bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjectival modification in Truku Seediq
Authors: Saillard Claire
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates the position of adjectives in noun phrases in Truku Seediq, proposing that the two documented positions correspond to different semantics as well as a difference in syntax. While post-nominal adjectives, corresponding to basic word-order in Truku Seediq, may be either restrictive or descriptive, pre-nominal adjectives, seen as an innovation, are semantically restrictive. This paper also argues for a difference in syntactic structure for both kinds of adjectives, restrictive adjectives heading their own projection while descriptive adjectives are bare adjectives standing in a closer relationship to the modified noun. This paper further identifies a syntactic constraint for pre-nominal adjectival placement that applies regardless of restrictivity of the modifier, namely the presence of a possessive clitic to the right of the modified noun. Data collection is achieved through both a traditional elicitation method and an experimental task-based method. Data are further digitalized in order to ensure systematic searchability. The data thus collected are apt to support semantic analysis as well as an investigation of age-group-related variation. It is claimed that language contact with Mandarin Chinese may be one of the triggering factors for the development of a pre-nominal position for modifying adjectives in Truku Seediq.
A micro-perspective on Verb-second in Romance and Germanic
Authors: Meklenborg Salvesen Christine
Published: September 2019

The Verb-second (V2) phenomenon is one of the central issues of modern linguistic theory. This volume examines V2 from a micro-perspective, comparing various languages and periods. At the heart of the work presented here lies the clear assumption that Verb-second is by no means a unitary phenomenon, but rather a heterogenous and rich system that affects languages in various ways.
The Problem with Public Morals
Authors: Foster Caroline E
Published: September 2019

Empirical study reveals that the methods employed for identifying public morals and societal values in international dispute settlement seldom capture them directly. Rather what we see are governmentally mediated representations of these morals and values. Accepting such representations masks diversity in moral views and societal values within populations, assumes that governments properly represent populations on matters of conscience, and may endorse the characterization of social policies as an embodiment of public morality even where they are in tension with accepted human rights. The underlying difficulty appears to be that public morals defences entered international economic law at a time predating the current highly legalized dispute settlement processes with which we are now familiar, and that they are unsuited by nature to international adjudication in its present form. Contrastingly, the idea of legitimate public policy objectives featuring in certain recently negotiated regional free trade agreements poses fewer concerns of this nature.
Pembrolizumab-Induced Stevens–Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in a Patient With Metastatic Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Robinson Shamika , Saleh Jasmine , Curry Jonathan , Mudaliar Kumaran
Published: September 2019

We present a rare case of a pembrolizumab-induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). A 55-year-old woman with a history of metastatic cervical squamous cell carcinoma presented with a widespread mucocutaneous rash. Seventeen days after receiving her first cycle of pembrolizumab, she presented with fever, difficulty breathing, watery eyes, and painful oral ulcers. Physical examination revealed widespread erythematous papules and papulovesicles involving the trunk, upper extremity, and lower extremity and hemorrhagic plaques on the lower lip and buccal mucosa. Biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of SJS/TEN. This case highlights the importance of awareness of SJS/TEN as a possible adverse reaction for patients receiving pembrolizumab, a medication increasingly being used to treat metastatic or unresectable malignancies.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA
Authors: Vezinaw Chloe M. , Fishman Gerald A. , McAnany J. Jason
Published: September 2019

Purpose:

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited pigmentary retinal dystrophy where patients experience poor peripheral, night, and eventually central vision. There are statements in the literature which suggest visual acuity loss can progress to total blindness in these patients. This study sought to examine these statements by performing a retrospective analysis of the visual acuity measured in a large cohort of RP patients.

Methods:

The charts of 1,095 RP patients were reviewed in this retrospective cross-sectional analysis. They included all of the RP patients examined by one of the authors (G.A.F.). Patients with sector RP or a delimited form of this disease were not included. The review was focused on the analysis of patients with 20/200 or worse vision in the better-seeing eye (N = 215).

Results:

We determined that 0.46% of the enrolled patients progressed to no light perception in each eye. Ninety-two percent of the 1,095 patients examined were able to read a visual acuity chart. There were 6.8% who saw only hand motion, count fingers, or light perception.

Conclusion:

No light perception was measured in only 0.46% of patients. Thus, only a very small number of the RP patients in our cohort progressed to total blindness.
A Physical Therapy Intervention to Advance Cognitive and Motor Skills: A Single Subject Study of a Young Child With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Dusing Stacey C. , Harbourne Reggie T. , Lobo Michele A. , Westcott-McCoy Sally , Bovaird James A. , Kane Audrey E. , Syed Gullnar , Marcinowski Emily C. , Koziol Natalie A. , Brown Shaaron E.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Physical therapy interventions for children with severe motor impairments do not address the relationship between motor and cognitive development.

Purpose:

Evaluate the potential of a physical therapy intervention focusing on enhancing cognitive and motor outcomes in a child with severe motor impairments.

