bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional analysis of FRIGIDA using naturally occurring variation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Lei , Jiménez‐Gómez José M.
Published: February 2020

The FRIGIDA locus (FRI, AT4G00650) has been extensively studied in Arabidopsis thaliana because of its role creating flowering time diversity. The FRI protein regulates flowering induction by binding partner proteins on its N‐terminus and C‐terminus domains and creating a supercomplex that promotes transcription of the floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). Despite the knowledge accumulated on FRIGIDA (FRI), the function of the highly conserved central domain of the protein is still unknown. Functional characterization of naturally occurring DNA polymorphisms can provide useful information about the role of a protein and the localization of its operative domains. For FRI, loss‐of‐function mutations are positively selected and widespread in nature, making them a powerful tool to study the function of the different domains of the protein. Here we explore natural sequence variation in the FRI locus in more than 1000 Arabidopsis accessions. We identify 127 mutations that alter the FRI protein, including 60 that had never been described before. We defined 103 different alleles of FRI and study their association with variation in flowering time. We confirmed these associations by cloning 22 different alleles and expressing them in a common null genetic background. Our analysis pinpoints two single amino acid changes in the central domain that render the protein non‐functional. We show that these two mutations determine the stability and cellular localization of the FRI protein. In summary, our work makes use of natural variants at the FRI locus to help understanding the function of the central domain of the FRI protein.
Evaluation of the caudal cervical articular process joints by using a needle arthroscope in standing horses
Authors: Pérez‐Nogués Marcos , Vaughan Betsy , Phillips Kathryn L. , Galuppo Larry D.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To determine the safety and efficacy of caudal cervical articular process joint arthroscopy by using needle arthroscopy in standing sedated horses.

Study design

Prospective experimental case series.

Animals

Six adult horses.

Methods

Three horses underwent exploration of bilateral C5‐6 vertebral articular process joints and three bilateral C6‐7 articular process joints by using a 1.2 × 65‐mm needle arthroscope under standing sedation. The 16‐gauge arthroscopic trocar and canula assembly was inserted in the desired articular process joint under ultrasonographic guidance without distention of the joint.

Results

All 12 articular process joints were successfully explored. Entering the joint on the first attempt was achieved in 10 of 12 joints. A craniodorsal approach for arthroscope insertion allowed evaluation of the most cranial aspect of the articular cartilage surface. Triangulation with a spinal needle was determined to be difficult and resulted in a limited space for movement.

Conclusion

Needle arthroscopy of the caudal cervical facet joints was performed safely and efficiently in standing sedated horses.

Clinical significance

Standing cervical articular process needle arthroscopy is a minimal morbidity technique with the potential to be an advantageous technique for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical articular process pathology.
Bubble Behavior in Pool Boiling Heat Transfer between Two Plates with a Narrow Gap
Authors: Kim Jin Sub , Shin Dong Hwan , Kim Yeonghwan , You Seung M. , Lee Jungho
Published: February 2020

The pool boiling phenomena, which may occur at high heat flux in the planar heat pipe such as vapor chamber and thermal ground plane (TGP), were visually investigated in the vertical orientation by capturing the bubble behavior within a narrow gap between two plates using distilled water at 1 atm. The size of two copper plates is 80×80 mm2 and the 10×10 mm2 ceramic heater, which simulates the high power chip, was bonded to the backside of the bottom plate. The gap between two plates was adjusted from 3 mm to 0.5 mm using spacers. It was observed that the generated bubble spreads laterally throughout the channel between the plates as decreasing the gap. Thin liquid film forms beneath the flattened bubble and the thin film evaporation improves heat transfer at the narrow gaps of 3 and 1 mm. However, further reduction of the gap down to 0.5 mm brings about an increase of the dried region, resulting in the deterioration of boiling heat transfer.

[This work was supported by the Civil-Military Technology Cooperation Program of the Institute of Civil-Military Technology Cooperation (ICMTC), with a grant funded by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (Grant No. 18CM5017).]
Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging: A Technique to Reveal the Dropwise Condensation Mechanism
Authors: Ahangar Shahab Bayani , Allen Jeffrey S. , Lee Seong Hyuk , Choi Chang Kyoung
Published: February 2020

To understand the physics behind dropwise condensation, a microscopy technique must be able to measure a sub-nanometer film at a high temporal resolution (>1,000 FPS). In this work, automated Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging (SPRi) is used as a tool to study the existence of a thin film between the dropwise condensate. SPRi is a label-free imaging technique that works based on the attenuated total internal reflection. SPRi can detect changes in the refractive index (RI) of the test medium in the thin region (<300 nm) above the sensing gold layer. The automated, angle-scanning SPRi instrument was developed by integrating linear and rotating motorized stages. This instrument improves conventional SPRi by enhancing the resolution of angle probing, increasing the speed of angle scanning, and minimizing the angle-dependent image artifacts. As a proof of concept, we visualized the three stages of coalescence at 10,000 FPS, including bridge formation, composite peanut-shape droplet formation, and the relaxation stage. Furthermore, we probed the solid-vapor interface during the dropwise condensation to evaluate the existence of a thin film on the substrate. The results of our visualization show that the area between droplets is covered by an adsorbed film with a thickness of a monolayer (0.275 nm) and a surface coverage of less than one (m2/m2). Moreover, the results reveal a dry region forms on the substrate when part of the substrate is exposed to ambient conditions due to the coalescence. The dry zone on the substrate has higher surface energy, as compared to the surrounding area. Therefore, the exposed area serves as a favorable site for vapor molecules to strike the surface and form new nuclei.
Leveraging Events to Develop Collaborative Partnerships: Examining the Formation and Collaborative Dynamics of the Ontario Parasport Legacy Group
Authors: Misener Laura , Lu Landy Di , Carlisi Robert
Published: February 2020

