bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Hydraulic Profiling Tool for Hydrogeologic Investigation of Unconsolidated Formations
Authors: McCall Wesley , Christy Thomas M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe hydraulic profiling tool (HPT) has become one of the basic tools for investigation of soils and unconsolidated formations over the last 10 years. The HPT is advanced into the subsurface using direct push methods. Clean water is injected into the formation from a small screened port on the side of the probe as it is steadily advanced into the subsurface. A downhole pressure sensor detects the pressure required to inject the water into the formation while an up‐hole flowmeter monitors the water flow rate. An electrical conductivity (EC) array included in the lower end of the probe provides a simultaneous EC log of the bulk formation. The EC log, HPT pressure, and flow rate are logged and displayed onscreen as the probe is advanced. These logs enable the investigator to evaluate vertical changes in relative formation permeability at high resolution. Pressure dissipation tests may be performed at selected depths in coarse‐grained materials to determine the piezometric pressure in saturated formations. This enables the operator to define the piezometric profile and determine the piezometric surface without a well. Post processing of the log in the viewing software provides for calculation of the corrected HPT pressure (Pc) and estimation of hydraulic conductivity (Est. K) within limits (~0.1 to 75 ft/d). In clean, coarse‐grained materials the tandem EC log may be used to estimate groundwater specific conductance based on an Archie's Law model. Cross sections of HPT logs provide an efficient means to define hydrostratigraphy. When combined with contaminant logging tools such as the membrane interface probe (MIP) the HPT data may help to define contaminant migration pathways or contaminated low permeability zones that may result in back diffusion. The HPT can be a useful tool for many geoenvironmental investigations in unconsolidated formations.
LIM domain only 2 (LMO2) expression distinguishes T‐lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma from indolent T‐lymphoblastic proliferations
Authors: Brar Nivaz , Butzmann Alexandra , Kumar Jyoti , Peerani Raheem , Morgan Elizabeth A , Grigoriadis George , Kumar Beena , Tatarczuch R Maciej , Warnke Roger A , Ohgami Robert S 
Published: June 2020

AimsAn indolent T‐lymphoblastic proliferation (iT‐LBP) is a benign, reactive expansion of immature terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐positive T cells found in extrathymic tissues. iT‐LBP can be challenging to distinguish from malignant processes, specifically T‐lymphoblastic lymphoma (T‐LBL), given the overlapping clinical and histological features. Recently, it has been shown that LIM domain only 2 (LMO2) is overexpressed in T‐LBL but not in reactive immature TdT+ T cells in the thymus. On the basis of these findings, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of LMO2 by using immunohistochemistry and its role in differentiating iT‐LBPs from T‐LBLs.Methods and resultsWe retrospectively identified cases of iT‐LBP and T‐LBL from the pathology archives of four institutions. Seven iT‐LBP cases (including five new cases that have not been reported in the literature) and 13 T‐LBL cases were analysed. Clinical, morphological, immunophenotypic and molecular data were analysed. Immunohistochemical staining with LMO2 was performed on all iT‐LBP and T‐LBL cases. A review of five new iT‐LBP cases showed similar morphological, immunophenotypic and molecular features to those of previously reported cases. All iT‐LBP cases were negative for LMO2 (0/7), whereas 92% of T‐LBL cases (12/13) expressed LMO2; the sensitivity was 92% (confidence interval 64–100%) and the specificity was 100% (confidence interval 59–100%).ConclusionWe confirm previously published findings that iT‐LBP cases show highly overlapping morphological and immunophenotypic features with T‐LBL. Importantly, LMO2 expression is a sensitive and specific marker with which to rule out iT‐LBP.
