bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholesteatoma of the Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Viswanatha Borlingegowda , Nayak L. Krishna , Karthik Shamanna
Published: November 2019

Cholesteatoma of the maxillary sinus is a rare condition, but it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any slowly expanding lesion of the maxillary sinus. Because the keratinizing squamous epithelium continues to desquamate and expand, thereby causing erosion of the surrounding structures, the cholesteatoma sac must be removed completely. We describe a case of cholesteatoma of the maxillary sinus in an 18-year-old woman.
Subfreezing versus Room-Temperature Balloon Dilation of Benign Tracheal Stenosis: A Pilot Study in Rabbits
Authors: Wycherly Benjamin J. , Steehler Matthew K. , Hesham Hosai , Burke Kevin , Malekzadeh Sonya
Published: November 2019

We conducted an experiment to compare collagen deposition in tracheal stenoses dilated with room-temperature balloons and stenoses dilated with balloons at a subfreezing temperature (-10°C). Six New Zealand white rabbits underwent endoscopic tracheal injury. Tracheal dilation was performed at 3 weeks postinjury with either a room-temperature balloon or a vascular cryoplasty balloon. Five surviving rabbits were sacrificed at either 2 weeks (n = 3) or 4 weeks (n = 2) postdilation (1 rabbit that was not able to tolerate dilation was euthanized during the procedure). A blinded pathologist graded histologic sections of the injured tracheas for collagen content. The tracheal collagen deposits in the 3 animals sacrificed at 2 weeks postdilation were all graded as moderate. However, at the 4-week postdilation examination, there was a marked difference in collagen deposition between the rabbit that underwent room-temperature dilation and the rabbit that underwent subfreezing dilation; while the former showed moderate collagen deposition, the deposition in the latter was only mild. In conclusion, this pilot study showed that tracheal dilation with balloon cryotherapy decreased collagen deposition in the injured airway of 1 animal. Larger studies are required to determine whether balloon cryotherapy improves the long-term patency of immature tracheal stenosis.
Scleral Homografts in Tympanic-Membrane Reconstruction
Authors: Pope Thaddeus H.
Published: November 2019

The author presents his experience in utilizing homograft sclera for tympanic-membrane reconstruction. In-vitro and in-vivo studies suggest that sclera is an excellent material for tympanic-membrane grafting and has an acceptably high graft-take rate.
Core outcome domains of pediatric palliative care for children with severe neurological impairment and their families: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Ribbers Sophie , Wager Julia , Hartenstein-Pinter Almut , Zernikow Boris , Reuther Mandira
Published: November 2019

Background:

The interest in outcome measurement in pediatric palliative care is rising. To date, the majority of studies investigating relevant outcomes of pediatric palliative care focus on children with cancer. Insight is lacking, however, about relevant outcome domains for children with severe neurological impairment and their families.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to identify meaningful outcome domains of pediatric palliative care for children with severe neurological impairment and their families.

Design:

A qualitative research design following a constructivist research paradigm was employed. Guided interviews were conducted with parents of children with life-limiting conditions and severe neurological impairment and professional caregivers. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Setting:

Overall, 10 cooperating pediatric palliative care institutions across Germany (outpatient and inpatient settings) aided in the recruitment of eligible parents and professional caregivers. A total of 11 interviews with 14 parents and 17 interviews with 20 professional caregivers were conducted.

Results:

Six core outcome domains of pediatric palliative care for children with severe neurological impairment and their families were identified, namely (1) symptom control, (2) respite and support, (3) normalcy, (4) security, (5) empowerment, and (6) coping with the disease, each consisting of 1 to 13 individual aspects.

Conclusion:

As for other diagnostic groups, symptom control is a relevant outcome domain for children with severe neurological impairment. However, other outcome domains which focus on the whole family and take into account the long disease trajectory, such as respite and support, security, empowerment, and coping with the disease, are also crucial.
Whistleblowing Policies in American States: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: West Jonathan P. , Bowman James S.
Published: November 2019

American states have statutes with whistleblowing protection provisions for employees. These laws may focus on the duty to divulge misconduct, procedures for reporting disclosures, and protection from retaliation. The research question is, “What is the scope, content, and perceived effectiveness of these provisions?” The premise is that they have value, albeit uncertain, in the practice of public administration. To investigate this subject area, documentary and attitudinal data were gathered. This article presents the results of the first comprehensive study of state-level whistleblowing provisions. The importance of this work is evident for two reasons. First, though corruption varies across state lines, overall it is common. Second, given the low visibility and high complexity of organizational activities, detection of abuse rests in large part with the workforce.
Performance of endoscopic ultrasound for diagnosis of agenesis of the dorsal pancreas: a case report
Authors: Zhong Jin Wei , Yu Ling Min , Ying Qing Ji , Peng Wen Wen , Xu Chang Zhao , Cai Zhen Zhai , Xue Zhan Xiong , Zhou Yu Hui
Published: November 2019

