bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroretinogram abnormalities in non‐infectious uveitis often persist
Authors: Brouwer Anna H. , de Wit Gerard C. , ten Dam Ninette H. , Wijnhoven Ralph , van Genderen Maria M. , de Boer Joke H.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

In uveitis, a prolonged implicit time of the cone b‐wave is a characteristic electroretinogram (ERG) abnormality. We investigated whether this can improve or deteriorate over time and which clinical factors are associated with change.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. Patients with a non‐infectious uveitis were included. An ERG was measured in the first year of uveitis onset and a follow‐up ERG one year later. Changes in the implicit time of the cone b‐wave were investigated in relation to clinical parameters including the following: demographics, uveitis characteristics, treatment, best‐corrected visual acuity, optical coherence tomography parameters and fluorescein angiography scores.

Results

Of 98 eyes (63 patients), 40 showed a prolonged cone b‐wave on the first ERG, which improved in 10 eyes. Eyes with an improved ERG more often had a panuveitis with initially a higher incidence of cells in the anterior chamber during the first ERG, which resolved at the time of their follow‐up ERG. Five of the 58 eyes with a normal first ERG had a deteriorated follow‐up ERG. These eyes had more frequently an active uveitis at the time of the follow‐up ERG. Of the 78 eyes with a stable cone b‐wave, 16 had a quiescent inflammation during follow‐up. There were no differences in age or treatment.

Conclusion

In most patients with non‐infectious uveitis, ERG abnormalities appear to be irreversible, even when the inflammation becomes quiescent. However, some ERGs improved, which was associated with reduction in inflammation of the anterior chamber due to panuveitis. In contrast, a worsened ERG was associated with a persistence of inflammation.
Symmetric dimethylarginine values in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) based on oxalate nephrosis status
Authors: Speight N , Gates M , Scriven J , Stephenson T , Woolford L
Published: March 2020

Oxalate nephrosis is a prevalent renal disease in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) of the Mount Lofty Ranges population in South Australia. The symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) assay is widely used in companion animals to diagnose renal disease, particularly in the early stages. This study aimed to determine: (1) reference intervals for SDMA in koalas and (2) SDMA values of koalas with oxalate nephrosis. Blood samples were collected from 41 Mount Lofty Ranges koalas euthanased on welfare grounds. Koalas were necropsied and, based on renal histopathology, were classified as unaffected (n = 22) or affected (n = 19) by oxalate nephrosis. Serum or plasma samples were analysed for creatinine, urea and SDMA and urine samples for urine specific gravity (USG). The reference interval for SDMA in unaffected koalas was 2.4–22.9 μg/dL. In koalas with oxalate nephrosis, SDMA was elevated in 74% of cases above the upper limit of the confidence interval. SDMA was elevated in three affected koalas with normal creatinine values. A positive correlation was found between SDMA and creatinine (R = 0.775, P < 0.001) and SDMA and urea (R = 0.580, P < 0.001) and a negative correlation between SDMA and USG (R = −0.495, P = 0.027). In conclusion, SDMA correlates well with other commonly used tests of renal function in koalas and should be included as part of the standard diagnostic process to increase the accuracy of oxalate nephrosis diagnosis in koalas.
Senior civil servants in Quebec and strategic information transmission: A game theory‐driven approach
Authors: Béchard Benoît
Published: March 2020

Recently, certain mediatized events in Quebec have demonstrated that senior civil servants could control the information intended for elected officials. Is it possible that senior civil servants behave strategically in sharing information with politicians? Based on a game theory‐driven approach, the study offers in‐depth testimonies to illustrate the strategic dimensions of information transmission, which sometimes occurs between ADMs and elected officials. Quebec senior civil servants occasionally benefit from discretionary authority with respect to information and use it to promote specific lines of thought. Furthermore, elected officials and senior civil servants sharing similar views on specific public issues could facilitate information transmission.
Efficiently accumulating germ‐like stem cells from mouse postnatal ovary by in situ tissue culture
Authors: Zhang Meizi , Liu Li , Cao Xiaomin , Liu Ye , Di Jianyong , Huang Xiuying , Sun Fangzhen , Huang Weihong , Xu Fengqin
Published: March 2020

Although recent studies have revealed that germline stem cells (GSCs) exist in the mouse postnatal ovary, how to efficiently obtain GSCs for regenerating neo‐oogenesis is still a technical challenge. Here, we report that using in situ tissue culture we can efficiently accumulate large amounts of proliferating germ‐like cells from mouse postnatal ovaries. Usually, more than 10,000 germ‐like cells can be derived from one ovary by this method, and over 20% of these cells can grow into germ‐like cells with self‐renewal, which thus can serve as a good cell pool to isolate GSCs by other cell assorting methods such as FACS. This method is simple and time‐saving, which should be useful for in future studies on mouse GSCs.
Combined effects of drought stress and psyllid herbivory on the invasive weed Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius
Authors: Hogg Brian N. , Moran Patrick J.
Published: March 2020

