bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negation in complement clauses of fear-verbs
Authors: Dobrushina Nina
Published: April 2020

Complement clauses of verbs of fear often contain expletive negation, which is negative marking without negative
meaning. Expletive negation in fear-complements regularly co-occurs with non-indicative moods, such as subjunctive, conjunctive,
or conditional. The aim of this paper is to provide a diachronic explanation for the phenomenon of expletive negation in
complement clauses of fear-verbs. Based on data from various languages, I will show that cases of expletive negation after verbs
of fear can be divided into several groups, each with a different origin. Fear complement clauses can derive from embedded polar
questions, paratactic constructions expressing a wish, or from negative purpose clauses. Complement clauses with polar questions
usually contain an indicative verb form, while clauses based on the expression of a wish often have non-indicative verb forms. The
paper also discusses cases in which expletive negation is lost.
Interpersonal functions of interjections
Authors: Jing Yi
Published: April 2020

Motivated by the frequent omission of interjections from film subtitles, this study investigates the interpersonal
functions of interjections, and seeks to disentangle their meaning relations. Based on the analysis of interjections
from six English language films under the theoretical framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), the study primarily
classifies the functions of interjections in terms of whether the interjections independently realize moves in exchange. The
function of the interjection which realizes a move on its own is described at the semantic stratum in terms of a minor speech
function, and the function of the interjection which realizes a move together with a clause is described at the lexicogrammatical
stratum in terms of an optional clausal function referred to as a ‘latched function’. The study highlights the distinction between
latched functions and their agnate minor speech functions, and offers more delicate accounts of the functions of interjections. It
proposes a system network of the minor speech functions, which can facilitate a more systematic analysis
of the functions realized by interjections. This study contributes to the SFL description of English interjections, and can offer
methodological insights into further research on the functionality of interjections.
The plateau pika has multiple benefits for alpine grassland ecosystem in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhao Xinquan , Zhao Liang , Xu Tianwei , Xu Shixiao
Published: April 2020

The plateau pika (
Ochotona curzoniae
) has been engaged in pest control for many years based on the logic that the plateau pika is responsible for alpine grassland degradation and competes with livestock for forage resources. However, the plateau pika is an important species which has multiple benefits in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, as it (i) makes burrows that are the primary homes for lizards and a variety of small birds; (ii) creates microhabitat disturbance that promotes the increase of plant species richness; (iii) serves as the principal prey for almost all of the plateau predator species; and (iv) contributes positively to the dynamic equilibrium of alpine ecosystems.
Energy absorption and coupling to electrons in the transition from surface- to volume-dominant intense laser–plasma interaction regimes
Authors: Williamson S D R , Gray R J , King M , Wilson R , Dance R J , Armstrong C , Rusby D R , Brabetz C , Wagner F , Zielbauer B , Bagnoud V , Neely D , McKenna P
Published: April 2020

The coupling of laser energy to electrons is fundamental to almost all topics in intense laser–plasma interactions, including laser-driven particle and radiation generation, relativistic optics, inertial confinement fusion and laboratory astrophysics. We report measurements of total energy absorption in foil targets ranging in thickness from 20 μm, for which the target remains opaque and surface interactions dominate, to 40 nm, for which expansion enables relativistic-induced transparency and volumetric interactions. We measure a total peak absorption of ∼80% at an optimum thickness of ∼380 nm. For thinner targets, for which some degree of transparency occurs, although the total absorption decreases, the number of energetic electrons escaping the target increases. 2D particle-in-cell simulations indicate that this results from direct laser acceleration of electrons as the intense laser pulse propagates within the target volume. The results point to a trade-off between total energy coupling to electrons and efficient acceleration to higher energies.
Modulation of bone formation and resorption using a novel zoledronic acid loaded gelatin nanoparticles integrated porous titanium scaffold: an in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Yang Xiao-jiang , Wang Fa-qi , Lu Chang-bo , Zou Ji-wei , Hu Jin-bo , Yang Zhao , Sang Hong-xun , Zhang Yang
Published: April 2020

Osteoporotic bone defects are a major challenge in clinics for bone regeneration. With the condition of osteoporosis, excessive bone absorption and impaired osteogenesis result in unexpectedly long healing procedures for defects. In order to simultaneously enhance bone formation and reduce bone resorption, a polydopamine-coated porous titanium scaffold was designed, to be integrated with anti-catabolic drug zoledronic acid nanoparticles (ZOL loaded gelatin NPs), which was able to achieve a local sustained release of ZOL as expected. The in vitro study demonstrated that extracts of the composite scaffolds would stimulate osteoblast differentiation; they also inhibited osteoclastogenesis at a ZOL loading concentration of 50 μmol l−1. In the subsequent in vivo study, the composite scaffolds were implanted into ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic rabbits suffering from femoral condyles defects. The results indicated that the composite scaffolds without ZOL loaded gelatin NPs only induced callus formation, mainly at the interface margin between the implant and bone, whereas the composite scaffolds with ZOL loaded gelatin NPs were capable of further enhancing osteogenesis and bone growth into the scaffolds. Moreover, the research proved that the promoting effect was optimal at a ZOL loading concentration of 50 μmol l−1. In summary, the present research indicated that a new type of porous titanium scaffold integrated with ZOL loaded gelatin NPs inherited a superior biocompatibility and bone regeneration capability. It would be an optimal alternative for the reconstruction of osteoporosis-related defects compared to a traditional porous titanium implant; in other words, the new type of scaffold offers a new effective and practical procedure option for patients suffering from osteoporotic bone defects.
Late 1980s abrupt cold season temperature change in Europe consistent with circulation variability and long-term warming
Authors: Sippel Sebastian , Fischer Erich M , Scherrer Simon C , Meinshausen Nicolai , Knutti Reto
Published: April 2020

