bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of thalassaemia: a review of the new approaches on transfusion safety and the novel therapeutics
Authors: Aydinok Yesim
Published: September 2019

Lifetime red cell concentrate (RCC) transfusions still account for significant iron overload‐related morbidity and mortality despite chelation therapy in thalassaemia. The cumulative risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections is substantial for thalassaemia patients. Pathogen reduction technologies for RCC may imply a proactive approach against new/re‐emerging pathogens and may be an ultimate safeguard for transfusion safety in the developing countries. Red cell alloimmunization may become a significant clinical challenge in thalassaemia. The availability of high‐throughput molecular blood group antigen typing in the donors may allow perfect match transfusion, beyond ABO‐D and CEK antigen‐matched transfusions. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (A‐SCT) is the only available curative therapy in thalassaemia, but carries a substantial risk of serious adverse events and mortality. Gene addition therapy for correction of the α‐globin chain imbalance overcomes the problems of donor availability and immunological complications of A‐SCT. Gene editing by either gene disruption or correction emerged as a potential alternative to gene addition therapy in beta‐thalassaemia. A new era of novel therapeutics targeting α/β imbalance, ineffective erythropoiesis or iron dysregulation is unfolding in thalassaemia management, and a number of those now have agents in preclinical and clinical development. Hydroxyurea (HU) may improve globin chain imbalance and be beneficial for reducing or omitting transfusion requirement. Ruxolitinib has allowed steady decrease in spleen volume that may serve for avoiding splenectomy in beta‐thalassaemia. Luspatercept may restore normal erythroid differentiation and improve anaemia. Hepcidin mimetics or TMPRSS6 inhibitors may modulate ineffective erythropoiesis by iron restriction and improve anaemia and organ iron loading.
Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships between Leishmania infantum from dogs, humans and wildlife in south‐east Spain
Authors: Ortuño María , Latrofa Maria S. , Iborra María A. , Pérez‐Cutillas Pedro , Bernal Luis J. , Risueño José , Muñoz Clara , Bernal Ana , Sánchez‐Lopez Pedro F. , Segovia Manuel , Annoscia Giada , Maia Carla , Cortes Sofia , Campino Lenea , Otranto Domenico , Berriatua Eduardo
Published: September 2019

Leishmania infantum causes human and canine leishmaniosis. The parasite, transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, infects species other than dogs and people, including wildlife, although their role as reservoirs of infection remains unknown for most species. Molecular typing of parasites to investigate genetic variability and evolutionary proximity can help understand transmission cycles and designing control strategies. We investigated Leishmania DNA variability in kinetoplast (kDNA) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences in asymptomatically infected wildlife (n = 58) and symptomatically and asymptomatically infected humans (n = 38) and dogs (n = 15) from south‐east Spain, using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and in silico restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses. All ITS2 sequences (n = 76) displayed a 99%–100% nucleotide identity with a L. infantum reference sequence, except one with a 98% identity to a reference Leishmania panamensis sequence, from an Ecuadorian patient. No heterogeneity was recorded in the 73 L. infantum ITS2 sequences except for one SNP in a human parasite sequence. In contrast, kDNA analysis of 44 L. infantum sequences revealed 11 SNP genotypes (nucleotide variability up to 4.3%) and four RFLP genotypes including B, F and newly described S and T genotypes. Genotype frequency was significantly greater in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic individuals. Both methods similarly grouped parasites as predominantly or exclusively found in humans, in dogs, in wildlife or in all three of them. Accordingly, the phylogenetic analysis of kDNA sequences revealed three main clusters, two as a paraphyletic human parasites clade and a third including dogs, people and wildlife parasites. Results suggest that Leishmania infantum genetics is complex even in small geographical areas and that, probably, several independent transmission cycles take place simultaneously including some connecting animals and humans. Investigating these transmission networks may be useful in understanding the transmission dynamics, infection risk and therefore in planning L. infantum control strategies.
Sniffing behaviour‐related changes in cardiac and cortical activity in rats
Authors: Kuga Nahoko , Nakayama Ryota , Shikano Yu , Nishimura Yuya , Okonogi Toya , Ikegaya Yuji , Sasaki Takuya
Published: September 2019

Key points

High‐frequency (HF) sniffing represents active odour sampling and an increase in the animal's motivation.

We examined how HF sniffing affects the physiological activity of the brain–body system.

During HF sniffing, heart rates and the ratio of theta to delta critical local field potential power were comparable to those observed during motion periods.

Vagus nerve spike rates did not vary depending on HF sniffing.

Our results suggest that physiological factors in the central nervous system and the periphery are not simply determined by locomotion but are crucially associated with HF sniffing.