Er3+‐doped CaF2 polycrystalline ceramic with perfect transparency for mid‐infrared laser
Authors: Jiang Yiguang , Jiang Benxue , Jiang Nan , Jiang Dapeng , Li Jiang , Su Liangbi , Zhang Long 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEr3+‐doped CaF2 transparent ceramics are promising mid‐infrared gain materials because of their utra‐low phonon energy as well as excellent physical, chemical, and optical properties. However, existing hot‐pressed and hot‐formed CaF2 ceramics are very difficult to be used in practical applications due to residual pores and weak polycrystallization, respectively. Here, we developed the high quality Er3+‐doped CaF2 transparent polycrystalline ceramic by single crystal ceramization. The sample exhibits obvious polycrystalline structure, good mechanical properties, perfectly transmittance, and excellent mid‐infrared performance, which provides significant and wide‐ranging opportunities for advanced mid‐infrared gain materials.
The Post‐agencification Stage between Reforms and Crises. A Comparative Assessment of EU agencies' Budgetary Development
Authors: Migliorati Marta 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe proliferation of European Union (EU) agencies, known as ‘agencification’, has been widely studied by scholars of EU governance. In spite of the success in explaining the roots of agencies' establishment, evidence is lacking about their development over time: have they been empowered through new resources, or have their capabilities remained the same? Which EU agencies grew the most, and why? Ultimately, how much do policymakers value these bodies? Through a newly collected longitudinal dataset, the analysis covers EU agencies' budgetary trends in the past three decades and assesses the determinants of their variation through a cross‐sectional time series regression analysis and a Traj group‐based model. The results show that trends in agencies’ budgetary allocation follow a punctuated equilibrium pattern. The observed variation is explained by EU‐level crisis response, by the expansion of agencies' tasks and by the type of agency under analysis.
Effects of global warming on sex ratios in fishes
Authors: Geffroy Benjamin , Wedekind Claus 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn fishes, sex is determined by genetics, the environment or an interaction of both. Temperature is among the most important environmental factors that can affect sex determination. As a consequence, changes in temperature at critical developmental stages can induce biases in primary sex ratios in some species. However, early sex ratios can also be biased by sex‐specific tolerances to environmental stresses that may, in some cases, be amplified by changes in water temperature. Sex‐specific reactions to environmental stress have been observed at early larval stages before gonad formation starts. It is therefore necessary to distinguish between temperature effects on sex determination, generally acting through the stress axis or epigenetic mechanisms, and temperature effects on sex‐specific mortality. Both are likely to affect sex ratios and hence population dynamics. Moreover, in cases where temperature effects on sex determination lead to genotype–phenotype mismatches, long‐term effects on population dynamics are possible, for example temperature‐induced masculinization potentially leading to the loss of Y chromosomes or feminization to male‐biased operational sex ratios in future generations. To date, most studies under controlled conditions conclude that if temperature affects sex ratios, elevated temperatures mostly lead to a male bias. The few studies that have been performed on wild populations seem to confirm this general trend. Recent findings suggest that transgenerational plasticity could mitigate the effects of warming on sex ratios in some populations.
Plummer–Vinson syndrome: A decade's experience of 132 cases from a single center
Authors: Patil Mallikarjun , Malipatel Renuka , Devarbhavi Harshad 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground and AimPlummer–Vinson syndrome (PVS) comprises triad of iron deficiency anemia, dysphagia, and post‐cricoid esophageal web. PVS is rare nowadays due to improved nutritional status. However, we encountered patients with PVS regularly at our center. Data regarding PVS are limited; hence, we aimed to study the clinical features, treatment outcomes, and development of complications in patients with PVS.MethodsThe study was conducted over a 10‐year period (January 2008 to January 2018) in a medical college setting. All adults with dysphagia, anemia, and post‐cricoid web or those with iron deficiency anemia and post‐cricoids web were included in the study. Patients were treated with iron supplementation and Savary–Gilliard bougie dilation of the web. Patients were followed‐up for the recurrence of dysphagia and development of complications.ResultsOverall, 153 patients exhibited esophageal web, of which 132 (86.27%) patients had concomitant PVS and 21 (13.7%) patients did not. The mean age was 43.50 years (range 16–76) and 113 (85.6%) were women. Single session of Savary–Gilliard bougie dilation was successful in 90.7% of patients in relieving dysphagia and 9.3% developed recurrence, requiring repeated dilations. Four patients had concomitant squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus along with PVS and two developed upper gastrointestinal malignancy during follow‐up.ConclusionPlummer–Vinson syndrome is predominantly seen in middle aged women and present with symptoms of iron deficiency anemia and early grade dysphagia. Single session of Savary–Gilliard bougie dilation was successful in majority of patients in relieving dysphagia. Overall risk of developing upper gastrointestinal malignancy was 4.5%.
