bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abdominal cryptococcosis in dogs and cats: 38 cases (2000‐2018)
Authors: Johnston L. , Mackay B. , King T. , Krockenberger M. B. , Malik R. , Tebb A. 
Published: October 2020

IntroductionTo report the clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging findings, treatment and outcome of abdominal cryptococcosis in dogs and cats in Australia.Materials and MethodsCanine and feline cases from Australia were retrospectively identified (2000 to 2018) via laboratory and referral centre searches for abdominal cryptococcosis diagnosed by cytology (needle aspirates) or histopathology (biopsy or necropsy) of abdominal organs/tissues. Signalment, presenting complaints, clinical signs, laboratory findings, medical imaging, latex cryptococcal antigen agglutination test (LCAT) titres, treatment and outcome data was collected.ResultsThirty‐eight cases were included (35 dogs, three cats) in the study. Median age of presentation was 2 years for dogs and 6 years for cats. Common presenting complaints included vomiting (23/38), lethargy (19/38) and inappetence/anorexia (15/38). Abdominal ultrasound (25/38 cases) revealed mesenteric and intestinal lesions in most of the cases. On surgical exploration, seven cases had an intestinal lesion associated with an intussusception. Nineteen cases had a pre‐treatment LCAT performed, with a median initial titre of 1:2048 (range 1:2 to 65,536). Twenty‐four cases (23 dogs, one cat) received treatment, either medical, surgical or both. Median survival time for cases with combined medical and surgical treatment, surgical treatment alone or medical treatment alone was 730, 140 and 561 days, respectively. Eleven remain alive at the time of follow up.Clinical SignificanceAbdominal cryptococcosis although rare should be a considered as a diagnostic possibility in an especially young dog presenting with gastro‐intestinal signs. Older dogs can also present with this condition and should not be euthanised based on imaging alone due to the likenesses with neoplasia. With appropriate treatment and monitoring many dogs may have a prolonged survival period and some may be cured.
Burn severity and soil chemistry are weak drivers of early vegetation succession following a boreal mega‐fire in a production forest landscape
Authors: Gustafsson Lena , Granath Gustaf , Nohrstedt Hans‐Örjan , Leverkus Alexandro B. , Johansson Victor 
Published: October 2020

AbstractQuestionsDo burn severity and soil chemistry drive species and trait composition on recently burned clear‐cuttings? Does the spatial distribution of common, easily dispersed colonizers vary with distance to fire perimeter?LocationA 13,000 ha production forest landscape in boreal southern Sweden burned in a wildfire in 2014.MethodsVascular plants and bryophytes were recorded in permanent plots on clear‐cuts two and five years following fire, covering a burn severity gradient. Soil carbon content (reflecting burn severity), pH and nutrients were measured at plot level. Trait data were retrieved from the BIEN and LEDA databases and analyzed using community‐weighted mean (CWM) trait values. Statistical analyses included generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs), non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and multivariate ANOVA.ResultsLow burn severity resulted in higher frequency of legacy species (e.g.Vaccinium myrtillus), while high burn severity facilitated colonizing species (e.g.Senecio sylvaticus). Vegetation varied with soil chemistry, expressed through pH. Species composition changed between years and deviated from unburned clear‐cuts. After five years the most common taxa on burned plots were the vascular plantsChamaenerion angustifolium,Betulaspp. andPopulus tremulaand the bryophytesCeratodon purpureusandPolytrichum juniperinum. CWM specific leaf area (SLA) decreased markedly with time and root buds increased with total carbon content in the soil (i.e., toward less severely burned plots), while soil pH was not associated with any studied trait.Chamaenerion angustifoliumdecreased with distance to the fire perimeter, whileCeratodon purpureusincreased.ConclusionsBurn severity and soil pH weakly drive vegetation dynamics in the early phase following fire on clear‐cuts, indicating a large influence of stochastic processes. Deciduous trees are common already after five years and their further expansion will affect light and nutrient availability. To understand future vegetation trajectories on burned clear‐cuts, studies need to incorporate the light factor and links between tree species’ identity and soil nutrient availability.
