zhang Liqing , Pruden Amy , Ponder Monica A.
Published: May 2019

A controlled, integrated, and replicated greenhouse study, along with comprehensive metagenomic analysis, revealed that multiple preharvest factors, including antibiotic use during manure collection, composting, biological soil amendment, and soil type, influence vegetable-borne resistomes. Here, radishes, a root vegetable, carried a greater load of ARGs and species richness than lettuce, a leafy vegetable. However, the lettuce resistome was more noticeably influenced by upstream antibiotic use and composting. Network analysis indicated that cooccurring ARGs and mobile genetic elements were almost exclusively associated with conditions receiving raw manure amendments, suggesting that composting could alleviate the mobility of manure-derived resistance traits. Effects of preharvest factors on associated microbiota and resistomes of vegetables eaten raw are worthy of further examination in terms of potential influence on human microbiomes and spread of antibiotic resistance. This research takes a step toward identifying on-farm management practices that can help mitigate the spread of agricultural sources of antibiotic resistance.
Модели оледенения и оттаивания внешней поверхности морского газопровода в северных морях
Authors: Курбатова Галина Ибрагимовна , Kurbatova Galina Ibragimovna , Ермолаева Надежда Николаевна , Ermolaeva Nadezhda Nikolaevna , Никитчук Богдан Ярославович , Nikitchuk Bogdan Yaroslavovich
Published: May 2019

Представлены модели оледенения и оттаивания внешней поверхности морского газопровода в северных морях. В модели оледенения предложена модификация условия Стефана, позволяющая учесть особенность нарастания льда в соленой воде. Приведены алгоритм численного решения нестационарной задачи оледенения (оттаивания) многослойной цилиндрической области методом явного выделения фронта и результаты расчета вариантов этих задач, представляющих практический интерес. Получены качественные оценки допустимости перехода к квазистационарному варианту модели оледенения (оттаивания) многослойных областей, приведено количественное условие допустимости квазистационарного приближения в расчетах оледенения (оттаивания) многослойной области. Эти оценки имеют большое значение при создании эффективных вычислительных алгоритмов расчета неустановившихся режимов транспортировки газа по морским газопроводам. Для задач оттаивания поверхности морского газопровода приведено уравнение, позволяющее найти минимальную толщину слоя льда в исследуемых условиях.
Рассеяние звука термоупругим шаром с непрерывно-неоднородным покрытием в теплопроводной жидкости
Authors: Ларин Николай Владимирович , Larin Nikolai Vladimirovich , Толоконников Леонид Александрович , Tolokonnikov Leonid Aleksandrovich
Published: May 2019

Решены прямая и обратная задачи дифракции плоской гармонической звуковой волны на термоупругом шаре с покрытием в виде радиально-неоднородного термоупругого сферического слоя, граничащем с невязкой теплопроводной жидкостью. Колебания шара с покрытием рассматриваются в рамках линейной модели связанной термоупругости. Определены волновые поля в сферическом теле и вне его. Представлены результаты расчетов частотной и угловой зависимостей амплитуды рассеянного акустического поля в дальней зоне. Показано существенное отличие характеристик рассеяния звука для термоупругого и упругого тел. Осуществлено моделирование покрытия, обеспечивающего наименьшее рассеяние звука в заданных диапазоне частот и угловом секторе наблюдения. Построены функционалы, выражающие интенсивность звукоотражения, и представлен алгоритм их минимизации, основанный на комбинации методов случайного поиска и покоординатного спуска. Найдены законы неоднородности термоупругого покрытия с оптимальными звукоотражающими свойствами.
Role of speech and language therapy in managing dysphagia and dysphonia in lung cancer
Authors: Childs Ceri , Archer Sally K
Published: May 2019

A 75-year-old person was referred to speech and language therapy for voice rehabilitation following diagnosis of unilateral vocal cord palsy, secondary to relapsed non-small-cell lung cancer. On assessment, the patient presented with moderate–severe dysphonia. In addition, they presented with moderate pharyngeal stage dysphagia with risk of silent aspiration, which was successfully managed using a simple head turn strategy. This presentation is not atypical for patients who have disease in the upper chest or mediastinum and an increase in awareness and anticipation of such symptoms, with timely referral to appropriate specialist services, could help prevent complications associated with dysphagia, such as aspiration pneumonia and worse quality of life.
Curious facial plaque diagnosed as nodular primary localised cutaneous amyloidosis
Authors: Caruana Dawn , McCusker Sarah , Harper Christina , Bilsland David
Published: May 2019

