bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary stabbing headache in children and adolescents
Authors: Ahmed Mas , Canlas Johnny , Mahenthiran Midusa , Al‐Ani Shatha
Published: September 2019

Aim

To examine the characteristics of primary stabbing headache (PSH) in typically developing children and adolescents.

Method

In this prospective non‐interventional hospital‐based study, we examined 42 eligible individuals (24 females, 18 males; 26 white; mean age 12y 1mo, range 6y–16y 1mo) with spontaneous transient stabs. A headache focused history and/or a headache diary was obtained from each patient. All patients had normal neurological examination. Diagnosis of primary headache was based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third Edition (ICHD‐3) beta version.

Results

Duration of stabs ranged from a few seconds to up to 10 minutes. Stabs were located in a variety of sites on the cranium but mostly in the extra‐trigeminal regions (n=28). Intensity of stabs varied from moderate (n=4) to severe (n=38). The frequency of the stabs ranged from daily to monthly. There were up to 50 stabs per headache attack. Stabs among our patients occurred independently from those caused by other primary headache types. Accompanying symptoms during stabs were reported by eight patients. Family history of primary headaches was identified (n=17). Familial transmission of PSH was recognized among two patients. All patients had normal brain magnetic resonance imaging.

Interpretation

The presentation and nature of PSH in children and adolescents varies widely. PSH in children may be a different entity to that in adults, and there is a need for further research to support changes in the ICHD‐3 criteria for PSH in children and adolescents.

What this paper adds

Presentation of childhood primary stabbing headache (PSH) varies widely.

Duration of PSH could last from a few seconds up to 10 minutes.
Effect of intravenous alteplase on ischaemic lesion water homeostasis
Authors: Broocks G. , Kniep H. , Kemmling A. , Flottmann F. , Nawabi J. , Elsayed S. , Schön G. , Thomalla G. , Fiehler J. , Hanning U.
Published: September 2019

Background and purpose

Intravenous (IV) lysis with alteplase is known to increase biomarkers of blood–brain barrier breakdown and has therefore been associated with secondary injuries such as hemorrhagic transformation. The impact of alteplase on brain edema formation, however, has not been investigated yet. The purpose was to examine the effects of IV alteplase on ischaemic lesion water homeostasis differentiated from final tissue infarct in patients with and without successful endovascular therapy (sET).

Methods

In all, 232 middle cerebral artery stroke patients were analyzed. 147 patients received IV alteplase, of whom 106 patients received subsequent sET. Out of 85 patients without IV alteplase, 50 received sET. Ischaemic brain edema was quantified at admission and follow‐up computed tomography using quantitative lesion net water uptake (NWU) and its difference was calculated (ΔNWU). The relationship of alteplase on ΔNWU and edema‐corrected final infarct volume was analyzed using univariate and multivariate linear regression models.

Results

The mean ΔNWU was 11.8% (SD 7.9) in patients with alteplase and 11.5% (SD 8.3) in patients without alteplase (P = 0.8). Alteplase was not associated with lowered ΔNWU whilst being associated with reduced edema‐corrected tissue infarct volume [−27.4 ml, 95% confidence interval (CI) −49.4 to −5.4 ml; P = 0.02], adjusted for the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score and recanalization status. In patients with sET, ΔNWU was 10.5% (95% CI 6.3%–10.5%) for patients with IV alteplase and 8.4% (95% CI 9.1%–12.0%) for patients without IV alteplase.

Conclusion

The application of IV alteplase did not significantly alter ischaemic lesion water homeostasis but was associated with reduced edema‐corrected tissue infarct volume, which might be directly linked to improved functional outcome.
Ambiguity as Dream Mentation: Supermasculinity and Ambivalence in American Dreams
Authors: Mageo Jeannette
Published: September 2019

Ambiguity, this paper argues, is not merely a property of dream imagery, but ignites a process that is dreaming thinking. When images are ambiguous, the mind cannot fix on a single meaning. Hence dream ambiguity catalyzes a play of possible meanings that implicitly raises questions, not only about personal memories but also about those cultural models that these memories evoke. Dream thinking, then, renders people's ongoing subjective reactions to culture into images. Through data from a 2004 to 2009 study of Northwest American student dreams and life histories, I propose that people think within dreams by representing daily ambivalences as visual ambiguities. Excerpts from this dream study illustrate seven types of visual ambiguity in dreams. Implicit in this taxonomy is a method of cultural dream interpretation that I present through an analysis of a full dream from a young man, Clarence. Through this analysis I show how ambiguities in Clarence's dream represent his ambivalence about an American masculinity model—one that may underlie the school shootings that are now so common in the United States.
American Marriage Revisited in the Light of Human Evolution
Authors: Quinn Naomi
Published: September 2019

