bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
White Matter Microstructure Predicts Focal and Broad Functional Brain Dedifferentiation in Normal Aging
Authors: Rieck Jenny R. , Rodrigue Karen M. , Park Denise C. , Kennedy Kristen M.
Published: April 2020

Ventral visual cortex exhibits highly organized and selective patterns of functional activity associated with visual processing. However, this specialization decreases in normal aging, with functional responses to different visual stimuli becoming more similar with age, a phenomenon termed “dedifferentiation.” The current study tested the hypothesis that age-related degradation of the inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), a white matter pathway involved in visual perception, could account for dedifferentiation of both localized and distributed brain activity in ventral visual cortex. Participants included 281 adults, ages 20–89 years, from the Dallas Lifespan Brain Study who underwent diffusion-weighted imaging to measure white matter diffusivity, as well as fMRI to measure functional selectivity to viewing photographs from different categories (e.g., faces, houses). In general, decreased ILF anisotropy significantly predicted both focal and broad functional dedifferentiation. Specifically, there was a localized effect of structure on function, such that decreased anisotropy in a smaller mid-fusiform region of ILF predicted less selective (i.e., more dedifferentiated) response to viewing faces in a proximal face-responsive region of fusiform. On the other hand, the whole ILF predicted less selective response across broader ventral visual cortex for viewing animate (e.g., human faces, animals) versus inanimate (e.g., houses, chairs) images. This structure–function relationship became weaker with age and was no longer significant after the age of 70 years. These findings indicate that decreased white matter anisotropy is associated with maladaptive differences in proximal brain function and is an important variable to consider when interpreting age differences in functional selectivity.
A morphological and molecular revision of lizards of the genus Marisora Hedges & Conn (Squamata: Mabuyidae) from Central America and Mexico, with descriptions of four new species
Authors: MCCRANIE JAMES R. , MATTHEWS AMY J. , HEDGES S. BLAIR
Published: April 2020

The skink genus Marisora ranges from Mexico to northern South America and occurs on some islands in the Caribbean Sea. We conducted a revision of the genus Marisora from Mexico and Central America, using new morphological and molecular data, and find support for the five previously described species (Marisora alliacea, M.aurulae, M. brachypoda, M. magnacornae, and M. roatanae) and describe four new species: Marisora lineola sp. nov., M. aquilonaria sp. nov., M. syntoma sp. nov., and M. urtica sp. nov. We show that two species previously known only from Central American islands, M. magnacornae and M. roatanae, also occur on the adjacent mainland and that two species recently placed in Alinea belong to this evolutionary clade: Marisora berengerae n. comb. and Marisora pergravis n. comb. Together with M. falconensis and M. unimarginata, these 13 species of Marisora arose mostly in the Pliocene and are largely allopatric but are sympatric and nearly sympatric at several locations in Central America where they maintain their morphological and genetic distinctiveness.
Review of the Oriental genus Neoperlops Banks, 1939 (Plecoptera: Perlidae)
Authors: MO RAORAO , WANG GUOQUAN , LI WEIHAI , MURÁNYI DÁVID
Published: April 2020

A new species of the Oriental Perlidae genus Neoperlops Banks, 1939, Neoperlops triangulatus sp. nov. is described from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China. Neoperlops gressitti Banks, 1939 is redescribed, and recorded from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for the first time. Neoperlops huanghuye (Chen, 2020) comb. n., recently described from Fujian Province from southeastern China, is transferred from Phanoperla Banks, 1938. The six species of the genus are classified in two groups of morphologically similar species.
A new species of the montane lacewing genus Rapisma McLachlan (Neuroptera, Ithonidae) from northwestern Yunnan, China
Authors: LIU XINGYUE
Published: April 2020

The genus Rapisma McLachlan, 1866 (montane lacewings) is a rare and little known group of the family Ithonidae (Insecta: Neuroptera). There have been 21 described species of Rapisma, and all of them are distributed from East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Here I report a new species of Rapisma from northwestern Yunnan, China, namely Rapisma weixiense sp. nov. The new species belongs to a group of Rapisma species with very short antennae.
Evaluation of Monin–Obukhov and Bulk Richardson Parameterizations for Surface–Atmosphere Exchange
Authors: Lee Temple R. , Buban Michael
Published: April 2020

