bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of functional strategies in global plant distribution
Authors: Liao Huixuan , Li Daijiang , Zhou Ting , Huang Bei , Zhang Haijie , Chen Baoming , Peng Shaolin
Published: December 2020

Understanding the determinants of species distributions is a central topic in ecology. Competition, stress tolerance and colonization, respectively represented by Grime's competitor (C), stress‐tolerator (S) and ruderal (R) schemes, are three important functions that interactively influence plant distributions. In this study, we compiled a dataset of 2645 vascular plant species to explore the roles of the CSR strategies in global plant distribution. We analyzed the associations between the CSR scores and species range size with phylogenetic generalized least square (PGLS) models and phylogenetic path analysis, both of which accounted for the effects of species phylogenetic relatedness, longevity and growth form. The functional strategy‐range size associations differed across different distributional ranges and growth forms. Specifically, species global and native range sizes were positively associated with the R score; species naturalized range size was positively associated with the C score; and all range‐size measurements were negatively associated with the S score. These patterns were mostly driven by herbs but not shrubs or trees. For species global and native‐range distributions, the patterns of shrubs were even opposite to those of herbs. Our work emphasizes the importance of distinguishing the functional strategy‐distribution associations between different distributional ranges and growth forms for ecosystem conservation and invasion risk prediction, because of the trade‐offs among the CSR strategies.
Investigation on the grain boundary strengthening effect of a nickel‐based superalloy
Authors: Shi Dongfang , Zhang Zhenjun , Hu Jinhai , Zhang Zhefeng
Published: December 2020

The grain boundary strengthening effect (GBSE) was investigated for nickel‐based superalloy bicrystals with various misorientations under different temperatures and loading directions. The results show that the GBSE is enhanced with the increase of misorientation and insensitive to the temperature and the loading direction relative to the GB also has a strong effect on the GBSE. On the other hand, the GBSE is often accompanied by GB cracking. The trend of grain boundary (GB) cracking is heightened with the increase of the misorientation and temperature, and the transformation of the loading direction from vertical to parallel.
Risk Transfer with Interest Rate Swaps
Authors: Baker Lee , Haynes Richard , Roberts John , Sharma Rajiv , Tuckman Bruce
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes Entity‐Netted Notionals (ENNs) as a metric of interest rate risk transfer in the interest rate swap (IRS) market. Unlike the ubiquitous metric of notional amount, ENNs normalize for risk and account for the netting of longs and shorts within counterparty relationships. Using regulatory data for U.S.‐reporting entities, the size of the market measured by notional amount is $231 trillion, but, measured by ENNs, is only $13.9 trillion 5‐year swap equivalents, which is the same order of magnitude as other large U.S. fixed income markets. This paper also quantifies the size and direction of IRS positions across and within various business sectors. Among the empirical findings are that 92% of entities using IRS are exclusively long or exclusively short. Hence, the vast majority of market participants are prototypical end users, and the extensive amount of netting in the market is attributable to the activity of relatively few, larger entities. Finally, some sector‐specific empirical findings are inconsistent with widespread, prior beliefs. For example, pension funds and insurance companies are typically thought to be long IRS to hedge their long‐term liabilities, and these sectors are indeed net long, but approximately 50% of individual entities in these sectors are actually net short.
Meeting Paris agreement objectives will temper seabird winter distribution shifts in the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Clairbaux Manon , Cheung William W. L. , Mathewson Paul , Porter Warren , Courbin Nicolas , Fort Jérôme , Strøm Hallvard , Moe Børge , Fauchald Per , Descamps Sebastien , Helgason Hálfdán , Bråthen Vegard S. , Merkel Benjamin , Anker‐Nilssen Tycho , Bringsvor Ingar S. , Chastel Olivier , Christensen‐Dalsgaard Signe , Danielsen Jóhannis , Daunt Francis , Dehnhard Nina , Erikstad Kjell‐Einar , Ezhov Alexeï , Gavrilo Maria , Krasnov Yuri , Langset Magdalene , Lorentsen Svein‐Håkon , Newell Mark , Olsen Bergur , Reiertsen Tone Kirstin , Systad Geir , Þórarinsson Þorkell L. , Baran Mark , Diamond Tony , Fayet Annette L. , Fitzsimmons Michelle G. , Frederiksen Morten , Gilchrist Grant H. , Guilford Tim , Huffeldt Nicholas P. , Jessopp Mark , Johansen Kasper L. , Kouwenberg Amy L. , Linnebjerg Jannie F. , McFarlane Tranquilla Laura , Mallory Mark , Merkel Flemming R. , Montevecchi William , Mosbech Anders , Petersen Aevar , Grémillet David
Published: December 2020

We explored the implications of reaching the Paris Agreement Objective of limiting global warming to <2°C for the future winter distribution of the North Atlantic seabird community. We predicted and quantified current and future winter habitats of five North Atlantic Ocean seabird species (Alle alle, Fratercula arctica, Uria aalge, Uria lomvia and Rissa tridactyla) using tracking data for ~1500 individuals through resource selection functions based on mechanistic modeling of seabird energy requirements, and a dynamic bioclimate envelope model of seabird prey. Future winter distributions were predicted to shift with climate change, especially when global warming exceed 2°C under a “no mitigation” scenario, modifying seabird wintering hotspots in the North Atlantic Ocean. Our findings suggest that meeting Paris agreement objectives will limit changes in seabird selected habitat location and size in the North Atlantic Ocean during the 21st century. We thereby provide key information for the design of adaptive marine‐protected areas in a changing ocean.
Anthropogenic climate change impacts on copepod trait biogeography
Authors: McGinty Niall , Barton Andrew D. , Record Nicholas R. , Finkel Zoe V. , Johns David G. , Stock Charles A. , Irwin Andrew J.
Published: December 2020

