bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Endogenous SERINC5 Protein as Anti-HIV-1 Factor
Authors: Passos Vânia , Zillinger Thomas , Casartelli Nicoletta , Wachs Amelie S. , Xu Shuting , Malassa Angelina , Steppich Katja , Schilling Hildegard , Franz Sergej , Todt Daniel , Steinmann Eike , Sutter Kathrin , Dittmer Ulf , Bohne Jens , Schwartz Olivier , Barchet Winfried , Goffinet Christine
Published: October 2019

SERINC5 is the long-searched-for antiviral factor that is counteracted by the HIV-1 accessory gene product Nef. Here, we engineered, via CRISPR/Cas9 technology, T-cell lines that express endogenous
SERINC5
alleles tagged with a knocked-in HA epitope. This genetic modification enabled us to study basic properties of endogenous SERINC5 and to verify proposed mechanisms of HIV-1 Nef-mediated counteraction of SERINC5. Using this unique resource, we identified the susceptibility of endogenous SERINC5 protein to posttranslational modulation by type I IFNs and suggest uncoupling of Nef-mediated functional antagonism from SERINC5 exclusion from virions.
Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura presenting in adulthood with recurrent cerebrovascular events
Authors: Tenison Emma , Asif Ashar , Sheridan Mathew
Published: October 2019

Congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (cTTP) is a rare, life-threatening disease, characterised by episodes of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA), thrombocytopenia and small vessel thrombosis. We describe a case of cTTP first diagnosed at age 70 years in a female presenting with an acute ischaemic stroke and thrombocytopenia, in whom A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with a Thrombospondin type 1 Motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) levels were <10%, suggestive of thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP). The patient underwent plasma exchange and started rituximab for presumed immune TTP; however, anti-ADAMTS13 antibody titres were negative on two occasions. This, together with a history of pregnancies complicated by presumed disseminated intravascular coagulation, and two previous episodes of sepsis with MAHA, prompted investigation for cTTP, which was confirmed by genetic testing. Despite treatment with infusions of solvent/detergent-treated, virus-inactivated fresh frozen plasma, she has re-presented with further neurological deficit, associated with new infarcts on imaging. cTTP has a varied phenotype which, as demonstrated in this case, can include large vessel occlusion.
Intermediate-term outcomes of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant in refractory paediatric glaucoma
Authors: Puthuran George Varghese , Palmberg Paul Frederic , Wijesinghe Hiruni Kaushalya , Pallamparthy Srilekha , Krishnadas SR , Robin Alan L
Published: October 2019

Aim

To report the intermediate-term outcomes of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) surgery in paediatric eyes with refractory glaucoma.

Methods

Case records of patients below 18 years, who underwent AADI surgery between 2012 and 2015 with >2 years follow-up, were analysed. The intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, number of antiglaucoma medications, complications and resurgery if any were recorded at baseline, day 1and then at months 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and at the last visit. Failure was defined as IOP >18 mm Hg or not reduced by at least 30% below baseline, IOP ≤5 mm Hg on two consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, reoperation for a complication or loss of light perception vision.

Results

101 eyes of 101 patients were included with a mean age of 10.4±4.7 years at the time of surgery and a mean follow-up of 40.9±15.1 months. Glaucoma following cataract surgery was the most common type of glaucoma (n=31, 30%), followed by primary congenital glaucoma (n=29, 29%). The cumulative probability of failure was 15.8% (95% CI 10.1% to 24.5%) at 1 year, 22.7% (95% CI 15.7% to 32.2%) at 2 years, 42.5% (95% CI 32.6% to 53.9%) at 3 years and 62.1% (95% CI 49.5% to 74.8%) at the 4 years time point.

Conclusion

The AADI showed excellent success until 2 years after surgery in paediatric eyes after which failure rates increased. Further prospective studies with longer follow-up are required to evaluate the long-term success of the AADI for paediatric glaucomas.
Penicillin V four times daily for five days versus three times daily for 10 days in patients with pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A streptococci: randomised controlled, open label, non-inferiority study
Authors: Skoog Ståhlgren Gunilla , Tyrstrup Mia , Edlund Charlotta , Giske Christian G , Mölstad Sigvard , Norman Christer , Rystedt Karin , Sundvall Pär-Daniel , Hedin Katarina
Published: October 2019

Objective

To determine whether total exposure to penicillin V can be reduced while maintaining adequate clinical efficacy when treating pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A streptococci.

Design

Open label, randomised controlled non-inferiority study.

Setting

17 primary healthcare centres in Sweden between September 2015 and February 2018.

Participants

Patients aged 6 years and over with pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A streptococci and three or four Centor criteria (fever ≥38.5°C, tender lymph nodes, coatings of the tonsils, and absence of cough).

