bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do hippocampal pyramidal cells respond to nonspatial stimuli?
Authors: O’Keefe John , Krupic Julija
Published: February 2021

There are currently a number of theories of rodent hippocampal function. They fall into two major groups that differ in the role they impute to space in hippocampal information processing. On one hand, the cognitive map theory sees space as crucial and central, with other types of nonspatial information embedded in a primary spatial framework. On the other hand, most other theories see the function of the hippocampal formation as broader, treating all types of information as equivalent and concentrating on the processes carried out irrespective of the specific material being represented, stored, and manipulated. One crucial difference, therefore, is the extent to which theories see hippocampal pyramidal cells as representing nonspatial information independently of a spatial framework. Studies have reported the existence of single hippocampal unit responses to nonspatial stimuli, both to simple sensory inputs as well as to more complex stimuli such as objects, conspecifics, rewards, and time, and these findings been interpreted as evidence in favor of a broader hippocampal function. Alternatively, these nonspatial responses might actually be feature-in-place signals where the spatial nature of the response has been masked by the fact that the objects or features were only presented in one location or one spatial context. In this article, we argue that when tested in multiple locations, the hippocampal response to nonspatial stimuli is almost invariably dependent on the animal’s location. Looked at collectively, the data provide strong support for the cognitive map theory.
Multiobjective Real-Time Scheduling of Tasks in Cloud Manufacturing with Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Ahn Gilseung , Hur Sun
Published: February 2021

In cloud manufacturing, customers register customized requirements, and manufacturers provide appropriate services to complete the task. A cloud manufacturing manager establishes manufacturing schedules that determine the service provision time in a real-time manner as the requirements are registered in real time. In addition, customer satisfaction is affected by various measures such as cost, quality, tardiness, and reliability. Thus, multiobjective and real-time scheduling of tasks is important to operate cloud manufacturing effectively. In this paper, we establish a mathematical model to minimize tardiness, cost, quality, and reliability. Additionally, we propose an approach to solve the mathematical model in a real-time manner using a multiobjective genetic algorithm that includes chromosome representation, fitness function, and genetic operators. From the experimental results, we verify whether the proposed approach is effective and efficient.
Nucleophilic Displacement Reaction on Tosyl Cellulose by L-Methionine to the Synthesis of Novel Water-Soluble Cellulose Derivative and Its Antibacterial Activity
Authors: El Hamdaoui Lahcen , Talbaoui Ahmed , El Moussaouiti Mohammed
Published: February 2021

A novel ampholytic cellulose derivative, cellulose-L-methionine, has been synthesized by means of an esterification reaction of microcrystalline cellulose with tosyl chloride (p-TsCl) in DMAc/LiCl (8%) at 8°C that was followed by nucleophilic displacement (SN) of the tosyl group by the L-methionine amino acid. The resulting structure of cellulose-L-methionine has been characterized by elemental analysis (CHNSO), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial activity of the synthesized product was screened against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microbial strains such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, by the agar well diffusion method, and compared with commercial antibiotics such as ampicillin and chloramphenicol. It was found that antibacterial experiment revealed excellent antibacterial activity of the cellulose-methionine with respect to a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) reference.
In Silico Analysis of Common Long Noncoding RNAs in Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium
Authors: Sirekbasan Serhat , Gurkok Tan Tugba
Published: February 2021

Background. Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma parasites is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide. Genetic regulation of the genus Schistosoma, which has different developmental stages throughout its life, is quite complex. In these parasites, thousands of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) estimated to be functional were identified. Identifying the transcripts expressed in common and detecting their functions for better understanding of the role of these lncRNAs require a comparative study. Methods. Assembled RNA-seq datasets belonging to S. mansoni and S. haematobium were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology. A basic local alignment search tool (BLASTN) analysis was conducted against previously constructed lncRNA library to identify the common lncRNAs between two species. LncRNAs target genes and their gene ontology annotation was performed. Results. In S. mansoni and S. haematobium, 5132 and 3589 lncRNA transcripts were detected, respectively. These two species had 694 lncRNAs in common. A significant number of lncRNAs was determined to be transcribed from sex chromosomes. The frequently expressed lncRNAs appear to be involved in metabolic and biological regulation processes. Conclusions. These two species share similar lncRNAs; thus, this finding is a clue that they might have similar functions. In sexual development, they especially might play important roles. Our results will provide important clues to further studies about interactions between human hosts and parasites and the infection mechanisms of Schistosoma parasites.
Design and Management of Stray Light for Compact Final Optics Assembly on the High Energy Laser System
Authors: Zhu Deyan , Chen Yang , Li Ping , Feng Bin , Pang Yajun
Published: February 2021

