bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daboia (Vipera) palaestinae Envenomation in 123 Horses: Treatment and Efficacy of Antivenom Administration
Authors: Tirosh-Levy Sharon , Solomovich-Manor Reut , Comte Judith , Nissan Israel , Sutton Gila A. , Gabay Annie , Gazit Emanuel , Steinman Amir
Published: March 2019

Envenomation by venomous snakes is life threatening for horses. However, the efficacy of available treatments for this occurrence, in horses, has not yet been adequately determined. The aim of this study was to describe the treatments provided in cases of Daboia palaestinae envenomation in horses and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of antivenom administration. Data regarding 123 equine snakebite cases were collected over four years from 25 veterinarians. The majority of horses were treated with procaine-penicillin (92.7%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (82.3%), dexamethasone (81.4%), tetanus toxoid (91.1%) and antivenom (65.3%). The time interval between treatment and either cessation or 50% reduction of local swelling was linearly associated with case fatality (p < 0.001). The overall mortality rate was 20.3%. Treatment with procaine-penicillin was significantly associated with reduced mortality (OR = 0.11). Three horse-derived antivenom products were available during the study period, of which the horses were administered different brands of varying dosages. Administration of the recommended dosage of any of the aforementioned products led to a significant decrease in mortality (p = 0.014), even in severe cases (scoring 2 or greater on the equine snakebite severity scale). No adverse reactions were reported. The results of this study show that species-specific D. palaestinae antivenom administered at the manufacturer-recommended dosage is effective in significantly reducing mortality in cases of envenomation in horses.
Bioaccumulation and Distribution of Indospicine and Its Foregut Metabolites in Camels Fed Indigofera spicata
Authors: Netzel Gabriele , Tan Eddie T. T. , Yin Mukan , Giles Cindy , Yong Ken W. L. , Al Jassim Rafat , Fletcher Mary T.
Published: March 2019

In vitro experiments have demonstrated that camel foregut-fluid has the capacity to metabolize indospicine, a natural toxin which causes hepatotoxicosis, but such metabolism is in competition with absorption and outflow of indospicine from the different segments of the digestive system. Six young camels were fed Indigofera spicata (337 µg indospicine/kg BW/day) for 32 days, at which time three camels were euthanized. The remaining camels were monitored for a further 100 days after cessation of this indospicine diet. In a retrospective investigation, relative levels of indospicine foregut-metabolism products were examined by UHPLC-MS/MS in plasma, collected during both accumulation and depletion stages of this experiment. The metabolite 2-aminopimelamic acid could be detected at low levels in almost all plasma samples, whereas 2-aminopimelic acid could not be detected. In the euthanized camels, 2-aminopimelamic acid could be found in all tissues except muscle, whereas 2-aminopimelic acid was only found in the kidney, pancreas, and liver tissues. The clearance rate for these metabolites was considerably greater than for indospicine, which was still present in plasma of the remaining camels 100 days after cessation of Indigofera consumption.
Protease Activity Profiling of Snake Venoms Using High-Throughput Peptide Screening
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Konstantinos , Treschow Andreas , auf dem Keller Ulrich , Escalante Teresa , Rucavado Alexandra , Gutiérrez José , Laustsen Andreas , Workman Christopher
Published: March 2019

Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) and snake venom serine proteinases (SVSPs) are among the most abundant enzymes in many snake venoms, particularly among viperids. These proteinases are responsible for some of the clinical manifestations classically seen in viperid envenomings, including hemorrhage, necrosis, and coagulopathies. The objective of this study was to investigate the enzymatic activities of these proteins using a high-throughput peptide library to screen for the proteinase targets of the venoms of five viperid (Echis carinatus, Bothrops asper, Daboia russelii, Bitis arietans, Bitis gabonica) and one elapid (Naja nigricollis) species of high medical importance. The proteinase activities of these venoms were each tested against 360 peptide substrates, yielding 2160 activity profiles. A nonlinear regression model that accurately described the observed enzymatic activities was fitted to the experimental data, allowing for the comparison of cleavage rates across species. In this study, previously unknown protein targets of snake venom proteinases were identified, potentially implicating novel human and animal proteins that may be involved in the pathophysiology of viper envenomings. The functional relevance of these targets was further evaluated and discussed. These new findings may contribute to our understanding of the clinical manifestations and underlying biochemical mechanisms of snakebite envenoming by viperid species.
Multi LC-MS/MS and LC-HRMS Methods for Determination of 24 Mycotoxins including Major Phase I and II Biomarker Metabolites in Biological Matrices from Pigs and Broiler Chickens
Authors: Lauwers Marianne , De Baere Siegrid , Letor Ben , Rychlik Michael , Croubels Siska , Devreese Mathias
Published: March 2019