Agenesis of the dorsal pancreas is a rare congenital pancreatic malformation. We herein describe a 67-year-old woman with a 5-day history of lower back pain who was eventually diagnosed with agenesis of the dorsal pancreas. Abdominal computed tomography showed an enlarged pancreatic head, but the pancreatic body and tail were invisible. The magnetic resonance imaging findings were similar to the computed tomography findings. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed that the major pancreatic duct was mildly dilated but otherwise normal. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed absence of the pancreatic body and tail, an enlarged head of the pancreas, and mild pancreatic duct dilation. The final diagnosis was dorsal pancreatic agenesis.
Inter-leg systolic blood pressure difference predicts cardiovascular events and mortality in incident hemodialysis patients
Authors: Kato Sawako , Lindholm Bengt , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Mukai Hideyuki , Yuzawa Yukio , Maruyama Shoichi
Published: November 2019

Background:

High inter-arm blood pressure difference, a marker of vascular disease, may be difficult to assess in hemodialysis patients with arm arteriovenous fistulae. We investigated if high inter-leg systolic blood pressure difference associates with cardiovascular events and increased mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Methods:

Among 118 incident Japanese dialysis patients, bilateral leg blood pressure, arm blood pressure, brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity, and ankle–brachial index were measured, and the relative risk associated with inter-leg systolic blood pressure difference and other indices of vascular status was analyzed.

Results:

During follow-up (median, 46 months), 18 deaths and 75 cardiovascular events occurred in 38 patients. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that higher inter-leg systolic blood pressure difference was associated with overall (log-rank 9.35, p = 0.002) and cardiovascular (log-rank 5.81, p = 0.02) mortality. The period from the start of dialysis therapy to the first cardiovascular event was shorter as inter-leg systolic blood pressure difference increased (log-rank 23.7, p < 0.0001). In Cox hazard models, inter-leg systolic blood pressure difference greater than median independently predicted deaths (relative risk, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–13.9) and cardiovascular events (relative risk, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–9.21) after adjustments for age, sex, nutritional status, and diabetes, whereas other indices were not related to the risks. For well-nourished, moderately malnourished, and severely malnourished patients, the cumulative number of cardiovascular events in the high–inter-leg systolic blood pressure difference patients were 4.96, 31.44, and 55.18 events per 100 patient-years.

Conclusions:

Higher inter-leg systolic blood pressure difference associated with increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular events suggesting that wider application of inter-leg systolic blood pressure difference measurements may be warranted in hemodialysis patients.
Nebulized Vasopressin for the Control of Hematemesis and Hemoptysis in a Child With Recurrent, Refractory Stage III Burkitt Lymphoma
Authors: Dulin Jennifer D. , Coyne Patrick J.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Bleeding occurs with some regularity at the end of life. Patients often endure fatigue, weakness, pain, dyspnea and anxiety. These symptoms are magnified in visually apparent bleeds. Management can be particularly challenging as we attempt to balance therapies with goals of care. Children are at risk for such complications and symptoms; providers must ensure comfort for both the patient and family.

Case Description:

A 7-year-old male with recurrent, refractory Burkitt lymphoma was frequently hospitalized for palliative chemotherapy and disease complications. On his final admission, he experienced gross hemoptysis and hematemesis: he was short of breath, fatigued and anxious due to his blood loss. His and his family’s angst were heightened by “seeing” his bleed. Potential, especially invasive, treatments were limited by our goals to promote comfort, limit interventions, maintain alertness, poor intravenous access and a small bowel obstruction. Nebulized vasopressin, 10 units in 4ml of normal saline given over 10 minutes provided JC with needed relief. His bleeding remitted and he tolerated its administration.

Conclusion:

There are many treatments for hemorrhage; however, given the challenges of goals of care, administration, side-effects and tolerability, further investigation into nebulized vasopressin as a potential therapy for hemoptysis and hematemesis at the end-of-life is warranted.
Bringing Home the Bacon, Times Two: A Look at Dual-Income Families
Authors: Bryant M. Lynne
Published: November 2019

The construct of dual-income families is a complex one. There is no simple cause. There is no simple outcome. Therefore, I wrote this to share my story. Statistics are important but they can be dry, manipulated, or confusing. Stories are also important and they share the richer, more robust side of an issue. We need both. I offer my story; with my story, I will share five lessons I’ve learned in my two dual-income lives. I also offer some generic take-aways for employers, society and women.
A Step-by-Step Procedure to Implement Discrete Choice Experiments in Qualtrics
Authors: Weber Sylvain
Published: November 2019