The Land–Atmosphere Feedback Experiment (LAFE) was a field campaign to investigate influences of different land surface types on the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). The primary goals of LAFE were to better understand ABL development and structure and to improve turbulence parameterizations in numerical weather prediction models. Three 10-m micrometeorological towers were installed over different land surface types (i.e., early growth soybean, native grassland, and mature soybean) along a 1.7-km southwest–northeast-oriented line. All towers measured standard meteorological variables in addition to heat, moisture, and momentum fluxes. In this study, we used these measurements to evaluate the validity of applying Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) to represent surface–atmosphere exchange over different land surface types. We investigated relationships between stability length ζ and the dimensionless wind shear ϕm, temperature gradient ϕh, and moisture gradient ϕq as well as relationships between bulk Richardson number Rib, friction coefficient Cu, heat-transfer coefficient Ct, and moisture-transfer coefficient Cr. We evaluated the new similarity functions developed using independent datasets obtained during the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment-Southeast (VORTEX-SE). We found that using the Rib functions rather than the more traditional ζ functions to compute wind, temperature, and moisture yielded better agreement with the VORTEX-SE observations. These findings underscore limitations in MOST and motivate the need to consider modifying the functional forms of the similarity equations that form the basis for surface-layer parameterizations in numerical weather prediction models.
Effect of the North Pacific Tropospheric Waveguide on the Fidelity of Model El Niño Teleconnections
Authors: Li Ronald K. K. , Woollings Tim , O’Reilly Christopher , Scaife Adam A.
Published: April 2020

In a free-running climate model, DJF tropical–extratropical teleconnections are assessed and compared to observed teleconnections in reanalysis data. From reanalysis, the leading mode of covariability between tropical outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) and Northern Hemisphere extratropical geopotential height (Z500) is identified using maximum covariance analysis (MCA). This mode relates closely to the El Niño pattern. The GCM captures the tropical OLR well but the associated extratropical Z500 less well. The GCM climatology has an equatorward shifted North Pacific jet bias. We examine whether the difference in the teleconnection pattern is related to the GCM’s jet bias. In both a ray-tracing analysis and a barotropic model, this jet bias is shown to affect the Rossby wave propagation from the tropical Pacific into the North Pacific. These idealized model results suggest qualitatively that the MCA difference is largely consistent with linear Rossby wave dynamics. While the basic state has a larger effect on the North Pacific MCA, a Rossby wave source (RWS) bias in the Caribbean has a larger effect on the North Atlantic MCA. The North Pacific jet bias is also proposed to affect the downstream propagation of waves from North America into the Caribbean, where it affects tropical RWS and the triggering of secondary waves into the North Atlantic. We propose that climatological biases in the tropics are one underlying cause of the jet bias. Our study may also help understand the results of other climate models with similar jet biases.
Tropical and Subtropical North Atlantic Vertical Wind Shear and Seasonal Tropical Cyclone Activity
Authors: Jones Jhordanne J. , Bell Michael M. , Klotzbach Philip J.
Published: April 2020

Given recent insights into the role of anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking (AWB) in driving subseasonal and seasonal North Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity, this study further examines tropical versus subtropical impacts on TC activity by considering large-scale influences on boreal summer tropical zonal vertical wind shear (VWS) variability, a key predictor of seasonal TC activity. Through an empirical orthogonal function analysis, it is shown that subtropical AWB activity drives the second mode of variability in tropical zonal VWS, while El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) primarily drives the leading mode of variability. Linear regressions of the four leading principal components against tropical North Atlantic zonal VWS and accumulated cyclone energy show that while the leading mode holds much of the regression strength, some improvement can be achieved with the addition of the second and third modes. Furthermore, an index of AWB-associated VWS anomalies, a proxy for AWB impacts on the large-scale environment, may be a better indicator of summertime VWS anomalies. The utilization of this index may be used to better understand AWB’s contribution to seasonal TC activity.
EcoCTD for Profiling Oceanic Physical–Biological Properties from an Underway Ship
Authors: Dever Mathieu , Freilich Mara , Farrar J. Thomas , Hodges Benjamin , Lanagan Tom , Baron Andrew J. , Mahadevan Amala
Published: April 2020

The study of ocean dynamics and biophysical variability at submesoscales of O(1) km and O(1) h raises several observational challenges. To address these by underway sampling, we recently developed a towed profiler called the EcoCTD, capable of concurrently measuring both hydrographic and bio-optical properties such as oxygen, chlorophyll fluorescence, and optical backscatter. The EcoCTD presents an attractive alternative to currently used towed platforms due to its light footprint, versatility in the field, and ease of deployment and recovery without cranes or heavy-duty winches. We demonstrate its use for gathering high-quality data at submesoscale spatiotemporal resolution. A dataset of bio-optical and hydrographic properties, collected with the EcoCTD during field trials in 2018, highlights its scientific potential for the study of physical–biological interactions at submesoscales.
Evaluating Ensemble Kalman Filter Analyses of Severe Hailstorms on 8 May 2017 in Colorado: Effects of State Variable Updating and Multimoment Microphysics Schemes on State Variable Cross Covariances
Authors: Labriola Jonathan , Snook Nathan , Jung Youngsun , Xue Ming
Published: April 2020

Ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) analyses of the storms associated with the 8 May 2017 Colorado severe hail event using either the Milbrandt and Yau (MY) or the NSSL double-moment bulk microphysics scheme in the forecast model are evaluated. With each scheme, two experiments are conducted in which the reflectivity (Z) observations update in addition to dynamic and thermodynamic variables: 1) only the hydrometeor mixing ratios or 2) all microphysical variables. With fewer microphysical variables directly constrained by the Z observations, only updating hydrometeor mixing ratios causes the forecast error covariance structure to become unreliable, and results in larger errors in the analysis. Experiments that update all microphysical variables produce analyses with the lowest Z root-mean-square innovations; however, comparing the estimated hail size against hydrometeor classification algorithm output suggests that further constraint from observations is needed to more accurately estimate surface hail size. Ensemble correlation analyses are performed to determine the impact of hail growth assumptions in the MY and NSSL schemes on the forecast error covariance between microphysical and thermodynamic variables. In the MY scheme, Z is negatively correlated with updraft intensity because the strong updrafts produce abundant small hail aloft. The NSSL scheme predicts the growth of large hail aloft; consequently, Z is positively correlated with storm updraft intensity and hail state variables. Hail production processes are also shown to alter the background error covariance for liquid and frozen hydrometeor species. Results in this study suggest that EnKF analyses are sensitive to the choice of MP scheme (e.g., the treatment of hail growth processes).
Towards Raman Automation for Microplastics: Developing Strategies for Particle Adhesion and Filter Subsampling
Authors: Thaysen Clara , Munno Keenan , Hermabessiere Ludovic , Rochman Chelsea M.
Published: April 2020

Automation and subsampling have been proposed as solutions to reduce the time required to quantify and characterize microplastics in samples using spectroscopy. However, there are methodological dilemmas associated with automation that are preventing its widespread implementation including ensuring particles stay adhered to the filter during filter mapping and developing an appropriate subsampling strategy to reduce the time needed for analysis. We provide a solution to the particle adherence issue by applying Skin Tac, a non-polymeric permeable adhesive that allows microplastic particles to adhere to the filter without having their Raman signal masked by the adhesive. We also explore different subsampling strategies to help inform how to take a representative subsample. Based on the particle distributions observed on filters, we determined that assuming a homogenous particle distribution is inappropriate and can lead to over- and under-estimations of extrapolated particle counts. Instead, we provide recommendations for future studies that wish to subsample to increase the throughput of samples for spectroscopic analysis.
Effects of Workstation Type on Mental Stress: FNIRS Study
Authors: Alyan Emad , Saad Naufal M. , Kamel Nidal
Published: April 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the workstation type on the severity of mental stress by means of measuring prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation using functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

Background

Workstation type is known to influence worker’s health and performance. Despite the practical implications of ergonomic workstations, limited information is available regarding their impact on brain activity and executive functions.

Method

Ten healthy participants performed a Montreal imaging stress task (MIST) in ergonomic and nonergonomic workstations to investigate their effects on the severity of the induced mental stress.

Results

Cortical hemodynamic changes in the PFC were observed during the MIST in both the ergonomic and nonergonomic workstations. However, the ergonomic workstation exhibited improved MIST performance, which was positively correlated with the cortical activation on the right ventrolateral and the left dorsolateral PFC, as well as a marked decrease in salivary alpha‐amylase activity compared with that of the nonergonomic workstation. Further analysis using the NASA Task Load Index revealed a higher weighted workload score in the nonergonomic workstation than that in the ergonomic workstation.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that ergonomic workstations could significantly improve cognitive functioning and human capabilities at work compared to a nonergonomic workstation.

Application

Such a study could provide critical information on workstation design and development of mental stress that can be overlooked during traditional workstation design and mental stress assessments.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Opioids in Postsurgical Dental Pain
Authors: Hersh E.V. , Moore P.A. , Grosser T. , Polomano R.C. , Farrar J.T. , Saraghi M. , Juska S.A. , Mitchell C.H. , Theken K.N.
Published: April 2020

Postsurgical dental pain is mainly driven by inflammation, particularly through the generation of prostaglandins via the cyclooxygenase system. Thus, it is no surprise that numerous randomized placebo-controlled trials studying acute pain following the surgical extraction of impacted third molars have demonstrated the remarkable efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, etodolac, diclofenac, and ketorolac in this prototypic condition of acute inflammatory pain. Combining an optimal dose of an NSAID with an appropriate dose of acetaminophen appears to further enhance analgesic efficacy and potentially reduce the need for opioids. In addition to being on average inferior to NSAIDs as analgesics in postsurgical dental pain, opioids produce a higher incidence of side effects in dental outpatients, including dizziness, drowsiness, psychomotor impairment, nausea/vomiting, and constipation. Unused opioids are also subject to misuse and diversion, and they may cause addiction. Despite these risks, some dental surgical outpatients may benefit from a 1- or 2-d course of opioids added to their NSAID regimen. NSAID use may carry significant risks in certain patient populations, in which a short course of an acetaminophen/opioid combination may provide a more favorable benefit versus risk ratio than an NSAID regimen.
Should I Buy This? A Decision‐Making Tool for Surgical Value‐Based Purchasing
Authors: Nassiri Ashley M. , Garrett C. Gaelyn , Dail Teresa L. , Tiwari Vikram , Haynes David S. , Rivas Alejandro , Langerman Alexander J.
Published: April 2020

