bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study protocol for an exploratory interventional study investigating the feasibility of video-based non-contact physiological monitoring in healthy volunteers by Mapping Of Lower Limb skIn pErfusion (MOLLIE)
Authors: Harford Mirae , Areia Carlos , Villarroel Mauricio , Jorge Joao , Finnegan Eoin , Davidson Shaun , Mahdi Adam , Young Duncan , Tarassenko Lionel , Watkinson Peter J
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Skin perfusion varies in response to changes in the circulatory status. Blood flow to skin is reduced during haemodynamic collapse secondary to peripheral vasoconstriction, whereas increased skin perfusion is frequently observed when haemodynamics improve with resuscitation. These changes in perfusion may be monitored using non-contact image-based methods. Previous camera-derived physiological measurements have focused on accurate vital signs monitoring and extraction of physiological signals from environmental noise. One of the biggest challenges of camera-derived monitoring is artefacts from motion, which limits our understanding of what parameters may be derived from skin. In this study, we use phenylephrine and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) to cause vasoconstriction and vasodilation in stationary healthy volunteers to describe directional changes in skin perfusion pattern.

Methods and analysis

We aim to recruit 30 healthy volunteers who will undergo protocolised infusions of phenylephrine and GTN, followed by the monitored and timed release of a thigh tourniquet. The experimental timeline will be identical for all participants. Measurements of traditionally used haemodynamic markers (heart rate, blood pressure and stroke volume) and camera-derived measurements will be taken concurrently throughout the experimental period. The parameters of interest from the image data are skin colour and pattern, skin surface temperature, pulsatile signal detected at the skin surface and skin perfusion index.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was reviewed and approved by the Oxford University Research and Ethics Committee and Clinical Trials and Research Governance teams (R63796/RE001). The results of this study will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN10417167.
Improving gender equity in critical care medicine: a protocol to establish priorities and strategies for implementation
Authors: Parsons Leigh Jeanna , de Grood Chloe , Ahmed Sofia , Bosma Karen , Burns Karen E A , Fowler Robert , Fox-Robichaud Alison , Mehta Sangeeta , Mele Tina , Straus Sharon E , Zepeda Nubia , Kemp Laryssa , Fiest Kirsten , Stelfox Henry Thomas
Published: June 2020

Introduction

While the number of women entering medical school now equals or surpasses the number of men, gender equity in medicine has not been achieved. Women continue to be under-represented in leadership roles (eg, deans, medical chairs) and senior faculty positions. In addition, women do not enter medical specialties as often as men, which can have important implications for work environment, reimbursement and the delivery of patient care. Compared with other medical specialties (eg, anaesthesiology, dermatology, etc), critical care medicine is a medical specialty with some of the lowest representation of women. While strategies to improve gender equity in critical care medicine exist in the published literature, efforts to comprehensively synthesise, prioritise and implement solutions have been limited.

The objective of this programme of work is to establish priorities for the development and implementation of key strategies to improve the outcomes, well-being and experiences of women in critical care in Canada.

Methods and analysis

Three phases encompass this programme of work. In phase I, we will catalogue published strategies focused on improving gender inequity across medical specialties through a scoping review. In phase II, we will conduct a modified Delphi consensus process with decision-makers, physicians and researchers to identify key strategies (identified in phase I and proposed by participants in phase II) for improving gender inequity in the specialty of critical care medicine. Finally, in phase III, we will conduct a 1-day stakeholder meeting that engages participants from phase II to build capacity for the development and implementation of top ranked strategies. Data analyses from this programme of work will be both quantitative and qualitative.

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed programme of work is a foundational step towards establishing targeted strategies to improve gender inequity in the medical specialty of critical care medicine. Strategies will be prioritised by stakeholders, mapped to preidentified drivers of gender equity in the specialty and be scalable to institutional needs. A final report of our results including the list of top prioritised strategies and implementation objectives will be disseminated to panel participants, critical care leadership teams and major critical care societies who are partners in this work, around the country to facilitate uptake at the local level.

The University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board has approved this study (REB16-0890).
Variation in the estimated costs of pivotal clinical benefit trials supporting the US approval of new therapeutic agents, 2015–2017: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Moore Thomas J , Heyward James , Anderson Gerard , Alexander G Caleb
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Little is routinely disclosed about the costs of the pivotal clinical trials that provide the key scientific evidence of the treatment benefits of new therapeutic agents. We expand our earlier research to examine why the estimated costs may vary 100-fold.

Design

A cross-sectional study of the estimated costs of the pivotal clinical trials supporting the approval of 101 new therapeutic agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration from 2015 to 2017.

Methods

We licensed a software tool used by the pharmaceutical industry to estimate the likely costs of clinical trials to be conducted by contract research organisations. For each trial we collected 52 study characteristics. Linear regression was used to assess the most important factors affecting costs.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The mean and 95% CI of 225 pivotal clinical trials using varying assumptions. We also assessed median estimated costs per patient, per clinic visit and per drug.