The strategic formation of partnerships for leveraging sport events to achieve social impact is becoming a critical component of large-scale sport events. The authors know less about the process dimensions related to the formation and collaborative dynamics of a sport event–leveraging partnership. To address this gap, the authors focus on examining the formation and collaborative dynamics alongside the challenges of the cross-sector partnership, the Ontario Parasport Legacy Group (OPLG), which emerged as an important leveraging strategy for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. The authors found that the formation of the OPLG was shaped through broader environmental elements—including resource conditions, window of collaborative opportunity, and cultural influence—and essential drivers of strategic leadership and consequential incentives. Furthermore, the authors’ analysis shows that the development of the OPLG and its effectiveness in partnership delivery were determined through key domains of collaborative dynamics (i.e., engagement, motivation, and joint capacity).
Antagonistic Effect of Colistin on Vancomycin Activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Studies
Authors: Choi Sungim , Moon Song Mi , Park Su-Jin , Lee Seung Cheol , Jung Kyung Hwa , Sung Heung-sup , Kim Mi-Na , Jung Jiwon , Kim Min Jae , Kim Sung-Han , Lee Sang-Oh , Choi Sang-Ho , Jeong Jin-Yong , Woo Jun Hee , Kim Yang Soo , Chong Yong Pil
Published: February 2020

As concerns arise that the vancomycin MIC of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) could be increased by concurrent colistin administration, we evaluated the effect of colistin on vancomycin efficacy against MRSA via
in vitro
and
in vivo
studies. Among MRSA blood isolates collected in a tertiary-care hospital, we selected representative strains from community-associated MRSA strains (CA-MRSA; ST72-MRSA-SCC
mec
IV) and hospital-acquired MRSA strains (HA-MRSA; ST5-MRSA-SCC
mec
II).
Multiple Low-Reactivity Class B Penicillin-Binding Proteins Are Required for Cephalosporin Resistance in Enterococci
Authors: Djorić Dušanka , Little Jaime L. , Kristich Christopher J.
Published: February 2020

Enterococcus faecalis
and
Enterococcus faecium
are commensals of the gastrointestinal tract of most terrestrial organisms, including humans, and are major causes of health care-associated infections. Such infections are difficult or impossible to treat, as the enterococcal strains responsible are often resistant to multiple antibiotics. One intrinsic resistance trait that is conserved among
E. faecalis
and
E. faecium
is cephalosporin resistance, and prior exposure to cephalosporins is one of the most well-known risk factors for acquisition of an enterococcal infection.
Performance Characteristics of a Multiplex Flow Immunoassay for Detection of IgG-Class Antibodies to Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella-Zoster Viruses in Presumptively Immune Health Care Workers
Authors: Theel Elitza S. , Sorenson Marisa , Rahman Crystal , Granger Dane , Vaughn Andrew , Breeher Laura
Published: February 2020

Immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster viruses (VZV; MMRV) is a common condition of employment for health care workers (HCWs) to ensure compliance with national standards and state laws. When documentation of complete vaccination or laboratory-confirmed infection is not available, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) criteria are used to guide vaccination or anti-MMRV IgG testing. We assessed the performance of the BioPlex 2200 MMRV IgG multiplex flow immunoassay (MFI; Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA) and matched immunofluorescence assays (IFAs; MBL Bion, Des Plaines, IL) in 220 HCWs categorized by ACIP criteria for presumptive immunity to MMRV.
Metagenomic Hi-C of a Healthy Human Fecal Microbiome Transplant Donor
Authors: DeMaere Matthew Z. , Liu Michael Y. Z. , Lin Enmoore , Djordjevic Steven P. , Charles Ian G. , Worden Paul , Burke Catherine M. , Monahan Leigh G. , Gardiner Melissa , Borody Thomas J. , Darling Aaron E.
Published: February 2020

