bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Aberrant sialylation plays a significant role in oral squamous cell carcinoma progression”
Authors: Mehta Kruti A. , Patel Kinjal A. , Pandya Shashank J. , Patel Prabhudas S.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Aberrant glycosylation, mainly sialylation and fucosylation, is recently considered as a major hallmark of cancer. Aberrant sialylation has long been associated with various neoplastic diseases. However, role of aberrant sialylation in oral cancer is still in its infancy. The present study aimed to examine mRNA expressions of α‐2, 3, α‐2, 6 sialyltransferase (ST) families and sialidase in 160 human oral cancer tissues.

Methods

mRNA expression of ST3GAL1, ST3GAL2, ST3GAL3, ST3GAL4, ST3GAL6, ST6GAL1, and neuraminidase 3 (NEU3) was analyzed by RT‐qPCR in 80 paired malignant and adjacent normal tissues from oral cancer patients.

Results

The results indicated significant (P ≤ .05) down‐regulation of various STs (ST3GAL1, ST3GAL2, ST3GAL3, ST3GAL4, ST3GAL6, and ST6GAL1) and sialidases (NEU3) in malignant tissues as compared to adjacent normal tissues. Higher mRNA levels of ST3GAL2 and ST3GAL3 were significantly associated with advanced stage of the disease, lymph node involvement, and perineural invasion, which denote their role in progression and metastasis of oral cancer. Present study also revealed altered sialylation patterns according to anatomical site of the disease and tobacco habit.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated significant role of elevated mRNA levels of ST3GAL2 and ST3GAL3 in disease progression and metastasis of oral carcinoma.
Persons’ Experiences of Suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Jönsson Anneli , Hellmark Thomas , Forsberg Anna
Published: November 2019

Background

Little is known about health and wellbeing among patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS), despite it being a serious condition in patients with renal failure. In order to promote health, it is important that both healthcare professionals and patients are aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Objectives

The aim was to explore patients’ experience of suffering from nephrotic syndrome.

Design

An inductive, qualitative method.

Participants

Ten adult patients with either newly diagnosed or a relapse of NS treated in a University hospital, south of Sweden from February 2016 to February 2019.

Measurements

Data were collected using open‐ended interviews and analysed by means of Lindseth and Norberg's phenomenological‐hermeneutical method.

Results

Suffering from NS meant being a stranger in an unfamiliar world of symptoms, signs and medical treatment without professional guidance or piloting, illustrated by four themes: Feeling ill and well at the same time, Being passively adherent, Being in uncertainty, and Trying to comprehend and cope.

Implications for practice

The result provides an in‐depth understanding of the illness experience among patients with NS and constitutes a foundation for clinical guidelines on treatment, follow‐up and health promotion.

Conclusion

Patients with NS end up in a state of ambiguity due to a profound knowledge deficit that causes uncertainty and a lack of self‐management. The experienced lack of professional self‐management support is partly compensated for by social support from relatives, enabling those with NS to manage everyday life in a reasonable way.
Sexual pattern and caudal fin as a sexually dimorphic trait in the commercially aquacultured Meiacanthus blennies (Teleostei: Blenniidae)
Authors: Okuma Diego , Dias June F. , Silbiger Helcy L. N. , Güth Arthur Z. , Mies Miguel
Published: November 2019

The marine aquarium industry has grown significantly and so has marine ornamental fish aquaculture. The main species targeted by commercial aquaculture are clownfish, dottybacks, gobies, and blennies. However, the limited knowledge available for the reproductive biology of several fish species hinders production, especially for blennies. Therefore, this study investigated whether two mass‐produced blenniids, Meiacanthus nigrolineatus and Meiacanthus smithi, are gonochorists and display caudal fin sexual dimorphism. For this purpose, gonadal samples and morphometric data were collected from specimens of both species kept in captivity for 6 months. Histological preparations of the whole individuals or their gonads were performed and analyzed. Results show that sex ratio does not differ from 1:1 and that gonadal development was similar to other blenniids. No evidence of sexual reversion or simultaneous hermaphroditism was found in the first 8 months of development, suggesting that both species are gonochoric. Differences in the length of upper and lower rays in the caudal fin were not detected for M. smithi, but M. nigrolineatus male individuals displayed significantly longer upper and lower rays, confirming it as a dimorphic trait for this species. The identification of the sexual pattern and sexually dimorphic traits may aid in broodstock pairing for M. nigrolineatus blennies, improving its aquaculture production and perhaps reducing some of the pressure on wild stocks.
Utility of Feedback Has a Greater Impact on Learning than Ease of Decoding
Authors: Dainton Chelsea , Winstone Naomi , Klaver Peter , Opitz Bertram
Published: November 2019

