bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocean warming and hypoxia affect embryonic growth, fitness and survival of small‐spotted catsharks, Scyliorhinus canicula
Authors: Musa Syafiq M. , Ripley Daniel M. , Moritz Timo , Shiels Holly A.
Published: May 2020

Elasmobranchs are key to a healthy marine ecosystem but are under threat from human activities, such as destructive fisheries and shark finning. Embryos of oviparous elasmobranchs may be further challenged during development by rising temperatures and falling dissolved oxygen concentrations in their intertidal environment. However, the impact of climate change on survival and growth of oviparous elasmobranchs is still poorly understood. Here, we investigate the effects of temperature and hypoxia on the growth and survival of small‐spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) embryos by incubating eggs in normoxia 15°C, normoxia 20°C, hypoxia 15°C, or hypoxia 20°C. Incubation under the elevated temperature increased the embryonic growth rate, yolk consumption rate and Fulton's condition factor at hatching, whilst decreasing the total length and body mass of newly hatched sharks. Under low oxygen conditions (50% air saturation) the survival rate of S. canicula embryos dropped significantly and the temperature‐induced increase in Fulton's condition factor was reversed. Together, these data demonstrate both the individual and compound effects of elevated temperature and hypoxia on the survival and growth during early ontogeny of a ubiquitous, coastal elasmobranch, S. canicula.
Feeding of Arapaima sp.: integrating stomach contents and local ecological knowledge
Authors: Jacobi Cristina M. , Villamarín Francisco , Campos‐Silva João V. , Jardine Timothy , Magnusson William E.
Published: May 2020

The giant arapaima (Arapaima sp.) has been described as a fish of change in Amazonia because of its important role in the conservation of floodplains, food security and income generation for rural communities. Nonetheless, despite the cultural, ecological and economic importance of arapaima, data on diet are scarce. Aiming to expand knowledge about arapaima diet in western Amazonia, scientific knowledge was integrated with the knowledge of local dwellers. During the low‐water period (September 2018) and the falling‐water period (June 2019), arapaima stomachs were collected from 11 floodplain lakes in the middle Juruá River. All fishes were measured [TL (total length)] and sexed. Food items from each stomach were categorized as fishes, invertebrates, plants and bone remains and weighed. Also, in the latter period, experienced local fishers were interviewed about arapaima feeding. This integrated approach revealed that young arapaima eat fish and invertebrates but adult arapaima eat fish of a wide range of species, which were mainly of low and intermediate trophic positions. This study reports the first case of cannibalism for arapaima and also shows that during the low‐water period, many individuals had empty stomachs or only some small fish‐bone remains and/or plant material. Arapaima sex and TL had no influence on the absence of prey in stomach contents. Overall, it can be concluded that local people had consistent ethnobiological knowledge of arapaima feeding ecology that could be useful within management projects in the region.
Seasonal movements and tributary‐specific fidelity of blue sucker Cycleptus elongatus in a Southern Plains riverscape
Authors: Dyer Joseph J. , Brewer Shannon K.
Published: May 2020

This study used acoustic telemetry and a multistate Cormack–Jolly–Seber model to determine the seasonal movement patterns of blue sucker Cycleptus elongatus from 2015 to 2017. Several hypotheses were ranked using AICc, and it was determined that the movement patterns of blue suckers in a mainstem reach below a hydropower dam (i.e., tailwater) differed from those of blue suckers tagged in the major tributaries (perennial with stream order >3). This study estimated a low probability (≤0.13) blue suckers would leave the tailwater reach at any time during the study. Conversely, blue suckers tagged in the major tributaries had a high probability (≥0.88) of leaving after the spawning season (February–May). Blue suckers tagged in the major tributaries displayed a high probability (0.83) of returning to the tributaries in the spawning season of 2016 when discharges were high. Blue suckers also had a higher probability of fidelity to the tributary where they were tagged (0.65) rather than straying to different tributaries (0.18). The majority of tagged blue suckers that strayed selected the only undammed tributary in the study area. In 2017, spring discharges were low, and the probability of blue suckers returning to any major tributary was low (0.19), with little difference in the probability of displaying site fidelity (0.10) vs. straying (0.09).
A Unique Presentation of Delirium in a Patient with Otherwise Asymptomatic COVID‐19
Authors: Alkeridy Walid A. , Almaghlouth Ibrahim , Alrashed Rashed , Alayed Khalid , Binkhamis Khalifa , Alsharidi Aynaa , Liu‐Ambrose Teresa
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVE

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), manifests with a wide spectrum of presentations. Most reports of COVID‐19 highlight fever and upper respiratory symptoms as the dominant initial presentations, consistent with the World Health Organization guidelines regarding suspected SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. However, atypical presentations of this disease have been evolving since the initial outbreak of the pandemic in December 2019. We report a case of an older male patient who presented at our hospital with an unusual manifestation of COVID‐19.

DESIGN

Brief report.

SETTING

A university hospital in Saudi Arabia.

PARTICIPANT

A 73‐year‐old man who presented with confusion in the absence of any respiratory symptoms or fever.

INTERVENTION

The patient was initially admitted with delirium and underwent a further work‐up.