Impact of oral lesions on the quality of life of psoriatic individuals: A case–control study
Authors: Costa Amanda Almeida , Cota Luís Otávio Miranda , Mendes Victor Silva , Oliveira Alcione Maria Soares Dutra , Cyrino Renata Magalhães , Costa Fernando Oliveira 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the presence of oral lesions and the impact of oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) on individuals with psoriasis.MethodsThis case–control study comprised 295 individuals with psoriasis and 359 controls. Oral examination to assess different types of oral lesions as angular cheilitis (AC), geographic tongue (GT), white (WP), and red plaque or red macule (RPM) was performed. To evaluate OHRQoL, the Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP) questionnaire was applied. Data were analyzed using the chi‐squared, Fisher, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney, and Bootstrap Intervals tests.ResultsIndividuals with psoriasis had significantly more oral lesions than controls (OR = 3.66, 95% CI: 2.33–5.85; p < .001) and higher global OIDP scores (12.17 case versus 6.93 controls; p = .008). Higher occurrence of GT (p < .001) and AC (p < .001) was observed in individuals with psoriasis. The final multivariate model demonstrated higher OIDP scores related to the following variables: alcohol use, diabetes, anxiolytics use, AC, and GT, showing worse OHRQoL.ConclusionPsoriatic individuals had a higher frequency of AC and GT than controls. Worse OIDP scores in frequency and severity were observed in psoriatic individuals with oral lesions, revealing the negative impacts of these lesions on OHRQoL.
Association between acculturation and sociodemographic factors and cardiovascular disease among immigrants to the United States
Authors: Hopgood Daniel A. , Haile Zelalem T. , Conley Sean , Chertok Ilana R. A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigated relationships among acculturation, sociodemographic, and health characteristics of adult U.S. immigrants and cardiovascular disease.DesignSecondary data analysis using population data from 1,945 immigrant participants in the 2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).MeasurementsAcculturation was measured using citizenship status, number of years in the U.S., and English language proficiency. Chi‐square tests and multiple logistic regression modeling were utilized.ResultsApproximately 4.3% of the study sample had cardiovascular disease. Compared to immigrants without U.S. citizenship, significantly higher proportion of immigrants with U.S. citizenship had cardiovascular disease (6.2% vs. 1.7%, p < .001). In the multivariable‐adjusted model, compared to non‐citizen immigrants, odds of cardiovascular disease were higher in immigrants with U.S. citizenship (odds ratio 3.80, 95% confidence interval 1.91, 7.56).ConclusionAcculturation factors, specifically U.S. citizenship, along with sociodemographic and health risk factors were associated with increased odds of cardiovascular disease among immigrants. This study builds upon previous findings demonstrating increased acculturation including U.S. citizenship in immigrant populations is associated with increased odds of cardiovascular disease. These findings inform public health specialists and clinicians of factors to consider for cardiovascular disease risk in immigrants as they adapt to their host country.
Monuments as Mobilization? The United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Memorialization of the Lost Cause
Authors: Chamberlain Adam , Yanus Alixandra B. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveThe United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) played an important role in constructing monuments commemorating the Civil War. Memorialization of the “Lost Cause” and preserving southern heritage are often cited as reasons for monument construction. Here, we study whether these monuments were also used as tools to mobilize potential members.MethodWe use data on Confederate monuments and UDC membership to empirically test if monument construction mobilized women to join the UDC.ResultsStates with more Confederate monuments tended to have more UDC members. Confederate monument construction, especially courthouse monuments, was also predictive of the annual growth in UDC membership in a state. However, membership in individual chapters was not consistently affected by building a monument in a communityConclusionConfederate monuments could be a boon to UDC membership, underscoring how memorials can be used as catalysts for interest group mobilization.