Sniffing is a fundamental behaviour for odour sampling, and high‐frequency (HF) sniffing, generally at a sniff frequency of more than 6 Hz, is considered to represent an animal's increased motivation to explore external environments. Here, we examined how HF sniffing is associated with changes in physiological signals from the central and peripheral organs in rats. During HF sniffing while the rats were stationary, heart rates, the magnitude of dorsal neck muscle contraction, and the ratio of theta to delta local field potential power in the motor cortex were comparable to those observed during motion periods and were significantly higher than those observed during resting respiration periods. No pronounced changes in vagus nerve spike rates were detected in relation to HF sniffing. These results demonstrate that central and peripheral physiological factors are crucially associated with the emergence of HF sniffing, especially during quiescent periods. Behavioural data might be improved to more accurately evaluate an animal's internal psychological state if they are combined with a sniffing pattern as a physiological marker.
Fabrication and Characterization of Tuneable Flow-Channel/Gas-Diffusion-Layer Interface for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Thumbarathy Deepashree , Gupta Gaurav , Mamlouk Mohamed , Das Prodip K.
Published: September 2019

Gas diffusion layer (GDL) and its interfaces with the flow-channel and microporous layer or catalyst layer in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) play a significant role in water management and heat removal from the cells. Both surface morphology and surface wettability of GDL influence and control the water transport in PEFCs. Thus, the surface morphology and selectivity of its surface wettability are critical for PEFCs to provide optimum outputs. In this study, we have reported the fabrications of GDLs with a selective wetting pattern. Sigracet® GDLs were used as a substrate and two different monomers, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) added with fumed silica (Si) and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), were used to print a selective pattern on the GDL surfaces. The evaluations of printed GDL surfaces, by means of static contact angle, sliding angles, and scanning electron microscopy image show that superhydrophobicity was achieved with both FEP and PDMS-Si coatings. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the successful introduction of the functional groups in both the coatings. Finally, pore size distributions, sliding angle measurements, and adhesion forces were used to investigate the interactions between the water droplets and GDL surfaces. The results of this study demonstrate that the present approach provides a novel but simple way to tune GDL surfaces with selective wetting properties and obtain superhydrophobic interfaces. The electrochemical results showed that an improvement can be achieved for the performance of PEFCs with patterned GDL/flow-channel interfaces.
A Weak Form Implementation of Nonlinear Axisymmetric Shell Equations With Examples
Authors: Pezzulla Matteo , Reis Pedro M.
Published: September 2019

We present a weak form implementation of the nonlinear axisymmetric shell equations. This implementation is suitable to study the nonlinear deformations of axisymmetric shells, with the capability of considering a general mid-surface shape, non-homogeneous (axisymmetric) mechanical properties and thickness variations. Moreover, given that the weak balance equations are arrived to naturally, any external load that can be expressed in terms of an energy potential can, therefore, be easily included and modeled. We validate our approach with existing results from the literature, in a variety of settings, including buckling of imperfect spherical shells, indentation of spherical and ellipsoidal shells, and geometry-induced rigidity (GIR) of pressurized ellipsoidal shells. Whereas the fundamental basis of our approach is classic and well established, from a methodological view point, we hope that this brief note will be of both technical and pedagogical value to the growing and dynamic community that is revisiting these canonical but still challenging class of problems in shell mechanics.
Characterization of Deformation and Wear Mechanisms During Indentation Scratching on Pure Zinc
Authors: Gokhale Aditya , Jain Jayant , Prasad Rajesh , Huang E-Wen , Lee Soo Yeol
Published: September 2019

Scratch testing using nanoindentation helps to characterize material’s wear resistance and the accompanying material removal, and deformation mechanism. The effect of load and repeated scratching on pure zinc was investigated in this study. Surface examination post scratching revealed the formation of long chips at lower loads, which can be attributed to ductile-like behavior. Ploughing dominated at higher loads, while micro-cutting was active at lower loads. The material removal factor (fab) is an indicator of the prevailing wear mechanism. A good correlation appeared between the observed wear mechanism and the calculated fab, wherein interplay of ploughing and micro-cutting was observed. The decrease in wear rate as the number of passes increased and the decreasing value of fab are indicative of the strain hardening behavior during repeated scratching. The presence of intergranular fracture slip and twinning on the deformed surface is indicative of the material’s response to induced stress.
Steady-State Wear Behavior of Multi-Scale Hybrid Composite—AA6061/Al2O3 (µm)/Si3N4 (nm)/Graphite—EN31 Steel Tribo System
Authors: Hariharasakthisudhan P. , Sathickbasha K. , Surya Rajan B. , Jeyanthram V.
Published: September 2019

Hybrid metal matrix composites play a key role in the selection of advanced materials for automotive and aircraft structures in order to ensure the superior tribological properties. This research work highlighted the significance of Si3N4 nanoparticles and premixing of reinforcement with metal powder in steady-state wear behavior of AA6061/Al2O3/Si3N4/Gr hybrid nanocomposites. The dry sliding wear test using Pin-on-Disc apparatus was conducted by following ASTM G99 standard. This research work also reported the influence of normal load on wear loss and coefficient of friction for the sliding distances up to 12 km. Si3N4 nanoparticles significantly influenced the wear resistance of the hybrid nanocomposites by forming a well compacted tribo layer and the layer was retained at longer sliding distances. The composite with single ceramic reinforcement Al2O3, premixed with metal powder, showed abrasive wear. The composites with single ceramic reinforcement Al2O3, without premixing, showed delamination and third body wear during wear process.
One-Dimensional Modeling of Mechanical and Friction Losses Distribution in a Four-Stroke Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Tormos Bernardo , Martín Jaime , Blanco-Cavero Diego , Jiménez-Reyes Antonio J.
Published: September 2019