Copepods are among the most abundant marine metazoans and form a key link between marine primary producers, higher trophic levels, and carbon sequestration pathways. Climate change is projected to change surface ocean temperature by up to 4°C in the North Atlantic with many associated changes including slowing of the overturning circulation, areas of regional freshening, and increased salinity and reductions in nutrients available in the euphotic zone over the next century. These changes will lead to a restructuring of phytoplankton and zooplankton communities with cascading effects throughout the food web. Here we employ observations of copepods, projected changes in ocean climate, and species distribution models to show how climate change may affect the distribution of copepod species in the North Atlantic. On average species move northeast at a rate of 14.1 km decade−1. Species turnover in copepod communities will range from 5% to 75% with the highest turnover rates concentrated in regions of pronounced temperature increase and decrease. The changes in species range vary according to copepod traits with the largest effects found to occur in the cooling, freshening area in the subpolar North Atlantic south of Greenland and in an area of significant warming along the Scotian shelf. Large diapausing copepods (>2.5 mm) which are higher in lipids and a crucial food source for whales, may have an advantage in the cooling waters due to their life‐history strategy that facilitates their survival in the arctic environment. Carnivorous copepods show a basin wide increase in species richness and show significant habitat area increases when their distribution moves poleward while herbivores see significant habitat area losses. The trait‐specific effects highlight the complex consequences of climate change for the marine food web.
“You’re a teacher you’re a mother, you’re a worker”: Gender inequality during COVID‐19 in Ireland
Authors: Clark Serena , McGrane Amy , Boyle Neasa , Joksimovic Natasha , Burke Lydia , Rock Nicole , O’ Sullivan Katriona
Published: December 2020

The novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) was declared a global pandemic in March 2020. Unlike previous highly contagious diseases that brought the threat of global instability this century such as SARS‐CoV, Zika virus (ZIKV), Swine flu (H1N1), and the Avian flu (H5N1), COVID‐19 was unable to be contained. Global restrictions were implemented to curb the spread of the virus, which included but were not limited to the closure of all educational institutions and the advice to engage in remote working. This study aims to understand the experience of working mothers who managed work and home duties during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Ireland. Thirty working mothers were interviewed in this study, and qualitative analyses were conducted to gain insight into their work and family life during the restrictions. The findings of the analysis indicate that working mothers have been negatively impacted by COVID‐19 in relation to their psychological well‐being, experiences of negative emotions, and the redefinition of family dynamics, in which working mothers have adopted additional and disproportionate care burden. These findings are consistent with the current research arguing that COVID‐19 has highlighted an increase in the gender gap in domestic labor as well as the undermining of career advancement for working mothers.
Carbon ion radiotherapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe
Authors: Okazaki Shohei , Shibuya Kei , Shiba Shintaro , Okamoto Masahiko , Miyasaka Yuhei , Osu Naoto , Kawashima Motohiro , Kakizaki Satoru , Araki Kenichiro , Shirabe Ken , Ohno Tatsuya
Published: December 2020

Aim

The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe (HCCCL) is technically challenging. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and toxicity of carbon ion radiotherapy (C‐ion RT) for HCCCL.

Methods

Patients with HCCCL treated with C‐ion RT at our hospital between January 2011 and December 2018 were evaluated. The total dose was 52.8 or 60 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) in four or 12 fractions depending on the distance between the tumor and the gastrointestinal tract. The survival outcome, the presence or absence of recurrence (local recurrence, intrahepatic recurrence outside the irradiation field, or extrahepatic recurrence), and acute/late adverse events were evaluated.

Results

Nine patients were included. The median tumor size was 3.4 cm, and the median follow‐up duration was 18.3 months for all patients. No patient developed local recurrence during follow‐up. Five patients subsequently developed intrahepatic recurrence outside the irradiation field and two had extrahepatic metastasis. Five patients died of hepatocellular carcinoma. No acute adverse events of grade ≥2 were observed. Two patients experienced grade 2 or 3 late adverse events, including obstructive jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and edema.

Conclusion

Carbon ion radiotherapy for HCCCL achieved excellent local control with acceptable adverse events and can thus be a curative treatment option for HCCCL.
Petrology of green polished stone axes of the Jomon period from the Sannai‐Maruyama site, Japan, investigating the origin of source rock
Authors: Maekawa Hirokazu , Ohtsuka Kazuyoshi , Yamamoto Koshi , Gouchi Nobuo , Hattori Keiko
Published: December 2020