We report the availability of a high-quality metagenomic Hi-C data set generated from a fecal sample taken from a healthy fecal microbiome transplant donor subject. We report on basic features of the data to evaluate their quality.
Antibody-Secreting Cells To Diagnose Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection in Children in Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Najeeha Talat , Ahmed Kumail , Qamar Farah N. , Shaheen Fariha , Mehnaz Aisha , Arif Fehmina , Saeed Amna Afzal , Yousuf Aneeq Muhammad , Raza Syeda Fatima , Sultana Shazia , Qureshi Shahida Mumtaz , Siddiqi Shakil Ahmad , Houpt Eric , Thomas Tania
Published: February 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) in children represents a missed opportunity for diagnosis and preventive therapy. The magnitude or burden of disease in children is not fully understood due to our limitations with respect to exploring sensitive diagnostic algorithms. In a setting of TB endemicity in Pakistan, we carried out a proof-of-concept study to evaluate for the first time the performance of B cell analyses by the use of well-defined diagnostic criteria and NIH consensus guidelines as “culture-confirmed,” “probable,” and “possible” TB groups. In contrast to detection of serum antibody, we focused on mycobacterial-antibody-secreting cell (MASC) detection as a marker of active disease in children with a strong suspicion of TB. Further work exploring a larger panel of inflammatory biomarkers and enrichment of B cells with the objective of increasing the sensitivity of the current MASC assay would lead to the development of a field-friendly assay for timely diagnosis of childhood TB.
Immediate effect of kinesiology tape on ankle stability
Authors: Slevin Zack M , Arnold Graham P , Wang Weijie , Abboud Rami J
Published: February 2020

Background

Lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, particularly among the sporting population. Due to such prevalence, many interventions have been tried to prevent initial, or further, ankle sprains. Current research shows that the use of traditional athletic tape can reduce the incidence of sprain recurrence, but this may be at a cost to athletic performance through restriction of motion. Kinesiology tape, which has become increasingly popular, is elastic in nature, and it is proposed by the manufacturers that it can correct ligament damage. Kinesiology tape, therefore, may be able to improve stability and reduce ankle sprain occurrence while overcoming the problems of traditional tape.

Aim

To assess the effect of kinesiology tape on ankle stability.

Methods

27 healthy individuals were recruited, and electromyography (EMG) measurements were recorded from the peroneus longus and tibialis anterior muscles. Recordings were taken from the muscles of the dominant leg during induced sudden ankle inversion perturbations using a custom-made tilting platform system. This was performed with and without using kinesiology tape and shoes, creating four different test conditions: barefoot(without tape), shoe(without tape), barefoot(with tape) and shoe(with tape). For each test condition, the peak muscle activity, average muscle activity and the muscle latency were calculated.

Results

No significant difference (p>0.05) was found by using the kinesiology tape on any of the measured variables while the wearing of shoes significantly increased all the variables.

Conclusion

Kinesiology tape has no effect on ankle stability and is unable to nullify the detrimental effects that shoes appear to have.
Ultrasound-guided antecubital vein approach for right heart catheterisation in a Brazilian tertiary centre
Authors: Valle Felipe Homem , Wainstein Rodrigo Vugman , Matte Bruno Silva , Gonçalves Sandro Cadaval , Bergoli Luiz Carlos C , Krepsky Ana Maria Rocha , Pivatto Junior Fernando , de Araujo Gustavo Neves , Machado Guilherme Pinheiro , Wainstein Marco Vugman
Published: February 2020

Objective

As a parallel to the radial approach for left heart catheterisation, forearm veins may be considered for the performance of right heart catheterisation. However, data regarding the application of this technique under ultrasound guidance are scarce. The current study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of right heart catheterisation through ultrasound-guided antecubital venous approach in the highly heterogeneous population usually referred for right heart catheterisation.

Methods

Data from consecutive right heart catheterisations performed at an academic centre in Brazil, between January 2016 and March 2017 were prospectively collected.

Results

Among 152 performed right heart catheterisations, ultrasound-guided antecubital venous approach was attempted in 127 (84%) cases and it was made feasible in 92.1% of those. Yet, there was no immediate vascular complication with the antecubital venous approach in this prospective series.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided antecubital venous approach for the performance of right heart catheterisation was feasible in the vast majority of cases in our study, without occurrence of vascular complications.
Stellar equilibrium vs. gravitational collapse
Authors: Rodrigues Almeida Carla
Published: February 2020

The idea of gravitational collapse can be traced back to the first solution of Einstein’s equations, but in these early stages, compelling evidence to support this idea was lacking. Furthermore, there were many theoretical gaps underlying the conviction that a star could not contract beyond its critical radius. The philosophical views of the early 20th century, especially those of Sir Arthur S. Eddington, imposed equilibrium as an almost unquestionable condition on theoretical models describing stars. This paper is a historical and epistemological account of the theoretical defiance of this equilibrium hypothesis, with a novel reassessment of J.R. Oppenheimer’s work on astrophysics.
Fundamental interactions and quantum behavior in unified field theory
Authors: Chernitskii Alexander A.
Published: February 2020

The concept of unified field theory is discussed. Two nonlinear field models with world volume type action are considered, namely extremal space-time film model and Born–Infeld nonlinear electrodynamics. The natural appearance of two long-range fundamental interactions, electromagnetism and gravitation, in these field models is discussed. The quantum behavior of the interacting solitons-particles is considered. The concept of quasi-bounding quantization in nonlinear field models is introduced.
Clay mineralogy, chemical and geotechnical characterization of bentonite from Beni Bou Ifrour Massif (the Eastern Rif, Morocco)
Authors: Ait Hmeid H. , Akodad M. , Aalaoul M. , Baghour M. , Moumen A. , Skalli A. , Anjjar A. , Conti P. , Sfalanga A. , Ryazi Khyabani F. , Minucci S. , Daoudi L.
Published: February 2020

