bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effects of using novel home‐use 660‐ and 850‐nm light‐emitting diode mask in combination with hyaluronic acid ampoule on photoaged Asian skin: A prospective, controlled study
Authors: Kim Dae Sung , Song Ki Uk , Lee Hae Kwang , Park Jong Ho , Kim Beom Joon , Yoo Kwang Ho , Shin Jin Hee
Published: July 2020

Background

Recently, light‐emitting diode (LED) devices are among those mostly preferred for esthetic application because they improve the appearance of photoaged skin characterized by wrinkles, sagginess, pigmented lesions, and others. In addition, the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) for skin rejuvenation is already well proven.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate the synergistic effects of using home‐use LED mask device with HA ampoule.

Methods

The total number of recruited subjects was 48:24 in Group A treated with both home‐use LED mask device and HA ampoule and 24 in Group B treated with HA ampoule only, for 4 weeks. To assess the efficacy of the treatment, the following were used: Antera 3D CS, EOS 800D with Image‐Pro Plus, DUB‐USB, VisioFace Quick, and Visioscan VC98.

Results

After treatment, the volume measurement (mm3) for prejowl sulci and nasolabial fold flattening as well as the area measurement (pixel) for lower chin firmness improvement was significantly reduced, and the number of pores (ea) for enlarged pores as well as the desquamation index (%) for the amount of corneocytes significantly decreased in both Group A and Group B. Moreover, the percentage of skin density significantly improved. Furthermore, Group A showed a significantly faster and higher rate of improvement than Group B.

Conclusion

The use of 660‐ and 850‐nm home‐use LED mask device can generate synergistic effects on home‐use topical applications like HA on photoaged face, and such device can be safely and efficiently used daily in personal environments.
Stock Market Returns and Consumption
Authors: DI MAGGIO MARCO , KERMANI AMIR , MAJLESI KAVEH
Published: July 2020

This paper employs Swedish data on households' stock holdings to investigate how consumption responds to changes in stock market returns. We instrument the actual capital gains and dividend payments with past portfolio weights. Unrealized capital gains lead to a marginal propensity to consume of 23% for the bottom 50% of the wealth distribution and about 3% for the top 30% of the wealth distribution. Household consumption is significantly more responsive to dividend payouts across all parts of the wealth distribution. Our findings are consistent with households treating capital gains and dividends as separate sources of income.
Nocturnal oxygen desaturation in the late third trimester of uncomplicated pregnancy for prediction of late‐onset gestational hypertension
Authors: Watanabe Minako , Shinohara Hitomi , Kodama Hideya
Published: July 2020

Aim

This study aimed to determine whether 1‐night screening of oxygen desaturation in women with uncomplicated pregnancy about 1 month before the due date is useful to predict late‐onset gestational hypertension (GH) after 37 weeks of gestation.

Methods

We recruited 102 women with uncomplicated pregnancy between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation. These women then completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Berlin Questionnaire for obstructive sleep apnea, and recorded their oxygen saturation (SpO2) and physical acceleration profiles during nocturnal sleep for 1 night at home using a portable pulse oximeter and actigraph, respectively. Thereafter, their blood pressure was monitored weekly until delivery.

Results

Pulse oximetry data between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation revealed that three women had an oxygen desaturation index (ODI) ≥5.0 and seven had a minimum SpO2 < 90%. During follow‐up until delivery, two women with an ODI ≥5.0 and a minimum SaO2 <90% developed GH at 37 weeks of gestation. Among clinical measures at recruitment, body mass index (BMI) and pulse oximetry measures appeared available for the prediction of GH. The positive predictive values (95% confidence intervals) of the criteria using these measures were 0.67 (0.26–0.67) for ODI ≥5.0, 0.29 (0.10–0.35) for minimum SpO2 <90%, and 0.07 (0.02–0.07) for BMI ≥25.0.

Conclusion

For the prediction of late‐onset GH after 37 weeks of gestation, pulse oximetry measures about 1 month before the due date are particularly useful because of their high positive predictive values.
Comparison of endometrial polyp recurrence in fertile women after office hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy using two widely spread techniques
Authors: Ceci Oronzo , Franchini Mario , Cardinale Silvia , Cannone Rossella , Giarrè Giovanna , Fascilla Fabiana D. , Bettocchi Stefano , Cicinelli Ettore
Published: July 2020

Aim

To compare the recurrence of benign endometrial polyps after office hysteroscopic polypectomy performed with a bipolar electrode (BE) or a small diameter hysteroscopic tissue removal system (HTRs).

Methods

From July 2018 to December 2019 we evaluated the charts of 114 asymptomatic fertile women who underwent office hysteroscopic polypectomy, 1 year before, for a single large benign endometrial polyp (size between 10 and 20 mm) using a 4 mm continuous flow hysteroscope with a BE or a 5 mm HTRs. Patients, divided into two groups according to surgical procedure, each performed exclusively by one expert gynecologist, were scheduled for a 12‐month postoperative transvaginal sonography to evaluate the recurrence of endometrial polyps.