MEASUREMENTS

Given his recent history of domestic travel and the declaration of a global COVID‐19 pandemic status, the patient was administered a swab test for SARS‐CoV‐2.

RESULTS

The patient's positive test led to a diagnosis of COVID‐19. Although he began to experience a spiking fever and mild upper respiratory symptoms, he recovered rapidly with no residual sequela.

CONCLUSION

The recognition of atypical presentations of COVID‐19 infection, such as delirium, is critical to the timely diagnosis, provision of appropriate care, and avoidance of outbreaks within healthcare facilities during this pandemic. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1382‐1384, 2020.
Healthcare experiences and quality of life of adults with coeliac disease: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Crocker H. , Jenkinson C. , Peters M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Coeliac disease affects many aspects of quality of life and treatment can be burdensome. Access to healthcare services is necessary for the diagnosis and management of coeliac disease. The present study aimed to investigate the healthcare experiences of adults with coeliac disease and explore the relationship between experiences and quality of life.

Methods

A cross‐sectional postal survey was sent to 800 members of Coeliac UK and contained questions about diagnosis, dietary advice, follow‐up appointments, prescriptions, knowledge and information provision, and quality of life [Coeliac Disease Assessment Questionnaire (CDAQ)]. Descriptive statistics were calculated. A total problem score summarised the number of problems experienced with healthcare services. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate experiential and demographic factors associated with quality of life.

Results

An average of 5.5 problems with healthcare services was reported, with females reporting significantly more problems than males (6.5 versus 5.0, P = 0.003). The total problem score was significantly related to the CDAQ overall index score and all CDAQ dimension scores (stigma, dietary burden, symptoms, social isolation, and worries and concerns) (P < 0.001). The analyses highlighted four key areas of healthcare experiences that were significantly related to quality of life: information provision, general practioners’ knowledge, communication with health professionals and access to prescriptions.

Conclusions

Poorer experiences of healthcare services in coeliac disease are related to worse quality of life. Improving services in the four key areas identified may help adults with coeliac disease to achieve a better quality of life.
Skin autofluorescence and malnutrition as predictors of mortality in persons receiving dialysis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Viramontes Hörner Daniela , Selby Nicholas M. , Taal Maarten W.
Published: May 2020

Background

Skin autofluorescence (SAF), which is a measure of accumulation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGE), and malnutrition are each associated with higher mortality in dialysis populations, although no studies have investigated these potentially related associations together. We simultaneously assessed SAF and malnutrition as risk factors for mortality in persons receiving dialysis.

Methods

SAF was measured in 120 haemodialysis and 31 peritoneal dialysis patients using an AGE Reader (DiagnOptics, Groningen, The Netherlands). Dietary AGE, energy, protein and fat intake, handgrip strength, anthropometry, biochemistry and Subjective Global Assessment were also evaluated. Time to event was days from baseline to death, kidney transplantation or 30 September 2018.

Results

Median observation time was 576 days, during which 33 (21.9%) patients died. Those who died had higher baseline SAF levels [3.8 ± 1.0 versus 3.3 ± 0.8 arbitrary units (AU); P = 0.001] and were more likely to be malnourished (58% versus 31%; P = 0.006). Malnourished persons who died had higher SAF values than those who died but were well‐nourished (4.2 ± 1.1 versus 3.3 ± 0.7 AU; P = 0.007). Survival was significantly better in participants with baseline SAF below the median and in those well‐nourished than those with baseline SAF above the median and in those malnourished, respectively. Multivariable analysis identified SAF [hazards ratio (HR) = 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.97; P = 0.02], malnutrition (HR = 2.35; 95% CI = 1.16–4.78; P = 0.02) and chronological age (HR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.10–2.33; P = 0.01) as independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusions

Although higher SAF and malnutrition are potentially inter‐related, they were both independently associated with increased mortality in this population. Interventions to improve outcomes by reducing SAF through correction of malnutrition or dietary AGE restriction require testing in prospective studies.
Comparative physicochemical stability and clinical anti‐wrinkle efficacy of transdermal emulgel preparations of 5% sodium ascorbyl phosphate and or ascorbic acid on human volunteers
Authors: Mohammadi Shima , Shokri Javad , Ranjkesh Mohammadreza , Akbari Hamed Shahabaddin , Monajjemzadeh Farnaz
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Antioxidant containing cosmeceuticals are commonly prescribed products in treating wrinkles and revitalizing the skin. The aim of this study was the comparative evaluation of physicochemical stability and clinical anti‐wrinkle efficacy of transdermal emulgel preparations of sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) and ascorbic acid (AA) on human volunteers.

Methods

Emulgel preparations containing 5% of (SAP) and or (AA) were prepared. HPLC analysis was performed for stability evaluations. Clinical anti‐wrinkle efficacy of the formulations was examined on human healthy volunteers in crow's feet area. Elasticity and digital images were recorded before and after treatment.

Results

Formulations with added antioxidants and kept in the refrigerator exhibited better stability characteristics. Two‐sided blind study and placebo‐controlled study showed that both actives were effective in wrinkles depth reduction and also elasticity enhancement but statistically significant difference in the efficacy of the products was not observed.