In this study, a model is proposed to design and manage the stray light of a compact final optics assembly (FOA) for a high energy laser system. Based on the method we proposed, the high-order stray light can be managed to optimizing the position and angle of the optical elements. A light trap is designed to manage the first-order stray light with high fluence. Applying the method, we provide an experimental demonstration to designing a compact FOA. By comparing the cleaning results with no management testing result, it proves that using the above design and management, it can achieve the great improvement of cleanliness from ISO Class 5 to Class 3, which is significant to improve the output capability of the high energy laser system. In addition, we also verify the stray light by an optical field paper. It demonstrates that the field characteristics and position calculation of stray light are reliable.
Analysis of Digital Workflow in Implantology
Authors: da Silva Salomão Gustavo Vargas , Chun Eliseo Pablo , Panegaci Renato dos Santos , Santos Fernando Toledo
Published: February 2021

Digital workflow is increasingly accessible in daily dental practice. It has several benefits in implantology, such as the possibility of precise planning, which results in faster and safer surgery and, consequently, reduced prosthetic complications. There are also disadvantages that must be taken into consideration for successful treatment, such as deviations between the planned and placed implant position and intraoral scanning inaccuracies. We report a clinical case in implantology in which digital workflow was used throughout the process, pointing out its facilities and complications in the daily practice of dental surgeons. The patient had grade II mobility and external root resorption of tooth 11. After virtual planning, a surgical guide was fabricated by a CAD/CAM system, with immediate placement of a dental implant using the guided surgery technique. At the end of the osseointegration period, intraoral scanning was performed for fabrication of the final prosthesis also by a CAD/CAM system. After placement, the patient approved the aesthetic and functional results of the implant. We observed advantages such as simplification of clinical steps and safety of the proposed planning, but there were also disadvantages such as the complexity of digital tools, deviations of the placed implant, and inaccuracy in color selection. It was concluded that digital workflow is a reality that can be integrated into daily dental practice, resulting in greater safety, predictability of results, and ease of use in all clinical stages. However, it should be noted that there are still inaccuracies in digital tools and that a steep learning curve is needed in this area, which, if neglected, may lead to unsatisfactory results.
A Specific Algorithm Based on Motion Direction Prediction
Authors: Chu Zhesen , Li Min
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we study the estimation of motion direction prediction for fast motion and propose a threshold‐based human target detection algorithm using motion vectors and other data as human target feature information. The motion vectors are partitioned into regions by normalization to form a motion vector field, which is then preprocessed, and then the human body target is detected through its motion vector region block‐temporal correlation to detect the human body motion target. The experimental results show that the algorithm is effective in detecting human motion targets in videos with the camera relatively stationary. The algorithm predicts the human body position in the reference frame of the current frame in the video by forward mapping the motion vector of the current frame, then uses the motion vector direction angle histogram as a matching feature, and combines it with a region matching strategy to track the human body target in the predicted region, thus realizing the human body target tracking effect. The algorithm is experimentally proven to effectively track human motion targets in videos with relatively static backgrounds. To address the problem of sample diversity and lack of quantity in a multitarget tracking environment, a generative model based on the conditional variational self‐encoder conditional generation of adversarial networks is proposed, and the performance of the generative model is verified using pedestrian reidentification and other datasets, and the experimental results show that the method can take advantage of the advantages of both models to improve the quality of the generated results.
A Concise Review of Ketogenic Dietary Interventions in the Management of Rare Diseases
Authors: Hettiarachchi D. , Lakmal K. , Dissanayake V. H. W.
Published: February 2021

Dietary interventions are now being used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of rare diseases. One such method is the high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate diet which produces ketosis and therefore called the ketogenic diet. Some of the more common conditions that are treated with this method are pharmacoresistant epilepsy, infantile spasms, glycogen storage diseases, and other forms of rare metabolic disturbances. With this review, we look at different uses of the ketogenic diet in treating rare diseases and the recommendations based on current evidence.
Path Planning for Smart Car Based on Dijkstra Algorithm and Dynamic Window Approach
Authors: Liu Li-sang , Lin Jia-feng , Yao Jin-xin , He Dong-wei , Zheng Ji-shi , Huang Jing , Shi Peng
Published: February 2021

Path planning and obstacle avoidance are essential for autonomous driving cars. On the base of a self‐constructed smart obstacle avoidance car, which used a LeTMC‐520 depth camera and Jetson controller, this paper established a map of an unknown indoor environment based on depth information via SLAM technology. The Dijkstra algorithm is used as the global path planning algorithm and the dynamic window approach (DWA) as its local path planning algorithm, which are applied to the smart car, enabling it to successfully avoid obstacles from the planned initial position and reach the designated position. The tests on the smart car prove that the system can complete the functions of environment map establishment, path planning and navigation, and obstacle avoidance.
A Survey on Visible Light Positioning from Software Algorithms to Hardware
Authors: Chen Pengpeng , Pang Mingzhi , Che Di , Yin Yuqing , Hu Donghai , Gao Shouwan
Published: February 2021