Results

Forty‐eight women of the BE group and 42 of the HTRs group were considered for the 1‐year transvaginal sonography follow‐up. Five polyps were identified in the BE group and three in the HTRs group (5/48 vs 3/42, P = n.s.). All polyps were removed hysteroscopically (in three out of five and in two out of three cases, respectively, in the same places of the previous polypectomy) and evaluated as ‘benign’ by the pathologist.

Conclusion

Office hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy with small HTRs compared to BE revealed at a 1‐year follow‐up no difference in terms of complete removal and recurrence of polyps. HTRs polypectomy resulted in less pain and significantly quicker time of procedure compared to BE. This data should be kept in mind for patient comfort any time hysteroscopic polypectomy is planned in an office setting.
The role of clonal haematopoiesis in cardiovascular diseases: epidemiology and experimental studies
Authors: Min K. D. , Kour A. , Sano S. , Walsh K.
Published: July 2020

Clonal haematopoiesis results from acquired mutations in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). These mutations can confer the HSPC with a competitive advantage, leading to their clonal expansion within the limiting bone marrow niche. This process is often insufficient to produce a haematologic malignancy; however, the expanding HSPC clones increasingly give rise to progeny leucocytes whose phenotypes can be altered by the somatic mutations that they harbour. Key findings from multiple human studies have shown that clonal haematopoiesis in the absence of overt haematologic alterations is common amongst the ageing population and associated with mortality and cardiovascular disease. Key findings from experimental studies have provided evidence for a causative role for clonal haematopoiesis in cardiovascular diseases, and aspects of these mechanisms have been elucidated. Whilst our understanding of the impact and biology of clonal haematopoiesis is in its infancy, analyses of some of the most commonly mutated driver genes suggest promising clinical scenarios involving the development of personalized therapies with immunomodulatory drugs that exploit the perturbation caused by the particular mutation. Herein, we review the accumulating epidemiological and experimental evidence, and summarize our current understanding of the importance of clonal haematopoiesis as a new causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and heart failure.
Milk Consumption and Waste Across 5 Montana High School Lunch Programs
Authors: Shanks Carmen Byker , Bark Katie , Stenberg Molly , Gamble Janet , Parks Courtney
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Few studies document milk selection and waste among high school lunch programs.

METHODS

This observational research assesses the types of milk selected and wasted among 5 Montana high school lunch programs. Over 6 days across the 2014‐2015 school year, 3842 milk cartons were collected. Direct weighing was used to assess the ounces of milk wasted and consumed by milk type. Outcomes included the number of milks selected by type at each school, ounces of milk consumed and wasted on average per student. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess demographics of school lunch participation, milk consumption and waste, and the amount of waste per type of milk.

RESULTS

Students were most likely (p < .05) to select fat‐free flavored milk, followed by 1% plain milk, and fat‐free plain milk. Fat‐free flavored (mean = 0.86, SD = 0.55) was the least wasted, followed by fat‐free plain (mean = 1.08 oz, SD = 1.55), and 1% plain (mean = 1.26 oz, SD = 1.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Across all milk options, milk waste was low. The findings indicate that high school students are more likely to select and consume greater amounts of, and waste less, fat‐free flavored milk.
Modulation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced, ER stress-mediated apoptosis in Caco-2 cells by different polyphenolic antioxidants: a mechanistic study
Authors: Boonyong Cherdsak , Vardhanabhuti Nontima , Jianmongkol Suree
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Direct scavenging of reactive oxygen species could not prevent ER stress-associated cytotoxicity of indomethacin or diclofenac in Caco-2 cells. This study investigated the effects of three polyphenolic antioxidants epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), phyllanthin and hypophyllathin in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced Caco-2 apoptosis.

Methods

Cells were treated with ER stressors (indomethacin, diclofenac, tunicamycin or thapsigargin) and the polyphenols for up to 72 h. Cell viability, apoptosis and mitochondrial function were monitored by MTT, Hoechst 33342 and TMRE assays, respectively. Protein expression was measured by Western blot analysis.

Key findings

Epigallocatechin gallate suppressed increases in p-PERK/p-eIF-2α/ATF-4/CHOP and p-IRE-1α/p-JNK1/2 expression levels in the cells treated with any of the ER stressors, leading to inhibition of apoptosis. In contrast, phyllanthin increased apoptosis in the cells subsequently exposed to either diclofenac, tunicamycin or thapsigargin, but not in the indomethacin-treated cells. The potentiation effect of phyllanthin seen with the three ER stressors was related to suppression of survival p-Nrf-2/HO-1 expression, resulting in increased activation of the eIF-2α/ATF-4/CHOP pathway. On the other hand, hypophyllanthin had no significant effect on the ER stressor-induced apoptosis.

