bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Useful to whom? Evaluation utilisation theory and boundaries for programme evaluation scope
Authors: Onyura Betty
Published: June 2020

Context

Programme evaluation is perpetually mandated in health professions education. Correspondingly, there has been an expansion in prescriptive methodological guides about ‘how’ to engage in various best practices in evaluation. However, what has gained less attention is an examination of the ‘value’ that different stakeholders seek to gain from programme evaluation. Evaluation utilisation theory and research can help us understand the diversity in both the driving forces for and the impact of programme evaluation. Awareness of the heterogeneity of evaluation utilisation priorities has implications for evaluation practices, including both methodological choices and understanding of the impact of programme evaluation in our field.

Methods

In this article, I expound on the concept of evaluation utilisation by drawing on evaluation theory and research. ‘Evaluation utilisation’ refers to the application of programme evaluation processes and findings to influence thinking and action. Herein, different forms of ‘evaluation utilisation’ (including instrumental, conceptual, process and persuasive (symbolic and legitimative) utilisation) are discussed, as well as the related concept of ‘evaluation misuse’. Furthermore, how the prioritisation of different forms of ‘evaluation utilisation’ can influence the scope and impact of evaluation scholarship are also discussed.

Conclusions

Programme evaluation is a form of inquiry that requires more than the exercise of robust methodological techniques. Rather, it necessitates attention to the, sometimes divergent, priorities of different stakeholder groups. Although there is scant research on evaluation practices in health professions education, evaluation utilisation theory can inform critical examination of evaluation practices and impact in our field. Critically, understanding this body of work can help inform those engaged in evaluation about what they are (or should be) prioritising when they conduct programme evaluation, and better align evaluation methodologies with their scholarly, curricular and administrative intentions. Implications for future research and high‐quality, transparent evaluation scholarship are presented.
The CRP‐family transcriptional regulator DevH regulates expression of heterocyst‐specific genes at the later stage of differentiation in the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120
Authors: Kurio Yohei , Koike Yosuke , Kanesaki Yu , Watanabe Satoru , Ehira Shigeki
Published: June 2020

Heterocysts are terminally differentiated cells of filamentous cyanobacteria, which are specialized for nitrogen fixation. Because nitrogenase is easily inactivated by oxygen, the intracellular environment of heterocysts is kept microoxic. In heterocysts, the oxygen‐evolving photosystem II is inactivated, a heterocyst‐specific envelope with an outer polysaccharide layer and an inner glycolipid layer is formed to limit oxygen entry, and oxygen consumption is activated. Heterocyst differentiation, which is accompanied by drastic morphological and physiological changes, requires strictly controlled gene expression systems. Here, we investigated the functions of a CRP‐family transcriptional regulator, DevH, in the process of heterocyst differentiation. A devH‐knockdown strain, devH‐kd, was created by replacing the original promoter with the gifA promoter, which is repressed during heterocyst differentiation. Although devH‐kd formed morphologically distinct cells with the heterocyst envelope polysaccharide layer, it was unable to grow diazotrophically. Genes involved in construction of the microoxic environment, such as cox operons and the hgl island, were not upregulated in devH‐kd. Moreover, expression of the nif gene cluster was completely abolished. Although CnfR was expressed in devH‐kd, the nif gene cluster was not induced even under microoxic conditions. Thus, DevH is necessary for the establishment of a microoxic environment and induction of nitrogenase in heterocysts.
A novel mutation in ABCD1 gene in a Filipino patient with adult‐onset X‐linked ALD
Authors: Porto Kristine Joyce , Matsukawa Takashi , Ishiura Hiroyuki , Mitsui Jun , Matic Alexandria , Yu Justine Megan , Dominguez Jacqueline , Damian Ludwig , Toda Tatsushi , Tsuji Shoji
Published: June 2020

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is the most common peroxisomal disorder caused by a mutation in ABCD1 gene. We present a 36‐year‐old, Filipino male, diagnosed with adrenomyeloneuropathy with later development of adult‐onset cerebral form of X‐ALD with a novel mutation c.2012T > C (p.Leu671Pro) in exon 10 of the ABCD1 gene. It is important that clinicians have high clinical suspicion because of the proven clinical efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation performed in the early stage of the disease.
Is the Kok effect a respiratory phenomenon? Metabolic insight using 13C labeling in Helianthus annuus leaves
Authors: Gauthier Paul P. G. , Saenz Natalie , Griffin Kevin L. , Way Danielle , Tcherkez Guillaume
Published: June 2020

The Kok effect is a well‐known phenomenon in which the quantum yield of photosynthesis changes abruptly at low light. This effect has often been interpreted as a shift in leaf respiratory metabolism and thus used widely to measure day respiration. However, there is still no formal evidence that the Kok effect has a respiratory origin.