The prevalence of illumination equipment and the inherent advantages of the Visible Light Communication (VLC) technique have resulted in a growing interest in Visible Light Positioning (VLP). There exist many excellent VLP techniques over the past several years. However, one limitation of most VLP survey works is that they mainly focus on the analysis from the perspective of techniques but ignore the equally important hardware aspect, since the hardware part directly affects the performance and cost of VLP systems and also determines whether it can be put into practical use. Different from most surveys concentrating on a single perspective, we provide an intensive overview of VLP systems from software algorithms to hardware devices. A novel‐innovative classification method is used in the software algorithms, while the hardware aspect is introduced in terms of transmitters, modems, and receivers, making up for the deficiencies of the previous works. Massive papers including pioneering papers and the state‐of‐the‐art ones in related areas are gathered and categorized. These solutions have also been evaluated in terms of accuracy, cost, range, and complexity. Furthermore, current open issues and tendencies regarding VLP are also illustrated in this paper.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Hypocretin and Nightmares in Dementia Syndromes
Authors: Trotti Lynn Marie , Bliwise Donald L. , Keating Glenda L. , Rye David B. , Hu William T.
Published: February 2021

Background/Aims: Hypocretin promotes wakefulness and modulates REM sleep. Alterations in the hypocretin system are increasingly implicated in dementia. We evaluated relationships among hypocretin, dementia biomarkers, and sleep symptoms in elderly participants, most of whom had dementia. Methods: One-hundred twenty-six adults (mean age 66.2 ± 8.4 years) were recruited from the Emory Cognitive Clinic. Diagnoses were Alzheimer disease (AD; n = 60), frontotemporal dementia (FTD; n = 21), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB; n = 20). We also included cognitively normal controls (n = 25). Participants and/or caregivers completed sleep questionnaires and lumbar puncture was performed for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assessments. Results: Except for sleepiness (worst in DLB) and nocturia (worse in DLB and FTD) sleep symptoms did not differ by diagnosis. CSF hypocretin concentrations were available for 87 participants and normal in 70, intermediate in 16, and low in 1. Hypocretin levels did not differ by diagnosis. Hypocretin levels correlated with CSF total τ levels only in men (r = 0.34; p = 0.02). Lower hypocretin levels were related to frequency of nightmares (203.9 ± 29.8 pg/mL in those with frequent nightmares vs. 240.4 ± 46.1 pg/mL in those without; p = 0.05) and vivid dreams (209.1 ± 28.3 vs. 239.5 ± 47.8 pg/mL; p = 0.014). Cholinesterase inhibitor use was not associated with nightmares or vivid dreaming. Conclusion: Hypocretin levels did not distinguish between dementia syndromes. Disturbing dreams in dementia patients may be related to lower hypocretin concentrations in CSF.
Embolia Cutis Medicamentosa after Subcutaneous Injection with Glatiramer Acetate
Authors: Vlahova Lyubomira , Kretschmer Lutz , Schön Michael P. , Mössner Rotraut
Published: February 2021

Embolia cutis medicamentosa (ECM) is a rare and unpredictable injection site reaction, occurring after intramuscular, subcutaneous, and even after intraarticular injection of various drugs. We report a very rare case of necrotizing ECM after injection of glatiramer acetate for multiple sclerosis, include a photo documentation over the entire disease course, and discuss hypotheses as to etiology and treatment.
Subtype-Specific Off-Label Treatment of Rosacea
Authors: Wienholtz Nita , Ashina Messoud , Thyssen Jacob P. , Egeberg Alexander
Published: February 2021

We present 2 cases of rosacea that were successfully managed with off-label treatment. The first is a case of painful, exuding papulopustular lesions of the nose treated with rifaximin, and the other is a case of severe, debilitating and painful flushing treated with sumatriptan. The cases support previous notions that gastrointestinal comorbidities may be related to papulopustular lesions and that flushing may be related to neurogenic inflammation and migraine. The cases also imply that a new approach to rosacea management, based on endotypes and comorbidities, may be warranted.
Evidence-Based Use of Levothyroxine/Liothyronine Combinations in Treating Hypothyroidism: A Consensus Document
Authors: Jonklaas Jacqueline , Bianco Antonio C. , Cappola Anne R. , Celi Francesco S. , Fliers Eric , Heuer Heike , McAninch Elizabeth A. , Moeller Lars C. , Nygaard Birte , Sawka Anna M. , Watt Torquil , Dayan Colin M.
Published: February 2021