Increases in the frequency and duration of droughts under global climate change could have implications for plant–insect interactions, and could either increase or decrease the effects of weed biological control agents. In this study, we used greenhouse and field experiments to examine the impacts of drought stress on the abundance and impacts of the adventive psyllid Arytainilla spartiophila Forster (Hemiptera: Psyllidae, Arytaininae) on its target weed Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link (Fabaceae), in California, USA. The psyllid impacted plant growth in both field and greenhouse experiments, whereas drought stress affected plant growth in the greenhouse only, suggesting that other factors besides water availability may be more limiting for plants in the field. Effects on psyllid survival were consistent with the plant vigor hypothesis, which predicts that herbivores will perform better on vigorously growing plants; psyllid numbers were lower on drought‐stressed plants in the greenhouse and were correlated with plant growth in both the greenhouse and the field. In the greenhouse, the combined effects of the psyllid and drought stress were additive, indicating that the effects of the psyllid were consistent across unstressed and drought‐stressed plants. Although the psyllid is unlikely to control Scotch broom on its own, results suggest that it may work in conjunction with drought stress to suppress Scotch broom.
Experimental field test of the influence of generalist stingless bees (Meliponini) on the topology of a bee–flower mutualistic network in the tropics
Authors: Gruchowski‐Woitowicz Franciélli Cristiane , da Silva Cláudia Inês , Ramalho Mauro
Published: March 2020

1. Generalists are assumed to play a key role in structuring and stabilising animal–plant mutualistic networks. Until now, analyses on the effects of generalists have been based on empirical field data or simulations. The present natural field experiment manipulated the abundance of a generalist and abundant stingless bee [Melipona(Eomelipona)marginata] to determine the effects on the mutualistic network.

2. Networks were generated, and associated metrics were used for comparing replicate plots with and without the insertion of stingless bee nests.

3. Unweighted metrics and the basic qualitative structural pattern of networks (high nestedness, very low modularity and specialisation) was not affected by experimental variation in stingless bee abundance because they exert strong basal effects on the plant–pollinator community under natural conditions of abundance. Still, increased abundance caused significant variation in weighted nestedness and modularity and community‐level specialisation.

4. Supporting predictions of neutral models, increased abundance of the stingless bee led to an increase in most of its specific metrics, expressing the expansion of its realised trophic niche.

5. During this process, specialist and other generalist bees were affected in different ways. More plant species became even more dependent on this stingless bee (increased asymmetry).

6. Long‐term effects could not be inferred directly from instantaneous values of network metrics. Nonetheless, the increased abundance of the generalist stingless bee may both reduce the local level of ecological specialisation in the short term and affect the spatial distribution of less abundant and/or specialist bee species and plants in the long term.
Identification of the CD200R1 promoter and the association of its polymorphisms with the risk of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lin S. , He L. , Shen R. , Fang F. , Pan H. , Zhu X. , Wang M. , Zhou Z. , Liu Z. , Wang X. , Fang S. , Sun X. , Wang Y. , Chen S. , Ding J.
Published: March 2020

Background and purpose

Neuroinflammation is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Abnormal activation of microglia plays a key role in this pathological process. CD200R1 is a membrane glycoprotein that is expressed primarily on myeloid cells including microglia and is involved in the maintenance of microglia in a stationary state. Our previous study reported that the regulation of CD200R1 expression is altered in PD patients. Such alteration will lead to neuroinflammation and is related to the pathogenesis of PD. The possible role of promoter polymorphisms for abnormal CD200R1 expression in PD was examined in this study.

Method

The UCSC database and dual‐luciferase assays were used to confirm the promoter region of CD200R1. The promoter of CD200R1 was sequenced in 457 PD patients and 520 matched healthy controls from the Chinese Han population. Dual‐luciferase assays were conducted to examine the promoter activity of CD200R1.

Results

It was confirmed that the promoter of CD200R1 is located in the region 876–146 bp upstream of the coding DNA sequence. The frequencies of rs144721913 (P = 0.001) and rs72952157 (P = 0.022) in the promoter were significantly different between the PD group and control group. rs144721913 increases the risk of PD by approximately 14‐fold and rs72952157 by 2.6‐fold. The dual‐luciferase assay indicated that the rs144721913 T allele and the rs72952157 G allele reduced the transcriptional activity of the CD200R1 promoter.

Conclusions

For the first time the promoter region of CD200R1 has been defined and two potential risk polymorphisms (rs144721913 and rs72952157) in the region for PD in Chinese Han populations have been reported.
Focal and generalized seizure activity after local hippocampal or cortical ablation of NaV1.1 channels in mice
Authors: Jansen Nico A. , Dehghani Anisa , Breukel Cor , Tolner Else A. , van den Maagdenberg Arn M. J. M.
Published: March 2020

