bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of BRCA1‐associated protein‐1, glucose transporter‐1 and desmin expression in the discrimination between reactive mesothelial proliferation and malignant mesothelioma in tissues and effusions
Authors: Önder Sevgen , Özogul Ece , Koksal Deniz , Sarinc Ulasli Sevinc , Firat Pinar , Emri Salih
Published: June 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of BRCA1‐associated protein‐1 (BAP1), glucose transporter (GLUT)‐1 and desmin expression by immunohistochemistry in the discrimination between reactive and malignant mesothelial proliferations.

Methods

A total of 88 biopsies and 30 effusions from mesothelioma cases were studied. Control groups were composed of 35 tissues and 30 cell blocks. The 88 mesothelioma cases were from 43 males and 45 females (mean age 56 years). Tumours were mostly localised to pleura (66/88, 75%) and of epithelioid histology (75/88, 85%). Cytology samples were from 17 males and 13 females (mean age 58 years), and 16 pleural and 14 peritoneal effusions. Twenty cytology cases had corresponding tissue biopsies.

Results

BAP1 loss was detected in 61/88 (69%) tissues and in 20/30 (67%) cytology samples from mesothelioma with a specificity of 100% for both sampling methods. BAP1 loss was observed more frequently in pleural and biphasic tumours. GLUT‐1 immunoreactivity was identified in 54/81 (67%) and 23/25 (92%) malignant tissues and effusions, and in 6/33 (18%) and 6/30 (20%) benign tissues and effusions, respectively. Desmin loss was observed in 74/80 (92%) malignant biopsy samples, 16/21 (76%) malignant effusions and 10/34 (29%) of benign tissues, but in none of the reactive effusions. Concordance rate of results between biopsy and cytology was as follows: BAP1 20/20 (100%); GLUT‐1 13/18 (72%); and desmin 10/14 (71%).

Conclusions

BAP1, GLUT‐1 and desmin are useful markers in the discrimination between reactive and malignant mesothelial proliferations. BAP1 loss seems to be diagnostic for mesotheliomas both in biopsy and cytology samples.
The political economy of progressive fiscal contracts in Africa and Latin America
Authors: Mosley Paul , Abdulai Abdul‐Gafaru
Published: June 2019

Motivation

How can poorer developing countries escape the vicious circle in which, because the state is fragile, they cannot raise sufficient public revenue to be able to finance development, leading to the persistence of poverty and state fragility? We explore a new approach to this problem, which we call progressive fiscal contracts, in which government earmarks the proceeds of particular taxes to be spent on forms of expenditure which will have widespread benefits for lower income groups, such as health, education and social protection. Taxpayers are thus offered a contractual relationship with government (better‐targeted delivery of public services in return for tax payments) in place of a coercive one (simply being ordered to pay taxes, with nothing being offered in exchange). We seek to examine whether this kind of contractual approach offers a way forward for developing countries.

Purpose

Across five countries (Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Ghana and Zambia) between 2000 and 2015, we seek to find out whether tax yields have improved following the introduction of progressive fiscal contracts, whether conflict and poverty have declined, and whether there have been countervailing costs in terms of reduced efficiency. We also examine the experience of two countries (Brazil and Chile) where there is no formal earmarking but government has encouraged the public to think of particular taxes as being associated with particular forms of expenditure.

Approach and methods

We assess the impact of changes in tax yields, welfare indicators and conflict indicators by means of panel‐data regressions, tabular comparisons and, in Bolivia, qualitative interviews. Changes in efficiency are assessed through examination of changes in tax structure.

Findings

Across all of the countries surveyed, the introduction of progressive fiscal contracts has been associated with a reduction in headcount poverty between 2000 and 2015, and in Bolivia our qualitative evidence suggests that the relationship can be seen as a causal one. In three cases out of five (Ghana, Bolivia and Ecuador) tax yields have increased, and in two (Bolivia and Ecuador) there was a significant reduction in political violence. In the Latin American cases examined, but not the African ones, there was a shift from royalty‐based taxation to income‐based taxation of natural resources, suggesting the likelihood of an improvement in efficiency over the period in those countries only. In these cases, the stereotypical view that progressive fiscal contracts improve equity at the expense of efficiency is contradicted.

Policy implications (or conclusions)

Progressive fiscal contracts, which originated as a device for making tax payments more palatable by offering social benefits in return, show promise as an innovative strategy for boosting tax ratios, reducing political violence and reducing poverty, which deserves further exploration.
Focusing on gender similarities increases female students’ motivation to participate in STEM
Authors: Jasko Katarzyna , Dukala Karolina , Szastok Marta
Published: June 2019