Conclusion

Formulations containing (AA) and or (SAP) both improved elasticity and wrinkles of the skin almost by the same extent, and it is necessary to add antioxidant stabilizing agents to both preparations to reach a desired stability.
Efficacy and adverse events of 4% articaine compared with 2% lidocaine on primary molar extraction: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Massignan Carla , Silveira Santos Pablo , Cardoso Mariane , Bolan Michele
Published: May 2020

Background

There is no consensus regarding the most effective anaesthetic solution for children; nerve block, especially mandibular, can be difficult for general dentists. Therefore, the study aims to compare the efficacy and the adverse events of articaine 4% with epinephrine 1:100 000 with lidocaine 2% with epinephrine 1:100 000 for primary molar extraction using buccal infiltration.

Methods

These are data from a parallel triple‐blind randomised controlled trial with a computer‐generated allocation treatment. Forty‐three children aged 6‐10 years with a clinical and radiographic indication of primary molar extraction were enrolled. The intervention was local buccal infiltration with articaine 4% compared with lidocaine 2%. The main outcome was pain during anaesthetic injection and tooth extraction. Adverse events were examined as secondary outcomes. Children were treated in a University setting from April to June 2019.

Results

Both solutions had similar anaesthetic efficacy in primary molar extraction when applied by the infiltrative technique (β −0.47; 95% CI −3.19 to 2.24;P = .76); however, children reported higher mean pain during articaine deposition (β 2.43; 95% CI 0.28‐4.57;P = .02). The measured lidocaine pH was 3.19 (0.15) and articaine was 2.43 (0.00) (P = .04). Post‐operative pain, oedema and nausea were observed without differences between the groups.

Conclusions

There was no difference in the efficacy of articaine compared to lidocaine for primary molar extraction. Articaine was more painful during the injection.

Practical implications

Primary molar extractions can be performed with both articaine and lidocaine buccal infiltration.
Impact of docusate and fauna‐free on feed intake, ruminal flora and digestive enzyme activities of sheep
Authors: Yu Chucai , Luo Qiujiang , Chen Yong , Liu Shimin , Zang Changjiang
Published: May 2020

Four Small‐tail Han male hogget sheep, fitted with rumen cannula and fed the same basal diet were used to study the impacts of docusate (DOC) and fauna‐free on the voluntary feed intake (VFI), and ruminal protozoal, bacterial and fungal counts and the digestive enzyme activities. By a 4 × 4 Latin square design, sheep were given no DOC (the control), 2 doses of DOC: 1.2 and 3.0 g/kg diet or oral dose of 6.0 g/d DOC for three days (fauna‐free treatment) in each period of 18 days, the last three days of which were for sampling the rumen fluid. Compared with the control, 1.2 g/kg of DOC supplementation significantly resulted in increases of 18.0% VFI and 44% bacterial count, and no significant change in the fungal number. Supplementing DOC reduced protozoal number in a dose‐dependent manner. The fibre degradation enzyme activity in rumen fluid increased by 17.7% with a concomitant 10% increase in volatile fatty acids (VFA); the protease activity was reduced by 23% with a corresponding reduction in rumen ammonia by 42%. In contrast, supplementing 3.0 g/kg of DOC has adverse effects on those measures compared with 1.2 g/kg of DOC. Defaunation was accompanied with substantial increases in the bacterial and fungal counts, but had no significant influences on VFI and the enzyme activity for starch, protein and pectin digestion, and small changes in fibre digestion enzymes and the total VFA compared with the control. A high correlation (r2 = 0.82) was noted between VFI and the total activity of fibre digestion enzymes and VFA. It was proposed that fibre digestion rate in the rumen is a primary factor for determining VFI in sheep, and dietary supplementation of 1.2 g/kg of DOC could partially result in enhanced activity of fibre digestive enzyme in the rumen and increase VFI.
Clinical features of hepatitis B patients at immune‐tolerance phase with basal core promoter and/or precore mutations
Authors: Li Min‐ran , Xu Zun‐gui , Lu Jian‐hua , Zheng Huan‐wei , Ye Li‐hong , Liu Yun‐yan , Liu Zhi‐quan , Zhang Hai‐cong , Huang Yan , Dai Er‐hei , Pan Calvin Q.
Published: May 2020