Discrete choice experiment (DCE) is a well-established technique to elicit stated preferences. It is frequently used in social sciences, where revealed preferences are difficult or sometimes even impossible to collect. A DCE consists in a series of choice tasks, in which survey respondents are requested to select the alternative they prefer among a few ones. Even though DCEs are conceptually well-known and documented, the practitioner may face technical issues once turning to their concrete implementation. This methodological note provides a step-by-step procedure to implement a DCE using the survey software Qualtrics. The procedure is largely automated, relying on the statistical software Stata and using HTML code to display the choice tasks in a pleasant way. Basic knowledge of Stata and HTML is desirable but not an absolute requirement. This note is intended to Qualtrics users, and prior knowledge of this survey tool is therefore assumed. A full working example with all codes and material is provided and presented.
The official reappraisal of May Fourth intellectuals: Hu Shi in the Sinicization of Marxism
Authors: Orly Selena
Published: November 2019

In the two decades after 1995, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) executed a significant philosophical shift in its relentless struggle for legitimacy and relevance through the Sinicization of Marxism (马克思主义中国化). Following the pattern of many other political reorientations, the party undertook a reassessment of a prominent historical figure to conduct ideological work – in this case, a leading May Fourth intellectual, Hu Shi. For decades the orthodox CCP view of Hu had been uniformly negative, but from 1995 onwards the People’s Republic of China’s establishment intellectuals presented a more positive appraisal of his impact on Chinese history. Previous scholarship on the rehabilitation of Hu argues that the shift reflected the more liberal academic and political climate of the times. This article argues however that the reappraisal of Hu enabled the CCP to manage a key problem in its political identity – the disjuncture between revolutionary Maoism and reform-era policies captured by the slogan ‘socialism with Chinese characteristics’. By analysing the discussion on a key 1919 debate – known as the ‘problems and isms’ debate – I show that the CCP used Hu’s philosophical ruminations to trace the Sinicization of Marxism from the moment Marxism entered China to reform-era socialism with Chinese characteristics, and in the process it diminished the role of revolutionary Maoism. In so doing, the CCP consolidated legitimacy through showing its leading role in the historic Sinicization of Marxism without Maoism.
A new way synthesis of expanded graphite as a thermal filler to enhance the thermal conductivity of DGEBA resin as thermal interface material
Authors: Nayak Sagar Kumar , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K
Published: November 2019

In this work, a facile two-step method for the synthesis of highly thermal conductive expanded graphite (EG) was proposed. A binary component system of ammonium persulfate and concentrated sulfuric acid was prepared for the synthesis of EG from natural graphite flakes in which the former one acted as an oxidizing agent and the latter one used as an intercalating agent. Further, the silane functionalization of EG (mEG) was purposefully completed, as confirmed from the X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Epoxy-based thermal interface materials (TIMs) were fabricated with reinforcing EG and mEG by stir-casting method at different filler fraction. The guarded heat flow meter method indicated that the enhancement in thermal conductivity (TC) was 12.12-fold at 10 wt% loading of mEG (mEG10-Ep) than neat epoxy. The binding strength of mEG10-Ep composite tuned to 6.18 ± 0.8 MPa and determined by a single lap shear test, which confirms better reinforcing effect of silane functionalized EG than neat EG counterpart. The same was also corroborated from porosity evaluation of the composite system. At 50% weight loss in nitrogen atmosphere, thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the composite was stable up to 430°C. Dynamic mechanical analysis was engaged to estimate the glass transition temperature ( T g) of the epoxy composite system, which validates its prospective application as preferred TIMs in the electroactive device. The electrical conductivity of composite was deteriorated due to the encapsulation of EG with nonconductive silane functional groups. The uniform dispersion was achieved by mEG-filled composite as compared to its EG counterpart, which was visualized from fracture surface through scanning electron microscopy.
Systemic administration with tetrahydrocannabinol causes retinal damage in BALB/c mice
Authors: Zhang Z , Li R , Lu H , Zhang X
Published: November 2019

Recent years have seen substantial shifts in cultural attitudes towards cannabis for medical and recreational use. However, legalizing recreational marijuana may have adverse effects on individual and public health. As the most widely used illicit agent, cannabis is commonly reported to disrupt learning and memory. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms underlying behavioral impairment by cannabis abuse remain poorly understood. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a major component in cannabis, causes short-term effects on the visual system, but little is known about persisting visual disturbances. This study was to investigate the effects of systemic administration with THC on retina and explore its underlying mechanisms. BALB/c mice were treated with 1 or 2 mg/kg THC intraperitoneally daily for 2 months, mice treated with vehicle as negative control. The retinal function was tested by electroretinography after THC treatment. Morphology and pathology changes of retina were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was used to detect the apoptosis in photoreceptor cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to show the inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. mRNA and protein changes were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results indicated that 2-month treatment with THC caused retinal damage, evidenced by its functional loss and increased apoptosis in photoreceptor cells through inducing inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Our study demonstrated that systemic administration with THC caused toxic effects on retinas of BALB/c mice, suggesting the potential mechanisms for the retina damage caused by cannabis abuse.
Mortality, Morbidity, and Costs After Implementation of a Vasopressin Guideline in Medical Intensive Care Patients With Septic Shock: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Bauer Seth R. , Sacha Gretchen L. , Reddy Anita J.
Published: November 2019

