bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filling in the Gaps: The Transnational Administration of the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Peru
Authors: Alarcón Manuel Augusto Diez , Legler Thomas , Rodríguez Flor De María , Ruiz Mariana
Published: December 2020

Diverse sources have constructed a common narrative of individual and isolated responses by countries and their leaders to the global coronavirus pandemic, akin to sálvese quien pueda (every man for himself). This article suggests that this is a simplification of the governance of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Peru. Peru's governance story is one of domestic public and private action closely interwoven with crucial elements of transnational administration out of sheer necessity. The struggle against the pandemic has generated a domestic and transnational administrative symbiosis, involving authorities at multiple levels in efforts to fill a series of interconnected domestic, regional, and global governance gaps.
The relationship between early post‐operative ACTH / cortisol following pituitary surgery and long‐term glucocorticoid requirement – Do ultradian rhythms matter?
Authors: English Katherine A. , Chikani Viral , Jang Christina , Dimeski Goce , Olson Sarah , Inder Warrick J.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To determine whether early (4‐8h) post‐operative ACTH after trans‐sphenoidal surgery (TSS) predicts long‐term hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function and to investigate early morning day 1 ACTH/cortisol variability using rapid sampling.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Participants undergoing TSS were included; those treated with glucocorticoids pre‐operatively received 100 mg intravenous hydrocortisone on anaesthetic induction. ACTH and cortisol were measured post‐operatively at + 4h and + 8h after induction and on day 1 every 10 minutes between 0700h and 0900h. Primary outcome: glucocorticoid requirement at 6 months.

Results

Nineteen participants (10F, 9M): 6/19 (32%) were treated with replacement glucocorticoids pre‐operatively; 4 had ceased by 6 weeks post‐operatively. One patient developed new hypopituitarism post‐operatively meaning 3/19 (16%) required glucocorticoids at 6 months. Post‐operative + 4h ACTH < 14.3 pmol/L (65 ng/L) predicted secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) (sensitivity 100%, specificity 75%), whilst no participant with a post‐operative + 4h ACTH ≥ 14.3 pmol/L (65 ng/L) required glucocorticoids at 6 months. Day 1 ACTH and cortisol showed a significant circadian fall between 0700h‐0900h; ACTH 4.2 pmol/L (IQR 2.9‐5.9) to 3.7 pmol/L (IQR 2.9‐5.1) P = .006 and cortisol 549 nmol/L (IQR 337‐618) to 439 nmol/L (IQR 315‐606) P < .001, with clinically insignificant ultradian secretory pulses.

Conclusions

No participant with a post‐operative + 4h ACTH ≥ 14.3 pmol/L (65 ng/L) required glucocorticoids at 6 months; however, given only 3/19 participants had the primary outcome of interest, this must be confirmed in a larger cohort. The timing of a day 1 morning cortisol between 0700h and 0900h influences the accuracy of a single cut‐off to diagnose SAI after pituitary surgery.
Effect of experimental orthodontic pain on gray and white matter functional connectivity
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Li Fei , Yang Hong , Jin Yu , Lai Wenli , Roberts Neil , Jia Zhiyun , Gong Qiyong
Published: December 2020

Aim

Over 90% of patients receiving orthodontic treatment experience clinically significant pain. However, little is known about the neural correlates of orthodontic pain and which has therefore been investigated in the present study of healthy subjects using an experimental paradigm.

Methods

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) was performed in 44 healthy subjects 24 hours after an elastic separator had been introduced between the first and the second molar on the right side of the lower jaw and in 49 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control (HC) subjects. A K‐means clustering algorithm was used to identify functional gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) resting‐state networks, and differences in functional connectivity (FC) of GM and WM between the group of subjects with experimental orthodontic pain and HC were analyzed.

Results

Twelve GM networks and 14 WM networks with high stability were identified. Compared with HC, subjects with orthodontic pain showed significantly increased FC between WM12, which includes posterior thalamic radiation and posterior cingulum bundle, and most GM networks. Besides, the WM12 network showed significant differences in FC with three GM‐WM loops involving the default mode network, dorsal attention network, and salience network, respectively.

Conclusions

Orthodontic pain is shown to produce an alteration of FC in networks relevant to pain processing, which may be mediated by a WM network relevant to emotion perception and cognitive processing.
The cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin in treating high‐risk patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An economic evaluation using data from the DECLARE‐TIMI 58 trial
Authors: McEwan Phil , Morgan Angharad R. , Boyce Rebecca , Bergenheim Klas , Gause‐Nilsson Ingrid A.M. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Leiter Lawrence A. , Johansson Peter A. , Mosenzon Ofri , Cahn Avivit , Wilding John P.H.
Published: December 2020

Aim

To undertake a cost‐effectiveness analysis of dapagliflozin in treating high‐risk patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), using both directly observed events in the DECLARE‐TIMI 58 trial and surrogate risk factors to predict endpoints not captured within the trial.

Methods

An established T2DM model was adapted to integrate survival curves derived from the DECLARE‐TIMI 58 trial, and extrapolated over a lifetime for all‐cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for unstable angina, and end‐stage kidney disease. The economic analysis considered the overall DECLARE trial population, as well as reported patient subgroups. Total and incremental costs, life‐years and quality‐adjusted life‐years associated with dapagliflozin versus placebo were estimated from the perspective of the UK healthcare payer.