Early onset seizures are a hallmark of Dravet syndrome. Previous studies in rodent models have shown that the epileptic phenotype is caused by loss‐of‐function of voltage‐gated NaV1.1 sodium channels, which are chiefly expressed in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons. Recently, a possibly critical role has been attributed to the hippocampus in the seizure phenotype, as local hippocampal ablation of NaV1.1 channels decreased the threshold for hyperthermia‐induced seizures. However, the effect of ablation of NaV1.1 channels restricted to cortical sites has not been tested. Here we studied local field potential (LFP) and behavior in mice following local hippocampal and cortical ablation of Scn1a, a gene encoding the α1 subunit of NaV1.1 channels, and we compared seizure characteristics with those of heterozygous global knockout Scn1‐/+ mice. We found a high incidence of spontaneous seizures following either local hippocampal or cortical ablation, notably during a transient time window, similar to Scn1a‐/+ mice. Nonconvulsive seizure activity in the injected area was common and preceded generalized seizures. Moreover, mice were susceptible to hyperthermia‐induced seizures. In conclusion, local ablation of NaV1.1 channels in the hippocampus and cortex results in focal seizure activity that can generalize. These data indicate that spontaneous epileptic activity may initiate in multiple brain regions in Dravet syndrome.
Effect of rearing style on the development of social behaviour in young ravens (Corvus corax)
Authors: Boucherie Palmyre H. , Blum Christian , Bugnyar Thomas
Published: March 2020

Early social experiences can affect the development and expression of individual social behaviour throughout life. In particular, early‐life social deprivations, notably of parental care, can later have deleterious consequences. We can, therefore, expect rearing procedures such as hand‐raising—widely used in ethology and socio‐cognitive science—to alter the development of individual social behaviour. We investigated how the rearing style later affected (a) variation in relationship strength among peers and (b) individuals’ patterns of social interactions, in three captive groups of juvenile non‐breeders consisting of either parent‐raised or hand‐raised birds, or a mix of both rearing styles. In the three groups, irrespectively of rearing style: strongest relationships (i.e., higher rates of association and affiliations) primarily emerged among siblings and familiar partners (i.e., non‐relatives encountered in early life), and mixed‐sex and male–male partners established relationships of similar strength, indicating that the rearing style does not severely affect the quality and structure of relationships in young ravens. However, compared to parent‐raised ravens, hand‐raised ravens showed higher connectedness, i.e., number of partners with whom they mainly associated and affiliated, but formed on average relationships of lower strength, indicating that social experience in early life is not without consequences on the development of ravens’ patterns of social interaction. The deprivation of parental care associated with the presence of same‐age peers during hand‐raising seemed to maximize ravens’ propensity to interact with others, indicating that besides parents, interactions with same‐age peers matter. Opportunities to interact with, and socially learn from peers, might thus be the key to the acquisition of early social competences in ravens.
Something old, something new: Evolution of Colombian weedy rice (Oryza spp.) through de novo de‐domestication, exotic gene flow, and hybridization
Authors: Hoyos Verónica , Plaza Guido , Li Xiang , Caicedo Ana L.
Published: March 2020

Weedy rice (Oryza spp.) is a worldwide weed of domesticated rice (O. sativa), considered particularly problematic due to its strong competition with the crop, which leads to reduction in yields and harvest quality. Several studies have established multiple independent origins for weedy rice populations in the United States and various parts of Asia; however, the origins of weedy rice in South America have not been examined in a global context. We evaluated the genetic variation of weedy rice populations in Colombia, as well as the contributions of local wild Oryza species, local cultivated varieties, and exotic Oryza groups to the weed, using polymorphism generated by genotyping by sequencing (GBS). We found no evidence for genomic contributions from local wild Oryza species (O. glumaepatula, O. grandiglumis, O. latifolia, and O. alta) to Colombian weedy rice. Instead, Colombian weedy rice has evolved from local indica cultivars and has also likely been inadvertently imported as an exotic pest from the United States. Additionally, weeds comprising de novo admixture between these distinct weedy populations now represent a large proportion of genomic backgrounds in Colombian weedy rice. Our results underscore the impressive ability of weedy rice to evolve through multiple evolutionary pathways, including in situ de‐domestication, range expansion, and hybridization.
Conditional Inclusion: Sexual Minorities, Tolerance, and Nationalism
Authors: Kazama Takashi
Published: March 2020

This article discusses how the approach towards sexual minorities has shifted from exclusion to inclusion between the mid‐1980s and the present, and explores how the view that Japan is more tolerant of sexual minorities than the USA and Europe actually limits discussions on citizenship. An examination of the AIDS crisis and the Fuchu Youth Center court case in the 1980s and 1990s shows that gay men were regarded as a threat to national identity, seen to endanger Japan and whose sexuality was deemed to be unintelligible. In a word, their citizenship was denied. In the 2010s the ruling Liberal Democratic party issued a report on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) issues, which examined measures aimed at achieving equality for those who suffer from SOGI discrimination. While sexual minorities became an object of inclusion, only partial and circumscribed citizenship was granted. Although the report ostensibly aims to promote SOGI diversity, it relegates the existence of minorities to the private sphere, and limits diversity by demanding the acceptance of a “tolerant culture” predicated on heterosexism and gender norms. By positioning their diversity effort in Japan's “tolerant traditional culture,” the party inadvertently incorporates nationalism and renders it central to their approach towards SOGI diversity. This article concludes that the discourse that the Japanese state is tolerant of sexual minorities undermines the recognition of sexual minorities’ citizenship.
Understanding the role of Facebook to support women with endometriosis: A Malaysian perspective
Authors: Wilson Sharon , Mogan Surita , Kaur Kiran
Published: March 2020

Aims

To examine the pertinent issues discussed by endometriosis patients in Malaysia on MyEndosis Facebook group as an alternative platform for online support.