Background: Vasopressin decreases vasopressor requirements in patients with septic shock. However, the optimal norepinephrine dose for initiation or cessation of vasopressin is unclear. Objective: Analyze monthly intensive care unit (ICU) mortality rates 1 year preimplementation and postimplementation of a guideline suggesting a norepinephrine dose of 50 µg/min or more for initiation of vasopressin and early cessation of vasopressin. Methods: This retrospective quasi-experimental study included adult patients with septic shock admitted to the medical ICU of a tertiary care medical center over 2 years. Time periods were evaluated with interrupted time series analysis. Results: A total of 1148 patients were included: 573 patients preguideline and 575 patients postguideline. Group characteristics were well balanced at baseline, except patients postguideline had higher sequential organ failure assessment scores. Postguideline, fewer patients were initiated on vasopressin (305 [53.2%] vs 217 [37.7%], absolute difference −15.5% [95% CI −21.2% to −9.8%]), and the norepinephrine dose at vasopressin initiation was higher (median 25 [interquartile range 18, 40] µg/min vs 40 [22, 52] µg/min; median difference 15 [95% CI 11 to 19] µg/min; P < 0.01). After guideline implementation, there was no evidence for a difference in ICU mortality rate slope (slope change 0.07% [95% CI −0.8% to 1.0%] per month; P 0.87), but the vasoactive cost level decreased by US$183 (95% CI −US$327 to −US$39) per patient immediately after implementation. Conclusion and Relevance: Implementation of a guideline suggesting a high norepinephrine dose threshold for vasopressin initiation and early vasopressin cessation in patients with septic shock appears to be safe and may decrease vasoactive costs.
The Rare Phenomenon of Loss of INI1 Expression at Recurrence/Progression of Primary Central Nervous System Tumors: Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Sali Akash Pramod , Chaubey Vishal , Kodare Duhita , Sahay Ayushi , Epari Sridhar
Published: November 2019

It is extremely rare for loss of immunohistochemical expression of INI1 to occur primarily at recurrence/progression with retained expression at the primary/initial presentation of central nervous system (CNS) tumor. In this article, we present 3 such cases showing loss of INI1 expression primarily at recurrence. All patients were males, aged 7 years (case 1), 11 years (case 2), and 35 years (case 3), diagnosed with low-grade glial/glioneuronal tumor, not otherwise specified (case 1), craniopharyngioma (case 2), and glioblastoma (case 3); all showed retained INI1 protein expression. Case 1 at 12 months recurrence showed a high-grade tumor with relative undifferentiated morphology, case 2 after 104 months showed a sarcomatous progression, and case 3 recurred after 4 months with the presence of relative undifferentiated round cells. All these recurrences showed loss of INI1 expression. Loss of SMARCB1/INI1 gene function resulting in complete loss of INI1 protein expression is not a well-accepted genetic mechanism for transformation/progression as this series emphasizes.
Testing the Longitudinal Structure and Change in Sluggish Cognitive Tempo and Inattentive Behaviors From Early Through Middle Childhood
Authors: Dvorsky Melissa R. , Becker Stephen P. , Tamm Leanne , Willoughby Michael T.
Published: November 2019

Previous studies have demonstrated that sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) behaviors are empirically distinct from inattentive (IN) behaviors that are used to define attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, most studies used cross-sectional designs during middle childhood. Using parent and teacher ratings from the Family Life Project ( N = 1,173), we investigated the factor structure, longitudinal measurement invariance, developmental trajectories, and predictors of developmental change in SCT and IN from age 3 years through Grade 5. SCT and IN were dissociable but correlated constructs that exhibited longitudinal invariance for both informants. Mean levels of SCT increased modestly with age, becoming more prominent between age 5 years and first grade, while IN was more stable. Lower parental education was associated with higher parent- and teacher-reported SCT, male sex was associated with higher teacher-reported IN, and African American race was associated with higher teacher-reported IN but lower teacher-reported SCT. These findings support the validity of SCT starting in early childhood.
Correlation between Argus II array–retina distance and electrical thresholds of stimulation is improved by measuring the entire array
Authors: Xu Lucy T , Rachitskaya Aleksandra V , DeBenedictis Meghan J , Bena James , Morrison Shannon , Yuan Alex
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To describe two methods of measuring Argus II array–retina distance and to correlate array–retina distance to electrode stimulation thresholds.

Methods:

This was a case series of eight patients implanted with the Argus II. Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography array–retina distance was measured by two methods and correlated to corresponding electrode thresholds: (1) array–retina distance at each array corner and the largest array–retina distance and (2) using manual optical coherence tomography segmentation, the average array–retina distance was determined for each group of four electrodes. Patients 1–5 and 6–8 were analyzed separately due to a different threshold programming software.