This article argues for the value of interdisciplinarity by attempting to integrate an evolutionary theory of human ontogeny with psychodynamic perspectives to explain the origins of an American cultural schema of marriage. Specifically, I draw on the work of evolutionary psychologist Michael Tomasello to propose that key features of the American “cultural” schema for marriage—commitment to it and the expectations it be shared, mutually beneficial, and lasting—are understandings that arise largely out of young human children's capabilities for emotional alignment or attunement and, thereafter, for fully developed joint intentionality. This focus of the American marital relationship on joint intentionality, and on even earlier beginnings of shared intentionality, I interpret as evidence—drawing on psychodynamic theory—that marriage as an American institution is largely a defense, a regression, that allows a return or “retreat” to feelings of dependency never fully resolved in adulthood because of the extreme emphasis on independence and self‐reliance in American child‐rearing. [cultural schemas, defense mechanisms, evolutionary psychology, marriage]
Cultivating Affection‐Laden Hierarchy: Embodied Moral Socialization of Vòng Tay (Khoanh Tay) with Children in Southern Vietnam
Authors: Fung Heidi , Thu Mai Thị
Published: September 2019

By adopting a discursive practice approach, this work examines how embodied deference rituals were practiced by Vietnamese children in the Mekong Delta region. Sixty‐two video‐recorded events of vòng tay/khoanh tay performed by 23 children (ages 1.5 to 12 years) were identified; of those, 51 events performed by 12 preschool‐aged children were most rigorous and demanding. On the occasions of greeting/departing, thanking, and apology/discipline and through various communicative channels, four‐generation caregivers played different roles to coach children in proper postural display and verbal respect with affection. Children actively participated in these recurrent family interactions and acquired the cultural meaning of affection‐laden social hierarchy at a young age. Such socialization practices ensure the stability of a hierarchical structure, strengthen the mutual bond between novices and their seniors or superiors, and lay the sociocultural foundation of politeness, filial piety, and sacrifice in the family and in society at large.[affection, embodied moral socialization, social hierarchy, Vietnamese children]
Grazing simplifies soil micro‐food webs and decouples their relationships with ecosystem functions in grasslands
Authors: Wang Bing , Wu Liji , Chen Dima , Wu Ying , Hu Shuijin , Li Linghao , Bai Yongfei
Published: September 2019

Livestock grazing often alters aboveground and belowground communities of grasslands and their mediated carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling processes at the local scale. Yet, few have examined whether grazing‐induced changes in soil food webs and their ecosystem functions can be extrapolated to a regional scale. We investigated how large herbivore grazing affects soil micro‐food webs (microbes and nematodes) and ecosystem functions (soil C and N mineralization), using paired grazed and ungrazed plots at 10 locations across the Mongolian Plateau. Our results showed that grazing not only affected plant variables (e.g., biomass and C and N concentrations), but also altered soil substrates (e.g., C and N contents) and soil environment (e.g., soil pH and bulk density). Grazing had strong bottom‐up effects on soil micro‐food webs, leading to more pronounced decreases at higher trophic levels (nematodes) than at lower trophic levels (microbes). Structural equation modeling showed that changes in plant biomass and soil environment dominated grazing effects on microbes, while nematodes were mainly influenced by changes in plant biomass and soil C and N contents; the grazing effects, however, differed greatly among functional groups in the soil micro‐food webs. Grazing reduced soil C and N mineralization rates via changes in plant biomass, soil C and N contents, and soil environment across grasslands on the Mongolian Plateau. Spearman's rank correlation analysis also showed that grazing reduced the correlations between functional groups in soil micro‐food webs and then weakened the correlation between soil micro‐food webs and soil C and N mineralization. These results suggest that changes in soil micro‐food webs resulting from livestock grazing are poor predictors of soil C and N processes at regional scale, and that the relationships between soil food webs and ecosystem functions depend on spatial scales and land‐use changes.
Effect of Li2O substitution on structures and properties of Nd3+‐doped Al(PO3)3‐Li2O glasses
Authors: Guo Mengting , Yue Yu , Yu Jingbo , Shao Chongyun , Ren Jinjun , Wang Xin , Hu Lili
Published: September 2019

99.8[(1−x%)Al(PO3)3−x%Li2O]‐0.2Nd2O3 glasses (mol%, x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20) were prepared by high‐temperature melt and quenching method. The effect of Li2O replacing Al(PO3)3 on the physical, mechanical, and optical properties was correlated with the network structures and the local environment around Nd3+ ions, which were obtained via Raman scattering spectra, solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR), and pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques. SSNMR results indicate that the addition of Li+ ions cannot affect the connectivity between P and Al while it can break the P‐O‐P linkages resulting in the depolymerization of glass networks. EPR spectra indicate an increasing engagement of lithium around Nd3+ ions with the increase of Li2O. The Judd‐Ofelt (J‐O) parameters Ω4,6 increase, but Ω2 decreases. The emission cross section at 1053 nm and quantum efficiency are improved by 27% and 31%, respectively. The work is helpful for understanding the evolution mechanism of emission properties and structures in Nd3+‐doped Al(PO3)3‐Li2O phosphate glasses.
Useful prognostic tools based on complete blood cell counts in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Shimono Joji , Takahashi Shogo , Takemura Ryo , Kakinoki Yasutaka
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most frequent lymphoma. Three prognostic factors are widely used in DLBCL: International Prognostic Index (IPI), Revised‐IPI (R‐IPI), and National Comprehensive Cancer Network‐IPI (NCCN‐IPI).