In vitro degradability of corn silage and Leymus chinensis silage and evaluation of their mixed ratios on performance, digestion and serum parameters in beef cattle
Authors: Zhang Xianglun , Wang Hongliang , You Wei , Zhao Hongbo , Wei Chen , Jin Qing , Liu Xiaomu , Liu Guifen , Tan Xiuwen , Wang Xingling , Wan Fachun , Sun Xiaoyu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study investigated the degradability of corn silage (CS) and Leymus chinensis silage (LS) in vitro, and evaluated the effect of various ratios on growth performance, digestion and serum parameters in beef cattle. A 72‐hr bath culture trial was performed to evaluate degradability and rumen fermentation characteristics of CS, LS and their combinations [67:33, 33:67, dry matter (DM) basis]. Forty Simmental steers, averaging 441.46 ± 4.45 kg of body weight (BW), were randomly allocated into four dietary treatments for 120‐d period. Diets were given as total mixed rations with a forage‐to‐concentrate ratio of 60:40 and CS:LS ratios of 100:0, 67:33, 33:67 and 0:100 (DM basis). The in vitro trial showed that DM and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) degradability decreased linearly as LS proportion increased, whereas CP degradability increased linearly. Additionally, increased acid detergent fibre (ADF) degradability was detected at 48 hr of incubation. Increasing the proportion of LS increased rumen liquor pH and decreased volatile fatty acid linearly including acetate, propionate and butyrate, whereas the ammonia‐N increased linearly at 12 and 72 hr of incubation. With increasing LS ratio, final BW, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio of steers decreased linearly, whereas DMI was not affected. Additionally, apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter, NDF and ADF linearly and quadratically decreased while ether extract apparent digestibility decreased linearly, and CP apparent digestibility was not affected. Serum glucose and urea nitrogen linearly and quadratically decreased while glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase activity linearly decreased as the proportion of LS increased. Other serum parameters including total triglycerides, total cholesterol, total protein, albumin and glutamic‐oxalacetic transaminease were not affected. Overall, enhancing ratio of LS caused inferior DM and NDF degradability but improved CP degradability in the combinations of LS and CS. A CS:LS ratio of 67:33 resulted in the best growth performance and nutrient utilization in steers.
Subjective and polysomnographic evaluation of sleep in mitochondrial optic neuropathies
Authors: Příhodová Iva , Nepožitek Jiří , Kelifová Silvie , Dostálová Simona , Kemlink David , Šonka Karel , Tesařová Markéta , Honzík Tomáš , Kolářová Hana 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLeber hereditary optic neuropathy and Dominant optic atrophy are associated with a selective loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC). A subtype of RGC is responsible for light‐dependent physiological processes. The aim of our study was to evaluate both subjective and objective sleep parameters in 36 (18 males; mean age 33.8 ± 16.7) symptomatic/asymptomatic subjects with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and dominant optic atrophy. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and nocturnal polysomnography were used to assess sleep disturbances and sleep quality. The questionnaires indicated significantly worse sleep quality (PSQI > 5; average 7.7 ± 3.8) in 21 (70%) and excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS > 10; average 6.3 ± 5.8) in six (20%) individuals. Nocturnal polysomnography has not revealed any significant changes of sleep structure. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep without atonia was observed in two patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. Obstructive sleep apnea was noted in eight cases. No correlation between subjective and polysomnographic data and no differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups were observed. None of the subjects fulfilled criteria for a circadian sleep disorder. In both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, a subjective decrease of the quality of sleep and wakefulness was noted without any correlation on polysomnography.
