bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterising Essential Fish Habitat using spatio‐temporal analysis of fishery data: A case study of the European seabass spawning areas
Authors: Dambrine Chloé , Woillez Mathieu , Huret Martin , de Pontual Hélène
Published: January 2021

Fish habitats sustain essential functions for fish to complete their life cycle, such as feeding, growing and spawning. Conservation is crucial to maintain fish populations and their exploitation. Since 2013, the spawning stock biomass of the northern stock of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) has been in a worrying state. A series of low recruitments with a persistently high level of fishing has been blamed, raising concerns about the processes involved in seabass reproduction and settlement in nurseries. Here, we characterise seabass spawning areas along the French Atlantic coast using vessel monitoring system (VMS) data. A non‐linear geostatistical approach was applied, from 2008 to 2014, to detect locations where seabass aggregate for spawning. Occurrence maps of spawning distribution were combined into probability maps to quantify the seasonal and inter‐annual variability and to highlight recurrent, occasional and unfavourable spawning areas. We identified three main spawning areas: the Rochebonne Plateau in the Bay of Biscay, the Western English Channel and the North of the Cotentin peninsula in the Eastern English Channel. The correlative link between this geographical distribution and environmental factors was investigated using a Bayesian spatio‐temporal model. The spatio‐temporal structure accounted for the vast majority of the model predictive skills, whereas environmental covariates had a negligible effect. Our model revealed the persistence of the spatial distribution of spawning areas with intra‐ and inter‐annual variability. Offshore areas appear to be essential spawning areas for seabass, and should be considered in spatial management strategies.
Uncertainty of modelled bioenergy with carbon capture and storage due to variability of input data
Authors: Shepherd Anita , Martin Mike , Hastings Astley
Published: January 2021

Uncertainty is inherent in modelled projections of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), yet sometimes treated peripherally. One source of uncertainty comes from different climate and soil inputs. We investigated variations in 70‐year UK projections of Miscanthus × giganteus (M × g), BECCS and environmental impacts with input data. We used cohort datasets of UKCP18 RCP8.5 climate projections and Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD) soil sequences, as inputs to the MiscanFor bioenergy model. Low annual yield occurred 1 in 10 years as a UK‐average but yield uncertainty varied regionally, especially south and east England. BECCS projections were similar among cohorts, with variation resulting from climate cohorts of the same database ensemble (3.99 ± 0.14 t C ha−1 year−1) larger than uncertainty resulting from soil sequences in each grid block (3.96 ± 0.03 t C ha−1 year−1). This is supported by annual time series, displaying variable annual climate and a close yield–BECCS–climate relationship but partial correspondence of yield and BECCS with maximal soil variability. Each HWSD soil grid square contains up to 10 ranked soil types. Predominant soil commonly has over 50% coverage, indicating why BECCS from combined soil sequences were not significantly different from BECCS using the dominant soil type. Mean BECCS from the full climate ensemble combined with the full soil sequences, over the current area of cropping limits in England and Wales, is 3.98 ± 0.14 t C ha−1 year−1. The bioenergy crop has a mean seasonal soil water deficit of 65.79 ± 4.27 mm and associated soil carbon gain of 0.22 ± 0.03 t C ha−1 year−1, with bioenergy feedstock calculated at 131 GJ t−1 y−1. The uncertainty is specific to the input datasets and model used. The message of this study is to ensure that uncertainty is accounted for when interpreting modelled projections of land use impacts.
Comparison of clinical and procedural outcomes between high‐power short‐duration, standard‐power standard‐duration, and temperature‐controlled noncontact force guided ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Dikdan Sean J. , Junarta Joey , Bodempudi Sairamya , Upadhyay Naman , Pang Zachary , Frisch Daniel R.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

High‐power short‐duration (HPSD) ablation is a novel strategy using contact force‐sensing catheters optimized for power‐controlled radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). This study investigates the outcomes of HPSD (50 W delivered for up to 15 s, Lesion Size Index of 5–6) compared to standard‐power standard‐duration (SPSD) (20–25 W until 400–500 gram seconds, up to 60 s) and temperature‐controlled noncontact (TCNC) (20‐40 W up to 60 s of ablation) settings.

Methods

We studied consecutive cases of patients with AF undergoing pulmonary vein isolation with TCNC, SPSD, and HPSD between January 7th, 2013 and January 11th, 2019. Procedural data collected include time to isolate the left (LPVT) and right pulmonary veins (RPVT), total ablation time (TAT), and radiofrequency ablation delivery time (RADT). Clinical data collected include sinus rhythm maintenance postprocedure.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐one patients were studied (44 TCNC, 51 SPSD, 76 HPSD). RADT was shorter when comparing HPSD to SPSD (25 vs. 41 min; p < .01), HPSD to TCNC (25 vs. 76 min; p < .01), and SPSD to TCNC groups (41 vs. 76 min; p < .01). TAT, LPVT, and RPVT were reduced between HPSD versus SPSD, HPSD versus TCNC, and SPSD versus TCNC groups, respectively (p < .01). There was no difference in sinus rhythm maintenance by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (log rank test p = .12), after 3 or 12 months between groups overall, and when stratified by AF type, left atrial volume, CHA2DS2‐VASc score, or left ventricular ejection fraction.