Conclusion

Epigallocatechin gallate, phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin displayed different effects in the ER stress-mediated apoptosis, depending upon their interaction with the specific unfolded protein response signalling.
Evaluation of urethral orifice cross‐section dimensions following perineal urethrostomy in male cats
Authors: Segal U. , Shani J. , Zemer O. , Joseph R.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aims of this study were: (1) To evaluate the urethral orifice cross‐section size immediately and 12 days post‐operatively following a perineal urethrostomy procedure. (2) To assess the correlation between the cross‐section size and stricture formation during a 6‐month period following the perineal urethrostomy.

Animals

Twenty‐four male cats with feline lower urinary tract disease that failed to respond to medical treatment and underwent perineal urethrostomy.

Materials and Methods

The urethral orifice cross‐section size was estimated by the largest size of the urinary catheter that was possible to insert facilely through the urethrostomy site. The urethral orifice cross‐section size was measured in three different times: Pre‐operative (LUCpr), immediately post‐operative (LUCi) and 12 days post‐operative (LUCp). Urinary obstruction recurrence and urethrostomy site stricture formation were documented for 6 months after the surgical procedure. The probabilities for obstruction recurrence in cases of LUCi ≤ 8Fr and LUCi > 8Fr were calculated.

Results

Urinary obstruction and urethrostomy site stricture occurred in 5 of 24 (~20%) of the operated cats at an average of 92 ± 25 days post‐perineal urethrostomy. LUCi ranged from 6 to 10 (median 10) Fr and the LUCp ranged from 4 to 10 (median 8) Fr. There was a significant decrease of 0.15 ± 0.09 mm2of the urethral orifice cross‐section area 12 days post‐operative compared to the measurements taken immediately post‐operative. The probabilities for post‐operative urinary obstruction of the LUCi ≤ 8Fr cases (intra‐operative urethral orifice cross‐section area equal or larger than 5.5 mm2) and in the LUCi > 8Fr cases were 44 and 6%, respectively. Recurrence of obstruction was documented in all cases (three cats) in which LUCi was 6Fr.

Conclusion and Clinical Significance

The largest size of the urinary catheter that is possible to insert during surgery is a simple method to evaluate urethrostomy cross‐section size. Contraction of the urethral orifice diameter is expected during the wound healing phase. Post‐operative urinary obstruction is more likely in cases where LUCi < 8Fr.
Preliminary evaluation of two commercial ear solutions in the treatment of canine otitis externa
Authors: Fregeneda‐Grandes J. M. , Nicolás‐González J. J. , Rejas‐López J. , Carvajal‐Urueña A.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of two commercial ear solutions composed of (1) chlorhexidine‐Tris‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or (2) medical grade honey, for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs.

Materials and Methods

Dogs affected with otitis externa housed in an animal shelter were eligible for inclusion. Treatment was applied daily for 10 days and effect was measured by otitis clinical scores and microbiological counts. One of the treatments was applied to affected left ears, while the other was applied to affected right ears.

Results

A total of 24 ears from 13 dogs were included in the study. During the treatment period, with both treatments it was observed an improvement in clinical scores and a decrease in microbiological counts. At the end of the study 22 of 24 ears were deemed to have mild (4 ears), or no (18 ears) pain, with only two ears still showing pruritus.

Clinical Significance

The application of ear solutions composed of chlorhexidine‐Tris‐EDTA or medical grade honey, in the absence of antimicrobial treatment, might be effective for the control of clinical signs and microbial colonisation in dogs with otitis externa. Additional randomised studies on clinical patients are required to validate these findings.
Culture Wars and COVID‐19 Conduct: Christian Nationalism, Religiosity, and Americans’ Behavior During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Perry Samuel L. , Whitehead Andrew L. , Grubbs Joshua B.
Published: July 2020

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, Americans’ behavioral responses were quickly politicized. Those on the left stressed precautionary behaviors, while those on the (religious) right were more likely to disregard recommended precautions. We propose the far right response was driven less by partisanship or religiosity per se, but rather by an ideology that connects disregard for scientific expertise; a conception of Americans as God's chosen and protected people; distrust for news media; and allegiance to Trump―Christian nationalism. Analyzing panel data collected in the thick of the COVID‐19 crisis, we find Christian nationalism was the leading predictor that Americans engaged in incautious behavior like eating in restaurants, visiting family/friends, or gathering with 10+ persons (though not attending church), and was the second strongest predictor that Americans took fewer precautions like wearing a mask or sanitizing/washing one's hands. Religiosity, in contrast, was the leading predictor that Americans engaged in more frequent precautionary behaviors. Findings document that Christian nationalism, not religious commitment per se, undergirded the far‐right response to COVID‐19 that disregarded precautionary recommendations, thus potentially worsening the pandemic.
Pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen after intravenous and oral administration in fasted and fed Labrador Retriever dogs
Authors: Sartini Irene , Łebkowska‐Wieruszewska Beata , Lisowski Andrzej , Poapolathep Amnart , Cuniberti Barbara , Giorgi Mario
Published: July 2020

