bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalised discretisation of continuous‐time distributions
Authors: Kawai Shin , Hori Noriyuki
Published: March 2020

In this study, the definition of discretisation that was proposed recently for continuous‐time distributions is made applicable not only to ordinary functions but to a variety of distributions including weak derivatives such that they could be viewed from a unified perspective under useful theorems. While it is not absolutely necessary to introduce distributions for discrete‐time signals having finite values, it turns out that it is insightful to introduce discrete‐time equivalents in appreciating their richness, which culminates into continuous‐time distributions as the sampling‐interval approaches zero. For instance, a discretisation of a derivative of a distribution can be found as a discrete derivative of a discretisation of a distribution. This is much easier than the traditional approach, where an ordinary function must first be found to approximate the derivative of a distribution. Simulations show that, by changing a single parameter of the proposed model, different types of signals that are similar to traditional ones developed separately by approximating distributions by ordinary functions, such as Dirichlet’ kernel, Gaussian distribution and sinc approximation, can be obtained.
Evolution of photospheric flows under an erupting filament in the quiet-Sun region
Authors: Wollmann Jiří , Švanda Michal , Korda David , Roudier Thierry
Published: March 2020

Context. We studied the dynamics of the solar atmosphere in the region of a large quiet-Sun filament, which erupted on 21 October 2010. The filament eruption started at its northern end and disappeared from the Hα line-core filtergrams line within a few hours. The very fast motions of the northern leg were recorded in ultraviolet light by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) imager.

Aims. We aim to study a wide range of available datasets describing the dynamics of the solar atmosphere for five days around the filament eruption. This interval covers three days of the filament evolution, one day before the filament growth and one day after the eruption. We search for possible triggers that lead to the eruption of the filament.

Methods. The surface velocity field in the region of the filament were measured by means of time–distance helioseismology and coherent structure tracking. The apparent velocities in the higher atmosphere were estimated by tracking the features in the 30.4 nm AIA observations. To capture the evolution of the magnetic field, we extrapolated the photospheric line-of-sight magnetograms and also computed the decay index of the magnetic field.

Results. We found that photospheric velocity fields showed some peculiarities. Before the filament activation, we observed a temporal increase of the converging flows towards the filament’s spine. In addition, the mean squared velocity increased temporarily before the activation and peaked just before it, followed by a steep decrease. We further see an increase in the average shear of the zonal flow component in the filament’s region, followed by a steep decrease. The photospheric line-of-sight magnetic field shows a persistent increase of induction eastward from the filament spine. The decay index of the magnetic field at heights around 10 Mm shows a value larger than critical one at the connecting point of the northern filament end. The value of the decay index increases monotonically there until the filament activation. Then, it decreased sharply.
Cycling Performance in Short-term Efforts: Laboratory and Field-Based Data in XCO Athletes
Authors: Schneeweiss Patrick , Schellhorn Philipp , Haigis Daniel , Niess Andreas , Martus Peter , Krauss Inga
Published: March 2020

Mountain bike cross-country Olympic has an intermittent performance profile, underlining the importance of short-term but high cycling power output. Previous findings indicate that power output during sprint tests differs between laboratory and field-based conditions and that cycling cadence rises with increasing workload. The aim was therefore to examine power output and cadence in short-term efforts under laboratory and field conditions. Twenty-three competitive athletes (17.9±3.7 years) performed a laboratory power profile test and a simulated race within one week. Power output and cadence during the power profile test were compared to corresponding short-term efforts during the race over durations of 10–300s (TT10–300). Differences were TT10+8%, TT30+7%, TT60–15% and TT300–12% for power output and+10%,+8%,+19%,+21% for cadence respectively. Compared to the race, we found higher power output during the power profile test for the shorter efforts but lower for TT60 and TT300. Confirming previous results, cadence was higher during the power profile test compared to the respective intervals of the race and increased with increasing workload or shorter time trial duration. Future research should take into account that compared to the field, a higher cadence is used in laboratory settings to produce similar power output.
Associations Between Migration Background and Media and Information Behavior in Primary School Children
Authors: Dauben Laura , Weber Katharina S. , Nießen Lisa , Verket Marlo , Spörkel Olaf , Strassburger Klaus , Roden Michael , Kronsbein Peter , Müssig Karsten
Published: March 2020

Background Children with migration background and from low socio-economic status are at higher risk for overweight. To determine appropriate media channels to possibly reach children with targeted health information, it has to be considered that the media and information behavior of children has changed during the last decades.

Objective We examined the media and information behavior of children in low socio-economic districts, focusing on those with migration background.

Methods Fourteen 3rd grade classes (n=250 children, 68.0% with migration background) completed a questionnaire regarding their media consumption, which was based on existing validated surveys.

Results ≥ 50% of the children watched TV and around 40% used both mobile phones and computers/tablets/internet for ≥1 h/day. Books were the most popular analogue media (61.6% of children), whereas magazines/newspapers and radio (18.4 and 16.0% of children, respectively) were used less frequently. Furthermore, they regularly used internet, TV and their teachers (63.0, 48.8 and 44.8% of children, respectively) as information source. Especially children with compared to those without migration background less likely used the radio (P=0.0002) and their family as information source (P=0.0017).