Interventions

Penicillin V 800 mg four times daily for five days (total 16 g) compared with the current recommended dose of 1000 mg three times daily for 10 days (total 30 g).

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was clinical cure five to seven days after the end of antibiotic treatment. The non-inferiority margin was prespecified to 10 percentage points. Secondary outcomes were bacteriological eradication, time to relief of symptoms, frequency of relapses, complications and new tonsillitis, and patterns of adverse events.

Results

Patients (n=433) were randomly allocated to the five day (n=215) or 10 day (n=218) regimen. Clinical cure in the per protocol population was 89.6% (n=181/202) in the five day group and 93.3% (n=182/195) in the 10 day group (95% confidence interval −9.7 to 2.2). Bacteriological eradication was 80.4% (n=156/194) in the five day group and 90.7% (n=165/182) in the 10 day group. Eight and seven patients had relapses, no patients and four patients had complications, and six and 13 patients had new tonsillitis in the five day and 10 day groups, respectively. Time to relief of symptoms was shorter in the five day group. Adverse events were mainly diarrhoea, nausea, and vulvovaginal disorders; the 10 day group had higher incidence and longer duration of adverse events.

Conclusions

Penicillin V four times daily for five days was non-inferior in clinical outcome to penicillin V three times daily for 10 days in patients with pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A streptococci. The number of relapses and complications did not differ between the two intervention groups. Five day treatment with penicillin V four times daily might be an alternative to the currently recommended 10 day regimen.

Trial registration

EudraCT 2015-001752-30;
ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT02712307
.
Preventing depression in the community by voluntary sector providers (PERSUADE): intervention development and protocol for a parallel randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Kenning Cassandra , Blakemore Amy , Bower Peter , Safari Melina , Cuijpers Pim , Brown June SL , Hann Mark , Lidbetter Nicky , Muñoz Ricardo F , Waheed Waquas
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Depression is now the most common illness worldwide affecting more than 300 million people. Studies modelling the impact of depression interventions have shown that the burden of depression cannot be minimised by more than 35% with existing treatments. There is a need to develop better preventative interventions. The overall aim of this programme of work is to develop interventions to reduce depression symptom scores and prevent development of depression in people with subthreshold depression. The objectives are to adapt a low intensity community-based depression prevention intervention, establish the acceptability and uptake of this model and conduct a parallel randomised controlled feasibility trial to inform a full-scale trial.

Methods and analysis

Focus groups will be run with members of the public, voluntary sector providers and researchers to inform the adaptation of an existing depression prevention course. Sixty-four people with subthreshold depression, as represented by a score of between 5 and 9 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 depression measure, will be recruited to take part in the feasibility trial. Participants will be randomised equally to the intervention or usual care control groups. Participants in the intervention group will receive the new revised manual and attend a 1-day workshop delivered by voluntary sector service providers. Outcome measures will be completed 3 months after baseline. Quantitative data on recruitment, randomisation, attendance, retention, questionnaire completion rates will be collected. Primary analyses will be descriptive and a process evaluation will be conducted to assess the processes involved in implementing the intervention. Interviews will be conducted to explore acceptability and framework analysis will be used to analyse the data.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been reviewed and approved by NHS Research and Ethics Committee: NW-Greater Manchester East. The results will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, social media, the internet and community engagement activities.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN23278208;Pre-results.
Effect of dose administration aids on adherence to self-administered medications: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Chaudhri Kanika , Kearney Madeleine , Day Richard O , Rodgers Anthony , Atkins Emily
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Forgetting to take a medication is the most common reason for non-adherence to self-administered medication. Dose administration aids (DAAs) are a simple and common solution to improve unintentional non-adherence for oral tablets. DAAs can be in the form of compartmentalised pill boxes, automated medication dispensing devices, blister packs and sachets packets. This protocol aims to outline the methods that will be used in a systematic review of the current literature to assess the impact of DAAs on adherence to medications and health outcomes.

Methods and analysis

Randomised controlled trials will be identified through electronic searches in databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library, from the beginning of each database until January 2020. Two reviewers will independently screen studies and extract data using the standardised forms. Data extracted will include general study information, characteristics of the study, participant characteristics, intervention characteristics and outcomes. Primary outcome is to assess the effects of DAAs on medication adherence. Secondary outcome is to evaluate the changes in health outcomes. The risk of bias will be ascertained by two reviewers in parallel using The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. A meta-analysis will be performed if data are homogenous.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval will not be required for this study. The results of the review described within this protocol will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and relevant conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018096087
Training opportunities in thoracic ultrasound for respiratory trainees: are current guidelines practical?
Authors: Stanton Andrew E , Evison Matthew , Roberts Mark , Latham Jennifer , Clive Amelia O , Batalla-Duran Elizabeth , Bhatnagar Rahul , Asciak Rachelle , Diggins Ben , Bintcliffe Oliver J , Lees Diana , Parsonage Maria , Denny Peppa , Gow Kathryn , Avram Cristina , Gautam Manish , Rahman Najib M
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Respiratory trainees in the UK face challenges in meeting current Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) Level 1 training requirements for thoracic ultrasound (TUS) competence, specified as attending ‘at least one session per week over a period of no less than 3 months, with approximately five scans per session performed by the trainee (under supervision of an experienced practitioner)’. We aimed to clarify where TUS training opportunities currently exist for respiratory registrars.