Little data exist on basal core promoter/precore (BCP/PC) mutations in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients at the immune‐tolerance (IT) phase. We studied consecutive treatment‐naïve, CHBe‐antigen (HBeAg)‐positive patients who had undergone liver biopsy and genotyping. Those in the IT phase or immune‐clearance (IC) phase were enrolled for comparison of the frequency of BCP/PC mutations and their clinical presentations. Subgroup analyses for the IT group were also performed between patients with and without mutations, and IC patients between fibrosis stages ≤2 vs fibrosis >2. Among 301 patients enrolled, 88/301 (29.24%) and 213/301 (70.76%) were at the IT and IC phase, respectively. The frequency of BCP/PC mutations in IT phase was significantly lower than those in IC phase (15.91% vs 64.79%, P < .001). The BCP mutation only was significantly more frequent than the PC mutation in both groups and also in all IC subgroups. IT patients with BCP/PC mutations had significantly higher quantitative anti‐HBc levels compared with those of patients with wild‐type virus (P < .05). They also had significantly lower mean levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin and qAnti‐HBc compared with those of IC patients (all P < .05). Additionally, they were significantly younger in mean age, had higher platelet count, higher levels of HBV DNA and surface antigen, as well as higher frequency of genotype B than those of IC patients with fibrosis >2 (all P < .05). BCP/PC mutations were found in IT patients with CHB. They had distinct clinical characteristics when compared with patients with wild‐type or at IC phase. Further studies are needed to understand their natural history and treatment outcomes.
Effects of 17α‐methyltestosterone feeding and immersion on masculinization of rosy barbs Pethia conchonius and dwarf gouramis Trichogaster lalius
Authors: Ramee Shane W. , Lipscomb Taylor N. , DiMaggio Matthew A.
Published: May 2020

Hormone treatments have commonly been used to skew sex ratios toward desired phenotypes. In sexually dichromic ornamental species, males are often more ornately colored and therefore more valuable. The synthetic androgen 17α‐methyltestosterone (MT) is one of the most common hormones used in this practice. The rosy barb, Pethia conchonius, and dwarf gourami, Trichogaster lalius, are two sexually dichromic species that would benefit from masculinization. The larvae of T. lalius and Pethia conchonius were exposed to MT over the first 30–60 days posthatch either through a series of 4‐hr immersions (0, 100, 200, 400, or 800 μg MT/L) or via top‐coated feed (0, 15, 30, 60, 120, 150, or 250 mg MT/kg feed). Survival was determined at the end of each treatment regime, and sex ratios were determined via gross dissections. In rosy barbs, none of the 30‐day treatments resulted in significant masculinization. MT feeding for 60 days resulted in more than 85% males in P. conchonius, but this was not significantly different from the control (70%). In T. lalius, paradoxical feminization was observed in immersion concentrations and 50 days of MT feed treatments.
Nursing home residents with advanced dementia and persistent vocalisations: Observations of surrounding context
Authors: Sefcik Justine S. , Ersek Mary , Cacchione Pamela Z.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Persistent vocalisations are commonly exhibited by persons with dementia and are often characterised as agitation or aggression. There has been little focus on persistent vocalisations independent from other behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia making it difficult to differentiate information about the context that surrounds the person with dementia, including the circumstances and events that precede and accompany the expression. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the context surrounding persistent vocalisations expressed by older adults residing in nursing homes (NH) with advanced dementia.

Design and Methods

The need‐driven dementia‐compromised behaviour model informed this qualitative descriptive study. This naturalistic qualitative observational study involved direct observations of nine older adults diagnosed with dementia residing in four NHs and included informal interviews with formal caregivers. Field notes were taken and analysed using conventional content analysis.

Results

Variability of exhibited persistent vocalisations was both observed by the investigator and explained by NH staff. Two themes emerged from the field notes; Routine of Staying in Room was identified for participants considered 'disruptive' to others, and Providing Care Without Communicating triggered persistent vocalisations.

Implications

The findings provide insight into the lack of therapeutic interactions between NH staff and persons with advanced dementia and persistent vocalisations residing in NHs. Ongoing, mandatory, evidence‐based training on person‐centred interventions and dementia care communication for all NH staff globally could have a significant impact on the delivery of holistic quality care for persons with dementia and persistent vocalisations.
Cystic lesions of the jaws: 13 years experience
Authors: Dhanrajani P. , Smith M.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Cysts of the mouth and jaws are common, and their management is an essential component of oral surgery. Patients may present with symptoms though more frequently they are asymptomatic and are referred as a result of incidental finding by a dentist. This retrospective study reviews the clinical presentation, radiologic features, management and outcomes of jaw cysts treated by a single oral surgeon between 2005 and 2018.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for data on diagnosis, pathology, treatment modalities and follow‐up outcomes among the patients. The principal emphasis is to report the outcome of odontogenic keratocytes managed conservatively in relation to recent World Health Organization classification.

Results

Records of 214 patients having a true cystic jaw lesion were reviewed. The most common cystic lesions were radicular cyst (38%) followed by dentigerous cysts (36%) and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) (10%). Fifty‐six percent (56 of 214) of all cystic lesions were asymptomatic on presentation and were identified by imaging. All patients underwent surgical intervention, including biopsy, enucleation and/or curettage as indicated. Cases were treated principally by enucleation. None of 214 cases showed any recurrence. Marsupialisation was the treatment for seven cases of eruption cyst and two cases of dentigerous cyst associated with erupting teeth in children.

Conclusions

Jaw cysts are not unusual, many of these cysts are asymptomatic and are identified incidentally on orthopantomography. Radicular cyst was the most common followed by dentigerous cyst and OKC. All the patients were treated successfully with surgical intervention and none showed any recurrence.
3D Finite Element Analysis of the Modular Prosthesis with Tooth Mechanism of the Femoral Shaft
Authors: Zhang Jian‐feng , Hu Yong‐cheng , Wang Bao‐cang , Wang Lei , Wang Hui , Li Yong , Yan Ming , Liu Hong‐tao
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the mechanical properties and provide a theoretical basis of a diaphyseal prosthesis with tooth mechanism using the finite element analysis method from the point of view of biomechanics.