Method

We established a prognostic model using peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte/absolute monocyte counts ratio (LMR), hemoglobin, and platelet counts obtained from complete blood cell counts (CBC) data at diagnosis based on 214 cases of DLBCL who received more than one course of R‐CHOP therapy at a single institution.

Results

The cutoff values for using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve for LMR, hemoglobin, and platelet counts were 1.6, 100 g/L, and 150 × 109/L, respectively. Stratification was performed using the three factors (LMR < 1.6, hemoglobin < 100 g/L, and platelet counts < 150 × 109/L). CBC Group 1 (none of the 3 factors) included 92 cases, CBC Group 2 (1 or 2 of these factors) included 108 cases, and CBC Group 3 (all 3 factors) included 11 cases. The 5‐year OS rates were 78.2%, 60.9%, and 10.1%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, CBC Group 3 (hazard ratio, 2.9760; 95% confidence interval, 1.2670‐6.991; P = .01) were prognostic factors for OS. CBC Group 3 had factors based on which the further stratification of the poor prognosis group into IPI high‐risk and R‐IPI poor‐risk groups (P = .01, <.0001, respectively) was possible.

Conclusions

In DLBCL, combination of three CBC parameters has the potential to be a useful prognostic tool.
Tetrahedral amorphous boron nitride: A hard material
Authors: Durandurdu Murat
Published: September 2019

We generate a tetrahedrally coordinated amorphous boron nitride (BN) model by means of first principles molecular dynamics calculations and report its mechanical and electrical properties in detail. The amorphous configuration is almost free from chemical disorder and consists of about 20% coordination defects, similar to tetrahedral (diamond‐like) amorphous carbon. Its theoretical band gap energy is about 2.0 eV, less than 4.85 eV estimated for cubic BN. The bulk modulus and Vickers hardness of tetrahedral amorphous BN are computed as 206 GPa and 28‐35 GPa, respectively. Based on these findings, we propose that tetrahedral noncrystalline BN can serve as electronic and hard materials as well.
A qualitative inquiry on recovery needs and resources of individuals with intellectual disabilities labelled not criminally responsible
Authors: Aga Natalie , Vander Laenen Freya , Vandevelde Stijn , Vanderplasschen Wouter
Published: September 2019

Background

Recovery is a widely accepted paradigm in mental health care, whilst the correctional and forensic–psychiatric field is still searching for foundations for its implementation. Knowledge regarding recovery of persons with intellectual disabilities in secure contexts is limited. This study assesses recovery needs and resources among persons with intellectual disabilities labelled not criminally responsible and investigates the impact of the judicial label on recovery processes.

Methods

A sample of 26 individuals was composed purposively, and in‐depth interviews were conducted. Recurrent themes were identified using thematic analysis.

Results

Traditional recovery themes emerged from the narratives, next to aspects of recovery in a forensic or correctional context. However, the operationalization and proportional impact are specific for this sample.

Conclusions

The social dimension overarches all other recovery dimensions. The integration of an explicit social rhetoric is imperative, including contextual, relational, interactional and societal dimensions. This offers pathways to reverse the traditional, paternalistic model of exclusion and classification.
Dynamic phenotypic correlates of social status and mating effort in male and female red junglefowl, Gallus gallus
Authors: Carleial Rômulo , McDonald Grant C. , Pizzari Tommaso
Published: September 2019

Despite widespread evidence that mating and intrasexual competition are costly, relatively little is known about how these costs dynamically change male and female phenotypes. Here, we test multiple hypotheses addressing this question in replicate flocks of red junglefowl (Gallus gallus). First, we test the interrelationships between social status, comb size (a fleshy ornament) and body mass at the onset of a mating trial. While comb size covaried positively with body mass across individuals of both sexes, comb size was positively related to social status in females but not in males. Second, we test for changes within individuals in body mass and comb size throughout the mating trial. Both body mass and comb size declined at the end of a trial in both sexes, suggesting that mating effort and exposure to the opposite sex are generally costly. Males lost more body mass if they (a) were socially subordinate, (b) were chased by other males or (c) mated frequently, indicating that subordinate status and mating are independently costly. Conversely, females lost more body mass if they were exposed to a higher frequency of coerced matings, suggesting costs associated with male sexual harassment and female resistance, although costs of mating per se could not be completely ruled out. Neither competitive nor mating interactions predicted comb size change in either sex. Collectively, these results support the notion that sex‐specific costs associated with social status and mating effort result in differential, sex‐specific dynamics of phenotypic change.
Pseudoparamoeba garorimi n. sp., with Notes on Species Distinctions within the Genus
Authors: Udalov Ilya A. , Lee Won Je , Lotonin Kirill , Smirnov Alexey
Published: September 2019