A reliable and practical multi-method was developed for the quantification of mycotoxins in plasma, urine, and feces of pigs, and plasma and excreta of broiler chickens using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The targeted mycotoxins belong to the regulated groups, i.e., aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and Fusarium mycotoxins, and to two groups of emerging mycotoxins, i.e., Alternaria mycotoxins and enniatins. In addition, the developed method was transferred to a LC-high resolution mass spectrometry instrument to qualitatively determine phase I and II metabolites, for which analytical standards are not always commercially available. Sample preparation of plasma was simple and generic and was accomplished by precipitation of proteins alone (pig) or in combination with removal of phospholipids (chicken). A more intensive sample clean-up of the other matrices was needed and consisted of a pH-dependent liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) using ethyl acetate (pig urine), methanol/ethyl acetate/formic acid (75/24/1, v/v/v) (pig feces) or acetonitrile (chicken excreta). For the extraction of pig feces, additionally a combination of LLE using acetone and filtration of the supernatant on a HybridSPE-phospholipid cartridge was applied. The LC-MS/MS method was in-house validated according to guidelines defined by the European and international community. Finally, the multi-methods were successfully applied in a specific toxicokinetic study and a screening study to monitor the exposure of individual animals.
Tissue-Resident Innate and Innate-Like Lymphocyte Responses to Viral Infection
Authors: Hildreth Andrew D. , O’Sullivan Timothy E.
Published: March 2019

Infection is restrained by the concerted activation of tissue-resident and circulating immune cells. Recent discoveries have demonstrated that tissue-resident lymphocyte subsets, comprised of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and unconventional T cells, have vital roles in the initiation of primary antiviral responses. Via direct and indirect mechanisms, ILCs and unconventional T cell subsets play a critical role in the ability of the immune system to mount an effective antiviral response through potent early cytokine production. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of tissue-resident lymphocytes during initial viral infection and evaluate their redundant or nonredundant contributions to host protection or virus-induced pathology.
Meal for Two: Human Cytomegalovirus-Induced Activation of Cellular Metabolism
Authors: Rodríguez-Sánchez Irene , Munger Joshua
Published: March 2019

Viruses are parasites that depend on the host cell’s metabolic resources to provide the energy and molecular building blocks necessary for the production of viral progeny. It has become increasingly clear that viruses extensively modulate the cellular metabolic network to support productive infection. Here, we review the numerous ways through which human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) modulates cellular metabolism, highlighting known mechanisms of HCMV-mediated metabolic manipulation and identifying key outstanding questions that remain to be addressed.
Ebola Virus Entry: From Molecular Characterization to Drug Discovery
Authors: Salata Cristiano , Calistri Arianna , Alvisi Gualtiero , Celestino Michele , Parolin Cristina , Palù Giorgio
Published: March 2019

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is one of the most lethal transmissible infections, characterized by a high fatality rate, and caused by a member of the Filoviridae family. The recent large outbreak of EVD in Western Africa (2013–2016) highlighted the worldwide threat represented by the disease and its impact on global public health and the economy. The development of highly needed anti-Ebola virus antivirals has been so far hampered by the shortage of tools to study their life cycle in vitro, allowing to screen for potential active compounds outside a biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) containment. Importantly, the development of surrogate models to study Ebola virus entry in a BSL-2 setting, such as viral pseudotypes and Ebola virus-like particles, tremendously boosted both our knowledge of the viral life cycle and the identification of promising antiviral compounds interfering with viral entry. In this context, the combination of such surrogate systems with large-scale small molecule compounds and haploid genetic screenings, as well as rational drug design and drug repurposing approaches will prove priceless in our quest for the development of a treatment for EVD.
Protection of Phage Applications in Crop Production: A Patent Landscape
Authors: Holtappels Dominique , Lavigne Rob , Huys Isabelle , Wagemans Jeroen
Published: March 2019

In agriculture, the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections represents an increasing challenge. Traditional (chemical) methods have been restricted to ensure public health and to limit the occurrence of resistant strains. Bacteriophages could be a sustainable alternative. A major hurdle towards the commercial implementation of phage-based biocontrol strategies concerns aspects of regulation and intellectual property protection. Within this study, two datasets have been composed to analyze both scientific publications and patent documents and to get an idea on the focus of research and development (R&D) by means of an abstract and claim analysis. A total of 137 papers and 49 patent families were found from searching public databases, with their numbers increasing over time. Within this dataset, the majority of the patent documents were filed by non-profit organizations in Asia. There seems to be a good correlation between the papers and patent documents in terms of targeted bacterial genera. Furthermore, granted patents seem to claim rather broad and cover methods of treatment. This review shows that there is indeed growing publishing and patenting activity concerning phage biocontrol. Targeted research is needed to further stimulate the exploration of phages within integrated pest management strategies and to deal with bacterial infections in crop production.
A Novel Orthohepadnavirus Identified in a Dead Maxwell’s Duiker (Philantomba maxwellii) in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Gogarten Jan F. , Ulrich Markus , Bhuva Nishit , Garcia Joel , Jain Komal , Lee Bohyun , Löhrich Therese , Oleynik Alexandra , Couacy-Hymann Emmanuel , Fuh Neba Terence , Mishra Nischay , Briese Thomas , Calvignac-Spencer Sébastien , Lipkin W. Ian , Leendertz Fabian H.
Published: March 2019