Many considerations affect the value that a new instrument or product may generate in a surgical practice. This review serves as a guide for surgeons considering new purchases and/or wishing to advocate for hospital acquisition of new items. A summary of data from academic and industry practices is presented, with pertinent examples using relevant surgical devices such as disposable devices, laparoscopic trocars, and otologic endoscopes. Surgeons considering incorporating a new instrument or technology within their practice should weigh the following factors before decision making: patient and clinical care factors, surgeon and care team factors, and hospital factors such as cost, revenue, and sourcing. A surgeon well‐versed in stakeholder interests who is involved in the purchase of a new instrument may have significant influence in value‐based decision making that not only affects his or her practice but ultimately maximizes value for the patient.
Outcomes and Complications with Topical Epinephrine in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Nesbitt Nicholas B. , Noller Michael W. , Watson Nora L. , Soneru Christian P. , McCoul Edward D. , Riley Charles A.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of topical epinephrine in adults undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, and Ovid MEDLINE online databases.

Review Methods

Non–case report English articles studying the effects of topical epinephrine as the topical vasoconstrictor used in adult ESS were found from the online databases through January 2019. The PRISMA literature selection process was used (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses).

Results

An overall 2216 articles were identified, with 9 meeting inclusion criteria involving a total of 5043 patients. All 9 studies assessed the safety of topical epinephrine, while 5 examined efficacy. Intraoperative average blood loss (ABL) ranged from 60 to 426 mL. Topical epinephrine concentrations varied from 1:1000 to 1:100,000, and 3 major complications were found for a rate of 0.06%. There were no reports of ophthalmic, orbital, or skull base injury, nor were there reports of cerebrospinal fluid leaks. A meta‐analysis was performed on the 4 studies examining ABL. Estimated mean (95% CI) ABL was 119.4 mL (39.1‐199.6) in the higher‐concentration cohort (>1:10,000) and 372.2 mL (296.8‐447.5) in the lower‐concentration cohort (≤1:10,000) (P =. 001).

Conclusion

Topical epinephrine is generally safe and provides acceptable hemostasis during ESS, with higher concentrations (>1:10,000) providing improved hemostasis. Caution is advised for its use in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease or in combination with other topical or injected vasoconstrictive agents. More prospective comparative studies are necessary to determine the ideal hemostatic concentration of epinephrine in ESS.
Pediatric Otolaryngology Divisional and Institutional Preparatory Response at Seattle Children’s Hospital after COVID‐19 Regional Exposure
Authors: Parikh Sanjay R. , Bly Randall A. , Bonilla‐Velez Juliana , Dahl John P. , Evans Sean S. , Horn David L. , Johnson Kaalan E. , Manning Scott C. , Ou Henry C. , Pattisapu Prasanth , Perkins Jonathan A. , Sie Kathleen C. Y.
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a novel coronavirus resulting in high mortality in the adult population but low mortality in the pediatric population. The role children and adolescents play in COVID‐19 transmission is unclear, and it is possible that healthy pediatric patients serve as a reservoir for the virus. This article serves as a summary of a single pediatric institution’s response to COVID‐19 with the goal of protecting both patients and health care providers while providing ongoing care to critically ill patients who require urgent interventions. A significant limitation of this commentary is that it reflects a single institution’s joint effort at a moment in time but does not take into consideration future circumstances that could change practice patterns. We still hope dissemination of our overall response at this moment, approximately 8 weeks after our region’s first adult case, may benefit other pediatric institutions preparing for COVID‐19.
Democratic breakdown and terrorism
Authors: Tschantret Joshua
Published: April 2020

Democracy is one of the most consistent predictors of terrorism. Yet we know little about why there is an apparent relationship between terrorism and democracy. In this article, I argue that previous democratic breakdown is a significant predictor of terrorism. While democratic civil liberties increase the opportunity to carry out terrorist attacks, they do not explain why groups are motivated to use terrorism rather than legal means for implementing change. Democratic breakdown, however, creates grievances that motivate terrorism by excluding groups with full rights of participation from the political process. Such grievances, which persist over long periods of time, will lead to high levels of terrorism once the regime re-democratizes, since the motivation for political violence is combined with the opportunities provided by democratic civil liberties. Cross-national statistical evidence from 1970 to 2007 lends strong support for this argument. It further demonstrates that only democracies that have experienced democratic breakdown experience more terrorism than autocracies. Moreover, an extreme bounds analysis indicates that previous democratic breakdown is one of the most robust predictors of terrorism and the most robust among variables conceptually related to democracy.
Machine tool movement control method combining the benefit of software and real-time interpolator for sculpture surface machining
Authors: Lu Lei , Han Jiang , Zhou Yulong , Chen Shan , Liu Haijun , Xia Lian
Published: April 2020