Conclusions Children attending 3rd grade class, especially with migration background, can be addressed through digital media rather than the radio. This may help to sustainably support children outside school with targeted health information.
Reliability of Intraoperative Monitoring in Patients with a Preexisting Motor Deficit: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Visagan Ravindran , Lavrador José Pedro , Acharya Shami , Pereira Noemia , Bodi Istvan , Ashkan Keyoumars , Bhangoo Ranjeev , Vergani F.
Published: March 2020

Background The use of intraoperative monitoring (IOM) in glioma surgery is a widely adopted and clinically validated adjunct to define safe zones of resection for the neurosurgeon. However, the role of IOM in cases of a significant preexisting motor deficit is questionable.

Case Description We describe a case of a 25-year-old with a recurrent presentation of a left paracentral glioblastoma, admitted with intratumoral hemorrhage and subsequent acute severe right-sided weakness. The patient underwent a redo left parietal craniotomy and 5-aminolevulinic acid–guided resection with IOM. The severity of the weakness was not reflected by the pre- and intraoperative cortical motor evoked potentials (MEPs) that were reassuring. The patient's hemiparesis recovered to full power postoperatively.

Conclusions Preoperative weakness is traditionally accepted as a relative contraindication to IOM and therefore its usefulness is questioned in this context. Our case challenges this assumption. We present the clinical course, review the cranial and spinal literature including the reliability of IOM in cases of preoperative motor deficit, and discuss the need for tailor-made IOM strategies.
Stereotactic Brainstem Biopsy: Technical Aspects with Emphasis on Role of Awake Craniotomy
Authors: Ramnadh Reddy Kanala , Vamsi Krishna Yerramneni , Yerragunta Thirumal , Arvind Kumar Vupuloori , Shah Varshesh
Published: March 2020

Introduction The role of frame-based stereotactic biopsy in brainstem lesions has been well established in literature. Transfrontal, transtentorial, and transcerebellar routes are used to access various targets within the brainstem. While the transfrontal approach is preferable in midbrain lesions, a transcerebellar approach via the middle cerebellar peduncle forms the shortest possible trajectory for pontine and medullary lesions.

Objective Authors to describe the technical nuances of frame-based stereotactic biopsy of lower brainstem lesions to increase the procedural safety and efficacy.

Materials and Methods Technical modifications in frame fixation were done to acheive the desired trajectory to the target. In adult cases biopsy was performed with patient awake during the procedure.

Results Total of five patients underwent biopsy with the technical modifications. Three patients were adults and two were in pediatric age group. Their age ranged from 12 to 50 years. No complications were encountered. Two of the biopsies showed demyelination and the other three turned out to be low-grade glioma, pilocytic astrocytoma, and lymphoma, respectively.

Conclusion Despite obvious inherent risks, the transcerebellar biopsy in semi-sitting position is a well-tolerated and effective method of obtaining a diagnostic tissue sample in brainstem lesions. We have noted that adoption of the technical modifications described in this article has aided in improving the safety and ease of the procedure.
Clinical and Electrophysiological Differentiation between Periodical and Epileptic Discharges
Authors: Podlepich Vitaliy V. , Savin Ivan A.
Published: March 2020

Clinical differentiation between nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) and encephalopathy remains challenging. Some patients with encephalopathy exhibit periodic discharges on electroencephalography. In certain cases, however, it is rather difficult to differentiate between epileptic and periodic discharges. The lack of clear differentiation criteria makes it difficult to effectively analyze the studies in this field. In patients with refractory status epilepticus, the wrong diagnosis can lead to insufficient therapy, thereby increasing the frequency of convulsions and the likelihood of a poor outcome. Alternatively, aggressive therapy with antiepileptic drugs and anesthetic agents can aggravate neuronal damage and worsen encephalopathy. In this review, we aimed to determine whether clinical and instrumental methods can be used to differentiate between encephalopathy and epileptic states, to improve the selection of the appropriate treatment strategies. The review considers different approaches to diagnosing encephalopathy and seizures in critically ill patients. In spite of electroencephalography (EEG) still being the main method used to objectively identify brain dysfunction and diagnose epileptic discharges over the past 60 years, improvements in EEG techniques have been accompanied by increase in our understanding of the limitations of electrophysiological methods, leading to the use of additional tools for the differential diagnosis of seizures and encephalopathy. Current studies aim to develop multimodal approaches to the differential diagnosis of encephalopathy and NCSE. Modern reports describe clinical and instrumental approaches for accurately differentiating encephalopathy and epileptic conditions in patients treated in the intensive care unit based on clinical data, EEG, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, biochemical analyses, and immune values.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Coverage of Gingival Recession: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rodas Miguel Augusto Riquelme , Paula Bruna Luísa de , Pazmiño Victor Fabrizio Cabrera , Lot Vieira Flávia Ferraz dos Santos , Junior Joel Ferreira Santiago , Silveira Elcia Maria Varize
Published: March 2020