New technologies enable viral discovery in a diversity of hosts, providing insights into viral evolution. We used one such approach, the virome capture sequencing for vertebrate viruses (VirCapSeq-VERT) platform, on 21 samples originating from six dead Maxwell’s duikers (Philantomba maxwellii) from Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. We detected the presence of an orthohepadnavirus in one animal and characterized its 3128 bp genome. The highest viral copy numbers were detected in the spleen, followed by the lung, blood, and liver, with the lowest copy numbers in the kidney and heart; the virus was not detected in the jejunum. Viral copy numbers in the blood were in the range known from humans with active chronic infections leading to liver histolytic damage, suggesting this virus could be pathogenic in duikers, though many orthohepadnaviruses appear to be apathogenic in other hosts, precluding a formal test of this hypothesis. The virus was not detected in 29 other dead duiker samples from the Côte d’Ivoire and Central African Republic, suggesting either a spillover event or a low prevalence in these populations. Phylogenetic analysis placed the virus as a divergent member of the mammalian clade of orthohepadnaviruses, though its relationship to other orthohepadnaviruses remains uncertain. This represents the first orthohepadnavirus described in an artiodactyl. We have tentatively named this new member of the genus Orthohepadnavirus (family Hepadnaviridae), Taï Forest hepadnavirus. Further studies are needed to determine whether it, or some close relatives, are present in a broader range of artiodactyls, including livestock.
Correlation of BRAF Variant V595E, Breed, Histological Grade and Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Canine Transitional Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Grassinger Julia M. , Merz Sophie , Aupperle-Lellbach Heike , Erhard Hanna , Klopfleisch Robert
Published: March 2019

The presence of BRAF variant V595E, as well as an increased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) are well-described in the literature. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between breed (terrier versus non-terrier dogs), histological grade, COX-2 expression, and BRAF mutation in canine TCC. Therefore, transmural TCC biopsies from 65 dogs (15 terriers, 50 non-terriers) were graded histologically into low- and high-grade. Immunohistochemical evaluation of the intensity of COX-2 expression was performed using an immunoreactive score (IRS). Exon 15 of chromosome 16 was examined for the BRAF variant c.1799T>A by TaqMan® SNP assay. TCC was low-grade in 20 cases (one terrier, 19 non-terriers) and high-grade in 45 cases (14 terriers, 31 non-terriers). Contrary to humans, histological grade was not significantly correlated to the intensity of COX-2 expression. BRAF mutation was detected in 11/15 (73%) TCC of terriers and in 18/50 (36%) TCC of non-terriers. Histological grade and BRAF mutation were not correlated significantly (p = 0.2912). Terriers had a considerably higher prevalence of high-grade tumors (p < 0.0001), as well as of BRAF mutation (p ≤ 0.05) compared to non-terriers. In non-terriers, neoplasms with BRAF mutation showed a significantly higher intensity of COX-2 expression than those without BRAF mutation (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, in contrast to humans, testing for BRAF mutation in canine TCC is a sensitive diagnostic method especially in terriers (73%) and may be recommended as a screening test. However, evidence of BRAF mutation in canine TCC is not a predictor for the histological grade. Moreover, a positive correlation between histological grade and the intensity of COX-2 expression was not found. Further studies are necessary to clarify the clinical and prognostic relevance of the elevated intensity of COX-2 expression of TCC with BRAF mutation detected in non-terriers.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in a Deep Lake from Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Ghirardi Nicola , Bolpagni Rossano , Bresciani Mariano , Valerio Giulia , Pilotti Marco , Giardino Claudia
Published: March 2019

We mapped the extent of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) of Lake Iseo (Northern Italy, over the 2015–2017 period based on satellite data (Sentinel 2 A-B) and in-situ measurements; the objective was to investigate its spatiotemporal variability. We focused on the southern sector of the lake, the location of the shallowest littorals and the most developed macrophyte communities, mainly dominated by Vallisneria spiralis and Najas marina. The method made use of both in-situ measurements and satellite data (22 Sentinel 2 A-B images) that were atmospherically corrected with 6SV code and processed with the BOMBER (Bio-Optical Model-Based tool for Estimating water quality and bottom properties from Remote sensing images). This modeling system was used to estimate the different substrate coverage (bare sediment, dense stands of macrophytes with high albedo, and sparse stand of macrophytes with low albedo). The presented results substantiate the existence of striking inter- and intra-annual variations in the spatial-cover patterns of SAV. Intense uprooting phenomena were also detected, mainly affecting V. spiralis, a species generally considered a highly plastic pioneer taxon. In this context, remote sensing emerges as a very reliable tool for mapping SAV with satisfactory accuracy by offering new perspectives for expanding our comprehension of lacustrine macrophyte dynamics and overcoming some limitations associated with traditional field surveys.
Slip Factor Correction in 1-D Performance Prediction Model for PaTs
Authors: Capurso Tommaso , Stefanizzi Michele , Pascazio Giuseppe , Ranaldo Sergio , Camporeale Sergio M. , Fortunato Bernardo , Torresi Marco
Published: March 2019