In the traditional sculpture surface machining process, the G01 code is still the mainstream trajectory. Furthermore, real-time feedrate scheduling and corner smooth algorithm in controller constitute the mainstream method to improve the machining process of short line G01 code in sculpture surface machining. However, the G01 code’s discontinuity and the limits of real-time calculation capacity hinder the use of high-speed machine tools and the accuracy of the machined part. In this article, a new method for sculpture surface machining that considers the advantages and disadvantages of both the computer-aided manufacturing software and the real-time controller is presented to promote the use of a continuous curve tool path. The method mainly transfers the computing-intensive feedrate scheduling and trajectory optimization algorithm in the real-time controller to the computer-aided manufacturing software. Furthermore, the computer-aided manufacturing software generates the machining data, which contain the geometry and feedrate information of the machining process. Finally, the real-time interpolator and the mathematical form of computer-aided manufacturing–generated data are designed simultaneously. In the method, the real-time controller can be designed as simple as possible to release more computing resources to the other real-time intelligent modules. The powerful computational capacity of the software guarantees the optimality of the machining process.
Statistical Issues and Group Classification in Plasma MicroRNA Studies With Data Application
Authors: Rai Shesh N , Qian Chen , Pan Jianmin , McClain Marion , Eichenberger Maurice R , McClain Craig J , Galandiuk Susan
Published: April 2020

The analysis of plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) has been widely used as a method for finding potential biomarkers for human diseases, especially those with a link to cancer. Methods of analyzing plasma miRNA have been thoroughly discussed from sample extraction to data modeling. However, some issues exist within the process that have rarely been talked about. Rice et al. discussed some issues in plasma miRNA studies, such as the lack of standard methodology including the use of different cycle threshold, time to plasma extraction, among others. These issues can lead to inconsistent data, and thus impact the result and assay reproducibility. Other external issues, such as batch effect and operator effect, may also indirectly impact the statistical analysis. Here, we discuss issues in plasma miRNA studies from a statistical point of view. The interaction effect of different ways of calculating fold-change, the choice of housekeeping genes, and methods of normalization are among the issues we discuss, with data demonstrations. P values are calculated and compared to determine the effect of those issues on statistical conclusions. Statistical methods such as analysis of variance and analysis of covariance are crucial in the analysis of miRNA but investigators are often confused about them; therefore, a brief explanation of these statistical methods is also included. In addition, 3-group classification is discussed, as it is often challenging, compared with 2-group classification.
Development of a new hybrid yarn construction from recycled carbon fibres for high-performance composites: Part IV: Measurement of recycled carbon fibre length
Authors: Hengstermann Martin , Kopelmann Karl , Nocke Andreas , Abdkader Anwar , Cherif Chokri
Published: April 2020

Due to the increasing application of carbon fibre–reinforced plastics, the use of recycled carbon fibres can help reduce the tremendous amount of carbon fibre waste growing worldwide. In this context, the processing of longer recycled carbon fibres (>40 mm mean length) into hybrid yarn constructions offers a promising solution. The characterisation of recycled carbon fibre length is essential for textile processes. However, to suit the atypical fibre characteristics of recycled carbon fibres compared to standard natural or man-made-fibres, the development of an adequate measuring technique is required. Investigations on the state of the art suggest that an adapted fibrograph method might pose an appropriate measuring system. Therefore, new test equipment and an alternative image analysing method based on pixel greyscale values were developed. To enable a calibration process, different samples with cut carbon fibre from carded and drafted slivers were intensively tested and compared. In addition, an adapted reference method was investigated by combining single fibre measurement and image processing techniques. In a final step, recycled carbon fibres samples with unknown fibre length were tested. Results proved that the presented measuring system is adequate for the testing of longer recycled carbon fibres in webs or slivers. All measured values were close to the measured reference length values (deviation ±4%).
Applying Thematic Analysis to Education: A Hybrid Approach to Interpreting Data in Practitioner Research
Authors: Xu Wen , Zammit Katina
Published: April 2020

Thematic analysis (TA), as a qualitative analytic method, is widely used in health care, psychology, and beyond. However, scant details are often given to demonstrate the process of data analysis, especially in the field of education. This article describes how a hybrid approach of TA was applied to interpret multiple data sources in a practitioner inquiry. Particular attention is given to the inductive and deductive coding and theme development process of TA. Underpinned by the constructivist epistemology, codes were driven by both data per se and theories, through a “bottom-up” and “top-down” approach to identify themes. A detailed example of six steps of data analysis is presented, which evidences the systematic analysis of raw data from observation and research journals, students’ focus groups, and a classroom teacher’s semistructured interviews. This example demonstrates how classroom practice was unpacked and how insiders’ insights were interpreted through the theoretical lens while also allowing the participants to express themselves. By providing step-by-step guidelines in data coding and identification of themes, this article contributes to informing qualitative researchers, especially teacher-researchers who undertake their research in the classroom setting.
Cross-Platform State Propaganda: Russian Trolls on Twitter and YouTube during the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: Golovchenko Yevgeniy , Buntain Cody , Eady Gregory , Brown Megan A. , Tucker Joshua A.
Published: April 2020