Results

In the UK setting, treatment with dapagliflozin compared to placebo was estimated to be dominant, with an expected increase in quality‐adjusted life‐years from 10.43 to 10.48 (+0.06) and a reduction in lifetime total costs from £39 451 to £36 899 (−£2552). Across all patient subgroups, dapagliflozin was estimated to be dominant, with the greatest absolute benefit in the prior heart failure subgroup (incremental lifetime costs −£4150 and quality‐adjusted life‐years +0.11).

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate that dapagliflozin compared to placebo appears to be cost‐effective, when considering evidence reported from the DECLARE‐TIMI 58 trial, at established UK willingness‐to‐pay thresholds. The findings highlight the potential of dapagliflozin to have a meaningful impact in reducing the economic burden of T2DM and its associated complications across a broad T2DM population.
Current trends in removable partial prosthodontics education in dental colleges of Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Lone Muneeb , Inayat Ahsan , Muneeb Lone Maham , Farhan Khan Muhammad , Abrar Lone Mohid , Saad Shaikh Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the current trends in undergraduate teaching of removable partial prosthodontics in various dental colleges of Pakistan.

Methodology

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in which a questionnaire was sent by email to head of Prosthodontics department of thirty‐one dental institutes of Pakistan. The survey included multiple questions regarding current trends in removable partial prosthodontics education in undergraduate dental colleges.

Results

Out of thirty‐one questionnaires, twenty‐six were completely filled and returned. In 19 (73%) dental colleges, removable partial denture is taught over a period of at least two years of undergraduate education. Students of only six dental colleges fabricate 10–12 removable partial dentures during their Prosthodontic rotation. Lectures and live clinical demonstration for construction of removable acrylic dentures are reported to be carried out in all the dental schools. Simple hinge articulator is the articulator of choice in 22 (84.6%) colleges. Even though twenty‐four out of twenty‐six colleges (92.3%) teach fabrication of cast partial dentures in lectures, none of the student fabricate these dentures during their Prosthodontic rotation.

Conclusion

This survey is the first to comprehensively report the teaching practices of removable denture Prosthodontics in undergraduate dental colleges of Pakistan. Faculty of all twenty‐six colleges give clinical demonstrations of acrylic partial denture construction before students start working in the dental OPD. Most of the dental colleges report use of similar impression materials and techniques in removable partial denture fabrication. More than 90% of dental colleges teach cast partial dentures theoretically, but their construction is grossly neglected in all the dental colleges. It is important that this skill is taught and practised by students in order to have the necessary skill set, so they can provide comprehensive treatment to partially dentate patients once they graduate.
Eye movement‐related brain potentials during assisted navigation in real‐world environments
Authors: Wunderlich Anna , Gramann Klaus
Published: December 2020

Conducting neuroscience research in the real‐world remains challenging because of movement‐ and environment‐related artifacts as well as missing control over stimulus presentation. The present study overcame these restrictions by mobile electroencephalography (EEG) and data‐driven analysis approaches during a real‐world navigation task. During assisted navigation through an unfamiliar city environment, participants received either standard or landmark‐based auditory navigation instructions. EEG data were recorded continuously during navigation. Saccade‐ and blink‐events as well as gait‐related EEG activity were extracted from sensor level data. Brain activity associated with the navigation task was identified by subsequent source‐based cleaning of non‐brain activity and unfolding of overlapping event‐related potentials. When navigators received landmark‐based instructions compared to those receiving standard navigation instructions, the blink‐related brain potentials during navigation revealed higher amplitudes at fronto‐central leads in a time window starting at 300 ms after blinks, which was accompanied by improved spatial knowledge acquisition tested in follow‐up spatial tasks. Replicating improved spatial knowledge acquisition from previous experiments, the present study revealed eye movement‐related brain potentials to point to the involvement of higher cognitive processes and increased processing of incoming information during periods of landmark‐based instructions. The study revealed neuronal correlates underlying visuospatial information processing during assisted navigation in the real‐world providing a new analysis approach for neuroscientific research in freely moving participants in uncontrollable real‐world environments.
Early changes of nerve integrity in preclinical carriers of hereditary transthyretin Ala117Ser amyloidosis with polyneuropathy
Authors: Chiang Ming‐Chang , Yeh Ti‐Yen , Sung Jia‐Ying , Hsueh Hsueh‐Wen , Kao Yi‐Hui , Hsueh Sung‐Ju , Chang Kai‐Chieh , Feng Fang‐Ping , Lin Yea‐Huey , Chao Chi‐Chao , Hsieh Sung‐Tsang
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

Disease‐modifying therapies provide new horizons for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv‐PN) to slow neuropathic progression. Initiating treatment at the earliest time requires biomarkers reflecting both small‐ and large‐fiber degeneration in carriers.

Methods

This study included examinations of pathology (intraepidermal nerve fiber [IENF] density), physiology (nerve conduction studies, autonomic function test, and nerve excitability), and psychophysics (thermal thresholds) in carriers to compare to healthy controls and asymptomatic diabetic patients.