A new marine species of naked lobose amoebae Pseudoparamoeba garorimi n. sp. (Amoebozoa, Dactylopodida) isolated from intertidal marine sediments of Garorim Bay, Korea was studied with light and transmission electron microscopy. This species has a typical set of morphological characters for a genus including the shape of the locomotive form, type of subpseudopodia and the tendency to form the single long waving pseudopodium in locomotion. Furthermore, it has the same cell surface structures as were described for the type species, Pseudoparamoeba pagei: blister‐like glycostyles with hexagonal base and dome‐shaped apex; besides, cell surface bears hair‐like outgrowths. The new species described here lacks clear morphological distinctions from the two other Pseudoparamoeba species, but has considerable differences in the 18S rDNA and COX1 gene sequences. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rDNA placed P. garorimi n. sp. at the base of the Pseudoparamoeba clade with high PP/BS support. The level of COX1 sequence divergence was 22% between P. garorimi n. sp. and P. pagei and 25% between P. garorimi n. sp. and P. microlepis. Pseudoparamoeba species are hardly distinguishable by morphology alone, but display clear differences in 18S rDNA and COX1 gene sequences.
Association Between Osteoarthritis and Social Isolation: Data From the EPOSA Study
Authors: Siviero Paola , Veronese Nicola , Smith Toby , Stubbs Brendon , Limongi Federica , Zambon Sabina , Dennison Elaine M. , Edwards Mark , Cooper Cyrus , Timmermans Erik J. , van Schoor Natasja M. , van der Pas Suzan , Schaap Laura A. , Denkinger Michael D. , Peter Richard , Herbolsheimer Florian , Otero Ángel , Castell Maria Victoria , Pedersen Nancy L. , Deeg Dorly J.H. , Maggi Stefania ,   for the EPOSA Research Group
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there is an association between osteoarthritis (OA) and incident social isolation using data from the European Project on OSteoArthritis (EPOSA) study.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study with 12 to 18 months of follow‐up.

SETTING

Community dwelling.

PARTICIPANTS

Older people living in six European countries.

MEASUREMENTS

Social isolation was assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale and the Maastricht Social Participation Profile. Clinical OA of the hip, knee, and hand was assessed according to American College of Rheumatology criteria. Demographic characteristics, including age, sex, multijoint pain, and medical comorbidities, were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 1967 individuals with complete baseline and follow‐up data, 382 (19%) were socially isolated and 1585 were nonsocially isolated at baseline; of these individuals, 222 (13.9%) experienced social isolation during follow‐up. Using logistic regression analyses, after adjustment for age, sex, and country, four factors were significantly associated with incident social isolation: clinical OA, cognitive impairment, depression, and worse walking time. Compared to those without OA at any site or with only hand OA, clinical OA of the hip and/or knee, combined or not with hand OA, led to a 1.47 times increased risk of social isolation (95% confidence interval = 1.03‐2.09).

CONCLUSION

Clinical OA, present in one or two sites of the hip and knee, or in two or three sites of the hip, knee, and hand, increased the risk of social isolation, adjusting for cognitive impairment and depression and worse walking times. Clinicians should be aware that individuals with OA may be at greater risk of social isolation. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:87–95, 2019
Obesity‐associated mutant melanocortin‐4 receptors with normal Gαs coupling frequently exhibit other discoverable pharmacological and biochemical defects
Authors: Gillyard Taneisha , Fowler Katelyn , Williams Savannah Y. , Cone Roger D.
Published: September 2019

Mutations in the melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) are the most common cause of early syndromic obesity known. Most of these mutations result in a loss of protein expression, α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone binding, receptor trafficking or coupling to the stimulatory G‐protein, Gαs. However, approximately 26% of the obesity‐associated mutations characterised to date exhibit none of these pharmacological defects. In the present study, we investigated seven of these apparently normal mutant MC4R in more detail and found that the majority (five of the seven) exhibit marked defects including defective binding of another endogenous melanocortin ligand, defective glycosylation, and defective recruitment of β‐arrestin. These data provide support for two hypotheses: (i) that the majority of these rare, obesity‐associated mutations are likely defective and causative of obesity and (ii) that β‐arrestin recruitment is a valuable marker of normal MC4R function. Recent work has demonstrated a statistical correlation between the efficacy of β‐arrestin recruitment to the MC4R and body mass index; however, the data reported here demonstrate both decreased and increased β‐arrestin signalling in obesity‐associated MC4R mutations.
Putting the genes into community genetics
Authors: Wimp Gina M. , Tomasula Jewel , Hamilton Matthew B.
Published: September 2019

As part of the long‐term fusion of evolutionary biology and ecology (Ford, 1964), the field of community genetics has made tremendous progress in describing the impacts of plant genetic variation on community and ecosystem processes. In the “genes‐to‐ecosystems” framework (Whitham et al., 2003), genetically based traits of plant species have ecological consequences, but previous studies have not identified specific plant genes responsible for community phenotypes. The study by Barker et al. (2019) in this issue of Molecular Ecology uses an impressive common garden experiment of trembling aspen (Figure 1) to test for the genetic basis of tree traits that shape the insect community composition. Using a Genome‐Wide Association Study (GWAS), they found that genomic regions associated with phytochemical traits best explain variation in herbivore community composition, and identified specific genes associated with different types of leaf‐modifying herbivores and ants. This is one of the first studies to identify candidate genes underlying the heritable plant traits that explain patterns of insect biodiversity.
In vivo identification of small molecules mediating Gpr126/Adgrg6 signaling during Schwann cell development
Authors: Bradley Ethan C. , Cunningham Rebecca L. , Wilde Caroline , Morgan Rory K. , Klug Emma A. , Letcher Sophia M. , Schöneberg Torsten , Monk Kelly R. , Liebscher Ines , Petersen Sarah C.
Published: September 2019

