bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum sodium variability and acute kidney injury: a retrospective observational cohort study on a hospitalized population
Authors: Lombardi Gianmarco , Ferraro Pietro Manuel , Naticchia Alessandro , Gambaro Giovanni
Published: August 2020

Aim of our study was to analyze the association between serum sodium (Na) variability and acute kidney injury (AKI) development. We performed a retrospective observational cohort study on the inpatient population admitted to Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014 with inclusion of adult patients with ≥ 2 Na and ≥ 2 serum creatinine measurements. We included only patients with ≥ 2 Na measurements before AKI development. The outcome of interest was AKI. The exposures of interest were hyponatremia, hypernatremia and Na fluctuations before AKI development. Na variability was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CV). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were fitted to obtain hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between the exposures of interest and AKI. Overall, 56,961 patients met our inclusion criteria. During 1541 person-years of follow-up AKI occurred in 1450 patients. In multivariable hazard models, patients with pre-existent dysnatremia and those who developed dysnatremia had a higher risk of AKI compared with patients with normonatremia. Logistic models suggested a higher risk for AKI in the 3rd (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.18, 1.70, p < 0.001) and 4th (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.24, 1.91, p < 0.001) highest quartiles of Na CV with a significant linear trend across quartiles (p trend < 0.001). This association was also independent from Na highest and lowest peak value. Dysnatremia is a common condition and is positive associated with AKI development. Furthermore, high Na variability might be considered an independent early indicator for kidney injury development.
The Absent-Minded Passengers Problem: A Motivating Challenge Solved by Computer Algebra
Authors: Schneider Carsten
Published: August 2020

In Ekhad and Zeilberger (Personal J Shalosh B Ekhad and Doron Zeilberger, 2020) an exciting case study has been initiated in which experimental mathematics and symbolic computation are utilized to discover new properties concerning the so-called Absent-Minded Passengers Problem. Based on these results, Doron Zeilberger raised some challenging tasks to gain further probabilistic insight. In this note we report on this enterprise. In particular, we demonstrate how the computer algebra packages of RISC can be used to carry out the underlying heavy calculations.
Personalized management of differentiated thyroid cancer in real life – practical guidance from a multidisciplinary panel of experts
Authors: Campennì Alfredo , Barbaro Daniele , Guzzo Marco , Capoccetti Francesca , Giovanella Luca
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The standard of care for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) includes surgery, risk-adapted postoperative radioiodine therapy (RaIT), individualized thyroid hormone therapy, and follow-up for detection of patients with persistent or recurrent disease. In 2019, the nine Martinique Principles for managing thyroid cancer were developed by the American Thyroid Association, European Association of Nuclear Medicine, Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, and European Thyroid Association. In this review, we present our clinical practice recommendations with regard to implementing these principles in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up of patients with DTC.

Methods

A multidisciplinary panel of five thyroid cancer experts addressed the implementation of the Martinique Principles in routine clinical practice based on clinical experience and evidence from the literature.

Results

We provide a suggested approach for the assessment and diagnosis of DTC in routine clinical practice, including the use of neck ultrasound, measurement of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and calcitonin, fine-needle aspiration, cytology, and molecular imaging. Recommendations for the use of surgery (lobectomy vs. total thyroidectomy) and postoperative RaIT are also provided. Long-term follow-up with neck ultrasound and measurement of serum anti-thyroglobulin antibody and basal/stimulated thyroglobulin is standard, with123/131I radioiodine diagnostic whole-body scans and18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography suggested in selected patients. Management of metastatic DTC should involve a multidisciplinary team.

Conclusions

In routine clinical practice, the Martinique Principles should be implemented in order to optimize clinical management/outcomes of patients with DTC.
A thick-restart Lanczos type method for Hermitian J-symmetric eigenvalue problems
Authors: Ishikawa Ken-Ichi , Sogabe Tomohiro
Published: August 2020

A thick-restart Lanczos type algorithm is proposed for Hermitian J-symmetric matrices. Since Hermitian J-symmetric matrices possess doubly degenerate spectra or doubly multiple eigenvalues with a simple relation between the degenerate eigenvectors, we can improve the convergence of the Lanczos algorithm by restricting the search space of the Krylov subspace to that spanned by one of each pair of the degenerate eigenvector pairs. We show that the Lanczos iteration is compatible with the J-symmetry, so that the subspace can be split into two subspaces that are orthogonal to each other. The proposed algorithm searches for eigenvectors in one of the two subspaces without the multiplicity. The other eigenvectors paired to them can be easily reconstructed with the simple relation from the J-symmetry. We test our algorithm on randomly generated small dense matrices and a sparse large matrix originating from a quantum field theory.
An overview of chromium removal techniques from tannery effluent
Authors: Nur-E-Alam Md. , Mia Md. Abu Sayid , Ahmad Farid , Rahman Md. Mafizur
Published: August 2020