Results:

The Spearman’s rank coefficient between array–retina distance and thresholds was −0.006 ( p = 0.98) for patients 1–5, and 0.16 ( p = 0.59) for patients 6–8 with the first method. The Spearman’s rank coefficient was 0.25 ( p < 0.001) for patients 1–5 and 0.36 ( p < 0.001) for patients 6–8 with the second method.

Conclusion:

There is a positive correlation between array–retina distance and threshold measurements when measuring the entire array but not when using a faster measurement method of four corners and largest array–retina distance.
Serum FAM19A5 in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: Can it be a new biomarker representing clinical status?
Authors: Lee Hye Lim , Seok Hung Youl , Ryu Han-Wook , Cho Eun Bee , Kim Bong Chul , Kim Byoung Joon , Min Ju-Hong , Seok Jin Myoung , Shin Ha Young , Kang Sa-Yoon , Kwon Oh-Hyun , Lee Sang-Soo , Oh Jeeyoung , Sohn Eun-Hee , Huh So-Young , Cho Joong-Yang , Seong Jae Young , Kim Byung-Jo
Published: November 2019

Background:

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) targets astrocytes and elevates the levels of astrocyte-injury markers during attacks. FAM19A5, involved in reactive gliosis, is secreted by reactive astrocytes following central nervous system (CNS) damage.

Objective:

To investigate the significance of serum FAM19A5 in patients with NMOSD.

Methods:

We collected clinical data and sera of 199 patients from 11 hospitals over 21 months. FAM19A5 levels were compared among three groups: NMOSD with positive anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (NMOSD-AQP4), other CNS demyelinating disease, and healthy controls.

Results:

The median serum FAM19A5 level was higher in the NMOSD-AQP4 (4.90 ng/mL (3.95, 5.79)) than in the other CNS demyelinating (2.35 ng/mL (1.83, 4.07), p < 0.001) or healthy control (1.02 ng/mL (0.92, 1.14), p < 0.001) groups. There were significant differences in the median serum FAM19A5 levels between the attack and remission periods (5.89 ng/mL (5.18, 6.98); 4.40 ng/mL (2.72, 5.13), p < 0.001) in the NMOSD-AQP4 group. Sampling during an attack ( p < 0.001) and number of past attacks ( p = 0.010) were independently associated with increased serum FAM19A5.

Conclusion:

Serum FAM19A5 was higher in patients with NMOSD-AQP4 and correlated with clinical characteristics. Thus, serum FAM19A5 may be a novel clinical biomarker for NMOSD-AQP4.
Maintenance optimization for marine mechanical systems
Authors: Kimera David , Nangolo Fillemon Nduvu
Published: November 2019

This article proposes a stochastic technique for determining the optimal maintenance policy for marine mechanical systems. The optimal maintenance policy output includes the average maintenance cost rate, maintenance interval and the performance thresholds for the three marine mechanical system classifications. The purpose of this study is to optimize maintenance, maintenance interval and performance thresholds based on maintenance and reliability data of the marine mechanical systems. Performance threshold and maintenance interval are used as the decision variables to determine the optimal maintenance policy. A stochastic model based on probability analysis is developed to trigger the maintenance action for mechanical systems. The model is later coded in MATLAB. Maintenance and failure data for a marine vehicle were statistically fitted using ReliaSoft, from which a three-parameter Weibull distribution best fitted all the mechanical system classifications. Model inputs were based on both the maintenance data and expert knowledge of the maintenance crew. Based on a 20-year marine vehicle life span, the optimal maintenance costs for plant and machinery are relatively the same. The model predicted annual total maintenance cost of US$183,029.24 is 11.11% more than the maintenance cost derived from experts’ threshold of US$164,726. Marine vehicle machinery presents a higher maintenance interval of 3.23 years compared to 2.92 years for marine vehicle plants. It was observed that for the performance thresholds greater than 84.54%, there is an insignificant difference between the plant and machinery maintenance costs. Sensitivity analysis results suggest there is little justification that changing maintenance costs will have an impact on the performance threshold [Formula: see text] and maintenance interval [Formula: see text]. A maintenance interval of 3 years results in a lower total annual maintenance cost deviation of 2.66% from the optimal total annual maintenance cost.
Adult Education from Jomtien, via Hamburg and Paris, to Dakar
Authors: Kearney Mary-Louise
Published: November 2019

This short paper considers the development of thinking within UNESCO since the Education for All Conference in Jomtien, Thailand in 1990. It traces developments through to the Fifth International Conference on Adult Education (Confitea V) held in Hamburg in 1995 to the World Conference on Higher Education held in Paris in 1998 and finally to the Education for All (EFA) 2000 Assessment which was convened in Dakar, Senegal, in April 2000. The goals at each of these points in time are outlined together with an assessment of outcomes.

It can be concluded that there has been considerable achievement over this period, but even more remains to be accomplished. It is argued that there are clear rationales for investing in adult learners that are obvious from a number of perspectives including active citizenship, social exclusion, living standards and employability. Yet, despite progress achieved, one adult in four was illiterate at the end of the 20th Century. For this reason, the Dakar EFA Follow-up is giving special attention to this issue.