Design:

AB phase design without reversal.

Methods:

One child participated in 8 assessments from 4 to 29 months of age. The START-Play intervention was provided for 3 months following 4 baseline assessments over 12 months. Total Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Sitting, Reaching, and Problem Solving assessments were completed. Visual inspection, 2 standard deviation (SD) Band Method, and percent of nonoverlapping data methods evaluated change.

Results:

This child had improved GMFM total and sitting scores, increased frequency of toys contacts, and increased rate of problem-solving behaviors following intervention.

Conclusion:

START-Play shows promise for children with severe motor impairments. Additional research is needed to evaluate efficacy.

Video Abstract:

For more insights from the authors, access Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A273. (Pediatr Phys Ther 2019;31:347-352)
Updated classification of norovirus genogroups and genotypes
Authors: Chhabra Preeti , de Graaf Miranda , Parra Gabriel I. , Chan Martin Chi-Wai , Green Kim , Martella Vito , Wang Qiuhong , White Peter A. , Katayama Kazuhiko , Vennema Harry , Koopmans Marion P. G. , Vinjé Jan
Published: September 2019

Noroviruses are genetically diverse RNA viruses associated with acute gastroenteritis in mammalian hosts. Phylogenetically, they can be segregated into different genogroups as well as P (polymerase)-groups and further into genotypes and P-types based on amino acid diversity of the complete VP1 gene and nucleotide diversity of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) region of ORF1, respectively. In recent years, several new noroviruses have been reported that warrant an update of the existing classification scheme. Using previously described 2× standard deviation (sd) criteria to group sequences into separate clusters, we expanded the number of genogroups to 10 (GI-GX) and the number of genotypes to 49 (9 GI, 27 GII, 3 GIII, 2 GIV, 2 GV, 2 GVI and 1 genotype each for GVII, GVIII, GIX [formerly GII.15] and GX). Viruses for which currently only one sequence is available in public databases were classified into tentative new genogroups (GNA1 and GNA2) and genotypes (GII.NA1, GII.NA2 and GIV.NA1) with their definitive assignment awaiting additional related sequences. Based on nucleotide diversity in the RdRp region, noroviruses can be divided into 60 P-types (14 GI, 37 GII, 2 GIII, 1 GIV, 2 GV, 2 GVI, 1 GVII and 1 GX), 2 tentative P-groups and 14 tentative P-types. Future classification and nomenclature updates will be based on complete genome sequences and will be coordinated and disseminated by the international norovirus classification-working group.
Cellular microRNA miR-c89 inhibits replication of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus by targeting the host factor porcine retinoid X receptor β
Authors: Zhang Xiaobin , Feng Yingtong , Yan Yunhuan , Zheng Zifang , Wang Wenjing , Zhang Yichi , Zhou En-min , Xiao Shuqi
Published: September 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in the complex networks of virus–host interactions. Our previous research showed that porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection markedly upregulates miR-c89 expression, suggesting that miR-c89 may play an important role in PRRSV infection. The present study sought to determine the function of miR-c89 and its molecular mechanism during PRRSV infection. Using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) verification, we demonstrated that both highly pathogenic PRRSV and low-pathogenic PRRSV infection induced miR-c89 expression. The overexpression of miR-c89 significantly suppressed the replication of a variety of PRRSV strains, regardless of the timing of infection. Further, miR-c89 can directly target the 3′UTR of porcine retinoid X receptor β (RXRB) mRNA in a sequence-specific manner. Knockdown affected RXRB expression, as siRNA can suppress the replication of a variety of PRRSV strains. This work not only provides new insights into PRRSV–cell interactions, but also highlights the potential for the use of miR-c89 in the development of new antiviral strategies to combat PRRSV infection.
Fast and robust visual odometry with a low-cost IMU in dynamic environments
Authors: Yao Erliang , Zhang Hexin , Song Haitao , Zhang Guoliang
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To realize stable and precise localization in the dynamic environments, the authors propose a fast and robust visual odometry (VO) approach with a low-cost Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed VO incorporates the direct method with the indirect method to track the features and to optimize the camera pose. It initializes the positions of tracked pixels with the IMU information. Besides, the tracked pixels are refined by minimizing the photometric errors. Due to the small convergence radius of the indirect method, the dynamic pixels are rejected. Subsequently, the camera pose is optimized by minimizing the reprojection errors. The frames with little dynamic information are selected to create keyframes. Finally, the local bundle adjustment is performed to refine the poses of the keyframes and the positions of 3-D points.

Findings

The proposed VO approach is evaluated experimentally in dynamic environments with various motion types, suggesting that the proposed approach achieves more accurate and stable location than the conventional approach. Moreover, the proposed VO approach works well in the environments with the motion blur.