This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes versus subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs) in the coverage of Miller class I and II gingival recessions. After the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, the quality of seven articles (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.9) was evaluated using the Jadad scale. The MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were consulted, and manual searches were performed in the most popular periodontics journals. The studies included considered a total of 122 patients, 203 surgical fields on which SCTGs were used, and 205 surgical fields on which PRF was used. The parameters analyzed were probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival recession, and keratinized mucosa. The minimum follow-up period accepted was 6 months. A statistically significant difference between the SCTG and PRF groups was found only in the case of keratinized mucosa. However, gingival recession, clinical attachment level, and probing depth parameters in the PRF group were found to be statistically equal to those of the SCTG group (the gold standard) (p ≥0.05). PRF membranes were determined to be a promising alternative to autogenous gingival grafts in the treatment of Miller class I and II gingival recessions.
Are Epileptic Spasms a Seizure Type for the Insular Region?
Authors: Kharytonov Volodymyr , Dulac Olivier
Published: March 2020

Two patients with insular and striatal postnatal scar had epileptic spasms (ES) that were asymmetrical and the only seizure type, whereas none of the usual ictal symptoms of insular seizures occurred. Ictal electroencephalography (EEG) showed the high-amplitude slow-wave characteristic of ES. Vigabatrin remained efficient for over 4 years for one patient and right into the third decade for the other one. Such ES are distinct from infantile and late onset spasms. Furthermore, these observations suggest that in ES insular epilepsy triggers paroxysmal activation of the striatum, and that vigabatrin inhibits the striatal startle motor program, thus interrupting the corticostriatal loop.
Our Experience in Pulsatile Tinnitus and a Normal Tympanic Membrane in 66 Patients
Authors: Ezzat Abdelrahman E. M. , Salem Mohammed A. , O’Rourke Colin , Fenton John E.
Published: March 2020

Introduction Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) can harbor potentially life-threatening conditions (LTCs), whereby a delay in diagnosis could be disastrous.

Objective The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether associated signs and symptoms at presentation could help identify a subgroup of high-risk patients.

Materials and Methods A total of 66 patients with PT were retrospectively assessed. The diagnoses were classified as group I with an LTC or not in group II.

Results There were 4 patients (6%) with a final diagnosis of LTC (group I) and 62 patients (94%) without a final diagnosis of LTC or no diagnosis (group II). The results were not quite statistically significant regarding the trauma and were strongly statistically significant regarding headache and the cranial nerve paralysis.

Conclusion The combination of PT with any of the three features of occipital headache, cranial nerve palsy, and recent trauma should alert the clinician to potentially serious causes.
Vestibular Paroxysmia with Trigeminal Neuralgia: Simultaneous Occurrence of Two Compression Syndromes: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Bhandari Anita , Sharma Shivam
Published: March 2020

Neurovascular compression syndromes are compression of cranial nerves by blood vessels leading to troublesome symptoms. They mostly occur due to a single vessel loop compression. Here, we report two rare cases with simultaneous fifth and eighth nerve compression by anterior inferior cerebellar artery and superior cerebellar artery loops together.
Unique Clinical and Histological Features of Placental Mesenchymal Dysplasia Complicated by Severe Preeclampsia in the Midtrimester
Authors: Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Yonezawa Mirei , Kubota Yumene , Ichikawa Tomoko , Ohashi Ryuji , Takeshita Toshiyuki
Published: March 2020

Detailed clinical and pathological features of placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) complicated by preeclampsia (PE) are unknown. A 39-year-old nulliparous woman was referred at 19 weeks gestation. Ultrasound examination identified a fetus with severe growth restriction (−2.8 SD) and a markedly thickened placenta with many cystic structures suggestive of PMD. At 21 weeks, the patient developed severe hypertension (180/95 mm Hg) with marked proteinuria and an elevated serum soluble fms-like tyrosine-kinase-1 (sFlt-1) level (47,000 pg/L). The pregnancy was terminated to protect maternal health. Placental weight was 450 g and no histopathological findings of either proliferation or dysplasia were observed in the trophoblast. Villous chromosome examination revealed a 46XX karyotype, consistent with the diagnosis of PMD. In addition to the pathological findings of vascular endothelial dysfunction characteristic of the placenta in PE cases, enhanced expression of sFlt-1 in the syncytiotrophoblast of the enlarged villi was confirmed by immunohistochemistry as a novel finding in this condition. Monitoring of the serum sFlt-1 value is suggested to be a useful predictor of the pathological change associated with extremely early severe PE in PMD cases.
Corrosion and cracking characteristics upon aging of hyper duplex stainless steel weld
Authors: Kim Dong-Hyun , Kim No-Hoon , Lee Hae-Woo
Published: March 2020

In this study, the effects of Mo content and aging temperature on the corrosion characteristics of newly designed hyper duplex stainless steel welds were investigated. Each specimen was aged at 600°C for 1–100 h, and weld cracking occurred when the 6 wt-% Mo specimen was aged for more than 40 h. In addition, electron backscatter diffraction and X-ray diffraction analysis found that the number of secondary phases increased as aging time increased. Based on the potentiodynamic polarisation test for assessing the corrosion characteristics according to the aging time, the corrosion resistance decreased sharply after 40 h, when cracking occurred.

