bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taxonomically Important Features on the Surface of Floatoblasts in
Plumatella (Bryozoa)
Authors: Reynolds Kevin T. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
At the species level, bryozoans (class Phylactolaemata) in the family
Plumatellidae are difficult to organize taxonomically. Of principal concern
is the absence of consistent distinguishing features due mainly to
plasticity of the group, a common problem with soft-bodied invertebrates.
Yet, within the last three decades, analysis of distinctive chitinous
statoblasts—using scanning electron microscopy—has resolved certain
taxonomic questions. I examined statoblasts from 30 similar collections, the
majority from the midwestern United States, and identified four distinct
subgroups. Also, nine new statoblast surface features were identified: fold,
polar grooves, bead, cave, demarcation, parasutural zone, ridge, sutural
band, and sutural knob. The surface features of floating statoblasts
(floatoblasts) provide useful data for species identification. Most
consistently useful in plumatellids is a suture which varies from one
species to the next. Mound-like tubercles and net-like ridges are next in
the extent of variability. Finally, folds and polar grooves are present but
vary even within floatoblasts from the same colony. Analysis of the suture
in Plumatella fungosa, over a 5-day germination
period, reveals all features at the site remain intact regardless of the
initial age of the floatoblast. Only the suture line itself splits
lengthwise to permit emergence of the new animal.
Cyst infection in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: our experience at Toranomon Hospital and future issues
Authors: Suwabe Tatsuya 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCyst infection is a frequent and serious complication of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) that is often difficult to treat and can be fatal. However, much is still unknown about cyst infection. Positron emission tomography (PET) is generally recommended for detecting infected cysts, but it has the disadvantages of limited availability, high cost, and radiation exposure. We have devised magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic criteria for cyst infection. Lipid-soluble antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones show good penetration into cysts and are recommended for cyst infection. However, we reported that fluoroquinolone-resistant microorganisms showed a high prevalence in cyst infection. We should, therefore, reconsider the empirical use of fluoroquinolones for ADPKD patients with cyst infection. We have suggested a new antibiotic strategy according to the severity of cyst infection. It may be important to consider the drug half-life in serum in addition to the drug susceptibility when selecting antibiotics Cyst drainage is necessary for some patients with refractory cyst infection; however, cyst drainage can be associated with severe adverse events. We suggest adaptation criteria for cyst drainage in patients with cyst infection in ADPKD. Most causative bacteria of cyst infection are enterobacteria, and hematogenous spread via bacterial translocation in the intestine is considered the main cause of cyst infection. Therefore, intestinal flora may be important for cyst infection. The role of the intestinal flora in cyst infection in ADPKD is unknown and should be explored in future research.
Expanding the host range: infection of a reptilian host (Furcifer pardalis) by an atypical Brucella strain
Authors: Eisenberg Tobias , Schlez Karen , Fawzy Ahmad , Völker Iris , Hechinger Silke , Curić Mersiha , Schauerte Nicole , Geiger Christina , Blom Jochen , Scholz Holger C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAtypical brucellae show deviant phenotypes and/or genotypes. Besides Brucella inopinata, B. microti and B. vulpis, atypical strains have been described infecting humans, rodents, amphibians and fish. They represent potential zoonotic agents. Here, we provide evidence that reptiles as the remaining poikilothermic vertebrate class also represent susceptible hosts for atypical Brucella.
Physiological Capacity During Simulated Stair Climbing Evacuation at Maximum Speed Until Exhaustion
Authors: Halder Amitava , Kuklane Kalev , Miller Michael , Nordin Axel , Unge Jeannette , Gao Chuansi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractStair-ascending at maximum ability is required during emergency evacuations to reach a safe refuge from deep underground structures. We hypothesized that an ascent can last maximum 5 min at the individual’s maximum step rate (SR), and oxygen uptake $$ ( {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{2} ) $$