Results

There were 43 carriers (44.2 ± 11.4 years, p.Ala117Ser in 42 carriers), 43 controls (43.4 ± 12.7 years) including 26 noncarrier families, and 50 asymptomatic diabetic patients (58.1 ± 9.5 years). Carriers had lower IENF densities than controls and similar densities as diabetic patients. Median nerve conduction parameters, especially distal motor latency, were the most frequent neurophysiological abnormality in carriers, could differentiate carriers from controls and diabetic patients, were correlated with IENF densities in carriers but not in controls and diabetic patients, and were correlated with nerve excitability parameters in carriers but not in controls. Fifteen carriers (34.9%) with electrophysiological evidence of median nerve entrapment at the wrist had lower IENF densities and more abnormal conduction parameters than carriers without. We defined nerve dysfunction index—the ratio of median distal motor latency to IENF density—which differentiated carriers from controls.

Conclusions

In late‐onset ATTRv‐PN carriers with predominant p.Ala117Ser, median conduction parameters were the most common neurophysiological abnormalities and served as surrogate signatures of small‐ and large‐fiber impairment. Combination of median distal motor latency and IENF density can reflect early neuropathy in carriers.
Evaluation of the 2020 European Academy of Neurology virtual congress: transition from a face‐to‐face to a virtual meeting
Authors: Stamelou Maria , Struhal Walter , ten Cate Olle , Matczak Magdalena , Çalışkan Süleyman Ayhan , Soffietti Riccardo , Marson Anthony , Zis Panagiotis , di Lorenzo Francesco , Sander Anja , Deuschl Günther , de Visser Marianne , Bassetti Claudio L. A.
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, scientific congresses are increasingly being organized as virtual congresses (VCs). In May 2020, the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) held a VC, free of charge. In the absence of systematic studies on this topic, the aim of this study is to evaluate the attendance and perceived quality of the 2020 EAN VC compared to the 2019 EAN face‐to‐face congress (FFC).

Methods

An analysis of the demographic data of participants obtained from the online registration was done. A comparison of the two congresses based on a survey with questions on the perception of speakers’ performance, quality of networking and other aspects was made.

Results

Of 43,596 registered participants, 20,694 active participants attended the VC. Compared to 2019, the number of participants tripled (6916 in 2019) and the cumulated number of participants attending the sessions was five times higher (169,334 in 2020 vs. 33,024 in 2019). Out of active participants 55% were from outside Europe, 42% were board‐certified neurologists (FFC 80%) and 21% were students (FFC 0.6%). The content of the congress was evaluated as ‘above expectation’ by 56% of the attendees (FFC 41%). Of the respondents who had been exposed to earlier EAN congresses 73% preferred the FFC compared to the VC (17%).

Conclusion

The VC fulfilled the main mission of organizing high quality EAN congresses despite the restrictions of the impersonal format. The geographical distribution of the participants proves the expected higher inclusivity of a VC. The large participation of students and neurologists in training opens new educational potentials for the EAN.
Strip‐grazing: Reduces pony dry matter intakes and changes in bodyweight and morphometrics
Authors: Longland Annette C. , Barfoot Clare , Harris Patricia A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Obesity can negatively impact upon equine welfare and bodyweight (BW) of pastured equines is often difficult to manage.

Objectives

To compare the effects of three restricted grazing regimens on changes in pony BW and morphometric measurements.

Study design

Randomised study.

Methods

Twelve mature ponies were individually grazed in 10m wide, rectangular, electric fenced paddocks. The dry matter (DM) herbage yield of each paddock was determined, and paddock length adjusted on Day 1 to provide 1.5% of individual pony BW as herbage DM daily, for 28 days. There were four ponies per treatment. Treatments were: total paddock area (TA) and strip grazing treatments, SG1 and SG2. SG1 had a ‘lead’ fence spanning the paddock width being moved a set distance along the paddock length daily to provide 1.5% of pony BW as fresh pasture DM (as determined on Day ‐1). SG2 also had a ‘back fence’ 7–12m behind the ‘lead’ fence which was moved the same distance as the lead fence daily. Calculated dry matter intakes, changes in cresty neck score (CNS), body condition score (BCS) and percentage changes in BW, heart girth (HG), belly girth (BG) and rump width (RW) were compared between treatments.

Results

Mean (±SD) calculated pasture DM intakes (as % BW/d) by TA ponies were 2.33 ± 0.50, being significantly higher (P < 0.05) than 1.82 ± 0.43 (SG1) and 1.59 ± 0.42 (SG2). Mean percentage BW changes were higher (P < 0.05) for TA ponies at 4.82 ± 1.36 vs. 1.16 ± 0.39 (SG1) and 1.54 ± 1.35 (SG2). SG1 and SG2 pony BW changes were not significantly different. TA, but not SG1 or SG2 animals showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in BCS1/9 (+0.94 ± 0.32), CNS1/5 (+0.5 ± 0), RW (+2.11 ± 3.6) and BG (+4.15 ± 2.29). SG1 and SG2 ponies showed significant (P < 0.05) decreases in HG (−0.05 ± 2.12) and BG (−5.53 ± 4.89) respectively.

Main limitations

Small sample size.