Pharmacokinetics of magnesium and its effects on clinical variables following experimentally induced hypermagnesemia
Authors: Schumacher Stephen A. , Toribio Ramiro E. , Scansen Brian , Lakritz Jeffrey , Bertone Alicia L. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to describe pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes as a result of a single intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) to healthy horses. MgSO4 is a magnesium salt that has been used to calm horses in equestrian competition and is difficult to regulate because magnesium is an essential constituent of all mammals. Six healthy adult female horses were administered a single intravenous dose of MgSO4 at 60 mg/kg of body weight over 5 min. Blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected, and cardiovascular parameters were monitored and echocardiograms performed at predetermined times. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was applied to plasma concentrations of ionized magnesium (Mg2+). Objective data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test with p < .05 used as a determination for significance. Plasma concentrations of Mg2+ increased nearly fivefold, ionized calcium (Ca2+) decreased by nearly 10%, and the Ca2+ to Mg2+ ratio declined more than 3.5‐fold and remained different than baseline until 24 hr (p < .05). Significant changes were seen with urinary fractional excretion of electrolytes, cardiovascular parameters, and echocardiographic measurements. No changes were detected in CSF electrolyte concentrations. The decrease in Ca2+ result of hypermagnesemia supports the interaction between these cations. Alterations detected in plasma electrolyte concentrations and urinary fractional excretion of electrolytes may serve as biomarkers for regulatory control for the nefarious administration of MgSO4.
Diabetes‐by‐Proxy: Virtual Embodiment of Disease by Oklahoma Choctaw Parents of Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Henderson J. Neil , Carson Linda D. , Tomette Alisa , Hass Amanda , King Kama 
Published: June 2020

AbstractChildhood type 1 diabetes is increasing globally and requires meticulous at‐home care due to risks for fatal outcomes if glucose levels are not continuously and correctly monitored. Type 1 diabetes research has focused on metabolism and stress measurements confirming high parental worry levels. However, research on caregivers’ management strategies has lagged. We show parents’ intense, all‐encompassing work to preempt a disastrous drop in their child's glucose as a stress‐path to the virtual embodiment of their child's condition. That is, parents acquire diabetes‐by‐proxy. Our findings derive from four and half years of ethnographic research with the same 19 families in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. These parents were exceptionally engaged as caregivers and distressed by the potentially fatal outcome of type 1 diabetes mismanagement. Diabetes‐by‐proxy names the parents’ experience and validates clinical attention to them as they cope with their crucial caregiving commitment.
Nutritional evaluation and growth of infants in a Rwandan neonatal follow‐up clinic
Authors: Bradford Jessica , Beck Kathryn , Nshimyiryo Alphonse , Wilson Kim , Mutaganzwa Christine , Havugarurema Silas , Ngamije Patient , Uwamahoro Alphonsine , Kirk Catherine M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractChildren born preterm, low birth weight (LBW) or with other perinatal risk factors are at high‐risk of malnutrition. Regular growth monitoring and early intervention are essential to promote optimal feeding and growth; however, monitoring growth in preterm infants can be complex. This study evaluated growth monitoring of infants under 6 months enrolled in Paediatric Development Clinics (PDCs) in rural Rwanda. We reviewed electronic medical records (EMR) of infants enrolled in PDCs before age 2 months with their first visit between January 2015 and December 2016 and followed them until age 6 months. Nurse classification of anthropometric measures and nutritional status were extracted from the EMR. Interval growth and length‐for‐age, weight‐for‐length, and weight‐for‐age z‐scores were calculated using World Health Organization anthropometry software as a ‘gold standard’ comparison to nurse classifications. Two hundred and ninety‐four patients enrolled and had 2,033 visits during the study period. Referral reasons included prematurity/LBW (73.8%) and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (28.2%). Nurses assessed interval growth at 58.7% of visits, length‐for‐age at 66.4%, weight‐for‐length at 65.6% and weight‐for‐age at 66.4%. Nurses and gold standard assessment agreed on interval growth at 53.3% of visits and length‐for‐age at 63.7%, weight‐for‐length at 78.2% and weight‐for‐age at 66.3%. At 6 months, 46.5% were stunted, 19.9% were wasted and 44.2% were underweight. There were significant challenges to optimizing growth and growth monitoring among high‐risk infants served by PDCs, including incomplete and inaccurate assessments. Developing tools for clinician decision support in assessing growth and providing specialized nutritional counselling are essential to supporting optimal outcomes in this population.