Results

Measured as pivotal trials cost per approved drug, the 101 new molecular entities had an estimated median cost of US$48 million (IQR US$20 million–US$102 million). The 225 individual clinical trials had a median estimate of US$19 million (IQR US$12 million–US$33 million) per trial and US$41 413 (IQR, US$29 894–US$75 047) per patient. The largest single factor driving cost was the number of patients required to establish the treatment effects and varied from 4 patients to 8442. Next was the number of trial clinic visits, which ranged from 2 to 166. Our statistical model showed trial costs rose exponentially with these two variables (R2=0.696, F=257.9, p<0.01).

Conclusions

The estimated costs are modest for measuring the benefits of new therapeutic agents but rise exponentially as more patients and clinic visits are required to establish a drug effect.
Development and evaluation of a novel protective device for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the COVID-19 pandemic: the EBOX
Authors: Mcleod Robert William John , Warren Neil , Roberts Stuart Ashley
Published: June 2020

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, aerosol-generating procedures such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) have been considered high risk. We designed a novel acrylic box (endoscopy box (EBOX)) with the intention of limiting aerosol and droplet spread during such procedures. We evaluated clinical utility, impact on the endoscopy team and also assessed the impact of the EBOX on macroscopic droplet spread from a simulated cough during UGIE.

Methods

Clinical utility was evaluated prospectively via EBOX use on 15 patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (13) or endoscopic ultrasound (2). Feedback was recorded from the endoscopy team regarding ease of positioning, impact of the EBOX on procedural performance and cleaning. A cough was simulated via explosion of a hyperinflated balloon containing 0.75 mL of ultraviolet disclosing lotion within the oral cavity of a mannequin, with and without the EBOX. Macroscopic spread was then evaluated with a ultraviolet torch.

Results

Three endoscopists and the team members found that the EBOX did not hamper the procedure and felt it was a useful adjunct to full personal protective equipment (PPE). Simulated cough without the EBOX identified macroscopic spread up to 2.3 m away from the patient’s mouth as well as onto key areas such as the exposed neck of the endoscopist, which is not considered in current PPE guidance. Simulated cough using the EBOX significantly reduced macroscopic spread onto key areas of the healthcare workers.

Conclusions

The EBOX is a valuable adjunct to recommended PPE for UGIE, but still allows these procedures to be performed in the standard manner.
Non-amplification genetic alterations ofHER2gene in non-small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Mehta Anurag , Nathany Shrinidhi , Tripathi Rupal , Sharma Sanjeev Kumar , Saifi Mumtaz , Batra Ullas
Published: June 2020

Aims

The present study investigated the incidence and spectrum of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) mutations, associated clinicopathological characteristics and the co-occurrence ofHER2gene amplification in theHER2gene mutated cases in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

All patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) who underwent broad genomic profiling by next generation sequencing (NGS) from 2015 to 2019 were included in the study.HER2gene amplification was checked in all theHER2gene mutated cases. Tumour tissues of all the mutated cases were examined by fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH).

Results

Fifty-four (37.2%) out of the 145 cases harboured tier 1 driver mutations comprisingEGFRin 22.1%, ALK rearrangements in 7.6% cases,ROS1rearrangements andBRAFV600Ein 3.5% cases each, andNTRKfusion in 0.7% cases. Nine (6.2%) cases exhibited a significant genetic alteration inHER2gene (tiers 2 and 3) on NGS. The most common alteration was exon 20 insertion of amino acid sequence AYVM in five cases (p.E770_A771insAYVM) followed by insertion of YVMA (p.A771_Y772insYVMA) in one case, insGSP (p.V777_G778insGSP) in one case and two missense mutations: p.G776C and p.QA795C (novel variant). The median copy number of the HER2 gene was 3.21 while on FISH, the median HER2/CEP17 ratio was 2.0.

Conclusions

There is a relatively higher occurrence ofHER2exon 20 mutations as primary oncogenic driver in NSCLC especially LUAD. Our cohort has demonstrated (p.E770_A771insAYVM) as the strikingly dominant insertion mutation against the most often globally reported (p.A771_Y772insYVMA).
Association between air pollution and lung development in schoolchildren in China
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Haitao , Chen Jian , Wang Jiansheng , Ren Dunqiang , Hu Wei , Wang Hongmei , Han Wei , Leng Shuguang , Zhang Rong , Zheng Yuxin
Published: June 2020

Background

China has been facing nationwide air pollution at unprecedented high levels primarily from fossil–fuel combustion in the past decade. However, few studies have been conducted on the adverse effect of severe air pollution on lung development in school-age children.

Methods

Using wellness check and air pollution data from 2014 to 2017, we conducted a retrospective analysis of lung development in 21 616 school-age children from Shijiazhuang and Qingdao from North China with severe vs mild air pollution. Linear mixed effects model was performed to assess the effect of air pollution on forced vital capacity (FVC) growth.

Results

Exposure to severe air pollution was associated with a dramatic reduction in annual FVC growth rate (−71.3 mL,  p< 0.001). In addition, every 10 μg/m3increase in annual PM2.5level was associated with a reduction of annual FVC growth by 12.2 mL ( p< 0.001). Sex discrepancy (boys vs girls) in FVC growth was greater in Qingdao (35.4 mL/year, 95% CI: 26.0 to 44.7) than in Shijiazhuang (19.8 mL/year, 95% CI: 9.3 to 30.3) (p for interaction=0.063). Exposure to indoor coal- or wood-burning stove heating (−79.4 mL,  p< 0.001) and secondhand smoke at home (−59.3 mL,  p= 0.003) were inversely associated with FVC growth.