In recent years, pumps operated as turbines (PaTs) have been gaining the interest of industry and academia. For instance, PaTs can be effectively used in micro hydropower plants (MHP) and water distribution systems (WDS). Therefore, further efforts are necessary to investigate their fluid dynamic behavior. Compared to conventional turbines, a lower number of blades is employed in PaTs, lowering their capability to correctly guide the flow, hence reducing the Euler’s work; thus, the slip phenomenon cannot be neglected at the outlet section of the runner. In the first part of the paper, the slip phenomenon is numerically investigated on a simplified geometry, evidencing the dependency of the lack in guiding the flow on the number of blades. Then, a commercial double suction centrifugal pump, characterized by the same specific speed, is considered, evaluating the dependency of the slip on the flow rate. In the last part, a slip factor correlation is introduced based on those CFD simulations. It is shown how the inclusion of this parameter in a 1-D performance prediction model allows us to reduce the performance prediction errors with respect to experiments on a pump with a similar specific speed by 5.5% at design point, compared to no slip model, and by 8% at part-loads, rather than using Busemann and Stodola formulas.
Long-Term Annual Surface Water Change in the Brazilian Amazon Biome: Potential Links with Deforestation, Infrastructure Development and Climate Change
Authors: Souza Carlos M. , Kirchhoff Frederic T. , Oliveira Bernardo C. , Ribeiro Júlia G. , Sales Márcio H.
Published: March 2019

The Brazilian Amazon is one of the areas on the planet with the fastest changes in forest cover due to deforestation associated with agricultural expansion and infrastructure development. These drivers of change, directly and indirectly, affect the water ecosystem. In this study, we present a long-term spatiotemporal analysis of surface water annual change and address potential connections with deforestation, infrastructure expansion and climate change in this region. To do that, we used the Landsat Data Archive (LDA), and Earth Engine cloud computing platform, to map and analyze annual water changes between 1985 and 2017. We detected and estimated the extent of surface water using a novel sub-pixel classifier based on spectral mixture analysis, followed by a post-classification segmentation approach to isolate and classify surface water in natural and anthropic water bodies. Furthermore, we combined these results with deforestation and infrastructure development maps of roads, hydroelectric dams to quantify surface water changes linked with them. Our results showed that deforestation dramatically disrupts small streams, new hydroelectric dams inundated landmass after 2010 and that there is an overall trend of reducing surface water in the Amazon Biome and watershed scales, suggesting a potential connection to more recent extreme droughts in the 2010s.
A Novel Approach for Delineation of Homogeneous Rainfall Regions for Water Sensitive Urban Design—A Case Study in Southeast Queensland
Authors: Rasheed Ashiq , Egodawatta Prasanna , Goonetilleke Ashantha , McGree James
Published: March 2019

The delineation of homogeneous regions is primarily based on long-term overall rainfall characteristics and therefore does not necessarily consider the homogeneity of event-based rainfall characteristics. However, event-based rainfall characteristics including antecedent dry days, rainfall intensity, total rainfall and total duration of rainfall events are critical for Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD). Accordingly, this study presents a novel approach to objectively identify homogeneous rainfall regions based on event-based rainfall characteristics. This approach uses cluster analysis and Hosking–Wallis heterogeneous tests collectively to test the homogeneity of event-based rainfall characteristics. A case study conducted for southeast Queensland (SEQ), Australia is also presented in this article. This study compares the results of the novel modified approach against results of the conventional approach for the delineation of homogeneous regions. It was evident from the results that the entire SEQ could be treated as a homogeneous rainfall region based on the conventional approach. In contrast, based on the modified approach, the coast and the inland of SEQ were identified as separate homogeneous regions. Further, antecedent dry days and rainfall intensity were recognized as the deciding rainfall characteristics in the delineation of homogeneous rainfall regions.
Indigenous Processes of Consent: Repoliticizing Water Governance through Legal Pluralism
Authors: Curran Deborah
Published: March 2019

While international instruments and a few state governments endorse the “free, prior and informed consent” of Indigenous peoples in decision-making about the water in their traditional territories, most state water governance regimes do not recognize Indigenous water rights and responsibilities. Applying a political ecology lens to the settler colonialism of water governance exposes the continued depoliticizing personality of natural resources decision-making and reveals water as an abstract, static resource in law and governance processes. Most plainly, these decision-making processes inadequately consider environmental flows or cumulative effects and are at odds with both Indigenous governance and social-ecological approaches to watershed management. Using the example of groundwater licensing in British Columbia, Canada as reinforcing colonialism in water governance, this article examines how First Nations are asserting Indigenous rights in response to natural resource decision-making. Both within and outside of colonial governance processes they are establishing administrative and governance structures that express their water laws and jurisdiction. These structures include the Syilx, Nadleh Wut’en and Stellat’en creating standards for water, the Tsleil-Waututh and Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc community assessments of proposed pipeline and mining facilities, and the First Nations of the Nicola Valley planning process based on their own legal traditions. Where provincial and federal environmental governance has failed, Indigenous communities are repoliticizing colonial decision-making processes to shift jurisdiction towards Indigenous processes that institutionalize responsibilities for and relationships with water.
From Multi-Risk Evaluation to Resilience Planning: The Case of Central Chilean Coastal Cities
Authors: Barría Pilar , Cruzat María Luisa , Cienfuegos Rodrigo , Gironás Jorge , Escauriaza Cristián , Bonilla Carlos , Moris Roberto , Ledezma Christian , Guerra Maricarmen , Rodríguez Raimundo , Torres Alma
Published: March 2019