As the road transport accounts between 15%–18% of worldwide CO2 emissions, the automotive sector has a deep commitment to mitigate global warming. Consequently, stricter regulations have been adopted by the European Union and worldwide to reduce that big impact. Approximately, 10% of the energy generated by fuel combustion in the engine is destined to the auxiliaries components activation and the movement of mechanical elements with relative motion between themselves. A reduction on that figure or alternatively a mechanical efficiency improvement can be directly translated on target alignment. The aim of this work is developing a model to predict the mechanical and friction losses and its distribution in a four-stroke direct injection-diesel engine and simulating different strategies, which increment the engine efficiency. A 1D model has been developed and fitted in gt-suite based on the experimental results of a 1.6-L diesel engine. Additionally, a description of the tribological performance has been realized in different parts of the engine where friction is present. Finally, the engine friction maps have been broken down in order to quantify the friction losses produced in the piston ring assembly, crankshaft bearings, and valvetrain.
Dynamic Characteristics of Plastic Plates With Bolted Joints
Authors: Saito Akira , Suzuki Hideyoshi
Published: September 2019

This paper discusses the dynamic characteristics of plastic plates with bolted joints. The effects of tightening torque on the modal properties of the plates are investigated. Experimental and numerical modal analyses have been conducted on the plates made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), that are clamped by bolted joints. First, the effect of tightening torque on the vibration mode of the plates is investigated by experimental modal analyses. Modal testing has been conducted for various tightening torque values, and the relationships between the modal parameters and the tightening torques are discussed. Second, the effects of tightening torque on the vibration mode are studied by using analytical models for the bolted joints based on the finite element method (FEM). Based on the comparisons between the experimental and the numerical results, a modeling strategy for the boundary conditions between the plates is introduced and its validity is discussed. From both experimental and numerical studies, it is shown that the natural frequencies of the structures with bolted joints tend to converge to specific values as tightening torque increases. Moreover, it is also shown that when modeling the bolted plates by FEM, the inter-plate motion should be constrained by a boundary condition to properly suppress the out-of-phase motion of the plates.
Robot detector to map cosmos for clues to dark energy's force
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: September 2019

Upgraded Arizona telescope will survey 35 million galaxies.
Quantum Darwinism seen in diamond traps
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: September 2019

Concept of survival of the fittest could explain how reality emerges from quantum haze.
Hypoxia city
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: September 2019

In a remote Andean mining town, scientists are studying how life at extremely low oxygen levels ravages the body.
Time-resolved crystallography reveals allosteric communication aligned with molecular breathing
Authors: Mehrabi Pedram , Schulz Eike C. , Dsouza Raison , Müller-Werkmeister Henrike M. , Tellkamp Friedjof , Miller R. J. Dwayne , Pai Emil F.
Published: September 2019

Active sites that move together

Enzymes often form dimers or higher-order oligomers, even when each active site is isolated and the reactions are simple. But the effect of a neighbor can be profound. Mehrabi
et al.
used a photolabile compound to initiate a reaction in the enzyme fluoroacetate dehalogenase, which they could follow by time-resolved serial synchrotron crystallography. Snapshots of the reaction revealed coupled allosteric motions between the two active sites of the dimeric enzyme. Each active site traded the ability to bind substrate and catalyze the reaction, such that only one was engaged at a time. This behavior is common in enzymes but is rarely visualized and still poorly understood.

Science
, this issue p.
1167
The evolution of antibiotic resistance
Authors: MacLean R. Craig , San Millan Alvaro
Published: September 2019

Clinically relevant evolution studies are needed to help fight the spread of antibiotic resistance
Making perfectly controlled arrays of molecules at rest
Authors: Kotochigova Svetlana
Published: September 2019

Molecular collisions are probed with ultracold optical traps
Tales of a globe-trotting naturalist
The Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt
Andrea Wulf, author; Lillian Melcher, illustrator
Pantheon Books, 2019. 272 pp.
Authors: Rebok Sandra
Published: September 2019

A vivid biography of Alexander von Humboldt enlightens, but lacks greater historical context
Quorum Sensing Regulators AphA and OpaR Control Expression of the Operon Responsible for Biosynthesis of the Compatible Solute Ectoine
Authors: Gregory Gwendolyn J. , Morreale Daniel P. , Carpenter Megan R. , Kalburge Sai S. , Boyd E. Fidelma
Published: September 2019