Methods

Using thematic analysis based on three frameworks, 120 posted messages and comments were examined from MyEndosis Facebook group—a support group for women with endometriosis from January to July 2014.

Results

Results showed the issues discussed were (a) personal struggles, (b) medication and treatment, (c) alternative medication, (d) side effects, and (e) medication recommended by doctors. While using this social medium, users found (a) emotional support, (b) esteem support, (c) information support, (d) network support, and (e) tangible assistance in their engagement with others.

Conclusion

The analysis suggested that users' interactions were structured around information, emotion, and community building, which many doctors and nurses were not aware of. The group was shaped as a social network where peer users share social support, cultivate companionship, and exert social influence.
Poleward non‐breeding migration of a breeding population: challenging the traditional perspective of avian migration
Authors: Friedemann Guilad , Leshem Yossi , McClain Krystaal M. , Bohrer Gil , Bar‐Massada Avi , Izhaki Ido
Published: March 2020

Migration is a fundamental ecological phenomenon, which in the Northern Hemisphere involves directed movements between northern breeding grounds and southern non‐breeding grounds. Migratory movements in the opposite direction to the prevailing seasonal routes had been seldom studied and are considered to be an exceptional behavior of animals. Here we present novel insights on avian movement and challenge the traditional perspective of avian migration, by revealing an exceptional movement pattern. We combine analyses of a large dataset based on high‐frequency GPS animal tracking data, deployed on the breeding population of the Judean long‐legged buzzard Buteo rufinus (LLB), along with analyses of remotely sensed data (of a satellite‐based greenness index NDVI – normalized difference vegetation index) to reveal the migratory patterns of this population. This species had never been tagged before and its annual movements were previously unknown. We show that the Judean LLB population is migratory rather than sedentary, and that this population performs a poleward non‐breeding migration from their southern breeding grounds in Israel to their northern non‐breeding grounds in Syria, Turkey and Russia. We suggest that this unusual phenomenon is likely related to food availability in their breeding and non‐breeding grounds. We provide support to the hypothesis that LLBs occupy rich environments, track specific ecological productivity levels along latitude gradients, and maintain consistently lower NDVI levels across their annual cycle compared to NDVI values available in their respective home range. These low NDVI levels are linked to the foraging ecology of LLBs, which forage in relatively open areas characterized by low vegetation. To the best of our knowledge, we present here a most extreme departure from the seasonally appropriate migratory direction of most avian species, by showing a significant poleward non‐breeding pattern and by providing a possible suggestion for this behavior.
Reduced reporting of neuropsychiatric adverse events with tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors for hidradenitis suppurativa: caution before concluding for risk reduction
Authors: Raschi E. , Salvo F. , La Placa M. , Poluzzi E. , De Ponti F.
Published: March 2020

Linked article: M.A. Gupta et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020;34: e431–e432. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16378.
Linking local movement and molecular analysis to explore philopatry and population connectivity of the southern stingray Hypanus americanus
Authors: Schwanck Tanja N. , Schweinsberg Maximilian , Lampert Kathrin P. , Guttridge Tristan L. , Tollrian Ralph , O'Shea Owen
Published: March 2020

Limited data pertaining to life history and population connectivity of the data‐deficient southern stingray (Hypanus americanus) are available. To determine potential vulnerabilities of their populations, this study aimed to analyse their movement patterns and genetic variability. A population of southern stingrays encompassing nine sites around Cape Eleuthera, the Bahamas, has been monitored using mark‐recapture, spanning a 2.5 year period. Out of 200 individual stingrays, more than a third were encountered again. The home range of the females appears to be restricted, which supports the notion of high site residency. As resident populations of stingrays could suffer from a lack of population connectivity and be predestined for genetic isolation and local extirpation, this study further investigated the genetic connectivity of four sample sites in the central and western Bahamas. A haplotype analysis from the mitochondrial D‐loop region showed that no distinct population structure strictly correlated with the sample site. These findings were complemented by five microsatellite loci that revealed high degrees in genotypic variability and little population differentiation. The results suggest gene flow mediated by both males and females.
Law and Precariousness in an Authoritarian State: The Case of Illegal House Construction in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Tu Phuong
Published: March 2020

While sociolegal research in authoritarian regimes has examined the cultural and regulatory factors accounting for why and how people bypass, manipulate, or resist the law, little attention has been paid to an important double‐edged effect of law in legitimating and sanctioning subversive or illegal behavior. Through an examination of illegal house construction in peri‐urban Vietnam, this study fills this gap by drawing attention to the relationship between law and precariousness. Precariousness influences individuals’ perceptions of and behavior toward the law; at the same time, however, law creates and reinforces precariousness, a condition of vulnerability and uncertainty subject to the local state's discretion and compassion.
Shakespeare and cognition: Scientism, theory, and 4E
Authors: Kaethler Mark
Published: March 2020

