bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective study of the safety and effectiveness of droperidol in elderly patients for pre‐hospital acute behavioural disturbance
Authors: Page Colin B , Parker Lachlan E , Rashford Stephen J , Kulawickrama Sanjeewa , Isoardi Katherine Z , Isbister Geoffrey K 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveAcute behavioural disturbance in the elderly (≥65 years) is a significant issue for emergency medical services with increasing prevalence of dementia and aging populations. We investigated the pre‐hospital safety and effectiveness of droperidol in the elderly with acute behavioural disturbance.MethodsThis was a pre‐hospital prospective observational 1‐year study of elderly patients with acute behavioural disturbance. The primary outcome was proportion of adverse events (AEs) (airway intervention, oxygen saturation <90% and/or respiratory rate <12/min, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, sedation assessment tool score of −3 and dystonic reactions). Secondary outcomes included time to sedation, additional sedation, proportion with successful sedation.ResultsThere were 149 patients (males 78 [52%], median age 78 years; 65–101 years) presenting on 162 occasions. Dementia was the commonest cause (107/164 [65%]) of acute behavioural disturbance. There were six AEs in five patients (5/162 [3%]; 95% confidence interval 1–7). Three had hypotension, one with associated hypoxia (80%); and two had respiratory AEs (respiratory rate, 10/min [no hypoxia] and hypoxia [88%] which required oxygen). Median time to sedation was 19 min (interquartile range 12–29 min). Additional sedation was given in 2/162 patients during ambulance transfer and 16/162 within an hour of hospital arrival; 24/162 (15%) failed to sedate in the ambulance; 16 subsequently settled in ED and 8/24 received additional sedation. Of 162, 123 (76%) patients successfully sedated, without AEs or additional sedation. Of 162, 114 (70%) patients received 5 mg, 46 (29%) received two doses of 5 mg and two patients (1%) received three doses.ConclusionsDroperidol appeared to be safe and effective for pre‐hospital sedation of acute behavioural disturbance in elderly patients.
Portable heaters for microhabitat heating experiments
Authors: Baer Christina S. , Dierick Diego , Garcia‐Robledo Carlos 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Global warming will likely cause more ecological change by altering how species interact with each other than by directly affecting individual species. Field heating experiments are essential to test how warming will change species interactions. However, such experiments pose many logistical challenges, including heater construction and accuracy and accessing necessary infrastructure.

To facilitate these experiments, we developed portable active heaters suitable for heating microhabitats and sites of species interactions. We validated heater performance using two different target microhabitats: rolled leaf refugia and aquatic microcosms.

Using plastic mesh, resistive heating wire and an Arduino UNO microcontroller system with a custom shield, we built adjustable heaters that can dynamically heat small targets to at least 5°C above ambient temperature. Leaf target systems were heated with mean absolute errors (MAE) of 0.40–1.06°C. Water target systems were heated with MAE of 0.02–0.04°C.

These heaters can be customized to accurately heat a wide range of target sites (leaves, flowers, nests, small pools of water, etc.), many of which cannot be easily heated with traditional heaters. They can be easily constructed and require less field site infrastructure than many active heaters. These heaters' adjustability and portability mean that they can help test the effects of global warming in many situations, particularly in remote and lightly developed areas.
Comparative analysis of occlusion methods for artificial sphincters
Authors: Marziale Leonardo , Lucarini Gioia , Mazzocchi Tommaso , Ricotti Leonardo , Menciassi Arianna 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAn artificial sphincter is a device that replaces the function of the biological sphincter by occluding the relative biological lumen. The investigation of occlusion methods for artificial sphincters is crucial for a reliable and effective design of such devices. The compression induced onto the tissue by a certain pressure depends on the biomechanical and physiological features of the lumen and on the specific occlusion method. A numerical model and an experimental evaluation are presented here to assess the efficiency of different occlusion methods. Numerical models of circumferential occlusion and clamping occlusion methods to simulate the compression of the biological lumen were developed. Results revealed a relationship between the efficiency of the occlusion method and the physiological condition of the lumen. With differences related to the testing setup, this relationship was also confirmed experimentally by conducting tests on biological simulators. We analyzed the occlusion method to adopt as the physiological pressure (ie, leakage pressure values) changed. In particular, we focused on the urinary incontinence, which is a dysfunction involving the external sphincter surrounding the urethra. In this scenario, we demonstrated that a clamping occlusion is an efficient method to compress the urethra, whose physiological pressures range between 4 and 12 kPa. The clamping occlusion method resulted up to 35% more efficient in terms of sealing pressure than the circumferential one for a closing pressure varying between 2.3 and 11.5 kPa.