Does the Bureaucracy Affect Trust in Government? Evidence from Aggregate Public Opinion
Authors: Fucilla Louis 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveThis study aims to determine if attitudes toward the bureaucracy affect trust in government. Trust is a topic of interest in several disciplines but theory and empirical work are not well integrated with one another.MethodsI extend previous work to create a macro‐level measure of attitudes toward the bureaucracy, bureaucratic approval, and then use time‐series analysis of aggregate public opinion to model trust in government from 1973 to 2018.ResultsI find that bureaucratic approval does affect trust in government, controlling for other important factors, and that the magnitude of this is comparable to that of congressional approval and consumer sentiment.ConclusionThis study provides the first evidence that aggregate attitudes toward the bureaucracy affect trust. Moreover, bureaucratic approval is modestly favorable and has not substantially declined over time like congressional approval. I discuss the implications of the findings of this study for using the bureaucracy to improve trust in government.
A novel RHD allele caused by c.739 G> C mutation was identified in a Chinese individual
Authors: Lyu Hongjuan , Jiao Shuxian , Ma Wenhui , Hu Bin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe blood sample of a pregnant Chinese woman of the north Han population was confirmed as D variation by serologic method, and subsequent detection of RHD Exons 1 through 10 by the polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific primer test showed that all exons were present. To further clarify the molecular mechanism of this sample, we sequenced the RHD Exons 1 through 10 and found that it was a novel allele caused by c.739 G> C in Exon 5.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Ultra-Wet Methane Combustion Technique for Power Generation
Authors: Zhang Kai , Dybe Simeon , Shen Yazhou , Schimek Sebastian , Paschereit Christian Oliver , Duwig Christophe 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Using steam as a heat carrier and working media has merits to increase electric efficiency up to 60% and decrease NOx emission to single-digit compared to dry gas turbine cycles. These attribute primarily to the physical properties of steam as having high heat capacity to reduce local flame temperature, and hence reduce emissions by inhibiting the thermal NOx forward reaction rate. In this work, ultrahigh steam content with a steam-to-air mass ratio of up to 40% is premixed with methane–air mixture before entering into a swirl-stabilized high pressure (HP)-burner for combustion. A significant change of flame from V-shape (attached) to M shape (detached) is observed through a transparent combustion chamber whilst changing steam content. The measurement of chemiluminescence OH* is conducted with an intensified CCD-camera bandpass filtered at 320 nm. Following these measurements, large eddy simulation (LES) is used to capture reacting flow features. Reasonably well agreements between experimental data and numerical results are obtained for both attached and detached flames in terms of the OH* distribution. Slight inconsistency of OH* intensity is mainly due to uncollected wall temperature, which leads to either over- or underprediction of chemical reaction rate depending on the experimental flame positions. Distributed flame front is clearly identified with LES for wet methane combustion associated with 35% steam-to-air ratio corresponding to a high Karlovitz number flame. Slightly unstable combustion is observed when the steam-to-air ratio exceeds 40% featuring an onset of flame blow-off. In addition, interaction between precessing vortex core (PVC) and the flame is presented for different level of steam dilution, and conclusions are drawn regarding the flame stabilization. The in-depth understanding of the ultrawet combustion is an important step toward the use of sustainable, steam-diluted biosyngas for electricity production.
Design and Evaluation of a Passive Constant Force Mechanism for a Cardiac Ablation Catheter
Authors: van de Sande Werner W. P. J. , Ali Awaz , Radaelli Giuseppe 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Contact force management has been proven to have a positive effect on the outcome of cardiac ablation procedures. However, no method exists that allows maintaining a constant contact force within a required and effective range. This work aims to develop and evaluate such a constant force mechanism for use in an ablation catheter. A passive constant force mechanism was designed based on a tape loop. The tape loop consists of two tapered springs that work in parallel. A finite element analysis was carried out to verify the behavior and performance of the design. A design based on requirements for a constant force ablation tip showed an average force of about 7.8×10−2 N±8×10−3 N over 20 mm in simulation. A scaled prototype was built and evaluated to prove the validity of the concept; this prototype provides an average force of 1.3×10−1 N±1.6×10−2 N over 35 mm. The mechanism allows for controlled delivery of contact force within a desired and effective range. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the approach is successful but needs to be optimized for future applications. Being able to control the delivery of contact force in a constant range may increase the effectivity of cardiac ablation procedures and improve clinical outcomes.