Multi-hazard evaluations are fundamental inputs for disaster risk management plans and the implementation of resilient urban environments, adapted to extreme natural events. Risk assessments from natural hazards have been typically restricted to the analysis of single hazards or focused on the vulnerability of specific targets, which might result in an underestimation of the risk level. This study presents a practical and effective methodology applied to two Chilean coastal cities to characterize risk in data-poor regions, which integrates multi-hazard and multi-vulnerability analyses through physically-based models and easily accessible data. A matrix approach was used to cross the degree of exposure to floods, landslides, tsunamis, and earthquakes hazards, and two dimensions of vulnerability (physical, socio-economical). This information is used to provide the guidelines to lead the development of resilience thinking and disaster risk management in Chile years after the major and destructive 2010 Mw8.8 earthquake.
REFLECTION OF THE PHENOMENON OF INFORMATION PEDAGOGY IN THE CONTEXT OF EDUCATIONAL DISCOURSE
Authors: Kyvliuk Olga
Published: March 2019

At the present stage of information pedagogy development in the context of educational discourse we can distinguish the general patterns of the processes of transfer, transformation and use of information resources in various pedagogical phenomena. These regularities, both general didactic and educational principles, form the phenomenon of information pedagogy. They are supplemented and specified by the specific principles of information novelty, information interestingness, to which we refer the principle of integral information constructing, the principle of information transfer and transformation, the principle of information coding, the principle of information generalization, the principle of complementarity, the principle of information dynamism, the principle of computerization and others.
THEORETICAL AND METHODICAL PROBLEMS OF THE USE OF FREELY DISTRIBUTED SOFTWARE IN THE INFORMATICS TRAINING OF THE FUTURE TEACHER
Authors: Yashanov Serhii , Yashanov Maksim
Published: March 2019

The article deals with the pedagogical technologies, which are used during the study of the informative disciplines of future teachers and the peculiarities of the use of free software in the higher educational institution. The theoretical substantiation of the need for the introduction of free software in the educational process of higher educational institutions is given. The possibilities of free software for increasing the efficiency of the process of computer training are considered.
Récit de voyage et expérience de l'espace : la Méditerranée écrite et vécue par Josep Piera
Authors: Bataller Alexandre
Published: March 2019

La relation entre l'expérience du voyage et son écriture est analysée à partir d'échantillons de l'oeuvre littéraire (prose autobiographique et poésie) de l'écrivain valencien Josep Piera. Trois concepts clés pour l'auteur sont abordés : le voyage, la Méditerranée et la littérature. La Méditerranée est conçue comme un monde proche et familier, en tant qu'espace géographique mythique, historique, culturel et vital. Les lieux visités (Grèce, Naples, Sicile, etc.) dialoguent avec l'espace et le temps personnels.
Le voyage en Italie de Pier Paolo Pasolini. Du reportage à l'ichnographie : une paragéographie des seuils
Authors: Matthey Laurent
Published: March 2019

Cet article s'essaie, à partir du récit de La longue route de sable rédigé par Pier Paolo Pasolini durant l'été 1959, à expliciter une manière pasolinienne de "faire de la géographie", c'est-à-dire à proposer une théorie de l'espace des sociétés. Durant près de trois mois Pasolini chemine le long du littoral italien et livre une description de deux Italies, l'une à l'état naissant, transformée par la croissance économique, l''autre encore mythique dont le "génocide" s'annonce. Ce faisant, il livre une théorie sensible des seuils organisant le passage d'un monde à l''autre.
Retour à El Hierro
Authors: Wissmer Jean-Michel
Published: March 2019

Réserve de la biosphère, l'île canarienne de El Hierro deviendra bientôt autosuffisante grâce à une centrale hydraulique unique au monde. Autre événement marquant, une intense activité sismique sous-marine a fait surgir un cône volcanique de l'océan. L'île est sous la protection de la Vierge des Rois mages fêtée avec ferveur depuis 1546.
New Horizons Photometry of Pluto's Moon Charon
Authors: Buratti B. J. , Hicks M. D. , Hillier J. H. , Verbiscer A. J. , Abgarian M. , Hofgartner J. D. , Lauer T. R. , Grundy W. M. , Stern S. A. , Weaver H. A. , Howett C. J. A. , Young L. A. , Cheng A. , Beyer R. A. , Lisse C. M. , Ennico K. , Olkin C. B. , Robbins S. J.
Published: March 2019

The New Horizons spacecraft extended the range in solar phase angle coverage for Pluto’s moon Charon from 1.°8—the maximum observable from Earth—to 170°. This extraordinary expansion in range has enabled photometric modeling and a robust determination of Charon’s phase integral and Bond albedo at visible wavelengths. Photometric modeling shows that Charon is similar in its photometric properties to other icy moons, except that its single particle phase function is more isotropic, suggesting the Kuiper Belt may represent a new regime for surface alteration processes. Charon’s phase integral is 0.70 ± 0.04 and its Bond albedo is 0.29 ± 0.05.
Properties of Slow Magnetoacoustic Oscillations of Solar Coronal Loops by Multi-instrumental Observations
Authors: Nakariakov V. M. , Kosak M. K. , Kolotkov D. Y. , Anfinogentov S. A. , Kumar P. , Moon Y.-J.
Published: March 2019