Methods

Data were collected (over a 4-week period) to clarify the number of scans (and therefore volume of training opportunities) within radiology departments and respiratory services in hospitals in the South West, North West deaneries and Oxford.

Results

14 hospitals (including three tertiary pleural centres) provided data. Of 964 scans, 793 (82.3%) were conducted by respiratory teams who performed a mean of 17.7 scans per week, versus 3.1 TUS/week in radiology departments. There was no radiology session in any hospital with ≥5 TUS performed, whereas 8/14 (86%) of respiratory departments conducted such sessions. Almost half (6/14) of radiology departments conducted no TUS scans in the period surveyed.

Conclusions

The currently recommended exposure of regularly attending a list or session to undertake five TUS is not achievable in radiology departments. The greatest volume of training opportunities exists within respiratory departments in a variety of scheduled and unscheduled settings. Revision of the competency framework in TUS, and where this is delivered, is required.
Building your graduate's confidence in practice
Authors: Casey Richard
Published: October 2019

Whether at work or in our spare time, we have all come across that person who appears cool, calm and collected in everything they do. We may even have envied them. What we need to remember is that confidence is not a personality trait; that person's behaviour and attitude is a sign that they believe in themselves and in their ability to succeed. In their first job as a qualified veterinary surgeon it's likely a new graduate will have varying levels of confidence. So, what can you do to ensure your new graduate gets the support they need to feel confident in practice?
Enhancing relational care through expressions of gratitude: insights from a historical case study of almoner–patient correspondence
Authors: Day Giskin
Published: October 2019

This paper considers insights for contemporary medical practice from an archival study of gratitude in letters exchanged between almoners at London’s Brompton Hospital and patients treated at the Hospital’s tuberculosis sanatorium in Frimley. In the era before the National Health Service, almoners were responsible for assessing the entitlement of patients to charitable treatment, but they also took on responsibility for aftercare and advising patients on all aspects of welfare. In addition, a major part of the work of almoners at the Brompton was to record the health and employment status of former sanatorium patients for medical research. Of over 6000 patients treated between 1905 and 1963 that were tracked for the purposes of Medical Research Council cohort studies, fewer than 6% were recorded as ‘lost to follow-up’—a remarkable testimony to the success of the almoners’ strategies for maintaining long-term patient engagement. A longitudinal narrative case study is presented with illustrative examples of types of gratitude extracted from a corpus of over 1500 correspondents’ letters. Patients sent money, gifts and stamps in gratitude for treatment received and for the almoners’ ongoing interest in their welfare. Textual analysis of letters from the almoner shows the semantic strategies that position gratitude as central to the personalisation of an institutional relationship. The Brompton letters are conceptualised as a Maussian gift-exchange ritual, in which communal ties are created, consolidated and extended through the performance of gratitude. This study implicates gratitude as central to the willingness of former patients to continue to engage with the Hospital, sometimes for decades after treatment. Suggestions are offered for how contemporary relational healthcare might be informed by this unique collection of patients’ and almoners’ voices.
Advantage of the second-order formalism in double space T-dualization of type II superstring
Authors: Nikolić B. , Sazdović B.
Published: October 2019

In this article we present bosonic T-dualization in double space of the type II superstring theory in the pure spinor formulation. We use the action with constant background fields obtained from the general case under some physically and mathematically justified assumptions. Unlike Nikolić and Sazdović (EPJ C 77:197, 2017), where we used the first-order theory, in this article fermionic momenta are integrated out. Full T-dualization in double space is represented as a permutation of the initial $$x^\mu $$xμ and T-dual coordinates $$y_\mu $$yμ. Requiring that a T-dual transformation law of the T-dual double coordinate $${}^\star Z^M=(y_\mu ,x^\mu )$$⋆ZM=(yμ,xμ) to be of the same form as for initial one $$Z^M=(x^\mu ,y_\mu )$$ZM=(xμ,yμ), we obtain the form of the T-dual background fields in terms of the initial ones. The advantage of using the action with integrated fermionic momenta is that it gives all T-dual background fields in terms of the initial ones. In the case of the first-order theory Nikolić and Sazdović (2017) a T-dual R-R field strength was obtained out of the double space formalism under additional assumptions.
Non-Abelian aether-like term in four dimensions
Authors: Carvalho A. J. G. , Granado D. R. , Nascimento J. R. , Petrov A. Yu.
Published: October 2019