Industrial activities that consume water generate wastewater as a by-product of processing which introduces various contaminants such as heavy metals into the neighbouring water bodies that creates adverse effects on the surrounding environment. Tannery industry releases more toxic effluent than most industries, which directly and indirectly exerts stress on various ecosystems. The heavy metalchromium(Cr), one of the pollutants found in tannery effluent, is very much detrimental to human health, animals, and plants. Conventional physico-chemical and biological processes can remove this heavy metal in considerable amounts. Recently, various applications of advanced technologies such as membrane technology, electrocoagulation, ion exchange, and electrodialysis for tannery wastewater have been growing due to their relative advantages over other technologies in terms of sustainability. This paper represents the review of various available techniques as well as represents a case study of chromium removal from tannery effluent by a low-cost absorbent.
Assessment of continuous and alternating CO2 injection under Brazilian-pre-salt-like conditions
Authors: Lima R. O. , de L. Cunha A. , Santos J. A. O. , Garcia A. J. V. , dos Santos J. P. L.
Published: August 2020

Carbonate rocks have become very important in Brazil with pre-salt reservoir discoveries in Santos and Campos Basins. Since then, great efforts in research and technology have been made to characterize and develop these reservoirs. In this sense, outcrop analogue studies have become a powerful tool for helping the recognition of geological heterogeneities responsible for controlling the fluid flow in hydrocarbon reservoirs. Besides that, pre-salt oil recovery is associated with high carbon dioxide (CO2) production, and due environmental issues, it is required a sustainable destination for this contaminant. CO2injection in the reservoir, either pure or mixed to the produced gas stream, could be a good manner to deal with this undesirable component and increase the oil recovery. This work uses outcrop analogue characterization to understand how carbonate reservoir characteristics impact the selection of the best recovery strategy under Brazilian-pre-salt-like conditions. Numerical simulation models were run using the flow simulator TEMPEST MORE (version 7.1) with isothermal compositional modeling. The oil recovery process was modeled by continuous and alternating injection of CO2and water. The recovered oil fractions for the simulation case with water alternating CO2injection were higher than with the use of continuous injection of CO2or water.
Ternary liquid–liquid equilibrium data for n-Hexane-Benzene-DES (choline chloride/ethylene glycol, choline chloride/glycerol, choline chloride/urea) at 303 K and 101.3 kPa
Authors: Usman Mohammed Awwalu , Fagoroye Olumide Kayode , Ajayi Toluwalase Olufunmilayo , Kehinde Abiola John
Published: August 2020

In this study, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were prepared using choline chloride as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and ethylene glycol (EG) or glycerol (GLY) or urea (U) as hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and were evaluated as solvents in the extraction of benzene from n-hexane. Six of such solvents were prepared using different molar ratios of HBA: HBD and code named DES1, DES2, DES3, DES4, DES5 and DES6. Liquid–liquid equilibria (LLE) data for the ternary systems of n-hexane-benzene-DESs were measured at 303 K and 101.3 kPa. Solubility data and mutual solubilities between n-hexane and DES were measured using the traditional cloud point method. The tie lines were obtained using titration and refractive index measurements on both phases (n-hexane phase and DES-phases). The ternary systems exhibit type-1 phase behavior. The Othmer-Tobias and Hands equations were applied to examine the reliability of the LLE data. The tie-line data were correlated using the nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL) and universal quasichemical (UNIQUAC) thermodynamic models, and their corresponding binary interaction parameters were determined. The results show that the maximum separation factors were 31.24, 462.00, 15.24, 37.83, 174.60 and 126.00 for DES1, DES2, DES3, DES4, DES5 and DES6, respectively. The glycerol based DES (DES2 and DES5) show the highest separation factors and thus considered the most suitable for separating benzene from hexane. The regression coefficient for both Othmer-Tobias and Hand equations are higher than 0.99 for all DESs, indicating the reliability and consistency of the data. Both NRTL and UNIQUAC models adequately capture the experimental data.
High dimensional nuisance parameters: an example from parametric survival analysis
Authors: Battey H. S. , Cox D. R.
Published: August 2020