Nodular primary localised cutaneous amyloidosis (NPLCA) is the rarest form of cutaneous amyloidosis, with a predilection for facial and acral skin. We present a 63-year-old Caucasian with a 10-year history of an asymptomatic plaque on his left cheek, starting 2 years after being scratched by a cat in the same area. A biopsy showed nodules of eosinophilic material in the deep dermis and subcutaneous fat, with plasma cells in the dermis. Congo red staining displayed apple-green birefringence within the eosinophilic material. Immunohistochemistry for serum amyloid P was positive within the eosinophilic material and immunohistochemistry showed lambda light chain restriction within the plasma cells, consistent with NPLCA. The causal relationship of the cat scratch to NPLCA in our patient remains unclear. While trauma-induced amyloidosis has been recognised in papular and macular amyloid, few case reports indicate an association with nodular amyloidosis.
Rare case of a giant duodenal ulcer penetrating the pancreas during antiangiogenic treatment
Authors: Palmela Carolina , Gouveia Catarina , Fidalgo Catarina , Ferreira Alexandre Oliveira
Published: May 2019

We report a case of a patient with renal cell carcinoma on pazopanib, who presented with severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopy showed a giant bulbar ulcer with a visible vessel of 4 mm. Due to unavailability of surgical rescue backup, large calibre vessel treatment was delayed. Endoscopy was repeated after 48 hours and showed a reduction in the vessel diameter. Endoscopic adrenalin injection and electrocoagulation were performed. However, the vessel increased in size and became pulsatile. The patient was operated, confirming a giant bulbar ulcer penetrating the pancreas with active bleeding from the gastroduodenal artery. Pazopanib therapy was suspended, and the patient is asymptomatic. Antiangiogenic treatment has been associated with gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation and fistulisation. Although we cannot confirm the causal association between the penetrating ulcer and pazopanib, the absence ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and the reported cases of gastrointestinal bleeding during these therapies favour a possible association.
Group A streptococcal pharyngitis associated with primary peritonitis
Authors: Sharp Eleanor A , Linn Alexandra , Zitelli Basil J
Published: May 2019

Primary peritonitis, a bacterial infection within the peritoneal cavity that arises in the absence of an intraperitoneal source, is a rare entity in paediatrics. We describe the case of a previously healthy 11-year-old girl who presented with an acute abdomen and was found to have primary peritonitis due toStreptococcus pyogenes. She had an episode of pharyngitis with pharyngeal cultures positive forS. pyogenesin the month prior to presentation. We performed a review of the literature to better elucidate the risk factors, pathophysiology and presentation of peritonitis due toS. pyogenesand to draw attention to the potential association between group A streptococcal pharyngitis and peritonitis.
Ambulatory management of pneumothorax using a novel device: Rocket Pleural Vent
Authors: Jones Laura , Johnston Robert , Aujayeb Avinash
Published: May 2019

Pneumothorax management is controversial with no clear agreement for optimum management. The British Thoracic Society suggests needle aspiration first line in primary pneumothorax and the American Thoracic Society advises intercostal drain insertion. The European Respiratory Society task force also suggests needle aspiration in primary pneumothorax and adopts an overall more conservative approach. Ambulatory pneumothorax management has been described for 40 years and recommended in the 2010 British Society pleural guidelines, although overall quality of studies was poor. A new device, the Rocket Pleural Vent (PV) has been on the market for 4 years now and randomised controlled trials are under way, although there are case series suggesting efficacy and low complication rates. The PV allows ambulatory management of pneumothorax. Local guidelines have been developed and 18 devices have been placed in 6 months. We describe our experience based on a patient.
Introducing physically active lessons in UK secondary schools: feasibility study and pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gammon Catherine , Morton Katie , Atkin Andrew , Corder Kirsten , Daly-Smith Andy , Quarmby Thomas , Suhrcke Marc , Turner David , van Sluijs Esther
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Assess feasibility, acceptability and costs of delivering a physically active lessons (PAL) training programme to secondary school teachers and explore preliminary effectiveness for reducing pupils’ sedentary time.