(

V
˙

O
2

)

would not reach a stable state. This study explored stair-ascending endurance and some physiological constraints of performance. Eighteen healthy volunteers with mean (standard deviation, SD) age 26.7 (4.0) years, height 172.2 (10.7) cm, weight 68.0 (11.3) kg, BSA 1.8 (0.2) m−2, $$ {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{\rm 2max} $$

V
˙

O

2
max

48.5 (5.4) mL min−1 kg−1, and HRmax 192 (9) b min−1 ascended on a stair machine at a SR equivalent to their 100% $$ {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{\rm 2max} $$

V
˙

O

2
max

. The mean (SD) ascending duration was 3.47 (1.18) min, supporting the hypothesis. The calculated vertical height covered was 85.5 (32.1) m. The $$ {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{\rm 2highest} $$

V
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O

2
highest

reached 44.8 (7.3) mL min−1 kg−1, which was 92.3 (9.7)% of $$ {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{\rm 2max} $$

V
˙

O

2
max

when the HRhighest peaked at 174 (11) b min−1. However, the mean $$ ( {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{2} ) $$

(

V
˙

O
2

)

reached a relatively steady state after the sharp rise. The post-ascent blood lactate, respiratory exchange ratio, and perceived exertion values recorded were high, 14.4 (4.0) mmol l−1, 1.20 (0.09), and 18.2 (0.7), respectively, indicated that exhaustion was reached. The ascending SR rate was above the lactate threshold; therefore, the attainment of $$ {\dot{V}}{\text{O}}_{\rm 2} $$

V
˙

O
2

steady state was slowly reached. EMG amplitudes of four major leg muscles increased and the median frequencies of two muscles decreased significantly (p < .01) indicating local muscle fatigue (LMF). Leg LMF and hyperventilation resulted in speedy exhaustion leading to termination. These results infer that stair ascending at maximum ability (122 steps min−1) is possible to sustain 2–6 min. These overall results offer useful and vital information to consider when designing underground emergency evacuation facilities.
FLAME: A Parametric Fire Risk Assessment Method Supporting Performance Based Approaches
Authors: Danzi Enrico , Fiorentini Luca , Marmo Luca 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA fire risk assessment has always been a challenging task. Performance-based approaches to fire engineering have shown that risk-based decisions and fire scenarios are fundamental elements that must be considered in fire safety strategies. A correct assessment of the fire risk allows all the involved stakeholders to identify a specific strategy from among a variety of possibilities. A risk assessment is the best tool to identify comparable fire protection strategies and to measure the reduction in fire risk that can be obtained with each specific prevention and protection measure, i.e., by means of different fire safety strategies. The present paper illustrates a method that takes into account several well-known methods, even some that were developed as far back as in the early seventies. The method is named “FLAME” (Fire Risk Assessment Method for Enterprises). FLAME considers fundamental fire safety aspects instead of making use of sophisticated and time-consuming methods like CFD. FLAME uses the “Fire Safety Concept Tree”, which is explained in detail in the NFPA 550 Standard, as a reference scheme. The method allows the risk to the occupants to be evaluated separately from the risk to the building. Over the years, we have tested the method considering different kinds of buildings and occupancies. We here report the results of an application of the FLAME method to hospitals and health-care facilities. Overall, about 300 compartments (overall size of about 60,000 m2) were analysed, including two hospitals of about 200,000 m2 each. The results of the risk estimation with the FLAME code have been found to be coherent with Italian fire code prescriptions. About 44% of the compartments were defined as being at a Medium risk and 39% as being at a high risk (according to the Italian Fire Code). More than 60% of the hospital compartments were defined as being at a High risk. A good agreement was obtained between the RSET results with those of the method proposed in FLAME when using the current performance-based regulation criteria. The RSET estimation in FLAME considers the occupants’ behaviour and the actual characteristics of the occupants in clinics or hospitals, who often have difficulties due to reduced mobility or an incapacity to understand emergency instructions.
Markovian and Non-Markovian Quantum Measurements
Authors: Glick Jennifer R. , Adami Christoph 
Published: July 2020