While feedback is a key facilitator of learning, researchers have yet to determine the ideal feedback process for optimal performance in learners. The current study investigates the combined effects of ease of decoding, and utility of feedback during learning. Accuracy and rate of learning were recorded alongside changes to the feedback related negativity (FRN), an event‐related potential (ERP) elicited by feedback stimuli. This study investigates the FRN within the context of future‐focused directive feedback (DF), in addition to past‐focused evaluative feedback (EF) typically seen in the neuroscience literature. Results indicate a main effect of utility together with an interaction with ease of decoding on the accuracy data, but only the main effect of utility on learning rate. DF produced an FRN, like EF, which was then larger during high‐utility feedback, specifically following negative EF or when hard‐to‐decode. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Invited Review: Factors associated with atypical brain development in preterm infants: insights from magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Boardman J. P. , Counsell S. J.
Published: November 2019

Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive impairment in childhood and is closely associated with psychiatric disease. The biological and environmental factors that confer risk and resilience for healthy brain development and long‐term outcome after PTB are uncertain, which presents challenges for risk stratification and for the discovery and evaluation of neuroprotective strategies. Neonatal magnetic resonance imaging reveals a signature of PTB that includes dysconnectivity of neural networks and atypical development of cortical and deep grey matter structures. Here we provide a brief review of perinatal factors that are associated with the MRI signature of PTB. We consider maternal and foetal factors including chorioamnionitis, foetal growth restriction, socioeconomic deprivation and prenatal alcohol, drug and stress exposures; and neonatal factors including co‐morbidities of PTB, nutrition, pain and medication during neonatal intensive care and variation conferred by the genome/epigenome. Association studies offer the first insights into pathways to adversity and resilience after PTB. Future challenges are to analyse quantitative brain MRI data with collateral biological and environmental data in study designs that support causal inference, and ultimately to use the output of such analyses to stratify infants for clinical trials of therapies designed to improve outcome.
Dynamic subcellular translocation of V‐type H+‐ATPase is essential for biomineralization of the diatom silica cell wall
Authors: Yee Daniel P. , Hildebrand Mark , Tresguerres Martin
Published: November 2019

Diatom cell walls, called frustules, are main sources of biogenic silica in the ocean and their intricate morphology is an inspiration for nanoengineering. Here we show dynamic aspects of frustule biosynthesis involving acidification of the silica deposition vesicle (SDV) by V‐type H+ ATPase (VHA).

Transgenic Thalassiosira pseudonana expressing the VHA B subunit tagged with enhanced green fluorescent protein (VHAB‐eGFP) enabled subcellular protein localization in live cells.

In exponentially growing cultures, VHAB‐eGFP was present in various subcellular localizations including the cytoplasm, SDVs and vacuoles. We studied the role of VHA during frustule biosynthesis in synchronized cell cultures of T. pseudonana. During the making of new biosilica components, VHAB‐eGFP first localized in the girdle band SDVs, and subsequently in valve SDVs. In single cell time‐lapse imaging experiments, VHAB‐eGFP localization in SDVs precluded accumulation of the acidotropic silica biomineralization marker PDMPO. Furthermore, pharmacological VHA inhibition prevented PDMPO accumulation in the SDV, frustule biosynthesis and cell division, as well as insertion of the silicalemma‐associated protein SAP1 into the SDVs. Finally, partial inhibition of VHA activity affected the nanoscale morphology of the valve.

Altogether, these results indicate that VHA is essential for frustule biosynthesis by acidifying the SDVs and regulating the insertion of other structural proteins into the SDV.
Trigeminal neuralgia and its variants. Management and diagnosis
Authors: Besi E. , Zakrzewska J.M.
Published: November 2019

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs) can cause severe facial pain. The differential diagnosis can be very challenging as both present with a sudden, usually unilateral, severe, recurrent pain in the distribution of one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve; with TACs including one or more autonomic symptom. A light touch can trigger the pain and it will stop patients from their daily activities creating a significant impact on their quality of life. Patients will present with pain to the dentist or doctor even to accident and emergency and they could receive incorrect and sometimes irreversible treatment. Clinical and radiographic examination, including a magnetic‐resonance imaging, are essential to establish diagnosis and a referral to a specialist should be considered. The long‐term treatment for TN could be pharmacological or surgical and patients should be informed their options, benefits as well as their side effects.
Diagnosis, pathophysiology, management and future issues of trigeminal surgical nerve injuries
Authors: Renton T. , Van der Cruyssen F.
Published: November 2019

The trigeminal nerve constitutes the largest sensory cortex representation in the brain compared with other sensory nerves. This is likely due to the fact that the trigeminal nerve underpins our very existence, as it sensorially protects, our five senses including the organs that provide sight, smell, taste, hearing, speech and meninges protecting our brain. Thus, when trigeminal nerve injuries occur, which in the main are preventable and painful, the majority of patients experience mixed symptoms including altered sensation, numbness and ongoing or elicited neuropathic pain. These neuropathic features cause significant impact on the patients’ ability to function, for example cold allodynia prevents the patient enjoying cold foods and drinks and undertaking out‐door activities or mechanical allodynia frequently interferes with eating, speaking, kissing and sleep. The resultant chronic symptoms and functional impedance result in significant psychological morbidity. Prevention of nerve injuries related to local anaesthesia (LA), endodontics, implants and third molar surgery is imperative as there is no magic bullet to repair these sensory nerve injuries with their related neuropathic pain. Some causes have higher levels of resolution (third molar surgery and LA) some lower levels of resolution (implant surgery and endodontics) and many patient factors will dictate the prevalence of chronic neuropathic pain. The patient must have appropriate consent and their expectations managed with understanding the potential benefits and risks for their chosen interventions. The authors have aimed to provide an up to date evidence base for diagnosis and management of trigeminal nerve injuries.
Accuracy of pediatric cricothyroid membrane identification by digital palpation and implications for emergency front of neck access
Authors: Fennessy Paul , Walsh Bill , Laffey John G. , McCarthy Kevin F. , McCaul Conan L.
Published: November 2019