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is used in dogs to manage fever and mild pain. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in both fed and fasted Labrador Retrievers after a single intravenous and oral administration (20 mg/kg). Six healthy dogs underwent three treatments in a randomized block study (a,n = 2; b,n = 2; c,n = 2). In phase one, group a received acetaminophen intravenously, group b and c orally after being fasted and fed, respectively. In phase two and three, groups were swapped, and the experiment was repeated. At the end of the trial, each dog received the same treatment. Acetaminophen plasma concentrations were detected using a validated HPLC‐UV method. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a noncompartmental model. Clearance, volume at steady state and half‐life of acetaminophen in Labrador Retrievers were 0.42 L/kg hr, 0.87 L/kg and 1.35 hr, respectively. No significant statistical differences were found between fasted and fed dogs regarding maximum plasma concentration, time at maximum concentration and bioavailability as measured by the AUC. Feeding does not significantly affect the acetaminophen oral pharmacokinetics.
Spatio‐temporal trends of nutrients and physico‐chemical parameters on lake ecosystem and fisheries prior to onset of cage farming and re‐opening of the Mbita passage in the Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria
Authors: Mwamburi Job , Basweti George , Owili Monica , Babu Jared , Wawiye Peter
Published: July 2020

Many large lake ecosystems are experiencing increasing eutrophication and persistent cyanobacteria‐dominated algal blooms affecting their water quality and ecosystem productivity because of widespread non‐point and point nutrient sources. Accordingly, the present study utilized data of July 2003 and January–February 2004, as well as previous measurements of nutrients and physico‐chemical variables (electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, turbidity and chlorophyll‐a), to characterize the spatial and temporal trends, as a means of better understanding the factors influencing lake environmental conditions, as support tools for long‐term ecosystem management and for better understanding the long‐term trends and effects. Inshore gulf areas were found to represent zones of maximum nutrient concentrations, compared to the deep main lake zones, with significant inter‐parameter correlations. Phosphorus, silicon and chlorophyll‐a concentrations were significantly correlated. Water electrical conductivity was also significantly and positively correlated with soluble reactive silicon (SRSi), alkalinity hardness DO, while exhibiting a negative association with water transparency. Water turbidity and transparency, electrical conductivity, and SRSi concentrations clearly describe a gradient from the gulf into the main lake. For such a shallow gulf, these findings suggest primary productivity is influenced mainly by the availability of nutrients, light transparency and the extent of availability of resuspended nutrients. The increasing eutrophic state of Lake Victoria is a serious concern since it contributes to an increased potential of more frequent occurrences of cyanobacterial blooms, a potential public health risk to both humans and wildlife. Improved understanding of influences from previous fish species introductions and concomitant changes in indigenous fish species, increased lake basin population and anthropogenic activities, water hyacinth resurgences, sustainability of biodiversity, and current interests in cage farming, are among the major concerns and challenges facing the contemporary Lake Victoria. The trends regarding nutrients and physico‐chemical characteristics are intended to support better monitoring efforts and data to promote the lake's ecosystem services and the sustainable management of the lake ecosystem.
Integrating Research and Outreach for Environmental Justice: African American Land Ownership and Forestry
Authors: Schelhas John , Hitchner Sarah L.
Published: July 2020

Issues with land ownership and engagement in forestry have been intractable problems that have long impeded wealth development among African Americans in the rural South. Over a 6‐year period, an integrated outreach and research program, the Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Program, implemented community‐based projects, built networks among relevant organizations, changed policies, and developed new knowledge to address these critical issues of environmental justice. In this paper, we discuss how anthropological practice was integrated into a program of community‐based projects to create a platform for long‐term change in land ownership, forest management, outreach practice, and policy environments. The results provide an example of how anthropological methods can contribute to social and institutional change by listening and documenting stories and through long‐term engagement with a diverse coalition of researchers, practitioners, landowners, and funders.
“As Long As We Have the Mine, We'll Have Water”: Exploring Water Insecurity in Appalachia
Authors: Wies Jennifer R. , Mays Alisha , Collins Shalean M. , Young Sera L.
Published: July 2020

Water insecurity is a condition when affordability, reliability, adequacy, or safety of water is significantly reduced or unattainable resulting in jeopardized well‐being. Water insecurity co‐occurs with poverty and social and economic exclusion. It is gaining increasing attention from the scholarly community, but most work has focused on low‐ and middle‐income countries. In this article, we explore water insecurity in Appalachian Kentucky. Throughout the Appalachia region, water access and quality are compromised as a result of contamination from extractive industries (such as coal mining) and failure of infrastructure investment. The water problems have been reported by journalists, activists, and social and natural scientists who describe a reliance on discolored, sulfuric, and sometimes toxic water to meet household needs. In this article, we build upon applied anthropology studies of human–environment interaction to answer the exploratory question: “Do patterns about water acquisition and consumption exist in Appalachian Kentucky?” Our methodologies included participant observation and informal go‐along interviews at three sites based on convenience. The results are presented with rich ethnographic description, and reveal that preferences are influenced by the costs of water, the availability of water from different sources (wells, taps, mines, rain capture, etc.), and historic use patterns. We call for a culturally and historically informed approach to understand and measure water insecurity and water improvement efforts in Appalachia. Our ability to characterize water insecurity in low‐resource settings in the United States will allow for better understanding and visibility of the water‐related experiences of marginalized communities and serve as powerful policy inputs.
Root‐derived trans‐zeatin cytokinin protects Arabidopsis plants against photoperiod stress
Authors: Frank Manuel , Cortleven Anne , Novák Ondřej , Schmülling Thomas
Published: July 2020