Parametric statistical problems involving both large amounts of data and models with many parameters raise issues that are explicitly or implicitly differential geometric. When the number of nuisance parameters is comparable to the sample size, alternative approaches to inference on interest parameters treat the nuisance parameters either as random variables or as arbitrary constants. The two approaches are compared in the context of parametric survival analysis, with emphasis on the effects of misspecification of the random effects distribution. Notably, we derive a detailed expression for the precision of the maximum likelihood estimator of an interest parameter when the assumed random effects model is erroneous, recovering simply derived results based on the Fisher information in the correctly specified situation but otherwise illustrating complex dependence on other aspects. Methods of assessing model adequacy are given. The results are both directly applicable and illustrate general principles of inference when there is a high-dimensional nuisance parameter. Open problems with an information geometrical bearing are outlined.
Allelic variation of gliadin-encoding genes in a collection of tetraploid wheat genotypes
Authors: Nigro Domenica , Monaci Linda , Pilolli Rosa , Gadaleta Agata
Published: August 2020

Wheat is one of the main crops bred worldwide. Durum wheat, specifically, is a key element of the Mediterranean diet, representing an élite crop grown in Italy. Durum wheat nutritional and technological values are largely due to the grain protein content (GPC), a complex genetic trait strongly affected by environmental factors and management practices. In the last decades, several breeding programs have been focused on improving GPC by both traditional and innovative approaches. Among seed storage proteins, prolamins, including both gliadins and glutenins, represent the major component. These two classes of proteins are indeed responsible of gluten formation and confer the extensibility and elasticity to the dough. Besides being of crucial importance for both technological properties and rheological characteristics, prolamins, and especially gliadins, have been found to be major triggers for human health, as involved in a number of wheat consumption-related conditions, such as the celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, defined as the onset of a variety of manifestations related to wheat, rye and barley ingestion, and wheat allergies, both due to wheat ingestion or inhalation (of flour or pollen). The identification of loci responsible for the gliadin expression, and particularly of polymorphism in the aforementioned genes, which could result in a lower immunogenic/toxic potential, could be of great importance in breeding programs. For this purpose, we screened a collection of tetraploid wheat genotypes for allelic variants of annotated gliadin genes in the durum wheat genome, in order to identify genetic resources available to breeders to improve wheat nutritional and technological properties. Phylogenetic analysis among different species of Triticum genus and an in silico expression data analysis may also be useful in the exploitation of the complex scenario of gliadin–glutenin interaction and gluten role in the adverse reactions due to wheat consumption.
Consumer Responses to Conflict-Management Strategies on Non-Profit Social Media Fan Pages
Authors: Dineva Denitsa , Breitsohl Jan , Garrod Brian , Megicks Philip
Published: August 2020

Past research has demonstrated that consumer-to-consumer (C2C) conflicts, here defined as uncivil social interactions between consumers, can have a negative impact on consumers’ engagement in social media fan pages (SMFPs). Little is known, however, about how best to manage such conflicts, and this is particularly true in the non-profit context. This paper follows a mixed-method approach in order to address this research gap. Study 1 uses a netnography of a non-profit organization (NPO) to examine how it manages C2C conflicts on its SMFP. Five different conflict-management strategies are identified: non-engaging, censoring, bolstering, educating, and mobilizing. These findings inform Study 2, an online experiment to test how different strategies affect consumers’ attitudes towards the conflict-management approach itself and towards the NPO's social responsibility. Study 2 also accounts for the moderating effect of the conflict content, differentiating between whether a conflict relates to a consumer's self-benefit or the benefit to others. Our results offer insights for practitioners into preferable content management strategies when consumers engage in different types of conflict on social media platforms.
Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Micoogullari Uygar , Karatas Omer Faruk , Kisa Erdem , Keskin Mehmet Zeynel , Atmaca Ali Fuat , Neselioglu Salim , Erel Ozcan , Ardicoglu Arslan
Published: August 2020

Background

Although there are no sufficient data on association between oxidative stress and erectile dysfunction (ED), numerous studies have reported that imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species and body's antioxidant defenses may play a role in the pathogenesis of ED.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the oxidant and antioxidant status in patients with ED and healthy controls with a novel automated assay for thiol/disulphide homeostasis test.

Methods

Our study included 123 patients with ED and 90 healthy individuals. ED was evaluated by asking questions 1–5 and 15 of the International Index of Erectile Function form. In this study, we used Erel and Neselioglu’s thiol/disulfide homeostasis test, which is one of the novel methods that can measure both variables of the oxidative/antioxidative balance individually and collectively.

Outcomes

This method measured serum antioxidant (total thiol [toSH], native thiol [SH]) and oxidant (disulfide [SS]) levels. The statistical comparisons were performed between patients with ED (ED+ group) and without ED (ED− group) first and then within the ED+ group. After toSH, SH, and SS levels were determined; SS/toSH%, SS/SH%, and SH/toSH% levels were analyzed separately and compared statistically.

Results

We found a significant difference between ED− and ED+ groups in terms of toSH, SH, SS/toSH%, and SS/SH% ratios. SS parameters were increased in patients with ED, but there was no significant difference in terms of SS and SH/toSH% values.