Background

Emergency front of neck access in a “can't intubate can't oxygenate” scenario in pediatrics is rare. Ideally airway rescue would involve the presence of an ear, nose, and throat surgeon. If unavailable however, responsibility lies with the anesthesiologist and accurate identification of anterior neck structures is essential for success.

Aim

We assessed anesthesiologists’ accuracy in identification of the pediatric cricothyroid membrane by digital palpation in three predefined age groups (37 weeks to <1 year old, 1‐8 years old, and 9‐16 years old) and whether accuracy improved with repetition. We also investigated a novel hypothetical vertical skin incision strategy to successfully expose the cricothyroid membrane.

Methods

We asked anesthesiologists to identify the location of the cricothyroid membrane of anesthetized children in the extended neck position. Accuracy was defined as a mark made within the margins of the cricothyroid membrane using ultrasound as a reference standard. The position of the cricothyroid membrane relative to the neck midpoint, between the suprasternal notch and mentum, was defined for each child. Using this neck midpoint, we determined the hypothetical vertical skin incision lengths required to successfully expose the cricothyroid membrane (“midpoint incision”).

Results

Ninety‐seven patients were included in this study. There were 14, 58, and 25 patients recruited across the three predefined groups. Accurate anesthesiologist identification of the location of the cricothyroid membrane occurred in 29.4%, 28.6%, and 38.2% of attempts, respectively. The majority of inaccurate assessments (64.1%) were below the cricothyroid membrane. There was no improvement in accuracy with repetition. Hypothetical “midpoint incision” lengths of 20, 30, and 35 mm were required.

Conclusion

Significant anesthesiologist inaccuracy exists in locating the cricothyroid membrane in children of all ages. This has implications for the technical approach to emergency front of neck access and how we teach the management of “can't intubate can't oxygenate” in pediatric practice.
Peri‐procedural Management of Implanted Spinal Cord Stimulators in Patients Undergoing Radiofrequency Ablation: A Case Report and Manufacturer‐Specific Recommendations
Authors: Abdullah Newaj , Muir Casey , Eldrige Jason S. , Pingree Matthew J. , Hagedorn Jonathan M.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) are 2 common modalities used in management of various pain conditions. RFA generates heat and an electromagnetic field that can theoretically interfere with the functionality and longevity of the SCS device. This is problematic for patients who need RFA and have previously undergone implantation of an SCS device.

Case Description

We present a case highlighting the safe use of bipolar RFA in a patient who had previously undergone implantation of a cervical SCS device.

Discussion

We also present device‐specific industry guidelines and recommendations for performing RFA in patients following SCS device implantation.
Reduction in seed set upon exposure to high night temperature during flowering in maize
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Tao Hongbin , Zhang Ping , Hou Xinfang , Sheng Dechang , Tian Beijing , Wang Pu , Huang Shoubing
Published: November 2019

High temperature reduces crop production; however, little is known about the effects of high night temperature (HNT) on the development of male and female reproductive organs, pollination, kernel formation and grain yield in maize (Zea mays L.). Therefore, a temperature‐controlled experiment was carried out using heat‐sensitive maize hybrid and including three temperature treatments of 32/22°C (day/night; control), 32/26°C and 32/30°C during 14 consecutive days encompassing the flowering stage. When exposed to 30°C night temperature, grain yield and kernel number reduced by 23.8 and 25.1%, respectively, compared with the control. The decrease in grain yield was mainly because of the lower kernel number rather than change in kernel weight under HNT exposure around flowering. No significant differences in grain yield and kernel number were found between 22 and 26°C night temperatures. HNT had no significant effects on the onset of flowering time and anthesis‐silking interval but significantly reduced time period of pollen shedding duration and pollen viability, and increased leaf night respiration. Different from high daytime temperature, HNT had no lasting effects on daytime leaf photosynthesis, biomass production and assimilate transportation. From the perspective of source–flow–sink relationship, the unchanged source and flow capacities during daytime are supposed to alleviate the adverse effects on sink strength caused by HNT compared with daytime heat stress. These new findings commendably filled the knowledge gaps concerning heat stress in maize.
A Church without history? Luther and historical argument in the context of humanist polemics
Authors: Barral‐Baron Marie
Published: November 2019