Accumulation of compatible solutes within the cell allows bacteria to maintain intracellular turgor pressure and prevent water efflux.
De novo
ectoine production is widespread among bacteria, and the
ect
operon encoding the biosynthetic enzymes is induced by increased salinity. Here, we demonstrate that the quorum sensing regulators AphA and OpaR integrate with the osmotic stress response pathway to control transcription of ectoine biosynthesis genes in
V. parahaemolyticus
. We uncovered a feed-forward loop wherein quorum sensing regulators also control transcription of
cosR
, which encodes a negative regulator of the
ect
operon. Moreover, our data suggest that this mechanism may be widespread in
Vibrio
species.
βγ-Crystallination Endows a Novel Bacterial Glycoside Hydrolase 64 with Ca2+-Dependent Activity Modulation
Authors: Krishnan Bal , Srivastava Shanti Swaroop , Sankeshi Venu , Garg Rupsi , Srivastava Sudhakar , Sankaranarayanan Rajan , Sharma Yogendra
Published: September 2019

We have biochemically and structurally characterized a novel glucanase from the less studied GH64 family in a bacterium significant for fermentation of carbohydrates into biofuels. This enzyme displays a peculiar property of being distally modulated by Ca2+via assistance from a neighboring βγ-crystallin domain, likely through changes in the domain interface. In addition, this enzyme is found to be optimized for functioning in an acidic environment, which is in line with the possibility of its involvement in biofuel production. Multiple occurrences of a similar domain architecture suggest that such a “βγ-crystallination”-mediated Ca2+sensitivity may be widespread among bacterial proteins.
Evaluation of Anatomically Designed Flocked Rectal Swabs for Use with the BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal Panel for Detection of Enteric Pathogens in Children Admitted to Hospital with Severe Gastroenteritis
Authors: Walker Celia R. , Lechiile Kwana , Mokomane Margaret , Steenhoff Andrew P. , Arscott-Mills Tonya , Pernica Jeffrey M. , Goldfarb David M.
Published: September 2019

Diagnosing diarrheal disease is difficult in part due to challenges in obtaining and transporting a bulk stool specimen, particularly in resource-limited settings. We compared the performance of flocked rectal swabs to that of traditional bulk stool samples for enteric pathogen detection using the BioFire FilmArray gastrointestinal panel in children admitted to four hospitals in Botswana with community onset severe gastroenteritis.
An Activity to Promote Recognition of Unintentional Plagiarism in Scientific Writing in Undergraduate Biology Courses
Authors: Zwick Melissa , Springer Melanie L. , Guerrero Julia K. , DiVentura Daniella , York Karen P.
Published: September 2019

Unintentional plagiarism frequently occurs in undergraduate writing assignments because students are unaware of the complexity of correct paraphrasing and citation rules. There is often a lack of formal instruction in science courses on proper paraphrasing and citation to reduce plagiarism. To address this deficit, we developed a brief activity to teach students to recognize the range of paraphrasing and citation errors that can result in plagiarism. The activity was used in a biology-focused scientific literacy course, but it can be incorporated into different instructional settings, with undergraduate students of all levels. During this classroom activity, part 1 addresses the nuances associated with proper paraphrasing and citation in scientific writing and part 2 asks students to practice paraphrasing and properly citing a passage from a scientific source. Pretest results revealed that students were proficient at identifying plagiarism when a citation error occurred but were less proficient at recognizing improper paraphrasing (patchwriting or direct plagiarism). Posttest results indicated that the activity was effective at increasing the students’ ability to recognize a paraphrasing error even when a correct citation was present. Students also reported higher confidence in their understanding of what constitutes plagiarism and that they are more confident in their ability to properly paraphrase and cite scientific source content.
Shifting Faculty Approaches to Pedagogy through Structured Teaching Postdoc Experiences
Authors: Chen Stefanie H. , Goller Carlos C.
Published: September 2019

Many studies confirm the benefit of active learning in STEM teaching. However, many faculty have been slow to adopt such practices, perhaps due to limited time to learn and implement new approaches. One way to address this deficit is to offer structured teaching postdoctoral experiences to trained scientists who want to enter academia. We outline the benefits of providing pedagogical training at the postdoctoral level and present a framework for structuring an impactful teaching postdoc program.
‘Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance’? Towards a framework for assessing the health systems impact of the expanded Global Gag Rule
Authors: Schaaf Marta , Maistrellis Emily , Thomas Hana , Cooper Bergen
Published: September 2019