Clinical Implications

Clarification of the factors involved in the etiology of ED such as oxidative/antioxidative balance may open new grounds in the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Strengths & Limitations

It is a prospective, randomized clinical study with the use of a novel, reliable, and fully automated technique. The limitations of the study are use of a subjective tool such as the International Index of Erectile Function, obtaining blood samples from the peripheral vein instead of penile cavernosal tissue, and relatively small sample size.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that thiol/disulfide homeostasis is altered in ED, and this imbalance may be a factor in its pathophysiology. We determined that as ED gets more severe, toSH and SH parameters decrease, whereas SS parameter increases.
A metal-electrode-free, fully integrated, soft triboelectric sensor array for self-powered tactile sensing
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Liu Yiming , Liu Qing , Zhu Yuyan , Wang Haoyu , Xie Zhaoqian , Yu Xinge , Zi Yunlong
Published: August 2020

The dramatic advances in flexible/wearable electronics have garnered great attention for touch sensors for practical applications in human health monitoring and human–machine interfaces. Self-powered triboelectric tactile sensors with high sensitivity, reduced crosstalk, and simple processing routes are highly desirable. Herein, we introduce a facile and low-cost fabrication approach for a metal-electrode free, fully integrated, flexible, and self-powered triboelectric tactile sensor array with 8-by-8 sensor units. Through the height difference between the sensor units and interconnect electrodes, the crosstalk derived from the electrodes has been successfully suppressed with no additional shielding layers. The tactile sensor array shows a remarkable sensitivity of 0.063 V kPa–1with a linear range from 5 to 50 kPa, which covers a broad range of testing objects. Furthermore, due to the advanced mechanical design, the flexible sensor array exhibits great capability of pressure sensing even under a curved state. The voltage responses from the pattern mapping by finger touching demonstrate the uniformity of the sensor array. Finally, real-time tactile sensing associated with light-emitting diode (LED) array lighting demonstrates the potential application of the sensor array in position tracking, self-powered touch screens, human–machine interfaces and many others.
100 pT/cm single-point MEMS magnetic gradiometer from a commercial accelerometer
Authors: Javor Josh , Stange Alexander , Pollock Corey , Fuhr Nicholas , Bishop David J.
Published: August 2020

Magnetic sensing is present in our everyday interactions with consumer electronics and demonstrates the potential for the measurement of extremely weak biomagnetic fields, such as those of the heart and brain. In this work, we leverage the many benefits of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices to fabricate a small, low-power, and inexpensive sensor whose resolution is in the range of biomagnetic fields. At present, biomagnetic fields are measured only by expensive mechanisms such as optical pumping and superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), suggesting a large opportunity for MEMS technology in this work. The prototype fabrication is achieved by assembling micro-objects, including a permanent micromagnet, onto a postrelease commercial MEMS accelerometer using a pick-and-place technique. With this system, we demonstrate a room-temperature MEMS magnetic gradiometer. In air, the sensor’s response is linear, with a resolution of 1.1 nT cm−1, spans over 3 decades of dynamic range to 4.6 µT cm−1, and is capable of off-resonance measurements at low frequencies. In a 1 mTorr vacuum with 20 dB magnetic shielding, the sensor achieves a 100 pT cm−1 resolution at resonance. This resolution represents a 30-fold improvement compared with that of MEMS magnetometer technology and a 1000-fold improvement compared with that of MEMS gradiometer technology. The sensor is capable of a small spatial resolution with a magnetic sensing element of 0.25 mm along its sensitive axis, a >4-fold improvement compared with that of MEMS gradiometer technology. The calculated noise floor of this platform is 110 fT cm−1 Hz−1/2, and thus, these devices hold promise for both magnetocardiography (MCG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) applications.
Triboelectric effect-modulated varifocal liquid lens
Authors: Fang Chunlong , Cao Yuanzhi , Jiang Dongdong , Tian Jiarui , Zhang Chi
Published: August 2020

Electrically modulated varifocal liquid lenses, which are usually modulated by an external high voltage power source, have attracted much attention due to their bright application prospects in artificial optical systems. Here, a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-based varifocal liquid lens (TVLL) has been demonstrated, in which the focal length can be directly modulated by external mechanical sliding. A dielectrophoretic force is generated by the TENG through the transfer of triboelectric charges in the asymmetric electrodes, which is used to continuously change the shape of the air–liquid interface between concave and convex without any complicated boost converter. Moreover, a triboelectric magnifying glass based on the accurate modulation effect of the TVLL on a light beam has been demonstrated. In this work, the TENG is used as a medium to modulate and accurately control the focal length of the liquid lens by an external mechanical stimulus, which may have great applications in micro-optical-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS), human–machine interaction, artificial vision systems, etc.
How will new genetic technologies, such as gene editing, change reproductive decision-making? Views of high-risk couples
Authors: van Dijke Ivy , Lakeman Phillis , Mathijssen Inge B. , Goddijn Mariëtte , Cornel Martina C. , Henneman Lidewij
Published: August 2020