Conclusions

Strip grazing limited pony bodyweight gains and upward changes in morphometric parameters.
High‐Resolution Integrated Transport Model for Studying Surface Water–Groundwater Interaction
Authors: Broecker Tabea , Sobhi Gollo Vahid , Fox Aryeh , Lewandowski Jörg , Nützmann Gunnar , Arnon Shai , Hinkelmann Reinhard
Published: December 2020

Transport processes that lead to exchange of mass between surface water and groundwater play a significant role for the ecological functioning of aquatic systems, for hydrological processes and for biogeochemical transformations. In this study, we present a novel integral modeling approach for flow and transport at the sediment–water interface. The model allows us to simultaneously simulate turbulent surface and subsurface flow and transport with the same conceptual approach. For this purpose, a conservative transport equation was implemented to an existing approach that uses an extended version of the Navier–Stokes equations. Based on previous flume studies which investigated the spreading of a dye tracer under neutral, losing and gaining flow conditions the new solver is validated. Tracer distributions of the experiments are in close agreement with the simulations. The simulated flow paths are significantly affected by in‐ and outflowing groundwater flow. The highest velocities within the sediment are found for losing condition, which leads to shorter residence times compared to neutral and gaining conditions. The largest extent of the hyporheic exchange flow is observed under neutral condition. The new solver can be used for further examinations of cases that are not suitable for the conventional coupled models, for example, if Reynolds numbers are larger than 10. Moreover, results gained with the integral solver provide high‐resolution information on pressure and velocity distributions at the rippled streambed, which can be used to improve flow predictions. This includes the extent of hyporheic exchange under varying ambient groundwater flow conditions.
Effect of B2O3 on the structural and in vitro biological assessment of mesoporous bioactive glass nanospheres
Authors: Bai Nuonan , Chen Weirong , Luo Lijin , Tong Wei , Wen Cuilian , Zhan Xuan , Sa Baisheng
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the boron‐containing mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) nanospheres have been successfully synthesized by modified sol‐gel method assisted by surfactant, and the effect of boron substitution on structure and bioactivity was evaluated by combining experiments and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. All of the samples exhibit regularly uniform mesoporous spherical microstructure with an average size of about 60 nm, and the boron‐containing MBGs show higher specific surface area with the value up to 416.20 m2/g. The simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion test confirms that the deposited hydroxyapatite (HA) evidently increases with the increasing of boron content, indicating that the biological behavior has been significantly improved resulting from incorporation of boron. Additionally, our results also reveal that B2O3 substitution has positive impact on cell proliferation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) at lower extracted concentration. Furthermore, AIMD simulation is employed to understand the relationship between structural changes and in vitro bioactivity in terms of structural information, especially the boron coordination number. The results illustrate that the boron‐containing MBG nanospheres with excellent bioactivity are great potential for biomedical applications.
KLF4 down‐regulation resulting from TLR4 promotion of ERK1/2 phosphorylation underpins inflammatory response in sepsis
Authors: Li Chunwen , Yu Lei , Mai Chao , Mu Tianyi , Zeng Yong
Published: December 2020

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to invading pathogens, leading to high mortality rates in intensive care units worldwide. Krüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) is an important anti‐inflammatory transcription factor. In this study, we investigate the anti‐inflammatory role of KLF4 in caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐induced septic mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW264.7 cells and its potential mechanism. We found that KLF4 was down‐regulated in CLP‐induced septic mice and in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells, and that its overexpression led to increased survival rates of septic mice along with inhibited inflammatory response in vivo and in vitro. ITGA2B was up‐regulated in the setting of sepsis and was inhibited by KLF4 overexpression. ITGA2B knock‐down mimicked the effects of KLF4 overexpression on septic mice and LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells. TLR4 promoted the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and then up‐regulated the ubiquitination and the degradation of KLF4, thereby elevating the expression of ITGA2B. Moreover, TLR4 knock‐down or treatment with PD98059 (a MEK inhibitor) inhibited inflammatory response in the setting of sepsis in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, this effect of PD98059 treatment was lost upon KLF4 knock‐down. Collectively, these results explain the down‐regulation of KLF4 in sepsis, namely via TLR4 promotion of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and identify ITGA2B as the downstream gene of KLF4, thus highlighting the anti‐inflammatory role of KLF4 in sepsis.
The Limits of Traditional Bargaining under Deep Integration: TTIP Stumbling over Technical Barriers to Trade
Authors: Bürbaumer Benjamin
Published: December 2020

Removing so‐called technical barriers to trade is a critical aspect of contemporary deep integration trade agreements. Yet, these barriers – standards, regulations, conformity assessment procedures – form a set of institutional complementarities, named technical infrastructure, which performs a central role for the functioning of integrated markets. Drawing on evidence from the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) the paper illustrates that this contradiction reduced the negotiators' bargaining leeway. Changing a technical infrastructure comes at the risk of undermining its effectiveness. Therefore, each party could only offer an unacceptable compromise: Transforming the other's technical infrastructure towards one's own technical infrastructure.
SLPI in periodontal Ligament is not sleepy during biophysical force‐induced tooth movement
Authors: Lee Su‐Young , Moon Jung‐Sun , Yang Dong‐Wook , Yoo Hong‐Il , Jung Ji‐Yeon , Kim Ok‐Su , Kim Min‐Seok , Koh Jeong‐Tae , Chung Hyun‐Ju , Kim Sun‐Hun
Published: December 2020

Aim

We aimed to identify a key molecule that maintains periodontal tissue homeostasis during biophysical force‐induced tooth movement (BTM) by orchestrating alveolar bone (AB) remodelling.