Methods

A 3D digital femur model was generated based on a 28‐year‐old healthy man's femoral computed tomography (CT) data in Mimics 17.0 and the customized diaphyseal prostheses with/without tooth mechanism were designed in SolidWorks 2016. The 3D femur model after 8 cm osteotomy in the middle of its shaft and the prostheses with/without tooth mechanism was imported into Abaqus 2016 and the finite element analysis models were established. Three biomechanical tests (compression test, torsion test, and 3P‐bending test) under broken load were simulated in FEA to evaluate the performance of the prostheses.

Results

The stress distributions of the two prostheses were similar and the maximum von Mises stresses placed on them were very close in each test. The maximum von Mises stresses on the prosthesis with tooth mechanism were 31.55, 319.7, and 447.4 MPa, respectively, and those on the prosthesis without tooth mechanism were 26.26, 300.4, and 455.2 MPa, respectively, in the compression, torsion, and 3P‐bending tests. The maximum von Mises stresses on them were far below the ultimate tensile strength or ultimate compressive strength of the titanium alloy.

Conclusions

The diaphyseal prosthesis with tooth mechanism is helpful to adjust the rotation of the long bone during operation. Compared with the conventional diaphyseal prosthesis (without tooth mechanism), the diaphyseal prosthesis with tooth mechanism also has a good biomechanical performance and does not increase the risk of prosthetic failure.
Successful restoration of Metrosideros polymorpha (ʻōhiʻa) is possible in forest sites with active Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death infections
Authors: Yelenik Stephanie G. , Roy Kylle , Stallman Jeff
Published: May 2020

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), caused by the fungal pathogen Ceratocystis, is killing large numbers of ʻōhiʻa trees (Metrosideros polymorpha) in Hawaiʻi. ʻŌhiʻa are a dominant tree in Hawaiian forests, have a range that goes from arid to wet forest climates, and are important for endangered species habitat and ecosystem function. To test whether actively planting ʻōhiʻa seedlings is a viable restoration strategy in areas with high ROD mortality, we planted ʻōhiʻa in a ROD‐affected forest and crossed this with weeding and fencing treatments to compare ROD mortality to other stressors. We also tested for viable Ceratocystis spores in soils around planting areas. We found that seedlings were more likely to die in unweeded and unfenced treatments than controls. Although viable Ceratocystis spores were found in soil, none of the 41 dead seedlings tested positive for Ceratocystis. This indicates that competition from exotic plants and exotic feral ungulate damage are more likely to kill seedlings than ROD within the first year after planting.
A probabilistic framework for improving reverse geocoding output
Authors: Yin Zhengcong , Goldberg Daniel W. , Hammond Tracy A. , Zhang Chong , Ma Andong , Li Xiao
Published: May 2020

Reverse geocoding, which transforms machine‐readable GPS coordinates into human‐readable location information, is widely used in a variety of location‐based services and analysis. The output quality of reverse geocoding is critical because it can greatly impact these services provided to end‐users. We argue that the output of reverse geocoding should be spatially close to and topologically correct with respect to the input coordinates, contain multiple suggestions ranked by a uniform standard, and incorporate GPS uncertainties. However, existing reverse geocoding systems often fail to fulfill these aims. To further improve the reverse geocoding process, we propose a probabilistic framework that includes: (1) a new workflow that can adapt all existing address models and unitizes distance and topology relations among retrieved reference data for candidate selections; (2) an advanced scoring mechanism that quantifies characteristics of the entire workflow and orders candidates according to their likelihood of being the best candidate; and (3) a novel algorithm that derives statistical surfaces for input GPS uncertainties and propagates such uncertainties into final output lists. The efficiency of the proposed approaches is demonstrated through comparisons to the four commercial reverse geocoding systems and through human judgments. We envision that more advanced reverse geocoding output ranking algorithms specific to different application scenarios can be built upon this work.
GeoNat v1.0: A dataset for natural feature mapping with artificial intelligence and supervised learning
Authors: Arundel Samantha T. , Li Wenwen , Wang Sizhe
Published: May 2020

Machine learning allows “the machine” to deduce the complex and sometimes unrecognized rules governing spatial systems, particularly topographic mapping, by exposing it to the end product. Often, the obstacle to this approach is the acquisition of many good and labeled training examples of the desired result. Such is the case with most types of natural features. To address such limitations, this research introduces GeoNat v1.0, a natural feature dataset, used to support artificial intelligence‐based mapping and automated detection of natural features under a supervised learning paradigm. The dataset was created by randomly selecting points from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Geographic Names Information System and includes approximately 200 examples each of 10 classes of natural features. Resulting data were tested in an object‐detection problem using a region‐based convolutional neural network. The object‐detection tests resulted in a 62% mean average precision as baseline results. Major challenges in developing training data in the geospatial domain, such as scale and geographical representativeness, are addressed in this article. We hope that the resulting dataset will be useful for a variety of applications and shed light on training data collection and labeling in the geospatial artificial intelligence domain.
Hepatitis E virus is effectively inactivated in platelet concentrates by ultraviolet C light
Authors: Praditya Dimas , Friesland Martina , Gravemann Ute , Handke Wiebke , Todt Daniel , Behrendt Patrick , Müller Thomas H. , Steinmann Eike , Seltsam Axel
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives

As previous investigations have shown, THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets, a UVC‐based pathogen inactivation (PI) system, is effective against non‐enveloped transfusion‐relevant viruses such as hepatitis A virus (HAV), which are insensitive to most PI treatments for blood products. This study investigated the PI efficacy of THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets against HEV in platelet concentrates (PCs).

Materials and Methods

Buffy coat‐derived PCs in additive solution were spiked with cell culture‐derived HEV and treated with the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets system using various doses of UVC (0·05, 0·10, 0·15 and 0·20 (standard) J/cm2). Titres of infectious virus in pre‐ and post‐treatment samples were determined using a large‐volume plating assay to improve the detection limit of the virus assay.

Results

THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets dose‐dependently inactivated HEV in PCs. The standard UVC dose inactivated the virus to below the limit of detection, corresponding to a mean log reduction of greater than 3·5.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets system effectively inactivates HEV in PCs.
The authority and authenticity of performative Englishes in popular culture
Authors: Moody Andrew
Published: May 2020

Popular culture specifically (and media languages more generally) attach different degrees of importance to theauthorityandauthenticityof English in the Inner, Outer and Expanding Circles. Commitment to the authority of media Englishes has been maintained by use of a media standard, but more recent sociolinguistic work examining language as performance has come to highlight the equal importance of authenticity in media Englishes. Whereas the authenticity of English is more important than authority in the Inner Circle, authority remains relatively more important in the Expanding Circle. Media Englishes in the Outer Circle place equal importance on both authority and authenticity.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations of Aerodynamic Performance of Low-Pressure Axial Fans With Small Hub-to-Tip Diameter Ratio
Authors: Wang Jie , Kruyt Niels P.
Published: May 2020

Rotor-only ducted axial fans with small hub-to-tip diameter ratio are widely used in many branches of industry, especially for cooling and ventilation purposes. For such fans, extensive regions of backflow are present downstream of the fan near the hub. Only few computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies for such fans have been reported in the scientific literature. In order to develop guidelines for obtaining accurate CFD predictions for such fans, validation simulations of a fan with small hub-to-tip diameter ratio have been performed by comparing experimental and computed aerodynamic performance characteristics. These guidelines pay special attention to the trailing edge shape, presence of nonaerodynamically shaped blade sections, tip gap, and employed turbulence model. The results for the fan studied here show that the actual (rounded) trailing edge is necessary; the main blade (without nonaerodynamically shaped blade sections) well represents the aerodynamic performance of the whole fan blade; it is recommended not to take the tip gap into consideration due to the existence of significant flow separation; the use of the Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model is advised for giving better agreement with measurements.
An Investigation on Performance of an Asymmetric Twin-Scroll Turbine With a Small Scroll Bypass Wastegate for a Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine
Authors: Jin Jianjiao , Pan Jianfeng , Lu Zhigang , Wu Qingrui , Xu Lizhong , Fan Baowei , Quaye Evans K.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a novel one-dimensional matching method of an asymmetric twin-scroll turbine (ATST) with a small scroll bypass wastegate is initially presented for energy improvement. The developed method presents further insights into efficiency prediction of the ATST and the small scroll exhaust bypass in the matching process of model characterization. The efficiency of the small and large scroll turbines was approximately assessed with two times flow parameters of the small and large scroll turbines, respectively, as well as according to turbine efficiency prediction curves. Subsequently, given the matching results of a 9-L engine, a targeted ATST was developed; its effectiveness was verified by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the performance tests of a turbine and an engine. As revealed from the results, the prediction efficiency of the ATST well complies with that of the numerical calculation and performance tests of turbines and engines. Compared with the common large scroll exhaust bypass wastegate, the small one exhibits better engine performance and can save nearly 0.5–1.5% fuel consumption at middle and high engine speeds. Moreover, the reasons of which were explored for better understanding of the mechanism accordingly.
Application of Active Subspace Method in Gas Exchange Strategy Calibration on a Variable Valve Timing Gasoline Engine
Authors: Guan Cheng , Ma Qingjun , Huang Zhen , Han Dong
Published: May 2020

Modern internal combustion (IC) engines have complex configurations with many parameters to be tuned, and this system complication usually leads to a large amount of engine calibration experiments. In this study, the active subspace method was used to build predictive models for the gas exchange-related parameters, including volumetric efficiency, intake mass flow and pumping loss, and the power-related parameters, including engine torque and engine power. The results show that the predicted outputs fit well with the experimental data, with satisfactory coefficients of determination and average absolute errors (AAE). Further, the contributions and influence directions of the input parameters to the outputs were provided based on a sensitivity analysis, which is consistent with the existing knowledge, and therefore, verifies the reliability of the predictive model built based on the active subspace method. Finally, the relation between the training group size and the prediction performance was explored. It is shown that a reduction, up to 66%, in the training group size is still able to maintain good predictive performances of the models, indicating the substantial capability of the active subspace method to reduce the experimental efforts.
Effect of Nitromethane Addition on the Performance of Two-Stroke Spark Ignition Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Piston Engine
Authors: Raviteja S. , Ramakrishna P. A. , Ramesh A.
Published: May 2020