Conclusion

AF ablation with HPSD reduced procedure times with similar sinus rhythm maintenance compared to SPSD and TCNC.
Second‐best pricing for incomplete market segments: Application to electricity pricing
Authors: Astier Nicolas
Published: January 2021

Due to technological, political, or practical considerations, most price mechanisms are not fully differentiated by time, location, and contingency of delivery. Rate or tax designers then face a trade‐off between the costs and benefits of using more complex price schedules. This paper studies the second‐best problem of designing, for a given market segment, a linear pricing schedule with a limited number of distinct prices while facing exogenous constraints within a large and practically relevant family. Interestingly, we find that second‐best prices may be computed using simple machine learning techniques. As an illustration, we apply our framework to retail electricity pricing in California.
Decisions Under the Illusion of Objectivity: Digital Embeddedness and B2B Purchasing
Authors: Krijestorac Haris , Garg Rajiv , Konana Prabhudev
Published: January 2021

Research suggests that increased reliance on digital sources (e.g., blogs, social media, online forums) exhibited by the emerging millennial workforce may affect procurement decisions. These arguments contend with studies which indicate that organizational buyers rely on decision shortcuts (e.g., brand, loyalty, and peer opinions) to mitigate risk or to simplify purchase decisions. One can argue that buyers gain more information from digital sources, which may attenuate the role of these shortcuts. At the same time, digital sources may be used to strengthen prior beliefs, which can increase bias toward decision proxies. This study draws from information processing theory to understand the role of digital sources of information in decision‐making, in the context of business purchasing. Based on the Accessibility‐Diagnosticity framework, we introduce a Digital Embeddedness construct to conceptualize the extent to which information from digital sources is integral to an individual’s decision‐making. Analysis of survey responses from 196 purchasing managers suggests that more digitally embedded buyers are more willing to adopt innovations, yet interestingly, focus more on vendors from strong brands and peer opinions. We also find that while more digitally embedded buyers feel more cognitively attached to their existing vendors, this attachment does not translate into purchase loyalty. We discuss implications for buyer‐supplier relations and B2B marketing. By elucidating individual‐level differences in the use of digital sources, this research also has implications for future work that examines the interpretation of digital information to inform business decisions.
A descriptive angiographic study of the uterine arteries during pregnancy, the postpartum period and CEH/pyometra in bitches
Authors: Mahdipour Maryam , Mogheiseh Asghar , Ahrari‐Khafi Mohammad Saeed
Published: January 2021

The aim of this descriptive study was to monitor the changes in uterine arteries during pregnancy, postpartum period and pyometra in bitches using angiography. Fifteen uteri of mixed breed bitches on days 24, 30, 33, 40, 43, 47, 50 and 56 of pregnancy and weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7–8 of postpartum and two CEH/pyometra bitches were examined after ovariohysterectomy. The results showed that with the onset of normal pregnancy and in about 30 ± 1 days of gestation, anastomoses begin to form between the left and right middle uterine arteries, developing during the next days and continuing until 4 weeks postpartum. On 4th week after parturition, when physiologic changes occur and the uterus returns to non‐pregnant conditions, these anastomoses begin to degenerate, and they completely disappear approximately on the 7th–8th week after parturition. Similarly, in CEH/pyometra bitches, anastomoses were formed between left and right median uterine arteries. These findings can be considered as a part of the physiological changes of the uterus and its vessels during pregnancy and postpartum periods and could affect the results and interpretation of relevant findings.
Defining core competencies in transfusion medicine for resident physicians: A multi‐specialty Delphi consensus study
Authors: Suleiman Leena , Bakhtary Sara , Manuel Solmaz P.
Published: January 2021

Background

Although resident physicians across disciplines are responsible for ordering blood products and managing sequelae of blood product transfusion, no designated set of competencies in transfusion medicine has been established for postgraduate trainees. The primary goal of this study was to determine core transfusion‐related competencies that such residents should possess.

Study Design and Methods

A modified Delphi method was used to achieve consensus among a panel of clinical faculty and program leadership in six medical specialties to establish core transfusion‐related competencies for resident physicians. Review of transfusion education literature, relevant clinical responsibilities, and specialty licensing requirements facilitated generation of an initial transfusion medicine topic list and additional topics were considered if suggested by experts. In two Delphi rounds, experts rated the clinical significance of initial topics on a 5‐point Likert scale. Select topics were deemed core competencies if identified as Extremely Important or Moderately Important by at least 75% of panelists to meet a minimum content validity index (CVI) of 0.75 and if topics achieved a minimum content validity ratio (CVR) of 0.5.

Results

Nineteen invited clinical experts completed both Delphi rounds with 100% completion across the two rounds. Twenty transfusion medicine topics achieved minimum CVI 0.75 and minimum CVR 0.5. Highest‐ranked topics by level of importance include Red Blood Cell (RBC) Transfusion Indications, Platelet Transfusion Indications, and Pulmonary Reactions.