Couples at increased risk of having offspring with a specific genetic disorder who want to avoid having an affected child have several reproductive options including prenatal diagnosis (PND) and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). In the future, non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD), germline gene editing (GGE) and somatic gene editing (SGE) might become available. This study explores if, and how, availability of new genetic technologies, including NIPD, GGE, SGE, would change reproductive decision-making of high-risk couples. In 2018, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 genetically at-risk couples. Couples previously had received genetic counselling for PND and PGT, and in most cases opted for (one of) these techniques, at one Dutch Clinical Genetics Center between 2013 and 2017. Considerations participants mentioned regarding the hypothetical use of NIPD, GGE and SGE, seem similar to considerations regarding PND and PGT and are reflected in underlying concepts. These include safety and burden for mother and child, and moral considerations. Couples generally favoured NIPD over PND as this would be safe and enables earlier diagnosis. Increased opportunities of having a ‘healthy’ embryo and less embryo disposal were considerations in favour of GGE. Some regarded GGE as unsafe and feared slippery slope scenarios. Couples were least favourable towards SGE compared to choosing for a genetic reproductive technology, because of the perceived burden for the affected offspring. With the possibly growing number of technological options, understanding high risk couples’ perspectives can assist in navigating the reproductive decision-making process. Counsellors should be prepared to counsel on more and complex reproductive options.
Novel Approaches to Fine-Tune Therapeutic Targeting of Platelets in Atherosclerosis: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Kessler Thorsten , Schunkert Heribert , von Hundelshausen Philipp
Published: August 2020

The pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular disease is driven by a multitude of risk factors intertwining metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Increasing knowledge about platelet biology sheds light on how platelets take part in these processes from early to later stages of plaque development. Recent insights from experimental studies and mouse models substantiate platelets as initiators and amplifiers in atherogenic leukocyte recruitment. These studies are complemented by results from genetics studies shedding light on novel molecular mechanisms which provide an interesting prospect as novel targets. For instance, experimental studies provide further details how platelet-decorated von Willebrand factor tethered to activated endothelial cells plays a role in atherogenic monocyte recruitment. Novel aspects of platelets as atherogenic inductors of neutrophil extracellular traps and particularities in signaling pathways such as cyclic guanosine monophosphate and the inhibitory adaptor molecule SHB23/LNK associating platelets with atherogenesis are shared. In summary, it was our intention to balance insights from recent experimental data that support a plausible role for platelets in atherogenesis against a paucity of clinical evidence needed to validate this concept in humans.
Are Self-Assessment and Peer Assessment of Added Value in Training Complex Pediatric Surgical Skills?
Authors: Joosten Maja , Bökkerink Guus M. J. , Verhoeven Bas H. , Sutcliffe Jonathan , de Blaauw Ivo , Botden Sanne M. B. I.
Published: August 2020

Introduction Self-assessment aids “reflection-before-practice,” which is expected to result in a better understanding of one's strengths and weaknesses and consequently a better overall performance. This is, however, rarely used in surgical training. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between self-, peer-, and expert assessment on surgical skills of pediatric surgical trainees.

Materials and Methods A competency assessment tool for the posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (CAT-PSARP) was previously developed and validated. During international hands-on pediatric colorectal workshops in 2019 and 2020, participants practiced the PSARP on an inanimate anorectal malformation model. They were assisted by a peer and assessed by two independent expert observers, using the CAT-PSARP. After the training session, both self- and peer assessment were completed, using the same CAT-PSARP.

Results A total of 79 participants were included. No correlation was found between the overall CAT-PSARP scores of the expert observers and the self-assessment (r = 0.179, p = 0.116), while a weak correlation was found between experts and peer assessment (r = 0.317, p = 0.006). When comparing the self-assessment scores with peer assessment, a moderate correlation was found for the overall performance score (r = 0.495, p < 0.001). Additionally, the participants who were first to perform the procedure scored significantly better than those who trained second on the overall performance (mean 27.2 vs. 24.4, p < 0.001).