This paper investigates online propaganda strategies of the Internet Research Agency (IRA)—Russian “trolls”—during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. We assess claims that the IRA sought either to (1) support Donald Trump or (2) sow discord among the U.S. public by analyzing hyperlinks contained in 108,781 IRA tweets. Our results show that although IRA accounts promoted links to both sides of the ideological spectrum, “conservative” trolls were more active than “liberal” ones. The IRA also shared content across social media platforms, particularly YouTube—the second-most linked destination among IRA tweets. Although overall news content shared by trolls leaned moderate to conservative, we find troll accounts on both sides of the ideological spectrum, and these accounts maintain their political alignment. Links to YouTube videos were decidedly conservative, however. While mixed, this evidence is consistent with the IRA’s supporting the Republican campaign, but the IRA’s strategy was multifaceted, with an ideological division of labor among accounts. We contextualize these results as consistent with a pre-propaganda strategy. This work demonstrates the need to view political communication in the context of the broader media ecology, as governments exploit the interconnected information ecosystem to pursue covert propaganda strategies.
Mortality and Morbidity in Kidney Transplant Recipients With a Failing Graft: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Lam Ngan N. , Boyne Devon J. , Quinn Robert R. , Austin Peter C. , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Campbell Patricia , Knoll Gregory A. , Tibbles Lee Anne , Yilmaz Serdar , Quan Hude , Ravani Pietro
Published: April 2020

Background:

Due to their history of renal disease and exposure to immunosuppression, kidney transplant recipients with a failing graft may be at higher risk of adverse outcomes compared to nontransplant controls. Understanding the burden of disease in transplant recipients may inform treatment decisions of people whose native kidneys are failing and may be eligible for a transplant.

Objective:

To compare mortality and morbidity in kidney transplant recipients with a failing graft to matched nontransplant controls.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Alberta, Canada.

Patients:

Kidney transplant recipients with a failing graft were identified as having at least 2 estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measurements between 15-30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (90-365 days apart). We also identified nontransplant controls with a similar degree of kidney dysfunction.

Measurements:

Mortality and hospitalization.

Methods:

We propensity-score matched 520 kidney transplant recipients with a failing graft to 520 nontransplant controls.

Results:

The median age of the matched cohort was 57 years and 40% were women. Compared to matched nontransplant controls, recipients with a failing graft had a higher hazard of death (hazard ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-1.85; p < .001) and a higher rate of all-cause hospitalization (rate ratio, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.42-1.97; p < .001). Kidney transplant recipients also had a higher rate of several cause-specific hospitalizations including genitourinary, cardiovascular, and infectious causes.

Limitations:

Observational design with the risk of residual confounding.

Conclusions:

A failing kidney transplant is associated with an increased burden of mortality and morbidity beyond chronic kidney disease. This information may assist the discussion of prognosis in kidney transplant recipients with a failing graft and the design of strategies to minimize risks.
Infection and extrusion of a subcutaneous access port in a cat: a long-term postoperative complication of a subcutaneous ureteral bypass device
Authors: Fouhety Aurore , Boursier Jean-François
Published: April 2020

Case summary

A 5-year-old domestic shorthair neutered female cat was presented for a wound in the region of the subcutaneous ureteral bypass shunting port with externalisation of the device, 2 years after its initial positioning. The cat had had positive urine bacterial cultures over the previous year and a half without any clinical signs of urinary tract infection. Bacterial cultures of urine and the wound revealed the same bacteria, suggesting a complication caused by infected urine from the implanted system. The wound was successfully treated with surgery and at the time of writing, 3 months later, the cat is healthy with no evidence of recurrence.

Relevance and novel information

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a subcutaneous ureteral bypass shunting port extrusion as a long-term major complication of the bacterial infection of the device.
Beyond the Classroom: The Intergenerational Effect of Incarceration on Children’s Academic and Nonacademic School-Related Outcomes in High School
Authors: McCauley Erin
Published: April 2020

The author uses strategic comparison regression and the Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health ( n = 11,767) to explore the effect of parental incarceration on academic and nonacademic outcomes in high school. This method compares youth whose parents were incarcerated before the outcomes are measured with those whose parents will be incarcerated after. The author examines most recent grades and a range of nonacademic outcomes, such as truancy, involvement in school activities, and suspension. Results indicate that the associations between parental incarceration and grades are largely accounted for by selection, but associations between parental incarceration and nonacademic processes persist. Maternal incarceration holds particular importance for behavioral outcomes (fighting and truancy), and paternal incarceration holds particular importance for behavioral, connectedness, and disciplinary outcomes. Researchers examining the intergenerational consequences of incarceration should examine school contexts beyond the classroom and explore the pathways through which this disadvantage occurs.
Progression of albuminuria in patients with sickle cell anemia: a multicenter, longitudinal study
Authors: Niss Omar , Lane Adam , Asnani Monika R. , Yee Marianne E. , Raj Ashok , Creary Susan , Fitzhugh Courtney , Bodas Prasad , Saraf Santosh L. , Sarnaik Sharada , Devarajan Prasad , Malik Punam
Published: April 2020