Conclusions

Multispecialty panelists across six medical specialties reached consensus in identification of core transfusion‐related competencies for resident physicians. Such consensus‐driven core competencies may inform the development of transfusion medicine curricula and assessments to improve transfusion safety.
Transversely Stable Extended Kalman Filters for Systems on Manifolds in Euclidean Spaces
Authors: Park Jae-Hyeon , Phogat Karmvir Singh , Kim Whimin , Chang Dong Eui
Published: January 2021

In this article, we devise a variant of the extended Kalman filter that can be generally applied to systems on manifolds with simplicity and low computational cost. We extend a given system on a manifold to an ambient open set in Euclidean space and modify the system such that the extended system is transversely stable on the manifold. Then, we apply the standard extended Kalman filter derived in Euclidean space to the modified dynamics. This method is efficient in terms of computation and accurate in comparison with the standard extended Kalman filter. It has the merit that we can apply various Kalman filters derived in Euclidean space including extended Kalman filters for state estimation for systems defined on manifolds. The proposed method is successfully applied to the rigid body attitude dynamics whose configuration space is the special orthogonal group in three dimensions.
Multimodal Risk-Based Path Planning for Neurosurgical Interventions
Authors: Kunz Christian , Gerst Maximilian , Henrich Pit , Schneider Max , Hlavac Michal , Pala Andrej , Mathis-Ullrich Franziska
Published: January 2021

Image-guided neurosurgical interventions are challenging due to the complex anatomy of the brain and the inherent risk of damaging vital structures. This paper presents a neurosurgical planning tool for safe and effective neurosurgical interventions, minimizing the risk through optimized access planning. The strengths of the proposed system are the integration of multiple risk structures combined into a holistic model for fast and intuitive user interaction, and a modular architecture. The tool is intended to support neurosurgeons to quickly determine the most appropriate surgical entry point and trajectory through the brain with minimized risk. The user interface guides a user through the decision-making process and may save planning time of neurosurgical interventions. The navigation tool has been interfaced to the Robot Operating System, which allows the integration into automated workflows and the planning of linear and nonlinear trajectories. Determined risk structures and trajectories can be visualized intuitively as a projection map on the skin or cortical surface. Two risk calculation modes (strict and joint) are offered to the neurosurgeons, depending on the intracranial procedure's type and complexity. A qualitative evaluation with clinical experts shows the practical relevance, while a quantitative performance and functionality analysis proves the robustness and effectiveness of the system.
Reinforcement Learning for Active Noise Control in a Hydraulic System
Authors: Anderson Eric R. , Steward Brian L.
Published: January 2021

Hydraulic pressure ripple in a pump, as a result of converting rotational power to fluid power, continues to be a problem faced when developing hydraulic systems due to the resulting noise generated. In this paper, we present simulation results from leveraging an actor-critic reinforcement learning method as the control method for active noise control in a hydraulic system. The results demonstrate greater than 96%, 81%, and 61% pressure ripple reduction for the first, second, and third harmonics, respectively, in a single operating point test, along with the advantage of feed forward like control for high bandwidth response during dynamic changes in the operating point. It also demonstrates the disadvantage of long convergence times while the controller is effectively learning the optimal control policy. Additionally, this work demonstrates the ancillary benefit of the elimination of the injection of white noise for the purpose of system identification in the current state of the art.
Design, Modeling, and Experimental Characterization of A Valveless Pulsatile Flow Mechanical Circulatory Support Device
Authors: Li Mengtang , Chen Ye , Slepian Marvin J. , Howard Joseph , Thomas Seth , Barth Eric J.
Published: January 2021

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, i.e., ventricular assist devices (VADs) and total artificial hearts (TAHs), while effective and vital in restoring hemodynamics in patients with circulatory compromise in advanced heart failure, remain limited by significant adverse thrombotic, embolic and bleeding events. Many of these complications relate to chronic exposure, via these devices, to nonpulsatile flow and the high shear stress created by current methods of blood propulsion or use of prosthetic valves. Here we propose a novel noncompressing single sliding vane MCS device to: 1) dramatically reduce pump operating speed thus potentially lowering the shear stress imparted to blood; 2) eliminate utilization of prosthetic valves thus diminishing potential shear stress generations; 3) allow direct flow rate control to generate physically desired blood flow rate include pulsatile flow; and 4) achieve compactness to fit into the majority of patients. The fundamental working principle and governing design equations are introduced first with multiple design and performance objectives presented. A first prototype was fabricated and experimental tests were conducted to validate the model with a 93.10% match between theoretical and experimental flow rate results. After model validation, the proposed MCS was tested to illustrate the ability of pulsatile flow generation. Finally, it was compared with some representative MCS pumps to discuss its potential of improving current MCS design. The presented work offers a novel MCS design and paves the way for next steps in device hemocompatibility testing.
Triphenylamine-Contained Multiporous Polyimide: Its Preparation and Application as Anode for Lithium-Ion Storage
Authors: Su Chang , Sun Man , Guo Pengju , Xu Lihuan
Published: January 2021