Numerous green polished stone axes have been excavated from the Sannai‐Maruyama site, one of Japan's largest archeological sites in the Jomon period (5.9–4.2 cal kyr BP). The axes are composed of weakly metamorphosed fine‐grained volcaniclastic rock having a peculiar texture that includes numerous acicular actinolites growing in random directions within a quartz and albite matrix. Cobbles of Aotora stone found along the Nukabira River, Biratori town, southern Hokkaido, are the most likely raw material for these stone axes. Aotora stones have alternate bands of a soft dark‐green picritic layer and a hard SiO2‐rich pale‐green layer. The pale‐green layer has a texture similar to the stone axes. Basaltic and picritic volcanic rocks of the Sorachi‐Yezo Belt occupy the area along the Shidoni River, a tributary of the Nukabira River. Volcaniclastic rocks similar in texture, mineralogy, and bulk rock compositions to the Aotora stone are exposed in the area. These rocks underwent metamorphism under the actinolite‐pumpellyite facies conditions. Their protolith is submarine hyaloclastic rocks that are intercalated with laminated picrite detritus. The stone axes, pale‐green layers of Aotora stone, and those of the volcaniclastic rocks of the Shidoni River area all have high SiO2 (~ 55 wt%), Cr (~ 840 μg/g), and Ni (~ 370 μg/g). The rare earth element patterns with abundant light rare earth elements and depleted heavy rare earth elements of stone axes were also consistent with the pale‐green layers of the outcrop. These pale‐green layers, interleaved with dark‐green layers of picritic detritus, were the likely source rock of the stone axes. The high SiO2 content in the pale‐green layer caused the crystallization of quartz and albite in the matrix, which resulted in high‐quality raw material for making stone axes.
Exosomes from microRNA‐126 overexpressing mesenchymal stem cells promote angiogenesis by targeting the PIK3R2‐mediated PI3K/Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ouyang Pengrong , He Gaole , Wang Xiaowei , Song Defu , Yang Yijun , He Xijing
Published: December 2020

microRNA‐126 (miR‐126), an endothelial‐specific miRNA, is associated with vascular homeostasis and angiogenesis. However, the efficiency of miR‐126‐based treatment is partially compromised due to the low efficiency of miRNA delivery in vivo. Lately, exosomes have emerged as a natural tool for therapeutic molecule delivery. Herein, we investigated whether exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) can be utilized to deliver miR‐126 to promote angiogenesis. Exosomes were isolated from BMMSCs overexpressed with miR‐126 (Exo‐miR‐126) by ultracentrifugation. In vitro study, Exo‐miR‐126 treatment promoted the proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, the gene/protein expression of angiogenesis‐related vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiotensin‐1 (Ang‐1) were up‐regulated after incubation with Exo‐miR‐126. Additionally, the expression level of phosphoinositol‐3 kinase regulatory subunit 2 (PIK3R2) showed an inverse correlation with miR‐126 in HUVECs. Particularly, the Exo‐miR‐126 treatment contributed to enhanced angiogenesis of HUVECs by targeting PIK3R2 to activate the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Similarly, Exo‐miR‐126 administration profoundly increased the number of newly formed capillaries in wound sites and accelerated the wound healing in vivo. The results demonstrate that exosomes derived from BMMSCs combined with miR‐126 may be a promising strategy to promote angiogenesis.
Family Caregiver Assessment in Primary Care: How to Strengthen the HealthCare Triad?
Authors: Fortinsky Richard H.
Published: December 2020

This editorial comments on the article by Riffin et al. in this issue.
Nature‐based botanical facial oil oxidative stress protection
Authors: Diana Draelos Zoe , Gunt Hemali , Levy Stanley B.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

UV‐induced oxidative skin stress leads to cutaneous photoaging. The objective of these 2 studies was to evaluate a nature‐based botanical facial oil for the ability to decrease UV‐induced oxidative skin stress.

Methods

22 females were enrolled in the UVA study, and 10 females were enrolled in the UVB study. Skin chemiluminescence induced by UVA exposure was measured at baseline and after 2 weeks of daily topical application of the nature‐based facial oil was evaluated in study 1. In study 2, UVB‐induced erythema was measured after 8 weeks of twice‐daily topical application of the nature‐based facial oil to a photoprotected site followed by skin biopsy to evaluate sunburn cell formation. In both studies, the treatment response was compared to the response on untreated skin.

Results

The nature‐based facial oil significantly reduced skin chemiluminescence following UVA exposure, demonstrating antioxidant activity. The nature‐based facial oil also significantly reduced erythema formation following UVB exposure and resulted in reduced sunburn cell formation in 66.67% of subjects.

Conclusion

Topical nature‐based facial oil can reduce UV‐induced oxidative cutaneous damage.
Screening and characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoate granules, and phylogenetic analysis of polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase gene PhaC in cyanobacteria
Authors: Hong Karl , Beld Joris , Davis Tony D. , Burkart Michael D. , Palenik Brian
Published: December 2020