Sickle cell nephropathy results in chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in sickle cell anemia (SCA). Albuminuria is an early manifestation of sickle nephropathy; however, little is known about progression of albuminuria or its correlation with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline or CKD. We studied nephropathy progression in 303 SCA participants in a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal study. We collected steady-state urine and serum samples yearly and assessed albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), estimated GFR (eGFR), and SCA and nephropathy biomarkers. Participants with albuminuria (ACR ≥30 mg/g) for ≥2 annual measurements were classified as having persistent albuminuria (PA). At baseline (mean age, 21 years; range, 2-64 years), 32% had albuminuria. In longitudinal multivariate analysis, ACR was associated with sex, anemia, older age, and higher bilirubin and kidney injury molecule-1 levels. Albuminuria increased with age by 3.5 mg/g per year (P < .0001). Of 175 participants with ≥3 annual samples, 81% with baseline albuminuria ≥100 mg/g developed PA. Decreased eGFR and adult CKD were associated with PA (P = .002 and P = .02, respectively), but not with baseline albuminuria. Rate of eGFR decline was steeper among adults (but not children) with albuminuria, compared with those without (P = .02). Participants with PA were more likely to have rapid eGFR decline compared with those without (P = .03). In this longitudinal study, albuminuria progressed with age, and adults with albuminuria had worse eGFR decline than those without. Albuminuria ≥100 mg/g predicted PA, which was associated with rapid eGFR decline and CKD development in adults with SCA. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02239016.
Nitric Oxide Enhances Rice Resistance to Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus Infection
Authors: Lu Rongfei , Liu Zhiyang , Shao Yudong , Su Jiuchang , Li Xuejuan , Sun Feng , Zhang Yihua , Li Shuo , Zhang Yali , Cui Jin , Zhou Yijun , Shen Wenbiao , Zhou Tong
Published: April 2020

Background

Rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) causes one of the most important rice virus diseases of plants in East Asia. However, molecular mechanism(s)controlling rice resistance to infection is largely unknown.

Results

In this paper, we showed that RBSDV infection in rice significantly induced nitric oxide (NO) production. This finding was further validated through a genetic approach using a RBSDV susceptible (Nipponbare) and a RBSDV resistant (15HPO187) cultivar. The production of endogenous NO was muchhigher in the 15HPO187 plants, leading to a much lower RBSDV disease incidence. Pharmacological studies showed that the applications of NO-releasingcompounds (i.e., sodium nitroprusside [SNP] and nitrosoglutathione [GSNO]) to rice plants reduced RBSDV disease incidence. After RBSDV infection, the levels of OsICS1, OsPR1b and OsWRKY 45 transcripts were significantly up-regulated by NO in Nipponbare. The increased salicylic acid contents were also observed. After the SNP treatment, protein S-nitrosylation in rice plants was also increased, suggesting that the NO-triggered resistance to RBSDV infection was partially mediated at the post-translational level. Although Osnia2 mutant rice produced less endogenous NO after RBSDV inoculation and showed a higher RBSDV disease incidence, its RBSDV susceptibility could be reduced by SNP treatment.

Conclusions

Collectively, our genetic and molecular evidence revealed that endogenous NO was a vital signal responsible for rice resistance to RBSDV infection.
Value of multiplex PCR for detection of antimicrobial resistance in samples retrieved from patients with orthopaedic infections
Authors: Sigmund Irene Katharina , Renz Nora , Feihl Susanne , Morgenstern Christian , Cabric Sabrina , Trampuz Andrej
Published: April 2020

Background

The performance of multiplex PCR (mPCR) for detection of antimicrobial resistance from clinical isolates is unknown. We assessed the ability of mPCR to analyse resistance genes directly from clinical samples.

Patients with orthopedic infections were prospectively included. Phenotypical and genotypical resistance was evaluated in clinical samples (synovial and sonication fluid) where identical pathogens were identified by culture and mPCR.

Result

A total of 94 samples were analysed, including 60 sonication fluid and 34 synovial fluid samples. For coagulase-negative staphylococcus strains, mPCR detected resistance to oxacillin in 10 of 23 isolates (44%) and to rifampin in none of 6 isolates. For S. aureus isolates, detection rate of oxacillin and rifampin-resistance was 100% (2/2 and 1/1, respectively). Fluoroquinolone-resistance was confirmed by mPCR in all 3 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, in enterococci resistance to aminoglycoside-high level was detected in 1 of 3 isolates (33%) and in streptococci resistance to macrolides/lincosamides in none of 2 isolates. The overall sensitivity for different pathogens and antimicrobials was 46% and specificity 95%, the median concordance was 80% (range, 57–100%). Full agreement was observed for oxacillin in S. aureus, vancomycin in enterococci, carbapenems/cephalosporins in Enterobacteriaceae and rifampin in Cutibacterium species.