Originality/value

The proposed approach fuses the indirect method and the direct method with the IMU information, which improves the localization in dynamic environments significantly.
How does servitisation affect supply chain circularity? – A systematic literature review
Authors: Kühl Carl , Bourlakis Michael , Aktas Emel , Skipworth Heather
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the link between servitisation and circular economy by synthesising the effect of product-service systems (PSS) on supply chain circularity (SCC).

Design/methodology/approach

Following a systematic literature review methodology, the study identified 67 studies and synthesised them using content analysis.

Findings

A conceptual model is developed illustrating how PSS business models impact SCC through increased product longevity, closure of resource loops and resource efficiency. It also identifies six contextual factors affecting the implementation of SCC including: economic attractiveness of SCC; firm sustainability strategy; policy and societal environment; product category; supply chain relationships; and technology.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual model proposes that SCC increases with servitisation. It also proposes that the main circularity effect stems from increased product longevity, followed by closed resource loops and finally resource efficiency. The model is deduced from the literature by using secondary data.

Practical implications

The review provides practitioners with a framework to increase SCC through PSS business models. It also gives insight into the various contextual factors that may affect how a manufacturer’s servitisation strategy contributes to SCC.

Originality/value

This review contributes to the understanding of the relationship between servitisation and SCC by synthesising the different effects that exist. Moreover, it creates new knowledge by identifying a range of contextual factors affecting the relationship between PSS and SCC.
Developing and analyzing framework to manage resources in humanitarian logistics
Authors: Ahmed Waqar , Najmi Arsalan , Khan Farhana , Aziz Hasan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Humanitarian services usually perform in the face of uncertainty in which mobilization of resources in an efficient and effective manner is a big challenge. Sharing timely and correct information among logistics partners and workers is a key to drive rapid response logistics effectively. The purpose of this paper is to understand how coordinated effort effects resources management (RM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses quantitative research methodology and collected data from 82 humanitarian workers dealing with logistical activities from a densely populated city of Pakistan. Data were then statistically analyzed through partial least squares–structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results suggest that the success of humanitarian supply network depends upon the level of trust among the partners, which accelerates commitment through strong coordination. Information sharing reduces behavioral uncertainty and enhances swift trust (ST). ST then helps to improve coordination and commitment from all stakeholders in order to manage resources to lead effective relief operations.

Practical implications

The study guides the practitioners and relief operations’ policy makers to lay emphasis on distributing right and timely information flow among the partners, which can lead to effective, efficient and swift humanitarian relief operations.

Originality/value

This study on RM during humanitarian logistics is well timed in the context of developing country with high uncertain events, improper infrastructure and very limited resources.
Social network analysis in humanitarian logistics research
Authors: Tacheva Zhasmina , Simpson Natalie
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to promote social network analysis (SNA) methodology within the humanitarian research community, surveying its current state of the art and demonstrating its utility in analyzing humanitarian operations.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive survey of the related literature motivates a proposed agenda for interested researchers. Analysis of two humanitarian networks in Afghanistan demonstrates the use and utility of SNA, based on secondary data. In the second case study, the use of random graphs to detect network motifs is demonstrated using Monte Carlo simulation to create the benchmark null sets.

Findings

SNA is an adaptable and highly useful methodology in humanitarian research, quantifying patterns of community structure and collaboration among humanitarian organizations. Network motifs suggesting distinct affinity between particular agencies within humanitarian clusters are observed.

Research limitations/implications

The authors summarize common challenges of using SNA in humanitarian research and discuss ways to alleviate them.

Practical implications

Practitioners can use SNA as readily as researchers, to visualize existing networks, identify areas of concern and better communicate observations.

Social implications

By making SNA more accessible to a humanitarian research audience, the authors hope its ability to capture complex, dynamic relationships will advance understanding of effective humanitarian relief systems.

Originality/value

To the best of knowledge, it is the first study to conduct a systematic analysis of the application of SNA in empirical humanitarian research and outline a concrete SNA-based research agenda. This is also a currently rare instance of a humanitarian study using random graphs to assess observed SNA measures.
Feasibility study on molecularly imprinted assays for biomedical diagnostics
Authors: Ang Qian Yee , Low Siew Chun
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have aroused focus in medicinal chemistry in recent decades, especially for biomedical applications. Considering the exceptional abilities to immobilize any guest of medical interest (antibodies, enzymes, etc.), MIPs is attractive to substantial research efforts in complementing the quest of biomimetic recognition systems. This study aims to review the key-concepts of molecular imprinting, particularly emphasizes on the conformational adaptability of MIPs beyond the usual description of molecular recognition. The optimal morphological integrity was also outlined in this review to acknowledge the successful sensing activities by MIPs.

Design/methodology/approach

This review highlighted the fundamental mechanisms and underlying challenges of MIPs from the preparation stage to sensor applications. The progress of electrochemical and optical sensing using molecularly imprinted assays has also been furnished, with the evolvement of molecular imprinting as a research hotspot.

