bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the Design of Hydrogen Production Systems Based on Product Cost
Authors: Mraoui Abdelhamid , Khellaf Abdallah
Published: January 2020

In this work, the design of a hydrogen production system was optimized for Algiers in Algeria. The system produces hydrogen by electrolysis using a photovoltaic (PV) generator as a source of electricity. All the elements of the system have been modeled to take into account practical constraints. The cost of producing hydrogen has been minimized by varying the total power of the photovoltaic generator. An optimal ratio between the peak power of the PV array and the nominal power of the electrolyzer was determined. Photovoltaic module technology has been varied using a large database of electrical characteristics. It was noted that PV technology does not have a very significant impact on cost. The minimum cost is around 0.44$/N m3, and the power ratio in this case is 1.45. This results in a cost reduction of around 12% compared to a unit ratio. The power ratio and cost are linearly dependent. Only a small number of technologies give a relatively low cost of about 0.35$/N m3. These generators are interesting; however, we assumed an initial cost of $2.00/Wp for all technologies. In addition, it was noted that it is possible to increase hydrogen production by 10% by increasing the power of the photovoltaic generator, the extra cost in this case will only be 0.1%.
Three-Dimensional Thermo-Hydraulic Analysis of Solar Air Heater With Equilateral Prism-Shaped Rib Roughness
Authors: Ahmad Inzamam , Khan N. H. , Hassan M. A. , Paswan M. K.
Published: January 2020

Thermal transport and flow friction characteristics due to roughness on the absorber plate of solar air heater are evaluated by applying three-dimensional finite volume based code. Renormalization group (RNG) k–ɛ model is employed to capture the turbulent nature of the flow. The effect of equilateral prism-shaped rib roughness geometrical parameters in terms of relative roughness height (e/D) and relative roughness pitch (p/e) on heat transfer and flow friction is analyzed. Further, the effect of flow parameter, Re in the range of 4000–18,000 is also explored. Results are elucidated in terms of average Nusselt number, friction factor, turbulent kinetic energy, and eddy dissipation. Results are compared with a smooth absorber plate solar air heater. Thermo-hydraulic performance of the roughened solar air heater is analyzed. Noteworthy augmentation in heat transport is obtained. The thermal enhancement factor is calculated for optimal performance and found to vary from 1.7 to 3.5. However, friction factor and pressure loss for roughened plate is significantly higher than its smooth counterpart. The pressure drop across the test section increases with the rise in roughness height due to flow obstruction. A minimum value of the friction factor enhancement ratio worth 2.13 is obtained. Enhancement in thermal transport and pressure losses are combined by introducing a thermo-hydraulic performance factor (THHP). For the range of parameters investigated, the optimum value of the thermo-hydraulic performance factor is found to be 3.41. Correlations for average Nusselt number and friction factor are offered at the end.
Advanced Solar MPPT Techniques Under Uniform and Non-Uniform Irradiance: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Pathak Pawan Kumar , Yadav Anil Kumar , Alvi P. A.
Published: January 2020

Advancement of human civilization has led to rapid industrialization going in hand with urbanization and globalization, which have elevated energy demand worldwide. Conventional energy sources with the fear of being exhausted at a rapid pace seem to fail to quench inflated energy demand alone. Solar being a ubiquitous and eco-friendly source of renewable energy has become one of the most dominant forms of power generation implemented in diverse applications. To maximize the efficacy of the solar photovoltaic (SPV) system, it must be operated at maximum power point (MPP) that incorporates the use of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. MPPT algorithm is a self-automated control technique that compels the SPV system to operate at MPP thereby harnessing maximum obtainable power under time-varying environmental conditions such as solar intensity, temperature, SPV module characteristics, and module shading. This paper puts forward an elaborated study on 27 MPPT techniques that are pervasive in the SPV system. The entire assessment deals with MPPT techniques employed under uniform solar insolation varying from time to time as well as global maximum power point tracking (GMMPT) techniques employed under partial shading (PS) conditions. Vivid comparisons among all the MPPT techniques along with their brief discussion, merits, and demerits have been done. Moreover, a detailed structure of error-based incremental conductance MPPT has been proposed.
Lotus-Leaf Inspired Surfaces: Hydrophobicity Evolution of Replicas Due to Mechanical Cleaning and Mold Wear
Authors: Romano Jean-Michel , Garcia-Giron Antonio , Penchev Pavel , Gulcur Mert , Whiteside Ben R. , Dimov Stefan
Published: January 2020