Using Nile Red and BODIPY 493/503 dye‐staining and fluorescence microscopy, twenty cyanobacterial strains, including ten commercially available strains and ten environmental isolates from estuaries, freshwater ponds, and lagoons, were screened for the accumulation of ecologically important and potentially biotechnologically significant carbon storage granules such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Dye‐staining granules were observed in six strains. Three Synechocystis, spp. strains WHSYN, LSNM, and CGF‐1, and a Phormidium‐like sp. CGFILA were isolated from environmental sources and found to produce granules of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) according to PHA synthase gene (phaC) PCR screening and 1H NMR analyses. The environmental isolate, Nodularia sp. Las Olas and commercially available Phormidium cf. iriguum CCALA 759 displayed granules but screened negative for PHA according to phaC PCR and 1H NMR analyses. Partial polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase subunit C (phaC) and 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained from the PHA‐accumulating strains and analyzed alongside publicly available phaC, phaE, 16S rRNA, and 23S rRNA data help in understanding the distribution and evolutionary history of PHA biosynthesis within the phylum Cyanobacteria. The data show that the presence of phaC is highly conserved within the genus Synechocystis, and present in at least one isolate of Phormidium. Maximum likelihood analyses and cophylogenetic modeling of PHA synthase gene sequences provide evidence of a recent horizontal gene transfer event between distant genera of cyanobacteria related to Pleurocapsa sp. PCC 7327 and Phormidium‐like sp. CGFILA. These findings will help guide additional screening for PHA producers, and may explain why some Phormidium species produce PHAs, while others do not.
Religion and Spirituality among American Indian, South Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latina, and White Women in the Study on Stress, Spirituality, and Health
Authors: Kent Blake Victor , Davidson James C. , Zhang Ying , Pargament Kenneth I. , VanderWeele Tyler J. , Koenig Harold G. , Underwood Lynn G. , Krause Neal , Kanaya Alka M. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Schachter Anna B. , Cole Shelley A. , O'Leary Marcia , Cozier Yvette C. , Daviglus Martha L. , Giachello Aida L. , Zacher Tracy , Palmer Julie R. , Shields Alexandra E.
Published: December 2020

Social scientists have increasingly recognized the lack of diversity in survey research on American religion, resulting in a dearth of data on religion and spirituality (R/S) in understudied racial and ethnic groups. At the same time, epidemiological studies have increasingly diversified their racial and ethnic representation, but have collected few R/S measures to date. With a particular focus on American Indian and South Asian women (in addition to Blacks, Hispanic/Latinas, and white women), this study introduces a new effort among religion and epidemiology researchers, the Study on Stress, Spirituality, and Health. This multicohort study provides some of the first estimates of R/S beliefs and practices among American Indians and U.S. South Asians, and offers new insight into salient beliefs and practices of diverse racial/ethnic and religious communities.
Inferring trait‐based mechanisms and variance consequences of abiotic secondary dispersal from the spatio‐temporal distribution of a desert soil seed bank
Authors: Rolhauser Andrés G. , Pucheta Eduardo
Published: December 2020

Questions

Quantifying the combined effects of seed traits, microsite types, and abiotic dispersal agents on the mean and variance of seed bank density and composition will help understand vegetation dynamics in deserts. In a site with NE slope and mainly southerly winds, we asked whether large and oblong seeds were more likely to be transported and deposited in water obstructions and underneath the northern part of shrub understories. We also asked whether seed standing crop was less variable in water obstructions than in other microsites less affected by seed deposition.

Location

A sand field in San Juan province, Argentina.

Methods

We sampled the soil seed banks of four microsite types: water obstructions where debris/litter accumulates, southern and northern shrub understories, and open spaces among shrubs. Sampling was carried out in 11 plots and replicated at six moments between 2010 and 2012.

Results

Debris microsites showed the highest levels of seed density, species richness and standing crop; seed density and standing crop were also least variable in these microsites. Debris microsites also contained high seed abundance of stress‐intolerant, shrub‐dependent species. Seed density, species richness, seed standing crop, and the proportions of both large and oblong seeds were all higher in northern than in southern understories. The relationship between seed mass and the proportion of seeds that were apparently retained (i.e., not washed away and deposited in water obstructions) was more strongly negative in southern than in northern understories.

Conclusions

Northern and southern understories appeared to act as water run‐on (i.e., seed recipients) and run‐off zones (i.e., seed donors), respectively. Seed accumulation under the shelter provided by shrubs may promote seed predation in these microsites. Abiotic dispersal would therefore contribute to the maintenance of vegetation patches when seed arrival underneath shrub canopies saturates granivore consumption.
High dietary micronutrient inadequacy in peri‐urban school children from a district in South India: Potential for staple food fortification and nutrient supplementation
Authors: Madhari Radhika S. , Boddula Swetha , Ravindranadh Palika , Jyrwa Yvette Wilda , Boiroju Naveen Kumar , Pullakhandam Raghu , Mamidi Raja Sriswan , Nimmathota Arlappa , Kulkarni Bharati , Thingnganing Longvah
Published: December 2020