Design and setting

Secondary schools in East England; one school participated in a pre-post feasibility study, two in a pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial. In the pilot trial, blinding to group assignment was not possible.

Participants

Across studies, 321 randomly selected students (51% male; mean age: 12.9 years), 78 teachers (35% male) and 2 assistant head teachers enrolled; 296 (92%) students, 69 (88%) teachers and 2 assistant head teachers completed the studies.

Intervention

PAL training was delivered to teachers over two after-school sessions. Teachers were made aware of how to integrate movement into lessons; strategies included students collecting data from the environment for class activities and completing activities posted on classroom walls, instead of sitting at desks.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess feasibility and acceptability of PAL training and delivery. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and ~8 weeks post-training; measures included accelerometer-assessed activity, self-reported well-being and observations of time-on-task. Process evaluation was conducted at follow-up.

Results

In the feasibility study, teachers reported good acceptability of PAL training and mixed experiences of delivering PAL. In the pilot study, teachers’ acceptability of training was lower and teachers identified aspects of the training in need of review, including the outdoor PAL training and learning challenge of PAL strategies. In both studies, students and assistant head teachers reported good acceptability of the intervention. Preliminary effectiveness for reducing students’ sedentary time was not demonstrated in either study.

Conclusions

No evidence of preliminary effectiveness on the primary outcome and mixed reports of teachers’ acceptability of PAL training suggest the need to review the training. The results do not support continuation of research with the current intervention.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN38409550.
Goats adjust their feeding behaviour to avoid the ingestion of different insect species
Authors: Berman T.S. , Glasser T.A. , Inbar M.
Published: May 2019

Ungulates feed on plants that are often inhabited by insects. Goats (Capra hircus Linnaeus, 1758) can efficiently avoid the ingestion of setae-covered noxious, caterpillars while feeding, but it is unknown how they respond to non-toxic insects. We filmed and analysed the behavioural responses of goats to smooth, innocuous silkworms (Bombyx mori (Linnaeus, 1758)) while feeding. The goats successfully sorted the silkworms apart from the food despite their tendency to cling to the leaves. Although the goats exhibited behaviours similar to those displayed with noxious caterpillars, the frequency of the behaviours doubled and a new behaviour appeared. The goats detected silkworms using tactile stimulation, obtained by repeatedly touching the leaves with their muzzles. This behaviour enabled them to pick silkworm-free leaves (leaving 73% of silkworms behind). If the goats picked up leaves with a silkworm, then they shook it off. When shaking was unsuccessful, they employed a new behaviour, filtering, in which they physically blocked the silkworm with their lips while consuming the leaves. Silkworms that entered the mouths of goats (rare) were spat out. These findings demonstrate that ungulates are capable of adjusting their feeding behaviour to accurately detect and avoid the ingestion of different insect species.
Optical properties of an exciton trapped by an ionized donor in ellipsoidal quantum dots under electric field and hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Shi Lei , Yan Zu-Wei
Published: May 2019

The optical properties of an exciton trapped by an ionized donor in an ellipsoidal quantum dot (QD) with both oblate and prolate shapes under applied electric field and hydrostatic pressure have been studied. We have calculated the linear and third-order nonlinear absorption coefficients (ACs) and refractive index changes (RICs) by using a variational method within the perturbation theory. The results show that the QD shape and size have a significant influence on the positions and magnitudes of the peaks of the (ACs) and RICs, moreover, the influence of hydrostatic pressure and electric field under different QD shape is also different.
Effect of excitation voltage on bias temperature coefficient of MEMS sandwich accelerometer
Authors: Dong Xianshan , Huang Qinwen , Zhu Junhua , Xu Wei , Lai Ping
Published: May 2019