Recent analyses highlight women's opting out of STEM fields as an important contributing factor to the gender gap in science. Therefore, it is important to identify the factors influencing women's motivation to participate in STEM. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the focus on differences between male and female students in STEM, even when those differences are irrelevant to the competence dimension, would decrease the motivation of women to engage in STEM. On the other hand, a belief in gender similarities would increase their motivation to get involved in STEM. We conducted three experiments among female students in STEM majors, in which we manipulated the focus on gender differences versus similarities. The results, which replicated across three studies, showed that when female students focused on similarities between men and women, they were more motivated to engage in STEM‐related activities than when they focused on gender differences. Additionally, we tested whether the gender stereotypes and a perception of gender discrimination mediated that effect but the results of these analyses were inconsistent across studies. Overall, the findings suggest that messaging directed at women in STEM, which highlights similarities between men and women could encourage them to engage in STEM but deactivation of gender stereotypes does not necessarily account for these effects.
Assessing predicted isolation effects from the general dynamic model of island biogeography with an eco‐evolutionary model for plants
Authors: Cabral Juliano Sarmento , Whittaker Robert J. , Wiegand Kerstin , Kreft Holger
Published: June 2019

Aims

The general dynamic model (GDM) of oceanic island biogeography predicts how biogeographical rates, species richness and endemism vary with island age, area and isolation. Here, we used a simulation model to assess whether the isolation‐related predictions of the GDM may arise from low‐level process at the level of individuals and populations.

Location

Hypothetical volcanic oceanic islands.

Methods

Our model considers (a) an idealized island ontogeny, (b) metabolic constraints and (c) stochastic, spatially explicit and niche‐based processes at the level of individuals and populations (plant demography, dispersal, competition, mutation and speciation). Isolation scenarios involved varying the distance to mainland and the dispersal ability of the species pool.

Results

For all isolation scenarios, we obtained humped temporal trends for species richness, endemic richness, proportion of endemic species derived from within‐island radiation, number of radiating lineages, number of species per radiating lineage and biogeographical rates. The proportion of endemics derived from mainland–island differentiation and of all endemics steadily increased over time. Extinction rates of endemic species peaked later than for non‐endemic species. Species richness and the number of endemics derived from mainland–island differentiation decreased with isolation as did rates of colonization, mainland–island differentiation and extinction. The proportion of all endemics and of radiated endemics, the number of radiated endemics, of radiating lineages, and of species per radiating lineage and the within‐island radiation rate all increased with isolation.

Main conclusions

Our results lend strong support to most of the isolation‐related GDM predictions. New insights include an increasing proportion of endemics, particularly those arising from mainland–island differentiation, across isolation scenarios, as well as extinction trends of endemics differing from the overall extinction rates, with a much later peak. These results demonstrate how simulation models focusing on low ecological levels provide tools to assess biogeographical‐scale predictions and to develop more detailed predictions for further empirical tests.
Beta diversity and specialization in plant–pollinator networks along an elevational gradient
Authors: Lara‐Romero Carlos , Seguí Jaume , Pérez‐Delgado Antonio , Nogales Manuel , Traveset Anna
Published: June 2019

Aim

To assess whether the reduced nutritional resources available for pollinators due to plant community simplification along an elevational plant‐diversity gradient changes pollinator niche breadth and richness. Additionally, we evaluated how body size and proboscis length of pollinators shifted along the gradient, and whether these changes were related to pollinator niche breadth.

Location

An elevational gradient (2,350–3,520 m a.s.l.) on the oceanic high‐mountain strato‐volcano of El Teide (Tenerife, Canary Islands).

Taxon

Flowering plant and pollinator species.

Methods

We compared quantitative plant–pollinator networks along the plant‐diversity gradient. We calculated a set of niche‐based topological metrics that capture the degree of specialization, niche breadth and niche overlap. Furthermore, we obtained β‐diversity measures and the proportion of replacement and richness components.

Results

There was an overall decline in species richness of pollinators with increasing elevation. This decline was mainly driven by the loss of species along the elevational gradient, which conformed a nested subset pattern. The whole network showed less specialization, greater connectance and lower modularity towards the summit. At high elevations, pollinators were more generalized and less selective in their flower choice, showing a greater trophic niche breadth compared to pollinators at lower elevations. Mean body size of pollinators increased with elevation, and species body size and proboscis length were positively associated with the number of plant species visited.

Main conclusions

Overall, results indicated that the elevational gradient filters pollinator species, probably according to their thermal tolerance and ability to exploit a wide range of trophic resources. The finding that pollinators become more generalized and opportunistic at higher elevations is a novel result, which may have implications for new research into how ecological networks vary over environmental gradients. From an applied perspective, our results highlight the importance of considering the spatial variation of species assemblages when aiming to construct functionally reliable interaction networks along environmental gradients.
Over the hills, but how far away? Estimates of mushroom geographic range extents
Authors: Bazzicalupo Anna L. , Whitton Jeannette , Berbee Mary L.
Published: June 2019

Aim

Geographic distributions of mushroom species remain poorly understood despite their importance for advancing our understanding of the habitat requirements, species interactions and ecosystem functions of this key group of organisms. Here, we estimate geographic range extents (maximum within‐species geographic distance) of genetically defined operational taxonomic units (OTUs).

Location

World‐wide, with emphasis on the American Pacific Northwest.