Findings

The lack of standard synthesis protocol has brought about an intriguing open question in the selection of building blocks that are biocompatible to the imprint species of medical interest. Thus, in this paper, the shortcomings associated with the applications of MIPs in electrochemical and optical sensing were addressed using the existing literature besides pointing out possible solutions. Future perspectives in the vast development of MIPs also been postulated in this paper.

Originality/value

The present review intends to furnish the underlying mechanisms of MIPs in biomedical diagnostics, with the aim in electrochemical and optical sensing while hypothesizing on future possibilities.
Does operational sex ratio influence relative strength of purging selection in males versus females?
Authors: Plesnar‐Bielak Agata , Sychta Karolina , Gaczorek Tomasz S. , Palka Joanna K. , Prus Monika A. , Prokop Zofia M.
Published: September 2019

According to theory, sexual selection in males may efficiently purge mutation load of sexual populations, reducing or fully compensating ‘the cost of males’. For this to occur, mutations not only need to be deleterious to both sexes, they also must affect males more than females. A frequently overlooked problem is that relative strength of selection on males versus females may vary between environments, with social conditions being particularly likely to affect selection in males and females differently. Here, we induced mutations in red flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum) and tested their effect in both sexes under three different operational sex ratios (1:2, 1:1 and 2:1). Induced mutations decreased fitness of both males and females, but their effect was not stronger in males. Surprisingly, operational sex ratio did not affect selection against deleterious mutations nor its relative strength in the sexes. Thus, our results show no support for the role of sexual selection in the evolutionary maintenance of sex.
Variation in Wolbachia cidB gene, but not cidA, is associated with cytoplasmic incompatibility mod phenotype diversity in Culex pipiens
Authors: Bonneau Manon , Caputo Beniamino , Ligier Aude , Caparros Rudy , Unal Sandra , Perriat‐Sanguinet Marco , Arnoldi Daniele , Sicard Mathieu , Weill Mylène
Published: September 2019

Endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria are, to date, considered the most widespread symbionts in arthropods and are the cornerstone of major biological control strategies. Such a high prevalence is based on the ability of Wolbachia to manipulate their hosts' reproduction. One manipulation called cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is based on the death of the embryos generated by crosses between infected males and uninfected females or between individuals infected with incompatible Wolbachia strains. CI can be seen as a modification‐rescue system (or mod‐resc) in which paternal Wolbachia produce mod factors, inducing embryonic defects, unless the maternal Wolbachia produce compatible resc factors. Transgenic experiments in Drosophila melanogaster and Saccharomyces cerevisiae converged towards a model where the cidB Wolbachia gene is involved in the mod function while cidA is involved in the resc function. However, as cidA expression in Drosophila males was required to observe CI, it has been proposed that cidA could be involved in both resc and mod functions. A recent correlative study in natural Culex pipiens mosquito populations has revealed an association between specific cidA and cidB variations and changes in mod phenotype, also suggesting a role for both these genes in mod diversity. Here, by studying cidA and cidB genomic repertoires of individuals from newly sampled natural C. pipiens populations harbouring wPipIV strains from North Italy, we reinforce the link between cidB variation and mod phenotype variation fostering the involvement of cidB in the mod phenotype diversity. However, no association between any cidA variants or combination of cidA variants and mod phenotype variation was observed. Taken together our results in natural C. pipiens populations do not support the involvement of cidA in mod phenotype variation.
Azole resistance in Aspergillus species in Southern Taiwan: An epidemiological surveillance study
Authors: Chen Yi‐Chun , Kuo Shu‐Fang , Wang Hsuan‐Chen , Wu Chi‐Jung , Lin Yin‐Shiou , Li Wei‐Sin , Lee Chen‐Hsiang
Published: September 2019

Poor clinical outcomes for invasive aspergillosis are associated with antifungal resistance. Performing antifungal susceptibility tests on clinically relevant Aspergillus isolates from patients and environmental regions with known azole resistance is recommended. The aim of the study was to assess the presence of azole resistance in clinical Aspergillus spp. isolates and those from hospital environments and farmlands within a 40 km radius of the hospital. Clinical Aspergillus spp. isolates were cultured, as well as environmental Aspergillus spp. isolates obtained from air samples. Samples were subcultured in azole‐containing agar plates. Isolates with a positive screening test were subjected to YeastOne methods to determine their minimum inhibitory concentrations of antifungals. Resistance mechanisms were investigated in the azole‐resistant Aspergillus spp. isolates. No azole‐resistant clinical or environmental A flavus, A oryaze, A niger or A terreus isolates were found in the present study. All A fumigatus clinical isolates were azole‐susceptible. Seven A fumigatus environmental isolates were associated with cyp51A mutations, including two that harboured TR34/L98H mutations with S297T/F495I substitutions, two with TR34/L98H mutations and three with TR46/Y121F/T289A mutations. One of these isolates was collected from farmland, one was from A ward and five were from B ward. The proportion of azole‐resistant A fumigatus was 10.2% (6/59) and 3.2% (1/31) in the hospital environments and the farmlands near the hospital, respectively. The results showed that azole‐resistant A fumigatus existed within hospital environments. This emphasises the importance of periodic surveillance in hospital environments and monitoring for the emergence of azole‐resistant A fumigatus clinical isolates.
The role of bud protection and bark density in frost resistance of savanna trees
Authors: De Antonio A. C. , Scalon M. C. , Rossatto D. R.
Published: September 2019