Conclusion Participants, peers, and experts seemed to have a unique view on the performance during training because there was little correlation between outcomes of the trainees and the experts. Self-assessment may be useful for reflection during training; however, expert assessment seems to be essential for assessment of surgical skills.
Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Presenting as a Humeral Mass: A Rare Case Presentation
Authors: Mendoza Marvin Jonne L. , Hernandez Aylmer Rex B. , San Juan Michael D.
Published: August 2020

Follicular thyroid carcinoma is the second most common cancer of the thyroid, which usually presents as a solitary thyroid nodule. Diagnosis of follicular thyroid cancer involving the appendicular skeleton is very rare. In this paper, we report a case of a 65-year-old woman who previously underwent partial lobectomy of the left thyroid gland, and who consequently presented with a 2-year history of gradually enlarging left arm mass. Initial whole-body bone imaging revealed a large osteolytic lesion in the humerus. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the left arm showed a heterogeneously enhancing, encapsulated, soft tissue mass with humeral involvement, and the initial impression was osteosarcoma versus fibrosarcoma. Biopsy reading of the humeral mass was morphologically compatible with a well-differentiated metastatic thyroid carcinoma. She subsequently underwent right lobectomy where histopathology showed Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. A slide review was requested and the biopsy of the humeral mass revealed adenocarcinoma with follicular architecture, compatible with a metastatic thyroid carcinoma. Meanwhile, the findings on the right thyroid lobe revealed a multinodular colloid adenomatous goiter with hyperplastic features in a background of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

This report demonstrated a rare presentation of follicular thyroid carcinoma metastasizing to the humerus that can be confused with primary bone tumors, both clinically and radiologically. Early diagnosis and a high index of suspicion is foremost for immediate and appropriate management.
More than intent: A bundling model of MNE–SME interactions
Authors: Hennart Jean-François
Published: August 2020

As a counterpoint to Prashantham and Birkinshaw, I present an alternative model of MNE–SME cooperation where either type of firms can take the role of content provider or distributor. I argue that MNEs will interact with SMEs when there are differences in optimal scale between the content creation and distribution stages of the value chain, and it is not feasible or efficient for either party to vertically integrate between these two stages. I then build two 2 × 2 bundling models, one in which the SME provides content and the MNE distributes it, and another with the reverse configuration. In these 2 × 2s the axes are the transactional properties of the two complementary inputs, content and distribution, that MNEs and SMEs bundle to create value. I show that these models can explain the forms taken by MNE–SME cooperation and their dynamics.
Gesturing in the wild
Authors: Valenzuela Javier , Pagán Cánovas Cristóbal , Olza Inés , Alcaraz Carrión Daniel
Published: August 2020

Psycholinguistic evidence shows that spatial domains are automatically activated when processing temporal expressions. Speakers conceptualize time as a straight line deployed along different axes (mostly sagittal, though also vertical). The use of the lateral axis, which cannot be lexicalized in any language, has nonetheless been attested in temporal tasks in laboratories using a variety of experiments. This leads to the question of what axes are actually at work when conceptualizating time in oral communication.

The present study examines a great number of temporal expressions, taken from television shows, noting their associated co-speech gestures. Our results show that (1) speakers overwhelmingly use the lateral axis; (2) they are not performing simple space-to-time mappings, but are using instead a “timeline”, a material anchor which is a far more complex construct and that can explain some of the intricacies and contextual variations shown in the pattern of results.
Boundary-crossing events across languages
Authors: Alonso Alonso Rosa
Published: August 2020

This study analyses how speakers of two typologically distinct first languages (English (N = 12) and Spanish (N = 16)) and a group of 19 Spanish second language learners of English express boundary-crossing events, what type of verb they use, and how they segment these motion events. The stimuli used were 12 pictures of boundary-crossing events indicating motioninto, out ofandovera bounded space. In task 1 participants described each of the 12 scenes freely and in task 2 they were provided with a specific Manner verb between brackets. Significant differences were found in boundary-crossing and event segmentation in both L1 and L2. Participants also differed significantly in the type of verb used in the two tasks.
What’s in a villain’s name?
Authors: Uno Ryoko , Shinohara Kazuko , Hosokawa Yuta , Atsumi Naho , Kumagai Gakuji , Kawahara Shigeto
Published: August 2020

This paper reports two case studies of sound symbolism using the naturalistic name corpora of characters from Disney and Pokémon. Building upon previous studies of sound symbolism, we tested two hypotheses: (1) voiced obstruents, which are generally associated with negative images, are favored in villainous characters’ names, while (2) bilabial consonants, which are symbolically associated with cuteness, are disfavored in such names. The results show that these tendencies hold in our corpora, suggesting that a concept that is as complex as “villain” can be signaled via sound symbolism. Theoretical implications for cognitive linguistics based on our results are discussed.
Echoing-contrast combination in non-ironic constructions
Authors: Reda Ghsoon
Published: August 2020