Cold season temperatures in Europe have increased rapidly by about 1.2°C in the late 1980s, followed by relatively modest and regionally flat temperature trends thereafter. The abrupt change affected the entire European continent and coincided regionally with abrupt hydroclimatic changes such as a widespread reduction in snow days in Switzerland. However, the drivers and causes of the event are not well understood. Using a dynamical adjustment method based on statistical learning, we find that the continental-scale late 1980s abrupt winter warming and regional decreases in snow days can be attributed to cold conditions in the mid-1980s followed by a few exceptionally warm seasons. Both are caused by random atmospheric circulation variability superimposed upon a long-term and relatively homogenous warming trend, and do not require an external cause or change of the underlying dynamics of the system. This explanation is consistent with simulations from a 21-member regional climate model ensemble, in which four members display comparable abrupt temperature increases regionally driven by circulation and a long-term externally forced response. Overall, our analysis provides an observation-based interpretation of abrupt temperature change at the continental scale, associated hydroclimatic changes regionally, and its drivers. Furthermore, our method might contribute to improved mechanistic understanding of different observed climate phenomena in many regions of the world that experience high variability.
Study on rheological behavior and microstructural evolution of Al-6Mg-0.4Mn-0.15Sc-0.1Zr alloy by isothermal compression
Authors: Lu Liying , Jiang Feng , Liu Jiachen , Zhang Jianjun , Tong Mengmeng , Huang Hongfeng , Xu Pian , Tang Zhongqin
Published: April 2020

The effects of trace amounts of Sc/Zr on rheological properties and microstructural evolution of the Al-6Mg-0.4Mn-0.15Sc-0.1Zr alloy under different deformation conditions were studied by isothermal compression tests at deformation temperatures of 280 °C ∼ 460 °C and strain rates of 0.001 ∼ 10 s−1. A constitutive model based on the hyperbolic sine function was established. The dependence of the flow stress on strain, strain rate, and deformation temperature was described. Using experimental data and dynamic material model, machining diagrams of the alloy with strains of 0.3 and 0.5 were obtained, and the hot workability of the alloy was verified. The results showed that the deformation temperature and strain rate had significant effects on the deformation behavior of the alloy. The flow stress of the alloy increased with the increase in strain rate and decreased with the increase in deformation temperature. Under high-temperature and low-strain-rate conditions, the alloy tended to undergo dynamic recrystallization, and the volume fraction and grain size increased with the increase in deformation temperature and the decrease in strain rate. Based on the analysis of the microstructural evolution, the construction of the machining diagram, and the solution of the rheological constitutive equation, suitable values of the deformation temperature were determined to be 380 °C ~ 460 °C. Moreover, suitable values of the strain rate were determined to be 0.001 and 0.3 s−1. The deformation activation energy of 161.28 kJ mol−1 was obtained.
Enhancement of mechanical properties for Mg-9Li-1Zn alloy by accumulative roll bonding
Authors: Saufan Akhmad , Yu Ing-Song , Wang Jian-Yih
Published: April 2020

The microstructures and mechanical properties of LZ91 alloys by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) were firstly investigated. The results show that the cycle numbers of ARB process and preheating temperatures before ARB process have an impact on the microstructures and mechanical properties of LZ91 alloys. The microstructures of LZ91 sheets after ARB perform two main phases of α and β in the fibrous form. ARB process can drive more numbers of crystallographic planes for α and β phases in LZ91 alloys to proof the grain refinement after ARB. More cycle numbers of ARB on LZ91 sheets makes the fibrous microstructures finer and increases the mechanical properties such as hardness and ultimate tensile strength due to the mechanism of strain hardening and grain refinement.
HRTEM study of interfacial structure in SiCp/A390 composites
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Aiqin , Han Huihui , Xie Jingpei
Published: April 2020

SiCp/A390 composite was fabricated by powder metallurgy method and hot extrusion process. The interfacial microstructure of SiCp/A390 composites after heat treatment was characterized by HRTEM. The results show that the interface between SiC and Al matrix has an orientation relationship of [4