Since 2001, there have been copious applications of cognitive science to Shakespeare and some to the work of other early modern authors, but have these yielded any new perspectives on the drama or poetry of this time period? This article distinguishes scientism or theoretical approaches that simply uphold scientific findings from interdisciplinary work that prompts scholars to revisit the literature of Shakespeare or other authors anew. In doing so, the article troubles the uniform, normative, and seemingly apolitical nature of cognitive science as well as the ways in which this framework has in some cases created a cognitive outlook that removes the brain from its lived experiences in exterior environs. Because Shakespeare's cultural capital has made him central to cognitive studies in literature, the article's debunking of quasiscientific approaches has wider implications for cognitive examinations of literature, given the common merits and regressions that have resulted from this canonical inclination to focus on a single author.
Regulatory circuits controlling Spx levels in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Ganguly Tridib , Kajfasz Jessica K. , Abranches Jacqueline , Lemos José A.
Published: March 2020

Spx is a major regulator of stress responses in Firmicutes. In Streptococcus mutans, two Spx homologues, SpxA1 and SpxA2, were identified as mediators of oxidative stress responses but the regulatory circuits controlling their levels and activity are presently unknown. Comparison of SpxA1 and SpxA2 protein sequences revealed differences at the C‐terminal end, with SpxA1 containing an unusual number of acidic residues. Here, we showed that a green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter becomes unstable when fused to the last 10 amino acids of SpxA2 but remained stable when fused to the C‐terminal acidic tail of SpxA1. Inactivation of clpP or simultaneous inactivation of clpC and clpE stabilized the GFP::SpxA2tail fusion protein. Addition of acidic amino acids to the GFP::SpxA2tail chimera stabilized GFP, while deletion of the acidic residues destabilized GFP::SpxA1tail. Promoter reporter fusions revealed that spxA1 transcription is co‐repressed by the metalloregulators PerR and SloR while spxA2 transcription is largely dependent on the envelope stress regulator LiaFSR. In agreement with spxA2 being part of the LiaR regulon, SpxA2 was found to be critical for the growth of S. mutans under envelope stress conditions. Finally, we showed that redox sensing is essential for SpxA1‐dependent activation of oxidative stress responses but dispensable for SpxA2‐mediated envelope stress responses.
A new sociology of nationalism: The sociology of property and nation
Authors: Fuglestad Eirik Magnus
Published: March 2020

In this essay, I will reflect upon what has been sociology's contribution to understanding the emergence and development of nationalism and how sociology can contribute to understanding nationalism's present and future through a property rights perspective. The essay will discuss, in particular, how historical sociological analysis of property rights and property rights regimes may be central to understanding nationalism past and future. After a general and brief discussion on the current, so‐called return of nationalism, the essay starts with discussion of some late enlightenment proto‐sociologists, suggesting that these writers actually analysed some crucial early dynamics of property and sovereignty which is central to understanding nationalism. The essay then moves on to suggests why a property rights focus might be a useful perspective to understanding nationalism in the 21st century.
Permanent pacemaker implantation in pediatric heart transplant recipients: A systematic review and evidence quality assessment
Authors: Mylonas Konstantinos S. , Repanas Theodoros , Athanasiadis Dimitrios I. , Voulgaridou Aikaterini , Sfyridis Panagiotis G. , Bakoyiannis Christos , Kapelouzou Alkistis , Avgerinos Dimitrios V. , Tzifa Aphrodite , Kalangos Afksendiyos
Published: March 2020

Bradyarrhythmias are a common complication following pediatric OHT and may require permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of children undergoing PPM implantation following OHT. A PRISMA‐compliant systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed database and the Cochrane Library (end‐of‐search date: January 27, 2019). The Newcastle‐Ottawa scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute tool were used to assess the quality of cohort studies and case reports, respectively. We analyzed data from a total of 11 studies recruiting 7198 pediatric patients who underwent heart transplant. PPM implantation was performed in 1.9% (n = 137/7,198; 95% CI: 1.6‐2.2) of the patients. Most patients underwent dual‐chamber pacing (46%, 95% CI: 32.6‐59.7). Male‐to‐female ratio was 1.3:1. Mean patient age at the time of OHT was 10.1 ± 6.3. Overall, biatrial anastomosis was used in 62.2% (95% CI: 52.8‐70.6) of the patients. The bicaval technique was performed in the remaining 37.8% (95% CI: 29.4‐47.1). Sinus node dysfunction was the most frequent indication for PPM implantation (54.4%; 95% CI: 42.6‐65.7) followed by AV block (45.6%; 95% CI: 34.3‐57.3). The median time interval between OHT and PPM implantation ranged from 17 days to 12.5 years. All‐cause mortality was 27.9% (95% CI: 18.6‐39.6) during a median follow‐up of 5 years. PPM implantation is rarely required after pediatric OHT. The most common indication for pacing is sinus node dysfunction, and patients undergoing biatrial anastomosis may be more likely to require PPM.
Successful treatment of Pityriasis Versicolor by photodynamic therapy mediated by methylene blue
Authors: Alberdi Enrique , Gómez Clara
Published: March 2020

Background

Although systemic therapies are recommended for severe or recalcitrant cases of pityriasis versicolor (PV), they are not free of important side effects and drug interactions. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes the action of singlet oxygen and free radicals produced by a light‐activated photosensitizer to kill viruses, bacteria, or fungi. In this study, the effect of a PDT mediated by methylene blue (MB) in PV was evaluated.