Microfluidic Devices for Magnetic Separation of Biological Particles: A Review
Authors: Surendran Athira N. , Zhou Ran , Lin Yang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Separation of microparticles and cells serves a critical step in many applications such as in biological analyses, food production, chemical processing, and medical diagnostics. Sorting on the microscale exhibits certain advantages in comparison with that on the macroscale as it requires minuscule sample or reagents volume and thus reduced analysis cycle time, smaller size of devices, and lower fabrication costs. Progresses have been made over time to improve the efficiency of these microscale particle manipulation techniques. Many different techniques have been used to attain accurate particle sorting and separation in a continuous manner on the microscale level, which can be categorized as either passive or active methods. Passive techniques achieve accurate manipulation of particles through their interaction with surrounding flow by carefully designed channel structures, without using external fields. As an alternative, active techniques utilize external fields (e.g., acoustic, electronic, optical, and magnetic field, etc.) to realize desired pattern of motion for particles with specific properties. Among numerous active methods for microfluidic particle sorting, the magnetic field has been widely used in biomedical and chemical applications to achieve mixing, focusing, and separating of reagents and bioparticles. This paper aims to provide a thorough review on the classic and most up-to-date magnetic sorting and separation techniques to manipulate microparticles including the discussions on the basic concept, working principle, experimental details, and device performance.
New Forward and Inverse Solutions for Wet Fins Generalized Profiles With All Nonlinear Phenomena
Authors: Das Ranjan , Kundu Balaram 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study establishes forward closed-form and inverse analyses of wet fins of various profiles involving all modes of heat transfer. Existing limitations in the literature are addressed here by choosing the appropriate nonlinear variation of thermal conductivity and radiation effects. The error between linear and nonlinear methodologies is found to be within 60%. Furthermore, the maximum error between the closed-form solution based on the differential transformation method (DTM), and the numerical solution is observed as 0.5%. After necessary validations, optimization of various fin profiles is carried out by the maximization of the net fin heat transmission rate under a defined fin volume and thermogeometrical constraints. For the optimum criterion, the suitability of the artificial bee colony (ABC)-based metaheuristic technique is established. The identification of thermogeometrical parameters is realized by analyzing combinations obtained from 100 runs of ABC and the decision-making criterion is adopted on the basis of the maximum thermal performance. Among the studied profiles, concave parabolic geometry yields the maximum heat transport rate, which is followed by triangular, convex, and rectangular geometries for the same fin volume. The present combination of DTM and ABC techniques is proposed to be useful in practical applications toward design and the selection of evaporator fins for air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances operating under wet conditions in a more accurate and optimized manner.
National survey of feasibility of NIV trials for management of children with bronchiolitis
Authors: Rosala-Hallas Anna , Jones Ashley P , Bedson Emma , Compton Vanessa , Fernandes Ricardo M , Lacy David , Lyttle Mark D , Peak Matthew , Thorburn Kent , van Miert Clare , Woolfall Kerry , McNamara Paul S 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundBronchiolitis is a major cause of admission to hospital in children. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) support with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen is routinely used for infants in the UK with bronchiolitis.ObjectiveTo establish UK paediatric practice regarding management of bronchiolitis, and to explore issues pertinent to the design of a potential future randomised controlled trial of NIV.DesignScreening logs were completed in hospitals in England capturing information on paediatric bronchiolitis admissions. An online national survey of clinical practice was disseminated to healthcare professionals (HCPs) across the UK to ascertain current management strategies.ResultsScreening logs captured data on 393 infants from 8 hospitals. Reasons for admission were most commonly respiratory distress and/or poor fluid intake. Oxygen was administered for 54% of admissions. Respiratory (CPAP and HFNC) and non-respiratory support administered varied considerably. The national survey was completed by 111 HCPs from 76 hospitals. Data were obtained on criteria used to commence and wean NIV, responsibilities for altering NIV settings, minimum training requirements for staff managing a child on NIV, and numbers of trained staff. Most centres were interested in and capable of running a trial of NIV, even out of normal office hours.ConclusionsRespiratory and non-respiratory management of bronchiolitis in UK centres varies widely. A trial of HFNC oxygen therapy in this group of patients is feasible and HCPs would be willing to randomise patients into such a trial. Future work should focus on defining trial eligibility criteria.