Nitromethane has a stoichiometric air–fuel ratio of 1.7, which is 8.5 times lower than gasoline. For the same amount of air being drawn by the engine, more amount of nitromethane blends and hence more energy can be added. Methanol was used as a medium to mix nitromethane and gasoline, which are normally immiscible. Engine performance tests were carried out to study the effect of nitromethane addition to the methanol-gasoline blend. A large rise in engine torque and brake thermal efficiency (BTE) was obtained during the investigation. However, the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) also increased for the nitromethane blends. The engine parameters like spark timing, equivalence ratio, and compression ratio were optimized to further increase the engine power and also bring down the BSFC. A net torque improvement of 42%, BTE improvement of 35%, and BSFC rise of 9% were obtained by adding nitromethane and methanol in small fractions to gasoline. Combustion analysis was carried out using the cylinder pressure trace. High heat release rate and shorter combustion duration with nitromethane addition were observed. Emission measurements showed decrease in HC and CO emissions with nitromethane addition. However, a drastic rise in NO emissions was observed. Hence, it can be concluded that the specific power of small two-stroke spark ignition (SI) engines can be enhanced using nitromethane as a fuel additive to increase the payload of the unmanned aerial vehicles.
The relationship between talker acoustics, intelligibility, and effort in degraded listening conditions
Authors: Paulus Maximillian , Hazan Valerie , Adank Patti
Published: May 2020

Listening to degraded speech is associated with decreased intelligibility and increased effort. However, listeners are generally able to adapt to certain types of degradations. While intelligibility of degraded speech is modulated by talker acoustics, it is unclear whether talker acoustics also affect effort and adaptation. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that talker differences are preserved across spectral degradations, but it is not known whether this effect extends to temporal degradations and which acoustic-phonetic characteristics are responsible. In a listening experiment combined with pupillometry, participants were presented with speech in quiet as well as in masking noise, time-compressed, and noise-vocoded speech by 16 Southern British English speakers. Results showed that intelligibility, but not adaptation, was modulated by talker acoustics. Talkers who were more intelligible under noise-vocoding were also more intelligible under masking and time-compression. This effect was linked to acoustic-phonetic profiles with greater vowel space dispersion (VSD) and energy in mid-range frequencies, as well as slower speaking rate. While pupil dilation indicated increasing effort with decreasing intelligibility, this study also linked reduced effort in quiet to talkers with greater VSD. The results emphasize the relevance of talker acoustics for intelligibility and effort in degraded listening conditions.
Rapid repurposing of drugs for COVID-19
Authors: Guy R. Kiplin , DiPaola Robert S. , Romanelli Frank , Dutch Rebecca E.
Published: May 2020

The emergence of a new coronaviral respiratory disease calls for repurposing existing drugs
Bacteriophage-Antibiotic Combination Strategy: an Alternative against Methicillin-Resistant Phenotypes of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kebriaei Razieh , Lev Katherine , Morrisette Taylor , Stamper Kyle C. , Abdul-Mutakabbir Jacinda C. , Lehman Susan M. , Morales Sandra , Rybak Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Comparative time-kill experiments with
Staphylococcus aureus
bacteriophage (phage) Sb-1 alone and phage-antibiotic combinations (PACs) against two methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) strains have shown synergy with both daptomycin-phage and vancomycin-phage combinations. PACs prevented development of phage resistance and demonstrated bactericidal activity for all triple combinations. In addition, the extracellular membrane vesicle (MV) formation and the potential impact of phage on MV suppression were examined.
Polyomavirus Small T Antigen Induces Apoptosis in Mammalian Cells through the UNC5B Pathway in a PP2A-Dependent Manner
Authors: Bhat Sameer Ahmed , Sarwar Zarka , Gillani Syed Qaaifah , Un Nisa Misbah , Reshi Irfana , Nabi Nusrat , Xie Shaozhen , Fazili Khalid M. , Roberts Thomas M. , Andrabi Shaida
Published: May 2020

UNC5B, PP2A, and netrin-1 are deregulated in a variety of cancers. UNC5B and PP2A are regarded as tumor suppressors, as they promote apoptosis and are deleted or mutated in many cancers. In contrast, netrin-1 promotes survival by inhibiting dependence receptors, including UNC5B, and is upregulated in many cancers. Here, we show that UNC5B-mediated apoptosis can occur independently of p53 but in a PP2A-dependent manner. A substantial percentage of cancers arise due to p53 mutations and are insensitive to chemotherapeutic treatments that activate p53. Unexpectedly, treatment of cancers having functional p53 with many conventional drugs leads to the upregulation of netrin-1 through activated p53, which is counterintuitive. Therefore, understanding the p53-independent mechanisms of the netrin-UNC5B axis, such as those involving PP2A, assumes greater clinical significance. Anticancer strategies utilizing anti-netrin-1 antibody treatment are already in clinical trials.
Diabetes mellitus in dogs
Authors: Davison Lucy
Published: May 2020

Canine diabetes mellitus is commonly diagnosed in first‐opinion practice. Some cases are more challenging to manage than others, particularly when concurrent conditions such as pancreatitis are present. This article describes a basic approach to the diagnosis and management of diabetes in dogs, including recognition and treatment of complications such as hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. Techniques for monitoring diabetic patients are discussed and an approach to the unstable diabetic patient is outlined.
One health and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Fawcett Anne
Published: May 2020

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved.

