bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of immunoglobulin‐associated mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis: A South African experience
Authors: Chothia Mogamat‐Yazied , Panday Amaan Shabeer , Coetzee Liezel , Bates William 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimImmunoglobulin‐associated mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis is currently the most common biopsy‐confirmed glomerulonephritis in Cape Town, South Africa. We aimed to determine the outcome of patients with a biopsy‐confirmed diagnosis of immunoglobulin‐associated mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis at our centre.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of adult patients was conducted from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2016. The endpoint was a composite of doubling of creatinine and/or end‐stage renal disease and/or death. Cox univariable and multivariable proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between the composite endpoint and predictor variables. Survival curves were made with the use of Kaplan‐Meier estimates.ResultsA total of 70 patients were included in the study and their median duration of follow‐up was 30.4 months. Forty‐eight (68.6%) patients reached the composite endpoint. The proportion reaching this endpoint at 1, 3 and 5 years were 37.5%, 64.6% and 81.3%, respectively. Cox multivariable proportional hazards model identified a serum creatinine concentration > 200 μmol/L at the time of biopsy, moderate to severe interstitial fibrosis, ≥50% crescents and cyclophosphamide therapy as predictors of the composite endpoint.ConclusionImmunoglobulin‐associated mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis remains a common glomerular pathological diagnosis in our setting and has poor outcomes. This may partially be explained by late presentation. Future research needs to focus on identifying the possible cause(s) of this common glomerular disease so that more targeted therapeutic approaches can be offered.
Isotopic composition and concentration of total nitrogen and nitrate in xylem sap under near steady‐state hydroponics
Authors: Hu Yi , Guy Robert D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAfter root uptake, nitrate is effluxed back to the medium, assimilated locally, or translocated to shoots. Rooted black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) scions were supplied with a NO3−‐based (0.5 mM) nutrient medium of known isotopic composition (δ15N), and xylem sap was collected by pressure bombing. To establish a sampling protocol, sap was collected from lower and upper stem sections at 0.1–0.2 MPa above the balancing pressure, and after increasing the pressure by a further 0.5 MPa. Xylem sap from upper stem sections was partially diluted at higher pressure. Further analysis was restricted to sap obtained from intact shoots at low pressure. Total‐, NO3−‐N and, by difference, organic‐N concentrations ranged from 6.1–11.0, 1.2–2.4, and 4.6–9.4 mM, while discrimination relative to the nutrient medium was −6.3 to 0.5‰, −23.3 to −11.5‰ and − 1.3 to 4.9‰, respectively. There was diurnal variation in δ15N of total‐ and organic‐N, but not NO3−. The difference in δ15N between xylem NO3− and organic‐N suggests that discrimination by nitrate reductase is near 25.1 ± 1.6‰. When this value was used in an isotope mass balance model, the predicted xylem sap NO3−‐N to total‐N ratio closely matched direct measurement.
Efficacy and safety of three times daily dosing of tacrolimus in pediatric kidney transplantation patients: A single‐center comparative study
Authors: Alabdulkarim Zinah , Al‐jedai Ahmed , Alkortas Delal , Alhasan Khalid , Devol Edward 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground/AimSeveral PK studies have shown that most pediatric patients may require higher doses on a mg/kg basis compared to adults to attain similar therapeutic trough concentrations. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of three times daily to twice a day dosing of tacrolimus in pediatric kidney transplant recipients at a major tertiary care transplant center.Methods and MaterialsRetrospective, single‐center, and comparative cohort study. All pediatric kidney transplant recipients received either tacrolimus BID (group 1) or tacrolimus TID (group 2).ResultsA total of 87 patients were included in this study; 48 patients received BID tacrolimus (group 1), and 39 patients received TID tacrolimus (group 2). The percentage of patients who achieved therapeutic trough concentrations in group 2 did not significantly differ from those in group 1 at day 7 (84.62% TID vs 83.33% BID; P = .42). The median time to reach therapeutic trough concentrations was three days in group 1 compared to four days in group 2.ConclusionNo significant difference was observed between tacrolimus BID and TID dosing in the time to reach therapeutic trough concentration or in the proportion of patients achieving therapeutic trough concentrations at day 7.