Gpr126/Adgrg6, an adhesion family G protein–coupled receptor (aGPCR), is required for the development of myelinating Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Myelin supports and insulates vertebrate axons to permit rapid signal propagation throughout the nervous system. In mammals and zebrafish, mutations in Gpr126 arrest Schwann cells at early developmental stages. We exploited the optical and pharmacological tractability of larval zebrafish to uncover drugs that mediate myelination by activating Gpr126 or functioning in parallel. Using a fluorescent marker of mature myelinating glia (Tg[mbp:EGFP‐CAAX]), we screened hypomorphic gpr126 mutant larvae for restoration of myelin basic protein (mbp) expression along peripheral nerves following small molecule treatment. Our screens identified five compounds sufficient to promote mbp expression in gpr126 hypomorphs. Using an allelic series of gpr126 mutants, we parsed the ability of small molecules to restore mbp, suggesting differences in drug efficacy dependent on Schwann cell developmental state. Finally, we identify apomorphine hydrochloride as a direct small molecule activator of Gpr126 using combined in vivo/in vitro assays and show that aporphine class compounds promote Schwann cell development in vivo. Our results demonstrate the utility of in vivo screening for aGPCR modulators and identify small molecules that interact with the gpr126‐mediated myelination program.
Labour Supply and Childcare: Allowing Both Parents to Choose
Authors: Mumford Karen , Parera‐Nicolau Antonia , Pena‐Boquete Yolanda
Published: September 2019

We develop and estimate a structural model of labour supply for two parent families in Australia, taking explicit account of the importance of childcare related variables. Our main contribution is to consider the labour supply decisions of both parents and their choice of childcare simultaneously. Labour supply decisions of mothers are found to be substantially more responsive to changes in their own wage (at intensive and extensive margins) than is the case for fathers, with minimal cross‐wage labour supply responses from fathers. Our results imply that policies increasing the wage of mothers will be associated with marked increases in labour market participation and in the working hours of mothers in the Australian labour market, with little offsetting decline in the labour supply of fathers.
Red blood cell distribution width as a useful marker for severity in pediatric acute gastroenteritis
Authors: Korkmaz Muhammet Furkan , Tutanç Murat , Bostancı Muharrem , Korkmaz Merve , Salihoğlu Tuna Ercan
Published: September 2019

Background

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children is still one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Therefore, it is very important for clinicians to detect the presence and severity of acute gastroenteritis. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is thought to have the potential for AGE evaluation in children. We sought to investigate the value of RDW for severity assessment in children with AGE.

Methods

A total of 97 AGE patients were included in a prospective observational study. Complete blood count, serum C‐reactive protein, and stool examinations were carried out. Modified Vesikari score (MVS) was evaluated to determine severity.

Results

Median age was 19 months (min–max, 1–198 months). The male/female ratio was 1.55 (59/38). Rotavirus was detected in 31 of 97 children (32%). median MVS was 9 points (min–max, 5–24 points). A total of 32 (33%), 43 (44%) and 22 patients (23%) were classified in the mild‐, moderate‐, and high‐severity groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between rotavirus‐positive and rotavirus‐negative children. Hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and RDW differed significantly according to severity. RDW had the highest area under the curve when the high‐severity group was compared with the combination of low‐ and moderate‐severity groups on receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Conclusions

Red cell distribution width increased with the increase in severity of AGE. RDW may offer additional severity stratification in children with AGE.
The Fallacy of Calibrationism
Authors: Isaacs Yoaav
Published: September 2019

Calibrationism is an intuitively plausible thesis about the relation between rational credence and expected reliability. But calibrationism is misguided. It relies on the base‐rate fallacy, a classic mistake in probabilistic epistemology. Thus while calibrationism is intuitive, it cannot be correct.
Reflections on Russell Ackoff's Legacy in the Centenary Year of His Birth
Authors: McGrath Rita Gunther
Published: September 2019

Russell Ackoff's iconoclastic journey through the scholarly world illustrates just how far ahead of his time he was, and how much we all still owe him. His influence was so fundamental that today we accept his once‐controversial ideas as taken for granted realities. Every time you try to grasp the complexities of an interdependent system, try to understand the root causes of problems that appear on the surface or try to “connect the dots,” you are drawing on the groundwork laid by Russ. It would be difficult to overstate his impact.
Biochar effects on crop yields with and without fertilizer: A meta‐analysis of field studies using separate controls
Authors: Ye Lili , Camps‐Arbestain Marta , Shen Qinhua , Lehmann Johannes , Singh Balwant , Sabir Muhammad
Published: September 2019