Higher Education has a duty to help meet this challenge and to do so effectively major reorganization of the traditional university learning context is needed. A greater capacity for adaptation and flexibility amongst academics is urgently called for, as widening access becomes a priority that will not disappear.
Literacy, Lifelong Learning and the Basic Skills Agenda
Authors: Bianco Joseph Lo
Published: November 2019

Literacy is being given increased attention in most developed countries where economic thinking focuses on the assets that could be unlocked from human capital. Within the OECD the discourse within literacy has concerned itself almost exclusively on labour market issues whereas scholarly research on literacy addresses a much wider array of social as well as educational contexts. Under alternative policies inspired by principles and understandings of social capital there would be emphasis on the community based settings, the networks of relationships and social cohesion in which learning takes place and in which what is learned is practised.

A range of contexts for the advocacy of literacy policies is explored from which are identified three broad justifications from three mutually reinforcing broad social changes. These relate to the impact of changing economic patterns in the wake of trade liberalisation and the post-industrial services and economy; the impact of cultural diversity and participatory ideals of society; and the impact of communications technology.

The particular position of Scotland is explored in the context of a recent report on Adult Literacy and numeracy in that country.
Compressive mechanics of warp-knitted spacer fabrics
Authors: Guo Haiyang , Liu Yanping , Xia Yumin , Hu Hong , Wang Yiming , Qiu Gao
Published: November 2019

This paper aims to identify the underlying physical mechanism for the compression deformation of a warp-knitted spacer fabric with a typical structure with experimental and theoretical studies. Compression tests were carried out to measure the load–displacement relationship of the fabric. The structural features of the spacer yarns were photographed by a microscope at different displacements during the compression test. A theoretical model based on elastica theory was developed to describe the compression behavior of the fabric by introducing the effect of complex geometry of the spacer yarns. A comparison between the experimental results and theoretical calculations was also conducted. Four distinctive stages including initial stage, elasticity stage, plateau stage and densification stage were identified and their underlying physical mechanisms were explained based on experimental observations and theoretical calculations. The model could provide an in-depth understanding on the deformations of spacer yarns of spacer fabrics under compression.
Antibacterial and Antimycobacterial Activity of Crude Extracts, Fractions, and Isolated Compounds From Leaves of Sneezewood, Ptaeroxylon obliquum (Rutaceae)
Authors: Ramadwa Thanyani E. , Awouafack Maurice D. , Sonopo Molahlehi S. , Eloff Jacobus N.
Published: November 2019

Ptaeroxylon obliquum (Thunb.) Radlk. (Rutaceae) is traditionally used to treat human and animal diseases in South Africa. In this study, the activity of leaf extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds was determined against nonpathogenic mycobacterial species and nosocomial bacterial pathogens. An acetone leaf extract was partitioned by liquid-liquid fractionation, and obliquumol, a mixture of lupeol and β-amyrin, and eranthin were isolated. Antimicrobial activity was determined using a serial microdilution assay against Mycobacterium smegmatis (American Type Culture Collection [ATCC] 1441), M. bovis (BCG P1172), M. aurum (NCTC 10437), M. fortuitum (ATCC 6841), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 25922), and Escherichia coli (ATCC 27853). The n-hexane fraction had minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values as low as 20 and 40 µg/mL against M. fortuitum and S. aureus, respectively. The chloroform fraction also had promising activity with an MIC value of 80 µg/mL against both P. aeruginosa and M. fortuitum. Obliquumol had excellent activity (MIC 8 µg/mL) against M. fortuitum. Fractionation of the crude extract potentiated the antimicrobial activity of the nonpolar fractions. The isolated compound, obliquumol, had good antimicrobial and excellent antimycobacterial activities. The antimicrobial activity provides some scientific rationale for the use of P. obliquum against infectious diseases and related symptoms. This is the first report on the antibacterial activity of obliquumol.
The endocrine management of intractable masturbation after epilepsy surgery: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ebere Ikenna , Staufenberg Ekkehart FA , Dhatariya Ketan K
Published: November 2019

Lesson

Intractable masturbation has been reported after epilepsy surgery and can be difficult to control, we present a case treated with cyproterone acetate and haloperidol to achieve an endocrine based resolution of symptoms.
Does God make a difference for student affairs? Emerging student affairs in the Christian story
Authors: Glanzer Perry L , Cockle Theodore F , Graber Britney , Jeong Elijah
Published: November 2019