During his first week in office, US President Donald J Trump issued a presidential memorandum to reinstate and broaden the reach of the Mexico City policy. The Mexico City policy (which was in place from 1985–1993, 1999–2000 and 2001–2009) barred foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that received US government family planning (FP) assistance from using US funds or their own funds for performing, providing counselling, referring or advocating for safe abortions as a method of FP. The renamed policy, Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (PLGHA), expands the Mexico City policy by applying it to most US global health assistance. Thus, foreign NGOs receiving US global health assistance of nearly any type must agree to the policy, regardless of whether they work in reproductive health. This article summarises academic and grey literature on the impact of previous iterations of the Mexico City policy, and initial research on impacts of the expanded policy. It builds on this analysis to propose a hypothesis regarding the potential impact of PLGHA on health systems. Because PLGHA applies to much more funding than it did in its previous iterations, and because health services have generally become more integrated in the past decade, we hypothesise that the health systems impacts of PLGHA could be significant. We present this hypothesis as a tool that may be useful to others’ and to our own research on the impact of PLGHA and similar exogenous overseas development assistance policy changes.
The impact of decision aids in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Goldwag Jenaya , Marsicovetere Priscilla , Scalia Peter , Johnson Heather A , Durand Marie-Anne , Elwyn Glyn , Ivatury Srinivas J
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to determine the impact of patient decision aids (PDA) on patients facing treatment decisions for colorectal cancer.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Sources included Embase, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library from inception to June, 20, 2019.

Eligibility criteria

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, mixed methods and case series in which a PDA for colorectal cancer treatment was used. Qualitative studies were excluded from our review.

Data extraction and synthesis

Following execution of the search strategy by a medical librarian, two blinded independent reviewers identified articles for inclusion. Two blinded reviewers were also responsible for data extraction, risk of bias and study quality assessments. Any conflict in article inclusion or extraction was resolved by discussion.

Results

Out of 3773 articles identified, three met our inclusion criteria: one RCT, one before-and-after study and one mixed-method study. In these studies, the use of a PDA for colorectal cancer treatment was associated with increased patient knowledge, satisfaction and preparation for making a decision. On quality assessment, two of three studies were judged to be of low quality.

Conclusion

A paucity of evidence exists on the effect of PDA for colorectal cancer treatment with existing evidence being largely of low quality. Further investigation is required to determine the effect of decision aids for colorectal cancer treatment as well as reasons for the lack of PDA development and implementation in this area.

Prospero registration number

CRD42018095153.
A randomised, controlled, observer-masked trial of corneal cross-linking for progressive keratoconus in children: the KERALINK protocol
Authors: Chowdhury Kashfia , Dore Caroline , Burr Jennifer M , Bunce Catey , Raynor Mathew , Edwards Matthew , Larkin Daniel F P
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The KERALINK trial tests the hypothesis that corneal cross-linking (CXL) treatment reduces the progression of keratoconus in comparison to standard care in patients under 17 years old. KERALINK is a randomised controlled, observer-masked, multicentre trial in progressive keratoconus comparing epithelium-off CXL with standard care, including spectacles or contact lenses as necessary for best-corrected acuity.

Methods and analysis

A total of 30 participants will be randomised per group. Eligible participants aged 10–16 years with progressive keratoconus in one or both eyes will be recruited. Following randomisation, participants will be followed up 3-monthly for 18 months. The effect on progression will be determined by K2on corneal topography. The primary outcome measure is between-group difference in K2at 18 months adjusted for K2at baseline examination. Secondary outcomes are the effect of CXL on (1) keratoconus progression, (2) time to keratoconus progression, (3) visual acuity, (4) refraction, (5) apical corneal thickness and (6) adverse events. Patient-reported effects will be explored by questionnaires.

Ethics and dissemination

Research Ethics Committee Approval was obtained on 30 June 2016 (ref: 14/LO/1937). Current protocol: V.5.0 (08/11/2017). Study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

European Union clinial trials register (EudraCT) 2016-001460-11
Study protocol for a single-blind randomised controlled trial to evaluate the clinical effects of an Integrated Qigong exercise intervention on freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Li Zhenlan , Zhuang Jie , Jiang Yan , Xiao Guiping , Jie Kuncheng , Wang Tian , Yin Wenhan , Zhang Yu , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Qigong exercise offers a potentially safe, low-cost and effective mind–body rehabilitative intervention for mitigating the problem of gait interruption among patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who have frequent freezing of gait (FOG) episodes. However, its clinical effects have not been established. This paper describes the trial protocol of evaluating the clinical efficacy of a newly developed Integrated Qigong in improving gait among patients with PD who have FOG.

Methods and analysis

A single-blind randomised controlled trial is designed to compare Integrated Qigong and balance training with an attention control. Participants will be patients with mild to moderate PD who experience FOG and are recruited from local communities in Shanghai, China. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of the three groups: Integrated Qigong group, a balance exercise intervention group, or control group. The total number of participants will be 126, and masked assessments will be made at baseline, 12 weeks (end of intervention) and 12-week follow-up. Both Integrated Qigong group and balance training group will receive a group-based exercise intervention that meets three times per week, 60 min in duration, for 12 weeks. The control group will receive a 60 min weekly group session and monthly health education. The primary outcomes are gait parameters (stride length, gait velocity, stride time variability) and occurrence of FOG. The secondary outcomes are postural instability, walking disability, falling, fear of falling and quality of life.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Shanghai University of Sport and registered at China Clinical Trial Registry. Participants will sign informed consent prior to the participation of the trial. The findings of the study will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and disseminated to PD support groups, medical community and media.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1800016570.
Changes in quality of life 5 years after sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Flølo Tone Nygaard , Tell Grethe S , Kolotkin Ronette L , Aasprang Anny , Norekvål Tone Merete , Våge Villy , Hufthammer Karl Ove , Andersen John Roger
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most frequently performed bariatric surgery procedure worldwide, but reports on long-term quality of life (QOL) outcomes are scarce. We investigated 5-year trajectories in QOL and their associations with weight loss after SG.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting

The study was conducted in a single Norwegian bariatric surgery centre.