Here, both gas exchange and isotopic labeling were carried out on sunflower leaves, using glucose that was 13C‐enriched at specific C‐atom positions. Position‐specific decarboxylation measurements and NMR analysis of metabolites were used to trace the fate of C‐atoms in metabolism.

Decarboxylation rates were significant at low light (including above the Kok break point) and increased with decreasing irradiance below 100 µmol photons m−2 s−1. The variation in several metabolite pools such as malate, fumarate or citrate, and flux calculations suggest the involvement of several decarboxylating pathways in the Kok effect, including the malic enzyme.

Our results show that day respiratory CO2 evolution plays an important role in the Kok effect. However, the increase in the apparent quantum yield of photosynthesis below the Kok break point is also probably related to malate metabolism, which participates in maintaining photosynthetic linear electron flow.
Systemic drug photosensitivity—Culprits, impact and investigation in 122 patients
Authors: Alrashidi Amirah , Rhodes Lesley E. , Sharif Jennifer C. H. , Kreeshan Firas C. , Farrar Mark D. , Ahad Tashmeeta
Published: June 2020

Background

Systemic drugs are a potentially reversible cause of photosensitivity. We explore prevalence, impact, phototest findings and culprit drugs.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients was diagnosed with drug‐induced photosensitivity in a specialist photoinvestigation centre (2000‐2016), using data recorded in standardized pro forma. Patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation. Monochromator phototesting was performed to 300 ± 5 nm, 320 ± 10 nm, 330 ± 10 nm, 350 ± 20 nm, 370 ± 20 nm, 400 ± 20 nm, 500 ± 20nm and 600 ± 20 nm. Broadband UVA and solar‐simulated radiation (SSR) testing were performed, and photopatch testing and laboratory tests examined for other causes of photosensitivity. DLQI was evaluated.

Results

Prevalence of drug‐induced photosensitivity was 5.4% (122/2243) patients presenting with photosensitivity. Patients with drug‐induced photosensitivity were 52.5% female; median 62 years (range 11‐86); phototype I (17.2%), II (39.3%), III (26.2%), IV (6.5%), V (4.1%). Fifty‐five (45.1%) patients had reduced erythemal thresholds on monochromator phototesting: 83.6%% to UVA alone, 14.5% to both UVA and UVB, 1.8% to UVA and visible light; 61.4% (n = 75) showed abnormal response to broadband UVR. Drugs implicated: quinine (11.5%), diuretics (10.7%; thiazide 9.8%), antifungals (9.8%), proton‐pump‐inhibitors (9.8%), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (7.4%), anti‐inflammatory drugs (6.6%), statins (5.7%), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (4.9%), calcium channel antagonists (3.3%), anti‐epileptics (3.3%), tricyclic antidepressants (3.3%), beta‐blockers (2.5%), antibiotics (2.5%), others (≤1.6% cases each). Emerging culprits included azathioprine (2.5%) and biologics (TNF‐α inhibitors, denosumab; 2.5%). Median DLQI was 11 (range 2‐27) for the past year.

Conclusion

Classically described photosensitizing drugs such as thiazides and quinine remain common offenders, while emerging culprits include biologics such as TNF‐a inhibitors and proton‐pump‐inhibitors. There is very large impact on life quality; identification facilitates measures including drug cessation and implementation of appropriate photoprotection.
Vascular morphology and expression of angiogenic factors in sheep ovaries and their relation with the lambing rate
Authors: Wang Xinrong , Yang Yanan , Li Mingna
Published: June 2020

The study aims to present the vascular anatomy of ovarian arterial system in sheep and to explore its relation with the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2), environmental factors and the lambing rate. Small‐tailed Han sheep, Hu sheep, Aohan finewool sheep and Tibetan sheep who are from different habitats in China and with different lambing rates were investigated. The vascular corrosion casting technique and scanning electron microscopy were used to understand arterial architecture, and real‐time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) and Western blotting were used for assessing VEGF and Ang‐2 expression. Results showed that high‐prolificity breeds had significantly larger vessel diameters in ovaries than low‐prolificity ones. VEGF gene transcript and protein expression were related with the lambing rate, while Ang‐2 gene transcript was negatively related with the lambing rate. Results indicated that high‐prolificity breeds have more abundant arterial blood supply, which is associated with VEGF expression.
Age‐related differences in vastus lateralis fascicle behavior during fast accelerative leg‐extension movements
Authors: Van Roie Evelien , Van Driessche Stijn , Delecluse Christophe , Vanwanseele Benedicte
Published: June 2020