Rapidly decaying oscillations of the thermal emission detected in the decay phase of solar and stellar flares are usually interpreted as standing or sloshing (reflecting) slow magnetoacoustic oscillations. We determine the scalings of the oscillation periods, damping times, and amplitudes with the temperature, considering both standing and sloshing oscillations detected with different instruments. In addition, the time evolution of different spatial harmonics of a sloshing oscillation is considered. Parameters of slow oscillations observed in the EUV, X-ray, and microwave bands, and published in the literature, are used. The damping time of slow oscillations is found to scale almost linearly with the oscillation period, as the period to 0.87 ± 0.1, giving the average Q-factor determined as the ratio of the damping time to the period, of about 1. The Q-factor is found to scale with the relative amplitude to the power of

with 95% confidence. The amplitudes of different spatial harmonics forming a sloshing pulse show similar time evolution, suggesting that the period-dependent dissipation is counteracted by another mechanism. The results obtained indicate that the damping of slow oscillations depends on the oscillation amplitude, and that the competition of nonlinear and dissipative effects could allow for the existence of wave pulses of a sustained shape.
Differential germination strategies of native and introduced populations of the invasive species Plantago virginica
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Wolfe Lorne , Diez Jeffrey , Zheng Yi , Guo Hui , Hu Shuijin
Published: March 2019

Germination strategies are critically important for the survival, establishment and spread of plant species. Although many plant traits related to invasiveness have been broadly studied, the earliest part of the life cycle, germination, has received relatively little attention. Here, we compared the germination patterns between native (North America) and introduced (China) populations of Plantagovirginica for four consecutive years to examine whether there has been adaptive differentiation in germination traits and how these traits are related to local climatic conditions. We found that the introduced populations of P.virginica had significantly higher germination percentages and faster and shorter durations of germination than native populations. Critically, the native populations had a significantly larger proportion of seeds that stayed dormant in all four years, with only 60% of seeds germinating in year 1 (compared to >95% in introduced populations). These results demonstrate striking differences in germination strategies between native and introduced populations which may contribute to their successful invasion. Moreover, the germination strategy of P.virginica in their native range exhibited clear geographical variation across populations, with trends towards higher germination percentages at higher latitudes and lower annual mean temperatures and annual precipitation. In the introduced range, however, their germination strategies were more conserved, with less variation amongst populations, suggesting that P.virginica may have experienced strong selection for earlier life history characteristics. Our findings highlight the need to examine the role of rapid evolution of germination traits in facilitating plant invasion.
Optimization of two opposing neutron beams parameters in dynamical (B/Gd) neutron cancer therapy
Authors: Haidar Nassar H. S.
Published: March 2019

We demonstrate how the therapeutic utility index and the ballistic index for dynamical neutron cancer therapy (NCT) with two opposing neutron beams form a nonlinear optimization problem. In this problem, the modulation frequencies ω and ϖ of the beams and the relative time advance ε are the control variables. A Pareto optimal control vector ω* = (ω*, ϖ*, ε*) for this problem is identified and reported for the first time. The utility index is shown to be remarkably periodically discontinuous in ε, even in the neighborhood of ε*.
Conceptual potential of a pyroelectrochemical technology for the thorium engagement in the fast neutron fuel cycle
Authors: Naumov Valery S.
Published: March 2019

The use of thorium in combination with plutonium in nuclear power generation offers a solution to the problem of reducing the accumulation of long-lived transplutonium nuclides. Along with this, the existing uranium fuel cycle (UFC) has such disadvantage as the vulnerability to unauthorized use of nuclear materials. The thorium fuel cycle (TFC) is devoid of these drawbacks.

The engagement of thorium in nuclear power is possible provided the availability of an appropriate technology for reprocessing irradiated thorium. A fuel cycle based on thorium oxide may not differ in principle from the already developed pyrochemical fuel cycle involving uranium and plutonium oxides. Thorium oxide is most commonly obtained in compact state by electrolysis of molten salts from thorium-containing electrolytes. The most thorough studies of physical and chemical and electrochemical behavior of thorium in molten haloids of alkali and alkaline-earth metals were conducted in the 1960ies and the 1970ies.

Since extensive experimental material has been accumulated by now for justification of the use of pyroelectrochemical and chemical processes for regeneration of fuel in molten salts, then it has also been proposed that technologies for fuel reprocessing in molten chlorides of alkali metals should be applied resulting in a crystalline product that can be used for the fuel element fabrication.

Unlike uranium and plutonium, thorium behavior in molten salt environments is less complex. In molten salts, thorium exists predominantly in the form of Th4+, and the mixture of uranium and thorium dioxides with ThO2 content reaching up to 50 % can be obtained by electrolysis of molten salts.