Inspired from the low wetting properties of Lotus leaves, the fabrication of dual micro/nanoscale topographies is of interest to many applications. In this research, superhydrophobic surfaces are fabricated by a process chain combining ultrashort pulsed laser texturing of steel inserts and injection molding to produce textured polypropylene (PP) parts. This manufacturing route is very promising and could be economically viable for mass production of polymeric parts with superhydrophobic properties. However, surface damages, such as wear and abrasion phenomena, can be detrimental to the attractive wetting properties of replicated textured surfaces. Therefore, the final product lifespan is investigated using mechanical cleaning of textured PP surfaces with multipurpose cloths following the ASTM D3450 standard. Second, the surface damage of replication masters after 350 injection molding cycles with glass-fiber-reinforced PP, especially to intensify mold wear, was investigated. In both cases, the degradation of the dual-scale surface textures had a clear impact on surface topography of the replicas and thus on their wetting properties, too.
Strawberry Plant Alive Status Detection and Relative Pixel Based Plant Localization
Authors: Kong Xiangling , Xu Yunjun
Published: January 2020

Autonomous plant alive status monitoring and corresponding localization of individual plant are two important tasks in precision agriculture. In this study, two new methods that are crucial to such robotic operations are proposed. First, a low cost and light scene invariant approach is proposed to differentiate green and yellow leaves using distinct color-ratio index ranges. Second, based on the relative pixel information of neighboring plants, an extended Kalman filter is used to determine plant positions. Such a differential style localization method is shown to be capable of achieving a similar centimeter level accuracy as light detection and ranging (LIDAR) or real-time kinematic-global positioning system (RTK-GPS) based approaches, but with a much lower upfront and maintenance cost. These two new methods are successfully validated in a nearby commercial field.
An Intense, But Ecologically Valid, Resistance Exercise Session Does Not Alter Growth Factors Associated With Cognitive Health
Authors: Marston Kieran J. , Brown Belinda M. , Rainey-Smith Stephanie R. , Bird Sabine , Wijaya Linda K. , Teo Shaun Y. M. , Martins Ralph N. , Peiffer Jeremiah J.
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the acute changes in growth factors associated with cognitive health following two ecologically valid, intense resistance exercise sessions. Twenty-nine late-middle-aged adults performed one session of either (a) moderate-load resistance exercise or (b) high-load resistance exercise. Venous blood was collected prior to warm-up, immediately following exercise and 30 min following exercise. Serum was analyzed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Session intensity was determined by blood lactate concentration and session rating of perceived exertion. Postexercise blood lactate was greater following moderate-load when compared with high-load resistance exercise. Subjective session intensity was rated higher by the session rating of perceived exertion following moderate-load when compared with high-load resistance exercise. No differences were observed in serum growth factor levels between groups. Ecologically valid and intense moderate-load or high-load exercise methods do not alter serum growth factor levels in late-middle-aged adults.
Spatial and temporal alterations in protein structure by EGF regulate cryptic cysteine oxidation
Authors: Behring Jessica B. , van der Post Sjoerd , Mooradian Arshag D. , Egan Matthew J. , Zimmerman Maxwell I. , Clements Jenna L. , Bowman Gregory R. , Held Jason M.
Published: January 2020

EGF-induced conformational changes enable the oxidation of cryptic cysteine residues in target proteins.
The Efflux Pump MexXY/OprM Contributes to the Tolerance and Acquired Resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Colistin
Authors: Puja Hélène , Bolard Arnaud , Noguès Aurélie , Plésiat Patrick , Jeannot Katy
Published: January 2020

The intrinsic resistance of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
to polymyxins in part relies on the addition of 4-amino-4-deoxy-
l
-arabinose (Ara4N) molecules to the lipid A of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), through induction of operon
arnBCADTEF-ugd
(
arn
) expression. As demonstrated previously, at least three two-component regulatory systems (PmrAB, ParRS, and CprRS) are able to upregulate this operon when bacteria are exposed to colistin. In the present study, gene deletion experiments with the bioluminescent strain PAO1::
lux
showed that ParRS is a key element in the tolerance of
P. aeruginosa
to this last-resort antibiotic (i.
Role of Cecal Microbiota in the Differential Resistance of Inbred Chicken Lines to Colonization by
Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Chintoan-Uta Cosmin , Wisedchanwet Trong , Glendinning Laura , Bremner Abi , Psifidi Androniki , Vervelde Lonneke , Watson Kellie , Watson Mick , Stevens Mark P.
Published: January 2020

Campylobacter
is a leading cause of foodborne diarrheal disease worldwide. Poultry are a key source of human infections, but there are currently few effective measures against
Campylobacter
in poultry during production. One option to control
Campylobacter
may be to alter the composition of microbial communities in the avian intestines by introducing beneficial bacteria, which exclude the harmful ones. We previously described two inbred chicken lines which differ in resistance to intestinal colonization by
Campylobacter
. Here, we investigated the composition of the microbial communities in the gut of these lines and whether transferring gut bacteria between the resistant and susceptible lines alters their resistance to
Campylobacter
. No major differences in microbial populations were found, and resistance or susceptibility to colonization was not conferred by transferring gut bacteria between lines. The data suggest that gut microbiota did not play a role in resistance to
Campylobacter
colonization, at least in the lines used.
A Quorum Quenching Bacterial Isolate Contains Multiple Substrate-Inducible Genes Conferring Degradation of Diffusible Signal Factor
Authors: Wang Huishan , Liao Lisheng , Chen Shaohua , Zhang Lian-Hui
Published: January 2020