Recently, a novel type of abiotic stress caused by a prolongation of the light period—coined photoperiod stress—has been described in Arabidopsis. During the night after the prolongation of the light period, stress and cell death marker genes are induced. The next day, strongly stressed plants display a reduced photosynthetic efficiency and leaf cells eventually enter programmed cell death. The phytohormone cytokinin (CK) acts as a negative regulator of this photoperiod stress syndrome. In this study, we show that Arabidopsis wild‐type plants increase the CK concentration in response to photoperiod stress. Analysis of cytokinin synthesis and transport mutants revealed that root‐derived trans‐zeatin (tZ)‐type CKs protect against photoperiod stress. The CK signalling proteins ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE PHOSPHOTRANSFER PROTEIN 2 (AHP2), AHP3 and AHP5 and transcription factors ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATOR 2 (ARR2), ARR10 and ARR12 are required for the protective activity of CK. Analysis of higher order B‐type arr mutants suggested that a complex regulatory circuit exists in which the loss of ARR10 or ARR12 can rescue the arr2 phenotype. Together the results revealed the role of root‐derived CK acting in the shoot through the two‐component signalling system to protect from the negative consequences of strong photoperiod stress.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor arising from soft tissues of extremities harboring a novel CLIP2‐ALK fusion
Authors: Ding Ru , Li Xiao , Zhu Xiao‐Mei , Song Quo‐Xing , Fan Qin‐He , Zhang Zhi‐Hong , Gong Qi‐Xing
Published: July 2020

A 34‐year‐old Chinese woman found a lump in her left leg for more than 3 weeks without any discomfort. Grossly, the tumor was relatively well delineated with focal infiltration. Histopathologic evaluation showed a compact fascicular spindle cell proliferation with variable myxoid and collagenous stroma and scattered inflammatory infiltrate. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed positive expression of ALKD5F3 and SMA and negative expression of CD34, desmin, and cytokeretin. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of the ALK locus showed break‐apart signals in 20% of tumor cells, and DNA sequencing discovered a novel CLIP2‐ALK fusion gene. The lesion was diagnosed as an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case with CLIP2‐ALK gene fusion in the somatic soft tissue IMTs.
A case of chronic myocarditis
Authors: Kawano Hiroaki , Iyama Keita , Abe Kuniko , Ishijima Mitsuaki , Yonekura Tsuyoshi , Koga Seiji , Ikeda Satoshi , Maemura Koji
Published: July 2020

Chronic myocarditis is sometimes difficult to diagnose using several clinical diagnostic modalities. A 43‐year‐old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital with heart failure due to a diffusely hypokinetic left ventricle. No abnormal accumulation was seen on 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Coronary angiography showed no abnormalities. Endomyocardial biopsy was performed on suspicion of dilated cardiomyopathy, revealing diffuse cell infiltration (more T lymphocytes associated with macrophages than B cells on immunohistochemical staining), myocyte damage, and replacement fibrosis. The pathological diagnosis of biopsy specimen was difficult to differentiate between chronic myocarditis and inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy without immunohistochemistry. Endomyocardial biopsy offers one of the most useful methods for diagnosing chronic myocarditis.
Electrophysiological evidence that release from proactive inhibition reflects late semantic processing
Authors: Huang Yue , Zhao Jia , Asthana Manish Kumar , Zuo Kun , Comfort William Edgar , Xu Zhan
Published: July 2020

While proactive inhibition (PI) frequently occurs in response to novel stimuli due to interference from previously learned information, shifts in semantic category on a preceding trial lead to the attenuation of learning interference effects such as PI, resulting in significantly improved performance on short‐term memory tasks. This study examined how the release from PI also leads to a reduction in semantic inhibition, as measured primarily through an event‐related potential (ERP) electroencephalography (EEG) design. The study used Chinese characters denoting different categories (word nouns for categories such as plants, clothes, and flowers) to test short‐term memory recall in a control group (same category/no PI release) and experimental group (different category/PI release). Both behavioral data (recall accuracy) and ERP responses for the N400 and Late Positive Component (LPC) at frontal, central, and parietal electrode sites were collected. Behaviorally, recall accuracy declined continuously on the initial three consecutive trials, regardless of group, while recall increased significantly on the last trial specifically for the experimental group, due to the shift in semantic category. We reported a significant interaction between group and electrode site for the LPC component, indicating that inhibition effects were still active for both groups at the initial memory encoding stage (corresponding to N400), with inhibition release in the experimental group occurring through later LPC processing. These results provide electrophysiological evidence that release from PI can be distinguished from semantic forms of processing through changes in amplitude over the course of learning.
Reducing hospital readmissions for COPD exacerbations: The role of exercise and ongoing support
Authors: Alison Jennifer
Published: July 2020