5
¯

10]SiC//[0

1
¯

1]Al, (10

1
¯

0) SiC//(

1
¯

11) Al and forming a semi-coherent interface. The crystallographic orientation relationship between SiC and Si in the SiCp/A390 composites is [010]SiC//[001]Si, (004)SiC//(220)Si. The interplanar spacing of Al matrix on lattice plane (111) is close to the twice interplanar spacing of the Si phase on lattice plane (400). They keep a semi-coherent crystal plane, with an orientation relationship of [01

1
¯

]Al//[001]Si, (111)Al//(400)Si.
Neuroprotective Effects of Grape Seed Procyanidins on Ethanol-Induced Injury and Oxidative Stress in Rat Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Jin Wenyang , Sun Mizhu , Yuan Bingbing , Wang Runzhi , Yan Hongtao , Qiao Xiaomeng
Published: April 2020

Aims

Ethanol is a small molecule capable of interacting with numerous targets in the brain, the mechanisms of which are complex and still poorly understood. Studies have revealed that ethanol-induced hippocampal neuronal injury is associated with oxidative stress. Grape seed procyanidin (GSP) is a new type of antioxidant that is believed to scavenge free radicals and be anti-inflammatory. This study evaluated the ability and mechanism by which the GSP improves ethanol-induced hippocampal neuronal injury.

Methods

Primary cultures of hippocampal neurons were exposed to ethanol (11, 33 and 66 mM, 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h) and the neuroprotective effects of GSP were assessed by evaluating the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cell morphology.

Results

Our results indicated that GSP prevented ethanol-induced neuronal injury by reducing the levels of MDA and LDH, while increasing the activity of SOD. In addition, GSP increased the number of primary dendrites and total dendritic length per cell.

Conclusion

Together with previous findings, these results lend further support to the significance of developing GSP as a therapeutic tool for use in the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin Improves Fat Graft Survival Possibly by Promoting Angiogenesis and Adipogenesis, Inhibiting Apoptosis, and Regulating Collagen Production
Authors: Yu Panxi , Zhai Zhen , Lu Haibin , Jin Xiaolei , Yang Xiaonan , Qi Zuoliang
Published: April 2020

Background

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) can promote fat graft survival, but limited data are currently available, and the underlying mechanism of this effect has not yet been explained.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism by which PRF promotes fat graft survival, from the aspects of angiogenesis, adipogenesis, cellular apoptosis, and collagen production.

Methods

Nude mice were randomly assigned to a PRF group (subcutaneously injected with PRF and fat in the ratio of 1:5 by volume) and a control group (subcutaneously injected with normal saline and fat in the ratio of 1:5 by volume). On days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after transplantation, graft samples (n = 12) were obtained for quantification of target growth factors. In weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 after transplantation, graft samples (n = 12) were obtained for the following evaluations. The volume and weight retention rates were calculated; gene and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), COL1-A1, and BAX were evaluated; hematoxylin & eosin staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, α smooth muscle actin staining, and perilipin-1 staining were performed to evaluate graft survival.

Results

After transplantation, the concentrations of growth factors produced by the fat increased to varying degrees, and the addition of PRF made these concentration changes ever greater. Compared with the control group, the PRF group had a higher volume and weight retention rate, a higher expression level of VEGF-A and PPAR-γ, a lower expression level of COL1-A1 and BAX, a higher vessel density, less fibrosis, and more viable adipocytes.

Conclusions

PRF can promote autocrine function of the grafted fat to produce more growth factors. It greatly increased fat retention rate, possibly by promoting vascularization and adipogenic differentiation, inhibiting cellular apoptosis, and regulating collagen production.
Portable nanopore analytics: are we there yet?
Authors: Oliva Marco , Milicchio Franco , King Kaden , Benson Grace , Boucher Christina , Prosperi Mattia
Published: April 2020

Motivation

Oxford Nanopore technologies (ONT) add miniaturization and real time to high-throughput sequencing. All available software for ONT data analytics run on cloud/clusters or personal computers. Instead, a linchpin to true portability is software that works on mobile devices of internet connections. Smartphones’ and tablets’ chipset/memory/operating systems differ from desktop computers, but software can be recompiled. We sought to understand how portable current ONT analysis methods are.

Results

Several tools, from base-calling to genome assembly, were ported and benchmarked on an Android smartphone. Out of 23 programs, 11 succeeded. Recompilation failures included lack of standard headers and unsupported instruction sets. Only DSK, BCALM2 and Kraken were able to process files up to 16 GB, with linearly scaling CPU-times. However, peak CPU temperatures were high. In conclusion, the portability scenario is not favorable. Given the fast market growth, attention of developers to ARM chipsets and Android/iOS is warranted, as well as initiatives to implement mobile-specific libraries.