Materials and Methods

Differential display‐PCR was performed to identify key molecules for BTM in rats. To investigate the localization and expression of the identified molecules, immunofluorescence, real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blotting were performed in rats and human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. Functional test and micro‐CT analysis were performed to examine the in vivo effects of the identified molecules on BTM.

Results

Secretory leucocyte peptidase inhibitor (SLPI) in the PDL was revealed as a key molecule for BTM‐induced AB remodelling. SLPI was enhanced in the PDL under both compression and tension, and downregulated by an adenyl cyclases inhibitor. SLPI induced osteoblastogenic genes including runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and synergistically augmented tension‐induced Runx2 expression. SLPI augmented mineralization in PDL cells. SLPI induced osteoclastogenic genes including receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐Β ligand (RANKL) and synergistically augmented the compression‐induced RANKL and macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (MCSF) expression. Finally, the in vivo SLPI application into the AB significantly augmented BTM.

Conclusions

SLPI or its inhibitors might serve as a biological target molecule for therapeutic interventions to modulate BTM.
The Bodily and the Divine: Study of a 10th Century Hindu Temple in Rajasthan, India
Authors: Patel Tina , Angne Alfaro Sarah M. , Swaranjali Pallavi
Published: December 2020

The Hindu temple is a place where gods may be approached, and divine knowledge discovered. The design of the temple based on the cosmic man, the “ vastu purush mandala,” allows the experiencing body to be aligned with celestial elements, obtaining harmony with the cosmos. Exploring the sequence and processes of bodily engagement as one progresses from the periphery to the core, the article seeks to apprise designers on the rituals encompassed in worship at a Hindu temple. The article creates a mosaic of hybrid fragments via photographs, drawings, and text to emphasize the intertwining of the bodily and divine.
WHITE URBAN IMMERSION, INTERSUBJECTIVITY, AND AN ETHICS OF CARE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Schneider Rachel C.
Published: December 2020

The past decades have seen a rise in religious and secular responses to inequality that seek to offer those who are relatively wealthy an opportunity to personally engage with impoverished people and places. This article examines three cases of elite white South Africans who intentionally immersed themselves in poor urban environments. In dialogue with the anthropology of ethics, I argue that immersion was seen as an experimental tool for transforming the self and cultivating virtues of empathy and responsibility towards others. In this way, immersion acted as a technology of the self, linking care of the self to care of others. Yet such experimentation was not without risk. Though imagined as a tool that could promote care of the self and care of others, immersion carries with it the potential to reinforce power divides and/or solicit negative moral judgment.
Tree death and damage: A standardized protocol for frequent surveys in tropical forests
Authors: Arellano Gabriel , Zuleta Daniel , Davies Stuart J.
Published: December 2020

Tree mortality drives changes in forest structure and dynamics, community composition, and carbon and nutrient cycles. Since tropical forests store a large fraction of terrestrial biomass and tree diversity, improved understanding of changing tree mortality and biomass loss rates is critical. Tropical tree mortality rates have been challenging to estimate due to low background rates of tree death, and high spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Furthermore, the causes of mortality remain unclear because many factors may be involved in individual tree death, and the rapid decomposition of wood in the tropics obscures evidence of possible causes of tree mortality. We present a field protocol to assess tree mortality in tropical forests. The protocol focuses on the rapid, repeatable and inexpensive assessment of individual tree death and damage. The protocol has been successfully tested with annual assessments of >62,000 stems in total in several ForestGEO plots in Asia and the Neotropics. Standardized methods for the assessment of tree death and biomass loss will advance understanding of the underlying causes and consequences of tree mortality.
An unusual porous, cryptocrystalline forsterite chondrule in Murchison
Authors: Zolensky Michael , Nakamura Tomoki , Martinez James , Enokido Yuma
Published: December 2020

We describe a fragmented cryptocrystalline chondrule consisting solely of forsterite (Fo98) in the Murchison CM2 chondrite, with a peculiar porous texture of enigmatic origin.
How can perceptual experiences explain uncertainty?
Authors: Siegel Susanna
Published: December 2020

Can perceptual experiences be states of uncertainty? We might expect them to be, if the perceptual processes from which they are generated, and the behaviors they help produce, take account of probabilistic information. Yet, it has long been presumed that perceptual experiences purport to tell us about our environment, without hedging or qualifying. Against this long‐standing view, I argue that perceptual experiences may well occasionally be states of uncertainty, but that they are never probabilistically structured. I criticize a powerful line of reasoning that we should expect perceptual experience to be probabilistic, given their interfaces with unconscious probabilistic information, with behavior responsive to it, and with credences.
Performance on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) in Japanese patients with bipolar and major depressive disorders in euthymic and depressed states
Authors: Matsuo Junko , Hori Hiroaki , Ishida Ikki , Hiraishi Moeko , Ota Miho , Hidese Shinsuke , Yomogida Yukihito , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: December 2020

Aim

This study aimed to examine the cognitive performance of patients with bipolar disorder (BD) stratified by illness phase compared to that of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls.