Conclusion

Our study raised serious alarm over the threat of severe air pollution to lung development in school-age children. Sex discrepancy in lung development was reduced dramatically in heavily polluted area.
HER2-LAMP vaccines effectively traffic to endolysosomal compartments and generate enhanced polyfunctional T cell responses that induce complete tumor regression
Authors: Chen Alan Chen , Xu Renhuan , Wang Tao , Wei Junping , Yang Xiao-Yi , Liu Cong-Xiao , Lei Gangjun , Lyerly Herbert Kim , Heiland Teri , Hartman Zachary Conrad
Published: June 2020

Background

The advent of immune checkpoint blockade antibodies has demonstrated that effective mobilization of T cell responses can cause tumor regression of metastatic cancers, although these responses are heterogeneous and restricted to certain histologic types of cancer. To enhance these responses, there has been renewed emphasis in developing effective cancer-specific vaccines to stimulate and direct T cell immunity to important oncologic targets, such as the oncogene human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), expressed in ~20% of breast cancers (BCs).

Methods

In our study, we explored the use of alternative antigen trafficking through use of a lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP) domain to enhance vaccine efficacy against HER2 and other model antigens in bothin vitroandin vivostudies.

Results

We found that inclusion of this domain in plasmid vaccines effectively trafficked antigens to endolysosomal compartments, resulting in enhanced major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II presentation. Additionally, this augmented the expansion/activation of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and also led to elevated levels of antigen-specific polyfunctional CD8+ T cells. Significantly, vaccination with HER2-LAMP produced tumor regression in ~30% of vaccinated mice with established tumors in an endogenous model of metastatic HER2+ BC, compared with 0% of HER2-WT vaccinated mice. This therapeutic benefit is associated with enhanced tumor infiltration of activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate the potential of using LAMP-based endolysosomal trafficking as a means to augment the generation of polyfunctional, antigen-specific T cells in order to improve antitumor therapeutic responses using cancer antigen vaccines.
Absence of SCAPER causes male infertility in humans andDrosophilaby modulating microtubule dynamics during meiosis
Authors: Wormser Ohad , Levy Ygal , Bakhrat Anna , Bonaccorsi Silvia , Graziadio Lucia , Gatti Maurizio , AbuMadighem Ali , McKenney Richard J , Okada Kyoko , El Riati Saad , Har-Vardi Iris , Huleihel Mahmoud , Levitas Eliahu , Birk Ohad S , Abdu Uri
Published: June 2020

Background

Mutationin S-phase cyclin A-associated protein rin the endoplasmic reticulum(SCAPER) have been found across ethnicities and have been shown to cause variable penetrance of an array of pathological traits, including intellectual disability, retinitis pigmentosa and ciliopathies.

Methods

Human clinical phenotyping, surgical testicular sperm extraction and testicular tissue staining. Generation and analysis ofshort spindle 3(ssp3) (SCAPERorthologue)DrosophilaCAS9-knockout lines. In vitro microtubule (MT) binding assayed by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy.

Results

We show that patients homozygous for aSCAPERmutation lack SCAPER expression in spermatogonia (SPG) and are azoospermic due to early defects in spermatogenesis, leading to the complete absence of meiotic cells.Interestingly,Drosophila null mutants for the ubiquitously expressedssp3gene are viable and female fertile but male sterile. We further show that male sterility inssp3null mutants is due to failure in both chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. In cells undergoing male meiosis, the MTs emanating from the centrosomes do not appear to interact properly with the chromosomes, which remain dispersed within dividing spermatocytes (SPCs). In addition, mutant SPCs are unable to assemble a normal central spindle and undergo cytokinesis. Consistent with these results, an in vitro assay demonstrated that both SCAPER and Ssp3 directly bind MTs.

Conclusions

Our results show thatSCAPERnull mutations block the entry into meiosis of SPG, causing azoospermia. Null mutations inssp3specifically disrupt MT dynamics during male meiosis, leading to sterility. Moreover, both SCAPER and Ssp3 bind MTs in vitro. These results raise the intriguing possibility of a common feature between human andDrosophilameiosis.
Thrombotic complications of COVID-19 may reflect an upregulation of endothelial tissue factor expression that is contingent on activation of endosomal NADPH oxidase
Authors: DiNicolantonio James J , McCarty Mark
Published: June 2020