The three-dimensional (3D) multiporous structure polyimides were obtained by introducing of the triphenylamine (TPA) unit as linkage in the pyromellitic-based polyimide (N1) and the naphthalene-1,4,5,8-tetracarboxylic-based polyimides (N2), respectively. Then, the functional polyimides were explored as the anode of lithium ion batteries instead of as traditional cathode. As a result, the obtained triphenylamine-based polyimides exhibited a good reversible capacity and remarkably improved rate performance. Especially for the porous N1, it delivered a gradually increased capacity of up to 349 mAh/g during the cycle testing and a rate capacity of 400 mAh/g at an even high current density of 500 mA/g. Significant electrochemical performances for the triphenylamine-contained polyimide could be ascribed to the unique polyimide chemical structure and the constructed 3D multiporous structure with the high surface area (738 m2/g for N1 and 456 m2/g for N2), which benefited to excellent Li+ diffusion kinetics in porous electrode. This makes it promising as anode of rechargeable batteries with the remarkably electrochemical performances.
State of Charge Evaluation of Power Battery Pack Through Multi-Parameter Optimization
Authors: Xu You , Li Jiehao , Xu Wei , Wu Jing , Li Shuli , Wu Qiang
Published: January 2021

The state of charge (SoC) is an important index of the energy output performance of power battery pack. But the SoC value is affected by various factors, namely, ambient temperature, working current, equilibrium potential, and the consistency between batteries in the pack. These factors might dampen the accuracy of the traditional SoC evaluation methods like current–voltage method and Kalman filter. The evaluation accuracy is also influenced by the data drift and rest time to equilibrium potential. Considering the multiple influencing factors of SoC, this paper analyzes the data drift and rest time to equilibrium potential, and builds an approximate model of overpotential for 32650 LiFePO4 battery, based on the time variation constant and the monotonicity of SoC trend. The proposed model was adopted to optimize the evaluation of SoC. To verify its effectiveness, the proposed method was compared with current–voltage method and Kalman filter through experiments. The results show that our method outperformed the contrastive methods in simplicity, relative error (<2.33%), compatibility, and state of health (SoH).
Syngas Characteristics From Catalytic Gasification of Polystyrene and Pinewood in CO2 Atmosphere
Authors: Liu Xuan , Burra Kiran Raj G. , Wang Zhiwei , Li Jinhu , Che Defu , Gupta Ashwani K.
Published: January 2021

Syngas production from catalytic gasification of polystyrene and pinewood in CO2 atmosphere was investigated over Ni-Mg/Al2O3 catalyst in a fixed-bed reactor at 900 °C. A quasi in situ method was adopted for catalytic gasification wherein the catalyst placed downstream of the feedstock in the same reactor was used for enhanced syngas production. The effect of catalyst on evolutionary behavior, cumulative syngas yield, syngas composition, and cold gas efficiency was systematically analyzed. The results showed that addition of catalyst for polystyrene gasification resulted in enhanced yields of 63% H2, 20% CO, 119% CH4, and 85% C2-C3 yields. Enhanced H2 and light hydrocarbon yields were mainly from enhanced cracking of pyrolytic vapors from polystyrene degradation, while the CO yield was attributed to CO2-assisted reforming of benzene derivatives from primary cracking and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from secondary gas phase condensations. The yields of H2, CO, CH4, and C2-C3 from pinewood gasification in the presence of catalyst was also enhanced by 150%, 14%, 39%, and 16%, respectively, indicating that Ni-Mg/Al2O3 catalyst can efficiently enhance syngas production in CO2-assisted gasification. A comparison of syngas composition between non-catalytic and catalytic conditions revealed improved syngas quality in catalytic gasification with increased H2 mole fraction but decreased CO mole fraction. Furthermore, cold gas efficiency enhanced from 44% to 57% in catalytic polystyrene gasification, and from 75% to 94% in catalytic pinewood gasification. The results suggest that catalytic CO2 gasification offers a promising pathway for efficient energy production from wastes plastics and biomass while simultaneously using CO2.
Current-Dependent Dynamics of Bidirectional Self-Folding for Multi-Layer Polymers Using Local Resistive Heating
Authors: Elsisy Moataz , Poska Evan , Abdulhafez Moataz , Bedewy Mostafa
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this paper is to characterize the dynamics and direction of self-folding of pre-strained polystyrene (PSPS) and non-pre-strained styrene (NPS), which results from local shrinkage using a new process of directed self-folding of polymer sheets based on a resistively heated ribbon that is in contact with the sheets. A temperature gradient across the thickness of this shape memory polymer (SMP) sheet induces folding along the line of contact with the heating ribbon. Varying the electric current changes the degree of folding and the extent of local material flow. This method can be used to create practical three-dimensional (3D) structures. Sheets of PSPS and NPS were cut to 10 × 20 mm samples, and their folding angles were plotted with respect to time, as obtained from in situ videography. In addition, the use of polyimide tape (Kapton) was investigated for controlling the direction of self-folding. Results show that folding happens on the opposite side of the sample with respect to the tape, regardless of which side the heating ribbon is on, or whether gravity is opposing the folding direction. The results are quantitatively explained using a viscoelastic finite element model capable of describing bidirectional folds arising from the interplay between viscoelastic relaxation and strain mismatch between polystyrene and polyimide. Given the tunability of fold times and the extent of local material flow, resistive-heat-assisted folding is a promising approach for manufacturing complex 3D lightweight structures by origami engineering.
Corrosion Behavior of an Anti-Icing Coating on an Aluminum Alloy: An Experimental and Numerical Study
Authors: Zhang Wei , Lv Sheng-Li , Lv Yi , Gao Xiaosheng , Srivatsan T. S.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a coating–substrate interfacial corrosion test method was developed to simulate and study the failure processes occurring at the coating interface as a direct consequence of environment-induced degradation or corrosion. It was found that the corrosion-induced failure rate of the coating–substrate interface upon exposure to an aggressive corrosive medium was high. Microscopic pits tend to appear at the interface of the coating and the substrate. The permeation channel at the coating interface did cause the corrosive medium, primarily the chloride ions, to gradually diffuse from the sides of the sample to the inner surface of the interface thereby enabling the initiation and continued progression of “local” corrosion. The process for failure due essentially to corrosion of the coating was established, while ensuring to include the infiltration phase, the presence of “local” corrosion phases, expansion, if any, due to corrosion, and eventually culminating in failure. Based on the experimental results, a finite element simulation of the “local” corrosion occurring at the coating interface was executed. The results revealed the microscopic pits at the interface to progressively increase the “local” stress concentration on the surface of the substrate but were found to have little influence on overall stress distribution in the coating. It was also found the shape of the etch pit had an effect on failure expansion under the influence of stress. The numerical method can be used to predict structural failure caused by corrosion pits at the interface of the coating–substrate system in an aggressive environment.
Study on Tribological Properties of a New Fe3Al-Based Alloy as an Alternative Material for Scraper Conveyor
Authors: Wang Qingliang , Meng Li , Chen Hui , Zheng Qihao
Published: January 2021