AbstractConsecutive measurements performed on the same quantum system can reveal fundamental insights into quantum theory’s causal structure, and probe different aspects of the quantum measurement problem. According to the Copenhagen interpretation, measurements affect the quantum system in such a way that the quantum superposition collapses after each measurement, erasing any memory of the prior state. We show here that counter to this view, un-amplified measurements (measurements where all variables comprising a pointer are in principle controllable) have coherent ancilla density matrices that encode the memory of the entire set of (un-amplified) quantum measurements that came before, and that the chain of this entire set is therefore non-Markovian. In contrast, sequences of amplified measurements (measurements where at least one pointer variable has been lost) are equivalent to a quantum Markov chain. We argue that the non-Markovian nature of quantum measurement has empirical consequences that are incompatible with the assumption of wave function collapse, thus elevating the collapse assumption into a testable hypothesis. Finally, we find that all of the information necessary to reconstruct an arbitrary non-Markovian quantum chain of measurements is encoded on the boundary of that chain (the first and the final measurement), reminiscent of the holographic principle.
A concise overview of non-invasive intra-abdominal pressure measurement techniques: from bench to bedside
Authors: Tayebi Salar , Gutierrez Adrian , Mohout Ikram , Smets Evelien , Wise Robert , Stiens Johan , Malbrain Manu L. N. G. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis review presents an overview of previously reported non-invasive intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement techniques. Each section covers the basic physical principles and methodology of the various measurement techniques, the experimental results, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The most promising non-invasive methods for IAP measurement are microwave reflectometry and ultrasound assessment, in combination with an applied external force.
Police Powers and Article 5 ECHR: Time for a New Approach to the Interpretation of the Right to Liberty
Authors: Edwards Richard A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis paper discusses the approach of British and European Courts to the interpretation and application of the Article 5 ECHR right to liberty when faced with police powers. The paper argues that the long-standing approach of the European Court of Human Rights inGuzzardi v Italy[1980] ECHR 7367/76 is wrong and should be replaced with a new interpretation based on coercion. The paper goes on to argue that a new approach would allow the courts to effectively protect both Convention rights and the rule of law.
Benchmarking the performance of genetic algorithms on constrained dynamic problems
Authors: Grudniewski P. A. , Sobey A. J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe growing interest in dynamic optimisation has accelerated the development of genetic algorithms with specific mechanisms for these problems. To ensure that these developed mechanisms are capable of solving a wide range of practical problems it is important to have a diverse set of benchmarking functions to ensure the selection of the most appropriate Genetic Algorithm. However, the currently available benchmarking sets are limited to unconstrained problems with predominantly continuous characteristics. In this paper, the existing range of dynamic problems is extended with 15 novel constrained multi-objective functions. To determine how genetic algorithms perform on these constrained problems, and how this behaviour relates to unconstrained dynamic optimisation, 6 top-performing dynamic genetic algorithms are compared alongside 4 re-initialization strategies on the proposed test set, as well as the currently existing unconstrained cases. The results show that there are no differences between constrained/unconstrained optimisation, in contrast to the static problems. Therefore, dynamicity is the prevalent characteristic of these problems, which is shown to be more important than the discontinuous nature of the search and objective spaces. The best performing algorithm overall is MOEA/D, and VP is the best re-initialisation strategy. It is demonstrated that there is a need for more dynamic specific methodologies with high convergence, as it is more important to performance on dynamic problems than diversity.
Use of public information for road-capacity reductions: a study of mediating strategies during tunnel rehabilitations in Oslo