Diffusible signal factor (DSF) represents a family of widely conserved quorum sensing signals involved in the regulation of virulence factor production in many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. In this study, we developed a novel and efficient method for screening highly active DSF degradation microorganisms. With this method, we identified a bacterial isolate,
Pseudomonas
sp. strain HS-18, with a superb DSF degradation activity. We further found that strain HS-18 contains 4 genes responsible for DSF signal degradation, and significantly, these were induced by exogenous DSF molecules. These findings unveil the molecular basis of a highly efficient DSF degradation bacterial isolate and present useful methods, genes, and agents for control of the infectious diseases caused by DSF-dependent bacterial pathogens.
Nasal Delivery of a Commensal
Pasteurellaceae
Species Inhibits Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Colonization and Delays Onset of Otitis Media in Mice
Authors: Granland Caitlyn M. , Scott Naomi M. , Lauzon-Joset Jean-Francois , Langereis Jeroen D. , de Gier Camilla , Sutherland Katrien M. J. , Clark Sharon L. , Pickering Janessa L. , Thornton Ruth B. , Richmond Peter C. , Strickland Deborah H. , Kirkham Lea-Ann S.
Published: January 2020

Nasopharyngeal colonization with nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHi) is a prerequisite for developing NTHi-associated infections, including otitis media. Therapies that block NTHi colonization may prevent disease development. We previously demonstrated that
Haemophilus haemolyticus
, a closely related human commensal, can inhibit NTHi colonization and infection of human respiratory epithelium
in vitro
. We have now assessed whether
Muribacter muris
(a rodent commensal from the same family) can prevent NTHi colonization and disease
in vivo
using a murine NTHi otitis media model.
Inhibition of tRNA Synthetases Induces Persistence inChlamydia
Authors: Hatch Nathan D. , Ouellette Scot P.
Published: January 2020

Chlamydia trachomatisis the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections, andChlamydia pneumoniaecauses community-acquired respiratory infections.In vivo, the host immune system will release gamma interferon (IFN-γ) to combat infection. IFN-γ activates human cells to produce the tryptophan (Trp)-catabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Consequently, there is a reduction in cytosolic Trp in IFN-γ-activated host cells.
Rainbow Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Revealed Heterogenic Replication with Dynamic Gene Expression
Authors: Nakajima Ken-ichi , Guevara-Plunkett Sara , Chuang Frank , Wang Kang-Hsin , Lyu Yuanzhi , Kumar Ashish , Luxardi Guillaume , Izumiya Chie , Soulika Athena , Campbell Mel , Izumiya Yoshihiro
Published: January 2020

Sensitivity and resolution of molecular analysis are often compromised by the use of techniques that measure the ensemble average of large cell populations. Having a research tool to nondestructively identify the KSHV replication stage in an infected cell would not only allow us to effectively isolate cells of interest from cell populations but also enable more precise sample selection for advanced single-cell analysis. We prepared a recombinant KSHV that can report on its replication stage in host cells by differential fluorescence emission. Consistent with previous host gene expression studies, our experiments reveal the highly heterogenic nature of KSHV replication/gene expression at individual cell levels. The utilization of a newly developed reporter-KSHV and initial characterization of KSHV replication in single cells are presented.
Potential of using visual imagery to revolutionise measurement of emotional health
Authors: Herring Amy Mary Rose , Craven Michael P , Mughal Faraz , Rawsthorne Mat , Rees Kathie , Walker Leanne , Wolpert Miranda
Published: January 2020

Appropriate measurement of emotional health by all those working with children and young people is an increasing focus for professional practice. Most of the tools used for assessment or self-assessment of emotional health were designed in the mid-20th century using language and technology derived from pen and paper written texts. However, are they fit for purpose in an age of pervasive computing with increasingly rich audiovisual media devices being in the hands of young people? This thought piece explores how the increased use of visual imagery, especially forms that can be viewed or created on digital devices, might provide a way forward for more effective measuring of emotional health, including smiley faces, other emojis and other potential forms of visual imagery. The authors bring together perspectives from healthcare, counselling, youth advocacy, academic research, primary care and school-based mental health support to explore these issues.
Tracheal opening manoeuvre (PEEP-20) in a patient with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and severe tracheobronchomalacia with neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA)
Authors: Olguin Ciancio Maite , Cambra Francisco José , Pons-Odena Martí
Published: January 2020

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is occasionally associated with tracheobronchomalacia, and it is this combination that can lead to serious outcomes. The most severe cases require tracheostomies, ventilatory support and eventually even tracheal stents or surgery. Ventilation in patients with tracheomalacia is complicated without a good patient-ventilator synchrony; the neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) mode is potentially beneficial in these cases. This case report presents a patient affected by BPD and severe tracheobronchomalacia who was tracheostomised and ventilated 24 hours a day and who suffered from episodes of airway collapse despite using the NAVA mode. It was necessary to increase the positive end-expiratory pressure to 20 cmH2O (the PEEP-20 manoeuvre) for several minutes during an episode; this allowed the trachea to remain open and allowed us to optimise the patient’s ventilation. This strategy has previously been described in a patient with tracheomalacia, reducing the frequency and need for sedation in the following episodes.
Paediatric autoimmune neutropaenia
Authors: Michaels Joshua , Dhelaria Anshoo
Published: January 2020