Paternal effects in a wild‐type zebrafish implicate a role of sperm‐derived small RNAs
Authors: Ord James , Heath Paul R. , Fazeli Alireza , Watt Penelope J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWhile the importance of maternal effects has long been appreciated, a growing body of evidence now points to the paternal environment having an important influence on offspring phenotype. Indeed, research on rodent models suggests that paternal stress leaves an imprint on the behaviour and physiology of offspring via nongenetic information carried in the spermatozoa; however, fish have been understudied with regard to these sperm‐mediated effects. Here, we investigated whether the zebrafish was subjected to heritable influences of paternal stress by exposing males to stressors (conspecific‐derived alarm cue, chasing and bright light) before mating and assessing the behavioural and endocrine responses of their offspring, including their behavioural response to conspecific‐derived alarm cue. We found that after males are exposed to stress, their larval offspring show weakened responses to stressors. Small RNA sequencing subsequently revealed that the levels of several small noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs, PIWI‐interacting RNAs and tRNA‐derived small RNAs, were altered in the spermatozoa of stressed fathers, suggesting that stress‐induced alterations to the spermatozoal RNA landscape may contribute to shaping offspring phenotype. The work demonstrates that paternal stress should not be overlooked as a source of phenotypic variation and that spermatozoal small RNAs may be important intergenerational messengers in fish.
Vaccination in patients with chronic kidney disease—Review of current recommendations and recent advances
Authors: Ma Becky Mingyao , Yap Desmond Yat Hin , Yip Terence Pok Siu , Hung Ivan Fan Ngai , Tang Sydney Chi Wai , Chan Tak Mao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV), influenza, pneumococcus and herpes zoster are important infections which could result in significant morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). While seroconversion rates after vaccination are often lower in CKD patients compared with healthy adults due to impaired innate and adaptive immunity, vaccinations for HBV, influenza, pneumococcus and herpes zoster are generally effective in reducing the transmission and/or severity of these infections. Practical issues that have an impact on the efficacy of vaccination in the CKD population include the timing, dose, schedule of vaccination, the route of administration, and adjuncts applied at time of vaccination. This review discusses the vaccination regimens and the efficacy of HBV, influenza, pneumococcus and zoster vaccines in CKD patients, and highlights recent advances in enhancing vaccine seroconversion rates.
European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility recommendations for conducting gastrointestinal motility and function testing in the recovery phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Tack Jan , Vanuytsel Tim , Serra Jordi , Accarino Anna , Stanghellini Vincenzo , Barbara Giovanni ,   the ESNM Consensus Group, the Leuven Consensus Group, the Italian Consensus Group, the Spanish Consensus Group on function testing in the COVID‐19 pandemic era
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundDuring the peak of the COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, care for patients with gastrointestinal motility and functional disorders was largely suspended. In the recovery phases of the pandemic, non‐urgent medical care is resumed, but there is a lack of guidance for restarting and safely conducting motility and function testing. Breath tests and insertion of manometry and pH‐monitoring probes carry a risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 spread through droplet formation.MethodsA panel of experts from the European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) evaluated emerging national and single‐center recommendations to provide the best current evidence and a pragmatic approach to ensure the safe conduct of motility and function testing for both healthcare professionals and patients.ResultsAt a general level, this involves evaluation of the urgency of the procedure, evaluation of the infectious risk associated with the patient, the investigation and the healthcare professional(s) involved, provision of the test planning and test units, education and training of staff, and use of personnel protection equipment. Additional guidance is provided for specific procedures such as esophageal manometry, pH monitoring, and breath tests.Conclusions and InferencesThe ESNM guidelines provide pragmatic and appropriate guidance for the safe conduct of motility and function testing in the COVID‐19 pandemic and early recovery phase.