The added value of biochar when applied along with fertilizers, beyond that of the fertilizers themselves, has not been summarized. Focusing on direct comparisons between biochar additions (≤20 t ha−1) – separately considering the addition or not of inorganic fertilizers (IF) and/or organic amendments (OA) along with biochar – and two different controls (with and without the addition ofIFand/orOA), we carried out a meta‐analysis to explain short‐term (1‐year) field responses in crop yield across different climates, soils, biochars and management practices worldwide. Compared with the non‐fertilized control, a 26% (CI: 15%–40%) increase in yield was observed with the use ofIFonly, whereas that of biochar along withIFcaused a 48% (CI: 30%–70%) increase. Compared with the use ofIFonly, the addition of biochar along withIFcaused a 15% (CI: 11%–19%) increase in yield, indicating that biochar was as effective as fertilizers in increasing crop yields when added in combination. The use of biochar alone did not increase crop yield regardless of the control considered. Whereas in the short term, liming may have partly contributed to the beneficial effect of biochar (>90% was plant‐derived) when added along withIF, a separate meta‐analysis – using those studies that reported crop yields for different years after a single biochar application – showed a 31% (CI: 17%–49%) increase in crop yield over time (≥ 3 years), which denotes the influence of biochar properties other than liming (i.e. an increase inCEC). Our results also suggest that biochar application rates > 10 t ha−1do not contribute to greater crop yield (at least in the short term). Data limitations precluded identification of the influence of feedstock, production conditions or climatic conditions without bias. As the response of crop yield to biochar addition was less a result of climatic zones or soil type than fertilizer use (chiefly N additions), the choice of nutrient addition along with biochar should be priorities for future research and development regardless of the region.
Retention and release of nutrients from polyhalite to soil
Authors: Lewis Timothy D. , Hallett Paul D. , Paton Graeme I. , Harrold Luke
Published: September 2019

Recent discoveries of polyhalite (K2SO4.MgSO4.2CaSO4.2H2O) in the UK provide an alternative to conventional fertilizer sources. This work investigated the interaction of polyhalite, commercially known as POLY4, with soil using leaching columns. Different physical forms of polyhalite (powder, crushed rock and granules) were compared to potassium chloride (KCl) for the movement of potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur (as sulphate) through the soil profile using 19.7 L of water, equivalent to 4,500 mm rainfall. The nutrients from polyhalite were found to be available at 30 cm depth, with calcium showing signs of interacting with the soil clay particles to release cationic nutrients. Polyhalite granules showed the greatest release of sulphate, magnesium and calcium as a proportion of the additional nutrient with 127%, 71% and 102%, respectively leached. For potassium, all forms of polyhalite had greater release than KCl (powder = 58%; granules = 86%; crushed rock = 57% and KCl 16%). Nutrients from polyhalite and those mobilized from soil interactions are present in soil solution indicating availability for plant growth.
An extraordinarily stable karyotype of the woody Populus species revealed by chromosome painting
Authors: Xin Haoyang , Zhang Tao , Wu Yufeng , Zhang Wenli , Zhang Pingdong , Xi Mengli , Jiang Jiming
Published: September 2019

The karyotype represents the basic genetic make‐up of a eukaryotic species. Comparative cytogenetic analysis of related species based on individually identified chromosomes has been conducted in only a few plant groups and not yet in woody plants. We have developed a complete set of 19 chromosome painting probes based on the reference genome of the model woody plant Populus trichocarpa. Using sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization we were able to identify all poplar chromosomes in the same metaphase cells, which led to the development of poplar karyotypes based on individually identified chromosomes. We demonstrate that five Populus species, belonging to five different sections within Populus, have maintained a remarkably conserved karyotype. No inter‐chromosomal structural rearrangements were observed on any of the 19 chromosomes among the five species. Thus, the chromosomal synteny in Populus has been remarkably maintained after nearly 14 million years of divergence. We propose that the karyotypes of woody species are more stable than those of herbaceous plants since it may take a longer period of time for woody plants to fix chromosome number or structural variants in natural populations.
Cardiovascular Responses During Indoor Soccer Competition
Authors: Öncen Sercan , Tanyeri Levent
Published: September 2019

In this study, the aim was to investigate the cardiovascular responses that happen in players during indoor soccer (IS) competitions. Nine participants, indoor soccer players in the Universities League, took part in the study (20.66 ± 1.87 age; 177 ± 4.5 height; 73.33 ± 8.07 weight). Cardiovascular changes happening during the competition were measured through a heart rate (HR) monitor that records once per second (Polar V800, Lake Success, NY, USA), and running distances by the Polar GPS (Polar V800, Lake Success, NY, USA) system. Maximum oxygen usage capacity of the participants (VO2max) was determined by using Yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1, one of the indirect measurement methods. Cardiovascular loads coming out during the competition were separated into three zones for the sake of better understanding: HRmax 70%, low-intensity zone; HRmax between 70-85%, moderate intensity zone; and HRmax 85% and over, high intensity zone. Descriptive statistics were used in the assessment of the data obtained. The average distance that the participants covered, according to the GPS measurements, was found to be 1617 ± 873 m, on average VO2max 47.33 ± 4,47ml.kg per min-1. The participants spent 72,2% of the time that they were active in the game in the high intensity zone. The fact that participants spent a high percentage of time in this zone that consisted of high intensity activities clearly showed that indoor soccer is an intermittent high intensity branch of sports. Participants spent 15,8% in the low intensity zone indicating that repetitive loads without the opportunity for recovery could be found. Having a high percentage of high intensity activity may negatively affect performance because of fatigue; thus, it is important to organize the optimum in-play time for the indoor soccer players to get better performance.
Caregivers’ and healthcare workers’ experiences in the management of childhood pneumonia in low- and lower middle-income countries: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Karo Sylvia John , Lizarondo Lucylynn , Stern Cindy
Published: September 2019

Objective:

The objective of this systematic review is to explore the experiences of caregivers and healthcare workers regarding the management of pneumonia in children younger than five years in low-and lower middle-income countries.