Multiple micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) co‐exist, often because of poor intakes and adversely impact health. Habitual diets were assessed in 300 school children (6–17 years old) recruited from two government schools by simple random sampling. Probability of adequacy (PA) for 11 micronutrients and mean probability of adequacy (MPA) was calculated. Haemoglobin, plasma ferritin, folic acid, vitamin B12and C‐reactive protein were estimated. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to estimate magnitude and factors associated with MNDs. The contribution of fortified foods and/or supplements in addressing inadequacies and excessive intakes was modelled. The PA ranged from 0.04 for folate to 0.70 for zinc, and the MPA was 0.27. Prevalence of anaemia (53%), iron deficiency (57%; ID), iron deficiency anaemia (38%; IDA), folate deficiency (24%) and B12deficiency (43%) was high. Dietary inadequacy of iron, zinc and a low MPA was associated with anaemia and IDA. Inclusion of double fortified salt (DFS), fortified rice (FR) or iron folic acid (IFA) supplements individually in habitual diet reduced probability of iron inadequacy significantly from 82% to ≤13%. Inclusion of DFS and FR simultaneously led to disappearance of iron inadequacy, but risk of excessive intake increased to 16%. Inclusion of DFS, FR and IFA together increased risk of excess iron intake to 40%. Nevertheless, intakes of folate and B12remained inadequate even with FR and/or IFA. These results indicate a high risk of dietary MNDs in children and suggest need for more systematic intake measurements in representative sample and adjustment of iron dosages to avoid excessive intakes.
Taxonomic identification using virtual palaeontology and geometric morphometrics: a case study of Jurassic nerineoidean gastropods
Authors: Leshno Afriat Yael , Edelman‐Furstenberg Yael , Rabinovich Rivka , Todd Jonathan A. , May Hila
Published: December 2020

Taxonomic identification of fossils is fundamental to a wide range of geological and biological disciplines. Many fossil groups are identified based on expert judgement, which requires extensive experience and is not always available for the specific taxonomic group at hand. Nerineoideans, a group of extinct gastropods that formed a major component of Mesozoic shallow marine environments, have distinctive internal spiral folds that form the basis for their classification at the genus level. However, their identification is often inconsistent because it is based on a set of selected characters reliant upon individual interpretation. This study shows a non‐destructive and quantitative method for their identification using micro‐CT and geometric morphometrics. We examined and micro‐CT‐scanned nerineoidean specimens from five main families that dominated Europe, Arabia and Africa during the Middle–Late Jurassic. Optimal longitudinal slices were selected from the tomographic reconstructions or from images of polished cross‐sections compiled from fossil collections, published work and online databases. Internal whorl outlines were represented by 30 evenly distributed sliding semilandmarks and shape variations were studied using the Procrustes‐based geometric morphometrics method. Multivariate analysis shows that Ceritellidae and Ptygmatididae are distinct families, whereas Nerinellidae, Eunerineidae and Nerineidae fall within the same shape variance and cannot be distinguished based on internal whorl outlines. The suggested method can be applied to images from various sources as well as to poorly preserved specimens. Our case study demonstrates the importance of quantitatively re‐evaluating taxonomy in the fossil record, promoting the future utility of large datasets.
Percutaneous Cervical Cordotomy for the Treatment of Cancer Pain: A Prospective Case Series of 52 Patients with a Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Zomers Paul J.W. , Groeneweg George , Baart Sara , Huygen Frank J.P.
Published: December 2020

Aim

The aim of this study is to describe the effects of percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) on pain, opioid consumption, adverse events, and satisfaction in palliative care patients with cancer pain after PCC until end of life.

Methods

This is a prospective observational case series of 58 PCCs in 52 consecutive patients. Indication for PCC was unilateral cancer pain with a maximum numeric rating scale (NRS) of pain above 5 despite maximal conservative treatment. The PCC was fluoroscopy guided. A radiofrequency lesion was made at 95°C for 20 seconds. The pain location and pain scores, analgesic medication, the cranial and caudal borders of dermatomes hypoesthetic for pin pricks, dysesthesia, urinary retention, Horner’s syndrome, muscle strength, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score, patient satisfaction, hospital anxiety and distress score (HADS), and RAND 36 score were evaluated at 1 day; 1 and 6 weeks; and 3, 6, 9, 12 18, and 24 months after PCC, or until death if death occurred during the follow‐up period.

Results

Pain relief after PCC was intense (change in median maximum NRS from 9 to 0) and persistent. Median opioid use per day was 240 mg (145 to 565 mg) before PCC and 55 mg (0 to 120 mg) after PCC. The upper and lower borders of dermatomes hypoesthetic for pin pricks were stable over time. The most common side effects were short‐term (< 1 week) neck pain (28%), dysesthesia (40%), and mild loss of muscle strength (11%). Approximately 83% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the results of PCC 1 week after the procedure, and this percentage remained high in the long term. There was no significant change in the KPS score, HADS, and RAND 36 score.

Conclusion

Percutaneous cervical cordotomy is an effective treatment for unilateral cancer pain. The reduction in pain, reduction in opioid consumption, and hypoesthetic area remain stable until death.
Global current account imbalances and the link between income and consumption inequality
Authors: Gu Xinhua , Lei ChunKwok , Sheng Li , Zhao Qingbin
Published: December 2020

Research attention to current account imbalances increases because this problem is now manifested as intensified trade wars between countries. Our paper revisits this global issue from a new perspective complementary to previous studies. We propose a simple economics model and find that the current account balance is related inversely to the ratio of income to consumption inequality. This ratio synthesizes all schemes of consumption smoothing, which hinge on political interventions that temporarily attenuate the problem of rising income inequality. Yet shortsighted policy would have a consequential effect on current accounts in the long run. These theoretical findings accord well with our empirical observation that consumption inequality tracks income inequality loosely in deficit countries but closely in surplus economies, with global imbalances affected by financial liberalization and smoothing opportunities.
Comparing the effects of three different multilayer dressings for pressure ulcer prevention on sacral skin after prolonged loading: An exploratory crossover trial
Authors: Lechner Anna , Rancan Fiorenza , Hadam Sabrina , Vogt Annika , Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike , Kottner Jan
Published: December 2020