The non-Abelian aether-like Lorentz-breaking term, involving triple and quartic self-coupling vertices, is generated from the non-Abelian generalization of the Lorentz-breaking extended QED including only a minimal spinor-vector interaction. This term is shown explicitly to be finite and non-ambiguous.
Inflation, (p)reheating and neutrino anomalies: production of sterile neutrinos with secret interactions
Authors: Paul Arnab , Ghoshal Anish , Chatterjee Arindam , Pal Supratik
Published: October 2019

A number of experimental anomalies involving neutrinos hint towards the existence of at least an extra (a very light) sterile neutrino. However, such a species, appreciably mixing with the active neutrinos, is disfavored by different cosmological observations like Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN), Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and Large Scale Structure (LSS). Recently, it was shown that the presence of additional interactions in the sterile neutrino sector via light bosonic mediators can make the scenario cosmologically viable by suppressing the production of the sterile neutrinos from active neutrinos via matter-like effect caused by the mediator. This mechanism works assuming the initial population of this sterile sector to be negligible with respect to that of the Standard Model (SM) particles, before the production from active neutrinos. However, there is fair chance that such bosonic mediators may couple to the inflaton and can be copiously produced during (p)reheating epoch. Consequently, they may ruin this assumption of initial small density of the sterile sector. In this article we, starting from inflation, investigate the production of such a sterile sector during (p)reheating in a large field inflationary scenario and identify the parameter region that allows for a viable early Universe cosmology.
Three-Dimensional Dynamic Stress and Vibration Analyses of Thick Singular-Kernel Fractional-Order Viscoelastic Annular Rotating Discs Under Nonuniform Loads
Authors: Shariyat M. , Mohammadjani R.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the dynamic stress and radial/lateral vibration of circular/annular discs made of fractional-order viscoelastic materials under nonuniform mechanical loads are investigated for the first time, utilizing the exact 3D theory of elasticity, rather than the plate theories. The governing equations of motion of the disc are derived based on the Kelvin–Voigt fractional viscoelastic model. To solve these equations, the spatial partial and the time ordinary derivatives are replaced by adequate central, backward or forward finite difference expressions. Then the resulting Caputo-type time-dependent system of the coupled integro-differential governing equations of the fractional-order is solved by a novel numerical procedure. Namely, a time-marching procedure is employed to extract the time histories of the responses, in the space-time domain for various time and spatial distributions. Finally, comprehensive sensitivity analyses and various 3D plots are presented and discussed. In this regard, effects of the fractional-order of the constitutive law, viscoelastic parameters, material rigidity, distribution and time variation patterns of the nonuniform distributed transverse loads, and boundary conditions on the distributions of the displacement and stress components are investigated.
On two lattice points problems about the parabola
Authors: Huang Jing-Jing , Li Huixi
Published: October 2019

We obtain asymptotic formulae with optimal error terms for the number of lattice points under and near a dilation of the standard parabola, the former improving upon an old result of Popov. These results can be regarded as achieving the square root cancellation in the context of the parabola, whereas its analogues are wide open conjectures for the circle and the hyperbola. We also obtain essentially sharp upper bounds for the latter lattice points problem associated with the parabola. Our proofs utilize techniques in Fourier analysis, quadratic Gauss sums and character sums.
On the mod-p distribution of discriminants of G-extensions
Authors: König Joachim
Published: October 2019

This paper was motivated by a recent paper by Krumm and Pollack ([Twists of hyperelliptic curves by integers in progressions modulo [Formula: see text], preprint (2018); https://arXiv.org/abs/1807.00972] ) investigating modulo-[Formula: see text] behavior of quadratic twists with rational points of a given hyperelliptic curve, conditional on the abc-conjecture. We extend those results to twisted Galois covers with arbitrary Galois groups. The main point of this generalization is to interpret those results as statements about the sets of specializations of a given Galois cover under restrictions on the discriminant. In particular, we make a connection with existing heuristics about the distribution of discriminants of Galois extensions such as the Malle conjecture: our results show in a precise sense the non-existence of “local obstructions” to such heuristics, in many cases essentially only under the assumption that [Formula: see text] occurs as the Galois group of a Galois cover defined over [Formula: see text]. This complements and generalizes a similar result in the direction of the Malle conjecture by Dèbes ([On the Malle conjecture and the self-twisted cover, Israel J. Math. 218(1) (2017) 101–131]).
Sodium, hypertension, and the gut: does the gut microbiota go salty?
Authors: Smiljanec Katarina , Lennon Shannon L.
Published: October 2019

Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiota contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension (HTN). The gut microbiota is a highly dynamic organ mediating numerous physiological functions, which can be influenced by external factors such as diet. In particular, a major modifiable risk factor for HTN is dietary sodium intake. Sodium consumption in the United States is significantly greater than that recommended by the federal government and organizations such as the American Heart Association. Because of the emerging connection between the gut microbiota and HTN, the interaction between dietary sodium and gut microbiota has sparked interest. High-sodium diets promote local and systemic tissue inflammation and impair intestinal anatomy compared with low sodium intake in both human and animal studies. It is biologically plausible that the gut microbiota mediates the inflammatory response, as it is in constant interaction with the immune system and is necessary for proper maturation of immune cells. Recent rodent data demonstrate that dietary sodium disrupts gut microbial homeostasis as gut microbiota composition shifts with dietary sodium manipulation. In this review, we will focus on gut microbiota activity in HTN and the influence of high dietary sodium intake with an emphasis on the immune system, bacterial metabolites, and the circadian clock.
The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in Androgenetic Alopecia
Authors: Paththinige Niluka Dilrukshi , Akarawita Janaka K.W. , Jeganathan Geetha
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common, chronic hair loss disorder. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a novel therapeutic tool for AGA. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of autologous activated PRP injections in AGA. Methods: Twenty-four AGA patients were enrolled in the study. All the patients received 4 PRP treatments at baseline (T1), 3 weeks (T2), 6 weeks (T3), and at 14 weeks (T5). We evaluated hair density (hairs/cm2) at 6 time points (T1–T3, T4 [9 weeks], T5, and T6 [7 months]) and patient satisfaction was assessed at T6 with a patient satisfaction questionnaire. Hair count (hairs/0.48 cm2) was assessed using dermoscopic photographs and hair density (hairs/cm2) was calculated accordingly. Results: Twenty-three men and one woman were included with baseline hair density of 102.25 ± 18.463. Hair density significantly increased at all time points with p < 0.001 compared to the baseline. Patients were satisfied with a mean result rating of 72.92 on a linear analogue scale of 0–100. Other than mild pain felt during injections, no remarkable adverse effects were noted. Conclusions: PRP injections may have a positive therapeutic effect on AGA without major side effects.
Levity Makes the Law: Islamic Legal Riddles
Authors: Keegan Matthew L.
Published: October 2019

This article traces the emergence of compilations of a particular kind of legal riddle in the 8th/14th century, with special reference to the compilation of Ibn Farḥūn (d. 799/1397). Ibn Farḥūn’s riddles could be solved only by someone with detailed knowledge of Islamic positive law (furūʿ), and he argues that they are both an appropriate form of restful entertainment and a kind of competitive pedagogy. At the same time, Ibn Farḥūn derived novel legal opinions on the basis of his riddles, which demonstrates that jurists used hypothetical, imaginative situations to derive new rulings. The article also traces the origins of furūʿ-based legal riddles in the more diffuse tradition of Islamic riddling and in the adab tradition of riddling.
Graphene/NiCo2S4 Hybrid System for Ammonia Gas Sensing Application
Authors: Zaheer Muhammad , Arsalan Muhammad , Liu Weihua , Li Xin
Published: October 2019

Graphene is a one-atom-thick two-dimensional structure of carbon arranged in a hexagonal structure. Due to its unique mechanical and electronic properties, graphene has become very promising material. It has good sensing characteristics like large surface area, potentially available
binding site, etc. In this report, the hybrid system of NiCo2S4 synthesized by two-step hydrothermal method and graphene transferred to IDE (Interdigit electrode) was prepared for gas sensing applications. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) method was used to grow graphene
on copper foil and transferred to different substrates by wet etching of Cu foil. After the synthesis and transfer of graphene to the substrate, Raman spectroscopy was used to has effectively improve ion and charge transportation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to check the morphology
of material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to check the properties of the material. This proposed sensor has a high response, good selectivity, and stability to 100 ppm ammonia at room temperature. Moreover, the sensor material which is synthesized with graphene has promising applications
in future gas sensing devices.
Long-Term Global Irradiance Calibration of Multifilter UV Radiometers
Authors: Piedehierro A. A. , Cancillo M. L. , Vilaplana J. M. , Serrano A.
Published: October 2019