Bentonite clay mineral is widely present in the Gourougou Volcanic Massif and its satellites located in NE Morocco. It originated from the alteration of pyroclastic flows in shallow marine water in a lagoon lake environment (Ibourhardayn deposit). All studied samples were collected from that area and analysed accordingly in order to characterize and identify their components. Experimental techniques used included X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence and the geotechnical characterization of the clay fraction and Atterberg limits. Granulometric analysis exhibited the presence of a clay fraction (<2 µm) ranging from 9.2 to 32.4%. The geotechnical study showed that the bentonites studied were generally very plastic, with plasticity index values ranging from 19.4 to 46.6%, and are also characterized by very high liquidity limits of 37.3–67%. A high water retention capacity with water contents ranging from 8.2 to 40.7% indicated that Ibourhardayn bentonites have important swelling properties. Mineralogical results showed that all specimens were mostly composed of montmorillonite alongside other clay minerals. Some crystalline impurities were also detected by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectra.
Reactive hyperemia: a review of methods, mechanisms, and considerations
Authors: Rosenberry Ryan , Nelson Michael D.
Published: February 2020

Reactive hyperemia is a well-established technique for noninvasive assessment of peripheral microvascular function and a predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In its simplest form, reactive hyperemia represents the magnitude of limb reperfusion following a brief period of ischemia induced by arterial occlusion. Over the past two decades, investigators have employed a variety of methods, including brachial artery velocity by Doppler ultrasound, tissue reperfusion by near-infrared spectroscopy, limb distension by venous occlusion plethysmography, and peripheral artery tonometry, to measure reactive hyperemia. Regardless of the technique used to measure reactive hyperemia, blunted reactive hyperemia is believed to reflect impaired microvascular function. With the advent of several technological advancements, together with an increased interest in the microcirculation, reactive hyperemia is becoming more common as a research tool and is widely used across multiple disciplines. With this in mind, we sought to review the various methodologies commonly used to assess reactive hyperemia and current mechanistic pathways believed to contribute to reactive hyperemia and reflect on several methodological considerations.
Raoultella Bacteremia Presenting as an Acute Self-Limited Illness in an Obstetric Patient
Authors: Choi Justin , Sheikh Iqra , Carr Melissa , Shapiro Robert , Fluet Karen
Published: February 2020

A 20 year-old female at 27-week gestation was admitted for threatened preterm delivery. Following an initially unremarkable hospital course for 12 days, the patient developed fever, chills, generalized malaise, abdominal pain, and diffuse myalgias on day 13 of hospitalization. Raoultella species was isolated from blood cultures on day 16 of hospitalization. The patient’s condition improved within 24 hours of symptom onset, prior to antibiotic initiation, and a premature, viable male infant at 29 weeks and 6 days of gestation was delivered via caesarean section four days later due to breech presentation in the setting of preterm labor. Here, we present the first case of a Raoultella species infection in a gravid female reported in the literature.
Safety and Outcomes of Permanent and Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filters in the Oncology Population
Authors: Shaikh Saba S. , Kamath Suneel D. , Ghosh Debashis , Lewandowski Robert J. , McMahon Brandon J.
Published: February 2020

Background. The role for inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in the oncology population is poorly defined. Objectives. Our primary endpoint was to determine the rate of filter placement in cancer patients without an absolute contraindication to anticoagulation and the rate of recurrent VTE after filter placement in both retrievable and permanent filter groups. Patients/Methods. A single-institution, retrospective study of patients with active malignancies and acute VTE who received a retrievable or permanent IVC filter between 2009-2013. Demographics and outcomes were confirmed on independent chart review. Cost data were obtained using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Results. 179 patients with retrievable filters and 207 patients with permanent filters were included. Contraindication to anticoagulation was the most cited reason for filter placement; however, only 76% of patients with retrievable filters and 69% of patients with permanent filters had an absolute contraindication to anticoagulation. 20% of patients with retrievable filters and 24% of patients with permanent filters had recurrent VTE. The median time from filter placement to death was 8.9 and 3.2 months in the retrievable and permanent filter groups, respectively. The total cost of retrievable filters and permanent filters was $2,883,389 and $3,722,688, respectively. Conclusions. The role for IVC filters in cancer patients remains unclear as recurrent VTE is common and time from filter placement to death is short. Filter placement is costly and has a clinically significant complication rate, especially for retrievable filters. More data from prospective, randomized trials are needed to determine the utility of IVC filters in cancer patients.
Study on Construction Influence of Shield Tunnel of Urban Rail Transit on Large‐Section Mining Tunnel
Authors: Zhang Junru , Ye Lun , Yan Congwen , Yan Bo , Wei Pengru , Feng Jimeng
Published: February 2020