The high rate of thrombotic complications associated with COVID-19 seems likely to reflect viral infection of vascular endothelial cells, which express the ACE2 protein that enables SARS-CoV-2 to invade cells. Various proinflammatory stimuli can promote thrombosis by inducing luminal endothelial expression of tissue factor (TF), which interacts with circulating coagulation factor VII to trigger extrinsic coagulation. The signalling mechanism whereby these stimuli evoke TF expression entails activation of NADPH oxidase, upstream from activation of the NF-kappaB transcription factor that drives the induced transcription of the TF gene. When single-stranded RNA viruses are taken up into cellular endosomes, they stimulate endosomal formation and activation of NADPH oxidase complexes via RNA-responsive toll-like receptor 7. It is therefore proposed that SARS-CoV-2 infection of endothelial cells evokes the expression of TF which is contingent on endosomal NADPH oxidase activation. If this hypothesis is correct, hydroxychloroquine, spirulina (more specifically, its chromophore phycocyanobilin) and high-dose glycine may have practical potential for mitigating the elevated thrombotic risk associated with COVID-19.
Efficacy of medium chain triglyceride oil dietary supplementation in reducing seizure frequency in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy without cluster seizures: a non‐blinded, prospective clinical trial
Authors: Molina Jenifer , Jean‐Philippe Clementine , Conboy Lisa , Añor Sonia , de la Fuente Cristian , Wrzosek Marcin Adam , Spycher Andrea , Luchsinger Eva , Wenger‐Riggenbach Bettina , Montoliu Patricia , Gandini Gualtiero , Menchetti Marika , Ribeiro João Carlos , Varejão Artur , Ferreira Antonio , Zanghi Brian , Volk Holger Andreas
Published: June 2020

Background

Despite appropriate antiseizure drug (ASD) treatment, around two‐thirds of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) have seizures long‐term and 20–30per cent of affected dogs remain poorly controlled.

Methods

The current study aim is to test in a field trial the efficacy and tolerability of a commercially available diet enriched with 6.5per cent medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil in dogs (n=21) with at least a tier 1 idiopathic epilepsy diagnosis, without cluster seizures, in 10 veterinary practices across Europe. Each dog's quality of life (QoL), ataxia, sedation and frequency and severity of seizures were recorded by owners throughout the study.

Results

The mean seizure frequency per month, averaged over the entire 84‐day study, significantly (P=0.04) decreased 32per cent compared with the baseline monthly seizure frequency recorded during the month immediately before feeding the diet. Similarly, the seizure days rate (days/month) also declined (P<0.001) by 42per cent. QoL was reported as very good to excellent (>8.5/10) in 20 of the 21 dogs before starting the diet and this remained unchanged during the trial.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the use of a diet enriched with MCTs as an adjunct to ASD treatment may have some antiseizure properties for dogs diagnosed with IE, as demonstrated in previous studies.
Advancing animal welfare and ethics in veterinary practice through a national pet wellbeing task force, practice‐based champions and clinical audit
Authors: Wensley Sean , Betton Vicki , Martin Nicola , Tipton Emma
Published: June 2020

Background

Veterinary animal welfare advocacy can be undertaken at individual, community, national and international levels. The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a veterinary charity with 48 Pet Hospitals UK‐wide, created a consultative staff network to put an explicit organisational focus on animal welfare–focused veterinary practice.

Methods

PDSA created a national internal committee—a Pet Wellbeing Task Force—composed of veterinary staff representatives. Together with recruited hospital‐based Champions who serve as a focus for animal welfare and ethics within their clinical teams, the resulting staff network has described a vision of animal welfare and ethics within companion animal veterinary practice, with accompanying practice‐level actions. These actions have formed the basis for national clinical audit, repeated three times since 2013.

Results

The audit, alongside targeted interventions, has driven organisational change (eg, new policies), led to measurable improvements in pet wellbeing (eg, improved pain assessment and management) and stimulated collaborative practice‐based research with universities.

Conclusion

A dedicated staff network has facilitated organisation‐wide communication on animal welfare and ethics; offered a safe space to raise and discuss animal welfare and ethical issues; and fostered leadership, by working towards model veterinary practice with respect to animal welfare and ethics, with benefits for pet patients, staff and the wider veterinary and veterinary nursing professions.
Surveying veterinary ophthalmologists to assess the advice given to owners of pets with irreversible blindness
Authors: Somma Andre Tavares , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano , Schafaschek Ana Isabella , Gatti Luisa , Featherstone Heidi
Published: June 2020

Background

The primary purpose of this survey was to determine how veterinary ophthalmologists manage cases of irreversible blindness and to report the most common causes of blindness.

Methods

Respondents completed a questionnaire sent by email with the cooperation of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and the Latin American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. The questionnaire was developed containing 12 questions with both open and closed multiple‐choice response options.

Results

One hundred and eight veterinary ophthalmologists answered the questionnaire. Of the respondents, 83 per cent had graduated for more than 10 years. Glaucoma (63.56 per cent) was the main cited cause of blindness, followed by progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) (17.80 per cent) and retinal detachment (6.78 per cent). The major concerns of owners refer to the impact of blindness on quality‐of‐life, (39.31 per cent), followed by depression and anxiety (20 per cent), and environment adaptation (11.72 per cent). General recommendations include avoidance of changes in the domestic environment (18.45 per cent), use of auditory stimulation (14.09 per cent) and avoidance of dangerous areas (12.75 per cent). Almost 31 per cent of professionals do not recommend the use of literature on how to deal with blind pets.