Availability and implementation

The source code is freely available at: https://github.com/marco-oliva/portable-nanopore-analytics.
Brain responsivity provides an individual readout for motor recovery after stroke
Authors: Tscherpel Caroline , Dern Sebastian , Hensel Lukas , Ziemann Ulf , Fink Gereon R , Grefkes Christian
Published: April 2020

Promoting the recovery of motor function and optimizing rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients is closely associated with the challenge of individual prediction. To date, stroke research has identified critical pathophysiological neural underpinnings at the cellular level as well as with regard to network reorganization. However, in order to generate reliable readouts at the level of individual patients and thereby realize translation from bench to bedside, we are still in a need for innovative methods. The combined use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and EEG has proven powerful to record both local and network responses at an individual’s level. To elucidate the potential of TMS-EEG to assess motor recovery after stroke, we used neuronavigated TMS-EEG over ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1) in 28 stroke patients in the first days after stroke. Twenty-five of these patients were reassessed after >3 months post-stroke. In the early post-stroke phase (6.7 ± 2.5 days), the TMS-evoked EEG responses featured two markedly different response morphologies upon TMS to ipsilesional M1. In the first group of patients, TMS elicited a differentiated and sustained EEG response with a series of deflections sequentially involving both hemispheres. This response type resembled the patterns of bilateral activation as observed in the healthy comparison group. By contrast, in a subgroup of severely affected patients, TMS evoked a slow and simplified local response. Quantifying the TMS-EEG responses in the time and time-frequency domain revealed that stroke patients exhibited slower and simple responses with higher amplitudes compared to healthy controls. Importantly, these patterns of activity changes after stroke were not only linked to the initial motor deficit, but also to motor recovery after >3 months post-stroke. Thus, the data revealed a substantial impairment of local effects as well as causal interactions within the motor network early after stroke. Additionally, for severely affected patients with absent motor evoked potentials and identical clinical phenotype, TMS-EEG provided differential response patterns indicative of the individual potential for recovery of function. Thereby, TMS-EEG extends the methodological repertoire in stroke research by allowing the assessment of individual response profiles.
Passive immunotherapy for N-truncated tau ameliorates the cognitive deficits in two mouse Alzheimer’s disease models
Authors: Corsetti Veronica , Borreca Antonella , Latina Valentina , Giacovazzo Giacomo , Pignataro Annabella , Krashia Paraskevi , Natale Francesca , Cocco Sara , Rinaudo Marco , Malerba Francesca , Florio Rita , Ciarapica Roberta , Coccurello Roberto , D’Amelio Marcello , Ammassari-Teule Martine , Grassi Claudio , Calissano Pietro , Amadoro Giuseppina
Published: April 2020

Clinical and neuropathological studies have shown that tau pathology better correlates with the severity of dementia than amyloid plaque burden, making tau an attractive target for the cure of Alzheimer’s disease. We have explored whether passive immunization with the 12A12 monoclonal antibody (26–36aa of tau protein) could improve the Alzheimer’s disease phenotype of two well-established mouse models, Tg2576 and 3xTg mice. 12A12 is a cleavage-specific monoclonal antibody which selectively binds the pathologically relevant neurotoxic NH226-230 fragment (i.e. NH2htau) of tau protein without cross-reacting with its full-length physiological form(s). We found out that intravenous administration of 12A12 monoclonal antibody into symptomatic (6 months old) animals: (i) reaches the hippocampus in its biologically active (antigen-binding competent) form and successfully neutralizes its target; (ii) reduces both pathological tau and amyloid precursor protein/amyloidβ metabolisms involved in early disease-associated synaptic deterioration; (iii) improves episodic-like type of learning/memory skills in hippocampal-based novel object recognition and object place recognition behavioural tasks; (iv) restores the specific up-regulation of the activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein involved in consolidation of experience-dependent synaptic plasticity; (v) relieves the loss of dendritic spine connectivity in pyramidal hippocampal CA1 neurons; (vi) rescues the Alzheimer’s disease-related electrophysiological deficits in hippocampal long-term potentiation at the CA3-CA1 synapses; and (vii) mitigates the neuroinflammatory response (reactive gliosis). These findings indicate that the 20–22 kDa NH2-terminal tau fragment is crucial target for Alzheimer’s disease therapy and prospect immunotherapy with 12A12 monoclonal antibody as safe (normal tau-preserving), beneficial approach in contrasting the early Amyloidβ-dependent and independent neuropathological and cognitive alterations in affected subjects.
Economic Exchange or Gender Identities? Housework Division and Wives’ Economic Dependency in Different Contexts
Authors: Mandel Hadas , Lazarus Amit , Shaby Maayan
Published: April 2020

This paper explores cross-country variation in the relationship between division of housework and wives’ relative economic contribution. Using ISSP 2012 data from 19 countries, we examined the effect of two contextual factors: women’s employment rates, which we link to economic exchange theories; and gender ideology context, which we link to cultural theories. In line with economic-based theories, economic exchange between housework and paid work occurs in all countries—but only in households which follow normative gender roles. However, and consistent with the cultural-based theory of ‘doing gender’, wives undertake more housework than their spouses in all countries—even if they are the main or sole breadwinners. This universal gendered division of housework is significantly more salient in more conservative countries; as the context turns more conservative, the gender gap becomes more pronounced, and the relationship between paid and unpaid work further removed from the economic logic. In gender egalitarian societies, in contrast, women have more power in negotiating housework responsibilities in non-normative gender role households. In contrast to gender ideology, the cross-country variations in women’s employment did not follow the expectations that derive from the economic exchange theory.
First Genome Sequence of the Gunnison’s Prairie Dog (Cynomys gunnisoni), a Keystone Species and Player in the Transmission of Sylvatic Plague
Authors: Tsuchiya Mirian T N , Dikow Rebecca B , Cassin-Sackett Loren
Published: April 2020