This work reports on the sliding wear properties of Fe3Al-based alloy in conditions of dry sliding and quartz sand abrasion. The wear strengthening mechanism is also analyzed in detail. On this basis, the feasibility of using Fe3Al-based alloy instead of 42CrMo steel to make the wear-resistant scraper components in scraper conveyor is discussed. The results show that the wear mass loss and wear-rate of Fe3Al-based alloy are significantly lower than 42CrMo steel in dry sliding wear and abrasion by quartz sand, which indicates good sliding wear resistance. The wear resistance of Fe3Al-based alloy can be attributed to the grain boundary strengthening caused by the carbide precipates, dislocation fine-grained strengthening, and hard phase strengthening of Al2O3 in the wear surface. Compared with quenched and tempered 40CrMo steel, the lower density of Fe3Al-based alloy can reduce the weight of scraper components by about 15%, and the lower matrix hardness can reduce the wear loss of middle groove and scraper chain. The hardening effect of the worn surface layer can effectively improve the sliding wear resistance of the scraper by about 68%, which is very beneficial to improve the service life and reliability of the scraper conveyor.
The Effect of Pressure on NOx Entitlement and Reaction Timescales in a Premixed Axial Jet-In-Crossflow
Authors: Stiehl Bernhard , Otero Michelle , Genova Tommy , Martin Scott , Ahmed Kareem
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates the pressure dependency of a lean premixed jet injected into a lean vitiated crossflow with an experimentally verified detailed chemistry computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model and 53 species considered. Experimental data were taken in an axially staged combustor with an optically accessible test section, allowing the use of particle image velocimetry (PIV) and CH* chemiluminescence techniques as well as point measurement of species concentration, temperature, and pressure. The experimental data cases at one, three, and five atmospheres were selected to describe the flame stabilization dependency on pressure and gain the required knowledge for an extrapolation to engine condition. Simulated exit nitrogen oxide levels were validated with experimental emission data, and a global emission trend for the NO reduction at elevated pressure and constant turbine inlet temperature level was defined. The nitrogen oxide benefit at elevated operating pressure was justified with the significantly smaller flame surface area: the analysis of the simulated spanwise and top-view profiles showed a relatively short receded core flame with nitrogen oxide production in the center at high pressure relative to a longer and larger shear layer flame at atmospheric condition that produced NO toward the inner and outer side of the flame. Decomposition of the Damköhler number revealed the strong influence of the reaction timescales with higher reaction rates at elevated pressure, along with a moderate influence of the turbulent timescales, showing higher turbulence intensity in the lee-side recirculation zone at lower pressure.
A system of coordinated autonomous robots for Lagrangian studies of microbes in the oceanic deep chlorophyll maximum
Authors: Zhang Yanwu , Ryan John P. , Hobson Brett W. , Kieft Brian , Romano Anna , Barone Benedetto , Preston Christina M. , Roman Brent , Raanan Ben-Yair , Pargett Douglas , Dugenne Mathilde , White Angelicque E. , Freitas Fernanda Henderikx , Poulos Steve , Wilson Samuel T. , DeLong Edward F. , Karl David M. , Birch James M. , Bellingham James G. , Scholin Christopher A.
Published: January 2021

A team of coordinated robots autonomously observed and sampled open-ocean microbial communities in a Lagrangian mode.
Microrobotic laser steering for minimally invasive surgery
Authors: York Peter A. , Peña Rut , Kent Daniel , Wood Robert J.
Published: January 2021

Advances in microrobotic design, fabrication, and control enable the dexterous control of a laser in a millimeter-sized package.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Halomonas
sp. Strain SH5A2, a Dye-Degrading Halotolerant Bacterium Isolated from the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve in Peru
Authors: Manya Walter F. , Lizárraga Wendy C. , Mormontoy Carlo G. , Taira Mario A. , Ramírez Pablo S.
Published: January 2021