Background: Fourteen clinical trials have not shown a consistent benefit of combination therapy with levothyroxine (LT4) and liothyronine (LT3). Despite the publication of these trials, combination therapy is widely used and patients reporting benefit continue to generate patient and physician interest in this area. Recent scientific developments may provide insight into this inconsistency and guide future studies. Methods: The American Thyroid Association (ATA), British Thyroid Association (BTA), and European Thyroid Association (ETA) held a joint conference on November 3, 2019 (live-streamed between Chicago and London) to review new basic science and clinical evidence regarding combination therapy with presentations and input from 12 content experts. After the presentations, the material was synthesized and used to develop Summary Statements of the current state of knowledge. After review and revision of the material and Summary Statements, there was agreement that there was equipoise for a new clinical trial of combination therapy. Consensus Statements encapsulating the implications of the material discussed with respect to the design of future clinical trials of LT4/LT3 combination therapy were generated. Authors voted upon the Consensus Statements. Iterative changes were made in several rounds of voting and after comments from ATA/BTA/ETA members. Results: Of 34 Consensus Statements available for voting, 28 received at least 75% agreement, with 13 receiving 100% agreement. Those with 100% agreement included studies being powered to study the effect of deiodinase and thyroid hormone transporter polymorphisms on study outcomes, inclusion of patients dissatisfied with their current therapy and requiring at least 1.2 µg/kg of LT4 daily, use of twice daily LT3 or preferably a slow-release preparation if available, use of patient-reported outcomes as a primary outcome (measured by a tool with both relevant content validity and responsiveness) and patient preference as a secondary outcome, and utilization of a randomized placebo-controlled adequately powered double-blinded parallel design. The remaining statements are presented as potential additional considerations. Discussion: This article summarizes the areas discussed and presents Consensus Statements to guide development of future clinical trials of LT4/LT3 combination therapy. The results of such redesigned trials are expected to be of benefit to patients and of value to inform future thyroid hormone replacement clinical practice guidelines treatment recommendations.
Experiences of Latino Participants Receiving Neutral Genomic Screening Results: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Cheema Amal W. , Sutton Erica J. , Beck Annika T. , Cuellar Idali , Moreno Garzon Giovanna G. , Hernandez Valentina , Lindor Noralane M. , Shaibi Gabriel Q. , Kullo Iftikhar J. , Sharp Richard R.
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The aim of the study was to characterize experiences of Latino participants receiving genomic screening results. Methods: Participants were recruited at a federally qualified health center in the USA. In-person, semi-structured interviews were conducted in either Spanish or English by a bilingual, bicultural interviewer. Questions focused on motivations for pursuing genomic sequencing, concerns about receiving genomic screening results, and perceived benefits of receiving genomic information. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated. Results: Fifty individuals completed an interview; 39 were conducted in Spanish. Participants described mixed motivations for pursuing genomic screening. Participants viewed the benefits of genomic screening in relation to not only their personal health but to the health of their families and their communities. Participants tended to have few concerns about genomic screening. Those concerns related to potential loss of privacy, misuses of genomic information, and the possibility of receiving distressing results. Some participants had misunderstandings about the scope of the test and the potential implications of their results. Most felt it was better to know about a genetic predisposition to disease than to remain uninformed. Participants felt that genomic screening was worthwhile. Discussion: This is one of the first studies to examine the experiences of Latino individuals receiving genomic screening results. Our results suggest that many Latino patients in the US see value in genomic screening and have limited concerns about its potential to cause harm. These results inform ongoing efforts to increase the availability of genomic medicine to underrepresented populations and add to our understanding of sociocultural drivers in the adoption of precision medicine.
Image-Based Computational Model Predicts Dobutamine-Induced Hemodynamic Changes in Patients With Aortic Coarctation
Authors: Runte Kilian , Brosien Kay , Schubert Charlotte , Nordmeyer Johannes , Kramer Peter , Schubert Stephan , Berger Felix , Hennemuth Anja , Kuehne Titus , Kelm Marcus , Goubergrits Leonid
Published: February 2021

Background:

Pharmacological stress testing can help to uncover pathological hemodynamic conditions and is, therefore, used in the clinical routine to assess patients with structural heart diseases such as aortic coarctation with borderline indication for treatment. The aim of this study was to develop and test a reduced-order model predicting dobutamine stress induced pressure gradients across the coarctation.

Methods:

The reduced-order model was developed based on n=21 imaging data sets of patients with aortic coarctation and a meta-analysis of subjects undergoing dobutamine stress testing. Within an independent test cohort of n=21 patients with aortic coarctation, the results of the model were compared with dobutamine stress testing during catheterization.

Results:

In n=19 patients responding to dobutamine stress testing, pressure gradients across the coarctation during dobutamine stress increased from 15.7±5.1 to 33.6±10.3 mm Hg (paired
t
test,
P
<0.001). The model-predicted pressure gradients agreed with catheter measurements with a mean difference of −2.2 mm Hg and a limit of agreement of ±11.16 mm Hg according to Bland-Altman analysis. Significant equivalence between catheter-measured and simulated pressure gradients during stress was found within the study cohort (two 1-sided tests of equivalence with a noninferiority margin of 5.0 mm Hg, 33.6±10.33 versus 31.5±11.15 mm Hg,
P
=0.021).

Conclusions:

The developed reduced-order model can instantly predict dobutamine-induced hemodynamic changes with accuracy equivalent to heart catheterization in patients with aortic coarctation. The method is easy to use, available as a web-based calculator, and provides a promising alternative to conventional stress testing in the clinical routine.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02591940.
Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Abnormalities and Resistance to Intravenous Immunoglobulin Plus Corticosteroid Therapy in Severe Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Miyata Koichi , Miura Masaru , Kaneko Tetsuji , Morikawa Yoshihiko , Sakakibara Hiroshi , Matsushima Takahiro , Misawa Masahiro , Takahashi Tsutomu , Nakazawa Maki , Tsuchihashi Takatoshi , Yamashita Yukio , Obonai Toshimasa , Chiga Michiko , Hori Naoaki , Komiyama Osamu , Yamagishi Hiroyuki
Published: February 2021

Background:

Coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs) still occur in patients with Kawasaki disease receiving intensified treatment with corticosteroids. We aimed to determine the risk factors of CAA development and resistance to intensified treatment in Post RAISE (Prospective Observational Study on Stratified Treatment With Immunoglobulin Plus Steroid Efficacy for Kawasaki Disease)—the largest prospective cohort of Kawasaki disease patients to date.