Conclusions

The survey determined glaucoma and PRA as the most common causes of irreversible blindness in pets. Several recommendations that are frequently given to owners of blind pets are presented.
Low-volume acute multi-joint resistance exercise elicits a circulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor response but not a cathepsin B response in well-trained men
Authors: Johnson Trevor K. , Belcher Daniel J. , Sousa Colby A. , Carzoli Joseph P. , Visavadiya Nishant P. , Khamoui Andy V. , Whitehurst Michael , Zourdos Michael C.
Published: June 2020

This study examined if acute multi-joint resistance exercises (RE; back squat, bench press, and deadlift) to volitional failure elicited a postexercise increase in the circulating response of biomarkers associated with neuroprotection. Thirteen males (age: 24.5 ± 3.8 years, body mass: 84.01 ± 15.44 kg, height: 173.43 ± 8.57 cm, training age: 7.1 ± 4.2 years) performed 4 sets to failure at 80% of a 1-repetition maximum on the squat, bench press, and deadlift in successive weeks. The measured biomarkers were brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), cathepsin B (CatB), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Biomarkers were assessed immediately before and 10-min after exercise. There was a main time effect (pre-exercise: 24.00 ± 0.61 to postexercise: 27.38 ± 0.48 ng/mL; p < 0.01) for BDNF with increases in the deadlift (p = 0.01) and bench press (p = 0.01) conditions, but not in the squat condition (p = 0.21). There was a main time effect (pre-exercise: 0.87 ± 0.16 to postexercise: 2.03 ± 0.32 pg/mL; p < 0.01) for IL-6 with a significant increase in the squat (p < 0.01), but not the bench press (p = 0.88) and deadlift conditions (p = 0.24). No main time effect was observed for either CatB (p = 0.62) or IGF-1 (p = 0.56). In summary, acute multi-joint RE increases circulating BDNF. Further, this investigation is the first to report the lack of a transient change of CatB to an acute RE protocol.

Novelty Low-volume RE to failure can increase BDNF. Resistance training does not confer an acute Cat B response.
A new method and apparatus for measuring in situ air permeability of unsaturated soil
Authors: Qiu Q.W. , Zhan L.T. , Leung A.K. , Feng S. , Chen Y.M.
Published: June 2020

A new apparatus and an interpretation method simplified from existing solutions of spherical air flow in soil were developed to measure in situ air permeability (ka) of unsaturated soil. By pumping air with a controlled volumetric flux (qv) into a spherical aeration bulb and measuring the corresponding pseudo-steady-state air gauge pressure (Δp0), kawas determined based on the slope of a qv–Δp0relationship. The method was applied to measure kain a full-scale landfill cover. The kameasurements were verified by finite-element modelling of air flow. The measurements show good agreement with the computed results. Sensitivity analyses reveal that using a smaller bulb radius (r0) would increase the measurement accuracy by minimising the boundary effects associated with atmospheric conditions and contrasting kabetween neighbouring soils. Yet, the use of a small bulb would result in more prominent effects of preferential flow and hence substantial overestimation of ka. For a small bulb size (r0= 0.01 m), the measurement accuracy of kacould be within 15% (i.e., 2.4 × 10−13to 6.3 × 10−13m2) of the true values when the ratio of vertical-to-horizontal kais between 0.4 and 1.
Effect of incorporating forage pea (Pisum sativum L.) hay into cereal hay on ruminal fermentation and apparent digestibility when fed to beef heifers
Authors: Pursley A.A. , Biligetu B. , Warkentin T.D. , Lardner H.A. , Penner G.B.
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion rate of pea hay in barley or oat hay diets for beef cattle. Six ruminally cannulated heifers (407 ± 38 kg) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square (25 d periods) with a 2 × 3 factorial design. Treatments included whole-crop barley or oat hay with pea hay blended in to achieve inclusion rates of 0%, 15%, or 30% (dry matter basis) of the forage. Pea hay inclusion increased dry matter intake (DMI; P = 0.03) by 0.75 kg d−1 relative to diets without pea hay, but the response was not linear or quadratic. Inclusion of pea hay linearly increased mean ruminal pH (P = 0.039), the concentration of butyrate in ruminal fluid (P = 0.013), plasma urea nitrogen (N) concentration (P = 0.001), and quadratically increased ruminal ammonia concentration (P < 0.001). Pea hay inclusion reduced crude protein (CP) digestibility by 2.87% relative to cereal-only treatments (P = 0.025), but did not affect N intake, microbial N, or N excretion. Overall, pea hay inclusion increased DMI, increased ruminal butyrate concentration, but reduced CP digestibility without affecting N balance.
ZnxCd1-xS/g-C3N4 nanocomposites: synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Xiaoyue , Dong Limin , Shan Lianwei , Jin Xinxin , Guo Yingkui
Published: June 2020

In this work, we prepared ZnxCd1-xS/g-C3N4 nanocomposites with excellent catalytic effect by the simple chemical precipitation method. The ZnxCd1-xS/g-C3N4 composite with excellent effect of degrading methylene blue (MB) was prepared by adjusting the ratio of Zn to Cd. The Zn0.25Cd0.75S/g-C3N4 nanocomposites have the highest degradation efficiency, which can reach 92.25%. The specific surface area and visible light absorption range are increased by the synergistic effect of the combination of ZnxCd1-xS and g-C3N4. The ZnxCd1-xS/g-C3N4 nanocomposites prepared by this study with excellent photocatalytic properties provide a method for the preparation of new composite materials in the future.
NNLO zero-jettiness beam and soft functions to higher orders in the dimensional-regularization parameter $$\epsilon $$
Authors: Baranowski Daniel
Published: June 2020