In MEMS closed-loop accelerometer, excitation voltage is an important design parameter that is related to many performance indexes, and the bias temperature coefficient is a key point for MEMS accelerometer. But the effect of excitation voltage on bias temperature coefficient is not clear and their relation has not yet been established. This paper studies the effect of excitation voltage on bias temperature coefficient of MEMS sandwich accelerometer. The mechanism of their relation is point out, and experiments of bias temperature drift with different excitation voltages are carried out. The measured results show that the excitation voltage influences the bias temperature coefficient of MEMS sandwich accelerometer greatly, and the frame of sensor structure is the main source of bias temperature drift in MEMS sandwich accelerometer. This paper is also helpful for researchers to further understand the source of bias drift in MEMS sandwich accelerometer and make corresponding improvement.
Left-Symmetric Algebra Structures on the Planar Galilean Conformal Algebra
Authors: Chi Lili , Sun Jiancai
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we mainly determine the compatible left-symmetric algebra structures on the planar Galilean conformal algebra with some natural grading conditions. The results of earlier work on left-symmetric algebra structures on the twisted Heisenberg-Virasoro algebra play an important role in determining these compatible structures. As a corollary, any such left-symmetric algebra contains an infinite-dimensional non-trivial subalgebra that is also a submodule of the regular module.
Athletes’ expectations about physiotherapy in sports injury rehabilitation in greater Accra region
Authors: Quartey Jonathan , Afidemenyo Selorm , Kwakye Samuel Koranteng
Published: May 2019

Background: Physiotherapists play a key role in sports injury rehabilitation within the sports healthcare team. A strong athlete–physiotherapist relationship is necessary for effective treatment and shaping of athletes’ expectations of injury rehabilitation. Hence, it is necessary to factor the injured athletes’ expectations in structuring a rehabilitation program.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine athletes’ expectations about physiotherapy in sports injury rehabilitation.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey in which data was collected using the expectation about athletic training (EAAT) questionnaire from 120 recruited athletes of different sporting disciplines. Percentages, means and standard deviations of the expectation scores were computed. Associations between socio-demographic characteristics and athletes’ expectations of physiotherapy in sports injury rehabilitation were analyzed with the chi-square test. Differences between the athletes’ expectations of physiotherapy and demographic characteristics were also analyzed with Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests.

Results: The study revealed that there was no significant difference ([Formula: see text]) between gender, injury type, physiotherapy experience and mental skills experience and the athletes’ expectations. There was a significant difference ([Formula: see text]) between competition level and athletes’ expectations.

Conclusion: It was concluded that athletes in the Greater Accra Region have high expectations of physiotherapy in injury rehabilitation; thus sports physiotherapists would need to enhance their communication with athletes which may also help them better understand the risks, benefits, timeline and rehabilitation approach.
Blossom
Authors: Suguitan Michael , Hoffman Guy
Published: May 2019

Blossom is an open-source social robotics platform responding to three challenges in human-robot interaction (HRI) research: (1) Designing, manufacturing, and programming social robots requires a high level of technical knowledge; (2) social robot designs are fixed in appearance and movement capabilities, making them hard to adapt to a specific application; and (3) the use of rigid mechanisms and hard outer shells limits the robots’ expressive capabilities. Addressing these challenges, Blossom aims at three design objectives: accessibility, flexibility, and expressiveness. The robot’s mechanism can be quickly assembled and partially extended by end-users. Blossom’s appearance is open-ended through handcrafted fabric exteriors created and customized by users. Smooth organic movements are achieved with tensile mechanisms, elastic components, and a soft exterior cover attached loosely to the body. Blossom’s smartphone-based gesture generation requires neither programming nor character animation experience, allowing lay users to create their own behaviors. All elements in the design were conceived with a low barrier-of-entry in mind. The result is an accessible and customizable social robot for researchers. This article details the implementation of Blossom’s design and demonstrates the platform’s potential through four field deployment case studies.
Preparation of Portland Cement with Gold Ore Tailings
Authors: Wang Qiang , Yao Geng , Zhu Xiangnan , Wang Junxiang , Wu Peng , Lyu Xianjun
Published: May 2019