Prairie dogs (genus Cynomys) are a charismatic symbol of the American West. Their large social aggregations and complex vocalizations have been the subject of scientific and popular interest for decades. A large body of literature has documented their role as keystone species of western North America’s grasslands: They generate habitat for other vertebrates, increase nutrient availability for plants, and act as a food source for mammalian, squamate, and avian predators. An additional keystone role lies in their extreme susceptibility to sylvatic plague (caused by Yersinia pestis), which results in periodic population extinctions, thereby generating spatiotemporal heterogeneity in both biotic communities and ecological processes. Here, we report the first Cynomys genome for a Gunnison’s prairie dog (C. gunnisoni gunnisoni) from Telluride, Colorado (USA). The genome was constructed using a hybrid assembly of PacBio and Illumina reads and assembled with MaSuRCA and PBJelly, which resulted in a scaffold N50 of 824 kb. Total genome size was 2.67 Gb, with 32.46% of the bases occurring in repeat regions. We recovered 94.9% (91% complete) of the single copy orthologs using the mammalian Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs database and detected 49,377 gene models (332,141 coding regions). Pairwise Sequentially Markovian Coalescent showed support for long-term stable population size followed by a steady decline beginning near the end of the Pleistocene, as well as a recent population reduction. The genome will aid in studies of mammalian evolution, disease resistance, and the genomic basis of life history traits in ground squirrels.
High incidence of sea turtle stranding in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Cantor Mauricio , Barreto André Silva , Taufer Renata M , Giffoni Bruno , Castilho Pedro V , Maranho Andrea , Beatriz Carla , Kolesnikovas Christiane , Godoy Daniela , Rogério Daniel W , Dick Jeferson L , Groch Karina R , Rosa Liana , Cremer Marta J , Cattani Pâmela E , Valle Rodrigo R , Domit Camila
Published: April 2020

Sea turtles are globally threatened due to short- and long-term exposure to anthropogenic activities. Many life-history traits make it difficult to study these species in the wild. Stranding events provide invaluable data to infer key aspects of sea turtle ecology, such as regional occurrence, health status, mortality rates, and potential threats. In this study, we investigate spatial and temporal patterns of sea turtle occurrence and mortality in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean based on a systematic, large-scale survey programme covering 1040 km of coastline during 732 d of two consecutive years. From the 12 571 animals recovered, juvenile green turtles were the most common (90.4%), but four other species were also recorded. A significant non-linear effect of time and space in the number of stranding events was observed. The most parsimonious mixed linear model further indicated that stranding events were influenced by individual (sex, size), health (body condition, pathologies, decomposition), and oceanographic factors (chlorophyll-a, sea surface temperature, salinity, wave height). More than simply describing the spatiotemporal occurrence and aspects of sea turtles’ life history in an otherwise understudied area, this intensive field study provides evidence for relatively high mortality rates—an essential baseline information for guiding conservation efforts.
Simplified Approach to Incorporating Glycemic Response Within a Continuous Insulin Infusion Algorithm to Improve the Incidence of Hypoglycemia in a Single Burn Center
Authors: Hendrix Hayden A , Velamuri Sai R , Sultan-Ali Ibrahim , Arif Faisal , Hickerson William L , Hill David M
Published: April 2020

Attaining adequate glycemic control in burn patients has been shown to reduce infection-related mortality. Previous internal evaluation of continuous insulin infusion (CII) use revealed a hypoglycemia rate of 0.6% and an average time within goal glycemic range (70–149 mg/dl) of 13.8 h/day. A new algorithm, designed to adjust dosage based on glycemic response, underwent six iterations over 2 years before the final version was implemented. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the post-implementation performance of the newly developed CII algorithm. The current study was powered to detect a 50% reduction in hypoglycemic events, as compared to a pre-implementation historical control. The cohort was 62% male with a mean age of 54.5 ± 17.4. Sixty-five percent had thermal injuries with a median 23.5 (11–45) %TBSA. There were no differences in demographics between groups. Among the 20 records reviewed, 5239 point-of-care glucose values were assessed. Post-implementation, hypoglycemia rates were significantly lower (0.6% vs 0.2%; P < .001). There was no difference in median blood glucose between groups (149.9 vs 146.5 mg/dl; P = .56). Time spent within goal glycemic range was not significantly different (13.8 vs 14.7 h/day; P = 0.23). There were no differences in infection, length of stay, or survival. The consolidation, education, and implementation of a single, dynamic CII algorithm reduced the incidence of hypoglycemia. The authors expect that education and diligence with follow-up glucose monitoring will further improve time within goal glycemic range by preventing rebound hyperglycemia.
The Impact of Blood Type O on Major Outcomes in Patients With Severe Burns
Authors: Yao Renqi , Hou Wenjia , Shen Tuo , Zhao Shuo , He Xingfeng , Sun Yu , Ma Bing , Wu Guosheng , Xia Zhaofan
Published: April 2020