In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘One health and antimicrobial resistance’, was submitted and is discussed by Anne Fawcett. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue.

The series is being coordinated by Dr Steven McCulloch, acting director of the Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Winchester. It aims to provide a framework that will help practising veterinarians find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Non-fusion mutations in endometrial stromal sarcomas: what is the potential impact on tumourigenesis through cell cycle dysregulation?
Authors: Patel Snehal B , McCormack Colin , Hodge Jennelle C
Published: May 2020

Targeted next-generation sequencing using the 50-gene Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 identified two significant point mutations in endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS). Case 1 is a uterine mass from a quadragenarian woman with a karyotype lacking any known ESS rearrangements but demonstrated to have aCTNNB1-activating mutation (c.133T>C, p.[Ser45Pro]). Analysis of a uterine mass from case 2, a sexagenarian woman, revealed biallelicCDKN2A-inactivating mutations (c.172C>T, p.[Arg58Ter] and a deletion). Break-apart studies to identifyYWHAE,JAZF1andPHF1rearrangements were negative in both tumours. We propose a model in which these point mutations may affect cell proliferation, converging at Wnt signalling and G1-S checkpoint control, that independently or in concert with a rare gene fusion result in ESS tumour development or progression.
Longitudinal associations between neighbourhood trust, social support and physical activity in adolescents: evidence from the Olympic Regeneration in East London (ORiEL) study
Authors: Berger Nicolas , Lewis Daniel , Quartagno Matteo , Njagi Edmund Njeru , Cummins Steven
Published: May 2020

Background

Most UK adolescents do not achieve recommended levels of physical activity (PA). Previous studies suggest that the social environment could contribute to inequalities in PA behaviours, but longitudinal evidence is limited. We examined whether neighbourhood trust and social support were longitudinally associated with four common forms of PA: walking to school, walking for leisure, outdoor PA and pay and play PA. We further assessed whether gender moderated these associations.

Methods

We used longitudinal data from the Olympic Regeneration in East London (ORiEL) study. In 2012, 3106 adolescents aged 11–12 were enrolled from 25 schools in four deprived boroughs of East London, UK. Adolescents were followed-up in 2013 and 2014. The final sample includes 2664 participants interviewed at waves 2 and 3. We estimated logistic regression models using generalised estimating equations (GEEs) (pooled models) and proportional odds models (models of change) to assess associations between the social environment exposures and the PA outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders. Item non-response was handled using multilevel multiple imputation.

Results

We found that different aspects of the social environment predict different types of PA. Neighbourhood trust was positively associated with leisure-type PA. Social support from friends and family was positively associated with walking for leisure. There was some evidence that changes in exposures led to changes in the PA outcomes. Associations did not systematically differ by gender.

Conclusion

These results confirm the importance of the social environment to predict PA and its change over time in a deprived and ethnically diverse adolescent population.
Importance of collecting data on socioeconomic determinants from the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak onwards
Authors: Khalatbari-Soltani Saman , Cumming Robert C , Delpierre Cyrille , Kelly-Irving Michelle
Published: May 2020

Disadvantaged socioeconomic position (SEP) is widely associated with disease and mortality, and there is no reason to think this will not be the case for the newly emerged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has reached a pandemic level. Individuals with a more disadvantaged SEP are more likely to be affected by most of the known risk factors of COVID-19. SEP has been previously established as a potential determinant of infectious diseases in general. We hypothesise that SEP plays an important role in the COVID-19 pandemic either directly or indirectly via occupation, living conditions, health-related behaviours, presence of comorbidities and immune functioning. However, the influence of socioeconomic factors on COVID-19 transmission, severity and outcomes is not yet known and is subject to scrutiny and investigation. Here we briefly review the extent to which SEP has been considered as one of the potential risk factors of COVID-19. From 29 eligible studies that reported the characteristics of patients with COVID-19 and their potential risk factors, only one study reported the occupational position of patients with mild or severe disease. This brief overview of the literature highlights that important socioeconomic characteristics are being overlooked when data are collected. As COVID-19 spreads worldwide, it is crucial to collect and report data on socioeconomic determinants as well as race/ethnicity to identify high-risk populations. A systematic recording of socioeconomic characteristics of patients with COVID-19 will be beneficial to identify most vulnerable groups, to identify how SEP relates to COVID-19 and to develop equitable public health prevention measures, guidelines and interventions.