Unprecedented Challenges, Familiar Paradoxes: COVID‐19 and Governance in a New Normal State of Risks
Authors: Yang Kaifeng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis Viewpoint essay understands China's COVID‐19 responses through the lens of six paradoxes, focusing on normal and non‐normal governance, competing values, expertise and politics, centralization and decentralization, public and private, and technology and institutions. Preliminary lessons are drawn regarding pandemic governance: embedding resilience into all aspects of governance; developing a public value framework for pandemic governance and improving individuals' ethical capacity; institutionalizing policy capacity on pandemic governance and requiring expertise in relevant positions; balancing centralized coordination and decentralized responses with a stable and ready‐to‐work commanding center; enabling businesses and nonprofits for pandemic governance but regulating them appropriately; and enacting technologies to revolutionize pandemic governance with proper institutional safeguards.
Failure time studies with intermittent observation and losses to follow‐up
Authors: Cook Richard J. , Lawless Jerald F. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn health research interest often lies in modeling a failure time process but in many cohort studies failure status is only determined at scheduled assessment times. While the assessment times may be fixed upon study entry, individuals may become lost to follow‐up and miss visits subsequent to the time of loss to follow‐up. We consider a three‐state model to characterize a joint failure and loss to follow‐up process, and use it to investigate the impact of dependent loss to follow‐up on standard parametric, nonparametric, and semiparametric analysis. The effect of dependent loss to follow‐up is mitigated by fitting the joint model. The performance of standard methods is studied using the asymptotic theory of misspecified models, and the finite sample performance is examined for the standard and joint analyses through simulation studies. An application to data from a youth smoking prevention study is presented for illustration.
Self‐Stigma Toward Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury: An Examination of Implicit and Explicit Attitudes
Authors: Piccirillo Marilyn L. , Burke Taylor A. , Moore‐Berg Samantha L. , Alloy Lauren B. , Heimberg Richard G. 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveEvidence suggests that individuals without a history of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) are likely to view NSSI as a stigmatized behavior. However, there is limited evidence evaluating the presence of self‐stigma among individuals who have engaged in NSSI.MethodsWe recruited a university sample (n = 351) and employed implicit and explicit measures to examine the degree of stigmatization toward those with NSSI scarring, as compared to nonintentional disfigurement (i.e., accidental scarring) and to tattoos (i.e., a culturally sanctioned form of intentional tissue alteration). We examined the extent to which bias is related to indicators of NSSI severity among those with a history of NSSI.ResultsWe provide evidence that negative biases toward NSSI may represent the effects of self‐stigma. However, findings suggest that biases were generally attenuated among participants with a history of NSSI as compared to those without. Participants who had lower levels of NSSI explicit bias were more likely to have a history of more severe engagement in NSSI; however, no significant relationships were found between implicit bias and NSSI severity indicators.ConclusionsWe present a theoretical rationale for attenuated biases among individuals with a history of NSSI and discuss implications of this research for NSSI recovery.