Taxa

Amanita, Agaricus, Cortinarius, Galerina, Hebeloma, Hydnum, Hygrocybe, Hygrophorus, Inocybe, Lepiota, Pholiota, and Russula + Lactarius; other genera in Agaricomycotina.

Method

We used publicly available OTUs from ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences (n = 15,373) from 12 mushroom genera with worldwide distributions. For each of 2,324 ~ species‐level OTUs, we estimated the maximum within‐species range extent based on sample locality records. In parallel, we estimated range extents for species in four tree genera. Contrasting estimates from well‐studied trees allowed us to test for potential biases in our range estimates of less well inventoried mushrooms.

Results

The median range extents across the 2,324 mushroom OTUs varied from ~ 1,200 to 4,039 km, depending on assumptions. These extents were significantly lower than estimates from permuted or randomized data. Mushroom ranges were comparable to the median natural range extent of tree species (1,613 km). In contrast, the tree median species range increased to 16,581 km when anthropogenic range extensions were included. At least 10 mushroom species were similarly broadly distributed, eight of which have been associated with human activity.

Main conclusions

Overall, like tree species, mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi show evidence of biogeographic structure rather than global distributions. This reconstruction of geographic range extents drew upon investments into ITS barcoding of extensive herbarium collections. Large scale analyses such as ours can yield estimates of fungal geographic range extents that are a prerequisite to a deeper understanding of the diverse roles of fungi in ecosystems.
Nipple and areola lesions: review of dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy features
Authors: Cinotti E. , Galluccio D. , Tognetti L. , Habougit C. , Manganoni A.M. , Venturini M. , Perrot J.L. , Rubegni P.
Published: June 2019

The differential diagnosis of nipple and areola complex (NAC) lesions encompasses a large spectrum of conditions from benign tumours to inflammatory diseases that could be challenging to recognize on clinical ground. While melanoma (MM) of the NAC is exceedingly rare, benign lesions are more frequent but could be difficult to distinguish from MM. Besides MM, other malignant tumours can affect this area and in particular Paget's disease (PD). For clinically doubtful lesions, biopsy is required, with possible functional and aesthetic consequences in this sensitive area. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) are widely used techniques for the diagnosis of many skin lesions, but their use for NAC lesions is not well established. The objective of this study was to evaluate current literature on these imaging techniques for NAC lesions. We searched in Medline, PubMed and Cochrane database all studies up to November 2018 dealing with dermoscopy, RCM and this special site. We found that the most described malignant tumour was PD and that only two primary MMs of the NAC have been reported with these imaging techniques. Although there are few data on diagnostic accuracy of non‐invasive imaging techniques for NAC lesions, it seems that dermoscopy and RCM can add relevant information to be integrated with clinical examination for the diagnosis of NAC lesions and in particular for the differential diagnosis of PD and eczema.
Past President's Address: Protists of the Mesopelagic and a Bit on the Long Path to the Deep Sea
Authors: Dolan John R. , Ciobanu Maria , Coppola Laurent
Published: June 2019

The deep sea has long been a mysterious and attractive habitat for protistologists. However, logistical difficulties severely limit sampling opportunities. Consequently, our knowledge of the protists in the deep sea, (arguably the largest habitat on earth), is relatively sparse. Here, we present a unique time‐series concerning three different protist taxa that share only the characteristics of being relatively large, robust to sampling, and easily identifiable to species level using light microscopy: tintinnid ciliates, phaeogromid cercozoans (e.g. Challengerids) and amphisolenid dinoflagellates. We sampled a near‐shore deep water site in the N.W. Mediterranean Sea at 250 m depth over a 2‐yr period at approximately weekly intervals from January 2017 to December 2018. To our knowledge, no previous studies have employed sampling on a similar time scale. We found taxa that appear to be restricted to deep waters, distinct seasonal patterns of abundance in some taxa, and in others nonseasonal successional patterns. Based on data from sampling following a flash flood event, the Challengerid population appeared to respond positively to a pulse of terrigenous input. Some of the distinct mesopelagic tintinnid ciliates and amphisolinid dinoflagellates were also found in two samples from the North Atlantic mesopelagic gathered from near the Azores Islands in September 2018. We conclude that there are a variety of protist taxa endemic to the mesopelagic, that the populations are dynamic, and they may be widely distributed in the deep waters of the world ocean.
Long‐term ionic plasticity of GABAergic signalling in the hypothalamus
Authors: Kim Young‐Beom , Colwell Christopher S. , Kim Yang In
Published: June 2019