The disposal of gold ore tailings (GTs) has been a very difficult problem for a long time. Thus, this study explored a new approach to the management of GTs by preparing Portland cement. Physical properties, reaction mechanisms, and hydration product types of cement prepared with GTs (C-GTs) and ordinary Portland cement (C-SS) were compared. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG), and scanning electron microscope energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis techniques were used to study the mineralogical phases of the clinker and raw materials, hydration product types, and microtopography. The consistency, setting time, flexural strength and compressive strength values of the cement samples (C-GTs and C-SS), and burnability of the raw materials were also studied. The burnability analysis indicated that GTs provided a higher reactivity. The XRD results showed that the clinker phases of the C-GTs were C3S, C2S, C3A, and C4AF. The XRD, TG, and SEM-EDS results showed that the hydration products were flaky calcium hydroxide, rod-shaped ettringite, and granular C-S-H gels. Its compressive strength and flexural strength were, respectively, 30.4 MPa and 6.1 MPa at the curing age of 3 days and 59.1 MPa and 9.8 MPa at the curing age of 28 days, which were slightly higher than those of the C-SS. Furthermore, the results showed that the consistency, initial setting time, and final setting time for the two kinds of cement were similar, which further suggested that GTs could be used to prepare Portland cement.
Oral Lichen Planus and Lichenoid Lesions in Sjogren’s Syndrome Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Belkacem Chebil Raouaa , Oueslati Yassine , Marzouk Marwa , Ben Fredj Fatma , Oualha Lamia , Douki Nabiha
Published: May 2019

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) in Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) patients. Patients and Methods. A prospective clinical study was conducted at the Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery in Sahloul Hospital, Sousse, from January 2012 to June 2018. The patients involved in this study were diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome according to the AECG (American-European consensus group) diagnostic criteria. Among these patients, we searched for those affected by OLP or OLL as determined by the WHO (World Health Organisation) classification of 2003. Clinical variables such as age, sex, medical conditions and medications, type of SS (primary or secondary), clinical form of OLP, and treatment were analyzed. The assessment of the results was performed using SPSS software. Results. We evaluated 30 patients (27 females and 3 males) diagnosed with SS (24 had primary SS) with a mean age of 55 years and 11 months (±11,714). Overall, 9 patients had oral lesions (30%). Two patients had OLP associated with secondary SS (25%). Primary Sjogren’s syndrome patients had 6 OLP lesions and one erythematous lichenoid lesion. OLP was erosive in eight patients, among them two had vulvo-vaginal-gingival syndrome. OLP lesions showed improvement in symptoms after topical or general corticosteroids treatment, while OLL showed improvement only under antibiotic treatment. Conclusion. The results of our analysis suggest that patients with SS have 30% prevalence of OLP and OLL. This possible association shows the importance of screening for oral dryness in patients with OLP or OLL. Treatment includes topical or general corticosteroids for erosive forms associated or not with topical antifungal treatment to treat or prevent oral candidiasis.
An Improved Stress and Strain Increment Approaches for Circular Tunnel in Strain-Softening Surrounding Rock Considering Seepage Force
Authors: Wang Ling , Zou Jin-feng , Sheng Yu-ming
Published: May 2019

Considering the effect of seepage force, a dimensionless approach was introduced to improve the stress and strain increment approach on the stresses and radial displacement around a circular tunnel excavated in a strain-softening generalized Hoek–Brown or Mohr–Coulomb rock mass. The circular tunnel can be simplified as axisymmetric problem, and the plastic zone was divided into a finite number of concentric rings which satisfy the equilibrium and compatibility equations. Increments of stresses and strains for each ring were obtained by solving the equilibrium and compatibility equations. Then, the stresses and displacements in softening zone can be calculated. The correctness and reliability of the proposed approach were performed by the existing solutions.
A Case of Dapsone-Induced Severe Agranulocytosis Causing Life-Threatening Skin Sepsis in a Sri Lankan Child with Borderline Leprosy: A Success Story!
Authors: Fernando Meranthi , Kankananarachchi Imalke , Navabalasooriyar Pratheep , Herath Bhagya , Punchihewa Pushpa
Published: May 2019

Leprosy is a common skin disease in Sri Lanka which is being increasingly diagnosed due to the existing successful public health programme. Dapsone is a drug which holds unique pharmacological properties where it serves as both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents. Of its main adverse effects, agranulocytosis is a serious consequence which is reported mainly in adults and elderly. We report a 7-year-old child who sustained life-threatening skin and subcutaneous tissue sepsis because of dapsone-induced agranulocytosis. Besides, this case highlights the importance of meticulous monitoring of cell counts due to the risk of neutropenia and the natural history of cell recovery following occurrence of neutropenia. Though high mortality rate has been described in most of the similar cases reported, the child we describe made a complete recovery following severe neutropenic sepsis.