Neutropaenia is defined as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of less than 1500 cells/µL and is often divided into mild (ANC: 1000 to 1500 cells/µL), moderate (ANC: 500 to 1000 cells/µL) and severe (ANC: >500 cells/µL) neutropaenia. Autoimmune neutropaenia is arguably one of the most clinically relevant forms of neutropaenia and is defined by an ANC of <500 cells/µL alongside the confirmed presence of anti-neutrophil antibodies. It is a rare subset of neutropaenia boasting an incidence of just 1 in 100 000 infants and is thought to be caused as a result of a ‘surveillance escape event’ of the immune system. This case report identifies key issues in the diagnosis and monitoring of paediatric patients with recurrent neutropaenia and reviews current literature relating to its management in hospital and community settings.
The use of ivabradine in a patient with inappropriate sinus tachycardia and cardiomyopathy due to limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I
Authors: Rajendram Rajkumar , AlDhahri Fahad , Mahmood Naveed , Kharal Mubashar
Published: January 2020

Muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of disorders that commonly involve cardiac and skeletal muscle. Comprehensive guidelines for the management of cardiac failure and arrhythmias are available. However, the studies from which their recommendations are derived did not include any patients with muscular dystrophy. Some medications (eg, betablockers) may have significant side effects in this cohort. In some situations the use of agents with unique mechanisms of action such as ivabradine (a ‘funny’ channel inhibitor) may be more appropriate. Use of ivabradine has not previously been reported in limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). We describe the course of a patient with LGMD type 2I, cardiomyopathy and inappropriate sinus tachycardia treated with ivabradine. As advances in respiratory support have improved the outcomes of patients with muscular dystrophy; the prognostic significance of cardiac disease has increased. Ivabradine is tolerated and may reduce symptoms, morbidity and mortality in this cohort.
Diagnosing inborn error of immunity following the presentation of a complicated acquired infection after MMRV vaccine administration
Authors: AlZoebie Lama , Al Sereidi Hend , Al Maeeni Shaima , Ramsi Musaab
Published: January 2020

Live vaccine-acquired infection should attest for the occurrence of inborn errors of immunity. Autosomal recessive immunodeficiency 31B, a result of a signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 genetic mutation, results in defected interferon pathways: interferon alpha/beta and interferon gamma. These interferons are crucial for the defence against viral and mycobacterial infections. Recognition is important for preventive and therapeutic approaches. Herein, we report the presentation of a newly diagnosed 13-month-old child with immunodeficiency 31B after presenting with disseminated measles and varicella infection after Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella vaccination.
Electrocardiographic alterations and raised procalcitonin levels during anaphylactic shock
Authors: Mirijello Antonio , D'Errico Maria Maddalena , Piscitelli Pamela , De Cosmo Salvatore
Published: January 2020

Anaphylaxis represents a systemic disease occurring after the exposure to an allergen. Drugs for the treatment of anaphylactic reactions (ie, corticosteroids and adrenalin) could induce autonomic alterations, such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, tachypnoea and leucocytosis. We describe the case of a 52-year-old woman presenting with a severe allergic reaction after the ingestion of amoxicillin-clavulanate. The occurrence of ECG alterations, laboratory abnormalities and procalcitonin (PCT) elevation will be discussed with particular emphasis on the possible misleading role of PCT during anaphylactic shock.
Living donor hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy in a healthy individual with situs inversus totalis: no need to turn down the donor
Authors: Benjamens Stan , van den Berg Tamar Alice Johanne , Lange Johan Frédéric Michel , Pol Robert Alexander
Published: January 2020

A 70-year-old healthy male individual offered to undergo a living donor hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy to enable kidney transplantation for a close relative. As required for all living transplant donor candidates, extensive screening was performed to exclude potential contraindications for donation. Tests revealed a situs inversus totalis, meaning a complete transposition of the thoracic and abdominal organs in the sagittal plane. As other contraindications for living kidney donation were absent, the feasibility of this procedure was determined multidisciplinary. A successful donation procedure was performed without surgical complications for the donor and good short-term transplant outcomes. In line with current developments that have resulted in more liberal criteria for potential living kidney donors, major anatomical deviations should not automatically be a contraindication. With multidisciplinary efforts and thorough surgical preparation at a high-volume transplant centre, this procedure is feasible and safe.
Does team reflexivity impact teamwork and communication in interprofessional hospital-based healthcare teams? A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: McHugh Siobhan Kathleen , Lawton Rebecca , O"Hara Jane Kathryn , Sheard Laura
Published: January 2020

Background

Teamwork and communication are recognised as key contributors to safe and high-quality patient care. Interventions targeting process and relational aspects of care may therefore provide patient safety solutions that reflect the complex nature of healthcare. Team reflexivity is one such approach with the potential to support improvements in communication and teamwork, where reflexivity is defined as the ability to pay critical attention to individual and team practices with reference to social and contextual information.