The hypothalamus contains a number of nuclei that subserve a variety of functions, including generation of circadian rhythms, regulation of hormone secretion and maintenance of homeostatic levels for a variety of physiological parameters. Within the hypothalamus, γ‐amino‐butyric acid (GABA) is one of the major neurotransmitters responsible for cellular communication. Although GABA most commonly serves as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, a growing body of evidence indicates that it can evoke post‐synaptic excitation as a result of the active regulation of intracellular chloride concentration. In this review, we consider the evidence for this ionic plasticity of GABAergic synaptic transmission in five distinct cases in hypothalamic cell populations. We argue that this plasticity serves as part of the functional response to or is at least associated with dehydration, lactation, hypertension and stress. As such, GABA excitation should be considered as part of the core homeostatic mechanisms of the hypothalamus.
The impact of cigarette smoke on activity of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor‐promoter gene in cells of the upper aerodigestive tract
Authors: Krüger Maximilian , Metzger Carmen , Kämmerer Peer W. , Brieger Jürgen
Published: June 2019

Background

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in tumorigenesis of the upper aerodigestive tract. Different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) turn the regulation of the VEGF gene into a highly complex process, particularly influenced by exogenic factors like cigarette smoke (CSE). Analysis of the SNP‐ and CSE‐dependent VEGF‐gene regulation can help to improve antiangiogenic therapies and prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the influence of CSE on the SNP‐dependent regulation of the VEGF‐gene in vitro.

Methods

Human alveolar epithelial‐like type‐II cells (A549) were transfected with different SNPs and incubated with CSE. SNP‐ and CSE‐dependent VEGF‐promoter activity and mRNA stability was measured using qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis.

Results

Transfection with SNP −460 (ATC) and incubation with 10% CSE resulted in +19% elevated VEGF‐promoter activity (P < 0.05). Transfection with SNP −2578/−460 (CTC) and 10% CSE incubation resulted in a 14% reduction of VEGF‐promoter activity (P < 0.05). Regarding mRNA stability, transfection with SNP +936 T allele led to half‐life of 1.11 hours, which decreased to 0.2 hours after incubation with CSE. In contrast, on protein level SNP +936 T transfection showed a not significant increase up to 176% (P > 0.05), while incubation with CSE led to a significant decrease to 61% (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Transcriptional regulation of the VEGF gene by SNP −460 (ATC) in combination with CSE represents a mechanism for elevated VEGF expression and may be associated with a worse prognosis. The influence of +SNP 936 on mRNA stability may be responsible for regulation of VEGF plasma levels.
Human cognition and the AI revolution
Authors: Paulson Steve , Grosz Barbara J. , Antonsen Roger
Published: June 2019

Discovering the true nature of reality may ultimately hinge on grasping the nature and essence of human understanding. What are the fundamental elements or building blocks of human cognition? And how will the rise of superintelligent machines challenge our ideas about cognition, reality, and the limits of human understanding? Logician/mathematician Roger Antonsen and computer science pioneer Barbara J. Grosz join forces to shed light on these questions and the horizon of artificial intelligence.
Methods and analyzers for hemoglobin measurement in clinical laboratories and field settings
Authors: Whitehead Ralph D. , Mei Zuguo , Mapango Carine , Jefferds Maria Elena D.
Published: June 2019

This paper describes and compares methods and analyzers used to measure hemoglobin (Hb) in clinical laboratories and field settings. We conducted a literature review for methods used to measure Hb in clinical laboratories and field settings. We described methods to measure Hb and factors influencing results. Automated hematology analyzer (AHA) was reference for all Hb comparisons using evaluation criteria of ±7% set by College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Capillary fingerprick blood usually produces higher Hb concentrations compared with venous blood. Individual drops produced lower concentrations than pooled capillary blood. Compared with the AHA: (1) overall cyanmethemoglobin (1.0−8.0  g/L), WHO Colour Scale (0.5−10.0  g/L), paper‐based devices (5.0−7.0  g/L), HemoCue® Hb‐201 (1.0−16.0  g/L) and Hb‐301 (0.5−6.0  g/L), and Masimo Pronto® (0.3−14.0  g/L) overestimated concentrations; (2) Masimo Radical®‐7 both under‐ and overestimated concentrations (0.3−104.0  g/L); and (3) other methods underestimated concentrations (2.0−16.0  g/L). Most mean concentration comparisons varied less than ±7% of the reference. Hb measurements are influenced by several analytical factors. With few exceptions, mean concentration bias was within ±7%, suggesting acceptable performance. Appropriate, high‐quality methods in all settings are necessary to ensure the accuracy of Hb measurements.This paper describes and compares methods and analyzers used to measure hemoglobin (Hb) in clinical laboratories and field settings. With few exceptions, mean concentration bias was within ±7%, suggesting acceptable performance. Appropriate, high‐quality methods in all settings are necessary to ensure the accuracy of Hb measurements.
Tumor‐related leukocytosis predictive of recurrence and survival in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Roh Jong‐Lyel , Lee Hojun , Choi Seung‐Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the prognostic values of tumor‐related leukocytosis (TRL) as a reliable biomarker predictive of recurrence and survival after definitive surgery for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and methods

This retrospective study involved 322 patients who underwent tumor extirpation combined with neck dissection for treatment‐naïve OSCC between 2006 and 2014. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the relationship between TRL and pathological variables. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to find associations between factors and disease‐free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS).