Methods

Participants were 139 patients with BD (55 euthymic and 84 depressed), 311 patients with MDD (88 euthymic and 223 depressed), and 386 healthy controls who underwent the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Revised or the Third Edition. They were non‐elderly Japanese individuals with normal estimated premorbid intelligence quotient (IQ; >90), group‐matched for age, sex, and premorbid IQ.

Results

The depressed BD group showed significantly lower scores on verbal IQ, performance IQ, full‐scale IQ, and three group indexes of perceptual organization, working memory, and processing speed when compared with healthy controls (all P < 0.001). All IQs and working memory index were also significantly lower than those of the depressed MDD group. The depressed MDD group scored significantly lower than controls in performance IQ (P < 0.001), full‐scale IQ, and only in the index of processing speed (P < 0.001). The euthymic BD group scored significantly lower than controls in performance IQ (P = 0.004), whereas the euthymic MDD group scored significantly lower than controls only in processing speed (P = 0.030).

Conclusion

Patients with BD appear to have global and more intense cognitive impairments in depressed states compared with those with MDD whose impairments seem to be apparent only in processing speed in the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Attenuated impairments appear to exist in euthymic states of both patients.
A person‐centered view of impression management, inauthenticity, and employee behavior
Authors: Chawla Nitya , Gabriel Allison S. , Rosen Christopher C. , Evans Jonathan B. , Koopman Joel , Hochwarter Wayne A. , Palmer Joshua C. , Jordan Samantha L.
Published: December 2020

Impression management (IM)—the strategies through which employees create, maintain, or alter a desired image towards others—is a ubiquitous part of organizational life. To date, scholars studying this interpersonal phenomenon have largely focused on Jones and Pittman's (1982) taxonomy of IM strategies, examining consequences associated with the tactics of ingratiation, self‐promotion, exemplification, supplication, and intimidation on others’ reactions to, and perceptions of, the actor. Thus, scholarly understanding surrounding the implications of IM for employees’ own well‐being is nascent. We integrate ideas from the emotional labor and IM literatures to develop and test theory that explains the impact of IM strategies on the actors themselves. Across three complementary studies spanning 2337 full‐time employees, we use latent profile analysis to investigate how the conjoint use of multiple IM tactics—each of which is associated with a distinct, and sometimes conflicting, image—yields unique consequences for employees’ feelings of inauthenticity at work. In addition, we also explore how profiles of IM tactics differentially relate to theoretically relevant work outcomes, namely coworker ratings of employee performance, work withdrawal, absenteeism, and perceived sincerity. Taken together, our work sheds light on the prevalence and impact of employees combining IM tactics during work interactions.
Sequential infection of Epstein‐Barr virus and cryptococcal encephalitis after umbilical cord blood transplantation in a child with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Zhang Na , Chen Kai , Zhu Jia‐Shi , Li Hong , Shao Jing‐Bo , Jiang Hui
Published: December 2020

Dual infection with two pathogens can be found in few cases of encephalitis. Cases of sequential infection with EBV and cryptococcal encephalitis in post‐transplant patients are rare. We describe a 5‐year‐old boy with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy who presented sequential infection with EBV and cryptococcal encephalitis after umbilical cord blood transplant. The patient showed fever, vomiting and emotional agitation with EBV DNA detected in CSF on day 100. The child underwent 3 doses of intravenous rituximab with a good response. However, the child presented with right facial paralysis, headache, and fever on day 130 after 2 weeks of clinical stability. Brain MRI demonstrated chronic granuloma formed with ring enhancement. FilmArray ME PCR confirmed the existence of Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii in the CSF. The child underwent sequential treatment with amphotericin liposome B and flucytosine. Maintenance treatment with fluconazole was administered for 1 year. Facial paralysis was on longer present on day 260. Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii was not detected on day 310. The biochemistry and cell count of the CSF were completely normal on day 520. Follow‐up 2.5 years after presentation, brain MRI changes showed near complete resolution of the lesions. The child survived for 3 years to the last following‐up. Invasive cryptococcal encephalitis is rare and life‐threatening complication of transplantation. It is important to recognize dual infections, and perform treatment quickly to improve the prognosis of encephalitis after transplantation.
Fatigue after heart transplantation – a possible barrier to self‐efficacy
Authors: Almgren Matilda , Lundqvist Pia , Lennerling Annette , Forsberg Anna
Published: December 2020

Rationale

Recovery after heart transplantation is challenging and many heart recipients struggle with various transplant‐related symptoms, side‐effects of immunosuppressive medications and mental challenges. Fatigue has been reported to be one of the most common and distressing symptoms after heart transplantation and might therefore constitute a barrier to self‐efficacy, which acts as a moderator of self‐management.

Aim

To explore the prevalence of fatigue and its relationship to self‐efficacy among heart recipients 1–5 years after transplantation.

Research method

An explorative cross‐sectional design, including 79 heart recipients due for follow‐up 1–5 years after transplantation. Three different self‐assessment instruments were employed; The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory‐19, Self‐efficacy for managing chronic disease 6‐Item Scale and The Postoperative Recovery Profile.

Ethical approval

The study was approved by the Regional Ethics Board of Lund (Dnr. 2014/670‐14/10) with supplementary approval from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (Dnr. 2019‐02769).