Impact of test-and-treat and risk reduction strategies on HCV transmission among MSM living with HIV in France: a modelling approach
Authors: Castry Mathieu , Cousien Anthony , Supervie Virginie , Velter Annie , Ghosn Jade , Paltiel A David , Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Deuffic-Burban Sylvie 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveSince the early 2000s, there has been an epidemic of HCV occurring among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV, mainly associated with high-risk sexual and drug-related behaviours. Early HCV diagnosis and treatment, and behavioural risk-reduction, may be effective to eliminate HCV among MSM living with HIV.DesignWe developed a deterministic dynamic compartmental model to simulate the impact of test-and-treat and risk-reduction strategies on HCV epidemic (particularly on incidence and prevalence) among MSM living with HIV in France. We accounted for HIV and HCV cascades of care, HCV natural history and heterogeneity in HCV risk behaviours. The model was calibrated to primary HCV incidence observed between 2014 and 2017 among MSM living with HIV in care (ANRS CO4-French hospital database on HIV (FHDH)).ResultsWith current French practices (annual HCV screening and immediate treatment), total HCV incidence would fall by 70%, from 0.82/100 person-years in 2015 to 0.24/100 person-years in 2030. It would decrease to 0.19/100 person-years in 2030 with more frequent screening and to 0.19 (0.12)/100 person-years in 2030 with a 20% (50%) risk-reduction. When combining screening every 3 months with a 50% risk-reduction, HCV incidence would be 0.11/100 person-years in 2030, allowing to get close to the WHO target (90% reduction from 2015 to 2030). Similarly, HCV prevalence would decrease from 2.79% in 2015 to 0.48% in 2030 (vs 0.71% with current practices).ConclusionCombining test-and-treat and risk-reduction strategies could have a marked impact on the HCV epidemic, paving the way to HCV elimination among MSM living with HIV.
Assessing the viability of pre-industrial sediment prior to remediation using primary producer (Zostera marina and Spartina alterniflora) growth and survival
Authors: Fraser Megan R. , Winsor Tyler , Williams Jim , Wyeth Russell C. , Garbary David J. 
Published: October 2020

Boat Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada, has served as a polishing pond for treated pulp and paper effluent since 1967. In 2020, the effluent flow ceased, and the site will be remediated. The focus of the remediation is the removal of a layer of contaminated sediment, shown to contain high levels of metals and dioxins and furans. Our primary objective was to test whether the underlying pre-industrial sediment could support growth and survival of estuarine plants. A large-diameter (15 cm) corer was used to extract cores from underneath the contaminated layer. These cores were inserted into a reference estuary, along with cores of reference estuarine sediment. Four 3 × 3 subtidal plots were used to test transplants of the estuarine plant Zostera marina, and five 1 × 9 marsh edge plots were used to test Spartina alterniflora. No significant differences in plant growth or survival were observed between Boat Harbour and reference sediment after 2 months. Postexperiment analysis of contaminants (metals and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs)) in both types of sediment and plant tissues showed similarly low levels of contaminants. Findings indicate that pre-industrial sediment in the harbor should be able to support plant growth after removal of overlying contaminated sediment.