Objective

To systematically review articles that describe the use of team reflexivity in interprofessional hospital-based healthcare teams.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, six electronic databases were searched to identify literature investigating the use of team reflexivity in interprofessional hospital-based healthcare teams.

The review includes articles investigating the use of team reflexivity to improve teamwork and communication in any naturally occurring hospital-based healthcare teams. Articles’ eligibility was validated by two second reviewers (5%).

Results

Fifteen empirical articles were included in the review. Simulation training and video-reflexive ethnography (VRE) were the most commonly used forms of team reflexivity. Included articles focused on the use of reflexive interventions to improve teamwork and communication within interprofessional healthcare teams. Communication during interprofessional teamworking was the most prominent focus of improvement methods. The nature of this review only allows assessment of team reflexivity as an activity embedded within specific methods. Poorly defined methodological information relating to reflexivity in the reviewed studies made it difficult to draw conclusive evidence about the impact of reflexivity alone.

Conclusion

The reviewed literature suggests that VRE is well placed to provide more locally appropriate solutions to contributory patient safety factors, ranging from individual and social learning to improvements in practices and systems.

Trial registration number

CRD42017055602.
Johne's disease in dairy herds 1. Understanding the disease
Authors: Orpin Pete , Sibley Dick , Bond Karen
Published: January 2020

Background: Johne's disease (JD) is regarded as an incurable, chronic, debilitating disease of cattle that causes scour, weight loss and death. However, these clinical signs are rarely seen and tend to be sporadic with a low prevalence, even in affected herds. Increasing interest in the management of JD, particularly in dairy herds, has been brought about by recognition that it is associated with many other conditions such as mastitis, lameness, poor productivity and decreased production efficiency. Affected herds typically have high forced culling rates and inefficient productivity. Modern dairy farming – particularly the increase in herd size and the husbandry procedures around parturition and neonatal calf care – has led to an increased risk of the spread of JD within herds and, thus, rising prevalence, albeit in the subclinical form. However, these trends can be reversed with benefits for all concerned.

Aim of the article: This is the first article in a two‐part series and aims to give guidance on how JD can be controlled, managed and avoided in modern dairy herds, as well as how to comply with the guidance and requirements of the National Johne's Management Plan. The second article, to be published in a subsequent issue of In Practice, discusses how to achieve effective control using the plan.
3 Reducing frequent attenders to the emergency department at west suffolk hospital
Authors: Huang Fiona , Kiberu Yusef , Das Sreejib
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Patients who repeatedly attend the emergency department (ED) often have underlying complex social, psychological and chronic medical issues which are difficult to address in the emergency/acute medicine environment alone. Their attendances not only present a burden to the ED, but also can be a sign that the patient’s primary issue has been insufficiently addressed. At West Suffolk Hospital, we are trialling an approach to reduce frequency of ED attendances in a specific cohort of patients identified as being frequent attenders. In order to do this, we are using a multi-disciplinary approach including psychiatry services and ED clinicians.

Methods

Our cohort of frequent attenders were identified as patients presenting more than 4 times to ED between March 2017 to April 2018. Exclusion criteria was if the patient is under 18 years old, has known long term medical conditions and known safeguarding concerns. With collaborative working by the emergency medicine clinician and liaison psychiatry, a letter was sent to 38 patients in May 2018, identifying them as frequent attenders and inviting them to a tailored multi-disciplinary team meeting. Initially we are assessing the impact of the letter, so 6 months after the letters were sent out, we assessed patient attendances again. 2 patients were excluded due to moving out of area and being in prison. Paired sample for means t-test was used to compare attendances pre- and post-intervention.

Results

There were a wide range of presenting complaints to ED, most of which were psychiatric related – overdose, deliberate self harm, alcohol/drug related. The intervention letter improved the attendance rate the most in this cohort, whereas it had a negligible effect on attendances with physical complaints. The average fall in attendance was 33% in the 6 months post patients receiving the intervention letter. This reached significance level with p=0.039.

Conclusions

Sending frequent attender patients a letter and putting in place a care plan could significantly reduce Emergency Department attendances. However there were a small number of patients, making it difficult to assess the efficacy of our intervention especially when adjusting for patient relocation.