This essay reassesses the role that historical argument played in Martin Luther's works. It demonstrates the disjuncture between the use which Luther, the Reformer, made of history, and his reservations about the discipline. Luther (1483–1546) did not hesitate to grant historical arguments an important place in justifying the rupture that the Reformation had provoked. Historical arguments were used, but also misused, in his writings; and he encouraged those who claimed to be his followers to make use of the past whenever possible. His humanist adversaries, who had up until then marginalized the discipline of history, were forced to follow in his footsteps. However, in Luther's eyes, historical arguments were part and parcel of his polemical armoury. He often deployed them, and he encouraged his contemporaries to do likewise, but he did not regard them as being of much intrinsic interest. Luther's highly original attitude towards historical argument no doubt helps explain why dialogue between Catholics and Lutherans reached an impasse and why an entente between Erasmus and Luther proved to be impossible.
Mothers with disabled children: needs, stress levels and family functionality in rehabilitation
Authors: Yilmaz Gamze
Published: November 2019

This study was planned to investigate the relationship between the needs, stress levels of mothers with disabled children and family functioning in rehabilitation. The study was conducted with 181 mothers in a private rehabilitation centre in eastern Turkey. The personal information form, ‘Family Needs Assessment Tool (FNAT)’, ‘Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)’ and ‘Family Functioning Scale in Rehabilitation (FFSIR)’ were used in the data collection. In the analysis of data number, percentage, mean score, standard deviations, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis tests and Spearman correlation were used. The mean score of the mothers on the whole FNAT was 67.49 ± 1.85; the mean score of them on the PSS was 24.99 ± 4.32; the mean score of them on the FFSIR was 153.98 ± 20.61. It was found that there was a positive correlation between the mean scores of the mothers on the FNAT and PSS while there was a negative correlation between the mean scores of them on the PSS and FFSIR (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between the socio‐demographic characteristics of the mothers and the PSS and FFSIR (p < 0.05). It was determined that the mothers' information needs were high, they had moderate stress levels, and the family functionality was moderate in rehabilitation. It was concluded that the mothers' stress levels increased as the needs of them increased while their stress levels decreased as the functionality of them increased in rehabilitation.
Thresholds of financial development in the Euro area
Authors: Swamy Vighneswara , Dharani Munusamy
Published: November 2019

We analyse the dynamics of financial development and economic growth in the Euro area as these countries went through considerably higher levels of financial development. Using a balanced panel data of 38 years from 1980 to 2018, we offer new evidence on the finance–growth nexus. We show the presence of non‐linearity as there is an inverted U‐shaped relationship between finance and growth in the long run. Estimating the thresholds in the finance–growth nexus, we notice a threshold effect at 74%–86% of GDP for domestic credit; 51% of GDP for stock turnover ratio; and 65% of GDP for stock market capitalisation. We notice that exceeding the threshold causes deceleration in economic growth as too much finance results in crowding out effect for productive economic activities. The panel Granger causality test results show that financial development should be associated with optimal growth performance. These findings in the Euro area provide some useful policy implications to the emerging and developing economies in designing their financial development strategies.
A molecular and morphological approach on the taxonomic status of the Brazilian species of Palaemon (Decapoda, Palaemonidae)
Authors: Carvalho Fabrício L. , Magalhães Célio , Mantelatto Fernando L.
Published: November 2019

Previous studies have indicated the occurrence of nine species of Palaemon in Brazil. However, the extensive variability in their diagnostic characters and the geographic distribution of some species raises doubts about the validity of some taxa, potentially indicating the occurrence of species not yet reported from Brazil or even not described. To solve taxonomic issues with Palaemon species in Brazil, we carried out a multigene analysis by using partial fragments of 16S and COI mitochondrial genes and the nuclear H3. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. The external morphology corresponding to the terminal clades obtained in the molecular phylogram was analysed to identify diagnostic characters that allow the recognition of the groups and the correct taxa assignment. The combined analysis of molecular and morphological data confirms the existence of nine species of Palaemon in Brazil, five from the “Palaemon” lineage (P. mercedae and four Palaemon stensu stricto—P. argentinus, P. octaviae—first record in Brazil, P. northropi and P. paivai) and four of the “Alaocaris” lineage (P. carteri, P. ivonicus, P. pandaliformis and P. yuna). The possibility of further cryptic speciation is also pointed out. In addition to confirming the validity of the nine species, the results indicate the need for taxonomic adjustments and corresponding changes in the geographic distribution of Palaemon species occurring in Brazil.
Neutron Density Calculation Using the Generalised Adams-Bashforth-Moulton Method
Authors: Suescun-Díaz Daniel , Rasero-Causil Diego A , Lozano-Parada Jaime H
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a numerical solution to the equations of point kinetics for nuclear power reactors, a set of seven coupled differential equations that describe the temporal variation of neutron density and the concentration of delayed neutron precursors. Due to the nature of the system, we propose to numerically solve the point kinetics equations by implementing the Adams-Bashforth and Adams-Moulton methods, which are predictor-corrector schemes with their respective modifiers to increase precision. The proposed method was tested computationally for different forms of reactivity with up to six groups of delayed neutron precursors. This method was used in a recent publication to solve the inverse problem of finding the reactivity. In this work, it is shown that it can also be used for the calculation of nuclear power, that it is simple and easy to implement, and that it produces good results when compared with those in the literature for neutron population density and concentration of delayed neutron precursors.
Stern Flap–Waterjet–Hull Interactions and Mechanism: A Case of Waterjet-Propelled Trimaran With Stern Flap
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Jianing , Shang Yuchen
Published: November 2019