Evidence suggests that preventive dressings applied on sacral skin help to prevent pressure ulcers. However, possible performance differences of different dressing types are unclear. An exploratory randomized crossover trial with intra‐individual comparisons was conducted to compare the effects of three different multi‐layer foam dressings (Mepilex Border Sacrum, ALLEVYN Life Sacrum and Optifoam Gentle Sacrum) compared to no dressing on the sacral skin. Healthy female volunteers (n = 12, mean age 72 years) wore three different dressings on their sacral skin for 3.5 hours while lying supine on a standard hospital mattress. At regular intervals, subjects performed standardized movements to enhance shear loads. Skin surface temperature, stratum corneum hydration, erythema, skin roughness and the interleukin 1 alpha (IL‐1α) concentration per total protein were measured at baseline and after the lying periods. After 3.5 hours, the median skin temperature increased in all four groups between 3.0°C and 3.8°C with only minor differences between the no dressing and the dressing groups. Median stratum corneum hydration increased during the lying period in all groups with highest increases in the Optifoam Gentle Sacrum (7.3 arbitrary units) and no dressing group (7.0 arbitrary units). There was a median decrease of the mean roughness (Rz) in the Optifoam Gentle Sacrum group of −6.3 μm but no relevant changes in the other groups. After loading, the erythema index was highest in the ALLEVYN Life Sacrum and no dressing groups. Highest releases of IL‐1α were observed in the ALLEVYN Life Sacrum and Optifoam Gentle Sacrum groups, in the Mepilex Border Sacrum group changes were minor. Study results indicate, that the application of preventive dressings on sacral skin during loading do not cause additional occlusion compared to loading without dressings when lying supine. Different dressings cause different cutaneous responses during loading.
Numerical Survey on Performance of Hybrid NePCM for Cooling of Electronics: Effect of Heat Source Position and Heat Sink Inclination
Authors: Faraji Hamza , Alami Mustapha El , Arshad Adeel , Hariti Yassine
Published: December 2020

This paper reports on numerical simulations of passive cooling of an electronic component. The strategy is based on the fusion of a nano-enhanced phase change material (NePCM) by insertion of hybrid Cu-Al2O3 nanoparticles. This study analyzes the combined effects of the position of the electronic component and the inclination of the heat sink for rectangular and square geometries on the heat transfer and flow structure of liquid NePCM. The heat sink is heated by a protuberant heat source simulating the role of an electronic component generating a volumetric power. The electronic component is mounted on a substrate modeling the role of a motherboard. The development of a 2D mathematical model is based on the equations of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. This system of equations is solved using the finite volume method and the SIMPLE algorithm for velocity–pressure coupling. The enthalpy-porosity approach is adopted to model the phase change. The results obtained show that the position of the electronic component and the inclination of the enclosure have important effects on the efficiency of the cooling strategy. The inclination of 90 deg and the position of δ = 0.5 represent the case where the cooling of the electronic component is efficient and operates safely with a minimum temperature difference recorded along it. The electronic component is well cooled in a rectangular heat sink than in a square one.
Effects of pH and Surfactant on the Forced Convection of Al2O3/Water and TiO2/Water Nanofluids
Authors: Khurana Deepak , Subudhi Sudhakar
Published: December 2020

The present paper deals with the forced convection of Al2O3/water and TiO2/water nanofluids with the variation of pH and addition of surfactant in nanofluids. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of suspension stability on the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of nanofluids. The present experimental setup is same as used by our earlier paper (Khurana, D., and Subudhi, S., 2019, “Forced Convection of Al2O3/Water Nanofluids With Simple and Modified Spiral Tape Inserts,” Heat Mass Transfer, 55(6), pp. 1–13). The suspension stability of nanofluids is improved by varying pH of nanofluids. The pH in this study is varied from 3.5 ± 0.2 to 12.5 ± 0.2. Addition of surfactants is employed to improve the suspension stability of nanofluids. The sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant of 0.05 wt% is used to increase the stability of nanofluids in the present study. It is observed that by increasing the suspension stability with the variation of pH and addition of surfactant, the heat transfer characteristics have improved appreciably. The maximum enhancement in heat transfer is obtained with TiO2/water nanofluids at a particle concentration of 0.1 vol% and a pH of 3.5 ± 0.2.
Design and Analysis of a Multisegment Shape Morphing Mechanism
Authors: Tian Yingzhong , Zhao Yinjun , Li Long , Yuan Guangjie , Xi Fengfeng
Published: December 2020

This article presents a novel design of a multisegment shape morphing mechanism that combines a lockable reconfigurable variable geometry truss manipulator (VGTM) with an active parallel compliant mechanism. The structure of the VGTM is in a parallel-serial structure, and its hyper-redundant degree-of-freedom (DOF) can be fully controlled by using two active flexible panels and some lockable joints. This mechanism is suitable for aerospace applications that require light and compact structure with high load-carrying ability as well as achieve multiple DOFs for large-scale shape deformation. To make shape morphing process simple and efficient, the mobility and topological configuration of the mechanism are analyzed first. Then, a control strategy combining the approximate motion mode and the exact motion mode is proposed. The kinematic models for different motion modes are established and solved analytically. It has been found that, under the exact motion mode, two approaches could be realized for the pose control under external loads for each segment. The one with the shorter moving path is selected in this article. Finally, a prototype was constructed to demonstrate the feasibility of this structure and to verify the proposed kinematic model.
Human myotube formation is determined by MyoD–Myomixer/Myomaker axis
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Wen Junfei , Bigot Anne , Chen Jiacheng , Shang Renjie , Mouly Vincent , Bi Pengpeng
Published: December 2020