Highlights When aging treatment for more than 40 h was performed on 6 wt-% Mo specimen, weld crack occurred. High hardness values above 450 Hv0.5 were measured in specimens aged more than 40 h. Secondary phases such as σ-phase and χ-phase were observed in specimens aged for more than 40 h. The specimens aged for more than 40 h showed a rapid decrease in corrosion resistance.
Fracture mechanism and model of 18Ni maraging steel
Authors: Fu Hongge , Xie Lijing , Wang Xibin , Hu Xin , Gao Feinong
Published: March 2020

18Ni maraging steel is normally used to make key components by machining processes. It is necessary to understand the fracture mechanism and behaviour of 18Ni maraging steel for the study and further optimisation of machining processes. In this paper, the Split Hopkinson Tensile Bar tests accompanied by quasi-static mechanical tests are carried out to relate the stress triaxiality, deformation temperature and strain rate with the fracture strain. During the building up of the fracture model, it is noticed that the change of fracture mechanism from 600°C to 900°C brings about a non-linear relationship of fracture strain with the deformation temperature. This results in a large error in fitting the Johnson–Cook (J-C) fracture model, so a modified fracture model is put forward.
The crack generation and propagation during γ→α transformation in Nb-microalloyed steel
Authors: Liu Yang , Sun Yanhui , Wu Haotian
Published: March 2020

In this study, crack generation and propagation during γ-austenite to α-ferrite phase transformation in Nb-microalloyed steel is observed. The relationship among the cracks, α-ferrite phase, and precipitate is discussed. The effects of the α-ferrite phase and precipitates on the hot ductility are discussed based on the experimental results and thermodynamic calculations. According to the mechanism of synergistic effects, microcracks begin to nucleate at the precipitate/α-ferrite phase interface. This is mainly due to stress concentration near the phase boundary between the soft phase ferrite and the hard phase precipitate. The microcracks grow faster along the γ/α phase boundary than α/α grain boundary. The growth rates are 1.67 and 0.83 µm s−1, for the γ/α and the α/α grain boundaries, respectively.
Atypical presentation of COVID-19 in a frail older person
Authors: Tay Hui Sian , Harwood Rowan
Published: March 2020

Common symptoms of pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) include fever and cough. We describe a 94-year-old man with well-controlled schizoaffective disorder, who presented with non-specific and atypical symptoms: delirium, low-grade pyrexia and abdominal pain. He was given antibiotics for infection of unknown source, subsequently refined to treatment for community-acquired pneumonia. Despite active treatment, he deteriorated with oxygen desaturation and tachypnoea. A repeat chest X-ray showed widespread opacification. A postmortem throat swab identified COVID-19 infection. He was treated in three wards over 5 days with no infection control precautions. This has implications for the screening, assessment and isolation of frail older people to COVID-specific clinical facilities and highlights the potential for spread among healthcare professionals and other patients.
Substance and procedure in international arbitration
Authors: Pauker Saar A
Published: March 2020

The distinction between substance and procedure in private international law has been subject to extensive debates among national courts and scholarly writings. The basic theme that procedural issues are governed by the lex fori, and substantive issues are subject to the lex causae, is widely accepted, although the boundaries between substance and procedure are not always clear.

This article examines the application of the distinction between substance and procedure in the area of international arbitration, as regards both commercial cases and investment treaty disputes.

It is argued that the distinction between substance and procedure has significant ramifications in international arbitration. The central (though not the only) aim of this distinction refers to the determination of the rules to be applied to borderline issues, such as evidentiary matters, interest, and limitation rules. Arbitral tribunals should have a considerable level of discretion in drawing the distinction. Specified points of guidance are suggested for common grayzone questions.

Although the general principles concerning the substance/procedure distinction are similar in investment treaty arbitration and international commercial arbitration, material points of difference, such as the key role of public international law, may somewhat narrow the investment treaty tribunals’ discretion in respect of drawing the distinction.
Restoration of the Age Elongated Auricular Lobe
Authors: Fuente-del-Campo Antonio , Lesta-Compagnucci Lucas
Published: March 2020

Background

The ears increase in all dimensions over the years (eg, length, helix diameter, lobe length), but the most obvious change is the elongation or ptosis of the lobe. Its correction should be considered a part of facial rejuvenation.

Objectives

The authors presented the surgical procedure they have been utilizing to correct elongated earlobes.

Methods

The authors described a simple and effective procedure consisting of the curved resection of the excess tissue of the lobe at its lower end and its reconstruction through the utilization of 2 triangular flaps of skin, taken from the lateral surface of the lobe, rotated backwards, and sutured to the medial surface, leaving a zigzag hidden scar.