Frost events occur with a significant frequency in savannas of the Southern Hemisphere, especially in the Cerrados of Brazil. One of the main strategies to deal with such events is to invest in thick and dense bark, which can insulate internal branch tissues and protect buds, essential to ensure resprouting if frost damage causes plant canopy die‐back. Such strategies may be fundamental to determine the persistence of savanna species in regions where low temperatures and frost events are recurrent.

Here we describe bud protection and bark strategies of 53 woody species growing in typical savanna vegetation of central Brazil. In addition, we used an experimental approach exposing branches to 0 °C to measure temperature variation in internal branch tissue and test its relationship to bud protection and bark properties.

We found that the majority of species (69%) showed medium to high bud protection against extreme temperatures; however, the degree of bud protection was not clearly related to bark properties, such as bark thickness and density. Bark density is a fundamental trait in determining protection against low temperatures (0 °C), since species with low bark density showed lower temperature variation in their internal branch tissues, independently of the bud protection degree.

Bark properties and bud protection are two different (albeit related) strategies for the protection and persistence of savanna trees under extreme environmental temperatures and can explain ecological observations related to savanna tree responses after frost events.
Optimizing treatment of DNA methyltransferase inhibitor RG108 on porcine fibroblasts for somatic cell nuclear transfer
Authors: Wu Cai‐feng , Zhang De‐fu , Zhang Shushan , Sun Lingwei , Liu Ying , Dai Jian‐jun
Published: September 2019

Aberration in DNA methylation is believed to be one of the major causes of abnormal gene expression and inefficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). RG108, a non‐nucleoside DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor, has been reported to facilitate somatic nuclear reprogramming and improved blastocyst formation. The aim of this study was to investigate interaction effect of RG108 treatment time (24–72 hr) and concentrations (0.05–50 µM) on donor cells, and further to optimize the treatment for porcine SCNT. Our results showed that RG108 treatment resulted in time‐dependent decrease of genome‐wide DNA methylation on foetal fibroblasts, which only happened after 72‐hr treatment in our experiments, and no interaction effect between treatment time and concentration. Remarkable decrease of methylation in imprinted gene H19 and increased apoptosis was observed in 5 and 50 µM RG108‐treated cells. Furthermore, the blastocyst rates of SCNT embryos were increased as the fibroblasts treated with RG108 at 5 and 50 µM, and additional treatment during cultivation of SCNT embryos would not provide any advantage for blastocyst formation. In conclusion, the RG108 treatment of 72 hr and 5 μM would be optimized time and concentration for porcine foetal fibroblasts to improve the SCNT embryonic development. In addition, combined treatment of RG108 on donor cells and SCNT embryos would not be beneficial for embryonic development.
Relation between activity‐induced intracellular sodium transients and ATP dynamics in mouse hippocampal neurons
Authors: Gerkau Niklas J. , Lerchundi Rodrigo , Nelson Joel S. E. , Lantermann Marina , Meyer Jan , Hirrlinger Johannes , Rose Christine R.
Published: September 2019

Key points

Employing quantitative Na+‐imaging and Förster resonance energy transfer‐based imaging with ATeam1.03YEMK(ATeam), we studied the relation between activity‐induced Na+influx and intracellular ATP in CA1 pyramidal neurons of the mouse hippocampus.

Calibration of ATeamin situenabled a quantitative estimate of changes in intracellular ATP concentrations.

Different paradigms of stimulation that induced global Na+influx into the entire neuron resulted in decreases in [ATP] in the range of 0.1–0.6 mmin somata and dendrites, while Na+influx that was locally restricted to parts of dendrites did not evoke a detectable change in dendritic [ATP].

Our data suggest that global Na+transients require global cellular activation of the Na+/K+‐ATPase resulting in a consumption of ATP that transiently overrides its production.

For recovery from locally restricted Na+influx, ATP production as well as fast intracellular diffusion of ATP and Na+might prevent a local drop in [ATP].