We present the calculation of the next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) zero-jettiness beam and soft functions, up to the second order in the expansion in the dimensional regularization parameter $$\epsilon $$ϵ. These higher order terms are needed for the computation of the next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order ($$\hbox {N}^3\hbox {LO}$$N3LO) zero-jettiness soft and beam functions. As a byproduct, we confirm the $${\mathcal {O}}{(\epsilon ^0)}$$O(ϵ0) results for NNLO beam and soft functions available in the literature by Gaunt et al. (JHEP 4:113, 2014), Gaunt et al. (JHEP 8:20, 2014), Boughezal et al. (Phys Rev D 96:34001, 2017), Monni et al. (JHEP 8:10, 2011) and Kelley et al. (Phys Rev D 84:45022, 2011).
Heavy-light mesons on the light front
Authors: Tang Shuo , Li Yang , Maris Pieter , Vary James P.
Published: June 2020

We study the heavy-light mesons within basis light-front quantization. The resulting mass spectra of D, $$D_s$$Ds, B, and $$B_s$$Bs agree reasonably well with experiments. We also predict states which could be measured in the near future. In the light-front formalism, we calculate the light-front wave functions and additional experimental observables, such as parton distribution functions, distribution amplitudes, and decay constants by means of integrations over light-front wave functions. We also provide ratios of decay constants for selected pseudoscalar meson decays ($$D_s$$Ds to D and $$B_s$$Bs to B) as they may prove to be theoretically more robust and more reliably determined in experiments. We find that our ratios are systematically smaller than existing experiments and other approaches by 5–18%.
High-pressure Raman study of the alkaline-earth metal fulleride, Ca2.75C60
Authors: Terzidou A. G. V. , Nakagawa T. , Yoshikane N. , Rountou R. , Rix J. , Karabinaki O. , Christofilos D. , Arvanitidis J. , Prassides K.
Published: June 2020

The structural stability and electronic properties of [Formula: see text] are probed by means of high-pressure Raman spectroscopy using two different pressure transmitting media that lead to practically identical results. Although [Formula: see text] is isostructural with the rare-earth metal fulleride, [Formula: see text] of the same stoichiometry, the pressure coefficients of characteristic intramolecular [Formula: see text] modes are larger than those in the [Formula: see text] counterpart but similar to those in the pristine [Formula: see text] solid. Since the reduced pressure coefficients in the Sm fulleride have been attributed to strong [Formula: see text] coupling, our findings for the isostructural Ca fulleride are compatible with a reduced orbital mixing and [Formula: see text] coupling.
INVESTIGATION OF SOME PROPERTIES OF ZINC-NICKEL ALLOY PLATING WITH TRIETHANOLAMINE, p-AMINOBENZENESULFONIC ACID, AND GELATINE
Authors: GEZERMAN AHMET OZAN
Published: June 2020

Anticorrosion requirements for the metallurgy, automotive, and aeronautical industries have increased in recent years, for which alternative plating chemicals must be developed. This study focuses on obtaining a Zn-Ni alloy plating with higher corrosion resistance and brightness. For this purpose, tetraethylenepentaamine as complexing agent, triethanolamine as the surfactant, and gelatin and [Formula: see text]-aminobenzenesulfonic acid as brightening agents for the plating were selected and their optimal concentrations were determined for applications. The optimal Zn-Ni ratio and plating thickness were analyzed using an X-ray Dal device. Improved plating performance of the Zn-Ni alloys was achieved with a Zn-Ni alloy containing 12–14% Ni.
Novel Multiperspective Hiring Framework for the Selection of Software Programmer Applicants Based on AHP and Group TOPSIS Techniques
Authors: Zaidan A. A. , Zaidan B. B. , Alsalem M. A. , Momani Fayiz , Zughoul Omar
Published: June 2020

The selection of software programmer applicants based on multiperspective evaluation criteria (grade point average (GPA) and soft skills of the applicants) is needed instead of an interview because an interview does not necessarily lead to hiring the best candidate amongst the applicants. The selection of a suitable software programmer is considered a challenging task owing to the following factors: (1) data variation, (2) multiple evaluation criteria and (3) criterion importance. A general framework for the selection of the best software programmer applicants is not available in the existing literature. The present study aims to propose a novel multiperspective hiring framework based on multicriteria analysis to select the best software programmer amongst several applicants. A decision matrix (DM) is constructed for the selection of the best programmer applicants according to multiple criteria, namely, structured programming, object-oriented programming, data structure, database system and courseware engineering. Each criterion includes two parameters, namely, GPA and soft skills, and these criteria cross over with programmer applicants as alternatives. The standard and expert opinion of the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge is used to distribute the criteria in the DM. The two commonly used techniques of multicriteria decision-making are analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for weighing the criteria and technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) for ranking the alternatives (programmer applicants). The data used in this study include 60 software engineering students who graduated in 2016 from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. Results show that integrating multilayer analytic hierarchy process (MLAHP) and group TOPSIS are effective for solving applicant selection problems. Group TOPSIS uses different contexts — internal and external aggregation — and indicates similar results. Objective validation is used for the ranking of the results, which are equally divided into four parts. Furthermore, the applicants are systematically ranked. This study benefits application software, system software and computer programming tool companies by providing a method that improves software quality whilst reducing time and cost in the selection process.
Almost flat relative vector bundles and the almost monodromy correspondence
Authors: Kubota Yosuke
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we introduce the notion of almost flatness for (stably) relative bundles on a pair of topological spaces and investigate basic properties of it. First, we show that almost flatness of topological and smooth sense are equivalent. This provides a construction of an almost flat stably relative bundle on enlargeable manifolds. Second, we show the almost monodromy correspondence, that is, a correspondence between almost flat (stably) relative bundles and (stably) relative quasi-representations of the fundamental group.
Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of Sn–TiO2 nanomaterials
Authors: Bayan E. M. , Lupeiko T. G. , Pustovaya L. E. , Volkova M. G.
Published: June 2020