Leg‐extensor rate of power development (RPD) decreases during aging. This study aimed to identify the underlying mechanism of the age‐related decline in RPD during a fast acceleration in terms of in vivo vastus lateralis (VL) fascicle shortening behavior. Thirty‐nine men aged between 25 and 69 years performed three maximal isokinetic leg‐extensor tests with a fixed initial acceleration of 45° knee extension in 150 ms until 340°/s knee angular velocity. RPD, VL activity, and ultrasound images were recorded to assess (relative) fascicle shortening and mean shortening velocity for the phases of electromechanical delay, pretension, and acceleration. Our findings show that fascicle shortening and mean shortening velocity during a fast action increase with aging (0.002 per year, P = .035 and 0.005 s−1 per year, P = .097, respectively), mainly due to a higher amount of shortening in the phase of electromechanical delay. The ratio of VL fascicle length over upper leg length at rest showed a negative correlation (r = −.46, P = .004) with RPD/body mass, while pennation angle at rest showed a trend toward a positive correlation (r = .28, P = .089). To conclude, our findings indicate that the ability to reach high VL fascicle shortening velocities in vivo is not reduced in older men while performing preprogrammed fast accelerations. The greater amount of fascicle shortening in old age is probably the result of age‐related differences in the tendinous properties of the muscle‐tendon complex, forcing the fascicles to shorten more in order to transmit the muscle force to the segment.
Non‐toxigenic Vibrio cholerae in an autologous stem cell and renal transplant recipient
Authors: Xu Teena H. , Forrest Graeme N
Published: June 2020

A patient with a renal transplant after an autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma developed non‐toxigenic Vibrio cholerae diarrhea after travel to Mexico. This is a rare cause of diarrhea in transplant recipients, and the patient had not had pre‐travel counseling. This case reflects the lack of referral of transplant recipients for travel infectious disease review before overseas travel and the role of the live attenuated cholera vaccine.
Tomato SlIDA has a critical role in tomato fertilization by modifying reactive oxygen species homeostasis
Authors: Wang Rong , Shi ChunLin , Wang Xiaoyang , Li Ruizhen , Meng Yan , Cheng Lina , Qi Mingfang , Xu Tao , Li Tianlai
Published: June 2020

Anther development and pollen tube elongation are key steps for pollination and fertilization. The timing and spatial distribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and programmed cell death are central to these processes, but the regulatory mechanism of ROS production is not well understood. Inflorescence deficient in abscission (IDA) is implicated in many plant development and responses to environmental stimuli. However, their role in reproductive development is still unknown. We generated tomato knockout lines (CR‐slida) of an IDA homolog (SlIDA), which is expressed in the tapetum, septum and pollen tube, and observed a severe defect in male gametes. Further analysis indicated that there was a programmed cell death defect in the tapetum and septum and a failure of anther dehiscence in the CR‐slida lines, likely related to insufficient ROS signal. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry identified mature SlIDA as a 14‐mer EPIP peptide, which was shown to be secreted, and a complementation experiment showed that application of a synthetic 14‐mer EPIP peptide rescued the CR‐slida defect and enhanced the ROS signal. Moreover, the application of the ROS scavengers diphenyleneiodonium or Mn‐TMPP suppressed peptide function. Collectively, our results revealed that SlIDA plays an essential role in pollen development and pollen tube elongation by modulating ROS homeostasis.
Analysis of the Bottleneck Restricting Party Building of China’s State-Owned Commercial Banks in the New Era
Authors: Xu Chuangqiang , Feng Qingxiang
Published: June 2020

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, socialism with Chinese characteristics has ushered in a new era, so has China's financial industry. As the reform of state-owned commercial banks deepens, party-building plays an increasingly vital role in the operation and development of banks. Meanwhile, party-building of state-owned commercial banks is also confronted with bottlenecks and challenges, including party-building fails to effectively guide the finance industry to serve the real economy, to be integrated into bank management in-depth, to completely prevent the financial system from corrupting, and to vigorously restrain excessive pay in the financial sector.
Real-Time Dynamics Modeling of Cryogenic Ball Bearings With Thermal Coupling
Authors: Gupta Pradeep K. , Gibson Howard G.
Published: June 2020

Real-time dynamic modeling of cryogenic ball bearings, where the rotating inner race accelerates to the operating speed, is based on integration of classical differential equations of motion of bearing elements, when experimentally measured ball/race traction behavior is used to compute the imposed acceleration on the rolling elements. The dynamic performance simulation provides a realistic coupling between traction behavior in the ball-to-race contacts and dynamics of bearing element motion as the bearing goes through the transient speed variation. However, due to vastly different mechanical and thermal time scales, heat generation in the bearing is time-averaged over a relatively large thermal time-step to model temperature fields as a step change, while the bearing motion is simulated in real-time. The emphasis is on dynamic modeling with thermal coupling in a static sense. Under stable conditions, the step change in temperature field converges to operating value as the bearing approaches a dynamic steady-state condition, which demonstrates acceptable significance of the dynamic simulation with coupled thermal interactions. Both all steel and hybrid ball bearings for liquid oxygen (LOX) turbo pump applications are modeled. Bearing performance simulations are closely modeled over experimental time cycles in both transient and steady-state domains. Steady-state solutions are shown to be independent of initial conditions to demonstrate acceptable convergence of time domain integrations. Model predictions of heat transferred to circulating LOX is within the range of variation in experimental data. Parametric evaluation of bearing performance as a function of operating conditions demonstrate that while the ball/race contact stress is higher in a hybrid bearing, contact heat generation is significantly lower in comparison with that in the all steel bearings.
An Assessment of Quantitative Predictions of Deterministic Mixed Lubrication Solvers
Authors: Wang Yuechang , Dorgham Abdel , Liu Ying , Wang Chun , Wilson Mark C. T. , Neville Anne , Azam Abdullah
Published: June 2020