Authors: Tønnesen Anders , Hagen Oddrun Helen , Tennøy Aud 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this paper, two public information campaigns were analysed. These were related to capacity reductions, caused by maintenance work, in two main road tunnels—at Smestad and Bryn in Oslo. The paper analyses the campaigns’ characteristics and their goal fulfilment. The usage of social media to inform and communicate with travelers and inhabitants is highlighted. We find a high level of outreach of the campaigns and satisfaction among travelers with the information received. However, there are substantial differences between the information campaigns. The Smestad campaign had clear elements of mass-media scaremongering. Here, it is reasonable to attribute the traffic reduction in the first days after the capacity reduction to the massive media headings in advance about possible congestion and chaos. In contrast, the Bryn campaign was more multi-faced and lasted longer. Through massive neighbourhood information and use of social media, this campaign extensively encouraged and advised travelers on how congestion could be avoided if people travelled less by cars during the rehabilitation phase. Further, the Bryn campaign directed social media posts and digital advertising towards specific groups at specific times, and by doing so exemplifying audience targeting and the use of information campaigns to legitimate public interventions. While traditional media provided a strong basis for mass information in the early stages of both tunnel rehabilitations, social media had a clear mediating role at Bryn. Last, while describing management of deviant traffic situations, the paper also feeds into discussions of how to facilitate urban-transport change towards reduced car usage.
Toxicity of the pharmaceuticals finasteride and melengestrol acetate to benthic invertebrates
Authors: Gilroy Ève A. M. , Bartlett Adrienne J. , Gillis Patricia L. , Bendo Nicholas A. , Salerno Joseph , Hedges Amanda M. , Brown Lisa R. , Holman Emily A. M. , Stock Naomi L. , de Solla Shane R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe toxicity of endocrinologically active pharmaceuticals finasteride (FIN) and melengestrol acetate (MGA) was assessed in freshwater mussels, including acute (48 h) aqueous tests with glochidia fromLampsilis siliquoidea, sub-chronic (14 days) sediment tests with gravid femaleLampsilis fasciola, and chronic (28 days) sediment tests with juvenileL. siliquoidea, and in chronic (42 days) sediment tests with the amphipodHyalella aztecaand the mayflyHexageniaspp. Finasteride was not toxic in acute aqueous tests withL. siliquoideaglochidia (up to 23 mg/L), whereas significant toxicity to survival and burial ability was detected in chronic sediment tests with juvenileL. siliquoidea(chronic value (ChV, the geometric mean of LOEC and NOEC) = 58 mg/kg (1 mg/L)). Amphipods (survival, growth, reproduction, and sex ratio) and mayflies (growth) were similarly sensitive (ChV = 58 mg/kg (1 mg/L)). Melengestrol acetate was acutely toxic toL. siliquoideaglochidia at 4 mg/L in aqueous tests; in sediment tests, mayflies were the most sensitive species, with significant growth effects observed at 37 mg/kg (0.25 mg/L) (ChV = 21 mg/kg (0.1 mg/L)). Exposure to sublethal concentrations of FIN and MGA had no effect on the (luring and filtering) behaviour of gravidL. fasciola, or the viability of their brooding glochidia. Based on the limited number of measured environmental concentrations of both chemicals, and their projected concentrations, no direct effects are expected by these compounds individually on the invertebrates tested. However, organisms are exposed to contaminant mixtures in the aquatic environment, and thus, the effects of FIN and MGA as components of these mixtures require further investigation.
Establishing distinctive theories and methods of design science rooted in Chinese traditional culture
Authors: Zou Huijun , Liang Qinghua 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe human social development saw the formation of five unique civilizations, with the latter forming their own distinctive cultures. China’s traditional culture is its most fundamental ideological weapon for solving problems. The Chinese are good at comprehensive thinking, dialectical thinking, and systematic analysis. These ideological weapons can solve the problems of formal science and technology and create scientific and technological achievements on par with global advanced scale. Ancient China is filled with original scientific and technological achievements, which strongly prove ancient China’s possession of its own science and technology different from that of Western Renaissance. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of science, technology, experience, and intuition is necessary. The long-held superstition regarding the West, the lack of confidence, self-denial, blind imitation of ideas, and shackles must be thrown away. Only then can we take the road toward an authentic Chinese creative design as we learn from others.