ABO blood type has been reported to be a predictor of poor prognosis in critically ill patients. Here, we aim to correlate different blood types with clinical outcomes in patients with severe burns. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study by enrolling patients with severe burn injuries (≥40% TBSA) between January 2012 and December 2017. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between disparate ABO blood types (type O vs non-O type). Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to identify an association between ABO blood type and clinical outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, the development of acute kidney injury (AKI), and hospital or ICU length of stay. A total of 141 patients were finally enrolled in the current study. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with type O blood compared with those of other blood types. The development of AKI was significantly higher in patients with blood type O vs non-O blood type (P = .001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that blood type O was independently associated with in-hospital mortality and AKI occurrence after adjusting for other potential confounders. Our findings indicated the blood type O was an independent risk factor of both increased mortality and the development of AKI postburn. More prudent and specific treatments are required in treating these patients to avoid poor prognosis.
Omitting surgery for early breast cancer showing clinical complete response to primary systemic therapy
Authors: Shigematsu Hideo , Fujisawa Tomomi , Shien Tadahiko , Iwata Hiroji
Published: April 2020

Breast cancer is highly sensitive to systemic therapy. High probability of pathological complete response suggests a clinical question that omitting surgery is an effective alternative to surgery in breast cancer showing clinical complete response to primary systemic therapy. However, the validity of omitting surgery for early breast cancer after primary systemic therapy has not been sufficiently established; thus, even if pathological complete response is expected in patients showing clinical complete response, excision of the primary tumor site remains the standard treatment of breast cancer. Inappropriate omitting surgery increases the incidence of local recurrence, which can be the risk of a subsequent distant metastasis and reduced overall survival. To achieve acceptable local control rate, omitting surgery should be investigated in patients with early breast cancer where a high percentage of pathological complete response, a high concordance rate between clinical complete response and pathological complete response and an acceptable local control rate are expected. This review presents concept and ongoing clinical trials for omitting surgery for patients with breast cancer showing clinical complete response to primary systemic therapy.
Deltamethrin Persistence on Textiles Used to Make Visual Targets for Tsetse Fly Control is Positively Correlated With Their Polyester Content
Authors: Kamba Mebourou Emmanuel , Bourquin Martine , Oloo Francis , Vallat Armelle , Guerin Patrick M
Published: April 2020

Insecticide-impregnated traps and visual targets are used for tsetse (Diptera, Glossinidae) population control. Such devices are made with textiles and deltamethrin is frequently the insecticide of choice. However, persistence of an insecticide on textiles is affected by exposure to weather. Here we examine the effect of weathering on the capacity of four textiles with increasing proportions of polyester (0, 35, 65, and 100%) with cotton and viscose to retain deltamethrin. Textiles tested were those used to make visual targets in a pan-African program to maximize target efficiency for controlling tsetse vectors of African trypanosomiasis. Following impregnation in an aqueous suspension of deltamethrin at 1,000 mg/m2, textiles were weathered for 18 mo at Lambwe Valley, Kenya and sampled every 3 mo to make knockdown tests on the tsetse fly Glossina pallidipes Austen. Deltamethrin content of the textiles was established using gas chromatography mass-spectrometry at impregnation and after 9 mo of weathering. Textiles with higher proportions of polyester retained deltamethrin better: respectively, 100% polyester and 65:35 polyester/viscose textiles retained deltamethrin at 17 and 11 mg/m2 9-mo post-treatment that caused 100% knockdown in G. pallidipes after 1 h, and killed 67 and 47% of flies, respectively, after 24 h. Eighteen-month weathered 100% polyester treated textile still knocked down all tsetse exposed to it within 2 h. The LD50 for deltamethrin on filter paper for G. pallidipes was estimated at 28.8 mg/m2, indicating that deltamethrin is more available on polyester to kill tsetse.
Analysis of Alternative Food Sources for Rearing Entomological Evidence
Authors: Weidner Lauren M , Nigoghosian Gregory , Hanau Caroline G , Jennings David E
Published: April 2020

Forensic entomology is a well-established tool for evaluating the death, or abuse, of a person. Insect evidence provides valuable information as related to time of colonization and movement of remains from one location to another. Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are commonly found on human remains throughout most stages of decomposition, and when entomological evidence is collected these taxa tend to be the most numerous. However, very few crime laboratories across the country have collection and rearing protocols for these forensically important insects. A lack of knowledge in collection techniques and limited access to an appropriate food source are the main reasons for absence in adequate collection and rearing protocols. Thus, when crime scene investigators or pathologists collect insects, they are often mishandled (e.g., placed into containers with no air holes, no food, or a food source that is not sustainable for their development). To address this issue, we analyzed easily accessible and cost-efficient alternative food sources for blow flies; specifically, tuna and wet cat food compared to beef liver (control). Survivorship and development were examined for each food source using the blow flies Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricus) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). These findings provide an overview of possible alternatives that could be used as a sustainable food source in crime laboratories when immediate action from a forensic entomologist cannot be obtained.
Accurate staging of reproduction development in Cadenza wheat by non-destructive spike analysis
Authors: Fernández-Gómez José , Talle Behzad , Tidy Alison C , Wilson Zoe A
Published: April 2020