Multifilter instruments such as the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU)-UV Irradiance Meter (NILU-UV) are suitable for long-term monitoring of UV radiation, as long as their irradiance scale is maintained. The sensitivity of these instruments varies with time; thus, periodic standard absolute calibrations are required. However, standard calibrations may be insufficient to characterize the short-term variations of channels sensitivity. Therefore, results from standard calibrations have to be combined with the information derived from frequent relative calibrations, leading to a stable irradiance scale. This paper focuses on the long-term application of three calibration methods, hereinafter referred to as CC, CC2, and CC2(ϕ), as applied to the NILU-UV 119 multifilter radiometer. Here a generalization is proposed, consisting of using empirical functions in order to guarantee the accurate calibration of multifilter instruments over long time periods. These function-based methods need to be updated regularly to account for changes on instrument sensitivity. The changes in sensitivity of the NILU-UV 119 were found to be channel dependent. The detected drifts range from 23% to 42% for a 4-yr period of study. Time series of calibrated irradiance are obtained by applying the proposed methods. Results suggest that calibration methods using empirical functions perform better than classic calibration approaches that use constant calibration factors. When methods CC2 and CC2(ϕ) are applied, calibrated irradiances agree with the measurements of reference within ±5% for channel 305 and within ±3% for channels 312, 320, and 340.
Seven-Doppler Radar and In Situ Analysis of the 25–26 June 2015 Kansas MCS during PECAN
Authors: Miller Rachel L. , Ziegler Conrad L. , Biggerstaff Michael I.
Published: October 2019

This case study analyzes a nocturnal mesoscale convective system (MCS) that was observed on 25–26 June 2015 in northeastern Kansas during the Plains Elevated Convection At Night (PECAN) project. Over the course of the observational period, a broken line of elevated nocturnal convective cells initiated around 0230 UTC on the cool side of a stationary front and subsequently merged to form a quasi-linear MCS that later developed strong, surface-based outflow and a trailing stratiform region. This study combines radar observations with mobile and fixed mesonet and sounding data taken during PECAN to analyze the kinematics and thermodynamics of the MCS from 0300 to 0630 UTC. This study is unique in that 38 consecutive multi-Doppler wind analyses are examined over the 3.5 h observation period, facilitating a long-duration analysis of the kinematic evolution of the nocturnal MCS. Radar analyses reveal that the initial convective cells and linear MCS are elevated and sustained by an elevated residual layer formed via weak ascent over the stationary front. During upscale growth, individual convective cells develop storm-scale cold pools due to pockets of descending rear-to-front flow that are measured by mobile mesonets. By 0500 UTC, kinematic analysis and mesonet observations show that the MCS has a surface-based cold pool and that convective line updrafts are ingesting parcels from below the stable layer. In this environment, the elevated system has become surface based since the cold pool lifting is sufficient for surface-based parcels to overcome the CIN associated with the frontal stable layer.
An Animal’s Environment Influences Perceptions of Docility and Vigor But Not Aesthetic Appeal: A Constructive Replication
Authors: Gabriel Kara I. , Montenegro Carolina
Published: October 2019

Shifts toward naturalistic zoo enclosures in the last decades of the 20th century prompted research findings that perceptions of animals were influenced by their environment. The current study replicated and expanded upon that prior work. University students ( n = 1,253) viewed animals in wild, naturalistic, front cage bar, or back cage bar settings with a name-only control and rated each animal on 11 semantic characteristics. Exploratory factor analysis of those ratings revealed underlying constructs of aesthetic appeal, docility, and vigor. Women perceived animals as more aesthetically appealing than did men. Perceptions of docility increased and vigor decreased as the naturalness of the environment declined. Measures of nature relatedness and environmental motives were not altered by viewing different environments but those traits influenced perceptions of aesthetic appeal. The current findings show that environment alters some but not all of the elements of how animals are perceived by the public.
Interventions reducing sedentary behaviour of adults: An update of evidence
Authors: Sutherland Casey A , Kynn Mary , Cole Rachel L , Gray Marion A
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

This review updates evidence of previous reviews on interventions that target reducing sedentary behaviour among 18- to 69-year-old working aged adults.

Methods:

A literature search of PubMed, Informit, Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science and ProQuest. Quality was assessed for individual articles using McMaster University Guidelines. Descriptive analysis was used to summarise findings across studies.

Results:

Fifteen studies were identified with critical appraisal scores ranging from 10 to 14 (of a possible 15), with a mean score of 11.7 indicating overall moderate quality. The majority of interventions were implemented in the workplace. Others were based in the neighbourhood and education institution settings. Just over half of the studies ( n = 9) reported a significant decrease in sedentary behaviour, including in total sedentary behaviour and sitting time, work sitting time and leisure sitting time. Overall sitting time decreases ranged from 8 to 122 minutes per day across all settings.