We are hoping to disseminate the locally trialed strategy region wide across East Anglia, providing many more data points. We can also implement the model not just in patients with psychiatric background, but also patients with chronic medical problems too with additions to the multi-disciplinary team as per the needs of the patient.
Percutaneous 60-day peripheral nerve stimulation implant provides sustained relief of chronic pain following amputation: 12-month follow-up of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Gilmore Christopher A , Ilfeld Brian M , Rosenow Joshua M , Li Sean , Desai Mehul J , Hunter Corey W , Rauck Richard L , Nader Antoun , Mak John , Cohen Steven P , Crosby Nathan D , Boggs Joseph W
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has historically been used to treat chronic pain, but generally requires implantation of a permanent system for sustained relief. A recent study found that a 60-day PNS treatment decreases post-amputation pain, and the current work investigates longer-term outcomes out to 12 months in the same cohort.

Methods

As previously reported, 28 traumatic lower extremity amputees with residual and/or phantom limb pain were randomized to receive 8 weeks of PNS (group 1) or 4 weeks of placebo followed by a crossover 4 weeks of PNS (group 2). Percutaneous leads were implanted under ultrasound guidance targeting the femoral and sciatic nerves. During follow-up, changes in average pain and pain interference were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form and comparing with baseline.

Results

Significantly more participants in group 1 reported ≥50% reductions in average weekly pain at 12 months (67%, 6/9) compared with group 2 at the end of the placebo period (0%, 0/14, p=0.001). Similarly, 56% (5/9) of participants in group 1 reported ≥50% reductions in pain interference at 12 months, compared with 2/13 (15%, p=0.074) in group 2 at crossover. Reductions in depression were also statistically significantly greater at 12 months in group 1 compared with group 2 at crossover.

Conclusions

This work suggests that percutaneous PNS delivered over a 60-day period may provide significant carry-over effects including pain relief, potentially avoiding the need for a permanently implanted system while enabling improved function in patients with chronic pain.

Trial registration number

NCT01996254.
Implementing psychosocial programming at a level 1 trauma center: results from a 5-year period
Authors: Simske Natasha M , Rivera Trenton , Breslin Mary A , Hendrickson Sarah B , Simpson Megen , Kalina Mark , Ho Vanessa P , Vallier Heather A
Published: January 2020

Background

The primary goal of the present study is to describe the psychosocial support services provided at our institution and the evolution of such programming through time. This study will also report the demographics and injury patterns of patients using available resources.

Methods

Trauma Recovery Services (TRS) is a social and psychological support program that provides services and resources to patients and families admitted to our hospital. It includes a number of different services such as emotional coaching from licensed counselors, educational materials, peer mentorship from trauma survivors, monthly support groups, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) screening and programming for victims of crime. Patients using services were prospectively recorded by hired staff, volunteers and students who engaged in distributing programming. Demographics and injury characteristics were retrospectively gathered from patient’s medical records.

Results

From May of 2013 through December 2018, a total of 4977 discrete patients used TRS at an urban level 1 trauma center. During the study period, 31.4% of the 15 640 admitted adult trauma patients were exposed to TRS and this increased from 7.2% in 2013 to 60.1% in 2018. During the period of 5.5 years, 3317 patients had ‘direct contact’ (coaching and/or educational materials) and 1827 patients had at least one peer visit. The average number of peer visits was 2.7 per patient (range: 2–15). Of the 114 patients who attended support groups over 4 years, 55 (48%) attended more than one session, with an average of 3.9 visits (range: 2–10) per patient. After the establishment of PTSD screening and Victims of Crime Advocacy and Recovery Program (VOCARP) services in 2017, a total of 482 patients were screened for PTSD and 974 patients used VOCARP resources during the period of 2 years, with substantial growth from 2017 to 2018.

Conclusions

Hospital-provided resources aimed at educating patients, expanding support networks and bolstering resiliency were popular at our institution, with nearly 5000 discrete patients accessing services during a period of 5.5 years. Moving forward, greater investigation of program usage, development, and efficacy is necessary.

Level of evidence

Level II therapeutic.
Stigma, pollen tube transmitting tract, and epidermal micromorphology of the style of Sarracenia purpurea (Sarraceniaceae)
Authors: Guo Jinyan , Halson Chad T.
Published: January 2020

Entomophilous flowers of the genus Sarracenia have a unique umbrella-shaped style, which consists of a broadened and flattened umbrella canopy and a thin cylindrical umbrella stalk. Anatomical and micromorphological features of the style of Sarracenia purpurea L. were studied using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This study found that the pollen tube transmitting tracts (PTTTs) start as a semi-solid canal filled with endotrophic conducting tissue, and run from the peripheral to the center of the canopy where the PTTT becomes a hollow canal supported by ectotrophic conducting tissue. The presence of stomata on the epidermis of the canopy and chloroplasts in its ground parenchyma indicate photosynthetic activities. Convex epidermal cells with intense cuticular striations on the canopy that are similar yet different from those on various regions of the sepals and petals indicate that it may provide contrasting visual cues for pollinators. Multicellular secretory glands and trichomes, which may provide olfactory cues and tactical cues respectively, are also found on the canopy. Thus, the stylar umbrella not only serves as a region for pollen grain capture, pollen germination, and pollen tube transmission but may also play an important role during pollinator–flower interactions.
Could ecological release buffer suppression efforts for non-native lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park?
Authors: Syslo John M. , Brenden Travis O. , Guy Christopher S. , Koel Todd M. , Bigelow Patricia E. , Doepke Philip D. , Arnold Jeffrey L. , Ertel Brian D.
Published: January 2020

Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park, USA, has the longest ongoing suppression program for non-native lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in the western USA. Harvest data from the suppression program, along with data from an assessment program initiated in 2011, was used to estimate lake trout abundance and mortality rates. Abundance and biomass estimates were used to estimate stock–recruitment dynamics, which were inputs to a simulation model forecasting responses to continued suppression. Abundance increased during 1998–2012 when total annual mortality exceeded 0.59 and declined thereafter. The fishing mortality rate required to reduce abundance was 67% greater than predicted by models that used prerecruit survival estimates from the lake trout’s native range. Prerecruit survival in Yellowstone Lake was estimated at four to six times greater than native range survival rates. Simulated abundance continued to decline if recent suppression efforts were maintained. High prerecruit survival in Yellowstone Lake likely illustrates ecological release for an invasive species in an ecosystem containing few predators or competitors and demonstrates the potential pitfalls of assuming equal demographic rates for native and non-native populations.
Study on wormhole geometry with $$\rho (R, R^{'})$$ matter in modified gravity
Authors: Godani Nisha , Debata Smrutirekha , Biswal Shantanu K. , Samanta Gauranga C.
Published: January 2020

In this work, static traversable wormholes are investigated in $$R^2$$R2 gravity with logarithmic trace term T, where R denotes the Ricci scalar, and $$T=-\rho +p_r+2p_t>0$$T=-ρ+pr+2pt>0, the trace of the energy momentum tensor. The connection between energy density of the matter component and the Ricci scalar is taken into account. Exact wormhole solutions are determined for three different novel forms of energy density: $$\rho =\alpha _1 R+\beta _1 R^{'}e^{\xi _1 R}$$ρ=α1R+β1R′eξ1R, $$\rho =\alpha _2 R e^{\xi _2 R}$$ρ=α2Reξ2R and $$\rho =\alpha _3 R^2+\beta _2 R^{'} e^{\xi _3 R^{'}}$$ρ=α3R2+β2R′eξ3R′, where prime denotes derivative with respect to r. The parameters $$\alpha _1$$α1, $$\beta _1$$β1, $$\xi _1$$ξ1, $$\alpha _2$$α2, $$\xi _2$$ξ2, $$\alpha _3$$α3, $$\xi _3$$ξ3 and $$\beta _2$$β2 play an important role for the absence of exotic matter inside the wormhole geometry. The parameter space is separated into numerous regions where the energy conditions are obeyed.
The exchange interactions in R–Co compounds where R is a rare-earth
Authors: Burzo E.
Published: January 2020

Starting from band structure calculations and 4f–5d–3d exchange interaction model, the magnetic properties of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and both rhombohedral and hexagonal [Formula: see text] series are analyzed. The complex and interdependent exchange interactions, within the spatial extent of the unit cell, are mediated by the R5d band polarizations, [Formula: see text]. The Curie temperatures of the analyzed series show linear dependences, with the same rate for both light and heavy rare-earth compounds, when plotting as function of [Formula: see text] values. The effects of substitutions at R and Co sites are discussed in correlation with changes in R5d band polarizations.
Wavelet pointwise estimations under multiplicative censoring
Authors: Wang Jinru , Zhang Zhenming , Zhang Xue , Zeng Xiaochen
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we investigate the wavelet-based estimators of a kind of censored mixture density and discuss their pointwise asymptotic convergence rates over Hölder spaces. We first consider the linear wavelet estimator and give its upper bound. However, the linear one is nonadaptive and not applicable since it is related to the unknown space parameter. Finally, we use the hard threshold method to explore adaptive nonlinear wavelet estimator and obtain the same convergence order as the linear one up to a logarithmic penalty.
Learning to trust quantum computers
Authors: Edwards Chris
Published: January 2020

They need to show us they can solve the biggest problems.
When human-computer interaction meets community citizen science
Authors: Hsu Yen-Chia , Nourbakhsh Illah
Published: January 2020

Empowering communities through citizen science.
Alignment algorithms for biological and biomedical networks comparison
Authors: Milano Marianna
Published: January 2020

This abstract present a Ph.D Thesis. The experimental work has been developed at University of Catanzaro, Italy.
Network Centralities as Statistical Inference for Large Networks
Authors: YU Pei-Duo
Published: January 2020

Brief Biography: Pei Duo YU received his Ph.D. degree in Computer Science at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) under the supervision of Dr. Chee Wei TAN. Before joining CityU in 2016, Pei Duo YU received M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics at National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan. He was a recipient of the CityU Outstanding Academic Performance Award.
Transient Gas Distribution in Porous Transport Layers of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolyzers
Authors: Lee CH. , Lee J. K. , Zhao B. , Fahy K. F. , Bazylak A.
Published: January 2020