Effect of proximal abducting ulnar osteotomy (PAUL) on frontal plane thoracic limb alignment: An ex vivo canine study
Authors: Amadio Alexandra , Corriveau Kayla M. , Norby Bo , Stephenson Timothy R. , Saunders W. Brian 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effect of proximal abducting ulnar osteotomy (PAUL) on frontal plane thoracic limb alignment in standing and recumbent positions.Study designEx vivo cadaveric study.Sample populationCanine thoracic limbs (n = 15 limb pairs).MethodsLimbs were acquired from healthy Labrador retrievers that had been euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study. A limb press was used to obtain standing and recumbent caudocranial radiographs before and after PAUL. Foot lateralization and rotation were directly measured in standing position. Mechanical joint angles were determined using full limb radiographic montages and the center of rotation of angulation (CORA) method for pre‐PAUL (Pre), 2‐mm PAUL (PAUL2), and 3‐mm PAUL (PAUL3). Data are reported as mean ± SD and 95% CI. Mixed linear modeling was used to identify differences in limb alignment values and foot position, with significance established at P ≤ .004.ResultsThere were differences in five of 12 limb alignment values pre‐PAUL and post‐PAUL in standing and recumbent positions. In the standing position, there was an increase in mechanical medial proximal radioulnar angle (Pre, 80.6° ± 2.5°; PAUL2, 82.6° ± 2.4°; PAUL3, 84° ± 2.4°) and a decrease in elbow compression angle (Pre, 1.4° ± 1.3°; PAUL2, 1° ± 0.9°; PAUL3, 0.8° ± 1°). There was a movement of mechanical humeral radioulnar angle (Pre, −8.9° ± 2.8°; PAUL2, −6.1° ± 2.7°; PAUL3, −5.2 ± 2.7°), mechanical thoracic humeral angle (Pre, 3.9° ± 1.7°; PAUL2, 2.4° ± 1.4°; PAUL3, 2.6° ± 1.5°), and elbow mechanical axis deviation (Pre, 1.9% ± 1.1%; PAUL2, 0.9% ± 1.1%; PAUL3, 0.4% ± 1.4%) toward a value of “0” representing coaxial alignment of the limb. The foot underwent lateralization (Pre, 1.4 ± 0.6 cm; PAUL2, 1.8 ± 0.7 cm; PAUL3, 2.3 ± 0.7 cm) and external rotation (Pre, 10.5° ± 4.7°; PAUL2, 13.7° ± 5.1°; PAUL3, 16° ± 6.6°).ConclusionIn the ex vivo setting, PAUL resulted in translation of the mechanical axis of the thoracic limb from a medial to lateral direction through alterations in limb alignment values associated with the elbow, humerus, and proximal radius/ulna.Clinical significanceAdditional studies are required to determine whether PAUL alters thoracic limb alignment in client‐owned dogs.
Modelling qualitative and quantitative parameters of groundwater using a new wavelet conjunction heuristic method: wavelet extreme learning machine versus wavelet neural networks
Authors: Poursaeid Mojtaba , Mastouri Reza , Shabanlou Saeid , Najarchi Mohsen 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn recent years, as a result of climate change as well as rainfall reduction in arid and semi‐arid regions, modelling qualitative and quantitative parameters belonging to aquifers has become crucially important. In Iran, as aquifers are treated as the most commonly used drinking water resources, modelling their qualitative and quantitative parameters is enormously important. In this paper, for the first time, values of salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), groundwater level (GWL) and electrical conductivity (EC) of the Arak Plain, located in Markazi Province, Iran, are simulated by means of four modern artificial intelligence models including extreme learning machine (ELM), wavelet extreme learning machine (WELM), online sequential extreme learning machine (OSELM) and wavelet online sequential extreme learning machine (WOSELM) as well as the MODFLOW software for a 15‐year period monthly. To develop the hybrid artificial intelligence models, the wavelet is employed. First, the effective lags in estimating the qualitative and quantitative parameters of the groundwater are identified using the autocorrelation function (ACF) and the partial autocorrelation function (PACF) analysis. After that, four different models are developed by the selected input combinations and also the ACF and the PACF in the form of different lags for each of ELM, WAELM, OSELM and WOSELM methods. Then, the superior models in simulating the groundwater qualitative and qualitative parameters are detected by conducting a sensitivity analysis. To forecast the electrical conductivity (EC) by the best WOSELM model, the values of the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSC), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and the scatter index (SI) are obtained to be 0.991, 18.005 and 4.28E‐03, respectively. In addition, the most effective lags in estimating these parameters are introduced. Subsequently, the results found by the MODFLOW model are compared with those of the artificial intelligence models and it is concluded that the latter are more accurate. For instance, the scatter index and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient values calculated by WOSELM for TDS, respectively, are 5.34E‐03 and 0.991. Finally, an uncertainty analysis is conducted to evaluate the performance of different numerical models. For example, MODFLOW has an underestimated performance in simulating the salinity parameter.