To research the stern flap (SF) and waterjet–hull interaction, unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations for a waterjet-propelled trimaran considering sinkage and trim are performed. Uncertainty analysis of the numerical results for the bare hull (BH) model is presented. At the design speed Froude number (Fr) of 0.6 and under displacement state, the model-scaled trimaran, installed with stern flaps of varied angle and length, tests the BH and self-propulsion (SP) performance based on URANS simulations. For the resistance, the global effects due to motions and the local effects of SF, waterjets (WJ), and the coupled term between SF and WJ on the hull are separately analyzed. Taking the waterjet propulsion system into account, an SP model with reasonable stern flap effectively reduces the trim, the resistance acting on the hull and the waterjet thrust deduction which contributes to energy-saving and high-efficiency propulsion. The mechanism of the improved performance of the waterjet-propelled trimaran with stern flaps is discussed. For the resistance increment, the global effects, the local effects of SF and WJ are the major reason for resistance increase, and the nonlinear coupled term of local effects contributes to the resistance reduction most. In addition, the different resistance components of frictional, hydrostatic, and hydrodynamic are separately researched, which shows that the pressure resistance components plays a leading role in the total resistance reduction in the SP model with the suitable SF.
Effect of Laser Shock Peening on the Wear–Corrosion Synergistic Behavior of an AZ31B Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Siddaiah Arpith , Mao Bo , Liao Yiliang , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: November 2019

Laser shock peening (LSP) is one of the widely used surface processing techniques for tailoring functional behavior of surfaces. LSP has been used to enhance friction, wear, and mechanical properties. However, understanding of LSP-treated surfaces involving tribological contacts in electrochemically active environments is limited because the mechanism of wear–corrosion interactions (tribocorrosion) for such surfaces is still unclear. In the present study, the effect of LSP on the wear–corrosion behavior of an AZ31B Mg alloy is investigated. A zero-resistance ammeter (ZRA) method is utilized to examine the evolution of open circuit potential (OCP) during wear–corrosion analysis. The study finds that the LSP processing can decrease the corrosion potential difference between worn and unworn regions of the surface, thereby mitigating the effect of wear-accelerated corrosion during sliding. The effect of wear-accelerated corrosion is evident from the change in average surface roughness (Sa) of the unworn areas. It is found that understanding the change in surface roughness due to wear–corrosion interactions is necessary to investigate the onset and propagation of galvanic corrosion. Based on these results, the study details the mechanism of wear–corrosion interactions during sliding.
Non-Reciprocal Wave Transmission in a Bilinear Spring-Mass System
Authors: Lu Zhaocheng , Norris Andrew N.
Published: November 2019

Significant amplitude-independent and passive non-reciprocal wave motion can be achieved in a one-dimensional (1D) discrete chain of masses and springs with bilinear elastic stiffness. Some fundamental asymmetric spatial modulations of the bilinear spring stiffness are first examined for their non-reciprocal properties. These are combined as building blocks into more complex configurations with the objective of maximizing non-reciprocal wave behavior. The non-reciprocal property is demonstrated by the significant difference between the transmitted pulse displacement amplitudes and energies for incidence from opposite directions. Extreme non-reciprocity is realized when almost-zero transmission is achieved for the propagation from one direction with a noticeable transmitted pulse for incidence from the other. These models provide the basis for a class of simple 1D non-reciprocal designs and can serve as the building blocks for more complex and higher dimensional non-reciprocal wave systems.
Synthesis of 3-[P][S] Parallel Mechanism-Inspired Multimode Dexterous Hands With Parallel Finger Structure
Authors: Jin Xiaodong , Fang Yuefa , Zhang Dan , Zhang Haiqiang
Published: November 2019

Dexterous hands are an important end-effector of robots, but their relatively low carrying capacity, small workspace and poor task adaptability are the key factors that restrict their wide application. To overcome these shortcomings of dexterous hands, a novel Lie-group-based synthesis method that extends the 3-[P][S] parallel mechanisms (PMs) to dexterous hands is presented, and a class of three-finger dexterous hands with parallel finger structure is obtained. The multimode operation is proposed by designing a double-slider palm that provides the hands with a large workspace and high task adaptability. The operation types are presented, and the dexterous in-hand manipulations in all modes are analyzed by means of Lie group theory. In addition, the equivalent structural characteristics of pinching objects are classified to elucidate the motion types and the rotational properties of the pinched objects. The inverse kinematics of fingers is presented and is used to identify the input–output relationships. Finally, the workspaces of the fingers are determined according to the result of the inverse kinematics, and the relationships between the size and displacements of the pinched object are presented. The proposed dexterous hands overcome the problems of low carrying capability, small workspace, and weak in-hand manipulation ability that are encountered with the traditional dexterous hands, which are underactuated and are built with a series finger structure, and can be potentially applied to various application domains, such as services, industry, and rescue.
The Influence of Rotor Geometry on Power Transfer Between Rotors in Gerotor-Type Screw Compressors
Authors: Read Matthew G. , Stosic Nikola , Smith Ian K.
Published: November 2019