Sn-doped TiO2 nanomaterials were synthesized by sol–gel method. It was shown the phase compositions and phase transitions change with the introduction of different tin amounts (0.5–20[Formula: see text]mol.%). X-ray powder diffraction was used to study the effect of different tin amounts on the anatase–rutile phase transition. It was found that the introduction of ions increases the thermal stability of anatase modifications. The material’s photocatalytic activity was studied in reaction with a model pollutant (methylene blue) photodegradation under UV and visible light activation. The best photocatalytic properties were shown for material, which contains 5[Formula: see text]mol.% of Sn.
Energy Demand Prediction of the Building Sector Based on Induced Kernel Method and MESSAGEix Model
Authors: TAN Xin , ZHAO Zijian , LIU Changyi , ZHANG Shining , CHEN Xing , HOU Fangxin , YANG Fang , GUO Fei
Published: June 2020

The building sector, including resident, commercial and public services, is one of the most energy-intensive sectors nowadays. The share of buildings’ energy consumption in the final energy dramatically increases in various scenarios. As the preliminary work of the final energy prediction, the prediction of useful energy demand of the building sector is essential in the fields of energy-related research, especially for the scenarios design. To this end, this paper presents the prediction of energy demand in the building sector based on the Induced Kernel Method (IKM) for the useful energy. First, similar to other learning-based prediction methods, a database is constructed for the training. Specifically, the database contains not only the historical data of the useful energy demand and related indicators, but also some development templates to induce the prediction. Second, the detailed process is mathematically deduced to predict the useful energy demand components of the building sector, including electricity and heating. Finally, using various countries as examples, prediction results of the useful energy are presented in the numerical analysis. Furthermore, by using useful energy prediction results as the input of the MESSAGEix model, the paper further predicts global final energy of the building sector.
History of Logo
Authors: Solomon Cynthia , Harvey Brian , Kahn Ken , Lieberman Henry , Miller Mark L. , Minsky Margaret , Papert Artemis , Silverman Brian
Published: June 2020

Logo is more than a programming language. It is a learning environment where children explore mathematical ideas and create projects of their own design. Logo, the first computer language explicitly designed for children, was invented by Seymour Papert, Wallace Feurzeig, Daniel Bobrow, and Cynthia Solomon in 1966 at Bolt, Beranek and Newman, Inc. (BBN).

Logo’s design drew upon two theoretical frameworks: Jean Piaget’s constructivism and Marvin Minsky’s artificial intelligence research at MIT. One of Logo’s foundational ideas was that children should have a powerful programming environment. Early Lisp served as a model with its symbolic computation, recursive functions, operations on linked lists, and dynamic scoping of variables.

Logo became a symbol for change in elementary mathematics education and in the nature of school itself. The search for harnessing the computer’s potential to provide new ways of teaching and learning became a central focus and guiding principle in the Logo language development as it encompassed a widening scope that included natural language, music, graphics, animation, story telling, turtle geometry, robots, and other physical devices.
Analysis of Hydroxyl Radical and Hydrogen Peroxide Generated in Helium-Based Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Jet and in Different Solutions Treated by Plasma for Bioapplications
Authors: Chen Tsung-Wen , Liu Chih-Tung , Chen Chao-Yu , Wu Mu-Chien , Chien Po-Chien , Cheng Yun-Chien , Wu Jong-Shinn
Published: June 2020

This study systematically analyzed reactive species generated with self-built helium-based low-temperature atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (He-APPJ); we measured the hydroxyl radical (·OH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) above surfaces of plasma–treating solutions and in plasma-treated medium (PTM) of different solutions, including deionized water, phosphate buffered saline, and Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium. The effects of adding O2 into He working gas on ·OH and H2O2 generation were discussed. The MCF7 cell responses to plasma treatment were also observed. The ·OH emission (309 nm) in He-APPJ and above surfaces of plasma–treating solutions were analyzed through optical emission spectroscopy, and concentrations of ·OH and H2O2 in different solutions were measured using terephthalic acid and Amplex Red, respectively. In our plasma system, it was observed that higher conductivity of solutions may cause stronger ·OH emission above solution. The ingredients of the solution may affect the concentrations of ·OH and H2O2. Addition of 0.1% O2 generates strongest ·OH emission above surfaces of plasma–treating solution with our He-APPJ, and thus, the highest H2O2 concentration in PTM. The MCF7 cell viability is influenced by the H2O2 concentration in PTM. The results of this study can facilitate further study of plasma effects on PTM and cell culture.
Preparation and Characterization of Nanofiber Catalyst Layer for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhang Qin-guo , Tong Shui-guang , Tong Zhe-ming , Cheng Zhe-wu
Published: June 2020