Participants

Out of 150 operated patients, 127 were included. Mean age was 41 years, 68% were women and the follow-up rate at 1 year was 85% and 64% at 1 and 5 years, respectively.

Outcome measures

Data were collected preoperatively, and 1 and 5 years after surgery assessing three different levels of QOL. The main exposure was weight loss after SG, assessed as per cent excess body mass index (kg/m2) loss (%EBMIL). The Obesity-Related Problem (OP) scale was used to measure obesity-specific health-related QOL (HRQOL). Physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) composite summary scores of the Short Form 36 Health Survey were used to capture generic HRQOL and Cantril Ladder was used to assess overall QOL.

Results

All HRQOL/overall QOL measures significantly improved at 1 year, followed by modest decline from 1 to 5 years after surgery. Greater %EBMIL 5 years after surgery was significantly associated with improvements in OP and PCS scores, but not with MCS and Cantril Ladder scores. Although significant (p<0.001) and clinically relevant improvements in HRQOL/overall QOL outcomes were observed at 5 years, scores were still below the general population norms.

Conclusion

Most patients undergoing SG experience substantial weight loss accompanied by statistically significant and clinically relevant long-term improvements in HRQOL/overall QOL. However, an important minority of patients still report low HRQOL/overall QOL 5 years after SG. Further research should aim to identify other factors that contribute to impaired QOL after bariatric surgery, even in the presence of successful weight control.
Organisational and financial consequences of the early discharge of patients treated for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection and osteomyelitis in infectious disease departments in Greece, Italy and Spain: a scenario analysis
Authors: Restelli Umberto , Bonfanti Marzia , Croce Davide , Grau Santiago , Metallidis Symeon , Moreno Guillén Santiago , Pacelli Valeria , Rizzardini Giuliano , Soro Marco , Vozikis Athanasios , Gray Alastair
Published: September 2019

Objective

The aim of the analysis is to assess the organisational and economic consequences of adopting an early discharge strategy for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection (ABSSSI) and osteomyelitis within infectious disease departments.

Setting

Infectious disease departments in Greece, Italy and Spain.

Participants

No patients were involved in the analysis performed.

Interventions

An analytic framework was developed to consider two alternative scenarios: standard hospitalisation care or an early discharge strategy for patients hospitalised due to ABSSSI and osteomyelitis, from the perspective of the National Health Services of Greece, Italy and Spain. The variables considered were: the number of annual hospitalisations eligible for early discharge, the antibiotic treatments considered (ie, oral antibiotics and intravenous long-acting antibiotics), diagnosis-related group (DRG) reimbursements, number of days of hospitalisation, incidence and costs of hospital-acquired infections, additional follow-up visits and intravenous administrations. Data were based on published literature and expert opinions.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Number of days of hospitalisation avoided and direct medical costs avoided.

Results

The total number of days of hospitalisation avoided on a yearly basis would be between 2216 and 5595 in Greece (−8/−21 hospital beds), between 15 848 and 38 444 in Italy (−57/−135 hospital beds) and between 7529 and 23 520 in Spain (−27/−85 hospital beds). From an economic perspective, the impact of the early discharge scenario is a reduction between €45 036 and €149 552 in Greece, a reduction between €182 132 and €437 990 in Italy and a reduction between €292 284 and €884 035 in Spain.

Conclusions

The early discharge strategy presented would have a positive organisational impact on National Health Services, leading to potential savings in beds, and to a reduction of hospital-acquired infections and costs.
Inpatient management of acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Raj Leah , Maidman Samuel David , Adhyaru Bhavin B
Published: September 2019