The configuration of a twin-screw positive displacement machine is proposed, consisting of an internally geared outer rotor meshing with an externally geared inner rotor. Helical rotors with constant profile and pitch are used with parallel rotor axes and stationary end plates incorporating inlet and discharge ports to achieve internal compression or expansion. The focus of this paper is to understand the effect of rotor geometry on two key performance indicators; the swept volume of the machine and the proportion of input power transferred between the inner and outer rotors. This requires a detailed analysis of the limitations on rotor profile generation, the formation of working chambers, and the forces exerted on the rotors. The choice of the rotor for power transfer to or from the machine is shown to be an important consideration, and helical rotors are found to enable lower power transfer between rotors during operation when compared with straight-cut rotors, but with reduced swept volume for the same machine size. For particular applications, this compromise is characterized through multi-objective optimization of the rotor profile and wrap angle in order to identify appropriate configurations for the proposed machine.
Three-Dimensional Simulation of Wind-Driven Ventilation Through a Windcatcher With Different Inlet Designs
Authors: Abdo Peter , Taghipour Rahil , Huynh B. Phuoc
Published: November 2019

Windcatcher is an effective natural ventilation system, and its performance depends on several factors including wind speed and wind direction. It provides a comfortable and healthy indoor environment since the introduced fresh air decreases the moisture content and reduces the pollutant concentration. Since the wind speed and its direction are generally unpredictable, it is important to use special inlet forms and exits to increase the efficiency of a windcatcher. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling is implemented using ansys fluent to investigate the airflow entering a three-dimensional room through a windcatcher with different inlet designs. Three designs are studied which are a uniform inlet, a divergent inlet, and a bulging-convergent inlet. The airflow pattern with all inlets provided adequate ventilation through the room. With all the applied wind velocities (1, 2, 3, and 6 m/s) at the domain's inlet, the divergent inlet shape has captured the highest airflow through the room and provided higher average velocity at 1.2 m high enhancing the thermal comfort where most of the human occupancy occurs. With 6 m/s wind velocity, the divergent inlet has captured 2.55% more flow rate compared to the uniform inlet and 4.70% compared to the bulging-convergent inlet, and it has also provided an average velocity at 1.2 m high in the room of 7.16% higher than the uniform inlet and 8.44% higher than the bulging-convergent inlet.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Smoking Status, and Risk of Incidence and Mortality From Cancer: Findings From the Veterans Exercise Testing Study
Authors: Vainshelboim Baruch , Chen Zhongming , Lima Ricardo M. , Myers Jonathan
Published: November 2019

Background: To assess the joint and stratified associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), incidence, and mortality from cancer in never, former, and current male smokers.Methods: CRF (treadmill exercise test) was assessed in 4694 men (never smokers [n = 1715]; former smokers [n = 1602], 32.4 [30.5] pack-years; and current smokers [n = 1377], 40.3 [26] pack-years) aged 58.1 (17.3) years, and prospectively followed for 12.7 (7.5) years. Multivariable Cox hazard models were analyzed.Results: In joint analyses, where high CRF in never smokers was used as a reference, hazard ratios and 95% (confidence intervals) for cancer incidence and cancer mortality were as follows: moderate CRF 1.41 (1.0–1.9) and 3.0 (1.7–5.5) in never smokers, 1.65 (1.3–2.2) and 3.7 (2.1–6.6) in former smokers, and 1.3 (0.9–1.7) and 3.4 (1.9–6.1) in current smokers, respectively. The corresponding values for low CRF were 1.53 (1.1–2.2) and 5.1 (2.7–9.5), 1.84 (1.3–2.5) and 6.6 (3.7–11.8), and 1.5 (1.1–2.2) and 5 (2.7–9.3), respectively. In stratified analyses by smoking status, compared with low CRF, moderate and high CRF were associated with a 32% to 78% reduction in cancer mortality risk (Ptrend for all <.001).Conclusion: Higher CRF is associated with lower risk of incidence and mortality from cancer regardless of smoking status, supporting the potential preventive benefits for public health.
Immediate Effects of Ankle Joint Mobilization With Movement on Postural Control, Range of Motion, and Muscle Strength in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial
Authors: Tomruk Murat , Soysal Tomruk Melda , Alkan Emrullah , Gelecek Nihal
Published: November 2019