Exploring the Prognostic Role of Ki67 Proliferative Index in Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Skin: Clinico-Pathologic Analysis of 84 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: La Rosa Stefano , Bonzini Matteo , Sciarra Amedeo , Asioli Sofia , Maragliano Roberta , Arrigo Martina , Foschini Maria Pia , Righi Alberto , Maletta Francesca , Motolese Alberico , Papotti Mauro , Sessa Fausto , Uccella Silvia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe exact prediction of outcome of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the skin is difficult to determine, although several attempts have been made to identify clinico-pathologic prognostic factors. The Ki67 proliferative index is a well-known marker routinely used to define the prognosis of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms. However, its prognostic value has been poorly investigated in MCC, and available published results are often contradictory mainly because restricted to small series in the absence of standardized methods for Ki67 evaluation. For this reason, we explored the potential prognostic role of Ki67 proliferative index in a large series of MCCs using the WHO standardized method of counting positive cells in at least 500 tumor cells in hot spot areas on camera-captured printed images. In addition, since MCC may be considered as the cutaneous counterpart of digestive neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), we decided to stratify MCCs using the available and efficient Ki67 threshold of 55%, which was found prognostic in digestive NECs. This choice was also supported by the Youden index analysis. In addition, we analyzed the prognostic value of other clinico-pathologic parameters using both univariate and multivariate analysis. Ki67 index appeared significantly associated with prognosis at univariate analysis together with stage IV, lack of MCPyV, and p63 expression, but not at the multivariate analysis, where survival resulted independently influenced by p63 expression and tumor stage, only.
An Update on Continuous-Time Stochastic Games of Fixed Duration
Authors: Levy Yehuda John 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis paper shows that continuous-time stochastic games of fixed duration need not possess equilibria in Markov strategies. The example requires payoffs and transitions to depend on time in a continuous but irregular (almost nowhere almost differentiable) way. This example offers a correction to the erroneous construction presented previously in Levy (Dyn Games Appl 3(2):279–312, 2013. 10.1007/s13235-012-0067-2).
Air/snow, snow/ice and ice/water interfaces detection from high-resolution vertical temperature profiles measured by ice mass-balance buoys on an Arctic lake
Authors: Cheng Yubing , Cheng Bin , Zheng Fei , Vihma Timo , Kontu Anna , Yang Qinghua , Liao Zeliang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSnow and ice were monitored by thermistor-string-based Snow and Ice Mass Balance Array (SIMBA) in Lake Orajärvi in northern Finland. An existing automatic SIMBA-algorithm was further developed to derive air/snow, snow/ice and ice/water interfaces based on the SIMBA environment temperature (ET) profiles. The identified interfaces agreed with in situ observations made in 2011/12 winter season. The method was capable to identify upward-moving snow/ice interface that was also visible from SIMBA heating temperature (HT) profiles, which responds to differences in the thermal diffusivities of air, snow, ice and water. The SIMBA data obtained in winters 2017/18 and 2018/19 were used to investigate snow and ice mass balance. An upward-moving snow/ice interface was detected as a result of meteoric ice (snow ice and superimposed ice) formation. Snow contributed to granular lake ice formation up to 40–55% of the total ice thickness on the seasonal mean. Heavy snowfalls and low air temperature in early winter are favourable for granular ice formation. The seasonal mean snow depth on nearby land was 2.7–2.9 times of that on the lake. The estimation of freeboard from snow and ice mass-balance measurement is sensitive to the snow density. Accurate ice freeboard calculation is still a challenge.
RISK MEASURES DERIVED FROM A REGULATOR’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INSURERS
Authors: Cai Jun , Mao Tiantian 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this study, we propose new risk measures from a regulator’s perspective on the regulatory capital requirements. The proposed risk measures possess many desired properties, including monotonicity, translation-invariance, positive homogeneity, subadditivity, nonnegative loading, and stop-loss order preserving. The new risk measures not only generalize the existing, well-known risk measures in the literature, including the Dutch, tail value-at-risk (TVaR), and expectile measures, but also provide new approaches to generate feasible and practical coherent risk measures. As examples of the new risk measures, TVaR-type generalized expectiles are investigated in detail. In particular, we present the dual and Kusuoka representations of the TVaR-type generalized expectiles and discuss their robustness with respect to the Wasserstein distance.