Therefore, the existing amount of knowledge about the chemistry of thorium allows regarding the use of pyrochemical processes in production of thorium oxide as highly promising, and the available data on the physical and chemical properties of thorium and its compounds in high-temperature molten salts makes it possible to state that the pyroelectrochemical technology can be potentially used in production and reprocessing of thorium fuel.
The Role of Orthobiologics in the Management of Osteoarthritis and Focal Cartilage Defects
Authors: Sherman Benjamin J. , Chahla Jorge , Glowney Jason , Frank Rachel M.
Published: March 2019

Individuals with osteoarthritis have a diminished quality of life, and the condition is a major cause of disability. Newer biologic treatments have been developed that are believed to modify disease progression. These predominantly include hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. There is conflicting evidence regarding the use of orthobiologics for osteoarthritis and for focal chondral defects, although most studies indicate that injections of biologics are safe and without significant adverse effects. [
Orthopedics
. 2019; 42(2):66–73.]
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: Are There Any Changes in Measurements After Strabismus Surgery?
Authors: Inal Asli , Yilmaz Ihsan , Ocak Osman Bulut , Aygit Ebru Demet , Celik Selcen , Pasaoglu Isil , Yilmaz Basak Saracoglu , Gokyigit Birsen
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate the possible hemodynamic changes following strabismus surgery via optical coherence tomography angiography.

Methods:

Thirty-two eyes of 16 patients who underwent strabismus surgery in one eye were included in the study. Fellow eyes were used as a control group. The vessel densities of the superficial and deep capillary plexus and superficial and deep foveal avascular zones were measured preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively.

Results:

The mean superficial and deep foveal avascular zones measurements were 0.84 ± 0.09 and 0.76 ± 1.13 mm
2
, respectively. The mean vessel density of the superficial capillary plexus was 1.23 ± 0.12 and 11.13 ± 1.04 mm
2
preoperatively in the 1- and 3-mm zones, respectively, whereas the mean vessel density of the deep capillary plexus was 1.13 ± 0.16 and 10.11 ± 1.28 mm
2
preoperatively. Postoperatively, the mean superficial and deep foveal avascular zones changed to 0.20 ± 0.13 and 0.23 ± 0.12 mm
2
, respectively. Postoperatively, the mean vessel density of the superficial capillary plexus changed to 1.47 ± 0.11 and 12.75 ± 1.10 mm
2
, and the mean vessel density of the deep capillary plexus changed to 1.56 ± 0.12 and 13.91 ± 1.35 mm
2
in 1- and 3-mm zones, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in vessel density measurements of the superficial and deep capillary plexus, and a statistically significant decrease in measurements of the superficial and deep foveal avascular zone postoperatively (
P
< .05). In the fellow eyes, there was no statistically significant change in any of the measurements (
P
> .05).

Conclusions:

Following strabismus surgery, vessel density of the fovea may increase and the foveal avascular zone may decrease according to optical coherence tomography angiography measurements.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2019;56(2):95–100.]
Temporal Profile of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Extremely Premature Compared to Premature Infants
Authors: Venincasa Vincent D. , Bugg Victoria , Dvorak Justin , Ding Kai , Bhatti Faizah , Siatkowski R. Michael
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

To compare the time course of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature (≥ 28 to 34 weeks' gestational age) and extremely premature (< 28 weeks' gestational age) infants.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective single-center chart review that included 582 eyes (122 premature, 464 extremely premature) of 299 infants (65 premature, 234 extremely premature) diagnosed as having ROP who were born between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015. Data collected were analyzed with shared frailty models, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests.

Results:

Extremely premature infants were diagnosed as having ROP earlier than premature infants at 33.6 weeks (95% CI [confidence interval]: 33.4 to 33.9) versus 36.0 weeks (95% CI: 34.7 to 36.4,
P
< .0001). The time from diagnosis to spontaneous regression was more than 4 weeks longer for extremely premature infants than premature infants with stage 1 ROP (82.0 vs 50.0 days,
P
< .0001), and more than 6 weeks longer for extremely premature infants than premature infants with stage 2 ROP (99 vs 55 days,
P
< .0001). Extremely premature infants had more bilateral ROP (96.6% vs 87.1%,
P
< .01) and were three times more likely to require treatment than premature infants (29.7% vs 9.9%,
P
< .0001). On average, infants who required treatment weighed 137 grams less at birth (
P
< .0001) and gained 37.7 grams less per week than infants who underwent spontaneous regression (
P
< .0001).

Conclusions:

Extremely premature infants developed ROP earlier, had more bilateral ROP, took longer to achieve spontaneous regression, and required treatment more often than premature infants. Infants who required treatment had a lower birth weight and rate of weight gain than infants who underwent spontaneous regression.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2019;56(2):116–123.]
The Lighten Your Life Program: An Educational Support Group Intervention That Used a Mobile App for Managing Depressive Symptoms and Chronic Pain
Authors: Ventura Jessica , Chung Joohyun
Published: March 2019