Wheat is one of the most important crops in the world; however, loss of genetic variability and abiotic stress caused by variable climatic conditions threaten future productivity. Reproduction is critical for wheat yield; however, pollen development is amongst the developmental stages most sensitive to stresses such as heat, cold, or drought. A better understanding of how anther and pollen development is regulated is needed to help produce more resilient crops and ensure future yield increases. However, in cereals such as wheat, barley, and rice, flowers form within the developing pseudostem and therefore accurate staging of floral materials is extremely challenging. This makes detailed phenotypic and molecular analysis of floral development very difficult, particularly when limited plant material is available, for example with mutant or transgenic lines. Here we present an accurate approach to overcome this problem, by non-destructive staging of reproduction development in Cadenza, the widely used spring wheat research variety. This uses a double-scale system whereby anther and pollen development can be predicted in relation to spike size and spike position within the pseudostem. This system provides an easy, reproducible method that facilitates accurate sampling and analysis of floral materials, to enable anther and pollen developmental research.
The quick and the dead: a new model for the essential role of ABA accumulation in synthetic auxin herbicide mode of action
Authors: Gaines Todd A
Published: April 2020

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McCauley CL, McAdam SAM, Bhide K, Thimmapuram J, Banks JA, Young BG. 2020. Transcriptomics in Erigeron canadensis reveals rapid photosynthetic and hormonal responses to auxin herbicide application. Journal of Experimental Botany 71,3701–3709.
The evolution of inverted magnetic fields through the inner heliosphere
Authors: Macneil Allan R , Owens Mathew J , Wicks Robert T , Lockwood Mike , Bentley Sarah N , Lang Matthew
Published: April 2020

Local inversions are often observed in the heliospheric magnetic field (HMF), but their origins and evolution are not yet fully understood. Parker Solar Probe has recently observed rapid, Alfvénic, HMF inversions in the inner heliosphere, known as ‘switchbacks’, which have been interpreted as the possible remnants of coronal jets. It has also been suggested that inverted HMF may be produced by near-Sun interchange reconnection; a key process in mechanisms proposed for slow solar wind release. These cases suggest that the source of inverted HMF is near the Sun, and it follows that these inversions would gradually decay and straighten as they propagate out through the heliosphere. Alternatively, HMF inversions could form during solar wind transit, through phenomena such velocity shears, draping over ejecta, or waves and turbulence. Such processes are expected to lead to a qualitatively radial evolution of inverted HMF structures. Using Helios measurements spanning 0.3–1 au, we examine the occurrence rate of inverted HMF, as well as other magnetic field morphologies, as a function of radial distance r, and find that it continually increases. This trend may be explained by inverted HMF observed between 0.3 and 1 au being primarily driven by one or more of the above in-transit processes, rather than created at the Sun. We make suggestions as to the relative importance of these different processes based on the evolution of the magnetic field properties associated with inverted HMF. We also explore alternative explanations outside of our suggested driving processes which may lead to the observed trend.
On the radial acceleration of disc galaxies
Authors: Wilhelm Klaus , Dwivedi Bhola N
Published: April 2020

The physical processes defining the dynamics of disc galaxies are still poorly understood. Hundreds of articles have appeared in the literature over the last decades without arriving at an understanding within a consistent gravitational theory. Dark matter (DM) scenarios or a modification of Newtonian dynamics (MOND) are employed to model the non-Keplerian rotation curves in most of the studies, but the nature of DM and its interaction with baryonic matter remains an open question and MOND formulates a mathematical concept without a physical process. We have continued our attempts to use the impact theory of gravitation for a description of the peculiar acceleration and velocity curves and have considered five more galaxies. Using published data of the galaxies NGC 3198, NGC 2403, NGC 1090, UGC 3205, and NGC 1705, it has been possible to find good fits without DM for the observed disc velocities and, as example, also for the extraplanar matter of NGC 3198.
Turbulent pressure support and hydrostatic mass bias in the intracluster medium
Authors: Angelinelli M , Vazza F , Giocoli C , Ettori S , Jones T W , Brunetti G , Brüggen M , Eckert D
Published: April 2020