Methods:

In Post RAISE, 2648 consecutive patients with Kawasaki disease were enrolled. The present study analyzed 724 patients predicted to be intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) nonresponders (Kobayashi score ≥5) who received intensified treatment consisting of IVIG plus prednisolone. The association between the baseline characteristics and CAA at 1 month after disease onset was examined. The association between the baseline characteristics and treatment resistance was also investigated.

Results:

Maximum
Z
score at baseline ≥2.5 (odds ratio, 3.4 [95% CI, 1.5–7.8]), age at fever onset <1 year (odds ratio, 3.4 [95% CI, 1.6–7.4]), and nonresponsiveness to IVIG plus prednisolone treatment (odds ratio, 6.8 [95% CI, 3.3–14.0]) were independent predictors of CAA development. Nonresponsiveness to IVIG plus prednisolone was significantly associated with 8 baseline variables. Baseline total bilirubin (odds ratio, 1.4 [95% CI, 1.2–1.7]) was the only significant independent predictor other than the variables included in the Kobayashi score, enabling treatment resistance to be identified at diagnosis. The area under the ROC curve was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.69–0.79). At a cutoff point of 1.0, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting treatment resistance were 71% and 65%, respectively.

Conclusions:

In Post RAISE, younger age at fever onset, a larger maximum
Z
score at baseline, and nonresponsiveness to IVIG plus prednisolone were risk factors significantly associated with CAA development. Nonresponders were able to be identified at diagnosis based on the total bilirubin value. To prevent CAA, more intensified or adjunctive therapies using other agents, such as pulsed methylprednisolone, ciclosporin, infliximab, and Anakinra, should be considered for patients with these risk factors.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/
; Unique identifier: UMIN000007133.
MicroRNA Biophysically Modulates Cardiac Action Potential by Direct Binding to Ion Channel
Authors: Yang Dandan , Wan Xiaoping , Dennis Adrienne T. , Bektik Emre , Wang Zhihua , Costa Mauricio G.S. , Fagnen Charline , Vénien-Bryan Catherine , Xu Xianyao , Gratz Daniel H. , Hund Thomas J. , Mohler Peter J. , Laurita Kenneth R. , Deschênes Isabelle , Fu Ji-Dong
Published: February 2021

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRs) play critical roles in regulation of numerous biological events, including cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmia, through a canonical RNA interference mechanism. It remains unknown whether endogenous miRs modulate physiologic homeostasis of the heart through noncanonical mechanisms.

Methods:

We focused on the predominant miR of the heart (miR1) and investigated whether miR1 could physically bind with ion channels in cardiomyocytes by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, in situ proximity ligation assay, RNA pull down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. The functional modulations of cellular electrophysiology were evaluated by inside-out and whole-cell patch clamp. Mutagenesis of miR1 and the ion channel was used to understand the underlying mechanism. The effect on the heart ex vivo was demonstrated through investigating arrhythmia-associated human single nucleotide polymorphisms with miR1-deficient mice.

Results:

We found that endogenous miR1 could physically bind with cardiac membrane proteins, including an inward-rectifier potassium channel Kir2.1. The miR1–Kir2.1 physical interaction was observed in mouse, guinea pig, canine, and human cardiomyocytes. miR1 quickly and significantly suppressed I
K1
at sub–pmol/L concentration, which is close to endogenous miR expression level. Acute presence of miR1 depolarized resting membrane potential and prolonged final repolarization of the action potential in cardiomyocytes. We identified 3 miR1-binding residues on the C-terminus of Kir2.1. Mechanistically, miR1 binds to the pore-facing G-loop of Kir2.1 through the core sequence AAGAAG, which is outside its RNA interference seed region. This biophysical modulation is involved in the dysregulation of gain-of-function Kir2.1–M301K mutation in short QT or atrial fibrillation. We found that an arrhythmia-associated human single nucleotide polymorphism of miR1 (hSNP14A/G) specifically disrupts the biophysical modulation while retaining the RNA interference function. It is remarkable that miR1 but not hSNP14A/G relieved the hyperpolarized resting membrane potential in miR1-deficient cardiomyocytes, improved the conduction velocity, and eliminated the high inducibility of arrhythmia in miR1-deficient hearts ex vivo.