Fluid‐structure interaction analysis of a collapsible axial flow blood pump impeller and protective cage for Fontan patients
Authors: Hirschhorn Matthew , Bisirri Evan , Stevens Randy , Throckmorton Amy L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLimited donor organs and alternative therapies have led to a growing interest in the use of blood pumps as a treatment strategy for patients with single functional ventricle. The present study examines the use of collapsible and flexible impeller, cage, and diffuser designs of an axial blood pump for Fontan patients. Using one‐way fluid‐structure interaction (FSI) studies, the impact of blade deformation on blood damage and pump performance was investigated for flexible impellers. We evaluated biocompatible materials, including Nitinol, Bionate 80A polyurethane, and silicone for flow rates between 2.0‐4.0 L/min and rotational speeds of 3000‐9000 rpm. The level of deformation experienced by a cage and diffuser made of surgical stainless steel (control), Nitinol, and Bionate 80A polyurethane was also predicted using one‐way FSI. The fluid pressure on the surface of the impeller, cage, and diffuser was determined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and then, the surface pressure was exported and used to investigate the impeller, cage, and diffuser deformation using finite element analysis. Finally, deformed impeller geometries were imported into the CFD software to determine the implication of deformation on pressure generation, blood damage index, and fluid streamlines. It was found that rotational speed, and not flow rate, is the largest determinant of impeller deformation, occurring at the blade trailing edges. The models predicted the maximum impeller deformation for Nitinol to be 40 nm, Bionate 80A polyurethane to be 106 μm, and silicone to be 2.8 mm, all occurring at 9000 rpm. The effects of silicone deformation on performance were significant, particularly at speeds above 5000 rpm where a decrease in pressure generation of more than 10% was observed. Despite this loss, the pressure generation at 5000 rpm exceeded the level required to alleviate Fontan complications. A blood damage estimation was performed and levels remained low. The effect of significant impeller deformation on blood damage was inconsistent and requires additional investigation. Cage and diffuser geometries made of steel and Nitinol deformed minimally but Bionate 80A experienced unacceptable levels of deformation, particularly in the free‐flow case without a spinning impeller. These results support the continued evaluation of a flexible, pitch‐adjusting, axial‐flow, mechanical assist device as a clinical therapeutic option for patients with dysfunctional Fontan physiology.
Quantifying sand delivery to deep water during changing sea‐level: Numerical models from the Quaternary Brazos Icehouse continental margin
Authors: Falivene Oriol , Prather Bradford E. , Martin John 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSequence stratigraphy for clastic continental margins predicts the development of sand‐rich turbidite deposits during specific times in relation to base‐level cycles. It is now widely understood that deltas can extend to the shelf‐edge forced by high sediment flux and/or base level, providing a direct connection to transfer sediment and sand to the slope and basin floor even during high base level periods. Herein, we build a stratigraphic forward model for the last 120 kyr of the fluvio‐deltaic to deep‐water Brazos system (USA) where sediment partitioning along an Icehouse continental margin can be evaluated. The reduced‐complexity stratigraphic forward model employs geologically constrained input parameters and mass balance. The modelled architecture is consistent with the location of depositional units previously mapped in the shelf. Sand bypasses the shelf and upper slope between 35 to 15 kyr before present and only about 20%–30% of all the sediment and sand supplied to the system is transferred to deep water. Several scenarios based on the initial Brazos model investigate the relationships between base level and deep‐water sand ratio (DWSR). DWSR is defined as the relative amount of sand transferred to the deep‐water portions of the system subdivided by the total sand input to the model. Linear correlations between DWSR and base level change rates or base level are very poor. Short‐term variability due to local processes (for example avulsions) is superimposed to the long‐term trends and mask the base level signal. DWSR for an entire base‐level cycle is mainly controlled by the proportion of time the delta stays docked at the shelf‐edge. Stratigraphic forward models are useful to complement field observations and quantify how different processes control stratigraphy, which is important for making predictions in areas with limited information.