The ability to simulate mixed lubrication problems has greatly improved, especially in concentrated lubricated contacts. A mixed lubrication simulation method was developed by utilizing the semi-system approach which has been proven to be highly useful for improving stability and robustness of mixed lubrication simulations. Then different variants of the model were developed by varying the discretization schemes used to treat the Couette flow terms in the Reynolds equation, varying the evaluation of density derivatives and varying the contribution of terms in the coefficient matrix. The resulting pressure distribution, film thickness distribution, lambda ratio, contact ratio, and the computation time were compared and found to be strongly influenced by the choice of solution scheme. This indicates that the output from mixed lubrication solvers can be readily used for qualitative and parametric studies, but care should be taken when making quantitative predictions.
Study on Prediction Model About Water Content in High-Temperature and High-Pressure Water-Soluble Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Huang Xiaoliang , Qi Zhilin , Li Sainan , Xiao Qianhua , Mo Fei , Fang Feifei
Published: June 2020

Because of a large amount of natural gas dissolved in the formation water of high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) water-soluble gas reservoirs, the water vapor content in water-soluble gas reservoirs is generally maintained under a supersaturated state; meanwhile, natural gas has a high carbon dioxide fraction, which significantly affects the water vapor content. Application of the conventional method to calculate the water content of HTHP water-soluble gas reservoirs leads to errors. In this work, the water content of HTHP water-soluble gas reservoirs was studied through laboratory experiments and theoretical research, and the main factors affecting water content were studied. Results show that the water content of water-soluble gas reservoirs decreases as pressure increases. The water content decreases faster in the low-pressure stage, while the decease of water content in the high-pressure stage is relatively steady. The water content of gas reservoirs increases with increasing temperature. When the temperature is lower than 100 °C, the change is slow; when the temperature is higher than 100 °C, the change is fast. The water content of gas reservoirs is affected by temperature during the low-pressure stage. The water content in the high-temperature stage is obviously affected by pressure; the water content of the gas reservoir is also affected by the carbon dioxide content of the natural gas component and the salinity of the formation water. Higher carbon dioxide content and lower formation water salinity yield higher water content. Furthermore, error analysis of the conventional water content prediction method and the measurement shows inconsistency in measurement and calculation. The error between the two methods is large, with an average of 54.88%. Based on the experiment, a mathematical model for calculating the water content of HTHP water-soluble gas reservoirs was established considering pressure, temperature, salinity, and natural gas composition. The predicted water vapor content of natural gas is close to the experimental value with a high precision. The average relative error between the measured and model calculated value is about 8.72%.
A Deep Insight Into the Transonic Flow of an Advanced Centrifugal Compressor Design
Authors: Wittrock David , Junker Martin , Beversdorff Manfred , Peters Andreas , Nicke Eberhard
Published: June 2020

In the last decades, major improvements in transonic centrifugal compressor design have been achieved. The further exploration of design space is enabled by recent progress in structural mechanics and manufacturing. A challenging task of inducer design especially in terms of transonic inflow conditions is to provide a wide flow range and reduced losses due to a sufficient shock control. The use of so-called multidisciplinary design optimization with an extensive amount of free parameters leads finally to complex designs. DLR’s latest fast rotating centrifugal compressor (SRV5) operates at a design speed of Mu2 = 1.72 and a total pressure ratio of 5.72. This compressor design is characterized by an S-shaped leading edge and free-form blade surfaces. Due to the complex design, the key design features are difficult to explore. Therefore, nonintrusive measurements are conducted on the highly loaded SRV5. The laser-2-focus (L2F) approach that is used in addition with the doppler-global-velocimetry (DGV) delivers a three-dimensional velocity field. Besides the impeller inflow, the outflow is also part of the experimental and numerical verification of the advanced compressor design. Experimental results are compared with the numerical analysis of the compressor using DLR’s Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes Flow Solver TRACE. The deep insight of the inflow leads to a better understanding of the operating behavior of such impeller designs.
Modeling Axisymmetric Centrifugal Compressor Characteristics From First Principles
Authors: Powers Katherine H. , Brace Chris J. , Budd Chris J. , Copeland Colin D. , Milewski Paul A.
Published: June 2020