Due to the increasingly expanding of urban rail transit, shield tunnelling adjacent to existing tunnels has become more and more common in cities. Construction of new tunnels will pose great risks to the safety of existing tunnels. This paper focused on the influence of shield tunnelling on the large‐section mining tunnel in the argillaceous siltstone stratum and proposed the influence zone based on the surface subsidence criterion. By carrying out numerical simulations and model test, the surface subsidence, the internal force of the mining tunnel, and the surrounding rock pressure were monitored and the accuracy of the influence zone was verified. The research shows that the shield machine tunnels forward from one time the excavation diameter before the monitoring section until the monitoring section completes the segment assembly. This process is the main stage that causes the increase in the corresponding surface settlement and the additional displacement of the existing mining tunnel. The excavating tunnel influences on the mining tunnel structure were mainly shown at the vertical additional deformation, which is manifested as the overall floating of the mining tunnel. The influence of internal force was performed as the asymmetric change of internal force of the mining tunnel. The mining tunnel is closer to the shield tunnel, showing more significant changes of the internal force of the structures. The structure near the shield tunnel is strengthened by pressure, and the structure far away from the shield tunnel is more prone to tensile failure.
Malay Validation of Copenhagen Psychosocial Work Environment Questionnaire in Context of Second Generation Statistical Techniques
Authors: Isha Ahmad Shahrul Nizam , Javaid Muhammad Umair , Zaib Abbasi Amir , Bano Sobia , Zahid Muhammad , Memon Mumtaz Ali , Rehman Umair , Nübling Matthias , Sabir Asrar Ahmed , Ur Rehman Saif , Imtiaz Nazish
Published: February 2020

Psychosocial hazards present in workplaces are being actively investigated by researchers from multiple domains. More research and resources are required to investigate the debilitating consequences of these hazards in the developing and underdeveloped countries where this issue remains one of grave concern. This study aims at investigating the psychometric properties of Malaysian version of Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire for reliability and validity purpose. The Malaysian version of COPSOQ is a multidimensional questionnaire; it comprises of 7 major formative constructs and 28 variables with an additional inclusion of two variables which are organizational loyalty and physiological health biomarkers (blood pressure and body mass index) that explicate a reflective construct which has 93 items all catering to assess psychosocial determinants present in workplace environments. Each formative second‐order construct is further categorized into different reflective first‐order constructs. The focus of this study was only on first‐order reflective constructs. Probability sampling was used for data collection from 300 respondents working in industries with a response rate of 100%; structural equation modeling technique was applied for data analysis. All psychometric analysis performed on reflective constructs gave reliable results which demonstrate the validity of Bahasa Melayu (BM‐COPSOQ) and its comprehensiveness of including relevant dimensions particularly in context to Asian region. The BM‐COPSOQ will fill up the knowledge gap and provide a bridge between researchers, work professionals and practitioners, and many other workplaces for the best understanding of psychosocial work environment.
Spontaneous Urethral Laceration in a Patient Experiencing Acute Ulcerative Colitis Flare
Authors: Morris Ryan , Barnard John , Morley Chad
Published: February 2020

Spontaneous urethral laceration in the female without associated external trauma is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. Most cases are related to childbirth or the presence of a concomitant pelvic fracture or penetrating injury. Herein, we present a novel case of spontaneous urethral laceration in a female which happened to occur during an acute flare of her previously diagnosed ulcerative colitis. The diagnosis of spontaneous urethral laceration is rare, and underlying etiology is often uncertain.
Two Worlds Collide: Unraveling the Role of the Immune System in BRAF–MEK Inhibitor Responses
Authors: Smalley Keiran S.M.
Published: February 2020

Although BRAF–MEK inhibition can enhance the immune recognition of melanoma cells, the mechanisms that underlie this remain poorly defined. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Erkes and colleagues present new data showing that BRAF–MEK inhibition activates pyroptosis in melanoma cells through gasdermin E cleavage, leading to T-cell infiltration and improved therapy responses in vivo.

See related article by Erkes et al., p. 254.
Child with Guillain-Barré Syndrome Responding to Plasmapheresis: A Case Report
Authors: Al Hamdani Sarmad , Aljanabi Fatema Yusuf , Abdulrasool Maryam Isa , Salman Alaa Haitham
Published: February 2020

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has long been regarded as the first-line treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), with plasmapheresis only being reserved for severe cases or used as an additional therapy of unproven efficacy. Here, we present the case of a 9-year-old girl with acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), a rapidly progressive subtype of GBS that caused her to fall into respiratory failure. The patient failed to show a response 10 days after starting IVIG, but showed rather quick improvement with plasmapheresis. She received a total of 5 sessions of plasmapheresis on alternate days over a course of 8 days. Before starting plasmapheresis, her muscle strength was 2/5 in both upper limbs and 1/5 in both lower limbs, and she was dependent on mechanical ventilation. Following the first session, her power improved from 2/5 to 4/5 in the upper limbs, and the gag and sucking reflexes were recovered. On day 3, after the second session was initiated, she was extubated successfully (having been on a ventilator for 2 weeks) and remained on continuous positive airway pressure for the next 48 h, after which she was on room air. In addition, she was having hypertension from the first day of the diagnosis (which was due to autonomic instability), which improved after clonidine to maintain her blood pressure. She was also initially having urinary retention, then was off Foley’s catheter. The patient was discharged from the hospital 2 weeks following the first session of plasmapheresis, with power grade 4/5 in both her upper and lower limbs. Her cranial nerves had recovered fully, and she was able to walk with aids.
Noninvasive In Vivo Assessment of Cardiac Metabolism in the Healthy and Diabetic Human Heart Using Hyperpolarized
13
C MRI
Authors: Rider Oliver J. , Apps Andrew , Miller Jack J.J.J. , Lau Justin Y.C. , Lewis Andrew J.M. , Peterzan Mark A. , Dodd Michael S. , Lau Angus Z. , Trumper Claire , Gallagher Ferdia A. , Grist James T. , Brindle Kevin M. , Neubauer Stefan , Tyler Damian J.
Published: February 2020