Reactive dyeing of silk using commercial acid dyes based on a three‐component Mannich‐type reaction
Authors: Guo Qing , Chen Wei‐guo , Cui Zhi‐hua , Jiang Hua 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAcid dyes are employed for commercially dyeing silk, which results in ionic bonds between the silk fibroin and the dye. This generally leads to low wet fastness properties for dyed silk fabrics. In this work, three commercial acid dyes with aromatic primary amine structures were selected to dye silk using a Mannich‐type reaction, resulting in improved wet fastness of dyed silk by forming covalent bonds between silk fibroin and dye. The Mannich‐type reactive dyeing was applied to silk fabrics at both 30 and 90°C in trials. Dyeing at 90°C can shorten the dyeing time compared with dyeing at 30°C, even although dye exhaustion and relative fixation at 90°C were a little lower. The dyeing process was optimised when the dyeing temperature was 90°C, dyebath pH 4, dye‐to‐formaldehyde ratio 1:30 and holding dyeing time 60 minutes. The results showed that the dye exhaustion on silk fabrics for the three aromatic primary amine‐containing acid dyes exceeded 94% and their relative fixation was over 80%. Their washing and rubbing fastness reached grade 4 or higher. Hence, the colour fastness properties of dyed silk fabrics using the Mannich‐type reactive dyeing method is superior to the conventional acid dyeing method using the same aromatic primary amine‐containing acid dyes. The Mannich‐type reactive dyeing for silk fabrics at 90°C can be developed into a novel and rapid reactive dyeing method, promising an effective dyeing process with excellent colour fastness.
p75NTR−/− mice exhibit an alveolar bone loss phenotype and inhibited PI3K/Akt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Wang Yingying , Yang Kun , Li Gang , Liu Rui , Liu Junyu , Li Jun , Tang Mengying , Zhao Manzhu , Song Jinlin , Wen Xiujie 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in regulating the mouse alveolar bone development and the mineralization potential of murine ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs). Moreover, we tried to explore the underlying mechanisms associated with the PI3K/Akt/β‐catenin pathway.Materials and methodsp75NTR knockout (p75NTR−/−) mice and wild‐type (WT) littermates were used. E12.5d p75NTR−/− and WT EMSCs were isolated in the same pregnant p75NTR‐/+ mice from embryonic maxillofacial processes separately. Mouse alveolar bone mass was evaluated using micro‐CT. Differential osteogenic differentiation pathways between p75NTR−/− and WT EMSCs were analysed by RNA‐sequencing. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and PI3K agonist 740Y‐P were used to regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway in EMSCs. p75NTR overexpression lentiviruses, p75NTR knock‐down lentiviruses and recombined mouse NGF were used to transfect cells.ResultsThe alveolar bone mass was found reduced in the p75NTR knockout mouse comparing to the WT mouse. During mineralization induction, p75NTR−/− EMSCs displayed decreased osteogenic capacity and downregulated PI3K/Akt/β‐catenin signalling. The PI3K/Akt/β‐catenin pathway positively regulates the potential of differential mineralization in EMSCs. The promotive effect of p75NTR overexpression can be attenuated by LY294002, while the inhibitory effect of p75NTR knock‐down on Runx2 and Col1 expression can be reversed by 740Y‐P.ConclusionDeletion of p75NTR reduced alveolar bone mass in mice. P75NTR positively regulated the osteogenic differentiation of EMSCs via enhancing the PI3K/Akt/β‐catenin pathway.