Turbochargers are a vital component for aiding engine manufacturers in meeting the latest emissions standards. However, their range of operation is limited for low mass flows by compressor surge. Operation in surge results in pressure and mass flow oscillations that are often damaging to the compressor and its installation. Since surge is a highly complex flow regime, full unsteady three-dimensional models are generally too computationally expensive to run. The majority of current low-dimensional surge models use a cubic compressor characteristic that needs to be fitted to experimental data. Therefore, each time a compressor is studied using these models, costly experimental testing is required. In this paper, a new technique for obtaining an axisymmetric centrifugal compressor characteristic is presented. This characteristic is built using the equations of mass, momentum, and energy from first principles in order to provide a more complete model than those currently obtained via experimental data. This approach enables us to explain the resulting cubic-like shape of the characteristic and hence to identify impeller inlet stall as a route into surge. The characteristic is used within a quasi-steady, map-based surge model in order to demonstrate its ability to predict the onset of surge while only providing geometric data as input. Validation is provided for this model by a discussion of the qualitative flow dynamics and a good fit to experimental data, especially for low impeller speeds and pressure ratios.
Effect of Blade Row Interaction on Rotor Film Cooling
Authors: Brind J. , Pullan G.
Published: June 2020

The mechanisms of blade row interaction affecting rotor film cooling are identified to make recommendations for the design of film cooling in the real, unsteady turbine environment. Present design practice makes the simplifying assumption of steady boundary conditions despite intrinsic unsteadiness due to blade row interaction; we argue that if film cooling responds nonlinearly to unsteadiness, the time-averaged performance will then be in error. Nonlinear behavior is confirmed using experimental measurements of flat-plate cylindrical film cooling holes, mainstream unsteadiness causing a reduction in film effectiveness of up to 31% at constant time-averaged boundary condition. Unsteady computations are used to identify the blade row interaction mechanisms in a high-pressure turbine rotor: a “negative jet” associated with the upstream vane wake, and frozen and propagating vane potential field interactions. A quasi-steady model is used to predict unsteady excursions in momentum flux ratio of rotor cooling holes, with fluctuations of at least ±30% observed for all hole locations. Computations with modified upstream vanes are used to vary the relative strength of wake and potential field interactions. In general, both mechanisms contribute to rotor film cooling unsteadiness. It is recommended that the designer should choose a cooling configuration that behaves linearly over the expected unsteady excursions in momentum flux ratio as predicted by a quasi-steady hole model.
Theoretical Study of Energy Saving Through Redesign of Water Distribution Arrangement in a Medium-Rise Residential Building
Authors: Dandotiya Devendra , Banker Nitin D.
Published: June 2020

The development of medium-rise buildings for the residence is the basic necessity to accommodate the growing population of countries like India where the residential land per capita is very small. Moreover, because of the energy shortage, energy-efficient development is the primary objective in the present scenario. With the efforts of reducing energy consumption in the medium-rise buildings, redesign of the water distribution system has been proposed in this study. In this proposed arrangement, two water pumps are placed at two different elevations, namely, ground and middle levels of the building. The first one at the ground level supplies water first to the middle floor flats and the second one at the intermediate level does for the middle to the top floor flats. Various building heights and pumps are studied theoretically and the analysis of the results shows that about 20% of the total pump energy can be saved by changing the way of water distribution in the residential buildings. Yet further energy-saving potential is available through the selection of better efficiency pumps. Moreover, reduction in pressure of the water at the lower floor flats is an additional advantage of the proposed arrangement.
High-accuracy inertial measurements with cold-atom sensors
Authors: Geiger Remi , Landragin Arnaud , Merlet Sébastien , Pereira Dos Santos Franck
Published: June 2020

The research on cold-atom interferometers gathers a large community of about 50 groups worldwide both in the academic and now in the industrial sectors. The interest in this sub-field of quantum sensing and metrology lies in the large panel of possible applications of cold-atom sensors for measuring inertial and gravitational signals with a high level of stability and accuracy. This review presents the evolution of the field over the last 30 years and focuses on the acceleration of the research effort in the last 10 years. The article describes the physics principle of cold-atom gravito-inertial sensors as well as the main parts of hardware and the expertise required when starting the design of such sensors. The author then reviews the progress in the development of instruments measuring gravitational and inertial signals, with a highlight on the limitations to the performances of the sensors, on their applications and on the latest directions of research.
Examination of beauty ingredient distribution in the human skin by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Kawashima Tomoko , Aoki Takahiro , Taniike Yuko , Aoyagi Satoka
Published: June 2020