Rationale:

The recent development of hyperpolarized
13
C magnetic resonance spectroscopy has made it possible to measure cellular metabolism in vivo, in real time.

Objective:

By comparing participants with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we report the first case-control study to use this technique to record changes in cardiac metabolism in the healthy and diseased human heart.

Methods and Results:

Thirteen people with T2DM (glycated hemoglobin, 6.9±1.0%) and 12 age-matched healthy controls underwent assessment of cardiac systolic and diastolic function, myocardial energetics (
31
P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy), and lipid content (
1
H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy) in the fasted state. In a subset (5 T2DM, 5 control), hyperpolarized [1-
13
C]pyruvate magnetic resonance spectra were also acquired and in 5 of these participants (3 T2DM, 2 controls), this was successfully repeated 45 minutes after a 75 g oral glucose challenge. Downstream metabolism of [1-
13
C]pyruvate via PDH (pyruvate dehydrogenase, [
13
C]bicarbonate), lactate dehydrogenase ([1-
13
C]lactate), and alanine transaminase ([1-
13
C]alanine) was assessed. Metabolic flux through cardiac PDH was significantly reduced in the people with T2DM (Fasted: 0.0084±0.0067 [Control] versus 0.0016±0.0014 [T2DM], Fed: 0.0184±0.0109 versus 0.0053±0.0041;
P
=0.013). In addition, a significant increase in metabolic flux through PDH was observed after the oral glucose challenge (
P
<0.001). As is characteristic of diabetes mellitus, impaired myocardial energetics, myocardial lipid content, and diastolic function were also demonstrated in the wider study cohort.

Conclusions:

This work represents the first demonstration of the ability of hyperpolarized
13
C magnetic resonance spectroscopy to noninvasively assess physiological and pathological changes in cardiac metabolism in the human heart. In doing so, we highlight the potential of the technique to detect and quantify metabolic alterations in the setting of cardiovascular disease.
Sex in the Cloister: Behind the Image of the “Criminal Monk” in Ming Courtroom Tales
Authors: Wu Junqing
Published: February 2020

Buddhist monks were commonly portrayed as seducers and even rapists in late sixteenth-century vernacular literature, including, most commonly, courtroom tales (gong’an 公案). Do these stories reflect a deterioration in clerical morality and behavior, or a decline in Buddhist faith and practice, as is sometimes argued? Neither explanation is credible. I argue that the image of monks in courtroom tales should be understood as a literary convention, growing out the burgeoning market for entertainment literature, rather than a window onto social reality. It also reflects an increasing male anxiety about the control of women.
The Courtesan as Famous Scholar: The Case of Wang Wei (ca. 1598-ca. 1647)
Authors: Xu Sufeng
Published: February 2020

This article examines the life and poetry of Wang Wei, one of the most distinguished courtesan poets of the Ming dynasty. Through an examination of her courtesan career, her friendship networks in literati circles, and her adoption of multiple identities such as xianren (person of leisure), daoren (person of the Dao), and shiren (poet), it seeks to illustrate what I believe is an important explanation for the flourishing of late Ming courtesan and literati culture. The rising prominence of learned and literary courtesans was strongly connected to a new social formation of nonconformist literati, the “men of the mountains” (shanren). These nonofficial urban elites of the prosperous Jiangnan region fashioned themselves as retired literati, devoting themselves to art, recreation, and self-invention, instead of government service. In constructing an “artistic and hedonistic counterculture,” they encouraged the involvement of both courtesans and literary women of the gentry class.
Oberonia integrilabris (Orchidaceae), a new species from China

Authors: LI YU-LING , TONG YI , YE DE-PING , YAO GANG , XING FU-WU
Published: February 2020

Oberonia integrilabris (Orchidaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. The species is most similar to O. jhae and O. segawae, but differs from O. jhae by its leaf basal joint, oblong petals with irregularly toothed margin and obtuse apex and is distinguished from O. segawae by its petals with irregularly toothed margin and obdeltoid lip with entire margin and acute apex. The conservation status of O. integrilabris is assessed as CR.
New record of the endemic jewel beetle Pygicera scripta krahmeri (Coleoptera, Buprestidae, Nacionini) from a coastal forest of Hualpén, Biobío Region, Chile
Authors: BARAHONA-SEGOVIA RODRIGO M. , PAÑINAO-MONSÁLVEZ LAURA
Published: February 2020