MyoD–Myomixer/Myomaker axis controls human myoblast fusion.
The carbon sink of tropical seasonal forests in southeastern Brazil can be under threat
Authors: Maia Vinícius Andrade , Santos Alisson Borges Miranda , de Aguiar-Campos Natália , de Souza Cléber Rodrigo , de Oliveira Matheus Coutinho Freitas , Coelho Polyanne Aparecida , Morel Jean Daniel , da Costa Lauana Silva , Farrapo Camila Laís , Fagundes Nathalle Cristine Alencar , de Paula Gabriela Gomes Pires , Santos Paola Ferreira , Gianasi Fernanda Moreira , da Silva Wilder Bento , de Oliveira Fernanda , Girardelli Diego Teixeira , de Carvalho Araújo Felipe , Vilela Taynara Andrade , Pereira Rafaella Tavares , da Silva Lidiany Carolina Arantes , de Oliveira Menino Gisele Cristina , Garcia Paulo Oswaldo , Fontes Marco Aurélio Leite , dos Santos Rubens Manoel
Published: December 2020

The carbon sink of southeastern Brazil seasonal forests is decreasing over time; in 2013, the carbon sink became a carbon source.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP2 Suppresses Host Innate Immunity against Influenza A Virus by Regulating EGFR-Mediated Signaling
Authors: Wang Qingsen , Pan Wenliang , Wang Song , Pan Chen , Ning Hongya , Huang Shile , Chiu Shih-Hsin , Chen Ji-Long
Published: December 2020

Viral immune evasion is the most important strategy whereby viruses evolve for their survival. This work shows that influenza A virus (IAV) suppressed the antiviral innate immunity through downregulation of IFNs and ISGs by activating EGFR/ERK signaling.
Complete Genome Sequence of Citrobacter koseri Strain MPUCK001
Authors: Ohkubo Tomotaka , Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Cho Otomi , Ogasawara Yuki , Sugita Takashi
Published: December 2020

Citrobacter koseri, an aerobic Gram-negative bacterium, is isolated from the human skin and intestinal tract. Here, we report the complete genome sequence ofCitrobacter koseristrain MPUCK001, which has a 4.9-Mbp genome, containing 4,536 protein-coding sequences.
The Two-Component System CopRS Maintains Subfemtomolar Levels of Free Copper in the Periplasm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Using a Phosphatase-Based Mechanism
Authors: Novoa-Aponte Lorena , Xu Cheng , Soncini Fernando C. , Argüello José M.
Published: December 2020

Copper is a micronutrient required as cofactor in redox enzymes. When free, copper is toxic, mismetallating proteins and generating damaging free radicals.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals that the Switching of the Transcriptional Profiles of Cysteine-Related Genes Alters the Virulence of Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Feng Meng , Zhang Yuhan , Zhou Hang , Li Xia , Fu Yongfeng , Tachibana Hiroshi , Cheng Xunjia
Published: December 2020

Studies on the trophozoite of
Entamoeba histolytica
suggested this organism could accumulate polyploid cells in its proliferative phase and differentiate its cell cycle from that of other eukaryotes. Therefore, a single-cell sequencing technique was used to study the switching of the RNA transcription profiles of single amoebic trophozoites.
Aligning quality improvement with better child health for the 21st century
Authors: Singh Guddi , Cribb Alan
Published: December 2020

Quality improvement (QI) has tremendous potential to tackle the shortcomings of health services. But health professionals have not yet fully embraced QI as part of their day-to-day concerns. Indeed, QI is sometimes experienced as a brake on quality rather than a catalyst for improvement. This can happen, for example, if there is too much emphasis on meeting short-term institutional goals rather than on addressing long-term health needs. This emphasis also risks equating quality with safety and efficiency measures while neglecting patient-centredness and equity. QI does not have to be like this. We suggest that the conscientious and critical engagement of health professionals in QI can lead to genuinely better and more far-reaching outcomes for child health. We also distinguish between QI projects that repair the status quo and those that seek to reform it, arguing that there is an important place for both.
Deep neck cellulitis: a challenging diagnosis
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Isabel , Vilhena Ditza , Duarte Delfim , Trigueiros Nuno
Published: December 2020

A 38-year-old woman with Crohn’s disease, under immunosuppressive therapy, was referred to the emergency department for severe progressive neck pain and fever, with 1 week of evolution. She was unable to perform neck mobilisation due to the intense pain aroused. She referred dysphagia. Oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx showed no alterations. She had an increased C reactive protein. Central nervous system infections were excluded by lumbar puncture. CT was normal. Only MRI showed T2 hyperintensity of the retropharyngeal and prevertebral soft tissues of the neck without signs of abscess. The patient was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics. Complications of deep neck infection include abscess formation, venous thrombosis and mediastinitis. In this case, no complications occurred. A high degree of clinical suspicion is essential as deep neck infections need to be promptly diagnosed and treated given their rapidly progressive character, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Unusual case of soft palate and uvula haematoma in a patient on anticoagulant drugs
Authors: Farrugia Stephanie , Sapiano Karl , Sciberras Robert
Published: December 2020