TheLexical Constructional Model(LCM) describes ironic constructions as containing echoes that invoke two contrasting situations: expected and real. The reconciliation of the contrast, which happens at the implicational level, gives rise to specific meaning effects in terms of speaker’s emotional reaction (seeRuiz de Mendoza & Galera Masegosa, 2014). The present study elaborates on these insights showing that echoing and contrast can cooperate in non-ironic constructions. In these cases, however, a full-fledged interpretation of the speaker’s reaction happens at the illocutionary level as bearing the value of an indirect invitation to the hearer to assess the truth value of the expected situation. Hence, the collaboration of echoing and contrast in non-ironic constructions may effect conceptual change/development. This is consistent with yet another observation made by the LCM; namely, that the cooperation of echoing and contrast operations in ironic constructions involves a concept-building operation (Ruiz de Mendoza, 2017).
Availability and accessibility of primary mental health services for adolescents: an overview of national recommendations and services in EU
Authors: Michaud Pierre-André , Visser Annemieke , Vervoort Johanna P M , Kocken Paul , Reijneveld Sijmen A , Jansen Danielle E M C
Published: August 2020

Background

Mental health problems in adolescence can profoundly jeopardize adolescent current and future health and functioning. We aimed to describe existing recommendations and services regarding the delivery of primary mental health care for adolescents in 31 European countries.

Methods

Data on the availability and accessibility of primary mental health services were collected, as part of the Horizon 2020-funded project Models of Child Health Appraised. One expert from each country answered a closed items questionnaire during years 2017–18.

Results

All 31 participating countries had some policy or recommendations regarding the availability and accessibility of primary mental health services for adolescents, but their focus and implementation varied largely between and within countries. Only half of the participating countries had recommendations on screening adolescents for mental health issues and burdens. Merely a quarter of the countries had ambulatory facilities targeting specifically adolescents throughout the whole country. Just over half had some kind of suicide prevention programs. Same-day access to primary care in case of -health emergencies was possible in 21 countries, but often not throughout the whole country. Nineteen countries had strategies securing accessible mental health care for vulnerable adolescents.

Conclusions

Overall, around half of European countries had strategies securing access to various primary mental health care for adolescents. They frequently did not guarantee care over the whole country and often tackled a limited number of situations. EU countries should widen the range of policies and recommendations governing the delivery of mental health care to adolescents and monitor their implementation.
Convergent Evolution and Structural Adaptation to the Deep Ocean in the Protein-Folding Chaperonin CCTα
Authors: Weber Alexandra A -T , Hugall Andrew F , O’Hara Timothy D
Published: August 2020

The deep ocean is the largest biome on Earth and yet it is among the least studied environments of our planet. Life at great depths requires several specific adaptations; however, their molecular mechanisms remain understudied. We examined patterns of positive selection in 416 genes from four brittle star (Ophiuroidea) families displaying replicated events of deep-sea colonization (288 individuals from 216 species). We found consistent signatures of molecular convergence in functions related to protein biogenesis, including protein folding and translation. Five genes were recurrently positively selected, including chaperonin-containing TCP-1 subunit α (CCTα), which is essential for protein folding. Molecular convergence was detected at the functional and gene levels but not at the amino-acid level. Pressure-adapted proteins are expected to display higher stability to counteract the effects of denaturation. We thus examined in silico local protein stability of CCTα across the ophiuroid tree of life (967 individuals from 725 species) in a phylogenetically corrected context and found that deep-sea-adapted proteins display higher stability within and next to the substrate-binding region, which was confirmed by in silico global protein stability analyses. This suggests that CCTα displays not only structural but also functional adaptations to deep-water conditions. The CCT complex is involved in the folding of ∼10% of newly synthesized proteins and has previously been categorized as a “cold-shock” protein in numerous eukaryotes. We thus propose that adaptation mechanisms to cold and deep-sea environments may be linked and highlight that efficient protein biogenesis, including protein folding and translation, is a key metabolic deep-sea adaptation.
Standardized Laboratory Methodology for the Evaluation of Foraging Strategies in Necrophilous Beetles: A Case Study of Necrophila (Calosilpha) brunnicollis (Coleoptera: Silphidae)
Authors: Jakubec Pavel , Kadlec Jakub , Šípek Petr
Published: August 2020

Precise data regarding feeding habits of necrobiont species are a key element of food web and evolutionary ecology. They can also be used to assess the utility and value of those species for forensic entomology, where obligatory necrophagous species in particular are considered good bioindicators of postmortem or preappearance interval. However, the feeding habits of many species are known only from anecdotal field observations, often reduced to vaguely defined categories—predatory, necrophagous, or omnivorous. To address this issue, we designed a simple, in vitro behavioral experiment allowing the quantification of food preferences. Next, we applied it on Necrophila (Calosilpha) brunnicollis (Kraatz, 1877), which is a common carrion beetle of East Asia with unresolved food preferences. The results suggest that this species is preferentially necrophagous, thus valuable for forensic research. Importantly, however, our experimental design allowed us to reveal that it also readily feeds on larvae of Diptera, although they compose a minor proportion of its diet. This methodology can be applied to other species, and it could provide evidence for future decision making in forensic research.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Citizen Science to Complement Traditional Data Gathering Approaches for Medically Important Hard Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the United States
Authors: Eisen Lars , Eisen Rebecca J
Published: August 2020