Halomonas
sp. strain SH5A2 is a halotolerant bacterium isolated from Salinas Lake at 4,300 m above sea level in Peru. Here, we report its complete genome sequence with a length of 3,849,224 bp and highlight the presence of genes putatively related to dye degradation, such as NADPH-dependent oxidoreductases.
Genome Sequences of Two Marsupial Simplex Viruses, Macropodid Alphaherpesviruses 2 and 4
Authors: Vaz P. K. , Mahony T. J. , Hartley C. A. , Motha J. , Devlin J. M.
Published: January 2021

We present the genome sequences of macropodid alphaherpesviruses 2 and 4, two closely related pathogens of macropods. Both encoded 68 nonredundant open reading frames (ORFs) and share 90.6% genome-wide nucleotide identity. These viruses are associated with fatal outbreaks of disease in multiple marsupial species. These sequences will be important for the development of new diagnostic tools.
Draft Genome Sequence of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas protegens Strain 11HC2, Isolated from Marine Plastic Collected from the West Coast of Norway
Authors: Radisic Vera , Lunestad Bjørn Tore , Sanden Monica , Bank Michael S. , Marathe Nachiket P.
Published: January 2021

We report the draft genome sequence of the multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas protegens
strain 11HC2, isolated from polypropylene collected from a water column near a beach in Øygarden, Norway. The genome sequence is 6,861,219 bp in length, with a G+C content of 63.4%. Strain 11HC2 is resistant to cefotaxime, ampicillin, trimethoprim, and chloramphenicol.
Complete Genome Sequence of Achromobacter xylosoxidans Myophage Mano
Authors: Bartz Mariah , Yao Guichun , Le Tram , Liu Mei , Burrowes Ben , Gonzalez Carlos , Young Ryland
Published: January 2021

Achromobacter
spp. are ubiquitous Gram-negative bacteria, some of which can cause respiratory tract infections in patients with autoimmune disorders and cystic fibrosis. Bacteriophages have therapeutic and biotechnological potential to combat
Achromobacter
sp. infections. This announcement details the 42.5-kb genome sequence of the temperate
Achromobacter xylosoxidans
myophage Mano.
Work of a paediatric bioethics centre during the COVID-19 pandemic first phase
Authors: Brierley Joe , Aylett Sarah , MacNiven Anne , Dittborn Mariana
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Decisions with an ethical component have been controversial during the COVID-19 pandemic, whether leaked intensive care unit (ICU)-rationing documents, transfer of people to care-homes to ‘protect the National Health Service’ or the duty to treat patients despite inadequate personal protective equipment. To counter criticism of ethics per se, and to help those planning ethics support we describe the practical work of a children’s hospital bioethics team in supporting children, families and clinicians during this unprecedented period.

Design/setting

Three phases of activity: (i) preparation: we composed several documents to support/guide hospital teams and, together with colleagues, provided them to regional inpatient, community and hospice settings. We adapted existing mechanisms to combat workforce moral injury; (ii) activity (March–June 2020): was highest in our rapid response service where children/families consider difficult treatment decisions with medical teams. Education provided ‘pandemic webcasts’ on decision-making and broader child-health concerns. Staff support was essential, especially for those deployed to overwhelmed local adult ICUs. Research ascertained young people’s views on the pandemic; (iii) reflection: focussed on (a) research about future re-deployment to adult services and minimisation of moral distress/injury, (b) remote video-conferencing—parents’/participants’ experience/ability to consider complex ethical issues and (c) role of faith/non-faith in society’s recovery and children’s views.

Main outcome/conclusions

Our bioethics team’s role during the pandemic included: case reviews via video-conferencing, many involving innovative therapy for severely unwell children with COVID-19/Paediatric-Inflammatory-Multisystem Syndrome-Temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 together with their parents; processes to protect healthcare staff from moral harm and research/educational activity focused on paediatric-specific ethical arising during the pandemic.
Management of a case of bilateral dengue maculopathy with intravitreal steroid therapy
Authors: Patel Siddharth , Aggarwal Kirti , Kumawat Devesh , Samanta Ramanuj
Published: January 2021

Bilateral sight threatening macular and optic nerve inflammation may occur with dengue fever, necessitating the use of systemic steroids. We report a case of bilateral dengue maculopathy in an elderly woman managed with targeted intravitreal steroid therapy. A 63-year-old woman presented with acute-onset painless diminution of vision in both eyes following a dengue fever episode. She had bilateral foveal inflammatory lesions, macular oedema, small vessel occlusions at the macula and scattered retinal haemorrhages and cotton-wool spots. Following systemic evaluation, intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection was performed in both eyes at an interval of 3 days. The foveal lesion and macular oedema resolved quickly in both eyes with a normal foveal architecture at the end of 6-week follow-up. The visual acuity improved considerably in both eyes. Inflammatory retinopathy in dengue fever may be managed with a targeted intravitreal steroid injection approach.
Human leucocyte antigen association of patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis with severe ocular complications in Han Chinese
Authors: Ma Kevin Sheng-Kai , Chung Wen Hung , Hsueh Yi-Jen , Chen Shin-Yi , Tokunaga Katsushi , Kinoshita Shigeru , Ma David H K , Ueta Mayumi
Published: January 2021

Background/aims

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) induced by cold medicine (CM) may result in severe ocular complications (SOCs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphism pattern in CM-induced patients with SJS/TEN developing SOCs.