Glacial refuges and cryptic speciation in a Southern Palearctic tiger beetle (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae)
Authors: Torres‐Mantelet Nicolás , Galián José , León‐Quinto Trinidad , López‐López Alejandro 
Published: May 2020

Pleistocene glaciations had a determining role for shaping the current distribution and diversity of organisms, especially in the Palearctic region. In this work, we carry out a phylogeographic analysis of Iberian and two Eastern European populations of the tiger beetle Calomera littoralis (Fabricius, 1787) in order to infer the processes that may have affected their evolutionary history. According to our results, the genetic diversity of central Iberian C. littoralis populations is very low. The haplotype networks also suggest that these populations experienced a genetic bottleneck in the past, possibly related to the last glacial maxima, similar to that observed in other cicindelid taxa. These results highlight the remarkable dispersal capacity of this species, being able to move freely from one locality to another, despite the relatively long distances of sub‐optimal habitat that separates them. The genetic data of central Iberian populations contrast with those of the Eastern European populations, with higher genetic diversity and no hints of any past bottleneck. This can be explained by the different characteristics of both (Iberian and Pontic) glacial refuges. The high degree of genetic differentiation between the three C. littoralis clades, and the inclusion of C. lunulata between them, suggests that the three analysed populations could be considered as different cryptic species. In that case, C. littoralis may correspond to a species complex that is still undergoing a process of speciation, similar to that observed in Cicindela campestris.
Extreme occupational heat exposure is associated with elevated haematological and inflammatory markers in Fire Service Instructors
Authors: Watkins Emily R. , Hayes Mark , Watt Peter , Renshaw Derek , Richardson Alan J. 
Published: May 2020

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Fire service instructors are frequently exposed to live fire scenarios, representing the most extreme chronic occupational heat exposure. These individuals report a series of unique health issues. We sought to identify whether the number of exposures completed was associated with inflammatory and immunological markers and symptoms of ill health.
What is the main finding and its importance?
Fire service instructors exhibit greater levels of inflammatory markers in comparison to firefighters. The number of exposures to fire is positively related to the prevalence of ill health and inflammation. Implementation of a proposed limit of nine exposures per month might be appropriate to minimize health issues.

AbstractFire Service Instructors (FSIs) experience ∼10 times more fire exposures than firefighters (FFs), and the increased physiological stress from this potentially puts them at risk of ill health and future cardiac events. The aim of the study was to establish whether FSIs exhibit elevated biomarkers associated with cardiac event risk, identify whether FSIs experience systemic inflammation linked to the frequency of fire exposure and evaluate a proposed exposure limit of nine exposures per month. Blood samples were collected from 110 Fire Service personnel (mean ± SD, age,44 ± 7 years; height, 178.1 ± 7.1 cm; and body mass, 84.3 ± 12.0 kg; FSIs n = 53 and FFs n = 57) for biomarker analysis. Work history details were collected from all participants. Participants with biomarker concentrations above healthy reference ranges were classified as being ‘at risk’. The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet count, cardiac troponin T, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β, C‐reactive protein and immunoglobulin G were greater in FSIs than in FFs (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that 18.8% of IL‐6, 24.9% of IL‐1β, 29.2% of C‐reactive protein and 10.9% of immunoglobulin G variance could be explained by the number of exposures to heat per month. Odds ratios revealed that those FSIs above the nine per month exposure limit were six to 12 times more likely to be classified as ‘at risk’ and were 16 times more likely to experience symptoms of ill health. Increased cytokine levels suggest that FSIs experience systemic inflammation, which is related to symptoms of ill health. We propose that an exposure limit could reduce the prevalence of these biomarker risk factors and ill health.
Mechanisms underlying selective coupling of endothelial Ca2+ signals with eNOS vs. IK/SK channels in systemic and pulmonary arteries
Authors: Ottolini Matteo , Daneva Zdravka , Chen Yen‐Lin , Cope Eric L. , Kasetti Ramesh B. , Zode Gulab S. , Sonkusare Swapnil K. 
Published: May 2020

Key points
Endothelial cell TRPV4 (TRPV4EC) channels exert a dilatory effect on the resting diameter of resistance mesenteric and pulmonary arteries.
Functional intermediate‐ and small‐conductance K+ (IK and SK) channels and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) are present in the endothelium of mesenteric and pulmonary arteries.
TRPV4EC sparklets preferentially couple with IK/SK channels in mesenteric arteries and with eNOS in pulmonary arteries.