Methods

Five women with PV disseminated on the back and diagnosed by fresh microscopic analysis were treated with a solution of MB (2%) applied to the PV lesions for 3 minutes. Next, a red LED lamp (λ = 630±5 nm, 37 J/cm2), placed 100 mm from the skin for 10 minutes, was applied on the dyed PV lesions. Six sessions of MB/PDT were implemented with a 2‐week interval in between. Wood's lamp examination was used to monitor fungal infection at each time point.

Results

Complete cure was observed in the five women at the 4 weeks post‐treatment follow‐up. Fluoresce images from PV lesions by Wood's lamp allowed to evaluate whether the lesions were healed or not at each time point. No patient showed relapse at the 6‐month follow‐up. The patients did not have any adverse effect, and good cosmetic outcome was observed.

Conclusions

Six sessions of MB/PDT spaced at 14‐day intervals are sufficient for the treatment for PV in healthy patients.
Protection‐adjusted UV dose estimated for body areas: Daily self‐reported sun protection modification of wearable UV sensor dose
Authors: Robinson June K. , Durst Dalya A. , Gray Elizabeth , Kwasny Mary
Published: March 2020

Background

During the last 20 years, 50% of adults with sun‐sensitive skin have sunburned annually. Reducing the proportion of people who sunburn requires understanding the circumstances and outdoor activities during which at‐risk people sunburn.

Methods

A 7‐day observational study of melanoma survivors (n = 20) and young adult first‐degree relatives of melanoma survivors (FDRs) (n = 20) captured daily UV exposure, sun protection, and sunburns during spring and summer in the Midwest of the United States (latitude 41.8°N). Participants wore UV and physical activity sensors and completed a daily self‐reported survey of sun protection, sunburn, and physical activities. The estimated protection‐adjusted UV dose was calculated for each body area by integrating self‐reported sun protection with UV sensor dose.

Results

In 254 days, at least one body area in 9 of 20 (45%) melanoma survivors and 11 of 20 (55%) FDRs was sunburned (erythema at 24 hours). Sunburns were associated with spring and walking for transportation or leisure, especially walking the dog. Melanoma survivors used sunscreen daily on the face; however, forearms and lower legs were not protected during walking. Young adults did not use sun protection on the face, forearms or lower legs during walking for transportation and use was ineffective during sports.

Conclusion

The sun protection patterns of daily living identified in this study may promote recognition of erythema as sunburn and inform the development of tailored sun protection mobile applications promoting self‐monitoring with wearable UV sensors.
Identification of differential protein recognition pattern between Naegleria fowleri and Naegleria lovaniensis
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Sánchez Mara , Carrasco‐Yepez Maria Maricela , Herrera‐Díaz Jorge , Rojas‐Hernández Saul
Published: March 2020

Many pathogenicity factors are involved in the development of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by N fowleri. However, most of them are not exclusive for N fowleri and they have not even been described in other nonpathogenic Naegleria species. Therefore, the objective of this work was to identify differential proteins and protein pattern recognition between Naegleria fowleri and Naegleria lovaniensis using antibodies anti‐N fowleri as strategy to find vaccine candidates against meningoencephalitis. Electrophoresis and Western blots conventional and 2‐DE were performed for the identification of antigenic proteins, and these were analysed by the mass spectrometry technique. The results obtained in 2‐DE gels and Western blot showed very notable differences in spot intensity between these two species, specifically those with relative molecular weight of 100, 75, 50 and 19 kDa. Some spots corresponding to these molecular weights were identified as actin fragment, myosin II, heat shock protein, membrane protein Mp2CL5 among others, with differences in theoretical post‐translational modifications. In this work, we found differences in antigenic proteins between both species, proteins that could be used for a further development of vaccines against N fowleri infection.
Assessing the Organizational Culture of Higher Education Institutions in an Era of #MeToo
Authors: Dolamore Stephanie , Richards Tara N.
Published: March 2020

Sexual harassment was established as a form of sex discrimination in institutions of higher education (IHEs) under Title IX of the Education Amendments to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Since then, decades of victimization surveys beginning in the 1980s show that sexual misconduct continues to be a significant problem for IHEs. Estimates suggest that as many as 25 percent of college women experience a sexual assault while in college, while as many as 34 percent experience attempted or completed unwanted kissing, sexual touching using physical force, threat of physical force, and/or verbal coercion during their college career. In this Viewpoint essay, the authors propose the Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct Framework as a tool to assess and cultivate an organizational culture that is responsive to these concerning trends. Pulling from an interdisciplinary body of scholarship and the philosophy of the #MeToo movement, this tool is a starting place for the continued dialogue that is needed to more fully address sexual misconduct on college campuses.
Disease progression across the spectrum of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A multicentre study
Authors: Sgalla Giacomo , Lo Greco Erminia , Calvello Mariarosaria , Varone Francesco , Iovene Bruno , Cerri Stefania , Donatelli Pierluigi , Vancheri Ada , Pavone Mauro , Luppi Fabrizio , Vancheri Carlo , Richeldi Luca
Published: March 2020