Methods

All participants, including patients with SJS/TEN (n=33) and control patients (n=98), were enrolled through visits to the clinic from 2016 to 2017. SOCs were diagnosed (n=26) via a chart review or eye examination. Patient saliva was collected with commercialised kits and genotyped with PCR assays followed by hybridisation with sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) probes (PCR-SSO) using commercial bead-based typing kits.

Results

In all patients with SJS/TEN with SOCs, the HLA-A*02:07 carrier frequency was significantly higher than that in controls (OR=3.24, 95% CI=1.09 to 9.60, p=0.049), as was the genotype frequency (OR=3.89, 95% CI=1.49 to 10.16, p=0.007). In patients with CM-SJS/TEN with SOCs, the HLA-A*02:07 carrier frequency was higher than that in controls (OR=5.56, 95% CI=1.52 to 20.00, p=0.016), as was the allele frequency (OR=6.67, 95% CI=2.33 to 20.00, p=0.001). In patients with CM-SJS/TEN with SOCs, the HLA-B*46:01 allele frequency was significantly higher than that in controls (OR=3.85, 95% CI=1.52 to 10.00, p=0.008).

Conclusions

The HLA-A*02:07 and HLA-B*46:01 alleles were significantly associated with SOCs among Han Chinese patients with CM-SJS/TEN. These findings demonstrate the genetic diversity in SJS pathogenesis among different ethnic groups.
Validating the usefulness of sectorwise regression of visual field in the central 10°
Authors: Omoto Takashi , Murata Hiroshi , Fujino Yuri , Matsuura Masato , Yamashita Takehiro , Miki Atsuya , Ikeda Yoko , Mori Kazuhiko , Tanito Masaki , Asaoka Ryo
Published: January 2021

Aim

To evaluate the usefulness of the application of the clustering method to the trend analysis (sectorwise regression) in comparison with the pointwise linear regression (PLR).

Methods

This study included 153 eyes of 101 patients with open-angle glaucoma. With PLR, the total deviation (TD) values of the 10th visual field (VF) were predicted using the shorter VF sequences (from first 3 to 9) by extrapolating TD values against time in a pointwise manner. Then, 68 test points were stratified into 29 sectors. In each sector, the mean of TD values was calculated and allocated to all test points belonging to the sector. Subsequently, the TD values of the 10th VF were predicted by extrapolating the allocated TD value against time in a pointwise manner. Similar analyses were conducted to predict the 11th–16th VFs using the first 10 VFs.

Results

When predicting the 10th VF using the shorter sequences, the mean absolute error (MAE) values were significantly smaller in the sectorwise regression than in PLR. When predicting from the 11th and 16th VFs using the first 10 VFs, the MAE values were significantly larger in the sectorwise regression than in PLR when predicting the 11th VF; however, no significant difference was observed with other VF predictions.

Conclusion

Accurate prediction was achieved using the sectorwise regression, in particular when a small number of VFs were used in the prediction. The accuracy of the sectorwise regression was not hampered in longer follow-up compared with PLR.
Objective quantification of lens nuclear opacities using swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Jiaqing , Gu Xiaoxun , Ruan Xiaoting , Chen Xiaoyun , Tan Xuhua , Jin Guangming , Wang Lanhua , He Mingguang , Congdon Nathan , Liu Zhenzhen , Luo Lixia , Liu Yizhi
Published: January 2021

Background/aims

The primary objective is to quantify the lens nuclear opacity using swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (SS-ASOCT) and to evaluate its correlations with Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS-III) system and surgical parameters. The secondary objective is to assess the diagnostic performance for hard nuclear cataract.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1222 patients eligible for cataract surgery (1222 eyes). The latest SS-ASOCT (CASIA-2) was used to obtain high-resolution lens images, and the average nuclear density (AND) and maximum nuclear density (MND) were measured by a custom ImageJ software. Spearman’s correlations analysis was used to assess associations of AND/MND with LOCS-III nuclear scores, visual acuity and surgical parameters. The subjects were then split randomly (9:1) into the training dataset and validating dataset. Receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves were constructed for the classification on hard nuclear cataract.

Results

The AND and MND from SS-ASOCT images were significantly correlated with nuclear colour scores (AND: r=0.716; MND: r=0.660; p<0.001) and nuclear opalescence scores (AND: r=0.712; MND: r=0.655; p<0.001). The AND by SS-ASOCT images had the highest values of Spearman’s r for preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (r=0.3131), total ultrasonic time (r=0.3481) and cumulative dissipated energy (r=0.4265). The nuclear density had good performance in classifying hard nuclear cataract, with area under the curves of 0.859 (0.831–0.886) for AND and 0.796 (0.768–0.823) for MND.