A 91-year-old Caucasian man on warfarin for atrial fibrillation presented in view of sudden-onset haemoptysis with fresh bleeding with clots immediately after having eaten a piping-hot traditional cheesecake (pastizz) and burning the soft-palate of his mouth. The haemoptysis had resolved by the time that the patient had arrived to hospital. On examination, a 2 cm by 2 cm dark red, solitary mass could be seen just anterior to the uvula. This was not causing any pain or discomfort to the patient. Blood results were mostly unremarkable except for a raised international normalised ratio (INR) of 3.53. The patient was administered 5 mg vitamin K orally in attempt to lower the INR level and warfarin was subsequently omitted for 7 days. He was also prescribed oral steroids on discharge. The lesion resolved in 7 days and warfarin was restarted then with no further consequences.
Unilateral orolingual angioedema in a patient with sarcoidosis after intravenous thrombolysis due to acute stroke without improvement after treatment with icatibant
Authors: Wollmach Anna Daniela , Zehnder Daniel , Schwendinger Markus , Tarnutzer Alexander Andrea
Published: December 2020

A potential complication after intravenous administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activators (rtPAs) for thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke is orolingual angioedema, with an incidence of 0.4%–7.9%. In the herewith reported case, we discuss potential links between a history of sarcoidosis and the occurrence of orolingual angioedema after rtPA administration. Sarcoidosis is often accompanied by an elevated ACE level. In contrast, low ACE levels appear to play a role in the pathomechanism currently assumed to trigger angioedema, that is, the activation of the bradykinin and complement pathways. Medication with ACE inhibitors is considered a risk factor for angioedema. Based on these considerations, the patient was also treated with icatibant, a bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist, which has been found useful in recent publications on treating orolingual angioedema after intravenous lysis in ischaemic stroke.
Silent and formidable foe: neuroendocrine tumours of the gallbladder
Authors: Randhawa Darshan S , Shoucair Sami , McCarron Edward
Published: December 2020

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the gallbladder occur infrequently, with the diagnosis being incidental in most cases. We present a case of an 81-year-old African American woman who initially presented with acute suppurative cholecystitis, found on pathology to have a moderately differentiated infiltrating adenocarcinoma. A partial hepatic resection with periportal lymph node dissection was planned which was subsequently aborted intraoperatively due to the presence of diffuse carcinomatosis. Pathology of the cancerous lesions revealed neuroendocrine carcinoma. Gallbladder neuroendocrine tumours demonstrate no specific clinical features. Given its often late presentation, neuroendocrine tumours of the gallbladder pose a therapeutic and prognostic challenge.
Visceral artery aneurysm: an unusual cause of abdominal pain
Authors: Al Baghdadi Maha , Yedla Parekha
Published: December 2020

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) are uncommon with an approximate incidence of 0.01%–0.2%. Gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysm is a rare subtype of these uncommon visceral aneurysms that can be fatal if ruptured. We present a case of a 58-year-old Caucasian woman with a VAA and a large haematoma arising from an actively bleeding GDA. While patients with VAA may remain asymptomatic, with some of the aneurysms found incidentally during imaging, they may also present with abdominal pain, anaemia and possible multiorgan failure which may be fatal.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or autoimmune hepatitis? Sometimes a closer look under the surface is needed
Authors: Dalekos Georgios N , Gatselis Nikolaos K , Koukoulis George K
Published: December 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is nowadays the most common liver disease worldwide. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare disease of the liver characterised by female predominance, circulating autoantibodies, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia, interface hepatitis on histology and favourable response to immunosuppression. The possibility of an additional AIH diagnosis in patients with NAFLD (NAFLD/AIH concurrence) or the presence of AIH alone instead of a supposed NAFLD diagnosis represents a challenge for clinicians. We report herein two adult patients (a 33-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man) with a previous NAFLD diagnosis who proved finally to suffer from AIH alone. These two representative cases indicate how difficult and complicated could be sometimes the diagnosis of patients with AIH highlighting the range of disease manifestations and severity while they also underline that although NAFLD is by far the most frequent chronic liver disease this could not be always the case.
‘Bone within bone appearance’ in a pathological fracture
Authors: Muthu Sathish , Ramakrishnan Eswar , Chellamuthu Girinivasan
Published: December 2020

A 60-year-old man presented to our hospital with complaints of pain and deformity on his right thigh for the past 2 days following a history of accidental slip and fall. Radiological investigations suggested a pathological type 2 Seinsheimer subtrochanteric fracture of the right femur with a ‘bone within bone’ appearance, which posed a diagnostic dilemma as this radiological appearance is seen in a spectrum of conditions. Radiographic skeletal survey failed to identify a similar appearance elsewhere in the body. Laboratory investigations pointed in favour of bone mineral disease, and histopathological examination of the bone narrowed it down to Paget’s disease. The fracture was fixed with a contralateral distal femur locking compression plate. The fracture site failed to show signs of union until 6 months postsurgery and hence the patient was advised for grafting procedure. The patient deferred surgery and remains without major complications until 18 months of follow-up.