Results

TRL was significantly related to advanced disease status, tumor size, invasion depth, poor differentiation, and T and N classifications, resulting in increased post‐treatment recurrence rate, particularly in the distant site. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that only the T classification was significantly associated with baseline TRL (p = 0.018). Multivariate analyses also showed that the tumor depth of invasion, pathological N classification, extranodal extension, and TRL remained the independent variables predictive of DFS and OS (all p < 0.05). TRL was related to a more than twofold increased risk of post‐treatment recurrence and mortality.

Conclusions

TRL is associated with advanced tumor disease and increased recurrence and mortality in OSCC patients.
Quantification of histopathological changes in patients with psoriasis before and after phototherapy
Authors: Noronha‐Neta Maria Isabel , Picciani Bruna Lavinas Sayed , Niemeyer‐Corbellini João Paulo , Ramos‐e‐Silva Márcia , Soares Fernando Augusto , Carneiro Sueli
Published: June 2019

Background

One of the most used resources for the treatment of psoriasis is ultraviolet radiation (UV) with psoralens (PUVA) and narrow‐band UV (UVB‐NB 311‐312 nm). Although many researchers have assessed the histopathological effects of this therapy modality, none used a morphological classification system specific to psoriasis.

Purpose

To assess the clinical and histopathological response in the phototherapy treatment of plaque psoriasis with PUVA and UVB‐NB with use of PASI and TROZAK.

Methods

Histopathological changes of plaque psoriasis were quantified with help of the grading system for psoriasis—Trozak in 20 patients of both sexes, before and after 32 PUVA phototherapy sessions (10 patients—GPUVA) and UVB‐NB (10 patients—GUVB‐NB). The severity and extension of psoriasis was evaluated through PASI. The slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin were scanned in an Aperio CS2 scanner (Leica Biosystems) and evaluated through the software ImageScopeTM (Aperio Technologies). Statistical analysis was performed with the use of the program SPSS 22.0, with application of the Wilcoxon and Mann‐Whitney tests.

Results

All patients presented improvement in psoriatic plaques with decrease in PASI after treatment (P < 0.01) and significant reduction in histopathological changes in psoriasis from 15.4 ± 1.7 to 3.7 ± 3.2 (P < 0.01) in group GPUVA and from 13.2 ± 1.7 to 4.9 ± 5.2 (P < 0,01) in group GUVB‐NB.

Conclusions

Phototherapy, regardless of type, is an effective treatment for moderate and severe psoriasis, with possibility of being quantified clinically by PASI and histopathologically by Trozak.
On the existence of leapfrogging pair of circular vortex filaments
Authors: Aiki Masashi
Published: June 2019

We propose and analyze a system of nonlinear partial differential equations describing the motion of a pair of vortex filaments. As a preliminary analysis, we first consider the case when the filaments are arranged as straight and parallel lines, and explicitly solve the system to show that the motion of the lines resemble that of point vortices moving in a plane. Then, we consider the motion of a pair of coaxial circular vortex filaments. We show that in this case, the system can be reduced to a two‐dimensional Hamiltonian system. Based on this formulation, we give a condition for the initial configuration and parameters of the filaments for leapfrogging to occur, and prove that the condition is in fact necessary and sufficient.
Social Practice and Shared History, Not Social Scale, Structure Cross‐Cultural Complexity in Kinship Systems
Authors: Rácz Péter , Passmore Sam , Jordan Fiona M.
Published: June 2019

Human populations display remarkable diversity in language and culture, but the variation is not without limit. At the population level, variation between societies may be structured by a range of macro‐evolutionary factors, including ecological and environmental resources, shared ancestry, spatial proximity, and covarying social practices. Kinship terminology systems are varying linguistic paradigms that denote familial social relationships of kin and non‐kin. Systems vary by the kinds of salient distinctions that are made (e.g., age, gender, generation) and the extent to which different kinds of kin are called by the same term. Here, we explore two kinds of explanations for an observed typology of kin terms for cousins. The first one derives the typology from a learning bottleneck linked to population size. This would lead to a correlation between community size and the type of kinship system. The second one derives it from a set of social practices, particularly marriage and transfer of resources that might shape kinship systems. Using a global ethnographic database of over a thousand societies, we show that marriage rules and shared linguistic affiliation have a significant influence on the type of kinship system found in a society. This remains true if we control for the effect of spatial proximity and cultural ancestry. By combining cognitive and historic approaches to this aspect of kinship, we suggest broader implications for the study of human social cognition in general.
Experimental Investigation of Bubble-Mixed Cutting Fluid Delivery for Micro Deep-Hole Drilling
Authors: Lee Chi-Ting , Mujumdar Soham S. , Kapoor Shiv G.
Published: June 2019