From British mandate to post Anglo‐American invasion: Reproduction of ethno‐sectarian divides and the breakdown of social cohesion in Mosul
Authors: Özekin Muhammed Kürşad 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe invasion of Iraq in 2003 ushered in an era of great uncertainty and turbulence that left the country in an economically crippled, politically unstable, and socially desperate situation. While the built‐in ethno‐sectarian divides have been widely used as analytical categories to address the enduring violence in both Mosul and the rest of Iraq, little attention has been paid to the connection between the long‐term Anglo‐American invasion of Iraq and the ethno‐sectarian violence that currently characterizes Mosul. This study argues that while ethnic and sectarian loyalties have historically persisted in their social forms since the rule of the Ottoman Empire, the highly politicized and violent forms of ethno‐sectarian conflict are modern phenomena, produced and reproduced under the conditions of the decades‐long British and American interventions. The study retrospectively evaluates the current dynamics of ethno‐sectarian confrontations in Mosul through two stages in the long historiography of modern Iraq. The first section reveals how Britain’s mismanagement of colonial Iraq set the initial conditions for communal cleavages and instability in today’s Mosul. Later, the second section turns its attention toward the contemporary manifestation of ethno‐sectarian violence, particularly under the U.S.‐led occupation.
Iran's global reach: The Islamic Republic of Iran's policy, involvement, and activity in Africa
Authors: Shahvar Soli 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study is to analyze the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI)'s policy toward and involvement in the African continent as a case study of the IRI's global policy and reach. The aspiration of the IRI's leadership for international standing and support coupled with a desire to export its revolutionary model and extend its influence beyond its borders have shaped its activity on many continents, including Africa. Africa's strategic location, past colonial experience, political position, rich resources, large Muslim population, and economic attractiveness have all contributed to shaping the IRI's activity within it. This study analyzes IRI's foreign policy in general and its implementation in Africa in particular, identifying the different historical phases of its activity in Africa, distinguishing between the various African regions, the main Iranian organizations involved therein, the means of and channels for Iranian involvement in Africa, and the reasons for IRI's gains and losses on that continent. The study shows how the Islamic regime has managed, during its 40 years of rule, through pragmatism and resilience, to gain influence and support, has endeavored to balance its losses, and has adapted to new circumstances in the African continent.
Life cycles, phenology and genetic structure of endangered Megacrania tsudai Shiraki (Phasmatodea: Phasmatidae): Male individuals from a geographic parthenogenesis species
Authors: Wu I‐Hsin , Liu Hsui‐Huei , Chen Yu‐Yen , Tsai Cheng‐Lung , Yu Yi‐Ching , Hsiao Chung‐Yi , Yeh Wen‐Bin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMegacrania tsudai, a peripherally distributed member of Megacrania, requires conservation in Taiwan; it has limited distribution in Taiwan and its eastern offshore islands. It feeds on screw pines (Pandanus odoratissimus) in nature and has demonstrated a specific defensive mechanism involving actinidine secretion from the prothoracic gland. However, details of its distribution area, life cycle and developmental phenology remain largely unknown. In this study, a field survey and review of published works revealed M. tsudai distribution in coastal zones and along river shores near estuaries. At room temperature, the egg period was 128 days. The development of the first to sixth instars required 17, 26, 27, 26, 34 and 43 days, respectively, on average; and a generation cycle required approximately 204 days. The phenology of the mesonotal granules was recorded. Moreover, genetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI), 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) and the nuclear ribosomal spacer indicated the occurrence of genetic drift. Therefore, the rearing procedures proposed in this study for the primary and last instars of M. tsudai can facilitate its conservation. Megacrania tsudai was previously recorded as parthenogenetic; however, two male individuals were fostered unexpectedly. The male body length was 91 mm, which is shorter than the female length (120 mm). During mating, the male climbs onto the female's back and protrudes its genitalia downward. Geographical parthenogenesis is likely the reproductive strategy among peripheral M. tsudai; however, the rarely found M. tsudai male could be an intermediate link of reproductive strategy in the transition from tychoparthenogenesis to parthenogenesis.