Pygicera Kerremans, 1903 is an endemic genus of jewel beetle of Chile distributed in the central Chile hotspot, which is distributed from the Atacama Desert in the north to the Valdivian Forest in the south (Myers et al., 2000). Currently, Pygicera is composed of one species and two subspecies: Pygicera scripta scripta Laporte & Gory, 1837 and the Valdivian rainforest subspecies Pygicera scripta krahmeri Moore 1981 (Figs 2–6). The first subspecies is distributed from Limarí in the Coquimbo Region to Curicó in the Maule Region, both in the coast as well as Andean foothills. This is considered the common subspecies (Moore, 1981; Moore & Vidal, 2015). The southern subspecies is distributed from Victoria in the Araucanía Region to La Unión in Los Ríos Region (Moore, 1981; Moore & Vidal, 2015) and is the rarest and less abundant subspecies. The larvae of both subspecies have been recorded in the “maitén” (Maytenus boaria) Molina, from which they have been reared (Moore, 1981, 1987; Moore & Vidal, 2015).
A new species of the genus Kodaianellissus Wang, Bourgoin & Zhang (Hemiptera: Issidae) with morphological and molecular data
Authors: SOHAIL KAMRAN , HUANG WEIJIAN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: February 2020

Kodaianellissus gibbusis sp. nov. is described from Rawlakot, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (Pakistan), which is first record of the genus Kodaianellissus Wang, Bourgoin & Zhang, 2017 from the country. Morphological characters including male genitalia structure are described and illustrated. A checklist and key to all species of Kodaianellissus are provided. A molecular analysis with morphological characters indicates its placement into the Kodaianellissus.
New species of Donda Moore, 1882 and new data on Pantheinae species. Revision of Pantheinae, contribution XIV (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae: Pantheinae)
Authors: HAN H.L. , BEHOUNEK G. , KONONENKO V.S.
Published: February 2020

This paper supplements earlier revisions and descriptions of the subfamily Pantheinae (Behounek et al. 2012a, 2012b, 2015a, 2015b; Behounek and Kononenko 2012a, 2012b. It contains the description of Donda hunana sp. n., description of the male of Anabelcia thai Behounek & Kononenko, 2012 which was described from a small series of females, and new data on distribution of Xizanga mysterica Behounek, Han & Kononenko, 2012b and Pantheaforma ihlei Behounek, Han & Kononenko, 2015a.
The Gnat and the Bull Do Climate Outlook Forums Make a Difference?
Authors: Gerlak Andrea K. , Mason Simon J. , Daly Meaghan , Liverman Diana , Guido Zack , Soares Marta Bruno , Vaughan Catherine , Knudson Chris , Greene Christina , Buizer James , Jacobs Katharine
Published: February 2020

Little has been documented about the benefits and impacts of the recent growth in climate services, despite a growing call to justify their value and stimulate investment. Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOFs), an integral part of the public and private enterprise of climate services, have been implemented over the last 20 years with the objectives of producing and disseminating seasonal climate forecasts to inform improved climate risk management and adaptation. In proposing guidance on how to measure the success of RCOFs, we offer three broad evaluative categories that are based on the primary stated goals of the RCOFs: 1) quality of the climate information used and developed at RCOFs; 2) legitimacy of RCOF processes focused on consensus forecasts, broad user engagement, and capacity building; and 3) usability of the climate information produced at RCOFs. Evaluating the quality of information relies largely on quantitative measures and statistical techniques that are standardized and transferrable, but assessing the RCOF processes and perceived usability of RCOF products will necessitate a combination of quantitative and qualitative social science methods that are sensitive to highly variable regional contexts. As RCOFs have taken up different formats and procedures to adapt to diverse institutional and political settings and varied technical and scientific capacities, objective evaluation methods adopted should align with the goals and intent of the evaluation and be performed in a participatory, coproduction manner where producers and users of climate services together design the evaluation metrics and processes. To fully capture the potential benefits of the RCOFs, it may be necessary to adjust or recalibrate the goals of these forums to better fit the evolving landscape of climate services development, needs, and provision.
Challenges to Human Drivers in Increasingly Automated Vehicles
Authors: Hancock P. A. , Kajaks Tara , Caird Jeff K. , Chignell Mark H. , Mizobuchi Sachi , Burns Peter C. , Feng Jing , Fernie Geoff R. , Lavallière Martin , Noy Ian Y. , Redelmeier Donald A. , Vrkljan Brenda H.
Published: February 2020

Objective

We examine the relationships between contemporary progress in on‐road vehicle automation and its coherence with an envisioned “autopia” (automobile utopia) whereby the vehicle operation task is removed from all direct human control.

Background

The progressive automation of on‐road vehicles toward a completely driverless state is determined by the integration of technological advances into the private automobile market; improvements in transportation infrastructure and systems efficiencies; and the vision of future driving as a crash‐free enterprise. While there are many challenges to address with respect to automated vehicles concerning the remaining driver role, a considerable amount of technology is already present in vehicles and is advancing rapidly.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team of experts met to discuss the most critical challenges in the changing role of the driver, and associated safety issues, during the transitional phase of vehicle automation where human drivers continue to have an important but truncated role in monitoring and supervising vehicle operations.