Despite a focus on the holistic formation of students, nonreligious narratives shape student affairs theories and professional practice guidelines. Recognizing this problem, Christian scholar-practitioners have authored a growing body of literature about what might be distinct about Christian student affairs. This article provides an analysis of the theological foundations used in this literature. Our aim was to locate the unique theological building blocks for a more comprehensive Christian theology of student affairs. Our analysis found that placing and practicing the profession of student affairs within the Christian narrative produced noteworthy distinctives in every aspect of student affairs.
Characterization of Neogene marls from the Kert Basin (northeast Morocco): suitability for the ceramics industry
Authors: Nasri Hicham , Azdimousa Ali , El Hammouti Kamal , El Haddar Abdelilah , El Ouahabi Meriam
Published: November 2019

The Neogene marls from the lower Kert area (northeast Morocco) were characterized to evaluate their suitability for the ceramics industry. Two cross-sections involving all of the Neogene facies were studied on both banks of the Kert River. Grey and green marls occurring between sandstone and tuffs were characterized by mineralogical (X-ray diffraction) and physicochemical (grain size, Atterberg limits, X-ray fluorescence and specific surface area) analyses. The Neogene clays studied are mainly calcareous silty marls containing 13–20 wt.% calcite. They consist of quartz, calcite, feldspars, dolomite, illite, kaolinite, chlorite and 10–14 Å illite-vermiculite mixed layers. Cristobalite was detected only in the uppermost level of the green marls, and it originates from a volcanic ash of Messinian age. Trace amounts of siderite and rhodochrosite indicate reducing or locally oxidizing conditions during sedimentation or shortly thereafter. The marls have medium to high plasticity, making them optimal for extrusion. Raw Neogene marls are suitable for manufacturing structural clay products. More specific uses, such as hollow products, roofing tiles and masonry bricks, were supported by the geochemical results and grain-size distribution.
Improvement of rice blast resistance by developing monogenic lines, two-gene pyramids and three-gene pyramid through MAS
Authors: Xiao Wuming , Yang Qiyun , Huang Ming , Guo Tao , Liu Yongzhu , Wang Jiafeng , Yang Guili , Zhou Jiyong , Yang Jianyuan , Zhu Xiaoyuan , Chen Zhiqiang , Wang Hui
Published: November 2019

Background

Rice blast caused byMagnaporthe oryzae(M. oryzae) is one of the most destructive diseases in rice production. Development of resistant varieties through pyramiding of resistant (R) genes is considered as an effective strategy to cope with the disease. However, is it really essential to pyramid moreRgenes in a specific ecological regions? To answer this question, a set of rice improved lines were developed in this study. Afterwards, the blast disease resistance and agronomic traits of the recurrent parent (RP), donor parents (DPs) and improved lines were investigated.

Results

We developed seven improved lines, comprising three monogenic lines, three two-gene pyramids and one three-gene pyramid, by introgression ofRgene(s) into a common genetic background using marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB). Based on 302 SSR markers, the recurrent genome of the seven improved lines reached a range of 89.1 to 95.5%, with the average genome recovery of 92.9%. The pathogenicity assays inoculated with 32 different blast isolates under artificial conditions showed that the resistance spectrum of all the improved lines was significantly broadened. The assays further showed that the two-gene pyramids and the three-gene pyramid exhibited wider resistance spectrum than the monogenic lines. At natural nurseries, the three monogenic lines still showed high ratios of infected panicles, whereas the two-gene pyramids and the three-gene pyramid showed high level of panicle blast resistance. However, the two-gene pyramid R504 reached the similar resistance effect of the three-gene pyramid R507 considering resistance spectrum under artificial conditions and panicle blast resistance under field conditions. Generally, the improved lines showed comparable agronomic traits compared with the recurrent parent (RP), but the three-gene pyramid showed reduced grain yield per plant.

Conclusions

All the improved lines conferred wider resistance spectrum compared with the RP. Yet, the three monogenic lines did not work under field conditions of the two nurseries. Given the similar performances on the main agronomic traits as the RP, the two-gene pyramids have achieved the breeding goals of broad resistance spectrum and effective panicle blast resistance. Whereas, the three-gene pyramid harboringPi2,Pi46andPitaseems superfluous considering its reduced yield, although it also showed displayed high level of blast resistance. Thus, rational use ofRgenes rather than stacking moreRgenes is recommended to control the disease.
MIENTURNET: an interactive web tool for microRNA-target enrichment and network-based analysis
Authors: Licursi Valerio , Conte Federica , Fiscon Giulia , Paci Paola
Published: November 2019

Background

miRNAs regulate the expression of several genes with one miRNA able to target multiple genes and with one gene able to be simultaneously targeted by more than one miRNA. Therefore, it has become indispensable to shorten the long list of miRNA-target interactions to put in the spotlight in order to gain insight into understanding the regulatory mechanism orchestrated by miRNAs in various cellular processes. A reasonable solution is certainly to prioritize miRNA-target interactions to maximize the effectiveness of the downstream analysis.