An educational support group, The Lighten Your Life Program, was developed for adult patients who self-reported depressive symptoms and had one or more comorbid chronic pain condition. Using a mixed methods, pilot design, the purpose of the current study was to test the feasibility of The Lighten Your Life Program, which combined depression education with in-person group support every 2 weeks. The Lighten Your Life Program also encouraged the use of Pacifica, a mobile application (app), as a self-management tool. Another aim was to explore what effect The Lighten Your Life Program had on decreasing depression severity. Statistically significant differences in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores were noted over time. Educational support group programs and the use of mobile apps, such as Pacifica, could be beneficial in helping individuals self-manage their depressive symptoms and chronic pain condition. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57
(7), 39–47.]
Telehealth in Mental Health Nursing Education: Health Care Simulation With Remote Presence Technology
Authors: Danesh Valerie , Rolin Donna , Hudson Scott V. , White Sean
Published: March 2019

The feasibility of integrating remote presence technology within a simulation scenario for psychiatric–mental health nursing (PMHN) students to develop telehealth competencies was evaluated. A wireless, audiovisual robot from Double® Robotics, maneuverable by smartphone or tablet computer, was used to simulate the facilitation of students' patient assessment and treatment decisions from a distant location for 32 weeks (total hours of robotic simulation = 32). Qualitative data were collected to assess student and faculty satisfaction, as well as for feasibility evaluations. Overall, students participating in the telehealth-enabled simulations reported moderate (9 of 36 students) to strong (25 of 36 students) value for the use of telemedicine within the simulation in a 3-point Likert scale post-simulation survey. These results illustrate the feasibility of using a remote presence robot in an educational simulation environment. Remote presence in clinical simulations can contribute to workforce preparation to apply telehealth-enabled communication in PMHN settings. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57
(7), 23–28.]
Panretinal Photocoagulation Does Not Change Macular Perfusion in Eyes With Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Lorusso Massimo , Milano Virginia , Nikolopoulou Eleni , Ferrari Luisa Micelli , Cicinelli Maria Vittoria , Querques Giuseppe , Ferrari Tommaso Micelli
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To quantify and compare the vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP), as well as the size of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) before and after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This prospective clinical study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Miulli Hospital Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy. Each patient underwent measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein angiography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA) at baseline. Patients received PRP within 7 days from baseline, using frequency-doubled Nd:YAG pattern scan laser. BCVA and OCTA were repeated at 1 month and at 6 months. Repeated measure one-way analysis of variance was used to investigate differences between OCTA parameters before and after PRP.

RESULTS:

Eighteen eyes of 14 patients with diabetes (11 males, 78.6%) were enrolled. Patients underwent a mean of four laser treatments. BCVA was slightly worse at baseline (0.30 ± 0.20) compared to the visual function after 6 months (0.25 ± 0.24;
P
= .3). FAZ (0.33 ± 0.19 mm
2
vs. 0.33 ± 0.16 mm
2
;
P
= .6), foveal SCP (16.4 ± 8.0 vs. 16.5 ± 6.5;
P
= .4), foveal DCP (28.5 ± 8.6 vs. 28.2 ± 8.1;
P
= .8), parafoveal SCP (38.4 ± 5.7 vs. 38.6 ± 4.5;
P
= .9), and parafoveal DCP (46.1 ± 5.2 vs. 43.8 ± 5.1;
P
= .3) did not change 6 months after PRP.

CONCLUSIONS:

OCTA parameters were not significantly affected by peripheral laser treatment at both short- (1-month) and medium- / long-term (6-month) follow-up. Further analysis with larger samples and longer duration is warranted to confirm these results.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:174–178.]
A Rare Case of Foveal Hypoplasia With Dyschromatosis Universalis
Authors: Takkar Brijesh , Priyanka  , Asati Dinesh P. , Rupla Richa , Shrivastava Varsha
Published: March 2019

Foveal hypopalsia (FH) is typically seen in association with diseases like albinism and aniridia, and familial FH (FFH) is very rare. The authors present a case of unique association of FH with dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH). Family members of this patient had history of nystagmus and dermal pigmentary anomalies, suggesting that this may represent FFH with DUH in X-linked pattern. The authors also discuss the role of pigment anomalies in manifesting as this combination.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:192–195.]
Preventing Progression in Nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration With Subthreshold Laser Therapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Eng Victor A. , Wood Edward H. , Boddu Sucharita , Karth Peter A. , Leng Theodore
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness among the elderly in developed countries. Subthreshold retinal laser therapy is a new technique that targets drusen — a marker of nonexudative AMD — without causing incidental retinal damage associated with conventional laser photocoagulation. This review summarizes published literature on subthreshold retinal laser therapy as prophylactic treatment of nonexudative AMD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A literature search of the PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases was conducted from January 1997 to April 2018. Studies were analyzed based upon study design, laser parameters, drusen reduction, changes in visual acuity (VA), and the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and/or geographic atrophy (GA).

RESULTS:

Twelve studies involving 2,481 eyes treated with subthreshold retinal laser therapy were included in this review. Treatment led to increased drusen reduction, and studies with significant VA improvement were associated with significant drusen reduction. There was no significant change in the risk of developing CNV or GA.

CONCLUSIONS:

Subthreshold retinal laser therapy is effective for reducing drusen and potentially improving vision in patients with nonexudative AMD. This therapy does not show benefits in reducing development of CNV or GA. Thus, its long-term efficacy to prevent progression to advanced AMD cannot yet be recommended.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:e61–e70.]