Excitatory neuronal activity results in the influx of Na+through voltage‐ and ligand‐gated channels. Recovery from accompanying increases in intracellular Na+concentrations ([Na+]i) is mainly mediated by the Na+/K+‐ATPase (NKA) and is one of the major energy‐consuming processes in the brain. Here, we analysed the relation between different patterns of activity‐induced [Na+]isignalling and ATP in mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons by Na+imaging with sodium‐binding benzofurane isophthalate (SBFI) and employing the genetically encoded nanosensor ATeam1.03YEMK(ATeam).In situcalibrations demonstrated a sigmoidal dependence of the ATeam Förster resonance energy transfer ratio on the intracellular ATP concentration ([ATP]i) with an apparentKDof 2.6 mm, indicating its suitability for [ATP]imeasurement. Induction of recurrent network activity resulted in global [Na+]ioscillations with amplitudes of ∼10 mm, encompassing somata and dendrites. These were accompanied by a steady decline in [ATP]iby 0.3–0.4 mmin both compartments. Global [Na+]itransients, induced by afferent fibre stimulation or bath application of glutamate, caused delayed, transient decreases in [ATP]ias well. Brief focal glutamate application that evoked transientlocalNa+influx into a dendrite, however, did not result in a measurable reduction in [ATP]i. Our results suggest that ATP consumption by the NKA following global [Na+]itransients temporarily overrides its availability, causing a decrease in [ATP]i. Locally restricted Na+transients, however, do not result in detectable changes in local [ATP]i, suggesting that ATP production, together with rapid intracellular diffusion of both ATP and Na+from and to unstimulated neighbouring regions, counteracts a local energy shortage under these conditions.
Are the new excited Ωc baryons negative parity states?
Authors: Aliev T. M. , Bilmis S. , Savci M.
Published: September 2019

We calculate the mass and residue of the newly observed [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] states with quantum numbers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] within QCD sum rules. The calculation is carried out by using the general form for interpolating current for [Formula: see text] baryon. Our predictions on masses are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Dust wars
Authors: Shasha Dennis
Published: September 2019

Considering willful approaches to a golden opportunity.
Pinning down variables, and taking an agile approach
Authors: Hill Robin K. , Torres Edwin
Published: September 2019

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Robin K. Hill tries to better define variables, while Edwin Torres acknowledges he is his own greatest obstacle.
Effective shear modulus of a damaged ply in laminate stiffness analysis: Determination and validation
Authors: Loukil Mohamed Sahbi , Varna Janis
Published: September 2019

The concept of the “effective stiffness” for plies in laminates containing intralaminar cracks is revisited presenting rather accurate fitting expressions for the effective stiffness dependence on crack density in the ply. In this article, the effective stiffness at certain crack density is back-calculated from the stiffness difference between the undamaged and damaged laminate. Earlier finite element method analysis of laminates with cracked 90-plies showed that the effective longitudinal modulus and Poisson’s ratio of the ply do not change during cracking, whereas the transverse modulus reduction can be described by a simple crack density dependent function. In this article, focus is on the remaining effective constant: in-plane shear modulus. Finite element method parametric analysis shows that the dependence on crack density is exponential and the fitting function is almost independent of geometrical and elastic parameters of the surrounding plies. The above independence justifies using the effective ply stiffness in expressions of the classical laminate theory to predict the intralaminar cracking caused stiffness reduction in laminates with off-axis plies. Results are in a very good agreement with (a) finite element method calculations; (b) experimental data, and (c) with the GLOB-LOC model, which gives a very accurate solution in cases where the crack face opening and sliding displacements are accurately described.
Experimental and numerical analyses of stiffened composite panels with delamination under a compressive load
Authors: Bai Yujiao , Xu Zhonghai , Song Jieren , Miao Linlin , Cai Chaocan , Yang Fan , Wang Rongguo , He Xiaodong , Hong Yi , Dong Xulun
Published: September 2019

L-shaped stiffened composite panels provide an efficient structure for engineering applications. However, they often produce delamination in the preparation and service process due to a series of factors. To study the effect of different types of delamination on the compressive strength of stiffened composite panels, ABAQUS finite element software was used in combine with the progressive damage subroutine user-defined field variable (USDFLD), and the finite element model was established based on cohesive theory to realize the prediction of the progressive failure process and strength of the stiffened composite panels. The results showed that the delamination of a stringer had a greater impact on the strength of the stiffened composite panels than did the debonding between the skin panel and a stringer and the delamination of the skin panel. The debonding delamination and delamination of a stringer exhibited delamination growth near the damage position during static compression, but delamination of the skin panel exhibited no delamination growth. The experimental results were in good agreement with the finite element simulation results, which verified the validity of the finite element model.
Auxetic deformation of the weft-knitted Miura-ori fold
Authors: Luan Kun , West Andre , DenHartog Emiel , McCord Marian
Published: September 2019

Negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) material with unique geometry is rare in nature and has an auxetic response under strain in a specific direction. With this unique property, this type of material is significantly promising in many specific application fields. The curling structure commonly exists in knitted products due to the unbalanced force inside a knit loop. Thus, knitted fabric is an ideal candidate to mimic natural NPR materials, since it possesses such an inherent curly configuration and the flexibility to design and process. In this work, a weft-knitted Miura-ori fold (WMF) fabric was produced that creates a self-folding three-dimensional structure with NPR performance. Also, a finite element analysis model was developed to simulate the structural auxetic response to understand the deformation mechanism of hierarchical thread-based auxetic fabrics. The simulated strain–force curves of four WMF fabrics quantitatively agree with our experimental results. The auxetic morphologies, Poisson’s ratio and damping capacity were discussed, revealing the deformation mechanism of the WMF fabrics. This study thus provides a fundamental framework for mechanical-stimulating textiles. The developed NPR knitted fabrics have a high potential to be employed in areas of tissue engineering, such as artificial blood vessels and artificial folding mucosa.
Mixed Feelings? Comparing the Effects of Perceived Red Tape and Job Goal Clarity on HRM Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment Across Central Government, Government Agencies, and Businesses
Authors: Blom Rutger
Published: September 2019

In the past decades, increasing attention in the public sector has been paid to the relationship between human resource management (HRM) practices and organizational commitment. The bureaucratic structure of public organizations has often been mentioned to have a negative impact on this relationship. To reduce red tape and increase goal clarity, governments worldwide have created semi-autonomous agencies that operate at arm’s length, expecting that they would operate under more business-like conditions with positive effects on organizational commitment. In this study, these positive expectations were tested using groups of employees working at central government, two types of agencies, and businesses. Using multigroup structural equation modeling with a Dutch data set containing 2,432 respondents, the findings provide little support for the notion that agencies are similar to businesses in terms of bureaucracy and ways to stimulate employee commitment, and even indicate that some agencies are more bureaucratic than central government.
Is Nasal Endoscopy of Diagnostic Value in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Without Nasal Polyps?
Authors: Cohen-Kerem Raanan , Marshak Tal , Uri Nechama , Gruber Maayan , Huberfeld Ori , Paz Dan , Stein Nili , Ronen Ohad
Published: September 2019

Endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity is an integral part of the assessment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. However, the benefit gained by performing endoscopy with respect to the patient’s medical condition has not been completely assessed. We conducted a prospective cohort in an academic medical center. Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis, without polyps, whose ailment was managed conservatively with no surgical intervention. All patients underwent nasal endoscopy, a computed tomography (CT) scan rated for Lund-MacKay score, and completed a sino nasal outcome test (SNOT)-20 questionnaire. This same evaluation was repeated 6 weeks following medical treatment. The CT scan and SNOT-20 questionnaire were independent parameters to evaluate the endoscopy score in each nasal passage. Thirty-nine (28 females) patients completed the follow-up period. A total of 156 endoscopic evaluations were performed, in which 74 nasal cavities were found to have significant pathology and 82 were either normal or displayed mild pathology. The correlation with the Lund-MacKay score was poor with a positive predictive value of 68.9% (31.1% false positive and 28% false negative). However, while looking at the SNOT-20 score, corrected for repeated measures, a higher endoscopy score was associated with a higher SNOT-20 score (odds ratio = 3.53, 95% confidence interval = 1.54-8.09, P = .003). Patients with higher endoscopy scores had a greater probability for exhibiting severe symptoms. However, we could not demonstrate a strong correlation between nasal endoscopy findings and CT scan scores. Therefore, with respect to patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps, nasal endoscopy could be utilized as a beneficial objective tool.
Food-Specific IgE and IgG Antibodies in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Veloso-Teles Rafaela , Cerejeira Rui , Rodrigues Débora , Roque-Farinha Rosa , von Buchwald Christian
Published: September 2019

EPOS 2012 states that investigation is needed to study a possible role for food allergy in the initiation and perpetuation of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Our main goal was to compare serum levels of food-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgE antibodies in patients with CRSwNP and controls. A prospective case–control study with 33 patients with CRSwNP and 31 controls without CRS was carried out. Clinical data were gathered through a systematic interview and blood sample was collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests using OmegaDiagnostics kit with 40 food allergens for detection of specific IgG antibodies were performed and food-specific IgE antibodies were determined by immunoassay using ImmunoCAP. Immunoglobulin classes and IgG subclasses levels were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.23. The overall sum of food IgG antibodies was significantly lower in CRSwNP compared to control group, and this difference was also observed for different specific IgG antibodies (corn, soya, grain legumes, pear and apple, berries, citric fruit). In controls, a positive correlation between IgG1 and the sum of food IgG antibodies was seen, but in CRSwNP group a negative correlation was found. In addition, a significant higher level of IgG1 and lower IgG2 and IgG3 was found among patients with CRSwNP. Levels of serum-specific IgE antibodies against multiallergen food mix (fx5) and against shrimp, strawberry, orange, rye, or egg yolk, as well as the sum of food IgE antibodies, did not differ significantly between the groups. These findings suggest that food allergy does not have an important role in CRSwNP etiopathogenesis, whether it is IgG or IgE mediated. Moreover, the observed suppression of specific IgG antibodies against food allergens, its negative correlation with IgG1 and the IgG1 switching in CRSwNP, can be related to deviated IgG responses against other targets (eg, airborne particles) and warrants future investigation.
Laryngotracheal Stenosis Management: A 16-Year Experience
Authors: Woliansky Jonathan , Paddle Paul , Phyland Debra
Published: September 2019