Results

The reported levels of fatigue for the whole group were moderate in all dimensions of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory‐19, with highest ratings in the General Fatigue sub‐scale. Those most fatigued were the groups younger than 50 years; pretransplant treatment with Mechanical Circulatory Support; not recovered or had not returned to work. Self‐efficacy was associated with the sub‐dimensions Mental Fatigue (ρ = −0·.649) and Reduced Motivation (ρ = −0·617), which explained 40·1% of the variance when controlled for age and gender.

Study limitations

The small sample size constitutes a limitation.

Conclusions

The moderate levels of fatigue reported indicate that it is not a widespread problem. However, for those suffering from severe fatigue it is a troublesome symptom that affects the recovery process and their ability to return to work. Efforts should be made to identify those troubled by fatigue to enable sufficient self‐management support.
Ex vivo comparison of ultrasonographic intestinal wall layering with histology in horses: A feasibilty study
Authors: Bevevino Kari E. , Edwards John F. , Cohen Noah D. , de Solis Cristobal Navas
Published: December 2020

Ultrasonography is increasingly being used as a clinical and research method for evaluating the gastrointestinal tract in horses, however published studies comparing ultrasonographic and histologic characteristics of equine intestinal wall layers are currently lacking. Objectives of this prospective, observational, methods comparison, case series study were to compare the layering pattern and thickness of the intestinal wall layers determined usingex vivoandin vivoultrasonography with those determined using histology. For theex vivostudy, twelve horses were euthanized for reasons unrelated to gastrointestinal disease, and samples of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, right dorsal colon, and small colon were collected and imaged sonographicallyex vivoin an isotonic bath within 1 hour of euthanasia. For thein vivostudy, ultrasonography was performed in four clinical cases, and findings were compared with histopathology. A 5‐layer pattern of alternating echogenicity was observed in 70 of 72ex vivosamples. Agreement between histologic and sonographic measurements was deemed good for all segments except the ileum. Formalin fixation did not alter the sonographic appearance or wall measurements. Findings from the four clinical cases illustrated the feasibility of also obtaining ultrasonographic images with sufficient sonographic detailin vivoto recognize wall layering and obtain comparable results to pathologic lesions. Findings from the current study can serve as background for future studies comparing ultrasonographic characteristics of the intestinal wall in horses with different gastrointestinal diseases.
Investigation of Unsteady Premixed Micro/Macro Counterflow Flames for Lean to Rich Methane/Air Mixture
Authors: Edalati-nejad Ali , Fanaee Sayyed Aboozar , Ghodrat Maryam , Khadem Javad
Published: December 2020

In the current work, an unsteady analysis of methane/air premixed counterflow flame is carried out for different flame conditions and stability parameters considering different strain rate values. The results are presented at unsteady and final steady conditions, and the impact of time-dependent regimes and variations in equivalence ratio, from lean flame to rich one, are analyzed. The governing equations including continuity, momentum, energy, and species are numerically solved with a coupled simple and Piso algorithm. It is also found that when the strain rate value is 1000 s−1, for flame stability, the hydraulic distance of the microchannel must be at least 0.05 mm. Increasing the strain rate results in decreasing the time of stabilizing temperature distribution with a faster quasi-steady equilibrium. The necessity of time-dependent analysis is to comprehend the variations in the main factors of flame structure before reaching the finalized steady-state condition. Therefore, by designing an intermittent automatic valve, if the flow stops in time period of 0.0025 s and starts again, the formation of NO2 and CO2 will be reduced about 50% and 9%, respectively, in a case with a = 100 s−1.
Thermodynamic Assessment of Membrane-Assisted Premixed and Non-Premixed Oxy-Fuel Combustion Power Cycles
Authors: Imteyaz Binash , Tahir Furqan , Habib Mohammed A.
Published: December 2020

This study focuses on the investigations of gas turbine power generation system that works on oxy-combustion technology utilizing membrane-assisted oxygen separation. The two investigated systems are (i) a premixed oxy-combustion power generation cycle utilizing an ion transport membrane (ITM)-based air separation unit (ASU) which selectively allows oxygen to permeate from the feeding air and (ii) a non-premixed oxy-fuel combustion power cycle, where oxygen separation takes place, with cogeneration of hydrogen in an integrated combustor. A gas turbine combined cycle that works on conventional air–methane combustion was considered as the base case for this work. Commercial software package Hysys V8 was utilized to conduct the process simulation for the proposed cycles. The two novel cycle designs were proposed and evaluated in comparison with that of the conventional cycle. The first law efficiency of the premixed combustion power cycle was calculated to be 45.9%, a loss of 2.4% as an energy penalty for the oxygen separation. The non-premixed cycle had the lowest first law efficiency of 39.6%, which was 8.7% lower than the efficiency of the base cycle. The lower effectiveness of the cycle could be attributed to the highly endothermic H2O splitting reaction for oxygen production. High irreversibility in the H2O-splitter and the reactor was identified as the main cause of exergy losses. The overall second law efficiency of the non-premixed power cycle was around 50% lesser than that of the other cycles. The energy penalty related to air separation is dominated as the parameter that reduces the efficiencies of the oxy-fuel combustion cycles; however, the premixed combustion cycle performance was found to be comparable to that of the conventional air-combustion cycle.
Influence of Char Intermediates on Synergistic Effects During Co-Pyrolysis of Pinewood and Polycarbonate
Authors: Liu Xuan , Burra Kiran Raj G. , Wang Zhiwei , Li Jinhu , Che Defu , Gupta Ashwani K.
Published: December 2020