Background and objective

In clinical practice, a working diagnosis of IPF may be performed to provide effective antifibrotic treatment to patients who cannot undergo SLB. In this study, we compared the disease course across IPF diagnostic categories in a real‐life clinical setting to clarify the appropriateness of a working diagnosis of IPF and treatment initiation in these patients.

Methods

Longitudinal data from IPF patients receiving antifibrotic treatment (pirfenidone or nintedanib) were retrospectively collected at three tertiary centres in Italy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare time to death and to a composite endpoint of disease progression between two diagnostic subgroups, that is, patients with UIP on HRCT and/or SLB, and patients with possible UIP and no histological confirmation.

Results

A total of 249 IPF patients were included in the analysis. Among patients with a possible UIP pattern on HRCT, 41 (55%) were prescribed antifibrotic treatment (either nintedanib or pirfenidone) despite absence of histological confirmation. This group demonstrated similar mortality and disease progression as compared to patients with a definite diagnosis of IPF as per diagnostic guidelines (log‐rank test P = 0.771 and P = 0.139, respectively). Such findings were confirmed on multivariate analysis (HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.49–2.89, P = 0.7 for death; HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 0.83–2.44, P = 0.201 for disease progression).

Conclusion

In patients receiving antifibrotics following a working diagnosis of IPF, disease progression rates were similar to patients with a confident diagnosis of IPF according to consensus guidelines, supporting the rationale for treatment initiation in these patients by expert multidisciplinary teams.
Properties of dust source material and volcanic ash in Iceland
Authors: Butwin Mary K. , Pfeffer Melissa A. , von Löwis Sibylle , Støren Eivind W. N. , Bali Eniko , Thorsteinsson Throstur
Published: March 2020

The volcanic origin, primarily basaltic, of most of the surface material in Iceland influences its physical properties and appearance. Size distributions, shape analyses and melting experiments were made for surface material collected in high‐erosion dust source areas and fresh volcanic ash deposits to determine whether they differ from one another and from dust from other major dust sources. The major differences found between Icelandic dust and dust from other major dust sources in the world, such as the Sahara, are in the particle shapes, lower density and darker colour. Icelandic dust particles greater than 20 μm retain volcanic morphological properties that are also found in fresh volcanic ash. Dust and fresh volcanic ash particles less than 20 μm are crystalline and blocky in nature, similar to the dust from other global source regions. The finer grained (<20 μm) Icelandic particles will have similar suspension and transport behaviours and be similarly hazardous to health and infrastructure as non‐Icelandic dust. The coarser particles (>20 μm) will have different suspension and transport behaviours than other dusts due to the volcanic morphology. Icelandic surface material has between 5% and 30% glassy particles compared to fresh volcanic ash which has more than 50% glassy particles. Glassy particles were observed to melt at a lower temperature than the mineral grains; and, as a result, volcanic ash is found to be more threatening to aircraft engines than the typical dust from Iceland. Icelandic dust was observed to be blocky, or plate‐like in the respirable size fraction, suggesting similar health hazards as dust from other regions.
Developing and validating a new multi‐dimensional scale for anti‐social behavior in a higher education setting
Authors: Mahmoud Ali B. , Hack‐polay Dieu , Fuxman Leonora , Massetti Brenda , Al Samarh A. Zaher
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this research is to construct and validate a multi‐dimensional scale of Anti‐social Behavior (hereafter ASB) in a Western higher education context (i.e., USA). To achieve this, four studies, each with a different sample, were performed. Study 1 (n = 150) followed an exploratory design to generate a pool of potential items measuring ASB. Study 2 (n = 254) explored the dimensionality of the items produced in Study 1 using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability measures. Study 3 (n = 654) confirmed the factorial structure from Study 2 and assessed the measurement model invariance using structural equation modeling (SEM). Finally, Study 4 (n = 287) assessed the predictive validity of the ASB measure through testing a hypothetical path model linking ASB to narcissism and Machiavellianism via an SEM procedure. In total, our research findings conclude that the ASB measurement model is a two‐factor multi‐dimensional structure comprising: Interpersonal Antagonistic Behavior (six items) as well as Indirect Distractive Behavior (four items). The research and practical implications for universities are thereafter discussed.
Preliminary flood risk assessment: Case study of systematic processing of available or readily derivable information
Authors: Solín Ľubomír , Rusnák Miloš
Published: March 2020