In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that the laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) cohort comprises distinct etiological subgroups; however, treatment of the disease remains heterogeneous with limited research to date assessing predictors of treatment outcome. We aim to assess clinical and surgical predictors of endoscopic treatment outcome for LTS, as well as to further characterize the disease population. A retrospective chart review of adult patients with LTS presenting over a 16-year period was conducted. Seventy-five patients were identified and subdivided into 4 etiologic subgroups: iatrogenic, idiopathic, autoimmune, and “other” groups. Statistical comparison of iatrogenic and idiopathic groups was performed. Subsequently, stepwise logistic regression was employed to examine the association between clinical/surgical factors and treatment outcome, as measured by tracheostomy incidence and dependence. We demonstrate that patients with iatrogenic LTS were significantly more morbid ( P < .001) and had worse disease, with significantly greater percentage stenosis ( P = .015) and increased incidence of tracheostomy ( P < .001). Analyzing the predictive effect of clinical and surgical variables on endoscopic treatment outcome, we have shown that when adjusted for age, sex, and iatrogenic etiology, patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologist score >2 were significantly more likely to undergo tracheostomy (adjusted odds ratio = 11.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.47-86.17). Similarly, when compared with their idiopathic counterparts, patients with iatrogenic LTS had higher odds of undergoing tracheostomy (17.33, 95% CI = 1.93-155.66) as were patients with Cotton-Myer grade 3-4 stenosis (9.84, 95% CI = 1.36-71.32). The odds of tracheostomy dependence at time of last follow-up were significantly higher in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (15.38, 95% CI = 1.36-174.43) and cerebrovascular accident (9.03, 95% CI = 1.01-81.08), even after adjustment. No surgical techniques were significantly associated with either outcome when adjusted. We present a heterogeneous LTS cohort comprised of homogeneous subgroups with distinct levels of morbidity, disease morphology, and treatment burden. Further our data suggest that the treatment outcome is more dependent on patient factors, rather than surgical technique used.
Structured evaluation and reporting in imaging of placenta and umbilical cord
Authors: Kumar Ishan , Verma Ashish , Jain Madhu , Shukla Ram C
Published: September 2019

The human placenta plays a pivotal role in development and growth of the fetus. Disorder of this multifunctional organ is central to various fetal disorders. Doppler sonography and MRI provide excellent diagnostic evaluation of the placental morphology and umbilical cord. Decades of experience in obstetric imaging have highlighted the need of careful prenatal assessment of placenta. However, in most of the routine obstetric scans, the evaluation and reporting of the placental examination is limited to the location and grade of the placenta. The purpose of this article is to review the existing literature and facilitate step-by-step evaluation of the placenta and umbilical cord by the radiologists.
Diagnostic challenge for giant left retroperitoneal accessory spleen: a case report
Authors: Li Youjian , Qiu Xuefeng , Li Weijian , Guo Hongqian , Li Xiaogong
Published: September 2019

An accessory spleen refers to single or multiple splenic tissues that appear outside the normal spleen position and have structures and functions similar to those of a normal spleen. We herein present a rare case of a 31-year-old woman who was hospitalized because of a 14-year history of sudden left upper abdominal pain after running. Abdominal computed tomography suggested a large soft tissue mass at the left renal hilum surrounded by several enlarged lymph nodes, which was totally different from computed tomography scanning of normal accessory spleen. The mass was resected by robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of accessory spleen. The incidence of retroperitoneal accessory spleen is very rare, which should be differentiated with retroperitoneal tumors.
Improvement of mechanical and physical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide composites by applying different surface coatings for short carbon fiber
Authors: Dike Ali Sinan
Published: September 2019

In this study, short carbon fiber (CF) surface was coated with jeffamine, isocyanate, and polyamide (PA). Surface-coated layers of CF samples were confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Desized and coated CFs were incorporated to PA6 by melt-compounding method with a constant ratio of 20 wt%. Tensile testing, shore hardness, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and melt flow rate (MFR) test of composites were performed. Adhesion of CF to the polymer matrix was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of composites. Mechanical characterization of composites implied that tensile strength, tensile modulus, percent elongation, and shore hardness of unfilled PA were extended to higher values by the addition of surface-coated CFs. The highest improvement was observed for isocyanate-modified CF-loaded PA-based composites. According to DMA results, storage modulus and loss modulus of PA increased with the incorporation of sized CF into polymer matrix. CF containing composites showed higher glass transition temperature with respect to unfilled PA. Addition of CF caused no significant change for MFR of PA. Poor adhesion of desized CF and relatively strong adhesion of surface-coated CFs to PA matrix were confirmed by SEM analysis.