Conclusions:

Our study reveals a novel evolutionarily conserved biophysical action of endogenous miRs in modulating cardiac electrophysiology. Our discovery of miRs’ biophysical modulation provides a more comprehensive understanding of ion channel dysregulation and may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of cardiac arrhythmias.
Endothelial Conditional Knockdown of NMMHC IIA (Nonmuscle Myosin Heavy Chain IIA) Attenuates Blood-Brain Barrier Damage During Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Gong Shuaishuai , Cao Guosheng , Li Fang , Chen Zhuo , Pan Xuewei , Ma Huifen , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yu Boyang , Kou Junping
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

In ischemic stroke, breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) aggravates brain damage. Endothelial detachment contributes to BBB disruption and neurovascular dysfunction, but its regulation in stroke has yet to be clarified. We investigated the function of NMMHC IIA (nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIA) in the endothelium on BBB breakdown and its potential mechanisms.

Methods:

Endothelial conditional knockdown NMMHC IIA (

Myh9
ECKD

) was constructed in vivo and in vitro, and its role was explored in middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion–injured mice and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation–injured brain microvascular endothelial cells. The degree of brain injury was analyzed using staining (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride, hematoxylin, and eosin) and electron microscopy. BBB breakdown was investigated with leakage of Evans Blue dye and expression of TJs (tight junctions) and MMP (matrix metallopeptidase)-2/9. Transcriptomics for enrichment analysis was adopted to explore the potential downstream signaling pathways of NMMHC IIA involved in middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion–induced BBB dysfunction.

Results:

NMMHC IIA expression was upregulated in endothelial cells after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Myh9
ECKD

mice exhibited improvement in endothelial barrier hyperpermeability and TJs integrity stimulated by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Blebbistatin (NMMHC II inhibitor) treatment exerted the same effect. Transcriptomics showed that NMMHC IIA was involved in regulating various BBB-related genomic changes in the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion model, and NMMHC IIA was confirmed to significantly modulate Hippo and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathways, which are closely related to BBB damage.

Conclusions:

Our findings provide some new insights into how NMMHC IIA contributes to maintaining the integrity of the cerebral endothelial barrier. NMMHC IIA could be a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation Burden and Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Permanent Pacemakers
Authors: Park Young Jun , Kim June Soo , Park Kyoung-Min , On Young Keun , Park Seung-Jung
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

Unlike clinical atrial fibrillation (AF), the significance of subclinical AF (SCAF) burden in patients with permanent pacemakers has not been fully evaluated.

Methods:

We investigated whether the SCAF burden was associated with increased risks of composite adverse outcomes, including progression to clinical AF, ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure-related hospitalization, or cardiac death, in patients without previous AF. To quantify the 6-month SCAF burden, the total cumulative time spent in SCAF during every 6-month follow-up was summed.

Results:

During the median 5.2-year follow-up, 496 consecutive permanent pacemaker patients were classified into the no SCAF (no SCAF episode in any device analysis; n=152), low-burden SCAF (6-month SCAF <24 hours in at least one device analysis; n=287), or high-burden SCAF (6-month SCAF ≥24 hours in at least 1 device analysis; n=57) groups. The risk of composite adverse outcomes was greatest in the high-burden SCAF group (
P
<0.001) and was primarily driven by progression to clinical AF (
P
<0.001) and ischemic stroke (
P
<0.001). The presence of high-burden SCAF, which always preceded ischemic stroke events, was independently associated with composite adverse outcomes (odds ratio=20.1 [95% CI, 7.60−52.7],
P
<0.001) and progression to clinical AF (odds ratio, 36.2 [95% CI, 15.9−87.8],
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

In permanent pacemaker patients without preexisting AF, the presence of high-burden SCAF was closely associated with increased risks of composite adverse outcomes, particularly progression to clinical AF and ischemic stroke. Therefore, prospective studies deserve to be performed on the optimal anticoagulation therapy for permanent pacemaker patients with both high-burden SCAF and high stroke risk.
The Quest for the “Charity Dish”: Interpretation in the Hebrew Arthurian Translation Melekh Artus (1279, Northern Italy)
Authors: Gruenbaum Caroline
Published: February 2021

This article analyzes Melekh Artus (King Arthur), a unique Hebrew translation of sections from the old French prose Merlin and mort Artu in the Lancelot-Grail cycle. Written in a single fragment from 1279 in northern Italy, this translation proves close Jewish engagement with old French texts. Through satirical biblical references and subtle critique of his material, the author reframes the Arthurian narrative to promote universal morals. Rather than Judaize the Arthurian canon and its Christian characters, he validates them as viable models for his Jewish audience.
The Rational Rebel: How Rational, How Rebellious? Some African Examples
Authors: Buijtenhuijs Rob
Published: February 2021

My aim in this article is to evaluate some general statements on civil violence, and more particularly on the purposefulness of collective action and on the alleged rationality that moves social actors launching rebellion. With the use of African examples, examples that are too seldom taken into account in theoretical explanations of violent conflict, it is shown that rationality in collective action can certainly not be dismissed out of hand, but that some caveats have to be entered into the argument: some African rebels, although acting rationaly, base themselves on completely erroneous information, while in other cases social actors consciously opt for life or a career as a rebel, but out of motives that anything but “revolutionary”.
Wat Bushmen Trachten te Behouden…
Authors: Verpoorte Alexander
Published: February 2021