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Cluster Analysis of Microbiome Data by Using Mixtures of Dirichlet–Multinomial Regression Models
Authors: Subedi Sanjeena , Neish Drew , Bak Stephen , Feng Zeny
Published: July 2020

The human gut microbiome is one of the fundamental components of our physiology, and exploring the relationship between biological and environmental covariates and the resulting taxonomic composition of a given microbial community is an active area of research. Previously, a Dirichlet–multinomial regression framework has been suggested to model this relationship, but it did not account for any underlying latent group structure. An underlying group structure of guts (such as enterotypes) has been observed across gut microbiome samples in which guts in the same group share similar biota compositions. In the paper, a finite mixture of Dirichlet–multinomial regression models is proposed that accounts for this underlying group structure and to allow for a probabilistic investigation of the relationship between bacterial abundance and biological and/or environmental covariates within each inferred group. Furthermore, finite mixtures of regression models which incorporate the concomitant effect of the covariates on the resulting mixing proportions are also proposed and examined within the Dirichlet–multinomial framework. We utilize the proposed mixture model to gain insight on underlying subgroups in a microbiome data set comprising tumour and healthy samples and the relationships between covariates and microbial abundance in those subgroups.
Linking macro‐level mechanisms to street‐level accountability practices. A cross‐national case study of street‐level accountability of social workers in government funded homeless shelters
Authors: van der Tier Michelle , Hermans Koen , Potting Marianne
Published: July 2020

Available studies on the accountability relation between social work and the government are mainly conducted in Anglo‐Saxion countries. This limits the generalizability of these findings to other countries. Moreover, these studies hardly descent to the street‐level, making the perceptions and actions of social workers barely visible. To address this gap, this article explores how three elements of governance interact with street‐level accountability of social workers in homeless care in three country cases (the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany). The data (N26) was gathered by means of a mixed method design (interviews, focus groups and document analysis). By combining a street‐level bureaucracy research approach with a relational definition of accountability, we opened up the black box of what happens in these organizations and bridged the gap between macro‐level mechanisms and street‐level accountability. Our study adds three important insights to street‐level research of accountability in social work. First, elements of governance cannot be studied in isolation. Mechanisms should always be explained in relation to the context in which they are embedded. Second, the social workers in our cases do not perceive their accountability to the government as a professional obligation. They see it as a strategic mechanism to secure funding. Third, interaction is an important condition for the engagement of the social workers in their accountability relation with the government. More research is needed to develop a multi‐level theory that identifies which mechanisms play a role in the accountability relation between the government and social workers.
Generation of a fertile ask1 mutant uncovers a comprehensive set of SCF‐mediated intracellular functions
Authors: Yapa Madhura M. , Yu Peifeng , Liao Fanglei , Moore Abigail G. , Hua Zhihua
Published: July 2020

Many eukaryotic intracellular processes employ protein ubiquitylation by ubiquitin E3 ligases for functional regulation or protein quality control. In plants, the multi‐subunit Skp1–Cullin1–F‐box (SCF) complexes compose the largest group of E3 ligases whose specificity is determined by a diverse array of F‐box proteins. Although both sequence divergence and polymorphism of F‐box genes well support a broad spectrum of SCF functions, experimental evidence is scarce due to the low number of identified SCF substrates. Taking advantage of the bridge role of Skp1 between F‐box and Cullin1 in the complex, we systematically analyzed the functional influence of a well‐characterized Arabidopsis Skp1‐Like1 (ASK1) Ds insertion allele, ask1, in different Arabidopsis accessions. Through 10 generations of backcrossing with Columbia‐0 (Col‐0), we partially rescued the fertility of this otherwise sterile ask1 allele in Landsberg erecta, thus providing experimental evidence showing the polymorphic roles of SCF complexes. This ask1 mutant produces twisted rosette leaves, a reduced number of petals, fewer viable pollen grains, and larger embryos and seeds compared to Col‐0. RNA‐Seq‐based transcriptome analysis of ask1 uncovered a large spectrum of SCF functions, which is greater than a 10‐fold increase compared with previous studies. We also identified its hyposensitive responses to auxin and abscisic acid treatments and enhanced far‐red light/phyA‐mediated photomorphogenesis. Such diverse roles are consistent with the 20–30% reduction of ubiquitylation events in ask1 estimated by immunoblotting analysis in this work. Collectively, we conclude that ASK1 is a predominant Skp1 protein in Arabidopsis and that the fertile ask1 mutant allowed us to uncover a comprehensive set of SCF functions.
Breed prevalence of canine ulcerative keratitis according to depth of corneal involvement
Authors: Iwashita Hiroko , Wakaiki Shinsuke , Kazama Yoshiyuki , Saito Akihiko
Published: July 2020

Objective

To investigate the breed prevalence of canine ulcerative keratitis (UK) according to the depth of corneal involvement.