Results

The authors have utilized this surgical procedure over the last 16 years to correct ptosis of the earlobe as well as some of its other alterations due to aging. The results obtained are presented as well as the classification that the authors have utilized to qualify their degree of ptosis.

Conclusions

This procedure has yielded excellent results, with imperceptible scars, and is therefore very pleasing to patients and surgeon alike.

Level of Evidence: 4
Reduced oligodendrocyte exosome secretion in multiple system atrophy involves SNARE dysfunction
Authors: Yu Zhenwei , Shi Min , Stewart Tessandra , Fernagut Pierre-Olivier , Huang Yang , Tian Chen , Dehay Benjamin , Atik Anzari , Yang Dishun , De Giorgi Francesca , Ichas François , Canron Marie-Hélène , Ceravolo Roberto , Frosini Daniela , Kim Han-Joon , Feng Tao , Meissner Wassilios G , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2020

Transportation of key proteins via extracellular vesicles has been recently implicated in various neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, as a new mechanism of disease spreading and a new source of biomarkers. Extracellular vesicles likely to be derived from the brain can be isolated from peripheral blood and have been reported to contain higher levels of α-synuclein (α-syn) in Parkinson’s disease patients. However, very little is known about extracellular vesicles in multiple system atrophy, a disease that, like Parkinson’s disease, involves pathological α-syn aggregation, though the process is centred around oligodendrocytes in multiple system atrophy. In this study, a novel immunocapture technology was developed to isolate blood CNPase-positive, oligodendrocyte-derived enriched microvesicles (OEMVs), followed by fluorescent nanoparticle tracking analysis and assessment of α-syn levels contained within the OEMVs. The results demonstrated that the concentrations of OEMVs were significantly lower in multiple system atrophy patients, compared to Parkinson’s disease patients and healthy control subjects. It is also noted that the population of OEMVs involved was mainly in the size range closer to that of exosomes, and that the average α-syn concentrations (per vesicle) contained in these OEMVs were not significantly different among the three groups. The phenomenon of reduced OEMVs was again observed in a transgenic mouse model of multiple system atrophy and in primary oligodendrocyte cultures, and the mechanism involved was likely related, at least in part, to an α-syn-mediated interference in the interaction between syntaxin 4 and VAMP2, leading to the dysfunction of the SNARE complex. These results suggest that reduced OEMVs could be an important mechanism related to pathological α-syn aggregation in oligodendrocytes, and the OEMVs found in peripheral blood could be further explored for their potential as multiple system atrophy biomarkers.
Welcoming back my arm: affective touch increases body ownership following right-hemisphere stroke
Authors: Jenkinson Paul M , Papadaki Cristina , Besharati Sahba , Moro Valentina , Gobbetto Valeria , Crucianelli Laura , Kirsch Louise P , Avesani Renato , Ward Nick S , Fotopoulou Aikaterini
Published: March 2020

Right-hemisphere stroke can impair the ability to recognize one’s contralesional body parts as belonging to one’s self. The study of this so-called ‘disturbed sense of limb ownership’ can provide unique insights into the neurocognitive mechanisms of body ownership. In this study, we address a hypothesis built upon experimental studies on body ownership in healthy volunteers. These studies have shown that affective (pleasant) touch, an interoceptive modality associated with unmyelinated, slow-conducting C-tactile afferents, has a unique role in the sense of body ownership. In this study, we systematically investigated whether affective touch stimulation could increase body ownership in patients with a disturbed sense of limb ownership following right-hemisphere stroke. An initial feasibility study in 16 adult patients with acute stroke enabled us to optimize and calibrate an affective touch protocol to be administered by the bedside. The main experiment, conducted with a different sample of 26 right hemisphere patients, assessed changes in limb ownership elicited following self- (patient) versus other- (experimenter) generated tactile stimulation, using a velocity known to optimally activate C-tactile fibres (i.e. 3 cm/s), and a second velocity that is suboptimal for C-tactile activation (i.e. 18 cm/s). We further examined the specificity and mechanism of observed changes in limb ownership in secondary analyses looking at (i) the influence of perceived intensity and pleasantness of touch, (ii) touch laterality and (iii) level of disturbed sense of limb ownership on ownership change and (iv) changes in unilateral neglect arising from touch. Findings indicated a significant increase in limb ownership following experimenter-administered, C-tactile-optimal touch. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping identified damage to the right insula and, more substantially, the right corpus callosum, associated with a failure to increase body ownership following experimenter-administered, affective touch. Our findings suggest that affective touch can increase the sense of body-part ownership following right-hemisphere stroke, potentially due to its unique role in the multisensory integration processes that underlie the sense of body ownership.
Focal Dorsal Hippocampal Nav1.1 Knock Down Alters Place Cell Temporal Coordination and Spatial Behavior
Authors: Sakkaki Sophie , Barrière Sylvain , Bender Alex C , Scott Rod C , Lenck-Santini Pierre-Pascal
Published: March 2020