In this study, the authors evaluated the distribution of low-abundance beauty ingredients in human skin tissues. The distribution of collagen tripeptide, a beauty ingredient, in the human skin was evaluated by applying multivariate curve resolution (MCR) to the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry mapping data, including reference information. The intensity of the secondary ion peaks was increased by the accumulation of secondary ion intensity in the depth direction obtained by argon cluster sputtering. Consequently, the collagen tripeptide distribution in the skin was evaluated by separating it from collagen peptide, although the conventional analysis was difficult because of the dilution of the collagen tripeptide in the skin. Additionally, the distribution of the collagen tripeptide in the skin may be determined with an autoencoder. In this study, the distribution of small amounts of beauty ingredients (the collagen tripeptide) in the skin was observed by integrating the secondary ion intensity in the depth direction with Ar cluster sputtering and applying MCR or autoencoder.
TRPML1 channels initiate Ca
2+
sparks in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Thakore Pratish , Pritchard Harry A. T. , Griffin Caoimhin S. , Yamasaki Evan , Drumm Bernard T. , Lane Conor , Sanders Kenton M. , Feng Earley Yumei , Earley Scott
Published: June 2020

Ca
2+
sparks that control arterial contractility and blood pressure require the lysosomal channel TRPML1.
Protein S-Nitrosylation of Human Cytomegalovirus pp71 Inhibits Its Ability To Limit STING Antiviral Responses
Authors: Nukui Masatoshi , Roche Kathryn L. , Jia Jie , Fox Paul L. , Murphy Eain A.
Published: June 2020

In order for a pathogen to establish a successful infection, it must undermine the host cell responses inhibitory to the pathogen. As such, herpesviruses encode multiple viral proteins that antagonize each host antiviral response, thereby allowing for efficient viral replication. Human
Cytomegalovirus
encodes several factors that limit host countermeasures to infection, including pp71. Herein, we identified a previously unreported posttranslational modification of pp71, protein S-nitrosylation. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we mutated the specific sites of this modification thereby blocking this pp71 posttranslational modification. In contexts where pp71 is not protein S-nitrosylated, host antiviral response was inhibited. The net result of this posttranslational modification is to render a viral protein with diminished abilities to block host responses to infection. This novel work supports a model in which protein S-nitrosylation may be an additional mechanism in which a cell inhibits a pathogen during the course of infection.
Toxoplasma
Uses GRA16 To Upregulate Host c-Myc
Authors: Panas Michael W. , Boothroyd John C.
Published: June 2020

The proto-oncogene c-
Myc
plays a crucial role in the growth and division of many animal cells. Previous studies have identified an active upregulation of c-Myc by
Toxoplasma
tachyzoites, suggesting the existence of one or more exported “effector” proteins. The identity of such an effector, however, has not previously been known. Here, we show that a previously known secreted protein, GRA16, plays a crucial role in c-Myc upregulation. This finding will enable further dissection of the precise mechanism and role of c-Myc upregulation in
Toxoplasma
-infected cells.
Parkinson’s disease: etiopathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Jankovic Joseph , Tan Eng King
Published: June 2020

The concept of ‘idiopathic’ Parkinson’s disease (PD) as a single entity has been challenged with the identification of several clinical subtypes, pathogenic genes and putative causative environmental agents. In addition to classic motor symptoms, non-motor manifestations (such as rapid eye movement sleep disorder, anosmia, constipation and depression) appear at prodromic/premotor stage and evolve, along with cognitive impairment and dysautonomia, as the disease progresses, often dominating the advanced stages of the disease. The key molecular pathogenic mechanisms include α-synuclein misfolding and aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, impairment of protein clearance (associated with deficient ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy-lysosomal systems), neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The involvement of dopaminergic as well as noradrenergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic and adenosine pathways provide insights into the rich and variable clinical phenomenology associated with PD and the possibility of alternative therapeutic approaches beyond traditional dopamine replacement therapies.

One of the biggest challenges in the development of potential neuroprotective therapies has been the lack of reliable and sensitive biomarkers of progression. Immunotherapies such as the use of vaccination or monoclonal antibodies directed against aggregated, toxic α-synuclein.as well as anti-aggregation or protein clearance strategies are currently investigated in clinical trials. The application of glucagon-like peptide one receptor agonists, specific PD gene target agents (such as GBA or LRRK2 modifiers) and other potential disease modifying drugs provide cautious optimism that more effective therapies are on the horizon. Emerging therapies, such as new symptomatic drugs, innovative drug delivery systems and novel surgical interventions give hope to patients with PD about their future outcomes and prognosis.
Prognostic value of weight loss in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population-based study
Authors: Janse van Mantgem Mark R , van Eijk Ruben P A , van der Burgh Hannelore K , Tan Harold H G , Westeneng Henk-Jan , van Es Michael A , Veldink Jan H , van den Berg Leonard H
Published: June 2020

Objective

To determine the prevalence and prognostic value of weight loss (WL) prior to diagnosis in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

We enrolled patients diagnosed with ALS between 2010 and 2018 in a population-based setting. At diagnosis, detailed information was obtained regarding the patient’s disease characteristics, anthropological changes, ALS-related genotypes and cognitive functioning. Complete survival data were obtained. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between WL and the risk of death during follow-up.