Combined use of plastic and biomass wastes offers promising pathway for simultaneous energy production and waste disposal. In this article, the co-pyrolysis of pinewood and polycarbonate (PC) was performed in a fixed bed reactor to quantify their synergistic interaction on the product output and determine the effect of char intermediates on the synergistic effects. The extent of synergistic effects was obtained via a direct comparison of results from co-pyrolysis of pinewood–polycarbonate mixture with the weighted average values from pyrolysis of individual components. The observed synergistic effects were further examined from the influence of char intermediates using tailored feedstock configurations to gain more insights into the synergistic mechanism. The results showed co-pyrolysis resulted in enhancement by 33% in H2, 26% in CO, and 19% in total syngas yields compared to their weighted values from individual pyrolysis. Co-pyrolysis also exhibited superiority in energy recovery with the overall energy efficiency promoted from 42.9% to 48.6%. Deconvolution of synergistic effects revealed that pinewood char catalytically enhanced PC degradation, while the effect of PC char on pinewood pyrolysis was minimal. This article provides results on deconvolved understanding of synergistic effects in co-pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass and PC wastes, which is very helpful in designing clean and efficient energy recovery systems from these waste resources.
Observation and inversion of very-low-frequency seismo-acoustic fields in the South China Sea
Authors: Du Shuyuan , Cao Jingpu , Zhou Shihong , Qi Yubo , Jiang Lei , Zhang Yongfeng , Qiao Changcheng
Published: December 2020

Very-low-frequency (VLF) sound has significant potential for underwater detection and estimation of geoacoustic models of the ocean bottom structure. In marine settings, one type of VLF sound is the interface wave. These waves, trapped near the fluid–solid interface, are called Scholte waves, and this is the subject of this study. A field experiment was carried out in the South China Sea with the objective of exciting Scholte waves and investigating the propagation. The data were acquired by an ocean bottom seismometer, deployed on the seafloor. A large volume airgun array near the sea surface provided the sound source. The fundamental and three higher-order mode Scholte waves were excited. The Scholte waves are investigated by seismograms and a phase velocity inversion. The observed frequencies are in the range of 1.0–2.9 Hz. The energy attenuation is proportional to 1/r at the peak frequency 1.4 Hz. The shear wave speed structure, down to 600 m beneath the seafloor, is revealed from the dispersion curves by a least-squares inversion algorithm. The inversion result shows that the shear wave speed is below 300 m/s in the uppermost layer, which explains well the weak excitation of Scholte waves in this experiment.
Level-set based topology optimization on acoustic balcony ceiling design of a simplified urban building for noise reduction
Authors: Guo Jingwen , He Yu , Wang Michael Yu
Published: December 2020

Balconies can provide noise shielding for residents who live in high-rise apartment buildings. The efficiency of noise reduction induced by a balcony largely depends on the shape of the balcony ceiling. This study aims to optimize the shape of the ceiling of a two-dimensional simplified urban building to enhance noise mitigation by using level-set based topology optimization, which is capable of providing a distinct and smooth interface. Noise sources at both single and multi-frequency optimization are considered. In the single-frequency optimization, two peak frequencies in the spectrum of sound pressure level (SPL) at receivers on the fourth floor of an ordinary ceiling are selected. Results show that significant SPL reduction is attained by the optimized ceiling. In addition, broadband noise suppression at frequencies above the target value is also achieved. The underlying mechanism is that the optimized ceiling consisting of several concaves can redirect the incident wave propagating away from the balcony and effectively avoid forming a trapped mode within the area between the floor and the ceiling. Additionally, more effective noise reduction is achieved by the multi-frequency optimization. Thus, the proposed design strategy can be widely used in various applications of noise reduction in the field of building and environment.
Bench-top comparison of thermometers used in newborn infants
Authors: Dunne Emma A , Cunningham Katie , O'Donnell Colm Patrick Finbarr , McCarthy Lisa K
Published: December 2020

We wished to determine the accuracy of thermometers used to measure temperature in newborn infants. We measured the temperature of a water bath with three types of thermometer set at 0.5°C increments between 32.5°C and 38.5°C and compared the values to a control. We recorded the time to display steady-state temperature. The Microlife thermometer most closely approximated control temperature (mean difference <0.1°C (SD<0.1°C)) and displayed a reading in a mean time of 29 s (SD 2 s). Used in ‘predictive’ (default) mode, the Welch Allyn SureTemp Plus 692 thermometer differed from the control by a mean of 0.6°C (SD 0.3°C), displaying a temperature at 15 s (SD 3 s). This device consistently overestimated temperature. In ‘continuous’ mode, the mean difference was <0.1°C (SD<0.1°C) at 5 min. The Phillips probe differed from the control by a mean of 0.4°C (SD 0.2°C). Thermometers used to measure temperature in newborn infants may underestimate hypothermia. A prospective study in newborn infants is needed.