TRPV4EC channels co‐localize with IK/SK channels in mesenteric arteries but not in pulmonary arteries, which may explain TRPV4EC‐IK/SK channel coupling in mesenteric arteries and its absence in pulmonary arteries.
The presence of the nitric oxide‐scavenging protein, haemoglobin α, limits TRPV4EC‐eNOS signalling in mesenteric arteries.
Spatial proximity of TRPV4EC channels with eNOS and the absence of haemoglobin α favour TRPV4EC‐eNOS signalling in pulmonary arteries.
AbstractSpatially localized Ca2+ signals activate Ca2+‐sensitive intermediate‐ and small‐conductance K+ (IK and SK) channels in some vascular beds and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in others. The present study aimed to uncover the signalling organization that determines selective Ca2+ signal to vasodilatory target coupling in the endothelium. Resistance‐sized mesenteric arteries (MAs) and pulmonary arteries (PAs) were used as prototypes for arteries with predominantly IK/SK channel‐ and eNOS‐dependent vasodilatation, respectively. Ca2+ influx signals through endothelial transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4EC) channels played an important role in controlling the baseline diameter of both MAs and PAs. TRPV4EC channel activity was similar in MAs and PAs. However, the TRPV4 channel agonist GSK1016790A (10 nm) selectively activated IK/SK channels in MAs and eNOS in PAs, revealing preferential TRPV4EC‐IK/SK channel coupling in MAs and TRPV4EC‐eNOS coupling in PAs. IK/SK channels co‐localized with TRPV4EC channels at myoendothelial projections (MEPs) in MAs, although they lacked the spatial proximity necessary for their activation by TRPV4EC channels in PAs. Additionally, the presence of the NO scavenging protein haemoglobin α (Hbα) within nanometer proximity to eNOS limits TRPV4EC‐eNOS signalling in MAs. By contrast, co‐localization of TRPV4EC channels and eNOS at MEPs, and the absence of Hbα, favour TRPV4EC‐eNOS coupling in PAs. Thus, our results reveal that differential spatial organization of signalling elements determines TRPV4EC‐IK/SK vs. TRPV4EC‐eNOS coupling in resistance arteries.
Unileg Thermoelectric Module Comprised by Coated Halide-Perovskite Thin Film
Authors: Saini Shrikant , Baranwal Ajay Kumar , Yabuki Tomohide , Hayase Shuzi , Miyazaki Koji 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The direct conversion of thermal energy into electricity is possible by thermoelectric effect. CsSnI3 perovskite has shown a way with its intrinsic ultralow thermal conductivity and large Seebeck coefficient. In this work, CsSnI3 thin films were optimized. Thin films were structurally and chemically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Thermoelectric properties such as electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity were measured near room temperature (300 K). CsSnI3 thin films unileg thermoelectric modules were fabricated on a glass substrate. The maximum output power is obtained about 0.8 nW for five legs (25 mm × 3 mm × 600 nm) modules for the temperature difference of about 5 °C.
A Unified Control Framework for Traction Machine Drive Using Linear Parameters Varying-Based Field-Oriented Control
Authors: Hanif Athar , Ahmed Qadeer , Bhatti Aamer Iqbal , Rizzoni Giorgio 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The performance of an electrified powertrain in extreme operating conditions is greatly compromised. This is due to the fact that meeting the road loads, ensuring efficient powertrain operation, and minimizing the loss of lifetime (aging) of an electric machine are three essential but conflicting targets. In this paper, a unified multi-objective linear parameters varying (LPV)-based field-oriented control (FOC) framework is proposed to solve the problem of conflicting objectives mentioned above. The outer loop in a unified control framework generates the reference currents using linear matrix inequality (LMI)-based torque and flux controllers. Moreover, optimal flux is estimated using LPV observer to ensure efficient machine operations. In the inner loop of a unified control framework, the multi-objective controller (MOC) is synthesized by selecting optimal weighting functions using LMI-based convex optimization approach. The stability of the proposed unified control framework is also analyzed. The effectiveness of the proposed unified control framework is tested for a direct drive electrified powertrain of a three-wheeled vehicle commonly found in urban transportation for Asian countries. The urban driving schedule-based simulation results confirm that the lifetime of traction machine can be enhanced by appropriate control framework design without compromising its performance.