Results

The data set comprised 2420 patients of whom 67.5% reported WL at diagnosis. WL occurred in 71.8% of the bulbar-onset and in 64.2% of the spinal-onset patients; the mean loss of body weight was 6.9% (95% CI 6.8 to 6.9) and 5.5% (95% CI 5.5 to 5.6), respectively (p<0.001). WL occurred in 35.1% of the patients without any symptom of dysphagia. WL is a strong independent predictor of survival, with a dose response relationship between the amount of WL and the risk of death: the risk of death during follow-up increased by 23% for every 10% increase in WL relative to body weight (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.51, p<0.001).

Conclusions

This population-based study shows that two-thirds of the patients with ALS have WL at diagnosis, which also occurs independent of dysphagia, and is related to survival. Our results suggest that WL is a multifactorial process that may differ from patient to patient. Gaining further insight in its underlying factors could prove essential for future therapeutic measures.
Finsler geometries from topological electromagnetism
Authors: Crişan Adina V. , Vancea Ion V.
Published: June 2020

We analyse the Finsler geometries of the kinematic space of spinless and spinning electrically charged particles in an external Rañada field. We consider the most general actions that are invariant under the Lorentz, electromagnetic gauge and reparametrization transformations. The Finsler geometries form a set parametrized by the gauge fields in each case. We give a simple method to calculate the fundamental objects of the Finsler geometry of the kinematic space of a particle in a generic electromagnetic field. Then we apply this method to calculate the geodesic equations of the spinless and spinning particles. Also, we show that the electromagnetic duality in the Rañada background induces a simple dual map in the set of Finsler geometries. The duality map has a simple interpretation in terms of an electrically charged particle that interacts with the electromagnetic potential and a magnetically charged particle that interacts with the dual magnetoelectric potential. We exemplify the action of the duality map by calculating the dual geodesic equation.
Derived length of zero entropy groups acting on projective varieties in arbitrary characteristic — A remark to a paper of Dinh-Oguiso-Zhang
Authors: Li Sichen
Published: June 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a projective variety of dimension [Formula: see text] over an algebraically closed field of arbitrary characteristic. We prove a Fujiki–Lieberman type theorem on the structure of the automorphism group of [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a group of zero entropy automorphisms of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] the set of elements in [Formula: see text] which are isotopic to the identity. We show that after replacing [Formula: see text] by a suitable finite-index subgroup, [Formula: see text] is a unipotent group of the derived length at most [Formula: see text]. This result was first proved by Dinh et al. for compact Kähler manifolds.
An OBL Harmony Search for Hybrid Flow Shop Scheduling with Multiprocessor Tasks Problem
Authors: Zini Hanna , Elbernoussi Souad
Published: June 2020

This paper develops a new harmony search (HS) algorithm for the hybrid flow shop scheduling problem with multiprocessor tasks, which is known to be NP-hard in the strong sense. The goal is to minimize the makespan. Thus, the proposed HS starts with the application of an opposition based learning (OBL) method to increase the diversity level of the initial harmony memory (HM). Furthermore, we use novel improvisation rules of producing new harmonies based on crossover and mutation operators. Also, neighborhood techniques are employed to enhance the searching and improve the solution quality. The proposed HS is compared with three algorithms from the literature. The computational experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed HS algorithm in terms of makespan.
Analysis of Critical Factors Influencing the Supply Chain Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Mabrouk Nejah Ben
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical approach of prioritizing the most critical success factors influencing the supply chain performance in SMEs by using an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach. The MICMAC analysis has been also considered for identifying the factors having a high influential power. Our findings show that, on the one hand, the production system, flexibility, communication and planning tools, process strategy, environmental uncertainty and innovation are the major factors influencing the supply chain performance. On the other hand, relationships with customers and suppliers, marketing and quality are seen as unfavorable outcomes to the supply chain managers and practitioners. These findings may help the policy makers, managers, and practitioners in formulating the strategies and policies for implementation of effectiveness supply chain.
Characterization of Debris Formed in Magnetic Field-Assisted EDM Using Two-Phase Dielectric Fluid
Authors: Beravala Hardik , Pandey Pulak M.
Published: June 2020

The present research was focussed to investigate the influence of liquid-gaseous dielectric on debris formation in magnetic field-assisted electrical discharge machining. The air and argon gas were used to make two-phase dielectric fluids such as liquid-air and liquid-argon gas, respectively. Experimentation was conducted to compare the effect of different liquid-gaseous dielectric environments on debris formation. The morphology and diameter distribution of debris were analyzed. In addition, the effect on elemental analysis, phase transformation and magnetic property of debris was investigated. The experimental results showed the exothermic reaction due to air from liquid–air dielectric, and inert property of argon gas from liquid-gaseous dielectric affected the formation of debris. The XRD results confirmed the formation of oxides in the debris produced using liquid-air mixed dielectric. The oxide-free debris formed while using the argon gas. Low saturation of magnetization was found in the debris, formed in the liquid–air dielectric which showed the weak attraction toward magnet when compared with that in the liquid–argon gas mixed dielectric.
Atherosclerotic Extension of Carotid Arteries: An Insertion in Clinical Practice
Authors: Furlanetto M. L. , Chagas E. F. B. , SLM Payão
Published: June 2020