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is the leading cause of hospital admissions in patients older than 65 years. These hospitalisations are highly risky and are associated with poor outcomes, including rehospitalisation and death. The management of ADHF is drastically different from that of chronic heart failure as inpatient treatment consists primarily of haemodynamic stabilisation, symptom relief and prevention of short-term morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will discuss the strategies put forth in the most recent American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and Heart Failure Society of America guidelines for ADHF as well as the evidence behind these recommendations.
Letter of interest for a neutrino beam from Protvino to KM3NeT/ORCA
Authors: Akindinov A. V. , Anassontzis E. G. , Anton G. , Ardid M. , Aublin J. , Baret B. , Bertin V. , Bourret S. , Bozza C. , Bruchner M. , Bruijn R. , Brunner J. , Chabab M. , Chau N. , Chepurnov A. S. , Colomer Molla M. , Coyle P. , Creusot A. , de Wasseige G. , Domi A. , Donzaud C. , Eberl T. , Enzenhöfer A. , Faifman M. , Filipović M. D. , Fusco L. , Garkusha V. I. , Gal T. , Gozzini S. R. , Graf K. , Grégoire T. , Grella G. , Hallmann S. , Heijboer A. , Hernández-Rey J. J. , Hofestädt J. , Ivanov S. V. , James C. W. , de Jong M. , de Jong P. , Kalaczyński P. , Kakorin I. D. , Katz U. F. , Khan Chowdhury N. R. , Kirsanov M. M. , Kouchner A. , Kulikovskiy V. , Kuzmin K. S. , Le Breton R. , Lebedev O. P. , Lincetto M. , Litvinovich E. , Lopez-Coto D. , Markou C. , Maximov A. V. , Melis K. W. , Muller R. , Naumov V. A. , Navas S. , Nauta L. , Nielsen C. , Novoskoltsev F. N. , Ó Fearraigh B. , Organokov M. , Papalashvili G. , Perrin-Terrin M. , Poirè C. , Pradier T. , Quinn L. , Samtleben D. F. E. , Sanguineti M. , Seneca J. , Shanidze R. , Shirokov E. V. , Sinopoulou A. , Sinyukov R. Yu. , Skorokhvatov M. D. , Sokalski I. , Sokolov A. A. , Spisso B. , Stellacci S. M. , Strandberg B. , Taiuti M. , Thakore T. , Tzamariudaki E. , Van Elewyck V. , de Wolf E. , Zaborov D. , Zaitsev A. M. , Zornoza J. D. , Zúñiga J.
Published: September 2019

The Protvino accelerator facility located in the Moscow region, Russia, is in a good position to offer a rich experimental research program in the field of neutrino physics. Of particular interest is the possibility to direct a neutrino beam from Protvino towards the KM3NeT/ORCA detector, which is currently under construction in the Mediterranean Sea 40 km offshore Toulon, France. This proposal is known as P2O. Thanks to its baseline of 2595 km, this experiment would yield an unparalleled sensitivity to matter effects in the Earth, allowing for the determination of the neutrino mass ordering with a high level of certainty after only a few years of running at a modest beam intensity of$$\approx ~90~\hbox {kW}$$≈90kW. With a prolonged exposure ($$\approx 1500\hbox { kW}\,\,\hbox {year}$$≈1500kWyear), a$$2\sigma $$2σsensitivity to the leptonic CP-violating Dirac phase can be achieved. A second stage of the experiment, comprising a further intensity upgrade of the accelerator complex and a densified version of the ORCA detector (Super-ORCA), would allow for up to a$$6\sigma $$6σsensitivity to CP violation and a$$10^\circ {-}17^\circ $$10∘-17∘resolution on the CP phase after 10 years of running with a 450 kW beam, competitive with other planned experiments. The initial composition and energy spectrum of the neutrino beam would need to be monitored by a near detector, to be constructed several hundred meters downstream from the proton beam target. The same neutrino beam and near detector set-up would also allow for neutrino-nucleus cross section measurements to be performed. A short-baseline sterile neutrino search experiment would also be possible.
A Hybrid Variational Multiscale Element-Free Galerkin Method for Convection-Diffusion Problems
Authors: Wang Jufeng , Sun Fengxin
Published: September 2019

By coupling the dimension splitting method (DSM) and the variational multiscale element-free Galerkin (VMEFG) method, a hybrid variational multiscale element-free Galerkin (HVMEFG) method is developed for the two-dimensional convection-diffusion problems. In the HVMEFG method, the two-dimensional problem is converted into a battery of one-dimensional problems by the DSM. Combining the non-singular improved interpolating moving least-squares (IIMLS) method, the VMEFG method is used to obtain the discrete equations of the one-dimensional problems on the splitting plane. Then, final discretized equations of the entire convection-diffusion problems are assembled by the IIMLS method. The HVMEFG method has high accuracy and efficiency. Numerical examples show that the HVMEFG method can obtain non-oscillating solutions and has higher efficiency and accuracy than the EFG and VMEFG methods for convection-diffusion problems.
The Physically Nonlinear Model of an Elastic Material and Its Identification
Authors: Markin Alexey , Sokolova Marina , Khristich Dmitrii , Astapov Yuri
Published: September 2019