In this study, a nanofiber catalyst layer with high performance at low platinum loading was successfully prepared by electrospinning, and its structure and function were characterized by physical and electrochemical methods. The operating characteristics of the nanofiber catalyst layer under different temperature and humidity were determined. Under the same platinum loading conditions, the specific surface area of the nanofiber catalyst layer is 1.4 times that of the traditional catalyst layer, and the performance is also better. On the one hand, the nanofiber has a larger specific surface area, which provides more reactive sites for the catalyst layer; on the other hand, because the nanofiber catalyst layer has more pore structures, which is beneficial to the timely removal of water produced by the cathode And gas diffusion, thereby reducing the material transmission loss of the fuel cell at high current density. After adding hydrophilic SiO2, the contact angle of the electrospinning catalyst layer is smaller than that of the electrosprayed catalyst layer, so it has certain self-humidification ability.
Leucine-enriched amino acids maintain peripheral mTOR-Rheb localization independent of myofibrillar protein synthesis and mTORC1 signaling postexercise
Authors: Hannaian Sarkis J. , Hodson Nathan , Abou Sawan Sidney , Mazzulla Michael , Kato Hiroyuki , Matsunaga Keiko , Waskiw-Ford Marcus , Duncan Justin , Kumbhare Dinesh A. , Moore Daniel R.
Published: June 2020

This is the first study to investigate whether postexercise leucine-enriched amino acid (LEAA) ingestion elevates mTORC1 translocation and protein-protein interactions in human skeletal muscle. Here, we observed that although LEAA ingestion did not further elevate postexercise MyoPS or mTORC1 signaling compared with placebo, mTORC1 peripheral location and interaction with Rheb were maintained. This may serve to “prime” mTORC1 for subsequent anabolic stimuli.
CRISPR Tools for Physiology and Cell State Changes: Potential of Transcriptional Engineering and Epigenome Editing
Authors: Breunig Christopher T. , Köferle Anna , Neuner Andrea M. , Wiesbeck Maximilian F. , Baumann Valentin , Stricker Stefan H.
Published: June 2020

Given the large amount of genome-wide data that have been collected during the last decades, a good understanding of how and why cells change during development, homeostasis, and disease might be expected. Unfortunately, the opposite is true; triggers that cause cellular state changes remain elusive, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Although genes with the potential to influence cell states are known, the historic dependency on methods that manipulate gene expression outside the endogenous chromatin context has prevented us from understanding how cells organize, interpret, and protect cellular programs. Fortunately, recent methodological innovations are now providing options to answer these outstanding questions, by allowing to target and manipulate individual genomic and epigenomic loci. In particular, three experimental approaches are now feasible due to DNA targeting tools, namely, activation and/or repression of master transcription factors in their endogenous chromatin context; targeting transcription factors to endogenous, alternative, or inaccessible sites; and finally, functional manipulation of the chromatin context. In this article, we discuss the molecular basis of DNA targeting tools and review the potential of these new technologies before we summarize how these have already been used for the manipulation of cellular states and hypothesize about future applications.
Modified Least Trimmed Quantile Regression to Overcome Effects of Leverage Points
Authors: Midi Habshah , Alshaybawee Taha , Alguraibawi Mohammed
Published: June 2020

Quantile regression estimates are robust for outliers in y direction but are sensitive to leverage points. The least trimmed quantile regression (LTQReg) method is put forward to overcome the effect of leverage points. The LTQReg method trims higher residuals based on trimming percentage specified by the data. However, leverage points do not always produce high residuals, and hence, the trimming percentage should be specified based on the ratio of contamination, not determined by a researcher. In this paper, we propose a modified least trimmed quantile regression method based on reweighted least trimmed squares. Robust Mahalanobis’ distance and GM6 weights based on Gervini and Yohai’s (2003) cutoff points are employed to determine the trimming percentage and to detect leverage points. A simulation study and real data are considered to investigate the performance of our proposed methods.
Joint Channel Allocation and Power Control Based on Long Short-Term Memory Deep Q Network in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Ye Zifeng , Wang Yonghua , Wan Pin
Published: June 2020

Efficient spectrum resource management in cognitive radio networks (CRNs) is a promising method that improves the utilization of spectrum resource. In particular, the power control and channel allocation are of top priorities in spectrum resource management. Nevertheless, the joint design of power control and channel allocation is an NP-hard problem and the research is still in the preliminary stage. In this paper, we propose a novel joint approach based on long short-term memory deep Q network (LSTM-DQN). Our objective is to obtain the channel allocation schemes of the access points (APs) and the power control strategies of the secondary users (SUs). Specifically, the received signal strength information (RSSI) collected by the microbase stations is used as the input of LSTM-DQN. In this way, the collection of RSSI can be shared between users. After the training is completed, the APs are capable of selecting channels with small interference while the SUs may access the authorized channels in an underlay operation mode without knowing any knowledge about the primary users (PUs). Experimental results show that the channels are allocated to the APs with a lower probability of collision. Moreover, the SUs can adjust their power control strategies quickly to avoid the harmful interference to the PUs when the environment parameters change randomly. Consequently, the overall performance of CRNs and the utilization of spectrum resources are improved significantly compared to existing popular solutions.