Here, we elucidated the dynamic gas transport behavior in the anode porous transport layer (PTL) of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers via in operando synchrotron X-ray imaging. The imaging results showed that the gas saturation in the PTL reached steady state more rapidly with a steep current density ramp-up and a shallow ramp-down (compared to a shallow ramp-up and a steep ramp-down, respectively). Additionally, the gas accumulation was characterized by a faster response time compared to that of the gas removal due to the relatively slow migration of residual gas from the catalyst layer-PTL interface to the flow channels. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of gas response behavior on gas saturation during intermittent electrolyzer operation. Intermittent operation led to an increase in residual gas accumulation, which negatively impacted the electrolyzer performance. Our results are key for informing design and operating strategies for mitigating such hysteresis effects and improving the performance of PEM electrolyzers when coupled with intermittent renewable energy sources.
PF6
− Intercalation into Graphite Electrode from Gamma-butyrolactone/ethyl Methyl Carbonate
Authors: Zhu Dandan , Huang Yuhao , Zhang Lei , Fan Hui , Wang Hongyu
Published: January 2020

PF6
− intercalated graphite compounds have found promising applications in dual-ion batteries. However, the anion storage mechanisms of graphite positive electrode in different organic solvents have not been well understood yet, especially in the mixed solvents. In this report, PF6
− storage behavior in graphite electrode in 1 M LiPF6-GBL/EMC solutions is studied by conventional electrochemical tests like galvano-static charge-discharge and cyclic voltammetry at first. Then the combined electrochemical in situ characterizations including both in situ X-ray diffraction and electrochemical quartz crystal balance on graphite electrodes are carried out to trace their changes of crystal structure and mass during the anion storage. It is discovered that with EMC addition in the solutions, EMC rather than GBL will preferentially solvate with PF6
− anion as the intercalant species. Moreover, ionic conductivity values and NMR spectra of the solutions were measured to investigate the interactions between ions and solvents inside, and are correlated with the performance of graphite electrode.
X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells: What is the Representative Elementary Area?
Authors: Hack Jennifer , García-Salaberri Pablo A. , Kok Matthew D. R. , Jervis Rhodri , Shearing Paul R. , Brandon Nigel , Brett Dan J. L.
Published: January 2020

With the growing use of X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) datasets for modelling of transport properties, comes the need to define the representative elementary volume (REV) if considering three dimensions or the representative elementary area (REA) if considering two dimensions. The resolution used for imaging must be suited to the features of interest in the sample and the region-of-interest must be sufficiently large to capture key information. Polymer electrolyte fuel cells have a hierarchical structure, with materials spanning multiple length scales. The work presented here examines the nature of the REA throughout a 25 cm2 membrane electrode assembly (MEA), focusing specifically on the micron length scale. Studies were carried out to investigate key structural (volume fraction, layer and penetration thickness, pore diameters) and transport (effective diffusivity) properties. Furthermore, the limiting current density of the nine regions was modelled. Stochastic heterogeneity throughout the sample results in local variations throughout. Finally, effects of resolution were probed by imaging using a range of optical magnifications (4× and 20×). The correlated and competing effects of voxel resolution and sampling size were found to cause difficulties where loss of clarity in the boundaries between phases occurs with larger imaging volumes.
Sex- and age-dependent differences in the hormone and drinking responses to water deprivation
Authors: Quirós Cognuck Susana , Reis Wagner L. , Silva Marcia S. , Almeida-Pereira Gislaine , Debarba Lucas K. , Zorro Sandra V. , Mecawi André S. , Franci Celso R. , Elias Lucila L. K. , Antunes-Rodrigues José
Published: January 2020

Maintenance of the volume and osmolality of body fluids is important, and the adaptive responses recruited to protect against osmotic stress are crucial for survival. The objective of this work was to compare the responses that occur in aging male and female rats during water deprivation. For this purpose, groups of male and female Wistar rats aged 3 mo (adults) or 18 mo (old) were submitted to water deprivation (WD) for 48 h. The water and sodium (0.15 M NaCl) intake, plasma concentrations of oxytocin (OT), arginine vasopressin (AVP), corticosterone (CORT), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and angiotensin II (ANG II) were determined in hydrated and water-deprived animals. In response to WD, old male and female rats drank less water and saline than adults, and both adult and old females drank more water and saline than respective males. Dehydrated old animals displayed lower ANG II plasma concentration and CORT response compared with the respective normohydrated rats. Dehydrated adult males had higher plasma ANP and AVP as well as lower CORT concentrations than dehydrated adult females. Moreover, plasma OT and CORT levels of old female rats were higher than those in the dehydrated old male rats. Relative expression of ANG II type 1 receptor mRNA was decreased in the subfornical organ of adult and old male rats as well as adult female rats in response to WD. In conclusion, the study elucidated the effect of sex and age on responses induced by WD, altering the degree of dehydration induced by 48 h of WD.