Conclusion:

There is some emerging evidence that sedentary behaviour interventions have the potential to reduce sedentary behaviour of working aged adults. However, given the paucity of literature, the effectiveness of such interventions is currently inconclusive. Further high-quality research across different settings is needed using validated standardised measures of sedentary behaviour.
Health Care Expenditure Burden of Cancer Care in the United States
Authors: Park Joohyun , Look Kevin A.
Published: October 2019

Using nationwide data, this study estimated and compared annual health care expenditures per person between noncancer and cancer patients, and among patients with the 4 most common cancers. Two-part models were used to estimate mean expenditures for each group by source of payment and by service type. We found that cancer patients had nearly 4 times higher mean expenditures per person ($16 346) than those without cancer ($4484). These differences were larger among individuals aged 18 to 64 years than those ≥65 years. Medicare was the largest source of payment for cancer patients, especially among those ≥65 years. Among the 4 most common cancers, the most costly cancer was lung cancer. Ambulatory care visits accounted for the majority of health care expenditures for those with breast cancer, while for those with other cancers, inpatient services also contributed to a significant portion of expenditures especially among younger patients. This study demonstrates that cancer patients experience a substantially higher health care expenditure burden than noncancer patients, with lung cancer patients having the highest expenditures. Expenditure estimates varied by age group, source of payment, and service type, highlighting the need for comprehensive policies and programs to reduce the costs of cancer care.
The Political Value of Disappointment among Ex-resistance Fighters: Confronting the Grey Zone of Founding
Authors: Mrovlje Maša
Published: October 2019

This essay examines how the disappointment of ex-resistance fighters can illuminate the grey zone of founding—the ambiguity of beginning anew against the background of systemic violence that eludes the predominant linear visions of transition. For a theoretical framework, I draw on Hannah Arendt’s insights into the ambiguity of beginning anew as a practice of attunement that takes oppressive practices as points of departure for democratizing political action. I explore how the ex-resisters’ stories of disappointment can invigorate this practice, focusing on their ability to reorient political action towards reframing unjust relationships in a way that guards against systematic exclusions in the future. This essay demonstrates the political relevance of disappointment on the example of a South African ex-resister’s memoir, Pregs Govender’s Love and Courage. Govender’s narrative discloses how experiences of disappointment can orient the ex-resisters’ efforts to confront the complexities of founding obscured from the official story.
Spiritual renewal and the healing of creation
Authors: Effa Allan
Published: October 2019

This article is a biblical exploration of the interplay between spiritual renewal of the people of God and the spirit’s work of renewing and healing creation. On the flip side, it highlights the biblical theme of environmental distress as a consequence of human disobedience. Beginning with God’s social covenant with Israel, the article moves to a primary focus on ecological texts in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah’s vision encompasses climactic catastrophes, the plight of animal species, the integrity and pollution of the soil, deforestation, and the languishing and flourishing of the entire created order. Isaiah’s pneumatology uniquely portrays the work of the Creator Spirit as one of renewing and breathing new life into a suffering world. This article offers a fresh exegesis of the ecological texts of Isaiah and considers a number of practical implications for mission in light of the environmental challenges particularly unique to Canada’s province of Alberta. It concludes by charting some of the ways people who exhibit the fruit of the spirit might alter their lifestyles and contribute to the spirit’s work of healing creation.
Obstacles to Accessing Pro-Poor Microcredit Programs in China: Evidence from Penggan Village, Guizhou
Authors: Tan Deborah Shu Yi , Tan Track Tze Tuan , Ling Shao Tong , Donaldson John A.
Published: October 2019

Why do poor farmers not take up microcredit loans, even when the terms are designed to be pro-poor? Fieldwork in a village in China’s Guizhou province revealed a puzzle: although the county government had designed a loan program that was intended to be unusually pro-poor, only three of the 349 eligible households had successfully applied. This article analyzes three potential hypotheses: farmer failure (risk aversion or financial illiteracy), market failure (lack of viable or stable market opportunities), and institutional failure (structural or institutional barriers precluding taking up loans). Based on evidence from intensive interviews, we reject the first hypothesis, and conclude that the persistence of structural and institutional barriers can preclude the poor from taking up loans. However, even if these barriers are overcome, we suggest that microcredit loans should be integrated into a larger development policy designed to stimulate the market and market opportunities in which the poor can participate.
Ambivalent Heritage: The Im/Possibility of Museumifying the Overseas Chinese in South China
Authors: Wang Cangbai
Published: October 2019