Procedures

Dogs diagnosed with ulcerative keratitis from 2008 to 2017 at the Triangle Animal Eye Clinic were included in this study. Only breeds with more than 20 eyes affected were selected. UK lesions were classified as superficial (Grade 1), stromal (Grade 2) or descemetoceles and perforations (Grade 3) and compared between brachycephalic (BC) and non‐BC dog breeds.

Results

Of 8877 dogs evaluated at Triangle Animal Eye Clinic from 2008 to 2017, 1109 eyes of 1018 dogs (male, 326 eyes; neutered male, 253 eyes; female, 211 eyes; spayed female, 316 eyes; and unknown sex, 3 eyes) aged between 0.1 and 19.2 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 8.33 ± 4.24 years) were diagnosed with UK. The number of eyes that was classified as Grade 1 was 359 eyes (187 non‐BC and 172 BC), Grade 2 was 373 eyes (60 non‐BC and 313 BC) and Grade 3 was 377 eyes (47 non‐BC and 330 BC). Significant differences were observed between BC and non‐BC dogs for all grades of UK. BC dogs were significantly more frequently affected by Grades 2 and 3 and less frequently by Grade 1 UK (P < .01). French bulldogs are more likely to be affected with Grade 1.

Conclusions

Brachycephalic dogs are more likely to have deeper corneal involvement in UK. This study provides novel data on the prevalence of superficial UK, which was low in BC dogs and high in non‐BC breeds.
Fractional trapezium type inequalities for twice differentiable preinvex functions and their applications
Authors: Kashuri Artion , Liko Rozana
Published: July 2020

Trapezoidal inequalities for functions of divers natures are useful in numerical computations. The authors have proved an identity for a generalized integral operator via twice differentiable preinvex function. By applying the established identity, the generalized trapezoidal type integral inequalities have been discovered. It is pointed out that the results of this research provide integral inequalities for almost all fractional integrals discovered in recent past decades. Various special cases have been identified. Some applications of presented results to special means have been analyzed. The ideas and techniques of this paper may stimulate further research.
A randomized adaptive trust region line search method
Authors: Babaie-Kafaki Saman , Rezaee Saeed
Published: July 2020

Hybridizing the trust region, line search and simulated annealing methods, we develop a heuristic algorithm for solving unconstrained optimization problems. We make some numerical experiments on a set of CUTEr test problems to investigate efficiency of the suggested algorithm. The results show that the algorithm is practically promising.
Natural killer cell mobilization and egress following acute exercise in men with prostate cancer
Authors: Hanson Erik D. , Sakkal Samy , Que Shadney , Cho Eunhan , Spielmann Guillaume , Kadife Elif , Violet John A. , Battaglini Claudio L. , Stoner Lee , Bartlett David B. , McConell Glenn K. , Hayes Alan
Published: July 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What are the characteristics of the NK cell response following acute moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise in prostate cancer survivors and is there a relationship between stress hormones and NK cell mobilization?

What is the main finding and its importance?

NK cell numbers and proportions changed similarly between prostate cancer survivors and controls following acute exercise. Consecutive training sessions can likely be used without adverse effects on the immune system during prostate cancer treatment.

Prostate cancer treatment affects multiple physiological systems, although the immune response during exercise has been minimally investigated. The objective was to characterize the natural killer (NK) cell response following acute exercise in prostate cancer survivors. Prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and those without (PCa) along with non‐cancer controls (CON) completed a moderate intensity cycling bout. NK cells were phenotyped before and 0, 2 and 24 h after acute exercise using flow cytometry. CD56 total NK cell frequency increased by 6.2% at 0 h (P < 0.001) and decreased by 2.5% at 2 h (P < 0.01) with similar findings in CD56dim cells. NK cell counts also exhibited a biphasic response. Independent of exercise, ADT had intracellular interferon γ (IFNγ) expression that was nearly twofold higher than CON (P < 0.01). PCa perforin expression was reduced by 11.4% (P < 0.05), suggesting these cells may be more prone to degranulation. CD57− NK cells demonstrated increased perforin and IFNγ frequencies after exercise with no change within the CD57+ populations. All NK and leukocyte populations returned to baseline by 24 h. NK cell mobilization and egress with acute exercise appear normal, as cell counts and frequencies in prostate cancer survivors change similarly to CON. However, lower perforin proportions (PCa) and higher IFNγ expression (ADT) may alter NK cytotoxicity and require further investigation. The return of NK cell proportions to resting levels overnight suggests that consecutive training sessions can be used without adverse effects on the immune system during prostate cancer treatment.
The current chemical biology tool box for studying ion channels
Authors: Braun N. , Sheikh Z. P. , Pless S. A.
Published: July 2020