Alterations in the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav.1.1 are implicated in various neurological disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism spectrum disorders. Previous studies suggest that the reduction of Nav1.1 expression leads to a decrease of fast spiking activity in inhibitory neurons. Because interneurons (INs) play a critical role in the temporal organization of neuronal discharge, we hypothesize that Nav1.1 dysfunction will negatively impact neuronal coordination in vivo. Using shRNA interference, we induced a focal Nav1.1 knock-down (KD) in the dorsal region of the right hippocampus of adult rats. Focal, unilateral Nav1.1 KD decreases the performance in a spatial novelty recognition task and the firing rate in INs, but not in pyramidal cells. It reduced theta/gamma coupling of hippocampal oscillations and induced a shift in pyramidal cell theta phase preference. Nav1.1 KD degraded spatial accuracy and temporal coding properties of place cells, such as theta phase precession and compression of ongoing sequences. Aken together, these data demonstrate that a deficit in Nav1.1 alters the temporal coordination of neuronal firing in CA1 and impairs behaviors that rely on the integrity of this network. They highlight the potential contribution of local inhibition in neuronal coordination and its impact on behavior in pathological conditions.
A Community-transmitted Case of Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (SARS) Due to SARS-CoV-2 in the United States
Authors: Sanville Bradley , Corbett Rebecca , Pidcock Wesley , Hardin Kaitlyn , Sebat Christian , Nguyen Minh-Vu , Thompson George R , Haczku Angela , Schivo Michael , Cohen Stuart
Published: March 2020

This is the first known community transmission case of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States, with significant public health implications. Diagnosis of COVID-19 is currently confirmed with PCR based testing of appropriate respiratory samples. Given the absence of travel or known exposure history, this patient did not meet the criteria for testing according to CDC guidelines at the time of her presentation. Since this case, any patient with severe disease (eg, ARDS or pneumonia) requiring hospitalization without an explanatory diagnosis can be tested even if no clear source of exposure is identified. While influencing national health policies for revising screening criteria, this case also highlighted significant knowledge gaps in diagnosis and treatment and a desperate need for early, widespread, fast and cheap testing for COVID-19.
Hong Kong’s Role in the BRI Dispute Resolution: Limits of Law and Power of Politics
Authors: Feng Lin
Published: March 2020

The Hong Kong government has aimed to make Hong Kong an international dispute resolution hub for decades. After China’s launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Hong Kong has striven to make itself such a hub under the BRI. This article chooses arbitration as an example to examine Hong Kong’s role in the dispute resolution under the BRI from three perspectives, that is, its legal infrastructure, central and local governmental policy support, and challenges faced by Hong Kong. Detailed review reveals that Hong Kong’s legal infrastructure is well suited to resolve any disputes arising under the BRI and that there is also strong policy support from both the Chinese central government and the Hong Kong government. After examining challenges from Mainland Chinese arbitration institutions and self-contradiction within national policy documents, international and foreign arbitration institutions, and Hong Kong’s political instability and conflicts with the Mainland, the article suggests that the primary reason why Hong Kong has not been successful in getting its share of dispute resolution business under the BRI is its political instability and bad relationship with Mainland China. It argues that Hong Kong’s political skills in convincing both the Chinese central government and State-owned enterprises to choose Hong Kong as the forum for resolving disputes under the BRI are more important and will determine whether Hong Kong can get a fair share of the dispute resolution business under the BRI. In addition, the Hong Kong government and the relevant stakeholders in Hong Kong should also change their mentality from thinking only about Hong Kong’s interests to putting themselves in the shoes of the Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau (GHM) Greater Bay Area and come up with a collaborative strategy to develop dispute resolution mechanisms in the GHM Greater Bay Area together. Only in so doing will Hong Kong be able to get its share of dispute resolution business from projects under the BRI.
RGIM: An Integrated Approach to Improve QoS in AODV, DSR and DSDV Routing Protocols for FANETS Using the Chain Mobility Model
Authors: Kaur Parampreet , Singh Ashima , Gill Sukhpal Singh
Published: March 2020

Flying ad hoc networks (FANETs) are a collection of unmanned aerial vehicles that communicate without any predefined infrastructure. FANET, being one of the most researched topics nowadays, finds its scope in many complex applications like drones used for military applications, border surveillance systems and other systems like civil applications in traffic monitoring and disaster management. Quality of service (QoS) performance parameters for routing e.g. delay, packet delivery ratio, jitter and throughput in FANETs are quite difficult to improve. Mobility models play an important role in evaluating the performance of the routing protocols. In this paper, the integration of two selected mobility models, i.e. random waypoint and Gauss–Markov model, is implemented. As a result, the random Gauss integrated model is proposed for evaluating the performance of AODV (ad hoc on-demand distance vector), DSR (dynamic source routing) and DSDV (destination-Sequenced distance vector) routing protocols. The simulation is done with an NS2 simulator for various scenarios by varying the number of nodes and taking low- and high-node speeds of 50 and 500, respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed model improves the QoS performance parameters of AODV, DSR and DSDV protocol.
A Novel Hybrid UE Selection Scheme for Efficient Data Offloading Using D2D Communication
Authors: C G Balaji , A Anu Monisha , K Murugan
Published: March 2020