Conclusion

Objective and quantitative evaluation of the lens nuclear density using SS-ASOCT images enable accurate diagnosis of hard nuclear cataract.
School-based interventions modestly increase physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness but are least effective for youth who need them most: an individual participant pooled analysis of 20 controlled trials
Authors: Hartwig Timothy Bryan , Sanders Taren , Vasconcellos Diego , Noetel Michael , Parker Philip D , Lubans David Revalds , Andrade Susana , Ávila-García Manuel , Bartholomew John , Belton Sarahjane , Brooks Naomi E , Bugge Anna , Cavero-Redondo Iván , Christiansen Lars Breum , Cohen Kristen , Coppinger Tara , Dyrstad Sindre , Errisuriz Vanessa , Fairclough Stuart , Gorely Trish , Javier Huertas-Delgado Francisco , Issartel Johann , Kriemler Susi , Kvalø Silje Eikanger , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Martinez-Vizcaino Vicente , Møller Niels Christian , Moran Colin , Morris John , Nevill Mary , Ochoa-Avilés Angélica , O'Leary Mai , Peralta Louisa , Pfeiffer Karin A , Puder Jardena , Redondo-Tébar Andrés , Robbins Lorraine B , Sanchez-Lopez Mairena , Tarp Jakob , Taylor Sarah , Tercedor Pablo , Toftager Mette , Villa-González Emilio , Wedderkopp Niels , Weston Kathryn Louise , Yin Zenong , Zhixiong Zhou , Lonsdale Chris , del Pozo Cruz Borja
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To determine if subpopulations of students benefit equally from school-based physical activity interventions in terms of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity. To examine if physical activity intensity mediates improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Design

Pooled analysis of individual participant data from controlled trials that assessed the impact of school-based physical activity interventions on cardiorespiratory fitness and device-measured physical activity.

Participants

Data for 6621 children and adolescents aged 4–18 years from 20 trials were included.

Main outcome measures

Peak oxygen consumption (VO2PeakmL/kg/min) and minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity.

Results

Interventions modestly improved students’ cardiorespiratory fitness by 0.47 mL/kg/min (95% CI 0.33 to 0.61), but the effects were not distributed equally across subpopulations. Girls and older students benefited less than boys and younger students, respectively. Students with lower levels of initial fitness, and those with higher levels of baseline physical activity benefitted more than those who were initially fitter and less active, respectively. Interventions had a modest positive effect on physical activity with approximately one additional minute per day of both moderate and vigorous physical activity. Changes in vigorous, but not moderate intensity, physical activity explained a small amount (~5%) of the intervention effect on cardiorespiratory fitness.

Conclusions

Future interventions should include targeted strategies to address the needs of girls and older students. Interventions may also be improved by promoting more vigorous intensity physical activity. Interventions could mitigate declining youth cardiorespiratory fitness, increase physical activity and promote cardiovascular health if they can be delivered equitably and their effects sustained at the population level.
Circulating long non-coding RNAs NKILA, NEAT1, MALAT1, and MIAT expression and their association in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Alfaifi Mohammed , Ali Beg Mirza Masroor , Alshahrani Mohammad Yahya , Ahmad Irfan , Alkhathami Ali Gaithan , Joshi Prakash C , Alshehri Osama M , Alamri Abdulrahman Manaa , Verma Amit Kumar
Published: January 2021

This article has been retracted.
A systematic approach to context-mapping to prepare for health interventions: development and validation of the SETTING-tool in four countries
Authors: Brakema Evelyn A , van der Kleij Rianne MJJ , Poot Charlotte C , Chavannes Niels H , Tsiligianni Ioanna , Walusimbi Simon , An Pham Le , Sooronbaev Talant , Numans Mattijs E , Crone Matty R , Reis Ria R
Published: January 2021

Effectiveness of health interventions can be substantially impaired by implementation failure. Context-driven implementation strategies are critical for successful implementation. However, there is no practical, evidence-based guidance on how to map the context in order to design context-driven strategies. Therefore, this practice paper describes the development and validation of a systematic context-mapping tool. The tool was cocreated with local end-users through a multistage approach. As proof of concept, the tool was used to map beliefs and behaviour related to chronic respiratory disease within the FRESH AIR project in Uganda, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam and Greece. Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated using the modified Conceptual Framework for Implementation Fidelity. Effectiveness was assessed by the degree to which context-driven adjustments were made to implementation strategies of FRESH AIR health interventions. The resulting Setting-Exploration-Treasure-Trail-to-Inform-implementatioN-strateGies (SETTING-tool) consisted of six steps: (1) Coset study priorities with local stakeholders, (2) Combine a qualitative rapid assessment with a quantitative survey (a mixed-method design), (3) Use context-sensitive materials, (4) Collect data involving community researchers, (5) Analyse pragmatically and/or in-depth to ensure timely communication of findings and (6) Continuously disseminate findings to relevant stakeholders. Use of the tool proved highly feasible, acceptable and effective in each setting. To conclude, the SETTING-tool is validated to systematically map local contexts for (lung) health interventions in diverse low-resource settings. It can support policy-makers, non-governmental organisations and health workers in the design of context-driven implementation strategies. This can reduce the risk of implementation failure and the waste of resource potential. Ultimately, this could improve health outcomes.