Results

The group endorsed that vehicle automation is an important application of information technology, not only because of its impact on transportation efficiency, but also because road transport is a life critical system in which failures result in deaths and injuries. Five critical challenges were identified: driver independence and mobility, driver acceptance and trust, failure management, third-party testing, and political support.

Conclusion

Vehicle automation is not technical innovation alone, but is a social as much as a technological revolution consisting of both attendant costs and concomitant benefits.
Major-to-employment mismatch in social work: A values-based framework explaining job-search decisions among Chinese graduates in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zeng Shouchui , Cheung Monit , Leung Patrick , He Xuesong , Li Xiao , Huang Rui
Published: February 2020

A total of 31 Bachelor of Social Work Chinese graduates were interviewed in college exit interviews in Shanghai about their job search processes. Their responses generated an 87.1 percent major-to-employment mismatch rate between their study major and the postgraduation employment type. Five findings on employment decisions emerged, namely, causation, contextual factors, intervening conditions, job-seeking outcomes, and a positive-but-negative feeling about job searches. This mismatch phenomenon leads to the development of a values-based framework to explain how a combination of professional values and materialistic rewards can influence postgraduation employment decisions. It is connected to the graduates’ motivation to apply social work values to match the employment they seek.
Heat partition in edge trimming of fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Sheikh-Ahmad Jamal , Almaskari Fahad , Hafeez Farrukh
Published: February 2020

Thermal loading of fiber reinforced composites during traditional machining is inevitable. This is due to the fact that most of the mechanical energy utilized in material removal is converted into heat, which is subsequently dissipated into the workpiece and the cutter, and is carried away by the chips. Heat conduction into the workpiece during machining might cause thermal damage due to matrix softening and decomposition if the generated temperatures exceeded the glass transition temperature of the epoxy resin. In this work, the amount of heat flux applied to the machined edge and the temperature distribution in multidirectional CFRP and GFRP composite laminates was determined using an iterative inverse heat conduction method. The transient heat conduction problems in the laminate and cutter were simulated independently using the finite element method and the amount of heat flux applied to each was determined. It was also found that the heat flux conducted to the workpiece represented only a small fraction of the total heat and is more influenced by the feed speed than the spindle speed. The temperature of the machined surface was estimated and correlations with the resulting machined surface texture were made.
Entamoeba gingivalis Causes Oral Inflammation and Tissue Destruction
Authors: Bao X. , Wiehe R. , Dommisch H. , Schaefer A.S.
Published: February 2020

A metagenomics analysis showed a strongly increased frequency of the protozoan Entamoeba gingivalis in inflamed periodontal pockets, where it contributed the second-most abundant rRNA after human rRNA. This observation and the close biological relationship to Entamoeba histolytica, which causes inflammation and tissue destruction in the colon of predisposed individuals, raised our concern about its putative role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Histochemical staining of gingival epithelium inflamed from generalized severe chronic periodontitis visualized the presence of E. gingivalis in conjunction with abundant neutrophils. We showed that on disruption of the epithelial barrier, E. gingivalis invaded gingival tissue, where it moved and fed on host cells. We validated the frequency of E. gingivalis in 158 patients with periodontitis and healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction and microscopy. In the cases, we detected the parasite in 77% of inflamed periodontal sites and 22% of healthy sites; 15% of healthy oral cavities were colonized by E. gingivalis. In primary gingival epithelial cells, we demonstrated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction that infection with E. gingivalis but not with the oral bacterial pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis strongly upregulated the inflammatory cytokine IL8 (1,900 fold, P = 2 × 10–4) and the epithelial barrier gene MUC21 (8-fold, P = 7 × 10–4). In gingival fibroblasts, we showed upregulation of the collagenase MMP13 (11-fold, P = 3 × 10–4). Direct contact of E. gingivalis to gingival epithelial cells inhibited cell proliferation. We indicated the strong virulence potential of E. gingivalis and showed that the mechanisms of tissue invasion and destruction are similar to the colonic protozoan parasite E. histolytica. In conjunction with abundant colonization of inflamed periodontal sites and the known resistance of Entamoeba species to neutrophils, antimicrobial peptides, and various antibiotics, our results raise the awareness of this protozoan as a potential and, to date, underrated microbial driver of destructive forms of periodontitis.
Prediction of Cancer and Coronary Heart Disease as a Function of Method of Questionnaire Administration
Authors: Grossarth-Maticek R. , Eysenck H. J. , Barrett P.
Published: February 2020

We have tested the hypothesis in this study that different methods of administering a questionnaire produce differential approximations to truthful admission of undesirable personality traits and behaviours. Four different methods of administration produced different levels of trust and understanding, using the current prediction among healthy subjects of death by cancer or coronary heart disease 13 years later as the criterion. There were significant differences in the accuracy of the predictions, depending crucially on the method of administration of the questionnaires. Best predictions were achieved for subjects when both trust and understanding had been increased by interviewers’ suitable participation; worst results were achieved for subjects when no special effort was made to increase either. Intermediate results were found for procedures which increased either trust or understanding. It is argued that the success or failure of studies investigating the influence of personality and stress on diseases like cancer and coronary heart disease may depend crucially on the adopted method of interrogation.