This article has a double goal. First, it tries to enlighten key notions in Weiners book: inalienable possessions, brother-sister-relations, hierarchy and equality, cosmological authentication. Second, it relates the paradox of keeping-while-giving to the concept of possession and exchange among Southern African groups of hunters and gatherers. The article aims at clarifying the strengths and weaknesses of this paradox and contributing tot the ethnography of the Bushmen.
Les Intellectuels Camerounais Sous le Regime Ahidjo (1958-1982)
Authors: Emagna Maximin
Published: February 2021

The Intellectuals in Cameroon Under the Rule of Ahidjo (1958-1982)

A study concerning the intellectuals of the Third World in general, and African intellectuals in particular, should not exclude the political context in which intellectuals live and work. Indeed, democracy cannot truly emerge and remain durable without the existence of freedom of thought and criticism.

In Cameroon, intellectuals and their ideas have always been considered seditious and subversive. For this reason, they have often been persecuted. Some have chosen freely or by the force of circumstances to become bureaucrats within the administrative and political structures of the country to ensure their survival (political and social immortality) as also that of their family. Others, by principle, have combined their intellectual and cyclical factors which push intellectuals either to become civil servants or to choose exile. It also contradicts the idea of intellectual deficiency in Africa. Indeed, some categories of intellectuals such as writers, via their writings, ask questions and provide a critical review of the economic, political and social reality of the country. They even propose alternative ideas and proposals to such questions as management, government and governance in the coutry. Dictatorships may destroy individuals, but never ideas or the spirit of liberty.
Het Spaar- En Kredietprogramma Van Vredeseilanden / Rafia in Noord-Togo: Een Kritische Evaluatie
Authors: Van Damme Patrick , Hatse Inge
Published: February 2021

The Savings and Credit Program of Vredeseilanden (Islands of Peace) / Rafia in Northern-Togo: A Critical Evaluation

Northern Togo has never been over-assisted as some of the other dry and poor areas of West Africa have been. It has never been a priority of national or international development organisations. As a consequence, the area has intermittent food security problems. Islands of Peace (Vredeseilanden), a Flemish NGO for development cooperation, however, has initiated a (successful) savings and credit scheme based on local surpluses which now allows local populations to invest and consolidate their (food security) situation.
Legal Control of Discretionary Powers in Ghana: Lessons from English Administrative Law Theory
Authors: Mensah Kwadwo B.
Published: February 2021

This paper develops along the following line. First, we shall attempt to explain what discretion is, why it has become very important in the modern administrative state, and the dangers that it poses in a democratic legal system. It then looks at the problems which have to be faced in justifying judicial review of discretion. It takes an in depth analysis of legal liberalism and functionalism. Armed with these ‘lenses’ it attempts to explain the theoretical basis of two important Ghanaian cases, Re Akoto and People’s Popular Party v Attorney General (PPP v AG). It examines the provisions which regulate the use of discretionary powers in the Ghanaian 1993 Constitution and it looks at the choices we have to make from the various theories and the development of the administrative state in Ghana.
Absence of strict monogamy in the Eurasian jackdaw, Coloeus monedula
Authors: Turjeman Sondra , Chen Ron , Nathan Ran
Published: February 2021

The Eurasian Jackdaw is thought to be archetypically monogamous, but recent tagging research uncovered extra-pair copulations in the species. Here we examined extra-pair paternity (genetic monogamy) in Eurasian jackdaws breeding in the Judean Hills, Israel, at the global edge of the species range, using a set of highly polymorphic molecular microsatellites. We found roughly a sixth of nests sampled showed deviations from monogamy, more than previously found in DNA fingerprinting studies of jackdaws, suggesting a mixed mating strategy in this population. These findings support the trend of extra-pair paternity in avian species, even when social monogamy remains the rule, and highlight the importance of continued study of species throughout their geographical range.
Bradynectes ensifer n. sp. (Platyhelminthes: Macrostomorpha) from North Carolina, USA
Authors: SMITH JULIAN P.S. III , SCHÄRER LUKAS
Published: February 2021

Bradynectes ensifer is a new species of Macrostomorpha from shallow subtidal sediment in Bogue Inlet, NC, USA. It differs primarily from all other named members of the genus in the radically different shape of its copulatory stylet. We also consider historical records of currently unnamed specimens with similar stylet morphology collected from the NC coast by the late Dr. Reinhard M. Rieger and his students.
Paleotelmatoscopus, a proposed new genus for some fossil moth flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Psychodinae) in Eocene Baltic amber, with description of a new species
Authors: CURLER GREGORY R. , SKIBIŃSKA KORNELIA
Published: February 2021