The degree of turbulent pressure support by residual gas motions in galaxy clusters is not well known. Mass modelling of combined X-ray and Sunyaev–Zel’dovich observations provides an estimate of turbulent pressure support in the outer regions of several galaxy clusters. Here, we test two different filtering techniques to disentangle bulk from turbulent motions in non-radiative high-resolution cosmological simulations of galaxy clusters using the cosmological hydrocode enzo. We find that the radial behaviour of the ratio of non-thermal pressure to total gas pressure as a function of cluster-centric distance can be described by a simple polynomial function. The typical non-thermal pressure support in the centre of clusters is ∼5 per cent, increasing to ∼15 per cent in the outskirts, in line with the pressure excess found in recent X-ray observations. While the complex dynamics of the intracluster medium makes it impossible to reconstruct a simple correlation between turbulent motions and hydrostatic bias, we find that a relation between them can be established using the median properties of a sample of objects. Moreover, we estimate the contribution of radial accelerations to the non-thermal pressure support and conclude that it decreases moving outwards from 40 per cent (in the core) to 15 per cent (in the cluster’s outskirts). Adding this contribution to one provided by turbulence, we show that it might account for the entire observed hydrostatic bias in the innermost regions of the clusters, and for less than 80 per cent of it at r > 0.8 r200,m.
Vertical distribution, population structure and developmental characteristics of the less studied but globally distributed mesopelagic copepod Scaphocalanus magnus in the western Arctic Ocean
Authors: Yamaguchi Atsushi , Ashjian Carin J , Campbell Robert G , Abe Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2020

Scaphocalanus magnus is a large copepod species with a worldwide distribution. Information on the ecology of this species is scarce. In this study, S. magnus was collected using vertically stratified net sampling from an ice station in the western Arctic Ocean over a year. The vertical distribution differed between periods of polar night and midnight sun, with core depth distributions of 264–381 m for the polar night and 518–745 m for the midnight sun. The shallower distribution during the polar night may have resulted from the animals moving upwards to find sufficient food during the less productive season. The abundance of early copepodite stages showed clear seasonality. The C2 and C3 stages were abundant June–August and August–September, respectively. After C4, seasonality in abundance was not clear. For C4 and C5, body sizes and masses were greater for males than for females while the opposite was the case for C6. Adult males do not feed and thus have shorter life spans than females, skewing the adult sex ratio towards females. For these mesopelagic particle feeding copepods, a long residence time at C6F suggests that in a varying food environment, it is possible to wait to initiate reproduction until favourable food conditions occur.
Transgender Policymaking: The View from the States
Authors: Mezey Susan Gluck
Published: April 2020

The executive branch and federal courts and, occasionally Congress, have played key roles in transgender policymaking, but state governments have been particularly important actors in recent years. This article examines the prominent role of state governments in defining the scope of equal rights protections for the nation’s transgender community. Some states have expanded transgender rights, whereas others have limited them, with a number of states also preempting local governments’ ability to enact protective measures. State attorneys general have also filed suit challenging the federal government’s efforts to guarantee transgender rights. In general, transgender policymaking demonstrates continuity with patterns highlighted in recent federalism scholarship. Consistent with policymaking in other areas in a polarized era, state transgender policymaking is characterized by “variable speed federalism,” whereby certain states move more quickly than others in advancing transgender rights. Additionally, in a development particularly applicable to morality policy, advances in transgender rights in certain states and jurisdictions have sparked backlash in other states and produced emotionally charged interactions leaving little room for bargaining and compromise.
Rituximab for rapidly progressive juvenile systemic sclerosis
Authors: Zulian Francesco , Dal Pozzolo Roberto , Meneghel Alessandra , Castaldi Biagio , Marcolongo Renzo , Caforio Alida Linda Patrizia , Martini Giorgia
Published: April 2020

Objective

Juvenile systemic sclerosis (JSSc) with rapidly progressive course is a life-threatening condition associated with a poor prognosis. Recently, rituximab (RTX) has been shown to be a promising treatment for adult patients with SSc. We present a series of four patients with rapidly progressive JSSc successfully treated with RTX.

Methods

Clinical, laboratory and functional parameters were collected from four patients with rapidly progressive JSSc treated with RTX for at least 1 year. All patients underwent four yearly courses of i.v. RTX 375 mg/m2 on day 0 and 14, at 3-month intervals. Low dose oral prednisone and MMF were also administered. Data were recorded at baseline and every 6 months and included pulmonary and myocardial function parameters, muscular, vascular and skin changes. The Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis Severity Score (J4S) estimated the overall disease severity over time.

Results

Four patients (three males, one female), aged 8–17 years, entered the study. Three patients presented with prevalent cardiac involvement, one with severe pulmonary involvement. After 1 year of RTX treatment, all patients showed significant improvement of J4S, Raynaud’s phenomenon and cutaneous involvement. Among those with prevalent cardiac involvement, two showed an improvement of the myocardial function (left ventricular ejection fraction [EF] +37% and +19%, respectively) and in the third arrhythmias disappeared. The patient with severe pulmonary involvement showed a significant improvement of the respiratory function (forced vital capacity +46%, forced expiratory volume in 1 s +33%, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide [DLCO] +30%). No major side effects were reported.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that a combination of RTX and MMF is effective in arresting the rapid progression of JSSc.