The exponential growth in mobile broadband data traffic with demand for faster data connectivity has become the most engaging challenges for mobile operators. They are facing an enormous data load in the core network and are finding new solutions to offload data to other complementary technologies. Mobile data offloading using device-to-device (D2D) communication stands out as the promising and the low-cost solution to reduce the burden on cellular network. Data offloading is the process of reducing the load in the cellular medium by using alternative wireless technologies for bearing data using opportunistic assignment of nodes. In this paper, iNHeRENT, a Novel HybRid user equipment (UE) selection scheme using D2D communication in next generation wireless networks that provides better offloading efficiency and throughput than the existing schemes, is proposed. Here, a small set of Wi-Fi-enabled hybrid user equipment ($UE_H$*) is chosen to offload cellular data in an efficient way. The objective of the work is to use minimum number of $UE_H$* to cover maximum number of UE in the serving area of an evolved Node B and to offload maximum amount of data. A $UE_H$* is a special UE with both cellular and Wi-Fi interfaces enabled to offload data. The coverage, throughput, packet delivery ratio and offloading efficiency metrics for the selected number of $UE_H$* are considered, and it is found that an offloading efficiency of 95.45% was achieved for a minimum number of 7% $UE_H$* using iNHeRENT.
Gut Microbiota-Derived Propionate Regulates the Expression of Reg3 Mucosal Lectins and Ameliorates Experimental Colitis in Mice
Authors: Bajic Danica , Niemann Adrian , Hillmer Anna-Katharina , Mejias-Luque Raquel , Bluemel Sena , Docampo Melissa , Funk Maja C , Tonin Elena , Boutros Michael , Schnabl Bernd , Busch Dirk H , Miki Tsuyoshi , Schmid Roland M , van den Brink Marcel R M , Gerhard Markus , Stein-Thoeringer Christoph K
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

Regenerating islet-derived protein type 3 [Reg3] lectins are antimicrobial peptides at mucosal surfaces of the gut, whose expression is regulated by pathogenic gut microbes via interleukin-22- or Toll-like receptor signalling. In addition to antimicrobial effects, tissue protection is hypothesized, but has been poorly investigated in the gut.

Methods

We applied antibiotic-induced microbiota perturbations, gnotobiotic approaches and a dextran-sodium sulfate [DSS] colitis model to assess microbial Reg3 regulation in the intestines and its role in colitis. We also used an intestinal organoid model to investigate this axis in vitro.

Results

First, we studied whether gut commensals are involved in Reg3 expression in mice, and found that antibiotic-mediated reduction of Clostridia downregulated intestinal Reg3B. A loss in Clostridia was accompanied by a significant reduction of short-chain fatty acids [SCFAs], and knock-out [KO] mice for SCFA receptors GPR43 and GPR109 expressed less intestinal Reg3B/-G. Propionate was found to induce Reg3 in intestinal organoids and in gnotobiotic mice colonized with a defined, SCFA-producing microbiota. Investigating the role of Reg3B as a protective factor in colitis, we found that Reg3B-KO mice display increased inflammation and less crypt proliferation in the DSS colitis model. Propionate decreased colitis and increased proliferation. Treatment of organoids exposed to DSS with Reg3B or propionate reversed the chemical injury with a loss of expression of the stem-cell marker Lgr5 and Olfm4.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Clostridia can regulate Reg3-associated epithelial homeostasis through propionate signalling. We also provide evidence that the Reg3–propionate axis may be an important mediator of gut epithelial regeneration in colitis.
Baseline Flight Potential of Euschistus servus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and Its Implications on Local Dispersal
Authors: Babu Arun , Del Pozo-Valdivia Alejandro I , Reisig Dominic D
Published: March 2020

The brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say), is a damaging pest of multiple crops in the southeastern United States. In addition to crops, both the weedy field borders and wooded areas of a typical farmscape in this region harbor E. servus host plants, many of which are temporally and spatially limiting in availability or nutritional suitability. Therefore, local dispersal is required so that individuals efficiently track and utilize host resources. This research sought to establish the baseline flight capacity of adult E. servus across the season in relation to body weight, sex, and plant host use with a flight mill system. Across this 2-yr study, among the individuals with a flight response in the flight mill, 90.1% of individuals flew in a range of >0–1 km, with an individual maximum flight distance of 15.9 km. In 2017, mean total distance flown varied across the season. Except for the individuals collected from corn in 2019, during both 2017 and 2019, the highest numerical mean flight potential occurred soon after overwintering emergence and a relatively low flight potential occurred during the cropping season. Individuals collected from wheat, corn, and early season weeds lost a higher proportion of body weight after flight than did individuals from soybean and late season weeds. The baseline dispersal potential information generated from this study can be extrapolated to the farmscape level aiming to develop, plan, and implement E. servus management programs.
Progression of aortic stenosis and echocardiographic criteria for its severity
Authors: Kebed Kalie , Sun Deyu , Addetia Karima , Mor-Avi Victor , Markuzon Natasha , Lang Roberto M
Published: March 2020

Aims 

Guidelines-recommended criteria for identifying severe aortic stenosis (AS) are based on small, homogenous cohorts of patients, leading to potentially inconsistent or missed diagnosis. We used a large cohort of patients with varying degrees of AS to (i) characterize its progression; (ii) evaluate the influence of demographic and echocardiographic variables; and (iii) derive haemodynamically consistent cut-off values.