Discovery of Buprestidae rock art in central Iran suggests historical relationship between jewel beetles and mankind
Authors: Kolnegari Mahmood , Naserifard Mohammad , Hazrati Mandana 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAn extensive field survey was undertaken by a group of archaeologists and entomologists to discover arthropod‐like petroglyphs in the center of Iran during 2017 to 2018. A remarkable motif approximately 13 × 5 cm in size was found in the Teymareh rock art site, located in Markazi province, which has yet to be reported. The single rock art distinctly represents a hexapod organism with small antenna, a streaked narrow body and a tapering abdomen. Based on distinguishing aspects of the inspected motif and morphological information of species within the class Insecta, we identified it as a jewel beetle (Coleoptera: Buprestidae). We propose that the buprestid drawing was derived from a historic artist who admired the aesthetic value of the jewel beetle. The jewel beetle's characters within Persian Plateau folklore are also briefly discussed.
A conceptual map of invasion biology: Integrating hypotheses into a consensus network
Authors: Enders Martin , Havemann Frank , Ruland Florian , Bernard‐Verdier Maud , Catford Jane A. , Gómez‐Aparicio Lorena , Haider Sylvia , Heger Tina , Kueffer Christoph , Kühn Ingolf , Meyerson Laura A. , Musseau Camille , Novoa Ana , Ricciardi Anthony , Sagouis Alban , Schittko Conrad , Strayer David L. , Vilà Montserrat , Essl Franz , Hulme Philip E. , van Kleunen Mark , Kumschick Sabrina , Lockwood Julie L. , Mabey Abigail L. , McGeoch Melodie A. , Palma Estíbaliz , Pyšek Petr , Saul Wolf‐Christian , Yannelli Florencia A. , Jeschke Jonathan M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackground and aimsSince its emergence in the mid‐20th century, invasion biology has matured into a productive research field addressing questions of fundamental and applied importance. Not only has the number of empirical studies increased through time, but also has the number of competing, overlapping and, in some cases, contradictory hypotheses about biological invasions. To make these contradictions and redundancies explicit, and to gain insight into the field’s current theoretical structure, we developed and applied a Delphi approach to create a consensus network of 39 existing invasion hypotheses.ResultsThe resulting network was analysed with a link‐clustering algorithm that revealed five concept clusters (resource availability, biotic interaction, propagule, trait and Darwin’s clusters) representing complementary areas in the theory of invasion biology. The network also displays hypotheses that link two or more clusters, called connecting hypotheses, which are important in determining network structure. The network indicates hypotheses that are logically linked either positively (77 connections of support) or negatively (that is, they contradict each other; 6 connections).SignificanceThe network visually synthesizes how invasion biology’s predominant hypotheses are conceptually related to each other, and thus, reveals an emergent structure – a conceptual map – that can serve as a navigation tool for scholars, practitioners and students, both inside and outside of the field of invasion biology, and guide the development of a more coherent foundation of theory. Additionally, the outlined approach can be more widely applied to create a conceptual map for the larger fields of ecology and biogeography.
Muslim minorities versus Mudejars: From the margins to the central stage of Iberian history
Authors: Echevarría Ana 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis article shows the extraordinary liveliness of debate in the field of Muslim minorities in the Middle Ages, more precisely in the Iberian Peninsula. In the past years, the field has changed from a local understanding of Mudejar as a specific Iberian category to a more comprehensive approach as one of many Muslim minorities. In this respect, a reassessment of the questions of distribution of population and languages used in communication was necessary, especially the emergence of Aljamiado and its use in combination with Arabic and the Romance vernaculars. Going forward, the field will continue to draw on new methodologies and findings to understand the phenomenon of Mudejar acculturation and resistances to assimilation.