Few species of Baltic amber Psychodinae have been described to date. Some were incorrectly classified in Pericoma Walker based on an early, broad definition of the genus and holotypes were not specified. We examined approximately 50 specimens of Baltic amber Psychodinae in addition to reviewing the original series studied by Fernand Meunier. Lectotypes for Pericoma formosa Meunier and P. speciosa Meunier are designated and Paleotelmatoscopus gen. nov. is proposed to include P. formosa and P. madrizi sp. nov. Characters included in the diagnosis of this new genus and species have implications for future descriptions of Baltic amber Psychodinae. Parts of the head capsule, such as antennae, are often well-preserved and visible, and can be useful for separating species. However, these character complexes are prone to homoplasy and should not be used alone to define genera. Since it is impossible to view internal genitalic characters in fossil species, refinement of generic and species diagnoses based on external morphology is a critical factor in describing the amber fauna.
Review of the genus Haloschizopera (Harpacticoida: Miraciidae, Diosaccinae) with description of a new species
Authors: LIU QINGHE , MA LIN , LI XINZHENG
Published: February 2021

Haloschizopera cheni sp. n., was recognized from our latest collections from the East China Sea. The new species is similar to H. abyssi Becher, 1974 but differs from it by the following combined features: baseoendopodal lobe of female P5 with five setae, P2 and P3 enp-3 both longer than enp-1-2 combined, and caudal rami longer than broad. Comparison of all the known species of Haloschizopera was performed. Species in the genus can be divided into four groups by the setal formulae of P3 and P4. The main diagnostic characters of each species are listed and a key to all known species of Haloschizopera is also provided.
A new species of Kamimuria (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from China, with notes on K. circumspina Li, Mo & Yang, 2019
Authors: YAN YANHUA , KONG FANBIN , LI WEIHAI
Published: February 2021

Kamimuria dabieshana sp. n. from Dabie Mountains in Hubei Province, central China, is described as new to science. The morphological characters between Kamimuria dabieshana sp. n. and similar congeners are compared and discussed. The first provincial records for K. circumspina Li, Mo & Yang, 2019 from Fujian province is given. The female and eggs of Kamimuria circumspina are described.
Impact of Evaporation and Precipitation on Estuarine Mixing
Authors: Lorenz Marvin , Klingbeil Knut , Burchard Hans
Published: February 2021

Recent studies could link the quantities of estuarine exchange flows to the volume-integrated mixing inside an estuary, where mixing is defined as the destruction of salinity variance. The existing mixing relations quantify mixing inside an estuary by the net boundary fluxes of volume, salinity, and salinity variance, which are quantified as Knudsen or total exchange flow bulk values. So far, river runoff is the only freshwater flux included, and the freshwater exchange due to precipitation and evaporation is neglected. Yet, the latter is the driving force of inverse estuaries, which could not be described by the existing relations. To close this gap, this study considers evaporation and precipitation to complete the existing mixing relations by including cross-surface salinity variance transport. This allows decomposing the mixing into a riverine and a surface transport contribution. The improved relations are tested against idealized two-dimensional numerical simulations of different combinations of freshwater forcing. The mixing diagnosed from the model results agrees exactly with the derived mixing relation. An annual hindcast simulation of the Persian Gulf is then used to test the mixing relations, both exact and approximated, e.g., long-term averaged, for a realistic inverse estuary. The results show that the annual mean mixing contributions of river discharge and evaporation are almost equal, although the freshwater transport due to evaporation is about one order of magnitude larger than the river runoff.
Parent Perspectives on Pre-Employment Transition Services for Youth With Disabilities
Authors: Schutz Michele A. , Awsumb Jessica M. , Carter Erik W. , McMillan Elise D.
Published: February 2021

Parents have long been recognized as critical supports and partners to youth with disabilities preparing for the world of work. We collected survey responses from 253 parents of transition-age youth with disabilities regarding their views on practices related to pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS), the overall employment preparation of their children, potential barriers to future employment, and their knowledge of local transition resources. Parents reported that their children would benefit from an array of employment-focused transition practices. However, they were quite mixed in their views of prevailing barriers and current employment preparation. Moreover, a large majority of parents said they were unfamiliar with a range of transition-related resources available in their communities. In some areas, the views of parents differed based on the type of community in which they lived (i.e., rural vs. non-rural) or the nature of their child’s disability (i.e., intellectual and developmental disabilities vs. other disabilities). We offer recommendations for supporting families as they prepare their children with disabilities for life after high school.
A Piece of the (Ed)Puzzle: Using the Edpuzzle Interactive Video Platform to Facilitate Explicit Instruction
Authors: Cesare Dane Marco Di , Kaczorowski Tara , Hashey Andrew
Published: February 2021

Whether to embrace “flipped” pedagogy or to problem solve during a pandemic, many teachers utilize video to deliver instruction to students. Watching a video can be a passive activity without a person or a tool to facilitate active engagement. As a result, many teachers find the need to look for tools, methods, and platforms to engage learners, add elements of interactivity, and incorporate effective instructional practices into their video lessons. In this manuscript, we describe how a specific technology, Edpuzzle, can help facilitate video lessons that include explicit instruction elements such as eliciting frequent responses, offering supported practice, providing immediate affirmative and corrective feedback, and monitoring student performance. When paired with well-designed videos, teachers can use this tool to deliver effective instruction in an asynchronous environment.