In drilling, chip-clogging results in increased drilling temperature, excessive tool wear, and poor hole quality. Especially, in microdrilling, low rigidity of the tool and inability of cutting fluid to penetrate narrower tool–workpiece interface significantly reduce the drilling performance. A novel bubble-mixed cutting fluid delivery method proposed in this research aims toward achieving a high-performance micro deep-hole drilling process with a significant reduction in the consumption of cutting fluid. Experimental results show that the bubble-mixed cutting fluid delivery method achieves lower thrust force during drilling, higher drilled depth before tool breakage, and lower dimensional and circularity errors when machining deep holes in comparison with dry cutting or conventional flood delivery method. It is also found that the smaller-sized bubbles effectively penetrate the tool–workpiece interface during the drilling producing deeper holes by better chip evacuation and cooling.
Modal dispersion compensation receiver for the long range shallow water acoustic communications
Authors: Zhang Dianlun , Xiao Shuang , Cui Hongyu , Gao Dazhi , Sun Dajun
Published: June 2019

The received low frequency signals in the long range shallow water will suffer severe attenuation and modal dispersion effect, which will distort the signal and deteriorate the communication performance. In this letter, a modal dispersion compensation receiver is proposed, which exploits the de-dispersion transform to compensate intra-mode dispersion and the rake combination to combine the multi-mode components. With the proposed receiver, the waveform expansion of high order modes is compensated, and thus more modes can be distinguished from the noise and the rake combination gain is improved, which leads to high communication accuracy. Simulation results show that the proposed receiver can achieve about 3 dB gain for the 40 km range and signal with a center frequency 400 Hz.
Evolving roles of scientists as change agents in science education over a decade: SFES roles beyond discipline-based education research
Authors: Bush Seth D. , Stevens Michael T. , Tanner Kimberly D. , Williams Kathy S.
Published: June 2019

University science faculty with science education integral to their academic positions are more common than a decade ago.
Inhibition of hyperglycolysis in mesothelial cells prevents peritoneal fibrosis
Authors: Si Meijun , Wang Qianqian , Li Yin , Lin Hongchun , Luo Dan , Zhao Wenbo , Dou Xianrui , Liu Jun , Zhang Hui , Huang Yong , Lou Tanqi , Hu Zhaoyong , Peng Hui
Published: June 2019

Peritoneal fibrosis due to hyperglycolysis in mesothelial cells can be prevented by a triad of microRNAs.
From fault creep to slow and fast earthquakes in carbonates
Authors: Passelègue Franҫois X. , Aubry Jérôme , Nicolas Aurélien , Fondriest Michele , Deldicque Damien , Schubnel Alexandre , Di Toro Giulio
Published: June 2019

A major part of the seismicity striking the Mediterranean area and other regions worldwide is hosted in carbonate rocks. Recent examples are the destructive earthquakes of L’Aquila (Mw 6.1) in 2009 and Norcia (Mw 6.5) in 2016 in central Italy. Surprisingly, within this region, fast (≈3 km/s) and destructive seismic ruptures coexist with slow (≤10 m/s) and nondestructive rupture phenomena. Despite its relevance for seismic hazard studies, the transition from fault creep to slow and fast seismic rupture propagation is still poorly constrained by seismological and laboratory observations. Here, we reproduced in the laboratory the complete spectrum of natural faulting on samples of dolostones representative of the seismogenic layer in the region. The transitions from fault creep to slow ruptures and from slow to fast ruptures were obtained by increasing both confining pressure (P) and temperature (T) up to conditions encountered at 3–5 km depth (i.e., P = 100 MPa and T = 100 °C), which corresponds to the hypocentral location of slow earthquake swarms and the onset of seismicity in central Italy. The transition from slow to fast rupture is explained by an increase in the ambient temperature, which enhances the elastic loading stiffness of the fault, i.e., the slip velocities during nucleation, allowing flash weakening and, in turn, the propagation of fast ruptures radiating intense high-frequency seismic waves.
Effects of size-dependent sediment mixing on deep-sea records of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum
Authors: Hupp Brittany N. , Kelly D. Clay , Zachos James C. , Bralower Timothy J.
Published: June 2019

Stratigraphic features of the carbon isotope excursion (CIE) marking the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; ca. 55.8 Ma) are used to study ocean-climate change and carbon cycling during this ancient global warming event. Yet discrepancies in its timing and amplitude exist between bulk-carbonate and planktic-foraminifera δ13C records. Here we examine these disparities through the lens of δ13C compositions of size-segregated planktic shells across the pre-CIE to CIE transition in the iconic PETM section of Ocean Drilling Program Site 690 in the Weddell Sea. Our results show that the stratigraphic position of the CIE onset is dependent upon shell size, which we attribute to preferential mixing of smaller shells with pre-CIE δ13C values up into the overlying CIE interval. Hence, the transitory loss of size-dependent δ13C signatures in photosymbiotic planktic foraminifera is a taphonomic artifact, not a geochemical signal of symbiont “bleaching” during the PETM. Our results also indicate that many salient features of the Site 690 bulk-carbonate δ13C record are aberrations caused by size-dependent sediment mixing, and as such, should not be viewed as primary signals of ocean-climate change during what is arguably one of the best ancient analogs for future ocean-climate change.
Southern high-latitude warmth during the Jurassic–Cretaceous: New evidence from clumped isotope thermometry
Authors: Vickers Madeleine L. , Bajnai David , Price Gregory D. , Linckens Jolien , Fiebig Jens
Published: June 2019