Introduction:

Pneumonia is a major cause of mortality among children younger than five years. A large percentage of these deaths occur in low-and lower-middle income countries. These deaths can be averted if the disease is recognized early and prompt medical care is sought. The ability of caregivers to detect early symptoms of pneumonia and seek prompt medical care is critical. The ability of healthcare workers to correctly diagnose and initiate early and effective treatment is also key to preventing pneumonia-related deaths.

Inclusion criteria:

This systematic review will consider qualitative studies that explored the experiences of caregivers and healthcare workers regarding the management of pneumonia in children younger than five years in low- and lower middle-income countries. The term “caregivers” primarily refers to family members, whereas the term “healthcare workers” can include nurses, doctors, community and lay healthcare workers. Only studies published in English will be included, with no date restrictions.

Methods:

The systematic review will use the JBI systematic review approach for qualitative studies, with meta-aggregation as the method of synthesis. The search for published studies will be undertaken in PubMed, Embase, Scopus and CINAHL. Gray literature will also be considered. Critical appraisal and data extraction will be conducted using the appropriate JBI tools. Following synthesis, recommendations for clinical practice and areas for future research will be identified.
“Swimming Jellyfish“: Visualizing Jet-Like Internal Flow in Coalescing Droplets
Authors: Yan Xiao , Sett Soumyadip , Feng Lezhou , Zhang Leicheng , Huang Zhiyong , Chen Feng , Miljkovic Nenad
Published: September 2019

Surface-tension-driven droplet coalescence has received significant attention due to its significant role in microfluidics, coalescence-induced droplet jumping, fluid mixing, and microscale heat and mass transfer. However, the study of internal flow characteristics of merging droplets remains a challenge due to visualization difficulty, limited droplet size control, poor droplet manipulation, and insufficient droplet front tracking. Here, in order to study droplet coalescence dynamics, a droplet dispensing and visualization system was developed. To control the size of droplets, monodispersed droplets with diameters of ≈ 40 μm were dispensed onto a superhydrophobic surface, enabling the target droplets to accumulate in volume and grow in radii. To track the internal flow front, an ethanol (20 wt %)-water mixture was used as the working fluid. Due to the unequal evaporation rate of water and ethanol, a density gradient was introduced at the liquid-gas interface of the droplets, resulting in a lower refractive index compared to that in the bulk liquid. The coalescence process of droplets with diameters of ≈ 232 μm and ≈ 1400 μm was imaged. We observed jet-like internal flow and vortex rings (“swimming jellyfish”) inside the merging droplet. It was shown that the jet-like flow underwent a significant deceleration while the vortex-ring experienced slow radial expansion. Our work not only presents a powerful platform capable of visualizing droplet coalescence hydrodynamics, but also provides insights into the internal flow dynamics during droplet coalescence.
Modeling Sand Occurrence in Petroleum Production
Authors: Abhulimen Kingsley E.
Published: September 2019

This paper presents an advanced model to predict sand occurrence and accurately estimate volumetric sand produced in petroleum production. The sand factors Ks(t), derived from the linear time combination of likelihood of occurrence λm(t) of KRS and KFS, were used to determine sand occurrence and estimate its volumetric production around well bore systems. Therefore, the measured laboratory and field log core data of elastic properties were simulated for the mechanical and hydrodynamic decementation at unobserved multiple field locations of equiprobable realizations. The critical limits for mechanical rock failure and hydrodynamic sand production were defined at sand factors equal to 1 in absolute terms. The sand model results show two distinct gradient points observed for laboratory plots of sand elastic properties: core displacement length defined as the loading point of mechanical rock failure and the flooding point for hydrodynamic fluidized incipient sand production. However, plots of elastic properties with the core length for field case show significant deviations with multiple loading rock failure and flooding sand production points most likely caused by the complex nature of rock matrix heterogeneity for the fields studied.
Determining Factor/s of Window Glazing Regarding Reduction in Electrical Energy Consumption
Authors: Dutta Arindam , Samanta Akash
Published: September 2019