The paper presents a methodological approach to preliminary flood risk assessment, which is conceptually based on the regional typing and integrated flood risk assessment. From the above conceptual bases, two key tasks arise: (1) establishing a basic spatial unit for preliminary flood risk assessment and (2) specifying its attributes in relation to the flood hazard and vulnerability (negative consequences), which correspond to assessment on a national scale. The basic spatial unit is defined as the municipality district. The methodological procedure of the preliminary flood risk assessment is based on an assessment of the impact of the district’s attributes on the potential of the flood hazard and negative flood consequences in the form of indicators, which are aggregated to subindices and indices. The flood risk potential index is determined as an aggregation of the flood hazard potential index and flood consequences potential index.
Discrete Time-Coupled State-Dependent Riccati Equation Control of Nonlinear Mechatronic Systems
Authors: Wang Xin
Published: March 2020

A discrete-time-coupled state-dependent Riccati equation (CSDRE) control strategy is structured in this paper for synthesizing state feedback controllers satisfying the combined nonlinear quadratic regulator (NLQR) and H∞ robust control performance objectives. Under smoothness assumptions, the nonlinear plant dynamics can be formulated into state-dependent coefficient form through direct parameterization. By solving a pair of coupled state-dependent Riccati equations, the optimal stabilizing solutions can achieve inherent stability, nonlinear quadratic optimality, and H∞ disturbance attenuation performance. The established two-player Nash's game theory is utilized for developing both of the finite and infinite time optimal control laws. Furuta swing-up pendulum, a representative nonholonomic underactuated nonlinear system, is stabilized in real-time for validating the robustness and potential of proposed approach in mechatronics applications.
Computational Thinking in Introductory Physics
Authors: Orban C. M. , Teeling-Smith R. M.
Published: March 2020

Computational thinking” (CT) is still a relatively new term in the lexicon of learning objectives and science standards. The term was popularized in an essay by Wing, who said, “To reading, writing and arithmetic, we should add computational thinking to every child’s analytical ability.” Agreeing with this premise, in 2013 the authors of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) included “mathematical and computational thinking” as one of eight essential science and engineering practices that K-12 teachers should strive to develop in their students. There is not yet widespread agreement on the precise definition or implementation of CT, and efforts to assess CT are still maturing, even as more states adopt K-12 computer science standards. In this article we will try to summarize what CT means for a typical introductory (i.e., high school or early college) physics class. This will include a discussion of the ways that instructors may already be incorporating elements of CT in their classes without knowing it.
Driven Series RLC Circuit and Resonance: A Graphic Approach to Energy
Authors: Kneubil Fabiana Botelho
Published: March 2020

Resonance is an important, and rather dramatic, phenomenon in physics. The mechanical case of a mass-spring oscillator is generally the first example that students encounter in introductory courses. In electromagnetism, the resonance in driven RLC circuits is presented in analogy with mechanics, since the mathematical equations describing them are similar. In this work, the resonance phenomenon is approached by means of the graphs of the power as a function of time, something unusual in textbooks on electricity. The maximum absorption of energy by the circuit at resonance is emphasized, using the mathematical solutions for this oscillation. The meanings of power delivered by the external source and energy absorbed by the system are highlighted by means of both the physical interpretation of the equation for P(t) and the graphs of the power vs. time.
Visualizing Properties of a Quadratic Function Using Torricelli’s Fountain
Authors: Davidović Milena D. , Marković-Topalović Tatjana , Sliško Josip , Božić Mirjana
Published: March 2020

In the same chapter of his book Opera Geometrica, Torricelli published two discoveries: 1) initial velocity of a jet from a container increases with the square root of the depth of the hole; 2) he drew the pattern of jets from three openings at the wall of a container filled with water to constant level H and determined the height of the hole with maximal range. In studying the pattern, Torricelli used the mentioned law of initial velocities and Galileo’s law of free fall and projectile motion. The first Torricelli discovery is now well known in physics education under the name Torricelli’s law. But the pattern of jets from a container entered into physics literature along two ways, which we propose to name “da Vinci’s way” and “Torricelli’s way.” Along “da Vinci’s way” educators and textbook authors (Ref. 2 and textbooks and articles cited by Biser and Atkin) present incorrect drawings of jets in order to incorrectly “demonstrate” the correct Torricelli’s law. Along “Torricelli’s way” educators point out that the shape and range of a jet depend on the initial velocity as well as on the time of flight of a jet. Using algebra and calculus (instead of geometry, proportions, and narrative used by Torricelli and Galileo) the shape of trajectories, their envelope, range, and meeting of two jets at an arbitrary datum level are determined by quadratic function and quadratic equation. Their detailed mathematical analysis is presented in this paper.
USB-powered physics experiments
Authors: Lincoln James , Skorucak Anton
Published: March 2020

Physics experiments powered by a universal serial bus (USB) connection are becoming increasingly common. With teachers going through so many batteries each year, USB-powered physics provides an economical and environmentally friendly alternative. In this article, the authors discuss several ways that USB power can provide a convenient way to do physics labs. USB power not only provides an alternative to batteries, but also hand-crank generators, power supplies, and even more exotic demonstration equipment such as Tesla coils. Cell phone chargers, including wireless chargers, are also investigated with these tools. The ubiquity of USB justifies that students receive at least some laboratory exposure to them and how they work.