Context: Ankle proprioception is one of the crucial components contributing to postural control. Although the effects of Mulligan’s mobilization with movement (MWM) on postural control, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), and muscle strength in people with ankle disorders have previously been investigated, it is still unclear whether ankle MWM had ability to change postural control, DFROM, and muscle strength. Objectives: To reveal pure effects of MWM on postural control, ankle DFROM, and muscle strength in healthy individuals. Design: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled study. Setting: Musculoskeletal laboratory, Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey. Participants: Forty students in good health recruited from a local university. Interventions: Mulligan’s MWM or sham application over ankle joint. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was postural control and measured using limits of stability (LOS) test. The secondary outcomes were tibialis anterior muscle strength and ankle DFROM, which were measured using handheld dynamometer and weight-bearing lunge test, respectively. All outcomes were assessed before and immediately after intervention. Results: Left and right ankle DFROM and LOS overall score showed a statistically significant improvement compared with first measurement in both groups (P < .05). However, LOS time was significantly improved only in the MWM group (P < .05). Statistical analyses of between-group mean differences showed that Mulligan’s MWM provided significant improvement in the LOS in forward–right direction compared with sham application (P = .03). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the application of Mulligan’s MWM on ankle joint might be beneficial to improve postural control in forward right direction in individuals with healthy ankles. On the other hand, both MWM and sham application were able to increase overall postural control and DFROM, and MWM had no superiority over sham application for increasing these 2 variables.
Influence of Negotiations on Preservice Teachers’ Instruction Within the Skill Themes Approach Unit
Authors: Wahl-Alexander Zachary , Curtner-Smith Matthew D.
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To describe the influence of negotiations on instruction when preservice teachers taught elementary students using a skill theme approach. Methods: Participants were nine preservice teachers from one physical education teacher education program enrolled in a 9-week early field experience. They taught kindergarten, first-, and second-grade students (N = 203). Constructs from the ecology paradigm and previous research on negotiations guided data collection and analysis. Data were collected through nonparticipant observation, informal interviews, critical incident reflections, document analysis, and formal interviews. Deductive and inductive qualitative techniques were employed to code and categorize the data. Findings: A unique and mainly positive pattern of negotiations was revealed as were some new forms of negotiation. Students were also shown to initiate negative negotiations to change content they perceived as gender inappropriate. Conclusion: These findings could be used as the basis for educating preservice teachers to negotiate more effectively when teaching by skill themes.
Least Restrictive Environment Decision Making in Physical Education
Authors: Wilson Wesley J. , Kelly Luke E. , Haegele Justin A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To examine how physical educators and adapted physical educators make decisions regarding the implementation of the least restrictive environment law and what factors influence those practices. Methods: This study utilized a descriptive survey design through an online platform. Participants included 78 teachers (30 physical educators and 48 adapted physical educators). Descriptive statistics and group comparisons through a multivariate analysis of variance were conducted. Results: A significant difference in the implementation of the law between physical educators and adapted physical educators was detected, F(44, 33) = 2.60, p = .003; Wilk’s Λ = .224, . Adapted physical educators were more involved in making decisions regarding the individualized education program process and student placement. Access to qualified staff was reported as a major barrier to implementation. Discussion/Conclusion: The implementation of the least restrictive environment law and its barriers are discussed.
Can Movement Games Enhance Executive Function in Overweight Children? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chou Chien-Chih , Chen Kuan-Chou , Huang Mei-Yao , Tu Hsin-Yu , Huang Chung-Ju
Published: November 2019

Purpose: This study determines the effect of movement games on executive function among overweight children.Methods: Forty-four overweight children received an intervention of movement games, and 40 overweight children participated in original physical education lessons. An intervention of movement games was conducted three times a week for 8 consecutive weeks. Neuropsychological tasks and the Stroop and determination tests were assessed pre- and postintervention.Results: The results indicated that movement games enhanced the children’s performance in the inhibitory control and attentional function, particularly in the interference tendency condition, whereas no performance improvement was noted in the original physical education lessons.Conclusion: The findings indicate that movement games can be utilized as a useful intervention for improving the attentional and inhibitory problems of overweight children. School authorities should consider incorporating these activities into programs related to physical and health education.
Sequential activation of STIM1 links Ca
2+
with luminal domain unfolding
Authors: Schober Romana , Bonhenry Daniel , Lunz Victoria , Zhu Jinhui , Krizova Adela , Frischauf Irene , Fahrner Marc , Zhang MengQi , Waldherr Linda , Schmidt Tony , Derler Isabella , Stathopulos Peter B. , Romanin Christoph , Ettrich Rüdiger H. , Schindl Rainer
Published: November 2019

Disease-associated mutations in the Ca
2+
sensor STIM1 alter its conformation and disrupt Ca
2+
ion binding.
Polymyxin Susceptibility Testing and Interpretive Breakpoints: Recommendations from the United States Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (USCAST)
Authors: Pogue Jason M. , Jones Ronald N. , Bradley John S. , Andes David R. , Bhavnani Sujata M. , Drusano George L. , Dudley Michael N. , Flamm Robert K. , Rodvold Keith A. , Ambrose Paul G.
Published: November 2019

The polymyxins are important agents for carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli. The United States Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing breakpoint recommendations for colistin and polymyxin B are that isolates of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
,
Acinetobacter baumannii
, and
Enterobacteriaceae
are considered susceptible at MIC values of ≤2 mg/liter. These recommendations are contingent upon dosing and testing strategies that are described in this commentary.
Prevalence of Potentially Pathogenic Antibiotic-Resistant
Aeromonas
spp. in Treated Urban Wastewater Effluents versus Recipient Riverine Populations: a 3-Year Comparative Study
Authors: Skwor Troy , Stringer Sarah , Haggerty Jason , Johnson Jenilee , Duhr Sarah , Johnson Mary , Seckinger Megan , Stemme Maggie
Published: November 2019