This work is devoted to the new variant of relations between the energetically conjugated Hencky strain tensor and corotational Kirchhoff stress tensor. The elastic energy is represented as a third-order polynomial of the Hencky tensor containing five material constants. Unlike the Almansi tensor in the Murnaghan model, the Hencky tensor allows assigning a clear physical meaning to material constants. Linear part of the constitutive relation represents the Hencky model and contains the bulk modulus and the shear modulus. The two extra constants express nonlinear effects at a purely volumetric strain and a purely isochoric strain, whereas the third constant takes into account the possible deviation from the similarity of the deviators of the Hencky stress and strain tensors. The resulting relations are naturally generalized for incompressible materials. In this case, the overall number of constants decreases from five to two. The designed test unit was used for a compression test of prismatic specimens made of incompressible material. The proposed version of the relations is in good agreement with the experimental data on the compression of rubber samples.
Vibration Analysis of Functionally Graded Graphene Reinforced Porous Nanocomposite Shells
Authors: Bahaadini Reza , Saidi Ali Reza , Arabjamaloei Zahra , Ghanbari-Nejad-Parizi Asiye
Published: September 2019

In this study, the vibration of functionally graded porous truncated conical shell reinforced with graphene platelets (GPLs) is investigated. The GPLs nanofillers and pores are considered to be uniform and nonuniform throughout the thickness direction. Using Hamilton’s principle, the governing equations are derived based on Love’s first approximation theory. The generalized differential quadrature method is applied to solve the governing equations of motion and to obtain the natural frequencies of the shells for various boundary conditions. Applying the Halpin–Tsai model and the rule of mixture, the effective elastic modulus, the Poisson’s ratio and the density of nanocomposite shell reinforced with GPLs are computed. The effects of porosity coefficients, distribution patterns of porosity, GPL weight fraction, geometry and size of GPLs, semi-vertex angle as well as boundary conditions on the natural frequency of the system are analyzed. It was observed in the results that the shells with symmetric porosity distribution reinforced by graphene platelet pattern A predict the highest natural frequencies. Furthermore, it was found that the natural frequencies of nanocomposite conical shell can be decreased by increasing the porosity coefficient. Besides, the geometry and size of GPLs as well as weight fraction of GPLs have significant effects on the natural frequencies.
Bubbling complex projective structures with quasi-Fuchsian holonomy
Authors: Ruffoni Lorenzo
Published: September 2019

For a given quasi-Fuchsian representation [Formula: see text] of the fundamental group of a closed surface [Formula: see text] of genus [Formula: see text], we prove that a generic branched complex projective structure on [Formula: see text] with holonomy [Formula: see text] and two branch points can be obtained from some unbranched structure on [Formula: see text] with the same holonomy by bubbling, i.e. a suitable connected sum with a copy of [Formula: see text].
The Reality of Reality-Based Interaction
Authors: Girouard Audrey , Shaer Orit , Solovey Erin T. , Poor G. Michael , Jacob Robert J. K.
Published: September 2019

Frameworks such as Direct Manipulation or Instrumental Interaction have been an important force in HCI research. Evaluating the impact of frameworks can identify whether and how a framework was used, how it has evolved, and what trends have developed over time. However, studying the impact of such theoretical contributions requires consideration of various perspectives and level of impact. As a case study for investigating the impact of theoretical work in HCI, we present our evaluation of the impact of the Reality Based Interaction (RBI) framework, introduced by the authors in 2008. We provide our findings about the impact of the framework both on contemporary research, through content-based citation analysis, and in HCI education, through a survey we conducted on emerging interaction frameworks. The article contributes a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the impact of frameworks through our twofold approach: content-based citation analysis, including the design of a new citation typology; and a survey on the use of frameworks in education using a taxonomy of learning goals. We also consider the role of frameworks in HCI as well as the future of the RBI framework.
Mutual Influence-aware Runtime Learning of Self-adaptation Behavior
Authors: Rudolph Stefan , Tomforde Sven , Hähner Jörg
Published: September 2019

Self-adaptation has been proposed as a mechanism to counter complexity in control problems of technical systems. A major driver behind self-adaptation is the idea to transfer traditional design-time decisions to runtime and into the responsibility of systems themselves. To deal with unforeseen events and conditions, systems need creativity—typically realized by means of machine learning capabilities. Such learning mechanisms are based on different sources of knowledge. Feedback from the environment used for reinforcement purposes is probably the most prominent one within the self-adapting and self-organizing (SASO) systems community. However, the impact of other (sub-)systems on the success of the individual system’s learning performance has mostly been neglected in this context.

In this article, we propose a novel methodology to identify effects of actions performed by other systems in a shared environment on the utility achievement of an autonomous system. Consider smart cameras (SC) as illustrating example: For goals such as 3D reconstruction of objects, the most promising configuration of one SC in terms of pan/tilt/zoom parameters depends largely on the configuration of other SCs in the vicinity. Since such mutual influences cannot be pre-defined for dynamic systems, they have to be learned at runtime. Furthermore, they have to be taken into consideration when self-improving their own configuration decisions based on a feedback loop concept, e.g., known from the SASO domain or the Autonomic and Organic Computing initiatives.

We define a methodology to detect such influences at runtime, present an approach to consider this information in a reinforcement learning technique, and analyze the behavior in artificial as well as real-world SASO system settings.