In order to understand the climate dynamics of the Mesozoic greenhouse world, it is vital to determine paleotemperatures from higher latitudes. For the Jurassic and Cretaceous climate, there are significant discrepancies between different proxies and between proxy data and climate models. We determined paleotemperatures from Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous belemnites using the carbonate clumped isotope paleothermometer and compared these values to temperatures derived from TEX86 and other proxies. From our analyses, we infer an average temperature of ∼25 °C for the upper part of the water column of the southern Atlantic Ocean. Our data imply that for mid- to high latitudes, climate models underestimate marine temperatures by >5 °C and, therefore, the amount of warming that would accompany an increase in atmospheric CO2 of more than 4× pre-industrial levels, as is projected for the near future.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Managing sleep problems in children and young people with ADHD
Authors: Hobson Sally , Davie Max , Farquhar Michael
Published: June 2019

Sleep difficulties are common in children and young people presenting with features of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sleep problems may be both an effect of and a contributor to ADHD symptomatology, as well as having a significant impact on both individual and family functioning and well-being. There are often complex interacting contributing factors. Assessment of children presenting with symptoms suggestive of possible ADHD should include routine enquiry about sleep. Ongoing management of children with diagnosed ADHD should include regular reassessment and review of sleep. When sleep difficulties are present, we discuss how to further assess these, including the role of investigations, and a structured management strategy.
Risk of infection associated with intravenous iron preparations: protocol for updating a systematic review
Authors: Shah Akshay , Sugavanam Anita , Reid Jack , Palmer Antony J , Dickson Edward , Brunskill Susan , Doree Carolyn , Oliver Charles M , Acheson Austin , Baikady Ravi Rao , Bampoe Sohail , Litton Edward , Stanworth Simon
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The benefits and risk of intravenous iron have been documented in previous systematic reviews and continue to be the subject of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). An ongoing issue that continues to be raised is the relationship between administering iron and developing infection. This is supported by biological plausibility from animal models. We propose an update of a previously published systematic review and meta-analysis with the primary focus being infection.

Methods and analysis

We will include RCTs and non-randomised studies (NRS) in this review update. We will search the relevant electronic databases. Two reviewers will independently extract data. Risk of bias for RCTs and NRS will be assessed using the relevant tools recommended by The Cochrane Collaboration. Data extracted from RCTs and NRS will be analysed and reported separately. Pooled data from RCTs will be analysed using a random effects model. We will also conduct subgroup analyses to identify any patient populations that may be at increased risk of developing infection. We will provide a narrative synthesis on the definitions, sources and responsible pathogens for infection in the included studies. Overall quality of evidence on the safety outcomes of mortality and infection will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review will only investigate published studies and therefore ethical approval is not required. The results will be broadly distributed through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO (CRD42018096023).
External injuries, trauma and avoidable deaths in Agincourt, South Africa: a retrospective observational and qualitative study
Authors: Edem Idara J , Dare Anna J , Byass Peter , D’Ambruoso Lucia , Kahn Kathleen , Leather Andy J M , Tollman Stephen , Whitaker John , Davies Justine
Published: June 2019

Objective

Injury burden is highest in low-income and middle-income countries. To reduce avoidable deaths, it is necessary to identify health system deficiencies preventing timely, quality care. We developed criteria to use verbal autopsy (VA) data to identify avoidable deaths and associated health system deficiencies.

Setting

Agincourt, a rural Bushbuckridge municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.

Participants

Agincourt Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance System and healthcare providers (HCPs) from local hospitals.

Methods

A literature review to explore definitions of avoidable deaths after trauma and barriers to access to care using the ‘three delays framework’ (seeking, reaching and receiving care) was performed. Based on these definitions, this study developed criteria, applicable for use with VA data, for identifying avoidable death and which of the three delays contributed to avoidable deaths. These criteria were then applied retrospectively to the VA-defined category external injury deaths (EIDs—a subset of which are trauma deaths) from 2012 to 2015. The findings were validated by external expert review. Key informant interviews (KIIs) with HCPs were performed to further explore delays to care.