Tick-borne diseases are increasing in North America. Knowledge of which tick species and associated human pathogens are present locally can inform the public and medical community about the acarological risk for tick bites and tick-borne infections. Citizen science (also called community-based monitoring, volunteer monitoring, or participatory science) is emerging as a potential approach to complement traditional tick record data gathering where all aspects of the work is done by researchers or public health professionals. One key question is how citizen science can best be used to generate high-quality data to fill knowledge gaps that are difficult to address using traditional data gathering approaches. Citizen science is particularly useful to generate information on human–tick encounters and may also contribute to geographical tick records to help define species distributions across large areas. Previous citizen science projects have utilized three distinct tick record data gathering methods including submission of: 1) physical tick specimens for identification by professional entomologists, 2) digital images of ticks for identification by professional entomologists, and 3) data where the tick species and life stage were identified by the citizen scientist. We explore the benefits and drawbacks of citizen science, relative to the traditional scientific approach, to generate data on tick records, with special emphasis on data quality for species identification and tick encounter locations. We recognize the value of citizen science to tick research but caution that the generated information must be interpreted cautiously with data quality limitations firmly in mind to avoid misleading conclusions.
Transactional Model of Parental Adjustment and Caregiving Burden Following a Children's Acquired Disability
Authors: Palmor Haspel Shoshi , Benyamini Yael , Ginzburg Karni
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Pediatric-acquired disability is often a crossroads in the lives of children and their parents, as they set out to adjust to a new physical impairment. This longitudinal study examined associations between the severity of children’s-acquired disability, their parents’ caregiver burden and adjustment, and parents’ perception of the children’s adjustment over time.

Methods

Participants were parents and medical staff of 140 children with acquired disability, aged 1–18, hospitalized in pediatric or rehabilitation departments. Data were collected about 1 month after diagnosis (T1) and about 4 months later (T2). Parents completed background information, caregiver burden, child, and parental adjustment questionnaires. Medical staff contributed the disability severity indices.

Results

The severity of the child’s disability was negatively associated with parents’ adjustment and perception of the child’s adjustment. Caregiver burden was positively associated with the severity of the disability, and negatively with parents’ adjustment and perception of their child’s adjustment, at both time points. Over time, the severity of the disability and caregiver burden decreased, and parents’ adjustment and perception of the child’s adjustment improved. At T2, parents’ and children’s adjustment were strongly associated.

Conclusions 

The findings revealed the relationship between objective severity indices and caregiver burden. They suggest that parents’ adjustment may affect their perception of the child’s adjustment to disability, and emphasize the role of parental perceptions over time. Therefore, parents who are less likely to adjust effectively should be identified early on to facilitate professional intervention.
Trimethylamine N-Oxide is Associated with Heart Failure Risk in Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Dong Zengxiang , Zheng Sijia , Shen Zhaoqian , Luo Yingchun , Hai Xin
Published: August 2020

Background

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) has been considered to be an independent risk factor of heart failure (HF).

Objectives

To further determine the plasma levels of TMAO in patients who have HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and to analyze the relationship between TMAO and HFpEF risk.

Methods

A total of 57 control participants and 61 patients with HFpEF were recruited. We measured and analyzed plasma levels of TMAO and performed biochemical examination of all patients.

Results

The mean (SD) plasma levels of TMAO in patients with HFpEF (6.84 [1.12] μmol/L) were significantly higher than in controls (1.63 [0.08] μmol/L; P <.01). The area under the curve (AUC) of TMAO and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was 0.817 and 0.924, respectively, which were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. TMAO was an independent risk factor in patients with HFpEF, as revealed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The level of TMAO was correlated with blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and NT-proBNP.

Conclusions

TMAO level was highly associated with HFpEF risk.
Seeing objects improves our hearing of the sounds they make
Authors: Man Kingson , Melo Gabriela , Damasio Antonio , Kaplan Jonas
Published: August 2020

It has been established that lip reading improves the perception of auditory speech. But does seeing objects themselves help us hear better the sounds they make? Here we report a series of psychophysical experiments in humans showing that the visual enhancement of auditory sensitivity is not confined to speech. We further show that the crossmodal enhancement was associated with the conscious visualization of the stimulus: we can better hear the sounds an object makes when we are conscious of seeing that object. Our work extends an intriguing crossmodal effect, previously circumscribed to speech, to a wider domain of real-world objects, and suggests that consciousness contributes to this effect.