Ion channels play important roles in human physiology and their dysfunction is linked to a variety of diseases. This has sparked considerable interest in their molecular function and pharmacology and generated a need to manipulate them with great precision. The use of high‐sensitivity electrophysiological methods allows for the implementation of chemical biology manipulations, as even minute protein amounts can be studied. For example, modification of solvent‐accessible cysteines is a powerful tool to site‐selectively modify proteins through the introduction of charged moieties or those with fluorescent properties. This has been harnessed to study ion conduction pathways and monitor conformational dynamics. In ligand‐directed chemistry, a high‐affinity ligand is used to modify an ion channel with a chemical probe via a reactive linker. While these approaches are typically limited to extracellular positions, genetic code expansion provides a means to introduce non‐canonical amino acids in any position of the protein. This enables the insertion of subtle analogues of naturally occurring side chains or the protein backbone, as well as amino acids with fluorescent, cross‐linking or photo‐switchable properties. Finally, protein semi‐synthesis enables the simultaneous insertion of multiple modifications, including those that would not be tolerated by the ribosomal translation machinery. Collectively, these chemical biology tools have overcome various shortcomings of conventional mutagenesis and vastly expanded the scope of possible modifications and the type of ion channels they can be applied to. Their application in both heterologous and native cell systems will no doubt play an increasingly important role in ion channel research.

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Una teología gótica sureña: Flannery O’Connor y su concepción religiosa de la novela
Authors: Poggi Alfredo Ignacio
Published: July 2020

Mary Flannery O’Connor, a menudo considerada una de las mejores escritoras norteamericanas del siglo XX, parece haber respaldado la existencia de la “novela católica” como género particular. Este artículo muestra las características descritas por O’Connor sobre este género, puntualizando la constitución indefinida y problemática de dicha delimitación. Independientemente de la imposibili dad de definir el término, este artículo sostiene además que la explicación de O’Connor sobre el género trasciende el campo literario y muestra una visión distintiva de la fe cristiana y una teología sofisticada  que denomino “gótico sureño”. La teología de O’Connor comienza con un realismo que cuestiona el yo cartesiano moderno, sacramentalidad que impregna la realidad inmediata y lo grotesco que interactúa  con el misterio divino. La teología de O’Connor señala que las creencias cristianas se basan en narraciones, no en conceptos abstractos, e interactúa específicamente con el Sur de Estados Unidos, mostrando el misterio que reside en lo grotesco y aguardando con  esperanza la llegada violenta de la gracia divina.
Numerical Simulation of a Counter-Rotative Open Rotor Using Phase-Lagged Conditions: Initial Validation on a Single Rotor Case
Authors: Fiore Maxime , Biolchini Romain
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the large Eddy simulation (LES) of a propeller representative of the first rotor of a counter rotative open rotor (CROR) configuration based on a multiple frequency phase-lagged approach in conjunction with a proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) data storage. This method enables to perform unsteady simulations on multistage turbomachinery configurations including multiple frequency flows with a reduction of the computational domain composed of one single blade passage for each row. This approach is advantageous when no circumferential periodicity occurs in the blade rows of the configuration and a full 360 deg simulation would be required. The data storage method is based on a POD decomposition replacing the traditional Fourier series decomposition (FSD). The inherent limitation of phase-shifted periodicity assumption remains with POD data storage but this compression method alleviates some issues associated with the Fourier transform, especially spectrum issues. The paper is first dedicated to compare the flow field obtained with the LES with phase-lagged condition against full-matching URANS, LES simulations, and experimental data available around the blade and in the wake of the rotor. The study shows a close agreement of the phase-lagged LES simulation with other simulations performed and a thicker wake compared with the experiments with lower turbulent activity. The analysis of the losses generated in the configuration, based on an entropy formulation and a splitting between boundary layer and secondary flow structures, shows the strong contribution of the blade boundary layer in the losses generated.
Performance Improvement of Turbofans by Electric Power Transfer
Authors: Balaghi Enalou Hossein , Bozhko Serhiy
Published: July 2020

With design trends toward the more electric engine (MEE) for the more electric aircraft (MEA), novel technologies can be pinpointed for multi-spool engines. Provided that a multi-spool MEE is equipped with electrical machines connected to each of its shafts, using power electronic converters (PECs) within a common high-voltage DC bus configuration, it is possible to redistribute a desired amount of power between the engine shafts independent of their speeds. This paper presents the impact of electric power transfer (EPT) on engine performance by using a developed 0-dimensional engine model based on the inter-component volume (ICV) method and engine component maps. Generic component maps are scaled to match the design point of the CFM56-3 engine. Validating the simulation results with engine performance data from literature shows that the steady-state error of the speed and fuel consumption is within 1% and 3.5% for the high- and low-speed settings, respectively, which is acceptable for the purpose of power transfer studies. It is shown that a 400 kW EPT system is the best performing for the cases run for the CFM56-3 engine, which can halve the amount of bleed air from variable bleed valves (VBVs). Results show that EPT with the rescheduled VBVs opening improves the engine performance significantly at low-speed settings by decreasing fuel consumption and increasing surge margins. Detailed simulation results from the engine model and EPT weight penalty analysis show that fuel consumption for short- and medium-haul flights reduces by up to 0.46% and 0.79% with state-of-the-art, and 0.60% and 1.0% with future technologies, respectively. Furthermore, results show that electric power transfer can recover the surge margins of degraded engines at high-speed settings.