Results

Using VA data, avoidable death was defined with a focus on survivability, using level of consciousness at the scene and ability to seek care as indicators. Of 260 EIDs (189 trauma deaths), there were 104 (40%) avoidable EIDs and 78 (30%) avoidable trauma deaths (41% of trauma deaths). Delay in receiving care was the largest contributor to avoidable EIDs (61%) and trauma deaths (59%), followed by delay in seeking care (24% and 23%) and in reaching care (15% and 18%). KIIs revealed context-specific factors contributing to the third delay, including difficult referral systems.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of EIDs and trauma deaths were avoidable, mainly occurring due to facility-based delays in care. Interventions, including strengthening referral networks, may substantially reduce trauma deaths.
The Its Not JUST Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Study (INJUSTIS): description of the protocol for a multicentre prospective observational cohort study identifying biomarkers of progressive fibrotic lung disease
Authors: Khan Fasihul , Stewart Iain , Howard Lucy , McKeever Tricia M , Jones Steve , Hearson Glenn , Braybrooke Rebecca , Edwards Colin , Jenkins Gisli , Saini Gauri
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The Its Not JUST Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Study (INJUSTIS) is a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study. The aims of this study are to identify genetic, serum and other biomarkers that may identify specific molecular mechanisms, reflecting disease endotypes that are shared among patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis regardless of aetiology. Furthermore, it is anticipated that these biomarkers will help predict fibrotic activity that may identify patterns of disease behaviour with greater accuracy than current clinical phenotyping.

Methods and analysis

200 participants with the multidisciplinary team confirmed fibrotic lung disease (50 each of rheumatoid-interstitial lung disease (ILD), asbestosis, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis and unclassifiable ILD) and 50 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis participants, recruited as positive controls, will be followed up for 2 years. Participants will have blood samples, lung function tests, quality of life questionnaires and a subgroup will be offered bronchoscopy. Participants will also be given the option of undertaking blinded home handheld spirometry for the first 3 months of the study. The primary end point will be identification of a biomarker that predicts disease progression, defined as 10% relative change in forced vital capacity (FVC) or death at 12 months.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has received ethical approval from the National Research Ethics Committee Nottingham (18/EM/0139). All participants must provide written informed consent. The trial will be overseen by the INJUSTIS steering group that will include a patient representative, and an independent chairperson. The results from this study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at regional and national conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03670576.
Analysis of the risk of ovarian torsion in 49 consecutive pediatric patients treated at a single institution
Authors: Sugita Koshiro , Kawano Takafumi , Motoi Mukai , Muraji Toshihiro , Onishi Shun , Moriguchi Tomoe , Yamada Koji , Yamada Waka , Masuya Ryuta , Machigashira Seiro , Nakame Kazuhiko , Kaji Tatsuru , Ieiri Satoshi
Published: June 2019

Purpose

An early diagnosis of ovarian torsion is sometimes difficult due to variable clinical symptoms and non-specific imaging findings. We retrospectively reviewed patients with pediatric ovarian masses manifesting torsion.

Methods

Fifty-eight ovarian masses (55 episodes) in 49 non-neonatal patients treated from April 1984 to March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher’s exact test were used for the statistical analysis.

Results

The median age of these 55 episodes was 10.5 years old (range 1.0–23.0). Thirty-three patients presented with abdominal pain. Forty-five tumors and 13 cystic masses were resected and diagnosed pathologically (50 benign and 8 malignant). Torsion was identified in 15 cases (25.9%) at operation. The torsion masses were all benign, and 8 ovaries (53.3%) were successfully preserved. Comparing the torsion cases with the non-torsion cases, only the white cell count was significantly higher in the torsion cases (p=0.0133) and in the patients presented with abdominal pain (p=0.0068). The duration of abdominal pain was significantly shorter in ovary preserved cases than in oophorectomy cases.

Conclusion

The white blood cell may be a helpful indicator of the presence of torsion as well as the need for surgery.
Corticospinal excitability to the biceps and triceps brachii during forward and backward arm cycling is direction- and phase-dependent
Authors: Nippard Anna. P. , Lockyer Evan. J. , Button Duane. C. , Power Kevin. E.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate corticospinal excitability to the biceps and triceps brachii during forward (FWD) and backward (BWD) arm cycling. Corticospinal and spinal excitability were assessed using transcranial magnetic stimulation and transmastoid electrical stimulation to elicit motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and cervicomedullary evoked potentials (CMEPs), respectively. MEPs and CMEPs were recorded from the biceps and triceps brachii during FWD and BWD arm cycling at 2 positions, 6 and 12 o’clock. The 6 o’clock position corresponded to mid-elbow flexion and extension during FWD and BWD cycling, respectively, while 12 o’clock corresponded to mid-elbow extension and flexion during FWD and BWD cycling, respectively. During the flexion phase, MEP and CMEP amplitudes of the biceps brachii were higher during FWD cycling. However, during the extension phase, MEP and CMEP amplitudes were higher during BWD cycling. For the triceps brachii, MEP amplitudes were higher during FWD cycling regardless of phase. However, CMEP amplitudes were phase-dependent. During the flexion phase, CMEPs of the triceps brachii were higher during FWD cycling compared with BWD, but during the extension phase CMEPs were higher during BWD cycling compared with FWD. The data suggest that corticospinal and spinal excitability to the biceps brachii is phase- and direction-dependent. In the triceps brachii, spinal, but not corticospinal, excitability is phase-dependent when comparing FWD and BWD cycling.

Novelty This is the first study to assess corticospinal excitability during FWD and BWD locomotor output. Corticospinal excitability during arm cycling depends on the direction, phase, and muscle being assessed.