The past two decades have witnessed an “overseas Chinese museum fever” across China. By commemorating heroic figures and treasuring the contributions of the overseas Chinese to the motherland, the representation of overseas Chinese in state-led museums has played an important role in promoting a “transnational nationalism” among domestic and international audiences. Using “ambivalent heritage” as a framing device and through a case study of the Chen Cihong Residence, this article discusses an underresearched aspect of museumifying the overseas Chinese, that is, issues that are unsettled and difficult to stage. By foregrounding the conflicting interpretations and uses of the Chen Cihong Residence as an ancestral house, a museum, and a tourist spot, this article raises important questions regarding the dis/continuities of national, local, and individual identities in heritagizing transnational Chinese mobilities. Additionally, it calls for a diasporic perspective on the study of cultural heritage and proposes a new insight into heritage preservation.
Culturally informed gatekeeper training for youth suicide prevention in Guyana: A pilot examination
Authors: Persaud Sarika , Rosenthal Lisa , Arora Prerna G
Published: October 2019

Adolescent suicide is a pressing concern in Guyana, a low-to middle-income country in South America with the highest adolescent suicide rate globally. Gatekeeper trainings for suicide prevention conducted in high-income countries have been found to increase knowledge of suicide prevention, increase referrals of at-risk youth, and reduce stigma toward help-seeking for suicidality. The current study sought to engage in a pilot examination of the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of a culturally informed gatekeeper training suicide prevention program for Guyanese youth. Secondary school teachers and staff ( N = 16) were trained in a culturally informed, evidence-based gatekeeper suicide prevention program. Mixed methods analyses revealed significant increases in knowledge of suicide prevention, as well as decreases in rigid or judgmental attitudes toward suicide post-training among secondary school teachers and staff. Further, results indicated that participants deemed the program culturally acceptable and feasible for use in the school setting. Findings have implications for the delivery and implementation of culturally informed gatekeeper training programs for suicide prevention in low-to middle-income countries.
Dialogic Status in Design Education: Authority and Peer Relations in Studio Class Conversations
Authors: Sawyer R. Keith
Published: October 2019

In this article, I study role enactment and status relationships in university design studio classrooms. I analyze conversations that take place during discussions of student creative work, and I interpret them in the context of previous studies of learning, classroom discourse, and creativity. I found that professors and students jointly establish and maintain a complex and hybrid participation structure in which they enact dialogic status: they simultaneously perform both an authority relationship and a peer relationship. I analyzed the interactional mechanisms that dialogically perform these two status relationships, drawing on prior studies of role and status in conversation. I show that the dialogic blend of authority and peer relationships continuously and frequently varies throughout reviews of student work. Drawing on past studies of creativity in education, I argue that the joint enactment of dialogic status is an effective pedagogy for teaching and learning for creativity.
T2 mapping of the extraocular muscles in healthy volunteers: preliminary research on scan–rescan and observer–observer reproducibility
Authors: Qian Wen , Chen Wei , Xu Xiao-Quan , Wu Fei-Yun
Published: October 2019

Background

T2-mapping technique and derived T2 relaxation time allows quantitative assessment of extraocular muscles; however, the reproducibility of T2 mapping-derived parameters was seldom studied till now.

Purpose

To evaluate the scan–rescan and observer–observer reproducibility of T2 relaxation time measurements of extraocular muscles in young healthy volunteers.

Material and Methods

Fourteen volunteers underwent T2-mapping examinations of the extraocular muscles three times within one month on a 3.0-T MR system. Scan–rescan and observer–observer reproducibility of T2 relaxation time measurements of the extraocular muscles were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient and coefficient of variation.

Results

Both scan–rescan (short-term and long-term) and observer–observer could achieve good to excellent reproducibility, while better short-term than long-term scan–rescan reproducibility was obtained. The coefficient of variation of the T2 relaxation time of each extraocular muscles during both scan–rescan and observer–observer reproducibility assessment were <6%.

Conclusion

T2 relaxation time measurement of the extraocular muscles is proven to be highly reproducible at 3.0 T. T2 mapping may be a potential imaging technique in the diagnosis and follow-up of orbital diseases involved extraocular muscles in further studies.
Stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXC chemokine receptor 4 axis in injury repair and renal transplantation
Authors: Sun Zejia , Li Xin , Zheng Xiang , Cao Peng , Yu Baozhong , Wang Wei
Published: October 2019

Stem cell therapy has shown promise in treating a variety of pathologies, such as myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and organ transplantation. The stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) axis plays a key role in stem cell mobilization. This review describes the important role of SDF-1 in tissue injury and how it works in tissue revascularization and regeneration via CXCR4. Furthermore, factors influencing the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis and its clinical potential in ischaemia reperfusion injury, such as renal transplantation, are discussed. Exploring signalling pathways of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis will contribute to the development of stem cell therapy so that more clinical problems can be solved. Controlling directional homing of stem cells through the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis is key to improving the efficacy of stem cell therapy for tissue injury. CXCR4 antagonists may also be effective in increasing circulating levels of adult stem cells, thereby exerting beneficial effects on damaged or inflamed tissues in diseases that are currently not treated by standard approaches.