Aeromonads are Gram-negative, asporogenous rod-shaped bacteria that are autochthonous in fresh and brackish waters. Their pathogenic nature in poikilotherms and mammals, including humans, pose serious environmental and public health concerns especially with rising levels of antibiotic resistance. Wastewater treatment facilities serve as major reservoirs for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and resistant bacterial populations and are, thus, a potential major contributor to resistant populations in aquatic ecosystems. However, few longitudinal studies exist analyzing resistance among human wastewater effluents and their recipient aquatic environments. In this study, considering their ubiquitous nature in aquatic environments, we used
Aeromonas
spp. as bacterial indicators of environmental antimicrobial resistance, comparing it to that in postchlorinated wastewater effluents over 3 years. Furthermore, we assessed the potential of these resistant populations to be pathogenic, thus elaborating on their potential public health threat.
Responses of Marine Diatom Skeletonema marinoi to Nutrient Deficiency: Programmed Cell Death
Authors: Wang Hualong , Chen Feng , Mi Tiezhu , Liu Qian , Yu Zhigang , Zhen Yu
Published: November 2019

Our study showed how the ubiquitous diatom
S. marinoi
responded to different nutrient limitations with PCD in terms of physiological, morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics. Some PCD-related genes (PDCD4, GOX, and HSP90) induced by N deficiency were relatively upregulated compared to those induced by P deficiency. In contrast, the expression of the TSG101 gene in
S. marinoi
showed a clear and constant increase during P limitation compared to N limitation. These findings suggest that PCD is a complex mechanism involving several different proteins. The systematic mRNA level investigations provide new insight into understanding the oxidative stress- and cell death-related functional genes of diatoms involved in the response to nutrient fluctuations (N or P stress) in the marine environment.
Actinomyces
Produces Defensin-Like Bacteriocins (Actifensins) with a Highly Degenerate Structure and Broad Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Sugrue Ivan , O’Connor Paula M. , Hill Colin , Stanton Catherine , Ross R. Paul
Published: November 2019

Bacteriocins (ribosomally produced antimicrobial peptides) are potential alternatives to current antimicrobials given the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. We identified a novel bacteriocin from
Actinomyces ruminicola
with no previously characterized antimicrobial activity. Using publicly available genomic data, we found a highly conserved yet divergent family of previously unidentified homologous peptide sequences within the genus
Actinomyces
with striking similarity to eukaryotic defensins. These actifensins may provide a potent line of antimicrobial defense/offense, and the machinery to produce them could be used for the design of new antimicrobials given the degeneracy that exists naturally in their structure.
Molecular Detection of Feline Leukemia Virus in Oral, Conjunctival, and Rectal Mucosae Provides Results Comparable to Detection in Blood
Authors: Victor Raphael Mattoso , Bicalho Juliana Marques , Andrade Manuela Bamberg , Bueno Bruna Lopes , de Abreu Luiza Rodrigues Alves , Bicalho Adriane Pimenta da Costa Val , dos Reis Jenner Karlisson Pimenta
Published: November 2019

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection causes immunosuppression, degeneration of the hematopoietic system, and fatal neoplasms. FeLV transmission occurs mainly by close social contact of infected and susceptible cats. Developing procedures for the diagnosis of feline retroviruses is crucial to reduce negative impacts on cat health and increase the number of animals tested. Blood collection requires physical or chemical restraint and is usually a stressful procedure for cats.
The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Immediate Early Protein ICP22 Is a Functional Mimic of a Cellular J Protein
Authors: Adlakha Mitali , Livingston Christine M. , Bezsonova Irina , Weller Sandra K.
Published: November 2019

Viruses have evolved a variety of strategies to succeed in a hostile environment. The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) immediate early protein ICP22 plays several roles in the virus life cycle, including downregulation of cellular gene expression, upregulation of late viral gene expression, inhibition of apoptosis, prevention of aggregation of nonnative proteins, and the recruitment of a cellular heat shock protein, Hsc70, to nuclear domains. We present evidence that ICP22 functionally resembles a cellular J-protein/HSP40 family cochaperone, interacting specifically with Hsc70. We suggest that HSV has taken advantage of the adaptable nature of J proteins to evolve a multifunctional cochaperone that functions with Hsc70 to promote lytic infection.
Draft Genome Sequence of Clostridium estertheticum subsp.
laramiense
DSM 14864
T
, Isolated from Spoiled Uncooked Beef
Authors: Palevich Nikola , Palevich Faith P. , Maclean Paul H. , Jauregui Ruy , Altermann Eric , Mills John , Brightwell Gale
Published: November 2019

Clostridium estertheticum
subsp.
laramiense
type strain DSM 14864 (ATCC 51254) was isolated from vacuum-packaged refrigerated spoiled beef. This report describes the generation and annotation of the 5.0-Mb draft genome sequence of
C. estertheticum
subsp.
laramiense
DSM 14864
T
.