Among all building envelops, windows are typically the weakest barrier to heat ingress. The building energy consumption of any conditioned building located in the tropical country is deeply governed by the amount of heat gain inside the building because heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is a major energy consumer. Hence, it can be easily inferred that the energy consumption of a building can be reduced through judicial selection of window glasses. This paper illustrated the importance of thermal transmittance (U-value) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) value of window glazing in detail and also demonstrated the energy savings potential of various types of commercially available windowpanes. The electric energy savings potential of various types of windowpanes such as tinted, reflective, single glazing, and double glazing glasses have been analyzed through eQUEST energy simulation software for a building, situated in the tropical region of India. Building architectural data and all other information regarding HVAC, lighting, etc. have been collected during the energy audit and trained in the eQUEST simulation for further analysis. The calibration of simulation model has been done using actual monthly electricity consumption data of the case building. This study depicts the percentage decrease in electrical energy consumption due to retrofitting of various commercially available window glasses compared with base building. The study also compares the importance of main two determining factor(s) U and SHGC value behind the judicial selection of proper window glazing.
Make Them Move: Understanding Visitors’ Sedentary Behavior in Protected Natural Areas. A Case Study in Spain
Authors: Farías-Torbidoni Estela , Barić Demir
Published: September 2019

Background: Protected areas are important attractions for promoting healthy life habits. Consequently, to date, a number of studies have examined the association between visitors’ characteristics and physical activities. However, little is known about the specific users inclined exclusively to have sedentary behavior during a visit. Thus, using the Alt Pirineu Natural Park (Spain) as a case study, the aim of this study is to determine the influence of sociodemographic, trip, motivational, and opinion descriptors on the likelihood of participating in sedentary behavior while visiting a protected natural area.Methods: The data used were randomly collected from visitors through an onsite structured questionnaire (N = 628).Results: Metabolic equivalent consumption was used to empirically distinguish the sedentary (22.6%) from the active (77.4%) visitor groups. A logistic regression analysis indicated that the trip and motivational descriptors explained the highest degree of the overall variation in reporting sedentary behavior.Conclusion: The study contributed to documenting the information about visitors’ behavior in protected areas, and the findings may aid park managers in developing effective management strategies for promoting and enhancing physical activity in protected natural areas.
Coinfections of Two Strains of NDM-1- and OXA-232-Coproducing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Kidney Transplant Patient
Authors: Contreras Deisy A. , Fitzwater Sean P. , Nanayakkara Deepa D. , Schaenman Joanna , Aldrovandi Grace M. , Garner Omai B. , Yang Shangxin
Published: September 2019

We report here a fatal case of carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKP) infections in a renal transplant patient without a travel history in the prior year, from whom 2 genetically different CRKP (sequence type 14 [ST14] and ST2497) strains carrying the same plasmids and antimicrobial resistance genes, including
bla
NDM-1
,
bla
OXA-232
,
bla
CTX-M-15
,
armA
, and
tet
(D), were isolated from blood and the abdominal cavity.
Interaction of ArmZ with the DNA-Binding Domain of MexZ Induces Expression of
mexXY
Multidrug Efflux Pump Genes and Antimicrobial Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kawalek Adam , Modrzejewska Magdalena , Zieniuk Bartlomiej , Bartosik Aneta Agnieszka , Jagura-Burdzy Grazyna
Published: September 2019

Multidrug efflux pumps play an important role in antibiotic resistance in bacteria. In
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, the MexXY pump provides intrinsic resistance to many antimicrobials, including aminoglycosides. The expression of the
mexXY
operon is negatively regulated by the MexZ repressor. This repression is alleviated in response to antibiotic-induced ribosome stress, which results in increased synthesis of the antirepressor ArmZ, interacting with MexZ.
Cryptic-Prophage-Encoded Small Protein DicB Protects
Escherichia coli
from Phage Infection by Inhibiting Inner Membrane Receptor Proteins
Authors: Ragunathan Preethi T. , Vanderpool Carin K.
Published: September 2019

Temperate bacteriophages can integrate their genomes into the bacterial host chromosome and exist as prophages whose gene products play key roles in bacterial fitness and interactions with eukaryotic host organisms. Most bacterial chromosomes contain “cryptic” prophages that have lost genes required for production of phage progeny but retain genes of unknown function that may be important for regulating bacterial host physiology. This study provides such an example, where a cryptic-prophage-encoded product can perform multiple roles in the bacterial host and influence processes, including metabolism, cell division, and susceptibility to phage infection. Further functional characterization of cryptic-prophage-encoded functions will shed new light on host-phage interactions and their cellular physiological implications.
Structure of the 5′ Untranslated Region of Enteroviral Genomic RNA
Authors: Mahmud Bejan , Horn Christopher M. , Tapprich William E.
Published: September 2019

Enterovirus infections are responsible for human diseases, including myocarditis, pancreatitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and poliomyelitis. The virulence of these viruses depends on efficient recognition of the RNA genome by a large family of host proteins and protein synthesis factors, which in turn relies on the three-dimensional folding of the first 750 nucleotides of the molecule. Structural information about this region of the genome, called the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR), is needed to assist in the process of vaccine and antiviral development. This work presents a model for the structure of the enteroviral 5′ UTR. The model includes an RNA element called an intrinsically disordered RNA region (IDRR). Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are well known, but correlates in RNA have not been proposed. The proposed IDRR is a 20-nucleotide region, long known for its functional importance, where structural flexibility helps explain recognition by factors controlling multiple functional states.