Results

We propose a new and easy-to-use web tool MIENTURNET (MicroRNA ENrichment TURned NETwork) that receives in input a list of miRNAs or mRNAs and tackles the problem of prioritizing miRNA-target interactions by performing a statistical analysis followed by a fully featured network-based visualization and analysis. The statistics is used to assess the significance of an over-representation of miRNA-target interactions and then MIENTURNET filters based on the statistical significance associated with each miRNA-target interaction. In addition, the holistic approach of the network theory is used to infer possible evidences of miRNA regulation by capturing emergent properties of the miRNA-target regulatory network that would be not evident through a pairwise analysis of the individual components.

Conclusion

MIENTURNET offers the possibility to consistently perform both statistical and network-based analyses by using only a single tool leading to a more effective prioritization of the miRNA-target interactions. This has the potential to avoid researchers without computational and informatics skills to navigate multiple websites and thus to independently investigate miRNA activity in every cellular process of interest in an easy and at the same time exhaustive way thanks to the intuitive web interface. The web application along with a well-documented and comprehensive user guide are freely available at http://userver.bio.uniroma1.it/apps/mienturnet/
without any login requirement.
Evidence for adaptive introgression of exons across a hybrid swarm in deer
Authors: Haines Margaret L. , Luikart Gordon , Amish Stephen J. , Smith Seth , Latch Emily K.
Published: November 2019

Background

Secondary contact between closely related lineages can result in a variety of outcomes, including hybridization, depending upon the strength of reproductive barriers. By examining the extent to which different parts of the genome introgress, it is possible to infer the strength of selection and gain insight into the evolutionary trajectory of lineages. Following secondary contact approximately 8000 years ago in the Pacific Northwest, mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus) and black-tailed deer (O. h. columbianus) formed a hybrid swarm along the Cascade mountain range despite substantial differences in body size (up to two times) and habitat preference. In this study, we examined genetic population structure, extent of introgression, and selection pressures in freely interbreeding populations of mule deer and black-tailed deer using mitochondrial DNA sequences, 9 microsatellite loci, and 95 SNPs from protein-coding genes.

Results

We observed bi-directional hybridization and classified approximately one third of the 172 individuals as hybrids, almost all of which were beyond the F1 generation. High genetic differentiation between black-tailed deer and mule deer at protein-coding genes suggests that there is positive divergent selection, though selection on these loci is relatively weak. Contrary to predictions, there was not greater selection on protein-coding genes thought to be associated with immune function and mate choice. Geographic cline analyses were consistent across genetic markers, suggesting long-term stability (over hundreds of generations), and indicated that the center of the hybrid swarm is 20-30 km to the east of the Cascades ridgeline, where there is a steep ecological transition from wet, forested habitat to dry, scrub habitat.

Conclusions

Our data are consistent with a genetic boundary between mule deer and black-tailed deer that is porous but maintained by many loci under weak selection having a substantial cumulative effect. The absence of clear reproductive barriers and the consistent centering of geographic clines at a sharp ecotone suggests that ecology is a driver of hybrid swarm dynamics. Adaptive introgression in this study (and others) promotes gene flow and provides valuable insight into selection strength on specific genes and the evolutionary trajectory of hybridizing taxa.
Ancient events and climate adaptive capacity shaped distinct chloroplast genetic structure in the oak lineages
Authors: Yan Mengxiao , Liu Ruibin , Li Ying , Hipp Andrew L. , Deng Min , Xiong Yanshi
Published: November 2019

Background

Understanding the origin of genetic variation is the key to predict how species will respond to future climate change. The genusQuercusis a species-rich and ecologically diverse woody genus that dominates a wide range of forests and woodland communities of the Northern Hemisphere.Quercusthus offers a unique opportunity to investigate how adaptation to environmental changes has shaped the spatial genetic structure of closely related lineages. Furthermore,Quercusprovides a deep insight into how tree species will respond to future climate change. This study investigated whether closely relatedQuercuslineages have similar spatial genetic structures and moreover, what roles have their geographic distribution, ecological tolerance, and historical environmental changes played in the similar or distinct genetic structures.

Results

Despite their close relationships, the three main oak lineages (QuercussectionsCyclobalanopsis,Ilex, andQuercus) have different spatial genetic patterns and occupy different climatic niches. The lowest level and most homogeneous pattern of genetic diversity was found in sectionCyclobalanopsis, which is restricted to warm and humid climates. The highest genetic diversity and strongest geographic genetic structure were found in sectionIlex, which is due to their long-term isolation and strong local adaptation.The widespread sectionQuercusis distributed across the most heterogeneous range of environments; however, it exhibited moderate haplotype diversity. This is likely due to regional extinction during Quaternary climatic fluctuation in Europe and North America.

Conclusions

Genetic variations of sectionsIlexandQuercuswere significantly predicted by geographic and climate variations, while those of sectionCyclobalanopsiswere poorly predictable by geographic or climatic diversity.Apart from the different historical environmental changes experienced by different sections, variation of their ecological or climatic tolerances and physiological traits induced varying responses to similar environment changes, resulting in distinct spatial genetic patterns.