Conclusion

The overall sensitivity for detection of antimicrobial resistance by mPCR directly from clinical samples was low. False-negative mPCR results occurred mainly in coagulase-negative staphylococci, especially for oxacillin and rifampin. However, the specificity of mPCR was high and a positive result reliably predicted antimicrobial resistance. Including universal primers in the PCR test assay may improve the detection rate but requires additional sequencing step.

Trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT02530229, registered at 21 August 2015 (retrospectively registered).
Comparison of bacterial communities in soil samples with and without tomato bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex
Authors: Zhang Ying , Hu Anna , Zhou Jianuan , Zhang Wenfei , Li Peng
Published: April 2020

Background

Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the most notorious soil-borne phytopathogens. It causes a severe wilt disease with deadly effects on many economically important crops. The microbita of disease-suppressive soils are thought that they can contribute to the disease resistance of crop plants, thus, evaluation of the microbial community and their interaction characteristics between suppressive soil (SS) and conducive soil (CS) will help to understand resistance mechanism. To do this, the bacterial community structure, correlation analysis with soil chemical properties, interaction network of SS (nearly no disease in three years), and CS (suffered heavy bacterial wilt disease) were analyzed.

Results

A higher bacterial community diversity index was found in SS, the relative abundance of Nocardioides, Gaiella and norank_f_Anaerolineaceae were significantly more than that of the CS. Moreover, the relative abundance of main genera Bacillus, norank_o_Gaiellales, Roseiflexus, and norank_o_Gemmatimonadaceae were significantly more than that of the CS. Redundancy analysis at the genus level indicated that the available phosphate played a key role in the bacterial community distribution, and its role was negatively correlated with soil pH, organic matter content, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, and available potassium contents. Interaction network analysis further demonstrated that greater diversity at the genus level existed in the SS network and formed a stable network. Additionally, the species of Mycobacterium, Cyanobacteria, and Rhodobiaceae are the key components that sustain the network stability. Seven clusters of orthologous groups exhibited significant differences between SS and CS. Moreover, 55 bacterial strains with distinct antagonistic activities to R. solancearum were isolated and identified from the healthy tomato plant rhizosphere soil of the CS.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the bacterial diversity and interaction network differed between the CS and SS samples, providing a good foundation in the study of bacterial wilt.
Comparison of screening accuracy of the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 using two case-identification methods during pregnancy and postpartum
Authors: Slavin Valerie , Creedy Debra K. , Gamble Jenny
Published: April 2020

Background

Variation exists regarding perinatal depression screening. A two-step screening method has been recommended. According to a maternity-focused core outcome set developed by the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement, women who score 3 or more on the PHQ-2 then complete the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Limited evidence exists regarding the screening accuracy of the PHQ-2 in childbearing women. An alternative case-identification method may be more sensitive for perinatal women. We aimed to [1] evaluate the screening accuracy of the PHQ-2 during the perinatal period using two case-identification methods, and [2] measure the variability of accuracy over four time-points during pregnancy and postpartum.

Methods

A prospective, longitudinal cohort study was conducted with 309 consecutive women who completed the PHQ-2 and EPDS during pregnancy (booking, 36-weeks) and postpartum (6-, 26-weeks). EPDS was the reference standard using cut-off scores for ‘at least probable minor depression’ during pregnancy (≥ 13) and postpartum (≥ 10) and for ‘probable major depression’ during pregnancy (≥ 15) and postpartum (≥ 13). PHQ-2 was analysed using two methods: [1] scored (cut-points ≥ 2 and ≥ 3), [2] dichotomous yes/no (positive response to either question) against EPDS cut-points for at least probable minor and probable major depression. Receiver operating characteristic analyses determined accuracy.

Results

Probable major depression: Over four timepoints PHQ-2 ≥ 3 revealed lowest sensitivity (36–79%) but highest specificity (94–98%). An alternative case-identification method revealed high sensitivity (93–100%), but lowest specificity (58–71%). Minor depression: PHQ-2 ≥ 3 revealed the lowest sensitivity (19–50%) but highest specificity (95–98%). An alternative case-identification method revealed the highest sensitivity (81–100%) and moderate specificity (60–74%).

Conclusions

Recommended method of case-identification (PHQ-2 ≥ 3) missed an unacceptable number of women at-risk of depression. As a clinical decision-making tool, an alternative, dichotomous method maximized case-identification and is recommended. Further, the literature identified inconsistent reporting of the PHQ-2 and the alternative case-identification method hindering the ability to synthesise data. The future use and reporting of consistent question wording and response format will improve outcome reporting and synthesis. Further research in larger and diverse maternity populations is recommended.
Correction to: Clinical and histopathological analyses of VEGF receptors peptide vaccine in patients with primary glioblastoma - a case series
Authors: Tamura Ryota , Morimoto Yukina , Kosugi Kenzo , Sato Mizuto , Oishi Yumiko , Ueda Ryo , Kikuchi Ryogo , Nagashima Hideaki , Hikichi Tetsuro , Noji Shinobu , Kawakami Yutaka , Sasaki Hikaru , Yoshida Kazunari , Toda Masahiro
Published: April 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported an error in the author group.