Introduction. Atherosclerotic disease is a diffuse disease that is strongly associated with age, risk factors, and variable progression. The anatomical prevalence of atheromas does not always follow, a sequence by sectors, and in many cases are concomitant. Objectives. This study is aimed at studying atherosclerosis in the arterial territories of the carotid and lower limbs, in order to correlate their extension as a form of primary prevention. Methods. Participating patients with the main risk factors for atherosclerotic disease were composed of two groups: one with chronic peripheral obstructive arterial disease (PAD) and another without PAD. After performing carotid ultrasound Doppler (USD) of all patients, the occasional prevalence of the disease was evaluated. We performed by statistical tests the correlation between the findings in these patients and the risk factors. Obtaining n from 226 patients, in which 116 patients are from the PAD group and 110 patients are from the group without PAD. Results. Our findings add up to 8.8% for lesions over 50% in patients with PAD, with 6.2% over 70% meeting the few published scientific findings. In this study, the correlation was evaluated between carotid stenosis and PAD, in which we observed a positive association. We observed in the studies that the prevalence of moderate and severe carotid stenosis was similar to patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). There are a number of nonclassical risk factors that we do not evaluate, but even studying the traditional ones, we find that they are less than 27% dependent. Conclusion. Therefore, our study proposes an improvement in the clinical approach of patients with PAD for both the carotid and coronary territory, not using only 2 factors traditional risk factors, for the extension study and to consider the PAD that has 10% dependence alone, as effect and projection of the carotid atherosclerotic plaque.
MODEL OF LEARNING FOREIGN STUDENTS IN HIGHER MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS: ANALYSIS OF “KROK” EXAMINATION RESULTS
Authors: Hantimurova N. I.
Published: June 2020

The article deals with the peculiarities of the content of foreign students education at the universities of Ukraine. The analysis of modern higher medical education stages and the organization of educational process as a whole was made. The comparative characteristic of the foreign students progress based on the results of the licensed test exam “KROK” within certain specialties and the process of adaptation of foreign students to living and studying conditions in Ukraine was noted.
PECULIARITIES OF CREATING INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING OF FUTURE MEDICAL SPECIALISTS
Authors: Melnychuk І. М.
Published: June 2020

The article deals with the actuality of creating interactive educational environment in vocational training of future specialists of medical field. The interactive study is considered in a context of pedagogical dialogue and cooperation. It has been generalized that interactive learning dialogue gives an opportunity for lecturers to establish the level of understanding theoretical material by future specialists, to identify the formation of students’ abilities and skills. Students can explain the essence, specific, direction and purpose of performing certain professional actions that is of particular importance in the vocational training of future medical specialists.

The use of interactions in medical institutions of higher education contributes to the creation of interactive learning environment and is directed to stimulation of mental, emotional, social activity and independence in the practical activities of students. The main features of interactive learning environment have been specified: high level of communication intensity of its participants; dynamic and variety of types, forms and methods of communicative interaction; purposeful reflection of lecturers and students of their actions and organized interaction. It has been generalized that interactive technologies are technologies of cooperation of the subjects of pedagogical interaction. Therefore, interactive learning is considered a pedagogical process, which is a set of regular, consistent active interactions between a lecturer and students in order to develop them. Such as development is internal, personal process, which is, first of all, regulated by the student (self-development), the main function of the lecturer, in the process of interactive learning, is creating optimal conditions for student’s self-development, development of his/her individuality, subjectivity and adjustment of this process.

The basis of interactive learning is dialogue interrelations. Dialogue in the interactive learning is considered as communicative process of real or imaginary partners, during which information is exchanged, identifying points of view, meaningful positions, value orientations and personal meanings of the participants of interactive cooperation are revealed.
THE FORMATION OF TERMINOLOGICAL COMPETENCE OF FUTURE DOCTORS DURING STUDYING HUMANITIES
Authors: Nakhaieva Ya. M. , Humenna I. R.
Published: June 2020

The article describes the pedagogical problem of forming the terminological competence of future doctors in higher educational institutions while studying humanities. The emphasis is placed on the fact that reforms in modern education are built not only on the principle of acquiring knowledge and skills, but also on the acquisition of terminological competence of future doctors. The terminological competence of future doctors during the study of humanities is defined as the ability to use professional terms in professional activity, to understand and apply professional expressions in various situations of professional communication with the obligatory use of professional vocabulary, based on the experience gained during university studies. It is proved that the terminological competence acquired by future specialists in higher educational institutions during the study of humanities is the basis for their further professional and scientific activities.