Methods and results 

We identified 916 patients with mild to severe AS who had undergone >1 echocardiographic study (N = 2547). For each study, aortic valve area (AVA), peak transaortic velocity (V  max), and mean pressure gradient (ΔP) were extracted. Annual rates of AVA change were determined by a linear mixed-effects model. To determine the prevalence of inconsistent diagnosis of severe AS, AVA was plotted against ΔP and V  max, with quadrants defined using guidelines-recommended cut-offs. The rate of AVA change was −0.070 ± 0.003 cm2/year and was more rapid in men than women and in Whites than African Americans. AVA = 1 cm2 corresponded to ΔP = 32 mmHg and V  max = 3.7 m/s, causing discrepancies in defining severe AS in 480 (19%) and 458 (18%) studies, respectively. Conversely, ΔP = 40 mmHg corresponded to AVA = 0.89 cm2 and V  max = 4.0 m/s corresponded to AVA = 0.92 cm2, confirming the inconsistency of the guidelines. Notably, discrepancy rate was higher in 206 patients with low flow (SVi < 35 mL/m2): 40% vs. 16% in the remaining patients.

Conclusion 

Our findings demonstrated gender- and race-related differences in AS progression and underscored the need to refine the multiparametric criteria for diagnosis of severe AS to minimize internal inconsistencies, which are high with the current cut-offs and amplified in patients with low stroke volumes.
Predictors of 30-day readmission and resource utilization after thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Iyengar Amit , Goel Nicholas J , Kelly John J , Han Jason , Brown Chase R , Khurshan Fabliha , Chen Zehang , Desai Nimesh D
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

The introduction and expansion of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) have revolutionized the treatment of a variety of thoracic aortic diseases. We sought to evaluate the incidence, causes, predictors and costs associated with 30-day readmission after TEVAR in a nationally representative cohort.

METHODS

Adult patients undergoing isolated TEVAR were identified in the National Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014. Hospital costs were estimated by converting individual hospital charge data adjusted to 2014 consumer price indices. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to determine hospital- and patient-level factors associated with readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 24 983 TEVARs were noted during the study period; the average age of the patients was 65 ± 16 years; 40% were women. The most common indication was an intact thoracic aneurysm (43.5%), followed by aortic dissection (30.5%). The average cost of the index admission was $63 644 ± $52 312; the average hospital stay was 11 ± 14 days; the index mortality rate was 6.7%. Readmissions within 30 days occurred in 17.4% of patients. Indications for readmission were varied; the most common aetiologies were cardiac (17.8%), infectious (16.0%) and pulmonary (12.1%). On multivariable analysis, the strongest predictor of readmission was the diagnosis, with a ruptured thoraco-abdominal aneurysm having the highest readmission burden (adjusted odds ratio 2.23, 1.17–4.24; P = 0.015). Notably, hospital volume did not predict index hospital length of stay, costs or 30-day readmissions (all P > 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Annual TEVAR volume was not associated with any of the outcomes assessed. Rather, indication for TEVAR was the strongest predictor for many outcomes. As TEVAR becomes increasingly utilized, a focus on cardiac and vascular diseases may reduce readmissions and improve quality of care.
The Timor Sea Conciliation: The Unique Mechanism of Dispute Settlement
Authors: Tamada Dai
Published: March 2020

The maritime boundary dispute between Timor-Leste and Australia was submitted to the compulsory conciliation procedure under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This is the first instance of conciliation, whether voluntary or compulsory, under UNCLOS. The Timor Sea conciliation led to the successful settlement of the long-standing deadlock between the parties that had hitherto not been settled by negotiation and had no possibility of being settled by litigation (within, for example, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea or International Court of Justice proceedings) or arbitration (within the context of an UNCLOS Annex VII tribunal). This article aims to elucidate the unique mechanism of conciliation and, to this end, analyses both the procedural particularities of conciliation under UNCLOS and the substantive considerations in conciliation proceedings. The author places emphasis, in particular, on the fundamental importance of the economic factor in the Timor Sea maritime delimitation – namely, the sharing ratio of the natural resources in the Greater Sunrise gas fields. Being a definitive factor for the success of this conciliation, it was the economics of this dispute that incentivized the parties to compromise and settle. Furthermore, given that conciliation is a most elucidating piece in the rather complicated puzzle that is the UNCLOS dispute settlement mechanism, the Timor Sea conciliation offers valuable insights into this mechanism.